www.freepressjournal.in | twitter.
com/fpjindia
BMC cracks the Covid whip
SANJAY JOG, DIPTI SINGH
AND PRATIP ACHARYA
Mumbai
Days after Chief Minister Ud-
dhav Thackeray asked the ad-
ministration to be more vigilant
and step up containment meas-
ures to curb rising Covid-19
cases, the BMC has launched a
comprehensive plan to keep tabs
on citizens flouting rules of
home-isolation, while those fail-
ing to observe pandemic norms
at wedding and public gatherings
will be prosecuted.
An FIR will be
lodged against such The market areas ing to Mumbai from
persons for non-com- of Dadar, Andheri Brazil will be put into
pliance. The BMC pro- and Lalbaug have compulsory 7 days in-
poses to once again
pursue its tracing, been recording
tracking, treatment heavy footfall Iqbal Chahal held a
and isolation/quaran- ever since the video conference with
tine to curb infection.
The civic body has state government sioner
asked its staff to aim loosened the
for Mission Zero in Covid curbs.
wards where cases are
on the rise. Area-map-
ping will be done and the maxi-
mum testing will be conducted in
such areas. At least 15 close con-
tacts per patient will be tracked
and isolated.
Residential buildings with more
than five active Covid-19 patients
will be sealed and those
instructed to quarantine at home
will have their hands stamped ac-
cordingly, as was being done in
the early stages of the pandemic
outbreak last year. Asymptomatic
patients in home quarantine will
be contacted 5 to 6 times daily, to
check on their health status.
Close contacts will be segregat-
ed after their information is ob-
YOUR NEW COVID RULE BOOK
• •
Residential buildings with
more than five active Covid-
19 patients will be sealed
• Those instructed to
quarantine at home will
have hands stamped
• Asymptomatic patients in
home quarantine
will be contacted 5 to 6
times daily
• If an asymptomatic patient
steps out of isolation,
housing society
should inform BMC
ward war room
• Such errant patients may go
into institutional quarantine
Clean chit
to CJI Gogoi
OUR BUREAU / New Delhi
The Supreme
Court on Thurs-
day once again
absolved the
then Chief Jus-
tice of India Ran-
jan Gogoi of the
charge of sexual harassment of
a staff member posted at his res-
idence.
A Bench of Justices S K Kaul,
A S Bopanna and V Ramasubra-
manian accepted the report of a
committee headed by former
Apex Court judge A K Patnaik
holding that a conspiracy
cannot be ruled out in the sexual
harassment charges levelled
against Justice Gogoi in April
2019. The Patnaik committee re-
port said it could be because of the
tough stand taken by the then CJI
on judicial and administrative
matters.
In its order, the court said Jus-
tice Patnaik acknowledged a
wider conspiracy behind the
sexual harassment charges lev-
elled against retired CJI Gogoi.
Justice Patnaik said he did not
have the mandate to probe the
conspiracy as already a 3-judge
committee headed by Justice
Sharad A Bobde had given a
clean chit to Justice Gogoi.
The court noted that an Intelli-
gence Bureau report submitted
to the Justice Patnaik committee
had stated that some people were
unhappy with Gogoi because of
his tough stand on finalisation
of NRC-Assam and this could
have been part of the plot to de-
fame him.
CONTD. ON P12
Vol. 64 No. 250 | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021 | 14 Pages | EDITIONS: Mumbai*, Pune, Indore, Bhopal, E-Paper
INFLATION TARGET BAND
UP FOR REVIEW, GOVT
CONSULTS RBI Pg 7
• BUILDINGS TO BE SEALED • FIR TO BE LODGED AGAINST
VIOLATORS • 300 MARSHALS TO HAUL UP THOSE TRAVELLING IN
TRAINS WITHOUT MASKS • HAND-STAMPING IS BACK
tained from those affected.
PIC: BL.SONI
If an asymptomatic patient
steps out of isolation before the
completion of their prescribed
period of home-quarantine or en-
ters a public place, the housing
society should inform the BMC
ward war room, which will take
action against the erring patient;
Institutional quarantine would
also be a possibility for such pa-
tients. Travellers com-
stitutional quarantine.
BMC Commissioner
the additional commis-
and other
senior officers and di-
rected strict imple-
mentation of Covid-19
norms in the city. He
subsequently briefed the govern-
ment.
Three hundred marshals will
be appointed to take action
against those travelling in trains
without masks. Marshal strength
will be doubled from the existing
2,400 to 4,800 to keep a check on
citizens travelling unmasked.
The BMC plans to take action
against 25,000,through its mar-
shals, for violation of norms.
Apart from fining those not
masking up, marshals are also
keeping a watch on those failing
to maintain appropriate physical
distance at public places.
CONTD. ON P12
Three hundred marshals will
be appointed to take action
against those travelling in
trains without masks.
Marshals will also keep
watch on those failing to
maintain appropriate
physical distance at public
places
• Police are authorised to fine
citizens roaming about
without masks.
• Female marshals will be
appointed at places of
worship
• Regular inspection will be
conducted at halls, wedding
venues.
Toolkit case
Disha moves HC
to restrain police
leaks to media
OUR BUREAU / New Delhi
Climate activist Disha Ravi, ar-
rested for alleged involvement in
sharing a toolkit backing the on-
going farmers' protest, moved the
Delhi High Court on Thursday
seeking to restrain police from
leaking to the media any probe
material in relation to the FIR
lodged against her.
The petition, which is listed be-
fore Justice Prathiba M Singh,
also seeks to restrain the media
from publishing the content or
extract of any private chats, in-
cluding those on WhatsApp, be-
tween her and third parties.
Ravi, in her plea, said that she
is "severely aggrieved and preju-
diced by the media trial sur-
rounding her arrest and the on-
going investigation, where she is
being viscerally attacked by the
respondent 1 (police) and several
media houses".
She also claimed that her arrest
from Bengaluru on February 13
by a Cyber Cell team of Delhi Po-
lice was "wholly unlawfully and
without basis".
She has contended that in the
present circumstances, it was
"highly likely" that the general
public will perceive the news
items "as being conclusive as to
the guilt of the petitioner (Ravi)".
"In these circumstances, and to
restrain the respondents from
further violating her privacy, her
EDIT
PETROL AT RS 100 A LITRE
CALLS FOR LOWER TAXES
Pg 19
WOMAN BOOKED FOR
VIOLATIONS IN POWAI
PRIYANKA NAVALKAR & DIPTI SINGH
Mumbai
Powai Police have booked a
woman under relevant sections
of the Indian Penal Code for al-
legedly violating Covid-19 norms
on Thursday.
The woman, a resident of a
high-rise in Powai, had stepped
out of her house despite civic au-
thorities having sealed the floor
Health Minister
Rajesh Tope
Tests positive
FPJ POLITICAL BUREAU / Mumbai
Covid seems to be
doggedly following the
MVA government.
Maharashtra Health
Minister Rajesh Tope
is the latest govern-
ment functionary to test positive
for coronavirus. Two days back,
Tope was present at a video con-
ference hosted by Chief Minister
Uddhav Thackeray, which was
attended by divisional commis-
sioners and district collectors.
Tope said in a tweet, ‘‘My coro-
na test has come positive. I am in
good health and seeking advice
from the doctors.”
No leak: Centre
T he Centre, however, told the
Delhi High Court that there
has been no leakage of
messages or any other details
from the Delhi police to the
media in connection with the
'toolkit' case.
"This is for media attention.
There has been no leakage of
info from the police. We will file
an affidavit on this," Solicitor
General Tushar Mehta told
Justice Prathiba Singh.
After hearing the contentions,
the court gave Centre time till
Friday to file the affidavit.
reputation, and her right to a fair
trial, the petitioner is moving the
present petition," the plea said.
Her petition has alleged that in-
vestigative matters have been
leaked to the media and the press
briefings by the police are "preju-
dicial" and "grossly violative of
her right to a fair trial and pre-
sumption of innocence".
CONTD. ON P12
Reg. No. Mcs/048/2018-20; RNI No. 1541/1957 I M.p.c.s office Mumbai-400001
At Juhu, on Thursday
on which she resided after a resi-
dent tested positive for coron-
avirus.
On February 14, a resident of
Everest Heights, Lake Homes,
living on the 17th floor of the
high-rise, had tested positive for
Covid-19 and the floor was subse-
quently sealed, after which all
the residents were asked to strict-
ly home-quarantine.
CONTD. ON P12
PIC: BL.SONI
YET ANOTHER DAY
IN MUMBAI
Metro man
joining BJP
OUR BUREAU / New Delhi
In a shot in the arm for the BJP
in the upcoming Kerala Assem-
bly elections, ‘Metro Man’ E
Sreedharan on Thursday an-
nounced his decision to join the
party. He is likely to do so dur-
ing the party’s Vijay Yatra,
which gets kicked off on Sun-
day in the run-up to the polls
due in May.
PM Modi has bent backwards
to accommodate the 88-year-old
Sreedharan, as the party has an
age cut-off of 75 years, under
which veterans like Lal Krishna
Advani and Murli Manohar
Joshi were shown the door.
The ‘Metro Man’ told reporters
on phone from his hometown
Malappuram that only formali-
ties remain and he is amenable
to contesting the election, if the
party wants.
CONTD. ON P12
LAST WORD
Wedding photo shoots in Raj monuments
AZAAN SAMI KHAN TALKS ABOUT HIS
FAMOUS PARENTS AND RECENTLY
RELEASED DEBUT SOLO ALBUM Pg 22
LOCKDOWN IN
4 DISTRICTS
SANJAY JOG
Mumbai
To curb the spike in Covid-19
cases, the district collectors of
Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola and
Wardha have imposed strict re-
strictions, including a lockdown
and curfew. In Yavatmal, the
District Collector M Devender
Singh has announced a 10-day
lockdown, while his Amravati
counterpart Shailesh Naval has
ordered weekend restrictions.
In Akola, District Collector Ji-
tendra Papalkar has announced
a lockdown until February 28.
There will be curfew on Sundays
from 8pm to 6am, while the
weekly markets have been sus-
pended until further orders.
In Wardha, the district adminis-
tration has imposed a curfew
from midnight.
In all these districts, the admin-
istration has decided to take
punitive action against violators
of Covid norms.
A lockdown has been
announced in Amravati distri-
ct from Saturday 8pm to
Monday 7am.
"I advise all the people of the
district to adhere to Covid-19
guidelines, failing which strict
action will be taken by the con-
cerned authorities," Collector
Naval said. He further declared
that the district would be closed
on Sunday and only essential
services would be provided.
CONTD. ON P12
Pawar, others
get clean chit
in MSCB scam
SANJAY JOG / Mumbai
Maharashtra Deputy Chief
Minister Ajit Pawar, rural
development minister Ha-
san Mushrif, former MPs
Vikaysinh Mohite Patil and
Anandrao Adsul and about
72 others have been given a
clean chit by the committee
appointed by the Coopera-
tion Department in the al-
leged Rs 25,000 crore Maha-
rashtra State Co-operative
Bank scam.
Earlier, the Special Investi-
gation Team had given a
clean chit in the same case.
CONTD. ON P12
Freaky Feb weather in city
Wind gusts and
PIC: BL.SONI
rain in Mumbai,
Navi Mumbai
STAFF REPORTER / Mumbai
On Thursday evening, there were
strong winds and heavy to mod-
erate rains in the island city,
while pockets in western and
eastern suburbs received low to
moderate rainfall and in Navi
Mumbai, residents reported in-
tense rain. Weather experts at-
tributed an ongoing low-pressure
trough for the unseasonal
rainfall and said the rain would
subside by Friday evening.
According to K S Hosalikar,
head of climate research, India
Meteorological Department,
"The rainfall is occurring due to
connective clouds developed over
Marathawada, Vidarbha and
Ghat areas. Moderate to light
rains will continue in Mumbai
FPJ CORRESPONDENT / Jaipur
R
ajasthan has always been
a favourite wedding desti-
nation for couples from
around the world. Those looking
to add some pizzazz to their nup-
tials can get exclusive photo
shoots at the historical monu-
ments in the state.
The state government has al-
lowed pre- and post-wedding
photo shoots at historical monu-
ments, for a price. The photo
290c. 220c.
Sunrise: 07:05 am
Sunset: 06:41 pm
“Let us have competition in
compassion, in mildness,
in sweetness and in
beautiful behaviour.”
Her Holiness Mataji
Nirmala Devi
Auction Action:
Insane bids
GLENN MAXWELL'S price again raised eyebrows, Chris Morris
forced franchises to break the bank and Indian fans will be
vociferously googling Riley Meredith's credentials while
trying to figure out how Jhye Richardson swooped a nearly
2 million dollar deal. Welcome to the 'IPL Wonderland',
auctions for the uninitiated, where at times suspension of
disbelief is the best policy while trying to decipher the numbers.
MOST EXPENSIVE: RR grabs SA all-rounder Chris Morris for Rs.
16.25 cr. Until now, Yuvraj was most expensive at Rs 16 cr.
Right-arm fast bowler and a lower-order hitter, he has an IPL
strike rate of 157.87. (Base price Rs 75 lakhs).
RCB GRAB MAXWELL, TOO: Australia all-rounder picked up for
Rs 14.25 cr. Penchant for hitting sixes coupled with fast off-
breaks and fabulous fielding.
OUTBID PUNJAB: New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson
snapped for Rs 15 cr by RCB. At 6'8", he is literally unplayable
on green wickets with steep bounce off length and movement
off the pitch.
MYSTERY PICKINGS: Punjab managed to grab Jhye
Richardson – for a whooping Rs 14 crore. Base price was
Rs.1.5 cr. But an economy rate of 8.44 can't be worth nearly
USD 2 million. Also snapped Australia's uncapped pace bowler
Riley Meredith (Base price Rs. 40 lakh) for Rs 8 crore. Currently,
down with a serious shoulder injury
ALI, ALI…: England's all-rounder Moeen Ali,
who played in the second Test at Chennai,
went to CSK for Rs.7 crore. Reserve price
Rs.2 crore. Possibly, the best buy among
multi-skilled foreign players.
MUMBAI’S MOJO: Nathan Coulter-Nile taken for Rs 5 cr and
Piyush Chawla for Rs 2.40 cr.
PITTANCE: India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara bought by
CSK for base price of Rs 50 lakh.
BEST UNCAPPED BUY: Krishnappa Gowtham, Karnataka’s all-
rounder, goes to CSK for Rs. 9.25 cr. Base price Rs 20 lakh.
Arjun Tendulkar
SOLD to Mumbai
Hanuma Vihari is UNSOLD!.
Harbhajan Singh goes to
Indians for Rs 20 L KKR for Rs 2.2 crore.
TAILPIECE
VEER-ZARA AT IPL
P
reity Zinta has finally ‘reunited’ with her estranged 'Veer-Zara'
co-star Shah Rukh Khan, albeit under the auspices of the IPL.
Zinta, in fact, paid through her nose – a hefty Rs 5.25 crore -
- for the Tamil Nadu all-rounder who had a base price of Rs 20
lakh. Not just Zinta, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers
Bangalore too were angling for the uncapped player who showed
his penchant for hard-hits in the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
After winning the bid, Zinta was seen engaging in a banter with
those sitting at the KKR table. ‘‘We got you," she declared, trying
to take some salacious pleasure. But some Twitter users did not
share the mirth. ‘‘This is the reason why Punjab Kings has no
haters. And no IPL Trophies either,’’ they said in zest. Soon after,
RCB, too, shared a GIF from 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' on their official
Twitter handle. The words may prove prophetic.
for the next 24 hours, following Mahesh Palawat, vice president,
which they will recede. However, meteorology and climate change
in Central Maharashtra, the in- - Skymet Weather.
tensity of rain will be compara-
tively higher."
"In Mumbai, there will be
patchy rainfall, which will even-
"An extended low-pressure
trough has formed between Ker-
ala and Vidarbha, spreading
tually subside by tomorrow after-
noon. However, the interior re-
gions of Maharashtra like Vi-
across coastal Karnataka and in- darbha will experience heavy
terior Maharshtra, which is why rain due to a cyclonic formation,"
there has been unseasonal rain- Palawat added.
fall across the city," according to CONTD. ON P12
shoots will be permitted at mon- two types of clients – regular visi-
uments in Jaipur, to begin with. tors and the upper-end clientele
“We have decided to first imple- who seek exclusivity,” she said.
ment the policy in Jaipur which For those who want to take pho-
has the most demand for photo tos and videos without crowds
shoots. After seeing the response, milling around them, they can
we can consider opening up mon- have exclusive access to the mon-
uments across the state for such uments for Rs15000 per hour. The
photo shoots, said Mugdha Sin- couple will have to bring their
ha, secretary of the art, culture own camera person and the
and archaeology department. shoot will take place before or af-
“A wedding is a special occasion ter the opening and closing of the
and people want to make it mem- monument,” she said.
orable. We observed that we get CONTD. ON P12
MUMBAI MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Mayor visits Jain Temple to spread Covid awareness
MUMBAI: Amid the increase in COVID-19 cases, Mumbai
mayor Kishori Pednekar visited Jain Temple in South
Mumbai's Walkeshwar to spread awareness amongst
Mumbaikars. Pednekar met with trustees of the temple and
urged them to ensure, Mumbaikars adhere by the COVID-19
protocols in Mumbai. The mayor interacted with the
devotees and urged to maintain distancing to prevent
further spread of the virus. — STAFF REPORTER

FUEL PRICE ROW Jayant Patil, Eknath Khadse

Will stall films if Big B, Akshay test positive for coronavirus
remain silent, threatens Nana
SANJAY JOG
Mumbai

The Maharashtra Water Resources Minister

BJP mocks Cong's new state president by saying that there is democracy in India
SANJAY JOG
Mumbai
The newly appointed president of
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress
Committee Nana Patole on Thursday
warned that if the Bollywood stars
Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Ku-
mar do not take a stand on the soar-
ing auto fuel prices then the screen-
ing and shooting of their films would
not be allowed in Maharashtra.
Patole after attending the bullock
car and tractor rally in his home dis-
trict Bhandara against farm laws and
rising fuel prices reminded
Bachchan and Akshay Kumar of
their tweets made in 2012 against in-
creasing fuel prices during the
Congress-led UPA rule. He asked
why they were now silent despite
rapidly rising fuel prices.
"The Modi government has hiked
petrol, diesel, and cooking gas prices.
Today, petrol price has gone up by Rs
100 a litre and a domestic gas cylinder
by Rs 800, making life difficult for the
common man. People are expressing
anger against the Modi government.
During the Congress-led UPA gov-
ernment at the Centre, many celebri-
ties, including Amitabh Bachchan
and Akshay Kumar, tweeted against
the petrol price hike. However, these
celebrities have remained silent de-
spite the huge hike in prices,’’ said
Patole.
He further added, "If they
(Bachchan and Akshay Kumar) do
These celebrities
have remained silent
despite the huge hike
in prices
— Nana Patole,
Congress President for State
not take a stand now on the injustice
meted out by the Modi government,
we will not let any films screening or
shootings in Maharashtra."
Patole noted that these actors
should now play the same role and
protest against the central govern-
ment's "anti-national policy", as they
did during Manmohan Singh's
tenure.
Patole has been
elected as state
Cong president and he
wants to be in the news
— Devendra Fadnavis,
Leader of Opposition
NCP leader and Minister of Hous-
ing Jitendra Awhad supported Patole
and said that "Rihanna is far better."
“Akshay Kumar is the highest-earn-
ing Bollywood star but takes all his
profits to Canada. He is a Canadian,
Rihanna is far better. She battled
poverty and now contributes to soci-
ety worldwide,’’ noted Awhad.
Awhad said "Amitabh Bachchan is
Akshay Kumar is
the highest-earn-
ing Bollywood star
but takes all his
profits to Canada. He
is a Canadian,
Rihanna is far better.
— Jitendra Awhad, Minister of
Housing, on Akshay Kumar
not an ideal or icon for citizens. He
had tweeted during the UPA regime
saying cars should be burnt. Now as
fuel prices are skyrocketing, it seems
like now Amitabh has burnt his own
car."
However, BJP has slammed Patole
for an open threat. The opposition
party jumped to the defence of
Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Ku-
mar. Leader of Opposition Devendra
Fadnavis termed it was Patole’s pub-
licity stunt but reminded him there
was a rule of law in the country.
‘’Patole has been newly elected as
the state Congress president and he
wants to be in the news. Hence, he is
targeting Amitabh Bachchan and
Akshay Kumar to gain publicity. How
can anyone stop shooting? There is
democracy and rule of law in India,’’
he opined.
Jayant Patil and NCP leader Eknath Khadse
were on Thursday detected Covid-19 posi-
tive. Two days ago, Minister of Food and
Drug Administration Dr. Rajendra Shin-
gane tested positive for the deadly virus.
Patil, who is the state NCP president, in a
tweet said, "I have tested COVID positive.
Whilst I am doing fine, I am taking appro-
priate medical advice and hope to recover
soon. I shall be undertaking my duties via
video conference. I request those who have
come in contact with me recently to be ob-
servant and self-isolate.’’
Patil is currently home quarantined and
under medication.
Patil, who was on NCP Pariwar Samwad
Yatra from January 28, had concluded the
first round on February 13. Thereafter, he at-
tended series of public functions and meet-
ings in his home Sangli district and later in
Mumbai. He celebrated his birthday on Feb-
ruary 16 at the party headquarters in south
Mumbai in the presence of large party lead-
ers and workers. Patil on Wednesday had
chaired his department’s meeting relating
to the budget proposals and later attended
the cabinet meeting at Sahyadri guest
house.
Further, Khadse, who had quit BJP and
G Shetty summoned in disproportionate assets case
MUMBAI: A special CBI court on
Thursday summoned the former
deputy branch manager at Punjab
National Bank’s Brady House
branch Gokulnath Shetty, also an
accused in diamantaire Nirav
Modi’s PNB scam and his wife
Ashalatha Shetty in a
disproportionate assets case. Corruption Bureau in the case. It
The court has summoned them said in its order that it is the
after taking cognizance of the contention of the prosecution in the
chargesheet filed by the CBI’s Anti- chargesheet along with the
Eknath Khadse (L), Jayant Patil (R)
joined NCP last year, has tested Covid-19 yet
again. A few months ago, Khadse was de-
tected Covid-19 positive and recovered.
Khadse on Thursday in a tweet said, "My
Covid-19 test came positive. I am in a good
health, no worries. I urge everyone who has
come in my contact in the last few days to
undergo test.’’
Khadse on Wednesday got relief from ar-
rest in connection with the Bhosari land
case. The Bombay High Court continued till
February 24 interim relief of no coercive ac-
tion against him in connection with the ED
case related to a 2016 land deal in Bhosari,
Pune.
In a related development, Khadse’s daugh-
ter-in-law and BJP MP from Raver Raksha
Khadse was also detected Covid-19 positive
and is under medical observation.
evidence filed with it that both the
accused being husband and wife
as well as public servants have
amassed a large number of
movable and immovable properties
from the check period from 1 April
2011 to 31 May 2017, in their
names and in the names of their
family members, which are
disproportionate to their known
sources of income.
— STAFF REPORTER

War of words between MVA &
BJP over Speaker’s election
Guv has asked the election be held during Budget Session
SANJAY JOG
Mumbai
Maharashtra Governor BS
Koshyari’s letter to the Maha-
rashtra State Legislature Sec-
retariat directing that election
to the post of Speaker should
be held in the Budget Session
has led to a war of words be-
tween the Maha Vikas Aghadi
(MVA) government and oppo-
sition. Koshyari’s letter came
days after Nana Patole re-
signed from the Speaker’s
post and the budget session is
going to start from March 1.
Koshyari’s move follows af-
ter he was unceremoniously
grounded from the state plane
after the government denied
permission for travelling to
Uttarakhand. The law and ju-
diciary secretary, who is also
the state legislature secretary,
has informed the cabinet
about the enquiry made by
the Raj Bhavan regarding the
Speaker's election.
The legislative affairs minis-
ter and Shiv Sena leader Anil
Parab said the Maha Vikas
Aghadi government compris-
ing Shiv Sena, NCP and Con-
gress is not all scared and it is
quite confident to win the
Speaker’s election. ‘’ The deci-
sion on Speaker’s election will
be taken during the budget
session,’’ he noted. MVA has
claimed the support of 170 leg-
islators in the 288-member leg-
islative assembly.
However, the Leader of Op-
position Devendra Fadnavis
took a swipe at the MVA gov-
ernment saying that this is
the first government that is
scared about its own legisla-
tors. "Despite claiming a ma-
jority, why the MVA govern-
ment is scared to face the
Speaker’s election. As per the
TOPSGRUP MONEY LAUNDERING CASE
norms, the Governor sends
the dates in advance for
Speaker’s election which
takes place through a secret
ballot. The government has
fear of loss of election so it is
great entertainment for us,’’
he taunted.
However, Parab countered
Fadnavis jibe saying that the
MVA government was not all
scared about Speaker’s elec-
tion. ‘’Who voted for what the
numbers will be out after the
election. Wait for few days.
Who is scared and who is not
will be known,’’ he said in his
reply to Fadnavis’ charge.
Parab said, "The govern-
ment has received Koshyari’s
letter and it also wants that
Speaker’s post be filled up.
The file pertaining to the nom-
ination of 12 names in the
state legislative council is
pending for a long with the
Governor.’’
"Let us hope Governor will
take the decision before the
budget session,’’ he added.
Job Scam: Aspirant
duped of �8k for post
in multinational firm
PRIYANKA NAVALKAR
Mumbai
The Mumbai Police Cyber Cell has
issued an advisory to the public,
informing and cautioning them
against the job frauds that have
been resurfacing on social media.
In the advisory, police informed
people about a fraud claiming a job
offer from a multinational beverage
company, only to cheat the job
aspirants of their savings.
According to police, the incident
came to light after a youth, who
had come across a social media
post, which read that the
multinational beverage company,
Coca-Cola, was hiring. When the
40-year-old man showed interest
and filled out a form online to seek
a job, he was then approached by
a man, who claimed to be from the
Coca-Cola company, asked the
candidate to send his resume, and
if he passes, he will have to pay a
sum of �8,740, which covers the
air tickets, training and
accommodation.
A few days later, the man received
a letter on the fake letter head of
the beverage company, which
stated that he has been selected for
the interview and a refundable
security deposit of �8,740 has to be
paid. He also underwent an online
interview for the post of a sales
manager in the company, said
police. Believing that the offer is
genuine, the job aspirant
immediately wired �8,740 in the
account, after which all the
subsequent contact was
terminated. While the youth kept
trying to get in touch with the
man, the number was
disconnected, which made him
realise that he had been duped.
The youth immediately approached
Cyber Police in Bandra Kurla
Complex (BKC) and lodged a
complaint. Based on the complaint,
a First Information Report (FIR) was
lodged and police froze the account
in which the money was
transferred.
DCM wants Centre
to intervene over
sharp price rise
MUMBAI: In the wake of the
rising prices of fuel and other
commodities, Maharashtra
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
on Thursday said the Centre
should intervene at the earliest
to give relief to citizens who are
facing hardships.
The prices of branded or
additive-laced petrol, which
attracts higher taxes, have
crossed the Rs 100-mark in
some places, including
Maharashtra.
After Thursday's price rise,
petrol in Mumbai costs Rs 96.32
a litre and diesel Rs 87.32.
Oil Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan on Wednesday blamed
output cut by oil-producing
nations for the rally in
international oil prices that have
translated into higher retail rates
in India.
Talking to reporters here, Pawar,
who is also Maharashtra's
finance minister, said prices are
going up. — AGENCIES
Jobless man held for making fake notes
STAFF REPORTER
Mumbai
The crime branch unit 4 arrested a
35-year-old man with counterfeit
Actor Sachiin Joshi’s
ED custody extended
MUMBAI: The custodial
interrogation of actor and
businessman Sachiin Joshi was
extended on Thursday by a special
court till 22 February after he was
produced in the afternoon before it
as his four-day custody with the
agency ended.
Omkar Group fraud
The Enforcement Directorate (ED)
sought his custody for another
seven days. It told the court in its
remand application seeking his
custody that during the recording
of his statement, he has provided
his mobile phone on record. On its
scrutiny, the ED said it found that
he has deleted his recent activity,
which raises a suspicion that some
incriminating contents may have
been deleted by him. The phone
has now been impounded and its
data is being extracted. The ED told
the court that further custody is
necessary so that Joshi can be
confronted with the data.
Further, it informed the court that it
had called for particulars from
Joshi’s office regarding the Rs 37
crore received by him in his
personal accounts from various
Omkar Group’s companies for
services he claimed to have
rendered to the group. These
invoices, the agency said, do not
tally with the amount received. It
told the court it also requires his
further custody as it has called for
information from his office on
utilisation of the said Rs 37 crore
and their utilisation is expected to
reveal the real nature of the
transactions.
Appearing for Joshi, his lawyer
Subhash Jadhav opposed his
extended custody with the ED. The
37-year-old was arrested on 14
February on allegations of
conniving in laundering money
borrowed by the Omkar Group
from Yes Bank. The group allegedly
misappropriated the funds and did
not use it for the Slum
Redevelopment Projects they were
secured for. — STAFF REPORTER
counterfeit currency. He watched
several such videos on YouTube
and also bought high-quality
printers and papers as well. The
quality of notes was quite good

Sarnaik urges CM to order probe against MMRDA chief

SANJAY JOG
Mumbai
The ongoing Enforcement
Directorate (ED) probe in
connection with the money
laundering case linked to Rahul
Nanda’s TopsGrup Security Services
Limited (TGSSL) has taken a new
twist after Shiv Sena MLA Pratap
Sarnaik on Thursday lodged a
MMRDA Chief RA Rajeev complaint with Chief Minister
— Pic by BL Soni Uddhav Thackeray against the
Mumbai Metropolitan Region
Development Authority (MMRDA)
commissioner RA Rajeev for
alleged breach of secrecy by
sharing key government
information to the media. Sarnaik,
who has been questioned earlier
by ED in a similar case, has urged
Thackeray to order an inquiry by
the Chief Secretary and take legal
action against Rajeev.
Sarnaik in a complaint referred to
Rajeev’s press statement in which
he had said that clean chit has not
been given to TopsGrup & Sarnaik
in the money laundering case.
Rajeev went to the ED office on
February 16 and recorded his
statement in this regard. Sarnaik
added that Rajeev’s statement
appeared in the press on February
17.
Sarnaik said ED had observed that
a security contract was awarded to
TopsGrup for six years comprising
2014-17 and 2017-2020. MMRDA
and Rajeev have previously
clarified that the case pertains to
his predecessor's tenure, and that
Rajeev' visit to the ED office was on
behalf of MMRDA. The ED is
probing alleged misappropriations
in a contract bagged by Tops
Group with the MMRDA. Rajeev
was expected to throw light the
contract and the terms of the
contract to assist ED investigators.
currency of Rs 4 lakh on
Wednesday. The accused is
Mohammad Fakiyan Ayyub Khan a
resident of Chembur, who
allegedly printed the notes after
watching several such videos on
YouTube, said police.
The crime branch unit 4 received a
tip-off that Khan has been
indulged in printing counterfeit
currency and is selling such notes
at a lower price as compared to
their face value.
Accordingly, they laid a trap and
apprehended Khan from MMRDA
colony in Mahul, Chembur. During
his search, 657 notes of counterfeit
currency of denomination Rs 500,
Rs 200, Rs 100, and Rs 50 were
recovered, said police.
When his house was searched,
another 3, 015 counterfeit
currency with a total face value
of Rs 3.43 lakh have been
recovered. According to the
police, Khan, who was working
at a garment factory recently
lost his job and decided to print
and it was hard to recognize
during the night, said police.
Following the seizure, Khan was
arrested under the Indian Penal
Code (IPC) section for using
genuine, forged, or counterfeit
currency-notes (489 B), and
possession of forged or counterfeit
currency notes or bank notes (489
C). The accused was produced
before the court on Thursday
which granted him police custody.
In the last week of January, the
crime branch arrested four persons
for allegedly printing counterfeit
currency of over Rs 35 lakh from
their residences in Palghar.

