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XCVIII NO. 5

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hindustantimes.com
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n VOL.XCVIII NO. 5 n PRICE ₹5.00/WITH HINDUSTAN ₹ 9.00 (₹ 7.50 IN FARIDABAD)/WITH MINT ₹ 9.50 n 24 PAGES + 4 PAGES OF HT CITY. AREA
SPECIFIC PAGES EXTRA.
PM’s convoy halted in
Punjab security breach
Political row erupts
as BJP accuses Cong
govt in state of plot
against Modi; No
lapse, insists Channi
HT Correspondents
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
first rally in poll-bound Punjab
was cancelled on Wednesday on
account of a major and unprece-
dented breach in his security,
with protesters blocking a route
and forcing the PM’s convoy to
spend about 15 -20 minutes on a
flyover.
The Centre, the Bharatiya Jan-
ata Party (BJP), security experts
and former senior police officers
all stressed on the dangerous
precedent set by the incident,
with both the Union government
and the BJP pointing to lapses by
the Punjab police and the state
government, and alleging that
dirty politics was at play.
“Today’s Congress-made hap-
pening in Punjab is a trailer of
how this party thinks and func-
tions. Repeated rejections by the
people have taken them to the
CONGRESS CANCELS
POLL RALLIES AMID
COVID SPIKE, CALLS
GROW FOR CURBS
NEW DELHI: The Congress on
Wednesday cancelled its big
political rallies in poll-bound
Uttar Pradesh and asked dis-
trict units to assess the situa-
tion locally before holding any
poll-related programmes amid
rising Covid-19 cases fuelled by
the Omicron variant.
The decision comes a day
after party leader Priyanka
Gandhi Vadra isolated herself
after a family member and a
staff tested positive. “...Our UP
unit informed that they would
withhold big rallies for 15
days,” said Congress secretary
Pranav Jha. →P10
RAIN BRINGS MAX
TEMP IN CAPITAL
DOWN TO 15.7°C
NEW DELHI: As light rain per-
sisted in the Capital throughout
the day, the maximum tempera-
ture fell to 15.7°C, four notches
below normal -- the lowest maxi-
mum temperature recorded so
far this season, according to
India Meteorological Depart-
ment. However, the minimum
temperature stood at 10.9°C --
four notches above normal. →P4
NEET-PG: DEMAND
BY RESIDENT DOCS
GENUINE, SAYS SC
NEW DELHI: The apex court on
Wednesday termed the demands
of resident doctors to hold coun-
selling for NEET-PG seats as
“genuine” as it set out to exam-
ine the Centre’s request to allow
the process pending a constitu-
tional challenge to introduction
of quota for other backward
classes and economically weaker
section in medical courses. →P8
Mundra drug mastermind, an Af man, was
let off by cops in another case, fled after bust
Neeraj Chauhan
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The ongoing investi-
gation into the seizure of
3,000kg of heroin worth ₹21,000
crore at Mundra Port in Septem-
ber -- the largest ever by Indian
agencies -- has revealed that an
Afghan national, a key player in
the narco smuggling network
who supervised deliveries in
India, was detained by Punjab
Police in another drugs case but
let off, people familiar with the
development said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cavalcade stuck on a flyover in Ferozepur on Wednesday.
path of insanity,” tweeted Union
home minister Amit Shah.
Union minister Smriti Irani
asked if information about the
PM’s route was leaked. “Never
before has the state government
knowingly constructed a sce-
nario where the PM will be
brought to harm,” she said. “This
was the Congress’s khooni
(deadly) intention.” She also
CDS chopper tragedy probe
suggests error led to crash
Rahul Singh
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The December 8
helicopter crash in which India’s
first chief of defence staff (CDS)
General Bipin Rawat was killed
along with 13 others was most
likely a controlled flight into ter-
rain (CFIT) accident with cloudy
weather a contributory factor,
people familiar with the matter
said on Wednesday, after the
Indian Air Force (IAF) made a
detailed presentation to defence
minister Rajnath Singh on the
inquiry report into the Mi-17V5
accident.
In aviation parlance, CFIT
refers to the accidental collision
with terrain of an airworthy air-
craft under the flight crew’s full
control.The most common
causes of it are bad weather,
human error, or a problem with
navigation equipment. And most
of these accidents happen during
take off or landing.
“It was most likely a CFIT
accident. The aircraft was fully
Novak denied entry after
Aus ‘exemption’ outrage
MELBOURNE: Tennis world num-
ber one Novak Djokovic landed
in Australia on Wednesday in
the middle of a political mael-
strom over his Covid-19 vaccine
status, as he was denied per-
mission to enter the coun-
try over a visa dispute,
adding a new twist to the
player’s attempt to play
in the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who con-
firmed on Tuesday that he
received a vaccination
exemption to play at
the Australian
Identified only as Nabibullah,
this Afghan national fled the
country five days after the
Directorate of Revenue and
Intelligence (DRI) seized the
shipment between September 17
and 19 last year.
HT was first to report the sei-
zure on September 20.
Punjab Police detained Nabib-
ullah in another drug-related
case along with four other smug-
glers in June 2021, much before
DRI unearthed the 3,000kg con-
signment. He was interrogated
at length and then allowed to go
touched on reports that said PM
Modi spoke to officials at
Bathinda airport.“Say thanks to
your CM that I was able to return
to Bathinda airport alive,” Modi
was quoted as saying by news
agency ANI.
Punjab chief minister Charan-
jit Singh Channi expressed
regret over the incident but
rejected the BJP’s allegations.
The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crash site in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor.
serviceable. There is no evidence
of technical failure,” said a sec-
ond official.
There was no official word
from IAF on what led to the acci-
dent. Air Marshal Manavendra
Singh, who headed the inquiry
into the crash, made the presen-
tation to the defence minister in
Open, had applied for a visa that
does not allow for medical
exemptions, it emerged, prompt-
ing the local government of Vic-
toria, the state where the Open is
played, to say it would not
support Djokovic’s applica-
tion.
“We will not be provid-
ing Novak Djokovic with
individual visa applica-
tion support to participate
in the 2022 Australian Open
Grand Slam,” minister
Jaala Pulford said.
→P22
as, apparently, there was noth-
ing against him at that point,
according to a senior official in a
central investigation agency
directly involved in the Mundra
drugs haul investigation. “At the
time, Punjab Police didn’t know
how big a player he was so he
was released after questioning,”
this person added, asking not to
be identified
When contacted, Punjab
Police’s Special Task Force (STF)
head, additional director gen-
eral (ADG) Harpreet Singh Sidhu
said he was not aware of the case
PTI
“We regret that he had to return
due to the blockade...he is the
Prime Minister of the country.
We respect him,” he told report-
ers, clarifying that his govern-
ment had no information about
the PM’s motorcade taking the
road route.
“There was no prior informa-
tion. I worked till 3am to con-
continued on →21
FILE
the presence of IAF chief Air
Chief Marshal Vivek Ram
Chaudhari. IAF is now expected
to review protocols governing
flights ferrying important peo-
ple. The review will be based on
the findings of the court of
inquiry into the crash, the IAF
chief said last month. →P8
20-YR-OLD FROM
U’KHAND IS 3RD
BULLI BAI ARREST
MUMBAI: Three people have
been arrested so far in connec-
tion with webpages where hun-
dreds of Muslim women were
“auctioned”, the Mumbai Police
said on Wednesday, apprehend-
ing a 20-year-old a day after two
accused were arrested from Ben-
galuru and Uttarakhand.
The third accused, Mayank
Rawat, was also arrested from
Uttarakhand. The police said the
accused appeared to have used
names related to the Sikh com-
munity in their Twitter handles
in order to mislead people and
add a communal angle. →P13
and would have to check the
details. “If the police has suffi-
cient facts about any criminal let
alone a drug trafficker, they
would take action,” and not
allow them to get away, he
added.
Nabibullah, according to the
officer from the central agency
cited above, supervised the deliv-
ery of a similar consignment at
Mundra Port on June 6 last year,
which was also imported in the
name of same firm used in the
September consignment -- Aashi
continued on →21
Home isolation cut to 7
days as 3rd wave surges
Rhythma Kaul
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The Union govern-
ment issued new guidelines on
Wednesday to reduce the home
isolation period for people with
Covid-19 from 10 days to seven
as long as they have not had
fever in the last three days.
The move follows similar
steps by the UK and the US,
where isolation periods have
been cut, following the near-
global pandemic takeover by
the Omicron variant of the Sars-
CoV-2, which studies have
established to be leading to
milder disease.
India reported 89,972 new
cases on Wednesday, continu-
ing a sharp spike. Compared to
Tuesday’s numbers, Wednesday
saw new infections rise by more
than 58%, as per HT’s Covid
dashboard. In Delhi, this num-
ber jumped 94.6% in a single
day to lead to 10,665 new cases.
Top government officials said
the current R number of the epi-
demic, a measure of the inten-
sity of the outbreak, has now
Delhi’s daily tally crosses 10k,
India’s new cases go past 89k
NEW DELHI: The national capital
reported 10,665 new cases of
Covid-19 on Wednesday, close to
twice the number seen just a day
ago, even as India’s daily infec-
tion tally jumped to nearly
90,000, as the country’s third
Covid wave continued to push
case numbers at near-exponen-
tial levels.
There were 89,972 cases
reported across India on
New guidelines for Covid patients
The new measures are keeping in mind that milder case
outcomes don’t complicate efforts to maintain a balance
between containment and avoiding disruption of daily life
HOME ISOLATION
PERIOD REDUCED
FROM 10DAYS TO 7DAYS
This is in line with steps by the
UK and US, where isolation
periods have been cut in light
of milder infections caused by
Omicron variant
People who end isolation at 7
days should continue wearing
masks when they go out
FOR FAMILY, CAREGIVERS: Among the other
changes, the Centre also asked for requisite facilities
at home for other family contacts to be able to
quarantine and for caregiver to be fully vaccinated
reached 2.69, surpassing the
1.69 recorded during the Delta
variant peak, although the out-
break is leading to fewer hospi-
talisations.
“It seems hospitalisation rate
is very low. We are following
this data very closely… In Delhi,
Wednesday, according to a tally
by HT, continuing a sharp spike
driven by the Omicron variant of
Sars-CoV-2. Compared Tuesday’s
numbers alone, Wednesday saw
new infections rise by more than
58.3%, as per HT’s Covid dash-
board. In Delhi, this number
jumped 94.6% in a single day to
lead to 10,665 new cases.
India’s Wednesday spike was
the largest single-day increase in
Thursday, January 06, 2022
HOME ISOLATION NOT
WHEN TO TEST
RECOMMENDED for
those with compromised Asymptomatic close
immunity, like
HIV-infected people,
contacts of Covid+
cases need not get
transplant recipients and tested, but should
cancer patients stay at home
ONLY AFTER DOCTOR’S
EVALUATION for people
above 60 with comorbid
WHEN TO SEEK
conditions like diabetes, MEDICAL HELP
l 100°+ fever: 3+ days
heart disease and chronic
lung/liver diseases etc l Difficulty breathing
l SpO2 ≤ 93% on
room air
l Chest pain
l Confusion/fatigue
the hospitalisation rate is about
3.7%, and in Mumbai, we heard
an officer saying it was around
5%. In previous waves, last year
and in 2020, the typical hospi-
talisation rate was 20%,” said
Niti Aayog member VK Paul
continued on →21
Covid-19 infections seen in the
country since June 10, 2021, or in
more than 200 days. Delhi’s case
spike, meanwhile, was the high-
est since May 12, 2021, data
shows.
Maharashtra, with 26,538
new cases, was the single-largest
contributor to the national tally,
followed by West Bengal with
14,022 daily infections. Delhi’s
count was the third-highest.→P5
NEW DELHI/METRO
PEOPLE TO BE
BOOSTED WITH
SAME VAX THEY
GOT IN JAB DRIVE
Rhythma Kaul
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The third shot of
Covid-19 vaccines that will be
rolled out for certain categories
of citizens from January 10 will
be of the same dose as the first
two, a Union government offi-
cial said on Wednesday.
People above the age of 60
with certain illnesses, health-
care and front-line workers will
be allowed to take the “precau-
tionary dose”, as long as their
second shots were taken more
than nine months ago. “It will
be a homologous third or pre-
cautionary dose. Those who
have received Covaxin will
receive Covaxin and those
who...received primary two
doses of Covishield will receive
Covishield,” said VK Paul, mem-
ber (health), Niti Aayog, during
the health ministry’s media
briefing on Covid-19. →P10
INDIA RECORDS
ITS FIRST DEATH
LINKED WITH
OMICRON VARIANT
JAIPUR: A 73-year-old man who
died in Udaipur on December 31
has been classified as the first
death due to the Omicron vari-
ant in the country, officials said
on Wednesday, after the fatality
was reassigned as being linked
to Covid-19. The man was suffer-
ing from multiple comorbidities.
“The government confirmed the
death in Rajasthan has been
counted as Omicron death in
India. We can say this is the first
death in India,” Union health
ministry joint secretary Lav
Agarwal said in Delhi on
Wednesday. →P10
02 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022

Page One Plus

{ MY INDIA } EX GRATIA ANNOUNCED { WORLD } FROM TAMIL NADU { OPINION } FOR THE FUTURE { MARKET } WIDE GAINS { WORLD } 7 OTHER COUNTRIES IN LIST

J’khand: 16 killed in Sri Lanka to release The need to build a green Sensex reclaims 60k Hong Kong stops
truck-bus collision 13 Indian fishermen infrastructure grid as Nifty nears 18,000 flights from India

At least 16 people were killed and 26 others
wounded in a head-on collision between a bus and a
truck transporting gas cylinders in Jharkhand’s Pakur
district on Wednesday, police said. The incident
happened around 8.30am on Govindpur-Sahebganj
state highway in Amrapara police station area, they
said. The bus with 40 passengers on board was
heading to Deoghar district from Sahibganj district.
Heavy fog is the suspected reason behind the crash,
officials said, adding that the death toll may rise as
several of the wounded are in a critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his
condolences. “I am anguished by the bus accident in
Pakur, Jharkhand. In this sad hour, condolences to the
bereaved families. May the injured recover soon,” the
Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet. The PM also
announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of
the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. →P8
Indian High Commission in Colombo on
Wednesday said that 13 Indian fishermen, who were
arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on the charge of
crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line,
are being released. “Happy to learn from our lawyer
in Mannar that 13 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu
are being released,” the Indian High Commission
tweeted. “Soon after the court verdict, our official
from @CGJaffna met with the #Indian fishermen
and offered sweets. We are taking steps for early
return,” it added. In December, the MEA said India has
taken up the issue with the Sri Lankan government.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said,
”Officials from the consulate general of India, Jaffna,
have met the detained fishermen and are providing
all necessary support.” ANI
Is India’s emphasis on expressways and urban metro rail
compatible with LIFE (lifestyle for environment) as articulated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi at the Glasgow climate meet? The obsession
with highways has to be passé, in a world moving to electric public
transport. Even if it’s about roads clogged with cars powered by
renewable electricity, new investments in the highway sector must
focus on building fast-charging stations, rather than laying asphalt,
writes Partha Mukhopadhyay, senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research.
The goal of an electric road-based public transport system at a cost and
convenience that eliminates the desire to use personal transport needs
large investment. An Indian technology mission that focuses on electric
buses and charging infrastructure in all million-plus cities will boost
domestic investment in such technologies, build a future-ready urban
transport system and make India a global supplier. →P16
Equity benchmark Sensex stretched its winning
run to the fourth straight session on Wednesday to
reclaim the 60,000-level as robust gains in banking
and financial stocks offset profit-booking in the IT
pack. A rebounding rupee and continuous buying by
foreign funds added to the momentum, traders said.
Overcoming a wobbly start, the 30-share BSE Sensex
surged 367.22 points or 0.61% to end at 60,223.15. The
index last closed above the 60,000-mark in mid-
November. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty climbed
120 points or 0.67% to finish at 17,925.25. Bajaj Finserv
was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, spurting
5.09%, followed by Bajaj Finance, Kotak Bank, Axis
Bank, Tata Steel, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints, Maruti and
ICICI Bank. Market breadth was in favour of the bulls,
with 18 of the 30 Sensex counters in the green. →P19
Hong Kong on Wednesday reimposed some of
its toughest restrictions, banning flights from eight
countries, including India, till January 21, in a bid to
arrest the rising Omicron cases. Hong Kong chief
executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that
people from eight countries – Australia, Canada,
France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United
Kingdom and the United States, including via transit
– are banned from returning to the city for two
weeks starting Saturday, South China Morning Post
reported. Hong Kong is reimposing some of its
toughest Covid-19 restrictions, setting a 6pm curfew
on all dine-in services and banning flights from eight
countries, as it braces for a fifth wave of infections
amid Omicron fears. Lam said that the tougher rules
were necessary with the city on the verge of a wider
coronavirus outbreak following the community
detection of an unlinked Omicron case. PTI

{ OMICRON WATCH } B.1.1.529 { OMICRON IMPACT } HOW THE PANDEMIC IS UNFOLDING ABROAD

Evolutionary Rapid case spread, but fewer hospitalisations

pathways wide The global pandemic is soaring to new heights pushed by the Omicron variant of Sars-CoV-2. But there’s a catch to reading case numbers –
on-the-ground statistics like hospitalisations have not yet come close to soaring to record levels. A closer look at countries that have been

open for variant THE WIDE GAP IN CASES AND HOSPITALISATIONS

experiencing the Omicron wave a few weeks shows how the outcomes are playing out differently in cases and in hospitalisations.

Binayak Dasgupta
binayak.dasgupta@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: There are two dis-
tinct views emerging on what
comes next after the Omicron
waves raging in several countries
die down.
One is that the soaring Omi-
cron cases around the globe
could increase the risk of a
newer, more dangerous variant
emerging. “The more Omicron
spreads, the more it transmits
and the more it replicates, the
more likely it is to throw out a
new variant. Now, Omicron is
lethal, it can cause death ... maybe
less than Delta, but who’s to say
what the next variant might
throw out,” WHO senior emer-
gencies officer Catherine Small-
wood told AFP in an interview.
The other is that it will hasten
the end of the pandemic by leav-
ing a far larger number of people
with a baseline immunity that
could make future Sars-CoV-2
infections milder, in some ways
how Omicron itself is behaving.
Anthony Fauci, the top medi-
cal adviser to the US President,
said it is technically possible that
Omicron could hasten the end of
the pandemic, if it proves true
that the variant, with its high
degree of transmissibility, repla-
ces other strains of the virus that
cause more severe infections. “If
you have a very transmissible
virus that replaces another virus,
and [the replacement virus] has
less of a degree of severity, that
would be a positive outcome,”
Fauci told CNBC last week. “But
you can never guarantee,” he
stressed.
In the last week, two studies
have been noteworthy for the
insight they give into the corona-
virus’s evolution.
The first, by a team led by
researchers from University of
Amsterdam, paints a picture of
how far the coronavirus has
evolved, becoming almost dis-
tinct from the four older variants
of concern.
The researchers assessed this
by studying what is known as the
antigenic drift of the variants of
concern that have arisen till now.
Using antibodies from people
infected with the ancestral D614G
virus, and the Alpha, Beta,
Gamma, Delta and Omicron vari-
ants of concern (VOC), they cre-
ated a cartogram.
They found that antibodies in
response to infections of the earli-
est variants – D614G and Alpha --
induced the broadest immunity,
while individuals infected with
other VOCs had more strain-spe-
cific responses. Mapped on the
{ EMMANUEL MACRON } FRENCH PRESIDENT
P official who asked not to be
As for the unvaccinated,
I really want to piss
them off. And so we
will continue doing
so, to the end. That’s
the strategy
On his plan to anger the
HOSPITALISATIONS
cartogram, this showed that the
four VOCs clustered together.
The Omicron variant, how-
ever, was much farther away on
the diagram as it was substan-
tially resistant to antibodies from
all other variants. Only antibodies
caused by Omicron infections
appeared to neutralise it well.
The researchers use the sea-
sonal flu as a comparison for
what this means. Seasonal flu
viruses, too, keep evolving – at
times, mutating to become dead-
lier, like they did in 2015 and 2018.
The flu viruses, which includes
some like H1N1 that were a cause
for global concern when they first
arose, is endemic partly due to
vaccines that are updated every
year.
This may now be the case with
the coronavirus, and Omicron’s
arrival represents the point at
which vaccines must now be
updated. “Antigenic cartography
revealed that all VOCs preceding
Omicron belong to one antigenic
cluster, while Omicron forms a
new antigenic cluster associated
with immune escape and likely
requiring vaccine updates to
ensure vaccine effectiveness,” the
study says.
The second study finds that the
Omicron variant has sharpened a
trait that will allow it to infect
more species, thereby expanding
evolutionary opportunities.
The team, led by researchers
from Imperial College London’s
department of Infectious Disease,
found that the Omicron variant’s
highly mutated spike protein
“mediates enhanced entry into
cells expressing several different
animal ACE2s”.
In other words, they found that
the variant was more able to
enter cells using the ACE2 pro-
teins from several species not
used efficiently by other Sars-
CoV-2 variants. Omicron can now
potentially infect domestic poul-
try, horseshoe bats, and mice, the
researchers said.
This means the virus has
higher zoonosis potential – the
ability to jump between species.
As a result, there is now a “pos-
sibility that the host range of
Omicron may be widened even
further giving it the potential for
reverse zoonosis (jumping to
humans back from animals) and
the establishment of novel wild
or domestic animal reservoirs
from which future Sars-CoV-2
variants or recombinants might
emerge”.
In other words, the virus can
continue evolving in any of the
more animals it infects and jump
back to humans – with what
traits, that only time will tell.
DELTA WAVES
GETTING
DWARFED
The new waves being pushed
by the highly transmissible
Omicron variant are dwarfing
case numbers seen even during
the brutal Delta waves abroad.
The outbreak in the US, Italy
and France is currently is at its
worst ever. In the US, there
have been an average of more
than half a million (553,774) new
cases detected every single day
in the past week, a 120%
increase from the correspond-
ing figure in the Delta wave in
Jan 2021. In Italy, the latest
wave has outstripped Delta
peaks by 399%, as the country
is reporting 115,791 new cases
every day on average in the
past week. In France, which is
reporting 180,515 cases a day
has seen a 296% increase from
Delta peaks. Cases in all these
countries are still rising.
In two nations – Denmark
and the UK – the Omicron wave
appears to have peaked. But
despite the recent drop in
cases, in the UK cases are 213%
higher than the Delta wave
peak. Similarly in Denmark,
where cases have started
dropping, the current case rate
is still 328% higher than
previous peaks.
{ RAJPATH STRETCH } DEADLINE NEARS
Vista avenue races to completion ahead of R-Day
Risha Chitlangia
risha.chitlangia@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: With just three
weeks left for the Republic Day
celebrations, work on the Cen-
tral Vista, where the parade will
be held, is almost complete, said
two senior officials with the min-
istry of housing and urban
affairs (MoHUA).
The Ministry of Defence and
the Central Public Works
Department (CPWD) are making
arrangements for the parade.
“For the Republic Day parade,
the construction work is com-
plete. The Rajpath, pathways
adjacent to it, lawns, canals,
parking lots, etc are ready. Cur-
rently, arrangements for the
Republic Day parade are being
made. The canals have been
repaired, but water will be filled
later on,” said a senior ministry
named.
The redevelopment of the
Central Vista Avenue, part of the
Centre’s ₹13,500-crore Central
Vista redevelopment project,
started in February last year. The
project was to be completed by
December end.
While large parts of the ₹608-
crore project have been com-
pleted ahead of the parade,
pedestrian underpasses at Jan-
NEW CASES HOSPITALISATION
UNITED STATES
600000
FROM PREVIOUS WAVE PEAK
500000
Cases Hospitalisation
400000 120% 20%
300000
200000
100000
0 0
01-Jan-21 04-Jan-22
FRANCE
200000
FROM PREVIOUS WAVE PEAK
160000 Cases Hospitalisation
120000
296% 35%
80000
40000
0 0
01-Jan-21 04-Jan-22
There are four pedestrian
underpasses and eight amenity
blocks planned along Rajpath;
work on these will be completed
after the parade.
According to a spokesperson
for HCP Design, Planning and
Management Private Limited,
the consultant of the entire Cen-
tral Vista redevelopment project,
“Only the area required for the
Republic Day Parade will be
accessible to the public this time.
Some facilities, such as the
amenity blocks and underpas-
ses, will be completed later.”
CPWD officials said a lot of
work has been carried out to
upgrade the infrastructure and
make it pedestrian-friendly.
In a written reply, the HCP
spokesperson said that the ave-
nue lawns have been refur-
bished and pathways along Raj-
path and across the lawns paved
with Lakha Granite.
The heritage light poles along
Rajpath have been refurbished
and new light poles near the
lawns and canals have been
installed. New signages have
been put in place for better
directions.
According to the HCP spokes-
person, “A total of 16 permanent
bridges have been constructed
over the canals for cross connec-
tivity between the lawns on
UNITED KINGDOM
200000
FROM PREVIOUS WAVE PEAK
Cases
150000
213% 64%
100000
50000
01-Jan-21
ITALY
120000
FROM PREVIOUS WAVE PEAK
100000 Cases
80000 399% 57%
60000
40000
20000
01-Jan-21
Central Vista avenue revamp
The Central Vista avenue construction, part of the ₨13,500-cr
Central Vista redevelopment plan, started in February last year
WHAT’S DONE
l Pathways adjacent to the
Rajpath and across lawns
l Lawns next to Rajpath
l Parking facilities
l Relaying of Rajpath
l Bridges over the canals
l Parking lots
WORK GOING ON
FOR R-DAY PARADE
(To be completed before R-Day)
l Relaying of arterial roads
along Central Vista avenue
l Installation of new
bleachers for public
seating
l Beautification work
revamp was to construct the
underground utility ducts. “Pro-
visions for all new underground
utilities are in place. For the
Republic Day parade, under-
ground utilities will be used for
power supply, public announce-
ment systems, Parade Control
System, and for Doordarshan,
All India Radio and MTNL,” said
the HCP spokesperson.
NOWHERE NEAR
DENMARK DELTA LEVELS
25000 But on-the-ground statistics paint a picture
FROM PREVIOUS WAVE PEAK
that isn’t as grim as hospitalisations have
Hospitalisation 20000 Cases Hospitalisation
not yet come close to even touching record
328% 18% levels, leave alone surpassing them. In the
15000
US, for instance, there are currently 106,867
10000 Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals, as
per government data. This is around to
5000 20% lower than levels seen during the
January 2021 wave in the country. A key
0 distinction to US that must be noted is that
04-Jan-22 01-Jan-21 04-Jan-22 the country is still reeling from a large
volume of Delta patients (who constitute
the majority of hospitalisations and
WHAT THIS MEANS deaths).
In the UK, according to data by the UK
This means that despite case numbers
rising, the Omicron variant appears to Health Security Agency, there are 14,126
Hospitalisation
Covid patients in hospitals as of January 4,
be causing cases that need considerably
fewer hospitalisations than previous 64% below Delta peak levels. In France,
there are 20,186 Covid patients currently in
variants that have ravaged the world
like Delta. And preventing hospitalisa- hospitals, 35% fewer than peak levels. In
Denmark, there are 794 people occupying
tions, prevents deaths in the longer run
hospital beds, 18% below peak levels
(the fewer people get sick enough to be
during the Delta wave, while in Italy,
hospitalised, the fewer will die) – the
hospitalisations are 57% off peak.
04-Jan-22 target of the pandemic for any country.
23. We will make necessary traf-
fic arrangements for it. Routine
traffic diversions will be made,
₨608cr COST
like every year, during the
parade.”
For the parade, CPWD will be
installing a new modular multi-
DEC 2021 tiered seating system (also called
Initial deadline bleachers). “Around 30,000-
32,000 bleachers will be
installed,” said a CPWD official,
requesting anonymity.
Defence ministry officials
quoted above said no decision
has been taken on the capacity of
audience as of now.
“We are regularly monitoring
the Covid situation in Delhi. All
Covid protocols will be followed
AFTER R-DAY KEY COMPONENTS OF PROJECT:
l 4 pedestrian during the parade. Social dis-
Refurbished Pathways Refurbished heritage
underpasses tancing will be ensured, so the
lawns; new along Rajpath light poles along
l 8 amenity blocks
modular and across the Rajpath and new light capacity may be lower than
along Rajpath
multi-tiered lawns paved poles near lawns and usual,” the official quoted above
l Beautification
seating system with granite canals, among others said.
work Last month (December 2), in a
SANCHIT KHANNA/HT written response to a question in
the Lok Sabha, minister of state
project, refused to comment. Delhi is expected to receive light at MoHUA Kaushal Kishore said
While the road relaying work rain every day until Sunday, with that the physical progress of
at Rajpath is complete, CPWD
officials said work on nearby
peak intensity expected on Sat-
urday.
Central Vista Avenue stands at
60% and the project will be com-
arterial roads is being carried According to defence ministry pleted by December 2021.
out. officials, the practice for the Apart from the avenue itself ,
A senior CPWD official said, parade will start from January 7, the construction work of the
“At C-Hexagon near India Gate
and Janpath, we have completed
though in batches, and full
rehearsals will happen as per old
new Parliament building is
going on and is expected to be
the road relaying work and will schedule. completed before the winter ses-
be starting the work at Mans- A senior Delhi Traffic police sion this year.

A
path and India Gate and amenity
unvaccinated people by limiting blocks will be completed after
their access to social life >Page 17 January 26, said a second senior
ministry official.
either side of the canals and to When contacted, Shapoorji ingh Road next week. We can’t official said, “Rehearsals for the The work on the Common
aid VIP and VVIP movement Pallonji Engineering and Con- do it now due to the weather.” parade will happen on January Central Secretariat and the Vice-
during the parade.” struction, contractor for the Cen- As per forecasts by the India 17,18, 20 and 21. This followed by President’s enclave has also
An important part of the tral Vista Avenue redevelopment Meteorological Department, full dress rehearsal on January started.
04 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022

My Delhi
Delhi shivers at season’s Poll rolls revised, city
adds 100,000 electors
lowest max temperature Delhi deputy chief minister
Manish Sisodia.

DELHI ISSUES FIRST

HT PHOTO HT Correspondent
htreporters@hindustantimes.com City’s new voter rolls
Jasjeev Gandhiok NEW DELHI: The total number of Delhi now has more than 115,000 teen voters
jasjeev.gandhiok@hindustantimes.com
CASTE CERTIFICATE voters in Delhi has increased by

20,924,629 Total population

100,000 and 31 more polling sta-
NEW DELHI: Delhi witnessed TO SON ON MOM’S tions have been added during
(projected)
overcast and gloomy conditions
on Wednesday.
CREDENTIALS the pandemic, the city’s chief
electoral officer (CEO) Ranbir
Light rain persisted through- Singh said.
out the day, and the maximum
temperature fell to 15.7 degrees
Celsius, four notches below nor-
HT Correspondent
htreporters@hindustantimes.com

