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THE ASIAN AGENATION| 5

NEW DELHI FRIDAY 21 JUNE 2024

WORLD| 6 DELHI AGE| 16

WB gov Bose: ‘Not secure’ Nasa chief Nelson: US Taylor Swift’s pvt jet vandalised
with current Kolkata police and India to expand by climate activists in London
contingent in Raj Bhavan collaboration in space ahead of her show in Wembley
www.asianage.com RNI No. 57290/94, Regd No: DL-SW-05/4189/15-17 Vol. 31 No. 126 | 16 PAGES | `5.00

WINDOWS J&K will get PM meets US Dalai team, in signal to China ■ Minister vows to rectify system, accepts

statehood & moral responsibility as protests escalate

its govt back
soon: Modi
Govt admits leak, will
Launches 84 projects
worth `1,500 crores probe Neet-NET mess
YUSUF JAMEEL RAKESH K SINGH and
SRINAGAR, JUNE 20 BHASKAR HARI SHARMA
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Taking moral responsibil-
Thursday said that the ity for the “errors in Neet-
preparations for holding UG examination (which
Assembly elections in was) limited to specific
President Droupadi Murmu Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Narendra Michael McCaul, chairman tion had earlier met the regions”, Union educa-
celebrates her birthday at have begun and that its Modi during a meeting of the House Foreign Dalai Lama in McLeodganj. tion minister
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New statehood too will be with the seven-member US Affairs Committee, and its The meeting with the spiri- Dharmendra Pradhan
Delhi on Thursday. restored soon. congressional delegation other members included tual leader had infuriated said on Thursday that the
■ Report on Page 5 — PTI “The people of J&K
in New Delhi on Thursday. former US House Speaker Beijing. —PTI
“UGC-NET” question
(will) elect their repre- paper was leaked on the
The US team was led by Nancy Pelosi. The delega- ■ Report on Page 5
Lt. Gen. Subramani sentatives at the local
level, and through them,
DarkNet and ordered the
setting up of a high-level
appointed as next
Vice-Chief of Army
you (will) find ways to
solve problems,” he said
in Srinagar and quipped,
“What can be better than
Court gives Kejriwal bail, committee to suggest fire-
walls to further strength-
en the National Testing
Agency (NTA), which
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan address-
es a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. — PTI
this?”

might leave Tihar today conducts entrance tests

New Delhi: Lt Gen. N.S. Raja
Subramani is set to be the Elaborating, the Prime for admission into vari- Tuesday. with several student
next Vice-Chief of Army Minister said, “The ous courses. The minister reiterated groups staging protests
Staff with the government preparations for the The announcement of that the government is over alleged irregulari-
clearing his appointment to
the post. The officer, who is
presently helming the
Assembly elections have
started. The time is not
far when you will elect
■ Bond set at `1L ■ AAP begins celebrations the high-level committee
comes amid massive
furore and political spar-
committed to holding
zero-error exams and will
have to rectify the system
ties in both the tests and
demanding a ban on NTA
and the resignation of Mr
Army’s Central Command, the new government of SANJAY KAW After the Rouse Avenue ring over the alleged as the government is com- Pradhan.
will succeed Lt. Gen. Jammu and Kashmir NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 court order, the Delhi CM irregularities in the Neet- mitted to safeguarding Extending solidarity
Upendra Dwivedi. Lt. Gen. with your votes”. will remain imprisoned UG 2024 exam and the the interests of students. with the students, the
Dwivedi, currently serving Mr Modi added that the In a major relief to Delhi only if the high court or scrapping of the UGC- The outcry against Congress said that it will
as the Vice-Chief, will be day “when J&K will, chief minister Arvind the Supreme Court stays NET entrance test just a alleged irregularities protest at Parliament on
the next Chief of the Army once again, make its Kejriwal, the Rouse his bail order. day after it was held on grew louder on Thursday, ■ Turn to Page 4
Staff when incumbent Gen. future better as a state Avenue court on The money laundering
Manoj Pande retires on June will also come soon”. Thursday granted him case against Mr Kejriwal
30. Lt. Gen. Subramani has
been appointed as the next
Vice-Chief. In appointing Lt.
Gen. Subramani as the Vice-
The Prime Minister,
who was speaking at an
event titled “Empowe-
ring Youth, Transfo-
bail almost three months
after he was arrested by
the Enforcement
Directorate in a money
is an offshoot of a corrup-
tion case filed by the CBI
in the excise policy matter.
After the CBI case, the ED
Leaks as Modi ‘crippled’, edu
Chief of the Army, the gov-
ernment followed the
seniority principle.
rming J&K” at the lake-
side Sher-i-Kashmir
International Conven-
laundering case linked to
the excise policy “scam.”
Special judge Niyay
Arvind Kejriwal
es. The judge also direct-
stepped in and arrested the
Delhi CM on March 2.
The Rouse Avenue court
bodies in RSS control: Rahul
Full report on Page 4 tion Centre in Srinagar, Bindu also declined the ed Mr Kejriwal to appear granted bail to Mr AGE CORRESPONDENT ◗ RAHUL GANDHI said ment’s alleged silence
underlined the consis- ED's prayer to keep in before the court whenev- Kejriwal just a day after it NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 the Prime Minister has after the accused admit-
tent efforts the Centre abeyance the bail order er required and to cooper- had extended his judicial ted receiving Neet-UG
Shah to attend Yoga has been making under for 48 hours to allow the ate with the investiga- custody till July 3. Launching a scathing
‘psychologically col- question papers before-
lapsed’ post-elections
Day celebrations in Guj his leadership to bridge
divides, both emotional
Central agency to appeal
against it before a superi-
tion.
Mr Kejriwal is expected
Earlier in the day, the
judge had reserved the
attack over the alleged
irregularities in the Neet- and will struggle to run
hand, Mr Gandhi said,
“Silence is because the
Ahmedabad: Union home and geographic, between or court. to come out of Delhi’s order on his bail plea UG exam and the cancel- a government like this Prime Minister is crip-
minister Amit Shah will it and J&K. He said: The judge ordered Mr Tihar jail after he fur- after hearing the ED, lation of UGC-NET, pled. Right now, the PM’s
participate in a yoga event “Dori dil ki rahi hou ya Kejriwal’s release on a nishes the bail bond which sought to link him Congress leader Rahul institutions have been main agenda is the (elec-
in Ahmedabad on June 21 Dilli ki (be it the distance personal bond of `1 lakh. before the Rouse Avenue to the alleged proceeds of Gandhi said Prime captured by the BJP and tion of) Speaker. He is
(Friday) on the occasion of between hearts or the dis- She, however, imposed court on Friday. “Once crime and co-accused. Minister Narendra Modi its parent organisation, bothered about his gov-
International Day of Yoga. tance from Delhi), we are certain conditions on the we get the release order The defence had, howev- has “psychologically col- the RSS, and paper leaks ernment and the Speaker
Mr Shah will perform yoga trying our best to erase AAP leader before granti- from the court, Mr er, claimed that the prose- lapsed” post-elections and will not stop unless that is (election)...The Prime
at a public garden on them.” The PM unveiled ng him relief, including Kejriwal can walk out of cution had no evidence to will struggle to run a gov- reversed. Minister has psychologi-
Sindhu Bhavan Road in the 84 developmental pro- that he will not try to jail,” a senior Tihar nail the AAP leader. The ernment like this. He said At a press conference in cally collapsed and, know-
city with some other par- jects worth `1,500 crores. hamper the investigation prison officer told this grant of regular bail to the main reason for paper the national capital, when ing his personality, he
ticipants. ■ More on Page 5 or influence the witness- newspaper. ■ Turn to Page 4 leaks is that educational asked about the govern- ■ Turn to Page 4

Bhartruhari Mahtab is Hasina to begin

pro-tem Speaker of LS
New Delhi: Seven-term par-
her 2-day India Delhi sees a huge spike in deaths TN hooch tragedy: Death
liamentarian Bhartruhari
Mahtab was on Thursday
appointed pro-tem Speaker
visit from today
New Delhi, June 20: due to heatwave: 34 in last 24 hrs toll rises to 35, 4 arrested
of the Lok Sabha. Mr Mahtab,
a BJP member from Cuttack,
Bangladesh Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina
`10 lakhs to kin of victims: Stalin
was appointed by President
Droupadi Murmu to perform
will pay a two-day state
visit to India beginning
■ Total goes up to 49 ■ NGO claims 192 homeless people died of heat AGE CORRESPONDENTS
with agency inputs
the bereaved families.
State minister for
the duties of the LS presiding Friday to further expand AGE CORRESPONDENT Saurabh Bharadwaj said CHENNAI, JUNE 20 youth affairs and sports
officer till the election of the the already close ties NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 out of 310 heatstroke development Udh-
Speaker. between the two coun- patients admitted to vari- The death toll in Tamil ayanidhi Stalin visited
Full report on Page 5 tries. It will be the first The continued severe heat- ous city government-run Nadu’s Kallakurichi the district and handed
incoming bilateral state wave spell has claimed at hospitals, 112 have been district due to con- over the “relief”
visit by a foreign leader least 34 lives in Delhi in the discharged. “The condi- sumption of “methanol- cheques.
COUNTERPOINT after the formation of past 24 hours. The total tion of the remaining mixed arrack” climbed While the Opposition
the new government in count of heatstroke-related patients is stable,” he to at least 35 on parties attacked the
India following the Lok deaths in the city has now added. Thursday, with about ruling DMK over the
Sabha elections. gone up to 49. As Delhi has been bat- 40 others hospitalised. hooch tragedy, the state
Ms Hasina was among Of the 34 fresh heat-relat- tling searing heatwave Officials have government trans-
seven top leaders from ed deaths, 13 were report- conditions over the last expressed concern that ferred the case to CB-
India’s neighbourhood ed from Safdarjung week, hospitals have seen the death toll may rise. CID, held a review
and the Indian Ocean Hospital and seven more a rise in the number of Tamil Nadu chief meeting with top offi-
region who attended the from the Ram Manohar casualties and patients minister M.K. Stalin cials and appointed a
swearing-in ceremony of Lohia Hospital, both run owing to heatstroke. said four persons one-man commission
A woman suffering from a heat-related illness being
Prime Minister by the Central govern- The Centre for Holistic linked to the sale of poi- headed by retired high
Narendra Modi and the ment, and 14 from Delhi brought to the LNJP Hospital for treatment in New Development, an NGO sonous arrack have court judge B.
Union council of minis- government-run hospitals. Delhi on Thursday. — PTI working for the homeless, been arrested so far and Gokuldas for a detailed
ters at the Rashtrapati About 500 other patients ing treatment at various Hospital, 26 are on life- has claimed that 192 announced `10 lakh probe into the incident.
Bhavan on June 9. suffering from heat-relat- city hospitals. Of the 32 support systems. homeless deaths were assistance to each of ■ More on Page 5
■ More on Page 5 ed ailments are undergo- patients admitted at RML Delhi health minister ■ Turn to Page 4