Public electric bike stand now
at Kurla-West Railway Stn
MUMBAI: Public Electric (E) bike
stand is now available at Kurla
(West) railway station. With 80 E-
bikes the stand has been
operationally used from Thursday
onwards. Yulu, a private bike service
operator is providing this public service at affordable rates.
Every day, about 3 lakh people align at Bandra and Kurla railway
stations reportedly. Of which two lakh commuters travel to BKC for office
and other purposes. Therefore, with the introduction of an e-bike stand
at the Kurla railway station railway commuters too can take a ride in E-
bikes along with opting share autos or Brihanmumbai Electric Supply
Transport (BEST) services to reach BKC.
Yulu started the service with Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development
Authority(MMRDA) with 18 bike stations at BKC and in and around
Kurla and Bandra. To avail the service, one has to download the
application and pay Rs five as unlocking charges and then Rs 1.5 is
charged for every one minute of the ride.
Interestingly, with the launch of the E-bike service, about 27,000 plus
trips comprising of 1.62 lakh kilometres saving 16 tonnes of carbon
emissions has been attained till December 2020. Also, about 7,000 new
riders have been added to the service. — STAFF REPORTER
Minister linked to
woman's death not
missing: Ajit Pawar
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy
Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on
Thursday dismissed the
opposition's claims that state forest
minister Sanjay Rathod, whose
name is being linked to the death
of a woman in Pune, has been
missing.
Talking to reporters here, Pawar
said he spoke to Rathod, who is
also the guardian minister of
Yavatmal, on Thursday about the
COVID-19 situation in the district
located in the state's Vidarbha
region.
Some social media posts and the
BJP have claimed that the 23-year-
old woman, who died after falling
from a building in Hadapsar area
of Pune on February 8, was in a
relationship with a cabinet minister
in the state.
MMR RADAR
No permission given for Tikait's
rally, informs Yavatmal collector
NAGPUR: Amid growing number of coronavirus cases, the
administration in eastern Maharashtra's Yavatmal district has not yet
given permission for a `Maha Panchayat' of farmer leader Rakesh
Tikait on February 20. "Looking at the increase in coronavirus cases
over the last two days, the Superintendent of Police has given a
report that permission should not be given," Yavatmal Collector M D
Singh said. "Also, we have ordered lockdown in the district from
tonight, so we have not given permission for the rally," he told PTI.
Tikait, one of the leaders of farmers' agitation against the new farm
laws on Delhi borders, was scheduled to address the rally at Azad
Maidan ground in Yavatmal city on Saturday.
BACs finalise duration of budget session
MUMBAI: Business Advisory Committees of the state
assembly and council have in separate meetings on
Thursday finalized the duration of the legislature of
the budget session. However, BACs in view of the
rising COVID 19 cases in Mumbai and rest of
Maharashtra finalized the proceedings for March 1 to
8. The government will present the annual budget
for 2021-22 on March 8.
Generally, the budget session takes place for four to
five weeks but due to the soaring COVID 19 cases
since February 1, the Maha Vikas Aghadi
government was not prepared to take any chance.
BACs will meet again on February 25 to discuss
further agenda and the duration of the session. This early clearance of arrears. The situation is alarming,’’
was announced by the legislative affairs minister Anil said Fadnavis.
Parab. Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said The Legislature Secretariat has made special sitting
it was decided that BAC will meet again on February arrangements on an alternate seat the legislator.
25 and discuss the duration. ‘’If the duration is Besides, some legislators will be accommodated in
reduced then it is quite clear that the government the officers’ and visitors’ galleries. Further, it is
wants to run away and does not want to face the mandatory for the ministers, legislators, officers and
opposition. There are several issues that need to be staff, and journalists to undergo Covid-19 test.
debated in the legislature. More than 75 lakh Moreover, the personal assistants of the legislators
electricity consumers have received from the and visitors will not be allowed in the premises to
MahaVitaran for disconnection of power supply for avoid crowding. — SANJAY JOG

BMC officials swing into action
as city witnesses spike in cases
Civic body puts special focus on 4 wards, takes steps to arrest spread of pandemic
DIPTI SINGH &
PRATIP ACHARYA
Mumbai
Rise in the number of coro-
navirus cases has kept the
ward officials up on heels.
From visiting crowded
places to sensitising hous-
ing society office bearers
and even penalising those
found violating COVID-19
norms, civic officials are
leaving no stone unturned
to keep coronavirus at bay.
Given the steady spike in
the number of new COVID-
19 cases reported daily in
the city, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation
(BMC) has turned its focus
to four of the city's 24 ad-
ministrative wards. Areas
that have come under the
civic radar are Borivali,
Andheri east, Andheri west
and Mulund, where the
spike has been noticed, sen-
Chewing tobacco no
ground to seek divorce
from wife, rules HC
NARSI BENWAL
Mumbai
A husband cannot seek di-
vorce claiming mental cruel-
ty on the grounds that his
wife does her household
chores in midnight, doesn't
prepare his tiffin and chews
tobacco, held the Nagpur
Bench of the Bombay High
Court recently. The HC ac-
cordingly dismissed the plea
of a man seeking divorce
from his wife on these
grounds.
A Bench of Justices Atul
Chandurkar and Pushpa
Ganediwala dismissed the
plea of a man, who sought di-
vorce on the grounds that his
wife was a habitual tobacco
consumer and that she did
not prepare tiffin for him.
"The allegations that the
wife was not doing house-
hold work, quarreling with
his family members without
any reason, visiting her
parental home without his
permission, not preparing
his tiffin etc., in the consid-
ered view of this court, are
not sufficient to form any
opinion that the husband is
undergoing acute mental
pain, agony, suffering, disap-
pointment and frustration
and therefore it is not possi-
ble for him to live in the com-
pany of his wife," the judges
said.
"All these allegations lev-
elled by the husband are gen-
eral and omnibus in nature,"
the bench said, adding that
Colleges seek clarity on reopening classes
to avoid wastage of sanitation funds
RONALD RODRIGUES
Mumbai
Degree colleges have ap-
pealed to the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation
(BMC) and the University of
Mumbai (MU) stating expen-
diture on sanitisation of
classrooms, providing hand
sanitisers and maintaining
cleanliness on campus in
view of reopening of offline
lectures. Seeking clarity on
the date of reopening, col-
leges said they have already
spent money on initiating
precautionary measures as
offline lectures were sup-
posed to reopen from Febru-
ary 15, 2021.
As part of COVID-19 pre-
paredness, degree colleges
said they spent funds on
sanitising classrooms,
staffroom, laboratories, cor-
Foreigner held with heroin worth `9 cr
Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a 30-year-old
South African woman with heroin worth Rs 9 crore at the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). On a tip-
off, a team of NCB sleuths led by zonal director Sameer Wankhede
seized 2.960 kg heroin and 10,000 South African Rand from
Khanyisile Promise Khalishwayo on Thursday. She reached Mumbai
from Johannesburg via Doha. "She was promised Rs 1 lakh for the
delivery. During search of her bag, three packets of heroin were
found in the bag. We are investigating who was to collect the
contraband from her," said a senior officer.
Ysharing
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‘Chatter that Matters’ – a weekly segment in The Free Press Journal
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: With a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the city, what measures
should be taken to prevent a second wave of the virus?
COVID WOES RETURN
BMC employees fumigating in Dadar on Thursday after several parts of
city witnessed surge in COVID cases
ior civic officials have said.
Apart from M West ward
(Govandi, Chembur), where
the ward officer has stepped
up the containment meas-
ures to curb the spread, the
BMC is also focusing on R
Central ward (Borivli,
Charkop), K East ward
(Andheri East, Vile Parle),
K West (Andheri West,
Juhu, Versova) and T ward
"it is a normal wear and tear
of a married life."
The Bench particularly
took into account the allega-
tion that the wife chewed to-
bacco and had developed a
cyst in her stomach. The
bench also noted the contents
of that he spent huge
amounts for her treatment.
"It is a specific allegation of
the husband that since his
wife was having a habit of
chewing tobacco, he was re-
quired to spend lot of money
for her medical treatment.
However, he failed to bring
on record the medical papers
and bills in support of this
contention," the Bench said.
The bench also considered
the fact that the wife did not
leave her husband's company
for two continuous years,
when he was detected with
HIV and left his house only
after his family harassed her.
They said, "The con-
tentions of the husband are
not so grave and weighty so
as to dissolve the marriage. If
the marriage is dissolved, the
kids would suffer.”
ridors and restrooms. In ad-
dition, colleges also made
arrangements to install
hand sanitisers outside
every classroom, sign
boards to maintain social
distancing and mandatory
wearing of face masks.
Pooja Ramchandani, in-
charge principal of HR Col-
lege, Churchgate, said, "We
have initiated all Covid-19 re-
lated safety protocols. We
- Staff Reporter
- Pic: BL Soni
(Mulund).
According to senior civic
officials, the number of cas-
es reported in these four ar-
eas is rising and they do not
want to take any chances
but take immediate action
to arrest the spread. Three
of these four areas on civic
body's radar have already
been COVID hotspot for the
longest time when the pan-
Third phase of
vaccination may
start by first
week of March
SWAPNIL MISHRA / Mumbai
Registration for third phase
of COVID vaccination drive
which includes senior citi-
zens may start in the first
week of March. Civic offi-
cials said they will first col-
lect the data of senior citi-
zens from all the wards and
after that they will announce
the date for the registration.
However, the local govern-
ment is waiting for a final de-
cision from the Central gov-
ernment to start the registra-
tion for the senior citizens.
Suresh Kakani, Additional
Municipal Commissioner,
said the date for the registra-
tion has not been announced
by that time they have
planned to collate all the data
SR CITIZENS
INCLUDED
they have collected during
'My Family My Responsibili-
ty' survey held last year.
“We have all the knowledge
of the senior citizens but
we'd like to ascertain who
qualify as the beneficiaries
for the third phase. We asked
all the ward officers to sub-
mit details of all senior citi-
zens in their respective
wards before the registration
windows are open for the
third phase,” he said.
Kakani said they have also
directed each ward to verify
the documents of all the sen-
ior citizens required for reg-
istration for the vaccination.
were ready to face the situa-
tion and tackle reopening of
offline lectures on February
15. But now, we have to wait
for a final direction from the
BMC and University of
Mumbai."
Non-teaching staff of de-
gree colleges said they sani-
tised benches, desks and
doors of each classroom
preparing for reopening of
offline lectures.
Chirag Soni, a non-teach-
ing staff of a Kurla college
said, "Our team members of
non-teaching staff were in-
formed by the college head to
sanitise and clean every
classroom which had been
shut since the last 10 months.
We were informed to be extra
cautious in terms of cleanli-
ness as a precautionary
measure against the coron-
avirus infection."
demic was at its peak.
Kishore Gandhi, Assistant
Municipal commissioner of
T ward said, "We have start-
ed going lenient on many
things as the number of cas-
es declined. However, citi-
zens do not take COVID
norms seriously. We have
started stepping up the con-
tainment measures. Hous-
ing societies where cases
are detected we personally
meet the office bearers of
the society and sensitise
them and guide them on
what should be done on
their part. Our officials are
regularly visiting places
which get crowded. We are
warning shops that are not
following crowd controlling
norms." Gandhi added, "We
are getting 30-35 cases daily,
however none of them are
in clusters but scattered. Al-
most all the cases are in
non-slum areas.”
Over 13K beneficiaries COVID cases see spike in state, city
vaccinated in city in 24 hrs Maha, Mumbai log 5,427 and 736 fresh cases respectively
SWAPNIL MISHRA / Mumbai
For the first time, more than
100 per cent beneficiaries
turnout was seen at the vac-
cine centres of the Brihan-
mumbai Municipal Corpora-
tion (BMC).
According to the vaccine
data, 13,413 of the targeted
10,500 beneficiaries were in-
oculated on Thursday at the
29 vaccine centres in Mum-
bai, which means 128 per
cent of beneficiaries turned
out in the last 24 hours. How-
ever, more frontline workers
are coming forward for the
Court rejects suit
against Sanjay
Leela Bhansali,
actor Alia Bhatt
STAFF REPORTER
Mumbai
A city civil court has on
Wednesday rejected a suit
filed by a 74-year-old claim-
ing to be the adopted son of
Gangubai Kathiawadi
against filmmaker Sanjay
Leela Bhansali, his produc-
tion house and actor Alia
Bhatt among others seeking
to stop the promotion of the
movie by her name.
Babuji Shah had also made
a defendant in his suit the au-
thors of a 2011 book ‘The
Mafia Queens of Mumbai’.
The film is based on a chap-
ter in the book and is a biog-
raphical account of the life of
Kathiawadi, who ran a broth-
el in Kamathipura.
Shah had sought that the
authors S Hussain Zaidi and
Jane Borges of the novel too
restrain from publishing or
giving third party rights to
the book. He said in his suit
that the film and the chapter
of the book were defaming
the image of his mother and
infringing on the right to pri-
vacy guaranteed by the Con-
stitution. Further, that the
film is being made only to
earn money and has his fam-
ily’s reputation at stake.
Elderly woman duped of
`85K in scratch card fraud
The victim was informed that she won reward of `8 lakh
SOMENDRA SHARMA
Mumbai
If you get a letter or a packet
containing a scratch card, in-
forming that you have won a
lucky draw worth lakhs of
rupees, beware!
The fraudsters have recent-
ly adopted this modus-
operandi in order to dupe an
elderly woman from Wadala.
Not only did the fraudster
convince that the woman is a
chosen lucky draw winner,
he also induced her to pay
him thousands of rupees to
claim reward money.
According to the police, 58-
year-old victim (name with-
held) is a resident of Wadala.
On February 2, the victim
had received a packet via
post. On opening the said
packet she found letter of an
online shopping portal com-
pany and a scratch card in-
side. The victim scratched
the card and was amazed to
realise that she had won Rs
8.50 lakh worth reward.
"The letter contained a mo-
bile number and on dialing
the number the person on the
vaccination drive as com-
pared to healthcare workers.
Civic officials attributed this
surge to the ‘walk-in’ and add
on beneficiaries rule at the
vaccine booths. The numbers
of the second dose rose to 954
from 393 just a day before
which means 143 per cent
surge in the last 24 hours.
The technical glitches in the
Co-Win app still persist.
Suresh Kakani, Additional
Municipal Commissioner,
said the numbers will in-
crease for the second dose in
future and more healthcare
workers will come forward.
MUMBAI
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
other side identified himself
as Devendra Kapoor finance
manager of the shopping
portal company. The victim
told the executive that she
had not participated in any
lucky draw after which the
executive said that the com-
pany has completed 12 years
and has initiated a lucky
draw and that she was the
lucky winner of the said
draw. The executive told her
to fill the form which she had
received along with the
scratch-card and share it
with him over WhatsApp
along with her passport sized
photograph," said a police of-
ficer.
He added, the victim fol-
SWAPNIL MISHRA
Mumbai
City has reported more than
700 cases for the second con-
secutive day on Thursday,
with the city reporting 736
new COVID-19 infections and
four fatalities in the last 24
hours, increasing the total
number of positive cases to
3,16,487 and 11,430 deaths till
now.
Maharashtra has reported
the highest number of daily
cases for the second straight
day with the state reporting
5,427 new cases and 38 deaths
on Thursday, pushing its tal-
lowed executive's instruc-
tions. "The executive then
shared a notarised document
with the victim over the
phone. The said document
had victim's name, bank de-
tails as well as mentioned
about the reward she had
won. The executive told the
victim that after completing
certain procedures and for-
malities she would get her re-
ward money in her bank ac-
count next day," the officer
said.
Then, the fraudster on the
pretext of stamp duty fees,
GST charges etc, induced the
victim to pay Rs 85,500. When
the demand for money kept
continuing, the victim sus-
pected something foul and
lodged a complaint with the
police on Monday.
A case has been registered
by Wadala police under sec-
tions 419 (Punishment for
cheating by personation), 420
(Cheating and dishonestly in-
ducing delivery of property)
of the Indian Penal Code and
sections 66C (punishment for
identity theft) of the Infor-
mation Technology Act.
BMC Squad imposing fine on people
for flouting COVID norms at Juhu
Beach on Thursday. - Pic: BL Soni
ly to 20,81,520, with 51,669 fa-
talities. The recovery rate of
the state is constant at 95 per
Sion Hospital
asst dean, aide
held for duping
Hyderabad doc
SACHIN GAAD
Mumbai
The Sion Police arrested as-
sistant dean of Lokmanya
Tilak General Hospital (Sion
Hospital) and his aide for al-
legedly duping another doc-
tor on the pretext of getting
admission in post-gradua-
tion (PG) medical course. Ac-
cording to police, Dr Rakesh
Verma was arrested on Mon-
day after a Hyderabad-based
doctor alleged that Verma
along with his associates al-
legedly accepted Rs 18.5 lakh
for his admission.
On Monday, the Sion Police
took Verma's custody from
the jail, he along with his as-
sociate Rajesh Guha have
been arrested in the case
while another accomplice
Pankaj Dube is still at large.
They were produced in a
court and remanded in police
custody till February 20. The
complainant, Dr Deepakku-
mar Edla, 36, said in August
last year, Dubey had called
him and offered admission in
a Mumbai based medical col-
lege for Rs 1.4 crore.
cent over the last month,
while the active cases have
increased to 40,858 from
31,474 in the last one week.
Moreover, for the first time
since the pandemic outbreak
the civic health department
has conducted 22,382 covid-19
tests in the last 24 hours.
Health experts said that the
drop in the number of cases
over the last three months
were due to the drop in the
daily testing and poor track-
ing as all the officials had
stopped the virus seriously.
“There was a steep drop in
the number of tests this
month,” said a health expert.
DGIPR 2020-21/2425
Central Rly installs electric charging points for EVs at CSMT
MUMBAI: Central Railway recently installed electric
charging points for electric vehicles near platform no
18 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal on a
Schools seek clarity on offline
reopening of classes X and XII
They are facing challenges in conducting preliminary practical exams for the board exam students
RONALD RODRIGUES
Mumbai
With schools of state and
private boards waiting to
conduct preliminary exam-
inations of Classes 10 and
12, they have demanded
clarity regarding final
dates of board examina-
tions and reopening of of-
fline lectures for practical
tests. Schools state they are
unable to conduct practical
exams of prelims as offline
labs and campuses are not
permitted to reopen in
Mumbai schools by the Bri-
hanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC).
Practical exams of Class
12 Higher Secondary Cer-
tificate (HSC) board are
scheduled to be conducted
from April 1 to April 22
while, internal assess-
ments or practical exams
Truck cleaner
killed in road
rage incident,
bus driver held
SURESH GOLANI
Mira Bhayandar
A road rage incident involv-
ing the drivers of a delivery
truck and luxury bus
claimed the life of a 36-year-
old cleaner. The driver of the
truck who has been identi-
fied as- Sandip Lal Bahadur
Yadav, 26, has been arrested
and booked by the Kashimi-
ra police under section 302 of
the IPC.
The shocking incident has
been reported from the
Ghodbunder Road area of
Kashimira on Saturday. Both
the vehicles were travelling
towards the direction of the
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Na-
tional Highway.
According to the police the
trouble started after the
truck came dangerously
close to the luxury bus at a
traffic signal near Suraj Wa-
ter Park, prompting the
cleaner - Deshmukh
Sharaanpa Karbunde, 36,
who was standing on the
footboard to shout at the
truck driver.
Both the truck driver and
the cleaner not only got in-
volved in a round of verbal
abuses from the moving ve-
hicles but they also threw
bottles of water at each other
while overtaking each other.
The bus driver who was first
to cross the toll plaza stopped
the vehicle, as the cleaner
stormed out to stop the
truck, apparently to fight
with its driver. However, the
driver accelerated the speed
and knocked down Kar-
bunde. A profusely bleeding
Karbunde was rushed to a
nearby hospital where he
succumbed to his injuries
while undergoing treatment.
“While the luxury bus was
empty and headed to Bori-
vali from Dombivali for
some repair works, the truck
was a vegetable delivery
truck which was travelling
to Gujarat from Vashi. The
truck driver has been arrest-
ed and booked for murder,”
confirmed Senior Police In-
spector- Sanjay Hazare.
The truck has been im-
pounded as further investi-
gations were underway, po-
lice said.
Cycles, bikes, cars and even trucks not safe from thieves in Mira Rd
SURESH GOLANI
Mira Bhayandar
Bicycles, motorbikes, auto-rick-
shaw, SUV’s and trucks - from two
wheelers to huge 10-wheeled tipper
trucks, none of them are safe from
thieves on the roads of Mira
Bhayandar.
While bike and auto-rickshaw lift-
ing incidents are a routine affair in
the twin-city, a gang of thieves is
now striking at will by driving away
with high-end Sport Utility Vehicles
from Mira Road.
While two SUV’s including a For-
trial basis. Central Railway (Mumbai) in association
with UNEP and Tata Power launched this initiative to
promote e-mobility in Mumbai. - STAFF REPORTER
COVID FALLOUT
of Class 10 Secondary
School Certificate (SSC)
will be conducted from
April 9 to April 28, 2021 ten-
tatively.
Shubhra Nair, a Class 10
teacher of a school at Dhar-
avi said, "If practical board
exams are scheduled to be-
gin from April, we need to
conduct preliminary prac-
tical exams in February so
that students get sufficient
HC stays MMRDA’s tender process for public
toilet and garbage collection centers in BKC Coronavirus mutations found
NARSI BENWAL / Mumbai
The Bombay High Court re-
cently stayed the tender
opening process initiated by
the Mumbai Metropolitan
Region Development Au-
thority (MMRDA) to con-
struct five toilet blocks and
two garbage collection cen-
ters in BKC area of the city.
This comes after a private
firm by name - M/s Fumes
International petitioned the
bench of Justices Amjad
Sayed and Madhav Jamdar,
challenging the decision of
the MMRDA to issue tenders
for the said work.
The firm claims to be in
the business of building toi-
let blocks at designated
spaces approved by the local
Now, NMMT to run only
CNG and electric buses
The civic body aims to minimize the generation of CO2
AMIT SRIVASTAVA
Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai Municipal
Transport (NMMT), an un-
dertaking of NMMC will
phase out diesel-run buses,
as proposed in the budget
for the financial year 2021-
22. The civic transport
wing will use only CNG
and electric buses to mini-
mize the generation of car-
bon dioxide.
While presenting the
NMMT budget, civic chief
Abhijit Bangar said that
the transport undertaking
will use its asset for rev-
enue generation.
The NMMT is developing
a commercial complex at
its bus depot at sector 9 in
Vashi. Similarly, the space
available at Belapur, Ghan-
soli, and Airoli bus depots
will be developed for com-
mercial purposes. Real Es-
tate expert feels that these
steps will be a boost for the
sector as working spaces
will come up at prime loca-
tions.
Bangar presented a Rs
tuner and Innova have been lifted
by thieves from the Naya Nagar
time to prepare for board
exams. But, how are we
supposed to conduct practi-
cal exams if schools are
not permitted to reopen of-
fline?"
In addition, private board
schools are conducting pre-
liminary theory examina-
tions via online mode but
are unable to conduct prac-
tical tests. Samir Sharma,
a teacher of a CBSE board
administration.
Accordingly, it was allotted
7 sites for construction and
operation of 5 such toilets
complexes and 2 garbage col-
lection centers in BKC area,
Mumbai on BOT (build-op-
erate-transfer) basis. It
claimed to have been given
this contract by the MMRDA
for a period of 10 years.
Now the 10 years contracts
have expired between 2018
and 2020. Thus, by a commu-
nication on September 5,
2018, the firm sought renew-
al of its contract.
To buttress their case, the
firm relied on a particular
clause of their contract with
the MMRDA which provided
for renewed of the contract
for a further similar period
379.49 crore budget esti-
mate of NMMT with Rs
5.35 lakh surplus for the fi-
nancial year 2021-22. Under
the central government's
Faster Adoption and Man-
ufacturer of Hybrid Elec-
tric Vehicles (FAME II) In-
dia scheme, the NMMT will
procure 100 electric buses.
Of the 100 electric buses, it
will receive 30 buses by
May 2021, and the remain-
ing 70 buses by August
2021.
Due to the pandemic,
NMMT buses were avail-
able mostly for govern-
ment services and this im-
pacted the overall revenue
generation as well as
spending. The revised
budget for 2020-21 of
NMMT was Rs 223.16 crore
while the budget estimate
was Rs 383.75 crore.
During FY 2021-22,
NMMT will receive Rs 150
crore from NMMC and it is
estimated to generate Rs
73.11 crore revenue by run-
ning its buses. Under the
JnNURM-II, it will get Rs
45.41 crore.
area of Mira Road a 10-wheeled
heavy duty tipper truck has been
stolen from the highway in
Kashimira in the last week, throw-
ing a tough challenge before the of-
ficials attached to the Mira Bhayan-
dar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police
commissionerate.
Going by footages captured by
Close Circuit Television (CCTV)
cameras while probing the Naya
Nagar cases, the thieves seem to be
members of a high-tech auto lifters'
who move around in a luxury car to
search unguarded vehicles and
steam them by disabling their GPS
Higher education
minister to hold
janta darbar on
Feb 22 in Worli
RONALD RODRIGUES / Mumbai
The janta darbar event
termed "Higher and Techni-
cal Education Mantralaya @
school, said, "We have al- Mumbai" of the department
ready started conducting of state higher and technical
preliminary theory exams education will be organised
as the CBSE board Class 10 at 11 am on February 22, 2021
exams are scheduled to be- at Nehru Center Hall, Worli.
gin from May 4 to June 7 During this grievance re-
and Class 12 from May 4 to dressal meeting, education-
June 11." ists, experts, degree college
Sharma added, "We can- and university heads, prin-
not afford to delay the con- cipals, teachers, non-teach-
duct of exams as prelims ing staff and students can
help students to prepare, ask questions to the state
improve their scores and higher and technical educa-
perform better in their fi- tion minister of Maharash-
nal board exams. We are tra Uday Samant.
facing challenges in terms The University of Mumbai
of the conduct of practical has created a special link
tests as schools are not al- "Ministry of Higher and
lowed to reopen offline for Technical Education @
Classes 10 and 12 in Mum- Mumbai"https://dtec.mu.ac.
bai." in/application on the home-
Currently, schools in page of the university web-
Mumbai are directed by site www.mu.ac.in for the
the BMC to remain shut of- convenience of all con-
fline for all standards until cerned. Those interested
further notice in view of can submit questions via
the Covid-19 pandemic. this link.
on "mutually agreed terms
and conditions, subject to
satisfactory services."
Even after receiving the
letter in Sept 2018, the MMR-
DA did not respond to the
firm. In fact, it went on to
float fresh tenders for the
same work, as claimed by
the firm, on January 13,
the MMRDA has straight
away floated the tender," the
2021.
"The grievance of the firm
bench noted further.
During the course of the
is that the tenders invited hearing, the bench was in-
for the work, includes 5 toi- formed that the tenders are
let complexes and 2 garbage yet to be opened.
collection centers which "Having regard to the facts
were allotted to it," the and circumstances of the
bench noted. case, by way of ad-interim
"The firm has not been order, we direct that though
called upon, despite its let- the bids may be accepted,
ters of September 5 and 10, the bids shall not be opened
2018, to decide the mutual till the next date," Justice
terms and conditions and Sayed said in his orders.
NMMC presents �2.7 cr surplus budget 2 held for stealing ornaments
The civic body’s 2021-22 budget stresses on health, education and e-governance
AMIT SRIVASTAVA / Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai Municipal
Commissioner Abhijit Ban-
gar, on Thursday, presented
a Rs 4,825 crore estimated
budget for the financial year
2021-22 with a surplus of Rs
2.7 crore after spending Rs collect Rs 600 crore during
4,822.3 crore. The civic body the financial year. The prop-
has an opening balance of erty tax collection was se-
Rs 1,627.42 crore from the re- verely affected during 2020-
vised budget of the finan- 21 due to the Covid-19 pan-
cial year (FY) 2020-21. demic. In addition, the civic
The civic body has not pro- estimated to receive Rs 1,401
posed any hike in any kind crore as local body tax of
of taxes for the FY 2021-22, GST from the state govern-
as reported by the FPJ. ment. The civic administra-
Property tax being the ma- tion also estimated to get Rs
jor source of revenue, the 505 crore from various
civic body has estimated to grants from the state and
BHIWANDI COLLAPSE
Victims’ kin to soon get compensation
PRIYANKA DHOMSE
Thane
The families of victims who
died in the Jilani building
collapse in Bhiwandi will
get compensation of Rs.3
lakh. The announcement re-
garding the same was made teams for three consecutive
by the state government on days despite heavy showers.
Wednesday. "The compensation has
A part of ground plus been sanctioned through
three-storey Jilhani build-
ing in Patel complex col-
lapsed at around 3:40 am on
the Chief Minister Relief
fund. An amount of Rs 1.14
crore has been sanctioned
September 21, killing 38 res- for the death victims’ fami-
idents and injuring 25 oth- lies. Each of their kins will
ers. be given Rs.3 lakh as a com-
The rescue operation fol- pensation through the dis-
lowing the incident was car- trict collectorate depart-
ried out by NDRF and TDRF ment," said official.
devices and switching off the sen-
sors in order to avoid being tracked.
It is also suspected that unlike the
traditional practice of steal and
sell, the gang executes tailor-made
thefts as per the model of in-de-
mand SUV’s preferred by the
prospective customers.
Apart from recent incidents of
four wheeler thefts, bike lifting cas-
es occupy a lion’s share in the crime
registers of local police stations un-
der the jurisdiction of the MBVV
police commissionerate, even as the
detection rate continues to be dis-
mal.
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Gangster acquitted in MCOCA case
booked for flouting Covid-19 norms
Gajanan Marne’s supporters gathered in large numbers outside Taloja jail,
burst crackers and took a 300 car procession from Navi Mumbai to Pune
SOMENDRA SHARMA / Mumbai
After two cases of Covid-19
violations were registered by
the Pune against Pune based
criminal Gajanan Marne,
Kharghar police in Navi
Mumbai too registered an of-
fence against Marne. The po-
lice in their complaint stated
that Marne and his support-
ers indulged in a show of
strength and flouted Covid-
19 norms by gathering out-
side Taloja jail in large num-
bers. Marne who was lodged
in Taloja jail came out of the
prison a few days ago after
being acquitted in a MCOCA
case.
According to the police,
Navi Mumbai police had is-
sued 15-day prohibitory or-
ders from February 5, in or-
der to maintain law and or-
der situation in the city. At
around 5:55 pm on Monday,
Gajanan Marne, a resident
of Kothrud in Pune, who was
lodged at Taloja jail in an
MCOCA case came out of
the jail after he was acquit-
ted by the court.
"Marne's supporters had
gathered outside the jail
in two Maharashtra districts
AGENCIES
Pune
Researchers have found two
new mutations in coron-
avirus samples from Amra-
vati and Yavatmal districts
of eastern Maharashtra
which can escape neutraliz-
ing antibodies, a senior offi-
cial said on Thrusday.
However, in none of the
samples for which genome
sequencing was done, the
UK, South African or
Brazilian strains of the
virus were found, he added.
Yavatmal and Amravati
are among districts which
central government.
In the budget, the civic ad-
ministration stressed on
health, environment, educa-
tion, and beautification of
the city. While there is no
separate budget for the
Covid-19, the civic body has
increased the overall health
budget by 10.35 percent to Rs
499.41 crore. It includes Rs 20
crore for a medical college at
the civic hospital in Vashi.
Man killed in
road mishap on
Vashi Highway
AMIT SRIVASTAVA
Navi Mumbai
A 62-year-old man was run
over by a bus at Vashi along
the Sion-Panvel highway on
Thursday afternoon.
The deceased has been
identified as Siddarth Dan-
gaone, a resident of Vashi
Gaon.
Police said Dangaone was
crossing the highway
around at 1.10 pm when the
bus was coming from the
Mumbai direction hit him.
A senior police official from
Vashi police station said
that Dangaone suffered se-
vere injuries at different
parts of his body in the ac-
cident. "He was rushed to a
nearby hospital by a few lo-
cal residents, but he suc-
cumbed to the injuries after
sometime,” said the official.
“We have arrested the bus
driver Balasaheb Ingle, 43,
from the spot and booked
him under relevant sections
of the Indian Penal Code
(IPC) and Motor Vehicle
Act,” he added.
MMR
premises and indulged in a
show of strength. Marne and
his supporters flouted Covid-
19 norms. We have regis-
tered a case on Wednesday
against Marne and 25 of his
supporters under section 188
(Disobedience to order duly,
promulgated by public ser-
vant) of the Indian Penal
Code and relevant sections of
Epidemic Diseases Act, Dis-
aster Management Act and
Maharashtra Police Act,"
said a police officer.
The prison department
sources also said that they
are inquiring if there was
any laxity on the part of the
prison officials in this
episode.
have shown considerable in-
crease in new cases in the
last one week.
Genome sequencing was
done for 24 samples -- four
each from Amravati, Yavat-
mal and Satara and 12 from
Pune -- said Dr Rajesh
Karyekarte, Head of De-
partment of Microbiologyat
the state-run B J Medical
College and Sassoon Gener-
al Hospital here.
"We were asked by the
state government to con-
duct genome sequencing of
samples. The D614G strain
which is prevalent was
found in all the samples," he
from Charkop jewellery store
STAFF REPORTER / Mumbai
Charkop Police arrested two
men for allegedly stealing
and decamping with gold or-
naments valued upto lakhs
of rupees from a jewellery
store Kandivali (W) on
Wednesday. Police booked
the duo under relevant sec-
tions of the Indian Penal
Code for theft and were pro-
duced before a magistrate
court, which remanded
them in police custody.
According to police
sources, one of the accused
had visited a jewellery store
in Charkop on February 4,
on the pretext of looking for
jewellery. When the jeweller
was distracted and was
looking for other pieces to
show, the accused quickly
grabbed the gold jewellery
and made a run for it. Police
Youths in Thane hold protest
in support of climate activists
PRIYANKA DHOMSE / Thane
A group of youths from
Thane came together to
protest against the govern-
ment and to show their sup-
port for the climate activists
supporting farmer's protest.
The protest was carried out
on Thursday with limited
number of youths in Thane.
"This protest has been
arranged by youth groups
who are concerned about
the current clamp down on
young climate change ac-
tivists. Disha Ravi, Nikita
Jacob and Shantanu Muluk
have been charged under
extremely serious sections
of the law without any
proof," said Nishant
Bangera, a youth activist
Marne was booked in two
different cases by Pune city
police and Pimpri-Chinch-
wad police for taking out a
vehicle procession from
Taloja Jail to Pune after be-
ing released from Taloja Jail.
A court had acquitted him
in a murder case of 2014 and
he was released from jail af-
ter almost six years. His sup-
porters gathered in large
numbers outside the jail
took out a 300 vehicle proces-
sion from Navi Mumbai to
Pune, burst crackers and
used drones illegally to shoot
the whole scene after which
the police had booked him in
two different cases, police
said.
said.
But in Amravati, Yavat-
mal and Satara, they also
came across different muta-
tions, Dr Karyekarte said.
"In Amravati, we came
across a mutation named
E484K in all the four sam-
ples. When we inquired if
all samples belonged to one
family, we were told they
were taken from different
locations, so the conclusion
was that it was a common
mutation," he said.
The character of the
strain found in Amravati is
that it escapes neutralizing
antibodies, he said.
claimed that when the own-
er realised that the man was
running away with the valu-
ables, he tried to chase him,
but the accused hopped on a
motorcycle and fled the spot
with his accomplice.
The jeweller approached
Charkop Police and lodged a
complaint, following which
a case was registered
against unknown persons.
During the probe, police
scrutinised the CCTV cam-
era footage of the area and
identified the accused duo,
who were riding a motorcy-
cle without a number plate.
Based on technical evi-
dences, police identified the
duo as Malvani residents,
and subsequently laid a trap
to apprehend them. The duo
was accordingly nabbed
from Church Road in Mal-
vani, Malad on Wednesday.
6
from Thane.
The protestors supporting
the climate activists de-
mand that this kind of per-
secution of young activists
engaged in climate advoca-
cy and human rights must
be stopped immediately.
"To dissent and disagree
with government policies is
a constitutional right and
cannot be equated with
seditious intent. To do so is
to entirely betray the demo-
cratic character of our
country and the constitu-
tional values upon which it
was built. The laws that are
uncalled for by the farmers
themselves must be re-
pealed," said Sushank
Tomar, another activist par-
ticipated in the protest.
 MONEY
BIZ BUZZ Pumping in $33.8 bn so far this fiscal, FPIs' total holding at record $592.5 bn
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pumped ments to a record USD 592.5 billion, as per a re-
Shiprocket raises Rs 200 crore in series in a whopping USD 33.8 billion into domestic eq- port. Of the total FPI assets of USD 592.5 billion,
uities and debt till February 15 this fiscal year - USD 537.4 billion were in equities and USD 51.38
C round from Tibe Capital, others - the highest since FY15 when it was nearly USD billion in debt, according to the data collated by
E-commerce logistics firm Shiprocket on Thursday said it has 46 billion --taking their net outstanding invest- Care Ratings. MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

