SNV SUDHIR n VIJAYAWADA

Bulldozing the objections ofthe YSRCP Government onholding the local body polls inFebruary, State ElectionCommissioner NimmagaddaRamesh Kumar on Fridayreleased the election schedule.

As per the new schedule,panchayat polls in AndhraPradesh will be held in four phas-es on February 5, 9, 13 and 17.

Notably, the SEC hasadvanced the polls from thethird or fourth week ofFebruary that he had proposedin the notification he issued inthe past.

With the poll schedulebeing issued, the model codeof conduct will come intoforce with effect from Saturdayitself, while the election noti-fication for the first phasewill be issued on January 23.

The Government has been

stiffly resisting moves by thestate poll panel chief to holdthe elections, citing a possiblesecond wave of Covid-19 andthen the proposed vaccinationprogramme. It now remains tobe seen how the Governmentresponds to the SEC’s latestmove.

Earlier in the day, followingthe directions of the AP HighCourt, a delegation of seniorgovernment officials,

HYDERABAD, SATURDAY JANUARY 9, 2021; PAGES 12 `3

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CM to reviewschools re-openingon January 11PNS n HYDERABAD

Chief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao has con-vened a crucial meeting atPragati Bhavan on January 11to inter alia take a call on thereopening of schools andcolleges in the state after theSankranthi vacation. Themeeting, to be attended byministers as well as collectorsof all districts, will also dis-cuss the nitty-gritty of distrib-uting corona vaccine to all theregions in the state andadministering it to people asper a prioritised list.

The Chief Minister hastherefore instructed theCollectors to come to themeeting with complete infor-mation and data.

PM to interactwith CMs overvaccine roll-outPNS n NEW DELHI

Prime Minister NarendraModi will interact with ChiefMinisters of all states onJanuary 11 to discuss theCovid-19 situation and thevaccination roll-out in thecountry, his office said onFriday. This will be Modi'sfirst interaction with ChiefMinisters following the recentapproval of two vaccines forrestricted emergency use byIndia's drug regulator.

The PM had spoken withCMs following the pandem-ic outbreak in the country.

India is preparing for theroll-out of Covid-19 vaccinesand the second nationwidemock drill on the drive wasconducted on Friday.

Police counterAkhila bail PNS n HYDERABAD

The police have filed acounter before theSecunderabad court oppos-ing bail to former ministerAkhila Priya,

Govt-farmers talks fail,deadlock continuesPNS n NEW DELHI

The government and represen-tatives of protesting farmersfailed to reach an agreement oncontentious new agriculturelaws on Friday and said theywill meet again in a week’s time.

Tens of thousands of farm-ers have been camped on theoutskirts of the capital NewDelhi for over a month, call-ing for the repeal of lawsintroduced by the federal gov-ernment, which says the leg-

islation is aimed at mod-ernising the country’s anti-quated agricultural sector.

Budget preps hit byhuge corona lossesn With 3 months to go in FY 21, Govt hopes to

realize about 70% of 2021-22 Budget targets

n State Finance Dept awaiting Union Budgetfor clarity on key particulars

VENKAT RAM REDDY LAKKADIn HYDERABAD

With Covid-19 biting into therevenues for FY 2020-21, theTelangana State government's'Budget-making exercise' forFY 2021-22, just initiated by theFinance Department, has runinto rough weather. For, none ofthe 2020-21 budgetary targets

could be met due to the contin-uing impacts of the lockdown-hit economic slowdown.

In fact, the budgetary targetsfor 2020-21 lag way behind esti-mates, with less than threemonths remaining for the pre-sent financial year to end.

Compounding the corona-induced heavy shortfall in rev-enues, the state government

had to pay a heavy price due tothe suspension of property reg-istrations for four months beforethe launch of the Dharanimuch-vaunted portal.

TN reverses fulloccupancy in theatresPNS n CHENNAI

Tamil Nadu cancelled 100 percent occupancy in movie the-atres today after the Centreobjected to it and asked thestate to scrap the order.Theatres will now have 50 percent occupancy, as per theCentre's guidelines. TheAIADMK government of thestate had lifted the restrictionson movie theatres on Tuesday.

The Union home ministryhas so far allowed 50 per centoccupancy in movie theatres

outside containment zones aspart of the phased 'Unlock'process.

The state government hadgranted permission to cinemahalls to reopen with 50 percent seating capacity fromNovember 10.

Rs 10k fine fordrinking onGoa beachesPNS n PANAJI

The Goa Tourism departmenthas decided to impose a fineof ` 10,000 for drinking onbeaches after several areaswere found littered with bot-tles after the new year celebra-tions, an official said on Friday.

State Tourism DirectorMenino D'Souza told newsagency PTI that boards cau-tioning people against drink-ing on beaches have beeninstalled.

SEC differs with APGovt, announces localbody poll schedule

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Aditya meets SEC, requests pollpostponment for vaccinationPNS n VIJAYAWADA

On Friday, on the directions ofthe High Court, a delegation ofsenior government officials ledby Chief Secretary AdityanathDas met State ElectionCommissioner Nimmaga-ddaRamesh Kumar.

Das told the SEC that onceCovid pandemic is brought

under control with vaccina-tion, the State Governmentwould agree to any schedule ofresumption of the halted localelection process.

“I would like to again reit-erate that the Governmenthas utmost regard for thedemocratic process,

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HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | JANUARY 9, 2021 hyderabad 02

In the past 10 months, all ofus have missed the dailywalks/jogs in parks, side-

walks for the elderly to walk,and the casual walk to localstores to purchase goods as wellas the mental balm - gossip.

Everybody has realised theimportance of social ties withour neighbours, walkablelocalities, well-maintainedparks, daily physical activity,and the dangers of obesity. Inother words, the local hasbecome more salient (vocal)during the Covid-19.

Thus, the idea of ‘Vocal forLocal’ is no longer confined toincreasing the availability oflocal products, which arecomparable in price and qual-ity to global competitors, butalso to becoming vocal aboutdeveloping local areas. Let ussee how.

Local would mean a local-ity in a city. Additionally, thefocus would primarily be onthe built-up areas in cities, asopposed to empty spacesaround cities. In built-up areas

the key issue would be live-ability - improvement of con-ditions in a given urban space(here, locality). This wouldrequire a change in approachto planning.

Our planning methods,laws, and traditions relied onthe structures and dynamics ofthe west in the last 50 to 70years. At present, professionalswho carry out urban planningin India are trained in method-ologies created by, and for, thewest. However, this normativeplanning does not scale downto the locality level.

Locality-focused approachis about getting under the skinof what is happening in thecity. Any change in localitieswould have a major impact onthe quality of life of urban res-idents — a sort of maximumeffect with minimum means.

Technology would be com-

bined with democracy to pro-duce transformative solutionsfor localities from the bottomup. Empowered with evi-dence-based knowledge, peo-ple would be capable ofdesigning localities in a waythat addresses their needs.

Participatory planningwould move from a theoreti-cal discussion to practice.Citizen-produced ideas andinnovative initiatives wouldprovide solutions to urgent,everyday problems. ‘Loose-fit,light-touch’ policies would

incorporate the local in theway we plan and build ourcities. The locality-level planwould be more of a localstrategy, action programme,or a political articulation.

The tactical nature of local-ity-based projects would inte-grate strategy and operationalknowledge. At the locality-level, design is as important asprovisions of core infrastruc-ture. The locality-level designwould be an example of col-laboration and its importancein constructing an interest of

different types of individuals(“publics”). Participation ofpeople would naturally betactical in nature and produceoperational knowledgethrough design of strategiesthat change localities overshort timeframes.

This does not mean that wedo away with large-scale

visions and long-term objec-tives, but take into consider-ation the interconnectionsbetween the citywide scaleand the locality, infrastructureand digital applications, urbanform in localities and infra-structure, and the real needsof citizens and their willing-ness to change.

The distinct feature is notthe construction of buildingsor bridges, but process.Process would be paramount.The process would respond tothe complexity of Indian citiesand, in this way, enable citiesto move beyond determinis-tic models. People would sug-gest projects in response toissues that directly affectedtheir lives. By and large, peo-ple know exactly what needsto be done — context isimportant — and they wouldcall the shots. Solutions to

problems would germinate inlocalities and cities, not board-rooms.

The planning processwould enable scaling up bycooperating with larger strate-gies — a practical mobilitybetween micro and macroscales. The planning wouldensure that the macro wasalways kept in mind in thepicture — as the macro rep-resents action by the State andthe Centre. Not all projectswould have a strategic vision,but would have a strong tac-tical character — implementa sort of operation that targetsone particular problem. Thiswould be different from nor-mative planning as practicedby cities, which does not scaledown to provide liveablelocalities.

During implementation,mechanisms and operational

models would provide feed-back into urban planning.

Locality development is notabout identifying a successfulformula and using it as acookie-cutter for other local-ities. Generally, the localitydevelopments would beunique and one-off and onlybe replicable elsewhere afteradaptation to local condi-tions. The site specificity of thelocality would have the poten-tial to re-conceptualise theo-retical planning principlesand create a repertoire oftools to shape the Indian city.The local Indian way of plan-ning would truly becomevocal.

(Author has a PhD fromthe USA and a DLitt from

Kanchi University. The arti-cle is based on his researchand practice and views are

personal)

DR. SAMEER SHARMA

Becoming ‘Vocal for Local’ in Indian urban planningLocality-focused approach is about gettingunder the skin of what is happening in thecity. Any change in localities would have amajor impact on the quality of life of urbanresidents — a sort of maximum effectwith minimum means

Half-burnt bodyof woman foundnear RGIAPNS n HYDERABAD

In a suspected case of self-immolation, a half-burnt bodyof an unidentified womanwas found near the airporthere on Friday, police said.