WEATHER In Vietnam, Putin signs deals Jaishankar, Ranil hold Colombo talks
to bolster links with S-E Asia
Max : 39OC New Delhi: External
affairs minister S.
Min: 31OC Jaishankar Thursday
RH: 41% held wide-ranging talks
Rain: 10% Hanoi, June 20: Russian This was echoed by with Sri Lanka’s top
President Vladimir Putin Vietnam’s new President leadership, including
Forecast: Cloudy signed a series of deals To Lam, who said they seek President Ranil
with Vietnamese to further “further cooper- Wickremesinghe, and
President To Lam on ate in defence and security jointly commissioned
ASTROGUIDE Thursday, during a state to cope with non-tradition- with him the Maritime
Krodhi: Uttarayana visit that comes as al security challenges” Rescue Coordination
Moscow is seeking to bol- while implementing ener- Centre built with a $6
Tithi: Jyeshta Shukla ster ties in Asia to offset gy projects and expanding million grant from
Chaturdasi till 7.30 am growing international iso- Vladimir Putin investments. He also con- India, as New Delhi
Star: Jyeshta till 6.14 pm lation over its military Following the talks, Mr gratulated Mr Putin on his stepped up bilateral
Varjyam: Nil actions in Ukraine. Putin said that the two re-election and praised cooperation with its
The two signed agree- countries share an inter- Russia’s “domestic politi- time-tested neighbour.
Durmuhurtam: 8.23 am to ments to further coopera- est in “developing a reli- cal stability”. The EAM said he con-
9.16 am; 12.44 pm to 1.36 pm tion on education, science able security architec- Mr Putin arrived in veyed the warm greet-
Rahukalam: 10.30 am to 12 pm and technology, oil and ture” in the Asia-Pacific Hanoi early Thursday ings of Prime Minister
SUNSET TODAY 7.22 PM gas exploration and Region based on not using morning from North Narendra Modi and dis-
health. They also agreed to force and peacefully set- Korea, where he and cussed the way forward
SUNRISE TOMORROW 5.24 AM
work on a roadmap for a tling disputes with no North Korean leader Kim for the bilateral coopera-
MOONRISE TOMORROW 8.04 PM nuclear science and tech- room for “closed military- Jong Un signed an agree- tion. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar during a meeting with Sri Lankan President
MOONSET TODAY 4.15 AM nology centre in Vietnam. political blocs”. ment. — AP ■ More on Page 5 Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Thursday. — PTI
 CITY
THE ASIAN AGE | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | NEW DELHI
pg 2

■ Students gather outside Pradhan’s house, demand ban on NTA

IN BRIEF
AAP seeks INDIA support
Protest held for Roy
against UAPA trial Protests over Neet, Net rock to get water from Haryana
Delhi; several students held
New Delhi: Left groups on
Thursday staged a protest AGE CORRESPONDENT
against the order to prose- NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
cute author
Arundhati Roy and Amid the ongoing water
former central uni- AGE CORRESPONDENT crisis in the city, AAP
versity of Kashmir NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay
professor Sheikh Singh on Thursday sought
Showkat Hussain Around 50 students from the INDIA bloc’s support
under the stringent Arundhati different universities and in the party’s fight to get
Unlawful Activities Roy members of various stu- Delhi’s share of water
(Prevention) Act. dents’ outfits were from Haryana.
Delhi lieutenant-governor V.K. detained on Thursday Accusing the BJP of
Saxena, earlier last week, while they were protesting sponsoring the water cri-
gave his sanction to prose- against the cancellation of sis in the national capital,
cute Ms Roy and Mr Hussain the UGC-NET examina- Mr Singh said, “They
for allegedly making provoca- tion and irregularities in carry out protests and A man carries a water can as buckets are seen in queue
tive speeches at an event in the Neet. indulge in theatrics. If to be filled from a water tanker in New Delhi.
2010. Holding banners and The students were they really want Delhi to — PRITAM BANDYOPADHYAY
posters demanding removal detained from outside the get water, they should
of the UAPA charge against
the duo, scores of students
ministry of education as
well as the education min-
protest outside Haryana
Bhawan”. He said water ‘Corruption, apathy, inaction’:
and members of CPI-ML gath- ister Dharmendra minister Atishi will be
ered here at Jantar Mantar to
register their protest. All India
Pradhan’s residence
A large number of stu-
starting an indefinite fast
from June 21 to get Delhi’s
Delhi BJP MPs hit out at AAP
Students Association (AISA) dents, including members share of water from AGE CORRESPONDENT and East Delhi MP Harsh
also participated in the of political outfits such as Haryana, which is ruled NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 Malhotra said that it was
protest, which observed a the Students’ Federation Security personnel detain a student during a protest in New Delhi on Thursday over by the BJP. the responsibility of the
Prativad Divas or protest day. of India (SFI), All India the Neet-UG and UGC-NET examinations issue. — PRITAM BANDYOPADHYAY “I appeal to INDIA bloc The corruption, inaction ruling AAP to provide
On October 21, 2010 Ms Roy Students Association parties to support us in and appalling apathy of the water to people but they
and Mr Hussain participated (AISA), Democratic of India were detained dled and assaulted by the ty area, which remains this fight. We are asking ruling Aam Aadmi Party were indulging in a blame
in a conference organised Students’ Front (DSF), while protesting. During police, the outfits alleged. under section 144. The stu- for our share of water (AAP) has forced Delhi to game and lies.
under the banner of “Azadi- Krantikari Yuva the protest, NSUI national “Female students were dents’ outfits also demand- from Haryana,” said Mr face an unprecedented cri- Northeast Delhi MP
The Only Way”. According to Sangathan (KYS), and president Varun heckled and manhandled ed the resignation of Mr Singh, adding that “we are sis of shortage despite the Manoj Tiwari slammed the
the Raj Niwas officials, the Congress-affiliated NSUI Choudhary flung a bag brutally,” said the SFI. Pradhan over the alleged not asking for any addi- release of adequate water AAP asking why it was not
issues discussed and spoken participated in the full of counterfeit curren- The DSF said, “Instead corruption in the exams. tional water from in Yamuna by neighbour- calling a special session to
about at the conference protest. cy in the air and demand- of addressing the con- Indian Youth Congress Haryana. The Haryana ing Haryana, BJP MPs discuss the issue of water
“propagated the separation The students gathered ed an urgent probe into cerns of the students and (IYC) workers too staged a government has stopped alleged on Thursday. crisis in Delhi.
of Kashmir from India”. outside the education min- the matter. holding the NTA account- protest near the residence drinking water of 100 In a joint press confer- Water minister Atishi
istry and Mr Pradhan’s “Now the UGC NET able, the Delhi police bru- against the alleged rig- MGD, equivalent to the ence, Delhi BJP president should apologise the
residence demanding a examination has been can- tally attacked and ging. IYC president demand of 28 lakh people, Virendra Sachdeva Delhi people for lying
House help abducts ban on the National
Testing Agency (NTA), the
celled due to a paper
leak... NTA has failed stu-
detained several students
including JNUSU repre-
Srinivas B.V. said that the
“scam” is not just cheat-
we are only asking for that
same water. This will
accused water minister
Atishi of dishing out lies
over the water issue, said
South Delhi MP Ramvir
employer’s son, held body which conducts the
examination and a probe
dents time and again. We
demand a complete scrap-
sentatives from the protest
site.”
ing with the students but a
betrayal of the future of
solve the water crisis”.
The AAP MP said, “As a
on the issue and challeng-
ing her to verify the docu-
Singh Bidhuri.
Northwest Delhi MP
New Delhi: A woman, working ping of the NTA,” AISA The claims were refuted the country. Several IYC
into the alleged paper minister, Ms Atishi made ments related to water Yogendra Chandolia said
as domestic help, was arrest- leak. unit of JNU in a statement by the police who said per- workers were detained in continuous efforts for the that Atishi used to blame
released by Haryana.
ed for allegedly kidnapping Several members of the said. Students who joined mission was not taken to the protest, the statement people of Delhi. She went Haryana for not releasing
If there is shor ta g e
her employer’s son and steal- National Students’ Union the protest were manhan- protest in the high securi- added. to many places and plead- water for Delhi in
of water in Delhi,
ing 500 grams of gold and ed. She repeatedly request- Yamuna but when her lies
how is it possible that
`5.70 lakh cash from his house ed the L-G, officials, the were exposed she changed
water tankers and
in West Delhi’s Uttam Nagar
area, the police said on
Thursday. The accused was
identified as Madhu Saini (40),
‘Heatwave conditions abated from Delhi’ central government and
the Haryana government
to give Delhi its due share
bottled water is freely
available, he asked.
Union minister of state
her stand and started
pleading for it on humani-
tarian ground.
New Delhi, June 20: Light prompting the Centre to of water. She has been
a resident of Sadar Bazar. The issue advisory to hospitals repeatedly requesting all single word of Atishi, who raising her voice for the
rains and thunderstorm on
matter came to light on June to set up special units to the departments con- is a minister from Delhi”. water crisis and is forced to
Thursday abated the heat-
16, when the victim’s father cater to such patients. cerned to give water to 28 Announcing Atishi’s sit on an indefinite fast. “I
waves in the national capi-
Rakesh Kumar filed a com- During the past three lakh people as per their hunger strike, Mr Singh request all the parties of
tal, according to India
plaint and reported that his days, the bodies of 50 peo- rights to give us the water said that it would be the the INDIA alliance to sup-
meteorological depart-
son had been missing since ple evidently belonging to that we have been getting. first time in the history of port Atishi and the Aam
ment. The maximum tem-
Saturday last week, along with the underprivileged back- However, the BJP is not the country that a state’s Aadmi Party in this fight”,
perature settled at 40°C one
around 500 grams of gold grounds were recovered ready to listen to even a water minister is tired of he said.
notch above the season’s
jewellery and `5.70 lakh cash, around Delhi, police said
average, while the mini-
DCP Ankit Singh said. Based on Wednesday. Meanwhile,
mum temperature record-
on the complaint, an FIR was
registered. Multiple police
teams were formed and CCTV
footage was examined to
ed at 29.6°C, two notches
above season’s average, the
IMD said.
the Air Quality Index (AQI)
of the national capital at 9
am was recorded in the
Centre asks states ‘Old vehicles
found parked
to celebrate Int’l
“Heatwave conditions “moderate” category with
identify the accused, Mr Singh a reading of 161, according
have abated from Delhi on
said. During the investigation,
the police found that Saini
Thursday under the influ-
ence of the current west-
Clouds hover in the sky in Noida on Thursday morning.
— PTI
to the Central Pollution
Control Board.
in public space
had used her 14-year-old son
as a “tool” to befriend the
victim and kidnap him, the
DCP said.
ern disturbance and lower
level easterlies from Bay of
Bengal,” the IMD said.
The weather department
storm on Friday. The maxi-
mum and minimum tem-
perature are likely to settle
around 40 and 29°C respec-
per cent.
Swathes of northern
India, including the nation-
al capital, have been in the
An AQI between zero and
50 is considered “good”, 51
and 100 “satisfactory”, 101
and 200 “moderate”, 201
Day of Yoga today may be seized’
AGE CORRESPONDENT
has predicted partly cloudy tively, it said. grip of a punishingly long and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400
Suspected criminal sky with possibility of rain
or thunderstorm or dust
Humidity oscillated
between 67 per cent and 46
heat wave, increasing heat
stroke casualties and
“very poor”, and 401 and
500 “severe”. — PTI
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 CJI, SC judges NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

