First India Newspaper 15 November 2021 Delhi Edition

CORONA CATASTROPHE INDIA

11,271 new cases

NEW DELHI l MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 76

WILL STAND BY JAWANS EVEN IF DECISIONS WRONG: RAJNATH SINGH

Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the government will never “tie the hands” of the armed forces and will always stand by them and their decisions. He also hit out at the opposition parties for questioning the courage of the soldiers of the country. “I am sad that some political parties attempt to question the valour of our jawans,” Singh said.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD, LUCKNOW & NEW DELHI

SP CHIEF AKHILESH YADAV HITS BACK AT AMIT SHAH’S JAM JIBE

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new fatalities

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Gorakhpur: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday hit back at Union home minister Amit Shah for his JAM jibe in Azamgarh and said he would reply to JAM with butter. “I don’t know what BJP means by JAM, but as far as I know JAM stands for Jhoot (lies), Ahankar (arrogance) of BJP and Mehangai (inflation) in their rule,” Akhilesh Yadav said. He was addressing a gathering after a road show.

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MORE POWER TO STAY LONGER: Centre brings Ordinances to extend tenure of ED, CBI directors from 2 to now upto 5 years A political tale of two ordinances: Mutually supportive with different intent Rakesh Ranjan New Delhi: On the birthday of India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru, who issued 70 ordinances (averaging five per year) during his 14year regime from 195264, the NDA administration has gifted the nation two new ordinances that amend the CVC Act 2003 as well as the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. The new amendments em-

power the executive to raise the mandatory two-year term for the ED and CBI chiefs to five years at one go or in phase depending on its convenience.

The amended CVC Act is seen in the official and judicial circles as a legal ploy used for extending the term of ED chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra (IRS IT:1984) beyond November 18, 2021. As pointed out in an earlier story on

YOU READ IT FIRST IN FIRST INDIA NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Mishra in First India, published on November 14, the government found the issue of extending Mishra’s term a bit complicated because of the Supreme Court intervention in the case of his earlier extension and making it clear that he shouldn’t be given

any further extension.

So, probably, to bypass the obstacle created

by SC ruling, government is said to have promulgated the new Ordinance to push and implement its project or idea of extending Mishra’s term on the cover that it is also ex-

AUS NEW T-20 SARTAJ

tending the same rule to the CBI too, where, of course, there is no immediate necessity for the government to apply the ordinance. Effectively, the government may argue that it hasn’t exclusively amended the CVC Act and that it has felt necessity to amend

Cong fumes as V-P, mins skip Nehru anniv event New Delhi: The Congress was hugely upset today, with its leaders pointing out that no senior minister was present at the traditional function in parliament to mark the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Even Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu had skipped the function, the party said.

Floral tributes werepaid to Nehru’s portrait in the Central Hall of the Parliament like every year.

Australia made the most of their first T20 World Cup final outing by defeating New Zealand (172/4) by 8 wickets to take home title in Dubai Dubai: Chasing a target of 173, Australia won the final with 7 balls to spare on Sunday, thanks to halfcenturies from Mitchell Marsh (77* off 50) and David Warner 53 off 38). Earlier, Kane

Williamson smashed a brilliant 48-ball 85 as New Zealand managed to reach 172/4.

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood took 3 for 16 while Adam Zampa returned figures of 1/26.

HASAN ALI APOLOGISES FOR HIS SEMI-FINAL DROP CATCH OF WADE, URGES FANS TO SUPPORT HIM Dubai: Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has apologised for his forgettable outing against Australia in the T20 World Cup semifinal, saying he is more disappointed than anyone else and pledged to come back

BIRLA OPENS BAL ASSEMBLY AT RAJ VIDHAN SABHA, INVITES KIDS TO LS First India Bureau Jaipur: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the children’s session in the Rajasthan Assembly on Sunday.

In the special Assembly session run by the children, there were more than 50% girls and issues ranging from child abuse, child marriages, use of e-vehicles to save environment etc were discussed. After the session, Birla said

stronger from this bad phase of career. In the 19th over of the match, Ali dropped Matthew Wade off Shaheen Shah Afridi at deep midwicket and the error proved to be costly for Pakistan as the Australian stumper then hit three consecutive sixes to take his side into the final by registering a five-wicket win in Dubai.

also announced that children will be invited to Lok Sabha to see the proceedings of the House.

See p8

Sukhoi-30, Mirage land on Purvanchal highway Sultanpur: Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircrafts Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft landed in Uttar Pradesh as part of a trial run today on an airstrip ahead of Purvanchal Expressway inauguration

by PM Narendra Modi.

On November 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would land on the Purvanchal Express in a C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

Along with it The event would mark the inauguration of 340 km expressway connecting the state capital with the eastern districts.

PUNJAB BJP NETAs ‘POLICIES BEING MEET PM MODI RE-FRAMED IN NE’ New Delhi: Ahead of the 2022 assembly polls, Punjab BJP leaders on Sunday met PM Modi. Many important issues like farmers’ protests, assembly polls, and Kartarpur Corridor were to discussed in the meet. P3

acy. India’s development cannot be imagined without the very important contribution of the states of southern India,” Shah said while addressing the 29th meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

The meeting of the council – comprising the states of Andhra

Tirupati: India’s development cannot be imagined without the very important contribution of the states of southern India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Sunday.

“The ancient culture, traditions and languages of the states of southern India enrich India’s culture and ancient leg-

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the entire northeast has become a witness to change and under a new approach policies are being framed as per the needs of the region. P3

Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands – was hosted by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and was attended by his counterparts from the respective regions, besides top officials.

MODI IN BHOPAL TODAY

CRUCIAL READ

PM to dedicate Rani Kamlapati Railway Station to the nation today

Bihar may witness mid-term Assembly electoral battle, says Chirag Paswan

First India Bureau

that it was a great experience to see that children are expressing themselves with full confidence. He

nance as they did on earlier ones in view of upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. But they will be hugely short on ordnance to rip apart the government.

That is because the previous successive administrations had really set worse precedents. If a much-celebrated democrat like Nehru loved to rule by decrees & fiats through Ordinances, so what’s wrong, the ruling party could very well argue, if the NDA administration has indulged in a few ordinances.

Turn to P8

Can’t imagine nation’s growth without South: Shah

Modi will also flag off two new MEMU trains between Ujjain and Indore

Speaker CP Joshi lights a lamp at Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as CM Ashok Gehlot and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla look on.

both CVC Act and the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946 to ensure continuity of their leadership as when the occasion arises.

It must be admitted, though, that at the moment there is no evidence as such that the new ordinance has

been promulgated for rewarding an old loyalist of the NDA administration. As the saying goes, it hasn’t happened till it has happened. So let’s wait and watch whether Mishra gets the benefit of the amendment on November 18. If he does, the administration would have spilled the beans in public, and famous or infamous litigants may again knock the SC door. If he doesn’t, then there may be nothing much left to suspect government’s intent.

Surely, Opposition parties may make a lot of noise on this ordi-

New Delhi: During his visit to Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway Station.

The redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway station, named after brave

and fearless Queen Kamalapati of the Gond kingdom, is the first world class railway station in Madhya Pradesh.

Redeveloped in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, the station has been designed as a green building with modern world class amenities.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation multiple initia-

tives of the Railways in Madhya Pradesh including Gauge Converted and Electrified Ujjain-Fatehabad Chandrawatiganj Broad Gauge section, Third line in BhopalBarkhera section, Gauge Converted and Electrified MathelaNimar Kheri Broad Gauge section and Electrified G u n a Gwalior section.

Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said that he believes that there will be mid-term elections in Bihar and his party would be part of an alliance in the upcoming elections. “I believe there will be mid-term elections in Bihar. We will fight the upcoming elections in an alliance. However, alliance partners will be announced before the elections only,” said Paswan in a press conference in Patna.

ARMY CHIEF ON 5-DAY ISRAEL VISIT New Delhi: Army Chief General MM Naravane on Sunday left for Israel on a five-day visit to further strengthen India’s defence and security cooperation with the Jewish state. Visit comes after EAM Jaishankar travelled to Israel to explore boosting strategic ties.

DRUG SEIZURES ‘UNAUTHORISED’

Mumbai: The alleged seizure of narcotic drugs from Nupur Satija, an accused in the drugs-oncruise case, was “illegal” as it wasn’t conducted by an authorised woman officer, a special NDPS Act court has said while granting her bail.

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SISODIA TAKES PART IN RAHGIRI Govt to increase public transport frequency EVENT, FLAGS OFF CYCLE RALLY Deputy Chief Minister urges Delhiites to take out at least a day to travel via cycle or bus New Delhi: Amid rising air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday urged Delhiites to take out at least a day to travel via cycle or bus to reduce pollution.

His remarks came as he flagged off a cycle rally as part of the Delhi government’s Rahagiri program at West Vinod Nagar, Patparganj.

“We’re taking Rahgiri to every corner of Delhi.

Initially, it’ll be organized at 6 locations in 6 weeks. The message is to reduce pollution on your part”, he tweeted.

He further said that “To reduce pollution, foremost responsibility lies with the govt to make rules & regulations. Then the industrial sector and thirdly, we as individuals; take out at least a day to travel via cycle/bus”.

We’re taking Rahgiri to every corner of Delhi.

Initially, it’ll be organized at 6 locations in 6 weeks. The message is to reduce pollution on your part Manish Sisodia,

Deputy Chief Minister

He also suggested that people in the construction industry should come up with technology that reduces pollution during construction activities. “People can ride a cycle at least once a month to prevent pollution and save the environ-

ment for future generations,” said Sisodia.

Delhi’s air quality on Sunday improved marginally as the air quality in the national capital reached the ‘very poor’ category with AQI at 386 (overall), according to the System of Air Quality

SDMC resumes ‘Neki Ki Deewar’ in Dwarka area

BJP seeks all party meet on cleaning Yamuna

New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation resumed its initiative ‘Neki ki Deewar’ to help the needy by providing clothes and shoes free of cost throughout the year.