Inflation target band up for

raised about Rs 200 crore from various investors including
Silicon Valley based venture capital firm Tribe Capital in series

United India Insurance

C funding round. The company said that it plans to utilise the
fund for product development, increasing workforce and
global expansion.

picked for privatisation

review, govt consults RBI
�----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold declines Rs 320 to Rs 45,867 per
10 gram; silver gains marginally
Gold prices in the national capital declined by Rs 320 to Rs FROM OUR BUREAU/ New Delhi
45,867 per 10 grams on Thursday, according to HDFC
Securities. In the previous trade, the precious metal had The Niti Aayog has identified the United India Insur-
closed at Rs 46,187 per 10 grams. Silver, however, gained INFORMIST/ Mumbai bility. ance for privatisation in the coming financial year and
marginally by Rs 28 to Rs 68,283 per kg, from Rs 68,255 per Last year, the RBI had released a it is now working out the modalities.
kg in the previous trade. The finance ministry has sought for- working paper, authored by Deputy Apart from it, three other general insurance compa-
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- mal opinion from the Reserve Bank of Governor and Monetary Policy Com- nies under the government's fold are: National Insur-
PM Modi to chair Niti Aayog's Governing India on medium-term inflation target, mittee Member Michael Patra and ance, New India Insurance and Oriental Insurance.
setting the ball rolling for the review of economist Harendra Kumar Behera, Only New India Insurance is in profits.
Council meeting on February 20 the target for the next five years. arguing that maintaining the inflation The United India posted losses of Rs 2,486 crore in the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair Niti Aayog's "We wrote to the RBI last week seek- target at 4% is appropriate for India. financial year 2019-20, National Rs 4,108 crore and Ori-
Governing Council meeting on February 20 where issues ing their formal opinion on what The paper had found a steady ental Rs 1,524 crore. United India has better financials
related to agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing and should be the inflation target for next decline in trend inflation to 4.1-4.3% than National and offers most insurance products un-
human resource development will be discussed, according to five years and whether the current since 2014. like three others.
There is speculation the
an official statement. The council, the apex body of Niti
Aayog, includes all chief ministers, lieutenant governors of
Union Territories (UTs), several union ministers and senior
framework needs any changes," a sen-
ior finance ministry official said.
"They are yet to get back to us," the of-
� government is toying with
idea of tweaking inflation band
"A target set too below the trend im-
parts a deflationary bias to monetary
policy because it will go into overkill
The Finance Ministry had asked the Niti Aayog, the
policy body of the government, to get cracking for the
privatisation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara-
government officials. ficial said. The current medium-term in- relative to what the economy can in- man announced in her budget on February 1 to priva-
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- flation target of 4%, within a band of given severe impact of covid on trinsically bear in order to achieve the tise two public sector banks and an insurance compa-
Commercial markets across India to 2% and 6%, is for five years ending
India's growth prospects target. Analogously, a target that is ny in the financial year 2021-22.
March 31. fixed above trend renders monetary The Finance Ministry plans to infuse Rs 3,000 crore
remain shut on February 26: CAIT According to the RBI Act, the central policy too expansionary and prone to capital into state-owned general insurance companies
Traders' body CAIT on Thursday said all commercial markets government will have to set the infla- "We will be able to deal with the cur- inflationary shocks and unanchored during the current quarter in a bid to improve their
across the country will remain closed on February 26 in view tion target once in every five years in rent situation within the existing band. expectations," the paper had said. financial health.
of its 'Bharat Bandh' call demanding a review of the consultation with the central bank. If you make the band too wide, then There has been speculation that the Last year, the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Min-
provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) regime. The RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has targeting loses its meaning," Das said. government is toying with the idea of ister Narendra Modi cleared proposal to provide cap-
Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said dharnas gone on record suggesting that the cur- Even at the last monetary policy re- tweaking the inflation band given se- ital support to National Insurance, Oriental Insur-
(protests) will be held nationwide in 1,500 places demanding rent inflation target of 4% within a view, Das dedicated a section of his ad- vere impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ance and United India Insurance.
the Centre, state governments and the GST Council to keep in band of 2% to 6% should be continued. dress to extol the virtues of price sta- India's growth prospects.
abeyance the "draconian" provisions of GST.
ABOUT 77.34 LAKH TAKE TO SKIES; INDIGO STAYS ON TOP

Cairn CEO says talks with govt Domestic air traffic down 40%
�----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAIT demands ban on Amazon's
e-commerce operations in India

over $1.4 b award constructive in Jan as Covid clouds darken

Traders' body CAIT on Thursday urged the government to
impose a ban on Amazon's e-commerce portal and its
operations in India, accusing the global e-tailing giant of
indulging in predatory pricing, deep discounting and
inventory control. Addressing a press conference, CAIT MUMBAI: India's domestic air pas-
Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal demanded an THOMSON MEETS FINANCE SECRETARY PANDEY, SAYS DIALOGUE ONGOING senger traffic declined around 40%
"immediate ban on Amazon's portal and its operations in to 77.34 lakh in January 2021 over the
India" and an investigation against the company in a time- AGENCIES/ New Delhi 1,140 crore due to it from the year-ago period as the pandemic con-
bound manner shareholdings and set off a Rs tinues to hit air travel demand, as per
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amid speculations of the Indian 1,590 crore tax refund against the the monthly traffic data released by
Indian Oil Corporation signs pact with government and UK-based Cairn demand. the aviation regulator, DGCA.
Energy going ahead with further In 2015, Cairn initiated an inter- The total number of passengers
Greenstat Norway for hydrogen fuel legal proceedings regarding the national arbitration to challenge flown by the Indian carriers on do-
Days after India unveiled a national hydrogen mission to retrospective tax liability, Cairn retrospective taxation. mestic routes in January 2020 was
accelerate plans to generate the carbon-free fuel from CEO Simon Thomson met Fi- The meeting comes at a time when 1.27 crore. The passenger load fac- previous year, thereby registering
renewables, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on nance Secretary Ajay Bhushan The tribunal in the Netherlands the government was expected to tor, a measure to assess how much annual growth of -39.60%," it said.
Thursday signed a pact with Greenstat Norway for setting up Pandey. awarded damages of $1.2 billion challenge the arbitration tribunal's of an airline's passenger carrying Budget carrier IndiGo flew the
a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen. In the Union Budget for Speaking to reporters post the towards Cairn along with interest award as it has done in the matter capacity has been utilised, during most number of passengers at
2021-22, the government pledged to focus on generating meeting, the CEO described the and costs, payable by the govern- involving Vodafone Group Plc. the previous month has shown a 42.03 lakh with a market share of
hydrogen from green power sources as well as build more meeting as "constructive" and the ment. The Indian government has declining trend compared to De- 54.30% followed by rival carrier
diverse and efficient energy infrastructure. dialogue is "ongoing". Cairn Energy had, in 2010-11, challenged in the Singapore High cember primarily due to the Vistara which carried 9.92 lakh
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chairman of the Central Board sold Cairn India to Vedanta. Post Court an international arbitra- tourist season, the DGCA said. passengers during the month, cor-
Arvind Fashions to raise Rs 200 crore of Direct Taxes (CBDT) P.C. Mody the merger of Cairn India and tion tribunal's verdict that over- The load factor of six major do- nering 12.8% share of the total do-
and other tax officials also wre Vedanta in April 2017, the UK turned its demand for Rs 22,100 mestic airlines--IndiGo, SpiceJet, mestic traffic in the month.
via rights issue at Rs 135 per share present at the meeting. firm's shareholding in Cairn India crore in back taxes from Vodafone Air India, GoAir, Vistara and AirA- IndiGo also recorded the highest
Arvind Fashions said its committee of directors has approved In December, Cairn Energy won was replaced by a shareholding of Group Plc. sia India -- stood between 70% and on-time performance during the
raising around Rs 200 crore through a rights issue. The an international arbitration case about 5% in Vedanta issued to- Recently, Minister of State for Fi- 64.9% in January, as per data. month with on an average 93.7% of
committee of directors of the company has approved the against the Indian government gether with preference shares. nance, Anurag Thakur told the "Passengers carried by domestic its flights from four metro air-
issue of 1,48,02,856 partly paid-up equity shares of face which claimed Rs 10,247 crore in Along with attaching its shares Parliament that the order passed airlines during January 2021 were ports --Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
value of Rs 4 each at an issue price of Rs 135 per equity past taxes over internal reorgani- in Vedanta, the Tax Department in Cairn Group's case is under 77.34 lakh against 127.83 lakh dur- and Hyderabad --departing/arriv-
share for up to Rs 199.84 crore to all the existing equity sation of Cairn's India business. seized dividends of around Rs consideration of the government. ing the corresponding period of ing on time.
shareholders of the company on a rights basis," Arvind

US court issues summons to Indian govt CEAT may hike tyre prices
Fashions said.
�----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berger Paints plans to initially invest
Rs 100 crore in Bengal unit, says MD MUMBAI: A district court in the Cairn Energy Plc Executive Officer Simon Thom- INFORMIST segment in February.
Berger Paints India Ltd plans to set up a new plant in West
Bengal at an initial investment of 1 bln rupees to manufacture
construction chemicals and paints, Managing Director and
US has issued summons to the
Indian government in a case
filed by Cairn Energy Plc to im-
� and Cairn UK
Holdings Ltd had filed a
son and Finance Secretary Ajay
Bhushan Pandey in New Delhi
today.
Mumbai

Persistent rise in the prices of raw

On the demand side, the compa-
ny highlighted that following
strong growth in the quarters end-
Chief Executive Officer Abhijit Roy told Informist. West Bengal plement a $1.2-bn arbitration Thomson is also reportedly materials like rubber and crude ed September and December, Jan-
is a key market for the country's second largest decorative award it had won against India, petition in Washington hoping to meet Finance Minis- oil may propel tyre-maker CEAT Mar started on a slightly weaker
paints company, as east India and north India account for A newspaper reporter, quoting DC court to confirm the ter Nirmala Sitharaman this Ltd to increase prices of its prod- note due to subdued demand from
60% of the company's distribution network of 11,500 dealers. court filings. Cairn Energy Plc week to persuade her to honour ucts by 5-6% in March, the compa- two-wheeler original equipment
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- and Cairn UK Holdings Ltd had $1.2 billion arbitration the arbitration award. ny said at the Kotak Institutional manufacturers and commercial
Nifty earnings per share upgraded 3-5% filed a petition in Washington award The government has not said Equities' Chasing Growth, 2021, vehicle replacement segment.
DC court on Friday to confirm whether it plans to pay up or ap- conference. Meanwhile, demand continued
on Q3 results: Motilal Oswal report the arbitration award, the re- trict court issued summons peal the award. Cairn has also The company had in January un- to be strong in the two-wheeler re-
The corporate earnings for the third quarter of FY21 have port added. electronically to India. allegedly filed petitions in dertaken a price hike of 3% across placement, passenger car radial
improved with several companies reporting better-than-expect According to the report, Judge This came ahead of a likely courts in the UK and the Nether- product segments, barring two- tyre replacement and farm equip-
ed numbers and has resulted in upgrade of the earnings per Richard Leon at Columbia dis- meeting between Cairn Chief lands. wheelers, and 5% in the scooters ment segment.
share ratio for Nifty by 3-4%, said a Motilal Oswal Financial
Services report. It noted that sharp demand recovery was
seen during the festive season, with the opening up of the
economy and the number of COVID-19 cases being
contained, coupled with continued cost-saving initiatives.
Asian Paints may hike premium Union Bank, BoI, BoB Fuel prices rise
�----------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Long-term growth outlook remains product prices as costs spiral seek nod to raise capital again as Texas
positive for affordable housing fin space’
The long-term growth outlook for affordable housing finance INFORMIST/ New Delhi INFORMIST/ New Delhi snap keeps
crude on boil
companies (AHFCs) remains favourable supported by several
factors, investment information agency ICRA has said. The Asian Paints Ltd believes a possi- Union Bank of India, Bank of In-
total portfolio of new AHFCs in affordable housing space bility of undertaking product price dia and Bank of Baroda have
stood at Rs 55,061 crore as on September 30, 2020 and hikes to pass on the impact of in- sought the finance ministry's ap-
registered a moderate year-on-year growth of 9% as flation in key raw materials such proval to raise capital, including AGENCIES/ Mumbai
compared to sector's overall negative growth, it said. as crude oil derivatives, Titanium through placement of equity
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dioxide and monomers, which are shares with institutional in- Petrol and diesel price continued
Profitability of packaging film firms used in the manufacturing of vestors, a senior government offi- to rally northward on Thursday,
paints and varnishes, the compa- tives paints, led by improvement in cial said. the 10th consecutive day when its
to improve to 19% this fiscal: Crisil ny's comments at a recent virtual consumer sentiment, robust festi- "We are evaluating the propos- shares with institutional in- retail prices rose across the coun-
Packaging film companies are expected to see an improved conference organised by Kotak In- val season, wedding-led demand als," the official told Informist. vestors. try. In Sri Ganganagar town in
profitability at a decade high of 19 per cent this fiscal driven stitutional Equities suggest. and pick-up in real estate sector. Public sector banks, which have Bank of India said it might look Rajasthan, normal petrol price
by robust demand, growing in-home consumption, and India's largest paint manufactur- Recovery in metropolitan and been looking to shore up capital to raise 10-12 bln rupees, while has shot up over Rs 100 per litre to
benign input costs, among others, a report said. An analysis er, which has managed to improve tier-I markets is now driving trac- as the COVID-19 pandemic has put Bank of Baroda said it plans to stand at Rs 100.49 a litre.
of Crisil-rated flexible packaging film companies, which profitability over the past two tion in premium and luxury paints severe strain on their books, need mop up 20-40 bln rupees. The global oil market remained
account for over 60 per cent of the industry's revenue and quarters, has not raised prices yet even as rural growth is robust, the government approval to raise Some public sector banks have firm and prices of both crude and
debt, indicates brightening of their credit outlook over the but is monitoring the inflation company said. Industrial paints funds through equity and addi- already raised capital through products saw a big spike, support-
near-to medium-term amid stable debt levels, ratings agency trends closely. have also started to recover, with tional tier-1 bonds, which are hy- qualified institutional placement ed by Texas cold snap.
Crisil said in the report on Thursday. Even if the company hikes revival in powder coatings and liq- brids with features of both equity of shares, as the government's Accordingly, OMCs raised the
�---------------------------------------------------------------------------- prices, it will be likely be more in uid paints. and debt. capital support has been limited. pump price of petrol by 34 paise
'Most home buyers see stable property the premium range of products, In an uncertain operational envi- According to RBI's Financial Punjab National Bank and Ca- and diesel by another 32 paise per
and the company intends to be as ronment--amid the pandemic and Stability Report, the gross non- nara Bank had raised equity capi- litre in Delhi. With this increase,
prices over next one year: Anarock-CII prudent as possible. high competition--the company performing asset ratio of public tal through qualified institutional petrol is now priced at Rs 89.88 a
As real estate prices have been subdued amid the pandemic, The company plans to achieve will prioritise market share gains sector banks is likely to surge to placement in December. litre and diesel Rs 80.27 a litre in
a majority of home buyers in the country expect property better formulation efficiencies and and aim to deliver higher-than-in- 16.2% by September from 9.7% a The Budget has allocated only the national capital.
prices to remain steady over the next one year, showed a improve sourcing and factory pro- dustry growth over profitability. year ago under the baseline sce- 200 bln rupees each for capital in- In the last 10 days (since Febru-
report by Anarock and CII. Property prices across the top ductivity in order to cushion the The paints-maker sees the need nario. fusion into public sector banks ary 9), the price has gone up by Rs
seven cities largely remained range-bound over the last few impact of higher input costs. for more capacity expansion in the Bank of India and Bank of Bar- this financial year and the next, 2.93 per litre for petrol while
years amid the structural reforms, and policy changes among The company is witnessing next two years, and has plans to oda have already indicated that compared with 654 bln rupees pro- diesel rate has risen by Rs 3.14 a
others. strong demand recovery in decora- spend up to Rs 1 bn for the same. they may raise capital by placing vided in 2019-20 (Apr-Mar). Many litre.

ABOUT 92% COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN DELOITTE SURVEY PLAN TO RAISE SALARIES AS AGAINST 60% LAST YEAR

PE investments fall 35% in January India Inc may give 7.3% pay hikes this year
NEW DELHI: Investment
activity by venture capital
and private equity funds
witnessed a weak start in
the new year, recording a
35% fall at $1.6 billion in
January a report said.
The e-commerce sector
contributed a bulk $689
million, the highest month-
ly figure in two years,
which helped the overall
deal volumes, the report by
industry lobby India Ven-
ture Capital Association
and consultant EY, said.
EY's partner Vivek Soni
said January started on a
"sombre" note, but the deal
pipeline remains robust as
investment teams at funds
are busy working on pro-
posals with due diligence
and negotiations.
In our view, the global
macro has thrust the In-
dia investment opportuni-
ty in a favourable position
and most PE/VC investors
are inclined towards in-
vesting increased NEW DELHI: Companies in India but lower than 8.6% given by com- 7.3% from 4.4% in 2020. This 7.3%
amounts in larger deals, are expected to dole out an average panies in 2019. projected increment is lower than
he said. increment of 7.3% to employees As many as 92% companies that the 8.6% average increment in 2019.
When compared with this year amid faster-than-expect- participated in the survey plan to "The increase in increment budg-
the preceding December ed economic recovery and revival give an increment in 2021 com- ets is in line with the faster-than-ex-
2020 month's USD 7.1 bil- in business and consumer confi- pared to only 60% last year. pected economic recovery, revival
lion, the investments dence, according to a survey. The survey, launched in Decem- in business and consumer confi-
plummeted 77%, the data The first phase of the 2021 Work- ber 2020 as a B2B India-specific dence, and early signs of improving
showed because there force and Increment Trends Sur- survey, covered around 400 organ- corporate profitability," it said.
were fewer larger deals -- vey by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu isations spread across seven sec- As per the findings, 20% compa-
transactions over USD 100 India LLP (DTTILLP) also said the tors and 25 sub-sectors. nies plan to give a double-digit in-
million. average increment this year will "Average increment for compa- crement this year compared to
be higher than 4.4% seen in 2020 nies in India is expected to go up to only 12% in 2020.
 MONEY MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

Piramal group gets RBI SC asks 17 lenders

BIZ BUZZ RailTel IPO a
Airbus loses $1.3 billion in 2020 due hit, subscribed
to explain Fortis sale
nod for DHFL acquisition
to pandemic; expects better 2021 over 42 times
European plane maker Airbus lost 1.1 billion euros (USD 1.3
billion) last year amid an unprecedented global slump in air
travel because of the pandemic, but expects to deliver AGENCIES/ New Delhi MUMBAI:The initial public
hundreds of planes and make a profit in 2021 despite offering (IPO) of RailTel has
uncertainty about when people will resume flying en masse. AGENCIES/ Mumbai In November 2019, the Re- The Supreme Court on been subscribed more than 42
Airbus is also pushing to negotiate a "cease-fire" soon in its serve Bank referred Dewan Thursday directed 17 times as the offer ended.
years-long trade dispute with U.S. rival Boeing, amid hopes Piramal Group on Thurs- Housing Finance Ltd lenders, banks and financial The IPO opened on Tuesday,
that the Biden Administration will be more amenable than day said the Reserve Bank (DHFL), the third-largest institutions to explain the February 16.
Trump's government to a deal. is understood to have ap- pure-play mortgage lender, share sale by Fortis Health- Taking to Twitter, Secretary,
proved acquisition of debt- to the National Company care's former promoters Department of Investment and
Eveready Oct-Dec consolidated net ridden DHFL by the group's
subsidiary as part of reso-
Law Tribunal (NCLT) for
insolvency proceedings.
Malvinder Singh and Shivin-
der Singh. and unencumbered shares of
Public Asset Management
(DIPAM), Tuhin Kanta Pandey
down 46%, margin expands 871 bps lution process. DHFL was the first fi- Passing a slew of direc- Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL) said: "RailTel IPO received great
Eveready Industries India Ltd's consolidated net profit for the The Committee of Credi- nance company to be re- tions, a bench comprising standing in the name of For- demand from all categories of
December quarter slumped 45.9% on year to 488.01 mln tors (CoC) had approved a ferred to NCLT by the RBI Justices U.U. Lalit, Indira tis Healthcare Holding Pri- investors and was subscribed
rupees, the company said in an exchange filing today. Revenue resolution plan submitted Oaktree Capital submitted using special powers under Banerjee and K.M. Joseph vate Ltd (FHHPL), held by more than 42 times. We thank
from operations for the quarter rose 7.2% to 3.4 bln rupees. by a Piramal Group compa- their bids in the fifth and fi- Section 227 of the IBC. Pri- said: "We direct all the no- them in September 2016, as all investors for their
Sequentially, the net profit fell 14.7% and revenue was down ny, Piramal Capital and nal round. Suitors submit- or to that, the company's ticee banks and financial in- well as details of encum- participation."
8.7%. The company's other income rose to 113.83 mln rupees Housing Finance Limited, ted bids in the range of Rs board was superseded and stitutions: - (a) to place on bered and unencumbered The total size of the offer was
from 105.06 mln rupees a year ago. last month. 35,000-37,000 crore. R Subramaniakumar was record the basic documents shares of FHL standing in of Rs 819.24 crore at the upper
"We understand that the Last week, DHFL posted a appointed as the adminis- pertaining to loans advanced the name of FHHPL, held by price band of Rs 94 per share.
Rupa & Co Oct-Dec consolidated PAT RBI has approved the
DHFL resolution plan from
consolidated net loss of Rs
13,095.38 crore for the third
trator.
He is also the resolution
or financial accommodations
extended in respect of which
them on August 11, 2017.
"... to give details of shares
The offer comprised of
87,153,369 equity shares of
rises 52% on year to Rs 43 crore Piramal Capital and Hous- quarter ended December professional under the In- the shares of FHL were of FHL standing in the name face value of Rs 10 each and
Rupa and Co consolidated net profit for the December quarter ing Finance, submitted by 2020 against a net profit of solvency and Bankruptcy pledged with them; (b) to of FHHPL, sold by banks/fi- was a complete offer for sale by
jumped 52.3% on year to 433.88 mln rupees. Revenue from the CoC," Piramal Group Rs 934.31 crore in the year- Code (IBC). place on record the nature of nancial institutions from the government.
operations for the quarter rose 12.4% to 3.46 bln rupees. said in a statement. ago quarter. Sequentially, The company is being in- securities offered in connec- January 2017; (g) to disclose The company would not
Sequentially, net profit fell 4.4%, while revenue rose 13.9%. The resolution plan was the company witnessed vestigated by the Ministry tion with such loan arrange- whether such encumbrance directly receive any proceeds
approved by the CoC in its widening of net loss from of Corporate Affairs from ments." created after August 11, 2017 from the same.
Gujarat Ind October-December net 18th meeting concluded on
January 15, 2021. Piramal
Rs 2,122.65 crore in the sec-
ond quarter ended Septem-
December 2019 through the
Serious Fraud Investiga-
The top court also asked the
lenders to place on record the
was in pursuance of any
fresh arrangement or agree-
The minimum bid lot was of
155 equity shares, thereafter in
profit falls 35% on year, sales fall 6% Group and the US-based ber 2020. tion Office (SFIO). details of the encumbered ment,” it said. multiples.
Gujarat Industries Power Co Ltd's net profit for the December

Telecom base falls in Allow companies to vaccinate staff: CII

quarter declined 34.8% on year to 319.23 mln rupees.
Revenue from operations for the quarter fell 5.6% to 3.31 bln
rupees. Sequentially, the net profit fell 32% and revenue fell
1.6%. The company's other income fell to 81.11 mln rupees

Dec; Jio, Airtel gain

from 88.99 mln rupees year ago.
Zee Learn posts consolidated loss in
October-December vs PAT a year ago MUMBAI: Telecom sub-
Zee Learn Ltd slipped into the red in the December quarter, scriber base in the country
posting a consolidated net loss of 2 mln rupees as against a fell marginally to 1,173 mil-
net profit of 147.91 mln rupees a year ago and a profit of lion in December 2020 with
22.21 mln rupees in Jul-Sep, the company said in an exchange Vodafone Idea and state-run
filing today. Revenue from operations for the quarter slumped telecom firms BSNL and
56.6% on year to 511.92 mln rupees. MTNL losing the bulk of
their customers, according to
RattanIndia Power consolidated loss data released by sector regu-
lator Trai on Thursday.
at Rs 69 crore versus PAT a year ago Bharti Airtel and Reliance
RattanIndia Power Ltd posted a consolidated net loss of 689.9 Jio were the only gainers of
mln rupees for the December quarter, as against a net profit of new customers in December.
16.58 bln rupees a year ago. The loss narrowed from the 4.61- "The number of telephone
bln-rupee loss posted in Jul-Sep. subscribers in India de-
creased from 1,175.27 million
Shree Renuka Sugars consolidated at the end of November 2020
to 1,173.83 million at the end
Bharti Airtel also led the
market in active subscriber
base. The company reported
97.1 per cent active sub-
scribers in December. It was
followed by Vodafone Idea
with 90.26 per cent and Re-
liance Jio with 80.23 per cent.
AGENCIES/ New Delhi
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
has asked the government to allow
companies to vaccinate their employ-
ees and family members for Covid 19.
CII asked the government to consid-
er industry participation in ramping
up the vaccination programme.
"It is suggested that for ensuring
faster rollout and for providing confi-
dence to workers at the workplace,
business enterprises could be permit-
ted to vaccinate their employees and
immediate family members. Enter-
prises could also assist in the vaccine
rollout for surrounding communities
on a CSR basis as well," it said.
It is estimated that such a pro-
gramme could benefit an additional
100 million workers in the formal sec-
tor and local communities by provid-
ing access to the vaccine. While con-
tributing to the government's pro-
gram, Industry would fully comply
with all the government guidelines.
CII also suggested that private
providers, with appropriate checks
and balances, be allowed to vaccinate
and support the Government to both
utilize the available vaccines as well
as amplify the number of vaccina-
tions with all necessary norms and
compliances.
The exercise will allow the Govern-
ment to reach its identified target pri-
ority groups quicker, which will be
critical for getting the workforce back
to work and the economy back on
track.
As all vaccines have a finite period of
longevity and the matter of possible
expiry of many of these vaccines is of
national concern, it is recommended
that all stakeholders must contribute
in a manner that all vaccines available
in the country are well utilised and
well in time.
"By opening the vaccination process
to private sector, the large cohort of
those willing to take the vaccines
would enable full utilization of the
vaccines within the expiry period,"
CII said.

Cognizant to step up hiring in Mar quarter

loss narrows on year to Rs 140 crore
Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd posted a consolidated net loss of
of December 2020," Trai's tele-
com subscribers report for
1.41 bln rupees for Oct-Dec, against a net loss of 2.09 bln
rupees a year ago. For Jul-Sep, the company had reported a
December 2020 said.
The mobile subscriber base
net profit of 1.05 bln rupees. Total revenue from operations for
the quarter jumped 40.1% on year, but fell 13.1% sequentially,
declined to 1,153.77 million in
December, from 1,155.2 mil-
to 13.88 bln rupees. lion in November.
The dip in the subscribers
JP Associates consolidated net loss base was mainly due to Voda-
fone Idea losing over 5.69 mil-
narrows in Q3, sales fall 19% lion mobile customers. It was
Jaiprakash Associates Ltd's consolidated net loss for the followed by BSNL, which lost
December quarter narrowed to 2.98 bln rupees from 8.74 bln over 2,52,501 subscribers, and
rupees a year ago and 4.57 bln rupees in Jul-Sep, the company MTNL lost 6,442 customers.
said in an exchange filing today. Bharti Airtel led the mobile
segment with an addition of
Thomas Cook posts Rs 59 crore loss in over 4 million new customers
and Reliance Jio added
October-December vs PAT a year ago 4,78,917 new customers.
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd posted a consolidated net loss of
593.48 mln rupees for the December quarter against a net
profit of 57.62 mln rupees a year ago. The loss narrowed from
902.18 mln rupees posted in Jul-Sep. Revenue from operations Haldiram's enters health snacks,
Only about half of BSNL's
mobile customer base was
found to be active, while only
less than one-fifth of MTNL
customers were found active
in December, according to the
report.
Punjab reported the highest
decline rate in mobile sub-
scriber base of 3.34 per cent. It
was followed by Mumbai,
Madhya pradesh, Delhi, Kar-
nataka and Tamil Nadu.
The highest growth rate in
mobile subscriber base was
recorded in Jammu and
Kashmir, followed by Assam,
Himachal Pradesh, and
northeastern region.
AGENCIES/ New Delhi
Cognizant has stepped up
its hiring efforts for both
freshers and lateral hires in
the country and expects the
number of new recruits in
the March quarter to be
"more than ever before",
Cognizant India Chairman
and Managing Director Ra-
jesh Nambiar said.
The US-based company,
which has over two lakh
employees in India, expects
to hire more than 23,000
fresh graduates this year in
the country.
"India has always been
and will continue to be a
very important part of
what we do in Cognizant. At
nearly 2,04,500, our India
headcount at the end of
2020 was Cognizant's high-
est ever in the country. We
continue to be one of the
top recruiters of high-qual-
ity engineering, science,
management and other tal-
Multiple suitors line
ent in India," Nambiar said.
He added that the company
hired more than 17,000 fresh
graduates from campuses in
calendar year 2020, and ex-
pects to hire over 23,000 fresh
graduates in 2021 - 35% more
than in 2020.
He noted that the compa-
ny continues to heavily
reskill and upskill its em-
ployees. This year, the pro-
gramme is being expanded
to accommodate 10,000 in-
terns, he added.
India PC mart
grows 27% in
Dec quarter
MUMBAI: The PC market in
India continued its growth
momentum registering 27%
growth in shipment at 2.9
million units in the
December 2020 quarter
from 2.3 million units in the
year-ago period, as per
research firm IDC.
However, the market -
comprising desktops,
notebooks, and
workstations - witnessed a
6.4% decline in shipment
on a full-year basis with
shipment at 10.27 million

to bring Futurelife range to India

nosedived 86.3% to 2.36 bln rupees. units in 2020 as against

Triveni Engg Oct-Dec consolidated net

profit doubles on year, sales up 5% AGENCIES/ Mumbai
Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd's consolidated net profit
in the December quarter doubled on year to 946.6 mln rupees, Food and snack company
and revenue rose 5% to 11.23 bln rupees. Sequentially, the net Haldiram's has partnered
profit rose over threefold, while revenue fell 3.9%. with Africa's Futurelife to
bring its nutritional food
Mangalore Chemicals Oct-Dec net product range to India.
The two companies on
profit falls 96% on year, sales fall 52% Thursday announced the
Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd's net profit for the launch of a range of four
December quarter nosedived 95.6% on year to 8 mln rupees. products -- Smart Foods,
Revenue from operations for the quarter slumped 51.6% to Smart Oats and Ancient
3.27 bln rupees. Sequentially, the net profit fell 98% and Grains, Crunchy Granola
revenue fell 52.5%. and High Protein-- in India.
"Haldiram's is committed
Transport Corp consolidated net profit to being part of an increas-
ing trend being seen across
rises 23% on year to Rs 41 crore urban India with regards to
Transport Corp of India consolidated net profit for the better eating habits, reflect-
December quarter rose 22.9% on year to 418.4 mln rupees.
ing a marked shift towards
the consumption of healthi-
er food and beverages.
"Given its varied portfolio
that blends high quality, nu-
tritious and tasty food prod-
ucts and is highly ac-
claimed by consumers glob-
ally, Futurelife has emerged
as the partner-of-choice for
Haldiram's in India," the
company said.
A K Tyagi, Executive Di-
rector, Haldiram's said: "At
Haldiram's, we are not only
seeing an increasing con-
sumer preference in India
for health foods but also a
growing inclination to try
new, non-traditional food
products....(we) are eagerly
looking forward to retailing
their products across our
retail stores across North
India." In the first phase of
the launch, the products
will be available across
north India states including
Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Pun-
jab, Uttar Pradesh and Hi-
machal Pradesh.
up for Pawan Hans
NEW DELHI: The govern-
ment has received multiple
preliminary bids for strate-
gic sale of Pawan Hans, DI-
PAM Secretary Tuhin Kan-
ta Pandey said.
Thursday was the last date
for putting bids for Pawan
Hans, in which government
owns 51 per cent stake while
Oil and Natural Gas Corp
(ONGC) holds the remaining
49%. ONGC has also decided
to tender its share in the
strategic sale process.
"Multiple expressions of
interest have been received
for privatisation of Pawan
Hans Limited. The transac-
tion will now move to the
second stage," he said.
After multiple failed at-
tempts, the Department of
Investment and Public As-
set Management (DIPAM)
had in December invited
bids for strategic sale, along
with transfer of manage-
ment control, of helicopter
service provider Pawan
Hans. The date for bid sub-
mission was January 19,
which was later extended to
February 18.
In 2018, the government
had invited bids to sell 51
per cent stake in Pawan
Hans.
10.97 million units in 2019.
During the October-
December 2020 quarter, the
notebook segment grew
62.1% year-on-year to
contribute more than three-
fourths of the total
shipments of 2.9 million
units.The growth driver
continues to be the demand
from e-learning and remote
working, leading to a
74.1% and 14.1% annual
growth in the consumer
and enterprise segments,
respectively, IDC said.
E-learning and remote
working needs had helped
the Indian PC market log its
biggest quarter in the July-
September 2020 with
shipment rising 9.2%.