Overage vehicles need to

held after gunfight The Union health ministry will take part be parked in private

Noida: A 25-year-old wanted

L-G asks staff Central team visits hospitals to has urged states to observe
the International Day of AGE CORRESPONDENT
spaces or be scrapped,
Delhi government said
Yoga (IDY) on June 21 at all NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 in a public notice on
criminal was arrested here fol-
to provide aid operational Ayushman Thursday.

check readiness for heat patients

lowing a gunfight with the
police in which he suffered Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) Chief Justice of India D.Y. Vehicles found parked
gunshot injuries, officials said
on Thursday. In a late-night
to homeless by organising mass
demonstrations. It also
Chandrachud and other
Supreme Court judges will
in public places in viola-
tion of the guidelines
operation on Wednesday, the AGE CORRESPONDENT AGE CORRESPONDENT suggested inviting promi- participate in the 10th may be impounded, the
Sector-113 police station team NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 nent public figures as yoga International Yoga Day notice said. Reiterating
in Noida engaged in an enco- ambassadors to motivate celebrations on Friday. its guidelines for over-
unter with two criminals. “The Delhi lieutenant-gover- A Union health ministry the participants. “On the occasion of the age vehicles issued this
police signalled the duo, who nor V.K. Saxena has team visited AIIMS and Ayushman Arogya 10th International Yoga February, the transport
were riding a motorcycle, to asked the chief secretary three other Centre-run Mandirs are envisaged to Day on 21 June 2024, a department said there is
stop for a check. However, to meet officers from the hospitals — RML, deliver expanded health Yoga Event will be organ- a complete prohibition
instead of complying, the Delhi urban shelter Safdarjung, and Lady services beyond maternal ised for officers and staff on parking overage vehi-
criminals opened fire on the improvement board and Hardinge — here on and child care to include members of the Registry cles in areas just outside
police team and attempted to the social welfare and Thursday to take stock of care for non-communica- in Congregation Hall, 2nd residences, which are
flee,” additional DCP Manish health departments in the preparedness for heat- ble diseases, palliative floor, ‘C’ Block and Yoga considered public place.
Kumar Mishra said. “In the the wake of a rise in the stroke patients and also to and rehabilitative care, and Recreation Hall, 4th “Keep such vehicles in
ensuing exchange of gunfire, instances of heat-related assess the number of oral, eye and ENT care, Floor, ‘A’ Block, Additional private parking spaces
the police managed to appre- deaths in the city. In a let- deaths due to the illness mental health and first Building Complex, owned by the individual,
hend one of the criminals, ter, the L-G office has over the last few days. The level care for emergencies Supreme Court of India. not in a shared parking
identified as Prakash alias directed the officials to three-member team was and trauma, including The Chief Justice of India space, even if it’s part of
Chuha,” Mr Mishra said. ensure adequate meas- constituted by Dr Atul A woman covers her child’s head with a cloth for pro- free essential drugs and and companion judges a residential complex. A
ures are in place for pro- Goel, director-general of diagnostic services. will participate in the parking space allotted to
tection from the scorching sun in New Delhi. — PTI
viding water and other health services (DGHS) on In a letter to states event,”an apex court cir- the owner within a resi-
facilities to the destitute, the instructions of Union paredness of the hospitals March 1 and June 18 this recently, Union health sec- cular said. dential complex is con-
B.TECH DROPOUT homeless and the poor.
“Fifty-two people have
health minister J P
Nadda.
and also assessed the
exact number of deaths
year, health ministry
sources said on Thursday.
retary Apurva Chandra
said yoga is a vital part of (IDY) celebrated annually
sidered private,” it said.
According to the
HELD FOR DUPING been reportedly declared
dead on arrival (in hospi-
tals) and most of these
Mr Nadda on Thursday
asked health ministry
officials to visit Central
that have happened over
the past few days due to
heatstroke,” an official
Uttar Pradesh is the
worst-affected, having
reported 37 deaths fol-
comprehensive primary
healthcare at Ayushman
Arogya Mandir (AAM)
on June 21 aims to gener-
ate awareness about its
vast potential in improv-
notice, the Delhi govern-
ment has deregistered
5.5 million overage vehi-
MAN OF `7.5L were destitute homeless
people. The actual num-
government hospitals reg-
ularly till heatwave condi-
said.
The unrelenting heat-
lowed by Bihar, Rajasthan
and Odisha, according to
and group sessions are
regularly being conducted
ing overall health and
wellbeing and to inculcate
cles. Owners of such
vehicles have the option
New Delhi: A 34-year-old bers appear to be much tions persist to review the wave sweeping large parts the data compiled under at AAM to promote holis- the practice of yoga of obtaining a No
B.Tech dropout was arrested higher. The L-G is arrangements that have of the country has the national heat-related tic health. among citizens. According Objection Certificate
for allegedly duping a man of anguished over such been made for patients claimed at least 114 lives illness and death surveil- Moreover, mass demon- to a ministry of AYUSH’s (NOC) to move the vehi-
`7.48 lakh on the pretext of unfortunate incidents in coming to the hospitals and left over 40,984 people lance by the National strations are organised on communication, the cle out of Delhi within
online investment, the police the national capital,” with heatstroke. grappling with suspected Centre for Disease IDY every year. The theme for this year’s IDY is one year of the vehicle's
said on Thursday. During the read the letter. “They reviewed the pre- heatstroke between Control (NCDC). International Day of Yoga ‘Yoga for Self and Society’. expiry date, it said.
investigation, the police fou-
‘All 383 villages in Delhi to have
Tillu gang member nabbed
nd transactions to the tune of
`7.35 crore in the account of
the accused, they identified
Elderly woman, son found
as Ankit Gupta. He was also
dead at home in N-W Delhi PNG connections by March 2025’
found to have 12 complaints
registered against him on the
ministry of home affairs por-
tal. “On April 26, complainant
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
dead.
It is suspected they both
after encounter with police AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
connections. The PNG
supply would go a long
way in transforming the
Dhan Singh Negi filed an were dead long before the AGE CORRESPONDENT ◗ SUMIT HAD jumped led by inspector Amit All the 383 villages in the face of the villages in
NCRP complaint stating that A 72-year-old woman and maid spotted them, he NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 parole in a murder case Dahiya,under ACP Ishwar national capital will be Delhi, officials said.
he came in touch with a her son were found dead said. registered at Kanjhawla Singh, was constituted provided with piped natu- The Indraprastha Gas
woman on April 10, who lured under mysterious circum- The cause of the death The Delhi police has and a tip-off was received ral gas supply by March Limited (IGL) officials
him to earn extra income by stances inside their house will only be ascertained arrested an alleged sharp- police station and was regarding Sumit thta he 2025, officials at the L-G informed the L-G in the
spending a few hours,” DCP in Northwest Delhi’s in the post mortem exam- shooter of the Tillu also wanted in another would come to Rohini’s office said on Thursday. review meeting that 1.79
Rohit Meena said. The com- Shalimar Bagh area, the ination report, he said, Tajpuriya gang from murder case Sector 24 area to threaten Lieutenant-gover nor lakh households will bene-
plainant was added to an police said. A domestic adding. no foul play was Rohini following a brief a property dealer in an V.K. Saxena, who had fit from PNG connections
online messaging app group help, who came to their suspected so far. encounter. commissioner of police extortion bid. envisaged the project, in a provided to 111 villages so
and was cheated of `7.48 house Wednesday Kishan Kumar was a Sumit had jumped the (Rohini) Guriqbal Singh The team laid a trap and recent review meeting was far. The company has
lakh in the name of invest- evening, discovered the habitual drinker and a parole in a murder case Sidhu said. he was spotted coming on informed by the officials received 1.29 lakh applica-
ment and good returns, the two in an unconscious bottle of liquor was registered at the Kanj- The officer said Sumit, a motorcycle. Sumit that so far 111 villages tions for the connections
DCP said. Gupta was arrested condition, they said. recovered from the spot, hawla police station and who also works for the opened fire when he was have been equipped with out of which 77,513 metres
from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur Santosh was in the bed, the officer said. was also wanted in another Sandeep Dheela gang, is signalled to stop. In return, PNG connections and have been installed so far.
district on June 13. Gupta, while her son 42-year-old The bodies were handed murder case lodged at the the main person who the police fired back and another 200 will get it by The IGL and other con-
during questioning, disclosed son Kishan Kumar was over to the woman's daugh- Alipur police station. arranged weapons for the shot him in the leg. December 2024, they said. cerned agencies laid
that he in connivance with an lying on the floor, a police ter, who lives in Delhi’s The police said he also Tillu Tajpuriya gang. Sumit was apprehended “By March 2025, all 383 pipelines within six
accomplice of his registered officer said. Nihal Vihar. Her another allegedly murdered an The deputy commission- and was taken to Baba Sa- urban villages in Delhi months after the project
four fake firms in his name The help called the son, who live in Japan, has active member of the Gogi er of police said on heb Ambedkar Hospital for will have PNG supply,” was conceived and the
and opened bank accounts to neighbours, who also been inf-ormed about gang in April after jump- Wednesday, the special treatment, the police said. they said. first-ever PNG connection
defraud people. His acco- informed the police. the incident. ing parole. staff of Rohini received “With his arrest, a total In June 2023, Mr Saxena in Northwest Delhi's
mplice, a Delhi resident, is Another officer said, a The woman owned two “He was arrested after a information about Sumit of five criminal cases directed officers con- Qutabgarh village was
still at large and raids are police team took the two shops on the ground floor, brief shootout with the that he would be passing including two murders cerned with providing the inaugurated by the Lt
being conducted to nab him, to a hospital where which had been rented team of special staff of through the Begumpur have been worked out,” villages with the best Governor in December
the police said. doctors declared them out. Rohini police,” deputy area after which a team DCP Sidhu said. amenities including PNG 2023.
THE ASIAN AGE | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | NEW DELHI pg 3
 NATION
THE ASIAN AGE | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | NEW DELHI
pg 4

