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THE ASIAN AGE NATION| 4

NEW DELHI THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2023

BUSINESS| 7 DELHI AGE| 11

SC asks Kerala governor Charlie Munger, who helped Salman’s security reviewed
Arif to meet CM Vijayan, Warren Buffett build Berkshire after Lawrence Bishnoi gang
minister to discuss bills Hathaway, passes away at 99 issues another threat on FB
www.asianage.com RNI No. 57290/94, Regd No: DL-SW-05/4189/15-17 Vol. 30 No. 284 | 16 PAGES | `5.00

WINDOWS ■ Move ahead of LS polls ■ Extension to cost `11.80L-cr

Cabinet gives nod to free ration
scheme for 80-cr poor till 2028
MADHUSUDAN SAHOO
with agency inputs ‘PM was emotional
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
during tunnel ops’
Ahead of the Lok Sabha New Delhi: The
elections next year, the Uttarakhand tunnel res-
government on cue mission came up for
Polling officials, carrying EVMs Wednesday announced discussion during the
and other polling materials, the extension of the meeting of the Union
leave for their respective Pradhan Mantri Garib Cabinet on Tuesday night,
booths on the eve of the Kalyan Anna Yojana or and Prime Minister
PMGKAY to provide 5 kg Narendra Modi was “very
Telangana Assembly election,
of free foodgrains per emotional”, Union minis-
in Hyderabad on Wednesday. ter Anurag Thakur said.
month to over 81 crore
— PTI poor for another five “The Modi government Rescued workers from the Silkyara tunnel being airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh aboard
years. The extended and the PM have made Indian Air Force’s Chinook helicopter at the Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi on
Telangana to vote PMGKAY will cost the
exchequer about `11.80-
every effort to save the
lives of every Indian even
Wednesday. — PTI

today; exit polls

Kharge to crack
lakh crores. from abroad and
The decision to extend Uttarakhand is another US says Indian
out after 6.30 pm PMGKAY until December
2028 was taken in the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephonic con-
versation with the workers who were successfully res-
such example,” he said.
■ More on Page 3 govt employee
Cabinet meeting late on

whip, plans big

Hyderabad/New Delhi: After
a high-decibel campaign that
saw the likes of top national
leaders, including Prime
Minister Narendra Modi,
Rahul Gandhi and ruling BRS
supremo K. Chandrasekar
Rao, address a series of
meetings crisscrossing the
state, the stage is now set for
polling on Thursday to elect
119 members to the
Telangana Legislative
Assembly. With the polling
set to conclude at 5 pm on
Thursday, attention will shift
to the exit poll predictions
for not just Telangana but
also for Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and
Mizoram that will be out
after 6.30 pm, after the EC's
prohibition ends.
Full report on Page 3
Tuesday evening. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
chaired the meeting.
Giving the details of the
Cabinet meeting
Wednesday, Union infor-
mation and broadcasting
minister Anurag Thakur
on
said, “The extension will
be applicable from
January 1 of the coming
year. The continuation of
the free foodgrains
scheme under PMGKAY
for five years to strength-
en accessibility, afford-
ability and availability of
foodgrains for the poor
and vulnerable. The
scheme was last extended
cued from Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi
district on Wednesday. — PTI
◗ THE GOVT said the affordability and avail-
ability of foodgrains for
extension of free grain
distribution under the
PMGKAY for the next 5
years reflects the long-
the targeted population
and to maintain uniformi-
ty across the states, the
decision has been taken to
term commitment and
vision of the govt for
continue providing food-
grains free of cost under
addressing national food PMGKAY for five years.
Earlier this month, the
and nutrition security Prime Minister, at an
till December 31.” election rally in
An official release said Chhattisgarh, had hinted
that keeping in view the that the Centre will
welfare of the beneficia- extend the free ration
ries and in order to scheme for five years.
strengthen food security As far as the scheme is
in terms of accessibility, ■ Turn to Page 4
Fast track spl courts
to continue till 2026
New Delhi: The Centre
has given its nod for con-
tinuing fast track special
courts for another three
years for delivering swift
justice in cases involving
sexual offences.
In the aftermath of the
Nirbhaya case, the Centre
had decided to set up 1,023
fast-track special courts,
including 389 to deal with
cases related to violations
of the Pocso Act, in 31
states and UTs.
■ More on Page 3
was behind plot
to kill Pannun
AGE CORRESPONDENT
with agency inputs
NEW DELHI/ NEW
YORK, NOV. 29
AICC, PCC rejig
In a sensational turn
Move likely after Assembly results
of events late on ASHHAR KHAN
Wednesday night, the NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
United States authori-
ties have accused an Congress president
“Indian government Mallikarjun Kharge is all
employee” based in set to crack the whip after
India of directing a the results of the five
plot to kill pro- state Assembly elections
Khalistan extremist are declared. A massive
Gurpatwant Singh shakeup is on the cards
Pannun. with Mr Kharge planning
In addition, murder- to rejig the AICC organi-

SC nod to Delhi CS’
6-month extension
New Delhi: In a major set-
back to the AAP, the SC per-
mitted the Centre to extend
the tenure of Delhi chief sec-
retary Naresh Kumar, a day
before he was set to demit
office on November 30, for
six months, holding that the
Centre’s decision did not vio-
late law or the Constitution.
Full report on Page 2
Couple’s fight leads to
diversion of flight to IGI
New Delhi: An argument
between a couple led to the
diversion of a Munich-
Bangkok Lufthansa flight to
Delhi on Wednesday follow-
ing which they were
deboarded. The Lufthansa
flight landed at the IGI air-
port after the pilots con-
tacted the ATC.
Full report on Page 2
COUNTERPOINT
Will review all U’khand projects: Dhami
■ Safety audit by Central agencies ■ Thanks PM for help in rescue
PRITHVIRAJ SINGH
DEHRADUN, NOV. 29
A day after 41 workers
trapped inside the col-
lapsed Silkyara tunnel
were evacuated,
Uttarakhand chief minis-
ter Pushkar Singh Dhami
on Wednesday reiterated
his commitment to review
and order a safety audit of
all tunnels and other
development projects in
the state. He stated that
all the resources and man-
Manipur’s oldest
insurgent outfit
UNLF inks peace
pact with Centre
AMRESH SRIVASTAVA
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The United National
Liberation Front
(UNLF), an extremist
group operating in
Manipur, on Wednesday
signed a peace agree-
ment with the govern-
ment and agreed to
renounce violence.
The UNLF is the oldest
Imphal valley-based
armed group in
Manipur. It was formed
in 1964 and has been
operating both within
and outside Indian terri-
tory. The agreement will
usher in a new era of
peace in the Northeast
in general and Manipur
for-hire charges have
been levelled against
Indian national
Nikhil Gupta, who is
sation and reshuffle the
state in-charges and PCC
chiefs in a bid to make
the party battle ready for
alleged to be an asso-
ciate of the concerned
the Lok Sabha polls. It
has been more than a
Senior Congress leader
Sonia Gandhi launches the
power needed to deal with course. He also told the question is also impor- Indian government year since Mr Kharge has biography of party presi-
the crisis were possible media that the safety tant, as this will reduce employee who direct- taken over as party chief. dent Mallikarjun Kharge,
because Prime Minister audit work for the ongo- the distance to reach ed Mr Gupta in the He has constituted a new titled Mallikarjun Kharge:
Narendra Modi was in the ing projects across the Uttarkashi by about 25 alleged conspiracy, working committee, the Political Engagement with
driving seat. state will be done by the km,” said Mr Dhami according to highest decision-making Compassion, Justice, and
Speaking on the future Central agencies. speaking to The Asian American authorities. body of the party. He has
Inclusive Development, in
of the ill-fated Yamunotri “I had said earlier as Age. The US authorities made minor changes in
highway tunnel, the chief well that all tunnel pro- Talking about the rescue said Mr Gupta agreed the AICC organization, New Delhi on Wednesday.
minister reiterated his jects will be reviewed. operations at the col- to pay an assassin and inducting Mr Ajay — PTI
earlier statement that all The Central government lapsed tunnel, Mr Dhami $100,000 to kill the Maken as the party’s trea- new governments where
such ongoing projects will has also agreed to it. said, “It was challenging Sikh separatist leader, surer. the party comes to power.
be reviewed. Besides this, a safety but was possible since the who has been referred The PCC chiefs of the The same is true of the
Mr Dhami said that the audit of all ongoing pro- entire exercise had contri- to as the “victim”, liv- states that have gone to general secretaries and
Centre has also agreed to jects will also be done at butions from all the peo- ing in New York City. the polls will either be in-charges of the respec-
the review request and it the earliest possible time. ple concerned, especially ■ Earlier report: Page 4 replaced or may be tive states. The
will be taken up in due However, the tunnel in ■ Turn to Page 4 accommodated in the ■ Turn to Page 4
Shah: Will win 35+ WB seats in 2024
Mamata: Don’t rush to
pass new criminal laws ■ Vows ‘no one can stop CAA’ ■ ‘Modi will thank Bengal for 3rd term’
AGE CORRESPONDENT
KOLKATA, NOV. 29
RAJIB CHOWDHURI
KOLKATA, NOV. 29
◗ AMIT SHAH sought his
party this time to win ‘so
many’ seats next year
West Bengal chief minis- Union home minister
ter Mamata Banerjee Amit Shah, in a bid to that Narendra Modi
urged Union home min- challenge the Trinamul would thank West
ister Amit Shah on Congress’ rule in West Bengal for his third term
Wednesday not to “rush Bengal, set his revised tar- as Prime Minister
to pass” the three new gets with tougher goals
criminal law bills — before the BJP on the Union home minister
Mamata Banerjee
Bharatiya Nyaya Wednesday for electoral also asked the BJP to get a
Sanhita, Bharatiya wrote: “I do hope that success in the state in the two-thirds majority to
Nagarik Suraksha keeping the sensitivity next Lok Sabha and come to power in the state
Sanhita and Bharatiya of the subject in mind, Assembly polls. two years later.
Sakshya — in you will kindly attempt Mr Shah, who predicted He told a party rally at
Parliament now. to arrive at a consensus from Birbhum in April Union home minister Amit Shah addresses a BJP Dharmatala, in the heart
Flagging her concerns building among all this year that the Mamata protest rally against West Bengal government in of Kolkata: “In 2026, the
in a letter to the BJP stakeholders on the pro- Banerjee government Kolkata on Wednesday. — PTI BJP will form the govern-
heavyweight on a day he posed bills, rather than would fall before 2025 if ment with a two-thirds
attacked her from a rushing to pass them in the BJP bags 35 seats in Narendra Modi would Renewing his vow to majority here. Before that
party rally in Kolkata, their present form, 2024, sought his party this thank West Bengal for his implement the there will be the 2024
the TMC supremo ■ Turn to Page 4 time to win “so many” third term as Prime Citizenship Amendment polls. In 2019, you gave us
seats next year that Minister. Act (CAA) in the country, ■ Turn to Page 4

WEATHER
Max : 24OC
Min: 15OC
RH: 69%
Rain: 20
Forecast: Cloudy
ASTROGUIDE
Shubhakrut: Dakshinayana
Tithi: Karthika Shukla
Tadiya till 2.29 pm
Star: Ardra till 3.04 pm
Varjyam: 3.54 am to 5.36 am
Durmuhurtam: 10.14 am to
10.58 am; 2.39 pm to 3.23 pm
Rahukalam: 1.30 pm to 3 pm
SUNSET TODAY 5.24 PM
SUNRISE TOMORROW 6.56 AM
MOONRISE TOMORROW 8.53 PM
MOONSET TODAY 9.44 AM
in particular, the Union
home ministry said.
It is for the first time a
valley-based Manipuri
armed group has agreed
to return to mainstream
by abjuring violence and
agreeing to honour the
Constitution, the min-
istry further said,
adding that a peace mon-
itoring committee will
be constituted to oversee
enforcement of the
agreed ground rules.
Describing it as a his-
toric milestone
achieved, Union minis-
ter Amit Shah said that
it is a landmark achieve-
ment in realising Prime
Minister Narendra
Modi’s vision of all-
inclusive development
and providing a better
future to the youths in
Northeast India.
Nawaz acquitted in a corruption
case; NAB withdraws plea in 2nd
Islamabad, Nov. 29: In a
major relief to Nawaz
Sharif ahead of elections,
a top Pakistani court on
Wednesday acquitted the
former Prime Minister in
the Avenfield corruption
case while his acquittal in
another case was main-
tained after an appeal by
the anti-graft body chal-
lenging it was with-
drawn.
A two-member
Islamabad high court
bench comprising Chief
Justice Aamer Farooq
and Justice Miangul
A worker near a sculpture of a dinosaur, made from upcycled metal, at the Waste-to- Hassan Aurangzeb
Wonder Park of Sarai Kale Khan area in New Delhi on Wednesday. — PTI announced the verdict
Nawaz Sharif
after hearing the appeal
filed by Mr Sharif against
his conviction in the
Avenfield corruption case
in which he was sen-
tenced to 10 years in jail
in 2018.
In the same year, the 73-
year-old Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N)
supremo was acquitted
by a trial court in the
Flagship corruption case
but the National
Accountability Bureau
(NAB), the anti-corrup-
tion watchdog, had chal-
lenged his acquittal in the
high court.
The Avenfield corrup-
tion case was about hav-
ing properties in London
with ill-gotten money and
he was on bail in the case
while his appeal against
conviction was being
heard by the Islamabad
high court. — PTI
 CITY
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
pg 2