The initiative came to a halt last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this initiative, people from underprivileged sections receive used clothes and shoes donated by the locals. ‘Neki Ki Deewar’ was started on November 11, 2018. ANI

New Delhi: Leader of opposition in the delhi assembly and BJP leader ramvir singh bidhuri has demanded that the delhi government should make a timebound action plan for cleaning the yamuna river. he said that cleaning of yamuna is a sacred task, and everyone is ready to cooperate in this. the delhi government should immediately start this holy task by calling an all-party meeting for this, he

CRUCIAL READ FIVE INJURED IN CYCLINDER BLAST AT DELHI’S AZADPUR AREA New Delhi: At least five people sustained burn injuries after an LPG cylinder caught fire and exploded in a shanty in northwest Delhi on Sunday morning, Delhi Fire Service officials said.

The incident took place in Lal Bagh area of Azadpur and the fire department said a call about the blaze was received around 10 am, they said. “We rushed three fire tenders to the spot as per the call received and found out that an LPG blast occurred in a 25 yards shanty due to which five people sustained burn injuries,” said Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Service.

6-YEAR-OLD NOIDA GIRL FOUND DEAD IN PARK New Delhi: Apall of gloom descended on the family of a six-year-old girl who was found dead in a park in Sector 108 Noida on Friday night. The girl was missing since Thursday afternoon and was found dead with a wound on her chest. The injury on her chest indicated that she had been attacked with a blunt object.

According to a report published in TOI, the minor had gone out to play on Thursday afternoon with her sister at a nearby park, which is 2km away from her home.

OVER 1,500 COPS DEPLOYED AT TRADE FAIR New Delhi: Delhi Police has deployed over 1500 police personnel at the 40th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2021 which will commence on Sunday at Pragati Maidan in the national capital. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sudhanshu Dhama, speaking to ANI, said, “More than 1500 personnel of Delhi Police have been deployed at the trade fair and four additional companies have also been deployed. The entire trade fair will be monitored through CCTV cameras. We have also deployed the intelligence unit of the police.”

and Weather Forecasting And Research.

Meanwhile, the pollution level in the NCR, especially Noida and Gurugram, also remained worrisome. Noida reported AQI in the ‘hazardous’ category at 536, while the air quality in Gurugram

was at the upper end of the ‘severe’ category at 423. As per SAFAR, the AQI is likely to improve in two days “as winds at the transport level (925 mb) are slowing down resulting in a lesser intrusion of farm fires-related pollutants into Delhi.” —ANI

New Delhi: Replying to those mocking the smog towers installed in Delhi, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the pilot project is working and has an impact up to 1 kilometre radius.

The impact will be assessed by IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi teams, he said.

They will submit a primary report within three months, Rai added.

On steps to control the pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, Rai said, “Tomorrow we’ll hold a meeting with Metro and DTC to increase the frequency of public transport.”

Earlier in the day, Rai said that the department has issued a notification for effective implementation of the emergency measures announced by the government to tackle air

DELHI TRAFFIC POLICE STEP UP MEASURES TO CURB POLLUTION New Delhi: Intensifying measures to deal with the pollution crisis, the Delhi Traffic Police said it will prosecute all vehicles plying without PUC certificates.

To implement the same, over 550 personnel have been deployed at more than 170 locations such as petrol pumps, pickets, highways and main markets to stop vehicles and check for valid PUC certificates.

pollution. He said that all schools, libraries and institutions will remain shut till November 20, except for those where exams are being conducted. Construction and demolition activities will be banned till November 17.

“In the order issued on late Saturday night by the department, we have clarified that those schools or educational institutions where exams are already being conducted will remain open,” Rai said in a press conference. —ANI

Construction projects on hold Air quality improves till Nov 17 due to pollution marginally; still in ‘very poor’ category First India Bureau

BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri.

said. delhi’s 18 big drains are pouring 1,500 million filths into the yamuna every day. there are announcements for sewage treatment plants, but all its projects are far behind schedule.

—Agencies

Delhi Cong pays tributes to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru

New Delhi: Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee paid floral tributes to first PM of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary at a function at the DPCC Office, Rajiv Bhawan, today.

He said the steps taken by former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for the all round development of the country were now bearing fruits as India was on the fast track of development.

New Delhi: In order to escalate its fight against pollution, Delhi Environment Department on Sunday issued orders regarding shutting of institutions under the Environment Protection Act of 1986, informed Environment Minister Gopal Rai. Schools, colleges, skill development centres, educational institutions will remain closed till 20th November, with exceptions for ongoing exams.

Construction and Demolition projects have been put on hold till November 17 to curb dust pollution that they are major sources of.

Delhi Government’s offices and government autonomous agencies will also remain closed till November 17.

The major objective behind these emergency measures is to cut down on vehicular pollutants, to give the people of Delhi some relief. An advisory has been issued to private offices to follow suit and help this initiative have an effective impact on the pollution levels.

DELHI SUFFERING FROM TWO KINDS OF POLLUTION: GOPAL RAI Talking about the Delhi Government’s latest step in fighting pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed, “Yesterday, under the leadership of CM Arvind Kejriwal, the cabinet and the officers held a joint meeting to address the rising levels of pollution in Delhi. Officers of the DPCC held presentations which clearly depict that Delhi is suffering from two kinds of pollution - One, which is Delhi’s own, i.e., sourced from vehicular emissions, construction site fumes, waste burning. And two, the incoming pollution as a result of stubble burning from other states.”

EMERGENCY SERVICES REMAIN EXEMPTED FROM ORDER

POLLUTION LEVELS TO RISE IN COMING DAYS

The Environment Minister said, “However, any institutions providing emergency services will be exempted from this order.

This includes health and all related departments and services, police, jail, home guard, fire service, district administration, DPCC, Environment Department, Pay and Accounts Office, Electricity Department, PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Water Supply and Sanitation.”

He further elaborated, “The severity of the pollution was quite high yesterday, compared to which today seems a bit of a relief. However, it has been estimated that the pollution levels are only going to escalate in the coming days. Keeping this in mind, all schools, colleges will remain shut till November 20.

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality on Sunday improved marginally as the air quality in the national capital reached ‘very poor’ category with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 386 (overall), according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Meanwhile, the pollution level in the National Capital Region (NCR), especially Noida and Gurugram, also remained worrisome. Noida reported AQI in the ‘hazardous’ category at 536, while the air quality in Gurugram was at the upper end of ‘severe’ category at 423.

As per SAFAR’s bulletin, the AQI is likely to improve in two day “as winds at transport level (925 mb) are slowing down resulting in lesser intrusion of farm fires

Image for representational use only

ROZGAR MELA

Day 1 of job fair at Noida sees 3,300 applications New Delhi: Day 1 of the two-day job fair in Noida, that commenced on Sunday, saw 3,300 people submitting their applications.

The “Rozgar Mela” has been organised by the Noida Authority at Shilp Haat in co-ordination with Yamuna Expressway Industrial Authority (YEIDA) and Greater Noida Industrial Authority. Several large and mid-scale

Image for representational use only

companies have set up stalls to provide employment opportunities

to locals, officials said.

Spot registrations are being carried out

and companies will shortlist candidates as per their requirements.

The employers will give preference to residents of Gautam Buddh Nagar and those associated with agricultural activities in the region, the officials added.

Companies like Vivo, Oppo and Haier have set up their booths at the fair. Besides these, industrial organ-

related pollutants into Delhi.”

“However, as local winds are becoming calm and minimum temperature is decreasing further, preventing efficient dispersion of pollutants leading to improvement of air quality to the upper end of very poor category or lower end of the severe category,” it added.

The effective fire count was reduced to 3,157 yesterday, SAFAR informed.

According to the government agencies, AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 are marked as severe/hazardous. The India Meteorological Department predicted: “mainly clear sky and moderate fog in the morning” for Sunday and Monday.

—PTI

isations, handloom companies, Noida Apparel Cluster and other agencies have also set up their booths.

The fair aims to create a dialogue between employers and those seeking jobs, officials said. A similar fair will be organised by the Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Authority as well. The event will be held between 10 am and 5 pm.

Nearly all DMRC staff vaccinated against Covid-19 New Delhi: Nearly the entire workforce of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has received at least one dose of Covid vaccine by now, officials said on Saturday.

While many of them have received both the doses of the vaccine, some are in the process of getting the second dose now.

The DMRC employs about 14,500 people, sources said.

—PTI

INDIA NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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03

Policies in NE being framed

as per needs of region: Modi PM MODI LAUDS TRIPURA CM BIPLAB PM TRANSFERRED HOUSING SCHEME DEB FOR CHANGING GOVT CULTURE FUNDS TO OVER 1.47 L IN TRIPURA

DELHI, PUNJAB, J&K BJP LEADERS CALLED ON PM New Delhi: A delegation of BJP leaders from Punjab met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday and submitted a request for re-opening of the Kartarpur Corridor to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, after a Punjab BJP panel went to meet Modi, AAP said that all parties should have been part of the delegation or state govt should

have held these talks.

‘Affairs of Punjab should be discussed with state govt or with all political parties of state. It is meaningless to discuss issues with number of elected MLAs or leaders & esp those whom people of Punjab do not allow to enter their villages. It is a part of the election strategy,” AAP nat’l spokesperson Bhardwaj. —ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi transfers the first installment of PMAY-G to more than 1.47 lakh beneficiaries of Tripura through video conferencing in New Delhi on Sunday.

New Delhi: Stating that in the last 7 years the nation is progressing under a new approach and policies are being framed as per the needs of the region, PM Modi on Sunday said that the entire northeast has become witnesses to change.

His remarks came after he transferred the 1st instalment of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAYG) to more than 1.47 lakh beneficiaries of Tripura. More than Rs 700 crore were credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. —ANI

I thank Tripura Deb and his govt for changing old ways of working within such a short span of time. BJP’s ‘double-engine’ govt are forming policies together for devp of state.

—Narendra Modi, PM

BJP leaders from Punjab, J&K and Delhi submits a memo to PM Modi to reopen Kartarpur Corridor in New Delhi.

NV Ramana presents a ship to a girl during the Valedictory event by NALSA in Sunday.