■ Panel formed for detailed probe ■ `10L relief declared

SHORT TAKES ED searches at 35 premises
UGC-NET paper leak
case: CBI files FIR Hooch tragedy toll in TN at 35, in `20K-cr bank fraud case
4 held; Opp slams ruling DMK
New Delhi: The CBI regis-
tered an FIR into the UGC- AGE CORRESPONDENT, ◗ IT IS alleged that the to invest in real estate, for-
NET paper leak case on NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
shares of listed compa- eign investment and
Thursday against unidenti- investment in new ven-
fied persons on a reference The Enforcement nies were “rigged”, tures.
from the Union education AGE CORRESPONDENTS, Annamalai, at a press con- Directorate on Thursday books of account were Bogus sales, capital
ministry, officials said. The with agency inputs ◗ CM M.K. STALIN said that a ference he said that the searched about 35 premis- window dressed for assets, debtors and profit
UGC-NET, 2024, exam for the CHENNAI, JUNE 20 thorough investigation would be CM should have come es in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai obtaining higher loans were shown in group con-
selection of junior research done into the supply of Methanol to down to Kallakurichi to and Nagpur as part of a through collusion of cerns to get more loans so
fellows, assistant professors The death toll in Tamil identify the culprits and also the console the people who money-laundering probe auditors/professionals that it does not
and PhD scholars was con- Nadu’s Kallakurichi dis- procurement sources and posted a had lost their loved ones against a company and its get non-performing assets
ducted by the national test- trict due to consumption message in his X page saying that he instead of deputing promoters accused of per- of a bank fraud of more (NPA) tag, the sources
ing agency (NTA) on June 18 of “methanol-mixed Udhayanidhi Stalin. He petrating an alleged bank than `20,000 crore in a said.
in two shifts across the coun- arrack” climbed to at least
was terribly distressed by the incident demanded the announce- loan fraud of more than number of listed compa- It is alleged that the
try. The next day, the 35 on Thursday, with and was closely monitoring the ment on the closing down `20,000 Crore. nies which were finally shares of listed compa-
University Grants Commis- about 40 others hospi- actions taken on all fronts of 100 TASMAC shops and The raids are being car- taken over in NCLT pro- nies were “rigged”, books
sion received inputs from the talised. Officials have assured to extend ried out on the Amtek ceedings at nominal price of account were window
National Cyber Crime Threat expressed concern that also the procurement commission headed by all help to the victims Group and its directors, leaving the consortium of dressed for obtaining
Analytics Unit of the Indian the death toll may rise. sources and posted a mes- retired high court judge B. through the schemes of including Arvind Dham, banks with nominal higher loans through col-
Cyber Crime Coordination Tamil Nadu chief minis- sage in his X page saying Gokuldas for a detailed the government once Gautam Malhotra and recovery, they further lusion of auditors/profes-
Centre (l4C) that the paper ter M.K. Stalin said four that he was terribly dis- probe into the incident. the mourning was over. others. said. sionals.
was available on the persons linked to the sale tressed by the incident Meanwhile, BJP’s He also announced a About 35 business and The Supreme Court too Thousands of crores of
darknet and was allegedly of poisonous arrack have and was closely monitor- national co-incharge of protest by the BJP on residential premises in had sought an ED probe, assets have been allegedly
being sold for Rs 5-6 lakh on been arrested so far and ing the actions taken on Tamil Nadu affairs, P. Saturday. Delhi, Gurug the sources said. parked in the name of
messaging platforms, announced `10 lakh assis- all fronts. Sudhakar Reddy, wanted Leader of the Opposition ram, Noida, Mumbai According to the ED’s shell companies, a num-
sources said. They said the tance to each of the While the Opposition the government to appoint in the state Assembly and Nagpur are being probe, this led to a loss of ber of foreign assets have
CBI will work in close coordi- bereaved families and parties attacked the ruling a sitting high court Judge Edappadi K. Palaniswami raided since this morn- nearly `10,000-`15,000 been created and money
nation with the I4C while assured a thorough probe. DMK over the hooch for the probe instead of a had demanded chief min- ing, the official sources crore to the excheq is still parked under
initiating its own darknet The chief minister said tragedy, the state govern- retired judge and demand- ister to step down and said. uer, the sources further the new names thro
exploration softwares and that a thorough investiga- ment transferred the case ed that the chief minister called for a state-wide The probe arose from a said. ugh benami directors
systems to nail down the tion would be done into to CB-CID, held a review take responsibility for the protest on June 24 against CBI FIR against a group The Central agency and shareholders, the
perpetrators. — PTI the supply of Methanol to meeting with top officials catastrophe. the government failure to entity of Amtek — ACIL apprehends that the loan sources in the agency
identify the culprits and and appointed a one-man BJP state president K. prevent the tragedy. Limited — on allegations funds were “siphoned off ” said.

NIA crackdown on
Khalistani network
New Delhi: Cracking down
French scribe
leaves India
Hasina’s 2-day visit Key changes
in Army as
on proscribed terror outfit
Babbar Khalsa International
(BKI), the NIA on Thursday after work to India from today new chief
conducted multi-state
searches and arrested a key
operative Jaspreet Singh
permit denied To hold talks with Modi tomorrow takes charge
from Ferozepur district in AGE CORRESPONDENT AGE CORRESPONDENT t w o AGE CORRESPONDENT
Punjab who is linked with NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 nations NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
designated terrorist Lakhbir will ink
Singh Sandhu alias Landa. French journalist In an indication of the s o m e Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subr-
The central anti- terror Sebastien Farcis has importance of India’s bilateral amani will be the next
agency searched the premis- become the second relations with pacts. Ms Vice-Chief of Army
es of 10 suspects today French journalist this Bangladesh, the neigh- Hasina Staff. Lt. Gen. Subram-
across Madhya Pradesh, year to leave India in bouring country’s Prime Sheikh Hasina will also ani, who is presently
Gujarat and Punjab, leading unpleasant circum- Minister Sheikh Hasina meet President Droupadi helming the Army’s
that led to the arrest of stances after a reported will be undertaking her Murmu and vice-presi- Central Command,
Jaspreet Singh from Feroze- run-in with Indian second visit to New Delhi, dent Jagdeep Dhankhar will take over from Lt.
pur in Punjab. During the authorities. this time a two-day visit before returning home on Gen. Upendra Dwivedi,
search, the agency sleuths Mr. Farcis, who said he starting Friday. Ms Saturday evening, the who will take charge as
seized one 32 bore revolver, worked as South Asia Hasina will hold talks on MEA said on Thursday. the next Army Chief on
69 cartridges of various correspondent for radio Saturday with Prime The Bangladesh Prime June 30.
bores, 100 gm heroin, 100 France Internationale, Firefighters douse a fire which broke out in the empty coaches of a train parked near Minister Narendra Modi Minister was among the The top brass of the
gm opium, `2,20,500 cash Radio France and the Secunderabad railway station on Thursday. — PTI on the entire gamut of the international leaders who Indian Army is also
and various digital devices Swiss and Belgian already-close bilateral had attended the swear- going to see some
from Jaspreet, who was Public Radios and left ties between both nations. ing-in ceremony of Mr changes as Lt. Gen.
found to be associated with India earlier this week ■ Rebels use camouflage jackets to target forces The Bangladesh PM will Modi and the Union coun- Dwivedi takes charge as
the foreign based terrorist on June 17, alleged that reach New Delhi on cil of ministers on June 9. the new chief.

Naxals come up with strategy

Landa. on March 7 this year, the Friday following which Mr Modi had in Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar
Union home ministry minister of external November last year high- Singh, Commander of
declined to renew his affairs S. Jaishankar will lighted the achievements the Southern Command,
3rd arrest by ED in journalist permit there- call on her in the evening. in bilateral ties with is also retiring on June