NEW DELHI: The Delhi govern-

mal -- the lowest maximum tem-
perature recorded so far this sea-
son, according to the India Mete-
orological Department.
However, the minimum temper-
ature was 10.9°C -- four notches
above normal.
The rain, coupled with low
clouds also created a haze that
prevailed during the day, keep-
ing visibility between 400 and
1,200 metres, which led to a
slight deterioration in air quality,
despite the rain, IMD scientists
said.
Delhi’s air quality index was
recorded at 397 (very poor)
according to Central Pollution
Control Board’s daily 4pm bulle-
tin, up from Tuesday’s reading of
378.
Safdarjung, Delhi’s base sta-
tion for weather data, received
7.3mm of rainfall between
8.30am and 5.30pm on Wednes-
day, and Palam and Lodhi Road
stations recorded 6.1mm and
6mm rain respectively. IMD,
despite the lowest maximum of
the season, did not classify it as a
“cold day” in Delhi, stating that
the criteria for the minimum
temperature was not met.
A “cold wave” is classified if
the minimum temperature is 4.5
degrees below normal, or when
it drops to 4 degrees or lower. It
classifies a “cold day” when the
maximum is 4.5 degrees below
normal, along with the mini-
mum at 10 degrees or lower.
“This is the lowest maximum
of the season so far, but the mini-
mum temperature was above 10
degrees. The low clouds and
On Wednesday, light rain persisted throughout the day. According to IMD, Delhi is likely to receive
light on Thursday as well.
HOWEVER, THE
MINIMUM TEMP IN
THE CITY ROSE TO
10.9°C — FOUR
NOTCHES HIGHER
THAN NORMAL
consistent rain did not allow the
maximum temperature to cross
the 15-16 degree mark and we
can expect a similar spell on Sat-
urday, with perhaps an even
more rain and faster wind
speed,” said RK Jenamani, scien-
tist at IMD.
He said the visibility improved
to 1,200 metres by afternoon at
Palam, but it remained around
400 to 500 metres at Safdarjung.
IMD has forecast light rain on
Thursday as well. But, Jenamani
said there were good chances of
the sun coming out during the
day. “It will be cloudy and we
will see some drizzle activity, but
the maximum will be around 20
degrees on Thursday. From the
night again, it will become over-
cast and the intensity of rain can
increase gradually, peaking on
Saturday,” he said.
Prior to this, Delhi’s lowest
maximum temperature was
recorded on December 19, when
it fell to 17.8 degrees Celsius. It
was also the season’s only “cold
day” so far, with the maximum
five degrees below the normal
mark.
The air quality is also
expected to see an improvement,
with wind speeds likely to pick
SANCHIT KHANNA/HT PHOTO
up between January 6 and 8, the
System of Air Quality and
Weather Forecasting and
Research (Safar), a government
forecasting body, said.
Gufran Beig, founder project
director at Safar, said when tem-
peratures are low during winter
and there is a drizzle, there are
chances of the air becoming
heavier, and instead of removing
pollutants immediately, it traps
local pollutants in the air.
“There was a slight haze and
the pollutants remained trapped
in the air longer. This is possibly
why the AQI increased slightly,
but an increase in wind speed
and the gradual impact of the
rain will lead to an improvement
in air quality by Thursday,” he
said.
ment has started issuing caste
certificates and other related
documents to single mothers,
changing an age-old system.
On Tuesday, deputy chief min-
ister Manish Sisodia handed
over the first caste certificate
issued on a mother’s credentials.
This was the first time that the
son of a single mother belonging
to the Scheduled Caste received a
caste certificate based on his
mother’s caste certificate in
Delhi after an eight year strug-
gle, Sisodia said.
The deputy CM said the
change was made possible due
to the intervention of Karol Bagh
MLA Vishesh Ravi who followed
up the matter with the district
administration for over a year,
and even raised the matter in the
Delhi assembly. “Due to his per-
sistent intervention Geeta Devi’s
child received an SC caste certifi-
cate based on her caste certifi-
cate. Not only Devi, but thou-
sands of single SC/ST mothers
like her will benefit from this,”
Sisodia said.
Previously, SC/ST caste certifi-
cates were issued based on the
father’s caste certificate. Due to
this, several single mothers
couldn’t get SC/ST caste certifi-
cates for their children.
“Many times they had to face
harassment from the ex-hus-
band/ in-laws to get a caste cer-
tificate for their children. Many
children of single SC/ST mothers
couldn’t get their caste certifi-
cate despite growing up in a
deprived and vulnerable envi-
ronment,” Ravi said.
The Delhi CEO on Wednesday
published the final electoral roll
for this year in the Capital,
which shows that the female to
male gender ratio of voters has
increased from 826:1000 last
year to 831:1000 this year.
“There was a net increase of
103,610 electors, including
50,562 males, 52,964 females,
and 84 third gender electors, as
compared to the previous roll
published in January 2021. This
increase is a step in realising the
ECI’s vision of ‘No Voter to be
left behind’,” Singh said in a
statement.
According to the latest elect-
oral roll, total voters in Delhi
are 14, 899,159. This comprises
8,138,593 men, 6,759,534
women and 1,032 third gender
voters.
“The increase in the number
of third gender voters also dem-
onstrates the positive result of
intense efforts made by the
electoral machinery towards
ensuring an inclusive electoral
roll,” Singh said.
The electoral rolls is signifi-
cant this year because the three
municipal corporations in the
city – North, East and South –
are due to go to polls in April.
Of the 70 assembly constitu-
encies in Delhi, Matiala is the
largest with 431,337 electors,
and Delhi Cantonment is the
smallest with 107,734 electors.
Tilak Nagar has the highest gen-
der ratio (950) and Tughlaqabad
the lowest (687), according to
the latest rolls.
The CEO said that for the
convenience of the public, the
number of polling stations has
been increased from 13,789 to
14,899,159 Total electors
8,138,593
Male
1,032
Third gender
6,759,534
Female
VOTERS BY AGE GROUP Additions since
4,344,198 Jan 15, 2021
52,964 Female
3,358,279
2,695,683
50,562 Male
2,199,584 84 Third
gender
1,246,699
705,146
234,424
115,146
18-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+
Years
13,820 this year to ensure that announcements in Delhi Metro,
social distancing could be main- advertisements in print media,
tained, and there was no crowd- attention-grabbing jingles on
ing at stations. different FM Radio channels
“The primary goal of the Spe- and street plays among others.
cial Summary Revision 2022 The campaign was branded
was to facilitate new enrolment as “Dilli Ka Voter Utsav 2022”,
i.e. those who had reached the and its slogan was “Chalo Voter
age of 18 or more as of the quali- Bane Hum” and “No Voter To Be
fying date of January 1, 2022, Left Behind”.
and also to provide opportuni- “The primary goal of the Spe-
ties for correction in electors’ cial Summary Revision 2022
particulars,” he said. was to facilitate new enrolment
Singh said that during the i.e. those who had reached the
special summary revision of the age of 18 or more as of the quali-
electoral roll, various activities fying date of January 1, 2022,
were carried out to raise aware- and also to provide opportuni-
ness among prospective voters. ties for correction in electors’
These included regular particulars,” the statement said.
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
Hospitals hit hard,
400 medics infected
Soumya Pillai
soumya.pillai@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: As Delhi records a
rapid surge in Covid-19 infec-
tions, at least 400 doctors and
healthcare workers have tested
positive for Covid-19 over the
last week, doctors’ and nurses’
associations from hospitals
across the Capital said on
Wednesday.
Healthcare experts said that
with the uptick in cases
expected to continue over at
least the next two weeks, hospi-
tals will have to take steps to
protect their staff and backup
teams will have to be readied in
Covid hospitals to ensure that
the healthcare system does not
collapse when the surge is at its
peak.
Data collated from Covid hos-
pitals across the Capital showed
that over the last week, at least
50 doctors and 53 other health-
care workers tested positive for
the virus, while 49 doctors and
six nurses were infected at the
Safdarjung Hospital.
A similar spike in infections
among healthcare professionals
is being observed in many other
hospitals in the Capital, health-
care experts said.
At the Delhi government-run
Lok Nayak Hospital, the largest
Covid-19 hospital in the city, 10
doctors and three nurses tested
positive for Covid over the last
week.
At the Central government-
run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospi-
tal, 30 doctors and 65 healthcare
workers tested positive, at Lady
Hardinge Medical College, 30
doctors tested positive, at Guru
Teg Bahadur Hospital, 25
healthcare workers were
infected and at Hindu Rao Hos-
pital, 12 doctors and three
nurses tested positive for the
virus. At Ambedkar Hospital,
eight doctors and two nurses
tested positive over the last
week.
“The situation is very grim
and is only expected to get
worse from here. A large num-
ber of the medics who are get-
ting infected are junior doctors
because they are the ones who
interact with patients the most.
At this juncture the government
needs to make arrangements to
MOST OMICRON
PATIENTS HAVE
MILD SYMPTOMS,
SAYS MINISTER
HT Correspondent
htreporters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: On the day that Delhi
recorded over 10,000 new Covid
infections, Delhi health minister
Satyendar Jain assured people
that most people contracting the
Omicron variant of Covid-19 are
reporting mild symptoms and
that the government is closely
monitoring the rise in cases. He
also said that no lockdown will be
imposed in the city for the time
being.
Addressing a press conference
on Wednesday, Jain said that
Delhi is rapidly recording Covid
cases, with the Omicron variant
being the primary cause of the
increase.
“Until now, no patient is in crit-
ical need of oxygen, and the
majority of patients have mild
symptoms,” Jain said.
He added, “The government is
keeping a close eye on the situa-
tion. This is the fifth wave to hit
Delhi, and the third for the entire
country. For the time being, the
situation in Delhi is under con-
trol. There are plenty of beds
available in Delhi’s hospitals.”
Quoting from official data, Jain
said that Guru Teg Bahadur Hos-
pital currently has 650 beds set
aside for Covid patients, of which
only 20 are occupied. The occu-
pancy rate being around 2-5%.
In Delhi, 782 coronavirus-in-
fected patients have been admit-
ted to hospitals. When the cases
were equal in number, there was
a 15% occupancy rate of beds in
the previous wave, which is
around 3% in the current situa-
tion, he said.
“There was no need for all
patients’ genomes to be
sequenced; it was just a research
process to see if Omicron was
spreading in society or not.
Because the majority of the
patients are Omicron positive,
there is no need to perform
genome sequencing on all of
them,” he said.
Docs under threat
With several healthcare professionals testing positive for
Covid-19 over the last week, hospitals in the capital are
coming up with alternative plans to manage patients
Doctors Nurses Healthcare workers
AIIMS 103 50
Ram Manohar
Lohia Hospital 95 30
Safdarjung
Hospital 55 49
Lady Hardinge
Medical College
30 30
GTB Hospital 25 25
Hindu Rao
15 12 3
Hospital
Lok Nayak
Hospital
13 10 3
Ambedkar
Hospital 10 8 2
hire more doctors and ensure
that they get ample time to quar-
antine after their Covid duties.
Otherwise, the entire healthcare
system will collapse,” said a sen-
ior doctor at Lok Nayak Hospi-
tal, requesting anonymity.
As the number of daily coro-
navirus infections among doc-
tors continues to rise because of
the highly infectious Omicron
variant, Lady Hardinge Medical
College and its affiliated hospi-
tals issued a circular on Tuesday
directing that medics exposed to
Covid patients will have to con-
tinue to work till they produce a
positive RT-PCR report. “Any-
one who is exposed to a positive
case of Sars-CoV-2 will have to
continue work with a tightly fit-
ted mask maximum possible
social distancing, preferably
more than one metre, irrespec-
tive of the degree of exposure,”
the circular read.
“They have not conducted
NEET-PG counselling and now
they do not have doctors. They
want the existing doctors to
work even after contracting the
infection. Is this how we treat
our frontline professionals?”
said a doctor, who did not want
to be identified, from one of the
affiliated hospitals of Lady Har-
dinge Medical College.
A new wave on the horizon
30000
New cases
Seven-day average
25000
20000
15000
10000
4,17417)
3,446 (Sep
5000
(June 26)
0
Mar 14, 2020
Cases hit 10k-mark in Delhi,
positivity rate at almost 12%
Soumya Pillai
soumya.pillai@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: The Capital on
Wednesday reported eight Cov-
id-19 deaths, last recorded in
June last year when the second
wave of the virus was abating,
according to government data.
Fuelled by the Omicron variant
of coronavirus, the number of
infections also nearly doubled on
Wednesday as compared to the
day before, with cases crossing
the 10,000 mark and the test pos-
itivity rate shooting to 11.88%.
Data released by the govern-
ment on Wednesday showed that
Delhi recorded 10,665 new cases,
out of 89,742 samples that were
tested. The last time the city saw
such a high number of new
infections was during the peak of
the second wave on May 12,
when the number of daily infec-
tions climbed to 13,287. The city’s
53
65
6
The NEET-PG (National Eligi-
bility cum Entrance Test-Post-
graduate) counselling process,
based on which doctors were to
be assigned hospitals, was
delayed due to several reasons,
including cases in the Supreme
Court over reservations for eco-
nomically weaker sections.
Medics at private hospitals
are also heavily exposed to the
infection. “We have ensured
strict compliance to PPE (per-
sonal protective equipment) and
that reduces the risk signifi-
cantly. We have also sealed com-
mon areas because that can eas-
ily become a hotspot. We are
also ensuring very tight screen-
ing,” said Anil Vinayak, group
COO (chief operating officer),
Fortis Healthcare.
The Indian Medical Associa-
tion on Wednesday said, “...doc-
tors are expected to have 5-10
times more Covid infections as
compared to the general public.”
The association released a list
of suggestions for government
and private hospitals to follow.
“These measures are being
suggested so that the safety of
doctors can be ensured to a
great extent, because doctors
are the backbone of health servi-
ces during the pandemic,” IMA
said on Wednesday.
25,294
(Apr 23, 2021)
7,341
(Nov 14)
positivity rate also touched
11.88%, last seen on May 14
(12.4%). On Tuesday, three deaths
and 5,481 new infections were
reported, and the positivity rate
was recorded at 8.37%.
Delhi government data shows
that nine people had died of Cov-
id-19 in December, 2021. In com-
parison, seven people died of the
infection in November, and four
in October.
Even as the number of cases
rose exponentially this week,
Delhi’s health minister Satyen-
dar Jain urged people to not
panic.
“With the arrival of Omicron,
Covid is rapidly spreading; we
are constantly monitoring the
situation and are fully prepared
to take any necessary steps,” Jain
said on Wednesday.
He added, “Until now, no
patient is in critical need of oxy-
gen, and the majority of patients
DELHI GOVT SAYS
OMICRON PATIENTS
CAN ISOLATE AT
HOME ACCORDING
TO REVISED RULES
HT Correspondent
htreporters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Delhi government
from Wednesday will allow Cov-
id-19 patients infected with the
Omicron variant to also isolate
at home, following the union
health ministry’s new guide-
lines.
Senior Delhi government offi-
cials said following the centre’s
home isolation guidelines, the
home care for Omicron patients
will be handled by the same pri-
vate firm that was roped in by
the government during the sec-
ond wave.
Delhi health minister Satyen-
dar Jain on Wednesday said
according to the health minis-
try’s new guidelines the number
of isolation days has been
reduced from 14 to 7 for all
newly detected patients that are
either asymptomatic or have
mild symptoms.
“According to the union
health ministry’s guidelines,
Covid patients now have to iso-
late themselves for seven days
instead of 14 days. In these
seven days, if the patient shows
no symptoms for three straight
days, then they can be dis-
charged from the home isola-
tion without getting a Covid test
done,” Jain said.
A senior Delhi government
official said on Wednesday that
while the Capital will largely fol-
low the Centre’s guidelines, all
district magistrates have been
asked to handle the existing
home isolation cases.
“The DMs will handle the
existing home isolation cases
and the private agency, which
was handling the home isola-
tion care for us in the second
wave as well, will handle the
new isolation cases. They will
essentially call the patients
every day and take stock of their
health, if they need a consulta-
tion with a doctor that will be
arranged etc,” the official said.
On Wednesday, after the cen-
tre’s guidelines were issued, all
district magistrates were
directed to allow home isolation
for Omicron cases. Till now, for
Omicron cases only institu-
tional isolation was being
allowed even for asymptomatic
and mild cases.
10,665
(New cases on
Wednesday)
4,181
Jan 5, 2022
have mild symptoms.”
Government data also showed
that as on Wednesday, 782
patients were admitted to hospi-
tals. However, 551 were either
asymptomatic or showed mild
symptoms.
Experts said these numbers
underline global trends that the
Omicron variant appears to be
more transmissible but less viru-
lent, and that it does not crowd
hospitals like the Delta variant
did.
“Covid-appropriate behaviour
needs to be followed at all times
and since the infections are
minor, there is no need to panic.
In the case of healthy adults who
are vaccinated, the chances are
that they would either be com-
pletely asymptomatic or show
only mild symptoms,” said Dr
Jugal Kishore, head of commu-
nity medicine department, Saf-
darjung Hospital.
My Delhi
Govt expedites plan to
augment beds by 35K
Sweta Goswami
and Soumya Pillai
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The Delhi govern-
ment has expedited its Covid beds
augmentation plan and cancelled
all leaves, except medical, granted
to its staff as the daily count of
infections almost doubled on
Wednesday to hit 10,665, com-
pared to Tuesday’s 5,481, and hos-
pitalisations went up by about
47% in a single day.
The services department, in an
order issued on Wednesday, can-
celled the leaves granted to all
officials and staff to ensure there
was no manpower shortage to
deal with the crisis.
As an immediate measure, the
Delhi government has planned to
escalate its Covid-19 beds to least
35,500, of which about 10,000
would be at its own hospitals and
those run by the three municipal
corporations, 3,775 beds at the
Central government-run hospi-
tals, 14,000 at private facilities and
7,777 at Covid Care Centres. So
far, about 10,300 Covid-19 ICU
beds have been identified, data
compiled by the Delhi govern-
ment showed.
“The Omicron variant is more
contagious and going by global
trends, children are also likely to
get infected by it. Therefore, the
government is also arranging
about 2,262 paediatric Covid beds
and 858 ICU beds for children,”
said a senior government official
asking not to be named.
Delhi government’s health
department also issued an order
on Tuesday, directing escalation
of bed capacity in nine Covid hos-
pitals in the city. The order pro-
posed to increase the beds at the
Indira Gandhi Hospital from 1,181
to 1,500, at Lok Nayak and affili-
ated facilities from 650 to 750, at
Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and
affiliated facility from 600 to 750,
and at the Burari hospital from
300 to 400.
At the Rajiv Gandhi Super Spe-
cialty Hospital, the number of
beds was proposed to be
increased from 150 to 300 and at
the Ambedkar Nagar Hospital,
the bed count will be increased
from 135 to 200. Apart from this,
Spike in infections
upends plans for
regular learning
Sadia Akhtar
sadia.akhtar@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: Amid a spike in Cov-
id-19 cases in the Capital, schools
are staring at another round of
extended closure. Many schools
that had earlier planned to hold
classes and assessments on cam-
pus have now altered their plans
for the next few weeks as they
brace for another round of online
classes.
Schools in Delhi had reopened
for students of all grades in
November last year. Last week, the
Delhi government ordered the clo-
sure of all schools as it imple-
mented the yellow alert of its
Graded Response Action Plan
(Grap) amid a spike in Covid-19
cases.
School heads said that while
online classes are taking place, the
disruption of normal classes for
the past two years is widening the
learning gap and taking a toll on
the mental health of students in
the absence of peer-to-peer inter-
action.
Sudha Acharya, the chairper-
son of the National Progressive
Schools’ Conference, a conglomer-
ate of over 120 private Delhi
schools, said it seemed unlikely
that schools will reopen before
February. She added that the surge
in cases and the subsequent clo-
sure of schools has derailed teach-
ing plans. “We had to call off a
recent workshop that we had
planned for the capacity building
of teachers. In the current situa-
tion, nothing can be planned. It
seems that schools might continue
to remain closed till March if we
go by previous Covid-19 waves,”
said Acharya.
Schools said that the closure
had put a question mark on practi-
cal exams that are conducted on
05
Govt ramping up health infra
10,665 11.88% 8
Daily cases Positivity rate Deaths
PROJECTED INCREASE IN BEDS
Current strength Covid Covid Paediatric Paediatric
TOTAL beds ICU beds beds ICU beds
2,063 Occupied
OCCUPIED
VACANT Delhi govt & 10,003 3,700 1,484 615
28,155 MCD hospitals
Total
Central govt 3,775 1,191 156 14
11,060 10,464 26,092 Vacant hospitals
3,111
Private 14,000 4,253 622 229
1,457 hospitals
921 897 179 66
Covid health 7,777 1,200 0 0
centres
11,981 11,361 3,290 1,523
ed
icat ds
s eds ors
35,555 10,344 2,262 858
bed ICU b ilat Total
Ded be ygen Vent
Ox
at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, hospitals. monitoring the situation closely.
Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital and “To increase capacity we need In any case, we are ensuring that
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar hospi- trained manpower, space, equip- all districts and medical centres
tal, the number of beds will to be ment and finances. The testing have adequate stocks of rapid
increased from 100 each to 150. capacity has been stretched to its antigen test kits. Besides, we are
According to the government’s maximum limit since the Delta also checking at all medical stores
daily Covid bulletin, tests went up wave. We are working at best that to ensure Covid home test kits are
from 65,487 on Tuesday to 89,742 we can. The government should available in enough quantities for
on Wednesday, even as the posi- also increase the capacity in gov- people to buy,” the official said
tivity rate touched 11.88% on ernment hospitals,” said Dr Navin who asked not to be named.
Wednesday. Dang, microbiologist and founder As of date, the national capital
Private testing facilities in the of Dr Dang’s Lab. had 790 metric tonnes of liquid
city said they have been stretched A second senior government medical oxygen available. In addi-
to their maximum capacity since official said that a review of the tion, there is also a buffer stock of
the second Covid wave, and added testing infrastructure is being 442 MT. Also, 691 ambulances of
that the government agencies planned in a day or two. “As of which 320 are cabs-turned-ambu-
should work towards ramping up now, no such lag on test results lances are operational in the city,
testing facilities at government have been reported. But we are the data showed.
campus for board students.
Tanya Joshi, principal of the
Indian School, said that the school
will hold a meeting to deliberate
upon the manner in which teach-
ing and learning will continue in
the coming days. “The situation
doesn’t look good. From our past
experience, we know that schools
will be the last to reopen. Amid
this uncertainty, we will need to
ensure that we are making the best
use of resources and will have to
recalibrate our approach,” said
Joshi.
The impact of prolonged school
closure on the mental health of
children is a concern that experts
and stakeholders have raised time
and again. Schools say that the
absence of peer-to-peer interac-
tion is impacting students who are
increasingly becoming more
reclusive. “Children’s mental
health has been badly affected.
There is a huge communication
gap between parents and children.
Children have become reclusive.
They are confined in their shells
and parents are reaching out to us
to flag the changes in their person-
alities,” said Acharya.
Experts continue to emphasise
the need for engagement with stu-
dents in small peer groups. Anu-
bha Rajesh, chair professor at
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for
Early Childhood Development and
Research, had earlier told HT that
it was crucial for schools to adopt
innovative ways of engagement
with students. “Online teaching is
not the solution but only an alter-
native in the prevailing situation.
We have to focus on the online
capacity building of teachers as
well as sustain peer interaction
among students. We need to build
small groups for the improvement
of psychological and social well-
being of students,” said Rajesh.
06
{ DELHI AIRPORT }
British-era runway refurbished
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Indira Gandhi
International (IGI) Airport
operator Delhi International
Airport Limited (DIAL) refur-
bished a British-era runway,
the airport’s first, built during
World War II, and handed it
over to Air Traffic Control
(ATC) for commercial opera-
tions on December 24.
Runway 09/27 was the first-
runway built at the Delhi air-
port for military purposes, and
has now been transformed into
a modern one for commercial
use, authorities said.
According to authorities, the
newly rehabilitated runway has
a design life of 20 years and will
be instrumental in handling
increased air traffic movement
(ATM) once it reaches pre-pan-
demic level.
Delhi airport is India’s big-
gest and busiest domestic and
international airport with three
STRIKE CONTINUES,
SDMC ASKS NEW
CONTRACTORS
TO REGISTER
NEW DELHI: Facing a prolonged
strike from contractors’ unions
over non-payment of pending
dues, the South Delhi Municipal
Corporation (SDMC) on Wednes-
day decided to allow the registra-
tion of more new contractors in
its tendering process.
The SDMC contractors’ union
has been on strike since Novem-
ber 2021 over the non-payment
of dues for the past three years.
With municipal elections
approaching, the pressure from
councillors to showcase develop-
ment works is growing. The
SDMC spokesperson said,“The
step has been taken for better
competition and higher quality
standards in the tendering proc-
ess.” However, Netra Kumar
Sharma, the head of All SDMC
Contractors’ Association said
that the expansion of the list is
being undertaken to create pres-
sure on the protesting contrac-
tors. HTC
Runway 09/27 was the first-ever runway built at the Delhi airport for military purposes.
terminals. The newly rehabili-
tated runway complies with
Category-I (CAT-I) Instrument
Landing System (ILS), which
assists pilots during the land-
Gang involved in hacking online
competitive exams busted; six held
HT Correspondent
htreporters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on
Wednesday said they busted an
interstate module involved in
hacking into various online com-
petitive examination websites
including graduate management
admission test (GMAT) and joint
entrance examination (JEE),
solving candidates’ papers and
manipulating their results--for
which they charged hefty fees.
Six members of the gang,
including a fugitive wanted by
the Central Bureau of Investiga-
tion (CBI) and the Haryana
Police, were arrested by the
Intelligence Fusion and Strategic
Operations (IFSO) unit, follow-
ing 10-day-long raids across
Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram, and
Jaipur. Fifteen laptops and nine
mobile phones were seized from
the arrested persons, police said.
ing of an aircraft in low visibil-
ity conditions.
DIAL undertook the rehabili-
tation work of Runway 09/27 as
part of Delhi airport’s phase
The arrested men include
hackers, solvers, trainers, and
coaching institute owners. The
investigation so far has revealed
that the syndicate was instru-
mental in helping 18 candidates
clear the GMAT exam and
around 500 candidates clear
other exams over a period of
about three years. The gang
charged each client between ₹5
lakh and ₹20 lakh.
They helped a candidate, who
was actually a police decoy,
score 780 out of 800 marks in
GMAT, said deputy commis-
sioner of police (IFSO) KPS Mal-
hotra.
“The arrested fugitive, Raj
Teotia, carried ₹1 lakh reward
from Haryana Police for his
arrest. He was also wanted by
CBI. Teotia had been part of this
syndicate for nearly five years.
He had even hired Russian hack-
ers to hack into the examination
HT PHOTO
expansion project. Post the
completion of phase 3A expan-
sion work, an official said, the
Delhi airport’s passenger-han-
dling capacity will increase to
sites. Three Russians, including
a woman, were in touch with
him. They had stayed at his Fari-
dabad house between 2019 and
2020. The trio left India after the
first lockdown in 2020,” said
Malhotra.
The other arrested persons
were identified as Arshad
Dhunna and his brother Salman
Dhunna, both from Mumbai,
Hemal Shah from Gujarat’s Gan-
dhi Nagar (currently residing in
Mumbai), Kunal Goel from
Delhi, and Mohit Sharma from
Haryana’s Karnal.
A few weeks ago, DCP Mal-
hotra said, the IFSO team
received information that some
syndicate, involved in the unau-
thorised access of various com-
petition exams, was charging
hefty amounts for getting candi-
dates desired scores in reputed
online examinations. These syn-
dicates were advertising or
My Delhi
100 million passengers per
annum (MPPA) and the airside
capacity will be enhanced to
handle 140 MPPA.
“DIAL has successfully com-
pleted the rehabilitation work
of Runway 09/27 and its taxi-
ways. The British-era runway
was rehabilitated for commer-
cial operations as part of DIAL’s
effort to enhance the infra-
structure and passenger expe-
rience at Delhi airport to make
it future-ready. The newly
rehabilitated runway will have
a design life of 20 years, and be
instrumental in handling the
increased air traffic movement
(ATMs) once pre-pandemic
level traffic returns to Delhi air-
port,” said Mr I Prabhakar Rao,
deputy managing director of
GMR Group, which runs DIAL.
Runway 09/27, which is on
the northern side of Delhi air-
port, comprises a network of
nine taxiways of which six are
connecting taxiways and three
are rapid exit taxiways (RETs).
claiming to have access to online
examinations of GMAT, JEE,
Cisco (Associate, Professional,
Specialty), IBM (All Exams)
Comptia (All exams) EC Council
(CEH, CHFI, and CCISO) etc, he
said.
The team contacted the
alleged hackers through a decoy
for cracking the GMAT exam.
The hackers agreed on the pay-
ment of ₹5 lakh and the decoy
deposited the token money in
their bank account. On the day of
the examination (December 26),
the suspects asked the candidate
to download the software “Ultra-
viewer” through which they
gained remote access to his lap-
top. They also connected the
candidate’s laptop to the solver,
who attempted the whole exami-
nation and evaded detection
from the proctor. The decoy can-
didate, a police officer, scored
780 out of 800, said the DCP.
MAN HELD FOR
DUPING WOMEN
DOCTORS BY
PROMISING THEM
SEATS IN AIIMS
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI : Police have
arrested a man who duped sev-
eral women doctors on the pre-
text of providing them with PG
seats in the All India Institute
of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Police said the suspect,
whom they identified as Shah-
duzamman (32), a school drop-
out, cheated over a dozen
women doctors by creating
fake Facebook profiles and
promising them PG seats in
AIIMS at ₹6 lakh per seat.
Police said they formed a
team to crack the case after
receiving a complaint from a
woman doctor on December 21,
2020.
They said the doctor told
them that she was contacted by
a person named Anshu Vinay
through Facebook, who intro-
duced himself as a doctor in
AIIMS, and cheated her of ₹6
lakh on the pretext of helping
her get a PG seat.
After taking money from
her, he started avoiding her
calls and switched off his
mobile phone, which is when
she realised that she was
cheated.
DCP (south) Benita Mary Jai-
ker said that during the course
of the investigation, the com-
plainant was questioned, and a
case was registered.
“The relevant bank transac-
tions were analysed at length.
With the help of technical sur-
veillance, details of the alleged
phone number were also
obtained and a raid was con-
ducted at the address but it was
found that the suspect rarely
went to his house,” said the
DCP.
The team started investigat-
ing different angles and
through surveillance and tech-
nical analysis, zeroed in on his
location at PVR Anupam in
Saket.
Police arrested him there
before he could meet another
woman doctor.
Police said they are making
efforts to trace other victims
who may have been cheated by
him.
Covid enters jails:
Authorities in ‘wait
and watch’ mode
Prawesh Lama
prawesh.lama@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: As the number of
Covid-19 cases is rapidly increas-
ing in the Capital and the infec-
tion has entered Delhi jails after a
gap of almost five months, gov-
ernment and prison officers are
on a “wait and watch” mode
before requesting an emergency
meeting to chalk out urgent
measures to decongest jails.
At least 2,300 prisoners,
including convicts and under-
trials who were released to
decongest the jail in April 2020,
have failed to surrender and have
been declared fugitives. Sepa-
rately, 5,463 prisoners were
released in April- May this year
while Delhi was under the grip of
the fourth wave of the pandemic.
These 5,463 have not been asked
to surrender because of a
Supreme Court order. To be sure,
these 5,463 prisoners are not
fugitives.
“We are monitoring the situa-
tion closely. About 8,000 prison-
ers are already out, some legally,
while others are fugitives. We
may have to request a meeting
soon as the cases are rising. This
will mean that more prisoners
will be released, but there is little
that anyone can do. The threat of
the virus spreading quickly in an
enclosed space within the prison
is bigger,” said a jail officer, who
asked not to be named.
On Sunday night (January 2),
Delhi prisons reported the first
case of Covid-19 after almost five
months. The prisons depart-
ment, on Monday, confirmed
that two prisoners and six jail
officers in Tihar tested positive
for the virus. Rohini and Mandoli
jail had not reported a single case
until then.
On Wednesday, the number of
infections rose to 20 -- 11 inmates
(eight in Tihar and three in Man-
doli) and nine jail staffers. A
prison officer said that four
inmates have also been admitted
to the Lok Nayak Hospital.
“We are taking all necessary
precautions. All new prisoners
are quarantined in a separate
space before mixing them with
the prisoners lodged inside. But
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
P
About 8,000
prisoners are
already out, some
legally, while
others are fugitives.
We may have to
request a meeting
soon as the cases
are rising. This will
mean that more
prisoners will be
released, but there
is little that anyone
can do.
A JAIL OFFICER
social distancing is a problem in
the jails,” said a jail officer,
requesting anonymity.
Ensuring social distancing,
which is key to arresting the
spread of Covid-19, is a major
problem in Delhi jails because
the jails hold nearly twice the
number of prisoners against
their sanctioned capacity. There
are nearly 18,000 prisoners
against a sanctioned capacity of
10,024 in the three prisons.
Since the pandemic broke out
in March 2020, the three jails
have collectively reported over
600 infections among prisoners
and jail staff. Six prisoners have
also died of the infection so far.
A high-powered committee
comprising representatives from
the judiciary, government,
prison, and the police has in the
past released prisoners to ensure
social distancing.
The committee has identified
11 categories of under-trial pris-
oners such as those arrested for
non-heinous crimes, civil impris-
onment, senior citizens who are
facing trial for offences with a
maximum punishment of 10
years in jail, those who are suffer-
ing from serious illnesses and are
facing trial for offences with pun-
ishment below seven years, etc.
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022 My Delhi 07
Asthana says PIL against him
driven by ‘personal vendetta’ Delhiwale
Mayank
Austen Soofi
EXPERIENCE YOUR CITY LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Utkarsh Anand
utkarsh.anand@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police com-
missioner Rakesh Asthana has
submitted in the Supreme Court
31 tweets posted against him by
advocate Prashant Bhushan in
the last four years, as the 1984-
batch IPS officer claimed that
the challenge to his appoint-
ment as the national capital’s
top cop was driven by “personal
vendetta” and “vengeance” of
NGOs CPIL and Common Cause,
both represented by Bhushan.
In an affidavit filed in
response to CPIL’s petitions
challenging his appointment as
Delhi Police commissioner on
July 27, Asthana highlighted
that CPIL and Common Cause
have been consistently picking
on him out of malice and an
“unknown agenda” following
his appointment in the Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as
a special director in October
2017.
“The conduct of the peti-
tioner (CPIL) herein in malign-
ing the image of Respondent
No.2 (Asthana) ever since his
appointment in CBI is evident
from the following facts and it
can be satisfactorily concluded
that the petitioner is carrying
out personal vengeance against
him. These petitions are, there-
fore, not bonafide public inter-
est litigations but are a flagrant
abuse of process and forum that
is this Hon’ble Court,” stated the
affidavit.
It detailed five cases in which
Common Cause and CPIL
moved the apex court since
2017, raising questions over Ast-
hana’s appointment in CBI;
sought his removal as special
director in CBI; demanded a
probe against him in connec-
tion to a bribery case; and
finally, through the fresh peti-
tions, filed in August and
November 2021, challenged his
appointment as commissioner.
“The aforesaid petitions were
followed by a scathing social
media campaign against
Respondent No.2 (Asthana)
maligning his reputation on
multiple social media plat-
forms, which corroborates the
apprehension of the answering
respondent that these challen-
ges to his appointment were
solely a result of some personal
vendetta held by the petitioner,”
added the affidavit, asking for
dismissal of CPIL’s petition.
Asthana has attached with
his affidavit screenshots of 31
tweets posted against him by
Bhushan. “This sustained and
strategic maligning of the
answering respondent’s charac-
ter further goes on to show the
malafide of the present peti-
tioner in carrying out a personal
vendetta against the answering
respondent. Hence, the present
petition is another attempt in
furtherance to the personal ven-
detta and is not even remotely
in the interest of general pub-
lic,” asserted Asthana.
Asthana took charge as com-
missioner of Delhi Police on
July 28, 2021. His appointment
for one year came just four days
before his superannuation on
July 31. Before his appointment,
he was granted an inter-cadre
deputation to a cadre compris-
ing Arunachal Pradesh, Goa,
Mizoram, and Union territories
other than Andaman and Nico-
bar, and an extension of service.
Responding to the allega-
tions, Bhushan said, “I have per-
sonally observed Asthana’s
undesirable role in various
capacity in police force and CBI,
besides his closeness to the cen-
tral government. I, therefore,
commented on those aspects in
my tweets. However, the chal-
lenge to his appointment as
Delhi Police commissioner is
purely on legal grounds. Also, I
may have personal views on
somebody but CPIL and Com-
mon Cause have a governing
body and a committee that
decide on filing of court cases.”

Ggm namaz row: Land grab PHONE MECHANIC

case against three Muslims
Leena Dhankhar
been negotiating with the admin-
officer of Sector 40 police station,
HELD FOR HOAX Monument’s secret charm
PCR VAN ROBBERY
CALL IN EAST DELHI
A much-loved street dish and
its super-delicious version
chhole bowl to a customer (30 rupees per plate), he
squeezes half a lemon onto it, adds chopped onions
and tomato slices, and concludes the act by placing
HT Correspondent a green chilli pickle on the top. This pickle is heav-

leena.dhankhar@hindustantimes.com
GURUGRAM: The Gurugram
Police on Wednesday registered
an FIR against three people,
including Mohammad Adeeb, a
former Rajya Sabha member who
is leading a 21-member commit-
tee to resolve the ongoing namaz
issue on alleged charges of dis-
rupting communal harmony and
attempt to grab government land
in Sector 40.
Police said the first informa-
tion report (FIR) registered at Sec-
tor 40 police station under sec-
tions 153 (wantonly giving provo-
cation with intent to cause riot)
and 34 (common intention) of the
Indian Penal Code names Adeeb,
Abdul Haseeb Qasmi, and Mufti
Mohammad Salim Qasmi. All
three are members of the Gur-
gaon Muslim Council, which has
istration over the allotment of
sites for Friday namaz and land
for building mosques.
Adeeb denied the allegations
and said he was shocked to know
about the case registered against
him. “Police have registered a
case on the complaint of a person
who was recently arrested by
them for disrupting namaz in Sec-
tor 37. He was also arrested twice
earlier, but on his complaint a
case has been registered. How-
ever, despite our repeated com-
plaints, the police has not regis-
tered a single case against mem-
bers of Hindu right-wing outfits.
Why the administration and
police is being biased? It is
unfair,” he said.
The other two said they were
equally shocked, and added that
Adeeb will speak on their behalf.
Kuldeep Singh, station house
said Dinesh Bharti, a resident of
the Friends Colony locality in
Gurugram, alleged that the
accused were trying to grab land
used as a graveyard by the locals.
The land was acquired by Huda a
few years ago.
Aman Yadav, assistant com-
missioner of police (Sadar),
rejected the allegations of bias by
Adeeb. “We have already filed
cases against Bharti for disrupt-
ing namaz and have taken action
against other right-wing mem-
bers,” he said.
Bharti, president of Bharat
Mata Vahini, alleged, “On January
2, I read a report in a Hindi daily
that these people have announced
the construction of a mosque in
Sector 40. We spoke with a few
residents who confirmed that
these people wanted to encroach
the land. ”
{ }
htreporters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: A 51-year-old TV
and mobile phone mechanic was
arrested on Wednesday for alleg-
edly making a hoax call about a
police patrolling (PCR) van being
robbed by four motorcycle-borne
men outside east Delhi’s Vivek
Vihar police station on Monday
night, police said, adding that no
such carjacking took place any-
where in the city.
Police said the suspect was
arrested from his home after a
technical investigation.
Police identified the arrested
man as Anil Jain, a resident of
Gandhi Nagar in east Delhi. He
has been booked for giving false
information under Indian Penal
Code’s Section 182, said deputy
commissioner of police (Shah-
dara) R Sathiyasundaram.
The whole world comes to see Huma-
PUBLIC yun’s Tomb. The monument must be
beautiful. You ought to head to Huma-
INTEREST yun’s Tomb for another beautiful reason,
too. Just outside the gate is an eight-year-
old snack stall that sells one of Delhi’s best chhole
kulche (with butter).
The crowd around Mr Jasbeer’s modest estab-
lishment this afternoon attests to the deliciousness
of his signature delicacy. A family of sightseers
who just emerged out of the monument are eagerly
standing around the stall. The entire enterprise is
mounted on a bicycle. The stove to heat the kul-
chas, as well as the giant brass cauldron filled with
the pre-cooked chhole, are placed on a wooden
case that is firmly installed on the cycle’s carrier.
The wooden case’s broad sidebars serve as make-
shift tables for diners to eat in comfort.
Delhi’s street cuisine is so sophisticated that it is
difficult to come across an unsatisfying chhole kul-
cha. Mr Jasbeer makes it exceptionally well. May
be it’s his last-minute tricks that take the dish into
a state of sublimity. Just before he hands over a
enly; Mr Jasbeer makes it at his home. In fact, apart
from the bakery kulchas, everything else is made in
his one-room house in nearby Sarai Kale Khan. A
former “beldar” (labourer), the soft-spoken Budaun
native says he gets up every morning at five – along
with wife, Sushma — and they jointly carry out the
preliminary cooking for the day ahead. The four
kids stay asleep at that hour.
A few minutes after this chat, the stall suddenly
empties of people. Mr Jasbeer exploits the spare
moments by ladling out an ample portion of the
cooked chickpeas from the cauldron onto a small
pan, which he places on the stove’s slow fire. He
adds a spoon of water to “further soften the
chhole”, throws in a bit of black salt and coarse red
w
READ:
For more
chilli powder, plus a good amount of chopped
onions and tomatoes, along with a fistful of fresh stories by
dhaniya leaves. He stirs the dish with a furious Mayank
movement of his hand, like a pianist nearing his Austen
sonata’s final moments. The next moment, the stall Soofi,
is again circled by a crowd. Mr Jasbeer serves daily scan the
from noon till 7pm, after which he pedals the stall QR code
back to his waiting wife.
08
CDS chopper may have docs genuine, says SC
NEET-PG: Demands
gone down due to error
Rahul Singh
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The December 8
helicopter crash in which
India’s first chief of defence
staff (CDS) General Bipin
Rawat was killed along with 13
others was most likely a con-
trolled flight into terrain (CFIT)
accident with cloudy weather a
contributory factor, people
familiar with the matter said
on Wednesday, after the Indian
Air Force (IAF) made a detailed
presentation to defence minis-
ter Rajnath Singh on the
inquiry report into the Mi-17V5
accident.
In aviation parlance, CFIT
refers to the accidental collision
with terrain of an airworthy air-
craft under the flight crew’s full
control. In CFIT accidents, the
pilot or crew is unaware of the
looming danger until it is too
late, according to the US Federal
Aviation Administration. The
most common causes of it are
bad weather, human error, or a
problem with navigation equip-
ment. And most of these acci-
dents happen during take off or
landing.
A major factor leading to
such accidents is the loss of sit-
uational awareness, FAA says.
The Russian-origin helicop-
ter, considered extremely safe
and reliable, was fully servicea-
ble when it crashed near Coon-
oor, said one of the officials
who cited above.
The low-flying helicopter
flew into a cloud cover seconds
before it went down in a fire-
ball, barely seven minutes
before it was scheduled to land
in Wellington.
“It was most likely a CFIT
accident. The aircraft was fully
serviceable. There is no evi-
dence of technical failure,” said
a second official.
There was no official word
from IAF on what led to the
accident. Air Marshal Manav-
endra Singh, who headed the
Homage
by
Funeral procession of CDS Bipin Rawat in New Delhi on December 10 last year.
REPORT POINTS TO
CFIT AS THE CAUSE,
WHICH REFERS TO
THE ACCIDENTAL
COLLISION WITH
TERRAIN OF AN
AIRWORTHY
AIRCRAFT UNDER
FLIGHT CREW’S
FULL CONTROL
inquiry into the crash, made
the presentation to the defence
minister in the presence of IAF
chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek
Ram Chaudhari.
The helicopter took off from
the Sulur air base at 11.48am
and was scheduled to land at
the helipad at the Wellington
golf course at 12.15pm. The air
traffic control at Sulur, how-
ever, lost contact with the heli-
copter at 12.08 pm, 20 minutes
after it took off.
IAF is now expected to
review protocols governing
flights ferrying important peo-
ple. The review will be based
on the findings of the court of
inquiry into the crash, the IAF
chief said last month.
Rawat was on a visit to the
Defence Services Staff College
(DSSC) at Wellington to deliver
a talk when the Mi-17V5
crashed.
Those killed in the crash
included the CDS’s wife Madhul-
ika Raje Singh Rawat, his
defence assistant Brigadier LS
Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Har-
jinder Singh, Wing Commander
Prithvi Singh Chauhan, the pilot
of the Mi-17V5, Squadron Leader
Kuldeep Singh, the co-pilot, Jun-
ior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap
Das, Junior Warrant Officer
Arakkal Pradeep, Havildar Sat-
pal Rai, Naik Gursewak Singh,
Naik Jitendra Kumar, Lance
Naik Vivek Kumar and Lance
Naik B Sai Teja.
The sole survivor of the
My India
SANCHIT KHANNA/HT PHOTO
crash, Group Captain Varun
Singh, breathed his last on
December 15 after putting up a
week-long fight .
Developed by Russian Heli-
copters, the Mi-17V5 is
designed to carry personnel,
cargo and equipment. The
Mi-17V5 can carry a load of
around four tonne in a full
cargo role. It can also insert
assault forces behind the
enemy lines, a role frequently
demonstrated by the IAF dur-
ing military exercises.
The helicopter is equipped
with modern avionics, a self-
defence system and other
advanced features that enhance
its survivability.
The Mi-17V5, which has an
armoured cockpit, can be fitted
with rockets, cannons and
small arms for carrying out
offensive roles. It has a service
ceiling of 6,000 metre, top
speed of 250 kmph and a maxi-
mum range of around 1,180km
with additional fuel tanks.
Abraham Thomas
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court
on Wednesday said that the
demands of resident doctors to
hold counselling for NEET-PG
seats were “genuine” as it set out
to examine the Centre’s request
to allow the process pending a
constitutional challenge to the
introduction of reservation for
other backward classes (OBC)
and economically weaker sec-
tion (EWS) in all-India quota
seats for graduate and postgrad-
uate medical courses.
Resident doctors who have
qualified for postgraduate
courses have been protesting the
delay in counselling because the
matter of reservations is pending
in court.
“We want to bring an end to
this uncertainty as there is a gen-
uine demand from resident doc-
tors,” said a bench of justices
Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and
AS Bopanna which began to
hear the petitioners on the short
question of allowing counselling
for NEET-PG courses. In October
last year, counselling was stalled
after the Centre put in abeyance
pending the legal challenge to a
16 killed in Jharkhand bus-truck crash
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
RANCHI: Sixteen people, includ-
ing four women, were killed and
25 others injured in a head-on
collision between a bus and a
truck transporting gas cylinders
in Jharkhand’s Pakur district on
Wednesday, police said.
According to the police, the
accident took place around
8.30am on Govindpur-Saheb-
ganj state highway near Kamar-
diha village. The passenger bus,
with 40 on board, was heading
to Jasidih in Deoghar from Bar-
harwa in Sahibganj district
when it collided with a truck
transporting LPG cylinders, the
THOSE WHO
QUALIFIED FOR PG
COURSES HAVE
BEEN PROTESTING
THE DELAY IN
COUNSELLING
BECAUSE THE
MATTER OF
RESERVATIONS IS
PENDING IN COURT
July 29, 2021, order introducing
27% OBC quota and 10% EWS
quota in 15% undergraduate
medical courses and 50% PG
seats under all India quota (AIQ).
Solicitor general Tushar
Mehta, appearing for the Centre,
told the bench: “When we made
the statement (putting counsel-
ling on hold), we did not antici-
pate this situation. We are at a
stage where counselling is stuck
and we need to respond to the
bona fide demands of resident
doctors. Let the stage of counsel-
ling get over.”
The petitioners opposed the
suggestion, and proposed that
the July 29 government order
not be given effect to for admis-
sions in this admission cycle.
An injured passenger being taken to hospital.
police added. “The injured have
been referred to Dhanbad,
Dumka and Patna as well. At
least three of them are critical.
Till now, 16 casualties have been
confirmed,” said Pakur superin-
Senior advocates Arvind Datar
and Shyam Divan, for the peti-
tioners, said the NEET-PG 2022
is to be held in March, and the
order of July 29 was passed after
the process for conducting
NEET-PG 2021 started in Febru-
ary last year.
SG Mehta said, “As a govern-
ment we would not accept any
position whereby the OBC or
EWS, whether pre or post this
exercise is deprived of what is
legitimately due to them.”
In October, the top court
raised doubts on whether EWS
beneficiaries can be uniformly
clubbed together as persons
belonging to households with
annual earnings below ₹8 lakh
without considering the rural-
urban divide, purchasing power
in different regions, and other
factors that vary across states. To
quell these doubts, the Centre in
November formed a three-mem-
ber committee to revisit the cri-
teria for identifying EWS, and
put the counselling process of
Neet-PG seats on hold.
Interventions were also filed
by pro-reservation quota groups
and individuals. The court
agreed to hear the intervention
applications on Thursday.
PTI
tendent of police Hrudeep P Jan-
ardhanan.
The police have identified 14
out of the 16 deceased passen-
gers, with five people belonging
to Sahebganj district, three each
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NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
ONE ASSAM RIFLES
JAWAN KILLED,
ANOTHER INJURED
IN MANIPUR BLAST
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
IMPHAL : One Assam Rifles
jawan was killed while another
sustained injuries when a sus-
pected improvised explosive
device exploded in Manipur’s
Thoubal district on Wednes-
day, police said.
According to an Assam
Rifles statement, the device
exploded around 1.45pm when
personnel of 16 Assam Rifles
were on patrol near a water
reservoir located on the eastern
side of Imphal-Moreh highway
at Usoipokpi Sangomsang area
-- about 4km south of Lilong
police station.
The Assam Rifles has identi-
fied the deceased jawan as L
Wangshu (30) and the injured
soldier as Pinku Das (25).
Soon after the explosion,
security forces rushed to the
site to conduct a search opera-
tion, but there was no report of
any arrest till the time of going
to press.
No outfit has taken responsi-
bility, the statement added.
An officer of the Lilong
police station said: “A case has
been registered in connection
with the incident and investiga-
tion is going on.”
from Dumka and Pakur, two
from Deoghar and one from
West Bengal. The identity of two
deceased passengers was yet to
be established, police said.
Both the bus and the truck
were speeding, and it is sus-
pected that heavy fog led to the
accident, the police said.
Condoling the deaths, Jhark-
hand chief minister Hemant
Soren directed Pakur district
officials to provide all possible
relief to the victims.
The district administration
will provide Rs 1 lakh ex gratia
compensation to the next of kin
of each of the deceased, said
Varun Ranjan, Pakur deputy
commissioner.
10
No mix and match for third
dose of Covid vaccine: Govt
Rhythma Kaul
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The third shot of
Covid-19 vaccines that will be
rolled out for certain categories
of citizens from January 10 will
be of the same dose as the first
two, a Union government offi-
cial said on Wednesday.
People above the age of 60
with certain illnesses and those
working in high-risk healthcare
and front-line jobs will be
allowed to take what the gov-
ernment has classified as pre-
caution doses, as long as their
second shots were taken more
than nine months ago.
“It will be a homologous
third or precautionary dose.
Those who have received
Covaxin will receive Covaxin
and those who have earlier
received primary two doses of
Covishield will receive Covis-
hield,” said VK Paul, member
(health), Niti Aayog, during the
health ministry’s weekly media
briefing on Covid-19.
Paul said that as and when
the government gets more
information and data on other
vaccines, especially on mixing
of doses, the policy could be
reviewed.
“We will take a call later as
more data will gradually
emerge on the so-called heter-
ologous approach. For now,
however, it will be the same
third vaccine dose,” added
Paul.
Experts backed the decision
to wait for scientific doses on
mixing vaccines. “In the
absence of any data, no deci-
sion can be said to be inappro-
priate,” said Gagandeep Kang,
vaccine expert, and senior fac-
ulty, Christian Medical College,
Vellore.
“That is actually the right
approach; policies can be mod-
ified as data evolve,” she added.
Paul said arrangements have
been made to ensure smooth
implementation of the third
dose administration plan.
Another 139 people on board India’s first Omicron
Cordelia ship contract Covid death in Udaipur:
Pratip Acharya
letters@hindustantimes.com
MUMBAI: Another 139 passen-
gers on board the Cordelia cruise
ship that returned to Goa from
Mumbai tested positive for Cov-
id-19, taking the total number of
cases to 205, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC)
said on Wednesday.
On January 1, 66 people,
including crew members, were
found to be infected on the ship
when was at Goa’s Mormugao
Port Trust (MPT) with nearly
2,000 passengers. Of the 66, six
had disembarked in Goa and
were admitted to a local hospital
in Vasco Da Gama for treatment.
According to the Mumbai
civic body, as many as 1,827 sam-
ples were collected after the ship
docked at Green Gate port in
South Mumbai’s Ballard Pier on
Tuesday evening. Of the 66 cases
detected earlier, at least 41 pas-
sengers were shifted to various
GOA BJP MLA MAY
JOIN CONGRESS
AHEAD OF POLLS
Gerard de Souza
letters@hindustantimes.com
PANAJI: Goa minister and Bhar-
atiya Janata Party (BJP) legisla-
tor Michael Lobo is likely to quit
the party and join the Congress
soon, people familiar with the
development said on Wednes-
day. For the past few months,
Lobo, the state’s minister for
waste management, has been
expressing his displeasure over
the functioning of the BJP in the
poll-bound coastal state.
Congress functionaries aware
of the development told HT that
Lobo has been in talks with the
party leadership for the last few
months and has put forth his
interest of joining the fold if his
wife is granted ticket to contest
the upcoming assembly elec-
tions from Siolim constituency.
Lobo, who represents Calan-
gute assembly constituency, has
also put forth request for party
tickets to some of his aides in
other seats in the Bardez taluka
of Goa, which will go to polls in
the next few months, the func-
tionaries said, seeking anonym-
ity. “Lobo’s joining is imminent.
The only question is when he
joins the party,” one of the func-
tionaries said. Lobo has kept his
cards close to his chest, saying
several times that he will reveal
them at the “right time”.
“The process is on track and
it will start as per plan on Janu-
ary 10,” added Paul.
The third doses are part of
the government’s next phase
on coronavirus vaccinations,
which comes at a time when
the country is in the grip of a
third wave driven by the highly
transmissible and resistant
Omicron variant.
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on December 25
announced the opening of the
phase, beginning with the first
of the under-18 population –
children between 15-17 began to
get doses on Monday.
As per the Union health min-
istry guidelines issued earlier,
all healthcare workers, front-
line workers, and citizens aged
60 years or above with comor-
bidities will be able to access
the vaccination for precaution
dose through their existing
Co-WIN account.
Eligibility of such beneficia-
ries for the precaution dose will
be based on the date of admin-
istration of second dose as
recorded in the Co-WIN sys-
tem.
Meanwhile, the Centre said
that ,ore than 1 crore
(1,24,02,515) vaccine doses have
been administered to children
in the 15-18 age group since the
inoculation drive began for
them on January 3, the Union
health ministry said on
Wednesday.
With this, the cumulative
doses administered in the
country has increased to over
148.58 crore (1,48,58,19,491), it
said.
“Superb enthusiasm among
Young India for Vaccination.
Over 1 crore youngsters
between 15-18 age group have
received 1st dose of Covid19
vaccine that too on the 3rd day
of vaccination drive for chil-
dren. I appeal to all eligible
young friends to get vaccinated
at the earliest,” Union health
minister Mansukh Mandaviya
announced on Twitter.
Govt
THE MAN DIED
The ship was carrying hordes
of New Year revellers when it
arrived in Goa on Sunday.
civic-run isolation centres and
hospitals in the city. According
to a BMC official, most of the
patients showed mild symptoms.
“The patients have been
shifted to facilities like the Rich-
ardson and Crudas in Byculla,
Suncity residency, Pacific resi-
dency and other private hotels at
their own expense,” the BMC
official said, seeking anonymity.
The remaining 19 patients,
however, were allowed to isolate
A
l { AFTER RAID ON WAZIRX }
TN, Himachal impose
night curfew to curb
spread of Covid-19
CHENNAI/SHIMLA: To
tackle the surge in Covid-19
cases, Tamil Nadu chief
minister M K Stalin on
Wednesday ordered fresh
curbs, which includes
state-wide night curfew
between 10 pm and 5 am
with effect from January 6.
A shutdown would be
enforced on Sunday
(January 9) and only 50 per
cent occupancy shall be
allowed in buses, suburban
trains, and metrorail, the
government said. The
Himachal Pradesh
government also decided
to impose a night curfew in
the state from 10 pm to 5
am to check the spread of
Covid-19. The hill state has
been witnessing an uptick
in Covid-19 cases.
Bihar Dy CMs, two
ministers infected,
with mild symptoms
PATNA: Four members of
the Nitish Kumar cabinet
in Bihar, including both
deputy chief ministers
Renu Devi and Tar Kishor
Prasad, tested positive for
Covid-19 on Wednesday,
officials said. Besides them,
A health care worker administers a dose of Covid vaccine to a student, in Surat on Tuesday.
RT-PCR kit to detect Omicron
variant gets DCGI approval
Rhythma Kaul
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: India has approved
a new RT-PCR test kit that can
detect whether a sample is Cov-
id-19 positive and if the variant is
Omicron, a top government
expert announced on Wednes-
day.
The kit, called Omisure and
developed by TataMD, will speed
up detection of the variant that
right now requires genome
sequencing that only specialist,
large laboratories carry out.
Genome sequencing can take
multiple days. The company said
in a statement that the price has
been fixed MRP ₹250 a test to
the laboratories. According to
the firm, the kit will be available
in the market from January 12.
“The good news is that the
on the ship as they were largely
asymptomatic and were with
families.
On the latest cases, officials
said the patients will be sent
home or to medical facilities
depending on their symptoms.
“Most of the patients that have
tested positive are asympto-
matic. We have passed the
reports to the operator of the
cruise which will carry out fur-
ther health tests to check if they
have other comorbidities or not.
If a patient is fully asymptomatic
and doesn’t have any comorbidi-
ties, then he/she will be allowed
to go home with a stamp on his
hand so that they follow isola-
tion norms and protocols. If any-
one is co-morbid and has serious
symptoms, then he/she will be
transferred for treatment,” Shiv-
adas Gurav, assistant municipal
commissioner from A-ward
(where the ship is anchored),
said. All those who have tested
negative were allowed to leave.
those who tested positive
are Ashok Choudhary and
Sunil Kumar, the ministers
for building construction,
and prohibition, excise and
registration, respectively.
Those infected are in home
isolation and showing mild
to moderate symptoms.
The state headquarters of
JD(U) was shut down after
the party’s national chief
Rajiv Ranjan Singh tested
positive the previous day.
Consider plea to ban
Gangasagar mela,
HC tells Bengal govt
KOLKATA: The Calcutta
high court on Wednesday
said it expects that the
West Bengal government
will seriously consider the
plea to ban the Gangasagar
Mela this year owing to the
severity of the spread of
Covid-19 cases. The state
said it will inform the court
of its decision on
Thursday. A division
bench, while hearing the
plea, said that the state
government, while taking a
decision, should keep in
view an earlier order of
this court holding that life
is more important in every
sense in comparison to
religious practices, beliefs
and faith.
THE KIT, OMISURE,
HAS BEEN MADE BY
TATAMD AND WILL
BE AVAILABLE FOR
PURCHASE FROM
JANUARY 12
Omicron detecting RT-PCR kit
has been developed in partner-
ship with TataMD and ICMR, and
has been approved by the drugs
controller general of India. This
new kit will test for Omicron in
four hours, and will augment
genome sequencing efforts of the
country,” said Balram Bhargava,
director general, Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR).
“This kit is unique in the sense
that it works on two levels: one is
it detects Sars-CoV-2, and it has
Sachin Saini
sachin.saini@htlive.com
JAIPUR: A man who died in Uda-
ipur on December 31 has been
classified as the first death due to
the Omicron variant in the coun-
try, officials said on Wednesday,
after the fatality was reassigned
as being linked to Covid-19.
Suffering from multiple
comorbid conditions, the
73-year-old first tested positive
on December 15 upon being hos-
pitalised after having difficulty
in breathing. He tested negative
on December 21 and 25, and suc-
cumbed to his illness on Decem-
ber 31. “The government con-
firmed the death in Rajasthan
has been counted as Omicron
death in India. We can say this is
the first death in India,” Union
health ministry joint secretary
Lav Agarwal said in Delhi on
Wednesday.
Superintendent of Maharana
Bhupal government hospital, Dr
RL Suman, said the man was
Crypto exchanges, investors
under lens of probe agencies
Rajeev Jayaswal
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: After detecting sig-
nificant amount of Goods and
Services Tax (GST) evasion by
cryptocurrency exchange
WazirX, other crypto exchanges
and major investors in digital
currencies are under the lens of
multiple agencies , the Income
Tax department, the Directorate
General of GST Intelligence
(DGGI), and the Enforcement
Directorate (ED), two officials
aware of the development said.
Law enforcement agencies
are analysing data pertaining to
business activities of cryptocur-
rency exchanges and investors
in crypto assets, the officials said
on condition of anonymity.
“It is a lame excuse that enti-
ties involved in GST or IT eva-
sions are not aware of tax laws
merely because cryptocurrency
or virtual currency activities are
unregulated. There is no ambi-
guity in law. Transactions of all
goods and services attract GST
and all income is taxable, unless
exempted explicitly,” one of the
officials said.
Clarifying applicability of tax
on cryptocurrencies, finance
My India
ANI
two specific targets for the S
gene that are Omicron-specific
targets. If the two S gene targets
light up, the Covid-19 positive
sample is of Omicron variant,”
said Dr Nivedita Gupta, senior
ICMR scientist.
The company said it is the
first such test to use this method.
“Tata MD will work with regu-
latory bodies, and central and
state governments to make the
product available in India and
globally. In parallel, we have
begun work to scale up our pro-
duction capability, supply chain
and raw material inventory to
deliver two lacs OmiSure tests
per day,” read the company
statement. The kit evaluated in
partnership with ICMR reported
100% sensitivity and 99.25%
specificity for Sars-CoV-2 vari-
ants, including Omicron.
DUE TO MULTIPLE
COMORBID
CONDITIONS, AN
OFFICIAL SAID
brought in for treatment after he
complained of respiratory prob-
lems. During his admission, his
samples were sent for genome
sequencing, the results for
which arrived on December 25.
He was administered another
test at the time, which too came
out negative.
“He had multiple comorbid
conditions such as diabetes mel-
litus, hypertension, and hypo-
thyroidism. He suffered from
cardiac and respiratory failure,”
said Suman. The state on
Wednesday reported 1,883 Cov-
id-19 cases and two deaths, tak-
ing the active cases tally to 5,016.
A total of 121 cases of the Omi-
cron variant have been reported
as per genome sequencing.
PROBE AGENCIES
ARE ANALYSING
DATA PERTAINING
TO BUSINESS
ACTIVITIES OF
CRYPTOCURRENCY
EXCHANGES,
OFFICIALS SAID
minister Nirmala Sitharaman on
November 30, 2021 told the
Rajya Sabha: “No separate sec-
tion or provision in Income-tax
Act, 1961 presently deals specifi-
cally with the rate of tax, applica-
bility and collection of tax on the
income earned by cryptoex-
changes and other crypto service
providing platforms. The income
earned by cryptoexchanges and
other crypto service providing
platforms is liable to tax under
the head Business or Profession
under Chapter-IV of the Income-
tax Act, 1961. Applicability of tax
will depend on the status and
category of the taxpayer.”
“After recent detection of GST
evasions by one cryptocurrency
exchange, tax authorities and
enforcement agencies are
aggressively pursuing several
COVID TRACKER
35,104,673
TOTAL COVID CASES
89,972 NEW CASES ON
WEDNESDAY
Congress halts rallies
in election-bound UP
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The Congress on
Wednesday suspended its big
political rallies in Uttar Pradesh
and asked district units to assess
the situation locally before hold-
ing any poll-related programmes
amid rising Covid-19 cases
fuelled by the Omicron variant.
The decision, the first for a
major political party, comes
after the party’s chief cam-
paigner, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,
isolated herself on Tuesday after
a family member as well as a
staff member tested positive.
Congress secretary Pranav
Jha said, “In the wake of the
Covid situation, general secre-
tary (organisation) KC Venugo-
pal had asked all state units to
assess the ground situation and
take appropriate steps. Our Uttar
Pradesh unit informed that they
would withhold big rallies for 15
days.”
Assembly elections are due in
UP, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand
and Manipur this year. Most par-
ties have started full fledged
campaigns in these states.
In UP, the Congress had
HC urges U’khand to
consider virtual poll
rallies amid Covid rise
Neeraj Santoshi
Neeraj.santoshi@htlive.com
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand
high court on Wednesday asked
the election commission of India
(ECI) to consider virtual rallies
for the assembly polls in the
state due this year in light of the
rising Covid-19 cases.
The court also asked ECI to
consider online polling for
future elections. ECI counsel
Shobit Saharia told HT on
Wednesday, “The ECI has been
directed to file its response by
January 12, when the matter has
been listed for next hearing.”
The court order, a copy of
which is with HT, stated, “Let the
Election Commission of India
consider issuing appropriate
directions prohibiting a large
public rallies for ensuing the
election for the Uttarakhand
State Legislative Assembly. The
Election Commission shall also
consider for issuing appropriate
directions for campaigning in
virtual mode. We also request
the Election Commission of
India to consider the alternative
of virtual voting in future. Let a
copy of this Order be handed
over to Shobhit Saharia, who
shall intimate to the concerned
party and seek instructions”.
The court’s direction comes a
day after Delhi chief minister
and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
convernor Arvind Kejriwal
leads, including some cases of
frauds. Appropriate agency will
take appropriate actions after
completion of these investiga-
tions,” the second person said.
Last month, the Mumbai GST
authority detected ₹40.5 crore
tax evasion by cryptocurrency
exchange WazirX. The authority
also recovered ₹49.20 crore in
cash pertaining to GST evaded,
interest and penalty.
“Investigations in the case of
WazirX is also not complete as
yet and the case is being probed
by other agencies also,” the sec-
ond person said.
While the finance ministry,
the Central Board of Direct
Taxes, the Central Board of Indi-
rect Taxes and Customs and
WazirX, did not respond to email
queries on this matter; a spokes-
person for the Internet and
Mobile Association of India-
Blockchain and Crypto Assets
Council (IAMAI-BACC) said: “We
would like to avoid commenting
on the above development for
the time being.”
IAMAI is an association of
digital businesses in India and
BACC is a Mumbai-based not-
for-profit association under its
aegis.
1,485,819,491
TOTAL DOSES ADMINISTERED
9,566,037 ON WEDNESDAY 620,195,533
Women in large numbers take part in the Congress’s marathon
event in Lucknow on December 28.
planned a major rally in Azam-
garh on Wednesday and Vara-
nasi on January 9. Jha added
that it is entirely up to the state
units to decide how they want to
run their campaign keeping in
mind the public health situation.
This is the second time the
principal Opposition party called
off big rallies in the wake of the
Covid situation. In April last
year, the Congress leaders
stopped campaigning midway
into the run up to the West Ben-
gal elections last year. Subse-
quently, all major parties includ-
ing the BJP and the Trinamool
AAP CONVENER
ARVIND KEJRIWAL,
WHO HELD A
RALLY IN THE
STATE, TESTED +VE
FOR COVID-19
tested positive for Covid-19. He
had held a rally the previous day
in Uttarakhand.
The division bench of chief
justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra
and justice Alok Kumar Sharma
issued the directions while
responding to an oral prayer by
Shiv Dutt, counsel of Sachdan-
and Dabral. He had approached
the court with several other PILs
related to the Covid-19 situation
in the state.
Uttarakhand has so far
reported 3.45 lakh Covid-19 cases
and 7,420 deaths.
On the court’s stand, Anoop
Nautiyal, founder of Dehradun
based Social Development for
Communities (SDC) Foundation
said: “And by the time ECI comes
up with its response, political
parties should also come up with
their stand on how they want to
proceed at a time when cases are
rising. They should also come up
with their own guidelines for
safe political activity and cam-
paigns so that political rallies
don’t emerge as the epicentre of
Covid-19 spread,” he said.
Pakistani among three
JeM terrorists killed in
south Kashmir: Police
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
SRINAGAR: Three Jaish-e-Mo-
hammad (JeM) terrorists,
including a foreign national who
was an expert in making vehicle-
borne improvised explosive
devices, were killed in an
encounter with security forces in
south Kashmir’s Pulwama dis-
trict on Wednesday, J&K IGP
Vijay Kumar said.
This was the second encoun-
ter in south Kashmir in the last
24 hours. Two terrorists were
killed on Tuesday in Okay village
of Srinagar district.
Regarding Wednesday’s
encounter, Kumar said police,
army and CRPF launched a joint
operation based on specific
inputs about the presence of ter-
rorists in Chandgam area of Pul-
wama district in the early hours
of Wednesday. Three militants
were killed after the search oper-
ation turned into a gunfight, he
said.
“Three militants of terror out-
fit JeM, including one Pakistani
national were killed. Incriminat-
ing materials, arms and ammu-
nition, including two M4 car-
bines and one AK series rifle,
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
245,428,425
People who have got one dose
People who have got both doses
ANI
Congress shunned big rallies.
But the party will pursue
more door-to-door campaigns
and social media outreach to
compensate for the loss of mega
rallies. “In our calculation,
absence of big rallies won’t hurt
our prospects. We have already
announced the slew of sops for
women including 40% reserva-
tion in party tickets. Many of our
leaders have already advocated
smaller, roadside meetings and
door to door campaigns as they
are more effective weapons to
reach out to the people,” said a
Congress leader.
MOLNUPIRAVIR
ANTI-VIRAL DRUG
SHOWING MAJOR
CONCERNS: ICMR
Rhythma Kaul
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI : The country’s task
force on Covid-19 is still deliber-
ating whether to include Molnu-
piravir in the national protocol
for treatment of coronavirus as
the oral anti-viral drug has
major safety concerns, the
Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) said on
Wednesday.
During the weekly media
briefing, ICMR director Dr Bal-
ram Bhargava said: “...we have to
remember that this drug has
major safety concerns. It can
cause teratogenicity (fetal abnor-
mality), mutagenicity (mutations
in the virus), and also cartilage
damage. It can damage muscles
also.” “Contraception will have
to be done for three months for
male and female if this drug is
given because the child born
could be problematic due to ter-
atogenic influence,” Bhargava,
who is also a part of the national
Covid task force, said.
The ICMR chief’s remarks
came even as companies began
launching the product in the
Indian market after receiving
emergency use authorisation
from, Central Drugs Standard
Control Organisation on Decem-
ber 28. “Molnupiravir will now
be manufactured in the country
by 13 companies for restricted
use under emergency situa-
tions...,” Union health minister
Mansukh Mandaviya had said.
Security personnel stand
guard near the encounter site
in Pulwama on Wednesday. ANI
were recovered from them. It is a
big success for forces,” Kumar
said.
A police spokesperson identi-
fied two of the deceased terror-
ists as Mir Owais of Ashmander
in Pulwama and Pakistani
national Talha Yasir. Yasir was
an expert at making vehicle-
borne IEDs, the spokesperson
said.
The identity of the third ter-
rorist was being ascertained, the
spokesperson added.
According to police records,
Owais and Yasir were both
named in numerous terror
crimes. Since January 1, eight
terrorists have been killed by
security forces.
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022 My India 11
{ DECODING THE SECURITY CORDON } SECURITY EXPERTS