■ Centre allowed to extend Naresh Kumar’s tenure for 6 months

IN BRIEF
Delhi riots: Court
acquits 10 accused
New Delhi: A Delhi court on
Wednesday acquitted 10 men
of all alleged offences -
including arson, house tres-
pass and mischief by fire -
during the 2020 communal
riots in northeast Delhi, say-
ing the charges were not
proved beyond reasonable
doubt. Additional sessions
judge Pulastya Pramachala
was hearing a case against
the 10 accused of being a
part of a riotous mob that
torched a shop in the
Bhagirathi Vihar area on
February 25, 2020, during
the riots. The court said three
key witnesses - the com-
plainant, his son and his
nephew - did not support the
prosecution’s case on the
point of identification of the
accused. There was a “mixing
up” of the identification of
the accused by the three
police witnesses, it said.
“Such mixing up may be on
account of genuine confusion
or on account of a pre-deter-
mined line of giving state-
ment,” the court said.
Additionally, an assistant sub-
inspector had taken a “fluctu-
ating stand” regarding identi-
fying some of the accused, it
said. An FIR agaginst the 10
accused was registered at
Gokalpuri police station.
DDA spots land for
int’l cricket stadium
New Delhi: The Delhi
Development Authority
(DDA) has identified 50
acres of land near the UER-II
for development of an inter-
national cricket stadium
along with a five-star hotel
and a world-class medical
facility. Delhi lieutenant-gov-
ernor V.K. Saxena, who has
been steering the project,
has also directed DDA to fur-
ther identify land parcels in
the vicinity to develop sport-
ing infrastructure related to
football, hockey and other
Olympic sports, with the
view to strengthen Delhi’s
claims for hosting the
Olympics-2036. Mr Saxena
has also approved the pro-
posal to float RFPs for the
cricket stadium complex at
the earliest with the condi-
tion for the same to be com-
pleted within two years. In a
departure from the past
practice, when DDA would
sale land for such projects, it
will now be an equity partner
in the project.
DELHI RIDGE NOT
PROPERTY OF
FOREST DEPT: HC
New Delhi: Affirming that the
Ridge here was not the prop-
erty of the forest department
but belonged to citizens, the
Delhi high court on
Wednesday pulled up officials
for constructing a six-to-eight
feet wide path there without
due approvals. Justice
Jasmeet Singh underscored
that the forest department
was only a custodian and pre-
server of the forest area in the
national capital and asked the
officials to place before the
court the entire record per-
taining to the construction of
the passage in the Central
Ridge. “Ridge is not the pro-
prietary property of the forest
department. You are only a
custodian of our rights. you
can’t deal with it in a cursory
manner. You are not the
owner of the Ridge. You are
required for conservation of
things existing at the Ridge
which belongs to the citizens
of the country, especially
Delhi,” the court observed.
Considered the lungs of the
national capital, the Ridge is
an extension of the Aravalli
Hill range in Delhi.
Setback to AAP govt as SC
extends chief secy tenure
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The Supreme Court on
Wednesday allowed the
Centre to extend the
tenure of Delhi chief sec-
retary Naresh Kumar, a
day before his due super-
annuation for six months.
A bench comprising
Chief Justice D.Y.
Chandrachud and Justices
J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj
Misra held that the
Centre’s decision did not
violate law or the
Constitution.
The CJI-led bench said,
prima facie, the Centre has
the power to appoint and
extend the tenure of the
chief secretary of national
capital as the officer deals
with the entire adminis-
tration including police,
public order and land,
which fall beyond the leg-
islative and executive pow-
ers of the Delhi govern-
ment.
Approving the Centre’s
contention on its jurisdic-
tion to extend the tenure of
the top civil servant in
Delhi, the apex court said,
“We come to the conclusion
that at this stage, bearing
in mind the provisions of
the judgement of this court
in Constitution Bench 2
(2023 judgement on Centre-
Winter peak power demand may MCD House meet begins amid ruckus
cross record of 5,700MW mark
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
Delhi’s winter peak power
demands this year may
break all previous
records, crossing the 5,700
MW mark, officials of
power distribution com-
panies said on Wednesday.
A BSES official said that
up to 60 per cent of the
maximum winter power
demand of over 3,600 MW
in its areas will be met by
green power. It will also
bank on surplus power
with other states to meet
the increased demand, he
said.
According to the discom
officials, the peak power
demand of the city this
winter can surpass previ-
ous peak winter demands.
Last year, it had peaked at
5,526 MW, which was the
winter record in the
national capital, they
said.
Last winter, the peak
winter power demand in
Representatives of the Thoothukudi livelihood associations and the affected commu-
nities take part in a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday to
demand the reopening of the sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
Delhi government services
row) and the subsequent
developments which have
taken place resulting in the
enactment of the amend-
ment to the GNCTD Act
1991, the decision of the
Union government to
extend the services of the
incumbent chief secretary
for a period of six months
cannot be construed to be
violative of law or the con-
stitutional distribution of
powers between the Union
and the government of the
GNCTD.”
“It will be farfetched to
postulate that the central
government is divested of
the power to appoint the
chief secretary. We clarify
that this is on the basis of
a prima facie evaluation,”
the bench said.
It also held that the
Central government,
prima facie, has the power
to extend the service of an
incumbent chief secretary.
◗ APART FROM long-
term agreements with
power plants, over 2,000
MW of green power will
play a significant role in
ensuring reliable power
supply to BSES con-
sumers during the win-
ter months
BSES’s BRPL and BYPL
areas reached 2,338 MW
and 1,181 MW, respective-
ly.
This year, it may go
beyond 2,400 MW and
1,200 MW for BRPL and
BYPL, respectively, a
BSES official said.
“Ensuring reliable sup-
ply in any season is as
much the function of
proper power arrange-
ments as also accurate
demand forecast and
robust distribution net-
work. On all these
aspects, BSES discoms
are fully geared to ensure
adequate power availabil-
ity for its nearly 50 lakh
— PRITAM BANDYOPADHYAY
● SC held that Centre’s
decision did not violate
law or the Constitution
● Centre has power to
extend service of
incumbent CS
● CS Naresh Kumar was
due to retire on Thursday
“The position of the
chief secretary of the
GNCTD is significantly
distinct and that the chief
secretary performs execu-
tive functions related to
subjects which fall within
the executive and legisla-
tive competence of the
GNCTD as well as those
which lie outside,” the
bench said.
The operation of the
amended GNCTD Act,
which is facing challenge
before a Constitution
bench, has not been stayed
and hence, the Centre has
the power to appoint a new
chief secretary or extend
the tenure of the incum-
bent officer, the bench
noted.
The bench also noted
that the Delhi government
cannot have a role in
appointment of the com-
missioner of police, secre-
taries who are in charge of
home and land depart-
consumers or around 2
crore residents during
the winter months,” he
said.
Apart from long-term
agreements with power
plants, over 2,000 MW of
green power will play a
significant role in ensur-
ing reliable power supply
to BSES consumers dur-
ing the winter months, the
official said.
This clean energy
includes 840 MW of solar
power, 540 MW of
hydropower, 500 MW of
wind power, around 40
MW from waste-to-ener-
gy conversion, and over
150 MW of rooftop solar
power facilities installed
in South, West, East,
and Central Delhi, he
said.
In fact, up to 60 per cent
of the maximum winter
power demand of more
than 3,600 MW in BSES
areas will be met with
green power, the official
added.
ments, and in such cases,
the L-G has to make a
prior reference to the
Union government.
Chief secretary Naresh
Kumar was due to retire
on Thursday and the
Centre had on Wednesday
informed the top court
that it wanted to extend
his tenure for a period of
six months.
The AAP-led Delhi gov-
ernment and lieutenant-
governor V.K. Saxena have
been embroiled in con-
frontations on several
issues, including over the
bid to extend the tenure of
the present chief secretary.
Significantly, the current
chief secretary, whose
tenure will now be extend-
ed, is reportedly not on
good terms with the Delhi
government owing to alle-
gations against his son in
a case related to acquisi-
tion of 19 acres by the
National Highways
Authority of India in 2018
for construction of the
Dwarka Expressway.
The bench clarified that
its analysis was “con-
fined” to the present stage
and it did not enter into
“any conclusive determi-
nation of the issues which
are pending adjudication
before the Constitution
bench”.
AVINASH PRABHAKAR
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
Amid the ruckus created
by councillors and protest
by women councillors
from Congress in the MCD
House, the civic body on
Wednesday passed 18
agendas out of a total of 23
proposals tabled for con-
sideration. Of the total
agendas, 18 were passed,
three were postponed, and
two were referred back.
Women councillors from
Congress staged a sit-in
outside Delhi mayor
Shelly Oberoi’s office over
some ‘sexist’ comments
allegedly passed against
them during the House
meeting.
The councillors alleged
that an AAP councillor
asked them if they took
‘money’ when they raised
public issues during the
meeting. They alleged that
the same person in a
derogatory manner asked
them to bring the issues to
him if they wanted them
resolved.
The female protesters
Lufthansa’s Bangkok flight diverted to Delhi after couple fight
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
An argument between a
couple led to the diversion
of a Munich-Bangkok Luft-
hansa flight to Delhi on We-
dnesday following which
they were deboarded.
The Lufthansa flight
landed at the Indira
Gandhi International (IGI)
Thrust on green mobility, govt
notifies motor vehicle scheme
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
In order to promote
green and sustainable
mobility and in the
meantime enhancing
the quality of trans-
portation services in the
Delhi, Kejriwal led city
Rai asks depts to ensure strict
execution of GRAP-1, 2 curbs
BHASKAR HARI SHARMA
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The Delhi government on
Wednesday ordered strict
implementation of meas-
ures under GRAP (graded
response action plan) I
and II as a precautionary
measure to keep air pollu-
tion levels under check in
the national capital.
Quoting weather
experts, environment
minister Gopal Rai said
that if the wind speed
slows down, there could
be fluctuation in the AQI
(air quality index) levels.
The government has
already lifted measures
under GRAP III following
improvement in Delhi’s
air quality from the ‘very
poor’ to the ‘poor’ catego-
ry after a spell of rain and
favourable wind speed
under the influence of a
western disturbance.
The city recorded an
AQI of 290 improving
from 365 on Tuesday while
the minimum tempera-
ture settled at 14.2° C, four
notches below normal.
The 24-hour average
rainfall at 8.30 am was
recorded at 7.2 mm while
the city’s humidity level
stood at 96 per cent.
The air quality is likely
to remain in the ‘poor’ cat-
egory on Thursday and
Friday and decline to ‘very
poor’ on Saturday.
The India
M e t e o r o l o g i c a l
Department has forecast
BJP councillors holding placards stage a protest at
Civic Centre in New Delhi on Wednesday.
demanded an apology
from the councillor and
action against him.
Earlier in the day, the
BJP and Congress council-
lors obstructed the MCD
House meeting with their
protests over the non-for-
mation of a standing com-
mittee and increased
house tax.
Congress councillors
raised slogans against the
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
airport at 10.26 am after
the pilots contacted the
ATC informing them
about a “situation and pos-
sible unruly passenger.”
An argument between a
couple—a German man
and his Thai wife—led to
some problems on board
the Lufthansa flight fol-
lowing which it sought
permission to land at IGI
Provider Scheme 2023’.
City transport minis-
ter Kailash Gahlot said,
the scheme stipulates all
passenger, service deliv-
ery, and e-commerce
aggregator platforms’
vehicles to be electric
vehicles after 2030. The
minister said all existing
People walk amid thick layer of smog at India Gate in
New Delhi on Wednesday.
generally cloudy skies on
Thursday with the possi-
bility of light rain and
thundershower. The maxi-
mum and minimum tem-
peratures are likely to set-
tle around 24 and 13°C,
respectively.
Addressing a press con-
ference, Mr Rai said,
“Keeping the improved
pollution levels in mind,
GRAP-III restrictions have
been removed. However,
the weather department
has predicted that the pol-
lution level could fluctuate
if the wind speed slows. To
avoid such a situation, all
the departments con-
cerned have been directed
to ensure strict implemen-
tation of GRAP-I and
GRAP-II restrictions.”
Air quality forecasts by
the India meteorological
department and the
— PTI
and held placards with
demands such as ‘consti-
tute the standing commit-
tee’ and ‘rollback house
tax’ written on them.
BJP councillors raised
the issue of dog menace in
Delhi and asked for the
release of data regarding
dog bites in the city.
Among others, the House
passed a proposal of 6,589
new jobs—2,949 security
guards and 3,640 sanita-
airport, which was
allowed, the sources said.
An official said the wife
had first complained
about her husband’s
behaviour to the pilot, say-
ing she was being “threat-
ened” by him and sought
intervention.
“The person in question
was handed over to the
authorities. The flight to
— G.N. JHA
Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology do
not indicate the average
air quality of Delhi to
move to the ‘severe’ cate-
gory in the coming days
for which the forecast is
available, the CAQM had
said.
The Centre on Tuesday
ordered the revocation of
restrictions under GRAP
Stage-III in the entire NCR
with immediate effect fol-
lowing an improvement in
the air quality.
Air quality forecasts by
the India Meteorological
Department/Indian
Institute of Tropical
Meteorology do not indi-
cate the average air quali-
ty of Delhi to move to the
'severe' category in the
coming days for which the
forecast is available, the
CAQM had said.
tion workers—in MCD
schools.
A proposal to hike the
minimum wages of the
civic body employees was
also passed. Civic body
employees will now get a
minimum salary ranging
from `17,234 to `22,744.
In a bid to promote film
shooting in the city, the
MCD has passed a propos-
al to reduce the permis-
sion fee in its jurisdiction
from `75,000 to `25,000 for
24 hours.
Meanwhile, Congress city
unit chief Arvinder Singh
Lovely said it was shocking
that without any discus-
sion and amidst chaos the
mayor passed agendas in
the House session, which
was undemocratic.
However, BJP councillors
claimed that the ruling
AAP is trying to run the
corporation in its own
arbitrary manner and is
coming up with new pro-
posals only for its own ben-
efit. They will meet the
lieutenant-governor and
complain about the alleged
arbitrary attitude of AAP.
Bangkok is expected to
continue subsequently
with minor delays. Safety
and security on board for
our passengers and crew
is our top priority,” the
German airline said.
The wife was travelling
on a different PNR ticket
and she desired to contin-
ue her journey to
Bangkok, they said.

‘Give us tents and water,’ displaced slum government

Wednesday notified the
‘Delhi Motor Vehicle
Aggregator
on

and
and new aggregators
will need to have a
licence within 90 days of
publication of the

dwellers from Nizamuddin urge Centre Delivery Service scheme’s notification.

New Delhi, Nov. 29:
Stranded after their houses
were razed, residents of the
slum cluster near Humayun
tomb have asked the govern-
ment to give them “at least
tent and water”. “The slum
cluster between the Sundar
Nursery and the Delhi
Public School, inhabited by
about 1,000 to 1,500 people,
most of whom engaged as
ragpickers, street hawkers,
maids, labourers and small-
scale traders, was demol-
ished in a drive following a
court’s order last week.
Most of these slum
dwellers allege that they
were asked to vacate their
houses in two days with no
offer from the government
for relocation.
“It has been a week and
we are literally living on
People at a slum area after the demolition of settlements
in an anti-encroachment drive at Nizammudin in New
Delhi on Wednesday.
the streets. Can’t the gov-
ernment provide tents and
water at least?” Dimple,
one of the residents of the
slum cluster, asked.
“I have a family of five
and I have been living here
for the last fifty years. Why
— PTI
didn’t the government
think about us once before
taking this step? We are not
even getting a place to live,”
Dimple told PTI.
By the time bulldozers
were done with their work
on the morning of Nove-
mber 21, the place bore the
image of a huge junkyard.
Mohammad Chand, a
worker at a sofa repair shop,
has been visiting the demol-
ished area every day, only to
check if he can find some-
thing of his that may be
lying beneath the rubble.
“We were given notice for
just two days and then they
arrived with the bulldozers.
They came with 18 to 20
bulldozers and reduced this
place to rubble in just four
to five hours. Many of us
could not even shift our
belongings. All the people
who live here are poor and
do not have the capacity to
move to another house
overnight,” Chand, who is
staying at a relative's house,
said.
— PTI
 NATION
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
pg 3

SHORT TAKES
Centre lists 18 bills
for Winter Session
New Delhi: The government
on Wednesday listed 18 bills,
including two to extend pro-
visions of the Women’s
Reservation Act to Jammu
and Kashmir and Puducherry,
and three to replace the
criminal laws, during the
Winter Session of Parliament
beginning next week.
According to a bulletin
issued by the Lok Sabha sec-
retariat, the government also
plans to bring a bill seeking
to increase the strength of
the Jammu and Kashmir
Assembly from 107 to 114 in
a bid to provide representa-
tion to Kashmiri migrants,
displaced persons from
Pakistan-occupied Jammu
and Kashmir and Scheduled
Tribes. Besides the bills, the
government has listed the
first batch of supplementary
demands for grants for the
year 2023-24 for presenta-
tion, discussion and voting
during the session. The
Winter Session of Parliament
begins on December 4 and
continues till
December 22. — PTI
WB House okays bill
to hike MLAs’ salary
Govt’s nod to continuation of
fast track spl courts for 3 yrs
Central share will constitute `1,207.24cr, while states’ `744.99cr
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The Union Cabinet on
Wednesday approved the
continuation of Fast
Track Special Court
(FTSCs) as Centrally
Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
from April 1, 2023 to
March 31, 2026 with an
outlay of `1,952.23 crores.
Out of the total alloca-
tion of `1,952.23 crores,
`1,207.24 crores will con-
stitute the Central share
and `744.99 crores as
states’.
The Central share is to
be funded from Nirbhaya
Fund. The Scheme was
launched on October 2,
2019 with the objective to
ensure timely prosecution
of offenders accused of
sexual offences through
dedicated fast track
courts.
“Incidents involving the
rape of girl child and
women have deeply
Cabinet approves PM Janjati
Adivasi development mission
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The Union Cabinet on
Wednesday has approved
the Pradhan Mantri
Janjati Adivasi Nyaya
Maha Abhiyan (PM-JAN-
MAN), to focus on 11 crit-
ical interventions
through nine ministries.
The PM-JANMAN will
focus on 11 critical inter-
ventions that include pro-
visions of Pakka (perma-
nent) houses, road con-
nectivity, piped water
supply, mobile medical
units with medicine sup-
impacted the nation. The
frequency of such inci-
dents and the prolonged
trials of offenders necessi-
ply, construction of hos-
tels, vocational education
and skilling, solar light-
ing, anganwadi centers
and installation of mobile
towers.
The scheme will have an
outlay of `24,104 crores —
with Central share of
`15,336 crores, and that of
states of `8,768 crores —
to focus on 11 critical
interventions through
nine line ministries.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi had
announced the Abhiyan
on Janjatiya Gaurav
Diwas from Khunti.
tated the establishment of
a dedicated court system
capable of expediting tri-
als and delivering immedi-
ate relief to victims of
sexual offences,” the gov-
ernment said in a state-
ment.
Subsequently,
Central
the
government
enacted the “Criminal
Law (Amendment) Act.
2018”, which included
stringent punishment, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inquires about the condition of a
including death penalty worker rescued from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel at a community health center in
for rape offenders, leading Chinyalisaur on Wednesday. — PTI
to the creation of the
FTSCs.
FTSCs, designed as dedi-
cated courts, are expected
to ensure swift dispensa-
tion of justice, offering
‘Rescue discussed at Cabinet
meet, PM was very emotional’
quick relief to victims
while strengthening the
deterrence framework for
sexual offenders, it said. AGE CORRESPONDENT
The government formu- NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
lated a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme to Prime Minister Narendra
establish FTSCs for the Modi turned emotional
timely disposal of cases when the tunnel rescue
related to rape and the mission came up for dis-
Protection of Children cussion during the
from Sexual Offences Act Cabinet meeting on
in August 2019. Wednesday, Union minis-
ter for information and
broadcasting Anurag

Kolkata: The West Bengal ■ Gehlot accuses Modi, Shah of using provocative language Thakur said. “This matter
(Uttarkashi tunnel res-
Assembly on Wednesday cue) did come before the

‘Feedback indicates Cong win in Raj’

passed a bill to increase the
salary of MLAs and ministers
to `40,000 a month.
Members of Opposition
(BJP) were not present in
the House when the
Member’s Emoluments
(Amendment) Bill-2023 was
cleared. “I have rightfully
increased the salary and I
will raise it again if I get a
chance,” CM Mamata
Banerjee, who was present
at the Assembly, said. The
MLAs used to get `10,000,
ministers of state `10,900
and ministers in-charge
`11,000 earlier. Now, they
will get `50,000, `50,900
and `51,000 per month
respectively, she said. The
BJP criticised the govern-
ment’s decision. — PTI
Only did party work:
DKS over DA case
Jaipur, Nov. 29: Rajasthan
chief minister Ashok
Gehlot on Wednesday said
feedback from the people,
and atmosphere in the
state indicate that the
Congress would retain
power.
Mr Gehlot expressed
confidence that the grand
old party — which has
been in power since
December 2018 — would
buck the trend of the state
government alternating
every five years between
the BJP and the Congress.
Voting for 199 out of the
200 Assembly seats in
Rajasthan was held on
November 25. The count-
ing of votes will take place
on December 3.
Voting in the Karanpur
seat of Sriganganagar was
postponed following the
death of Congress candi-
date Gurmeet Singh
Koonar.
While Mr Gehlot
refrained from making
any predictions on the
number of seats the
Congress could win, he
expressed hope that the
party will form the gov-
ernment again.
“I do not calculate num-
Discrimination against Muslims
bers but including Prime Minister
the atmos- Narendra Modi, home
phere, by minister Amit Shah and
and large, chief ministers of the saf-
and the fron party-ruled states
kind of who campaigned in
feedback Rajasthan — of using
Ashok Gehlot that is provocative language.
there, it The BJP raised the issue
looks like people’s mind of Kanhaiya Lal’s murder
this time is to repeat the but those involved were
government,” he said. linked to the the saffron
“Whatever result comes party, he alleged.
on December 3, we will The veteran leader said
accept that with humili- the Rajasthan Police
ty,” Mr Gehlot said before caught the murder
leaving for Delhi.
The Congress leader also
accused within two hours
but the BJP leaders did
accused BJP leaders — not talk about it. — PTI
Cabinet, and the Prime
Minister was very emo-
tional,” he added.
“The prayers of the
entire country were with
the workers. A whole of
government approach was
adopted and efforts were
made by the entire coun-
try to save each and every
life trapped in the tunnel.
Even during election cam-
paign, the PM used to seek
information from the
(Uttarakhand) chief min-
ister twice a day,” the min-
ister said.
Jubilations in Odisha
after workers’ rescue
AKSHAYA KUMAR SAHOO
BHUBANESWAR, NOV. 28
Family members of Sukhram Bediya and Naresh Bediya,
two of the 41 trapped workers, share sweets during the
celebration at Khirabera village in Ranchi. — PTI
Mr Thakur stressed that entire government
every life matters and machinery was pressed
Modi government has into action to save the
always made all efforts to lives. These workers are
save people during part and parcel of India’s
moments of crisis and dis- development story, which
tress. Be it Ukraine, is why the PM regularly
Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, felicitates them.
Nepal. Wherever there is “The Prime Minister
crisis, our government always made a point to
ensures every one is honour the workers. He
brought out safely. even washed their feet,”
The minister said the Mr Thakur asserted.
‘Tunnel project
to resume after
a safety audit’
Chinmayee Mohanty, a
devotee.
At Lingaraj temple and
New Delhi, Nov. 29: The
4.5 kilometre-long Silk-