to escape drone hits in C’garh

by preventing him from Ms Hasina will be accord- Bangladesh since 2014, 30. He could be succeeded
Raj scheme case practicing his profes-
sion which led to loss of
ed a ceremonial reception
at Rashtrapati Bhavan on
including the land bound-
ary agreement and reso-
by Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth,
who is commanding the
New Delhi: The Enforcement income. Saturday morning after lution of the maritime South Western Army
Directorate on Thursday said Mr. Farcis said in a RABINDRA NATH ◗ A PAIR of guerrilla police P. Sunderraj told which she will hold talks boundary with Bangl- Command in Jaipur.
that it has made a fresh post on X that “no rea- CHOUDHURY this newspaper on with Mr Modi. Later, the adesh. Army Training Comm-
arrest in connection with its son has been provided to RAIPUR, JUNE 20
sniper smock jackets Thursday. and chief Lt. Gen. Manj-
money laundering probing justify this work ban, was recovered at an The snipe jackets also inder Singh is likely to
into alleged irregularities in
Jal Jeevan Mission scheme
despite formal and
repeated requests made”
Recovery of a special type
of military clothing
encounter site in Sukma
district recently taking
come handy for the
Maoists to keep a track on
India, Oz & France vow to be the new head of the
South Western Army
being implemented in to the ministry, adding designed to camouflage the security forces by the movement of security Command in Jaipur.
Rajasthan. The arrested,
Mahesh Mittal, proprietor of
that he had “tried to
appeal also but to no
one in a jungle at an
encounter site in Sukma
surprise forces in the forests,
besides saving themselves
work for free Indo-Pacific Northern Command
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.
Shree Ganpati Tubewell avail so far”. district under Bastar in has reinforced our belief from Drone strike, a AGE CORRESPONDENT said, “The trilateral focal Anindya Sengupta is
Company, was taken into “I have been working Chhattisgarh by the secu- that Maoists deploy police officer said.. NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 points meeting was held likely to head the
custody on Wednesday. He as a journalist in India rity personnel has estab- snipers against security In another development, on June 19. The Indian Central Command in
was produced before a court since 2011 and have lished that Maoists use forces. Besides, they use at least half-a-dozen tun- With an eye on China, side was led by Piyush Lucknow on promotion.
that sent him to ED custody obtained all the neces- snipers to target the coun- sniper jackets to target nels, dug by Maoists in India held its trilateral Srivastava, joint secretary Also, Western Comm-
till June 24. Earlier this week, sary visas and accredita- terinsurgency forces. the security forces as jungles in Sukam district meeting with France and (Europe West) and and Chief of Staff Lt.
the central agency had tions. I have respected A pair of guerrilla well as to avoid surve to protect them from Australia on various Paramita Tripathi, joint Gen. Devendra Sharma
arrested Padamchand Jain, the regulations imposed sniper smock jackets was illance and strike by drone attack, were found issues, including mar- secretary (Oceania and is likely to move to
proprietor of Shree Shyam in Inda for foreign jour- recovered at an encounter drones, the police officer at an encounter site itime safety and security Indo-Pacific), while the Shimla to head the Trai-
Tubewell Company. A man nalists and never site in Sukma district added. in Sukma district rece in the Indo-Pacific, earlier French side was led by ning Command there.
named Piyush Jain was the worked in restricted or recently taking the securi- “The Maoists camou- ntly. on Wednesday. The three Benoît Guidée, director The Leh-based 14
first to be arrested in this protected areas without ty forces by surprise, a flage them behind trees to “Maoists use the tunnels nations reaffirmed com- (Asia and Oceania), min- Corps is going to get a
case in February. Probe a permit. On several senior police officer of target the security forces not only as a shield but mitment to advancing istry of foreign affairs and new chief in Maj. Gen.
found that Padamchand Jain occasions, the MHA Sukma said on at a distance. The recov- also to target security their shared values and the Australian side was Hitesh Bhalla. He will be
and others were involved in even permitted me to Thursday. ery of the sniper jackets forces. At one end of the working together towards led by Sarah Storey, first putting up his new rank
giving bribes to public ser- report from border “This was the first time at the encounter site in tunnel, the Maoists create an inclusive and rules- assistant secretary, south of Lt. Gen. on July 1 in
vants in order to obtain ille- areas. Therefore this the Maoists’ camouflaged Sukma district had estab- a booby trap for security based Indo-Pacific, the and Central Asia division, his new office and will
gal protection and Mittal is work ban comes as a big wears were found at the lished it”, Bastar range forces”, Mr Sunderraj MEA said on Thursday. department of foreign succeed Lt. Gen. Rashim
one of the main accused. shock,” he said. encounter site in Bastar. It inspector general of said. The MEA on Thursday affairs and trade.” Bali.

Spike in deaths due to Kejriwal granted bail, Govt admits leak, to probe Neet-NET mess
might leave jail today ■ Continued from Page 1
heat: 34 in last 24 hrs
and gunrunning. Paper leak ◗ THE EDUCATION ministry "Issue notice returnable on
Friday. The BJP, however, via DarkWeb marks a new July 8. In the meantime, fur-
■ Continued from Page 1 accused the Congress of trend in organised exam
said it is waiting for a report ther proceedings before the
Mr Kejriwal will give the Aam Aadmi Party indulging in petty politics as scams in the country. from the Bihar police’s high courts shall remain
■ Continued from Page 1 gars and underprivileged peo- and its allies a stick to beat the Modi govern- it asserted that the Centre is Meanwhile, over two dozen economic offences unit on stayed."
recorded in Delhi during the ple. ment, as bail under the stringent PMLA can looking into the matter “very students from different uni- alleged irregularities in the While refusing to stay the
heatwave from June 11 to 19. “The actual reason behind be granted only if the judge is prima facie sat- sensitively” and justice will versities and members of var- conduct of Neet in Patna counselling exercise, the
Officials, however, could not the deaths can only be ascer- isfied that the accused has not committed the be done with every student ious students' groups were and will take further bench said, "All this has been
confirm if the deaths were tained after the autopsy,” a offence and that he is unlikely to commit any who appeared for the medical detained in the national capi- argued from day one and they
action on the basis of that (some petitioners) have been
related to heatstroke. senior police officer said. offence while on bail. entrance test. tal while they were protesting
L-G V.K. Saxena has directed The city's main crematori- Buoyed by the court order, the AAP sup- At a press conference, Mr against the cancellation of wanting stay of counselling.
chief secretary Naresh Kumar um, Nigambodh Ghat, has also porters burst into celebratory mood. A large Pradhan, however, said the UGC-NET examination Meanwhile, the Supreme We have denied that."
to immediately convey a meet- seen a spike in the number of number of party supporters also burst fire errors in Neet examination and irregularities in the Neet. Court on Thursday sought "Ultimately, if all of you suc-
ing with officers of various cremations. On Wednesday, crackers outside the chief minister’s resi- are limited to specific regions The students were detained responses from the Centre, ceed, everything will go. The
departments to ensure ade- 142 corpses were brought to dence. and strict action will be taken outside the Shastri Bhavan, NTA and others on a slew of examination goes and the
quate measures are in place Nigambodh Ghat for crema- In her post on X, Aam Aadmi Party leader against any NTA official if which houses the education petitions seeking scrapping of counselling will also go," the
for providing water and other tion, against the daily average Atishi wrote, "Satyamev Jayate (truth alone found guilty. He also urged ministry, as well as outside the Neet-UG 2024 exam and a top court told the petitioners,
facilities to destitute, home- of 50-60 bodies, Suman Gupta, triumphs).” Feeling vindicated, the AAP on the Opposition parties to not Mr Pradhan's residence. court-monitored probe into one of whom sought defer-
less and poor. He also directed general secretary of the its official social media handle on X said: politicise the issue, as isolat- Earlier in the day, the educa- the alleged irregularities in ment of the counselling until
the district magistrates to Nigambodh Ghat Sanchalan “Truth can be troubled, not defeated. ed incidents should not affect tion ministry stated that a the medical entrance test. after July 8.
visit the shelter homes and Samiti, which manages opera- Rejecting all the objections raised by the lakhs of students who cleared day after the UGC-NET was The apex court also stayed When the bench asked the
hospitals in their respective tions at the crematorium, said. BJP's ED, the Honourable Court has granted the medical entrance exam cancelled, no complaints further proceedings on simi- NTA's lawyer about the coun-
jurisdictions. The number was higher on bail to Delhi chief minister rightfully. were received about the lar pleas pending before dif- selling, he said it will start on
The Delhi police said they Tuesday as well, when 97 @ArvindKejriwal.” Punjab chief minister On the cancellation of the exam, but a suo moto action ferent high courts. July 6 and continue for a few
had been receiving calls bodies were cremated at the and senior AAP leader Bhagwant Mann post- UGC-NET examination for was taken on the basis of The SC, however, made it more days.
regarding the unnatural city's oldest and largest ed on X in Hindi, “We have faith in the the selection of junior inputs available with them to clear that it will not stay the The Neet examination was
deaths of security guards, beg- crematorium. court… Kejriwal Ji gets bail… truth wins." research fellows, assistant protect students' interests. "A counselling process for held on May 5 across 4,750
professors and PhD scholars, fresh date for the exam will be admission into the MBBS and centres and around 24 lakh
Mr Pradhan said the exam announced soon," officials allied courses. A vacation candidates appeared for it.
‘Leaks as Modi ‘crippled’, edu bodies in RSS control’ paper was leaked on DarkNet.
"Let us have faith in our sys-
told the media, adding that
the details of the inputs can-
bench of Justices Vikram
Nath and S.V.N. Bhatti issued
The results were announced
on June 4. As many as 67 stu-
■ Continued from Page 1 become 30-32 (inches),” Pointing to the Vyapam guilty to book. tems and no irregularities or not be shared as the matter notices to the parties seeking dents scored a perfect 720,
will struggle to run a gov- Mr Gandhi said. scam in Madhya Pradesh, The frontal organisa- malpractices will be tolerat- has been referred to the CBI their responses on four sepa- with six from a centre in
ernment like this.” "Paper leaks are hap- Mr Gandhi, who earlier tions of the Congress will ed," he said, adding that the and is currently under inves- rate pleas filed by the NTA Haryana's Faridabad figuring
The former Congress pening because all the called the BJP-ruled be protesting on Friday high-level panel to review and tigation. seeking the transfer of some in the list, raising suspicions
president also took a jibe universities and their states the "epicentre of against the Neet irregu- improve the functioning of The education ministry said pending petitions, including about irregularities. It has
at the PM's image, saying vice-chancellors have paper leaks", today said larities across the coun- NTA would be notified soon. it is waiting for a report from those claiming paper leaks, been alleged that grace marks
the Opposition has been captured by the BJP this is now being replicat- try. They also plan to DarkWeb, also known as the Bihar police's economic from high courts to the apex contributed to 67 students
demolished the “concept and its parent organisa- ed across the country. march to Parliament on DarkNet, is an encrypted offences unit on alleged irreg- court. sharing the top rank.
of Narendra Modi”. tion. They have penetrat- Mr Gandhi also said Friday. Mr Gandhi will Internet domain that is not ularities in the conduct of As the bench issued notices The Neet-UG examination is
“Now no one is afraid of ed the educational insti- that the Opposition will likely also join in the indexed by conventional Neet in Patna and will take on the NTA's petitions, the conducted by the NTA for
him. People ridicule tutions and destroyed raise the exam paper protest march. search engines like Google further action on the basis of counsel appearing for the admissions to MBBS, BDS,
him…The chest, which them... As long as this leaks issue in Parliament, Earlier in the day, a del- and is variously used by crim- that. The ministry also sum- testing agency urged it to stay Ayush and other related
was earlier 56 inches, capture cannot be asserting that it will pres- egation of Neet aspirants inal gangs and international moned NTA D-G Subodh the related proceedings courses in government and
now I cannot give the reversed, paper leaks will sure the government to also met the Congress syndicates for illegal activi- Kumar Singh to discuss the before different high courts. private institutions across
number, but it has continue," he added. take action and bring the leader. ties including drug peddling issue further. The top court ordered: the country.
 NATION
THE ASIAN AGE | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | NEW DELHI
pg 5

