First India-Lucknow Edition-08 December 2020

LUCKNOW l TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

INDIAN NAVY RECOVERS BODY OF MISSING

MIG-29K PILOT OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW

A body believed to be that of pilot Commander Nishant Singh, who went missing after his MiG-29K aircraft crashed into the Arabian sea 11 days back, has been recovered,

RNI NO. UPENG/2020/04393 l Vol 1 l Issue No.26

official sources said on Monday, even as the Indian Navy asserted that the samples are being sent for DNA testing for confirmation of identity. The body was recovered by

13°C - 27°C

the rescue teams of the navy near the site of the crash. Indian Navy pilot Commander Singh went missing after his MiG-29K aircraft crashed into the Arabian Sea on Nov 26.

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ANNADATAS CALL FOR BHARAT BANDH TODAY Don’t force bandh, let it be peaceful: Farmer leaders New Delhi: Ahead of Tuesday’s Bharat Bandh, the protesting farmers at Delhi’s Singhu border have appealed for peace, and clarified that no shops and establishments will be forcibly closed on account of the Bandh.

“There will be complete ‘Bharat bandh’ till 3 pm Tuesday, but emergency services will be allowed,” farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal told reporters. Rajewal reiterated the farmers’ stand, saying they will not accept anything less than the withdrawal of the three new farm laws by the Centre.

Besides, the Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security and ensure that peace and tranquillity is maintained during ‘Bharat Bandh’.

In a countrywide advisory, the Union Home Ministry also said the state governments and UT administrations must ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines issued with Turn to P6

Barricades put up on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway to prevent the entry of agitating farmers, ahead of Tuesday’s Bharat Bandh call, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY PTI

AIR INDIA ALLOWS FOR A FREE DATE CHANGE Passengers who are unable to reach the airport in time for their flights on Tuesday due to the nationwide strike or Bharat Bandh called by farmers protesting against the farm laws will not have to pay no-show charges and will be eligible for a free date change on confirmed tickets for flights from all Indian airports, Air India said on Monday. “For passengers who are unable to reach the Airport due to possible disturbance on 8th Dec, no-show charges will be waived and one free date change allowed for those with confirmed tickets for travel on 8th Dec, 2020 from any Indian Airport,” a statement issued by Air India read.

Oppn support exposes double standards: BJP

New Delhi: Political parties like the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party, Telangana Rastra Samiti (TRS), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Indian National Lok Dal have supported the Bandh call. AAP will hold a peaceful demonstration at 11 am at ITO crossing in Delhi.

GUJARAT NOT SUPPORTING BANDH: RUPANI Gandhinagar: “Gujarat is not supporting Bharat Bandh call made by farmers. If anyone tries to close shops and other establishments forcefully then strict action will be taken against them,” ANI quoted Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as saying.

Akhilesh booked for violating law The farmer protest has worked as nectar for Samajwadi Party to garner all the attention as it targets BJP

M Tariq Khan

ELABORATE SECURITY POLITICAL PARTIES IN PLACE: DELHI COPS BACKING BANDH New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday said elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called on December 8 and warned that strict action will be taken against those trying to disrupt movement of people or “forcefully” shut shops.

Eish Singhal, Delhi Police (PRO), said adequate arrangements have been made by the Delhi Police to ensure normal movement of people on roads during ‘Bharat Bandh’.

Lawmaker to Lawbreaker:

New Delhi: With the opposition rallying around the farmers’ protest against the Modi government’s agri reforms, the BJP on Monday accused its rivals of “shameful double standards” as it claimed that parties like the Congress and the NCP had once supported what are now key provisions of the new laws. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Opposition have joined the agitation in a bid to save their existence.

Full report P5

Lucknow: The Lucknow police lodged a case against former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his 28 party workers for violation of Epidemic Diseases Act and section 144 which prohibits gathering of more than four persons at a time.

“We had received a

report from District Magistrate, Kannauj that the proposed Kisan Yatra cannot be allowed

in view of the restrictions under EDA and section 144. The order was conveyed to the SP chief but he and his party workers defied it following which a case was registered against them,” said joint commissioner of police Navin Arora. Both Yadav and some party workers were taken into preventive Turn to P6

1 dead as BJP workers clash with cops, party calls north Bengal bandh today Kolkata: One BJP worker died as party activists clashed with police in West Bengal’s Siliguri area during their ‘Uttarkanya abhiyaan’, march to the north Bengal state secretariat, to protest

against alleged corruption and deteriorating law and order in the state.

The police used water cannons and lobbed tear gas shells to stop the BJP workers from moving past the barri-

cades even as the protesters pelted stones.

Some activists even set fire to the barricades set up in the area. Several protesters and police personnel were injured in clashes.

Turn to P6

Can’t build new century with old laws: Modi PM’s remarks made during virtual inauguration of Agra Metro rail project come a day before the ‘Bharat Bandh Lucknow: Amid the row over laws meant to bring a major change in the agri-marketing sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said reforms are needed for development and some laws from the past century have become a burden now.

Launching the Agra metro rail project through video conference, Modi said the reforms carried out by his

government are also getting reflected in election results.

His pitch on the importance of reforms comes ahead of Tuesday’s Bharat Bandh over the three new farm laws enacted at the Centre. But during his brief address, the prime minister made no direct reference to the new laws or the farmers’ protests.

“Reforms are needed for development. Re-

PM Narendra Modi during the foundation laying of Agra Metro Rail Project through video conferencing, in New Delhi on Monday in presence of Union Minister Hardeep Puri, UP Governor Anandiben Patel and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

—PHOTO BY ANI

forms are very much needed for a new order and to give new facilities. We cannot build the next century with the laws of the previous century, he said.

Some laws that used to be good in the past century have become a burden in the present century.

Reforms should be a continuous process,” he said.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event.

Modi said his government is carrying out holistic reforms . Earlier, reforms used to happen in a piecemeal man-

ner, or keeping in mind some sectors and departments,” the prime minister said.

He said the reforms carried out in recent past have infused selfconfidence in the country, adding that people will be satisfied when they go through the finer details .

This confidence has been seen in every election in the recent past.

A glimpse of this confidence is seen in the election results in every part of the country, including UP,” he said.

The PM said in recent years the poor and the middle class have showered their Turn to P6

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PM Modi kickstarts Agra Metro project PM NARENDRA MODI, IN HIS ADDRESS COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING DEVELOPMENTAL PACE, CONSUMER FRIENDLY REAL ESTATE REGULATIONS AND LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST STEPS TAKEN TO COMBAT COVID-19 First India Bureau Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the construction works of Agra Metro via video conferencing on Monday, which was also joined by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Governor of Anandi Ben Patel. Taking a dig at previous governments, Modi said the BJP government at the Centre has not only focused on starting new projects but also arranged adequate funds to com-

Narendra Modi

This project, worth over Rs 8000 cr, will strengthen the mission of establishment of smart facilities in Agra.

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister plete these projects on time.

“A major issue faced with the infrastructural development of the country was that projects were announced, shortage of funds kept playing spoilsports and the projects kept dragging for years. My government not only focused on starting new projects, but also on arranging funds for them,” said the Prime Minister while inaugurating the construction of Phase-1 of the Agra Metro project via video conferencing.

Talking about the culture and history of Agra, PM Modi said, “Agra has a rich history

and culture that is now catching up to the 21st century and other projects worth Rs 1000 crores are lined up equip the city with smarter facilties.”

He said” Agra metro project, worth over Rs 8000 crores, will strengthen the mission related to the establishment of smart facilities in Agra.”

The Agra Metro project comprises two corridors with a total length of 29.4 km and will connect major tourist attractions like Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with railway stations and bus stands. The estimated cost of the project will be Rs 8,379.62

crores and will be completed within five years. The Prime Minister listed various developmental projects that were completed in six years after 2014 including laying of more than 450 km of metro lines that have become operational across the country.

“In the last six years, fast paced construction of metro works reflect the commitment of BJP-led government.

In 2014, just 225 kms of metro lines were operational. In six years, the services have expanded and 650 km of Metro rail lines are now operational.”, said the PM.

Yogi Adityanath

‘RERA BRIDGED THE GULF BETWEEN BUILDERS, BUYERS’ First India Bureau Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that there was a trust deficit between builders and the final consumers, and thus, the government had introduced the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act. While inaugurating the construction of Agra Metro project via video conferencing, Modi said, “People

with wrong intentions brought disrepute to the entire real estate sector, upsetting the middle class of the country.”

The PM said that there was a trust deficit between the builders and the home buyers, and RERA as a law was introduced to get rid of this issue.

He added that some reports showed an optimistic trend that included faster completion of

homes being built for the middle class.

He also said that allround development, from modern public transport to housing, was going to make life easier in cities.

Noting that the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was inaugurated from Agra, the Prime minister said that more than one crore houses have been approved for the urban poor under this scheme.

Metro route map

Modi said help is being provided to middle class families of the city to buy houses for the first time.

He said so far, more than 12 lakh urban families have been given help of around Rs 28,000 crore to buy houses.

The prime minister said basic amenities such as water and sewer lines are being upgraded in many cities under the AMRUT mission.

Won’t have to wait for long for CM Yogi thanks PM for starting a COVID-19 vaccine, says PM new era of development in Taj City First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country will not have to wait too long for the coronavirus vaccine even as he cautioned people that there should be no laxity as far as prevention is concerned.

He was speaking while inaugurating the construction of the Agra Metro project via video conferencing.

Before ending his speech, the Prime inister said, “One thing, which I will definitely remind you is that the wait for a vaccine is on but in the past few days, I have met scientists, and feel that the country will not have to wait too long for it.”

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his address at the foundation laying ceremony for Agra Metro.

Thanking the Prime Minister, CM Yogi Adityanath said it will herald a new era of public transport in the Taj City. Congratulating the people of Taj City for Agra Metro Rail Project (AMRP), he said that besides benefiting the 26 lakh odd locals of the Taj city, the metro will also prove to be a better op-

JUBILIATION TIME: Enthusiastic workers pose for a click after the inaugural ceremony.

“However, there should be no laxity from our side as far as prevention of the infection is concerned.

Masks and a distance of two yards is very necessary,” he said.

On the other hand, Modi’s junior UP CM Yogi Adityanath has already directed state

officials to ensure safekeeping of anti-coronavirus vaccine, when they become available, as he has virtually equated the security for the vaccines with that of electronic voting machines.

Yogi directed officials to increase the cold storage capacity to

2.30 lakh litres by December 15.

“All security arrangements should be made to ensure its availability. The safety of the vaccine storage spots should be ensured in the same manner as that of the electronic voting machines,” the Chief minister said.

GRATITUDE: Yogi Adityanath thanked PM Modi during his address at the foundation laying ceremony of the project.

tion for movement to over 60 lakh tourists who visit Agra every year.

