MADURAI � FRIDAY � AUGUST 23, 2024 � `9.

00 � PAGES 14 � LATE CITY EDITION

SC TELLS HARYANA, PUNJAB TO PERSUADE

September 2
PANEL BEING SET UP TO SOLVE THEIR ISSUES: COURT STATES URGED TO ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS
FARMERS TO VACATE SHAMBHU BORDER The court told the Haryana and Punjab governments to inform the agitating
farmers that a multi-member panel was being constituted for the redressal
■ The court was hearing Haryana’s plea against a high court order asking
it to remove barricades erected at the Shambhu border near Ambala
The Supreme Court on Thursday told the of their grievances “for all times”. The Supreme Court said the panel may ■ The bench asked the representatives of both Punjab and Haryana to
states to persuade agitators to remove their have the power and authority to make recommendations to the state and, if continue engaging with the farmers and directed them to apprise the WHEN THE COURT WILL TAKE UP THE
tractors and trollies from the interstate border need be, the Union governments on steps to resolve farmers’ grievances court about the outcome of such meetings on the next date of hearing MATTER FOR FURTHER HEARING

CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI

Vijay unveils party flag, releases anthem SC says justice &

AL-QAEDA

Delhi Police
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
Speaking at the event, Vijay
said he would disclose what the
flag stands for, along with the
“So far we have worked for
ourselves. It is now time to pre-
pare ourselves as a party and med can’t stop, busts terror
module, arrests
urges end to stir
ACTOR-turned-politician Vijay party’s ideologies and plans, at work for the welfare of Tamil
unveiled the official flag of his its first state-level conference, Nadu,” he said. A flag plaque
party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhag-
am (TVK), and released the
which is expected to take place
on September 22. “I don’t see
was also unveiled at the event.
An animated video accompa- 14 from 3 states
party’s anthem at the TVK this as merely the party flag. nying the anthem released at
headquarters at Panaiyur in It’s a symbol of victory for the the event begins with two men U J W A L J A L A L I @ New Delhi
Chennai on Thursday. The two- upcoming generations. I know riding elephants tormenting CBI status report says crime scene at RG Kar
coloured flag had maroon on
top and bottom and a yellow
you will have the flag in your
hearts and in your homes even
hundreds of people in an open
arena. Two new elephants that
where doc was killed, was tampered with THE Special Cell of Delhi Po-
lice, in coordination with its
horizontal stripe on the middle. before I ask,” he said. The actor enter the arena knock down the counterparts in Jharkhand,
The yellow band has two ele- urged the functionaries of Tha- other elephants, following S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh,
phants facing each other with lapathy Vijay Makkal Iya- which the party’s flag is hoist- busted an Al-Qaeda-inspired
I don’t see this as merely the a flower resembling Siris (Albi- kkham (TVMI) — the actor’s ed. Fans, on social media, said THE CBI in a status report on its probe into terror module and detained 14
party flag. It’s a symbol of zia lebbeck) at the centre. The fan club — to hoist the flags at that the two defeated elephants the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on people, including six who were
victory for the upcoming
flower, known as vaagai in their houses after obtaining symbolise the two Dravidian August 9 at the RG Kar Medical and College undergoing training in han-
generations
Tamil, is believed to signify due permissions and by adher- majors — DMK and AIADMK. Hospital in Kolkata, told the Supreme Court dling weapons.
Vijay, TVK president victory. ing to protocol. CONTINUED ON P5 on Thursday that the crime scene was al- Al-Qaeda is a banned terror-
tered and tampered with. Initially the Kolk- ist organisation listed in the
ata police told the parents that it was suicide, first schedule of the Unlawful

No ‘satisfactory replies’
but later they said she was murdered. Activities Prevention Act
Taking the CBI report on record, a three- (UAPA). It is proscribed under
judge bench led by the Chief Justice of India Section 35 of the UAPA.
D Y Chandrachud appealed to the protesting What is the reason A senior police officer said

to sharp questions from

doctors to return to work, saying justice and the FIR is lodged the module, as per the current
medicine cannot afford to be stopped. “We ear- almost 14 hours after state of operations, was being
nestly appeal to all doctors. We are here to en- the discovery of the led by one Dr Ishtiyaq based in

Waqf bill JPC members

sure their safety and protection. Please trust body? The most Ranchi, Jharkhand. “It was as-
us, that is why we have not left the matter to important thing is piring to declare Khilafat and
that the principal of
the (Calcutta) High Court,” the bench said. execute serious terrorist activi-
the college should
It also directed a Sealdah court to pass its have come ties within the country,” the of-
order on the CBI’s application for a lie detec- straightaway to the ficer said, adding the members
P R E E T H A N A I R @ New Delhi dressed and pitched for more tor test on accused Sanjoy Roy by Friday. college and directed of the module had received “in-
consultations. Speaking to this The court directed the states not to take the filing of the FIR. doctrination” and weapons
AMID fierce attack from Mus- paper, some of the MPs said any coercive steps and adverse action against Who was he in touch training at various locations.
lim bodies, the first meeting of that the ministry failed to give the protesting doctors. “How can public with? What was the Police have also recovered
the Joint Committee of Parlia- ‘satisfactory replies’ to the que- health infrastructure function if doctors purpose? arms, ammunition, and objec-
ment (JPC) on the Waqf ries raised in the meeting. don’t return to work?” the court wondered. SC bench to WB counsel tionable literature.
(Amendment) Bill saw dissent- Though not part of the IN- It asked the health ministry to convene a The six individuals who were
ing voices from various Oppo- DIA bloc, YSR Congress’ V Vi- meeting with the Chief Secretaries of states being trained in weapon han-
sition members as well as NDA jaysai Reddy also raised objec- and Directors General of Police to ensure the CONSIDER ALL dling were nabbed from Bhi-
allies on the proposed law. tions to several clauses of the safety of the doctors willing to return to SUGGESTIONS wadi in Rajasthan. Eight more
Though the Telugu Desam
Party, a key ally of the NDA
supported the bill in the Lok
bill, according to sources.
Several opposition members
questioned the proposed
TIES POLISHED work. The meeting should be completed
within a week and states shall take remedial
measures within two weeks, the court said.
National Task Force
formed by the SC
persons were detained from
Jharkhand and UP for ques-
tioning. Multiple teams of the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk will take note of
Sabha, it called for wider con- amendments such as empower- While directing states not to disrupt peace- anti-terror unit are interrogat-
ahead of their summit meeting in Warsaw on Thursday | P7 the suggestions of
sultations during the JPC meet- ing district collectors in decid- ful protests, it said, “the order should not be ing the suspects at various loca-
all stakeholders
ing, said sources. Early
this week, TDP Parlia-
ing on the ownership of a
disputed land, and to in- 1 2 3 misconstrued to mean that the authorities
are precluded from exercising their regula- while formulating a
tions. “As the interrogation is
going on, more arrests are an-
mentary party leader duct non-Muslim mem- tory powers in accordance with law.” The national protocol ticipated,” said an official.
STRATEGIC DEFENCE ACTION PLAN for the safety of
and JPC member Lavu bers on Waqf boards. PARTNERSHIP PRODUCTION ANNOUNCED bench, however, categorically said peaceful Last year, a Delhi court had
Sri Krishna Devaraya- Committee Chair- protests should not be disrupted. healthcare convicted four operatives of Al-
lu told this paper that person Jagdambika Pal India and Poland Donald Tusk 5-year action plan Justice J B Pardiwala, a member of the professionals Qaida in Indian Subcontinent
the party has begun con- described the meeting, upgraded ties to expressed Poland’s announced for bench, expressed concern at the manner in for conspiracy to commit terror
sultations with all com- which went on for over six the level of a eagerness to be a strategic which the police handled the case. The post- acts across the country and re-
munities, including Muslims hours with a lunch break, as “strategic key partner in partnership in mortem was conducted on August 9 between
PORTAL TO cruiting members for the ter-
about their concerns. ‘fruitful’. He asserted that voic- partnership” and India’s aim to defence, trade, 6.10 pm and 7.10 pm though the case of un-
POOL IDEAS ror group. The convicts, identi-
The All India Muslim Per- es of different stakeholders inked a social boost domestic agri-tech, energy, natural death was registered at 11.30 pm and The bench directed fied as Mohd Asif, Mohd Abdul
sonal Law Board claimed that would be heard. “We will dis- security pact to defence green technology, the FIR recorded at 11.45 pm. Autopsy means the govt to open a Rehman, Zafar Masood, and
TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and cuss all 44 amendments and promote the production and infrastructure, unnatural death, yet the case was recorded portal for stake- Abdul Sami, were convicted
JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar have as- bring a comprehensive bill by mobility of skilled modernise its pharmaceuticals later. “The entire procedure followed by the holders to submit under Sections 18 and 18B of
sured Muslim bodies that their the next session,” he said. workers armed forces and mining police is something I have not come across in their suggestions the stringent Unlawful Activi-
parties would oppose the Waqf He said the committee would my 30 years of career,” he remarked. for the task force ties Prevention Act.
Bill. It also said it will launch a call various Muslim bodies rep-

Congress, NC finalise seat-sharing for J&K polls

nationwide movement if the resenting different sects to
bill is not withdrawn. hear their views.
Another BJP ally, the Lok AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi
Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), launched a scathing attack
said that the Muslim commu- terming it as ‘unconstitution-
nity’s concerns should be ad- al’, said sources. F AYA Z W A N I @ Srinagar During the meeting, Rahul
stressed on the restoration of
THE Congress and National J&K’s statehood. Taking a dig
EXPRESS READ Conference (NC) on Thursday at the Modi government for
finalised their seat-sharing downgrading J&K state into a

ASSAM
Karunanidhi’s books nationalised: CM Stalin agreement for the Jammu and Union Territory, he said it was
Kashmir Assembly polls. The the first time in the country’s
Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday announced that all the announcement came after the history that a state was con-
books written by former CM M Karunanidhi have been nationalised meeting of top Congress lead- Rahul Gandhi. Mallikarjun Kharge at a press meet in Srinagar on Thursday | ZAHOOR PUNJABI verted into a UT. BILL TO REPEAL
without any compensation from the government. The DMK patriarch
had written 15 novels, 20 plays, 15 short stories and 210 poems, and
ers Mallikarjun Kharge and After the meeting, Farooq MUSLIM MARRIAGE ACT
Rahul Gandhi with NC’s Fa- leader told this paper. While on September 18, September 25 Abdullah told reporters that
stories and screenplay for 75 films | P4 rooq and Omar Abdullah. the exact number of seats allo- and October 1. The results will the Congress, NC and CPI(M) To end child marriage, the
“The Congress leadership de- cated to both parties was not be declared on October 4. Of are on the same page and will Himanta Biswa Sarma-led
Six-year-old among three killed in TN road accident liberated with the Abdullahs revealed, sources said the Con- the 90 seats, 47 are in Kashmir fight the Assembly elections to- govt in Assam on Thursday
on forging a pre-poll alliance gress will fight from most of and 43 in Jammu. gether. According to sources, tabled a bill in the Assembly
Dindigul: Three members of a family died after their bike collided with for the Assembly polls. Both the 43 seats in Jammu while Kharge and Rahul arrived in CPI(M) leader Mohammad You- to repeal a British-era law to
a school bus at Natham in Dindigul on Thursday. According to police, as parties discussed the issue in NC will focus on the Valley. Srinagar on Wednesday. On suf Tarigami is likely to con- register marriages and
the bushes on the median obstructed his view, K Murugan (40), who detail and decided that forging The three-phase elections to Thursday, they visited the Gup- test from Kulgam in south divorces of Muslims
was riding the bike in the wrong direction with his wife on the pillion alliance is a must to keep divi- the 90-member Jammu and kar residence of Farooq to Kashmir. This seat will be
and six-year-old son, could not see the bus | P3 sive forces away,” a Congress Kashmir Assembly will be held meet him and his son Omar. spared for him by the NC.

CHENNAI HOSPITAL PAYS DONOR

FIRST IN SOUTH INDIA

Dabur plans `400-crore plant at TN food park FOR KIDNEY, LICENCE SUSPENDED
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai in Perambur performed a kid- its licence to do transplants,
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai agro-products to the facility. ney transplant. The donor from were suspended. It was told to
Dabur’s decision to choose TN THE Directorate of Medical Pallipalayam in Namakkal dis- shut down all services includ-
DABUR, one of India’s leading is a testament to the state’s and Rural Health Services trict was paid for donating his ing out-patient services and
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods thriving industrial ecosystem (DMS) on Wednesday suspend- kidney to a businessman from shift all the patients to other
(FMCG) giants, will invest `400 and availability of a work- ed the licences of two hos- Sowcarpet in Chennai. hospitals. Further investiga-
crore to set up a world-class ready labour force, he said. pitals, one for allegedly Both kidneys of the busi- tion is on to ascertain if the
manufacturing plant, its first The announcement comes af- carrying out commer- nessman were hospital performed any more
ever in south India, at the Sip- ter Dabur India’s board in Jan- cial organ transplan- dysfunctional. such illegal transplantations,
cot Food Park in Tindivanam in uary approved an investment tation after paying the The hospital violated officials added.
Villupuram district. A memo- of `135 crore for setting up a donor, and another for provisions of the Trans- Speaking to reporters, Health
randum of understanding An MoU was signed in the presence of CM MK Stalin | EXPRESS new facility in South India, medical negligence in plantation of Human Or- Minister Ma Subramanian said
(MoU) regarding the project which will manufacture a range which a boy lost his leg. gans and Tissues Act and a committee formed by DMS of-
was signed between Guidance Minister MK Stalin, on Thurs- ruganandam were also present of its Ayurvedic healthcare, According to officials, in Oc- carried out the procedure with- ficials conducted an investiga-
TN Managing Director and day. The facility is expected to on the occasion. In a post in ‘X’, personal care and homecare tober 2023, Pride Superspecial- out the approval of the trans- tion into the incident and it is
CEO Vishnu Venugopalan and generate over 250 jobs. Rajaa said the plant will open products like Dabur Honey, ty Hospital (also known as plant committee of Tamil Nadu proven that the hospital was in-
Dabur India CEO Mohit Mal- Industries Minister TRB Ra- up new opportunities for farm- Dabur red toothpaste and Muthu Hospital) on Pulian- and necessary documents. The volved in commercial sale of
hotra, in the presence of Chief jaa and Chief Secretary N Mu- ers in the delta region to sell Odonil air fresheners. P5 thope High Road near Pattalam hospital’s licences, including the donor’s organ. P5
 ALMANAC TODAY MIN MAX Sunrise 6.02 am
Friday: 23/08/2024 Year: Krodhi Avani: Thei Pirai Shraavan: Krishna Paksha 27 C 36 C
0 0 Sunset 6.30 pm
Tithi: Chaturthi till 10.40 hrs Nakshatra (Star): Revati till 19.55 hrs Moonrise 8.40 pm
Moon in Meen till 19.55 hrs Rahukaalam: 10:30-12:00 FORECAST
Yamagantam: 15:00-16:30 Gulikakalam: 07:30-09:00 WEATHER Mostly Cloudy Moonset 8.18 am

02 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

NGT bins TNPCB memo allowing brick kilns

‘Union environment ministry’s minimum distance criterion also applicable for existing kilns in Thadagam valley’
S V K R I S H N A C H A I TA N YA @ Chennai interpreted the notification gal brick kilns to continue the region, disrupted elephant
stating that the guidelines without any check. “Hence the corridors and caused severe
THE southern bench of the Na- would only apply to new brick same is not permissible and the pollution. People living in vil-
tional Green Tribunal (NGT) kilns and not those in impugned clarification is set lages were subjected to severe
has set aside a memo issued by existence. aside as not proper. TNPCB is air and water pollution and
the Tamil Nadu Pollution Con- Using this, illegal brick kilns directed to issue appropriate truck movements posed seri-
trol Board (TNPCB), which in- in Thadagam valley, which directions to its officers down ous damage to rural infrastruc-
advertently gave immunity to were operating without any the state to follow the MoEF&CC ture and safety of the people.
illegal brick kilns from the un- statutory approvals, applied for notification in its proper per- Thadagam valley in the eco-
ion environment ministry’s sit- consent to operate (CTO) from spective,” the tribunal said and logically sensitive Western
ing criteria. TNPCB. This was challenged disposed of the application. Ghats was ravaged by more
The criteria for brick kilns, by M Manickaraj, a resident of In March this year, the Ma- than 145 brick kilns, which
released in 2022, mandated a Based on the memo, illegal brick kilns Thadagam in Coimbatore, be- dras high court had also passed were illegally operating with-
minimum distance of 800m in Thadagam valley had applied for fore the NGT. similar orders related to out consent and shut down af-

LEAP OVER HURDLE

from habitations and fruit or- consent to operate | REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE The green tribunal, after TNPCB’s memo. Illegal mining ter proceedings in courts. These
chards, and one km from exist- hearing all parties, passed the of earth and operation of brick issues are pending considera-
ing brick kilns to avoid clusters make siting criteria stringent. order on Thursday saying the kilns in the Thadagam valley tion before the NGT, including A women takes part in a long jump assessment in the TNUSRB recruitment process
in an area. The pollution con- However, a memo issued by impugned memo from TNPCB, has resulted in severe damage the issue of remediation of the at the AR ground in Madurai on Thursday | KK SUNDAR
trol boards were also asked to TNPCB on February 14, 2023, if allowed, would facilitate ille- to the sensitive ecosystem of damage caused.

Vallalar centre: Panel to All 622 med seats under 7.5% quota for govt students filled up
identify encroachments E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai medical rank list for 7.5% quo-
ta. All the top 10 students opted
Speciality Hospital in Oman-
durar Estate on Thursday.
ALL seats under the 7.5% res- for MBBS seats in Madras Med- According to the selection
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE ervation for government school ical College, Chennai. committee of the Directorate
@ Chennai Road in ATR: Centre, students were filled up at the The offline counselling for of Medical Education officials,
TN’s reply sought end of the medical counselling 496 MBBS seats and 126 BDS all seats under sports quota and
THE Madras High Court has Chennai: The Madras High on Thursday. Many seats under seats (totalling 622 seats) under ex-servicemen wards quota
ordered Cuddalore collector to Court has directed the persons with disability quota the 7.5% quota, 212 MBBS seats were filled up, while only 74
set up a special team to iden- Centre and state remained vacant, while all the and 11 BDS seats for people MBBS seats under PWD quota
tify the land that belongs to governments to file reply to seats under sports and children with disability (PWD), seven were filled up. All the unfilled
the Sathya Gnanasabai, at a public interest litigation of ex-servicemen quota were MBBS seats and one BDS seats seats under PWD quota will be
Vadalur in Cuddalore, which petition challenging the filled. for sports quota, and 10 MBBS added to the general category
has been encroached upon for proposal to lay road inside Health Minister Ma Subra- seats and one BDS seat for chil- seat matrix. The counselling
long. The committee will com- the Anamalai Tiger Reserve manian issued allotment or- dren of ex servicemen, began for the general category is be-
prise officials from HR&CE (ATR), within three weeks. Counselling under way at the Omandurar Hospital on Thursday | P RAVIKUMAR ders to top 10 students in the at the Government Multi Super ing conducted online.
and revenue departments, and The plea claimed that it

CoE for advanced manufacturing Railway staff injured after

the exercise will have to be would affect the ecosystem
completed in a month. and animal habitats.
A special bench of justices
R Suresh Kumar and S

to be set up in govt engg colleges fire extinguisher explodes

Sounthar passed the orders on ble when the department took
Thursday while hearing a over Sathya Gnanasabai in
public interest litigation peti- 1938. Steps were taken to re-
tion challenging the construc- trieve 6.5 acres from an en-
tion of the Vallalar Interna- croacher but the proceedings
tional Centre on Sathya could not be continued due to E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai ing processes and enhance em- manpower to ensure that our E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai space, as per procedure.
Gnanasabai premises. The litigations. The court directed p l o y a b i l i t y, r e s e a r c h , youths benefit and get em- Though an isolated incident,
court added that it was not the special team to identify GOVERNMENT engineering industry-institute collabora- ployed by these companies. CoE A railway employee on duty this has raised concerns in the
wise to block creation of infra- the remaining land and take colleges in the state will soon tion, innovation and startups will train students in a dedicat- was seriously injured at the Southern Railway and forced
structure and basic amenities steps to retrieve it. have its own centre of excel- of the institution. ed domain. Tancam will pro- Nagercoil depot after a con- their safety wing to reiterate
for devotees and visitors to the Referring to the contention lence (CoE) for advanced manu- According to higher educa- vide guidance to create the demned fire extinguisher can- the standard operating proce-
place of Saint Vallalar. of advocate N Suresh, appear- facturing, which will be set up tion officials, Tamil Nadu Cen- courses,” said an official from ister exploded on Monday, dures to be followed. This is
During the course of argu- ing for the petitioner, that con- in collaboration with tre Of Excellence For Ad- the higher education sector. Southern Railway sourc- also to avoid a repeat of
ments, it was submitted that struction of the centre on MSME department and vanced Manufacturing The department had also es said. the April incident in Bi-
out of 106 acres belonging to three acres of land would ob- industry partners. The (Tancam) will facilitate started the Earn While Learn A set of condemned har, where an extin-
Sathya Gnanasabai, only 71 literate the view of “Jothi” initiative by the high- colleges in setting up Diploma Programme last year, fire extinguisher can- guisher canister explo-
acres is in use now and the re- from the Peruveli (space), the er education depart- CoE on their campus. in which students get employed isters were stacked for sion caused the death
maining land has been en- bench noted that if the land ment is aimed at mak- Tancam will provide during their course. The move disposal in the open of a Railway Protection
croached by individuals. under encroachment is re- i n g s t u d e n t s m o re necessary guidance and aims to enhance the enrolment near the railway pit Force (RPF) staff.
Special government pleader trieved, Peruveli would get ex- employable. support to the students in- in diploma courses. Courses- lines. Exposure to sunlight Primarily, a designated
NRR Arun, representing panded, and as a result, there As many global companies terested in joining the manu- like diploma in digital manu- caused one of the canisters to well-ventilated spot should be
HR&CE, informed the court wouldn’t be space constraints are setting up their manufac- facturing sector. facturing technologies were explode, and in the impact, it identified for storing them
that only 71 acres was availa- for constructing the centre. turing units in Tamil Nadu, the “Fortunately, Tamil Nadu is introduced from the academic hit the staff on his face. Sourc- away from areas frequented by
move will help create skilled attracting companies from var- year 2023-24 in five government es attributed the blast to failure people. The canisters should be

Bogus court order: 3 convicted

manpower to meet industry ious sectors like aerospace, de- polytechnic colleges at Jolar- to release the residual pressure stored in a cool and dry place
needs. The CoE will train stu- fense, automotive, electric vehi- pettai, Uthangarai, Vanavaasi, or chemicals in the canisters away from extreme
dents in advanced manufactur- cles and we need the necessary Kadathur, and Kelamangalam. and store them in a secluded temperatures.