Bengaluru: Karnataka deputy

chief minister D.K.
Shivakumar on Wednesday
claimed that he had done no
wrong, and did only the
party work, for which he
faced a lot of troubles. The
state Congress president’s
comments were in the back-
drop of proceedings in
Karnataka high court, in con-
nection with the CBI’s inves-
tigation in a disproportion-
ate assets (DA) case against
him. “I don’t know any-
thing....I don’t know what
has happened in the court, it
won’t be right on my part to
comment without know-
ing....my lawyers will have to
inform me, without that I
cannot comment as it is a
court matter, and according
to me staying away from
court matter is good,” Mr
Shivakumar said in response
to a question on the pro-
ceedings in the HC. — PTI
is being legitimised, says Farooq
AGE CORRESPONDENT
SRINAGAR, NOV. 29
Former Jammu and
Kashmir chief minister
and National Conference
(NC) leader Farooq
Abdullah on Wednesday
said that discrimination
against Muslim across the
Congress leader Rahul country is being legit-
Gandhi speaks during a imized by those at the
book release event in helm of affairs, which is
Kozhikode on deplorable and should be
Wednesday. — PTI condemned in unequivo-
cally by those who believe
in justice and equity.
True wealth of “Some policies and
actions pursued in vari-
politician lies ous states across the coun-
try are providing political
beyond simple patronage and cover for
bigotry against Muslims
resulting in marginalis-
attire: Rahul ing them further,” he said
in signed statement here.
Mr Abdullah asserted
that various legislative
and other actions that
includes banning of the
Halal-marked food in
some states have legit-
imized discrimination
against Muslims.
He, however, said that
“there is no place for bul-
lying and oppression and
sectarianism in a democ-
racy” and that the “mes-
sage of ‘social, economic
and political justice’, ‘free-
dom of thought, expres-
sion, belief, religion and
worship’ and equality con-
stitute the very soul of
our constitution”.
The NC leader who rep-
resents home constituen-
cy Srinagar in Lok Sabha
added, “These character-
istics had given India the
distinction of being a sec-
ular and democratic coun-
try all over the world.”
He regretted that such
overtly targeted actions,
such as the ban on Halal
products in some states,
send a very clear message
to more that 200 million
Muslims in the country
that they must bear every
humiliation and injustice
with silence. “I think it’s
bad for democracy, espe-
cially the secular democ-
racy we were brought up
on,” he warned.
“We were told that the
government would work
for the welfare of all. But,
the government actions in
these states is taking the
country in wrong direc-
tion,” he added.
The whole of Odisha on
Wednesday celebrated the
rescue of the 41 workers
who spent harrowing
moments for 17 long days
in an under-construction
tunnel that caved in on
November 12 at Silkyara
in Uttarkashi.
People in Puri offered
prayers at Lord
Jagannath temple, thank-
ing the deity for safe evac-
uation of the trapped
workers.
“Hundreds of people
turned up at Lord
Jagannath temple and
thanked the deity for the
successful evacuation of
the trapped workers.
Many of them were seen
in tears of joy, as they
expressed how happy and
relieved they felt after the
rescuers, including the
rat-hole miners, saved the
lives of workers,” said
other holy shrines in
state capital Bhub-
aneswar, people offered
prayers and puja express-
ing their gratitude to
Gods for protecting the
lives of all the workers.
“The whole of Odisha
now feels relieved as five
Odia workers have been
rescued along with 36 fel-
low members after spend-
ing 17 long days in the col-
lapsed tunnel in depress-
ing conditions,” said
Sarita Nayak, a resident
of Baripada in
Mayurbhanj district.
The Odia workers who
along with their fellow
members were rescued
include Bisweswar Nayak
and Dhiren Nayak from
Baripada, Bhagwan Bha-
tra from Jharigaon, Raju
Nayak from Kuldiha, and
Tapan Mondal from
Chalis Chen village.
yara tunnel project in
Uttarakhand, which is
part of the Central gov-
ernment’s strategic 900-
km “Char Dham Yatra
All Weather Road” proj-
ect, will continue after
the necessary safety
audit and repair of the
broken structure, a sen-
ior road ministry offi-
cial said on Wednesday.
The ambitious `12,000-
crore project aims to
provide all-weather con-
nectivity to four holy
towns — Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Kedarnath
and Badrinath — in
Uttarakhand.
A team on Tuesday
pulled out all 41 workers
trapped under the col-
lapsed portion of the
under-constr uction
Silkyara tunnel in a res-
cue operation that lasted
for 17 days. — PTI

Kozhikode, Nov. 29:

Congress leader Rahul

ABG SHIPYARD
CASE: ED RAIDS
IN DELHI, MAHA
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The ED on Wednesday said
that it has conducted search
operations under the provi-
sions of the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act, 2002
at seven locations in
Mumbai, Delhi and Pune on
November 24 in the case of
ABG Shipyard Limited and
others. The searches were
conducted at the residences
of the persons and their
family members related to
ABG Shipyard Ltd and its
related group companies,
which resulted in the recov-
ery and seizure of unac-
counted cash, bullion and
jewellery to the tune of near-
ly `5 crores. ED initiated
investigation on the basis of
FIR registered by CBI
against ABG Shipyard Ltd
and others for causing loss
to the tune of `22,842 crores
to the consortium of banks
led by ICICI Bank. The ED
has revealed that ABG
Shipyard Ltd. and its group
companies availed various
loan facilities from the con-
sortium of banks led by ICICI
Bank for the purpose of
working capital requirement
and capital expenditure and
“Letter of Credit” and “Bank
Guarantee”. However, ABG
Shipyard Ltd. and its group
companies have utilized
huge funds for purposes
other than its stated use.
Gandhi on Wednesday
said certain politicians
could not be judged
based on their simple
attire or less expensive
watches, as they are “
very smart” in conceal-
ing their true assets
from public scrutiny.
While launching a
book on the late Muslim
League leader P. Seethi
Haji here, Mr Gandhi
said that certain politi-
cians’ true nature can be
discerned by observing
their children.
“I meet many politi-
cians, and as you know,
they are very smart peo-
ple. Today’s politicians
will only show you what
they want to show you.
Sometimes, when they
come to meet me, they
come wearing simple
clothes, no expensive
watches, and torn shoes.
When you go to their
homes, they have big
BMWs there. These guys
are too smart. They
know what you are look-
ing for,” he added.
The Congress leader
said while politicians
could hide aspects of
themselves through
clothing and acces-
sories, the truth could
not be concealed when it
comes to their children.
As a result, he had to
come up with a new
method to judge these
persons quickly and
accurately, he said.
Mr Gandhi claimed to
have developed this “bul-
letproof ” method of
evaluating or judging
people after spending 18
years in politics. — PTI
High-pitched poll
drive comes to end,
T’gana to vote today
Hyderabad, Nov. 29: Sanjay Kumar and D.
After a high decibel Arvind.
campaign that saw the The model code of
likes of top national conduct came into
leaders including PM force in the state after
Narendra Modi, Rahul the Election
Gandhi and ruling C o m m i s s i o n
BRS supremo K. announced the sched-
Chandrasekar Rao ule on October 9.
addressing a series of The BRS has fielded
meetings crisscrossing candidates in all 119
the state, the stage is seats. As per the seat
now set for polling on sharing agreement,
Thursday to elect 119 the BJP and actor
members to the Pawan Kalyan-headed
Telangana Legislative Jana Sena are contest-
Assembly. ing in 111 and 8 seats
Voters would exer- respectively, while the
cise their franchise in Congress has given
35,655 polling stations one seat to its ally CPI,
set up across the state. and fighting from 118
There are 3.26 crore others.
eligible voters in the Asaduddin Owaisi-
state. led AIMIM has put up
Polling would be candidates in nine seg-
held from 7 AM to 5 PM ments in the city.
in 106 constituencies The BRS is keen on
and from 7 am to 4 pm extending its winning
in 13 Left Wing run that started in
Extremism (LWE) 2014, while the Cong-
affected areas, official ress is putting up a
sources said on spirited fight to win
Wednesday. the polls having tasted
As many as 2,290 con- defeat in 2018 and four
testants are in the fray year earlier, when the
for the upcoming elec- previous UPA govern-
tions, including chief ment granted state-
minister KCR, his min- hood to Telangana.
ister-son K.T. Rama The BJP is also leav-
Rao, state Congress ing no stone unturned
president A. Revanth to come to power for
Reddy and BJP Lok the first time in the
Sabha members Bandi state. — PTI
 NATION
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
pg 4

■ To consider setting norms on when govs can send bills to Prez

SHORT TAKES
Charges against 2
in cooker blast case
New Delhi: The NIA on
Wednesday filed a
chargesheet against two
accused in the Islamic State
(IS) sponsored pressure
cooker blast that took place
in Mangaluru in Karnataka in
November last year. As per
officials, the accused
Mohamed Shariq, had been
carrying the pressure cooker
IED in an auto-rickshaw
when it exploded on
November 19 last year. He
had planned to plant the IED
at Kadri Manjunatha Temple,
Mangaluru, with the aim to
create terror among the
Hindu community but the
low intensify bomb acciden-
tally exploded on the way.
The case was filed on
November 23, 2022 under
sections 120B and 307 of IPC
and sections 3, 4 and 5 of
the Explosive Substances Act
1908. Shariq was arrested by
the NIA in July 2023, along
with his co-accused, Syed
Shariq. The NIA today filed a
chargesheet prosecuting
both the arrested accused.
Additional charge of
CRPF for ITBP D-G
New Delhi: ITBP Director
General (DG) Anish Dayal
Singh has been given the
“additional charge” of CRPF
after the retirement of
incumbent S.L. Thaosen on
November 30 till further
order. A Union home min-
istry order said Mr Singh, an
IPS officer of 1988-batch
from Manipur cadre, will
hold the CRPF DG charge
“till the appointment of a
regular incumbent or until
further orders, whichever is
earlier.” Incumbent CRPF DG
Thaosen, also from the 1988-
batch of the IPS from
Madhya Pradesh is also from
1988 batch of IPS from
Madhya Pradesh Cadre, was
appointed DG of the Central
Reserve Police Force in
October last year while Mr
Singh was appointed
appointed as Chief of
Himalayan border guarding
force Indo- Tibetan Border
Police at the same time.
SC tells Kerala gov to meet CM input on plot to kill Pannun
Vijayan, mantri to discuss bills
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV 29
The Supreme Court on
Wednesday noted that
Kerala governor Arif
Mohammed Khan has
taken decisions on eight
bills and asked him to
meet chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan along
with the minister con-
cerned to discuss other
pending bills referred to
him in September.
A bench headed by Chief
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
took note of the submis-
sions of attorney-general
R. Venkataramani repre-
senting the office of the
governor, that out of eight
Bills, seven have been
“reserved” for considera-
tion by the President and
assent has been granted to
one.
The apex court also per-
mitted the state govern-
‘Blasphemous’
post triggers
fresh stir in
Kashmir Valley
YUSUF JAMEEL
SRINAGAR, NOV. 29
Protests over the posting
of “blasphemous” mate-
rial online by a non-local
student at Srinagar’s
National Institute of
Technology (NIT) spread
spatially in the Kashmir
Valley on Wednesday
when students of various
educational institutions
sat on dharna and
marched on the cam
puses. A silent protest
was also held at
Srinagar’s Mushtaq
Press Enclave. The J&K
police said that it has
taken cognisance of the
Panel set up to examine US
Let us hope that some political sagacity
takes over the state
and we hope some
sagacity prevails.
Otherwise, we are here to
do our duty under the
Constitution.
— D.Y. Chandrachud,
Chief Justice of India
ment to amend its original
plea to seek issuance of
guidelines for the gover-
nors on grant or decline of
assent to the bills passed
by the Assembly or
reserve a Bill for consider-
ation by the President in a
time-bound manner.
After hearing the argu-
ments and counter-argu-
ments, the CJI said, “Let
us hope that some political
sagacity takes over the
state and we hope some
sagacity prevails.
Life-size elephant sculptures made from Lantana camara, an invasive weed, placed
near Vidhana Soudha for the pre-launch of the Lantana Elephants Exhibition in
Bengaluru on Wednesday.
■ 1st major demonstration outside naval station
lay down some guidelines
as to when the Bills can be
reserved for the
Presidential assent under
Article 200 of the
Constitution.
The governor cannot be
allowed to sit over the
Bills as it halts the gover-
nance, Mr Venugopal fur-
ther said.
Initially, the bench was
inclined to dispose of the
Otherwise, we are here to plea of the state govern-
lay down the law and do ment as the governor’s
our duty under the office has taken decisions
Constitution.” on the bills but later decid-
“We will record that the ed to keep it pending to
Governor will discuss the consider laying down
matter with both the chief guidelines on the issue.
minister and the minister Earlier, the apex court
in charge and related had asked the additional
to the Bill...,” the bench chief secretary of Kerala
said. governor to refer to its
Appearing for the state recent verdict in Punjab’s
government, senior advo- case where it was held
cate K.K. Venugopal governors cannot “thwart
asserted that the time has the normal course of law-
come for the top court to making”.
— PTI
‘Govt will take necessary follow-up action based on findings’
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
India has constituted a
high-level probe commit-
tee to examine American
inputs on the alleged
foiled plot to kill US-based
pro-Khalistan extremist
Gurpatwant Singh
Pannun.
Without specifically nam-
ing Pannun or the alleged
plot, New Delhi on
Wednesday said, “We have
already said that during
the course of discussions
with the US on bilateral
security cooperation, the
US side shared some
inputs pertaining to nexus
between organised crimi-
nals, gun runners, terror-
ists and others. We had
also indicated that India
takes such inputs seriously
since they impinge on our
national security interests
as well, and relevant
departments were already
Atal Dulloo named
new J&K chief secy
YUSUF JAMEEL
SRINAGAR, NOV. 29
Atal Dulloo, 1989 batch
IAS officer (AGMUT
cadre) has been appointed
as the new chief secre-
tary of J&K.
He would be taking the
charge from the incum-
bent CS Arun Kumar
Mehta on Friday after the
latter’s superannuation.
Mr Dulloo was on
November 20 repatriated
from the Central deputa-
tion prematurely in the
runup to his taking over
as the CS of his home
state. He briefly worked in
the Union capital as secre-
tary of the Department of
Border Management
under the ministry of
examining
the issue.
In this con-
text, it is
infor med
that on
November
Gurpatwant 18, the gov-
Singh Pannun ernment of
India con-
stituted a high-level
enquiry committee to look
into all the relevant
aspects of the matter.
Government of India will
take necessary follow-up
action based on the find-
ings of the enquiry com-
mittee.”
The statement was
issued “in response to
media queries on India-
US security cooperation”.
Just recently Indian
envoy to Canada Sanjay
Kumar Verma was quoted
by media reports as
telling a Canadian TV
channel, “The investiga-
tion in case of the United
Mizoram and other Union
territories-at the request
of the MHA.
An order issued by the
MHA reads that Mr
Dulloo has been appoint-
ed as J&K’s CS w.e.f.
December 1, 2023, or from
date of assumption of
charge, whichever is later
and until further orders.
Mr. Dulloo is a Kashmir
Pandit and various J&K
political parties have wel-
comed the appointment of
the “son of the soil” as the
CS of the Union territory.
Former CM and PDP
president in a post on ‘X’
said, “Atal Dulloo’s
appointment as chief sec-
retary is a welcome move.
After a long time, a J&K
resident has been put in a
states (Pannun case) as far
as I know and understand
… is at a much (more)
advanced stage, and there-
fore, I presume, that there
would be better informa-
tion shared with India.”
A report in the Financial
Times newspaper a week
ago had stated that the
United States had foiled an
attempt to kill Pannun on
American soil and had
issued a warning to India
amid American concerns
(alleged claims) about New
Delhi’s involvement.
Pannun is the chief of the
extremist pro-Khalistan
outfit Sikhs for Justice
(SFJ) and is known to fre-
quently make terror
threats against India. As
per the Financial Times
report, one person familiar
with the situation had said
the US protest was issued
after PM Modi made a
high-profile state visit to
Washington in June.
Taliban regime
in touch with
Af diplomats
over India ops
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
The ruling Taliban
regime in Afghanistan
has reportedly claimed
it is in touch with
Afghan diplomats in
India to restart opera-
tions of Afghan diplo-
matic missions in India,
just days after the
Afghan embassy in
Delhi announced last
week that it had perma-
nently shut down.
The Afghan embassy in
Delhi was run by diplo-
mats owing allegiance to
the deposed regime of
former president Ashraf