War of words, Channi govt in Role of Punjab police in

dock over Modi convoy lapse focus over security fiasco
HT Correspondents Prawesh Lama the meeting. “An ASL report is
letters@hindustantimes.com

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: An
How it all unfolded letters@hindustantimes.com

NEW DELHI: Was the protest by

unprecedented breach in Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s security
in Punjab on Wednesday sparked
a major political row with the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) say-
ing the Congress was targeting the
PM and putting him in harm’s
way, and the ruling party in the
state blaming a last-minute sched-
ule change for the lapse.
Union home minister Amit
Shah attacked the Congress, say-
ing it owed an apology to the peo-
ple, and the Centre asked the Pun-
jab government for a detailed
report even as several BJP leaders
said the buck must stop with the
state’s chief minister Charanjit
Singh Channi.
“Today’s Congress-made hap-
pening in Punjab is a trailer of
how this party thinks and func-
tions. Repeated rejections by the
people have taken them to the
path of insanity,” he said, adding
that the home ministry sought a
detailed report on the incident.
Channi dismissed the allega-
tions, and said his government
had no information about the
PM’s plan to travel via road from
Bathinda airport to Ferozepur.
The controversy over the unprecedented security breach during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab played out over five hours. This was the PM’s
first visit to poll-bound Punjab after the repeal of three farm laws, which prompted a 14-month-long protest. Congress-led Punjab goes into the
election under a new CM and a new party state chief, both keen to prove a point. Questions are already being asked about the role of the state police
in what transpired, and why the Intelligence Bureau didn’t flag protests by farmers as a possible concern, but here is what happened over five hours.
10.30am
An aircraft carrying PM
Modi lands in Bathinda. From there,
PM is scheduled to fly on a chopper
to Ferozepur, about 120km away, at
noon and pay homage at National
Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala.
Later, he is to lay the foundation
stone of the PGIMER’s satellite
centre in Ferozepur and other
projects at 12.30pm, followed by a
public rally at 1pm
P P
The topmost echelons
10.35am Due to rain and
poor visibility, the chopper to
Bathinda can’t take off
10.50am After waiting for
around 20 minutes, PM leaves
by road to reach Ferozepur via
Faridkot-Moga highway, a
journey that is expected to
take around two hours. The
DGP was not in the convoy
Had they told us
1.40pm After traveling
over 100km, the convoy
is blocked by around 200
villagers near Piareana
village. It stops.
According to BJP chief
JP Nadda, Punjab CM
Channi refused to get
on the phone to address
the matter or resolve it
farmers and a possible road
blockade by them during Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s visit
in Punjab discussed during the
advance security liaison (ASL)
2pm PM’s entourage waits for 15-20 minutes on
meeting?
a flyover, then decides to turn back for Bathinda
Why wasn’t an alternative
route identified during the meet-
3.20pm PM’s cavalcade reaches Bathinda’s ing, which is always done before
Bhisiana airport again. According to ANI, the PM said deciding on a route for the Prime
“say thanks to your CM that I was able to return to Minister’s convoy?
Bathinda airport alive" before flying back to Delhi HT spoke to many officers
across various agencies who
explained the security protocol
for the PM and the reasons why
they believe that the Punjab
Police and the Intelligence
Bureau are at fault for Wednes-
day’s security breach.
The PM’s immediate
security is by the SPG
The PM is guarded round-the-
clock by the Special Protection
Group (SPG). At any given time,
at least 40-60 officers of the SPG
including an SPG commandant
— equivalent to a Superintend-
P ent of Police (SP) — are always
present with the PM. This is
Complete failure of called the inner ring. Outside
this inner ring, there are other
BJP supporters hold posters of
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi as they wait at the venue
of the PM’s rally after it was
cancelled, in Ferozepur. PTI
of the route. This is very clear.
“The sanitisation of the road is
done 3-4 hours in advance. The
PM’s visit was not an impromptu
one. The local police had enough
time to check for mobilisation in
the villages nearby, especially in
the backdrop of the recent farm-
ers protest. The local police must
sanitise the road and cannot
make exceptions for even fire or
ambulance vehicles to stop the
convoy,” said one officer who
prepared. Wasn’t the threat of
protesters spilling on the roads
discussed at this? If it was and
yet the protesters came on the
road, then the Punjab Police is at
fault. Also, it would be interest-
ing to see what the IB said in the
meeting. Every security detail is
planned on the basis of this
meeting,” said a second officer
who too asked not to be named.
Usually two routes
A third officer, who has in the
past worked on the PM’s secu-
rity, said that there are always
two routes planned for the PM.
The first route is called the con-
tingency (C) route and the sec-
ond is the main route. “The
routes are chosen in such a way
that if there is a blockade on the
main route, the convoy immedi-
ately takes a turn towards the C
route. In Delhi, CISF and BSF
personnel guard the route till the
PM passes through it. If there is a
threat or a possible disruption,
the escort vehicles immediately
take the second route, which is
already sanitised in advance.
And until the PM passes, no one
is allowed on the route,” the offi-
cer added.

“There was no prior informa-
tion. I worked till 3am to convince
farmers to clear all routes. All
roads were cleared by Wednesday
morning. Had they told us about
the road travel in advance, we
would have made proper arrange-
ments,” Channi said. “We respect
our PM...there was no security
lapse of any kind and there was no
situation of any attack.”
Modi was travelling by road
from Bathinda to the National
Martyrs Memorial at Hussaini-
wala, around 120km away. He was
supposed to take a helicopter, but
inclement weather force pre-
vented the chopper from taking
off. After travelling for about
100km, the PM’s convoy was
blocked by around 200 protesters
near Piareana village in Ferozepur
district on the Moga-Ferozepur
national highway.
After being stuck for around
15-20 minutes, the PM headed
of the Congress owe
an apology to the
people of India for
what they have done.
AMIT SHAH, Home minister
back to Bathinda airport, cancel-
ling his visit to the memorial and a
rally in Ferozepur. Punjab goes to
the polls in early 2022.
BJP president JP Nadda
accused the Punjab government
of trying all “possible tricks” to
scuttle the PM’s programme.
“Protesters were given access to
the PM’s route while the Punjab
CS and DGP gave assurances to
SPG that the route is clear,” Nadda
tweeted. He also claimed that
Channi refused to get on the
phone to address the matter.
Congress accused the BJP of
“doing politics” over the issue.
about road travel,
would have made
arrangements.
CHARANJIT SINGH
CHANNI, Punjab CM
Channi alleged that the attend-
ance at the rally in Ferozepur was
thin, and that only 700 people had
turned up for arrangements made
keeping 70,000 people in mind.
“May be this was why the PM
decided to go back,” he added.
“Modi ji, How’s the Josh?”
tweeted Youth Congress chief BV
Srinivas -- a statement that led to
strong criticism from BJP leaders,
including Union minister Smriti
Irani and Rajya Sabha MP
Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Former Punjab Congress chief
Sunil Jakhar broke ranks with his
colleagues. “It’s against Punjabi-
law and order...
Prez rule should
be imposed.
AMARINDER SINGH,
Former Punjab CM
yat. A secure passage for the PM of
India to address BJP’s political
rally in Ferozepur should’ve been
ensured. That’s how democracy
works,” he said.
Former CM Amarinder Singh,
a BJP ally, called for Channi’s res-
ignation, and asked for President’s
Rule in the state.
Irani said there was a need to
answer questions on who gave a
false go-ahead to the cavalcade
and who leaked the PM’s route.
“Who in the Punjab government
gave information about the Prime
Minister‘s route to individuals
who planted themselves atop the
flyover?” she asked.
“I am sure the nation shares
our outrage. We know that the
Congress hates Modi but today
they tried to harm the PM of India.
Such is the breakdown of law and
order in Punjab that the DGP
claims he is incapable of provid-
ing security support to the Prime
Minister‘s office, the Prime Minis-
ter security detail,” she added.
The Shiromani Akali Dal, an
erstwhile ally of the BJP, said
there was a breakdown in law and
order. “The CM is incompetent to
run the state,” said Sukhbir
Singh Badal, SAD chief.
layers of security provided by
police and those from the para-
military forces. For example, if
the PM is addressing a rally at a
ground, the main stage will have
SPG personnel. Even the local
police will not be allowed inside
the ring.
But local police is in
charge of the route
Whenever the Prime Minister
moves in any part of the country,
the route is secured by the local
police (Punjab Police in this
case). The PM is accompanied
only by SPG. Personnel from the
paramilitary forces are put on
duty to guard the route. If there
are towers or tall building along
the route, snipers from the para-
military forces are posted . The
local state police has to ensure
that no person — especially
those who live or work on the
roadside — breaches the security
asked not to be named.
The first two vehicles of the
convoy called Escort Number 1
and 2 are always provided by
state police. Personnel inside
these vehicles coordinate with
the local police and are informed
if there is any disturbance.
Everything is discussed
at an advance security
liaison or ASL meeting
This is one of the most impor-
tant security preparedness meet-
ings ahead of the PM’s visit any-
where. Even if the PM is attend-
ing a rally or a function near his
house in New Delhi, the meeting
happens. If the PM’s schedule is
known in advance, the ASL
meeting happens more than a
week before the visit. Officers of
the rank of deputy inspector gen-
eral and inspector general from
the Intelligence Bureau (IB),
SPG, and the local police attend
Usually, one or both
carriageways of the road
are kept clear for the PM
In Delhi, where the PM mostly
travels from his residence to his
office or a function, only one car-
riageway is blocked. CISF and
BSF personnel stand on the
divider and allow traffic to move
in the second carriage. But vehi-
cles cannot stop.
“But if the PM is travelling in
Jammu & Kashmir or any other
sensitive place such as Chhattis-
garh, then both carriageways are
blocked. CCTV cameras are pla-
ces and then the security drill is
the same. The local police have
to sanitise the route, keep mis-
creants off the roads. They act on
their own and also collect inputs
from the IB. Depending on the
IB’s inputs a chopper is also kept
on stand-by,” a fourth officer,
who has worked with in the
PM’s security, said.

DELHI JAL BOARD, GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE(W)

City
IAM CONCERNED VARUNALAYA PHASE-II, KAROL BAGH, NEW DELHI 110055
ABOUT E-mail: proyap32018@gmail.com, Ph.: 011-2355084
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JOBS:JANHVI Applications are invited from eligible candidates for engagement of following manpower in YAMUNA ACTION
KAPOOR PLAN-III project initially for a period of 12 months on contractual basis which may be further extended to a
maximum period of 36 months as per requirement and performance.
S. No. Name of the Position No. of Posts
CHECK 1 Project Coordinator 2
OUT 2 Community Mobilizer 12
TODAY’S The last date of receipt of application is 18 January 2022 upto 05.00 PM
EDITION Interested candidates are requested to e-mail their application on proyap32018@gmail.com within the prescribed
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A-BUILDING, VARUNALAYA, JHANDEWALAN, NEW DELHI-110005
Phone No.:- 011-23533083, Email:- eeprojectw8@gmail.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
Due to shut down of 900 mm dia. branch line emanating from G.K. Main for making interconnection of loop line by NCRTC
OFFICE OF ADDITIONAL CHIEF ENGINEER at Hasanpur Park, I.P Extension. The water supply of East Delhi area (i.e. Kanti Nagar, East Azad Nagar, Gazipur, New Kondli,
PHED, JAIPUR REGION-I, JAIPUR Trilokpuri, Laxmi Nagar, Chitra Vihar, LIG and Janta Flat UGR, Mandawali-I UGR and its adjoining areas) at the command of
Jyoti Nagar, Sahakar Marg, Jaipur-302005 Bhagirathi WTP will not be available in the evening of 07.01.2022.
Phone: 0141-2740170(O), E-mail: ace1.jpr.phed@rajasthan.gov.in Residents are advised to store sufficient quantity of water in advance as per their requirement. During the shutdown period
No.: F./ACE/PHED/Ar.Dausa/NIT-159-164/2021-22/12641-659 Date: 23.12.21 water tanker will be available on request at following Telephone Nos.
(e-NIT No. 159-164/2021-22) 1. Mandawali Water Emergency : 22727812
On behalf of the Governor of Rajasthan NIT No. 159-164/2021-22 online tender is hereby invited from eligible bidders of PHED Sub Div Lalsot, 2. Jagrati Water Emergency : 22374834, 22374237
District Dausa as per criteria mentioned in the detailed NIT/Tender document available on websites: https://eproc.rajasthan.gov.in & http:// 3. Loni Road water Emergency : 22816023, 22814651
sppp.rajasthan.gov.in. Tenders are to be submitted online in electronic format on wesbite https://eproc.rajasthan.gov.in as per prescribed
4. Yamuna vihar water Emergency : 22812683, 22812050
schedule.
5. Toll free No. DJB : 1916 (for all areas)
NIT No. Particular Estt. Cost UBN No. Closing Date
(Rs. in Cr.) Inconvenience caused to the public is deeply regretted.
159/2021-22 PHED Sub Div. Lalsot Distt. Dausa 1.24 PHE2122WSOB10948 20.01.2022 ISSUED BY P.R.O. (WATER) STOP CORONA: WASH YOUR HANDS, Sd/-
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161/2021-22 PHED Sub Div. Lalsot Distt. Dausa 1.92 PHE2122WSOB10950 20.01.2022
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SAVE WATER-SAVE LIFE Sd/-
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Addl. Chief Engineer
Dipr/c/13364/21-22 PHED, Jaipur Region-I, Jaipur
12 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY, JANUARY 06, 2022

OFFICE OF THE ADDL. CHIEF ENGINEER, PWD ZONE-I, JODHPUR UTTARAKHAND POWER CORPORATION LTD.
(Govt. of Uttarakhand Undertaking)
No. 7443 Dated: 28.12.2021 Office of the Suprintending Engineer, Electricity Distribution Circle (R)
Short Term NIT No. 17 of 2021-22 18, E.C.Road, Dehradun, Ph : +91-135-2653601
Tenders are hereby invited on behalf of the Governer of Rajasthan for the ^^bZ&fufonk lwpuk^^
Construction of various Road works from enlisted contractors of the appropriate v/kksgLrk{kjdrkZ }kjk fofeUu dk;ksaZ gsrq vuqHkoh@çfrf"Br rFkk mÙkjk[k.M 'kklu
class through e-tendering, Contractors enlisted with CPWD, Postal Telecom, }kjk fo|qr vf/k"Bkiu dk;Z ds fy, vf/k—r ^,^ Dykl ykblSUl/kkjh Bsdsnkj tks
Railway, MES, other State Government/Central Government undertakings/ bZUde VSDl] th0,l0Vh0- bZåihå,Qå rFkk bZå,låvkbZ esa iath—r gksa ls fuEu
Organisations etc. equivalent to appropriate category of registration in
fufonk,a vkef=r dh tkrh gSA
Rajasthan State are also eligible. Tender related document can be seen on the
website http://dipr.rajasthan.gov.in & http://sppp.rajasthan.gov.in & http://
1- bZ&fufonk la[;k 36/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
eproc.rajasthan.gov.in. The UBN of the respective works are as under:- 2- bZ&fufonk la[;k 37/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
1. PWD2122WSOB12763
3- bZ&fufonk la[;k 38/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
4- bZ&fufonk la[;k 39/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
(Mookesh Bhati) 5- bZ&fufonk la[;k 40/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
Addl. Chief Engineer
Dipr/c/46/2022 PWD Zone-I, Jodhpur
6- bZ&fufonk la[;k 41/EDCRDDUN/2021-22
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ENTERTAINMENT
& PROMOTIONAL
FEATURES

solution e-procurement
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I want to
08, 2021

at bringing the best in

Thursday, April surprise
myself and my
audience. I’ve
never slotted
myself into any
category. I’ve
movies chosen very
Kriti Sanon wishes

entertainment and
to theatres different roles.
would get back

solution ‘HOPE
RITUPARNA
Tuesday, April Actor

THINGS
City Anthony
Hopkins
SENGUPTA,
13, 2021

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ARE
HAPPY
MENEGHINI/AP FEATURES

BAISAKHI TO
ALL OUR

NORMAL
READERS

1. Replacement of 200mm dia old and damaged C.I. water 38,33,161/- 2022_DJB_214088_1 14.01.2022 up to
STOP PRESS
ILLUSTRATION:
SHUTTERSTOCK

SOON,,
doorstep and fingertips.
Frances
McDormand

FILMS
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PHOTO: JOE
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ded
Priyanka
Chopra Jonas
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Guru Randhawa

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line from Okhla water works to Zakir Nagar dhalan Okhla 04.01.2022 3.00 pm
BAFTA
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ta IN MY VILLA
Daler

Sengup
US theatres nextSeptember.
andaRishi
Mehndi
Rishabh Suri
They playa divorcedcouple
Kapoor GE
Rituparn
rishabh.suri@htlive.com
and shooting
trying tostoptheir

S
hooting, travelling, all about
Sanon’s life is
again — Kriti such as
repeating
daughter from
host of biggies and
that. With a

D
Bhediya irector Chloe Titas Chowdhury
Bachchan Pandey,
m
Zhao’s Nomadland
kitty, she is of
Ganpath in her theirmistake. has emerged
mind now. I
feel

Constituency AC-54 under AEE(M)-54.

as the bigtitas.chowdhury@hindustantimes.co
And it was also
recently this year’s BAFTA winner at a m ore open out Guru Randhawa
I
course excited. she will join Prabhas
2021, bagging Film Awards want to keep being churned
trophies,that the kind of content
four major
announced that in Adipurush.
including Best today is revolu-
and Saif Ali
Khan and Actress award Film. Even the Bestin the Hindi film industrySengupta. The is missing the
in Covid cases was won by Rituparna joy
feels
Despite the rise reimposed,
Frances McDormand, its actor, tionary,” says actor is all set
to
of celebrating
Juhi Chakraborty
self walked while
away with Best Zhao Award-winning with Bansuri:

Pulkit Samrat
her-
several restrictionsof theatres, The Father National
Director. Hindi film industry
juhi.chakr abor virus on a daily
including shutting won the Best return to the awaiting the safe and follow basis, be
ty@htlive. com
with it, she is

H
would prefer
Sanon says she all her films.
theat- award for Anthony
gory in which
Actor
The Flute. Along of other films, one of
Hopkins, a cate- them Baisakhi with e wanted to
cele-
ment protocol,” govern-
adds the
for
rical releases an actor you want the Gourav was Indian actor Aadarsh release of a couple Shabana Azmi. brate Baisakhi singer known

the lockdown
“Obviously,
as
beyond just
the OTT in The White
also nominated
Tiger. for hiswith
role
veteran actor
name in the
Bengali film
indus-
for
family in Punjab; big way this
with his family
in a
year
such as Lahore,
Gabru and Patola.
for songs
High Rated
film to reach duced by Priyanka The film was pro- A prominent in Bollywood
are great Gurdaspur, in
audience. Of
course, they
everyone is hooked
on was also in Chopra Jonas,
try, she is best
who
remembered Woh (2005).
Meri Patni Aur and meatier Daler Mehndi singer Guru
Punjab, but He may not
be able to
platforms, and
as one of its
attendance
at
presenters, the ceremony her role in Main, will Randhawa have the celebration

made him value

understands
in the OTT space
great to wanted, but he
to it and the
platforms have want it
as an actor you
husband, singer
Father also
along with
Nick Jonas.
won the adapted The
With the boom she believes
now is the time
“Back in
be at the Vaishno that
pandemic, little given the
can be fond memories
Randhawa
has
content. But don’t roles for women, in Hindi projects.
done. ing the festival of celebrat-
the ones who play BAFTA. screen- varied roles to concen- Devi shrine “Since the pandemic as a child.
to reach even says explore So, I decided “Baisakhi is
these platforms,” The most emotional
the day, I was too busy. films in started, most celebrated as
I was also doing
harvest festival,
really go on whose film Mimi,
in evening saw moment of of us have a

I’M NOT MISS

Bangla films. to been celebrating when

work more
the
tributes being I would want farmers cut

2. Replacement of old damaged water line 350mm, 250mm dia 29,73,296/- 2022_DJB_214088_2 14.01.2022 up to
the 30-year-old, a surrogate mother, Indian actors paid to latetrate on and Kerala. But
festivals at their crops.
Irrfan and Rishi now. A lot home. Considering And on this
which she plays for a release.
who passed
away in April Kapoor, Bangladesh on my Hindi film career rent situation, the cur- day
ind Singh laid Guru Gob-
film was made. this year too
is also waiting time since the
BAFTA’s memoriam 2020, in concentrate content is being the founda-

ING
says. I’ll mostly spend tion of the Panth
It’s been some Ask what’s with actors segment, along- of unconventional in Mumbai now,” she at home and Baisakhi
kids, we’d enjoy Khalsa. As
has been shot. Sean
wick Boseman. Connery and Chad- Maybe, I am
needed wants visit
announced and Sanon says says she always wara, if possible,” the gurd-

BIG BAISAKHI
time with familyspending
that front, and on the last The Bengali
superstar
to surprise myself he says,
happening on
The latter’s adding, “Unfortunately, and go to
wrapped up
work Bottom was film Ma Rainey’s Black new: “I want into the gurdwara
she recently to reach the named a winner to do something I’ve never slotted myself in Delhi and
will definitely
I’m We’d also go to do seva.
as a film needs it’s a
costume design in the
and my audience. chosen very
differ- miss being to the mela
scene. “Mimi and make-up
category. I’ve in the village the village. in
based on surrogacy, categories. and hair It’s a festival

CELEBRATIONS
during this
masses. It is
Riz any particular
in a very enter- Boseman, had Ahmed, who along with roles for myself.” “For time. But like that brings
a lot of happi-
and made challenging every day, I’m ness.”
unique subject It is something that will Actor as well, been nominated for Best and Rishi
(Above)
ent for Sengupta? a global remember Godgoing to
and his film Sounddidn’t bag the award, but OTT an option
So, isand
Kapoor to reach Since Baisakhi
taining manner. make you cry, laugh, and thank
it’s a good opportunity
of Metal bagged direct-to- Him for fulfilling vest festival, is a har-
touch your heart,
PHOTO: TEJAS (right)
It should BAFTAs in two actors, Irrfan are demanding wishes.” my the singer has
food for thought. the editing and PHOTOS: TWITTER/Audiences too are releas- a special message
leave you with more people who are
NERURKAR
gories. sound cate- audience. for them.
now. Producers The 29-year-old “May God bless

THIS YEAR:
as they’re
be watched by where OTT isn’t watched,” digital releases urges the farmers
BAFTA
on digital platforms everyone to
be as we eat because
turn stale if not
HTC
rooted in areas ing their films protocols and safe, follow May this year of them.
films might are turning not indulge
worried their
P
dates until in grand Baisakhi bring growth
she says. raining release pandemic OTT platforms she signs off. and prosperity,”
to reach released on time.
celebra-

A-200 to B-248 Okhla Ph-I at Tughlakabad Constituency AC-52 04.01.2022 3.00 pm

In fact, it was tions involving he says,
you want a film
all,”
profitable for
when the adding, “May
many film out to be quite erings. “Covid huge gath- Waheguru

MEHNDI
recently in Bollywood, reach
As an actor
bless everyone
again and forced“We are
has impacted
and prosperity. with growth
the OTT audience....
everything,
reared its head not
tival. We need just this fes-
postponed again. The times go on
beyond just
Happy Bai-
releases to be
sakhi to everyone.
who don’t really
to fight this
for Mimi to release.a film like that
and happy!” Stay safe
very excited
we are in, it’s
important for are normal even the ones “Hit aur flop
mein
I hope things hit and flop. deke
to get a release. so many films waiting to
are these platforms. kuch nahi rakha
hai. Agar hit
mein
marking the
time of har-
soon. There does too, soon, par lockdown ukhad vest of winter
Sugandha Rawal betterment,
hoping Mimi I don’t know bhi main ghar hi crops. “I and the will
toh main kya
feel all
release. I am
Actor to help
KRITI SANON, together for others. Apne
mid 2021. sense of hope festivals give us a
sugandha.rawal@hindustantimes.com
baitha hoon, observes, before
parties in future,” liye
karta hai, lekin to har aadmi
sometime around are deciding. It should

M
adds. he and courage.
raha hun,” Samrat his definition of eeting friends sakhi motivates Bai- ke liye khada doosron ki madad
what the producers says Sanon. and fam- This year, the us, and humko
going on to explain
honsla deti hona
ily to celebrate brate the festival singer will cele- hai jeene ka, are things etched chahiye. These
get what it deserves,” is about the essence — that’s
Devi shrine at the Vaishno who you are
— a farmer,
no matter
with memories in my mind,
happiness.
of the day, it of Baisakhi. with his family. farmer. We or a non-
Mehndi, knownof langar,” recalls
“At the end and not attaching
However, singer
Mehndi isn’t
lucky that I’ll
be “I feel the support
all live and yearn
you being happy, ki yeh missing it this Daler Mata Vaishno at the holy cave of of the supreme for Bolo Ta Ra Ra, for hits such as

S
Scan the code
He asserts that power,” explains

to curb Covid
to a condition year. formance at Devi. I have a per- Dardi Rab Rab,Tunak Tunak Tun,
that happiness khush ho jaunga, ya the need of the social distancing is the pilgrimage Growing up, the 53-year-old. Ho Jayegi Balle
Sugandha Rawal hour, with first day of Navratri, on the he watched Balle, and Na
hoga toh main

under EE(M)-52.
jaunga. the sec- parents participate Na Na Na Na
main udas ho good
ond wave of his

Night curfew
m
Covid-19 on Baisakhi,” which starts He feels the Re.
sugandha.rawal@hindustantimes.co nahi hua toh if you have a “Being cautioushere. he
The festival says.
gurdwaras for in kirtans at
brate Baisakhi best place to cele-
of 2021, You are blessed up every morn- today will is especially the festival has Baisakhi. For him, is at home. “I
nce the beginningbeen shoot-

plans
ensure we get tant for farmers, impor- (if we follow
Scan the code has family, you wake as it is a harbin- being grateful always been about all the protocolsthink
ulkit Samrat be people you know ger of hope
what he plans for everything. It’s
properly) 2021-end

surge hits wedding

to read more for his projects, ing, and all the
and prosperity tak Covid
actor,
well,” says the
ing nonstop while on doing this ki beemari ko
about how or Agra. The as well. “It’s
all about hope, year bhool jayenge naam
Mumbai, Delhi found a new are alive and for the third love,
says the singer, log,”
couples and who recently
r says work
has who is prepping Fukrey franchise. out with his came
Plagiarism row:
demic. single, Ragda.
ment of the
YADAV/HT wedding
PHOTO: ARVIND

Why Isabelle Kaif

television
vendors are rat made his

feel insignifica It made me

pop-
trying to find Virani in the
t as Lakshya
a way out in Saas Bhi Kabhi
show, Kyunki
STOP PRESS

and subscribe to
a
on to
the crisis
is now used to .
ow
Ba u Thi, in
2006. He went (2012),
as Bittoo Boss
do films such Bangistan (2015),
Fukrey (2013), powerless, saysnt and
PHOTO: VIRAL
BHAYANI

and Fukrey
being compared Sanam Re (2016),
Returns (2017). soon be seen as a
Next, he will
guy from Delhi”
in
Sudhanshu
to sister Katrina “happy go lucky

3. Providing and laying 80mm dia GI pipe line in Gali No. 5 and 26,86,846/- 2022_DJB_214088_3 14.01.2022 up to
Khushaama-
the film, Suswagatam roles
are other diverse
deed. “There he adds.
he considers in the pipeline,”
n fact, now, of
from the concept

e ago’
o be detached

Hindustan Times now

H
play on me
Rishabh Suri too much any-
more. About

like a decad
expectations,
P Covid took off
rishabh.suri@htlive.com
that pressure some of

The date is so S
he’s the sister
s from my

ay seem
first film, as
wood’s biggestof one of Bolly- the circum-
stars, Katrina stances are
yet she auditioned so
It has allowed different.
near and venues
Kaif, I might

birthd
Scan the code
film. Isabelle for her first me to just next birthday,
Kaif recently enjoy the moment chats. Hopefully, even then, I’ll ensure
to
‘My 30th
for his wedding acting debut made her
say they need as it and
job in Poland to read more with Time To
Dance. Kavitaunfolds,” have a party certif-
venue in Suraj- “I had auditioned says the their Covid vaccine
and booked a
Awaasthi
be on Saqib for a few actor. everyone gets actor.
check availability changes will
Sanchita Kalra and this one
came through. films, the Rangbaaz
kund, Haryana, no chance of Saleem’s dancer as a
kid, and dancing,I was a
The best piece
kavita.awaasthi@htlive.com
of and icates,” quips came to Mumbai from
for day timings. Saleem, who
birthday plans advice Isabelle
tough. “There’s is a big part of course, has birthdayshis spe-
loves
ago, admits he
has
sanchita.kalra@htlive.com
to tie the even switching of Bollywood. ever Saleem

S
ouples planning are in a postponing or for me. So I It’s a passion aqib received was big parties on Delhi 10 years a typical Delhi boy who

other galies at Shanti colony Mandi Pahari in Chhattarpur 04.01.2022 3.00 pm

It will be diffi-

C
thought it would given throws
often be my second
AKHIL NARANG, knot this month to day functions. lenging and be chal- to her by this
“But her will Covid-19,” changed. “I was fights and rode my car
the impo- who will attend fun,”
The 30-year-old,she tells us. cial day.
elder Sudhanshu
loved to get into Sugandha
sister.
bind following from cult for guests the way from “[She
row spoiled by I came to Saria and (far
Businessman
all up the shoot who just
for her second wrapped birthday
advised] in a
turns 33 today
and music. But since Rawal his 2015 film left) posters
Actor Deepika
P
curfew to just been of the upcoming
sition of night Delhi and 8pm the wedding he says. NOTE TO focus on my who
the actor, that he with blaring Delhi boy has I’ve web show and

S
Suswagatam film, says brashome
10pm to 5am
in Delhi or Noida,” months of READERS: Some Khushaamadeed, little heartbroken Mumbai, the time (left)
Padukone on
but work,he is amy everyday.
back I was told money to hire
P
NG

keep
AKHILN AR

to stem that Bollywood learning

I am a bit irritated
admits admits
to 7am in Mumbai, Planners feel
down the
of the coverage ence in her has been
be able to meet
head down. friends. replaced by one country that
strength,
toNational be it my by my
I exist, want to. You them, but you don’t
growing up a big influ- won’t are
gone from strength
when simply want tweeted a statement
Monday
efforts have gone
cities. on
what parties the At I got
Covid-19 in both to Aanchal
that appears
at the ing led to acting. years. “Danc- Anyone who forgotten seems a person,” he says.
Film Award. Two balise other’s to
work. That’s canni- apologising
We’ve received “I have has as alater,
weeks the incident.
While some
have decided drain. Mumbai-based
Wedding Soul,
our pages is
also looking I don’t growing up, I watched Hindi been in 30th
My the birthday party to take any
film
or
acting ability people in mind
on his
oneatof all? “My
the most
Isenior
okay,” he asserts. not
blance and
“The uncanny
similarity cannotresem-
for
announced she
date again, others paid for by the and I’ve had films like. my industry
Bagaria, of The industry I don’t want
queries from 33, is marriage On April 9, Saria
postpone the
alternate solu- who had three-day
affairs concerned larger picture. choosing a
(2007). Lagaan
favourite. I
a hard time
love Jab We decade
lar advice,”
gives
ago. Butsimi-
thetoh aur
birthday mum asks me
nothing
aboutIshaadi
everyday.
pretends
do matters andques- as if
this I’m invisi- to express his took to Twitter written off as be
a mere coincidence... has resigned
says, “Now it’s any says ble and insignificant,”
ways to avoid rues For this we apologise... as
couples for a
are weighing Met rahe so she anguish, claiming
want to take
weddings being
brands. No (2001), I’ve watched actor, Zinda
is here with me,We
risks. adding, that the makers
tions, with day planned in April in many times “I’m just am finding newSudhanshu say never. Hope-
Saria reflecting director copied the posterof the web series
deleted the poster We’ve the chairperson
“The moment
it wrapped up sponsored
toh as a
What about teenager,” she shares.
so starting
honge. now, My mum
he feltnever
all going to be a lunch.” But
risks. Zinda rahe
biryani. tion. One should from all
brunch and
thereyummy on what platforms,”
touted as one. the statement our
or are when of his movie.
we received
a
one event with
content does
in son with her the inevitable compari- so many
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he concludes.
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projects tackle Inci- However, Saria, read. of MAMI Mumbai
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commitments.