Airport personnel noticedthe body and informed thepolice, who after goingthrough the CCTV footage,said it was suspected that thewoman immolated herself.

A case had been registeredand further investigation wasin progress, they added.

Rs 10k fine...Continued from Page 1

The state government, inJanuary 2019, amended theTourist Trade Act imposingfine of ` 2,000 for individu-als and ` 10,000 for groupsdrinking on beaches, he said.

Aditya meets...Continued from Page 1

halted by the State ElectionCommission in view of theCovid-19 and would like to becompleted in a proper, free andfair manner. The pandemicCovid-19 is tackled along withthe vaccination programmebeing undertaken by the min-istry of Health Government ofIndia and entire State machin-ery would be engaged in themassive operation,” he said.

Most of the functionarieswho would be engaged inconducting the Local Electionswould be those who would bethe first recipient of the vac-cine, he said.

“In view of the above wewould request that the totalvaccination programme alongwith Covid-19 managementmust be allowed to proceedunhindered and once this dis-aster is tackled with vaccina-tion, the State Governmentwould agree to any schedule ofresumption of the halted localelection process,” Das toldSEC.

He also said that the attemptof the poll panel to allude thatthe State Government wasadvancing spurious groundsfor not holding elections whenraging pandemic has affectedpeople was regrettable.

Police counterAkhila bailContinued from Page 1

presently lodged inChanchalguda Jail in connec-tion with the case relating tothe sensational kidnap ofthree kin of Chief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao, on thegrounds that she would useher clout and influence thecourse of the investigation ofthe Hafizpet land disputethat triggered the abduction.

The counsel for the policedepartment stated that thepolice had no intention toframe her.

To gather more evidence,police teams had launchedfurther investigations andthey need to record state-ments from many more wit-nesses. If Akhila Priya wasgranted bail, she wouldthreaten the witnesses, thepolice contended. Because ofher actions, the locals are liv-ing with a sense of insecuri-ty, the police told the court.

According to the police,she has enough clout, bothpolitically and financially, toadversely impact the investi-gation of the case. If she isout on bail, she will commitmore crimes, besides threat-ening the witnesses, andhence she will be able toevade punishment.

PNS n HYDERABAD

The allotment of 324 electricbuses under the Centre’s FasterAdoption and Manufacture ofElectric Vehicles (FAME),which the State governmenthas refused to take at theheight of the RTC strike, is stillalive, a communication fromDelhi says.

The State governmentrefused to take the buses, whichhave been allotted to the Stateduring the last year’s RTCstrike as it felt after the firstinstalment of the 40 air-condi-tioned electric buses, with low-floor, turned out to be whiteelephants for the RTC as theyare not fit for long distancetravel because of the low-floor.Currently, the buses are beingoperated to the airport fromvarious parts of the city.

Even at the height of theRTC strike, which is in virulentform then, the RTC wantsnon-air-conditioned electricbuses, while a top official of hetransport undertaking pressedfor taking the a/c buses. Thishas led to the State governmentto defer receiving the allottedbuses.

As the hopes of receiving the

buses are still kept alive, if thecommunication received fromthe Centre was any indication,the government is trying toacquire the buses again. TheRTC was forced to take buses,which it supposed to takeunder the FAME scheme,under hire from private parties.

The RTC engineeringdepartment officials did not

call for tenders to receive theFAME buses within the stipu-lated time as the RTC is notready to accept the air-condi-tioned buses. Therefore, theallotment under the FAMEscheme has been cancelled.

On the other hand, the RTCrequires 1,300 buses on anemergency basis. Meanwhile,the Union Surface TransportMinistry clarified that the rel-evant file is under circulationbut not cancelled. Therefore,the TSRTC has decided to re-allot the buses to the State.Officials are of the view that thebattery buses would ease thecost of maintenance of thebuses to an extent. The RTChas finally come to a decisionto take only the non-air-con-ditioned buses if the Centre re-allots the buses under theFAME scheme.

‘Allotment of e-buses toTSRTC by Centre not on hold’

Continued from Page 1

Since September 2020, withDharani portal yet to be fullyfunctional, the property-relatedrevenues of the state govern-ment have taken a heavy beat-ing.

The government had set GSTearnings target at Rs 32,671crore in Budget 2020-21, butcould realise only Rs 18,429crore till date. Similarly, the salestax target was Rs 26,400 crore,though only Rs 13,954 crorecould be collected so far.

As things stand, the earningsthrough property registrationsremain the worst-hit amongmajor revenue heads. The bud-getary target through propertyregistrations was Rs 10,000

crore, but just Rs 3,189 crore wasmet, mainly because propertyregistrations were officially sus-pended from September 7, 2020to October 29, 3030 in connec-tion with the launch of Dharaniportal.

Only agricultural land regis-trations were allowed postOctober 29; yet, due to techni-cal and operational glitches inDharani portal, even those couldnot be done on a full scale inNovember and December. Inview of cases in the TS HighCourt against non-farm proper-ty registrations through Dharaniportal, the process was stuckuntil the last week of Decemberwhen the government revertedto the old method of registra-tions.

The budget estimated Rs10,906 crore through the state'sshare in central taxes, but theCentre has released just Rs5,412 crore so far.

However, the silver lining isthat the Centre's grants-in-aid tothe state government surpassedthe budgetary estimates, thanksto the Centre releasing moregrants to help States to overcomecorona-induced financial crisis.While the budget estimate wasRs 10,525 crore, the Centre hasreleased grants amounting to Rs11,000 crore so far.

The non-tax revenue earn-ings also took a severe beatingdue to corona. The budgetarytarget was Rs 30,600 crore, butonly Rs 2,450 crore was realiseddue to slump in registration of

new vehicles, collection of var-ious transport taxes and miningcess due to lockdown and theconsequent slowdown of theeconomy. The earningsthrough imposition of othertaxes and duties also nose-dived. Out of Rs 6,041 crore, justRs 2,650 crore has been realisedso far.

The excise duty collected onliquor also fell due to closure ofliquor shops for nearly threemonths --from mid-March toMay first week - and closure ofbars, pubs, and clubs frommid-March to September-end.The budgetary target was Rs16,000 crore, but only Rs 8,874crore has been realized till date.

In this backdrop, FinanceDepartment officials are exam-

ining thoroughly the possibili-ty of meeting at least 70% of thebudgetary targets in the remain-ing period of the FY endingMarch 31.

The Finance Department hasto come up with a RevisedBudget for 2020-21 first basedon the current earnings so farand projected earnings for theremaining three months of thisfiscal before drafting fresh pro-posals for Budget 2021-22.

The department is eagerlyawaiting the Union Budget2021-22 to be presented inParliament on February 1 to getclarity on the quantum of state'sshare in central taxes and theCentre's grants-in-aid to Statesso as to align those particularsto the State Budget proposals.

Budget preps hit by huge corona losses

Continued from Page 1

led by Chief SecretaryAdityanath Das had metRamesh Kumar and submittedthe government’s objectionsover conducting the polls asper the notification issued bythe SEC earlier.

Das cited the second waveof Covid and government staffbeing busy with vaccination,along with NDMA Act beingin force.

However, the SEC rejectedthese reasons in his nine-pagestatement, saying that therewas no potential conflictbetween holding of elections

and the roll-out of vaccinationprogramme as spelt out by theUnion government.

“It is reasonable to pre-sume that the vaccinationprogramme will extend wellbeyond September, 2021 intothe year 2022 as perceived bypublic health specialists. Inthis unfolding scenario, aquestion logically ariseswhether the elections are tobe put on hold and democ-ratic processes suspendedtill the vaccination pro-gramme attains the statedgoals perhaps somewheretowards the end of 2022,”said the SEC.

SEC differs with AP...

CM to review...Continued from Page 1

Educational institutions inTelangana have remain closedsince March 2020 due to theoutbreak of corona and theconsequent lockdown, thoughsome of the curbs have beeneased in phases.

The meeting will discuss,among other things, the fol-lowing questions: Whenshould educational institu-tions reopen across the state?Students belonging to whichclasses should attend in per-son? How to hold classes?Should remote instruction beallowed for certain classes?What is the method followedin other states on each ofthese aspects? Certain relatedmatters would also be dis-cussed threadbare, beforearriving at a firm decision.

Important issues concern-ing Revenue, Panchayat Raj,Medical and Health,Municipal, Education,Forestry and other depart-ments will also be discussedfor taking decisions.

As far as RevenueDepartment matters are con-cerned, the Chief Ministerheld a meeting recently atPragathi Bhavan with seniorofficials and some Collectors.At that meeting, some of the

matters to be resolved werementioned. These would bediscussed at length during theJanuary 11 meeting. Pendingmutations, sada bainamas reg-ularization, setting up of tri-bunals, solving land disputeson matters included underPart B and other related issueswould also be discussed at themeeting. An action plan willbe finalized at the meeting tohelp address revenue issues.

The meeting will take stockof the situation with regard tothe spread of coronavirus andthe measures in place to con-tain the virus. The specifics ofadministering corona vaccineto people will also be discussedat the proposed meeting.

The meeting will reviewthe implementation of PallePragathi and Pattana Pragathiprogrammes. Specifically itwould look at whether thefunds are being given on timeand whether they are beingutilized for the intended pur-pose properly? The meetingwill review the progress ofworks under Palle Pragathiand Pattana Pragathi pro-grammes.

The implementation of theHaritha Haram programme,aimed at increasing the greencover in the State, will also bereviewed.

TN reverses fulloccupancy in theatresContinued from Page 1

Tamil Nadu had on Tuesdayincreased the seating capacityof cinemas, theatres, multi-plexes from existing 50 percent to 100 per cent followingCOVID-19 protocols.