MHA forms tribunal

over 9 Meitei groups
New Delhi: The Centre has
formed a tribunal consisting
of a Gauhati high court
judge for adjudication of the
extension of another five-
year ban on nine Meitei
incident and booked the
accused.
“If he has committed
an offence, he will have
to face the law,” said a
police officer. The police
has warned of legal
action against those
found involved in any
“provocative act” or
“instigation”.
The classwork at the
Navy to display op prowess at
Sindhudurg Fort December 4
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
◗ THE EVENT will wit-
the
home affairs (MHA).
The appointments com-
mittee of the Cabinet had
earlier approved Mr
position of power to serve
his people when they find
themselves in
despair & dispossessed.
utter
Ghani who was removed
from power more than
two years ago.
The Taliban militia
Dulloo’s repatriation to
his parent cadre AGMUT-
Arunachal Pradesh, Goa,
Hope it gives way to a
sense of empathy &
redressal for the masses.”
had swept to power in
Kabul in August, 2021,
aided by Pakistan with
whom its ties subse-
Built in the year 1660 by quently soured.
Maratha ruler Although it does not offi-

Indian Navy, on Navy day

extremist groups and their
associate organisations that
mostly operate in Manipur.
As per notification issued on
Tuesday, the Union home
ministry said, “In exercise of
the powers conferred by
sub-section (1) of Section 5
of the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of
1967), the Central govern-
ment constituted ‘The
Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Tribunal’ con-
sisting of justice Sanjay
Kumar Medhi, judge of the
Gauhati HC, for adjudicating
whether or not there is suffi-
cient cause for declaring the
Meitei extremist organisa-
tions of Manipur, along with
their factions, wings and
front organisations as unlaw-
ful associations”.
NIT, Srinagar where the
protests started
Tuesday remained sus-
on
pended on the second day
Wednesday. A notifica-
tion signed by the
Registrar of the
Institute, Atikur
Rehman, said all academ-
ic activities, including
classes, examinations,
and administrative work,
will remain suspended
till further orders.
The student leaders
have demanded that the
accused should be
arrested immediately
“for hurting the reli-
gious sentiments of 1.8
billion Muslims by post-
ing material online
insulting our beloved
Prophet Muhammad.”
on 4 December will display
its operational prowess
and capabilities through
an “operational demon-
stration” covering a spec-
trum of naval operations
by the ships and aircraft at
the iconic Maratha fort
Sindhudurg on the west-
ern seaboard of India.
This is the first time that
the Navy will be organis-
ing a such major opera-
tional demonstration out-
side a major naval station.
The event will witness
participation of 20 war-
ships along with 40 air-
craft comprising MiG 29K
and LCA Navy as major
attraction along with com-
bat beach reconnaissance
and assault demo by the
Marine commandos of the
ness participation of 20
warships along with 40
aircraft comprising MiG
Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj, the Sindhudurg
fort boasts of India’s rich
29K and LCA Navy as
major attraction along
maritime history and also
meets the Navy’s require-
with combat beach ment to conduct an opera-
reconnaissance and tional demonstration with
its frontline assets.
assault demo by the The fort is known for
Marine commandos of being the coastal capital of
the Indian Navy the Maratha empire and a
major naval base during
Indian Navy. the time of Shivaji
Since last year armed Maharaj.
forces have started cele- The location of the
brating their annual days Sindhudurg fort is 550 km
outside Delhi. from Mumbai and about
The event, hosted by 135 km from naval station
Admiral R. Hari Kumar, at Goa. India celebrates
Chief of the Naval Staff, December 4 as Navy Day,
will be witnessed from the every year, to acknowl-
Tarkarli beach by senior edge the role of the Indian
Centre and state govern- Navy and commemorate
ment officials, military its achievements in “oper-
dignitaries and the local ation trident” during the
populace. 1971 Indo-Pak war.
US ambassador Garcetti
visits Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi, Nov. 29: US
ambassador Eric Garcetti
on Wednesday inaugurat-
ed a museum in
Arunachal Prad
esh’s Pasighat that is
aimed at preserving
India-US World War II
history.
The envoy said the
museum is a testament to
the significant role the
people of the region con-
tinue to play in “defend-
ing peace and democratic
principles”.
“Hello Arunachal
Pradesh! Excited for my
first trip here, and am
captivated by the warmth
of the people.”
“The landscapes in
Pasighat are stunning!
# U S I n d i a T o g e t h e r, ”
Garcetti said on X.
His visit to Arunachal
Pradesh assumes
ignificance as fore
ign envoys generally skip
travelling to Arunachal
Pradesh as Beijing
takes strong note of such
trips.
China has been laying
claims over Arunachal
Pradesh saying it is part
of Southern Tibet.
New Delhi has consis-
tently been rejecting such
claims, asserting that the
state is an integral part of
India. — PTI
cially recognise the
Taliban regime in Kabul,
New Delhi now has a
“technical team” in
place there at the Indian
embassy which monitors
distribution of Indian
humanitarian assistance
to the Afghan people.
Taliban minister Sher
s Mohammad Stanikzai
was on Wednesday quot-
ed by media reports as
telling the Afghan media
that he is in touch with
the Afghan consulates in
Mumbai and Hyderabad
that are operational.
The Afghan embassy
in the Capital had last
week announced its per-
manent closure and had
said, “As of now, there
are no diplomats from
the Afghan Republic
remaining in India.”

Cabinet gives nod to free ration ‘Will win 35+ WB seats in 2024’ CM Dhami says
scheme for 80-cr poor till 2028
■ Continued from Page 1
concerned, it was introduced
in April 2020 during the
Covid-19 pandemic as a relief
measure for three months but
was later extended. Under
this free ration scheme, poor
families receive 5 kg of food-
grains per beneficiary per
month in addition to the 5 kg
of subsidised foodgrain
under the National Food
Security Act (NFSA).
In December 2022, as
PMGKAY came to an end
after multiple extensions, it
was subsumed under the
NFSA, providing free ration
for one year.
Under the NFSA, up to 75
per cent of the rural popula-
tion and 50 per cent of the
will review all
urban population are being
covered under two categories
-- Antyodaya Anna Yojana
(AAY) and priority house-
holds.
Terming it as a historic
decision, the government
said the extension of free
grain distribution under the
PMGKAY for the next five
years reflects the long-term
commitment and vision of
the government for address-
ing national food and nutri-
tion security.
This should help mitigate
any financial hardship for the
affected strata of society in a
sustainable manner and
ensure a long-term pricing
strategy with zero cost to the
beneficiaries, which is vital
for effective penetration of
the public distribution sys-
tem, it said in a statement.
“The integration of the two
food subsidy schemes into
PMGKAY aims to streamline
the implementation of the
NFSA and enhance the effec-
tiveness of the country’s food
security network. The move
is likely to bring about a more
cohesive and uniform appro-
ach to food subsidy distribu-
tion, ensuring better cover-
age and accessibility for eligi-
ble beneficiaries,” the official
statement said, adding that
the beneficiaries can lift their
entitled grains from any fair
price shop in the country
under the One Nation One
Ration Card initiative.
■ Continued from Page 1
18 seats. I urge you with folded hands
to give us so many seats that Modiji
says after taking the oath that he was
able to become the PM again because
of Bengal.”
On the CAA, Mr Shah argued: “Can
development happen in a state where
infiltration is havoc? That's why Ms
Banerjee opposes the CAA and doesn't
want it to happen. But I am telling her
that the CAA is a law of the country.
No one can stop it. We will ensure its
implementation. The Hindu brothers
and sisters, who migrated here have
as much rights as we have in this
country. No one can deprive them of
their rights.” He warned the TMC of
facing a “badla” (revenge) for killing
212 BJP workers in the state. “Our
party workers across the state and
country are ready to take badla for
these killings. In 2026, when the polls
will be held, it will become evident
how badla is taken politically by cast-
ing votes.” Daring CM Mamata
Banerjee to suspend her arrested TMC
leaders, Jyotipriyo Mullick, Anubrata
Mondal and Partha Chatterjee, now in
jail, from her party, Mr Shah further
claimed that the NDA government pro-
vided her government funds at least
three times higher than what the UPA
did. He however accused the TMC of
U’khand projects
amassing funds. ■ Continued from Page 1
Ms Banerjee, who along with her the Prime Minister, who
◗ MR DHAMI added that
party MLAs, wearing black, sat in sought updates on a daily talking to the Prime
dharna at the Assembly premises dur- basis. He listened to every Minister while updating
ing the day over the Centre's apathy in word of what was being told him daily on the rescue
releasing public welfare funds to the to him and took action on operation was also about
state government, called Mr Shah’s his own initiative.” seeking confidence and
rally a “flop” She said: “There is no Mr Dhami added that talk-
point in showing me Modi or Shah.” ing to the Prime Minister
motivation on how to
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien while updating him daily on move ahead in the day.
compared the Union home minister the rescue operation was This also helped us keep
with the “migratory birds” for flying also about seeking confi- experts and other mem-
on a brief visit to the state during the dence and motivation on bers of the rescue team
winter. how to move ahead in the motivated as well
day. This also helped us
keep experts and other medical observation follow-

Kharge to crack whip, plans big rejig members of the rescue team
motivated as well.
ing an advisory from doc-
tors. He also handed out `1
Don’t rush to pass new criminal laws: Didi ■ Continued from Page 1
in-charges of Punjab
women should be given
a chance in the organi-
taken time to zero in on
individuals but insiders
He admitted that the entire
rescue operation was con-
ducted under the
lakh incentive cheques to
each of them
announced a `50,000 reward
and

■ Continued from Page 1
which have potential implica-
tions of a serious nature in
the future.”
She elaborated: “The pro-
posed overhauling of the
existing criminal-penal
statutes and replacing them
with new statutes is bound to
have far-reaching long-term
implications on our polity.
The suggested changes will
also affect the public life of
India in multiple ways.
Therefore, in my view,
extreme caution and due dili-
gence should precede any
change in the existing
statutes. This can only be
achieved through wide-rang-
ing consultations and discus-
sions with all stakeholders
before Parliament legislates
on such issues.”
Calling for the detailed
views of jurists, public
activists, human rights work-
ers and the general public to
“create a consensually
accepted platform” before
embarking “on any such exer-
cise which permanently
changes the criminal-penal
landscape of the country”,
Ms Banerjee suggested delib-
erations on such “extremely
important legislation” by a
“new government” after next
year’s Lok Sabha election.
The CM also said her gov-
ernment’s “relevant com-
ments” had been sent to the
Rajya Sabha secretariat after
a detailed examination of the
three bills.
and Rajasthan are sation. Some prominent claim that full-fledged direct command of the PM. for each of the rat-hole min-
expected to be replaced, faces are likely to find a changes are just around “He was in direct command ing experts who took part in
as are those of place in the newly-con- the corner and the new of the entire operation. the rescue operation.
Maharashtra and stituted AICC. team will be in place Mobilisation of machines After the CM’s visit, all the
Madhya Pradesh. Apart from this, a pub- shortly. The Congress and equipment from across workers were airlifted in
Insiders claim that the lic insight group, an feels that after the the country was possible the Indian Air Force’s
Congress president has election management results of the five only due to daily briefings Chinook helicopter to
drawn up a list of lead- committee and public Assembly elections, its with the PM,” Mr Dhami AIIMS Rishikesh for anoth-
ers who should be put in affairs committee will chances for the Lok said. er 24 hours of observation.
major positions. The cri- be set up by the Sabha 2024 will be great- Earlier in the morning, Mr Later, the Uttarakhand chief
teria has been taken Congress chief. These ly enhanced. The party Dhami visited the minister formally wel-
from the Udaipur decla- will oversee the party’s therefore wants to see Chinayalisaur makeshift comed family members of
ration of the party, poll management for the new faces to lead the hospital in Uttarkashi, the rescued workers at his
which specifies that 2024 Lok Sabha elec- charge to ensure that the where the 41 rescued work- residence in Dehradun and
young leaders and tions. Mr Kharge has momentum is sustained. ers were kept under had dinner with them.
 EDIT
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
pg 5

Subhani

30 NOVEMBER 2023

Miracle in Himalayas, but

don’t forget eco-lessons
A
ll’s well that ends well. There was an authentic ring to the cliché as a
dazed but healthy-enough group of 41 workers emerged from the
Silkyara tunnel into the bright rescue lights of an Uttarkashi night
and set off moments of national rejoicing. Their fortitude, even equa-
nimity, in the face of spine-chilling life-or-death adversity, enabled them to sur-
vive an ordeal no one would wish on their worst enemies.
Not since the tsunami of 2004 could a national disaster relief effort have been
so focused on rescue as multiple agencies worked tirelessly to come to the aid
of hapless workers stuck in subterranean darkness. This was a truly emotion-
al moment filling millions with the joy of life triumphing over death, spirit
over despair and mental strength over a physically draining challenge.
Besides the hardy 41 who withstood confinement for 400 hours since Diwali,
there were multiple heroes like the NDRF, auger machine operators and an
international tunnelling expert who joined in prayers too, but none more than
the dozen rat-miners who enabled the last mile res-
In subdividing the cue, crawling into a claustrophobic pipe on hands
Char Dham and knees and lying there for hours to cut through
project into less rock and debris.
The rat-hole miners are experts at a mining task

Public discourse standards

than 100-km that is banned now. They demonstrated their
stretches of adroit ways in frighteningly confined spaces, LETTERS
highways, a using drills, cutters, hands and fingers to break the
clever stratagem debris and haul it out of the tunnel after even a
gigantic machine with claw-like rotor blades had
PALESTINIAN VACUUM
was used to failed, adding its broken parts to enhance the diffi-

fall, distorted by EC’s bias Western diplomats are

bypass culties of tackling the last 12 metres to enable free-
environmental ing the trapped workers. seeking that the Palestinian
scrutiny umph It was no exaggeration to say that this was a tri-
of teamwork of around 650 rescue personnel Authority will fill the politi-
at its best even if the effort was very Indian in that the rescue gathered pace cal vacuum anticipated
gradually rather than starting with a bang and throwing every available If the Rythu Bandhu remain weapons. Words
resource into the job without waiting for “Made in India” experiments to begin have the power to conjure after the potential disman-
payout, for a
the rescue in earnest.
scheme almost 10
myriad responses. The tling of Hamas in Gaza.
The vertical drilling, thought of in desperation after delays to the logical hor-
izontal drilling, was too hazardous to contemplate given the high chances of a
Shikha Mukerjee years old, is a bribe,
worst possible response is
to get lured to play by the However, this choice is met
roof collapse and was given up when the rat-miners showed astonishing then the PMGKAY other side’s gambit. The with challenges, as the PA
progress. They needed no AI or technology with fancy acronyms to claw truism “if the cap fits” is is perceived as corrupt and
through debris that an angry mountain had spewed.
extension is also a politically dangerous. It is
Many factors may have contributed liberally to this ecological disaster. And bribe. The upgrade exactly how the BJP in need of new leadership.
lest we forget the lessons while moving on until the next big one strikes, the in the amount paid reacted to the “pannauti” Israeli Prime Minister
Himalayan tunnel collapse should remind man that toying with fragile moun- under the Ladli jibe; it ran to find shelter
Benjamin Netanyahu

T
tainous landscape is fraught with risk. In subdividing the Char Dham project he obvious
into less than 100-km stretches of highways, a clever stratagem was used to asymmetry in
bypass environmental scrutiny. the Election
There is a cost-to-benefit ratio to be considered in such projects that will pri- Commission’s
marily serve mass human movement, but into a sensitive mountainous zone response to the
that cannot take this kind of tourism load. Also, safety costing must be built “plummeting levels of
into projects so that building roads, dams, buildings, etc., do not end up the public discourse” is rep-
way the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel did. Skimping on safety is a weakness that rehensible as it is an irre-
must be avoided if Himalayan projects are to be successfully implemented sponsible and deliberate
without damaging the ecology and risking human lives. disregard for the indepen-
dence and impartiality it
was designed to uphold
by the Constitution.
Tracing the roots in the
litter of abusive
HC’s telling call on ED powers exchanges between the
two main national par-
ties, the BJP and the
Rashtra Samithi was bla-
tantly bribing voters by
announcing that `5,000
would be deposited on
November 29 in the Rythu
Bandhu accounts, the EC
put a stop to the disburse-
ment days before
Telangana votes on
November 30. The EC was
neither prompt nor
impartial when it failed to
haul up Mr Modi for
announcing the five-year
extension of the Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana
November 4, almost four
on
Behna scheme in
MP is also one.
sions, which would allow
voters to reach a consid-
ered decision on the mer-
its of programmes and
political agendas instead
of checking feverishly for
updates on social media
platforms for laughs.
Name-calling of the
“pappu”, “moorkhon ka
sardar” and “pannauti”
kind have value. These
labels polarise. They are
in the EC’s powers. The
problem with the EC is opposes placing the PA at
that its power to control
the Opposition’s message
the centre of post-conflict
is limited to the period of governance in Gaza. The
the elections. Once the PA expresses willingness to
counting in over, the com-
plaints and explanations play a role in Gaza only
have no effect. within a comprehensive
This round of Assembly
elections in five states has
peace plan involving Israel
revealed what scares the and the West Bank. Many
BJP as the defending doubt the PA’s ability to
champions. It is words
like “pannauti” because handle this task.
these are designed to
entertain and attack at
the same time. This is an
Amarjeet Kumar
Hazaribagh