Addressing the problems being faced by the city of Taj Mahal as far as its tourism culture is concerned, the CM said that there were some problems in the

development and promotion of tourism in Agra city in the absence of adequate public transport system and that too as per the norms of the environment.

The Apex Court of the country had also expressed its concern

over this but the sustained efforts of PM Modi resulted in this project getting realised as well as successful operations of Metro in Noida, Greater Noida and Lucknow.

Speaking about Agra, the Prime Minister, on the occasion, said that the historical city of Agra is now matching its steps with the progress and growth of the 21st century.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel was also marked by her virtual presence while the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (independent charge ) Hardeep Singh Puri was present in Agra during the foundation laying ceremony of the project.

CM’S ANALYSIS

Opposition ‘ploughing’ farmers for political mileage, alleges Yogi ...They backed the same bill brought

by UPA led govt in 2010-2011 First India Bureau Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday came down heavily on opposition parties for “politicising” farm bills, alleging that they were using the innocent farmers to serve their petty political interests.

The Chief Minister while referring to a letter written to Chief Ministers of different states in 2010-2011, by Sharad Pawar, the then

agriculture minister of the UPA headed government, alleged that the very political parties, that have decided to back the ‘Bharat bandh’ on Tuesday, had backed the three farm bills then.

“The then agriculture minister Sharad Pawar had sent a letter to different states that APMC needs amendment and GoI is preparing a model act for the purpose,” Adityanath said expressing surprise how the Con-

NO USE AND THROW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is opposed to misguiding farmers about the recently introduced farm bills.

gress, NCP and the parties which had supported them then have now gone back on it.

“It is an example of their double character and how they are firing from the shoulder of innocent farmers to create anarchy and disorder,” he said, adding that opposition parties are betraying spirit of values, ideologies and principles in politics by unleashing anarchy in the name of opposing farm bills.

Adityanath said the election manifesto of these parties also needs to be looked at.

“Congress manifesto

in 2019 had clearly advocated amending the APMC act and doing away with mandis but when the Modi government took a step in this direction they are out to spread anarchy and disorder.”

The country has given a reply to the double speak of these parties and they should apologise to the people , he said.

He alleged that UPA and Congress had always used farmers as a tool to serve their interest but desisted from taking steps for their welfare as they had no plans for it.

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in

BRIEF Faizabad stn to be Ayodhya Cantt Faizabad railway station to be built in Ram Mandir style; will be named ‘Ayodhya Cantt’ The state government is sending a proposal for a name change of Faizabad Railway station. According to the proposal, Ayodhya Cantt has been suggested as the new name for the station. The name change of the station will be done as soon as the state government sends the proposal to the Ministry of Railways.

Four skulls found in Kanpur colony Panic gripped Kanshiram colony in Kanpur’s Panki on Monday when four human skulls were discovered in a garbage dump. A forensic team along with local police and the SP West reached the spot for investigation. Due to the presence of vermillion and red colour on the skulls, it is suspected they were part of occult practices. The skulls were seized by the police. SP West Anil Kumar said inquiries were being made in the neighbourhood. He also said the case was under investigation and forensic team was also probing the incident.

Imposter posing as secretary held Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Monday arrested a man for allegedly posing as a secretary to the government, the force said.

“Vijay Verma of Lakhimpur Khiri, used to extract undue favours from government officials in different districts by posing as a secretary to the government,” the STF said in a statement on Monday.

03

Bank on Yogi: CM initiates Stand Up scheme for SC/ST

State stands first: Rs 2,386 crore loans approved on 11,789 SC/ST applications First India Bureau Lucknow: In a bid to uplift the Dalits, backward and underprivileged people in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has implemented the Standup India Scheme in the state.

CM Yogi has instructed every bank to provide loans to at least one SC / ST and one woman entrepreneur through the Standup India Scheme.

This initiative will benefit 36,000 SC / ST and women entrepreneurs of the state.

UP stands first in Standup India scheme in the country. Till June 2020, loans worth Rs 2386 crore have been approved on 11,789 applications and an amount of 1256 crores has also been released. With this

STANDUP INDIA SCHEME

CM Yogi discussing security issues with DGP HC Awasthy, CS RK Tiwari, ACS Home Awanish Awasthi and ACS (CM) SP Goyal at Lok Bhawan on Monday.

No compromise on law and order: Yogi First India Bureau Lucknow: In a meeting with administrative and police officials via video conferencing, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that maintaining peace in the state was the government’s priority.

Issuing necessary instructions ahead of December 8 Bharat Bandh, the CM asked officials to ensure that common people do not face any kind of inconvenience.

CM Yogi Adityanath has asked each bank to provide loans to at least one SC/ST and one woman entrepreneur

scheme, young entrepreneurs are not only realizing their dreams but also changing the image of the state.

Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Agra, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Bareilly are among the top ten dis-

tricts in the state under the standup India scheme.

It is to be mentioned that the highest amount of Rs 195 crore has been approved to 939 applications in Lucknow, out of which Rs 117 crore has already been released.

Under the Standup India Scheme, 12196 appli-

cations in Uttar Pradesh, 9235 in Tamil Nadu, 7154 in Maharashtra, 6647 in Gujarat, 5929 in West Bengal, 5780 in Telangana, 5491 in Andhra Pradesh, 5484 in Karnataka, 4569 in Rajasthan, and 3905 in Madhya Pradesh have been approved.

UP signs MoU to boost river tourism, eco-tourism First India Bureau Lucknow: UP Tourism Department and Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI), Government of India, to benefit and encourage river tourism, civil tourism, eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh, signed an MoU in front of Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari regarding the operation of PAX Vessel.

Tiwari said there was immense potential for tourism development in Uttar Pradesh.

“There are many places of religious, cultural, historical and wildlife importance, which is why UP is famous as an important tourist centre,” he said.

The 2 Ro Pax Vessel in Varanasi will be operated by the Tourism Department. The CS

Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, NG Ravi Kumar, Secretary and DG Tourism, UP, Avinash Chandra Mishra, Jt Director Tourism, UP and Amita Prasad, Chairman Inland Waterways Authority of India.

gave directions to prepare an action plan to

identify the immense possibilities of river

tourism in the state and to increase the night stay of domestic and foreign tourists. A presentation was also made to promote river tourism on Saryu river in Ayodhya and instructions were given to the tourism department to make a package tour on Ayodhya.

Amita Prasad, Chairman Inland Waterways Authority of India

(IWAI) said with the aim of adding river cruise tourism, IWAI agreed to construct two jetties in Ayodhya and requested the State Government to mark the land, which was agreed by the CS. NG Ravi Kumar, Secretary and DG Tourism, UP, Avinash Chandra Mishra, Joint Director Tourism, UP and other officials were present.

SALUTING THE BRAVEHEARTS

On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day on Monday, Director, Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation, Brigadier (AP) Ravi put the ‘Armed Forces Flag’ on the chest of CM Yogi Adityanath and CS RK Tiwari. Governor Anandiben Patel was also honoured with the flag in Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhawan where she is on a visit.

He said the Central and state governments were constantly working towards the benefit and welfare of farmers. He also said authorities should engage with farmer unions and representatives at a local level to make them aware of the provisions of the new laws and resolve their problems.

Under no circumstance should there be any compromise with law and order, the chief minister said.

Covid toll in state reaches 7,944; 1,515 fresh cases First India Bureau Lucknow: With 1,515 fresh cases, the total number of those infected by coronavirus went up to 5,56,397 in Uttar Pradesh, while the death toll rose to 7,944 following 20 more deaths on Monday.

The total number of active cases stood at 21,732, of which, 10,241 are in home isolation and 2,122 in private hospitals, Additional Chief Secretar (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said. Till now, 5,26,721 people have recovered and discharged from hospitals, he said, adding 1,861 people were discharged in past 24 hours. The recovery rate of the state stands at 94.67 per cent, the official said.

According to a health department bulletin, 248 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported from Lucknow, 176 from Meerut and 155 in Ghaziabad among others.

GRAND SHOW

Hawk eye vigil: CM oversees Magh Mela, Sant Samagam preps Asks officials to ensure high standard of security, sanitation and sanitisation First India Bureau Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday reviewed all the preparations for the proposed Magh Mela 2020-21 in Prayagraj and Sant Samagam to be held from February 16 to March 28 in Vrindavan, Mathura, through video conferencing at his government residence.

He said these events should be organised on the basis of high standards of cleanliness, safe-

ty and orderliness like Prayagraj Kumbh 2019.

He also directed officials to ensure complete adherence to the Covid-19 protocol.

Regarding these events, all the departments concerned should ensure continuous reviews at their level. He also called for weekly/ fortnightly review at the Chief Secretary level and instructed to inform the CM’s office about the preparations and progress.

He directed that all facilities should be pro-

vided by making highlevel arrangements for the devotees, especially Kalpvasis and sages visiting the Magh Mela and Sant Samagam. Also, foolproof securityshould be ensured.

There should be complete management of sanitation and sanitisation for all the devotees who come to Magh Mela and Sant Samagam, he added.

The CM said for the pilgrims covid tests must be done by RTPCR method to prevent any spread of infection before entering the area.

Having a negative report will facilitate entry into the area. After this, devotees should be examined

CM Yogi with State BJP President Swatantra Dev Singh taking a dip in river Ganga at Prayagraj during Magh —FILE PHOTO Mela.

through rapid antigen tests in the fair area. He said devotees should get this test done before coming to the area so that they get the report and can get admission on the basis of it. He instructed the Prayagraj Mela Authority and Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirtha

Vikas Parishad to make preparations especially in view of Covid-19.

If a person is found to be covid positive in the organising area, then he should be sent to the hospital immediately. In this regard, contact should be made at the earliest and arrangements

should be made for the quarantine of the person/s concerned, the CM added For better surveillance and control, a command and control centre should be set up at Vrindavan, Mathura like Prayagraj’s integrated command and control

centre, Yogi stated. Every activity should be monitored while ensuring effective operation of these centres.

The CM said the clean and continuous flow of Ganga in Prayagraj from January 1 to February 16 and Yamuna in Vrindavan, Mathura from February 1 to March 28 should be ensured.

He forewarned officials against any kind of mess during the events.

Sanitisation and cleanliness should be seen in the entire city besides the organising areas. Arrangements for beautification and cleanliness of tourism and historically important sites in Prayagraj and Vrindavan, Ma-

thura should be ensured.

Chief Secretary RK Tiwari, UP Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad Vice President Shailja Kant Mishra, ACS Home Awanish Kumar Awasthi, ACS Finance Sanjeev Mittal, ACS Irrigation T Venkatesh, ACS Energy Arvind Kumar, ACS Chief Minister SP Goel, ACS Health Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary CM and Information Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary PWD Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, Principal Secretary Forest Sudhir Garg, Principal Secretary Housing Deepak Kumar, Director Information Shishir and other officials were present.