Many film actors requestedthe government to allow 100per cent capacity before thefestival of Pongal. After thisthe state increased the occu-pancy. The Centre had askedfor this provision to bescapped the next day.

Singareni tofill 651vacancies byMarch: CMDPNS n HYDERABAD

Singareni Collieries CompanyLimited CMD N Sridhar onFriday informed that theabout 651 vacancies in themining company would befilled up by March this year.CM K Chandrashekar Raohad earlier instructed theofficials to fill up vacancies ingovernment organisations.

In a release, he explainedthat the entire recruitmentprocess would be completed byMarch this year and all postswould be filled up based on thewritten test and as per the gov-ernment rules. Out of the 651vacancies, 569 are for workersin the purview of NationalCoal Wage Agreement and 82posts of officers and theseposts would be filled up withseparate notifications will bereleased soon.

Bharat Bio to begin trials ofintranasal vaccine in FebPNS n HYDERABAD

Buoyed by the emergency useauthorisation approval fromthe DCGI for its Covid-19 vac-cine Covaxin, Bharat Biotechhas said Phase-1 clinical trialsof its new intranasal antidote forthe killer virus will begin dur-ing February-March this year.Besides Covaxin, BharatBiotech has been actively work-ing on developing another vac-cine, for which it tied up withWashington University Schoolof Medicine in St Louis for thenovel "chimp-adenovirus"(Chimpanzee adenovirus), asingle dose intranasal vaccinefor Covid.

"BBV154 (intranasal vac-cine), preclinical testing hasbeen completed for toxicology,immunogenicity and challengestudies. These studies havebeen conducted in the USA andIndia. Phase I human clinicaltrials will commence duringFeb-March 2021," said the city-

based vaccine maker. Phase Ihuman clinical trials will beconducted in India, BharatBiotech added.

The Phase-1 trials will beconducted in St LouisUniversity's vaccine and treat-ment evaluation unit, the com-pany sources said adding BharatBiotech owns the rights to dis-tribute the vaccine in all mar-kets except USA, Japan andEurope.

Krishna Ella, Chairman ofBharat Biotech had earlier saidthe company is focusing on theintranasal vaccine as the exist-ing vaccines require two doseintramuscular injections and acountry like India needs 2.6 bil-lion syringes and needles whichmay add up to pollution.

An intranasal vaccine willnot only be simple to adminis-ter but reduce the use of med-ical consumables such as nee-dles, syringes, etc., significant-ly impacting the overall cost ofa vaccination drive, he had said.

NCLT approves NHPC'sresolution plan for JPCL PNS n NEW DELHI

The Hyderabad bench of theNational Company LawTribunal (NCLT) has approvedstate-owned NHPC's resolu-tion plan for Jal PowerCorporation Ltd (JPCL),according to a statement.

JPCL is the second compa-ny after Lanco Teesta HydroPower Ltd (LTHPL) to beacquired through the NCLTprocess by NHPC, NHPC saidin the statement on Friday.

NCLT's Hyderabad benchthrough its order datedDecember 24, 2020, approvedNHPC's resolution plan fortaking over JPCL, the state-

ment said."NHPC will make an

upfront payment of Rs 165crore and cost of the project isconsidered as Rs 943.20 crore,"it added.

According to the statement,JPCL was executing a 120-MWRangit Stage-IV HydroelectricProject in Sikkim. The corpo-rate insolvency resolutionprocess was initiated againstthe company on April 9, 2019.

Sharing further details,NHPC said it had submitted itsresolution plan and wasdeclared the successful resolu-tion applicant by committee ofcreditors (CoC) on January 24,2020.

Dolphin beaten todeath in UP, three heldPNS n PRATAPGARH UP

, Jan 8 (PTI) A dolphin wasbeaten to death by a group ofmen in Uttar Pradesh'sPratapgarh, leading to thearrest of three people, policesaid on Friday.

According to police, somepeople killed the dolphin onDecember 31 in the Shardacanal near Kotharia village inthe Nawabganj police stationarea, about 70 km way fromthe district headquarters.

A Forest Department teamrushed to the spot on gettinginformation and took the deaddolphin in custody.

During investigation, names

of three persons belonging toRae Bareli district surfacedand they were arrested onThursday, ASP (West) DineshDwivedi said.

Those who killed the dol-phin were not able to take itaway because of its weight, theASP added.

A Forest Departmentteam rushed to thespot on gettinginformation and tookthe dead dolphin incustody

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | JANUARY 9, 2021hyderabad 03

DURGA PRASAD SUNKU

n HYDERABAD

It's been almost five monthssince the fire accident thatkilled nine lives took place atSrisai lam power plant.Though the state governmenthad promptly instituted aCrime investigationDepartment (CID) probe intothe fire accident and sought areport 'immediately', the CIDis taking its own 'sweet time'to make its report public.

Along with the kin of othervictims, Mohammed AbdulHaq Zubair, father of UzmaFathima, an assistant engineerwho lost her life in the ghast-ly fire mishap, is anxiouslywaiting to know what exact-ly happened on the unfortu-nate day.

Speaking to The Pioneer,Zubair said: "We are anxious-ly waiting for the reportregarding the fire mishapwhich claimed my daughter.We want to know what exact-ly had happened on thatnight."

Recalling the day and thelast call Uzma made to him,Zubair said, "She used to callus at around 5 pm after com-pleting her general shift. On

20 August too, she called us ataround 5 pm. She enquiredabout out health andinformed us that she hadreached home. I am still clue-less why she went back to thepower plant in the night.What urgency made her rushto work at odd hours?"

Next day early morning, mydaughter's colleague called usand informed about herdemise.

"We were shocked to hearabout her death and still did-n't come to terms with reali-ty. I never thought that the life

of my daughter would cometo such an abrupt end. Shewas intelligent and workedhard to crack governmentjob."

Referring to the inordinatedelay in submitting the CIDreport, K Babu Rao, a formerscientist of Indian Institute ofChemical technology (IICT)from Scientists for the People,who wrote an open letter tochief minister KChandrasekhar Rao regardingthe fire accident said, "It'sbeen five months since such amajor accident took place.

However, neither the CIDnor the department made thereport public. During thesekinds of mishaps, a thirdparty should conduct theinvestigation. The higher offi-cials in the department shouldtake responsibility but noth-ing of that sort happened inthis case."

Raising doubts over thedelay in CID investigation, hewondered whether the CIDwas competent enough toinvestigate the fire accident."Do they have expertise andenough resources to investigate

these types of fire accidents,"he questioned. "Only when thereport is made public, we willknow the truth and the cred-ibility of the CID," said BabuRao. The government hadpromptly ordered a CIDenquiry and directed theagency to submit its reportimmediately, but the CID istaking its own time. It is notknown whether they havegiven any preliminary reportto the government or not.

None in the top echelons ofthe government is bothered tofollow up with the CID aboutthe progress in the case.

Repeated calls made by thisreporter to Govind Singh, theAdditional Director Generalof police of CID, remainedunanswered.

SRISAILAM POWER PLANT FIRE MISHAP

Victims’ kin decry delay in CID probeNone in the topechelons of thegovernment isbothered tofollow up withthe CID aboutthe progress ofthe case

PNS n HYDERABAD

Five cyber fraudsters, whohave been extorting moneyfrom victims by impersonatingas NRI women and as customsofficials, were arrested byCyber crime police.

The matter came to lightwhen a victim who was cheat-ed to the tune of Rs 4.83 lakhapproached the Rachakondapolice. Based on the com-plaint lodged by the victim, thecyber crime team launchedinvestigation and traced theirlocation in New Delhi.

The cyber crime team raid-ed the premises in New Delhiand arrested the five fraudstersof African origin including themastermind, Akpalu Godstime,along with his accomplices -Adjel Gift Osas, P. EhigiatorDaniel, Nkeki Confidence

David, and P. Kromah OyiboN. Explaining the modusoperandi of the gang,Rachakonda commissioner ofpolice Mahesh M Bhagwatsaid: "Initially impersonating asa lady, Sophia Alex, the accusedsent a friend request. Later,after conversing for some days,the accused Sophia Alex nar-rated a concocted story that shewas born and brought up inAustralia and was staying in

London after was having adaughter." After gaining con-fidence, the accused furtherinformed that she was comingto visit Hyderabad in a fewdays. Later, one a fine day, theaccused called the victim andinformed that he had landed atMumbai airport.

After a while, the victimreceived a call from anunknown lady, who intro-duced herself as a customs offi-

cer from Mumbai, stating thatSophia Alex had brought75,000 pounds cash, goldchains and mobile phones inher luggage and asked to trans-fer amounts towards taxes andother charges, said the policeofficials.

Believing their claims, thevictim deposited Rs 4.83 lakhin multiple transactions.However, the victimapproached the Rachakondacyber crime police and lodgeda formal complaint after real-ising that he got cheated.

The Rachakonda policearrested the accused personsand sent them to judicial cus-tody. They are likely to seektheir custody for further inves-tigation. The police warned thenetizens to ignore friendrequests from unknown per-sons.

Five cyber fraudsters arrested

PNS n HYDERABAD

Consul General of Japan inChennai Taga Masayuki onFriday said that Japan waskeen on expanding its presencein Telangana due to itsinvestor-friendly policies. Therelations between two nationshave been substantially andcontinuously improving in allfields, he added.

Addressing at a Seminaron India-Japan BusinessPromotion, Opportunities andRoad Ahead - Post-Covid,organised jointly by FTCCIand Asa Bhanu Japan Centre,he said that Japan was keen onseeing increased collabora-tion and people-to-peopleconnect in the region andencouraged the entrepreneursto explore business opportu-nities in Japan.

Stating that Japanese com-panies like Toshiba have suc-cessfully invested in Telangana,he highlighted the involve-ment of Japanese companies invarious infrastructure projectsof Telangana such as ORR ofHyderabad.