I
t appears that the Indian courts have finally woken up to the gross Congress in election sea-
abuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), by the son, in Parliament and in
Enforcement Directorate (ED) by invoking its stringent provisions the times in between,
against people who are often political opponents of the ruling dispensa- which is pretty much all
tion. In a significant order, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held that the the time, is an exercise in
Central investigating agency can invoke the PMLA against an offence of futility.
criminal conspiracy punishable under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal The EC’s responsibility
Code only if the conspiracy is directed towards committing an offence or failure to fulfil its con-
specifically included in the schedule of the PMLA. A day earlier, the stitutional obligation is a
Madras high court stayed a summons issue to five district collectors in different matter. Armed
Tamil Nadu asking them to appear in person and furnish details of sand- with a set of rules and the
mining in their districts. Model Code of Conduct,
The Supreme Court’s order in effect stops the agency from invoking any which is not a law, the EC
alleged criminal activity as a scheduled offence and proceeding against the has limited power to con-
accused under PMLA. The ED, the agency specialised to dig out the pro- trol the terms of public
ceeds of crime, can rush in only when there is a plot that involves proceeds discourse. It does, howev-
of a crime prosecutable under PMLA. er, have the power to
Yet more significant is the ruling of the Madras high court which, in an issue notices, demand
interim order, told the agency that it cannot go on a fishing expedition to explanations, impose
identify possible offences under PMLA. It needs a predicate offence, nor- small penalties like tem-
mally being investigated by other agencies but involves the laundering of porarily stopping politi-
money, for the ED to start its investigation. cal campaigners from
The long and short of the judgments is that the agency must stop mas- addressing public meet-
querading as one empowered to investigate allegations of corruption. ings that in the peak cam-
There are the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) , the Central Vigilance paign period can be
Commission and the anti-corruption bureaus in states to investigate such deemed a punitive mea-
cases; and the ED’s service will be called in to discover the proceeds of sure.
such crime that the alleged offenders would have concealed. In the normal As soon as the BJP com-
course, the orders of the constitutional courts will resonate in the higher
echelons of the agency concerned. One can only hope that the ED — which
plained that Congress
leader Rahul Gandhi had
has, of late, been bent on casting its net wide in states not ruled by the BJP called its superstar cam-
— is paying attention. paigner Narendra Modi
“pannauti”, that seems to
have acquired a political
interpretation as a collo-
quial term for pickpocket,
the EC jumped to issue a
notice demanding an
explanation within days.
When Mr Modi called
Rahul Gandhi “moork-
THE ASIAN AGE hon ka sardar”, the leader
of fools, the Congress’
KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR complaint to the EC was
Editor Printer & Publisher
ignored. Depending on
THE ASIAN AGE office is located at: political allegiance, the
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002. Phone: voter and India’s always
(011) 23211124. willing to be entertained
Published and Printed on behalf of and for public is relishing this
◗ Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New
name calling.
Delhi 110 002 at BFL Infotech Ltd., C-9, Sector-III, Noida -201301.
◗ London: Quickmarsh Ltd, 8th Floor, Block 2, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, SE1 7NQ. After the BJP com-
RNI Registration number: 57290/94 plained that the Bharat
weeks after the Model
Code of Conduct came
into effect on October 9,
when the election sched-
ule for the five states were
announced.
If the Rythu Bandhu
payout, for a scheme
almost 10 years old, is a
bribe, then the PMGKAY
extension is also a bribe.
The upgrade in the
amount paid under the
Ladli Behna scheme in
Madhya Pradesh
announced by Shivraj
Singh Chouhan during
the campaign in violation
of the Model Code is as
much a bribe to the
increasing number and
significance of women
voters in the state.
The levels of public dis-
course are touching new
lows with every election.
In Chhattisgarh, Union
home minister Amit Shah
thundered that the state
government was an
“ATM” for the Gandhi
family. The BJP made the
same accusation during
the Karnataka elections
to no effect, since the
Congress won. The
Congress has likewise
linked the BJP’s affluence
and lavish election spend-
ing to funding from crony
capitalists through the
electoral bonds and other
pathways.
Out of poll season, the
public discourse is just as
violent and offensive. The
game of politics has sunk
to an exchange of abusive
labels rather than a seri-
ous, informed and critical
appraisal of policies, prac-
tices, actions and omis-
meant to draw blood.
Some labels by the sheer
length of time they have
been significant, like
“maut ka saudagar”, indi-
cate the barb is still firm-
ly lodged in the thin skin
of the target: namely
Gujarat’s former CM and
now Prime Minister
Modi. Every time Mr
Modi uses it, he knows it
will affect not only his
core support but the
newly-mobilised defend-
ers of the Sanatan
Dharam spin on
Hindutva and be a
reminder that the
Congress is “sympathetic
to terrorists”, engages in
“appeasement politics”
and is anti-national.
Since public discourse
is unlikely to hoist itself
out of the pit of abusive
labels, politicians have a
choice: develop a thicker
skin or counter the attack
with smarter political
messages. Running like a
cry-baby to the EC is a
tell-tale sign of insecurity.
The same is true of the all
too lopsided and obvious
raids, arrests and interro-
gations by the “agencies”:
ED, I-T, CBI, NIA; the
overuse of draconian
laws like the UAPA
against political rivals of
the BJP. The effectiveness
of these intercessions has
got blunted as the
Opposition has learnt to
turn them into a cam-
paign issue, making the
use of the ED, I-T, CBI,
NIA, etc an inappropriate
nuisance rather than a
scare.
Words were and will
entirely new game for
which the old BJP play-
book has no counter. As
the challenger, the
Congress must first score
victories and then pursue
its playful attacks further,
faster in the run-up to the
2024 general election.
As the defender, the BJP
has to find a strategy of
dodging the bullets and
containing its knee-jerk
reaction of running to the
EC to gag its foes. Using
the “agencies” is overkill
and in the public mind, is
an overbearing reaction
of a bully.
The best thing about
democracy, elections and
campaigning is the mes-
sage that political parties
attempt to deliver to vot-
ers to win support. The
BJP has its tested arsenal
of words and thoughts
that circle around the cen-
trality of the religious
majority to rule India in
its “Amrit Kaal”. The
Congress has its more
abstract and particular
appeal of “Nafrat ka
bazaar mohabbat ki
dukan” gift-wrapped in
the practical promise to
increase welfare spend-
ing.
In the intensely compet-
itive election politics, the
EC’s responsibility is not
to be a party pooper. It is
not equipped to play the
role. The more it sticks to
its basic function, the
healthier it will be for the
competition.
Shikha Mukerjee is a
senior journalist in
Kolkata
‘LET THEM EAT CAKE’
THE MANNER in which food is
wasted during wedding receptions is
sad to see. Particularly in a country
where there is so much malnutrition.
Even at restaurants diners are
unable to finish their portions. As a
result much of what should go into
the stomach goes into the dustbin.
There are some who ask for the left-
overs to be packed, but most feel dif-
fident when asking the restaurant
staff to do it. It should be made com-
pulsory for children at home to finish
whatever is served on the plate. Take
smaller portions at first and if yet
hungry take some more. But on no
account should food be wasted.
Because there is a considerable cost
and effort involved in getting food
from farm to the plate.
Anthony Henriques
Mumbai
MNREGA THIEVERY
THE DECISION of the ruling
Trinamul Congress to observe the
day of Amit Shah’s visit to the city to
attend a maga rally of the BJP as a
“Black Day” is quite justified. The
Centre must be made aware that the
people of the state are not prepared to
be denied anymore of their legitimate
dues under the MNREGA scheme.
Let the Centre be exposed as to how it
is deliberately causing immense
harm to the poorest of poor and are
yet not ashamed when it comes to
seeking their votes. Protests should
also be made against the continued
misuse of Central probe agencies.
Arun Gupta
Kolkata
Every Monday the best letter of
the week wins `500. Email:
asianage.letters@gmail.com.

I
n a gesture that blends the spiritual with
the sensational, a retired babu, S.
Lakshmi Narayanan, has elevated his
devotion to Lord Ram to an unprecedent-
Dilip Cherian ed level. The former Union home secretary
and 1970-batch IAS officer has willingly part-
ed ways with his life’s earnings, a whopping
Dilli Ka Babu `5 crores, donating them to his deity at the
grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which is
scheduled to open its doors in January 2024.
He has reportedly also donated all his mov-
bank accounts.
Interestingly, Mr Narayanan, who once
donned the hat of chairman in a major
finance company, has now exchanged his
material accoutrements for divine bliss. It’s a
plot twist that could rival a cinematic climax!
CENTRE’S STRATEGIC SHUFFLE IN J&K
In a surprise move, the Centre took the unex-
pected step of repatriating Atal Dulloo, the
Union secretary for border management, to
might have a different role in mind for Mr
Goel within the Government of India, possi-
bly at an apex scale post, even as the decks
have been cleared for Mr Dulloo’s appoint-
ment as the union territory’s top babu. This
adds an intriguing layer to the narrative in
Jammu & Kashmir, even as the Centre keeps
its cards close to its chest. The decisions
made in the coming days will not only impact
the state leadership but also reveal the
Centre’s larger vision for governance in this
in law than the other counsel. Such open
praise from the high court underlines
Chaturvedi's deep understanding of the legal
complexities that often accompany his
battles.
Mr Chaturvedi first hit the headlines when
he was posted in Haryana where he took on
corrupt politicians and senior bureaucrats
involved in mining, illegal felling and poach-
ing scams. After several years of harassment
and court cases, he was moved to Delhi as the

Ram Lalla to be able and immovable property to Ram Lalla.

Despite Mr Narayanan’s inclination
towards maintaining a low profile and shy-
ing away from public acknowledgement,
his cadre state, following a request from the
Union home ministry. The timing of the deci-
sion, just days ahead of the retirement of the
current chief secretary of Jammu &
strategically significant region. Watch this
space for updates.

WHISTLEBLOWER FOREST OFFICER

chief vigilance officer of the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where
too, he exposed large-scale corruption, which
led to his removal. At present, he is in

recipient of one news of his extraordinary donation was

revealed by the Temple Trust. Apparently,
after the consecration of Lord Ram, Mr
Kashmir, Arun Kumar Mehta, hints at a larg-
er strategic manoeuvre by the Centre, poten-
tially positioning Mr Dulloo as the frontrun-
PRAISED FOR LEGAL ACUMEN
A veteran of several court battles with the
government on corruption and other mal-
Uttarakhand, after a long protracted legal
battle to get his cadre changed from Haryana
to Uttarakhand.

retired babu’s Narayanan plans to top off his generosity by

committing to commission a hefty 151 kg
Ramcharitmanas, priced at `5 crores. This
colossal work, featuring 10,902 verses, will be
ner for the coveted post.
For several months, insiders speculated
about the extension of chief secretary
Mehta’s term, and the possible succession by
practices, whistle-blower Indian Forest
Service (IFoS) officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi has
earned the respect of the public and, now,
even the courts.
In these times tainted by widespread cor-
ruption, Mr Chaturvedi emerges as a beacon
of righteousness, undeterred by the heavy
price he pays for his steadfast stance. This

bhakti bonanza etched on copper pages dipped in emerald

and adorned with 24-carat gold letters. The
resultant work will be reverently placed near
Raj Kumar Goel. However, the Centre once
again displayed its penchant for surprises by
redirecting Mr Dulloo to his cadre state. This
A recent court hearing added another lau-
rel to the Magsaysay Award winner’s career
when the chief justice of a high court
fact is now recognised even by the judiciary.