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has awarded six months

imprisonment each to three people for creating a bogus court EXPRESS READ
order in an attempt to stall legal eviction proceedings.
A division bench of justices SM Subramaniam and V Sivag- Two stone idols unearthed Kaliamman temple idol consecrated
nanam passed the orders on Thursday on a suo motu contempt
of court petition. S Amalraj, O Shanmugam and M Muruga- Tiruchy: Two stone idols of Lord Vishnu Vellore: The demolished Kaliamman Temple idol
nantham were sentenced to six months imprisonment for for- and Ambal were unearthed while a pit at Gemmankuppam village, in KV Kuppam
gery and fraudulently creating a bogus court order. The bench was dug up to erect solar panels near Taluk, was consecrated on Thursday. The
also ordered their immediate imprisonment. Thuraiyur on Thursday. On information, ceremony was attended by villagers from
The contempt petition was taken up in 2022 following the revenue officials took control of the idols. Gemmankuppam, in the presence of HR&CE
order of a single judge on a case filed by N Sendamarai, one of According of officials, workers hired by a officials. Last week, a section of caste Hindus
the trustees of JKK Rangammal Charitable Trust in Namakkal. private firm were engaged in erecting had demolished the temple after Dalits
The petitioner had sought action against seven people, includ- solar panels at Kottathur near Thuraiyur protested against the alleged decision of caste
ing the convicts, for stalling legal eviction proceedings follow- when the found they found one of the Hindus to bar them from participating in the
ing a local court’s order to remove them from the land belong- idols. When they dug the pit further, they temple festival. Caste Hindus did not participate
ing to the trust. ENS discovered another one. ENS in the ceremony, said sources. ENS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES
(Mar 21 - Apr. 20) (Apr. 21 - May 21) (May 22 - June 21) (June 22 - July 23) (July 24 - Aug. 23) (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23) (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) (Nov. 23 - Dec. 22) (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) (Feb. 20 - Mar 20)
It is absolutely You know how If you wish to Partners and Keep your Spare a thought Somebody you Your planetary Business must The romantic You’ve got to Passion should
P E T E R V I DA L vital to see essential it is to release a little employers will thoughts and for your encounter over patterns are go on. condition of the take life one be top of your
education not talk to loved pressure there be impressed at feelings to physical well- the next two or mixed, some Recogni-sing heavens is so step at a time. list for the day,
23rd August: I mentioned Jupiter just in terms of formal ones. It’s vital to keep the seems no better way than just how well you combine yourself if you wish. You being. Your social stars three days seems to be pushing you forward, that moral and spiritual pronounced that if you are It is necessary to pleasure second. The
yesterday. What I didn’t say is that if schooling and qualifications. dialogue going. Don’t for a spot of shopping, even your legendary may do best if you take are most obviously strong destined to become one of others holding you back. issues are very strong, single you’ll be making complete all detailed and strange thing, of course, is
It’s a process involving the compassionate qualities another day or two to today, but one planetary the most important people Unless family matters are
this planet was much larger it would be a acquisition of wisdom and a
one moment imagine that just of window shopping.
with resolution and digest what’s going on, sub-plot is giving you the in your life during the next pressing, put them to one
you must still proceed long-term commitments trivial chores, no matter that for you there should
second Sun. The reason is that it is so huge better understanding of the other people are It really does look like a determination, which may probably at work. In the opportunity to do couple of months. This is side and concentrate with cash transactions and if you are already how tedious. Indeed, the be no contradiction
that if it were any bigger it would collapse difference between right and telepathic, otherwise time for treats and come as something of a meantime, you must look something about a minor, surely enough to make you instead on the professional and joint investments. settled you’ll be renewing more thorough you are, between total self-
wrong. This may sound they’ll misunderstand your rewards all round, so surprise. You’ve got some anew at an old but niggling, complaint. A realise that you should not situation. And, if you are In fact, if you have any your vows. Don’t cramp the greater will be the indulgence and the
in on itself and ignite. I wonder what profound, but then the intentions, you’ll blame don’t stint. You’ve paid big ideas, but you don’t relationship, and figure romantic opportunity reject new contacts just about to get under way plans for purcha-sing your feelings, otherwise respect and admiration highest spiritual activity:
it would be like to have two Suns? The current planetary line-up is them, and they’ll walk your dues and now it’s have to follow them all out how you can make a will require extra because they don’t meet with a major new ambition, extra property, the stars you’ll miss out on this which you are due to the one doesn’t exist
nights would be shorter, that’s for sure! extremely important. away! Say what you mean! time to cash in. through just yet. loved one feel better. attention, by the way. your normal standards. success should come fast. are almost perfect. splendid period. receive from far and wide. without the other.

CROSS WORD JUMBLE UNSCRAMBLE THESE JUMBLES, ONE LETTER TO

EACH SQUARE, TO FORM FOUR ORDINARY WORDS.
BY DAVID L. HOYT
ACROSS DOWN
AND JEFF KNUREK
1 Striking entails disruption (7) 1 Sails may be made
5 Icing the problem? from this fibre (5)
A rug’s perhaps the 2 Start leading the field (3)
answer (5) 3 It’s an advantage
8 Girl has an unusual idea to trim the lawn (4)
of earthly paradise (7-2) 4 He suits his customers (6)
9 Injure breaking an arm (3)
5 Normal kind of lamp (8)
10 It’s purely symbolic (4)
Solutions to Yesterday’s puzzle

6 My amusing upset
12 Excellent worker we like
in the sports centre (9)
to play cards with (4,4)
7 Screen has red centre
14 Bill isn’t paid by him (6)
and unusual rose edging (7)
15 They may measure a
diamond ring as it’s reset (6) 11 Built with care maybe
17 They will keep on as a way to avoid friction (9)
watch in the ship (8) 13 Regarded as having
18 Square mile holding character taken no active part (6,2)
from children’s novel (4) 14 Develops proposals (7)
21 Proceed to a port in India (3) 16 Bodies in swimming costumes (6)
22 Top gear when going 19 Circuits have direction

SU DO KU HARD into a corner? (6,3) to go downhill (5)

24 We leave a cowboy 20 Be a socially
movie - it’s grim (5) acceptable lover (4)
TEST YOUR NUMBER 25 One wink or forty (7) 23 Signal to strike the bell? (3)
CRUNCHING SKILL WITH OUR
UNIQUE PUZZLE YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS
Across: 1 Fatigues, 5 Bump, 9 Erato, Down: 1 Fret, 2 Traders, 3 Ghostwriters,
� Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner 10 Realist, 11 Led to believe, 13 Insure, 4 Enrobe, 6 Unite, 7 Patients,
that every row, every column and every 3X3 box Yesterday’s
14 Insist, 17 Breathe again, 20 Neutral, 8 Falling glass, 12 Disbands, 15 Initial,
accommodates the digits 1 to 9, without repeating any. 21 Aside, 22 Seed, 23 Whistler. 16 Health, 18 Exude, 19 Wear.
 The PM 2.5 level recorded at Alandur NEWS UPDATE FROM TN

21 µg|m3 on Thursday. Nitrogen dioxide level

was at 1 µg/m3 against the
prescribed standard of 80 µg/m3
Twitter @ xpresstn
‘TNIE Tamilnadu’ @ xpresstn

03 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� � newindianexpress com

Three of family
killed as school
Plea seeking infra for liver transplants at
bus hits bike
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Dindigul
GRH: HC seeks response from hosp dean
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Madurai HC seeks reply on plea to fence unused stone quarries In Tamil Nadu, of the 54 hospi-
Three persons of a family were tals approved to carry out liver
killed after their bike, travel- THE Madurai Bench of the Ma- Madurai: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday a sought transplants, six are government
ling in the wrong direction, col- dras High Court on Thursday response from the district administration on a plea seeking to fence the hospitals. So far, around 1,500 liv-
lided with a private school bus sought a response from the dean unused quarries adjacent to the Yanaimalai hillock in Othakadai of Madurai. ers have been donated in the state,
in Natham of Dindigul on of the Government Rajaji Hospi- A division bench of Justices R Subramanian and L Victoria Gowri was of which 94 transplants took
Thursday morning. According tal (GRH) on the number of pa- hearing a petition filed by N Abdul Rahman Jalal of Y Othakadai. The place in government hospitals.
to police sources, K Murugan tients who applied for liver trans- petitioner submitted that two women drowned to death in a water pit at a The Stanley hospital in Chennai

Tribal welfare dept gets

(40), a native of Semangalam of plants at the hospital. stone quarry in the foothills of Y Othakadai in May 2024. In 2023, two had performed 91 transplants.
Usilampatti in Madurai, was A division bench of Justices R schoolchildren drowned to death in a similar incident in the locality. The Not a single transplant took place
on the way to attend a relative’s Subramanian and L Victoria government had banned operations at the quarries many years ago. People at GRH even though it has been

notice as vigilance meet

function with his wife Panju Gowri was hearing a petition and children visit agricultural lands, Narasinga Perumal temple and other 15 years since the transplant sur-
(35) and son Sridhar (6) on the filed by A Veronica Mary (37) of areas near the quarries, and those who are new to the locality do not realise gery programme was started in
bike. While they were travel- Madurai, seeking infrastructure the dangers and have drowned to death. Due to the frequent occurrence of the state, the petitioner stated.
such incidents, the residents demanded proper fencing in non-working

not held, aid delayed

ling on the Natham-Madurai to perform liver transplant sur- She also submitted that the
highway, Murugan decided to gery at the GRH in Madurai from quarry areas in the locality. main reason for liver damage was
drive in the opposite direction, brain-dead persons. alcohol consumption, adding that
to reach Natham, near Puduko- The petitioner submitted that ing to an RTI reply, there were She further submitted in a sep- the state generated around
ttai Mudakku junction. the facility for liver transplant around 1,216 inpatients and 18,786 arate Public Interest Litigation `45,885.67 crore in revenue E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Madurai
As the bushes on the median was not available at the hospital outpatients in the gastroenterol- (PIL) petition that the court had through liquor sales in 2023-24
obstructed his view, he could and the patients were advised to ogy department of GRH in 2012, already directed the state to pro- alone, but failed to take care of THE National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
not see the private school bus. reach Stanley Medical College or which increased to 2,683 inpa- vide the facilities in government those with liver issues. The court issued a notice to the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare
The driver of the bus, belong- Rajiv Gandhi Government Gen- tients and 24,040 outpatients in hospitals, including cadaver liver sought a response from the dean Department for not conducting district vigil committee
ing to a private school in Ala- eral Hospital in Chennai. Accord- 2023. transplant surgery in GRH. and adjourned the case. meetings in Tamil Nadu for the past several months. The
garkoil, also did not notice the notice was issued after a petitioner claimed SC/ST vic-
bike. After the head-on colli- tims numbering over 1,151 are yet to receive compensa-
sion, all three victims were
thrown off their vehicle and
crushed to death. The bodies
Association wants survey dept tion of over `35.24 crore in Tamil Nadu between 2019 and
2022.In a letter to the department, the NCSC mentioned
that based on the petition, the commission has decided to

vacancies filled, holds protest

were taken to the Natham gov- investigate and inquire into the matter of not conducting
ernment hospital for postmor- vigil committee meetings, and monitoring the issues of
tem examination. A case was the victims’ remedial measures for the past several
registered at the Natham police months in all districts of the state.
station, and an investigation is E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Madurai surveyor posts were upgraded Besides, it ordered the department to
under way with the bus driver and the officers were granted pro- submit the facts and information on ac-
Thanraj (57). OVER 50 members of the Tamil motion as land surveyors, the pro- tion taken to the commission within 15
Nadu Survey Officers Associa- testers said. days of receipt of the notice by post, in
tion staged a demonstration in- They further stated that a pro- p e r s o n o r a ny o t h e r m e a n s o f
Desilting work tenders side the collectorate campus here posal was sent to the department communication.
on Thursday, demanding the au- concerned, on behalf of the asso- Speaking to TNIE, the petitioner, Dalit
Madurai: The city corporation has thorities to fill up existing vacan- ciation, saying that 116 firka land Liberation Movement (DLM) state secretary C Karuppiah
floated tenders for desilting the cies in their department. Raising surveyors are yet to receive their said, “Based on the amendment in 2015 of the Scheduled
channels that run across the city slogans against the state govern- designation. However, the propos- Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
ahead of monsoon. It has also ment, the protesters said that the al has been pending with the fi- Act, 1989, state-level vigilance and monitoring committee
stepped up focus on fixing TNPSC has downgraded the land nance department for a long time. meetings, district level vigilance and monitoring commit-
damaged roads in Madurai city. survey post and appointed 702 As a result, field workers are in tee meeting, sub-division level vigilance and monitoring
These include maintenance works firka land surveyors in order to long wait to get their promotion committee meeting must be formed and organised every
in tanks in BB Kulam main road reduce the workload of the land as firka land surveyors, they four months. The primary purpose of these committees
for `1.19 lakh, at Kosakulam canal surveyors. pointed out. The members fur- is to check and inquire about the status of SC/ST atrocity
and Melur main road canal for After the appointment, the ther requested Chief Minister victims and resolve problems related to their compensa-
`4.85 lakh, cleaning of canals
with machinery on hire basis for
Tamil Nadu government passed a
G.O. to promote the firka land sur-
MK Stalin, Finance Minister
Thangam Thennarasu to look
LEAP OF FAITH tion. But, such meetings were not organised after Janu-
ary 2024. As a result, over 1,151 SC/ST victims between
`3.64 lakh. Officials said work will veyors as land land surveyors. Ac- into the issue and take appropri- Aspirants participating in the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board 2019 and 2022 are yet to receive compensation totalling
be completed before monsoon. cordingly, 200 of the 702 firka land ate action. (TNUSRB) recruitment programme at AR Ground in Madurai | KK SUNDAR over `35.24 crore.”

TAMIL NADU PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL

COLLEGES ASSOCIATION � HEALTH SCIENCES The South India Hotels and Restaurants Association,
‘Prasanna Enclave’ 1st floor, No.30, Bharathi Avenue, Kotturpuram, Chennai-85 CIN U93090TN1951NPL002401
Admission for M.Pharm. Degree Course (2024-25 session) in unaided Reg. Office: Office No.3, 6th floor, Seethakathi Business Centre, Anna Salai, Chennai-600006.
private colleges through Entrance Examination Email: [email protected]; \ Website: www.sihra.in; Phone: 044-28297511 / 12
The Committee to Regulate - Monitor the admissions of students to professional courses by NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,
the self financing Professional Arts & Science College Vide Letter No: COA/M.Pharm/082/2024, E-VOTING INFORMATION AND BOOK CLOSURE
dated 19.08.2024 authorizes this Association to prepare the General Merit List for the (Notice Pursuant to Section 91 and 108 of The Companies Act, 2013)
management quota seats (M.Pharm course 2024-25 session). The online application form, Notice is hereby given that the 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The South India Hotels and
hall ticket & prospectus shall be downloaded from the website www.tnppcahs.org Restaurants Association (SIHRA) will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11.00 a.m. at
Date of online application form submission begins from : 24.08.2024, 11.00 PM Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai, 531, Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Parangi Malai, Pazavanthangal,
Last date for submission of online application form : 19.09.2024 Chennai – 600016. Notice of the AGM has been dispatched to all the Members to their registered
Date of Downloading Hall ticket : 21.09.2024 postal / email address appearing in the Register of Members of the Association as on August 21,
Date of Entrance Examination : 22.09.2024 2024. Pursuant to Section 91 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the “Act”) and the Rules framed there
under, the Register of Members will remain closed from Saturday, September 7, 2024 to Saturday,
Publication of Merit List / Results : 25.09.2024
September 14, 2024 (both days inclusive) for the purpose of ascertaining the Members who are
The candidate should send the downloaded filled in online application form eligible to cast their vote on the resolutions through remotee-voting or through ballot at the AGM
(with enclosures) on or before 21.09.2024. venue. The Association, pursuant to Section 108 of the Act, read with Rule 20 of the Companies
Dr.Ishari k Ganesh, Mr.J.Jayaseelan,
President Secretary
(Management and Administration) Rules 2014 and the Secretarial Standard on General Meetings
issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India is providing the members with the facility �����������
to cast their vote through remote e-voting with regard to the businesses to be transacted, as per
the notice of the 73rd AGM.
The Association has fixed September 6, 2024 as the cut-off date for ascertaining the Members
who are entitled to cast their vote either by remotee-voting or ballot voting at the AGM Venue. The
necessary USER ID & PASSWORD were sent to the Members email-id / postal address available with
the Association along with the Notice of the 73rd AGM. Person becoming Members of the Association
after despatch of the Notice of the AGM but before the Cut-off date i.e. September 6, 2024, may
obtain the USER ID and password by sending a request to [email protected] or contact the
Secretariat of the Association at the address mentioned in the AGM Notice. A member can opt for �������
only one mode of voting i.e., either through remote e-voting or by voting at the venue of AGM. If a ��������������

���
Member casts votes by both modes, voting done through remote e-voting shall prevail. Members
who have not cast their votes through remote e-voting and who is attending the AGM have an option
to exercise his / her voting through a ballot form at the AGM venue. The members who have cast
their vote by remote e-voting prior to the meeting may also attend the meeting, but shall not be
entitled to cast their vote again. SCAN THE QR CODE TO
The e-Voting window shall commence on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9:00am, and shall be DOWNLOAD THE APP
closed at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024 and the Members are requested to cast their
vote through the-web-link https://www.evoting.cdslindia.com by using their User Id and Password.
Members will not able to cast their vote electronically beyond the said date and time, and the
e-voting module shall be disabled for voting by CDSL.
The Annual Report including Notice of the AGM is also available on the Association’s website
www.sihra.in. In case of any queries or issues in relation to e-voting, Members may refer to the
“Frequently Asked Questions”, (“FAQs”) and e-voting User Manual under Downloads section of CDSL’s
e-voting website https://www.evoting.cdslindia.com or write an email to [email protected]
Members entitled to attend and vote at the meeting, may vote in person or by proxy / authorised
representative, provided that all proxies in the prescribed form / authorisation duly signed by the
person entitled to attend and vote at the meeting, are deposited at the Registered Office of the
Association, not later than 48 hours before the meeting. ���������������
By order of the Executive Committee
FOR SOUTH INDIA HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION ��������
Date: August 21, 2024 T NATARAAJAN �����������
Place: Chennai HONY. SECRETARY
 PMK SEEKS The PMK has urged the state to issue a white paper on the status of MoUs signed with
investors from various countries in last three years. In a release, party president
WHITE PAPER Anbumani Ramadoss expressed concern over the alleged lack of progress on the MoUs
signed during CM MK Stalin’s visits to Dubai in March 2022 and Spain in January 2024