Important to reach people of all sections, says CJI New Delhi: New Delhi: The stark divide between haves and havenots is a reality, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said Sunday, emphasising the need to diversify the Judiciary’s workforce to to reach out to people of all sections.

The CJI urged all stakeholders to popularise methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and local adalats, so that the justice delivery system is not elusive.

Ramana was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the Pan India Legal Awareness and 0utreach Campaign that had been organised by NALSA to

Punjab sees biggest cut in petrol price, Ladakh on diesel Chandigarh: Congress-ruled Punjab has seen the biggest reduction in the price of petrol in the country after it cut local sales tax or VAT the most while the UT of Ladakh witnessed the largest reduction in diesel rates for the same reason.

Post the Union government’s decision of reducing excise duty on petrol by Rs 5 per

THE REDUCTION IN VAT

` 16.02 ` 19.61

` 11.27

litre Petrol price reduced in Punjab

litre and that on diesel

by Rs 10 a litre, 25 states and UTs have cut VAT to give further reprieve to consumers battered by record-high retail prices.

—ANI

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU BIRTH ANNIV

Modi, Sonia, others pay tributes to India’s 1st PM

Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on 132nd birth anniv.

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, External Affairs Minister

THE REDUCTION IN FUEL PRICE

S Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and others on Sunday paid tributes to India’s 1st PM. —ANI

litre Diesel price reduced in Punjab

` 13.43 ` 13.35 litre Petrol price reduced in ladakh

litre Petrol price reduced in K’taka

` 6.82

litre Petrol price reduced in Gujarat

` 6.96

litre Petrol price reduced in Punjab

litre Petrol price reduced in UP

` 4.55

` 3.21

litre Petrol price reduced in Odisha

litre Petrol price reduced in Bihar

Hindutva Row: Bihar BJP Prez Jaiswal sends Bhagavad Gita to Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal on Sunday dispatched a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Rahul Gandhi, whom he charged with having a lack of understanding of Hindutva through utterances made in support of controversial remarks in a recent book authored

by Salman Khurshid.

Jaiswal called Gandhi the most confused leader in country who was unable to appreciate basics of Hinduism

New Delhi: Russia has started supplying the S-400 Triumf air defence systems to India, the first unit of which will be deployed near the western front.

FSMTC is the Russian government’s main defence export control organisation.

The first squadron delivery would be completed by the end of this year and after its deployment, the Indian

Members of Bihar BJP sent copy of Bhagavad Gita to Rahul Gandhi.

despite “so many publicised tours of temples”.

He said Gandhi’s attempts to distinguish Hinduism from Hindutva was height of ignorance and a reflection

on belief of Congress in dictum of divide and rule. “We wish to know if he read an Italian translation,” Jaiswal said in reference to Sonia Gandhi.

—ANI

The terrorist attack on the army convoy in Manipur once again proves that the Modi government is not capable of protecting the nation.

My condolences to the martyrs and condolences to their families.

AS TOLD BY DIR OF RUSSIAN FEDERAL DEPT SOURCES SAY...

India had signed deal of USD 5 billion

Air Force would start focusing towards the eastern front, they said.

The IAF would also ded-

icate some of the resources for training its personnel within the country also.

—ANI

CJ CALLS FOR LEGAL AID FOR CHILDREN

celebrate the 75th year of independence.

Launched on 2 October this year, the cam-

paign saw several awareness initiatives.

Sunday marked end of the campaign.

—ANI

CRUCIAL READ RLY BOOKING TO REMAIN SHUT FOR 6 HR FOR 7 DAYS

New Delhi: The Railways PRS will be shut for six hours during “lean business” hours of the night for the next seven days, the ministry of railways announced on Sunday.

The six-hour duration will be used to upgrade the system data with new train numbers and other relevant items in a bid to normalise passengers services and revert back in a phased manner to post-Covid levels of services as announced by ministry.

CGST FRAUD OF `34 CR UNEARTHED, 7 FIRMS INVOLVED New Delhi: GST officials unearthed a case of input tax credit fraud worth Rs 34 crore involving seven firms based on specific intelligence input. The 7 firms were created in order to generate bogus GST invoices with an intent to pass on fraudulent inadmissible ITC without actual movement of goods and without paying actual GST. Invoices of approx Rs 220 crore created, Rs 34 crore ITC amounting passed.

CONDOLENCES!

Rahul Gandhi @RahulGandhi

India receives S-400 air defence system from Russia 1ST UNIT TO BE DEPLOYED NEAR WEST FRONT

Since past few years legal services across India have done a stellar job by facilitating speedy dispensation of justice through aforesaid mechanism. But at the grassroot level there is a need to train staff to accommodate sensitivities of the victims.

—NV Ramana, CJI

Industry sources said first parts of squadron have already started reaching India, they would be deployed on a location where it can take on threats from both Pak & Chinese airspace. As per sources, parts of missile systems are coming via both air and sea routes.

INDIA AT PAR WITH ITS NEIGHBOUR IN TERMS OF DEVELOPMENTS AT BORDERS, SAYS RAJNATH

Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India is no less than its neighbour in development at the AP border and the country will give a befitting reply in every situation. Speaking on Silver Jubilee celebrations of the All India Ex-Servicemen Services Council at Telibagh in Lucknow, he said, ‘I don’t want to discuss it here but what we are doing Rajnath Singh at borders, I have personally visited and seen it. I want to congratulate our officers of defence services that we are no less than anyone. Whatever be the situation, we will give a reply.

We are clear with our policy on national security.’

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra pays condolences to BSP chief Mayawati on her mother’s demise in New Delhi on Sunday. Meanwhile Priyanka confirmed on Sunday that Congress will not forge an alliance with any political party and will go solo in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

SABARIMALA TO REOPEN TODAY FOR MAKAR SANKRANTI

Thiruvananthapuram: As Sabarimala reopens for Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti) festival, Kerala health minister Veena George on Sunday said that dept has made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims in order to combat the possible spread of Covid. The hill shrine of Sabarimala will be opened for MandalaMakaravilakku, which last for 2 months, on Monday eve and public will be allowed for obeisance from Tuesday.

KANGANA NOT OF SOUND MIND: DCW CHIEF URGES PREZ

New Delhi: DCW chief Swati Maliwal wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind on November 14 urging him to withdraw the Padma Shri Award, bestowed on actor Kangana Ranaut for her remarks allegedly belittling country’s Independence. Maliwal said the actor had “made certain outrageous statements disgracing the great freedom fighters of the country”.

The DCW chief also demanded sedition charges against actor.

PERSPECTIVE NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP:

NEED OF THE HOUR

04

IN-DEPTH

SEASON OF VIRUSES CONTINUES WITH DENGUE & ZIKA TAKING A TOLL

T

RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR The writer is a wellness physician, independent researcher and author

I Merely having the vision is no panacea to bringing about successful change.

What is really needed is enlightened leadership — leaders who not only have the vision, but also the ability to get workers, organisations, and governments, to accept ownership for that vision as their own, thus developing the commitment to carrying it through to completion.

t goes without saying that we are in the midst of what futurist Alvin Toffler called “the rattling and shaking.”

And, with no let-up in sight, and no end to the cultural and economic upheaval, interspersed with the COVID-19 scourge, or ‘earthquake,’ we are witnessing a fundamental ‘shift’ in our lives at work and home. If our age is in a wobbly period of transition, also transformation — something that has consistently occurred all through time, or history — the forces driving such a change are numerous and varied, including human ingenuity, the incredible information boom, among other scintillating scientific and technological advances.

It’s precisely here that the story takes a turn. A twist to a new reality — one which is booming and, in turn, transforming organisations and work. As Albert Einstein put it so succinctly, “The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” This explains why companies across every business horizon — also a handful of responsible governments — have increasingly woken up to the fact, practically every day, and realised that their

VACCINE DISPARITY WON’T HELP RICH NATIONS

most underutilised resources are the minds and hearts of their people. Because, it’s people — people closest to ground reality, closest to work, or business with the customer — who have the answers and solutions to problems, big or small, that confront us.

Ed Oakley and Doug Krug, authors of “Enlightened Leadership,” and internationally recognised leaders in implementation, corroborate why such efforts at change could plummet too, notwithstanding our best efforts. They contend that leaders should have a ‘smorgasbord’ of practical, hands-on, proven strategies to be in control of things — especially in getting their people to moving right ahead. This isn’t all. Enlightened leadership, they evidence, has to be viable, also proactive, to breaking through the barriers of developmental and organisational change — a vista based on maximising the contribution of all, including people from all walks of life, employees, employers, companies, businesses, and governments, by sharing information, re-engineering decisions, planning goals and methods and getting into and propelling the ‘heart of change’ for a better, also equitable, world.

Our epoch is in a period of fundamental change and the forces driving such a ‘makeover’ are juxtaposed with a host of new and pressing realities of transition. Being able to change

E

urope is faced with another wave of Covid-19 amid opposition to vaccination.

Those who have received the double jabs in rich countries are going in for a booster dose even as about 60 poorest countries like Zimbabwe don’t have enough vaccines for their people. The richpoor divide in a situation as this is too stark to be ignored.

Ironically, Europe is witnessing a Covid-19 surge despite the easy availability of Covid-19 jabs whereas African countries are short of jabs at a time when infections are rising. Only 4.5 per cent people in low-income countries are reported to have received a single dose. The vaccine disparity is huge enough to

Enlightened leadership is geared to provide the actual, also virtual, toolkit for such leaders — to taking us into the future of work, or a more competitive environment around us. and/or keep pace with our rapidly changing ecosystem holds the keynote to success in our chaotic, yet progressive, world. This is the fulcrum that initiates people, who would also be the change agents, with the wherewithal to augment, or amplify, their organisation, or country’s greatest asset — the underutilised talent, know-how and the energy of its existing workforce.

What does all this mean?

Nothing complex. We are, quite simply, at the cusp of transforming work and the workplace. This is, indeed, the most important paradigm in the context. Pivotal to its core, or nucleus, is a new kind of leader, not the individual in a hurry, but one who is endowed with creativity and courage to bear the problems of the organisation, or country — with logical, step-by-step processes for empowerment alongside ‘standards’ that would help create a vision of what is possible for teams, or groups.