He reaffirmed said thatJapan would like to continue towork with the FTCCI and AsaBhanu Japan Centre to pro-

mote economic and culturalexchanges between Telanganaand Japan. Taga Masayukiexpressed happiness overFTCCI and Asa Bhanu fororganising Japanese languagecourse to help entrepreneurs toenhance communication andwritten skills. He also com-mended the Japanese teachinginitiative and level of Japanesetraining.

Earlier, FTCCI PresidentRamakanth Inani said thatIndia and Japan had a highdegree of congruence in reli-gious, political, economic andstrategic interests.

The two governments havealso agreed to further cementeconomic cooperation withIndia opening doors toJapanese manufacturing activ-ity and perhaps, involve Tokyoin ramping up port infra-structure.

Both countries stand to gainmuch from cooperation inautomobile, pharma, chemical,electronics, textile and foodprocessing and India can offera sound manufacturing baseand market for Japanese, hesaid. Rajendra Agarwal, Chair,International TradeCommittee, FTCCI said thatIndia and Japan's collaboration

is growing in sunrise sectors ofinvestment such as food pro-cessing, healthcare, digital andinformation technology, etc.As major powerhouses of Asia,the opportunities for sharedgrowth and success areimmense through businessand commercial exchanges,thriving startup ecosystemand ingenious technologicalsolutions and systems, exper-tise in existing and emergingtechnologies as well as vastpool of professionals andskilled workforce.

Explaining the current busi-ness scenario and major ongo-ing projects, Asa Bhanu JapanCentre President B. RamaBhadra said that Asa Bhanuwas currently working onJapanese supported projects,working on promotion of tradebetween the countries partic-ularly with the State ofTelangana. He also mentionedthat the Asa Bhanu jointlyworked with FTCCI in busi-ness ignitions and exchange,conducting course on Japaneselanguage. FTCCI urged theConsulate to take up idea ofopening an Office of JapanExternal Trade Organisation(JETRO) in Hyderabad withJapanese government.

PNS n HYDERABAD

The Government of Indiabacked Science andTechnology (S &T) clusterhas been launched here onFriday aims to bolster nation-wide scientific collaborationthe innovation hub in thecountry.

RICH (Research andInnovation Circle ofHyderabad), a hub of innova-tion, Hyderabad is on. thefour cities has been selected forsetting up a Science andTechnology Cluster, an initia-tive the Prime Minister'sScience, Technology andInnovation Advisory Council(PM-STIAC). The Cluster willbe led by the Research andInnovation Circle ofHyderabad (RICH). The Cluwas launched by Telangana ITMinister KT Rama Rao andPrincipal Scientific Adviser tothe government of India ProfK VijayRaghavan, in the pres-ence of Telangana GovernmentPrinci Secretary ( I&C and IT)Jayesh Ranjan, Dr ArabindaMitra (Scientific Secretary,Office of the Principal

Scientific Adviser, Governmentof India), and Mr AjitRangnekar (Director Genera]RICH). These S&T dusters area means to encourage scien-tific enterprise and to pushindividual institutional excel-lence towards collective per-formance.

Currently, the Office ofPrincipal Scientific Advisor(PSA) to the Government ofIndia has proposed the estab-lishment of mega S&T dustersin four cities that have strongorganization institutions, andindustries focused on science

and technology - HyderabadBengaluru, Vatic CapitalRegion (NCR)-Delhi andPune.

Prof Raghavan, said, "Thegoal of PM-STIAC is to devel-op a futuristic road map forscience a technology in India.Creation of mega dusters thatleverage the local science andtechnology expertise will pavethe way for faster and moreefficient deployment of scien-tific outcomes. We believethat the new Hyderabad dusterwill enable and empowerpatents, products and profits

while solving problems thatafflict society, he said India hasretained its position as thmost innovative countryamong the Central and SouthAsian countries.

It is also the world's third-largest start-up hub and con-tinues to grow at a steady pace,he adc Hyderabad, the statecapital of Telangana, has beenchosen as one of the cities forsetting up mega S&T duster asit houses the nation's largestbio-duster, Genome Valley,which is a grot of roughly 200companies.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Major General (Retired) SNBhaskar, AVSM, Padma Shriof Corps of Electronics andMechanical Engineers, haspassed away on Friday due toold age at his residence atBanjara Hills, Hyderabad.

SN Bhaskar was born onNovember 20, 1924 andcommissioned into theCorps of Electronics andMechanical Engineers onDecember 10, 1948. He wasawarded Ati Vishisht SevaMedal (AVSM) on January26, 1979 and retired with dis-tinguished service onNovember 30, 1980.

After retirement fromarmy, he took over as theCMD of Bharat Earth MoversLimited (BEML). As theCMD of BEML, he improvedorganisation's efficiency in allaspects and value of produc-tion per employee got tripled.He turned BEML into a suc-cessful story for which he wasawarded 'Padma shri' onJanuary 26, 1984.

He made a name for him-self not only as an officer ofexceptional competence butas a humanitarian and a manof great compassion. He wasknown for uplifting his sol-diers and their familiesthroughout his career. It israrity to see a man whoremained unforgotten in thehearts of so many even fourdecades after his retirement.

PNS n HYDERABAD

A 13-year-old boy has set a newrecord by playing 20 songs in30 minutes on keyboard witha blindfold. A.S. HariharanNaidu achieved the feat toenter the 'Wonder Book ofRecords'. A student of eighthstandard at Gitanjali Devshalain Hyderabad, he recently setthe record by staging the per-formance in the presence ofjudges from Wonder Book ofRecords (WBR).

"He played 20 songs in 30minutes and that too with ablindfold. It's a record. In fact,he completed this in 29 min-utes 19 seconds," said Dr G.Swarna Sree, Wonder Book ofRecords, South India ChiefCoordinator.

"2020 was not good yearbecause of Covid but it gavesome memorable moments tome towards the end," saidHariharan, who started learn-ing music from a renownedinstitute when he was nine.

Hariharan started theYouTube channel 'Chill withHariharan' to utilise his timeduring the lockdown. He hasposted several videos of his

performances including acouple of songs as a tribute toactor Sushant Singh Rajput.The YouTube channel alreadyhas garnered over 3,000 sub-scribers and 60,000 views.

Hariharan, a chess lover,introduces himself as a boyexploring his interests, navi-gating through mind and life,enjoying music.

Music composers andsingers were including AnupRubens, folk singer PadmaVishwas and executive com-mittee member of Telugu FilmChamber of Commerce DrPadmini Nagulpalli were pre-sent to witness the boy's per-formance and encourage him.

Former minister and specialrepresentative of Telanganain Delhi, S. Venugopala Chary,who presented the certificateto Hariharan, was all praise forthe boy and said he has madeTelangana proud.

Hariharan's mother, ArunaTumma, was happy over herson setting an internationalrecord with his superb perfor-mance. "Every child will havesome hidden talent. It's for par-ents to identify the talent andencourage them," she said.

PNS n HYDERABAD

CBI booked a case againstNidhi Biotech Pvt. Ltd fordefrauding SBI to the tune ofRs 6 crore. The agencybooked a case against M/sNidhi Biotech Ltd and itsdirectors Janga SrinivasaReddy, Billa Lakshmi Shilpa,Tadkamalla padma, DudduLakshmi, D Padma Jyothiand former bank managerAbdul Rawoof Pasha.

Probe revealed that theaccused colluded with formerbank manager Abdul RawoofPasha and availed loan of Rs6 crore and failed to repay thesame. Nidhi Biotech Limitedwas involved in the businessof trading seeds and otheragro products and availedloan Rs 6.00 crore in 2017 bysubmitted fake challans asproofs for infusion of capital.

"Janga srinivas Reddy, theMD of the Company, deposit-ed non-existent immovableproperties situated at Bacharamvillage and Abdullapurmet inRanga Reddy district, SanthoshNagar Colony, Mehdipatnam,Devarkonda Nagar andShaikpet in Hyderabad as secu-rity for availing the loan," saidCBI.

Blindfolded boy playskeyboard, sets record

Science & Tech mega cluster launched

Kids fromdisadvantaged

sections often work tosupport their familiesas the income of thehead of the family is

not enough forsustenance. Hence,

most of the kids leavetheir houses in theearly hours to earn

some money. One ofsuch unfortunate kidsput brooms for saleon a busy city roadwhile women haveno qualms about

bargaining

FOR A SQUARE MEAL

PNS n HYDERABAD

HyderabadAll India Bank Employees'

Association (AIBEA) onFriday appealed to PrimeMinister Narendra Modi toinclude bank employees andofficers under the prioritisedcategory along with otherCoronavirus warriors for theadministration of Covid -19

vaccination. AIBEA GeneralSecretary Ch Venkatachalam,in a letter addressed to Modi,said after all the traumaticexperience the country andpeople have gone through inthe last 8 to 9 months, there isa sigh of relief to hear that thevaccine is getting ready.

He said there are reportsthat the government wouldcommence the administra-

CBI books NidhiBiotech Pvt. Ltdin a bank fraud

Bank employees seek priorityin Covid vaccination

Major General(retd) SNBhaskarpasses away

PNS n HYDERABAD

Two sexual offenders wereconvicted in two separate casesby local courts in LB Nagarand Nalgonda on Friday.

In the first case, a 26-year-old, Vinod, who lured a 6-year-old minor girl with chocolatesand abused her in 2015. Theneighbours had rescued herwhen she screamed for help.

Based on a complaint, LBNagar police booked a caseand arrested the accused andremanded him to judicial cus-tody. During the trial, Judge atLB Nagar court B. Suresh con-victed the accused G VinodKumar to undergo 10-yearrigorous imprisonment andimposed a fine of Rs 5,000. Inthe second case, the accused,Shaik Dada sahib, 28, who washired for painting work in aschool, had molested a 13-year-old class eight studentwhile she was changing herclothes in dormitory. Theaccused entered the room and

tried to sexually assault her in2017. The victim managed toescape from his clutches bypushing him aside and openedthe doors.