Constituency (AC-46) under EE(South)-I.

happen, they
to our valued everything sexual rape.
intimate. rabh Aswal, left to do.” to recover “Those actors homo- of the poster”
PHOTO: VIRAL
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sponsored content Some of the coverage they were plagiarising,” that people to be
director, Amaara
Farms
took two months does or shall that appears
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pointed Saria.
ture are we “What kind
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held replaced
in where you of a cul-
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it being declaredthe concerned brands. marketing meeting can have
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for best non-feature next time someone to the chain.
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the incident of the festival
in 2019.

4. Providing/Laying 150mm dia D.I. water line at 20 point colony 46,67,771/- 2022_DJB_214088_4 14.01.2022 up to
(Pahari) Ghitorni in Chhattarpur Constituency (AC-46) under 04.01.2022 3.00 pm
Government of Odisha, e- Procurement Notice B-968 HTcity htcity www.hindustantimes.com

EE(South)-I. INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

5. Replacement of old & damaged water line by P/L 100mm dia DI 33,50,219/- 2022_DJB_214088_5 14.01.2022 up to
water line from T/well No. 3 & 4 to Fauji General store at Dera 04.01.2022 3.00 pm Bid Identification No. C.C.E.Dkl (R&B) 15/2021-22 Email Id- sedklpwd@gmail.com
village under EE(South)-I. Letter No. 2596 / Dt. 28.12.2021
6. P/L D.I. water line for supplying water to U/A colonies Zakir 45,59,716/- 2022_DJB_214088_6 14.01.2022 up to
Nagar Extension, Joga Bai Extension and Batla House through 04.01.2022 3.00 pm The Chief Construction Engineer, Dhenkanal (R&B) Circle, Dhenkanal on behalf of Governor of Odisha
channelizing the tube wells installed inside OWW in Okhla AC- invites Percentage Rate bids in double cover system to be received in ONLINE MODE from eligible
54 under EE(South)IV. contractors for construction of Road work as detailed below:
7. Improvement of water supply by P/L 100mm dia DI water 39,86,984/- 2022_DJB_214088_7 14.01.2022 up to 1. Name of the work : Road work
line at Pannalal Mohalla near MCD School Ghitorni village in 04.01.2022 3.00 pm 2. No of works : 01 (One) No
Chhattarpur constituency (AC-46) under EE(South)I. 3. Estimated Cost : Rs. 5,36,61,474/-
8. P/L/J 100mm dia water line at Messay colony and near little 42,98,244/- 2022_DJB_214088_8 14.01.2022 up to (as given in column No. 03 of table)
star Public School Ghitorni village in Chhattarpur constituency 04.01.2022 3.00 pm 4. Cost of tender paper : Rs 10,000.00
(AC-46) under EE(South)I.
5. Class of contractor : ‘A’ & 'Special' Class (as given in column No. 06 of table)
9. Replacement of old damaged water line 100mm, 200mm, 29,77,965/- 2022_DJB_214088_9 14.01.2022 up to
6. Period of Completion of work : 07(Seven) Calendar months
150mm at Okhla Ph-I Industrial area D-6/1 to 9/2 Ph-I DSIDC 04.01.2022 3.00 pm
Scheme Ph-I at Tughlakabad Constituency AC-52 under EE(M)- as given in column No. 07 of table)
52. 7. Date and time of availability of bid : From Dt.10.01.2022 to 5,30 P.M. of Dt.24.01.2022
10. Replacement of old damaged water line at E-49/12 to S-Block 27,68,617/- 2022_DJB_214088_10 14.01.2022 up to Document in the website
BPS Okhla Ph-II at Tughlakabad Constituency AC-52 under 04.01.2022 3.00 pm 8. Date of opening of bid : Dt.25.01.2022 at 11.30 hours
EE(M)-52. The bidders have to participate in ONLINE biding only further details can be seen from the e-Procurement
11. Replacement of old damaged water line 150mm dia & 350mm 32,22,122/- 2022_DJB_214088_11 14.01.2022 up to
Portal: www.tendersodisha.gov.in. Any addendum corrigendum / cancellation of tender can also be seen in the
dia B-134 to C-46, D-90 to 86 & D-172 to D-96 Okhla Ph-I at 04.01.2022 3.00 pm
Tughlakabad Constituency under EE(M)-52. said website.
Chief Construction Engineer
Further details in this regard may be seen at (https://govtprocurement.delhi.gov.in)
Dhenkanal (R&B) Circle,Dhenkanal
ISSUED BY P.R.O. (WATER) “STOP CORONA; Wear Mask, Follow Physical (Arif Hussain)
Advt. No. J.S.V. 956(2021-22) Distancing, Maintain Hand Hygiene” AEE (T) M-11 OIPR - 34132/11/0018/2122
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
20-yr-old from U’khand is Budget likely to increase
agri credit to ₹18 L crore
3rd arrest in GitHub case
HT Correspondent
letters@hidustantimes.com
MUMBAI: Three people have been
arrested so far in connection with
webpages where hundreds of
Muslim women were “auctioned”,
the Mumbai Police said on
Wednesday, apprehending a
20-year-old a day after two
accused were arrested from Ben-
galuru and Uttarakhand.
The police said the accused
appeared to have used names
related to the Sikh community in
their Twitter handles which pro-
moted the webpages in order to
mislead people about their identity
and add a communal angle.
“The probe is on and anyone
involved in the crime directly or
indirectly will be arrested and
prosecuted,” Mumbai Police com-
missioner Hemant Nagrale said.
Some more people were likely to
be involved in the matter, he said
at a news briefing.
Eighteen-year-old Shweta
Singh, who is understood to be the
main accused, created some of the
social media handles that pro-
moted the webpages. On Wednes-
day, her friend Mayank Rawat, 20,
was also arrested from Uttara-
khand. Vishal Kumar Jha, 21, was
India plans to introduce 50 cheetahs in 5 years
Jayashree Nandi
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: The Union govern-
ment on Wednesday launched an
action plan under which 50 chee-
tahs will be introduced in the
country in the next five years.
According to an ‘Action Plan
for Introduction of Cheetah in
India’, released by the environ-
ment ministry during the 19th
meeting of National Tiger Con-
servation Authority on Wednes-
day, a cohort of around 12 to 14
cheetahs will be imported from
South Africa or Namibia and
each of them will be fitted with a
satellite-GPS-very high fre-
quency radio-collar.
Vishal Kumar Jha, the first
person arrested in the case,
being taken into custody.
detained from Bengaluru on Mon-
day and arrested a day later.
The Mumbai Police are probing
two such controversial webpages
hosted on the code sharing plat-
form, GitHub. The first web page
was floated in July 2021 and the
second, Bulli Bai, surfaced on Jan-
uary 1. The webpages, which were
named after derogatory references
to the Muslim community,
sparked outrage because hun-
dreds of Muslim women – most of
whom were vocal activists or top
professionals – were listed for
“auction” along with their photo-
graphs, which were sourced with-
out permission and doctored.
A cohort of around 12 to 14 cheetahs will be imported from South
Africa or Namibia.
Union environment minister
Bhupender Yadav, in a state-
ment, said, “Prime Minister Nar-
endra Modi is keen on protection
and conservation of seven major
When asked if Sikh names were
used by social media handles
which promoted the webpages,
Nagrale said it appeared that such
attempts were made. Some of
these handles had names such as
“Khalsa Supremacist”, “Jatinder
Singh Bhullar” and “Harpal’, he
said. “As per the status of the han-
dle (linked to the app), it says Bulli
Bai is a community driven open
source app by Khalsa Sikh force.
So why this is there, that is part of
our investigation,” the commis-
sioner said. “It is too early to say
exactly what was the aim of the
entire exercise,” he added.
“Jha was using the Twitter
handle by name Khalsa Superme-
cist and was using a proxy loca-
tion from Canada to misguide the
law enforcement agencies. He
would use such fake names to
regularly post messages on Twit-
ter,” an officer involved in the
probe said. The officer said there
was an attempt to give a commu-
nal angle to the webpages.
Nagrale said: “In order to
ensure that no such incident is
repeated again we urge people and
the especially the victims of Bulli
Bai or any such crime or incident
to report the matter to police and
share information.”
big cats... Cheetah numbering 50
over a period of five years will be
introduced in various parks.”
International transportation
will be done by either a commer-
Govt blocks Telegram
channel for ‘obscenity’
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: A channel on mes-
saging platform Telegram
which was allegedly sharing
pictures of Hindu women along
with obscene messages was
blocked by the ministry of elec-
tronics and information tech-
nology on Wednesday.
The development comes
days after the emergence of the
“Bulli Bai” webpage which used
pictures of Muslim profession-
als and activists to “auction”
them. Three people have been
arrested so far in connection
with the webpage, which has
since been shut down.
Union minister for electron-
ics and IT, Ashwini Vaishaw,
on Wednesday tweeted news of
the blocking of the Telegram
channel.
“Channel blocked. Govern-
ment of India coordinating
with police authorities of states
for action,” he wrote.
cial airline or by a chartered
flight following which the wild
cats will be transported to Kuno
Palpur National Park (KNP) in
Madhya Pradesh. Officials who
attended the meeting said chee-
tah, the world’s fastest land ani-
mal, was expected to be reintro-
duced into the country in
November 2021 but the plan got
derailed due to the Covid-19 pan-
demic. The team and prepara-
tions are ready to take up trans-
location after the third wave
recedes, the officials added. “The
animals’ lineage and condition
shall be checked in the host
country to ensure that they are
not from an excessively inbred
stock and are in the ideal age
My India
P fiscal year, officials aware of the
Channel blocked.
Government of
India coordinating
with police
authorities of states
for action
ASHWINI VAISHAW, Union
minister for electronics and IT
A screenshot of the channel
was posted by a Twitter user,
asking the Mumbai police to
take action against those
responsible. Vaishnaw
responded to tweets seeking
action in the matter.
The government had banned
the account of a user on code-
sharing platform GitHub in
connection with the ‘Bulli Bai’
case. In July last year, a similar
app had been created through
GitHub.
group, so as to conform to the
needs of a founding population,”
said the over 300-page plan.
As per the plan, the Union
government, along with ministry
of environment and the Cheetah
Task Force, will create a formal
framework to collaborate with
governments of Namibia and/or
South Africa, through the minis-
try of external affairs.
Anish Andheria, president of
Wildlife Conservation Trust,
said, “I think the ministry should
start exploring other larger,
more open habitats in Gujarat
and Rajasthan and prepare them
for cheetah introduction in 10
years by improving wild prey
base and spreading awareness...”
Zia Haq
Zia.haq@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: The Union Budget
2022-23 to be presented on Feb-
ruary 1 is likely to increase agri-
cultural credit target to ₹18 lakh
crore, an increase of 12.5% from
₹16.5 lakh crore for the current
development said.
The budget may see
announcement of steps to
strengthen agricultural lending
by scheduled banks and primary
agricultural credit societies,
which are last-mile village insti-
tutions that play a key role in dis-
bursal of farm credit to millions
of farmers, the official said.
Successive budgets have
enhanced the farm-credit target
over the years, from about ₹10
lakh crore in 2017-18 to about
₹16.5 lakh crore in the current
financial year. “In the current
financial year, banks are
{ HARIDWAR DHARAM SANSAD }
Ex-envoys call outrage
a ‘smear campaign’
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: A group of former
ambassadors and senior diplo-
mats has criticised activists,
retired bureaucrats, military
officers and journalists for con-
ducting what it claimed was a
“sustained smear campaign”
against the government over
controversial statements made
at the Dharam Sansad in Harid-
war in December last year.
The group of 32 diplomats,
which included former foreign
secretary Kanwal Sibal, con-
tended in a statement issued on
Wednesday that all calls for vio-
lence “must be unequivocally
condemned regardless of their
religious, ethnic, ideological or
regional origin”.
The group claimed a “motley
group of activists”, some former
civil servants and military fig-
ures were involved in the “smear
THE AGRICULTURE
INFRASTRUCTURE
FUND, ANNOUNCED
AS PART OF
ATMANIRBHAR
BHARAT, IS LIKELY
TO BOOST CREDIT
TO THE SECTOR
expected to exceed the target set
for loan disbursal for farm activ-
ities,” an official said, requesting
anonymity because he is not
authorised to speak to the media.
Since banks and credit socie-
ties have exceeded the target
consistently, the target is likely
to be raised in the upcoming
Budget, the official added.
The livelihoods of nearly half
of all Indians is tied to the agri-
culture sector.
Timely availability of loans is
critical for farmers, who take
campaign against the present
government on its presumed
violations of the secular ethos of
the country”.
“This has taken effectively an
increasingly anti-Hindu tenor
under the guise of anti-Hindutva.
The latter has become a conve-
nient peg for ‘secular’ posturing,
adopting virtue-signaling ‘con-
stitutional’ positions, relying on
bloated vocabulary of ‘Nazism’
and ‘genocide’ to gather interna-
tional attraction and leverage it
to bring odium to the Modi gov-
ernment,” the statement said.
The group specifically
referred to the activists and
former bureaucrats and military
officers raising the issue of
“some objectionable anti-minor-
ity statements made at a reli-
gious gathering at Haridwar”.
The group claimed that under
the current government, welfare
schemes for minorities had seen
increases in expenditure.
13
credit to meet expenses related
to various farm inputs, such as
fertilisers and seeds.
The Agriculture Infrastruc-
ture Fund, announced as part of
the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhi-
yan, is likely to further boost
credit to the agriculture sector.
Analysts say that though the
actual disbursal of loans have
always exceeded the target set in
the Budget, credit has tradition-
ally been geographically skewed
towards south India, while in
north-east, it is very low. “There
is a need to ensure more equita-
ble spread of farm credit flow,”
said Anand Vishwanath, a
former agricultural credit officer
with Union Bank of India .
According to the annual Eco-
nomic Survey 2020-21, during
2020-21, in the actual disbursal
of loans up to November 2020,
southern states had a 40% share,
while this was less than 2% for
northeastern region.
ED OPPOSES ANIL
DESHMUKH BAIL
PLEA IN PMLA CASE
Vinay Dalvi
vinay.dalvi@htlive.com
MUMBAI: The Enforcement
Directorate (ED) on Wednesday
told a special court that former
Maharashtra home minister
Anil Deshmukh cannot be
granted default bail in the
money laundering case as the
agency had filed a charge sheet
within the stipulated period of
60 days from his arrest.
The agency, in its affidavit,
said the plea by Deshmukh was
devoid of merits and liable to be
rejected as it was against the
settled principles of law. Special
PMLA judge RN Rokade
adjourned the plea to January 11
for hearing both the sides.
The agency said that Desh-
mukh was arrested on Novem-
ber 2, 2021 under Section 19 of
the Prevention of Money Laun-
dering Act in accordance with
the law, under reasonable belief
that he was guilty of the offence
of money laundering.
14 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY, JANUARY 06, 2022

2 Delhi Naval Unit NCC

Near Defence Services Sailing Club, Okhla Village,
New Delhi - 110025
Tele/Fax: 011-26942418
E-mail: nccdelhi_2dnaval@yahoo.co.in
AUCTION NOTICE
This notice is for auction of unit property items (which are
condemned) purchased from Centre fund, State fund and
Regimental fund. These condemned items are lying in the office
premises of No. 2 Delhi Naval Unit Okhla Boat Pool. Tender must
be submitted in sealed envelope and dropped in Tender box
placed at above mentioned address before 1200 hrs. on 10 Jan
22. Auction will be opened at 1100 hrs. by the Board of Officers on
12 Jan 2022. Interested vendors/firms can visit this unit premises
to inspect the condemned items available for auction for assessing
the rates between 10 & 11 Jan 22 from 1000 hrs. to 1600 hrs.
Competent authority has full right to withdraw or make changes in
the auctioning process.
Satyanarayan
MCPO I (Hon SLt)
Adm Officer
DIP/Shabdarth/0554/21-22 for Commanding Officer

No. 16/19/2021-M-1
Government of India
Ministry of Culture
Applications are invited from eligible officers for appointment
LUDHIANA SMART CITY LIMITED to one post of Director (Exhibition & Public Relations), Group-
Tender Notice Number 2113/LSCL Dated: 05.01.2022 ‘A’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial in Pay Scale of Rs. 12000-375-
Chief Executive Officer, Ludhiana Smart City Limited, Ludhiana invites online Bids 16500 (Pre-revised) [6th CPC-PB-3, Rs. 15600-39100/- plus
on Two Stage System for 01 no. works. Grade Pay Rs. 7600) (7th CPC-Level-12 of Pay Matrix)] by
Closing date & time : 21.01.2022 up-to 1700 Hrs (for 01 no. work) transfer on deputation (including short term contract)/transfer
For details log on to : https://eproc.punjab.gov.in in the National Museum, New Delhi, a Sub-Ordinate Office
Note: Detail of works, other terms & conditions, tender documents and any under Ministry of Culture. Applications in the prescribed format
corrigendum(s) to the Tender Notice shall be published on the above website should reach to Shri Arun Kumar, Under Secretary, Ministry of
only.
Culture, Room No. 210, D Wing, 2nd Floor, Shastri Bhawan,
Sd/-
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001 so as to reach
Chief Executive Officer
12185 Ludhiana Smart City Limited him within a period of sixty days from the date of publication
of this advertisement in Employment News. Complete details
regarding eligibility conditions, educational qualifications
and experience, application form, RRs etc. attached to the
post are available on the website of this Ministry at www.
indiaculture.gov.in. The post has already been advertised in
the Employment News on 18th December 2021.
davp 09101/11/0031/2122

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MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICES

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The Superintending Engineer, Chhattisgarh Rural Road Development Agency, Project Circle, Raigarh on behalf of Governor of Chhattisgarh (C.G.)
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NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
I-T DEPT: ₹45 CR
UNDECLARED
INCOME FOUND IN
RAIDS ON SP MLC
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Six days after raids
on premises linked to Samaj-
wadi Party (SP) lawmaker Push-
praj ‘Pampi’ Jain, the income tax
department said on Wednesday
that it found undeclared income
worth ₹45 crore linked to him.
In a statement, the I-T depart-
ment said Jain’s group, primarily
based in Mumbai and Uttar Pra-
desh, “is involved in tax evasion
by underreporting sale of per-
fumes, stock manipulation, fudg-
ing books of account to shift prof-
its from taxable unit to tax
exempt unit, inflation of expendi-
ture, etc”. Raids were carried out
at 40 places, including the prem-
ises of Jain, on December 31.
Pushpraj is a member of the leg-
islative council in Uttar Pradesh
as a Samajwadi Party nominee.
He launched the Samajwadi ittar
(perfume) on November 9.
“Evidence found in the sales
office and main office has
revealed that the group makes
35% to 40% of its retail sales in
cash by ‘kucha’ (temporary) bills
and these cash receipts are not
recorded in the regular books of
account, running into crores of
rupees. Evidence of booking pur-
chases from bogus parties to the
extent of about ₹5 crore has also
been unearthed,” it added.
The SP, on the day of the raids,
said the I-T action was an “open
misuse of central agencies by a
scared Bharatiya Janata Party”
ahead of polls.
Rajnath inaugurates
₹27k cr projects in UP;
vows infra revolution
Press Trust of India
letters@hindustantimes.com
LUCKNOW: Defence minister Raj-
nath Singh on Wednesday said a
revolution is underway in the
construction of infrastructure
and no power in the world can
stop the country from becoming
an economic superpower.
Singh said this after inaugu-
rating and laying foundation
stones of road projects worth
₹26,778 crore in poll-bound
Uttar Pradesh. The projects
included the 63-km-long Luc-
know-Kanpur Expressway, cost-
ing around ₹4,270 core.
“A new revolution has been
seen in terms of infrastructure
construction in the country. This
has been the biggest secret
behind the countries that have
become rich in the world. Now,
no power can stop India from
becoming an economic super-
power,” Singh said.
The minister said earlier only
5-8km road was being con-
structed daily but now under the
leadership of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Union road
transport minister Nitin Gad-
kari, 30-40km road was being
constructed every day. This is no
small achievement, he said.
Terming the Lucknow-Kan-
pur Expressway a great gift for
the people of the state, the Luc-
know MP said it should be seen
as an economic corridor.
The expressway will provide
Rajnath Singh
high-speed connectivity to the
defence corridor in UP, he said.
Gadkari announced the con-
struction of several expressways
and other roads in the state and
said that the Union government
will build seven greenfield access
control express highways in Uttar
Pradesh.
He said a 519km-long green-
field access control express high-
way from Gorakhpur to Siliguri
in West Bengal will be con-
structed at the cost of ₹32,000
crore. Its construction work will
start within six months, he said.
He also announced the con-
struction of a ₹20,000 crore 686-
km-long Varanasi-Kolkata
greenfield six-lane expressway ,
30-km elevated road from Ghazi-
pur at ₹5,000 crore for connec-
tivity between this expressway
and Purvanchal Expressway,
new six-lane highway from
Muzaffarnagar to Dehradun
worth ₹12,000 crore and 50-km
six-lane road from Saharanpur
bypass.
My India 15
SAHA INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS,
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FILLING UP THE POST OF ADMINISTRATIVE
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6697
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Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India) (Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India)
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gory in which
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them Baisakhi with e wanted to
cele-
ment protocol,” govern-
singer known adds the
rical releases
for
want the Gourav was Indian actor Aadarsh release of a couple Shabana Azmi. brate Baisakhi
family in Punjab; for songs

the lockdown
as an actor you OTT also nominated actor indus- in a such as Lahore,
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for with his family Gabru and Patola.
film to reach are great was
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Gurdaspur, in
audience. Of
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husband, singer
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along with
Nick Jonas.
won the adapted The
With the boom she believes now is the
projects. “Back
in be at the Vaishno that
pandemic, little given the
can be fond memories
Randhawa
has
content. But don’t roles for women, done. ing the festival of celebrat-
the ones who roles in Hindi
to reach even says
play BAFTA.
The most emotional
screen-
explore varied
too busy. So,
I decided to
concen-
in Devi shrine “Since the pandemic “Baisakhi is as a child.
celebrated as

contract
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started, most
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in evening saw moment of of
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I’M NOT MIS

to when

work more
the
the 30-year-old, a surrogate mother, Indian actors
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farmers cut
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which she playsfor a release. who passed
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ind Singh laid Guru Gob-
film was is being made. says. this year too

SING
is also waiting time since the
BAFTA’s memoriam 2020, in concentrate I’ll mostly spend the founda-
segment, along- of unconventional content now,” she
tion of the Panth
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needed in Mumbai
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kids, we’d enjoy Khalsa. As
has been shot. Sean
wick Boseman. Connery and Chad- Maybe, I am she always wants visit
announced and Sanon says wara, if possible,” the gurd-

BIG BAISAKH
superstar says to surprise myself time with family spending
that front, and on the last he says,
happening on The Bengali
The latter’s adding, “Unfortunately, and go to
wrapped up
work Bottom was film Ma Rainey’s Black new: “I want into the gurdwara
she recently to reach the named a winner to do something I’ve never slotted myself in Delhi and I’m We’d also go
to do seva.

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as a film needs it’s a
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scene. “Mimi category. I’ve the village the village.
It’s a festival in
based on surrogacy, categories. and hair

CELEBRATIO
during this
masses. It is
Riz Ahmed, particular
a very enter- any for myself.” time. But like that brings
and made in roles
Boseman, had who along with every day, I’m a lot of happi-
and challenging “For ness.”
unique subject It is something that will Actor as well, been nominated for Best (Above)
ent Rishi an option for Sengupta? a global remember Godgoing to
OTT
taining manner. make you cry, laugh, and his film Sounddidn’t bag the award, but So, isand to reach
Kapoor and thank Since Baisakhi
it’s a good opportunity Him for fulfilling is a har-

THIS YEANS
BAFTAs in the of Metal bagged two direct-to- vest festival,
touch your heart,
PHOTO: TEJAS (right)
It should actors, Irrfan are demanding my the
a special messagesinger has
food for thought. are editing and PHOTOS: TWITTER/Audiences too are releas-
wishes.”
leave you with gories.
NERURKAR
who sound cate- audience.
more people now. Producers as they’re
The 29-year-old “May God bless for them.
be watched by where OTT isn’t watched,” digital releases urges the farmers

basis)
BAFTA
on digital platforms
everyone to as we eat because

Scan the code

not be
ing their films turn stale if protocols and safe, follow
HTC
rooted in areas films might not May this year of them.

R:
dates until worried their are turning indulge bring growth
P
she says. in grand Baisakhi and prosperity,”
raining release pandemic OTT platforms she signs off.
In fact, it was to reach released on time. tions involving celebra- he says,
you want a film
all,”
profitable for
when the adding, “May
many film out to be quite erings. “Covid huge gath- bless everyoneWaheguru

MEHNDI
recently in Bollywood, reach
again and forced“We are As an actor has impacted
and prosperity. with growth
the OTT audience....
everything,
reared its head not
tival. We need just this fes-
postponed again.
beyond just who don’t really go on sakhi to everyone. Happy Bai-
releases to be Mimi to release. The times to fight this
and happy!” Stay safe
for
a film like that
very excited
we are in, it’s important for are normal even the ones “Hit aur flop
mein
I hope things hit and flop. deke
to get a release. so many films waiting to
are these platforms. kuch nahi rakha
hai. Agar hit
mein
marking the
time of har-
soon. There does too, soon, par lockdown ukhad vest of winter
Sugandha Rawal betterment,
hoping Mimi I don’t know bhi main ghar hi crops. “I and the will
toh main kya
feel all
release. I am
Actor to help

and subscribe to
together for others. Apne
mid 2021. KRITI SANON, sense of hope festivals give us a
sugandha.rawal@hindustantim
baitha hoon, parties in future,” liye
observes, before karta hai, lekin to har aadmi
sometime around are deciding. It should

M
adds. he and
sakhi motivates courage. Bai-
es.com
raha hun,” Samrat his definition of eeting friends ke liye khada doosron ki madad
what the producers says Sanon. and fam- This year, the honsla deti us, and humko
going on to explain
hona
ily to celebrate brate the festival singer will cele- hai jeene ka, are things etched chahiye. These
get what it deserves,” the essence — that’s at the Vaishno who you are no matter
with memories in my mind,
happiness. is about Devi shrine — a farmer,
of the day, it of Baisakhi. with his family. farmer. We or
all live and yearna non- Mehndi, known of langar,” recalls
“At the end and not attaching
However, singer
Mehndi isn’t
lucky that I’ll
be “I feel the support
you being happy, ki yeh missing it this Daler Mata Vaishno at the holy cave of of the supreme for Bolo Ta Ra Ra, for hits such as
He asserts that power,” explains

to curb Covid
to a condition year. formance at Devi. I have a per- Dardi Rab Rab,Tunak Tunak Tun,
that happiness khush ho jaunga, ya the need of the social distancing is the pilgrimage Growing up, the 53-year-old.
Sugandha Rawal hour, with the first day of Navratri, on the he watched Balle, and Na Ho Jayegi Balle
hoga toh main jaunga. ond wave of parents participate his Na Na Na Na
main udas ho good
sec-

Night curfew
times.com
Covid-19 on Baisakhi,” which starts He feels the Re.
sugandha.rawal@hindustan nahi hua toh if you have a “Being cautioushere. he
The festival says.
gurdwaras for in kirtans at
brate Baisakhi best place to cele-
of 2021, the festival has Baisakhi. For him,

1. 3% posts are reserved for PWD.

ince the beginning You are blessed up every morn- today will is especially (if we follow is at home. “I think

g plans
ensure we get tant for farmers, impor-
Scan the code has been shoot- being grateful always been about
family, you wake all the protocols

Hindustan Times now

as it is a harbin-
Pulkit Samrat his projects, be people you know ger of hope for everything. properly) 2021-end

surge hits weddin

to read more
ing, and all the
and prosperity what he plans
for actor, on doing this It’s ki beemari ko tak Covid
well,” says the
ing nonstop while
about how or Agra. The as well. “It’s bhool jayenge naam
are alive and all about hope, year
Mumbai, Delhi found a new
says the singer, log,”
couples and for the third love, who recently
r says work
has who is prepping Fukrey franchise. out with his came
Plagiarism row:
demic. single, Ragda.
ment of the
YADAV/HT wedding
PHOTO: ARVIND

Why Isabelle Kaif

television
vendors are rat made his pop-
Virani in the
It made me

1. 3% posts are reserved for PWD.

trying to find t as Lakshya
a way out in show, Kyunki
Saas Bhi Kabhi
on to feel insignifi STOP PRESS
the crisis
is now used to .
ow
Ba u Thi, in
2006. He went (2012),
as Bittoo Boss
do films such Bangistan (2015),
Fukrey (2013),
cant
powerless, says and
PHOTO: VIRAL
BHAYANI

and Fukrey
being compared Sanam Re (2016),
Returns (2017). soon be seen as a
Next, he will guy from Delhi” in
Sudhanshu
to sister Katrina “happy go lucky
the film, Suswagatam
deed. “There
Khushaama-
are other diverse
he adds.
roles

n fact, now,
he considers of in the pipeline,”
from the concept

de ago’
o be detachedplay on me
Rishabh Suri too
more. About much any-

like a deca
expectations,
P Covid took off
rishabh.suri@htlive.com
that pressure some of

2. No. of vacancy likely to be vary.

S seems
he’s the sister
first film, as from my
The date is so
of
wood’s biggest one of Bolly- the circum-

birthday
stars, Katrina stances are
yet she auditioned so
Kaif, It has allowed different. I might
near and venues Scan the code film. Isabelle
Kaif recently
for her first
enjoy the moment me to just next birthday,
chats. Hopefully, even then, I’ll ensure
to
‘My 30th
for his wedding acting debut
with Time To made her
say they need as it and
job in Poland to read more Dance. Kavitaunfolds,” have a party certif-
venue in Suraj- “I had auditioned says the their Covid vaccine

2. No. of vacancy likely to be vary.

and booked a changes will be
Awaasthi
on Saqib for a few actor. everyone gets actor.
check availability Sanchita Kalra and this one
came through. films, the Rangbaaz
kund, Haryana, no chance of Saleem’s dancer as a
kid, and dancing,I was a
The best piece
kavita.awaasthi@htlive.com of and icates,” quips came to Mumbai from
Saleem, who
for day timings. birthday plans advice Isabelle
tough. “There’s is a big part of course, has birthdayshis spe-
loves
ago, admits he
has
sanchita.kalra@htlive.com
to tie the even switching of Bollywood. ever Saleem

S
ouples planning are in a postponing or for me. So I It’s a passion aqib received was big parties on second Delhi 10 years a typical Delhi boy who

C
It will be diffi- thought it would given throws
often be my
AKHIL NARANG, knot this month to day functions. lenging and be chal- to her by this
“But her will Covid-19,” changed. “I was fights and rode my car
the impo- who will attend fun,” she tells cial day.
elder Sudhanshu
loved to get into Sugandha
sister.
bind following from cult for guests the way from The 30-year-old, us. “[She
row spoiled by I came to Saria and (far
Businessman
all up the shoot who just
for her second wrapped birthday
advised]in ato just turns 33 today and music. But since Rawal his 2015 film left) posters
Actor Deepika
P
curfew the wedding with blaring been of the upcoming
sition of night Delhi and 8pm he says. NOTE TO focus on my who
the actor, that he Delhi boy has I’ve web show and

S
Suswagatam film, says brash ome
10pm to 5am
in Delhi or Noida,” months of READERS: Some Khushaamadeed, little heartbroken Mumbai, the time (left)
Padukone on
but work,he is amy everyday.
back I was told money to hire
P keep
NG
AKHIL NAR

to stem that Bollywood learning

has been a big admits admits replaced by one
Planners feel
I am a bit irritated
country that be my by them, but you
to 7am in Mumbai, of the coverage
be able to meet
head down. friends. strength, I exist,itwhen my want to. You don’t
cities. gone down the on ence in her
growing up influ- won’t what parties
are
gone from strength
toNational
the At I got simply want tweeted a statement
Monday
Covid-19 in both to efforts have Aanchal
that appears
at the ing led to acting. years. “Danc- Anyone who forgotten person,” he says.
Film Award. Two balise other’s to
work. That’s canni- apologising
seems a as alater,
We’ve received “I have has weeks the incident.
While some
have decided drain. Mumbai-based
Wedding Soul,
our pages is
also looking I don’t growing up, I watched
and I’ve had Hindi films like.
been in 30th
My the birthday party
film to take any
or
acting ability people
on hisin mind
oneatof all? “My
the most
Isenior
okay,” he asserts. not “The uncanny
blance and similarity resem-
for
announced she
date again, others Bagaria, of The
paid for by the industry I don’t want
my industry
queries from 33, is marriage On April 9, Saria
postpone the larger picture. everyday.
choosing a a hard gives But nothing pretends written off as cannot be
alternate solu-
affairs favourite. I time
decade ago. simi- aboutIshaadi
do matters andques- as if took to Twitter has resigned
lar advice,”
mum asks me
birthday to express his a mere coincidence...
who had three-day
concerned love Jab We
says, “Now it’s any (2007). Lagaan
Zindasays thetoh aur ble and insignificant,”
ways to avoid rues
this I’m invisi- For this we as
couples for a
are weighing Met rahe so she anguish, claiming
weddings being want to take
brands. No (2001), I’ve actor,
is here with me,We
risks. adding, that the makers apologise...
tions, with day planned in April in many times
as a teenager,” watched so “I’m just am finding newSudhanshu say never. Hope-
neverSaria reflecting director copied the posterof the web series
deleted the We’ve the chairperson
“The moment
it wrapped up sponsored
toh starting
honge. now, My mum poster from
all going to be a lunch.” But tion. One should
risks. Zinda rahe
What about she shares. biryani. he felt when all
brunch and
thereyummy on what platforms,”
touted as one. the statement our
or are of his movie.
we received
a
one event with
content does
in son with her the inevitable compari- so many
will maketypes some
celebration at
of films home obvious”
fully sometime,”
he concludes.
he found “ridiculously dently, both
projects tackle Inci- However, Saria, read. of MAMI Mumbai
to was announced, the Punjabi, shall appear
honge. sister? Is she
will to do.aI’d
I want have quiet and similarities ject of same-sex the
relationships. sub-
they’re trying of video calls currently
venue to move Mumbai’s Vishal
pressure of
expectations feeling the poster of an between the
call from the day, but it The Wedding
Filmer, any part of HT
without it being
aur birthday know it. People already?
have been doing “I
do an action
with the new or a
love to
normal upcoming web
His Storyy, backed show,
is wondering
if the makers Saria
recuperating
unconvinced
from Covid-19,
is
Film Festival
function to the founder, period Katrina lifted some also by the statement.
owing to her

Interview shall be conducted at 5th

keep gatherings might be difficult,”
says Sau- says, “When
things like this
teach us to value
declared as such
SAQIB SALEEM,
Actor years, and I’ve
got used to it for
it. It doesn’t
film. It’s
the beginning, just Kaif
and his 2015 film
“I’m not looking
by
Loev.
Ekta Kapoor,
which explores
scenes from
his film, wishes the platform
edged the authors “acknowl-
He
work
who is getting happen, they A wedding
to our valued everything left there’s sexual rape. the issue of
commitments
intimate. rabh Aswal, to recover “Those actors homo- of the poster”
PHOTO: VIRAL
to do.” money from and claimed
Padukone had.
25. what we have. be a big party.”
readers. them, or sue bly were shown proba- that “...this was
married on AprilPateria, who
BHAYANI
just want them them. I a reference decision, not a
to

Interview shall be conducted at 5th Floor,

, Creative to know that to pose. So, an
SHIVAN GUPTA For Abhishek off from his doesn’t have NOTE TO READERS: nice and not it’s not everybody image over, Saria wantsaccident”. More-
sponsored content Some of the coverage okay,” says a they were plagiarising,”knew that people to be
Amaara Farms
director, took two months does or shall that appears
on our pages
pointed Saria.
ture are we “What kind
disap-
director, who says the accountable
for
like I’m adding their actions. “I feel
held replaced
in where you of a cul-
appear in any
Film Award won the National filmmaker Kiran
part of HT without is paid for by Scan the code
it being declaredthe concerned brands. marketing can for best non-feature next time someone to the chain.
as such to our No meeting and have a direction in The to read more
Googles it, this
valued readers. body else’s idea? take some-
You have the film, Knock
March this year,
Knock Knock. for his
will come up.
become harder
And eventually,
on why Rao to become
it will Sudhanshu
Soon after his
post, ALTBalaji them to pretendand harder for
as if it’s not
Saria was the chairperson
thing,” he concludes. a anguished by
the incident of the festival
in 2019.