04 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

TN corp plans green energy Karunanidhi’s books nationalised: CM

plants on Adyar and Cooum
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE ment has nationalised the revivalist organisation. Karu- Assembly from 1957 to 2018
@ Chennai books of 179 Tamil scholars nanidhi penned the script for have been published in 12 vol-
and a sum of `14.42 crore has the film ‘Rajakumari’ when umes. He has written stories
CHIEF Minister MK Stalin on been given as compensation he was 23 and launched ‘Mu- and screenplay for 75 feature
Thursday announced that all to their heirs. rasoli’ in 1942. films, 15 novels, 20 plays, 15
Corpn to build plants with combined capacity of 20,000 MW by 2030 the books written by former
chief minister M Karunani-
The release also recalled
that Karunanidhi began his
‘Kavithaiyalla Mutharam’
(collection of poetic verses
short stories and 210 poems.
He has also written articles in
dhi have been nationalised literary career when he was written during his imprison- several newspapers.
S G U R U V A N M I K A N AT H A N @ Chennai without any compensation 14 and edited a manuscript ment), his commentary on “During his tenure as Chief
from the government. The an- magazine called ‘Maanava Tirukkural and Tholkappi- Minister, he nationalised the
THE Tamil Nadu Green Energy nouncement marks the con- Nesan’ (Friend of Students) yarm, 54 volumes of let- works of 108 Tamil scholars
Corporation (TNGEC) is plan- clusion of the birth anniver- when he was 15. Later, at ters written by Karuna- and provided `7.76 crore as
ning to set up power plants un- sary of the DMK patriarch. 18, his first article ap- nidhi to his party compensation to their heirs.
der the small hydropower poli- Sources said Karunanidhi’s peared in ‘Dravida c a d r e, ‘ N e n j u k k u Since all the books of the ‘Ka-
cy announced recently on key works are likely to be upload- Nadu’ magazine edit- Neethi’, his autobiog- laignar’ have been national-
rivers such as Cauvery and ed to the web portal of Tamil ed by former CM CN raphy in six volumes, ized, Tamils living not only in
Vaigai and waterbodies in Virtual Academy where na- Annadurai. At 20, he are considered tes- Tamil Nadu but all over the
southern and western districts. tionalised works of various founded the Thiru- taments to his world will have a rare oppor-
The corporation is also explor- The state currently has leaders are available. An offi- varur Tamil writing prowess. tunity to study the rich works
ing the possibility of building 47 hydropower plants cial release recalled that the Tamil Students Karunanidhi’s of Muthamizhar Kalaignar,”
such plants on small rivers like with a combined capacity Tamil Development Depart- Forum, a youth speeches in the the release added.
of 2,321.90 MW | EXPRESS
the Adyar and the Cooum to

200 mobile veterinary units with

utilise the run-off water flow-
ing in these rivers during mon- also be explored. The initiative trating on building new solar CM’S REPLY
soon season. It is also planning seeks to encourage private plants under a hybrid system.
to conduct a feasibility study companies to generate electric- This approach allows develop-
‘Coin release
pics of both CM & PM flagged off
on various riverbeds for setting ity for their own use. Tangedco ers to build wind and solar pow-

event held by
up hydropower plants with ca- has nearly 1,000 substations er plants on the same land. If
pacity ranging from 100 kilo- across the state to transmit the state can build power plants
watt to 10 megawatt. power from generation points with at least 5,000 MW capacity
The proposals have been ini-
tiated after the Tamil Nadu gov-
ernment, in a bid to reduce car-
to consumers. Currently, these
facilities are sufficient to meet
the demand. Going forward,
each year, reaching the 20,000
MW target in next six years is
possible.”
state, but it was EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai

bon emission, approved three

green energy policies on Au-
however, it will be necessary to
build more substations to main-
The official said TNGEC
plans to build solar plants with
a union subject’ AFTER lying idle for several
months due to an alleged disa-
gust 13. An official order with tain grid stability. The utility, a capacity of 10,000 MW and hy- greement between the state
full details of the three policies therefore, must assess the pos- dro plants to generate 1,050 MW EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE and union governments over
is expected in the next two sibility of establishing addi- by 2030. The state must allocate @ Chennai various issues, 200 mobile vet-
days. tional substations.” more space for solar plants in erinary units were finally put
A senior TNGEC official said, Once the details of the three all districts, he said. CHIEF Minister MK Stalin on into service across the state on
“We plan to build plants with a policies are made public, At present, the state has 47 Thursday clarified that the Thursday. Chief Minister MK
combined capacity of 20,000 TNGEC will execute the plan in hydropower plants with a com- function for releasing a com- Stalin inaugurated these units,
MW by 2030. Our teams have full swing, the official said. bined capacity of 2,321.90 MW, memorative coin for the birth which feature images of both
suggested that apart from ma- Highlighting renewable en- and solar units, including centenary of former chief Prime Minister Narendra A total of `39 crore has been spent on purchasing the mobile units | EXPRESS
jor rivers, small rivers like the ergy projects, another official rooftop plants, that could gen- minister M Karunanidhi was Modi and Stalin. A section of
Adyar and the Cooum could said, “TNGEC is also concen- erate 7,995.53 MW. conducted by the state gov- animal welfare activists had from 2 pm to 5 pm. They will be will receive one unit,” the offi-
ernment for a subject coming alleged that the delay was due operated under a PPP model,” cial added.

Fake NCC camps: Teams

under the purview of the un- to the state’s refusal to have an a senior official from the Ani- A total of `39 crore has been
Second Pocso ion government.
He said this when reporters
image of Modi on the vehicles.
However, government officials
mal Husbandry department
said. The state currently has
spent on purchasing the mo-
bile units under the Livestock
case filed against asked about union minister L have denied these allegations. 3,000 veterinary clinics and Health and Disease Control

ex-NTK cadre hold inquiry at schools Murugan’s contention that

the state government had or-
ganised the function. “Tamil
These mobile clinics are
equipped with facilities for dis-
ease diagnosis, treatment, de-
hospitals, but these mobile
units will fill the gaps in rural
areas. “Each unit will have a
Programme, an initiative of
the union government.
It may be noted that in De-
Nadu government conducted worming, immunisation, mi- veterinarian and two support- cember last year, activists filed
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE proach her to lodge complaints the function for a subject nor surgery, and other essential ing staff.” a writ petition in the high
@ Krishnagiri @ Krishnagiri about sexual assault incidents which comes under the pur- animal care services. They will According to official data, court, urging that the idle
that may have occurred at fake view of the union govern- serve farmers in remote vil- the state’s livestock population MVUs be put to use. The state
A second Pocso Act case has THE special investigation team NCC camps. “Details of the com- ment” Two days ago, speak- lages at their doorstep, cover- is 245 lakh. “One mobile clinic informed the court that serv-
been registered against former (SIT) led by Inspector General of plainant will be protected and ing at an event, Stalin had ing areas that were not previ- is earmarked for every one ices will begin in two months.
NTK cadre A Sivaraman based Police K Bhavaneeswari that people will not need fear. People said that it was a union gov- ously served by the state’s lakh animals. The remaining The Animal Husbandry de-
on a complaint by the parents was formed by the state govern- can meet me after 6. 30 pm at the ernment function. veterinary services. 45 units will be launched with- partment initially launched
of a 14-year-old girl. Krishna- ment to probe into complaints of circuit house situated behind Answering a question on “The MVUs will operate as in a month. The district joint the Animal Mobile Medical
giri All Women Police booked sexual assault of students at a the collectorate till Saturday. speculations about a cabinet veterinary clinics from 8 am to directors have been asked to Ambulance scheme in five dis-
him under sections 3 (a), 4(2), 5 fake NCC camp, and the multi Also, people can complain to 1098 reshuffle, the CM quipped: “I 2 pm. They will function as am- identify locations to deploy tricts during 2015-16. Current-
(p) and (6) of the Act. disciplinary team (MDT) headed or 100,” she added. have not received any such bulances, providing emergen- these units for effective utilisa- ly, 56 mobile veterinary dispen-
According to sources, in the by Social Welfare and Women Jayashree further said Pocso information.” cy care for animals in distress tion. Each block in the state saries are in operation.
first week of January, Sivara- Empowerment Secretary Ja- Act will be invoked against peo-

Stalin opens 24x7 multi-hazard warning centre

man allegedly sexually assault- yashree on Thursday visited sev- ple who reveal details of victims
ed the 14-year-old girl of a pri- eral schools and colleges to in- such as their name or school
vate school near Krishnagiri. quire about the alleged assault. name, village name, etc. “Coun-
The girl’s parents lodged a com- Officials met the schoolchildren selling will be given to parents,
plaint after news about the as- and their parents at Bargur students, teachers and victims
sault at the fake NCC camp in- Block Development Office. with the support of psychia- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE ment has been paying special ment has created a multi-haz-
volving Sivaraman broke out. The SIT was formed to probe trists. MDT team will give rec- @ Chennai attention to disaster-related ard decision support system.
Police are conducting inquiries into complaints of sexual as- ommendations to the state gov- works such as ensuring The multi-hazard early warn-
with the girl, sources said. sault, and the MDT has been con- er nment to prevent such CHIEF Minister MK Stalin on prompt dissemination of ing centre in Chepauk has
On Wednesday, crime branch stituted to suggest ways to pre- incidents in future. Awareness Thursday inaugurated a flood and flood warning infor- been established in 10,000
police booked Sivaraman in a vent repeat of such incidents. will be given about the Act and round-the-clock multi-hazard mation to all stakeholders in- sqft.
`36 lakh land fraud case. Addressing reporters on Thurs- child protection agencies. Media early warning centre estab- cluding farmers and fisher- Meanwhile, the chief min-
Police said Sivaraman had day, Jayashree Muralidharan persons would also be sensitised lished in Chepauk at a cost of men, strengthening weather ister also released a coffee ta-
attempted to die by suicide last said parents or children can ap- to the issues,” she said. `5.12 crore. This centre is an PIC: P. RAVIKUMAR monitoring systems to pro- ble book titled “Future is Here
month allegedly following a do- upgraded version of the State vide early weather warnings - Khelo India Youth Games
mestic quarrel, He was admit- Emergency Operations ly warning technical centre to and implementing flood miti- 2023” published by the Tamil
ted in hospital. Two days be- Centre. issue warnings to the public gation programmes. Nadu State Sports Develop-
fore his arrest in the Bargur A release said this centre and various departments, an To strengthen the infra- ment Authority. The book
case on Monday, he tried to end has a control room which has inter-departmental coordina- structure for issuing disaster gives details of the Khelo In-
his life. He told about it to po- a video conference facility to tion centre wherein officials warnings to the public in ad- dia Youth Games 2023 con-
lice when they admitted him in interact with district collec- from 48 departments can coor- vance, the government has ducted by the Tamil Nadu gov-
Government Krishnagiri Medi- tors during disasters, a 70-seat dinate rescue and relief ac- been working on establishing ernment between January 19
cal College Hospital after he conference hall, a call centre tivities, etc. Uninterrupted 1,400 automatic rain gauges, and January 31, 2024. Stalin
fractured his leg while ‘trying to attend phone calls from the power and internet connec- 100 automatic weather sta- also presented appointment
to escape’. On Wednesday he public through toll-free num- tions have been provided to tions, and two weather radars orders to 158 people who have
was shifted to Government Mo- bers 1070 and 112 to lodge their the centre. in Ramanathapuram and Yer- been recruited as assistant
han Kumaramangalam Medi- The special investigation team and multi disciplinary team officials interacting with grievances, multi-hazard ear- The release said the govern- caud. Besides, the govern- horticulture officers.
cal College Hospital at Salem. reporters at Krishnagiri Collectorate on Thursday | EXPRESS

Plans on to hold convocations Parents say wards caned by police, EXPRESS READ

of 10 univs by Oct: Raj Bhavan threatened at gunpoint in school

E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai

THE Raj Bhavan on Thursday said it has been proposed to conduct EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE Babu, however, felt that the
convocation of 10 state universities by October 31, to ensure that stu- @ Sivaganga Police deny charges teachers were taking revenge for
dents receive their degree certificates promptly without delay. The A day after the allegations something that happened during
statement came in the backdrop of convocations getting delayed due PARENTS of a few Class 11 stu- surfaced, a press statement the admissions this year. “The
to the absence of vice-chancellors. dents have alleged that their from the office of the school denied admission to a few
The release highlighted that Governor-Chancellor RN Ravi has wards were threatened at gun- Superintendent of Police boys to Class 11 this year. The
been insisting that all convocations should be held on time. It noted point and beaten up by police- refuted the charges and said students took up the issue with
that between April 2023 and July 2024, convoca- men inside the government-aid- that personnel from the the office of Chief Educational
tions were conducted for 18 of the 20 state uni- ed higher secondary school in Manamadurai town police Officer, and the school was forced
versities. In the universities, where V-C post is Manamadurai. A day after the had only warned the to admit the students. The teach- Congress cadre staged protest in front of the Enforcement Directorate office in
lying vacant, the convenor of the vice-chancel- allegations surfaced, a press students against involving in ers were very upset by this,” he Chennai, urging the union government to initiate a Joint Parliamentary Committee
lor convenor committee has been advised to ini- statement from the office of the clashes said, and added that even if the probe into the allegations made in the Hindenburg report, suggesting a nexus
tiate the process for holding the convocation. Superintendent of Police on kids had created a ruckus, was between SEBI chief and Adani | MARTIN LOUIS
Five state universities are without V-C at the Thursday refuted the charges this the way to deal with them?
moment. For instance, University of Madras, and said personnel from the and threatened them.” The par- In one of the videos shared by
where the V-C post has been lying vacant for the Manamadurai town police had ents also raised the allegation the parents, a teacher is heard
last one year, is yet to conduct the convocation. only warned the students against through social media. A source claiming that they did not call
Online tender for bottle buyback soon: Minister
According to varsity officials, as per the uni- involving in clashes. said the school had called the po- the police and the personnel Coimbatore: Minister for Prohibition and Excise S Muthusamy on
versity statutes, the V-C alone has the right to Speaking to TNIE, V Babu lice after the boys whistled and came on their own. However, the Thursday said that the INDIA bloc remains strong. He said this in Erode
call for convocation and as the post is lying vacant they are unable to said, “When my son returned ran across the premises. press note issued by the SP’s of- in response to media queries if actor Vijay’s entry into politics would
conduct it. “Since the governor has made the statement, the convenor from school on Wednesday One of the students told TNIE fice contradicts this. It said impact INDIA bloc. Further, the minister said the government would
committee will take some decision soon,” said a faculty member. evening, there was swelling all that a policeman kept a gun over teachers alerted the police about inform the Madras High Court that an online tender would be floated
The release further said the governor has also directed V-Cs to over his body. He told me that his head and threatened him. a ruckus. The police also denied for Tasmac’s empty bottles buy back scheme across the state as
provide guidance, motivation, and mentorship to research scholars upon instruction of the school “We didn’t commit any mistake, the allegation that a gun was distilleries are not ready to take back the bottles, and the state
and postgraduate students for taking up NET/JRF. authorities, police personnel en- but wrongly believing that my used to threaten the students. A government’s aim is to prevent the empty bottles from being discarded
“V-Cs have been instructed to support researchers in increasing tered the premises and beat him friends and I were behind some local resident told TNIE that stu- in the open. Currently, the buyback scheme is implemented in nine
the filing of patent applications, particularly in STEM fields. They up along with a few of his ruckus in the school, the teach- dents in the school often broke districts. Earlier, the minister inaugurated desilting of the streams at
have been asked to collaborate with central and private universities,” friends. The police also placed a ers told the police to deal with into fights and the teachers had Sunnambu Odai, which will be carried out by the Erode Municipal
said the statement. gun on the head of his friends us,” he added. failed to control them. Corporation and an NGO. ENS
 3 JUMBOS Carcasses of three female wild elephants aging
between 15 to 20 years were discovered in
DEAD Pindimedu area of Pooyamkutty forest under
Malayattoor division in Kochi on Thursday

05 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

Families mourn death of loved ones in AP blast

RISE IN SUPPLY

Industries find it easier to pay compensation than to undertake safety audits and protocols, allege trade unions, kin
Beetroot, ladies finger
U S H A P E R I @ Visakhapatnam months ago, and I am four Satish’s phone but could not get cheaper as supply
goes up in Dindigul mkt
months pregnant,” she said reach him. The company au-
A pall of gloom descended on with her voice trembling with thorities did not provide any
the families who have lost their grief. Chiranjeevi (24), from updates on their condition. We
loved ones in the tragic fire at Darlapudi in Anakapalle dis- are shocked at how irresponsi-
Escientia Advanced Sciences trict, was working as a fitter ble the company has been in
Private Limited in Atchuta- since November 2023 in the handling this tragedy,” they EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE (Salem) are causing the prices
puram SEZ of Anakapalle dis- unit. said. Trade unions and local @ Dindigul to fluctuate.”
trict. The major accident, Outside the mortuary, the at- leaders raised concerns and Apart from this, traders from
which claimed 17 lives on mosphere was heavy with sor- outrage over the incident, criti- OWING to an increase in sup- Kerala have reduced the pro-
Wednesday, has left families in row as family members, friends, cising the lack of accountabil- ply, the prices of beetroot and curement of vegetables from
deep sorrow as they gathered at and acquaintances of the de- ity and safety measures in the ladies finger dipped to `8 per kg the wholesale market for the
King George Hospital (KGH) in ceased wept inconsolably. SEZ. from `20 per kg over the past past two weeks due to heavy
Visakhapatnam to receive the Relatives of M Satish, a sen- “The industries find it easier few days at the Oddanchatram rain. Some trader reduced their
bodies of their loved ones on ior executive and a native of to pay compensation and ex- vegetable market in Dindigul. purchase by almost 50%. The
Thursday. Pasarlapudi Lanka in East Go- gratia than to undertake safety Speaking to TNIE, M Man- price of beans has also
Among the grieving families davari district, voiced their audits and protocols. It is even ikandan, a wholesale dropped.
was a young woman named frustration over the lack of worse in this case because none trader said, “The price Speaking to TNIE, J
Neeladevi, four months preg- communication and support of the authorities expressed of beetroot is just `8 Akbhar, a wholesaler
nant. She lost her husband, J from the company. “We found condolences,” they averred and per kilogram in the said, “Beans do not ar-
Chiranjeevi, in the accident. CM Naidu visited the pharma company at Atchutapuram SEZ on Thursday where out about the incident through emphasised the need for strict- market. The primary The market rive in trucks, but
“We were married just six the reactor blast claimed 17 lives | EXPRESS the media. We tried calling er safety measures. reason is an increase attracts traders through loads in our
in the arrival of beet- and farmers from facility. Last week, the
root from local villag- all over the state. price of beans was

‘Will work to remove caste, religious differences’ Chennai hosp’s negligence blamed es such as Moolachan-
dram, Ottachantram,
The prices will
stabilise within a
hovering around `35-
40 per kg. Most farm-

for amputation of 11-year-old’s leg Thattaiyanur and Das- few weeks ers sold it around `40
anaickenpatti. While Official, per kg. However, even
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 act as a responsible individual, District-level functionaries the prices were hover- horticulture dept though there has been
fostering unity, fraternity, reli- of the Vijay fan club told TNIE C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 stopped. After treatment, the ing around `20 per kg a dip in arrival, there
EARLIER, the pledge adminis- gious harmony by keeping that they are preparing flag- pain didn’t subside. As the leg for the last two weeks, is no demand from
tered by Vijay stated that one faith in the Constitution of In- posts across the state and the IN another case, the officials started swelling, doctors said it has dropped to `8 traders, and beans
must always respect the sacri- dia and country’s sovereignty. flag would be hoisted extensive- suspended the licence of Mount they could not treat it and sug- per kg since few days. The mar- were auctioned for just `20 per
fice of all those from Tamil soil Everyone must strive to en- ly in the coming days. Hospital in Adambakkam for gested amputating it. They am- ket has over 100 tonnes of beet- kg.”
who fought for the country in sure equal rights and opportu- Meanwhile, a few argued that medical negligence after hospi- putated the leg. Following a root in stock. Besides, the price An official from the horticul-
the freedom struggle and for nity for all by creating aware- the flower depicted on the flag tal amputated the left leg of an complaint filed by boy’s father, of ladies finger has also ture department said, “The
people’s rights. He also pledged ness and eliminating was not Siris as claimed by Vi- 11-year-old boy. The boy was DMS officials inspected the dropped to `8 per kg. For the market attracts traders and
to work towards the objective differences based on caste, reli- jay’s supporters but it was Albi- taken to the hospital in April hospital on August 19 and found last two weeks, it was around farmers from all over the state,
set by those who lost their lives gion, gender and domicile, and zia saman, commonly known after he complained of repeat- negligence. They found that `20-25 per kg. Fresh arrivals leading to an increase in the ar-
in the struggle to safeguard the must resolve to uphold the as the rain tree or ‘thoongu- ed pain in his big toe. The hos- hospital did not have necessary from other districts such as rival of vegetables. The prices
Tamil language. The pledge principle that all are born moonji maram’ (sleeping tree) pital treated him, saying the amenities. Their licence was Usilampatti (Madurai), Mana- will stabilise within a few
also read that everyone must equal, the pledge said. in Tamil. blood circulation to the toe had cancelled on Wednesday. parai (Tiruchi) and Vaikundam weeks.”