IT coasts on digitalization Zoom logs 70X

Nestle India grows in
Revenue from operations for the quarter increased 14.3% to
8.07 bln rupees. Sequentially, net rose 14.3%, revenue 15.8%.

Prataap Snacks Oct-Dec consolidated growth in India

PAT falls 18% on year to Rs 45 crore
Prataap Snacks Ltd's consolidated net profit for the December
TEJI MANDI amid pandemic high single-digit in 2020
quarter fell 17.6% on-year to 45.49 mln rupees. Total revenue Covid 19 prompted global corporations to ramp MUMBAI: The pandemic-
from operations for the quarter fell 6% to 3.39 bln rupees. up their digital infrastructure. Companies are induced lockdowns resulted in NEW DELHI: Swiss food
increasing their spending on digitalization. It a 70 times increase in the user and beverage major Nestle
Future Supply posts Rs 41 crore resulted in a strong order flow for India's IT
companies during FY21. Future trends are looking
base for Zoom in the four
months to April 2020, the video
on Thursday said it has
"performed well" in the
loss in third quarter vs PAT a year ago increasingly better with improved spending conference app's founder and South Asia market in 2020,
Future Supply Chain Ltd posted a consolidated net loss of outlook from the US and Europe. Chief Executive Eric S Yuan said including in in India where
412.77 mln rupees for the December quarter, as against a net End users' preference is also tilting towards on Thursday. it posted "high single-digit''
profit of 137.99 mln rupees a year ago. The loss narrowed using digital platforms. It has forced companies to He said the app, which growth.
from a loff of 687.55 mln rupees in Jul-Sep. Revenue from accelerate digital adoption. Improving digital enjoyed a runaway jump in Key brands such as Mag- growth in AOA zone due to
operations for the quarter slumped 59% on year to Rs 1.16 bn. customer experience and enhancing cybersecurity valuations after the pandemic, gi, Nescafe and KitKat post- the timing of the Chinese
have become more important than ever for them. will continue to be relevant for ed robust growth in the In- New Year, decline in out-of-
KIOCL posts Rs 63.8 crore net profit Positive spending outlook in US: infrastructure, data, and Artificial Intelligence.
its users as the world switches
to a hybrid mode of working,
dian market in 2020, Nestle
said in a post-earnings
home channels and limited
consumer stockpiling dur-
in Oct-Dec against loss a year ago The pace of digital adaptation is fastest in the which entails dividing time statement. ing lockdowns, it said.
KIOCL Ltd posted a net profit of 638.2 mln rupees for Oct-Dec, banking and finance segment. The commentary of Strong indications for Indian IT companies: between home and offices. Besides, the company saw South-East Asia saw low
compared with a 36.6-mln-rupee loss a year ago. In Jul-Sep, large US banks, points at the growing need for Given the strong presence in the US and European Following the sudden sustained momentum in e- single-digit organic growth
the company had reported a net profit of 313.2 mln rupees. investment in digital infrastructure. As per the market, Indian IT companies are perfectly poised imposition of the lockdown, commerce sales in India, a and South Asia markets re-
Total revenue from operations rose 14.2% on year and 18.5% Kotak Institutional report, Citi will continue to reap the rewards. Indian IT companies have video conferencing was the segment which has grown ported mid-single-digit or-
sequentially to 5.46 bln rupees. investing in risk control & compliance and digital enhanced their competency in the BFS segment default connect with the world in prominence after the ganic expansion.
capabilities. JP Morgan indicated a $0.9 bn and they are increasingly gaining orders in this for all the people, and ensured pandemic. Sub-Saharan Africa
Savita Oil net profit rises threefold on increase in technology expense in 2021. They
would be investing in areas like improving a
domain.
The IT companies have seen an increasing
that office work continued
remotely and people stayed in
"South Asia continued to
perform well, with high sin-
recorded double-digit or-
ganic growth and countries
yearr at Rs 81 crore in third quarter customer’s digital experience, strengthening fraud number of large deal wins in Q3. With the touch with their dear ones. gle-digit growth in India like Japan, South Korea
Savita Oil Technologies Ltd posted an over threefold on-year detection capabilities, and modernizing growing size and value of deals and faster Terming 2020 as a "crazy and a return to positive and Oceania combined saw
surge in net profit for the December quarter at 811.01 mln technology infrastructure, cloud, and data conversion rate, the companies have ramped up year", Yuan spoke about the growth in Pakistan," Nestle almost flat organic growth.
rupees, the company said in an exchange filing today. Total capabilities. Goldman Sachs is looking to increase their hiring activities. growth in adoption of the app said. Overall, Nestle reported
revenue from operations for the quarter rose 3.3% to 5.35 bln its technology budget. Major IT services companies are witnessing in an extremely crowded "In India, Maggi, Nescafé sales of 84.34 billion CHF
rupees. Sequentially, the net profit rose over twofold and total highest-ever utilization levels. As a result, total market place which had and KitKat posted robust (USD 94.04 billion). This
revenue was up 11.1%. The company's other income rose to European banks to increase IT spend: headcount addition stood at 39,000 in December alternatives. growth and e-commerce was 8.9 per cent lower than
117.04 mln rupees from 38.14 mln rupees a year ago. European banks also indicated a strong IT quarter. In comparison, there was a net decline of In January-April last year, in sales saw sustained mo- 92.56 billion CHF sales of
spending cycle going ahead. Deutsche Bank has 3,000 employees in the past nine months. terms of free users in India, mentum," it added. 2019 but was up 3.6 per cent
HCC October-December consolidated recently signed a multi-year partnership with
Google Cloud. BNP Paribas will also ramp-up its
Average attrition rate in Q3 was at lowest ever at
11.3% v/s 16.2% a year ago.
there was a growth of 70
times, he said. This was in sync
The Indian market falls
under Nestle's Asia, Ocea-
in terms of organic growth.
"Growth was based on
net falls 47%, margins rise 492 bps digital transformation programs in 2021. Credit Teji Mandi (TM Investment Technologies Pvt. with the global experience, nia and sub-Saharan Africa strong momentum in the
Hindustan Construction Co Ltd's consolidated net profit Suisse indicated a commitment to invest in Ltd.) is a SEBI registered investment advisor. No where the daily meeting (AOA) zone, which reported Americas and robust sales
slumped 46.9% on year in the December quarter to 1.19 bln technology across all divisions. Societe Generale is information in this article should not be construed participants zoomed to up to sales of 20.73 billion CHF development in EMENA
rupees. In Jul-Sep, the company had posted a net loss of 4.77 also looking to maintain client's interests through as investment advice. 350 million in April from a peak (around USD 23.10 billion). (Europe, Middle East and
bln rupees. Revenue from operations rose 2.2% on year, and investments in digital banking, cloud Please visit www.tejimandi.com to know more. of 10 million in December. China posted negative North Africa)," it said.
32.9% sequentially, to 24.06 bln rupees.
‘Pariksha par Charcha’ 2021 to be held virtually: Pokhriyal
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annual
interaction with students on the fourth edition of 'Pariksha
par Charcha' will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19
pandemic, said education Minister Ramesh Nishank
Pokhriyal. The minister informed, "Registration process of
the fourth edition of PM's Interaction Programme with
school students, teachers and parents 'Pariksha Pe Charcha
2021' will remain open till March 14."
NATION
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT OF RAIL ROKO: RLYS

AGENCIES
New Delhi
There was negligible or
minimal impact on railway
services due to the 'rail
roko' agitation called by
farmer groups on Thursday,
a spokesperson for the na-
tional transporter said.
He said majority of the
zonal railways reported no
incident due to the protest.
"The rail roko agitation
passed off without any un-
toward incident. There was
negligible or minimal im-
pact on running of the
trains across the country.
Train movement in all the
zones is normal now," the
spokesperson said.
"Majority of the zones
have reported not a single
case of any stoppage of
train by the agitators. Few
trains were stopped in some
areas of some Railway
zones but now train opera-
tion is normal and trains
are being operated smooth-
ly. While dealing with the
Rail roko agitation, utmost
patience was exercised by
all concerned," he said.
Earlier, around 25 trains
were regulated by the Rail-
ways on account of the agi-
tation.
The Samyukta Kisan Mor-
cha (SKM), an umbrella
body of farmer unions
which is spearheading the
protest, last week had an-
nounced the rail blockade
to press for its demand to re-
peal three new farm legisla-
tions. The SKM had said the
blockade will be held across
the country from 12 pm to 4
pm.
UP Opposition stages protest
LUCKNOW: Legislators of the
Samajwadi Party, the main
opposition party in the State
Legislature, reached Uttar
Pradesh Vidhan Bhawan
building in tractors and
bicycles and some of them
entered the highly secured
building with petrol and diesel
bottles by giving a slip to tight
security arrangements.
They were protesting against
the govt inability to attend to
farmers’ problems and check
sharp rise in diesel and petrol
prices, which touched Rs 100
mark. Later, when security
personnel intervened, they sat
on a dharna at Chowdhary
Charan Singh statue within the
Vidhan Bhawan complex and
raised slogans against the
govt.
Meanwhile, entire opposition
in Uttar Pradesh boycotted the
address of Governor Anandiben
Patel to the joint session of the
State Legislature on the first
day of the budget session.
–Srawan Shukla
Tikait: We’ll take
our tractors to WB
HISAR: BKU leader Rakesh
Tikait said the protesting
farmers will take the agitation
to West Bengal if the Centre
does not concur with their
demands against the new
farm laws. Addressing a
maha panchayat at Kharak
Punia here, Tikait said, "Crops
prices are not increased, but
fuel prices have gone up. If
Centre ruins the situation, we
will take our tractors to West
Bengal.”
Sugar mills may sabotage
BJP plans to woo UP farmers
OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
The BJP has assigned the
task of wooing the agitating
farmers of western UP, who
are mostly jats, to Union Min-
ister of State Sanjeev Balyan,
a Jat leader from Punjab who
participated in all 11 round of
talks the government held
with the farmers.
The private sugar mills in
the region may, however, sab-
otage the BJP's plans to win
back the farmers since they
have not paid the sugarcane
dues of the farmers that were
around Rs 10,174 crore until
last September and swelled to
nearly Rs 13,000 crore.
These mill owners also
forced hands of the UP gov-
ernment of Yogi Adityanath
in not raising the sugarcane
prices that are fixed at Rs 315
a quintal for common variety
and Rs 325 for advanced vari-
eties. This may also pose fur-
ther trouble to the BJP,
which is in power in both the
Centre and the state.
Balyan was assigned the re-
sponsibility after a meeting
with Home Minister Amit
Shah and national BJP Pres-
ident J P Nadda here on
Tuesday. He had a first pre-
liminary round with 20 Jat
leaders from the western UP
at his residence here on
Wednesday and their meet-
ing decided to call meetings
of the Khap (community)
leaders to sit with them and
listen to the issues.
This is to counter the Ma-
hapanchayats taking place
in the region almost on a dai-
ly basis, attracting huge
gatherings as they are spon-
sored by the Khap leaders of
the Jat community to mo-
bilise support for the farm-
ers' movement.
The BJP sources said the
leaders, who met Balyan and
earlier Shah and Nadda,
were frank in admitting that
the tide has changed against
the party and they would be
able to assess the impact in
the zila panchayat elections
in the next two months.

Heightened vigil at LoC pushed Shabnam now approaches Why not voting rights for those
terrorists to dig tunnels: Army UP Governor for mercy stationed outside constituency: SC
AGENCIES / Srinagar
Heightened vigil along the
Line of Control has pushed
terror groups and Pakistani
establishments to send mili-
tants into India using tun-
nels dug under seasonal river
beds along the International
Border in the Jammu region,
the army on Thursday told a
group of 24 foreign envoys
visiting Jammu and Kash-
mir.
The envoys, including
those from member states of
the European Union (EU)
and the Organisation of Is-
lamic Cooperation (OIC), ar-
rived in the union territory
on a two-day visit on Wednes-
day to assess the develop-
ment work and the security
situation in Jammu and
FOREIGN ENVOYS IN J&K
Kashmir, especially after the
erstwhile state's special sta-
tus was abrogated in 2019.
They were given a detailed
presentation by senior Indi-
an army officers on the role
of the Pakistani army in
helping cross-border infiltra-
tion and supplying arms, and
instances of unprovoked
ceasefire violation by the
neighbouring nation.
The envoys were briefed by
the officers at the strategi-
cally-located headquarters
of the army's XV Corps,
which overlooks the Kash-
mir Valley.
SRAWAN SHUKLA / Lucknow
Even as her mercy petition has
been rejected by the President
Ram Nath Kovid, Shabnam Ali
has filed a fresh mercy petition
before the Uttar Pradesh
Governor Anandiben Patel.
Two Counsels of Shabnam met
her on Thursday in Rampur Jail
on Thursday. They held talks
with her and suggested filing a
fresh mercy petition.
Initially, Shabnam had refused
but her Counsels convinced her
that she should file an appeal to
the UP Governor, who is also a
female and may look at it
sympathetically.
It took Counsels three hours to
convince her. Finally, she signed
the application for mercy
petition addressed to the UP
Governor Anandiben Patel for
pardon.
The Rampur Jail Superintendent
PD Salonia said that the two
counsels had come to meet
Shabnam. They have handed
over a fresh mercy petition
which is being sent to the
honorable Governor Anandiben
Patel.
Article 161 of the Constitution of
India empowers the Governors
of States to grant pardon.
Earlier, her 12-year-old son Taj
had appealed to the President to
forgive and pardon her.
Shabnam Ali, 38, was convicted
of killing seven members of her
family – her mother, father, two
brothers, sister-in-law, cousin
and 10-month-old nephew —
by serving them milk laced with
sedatives and then slitting their
throats.
Shabnam's family members
were against her relationship
with Saleem. Both came from
different socio-economic
backgrounds and caste.
OUR BUREAU / New Delhi
The Supreme Court on
Thursday sought response of
the Centre and the Election
Commission on a plea for vot-
ing right to the registered
voters stationed outside their
constituency, including stu-
dents, migrant workers,
NRIs and business persons.
A 3-judge Bench headed by
Chief Justice of India
Sharad Arvind Bode and also
comprising Justices AS
Bopanna and V ramasubera-
manian issued the notice on
a PIL by K Sathyan, through
his lawyer Kaleeswaram Raj.
The petitioner also wanted
a double database for storing
the transactions in the Elec-
tronic Voting Machines
(EVMs), namely a central
database and a local database
as it would drastically reduce
the chance of mAnipulation
of data and EVMs
In his petition, Sathyan had
sought appropriate direc-
tions to the Election Com-
mission to take steps to en-
sure that access to voting is
ensured to all registered vot-
ers of the constituency. He
also sought extension of
postal ballot facility and/or
electronically transmitted
postal ballot system to all
registered voters who are sta-
tioned outside their con-
stituency.
the petitioner also, in his
petition, sought that the SC
should pass appropriate di-
rections for evolving an OTP
based system for the purpose
of fault free identification of
voters without infringing
their privacy right section.
The installation of CCTV
in all the polling booths
should be made, across the
country so as to ensure pro-
bity in the process of voting,
the petition said.
Steps should be taken to
curtail the misuse of the as-
sisted voting for blind and
physically challenged per-
sons by notifyin that the com-
panion shall be either an im-
mediate family member or
an officer of the booth, the
petition further said.

COVID CASES Death due to poison, suggests autopsy

FAST NEWS
Pondy LG orders floor test on Feb 22
Within hours of being sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of

SEE A RISE
OUR BUREAU / New Delhi
India is still not getting
any relief from the dread-
ed Coronavirus as the ac-
tive cases went up by 793
on Thursday. The new in-
fections at 12,881 were
higher than the recovery
of 11,987 patients.
There were 101 deaths in
the past 24 hours, the high-
est 40 being in Maharash-
tra, followed by 16 in Ker-
ala and 10 in Punjab. Delhi
and 14 other states and
Union Territories report-
states and Union Territo-
ries.
Total recoveries on
Thursday touched 10.66
lakh as against 10.95 total
cases of Covid-19. Those
under treatment grossed
1.37 lakh and the country's
death toll is 1,56,014. As
many as 7.27 lakh persons
were tested in 24 hours,
raising the total number of
persons tested in India to
20.87 crore.
Those who have been ad-
ministered the Covid-19
vaccine increased to 94.22
DALIT GIRL
SRAWAN SHUKLA / Lucknow
Initial post mortem report of
the two minor Dalit girls,
who died under mysterious
circumstances in Unnao,
suggested death due to some
poisonous substance.
A panel of three doctors
conducted the post mortem
on Thursday. They told the
police that some poisonous
substance was found in their
body and it may be the cause
of the death. Doctors said
samples and viscera have
been sent to the lab to ascer-
tain the type of poison.
Locals stage a protest after bodies of two minor Dalit girls were
found in a field and another in critical condition.
Taking serious note of the
mysterious deaths, the Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath has issued direc-
tives for free treatment of the
17-year-old third girl. The
state government will bear
all her medical expenses.
The third girl has been ad-
mitted at Regency Hospital
in Kanpur. The Chief Minis-
ter has also directed the DGP
H.C. Awasthi to submit a de-
tailed report about the inci-
dent, which may rock the
budget session on Friday.
Heavy police force has been
deployed in Baburaha Village
under Asoha Police Station
when Samajwadi Party sup-
porters held demonstrations
and sat on a dharna along
with villagers. Police have
put up barriers and denied
entry to anyone in the village,
including media persons.
Meanwhile, Faced with pub-
lic outcry, the UP Police have
finally registered a case of
murder based on the com-
plaint of family members of
the two Dalit girls found dead
in a field in Unnao on Wednes-
day. However, no FIR had been
filed in the case till now.
Puducherry on Thursday, Tamilisai Soundararajan (also Telangana
Governor), directed the crisis-hit Congress Government to prove
its majority on the floor of the Assembly on February 22. Against
a sanctioned strength of 33 – including three nominated members
– the Puducherry Assembly’s strength stands at 28 following the
resignation of two ministers and two Congress legislators and
disqualification of another ruling party MLA. The Congress, is
technically in a minority as of now, assuming there is no split in
the ranks of the opposition until February 22. –N Chithra
Huge cache of arms recovered in J&K
JAMMU: Army and police in
a joint operation have
recovered a huge cache of
weapons, including warlike
stores in the hinterlands of
Reasi district in the Jammu
region, officials said on
Thursday. Army said that an
input was received on
Wednesday evening from reliable source regarding suspicious activity

SC stays pvt buses in Advocates’ killing: T'gana

ed no deaths for the second
day while there were 6 or
lesser deaths in 17 other
VIRUS TIDBITS
Collaboration shown in fighting
virus valuable takeaway: PM
lakh which the Health
Ministry claimed to be the
highest in the world.
� UK variant not
found increasing
Covid severity,
transmission in India:
NCDC
� India third on list
of countries with
highest cumulative
vaccination numbers:
Health ministry
in the remote and dense forests of Makkhidar in the Reasi district.
UP: Man hangs self after killing fiancee
LUCKNOW: A 21-year-old woman, who was stabbed by her fiancé
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve lawyers take to streets on Wednesday succumbed to her injuries on Thursday in Jhansi
Medical College. After attacking the woman, identified as Jyoti, her
fiancé Devendra (22) committed suicide by hanging himself from a
OUR BUREAU Wildlife and the officials of tree in Rath area in Jhansi district. Both were engaged and about
New Delhi the Jim Corbette National AGENCIES to get married. The Station House Officer Rath Police Station RC
Park. Hyderabad Tripathi said that the woman was admitted to the Jhansi Medical
The Supreme Court on The petitioner alleged that College in critical condition on Wednesday. “She succumbed to
Thursday stayed the Jim forest officials of the State in Lawyers in Telangana High injuries on Thursday,” he said. The Police said that Jyoti had called
Corbett National Park's deci- order to provide wrongful Court and several other Devendra for some discussion related to their marriage. A heated
sion to allow buses of a pri- gain to a private sector com- courts in the state on Thurs- argument took place between the two during discussion. Agitated
vate opera- pany has al- day boycotted the court to over her arguments, Devendra whipped out a knife and stabbed
tor in core lowed them protest against the brutal her in a fit of rage. Later, he realised his mistake and committed
area of the to ply their killings of an advocate cou- suicide by hanging himself. –Srawan Shukla
tiger reserve private bus- ple in state's Peddapali dis-
Ram Temple: Singhal’s kin donates `11 cr
in Uttarak-
hand on a
es
the
within
core
trict.
On a call given by Telan- JAIPUR: Former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief late Ashok
petition by
Advocate
area of the
Tiger re-
gana Bar Associations, ad-
vocates boycotted the
Singhal’s brother has donated Rs11 crore for construction of the
Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This is the largest sum donated for the

C iting the region's collaborative effort to deal with the

COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Thursday called for greater integration among South Asia and
Gaurav Ku-
mar Bansal
that it vio-
serve in an
order issued
on Decem-
courts, staged protest
demonstrations and took
out rallies. protestors also tried to
temple in Rajasthan. Businessman Arvind Singhal, who lives in
Udaipur, said his elder brother Ashok had spearheaded a campaign
for the Ram Temple and his dream is now being realised. Singhal is
the Indian Ocean island countries to deal with their lates the ber 23, 2020. Work in courts came to a march towards Raj Bhavan the managing director of Wolkem India Limited which is involved
challenges. "If the 21st century is to be the Asian century, it Wildlife Protection Act. He said by issuing the or- standstill as advocates but were detained by police. in manufacture of special purpose machinery. “My brother
can not be so without greater integration among the countries A Bench of Chief Justice der, the Director of Jim Cor- stayed away from duties and In a horrific crime caught campaigned his whole life for the Ram Temple. However, he could
of South Asia and the Indian Ocean islands. The spirit of Sharad Arvind Bobde and bett National Park has not joined the protests, demand- on camera, an advocate cou- not see his dream of the Ram Temple become a reality. Now that
regional solidarity shown during the pandemic has proven that Justices AS Bopanna and V only violated the law of the ing strong action against ple practicing law in the the temple is being built, I feel very happy to see my brother’s
such integration is possible," he said at a workshop on Ramasubramanian issued land but also compromised the killers and special meas- Telangana High Court was dream being realised,” he said. –Urvashi Dev
"COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way notices to the Centre, Ut- with the safety, protection ures for their protection. brutally murdered in broad
Forward" with 10 neighbouring countries, including those in tarakhand Government, Na- and conservation of the Protest by lawyers led to daylight by unidentified TAILPIECE
the extended neighbourhood. tional Tiger Conservation tiger, which is India's na- traffic jam on LB Nagar-Dil- persons in Peddapalli dis-
Authority, National Board of tional animal. sukhnagar road. A group of trict on Wednesday.
PM’s constituency gets UP’s
STAR ATTRACTIONS
first transgender toilet
Bill Gates, Malala among speakers at Jaipur Lit Fest
FPJ CORRESPONDENT / Jaipur ence Museum Group and Dr Speakers at the Festival Gettleman, to name a few.
TheVaranasi,
first transgender toilet in Uttar Pradesh was opened in
the parliamentary constituency of the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. Part of the Smart City Project, the
Tilly Blyth, Head of Collec- this year include American Author and Jaipur Litera- toilet has been constructed by the Varanasi Municipal
Hailed as the 'greatest liter- tions and Principal Curator, business magnate and co- ture Festival Co-Director Corporation in Kamaksha area with an aim to ensure
ary show on Earth' and the Science Museum, London. founder of Microsoft Corpo- Namita Gokhale said, participation of transgenders, who often face social ostracism
‘Kumbh of Literature’, the The Festival will be held ration Bill Gates; American “�The virtual edition of in public, in the cleanliness drive under Swachh Bharat
14th edition of the Jaipur from February 19 to 28 and economist, public policy an- Jaipur Literature Festival Mission. The first transgender toilet was inaugurated by the
Literature Festival 2021 will feature over 300 speak- alyst and Nobel Laureate 2021 is an absorbing immer- Varanasi Mayor Mridula Jaiswal. “Transgenders in the city had
gets underway from Friday ers and performers repre- Joseph Stiglitz; Pakistani sive experience where we no washroom facility in the public. It will go a long way in
in its new virtual avatar. senting around 25 Indian activist for female education encounter an outstanding addressing their problem,” she said. The Municipal
The inaugural keynote ad- and 18 international lan- and Nobel Laureate Malala roster of great writers from Commissioner Gaurang Rathi said that the corporation will
dress will be delivered by guages and over 23 national- Yousafzai; Man Booker around the world. The chal- build four more such toilets in different areas in next two-
renowned author Sir Ian ities as well as major liter- Prize-winning author Dou- lenges and disruptions of three months to sort out difficulties faced by transgenders in
Blatchford, Director and ary awards ranging from the Pulitzer, the Sahitya South Asian Literature, glas Stuart; journalist and 2020 have transformed into urinating in the public.
Chief Executive of the Sci- the Nobel, the Man Booker, Akademi, DSC Prize for JCB Prize for Literature. Pulitzer awardee Jeffrey the triumphs of 2021.”
NATION MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Budget session of Bihar legislature to commence today
PATNA: The stage is set for an over-a-month-long session of
the state legislature in Bihar, commencing on Friday during
which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's new deputy Tarkishore
Prasad will present his maiden budget. Prasad, who has
replaced Sushil Kumar Modi and, similarly, holds the finance
portfolio, will be keenly watched when he tables the state
economic survey immediately after the governor's customary
address to the joint session.