The Addagudur policearrested the accused andremanded him to judicial cus-tody. During the trial POCSOCourt at Nalgonda convictedthe accused Shaik Dadasahebto undergo 5-year rigorousimprisonment and imposed afine of Rs 10,000.

Japan seeks increasedcollaboration with TS

Two sexual offendersconvicted

– SV Chary

Based on a complaint,LB Nagar police bookeda case and arrested theaccused and remandedhim to judicial custody

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | JANUARY 9, 2021 hyderabad 04

PNS n HYDERABAD

Strings are being pulled frombehind the screen to save theskin of an in-charge RTC man-ager, who tried to defraud theTSRTC by embezzlement of thefunds in the name of appoint-ing ad hoc employees. An offi-cer, who is considered veryclose to the in-charge manag-er, has been leaving no stoneunturned to save the accusedusing the officer’s clout at BusBhavan.

It may be recalled that an in-charge depot manager causeda dent to the RTC funds bydrawing salaries on the pretextof appointing ad hoc employ-ees. A vigilance probe has beeninstituted against him and alsoa departmental probe is under-way against him.

The Warangal depot employ-ees openly admit that an offi-cer, who has had close linkswith the in-charge depot man-ager, has been leaving no stoneunturned to save the skin of thein-charge depot manager forfear of many more skeletonstumble out of the cup board ifthe official were to be punished.Therefore, behind the screensactivity to water down the case

has picked up, it is learnt.Even as the incident is still

afresh in the memory of theRTC employees, another cor-ruption incident saw light inundivided Warangal district.

The number of temporaryemployees, whose number washigher earlier, has come downin the RTC since the transportundertaking is in the dol-drums. When the minimumwages have been hiked for thetemporary employees, the gov-ernment released the arrearsfor them. But the officials of adepot in the RTC in Warangaldistrict kept the funds under

pending and unscrupulousofficials withdrew the funds bynot giving the same to the tem-porary employees. The offi-cials are investigating the caseconfidentially. Though theamount is small, the idea tosiphon off funds and the wholemurky affair has severe reper-cussions. Some of the employ-ees complained to higher offi-cials in the RTC how some ofthe unscrupulous elementsdrew a huge amount of fundsfrom the RTC with the help offake bills at the time of theMedaram festival held lasttime.

Similarly, a regional officer ofthe RTC near the Warangalregion is accused of collectingRs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 to set-tle appeals made by drivers andconductors. Normally, RTCofficials place conductors, if themoney in their cash bag fallsshort, and drivers, for rashdriving, under suspension.They are entitled to appeal tosenior officials for their rein-statement. In settling theappeals, the regional officerwith the help of a private per-son collected bribes, accordingto rumours gaining groundamong RTC circles.

The matter reached theTransport Minister. The issuewas discussed in a meeting heldat Bus Bhavan too. The conduc-tors and drivers allege that the

authorities are adopting dilly-dallying tactics without takingdisciplinary action against theerring officials.

If the shortage of money withconductors is as meagre as Rs10, disciplinary action is beinginitiated against him. Similarly,if the glass of the headlight ofthe bus gets broken, the bus dri-ver is receiving the punishment.But, when huge amountschange hands in settling theirappeals, no concrete action isbeing taken against the culprits.

There is a cold war-likeatmosphere prevailed betweenthe officials and RTC workersfollow the last year’s strike. Asthe allegations of corruptioncrop up, the workers areexploiting it to make an issueout of it.

Rampant graft in RTC alleged

PNS n HYDERABAD

Consumers are feeling thepinch due to increasing cost ofedible oils during the past oneweek to 10 days. Some edibleoil prices increased by 30 percent while some others’ pricesincreased by 15-20 per cent.

Hiking the prices of edibleprior to the festival season willdampen the spirit of the mid-dle class families preparingspecial food items for the fes-tival. A kg of very popularbrand of oil (Freedom sun-flower) was sold at Rs 98 to100 prior to lockdown.Currently, it is being sold at Rs131 a kg. While small shopssell it at an increased price ofRs 136 to 138 a kg. Super mar-kets are selling it at Rs 140-145a kg.

In wholesale market, a kg ofGold Drop edible oil is beingsold at Rs 132. Prior to the

lockdown, its price was Rs 100a kg. The palm oil, which sellsat Rs 84-90 a kg is now beingsold at Rs 104 per kg.

The MRP printed on the oilpackets is higher than theactual sale price. The tradershave been cheating the pub-

lic saying that in fact theprice is higher but they areselling it at a lower price. Afterthe lockdown, China has beenincreasing the reserve stocksof edible oils in leaps andbounds. It has affected theprices of edible oils in India.

The crude palm oil, soyabeanoil and sunflower prices haveregistered an increase of morethan 50 per cent recently.

In addition to edible oilprices, the prices of tea pow-der have increased. A 250gram tea powder packet priceis increased by at least Rs 20each. In fact, a 100-gramspacket of Red Label Tea,which was sold at Rs 35 a

packet, is now being sold at Rs45.

A 250 gram packet of RedLabel tea is being sold at Rs130 as against the previousprice of Rs 110, Taj Mahal teaof the same quantity is beingsold at Rs 175 as against theprevious price of Rs 155, andGemini tea of the equal quan-tity is being sold at Rs 130 asagainst Rs 100.

Hike in edible oil, tea prices dampen festive spiritIn wholesale market, a kg of GoldDrop edible oil is being sold at Rs132. Prior to the lockdown, itsprice was Rs 100 a kg. The palmoil, which sells at Rs 84-90 a kg isnow being sold at Rs 104 per kg A250 gram packet of Red Label teais being sold at Rs 130 as againstthe previous price of Rs 110

PRE-SANKRANTI FETE

AT GITAM The faculty and staff of GITAM Deemed-to-be University,

Hyderabad, on the campus celebrated the Pre-MakarSankranti by hosting special lunch. Makar Sankranti is a

harvest festival celebrated across the country underseveral names and traditions. As a tribute to the culturaldiversity among the faculty and staff of GITAM, it was

decided to celebrate the occasion in an inclusive manner,with several cultures coming together. The celebrationswere started on Friday with rangoli competition, kites

festival and Pongal preparation. Enthusiastic faculty andstaff, dressed in bright ethnic wear assembled at

Bheemas Canteen by observing the Covid-19 health andsafety protocol. Entrances of the canteen decorated with

colourful rangolis, sugarcane, decorated pots and bullockcart. As lunch neared, all the staff members were treatedto delicious pongal, the hallmark of the harvest festival.

PNS n HYDERABAD

The BJP leaders are creatinga rift among people in theState on religious and castelines, alleged GovernmentWhip Guvvala Balaraju.

Speaking to the mediahere on Friday, GuvvalaBalaraju said that UnionMinister of State for HomeG Kishan Reddy is not ina position to control theState BJP leaders. The BJPwill not come to power inTelangana not only in 2023but also in 2048, he pre-dicted.

What is the strength ofBJP in Telangana to come topower, he questioned?Telangana BJP Affairs In-charge Tarun Chug shouldspeak about atrocities inUttar Pradesh before mak-ing statements onTelangana, he suggested.

MLC and GovernmentWhip MS Prabhakar Raowarned that they will notkeep mum if BJP leadersspeak as they wished againstChief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao.

He said that investments

will not come to the State ifthe BJP leaders speak asthey wished and youth inTelangana would bedeprived of jobs, he warned.

“The BJP leadersdeceived the city peopleassuring that they will giveRs 25,000, but they failed tokeep their promise.Furthermore, we will winthe Nagarjunasagar by-elec-tions and other electionsalso,” he said.

MLC Shambipur Rajutook Bandi Sanjay to taskfor using unsavoury lan-guage against KCR and TRSleaders.

Govt Whips warnBandi Sanjay

PNS n HYDERABAD

Former Minister V SunitaLaxma Reddy on Friday tookover as the chairperson of theTelangana State Women'sCommission.

State IT and MunicipalAdministration Minister K TRama Rao, who was present onthe occasion, said the state gov-ernment undertook severalmeasures for the welfare andempowerment of women.

Maternal and infant deathshave considerably declined andinstitutional deliveries rose inthe state, he said.

The Telangana governmentemphasised on the primacy ofwomen's empowermentthrough various measures,including putting in place 'SheTeams' which work to addresswomen's safety issues, he said.

Rama Rao, who is theWorking President of rulingTRS, said the Commission

should be tough in dealing withcrimes against women.

Sunita Laxma Reddy said theCommission would work topromote the welfare, progressand equality of women in thestate and stand by them. Thestate government on December

27 appointed Sunita LakshmaReddy as the chairperson to thewomen's panel.

Sunita Laxma Reddy hadserved as a minister during theCongress regime in undividedAndhra Pradesh and joined theruling TRS last year.

A regional officer of the RTC near the

Warangal region is accused of collecting

Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 to settle appeals

made by drivers and conductors.

Normally, RTC officials place conductors,

if the money in their cash bag falls short,

and drivers, for rash driving, under

suspension

PNS n HYDERABAD

Telangana BJP senior leaderand former MLA NVSSPrabhakar demanded that thegovernment clarify, who ownsHafeezpet lands.

Speaking to the media hereon Friday at the State BJPoffice, Prabhakar alleged thatthe Chief Minister brought theLRS and Dharani portal to pro-tect land encroachers. Healleged that there are bigwigsfrom the MIM and the TRSbehind land encroachments inMiyapur and Hafeezpet.