EXPRESS READ
Bead engraved with bull found in Vembakottai
200 rural development workers assn Can serve South better: Dabur CEO
Continued from page 1: “The investment will allow us to better

members take casual leave in protest

serve the growing demand for our products in South India and
Virudhunagar: A carnelian bead engraved with a
strengthen our market presence in the region. We look forward
humped bull was found at the Vembakottai excavation
to contributing to Tamil Nadu’s economic development by
site in Virudhunagar district, said Finance Minister
creating jobs and working closely with local vendors and
Thangam Thennarasu on Thursday. In a post on X, the
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Madurai Promotions of employees tions and increments, among oth- supplier partners,” Mohit Malhotra said in a statement. “The
minister said the bead was made to be fixed in a ring.
working in rural development ers. Chief Minister MK Stalin, in new facility will be designed with a focus on energy conservation
The gemstones for the carnelian bead were found only department are being delayed
DEMANDING the authorities to his election manifesto, had an- in both construction and operations,” he added.
in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The technique used for hollowing out the unnecessarily. The collector
fill up vacancies, and create new nounced that the strike periods
beads was found in Rome. Like in Vembakottai, carnelian beads were must be given the authority to
posts to implement the MGNRE- of the rural development depart-
found in Keeladi and Musuri from the Sangam era, he said. ENS look into promotions and
GA scheme and Kalaignar Kana- ment employees would be consid-
increments, among others
vu Illam scheme, over 200 mem- ered as working periods. To date,
PHC staff tell patient to buy syringe, probe ordered bers of the Tamil Nadu Rural Protesters this has not been implemented.
Development Officials’ Associa- The chief minister must look
Madurai: After the staff at a public health centre (PHC) in tion (TNRDOA) took two days of REGA computer assistants and into this issue,” they said.
Thannakkankulam allegedly asked a patient’s attender to buy a syringe casual leave. SBM plan coordinators. They The members also requested
and needles from a pharmacy outside the premises on Wednesday, an The members said they are also demanded the govern- the state government to
inquiry has been ordered. A video of the incident was recorded by the working under heavy pressure in ment create a separate in- regularise the employ-
patient’s relative and uploaded on social media platforms. According to the department, and to smooth frastructure for the MGN- ment of technical assist-
sources, an elderly patient along with her attender went to the the functioning of the depart- REGA scheme. ants and clerks who
Thanakkankulam PHC in Madurai on Wednesday. The doctor told her to ment, they are demanding the au- “Promotions of employ- have been working for
get an injection, but the medical staff at the facility told the patient’s thorities to fulfil their 20 charter ees working in rural devel- more than ten years and
attender to buy a syringe and needles from a pharmacy outside. District demands, including filling up va- opment department are be- also sought jobs on com-
Health Officer Dr P Kumaraguruparan told TNIE, “An inquiry has been cancies for panchayat secretar- ing delayed unnecessarily. The passionate grounds for the
ordered. An initial probe revealed there were adequate number of ies’ posts and regularising the district collector must be given kin of employees who lost their
syringes and needles at the PHC. Action will be taken after a probe.” jobs of those working as MGN- the authority to look into promo- lives while on duty.
06 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

IT ALWAYS
SEEMS
IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT
UNTIL IT’S
DONE
HARD WORK,
NELSON MANDELA

NOTHING
GROWS BUT
WEEDS
GORDON B HINCKLEY

THE ONLY CONSTANT IN THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IS CHANGE ❯ MARC BENIOFF

07 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

WATCO
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WATCO
Ground Floor, Unnati Bhawan, H.B. Colony, Satyanagar,
Bhubaneswar-751007, Odisha, India Telefax: - +91-674-2391444
E-mail - [email protected]/ [email protected]
INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)
Bid Identification No. WATCO (W) - 07/2024-25 Dtd.21.08.2024
C-466 WATCO No.5166 Date: 21.08.2024
1. Name of the work 1. Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of
pumping Arrangement, Electrification System and
piping System at Jawahar Nagar Pump House,
Rourkela.
2. Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of
Pumpsets including Electrical & Piping Arrange-
ments for New Pump House at (18+25 MLD), WTP
at Panposh Rourkela.
3. Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of
pumping Arrangement, Electrification System and
piping System at 55 MLD Pump House, RourkeIa,
4. Provision for automation of 2.00 MLD WTP with
pumping station, renovation of intake well &
diversion of drain at Jhirpani, Rourkela for 24 x 7
water supply to Rourkela.
2. Estimated cost :- 1. Rs.185.85 Lakh 2. Rs. 433.37 Lakh
3. Rs.351.70 Lakh 4. Rs 425.50 Lakh
3. Period of completion :- 06 (Six calendar) Months.
4. Date & time of availability of bid : - From 11.00 AM of Dt.30.08.2024 to 5.00 PM of
document in the portal 12.09.2024
5. Last date / time of receipt of bids : - 5.00 PM of 13.09.2024
in the portal
6. Date & time of opening of : -12.30 PM of 13.09.2024
technical bids
7. Name and address of the Officer Inviting Bid : - CEO, WATCO, Telefax: - 0674-2391444
E-Mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
8. The bidders have to participate in ONLINE bidding only. Further details can be seen
from the web site www.tendersodisha.gov.in
Sd/-
OIPR-13194/11/0012/2425 CEO, WATCO

TRY TO LEAVE THE EARTH A BETTER PLACE

THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED ❯ SIDNEY SHELDON

All the news. In just a click. �������������������

����������������
Log to www.newindianexpress.com �����������������������
 The hesitation was on both sides. In some quarters in
India, there was a lingering suspicion of US intentions in
world affairs. On the American side, some couldn’t or Madeleine
wouldn’t understand India’s compulsions and aspirations Albright

08 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

T
HE demand by the Bangladesh The US is fomenting regime change in parts of Asia. Delhi must ing the technique of insurgency. But sanc-
Nationalist Party for extradi- tuaries are needed next door for staging
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN tion of the deposed Prime Min- remember that Washington’s geo-strategies are often insurgencies—like Pakistan and Turkey
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. ister Sheikh Hasina from India impervious to the collateral damage they inflict on others in the earlier cases. Hence the importance
— Ramnath Goenka comes as no surprise. The party of the northern borderlands of Thailand,

THE SPECTRE OF
is apprehensive that the current which is part of the Golden Triangle, a
antipathy toward Hasina in the large mountainous region that gives cov-
country may dissipate sooner than later er to the drug mafia and human traffick-

BACKWARDNESS NEEDS once the joyous ‘second revolution’ in the

country collides with the sobering reality INSTABILITY ON ers, and has a sizeable refugee population
from Myanmar. But the attempted colour

RELOOK TO MAKE MORE that the complex problems of develop-

ment in Bangladesh are intractable and
THE EASTERN FRONT
revolution in Bangkok got squashed
through constitutional methods by the

INCLUSIVE POLICIES
the expectations are pitched sky-high. entrenched ruling elite. Therefore, the re-
An analogous situation would be what’s gime change in Bangladesh has come as a
happening in Georgia. The fizz went out windfall for Western intelligence.

T
of the 2003 US-backed ‘Rose revolution’ a The encirclement of China with un-
HE Supreme Court’s recent order endorsing the need long time ago. During its first decade, friendly states is the unspoken agenda of
to sub-classify the Scheduled Castes and the growing Georgia went through several political cri- the US. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang
clamour for a caste census have underlined the need for ses. Waves of protest erupted as the econ- M K BHADRAKUMAR Former diplomat Yi’s visit to Myanmar and Thailand last
omy tanked, corruption and venality week highlighted the criticality of the
a re-evaluation of backwardness across India. The de-
deepened, rule of law tumbled, and the situation. Wang Yi called the situation
mand for a nationwide caste census by enumerating it misrule and anarchic conditions brought “worrying”, and suggested that neigh-
in the next census has been raised not only by the opposition the country down on its knees. The icon of bouring countries should promote coop-
parties, but also by some parties in the ruling National Demo- the colour revolution, Mikhail Saakash- eration with Myanmar to create economic
cratic Alliance. The last caste census in India was conducted vili, was literally driven out of power into and social conditions that prevent conflict.
in 1931. In more recent decades, the Mandal Commission was exile. The party that emerged out of the He said neighbouring countries “sitting in
set up to identify the socially and educationally backward wreckage of the colour revolution in a free the same boat and drinking water from
and fair election, Georgia Dream, sought the same river” have a better understand-
classes outside the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The Union rapprochement with Russia, as realisa- ing of Myanmar’s situation than others.
government subsequently conducted a Socio Economic and tion dawned that Georgia’s future was in If Bangladesh gets sucked into the con-
Caste Census in 2011, but its data has not been made public. good relations with its giant neighbour. flict in Myanmar, the security implications
When Bihar conducted its own caste survey last year, it re- Washington recently tried to repeat for India can be very daunting, especially
vealed alarming data on poverty and joblessness. the colour revolution, but Tbilisi coun- due to the religious dimension, what with
There is little doubt that over the decades the socio-economic tered it ingeniously by enacting a law the Rohingya refugee problem and the ac-
that all foreign contributions to NGOs tivities of Christian evangelicals in the
landscape in the country has drastically changed. Civil society must be audited—exposing in one stroke remote tribal tracts in the region. There is
groups and caste-based political parties have for long been em- the fifth column and sleeper cells. Geor- a high probability that the collapse of the
phasising the need to refine affirmative action to ensure that gians made the point that they have had state structure may result in the eventual
the benefits reach every section of the target groups, namely enough of colour revolutions. fragmentation of Myanmar. It is extremely
SCs, STs and the Other Backward Classes. The new socio-eco- These are early post-revolution days in short-sighted to imagine that Myanmar is
nomic data that they want to be collected in the next census Bangladesh. The twenty-something star- China’s problem, not India’s.
ry-eyed students are now aspiring to form Suffice to say, the regime change in
would allow a more granular approach to providing reserva-
a new political party to rule the country Bangladesh will destabilise India’s east-
tions in education and employment. Though some parties are of 170 million. Meanwhile, criminal cases SOURAV ROY ern periphery. It is a moot point whether
opposed to enumerating caste through the national census, the are being filed against Hasina. The pow- the US agenda in Bangladesh is ‘India-
need to uplift those who have been historically left behind ers that be seem to fear that, some day, actors” including to “develop concrete egy and the US is robustly pushing the centric’. American geo-strategies invari-
should be a good enough reason for them to overcome their Hasina may stage a comeback. In reality steps towards a full transition to civilian regime change agenda. ably serve American interests, and are
hesitancy on the issue. The promise of providing social justice though, what they have to guard against governance that respects the will of the Colour revolutions take myriad forms. impervious to the collateral damage they
cannot be fulfilled without a comprehensive enumeration of is something entirely different. people of Burma”. If in Georgia—and more recently in Hong inflict on others.
For, the chronicle of colour revolutions One of the two officials was Tom Sulli- Kong and Thailand—it appeared in the The Biden administration wasn’t pun-
caste and finding out the level of backwardness among them. tells a sordid tale of failed states. Next door, van—White House National Security Ad- classic mould of non-violent street pro- ishing Germany, America’s closest NATO
The Supreme Court judgement has come in light of a deci- Myanmar is in the US’s crosshairs, where visor Jake Sullivan’s little brother—who tests, in Ukraine in 2014 it took a hybrid ally, by destroying the Nord Stream gas
sion by the Punjab government to sub-classify the Scheduled they are financing and arming an insur- is a senior advisor to Secretary of State form where agents provocateurs secretly pipelines; rather, it was burying in the
Castes in order to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach gency with Western mercenaries provid- Antony Blinken and holds the position positioned in the Kiev city square opened seabed a potential Russian-German alli-
all sub-castes, especially the most marginalised within the ing expertise. Last Friday, two senior US of deputy chief of staff for policy at the fire in the night of February 20 and killed ance in the heart of Europe. Similarly,
group. As more and more states and political parties align with officials met in Washington virtually with state department. The second official 108 civilian protesters and 13 police offic- Washington should have no conceivable
the shadow of Myanmar’s National Unity was Michael Schiffer, assistant adminis- ers. That gruesome incident in mysterious reason to punish rising India; rather,
the idea of a re-evaluation of backwardness, the Union govern-
government consisting of an opposition trator of the USAID bureau for Asia, a circumstances became the tipping point as American officials keep saying that the
ment would do well to undertake a comprehensive enumera- that is willing to act as proxies, politicians former Pentagon official who handles democratically-elected President Viktor partnership is among the “most conse-
tion to collect accurate data on such demographics. This will and a clutch of ethnic rebel groups. Indo-Pacific strategy, crafting new plans Yanukovych lost nerve and fled in panic. quential in the world”. With the US’s tow-
allow it to understand the current social stratification more According to the US state department, for engagement in central and southeast When it comes to Myanmar, the US is ering presence in the Bay of Bengal, In-
comprehensively and help it make more inclusive policies. the two officials “reiterated that the Unit- Asia. The consultations on Friday mes- instigating regime change through a dia must constantly guard against the
ed States will continue to expand direct saged unambiguously that the Myanmar guerrilla war. After Afghanistan and Syr- fate of Icarus in Greek mythology.
support and assistance to pro-democracy file is a priority in the Indo-Pacific strat- ia, this is the first time Washington is us- (Views are personal)

VIZAG FIRE AN ALARM TO

SHED REGULATORY SLOTH
MORALITY, METAPHORS

T AND THE CONSTITUTION

HE LG Polymers gas leak near Visakhapatnam in May
2020, which claimed 12 lives and harmed more than 500, Indian Yunus
was supposed to be a loud wake-up call not only for the Ref: The budget & jobs: Prescriptions without
diagnosis (Aug 22). To boost employment
state of Andhra Pradesh, but also the rest of the country.
and generate more self-employment, we

T
A flurry of activities followed—committees were consti- HE Constitution has been con- need a Mohammad Yunus. The Nobel
tuted and legal action was taken. Yet, we are back to square one sidered the supreme law of the laureate was a real champion of the poor
in 2024. On Wednesday, oil leaked and caught fire at an Escien- land when it comes to the re- people’s cause in Bangladesh.
tia Advanced Sciences facility in the Atchutapuram special sponsibility of courts in mat- Radha Venkataraman, Chennai
economic zone in Visakhapatnam district, killing 17 workers. ters of judicial review. It logi- SAAI SUDHARSAN Advocate, Madras High Court
cally follows that constitutional Court action
The state government responded, as it usually does, by or- SATHIYAMOORTHY
courts, like the Supreme Court With the Kerala government declaring
dering a probe and announcing ex gratia payment of `1 crore and high courts, focus on two key ques- that action can be taken against alleged
to each bereaved family. The same thing had happened after tions: what does the text mean, and how problems. In Kapila Hingorani (2003), in property were excluded. Various move- persecutors named in the Hema committee
the LG Polymers tragedy. Incidentally, the committee that does it convey that meaning? The meaning order to guarantee the right to shelter ments have worked tirelessly to broaden report if the victims complain, the plot
looked into the 2020 accident was headed by the current chief of words in the Constitution, however, can and food under the right to life, the court the scope of “We the People”, ranging meanders in a predictable fashion. The issue
secretary, Neerabh Kumar Prasad. The panel had found sev- be viewed as continuous as it has been es- held that new rights may have to be found from those who fought against slavery being a matter of public concern, hapless
eral lapses in emergency response and safety protocols, and tablished over time through judicial deci- out within the constitutional scheme. and for women’s suffrage, to activists who citizens can only pray that the courts deem
sions and confirmed in reference to sourc- Therefore, regardless of the presence of championed civil rights and advocated the issue fit for initiating suo motu action.
discussed in detail the woeful state of compliance mecha-
es such as dictionaries and thesauruses. necessity in the interpretation process, it is for LGBTQ+ rights. Each expansion has L Harikumar, Kochi
nisms. The factories department and pollution control board This is reflected in the popular meta- evident that the meaning of a word or name brought the US closer to fully realising
had come in for scrutiny. So what has been done since 2020? phor of the Constitution as being a dy- can be fluid. However, this fluidity does not the potential of those initial words. Protect medicos
Mock drills and awareness programmes were conducted, but namic or living document that adapts and hinder propositions from being perceived In India, the Constitution has always Protests for justice in the brutal rape-murder
they seem to have been perfunctory. Many other accidents develops over time. In the Kesavanada as true or false at a particular point in time, emphasised the concept of popular sover- case of the trainee medico in Kolkata are
have occurred in Visakhapatnam district alone since the LG Bharati case, Justice H R Khanna referred or prevent experience in shaping the future eignty, highlighting that political authority still on over a week later. At this juncture, it
to it as “the vehicle of the life of a nation” definition of a concept. is derived from all ordinary citizens, tran- becomes necessary for the Centre to enact a law
Polymers tragedy. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
and observed that “the Constitution is not scending divisions of caste, religion and for the protection of healthcare professionals.
himself has said that as many as 119 incidents in the dis- a gate, but a road”. The metaphors high- language. However, what is constitution- R Pichumani, Kumbakonam
trict’s industrial zones have killed 120 people over the last five light the significance of the Constitution ally moral is not something subject to the
years. Clearly, no lessons have been learnt. as the bedrock of our legal system. fleeting fancies of every time and age. As Concerned neighbour
What could be done for the Steel City that is also a finance, The Constitution is designed to evolve the Supreme Court held in the National Ref: B’desh journos hounded, Hindu teachers
pharma and health hub? Of the more than 200 factories in the alongside the changing needs of society. Judicial Appointments Commissions case, sacked (Aug 22). Though the interim Bangladesh
Hence, when it comes to interpretation, it must have a value of permanence. government claimed the current situation is
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

district, 130 fall in the so-called red category. One is baffled why
judges, whose decision will stand till such And this value of permanence, as B R close to normal, it is shocking to read that even
they have not yet implemented the Centre’s revised Occupa- time as either the legislature or the ex- Ambedkar noted in his famous invoca- Hindu teachers are not being spared. India was
tional Safety, Health and Working Conditions code. Besides, fire ecutive do what they are expected to do, tion of the phrase ‘constitutional moral- instrumental in the separation of the new state
at a pharma unit raises questions about the industry regulator. frequently consider whether to adhere to ity’ in a speech on November 4, 1948, can from Pakistan, but now our country is keeping
The state itself should have a proper regulator, because the fac- the underlying spirit of the law or its lit- be found in the substantive moral entail- its mouth shut while people are living under the
tories department clearly does not have enough inspectors or eral wording. Judges often employ meta- Justice H R Khanna said the ment, and must be diffused “not merely terror of vigilantes.
field staff. And the less we speak about pollution control boards, phors to convey the significance of legal Constitution is “not a gate, but a among the majority of any community, Rajakumar Arulanandham, Palayamkottai
texts. One example is the concept of the but throughout the whole is the indispen-
the better. Regulatory mechanisms are in an abysmal state
‘penumbra’. It suggests that specific guar-
road”. As a living document, it’s open sable condition of a government at once UPSC sanctity
across the country, too—government data shows that more than antees in Part III have an aura that ex- to interpretation as society changes. free and peaceable”. One reason Ambed- Ref: Lateral entry quota coming (Aug 21). Amid
3,000 people died in factory accidents between 2018 and 2020. It tends beyond their explicit wording, giv- Judges often use metaphors to kar did not believe ‘socialism’ should be strong political uproar against the lateral
is time to get rid of the bureaucratic lethargy on this issue. ing them additional meaning. underline this fluidity and derive included in the preamble was because of entry scheme, the government has finally
For instance, the right to privacy has fre- the burden of permanence and the pos- rolled back its decision. It seems PM Narendra
quently been regarded as a penumbral new rights from older ones sibility that people may devise “some Modi personally intervened in the matter and
Q U I C K TA K E right that emanates from Article 21—some- other form of social organisation that asked for recruitment based on the principle of
thing derived by implication from the um- Moral and political correctness also might be better than the socialist one”. equality and social justice. But one wonders why
FROM KOLKATA TO BADLAPUR brella right to life. In the Sabarimala
judgement, the Supreme Court reiterated
have an impact on the scope to which
these new rights can be identified. For
This clearly indicates that the founding
father, in matters of finance and econom-
policy issues are becoming victims of politics.
The NDA government must maintain the sanctity

E
VEN as the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in that the penumbra of an article in Part III instance, one of the most striking paral- ics, wanted to provide the nation the pow- of the foremost recruitment body of the country.
Kolkata has West Bengal up in arms against administra- that deals with a specific facet of freedom lels between the US and Indian constitu- er and ability to shift gears from a state- Uddeshya Thakur, Dhenkanal
may exist elsewhere in the Constitution. tions lies in their preambles. The phrase dominated system. However, while
tive apathy and lack of safety, the sexual abuse of two Another significant metaphor is the “We the people of the United States” and ‘socialist’ was later introduced in 1976, as Not hostile
four-year-olds in a Badlapur school is roiling Maharashtra concept of the basic structure—parts of the remaining 45 words of the preamble noted by the court in the Samatha case Ref: The distress pushing region’s youth
for the same reasons. The Bombay High Court has slammed the Constitution that are considered sa- are the most widely recognised section (1997), it has come to be seen as a metaphor to revolt (Aug 21). The author is indirectly
the state police’s deflection and delay in taking on the case. cred and inviolable, making them unable of the US Constitution. Similarly, the for equality of income, status and stand- hinting that the present situation in India is
Statements were recorded days after the complaint when a to be amended. The Supreme Court has phrase “We, the People” in India’s pre- ards of life, and not to mean exclusion of akin to the situation prevailing in Bangladesh
huge crowd blockaded the local railway station. Justices Re- also employed the living document meta- amble holds profound significance. private enterprise or complete state own- and Sri Lanka, and similar things could happen
phor to provide an expansive interpreta- Curiously, in 1788, when the phrase ership of material resources. This has led here. This is condemnable coming from a
vati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan noted, “Unless
tion of fundamental rights and held that was adopted in the US Constitution, it re- the Constitution to be interpreted in a way senior bureaucrat. The situation in India is
there is a strong public outburst, the machinery does not an “ongoing interpretation” is permissi- ferred to a far more limited segment of that gives priority to the interests of the nowhere near as hostile as it has been in our
work.” The police in every state must honour the citizens’ ble, meaning the interpretation of words the population than it does today. Women, disadvantaged in times of conflict. neighbouring nations.
right to lodge complaints at the earliest. should ultimately meet newly emerging enslaved individuals and men without (Views are personal) O P Swaminathan, Bengaluru

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia Editor: Santwana Bhattacharya
Resident Editor (Tamil Nadu): Anto T Joseph * Printed and Published by R K Jhunjhunwala on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., at No: 15/2, First Floor, Gokhale Road, Tallakulam, Madurai – 625 002 and Printed by him at V.C. Printograph, No: D45, Sidco Industrial Estate, Kappalur, Madurai – 625 008. Madurai: Vol. 68, No. 202.
RNI Reg. No. TNENG/1196/57. Phone: 0452-2525630, Fax: 0452-2525636. * Responsible for selection of News under the PRB Act. Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.
 Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Jairam Ramesh @Jairam_Ramesh Aaditya Thackeray @AUThackeray
POSTS
OF THE If Rahul Gandhi is so concerned about SCs, STs and OBCs, why doesn’t What the Assam CM said (on a journalist’s religious The determination of Shiv Sainiks and the
he revisit his party’s discriminatory policies against them, such as identity) is unacceptable and condemnable. A sick thunderbolt of the people will oust the BJP-
DAY designating govt-aided institutions as minority institutions? mind and a loud mouth are a toxic combination. Mindhe regime in the upcoming elections!