Mamata-Shah war of words hots up

Central minister promises 33% reservation for women if voted to power
BMC cracks the Covid whip
Continued from Page 1
The BMC said on Thursday it was going to recruit nearly 300 marshals
to fine violators. Assistant Municipal Commissioner Prashant Sapkale
LOCKDOWN IN 4 DISTRICTS
In Yavatmal district, restrictions have been tightened. "Restrictions are
being put in place in Yavatmal district due to rising Covid-19 cases. It
said the focus of the civic body was on the markets in Andheri, where is not a lockdown," Collector M D Singh told ANI. Schools and
rules were not being obeyed. colleges will remain closed till February 28. Restaurants, function halls
ARITRA SINGHA / Kolkata in Gangasagar. "Despite warning, citizens continue to flout norms, so we have will be able to operate at less than 50 per cent capacity, while
Countering the claims of Slugfest over bomb attack on TMC min tightened the density of marshals deployed in an area. Even if we see marriage ceremonies will have limited attendees. An assembly of five
War of words between BJP Shah, Mamata stated that the Political slugfest started over the bomb attack on West Bengal people commuting on public transport without wearing masks, we or more people will not be allowed, Singh added. Further, Chief
and TMC continues unabat- BJP-led central government minister Jakir Hossain on Wednesday late evening. are fining them on the spot," stated Sapkale. Secretary Sanjay Kumar directed the respective district collectors to
ed. Addressing a public rally didn’t do anything for the de- Visiting the injured minister at SSKM hospital, Chief Minister Female marshals will be appointed at places of worship and will be immediately declare containment zones in areas with a large number
at Namkhana in South 24 velopment of Gangasagar. Mamata Banerjee alleged that the attack was purposely done to authorised to act against those walking without a mask or for of corona patients.
Parganas, Union Home Min- “BJP didn’t do anything for kill the minister. “A particular political party was pressuring Jakir gatherings of more than 50 people at a time. There is concentration of cases in the Achalpur taluka of Amravati
ister Amit Shah said that the West Bengal. Even during to join them. Since Jakir didn’t listen to them, they tried to kill Police are now authorised to fine citizens roaming about without district, Amravati Municipal Corporation, Yavatmal, Pusad, and
BJP doesn’t want to just form Amphan, they didn’t give him. We want a proper investigation into this,” said Banerjee. masks. Regular inspection will be conducted at halls, wedding Pandharkawada in Yavatmal district, Akot and Murtijapur talukas of
a government in West Bengal proper financial assistance. venues. BMC has warned that violation of any rules will lead to legal Akola district and in the Akola Municipal Corporation. The Chief
but wants to improve the The TMC government had Interestingly, Shah was Actor Hiraan action against the organisers and the concerned management. Secretary has directed that these areas be declared containment
state's situation by ousting developed Gangasagar and seen having lunch at a Municipal school teachers will be stationed at civic buildings, offices zones. The daily positivity rate of corona patients in Akola district is
the ruling Mamata Banerjee Sagar island,” she said at a refugee's house before flag- defects to BJP and hospitals and will be empowered to take punitive action against 32 per cent and the weekly positivity rate is 24 per cent. Amravati
government. rally in South 24 Parganas. ging off the final ‘Parivartan Another Bengali actor, Hi- those who walk without masks. district has a daily positivity rate of 48 per cent and 35 per cent per
“If voted to power, we will Amit Shah inaugurated the Yatra’. raan Chatterjee, joined the Health check-up camps will be organised in slums and densely week, while Yavatmal district has a daily and weekly positivity rate of
implement the Seventh Pay fifth phase of BJP’s 'Parivar- The CM attacked BJP lead- BJP at a public rally of Amit populated areas with the help of NGOs to check on suspected cases. 15 per cent. Comparatively, the daily positivity rate of the entire state
Commission. The BJP gov- tan Yatra' from Kakdwip and ers and said they bring food Shah. Soon after defecting to The tracing and tracking of corona patients will be done through is 8.8 per cent and the weekly positivity rate is 7.76 per cent. Hence,
ernment will provide more said his party will develop from "five-star hotels and for the saffron camp, the actor mobile dispensaries (mobile vans). major restrictions have been imposed in these districts. 0/01
than 33 per cent reservation Gangasagar to a tourist spot. photo sessions eat at poor peo- said that the defection was Chahal has instructed that at least one corona care centre 1 for high- In these districts, gatherings of five or more people will be prohibited.
to women in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata ple’s residence". Incidentally, necessary to bring "positive risk contacts and corona care centre 2 for asymptomatic patients The administration has banned religious processions, festivals,
and will also start special Banerjee challenged Shah to South 24 Parganas district change in West Bengal". should be functional within the boundaries of each ward. He has also ceremonies, get-togethers and other social events. Only 50 people
schemes for fishermen,” defeat TMC MP Abhishek has 31 assembly constituen- This development comes a asked to review the capacity of jumbo centres so that there will be can be present at weddings.
said Shah, after paying hom- Banerjee first before contest- cies and is considered to be a day after noted actor Yash adequate availability of regular and oxygen beds. In Yavatmal district, not more than 20 people can be present at a
age at Kapil Muni Ashram ing against her. Trinamool Congress’ citadel. Dasgupta joined the BJP. The emergency management department will update the information funeral. Failure to wear a mask in a public place will attract a fine of
of Covid-19 patients, patient beds and other necessary information Rs 500 for the first violation, Rs 750 for the second and Rs 1,000 in
Continued from Page 1 from all government and private hospitals in the BMC area by the
hour, through a dashboard.
the third instance. The police will thereafter lodge an FIR against the
violator.
Starting Thursday, the civic body had started cracking down on
Clean chit to CJI Gogoi... disseminated by various media houses which was a violation of the crowded places and penalising those found violating Covid norms. Woman booked for violations in Powai
The Justice Patnaik committee is also reported to have said that Gogoi's provisions of the Cable Televisions Networks (Regulation) Act. With Mumbai local trains open to all, crowding at suburban railway When a medical health officer visited the spot on Wednesday to check
tough decisions to streamline the top court's registry could also have It has also claimed that the "media houses have published a one-sided stations has been observed. In addition, a number of people are seen whether the floor residents were in compliance with the quarantine
led to the hatching of the conspiracy. defamatory, suggestive innuendos, and half truths about the in public without face masks. "As a result of crowding and non- norms, he learnt that one of the residents on that floor, Kamiya
petitioner". compliance, the number of cases have started surging. We have been Verma, was not at home and had reportedly gone out of station for
Pawar, others get clean chit in MSCB scam Ravi's plea has further contended that the Ministry of Information and appealing to people repeatedly to follow Covid-19 norms regularly, as work.
The police last year had filed a C summary in the special anti- Broadcasting and the News Broadcasting Standards Authority "have this is the new normal until everyone is vaccinated. Carelessness is The health officer then approached the building manager, who said
corruption bureau (ACB) court after the EOW’s SIT found that no failed to exercise their statutory and self-regulatory powers in ensuring leading to a rise in the number of cases," said Mumbai Mayor Kishori that Verma had not complied with the norms and left for work
criminal aspect was to be investigated in the case. compliance with the Programme Code under the CTN Act and the Code Pednekar. anyway. When the officer visited the floor on Thursday, Verma was
The committee headed by retired district judge Panditrao Jadhav has of Ethics of National Broadcasting Standards Association". Last year, at Ganeshotsav, the number of cases had begun rising, in still out of the house, following which he approached Powai Police
recently submitted its report to the Cooperation Department. The August-September. It was past November by the time the civic body and lodged a complaint for Covid-19 violations. Further, it is claimed
committee was formed in February 2020 after the announcement Metro man joining BJP managed to get a grip on the situation. By January, the number of that Verma’s house-help has been talking the dog for a walk every
made by the former cooperation minister Subhash Deshmukh (BJP). "I have been living in Kerala for the last 10 years, since my retirement. I cases had fallen to as low as 500-600 a day. evening.
Pawar and others were on the board of directors of the Maharashtra have seen different governments come and go but they have all been "Once the number of cases started declining, containment measures Manish Valanju, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of L ward (Kurla,
State Cooperative Bank. The board was subsequently dissolved in 2011 found wanting. I am joining the BJP to be able to contribute my mite, too were made less stringent. But citizens need to understand that Sakinaka, Chandivali) said, "After we found that a woman was
after a probe by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development using my experience," he said, explaining why he opted for the BJP. they cannot take Covid-19 safety protocols lightly. We managed to violating Covid norms and going out despite being a resident of the
(NABARD) found the bank was in red with negative of �144 crore. The He also criticized other political parties for what he called "blind push back cases because of our strategy. We have reviewed the floor that was sealed by us, we warned the society. Our health
NABARD report indicated financial mismanagement on part of the opposition" towards the BJP and showing India in a bad light. "Political situation and now masks have been officially made compulsory in officials even warned the woman. The society office-bearers informed
board of directors which led to ballooning of non-performing assets. It parties with vested interests are projecting India in a very bad light local trains too, for commuters as well as railway staff," said Chahal. us that the woman did not pay heed to their warnings and continued
was due to handing out loans to sugar co-operatives and spinning nationally and are opposing the BJP merely for the sake of it. Parties IGNORING THE RULES to venture out. Her domestic help too was going out, taking her pet
mills in violation of all norms. like the Congress are giving India a bad image", he said. Hotels in Mumbai have been allowed to stay open till 1pm, with dog for a walk. We had to register an FIR against the violator."
The NABARD report had said that balance sheets had been fudged to Asked to comment on "love-jihad" and articulate his stand on injunctions to operate at 50 per cent seating capacity. But this rule Police have booked Kamiya Verma under relevant sections of the
show a profit of Rs 2 crore when the bank was facing losses of Rs preserving the Sabarimala tradition of barring women between 10 and was being flouted. At weddings, only 50 attendees are allowed but Indian Penal Code and Covid-19 notification for violations. An officer
798 crore. The board had 76 directors, of whom 44 were elected 50 years, Sreedharan said, "I believe in the party. This is the reason this rule is being violated. There are crowds at parks/ playgrounds, said, “Acting on this information, a case was lodged. We are
representatives — 25 from the Nationalist Congress Party, 14 from the why I have joined the BJP; its stand is correct." beaches etc. In view of this, the commissioner has directed the investigating the case.”
Congress, 2 each from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Peasants and The BJP has just one MLA in the 140-member Kerala assembly. assistant commissioners of wards and other officials to keep a close
Workers Party of India and one from the Shiv Sena. Sreedharan retired as chief of the Delhi Metro in 2011. The engineer watch on public space. The market areas of Dadar, Andheri and Wedding photo shoots in Raj monuments
Further, the board was allegedly held responsible for providing loans was also involved in other metro projects in Jaipur, Lucknow and Kochi. Lalbaug have been recording heavy footfall ever since the state However, for those who don’t mind the crowds, they can get
without taking any collateral and in some cases without any mortgage. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in government initiated its 'Mission Begin Again'. photo shoots done at the monuments for Rs5000 for two hours
These loans were disbursed between 2005 and 2010 when Congress- 2008. According to civic officials, now that unlocking has happened, it is not during the office hours when they remain open.
NCP was ruling the state. possible to restrict movements of Mumbaikars, hence strict action will She said the decision was aimed at generating extra rev-
Freaky Feb weather in city have to be taken against violators of Covid norms, henceforth. enue as well as to promote Rajasthan not only as a wedding
Disha moves HC to restrain police leaks... The maximum temperature of the city will drop by two degrees, but "We have already increased the number of marshals deployed in each destination but as a destination for experiential travel.
It has claimed that the police first "leaked investigative material" – such the rains are not likely to affect the air quality of Mumbai. ward, now we are adding more marshals at public places like “Those who come here for their weddings, for them it be-
as alleged WhatsApp chats -- the substance and details of which were "Air quality would have improved if there were widespread rains, but markets, railway stations and bus stops where they will fine violators comes a special occasion and they could return in future to
only in the possession of the investigating agency. in this case, there will be patchy rainfall across the city," stated aggressively," Deputy Municipal Commissioner Parag Masurkar told mark their anniversaries. So it can generate repeat tourism
Thereafter, the "private alleged WhatsApp chats" were publicised and Palawat. The Free Press Journal. for us,” she said.

����������������� TJSB House,

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�

NOTICE Plot No. B5, Road No. 2, Wagle Industrial

THE WATERBASE LIMITED Estate, Thane (West) - 400 604.
������������������� Regd. Office : Ananthapuram Village, T. P. GUDUR MANDAL Tel.: 2587 8500 | Fax: 2587 8504
������������������������������������������������������ Nellore, Andhra Pradesh-524 344, PH : +91-9100018037 PUBLIC AUCTION
E-Mail : mtowaterbaseindia.com, Website : www.waterbasemdia.com TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. has initiated recovery action against the following defaulted borrower
������������������������������������������������������������������ CIN : L05005AP1987PLC018436
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�
� I/we, Ashish Jayendra Mehta, residing at 1201, Surya Appartment, "A" ������������������������������������������������������������������ as amended by the
�������������� ���������� ������ ���������� ������� ��� ���������� ��� ����� Wing, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai-400 026 the registered hold- ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������� ���������� ������������ ���� ����� ���������������� ���� er(s) of the under mentioned shares held in the above said company, ����������������������� and rule made there under has issued ������������� on �����������
������������������������������������������������� ���������� ���� hereby give notice that the share certificate(s) in respect of the said under section 13(2) of the said Act, to �������������������������������������������������
shares have been lost and I have applied to the Company for issue of ���������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������
� duplicate certificate(s). Any person having claim in respect of the said ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������� shares should lodge such claims with the Company at its above ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� as on
������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� referred address within 15 days from this date, else the Company will ���������� with further interest from ���������� mentioned in the said ������������� within
���������������������������������������������������������� proceed to issue duplicate certificate(s) and no further claim will be �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������
entertained by the Company thereafter. ����������������������������������������������������������
I, the undersigned� ���� ������� ������� ������ ��� ���� ����������� ������� ���
Folio No. Certificate No. Distinctive Nos. No. of Shares TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. �������������������� �������������������������������������������
00054627 2250 10964901-10965000 100 ����������������������������������������������������
00063694 26188 13358701-13358800 100 Name of the Borrower/
Description of Immovable Property
Mortgagor/Guarantor
Date : Ashish J. Mehta 1) Mrs. Jayshri Rohan Mohite All that piece and parcel of immovable
Place : Mumbai NAME OF SHAREHOLDER (Borrower & Mortgagor) property in the form of Flat No.106, area
2) Mr. Vishal Vinayak Mohite admeasuring about 75.74 Sq. Mtrs. Carpet
(Guarantor & Mortgagor) + 8.36 Sq. Mtrs. Open terrace, located on
3) Mr. Vinayak Janu Mohite the 1st Floor, Wing C of the building known
(Guarantor & Mortgagor) as ‘Shree Krishna Heights’, situated at
PUBLIC NOTICE 4) Mr. Ibrahim Ismail Shaikh Mouje Kulgaon, Tal. Ambernath, Dist.
NOTICE is hereby given that our client is negotiating with (Guarantor ) Thane.
Shri. Ramniwas Janardhan Agarwal residing at Plot No. 257, Bunglow Belavali Branch Loan A/c No- 130/ODS/1
No. 2, Central Avenue Road, Chembur (E), Mumbai – 400 071 purchase Place of Auction: Reserve price: Rs. 37,50,000/-
and acquire the share, right, title and interest in Bungalow No.2 TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd., Earnest Money: Rs. 3,75,000/-
comprising of Flat No.B-1 & B-2 more particularly described in the TJSB House, Plot No.B5, Road
Schedule hereunder written. No.2, Behind Aplab, Wagle
TDS if any, is to be bear by purchaser
ALL persons having any right, title, interest or claim into or upon or in Estate, Thane (W) – 400 604.
respect of the scheduled Flat or any part or portion thereof by way of Date and Time of Auction 08/03/2021 at 11.30 a.m.
inheritance, transfer, sale, gift, lease, sub-lease, tenancy, sub-tenancy, 01/03/2021
occupancy, right, licence, lien, charge, mortgage, trust, maintenance, Date of Inspection of property
Between 11.00a.m. to 05.00 p.m.
easement, attachment or otherwise howsoever, are hereby required to
Terms & conditions:
make the same known in writing to us at our office at 307, Skyline
���������������������������������������������������������������������������
Epitome, Near Jolly Gymkhana, Vidyavihar Society, Vidyavihar (West),
purchase of Immovable property of Mrs. Jayshri Rohan Mohite” by the
Mumbai – 400 086 together with certified true copies of the documents
prospective bidder & EMD amount to be transfer by RTGS to Account No.
in support of their claims within 14 days from the date of the publication
001995200000001, IFSC Code TJSB0000001 in favour of TJSB Sahakari
hereof, failing which, any such claims shall be deemed to have been
Bank Ltd., HO on or before 06.03.2021 before 5.30 p.m
waived and the transaction shall be proceeded with and completed ������������������������������������������������������������������������
without reference to any such rights, interests or claims. 08.03.2021 at the abovementioned venue at 11.30 p.m.
Please write to the undersigned in a sealed envelope marked “JOLLY �������������������������������������������������������������������������������
LAND” enclosing notarized documents in support of your claim. ���������������������������������������
THE SCHEDULE OF THE PROPERTY REFERRED TO 4. Tender forms along with the terms and conditions sheet will be separately
Bungalow No.2 comprising of Flat No.B-1 and B-2 in B Wing ����������������������������������������������������Rs. 100/- Plus GST
admeasuring 703.7 and 610 sq.ft. of carpet area respectively or Rs.18/-, Total Rs.118/- (Contact No. 9323220042/02225878790)
thereabouts on the 1st and 2nd floor of Jolly Land standing on land bearing This Publication is also 15 days notice to the Borrower/Guarantors of
C.T.S. No.1375 and Plot No.257 of Chembur and situate at Central the above said loan accounts.
Avenue Road, Chembur, Mumbai – 400 071. Sd/-
(AUTHORISED OFFICER )
Dated : 19/02/2021 Sd/-
SEAL CHIEF MANAGER
Advocate Forum P. Shah Date : 19.02.2021 Under SARFAESI Act, 2002,
High Court Place : Thane For & on behalf of TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd.
Nepal caretaker PM Oli reaches SC to furnish written reply
KATHMANDU: Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, Nepal
caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday reached the country's
Supreme Court to furnish written reply over the cases filed against him. This
comes after Nepal Supreme Court last month had summoned PM Oli in
punished for contempt of court. "Single Bench of Justice Manoj Kumar
Sharma ordered PM Oli to appear before the court in the contempt of court
cases over his comments over a senior advocate and subsequent comments
about the sub-judicial case of House dissolution," Devendra Dhakal,
WORLD
FB UNFRIENDS AUSTRALIA
person within seven days with a written response on why he should not be Assistant Spokesperson of the Supreme Court had told ANI last month. MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

DASHBOARD
Australians were blocked from sharing news stories on the popular social media platform
CANBERRA: In a shocking act of
retaliation Thursday, Facebook New media
law raises
blocked Australians from sharing
news, a milestone in the
increasingly frantic jockeying
between governments, media
and powerful tech companies
that one Australian minister
questions
called "an assault on a sovereign
nation" and abuse of power.
Australia's government
about ‘pay Zimbabwe health workers sprayed with disinfectant ahead of a vaccination programme.
condemned the decision, which
also prevented some government
communications, including
for clicks’ �
�
Widely unfair: UN says 10 countries administered 75% of vaccination
UK invests in studies of long COVID-19 syndrome
messages about emergency CANBERRA: Sir Timothy � UK study shows COVID-19 infections 'fallen significantly' in England
services, as well as some Berners-Lee, the British � Dutch lawmakers debate new law backing coronavirus curfew
commercial pages. The digital computer scientist known as the � Somalia bans public gatherings amid resurgence in infections
platforms fear that what's inventor of the World Wide � East Africa's exports recovered to pre-COVID-19: UN
happening in Australia will Web, says Australian plans to � Mexican Defence Minister tests positive for COVID-19

‘
become an expensive precedent make digital giants pay for � EU launches bio-defence preparedness plan against COVID-19
that larger countries will follow. journalism could set a

Night-time curfew and internet outage

Facebook took the drastic action precedent that renders the
because the House of Facebook's actions to Internet as we know it
Representatives passed unfriend Australia today, unworkable.
legislation that would make cutting off essential information "Specifically, I am concerned
Facebook and Google pay for
Australian journalism, said
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who
services on health and emergency
services, were as arrogant as they were
that that code risks breaching a
fundamental principle of the
web by requiring payment for
affect online businesses in Myanmar
added that he was given no disappointing. -Scott Morrison, PM
linking between certain content � Demonstrators against
warning before Facebook acted. online," Berners-Lee told a Myanmar's military takeover
The legislation needs to be Senate committee scrutinizing a returned to the streets
passed by the Senate before it
becomes law.
"Facebook's actions were
What's up between Google, FB & Australia? bill that would create the New
Media Bargaining Code.
It's a question dividing
Thursday after a night of
armed intimidation by security
forces in the country's second
biggest city.
unnecessary, they were heavy- BEIJING: For two decades, WHAT TRANSPIRED? proponents and critics of the
handed and they will damage its global news outlets have proposed Australian law: does � The police rampage in a
reputation here in Australia," complained internet companies � Facebook took the drastic action because the House of it effectively make Google and Mandalay neighbourhood
Frydenberg said. are getting rich at their expense, Representatives passed legislation that would make Facebook Facebook "pay for clicks" and where state railway workers
and Google pay for Australian journalism. are housed showed the
Facebook said the proposed selling advertising linked to might it be the beginning of the conflict between protesters
Australian law "fundamentally their reports without sharing � Both Google and Facebook have threatened retaliation if end of free access? The battle is and the new military
misunderstands the relationship revenue. Australia created the law, which the government contends being watched closely in the NAYPYITAW: Myanmar's online recent political events have government is increasingly
between our platform and Now, Australia is joining France will ensure media businesses receive fair payment for their European Union, where officials businesses are struggling due to turned businesses away from the focused on the businesses and
publishers who use it." "This is an and other governments in journalism being linked on those platforms. and lawmakers are drafting the military government's night- digital platform, reported government institutions that
assault on a sovereign nation," pushing Google, Facebook and sweeping new digital time curfew and internet outage Myanmar Times. sustain the economy.
Health Minster Greg Hunt told other internet giants to pay. regulations. from 1 am to 9 am, reported "Companies had prioritised the � State railway workers on
Parliament. "It is an assault on That might channel more What is happening percent of Australian online Myanmar Times. digitalisation of their businesses Sunday had called a strike,
people's freedom and, in money to a news industry that advertising revenue and Online shop owners said that the because of the COVID-19
particular, it's an utter abuse of is cutting coverage as revenue in Australia? Facebook 23 per cent, according sales have declined by half in pandemic but they have stopped
joining a loosely organised
Civil Disobedience Movement
big technologies' market power shrinks. But it also sets up a Facing a proposed law to to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. recent days following disruptions doing so because of the current that was initiated by medical
and control over technology." clash with some of the tech compel internet companies to Google had threatened to make in connectivity and slow internet political situation. The internet workers and is the backbone
Both Google and Facebook have industry's biggest names. pay news organisations, Google its search engine unavailable in speed. gets cut (without warning) so of the resistance to the coup.
threatened retaliation if Australia Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., has announced deals with Australia in response to the "Online shops function by selling there is nothing we can do about � A Chinese Foreign Ministry
created the law, which the has announced agreements to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. legislation, which would create a and buying on the internet. If the it," said a digital service provider. spokesperson refuted
government contends will ensure pay publishers in Australia and Seven West Media. No panel to make pricing decisions connection between sellers and Online food delivery service Food rumours about China on the
media businesses receive fair while Facebook said Thursday it financial details were released. on news. On Thursday, Facebook buyers is lost then we cannot sell Panda said the unstable internet situation in Myanmar, saying
payment for their journalism has blocked users in the country The Australian Broadcasting responded by blocking users anything," said Ma Thiri, an connection has resulted in a drop that Internet rumours are
being linked on those platforms. from viewing or Corp. is in negotiations. from accessing and sharing online entrepreneur. in sales, reported Myanmar nothing but that, aiming at
-Agencies sharing news. Google accounts for 53 per cent Australian news. -Agencies Other players in the industry said Times. -Agencies destroying relations.

ARM - II BRANCH, MUMBAI

3rd Floor, Canara Bank Building, Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik
Adi Marzban Street, Mumbai-
400001. Tel.: 022-22651128 / 29 Public Health Engineering Department (Water Supply)
Email- cb6289@canarabank.com
SALE NOTICE E-Tender Notice No. 11/2020-21 (Work No. 2,3,12,15 & 16) 2nd Ext
E-Auction Sale Notice for Sale of Immovable Properties under the Securitization and Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik invites bids for
Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002
read with provision to Rule 8(6) of the Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules, 2002. 1) Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik invites bids for Design providing and
Notice is hereby given to the public in general and in particular to the Borrower(s) and construction of RCC ESR.
Guarantor(s) that the below described immovable properties mortgaged/charged to the
Secured Creditor, the Physical Possession of which has been taken by the Authorized 2) Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik invites bids for Providing laying &
Officer of Canara Bank, will be sold on ������������������������������������������� Jointing water distribution pipeline Public Health Engineering Department,
on 09.03.2021 for recovery of Rs. 2,33,01,865.97/- (as on 05.09.2020 plus further
interest and charges thereon) due to the ARM-II Branch of Canara Bank from (WS) Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik. The detailed tender notice,
M/s. Saturn Healthcare, C-69, Sector 12 at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai represented by document would be available on www.mahatenders.gov.in
its Directors / Guarantors Mr.Venkatesh Goli, Mrs. Malti Venkatesh Goli, Mr.Yogesh Sd/-
Desai and Mr. Sushil Kumar Verma.
Superintending Engineer,
Sr.
Description of the Property
Reserve Earnest Money pe.meb./pee.¬eÀ./482/ efo.18/02/2021 Public Health Engineering Department, (W.S.)
No. Price Deposit
1 Part and Parcel of Row House No. C-69, Rs.1,55,65,000/- Rs. 15,56,500/- efvecee&u³e keÀueMeele efvecee&u³e ìekeÀe. Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik
situated at Plot No. C-69, Sector 12, Village
Kharghar, behind Gokhale School & Prakash
Gas Service, Khargar, Navi Mumbai - 410210
adm 1043 sq.ft built up area and 1063 sq.ft.
open space area.
The Earnest Money Deposit shall be deposited on or before 08.03.2021 upto 05:00 pm.
Details of EMD and other documents to be submitted to service provider on or before
Aspire Home Finance Corporation Limited
08.03.2021 upto 05:00 pm. Date up to which documents can be deposited with Bank is Motilal Oswal Tower, Rahimtullah Sayani Road, Opposite ST Depot, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400025.
08.03.2021. Date of inspection of properties on 06.03.2021 with prior appointment with Email :- info@ahfcl.com. CIN :- U65923MH2013PLC248741
Authorized Officer. DEMAND NOTICE
For detailed terms and conditions of the sale, please refer the link ����������� provided
�������������������������������������������������������������Mr. Pradeep Padman, NOTICE UNDER SECTION 13 (2) OF THE SECURITISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF FINANCIAL
Chief Manager, Canara Bank, ARM II Branch, Mumbai (Tel. No.: 022-22651128 / 29, ASSETS AND ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST ACT. 2002
Mob. No. 7639236670) OR Mr. Pawar K N, Officer (Mob No.: 9833300312) E-mail id: Under Section 13(2) of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and enforcement of Security Interest
cb6289@canarabank.com, during office hours on any working day OR the service Act. 2002 (the said Act) read with Rule 3(1) of the Security Interest (Enforcement) rules. 2002 (the said Rule) In exercise
provider M/s. C1 India Pvt. Ltd., Udyog Vihar, Phase-2, Gulf Petrochem Building, ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Building No. 301, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122015 (Contact No. +91 124 4302020 / 21 / 22 / Demand notices under Section 13(2) of the said Act, calling upon the Borrower(s) / Co-borrowers, Guarantor/s to repay the
23 / 24), E-mail: support@bankeauctions.com; hareesh.gowda@c1india.com. loan amount mentioned in the respective demand notices issued to them. In connection with above notice is hereby given
once again to all the parties to pay within 60 days from the publication of this notice, the amounts indicated herein below,
Sd/-
together with further interest from the date(s) of Demand Notice till the date of payment. The detail of the Borrower(s)
Date: 18.02.2021 Authorised Officer, ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Place: Mumbai Canara Bank, ARM-II Branch
1 LXVAP00216-170050243 / 23-Dec-20 / Rs. 924762/- Flat No - A -110, Mahadev Complex, First
Karan Ramnand Paswan / (Rupees Nine Lac Twenty Floor, Building - A, Survey No - 178/1+7/
��������������������������� ����������� Pinkidevi Karan Paswan Four Thousand Seven
Hundred Sixty Two Only)
Paiky 4, Chanod, Vapi, Valsad, Gujarat -
396195
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������� 2 LXVAP00316-170037653 /
Narmadaben Narendrabhai Gohil/
23-Dec-20 / Rs. 591931/-
(Rupees Five Lac Ninety
Flat No - 205, Odhav Srusti Apartment, 2Nd
Floor, S.No. - 123/Paikee, Computerize
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Simpal Khushal Vadekar One Thousand Nine S.No. - 123/Paikee 16/ Paikee 2, P.No. - 19,
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Hundred Thirty One Only) At - Sarigam, Umbergaon, Valsad, Gujarat -
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 396155
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 LXVAP00417-180054344 / 23-Dec-20 / Rs. 927892/- Flat No - 107, 1St Floor, Sai Bhakti - 2,
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Nasir Jamal Shaikh / (Rupees Nine Lac Twenty Krishna Park, Survey No - 140, Plot No - 106,
����� ��� �������� ��� ���� ���������� ����� ������������� ��� ������������ ������� ������� ��� ������ ���� Suphiya Nasir Shaikh / Seven Thousand Eight Chhiri, Vapi, Valsad, Gujarat - 396191
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Surotali Sohidul Gazi Hundred Ninety Two Only)
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 LXVAP00216-170040305 / 23-Dec-20 / Rs. 536082/- Flat No - 201, Second Floor, Survey No - 146,
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Rajendra Prabhati Lal / (Rupees Five Lac Thirty Six Plot No - 8, Pramukh Nagar, Sai Darshan
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Bimladevi Rajendra Lal Thousand Eighty Two Only) Residency, Village Pardi, Sadhpore, Valsad,
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Gujarat - 396020
�������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 LXNAI01217-180053455 / 19-Dec-20 / Rs. 936412/- Flat No - A/4, Ground Floor, A Wing, Sai Deep
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Mithilesh Ajay Kumar Das / (Rupees Nine Lac Thirty Six Building, Survey No - Gaothan Of Village
�������� ��� ���� ����������� ���������� ���������� ������������ ������ ������� �������� ����� ������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Ajay Kumar Shobhit Das Thousand Four Hundred Zanjroli, Near Kelva Station, Palghar, Thane,
��������
� � ��������������������������������� �����������������������
Twelve Only) Maharashtra - 401404
����������������� 6 LXPAN00315-160006940 / 19-Dec-20 / Rs. 1469031/- Flat No - 102, 1St Floor, A Wing, Olive Mount
�� ����������������� ������������������ ����������������������
������������������������ �������������������� Karuna Gopal Mane / (Rupees Fourteen Lac Sixty Co-Op Housing Society Ltd, S No - 39, H No
��������
�������������
Gopal Suryabhan Mane Nine Thousand Thirty One - 4, Plot No 3 & 4, At Village Palaspe, Behind
�� ��������������������������������� ����������������������������� Only) Pjb High School, Panvel, Raigad, Maharshtra
������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������� - 410206
������������������������������������ ������� ��� ���� ���� ������� ��������������������
7 LXPEN00417-180055492 / 19-Dec-20 / Rs. 685115/- House No - 476, At - Mashidvadi, Post -
��������������������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������
����������������������������������������� ���� ��� ������� ���������� ������������������� Dipak Ganpat Mahadik / (Rupees Six Lac Eighty Five Birwadi, Mangaon, Raigad, Maharashtra -
�������������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������� Sulabha Dipak Mahadik Thousand One Hundred 402117
������������������������������������ ���������� � ��� ���� �������� ��������������� Fifteen Only)
����������������������������������������� ������ ��� ������� ��� ������������������� 8 LXVIR00216-170048378 / 19-Dec-20 / Rs. 541569/- Flat No - 106, 1St Floor, Shubham Karoti
����������������������������������������� ���������� �������� �������� �������������� Shrinivas Ranganna Adale / (Rupees Five Lac Forty One Apartment, House No - 154-A, 16-A, &
������������������������������������� ������ ���� ���������� ������ ���������������� Geeta Shrinivas Adale Thousand Five Hundred 154-B, Maouje Sonarpada, Dombivali (E),
����������������������������������������� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �������������������� Sixty Nine Only) Kalyan, Thane, Maharashtra - 400601
��������������������������������������� ���������������������������� ����������������
�������������������������������������� �������������������������� 9 LXVAP00316-170046323 / 23-Dec-20 / Rs. 445167/- Flat No - 308, Third Floor, Om Palace, Chhiri
�����������������
������������������������������������ ���� ��������� ��� �������� Shailendra Nandlal Rajbhar / (Rupees Four Lac Forty Vapi, Ranchord Nagar, Valsad, Gujarat -
����������������������������������� ������� ���� �������� ����� ����������������������
Manju Shailendra Rajbhar / Five Thousand One 396191
������������������������������������� ��������� ������
Nandlal Jageshwar Bharadwaj Hundred Sixty Seven Only)
������������������������������������
�������������������������������� If the said Borrowers shall fail to make payment to AHFCL as aforesaid AHFCL shall proceed against the
������������������������������������� above secured assets Under Section 13(4) of the Act and the applicable Rules, entirely at the risk of the
������������������������������������ said Borrowers as to the cost and consequences. The said Borrowers are prohibited under the Act from
�������������������������������� transferring the aforesaid assets, whether by way of sale, lease or otherwise without the prior written consent
�����������������������������������
��������������������������������� of AHFCL. Any person who contravenes or abates contravention of the provision of the said Act or Rules
����������������������� made there under, shall be liable for imprisonment and / or penalty as provided under the Act.
��������
������������������
����������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� Place : Maharashtra
Date : 19.02.2021
Sd/-
������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� (Aspire Home Finance Corporation Ltd.)