Love them, hate them ignore them at national

the feet of Ram Lalla. To fund this magnum choice may bring about a fresh perspective to acknowledged Mr Chaturvedi’s legal acu- peril, is the babu guarantee and Dilip’s belief.
opus, Mr Narayanan is gearing up to liqui- the governance of J&K. men. The Chief Justice praised Mr Share significant babu escapades
date everything he owns, from properties to Some senior babus believe that the Centre Chaturvedi stating that he was better-versed dilipcherian@hotmail.com.
 WORLD
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
SHORT
MILITANT TIES:
TAKES
ASSETS OF 82
BODIES FROZEN
Ankara, Nov. 29: Turkey froze
the local assets of 20 organisat-
ions and 62 people based in Au-
stralia, Japan and various Eur-
opean countries, citing alleged
ties with Kurdish militant gr-
oup PKK, a decision published
in the Official Gazette showed.
Turkey’s ministry of treas-
ury and finance said the decisi-
on was “based on the existence
of reasonable grounds” that
they committed acts falling
within the scope of the law on
preventing the financing of ter-
rorism.
MALI OPENS
‘TERROR’ PROBE
INTO JIHADISTS
Bamako, Nov. 29: Mali’s judici-
ary has announced an investi-
gation into several ethnic sepa-
ratists and Al-Qaeda-linked
jihadist leaders for terrorism
and money laundering, as secu-
rity deteriorates in the country.
Those being investigated incl-
ude Iyag Ag Ghaly, a Tuareg
militant and leader of Al-Qae-
da-linked coalition Support
Group for Islam and Muslims
(GSIM), and radical Fulani pre-
acher Amadou Koufa, who bel-
ongs to the same group, accord-
ing to instructions issued by
the Bamako Court of Appeal’s
public prosecutor on Tuesday
and shared with AFP.
AL-QAEDA LINKED
REBELS KILL 40 IN
BURKINA FASO
Abuja, Nov. 29: At least 40 ci-
vilians were killed last weeke-
nd by al-Qaeda-linked rebels tr-
ying to take control of a besieg-
ed town in Burkina Faso’s
northern region, the United
Nations’ rights office said, call-
ing the attack a war crime.
In one of the largest clashes
in recent years, a large number
of fighters tried to take control
of Djibo near Mali’s border.
The town, located 210 kilome-
tres from the capital, Ouagado-
ugou, has been under blockade
by rebels for more than a year,
often struggling to provide
essential services.
HOSPITALISED
KUWAIT’S EMIR
REPORTED STABLE
Dubai, Nov. 29: The ruling emir
of oil-rich Kuwait was ho-
spitalised on Wednesday “due
to an emergency health probl-
em” but later reported to be in
stable condition, renewing the
longstanding concerns over his
health since he became ruler in
2020. The report by the state-
run KUNA news agency did not
elaborate on the problem faced
by 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al
Ahmad Al Sabah.
However, Sheikh Nawaf has
handed over power several tim-
es during his rule to his deputy
while facing medical checks
and other issues.
U.S. MILITARY
CRAFT CRASHES
OFF JAPAN
Tokyo, Nov. 29: Japan’s Coast
Guard has found a person and
debris in the ocean where a US
military Osprey aircraft carry-
ing eight people crashed on
Wednesday off southern Jap-
an, officials said.
The cause of the crash and
the status of the person and the
others on the aircraft were not
immediately known, Coast Gu-
ard spokesperson Kazuo Oga-
wa said.
The Coast Guard received an
emergency call from a fishing
boat near the crash site off
Yakushima, an island south of
Kagoshima on the southern
main island of Kyushu, Ogawa
added.
POPE LIMITS
SPEAKING AT
PUBLIC EVENT
Vatican City, Nov. 29: Pope
Francis sounded wheezy and
limited his speaking at a public
event on Wednesday, a day after
he cancelled a trip to the COP28
climate summit in Dubai beca-
use of health issues.
“Dear brothers and sisters
good morning and welcome,”
the 86-year-old pontiff said at
his weekly audience, held indo-
ors in the Vatican’s Paul IV
hall. He then said an aide
would read his main text in his
place, “since I am still not well
with this flu and (my) voice is
not nice”.
On Tuesday, the Vatican said
Francis would no longer make
a planned three-day trip to
Dubai, starting Friday.
Final day: Israel, Hamas seek Domestic work
visa renewal to
new deal to extend Gaza truce aid Indians in US
60 hostages freed by Hamas, Israel released 180 Palestinian prisoners
Gaza, Jerusalem, Nov. 29:
Israel and Hamas were
negotiating through medi-
ators on Wednesday over
another likely extension of
the Gaza truce, with hours
left to reach a deal before
fighting was due to restart
after a six-day pause.
Families of Israeli host-
ages were informed on
Wednesday of the names
of those due to be released
later in the day, Israel’s
public broadcaster Kan
reported, the final group
to be freed under the truce
unless negotiators succe-
ed in extending it.
Gaza’s Hamas rulers pu-
blished a list of 15 women
and 15 teenagers to be
released from Israeli jails
in return. For the first
time since the truce began
it included Palestinian cit-
izens of Israel, as well as
residents of occupied ter-
ritory.
A Palestinian official
told Reuters that despite a
willingness on both sides
to prolong the truce, no
agreement had yet been
reached. Discussions were
still under way with medi-
ators Egypt and Qatar, the
official said.
Israeli government spok-
esperson Eylon Levy said
Israel would consider any
serious proposal, though
he declined to provide fur-
ther details.
“We are doing everythi-
ng we can in order to get
those hostages out. Nothi-
ng is confirmed until it is
confirmed,” Levy told rep-
orters in Tel Aviv. “We’re
talking about very sensi-
tive negotiations in which
human lives hang in the
balance.” Once the release
of hostages ends, the fight-
ing will resume, he said:
“This war will end with
the end of Hamas.”
So far Gaza militants
have freed 60 Israeli wom-
Abdul Moyeen Khan
CRACKDOWN BUT
PROTESTS TO GO
ON: B’DESH OPPN
Dhaka, Nov. 29: Bangla-
desh’s main opposition
party said on Wednesd-
ay it would continue its
anti-government protes-
ts despite what a rights
group called an “auto-
cratic crackdown”.
The Bangladesh Natio-
nalist Party (BNP), who-
se top leadership is eit-
her jailed or in exile, has
already said it will boy-
cott the election if PM
Sheikh Hasina does not
resign and allow a care-
taker government to
oversee the Jan. 7 poll.
At least four people
have been killed and
hundreds injured in vio-
lent protests, police said.
“Our peaceful and de-
mocratic protest progra-
mmes will continue des-
pite crackdown on BNP,
until the voting rights of
the people are restored,”
Abdul Moyeen Khan, an
ex-minister and member
of the BNP’s highest pol-
icy-making body, told
Reuters. — Reuters
NZ plans to ban
phones in schools
Wellington, Nov. 29: New
Zealand’s new PM plans
to ban cellphone use in
schools and repeal tobac-
co controls in the ambi-
tious agenda he released
on Wednesday for his first
100 days in office.
Christopher Luxon out-
lined 49 actions he said
his conservative govern-
ment intended to take
over the next three mon-
ths.
The first new law he
planned to pass would
narrow the central bank’s
mandate to focus purely
on keeping inflation in
check, he said.
That would change the
BIBI SPAWNING ANTI-SEMITISM: ERDOGAN
● Germany’s domestic intelligence
chief on Wednesday warned that
the risk of Islamist attacks is “real
and higher than it has been for a
long time” because of the
Israel-Hamas war.
● Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan on Wednesday branded
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu “the butcher of Gaza”
and accused him of spawning
anti-Semitism across the world.
● Five premature babies have
been found dead at a hospital in
Gaza City during a pause in fight-
ing between Israel and Hamas, the
Hamas-run health ministry said on
Wednesday.
● G7 foreign ministers called
Wednesday on
Iran-backed Houthi rebels to
cease threats to
international shipping and
to release a vessel they
seized earlier this
month.
en and children from amo-
ng the 240 hostages they
seized in a deadly rampa-
ge on Oct. 7 under the deal
that secured the war’s first
truce. Twenty-one foreign-
ers, mainly Thai farmwor-
kers, were also freed und-
er separate parallel deals.
In return, Israel has relea-
sed 180 Palestinian securi-
ty detainees, all women
and teenagers.
The initial four-day truce
was extended by 48 hours
from Tuesday, and Israel
says it would be willing to
prolong it further for as
long as Hamas frees 10
hostages a day. But with
fewer women and children
still in captivity, that could
mean agreeing to terms
governing the release of at
least some Israeli men for
the first time.
Imran names successor for poll
Islamabad, Nov. 29: Jailed
former Pakistani Prime
Minister Imran Khan’s
party said on Wednesday
that he had named one of
his lawyers as his tempor-
ary stand-in to contest the
position of party head.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehre-
ek-e-Insaf (PTI) party rele-
ased a video showing bar-
rister Gohar Khan annou-
ncing his nomination.
“I will fill in for Imran
Khan,” the nominee said,
adding that Khan was and
will always remain party
chief. The party needs a
new chairman to hold
elections scheduled for
Saturday to elect a new
party chairman and other
office bearers as former
national cricketing hero
Khan, being a convict, is
barred from taking part.
The Election Commissi-
on of Pakistan (ECP) last
week gave the party 20
days to hold the intra-pa-
rty elections, which are
needed for it to keep the
cricket bat as its election
symbol. Barrister Ali
Zafar, another of Khan’s
lawyers, said that the rep-
lacement was just a baby-
sitting arrangement.
Khan was convicted and
sentenced to three years
in prison in August on cor-
ruption charges.
General elections are
scheduled for Feb. 8, 2024,
with Khan’s party facing
former prime minister
Nawaz Sharif ’s Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz
party as its main oppo-
nent. — Reuters
Reserve Bank’s current
dual focus on low inflati-
on and high employment.
Many of the actions in
the 100-day plan involve
repealing initiatives from
the previous liberal gov-
ernment, which had been
in office for six years.
The new efforts include
a plan to double renewa-
ble energy production.
Luxon said many of the
measures were aimed at
improving the economy.
Many of the plans are
proving contentious, incl-
uding the one to repeal to-
bacco curbs approved last
year by the previous gov-
ernment. — AP
Ahmad Salaima, a 14-year-old Palestinian, released under an extended truce
deal between Israel and Hamas group, embraces his father as his mother
(L) looks on at his home in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.
Looking at the next couple of days, we’ll be focused on doing what
we can to extend the pause so that we continue to get more
hostages out and more humanitarian assistance in.
Tuesday’s release also
included for the first time
hostages held by Islamic
Jihad, a separate militant
group, as well as by Hamas
itself. The ability of Ham-
as to secure the release of
hostages held by other fac-
tions had been an issue in
earlier talks.
The truce has brought
the first respite to a war
launched by Israel to anni-
hilate Hamas after the “Bl-
ack Shabbat” raid by gun-
men who killed 1,200 peo-
ple on the Jewish rest day,
according to Israel’s tally.
Israeli bombardment has
since reduced much of
Gaza to a wasteland, with
more than 15,000 people
confirmed killed, 40% of
them children, according
to Palestinian health auth-
orities. — Reuters
Court: FIR against
PM over students
Islamabad, Nov. 29: A top
Pakistani court ordered
the registration of a case
against caretaker PM
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar if
the government failed to
ensure the recovery of 28
missing Baloch students.
“The Islamabad High Co-
urt on Wednesday ordered
the federal government to
recover all missing Baloch
students, warning that a
case would be registered
against the caretaker PM
if they failed to ensure
their recovery of the stu-
dents,” Geo News said in a
report. The newspaper att-
ributed the remarks to
IHC Justice Mohsin Akht-
ar Kayani as saying duri-
ng a hearing of a case
regarding the implemen-
tation of the recommend-
ations of the Commission
of Inquiry on Enforced
Disappearances.
Attorney General for
Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor
Usman Awan told the
court that 22 Baloch stu-
dents had been recovered
and reached home but 28
were still missing.
“Efforts will be made to
recover all the missing pe-
rsons,” he said. Express-
ing displeasure, Justice
Kayani termed the miss-
ing persons as “a matter of
basic human rights,” and
citing a report, said there
LONDON | TO NY
1st fossil-fuel free trans-Atlantic flight
London, Nov. 29: The first
commercial airliner to
cross the Atlantic on a pu-
rely high-fat, low-emissio-
ns fuel flew on Tuesday
from London to New York
in a step toward achieving
what supporters called
“jet zero”.
The Virgin Atlantic
Boeing 787 flight was pow-
ered without using fossil
fuels, relying on so-called
sustainable aviation fuel
made up largely of tallow
and other waste fats.
“The world will always
assume something can’t
be done, until you do it,”
said Virgin founder Richa-
rd Branson, who was abo-
— ANTONY BLINKEN,
US secretary of state
Nine-year-old only
‘whispers’: Father
London, Nov. 29: Emily
Hand, the nine-year-old
girl released after Hamas
held her hostage for 50
days, will now only talk in
whispers having been ord-
ered to stay silent by her
captors, her father told
British tabloid The Sun.
“She was a normal hap-
py noisy kid but now she
whispers — she was mov-
ing her lips with no volu-
me or even air coming
out,” Thomas Hand was
quoted as saying.
“She’s got used to talk-
ing like that for the past 50
is “no law and order in the
country.” If the missing
persons are not recovered,
the IHC judge said, he will
order the registration of
the first information repo-
rt (FIR) against caretaker
Prime Minister Kakar and
interim interior minister
Sarfraz Bugti.
“I am stating this in very
clear words,” he said. The
judge’s warning comes
after the caretaker Prime
Minister Kakar failed to
appear before the court as
summoned by the IHC on
Wednesday. Kakar had
said he would skip the he-
aring owing to his official
visit to the Gulf countries.
Justice Kayani said the
defence secretary and the
interior secretary would
also be held responsible if
Baloch students were not
recovered and asked the
authorities concerned to
present the missing per-
sons in court “even if they
are terrorists.”
“If the trial of Indian
spy Kulbhushan Jadhav
can be held, then anyone
can be tried if they had
committed a crime.” The
IHC directed to provide
the details of the families
of all the missing persons
to the government com-
mittee and asked the inte-
rior minister to meet the
Baloch families. — PTI
Commercial airline took step towards achieving jet zero
ard the flight with others,
including corporate and
government officials, engi-
neers and journalists.
The UK transport depar-
tment, which provided £1
million ($1.27 million) to
plan and operate the flig-
ht, called the test a huge
step towards “jet zero” to
make air travel more envi-
ronmentally friendly, tho-
ugh large hurdles remain
in making the fuel widely
available.
While governments have
long talked about decarbo-
nising air travel, the tran-
sition has been moving at
the pace of a dirigible.
Sustainable aviation
— AFP
days and now I guess she
can't stop,” he said, adding
he will now do “whatever
it takes” to aid her recov-
ery. Irish-Israeli citizen
Emily was sleeping over
at a friend’s house on the
Beeri kibbutz when Ham-
as militants stormed the
compound and took her
hostage on October 7.
Her father presumed she
had been killed.
Hand told the newspaper
that he was “obviously
extremely happy and
grateful” she had been
returned. — AFP
MAY 9 VIOLENCE
BID TO OUST GEN.
MUNIR: SHEHBAZ
Lahore, Nov. 29: Pakista-
n’s former prime minister
Shehbaz Sharif said on
Wednesday that the unpre-
cedented violence, includ-
ing the attacks on key mil-
itary installations, followi-
ng former premier Imran
Khan’s arrest in May was
an attempt to topple Army
Chief Gen Asim Munir.
Shehbaz made the
remarks while speaking to
reporters after his appear-
ance in the accountability
court in a corruption case.
Taking an indirect dig at
the 71-year-old Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) par-
ty chief Khan, who is in
jail in the cipher case, for
trying to topple the incum-
bent Army chief through
a planned conspiracy on
May 9, Sharif said the fa-
cilitators of the unprece-
dented attacks are the
“state enemies”.
“On May 9, an attempt
was made to topple the
Army chief. No one...be it
(a) democracy or dictator-
ship tolerates treason. Th-
ereby, the action is being
taken against the May 9
culprits,” Sharif, 72, said.
Sharif further said no
concession should be
given to the facilitators of
the May 9 vilence as all
these people were “state
enemies”. — PTI
A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 passenger airplane
arrives following a flight from London to Seattle. — AP
fuel, which reduces green-
house gas emissions by
about 70 per cent, is the
best near-term way for the
international aviation
industry to achieve its net
Washington, Nov. 29: In a
move that will benefit a
significantly large num-
ber of Indian technology
professionals, the US is
set to begin a pilot prog-
ramme for domestic rene-
wal of certain categories
of H-1B visas in Dece-
mber. The H-1B visa is a
non-immigrant visa that
allows US companies to
employ foreign workers
in speciality occupations
that require theoretical
or technical expertise.
Technology companies
depend on it to hire tens
of thousands of employ-
ees each year from coun-
tries like India and Chi-
na. The pilot programme
which will be limited to
20,000 participants initial-
ly comes months after the
White House announced
the plan during the state
visit of PM Narendra
Modi in June.
Julie Stufft, deputy assi-
stant secretary of state
for visa services, said, “In
India, the demand (for US
visas) is still very high.
The wait time of six,
eight and 12 months is not
what we need and (it is)
not indicative of how we
view India.”
“We want to make sure
that Indian travellers can
get appointments as quic-
kly as possible. One way
we are doing that is thr-
ough the domestic visa re-
Russia proposes
‘loyalty’ pledge
for foreigners
Moscow, Nov. 29: Foreig-
ners entering Russia co-
uld be required to sign a
“loyalty agreement” upon
arrival, pledging not to
criticise Moscow’s offens-
ive in Ukraine, under new
rules being prepared by
the interior ministry.
Russia has waged an un-
precedented crackdown
on dissent and ahead of a
2024 presidential election,
expected to prolong Presi-
dent Vladimir Putin’s
rule until at least 2030.
The move would oblige
foreigners to comply with
strict laws banning criti-
cism of the conflict in
Ukraine, and not to make
positive statements about
the LGBTQ community,
the state-run TASS news
agency reported.
TASS, citing a draft doc-
ument, said the foreigner
would “agree, by entering
Russia, to comply with
prohibitions established
with the aim of protecti-
ng the national interests
of Russia.” The person
would agree not to “discr-
edit in any form the fore-
ign and domestic state po-
licy of the Russian Feder-
ation.” The foreigner wo-
uld also comply with not
sharing public informati-
on about LGBTQ relatio-
nships, under Russian le-
gislation, and refrain
from “distorting the hist-
orical truth” of the Soviet
role in World War II.
TASS said the document
would soon be put to the
Duma, Russia’s lower ho-
use of Parliament. It gave
no details on what kind of
punishment individuals
could face for breaking
the agreement. The Kre-
mlin refused to comment
on the possible new rules
at a briefing with journal-
ists. Central Asian migra-
zero target by 2050, the US
energy department said,
though it called the goal
aspirational.
The US government acc-
ountability office said that
pg 6
Because Indians are
the largest skilled gro-
up of workers in the US, we
hope that India will benefit
from this programme and it
will prevent people from
having to travel back to
India or anywhere for a visa
appointment to get their visa
renewed.
— JULIE STUFFT
US deputy assistant secretary
of state for visa services
newal programme, which
is focused very much on