09 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

India, Poland strategic partners: PM Bangla floods not caused by

1st Indian PM to visit Warsaw after 45 years says Ukraine & West Asia a matter of concern
Y E S H I S E L I @ New Delhi
Tripura dam: India to Dhaka
INDIA and Poland will deepen Y ES H I S E L I & P RA SA N TA M A Z U M DA R
their relations, said Prime Min- @ New Delhi/Guwahati
ister Narendra Modi after meet-
ing Polish PPM Donald Tusk in INDIA on Thursday dismissed
Warsaw on Thursday. The two allegations that floods in Bang-
nations have become strategic ladesh are being caused by the
partners now. release of water from its dam
“I am glad to have met my in Tripura.
friend Prime Minister Donald “We have seen concerns be-
Tusk. In our talks we took stock ing expressed in Bangladesh
of the full range of India-Po- that the current situation of
land relations. We are particu- flood in districts in the eastern
larly keen to deepen linkages in borders of Bangladesh has
areas such as food processing, been caused by opening of
urban infrastructure, renewa- Dumbur dam upstream of the
ble energy and AI,” said Modi. Gumti River in Tripura. This is
He thanked the Polish govern- factually incorrect,” said Min- Tripura Disaster Management Authority personnel evacuate people from a flood-
ment for helping Indian students istry of External Affairs (MEA) affected area on the outskirts of Agartala on Thursday | PTI
stranded in Ukraine to return in a statement.
home via Poland in 2022. India said that the catchment requires close mutual coopera- situation in the state.
“The conflict in Ukraine and areas of Gumti river that flows tion for resolution, MEA said. “…The Centre is rushing
West Asia is a matter of con- PM Narendra Modi with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk during his ceremonial welcome in Warsaw on Thursday | PTI through India and Bangladesh teams of NDRF, apart from
cern for us. India has reiterated have seen the heaviest rains of
Tripura floods boats and helicopters, to the
that solutions to conflict cannot ranging discussions on various two leaders,” according to the one and delegation-level talks the year over the last few days. Meanwhile, Tripura is reeling state to assist the local govern-
be found in the battlefield. The aspects of the bilateral partner- Ministry of External Affairs. with President Volodymyr Zel- The flood in Bangladesh is pri- under one of the worst floods in ment in relief and rescue op-
loss of innocent lives is a mat- ship, including trade and in- After concluding his trip to enskyy. The talks are expected to marily due to waters from these decades, prompting the state erations. Assured all possible
ter of grave concern. We rec- vestment, science and technol- Warsaw, Modi is travelling to largely focus on finding ways to large catchments downstream government to announce the assistance from the Centre as
ommend the resolution of the ogy, defence and security, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on- resolve the conflict in Ukraine. of the dam, it said. closure of all educational insti- and when required. The Modi
conflict through dialogue and cultural cooperation and peo- board a train under tight secu- India has not yet condemned “The Dumbur dam is quite tutions until further notice. government firmly stands with
diplomacy. India is ready to ple-to-people ties. rity. The journey will take the Russian invasion of Ukraine. far from the border, over 120 km According to government our sisters and brothers in
work with other nations to help The two leaders also spoke around 10 hours. It has been calling for resolution upstream of Bangladesh. It is a sources, 12 people lost their Tripura during this hour of
a resolution,’’ said Modi. about the need for reforms in A number of world leaders of the conflict through dialogue low-height (about 30 metres) lives in the floods and land- crisis,” Shah posted on X.
An Indian PM has visited Po- the United Nations, climate including US President Joe Bi- and diplomacy. In his summit dam, which generates power slides till Thursday. The deluge The Tripura CM said the de-
land after a four-decade gap. change action and threats den, French President Em- talks with Russian President that feeds into a grid, from affected a population of 17 lakh, cision on shutting down the
“Finally, after 45 years! PM posed by terrorism. manuel Macron and German Vladimir Putin in Moscow last which Bangladesh too draws with over 65,000 of them taking educational institutions was
Modi, it is good to see you in “A joint statement and an ac- Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited month, Modi said a solution to 40MW power,” MEA said. shelter in relief camps. taken due to the current flood
Warsaw,’’ said Tusk. tion plan (2024-28) for the imple- Kyiv by train after the Russian the Ukraine conflict is not pos- Flood on the common rivers Union home minister Amit situation. He said the state gov-
The two leaders held talks in mentation of the India-Poland invasion of Ukraine. sible on the battlefield and peace between India and Bangladesh Shah on Thursday spoke to ernment deployed an MI-17 hel-
restricted and delegation-level Strategic Partnership were is- In his nearly seven-hour stay talks do not succeed amidst are a shared problem inflicting Tripura Chief Minister Manik icopter to Amarpur to evacuate
formats. They engaged in wide- sued after the meeting of the in Kyiv, Modi will hold one-on- bombs and bullets. sufferings on both sides, and Saha and took stock of the flood stranded persons.

INS team meets

Vaishnaw, seeks
NDA to ensure social justice with Cong demands
caste count with
Army chief set to review
removal of 5% fresh lateral entry appointments decadal census security situation on his
customs duty R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ New Delhi Fresh notification cial justice, so that usual sus-
pects cannot vitiate the
P R E E T H A N A I R @ New Delhi 2-day visit to Manipur
The buzz is that the Centre may
E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ New Delhi AFTER a U-turn of sorts over environment.” AMID reports that the Central M AYA N K S I N G H @ New Delhi
issue a fresh notification on the
the lateral entry appointments Malviya said the Modi gov- government may soon start the
lateral entry appointments in
THE Indian Newspaper Society in the higher bureaucracy, the ernment wanted to ensure that process of conducting the THE Chief of Ar my Staff
August or the first week of
(INS) has sought withdrawal of BJP-led NDA government is lateral entries through UPSC much- delayed decadal census, (COAS), General Upendra
September. “It is possible that a
the 5% customs duty on news- likely to call the allies’ meeting are done in a transparent and the Congress on Thursday reit- Dwivedi, is scheduled to visit
fresh move may come on
print, considering that the in- to discuss the next move on the institutionalised manner that erated the party’s demand for a the strife-torn state of Manipur.
September 17, the Prime Minister’s
dustry is facing difficulties. same theme after Prime Minis- are consistent with the princi- nation- wide caste census. This will mark the Army chief ’s
birthday, as a gift to the deserving
A delegation of the INS, ter Narendra Modi’s return ples of social justice and reser- Coming down heavily on the first visit to the state since he
professionals belonging to the
headed by president Rakesh from his foreign trip. vation. “The Modi government Modi government for the inor- assumed the role of the 30th
SC/ST and OBC communities,”
Sharma, met with I&B minis- The meeting will take up the has been in the forefront of de- dinate delay in the exercise, COAS on June 30, 2024.
said a senior BJP functionary.
ter Ashwini Vaishnaw on controversy over the lack of livering social justice. The gov- Congress general secretary Sources said Dwivedi will
Wednesday to discuss issues reservation in the lateral entry ernment is revitalising the cir- Jairam Ramesh suggested that embark on a two-day visit to
concerning the print media. process. Sources hint that the for skilled individuals in bu- cular,” he said. the government can collect Manipur from August 23.
The 9th Rate Structure Com- fresh move incorporating a pro- reaucracy with the principles He assailed the Congress for caste-wise data of the OBC pop- “The chief will review the se-
mittee’s recommendations, portional reservation facility of equitable representation. preferring ‘adhocism’ and ulation in the next census by curity situation by meeting In an effort to address the cri-
withdrawal of 5% customs even in the contractual appoint- The buzz is that the Centre ‘opaqueness.’ The lateral en- just adding an extra column. senior Army ground command- sis, the government has imple-
duty on newsprint and with- ment of experts in bureaucracy may issue a fresh notification tries during the Congress era The Opposition party said such ers in the state. He is also ex- mented several policy meas-
drawal of GST on Digital News will be ensured in the fresh ad- this month or the first week of were not consistent with the a move will give a more solid pected to engage with the sen- ures, including suspending the
Subscription figured domi- vertisement on the matter. September. “It is possible that a principles of social justice, and foundation to affirmative ac- ior leadership of other security Free Movement Regime (FMR)
nantly among the discussion. Speaking to this newspaper, fresh move may come on Sep- therefore, sidelined SC/STs tion programmes. forces,” said the sources. and planning to fence the en-
Besides, the delegation ex- a senior government source in- tember 17, the PM’s birthday, as and OBCs, he alleged. “Every census since 1951 has The situation in Manipur re- tire 1,643 km-long India-Myan-
pressed concerns over the dis- dicated that the government a gift to the deserving profes- He pointed at high-profile lat- been collecting data caste-wise mains precarious, with hun- mar border. This initiative is
crimination of English news- was prepared to address the sionals belonging to the SC/ST eral entrants such as Montek on the population of scheduled dreds of deaths and thousands challenging due to the complex
papers in empanelment with controversy and may consider and OBC communities,” said a Singh Ahluwalia, Nandan Nile- castes and scheduled tribes. of people displaced due to ongo- topography and the ethnic con-
the Central Bureau of Commu- a fresh approach. senior BJP functionary. karni and others who were also Without any difficulty, just by ing violence between Kuki, nections between communities
nication (CBC) and batted for “Since elections are around Soon after the government selected without a proper proc- adding an extra column, the Meitei, and Naga groups that on both sides of the border.
translating Indian newspapers the corner in many states and withdrew the August 17 adver- ess. Accusing the Congress of census questionnaire can also began in May 2023. Reports have emerged of in-
into UN languages. Opposition parties have made tisement, BJP IT chief and sen- being systematically biased collect caste-wise data of the On the ground, the Assam Ri- dividuals from Myanmar cross-
The meeting deliberated on it an issue, the government ior leader Amit Malviya, in a against SC/ST and OBC candi- OBC population as well,” fles, Central Reserve Police ing into India since the violent
considering separate rates for may leave nothing to chance to post on X, said that the lateral dates by designing many gov- Ramesh wrote on X. Force (CRPF), and Manipur Po- clashes erupted with the Tat-
e-papers and extension of time ensure that reservations are entry notification has only been ernment-aided institutions, This will fulfill the wide- lice are working to stabilise the madaw (Myanmar military)
to submit audited circulation applied in the appointment of withdrawn, not cancelled. Malviya said the Modi govern- spread demand for a caste cen- situation. Kuldiep Singh, ruling the country.
certificates. specialists on a contractual ba- In a jibe at Opposition, Malvi- ment institutionalised lateral sus and will give more solid former Director General of the Previously, the two countries
The INS also advocated for sis through lateral entry,” said ya said, “A more specific notifi- entries through UPSC by re- foundations to affirmative ac- CRPF, has been appointed by followed the FMR, which al-
the CBC budget revision for the a senior BJP leader. cation is likely to follow, with moving the opaqueness and tion programmes, he said. the Ministry of Home Affairs lowed people to move up to 16
print media and settlements of He said the proposed changes clear elucidation of guidelines putting an end to ad-hoc entries The last census was due in as a security advisor to the Ma- kilometres on either side of the
the outstanding dues. would aim to balance the need and defined provisions of so- into the system. 2021, during the pandemic. nipur government. border without a visa.

Govt plans to set up world-class univ E-auction of FM

radio channels
SC says will soon form panel to address
for creators in media, says Vaishnaw to begin soon grievances of farmers ‘for all times’
PA R V E Z S U LTA N @ New Delhi PA R V E Z S U LTA N @ New Delhi S U C H I T R A K M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi
ALSO IN TOP COURT
THE government is working to TO expand the reach of FM ra- THE Supreme Court on Thurs- No relief, hearing of ‘Issue order on land
establish a world-class univer- dios further, the Ministry of day said it would soon consti- Jyoti Jagtap deferred for HC by Sept 7’
sity aimed at enhancing the ca- Information and Broadcasting tute a multi-member commit-
pabilities of creators in the me- (I&B) is set to start auctioning tee to amicably settle the A two-judge bench on The top court on Thursday
dia and entertainment sectors, of private FM channels for var- grievances of farmers “for all Thursday refused to grant asked the Maharashtra
Union Minister for Informa- ious cities under phase III. The times” and also asked the states immediate relief to activist government to issue an order
tion and Broadcasting Ashwini number of channels to go un- of Punjab and Haryana to con- Jyoti Jagtap, who is an by September 7 on handing
Vaishnaw said on Wednesday. der the hammer will be deter- tinue their meetings with the accused in the Elgar Parishad- over the land at Bandra-Kurla
“To further develop this crea- mined by the ministry. protesting farmers to ensure Maoist links case. Jagtap’s Complex to the Bombay High
tors’ economy, the government According to officials, the clearing the highway along the bail plea would be heard Court for construction of its
is focused on creating world- ministry will soon develop an Shambhu border. together with a separate new building. The state
class talent development pro- optimum auction plan taking The Punjab government in- pending petition filed government was also
grammes and infrastructure. Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the launch of World Audio Visual and into account the availability of formed the top court that, in by the NIA, challenging asked to pass an order
We plan to establish a major Entertainment Summit at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Thursday | PTI FM channels and the competi- compliance with its August 12 the bail granted to one declaring the high
center with affiliated sub-cent- tion characteristics. order, it held a meeting with the of the co-accused, the court building project
ers at various locations to en- marks at the launch of the ‘Cre- to attract filmmakers from For all the incidental services protesting farmers in which it bench said. as “vital”.
hance the capabilities of crea- ate in India Challenge — Sea- around the world to the Indian till the completion of the auc- had agreed to partially open
tors in media and son 1,’ an initiative designed to market, which offers cutting- tion and selection of successful the blocked highway.
entertainment,” he said. promote young talent in the edge technological innovations bidders, the ministry will en- A three-judge bench led by Punjab government to suggest der to ensure and facilitate the
Emphasizing that filmmak- media and entertainment in- in film production and post- gage an agency, which will also Justice Surya Kant and com- more names for the composition movement of necessary serv-
ing is a significant strength, dustry. This challenge serves as production. create appropriate market in- prising Justices Dipankar Dat- of the committee within three ices, including ambulances,
Vaishnaw noted that there is a precursor to the World Audio The initiative features 25 terest about the auction. ta and Ujjal Bhuyan asked Pun- days, the court extended its ear- fire, essential services, and lo-
substantial potential for utilis- Visual & Entertainment Sum- challenges hosted by leading The permission for channels jab and Haryana governments lier order of status quo at the cal commuters.
ing new technology and tools in mit (WAVES), scheduled to take industry associations and or- of private FM radio channels is to continue meeting with farm- Shambhu border near Ambala. The court also noted that the
this sector, which will help gen- place in Goa in November. ganisations, covering various granted on the basis of e-auc- ers to persuade them to clear In its earlier order on August states have suggested names
erate employment. It is estimat- With the goal of positioning disciplines including anima- tion process on the lines fol- the blockade. 12, the top court directed the for the proposed panel. While
ed that if successfully execut- India as a hub for content crea- tion, filmmaking, gaming, mu- lowed by the Department of It asked both the states to sub- Punjab and Haryana DGPs to appreciating their efforts to
ed, the programme could create tion, the ministry has planned sic, and visual arts. Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s. A t mit the plan of action and out- meet in a week along with the suggest apolitical names, the
two to three jobs for each role WAVES as a major event held Vaishnaw said that today’s present, there are 388 FM radio come before it. The next hear- SPs of adjoining districts to court said that highways are
within the sector, he added. alongside the India Interna- launch reflects India’s growing stations in 113 cities across 26 ing will be on September 2. discuss the partial reopening not for parking for tractors,
Vaishnaw made these re- tional Film Festival. The aim is and evolving economy. states and five UTs. While granting liberty to the of roads at the Shambhu bor- trolleys and JCBs.
 INDIA Max Min Max Min

3
Ahmedabad 42 27 Mumbai 35 29
ASS E M B LY- F O R E I G N E RS Bhopal 43 28 Panaji 32 28
The Assam government on Thursday said over 47,900 foreigners Jaipur 41 30 Patna 41 27
Amritsar 40 23 Lucknow 42 27
have been detected in the state from 1971 to 2014, out of which Chennai 39 30 Port Blair 34 28
over 43 per cent are Hindus. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the FOR NARCOTICS WORTH Kolkata 36 26 Imphal 23 18
Foreigners Tribunal declared 47,928 people as foreigners HELD OVER `1.4 CRORE IN UP Srinagar 18 08 Chandigarh 42 23

10 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

Saffron party members and cops fight pitched battle CM seeks stringent legislation for exemplary punishment

BJP march turns violent as Set 15-day trial deadline

state chief, LoP detained in rape cases: Didi to PM GUWAHATI
DIARY
E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ Kolkata S U L AG N A S E N G U P TA @ Kolkata

POLICE personnel and BJP support- FACING severe criticism over West
PRASANTA MAZUMDAR
ers clashed on Thursday during Bengal government’s handling of the Our correspondent in Guwahati
By arresting me According to
or beating up BJP a march in the Bengal capital to available data, brutal rape-murder of a trainee doctor, prasantamazumdar@
workers, the TMC protest against the alleged rape and nearly 90 Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on newindianexpress.com
govt cannot run murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar rape cases are Thursday wrote to Prime Minister
away from its Medical College and Hospital earlier reported daily. In Narendra Modi demanding stringent
responsibilities.
We want
this month. many cases, rape
victims are
Central law for speedy trials in rape Welfare schemes for old
The BJP’s march to Swasthya Bha- cases within 15 days. age home inmates
immediate murdered. It is
resignation of wan, the headquarters of the state our bound duty to Alapan Bandopadhyay, chief advisor
health department at Salt Lake, began to the CM, read out the letter at a press- The inmates of old age homes in
CM Mamata put an end to it
at a place around 5 km away. The party er on Thursday. Noting the alarming Assam may feel relieved as the state
Banerjee through stringent
had earlier announced that its leaders Our party leaders, including me and legislations recurrences of rape cases throughout special courts where trials should pref- government has decided to cover
Sukanta Majumdar, would gherao Swasthya Bhawan. our party MP Samik Bhattacharya, the country, Mamata said that accord- erably be completed within 15 days,” them under certain welfare schemes.
state BJP chief The rally led by state BJP chief Su- were detained,” he said. Mamata Banerjee ing to available data, nearly 90 rape she suggested. On the Raksha Bandhan day, the
kanta Majumdar and leader of the Op- The saffron party workers shouted cases are reported daily. In many cas- TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee wrote government issued Aadhar cards to
position Suvendu Adhikari tried to slogans ‘We want justice’ and ‘Mamata es, rape victims are murdered. on his X handle that over the past 10 the inmates of an old age home at
Healthcare break the police cordon set up at sev- Banerjee, resign.’ ‘Roy showed The CM’s move comes against the days, while the nation has been pro- Sonapur on the city outskirts. Chief
eral places along the route. “The police were very active in backdrop of countrywide protests over testing against the RG Kar Medical Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said
service hit no emotion’ Aadhar cards would be issued to the
The police were seen trying to pacify stopping our march to Swasthya the alleged rape and murder of a wom- College incident and demanding jus-
Health services the BJP supporters but later chased Bhawan. But, they were inactive when Psychoanalysts an doctor at the state-run RG Kar tice, 900 rape cases have been re- inmates of all old age homes across
remained hit at them to disperse. Adhikari was de- RG Kar Hospital was vandalised. We interrogated Medical College and Hospital in ported across various parts of district headquarters so they could
state-run tained by police and put inside a pris- want the truth to come out. The TMC Roy after the Kolkata earlier this month. India. “Sadly, a lasting solution open their bank account. “Not just
hospitals in on van, following which the BJP activ- government has completely failed incident and “It is horrifying to see this remains elusive and is never Aadhar, we also gave them ration
West Bengal, as ists tried to forcibly free him. to protect the mothers and sisters of said Roy was trend. It shakes the society’s even discussed,” he stated. cards and Ayushman Bharat cards.
junior doctors “By arresting me or beating up BJP our state. Mamata Banerjee should im- unremorseful conscience. It is our bounden Meanwhile, CBI psychoana- We will cover them under Orunodoi
continued their workers, the TMC government cannot mediately resign as chief minister,” and narrated his duty to put an end to it so that lytical profile of key suspect too. I am happy that I could do
strike for 14th run away from its responsibilities. We Majumdar said. version without women feel safe and secure. Sanjoy Roy in the RG Kar Hospi- something for them,” Sarma said.
consecutive day want immediate resignation of Chief The young woman doctor, whose any emotion. Such serious and sensitive issues tal case indicates traits of a “sexual
on Thursday. Minister Mamata Banerjee, and we body was found on August 9 in the sem- Roy’s presence need to be addressed comprehensively pervert” with “animal instincts.”
The SC on won’t stop till that happens,” he said. inar room of RG Kar Hospital, was al- at the crime through a stringent Central legislation A team of CBI psychoanalysts who
Thursday Adhikari said he along with four legedly raped and murdered while on scene was that prescribes exemplary punishment interrogated Roy after the incident
appealed to other leaders wanted to meet the state duty. The incident has sparked nation- corroborated by for those involved in these heinous said Roy was unremorseful and
doctors to call health secretary and submit a letter. wide protests, with medics observing technical and crimes,” the letter read. narrated his version without a trace
off their protest. “We were not allowed to submit it. ‘cease work’ at several hospitals. scientific proof. Banerjee also proposed setting up of emotion.