SHORT TAKES ■ Modi praises youth for high voter turnout in LS elections
Odisha House elects
new woman Speaker We will not hesitate to teach
enemies of J&K a lesson: PM
Bhubaneswar: Former minis-
ter and senior BJP leader
Surama Padhy was on
Thursday elected unopposed
as the Speaker of the Odisha
Assembly. She succeeded
BJD’s Pramila Mallick as the
Speaker of the 17th Assem-
YUSUF JAMEEL
SRINAGAR, JUNE 20 Claims of J&K
bly. Ms Padhy had filed her
nomination for the post on
Wednesday. No other nomi-
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Thursday said
staff being
nations from any other polit-
ical party were filed. Odisha
that the preparation for
holding Assembly elec-
tions in Jammu and
forced to take
chief minister Mohan Charan
Majhi had proposed the
name of Ms Padhy. The
Kashmir have begun and
that its statehood too will
part in event
be restored soon. AGE CORRESPONDENT
newly-elected Speaker has The Prime Minister also SRINAGAR, JUNE 20
vast experience as a minister said that the government Children perform during a procession to celebrate the anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji
in the BJD-BJP coalition has taken the recent ter- As preparations are in Maharaj’s coronation in Nagpur on Thursday. — PTI
government in Odisha from ror attacks in J&K very full swing for the 10th
2004 to 2009. “I extend my

Modi meets US delegation for

seriously. He assured the International Yoga Day
greetings and good wishes people of the Union terri- event to be led by Prime
to Padhy as she has been tory and the rest of the Minister Narendra Modi
Army soldiers and the dog squad perform yoga at the
elected as the Speaker of country that “we will not on the sprawling lawns
Line of Control in Jammu district on Thursday, the eve of

Dalai in strong signal to China

the 17th Assembly. I am fully hesitate to teach a lesson of a lakeside convention
confident that she will main- the International Yoga Day. — PTI
to the enemies of Jammu centre in Srinagar on
tain the dignity of this and Kashmir.” He also hearts or from Delhi), we Friday, allegations of
sacred House and manage The people of J&K
assured the people that are trying our best to the J&K government
its affairs without any bias.
We are all committed to
permanent peace will be
established in J&K.
(will) elect their rep-
resentatives at the
erase them.”
Pertinently, the Prime
employees being forced
to participate in it as
India-US ties most consequential, says visiting team
serving the people of Mr Modi laid foundation local level and Minister had while meet- well have surfaced. AGE CORRESPONDENT quential one and India-US ties, which are
Odisha,” Mr Majhi said. stones or inaugurated 84 ing 14 J&K leaders in Many people on Thurs- NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 expressed their strong based on shared demo-
through them you
major developmental proj- Delhi on June 24, 2021 said day took to social media support for further deep- cratic values, respect for
(will) find ways to
Prez turns 66; Modi ects worth `1,500 crores in
J&K virtually on the occa- solve problems
that he wants to
bridge “Dilli ki Dori” (dis-
platforms to claim that
not only has the partici-
In what is being seen as a
clear message to China,
ening the Comprehensive
Strategic Global
rule of law and strong
people-to-people ties”. He
and Dhankhar greet sion. He also launched the
“Competitiveness Improv-
— Narendra
Modi
tance from Delhi) as well
as “Dil ki Dori” (distance
pation of the govern-
ment employees in the
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Thursday met the
Partnership in all areas,
including trade, new and
reiterated India’s commit-
ment to strengthen bilat-
New Delhi: Vice-president ement in Agriculture and from the heart)’. The event been made compul- seven-member US con- emerging technology, eral relations for the glob-
Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allied Sectors Proj- Prime Minister opposition has been sory by the heads of gressional delegation that defence, people to people al good further, the PMO
Prime Minister Narendra ect” worth `1,800 crores. insisting on the distances their respective depart- had earlier met the Dalai exchanges”, a statement said.
Modi were among a host of “The people of J&K again, make its future bet- remaining unbridged. ments, female employees Lama in McLeodganj, put out by the Prime Mr Modi also recalled
prominent leaders who (will) elect their represen- ter as a state will also He, once again, praised were forced to report at Himachal Pradesh, on Minister’s Office said on his state visit to the US in
wished President Droupadi tatives at the local level come soon”. the people, especially Srinagar’s Sri Pratap Co- Wednesday. The meeting Thursday evening. The June last year “when he
Murmu a long and healthy and through them you The PM who was speak- youth of J&K for the high llege at 4 am “where they of the US delegation with delegation “congratulated had an opportunity to
life on her 66th birthday on (will) find ways to solve ing at an event titled voter turnout in the were asked to change the Dalai Lama had infu- the Prime Minister on his address a joint session of
Thursday. Scores of citizens problems,” he said and “Empowering Youth, recently held Lok Sabha their clothes” and then riated Beijing. The US del- election for the historic the US Congress for a his-
and various leaders took to then asked, “What can be Transforming J&K” at the elections and said, “They take part in the yoga egation was led by third consecutive term” toric second time”.
X to wish Ms Murmu, while better than this?” lakeside Sher-i-Kashmir have ensured victory of exercises in the run-up to Michael McCaul, chair- and also “expressed deep Ms Pelosi on Wednesday
some dignitaries called on Elaborating, the Prime International Convention democracy”. He added, “I the main event to be held man of the House Foreign appreciation for the scale, criticised Chinese
her at the Rashtrapati Minister said, “Therefore, Centre here, underlined have come to express my at the Sher-i-Kashmir Affairs Committee, and its fairness and transparency President Xi Jinping. The
Bhavan. “On my birthday, I now the preparations for the consistent efforts the thanks for your efforts for International Convent- other members included of the recently concluded visit comes days after the
am delighted to receive the Assembly elections Centre has been making keeping the flag of democ- ion Centre on the banks former US House Speaker world’s largest democratic US Congress passed a bill
warm wishes from fellow cit- have also started. The under his leadership to racy high.” of the Dal Lake. Nancy Pelosi and electoral exercise in with bipartisan support
izens. Your love and bonding time is not far when you bridge divides, both emo- “We are witnessing Atal The J&K government, Amerish Babulal “Ami India,” the PMO said. that urged China to start a
is a source of energy and will elect the new govern- tional and geographic, (Behari Vajpayee) ji’s however, termed the Bera”. The PM “highlighted the dialogue with Tibetan
inspiration for me. I express ment of Jammu and between it and J&K. He vision of Kashmiriyat, allegation as false and The delegation called on significant role played by leaders to find a solution
my thankfulness and wish Kashmir with your said, “Dori dil ki rahi hou Jamhooriyat and Insa- claimed that all the par- Mr Modi Thursday and the consistent and biparti- to the longstanding con-
everyone a bright future,” votes”. He added that the ya Dilli ki (the distance niyat turning into a reali- ticipants have volun- “described India-US rela- san support of the US flict, US media reports
the President said on X. She day “when J&K will, once that may have been of ty today,” he added. teered for the event. tions as the most conse- Congress in advancing said.
started her day by visiting
the Lord Jagannath temple
in Delhi. “Prayed for the wel-
fare of all countrymen and Pleas for EVM ■ Committed to working for steady development of friendly ties: Jaishankar Opp. targets
also (wished) that our coun-
verification Shinde over
try continues to set new
standards of progress,” the
President’s office said. — PTI
on 8 LS seats EAM holds talks with top Lankan leadership Maratha-OBC
AGE CORRESPONDENT for the steady develop- The EAM met an eight- equals in the island
Slugfest begins over in 6 states NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 ment of our traditionally
close and friendly ties”.
member delegation of
Tamil leaders from the
nation.
It may also be recalled
growing rift
paddy MSP in Odisha VINEETA PANDEY
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20
External affairs minister
(EAM) S. Jaishankar on
The EAM joined the Sri
Lankan President at the
northern and eastern
provinces during which he
that India had earlier allo-
cated a whopping $4 bil-
SONU SHRIVASTAVA
MUMBAI, JUNE 20
Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Thursday met Sri Lankan “virtual commissioning of “discussed issues pertain- lion of Indian assistance
Wednesday hiked the mini- Post announcement of President Ranil Wickrem- the Maritime Rescue ing to the to Sri Lanka after the Opposition parties in
mum support price (MSP) for election results, the Ele- esinghe in Colombo and Coordination Centre and development and devolu- island nation had suffered Maharashtra on
paddy by 5.35 per cent to ction Commission (EC) “discussed the way for- the virtual handing over tion in their provinces”. a dramatic economic col- Thursday warned the
`2,300 per quintal for the has received eight appli- ward for the India-Sri of 154 houses under the It may be recalled that lapse two years ago. Sri Eknath Shinde govern-
2024-25 kharif marketing cations for the LS and Lanka cooperation, espe- Government of India India has been pressing Lanka is now on the path ment over the growing
season. However, this deci- three for state Assembly cially in the power, energy housing schemes”. for the devolution of pow- to economic recovery. Last tensions between the
S. Jaishankar
sion of the Centre has trig- polls for checking/veri- and connectivity sectors”. Mr Jaishankar also ers to Sri Lankan Tamils year, the two nations had Maratha community
gered a political slugfest fication of burnt memo- Appreciating the progr- called on Sri Lankan long visit, Mr Jaishankar in the form of implemen- inked four pacts including and the OBCs. Congress
across Odisha. The Oppo- ry/microcontroller of ess made on various bilat- Prime Minister Dinesh met Lankan Opposition tation of the 13th amend- one “to make the Sri leader Vijay Wadettiwar,
sition BJD alleged that the the EVMs. The requests eral projects and initia- Gunawardena and met his leader Sajith Premadasa ment so that Sri Lankan Lankan port of Trin- dalit leader Prakash
ruling BJP has failed to keep have come from second tives, the EAM said, “India Sri Lankan counterpart and former President Tamils can also live with comalee a regional hub for Ambedkar met the OBC
its promise of increasing the and third-position candi- is committed to working Ali Sabry. During his day- Mahinda Rajapaksa. respect and dignity as industry and energy”. leaders, who have been
MSP of paddy to `3,100 per dates. Of the eight appli- on an indefinite fast for
quintal. As per the BJD, cations, three are from the last eight days oppos-
farmers are not happy over
the MSP increase of `117 per
one quintal of paddy. Along
BJP candidates, three
from the Congress and
one each from the Daughter got more votes than Left helped TMC win 12 ing the inclusion of the
Maratha community in
the OBC (other back-
with the BJD, the Congress
has also demanded that the
MSP of paddy should be
YSRCP and the DMDK.
The applications for
the eight parliamentary PM: Sharad takes dig at Modi LS seats, claims Suvendu ward class) category.
NCP founder Sharad
Pawar said the Shinde
increased. In response to the constituencies involve RAJIB CHOWDHURI Speaking on the side- government has to
demands by the Opposition six states and 92 polling SONU SHRIVASTAVA htra deputy the recently concluded KOLKATA, JUNE 20 lines of the celebrations resolve both the issues.
parties, the ruling BJP said stations, while for the MUMBAI, JUNE 20 chief minis- Lok Sabha election, Mr of the “Foundation Day” OBC activists Prof.
that their party came to Assembly elections, ter Ajit Modi had defeated West Bengal Leader of of Bengal, he said, “They Lakshman Hake and
power in the state only 15 three applications are NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Congress Ajay Rai by a the Opposition Suvendu (Left) earlier helped TMC Navnath Waghmare
days ago and it will take from two states involv- Pawar on Thursday took a Addressing margin of 1,52,513 in the Adhikari, who has been to win 56 seats by dividing have been on an indefi-
some time to calculate the ing 26 polling stations by dig at Prime Minister a public Varanasi Lok Sabha con- in the eye of a storm votes in 2021 (Assembly nite fast at the Wadi
arithmetic to pay the prom- the losing candidates. Narendra Modi stating his rally in stituency, while Supriya within the state BJP for polls). Muslims attend Godri village in Jalna
ised MSP to the farmers. More applications are Sule had defeated NDA
daughter Supriya Sule Sharad B a r a m a t i , its poor performance in their rallies but do not district demanding to
expected as the last date received more votes than Pawar the NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar the Lok Sabha polls, has vote for them. They (Left) not disturb the OBC
for filing applications is the PM in the Lok Sabha founder said by 1,58,333 votes in the passed the blame on the only split the Hindu- quota while providing
July 19. election. Mr Pawar said that Supriya Sule was Baramati LS constituency. Left apparently for his Sanatani votes.” the reservation to the
7-TIME MP SET Following the Supreme
Court order, the ECI had
that Narendra Modi has
lost credibility among the
elected by the margin of
more than 1.58 lakh votes
Mr Pawar said that the
youth of Baramati has al-
party’s poll debacle.
He alleged on Thursday
He added, “Now every-
one is seeing that 12 seats
Marathas. Mr Hake and
Mr Waghmare’s protest
TO BE PRO-TEM on June 1 issued a
detailed standard oper-
ating procedure for the
people and nobody belie-
ves in “Modi’s guarantee”.
The 83-year-old veteran
from the Baramati Lok
Sabha constituency, while
the Prime Minister of the
ways helped him. Ms Sule
won from Baramati for
the fourth time. “Barama-
that the Communists
helped the ruling TMC to
bag 12 parliamentary
went to TMC. Nearly 95
per cent of the Muslims
voted for TMC. CPI(M)
came in the backdrop of
Maratha quota activist
Manoj Jarange, who has
SPEAKER OF LS application process, pro-
tocols for units to be
Maratha politician is on a
three-day tour of drought-
country was elected by
1.50 lakh votes in Vara-
tikars (the people of
Baramati) have elected
seats out of the 29 it won
this time. The Nandigram
got success in its agenda.
They fielded candidates
been demanding OBC
reservation for his com-
AGE CORRESPONDENT checked, safeguards and affected villages in nasi. “It means that the Supriya Sule by a huge BJP MLA also claimed like Sujan Chakraborty, munity members as
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 controls for the conduct Baramati, which had wit- people have given more margin. The people need that the INDIA partner Sayan Banerjee and Kunbis, the agrarian
of the checking/verifi- nessed a battle between votes to Supriya Sule than to not to be told which but- had an agenda to divide Srijan Bhattacharya here group classified as an
President Droupadi Mu-rmu cation process and re- Supriya Sule and Sunetra the PM,” he said. ton (on EVM) they needed the Hindu votes in which and there to divide the OBC (other backward
on Thursday appointed quired documentation. Pawar, wife of Maharas- It may be recalled that in to press,” Mr Pawar said. it succeeded. Hindu votes.” class) community.
seven-time MP Bhartruhari
Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker
■ ■
Not secure with current police Buzz over bureaucratic rejig Apprises PM of welfare schemes
to perform the duties of the
LS presiding officer till the
election of the Speaker. In a