CORPORATE GALLERY
Shunya seals the deal with Bollywood
actress Shraddha Kapoor
Shunya, the
flagship brand
of Naturedge
Beverages by
serial
entrepreneur
Siddhesh
Sharma of the
Baidyanath
Group. On
February 9, the
brand
announced that it has brought on board Bollywood actress
Shraddha Kapoor as an investor partner, further significantly
increasing the startup's valuation. At Shunya, we believe in
everything that is clean, pure and a 100 per cent feel-good. We are
conscious, playful, energetic brand and we could not think of a
better fit for us than Shraddha, said Siddhesh Sharma, founder and
CRO, Naturedge Beverages, and president, Baidyanath Group.
Honda 2Wheelers India digitally educates
23,000+ NSS volunteers on road safety
Supporting NSS volunteers who
continue to serve the nation
even during COVID-19
uncertainties, Honda Motorcycle
& Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI)
on February 15, announced
that its road safety training
‘Honda Road Safety E-Gurukul’
has successfully empowered
over 23,000 National Service
Scheme (NSS) volunteers across
India on staying safe on roads,
that too digitally, from the
safety of their homes. Speaking
on this milestone achievement, Prabhu Nagaraj, Senior VP - Brand &
Communications, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said,
“For 20 years, Honda has been aggressively working in India
towards its vision of ‘Safety for Everyone’ on roads. To enhance their
safety & inculcate safer riding habits, Honda has digitally trained
more than 23,000 NSS volunteers of over 200 colleges in just 8
months. With this initiative, Honda aims to sensitize all type of road
users, be it existing or new riders, pedestrians or pillions of their
responsibility on roads.”
PFC organises intra-divisional cricket
tournament
Power
Finance
Corporation
Ltd (PFC),
the leading
NBFC in the
power
sector,
organised a
leather ball
“T-20 intra-
divisional
Men’s
Cricket
Tournament” and “T-10 Tennis ball Women’s Cricket Match” at DDA
Sports Complex, Saket, New Delhi recently. The men’s final was
played between ‘CMD XI’ and ‘Projects Division XI’. R.S.Dhillon,
CMD, PFC and P.K.Singh, Director (Commercial), PFC participated on
behalf of CMD XI and Projects Divisions teams, respectively. Dhillon
displayed his excellent batting skills during his innings with
delightful boundaries and impressive stroke play.
Punjab National Bank shifts to a new
premise at Mira Road
Punjab National
Bank BO: Mira
Road East
shifted to its
new premises at
Poonam
Chamber, Mira
Road East.
Debadatta
Chand, Zonal
Manager,
Mumbai Zone
inaugurated its
new premises.
He also
welcomed senior
customers of the
branch and
addressed to
customers. He talked about various schemes of the bank. Arjun
Moolchandani, Circle Head, Circle Office - Thane - was also present
at there. He also informed that lockers facility will now also be
available at branch for its valuable customer. Branch Manager Manoj
conveyed thanks to all the customers.
MDL delivers third Scorpene class
submarine to Indian Navy
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) continues its saga of ‘self-
reliance’ ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ Initiative of the
Government of India, with the delivery of the third Scorpene
Submarine of Project P-75 on February 16, to the Indian Navy,
subsequently to be commissioned into Indian Navy as INS Karanj.
The Acceptance Document was signed by VAdm Narayan Prasad,
AVSM, NM, IN (retd), Chairman & MD MDL and RAdm B Sivakumar,
VSM, Chief of Staff Officer (Tech), Western Naval Command in the
presence of MDL Directors and Navy personnel at MDL.
Jain Irrigation lends support for the
development of Devrai on Shivneri Fort
Jain Irrigation is lending its support to Junnar Forest Department in
developing Devrai on Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj. As part of the Company’s CSR activities, Jain
Irrigation is installing material worth about Rs 21 lakh to provide a
drip irrigation system for Shivneri Fort. The project is an initiative of
Sahyadri Mountaineering Organisation (SMO) of Junnar in
collaboration with the Junnar Forest Department and the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Junnar Circle. As part of the
conservation and development project of Shivneri Fort, trees are
planted for the conservation of the biodiversity of the area.
MPs of Divisional committee of
Kharagpur & Adra hold meeting with SER
The meeting of
the Divisional
Committee
comprising of
Hon’ble
Members of
Parliament both
from Lok Sabha
and Rajya
Sabha under jurisdiction of Kharagpur and Adra Divisions of South
Eastern Railway was held at Kolkata on February 17, 2021. The
Divisional Committee Meeting was chaired by Dilip Ghosh, Member
of Parliament. The other Members of Parliament who attended the
meeting were Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Minister of State of Micro
Small & Medium Enterprises and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &
Dairying, Govt of India, Prasun Banerjee, Kunar Hembram,
Manjulata Mandal, Mamata Mohanta, Sunil Kumar Mondal, Dr.
Subhas Sarkar, Jyotirmay Singh Mahato and Chandra Prakash
Choudhary.
MONETA - ‘Learn India’: A step ahead in
Financial Literacy
S P Mandali’s R. A Podar
College’s MONETA largest
financial market based
event is held every year at
a pan India level with one
aim: to spread Financial
Literacy. Under the same,
a Run for financial literacy
is held which is supported
by Mahindra and
Mahindra financial
services. This year owing
to the pandemic, MONETA
was conducted online. During MONETA, webinars on financial
literacy were undertaken by inviting speakers from the industry and
subject experts. Taking our institutional social responsibility of
imparting financial literacy to new heights we associated with IEWA
and conducted webinars under ‘Learn India’. So far more than 500
sessions have been organised. We have reached out to taxi drivers,
jail inmates, teaching and non teaching staff of various colleges,
nursing staff, self help groups to name a few. This year Learn India
sessions are being conducted online and offline keeping in mind the
safety of the students in the pandemic time.
VIT-AP University‘s Merit Scholarships to
UG Non-engineering courses
Dr. Sekar
Viswanathan,
Vice President,
VIT announced
the GV Merit
Scholarship and
Tmt. Rajeswari
Ammal merit
scholarship
aimed at
supporting
candidates
enrolling in BBA, Law, B. Com, B.Sc. and BA Under Graduate
programmes, in addition to the flagship USR activity STARS
programme. Dr. S V Kota Reddy, Vice Chancellor, VIT-AP expounded
that the GV Merit Scholarship is for any board topper across the
country. Under this scholarship, the student will get 100%
scholarship for all years of the under Graduate programme. Dr. C.L.V
Sivakumar stated the eligibility criteria to avail Tmt. RajeswariAmmal
merit scholarship is that candidate must be a district topper from
any state across the country.
Mithiwood Film Festival provides
platform for aspirants to learn and grow
Mithibai College
and Fillum
presents India’s
largest and fastest
growing film
festival organised
by students i.e.,
Mithiwood Film
Festival which
flagged and
completed their
2nd year on 30th
and 31st January
2021. With more than 1500 entries from 85+ countries and more
than 1 lakh viewership, the festival has witnessed historical growth.
Through 20+ celebrity interviews and multiple movie screenings,
Mithiwood Film Festival provided a platform for aspirants to learn
and grow on their Digitally laid Red Carpet. Dr. Krutika Desai I/C,
Principal of Mithibai College, said, "This is one of the biggest short
film festivals organized by any college on the online platform. All the
films are curated by faculty and students. In such an unprecedented
time, students and faculty have worked relentlessly for the success
of the festival."
National College’s BMM Department back
with Cutting Chai festival
R.D & S.H
National College’s
BMM Department
is back with the
14th edition of
it’s media festival,
Cutting Chai. In
these
unprecedented
times, CC is now
joining the
bandwagon and
adding a new twist to their 3 days fairy tale which will be partly
online. This fest is for the students, by the students and also
properly managed by the students of mass media. In January the
core reveal was done on social media where the head of the various
departments and the Chair-Persons and Vice Chairpersons were
acknowledged. Under these people, are their department members
working tirelessly to achieve the brilliance which Cutting Chai
always shows, despite the situations. Just like every year the
students come up with a peculiar theme, this time they came back
with a spacious boom “CosmoChailestial Conquest”.
Union Bank Of India wins World HRD
Congress Awards
Union Bank of India was
awarded “Best Service
Provider” in Human
Resources and also the
best institution for
“Excellence in Learning &
Development” at the 29th
Global HRD Congress
awards function held at
Mumbai on February 16,
2021. Kalyan Kumar, Chief
General Manager, HR was
named as “Chief Human
Resources Officer of the
Year”. Vinayak V
Tembhurane, General
Manager, HR, received the
coveted award on his
behalf. Global HRD
Congress Awards are given to institutions annually for the best HR
practices under different categories. Eminent jury which consists of
best in industry will select the organizations taking into account
their remarkable achievements in HR.
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
‘Business was at a standstill during
lockdown; but bounce back was sharp
Suryoday Small Finance Bank has the second highest three-year AUM growth
rate of 64 per cent in fiscal 2020, as per the company’s DRHP. It has a loan book
size of Rs 4,000 crore. As of July 31, 2020, it operated 482 banking outlets
spread across 12 states and union territories in India. The bank has a growth
plan in place and to support this, an IPO will soon be floated.
In an interview, R Bhaskar Babu, MD and CEO of Suryoday Small Finance
Bank shared with FPJ’s Jescilia Karayamparambil and R N Bhaskar the
journey of the financial institution. Edited excerpts:
• How big are you now?
In terms of loan asset size,
to doing it through digital
means.
we are Rs 4,000 crore. Along with this, the BC
network is getting wider
• How many people do you and wider. There are
employ? around 10 lakh CSPs and
We employ around 4,500 at that point people can
people as of December end walk in at any point of
2020. time.
• What are the services the • What has the impact of
bank offers? COVID-19 been?
We have started micro Business was at a stand-
home loan, with upper still for a period of six
limit of Rs 10 lakh. months from April to Sep-
We also offer legal advice tember. After that, it start-
to home buyers. By pro- ed opening up. At the over-
viding legal advice, we are all level, the customers did
making the whole process get impacted.
easy which is a value add Maharashtra which is our
that we offer. core market did get im-
In the whole process, the pacted as people were un-
customers should not feel able to travel for work. But
that they are short the bounce back was pret-
changed and should in- ty sharp.
stead feel confident. During this time, we re-
We encourage our cus- efit means a lot to these is a Jan Dhan account alised that for contactless
tomers to take Pradhan
Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima
households.
We are also putting out
from a minimum balance
account point of view.
opening of an account, we
cannot use biometrics. So,
Yojan. We do not get any natural calamity’s insur- we started opening ac-
payouts for that but it is ance for as low as Rs 50. • What is cost in terms of counts using iris. These
more or less like a cost The insurance companies customer acquisition for the accounts were opened in a
that we incur. We do this do not give us any payouts bank? matter of minutes and not
mainly because as per our for this task but we still do Our operating ratio to our hours. During this time,
historical data we found it. The intention is to give value of asset size is 5 to 6 over one lakh of our cus-
that 1 per cent or less of all these solutions under per cent (historical num- tomers paid us through
our customers or their one umbrella. So, the cus- ber). But given the unit digital means. But later it
family members especial- tomer feels confident. size of servicing our cus- tapered off.
ly spouses die. Out of the tomer, it will be more per
10 lakh customers, we
process close to 7,000-8,000
• How many
accounts or
zero-balance
Jan Dhan
unit of loan or saving. • How much are you
planning to raise via IPO?
This is because the bal-
claims every year. Thus, accounts have the bank ance of these customers As per our DRHP, the
we encourage them to take opened? are far less in terms of ac- shares on issuance is 2
the insurance and process It is a zero-balance ac- count. crore shares — part will be
the claim and credit their count for which we give To meaningful service pre IPO.
account with Rs 2 lakh. OD facility and a debit these customers, we offer This IPO will not only en-
While you cannot mitigate card. We call it the sunrise doorstep service. This hance our net worth but
what they have gone account. It is around Rs 3.5 makes the process a lot also support our growth
through, the financial ben- lakh as of December. So, it more expensive compared plans.
Magma resumes Highway Heroes initiative, CORPORATE CORNER
to provide road safety training to 5k truckers
Magma IRCTC operates deluxe AC tourist train
Fincorp Ltd to Jyotirlinga and Statue of Unity
resumed the
flagship CSR IRCTC has come up with many tour packages covering tourism
programme, destinations across India and these tours are getting
Magma overwhelming welcome by public and peoples are coming in
Highway large numbers to book the IRCTC Tour Packages specially being
Heroes, after operated by special tourists train. In continuation of above tours
a halt due to IRCTC has decided to run a Deluxe AC Tourists train on
the Covid “Jyotirlinga & Statue of Unity” tour. This afresh Deluxe Tourist
pandemic, Train has a host of astounding features including two fine
with camps dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in
held in coaches, sensor based washroom functions, foot massager. The
Faridabad fully air-conditioned train provides two types of accommodation
and Jamshedpur on 15 February 2021. Between February and viz. First AC and 2nd AC. The train has enhanced security
March, over 30 camps will be held and about 5000 truckers will get features in the form of CCTV cameras. For enhanced security,
road safety training in Haryana, NCR Delhi, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu IRCTC has also deployed private Security Guards on the train.
and Andhra Pradesh. Speaking on the resumption of the program, “Jyotirlinga & Statue of Unity” tour will start from Delhi
Kaushik Sinha, Head - CSR, CorpComm. and Corp Services, Magma Safdarjung on February 27, 2021 and will cover two prominent
Fincorp Ltd said, ”We are delighted to resume the camps yet again. Jyotirling temples: Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) & Omkareshwar
Highway Heroes camps have made such a sustainable difference to along with the tallest statue of world “Statue of unity”. Since
the lives of the Truck Drivers, the catalysts of our economic growth. Kevadia Railway Station is operational now, this train will go up
We plan to provide the training to 5000 truckers before 31st March to Kevadia to provide the visit of tallest statue of the world.
2021”. Tourists can board this train at Delhi Safderjung, Mathura, Agra
and Gwalior stations. The package cost is inclusive of train
Indian Bank’s CBS platform goes live journey in respective classes, all onboard & off board meals,
hotel stay at destinations as mentioned in itinerary, guided
Indian Bank had excursions with friendly English/Hindi speaking tour escorts in
announced the successful air-conditioned buses and travel insurance for the passengers.
go-live of the consolidated
CBS Platform on February
15, 2021. This follows the
NBCC's hospital subsidiary bags 1800
merger of Allahabad Bank crore works
into Indian Bank that was HSCC (India) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NBCC (India)
implemented with effect Ltd, has been awarded approximately Rs.1800 crore Phase-I
from 1st April 2020. Project of Up-gradation of District Hospitals into Medical
Announcing the successful Colleges at 12 Locations in the State of Rajasthan, under Central
integration of the Government Sponsored Scheme for “Establishment of New
technology platform, Padmaja Chunduru, MD & CEO, Indian Bank, Medical Colleges by Upgrading District/ Referral Hospitals” in
said “this is the final step in our amalgamation journey ‘Project phased manner. An agreement to this effect was recently signed
Sangam’. Starting immediately after the announcement of merger, between Medical Education Department, Govt. of Rajasthan and
the journey posed severe challenges under Covid, but the HSCC to implement the up-gradation work of District Hospitals
determination and commitment of our teams from the field and into Medical Colleges as per applicable laws/norms/regulations
Corporate Office saw it through. We have kept our customers in phased manner. The entities also simultaneously signed
informed all through and shall be extra vigilant to ensure that we agreement for providing of Phase-II facilities in Medical Colleges
continue to deliver good service to our valued clientele. We sincerely at Districts Churu & Pali in Rajasthan.
thank our customers for their support and unstinted co-operation in
our amalgamation journey”.
APPOINTMENT whispersinthecorridors
Dr Suresh Mehrotra
Amitabh Ojha takes over as Director
General (DG), IRIEEN � Five bitter critics of Narendra Modi?
Amitabh Ojha has taken over as There was a discussion as to who are the five bitter
Director General (DG), Indian Railway
critics of PM Narendra Modi? And the names of Rahul
Institute of Electrical Engineering
(IRIEEN), Nasik. He obtained his Gandhi, Mamta Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Digvijay
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Singh and Mufti Mehbooba emerged.
Electrical and Software Engg. � Now Regional parties and communal parties to join
respectively from National Institute hands?
of Technology (NIT), Prayagraj and
Ph.D. degree in Information Systems In the present scenario in the country, people say,
from Indian Institute of Technology regional parties and the communal parties will join
Delhi (IIT Delhi). He is an Indian hands.
Railway Service of Electrical � Seven IAS officers arrested on corruption charges in
Engineering (IRSEE) 1984 batch officer. In his career so far three years
spanning 34 years, he has been posted on different zones and
during this period he has offered his services on the important As many as seven IAS officers have been arrested on
position of DRM in Mumbai Div, C.Rly. & Guntakal Div., S.C.Rly. charges of corruption during the past three years.
Besides, he has also served as Deputy Railway Adviser, High Besides, an IPS officer in UP has been suspended
Commission of India, London, U.K. and as Director, Govt of India, after being found involved in a criminal case.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, New Delhi. Prior
to joining as DG/IRIEEN, he was posted as Chief Vigilance Officer
at N.E.Rly, Gorakhpur. — Correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author.
 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: An
honest man can never surrender
an honest doubt.
― WALTER MALONE
SINCE 1928
FOUNDER EDITOR: S SADANAND
Petrol at Rs 100 a litre
calls for lower taxes
W
ith petrol prices crossing the important psycho-
logical barrier of Rs 100 a litre in Rajasthan on
Wednesday, there is bound to be a public hue and
cry for reducing the pump prices of petrol and diesel, the
latter retailing only a couple of rupees behind petrol.
The relentless rise in the price of petrol in recent weeks
is ascribed to the recent increase in the global crude oil
prices following the revival of the world economy after
the coronavirus-induced disruption. There is no deny-
ing that the Centre and the states between them collect
enormous sums of money by way of taxes and cesses on
petroleum products. The total combined levies are about
60 per cent of the end-price of petrol and 54 per cent of
diesel. For instance, for a litre of petrol costing Rs 100 in
Rajasthan on Wednesday, the Centre collected Rs 33 by
way of customs, excise, additional excise and cesses. The
Rajasthan government received on the same litre of
petrol Rs 36 in ad valorem taxes plus additional road cess
of Rs 1.50. On diesel, the Centre realised Rs 32 per litre
while Rajasthan received Rs 35. While the ad valorem is
a value-added tax increasing with the rise in the basic
price of petrol and diesel, special cesses levied by the
states further push the retail price higher. For example,
Maharashtra has a special cess of Rs 10 a litre on petrol
and Rs 3 on diesel. Given the inordinately high taxes on
petrol and diesel, it will be natural for the demand for a
reduction in these to be voiced in the coming days. How-
ever, since the non-BJP governments too impose a high
burden of taxes, the issue may not gain traction in the
public sphere. It may be left to various civil society
groups to take up the grievance of the middle and lower-
middle class, which will feel the pinch of high petroleum
prices. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, anticipating the
public demand for reducing taxes on petrol and diesel, on
Thursday sought to transfer the blame on the previous
governments for not doing enough to reduce reliance on
the imported crude oil. The country now imports 85 per
cent of its energy needs. Had we diversified into solar
and wind, hydro and nuclear energy and thus cut the oil
imports substantially, there would not have been any
need for such steep taxes. He listed the hugely stepped-up
progamme for solar and wind power energy generation
undertaken in the last six years, expressing the hope that
by 2030, the share of renewable energy would be 40 per
cent of the total energy consumed in the country. Modi
also said that the percentage of ethanol mixed in petrol
was to be raised from the current 8.5 per cent to 20 per
cent by 2025, providing an alternate source of income to
farmers. Also, the share of natural gas in the energy bas-
ket was to be increased from the current 6. 3 per cent to
15 per cent. In order to prevent the cascading effect of
levies on petroleum products, the Centre was keen to
bring these in the ambit of the GST, the PM said while
virtually inaugurating a couple of oil and gas projects in
Tamil Nadu on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Petrole-
um Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s call to the petrole-
um-producing countries to step up production by lifting
the cuts imposed during the coronavirus pandemic is un-
likely to be heeded. The pent-up demand in the global
economy following the long slowdown due to the pan-
demic has to work itself out before a stability in demand
and supply of crude oil can be restored. Besides, the oil
exporters too need to make up for the shortages in rev-
enues due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. But
the government cannot be unmindful of the inflationary
impact of higher prices of petrol and diesel, since these
have a cascading effect on the general priceline. This
would cause a double-whammy for the middle-income
groups, which would be called upon to pay through their
nose both for running their two- and four-wheelers
and/or relying on public transport. Prices of everyday
items such as vegetables and pulses, sugar, etc., are
bound to increase if the retail prices of diesel stay high.
Even though consumer inflation is under control, should
high-energy prices distort the general priceline, public
hue and cry for reduction in POL levies will be hard to ig-
nore. Both the Centre and the states together should re-
duce the levies on petrol and diesel, in order to bring the
retail prices a tad lower than the key mental barrier of
Rs 100 a litre. No, consumer psychology cannot be ig-
nored either.
FPJ ARCHIVES
JANUARY 27, 1963
Nation pledges to preserve freedom
NEHRU LAUNCHES VOLUNTEER
FORCE FOR RURAL AREAS
THE FPJ NEWS SERVICE
The inauguration of the All India Village Volunteer Force this
morning by Prime Minister Nehru highlighted the Republic Day
celebrations in the country.
... Elsewhere in the country, people celebrated the Republic Day
with a pledge to defend the country's honour, sovereignty,
freedom and integrity.
The pledge was taken at public meetings at various State
capitals and other centres. Unlike in previous years, this year's
celebrations were devoid of the customary pomp and
pageantry obviously because of the national emergency
brought about by the continuing Chinese threat to the nation's
security.
Letters to the editor should be sent to: The Free Press Journal, Free Press House, Free Press Journal Marg, 215 Nariman Point, Mumbai. 400021; Fax: 22874688, e-mail: mail@fpj.co.in; Type letter, leave space, write your views and name. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
EDIT
No time limit for women to
expose sexual predators
Legal Eagle
OLAV ALBUQUERQUE
I
ronicallly, the M J Akbar defama-
tion case has destroyed his reputa-
tion, with a Delhi magistrate’s
court conceding Priya Ramani’s de-
fence that the former minister did not
have a ‘sterling reputation’ after 16
women had accused him of misbe-
having with them. A woman has the
right to put out her story (about sexu-
al harassment) in public even after
decades, the court opined, unwitting-
ly upholding the ‘Me Too’ movement
which began in 2006 and reached In-
dia in 2018.
What has escaped most people’s no-
tice is this subordinate court opined
there was no bar of limitation for a
woman to complain in public about
sexual harassment at the workplace
because the dignity of a woman could
not be curtailed by a man’s right to
reputation, which, in this case, Akbar
had forfeited. In a nutshell, a woman’s
right to life and dignity overrides M J
Akbar’s so-called right to a ‘sterling
reputation’.
There is no bar of limitation under
the Indian Penal Code of 1860 to lodge
a criminal complaint—unlike civil
cases—but chances of acquittal rise
with delay. In rape cases, evidence
such as semen is washed off, resulting
in rapists being acquitted for lack of
evidence.
The Priya Ramani case does not
crystallise into a legal axiom for other
courts because magistrates’ courts do
not lay down the law. Whether the Del-
hi high court and later, the Supreme
Court will uphold the reasoning of ad-
ditional chief metropolitan magis-
trate Ravindra Kumar Pandey re-
mains to be seen. Unlike Bombay high
court judge, Pushpa Virendra Ganedi-
wala, Pandey has upheld women’s
rights. Ganediwala defanged POCSO
by three insensate verdicts, which cul-
ONE FLEW OVER THE NEST
South African all-rounder Chris Morris becomes IPL's costliest foreign player, bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16.25 crore
Chris Morris was valued at Rs 10 crore by RCB in 2020. He took 11 wickets in nine games. Today he's been purchased for Rs 16.25 crore by RR.
With Chris Morris going for 16.25 Cr to RR, @rajasthanroyals bad decisions continue.. this is almost 1 crore per wicket he will take.
Atmanirbhar ki dajiya udd rahi hai Indian players are going unsold in Indian premier league
Funny thing RCB bid up to 9.25 crore to buy him back. Clown Management
With this money Chris Morris (16.25 cr ) can now starts his own PSL...
The journey of Mithun Chakraborty, from Jorabagan to Bollywood to politics
‘Bhoomiputra’ to help BJP tread
‘Agneepath’ in Bengal polls?
Opinion
ROBIN ROY
R
SS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to Mithun
Chakraborty’s Mumbai house earlier this
week cannot to be dismissed as a mere
courtesy call. Isn’t it more than a ‘coincidence’
that the actor, who was shooting in Lucknow was
back in Mumbai on Tuesday and the RSS strong-
man happened to be in Mumbai too, after his Bi-
har visit?
The visit lasted for around one hour and 45 min-
utes and was described by sources as a breakfast
meet. A person like Bhagwat has his visits and
itineraries planned well in advance and these are
not agendas that can be modified at whims and
fancies.
The actor, too, told a channel later that he had a
spiritual connect with the saffron big man and
when asked about the forthcoming West Bengal
elections, Mithunda, as he is fondly known,
laughed a bit as he told the correspondent, “Mu-
jhe jo kehna tha mainey keh diya, aap ko jo sama-
jhna hai aap samajh lo”.
It may be recalled that the three-time national
award-winning actor had also paid a visit to the
RSS headquarters in Nagpur in 2019.
Mithun Chakraborty may have been a nomi-
nated Trinamool MP from Rajya Sabha, but his
political affiliations have all been apolitical, if
one could say so. He has made more friends both
in filmdom and in ‘rajneeti’, than foes.
It may be recalled that in his heyday, he had ral-
lied in support of the writer Salim when the lat-
ter launched his company Aftab Films. Mithun
was per se the mainstay for Salim in several films,
to ensure that his ventures were distributed be-
cause by then, Gouranga Chakraborty alias Rana
Rez alias Mithun Chakraborty was a mega star of
the eighties and he could ensure the saleability of
any film. He had once said it was difficult for him
to get job, being a Bengali, hence the moniker
Rana Rez!
Bollywood has always been cruel to ‘outsiders’
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
cites or attempts to excite disaffection
towards the Government established
by law in India by words, either spo-
ken or written, or by signs, or by visi-
ble representation, or otherwise’. The
words used are identical to the offence
of defamation. But the Supreme
minated in her confirmation as a Court has laid down that only acts
judge being recalled. which incite violence against the state
Earlier, Magistrate Samar Vishal is- are seditious.
sued summons to journalist Priya Ra- According to records from the Na-
mani but granted her bail in October tional Crime Records Bureau (NCRB),
2018 after M J Akbar filed a defama- which has only been collecting data on
tion case. His successor Vishal Pahuja sedition cases since 2014, there were
referred the case to the district and 47 cases of sedition in 2014, which rose
sessions judge, Rousse Avenue, New to 70 in 2018. However, while police
Delhi, for its transfer to another court across India’s 28 states indiscrimi-
in October 2020 because his court was nately slap sedition charges on indi-
a special court for cases against viduals, most accused are discharged.
MP/MLAs. Meanwhile, the Delhi high Since 2016, there has been a conviction
court transferred 200 judicial officers, in just four sedition cases.
including Pahuja, so that Pandey took The law has its roots in the late 19th
over. Day farmers’ violence. So, a Delhi century, when it was introduced by
Another interesting aspect of this magistrate’s court’s observations that the British to silence dissenters
case is two senior women advocates, sedition could not be used to suppress against its colonial rule. Since then,
Rebecca John and Geeta Luthra, were dissent is logical. Section 124A has been misused
pitted against each other. During the Nearly one year ago, Justice D Y against national icons including Bal
testimony of Wahab in December Chandrachud declared during a pub- Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, Bha-
2019, one of Geeta Luthra’s assistants lic lecture that “blanket labelling” of gat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, and, per-
kept laughing derisively in the court dissent as “anti-national” or “anti- haps, most notably, Mahatma Gandhi.
room. “Throughout Wahab’s testimo- democratic” strikes at the “heart” of Just as the law of defamation can be
ny, she and many of the interns kept the country’s commitment to protect misused by the rich-and-powerful like
turning to each other and laughing, A woman has the Constitutional values and promote de- M J Akbar and former Supreme Court
sometimes covering their mouths
with their books,” a news report in
right to put out liberative democracy. Just as Priya Ra- judge Swatanter Kumar in 2014 to si-
lence their alleged victims, sedition
mani has the right to free speech, so
The Wire had said. her story (about too do the farmers and those who sup- can be used as a tool to silence critics.
While lawyers strive to win cases for
their clients, derisive laughter during
sexual port them but not vicious Khalistanis The Supreme Court rightly dismissed
who want to dismember India. Subramaniam Swamy’s PIL to de-
a witness’ deposition in court can be harassment) in This could be one reason why a Del- criminalise defamation, which would
construed as demeaning the dignity of public even after hi additional sessions judge, Dhar- permit irresponsible journalism. But
the court itself. More so, when all the the Law Commission of India, in its
lawyers are women and the witness decades, the mendra Rana, granted bail to two men
facing a sedition charge for allegedly consultative paper on August 30, 2018,
herself is a woman. Magistrates can court opined, sharing a Facebook post related to the has said the time has come to reword
uphold the dignity of their own courts the law of sedition because saying
by admonishing such alleged undigni- unwittingly Delhi police amid the ongoing farm-
things like India is not a safe place for
ers’ protest in the nation’s capital not-
fied conduct. Or even referring the upholding the ing the law “is a powerful tool in the women is neither seditious nor anti-
matter to the high court, for initiation
of contempt action because the actors
‘Me Too’ hands of the state” and “cannot be in- national.
And journalists like Priya Ramani
voked to quieten any disquiet under
in this drama were lawyers who rep- movement which the pretence of muzzling the miscre- and Ghazala Wahab may agree with
resented top-notch journalists.
Though unrelated to this case, sedi-
began in 2006 ants.” that.
Sedition, as described under Section
tion is defamation of the state where and reached 124A of the Indian Penal Code, refers The writer holds a PhD in law and is a
an accused tries to incite violence India in 2018. to ‘an act that brings or attempts to senior journalist-cum-lawyer of the Bombay
against the state such as the Republic bring into hatred or contempt, or ex- high court.
#Rs16.25 LETTERS
FRIDAY'S SWIPE TO THE
EDITOR
Press Trust of India@PTI_News
Partisan tool?
Ref.: ‘Kiran Bedi gets her
Jamie Alter@alter_jamie comeuppance at last’
(February 18). It took close
to five years to get rid of
@dhanurgupta
Puducherry’s Lieutenant
Governor Kiran Bedi. Her
role made one believe that
Haroon@Haroon64706806
she was not a constitutional
head but an active member
Shaurya Rathore@Shaurya_Rathod of the Bharatiya Janata
Party. She was needed to
frustrate the elected
@shrinihal5 government and now that
the job is done, the party
decided to get rid of her.
The trend of the ruling
party using governors to
play partisan politics is still
going strong in Kerala,
Maharashtra, and West
Bengal.
Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee
Fuelling rage
Ref: 'Petrol 100.13, not out'
(February 18). The BJP has
been in power for the last
six years and the Prime
Minister is pointing
Having lived through such trying times, which
fingers? Remember the KG
good friends helped him see through, Mithun has basin scam and wastage?
always been someone who stands by people. He The base cost of petrol is
has campaigned for the veteran CPM leader Sub- Rs 30, Central and state
hash Chakraborty and also campaigned for taxes are Rs 33 and Rs 20
Pranab Mukherjee when the former President respectively. Why are the
fought from Jangipur. He has been the most PM and CM not reducing
‘available’ star campaigner for one and all. the huge taxes on fuel? The
He continues to enjoy enormous clout across per capita income of UK is
Bengal and is the original ‘Dada’, even as his enig- $39,000 and of India, $1,877
matic aura remains intact. or one could say, petrol
Equally beloved by the urban and rural popu- price in the UK is Rs 123
lace, the have-nots look up to him as a real-life while that in India is Rs
hero who has scripted his success story with 100. In terms of
sheer hard work. He’s their zero-to-hero man. comparative purchasing
They draw hope from his success and see him as power, Indian consumers
the great survivor. For both rural and urban Ben- pay five times more for
gal, Mithun is synonymous with hope and confi- petrol than the UK. And the
and that is why the cult film ‘Disco Dancer’, dence. He can strike a chord with all of Bengal reason? No, crude oil prices
which ran for 25 weeks at a stretch and is still a with the same elan and ease. have not gone up.
rage in Russia, never even got a nomination, leave Not only does he continue to be a box-office Ramswarth Acharya
alone a popular film award. But this could not draw to this day but he has been an exemplary cit-
dampen his spirit. Mithun went on to win three izen too. He has been the highest individual tax- Answer evident
national awards and after four decades, he con- payer between 1986 and 1991, in recognition of Ref.: ‘Will electing a new
tinues to act in critically acclaimed films like which he was made the ambassador of the party chief help arrest drift
Tashkent Files. ‘Voluntary Disclosure of Income’ scheme for five in Congress?’ (February
From being branded as a ‘dark-skinned’ actor, years. It is said that it was his ‘zidd’ to achieve this 18). There is no doubt that
he evolved to be known as the dusky, sexy Bengali feat to prove the fact that one of India’s poorest a new party chief will
babu! But Bollywood continued to be rude to him, people could become one her richest, through come with fresh ideas and
dubbing him the poor man’s Amitabh. However, hard work. energy, much needed in
none of this could deter the Bengali babu who
continued to go from strength to strength.
His yeoman service in the field of thalassaemia
eradication in Bengal is another feather in his
the grand old party, but the
bigger question is whether
In several interviews, he has said that after los- cap. the Gandhi family trio is
ing his brother, he grew closer to his family but To come back to the Bharatiya Janata Party, it is ready to pass on the baton
then, had to leave Kolkata because of his political actually running out of time. It may be recalled to another. If lack of
affiliations. that Union Home Minister and BJP national chief action on that long letter
His journey from Jorabagan in north Kolkata to Amit Shah had dared Chief Minister Mamata by the group of 23 leaders
2021 has been an epic one. After a dream debut Banerjee that the BJP would field a ‘bhoomipu- is any indication, then we
which earned him a national award, he landed in tra’ CM candidate and with Sourav Ganguly know the answer -- that
Mumbai, seeking to claim his place under the sun falling ill and having been ‘ruled out’, the saffron power is too strong a glue
in the film industry. But the trouble was, people camp is frantically in search of a saleable face, for the Gandhis to let go. If
were not ready to accept a dark-complexioned which could cut across the terrain of Bengal. And they are satisfied with
hero, choosing to remain in the dark about this if the Bhagwat-Mithun ‘talks’ fructify, it may be a winning some elections
dark horse in the waiting. win-win situation for the BJP in Bengal. here and there and remain
The actor has often spoken of a friend who got With that, Mithun’s life story would come full on the fringes, then
him a membership at Matunga Gymkhana, en- circle too, just like in the movies. absolutely no one can help
abling him to take care of his bare necessities for them.
quite some time. The writer is Senior Associate Editor, Free Press, Indore. Bal Govind
 2021 IPL PLAYERS' AUCT I O N MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

BIG PAY DAY

SPORTS CAFE SQUADS OF EIGHT IPL TEAMS
Manika clinches women's singles title FOR THE 2021 EDITION
PANCHKULA: Star paddler Manika Batra clinched her second title
by defeating Reeth Rishya 4-2 in the women's singles final of the Mumbai Indians:
Senior National Table Tennis Championships here on Thursday. Retained players: Rohit Sharma, Aditya Tare, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul
Manika, made a brilliant comeback after losing the first two games Roy, Dhawal Kulkarni, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah,
Jayant Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock,
to win the match and title 8-11, 10-12, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6.
Rahul Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav, Trent Boult, Chris Lynn,
Saurabh Tiwary, Mohsin Khan