PERSPECTIVE LUCKNOW | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

UNLIKE UPA 2, MODI GOVT. MAY NOT CAVE IN TO PRESSURE

ENHANCING STRENGTHS & ACCEPTING IMPERFECTIONS DR DIVYA JAITLY She is a TEDx Speaker, Integrated Communication Specialist, Leadership Mentor, Public Speaking Coach, Image Consultant & Renowned TV Anchor in India

T

he farmers’ agitation is turning out to be Narendra Modi government’s Anna Hazare moment and its biggest challenge yet. The United Progressive Alliance-2 government of Manmohan Singh acquiesced to the massive protests which, with alleged help from Vivekananda International Foundation, eventually led to its downfall.

On the face of it the movement was against rampant corruption in the government but the hidden agenda was to bring down the government. The farmers agitating against the three farm laws on the outskirts of Delhi compare with the Anna Hazare-led protests in size and intensity except that in 2011 the entire media was lined against the Central government and bayed for its blood. No one then called the protesters Pakistanis or Khalistanis. In the case of farmers stir the media is stingy in its backing for the agitators and large-hearted in its support of the government although, as per the Congress, none other than the late Arun Jaitley himself was a strong opponent of similar reforms initiated by the UPA government. His speech in the Lok Sabha is now doing the rounds on social media.

To mount pressure on the Centre the farmers have called for a Bharat Bandh from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Opposition parties and various trade unions have come out in support of the agriculturists. The success of the bandh will vary from state to state. The states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and MP where BJP is in power the protesters will be firmly dealt with. Its impact could be felt more in Punjab, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Bharatiya Kisan Union’s president Rakesh Tikait said that the farmers’ protest, which is peaceful, “is to show that we don’t support some government policies” and assured that they won’t allow any political party to join them. He appealed to people to remain nonviolent as the protests were not for causing problem to the common man. The starting time for the bandh was kept at 11 a.m. only to facilitate office-goers reach their workplace on time. The smooth movement of supply trucks is likely to be affected the most.

As is visible on social media, the government and opposition parties are playing a political blame-game. Both the sides have been strong votaries of and against farm sector reforms but are now indulging in polemics.

The government is firm on not repealing the farm laws. This has raised doubts about the outcome of the talks due on Wednesday.

Doubts also remain on whether the government would make amendments to guarantee minimum support price in writing and allow a better mechanism for dispute redressal. If the government remains tight-fisted, this agitation could go out of its hands. It will then have itself to blame.

W

Enhancing strengths and accepting imperfections is a process that has to begin at a foundational level of selfexploration.

The idea of sitting down and coming up with the things you’re good -and not so good at -- can seem daunting, but there are a few methods to try, that can make the process a little easier

e have witnessed unparalleled and bizarre times in 2020, that have pushed people to reflect upon themselves and their priorities in life. Encouragement to the gig economy and the culture of working from home, has compelled us to embark on a journey of self-realisation and actualisation. Amidst all this chaos, I’ve managed to document some of my learnings that have become the milestones for many evolving individuals.

Strengths and Weaknesses go hand in hand and it is substantially important to understand both these elements before you decide to do your personality makeover in personal or professional life. This awareness can help you a lot in choosing the right career or making beneficial decisions in life by encouraging you to create something remarkable, while making it look effortless.

Enhancing strengths and accepting imperfections is a process that has to begin at a foundational level of self-exploration. The idea of sitting down and coming up with the things you’re good -- and not so good at -- can seem daunting, but there are a few methods to try, that can make the process a little easier. Either you can use online assessments / tools or simply divide the page into two columns and pen down at least five attributes, each pertaining to your Strengths and Weaknesses.

When you try to think hard about this, you’ll automatically think of something that comes easy to you or choose attributes that you’d like to have or that you admire in others - this is a typical trap. Avoid this inclination and instead of deep dive into the qualities that describe your core. Things that are so obvious that you almost don’t notice it in yourself anymore…

Do not to confuse strengths with likes and desires, What

you like to do is not necessarily what you do best!

Equally important is knowing your weaknesses. Of course, it is a tough call! That’s why you should try to let people do this for you and give you an honest, objective opinion. Often others see perspectives, we don’t see in ourselves. Get feedback from your peers or bosses and while evaluating, don’t just think about those technical skills you’ve acquired; also consider your soft skills. In general, you should have a sense of what your weaknesses are around dealing with tasks, processes, relationships, and communication.

Humans are indeed not perfect and it is natural to have weaknesses, so don’t hesitate to write them down. Just remember, that everyone has ‘some’ weakness that they have to keep in check at all times to avoid negative consequences and disrupting lives. Don’t get caught up in the old advice to always work on your weakness, it’ll only make you focus on your deficiencies and undermine your self-esteem.

Accepting our imperfections aren’t a weakness - It’s an act of love. It breeds freedom and validation within us. From there, we affect all who are in

HUMANS ARE INDEED NOT PERFECT AND IT IS NATURAL TO HAVE WEAKNESSES, SO DON’T HESITATE TO WRITE THEM DOWN. JUST REMEMBER, THAT EVERYONE HAS ‘SOME’ WEAKNESS THAT THEY HAVE TO KEEP IN CHECK AT ALL TIMES TO AVOID NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AND DISRUPTING LIVES

our circle of life. When we can take a breath to lessen our selfloathing for our imperfection, we’ve actually dialed up selfacceptance. It’s not about narcissism… It’s about dignity and confidence... For ourselves and for those, whose lives we touch.

On the other hand, working to develop your stronger qualities is self-rewarding and motivating, allowing you to continually achieve higher levels of

Preventing the death of independent journalism

A

story too good to fact-check is the tale of the boiled frog.

Rather than being dropped directly into boiling water – from which it would instantly jump – the frog is slid gently into a pot of comfortably warm water, and the heat is turned up. By the time the frog realizes that the water has gotten too hot, it is too late, and it is boiled alive.

Independent journalism may now be confronting a similar scenario.

The water temperature around journalists has been rising for the last 15 years. But the heat has recently been turned up. For example, in 2019 alone, the number of unwarranted detentions of journalists increased by 12%, to a total of 389. Almost half are being held in three countries: China, Egypt, and Saudi

04

Arabia.

Popular protests are particularly risky for journalists. At demonstrations in Algeria, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Venezuela, journalists have been routinely intimidated, harassed, and attacked. In the United States, journalists covering the protests against police brutality and systemic racism, led by the Black Lives Matter movement, have faced indiscriminate attacks at the hands of law enforcement.

The US Press Freedom Tracker counted more than 900 press-freedom violations so far this year, including more than 177 physical attacks.

Women often face an added layer of psychological intimidation, including open threats of sexual assault. In a recent survey, a shocking 75% of female journalists in Kenya re-

ported such threats. Perpetrators include individual misogynists and networked groups intent on suppressing women’s voices, as well as state-linked agents seeking to undermine press freedom and censor critical journalism carried out by women.

The COVID-19 crisis has

compounded the challenges facing journalists by constraining their ability to do their jobs. Part of the problem is restrictive measures ostensibly aimed at containing the virus: Freedom House recently highlighted 91 countries with emergency laws and regulations that hamper

independent journalism.

These range from relatively mild, such as limiting questions at press conferences, to suspending newspapers’ publication and blocking websites.

There is also an economic dimension to the challenge. Traditional news media have been under in-

tensifying pressure for decades, their business models upended by digital technologies. Now, the COVID-19 crisis has decimated economic activity in much of the world, weakening business revenues and forcing layoffs. Newsrooms have not been spared.

In a survey of 165 independent news media organizations asking how COVID-19 has affected them, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that more than 50% expected a drop in revenue of 20% or higher in 2020. One-fifth reported an overall decline in audience reach this year. Those hit hardest are those that are advertising-based, as well as newspapers and local media. Respondents’ top reported priority is securing funding to cover operational costs.

ability and success. Invest your time and energy in being great at something. You will be happier, and the recipients of your work and your spouses will reward you for your excellence.

Being yourself seems like it would be an easy thing, right?

But, when you’re someone who has lived their life seeking the approval of others constantly, it’s not such an easy thing. You have to attempt to move past years of trying to appear this way, wondering if people will judge you, or doing your best not to cause waves and avoid conflict. When you don’t fully understand who your “self ” is, it’s pretty much impossible to actually “be” that person.

Improving your self-image, like improving any skill, takes time and practice. Developing good self-esteem involves encouraging a positive (but realistic) attitude toward yourself and the world around you and appreciating your worth, while at the same time behaving responsibly towards others. By working from the inside out, you can explore yourself to the fullest thereby working on enhancing your strengths and accepting your imperfections towards a more positive self-concept.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Prakash Javadekar @PrakashJavdekar Good progress in developing a 10year Vision Plan for the up-gradation of 15 select zoos in the country to global standards. It is hoped to ‘twin’ top Indian and foreign zoos and also bring in the corporate sector to invest in modernization as part of this project.

Ravi Shankar Prasad @rsprasad Swaraj Abhiyan of Yogendra Yadav had once tweeted criticising Modi Govt. for washing its hands of APMC Act. So when we suggested that states should do this, Yogendra Yadav criticised us. But when we actually did it, he is opposing it.

Spiritual SPEAK

Good and evil are not equal.

Repel (evil) with what is best, and you will see that the one you had mutual enmity with him will turn as if he were a close friend. —Quran 41:34

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

Vol 1 Issue No. 26 RNI NO. UPENG/2020/04393. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Amar Ujala Ltd. B-5 Amausi Industrial Area Kanpur Road Lucknow.

Published at 98, Friend’’s Colony, Raheem Nagar, Dudouli Road, Madiyaon, Lucknow (UP). Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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BJP SLAMS OPPOSITION’S

FARM LAW ‘DUPLICITY’ Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Congress exposed its ‘double standards’ by opposing the agriculture laws as its own manifesto promised similar reforms

New Delhi: Accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of “utter duplicity”, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed them for their stand on Central farm laws stating that they are opposing the Narendra Modi government just for the sake of opposition.

Addressing a press conference on farmers’ protest, Prasad said “Opposition parties are opposing the Narendra Modi government for the sake of opposition, forgetting their own work in the past. In its 2019 poll manifesto, Congress promised to repeal APMC Act and make the trade of agriculture produce including export free from all restrictions.”

“Opposition parties have jumped into the issue of new farm laws.

During UPA rule, they did exactly what the Modi government is doing today for reforms in the farm sector. Now that they’re losing polls, they take part in any protest for the sake of their existence,” he said.