Gujarat Cong Tribal population shrinking Punjab jailbreak

MLAs walk out in J’khand, Centre mum: accused sent
Shah to chair meet
from Assembly HC on B’deshi intrusion back from HK of 5 Maoist-hit states Dutch firm to solve urban
flooding in Guwahati
D I L I P S I N G H KS H AT R I YA
@ Ahmedabad
M U K E S H R A N JA N @ Ranchi government would act only af-
H A R P R E E T BA J WA @ Chandigarh

NEARLY six years after his ar-

in Raipur on Aug 24 The Assam government is engaging
with a firm from the Netherlands to
solve the problem of urban flooding
in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta
ON the second day of the Mon- ter the Bangladeshi infiltrators rest, Ramanjit Singh, alias E JA Z K A I S E R @ Raipur Biswa Sarma said Dutch experts
soon Session in Gujarat, Con- WHILE hearing a PIL seeking enters the country. Notably, Romi, the mastermind behind would try and find out how the
gress MLAs staged a walkout, probe on Bangladeshi intru- Jharkhand High Court had the 2016 Nabha jailbreak, has UNION Home Minister Amit rainwater of Meghalaya could be
accusing the Assembly of bi- sion and changing demography asked the Central Government been extradited to India from Shah will chair a high-level diverted to Silsako beel and Deepor
ased handling of questions. In of Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand to reply through affidavit re- Hong Kong. Singh, 29, was the meeting on August 24 during beel in Guwahati. Stating that IIT-
response, Speaker Shankar High Court in a verbal observa- garding the measures taken to key communication link be- his three-day visit to the Chhat- Guwahati and IIT-Roorkee will also
Chaudhary suspended 11 Con- tion, said that the tribal popula- stop the infiltration of Bangla- tween Punjab gangsters and tisgarh capital on the outcome be engaged, he said the state
gress MLAs for the day. tion in Jharkhand is decreas- deshis and their views. The IB, ISI-backed terrorists based in of the strategy focused on anti- government was firming up a three-
The disruption occurred on ing and the central government UIDAI and BSF had earlier Pakistan. He was apprehended Maoist operations and the way year plan. “Meghalaya CM Conrad K
Thursday, the second day of the is silent. been asked to file separate in Hong Kong for his involve- forward. Shah is scheduled to Sangma proposed the constitution
three-day Monsoon Session. At The court further added that affidavits. ment in a robbery of 450 million arrive in Raipur on Friday of a joint panel with members drawn
the start of the session, 11 Con- Jharkhand was created to pro- The Centre was supposed to Japanese yen (HK$32 million). night on a special Border Secu- secretaries and DGs of Chhat- from the two states to look into the
gress MLAs began waving post- tect the interests of the tribals, file its reply on Thursday, but it Singh, originally from Bangi rity Force (BSF) flight. tisgarh and neighbouring problem,” Sarma said.
ers highlighting issues such as but it seems that the cen- failed to do so, instead, it Ruldu village in Bathinda dis- On Saturday, the home min- states Madhya Pradesh, Mahar-
the Rajkot game zone fire, a tral government is not filed an intervention pe- trict, Punjab, was arrested in ister will visit Mahaprabhu ashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha,
crackdown on drug trafficking, showing any interest in tition and sought four Hong Kong for his role in the Vallabhacharya Ashram in along with the top officials of IIT-Guwahati teacher
action against the land mafia, stopping the entry of weeks’ time. high-profile robbery on Febru- Champaran town close to the union government, will at-
and accountability for the Bangladeshi intruders Rejecting the inter- ary 9, where over 450 million Raipur by chopper and return tend the inter-state coordina- named ‘emerging leader’
Navsari water supply scandal. into Jharkhand. vention petition, the Japanese yen was stolen in Tsim at around noon to hold a high- tion meeting. Debabrata Sikdar, an assistant
Speaker Chaudhary instructed The court also ob- court said that when the Sha Tsui. The stolen money was level meeting to review the in- On August 24, he will inaugu- professor in the department of
the sergeants to remove the served that the Intelli- state government has al- later recovered. Singh was also ter-state coordination and is- rate a regional office of the electronics and electrical
posters, which led to an uproar gence Bureau (IB) works 24 ready filed a reply in the case, on bail for another robbery in sues centred on security besides Narcotics Control Bureau in engineering, IIT-Guwahati, has been
led by Amit Chavda and his col- hours every week, but is not fil- then why the central govern- Hung Hom in March 2017, which the ongoing development initi- Raipur and hold further discus- named an ‘Emerging Leader 2023’
leagues, prompting the MLAs ing its reply on sensitive issues ment is facing difficulties in fil- involved HK$3.2 million. He was atives in the Maoist-affected ar- sions on expanding the coop- by the prestigious Journal of Physics:
to stage a walkout. like Bangladeshi intruders. ing the reply. The court, how- known to have built a criminal eas of Chhattisgarh and other erative sector. Condensed Matter, published by IOP
Congress Legislature Party BSF also has an important role ever, directed the central empire in Hong Kong through participating states. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Publishing. This accolade recognises
leader Amit Chavda alleged in stopping Bangladeshi in- government to file reply in two various illicit activities and “Chief secretaries and direc- chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai early career researchers who exhibit
that the party had submitted 12 truders but it seems that the weeks. faced a Red Corner notice. tor generals of police (DG) from convened a meeting of senior exceptional talent and promise in
short-notice questions ahead central government does not Next hearing will take place Singh was a central conspira- Chhattisgarh and adjoining officials ahead of Shah’s visit their respective fields. Sikdar has
of the session, but none were have a positive attitude in the on September 5. The court was tor in the Nabha jailbreak, dur- states are expected to attend to assess the preparedness at been honoured for his remarkable
selected for discussion. When matter of stopping Bangladeshi also told that the banned outfit ing which six high-profile crim- the high-level meeting to be the police headquarters. He re- contributions to condensed matter
asked by the Speaker to clarify intruders, it said. in Bangladesh has been trap- inals, including two terrorists, chaired by our union home viewed the results of the anti- physics, particularly in the areas of
the party’s grievance, Chavda Disappointed over the failure ping the local tribal girls and escaped from a high-security minister in Raipur. Discussions Maoist campaign, law and or- nanophotonic and metamaterial
said, “Only two short-notice of central government to file marrying them under love-ji- prison in Patiala. Sources re- likely on the future course of der situation, and the outcome devices. “I am deeply honored to be
questions were listed today. We the affidavit in this regard on had and land-jihad in many of veal that Singh served as a com- actions”, said Vijay Sharma, of development schemes in ar- recognized as an Emerging Leader
weren’t even informed why our August 8, the court had also the parts of Santhal Paragana, munication link between Pun- Chhattisgarh Home Minister. eas affected by the presence of 2023,” he said. The award is based
questions were dropped.” commented that whether the which needs to be checked. jab gangsters and terrorists. A senior officer said the chief left-wing extremists. on a rigorous selection process.

BULLDOZER ACTION
Ram Madhav, architect of PDP-BJP
Ayodhya gangrape accused House of mob violence alliance, back with ‘Mission Kashmir’
shopping complex razed accused in MP demolised FAYA Z WA N I @ Sinagar

AS the talks on seat sharing be-

N A M I TA BA J PA I @ Lucknow E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ Bhopal tween the National Conference
and Congress are gaining cur-
IN a further crack down on rape accused Sama- A day after a mob protesting objectionable state- rency, the BJP has deputed its
jwadi Party (SP) leader Moid Khan, Ayodhya ments about Prophet Mohammad and Islam, at- Kashmir hand, Ram Madhav,
district administration razed an illegal multi- tacked a police station leaving many police per- on “Mission Kashmir” by ap-
storey shopping complex owned by him on sonnel and a woman journalist injured in pointing him as co-poll in
Thursday. Three bulldozers and an excavator Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, the lo- charge of J&K. The saffron par-
were used to bring down the building that had cal administration bulldozed on Thursday the ty is hopeful that through him,
come up on 4,000-square feet of land and valued palatial house of the man who had allegedly led it will be able to cobble an ar-
at around `3 crore. Another the violent mob. rangement to secure enough
Moid Khan, 65, was arrested on July 30, along Just a few hours after the state’s chief minis- Cong chief seats in the polls for the 90-mem-
building accused
with his servant, Raju Khan, in connection with ter Dr Mohan Yadav asked the Chhatarpur dis- ber Assembly to form the first- ter strategies for the Assembly ty would expect Ram Madhav
the gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya. After his arrest trict administration-police to act sternly against Haji Shahzad ever government in the Union polls, which are very signifi- to use his contacts and strategy
Moreover, the minor gangrape survivor had to in the case, the perpetrators of the violence at Chhatarpur Ali, who is Territory. cant for BJP,” he said. to woo some Valley-based par-
undergo the medical termination of pregnancy Moid Khan’s Kotwali police station, the administration bull- reportedly The BJP, on Tuesday, appoint- Ram Madhav played a key ties and independent candi-
(MTP) procedure at Queen Mary’s Hospital in another illegal dozed the palatial house built by one of the key the former ed its former national general role in forming the PDP-BJP dates and repeat what he did
Lucknow on August 7. structure — a accused Haji Shahzad Ali without permission Chhatarpur secretary and Kashmir hand coalition government in 2015 after 2014 Assembly polls.
After his arrest in the case, Moid Khan’s an- bakery, built on in 20,000 km area at prime location in Chhatar- Congress chief Ram Madhav and Union minis- after the hung Assembly in the “Ram Madhav, we know, has
other illegal structure — a bakery, built on 3,000 3,000 square pur (342 km from Bhopal). and also the ter G Kishan Reddy as in charge 2014 polls. He was the architect got contacts in every political
square feet area, was also bulldozed, early this feet area, was Haji Shahzad Ali, who is reportedly the ex-Sadar (top for the upcoming assembly elec- of the alliance between the party in J&K. He has got good
month. On Thursday, the demolition of the multi- also bulldozed, former Chhatarpur district Congress president Muslim leader), tions in Jammu and Kashmir. A north and south pole. The PDP- rapport with Sajjad Lone of
storey shopping complex took place under heavy early this and also the ex-Sadar (top Muslim leader) , was was allegedly J&K BJP leader said Ram Mad- BJP alliance worked for over Peoples Conference, former
security. The revenue department had questioned month. On allegedly among the key men, who had led the among the key hav’s appointment as co-poll in three years and collapsed after PDP patron Muzaffar Baig,
the legality of the complex and had served a Thursday, the violent mob which attacked the Chhatarpur Ko- men, who had charge of J&K would benefit the BJP withdrew support to former PDP leader and Apni
show-cause notice on Khan stating that the struc- demolition of twali police station on Wednesday afternoon. led the violent the party. “He has experience the Mehbooba Mufti-led gov- Party chief Altaf Bukhari and
ture could be demolished if legality of the com- the multi-storey According to Chhatarpur district police super- mob which and expertise working in J&K, ernment in June 2018. many other leaders and BJP
plex was not substantiated. Ayodhya Develop- shopping intendent Agam Jain, as many as 46 named ac- attacked the and the party has sent him back Ram Madhav made support would hope that through his
ment Authority (ADA), Secretary Satyendra complex took cused and 100-150 unidentified accused, have Chhatarpur to the UT at a very crucial time. withdrawalannouncement. A contacts and strategy, he would
Singh noted that other illegal properties were un- place under been booked under relevant sections of the Kotwali police His insight and political under- political analyst said as the BJP open space for the party in the
der scanner including a basic school land. heavy security. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). station. standing will help the party bet- is walking a tightrope, the par- Valley,” he said.
 800
Beijing 33 24 SNY Los Angeles 28 17 SNY
Colombo 31 27 SNY Melbourne 19 12 SNY
Dhaka 30 26 LR Moscow 24 11 SNY
GLOBAL Dubai 37 34 SNY New York 27 18 SNY
WEATHER Houston 35 26 SNY Singapore 31 26 LR
People arrested in Laos over LR: Light Rain HR: Heavy Rain Istanbul 31 23 SNY Toronto 23 15 SNY
cyber scam network TDS: Thundershower LC: Light Cloud SNY: Sunny London 23 15 LR Washington 17 13 SNY

11 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� �

Harris will be
the president
Jakarta forced to nix poll rule change
JAKARTA progressed, with students and ter Widodo’s eldest son Gibran

of joy, says INDONESIAN lawmakers

office workers joining, despite
water cannon and police in riot
Rakabuming Raka, 36, was
elected as Indonesia’s youngest

Bill Clinton
scrapped a controversial plan gear. The parliament later an- vice president, stoking nepo-
to change election rules, a par- nounced the proposed changes tism accusations. Protests
liament official announced on would be dropped for this elec- were also reported in Yogyakar-
Thursday, after thousands ral- tion period, in an apparent U- ta, Makassar, Bandung and Se-
CHICAGO lied in the capital over a move turn. The protesters lit tyres on marang. Jokowi’s office tried to
seen to help the outgoing presi- fire and set off firecrackers calm the unrest.
AMERICANS in 2024 have a dent build a political dynasty. Protesters attempt to storm Indonesia’s while chanting slogans against “The government hopes that
clear choice between “for the Parliament was preparing to parliament during a agitation against Widodo, more popularly known there will be no disinformation
people” versus “me, myself, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (centre) and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr reverse a constitutional court as Jokowi. A handful of demon- or slander that could trigger
Syrsky (right) look at a map during their visit to Sumy on Thursday | AP controversial changes to election laws
and I”, former president Bill ruling upholding candidate age that could further enhance the political strators dismantled a section chaos and violence,” palace

Zelenskyy visits
Clinton has said, as he rooted requirements, which made influence of outgoing President Joko of the concrete and metal fence spokesman Hasan Nasbi said.
for Kamala Harris in the race President Joko Widodo’s young- Widodo in Jakarta on Thursday | AP surrounding parliament and Jokowi’s youngest son, 29-year-
for the White House and said est son ineligible for upcoming tried to enter the complex, but old Kaesang Pangarep, has
she will be the “president of regional polls. lawmakers initially delayed police dispersed them with wa- been tipped for an influential

border area, stops

joy”. Clinton on Wednesday With thousands of protesters Thursday’s session. The dem- ter cannon and tear gas. post in November’s regional
took the crowd at the National clamouring outside parliament, onstrations swelled as the day The uproar comes months af- contest.
D e m o c r a t i c C o nv e n t i o n

Hezbollah video shows

through Harris’ life story and

short of crossing
said he believes that her candi-
dacy represents for the country.

tunnels, missile launchers

Her story is that of an America
they all know is possible, he
said, referring to the 59-year-
old Harris, who is of Indian Says military has taken control of another
and African heritage. BEIRUT
America faces a ‘clear choice’ village in Russia’s Kursk, have many POWs
between Harris and Donald LEBANON’s Hezbollah released a video showing what ap-
Trump in November, Clinton KYIV that area into Ukraine. Zelen- peared to be underground tunnels and large missile launchers,
said. “In 2024, skyy said the Kursk operation amid fears of all-out war between the Iran-backed group and
we gotta pret- PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelen- launched Aug 6 has led to a de- Israel.
ty clear skyy made his first visit on crease in Russian shelling and The polished, four-and-a-half minute video shows what ap-
choice, it Thursday to the northeastern a reduction in civilian casual- pear to be Hezbollah opera-
seems to me,” Ukrainian border area from ties in Ukraine’s northern tives moving through wide,
Clinton said. where his forces launched their Sumy region. illuminated tunnels hewn into
“Kamala Har- surprise offensive into Russia Authorities in the city of rock, with motorbikes and
ris, for the more than two weeks ago, seiz- Kursk, the capital of the Kursk other vehicles, including
people, and ing dozens of settlements. region, began to put up con- trucks. Some trucks appear to
the other guy, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian crete shelters at bus stops and be transporting missiles
who has proved even more than forces have claimed control of other locations around the city ISRAEL-GAZA: DAY 321 through the facility, which
the first go-around that he’s an additional village in the Rus- to protect it from shelling. They bears a sign reading “Imad 4”,
about me, myself and I.” sian region of Kursk and taken plan similar work in Zhelez- an apparent reference to top
“Kamala Harris will work to more Russian prisoners of war nogorsk and Kurchatov, where Hezbollah commander Imad
solve our problems, seize our for what he calls an “exchange the Kursk nuclear power plant Mughniyeh, who was killed in
opportunities, ease our fears, fund” to swap for captured is located, the region’s acting a 2008 Damascus car bombing
and make sure every single Ukrainians. “Another settle- Gov Alexei Smirnov said on his Tel Aviv WEST BANK the group blamed on Israel.
JORDAN

American, however they vote, ment in the Kursk region is Telegram channel. Titled “Our mountains are
has a chance to chase their now under Ukrainian control, Putin has ordered the crea- Jerusalem our storehouses”, the video
dreams,” Clinton, 78, said. and we have replenished the ex- tion of self-defense units in shows a trapdoor opening and
GA Z A
Clinton went on to criticise change fund,” Zelenskyy wrote Russian regions bordering STRIP a missile launcher directed
Trump’s vendettas, his venge- on X after hearing a report Ukraine, the Russian leader skyward. Hezbollah “possess-
ance, his complaints, his con- from the military commander, said in a video call with offi- ISR A EL
es precision and non-precision
spiracies and took a jab at the Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi. cials. Smirnov reported to Pu- missiles along with weapons
Republican’s age. Zelenskyy did not name the tin that over 133,000 people have capabilities so that if Israel
“Two days ago, I turned 78, newly captured village and did left areas affected by the fight- TOLL SO FAR imposes a war on Lebanon, Is-

41,845
the oldest man in my family for not cross over into Russia itself, ing in the Kursk region, while rael will face a destiny and re-
four generations. And the only which would been regarded by more than 19,000 have stayed. ality it didn’t expect any day,”
personal vanity I want to assert Moscow as a major provoca- The governor of Bryansk, its chief Hassan Nasrallah is
is I’m still younger than Donald tion. He previously has said another Russian region border- heard saying – an excerpt
Trump,” he said. Clinton is just that Ukraine has no plans to oc- ing Ukraine, said authorities in from a 2018 speech. The group
a few months younger than cupy the area long term but the region have conducted has traded near daily fire with the Israeli army in support of
Trump, who turned 78 in June wants to create a buffer zone to training for emergency evacua- ally Hamas since the Palestinian militant group’s October 7
this year. PTI prevent further attacks from tion from border areas. AP attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. But the killing of Hamas
leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month, blamed on
Israel, and an Israeli strike that killed a top Hezbollah com-

Former ISI chief’s close aide flees to UK mander in Lebanon, has sent diplomats scrambling to avert a
conflict, after Iran and Hezbollah vowed to retaliate. AFP

LAHORE Hameed in Pakistan and surance Company Limited, has

abroad, has reportedly fled to been managing major business
A close aide of Pakistan’s the UK, Samaa TV reported. deals for Hameed since 2014.
former ISI chief Lt General Several military officers He was the frontman of
(Retd) Faiz Hameed, who has and some civilians Hameed in securing busi-
been in the Pakistan Army’s have been taken into ness deals for the former
custody on corruption and oth- custody in connection spymaster. According to
er changes, has fled the country with the alleged links the report, Warriach
to evade arrest, according to a with Hameed. travelled the world on be-
media report. According to the re- half of Hameed, acting as
Mohsin Habib Warriach, port, Warriach, a central his de facto representative,
who is said to have managed figure in the multi-billion ru- negotiating and executing
major business deals for Gen pees scam at the National In- deals.