Dean Office, Admin. Building, ESI- Floor, Academic Block, MS Building,

HTcity htcity www.hindustantimes.com
PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi-15. Basaidarapur, New Delhi-15.
16 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022

Opinion

{ OUR TAKE }
E STA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 24
How to build a green
How to combat infrastructure grid
Omicron spread Instead of investing only
in metros and highways,
though limited — just tens of billions logistics and should be a priority for
of dollars a year. But is it compatible the PM Gati Shakti Plan. As a bonus, a
with LIFE (lifestyle for environment) 10-hour Mumbai–Delhi trip could
Change testing protocol, quarantine regimes, and spend on smart rail, as articulated by Prime Minister Nar- attract air passengers back to rail.
endra Modi at the Glasgow climate In 2019-20, urban metro rail Kolkata has had an effective network-based autorickshaw system for many
non-pharmaceutical interventions to be used green transport, meet? Does it take us along the pan- received as much central support as years. Such intermediate public transport systems, if electrically powered,
chamrita (India’s five promises at all other urban schemes such as Prad- can be the backbone of green urban transport in cities SAMIR JANA/HT PHOTO
climate-resilient

T
he third wave of the coronavirus pandemic Glasgow) path — to a green energy-ef- han Mantri Awas Yojana, National
has begun — the seven-day average of daily water systems, and ficient economy? Urban Livelihoods Mission, Atal Mis- transport system and make India a existing climate-resilient investment
The obsession with highways has sion for Rejuvenation and Urban global supplier. Nor are buses indis- needs to be leveraged and built upon
cases was 29,461 on January 4, a 343% refurbishing existing to be passé, in a world moving to elec- Transformation (AMRUT), Smart city pensable. Kolkata has had an effective by investing in faecal sludge treat-
increase from the corresponding figure of infrastructure tric public transport. Even if it’s about projects, and Swachh Bharat Mission network-based autorickshaw system ment systems and green vehicles to
roads clogged with cars powered by combined. The recently inaugurated for many years. It is environmentally transport sludge, rather than be
6,656 on December 25 — and states and Union

A
fter World War II, the
Territories (UTs) are scrambling to enforce curbs of United States (US) built a
the sort seen during the first and the second waves. 70,000-kilometre inter-
state highway network
Yet, this wave is different. At least in the metros, it is over 30 years, at what
safe to assume that most cases are being caused by now seems a modest
the Omicron variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, and cost, in today’s prices, of $500 billion.
In China, the astonishing growth in
what we know of this variant suggests fewer the last decade of the high-speed rail
hospitalisations and deaths, relatively milder network from zero to about 38,000
infections, and a short, but sharp spike in cases. This km at the cost of nearly a trillion dol-
lars has eclipsed its concurrent invest-
requires a change in testing protocol, quarantine ment in roads under Beijing’s 7918
regimes, and the kind of non-pharmaceutical plan — a network just a little longer
interventions to be used. The Union health ministry than the US interstate system. To add
to this, China built 8,000 km of urban
or the Indian Council of Medical Research should metros in about 45 cities and
take the lead on this. increased hospital beds from 1.7 to 4.3
First, testing. Those with mild symptoms associ- per thousand. All in this century
(starting around when India began its
ated with the variant should take self-administered national highway development) and
home tests (local governments should make these accelerating after the global financial
available) and, if they test positive, assume they have crisis to prop up the economy and
achieve a smoother transition from
been infected by the variant and isolate at home double-digit growth to the current
(more on this shortly) along with their family. Those sedate 5% a year, which is still high,
with moderate or strong symptoms should take RT- given China’s income level.
India’s emphasis on expressways
PCR tests and, if they test positive, be hospitalised. and urban metro rail to underpin its
Body temperature and blood oxygen levels should be Covid-19 recovery thus seems similar
the only criteria to define mild, moderate, and strong
symptoms. Second, isolation and quarantine. It
makes no sense to insist that anyone infected with
the Omicron variant be hospitalised. This is the
quickest way to ensure the health capacity of a
Why short-termism is
renewable electricity, new invest- nine-km line in Kanpur, part of a friendly, economical and convenient replaced with a climate-vulnerable
ments in the highway sector must ₹11,000 crore, 24-km project, is a good for users, and low investment for piped sewerage system.
focus on building fast-charging sta- example of showpiece metros in cities entrepreneurs. Such intermediate Finally, while the passion for new
tions, rather than laying without well-functioning public transport systems, if electri- projects is understandable, focusing
asphalt. bus services. The city cally powered, can be the backbone of on maintenance may accelerate our
Mumbai airport to barely has 100 standard green urban transport in smaller cit- Covid-19 recovery. The rural road net-
Delhi airport is five public buses. The same ies that cannot sustain bus services, as work, built in the last two decades, is
hours, door-to-door investment could have well as complement bus services in facilitating the transition away from
another two. Beijing to provided a fully electric larger cities, creating an end-to-end farms and needs to be in good condi-
Shanghai is a similar dis- Partha functional city bus sys- electric public transport system. Fur- tion. Refurbishing urban infrastruc-
tance, but takes just over
Mukhopadhyay tem, supported by elec- ther, given the short lives of public ture in our larger cities is an obvious
four hours by hi-speed tric three-wheelers — to transport vehicles, any lock-in costs, if need and avoids the embedded car-
rail. But, even without dramatically increase the a hydrogen economy becomes feasi- bon of new constructions. Mainte-
high-speed rail, there is use of public transport. ble, would be limited. nance also has the benefit of being
much to invest in Indian Railways. But, that needs imagination and In addition to transport, the water quick start and labour intensive, qual-
However, it is not necessarily building ambition — while metros only need and wastewater sector need resour- ities that will contribute to a rapid
new tracks. Instead, signalling must imitation. ces. AMRUT 2.0, the urban Jal Jeevan recovery, as compared to new pro-
be improved to build smarter, higher- The goal of an electric road-based Mission is already an ambitious inter- jects, which can help later, to sustain
speed rail. public transport system at a cost and vention. Water infrastructures must, growth beyond the immediate recov-
Such investments were not priori- convenience that eliminates the however, take climate resilience into ery period.
tised earlier because decisions were desire to use personal transport needs account, and plan for extremely varia- Taken together, smart rail, green
dominated by cadres who preferred to large investment. In recent years, ble supply. The major use of water is urban transport, climate-resilient
lay new track and electrify lines. municipal infrastructure has been the in sanitation, especially in piped sew- water infrastructure and refurbishing
Improved signalling will increase largest component of infrastructure erage systems, which need water and existing assets, can be the basis of an
track capacity and using dedicated investment in China. An Indian tech- power to transport human waste infrastructure LIFE, if only we had the
freight corridors and rationalising nology mission that focuses on elec- from households to treatment sites. In imagination to invest in them.
passenger trains, based on the pan- tric buses and charging infrastructure the absence of access to piped sewer-
demic experience, we must start time- in all million-plus cities will boost age, households have, fortuitously, Partha Mukhopadhyay is a senior
tabled goods trains. This will remove domestic investment in such technol- invested heavily in on-site sanitation fellow, Centre for Policy Research
a major impediment to world-class ogies, build a future-ready urban systems, such as septic tanks. This The views expressed are personal
{ KANIMOZHI } DMK MP

P
region is overwhelmed, and the health ministry’s
guidelines issued on Wednesday that those testing
positive can home quarantine (irrespective of the
a recipe for disaster I object to a single woman MP being
made part of a parliamentary panel
variant, HT learns) is welcome. Indeed, the samples he first global blockbuster of the den pandemic of antibiotic-resistant super-
of those with no symptoms or mild symptoms
should not even be sequenced. Given the infectivity
of this variant, cases are bound to spike, and half-
baked measures aiming to block its spread are not
T season is Don’t Look Up, a movie on bugs.
Netflix about the discovery of a For the past few decades, we have been
comet on collision course with Earth using antibiotics indiscriminately. Unfortu-
and the attempts of the astronomers who nately, bacteria are acquiring resistance
made the discovery to get those in power to faster than we can make antibiotics now.
to examine the bill on the legal age
of marriage for women from 18 to 21
& appeal to the central government
just unlikely to work, but will also hurt the ongoing prevent a mass extinction event. The movie We are at the point that the last lines of to form a new panel consisting of

A
is satirical but has resonance with scientists defence don’t work against bacteria that
economic recovery and impact livelihoods. whose warnings on the pandemic and the swap resistance genes with one another. women representatives.
Third, metrics. Governments should stop looking climate crisis have gone unheeded. Just as we need vaccines for future pan-
Could a comet wipe out life on Earth? In demic threats that have not yet been identi-
at positivity rates, and instead look at symptomatic any given year, an extinction-causing comet fied, we need future antibiotics for the next
positivity rates. Not too many states or UTs track this. colliding with Earth is a low probability, but generation of killer microbes.
On the rare days for which this data is available for a high-impact event. But the zone of habita- A defence system against comets and

Building a mentoring
bility in which Earth exists now is not a per- asteroids would cost money, but might not
Mumbai, for instance, the symptomatic positivity manent state. There have been two “Snow- be used. Similarly, we would need to create
rate is a tenth of the positivity rate. In addition, ball Earth” events when the planet’s surface a medicine cabinet of antibiotics as insur-
governments should also track hospitalisation rates. was almost completely frozen. Nascent life ance against future superbugs. It would
Fourth, restrictions. Broadly, indoor activities of any
kind should be allowed to carry on with an emphasis
on masking, social distancing, capacity, and
came precariously close to getting snuffed require resources and planning, but in an
out. Over the course of Earth’s his-
tory, cataclysmic events of this
nature will happen. And suffice it
ideal scenario might never be
required. The problem is that
short-termism is antithetical to
system for small and
ventilation; outdoor ones should be allowed with an
emphasis on masking and capacity. This means no
to say, we are not ready for them.
How can we be so sure that an
uncertain future awaits the planet?
hedging against low-probability
events. So who will fund these pro-
jects?
medium businesses
night or weekend curfews and that almost all We only need to look around in the Anirban News cycles are short. Public
solar system. Our nearest neigh- Mahapatra attention extends to the duration t present, India’s information tech- the mentors. It’s not too difficult to set up

A
activities can go on, albeit with curbs on capacity. bours Venus and Mars had more that a topic trends on social media. nology-enabled services (ITeS) sector such a network of mentors for aspiring entre-
The virus has mutated; so should our response. Earth-like conditions in their early Politicians look to what they need mainly caters to the demands of the preneurs: States, central ministries, and
history too. What we have on Earth to do to get elected or to stay in foreign market rather than the industry associations have information about
is special and won’t last forever. Life has office. Companies look to their next earn- domestic one. This must change because cut- entrepreneurs. For example, the National
had a good run of around four billion years ings report and to bumping their stock ting-edge technology can help small and Commission of Women collaborates with the

GitHub case: Ensure on this planet. As the sun gets brighter, the price.
Earth will heat up due to a runaway green- There’s a remarkably prescient passage
house effect. And then, 1 billion years from by Carl Sagan in The Demon-Haunted World
medium enterprises grow and improve their India SME Forum to mentor 300 aspiring
productivity levels and strengthen the women entrepreneurs who have completed
national economy. Artificial intelligence (AI), “Do Your Venture”, conducted by the Indian

stringent action now, all life on this planet will become that I recall occasionally. “We’ve arranged a
toast. global civilization in which most crucial ele-
That may seem a long time away as ments – transportation, communications,
e-commerce, or better production technolo- Institute of Management-Bangalore.
gies can all enhance the value of goods pro-
duced with the same labour resources.
This model will require a database and a
digital interface to scale up. A separate portal,
humans face the climate crisis, mass extinc- and all industries; agriculture, medicine, Small and medium enterprises are aware which can be accessed by all those who need
cores of Muslim women woke up on New Year’s

S
tion, and catastrophic ecosystem losses. education, entertainment, protecting the that digital adoption is essential for counselling, could be created. In
Day in horror, finding that their photographs And it is indeed distant because we are environment; and even the key democratic growth. But they often fail to take addition, a call centre could be set
had been stolen for a webpage, hosted on code- adept at finding large-scale ways of ravag- institution of voting — profoundly depend advantage of the digital path due to up to answer questions from small
ing the planet. Just a few years ago, we were on science and technology. We have also the lack of adequate and timely businesses. Furthermore, informa-
sharing platform, GitHub, with the intent of tearing a massive hole in the ozone layer arranged things so that almost no one information about available tion about government pro-
“auctioning” them. That little police action was and minutes away from nuclear annihila- understands science and technology. This is options. A recent survey of small grammes and processes, funding
taken after the first such attempt — a similar tion. a prescription for disaster.” and medium businesses (by HP Meeta mechanisms, technology upgrada-
We don’t have to look up in the sky to see Here’s the deal with the climate crisis. Asia) found that 75% of such com- tion needs, digital inclusion meth-
webpage, also hosted on GitHub, had stolen and ignored threats either. We can look down. Scientific and technological solutions panies felt that digital adoption was
Rajivlochan odologies, and AI tools can be made
doctored photos of Muslim women in July — added There’s already another pandemic that already exist that can mitigate it. It is a polit- essential for them. Another 17% provided. The components of the
to their predicament. we’re brushing off. I’m referring to the hid- ical and social problem. It is a problem of thought it was necessary, and 9% system could include: A centralised
economic inequality. It is a problem of will- thought it was relevant to their businesses. 24x7 call centre to answer queries from small
Since then, Mumbai Police have arrested three power and short-term thinking. Even though these businesses realise that enterprises, guidelines and a dashboard.
people in connection with the crime, and their role Even faced with the climate “comet”, the world is changing and the new world is Guidelines would be needed for call centre
in the case needs to be probed further. The many will look to sow confusion and discon- based on IT, they often find it difficult to operators on how to categorise, and sector-
tent, saying the science is not clear. This is access information on digital adoption. This specific questions so that these could be
radicalisation of young people on social media is the same playbook that tobacco companies is because adopting the right kind of technol- answered.
deeply concerning and the police must look into used to convince the public that smoking ogy in business is much more about the ease Once categorised, a dashboard of queries
whether the heinous webpage was run as part of a was unrelated to cancer and that energy of access than the availability of capital. The could be put up. Those in charge of the dash-
companies used to argue burning fossil best way to overcome this challenge is to board would route these to mentors and
larger conspiracy, and if the young people had help fuels didn’t contribute to the climate crisis build a robust digital interface for knowledge ensure that the question is answered quickly
from more organised groups spreading hate. The (even though in both cases, internal docu- exchange. And, this is where counselling/ and that the question has been answered to
Maharashtra information technology minister ments showed they knew otherwise). mentoring can play a big role in helping the satisfaction of the person raising the ques-
Humans are tribal, which makes us entrepreneurs in deciding how best to tion. Guidelines would be needed for people
hinted at this on Tuesday when he said that there require other human enemies. Yet, the cli- improve output per capita. in charge of the dashboard on moderating the
appeared to be a bigger nexus behind the webpage, mate crisis impacts the world and requires The problem with mentoring is that scaling questions and contacting the mentors.
and the Mumbai Police should bust any such rings us to see beyond the narrow prism of naked up the process is a difficult task, given that it A time limit could also be imposed for
self-interest. If storms and rising sea levels is essentially a one-to-one interaction. How- questions that require detailed answers. Once
that enable these cybercrimes. had been sent by another country, then we’d ever, one way to make such scaling-up possi- data accumulates, a business intelligence tool
This was a hate crime, aimed at demeaning be up in arms protecting coastlines. If there ble is to establish an institutional interface for could mine that data to identify frequent
Muslim women activists, professionals and public was an Olympic game for conservation, we both mentors and those who need counsel- questions, patterns, and systemic deficiencies
would be writing volumes about building ling (mentees). To set up such a mechanism, identified as a result. This information could
figures. Unless the larger network fuelling such hate infrastructure to compete with other the following would be needed: First, a group be sent to the appropriate government agen-
and bigotry is brought to justice, the anonymity and Humans are tribal, which makes us nations in saving species. of experienced people (mentors) willing to cies for corrective action.
radicalisation offered by the internet and social require other human enemies. Yet, the spend time to provide the information to
climate crisis impacts the world and Anirban Mahapatra, a scientist by training, is the mentees. The second is an institutional mech-
media will continue to incubate these acts. Stringent requires us to see beyond the narrow author of Covid-19: Separating Fact From Fiction anism to reach out to businesses that need Meeta Rajivlochan is an IAS officer
and timely action are the only apt responses. prism of naked self-interest AP The views expressed are personal information/guidance and connect them to The views expressed are personal

R. N. I. No. 503/1957 ● Postal Reg. No. DL(ND)-11/6058/2018-19-20 ‘Licensed to post without prepayment’ LICENCE No. U(C)-113/2006-08, Air surcharge: Raipur and beyond by Rail or Road - Re 5/-, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and beyond by Rail or Road - Rs. 10/-;

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Editor: KUNAL PRADHAN

NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
Kazakhstan declares state
of emergency nationwide
In the former capital,
Almaty, both city hall
and the president’s
house were set ablaze
after protesters
stormed the buildings
Agencies
letters@hindustantimes.com
ALMATY: Kazakhstan on Wed-
nesday declared a nationwide
state of emergency after protests
over a fuel price hike erupted
into clashes and saw demonstra-
tors storm government build-
ings.
Russian news agencies Inter-
fax, TASS and RIA Novosti
reported the state of emergency,
quoting a statement shown on
Kazakh state television. States of
emergency had earlier been
imposed in the epicentres of the
rallies - financial capital Almaty,
the Mangystau province, and
capital Nur-Sultan.
Earlier in the day, Kazakh
President Kassym-Jomart Tok-
ayev vowed to take tough action
to quell deadly protests that
posed into the biggest challenge
to the country’s leadership in
decades. The demonstrations
started over the weekend in
western Kazakhstan over a jump
in fuel prices but quickly spilled
into broader discontent drawing
thousands to the streets across
the country.
In the former capital, Almaty,
both city hall and the president’s
residence were ablaze after pro-
IRAN RESCUES 11
INDIAN SAILORS
AFTER VESSEL
SINKS: REPORT
Agence France-Presse
letters@hindustantimes.com
TEHRAN: Iranian coastguards
rescued 11 Indian sailors whose
vessel, en route to Oman, sank
due to bad weather conditions,
state media reported on
Wednesday.
“The boat - that was heading
to the port of Sohar in Oman
yesterday - came towards Ira-
nian waters due to storms, bad
weather conditions and techni-
cal problems,” acting governor
of Jask County (south), Ali Meh-
rani, was quoted as saying by
state broadcaster IRIB.
“The general condition of the
crew is good,” he said.
The vessel was transporting
sugar, and sank four nautical
miles off Gabrik district in
southern Hormozgan province,
overlooking the Gulf of Oman,
Mehrani added. Bad weather
has affected not only southern
Iran but also Arab countries in
the Gulf in recent days, with
several issuing warnings.
The rainy weather system,
expected to last until Friday in
Iran, has caused flash flooding
in the southern provinces such
as Fars, Hormozgan, Kerman,
and Sistan-Baluchistan (south-
east). The number of people
killed because of the flooding
has risen to nine, the head of
Iran’s Crisis Management Orga-
nization Esmail Najjar said.
Five people died in Fars prov-
ince, and two in each of Kerman
and Sistan-Baluchistan, Najjar
told ISNA news agency on
Wednesday. Local rescue servi-
ces had reported eight deaths
on Tuesday.
PM Modi, German Chancellor agree 2 Dalit women booked Petition in SC against Bombay HC
to focus on climate, green energy for ‘bid to convert’ in UP norms on sexual harassment cases
HT Correspondent
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Nar-
endra Modi and German Chan-
cellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday
agreed to diversify bilateral
cooperation and to focus on col-
laborations in the field of climate
action and green energy.
In his first phone conversa-
tion with the German leader
since he assumed office, Modi
congratulated Scholz on his
appointment and expressed
appreciation for the “immense
contribution” of his predecessor
Angela Merkel in strengthening
the India-Germany strategic
partnership.
Modi said he looked forward
testers stormed the buildings on
Wednesday, Interfax reported.
“I intend to act as harshly as
possible,” Tokayev said in a
national address, law-enforce-
ment officers were killed in the
line of duty, he said, blaming the
protests on “financially moti-
vated conspirators”.
Some of the protesters called
for the country’s first president,
Nursultan Nazarbayev, who for
over three decades has been the
major political force in the coun-
try, to let go of the reins of power
and chose Tokayev as successor
in 2019. Tokayev, whose primary
residence is in the capital Nur-
Sultan, initially sought to
appease protesters by imposing
price caps on motor fuels for the
next six months and accepting
his government’s resignation. He
also declared a state of emer-
gency in and around Almaty,
Nur-Sultan and the oil-rich Man-
gystau region, but the measures
failed to ease the tensions.
Tokayev also announced that
he was taking over as head of the
Security Council from Nazar-
bayev and pledged to stay in the
capital “whatever happens”.
Belarus President Alexander
Lukashenko discussed the
unrest in Kazakhstan in separate
conversations on Wednesday
with Russian President Vladimir
Putin and Kazakh President Kas-
sym-Jomart Tokayev, the Belaru-
sian news agency Belta said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry
Peskov has said that Kazakhstan
could solve its own problems
and it was important that no one
interfered from the outside.
Bolsonaro discharged
from hospital after
gut blockage cleared
SAO PAULO: Brazilian
President Jair Bolsonaro was
discharged from hospital on
Wednesday, two days after
being admitted with an
intestinal obstruction, his
latest health complication
from a 2018 stabbing. “Being
discharged now. Thank you
all,” Bolsonaro posted on
Twitter alongside a religious
message and a photo of
himself and his doctors.
Bolsonaro’s doctor, Antonio
Macedo, told reporters the
president is recovered and
ready to work. REUTERS
{ DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS } AGEING POPULATION
Birth rates in 10 Chinese provinces fell below
1% in 2020 for first time in decades: New data
Sutirtho Patranobis
letters@hindustantimes.com
BEIJING: Birth rates in ten Chi-
nese provinces, including Henan
- the third most populated prov-
ince in the country with nearly
100 million people - fell below
one percent in 2020 for the first
time in decades, new official sta-
tistics showed, according to a
news report on Tuesday.
The data, released by individ-
ual provinces in China, corrobo-
rates what central official statis-
tics revealed last November:
China’s average birth rate fell
below 1% in 2020, marking the
lowest rate of childbirth since
1978, according to a report in the
Global Times.
PM MODI SAID HE
LOOKED FORWARD
TO ‘CONTINUING
THIS POSITIVE
MOMENTUM
UNDER THE
LEADERSHIP’ OF
OLAF SHOLZ
to “continuing this positive
momentum under the leader-
ship” of Sholz, according to a
readout from the Indian side.
“They reviewed the potential
of ongoing cooperation initia-
tives, including for promoting
investment and trade links. They
agreed on the potential for fur-
A burning police car (top) during the protest against fuel price hike; Kazakh law enforcement
officers are seen on a barricade and protesters attend a rally in Almaty.
A
l but has no serious symptoms, an
Japan, Australia to
sign defence pact
that might irk China
MELBOURNE: Australia and
Japan are set to sign a treaty
to beef up defence and
security cooperation at a
virtual summit on Thursday,
in the latest move to stren-
gthen ties amid China’s
rising military power and
economic clout in the Indo-
Pacific region. They will sign
a Reciprocal Access
Agreement, which will for
the first time set out a
framework for the two
countries’ defence forces to
cooperate with each other in
future. REUTERS
The natural growth rate of the
population accounted for 1.45
per 1,000 people, also a new low
since 1978. China recorded a
birth rate of 8.52 per 1,000 peo-
ple in 2020, according to the
China Statistical Yearbook 2020
compiled and released by the
National Bureau of Statistics in
November, the report said.
According to the fresh statis-
tics provided by the local govern-
ment, between 1.1 million and 1.2
million births were recorded
each year from 2002 to 2010 in
Henan, a central Chinese prov-
ince. “However, its birth rate for
the first time fell to 9.24 per
1,000 people in 2020, and the
number of new babies was
920,000, also a new low since
ther diversifying cooperation
and exchanges in new areas,”
the readout said.
“In particular, they expressed
the hope to commence new
cooperation initiatives in the
areas of climate action and green
energy, to enable both countries
to achieve their respective cli-
mate commitments.”
Modi and Scholz also agreed
there is “significant synergy in
the governance priorities
announced by the new German
government and India’s own
economic vision”.
Modi also said he looked for-
ward to meeting Sholz soon for
the next meeting of the bilateral
inter-governmental consulta-
tions.
World
13 killed including
seven children in
Philadelphia fire
PHILADELPHIA: Thirteen
people died including seven
children when a fire tore
through public housing
apartments in the eastern US
city of Philadelphia on
Wednesday. The city’s fire
department said its officers
arrived at the scene at
6.40am local time “and
found heavy fire coming
from the second floor of a
three-story rowhouse”. US
networks including NBC and
CBS reported that the blaze
in the Fairmount area had
killed 13 people. AGENCIES
1978,” Global Times reported.
The birth rates in some devel-
oped regions such as eastern
China’s Jiangsu province was
below even the national level,
falling to 6.66 per 1,000 people.
Beijing and Tianjin, a city located
some 100km from the capital,
saw rates of 6.98 and 5.99 per
1,000 people, respectively, the
report said. Other regions, like
Guizhou province in the south-
west and Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region in the
south, saw birth rates above the
national average of 8.52 per
thousand people, the report said.
Demographers in China say
fertility rates are falling because
of various reasons, including, but
not limited to, an ageing popula-
Press Trust of India
letters@hindustantimes.com
MUZAFFARNAGAR: Two Dalit
women were booked on
Wednesday for allegedly trying
to convert people to Christianity
with offer of money, police said.
The woman, identified as
Seema and Kalpana, were
booked under several sections of
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of
Unlawful Conversion of Religion
Ordinance, 2020, at New Mandi
Police Station, they said.
The law prescribes a jail term
varying between one to five
years, in addition to fines of up
to ₹15,000 for those convicted
under it. The jail term goes up
to 10 years and fine up to
AGENCIES
Germany paves way
to clamp down on
Google activities
BERLIN: Germany’s antitrust
regulator on Wednesday
classified Google a company
of “paramount significance
across markets”, a move
paving the way for the
authorities to clamp down
on any potentially anti-
competitive activities. The
decision is the first after an
amendment of the German
Competition Act came in
force January 2021,
allowing the authority to
intervene earlier,
particularly against huge
digital companies. AFP
Children play around a
skating rink in Beijing AP
tion, changes in people’s choices,
and even the upheaval caused by
the Covid pandemic.
With inputs from agencies
₹25,000 for conversions of
women belonging to scheduled
caste or scheduled tribe com-
munities or who are minors.
The accused were booked on
the basis of a complaint lodged
by a woman named Bobby, who
alleged that they tried to convert
her with an offer of ₹5 lakh and
arranging marriage of her chil-
dren under Christianity, New
Mandi Police Station SHO Pankaj
Panth said. Reportedly, some
Hindu groups demonstrated out-
side the police station and
pressed police to take action
against the women. Police said it
had apprehended the women
four days ago for fear of breach
of peace in the area, but were
released on Tuesday.
{ FRANCE } COVID-19 UPDATES
Prez sparks backlash by
berating unvaccinated
Agencies
letters@hindustantimes.com
PARIS/WARSAW: French Presi-
dent Emmanuel Macron took
Europe’s aggressive stance
against the unvaccinated up a
notch, saying he wants to “piss
off” people who don’t get their
Covid-19 shot.
“We will continue to do this,
to the end. This is the strategy,”
he said in an interview. He added
that means “limiting as much as
possible their access to activities
in social life”.
The comments sparked an
angry response from opposition
politicians in France, and led to
parliament suspending a debate
on new virus restrictions. Some
lawmakers are demanding that
PM Jean Castex shows up to
explain the remarks.
The verb used by Macron in
the interview- “emmerder” in
French - is informal slang com-
monly used to insult people. It
can also mean to hassle, or
annoy.
French politicians expressed
dismay at Macron’s comments.
Valerie Pecresse, presidential
candidate for Conservative Party
The Republicans, said on CNews
she was “outraged by his com-
ments” and that “insults are
never a good solution”.
Meanwhile, France hit
another record for new cases on
Wednesday, AFP reported, citing
comments by health minister
Olivier Veran at the national
assembly. New infections
totalled about 335,000, Veran
said, according to AFP, up from
271,686 on Tuesday.
Poland’s president tests
Covid+ for second time
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda
has tested positive for Covid-19
aide said on Wednesday. The
aide, Pawel Szrot, said on Twit-
ter that Duda was under medical
observation but feels well.
Duda, 49, has been vaccinated
against the coronavirus and
received a booster shot last
month, Szrot said. He previously
BIZARRE MOVE:
TALIBAN ORDER
SHOP OWNERS
TO BEHEAD
MANNEQUINS
Agence France-Presse
letters@hindustantimes.com
KABUL : The Taliban have
ordered shop owners in western
Afghanistan to cut off the heads
of mannequins, insisting the
human figures violate Islamic
law.
A video clip showing men
sawing the plastic heads off
women figures went viral on
social media. Since returning to
power in August, the Taliban
have increasingly imposed their
harsh interpretation of Islamic
law, severely curtailing freed-
oms, particularly those of
women and girls.
“We have ordered the shop-
keepers to cut the heads off
mannequins as this is against
(Islamic) Sharia law,” Aziz Rah-
man, head of the Ministry for
the Promotion of Virtue and
Prevention of Vice in the city of
Herat, said on Wednesday.
“If they just cover the head or
hide the entire mannequin, the
angel of Allah will not enter
their shop or house and bless
them,” he added, after some
clothes vendors initially
responded by covering the
heads of mannequins with plas-
tic bags or headscarves.
Abraham Thomas
letters@hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI: A plea has been
filed in the Supreme Court
against a Bombay high court
order that laid down guidelines
to protect identities of parties
under the Sexual Harassment of
Women at the Workplace (Pre-
vention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
The order, passed by Justice G
S Patel of the high court on Sep-
tember 24 last year, mentioned a
slew of guidelines related to con-
ducting hearings, passing and
uploading of orders, and report-
age on cases of sexual harass-
ment of women at workplaces,
and made it clear that such cases
Paramedics transfer a Covid-19 affected patient into a medical
aircraft in Bastia on the French island of Corsica.
tested positive in October 2020.
Bulgaria’s foreign minister
Teodora Genchovska has tested
positive for Covid-19 amid a
sharp rise in new infections in
the Balkan country, the foreign
ministry said on Wednesday.
Genchovska, who has been
vaccinated with two doses, will
remain under doctor’s supervi-
sion, the ministry said in a state-
ment without elaborating.
Chinese govt orders mass
testing in Zhengzhou
Chinese health authorities on
Wednesday imposed a partial
lockdown and ordered mass
testing for Covid-19 on a city of 12
million people in central China
even as the locked down city of
Xian reported a sharp drop in
new infections. Millions of resi-
dents of Zhengzhou, the capital
city of the central Chinese city of
Henan, lined up to be tested on
Wednesday after the city
reported 11 domestic infections
this week.
Pfizer, BioNTech to
develop shingles shot
Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech
will develop an mRNA-based
vaccine for viral infection shin-
gles, collaborating for the third
time after the success of their
Covid-19 vaccine based on the
same technology.
The companies said on
{ ONE YEAR LATER }
Riot shields, metal
detectors reminder
of US Capitol riot
Reuters
letters@hindustantimes.com
WASHINGTON: A year after
then-President Donald Trump’s
supporters launched a deadly
assault on the US Capitol, signs
of heightened security are visi-
ble everywhere, from police riot
shields ready near doorways to
metal detectors outside the
House of Representatives cham-
ber.
Miles of steel fencing that
ringed the Capitol complex after
the riot came down in July. The
thousands of armed National
Guard troops deployed immedi-
ately after the January 6, 2021,
attack have long gone home.
But US Capitol Police officers
- in larger numbers and more
heavily equipped than in the
past - are posted around the
grounds, while the department
has added defensive equipment.
Lighter fencing remains in place
in some locations.
Once thronged by 2.5 million
visitors a year, Capitol hallways
now echo with emptiness.
Almost everyone who comes
into the complex must be a
THE PLEA IN SC
TERMED THE HIGH
COURT DIRECTIONS
A ‘DEATH BLOW’ TO
THE FREEDOM OF
SPEECH AND
EXPRESSION
can be either heard “in-camera”
or in the judge’s chamber, and
no reporting without the nod of
the judge will be permitted. Any
breach of these directions would
amount to contempt of court, the
court had observed.
The plea in the SC challenged
the HC’s decision, terming it a
“death blow” to the freedom of
17
AFP
Wednesday they expect to begin
clinical trials of the shingles vac-
cine, which will combine Pfizer’s
antigen technology and BioN-
Tech’s Messenger RNA platform
technology, in the second half of
2022.
Austrian police said they had
raided two dozen homes on
Wednesday, seizing equipment
and placing 22 people under
investigation on suspicion of
forging vaccine certificates,
weeks before Covid vaccines
become mandatory.
One in 20 people in UK
had Covid: Official data
More than one in 20 people in
Britain had Covid-19 in the last
week of 2021, the highest infec-
tion rate recorded during the
pandemic, official data showed
on Wednesday.
An estimated 3.7mn people
had the virus, up from 2.3mn the
previous week, as the Omicron
variant surged nationwide, the
Office for National Statistics
(ONS) said.
British PM Boris Johnson
announced on Wednesday that
compulsory Covid-19 tests
required by overseas travellers
no earlier than 48 hours before
arriving in England will be
scrapped from Friday morning.
With inputs from
Sutirtho Patranobis
Fencing surrounds the US
Capitol in Washington, DC. AFP
member of Congress or display
a staff ID - a restriction
prompted by the Covid-19 pan-
demic.
Congress passed a $2.1 billion
bill in July that provided $100
million for the Capitol Police
force, $300 million for new
security measures and more
than $1 billion for the Pentagon
- of which $500 million will go
to the National Guard, whose
funds were depleted in the secu-
rity ramp-up after the riot.
speech and expression.
“The high court has failed to
take into consideration that any
blanket ban or gag order in the
form of an injunction restraining
the broadcast of true and accu-
rate facts will encroach upon the
people’s right to know and vio-
late their right to information,
which is an integral part of Arti-
cle 19(1)(a)... This will have a dev-
astating and detrimental effect
on the society at large,” the plea,
drafted by advocate Abha Singh
on behalf of the victim, said.
“This gag order will serve as a
tool for powerful men to con-
tinue to sexually harass women
and suppress women’s voices on
social media and in news media
...,” the plea said.