contingent in Raj Bhavan: Bose Yadav in Delhi, meets Modi, Shah

post on X, parliamentary
affairs minister Kiren Rijiju
said, “President is pleased to
appoint Bhartruhari Mahtab,
Member, Lok Sabha as RABINDRA NATH met Union urban and
Speaker Pro-tem under Kolkata, June 20: West Kolkata tacit support of their CHOUDHURY housing development min-
Article 95(1) of the Bengal governor C.V. police in political masters in gov- BHOPAL, JUNE 20 ister Manohar Lal Khattar
Constitution to perform the Ananda Bose on Thursday Raj Bha- ernment. This is violative and Union forest and envi-
duties of Speaker till elec- said that he was appre- van, but of the Constitution,” Mr Madhya Pradesh chief ronment minister Bhupe-
tion of the Speaker.” “The hending a threat to his there was Bose said. minister Mohan Yadav on ndra Yadav in Delhi to dis-
President is also pleased to security because of the no action,” The governor has Thursday met Prime cuss various projects rela-
appoint Sur-esh Kodikunnil, presence of the current he said. brought the matter to the Minister Narendra Modi ted to Madhya Pradesh.
Thali-kkottai Rajuthevar Baa- contingent of the Kolkata Sources notice of Ms Banerjee in Delhi amid buzz over a Mr Yadav is scheduled to
lu, Radha Mohan Singh, police posted at Raj C.V. Ananda in the from time to time but no major bureaucratic visit Ayodhya on
Faggan Singh Kulaste and Bhavan in Kolkata. Bose G o v e r n o r action has been taken by reshuffle in the state. Thursday to attend vari-
Sudip Bandyop-adhyay, His statement comes House said her. The CM also holds the An official press release ous religious functions.
Members of Lok Sabha days after he ordered Mr Bose has complained home portfolio. issued in Bhopal, however, He is scheduled to return
under Article 99 of the police personnel to vacate to the state government “None of these can hap- said that Mr Yadav briefed to Delhi on Thursday
Constitution to assist the Raj Bhavan premises. that there has been con- pen without the knowl- Mr Modi on the progress night from Ayodhya.
Speaker Protem in They, however, are still on stant snooping by police edge of the highest of the two river-linking The chief minister’s
Oath/Affirmation to newly duty in the Governor personnel posted in Raj authorities in the police projects being undertaken meeting with the PM and
elected Members of 18th Lok department which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh chief
House. Bhavan and he could in the state currently. home minister has trig-
Sabha till election of the “I have reasons to sense that they were doing under the Home depart- He invited Mr Modi to minister Mohan Yadav during a meeting. — PTI gered speculation that a
Speaker,” Mr Rijiju added. believe that the presence it on the insistence of ment,” he asserted. lay the foundation for the This apart, the chief three-day visit to Delhi to major reshuffle in bureau-
The post of pro-tem Speaker of the current officer-in- “influencers” from out- Mr Bose claimed he had Ken-Betwa river linking minister also apprised the meet different Union min- cracy was on the cards.
traditionally goes to the charge and his team is a side. information about the project. PM on the implementa- isters to discuss the vari- The bureaucratic reshuf-
seniormost member of threat to my personal “The policemen posted “misdeeds” of the police The state government is tion of various welfare ous ongoing projects in fle in the state was expect-
Parliament, who later admin- security,” Mr Bose said. here have been snooping contingent posted in Raj also undertaking a project schemes in the state, the the state also met Union ed ever since Mr Yadav
isters oath to the Prime “I have informed Bengal on my movements as well Bhavan, under the cur- to link the rivers of press release said. home minister Amit Shah assumed power in the
Minister’s council of CM Mamata Banerjee that as many of my officers. rent officer-in-charge. Parvati, Kalisingh and Mr Yadav who left there. November 2023 Assembly
ministers and other MPs. I am insecure with Their acts are with the — PTI Chambal. Bhopal on Tuesday for a The chief minister also elections.
 NEW DELHI | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024
pg 6