He demanded that the gov-ernment clear the role of TRSleaders, along with PraveenRao and Akhilapriya, on theHafeezpet land issue.

He alleged that theHafeezpet land issue does notbelong to two families butthere is a dark side behind thestory. He demanded that thegovernment order an inquiryinto the Hafeezpet land issuewith the High Court sittingjudge as there are allegationsthat there is a role of govern-ment heads and the land mafia.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Firing a fresh salvo against theTRS government, BJP Stateunit chief Bandi Sanjay Kumaralleged that Minister forTransport Puvvada Ajay Kumarswitched over his loyalties tothe TRS to protect hisencroached lands.

He warned that the BJPwould order an inquiry intoPuvvada’s misdeeds. Allegingthat corruption increased in theTRS’s tenure, he made it clearthat the BJP would come topower and initiate actionagainst the excesses of TRSleaders and warned officials,who are extending support toPuvvada.

Touring Khammam onFriday, along with Telangana

BJP Affairs In-charge TarunChug, Bandi Sanjay exudedconfidence that the BJP wouldbag the Khammam MunicipalCorporation. He lashed out atPuvvada for flaying the BJP ashe has no right to speak aboutethics as he had changed fourparties in four years.

He said, “We will expose hisirregularities after coming topower. It seems the TRS will notcontinue its full term. Nobodyknows when the TRS govern-ment will fall. We emerged vic-torious in Dubbak and GHMCelections and next our target isthe ensuing Khammam

Corporation elections.”Earlier in the day, Bandi

Sanjay alleged in Hyderabadthat Chief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao’s sins willnot be cleansed even if the lat-ter perform yagams. He is a

‘Vasthu Dosham’ for Telangana,he alleged.

He lamented that the TRSand Congress are trying todefeat the BJP in theNagarjunasagar bypoll, but itwould prove futile as Dubbakand GHMC results would berepeated in Nagarjunasagar by-elections, too, he predicted.He alleged that the governmenthad failed to help the peopleduring the Covid-19. The BJPwould wage a battle on behalfof employees and studentsdemanding that the govern-ment resolve their problems.

Nagarjunasagar peoplewould reject the conspiracieshatched by the Chief Minister,he said and exuded confidencethat the BJP would romp homein Nagarjunasagar bypoll.

PNS n MEDCHAL

Management and colleagues ofSanofi provided financial assis-tance of Rs 44 lakh to the fam-ily members of SanofiHealthcare employee RVenugopal, who recently passedaway due to illness. SanofiCompany Union president andTRS Malkarjigiri TRS in-chargeMarri Rajasekhar Reddy hand-ed over the cheque to thebereaved family on Friday.

Medical Municipality 3rdWard Councillor J Deva,Prabhakar of TRSKV andSanofi CEO Girish Deshmukhon behalf of management,Rajesh and Ram Reddy onbehalf of the Union,Satyanarayana Machender,Naveen Reddy and Executive

Members.Speaking on the occasion,

Marri Rajasekhar Reddy laud-ed the management andemployees for providing finan-cial assistance to the deceasedfamily members.”

He promised to support theVenugopal’s family in all possi-ble ways in the future.

Venugopal's family membersthanked Marri RajasekharReddy. They said that MarriRajasekhara Reddy took the ini-tiative and spoke with theTRSKV leaders to discuss withthe management and securefinancial assistance for them.Similarly, they thanked themanagement and employees.

PNS n SIDDIPET

One of the beneficiaries ofweaker section housingscheme of the government,Lakshmi, on Friday returneda 2BHK house allotted to herby the Government ofTelangana and thankedFinance Minister T HarishRao for having allotted her ahouse.

In a meeting participated byHarish Rao, she conveyed herthanks and said that her fam-ily consists of she and herdaughter. She says she lives,along with her daughter withthe family of his youngerbrother, hence, she says thatshe is in no need for a 2BHK.

After her marriage, herdaughter will go out to livewith her husband. She had tolead a lonely life in the 2BHKhouse. To beat the future lone-

liness, she has had plans to livewith his brother. If the houseis allotted to another poorwoman, it would be useful forher. Therefore, she is return-ing the 2BHK allotted to her.

Harish Rao appreciated herdecision and appealed to oth-ers to take a cue fromLakshmi.

Later, the District Collectorand other authorities felicitat-ed her by presenting her witha shawl.

PNS n MEDCHAL

In all, 100 officers of theRachakonda police and vol-unteers, who worked withthe RachakondaCommissio enrate duringthe Covid period in theCovid Cell visited WonderlaWater Park on Friday.Wonderla sponsored thisvisit to the Covid warriorsand their families in recog-nition of their services tothe society for being thefrontline workers.

The officers include thosewho donated plasma tocivilians, who managed wel-fare of Covid affected policepersonnel, who worked inCovid Control Room tocoordinate with all Covidrelated activities ofRacahkonda and the volun-teers who worked withRachakonda during thelockdown period by offer-ing counselling and in theVolunteer Cell. The policefamilies and volunteersexpressed joy for the gestureof CP Rachakonda MaheshBhagwat in consideringthem for the visit andthanked Wonderla for thememorable visit.

Bandi Sanjay predicts BJP’s victory in N’ sagarn Touring Khammam on

Friday, along withTelangana BJP Affairs In-charge Tarun Chug, BJPState unit chief BandiSanjay exuded confidencethat the BJP would bag theKhammam MunicipalCorporation. He lashedout at Puvvada for flayingthe BJP as he has no rightto speak about ethics ashe had changed fourparties in four years

BJP demandsprobe by HC judgeinto Hafeezpet land issue

Woman returns2BHK to govt

Covid warriorsvisit Wonderla

Sunita Laxma Reddy takesover as women's panel chief

PNS n HYDERABAD

BJP MLA from Goshamahal TRaja Singh demanded thatthe government recognise thecow as the State animal simi-lar to the Karnataka govern-ment. While participating inthe ‘Go Sadak Bandh’ callgiven by Yuga TulasiFoundation at LB Nagar onFriday, Raja Singh alleged thatpolice have been arresting theactivists though they are par-ticipating in ‘Sadak Bandh’peacefully. He made it clearthat they will intensify agita-tion in case the governmentfailed to protect the cows.

Marri Rajasekhar Reddy handsover aid to Sanofi staffer’s kin

‘Announce cowas State animal’

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | JANUARY 9, 2021 nation 05

Kannada film actressRadhika Kumaraswamy onFriday deposed before the

Central Crime Branch sleuthsfor allegedly receiving Rs 75lakh from a man who had beenarrested for duping a realtor.The actress was in Madikeriwhen she was asked toappear before the police. Policesources said she appeared at 11 AM. Radhika had told reporters onWednesday that she had received Rs 15 lakh from the man Yuvaraj,who identified himself with a right wing party. Radhika said shereceived the money from Yuvaraj to make a period film. She,however, expressed ignorance about the remaining Rs 60 lakhdeposited in her account. She had even said she would cooperatewith the investigation if the CCB summoned her. The CCB hadarrested Yuvaraj in December last following a complaint by a realtorwho alleged that he was duped to the tune of Rs 10 crore with thepromise of an election ticket. The raid on his residence led to therecovery of a cash of Rs 26 lakh and cheques for Rs 91 crore.

INDIA CORNER

Kannada actress RadhikaKumaraswamy appears before CCB

Music-maestro A RRahman on Fridaythanked fans and well-

wishers for their prayersfollowing his mother KareemaBegum's demise last month. TheOscar-winning composer, whoturned 54 on Wednesday, saidhe was grateful for the supporthe received during these "difficulttimes". “Thank you for your prayers and condolence messages duringthis difficult time; I will forever remember your kindness and concern."May the Almighty bless you and let this be an amazing New Year,”Rahman posted on Twitter. On the work front, the music director willbe creating the soundtrack for Aanand L Rai's “Atrangi Re”.

AR Rahman thanks fans forsupport during ‘difficult times'

Himachal Pradesh Policehas arrested a Nigerianand his wife from Delhi in

connection with a cyber fraudof around Rs 13 lakh, a seniorpolice official said. NigerianNwachukwu@ Prince and hisManipuri wife Thanmhring werearrested from Uttam Nagar inDelhi on January 6 inconnection with a cyber fraud case registered at Kihar police stationin Chamba district, Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) S ArulKumar said. An FIR was lodged on January 4 after a complaint wasreceived by a man regarding cyber fraud, he said. Sixteen SIMcards, nine mobile sets, six bank passbooks and other incriminatingdocuments were recovered from them, he added. The SP said thatthe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Nigerian HighCommission have been informed regarding the arrests.

Nigerian, wife caught by HPpolice for cyber fraud

The Odisha government islikely to bolster the securityof Chief Minister Naveen

Patnaik after he received ananonymous letter, claiming thata conspiracy has been hatchedto eliminate him. The stategovernment has also orderedan enquiry into the matter,officials said on Thursday. Theletter, written in English, said contract killers armed withsophisticated firearms could attack the chief minister anytime. "Iwould like to inform that some contract killers (illegible).. to kill you.These contract killers are professional criminals, equipped withlatest weapons like AK- 47 and semi-automatic pistols. "I would liketo tell you that you can be killed anytime, so please be aware.. ," itsaid, adding, the weapons have already been brought to the state. The letter also said that the mastermind of the conspiracy lives inNagpur.

Patnaik receives letter claimingthreat to life, probe ordered

PNS n DEHRADUN

The smooth transition ofpower after 17 General elec-tions and over 300 Assemblypolls in the country since inde-pendence is a sailent feature ofIndian democracy, Lok SabhaSpeaker Om Birla said onFriday.

Keeping the people at thecentre of governance has beenthe basic concept of theConstitution and has deepenedthe faith of citizens in democ-racy, he said.