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corner Leo Associate 9810038249
WEST DELHI
RENTED SHOP for sale @ Ajmal
Khan Road Rate 2.40 , Rent 50500 /
Vacant shop worth 2.75% Appreciation
Guarantee Adjoining Punjab Sweets
Corner #9710049009 #8510049009
KIRTI NAGAR, 235 Sq.Yds. Brand
New Upper Ground Builder Floor,
3 BHK Premium Built, Park Facing
with Lift & Stilt, Gaumukh, 2 Side
Open. Contact Owner: 9810888100.
FOR SALE Naraina Main Road
Mixed Land Use Independent
Building 300 Sq Yards. Sachin
Kheterpal Platinum Landbase
9811006402.
SOUTH DELHI
MUNIRKA ENCLAVE Sale DDA
Flat All Floor Available Ground Floor
1st Floor 2nd Floor Duplex Opp Vasant
Vihar Police Station 2/ 3 Beds DD
Freehold Kashyap Call 9810006767
GULMOHAR 500 MnRd FF+lift 5cr
G.K.-I 208y FF 3BR 4 yrs old 3.10cr
Kailash Col. 311y SF 4BR Lift P 4.50
Nehru Encl 330y Corner/Park SF Lift
4BR 3.50.Navin Nangia 9810008548
C.R. PARK (500)sq.ft. office on First
Floor K-1 block 150' wide commer-
cial road, corner, 3side with pantry
& toilet f'hold, fully furn@1.25(nego)
9810017982, 9810364472 Bahlsons
INDEPNDENT HOUSE kalkaji,
300sq.yds,Park facing, 3side Corner,
Freehold, Clean Title & Kalkaji Main
Road commercial TF in 175 sq yds,
Freehold +Terrace : 9811197742
KOTHI 500 yd NE wide Road New
/ Vastu Ok & 250 -1000 yd GK /
265-1000yd Anand & Shanti Niketan
/ Vasant Vihar 400yd Anand Lok &
South Delhi 9873255806
GREATER KAILASH-I, 250 yd
2nd Flr 3BHK A++ Const. Park Fac,
Lift,stilt 3 Prkg F’hold & Amar Colo-
ny Lajpat Ngr 2BHK Builders FF/SF
Park Fac Ajay Rajani 9818820507
NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, JANUARY 06, 2022
SOUTH DELHI
LAJPAT NAGAR-IV Park fac New
S.Flr 2 Beds, D/D, Stilt Parking also
East of Kailash 125 Yds, Park facing
S.Flr 3 Beds, D/D, Ample Parking.
call: 9811050496, 9811650488
GREATER KAILASH 300Sq.yds
ready possession 3rd flr.with exc-
lusive terr. 4 Bed, DD, SQ, lift, stilt
Prkng, top end fittings, excellent
location # Rajkumar 98102-92932
GK II (340)y GF4br Sq lift 3car 5.40
GK-II (300)yTF+Trc cornr 4br lift 5.15
GK-II(250)TF+Trc3br lift 3car p/f 5.25
CR Prk (160)y GF/SF 3br lift stilt 2.25
9810017982, 9810364472 Bahlsons.
SHIVALIK 200 Yds, 3 Side Corner
2nd Flr Green Belt, Lift @ good price
& 200 Yds, Park facing Brand New
Ground Flr, Gated Colony. Silver
Stone 9871023344, 9013000630
LAJPAT NAGAR-III 291 Yds, near
Park Luxurious 3rd Flr with Terrace,
Nicely Built 3 BHK, Study, S.Qtr with
Lift & Stilt Parking, Peaceful Location
@ 4.25. call Rahul Jain 9810173231
VASANT VIHAR 1000 -
Second & Third Floors with
terrace, North Facing, Rajesh
9810014771, Amrit 9810019279.
ANAND NIKETAN E-28, 200 Sq.
Yds. Second Floor, 3 Bedrooms,
D/D, Stilt Parking, Ready Possession
Brokers are welcome.. Hemender
Sharma 9811078311
200/ 300 Yds many more options.
Silver Stone9810478392,9013000630
1200YD FARM Vasant Kunj / Buy
& Sell 2 & 1/2 Acre or more Farms
Westend Green/ Pushpanjali /
Chattarpur/ Vasant Kunj & around
(Fmly Stlment Deals) 9873255806
NOIDA/GREATER NOIDA
URGENT SALE Flat, Park Laureate
3290 Sqft 14th floor , Sec 108, Plot
340 Mtr North East corner sec 108
cont. 9310016949, 9312738413
4000M N/E YEIDA Resi Plots Sec 20.
450m 24m Sec 92,44.450m 18m rd,
450m Kothi Park Fcng N/E Sec47,
44.300 N/E Plot & Kothi Sec 44,47,
105,108. # 9871392196,9810170178
3300 SQ. ft. 4 B.R ground floor ATS
Greens Paradiso, greater noida with
two lawns of 600 sq. ft. each. con.
owner sanjay kohli 9810125390.
SALE INDUSTRIAL Plots/Fac.
1800mt Sec-58, 4000mt Sec- 63,
4000m Sec-85 2100/3200mt Sec-140,
1000mt Sec-83 & Hosiery, 10,000mt
PH-II. Venus Prop. 999-999-2929
KNIGHT'S COURT Sec 128 Wish
town luxurious 3BHK flat golf course
facing back view yamuna 2 flats per
floor Possession may 22 Call / Wapp
9810811460 Brokers welcome
GHAZIABAD
SPACIOUS 4BHK + 3Bath +
3 Balconies + Storage + Dedicated
Parking in Suryanagar. Very Close to
Delhi, Hospitals, Shopping & Metro.
Contact 8447786541
GURUGRAM
JMD REGENT Square 2000sqft
furnished for sale@12k per sqft
&1000sqft furnished for lease in
Metropolis & Many more options
#9999973766
INDP. READY to move 3B/R+3
wash rooms 1st+Top Floors with
stilt parking on 251 sq yds Plot Golf
Course EX Road Sec-67 Ansal
Essencia Block C: Owner 9312317140
DLF − SUSHANT LOK
DLF PHASE-3 Plot Available 502
SquareYard. and 316 Square yard.
Confirmed Deal By: Devender Singh
R.D Associates Properties (DLF-3)
#9810414957
DLF CITY-II /500 Yds Builder Floors
Top of the Line Construction/4 BR,
D/D, Italian Kitchen/AC / Puja Room
/ Ready to Move, Starting from 4.75
to 5.75 Deeparul Estates-9811068621
PRE-BKNG FOR Floor Project Dlf
Ph 2, K Blk Nr Sahara Mall 300 sqyd
Luxry Flrs 4 BHK+Srvnt. Best Intrs
(Ownr Civil Engr) Cnstructn strtd
Top Flr also avlb #9870300968.
DLF-III CONFIRM Plots V-block
316, W-block 400 Sq yards also
available 3/4 BHK builder floors for
best call Ambajee Properties
9958413555, 9811175732.
SUSHANT LOK-1, 215 sqyds, 3 BHK
Block-C, East Facing, 12 meter road,
Stilt +Lift, new floors, ready to move
near Park & Market, Prime Location,
Owner: 9871700257, 9560000259
DLF − SUSHANT LOK
BRAND NEW Luxury Floorwise
Building DLF 2- 215yd 3BHK each Lift
stilt +4 N/E facing nicely construc-
ted near by NH-8, MG Road, Metro,
Malls. Call/whatsapp 9718511207
DISTRESS DLF Floors Stilt+Lift
500 4BHK @4.40, 300 4BHK
Top-Duplex @3.60, 300 4BHK+1Rm
in stilt @2.90, 250 3BHK @2.10, 215
3BHK PARK @2.20. 9871177425
DLF CITY-V, Park Drive-Golf
Course Road: Confirmed Sale Plot
270 Yds on 12 Mtrs Road near
Park, Clear Title, Suits Self Users.
JS Properties 9999369439
DWARKA
FOR LEASE/SALE
Dwarka sector -11
7125 sq ft
Metro at walking distance
Fully Furn. including Ac & power back
DDA commercial & huge car Parking
Above PC jewellers, Senco Gold & NyKaa
at same floor suits- Office/ GYM /
Coaching Institute etc
Rent Rebate
due to covid will be provided to lessee
Brokers welcome
OWNER
9810519258
COMMERCIAL
PREMISES
SHOWROOM AVAILABLE for
Lease: 3100 Sq.Ft. Carpet Area on
Ground Floor, Preferred Bank Lease
/ Office / Retail @ Vasant Square
Mall-Vasant Kunj. Call: 9810043261.
FARM HOUSE
FOR IMMEDIATE SALE
MARRIAGE HOME
In Distt. Bulandshahar.
Plot Area 2500 Sq. Yard
in Mid of Town, Newly RCC
Const. Earth Quake design
Structure,
Main Hall Size - 46’x76’
Rooms, Toilets, Garden
etc. Three side open
Property. Ample Parking.
Contact - 7399399399
rajeevraghav7@gmail.com
AVAILABLE. FARMHOUSES ,
Agriculture , Industrial, Ware house
land on sohna Rd all facilities, clear
tital, @ 35 Lac to 1.25 Cr. Guru Nanak
Prop.# 9818246591 , 9899102109.
PROPERTY WANTED
PROPERTY WANTED a Sector
Skill Council working under Skill India
Mission is looking for Built up office
space of approx. 5,000 to 6,000 sqft
for setting up it’s Corporate office
in Gurugram. Space should have
adequate parking space for 10
vehicles and close to HUDA Metro
Station. Send your queries to:
9205504375 & admin@asci-india.com
TOLET
NORTH DELHI
NEWLY RENOVATED DDA Flat
1st floor, MIG -2 BR, DD - 2 Balcony
Pitampura Block-QU, Outer Ring
Road - Immediate Possession,
Excellent Location. # 9810530960
EAST DELHI
ROOMS/ BUILDING Available for
Senior Citizen at Dallupura Vasund-
hara Encl Delhi-96 on monthly basis,
Best facilities including food, 24 Hrs
Security.#9818310070, 9810204329
WEST DELHI
FACTORY / Godown/Offices/ Ware-
house Indl/Coml Naraina, Maya-
Puri, Kirti Ngr, Rama Rd, Najafgarh
Rd etc. Reqd Plots for Builders DLF-
I, II, III /S.Lok I & II #98100-06330
SOUTH DELHI
SOUTH EXTENSION Part-2
First Floor, 2Bedroom , DD, Kitchen,
attached bath, 40K , Company
Lease Preffed. # 011-26258377,
9911885225.
WANTED MNC Tenant for Com-
mercial Space, furnished Area 3512
sqft, Gr.Floor East/Front facing in
Salcon Rasvilas, Saket, New Delhi.
Owner 9871428477, 9810407121
SOUTH DELHI
S-95 GK-II, Second Floor,
2 Bedrooms, Drawing Dining Set,
Service Class. Contact Site or
Phone 29212044
GREEN PARK Extension one
bedroom attached Bath Drawing
Dinning Kitchen balcony, near
Green Park Metro Station. Cont:
98733-41468
ANAND NIKETAN, 4BHK, 425 sq.
yds, Designer Apt., AC, Lift, Terrace
Garden, facing park, Servant Room.
Diplomat/Foreigners/MNC.For Rent.
Owner # 9871926228, 8800521594.
ANAND NIKETAN, D-119, 2ND Flr.
3BR Attached toilets,D/D Ser. Qtr.,
1 open car pkng, North East & Park
Facing. For MNC /Comp. Lease #
41660931,9810139692, 9810209770
KAILASH HILLS ( East of Kailash )
1BHK +1 (LGF), Modular Kitchen,
24*7 water, Fully Spacious, Fully
Airy. Call Owner: 9811521880,
9811157693
CENTRAL DELHI
FOR RENT fully furnished 431 sq.ft.
comm. Flat on 6th flr in Ashoka
estate CP & 827 sq.ft. on 4th flr
in Vishal Bhawan Nehru place
# 9999411000, 7678592373
AVAIL. OFFICE for Rent Vandhna
Building Connaught Place 1000sqft
Newly Renovated with 3Cabine 10-12
work station,Air Cond. Pref. to Govt/
semi-govt co. Bhuvnesh 9899305511
COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL,
Showroom available in All Sizes.
Furnished / Unfurnished. Also deals
in Rented Property # 9971901702,
9810639626, 9999186882.
FARIDABAD
AVAILABLE BASEMENT On
Rent 6000 Sq.ft. at DLF Industrial
Estate, Faridabad Haryana. Suitable
for Light Industry /Storage etc.
Contact Khan 9810783085
GURUGRAM
AVAILABLE FOR Rent, newly build
4600 sq.ft basement, 3 sided corner
plot next to Cyber Hub and Facebook
Building with Ample parking 2 mts
walk Near metro station 9250955702
2BHK + Study 1534 Sq.ft. furnished
Flat C-2005 in Gurgaon One Sector-
84 Gurgaon. Vacant from 1.1.2022.
Neeraj Srivastava 9350799923.
EMPLOYMENT
ACADEMIC
VIDYA MANDIR Public School
Sector-15A,Faridabad M 8826412509
Required TGT S.ST & PGT Physics,
Economics. Send detailed CV for
interview at vmpsfbd@gmail.com
ACADEMIC
Nutan Vidya Mandir Sr. Sec. School
GTB Enclave,Dilshad Garden, Delhi-93
Email:nutanvidyamandirsr.sec.school@gmail.com
REQUIRES
Trained teachers for the following posts
1. PRINCIPAL 5. ACCOUNT ASSISTANT
( As per CBSE Norms) 6. MUSIC TEACHER
2. PGT ( All Subjects ) 7. PHYSICAL EDU. TEACHER
3. TGT ( All Subjects ) 8. SPECIAL EDUCATOR
4. PRT ( All Subjects )
You may apply in person or through mail with complete
Biodata along with passport size photograph
ACADEMIC
V.D. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Recognised by NCTE (Affiliated to
GGSIPU, Delhi and SCERT Delhi)
Krishan Vihar, New Delhi-86 near Rohini
Sec-20 Road & Sultanpuri Bus Terminal)
Em: vditrd@yahoo.com
M-9999630474, 8882523711
REQUIRES
QUALIFIED LECTURERS and
APPROVED ACADEMIC
COUNSELLOR by IGNOU for all
subjects for newly introduced
courses i.e. BA, B.Com, B.Ed. MA
M.Com, (Ph.D. holders will be
preferred), PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TEACHER, OFFICE
SUPERINTENDENT for D.El.Ed.
Walk-in-Interview
Date 6th and 7th JANUARY 2022,
Time: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Bring all Original Documents & 2 Photos
MOUNT ABU Public School, Pkt-H,
Sec-18, Rohini. Req. Admission
Counsellor, PGT- Commerce,
Nursery Teacher, Head Clerk.
Atnd Intw on 5, 6 Jan at 1 pm.
URGENTLY REQD TGT, PGT All subjects
& PRT. Email: rssinternationalnoida@
gmail.com and Walk-in Interviews @
RSSIS, Sadarpur Colony, Noida. UP.
Contact: 9910789290, 9650963861
ACCOUNTS/FINANCE
REQUIRED ACCOUNTS Assistant
(Min. Exp. 5 years under worked in
CA) Salary 20000/- Delhi Residence
proof must. Add.: 9/6159, Pratap
Gali, Gandhi Nagar, Delhi-110031
#9667699360, 9667699370
REQD. ACCOUNT Executive
(Female) well versed in tally, min.
2 year exp, preferably in pharma
buisness. Email bio data at :
foremostmarketingpvtltd@gmail.com
REQUIRED ACCOUNT Asistant
TDS, VAT Knowledge Contact Two
Friends, 210,5L House, 10 Asif Ali
Road New delhi. Tel 011-41004079.
mail@twofriends.in
REQUIRES EXPERIENCED
Accountant for a Construction
Company in Pitampura,
Delhi. Send resume at:
kuwarsingh30@gmail.com
SALES & MARKETING
HARPAR GROUP a leading Textile
Co. Requires a Showroom Manager.
Walk in from 11 am to 3 pm. Address
A-234, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1,
New Delhi 20 Tel- 011-42444444
REQUIRED QUICKLY for NCR-
Delhi: Field Boys, Office Boys,
Computer Operators, Experienced
Accountants, Contact #
8882404945
ENGINEER/
PROD/TECHNICAL
OEM AUTO Parts Co. req. Quality
Inspector to check the incoming
quality of Center bolts/pins
etc. # 9953986246
manuplastics3@gmail.com
REQUIRED CIVIL Engineer For a
Road Project in Delhi. Contact:
Parmod Malhotra 9811583552.
MEDICAL
REQ QUALIFIED experienced
Diploma in Medical Lab Tech (DMLT)
from 8am to 1 pm for charitable
Medical centre at Model Town,Delhi-
9 Ph.: 9911907234, 9910511730
WANTED X RAY Technician,
Part Time Accountant, MRD Section,
Field Marketing Person, . For
Hospital In East Delhi. Please
Contact Dr. 9810811678
URGENT REQ Radiologist/Sonologist
MD/DMRD for RDMC East Delhi, near
JPC Hospital, Shastri Park, Delhi-53
# 9868002190, 7838577096, Email:
romadiagnostics88@gmail.com
REQUIRED: DOCTOR MBBS
(Female) and Radiologist for Jannat
Nursing Home , Address- E-2,
17/958 Nehru vihar delhi-110094,
Mob-9891966787.
MEDICAL
RECEPTIONIST TPA Exp , Comp
expert., OT Technician Minimum 2yrs
exp and PRO .Walk in interview 1 to
2PM Lotus Hospital, WZ-409A, Hari
ngr, Opp. DDU Hosp. 9871178565
GOODNESS HOSPITAL
(Multi-Speciality) in Bahadurgarh,
Needs Physician, R.M.O. Contact
9354597227, 9812072453
REQ. STAFF Nurses, PRO &
Pharmacist at Lal Super Speciality
Hospital, Pataudi Chowk, Madan
Puri, Gurgaon. M: 9555303040,
Email: Info.hrlalhospital@gmail.com
PHARMACIST AND Female
Personal Assistant urgently required
for Noida/ Greater Noida based
reputed Polyclinic with pharmacy.
Contact # 9871632207
DGO, MD (Med. Peads), MS (Ortho),
MBBS, BAMS/BUMS, GNM (Male/
Female ) for City Hospital, Noida,
Sector-62. Contact 9911728498,
9911099025
NEEDED MALE Exp. Qualified
Person who know about Govt. & Private
Medicine Tender & Equipment.
Cont- Ram Medicos 25, Raj Block,
Naveen Shahdara. Ph. 011-22322218
REQUIRED RADIOLOGIST for MRI
CT reporting & Receptionist at Platin-
um Imaging Centre, 9 Dayanand Vihar,
Delhi-92 Ph 9582940071, 40303314,
Email: platinumimaging@yahoo.com
REQ CONSULTANTS (MBBS/MD)
in all Specialities for a Newly opened
well developed Clinic,with Ambulance
Home Care & Diagnosis facility Lajpat
Nagar-1 # 7042971966, 7007092375.
RECEPTIONIST
HARPAR GROUP a leading Textile
Company requires a Receptionist.
Walk in from 11 am to 3 pm. Address-
A 234, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1,
New Delhi - 20 Tel- 011-42444444
STENO−TYPIST/
OFFICE ASST
REQUIRED OFFICE Assistant with
knowledge of Ms office and Excel.
Apply: Meri College, 52-55, Inst. Area,
Janakpuri Opp D-Block, N.D-58.
meribs@meri.edu.in, Ph.9871622771
EXPORT HOUSE JOBS
REQ. 1) Merchandiser with 5yrs Exp.
2) Accounts Asstt. Min 5yrs Exp. 3)
Packing Supervisior 4) Shipping/
Documentation Executive min. 5yrs
Exp. for Readymade Garment Export
Co. Cont.: 11am to 2pm at Affordable
Exports Pvt. Ltd. 189,Patparganj Indl
Area, Delhi-92 # 011-49423957 Mail:
affordable@affordableexports.com
REQUIRED EXP. Male/Female for
International Correspondence for
Export House at Mansarover
Garden. Ph. # 9312431090,
info@medicareproduct.com
REQD : Asst. Merchandiser (Male) for
a leading Export House with minimum
experience of 3-4 Years in Hard
Goods. Location-Okhla, New Delhi,
Salary Bracket- Rs. 30-35 K. Inter-
ested Candidates may send their
CVs - pravesh@attic-products.com
GENERAL MULTIPLE
VACANCIES
BUILDER REQ. Site Supervisor for
projects in South Delhi & Gurgaon.
Persons with own conveyance &
minimum 5 years exp. contact
9810014398
PART / Full time Officials required
for Employment Verification of
Senior Managers over Phone. Probe
15, Ground Floor, Padma Tower-II,
Rajendra Place , 9868007007
{Thursday}
GENERAL MULTIPLE
VACANCIES
HOTEL/RESTAURANT
REQUIRED STAFF for Restaurant
/Hotel/Catering: Sous Chef/Chef de
Partie/Commis/(Indian, Continental,
Chinese), Restaurant Manager,
Captain, Waiters, send CV–
placement@gourmetlink.in
URGENTLY REQUIRED
Experienced Head Chef for a
Restaurant, in Sector-18, Noida,
Salary upto 22k, Contact:-
8800491116
ARCHITECT
URG. REQ. 3 nos. Architect having
Work Exp. 3-5 yrs. for Architectural
Consultancy Firm at Paschim Vihar.
Interested candidates apply @
careers@designwellindia.com
WORK FROM HOME
EXCELLENT OPPRTUNITY!!!
Work From Home, if you have a
good Hand Writing then U can Earn
50,000/- to 1,00,000/- per month.
Call Now # 7417948717, 9599178317
(Ltd. Seats)
DATA ENTRY
OPERATORS
REQUIRED AT Pitampura Female
Exp Steno/ DTP Operator with
knowledge of typing in MS Word &
Email etc. Flexi Timing. Contact on
WhatsApp Call : 9810046290
COMPUTER
OPERATOR
WANTED FEMALE Computer Operator
for transport company at KarolBagh.
Exp. 3yrs,Good Communication skills
Age max. 26yrs. Ph: 7982921692
Email: kldelhi@kedialogistic.com
SECURITY
SECURITY / Manpower Agency at
Dwarka Required Exp. Marketing
Manager, Area Manager & Night
Checker Qualification Graduate,
Salary 15K to 25K Cont: 9212314474.
TO BOOK YOUR AD CALL
ASTROLOGY
BUSINESS
BRAND NEW & unused Dental set
up installed & now in dismantled
form at A-25, New Rajinder Nagar,
New Delhi (Ground Floor) for sale
as the owner Started some other
business being a Dental Surgeon
herself Contact: 9810967337
BUSINESS OFFER
EARN 20000/- Invest 70,000/-
Install Auto Bulb Plant Labour,
Marketing Facility # 011-45720199,
9910492487.
ASTROLOGY
NADI ASTROLOGY Guruji Shri
Maha Shiva Kakai Pujandar. Give
your Thumb impression and Know
your total life future. Contact:
9289202802, 6379590692
LOAN/FINANCE
LOAN AGAINST Property, Home
Loan, BT+Top Up & B L, OD & Reduce
ur existing ROI @ Best Rate & Fast
Approval. Unique Finance # 93154-
96768, 9899779789, 7217781647.
ALL TYPE of Business Finance
Available Including N.P.A.
Contact # 8795365793
LADIES SUITS, Coats , Sweaters
and Sarees on Discount Due to
Closure of Shop B-169 East of
Kailash (Only Bulk Buyers) Contact
Sareen 9811078300, 9911079300
MEDICAL
SPACE AVAILABLE for Doctors
in prime location Janak puri with all
facilities Pediatrics / Ortho / Gynae
/ Medicine Contact -9818351814
CHANGE OF NAME
I, VINIT Kumar S/o Amar Kishor
Kumar R/o E-81/6, Sangam Vihar,
Delhi-110062 have changed my
name from Bineet Kumara to Vinit
Kumar for all future purposes.
IT IS general information that, I
Mohammad Danish saifi s/o Abdul
sattar r/o A75 gali no 2 ph1 bhagirathi
vihar delhi 110094 declare that name
of mine and my mother wrongly
written as Danish and Dilsad in my
all educational documents the actual
name is Mohammad Danish saif
and my mother name Dilshad
Begum respectively. which may be
amended accordingly.
I, SHALINI Bhardwaj W/o. Late Sh.
Rajiv Bhardwaj R/o. 948, Gali Nai
Basti, Kucha Pati Ram, Bazar Sita
Ram, Delhi - 110006. In my son's
School record my husband's name is
wrongly written as Rajeev Bhardwaj.
But my husband's correct name is
Rajiv Bhardwaj.
I, KANIKA Jain, W/o Jitendar Kumar
R/o 4A/3136, Vasundhra, Ghaziabad,
Uttar Pradesh-201012, have changed
my name from Kanika Jain to Kanika
Rustagi for all future purposes.
I HAVE changed my name from
Anirudh Mohan Kumar to Anirudh
Mohan, R/o C-20, Officers Mess, Air
Force Station Hindan,Ghaziabad-
201004,UP, for all future purposes.
I, BIJENDER Singh S/O Dhare Lal
R/O C- 34, Hanuman road , New
Delhi 110001, Have change my name
from Bijender to Bijender Singh for
all future purposes.
I, ARCHANA Gupta W/o Deepak
Gupta R/o H.No. H-44B, 1/1282,
Mansarover Park, Shahdara,Delhi-32
have changed my name to Archana
Garg for all future purposes. Archana
Garg & Archana Gupta is same person
I SHUBHANGI Gaur, Wife of
Abhishek Aggarwal R/o A-101 Vivek
Vihar, Phase-1, Delhi-110095, India,
have changed my name from
Shubhangi Gaur to Shubhangi
Aggarwal for all purposes
I, VISHAL Tonk also known as Vishal
Kumar Tonk S/o Sh. Vijay Kumar
Tonk R/o H.No. C-13, Sector-11, DLF,
Faridabad have changed my name to
Vishal Tonk for all future purposes.
0120–4834999 (9 am to 9 pm, Everyday)
OR E-MAIL htclassifieds@hindustantimes.com
SCAN THE CODE
TO BOOK YOUR
ADS ONLINE↓
www.htclassifieds.com
CHANGE OF NAME
I, MANITA Kohli W/o Sandeep Kohli
R/o A-24/20, DLF City Phase-I,
Gurugram, Haryana-122002, have
changed my name to Maneeta Kohlli
for all future purposes
I, NITIN Sogarwal S/o Jitendra
Singh R/o Vill: Gothara, PO: Baseri
Kazi, Teh: Kiraoli, Dist: Agra, State:
Uttar Pradesh, Pin-283110 have
changed my name and date of
birth from Nitin Sogarwal and DOB
21 May 2003 to Nitesh Sogarwal
and DOB 21 July 2004. Vide Affidavit
dated 04.01.2022, 49AE 830517
before CJM, Jhansi
I, SARIKA Mallan W/o Sandeep Kumar
Mallan R/o G-1/204-205,FF,Sector-16,
Rohini, Delhi-89 have changed my
name from Sarika Dabra to Sarika
Mallan after marriage for all purpose
LOST & FOUND
CHANGE OF NAME
LOST ORIGINAL Subsutation Letter,
I, YOJYATA Devi W/o Jitendra Lease Deed & all property documents
Singh R/o Vill: Gothara, PO: Baseri of Property No. D-598B, Chittaranjan
Kazi, Teh: Kiraoli, Dist: Agra, State: Park, ND-19. If found please contact
Ashim Sanyal 9350998460
Uttar Pradesh, Pin-283110, have
changed my name from Yojyata
Devi to Yogyata Devi. Vide Affidavit THIS IS to inform all concerned that
dated 04.01.2022, 49AE 830516
before CJM, Jhansi.
I Ms. Vertika Mehra is the owner of
property bearing no. D-14, Ground
I, ONAM D/o Kala Roy R/o Flat No.
Floor, Seemant Vihar, Sector 14,
Kaushambi, Ghaziabad (UP) and I
201, 2nd floor, Building No. 455, have misplaced the folder containing
Sector 39, Gurugram, Haryana- original documents in respect of my
122001 have changed my name to aforesaid property. Anyone finding
Onam Roy vide Affidavit dated the documents may pls contact me
04/01/2022 for all future purposes.
(Ms. Vertika Mehra) at: 9560380673
I, RAJIV Kumar Jain S/o Late Sh.
Narendra Kumar Jain R/o C-5, Ratan IT IS to be inform to general public
Kunj, E-Block, Shastri Nagar, that we have lost our original
documents i.e Plot Buyer's
Meerut, U.P.-250004 have changed
Agreement and Possession
my name from Jain Rajeevkumar
Narendrakumar to Rajiv Kumar Jain Certificate Against SCO NO.12A,
for all future purposes. (Customer Code: BE- 15/104419)
Block N Measuring 203 SQ. Yards,
I, MRINAL Dawar S/O Sh. Subhash Situated at Sector-82, Park Lands
Chander Dawar R/O WZ 20, C/1 Faridabad, (Haryana)in favour of
Mukhram Park Extn, Tilak Nagar,
Delhi - 110018 have changed my
Citadel Buildcon Private Limited
issued by BPTP. If any body find
minor son name from Prithvi Raj these documents any where please
Dawar to Prithvi Dawar for all inform and return at our address
future purpose. i.e flat no.101 &102 aman
chamber 47/21 old rajinder
I, ANKUR Aggarwal S/o Vipin nagar Delhi. Karan Kathuria
Kumar Agarwal R/o Shastri M -7982606888
Nagar, Barwan, Dhampur, Brijnor,
UP-246761 have changed my THIS IS to inform that the Original
name from Ankur Kumar to Ankur Allotment Letter dated 01/03/1986
Aggarwal for all future purposes. for the Plot No. 178 Udyog Vihar-IV
Gurugram has been misplaced. If
I, MASMA Patar Karbuli D/o Noveen
found, please return it to Mr. Hans
Patar Kharbuli R/o B-5 First Floor,
Vir Taneja, 9810222121 - Legal Heir
Tanishq Apartment , Ward No-8/917,
Mehrauli, New Delhi-110030 have of the Allotee/Owner of the property
changed my name to Masma Patar
Kharbuli for all purposes. MY HOUSE No-98 (Area 107.50
I, SERVICE No. 133771678K Rank
square yards), Prem Nagar,
Bhattajaat, Ghaziabad's old chain
NK Name Ranjeet Kumar of Unit 13 registry paper which is in favour of
JAK RIF C/o 56 APO permanent Sita Devi, Naresh Kumar & Rajendra
residing at Village Manwah, P.O. Kumar & registered on: 25.04.1995
Udrana, Tehsil Bahderwah, District is actully lost. If anyone found pls
Doda Pin - 182221 applying for the cont.: Birjesh Kumar Verma S/o
correction of my wife name namely Mool Chand Verma, Add: above.
Babita Raina which is wrongly
written instead of correct name
LOST ORIGINAL Lease Deed of
Babita Sharma in Army record. Property No. H-1464, Chittaranjan
Now the correct name of my wife
Park, New Delhi-110019. If found
is Babita Sharma. please contact A.K. Maitra
IT IS for general information that I, 9818316693
Mukesh Yadav S/o Ram Lowat Yadav,
residing at House No. 437, Gali No 11
I, GEETA Yadav D/o Sh. Prahlad Singh
C Block, Part 1, Mukandpur Ext,
R/o Sector-3, Rewari (Haryana)
Samaipur-110042, declare that my
inform that my Agreement &Receipt
name has been wrongly written as
Mukesh Kumar in my driving license No.SO113667 & SO113666 of Rs.60475
no Dl-1120120118808, as Mukesh in & Rs.907128 issued by Parsvnath
my passport no.L1835301, my Developers Ltd. for Elite Villa Dha-
ruhera project ELITE VILLA No. B194,
educational certificates, and my
father name has been wrongly I lost this on way of some where in
written as Ram Laut in my voter Dhoula Kuan Delhi on dt. 04-01-2022.
card, driving license no Anyone found pls inform me.
Dl-1120120118808, passport
no.L1835301and educational WE LOST Original Lease Deed of
certificates. The actual name of property as Registered No.380,
Mine and my father is Mukesh Yadav
and Ram Lowat Yadav.
Additional Book No.1, Volume No.
60, on pages No.138 to 143, dated
THE NAME of my brother in my
01.04.1943, finder please inform to
Smt. Surinder Kaur Chopra and Smt.
army record has been wrongly
entered as Chandan Singh Mehra
Meena Kohli R/o Plot No.49, Block
which may be corrected to Chandan
No.52, Khasra No.950/6, area
measuring 253 Sq. Yrds., situated at
singh No 4210587A Kavindra Ramjas Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
Mehra vill- Byati post Rai agar 110005. # 9899641161
Berinag Dist Pithoragarh
I, MANUPRASAD M S/o
Muralidharan R/o B-16, S-4, DLF
Dilshad Extn-2, Bhopura Sahibabad
Ghaziabad U.P 201005. I confirm
that Manuprasad M and
Manuprasad Menacheril are the
same and one person.
I, MUKESH Kumar S/o Sh. Raj
Karan R/o H.No. 65 A, Roshan Vihar,
A- Block, Near Paprawat Road,
Roshan Vihar, Phase-2, Najafgarh,
New Delhi-110043 In my daughter's
Nikita 9th Class school record my
name and my wife's name wrongly
written as Mukesh and Nirmala. But
my correct name is Mukesh Kumar
and my wife's name is Nirmala Devi.
I SUDHA W/o Lt. Netrapal Inform
That Sudha & Birmo Devi both are
my name and in future i should be
known by both names, Sudha Alias
Birmo Devi W/o Netrapal R/o
Vill+PO Kurawa Distt-M.Nagar
SUKHIYA W/O Tejram Dagar
resident of house number D.C.741,
Gali No.4 Block C, Krishna Colony
Tehsil and District Palwal. Declare
that my husband's Army service
record my name mentioned as
Chandri Devi but my correct name is
Sukhiya for all future purposes
More Classifieds
on Page 20
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
Delhi HC halts Amazon’s
arbitration against Future
Amazon will likely
challenge the order,
which provided the
latest twist in the case
Richa Banka
Richa.banka@htlive.com
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High
court on Wednesday stayed till
February 1 Amazon’s arbitra-
tion proceedings against Future
Group at the Singapore Interna-
tional Arbitration Centre
(SIAC)’s Delhi Tribunal, while
also staying the single judge
order of the same court which
dismissed the latter’s plea for
suspension of the arbitration --
a move seen as a setback for the
US e-commerce company.
Before the single judge,
Future Group sought the sus-
pension of the arbitration pro-
ceedings citing a December 17,
2021 order of the Competition
Commission of India (CCI)
which kept in abeyance the
approval granted for its 2019
deal with Amazon.
Amazon will likely challenge
the order, which provided the
latest twist in a bitter case
between it and its stranged part-
ner Future.
In 2020, Future Group
decided to sell its retail assets to
Reliance Retail Limited (RRL),
following which Amazon initi-
NCLAT NIXES
ORDER ON
VIDEOCON
RESOLUTION
Jayshree P Upadhyay &
Priyanka Gawande
feedback@livemint.com
MUMBAI: The National Com-
pany Law Appellate Tribunal
(NCLAT) on Wednesday set
aside an order passed by the
Mumbai bench of the National
Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
approving the bid by Anil
Aggarwal-led Twin Star Tech-
nologies for the bankrupt Vid-
eocon Group.
The resolution plan, which
involved acquiring the company
for ₹3,000 crore, has been
remitted back to the committee
of creditors (CoC), Justice Jarat
Kumar Jain said.
Provisions under section 32
of the Insolvency and Bank-
ruptcy Code (IBC) have not been
complied with during the cor-
porate insolvency resolution
process, Justice Jain said.
Thus, the CoC led by State
Bank of India (SBI) may have to
invite fresh expressions of inter-
est for the cash-strapped com-
pany.
“We learnt about the order
and it will further delay Video-
con’s resolution. We are await-
ing the written order and will,
thereafter, take appropriate
action,” said Gopal Jain, the
advocate for Twin Star Technol-
ogies Ltd. NCLAT’s decision to
refer the resolution plan back to
CoC is the first such instance
since resolutions via IBC were
notified in 2017. This also comes
amid concern that IBC resolu-
tions are happening at deep
haircuts, with assets being sold
at throwaway prices.
The resolution value of
₹3,000 crore against a debt of
₹61,770 crore amounts to a 94%
haircut and is only just above
the liquidation value of ₹2,000
crore.
Passenger vehicle sales decline 11% in Dec
Press Trust of India
feedback@livemint.com
NEW DELHI: Passenger vehicle
retail sales in India witnessed
an 11 per cent year-on-year
decline in December as semi-
conductor shortage continued
to impact the segment, automo-
bile dealers’ body FADA said on
Wednesday.
The passenger vehicle (PV)
retail sales last month fell
10.91% to 2,44,639 units from
2,74,605 units in December
2020. “The month of December
is usually seen as a high sales
month where OEMs continue to
offer best discounts to clear the
inventory due to change of the
year. It was, however, not the
case this time around as retail
sales continued to disappoint,
thus wrapping up an underper-
forming calendar year,” FADA
The HC also issued a notice to Amazon.com NV Investment
Holdings LLC on the appeals filed by FRL and FCPL.
ated arbitration proceedings,
claiming this violated the 2019
deal it had with the former.
Future Retail has around 1500
retail outlets including super-
markets, and some analysts see
the legal battle as a fight
between Amazon and Reliance
for the control of the Indian
organised retail business.
Future argued in court that
after the antitrust regulator’s
order, its application for termi-
nation of arbitration proceed-
Cairn Energy closes in on ₹7,900 cr tax refund
Staff Writer
feedback@livemint.com
NEW DELHI: Capricorn Energy
Plc., formerly Cairn Energy Plc.,
said on Wednesday it has
entered the last leg of the settle-
ment of a controversial tax dis-
pute by withdrawing all law-
suits against the Indian govern-
ment, which will pave the way
for the authorities to refund
₹7,900 crore or approximately
Xiaomi gets ₹653 cr notice
for evading customs duty
Gireesh Chandra Prasad &
Gulveen Aulakh
gireesh.p@livemint.com
NEW DELHI: Tax authorities
have told Xiaomi Technology
India Pvt. Ltd. to pay up ₹653
crore for alleged violation of the
Customs Act, saying the domes-
tic unit of the Chinese consumer
electronics maker did not
include royalty and licence fee
in the value of its imports.
The finance ministry said on
Wednesday that by failing to
add “royalty and licence fee” in
the transaction value, Xiaomi
India was evading customs duty
as the beneficial owner of
imported mobile phones and
parts. The investigation was
carried out by the Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
“Three show cause notices
have been issued to Xiaomi
India for demand and recovery
of duty amounting to ₹653 crore
for the period April 1, 2017 to
June 30, 2020, under the Cus-
toms Act,” the ministry said.
Searches conducted by the
DRI at the premises of Xiaomi
India led to the recovery of
The passenger vehicle retail sales last month fell 10.91% to
2,44,639 units from 2,74,605 units in December 2020.
President Vinkesh Gulati noted.
With semiconductor short-
age continuing to play spoil-
sport, passenger vehicle sales in
spite of huge bookings in
December closed in red, he
added. Dealers, however, saw
REUTERS
ings with Amazon should be
decided before the start of the
final hearing in the main arbi-
tration case. Amazon has
already said that it will chal-
lenge the CCI order.
It also contended that several
of its lawyers handling the case
have tested Covid-19 positive
and ignoring this, the arbitral
tribunal fixed January 5 to 8 for
the cross examination of expert
witnesses.
On Tuesday, the single judge
$1.06 billion to the British
explorer.
Capricorn and Cairn UK
Holdings Ltd. said in a newspa-
per announcement that they
have entered the final stage in
the undertaking with the Indian
government “by withdrawing
Indian and global appellate and
enforcement proceedings.” This
action is the final necessary step
by the company under the rules
of India’s Taxation (Amend-
The authorities said that by failing to add royalty and licence fee
in the transaction value, Xiaomi was evading customs duty.
incriminating documents indi-
cating that the firm was remit-
ting royalty and licence fee to
Qualcomm USA and to Beijing
Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., a
related party, under contractual
obligation, the ministry said.
Statements by key persons at
Xiaomi India and its contract
manufactures were recorded,
during which one of the direct-
ors confirmed these payments,
the ministry said.
MINT
slight ease in vehicle supply,
thus giving some hope of
improvement, Gulati stated.
Two-wheeler sales also con-
tinued to remain in the slow
lane last month, with sales of
11,48,732 units, down 19.86%
Business
dismissed Future’s plea saying
that it cannot dictate a duly con-
stituted tribunal on the manner
in which it should carry out pro-
ceedings and any interference
would violate the autonomy of
the tribunal.
After hearing both the sides,
the bench said that there is a
prima facie case in favour of
Future Retail Ltd (FRL) and
Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL)
and if a stay is not granted, it
would cause an irreparable loss
to them. “We hereby stay fur-
ther proceedings of the arbitral
tribunal till the next date of
hearing (February 1) and we
also stay the single judge’s Janu-
ary 4 order till the next date of
hearing,” the bench said.
The court also issued a notice
to Amazon.com NV Investment
Holdings LLC on the appeals
filed by FRL and FCPL challeng-
ing the single judge’s order.
During the hearing, senior
advocate Mukul Rohatgi,
appearing for Future Coupons
Pvt. Ltd, contended that once
the CCI approval to the 2019
deal between his client and
Amazon was put on hold, the
agreement between them auto-
matically ceased to matter.
“This means approval doesn’t
exist. If it doesn’t exist, the
agreement has no legal effect in
India. The arbitration has no
legal effect in India and is a nul-
lity,” he submitted.
ment Act) 2021, the announce-
ment said. The companies will
now file the necessary form
with the Income Tax depart-
ment which will allow the gov-
ernment to proceed to the final
stage. “This will result in Taxa-
tion Amendment Act nullifying
tax assessment originally levied
against the company in January
2016 and the government of
India ordering the refund of the
taxes collected from the com-
AFP
The ministry did not allege
any wrongdoing on the part of
Qualcomm or Beijing Xiaomi
Mobile Software Co. In response
to a query by Mint, a Xiaomi
spokesperson said, “At Xiaomi
India, we give importance to
ensuring we comply with all
Indian laws. We are currently
reviewing the notice in detail.
As a responsible company, we
will support the authorities with
all necessary documentation.”
from 14,33,334 units in Decem-
ber 2020. “High cost of owner-
ship, bad rural sentiment, work
from home and the latest threat
of Omicron continued to impact
sales,” Gulati noted.
Commercial vehicle retail
sales, however, rose 13.72% last
month to 58,847 units, as
against 51,749 units in Decem-
ber 2020. “The government’s
push for infrastructure spend-
ing in road infrastructure, bet-
ter freight rates, price hike
announcement in January and a
low base helped the overall seg-
ment close in positive double
digits,” Gulati stated.
Overall retail sales across
segments last month stood at
15,58,756 units, down 16.05%
from 18,56,869 units in Decem-
ber 2020. The Federation of
Automobile Dealers Associa-
tions (FADA), which collated
data from 1,379 RTOs in India.
Powered by
“Nobody has filed an appeal
(against the CCI order). The
impact of the order is clear.
They are not willing to deal with
it as a preliminary issue. Heav-
ens are not going to fall. Half of
the solicitor’s office is down
with Covid. So we went to the
single bench,” he said.
On Tuesday, the single judge
rejected this argument and said
that the big corporations have a
battery of lawyers representing
them before multiple fora. Even
if some of the lawyers have
tested positive for Covid-19, it
can be duly expected that the
parties would endeavor to make
alternate arrangements, he said.
Claiming that the reasoning
by the single judge was flawed,
Rohatgi argued that the judge
failed to appreciate the termina-
tion application and also the
fact that the agreement would
have no effect after CCI’s order.
Senior advocate Harish Salve,
for Future Retail Ltd, referred to
the Arbitration and Conciliation
Act and argued that while the
Arbitral Tribunal is master of
it’s procedure, its jurisdiction is
limited. Opposing the appeals,
senior advocate Gopal Subra-
manium for Amazon, submitted
that it was not fair to say that
the Tribunal was not taking cog-
nizance of the application to ter-
minate.
The court will now hear the
matter on February 1.
pany in respect of that assess-
ment,” said the announcement.
Capricorn also confirmed
that it shall forever irrevocably
forgo any reliance on any right
and provisions under any award
it has secured. In 2020, an arbi-
tral tribunal had granted an
award in favour of Cairn asking
India to pay $1.2 billion plus
interest and $22.38 million
toward arbitration and legal
costs.
B2B FIRM UDAAN
RAISES $250 MN
VIA CONVERTIBLE
NOTES, PLANS IPO
Anuj Suvarna
anuj.s@livemint.com
BENGALURU: Business-to-busi-
ness marketplace Udaan has
raised $250 million in an addi-
tional round of funding, boost-
ing its total fundraise to $1.4 bil-
lion so far.
The fresh capital-raise com-
prises $200 million worth of
convertible notes or short-term
debt that can subsequently be
converted to equity, and $50
million of debt, regulatory fil-
ings by the Bengaluru-based
company showed.
Existing investors of Udaan
took part in the round, which
was subscribed two times. VBG
Realty LLP made a ₹16 crore
investment, while Blacksoil
Asset Management and Black-
soil India Credit Fund invested
₹10 crore. Corsa Ventures
invested ₹9 crore, and Walton
Street India invested ₹5 crore,
the filings showed. Udaan,
which is run by Hiveloop Tech-
nology Pvt. Ltd, did not com-
ment on the development. How-
ever, in an internal company
note, Udaan’s chief financial
officer Aditya Pande, said, “We
are excited and glad to share
that we have 5 new marquee
investors coming on board the
Udaan juggernaut, as part of our
recently concluded convertible
note financing. This round was
oversubscribed 2X and also saw
participation from existing
investors, including those who
bought into the company
through the secondary (ESOP)
round in H1 2021.”
Pande said the move “reflects
our broadening the capitaliza-
tion strategy as we architect our
journey for public markets and
thereafter”. In September,
Udaan received shareholder
approval to raise up to ₹2,000
crore debt by issuing non-con-
vertible debentures in tranches
over a year. It raised $280 mil-
lion in a funding round in Janu-
ary 2021 from Octahedron Capi-
tal and Moonstone Capital and
existing investors Lightspeed
Venture Partners, DST Global,
GGV Capital, Altimeter Capital
and Tencent. Udaan entered the
coveted unicorn club in 2018
when it raised $225 million in
its Series C round.
19
Sensex reclaims 60k
as bank stocks shine
Nasrin Sultana
nasrin.s@livemint.com
MUMBAI: Indian stock markets
continued to gain for fourth day
in a row even as increasing
covid cases leading to stricter
restrictions have increased
market volatility. On Wednes-
day, the Sensex reclaimed
60,000-mark for first time since
November 17 last year. Expecta-
tions that the Reserve Bank may
delay interest rate hike due to
possible third wave of covid Expectations that the RBI may delay rate hike due to possible
case have also added to investor third wave of Covid have added to investor optimism. BLOOMBERG
optimism.
The 30-share index were up region were largely lower on optimistic expecting the Nifty to
367.22 points or 0.61% ending at Wednesday, as higher US Trea- deliver around 12-15% returns in
60,223.15. The Nifty climbed 120 sury yields weighed on global 2022, supported by continua-
points or 0.67% at 17,925.25. tech firms and pushed the dol- tion of economic recovery and
“In a highly volatile session, lar to a five-year high against strong earnings growth. “After
the domestic market witnessed Japan’s yen. US yields rose on the recent correction, Nifty is
a recovery following a mild dip Tuesday as bond investors now trading at 20 times 12
though the global sentiments geared up for interest rate hikes month forward price to earn-
were not in favour of bulls. from the Federal Reserve by ings (PE) which is no longer in
Increasing Covid cases leading mid-year to curb stubbornly the expensive zone. While the
to stricter restrictions has pres- high inflation, Reuters reported. market trend might be volatile
surised market volatility. The Hong Kong’s Hang Seng in the near term on account of
banking sector outshone other index was down 1.64%, the potential risk from Omicron
sectoral indices as few private Shanghai composite in China variant, upcoming budget and
lenders reported double-digit slipped 1.02% while in South fragile global cues, in the long
business growth during the Korea, the Kospi dropped 1.18%. run, strong earnings delivery
third quarter. IT stocks took a According to Siddhartha along with positive macro-eco-
blow as investors awaited the Khemka, head-retail research, nomic data would hold the key
onset of the quarterly results Motilal Oswal Financial Servi- to drive markets upwards,”
season. US and Asian markets ces Ltd as global markets Khemka said.
traded weak ahead of the remained on subdued note as India volatility index or India
release of the US Fed meeting US Treasury yields rose higher VIX, however, climbed 6.87% on
minutes while European as investors await the minutes Wednesday indicating a gradual
indexes held ground,” Vinod from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rise in anxiety among investors.
Nair, head of research, Geojit latest meeting for clues on the Indian markets have started the
Financial Services said. central bank’s interest rate hike year with a bang, with Sensex
Markets in other Asia-Pacific moves. However, he remains and Nifty gaining over 3% each.
{ ADITI NAYAR } CHIEF ECONOMIST, ICRA
India is trying to put an end P
to 17 long-drawn disputes over The impact of an Omicron
taxation of offshore sale of
Indian assets. The settlement wave may be limited to
scheme seeks to nullify the tax
demands raised or confirmed one quarter given the
before May 28, 2012 by applying better preparedness of
an anti-abuse provision intro-
duced by the Income Tax Act in governments, health care
system, households.
A
2012. There is unanimity among
government and the opposition
leaders about the need for set-
tling these cases.
{ THE CROSSWORDS }
CRYPTIC CLUES PUZZLE 16123 © Gemini Crosswords 2018 All rights reserved
ACROSS
1 Soft-hearted diva, uncommonly flat (5)
8 Arrange one’s time for the interval at the bar
(8)
9 Reacted like a startled horse and threw (5)
10 He makes a living from filthy pictures (8)
11 Wind instrument or a loud stringed one (5)
12 Mean as Dad sounds (3)
16 Singer letting off steam (6)
17 Jack and Bill meet us at the counter (6)
18 Dramatic deed (3)
23 A favourite dish for youngsters, but not a
firm one (5)
24 They may pop up for breakfast (8)
25 It is scored for players, not by them (5)
26 Came round about six and criticised (8)
27 Type badly, putting an extra ‘t’ in trivial (5)
DOWN
2 Heroic Greek units holding an elevated
position (8)
3 It may be put on disc (8) QUICK CLUES
4 A steep change in Spanish currency (6)
5 Sailor’s musical box? (5) ACROSS DOWN
1 Treacherous (5) 2 First and foremost (5,3)
6 It’s planted in soil or dug out of it (5)
8 Out of sorts (5,3) 3 Extensive (8)
7 Earthquake centre (5) 9 Ancient Greek poet (5) 4 Extent (6)
12 In shape and size one is very like another (3) 10 Curt dismissal (5-3) 5 To increase (5)
11 Entice (5) 6 Hoax (5)
13 It gnaws in desperation (3)
12 Marry (3) 7 Surly in manner (5)
14 Arrived at a certain conclusion (4,4) 16 Dive headlong (6) 12 Spider’s trap (3)
15 One may be still due for some satisfaction (8) 17 Hurt feelings of (6) 13 Speck (3)
19 The poet’s always under the car as a matter 18 Drilling tool (3) 14 Formal (8)
of course (6) 23 Compare (5) 15 Recoil of a wave (8)
20 Glue a piece of wood (5)
24 Catch up with (8) 19 Hardened (6)
25 Merriment (5) 20 Giver (5)
21 One-way passage (5) 26 Spectator (8) 21 Handed out (5)
22 Stand and refuse to go forward (5) 27 Comic entertainer (5) 22 Complete disorder (5)
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS (16122) DIFFICUL
DIFFICUL
DIFFICUL
DIFFICUL
DIFFICUL
{ SUDOKU } DIFFICULTY LEVEL
CRYPTIC
QUICK
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and
each of the 9X9 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9.
{ WEATHER } ALMANAC TEMPERATURE IN
TEMPERATURE HIGH LOW Today is FOUR METROS
6th January 2022
l 02 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1443
Delhi
l Pausha, Shukla 20°c I 11°c
Paksha, 04
l Samvat 2078
Mumbai
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 33°c I 21°c
Generally cloudy Generally cloudy Thunderstorm
Sunset: Thursday
at 05:38 p.m.
sky with light rain sky with light rain with rain Sunrise: Friday Kolkata
or drizzle or drizzle at 07:14 a.m. 24°c I 13°c
Moonrise: Friday
at 10:55 a.m. Chennai
Moonset: Friday 29°c I 21°c
20°c I 11°c 21°c I 12°c 18°c I 13°c at 10:39 p.m.
20 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY, JANUARY 06, 2022
GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA C-1802 GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA, "e"-PROCUREMENT NOTICE B-970
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, WORKS DEPARTMENT
P.H. DIVISION, BHUBANESWAR, SAHID NAGAR, ODISHA E-mail: ceroads.bbsr@gmail.com
Phone / FAX :- 0674-2540578 (O) / e-Mail: eephiiibbsr@ori.nic.in / eephiiibbsr@gmail.com
****** Bid Identification No. CE-DPI & R-18/2021-22
Office Order No. 54 Dated 03/01/22 1. The Chief Engineer (DPI & Roads), Odisha on behalf of Governor of Odisha invites percentage rate bids in
double cover system in ONLINE MODE form eligible contractors for Road work as mentioned below:
1st Corrigendum to Bid Identification No. 64 of 2021-22 dated. 24.12.2021.
2. Nature of work : Road Work
The amendments have been made for the work "Improvement of water supply to Ranapur
3. No. of work : 13 Nos.
NAC (Provision of water supply to upper Maninag Temple) to revise the period of completion of
4. Tender Paper cost : Rs.10,000.00
existing table in column No. 7 from 11 (Eleven) Calendar Months to 6 (Six) Calendar Months.
5. Class of Contractor : Super Class/Special Class
All other terms and conditions of the above Original Tender Call Notice remain unchanged.
6. Available of bid document in the website : From 10.00 A.M. of 18.01.2022 to 5.30 PM of 07.02.2022
Superintending Engineer
P.H. Division, BBSR 7. Date of opening of Bid : Dt.08.02.2022 at 11.30 AM
8. The Bidders have to participate in ONLINE bidding only. Further details can be seen from the website:
OIPR - 13021/11/0037/2122 https://tenderodisha.gov.in . Any addendum / corrigendum / cancel on of tender can also be seen in the said
website
Chief Engineer (DPI & Roads), Odisha
OIPR - 34117/11/0101/2122

OFFICE OF THE DIVISIONAL PROJECT ENGINEER

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, PIU, TEHSIL CAMPUS, SAGAR (M.P.)
E-mail :- dpepiusagar6@gmail.com
NIT No. 34/2021/CENTRALISED TENDERING/G/APD/ SAGAR, DATE : 29.12.2021
Online bids for the following works are invited from registered contractors and firms of repute
fulfilling registration criteria :
S. Tender Name of work District Probable Eranest Cost of Period of Name of office
N Portal ID Amount Money Bid Completion to which
o. Contract Deposit Document (in months physical
(Rs. in (EMD) (in Rs.) i/c Rainy submission to
lakh) (in Rs.) Season) be opened
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
CONSTRUCTION OF 06 TRADE ITI
CAMPUS (ITI COLLEGE, 60 SEATED
BOYS HOSTEL, F TYPE 1 NOS, H
2021_ TYPE TWIN CONFIGURATIOIN APD
2 NOS, I TYPE MULTISTOREY
1 PWPIU_ Sagar 839.42 839423 20000.00 18 Month PWD PIU
TWIN CONFIGURATION 4 NOS
175962_1 WITH SIDE DEVELOPMENT AT JABALPUR
JARUAKHEDA DISTT. SAGAR FOR
SKILL DEPARTMENT IN M.P.
1st Call
GOVT. OF MAHARASHTRA
1. All details relating to the Bid Document (s) can be viewed and downloaded free of cost from the Public Works (South) Division, Pune - 411 001
website http://mptenders.gov.in
Phone No. 020/26121765
2. Bid Document (s) can be purchased after making online payment of portal fees through Credit/
Debit/Cash Card/ Internet Banking. Web- www.mahapwd.gov.in & e-mail- pune.ee@mahapwd.gov.in
3. The Bid Document (s) can be purchased only online from 10:30 (time), 31.12.2021 (date) to 17:30
(time), 15.01.2022 (date). Other key dates may be seen in Bid Data Sheet.
E-TENDER NOTICE NO. 65 FOR 2021-2022
4. Amendment (s) to NIT, if any, shall be published on website only, and not in newspaper. The Executive Engineer, Public Works (South) Division, Pune - 411 001 invites bids for
DIVISIONAL PROJECT ENGINEER following work from Registered as well as unregistered Contractor, and full filling the qualifying
G-20943/21 MeI F IZ Qû Oû¬F ´Fc¯FÊ, I ûd½FO ÀFZ ÀFbSÃFF ÀF¸´Fc¯FÊ PWD, PIU, SAGAR criteria in B-1 Tender Format as per Maharashtra Government, Public Work Department G.R.
No. CAT/2017/Pra.Kra-08/Bldg-2, dt. 27/9/2018 and Public Work Deparment Matralaya Mumbai
Government of Maharashtra. Circular No. CAT/2017/Pra.Kra-08/BIdg-2, dt. 22/10/2018.
Executive Engineer, Public Works Division No.3, Bids document can be downloaded from website https://mahatenders.gov.in Executive
In front of office of the Superintendent of Police (Rural) , Civil lines, Nagpur-1.
E-mail :- div3nagpur.ee@mahapwd.gov.in Telephone No. (0712) 2561586
Engineer reserves all rights to accept or reject bids. Conditional bids will not be accepted.
E -Tender Notice No. 39 / 2021-22 Name of Work Construction Of Raja Bahadur Pittie Oxygen Park At
Outward No. :- 4765 /Tender ., Date :- 29.12.2021 Survey No-30, Kbaradi, Tal. Haveli, Dist.Pune.
Executive Engineer, Public Works Division No. 3, Civil lines, Nagpur are invited Online e-tenders in B-1 form for following works from Any Capable Persons / Contractor. Tender paper can be
download on Govt site http://mahatenders.gov.in. Also, Right is reserved to reject any or all tenders without assigning any reason. Conditional tenders will be treated as non responsive. Estimate Cost 1 1,97,38,913/-
S. Name of work Amount Tender Work Period of Sale of Tender Document Dt. 06/01/2022 @ 10.00 hrs. to dt. 20/01/2022 @ 18.00 hrs.
N. put to form Completion
tender Rs. period Pre-bid Meeting Dt. 11/01/2022 @ 15.00 hrs.
(Rs. In lakhs) (In Months)
In the Office of The Superintending Engineer,P. W.
1 2 3 4 5
1 Constn. of Major bridge on Sirsi Hiwara Indapur Mandwa Chargaon road (MDR 116) in Km. 6/500 Ta. Umred Dist. Nagpur 942.00 3360 18
Circle, New Central Building, Pune -1.
2 Constn. of Two Minor bridges at Km. 6/900 & 10/00 on Wag Virkhandi Tama road MDR 51 Ta. Kuhi Dist. Nagpur. 935.00 3360 18 Perod of online Submission of Tender Dt. 06/01/2022 @ 10.00 hrs. to dt. 20/01/2022 @ 18.00 hrs.
3 Constn. of Major bridge on road Starting from NH 353D Shivapur Sarandi Mandwa Wakeshwar Jawali Malharpur Dhaprla Taka 306.40 2240 12
(Upto Bhisi road NH 353) road MDR 141 ch 15/900 Ta. Bhiwapur Dist. Nagpur. Contractor shall submit one Hard copy of bid (Sealed Technical and Commercial Envelope)
4 Constn. of road Starting from Shiwapur Sarandi Mandwa Wakeshwar Jawali Malharpur Dhaparla Taka (Upto Bhisi road NH 353E) M.D.R. 141 221.00 2240 12 within 24 hrs. after Bid Lock Process on e-procumbent as per G.R. No
Km. 0/00 to 27/00 Ta. Bhiwapur Dist. Nagpur. CAT/2017/Pra.Kra./08/Bldg.2, dt. 27/9/2018 and dt. 22/10/2018.
5 Improvement to road NH 6 to Satnavri Malegaon (Khurd ) Toragondi Neri Nildoh Mangrul road (MDR 44) Km. 9/300 to 10/800 Ta. Hingna Dist. Nagpur. 210.00 2240 12
6 Constn. of Two Minor bridges at Km. 7/900 & 9/100 on Umred Thombra Nirva Isapur Kuhi road MDR 113 Ta. Umred Dist. Nagpur. 199.20 1120 12 Period of online Tender opening - Dt. 24/01/2022 @ 11.00: hrs. (If Possible) In The Office
7 Improvement and widening to Umred Kalamna Lohara to MDR 37 (MDR 112) in Km. 8/200 to 11/500 Ta. Umred Dist. Nagpur 194.78 1120 12 Of The Superintending Engg.P.w.Circle, Pune-1.
8 Constn. of Compound wall to ITI, Umred Ta. Umred Dist. Nagpur. 148.82 1120 06 The detailed Tender Notice can be is available on
9 Improvement and widening to Kelwad Saoner Bazargaon Yerangaon road S.H. 336 in Km. 57/500 to 58/500 Ta. Hingna Dist. Nagpur. 126.79 1120 06
1. Web- www.mahapwd.gov.in (Only Tender Notice)
E-tender downloading period :- 08.01.2022 to 03.02.2022
Pre tender conference meeting :- 21.01.2022 @ 16.00 hrs at Chief Engineer, P. W. Region, Nagpur office for S.N. 01,02, 03 works & for S.N. 04 , 05 , 06 & 07 works 2. https://mahatenders.gov.in
in the office of Superintending Engineer, P. W. Circle, Nagpur on dt. 21.01.2022 @ 15.00 hrs. (Any changes in the NIT will be Corrigendum’s published on above website)
E-tender opended :- 07.02.2022 Place :- Superintending Engineer, P. W. Circle, Nagpur. 3. Notice Board @ o/o Executive Engineer, P. W.(South) Division, Pune, Central Building,
Information about E-tender can be available following web site
1) http://mahatenders.gov.in Pune 411 001.
2) Notice board of office of the Executive Engineer, P. W. Dn. No.3. Nagpur. Sd/-
3) Terms and conditions binding to all participants. The changes will be available on electronic tendering system of Govt of Maharashtra portal i.e. http://mahatenders.gov.in Executive Engineer,
4) Tender will be opened as per mentioned schedule on portal if applicable.
Sd/- Public Work (South)Division,
(Dilip Deole ) DGIPR/2021-2022/ROC 3527 Pune 411 001.
Executive Engineer
DGIPR/2021-2022/ROC 3495 Public Works Division No.3, Nagpur
GOVERNMENT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
{Thursday} BLOCK-D, NIRMAN BHAWAN, NIGAM VIHAR, SHIMLA-171002
Notice Inviting Bid
www.htclassifieds.com Bid No. PW-CE-NH-CTR-Tender Notice/EPC-40/2021-
RFP FOR “STRENGTHENING & IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD INCLUDING ROAD SAFETY ITEMS FROM KM 334/00 TO KM 337/140 ON
Dated: 04.01.2022

NH 05 (22) IN THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH ON EPC MODE”. (TENDER NO. EPC-40/2022).