FOR MORRIS
Ayyasamy wins 400m, eyes Olympics
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu's 400 metre hurdles national record
holder Dharun Ayyasamy endured pain of shinbone stress fracture
to win the 400 metre hurdles title in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix
(IGP) athletics at Patiala's National Institute of Sports (NIS) on
Thursday. Ayyasamy's winning time of 51.33 seconds though was
far slower than the this year's Olympic Games qualification time of
48.90 seconds.
Atwal enters final round as leader
PUNE: Seher Atwal entered the final round as leader for the
second consecutive week when a bogey-free four-under 67 saw her
jump to the top of the leaderboard after 36 holes in the fourth leg of
the Women's Pro Golf Tour here on Thursday. Seher followed up
her first round of even par 71 with a 67. At four-under 138, she led
Tvesa Malik (71-69) by two shots at the Poona Club Golf Course.
Overnight co-leaders Amandeep Drall (68-72) and Hitaashee Bakshi
Gowtham goes for Rs 9.25 cr as 'SRK'
(68-72) slipped to tied-third, while Vani Kapoor (71-70) was fifth.
Players bought at Auction: Nathan Coulter-Nile (Rs 5 crore),
Adam Milne (Rs 3.2 crore), Piyush Chawla (Rs 2.4 crore)
Rajasthan Royals:
Retained players: Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos
Buttler, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Mayank Markande, Rahul
Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Robin Uthappa, Jaydev
Unadkat, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Anuj Rawat, Kartik Tyagi, David Miller,
Andrew Tye
Players bought at Auction: Chris Morris (Rs 16.25 crore), Shivam
Dube (Rs 4.4 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (Rs 1 crore), Chetan
Sakariya (Rs 1.20 crore), KC Kariappa (Rs 20 lakh)
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Retained players: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Md.
Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal,
Joshua Phillipe, Pavan Deshpande, Shahbaz Ahmed, Adam
Zampa, Kane Richardson
Players bought at Auction: Glenn Maxwell (Rs 14.25 crore),
Sachin Baby (Rs 20 lakh), Rajat Patidar (Rs 20 lakh),
Mohammed Azharrudeen (Rs 20 lakh), Kyle Jamieson (Rs
makes presence felt in IPL auction 15 crore)

Tlau to fight for vacant WBC youth title Sunrisers Hyderabad

Retained players: David Warner, Abhishek Sharma, Basil
NEW DELHI: Indian professional boxer Lalrinsanga Tlau will take Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Kane
on Ghana's Eric Quarm for the vacant World Boxing Council Youth Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan,
World Super Featherweight title on March 6 in a bout that will be Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul,
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA / The 24-year-old, who has
held behind closed doors at Aizawl, Mizoram owing to the COVID- Chennai VIVO to be title sponsor for IPL 2021 played two Tests, 13 ODIs and
Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Virat Singh,
Priyam Garg, Mitchell Marsh, Jason Holder, Abdul Samad
19 pandemic. The 21-year-old Tlau is four-fight old in the Chennai: Brijesh Patel, the chairman of the Indian Premier League nine T20Is for Australia, was Players bought at Auction: Jagadeesha Suchith. (Rs 30 lakh)

S
professional circuit and has an unbeaten record, which includes two outh African Chris
Technical Knockouts. Morris led the pack
with a record Rs 16.25
Narwal in Montenegro quarters crore bid from Rajasthan
Royals as all-rounders and
NEW DELHI: Asian youth silver-medallist Ankit Narwal (64kg)
foreign fast bowlers walked
advanced to the quarter-finals of the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament away with bank-breaking
in Budva, Montenegro with a comfortable opening-round win. Ankit deals in the 2021 IPL players'
registered a resounding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan's Lazizbel Fattoev auction here.
and moved to the last-eight stage, where he will face Ukraine's Morris became the most ex-
Ratmir Turchaninov. pensive buy in the IPL auc-
tion history with Rajasthan
Royals shelling out big mon-
Will Pucovski to undergo surgery ey for the all-rounder even as
MELBOURNE: Australian Test opening batsman Will Pucovski will uncapped players such as
undergo reconstructive surgery on his injured right shoulder next Karnataka's K Gowtham also
week in order to be fully fit for the Ashes. Pucovski suffered a hogged the limelight with
shoulder subluxation injury in the Sydney Test against India in hefty deals here.
January and was eventually ruled out of the fourth and final Test. Spin bowling All-rounder
Gowtham was bought for a
Pucovski had later turned to cortisone injections in order to return to
the field. The right-handed batsman was named in the Cricket record Rs 9.25 crore by the
Chennai Super Kings. The
Victoria squad for the Marsh Sheffield Shield clash this week. 32-year-old is currently with
the Indian team as a net
AITA cautions age fraud at nationals bowler for the ongoing Test
NEW DELHI: Taking note of the parents' demand and as promised series against England.
by the previous dispensation, the national tennis federation (AITA) is Tamil Nadu's Shahrukh
gearing up to crack the whip on age fraud suspects ahead of the Khan, named after the Bolly-
upcoming 2020 National Championships. To tackle the menace that wood superstar, expectedly
got a handsome Rs 5.25 crore
has been plaguing Indian tennis for long, previous AITA secretary deal from Punjab Kings,
general Hironmoy Chatterjee had told PTI in an interview that all
main draw players competing in the age group nationals will be
subjected to age verification test
(IPL) on Thursday announced that VIVO will be the title sponsor for the leading wicket-taker in
this year's edition. "Vivo is back, this edition to be announced as VIVO the recent Big Bash League. Chennai Super Kings:
IPL 2021, welcome back Vivo," said Brijesh on Star Sports during the Punjab paid a big amount -- Retained players: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, KM Asif,
Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, N Jagadeesan,
welcome speech of the IPL auction. The IPL chairman also confirmed Rs 8 crore -- for another Aus-
tralian pacer, the uncapped Karn Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj
that IPL 2021 will most likely see fans return to the stadium. "Cannot Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Sam Curran, Josh Hazlewood, R Sai Kishore
Riley Meredith, making him
wait to have fans back in attendance, most likely they will be in the costliest uncapped for- Players bought at Auction: Moeen Ali (Rs 7 crore), K Gowtham (Rs 9.25
attendance for this year's IPL, we held one season behind closed eign player in the IPL history. crore), Cheteshwar Pujra (Rs 50 lakh)
doors," said Brijesh. The IPL mini-auction this year is witnessed 291 The 24-year-old has 43 wick- Delhi Capitals:
players going under the hammer as England pacer Mark Wood ets in 34 T20s that he has Retained players: Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan,
withdrew from the auction at the end moment. All these cricketers played. Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Prithvi Shaw, R
have been shortlisted by the eight franchises. While the pacers raked in the Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis,
moolah, Chennai Super Kings Lalit Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Daniel Sams, Pravin Dubey, Chris Woakes
more than 51 times his base once again managed to at- were applauded by other Players bought at Auction: Steve Smith (Rs 2.2 crore), Umesh Yadav (Rs
price of Rs 20 lakh. Shahrukh tract a winning Rs 14.25 crore teams in the room for buying 1 crore), Ripal Patel (Rs 20 lakh), Vishnu Vinod (Rs 20 lakh), Lukman
has been in the limelight bid from Royal Challengers India's Test specialist Chetesh- Meriwala (Rs 20 lakh), M Siddharth (Rs 20 lakh), Tom Curran (Rs 5.25
with his exploits in the recent Bangalore. war Pujara for his base price of crore)
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. New Zealand pacer Kyle Rs 50 lakh, paving the way for Punjab Kings:
Gowtham, an IPL regular Jamieson, who is known his IPL return for the first time Retained players: KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Darshan
who was released by Punjab more for his performances in since 2014. Nalkande, Harpreet Brar, Mandeep Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Mohd. Shami,
M Ashwin, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Porel,
Kings, was the second off- Test cricket, secured a mas- Morris, who came with a
spinner CSK bought after sive Rs 15 crore deal from the base price of Rs 75 lakh, gener- Ravi Bishnoi, Chris Jordan, Prabhsimran Singh
England's Moeen Ali. With the Royal Challengers Bangalore. ated bids from four teams be- Players bought at Auction: Jhye Richardson (Rs 14 crore), Shahrukh
hefty price tag, Gowtham be- Punjab Kings, who went fore it became a battle between Khan (Rs 5.25 crore), Dawid Malan (Rs 1.5 crore), Riley Meredith (Rs 8
came the most expensive un- into the auction with the Royals and Punjab Kings.
crore), Moises Henriques (Rs 4.20 crore)
capped buy in IPL history. His maximum purse among England all-rounder Moeen
base price was also Rs 20 lakh. eight teams, paid Rs 14 crore Ali also went for a high price Kolkata Knight Riders
Morris' big pay day came af- to rope in Australian pacer of Rs 7 crore to Chennai Su- Retained players: Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Kamlesh
ter another all-rounder and Jhye Richardson hoping he per Kings. Both Maxwell and Nagarkoti, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Nitish Rana, Prasidh Krishna,
perennial under-performer, will plug the gap in their Moeen had base prices of Rs Rinku Singh, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Mavi, Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine,
Australian Glenn Maxwell, leaking bowling department. 2 crore. Pat Cummins, Rahul Tripathi, Varun Chakravarthy, Tim Seifer.

Aizawl FC thrash Sporting Punjab Kings rope Jr Tendulkar

gets IPL ticket Test specialist Curran out of
fourth Test
KOLKATA: Former champions Aizawl FC thrashed Mohammedan
Sporting 3-0 in a fine display of attacking football in an I-League
match here on Thursday. A Malsawmtluanga goal from a free-kick in
in Shahrukh Khan PTI / Mumbai Pujara back in IPL PTI / Ahmedabad

All-rounder Sam Curran will

the 16th minute and strikes from Lalremsanga (64th) and FPJ NEWS SERVICE
Lalliansanga (67th) in the second half led Aizawl's dominant win Chennai
over the Black Panthers, who could not create many goal-scoring
chances. Shahrukh Khan triggered a
bidding war between Punjab
ISL's Kolkata derby today Kings and Delhi Capitals as
he went up from a base price
MARGAO: Already out of the play-offs reckoning, a beleagured SC of Rs 20 lakh before Rajash-
East Bengal would look to spoil arch-rivals and leaders ATK Mohun tan Royals got him at Rs 5.25
Bagan's party when they face each other in an Indian Super League crore.
match here on Friday. As the Kolkata derby marks its 100th year, since Punjab Kings who were cer-
the Cooch Behar Cup in 1921, SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun tainly in the need of a big-hit-
Bagan find themselves in contrasting positions in the ISL table. ter in the middle-order have
shown confidence in the un-
capped Tamil Nadu batsman,
Man City move 10 points clear in EPL known for his power-hitting
LIVERPOOL: Manchester City moved 10 points clear in the ability.
Premier League as second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Shahrukh Khan is a 25-
Bernardo Silva powered Pep Guardiola's team to a 3-1 win at year-old big-hitting batsman
Everton. A 17th straight win in all competitions - including 12 in a who comes from Chennai.
row in the league - wasn't looking so clear-cut after Richarlison Known for getting those
cancelled out Phil Foden's opener for City before halftime on quickfire 30s and 40s in the
Wednesday. It was only the second time in the last nine league lower-middle order,
Shahrukh Khan made a
games City has failed to keep a clean sheet. name for himself in the
Tamil Nadu Premier League.
Mixed day for Indian judokas Shahrukh Khan was re-
TEL AVIV: Aiming to secure vital ranking points to qualify for the portedly named after the Bol-
Tokyo Olympics, Indian judokas had a mixed day on Thursday at lywood superstar and he was
the Tel Aviv Grand Slam being held under strict coronavirus a swimming champion at the
regulations. junior level as well.
Shahrukh Khan made
headlines as early as 2012. He
shone in the inaugural edi-
tion of the junior Chennai
Super Kings tournament, a
talent hunt event conducted
by the 3-time champions.
Shahrukh made his T20 de-
but at the age of 18 for Tamil
Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq
Ali Trophy in 2018. The
promising talent made a fan-
tastic debut as he hit 21 from
just 8 balls on his debut
against Goa but he played
only 4 more matches in the
tournament, managing just
31 runs.
The iconic Sachin Ten-
dulkar's son Arjun Ten-
dulkar's nascent cricketing
career got a major fillip on
Thursday when he was
picked by Mumbai Indians at
the IPL players' auction, the
last name to go under the
hammer in Chennai.
The franchise for which his
father didn't just play but
also took up mentorship of
youngsters, bought Arjun for
Rs 20 lakh, which was his
base price.
It was hardly a surprise giv-
en that he has been a net
bowler for the franchise for
the past two-three seasons.
The 21-year-old recently
made his senior Mumbai
team debut when he played
in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tro-
phy, the national T20 champi-
onship, against Haryana.
So far, the left-handed bats-
man and left-arm pacer has
played two matches for Mum-
bai in the T20 format, in
which he has scored three
runs and taken two wickets.
PTI / Chennai
Test specialist Cheteshwar
Pujara on Thursday re-
turned to Indian Premier
League after six years when
Chennai Super Kings bought
him at his base price of Rs 50
lakh at the IPL players' auc-
tion here.
The last time Pujara fea-
tured in the lucrative T20
league was for Kings XI Pun-
jab, now re-christened Pun-
jab Kings, in 2014.
The 33-year-old Pujara, who
went unsold in the last few
editions, tweeted: "Thank
you for showing the faith.
Look forward!"
He had last month ex-
pressed confidence that if
given an opportunity, he
would definitely do well for
his franchise.
No sooner CSK bought Pu-
jara in a one-sided bidding af-
fair, the entire hall applauded
the three-time IPL champi-
ons for their gesture.
"We welcome the legend,
Che #Bujji with a super cute
applause from the auction
hall! #WhistlePodu #Super-
Auction," CSK wrote on its
official twitter page.
Pujara has been one of In-
dia's most dependable bats-
men at No. 3 position in Test
matches. But, he has not
been able to replicate that
performance in the limited
over formats.
Pujara has 13834 runs from
83 Tests, but played only five
ODIs in which he scored just
130 runs. He has not played a
single T20 International
match.
not be available for selection
during England's fourth Test
against India beginning here
on March 4 due to COVID-19
pandemic related travel re-
strictions, it was announced
on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Curran will
now arrive in India along
with the limited overs squad.
"Sam Curran will rejoin the
England squad via the char-
ter flight carrying other
members of the limited-
overs line-up to India, on 26
February," the England team
management said in a state-
ment.
"Originally it was planned
the Surrey all-rounder would
fly to Ahmedabad in time to
be available for the fourth
Test in the city, starting on 4
March," it added.
"However, in the midst of
the ongoing pandemic, mak-
ing secure arrangements for
such a journey proved too
great a logistical challenge."
The third Test begins here
on February 24.

WHAT’S
10.00: Australian Open; Pre Show; Sony Six
Djokovic keeps perfect record Serena says it
with few words
10.30: Australian Open; Women's Doubles Final; Sony Ten 2 ASSOCIATED PRESS watch and see who he gets to
13.30: Australian Open; Mid Show; Sony Six Melbourne face in Sunday's final.
Given his past success in
14.00: Australian Open; Men's SF-2; Sony Ten 2 Novak Djokovic had a perfect Melbourne, Djokovic should
17.30: Australian Open; Post Show; Sony Six record in Australian Open feel confident going into an-
19.30: ISL; ATK Mohu Bagan vs SC East Bengal; Star Sports 2 semifinals, and he was play- other championship match. ASSOCIATED PRESS / Melbourne the subject of Williams'
20.00: WWE Elimination Chamber; Sony Ten 1 ing almost flawless tennis to He already owns an all-time many mistakes Thursday
23.00: Serie A; Fiorentina vs Spezia; Sony Ten 2 protect it. record eight Australian ti- As Serena Williams walked (Wednesday night EST),
01.15: Serie A; Cagliari vs Torino; Sony Ten 2 It didn't matter that across tles, and he's aiming for an off the court after her latest twice as many unforced er-
the net was Aslan Karatsev, a 18th major title, which would so-close-yet-so-far bid for a rors, 24, as winners, 12, she
114th-ranked, 27-year-old reduce the gap to Roger Fed- 24th Grand Slam title ended shook her head, teared up,

THIS DAY, THAT YEAR

Russian who had come
1999 through qualifying to make
his debut in a Grand Slam
A riot in Calcutta. tournament after nine failed
attempts.
Nothing to do with
Djokovic made only one un-
Sachin Tendulkar's forced error in more than 50
willow-wielding, but minutes.
instead a response to It was tight for the first sev-
him being controversially en games - before Djokovic
run out in the Asian Test reeled off eight straight
Championship match points to win the first set -
against Pakistan. It and again when Karatsev
wasn't the only one: as Pakistan moved towards victory on the final went on an all-or-nothing roll
late in the second set.
day, there was a three-hour delay as all spectators were removed
Sensing a shift in support
from the ground. Pakistan's win owed most to a blistering 188 not for the underdog - there was a
out from Saeed Anwar, and came in spite of 13 wickets from loud, vocal crowd at Rod
Javagal Srinath. It was some comeback too: on the first morning Laver Arena after a five-day
they had been 26 for 6. span when fans were barred
during a local COVID-19 out-
break - Djokovic moved up a
gear and finished off his op-
ponent 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
He's now 9-0 in semifinals at
the season-opening major,
and one win from a ninth
Australian title.
"The more I win, the better
I feel coming back," the top-
erer and Nadal, who share with a loss to Naomi Os- said, “I'm done,” and
the men's record at 20.
The 33-year-old Serb also is
aka at the Australian
Open, the 39-year-
abruptly walked out
of the session with
aiming to be only the second old American reporters.
man to win nine or more ti- paused and put On Saturday, at
tles at one of the four Grand her hand on her 7:30 p.m. local
Slams. Nadal has 13 at chest while thou- time (3:30 a.m.
Roland Garros. Djokovic, in sands of specta- EST), Osaka will
Australia, and Federer, with tors rose to ap- meet first-time
eight at Wimbledon, current- plaud. Grand Slam finalist
ranked Djokovic said. ly share second place. Was this, Williams Jennifer Brady of the
"The love affair continues." "Recovery is the priority was asked at a news con- United States for the
Djokovic will have a day off right now," Djokovic said. ference after the 6-3, 6-4 semi- championship. The 22nd-
Friday when No. 4 Daniil "I've had enough match final defeat, her way of say- seeded Brady, who is from
Medvedev and No. 5 Stefanos play, enough practice. ing goodbye? "If I ever say Pennsylvania and played col-
Tsitsipas, who is coming off a "Right now it's just gather- farewell," she replied with a lege tennis at UCLA, pre-
five-set win over Rafael ing all the necessary energy smile, “I wouldn't tell any- vailed in an epic, 18-point last
Nadal, meet in the other semi- for the most important one." game to edge No. 25 Karolina
final. He said he'd have a rest match of the Australian When the next question re- Muchova 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the
and get the popcorn ready to Open." turned the conversation to semifinals.

Printed and Published by Girdharlal Lakhotia for the Proprietors, Indian National Press (Bombay) P. Ltd., at Journal Press, Free Press House, Free Press Journal Marg, 215, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021. Tel: 69028000, Advt. Dept. 69028026. E-mail: mail@fpj.co.in • OFFICE: Indore: 3/54, Press Complex, A. B. Road, Indore-452 008, Tel: 2555111-2, Fax: 2558555,
New Delhi: 1/8 INS Bldg., Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001; Tel.: 23718853; Kolkata: Tel.: 22875645; Chennai: Tel: 28217766; Bhopal: Tel: 2660570, 4271345. Air Surcharge Rs. 2.00 only. Managing Editor: Girdharlal Lakhotia. Editor: S. S. DHAWAN. Reg. No. MCS/048/2018-20; RNI No. 1541/1957
 Irregular sleep schedules linked to depression
NEW YORK: Getting fewer hours of sleep or staying up late most nights can
increase the risk of depression, a new study suggests. The findings indicates that an
irregular sleep schedule can increase a person's risk of depression over the long term.
“These findings highlight sleep consistency as an underappreciated factor to target in
depression and wellness,” said researcher Srijan Sen from the University of Michigan.
“The work also underscores the potential of wearable devices in understanding
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
important constructs relevant to health that we previously could not study at scale,”
Sen added. For the study, the team used data from direct measurements of the sleep
and mood of more than 2,100 early-career physicians over one year. The study is
based on data gathered by tracking the participants sleep and other activity through
commercial devices worn on their wrists and asking them to report their daily mood
on a smartphone app and take quarterly tests for signs of depression.

Amazing Ayurveda
Coconut oil: The new hair care
DOC
Sukhsabandhu dandruff etc. are some of

favourite across the world

Churn the other problems which
can be solves with the help
Key property: This forma- of this ayurvedic oil.
tion imporves appetite and
it keeps away different
types of gastric
Ingridents: White sandal-
wood, zeodary (Cur-
cuma zedoaria), na- From Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Miranda Kerr and from Mindy Kaling to Kourtney Kardashian, BY BIINDU KHURAANA DESTINY
problems. It also
helps soothe stom-
ach ache.
gar motha (cypriol
or nutgrass),
stone flowers, ba-
know how India’s favourite oil and the good ol’ champi has taken the world by storm
AGENCIES head massages a rage across list of antioxidants, there is
THE GOOD & BAD OF BEING ‘NO. 1’
T
Ingridents: Black copa monnieri, New Delhi the West. Many celebrities in no other sure shot way to en- oday’s date being is denoted as king, father,
salt, rock salt, gooseberry, rose, the western world even call it sure that your hair gets the February 19, in to- head, and leader in any

C
cumin seeds, black coriander, fennel, oconut oil may have the ‘miracle liquid’ for hair. tender love and care that it day’s column, we will group. They are born lead-
peeper and lemon salt. ginger lily, valeriana been the home ground This is because it is the only truly deserves. discuss the significance ers. Number 1 denotes the
Quantity: 2 to 5 grams. It indica, khashtran, cam- of hair care for us, but oil that seeps 10 layers deep From Miranda Kerr, to and importance of Num- Supreme Being, and God. It
should be taken twice a phor, ratanjot, red sandal- it is now the superpower for into the hair follicles to offer Mindy Kaling, Mary-Kate, ber 1 and the unique quali- also signifies that a person
day along with water. Or as wood and seasme oil hair across the west too. We maximum benefit. Ashley Olsen, Kelly Os- ties, characteristics of peo- takes birth and goes away
directed by the physician. Quantity: Should be ap- have known this all along, The most popular way of bourne, Kourtney Kardashi- ple who have an associa- alone.
plied as per requirement but it is now being endorsed applying coconut oil for best an, Lucy Hale, Priyanka tion with this number. In- The characteristics gov-
Arvind Tail or as directed by the
physician.
by big celebrities in Holly- results is by taking a few Chopra Jonas and so many dividuals who are born on erned by No.1 Sun people
wood too Coconut oil is the drops and applying it across more are dependent on co- the 1st, 10th and 28th of any are:
Key propety: This oil helps (To know more about Shri Mohta ultimate champion towards the lengths of your hair and conut oil’s naturally en- month have a huge influ-
keep your head cool. It Ayurvedic Rasayanshala, restoring hair health. the remnants on your scalp. dowed, powerhouse ability
stops hair fall and is effec- call: 0151-2523227/ or reach at A study on the Medicinal health. Leave on for 30 minutes or for hair nourishment.
POSITIVE QUALITIES NEGATIVE QUALITIES
tive against early greying. mohtarasayanshala Benefits of Coconut Oil dis- Would you have imagined a even overnight and shampoo Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Headache, itching in scalp, @gmail.com) plays the rich content of Vi- day when Hollywood celebri- your hair as normal heats up the coconut oil and � Ambitious � Lack of politeness in
tamin C and E and the anti- ties would indulge in the after. In a world that’s lean- massages her scalp then � Independent speech
Disclaimer: The description of the above-mentioned fungal and anti-bacterial good old Champi that we re- ing toward all things natural, wraps her hair in a hot towel. Shrewdness
� Active and energetic �
products is an excerpt from a booklet, Sankshipt Aushad properties of coconut oil ceived as kids. Well, that day coconut oil has emerged as a Afterwards, she shampoos Dictatorship
Parichay Patrak. Please consult your doctor/ or contact
� Intelligent �
makes it the ace game toward is here. The benefits of this sure shot winner in the hair and conditions as usual. Stubbornness and
the clinic before taking them. rejuvenating hair and scalp oil have made coconut oil care mantra. With a boastful —IANS
� Good advisors �
� Good orator obstinacy
� Generous � Dogmatic

Soon, you may be able to

Hastiness
Twitter’s rival Koo
� Broad minded �

Crocodile evolution rebooted � Loyal to family and friends

Secretive and can keep
�
�
Egoistic
Attention seeking

‘sign out’ from WhatsApp surpasses 40 lakh users

�
by Ice Age glaciations: Study �
secrets well
Methodical / Systematic
�
�
Unsteady
Hot tempered
AGENCIES / Ottawa South America and estab- � Lover of beauty, art and � Over confidence
lishing the Caribbean Sea. AGENCIES / New Delhi nature � Absence of fore sight

A
s per a study driven This resulted in wide- AGENCIES /Washington � Optimistic � Nervousness

H
by McGill Universi- spread mixing of species omegrown Twitter- � Logical / Practical � Domination

ty, researchers have
discovered impacts of Ice
Age sea-level changes in the
genomes of Caribbean and
Pacific crocodiles in Pana-
ma.Crocodiles are resilient
animals from a lineage that
has survived for over 200
million years. Skilled
swimmers, crocodiles can
travel long distances and
live in freshwater to ma-
rine environments. But
they can't roam far over-
land. American crocodiles
(Crocodylus acutus) are
found in the Caribbean and
Pacific coasts of the
Neotropics but they arrived
in the Pacific before Pana-
ma existed, according to
new research.
Over 3 million years ago,
the formation of the Isth-
mus of Panama altered
global ocean circulation,
connecting North and
A
on the continent and sepa- merican messaging like platform Koo has � Strong memory � Show man ship
ration in the seas. application WhatsApp garnered over 10 lakh � Strong will power � False Pride
On land, mammals from is reportedly working new users in just one week, � Authoritative � Jealousy
North America such as on a new ‘log out’ feature that surpassing the 40 lakh-figure � Versatility � Whimsical
mammoths, saber-toothed will allow users to sign out of in nearly 10 months of its ar- Extravagance and
� Quest for knowledge �
cats, horses, and camels in- the app whenever they want rival, as Twitter was caught spendthrift
� Self-respect / Honor,
vaded South America, and to take a break from the app. in crosshairs with the Indian Aloofness
strange mammals like gi- According to Mashable, government over its direc- controversies including a prestige, dignity �
� Benevolence � Interference
ant ground sloths, armadil- WhatsApp is continually tion to remove nearly 1,400 data leak row and Chinese Inflexibility
los, and opossums from working on new features and basic functionality that ex- controversial accounts. investment. � Care & respect for others �
� Self confidence � Impertinence
South America invaded updates, and ‘log out’ is re- ists on a slew of other apps. Koo has reached 4.2 million Koo Co-founder and CEO
North America. portedly one of the new fea- Mashable reported that an- users within no time. Ac- Aprameya Radhakrishna de- � Punctual
The question a group of tures it is coming out with. other WhatsApp feature cording to data analytics plat- nied that there was any data � Sensitive Birth Number 19: This is a
McGill and Panamanian re- A popular website WA- called the ‘Multi-Device sup- form Statista, as of January leak. “Koo is an India regis- combination of Number 1,
searchers asked was: how BetaInfo that posts regular port’ has been spotted on 2021, the micro-blogging plat- tered company with Indian ence of number 1 in their Sun and Number 9, Mars,
distant are the Pacific and news around new WhatsApp WhatsApp beta for iOS users. form Twitter had an audi- founders. Raised earlier capi- lives. this combination increases
Caribbean populations features first spotted the “WhatsApp is developing ence reach of 69.3 million tal 2.5 years ago. Latest funds The planet ruling No.1 is the luck factor. It brings
from each other and do change. According to the two different kinds of multi- users in the US. for Bombinate Technologies Sun (Surya). All numbers happiness and success.
they match the geological website, WhatsApp will have device - Multi-device with Japan and India were is led by a truly Indian in- begin from Number 1 just People who are born on
record? Researchers have a ‘log out’ feature that has WhatsApp Web where you ranked second and third with vestor 3one4 capital. Shun- as the sun is the centre 19th are blessed with good
long suspected that Ameri- been on demand by users for can use WhatsApp Web with- 50.9 and 17.5 million users, re- wei (single digit shareholder) point and all planets re- name and fame. They over-
can crocodiles living on the quite some time now. out your main phone to be spectively. The fast-growing which had invested in our volved around it similarly come challenges easily.
Pacific coast should have Especially given the fact connected to the Internet. vernacular platform Koo de- Vokal journey will be exiting Number 1 people enjoy the They are the true winners.
diverged genetically that users only have the And multi-device with other scribes itself as a personal fully,” Radhakrishna said in same status in the life. However, a typical Number
enough from Caribbean choice to either uninstall the devices where you can con- updates and opinion sharing an earlier investment. Koo Number 1 persons have a 1 (1+9) makes them obsti-
populations to become app or delete it if they want nect up to 4 different devices micro-blogging service. has raised $4.1 million as part special identity and very nate, short tempered and
unique species. —ANI to take a short break from the to your main WhatsApp ac- However, Koo also found it- of its Series A funding. individualistic. Number 1 egoist.
app. The ‘log out’ feature is count.” —ANI self in the midst of several –IANS

BRINGING UP FATHER / FRANK JONSON DENNIS THE MENACE ACROSS Crossword #022
GODDESS LAKSHMI 3 Rest and relaxation,
abbr. (1,3,1)
MESSA
MESSAGE
GE FOR THE D
DAY
AY 8 Aquatic creature (5)
10 Large duck (5)
11 Eighth mo. (3)
12 (Ball) pocketed on
A day to prioritise
day prioritise a task and then complete it. You
You are
are rebound (2-3)
13 Acrobat (7)
going to be quite busy
going busy.. I loved
loved the jasmine fragrance.
fragrance. 15 Intestinal
obstruction (5)
Gi ve your
Give your best in all that you
y do 18 Have _ __ at : essay
ffor
or your satisfaction
your own satisf action and or attempt ? (1,2)
are
also people ar e evaluating
evaluatin 19 Jittery (6)
you more
you mor e than you
you know.
know. 21 Examine
methodically (7)
22 Short person (4) mayonnaise (5) liquid (5)
Time
Time to take
take action
action and BLONDIE / Dean Young & Mile Gersher 23 Philippine island or 38 Hiding place (5) 19 Expropriator (7)
move
mo ve fforward.
orward. If a its seaport (4) Down 20 German
particular
par ticular method is not 24 Pertaining to the 1 Remains behind (5) manufacturer of
working
w orking for you,
for you, explore
explore an
a sternum (7) 2 Ruling (7) armaments (5)
alternative
alternative approach.
approach. 26 Chase (6) 4 Female relative (4) 21 Bone cavities - "at
29 One of a litter (3) 5 Fix limits of ? (6) ran" anagram ? (5)
31 Evident (5) 6 A shoulder weapon 23 Skipper (7)
32 ___ Textiles : Birla's with a long barrel 24 Naturally bright (6)
T
Tip
ip for
for the day:
day: V
Visualise
isualise Goddess
G Lakshmi giving you major textile and (5) 25 Convent dweller (3)
ag olden pot and say
golden say "Goddess
"God Lakshmi, please bless chemicals enterprise 7 The evening star (5) 27 Forearm bones (5)
me with financial wwealth,
ealth, this or better thank you."
you." (7) 9 Tummy, in short (3) 28 Uses a sieve (5)
34 Meal (5) 12 Detach (7) 30 Without emotion (5)
35 Some (3) 14 Turkish title (3) 32 Drinking vessels (4)
L
Lots
ots of divine mir
miracles
acles your way,
way, Sheetal
Sheetal Sapan
Sapan Mhatre.
Mhatre. 36 Caribbean republic 16 Artist's equipment 33 Popular card game
(5) (5) (3)
STORY GUIDING LIGHT 37 Garlicky 17 A sweet, sugary
Solution
The Quarrel
32 Cups, 33 Uno.