Birla also said the countrycannot be empowered withoutstrengthening the PanchayatiRaj institutions and makingthem more accountable to thepeople. Speaking at an out-reach programme here tointroduce and familiarisePanchayat representatives withthe functioning of theParliament and democraticprinciples, Birla said GramPanchayats were the main forcebehind the strength of Indiandemocracy.

"Smooth transition of powerafter these 17 General electionsand over 300 Assembly polls isa speciality of our democracy.We have made efforts to

strengthen democracy fromPanchayat to Parliament," theLok Sabha Speaker said.

"Panchayati Raj institutions

like Gram Sabha have been ourdemocratic traditions. Ourconcept of democracy isstrong," he said, addressing

representatives of PanchayatiRaj institutions.

He said if Panchayati Rajinstitutions are run effectivelyand responsibly, a compre-hensive change can be broughtabout in society.

Birla also talked about thescope for development of ruraltourism in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Chief MinisterTrivendra Rawat attended theprogramme virtually.

"India is strong as a democ-racy due to the Panchayati Rajinstitutions. Development inurban centres is mutuallydependent on rural develop-ment. Rural economy needs tobe strong with a corruption-free model of development,"Rawat said. The programmewas also attended byUttarakhand Vidhan SabhaSpeaker Prem Chand Agarwal,Panchayati Raj minister of thestate Arvind Pandey, Lok Sabhasecretary general Utpal KumarSingh among others.

The programme was organ-ised by the ParliamentaryResearch and Training Institutefor Democracies (PRIDE), LokSabha Secretariat in coordina-tion with the Uttarakhandgovernment.

Smooth transition of powerafter every poll: Speaker

PNS n THANE

Maharashtra minister andShiv Sena leader EknathShinde on Friday demandedthat the Centre bear the costof COVID-19 vaccination inthe state. Speaking at theThane civil hospital here, hesaid people expect that thegovernment should makecoronavirus vaccines avail-able free of cost.

"Therefore, the Union gov-ernment should bear theexpenses of the vaccination inthe state. Maharashtra HealthMinister Rajesh Tope has alsourged the Centre to providefree vaccination," Shinde said.

He said that all prepara-tions for the actual vaccina-tion were in place in Thanedistrict, of which he is theguardian minister.

PNS n MUMBAI

The transport authority forMumbai Metropolitan Regionhas decided to defer by sixmonths the implementation ofits decision to install roof-topindicators on taxis registeredbefore January 31, 2020, an offi-cial said on Friday.

The new date for installingcolour-coded roof-top indica-tors on old taxis has beenextended till July 1, 2021 fromthe earlier date of January 1,2021, the transport depart-ment official said.

In a recent meeting, theMumbai Metropolitan RegionTransport Authority(MMRTA), chaired byMaharashtra transport secre-tary, took this decision in viewof the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official said that due tothe pandemic, only one of thethree manufacturers have madetheir roof-top indicators avail-able in the market.

"Hence, it could lead totheshortage of these indicators in

the market, which could resultin rising black marketing com-plaints," he said.

The colour-coded indica-tors, which would signal if thecab is free or occupied, areexpected to bring down therampant ride refusals by dri-vers.The state transport depart-ment has made roof-top

indicators for new 'black-and-yellow' taxis and 'silver-blue' cool cab taxis registered inMMR from February 1, 2020.

The state government had

also asked the respectiveregional transport authorities todecide the date of fixing theindicators on cabs registeredbefore January 31, 2020, in theirjurisdictions.

Acting on it, in last June, theMMRTA had decided to makeroof-top indicators mandatoryfor old taxis (registered beforeJanuary 2020 end) at the timeof annual fitness certificaterenewal from January 1, 2021.

The indicators will havegreen, red and white coloured

LED lights. As per the govern-ment notification issued inDecember 2019, the taxi withthe green light on would indi-cate it is available for ferryingpassengers, red would mean thecab is occupied and whitewould show that it is unavail-able for hiring.

Apart from the LED lights,the indicators will have letters'For Hire', 'Hired' and 'OffDuty', in English as well asMarathi languages.

According to the notifica-tion, the rooftop indicator forblack-and-yellow taxis shouldbe cream yellow in colour,while the same for fleet taxisshould be blue or silver.

Letters on the rooftop indi-cators of taxis should be eitheron front or on both front andrare sides for clear and betterviewing, it said.

Mumbai has over 40,000black-and-yellow and silverand blue taxis, but other citiesin MMR like Thane, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan, Navi Mumbaiand Panvel have very few cabs.

‘Provide freeCOVID-19vaccines in Maha’

PNS n NEW DELHI

The Delhi cabinet on Fridayapproved the setting up of aKonkani academy in thenational capital."Congratulations to allKonkani speaking people andall those who love Konkani lan-guage. To promote Konkanilanguage, Delhi Cabinet todayapproved setting up of aKonkani academy in Delhi,"Chief minister Arvind Kejriwalsaid in a tweet.

Konkani is an Indo-Aryanlanguage that is spoken by theKonkani people living pri-marily in the country's westerncoastal region. It is one of the22 scheduled languages men-tioned in the Constitution's 8thschedule and the official lan-guage of Goa.

PNS n SRINAGAR

Vehicles stranded on theSrinagar-Jammu national high-way were allowed to ply towardstheir destinations on Friday asthe arterial road was clearedafter remaining closed for fivedays due to heavy snowfall, offi-cials said.

No new traffic was, howev-er, allowed on the highway, theonly all-weather road connect-ing Kashmir with the rest of thecountry, even though therewas improvement in weatherconditions across the Valley,they said.

"Stranded traffic has beenallowed to move after the high-way was cleared for the move-ment of traffic this morning," anofficial of the Traffic controlroom said.

The 260-kilometre-longhighway was blocked due to

snow, landslides and shootingstones caused by heavy snow-fall since Sunday. "After the lighttraffic is cleared, essential ser-vice vehicles and fuel and gastankers will be allowed to plytowards Srinagar," he said.

The decision on re-openingthe highway for fresh traffic willbe taken once all the stranded

vehicles are cleared and the con-dition of the road, which hasbecome slippery at places dueto snowfall, is assessed, theofficial said. The official saidMughal Road – the alternativeroad-link which connects theValley to Jammu divisionthrough the Shopian-Rajouriaxis – was closed for traffic due

to heavy snowfall in the region.Kashmir valley was cut off

from the rest of the country onSunday as the surface and theaerial connections were sus-pended because of the heavysnow. However, air traffic to andfrom Sringar airport wasrestored on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the weatheroffice said conditions haveimproved across the Valley andit is likely to remain dry tillJanuary 14. The weathermansaid the minimum temperaturewent down at most places in theregion and settled below thefreezing point.Srinagar city --the summer capital of Jammuand Kashmir -- recorded a lowof minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperaturein the Gulmarg tourist resortsettled at minus 10 degreesCelsius. It was minus 8.4degrees Celsius a night earlier.

Nod to set upKonkani academyin Delhi

PNS n NEW DELHI

Fixed deposits of more thanRs 20 crore of a Gujarat-based company have beenattached in connection with amoney laundering probelinked to a case of alleged fakerefund claim of terminalexcise duty (TED), theEnforcement Directorate saidon Friday.

The company Crystal CropProtection Pvt Ltd (CCPL), itsdirectors Nand KishoreAgarwal, Ankur Agarwal andMohit Kumar Goel and thethen joint director ofDirectorate General ofForeign Trade (DGFT) A KSingh posted in Ahmedabadand others were first bookedby the Gandhinagar unit ofthe CBI in January last year"for committing fraud of Rs20.26 crore with the govern-ment exchequer in con-nivance with the concernedpublic servant".

The ED later filed a criminalcase under various sections thePrevention of MoneyLaundering Act (PMLA)against the accused on the basisof this FIR. "CCPL purchasedduty free import authorisation(DFIA) license from an exporterand used the same for claim ofrefund of terminal excise dutyon local procurement of insec-ticides from Modern Papers, aJammu-based unit."

PNS n NEW DELHI

The Supreme Court Fridayasked the Centre to take a deci-sion before January 26 onBalwant S Rajoana's plea seek-ing commutation of deathpenalty in former Punjab ChiefMinister Beant Singh's assas-sination case.

A bench headed by ChiefJustice S A Bobde said that thedecision be taken before theRepublic Day which is a "gooddate"."We will give two-threeweeks. You should completethe process before January 26.January 26 is a good day. It willbe appropriate if you take a

decision before that," the benchsaid. Rajoana, a former PunjabPolice constable, was convict-ed for his involvement in anexplosion outside the Punjabcivil secretariat that killed

Beant Singh and 16 others in1995.

Senior advocate MukulRohatgi, appearing forRajoana, argued that hisclient's mercy petition is pend-ing since 2012.

“This court has held that thedeath sentence of a person, ifdelayed for over eight years,can be commuted. He hasbeen jail for 25 years,” Rohatgisaid.

Additional Solicitor GeneralK M Nataraj, appearing for theCentre, assured the court thata decision will be taken and thefile will be sent to the Presidentby then.

PNS n NOIDA (UP)

Three suspected cow slaughter-ers were arrested in GreaterNoida early on Friday, follow-ing a gunfight with police inwhich two suspects got injured,officials said.

Four other suspects man-aged to escape during the gun-fight that took place nearMaicha village under Dadripolice station limits, they said.

The local police werepatrolling the area last night.Recently, they had found cattlecarcasses strewn at a cremato-rium, so the vigilance had beenraised in the area, AdditionalDeputy Commissioner of

Police, Greater Noida, VishalPandey said.

"Some suspected cow slaugh-terers were roaming in the arealast night with the same objec-tive. They were stopped by thepolice party for inquiry but thesuspects opened fire on thepolicemen and fled," he said.