2nd largest diamond

found in Botswana
GABORONE

A massive 2,492-carat diamond – the second largest in

the world – has been discovered in Botswana, the Cana-
dian mining company that found the stone announced
on Thursday. The diamond was discovered in the
Karowe Diamond Mine in northeastern Botswana using
x-ray detection technology, Lucara Diamond Corp said.
Lucara did not give a value for the find or mention its
quality. But in terms of carats, the stone is second only
to the 3,016-carat Cullinan Diamond discovered in South
Africa in 1905. “We are ecstatic about the recovery of
this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond,” Lucara presi-
dent William Lamb said in a statement.
Pictures released by the company show the diamond
is as large as the palm of a hand.
This find was “one of the largest
rough diamonds ever unearthed”
and was detected using the compa-
ny’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray
technology installed in 2017 to iden-
tify and preserve large, high-value
diamonds, the statement said.
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi
Masisi was due to view the massive
Botswana’s President stone later on Thursday. His govern-
Mokgweetsi Masisi ment said it was the second biggest
holds the large in the world.
diamond discovered Tobias Kormind, managing direc-
in Botswana at his tor of Europe’s largest online dia-
office in Gaborone on mond jeweller, 77 Diamonds, con-
Thursday | AFP firmed it was the largest rough
diamond to be unearthed since the
Cullinan Diamond, parts of which adorn Britain’s
crown jewels. “This discovery is largely thanks to newer
technology that allows larger diamonds to be extracted
from the ground without breaking into pieces. So we
will likely see more where this came from,” he said. Bot-
swana is one of the world’s largest producers of dia-
monds, its main source of income, accounting for 30%
of GDP and 80% of its exports. Before the find was an-
nounced on Thursday, the largest diamond discovered
in Botswana was a 1,758-carat stone mined by Lucara at
the Karowe mine in 2019 and named Sewelo. AFP
 Market 147.89
MARKET
Sensex 81,053.19 H380
GOLD
24 carat (10 gm) H72,970
SILVER
1 kg H87,000
FOREX
Dollar 83.95

Watch 41.30 Nifty 24,811.50 H300 22 carat (10 gm) H66,950 10 gm H870 Euro 93.51

12 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� � newindianexpress com

HC appoints
sole arbitrator in GST Council likely to take Scooter portfolio to do better
Ashneer Grover,
BharatPe dispute
Infy GST issue on Sept 9 than industry growth: TVS
Council may decide to give relief to stakeholders such A RS H A D K H A N @ New Delhi When two-wheeler industry was growing at 4% CAGR, scooter sales
S H E K H A R S I N G H @ New Delhi ‘GST slabs were growing at 8%. Our scooter portfolio has grown 12% and Jupiter
as IT cos, foreign airlines, international shipping firms should TWO-WHEELER major - TVS alone has grown by 24%. —KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO at TVS Motor
THE Delhi High Court on Thurs- remain same’ Motor Company - is confident
day ordered the appointment of that its scooter portfolio will ban… Jupiter 110 and Jupiter
NEW DELHI: The
a sole arbitrator to mediate the continue to better industry 125 have also got a huge oppor-
Group of Ministers
ongoing legal conflict between growth rate. The automaker tunity in the international mar-
(GoM) on
Ashneer Grover, former CEO of also expects a very healthy fes- ket,” said Radhakrishnan. In
rationalisation of
BharatPe, and the fintech firm tive season this year. the international market, TVS
goods and
itself. The arbitration aims to “When the two-wheeler in- sees big opportunities to ex-
services tax (GST)
resolve allegations of confiden- dustry was growing at 4% pand in the ASEAN region.
on Thursday
tiality breaches by Grover dur- CAGR, scooter sales were grow- He projected double-digit
reached the
ing his tenure. ing at 8%. Our scooter portfolio growth in two-wheeler indus-
consensus to
The decision was handed by has grown by 12% and Jupiter, try volumes during this year’s
maintain current
Justice C Hari Shankar, re- as a brand, alone has grown by festival season on the back of
GST slabs without
sponding to a petition filed by 24%. I want to take this growth robust rural market demand.
any changes for
BharatPe under Section 11 of much ahead of the industry…I “Currently, the momentum is
the time being.
the Arbitration and Concilia- M O N I K A YA DAV @ New Delhi According to the gover nment want to better 12% when the in- very good and this year - the Di-
The GoM, held a
tion Act. The company con- sources, Infosys needs to submit its dustry is growing at 8%,” said wali and Puja season - is going
meeting in the
tends that Grover, in his former THE government is trying its best documents for FY19 against the tax KN Radhakrishnan, Director & to be great. Currently, we are
national capital,
executive roles, had access to to address the issue of goods demand by November 30, which is the CEO at TVS Motor Company. growing around 12.5% kind of
reviewed the
sensitive information which he and services tax (GST) under the deadline for the companies to file The CEO also anticipates the on Thursday launched the all- growth, as per the VAHAN
existing GST
later disclosed through social reverse charge mechanism for their annual return. “Once Infosys share of scooters in total new TVS Jupiter 110 at a start- data...I am optimistic that this
framework,
media channels—an action import of services in the upcoming submits its documents against the 2-wheeler sales to go as high as ing price of `73,700 (ex-show- season is going to be much bet-
discussed several
they argue constitutes a breach GST Council meet to be held on Sep- tax demand for FY19, before Novem- 40% in the coming years due to room, Delhi). Developed with ter than 12.5% growth,” said
proposals,
of his employment agreement. tember 9, sources privy to the matter ber 30, we will review the tax liability the product’s practicality. At an investment of `150 crore, Radhakrishnan. Festival sea-
including possible
BharatPe proposed the ap- told TNIE. on the basis of input tax credit avail- present, scooters account for TVS Motor has high hopes from son, an important period for
rate adjustments
pointment of Justice Hemant The Council’s decision is expected able. If full ITC is available to them, 32% of 2-wheeler sales and in- the updated version of its most the automobile industry, is set
for the insurance,
Gupta, a retired Supreme Court to give major relief to the stakehold- then there won’t be any liability for cluding electric vehicles, it goes popular scooter brand. to kick in with Onam in Kerala
restaurant,
judge, as sole arbitrator. How- ers such as Infosys, foreign air- them for that year,” said a top fi- up to 36%. “This product will delight in the first half of September
beverage, and
ever, Grover, while agreeing to lines and international ship- nance ministry official. The CEO’s statement comes every customer in India, wheth- and would last till Bhai Dooj af-
online gaming
arbitration, suggested that Jus- ping companies. In the meantime, the gov- as the Chennai-based company er it is rural, urban or semi-ur- ter Diwali in November.
sectors. Bihar
tice (Retired) JR Midha should According to the top gov- ernment aims to finalise the
Deputy Chief
take on the role instead. ernment sources, the law and process of GST rate rationali-

Manufacturing sector FinMin pegs

Minister Samrat
Represented by Advocate Gir- fitment committees are look- sation by the end of the year,
Chaudhary, the
iraj Subramanium, Grover ex- ing into the issue of GST un- as per sources. There have
convenor of GST
pressed that he was not against der reverse charge mechanism been ongoing discussions re-
GoM on the rate
GDP growth for
slows in Aug to 57.9,
arbitration but raised concerns for import of services and based garding the potential merger of
rationalisation,
over jurisdiction. He argued on their analysis, they will make the existing slabs or the introduction of
that since a tribunal under the recommendations to the GST Council new slab rates. In the most recent
said not every
member was in FY25 at 6.5-7%
weakest since February
Singapore International Arbi- whether it should be taken up for dis- meeting held in June, the govern-
favour of
tration Centre (SIAC) is already cussion or not. ment made adjustments to the tax
changing current
addressing related shareholder Recently, IT major Infosys was rates on specific items. E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi
slabs under GST.
disputes, the current matter served a pre-consultative paper by “The government’s approach is to
This development
should also be referred there. the DGGI for the GST payment of enable ease of compliance in the THE current projection for real
comes ahead of
BharatPe, represented by Advo- `32,403 crore for the period ranging country. In the last meeting the Coun- E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ Mumbai GDP growth in FY25, estimated
54th GST Council
cate Anuj Berry, opposed this between 2017-2022. After the company cil took several decisions in that di- at 6.5-7% in the Economic Sur-
meeting, set to
suggestion, maintaining that submitted its documents for 2017-18, rection. In the next meeting too, the ALTHOUGH new order growth vey for 2023-24, appears to be
take place on
the employment agreement the DGGI withdrew the tax demand Council is likely to address various for the manufacturing sector well-founded, as per Finance
Sept 9. ENS
does not stipulate SIAC arbitra- of `3,898 crore per taining to industry concerns as well,” a top of- has slowed in Augsut to 57.9, Ministry’s monthly economic
tion for such disputes. that year. ficial added. printing in the weakest reading review report.
since February, the pace of ex- “As of now, the projection of
pansion remained sharp, indi- real GDP growth of 6.5-7% for

Hindalco to invest $10 bn in Indian ops, Novelis cating continued strong de-
mand and favourable market
conditions. Even as the manu-
facturing sector continued to
FY25, made in the Economic
Survey for 2023-24, seems ap-
propriate,” the report said.
Overall, India’s economic
E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi FY27. Hindalco is evaluating a this key component in air con- cool down due to a slowdown in momentum remains strong.
nearly 200,000 tonne-brownfield ditioners,” said Birla. new orders, the services sector Despite some irregularities
KUMAR Mangalam Birla, expansion at its Aditya Alu- Birla stated there are macro continued to expand. in the monsoon, reservoirs
chairperson of Aditya Birla minium smelter in Odisha, factors driving consumption of This has had the composite have been sufficiently replen-
Group, said Hindalco Indus- which will be substantially aluminium and copper. He said PMI output index, which com- ished. The manufacturing
tries’ expansion across the In- powered by renewable energy. aluminium consumption – bines both manufacturing and
Strong business inflows and services sectors are show-
dia business and US-based sub- It has plans to expand its cop- which was at 5 million tonne services, edging down to 60.5 in HSBC flash PMI survey, compiled ing growth, as indicated by
sidiary Novelis will entail per smelting capacity and is ex- (MT) in FY24 — will double to August from 60.7 in the previ- by S&P Global, highlighted strong the Purchasing Managers’
investments of $10 billion for ploring setting up a brownfield 10 MT over next decade. He ex- ous month, HSBC said new business inflows, solid job indices.
ongoing projects as well as the facility in Gujarat. pects copper consumption to Thursday. creation, and optimistic growth As per the report, tax collec-
ones envisioned in the near- “Our company is building In- grow 10% over next few years. As per the latest HSBC PMI expectations. There were softer tions, particularly indirect tax-
-term. This includes the Alu- dia’s largest Copper Inner “Hindalco is using this op- report released on Thursday, rises in input costs and selling es that reflect economic trans-
minium and Copper smelter Groove Tube plant at Wagodia, portunity to expand capacities despite the marginal slowdown prices, signalling some moderation actions, are experiencing
expansions, Aditya FRP plant, Gujarat. This project will be and add new products and solu- to 57.9 in August, private sector in inflationary pressures. The PMI healthy growth alongside an in-
the new alumina refinery in commissioned by the end of tions that cater to India’s output marked its 37th consecu- business activity index printed in crease in bank credit. Inflation
Rayagada, and the Bay Min- this calendar year and will re- emerging needs such as infra tive month of growth with the at 60.4 in August is easing, and exports of both
nette expansion in Novelis. duce import dependence for for EVs and solar energy,” said rate of increase still robust by goods and services have im-
During the annual general Birla. On Novelis, he said it historical standards. Based on costs and selling prices, signal- proved compared to last year.
meeting on Thursday, Birla continues to make steady responses from 400 manufactur- ling some moderation in infla- The stock markets are main-
said Hindalco is setting up a
Macro factors driving aluminium, copper consumption progress across a number of ers and 400 service providers, tionary pressures. The services taining their levels, and foreign
greenfield alumina refinery in Birla stated there are macro factors driving consumption of aluminium strategic capital investments. the survey indicates growth re- purchasing managers index direct investment is on the rise,
Rayagada, Odisha. The first and copper. He said aluminium consumption – which was at 5 million The largest among these is the mained substantial. The manu- (PMI) business activity index with gross inflows increasing.
phase of 850,000 tonne is ex- tonne (MT) in FY24 — will double to 10 MT over next decade. He US rolling and recycling invest- facturing activity eased weighed printed in at 60.4 in August, the “With respect to capital flows,
pected to be commissioned in expects copper consumption to grow 10% over next few years. ment in Bay Minette. down by a slowdown in new or- weakest since February under- foreign portfolio investors
ders and production, according scoring the strength of the serv- (FPIs) reversed their trend
to a flash survey by HSBC. ices sector, which accounts for from June 2024 onwards, be-
EXPRESS READ

SC refuses Byju’s, BCCI

Adani family to reduce stake in three The HSBC flash PMI survey,
compiled by S&P Global, high-
lighted strong new business in-
over half of the country’s GDP.
In contrast, the flash manufac-
turing PMI output index fell to
coming net buyers. Net Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) inflows
also increased in the first three

group companies to raise `42,000 cr

flows, solid job creation, and 60.9 in August from 61.7 in July, months of FY25 due to a
plea to stay CoC meet optimistic growth expectations. the flash manufacturing PMI fell rise in gross inflows,” the re-
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court There were softer rises in input to 57.9 from 58.1 in July. port stated.
on Thursday in its order refused
to stay the meeting of the D I PA K M O N DA L & A RS H A D K H A N up to 5%. Sources say, Adani Power. The Adani family, owns a
Committee of Creditors (CoC)
formed by the Resolution
Professional in relation to the
@ New Delhi

PROMOTERS of Adani Group

family will sell up to 3% of their
stake in India’s second-largest
cement firm, Ambuja to raise
71.71% stake in Adani Power,
may sell 5% stake in the power
generation firm. Adani Power
‘NOT AGAINST E-COM, WANT FAIR PLAY’
insolvency resolution of ed-tech are likely to reduce stake in up to $500 mn (`4,200 cr) via has a m-cap of `2.6 lakh crore. E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi
firm Byju’s. The insolvency three group entities – Adani block deals on Friday. Adani family holds 43.9% in
process is ongoing due to the Power, Ambuja Cement As per the term sheet, Adani Wilmar, which has a m- A day after he hit out at e-commerce platforms over their preda-
legal protest by the company’s and Wilmar – to raise stake sale in Ambuja cap of `49,000 crore. The stake tory pricing practices, Minister of Commerce and Industries Piy-
US lenders. ENS `42,000 crore. The mon- would take place at 5% sale comes a month after Adani ush Goyal on Thursday clarified that the government is not
ey raised will be used discount to the closing family raised stake in five against e-commerce and only wants fair competition between on-
to pare debt, industry share price of `632 on group firms —Adani Energy line and offline businesses.
SBI Life gets GST sources told TNIE. The Thursday. Adani family Solutions, Adani Enterprises, He, in an event, said e-commerce has several benefits -- conven-
Group has debt of `1.81 owns 70.33% stake in Am- Ambuja Cements, Adani Power, ience and speed, and it is giving you comforts in your home.
demand of `239 cr lakh crore as of March 31 . buja, which it acquired from and Adani Green Energy—by “What the country desires is fair play, honesty to customers and
New Delhi: SBI Life on Thursday The quantum of stake sale in Swiss firm Holcim in May 2022 investing over `23,000 crore suppliers of goods and services, and to ensure that our people
said tax authorities have slapped each of the three companies is and became country’s second- during the April-June quarter. have a fair chance of competing against online businesses,” the
a demand notice of about Rs not known yet. However, market largest cement manufacturer. An Adani group spokesper- minister said. Goyal created a controversy on Wednesday when
239.27 crore on it for short sources say the stake sale in Am- The promoter family is likely son refused to comment on he lambasted US-based online retailer Amazon for its anti-com-
payment of Goods and Services buja and Adani Power could be to offload a major stake in Adani the issue. petitive practices.
Tax (GST) for the financial year
2019-20. The company has
received an order for interest and MONETARY POLICY
penalty from the Deputy Excise &

Persistent food prices remain concern: MPC minutes

Taxation Commissioner, Rohtak,
Haryana, SBI Life said. ENS

FM urges RRBs to E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ Mumbai shocks. At the same time, the month had called for excluding pressures increased and offset On future indicators, it bank
ensure credit to MSMEs four of the six members of the food inflation from the overall the impact of subdued core (ex- said that headline inflation in
THE minutes of the Reserve panel who voted for the status retail inflation basket. Food has cluding food and fuel) inflation July and Q2 of the current fi-
New Delhi: FM Sitharaman on Bank’s latest monetary policy qu0 have underlined that al- as much as 46 percent weight- and deflation in the fuel nancial year are expected to be
Thursday urged regional rural committee (MPC) meeting on though future inflation may be ing in the headline con- group. lower, given their base effect ad-
banks (RRB) to ensure credit to August 8 left the key policy rate lower due to the base effect, sumer inflation basket. “Persistence in food vantage; but with food inflation
MSME sector and generate unchanged at 6.5% for the ninth persistent food inflation re- Thursday evening inflation has increased pressures showing little signs
awareness of government time in a row. mains a concern. the RBI released the due to repeated climat- of abatement in the near-term,
schemes to achieve goal of It said headline inflation, Because at the end of the day, minutes of the MPC ic shocks of rising in- and household inflation expec-
‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047. She held which rose to a high 5.1% in monetary policy is the only ac- meeting held from Au- tensity,” says the MPC tations picking up, monetary
a meeting to review performance June, was driven by food prices, tive disinflationary agent in gust 6 to 8, highlighting minutes noting that food policy has to remain vigilant to
of 9 RRBs of Gujarat, which though are outside the the economy. that the headline inflation inflation pressures are potential spillovers of food
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, control of monetary policy as It can be noted that recent has seen upward movement in s h ow i n g l i t t l e s i g n s o f price pressures to the core
Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. ENS they are driven by supply-side economic survey presented last June to 5.1%, as food inflation abatement. components.
 Top race walker handed
Top Indian race walker Bhawna Jat has been handed a 16-month ban for
whereabouts failure by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary (ADDP) Panel of the
NADA after she committed the offence in August last year. Bhawna, a
16-month ban by NADA former national record holder in women’s 20km race walk, was provisionally
suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency in August last year.