Enlightened leadership is geared to provide the actual,

Those who have received the double jabs in rich countries are going in for a booster dose even as about 60 poorest countries like Zimbabwe don’t have enough vaccines for their people. warrant some action by the World Health Organisation which has called for a “global moratorium” on booster doses. The “scandal must stop now”, the WHO has reportedly said.

This is the first time that WHO chief Dr Tedros A. Ghebreyesus has used a word as strong as “scandal”.

also virtual, toolkit for such leaders — to taking us into the future of work, or a more competitive environment around us.

If there has been much talk in the business community about the need for such visionary leadership — a leader with a prescience of the future — most leaders have been amused, also vexed, with the implied limitations of such a terminology. Merely having the vision is no panacea to bringing about successful change.

What is really needed is enlightened leadership — leaders who not only have the vision, but also the ability to get workers, organisations, and governments, to accept ownership for that vision as their own, thus developing the commitment to carrying it through to completion.

Such leaders, as a matter of fact, need not have the vision themselves, but possess the willingness and ability to derive and inspire the vision for their people — and, empower them to foster this vision into reality. In other words, enlightened leaders are leaders who nurture and encourage their people to be open, creative, innovative and expand upon what it takes to achieve their shared objectives — to bring the best in them. In simple terms, enlightened leadership is not so much about things to do, but getting them done in the best manner possible — without publicity blitz, or ballyhoo.

his is the season of viruses. The Covid-19 causing novel coronavirus is still there and the deadly virus is now joined by dengue, Zika viruses. The last two viruses are not causing Covid-19 like devastation but they too can be deadly. Uttar Pradesh is hit by both dengue and Zika viruses.

The state has nearly 25,000 dengue cases. Delhi and Punjab have reported an all time high number of dengue cases. Other states too have reported dengue.

The difference between the dengue virus and Covid-19 is that the former is seasonal and easy to manage if the patient is alert and gets timely medical advice.

Laxity on the part of patients can, however, prove fatal.

Whether it’s Covid, dengue or Zika, the presence of these mosquito-borne viruses indicates lack of proper sanitation which allows breeding of the winged pests. The lack of will to eradicate these diseases like malaria is what is needed. For that to happen the municipal corporations must put in extra effort.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.

—Gautam Buddha

TOP TWEETS Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju

On the concluding day of Pan India Legal Awareness & Outreach Campaign, I appeal all the lawyers of India, especially those more privileged, to extend more Pro Bono Services to fulfill our collective effort “Access to Justice for all and Justice at the doorsteps of the citizens” Dr Mansukh Mandaviya @mansukhmandviya

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

The world health watchdog has been critical of rich nations for not sharing vaccines with poor countries who urgently need them for vulnerable groups like the elderly and high-risk groups.

According to WHO, the 92 countries which have outlined booster dose programmes do not fall in the category of poor nations.

These countries are administering around 25 million vaccines daily.

The boosters are obviously big money spinners for the manufacturers who do not want to share the jabs with poor countries.

The inconsiderate attitude could only mean that Covid-19 is here to stay and rich countries continue to be vulnerable.

Grit, determination & resolve of the people is on full display as 80% of the eligible population is administered with the 1st dose of #COVID19 vaccine.

This momentous achievement has its roots in Govt’s #HarGharDastak campaign, bringing vaccination to each and every home.

l Vol 1 l Issue No. 76 RNI TITLE NO. DELENG/2021/19840 Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Impressions Printing and Packaging Limited, C-21, 22 Sector-59, Noida-201301. Published at G-20, 3rd Floor, 309, Preet Vihar, New Delhi-110092. Phone 011-49846474.

Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra.

Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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05

400% rise in cyber crime cases against kids in 2020: NCRB New Delhi: More than 400 per cent increase in cyber crime cases committed against children was reported in 2020 in comparison to 2019, with most of them relating to publishing or transmitting of materials depicting children in sexually explicit act, according to the latest NCRB data.

Top five states reporting cyber crimes against children are:

Uttar Pradesh (170), Karnataka (144), Maharashtra (137), Kerala (107) and Odisha (71), the National Crimes Record Bureau data stated.

Among the 842 cases of online offences, 738 cases were about publishing or transmitting materials depicting children in sexually explicit act.

As the NCRB 2020 data reveals, there is a

CASES IN 2020 IS SMALL, BUT ITS RISE SINCE 2019 ALARMS

n 2019, 164 cases of cyber crimes Iwhile against children were reported in 2018, 117 cases of cyber crimes were committed against children and 79 such cases were

sharp rise (over 400 per cent) in cyber crimes (registered under the Information Technology Act) committed against children in comparison to the last year.

registered in 2017. Even though the number of cyber crime cases committed against children in 2020 remain small, its rise from 2019 is alarming.

In 2019, 164 cases of cyber crimes against children were reported while in 2018, 117 cases of cyber crimes were committed against children and 79 such cases

were registered in 2017.

Even though the number of cyber crime cases committed against children in 2020 remain small, its rise from 2019 is alarming.

India reports lowest active caseload since March 2020 11,271 COVID-19 cases reported on Sunday, which is lowest since outbreak of pandemic in India last year New Delhi: India reported the lowest COVID-19 active caseload since March 2020 with the tally at 1,35,918, the Ministry of Health informed on Sunday.

“Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.39 per cent- lowest in 17 months (522 days),” the ministry said.

As many as 11,271 new COVID-19 cases and 285 Covid deaths were also reported in the country in the last 24 hours. The death toll from the virus has now reached 4,63,530, the ministry informed.

Of these, Kerala reported 6,468 new cases and 23 deaths.

Till now India have conducted over 62.37 Cr COVID-19 tests.

—ANI

New Delhi: The IMA on Sunday launched a campaign for early detection and mitigation of diabetes complications. Noticing their vulnerabilities, Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded COVID-19 vaccination for all diabetes patients, including a third dose, if needed. The IMA on Sunday launched a campaign for early detection and mitigation of diabetes complications by organising walkathon, marathon and a social media drive. The campaign also included research paper promotion which was launched on the occasion of world Diabetes Day —PTI ZYDUS CADILA’S COVID VAX TO BE JABBED ONLY TO ADULTS: SOURCES

Cadila’s Covid-19 Zwhichydus vaccine ZyCov-D, has been cleared

by India’s drug regulator for those aged 12 years and above, will only be administered to adults as of now, sources said on Sunday. The health ministry has given a go ahead to initiate the preparatory work for the inclusion

Bihar might witness mid-term polls: Chirag Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Saturday said that he believes that there will be mid-term elections in Bihar and his party would be part of an alliance in the upcoming elections.

“I believe there will be mid-term elections in Bihar. We will fight the upcoming elections in an alliance. However, alliance partners will be announced before the elections only,” said Paswan in a press conference here.

He also slammed CM Nitish Kumar over deaths in Bihar due to consumption of illicit liquor and accused

IMA PUSHES FOR COVID-19 VAX FOR ALL DIABETES PATIENTS

of the indigenouslydeveloped, needle-free jab in the national Covid inoculation drive and it can be introduced in the programme anytime soon. The ministry has already placed a purchase order with the Ahmedabad-based firm for one crore doses of the vaccine.

—PTI

READ, HOW MONKEYS WERE TRACKED FOR COVAXIN TRIAL! New Delhi: Twenty Rhesus macaque monkeys, used during trials of Covaxin, were found near Nagpur after they had moved deep inside the forests of Maharashtra losing their usual urban food sources because of the Covid lockdown in 2020, says a new book. In “Going Viral: Making of Covaxin The Inside Story”, Director General of ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava talks about the journey of India’s homegrown vaccine. The book also touches upon the intricacies of science and challenges faced by Indian scientists during the fight against COVID-19.

The book lauds the Heroes of pandemic.

—PTI

higher officials in the state of being a part of the racket.

“The CM should answer why alcohol is still available to the public in Bihar. He won’t answer this question because higher officials of the state are part of the racket and Nitish Kumar is known to run the govt through his officials,” he said. The LJP won only one seat in 2020 polls.

—ANI

New Delhi: Janata Dal (S) leader and former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy is upset.

The face-to-face fight between the BJP and the Congress in the by-elections in Karnataka and the victory of the Congress in one seat has given him sleepless nights. So he has started playing the emotional card. Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held in April-May 2023 i.e. one and a half year from now but he has just announced that it will be his last election. Although he is not very old yet and it is also

HD Kumaraswamy

a historic fact that no leader retires in India.

His father HD Deve Gowda himself is also active in politics at the age of more than 80 years. Despite this, he played the stake of his last election.

Despite playing the emotional card, he felt that this would not

work, so he now started using his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. He said that Deve Gowda’s last wish is that at least once the JD(S) forms its full majority government. Although JDS has always been getting less than 50 seats and in

Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh): Taking a dig at those who targeted his book over comparison between Hindutva and ISIS, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Saturday said that those ‘poor in English’ should get it translated for clarity as he has used the word ‘similar’ and not ‘same’.

“There is word ‘similar’ in English which means having a resemblance. I regret that I wrote in English; they seem poor in English, should get it translated for clarity,” he said.

Salman Khurshid reacted after Bharatiya Janata Party reacted furiously over the excepts of the book.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra on Friday said that the Congress party’s attack on Hinduism is not a coincidence but an experiment. He alleged that the nature of Congress is to attack Hinduism

the last Lok Sabha elections, the people of the state defeated Deve Gowda, after which he was sent to the Rajya Sabha. Despite this, Kumaraswamy is saying that Deve Gowda’s last wish is to see an absolute majority government of JDS. For this, JDS will have to win 113 seats in the state Assembly, which is not possible at any cost. Kumaraswamy is also aware of this but he has played this gamble for his father to consolidate the core Vokkaliga vote.

He has also given a message to the Congress that he can contest the elections alone too.

ONE MORE KHELA!

Will ‘non-Bengalis’ hit TMC lottery this time? 