India. We are piloting
that,” she said.
Over a period of three
months, beginning in De-
cember, the state depart-
ment will be issuing
20,000 visas to foreign
nationals who are already
inside the country. “We
will do 20,000 in the first
group. The vast majority
of those will be Indian
nationals living in the US
and we will expand as it
goes on.
“Because Indians are
the largest skilled group
of workers in the US, we
hope that India will bene-
fit quite a bit from this
programme and it will
prevent people from hav-
ing to travel back to India
or anywhere for a visa
appointment to get their
visa renewed. — PTI
RUSSIA, UKRAINE
STILL BATTLE ON
● Russia said on
Wednesday its armed
forces had taken control
of Khromove, a small vil-
lage on the outskirts of
Bakhmut in Ukraine’s
eastern Donetsk region.
● Ukraine said on
Wednesday that its
Air Force had
destroyed near-
ly two dozen
Russian attack
drones and several mis-
siles in Moscow's latest
aerial assault on targets
across the country.
● Russia said Western
nations tried to prevent
its officials from attend-
ing the annual ministerial
conference of the pan-
European security body
OSCE. Russian foreign
minister Sergei
Lavrov, under
European sanc-
tions, had to ask
permission to fly over EU
airspace to attend the
two-day meeting,
● Former US marine Paul
Whelan has been attac-
ked by another inmate in
a Russian prison where
he is serving out a term
on espionage
charges he
denies, his
brother has said
in a statement.
nts make up a large group
of foreigners in Russia
and been a target of rec-
ruitment drives for fight-
ing in Ukraine. — AFP
while domestic production
of the fuel had jumped
from about 2 million gallo-
ns in 2016 to 15.8 million
gallons in 2022, it account-
ed for less than 0.1 per cent
of the jet fuel used by ma-
jor US airlines. It was also
a drop in the bucket comp-
ared to the goal of produc-
ing 1 billion gallons a year
set in 2018 by the Federal
Aviation Administration.
The White House, mean-
while, set a goal two years
ago to produce 3 billion
gallons of sustainable avi-
ation fuel per year by 2030
and 100 per cent of domes-
tic commercial jet fuel by
2050. — AP
 NEW DELHI | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023
quick Nifty crosses 20K-mark,
BITES BSE m-cap hits $4 trillion
INDICATORS % RAVI RANJAN PRASAD
Sensex 66,901.91 1.10
Nifty 50 20,096.60 1.04
S&P 500* 4,568.19 0.29
Dollar (`) 83.32 0.03
Pound Sterling (`)
105.73 -0.46
Euro (`) 91.52 -0.25
Gold (10gm)* (`) 62,400▲15 0.02
Brent crude ($/bbl)* 82.78 1.35
IN 10-Yr bond yield 7.251 0.022
US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 4.288 -0.048
* As of 8:30 PM IST
DTDC has plans to
enable sellers on
ONDCs network
DTDC Express, an integrated
express logistics company,
joins Open Network for Digital
Commerce(ONDC). The logis-
tics company plans to leverage
its expertise in Express and
standard B2C deliveries for
ONDC’s network of 1.5 lakh
sellers and small- entrepre-
neurs. DTDC with its network
of 15,000 channel partners
aspires to achieve 1,500 -
2,000 shipments per day by
the end of this year.
Lloyd inks pact
for presence in
Middle East
Havells India said its consumer
durables brand Lloyd has for-
ayed into the Middle East mar-
ket through a distribution part-
nership with Dubai-based
TeknoDome. Lloyd’s focus will
be on energy-efficient prod-
ucts. It has introduced premi-
um range ACs, front-load and
semi-automatic washing
machines, frost-free and side-
by-side refrigerators and LED
TV range, Havells India said in
a statement.
Capacit’e bags
projects worth
`101 crore
Mumbai-based engineering,
procurement and construction
firm Capacit'e Infraprojects
said that it has bagged a proj-
ect worth `101 crore from
Tridhaatu Aranya Developers
LLP. Managing director and
chief executive officer Rahul
Katyal said that the order
inflow for the current financial
year, along with existing order
book, will enable the company
to deliver good growth in the
coming quarters.
Aditya Birla Sun’s
logistics-themed
fund raises `800 cr
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC said
it has collected nearly `800 cr
through its transport and logis-
tics scheme during the new
fund offering (NFO) period.
The asset management compa-
ny mobilised the amount from
its thematic fund, Aditya Birla
Sun Life Transport and
Logistics Fund, during the NFO
period from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10.
It reopened for subscription on
Nov.21. It received response
from 53,777 investors.
Printed & Published by
K. Sudhakar on behalf of
Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited.
Printed at BFL Infotech Ltd, C-9 Sector
3, Noida-201301. Published at 219, N D
Tiwari Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay
Marg, New Delhi-110002.
Editor: Kaushik Mitter, RNI
Registration number 30074/09,
Air surcharge Re 1. © All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or
in part without written permission of
The Editor,
Financial Chronicle ® is prohibited.
Market saw momentum on listing gains of ongoing IPOs
MUMBAI, NOV. 29
NSE’s benchmark index
Nifty-50 crossed 20,000
mark once again after a
gap of more than two
months and BSE’s market
capitalisation flirted with
the $4-trillion mark in
Wednesday trading.
Supported by all round
buying the benchmark
indices gained more than
one per cent as the Nifty-
50 index closed at 20,096.6
up 1.04 per cent or 206.9
points while the Sensex
closed at 66,901.9 up 727.7
points or 1.1 per cent.
The broader market also
rallied with Nifty midcap
100 index up 0.8 per cent
and Nifty smallcap 100
index up 1.03 per cent.
BSE’s Mid-cap index
gained 0.7 per cent while
BSE smallcap index
gained 0.4 per cent.
BSE’s market capitalisa-
tion hit a new all time
Global lending bodies to work on tokenisation
London, Nov. 29: Three of
the world’s cornerstone
institutions, the
International Monetary
Fund (IMF), the World
Bank and the Bank for
International Settlements
(BIS), are to work together
for the first time to
“tokenise” some of the
financial instruments that
underpin their global
work, a BIS official said.
The trio will also work
with Switzerland's central
bank which has been pio-
neering tokenisation, the
Govt mulling mandatory Indian realty gets $23 bn from global investors
labour unique identifier
New Delhi, Nov. 29: The
government on Wedne-
sday said it will make a
unique identifier manda-
tory for all building and
construction workers
across the country to
ensure that migrant work-
ers' rights are protected.
This identifier, which
will be linked to Aadhaar
and integrated into the e-
Shram database, will facil-
itate the portability of
benefits.
“It doesn’t matter if any-
one is in Delhi today or
Mumbai tomorrow, the
family’s entitlements
should remain accessi-
ble,” labour secretary Arti
Ahuja said.
The senior official made
the remarks while
addressing the “The
Migration Conclave”,
organised by the All India
Organisation of
Employers and FICCI,
with the support of the
International
Organisation.
Labour
The upcoming adden-
dum, expected to be
released within the next
week, will further elabo-
rate on these reforms.
Ahuja addressed the
challenges posed by the
increasing use of unregis-
tered outsourced labour
through contractors.
The four labour codes
will require contractors to
provide comprehensive
benefits to these workers,
NEW | FEATURE
Amazon brings new chatbot for AWS users
Las Vegas, Nov. 29:
Amazon is trying to lure
big corporate customers
to its AWS cloud comput-
ing service with a new
chatbot for businesses,
and by offering to guard
them against legal and
reputational damage that
can come from the output
of artificial intelligence.
The new chatbot, called
Q, is designed to help with
productivity by helping
workers summarise key
documents and support
tickets and chat via com-
munication apps such as
Slack, the company
announced at its annual
cloud computing confer-
high of over `333.26 lakh
crore and for the first time
crossed $3.99 to $4 trillion
at current dollar/rupee
exchange rate of `83.31/32
per dollar.
Meanwhile, Ireda shares
made their debut with 56
per cent premium at `50
per share against the
issue price of `32 per
share of `10 face value
and gained a 87.4 per cent
and closed locked in the
upper circuit at `59.9 on
BSE as its market cap
soared to `16,123.90 crore.
The market is poised to
remain volatile on Friday
process of turning con-
ventional assets into
uniquely coded “tokens”
that can be used in faster
new systems.
Their collaboration will
initially focus on simple
but still paper-based
processes such as when
richer countries donate
some of the World Bank’s
funds to support poorer
parts of the world.
That original pledge can
be in the form of what is
known as a “promissory
note.” It is that note that
aligning with the provi-
sions of the Interstate
Migrant Workmen Act.
These include minimum
wages, occupational safe-
ty, and access to basic
amenities like toilets and
worksite creches.
The ministry also plans
to implement measures
ensuring adequate shelter,
sanitation, and awareness
of entitlements at these
locations, Ahuja said.
She also emphasised on
the importance of a tri-
partite mechanism involv-
ing workers’ organisa-
tions to address specific
concerns of
tries.
migrant
workers within indus-
Satoshi Sasaki, deputy
director, International
Labour Organisation,
underscored the signifi-
cance of labour migration
in the current and future
labour market. He high-
lighted the opportunities
and challenges migrant
workers face, exacerbated
by the Covid-19 pandem-
ic’s impact on decent work
access. — PTI
Will help workers summarise key documents and support tickets
ence Tuesday in Las
Vegas. The software can
also automatically make
changes to businesses
source code, speeding
development, the compa-
ny said.
The new software
arrives roughly a year
after OpenAI’s ChatGPT
burst onto the scene, set-
ting off a frenzy of invest-
ment in generative AI
startups. Alphabet and
others have announced
their own chatbots, which
can have human-like con-
versations with users to
help with daily tasks.
AWS chief executive offi-
cer Adam Selipsky, at
● IREDA SHARES
made their debut
with 56 per cent
premium and gained
a 87.4 per cent and
closed at `59.9 on
BSE as its market
cap soared to
`16,123.9 crore.
and Monday on account of
the five state Assembly
Elections verdict due on
Sunday, December 3.
Meanwhile NSE’s
volatility index India VIX
climbed up 4.37 per cent to
12.71 indicating higher
volatility ahead, also on
account of monthly future
and options contracts
expiry scheduled
Thursday, November 30.
Most sectoral indices
on
rallied on Wednesday
leading to handsome
gains for the benchmark
indices Sensex and Nifty-
50 led by BSE bankex (1.6
could be tokenised, mak-
ing it easier to transfer
when required.
“We will work together
... to simplify the process
for making development
money available for
emerging and developing
economies,” BIS official
Cecilia Skingsley said at a
conference hosted by the
Atlantic Council think
tank in Washington.
She added that tokenisa-
tion also opens up the pos-
sibility of “encoding poli-
cy and regulatory require-
SANGEETHA G
CHENNAI, NOV. 29
Global investors have
pumped over $23 billion
into the Indian realty mar-
ket since 2018. The invest-
ment activity is expected
to remain robust in 2024 as
well.
Global investors have
infused over $23.3 billion
since 2018 and this
accounted for 77 per cent
of the total investments
Byju’s valuation erodes to
$3 bn from $22bn in 2022
SANGEETHA G
CHENNAI, NOV. 29
Once the most promising
startup in the ed-tech
space, Byju’s has seen its
valuation being slashed to
$3 billion by its investor
Prosus against $22 billion
in October 2022.
This is the second time
in a year that Prosus has
downgraded Byju's valua-
tion. Byju’s was last offi-
cially valued at over $22
billion in October 2022,
when it raised a $250 mil-
lion funding round. In
November last year,
Prosus first slashed the
fair value of Byju’s to
$5.97 billion and now to $3
billion.
Amazon’s annual cloud
computing conference in
Las Vegas, announced a
new safeguard against
objectionable content on
generative AI applica-
tions, called Guardrails
for Bedrock. The service
per cent), IT (1.3 per cent),
auto (1.5 per cent), oil &
gas (0.9 per cent), capital
goods(0.8 per cent) and
healthcare (0.75 per cent).
“The market saw incred-
ible upward momentum
today, Nifty surpassing
the 20,000 mark, driven by
strong listing gains of
ongoing IPOs and dovish
statements from US Fed
officials, intensifying
expectations for early rate
cuts. This was demon-
strated by the rise in mid
& small caps and drop in
US bond yields and dollar
index, said Vinod Nair,
head of research, Geojit
Financial Services.
“Indian IT, automotive,
banking, and oil & gas led
the overall momentum,
while real estate is lag-
ging. Looking ahead,
investors will closely mon-
itor the OPEC+ meeting,
and India’s GDP data to
assess the short-term tra-
jectory,” Nair said.
ments” into a “common
protocol” for tackling
problems such as interna-
tional money laundering.
She also touched on the
new breed of central bank
digital currencies
(CBDCs), repeating calls
for some global rules and
technology standards so
they can work with exist-
ing payment systems.
“Do these standards
need to be implemented
early on or else they would
be difficult to change
later?” — Reuters
received by the sector dur-
ing this period. The US
remains the top investor
contributing to about 44
per cent of the foreign
inflows, followed by
Canada and APAC at 25
per cent share each.
India remains one of the
fastest growing economies
of the world at 6.3 per cent
in 2024. Investments into
India have seen a strong 27
per cent y-o-y growth so
far in 2023. From the lens
In July, Prosus’ repre-
sentative on Byju’s board,
Russell Dreisenstock
stepped down from the
company. Prosus stated
that Byju’s had poor
reporting and governance
structures.
Following delayed finan-
cial results, and the resig-
nation of its auditor,
Deloitte, Byju’s saw sever-
al board members exiting.
● THE NEW
software arrives
roughly a year after
OpenAI’s ChatGPT
burst onto the
scene, setting off a
frenzy of investment
in generative AI
startups.
allows users to filter out
harmful content, he said.
Because generative AI is
trained on publicly avail-
able content, offensive
words or other objection-
able content can slip
through into results from
NITI DEVELOPING
VISION DOCUMENT
TO MAKE INDIA
$30-TN ECONOMY
New Delhi, Nov. 29: Niti
Aayog chief executive
officer
Subrahmanyam Wedne-
BVR
sday said a vision docu-
ment is being prepared
for India to become a
developed economy of
about `30 trillion by
2047.
The draft ‘Vision
India @2047’ document
will outline the institu-
tional and structural
changes/ reforms that
will be needed for the
country to become a
developed nation by
2047, he said addressing
an event organised by
industry body FICCI.
In 2023, Niti Aayog
was entrusted with the
task of consolidating
the 10 sectoral thematic
visions into a combined
vision for Viksit Bharat
@2047.
Subrahmanyam said
the government wants
the college enrolment
rate in India to increase
from 27 per cent to 50-60
per cent. He said the
government is spending
huge money on higher
education and now
there is also a need to
revamp India’s educa-
tion sector.
“So, the college going
population would go up
from 4 crore to 8-9 crore.
So, we need a thousand
more universities, in
addition to the thou-
sand universities we
have today,” he said.
Observing that the
median age of half of
India’s population is
below 29 years, the Niti
top official said, “We
have a window of 25
years to exploit the
demographic potential
of India.” — PTI
● OFFICE SPACE
garnered the largest
portion of investments
since 2018 at $11.4 bn.
Residential realty
received $2.6 billion,
industrial and ware-
housing $2.5 billion.
of global and APAC
investors, the Indian real
estate market currently
offers stable returns
Along with Dreisenstock,
Chan Zuckerberg
Initiative’s Vivian Wu and
Peak XV Partners
(Sequoia Capital India)’s
GV Ravishankar also
stepped down in July.
Earlier in November,
Manipal Group chairman
Ranjan Pai bought out the
debt investment by the US
Hedge Fund Davidson
Kempner in a `1,400-crore
deal. According to reports,
Ranjan Pai has extended
around `250 crore in fresh
funding.
In Sept., Byju’s submit-
ted a proposal to lenders
expressing its intention to
fully repay its $1.2 billion
term loan B within the
upcoming six months.
users’ prompts. That is
particularly problematic
for younger users, in
times of global conflict or
during elections when
generative AI’s output in
search results can influ-
ence opinion.
Safety advocates have
cautioned that generative
AI could operate out of the
control of its human cre-
ators and pump out
increasingly dangerous
content or operate entire
systems without over-
sight. In particular, they
worry about the software
putting influential, and
convincing, content on
social media. — Reuters
India to benefit as
Walmart hopes to
cut China reliance
London/New York, Nov.
29: Walmart is importing
more goods to the United
States from India and
reducing its reliance on
China as it looks to cut
costs and diversify its sup-
ply chain.
The world’s largest
retailer shipped one quar-
ter of its US imports from
India between January
and August this year,
according to bill of lading
figures by data firm
Import Yeti. That com-
pared with just 2 per cent
in 2018.
Only 60 per cent of its
shipments came from
China during the same
period, down from 80 per
cent in 2018, the same data
shows. To be sure, China
is still Walmart's biggest
country for importing
goods.
The shift illustrates how
the rising cost of import-
ing from China and esca-
lating political tensions
between Washington and
Beijing are encouraging
large US companies to
import more from coun-
tries including India,
Thailand and Vietnam.
“We want the best
prices,” Andrea Albright,
Walmart’s executive vice
president of sourcing said
in an interview. “That
means I need resiliency in
our supply chains. I can'’t
be reliant on any one sup-
plier or geography for my
product because we’re
constantly managing
things from hurricanes
and earthquakes to short-
ages in raw materials.”
In a statement, Walmart
said the bill of lading data
painted a partial picture
of what it sourced and
that creating redundancy
paired with attractive
pricing, better valuations,
and higher yields.
“India is expected to
remain one of the fastest-
growing major global
economies, led by private
consumption and capital
formation. The opportuni-
ties to invest in India con-
tinue to spread across
office space, logistics, pri-
vate credit, residential,
and data centres”, said
Piyush Gupta, managing
Charlie Munger
WARREN BUFFET’S
TRUSTED AIDE
CHARLIE MUNGER
DIES AT 99
New York, Nov. 29:
Warren Buffett’s trusted
confidante Charlie
Munger died on Tuesday
at age 99, leaving a void at
Berkshire Hathaway that
investors said would be
impossible to fill despite
the conglomerate's well-
established succession
plan.
Berkshire said Munger
died peacefully at a hospi-
tal in California, where he
lived. No cause was given.
Munger would have
turned 100 on Jan. 1.
“Berkshire Hathaway
could not have been built
to its present status with-
out Charlie's inspiration,
wisdom and participa-
tion,”Buffett, Berkshire’s
93-year-old chairman and
chief executive, said in a
statement.
The death of Munger, a
Berkshire vice chairman
since 1978, marks an end of
an era in corporate
America and investing.
Alongside Buffett,
Munger was respected and
adored by investors aro-
und the world, many of
whom flocked to
Berkshire’s annual share-
holder weekends in
Omaha, Nebraska, to hear
the duo’s folksy wisdom on
investing and life.
— Reuters
pg 7
● WALMART HAS been
accelerating growth in
India since 2018, when
it bought a 77% stake
in Flipkart. Two years
later, it committed to
import $10 bn of goods
each year by 2027.
“does not necessarily
mean” it was reducing
reliance on any of its
sourcing markets. “We’re
a growth business and are
working to source more
manufacturing capacity,”
Walmart said.
India has emerged as a
key component of
Walmart’s efforts to build
that manufacturing
capacity, Albright said.
Walmart has been accel-
erating growth in India
since 2018, when it bought
a 77 per cent stake in
Indian e-commerce firm
Flipkart. Two years later,