SHOPPING AND PUBLIC NOTICES The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways through Chief Engineer NH HPPWD Shimla is engaged in the development of National
Highways and as part of this Endeavour, it has been decided to undertake “Strengthening & improvement of road including road

RETAIL safety items from Km 334/00 to Km 337/140 on NH-05 (22) in the State of Himachal Pradesh on EPC mode”. (Tender No. EPC-
40/2022) through an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contract.
Himachal Pradesh Public works Department through Chief Engineer NH HPPWD Shimla now invites bids from eligible contractors
for the following project:
State NH Tender Name of Work Estimated Completion Defect Liability
No. Package Civil period Period &
No. Cost Of Maintenance
Project* Period
Himachal 05 EPC-40 Strengthening & improvement of road including road Rs. 06 5 Years
Pradesh safety items from Km 334/00 to Km 337/140 on NH-05 4.63 Months
(22) in the State of Himachal Pradesh on EPC mode Cr.*
*The Estimated Project Cost is the Civil Cost of the work without GST and is used only for Evaluation Purpose. The bid should
be quoted as per BoQ inclusive of GST.
The complete BID document can be viewed/downloaded from official portal of e-procurement portal of MoRT&H (https://eprocure.
gov.in/eprocure/app) from 04.01.2022 (1800 Hrs. IST) to 17.02.2022 (upto 1100 Hrs IST). Bidder must submit its Technical bid
& Financial Bid at (https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app) and also Technical Bid at (https://bims.gov.in) on or before 17.02.2022
(upto 1100 Hours IST). It is mandatory to submit the Technical Bids on (https://bims.gov.in) also. Bids received online shall be
opened on 18.02.2022 (at 1130 Hours IST).
Bid through any other mode shall not be entertained. However, Bid Securing Declaration, document fee receipt deposited through
Bharatkosh/NTRP only, Power of Attorney and Joint Bidding Agreement etc. shall be submitted physically by the Bidder on or before
18.02.2022 (at 1100 Hours IST). Please note that the Chief Engineer, NH, HPPWD, Shimla-2 reserves the right to accept or reject
all or any of the BIDs without assigning any reason whatsoever.
Officer In-charge
For and on Behalf of Governor of HP
Chief Engineer,
National Highway, Nirman Bhawan
HPPWD, Shimla-171002
Phone/Fax 0177-2629416
e-mail: ce-nh-hp@nic.in
Chief Engineer (NH)
DPR HP-6051 HP. PWD, Shimla-2
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
Elgar’s doggedness leaves
second Test in the balance
SA need 122 runs to
level series but India’s
bowlers will still
fancy their chances
on a spicy Day 4 pitch
Somshuvra Laha
somshuvra.laha@htlive.com
KOLKATA: On a treacherous
Wanderers pitch that is ironi-
cally also getting better for bat-
ting, India and South Africa are
locked in an intense battle for
the second Test that will possibly
go to the wire. Still needing 122
runs to win and level the series,
South Africa will be comforted
by the fact that captain Dean
Elgar has survived a barrage of
bouncers to hold one end up.
India, on the other hand, know
they still have a decent chance of
pulling off a win if the fast bowl-
ers have a breakout morning
session like their opponents had
on Wednesday.
It was a day of inspiring sub-
plots, of Cheteshwar Pujara and
Ajinkya Rahane reviving their
career with a 111-run stand, of
Kagiso Rabada ripping the heart
out of India’s batting in the space
of four overs and Shardul Tha-
kur scoring at more than run a
ball to again justify the #Lord-
Shardul memes. Add to this Jas-
prit Bumrah’s fiery exchange
with Marco Jansen and Elgar not
even grimacing despite taking a
nasty Bumrah bouncer on his
face and this match gave us
every thrill of Test cricket within
three sessions.
The two wickets that India
took were the result of persever-
ance—Thakur continuing to
probe the off-stump corridor
with the scrambled seam and
Ravichandran Ashwin finally
getting into groove. Aiden Mar-
kram almost lost his wicket a
couple of times before Thakur
finally trapped him leg before.
First ball of his over drew a huge
appeal after Thakur got the ball
to jag back and hit Markram on
the front pad. The appeal was
turned down but captain KL
Rahul decided against referring
it because he correctly thought
height was a problem. Next ball,
another appeal but this time the
ball was down leg. Markram was
rooted to his crease, playing and
missing a wider delivery next up
before Thakur got him with a
ball that hit back of a length and
moved in to hit low on his back
pad. Markram, who was batting
well out of his crease by then,
PM SECURITY BREACH
vince farmers to clear all routes.
All roads were cleared by
Wednesday morning. Had they
told us about the road travel in
advance, we would have made
proper arrangements,” Channi
said.
Still, it is difficult to recall the
last time when a sitting PM had
to cancel a rally after protestors
blocked the way -- even in a state
ruled by a rival party. Through
last year, the BJP fought a bitter
battle in West Bengal with the
Trinamool Congress, and the PM
addressed several rallies without
incident.
The Bhartiya Kisan Union (
Krantikari), one of the 32 farm
organisations involved in the
year-long protests against the
now repealed farm laws, took
responsibility for the blockade.
“We were not aware that PM
would travel by road as we were
told he would reach the rally site
by a helicopter. We were already
protesting on the spot and came
to know about the PM only after
his cavalcade had left,” said Bal-
dev Singh Zira, general secretary
of BKU(Krantikari).
Security experts said the
established protocol puts the
onus of ensuring security on
state governments.
“The state police is informed
in advance about PM’s travel
programme and an advance
security liaison (ASL) is carried
out jointly with the state police
and Intelligence Bureau in
which any threats, programme
venue’s security, route, alterna-
tive routes are discussed. While
the SPG (special protection
group) handles the proximate
security, the overall security –
including clearing of routes,
peripheral security arrange-
ment, frisking of venue are all
responsibilities of the state
police,” said a former senior SPG
officer, requesting anonymity.
In a statement detailing the
sequence of events, the Press
Information Bureau said,“Today
This inside edge off Rassie van der Dussen’s bat fell agonisingly short of short-leg, but India will be hoping for better luck on Day 4.
couldn’t bring his bat down on
the ball. Ashwin pegged back
Petersen with a length delivery
pitching outside off and turning
so sharply that he missed his
flick and was struck in front of
middle and leg. Elgar didn’t
advise Petersen to go upstairs.
Elgar stepped in again after
that, taking blows on his body
while slowly steering his team to
safer ground, leaving India jit-
tery. That it would be a day of
uncertainties was apparent from
the way Pujara and Rahane
came out swinging their bats as
South Africa pacers struggled to
find their lengths. The first 12
overs were milked for 63 runs as
India raced past the 100-run
lead. Pujara picked up from
where he had left on Day 3, glan-
cing Lungisani Ngidi for four
before driving him through
mid-on for another. Both
Rahane and Pujara were at ease
as they reached their fifties and
their 100-run partnership.
The second hour of the morn-
ing was when it started to come
apart. Rahane was hurried by a
short of length delivery from
Rabada, feathering it to the wick-
etkeeper. Pujara survived a leg-
before review off Duanne Olivier
but Rabada pinned him the next
morning, the Prime Minister
landed at Bathinda from where
he was to go to the National Mar-
tyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala
by helicopter. Due to rain and
poor visibility, the PM waited for
about 20 minutes for the
weather to clear out.”
“When the weather did not
improve, it was decided that he
would visit the National Marytrs
Memorial via road, which would
take more than two hours. He
proceeded to travel by road after
necessary confirmation of neces-
sary security arrangements by
the DGP (director general of
police) Punjab Police,” it added
The statement went on to say
that “around 30km away from
the National Martyrs Memorial
in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s
convoy reached a flyover, it was
found that the road was blocked
by some protestors”, resulting in
the convoy being stuck there for
15-20 minutes, which was a
major lapse in his security.
Modi was scheduled to
address a rally in Ferozepur and
lay the foundation stone of mul-
tiple development projects
worth more than ₹42,750 crore.
This would have been his first
public meeting in the state since
the repeal of the three controver-
sial farm laws, which sparked
sweeping protests across the
state.
Shah said that the Union
home ministry sought a detailed
report on the security breach
from the state. “Such dereliction
of security procedure in the
Prime Minister’s visit is totally
unacceptable and accountability
will be fixed,” he tweeted.
In his press briefing, the Pun-
jab CM claimed that the attend-
ance at the BJP’s rally in Feroze-
pur was thin, and that only 700
people had turned up for the
arrangements that were made
keeping 70,000 people in mind.
“May be this was why the PM
decided to go back,” he added.
BJP chief JP Nadda accused
the Congress government in
SCORECARD
India, 1st innings 202
South Africa, 1st innings 229
India, 2nd innings
(overnight 85/2)
C Pujara lbw Rabada
A Rahane c Verreynne b Rabada 58
H Vihari not out
R Pant c Verreynne b Rabada
R Ashwin c Verreynne b Ngidi 16
S Thakur c Maharaj b Jansen
M Shami c Verreynne b Jansen 0
J Bumrah c Jansen b Ngidi
M Siraj b Ngidi
Extras (b16, lb4, nb8, w5)
Total (60.1 overs)
FoW: 1-24, 2-44, 3-155, 4-163, 5-167,
time with a fuller delivery.
Rishabh Pant survived two
balls before falling to a wild
heave. Ashwin brought back
some sanity to the batting with a
quick 16 before Ngidi got him to
nick a length ball down the leg.
Enter Thakur and the complex-
ion of the match suddenly
changed as he hit five bounda-
ries and a huge six with a top
edge off Jansen to guide India’s
lead past 200. With an unbeaten
40, Hanuma Vihari did his bit—
defending when needed and let-
ting loose when wickets were
Punjab of using “all tricks to
scuttle” PM Modi’s programmes,
including the Ferozepur rally. In
a series of tweets, he said that
Modi’s rally was called off and
another programme disrupted
as protesters blocked his route
breaching the security protocol.
He termed the security lapse as
“extremely worrisome” incident.
“Protestors were given access to
the Prime Minister’s route while
the Punjab CS and DGP gave
assurances to SPG that the route
is clear. To make matters worse,
CM Channi refused to get on the
phone to either address the mat-
ter or solve it,” Nadda tweeted.
In response, the Congress said
that the real reason for cancel-
ling the rally was the poor
attendance in Ferozepur. “Dear
Naddaji, Stop losing cool and all
sense of propriety. Please
remember--1. 10,000 security
personnel were deployed for
PM’s Rally. 2. All arrangements
were made in tandem with SPG
and other agencies. 3. Route was
carved even for all buses of BJP
workers from Haryana/Rajast-
han,” said party general secre-
tary Randeep Singh Surjewala.
“4. PM decided to take a road
journey to Hussainiwala. It was
not part of his original schedule
to travel by road. 5. Kisan maz-
door Sangharsh Committee
(KMSC) has been protesting
against PM’s visit and Union
Minister, Gajendra Shekhawat
has held two rounds of negotia-
tion with them,” the leader
added.
CM Channi said there should
not be any politics on the issue.
Elections in Punjab are likely
to be announced shortly. The
ruling Congress hopes to come
back to power by holding at bay
the BJP, its erstwhile ally Akali
Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party.
Farm issues, and the yearlong
protests against the three central
laws, are expected to shape the
poll campaign.
Detailing the protocol
between the Special Protection
Sport
AFP
made his statement.
India were 155/2 at one point.
6-184, 7-225, 8-228, 9-245 To lose eight wickets for 111 runs
Bowling: Rabada 20-3-77-3 (8nb, from there—there was no hurry
1w), Olivier 12-1-51-1, Ngidi 10.1-2-
to set a target—is almost reck-
43-3, Jansen 17-4-67-3, Maharaj 1-
less. With Rahane and Pujara
0-8-0.
setting the tone for the day, India
53 South Africa, 2nd innings
should have consolidated and
A Markram lbw Thakur 31 slowed down the game. Pant
40
D Elgar batting 46 possibly had something else on
0
K Petersen lbw Ashwin 28 his mind when he charged down
Dussen batting 11 the pitch to hoick Rabada over
28
Extras (lb 2) 2 extra cover. All he managed was
a thick edge to the wicketkeeper.
7 Total (for 2 wkts, 40 overs) 118
Like the across-the-line
0 FoW: 1-47, 2-93
whack where his bottom hand
33 Bowling: Bumrah 10-0-42-0,
comes off, Pant has the tendency
266 Shami 9-2-22-0, Thakur 9-1-24-1,
to play this shot when looking to
Siraj 4-0-14-0, Ashwin 8-1-14-1.
break free. He has tried it more
successfully on home pitches but
falling at the other end. away from it, this has fetched
Here’s where it could all go nothing but failure. And lunch
wrong though. The highest suc- was not far away. Despite the
cessful run chase at Wanderers breakthrough, South Africa were
is 310/8 by Australia in 2011. very much on the back foot. It
South Africa’s target is 240. isn’t as if Pant hasn’t played a
There are two days left in the patient knock before. Go back a
game, and more importantly year and Brisbane and Sydney
Elgar is still standing. If there is are proof that Pant almost
anyone who knows how to util- always wins a match if he bats
ise time and wear down bowlers longer. Having set the precedent
on a pitch that has a mind of its it’s inexcusable to throw away a
own, it’s Elgar. When you look wicket like that. Aggression
back at India’s second innings, works at times, but controlled
no one looked to play that hand, aggression has a better chance
not even Pujara after he had almost every time.
{ }
Group (SPG) and Punjab police, COVID HOME ISOLATION
the PIB statement said the PM’s during the health briefing.
schedule and travel plan was But, he cautioned, “it was
communicated well in advance important to remember that if
to the Punjab government. “As there is a very large number of
per procedure, they have to cases, even these small propor-
make necessary arrangements tions will become a lot in num-
for logistics, security as well as bers”.
keep a contingency plan ready. Experts said the sharp surge
Also, in view of the contingency and the milder outcomes com-
plan, the Punjab Government plicate efforts to balance con-
has to deploy additional security tainment measures and avoid a
to secure any movement by road, disproportionate disruption to
which was clearly not deployed.” everyday life if those who don’t
Senior officials in the Punjab need to are forced to isolate.
Police declined to comment. The new guidelines thus
The PIB statement said after carry some more relaxations,
the security lapse, it was decided like not needing close contacts
to head back to Bathinda airport. of a confirmed case to be tested
Taking cognisance of what it as long as they do not have any
termed as a “serious” security symptoms.
lapse, the ministry of home “The new home isolation
affairs (MHA) has sought a guidelines relate to all Covid-19
detailed report from the state cases. Omicron as well a Delta is
government. The state govern- part of these cases... hence,
ment has also been asked to fix these home isolation guidelines
responsibility for this lapse and apply to all Covid-19 cases,” a
take strict action, the statement Union health ministry note said.
added. “The way cases are rising,
A second SPG officer, who and which is expected with the
requested anonymity, said, “In new variant, institutional isola-
the wake of recently concluded tion does not make sense any
farmer protests, any agitation by longer. Experts were consulted
farmer bodies should have been and after detailed deliberation it
anticipated by the state police was decided that those who are
and SPG should have been mildly symptomatic, or asymp-
alerted about it. It is definitely a tomatic, should be allowed
lapse if the PM was stuck on the home isolation under certain
flyover for 15-20 minutes. But conditions,” said a senior public
what exactly transpired will health expert with the govern-
come out in the state govern- ment aware of the matter, on
ment’s report or if any inquiry is condition of anonymity.
carried out”. A second official, who asked
In her press conference, Irani not to be named, said because of
questioned the Punjab govern- the exponential surge, “meas-
ment’s failure in addressing the ures such as contact tracing and
security lapse. “When the PM‘s creating containment zones will
security detail contacted Punjab not serve any concrete pur-
police about the circumstance of pose”.
the prime minister‘s cavalcade “The onus lies on an individ-
atop the flyover that there was a ual now to take preventive
20 minute exposure and a measures such as Covid-appro-
breach of security of the Prime priate behaviour; wearing a
Minister, why did those who lead mask; avoiding mass gatherings
the security arrangements not to avoid getting infected. For
respond to any call for efforts to those who show symptoms, it is
secure the prime minister,” the better to get tested at home and
minister asked. isolate if the symptoms are
Pujara, Rahane: More
vintage than desperate
Sanjjeev K Samyal
sanjjeev.samyal@htlive.com
MUMBAI: The South Africa Test
series is seen a last chance for
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya
Rahane to extend their interna-
tional career after an extended
poor run with the bat. The hall-
mark of elite players though is
how they raise their game when
the battle gets tough. The posi-
tive surge in batting by Pujara
and Rahane in the second
innings of the Wanderers Test
could well be the difference
between an Indian victory and
defeat.
Pujara has time after time
blocked potent bowling attacks
abroad to lead the fight in his
own understated way. With the
pressure on them, the two sen-
iors got together and put on a
batting show. Pujara displayed
controlled aggression, scoring a
fluent 53 (10x4), and Rahane
smashed 58 (8x4, 1x6) and raised
an invaluable partnership of 111
to help India reach 266 and give
themselves a total they can look
to defend.
Both had failed to capitalise
on starts in the first three
innings on the tour and former
skipper Sunil Gavaskar, doing
TV commentary, said both were
fighting for their places, with
Shreyas Iyer and Hanuman
Vihari available as ready
replacements in the middle-or-
der. More than dealing with
their personal uncertainty, the
situation in the Test demanded
that they take charge, which they
did with some assurance. After
conceding a 27-run lead on a
pitch where every run is hard
earned, India had lost both open-
ers to be reduced to 44/2 after
11.4 overs.
The main criticism of Pujara
and Rahane has been that they
often go into a shell. They
showed great intent this time,
Pujara reaching his fifty off just
62 balls, among his fastest.
Pujara set the tone and
Rahane soon opened up, an
upper cut for six over point
against left-arm pacer Marco
Jenson exemplifying his aggres-
sion. Rahane caught up with
Pujara, reaching his fifty off 67
balls with two successive fours
off Duanne Olivier.
Despite the pressure on them,
when the game is in balance,
they still are two batsmen rival
teams would not want to deal
with. They have built their
career making tough runs in
tough situations. And across
Tuesday evening and Wednes-
day morning, it was not about
form but the showing the experi-
ence of dealing with the situa-
tion. They are masters of the res-
cue act. Just four Tests ago, they
mild. It makes sense to not rush
to a hospital unnecessarily,” this
person added.
During the briefing, Union
health ministry joint secretary
Lav Agarwal said the guidelines
now specify how best people
should isolate, and when they
need to seek attention. People
who end isolation at seven days
should continue wearing masks
when they go out, he stressed.
The new guidelines,
uploaded by the health ministry
on its website, also specified the
patients who should not be rec-
ommended for home isolation:
those compromised immunity,
like HIV-infected people, trans-
plant recipients and cancer
patients. People above the age of
60 years with comorbid condi-
tions such as hypertension, dia-
betes, heart disease and chronic
lung/liver/ kidney diseases will
only be allowed home isolation
after proper evaluation by the
treating medical officer.
Among the other changes
mentioned in the revised guide-
lines, the Centre also asked for
requisite facilities at home for
other family contacts to be able
to quarantine and for a care-
giver to be fully vaccinated
against Covid-19.
The rest of the guidelines are
largely the same as released last
year.
Asymptomatic cases have
been defined as laboratory con-
firmed cases without any symp-
toms and with oxygen satura-
tion at room air of more than
93%. Clinically assigned mild
cases are patients with upper
respiratory tract symptoms
with or without fever, without
shortness of breath and with
oxygen saturation at room air of
more than 93%.
Experts said case numbers
are going to keep rising for a
while, making it important to
monitor the hospitalization
rate.
“Cases are going to increase
substantially because of the new
Under pressure of losing their spots to youngsters, Cheteshwar
Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane stitched together a 111-run stand. ANI
did that in the Lord’s Test win
last year against England. After
conceding a 27-run lead, India
had lost Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul
and Virat Kohli for just 55 runs.
Then too, Pujara and Rahane
were dealing with form issues,
but dug in to add 100 runs for the
fourth wicket and lay the foun-
dation for the win.
At Lord’s, their defensive
game was to the fore as the situa-
tion demanded that. The Wan-
derers situation though called
for an attacking approach. The
pitch offered so much assistance
to the pace bowlers that getting
quick runs is the best option as
any delivery could have your
number.
That’s why the half-century
on Wednesday would give the
two senior batters great satisfac-
tion. Batting against his natural
grain, it was Pujara who led
India’s fightback. He constantly
looked to score, building a posi-
tive rhythm to his batting. He
had raced to 35 off just 42 balls,
with seven fours, to help India
reach stumps on Day 2 58 runs
ahead.
The morning session was cru-
cial. The question was whether
Pujara would be able to continue
in the same manner? To the
pleasant surprise of his fans and
critics, the India No 3 continued
to bat aggressively, ensuring
India will have a fighting total to
variant in circulation; but the
main issue is to see how mild it
remains. It is the rate of hospi-
talisation that will eventually
decide how concerning the
spread is as merely rising num-
bers should not be of a serious
concern,” said Dileep Mava-
lankar, director, Indian Institute
of Public Health, Gandhinagar.
“If positive cases are getting
better on their own without
hospitalization, there is no
worry. Level of mildness of the
virus and higher immunity
because of vaccines and natural
infection will balance out
things. In next two-three weeks
we should know clearly how
mild the disease is proving to be
in our population,” Mavalankar
added The health expert added
that gross mortality too should
be monitored for any concern-
ing spike. “ What works in our
favour is the fact that our popu-
lation is young compared to US
or UK,” he said, while also call-
ing for authorities to consider a
full market authorisation for
the vaccines in use to allow peo-
ple who want to.
MUNDRA PORT
Trading Company run by Chen-
nai-based couple Machavaram
Sudhakar and Govindaraju
Durga Purna Vaishali. A Kanda-
har-based firm, Hasan Husain
Ltd , was used in both June and
September to smuggle in the
heroin, labelled as semi-proc-
essed talc stones.
“The June consignment, sus-
pected to be around 300kg , was
sent to Mundra port for the first
time as a ‘tester’, to see the secu-
rity arrangements there. Once
the June consignment was
cleared, Nabibullah got confi-
dent and a larger consignment of
3,000kg heroin was sent in Sep-
tember. Prior to Mundra port, he
was using border smugglers,
couriers and other modes to get
drugs into India from Afghani-
stan,” said a second officer famil-
iar with the investigation,
21
defend. In the end, they set South
Africa 240. Although the hosts
were 118/2 at stumps, Indian
bowlers will still fancy their
chances of bowling the team to a
series-clinching win.
Rahane, resuming on 11, drew
confidence from his batting part-
ner and blossomed. Strokes
flowed from the bat of both
experienced players as the SA
bowling attack looked clueless.
Rahane was caught behind first
ball in the first innings fishing
outside off-stump. This time he
showed total control over his
hands, keeping in check the
instinct to follow the ball.
SA started the proceedings
with left-arm Jansen and Lungi
Ngidi for their ability to keep
things tight. But they were not
allowed to settle.
A flurry of shots that fetched
16 runs in the first three overs set
the tone. Pujara, who had a
strike rate of 83.33 the previous
evening, began with two fours in
the second over bowled by Ngidi.
The first was glanced fine and
second was driven through
mid-on. Rahane then unfurled
the silkiest stroke of the day,
driving past Jansen.
It took an inspired burst from
Kagiso Rabada to end the Pujar-
a-Rahane show, but the two had
done enough to show why they
remain central to India’s plans in
tough conditions.
requesting anonymity.
Investigators have found that
Nabibullah, who is in his early
30s, was living in India for past
five years, and had rented sev-
eral godowns in and around
Delhi, where he used to store the
drugs smuggled from Afghani-
stan.
“As the news about the sei-
zure of 3,000kg consignment by
DRI broke, he left the country
within four-five days. We believe
he fled to Afghanistan via Paki-
stan but we don’t have his photo-
graph or other details including
the route or his address there,”
added the second officer.
Since Taliban’s takeover of the
Afghanistan on August 15 last
year, Indian agencies have been
worried that huge quantities of
Afghan heroin will be pushed
into India by drug traffickers
backed by Pakistan. Narcotics
smuggling and trade has for long
been used as a vehicle of funding
by terror networks operating in
Pakistan and targeting India. It
isn’t known at this point in time
whether Nabibullah has any
connections with such networks.
The National Investigation
Agency is currently investigating
the case. Eight persons, includ-
ing four Afghan nationals based
in the National Capital Region,
two Uzbek women, and the
Chennai couple have been
arrested in the case so far.
Asked whether any warrant
or notice has been issued against
Nabibullah, NIA said that this
“information cannot be shared
at this point”.
Kandahar , Helmand, Badg-
his, Uruzgan, and Faryab are
areas where major opium poppy
cultivation takes place in
Afghanistan.
UN data suggests that poten-
tial opium production in
Afghanistan in 2020 was esti-
mated at 6,300 tonnes and the
average opium yield was 28 kilo-
grams per hectare. The country
produces over 85% of the world’s
opium.
22
Visa issues: Novak may not defend Aus Open after all
Agencies
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic
landed in Melbourne on
Wednesday in the middle of a
political maelstrom over his
medical exemption from Cov-
id-19 vaccination requirements,
with a visa blunder adding to the
world number one’s problems
ahead of the Australian Open.
Djokovic touched down at
Tullamarine airport at about
11:30pm local time, but was
awaiting permission to enter the
country after it emerged that his
team had applied for a visa that
does not allow for medical
exemptions.
That prompted the local gov-
ernment of Victoria, the state
where the Open is played, to say
it would not support Djokovic’s
application, putting his fate in
the hands of the federal govern-
ment and Prime Minister Scott
Morrison. “Any individual seek-
ing to enter Australia must com-
ply with our border require-
Bangladesh cricket’s finest hour
21 years after gaining
Test status, the
tourists registered
their biggest away
win handing WTC
champions NZ their
first defeat at home
after 17 matches
Shantanu Srivastava
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
New Delhi: Buster Douglas beat-
ing Mike Tyson. England trump-
ing Australia in what is now
known as Botham’s Ashes. A
17-year-old unseeded Boris
Becker winning Wimbledon in
1985. You get the drift. The
enduring romance of an mas-
sive underdog triumph got its
latest sequel in Mount Maun-
ganui when Mominul Haque’s
Bangladesh defeated reigning
world Test champions New Zea-
land by eight wickets early on
Wednesday morning.
The collective elation sweep-
ing the cricket-mad nation
when Mushfiqur Rahim—their
highest run-getter in Tests—
steered Kylie Jamieson behind
point to complete the heist has
been 21 years in the making.
Bangladesh’s Test status has
been questioned often.
They have forever flirted on
the edge of being minnows and
being considered a serious
threat.
Few would have given them a
chance in this Test—they’ve
never won a match in New Zea-
land in any format of cricket.
Who would have bet on them
beating the newly crowned
world champion Test side? And
do it without two of their most
seasoned campaigners in
Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al
Hasan.
And yet, when a volleyball
player-turned-fast bowler
brought them to the brink of the
unthinkable on Tuesday, a
nation dreamt. One can safely
assume that the long night of
anticipation was a sleepless one
for Bangladeshis across the
world--it certainly was for the
captain, “I did not sleep at all
last night,” Mominul said after
the win. But perhaps no one
would have been more eager to
A
l Liverpool-Arsenal semi-final England strike late in soggy Sydney
Hyderabad draw
vs Mohun Bagan
FATORDA: David
Williams scored the
fastest goal in Indian
Super League history
but Javier Siverio’s late
strike ensured
Hyderabad FC moved to
top of the table riding a
2-2 draw against ATK
Mohun Bagan at the
PJN Stadium here on
Wednesday. Williams
took just 12 seconds to
score before
Bartholomew Ogbeche
(18th) continued his
goalscoring spree with
an equaliser.
Ramkumar and
Bopanna in last 8
ADELAIDE: Ramkumar
Ramanathan and
Rohan Bopanna
entered the men’s
doubles quarter-finals
of the Adelaide
International ATP
tournament with a 6-
7(4), 7-6(3), 10-4 win
over eighth seeds
Nathaniel Lammons
and Jackson Withrowin
of the United States.
ments,” Morrison told Sky
Sports. “He has to because if he’s
not vaccinated, he must provide
acceptable proof that he cannot
be vaccinated for medical rea-
sons and to be able to access the
same travel arrangements, as
fully vaccinated travellers.”
“So we await his presentation
and what evidence he provides
to support that. If that evidence
is insufficient, then he won’t be
treated any different to anyone
else and he’ll be on the next
plane home. There should be no
special rules for Novak Djokovic
at all, none whatsoever,” he
added.
Morrison has faced an enor-
mous backlash over his govern-
ment’s decision to grant Djok-
ovic a medical exemption from
vaccination to play at the Open,
where the player would be bid-
ding for a record 21st major title.
Australia, especially the state
of Victoria, has endured the
world’s longest cumulative lock-
down and an outbreak of the
Omicron variant has sent case
Five of Test cricket's biggest upsets
1971 INDIA BEAT
WEST INDIES by 7
wickets, Port of Spain
India’s first ever win over West
Indies came against a side led
by Garry Sobers and including
Clive Lloyd and Rohan Kanhai.
Spin trio Bishan Singh Bedi, EAS
Prasanna and S Venkataragha-
van shared eight wickets in the
first innings while nine fell to
spin in the second innings.
WHO IS EBADOT HOSSAIN?
He was playing volleyball in the
Bangladesh Air Force team when the
dream of becoming a fast bowler led
the Sylhet-born—he turns 28 on
Friday—to a pace hunt programme in
2016. Adjudged as one of the top
contestants, he was included in a
training camp in Dhaka.
The 5’ 8” bowler is far from a
finished article, but has the basic
ingredient, the ability to bowl fast.
take the field than Ebadot Hos-
sain, whose first name aptly
translates to “prayer”.
A Bangladesh Air Force sol-
dier, Hossain answered the
wishes of his country in style,
bringing out his signature
delayed after Covid cases rise
Associated Press
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
LONDON: A Covid outbreak
among Liverpool’s players and
staff led to the team’s match
against Arsenal in the English
League Cup semi-finals being
postponed on Wednesday, add-
ing to the backlog in English
football caused by the fast-
spreading Omicron variant.
The English Football League,
which runs the cup competition,
approved a request from Liver-
pool for the game to be called off
because of a slew of positive tests
at the club that has led to the clo-
sure of its training ground.
Player availability had already
been impacted because of inju-
ries and absences for the African
Cup of Nations, which is depriv-
ing Liverpool of Sadio Mane,
Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.
The first leg that was sched-
uled to take place at Arsenal on
Thursday will now be staged at
Anfield on Jan. 13. The second
leg will take place at Emirates
Stadium on Jan. 20.
“The league has accepted Liv-
erpool’s request after determin-
ing, albeit reluctantly, that a
numbers to record levels.
Following the backlash, Mor-
rison suggested Djokovic’s par-
ticipation was not a done deal
and he would have to satisfy the
federal government, which has
responsibility for international
borders and visas and was not
part of the exemption process.
Morrison said shortly before
Djokovic’s arrival that there
would be “no special rules” for
him on his exemption. “If that
evidence is insufficient, then he
won’t be treated any different to
anyone else and he’ll be on the
next plane home,” Morrison told
a media conference earlier.
Djokovic came in on an Emir-
ates flight but when border offi-
cials contacted the Victorian
government to ask if the state
would formally support the
world number one’s visa, it said
it wouldn’t. “The Federal Gov-
ernment has asked if we will
support Novak Djokovic’s visa
application to enter Australia,”
Victoria’s acting Sports Minister
Jaala Pulford said. “We will not
1977 PAKISTAN BEAT 1995 SRI LANKA BEAT
AUSTRALIA by 8 NEW ZEALAND by 241
wickets, Sydney runs, Napier
The first sub-continent team to Dismissed for 183, Sri Lanka
beat Australia at home jolted a roared back with left-arm pacer
side with stalwarts Greg Chaminda Vaas taking five
Chappell, Rod Marsh and Dennis wickets in both innings and
Lillee. Imran Khan took 6/102 chipping in with 33* and 36 to
and 6/63 to dismiss the hosts help the islanders claim their
for 211 and 180 with Sarfraz first victory away from home—
Nawaz (6/119 in the match) his by 241 runs.
pace ally.
The breakthrough came in 2018-19
when he took 21 wickets in the
domestic first-class tournament,
following it up with a strong BPL
season. Handed his Test debut in
February, 2019 against New Zealand in
Hamilton, he took 1/107 in an innings
defeat. Ebadot has played 11 of
Bangladesh’s 15 Tests since then.
Eleven wickets at an average of 81.54
in the first 10 should have seen his
salute six times in Kiwis’ second
innings. His heroic effort not
only restricted the hosts’ lead to
39 runs, but also put Bangla-
desh on course for their maiden
win against New Zealand in
their backyard in any format.
Fit-again Eriksen wants to play
for Denmark in Qatar World Cup
Agencies
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
STOCKHOLM: Christian Erik-
sen said he intended to
return to football to play for
Denmark at the World Cup
but his interview with a Dan-
ish broadcaster posed many
questions, with the play-
maker’s future still up in the
air. The Dane recently had
his contract terminated by
Inter after having a heart
starter device implanted fol-
lowing his dramatic collapse
while playing for his country
against Finland at Euro 2020
in Copenhagen.
postponement was the only
option,” the EFL said, “as the
club looks to mitigate against
the further risk of infection
amongst its squad and staff
alongside ensuring public health
was protected by not traveling
from Liverpool to London.”
be providing Novak Djokovic
with individual visa application
support to participate in the
2022 Australian Open Grand
Slam. We’ve always been clear
on two points: visa approvals are
a matter for the Federal Govern-
ment, and medical exemptions
are a matter for doctors.”
It was not clear whether the
federal government would allow
his entry. The Border Force
could not be reached for com-
ment.
Tennis Australia and govern-
ment officials moved quickly to
stress that Djokovic, who has
said he is opposed to Covid-19
vaccinations, had received no
preferential treatment.
Djokovic, who has won nine
titles at Melbourne Park includ-
ing the last three, confirmed on
Tuesday that had received a vac-
cination exemption to allow him
to play at the Australian Open,
which starts on Jan. 17.
Australian tennis great Rod
Laver, after whom the main
showcourt at Melbourne Park in
2001 INDIA BEAT
AUSTRALIA by 171
runs at Eden Gardens
Australia, the world No 1 team
by a distance, were on a
sensational run and seemed to
have almost extended their
record 16 Test wins in a row
when India, 0-1 down and
forced to follow on, rallied to
turn the tables on Steve
Waugh’s side.
exit, but his sheer pace kept everyone
hoping he would deliver one day. In
the 2019 pink-ball Test at Eden
Gardens, he dismissed Virat Kohli and
produced a salute, which has become
his celebration, like it is with Caribbean
pacer Sheldon Cottrell.
Ebadot delivered in style at Mt
Maunganui. His one wicket in the first
innings and a couple of poor reviews
that left skipper Mominul frustrated
Prior to this match, New Zea-
land had not lost a Test on home
soil since March 2017, when
South Africa rode on Keshav
Maharaj’s eight-wicket match
haul to win by eight wickets.
Since then, they went on a
Christian Eriksen. REUTERS
Eriksen knows, however,
he will have to convince any
prospective employer that he
is fit enough to play. “That’s
really why I feel it’s time to
get out and do an interview,
because I know what I want -
I want to play again,” he said.
Pepijn Lijnders, the assistant
coach who has been filling in for
Jurgen Klopp while the Liver-
pool manager is in isolation, was
one of “multiple players and
staff” who tested positive in the
latest round of checks on Tues-
day, the club said.
Sport
the state of Victoria is named,
warned that Djokovic might face
hostility from the local crowd.
“I think it might get ugly,”
Laver told News Corp. “I’d think
the Victorian people would be
thinking ‘Yes I’d love to see him
play and compete, but at the
same time there’s a right way
and a wrong way.’ “Yes, you’re a
great player and you’ve per-
formed and won so many tour-
naments, so it can’t be physical.
So what is the problem?”
Australian Open tournament
director Craig Tiley defended the
“completely legitimate applica-
tion and process” and insisted
there was no special treatment
for Djokovic. Only 26 people con-
nected with the tennis Grand
Slam event applied for an
exemption and, Tiley said, only a
“handful” — estimated at about
five — were granted.
The names, ages and national-
ities of applicants were redacted
for privacy reasons before each
application for a vaccine exemp-
tion was assessed by two inde-
Bangladesh medium pacer
Ebadot Hossain leads the team
out after bagging 6/46 which
led to the visitors’ first ever
Test win in New Zealand.
2017 BANGLADESH
BEAT AUSTRALIA by
20 runs, Dhaka
Australia had Steve Smith,
David Warner, Pat Cummins,
Josh Hazlewood and Nathan
Lyon. Bangladesh had Shakib Al
Hasan. The all-rounder took five
wickets in each innings after
top-scoring with 84 in the first
innings to help pull off a
sensational win.
had hardly looked promising. But he
returned with a sensational 6/46 in the
second innings, the second best
bowling performance ever by a
Bangladesh player overseas, after
Shakib Al Hasan's 6/33 against West
Indies in Kingston in 2008. Bangladesh
would be delighted that their patience
with Ebadot finally paid off after he
set up arguably the biggest win in
their 21-year Test history.
17-Test unbeaten run against
India, Pakistan, West Indies,
England, Sri Lanka, and Bangla-
desh. This, quite simply, is New
Zealand cricket’s best phase
where they have finished run-
ners-up in 50-over and 20-over
Agencies
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
SYDNEY: England’s bowlers
struck twice in the final session
to reduce Australia to 126 for
three at the close of play on a
rain-disrupted opening day of
the fourth Ashes test at the Syd-
ney Cricket Ground on Wednes-
day. James Anderson finally
winkled out Marcus Harris for a
109-ball 38 and Mark Wood had
Marnus Labuschagne caught
behind for 28 in the following
over to give the tourists a small
spring in their step heading into
day two.
Stuart Broad had earlier
reprised his role as David
Warner’s nemesis by dismissing
the Australia opener for the 13th
time in Ashes tests just before
the longest rain-interruption
took a two-hour chunk out of the
middle of the day. With Austra-
lia holding an unassailable 3-0
lead in the five-match series
after big wins in Brisbane, Ade-
laide and Melbourne, the tour-
ists are desperate for a good
showing in Sydney to restore
some pride.
Australia have plenty of bat-
ting in hand, however, and Steve
Smith was six not out alongside
Usman Khawaja, unbeaten on
pendent panels of experts, and
Tiley noted Djokovic is under no
obligation to reveal his reason
for seeking one.
But, he suggested, it would be
“helpful” if Djokovic chose to
explain it to a Melbourne public
still getting over months of lock-
downs and severe travel restric-
tions imposed at the height of
the pandemic. “I would encour-
age him to talk to the community
about it,” Tiley said in a news
conference while Djokovic was
in transit.
Meanwhile, the Indian union
sports ministry felt the Austra-
lian Open organisers wrongfully
denied junior player Aman
Dahiya an opportunity to com-
pete in the junior Grand Slam.
Dahiya had to compete in the
singles qualifying event of the
junior Australian Open but since
India started vaccination for
teenagers only from January 3,
he could not be vaccinated.
Ranked 78, Dahiya is only one of
the two Indians in junior top-100
along with Chirag Duhan (77).
formats and won the inaugural
World Test Championship.
Bangladesh, on the other
hand, have been a study in con-
trast. Since 2019, they had won
just two Tests – both against
Zimbabwe, the only team
ranked below them. Their last
two losses were an eight-wicket
thumping and an innings and
eight-run mauling, both at
home against Pakistan. All their
overseas wins had come against
Zimbabwe and a strike-ridden
West Indies, and they were yet
to win a Test in a SENA country.
Better than ODI wins
The Miracle of Mount Maun-
ganui, thus, must be counted as
their biggest win in any format.
Bigger than white-ball upsets
against Pakistan (1999) and
Australia (2005). Bigger than
knocking India out of the 2007
World Cup.
If this was an upset, it was
arrived at through patience,
consistency and grit. A month
after being run over by Pakistan
at home, their batters played
176.2 overs in New Zealand,
their second-longest effort in
terms of overs. It was also the
longest a visiting team has bat-
ted in New Zealand since 2009,
and only the second instance of
Bangladesh batting more than
150 overs outside Asia.
They, alongside Australia, are
the only teams to register four
400+ totals in New Zealand
since 2010, indicating that when
the stars, skills, and conditions
align, Bangladesh can do some-
thing special.
“I think this is a sign of our
improvement in Tests,”
Mominul said after the game. “I
think we all wanted to do better
in every department in Tests
after the Pakistan series. We
helped each other. The coach-
ing staff was supportive. I think
Mushfiq bhai, our most experi-
enced player, was very emotion-
ally involved. As a young cap-
tain, I get a lot of support from
him. When we play as a team,
we get the right result. I think
that’s the most important
thing.”
It’s just that they don’t get the
right results with any kind of
consistency. A reality check,
however, can wait for now. This
is Bangladesh cricket’s moment
of real magic.
England pacer Mark Wood celebrates the wicket of Marnus
Labuschagne on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test at the SCG.
four, when another shower
brought an early end to the day’s
play.
“Tomorrow is a huge part of
the game, if we can start like we
finished tonight, we can put Aus-
tralia under pressure and try and
get their big players out,” said
Wood. “Because we’ve managed
to get a couple of (wickets), it’s
changed the whole perception of
World No 1 Novak Djokovic, who got a medical exemption to play
at the Australian Open on Tuesday, tweeted this photograph on
way to Melbourne.
‘People would label
me crazy if I talked
about beating NZ’
Agencies
sportsdesk@hindustantimes.com
MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Bangla-
desh captain Mominul Haque
thought he would be “labelled as
crazy” if he even mentioned his
team’s ambition to win a Test
match in New Zealand. So, it was
not surprising when he was at a
loss to describe how it felt the
moment Bangladesh pulled off
one of their biggest ever Test
wins, on Wednesday.
Going to bed at the end of the
fourth day’s play, the tourists
were in with a realistic chance of
scripting history, but Mominul
still couldn’t sleep. “I can’t
describe it, it’s unbelievable. I
couldn’t sleep yesterday because
of the pressure,” Mominul told
reporters after his side’s eight-
wicket win. “To be honest, we
didn’t think about winning the
Test at all. People would label me
as crazy if I said that we were
aiming for a win. Our aim was to
prepare well and play according
to the process,” he added.
For his opposite number Tom
Latham though, it was plain and
simple surprise at the grit shown
by the visitors.
Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain
took a career-best 6/46 as Bang-
ladesh beat World Test Champi-
ons New Zealand by eight wick-
ets for their first-ever win in New
Zealand. Ebadot had taken Bang-
ladesh to the brink of a victory by
the end of the fourth day when
he had figures of 4/39. He added
to his tally on the fifth morning
as New Zealand were dismissed
{ MOMINUL HAQUE } BANGLADESH SKIPPER
P
I can’t describe it, it’s
unbelievable. I couldn’t
sleep last night because
of the pressure. To be
honest, we didn’t think
about winning.
A
AFP
the day. If we get can try to get on
them tomorrow, it changes the
game again.”
Khawaja, replacing Travis
Head after the middle order
batsman tested positive for COV-
ID-19, was the only change to the
side that Australia skipper Pat
Cummins sent in to bat after
winning the delayed toss. There
were dark clouds over Sydney’s
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
TWITTER
in their second innings for 169,
their lowest score against Bang-
ladesh. “I just told the bowlers
that we need to bowl like the way
we did on the fourth day and we
will not go for the wickets. You
can say that if we don’t go for
wickets then how we will get
them out?” Mominul said.
“The plan was that we cannot
leak runs while going for the
wickets. We just wanted to put
pressure on them and if the
result comes, it is fine,” he
added. Chasing 40 to script a
memorable win, Bangladesh lost
two wickets to reach the target,
with Mominul and former skip-
per Mushfiqur Rahman com-
pleting the job. The result ended
New Zealand’s run of 17 matches
without defeat on home soil.
“It was very important to win
this Test. Two years ago, we
didn’t play that much Test
cricket, so we were keen to
improve. I think it was a team
performance, we did very in all
three departments. Our bowlers
used the moisture really well,
and the batters did really well
too. I said previously that we
need to win these Test matches
for our legacy.
The second Test of the two-
match series will be played in
Christchurch from January 9-13,
and the home team will be keen
to come back strongly. Latham,
who led New Zealand in the
game, said he was surprised by
the way Bangladesh performed.
“Both (surprised me), the way
they were able to bat for a long
period and also the way they
operated with the ball.”
eastern suburbs when the open-
ers came out and the rain swept
in from the Pacific Ocean at reg-
ular intervals thereafter with
only 46 overs completed.
Broad made the first break-
through after lunch when a
fuller length ball moved away
from Warner, caught the edge of
the bat and landed comfortably
in the grasp of Zak Crawley at
second slip.
“Me and Broady love it when
we’re out there, it’s good fun,
good funny banter,” said
Warner, who hit six fours in his
30. “Today, I tried to drive the
ball too straight ... that was my
disappointment but it’s awe-
some to see Broady back out
there, to have Jimmy and him
bowling at us is great.”
England struggled to make
headway otherwise until deep
into the extended final session
when Anderson drew Harris
into playing at a ball that moved
away and skipper Joe Root snaf-
fled up the edge in the cordon.
Wood had dismissed Labus-
chagne caught behind in Melb-
ourne and produced a similar
fizzer to remove the Australian
again.
Brief scores: Australia 126/3
(Marcus Harris 38, James
Anderson 1/24) vs England.
Thursday, January 06, 2022 n4 PAGES. f @HTCITY t @HTCITY i @HTCITY y /USER/HT. ENTERTAINMENT & PROMOTIONAL FEATURES