Targeting the Congress, Prasad said that “Despite the farmers union’s request against the entry of political parties in the protest, the Congress kept trying to become a part of the agitation. All of this just to get a chance to oppose the Modi government.” —ANI

Opposition parties have jumped into the issue of new farm laws. During UPA rule, they did exactly what the Modi government is doing today for reforms in the farm sector. Now that they’re losing polls, they take part in any protest for the sake of their existence.

Heavy barricading is made to stop farmers entering Delhi amid their protest against the new farm laws at Singhu border in New Delhi on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

—Ravi Shankar Prasad,

RAGA DEMANDS REVOCATION OF FARM LAWS

TN govt against protesting farmers: Stalin

New Delhi: As the farmers’ agitation intensified, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday demanded revocation of the new farm laws passed by parliament. Gandhi termed the newly passed farm laws as the “Adani-Ambani Farm Laws. He said he would not accept anything less than repealing the laws.

He said in a Tweet in Hindi: “The Adani-Ambani farm laws have to be revoked.

Nothing less is acceptable.” Hundreds of farmers have been protesting on different borders of the national capital since November 26. —ANI

UNLIKELY TO SHARE DRAFT AMENDMENTS

MAYAWATI TO BACK DEC 8 BHARAT BANDH

New Delhi: The Union government’s unrelenting attempts to resolve the farmers’ agitation through dialogue is making little headway with few of the farmer unions remaining adamant on their demand to repeal the new agriculture laws.While farmers expect the government to send the new draft with amendments to them before they come for the next round of meeting on December 9.

New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Monday announced her party’s support to the December 8 Bharat Bandh called by the farmer unions. “BSP supports the farmers’ Bharat Bandh against the three farm laws and also appeals to the Union government to listen to the farmers’ demand,” Mayawati tweeted.

Union Minister

Chennai: Hitting out at CM Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswami-led government, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president MK Stalin said the state government has not made fullfledged efforts to provide relief to people affected by recent rains and it stands against farmers protesting the Centre’s farm laws. After distributing relief materials in Ambedkar Nagar to people affected due to rains, Stalin said: “When I heard that people are affected due to recent heavy rains, then I reviewed the situation and helped the people. —ANI

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PM to address India Mobile Congress 2020 New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver inaugural address at the virtual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2020 on December 8 at 10:45 am.

IMC 2020 is being organised by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). It will be held from December 8-10. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) informed that the aim of IMC 2020 is to align PM Modi’s vision to promote ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Digital Inclusivity’, ‘Sustainable Development’, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“It also aims to drive foreign and local investments, encourage R&D in the telecom and emerging technology sectors,” the PMO added.

IMC 2020 will see the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

participation from various ministries, the telecom CEOs, global CEOs, and domain experts in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Inter-

net of Things (IoT), data analytics, cloud and edge computing, blockchain, cyber-security, smart cities and automation. —ANI

5 suspected terrorists held in Delhi after encounter New Delhi: Five suspected terrorists, two of whom were allegedly involved in the murder of Shaurya Chakra winner Balwinder Singh in Punjab, were arrested on Monday in east Delhi’s Shakarpur area after an encounter and have revealed Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) attempt to link up terror outfits in Kashmir with Khalistan operatives, officials said. According to police, three of the five arrested are from Kashmir, while the rest are from Pun-

jab. Two of the Punjabbased men were involved in the killing of Balwinder Singh in Punjab, they said. Balwinder Singh, who received the Shaurya Chakra for fighting militancy, was shot dead in October.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said, “On Monday morning, our team received specific information that two Punjab based criminals were supposed to receive some money from three Kashmiris. On

this specific information, five people were arrested after a brief exchange of fire from the Laxmi Nagar area in Delhi.” Three pistols, two kilograms of heroin and Rs one lakh cash were recovered from them along with the two cars in which they were travelling, he said. During preliminary investigation, it has emerged that there was an attempt to link up terror outfits active in Kashmir with Khalistan operatives by Pakistan’s ISI, he said. Further investigation is on. —PTI

IN THE COURTYARD

CBI probe into alleged scholarship scam New Delhi: The CBI has started probe into an alleged scholarship scam in Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Punjab.

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is meant to help students of minority communities Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains and Buddhist - from families with annual income below 1 lakh, according to officials. It has been alleged that middlemen with the help of government officials - have been siphoning off money and only a small

sum of the scholarship ends up with the students. While students from Class 1 to 5 receive 1,000 per year as a part of the scheme, students of Class 6 to 10 receive Rs 10,700 annually if they are in a hostel, or Rs 5,700 a year if they are day scholars.

RUPEE DROPS BY 10 PAISE TO 73.90 AGAINST US DOLLAR Mumbai: The rupee dropped by 10 paise to settle at 73.90 against the US currency on Monday due to a rebound in the dollar in overseas markets following geopolitical concerns. The dollar recovered from two-and-ahalf-year low on Monday after reports that the US was preparing to impose sanctions on Chinese of-

ficials, increasing the risk of geopolitical tensions.

Concerns over a Brexit trade talks as the EU and the UK were still trying to address major differences to avoid a no-deal exit by year-end supported the dollar sentiment. At the interbank forex market, the domestic unit witnessed a volatile trading session.

Petition is ambitious: SC refuses to entertain Arnab’s fresh PIL New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by ARG Outlier Media Private Limited, which owns the Republic Media network, seeking protection for the group and its employees in the cases lodged against them in Maharashtra.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud which said that prayers in the petition were “all ambitious”.

“This petition is ambitious in nature. You want Maharashtra police not to arrest any employee and transfer the cases to CBI. You better withdraw this,” Justice Chandrachud

NCP ISSUES CLARIFICATION OVER PAWAR’S LETTERS Mumbai: The NCP has issued a clarification after controversy erupted over letters written by party chief Sharad Pawar (when he was the agriculture minister in the UPA dispensation) to then Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan asking chief ministers to amend the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act in their states to allow the private sector to play an important role in the field. “The model APMC act 2003 was introduced by the Vajpayee government.

told senior advocate Milind Sathe, who appeared for ARG Outlier Media.

Sathe told the bench that they have filed the plea to stop the Maharashtra police from “hounding” their media network, its Editorin-Chief Arnab Goswami and its employees.

“You have sought all the reliefs and these can’t be entertained in one petition,” the bench said, after which Sathe said he would withdraw the plea. —PTI

HC sets aside HC reserves order on order rejecting Manoj Tiwari’s plea custody of Amit New Delhi: The Delhi Mumbai: The Bombay High Court set aside an order of a special PMLA court, which had rejected the ED custody of Amit Chandole in connection with an alleged money laundering case.

The HC had directed the special court to reheat the remand afresh and order today itself.

The ED had arrested Chandole, a close aide of Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik, in money laundering case related to private company Tops Security. —PTI

DENSE FOG ENGULFS DELHI, LOW VISIBILITY TO CAUSE FLIGHT DELAYS New Delhi: A thick blanket of fog shrouded national capital on Monday, leading to “zero” visibility in some areas & affecting traffic.

This is the first time that visibility has dropped to “zero” in the city. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the India Meteorological Department, said the Palam weather station

recorded “zero” visibility due to “very dense” fog at 6:30 am. At the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, “moderate” fog was recorded which lowered visibility to 300 metres, he said. The visibility should be around 800 metres at the airport for flights to take off, the senior scientist said.

High Court on Monday reserved its order on a plea filed by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and MLA Vijender Gupta challenging summon issued against them by a trial court in a defamation case filed by Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

A single-judge bench of Justice Anu Malhotra, after the conclusion of lengthy arguments, decided to keep order reserved in the matter. The court also asked the counsels of both sides to submit

their written submissions, if any Manish & Delhi Police opposed the pleas filed by Tiwari and Gupta. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa appeared for Manish Sisodia in the matter, while senior standing counsel Rahul Mehra represented the state. —ANI

VOTING UNDERWAY IN FOURTH PHASE OF DDC POLLS IN J&K Srinagar: Polling for the fourth phase of the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on a dull note as fog and chilly weather kept most people indoors early on Monday, officials said.The polling for 34 DDC seats -- 17 in Kashmir division and 17 in Jammu division -- began at 7 am but the turnout was less at polling stations in the Valley due to biting cold, they said. Voter turnout is expected to pick up later in the day, and polling is scheduled to conclude at 2 pm.

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‘Hundreds of projects to fight Covid’ Health min Harsh Vardhan said govt has declared a $120 million grant for vaccine research New Delhi: The government is supporting hundreds of projects in its fight against the pandemic & more than 100 start-ups have developed innovative products to deal with COVID-19, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday. Speaking at the India-Portugal Tech Summit, organised by the Department of Science & Technology and Confederation of Indian Industry, Vardhan said government has announced a USD 120 million grant for vaccine research. “This is being provided for COVID Suraksha Mission and is to be used purely for research and development. About 30 vaccine candidates are in different stages of development,” said Mr Vardhan, who is also the Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

INDIA SPEEDING UP REVIEW OF VACCINES, SAYS GOVT OFFICIAL

INDIGO AIRLINES TO REFUND CREDIT SHELLS

BY JANUARY 31

India is accelerating its review of coronavirus vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca for emergency use, a senior government official said, as the world’s second-most affected country struggles to contain the outbreak. The Indian government is pinning its hopes for mass supply of the vaccine on Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, which on Monday lodged the first formal application for emergency use approval for AstraZeneca Plc’s COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer Inc had already applied for emergency use approval for its vaccine in India over the weekend.

New Delhi: IndiGo on Monday said it will refund all customer credit shells, which were created when flights were cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown,

by January 31, 2021. The airline said it has already processed close to Rs 1,000 crore of refunds, which is approximately 90% of total amount it owed to its customers. IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta said the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 and the lockdown brought the airline’s operations to a complete halt by the end of March. “We are pleased to commit that we will disburse the full 100 % credit shell payments latest by January 31, 2021,” he said.

Karnataka Association of resident doctors hold a placard during a protest on the Medical college Doctors campus as they demanding the government to fulfill their demand of NonCovid service, and Non-Covid Allowance, in Bengaluru on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

B’luru doctors demand exemption from tuition fee & timely payment Bengaluru: The Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors (KARD) Monday held a ‘symbolic protest’ in Bengaluru demanding that the government waive off tuition fee for postgraduate medicos, among

other needs. During protest, doctors were seen holding empty coconut shells to symbolise “lack of response from the government despite their hard efforts.” Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors

President Dayanand Sagar said, “There have been no proper clinical academic activities happening across the state. We urge the government to exempt us from the tuition fee stipulated for the year 2020-21.”

Sushil Modi elected PM Modi lauds sacrifices of soldiers unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar

Sushil Kumar Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar upon receiving his Rajya Sabha certificate.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Patna: Senior Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi was on Monday declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in a by-poll that was necessitated by the death of Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party founder Ram Vilas Paswan.

Sushil Modi was declared elected unopposed on the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers.