WB CM Mamata Banerjee has been trying to reach non-Bengali especially Hindi speaking people for the last few days

Sharat K Verma New Delhi: One more Rajya Sabha seat is about to be up for election in West Bengal which fell vacant due to the resignation of Trinamool Congress leader Arpita Ghosh, whose term is till 2026. So, election notification has been issued and with the announcement of this election, it is being speculated as to whom will Mamata Banerjee give a

chance this time? Significantly, after the state assembly elections in May this year, bypolls to two Rajya Sabha seats were held in WB. In the first seat, Mamata Banerjee sent former IAS officer Jawahar Sarkar to the Rajya Sabha and on the second seat, Sushmita Deb, who left the Congress, was made a member of the Upper House. Both times she chose a Bengali candidate.

Mamta Banerjee

It is worth mentioning that Mamata Banerjee has been trying to reach non-Bengali especially Hindi speaking people for the last few days to fulfill her all-India politi-

cal ambitions, as she wants to increase her base in the Hindi belt in which Prashant Kishor is helping her. Since the assembly elections, there was talk that Mamata Banerjee would send former BJP leader and former Union Finance Min Yashwant Sinha to the Rajya Sabha. He had even joined the party But didn’t get the chance. There was also talk of Congress leader Subodhkant Sa-

sexual abuse material, cyber-bullying, online harassment and cyber-victimisation, and many other privacy-related risks.

—PTI

‘Poor in English...’: Khurshid amid hindutva row over book

In K’taka HD Kumaraswamy plays emotional card to polarise votes!

Anita Hada

LJP chief Chirag Paswan holding a press conference.

Puja Marwaha, CEO, Child Rights and You, said while spending more time on internet for accessing education and other communication, children have also become more vulnerable to multiple risksin the contexts of online sexual abuse, grooming or sexual solicitation, sexting, exposure to pornography, production and circulation of child

hay joining TMC. Pavan Verma, a former Foreign Service officer, former ambassador and Rajya Sabha member from Janata Dal-U, is also indirectly associating with Trinamool Congress because of Prashant Kishor. So, will any of them hit the lottery this time or will Mamata present a new face again as whoever Mamata chooses to send to the Rajya Sabha this time will indicate her politics ahead.

There is word ‘similar’ in English which means having a resemblance. I regret that I wrote in English; they seem poor in English, should get it translated for clarity.

—Salman Khurshid, Senior Congress Leader

whenever they get a chance.

The former union minister Salman Khurshid further said that the enemies of Hinduism are those who are trying to defame the religion.

“Those who misuse religion, irrespective of what religion they follow, are the enemies of religion. ISIS and Boko Haram defame Islam but no Islamic followers opposed it. I had not said ISIS and Hindutva same, I had said that they are similar,” Khur-

shid said. Speaking to media persons during his visit to Kalki Dham, he said, “I am visiting Kalki Dham. I would not be here if I would have any issue with any religion. I believe that Hinduism spread peace in the world.”

On Wednesday, Mr Khurshid got embroiled in controversy for allegedly “defaming and comparing Hinduism with terrorism” in his recent book “Sunrise Over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times”.

—ANI

CRUCIAL READ TRIPURA VIOLENCE: TWO WOMEN JOURNALISTS DETAINED IN ASSAM Agartala: Tripura Police have filed a number of cases against two women journalists identified as Samriddhi Sakunia and Swarna Jha for “publishing and broadcasting false and fabricated news aimed at disrupting communal harmony.” The journalists had been held by the Assam police at Nilam Bazar, lower Assam while attempting to leave Tripura in order to avoid police questioning. A police team from Dharmanagar reached Nilam Bazar to bring them back, Tripura IG (Law and Order), Arindam Nath told media.

NAQVI: PM HAS PROVED ‘DEMOCRACY DELIVERS’, ‘DYNASTY DISTURBS’ New Delhi: With the Congress set to raise the Pegasus snooping allegations in Parliament again, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday said what is the point of disrupting the House over issues that are “not based on facts”, and also asserted that the Opposition should avoid linking the upcoming Winter session with assembly polls. The deputy leader of Rajya Sabha said the govt is ready to discuss and debate all issues on the basis of the decision of the chair in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He also took a dig at the Cong over disruptions in previous parl sessions.

OVER 40,000 BOTTLES OF IMFL SEIZED FROM V’DARA GODOWN Vadodara: During a raid in the city, Vadodara rural police seized 43,512 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and arrested three people. According to police, the illegal liquor was discovered inside a cold storage and beneath a water tank in a closed godown. According to available information, Bhadarwa police station’s BN Gohil and his staff raided the closed godown at Prime Industries Estate Plot no. A-3/1 in Manjusar based on specific information.

BIZ BUZZ NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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, L O R T E P SEL E I D CES I R P AIN M E R TATIC S

as global oil prices softens

India’s coal import rises 13% to 107 MT in April-Sept New Delhi: India’s coal import rose by 12.6% to 107.34 million tonnes in the first six months of 2021-22.

The country had imported 95.30 million tonnes (MT) of the coal in April-September 2020-21, according to provisional data compiled by mjunction services, based on monitoring of vessels’ positions and data received from shipping companies.

Mjunction — a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL--is a B2B e-commerce company and also publishes research reports on coal and steel verticals.

However, the country’s coal import dropped to 14.85 MT in September, against 19.04 MT in the corresponding month of previous fiscal, it said.

“Coal imports in September 2021 were also down by 21.97% over September 2020 when imports stood at 19.04 MT,” it said.

“The substantial drop in import volumes in September as compared to the same month last year was in line with expectation, given the steady rise in thermal and coking coal prices in the global market. This trend is likely to continue till there is a significant correction and stability in seaborne prices,” Vinaya Varma, MD and CEO, mjunction said.

—PTI

New Delhi: Fuel prices have remained unchanged in the country post revision of duties by the state governments and the centre providing further relief to consumers from the consistent increase i n rates e a rl i er.

Aci n g l y, a n d pric-

cordpetrol diesel es remained unchanged for the 10th consecutive day on Sunday under the daily price revision mechanism

followed by the oil marketing companies.

The pump price of petrol in Delhi, which fell to `103.97 a litre at 6 am last on the Diwali day on November 4 from the previous days level of `110.04 a litre, remains at the same level on Sunday.

The diesel prices also remained unchanged in the capital at `86.67 a litre.

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol continues to be priced at `109.98 a litre and diesel `94.14 a litre.

Prices also remained static on Sunday in Kolkata where the price of petrol reduced by `5.82 to `104.67 per litre and that of diesel by `11.77 to `89.79 per litre in the first week of November.

Petrol price in Chennai also remained at `101.40 per litre and diesel `91.43 per litre.

Across the country as well, price of the fuel largely remained

un-

The pump price of petrol in Delhi, which fell to `103.97 a litre at 6 am last on the Diwali day on Nov 4 from the previous days level of ` 110.04 a litre, remains at the same level on Sunday.

The diesel prices also remained unchanged in the capital at `86.67 a litre.

CITY

PETROL

DIESEL

NEW DELHI

103.97

86.67

MUMBAI

109.98

94.14

KOLKATA

104.67

89.79

CHENNAI

101.40

91.43

changed on Sunday but the retail rates varied depending on the level of local taxes.

The global crude prices which has touched three year high level of over $85 a barrel on several occasions in past one month has softened a bit now to a round $82 a barrel.

Rise in US inventory has pushed down crude prices but

New Delhi: Cryptocurrencies have had an exceptional year, reaching a combined value of more than $3 trillion for the first time in November. The market seems to have benefited from the public having time on their hands during pandemic lockdowns. Also, large investment funds and banks have stepped in, not least with the recent launch of the first bitcoin-backed ETF – a listed fund that makes it easier for more investors to get exposure to this asset class.

Alongside this has been an explosive rise in the value of stable-

New Delhi: The Income Tax department on Sunday said taxpayers can now access the new Annual Information Statement (AIS), which includes additional categories of information like interest, dividends, securities and MF transactions, and remittances from abroad, on the e-filing portal.

The I-T department had last month expanded the list of high-value financial transactions, which would be available to taxpayers in their Form 26AS by including details of mutual fund (MF) purchases, foreign remittances, as well as information in ITRs of other taxpay-

ers.

Form 26AS is an annual consolidated tax statement that can be accessed from the income-tax website by taxpayers using their Permanent Account Number (PAN).

“AIS provides ease of access! It can be accessed now on the e-filing portal & downloaded easily in downloadable formats of PDF, CSV & JSON (machinereadable format). Click on link ‘AIS’ under ‘Services’ tab on http://incometax.gov.in,” the I-T department tweeted.

AIS enables a taxpayer to see and verify taxpayer info available with taxmen, provide feedback in case of dis-

c r e p a n c i e s, view/update the Taxp ay e r Information S u m mary (TIS) used for prefilling of ITR. The Budget for 202021 had announced the revised Form 26AS, giving a more comprehensive profile of the taxpayer, going beyond just the details of tax collected and deducted at source.

Additional information prescribed includes foreign remit-

NSDC TO ORGANISE INDIASKILLS 2021 REGIONAL COMPETITION FOR NORTH IN CHANDIGARH FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 18 Chandigarh: National Skill Development Corporation, a public private partnership under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), announced that Chandigarh will host IndiaSkills 2021 Northern Regional Competition

coins. Like other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins move around on the same online ledger technology known as blockchains. The difference is that their value is pegged 1:1 to a financial asset outside the world of crypto, usually the US dollar.

Stablecoins enable investors t o kee p

OPEC+ decision on only gradual increase in production in December could raise crude prices further.

This could put pressure on oil companies to revise fuel prices upwards again.

Before the price cuts and pause, diesel prices had increased on 30 out of the last 51 days taking up its retail price by `9.90 per litre in Delhi.

Petrol prices have also risen on 28 of the previous 47 days taking up its pump price by `8.85 per litre.

Since January 1, petrol and diesel prices have risen by more than `26 a litre before the duty cuts.

The excise duty cut by the Centre on November 3 was first such exercise since the onset of Covid pandemic.

In fact, government had revised excise duty on petrol and diesel sharply in March and again in May last year to mobilise additional resources for Covid relief measures.