STOP PRESS
Actors Vijay
Deverakonda
and Rashmika
‘I AM
Mandanna
are rumoured
to be dating.
CONCERNED

City ABOUT
Some pics
shared on
social media
have their
fans believing
that the
FINANCIALS
two were
holidaying
together in
Goa, too.
Delhi AND JOBS’
Janhvi Kapoor expresses her worries about
PHOTOS: TWITTER
the impact of Omicron surge on showbiz
Titas Chowdhury is her recent collaboration

Sanjeeda and Aamir titas.chowdhury@hindustantimes.com

anhvi Kapoor was one

with her father, producer
Boney Kapoor, for Milli.
“I have always heard

divorced after nine J of the few actors to have

a theatrical release last
year even amid the
pandemic. And while
she believes that Roohi (2021)
stories about how
magnanimous a producer he
is and how he spoils his entire
team. I got to witness it.
There’s always this fear of not

years of marriage
came out at a “tough time”
when the fate of most films
was uncertain, it made her
“feel very lucky”. “It was an
experiment in trying to gauge
the climate of films during the
pandemic. People did come
out to see it in good numbers,
which was encouraging,” she
Sanjeeda explains.
Shaikh Currently, Kapoor has films
PHOTOS: like Mr And Mrs Mahi, Good
INSTAGRAM Luck Jerry and Milli in the
pipeline. Though she
mentions feeling “under-
exposed” as an actor, she
adds, “I’m thrilled about my
films and extremely hopeful
about all of them. More than
anything, I’m excited about
getting started on the process
of becoming the characters
I’m going to play in my
upcoming projects.”
What also has her enthused
PHOTO: GOKUL VS/HT
Aamir
Ali
PHOTOS: SANJEEV VERMA/HT AND FACEBOOK
spending enough time
together, and this experience
ensured that we are
professionally tied to each
other. I feel very thankful for
that,” shares the 24-year-old.
Given the rising curve of
Covid-19 cases and the spread
of Omicron variant, the actor
shares her thoughts on the
consequences it might have
on showbiz. “We were just
getting a sense of theatrical
releases and resuming shoot
life... I am concerned about
financials, job opportunities
and the vision that everyone
has for their releases. Having
said that, I believe that in this
situation, there’s no point
losing sleeping over it,
because people’s health, well-
being and lives are at stake;
the country’s future is at
stake,” she concludes

Addite Malik
with son Ekbir
PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM
Delhi weekend
curbs: Eateries
Vinay MR Mishra
vinay.mishra@htdigital.in
feel the pinch
fter months of speculation

A about their separation,

actors Aamir Ali and
Sanjeeda Shaikh are
divorced. While the two never
addressed their split, we have learnt
that the couple didn’t intend to
officially announce their judicial
separation either.
A source close to the couple
shares, “It has been around nine
months since the divorce papers
came through. They have moved on
in their respective lives. Both of
them are extremely private,
and thus didn’t wish to
give out any official
statement about the
divorce.”
P
I wish
We have also Sanjeeda all
learnt that the
custody of their two- the happiness.
year-old daughter AAMIR ALI, Actor
Ayra is with Shaikh,
the divorce.
When contacted, both Ali and
Shaikh neither denied nor
confirmed the divorce. While
maintaining a “no comments”
Kishwer
Merchant with
son Nirvair
stance, Shaikh, however, mentions,
“I just want to make my child
proud.” On the other hand, Ali
without revealing much, expresses,
“I wish Sanjeeda all the happiness.”
Celeb parents
worried about kids
The actor couple tied the knot in NOTE TO
2012, after years of courtship. In READERS:
2020, reports about their Some of the Sanchita Kalra
coverage that
marriage hitting a rough appears on our sanchita.kalra@htlive.com
patch made headlines. It
was reported that they
were living separately.
In the wake of those
pages is paid
for by the
concerned
brands. No
contracting Covid A
s the city
witnesses a
surge in Covid-
rumours, it was also sponsored
content does or
19 cases, the Delhi
revealed that the pair Sugandha Rawal everyone stays indoors for government has
had a four-month-old shall appear in
sugandha.rawal@hindustantimes.com
the sake of her 16-month- Jankee Parekh imposed a weekend
any part of HT
surrogate baby. The without it
old daughter, Anysha: with son Sufi curfew. And the hospitality
two never addressed the he news about actor “Babies haven’t had their industry in the Capital is Restaurant owners fear

T
being declared
who apparently is living conjectures around their as such to our Nakuul Mehta and normal round of vaccines, let fearing the worst for their they may have to cut down
in her paternal house after separation. valued readers. singer Jankee Parekh’s alone Covid-19 vaccine. They business. on manpower
11-month-old son are very vulnerable.” Zorawar Kalra, director
contracting Covid-19 has While the government has of Massive Restaurants, waivers. Amit Bagga, co-
spiked the worry of parents. kicked off vaccination drive for says, “The restrictions will founder, Daryaganj says,
They are calling for more steps the 15-18 age group, kids below have a deep socio- “Restaurants like ours,

No need for
and awareness to protect
babies amid the surge in cases.
Actor Kishwer Merchant,
who welcomed a son in August
15 are at a higher risk, as they economic impact on the with high fixed costs and
have developing immunity and already beleaguered revenue share with malls,
aren’t vaxxed. And that’s why industry that is the second will suffer majorly. We’re
Parekh feels the first step is to largest employer of human expecting some relief from

paranoia: Rohit last year, shares, “I am super

worried. We have isolated
ourselves. I am in constant
contact with his paediatrician.”
avoid complacency.
Meanwhile, actor Chahatt
Khanna emphasises on healthy
food for immunity: She says,
capital in India.” Echoing
similar thoughts, Umang
Tewari, founder, Local,
says, “Partial restrictions
our real estate partners
like they did before.” Some
key players are planning to
appeal for exemptions.

Roy on Prem Actor Geeta Basra cancelled

her five-month-old son’s first
Lohri celebrations. “It is
“I’ve been giving my two kids
extra dose of vitamin C and
vegetables.” And actor Addite
hit us hard as we operate
with no revenues but incur
same expenses.”
“The night curfew already
hit our business. We can
request for some

Chopra’s Covid
getting more concerning as we
don’t know its effects on kids,”
says Basra, who also has a five-
year-old daughter. And actor
Malik, whose son was born in Presently allowed to run relaxation over weekends
April 2021, says, “We have to with 50% capacity and with 50% occupancy still in
come back to our babies so we restricted timings, eateries place,” says Udit Bagga, co-
must be careful. The power lies Chahatt Khanna with will try to pursue rent founder, OTB

diagnosis Pranitaa Pandit is ensuring within us.” daughters Zohar and Amaira

Juhi Chakraborty
juhi.chakraborty@htlive.com
ctor Rohit Roy says
A that actor Prem
Chopra is doing fine,
and his hospitalisation
was just precautionary after he
contracted Covid-19.
The veteran actor and his
wife, Uma, were admitted to a
Mumbai hospital after the two
tested positive for Covid-19 on
Monday.
This year will see a host of actors paired opposite
each other for the very first time, in equally exciting
films. Here are five such fresh on-screen pairings! The Year
Ahead
PHOTO: VIRAL
KARTIK AARYAN-KIARA
ADVANI
DEEPIKA PADUKONE-HRITHIK ROSHAN
Now here’s a pairing that will surely be a treat to all cinegoers. Padukone
P BHAYANI They are both promising stars
from the latest generation of
and Roshan are counted among the most good-looking actors in the
world, and their acting chops, too, have been lauded. They are set to join
actors. Aaryan’s last was the hands for Sidharth Anand’s action flick Fighter. The announcement of
Prem Chopra
and his wife are
Roy also says that he is
trying to educate himself about
the new variant, so that he can
{ TOP }
5 direct-to-OTT thriller Dhamaka,
for which he received good
reviews, while Advani was a part
this film had taken fans by surprise, and looks like it is set to be a hit!

SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI-KATRINA KAIF-ISHAAN

Roy is related to Chopra as fine. They were inform others around him. He of the much-acclaimed Shershaah. KHATTER

Fresh jodis to watch

his brother-in-law, actor
Sharman Joshi, is married to
Chopra’s daughter, Prerana.
taken to the shares, “People think the
pandemic is over, and we are
They will team up for Anees
Bazmee’s sequel to the horror
Kaif is teaming up with both Chaturvedi and Khatter for the very first
time. The trio will be sharing space in the horror comedy Phone Bhoot.
hospital for the all vaccinated. But from what thriller Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). The film, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, is set for a July release, as of now.

out for in 2022

“He is responding well to
medicines. He and Uma aunty
are fine. They were taken to the
hospital to administer the
medication. They will recover
at home. There is no need for
paranoia,” shares Roy.
Meanwhile, the Shootout at
Lokhandwala (2007) actor and
his family are being cautious,
especially as they have a senior
medication.
ROHIT ROY, Actor
citizen, his 75-year-old mother,
living with them. “But we’re
not paranoid. We just need to
follow the guidelines, the social
distancing norms and wear
masks,” he adds.
we are seeing, vaccination has
got nothing to do with whether
a person will contract Covid-19
or not.”
As for work, the actor is
currently shooting for a
project. “I don’t know whether
it makes sense to close down
again. It will be a setback for
the economy and country,” Roy
concludes.
RAJKUMMAR RAO-
BHUMI PEDNEKAR
Rao and Pednekar will share
AKSHAY KUMAR-MANUSHI screen space in the family drama
CHHILLAR Badhaai Do. Helmed by
Chhillar, crowned Miss World in 2017, is set for a dream Harshavardhan Kulkarni, it is seen
debut alongside Kumar in Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s as a spiritual sequel to the 2018
Text: historical epic, Prithviraj. The film, also starring Sonu film Badhaai Ho, which had Neena
Rishabh Sood, was meant to be released this month, but has Gupta, Ayushmann Khurrana and
Suri been pushed due to the Covid-19 crisis. Gajraj Rao in leading roles.
02 time out NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022

‘SECRET OF Srishty, Erica, Sonu

MY ENERGY? test positive for Covid,
in home quarantine
MAIN NASHA he fresh wave of Covid-19 is

NAHIN KARTA’ T continuing its blitzkrieg through

the entertainment industry with
actors Srishty Rode, Erica Fernandes
and singer Sonu Nigam being the latest
celebrities to test positive for the virus.
Rode took to Instagram stories to
Amitabh
Bachchan
PHOTO: REUBEN
SINGH/HT

share her health update, writing, “I

Daler Mehndi tells us how he maintains his
uniqueness, after 25 years in the music industry
Rishabh Suri
rishabh.suri@htlive.com
inger Daler Mehndi’s powerful
have been tested positive. Have home
quarantined myself with mild
symptoms.”
Opening up about her positive
diagnosis, Fernandes revealed that she
and her mother have also contracted
It brought him back together with the virus, urging people not to rely on
music maestro AR Rahman after ‘home testing kits’. “They are not
they last delivered the hit title track of reliable at all. On the 2nd of January
Rang De Basanti (2006). “We have Erica Fernandes when I developed a cough and sore

S voice can lift any song you give

him. And while he doesn’t
mind taking up any genre or
language after 25 years of being in the
industry, there is one condition he
done a dhamaka again. I got a call
from Rahman sahab when the film
was being made. He had told them
‘Mere mind mein sirf ek aadmi hai.’
Then we spoke on video call, and I
Sonu
Nigam
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/IAM_EJF throat, I got myself tested on the kit…
All 3 tests showed negative… Mom and
I have been facing congestion,
cough, cold, severe body and head
aches and fluctuating fever with
Srishty
Rode PHOTO:
INSTAGRAM/
SRISHTYRODE24

still lays down before agreeing to lend
his voice to a track.
“Main koshish karta hoon jo
hamari young generation ke upar
ganda asar daale, woh gaana na
karun. I have my own style, people
call me for that,” he says, adding,
“The secret of my energy is that I
don’t do substance abuse of any kind,
it is all pure and not artificial. I don’t
drink, not even cold drinks,” says the
54-year-old who recently had his
latest song, Garda Udaa Diya, release
from the film Atrangi Re.
flew to Chennai to record it. The song occasional shivers. We are isolated
has been breaking records ever since and under medical care,” she wrote
it released,” claims Mehndi. in her note.
He has seen a lot change in the Nigam, who is currently in Dubai
industry since he started off. The with his family, has also shared that
latest ‘in’ thing is the focus on he has tested positive for the virus,
maximum number of views online. along with his wife, son and sister-in-
He confesses he is not too bothered law. The singer shared a vlog on
about it. “Maine kabhi bhi number pe Instagram to update about his health.
dhyaan nahin diya. It feels happy to Meanwhile, actor Amitabh
see how many people respond Bachchan revealed that he is “dealing
though. It feels nice that we are giving with some domestic Covid situations”
pure music to our listeners and not as a staff member tested positive
just remixing,” Mehndi concludes. through his blog. HTC

FILE PHOTO

Mahekk: I am open
to anything, bas { DAILY HOROSCOPE }

shaadi ho jaye Thursday, January 06, 2022

Vinay MR Mishra
vinay.mishra@htdigital.in
Dr Prem Kumar Sharma (Astrologer and Vaastu expert) can be contacted at: Delhi: 011-47033152, 40532026 (Sat
to Mon); Panchkula: 91-172-2562832, 2572874 (Tues to Thurs); Mumbai: 09716145644 (Last week of every month)
PREMASTROLOGER PREMASTROLOGER ASKPREMASTROLOGER
looking for anybody, but if it
happens, it happens. Guys,

ctor Mahekk Chahal is

come find me!”
In the times of modern age
ARIES LEO SAGITTARIUS
A ready to take the plunge. dating, she admits she is open
MAR 21-APR 20 JUL 23-AUG 23 NOV 23-DEC 21

However, she is waiting
for the right man. “I’m so
ready to fall in love, but ladke
milte hi nahi,” quips Chahal.
Despite being a successful,
independent woman, the actor
says she finds it difficult to
find the right man. Ask her the
reason and she explains, “I
travel so much, it’s very
difficult to be with me. Most of
the guys look for domesticated
A L
to arranged marriage. “All the A significant financial
dating apps are new forms of arrangement is foreseen
arranged marriage. (So) I’m that may be beneficial for
open to anything, bas shaadi some. You should try and
ho jaye (laughs),” Chahal says. understand what your clients want so
as to chase it.
P LOVE FOCUS: Finding someone with
common interests may bring in a
budding romance.
I want a humble LUCKY NUMBER: 6 LUCKY COLOUR: Sea
and simple guy, Green
If you haven’t invested in
property yet, this is a good
time to think about it. If
you are planning to ask for
a raise or promotion, this is not a
favourable day to discuss it with the
concerned authority.
LOVE FOCUS: Joyous time is foreseen
on the love front.
LUCKY NUMBER: 3 LUCKY COLOUR:
Lavender
s
You may take advantage
of a good financial
opportunity. Some may
feel a tense environment
at work, but you need to keep your
calm and focus.
LOVE FOCUS: Someone special may
enter your life soon and you may feel
new energy rushing into your life.
LUCKY NUMBER: 1 LUCKY COLOUR:
Lemon

girls. It’s difficult for me to live funny like me. I’m not
a life like that. Meri kismat
mein nahi likha hoga for
looking for anybody, TAURUS VIRGO CAPRICORN
APR 21-MAY 20 AUG 24-SEP 23 DEC 22-JAN 21
now.” but if it happens, it

Chahal has a list of traits
she is looking for in her
potential partner. She shares,
“I want a humble and simple
guy, funny like me. I’m not
T I c
Your financial condition is You may be focused today New investment
happens. stable. At the work front, towards your professional opportunities may knock
MAHEKK CHAHAL, you may excel at whatever goals, to try to win the on your door, so try to
Actor you take on. Networking world with intelligence. seize them. You just need
promises to help you on the social Those appearing for examinations to be cautious while making any
front. can expect luck favouring them. decisions regarding property.
LOVE FOCUS: You should think about LOVE FOCUS: Your spouse or lover may LOVE FOCUS: You should try to read
where you want to take your current show complete faith in you and the signals as someone special is just

Betty’s tribute to Jon Stewart Jon Stewart

relationship with your partner.
LUCKY NUMBER: 3 LUCKY COLOUR:
ensure a happy relationship.
LUCKY NUMBER: 8 LUCKY COLOUR:
around the corner.
LUCKY NUMBER: 17 LUCKY COLOUR:
slams anti- Purple Forest Green Forest Green

fans shot 10 days Semitic goblin GEMINI LIBRA AQUARIUS

caricatures in MAY 21-JUN 21
before her death Harry Potter
G l
Your excellent financial
condition may allow you
series to manage unexpected
expenses. It’s not a good
Betty White day on the work front, so avoid
PHOTO: CHRIS appearing in any interviews.
DELMAS/AFP LOVE FOCUS: You may be filled with a
new optimism on the love front.
LUCKY NUMBER: 15 LUCKY COLOUR:
Coffee
“Here’s how you know Jews
are still where they are,”
Stewart said on the podcast
episode, according to Variety.
CANCER
JUN 22-JUL 22
“It was one of those things
SEP 24-OCT 23
Today, you need to be
cautious if you are going
on a trip. Your helping
hand on the social front
will be appreciated by peers. Students
can hope for scholarships.
LOVE FOCUS: It’s a good day to plan
something exciting for your spouse.
LUCKY NUMBER: 9 LUCKY COLOUR: Rosy
Brown
SCORPIO
OCT 24-NOV 22
JAN 22-FEB 19
a
Those who have seen
many ups and downs in
business, may get lucky
now. Shortest route to
your destination may not be the
fastest. You might own a place soon.
LOVE FOCUS: You have to show some
romance to please your spouse/lover.
LUCKY NUMBER: 3 LUCKY COLOUR:
Mauve
PISCES
FEB 20-MAR 20

etty White’s final
special. “On December 20, she
where I saw it on the screen
and I was expecting the crowd
to be like, ‘Holy s**t, [Rowling]
did not, in a wizarding world,
just throw Jews in there to run
JK Rowling the f*****g underground
C S P
This is the right time to You have a stable financial You may get good returns
celebrate your financial condition so think before on your investments. You
progress. Your excellent splurging on unnecessary feel energetic and
performance on the work things. You may be able to optimistic as you have
front may get you recognition, handle all the issues in a constructive achieved great heights on the profes-
success and rewards. way at the work front. No major sional front. Someone on social front

B interview prior to her

death on December 31
had included a video message
dedicated to the fans she had
collected throughout the
decades in show business.
According to Fox News,
before her death, White was
gearing up to celebrate her
100th birthday on January 17.
As part of the celebration, she
participated in a documentary
special, Betty White: 100 Years
Young-A Birthday Celebration,
which would play in theatres
across the country.
Not only did the feature-
length special mark what
would become her final
interview, but producer Steve
Boettcher revealed that she
also filmed a video tribute for
her fans ten days before her
death that will accompany the
did a short little video for us...
it was kind of a tribute to her
fans that were going to be with
PHOTO:
SHUTTERSTOCK
bank,” Stewart added.
Rowling has been at the
centre of controversy for the
LOVE FOCUS: Finding someone to take
care of your needs may make you feel
special today.
health issues are foreseen.
LOVE FOCUS: You find your soulmate
today as luck is in your favour.
may prey upon your time
LOVE FOCUS: You may finally get a love
life you have always dreamed of.
her at the event,” Boettcher past two years due to her anti- LUCKY NUMBER: 4 LUCKY COLOUR: LUCKY NUMBER: 1 LUCKY COLOUR: LUCKY NUMBER: 4 LUCKY COLOUR:
told a news outlet. December 2021 episode transgender comments. The Royal Blue Maroon Royal Blue
Although the documentary
was originally intended to be a
birthday celebration for the
A of comedian Jon
Stewart’s The Problem
with Jon Stewart podcast is
author’s anti-trans views have
been condemned by Harry
Potter stars such as actor
{ CALVIN AND HOBBES I BILL WATTERSON }
Golden Girls star, organisers making headlines for the host’s Daniel Radcliffe, as well as the
quickly announced that they takedown on author JK film’s production company.
still intend to debut the special Rowling for the depiction of HTC
on January 17. However, it will goblins in her Harry Potter
obviously be re-tooled to be franchise.
more of a celebration of her In the Harry Potter A still
life and career. It has been universe, goblins work at from
retitled to Betty White: A and run the Gringotts Harry
Celebration. Bank. Stewart drew a Potter
As per Fox News, in comparison between the featuring
addition to White reflecting on goblins depicted on-screen goblins
her life, the documentary will in the Harry Potter films
also have appearances from and the anti-Semitic
her friends in Hollywood such illustrations featured in the
as Ryan Reynolds and Tina 1903 book The Protocols of
Fey, among others. ANI the Elders of Zion.
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
Keeping it comfortably stylish
Sonalli Seygall welcomed the
New Year in Rishikesh
All hands on
deck! Delhi-NCR
begins prepping
for third wave
From adopting a
healthier diet to
getting N95
masks, staying
safe is priority as
Covid cases rise
Anjuri Nayar Singh
anjuri.singh@hindustantimes.com
t’s no longer far fetched to
I assume that we might be on
the brink of a third wave of
the pandemic. With Covid-19
cases increasing rapidly in Delhi-
NCR, one can’t help but compare
the scenario with the start of the
first or second wave. However,
what’s different this time around
is the way the citizens are coping
with the possibility. Instead of
throwing themselves into a state
of frenzy, they are carefully
assessing what’s needed and
what’s not, when indoors. And
here’s what they are planning to
do in order to flatten the curve.
CONVINCING HOUSE HELPS
TO STAY OVER
A big part of prepping for the
third wave is being cautious as to
who is allowed into your home,
says Pooja Saran, a makeup artist
from Greater Kailash. “I have a
part-time nanny and have
requested her to stay with us if the
number of cases continue to rise. I
need to make sure that the kids
are taken care of, so that I can
continue working, but at the same
time, I cannot put their health at
e it an airport look or
B just stepping out for a
meeting, celebs know
just how to keep it
comfy yet stylish. Spotted at
the Mumbai airport were
actors Shweta Tiwari and
Krystle D’souza sporting
lounge wear. While Tiwari
was wearing an all white co-
ord set, D’souza donned an
oversized white shirt, topping
it with gold jewellery and a
printed mask. Actor Rakul
Preet, who was also clicked at
the airport returning from
London, rocked a pair of
boyfriend jeans and a black
puffer jacket. Actor Sonalli
Seygall donned a school girl
look for an outing. HTC
Rakul Preet recently wrapped
Krystle D’souza recently Chhatriwali PHOTOS: VIRAL BHAYANI
moved into a new home
risk. Also, it’s also not safe for the
nanny to travel every day.
Keeping my fingers crossed that
she agrees,” says Saran.
N95 MASKS ONLY
Neha Godara, a chartered
accountant from Gurugram,
shares she is masking up more
carefully before stepping out now.
“The cases had reduced so much
in the last few months that we
were using cloth masks. However,
now we have switched back to
N95 ones. We want what’s best in
this situation and these provide
maximum protection, as per
medical experts,” she adds.
NUTRITIOUS DIET TO FIGHT
THE VIRUS
After several rounds of ordering
in momos, pizzas, biryani and
what not, Delhiites are back to
eating healthy and home-made
food. “It all starts with what we
eat,” says Meeta, a Dwarka-based
nutritionist, who is making sure
that her family follows an
immunity-boosting diet. “We have
stopped consuming outside food,
processed foods and even reduced
our sugar intake. We’ve increased
our consumption of vegetables.
My family drinks giloy juice every
Shweta Tiwari returned from
a trip to the mountains
. ◄ Many
morning. I’m advising a similar
diet to my clients,” she adds.
SANITISING AND SUN
DRYING MODE ON
Dimple Kumar, a blogger from
Safdarjung Enclave, has gone
back to sanitising everything
before allowing it inside her
home. “Sure some studies suggest
Omicron has a rare transmission
rate from surfaces, but why take a
chance? So, I’m sun drying all the
veggies I buy. After washing them
thoroughly, I spread them in the
balcony. I’m also sanitising the
other packed groceries that we
order online,” she shares.
NOT HOARDING, BUT
STOCKING UP
Saloni Kachru, an HR
professional from Gurugram,
says she and her partner have cut
down on the number of rounds to
the market. “We are making sure
to buy all the essentials in one go,
so we don’t have to step out again
and again or order online. But of
course, it doesn’t mean hoarding
stuff like people did last time. One
should buy one month’s worth of
groceries and medicines in one go
to limit their contact with delivery
personnels,” she opines.
lifestyle 03
Tamannaah
#instastyle
Bhatia with
Deepika
Padukone
Ayushmann
Khurrana
Here’s your daily dose of what
your fave celebs are up to.
Leaving us craving for a taste,
was actor Kalki Koechlin, who
posted a photo of herself Sonam
enjoying a sumptuous south Kapoor
Indian meal, captioning it, Ahuja
“Happiness”. Actor Sonam
Kapoor Ahuja lent some OOTD
inspo as she posed in a chic outfit
for the ‘gram. Beginning the new Kalki
year on travel mode was actor Koechlin
Kriti Kharbanda who posted a pic
from “Somewhere.. in the middle
Kriti of nowhere”. Tamannaah Bhatia
Kharbanda took to social media to wish her
friend, fellow actor Deepika
Padukone a happy birthday and
shared a selfie with Padukone.
Sharing a few lines of poetry,
actor Ayushmann Khurrana
blessed his social media followers
with a dreamy photo.
PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM
a nd culture converge
Farm, folks
at this crafts bazaar
Siddhi Jain
siddhi.jain@hindustantimes.com
ulture and agriculture
C have almost always been
intrinsically linked in
India. And presenting this
symbiosis through deftly made
art and crafts is the annual
event, Dastkari Haat Crafts
Bazaar. In its 36th edition, the
fair — themed on Krishi aur
Kala — is a confluence of
artisans and craftsmen from Visitors are mandated to wear masks at the fair, which will remain shut on weekends in accordance
PHOTO: across the country.
SHUTTERSTOCK with Covid-19 curbs in the city
With stalls running at half
capacity due to the pandemic, end copper oxide glazed Pick up some
organisers inform that it was ceramics, we have a huge terracotta
important to go ahead with the stock. We hope people buy holders and toys
event despite the Covid-19 from us in bulk, since we are at the bazaar;
situation to support artisans in once again looking at (below) These
these tough times. Jaya Jaitly, uncertain times ahead.” wicker baskets
president of Dastkari Haat The theme of the haat also can double up as a
Samiti, says, “Before the stresses on the importance of kitchen top waste
industrial society began, the sustaining crafts and farmer container for
artisan and the farmer were livelihoods, which are organic waste
have also intrinsically linked. At a weekly imperilled by the climate crisis.
returned to or daily haat, the farmer would “We’ve created items with
sanitising bring their produce, and the natural materials for modern
and sun karigar would bring the knives, homes,” says Sukanta Das from Catch It Live
drying
everything,
such as
Safdarjung
baskets, clayware, terracotta,
etc. The carpenter would make
the handloom and the plough
from wood. So there was an
a participating NGO
showcasing basketry and
tableware from craft
communities of Odisha, West
What: 36th Dastkari Haat Crafts
Bazaar
Where: Dilli Haat, INA
Enclave
resident
Dimple
Kumar
interdependence. With our
theme this year, we wanted to
reiterate the same.”
Culinary-based handicrafts
Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and
Kashmir. Visitors can also
interact with the karigars from
Delhi, Gujarat and more.
On till: January 15
Timing: 10.30am to 8pm
Nearest Metro Station: Dilli
Haat INA on Pink and Yellow Lines
ILLUSTRATIONS: such as products made from
SHUTTERSTOCK leftover khajoor (date palm),
wicker baskets, and cooking ▼ Cloth
.
utensils and vessels made out plaited floor
of ceramic and metals are rugs,
available in plenty. Ram Rati, a handwoven
National Award-winning
ceramic artisan from Delhi’s
with jute on
sale by an
Kumhar Gram, says, “Ranging
from basic cups in clay to high-
Uttarakhand-
based artisan
▼ Glazed
.
ceramic tea
sets by
artisans from
Delhi’s
Kumhar
Gram (right),
and basketry
and bags
from Odisha
and West
Bengal
(below), are
also available
at the haat
PHOTOS: MANOJ
VERMA/HT
04
Entertainment & Promotional Features
WINTER WOES:
DEALING WITH
SORE THROAT 2
Finding it difficult to eat, swallow or sleep? A common occurrence
amid cold weather, experts share som
Swati Chaturvedi
swati.chaturvedi@hindustantimes.com
C
ome winter and
exposure to ailments
such as common cold
and viral flu increase
manifold. Not to
forget the rising pollution
levels as well as the alarming
threat of Covid-19, all of which
dent the immune system.
“Sore throat is one of the
most common complaints in
winter. People experience
discomfort, pain and itchiness
that can even lead to difficulty
in speaking or swallowing,”
informs Dr Charu Dutt Arora,
consultant physician and
infectious disease specialist,
Asian Hospital, Faridabad.
However, given the rapid
spread of Covid-19 and the
looming threat of Omicron, she
asserts that one must isolate
and get tested for Covid-19, if
sore throat persists. “Sore
throat is one of the symptoms
of Covid-19. If it is accompanied
#inbrief
States, UTs
asked to amp
up healthcare
infrastructure
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK(FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY)
Amid a steep rise in the number of
Covid-19 cases, the Centre has
asked states and union territories
to gear up to fight the surge. “In
the wake of increasing Covid-19
cases, it is expected that the
world for re-establishment/re-
commissioning of field/makeshift
NEW DELHI
JANUARY 06, 2022
HEALTH
on Thursday
Gargling with
warm salt water
regularly can
help cure an
itchy throat
by fever, dry cough, body ache,
headache, lethargy and
running nose, and if these
symptoms persist for two-three
days, get an RT-PCR done and
seek medical attention at the
earliest,” says Dr Arora.
CAUSES
Apart from Covid-19, a host of
factors trigger throat issues,
such as muscle strain and
season change. Dr Meena
Agarwal, senior
consultant - ENT at
PSRI Hospital, New
Delhi, lists some
triggers: accompanied by fever,
l Viral infections dry cough and body
cause about
90% of sore ache, and if symptoms
throat. persist for two-three
l Breathing in
dry air sucks days, get an RT-PCR
moisture from
the throat,
leaving it dry,
scratchy and Consultant physician and infectious
uncomfortable,
more so in winter when
hospital facilities would have
begun,” a letter issued by Arti
Ahuja, Additional Secretary
(Health), said. Ahuja has also
informed authorities to “develop
Covid-19 free care centres in hotel
rooms and other similar
accommodations”.
Scan here
to visit
HTHealth
e
simple ways to cure a sore, itchy throa
t vegetables and spices are
the heater is on.
l Strep throat, a bacterial
infection of the throat and
tonsils, can cause intense
pain, which may worsen at
night due to increased
postnasal drip.
l Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) is a condition
wherein stomach acid
frequently comes up into the
P and protect against
If sore throat is
done.
DR CHARU DUTT ARORA,
disease specialist
Look out for
these Omicron
symptoms
Public Health England, UK, says
about 85% people with Covid-19
will have at least one out of the
symptoms of cough (highly
contagious), fever, tiredness,
change in smell and taste. Flu-like
with no fever, headache and loss
of smell are some other major
symptoms. Researchers also say
that vomiting, diarrhoea and
abdominal cramps could be a sign
of Covid-19 in children.
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK (FOR
REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY)
oesophagus or food pipe.
This can burn and irritate the
lining of the oesophagus,
causing sore throat.
REMEDIES
“Common preventive remedies
include keeping oneself
hydrated, periodic hand-
washing, avoid touching one’s
Tea infused with honey
or lemon can help
soothe the throat
Athletes need extensive
testing after Covid-19,
claims study
Athletes returning to training after long-lasting
Covid-19 symptoms must undergo a series of tests,
seek regular advice from a multi-disciplinary team of
specialists, says a study. Researchers from Anglia
Ruskin University, UK, included eight studies in an
evidence review and made recommendations for
athletes resuming training after Covid-19 recovery.
FEEL FIT,
INSIDE & OUT
Your body and mind will benefit immensely with detoxification in
these stressful times. Here are a few easy ways
Simple and
natural ways to
detox
Shilpa Jaiswal
ith so much
W happening around
us, it’s natural to lose
sight of good things in life.
With the global pandemic
creating an ever-changing
reality, we are constantly
living with fear, low
vibrations and uncertainty.
Cleansing your body from
inside out, giving it rest and
nourishment will help you
rejuvenate in these stressful
times. The body eliminates
toxins through kidneys, skin,
lungs, intestines and
lymphatic system.
EAT WISELY
A diet rich in
antioxidants can help
your body fight oxidative
stress caused by excess
free radicals and other
3 DRINK PLENTY OF
toxins that increase your
risk of disease. Vitamin A,
vitamin C, vitamin E,
selenium, lycopene,
lutein and zeaxanthin are
essential for you. Berries,
fruits, nuts, cocoa,
rich in antioxidants.
face and keeping indoor spaces
humidified,” says Dr RR
Mandhani, MS, ENT, medical
consultant, ENTOD
Pharmaceutical.
Other remedies are:
l Wear a mask in public at all
times, to shield the body from
pollutants.
l Use a humidifier at night if
you are sensitive to dry air.
l Fresh garlic is antibacterial
and antiviral. Crush and
chew a clove of fresh garlic to
ease throat pain, or mix
crushed garlic with honey in
hot water and drink it.
l Bone broths are loaded with
calcium, zinc and
magnesium, which will help
tackle infections better.
l Gargling with baking soda
can neutralise acids in the
mouth, ward off infection
inflammation.
l A hot toddy, made
with whiskey,
water, honey
and lemon
juice, with a
dash of spices
such as
cinnamon,
nutmeg or
ginger, can help
ease discomfort.
(With inputs from
Dr Amitabh Malik,
head - ENT, Paras
Hospitals, Gurugram)
Shake a leg before
sweating it out
Need some workout motivation? Why not indulge in
a dance session first! At least that’s what actor Sanya
Malhotra believes in doing. In an Instagram story by
fitness coach Tridev Pandey, Malhotra can be seen
doing a fun dance session before getting into a
heavy lifting workout. Pandey captioned the story:
Mandatory dance before heavy set. Malhotra
definitely does make heavy lifting seem like a piece
of cake, inspiring her fans to sweat it out and get in
shape, this season.
NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
JANUARY 06, 2022
PHOTO: HTCS
P
Yoga is a great
way to detoxify
your body on a
physical,
emotional and
Detoxification is needed not
spiritual
just for our body but our
mind as well. level.
Yoga is a great way to
detoxify your body on a
physical, emotional and
SHILPA
JAISWAL,
spiritual level. It increases Fitness expert
blood circulation, stimulates
the lymphatic system and
helps the liver work
optimally to cleanse the
1
body. If you feel your body
needs a reset, a detoxing yoga CUT DOWN SUGAR
flow is the move for you. Reducing your sugar intake is a great decision when
Surya Namaskar is one such you want to switch to a healthier lifestyle. While it
flow you can perform. Here isn’t always easy, the benefits are worth it. Giving up
are a few simple ways to sugar can help you drop pounds and also improve
detox and renew your ability your health and give you radiant, naturally-glowing
to maintain optimum health. skin.
WATER
Water promotes detox,
helps in digestion and
improves circulation by
promoting blood flow. It
4 ADEQUATE SLEEP
Not only does sleep
detoxify the brain,
good sleep may also
reduce the risk of
certain neurological
5 GREEN TEA
GOODNESS
Having a cup of green tea
daily is also a good way to
detox. Green tea can help
flush out toxins from your
also relieves constipation,
reduces inflammation and
disorders. While
sleeping, the brain
body, while giving a boost
to your metabolism,
makes you glow naturally. undergoes physical making you feel lighter
Hydrating yourself with
refreshing and energising
changes that allow the
system to work faster.
and recharged. Green tea
infused with vitamin C is a
detox water with Keeping a bedtime better option, as vitamin C
ingredients such as mint, ritual can be of great is known to help support
cucumber, lemon and
orange can be a good idea.
benefit, like a 5-minute
meditation ritual.
your body’s immune
system.
#theburningquestion
What are the effects of
vitamin D deficiency
and how to tackle it?
Vitamin D deficiency is quite common across the country. The primary
source of vitamin D is sun exposure, but modernisation has led to most
people spending majority of their time indoors. High level of air pollution
prevents ultraviolet B (UVB) ray transmission, and poor dietary habits
are also responsible for vitamin D deficiency, among other factors. This
can have some adverse health effects, including
unexplained pain and weakness in muscles and
bones, depression and cognitive impairment,
rickets in children due to reduced bone
mineralisation, increased risk of fractures and
conditions such as osteoporosis.
Around 20 minutes of daily exposure to the
sun with around 40% of skin being exposed to
sunlight can help prevent vitamin D deficiency.
The ideal time to get sunlight is 11am to 3pm.
Common dietary sources of vitamin D
include salmon, fatty fish, egg yolk, soy
milk, cereals, cheese and other dairy
products, to name a few.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are
the author’s personal
Dr Lovleena Nadir, Nutritionist
Not changing
bedsheets
can affect
health?
We may have been advised
every now and then to
change our bedsheets often.
Tim Gray, health optimising
biohacker and a psychology
specialist, explains why this
is vital. Taking to Instagram,
he said, “The University of
Seville’s Department of
Biology looked at a four
week-old bedsheet under a
microscope. Samples were
tested and the findings
revealed an alarming list.
Among them were
bacteroides, which has been
linked to pneumonia,
gonorrhea and appendicitis.”
HTC