In addition to the former deputy chief minister a lone Independent candidate, Shyam Nandan Prasad had filed his nomination papers which were rejected during scrutiny.

Prasad's papers were not supported by at least 10 members of the 243-strong assembly as proposers, which is mandatory, poll offi-

THE TIMELINE

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the Armed Forces Flag Day on Monday that this is a day to express gratitude to the armed forces and their families. India is proud of their heroic service and selfless sacrifice, he said in a tweet and urged people to contribute towards the welfare of the forces.

This gesture will help so many of brave personnel and their families, he said. Since 1949, December 7 is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour

Prime Prime Minister Narendra Modi being affixed the lapel pin for the Armed Forces Flag Day in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought and con-

tinue to fight on the borders, according to the MyGov official

SC allows Centre to go ahead with stone-laying ceremony cials said. Sushil Modi was handed over his certificate in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with whom he is known to enjoy an excellent rapport, his successors as deputy chief minister Tar Kishore Prasad and Renu Devi and state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday allowed the Centre to proceed with the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Central Vista project on December 10 after the government assured it that no construction or demolition work would commence till the apex court decides the pending pleas on the issue.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar that there would be

only foundation stonelaying ceremony, and no construction, demolition or felling of trees would be done for the

project as of now.

The Central Vista revamp, announced in September last year, envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, that is to be constructed

by August, 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024 under the project against which various pleas have been filed.

custody amidst high drama and later released here on Monday after party workers led by him broke through security cordon to sit on a “dharna” to oppose the three farm bills against which farmers have given a call for “Bharat Bandh” on Tuesday.

“What is the government afraid of ? If the farm laws are good for farmers why have they taken to street and are on the warpath for the past 12 days,” the former UP CM said to the media persons.

Accusing the State Government of trying to muzzle dissent and dem-

ocratic rights of, Akhilesh , who is a Member of Parliament from Azamgarh said he had also written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to voice his protest.

“Apart from being a Lok Sabha member and Samajwadi Party national president, I have fulfilled my constitutional duty as UP chief minister. There was a pre-announced programme of mine in Kannauj in support of farmers. All preparations were in place. But on the instructions of the UP government, I was prevented from going to Kannauj,” he said

in the letter. Yadav said that a heavy police force was deployed at his house on Vikramaditya Marg to prevent him and his workers from moving out.

“The police even took my vehicle under their control. This undemocratic behaviour of the state government is not only an infringement of my rights as a citizen but also of special privileges as an LS member.

Kindly interfere so that my right to my democratic duties is restored,” he said.

According to party leaders, Yadav was to take part in a 13-kilom-

website. Rajnath Singh in a tweet said,” On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, I salute the valour and service of the Indian Armed Forces. This day reminds us of our solemn duty to ensure the welfare of Ex-Servicemen, differentlyabled soldiers and the families of those who lost their lives defending the nation.” India has been observing December 7 as the Armed Forces Flag Day since 1949 to honour the soldiers who valiantly fought on the borders to safeguard the country’s honour.

06

POWER Gallery EMPANELMENT OF 1987 AND 1988 BATCH IRS (IT) IN A WEEK OR TWO?

Empanelment of 1987 and 1988 batch IRS (IT) officers is expected to take place in a week or two.

TWO IRS OFFICERS TO JOIN ED AS SPL DIRECTORS

Two IRS (C&E) officers- Prashant Kumar and Subhash Agrawal- are set to join the ED as Special Directors.Agrawal is a 1993 batch while Kumar is a 2001 batch officer.

SHEEL VARDHAN SINGH GETS APEX PAY SCALE

Sheel Vardhan Singh, Special Director, Intelligence Bureau, has been granted Apex Pay Scale.

He is a 1986 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

RAHUL NAVIN RELIEVED TO JOIN AS SPECIAL DIRECTOR, ED

Rahul Navin has been relieved to join as Special Director of Enforcement in the Directorate of Enforcement, New Delhi on deputation basis. He is an IRS-IT officer.

IA&AS OFFICER S RAMANN RECOMMENDED FOR CMD, SIDBI

The name of S Ramann has been recommended for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).He is 1991 batch IA&AS officer.

VARUNESH MISHRA JOINS NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Varunesh Mishra is joining National Health Authority, New Delhi on loan basis. He is an IRS-IT officer.

MISHRA’S TENURE TO BE OVER IN JANUARY

The deputation tenure of S K Mishra,, Principal Advisor in TRAI, ends on January 15, 2021. He is an IP&TAFS officer.

COLONEL HARJOT SINGH IS SECURITY ADVISER, MHA

Colonel Harjot Singh has been appointed as Security Advisor in the LWD Division of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

FOUR IAS OFFICERS SHIFTED IN WEST BENGAL

Khursheed Ali Qadri has been appointed as Additional Collector, Darjeeling, while Khursheed Ali Qadri was made Executive Magistrate, Darjeeling and Khursheed Ali Qadri is Additional District Magistrate, Darjeeling. Besides, Nitin Singhania has been appointed as Commissioner, Asansol Municipal Corporation in West Bengal.

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

Actress Divya IT DEPARTMENT Bhatnagar loses CONDUCTS SEARCH AND battle to Covid

SURVEY IN ASSAM, DELHI

New Delhi: Actress Divya Bhatnagar, famous for her roles in show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has died after battling coronavirus. Divya’s condition was critical and her oxygen levels were revealed to have had dropped significantly while she battled Covid-19.

New Delhi: The Income Tax department conducted search and survey on December 4 in the case of leading coal traders of Assam at 21 locations in Guwahati, Digboi, Margherita and Delhi. According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the group of coal traders are accused of having allegedly routed accomodation entries of over Rs 23 crores and Rs 62 crores in the form of non-genuine share capital and

non-genuine unsecured loans respectively, through certain Kolkata-based shell companies. All this was done by suppression of its true net profit. “During the course of the search action, it has been established that the group engages in out-of-books transactions. Handwritten documents/diaries regarding cash transactions have been recovered which are not reflected in the regular books of accounts.

The pre-announced protest march was called by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), alleging that the Mamata Banerjeeled government had not fulfilled the promises made to the people of north Bengal, and benefits of the welfare schemes launched by the ruling dispensation failed to reach the common man.

men gives me the courage to do new things and take new initiatives”. Modi said his government intends to solve the festering problems faced by people, make life easy, increase investment and ensure the maximum use of modern technology.

He said a major problem in the country’s infrastructure sector was that new projects were announced but not much attention was given on how they will be funded. His government ensures the availability of funds at the start of a new project itself, Modi said.

FROM PG 1 Annadatas call... regard to health and social distancing are strictly followed.

Meanwhile, the Transporters’ Union AIMTC on Monday said it will suspend operations in the entire country on Tuesday to support the Bharat Bandh called by agitating farmers. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is the apex body of transporters, representing about 95 lakh truckers and other entities. Some auto and taxi unions in New Delhi, including those associated with app-based aggregators, have also decided to join the ‘Bharat Band’ on

Tuesday. However, many other auto and taxi unions have decided to continue normal services despite their support to demands raised by the agitating farmers. Traders’ body CAIT and All India Transporters Welfare Association on Monday said markets across the country including in Delhi will remain open on Tuesday and the transport sector will function as usual. In Mumbai, BEST buses and taxis will ply as normal.

Lawmaker to... custody but later released in the evening.

Yadav was taken into

eter long “Kisaan Yatra” in support of the protesting farmers demanding the repeal of the new farm laws introduced by the BJP government at the Centre.

1 dead...

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh claimed one of the workers died of injuries in the police lathicharge.

However, police claimed there was no lathicharge and the cause of death of the protester was being ascertained. BJP has called a 12-hour bandh in north Bengal on Tuesday.

Can’t build... unprecedented blessings on the efforts of the government. He said their support and the small joys experienced by the country-

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07

High security number plate SUV loses control, falls in pit rule bites the dust, yet again

3 dead, 2 critically injured after First India Bureau

State government halts mandatory enforcement of HSRP First India Bureau Lucknow: This news is a relief for dealers, agencies and old vehicle holders making rounds of the RTO office.

The imperative to install high security registration number plates in vehicles taken before April 1, 2019 in the state has now been postponed. Now all the vehicle related works will be done without showing the receipt of HSRP. With vehicle owners in the city facing various problems while booking appointments online for HSRP and the stickers and also com-

plaining of delays at the dealers’ end, they were also upset over the lack of number plates with dealers, arbitrary money collection in the name of HSRP and problems occurring on

the portal.

Transport Commissioner Dheeraj Sahu decided to this effect on Monday in view of the problems faced by people after the mandatory HSRP from December 1.

BUSINESSMAN DEATH CASE

Mahoba: The police could not arrest the former SP Manilal Patidar who is absconding in the crusher businessman Indrakant Tripathi case even after 90 days. All the other accused in the case have been sent to jail. A special team will now be formed to arrest the absconding former SP. The amount of reward has been increased to 50 thousand on Patidar. Former SP Manilal Patidar is absconding in the case of Kubrai crusher businessman Indrakat Tripathi, while former police station officer Devendra Shukla, constables Arun Yadav, businessman Suresh Soni and Brahmadutt are in jail.

Previously, a reward of Rs 25,000 was declared for the SP’s arrest. Two days ago, the prize money was raised to Rs 50 thousand. Preparations are being made to paste the posters of the fugitive former SP. The former SP’s arrest is being continuously sought for, but the accused former SP is constantly dodging the police.

ment of the High Security Registration Plate, or HSRP, the RTO office will now be able to work on fitness-related vehicles. The ban has been lifted now issuance of vehicle owner fitness certificate, change of address, transfer of ownership, renewal of registration, NOC, Potential endorsement, Hypothecation, cancellation, new permit, second copy of the permit, renewal of permit, national, temporary or special permit etc. all such work can be done now without HSRP. Vehicle owners will be able to receive a receipt from RTO.

Newly recruited women Railway Protection Force (RPF) take part in passing out parade during a convocation ceremony, in Prayagraj on Monday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

HC asks SDM to revisit decision to mark primary teachers for BLO duty First India Bureau Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has asked the SDM Kasganj to take a fresh decision within two months on imposing Booth Level Officer (BLO) duty on primary school teachers during elections.

This order has been given by Justice Yashwant Verma on hearing the petition filed by Samita Mahesh-

wari and many others through Advocate Agitahotri Kumar Tripathi.

SDM Kasganj has imposed BLO duty on the petitioner in a local

election, while the High Court has said in the case of Uttar Pradesh Territorial Teachers Association Banda that BLO duty cannot be imposed on primary teachers. Doing so is a violation of the Right to Education Act. The Government Advocate said that in the light of the decision of the SDM High Court, it will take a decision by reconsidering its order in two months.