The excise duty was raised by Rs 13 and Rs 16 per litre on petrol and diesel between March 2020 and May 2020 and was standing high at `31.8 on diesel and `32.9 per litre on petrol before finally the Centre decided on duty cut.

—Agencies

Taxpayers can now access new I-T annual info statement on e-filing portal

from November 15 to 18, gathering more than 450 participants from eight states and union territories—Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and UP. IndiaSkills is the country’s biggest skill competi-

tion that provides the youth a unique platform to showcase their skills, prepares and gives them an opportunity to participate in the WorldSkills International Competition, empowering them and making them employable for life.

Stablecoins: These cryptocurrencies threaten financial system, but no one is getting to grips with them Stablecoins like tether, USDC and Binance USD enable investors to keep money in their digital wallets that is less volatile than bitcoin, giving them one less reason to need a bank account

(In Rupees)

06

money in their digital wallets that is less volatile than bitcoin, giving them one less reason to need a bank account.

For a whole movement that is about a declaration of independence from banks and other centralised financial providers, stablecoins help to facilitate that.

And since

the rest of crypto tends to go up and down together, investors can protect themselves better in a falling market by moving money into stablecoins than, say, selling their ether for bitcoin.

A substantial proportion of buying and selling of crypto is done using stablecoins.

They are particularly useful for trading on exchanges like Uniswap where there is no single company in control and no option to use fiat currencies.

The total dollar value of stablecoins has shot up from the low $20 billions a year ago to $139 billion today. In one sense this is a sign that the cryptocurrency market is maturing, but it also has regulators worried about the risks that stablecoins could pose to the financial system. Stablecoins are centralised operations – in other words, someone is in control of them.

t a n c e made by any person through an authorised dealer, the breakup of the salary with deductions claimed by the employee, information in ITR of other taxpayers, interest on income tax refund, information published in the statement of financial transactions.

—PTI

WHAT’S NEW

Paytm share allocation likely on November 16 at `2,150 apiece

New Delhi: Digital payments and financial services firm Paytm is likely to allocate shares at the upper price band of `2,150 apiece on November 16 after market regulator SEBI’s approval which is expected to come on Monday, sources aware of the development said.

Earlier the allocation was expected to take place on Monday and the Paytm Money app also displayed the same.

“Paytm share allocation is likely to take place on Tuesday after approval of SEBI. The approval from SEBI is expected to come on Monday,” one of the sources said.

Based on the bid re-

ceived for Paytm’s `18,300 crore initial public offer (IPO), the company will list an enterprise valuation of `1,49,428 crore or slightly over $20 billion at an exchange rate of 74.35.

The country’s biggest IPO was subscribed 1.89 times with institutional buyers including FIIs flooding the share sale with offers seeking 2.79 times the number of shares reserved for them. Retail investors lapped up for 1.66 times the 87 lakh shares reserved for them.

Paytm is set for a bumper listing, likely on November 18, and will be one of India’s most valued companies.

—PTI

NEWS NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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Environmentalists say emergency measures not enough; country needs a long-term plan to decrease pollution

ACTIVISTS CONCERNED OVER

ALARMING AIR QUALITY INDEX New Delhi: With Delhi’s air quality index fluctuating between severe and very poor category, environment activists and health experts expressed concern over the situation and said that unless there is collaboration and continuity, the country would not be able to solve the crisis.

The experts also stated that there should be a plan to decrease pollution from all sources on a long-term basis rather than just taking emergency measures.

Vimlendu Jha, an environmental activist told ANI, “In the last 10 days, Delhi has seen extreme severe air quality.

The average was 500.”

The worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR forced the apex court of the country to step in and take cognizance of the national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday.

“Situation has improved not because of Supreme Court’s judgement, but because of the wind. Air pollution needs concerted efforts;

Maha BJP panel meet on Nov 16

Mumbai: A meeting of the Maharashtra BJP’s executive committee will be held on November 16 to fine tune the party’s strategy on prevailing issues, a functionary said on Sunday.

Party spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said corruption, criminalization of politics and failures of the MVA government will top the agenda of the meeting.

“Three resolutions will be passed. The first will be to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The political resolution will be about the failures of the MVA gover nment, while the third will be to condemn criminalization in politics,” he said.

he Supreme Court recently lashed out at the Centre and Delhi government for the worsening air quality Tin Delhi-NCR, following which the Delhi government ordered to take cetain measures to improve the air quality in the region.

Situation (regarding pollution) has improved (in Delhi-NCR) not because of Supreme Court’s judgement, but because of the wind. Air pollution needs concerted efforts; every stakeholder needs to come together to solve the crisis because it’s not a crisis of 2021, but the one that has been there for the last 10 yearss.

—Vimlendu Jha, Environmental Activist Delhi’s air quality index has been fluctuating between severe and very poor category.

every stakeholder needs to come together to solve the crisis because it’s not a crisis of 2021, but the one that has been there for the last 10 years,” Jha added.

As stubble burning is believed to be the major contributor to the deteriorating air quality, Jha is of the view that it is a perennial issue and in the last six years, Delhi has only witnessed 10 good air days which are under the 50 range. “It is definitely a

failure of the government when you have to shut down a city because of air pollution.

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is not a surprise. Until and unless there is a collaboration and continuity, we won’t be able to solve the crisis,” he said.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court lashed out at the Centre and Delhi government for the severe AQI. Supreme Court told Centre, “Tell us how we can reduce AQI from

500 at least by 200 points.

Take some urgent measures. Can you think of two days lockdown or something? How can people live?”

SC observed that now it has become a fashion to bash the farmers whether it’s the Delhi government or someone else.

“There was a ban on firecrackers. What happened with that?” the apex court had asked.

Reacting to the apex court’s assessment that stubble burning is not

the only cause of pollution, and vehicular pollution and dust have an equally high contribution, Dr Neetu Jain, a Senior Consultant of Pulmonology at PSRI Hospital said, “While there is an urgent need for control of pollution, lockdown will be extreme. There should be a plan to decrease pollution from all sources on a long-term basis rather than doing emergency measures when the situation becomes unbearable.” Dr Ama-

BJP plans four yatras in UP to woo

rinder Singh Malhi, Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Radiology and Endovascular Interventions at AIIMS said that deteriorating air quality has a direct link between air pollution exposure and cardiovascular diseases.

“Harmful elements present in the air pollutants lead to various and multiple cardiovascular diseases be it artery blockages or death of heart tissue due to oxygen deprivation..,” he said. —ANI

Hardik Patel addressing the Patidar gathering in Jasdan on Saturday night

Patidars, Thakors, Kolis & Rajputs are gearing up to ensure representation in the Vidhan Sabha First India Bureau Ahmedabad: As the state heads to legislative assembly elections, all communities have started building pressure on political parties for representation. Patidars have already made a claim on the Chief Minister post with first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel’s induction. It has sparked a race among communities such as Thakors, Kolis and Rajputs. On Saturday, an education institute developed by the Patidar community was inaugurated in Jasdan of Saurashtra region.

Speaking at the event, Khodaldham trust chair-

man Naresh Patel said, “Patidars should be posted in all positions, from clerk to senior IAS officers, sarpanchs to MPs. If members of the community have the right political connections and power, only then will community work be approved and cleared.”

Last July, Patel had also called for a Patidar state chief minister—a wish which was granted in September this year.

At the same event, Congress working president Hardik Patel said, “We should elect only those leaders who serve the community’s interests. If community leaders are in power, and they are of no use to the community, they should be dumped. We need elected leaders who cut across party lines to serve the interests of the Patidar community.”

MEDICAL OXYGEN DONATED

voters of specific castes, communities First India Bureau Lucknow: With eyes on the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the ruling BJP is pulling out all stops to woo public with ‘yatras.’

Interestingly, these outreach initiatives have been custom-made - like the riverine community yatra aimed at OBCs and 22 influential subcastes like Nishads and Kashyaps - to connect with specific caste and communities to consolidate the party’s base.

The party has drawn up an elaborate road map for similar such journeys and plans to launch four ‘Yatras’ from different parts of the state later this month. The yatras will go on for 3-4 weeks across all districts of the state and will be undertaken with active participation of senior BJP leaders from the state and the Centre, according to senior party

leaders in UP. Remember the ‘Parivartan Yatras’ which were taken out by the BJP before the 2017 assembly elections in specially designed buses from November 5, 2017 that culminated in Lucknow on December 24, 2017. “These ‘yatras’ have been modelled on the same pattern but with lesser time frame of around three to four weeks. The party will give a new name to these Yatras as the ‘Parivartan’ has already happened in 2017.

All senior leaders of the party, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, our Deputy CMs, state ministers, Union Ministers and senior office-bearers of the party will be part of the Yatras,” said a UP BJP functionary.

This outreach programmes will also serve as a counter to the ongoing ‘Vijay Yatra’ of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

BOMBARDMENT OF AFGHANISTAN

BY US GOD’S PUNISHMENT: YOGI Lucknow: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that Taliban received ‘God’s punishment’ when the US Army bombarded them in Afghanistan.

Referring to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha by

the Taliban, the chief minister said, “You must have seen that just a few days after that, the US dropped bombs there and the Talibanis started getting killed. The UP CM said, “We had said that God is punishing them for what they did to the statue of Gautam Buddha.” He was speaking at a ‘Samajik Pratinidhi Sammelan’ in Lucknow on Sunday. “Buddha never imposed war on the world, he will always be the source of inspiration for humanity.., the UP CM said.

CM Bommai shifts blame on Opposition The Karnataka Chief Minister said that the state government will not spare anyone indulged in the scam

Community race heats up ahead of polls in Guj

STEPS TAKEN AFTER SC RULING

KARNATAKA BITCOIN SCAM

lll

07

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday slammed the Congress party over the alleged bitcoin scam and said that the “issue had become bigger” because the Opposition did not probe the matter properly when it was in power.

“They (Congress) say that the matter began in 2016. If there was something related to Karnataka, then why the party in power did not notice it at that time. You

They (Cong) say the matter began in 2016.., then why the party in power did not notice it at that times.