An insight into activism Captain, 24 Sunlit, 25 Nun, 27 Ulnae, 28 Sifts, 30 Dryly,

Isolate, 14 Aga, 16 Easel, 17 Syrup, 19 Usurper, 20 Krupp, 21 Antra, 23

I Swami Brahmavidananda
T was a scorchingly hot day on the dusty first! Get away, before I gore you to a bloody Down: 1 Stays, 2 Regnant, 4 Aunt, 5 Define, 6 Rifle, 7 Venus, 9 Tum, 12
African plains. The waterhole that most of pulp!” Pup, 31 Plain, 32 Century, 34 Flour, 35 Any, 36 Haiti, 37 Aioli, 38 Stash.
the animals used was fast drying up, but “Not before I rend you into ribbons with my

there was still some water in it.
There came to this waterhole one day, a
thirsty lion and an equally thirsty boar. Now,
when the mighty lion was drinking, no other
animal dared come close. But the boar, with his
great muscled flanks and sharp tusks, was not
one to be daunted.
Grunting eagerly, the boar rushed to the
water’s edge. He had just put his head down to
drink, when the lion arrived close behind.
“Out of my, way you ugly oaf!” snarled the
king of beasts, as he tried to elbow out the
boar.
“Humph!” grunted the boar. “I came here
claws!” roared the lion.
Each charged at the other and the ground
shook with their rage. Soon, the lion was bleeding
from the gashes caused by the boar’s tusks.
The boar fared no better. One ear was hanging
by a thin shred of skin and his nose was
already covered with welts.
As they paused in mid-battle to take stock,
both the lion and the boar heard a rustling
sound. As they looked up, four vultures swooped
down to settle on the branches of a tree near
the waterhole.
“Mmm...yumm... this is going to be a good
feast,” the vultures muttered among themselves,
nodding like wise men in white hoods. “Yes sir,
a lion and a boar, no less!”
The boar and the lion glanced at each other,
then up again at the waiting birds.
“Hey, why end up as a meal for these
scavengers?” said the boar.
“Yes,” agreed the lion. “Imagine two
magnificent beasts like us providing a feast to
these vulgar birds!”
“Why not call a truce?” suggested the boar.
“Let us take turns in drinking the water.”
And so it happened that the lion and the boar
parted ways amicably, their thirst quenched, but
leaving the vultures with gnawing stomachs!
4344 / © 2020 Amrita Bharati, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
A
ctivists have a role to play in society,
whether the brand of activism is destruc-
tive in tearing down an outdated struc-
ture in the society or in bringing about con-
structive changes in the society. Both have a role
to play. I prefer to go with the latter kind of ac-
tivism for constructive change. At the same
time, if one is into activism then one has to ac-
cept the fact that there will always be a push
back from the establishment, the society. Resist-
ance to change is as natural as the fact that so-
ciety is always changing.
Therefore anyone who initiates change can
always expect a push back. As an activist one
has to also be ready to accept the consequences
of one’s actions. One has to accept that if it is
into the destructive type of activism of tearing
down outdated structures, the pushback will be
greater. This is why activism requires some sort
of a vision which is larger than the individual
or the immediate concerns.
One thing most activists fail to recognise that
to harness a democratically elected government
as a part of their functioning. Many established
(Spiritual organisations keen to be featured in this space contact : features@fpj.co.in)
18 A go, 19 Uneasy, 21 Analyse, 22 Runt, 23 Cebu, 24 Sternal, 26 Pursue, 29
NGOs (Non-governmental organisations) recog- Across: 3 R and R, 8 Otter, 10 Eider, 11 Aug, 12 In-off, 13 Gymnast, 15 Ileus,
nise this and try to involve the government
through political affirmative action. Whatever
my functioning is, in whichever role I am, one EASY_PAGE_1_4.TIF
FPJ - SUDOKU - 25 Level: Hard
always has to be ready to accept the conse-
quences of my action, however noble my inten-
tions are. People judge one by the actions and
their view of how things should be.
To accept unconditional support just because
one thinks that one’s wish or goal is great or no-
ble does not mean that there won’t be a push
back. In fact, harmony in society is maintained
by the supportive and opposing factors for any
action. This has been researched and presented
in a lot of management articles and papers
which is outside the purview of this article. If
as an activist one breaks the law which one has
the right to do one also has to be ready to face
the consequences of breaking the law. If one is
not ready to do that, one better not be an activist.
WHAT TO DO: Fill in the grid so
(The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya that every row, every column
Foundation. You can write to him and every 3x3 box contains the
digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has
@aarshavidyaf@gmail.com)
only one correct solution.

YOUR DAY By Nilikash P. Pradhan

ARIES: The pressure at the workplace is
likely to increase. You may be worried
about wrapping up your tasks on time.
Don't care about what others think.
TAURUS: The luck will follow you. You
are likely to accomplish your goals with
ease. Misunderstandings with your life
partner may get over.
GEMINI: Sportspersons and those in the
field of the political sector will perform
well. Your co-workers will support your
decision in the workplace.
CANCER: New ambitions will be
realised. Working professionals may
secure a lucrative promotion that offers
liberal perquisites.
LEO: New ideas will boom in your mind,
discuss them with your colleagues/ sub-
ordinates. Beginning of a new
relationship is likely.
VIRGO: Your seniors maybe suspicious
about the quality of your work or
performance. You may make a new
friend who will remain loyal to you.
LIBRA: Those in the field of acting or
sports will see a lot of new opportunities
coming in. You will be in a spotlight on
the social front.
SCORPIO: Today, you will remain
tension-free as most of your worries will
go away. Domestic responsibilities will
keep on your toes.
SAGITTARIUS: Do not worry about the
old projects which you couldn't finish,
instead, look for new ones and give your
best. Try to recover all your debts.
CAPRICORN: You will make good
progress on the career front. You focus
should be more on work rather than
other random things. Love is in the air.
AQUARIUS: Unexpected changes or
delays could throw your schedule off
gear. You have to be particular while
making any financial decision.
PISCES: You have the capacity to
intuitively understand feelings. You will
find new resources to have continuity in
your projects.
 odel Paris Jackson, daughter of late king of pop Michael Jackson and nurse Debbie Rowe, says

Paris Jackson M she went through similar abuse at school as Paris Hilton. Jackson attended a reformatory school
in Utah and she shared that she identified with the treatment endured by Hilton, who recently
testified in court about the physical and emotional abuse she suffered during her time at school.
faced abuse “I went through some very, very similar experiences with those kind of teen places. She's been
through a lot and it's amazing to see her come out of the other end... a diamond,” Jackson told Hilton's
in school mother Kathy for C Magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk. She shared that Hilton taught her the importance
of empowering other women. The model added that she likes the way in which Hilton has navigated her
way “through the industry” and said that she's been happy to lean on her friend for advice. —IANS
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

‘I feel at home in both the ‘My ultimate goal

countries and at times feel is to be a heroine’
torn between the two’
Azaan Sami Khan, son of singer Adnan Sami and actor Zeba Bakhtiar, who has just released
From the web show Girliyapa to Shoojit Sircar’s
movie Gulabo Sitabo, Srishti Shrivastava recounts
her journey in the film industry
his debut solo album, talks about his music, inspirations and his famous parents, and opens up
GURPREET KAUR me feel that I am somewhere on the right part.
about his relationship with India and Pakistan With Ayushmann, when I first met him, he told
AB

Y
there and of course, my father ou might all remember Srishti Shri- me he remembers me as Albina from Gully Boy.
lives there [Mumbai]. I think I vastava from Girliyapa, the TVF show So it automatically made me feel comfortable. I
tarting his career as a am lucky to have people, family that got her recognition as an actor. like how he is never tired and has an unending

S music composer Azaan

Sami Khan made music
score for Parey Hut Love
friends on both side... I love
spending time with my father as
much as I love my mother. I feel
and Parwaaz Hai Junoon. at home in both the countries
He has co-written the films 021 and at times feel torn between
and Mahira Khan-starrer Super- the two...my father decided to
star. After gathering a substan- live in India and that is his
tial experience, Azaan finally de- choice. My love is equal for both
cided to come up with his first my parents and that will remain
solo album, which comprises of the same.
nine songs. The full tracklist in- Do you think artistes need to
cludes songs titled Maahiya, take a stand on social media on
Dholna, Mein Tera, Jaadugari, various socio‐political issues?
Aashiqui, Ik Lamha, Meri Sajna I am an introvert. I believe that I
Re feat. Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali should not be talking about mat-
Khan, Zama, and Tu. As his de- ters that I do not have in-depth
but solo album, Main Tera, re- knowledge about. I do not want
leases along with a music video, to form opinions based on half-
the screenwriter and music baked information, because that
composer opens up on coming could mislead and create confu-
from the family of accomplished sion among others. I did not
parents, Pakistani actress Zeba study political science like I did
Bakhtiar and singer-composer not study astrophysics. There-
Adnan Sami, feeling home in In- fore, I comment on neither. I am
dia and Pakistan, and more. Ex-
cerpts from the interview:
a musician and I do everything
through music.
What was the process to Are you planning a career
select the songs for the album in Bollywood?
Main Tera? Well, as an artiste I would love to
I wrote many songs, but finally work and collaborate every-
She followed it up with her act as Albi-
na Dadarkar in Gully Boy and her small
fight with Alia Bhatt’s character turned out to
drive to make great content. 
What has changed for you ever since and what
kind of work do you wish to do now?
be one of the funniest scenes in the Zoya As an actor, I have definitely grown from Albi-
Akhtar-directorial. Srishti soon impressed the na to Jo and then Guddo. On the professional
audience and the critics when she played level, after Gulabo Sitabo, I got the recognition
Ayushmann Khurrana’s sister, Guddo, in Shoo- that I always craved for, be it from Bachchan sir
jit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo co-starring Amitabh or Anurag Kashyap, who sent me a message on
Bachchan. Now, the actress is all set to reprise Instagram. However, soon after it, the lockdown
her character, Jo, in Girls Hostel 2.0. Ahead of happened. So I didn’t get the work I would have
the show’s release (February 19) on SonyLIV, after Gulabo Sitabo if things were fine. But I
Srishti gets candid about playing feisty female am happy that people now know my work but it
characters and working with Amitabh has to translate it to something. I just want to
Bachchan while pursuing her ultimate goal to do commercial Hindi Bollywood films, that’s
be a ‘heroine’. Excerpts from the interview: the genre I was born to do.
Whatʼs new with Girls Hostel 2.0 and your
character this time?
We have explored many more layers than the
first season, which was more like an establish-
ment of the characters and what a girls hostel I know I have done some good
is like. The second season is more about projects, but my ultimate goal is
relationships. We are talking about politics,
standing up for what’s wrong. Jo is more vul-
to be a ‘heroine’. I think right now
nerable this season, which is rather refreshing it’s possible for anyone, it might
to watch.
How has your journey been so far in
be tough but it’s possible.
the industry?
The industry has definitely decided to change
and take people who are good actors having a
great body of work. I think there is focus on

PIC: INSTAGRAM/SRISHTI SHRIVASTAVA

decided to put these nine songs
for the album. I used to think a
lot about how the tracklist
would be placed. I wanted the
songs to come out in a sequence
so eventually when the whole al-
bum releases, our audience also
gets a story, a rhythm to the se-
ries of the song. In the album,
there are few interesting collab-
orations featuring Ustad Rahat
Fateh Ali Khan saab.
Being the son of Adnan Sami
and Zeba Bakhtiar, was it a
dream for you to be a part of the
entertainment industry?
Well, with age and time my
dream has changed. Like many
other boys from this part of the
world, till the age of 12, I wanted
to be a cricketer and I was mad
about cricket. Then I thought
maybe I should study law. Of
course, I was learning music, I
used to roam around with my
mother on film sets. So, I was ex-
posed to this world as a child.
But, I think it was not just expo-
sure, I had a natural talent and
inclination towards music and
storytelling. Though neither of
my parents nudged me to follow
their path, they only said that
‘there will be a certain high
standard of quality of work ex-
pected of you. So, either you
learn and deliver the best, or do
not do it’. I was told anything I
do, I have to be the best. I kept
that in mind while starting
my journey.
Your musical style is very similar
to that of your dadʼs. What is
your take on that?
I think genetic, to an extent! As a
student of music, I have studied
his work closely. Apart from be-
ing his son, I am one of his fans!
I think it is a huge honour also
that at the beginning of my jour-
ney, even remotely to be com-
pared with someone like Adnan
Sami, we all know that as a mu-
sician, he is a legend.
What kind of reaction do
you look forward to from
your audience?
I think the idea is to reach out to
every group and section of the
audience because whether it is
my father or me, we make music
for the audience. Nothing is
where I get an opportunity. I that, which is very good. I have wanted to act
have friends in both countries as and my journey started with some dance class-
I said, but I started getting op- es and shows here and there. I joined drama
portunities here in Pakistan at a school after graduation and that’s when I start-
very young age, also because I ed working on my craft by doing theatre. I even
am living with my mother here started auditioning then. I know I have done
in Pakistan. When the first op- some good projects, but my ultimate goal is to
portunity came on my way, I be a ‘heroine’. I think right now it’s possible for
grabbed it. My career is not anyone, it might be tough but it’s possible.
strategised that way that I will Be it Guddo in Gulabo Sitabo or Albina in
work in Bollywood or in Pak- Gully Boy or Girls Hostel, are you this feisty
istan. But yes, I have been get- in real life?
ting work here The sad part is that everyone thinks that I am
(in Pakistan), like that in real life. They are the characters I
more exciting for us so I am work- have played, but they are not close to my per-
to see a stadium or ing here. sonality although I would like to be like them.
room full of audience Yes, I am open as a person, but I don’t fight. The
loving our songs and reason why these characters are similar is be-
singing along. When I cause when I started, I was this funny girl and I
was a kid, baba’s started giving auditions for that. I then decided
song Lift Kara de to go against that and I got Jo. I did Albina be-
was my cause of Zoya Akhtar and Gulabo Sitabo be-
favourite, we cause it was Shoojit Sircar’s film with Amitabh
kids would Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana. But, I
dance on feel there is some typecasting happening now
that...then there and I am putting all my efforts to break this
are so many ro- badass girl image.
mantic songs he How was it like sharing screen space with
made. I want to Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana
make music for my in Gulabo Sitabo?
audience, which I was smitten with Bachchan sir. When you are
they find relatable. sitting in front of him, you really don’t know
You stay with what to do. So all I did was observe him to see
your mother in what he is doing as an actor. I keep thinking if I
Pakistan. What is am his age and I have the passion that he has, I
your Mumbai am in good space. He is obsessed with his work.
connect? Adnan Sami Zeba Bakhtiar One more thing is that he appreciates people
I have friends who do good work. His appreciation letter made

Tele Talk Bollywood Bytes

Wagle Ki Duniya: A rare revival Priyanka says she is

more fearless now
Ayushmann’s
Ryan Reynolds
that resonates with today’s times P
riyanka Chopra Jonas
says she is a little more
creative and a little
connect
F
more fearless, and she ilmmaker Anubhav Sinha has
idening its reach throughout ple playing the elders of the family led by wants to hold onto the feel- roped in international action di-

W
the country in the 1980s, Door-
darshan and its two channels
used to be a rich
source of both enter-
tainment as well as en-
lightenment during the
last century, connecting
the viewers with the world
of art, literature and spiri-
tuality altogether. The
medium went through BOBBY SING
many substantial (unde-
sirable) changes in the first two decades
of the new millennium, but it is thank-
fully making a comeback with some
worth-praising attempts as Wagle
Ki Duniya.
Based on the vision and characters cre-
ated and devised by the renowned car-
toonist, R. K. Laxman, the original Wagle
Ki Duniya was aired in the late ’80s and
was presented by Durga Khote produc-
tions. Its key episodes were directed by
Kundan Shah, who had earlier directed
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron in 1983, that eventu-
ally became a cult film in the later
decades. A few of its episodes were also
directed by Ravi Ojha. The popular series
that became favourite of the masses was
written by Ajay Kartik and had music
by the extremely gifted composer
Vanraj Bhatia.
Representing the ‘common man’ deal-
ing with the daily crisis faced by a mid-
dle-class family, it featured Aanjjan Sri-
vastav as the struggling sales clerk work-
ing in a private company and Bharati
Achrekar as the housewife, along with
two young boys as their kids. Showcasing
the common man’s problems as house-
cleaning, unaffordable maid, rent, water-
supply, bribe, conveyance and more it
also had Salim Ghouse and Shah Rukh
The new
Wagle Ki Duniya
Khan making a cameo in two of its
episodes. Establishing an emotional con-
nect with the viewers, the series even got
an extension as Wagle became a house-
hold name in just a few months.
The series was special as it was devised
by Laxman, who got involved in the mak-
ing and reportedly also took decisive
calls in the casting. Interestingly, during
a recent promotional visit in a popular
TV program, Bharati respectfully re-
called how Laxman even guided her how
to stand as the lady of a middle-class fam-
ily in a particular posture.
Such was the popularity of its lead
character that after two decades, a differ-
ent kind of revival was tried on Doordar-
shan in 2012, presenting Wagle as an in-
vestigator in a series titled Detective Wa-
gle. But here the role of his wife was
played by Sulbha Arya and the series
couldn’t impress the viewers as per
the expectations.
Moving ahead, this time the theme is
being revived in its original form, featur-
ing both Aanjjan and Bharati as the cou-
their son (Sumeet Raghavan) working in
a courier company, his wife (Pariva
Paranti) looking after the house
and their two young kids – a son and
a daughter.
Though the overall feel and basic struc-
ture of the series remains the same, the
new version titled Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi
Peedhi Naye Kissey (aired on Sony Sab),
showcases the characters transformed into
an upper middle-class family living in a
posh society owning two flats, wherein one
is especially bought for the elderly couple.
As a result, the daily life problems go
through a major change and the focus
largely remains on the new-age issues faced
by the people living in the societies, specifi-
cally catering to the multiplex kind of audi-
ence. In fact, that is indeed a clever and
timely upgrade, exactly following the
format currently adapted by our Hindi
mainstream cinema.
Having said that, the new Wagle Ki
Duniya, directed by Aatish Kapadia, still
works due to its strong emotional quo-
tient that does make you feel for the char-
acters and the situations they get caught
in. No doubt, the emphasis remains more
upon the young son, his wife and the kids
instead of the elderly couple, the presen-
tation successfully manages to leave a
mark as they all represent the charac-
ters, we can easily relate to. Hence, this is
indeed a welcome change far ahead of
the routine content being offered by the
TV channels and therefore deserves to be
given a chance, expecting decent family
entertainment along with all worth
appreciating performances.
(The writer is a critic-columnist, an ex-
plorer of cinema and author of ‘Did You
Know’ series on Hindi films also active at
bobbytalkscinema.com)
ing while navigating her ca- rector Stefan Richter for the
reer in India and abroad. forthcoming Ayushmann Khur-
Over the years, the actress rana-starrer Anek. Richter is known
says, she has found a certain for his larger-than-life yet realistic ac-
confidence where she wants tion choreography, evident in action se-
to take chances, quences he designed for Ryan Reynolds
and not stick to and Samuel L. Jackson in the 2017 Holly-
what is per- wood thriller The Hitman’s Bodyguard,
ceived safe. and for Shah Rukh Khan in the 2011 re-
“I think I am lease Don 2. “Anek is the biggest film of
a little bit my career in terms of scale, and Anub-
more fear- hav Sinha is leaving no stone unturned
less. I don't to give the audience a huge big-screen
know if experience with his vision. It is true that
that has to Stefan Richter has been roped in for our
do with be- film. He comes in with a wealth of
ing ex- knowledge and has been an architect for
posed to big scale action movies around the
global enter- world,” Ayushmann said. —IANS
tainment, but to cer-
tain confidence over
the years that I have
found myself where I
like to take chances,”
Priyanka said.
—IANS
Shraddha’s ‘zero’ understanding
hraddha Kapoor describes eral things, including self-love, the
S the lockdown phase of last
year as one of her crucial
phases for self-realisation.
family and my emotional and spiri-
tual health. I also think that it
made me more independent, and
It was a period when she could things like the power of yoga to de-
learn to unlearn and redefine the velop a focussed mind so that I can
value of zero, the spiritual mean- choose to be a part of any project
ing of shunya, she says. — film or entrepreneurial venture
“I think every time we start a — more fearlessly. It is a learning
film, we start from zero, from that has happened through last
'shunya'. Lockdown was a time for year,” Shraddha said.
me to understand the value of sev- —IANS
 REG. NO. MCS/048/2018-20; RNI NO. 1541/1957/M.P.C.S. OFFICE MUMBAI-400001
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
www.freepressjournal.in

Real difficulties can be

overcome; it is only the
❝ imaginary ones that
are unconquerable
� THEODORE N. VAIL

Insane biddings at IPL auction

�������������������� �����������
A
ll-rounders and foreign fast Gowtham was bought for a record Rs
bowlers fetched the big bucks 9.25 crore by the Chennai Super
at this year's IPL players' auc- Kings. The 32-year-old is currently
tion where South Africa's Chris Mor- with the Indian team as a net bowler
ris clinched a record-breaking Rs 16.25 for the ongoing Test series against
crore deal with Rajasthan Royals and England. Tamil Nadu's Shahrukh
uncapped Karnataka player Krishnap- Khan, named after the Bollywood su-
pa Gowtham also invited a bank- perstar, expectedly got a handsome Rs
breaking bid. Morris became the most 5.25 crore deal from Punjab Kings,
expensive buy in the IPL auction his- more than 51 times his base price of
tory with Rajasthan Royals shelling Rs 20 lakh. New Zealand pacer Kyle
out big money for the all-rounder even Jamieson, who is known more for his
as uncapped players such as Gowtham performances in Test cricket, secured
also hogged the limelight here on a massive Rs 15 crore deal from the
Thursday. Spin bowling all-rounder Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Fresh curbs in city Edu minister's Janata Darbar Domestic

air travel
T he civic authorities in Mumbai today clamped
down with fresh safety measures as Covid numbers
in the state and the city remained in an upward trajec-
T he Janata Darbar of the state higher and technical ed-
ucation department will be held at 11 am on February
22 at Nehru Center Hall, Worli. sluggish
tory for a week,
logging over 5000
cases on Thursday.
During this grievance redres-
sal meeting, educationists, col-
lege and university principals,
D omestic airlines
flew 77.3 lakh pas-
sengers in January,
Mumbai reported teachers, non-teaching staff nearly 5.6 per cent
736 cases. Citizens and students can ask questions more than 73.3 lakh in
flouting rules for to the state higher and techni- the previous month,
home isolation, cal education minister Uday
weddings and pub- Samant. The University of
lic gatherings will Mumbai has created a special
be prosecuted. The Mumbai civic body said 300 mar- https://dtec.mu.ac.in/appli-
shals will be appointed to take action against passen- cation on the homepage of the university website
gers travelling without mask in suburban railways. www.mu.ac.in for the convenience of the questioners.

however, the number

��������������������������������������� was 39.5 per cent down
from pre-Covid level of

They forgot our Hunters 1.27 crore in January

2020, , the Directorate
General of Civil Avia-

R ecalling the decisive Battle of Longewala, IAF

chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria on
Thursday said the plan of armoured thrust by the
Jaisalmer could do and that was probably its
"only mistake", he said. India is celebrating the
50th anniversary year of its victory over Pak-
tion (DGCA) said on
Thursday. The passen-
ger load factor of ma-
Pakistan Army was "brilliant" and could have istan in the 1971 war. The Indian Air Force (IAF) jor scheduled commer-
changed the course of the 1971 war, but the only chief was speaking at the launch of a book titled cial airlines was 64 to
thing it probably forgot to factor in was India's air "The Epic Battle of Longewala", authored by Air 76 per cent in January
power. The Pakistan Army forgot what half-a- Marshal (retired) Bharat Kumar, a veteran of the - same as the last
squadron of the Hunter aircraft sitting in 1965 and 1971 wars, at the IAF Museum in Delhi. month.
� ������ FREE PRESS
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
India for democracy
ONE FOR INSPIRATION
in Myanmar
I ndia at the third Quad Ministerial Meeting on Thurs-

������������������������
day reiterated upholding the rule of law and a transi-
tion to democracy in Myanmar, whose military recent-
ly took over the country in a coup and arrested its civil-
ian leaders including Aung

I
n a certain place there once lived a dog
by the name of Tschitranga. A lengthy
famine set in. Tschitranga, emaciated
with hunger, was driven by fear to another
country. There in a certain city he went to a
certain house day after day where, due to
the carelessness of the housekeeper, many
good things to eat were left lying about, and
he ate his fill. However, upon leaving the
house, other vicious dogs surrounded him
on all sides and tore into him. He reconsid-
ered his situation, and said, "It is better at
home. Even during a famine you can live
there in peace, and no one bites you to
pieces." He set forth to his own city. When
he arrived there, his relatives asked him,
"Tschitranga, tell us about where you have
San Suu Kyi. External Af-
fairs Minister S Jais-
hankar participated in the
third India-Australia-
Japan-USA Quad Ministe-
rial Meeting with his counterparts. "In the discussion
on Myanmar, the upholding of rule of law and the dem-
ocratic transition was reiterated by India," a release
been". He answered, "How can I explain to
you the essence of a foreign place? There
are good things to eat and housekeepers
who do not keep watch! There is only one
evil in a foreign country: You will be hated
there because of who you are!"

'Synchronised disengagement'
C hina on Thursday said the disengage-
ment process of the Chinese and Indi-
an frontline troops at the eastern Ladakh
border was progressing smoothly and ex-
Hyd is UN 'Tree City'
pressed hope that both sides will make
concerted efforts to achieve the goal. On
February 10, China's Defence Ministry
T he Arbor Day Foundation and the UN's Food and Agricul-
ture Organisation have recognised Hyderabad as 2020
Tree City of the World. It is the only from India to get the
spokesman announced that the Chinese recognition for its commitment to growing and maintaining
and Indian frontline troops in eastern the urban forest. Through this recognition, Hyderabad will
Ladakh have started synchronised and or- join a network of like-minded cities who recognise the impor-
ganised disengagement. tance of trees in building healthy, resilient and happy cities.

Want to appear sincere?

Autistic girl swims for 8 hrs
J iya Rai, a 12-year-
old girl with Respond at once
to queries
autism, created history
on Wednesday by
swimming from Mum-
bai's Bandra-Worli sea

link to the Gateway of
India, covering a dis-
tance of 36 km in eight
hours and 40 minutes,
officials said.Jiya is the daughter of naval sailor Madan Rai.
T
he longer the hesita- their sincerity inferences,"
tion, the less sincere added Dr Ziano. Re-
the response ap- searchers conducted a se-
pears, suggested a new re- ries of experiments involv-
search drove by the Ameri- ing more than 7,500 indi-
can Psychological Associa- viduals from the United

Desi Twitter gets 40L users tion. The study claimed

that when people pause be-
States, the United King-
dom, and France. Partici-

H omegrown Twitter-like platform Koo has garnered over

10 lakh new users in just one week, surpassing the 40
lakh-figure in nearly 10 months of its arrival, as Twitter was
caught in crosshairs
with the Indian govern-
ment over its direction to
remove nearly 1,400 con-
troversial accounts.
Koohas reached 4.2 mil-
lion users within no
time.
fore replying to a question,
even for just a few seconds, their an-
swers are perceived to be less sincere
and credible than if they had replied
immediately. "Evaluating other peo-
ple's sincerity is a ubiquitous and im-
portant part of social interactions,"
said lead author Ignazio Ziano. "Our re-
search shows that response speed is an
important cue on which people base
pants either listened to an
audio snippet, viewed a video, or read
an account of a person responding to a
simple question (example: did they like
a cake a friend made or had they stolen
money from work). In each scenario,
the response time varied from immedi-
ate to a 10-second delay. Participants
then rated the sincerity of the response
on a sliding scale.
 Earth defence mission put off FREE PRESS

N ASA will delay the launch of a mission which

seeks to test and validate a method to protect
MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ������ �
Earth in case of an as- 700K left country in 2019
teroid impact threat.

����������������������
The launch of the mis-
sion, called Double
Asteroid Redirection

���������������������
Test (DART), has been
moved from the pri-
mary launch window
of July 21 to August 24 of this year
'PROVE
T
to the secondary launch win- he Chinese govern- Koolearn, an
dow of November 24 to Feb- MAJORITY' ment is trying to online edu-
ruary 15, 2022, NASA
said on Wednesday.
Tamilisai
P uducherry

Soundararajan
Lieu-
tenant Governor Dr
on
Thursday directed Chief Minister V.
Narayansamy to prove his majority in the Assembly
on February 22. Hours after
taking additional charge as
Lieutenant Governor of
the union territory, she di-
rected the Congress-led
government to prove its
majority. The direction
came amid claims by the opposition parties that the
Congress-led government slipped into minority after
one more party MLA quit the party on Tuesday.
build a "mechanism
to discourage minors from
studying abroad" as in-
cation plat-
form used by
China's
creasing number of resi- largest pri-
dents are moving out of the vate educa-
country for study, South tional serv-
China Morning Post report- ice provider,
ed. Chinese parents are New Orien-
sending their children tal, about 20
away to study at increasing- per cent of
ly younger ages. More than all those
700,000 Chinese residents who took
moved abroad to study in global pandemic, there was part in exams for overseas
2019. It was a rise of more still an increase in the num- study last year were stu-
than 6 per cent from the ber of secondary-school dents at or below grade 12
previous year, according to students who took courses level, the final year of sen-
the latest data from the and exams in preparation ior secondary school from
country's Ministry of Edu- for studying abroad. In a re- which they can go on to

U'khand toll climbs to 61 cation. In 2020, despite the port issued last month by higher education.

Farmers gear up QUICK NEWS

4.6 lakh get second jab

for summer �������������������������
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U sing dog squads, 61 bodies have been re- ���������������������������

binoculars, rafts
and other equipment,
rescuers found three
more bodies on Thurs-
day as they continued
their search operation
for missing persons in
the disaster-hit areas of
Uttarakhand's A total of
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covered so far with two ��������������������������������������
recovered from inside a ��������������������������������
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tunnel of the Tapovan ������������������������������������
project and other in the ����������������������������������
�����������������������������
Reni area. DGP Ashok �������������������������������������
Kumar said the rescue ������������������������������������
�����������������������
operation would contin-
ue till the last man or 'Ready to talk to farmers'
body is found. ��������������������������

F armers sitting on protest that various social organisa- �����������������������

���������������������������������
against the Govern- tions have come forward to ������������������������������

Lockdown in Amravati ment's new farms laws have

started preparing to face the
provide fans and coolers.
Many tractor-trolleys that
���������������������������������
������������������������
�������������������������������

F ollowing a rise in COVID-19 cases in Maharash- scorching summer heat at have carried farmers from ����������������������������
�������������������������������
tra's Amaravati, district collector Shailesh Naval Singhu village. They are different villages and dis- ��������������������������������
on Thursday an- planning to install fans, cool- tricts from Haryana and Pun- ���������������������������������
������������������������������
nounced a lock- ers, generators at the protest jab are fitted with fans to pro- ��������������������������������
down in the dis- site. The farmers leaders said vide cool air to the farmers.
trict. "Owing to
rising cases, lock-
down declared in
'Don't splurge on weddings'
Amravati District
from Saturday 8
pm to Monday 7 am," Naval told reporters. "I advise all
T he spiritual head of Ajmer dargah Zainul Abedin Ali
Khan on Thursday said extravagance on marriage
ceremonies should be discouraged in the interest of soci-
the people of the district to adhere to COVID-19 guide- ety. Delivering his message on the Urs of Sufi saint Khwa-
lines failing which strict action will be taken by the ja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer on Thursday, Khan said it
concerned authorities," he added. was like a social ill which should be eradicated and the fo-
cus should be on how the girls live happily with dignity.
 FREE PRESS
� ������ MUMBAI | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

������������������

���������������������

B ollywood actress Shraddha

Kapoor describes the lock-
down phase of last year as one
of her crucial phases for self-re-
alisation. It was a period when
she could learn to unlearn and
redefine the value of zero, the
spiritual meaning of shunya,
she says. "I think every time we
start a film, we start from zero,
from 'shunya'. Lockdown was a
time for me to understand the
value of several things, includ-
ing self-love, the family and my
emotional and spiritual
health," Shraddha said.

Priyanka is 'a VIVO TO SPONSOR IPL 2021

little safer'
A ctress Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she is
a little more creative and a little more
B rijesh Patel, the chairman of
the Indian Premier League
(IPL) on Thurs-
2021, welcome back Vivo," said Bri-
jesh on Star Sports during the wel-
come speech of
fearless, and she wants to hold onto the feeling day announced the IPL auction.
while navigating her career in India and that VIVO will be The IPL chair-
abroad. Over the years, the actress says, she the title sponsor man also con-
has found a certain confidence where she for this year's firmed that IPL
wants to take chances, and not stick to what is edition. Vivo is 2021 will most
perceived safe. "I think I am a little bit more back, this edition likely see fans
fearless. I don't know if that has to do with be- to be announced return to the
ing exposed to global entertainment," she said. as VIVO IPL stadium.

����������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������

J T
apanese tennis player Naomi Osaka se-
cured a spot in the women's singles final of
o mark the ten-year anniversary of In-
dia's 2011 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup �������������������
the ongoing Australian Open after an impres-
sive win over Serena Williams here on Thurs-
day. In the semi-fi-
glory, the International Cricket Council (ICC)
is launching #CWC11Rewind, a series of con-
tent across the next six weeks, beginning Feb-
P unjab Kings captain KL Rahul on Thurs-
day said that the new name of the team
represents it better as a unit. The Indian Pre-
nal match, Osaka ruary 19 with mier League
registered a com- India versus (IPL) fran-
fortable win over Bangladesh chise an-
Williams to ad- game. The nounced
vance to the fourth campaign will that it was
Grand Slam final look back at changing its
of her career and the tourna- name from
put herself one ment's iconic moments and will have content Kings XI
win away from her second Australian Open produced both in Hindi and English. The Punjab on Wednesday and unveiled a new
crown. Seven-time Australian Open champion campaign is only the beginning of ICC's long- logo as well. I am quite confident that the
Williams had been 8-0 in Australian Open term multi-lingual strategy to take cricket to change in name will bring us good fortune
semifinals over her legendary career. a larger demographic. this year," he further said.

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