‘I converted, married of own will, free my husband’ First India Bureau Moradabad: A case was registered against two accused men in the Kanth police station area on Saturday for converting and marrying a young woman. On Sunday, after presenting them in the court, the police sent both accused to jail.

The turning point in this incident came when the woman refused to go home with her family. The woman denied going with the family stating that she was in

drain near Khopa when suddenly their vehicle lost balance and fell into the drain. Due to excessive water, everyone got caught in the SUV. The police arrived and rushed everyone to Rudrapur Health Center with the help of villagers where Anand Patel (27) son Dinanath Singh resident Bhaisaha police station Khorabar, Kailash Singh (60)

resident Jayantipur police station Gagaha district Gorakhpur and Vishwanath Singh (55) son Ramchandra Singh resident Karhakol police station Ekowna, Deoria were declared dead.

At the same time, Dinanath Singh (55) son Sitaram Singh and Atul Patel (30) son Dinanath Singh was referred to the district hospital after first aid.

First India Bureau

Crusher businessman Indrakant Tripathi went viral on social media on September 7 accusing former SP Manilal Patidar of demanding a bribe of Rs 6 lakh. He was shot in the throat on September 8 and died on September 13.

Planning is being done to constitute a special team regarding the arrest of the former SP, so that the absconding IPS can be arrested soon. Special team will be formed after talking to officers.

Crusher businessman Indrakant Tripathi went viral on social media on September 7 accusing former SP Manilal Patidar of demanding a bribe of Rs 6 lakh.

He was shot in the throat on September 8 and died on September 13.

The deceased’s brother Ravikant had filed a murder case against the former SP, former SO, constable and two businessmen. SIT investigations have added clauses to trigger suicide after strong chances of suicide case came to the fore.

The SUV lying in pit filled with water.

SOG inflicts in custody businessman in chain snatching, robbery cases

BEGINNING OF A NEW INNING

SOG to be formed to catch absconding IPS officer Manilal First India Bureau

The decision came after he held a high-level meeting to resolve issues faced by vehicle owners. According to Additional Transport Commissioner AK Pandey, now the vehicle owners should not worry about the installation of HSRP in old vehicles.

Presently, mandatory orders have been postponed. Only after new orders will the advance proceed in this direction. The transport department has also been restrained from taking coercive measures to enforce rules pertaining to HSRP. With the postpone-

Deoria: An SUV returning from a wedding ceremony in the Ekona area of Deoria lost control and overturned in a pit filled with water.

In this accident, three people died on the spot while two people were seriously injured. Two of them are from Gorakhpur and one from Deoria. The accident occurred near Khopa on the Rudrapur-Karhakol road.

The daughter of Surendra Singh, a resident of Palia village in Ekona police station area, was married on Sunday. The five relatives who had come to attend the wedding ceremony were on their way back home by SUV on Monday afternoon.

They had barely reached the bridge of a

danger. At this, the police sent the woman to the Women’s Shelter Home.

The woman, however, told journalists that she and the man were married with consent. “I am an adult, I am 22 years old. I got married of my own free will on July 24.

This is the fifth month that we have been married,” the woman told journalists.

The girl reportedly presented her ‘nikahnama’, suggesting that she already converted and married according to Islam customs.

In order to prove innocence, the woman showed a newspaper advertisement as a piece of evidence which reportedly said she had changed her name in keeping with official rules.

Rashid had reportedly married to the woman hailing from Bijnore in Dehradun about five months ago.

The two had met in the Uttarakhand capital where Rashid works and the girl used to study.

The woman said that she had reached the sub-registrar office of Kanth tehsil on Saturday to get the marriage registered. Then, after knowing about the case, Bajrang Dal activists reached there and started creating a ruckus. Police reached the

spot on the information of the case and brought the girl to the police station with security and informed the family.

The Muslim man was arrested on the complaint filed by woman’s mother.

The woman, however, refuted her mother’s claim and said her relationship was completely consensual.

The man was booked under Section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020.

Moradabad: The SOG team of Moradabad Police is in trouble after accusing a businessman of committing a robbery while he was in their custody.

The then Civil Lines CO Kuldeep Singh Gunawat claimed the arrest of three robbers on 21 November. It is said that SOG has busted the gang of robbers who snatched the chain of Megha Varshney, who lives in Mansarovar Colony, in the metro city on the night of 20 November. The police even claimed that the gang was involved in chain snatching and robberies since almost over three years.

The gang included names of - Vipin Kumar alias Neta, Arun Kumar alias Gunda and the name of businessman Sonu Verma resident Bhadora police station.

All three accused were sent to jail on charges of robbery.

Sonu Verma’s mother Anita Verma appeared before the Senior Superintendent of Police and handed over the CCTV footage of Sonu’s shop to the SSP. She told that on November 19, the SOG team took her son out

of the shop. It is certified by CCTV Camera.

Megha Varshney’s chain was looted on the night of 20 November and Sonu was in SOG custody since 19 November, so how did he carry out the robbery on the night of 20 November!

This question of the woman made the SSP think.

SSP Prabhakar Chaudhary said that the allegations of the woman are being investigated.

If the police personnel are found guilty during the investigation, strict action will be taken against them.

SSP Prabhakar Chaudhary has ordered an inquiry against SOG.

Nine dacoits held in encounter, 2 cops hurt First India Bureau Shahjahanpur: Nine dacoits were arrested following an encounter that also left two constables injured in Shahjahanpur district on Monday, a senior police official said.

Superintendent of Police S Anand said, “On a tip-off that there were some dacoits assembled near Jamuka Crossing (under Roza police station area) and planning a loot, a police team surrounded them.

However, the dacoits started firing at the po-

lice and two constables were injured. They have been hospitalised.” The arrested persons have been identified as Rangilay, Phool Qureshi, Ramveer, Prithviraj, Gyanendra, Lal Mohammad, Nadeem, Naushad and Farman, police said.

A large cache of arms was recovered from the dacoits while jewellery was also seized based on information provided by them, Anand said.

Cases were already registered against all the arrested persons, he added.

Understand your power to create happiness! Even by a smile at a stranger you can make someone happy. Use the power.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

LUCKNOW | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

08

UTTAR PRADESH

15,46,009 6,76,67,462 1,40,925 96,97,843 7,924 5,54,944 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 47,774 DEATHS 18,55,341 CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,448 DEATHS 2,82,512 CASES

DEATHS

KARNATAKA 11,867 DEATHS 8,94,004 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 9,706 DEATHS 5,93,924 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

GUJARAT 4,095 DEATHS 2,20,168 CASES

Broken & Bruised: Samajwadis seek justice for farmers Vishal Srivastav Lucknow: High drama gripped Lucknow on Monday afternoon when police had to resort to using force against the agitating Samajwadi Party workers.

The situation continued for four hours as thousands of SP workers raised slogans against the government, blocked road and threw traffic out of gear in the heart of the city.

Seeing the situation deteriorating, the police then bundled off the former CM in a waiting police van and resorted to a cane charge to disperse the slogan-shouting party workers.

Yadav was taken to Eco Garden on Jail Road from where he was later released. Samjawadi Party leaders from other cities like Kanpur, Allahabad and Budaun etc en route to Lucknow to accompany Akhilesh Yadav to Kannauj were also detained

by the police, according to SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary.

Former MP Dharmendra Yadav was arrested in Budaun when he along with his supporters was coming to Lucknow.

Talking to FIB Kannauj District Magistrate Rakesh Mishra said that there was a restriction on gathering because of the pandemic. “We were informed that people will gather at one spot and launch a procession from there. But we could not allow a crowd or such a gathering under the Covid guidelines. Consequently, we had requested that the programme be called off,” said the DM. Akhilesh, however, brushed aside the argument saying that it was merely an excuse to crush the stir. “There’s no COVID-19 for BJP. If the opposition wants to carry out programmes, there is COVID,” he said.

Mayawati

The farmers have started protest against the Centre’s three farm laws and are demanding their withdrawal. In line with the farmers’ protest, they have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on December 8 and BSP supports this move.

BJP govt only thinks of billionaires: Priyanka

1

First India Bureau

2

3

4

1. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav along with party workers participates in a sit-in after their vehicles were stopped by the police while on the way to Kannauj.

2. A party activist being carried off by women cops from the protest site.

3. A party worker suffers head injuries during the protest.

4. A large number of Samajwadi Party workers confront the police after they were stopped from progressing to Kannauj in solidarity with farmers’ agitation against the farm laws.

SC wary if ` 25-cr dole to 94-year-old is tenable

HC had ordered payment of property proceedings during emergency First India Bureau New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday wondered if a plea filed by a 94-yearold woman for declaring Emergency, imposed in 1975, as “unconstitutional” and award her Rs 25 crores compensation, could be considered at this stage.

“What kind of a plea is this, after 40-45 years,” a three-judge bench presided over by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said as the petition by Veena Sarin came up for consideration.

Since the counsel said the matter would be argued by senior advocate Harish Salve, the court put her plea for consideration on December 14.

The counsel referred to an order passed by the Allahabad High Court in July this year, directing payment of

The Supreme Court will hear petitioner’s plea on December 14 (L) Former PM late Indira Gandhi.

rent arrears of a property belonging to petitioner’s husband, which was subjected to proceedings during Emergency.

The petitioner claimed she was aggrieved by the trauma and harassment faced by herself and her family including her deceased husband during the period of emergency, declared on June 25, 1975.

Citing the order passed by the then

@mayawati

President of India under Article 358 and 359 of the Constitution, the plea argued that the freedoms guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution and the rights of citizens to move any court for enforcement of their fundamental rights remained suspended till the withdrawal of emergency.

The petitioner submitted that she and her husband were compelled to leave the coun-

try for fear of being thrown into the jail on whim and wishes of the government authority.

The woman, who now lives with her daughter in Dehradun, alleged her husband’s gold art business in Karol Bagh and Connaught Place, here was ceased by then authorities, besides the family was threatened and their properties and valuables were forcefully taken away.

Lucknow: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit out at the BJP government over unpaid dues to sugarcane farmers of UP. “The BJP government has Rs 20,000 crores to build a new Parliament corridor, Rs 16,000 crores to buy a special plane for PM. However, it has no money to pay Rs 14,000 crores dues to the sugarcane farmers of UP. The price of sugarcane has not increased since 2017.

This government only thinks about billionaires,” Vadra tweeted.

Meanwhile, Congress alleged that PM Narendra Modi wants to weaken farmers by destroying the minimum support price system.

“The Prime Minister

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra —FILE PHOTO

wants to weaken farmers by destroying the minimum support price system. Every decision of the PM is intended to bring profits to the capitalists. Farmers have now understood this conspiracy,” Congress tweeted.

Hundreds of farmers have been protesting on different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws.