"An exchange of gunfirebroke out in which two men gothit on their legs while one wasnabbed, and some managed toflee in the darkness," he added.Those held have been identifiedas Shah Alam and Gaffar, bothhailing from nearby districtHapur, and Javed, a native ofFaridabad in Haryana, the offi-cial said.

Three ‘cowslaughterers’ held

ED attachesRs 20.26-crworth FDs

PNS n NEW DELHI

A builder, along with anassociate, allegedly hatched toconspiracy to mislead inves-tigators by registering a falsecomplaint of extortion togain police protection and getrid of creditors, officials saidon Friday.

One of the accused,Ashok Yadav (37), who worksas a POP contractor for thebuilder, has been arrested,they added.

Raids are being conductedto nab builder Gaurav Jain,who cooked up a story andfiled a false complaint at thePreet Vihar police station ina bid to get rid of his credi-tors, a police officer said.

Jain approached the policewith his complaint onDecember 29 last year, alleg-ing that he received a letter bycourier with an extortiondemand of Rs 25 lakh and athreat to kill him if the

money was not paid, headded.

A case was registered, adatabase of around 40-45suspects was prepared andtheir details were minutelyanalysed, DeputyCommissioner of Police(East) Deepak Yadav said.

"During sustained interro-gation, one of the suspects,Ashok Yadav, confessed tothe crime and said he was fol-lowing Jain's directions sothat the latter may get policeprotection and get rid of hiscreditors, who visit him oftenfor money. He also disclosedthat Jain had lured him witha promise of big contracts inthe future," he said.

Yadav came in contactwith the builder in 2011,became a POP contractorand started working for himsince then, the police said,adding that a car used in dis-patching the courier has beenseized.

Misleading probe: Hunt

on for Delhi builder

Centre urged to decide Rajoana's

plea to commute death penalty

BEANT SINGH ASSASSINATION CASE:

Srinagar-Jammu highway cleared of snow

PNS n SRINAGAR

Vehicles stranded on theSrinagar-Jammu national high-way were allowed to ply towardstheir destinations on Friday as thearterial road was cleared afterremaining closed for five daysdue to heavy snowfall, officialssaid.

No new traffic was, howev-er, allowed on the highway, theonly all-weather road connectingKashmir with the rest of thecountry, even though there wasimprovement in weather condi-tions across the Valley, they said.

"Stranded traffic has beenallowed to move after the high-way was cleared for the move-ment of traffic this morning," anofficial of the Traffic controlroom said.

The 260-kilometre-long high-way was blocked due to snow,landslides and shooting stonescaused by heavy snowfall sinceSunday. "After the light traffic iscleared, essential service vehiclesand fuel and gas tankers will beallowed to ply towards Srinagar,"he said. The decision on re-open-ing the highway for fresh trafficwill be taken once all the strand-ed vehicles are cleared and thecondition of the road, which hasbecome slippery at places due tosnowfall, is assessed, the officialsaid. The official said Mughal

Road – the alternative road-linkwhich connects the Valley toJammu division through theShopian-Rajouri axis – wasclosed for traffic due to heavysnowfall in the region.

Kashmir valley was cut offfrom the rest of the country onSunday as the surface and theaerial connections were sus-pended because of the heavysnow. However, air traffic toand from Sringar airport was

restored on Thursday morning.Meanwhile, the weather office

said conditions have improvedacross the Valley and it is likelyto remain dry till January 14. Theweatherman said the minimumtemperature went down at mostplaces in the region and settledbelow the freezing point.Srinagarcity -- the summer capital ofJammu and Kashmir -- record-ed a low of minus 0.4 degreesCelsius.

Srinagar-Jammu highwaycleared of snow

TIME TO INSTAL ROOF-TOP INDICATORS

Respite for Mumbai old cab owners

"Smooth transition of power afterthese 17 General elections and over300 Assembly polls is a speciality ofour democracy. We have made effortsto strengthen democracy fromPanchayat to Parliament," the LokSabha Speaker said.

The 260-kilometre-long highway wasblocked due to snow, landslides andshooting stones caused by heavysnowfall since Sunday. "After the lighttraffic is cleared, essential servicevehicles and fuel and gas tankers will beallowed to ply towards Srinagar," he said.

Perhaps the second-mostimportant problem — thefirst being the COVID-19pandemic — that

President-elect Joe Biden wouldinherit on assumption of office asPresident of the United Stateswould be the situation inAfghanistan. The danger of theTaliban taking over the countryhas never been more real thannow since their ouster frompower in 2001. The question is:What should and can theAmericans do at this juncture?For answers, one must start bylooking at what is now happen-ing in that country.

The first thing that strikes oneis the sharp escalation of theTaliban’s ruthless drive to capturepower by mounting fierce attackson the Government’s forces in thecountryside and terror strikes inKabul ever since the TrumpAdministration signed a peacetreaty with them on February 29,2020. Particularly alarming istheir new emphasis on targetedkilling of individuals such asjournalists, civil society activists,physicians, champions of democ-racy and Government officials.

Besides the Islamic State,which has claimed to have perpe-trated a couple of attacks, nobodyhas claimed responsibility for therest. In a report in TheWashington Post datelinedJanuary 2, 2021, PamelaConstable and Sharif Hassancited a voicemail response inwhich the chief Talibanspokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid,said that the militant outfit hadnothing to do with the killings.Blaming these on the AfghanGovernment’s intelligence agency,he said that the country wouldneed “educated” Afghans whenpeace finally came.

The Afghan Government offi-cials have, on the other hand, heldthe Taliban responsible for thegrowing violence and the killingof individuals. The WashingtonPost report mentioned above citesthem as saying that they had madea number of arrests, and theInterior Minister, MassoudAndarabi, as telling Afghan law-makers that, according to thosearrested, the attacks were plannedby a cell in Logar province. Thereport also quotes First Vice-President Amrullah Saleh, a for-mer national intelligence chief, astweeting that unclaimed bomb-ings and targeted assassinations ofcivil society activists were “pillarsof the Taliban terror campaignlinked to their negotiating strat-

egy”. It quoted him as furthersaying that they wanted tobreak the Afghan people’s polit-ical will and demand impossi-ble concessions.

Anyone familiar with theTaliban’s ways, and those oftheir masters — Pakistan’s noto-rious Directorate-General ofInter-Services Intelligence (ISI)— would know that theAfghans are right. An analysisof the purpose of the terrorstrikes will also support thisconclusion. These are clearlyaimed at achieving three objec-tives — to terrorise people intonot resisting their violent take-over bid, to delegitimise theAfghan State by projecting it asone incapable of protecting thepeople, and to warn the incom-ing Biden Administration notto change the terms of theFebruary 29 treaty.

As to the first, there is, byall accounts, a climate of fearand a feeling of siege in Kabulas well as the countryside, atleast one-half of which is underthe Taliban’s control. People areafraid to come out of theirhomes. Many are beginning tobelieve that a take-over by theTaliban is inevitable and, hence,it is best to hedge their bets.

As for the attempt to dele-gitimise the AfghanGovernment, the latter has notbeen sitting on its hands. FirstVice-President Amrullah Saleh,whom President Ashraf Ghanihas put in charge of the Afghancapital’s security, has produceda plan, called the ‘Kabul SecurityCompact’. While it has pro-duced some results in terms ofreducing crime, continuing ter-ror strikes and targeted killingsare perpetuating a climate of

intense insecurity. A report byThomas Gibbons-Neff andFatima Faizi in The New YorkTimes of November 7, 2020,shows how the terror strikes andthe targeted killings by motor-bike-borne terrorists or throughthe attachment of magneticbombs to vehicles, have led togrowing popular discontentwith the Afghan Governmentfor failing to protect its citizens— promises notwithstanding.

The third possible objec-tive, to warn the incomingBiden Administration not tochange the terms of theFebruary 29 treaty, indicateshow advantageous the termsare to the Taliban. These bindthe US to reduce its forces inAfghanistan to 8,600 — with itsallies drawing down their forcesproportionately — within thefirst 135 days of the agreementcoming into force. A completewithdrawal of the US forces willbe effected within 14 months.It also calls for an exchange of5,000 Taliban fighters held bythe Afghan Government with1,000 Afghan security forceprisoners with the Taliban byMarch 10, 2020, when talksbetween the AfghanGovernment and the Talibanwere due to start. Also, the USwould not only lift the sanc-tions it had imposed on theTaliban but work with theUnited Nations to lift those thatthe latter had imposed on it.

The question here iswhether the incoming BidenAdministration would standby and watch if the Talibansought to storm into power byterrorising into inaction allthose who are opposed to it,and undermining the Afghan

Government’s credibility andability to resist through a cam-paign of unremitting violenceand terror. Or, would it inter-vene and, if so, in what manner?The question that follows is:Why should the US intervene?There are two dimensions toany discussion on the matter —strategic and geo-political interms of the US’s interests, andmoral in terms of protectingand furthering human free-dom that it always swears by.

The consequences of notdoing anything or enough tostop the Taliban from comingto power would be disastrousfor the US. It turned its atten-tion away from Afghanistanafter the withdrawal of theRussian troops in February1989. It did nothing even whenthe Taliban, formed in 1994 byPakistan’s ISI, turnedAfghanistan into a medievalhell and put all women virtu-ally under house arrest, besidesenabling Osama bin-Ladenand the al-Qaida to functionfreely. The result was 9/11. Itmay be a different kind ofattack this time, and the target,instead of being in mainlandUS like the two World TradeCentre buildings, may beAmerican interests abroad.There, however, will be anattack or attacks because theTaliban is committed to impos-ing its own joyless, puritanicaland anti-women brand ofSalafist Islam and Sharia ruleworldwide. The US, with itsmassive military and econom-ic power, is not just a majorroadblock on its way. Thecountry is the embodiment ofa way of life that is anathemato it. Based on th