Basavaraj Bommai, CM

have got to know about the accused, but did not do the proper enquiry,” said an official statement issued by the CM Office. Further, Bom-

mai said, “Why did not you do proper enquiry when you (Congress) were in power? You left it and the issue had become bigger. And now

you are questioning us.” The Chief Minister also said that the government will not spare anyone whoever was indulged in the scam.

“If they have evidence let them submit it to ED or the police, we will take action immediately,” he added.

On Saturday, Bommai termed the allegations “politically motivated” and asked the Opposition to submit the documents related to the scam.

—ANI

A Faridabad-based charity organisation donated 20 medical oxygen cylinders to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, to be used for the Sector 55 Government Hospital in the district. The cylinders were donated by Team Panditji in the memory of Late Pandit Shiv Charan Lal Sharma (former Haryana minister) on his birth anniversary. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Mayor Mukesh Sharma said that the hospital’s construction was started during the tenure of Pandit Shiv Charan Lal Sharma.

Journalist killed in Bihar’s Benipatti, protest erupts Madhubani: A local journalist and an RTI activist, who was allegedly kidnapped, was killed in Bihar’s Benipatti, said the police on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Avinash Jha. Family members of the deceased journalist and villagers are protesting against the killing and demanding justice.

Vikas, a villager alleged that Jha’s death is “clearly due to medical mafias”. “His work led to the closure of several fake medical gangs and imposition of huge fines on hospitals. He had uploaded a list of 10 hospitals to be probed,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, a local journalist and exZilla Parishad member in Purnia, Rintu Singh was shot dead in the Sarsi Police Station area. The deceased’s relatives staged a protest on Saturday. —ANI

Family members mourn the death of journalist and RTI activist Avinash Jha, who was kidnapped four days ago and found dead in Madhubani on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

TEJASHWI QUESTIONS NITISH GOVT OVER JOURNALIST’S MURDER Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday alleged that no action has been taken against Janata DalUnited (JDU) leader Leshi Singh even after the victim’s family “clearly accused the leader and her nephew for the murder of a journalist in Bihar’s Purnia.” Yadav said, “SHO has been sus-

pended but when the deceased’s relatives are clearly accusing Leshi Singh and her nephew then why the state government is silent?”

—ANI

The key to a beautiful relationship is to hold the best moments close and forget the ‘arguments’!

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

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2ND FRONT NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

08

Online International Gita Mahotsav-2021 to begin from Nov 21 First India Bureau Kurukshetra: People from all over the country and abroad will be able to participate in the online competition of International Gita Mahotsav-2021. The online competition will start from November 21 and will continue till December 8, this time. The online competition will be linked with the holy book

Gita and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

According to the orders of the nodal officer of International Gita Mahotsav-2021, Vijay Dahiya, the administration has started preparations for organizing the online competition. NIC officer Vinod Singla has been entrusted the responsibility of organizing this competition.

The nodal officer of

Gita Mahotsav said that Deputy Commissioner Mukul Kumar has constituted a committee to make this competition a success and engage maximum people in it. Questions will be asked by this committee regarding the holy religious text, Gita and the recitation of the teachings of the Gita by the brave soldiers at the time of independence. This com-

mittee will prepare questions for the day.

Along with the prize money, the winners of these competitions will also be given citations.

He informed that a quiz will be organized regarding the International Gita Mahotsav-2021. For this competition, a link will be uploaded on 48 Kos Kurukshetra, International Gita Mahotsav and

The online competition will continue till December 8. The competition will be linked with the holy book Gita and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The administration has started preparations for organizing the online competition. kurukshetra.gov.in. Besides this, link will also be put on the digital media sites of the District Information and Public Relations Offic-

40th IITF reflects pandemic-hit economy has recovered: Goyal New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the 40th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IIFT) reflects that the Indian economy has recovered strongly, and this time IIFT is three times bigger than the trade fair organised in 2019.

Lauding the historically high level of exports of goods and services, he said the world is taking India as a trusted global partner in maintaining global supply chains.

Goyal said despite the lockdown India did not default on any service support to the global community.

“India has been witnessing a historic high of Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs). India received the highest ever FDI in the first 4 months. It is 62 per cent higher than the same period last year. IITF will show India is back in business,” Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Tex-

MODI MANTRA

tiles Piyush Goyal said while inaugurating the 40th edition IIFT here in Delhi today.

Listing five pillars of the Indian economy, he said, “Five major Sutras of Bharat i.e. Economy, Exports, Infrastructure, Demand & Diversity.

While better infrastructure, demand and diversity in growth and development will become the aspiration for a Better and New India.”

Goyal praised the quality of unprecedented Infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh and complimented the state gov-

ernment for its emphasis on Export development.

Goyal said IITF will push the mission of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” and shall encourage the idea of vocal for global.

Goyal said we are implementing the largest vaccination drive in the world, having administered more than 110 crore doses. 500 crore more vaccines will be produced next year, besides 5 or 6 vaccines will be made in India including the world’s first nasal vaccine and first DNA vaccine. In-

dia will provide vaccine security and make the world a safer place. India will ensure that every part of the world gets an equitable vaccine to get safe.

Goyal said the IITF has returned after a gap of 1 year in its 40th edition with double josh and powered by the double engine of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ & ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He commended ITPO for mounting the Trade Fair in a short time and with the largest participation of over 3,000 exhibitors, demonstrating that the

world is looking at India as a ‘Trusted Partner’.

He said more than 750 women Self Help Group exhibitors demonstrate the potential of Nari Shakti of India. Entire participation has crossed 3000 small and big businesses. The good part is women MSME entrepreneurs have been given stalls at 100 percent subsidy-free of charge at the Ministry of MSME. “We have hundreds of women entrepreneurs who are participating in this trade fair.

Other MSMEs have also been given a 40 per cent discount. Startups have also been given a 40 per cent discount by ITPO,” he added.

Goyal said India can become the world’s hub of Industry and& Services. Indian Industry can soar to new heights on Quality, Competitiveness & Economies of Scale. IITF will help realise the goal of ‘Local goes Global’ & ‘Make in India for the World’.

er, Kurukshetra. With this the link can be seen on Kurukshetra’s app.

Smriti Irani defines citizens’ rights & duties in next 75 yrs New Delhi: The next 75 years of independent India need to be equally about the responsibility of citizens towards the community and the nation, and not just about rights, Union Women and Child Development Ministersaid on Sunday.

She was speaking as a guest of honour at the valedictory ceremony of the sixweek-long ‘Pan India Legal Awareness and Outreach Campaign’ by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

The Union Minister said that while the focus since independence was on rights, she was hopeful that the forthcoming years would strike a balance between rights and responsibilities.

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, judges of the Supreme Court Justice UU Lalit and Justice AM Khanwilkar along with Attorney General KK Venugopal were present at the event.

Jaipur: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s granddaughter Kashwini Gehlot was among 200 children who acted out the roles of the Assembly Speaker, Chief Minister, Ministers, Leader of the Opposition and the members who sat on the Opposition and the Treasury benches.

The children took over the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha for an hour in the mock assembly session that captured the spirit of the real

200 CHILDREN CONDUCT MOCK ASSEMBLY SESSION For the first time in the Rajasthan Assembly, children conducted a mock session on the occasion of Children’s day. Raghav Kalla, grandson of Dr BD Kalla, was made art and culture minister.

Anushka Rathod was (L) Kashwini Gehlot Rajasthan CM Gehlot’s granddaughter & Raghav made fin min, her faKalla, grandson of PHED minister Dr BD Kalla at the Assembly. ther is a judge. The thing including the odd la was present at the children conducted the disruption and an oppo- event organised to mark assembly proceedings sition walkout. Lok the birth anniversary for two hours and it Sabha Speaker Om Bir- of Jawaharlal Nehru. was a sight to watch!

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Planning to curb the child marriages.

CM directed officers to act against menace

Action against availability of drugs near edu institutions

At Zero Hour, debate on internet shutdowns during exams

Opposition MLAs did hold a dharna over drug trafficking

At Zero Hour, the issue of conservation of wildlife was raised

CM’s grandchild Kashwini acted as an MLA

Kashwini acted as an MLA and was seated in the front row. Kashwini suggested taking the school children on a tour to the forest to get acquainted with the wildlife and environment. She said that tours should be organized by the schools to make school children aware of wild animals and the environment.

Gehlot cabinet to meet on Tuesday to discuss VAT reduction VAT WORRIES IN RAJ! First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the NDA government in the Centre of working against the spirit of the federal structure by weakening them financially. The senior Congress leader said it is for the first time after independence that the country is fac-

ing such high inflation.

The Rajasthan CM said he will hold discussions about reducing the VAT on petrol and diesel in the state at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and an appropriate decision will be taken. “We will decide whatever is possible,” he told the media at the PCC office after paying tributes to former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru on his birth an-

niversary.

The Rajasthan government is facing flak from the opposition BJP over the VAT issue.

Blaming the policies of theBJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Gehlot said the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders kept on increasing continuously and then Rs 5 and Rs 10 per litre were reduced on the petrol and

RAJ CM HAILS GUV KALRAJ MISHRA

diesel rates, which is insufficient to curb the inflation.

“Our demand is that you (Centre) make a promise to the country

IRANISPEAK

that free legal aid ‘ehsan nahi adhikar hai’ (free legal aid is not charity but a right). For that NALSA and the Hon’ble Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court have our gr atitude, the Union Minister said.

—PTI

—ANI

KIDS PERFORM ROLES OF SPEAKER, CM, MLAs...

FROM PG 1

Irani lauded NALSA for the campaign, which started on October 2 as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence, and emphasised that free legal aid in the country is not charity but a right.

The true test of a democracy is ensuring that justice reaches all its children, the Union Minister said as she shared her desire for a just future for women and children.

That in the three phases from October 2 to the 14th (of November), 70 crore Indians and their lives could be touched upon, (the campaign) gives a message to our nation

that the r a t e s will not be increased in this

way in the future, only then the inflation will start coming down,” Gehlot said.

“It should be the policy of Centre that the state govts should be strong. The NDA government is going reverse. The earlier centrally sponsored schemes had 80:20 ratio, 20 per cent for the states and 80 for the Centre, in all the schemes but now the ratio is 50-50 percent,” he said.