Anil Kumar is Bahraich city magistrate Ahtesham Siddiqui Lucknow: Deputy District Magistrate PCS Anil Kumar Singh II, posted at Ambedkar Nagar district, was appointed City Magistrate of Bahraich district by the Appointment and Personnel Department of UP on Monday. Singh has become City Magistrate after being promoted to Second SDM. Transfers of PCS officers in UP have been

PCS Anil Kumar Singh II

pending for quite some time. They are constantly under speculation that they can be transferred any time but due to Covid-19, the trans-

fers have become atypical. The post of City Magistrate was vacant in Bahraich and the Appointment Section 2 took out orders of Sin-

gh’s appointment late Sunday night.

The PCS officers are often seen in Lok Bhavan pleading for their transfer. It will be interesting to see when the curtain is raised from secretive transfers and the Department issues a massive transfer order. It is to be noted that Singh is a 2014-batch officer who has been promoted but many senior PCS officers of 2013 batch are still languishing on lower positions.

Priyanka condoles family of Ahmed Patel Dr. Anita New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi met the family of Ahmed Patel to pay homage to the leader and also her condolences in person to Memoona Patel (wife), his son Faisal and daughter Mumtaz on the demise of the Congress Stalwart leader and Gandhi family loyalist, in New Delhi on Monday afternoon. Patel had passed away in the early hours of 25th November due

Priyanka Gandhi with Ahmed Patel

to Covid-19 complications at the age of 71.

Priyanka Gandhi had said via a tweet on the

—FILE PHOTO

tragic day, “Ahmed ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly

turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end. His passing away leaves an immense void. May his soul rest in peace.”

Rahul Gandhi had attended the funeral ceremony of Ahmed bhai on 26th November wherein the party’s key strategist and trouble shooter was laid to rest in native village Piraman in Gujarat’s Bharuch district.

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09

LUCKNOW, TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2020

CHUPKE SE...

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

M

y all-time favourite of the super duo Dharmendra and Sharmila is Chupke-Chupke. I cannot count the number of times I have watched it and still it holds the same charm. Each character of that movie added grace to it but the joyful chemistry of the birthday duo was the best!

The shudh Hindi dialogues executed by Dharam paaji leading to English – Hindi contests, the camaraderie between the friends as they wrestle with changed personas and love with Amitabh Bachchan getting the brunt of it impersonating Dharmendra and alienating his lady love Jaya, the comic timing, Om Prakash in his usual amazing form, the one liners – the entire situational drama all woven in the simplicity which was the trademark of Hrishikesh Mukherjee come together with such deep-rooted humour that one finds oneself smiling

throughout the movie and breaking into loud laughter often.

Mukherjee brings that special moments to his songs as he always does, they are so much a part of the movie- the lyrics and situations a part of the plot. My all time favourite is Ab ke sajan saavan mein where Sharmila is teasing and playful with both her beau and her Jiaji!

Garam Dharam and Sexy Sharmila starred in quite a few movies together and a lot of them by Mukherjee- Anupama being the first one. The songs of Anupama ‘Dheere Dheere Machal Ae Dil-E-Beqaraar’, ‘Kuch Dil Ne Kaha’ and ‘Ya Dil Ki Suno Duniya Walon’ are still a treat as was the dhoti clad Dharmendra and the shy Sharmila! They perfectly complemented each other.

Devar was a movie much ahead of it’s time.

I find Dharmendra’s performance in Satyakam among his best and Sharmila was the perfect supportive wife.

Yakeen, I loved for Sharmila;

her hot pants were WOW and it does feature one of my all time favourite ‘life song’ – Gar tum bhula na doge, Mere Humdum mere dost and Ek Mahal ho sapnon ka – again worth a watch.

But today, to celebrate the birthday of this lead pairwatch the out and out entertainer Chupke Chupke- you won’t regret it!

Today, on 8 December, two superstars of Bollywood- Sharmila Tagore and Dharmendra celebrate their birthdays. City First takes a look at a few of the movies they starred together in!

ETC LUCKNOW | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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10

WAR, ITS NONSENSE AND HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY DR RAMAWTAR SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

E

very battle leaves its marks in form of destruction of properties and human lives, is forgotten from public memory after a while but recorded in history albeit with a bias towards the winner.

But is there a real winner in any battle? A winner may win but loses almost equally or sometimes more than the loser - the losses increasing proportionately as the battle grows into a war.

The First World War, more commonly known in Europe as The Great War is a classic example of human folly and stupidity.

Millions of lives were lost, a huge amount of public and private property was destroyed, immeasurable misery was inflicted on hapless people even while it was evident from the beginning that the war has no purpose and no goal! The war was majorly fought for no national interest and not only decimated almost the whole world, but it also planted the seeds of the Second World War. If there would have been no First World War, the chances of the Second World War were remote.

The First World War was not a war because of any international issues but was an outcome of some palace intrigues and personal conflicts. There was Hapsburg dynasty ruling AustriaHungary Empire, which also ruled Bosnia and Herzegovina

by annexation. The neighbouring powerful country Serbia resented this annexation as it wanted to create a Greater Serbia by uniting Bosnia and Herzegovina with itself. The mixed population of Bosnia included Serbs, Croats and Muslims and all three were hostile to Austrian officials and assassination attempts on these officials were frequent. This was the geopolitics of that time.

The Hapsburg Empire was headed by Emperor Franz Josef who has one son - Crown Prince Rupert who was to be the next Emperor but he committed suicide along with his lover Mary Vetsera. This opened the gates for another line of Hapsburg family to head the Empire once Emperor Josef was to die. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, thus, became Crown Price once his father, the brother of Emperor Josef, also died.

Emperor Josef disliked Franz because of his choice of wife.

Franz fell in love with Czech Countess Sophie and married her. She was not considered pure royal blood and hence was banned by the Emperor to accompany Franz on public appearance and the children of the couple were denied any royal tag and an undertaking was taken from Franz that his children would not make any claim to the throne in future and would lead a life as ordinary citizens. All this has pained Franz Ferdinand, thereby, making him a rebellious prince. He was practically isolated in the overall Hapsburg establishment. His wife Sophie was excluded in every official ceremony and was never allowed to set foot in the palace.

Hapsburg establishment was ruthlessly traditional and conservative.

But one day during June 1914, Emperor Josef asked Archduke Franz to go for an official tour of occupied Sarajevo to have a look at the law and order situation.

Franz was reluctant to visit as he feared his life because rebellion was erupting in that part of the empire. He agreed finally when Emperor allowed him to be accompanied by his wife Sophie on official status. Franz was a devoted husband and wanted his wife to be accepted among the royal hierarchy so he finally agreed to visit Sarajevo, Bosnia.

It was June 28, 1914, when both Archduke Franz and his wife Sophie were assassinated by a Serb when they were moving through the market place in their car. The Hapsburg establishment blamed Serbia for assassinations, though many historians believe that Emperor Josef was complicit in the killings. Is was very unusual to grant official status to Sophie and then leave the pair with practically no protection in the hotbed of rebellion.

FA CE OF TH ED AY

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and placed 15 conditions upon that country if it wanted to avoid war. Serbia agreed for all except one humiliating condition. However, one single rejection was enough for AustriaHungary to declare war on Serbia. This madness started on July 29, 1914, and the whole of Europe plunged rapidly into Armageddon. Russia came in support of Serbia, Germany attacked Russia and France while Britain attacked Germany.

The Great War lasted for four years in which 80 Lakh ( 8 million) soldiers lost their lives and the civilian deaths were countless. The stupid leaders created a hell on earth as unrelated countries like British India also suffered deaths as soldiers were forcefully recruited from colonised countries.

Now comes a big question regarding human psychology of war and violence. Why people become willing participants in widespread violence where they might lose their lives and that of their families, friends and compatriots? How come that the sane

ARIES

TAURUS

Good earnings indicated for those in retails business. You will be very happy with your finances today as you will make some huge profit from stocks. If you are inclined towards arts than give it a shot, do not decide whether something is good or bad for you.

Be brave in spirit and go and confront your family incase if you have made any mistakes. You are as pure as possible inside and as tough as one can be from outside. Helping your spouse or mother in completing house hold chores is a sign that you care and love them.

MAR 21 - APR 20

LEO

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

VIRGO

LIBRA

Something or some power is above is all and you need to have faith. Believe it or not, you have it in you to make it big in life and all you need is to believe in yourself.

Sometimes people take advantage of your innocence and you dont even realise it.

You always have good intentions about others but your angel ruins it all sometimes. If you have given money to someone thinking about his/her welfare or need than you will surely get this money back.

You are desperate to have someone in life but you don’t want to change.

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SAGITTARIUS You believe in god but you also believe in the fact that nothing will happen on its own and you need to work hard for it. Those of you who are willing to sacrifice your sleep to reach achieve your goal will certainly make it happen and for others you need motivation and sincerity.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Face your fears and do not run away from them. Risk taken in business will fetch you amazing results and also if you continue to have the same attitude than that day isn’t far when you will be among wealth people. You desire pleasure in doing charity work as this satisfaction give you a kick.

RIYA JAIN, Influencer

voices of logic and peace are either not raised or suppressed during the times of irrational frenzy and madness?

There was a frustrated and lonely Emperor who lost his son by suicide and wife by assassination. His nephew, to whom he despised, was to be the natural inheritor of Empire on the demise of the Emperor. As per existing social and succession rules even the Emperor was not authorised to change the succession line. The inheritor was a nonconformist and was disliked by the ultra-conservative Hapsburg establishment. And this man and his wife’s assassination, which might have been directly or indirectly facilitated by the Empire, was used to invade a neighbouring country.

Any ruling establishment, when becomes insecure or feels vulnerable, creates an enemy.

Massive propaganda is the main weapon which makes people believe that their homes, their children are under threat. And what better enemy can be than your neighbouring country? Psychologically, people become so fear-

A promotion is sure shot deal even at this time.

Some of you may soon become a parent or may start planning your family. You are more than satisfied and have nothing to complain about. You keep experimenting with your ideologies.

You do not like doing household stuff.

ful that they become extremely violent and want to see blood and gore. They become part of the war cry even when they know nothing about the behind the curtain games of powerful and power-hungry people. Anyone who talks of the futility of war and violence is labelled as a coward, anti-national and even traitor.

One more thing is commonly observed. The people who cry war don’t send their children to armed forces and this is a global phenomenon. The warmongers send their children to medical, law, economics and such related schools, a majority of armed forces is constituted by upwardly mobile middle class where armed forces are perceived as a career, not a force to kill.

There is no second option that a nation should have strong defence forces - to avoid war, a deterrence rather than invasion. Every war leaves a nation much poorer.

Look at once super-rich Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria. European giants like Britain, France and Germany saw the once well off citizens fighting for a loaf of bread after both the world wars and have practically lost all the wealth they accumulated from their colonies.