it committed to import $10
billion of goods from
India each year by 2027.
That is a target it remains
on track to hit, Albright
said. It is now importing
$3 bn worth of goods from
India each year.
Walmart is importing
goods ranging from toys
and electronics to bicycles
and pharma from India to
the US, Albright said.
Packaged food, dry grains
and pasta are also popular
imports from India, she
added. — Reuters
director, Capital Markets
& Investment Services at
Colliers India.
Office space garnered
the largest portion of
investments since 2018 at
$11.4 billion. Residential
realty received $2.6 bn,
industrial and warehous-
ing $2.5 bn, mixed-use $2.9
bn, alternate assets $2.3
bn, and retail got $1.6 bn.
Colliers anticipates a
more positive 2024 than
2023.
ARUNACHAL TO
HAVE 13 GW HYDEL
POWER: RK SINGH
FC CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, NOV. 29
As the round-the-clock
(RTC) renewable energy
(RE) is not possible with-
out hydro power, Union
minister for power and
new renewable energy RK
Singh on Tuesday said
that hydro power projects
totalling 13 GW would
come up in Arunachal
Pradesh. The proposed
project aims at providing
clean power to the nation.
Singh, however told
media that India’s hydro
power capacity is increas-
ing,
Subansiri
and besides
hydropower
project, which is a large
project, the government
of Arunachal Pradesh
has entered into memo-
randum of understand-
ings (MoUs) with central
public sector undertak-
ings for 13 projects, which
will amount to a hydro-
electric capacity of 13,000
MW in Arunachal.
The minister was on a
visit to review the con-
struction of 2,000 MW
Subansiri Lower
Hydroelectric Project
located in Arunachal
Pradesh/Assam on
November 27. “These
projects will bring in
investment of around `1.4
lakh crore in the state,
resulting in quadrupling
of per capita income. And
the nation will get clean
power,” said Singh.
“The importance of
hydro projects has
increased since we need
to make energy transi-
tions, reduce emissions
and move to renewables,”
the minister further
added.
 GAMES
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 30 NOVEMBER 2023 | NEW DELHI
SHORT TAKES
Indian women pip
England in thriller
Mumbai: India Women’s A
staged a late inspirational
comeback to pip England
Women’s A side by a mere
three runs in the first T20 game
of their three-match series here
on Wednesday. Chasing 135 for
win, England looked in com-
plete control riding on a bril-
liant 70-run stand for the fourth
wicket between vice-captain
Hollie Armitage (52) and wick-
etkeeper-batter Seren Smale
(31), but India fought back with
a cluster of wickets to clinch a
narrow win. Kashvee Gautam
(2/23) struck twice to dismiss
Smale and Issy Wong (2) in the
18th over to open the door
back for the Indians, who
pulled off a thrilling win at the
Wankhede Stadium. — PTI
Brief scores: India Women’s A 134/7
in 20 overs (Vrinda Dinesh 22, Disha
Kasat 25, Gnanananda Divya 22;
Charlie Dean 2/19) beat England
Women’s A 131/8 in 20 overs (Hollie
Armitage 52, Seren Smale 31;
Kashvee Gautam 2/23, Shreyanka
Patil 2/26).
Srikanth loses in
opening round
Lucknow: India’s Kidambi
Srikanth bowed out with a
straight-game loss in the open-
ing round but young Unnati
Hooda shocked compatriot
Aakarshi Kashyap to make it to
the second round of the Syed
Modi International badminton
tournament here on
Wednesday. Former world No. 1
Srikanth, a 2021 World champi-
onships silver medallist, lost 21-
23, 8-21 to Korea’s Chia Hao
Lee, continuing his dismal run
in international circuit this sea-
son.
The 16-year-old Unnati, who is
touted as one of the finest tal-
ents in women’s singles, rallied
her way to a stunning 15-21, 21-
19, 21-18 win over Kashyap in a
77-minute Round of 32 clash of
the BWF Super 300 tourna-
ment.
The young shuttler from Rohtak
will next face Japan’s former
world champion Nozomi
Okuhara, who prevailed 18-21,
21-17, 21-10 over another Indian
Malvika Bansod in another
match.
Anupama Upadhyaya, Ashmita
Chaliha also progressed in the
women’s singles. — PTI
Thapa, Panghal
in quarterfinals
Shillong: Six-time Asian
Championships medallist Shiva
Thapa (63.5kg) and World
Championships runner-up Amit
Panghal (51kg) maintained their
impressive form to advance
into the quarterfinals of the
Men’s National Boxing
Championships here on
Wednesday.
Thapa, who won a gold medal
in the last edition, demonstrat-
ed his prowess with a com-
manding 5-0 victory over
Santhosh HK from Karnataka.
The Assam pugilist will now
face Shashank Pradhan of Delhi
in the quarterfinals.
Representing SSCB, Panghal
warded off a challenge Punjab’s
Jayshandeep Singh 4-1 to set
up quarterfinal bout against
Mohammad Aarif of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Meanwhile, 2021 Asian champi-
on Sanjeet knocked out Sawan
Gill of Chandigarh 5-0 in the
92kg weight category.
Sanjeet, representing SSCB, will
face Naman Tanwar of RSPB in
the quarterfinals. Ashish Kumar
from Himachal Pradesh demon-
strated his swift and aggressive
boxing, secured a first-round
knockout victory against Nitish
Kumar from Chandigarh in the
80kg category. — PTI
Sreesanth, Stuart
to play in America
Houston: Former India pacer S
Sreesanth and all-rounder
Stuart Binny are set to take
part in the second edition of
American Premier League
(APL) T20 scheduled in
Houston from December 19 to
31. Both Sreesanth and Binny
have retired from active cricket
in India and hence are allowed
to play in overseas franchise
leagues. All the matches will be
played at the Moosa Cricket
Stadium in Houston, Texas and
the league had been sanctioned
by the ICC, in May this year and
the USA Cricket board has
roped in 40 international crick-
eters across seven teams.
The seven teams include
Americans, Indians, Paks,
Windees, Bengalees, Aussies
and English. Sreesanth and
Binny will be part of the
Premium Indians team. — PTI
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WALL STANDS
BCCI extends contracts of Dravid and his support staff
New Delhi, Nov. 29: The
BCCI on Wednesday
extended the contract of
Indian cricket team
head coach Rahul
Dravid in order to main-
tain continuity follow-
ing the senior side’s stu-
pendous performance in
the ODI World Cup
where it won 10 games in
a row before losing the
final.
However, there was no
mention of how long his
new tenure would be in
the press release issued
by the BCCI.
“The Board of Control
for Cricket in India
announces the extension
of contracts for head
coach Rahul Dravid and
the support staff of
Team India (senior
men),” the sport’s apex
body said in a statement.
“The BCCI engaged in
productive discussions
with Dravid after the
term of his contract
ended following the
recently-concluded
World Cup and unani-
mously agreed to fur-
ther the tenure,” it
added.
BCCI secretary Jay
Shah said that Dravid
will have “full backing”
of the board, moving for-
ward in his endeavour to
win the ICC Trophy,
which is missing from
the cabinet for the last
decade.
“Having won 10 consec-
utive games before the
final, our World Cup
campaign was nothing
short of extraordinary,
and the head coach
(Dravid) deserves appre-
ciation for setting up the
right platform for the
team to flourish.
“The head coach has
our full backing, and we
will provide him with all
the support needed for
sustained success at the
international level,” the
BCCI secretary said in a
statement.
“The last two years
with Team India have
been thoroughly memo-
rable. Together, we have
witnessed the highs and
lows, and throughout
this journey, the support
and camaraderie within
the group have been phe-
nomenal,” Dravid said.
Dravid had replaced
Ravi Shastri after the
T20 World Cup in 2021,
getting appointed for a
two-year term which
ended with the ODI
World Cup.
Under Dravid, India
also finished as runners-
up in the last World Test
Championship, losing to
Australia in the final.
Along with the 50-year-
old Dravid, his support
staff comprising batting
coach Vikram Rathour,
bowling coach Paras
Mhambrey and fielding
coach T. Dilip have also
got an extension.
It is expected that his
stint would be at least
till the T20 World Cup in
the West Indies and the
USA in June-July next
year.
While VVS Laxman,
the NCA head, who has
often filled in for Dravid
when the latter was tak-
ing short breaks, is
believed to have
informed the brass that
he is more comfortable
working with pathways
teams such as India A
and India U-19. — PTI
Karthik slams quickfire fifty as TN win
Mumbai, Nov. 29: Veteran
Dinesh Karthik was back
at his vintage best to
smash a quickfire half-
century as Tamil Nadu
overcame a jittery start to
down Baroda by 38 runs in
a low-scoring Group ‘E’
match of the Vijay Hazare
Trophy domestic one-day-
ers, here on Wednesday.
Put in, Tamil Nadu were
reeling at 52/5 when the
skipper dig in with all his
experience to rescue the
team with a 51-ball 68 fea-
turing nine fours and two
sixes for his 40th List A
fifty.
Tamil Nadu were soon
reduced to 52/6, but
Karthik held fort and put
together a 75-run partner-
ship with Shahrukh Khan
(31) to help them go past
150. Lukman Meriwala
(4/21) and Ninad Rathva
(3/23) were the pick of the
bowlers for Baroda as
Indian captain Rohit Sharma (centre) interacts with head coach Rahul Dravid (left) and batting coach Vikram
Rathour ahead of the ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad in this file photo.
Suryakumar blames ‘dew’
for Indian bowlers failure
Guwahati, Nov. 29:
Despite failing to defend a
massive 222 against
Australia, India skipper
Suryakumar Yadav on
Tuesday refused to be
harsh on his bowlers,
defending them with the
shield of “heavy dew fac-
tor’.
Glenn Maxwell made his
100th T20I appearance
special, smashing an
unbeaten 104 that came off
just 48 balls as Australia
racked up 45 runs in the
last two overs to seal a
last-ball thriller to post a
win after two defeats on
the trot.
“When you’re defending
222 with so much dew, you
have to give something to
the bowlers,”
Suryakumar said at the
post-match presentation
ceremony.
“I felt like how we played
at Trivandrum, there was
heavy dew, they lost wick-
ets early but wickets in
hand for them meant they
were always in the game.
“I told the boys in the
drinks break to get
Maxwell out quickly but
that was insane.”
India needed to defend
43 runs of the last two
overs as the skipper made
a bold call giving the
penultimate over to left-
arm spinner Axar Patel,
who was the pick of their
bowler having conceded
just 19 runs from his first
three overs, also taking a
wicket. But the move
backfired as Patel leaked
23 runs in the 19th over.
“I gave Axar the 19th
Group A: ■ Odisha 99 in 29.1
overs (Sandeep Pattnaik 42;
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja 5/16) lost
to Saurashtra 102/6; 24.4 overs
(Arpit Vasavada 20 not out;
Rajesh Mohanty 3/48, Debabrata
Pradhan 3/34). ■ Puducherry 67
in 24.4 overs (Tushar Deshpande
4/11, Shams Mulani 3/19) lost to
Mumbai 69/3 in 12.3 overs (Jay
Bista 17, Suved Parkar 16 not out).
Group B: ■ Jharkhand 107 in 33.1
overs (Anukul Roy 25; Yash
Thakur 3/27) lost to Vidarbha
110/0 in 13.4 overs (Atharva Taide
70 not out, Akshay Wadkar 33
not out). ■ Meghalaya 227 in 47.5
overs (Kishan Lyngdoh 41; Sachin
Bhosale 3/27, Pradeep Dadhe
2/23) lost to Maharashtra 228/6
in 40.3 overs (Siddharth Mhatre
87, Nikhil Naik 71 not out). ■
Hyderabad 210 in 50 overs (Rahul
Tamil Nadu's innings last-
ed just 33.3 overs.
In reply, Baroda were
shot out for 124 in 23.3
overs with T. Natarajan
leading the charge in his 7-
1-38-4, while spin twins
Captain Suryakumar Yadav reacts as he walks off the
field after losing his wicket during the third T20 match
against Australia in Guwahati on Tuesday.
over because he has
bowled the 19th and 20th
overs before. So, he’s expe-
rienced as well and I’ve
always thought an experi-
enced bowler in the end,
even if a spinner, with
heavy dew there’s always
a chance.”
India’s run charge was
led brilliantly by opener
Ruturaj Gaikwad who
struck 123 not out from 57
balls, his maiden interna-
tional century.
“Fantastic knock from
Gaikwad, he took the
innings deep after I got
out. I’ve always said in
franchise cricket as well
BRIEF SCORES
Buddhi 80, Tanmay Agarwal 45;
Nitin Yadav 3/53) lost to Services
211/4 in 40.5 overs (Vineet
Dhankhar 78, Rajat Paliwal 77 not
out).
Group C: ■ Jammu and Kashmir
299/7 in 50 overs (Shubham
Khajuria 109, Abhinav Puri 46,
Auqib Nabi 44 not out; Mayank
Yadav) bt Delhi 224; 45.3 overs
(Lalit Yadav 67, Yash Dhull 49;
Rasikh Salam 4/23). ■ Bihar 217/7
in 50 overs (Sakibul Gani 113 not
out; Jagadeesha Suchith 3/27)
lost to Karnataka 218/3 in 33.4
overs (Devdutt Padikkal 93 not
out, Nikin Jose 69).
Group D: ■ Uttar Pradesh 232/8
in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 77,
Saurabh Kumar 43; Chintan Gaja
4/27, Jayveer Parmar 3/40) lost
Varun Chakravarthy and
R Sai Kishore sharing five
wickets between them.
PADIKKAL ON SONG
Karnataka batter Devdutt
Padikkal continued with
— AP
— AP
that he’s a special player
and the way he batted, he
showed it. I’m very proud
of my boys,” he hailed.
Maxwell also acknowl-
edged that there was
heavy dew and it was diffi-
cult for bowlers to come
up with yorkers.
“The dew obviously
makes it difficult to hold
on to, we knew it was
going to be hard work to
bowl yorkers, and there
probably wasn’t a number
in our head at the back-
end to set ourselves to,”
Maxwell,
adjudged
match, said.
who was
player-of-the-
— PTI
to Gujarat 235/5 in 37.4 overs
(Urvil Patel 86, Kshitij Patel 83
not out; Bhuvneshwar Kumar
3/47). ■ Rajasthan 290 in 50
overs (Abhijeet Tomar 124, Ram
Chouhan 52; Pinninti Tapaswi
4/47) bt Andhra 252 in 47.4 overs
(Ashwin Hebbar 68, Hanuma
Vihari 60; Aniket Choudhary
4/49, Manav Suthar 3/46, Rahul
Chahar 3/43).
Group E: ■ Tamil Nadu 162 in 33.3
overs (Dinesh Karthik 68; Lukman
Meriwala 4/21) bt Baroda 124 in
23.3 overs (Vishnu Solanki 25; T
Natarajan 4/38, Varun
Chakravarthy 3/17). ■ Bengal
254/8 in 50 overs (Abhimanyu
Easwaran 73; Kumar Kartikeya
4/34) lost to Madhya Pradesh 61
in 20.4 overs (Shubham Sharma
14; Shahbaz Ahmed 4/7, Akash
Deep 3/8).
his silken touch in the for-
mat, scoring a 57-ball 93
not out to steer them to a
seven-wicket win over
Bihar in a Group ‘C’ con-
test at Ahmedabad.
Batting at No 4, Padikkal
INDIA TO TOUR
SRI LANKA IN
JULY-AUGUST
Colombo, Nov. 29: The
crisis-ridden Sri Lanka
Cricket (SLC) and its
host broadcaster will
have something to cheer
about during the middle
of 2024 when the Indian
team makes it annual
ritual tour of the islands
for a short six-match
white-ball series, the
board announced on
Wednesday.
SLC has been banned
by the ICC for govern-
ment interference and
the global body has also
shifted the U-19 World
Cup to South Africa.
However the national
teams (men and women)
will be allowed to fulfil
their bilateral commit-
ments. According to the
2024 calender released
by SLC, India is sup-
posed to travel for three
ODI and T20Is each dur-
ing July-August, which
is effectively country’s
cricket season.
The men’s national
team is due to play 52
international games in
2024, which includes 10
Tests, 21 ODIs and 21
T20Is. The T20Is, howev-
er, doesn’t factor in the
additional games that
they will play during the
T20 World Cup.
One of the major
assignment will be the
three-Test away series in
England, which is a part
of the current World
Test Championship. The
other tough assignment
will be the two-Test
series against South
Africa in November.
— PTI
hit nine boundaries and
five sixes as Karnataka
made short work of Bihar,
chasing down the 218-tar-
get in just 33.4 overs.
This was his fourth fifty-
plus score in as many
matches and he also has a
century to his name to be
the leading rungetter of
the meet. Openers Mayank
Agarwal (28) and
Ravikumar Samarth (4) got
out cheaply but Padikkal
and Nikin Jose (69) effort-
lessly took their team over
the line. Jagadeesha
Suchith was the pick of
their bowling as he
returned with a tidy 3/27
as Bihar were restricted to
217/7 after Karnataka
skipper Agarwal opted to
bowl. Sakibul Gani waged
a lone battle for Bihar
with a 100-ball 113 not out
as wickets kept on falling
around him.
— PTI
CHAMPIONS | LEAGUE
Barca, Atletico in
knockout phase
Paris, Nov. 29: Barcelona,
Borussia Dortmund,
Atletico Madrid and
Lazio all qualified for the
knockout phase of the
Champions League on
Tuesday.
Manchester City
bounced back from 2-0
down to beat RB Leipzig
with both teams already
qualified, while Paris
Saint-Germain and
Newcastle drew 1-1 and
both need a result on
matchday six to go
through.
Atletico Madrid booked
their place with a sump-
tuous volley from defend-
er Mario Hermoso and
two own goals firing them
to a thrilling 3-1 win over
Dutch champions
Feyenoord.
That left Atletico with
11 points in Group ‘E’
ahead of 10-point Lazio,
who had a tense wait after
playing earlier and need-
ing a Feyenoord defeat to
confirm their place.
Veteran Italian striker
Ciro Immobile shot the
Italian side into the last-
16 in a 2-0 win over elimi-
nated Celtic in Rome,
leaving Feyenoord to join
the Europa League.
In Group ‘H’, Barcelona
came from behind to beat
Porto 2-1 as Portuguese
duo Joao Cancelo and
Joao Felix both netted to
turn the game on its head
after Brazilian winger
Pepe opened for Porto.
The Spanish champions
now have 12 points while
Porto are locked on nine
alongside Shakhtar
Donetsk.
NEWCASTLE PAY
THE PENALTY
Borussia Dortmund
secured their spot in the
last-16 with a 3-1 win at
AC Milan, who are star-
ing early elimination in
the face.
Marco Reus’ early penal-
ty and second-half strikes
Barcelona’s Joao Felix (right) and Porto’s Jorge
Sanchez vie for the ball during the Champions League
Group ‘H’ match at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona,
Spain, on Tuesday.
Bucks, Kings &
Celtics advance
Miami (USA), Nov. 29:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
scored 33 points and
Damian Lillard added 32
as the Milwaukee Bucks
beat Miami 131-124 on
Tuesday to reach the
knockout rounds of the
NBA In-Season
Tournament.
On the final night of
group-stage play in the
NBA’s inaugural version
of a World Cup, the Bucks
won the East Group ‘B’
crown at 4-0, taking the
top Eastern Conference
seed in the fight to reach
next month’s semifinals
in Las Vegas.
“We completed the
task,” Milwaukee’s Khris
Middleton said. “To get to
Vegas now, we’ve got to do
a little bit more. We want
it. We’re hungry for it. It’s
exciting times for us. We
want to go to Vegas so
we’re happy.”
The quarter-finals will
find Boston at Indiana
and New Orleans at
pg 8
THE RESULTS
Manchester City 3
(Haaland 54, Foden 70,
Alvarez 87)
RB Leipzig 2
(Openda 13, 33)
Barcelona 2
(Cancelo 32, Felix 57)
Porto 1
(Pepe 30)
Feyenoord 1
(Wieffer 77)
Atletico Madrid 3
(Geertruida 14-og, Hermoso
57, Gimenez 81-og)
Lazio 2
(Immobile 82, 85)
Celtic 0
AC Milan 1
(Chukwueze 37) Borussia
Dortmund 3
(Reus 10-pen, Bynoe-
Gittens 59, Adeyemi 69)
Paris Saint-Germain
(Mbappe 90+8-pen)
1
Newcastle
(Isak 24)
1
from English teenager
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and
Karim Adeyemi secured
passage into the next
round with a match to
spare for Dortmund.
There was late drama at
the Parc des Princes
when a 98th-minute
Kylian Mbappe penalty
earned Paris Saint-
Germain a 1-1 draw with
Newcastle United.
It looked as though
Newcastle — who won 4-1
when the sides met at St
James’ Park last month —
were going to leave Paris
with all three points in
the Group F encounter
thanks to Alexander
Isak’s 24th-minute opener.
PSG had run out of
ideas by the time they
were gifted an opportuni-
ty to salvage a draw in
injury time when the
VAR decided a Tino
Livramento handball in
the box was worthy of a
penalty. — AFP
— AP
Sacramento on Monday,
with New York at
Milwaukee and Phoenix
at the Los Angeles Lakers
next Tuesday.
Boston routed Chicago
124-97 to win East Group
C and advance while New
York, second behind
Milwaukee in Group B,
beat Charlotte 115-91 and
advanced as a wildcard
based on superior point
differential over
Cleveland 42-29.
Sacramento edged
Golden State 124-123 to
win West Group C, rally-
ing from 24 points down
in the second quarter to
advance.
The Warriors knew they
had to win by 12 points to
win the group on a point
differential tiebreaker
and took a 72-55 half-time
lead before the Kings, led
by 29 points from
De’Aaron Fox, rallied late
to trim the margin then
swipe the triumph.
— AFP