Corporate firms can spend CSR funds anywhere for the society: Khattar First India Bureau Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has told the representatives of corporate companies that they can spend CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds anywhere for the society but it would be better if they put that money together with the Government, for certain significant results. The government knows the priorities, this will improve the infrastructure in the state at an accelerated pace, he said. The CM said this while addressing a

programme organized

by Haryana State CSR Trust in Gurugram where more than 75 corporate leaders from Gurugram and adjoining areas were invited to attend the event. Haryana State CSR Trust has been formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, in which there are four trustees.

These include Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) (Finance Department) TVSN Prasad, Vice President Bodhraj Sikri, Director General, Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute of Fiscal Management.

FROM PG 1 MORE POWER...

Indeed, data from the Legislative Branch of the Ministry of Law and Justice may be used to counter and decimate Opposition talking points on the issue. They indicate that between 1952-2014, governments issued 637 ordinances which averages 11 per year. Of these, 456 were issued in about 50 years of Congress rule covering six Prime Ministers. The data also show that Indira Gandhi issued 77 Ordinances during 1971-77. This translates into a rate of almost three ordinances every two months.

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09

NEW DELHI, MONDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2021

SHINING ABLAZE Kavya Kapoor, First Miss India 3rd runner up hailing from Uttar Pradesh shares how far she has come, her experiences post the victory and the grand celebration at homecoming!

SUSHMITA AIND

sushmita.aind@firstindia.co.in

Kavya’s mother Madhu Kapoor welcoming her

Madhu Kapoor

T

he journey isn’t always smooth and perhaps shall never be and that’s the best thing about climbing any mountain in the metaphoric sense that the view is worth the struggle of climbing up. The third runner up of First Miss India 2021, Kavypa Kapoor candidly shared her views on how the journey has led her to this stage. The diva shared, “My journey has been a roller coaster ride emotionally, mentally as well as physically. I was a plump kid throughout my teens due to which I was always bullied and heard

countless taunts.”

Kavya always wanted to become a part of the fashion and modelling industry. She drew inspiration from her dreams about modelling which inspired her work on her looks, poses and overall health & well-being.

Talking about her biggest inspiration, she added, “My mother has been the biggest pillar of support in my life.

She believed in me when everyone else didn’t. Every time I achieve a greater height, I believe all her sacrifices are well paid off and that’s the fact which makes me extremely happy.”

Her road to success is an ongoing journey and the model is ready to face more challenges and learn as much as she can.

She dreams of representing India on an international level

The ravishing diva posing at the swimming pool during a shoot at Goa

someday and make her parents proud. Her parents, Madhu Kapoor and RK Kapoor were proud as she bagged the position of the third runner up.

Kavya further added, “I wish to share this message which everyone out there who have been bullied one time after another, leave everything apart, just believe in yourself.”

Kavya flaunting her traditional dress at the finale

—PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Jagdeesh Chandra hands over the First Miss India 2021 3rd runner up award to a beaming Kavya Kapoor after her crowning, also seen are Ashok, Ken, Natasha, Aakriti, Kriti and Deepti

ETC 10-11

NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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Glitz

Astha Khandelwal (Winner), Vasudha Tiwari, (1st runner up) and Divisha Paliwal (2nd runner up) with Rubal, Charvi, Jyoti, Riya, Akanksha, Isha, Gaurav, Swati and Nupur

Jagdeesh Chandra with Pratibha, Isha, Meenakshi, Manisha Pandel, Yasheel Pandel, Navya, Himmat Singh and Kailash Rathore

City First brings to you some more glimpses from the remarkable evening of the grand finale of Elite Miss Rajasthan 2021-Season 8, which took place at The Palace in Jaipur on November 12!

Sapna, Shubhdaa, Simran, Divisha, Muskan, Megha Shyam, Astha, Upadhi, Kritika, Priya, Shrishti, Muskan and Tanu

Glam!

Jagdeesh Chandra with Divya Kasliwal, Shubhi Dhaneta, Pearl Agarwal and Shaan

Jagdeesh Chandra with Anvika Jain and Chhavi Jain

Gaurav Gaur with his parents Renu & Hemant Kumar Gaur

Ritu, Chanchal and Nishi

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA AND MUKESH KIRADOO

Models walking the ramp

Mousha Khatri, Vipra Mehta, Yashvi Soni and Pratibha Choudhary

Muniraj Naidu

Soumya Goyal and Himakshi Chaudhary

The jury members: Divija Gambhir, Himmat Singh, Charvi Tanya Dutta and Aditi Hundia

Isha Agarwal and Riya Sain caught in a candid moment

Aditi Hundia

Muskan Khariwal during the talent round

Toshi Vijay, Ankur Sihag and Poonam Madan

Ritu Mehra, Manisha Pandel, Shelly Karwa, Poonam Madan and Karan Wig

Bhavya Jain and Upadhi Jolotia

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

NEW DELHI | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

TIME FOR RECIPROCATION UTTKARSHA SHEKHAR

cityfirstdel@gmail.com

A

nubhav Nath, Director of Ojas Art, presented the opening of ‘Reciprocation’, an experiential art exhibition by American Fulbright Artists on Friday, to a welcoming audience of diplomats, art connoisseurs and artists. Ojas Art in collaboration with U.S. Embassy and USIEF showcased this exhibition that brings to the fore, a unique collaboration between ten American and Indian artists. It is curated by Kathryn Myers. The celebrations were marked by the presence of the US Chargé D’Affaires Patricia A. Lacina, USIEF Executive Director Adam Grotsky, Gloria F Verbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of USA, Anthony Miranda, cultural attaché, US Embassy, artist Jagannath Panda, artist GR Iranna and artist Gigi Scaria, gallerist, among a galaxy of individuals from the art world.

Anubhav Nath, Director of Ojas Art, said, “We are extremely delighted to have an immensely talented set of American Fulbright artists exhibiting with us along with their chosen Indian artists. Reciprocation resonates with the very fabric of Ojas as we have been

Jagannath Panda, Anubhav Nath, Rahul Kumar and Adam Grotsky

BUZZ

THE MESMERISING NIGHT

Olga and Adam Grotsky Anuv Jain

Tunty Chauhan

Fans enjoying ther concert

The atmosphere was filled with loud cheers and tears of happiness, this was the scene when Singer Anuv Jain performed live at one lounge, Pune on Saturday. Fans went crazy while listening to his mesmerising voice with beautifully written lyrics that resonate everyone with. Talking about music, Anuv said, "Music has to be very personal and if an artist can't draw that then there's no point in creating art, My music is about me and the things that I’ve experienced. Everything that I have written till now is something that I have gone through or something that I’ve felt for someone. I want to tell tiny relatable stories through my work". He was accompanied by zaeden from lost stories which was the cherry on the top for everyone. It was such a heavenly moment for their fans to hear them live.

TWEETED

Patricia A. Lacina and Anubhav Nath

12

ART FESTIVAL

Anubhav Nath, Gloria F Berbena and Anthony Miranda

Official Twitter handle of Police Families Welfare Society (PFWS) shared glimpses of the 'Dancing Duo', a competition organised at the centres of Delhi Police to showcase the talented dancers in the academy.

Paintings at the exhibition

Karma Sichoe

part of various creative collaborations. We are eager to know about their creative interactions and their outcome, as the visitors to this

Anthony Miranda and Cop Shiva

exceptional exhibit.”

Adam Grotsky, Director of United States India Educational Foundation Executive said, “The Fulbright Scholar-

PANDEMIC CLASSROOM

ship Programme is significant to artistic exchanges between US and India. UNICEF has been instrumental in giving numerous Ful-

bright awards across disciplines. Every step to bolster this programme and keep it going in full vigour is deeply appreciated.”

Delhi Police celebrated and congratulated the winners of the National Sports and Adventure Awards 2021, who were honoured

by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sundayas was shared on their official Twitter handle, @DelhiPolice

SPINE CHILLING SEASON

In observance of the Indian Children’s Day on November 14 leading up to World Children’s Day on November 20, UNICEF India unveiled a symbolic ‘Pandemic Classroom’ installation at the amphitheatre, Select Citywalk, New Delhi. Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF Country Representative unveiled the pandemic classroom installation by ringing a school bell. Noted educationist Venita Kaul, Professor Emeritus, Early Childhood Education, Ambedkar University was a key speaker at the event.

UNICEF celebrity advocate, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, shared her video message supporting school reopening and learning recovery.

—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

Natya Tarangini conducted its Silver Jubilee with full dedication towards preserving art & culture. As part of the Parampara Series curated by Kaushalya Reddy, an offline concert was organised at Amphitheatre 'Raja Radha Rangmanch', located at Natya Tarangini Performing Arts Centre, Saket. Simultaneously, Day 1 of the Parampara Festival commenced with a live performance of Pt Ronu Majumdar, Dr Radha, Raja Reddy and Yamini Reddy on 'United Nations, Raja Reddy's social media channels.

—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN

WAY TOWARDS METRO

After the smashing success of the first season, Disney+ Hotstar is back with another power-packed and riveting season of the International Emmy nominated Hotstar Specials, Aarya. Helmed by the award-winning Ram Madhvani, the teaser promises viewers a thrilling and spine-chilling watch as Aarya Sareen manoeuvres a grittier, darker journey in the rousing second season of Aarya. The look reveals actor Sushmita Sen in her ferocious and intense look covered in raging red colours as the poster brings back the lioness fighting the odds to save her family.

Tickets for the India International Trade Fair, which will take place from November 14 to 27, will be available at 65 metro stations in Delhi. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the fair was cancelled last year. However, tickets for the IITF will not be available for purchase at the Supreme Court metro station. IITF will be held at Pragati Maidan, with the theme ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI

Actors Ayushmann Khurrana & Vaani Kapoor, Director Abhishek Kapoor and Producer Pragya Kapoor recently revealed the trailer of the film ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’. The team was seen at AIRIA, Gurugram on Sunday for their promotion.

—PHOTOS BY SHAZID CHAUHAN