They never regained that powerful status on a global platform which they used to have.

Psychologically, war may be seen as a thrilling event in a grossly monotonous lifestyle of a society. The blood lust is a hidden trait in all of us. The real warrior classes fight the war only when it becomes unavoidable if the decision is left to them but the ruling class has its agenda, usually shuns to send their children to the war front and, mostly, decides on war to gain from it.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

You have accomplished a lot in life and it gives you immense satisfaction too but you are still not done and wish to do more with life. You earn enough to satisfy all your need and you always encourage everyone to be self dependent. You never fail to amaze everyone.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Those working part time will have lots of work in hand today. You may make a late loan payment but it will have no repercussions for you.

You may not be willing to continue working in the same role in your firm, discuss about it with your senior.

You will spend a pleasant day and will invest lot of time with your spouse or parents or both. You are going to get fantastic returns from a recently made business deal. You are health conscious but still cheat often every now and that. You love music whether listening or playing.

You will not go wrong by following the instructions in letter and spirit at work.

Good budgeting is likely to increase your buying power and make you save too. Cheerful mood will keep you both physically and mentally contented. Aftermath of a function or ceremony will be exciting.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

The leading a group in a company will find the day very favourable. An increase in salary is possible even amidst the covid situation. Sweat out as much as you can because thats the only way to show improvement. You love your younger sibling more than anything.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC LUCKNOW | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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K

ylie Jenner is all ready for Christmas, and she already has decorations that would be the envy of anyone. On her Instagram, she posted photos of her home and the massive Christmas tree that caught everyone’s attention and led to impressed comments from fans. “favorite time of year,” she wrote alongside the photo of a tree that touches her extremely tall ceiling.

Jenner also kicked off the holiday season with her family in Lake Tahoe while Los Angeles is on lockdown during record-high COVID-19 cases. The Kardashian-Jenners rented an estate at the popular California mountain location to film Keeping Up with the Kardashians. —Agency

Kylie’s Christmas Decorations

... her post

Kylie Jenner

Pankaj owns the screen

Moore’s disastrous date

BIG B PAYS TRIBUTE

R

eal Housewives of Atlanta alum Kenya Moore recently looked back on her date with Kanye West. The 49-year-old reality star opened up about her date with the 43-year-old rapper, calling it a “disaster.” “I did go out with Kanye once,” Kenya shared on The Wendy Williams Show. “That was a disaster.” “Somehow, we ended up going to his house and there was, like, some very explicit things on TV,” Kenya continued.

“I was lost, he left me alone, I was just there for like five minutes, wandering around his house. When I followed the noises, he was watching something on TV that he probably shouldn’t have been.” So, that was my exit! As much as I love him, it was just the craziest thing,” Kenya added —Agency

Poster of ‘Shakeela’

W

hat’s intriguing about the much awaited biopic of Shakeela is not just Richa Chadha playing her on screen to perfection but also Pankaj Tripathi who is playing the role of a superstar actor. Pankaj, riding high on the success of Ludo and Mirzapur, will be seen in his element.

Dressed in snazzy clothes, the actor plays the part in all its glory.

Talking about it, Pankaj says, “I am thrilled that our little labour of love Shakeela is all set to release in theatres this Christmas. I am so excited about the film because I have worked with the very talented friend Richa Chadha in this film. I have a beautiful part in the film. I play an actor for the first time in my career.”

—Agency

Amitabh Bachchan

A

mitabh Bachchan on Monday marked the Armed Forces Flag Day with a special video message honouring the braveheart soldiers of the country. He posted a video of himself on the platform where he is seen paying his heartfelt tribute to the defence forces. “Namaskaar this is Amitabh Bachchan. On the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag day 2020, I send my greetings and my salutations,” Bachchan said in the video. The veteran actor then invoked a quote about serving the country and continued expressing gratitude towards soldiers for safeguarding the country. “’He loves his country best who strives to make it best.’ We have not seen and probably will never know the true level of sacrifice of our veterans. The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country,” he said.

— Agency

‘TOP GUY’ Kanye West

Kenya Moore

MADE IT OFFICIAL

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Varun’s post

ctor Varun Dhawan, who had been shooting for Raj Mehta’s ‘Jug Jug Jeeyo’ in Chandigarh, has tested positive for coronavirus.

The ‘Coolie No.1,’ actor took to Instagram on Monday to share his health update along with a picture of him interacting with his

friends over a group video call.

“So as I returned to work in the pandemic era I have contracted COVID-19,” he captioned the post. Dhawan assured that while shooting all health protocols were followed and asked everyone to be “extra careful.”

—Agency

DAVID LANDER PASSES AWAY

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Late David Lander

averne & Shirley alum David Lander recently passed away at the age of 73, the veteran had been battling multiple sclerosis for the past 37 years. David Lander, who was best known for playing Squiggy on the beloved sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died at the age of 73. Lander died of multiple sclerosis, which he battled for the past 37 years. He passed away on Friday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Lander publicly revealed his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis back in 1999 and became an advocate for those also battling the disease.

— Agency

WELCOMING ALIA BHATT

F SS Rajamouli’s tweet

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ilmmaker SS Rajamouli on Monday welcomed actor Alia Bhatt to the sets of his upcoming film ‘RRR’ as the two began shooting for the much-anticipated film.

Rajamouli took to Twitter

to share a picture of himself with Bhatt from the sets and introduced her by her character “Sita” in the film. “A very warm welcome to our dearest #Sita, the supremely talented and beautiful @ Aliaa08 on to the sets of

#RRRMovie! #AliaBhatt,” he tweeted.

The picture sees the actor-director duo exchanging smiles as they stand in the middle of a lush green field.

—ANI

Alia Bhatt

Ayushmann’s post

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yushmann Khurrana who is currently shooting in Chandigarh for his upcoming film on Sunday shared a candid picture with director Abhishek Kapoor, and termed him ‘Top Guy’. The ‘Shubh Mangal Savdhaan’ star took to Instagram and shared a candid picture that showcases Abhishek and Ayushman while the filmmaker is seen passing on some instructions while engaged in a conversation. The snap shows Khurrana in a different hairstyle as he ties his hair in a braid while sporting a white jacket and blue joggers. In the candid picture, the ‘Bala’ star is seen smilingly and staring at Abhishek ‘Gattu’ Kapoor.

— Agency

CITY BUZZ

HOUSE OF KOTWARA NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

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ouse of Kotwara is an international fashion house founded in 1990 by filmmaker, painter, Muzaffar Ali – the Raja of Kotwara, and his architect wife Meera Ali with the mission to revive the traditional craft of the region of Awadh, India and provide rural employment through their foundation, Dwar Pe Rozi Society (Em-

Designs of ‘House of Kotwara’

ployment at Doorstep).

Over the last 30 years, Kotwara has been a symbol of style and elegance inspiring

many brands and trends. The creations have a timeless quality to them, blending cultures and taking inspiration from

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LUCKNOW | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

Muzaffar Ali’s films - Umrao Jaan, Anjuman and Zooni.

Sama Ali is presently the Creative Director of the brand and a London College of Fashion Alumna. Having grown up alongside the House of Kotwara, she is the personification of the brand’s values and aesthetics. Her vision and creativity breathes new energy into the House of Kotwara.

Sama’s fantastical artistry is an amalgamation of her life experiences, heritage and affection for beauty. House of Kotwara is also one of the participating designers of The Fashion Connect Season 8 by First India, taking place in Jaipur on 16 December at Rambagh Palace.

MISS OCEAN WORLD 2020

India

Nigeria

United Kingdom

Peru

Documentary on Armed Forces Flag Day Jaishankar Mishra CITY FIRST

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ajya Karamchari Sahitya Sansthan UP inaugurated the documentary on the literary work of senior litterateur Jaishankar Mishra- Dr Hariom at the Urdu Academy in Lucknow on Monday.

Jaishankar Mishra is a well-known litterateur who has written many books but has also given a new message to society through those books. It is worth mentioning that this program was a wonderful program based on the life of Jaishankar, in which all his achieve-

CITY FIRST

O During the inauguration

ments were outlined.

Egyptian family members were present during the inauguration of the documentary. On this occasion, former cabinet minister Abhishek Mishra, son of Jaishankar Mishra, was also honored. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

n the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day on Monday, Director, Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation Brigadier (AP) Ravi presented a memento flag to the Chief Secretary and honored him by offering mementos and shawls.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari saluted the immortal martyrs and valiant soldiers remembering their extraordinary sacrifice and sacrifices. He said that no one can repay the origin

of the way in which our army is engaged day and night in defense of our mother form, we are all indebted to them. He expressed his full respect, affection and goodwill to the army and wished his family a happy life.

Principal Secretary Social Welfare and Sainik Welfare BL Meena, Major General Nilendra Kumar, Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation, Wing Commander (AP) Shyam Kishore Pandey, and Additional Director Rekha Rai among others were present. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

NEHAL NAYAR

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iss Ocean World 2020, an international beauty pageant that has been ranked #17 all over the world by the prestigious Euthopia Models in the list of World Pageantry, began on 1 December and will go on till 30 December.

Organised by Yogesh Mishra from Jaipur, this beauty pageant has been witnessing models from across the globe, who are proving themselves in order to be the win-

LIFE IS BACK AT LUCKNOW UNIVERSITY!

ner of the prestigious title. Due to the global pandemic, the pageant is being held virtually, and the winners will be declared after six rounds, namely- introduction, bikini, talent, national costume, catwalk and interaction with the judges.

The results will be announced virtually on 30 December by Yogesh Mishra. Miss Ocean World 2021 will be conducted in India, with the participation of about 40-45 countries from all over the world. nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

WEDDING BELLS! Rebecca, daughter of Syed Waris and Syed Zareen, tied a knot with Azhar, son of Janab Qazi Saeedul Haque Sahab on Friday in Lucknow.

After a gap of nine months, Lucknow University resumed its campus classes on Monday, 7 December. Students have been given both the options- to attend online classes or offline classes.

On Day 1, only a few students were seen wearing masks on the campus.

—PHOTOS BY SUMIT KUMAR

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...

1 3 2

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1. Ayodhya: The carved stones that will be used to construct Ram Temple, numbered and kept at the temple construction workshop in the city.

—ANI 2. Moradabad: Farmers in Moradabad say there's a slump in vegetable prices due to excess stock owing to the effect on transport due to farmer protest. “Prices of cauliflower have reduced from nearly Rs 10/kg to nearly Rs 4. We aren’t able to supply our products to Delhi,” says a local seller.

—ANI 3. Varanasi: The Saptrishi Sandhya aarti at Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple on Sunday evening.

A chimpanzee couple Jason and Nikita enjoying a sunny day inside their enclosure in Lucknow Zoo. —PHOTOS BY SUMIT KUMAR