13 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024

� � newindianexpress com

BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra feels the sport needs proper systems in place to create a big pool of players

Focus on depth with Olympics in mind

I N D R A N E E L D A S @ Chennai it a miss, the Indian players in ready, who can win BWF 750 or
the draw did not do well. Al- Diminishing 1000 series tournaments.”
LIKE boxing, badminton was a most all exited in the first powers The BAI wants continuity in
major disappointment for India round. There is a serious lack Even the ever- regards to winning medals.
at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The of depth and the next gen play- reliable PV Mishra said that it should not
sport that had fetched a medal ers have not been good enough Sindhu was be like earlier days when the
at all Olympics since Saina Ne- to fill in the shoes of the likes of unable to get to country had to wait for years
hwal’s bronze in 2012 London Sindhu or Kidambi Srikanth. the medal rounds for an All England title. Pra-
Olympics (followed by PV Sind- BAI secretary general Sanjay this time in Paris. kash Padukone, then P Gop- TN Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin (2nd R) unveils the UTT trophy | P JAWAHAR
hu’s silver and bronze) failed to Mishra explained as much. He ichand and then Saina Nehwal

UTT: Lions looking

Sindhu has two
deliver in Paris. The most heart- said that the federation would Olympic medals and PV Sindhu. This year goes
breaking moment was the loss discuss the roadmap for the fu- (silver in Rio blank and the federation
of Lakshya Sen in the bronze- ture with their committee mem- edition and doesn’t want another Olympics

to roar in new season

medal playoff. bers, chief coach and with the bronze in Tokyo) to go by without a medal.
It was so disheartening that approval of BAI president to her name. One area the BAI is a bit con-
India legend and coach Prakash (Himanta Biswa Sarma), they cerned with is with excessive
Padukone couldn’t help but say would put together a plan. They support that the athletes get.
that even the players should would also consult and propose The BAI secretary felt that A S H O K V E N U G O PA L @ Chennai
take responsibility, especially the plan to the Sports Authority whatever support the shuttlers
after they have been given eve- of India (SAI) and the sports are getting must be routed CHENNAI Lions will look to make use of their home advantage
ry possible help by all stake- ministry. through the federation and and look to reclaim the title they last won in 2019 in the Ultimate
holders like the The BAI felt that SAI. He felt that too much in- Table Tennis being held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Sta-
Sports Authority of there should be a terference by external agen- dium here. The 2024 edition will see the addition of two new
India (SAI) national mix of experienced cies, like certain NGOs, is not franchises — Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Jaipur Patriots —

FILE PIC: PTI

federation, acade- and young players beneficial for the players. He making the competition an eight-team one. Lions have Olym-
mies. India’s fabled We should have a in a large pool of felt that players should get sup- pian A Sharath Kamal in their squad and the veteran, who was
men’s doubles pair certain number of about 40 players port but with federation and part of the title-winning side in 2019, will be hoping to inspire
of Satwiksairaj Ran- players with us. This who would be play- SAI’s approval. “We should the youngsters in the side.
kireddy and Chirag will also help when ing in the top BWF know what a player wants, Lions also have PB Abhinandh, who is the youngest paddler
Shetty, Sindhu and the seniors leave. We tournaments and whether it is a genuine de- in the UTT’s fifth edition, in their ranks. He is considered to be
others faltered. Bar- should have three they should not rely mand/request. I would say that one of the most promising players in the country. And he’s in
ring the spark that players ready, who can on just two-three too much of the facility can be good form, having won three titles — U-17, U-19 and men’s cat-
Lakshya Sen dis- win BWF 750 or 1000 players to represent harmful if not monitored.” egory — in the first first four TNTTA State Ranking tourna-
played, there was series tournaments. the country at ma- pool of players.” ships where Sindhu’s experi- He cited another example to ments held for 2024 season. He is Tamil Nadu’s No 1 player in
not much to cheer jor events. The idea For example, he pointed out ence helped the younger play- make his argument. “For the those categories. The modest and bubbly youngster believes
about. — Sanjay Mishra, for BAI would be to that all the top players can be in ers like Anmol Kharb and younger players, we chalk out that UTT would help him evolve as a better player as he will get
As the dust of Ol- BAI secretary general create enough A+ group, the next should be A, others. BAI’s idea is to protect a schedule like compete in two an opportunity to play and interact with some of the best play-
ympic disillusion- bench strength that then B, and so on and so forth. the seniors and nurture the big tournaments and then prac- ers in the game. “I’m very excited to be a part of Chennai Lions
ment is settling down, the Bad- if a top player misses out, there Mishra said that Padukone juniors. tice for 20-25 days and then in the UTT season five. Since my debut is also in my hometown,
minton Association of India should be a good number of (sir) won the All England then The BAI official cited an ex- again compete and practice. it is a very special feeling for me,” said Abhinandh. Apart from
(BAI) has already started their players to fill in. there was a long gap until Gop- ample too. India have senior Sometimes some players com- Sharath and Abhinandh, Chennai Lions squad comprises of
assessment. The BAI would not Mishra felt there should be ichand; again there was a long players in the 24-plus age group pete in back-to-back five tour- Sakura Mori (Japan), Jules Rolland (France), Poymantee Bai-
want to dwell much on the past continuity in India’s success. gap. Then Saina Nehwal won a but in the 18-22 age group, there naments with the help of oth- sya and Mouma Das. “I am training vigorously for the tourna-
results as their primary motive Not winning a medal in Paris is medal in London, followed by should be about 25-30 players. ers’ support. This should not ment. The training has been very good and I am practising well
would be to focus on the future a big reality check and the BAI Sindhu’s two in Rio and Tokyo And so in the 13-17. That is happen. That can disrupt their along with all the international players,” Abhinandh said. Ab-
– the 2028 and the 2032 Olym- is now looking to ensure that Olympics. “We have some good where the BAI would want to cycle. Federation and SAI must hinandh has been coached by Subin Kumar and has made rapid
pics. They would want to put a the winning touch is back by players in men’s like (Kidambi) concentrate — to create a large be consulted. There are small progress, winning medals in all age groups and doing well also
proper system in place and rec- the next Olympics. With that Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Saurabh pool of players. “If you are issues that need to be addressed in the men’s segment. ‘’My coach is Subin Kumar and he has
tify the mistakes. Their endeav- ambition in mind, he said that (Verma), Sameer (Verma) and working with 50 players, then and a proper system needs to helped me throughout my career and he has trained me from
our would be to nurture young they have to create a pool of now Lakshya Sen. But some- only 10-15 players will win in be in place.” the start. His inputs and methods are very helpful. However, for
talents, who could be a natural players and there should be how the numbers we should big tournaments, not all of The next Olympic cycle has the UTT, I am working on my forehand and backhand in order
replacement for seniors as and enough depth too. “There is no have, we are somehow not be- them,” he said. “We should already begun. What BAI and to get the better of long rallies,’’ he said.
when they move out. The ongo- dearth in talent in this country, ing able to get that,” he have a certain number of play- the rest of the stakeholders in- The UTT has taken a leaf out of the IPL and wishes to provide
ing BWF Super 750 event is an especially in badminton,” he explained. ers with us. This will also help cluding the players do in the fol- a platform for youngsters to play against the best players and
apt reflection. Without top play- said. “We have to put proper The Indians had tasted joy when the seniors leave. We lowing months could be crucial learn and improve the quality of the game.
ers like Sindhu, Lakshya giving systems in place to create a big during the Asian Champion- should have three players in shaping the country’s future. “I’m really happy and blessed to be a part of UTT and espe-
cially Chennai Lions being the youngest player and I would

US Open draw: Djokovic vs Alcaraz final?

wish to learn a lot from watching all the top players in action.
EXPRESS READ It’s really exciting and I would like to learn things from Sharath
Kamal sir, I would like to learn from him the thought process
Sathish crashes out that one should have during a match to make decisions. Sharath
of Japan Open Sir has been kind enough to advise me how to prepare before
A G E N C I E S @ New York tournament last year could face the matches. He also gave inputs on how the mindset should be
YOKOHAMA (JAPAN): Indian a tough time even getting out of and the techniques that they (players at UTT) use,” revealed
shuttler Sathish Kumar DEFENDING champion Novak the first round in their return. Abhinandh. “It’s really a very competitive tournament as all
Karunakaran fought hard Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who won the top players are playing and all the teams are very good. The
before going down in three wound up on opposite sides of two of her four major titles in format is very competitive,” he added.
games to Thailand’s the US Open bracket in Thurs- Flushing Meadows and re- He might be the youngest but he certainly has high ambitions
Kantaphon Wangcharoen in day’s draw, meaning they could turned this season from mater- and is eager to surprise the established stars. “Yes, I certainly
the second round of the Japan meet in another big final after nity leave, opens against No. 10 feel that I can beat them. My strength is my aggressive style of
Open Super 750 badminton Wimbledon and the Paris seed Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, play and the confidence that I will give more than 100% and can
tournament here on Thursday. Olympics. the 2017 French Open champi- play well irrespective of who is my opponent.”
The 23-year-old Indian For that to happen, the No. on. Bianca Andreescu of Cana-
squandered a opening game 3-seeded Alcaraz might first da, the 2019 U.S. Open champi-
advantage to go down 21-18, have to get through a semifinal on who’s dealt with a series of

Mohamed Ali cracks ton

18-21, 8-21 against the World against No 1 Jannik Sinner, injuries since was drawn to
No 40 Thai in a match that whose doping case came to face No. 5 seed Jasmine Paolini,
lasted 70 minutes. light this week. Sinner tested the runner-up this year at the
positive twice for an anabolic French Open and Wimbledon. E N S @ Chennai Radesh 39, CV Milind 58 n.o; Vikas Singh
Faruque Ahmed takes steroid in March but was Emma Raducanu, the 2021 U.S. 3/63, Manishi 3/47).
cleared after it was determined Open champion, opens against RIDING on S Mohamed Ali’s At Salem: TNCA President’s XI 459 in 137.3
charge as BCB prez the use was unintentional be- Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz are on opposite sides of the US Open bracket | AFP American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 century (182; 267b, 20x4, 4x6), ovs (R Vimal Khumar 42, KTA Madhava Pras-
DHAKA: Former cricketer and cause the banned substance en- Australian Open winner, in an- TNCA President’s XI posted a ad 47, S.Mohamed Ali 182, C Andre Siddarth
chief selector Faruque Ahmed tered his system via a massage the second round. The U.S. breakers for his first Olympic other first-round matchup of mammoth 459 in 137.3 overs 81; Ayan Chaudhary 5/143) vs Indian Rail-
has replaced Nazmul Hasan from his trainer. Open starts Monday (August gold medal. past major champions. against Indian Railways on ways 185/2 in 44 ovs (Pratham Singh 104
Papon as the new president of Home favourite Coco Gauff, 26) and ends on Sept. 8. Djokovic, the No. 2 seed, Men’s first-round matchups the second day of the batting, Mohammad Saif 43 batting).
the Bangladesh Cricket Board who won her first Grand Slam Djokovic won his men’s- hasn’t played since. Both he of note include No. 13 seed Ben TAKE Sports - All In- At Coimbatore: TNCA XI 393 in
(BCB) after the incumbent title last year in New York, is record 24th Grand Slam singles and Alcaraz will begin the US Shelton, an American who dia Buchi Babu Invi- 115.2 ovs (S Lokeshwar 99, B In-
resigned in the wake of the seeded No. 3 and opens against title last year in Flushing Mead- Open against players who reached the semifinals last tation Cricket Tour- drajith 167, M Boopathi Vaishna
political unrest in the country. Varvara Gracheva of France. ows and has remained stuck on emerge from this week’s quali- year, facing 2020 U.S. Open nament played at Kumar 34, Nishant Sindhu 3/84)
The BCB held an emergency Gauff and No. 2 seed Aryna that total, losing to Sinner in fying tournament in New York. champion Dominic Thiem, who Salem. vs Haryana 182/6 in 62 ovs (Dheeru
meeting on Wednesday during Sabalenka, who just won the the Australian Open semifi- Sinner plays American Mackie received a wild card into what In reply, Indian Rail- Singh 61 batting, Jayant Yadav 51
which the 58-year-old Ahmed Cincinnati Masters, could meet nals, withdrawing from the McDonald in the first round. will be his final Grand Slam ways were 185 for 2 in 44 batting; R Sai Kishore 3/61).
was elected. “I resigned as a in the semifinals after playing French Open after injuring his Sinner is a 23-year-old from Ita- tournament before retiring. overs at stumps with Pratham At Dindigul: Baroda 255 & 254 in 58.3 ovs
selector in the past because I for the trophy in the 2023 final. right knee and then losing to ly who won his first Grand No. 18 seed Lorenzo Musetti, Singh batting on 104 and Mo- (Kinit Patel 47, Mitesh Patel 86, Raj Limbani
opposed the system. Now, I No 1 seed and Paris Olympics Alcaraz at the All England Slam title at the Australian who reached the Wimbledon hammad Saif batting on 43. 62; Abid Mushtaq 5/66, Sahil Lotra 4/64) vs
aim to create a system that women’s singles bronze medal- Club. In a rematch at the Paris Open. semifinals and won an Olympic Brief scores: At Tirunelveli: Jharkhand 178 Jammu & Kashmir 114 in 32 ovs (Paras Dogra
can run the board smoothly,” ist Iga Swiatek would likely Games this month, Djokovic Two past U.S. Open women’s bronze medal for Italy, plays & 24 for three in 11 ovs vs Hyderabad 293 in 36 n.o; Ninad Rathva 6/39, Mahesh Pithiya
Faruque was quoted as saying. face Australia’s Daria Saville in beat Alcaraz in a pair of tie- champions who missed the American Reilly Opelka. 85 ovs (Rahul Singh 56, Hima Teja 30, Rahul 3/55) &14 for no loss in 5 ovs.

Ind vs Eng: 5-match Test series next UNCERTAIN TIMES

year; women’s Test at Lord’s in ’26 Cash-strapped Barcelona shed players

A G E N C I E S @ Barcelona without spending much money.
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai eight while-ball fixtures at the Gundogan and former Athletic
same time (five T20Is and three IF trying to compete with Real Bilbao defender Igo Martinez
INDIAN men’s cricket team will ODIs) starting from June 28. Madrid and newly-arrived arrived as free agents, Oriol
begin the 2025–2027 cycle of the Keeping in mind the 2025 Wom- Kylian Mbappe wasn’t daunting Romeu’s move from Girona cost
World Test Championship with en’s ODI World Cup in India, enough, now Hansi Flick’s Bar- a reported 4 million euros, and
a five-match Test series against this series would play a massive celona squad is being thinned Jao Felix and Jao Cancelo both
England, while Lord’s will host role in the lead-up to the mar- out by departures. Barcelona arrived on loan deals.
its first-ever women’s Test to be quee event. look set to lose both Ilkay Gun- But a year later, only Martin-
played between India and Eng- It has been confirmed that the dogan and Vitor Roque in the ez appears set to continue with
land in 2026, the England and Indian women’s side will return coming days, or even hours, Ilkay Gundogan is one of the team that finished last sea-
Wales Cricket Board (ECB) an- chester will host the fourth Test in 2026 for a one-off Test match with both players reportedly the big players who’s set son without a title and the de-
nounced on Thursday. between July 23-27. The tour at Lord’s – the first-ever Wom- close to exits. to leave the club in the parture of coach Xavi Hernen-
Men’s series will begin after concludes with the final Test at en’s Test to be staged at the Gundogan appears set on re- coming days | AP dez, who was pushed out after
the final of the current WTC cy- the Oval from July 31-August 4. Home of Cricket. Women have turning to Manchester City a he publicly complained that the
cle, which is scheduled in June There is a week’s gap between played white-ball fixtures at the year after the midfielder left the club’s lack of money would
2025 at Lord’s. The five-match the first and second Test and an prestigious venue including the serial winners to start a new Sporting has made inquiries. When their exits are made of- make it hard to compete with
competition will commence in eight-day interval between the 1993 and 2017 Women’s ODI chapter in Spain. That could be The young Brazilian forward ficial, it will confirm that the Madrid or the other top clubs.
Headingley on June 20 before third and fourth Tests giving World Cup Finals and 2009 wom- cut short because of Barcelo- cost Barcelona a 30-million-euro club’s efforts last summer to Barcelona have locked up the
sifting to Edgbaston in Birming- players enough time to recuper- en’s T20 World Cup final, but na’s need to trim its salary bur- (USD 33-million) transfer last strengthen the squad turned out arrival of Spain midfielder Dani
ham for the second Test from ate. ECB also announced that has never hosted the red-ball den, leaving the team without summer. He arrived in the win- to be makeshift moves. Olmo from Leipzig. But, they
July 2-6. The third Test will be while men’s sides will lock fixture.’It has also been con- one of its top playmakers from ter transfer market but never Last summer, Barcelona are yet to meet the financial re-
held at the hallowed turf of horns in the longest formats the firmed that India Women will last season. Roque is also report- earned consistent playing min- maintained the quality of a quirements of the Spanish
Lord’s in London from July 10- women’s sides of England and return in 2026 for a one-off Test edly close to leaving on loan for utes despite the significant in- squad that lost veteran leaders league necessary to register
14, while Old Trafford in Man- India will face each other in match at Lord’s. Real Betis, although Portugal’s vestment made to sign him. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba him to play.
14 MADURAI FRIDAY 23 08 2024
� � newindianexpress com

APPLE SET
TO MAKE ITS
LATEST PHONES
IN INDIA
WHAT CAN iPHONE USERS EXPECT?
R A K E S H K U M A R @ New Delhi this, the increased production production in India from the Will iPhones get cheaper? ticipated to increase the coun- country, industry data showed. ance and a more luxurious feel.
is expected to boost iPhone ex- current 10% to 25% by next try’s share of global iPhone pro- According to Counterpoint Re- They will also feature larger

A
PPLE is set to manu- ports from India. year. For FY24, Apple reported While local production in India duction from 14% to 25% by search, the iPhone 15 series displays—6.3 inches for the
facture its high-end around `68,000 crore in domes- could potentially reduce costs next year. According to indus- dominated global sales in the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for
iPhone 16 Pro and
Expanding manufacturing tic sales, while the value of ex- by up to 10%, the effect on retail try data, exports of mobile second quarter, with the iPhone the Pro Max—with slimmer
capacity for iPhone Pro
Pro Max models in ported iPhones was `66,000 prices might not be substantial. phones from India reached $6.5 15, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and bezels (area around the screen
India for the first This marks the first time Apple crore for FY23. High component costs and local billion in the April-July period iPhone 15 Pro being the top that separates it from the de-
time, following the is assembling its premium de- Foxconn, Apple’s largest taxes may keep prices higher (Q1 FY25)—an almost 40% surge three best-selling worldwide. vice’s body) to maximise screen
introduction of In- vices outside China. In India, manufacturing partner, is pre- for Indian consumers compared from the same period last fiscal space. Under the hood, the
dia-made iPhone 15 models last Apple’s contract manufactur- paring to produce the iPhone to those in other regions. Addi- (FY23). iPhone exports sur-
iPhone 16: What to expect iPhone 16 series will be pow-
year. Reports suggest that pro- ers include Foxconn, Pegatron, 16 Pro and Pro Max at its Tamil tionally, most of the iPhone 16 passed $1 billion in July—al- As excitement builds for the ered by the latest A18 Bionic
duction in India could reduce and Tata Group, with Foxconn Nadu facility. The company has Pro and Pro Max units produced most similar month-on-month launch of the iPhone 16 series, and A18 Pro processors, deliv-
manufacturing costs by 10%. being the largest. The move to reportedly trained thousands in India are expected to be ex- performance as seen in the first leaked details reveal several ering faster performance and
However, whether this reduc- shift production from China to of workers to meet Apple’s ported to Europe, West Asia, quarter of FY25—driven by the notable upgrades and new fea- enhanced energy efficiency. All
tion will translate into lower India is largely driven by geo- quality standards, with produc- and US markets due to lower do- production-linked incentive tures. The Pro models are an- models will run on iOS 18,
prices for customers is uncer- political tensions between the tion expected to begin shortly mestic demand for these high- (PLI) scheme. iPhone exports ticipated to sport a sleek, glossy which is expected to bring ad-
tain due to high component US and China. As a result, Ap- after the global launch of the end models. The expansion of constitute about 70% of the to- titanium finish, which prom- vanced AI capabilities and new
costs and local taxes. Despite ple aims to increase its iPhone iPhone 16 series. manufacturing in India is an- tal mobile exports from the ises increased scratch resist- text tools.

T E C H N O L O G Y B U Z Z
U M A K A N N A N @ Bengaluru sation. Gen AI can help with

boAt launches smartwatch for

NITESH

I
better forecasting and opti-
N the life sciences space, MIRCHANDANI mising inventory levels. Some-

kids with real-time tracking

there is significant adoption Chief Business Officer, times customers come to us
of Generative AI as it can Mindsprint, a digital with a three-year roadmap
technology and business
help reduce paperwork and solutions firm
and ask if we can help achieve
boAt, India’s leading audio and wearable brand, has introduced the time-to-market for drugs, es- certain aspects. More often,
boAt Wanderer Smart Smartwatch, a premium GPS smartwatch pecially in clinical trials, we take a consultative ap-
for children. This wearable features real-time GPS said Nitesh Mirchandani, said. The company has cus- proach, proactively telling our
tracking, geo-fencing, voice and video calling, and chief business officer, Mind- tomers in four primary indus- customers what we can do to
SOS alerts, empowering parents to keep their kids sprint, a digital technology tries — food and agriculture, solve their problems,” Mir-
safe and connected. With built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and and business solutions firm. retail CPG (consumer pack- chandani added.

‘Gen AI can help

4G connectivity, parents can monitor their child’s “Covid-19 accelerated this aged goods), life sciences, and Over the past 12-18 months,
location in real-time and set virtual boundaries trend. While Gen AI wasn’t manufacturing. Talking about organisations like Mindsprint
around important locations. The smartwatch also available in 2020, AI was used cyber security, he said it is an have moved beyond proof of
features high-definition video and voice calls, real- to crunch data and expedite emerging space and a top pri- conce pts (POCs) to full

reduce paperwork’
time messaging, and parental controls. vaccine development. This ority for chief information of- production, showcasing the
demonstrates the potential of ficers and IT leaders. “We advantage of being a fast mov-
AI in reducing timelines for have a cybersecurity practice er. “This allows us to confi-
clinical trials and drug roll- offering managed security as- dently discuss our progress,

Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone outs,” he told this newspaper.

Most customers are adopt- there’s significant interest as company has built platforms
sessments and services. In the
manufacturing space, we do
as we adopted a rapid ap-
proach in Gen AI, while oth-

could be launched next month

ing AI, and it is part of the everyone wants to be more ef- to help sales teams sell better factory security assessments, ers are still catching up. How-
company’s data analytics ficient, fast, and scalable. Gen and faster. “Imagine if they’re and we also do a lot on the con- ever, we also recognise the
practice. Mindsprint has three AI use cases are helping with going to meet a customer - pre- sulting side, helping our cus- limitations and potential
Huawei is aiming to revolutionise the smartphone landscape with service lines — technology scalability, efficiency, produc- viously, people spent hours tomers with cybersecurity,” game-changers in this field.
its upcoming triple-fold device. It features a 10-inch screen, dual services, business process tivity, with the end goal of im- reading up on customers. Now, he said. We are focusing on key chal-
hinges, and a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera. Huawei CEO services, and cybersecurity proving customer or employee industry reports, annual re- The use of AI cuts across all lenges, such as using large
Richard Yu hinted that the phone could be launched next month. The services. experience and helping with ports, quarterly earnings can its verticals, with different public LLMs (large language
triple-fold smartphone is expected to be powered by a Kirin 9-series “AI is a prominent part of improved company evalua- be fed into a system that gen- use cases for each. “In the models) for enterprise data,”
processor and features three divided screens. Yu had told the Associ- our tech services group. With- tion,” Mirchandani added. erates crisp, consumable in- manufacturing space, we’re said the company’s chief tech-
ated Press that said Huawei engineers spent three years working on in AI, particularly Gen AI, For commercial teams, the puts about that customer,” he working on inventory optimi- nology officer Sagar P V.
the device’s hinge, which doesn’t leave a gap when shut.