quick Mitigate risks in GOVT TO ACT ON

UNSOLICITED Nirmala holds Budget
unsecured loans: PROMOTIONAL
parleys with industry
BITES Reserve Bank gov CALLS, MESSAGES
New Delhi, June 20: The
consumer affairs min- Fiscal deficit, jobs, manufacturing growth, tax reforms discussed
INDICATORS % FALAKNAAZ SYED
MUMBAI, JUNE 20
istry on Thursday
sought public commen- MADHUSUDAN SAHOO policies need to be stable
Sensex 77,478.93 0.18 ts until July 21 on draft WITH INPUT FROM ● THE ECONOMISTS and long-term oriented.
Nifty 50 23,567.00 0.22 The Reserve Bank of guidelines to curb unso- AGENCIES and all experts in the Participants also made
India (RBI) governor licited and unwanted NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 different sectors their point on capital
S&P 500* 5,501.02 0.51 Shaktikanta Das on business communicati- gains tax and securities
stressed job growth in
Dollar (`) 83.65 0.22 Thursday said that while ons like promotional Union finance minister the country with the transaction tax.
Pound Sterling (`) 106.28 0.04 lenders should pursue calls and text messages. Nirmala Sitharaman on According to George
business growth, it should The guidelines - pre- Thursday met economists
government’s people- Alexander Muthoot, man-
Euro (`) 89.72 0.13 not be at the expense of ● INDIA’S FINANCIAL pared after consulta- as well as experts of the friendly policies, which aging director of Muthoot
Gold (10gm)* (`) 72,103▲371 0.52 taking on unacceptable tions with stakeholders, financial and capital mar- will boost employment Group, some of the play-
system is now in a
risks. He called on banks including telecom firms kets sector. growth. ers pitched for deepening
Brent crude ($/bbl)* 85.79 0.85 and non-banking finan-
stronger position and regulators - define During the meeting, the market and providing
IN 10-Yr bond yield 6.978 0.004 cial companies (NBFCs) to characterised by “business communica- chaired by the finance FY25 Budget for deepen- eral Budget 2024-25. some tax incentives.
strengthen their oversight robust capital adequa- tion” as any communi- minister, several key ing of the market. After Besides, several top offi- “We’ve suggested that
US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 4.252 0.035
mechanisms to mitigate cy, low levels of non cation related to goods issues were discussed the meeting, the econo- cials in the finance and since NBFC credit has
* As of 8:30 PM IST risks associated with performing assets, and or services like promo- with all the stakeholders, mists and all experts in corporate affairs ministry, grown and RBI has
unsecured lending. healthy profitability of tional and service mes- including the country’s the different sectors including finance secre- flagged over-dependence
“While business models sages but excludes per- fiscal deficit, job growth, stressed job growth in the tary and the secretaries of on banks, allocation of
banks and NBFCs.
Rajesh assumes may be designed to drive
profitability and growth,
they sometimes contain
finance companies by 25
percentage points. The
sonal communication.
They will apply to all
individuals and entities
manufacturing growth
and tax reforms among
others in connection with
country with the govern-
ment’s people-friendly
policies, which will boost
the departments of eco-
nomic affairs, revenue,
financial services, and
funds from SIDBI and
NABARD could increase
for refinancing of
charge as BHEL vulnerabilities that may
not be apparent. Pursuit
consumer credit of banks
and NBFCs attracts a risk
that make or engage
others for such commu-
the forthcoming Union
Budget to be presented in
employment growth.
However, the finance
corporate affairs, as well
as the chief economic
NBFCs,”
Aggarwal,
Raman
director
director finance of business growth is
important, but it should
weight of 125 percent,
from 100 per cent earlier.
nications or benefit
from them, the ministry
Parliament next month.
During the meeting,
ministry said in a post on
X (formerly Twitter) that
adviser of India also
attended the meeting.
finance industry develop-
ment council (FIDC).
never come at the expense Regarding supervision, said in a statement. economists stressed on this was the second pre- Emerging from an over Non-banking financial
Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi has of taking on unacceptable the RBI governor stressed The draft guidelines the importance of further budget consultation, two-hour long meeting companies or NBFCs also
assumed charge as director risks. Robust risk miti- the need to anticipate the classify any business reducing the fiscal deficit which was attended by with the finance minister, sought clarity on goods
(finance) of public sector engi- gants are essential for development of a crisis communication as uns- in the upcoming budget, leading experts of the Arun Kohli, managing and service tax demand on
neering and manufacturing ensuring long-term suc- and take timely action. “It olicited and unwanted while experts in the finan- financial and capital mar- director and Country co-lending and payment of
enterprise Bharat Heavy cess and resilience of a is our endeavour to smell if it does not comply cial sector urged a case for kets sector in connection head, Morgan Stanley GST on service fee,
Electricals Ltd (BHEL). Prior to regulated entity as well as a crisis. Supervision has with the recipient’s con- tax sops in the upcoming with the forthcoming gen- India Company, said tax Agarwal said.
this, he was general manager the overall financial sys- become a very complex sent or registered pref-
and head - corporate finance in tem,” said Das while task,” he added. erences. Other condi-

To-be unicorns are worth `4.8L-cr: Report

BHEL. He joined BHEL as exec- speaking at the second He said that “necessary tions that would make a
utive trainee in 1992 and han- global conference on policy actions” are on the communication unau-
dled strategies, manufacturing financial resilience organ- anvil for positioning the thorised include using
and project construction in the ised by the College of Reserve Bank as a model unregistered numbers
power sector along with Board Supervisors in Mumbai. central bank of the global or SMS headers, calling
level exposure. Das said that the central south. “Our goal is to despite recipients opt- FALAKNAAZ SYED Cheetahs (unicorn in five India said.
bank’s timely action has make the Reserve Bank’s ing out, failing to obtain MUMBAI, JUNE 20 years). Last year there ● INDIAN TECH start- Meanwhile, a report by
resulted in moderation of supervision a global mod- digital consent, not were 68 unicorns, 51 ups raised a total $4.1 market intelligence plat-
Printed & Published by vulnerabilities in unse- el, by building a ‘through identifying the caller India is currently home to gazelles, and 96 cheetahs. billion in first half of form Tracxn said Indian
K. Sudhakar on behalf of cured loans. “Our timely the cycle’ risk assessment and purpose, and lack- 67 unicorns, 46 gazelles However, a record 25 2024, four per cent tech start-ups raised a
Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited. action resulted in slowing framework with continu- ing an opt-out option. and 106 cheetahs accord- potential unicorns with higher than H2 2023, total $4.1 billion in first
Printed at BFL Infotech Ltd, C-9 Sector down growth of unsecur- ous horizon scanning and The proposals also bar ing to the ASK Private prominent names such as half of 2024, four per cent
3, Noida-201301. Published at 219, N D although the numbers
ed loans. If left unattend- a holistic risk assessment. such communications Wealth Hurun India Rapido, Koo, Dunzo, Paper still trailed the levels higher than H2 2023,
Tiwari Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay
Marg, New Delhi-110002.
ed, vulnerabilities on uns- Das said that India’s that violate the telecom Future Unicorn Index Boat, Dotpe, Gaana and seen a year ago. although the numbers still
Editor: Kaushik Mitter, RNI ecured loans could have financial system is now in regulator telecom regu- 2024. Park dropped from the trailed the levels seen a
Registration number 30074/09, become a problem.” a stronger position char- lations authority of The year 2024 saw inclu- list. year ago.
Air surcharge Re 1. © All rights Last year, the central acterised by robust capital India (Trai) rules on sion of 38 new entrants to “Amidst a funding win- ecosystem now faces a At $4.1 billion, India still
reserved. Reproduction in whole or bank increased the risk adequacy, low levels of commercial messages the index, including 7 ter, inflated pre-2021 valu- critical turning point, remains the fourth-high-
in part without written permission of weight on consumer loans non performing assets, based on customer pref- Gazelles (companies like- ations, and setbacks from Anas Rahman Junaid, est funded country global-
The Editor, advanced by commercial and healthy profitability erences. — PTI ly to turn unicorns in companies like Byju’s, the managing director and ly in the tech start-up
Financial Chronicle ® is prohibited. banks and non-banking of banks and NBFCs. three years) and 31 once golden start-up chief researcher, Hurun landscape, it said.

WORLD Israel pounds Gaza, Moscow’s oil depots,

SHORT

MANY SHOT AT
TAKES
goes deep into Rafah Kyiv’s power grid hit
JUNETEENTH US destroy two sites in Yemen belonging to the Houthis Kyiv, June 20: Russia
resumed its aerial pound- U.S. PATRIOT’S FOR UKRAINE
OAKLAND EVENT Cairo, Washington, June
ing of Ukraine’s power
grid and Kyiv’s forces ag- SOUTH KOREA SAYS WILL RECONSIDER PROVID-
Oakland, June 20: A 20: Israeli forces pounded ain targeted Russian oil ING WEAPONS TO UKRAINE, YONHAP SAYS
Juneteenth celebration turned areas in the central Gaza facilities with cross-bor- South Korea on Thursday said it will
violent when several people Strip overnight, killing der drone strikes, officials review the possibility of supplying
were shot, police in Oakland, three people and wound- said on Thursday. weapons to Ukraine, Yonhap news reported
California, said. ing dozens of others, With no major changes citing an official after the leaders of North Korea
The Lake Merritt event on according to medics, while reported along the 1,000- and Russia signed a pact pledging mutual defence
Wednesday night was largely tanks deepened their inva- km (600-mile) front line, in the event of war.
peaceful, with as many as 5,000 sion into Rafah in the where a recent push by the
in attendance, until a sideshow south, residents said. Kremlin’s forces in east- EU SANCTIONS ROMANIA ANNOU-
involving “motorbikes and American forces destroy- ern and northeastern TARGET RUSSIAN GAS FOR NCED that it would
vehicles” took place at ed two sites in Yemen be- Ukraine has made only
Bellevue and Grand avenues at longing to the Houthi reb- incremental gains, both
THE FIRST TIME, send a Patriot mis-
around 8:15 pm on the north els, the US military said on sides in the war have DIPLOMATS SAY sile system to Ukr-
side of the lake, police said in a Wednesday, after a series taken aim at distant infra- European Union countries aine, welcomed by
news release on Thursday. of ship attacks in recent structure targets. agreed on a 14th package of Kyiv as a “crucial
A fight broke out down the days by the group. In its seventh major atta- curbs against Russia over its contribution” to
street from the sideshow and a The Houthis have been ck on Ukrainian power war in Ukraine, diplomats help its fight agai-
crowd gathered in the area of targeting vessels in the plants since Moscow said on Thursday, including nst Russia. US pl-
the fight, police said. “During Red Sea and Gulf of Aden intensified energy infras- their first restrictions on ans to halt all open
that fight multiple shots rang since November 2023 in tructure attacks three mo- Russian gas. Ukraine and the
out,” Paul Chambers, OPD’s attacks they say are in sol- nths ago, Russia fired nine
orders for Patriot
strategic communications ma- idarity with Palestinians missiles and 27 Shahed European Commission have air defence sys-
nager, said. The shooting hap- during the Israel-Hamas Palestinian children play in a water spring during a heat wave in al-Faraa in the drones at energy facilities extended a freight liberalisa- tems and redirect
pened at 8:45 pm. While it was war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli-occupied West Bank, on Thursday. — AFP and critical infrastructure tion agreement. supply to Ukraine.
not immediately clear how “USCENTCOM forces in central and eastern
many people were injured, successfully destroyed one Houthi “uncrewed surface in Al-Maghazi and Al- killed one Palestinian and Ukraine, the Ukrainian air
police said several were struck
by gunfire and were taken to a
hospital, police said.
ground control station and
one command and control
node” in a Houthi-con-
trolled area of Yemen, the
vessels (USV) in the Red
Sea.” On Tuesday, CENT-
COM reported that it had
destroyed eight drones
Bureij camps, wounding
many other people, health
officials said. Nuseirat,
Maghazi and Bureij are
wounded several others on
Thursday, medics said.
The Israeli military said
on Wednesday forces were
force said.
Air defences intercepted
all the drones and five
cruise missiles, it said.
Treason trial against
PUTIN’S FIERCE
military command said in
a statement on X.
It added that in the past
belonging to the Houthis.
Israeli planes struck a
house in Al-Nuseirat
three of Gaza’s eight his-
toric refugee camps.
In Deir al-Balah, a city
continuing their operatio-
ns, targeting militants and
military infrastructure in
The attack hit power stru-
ctures in the Donetsk,
Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv and
dual US citizen opens
24 hours, CENTCOM forc- camp, killing two people packed with displaced peo- what it described as “pre- Vinnytsia regions of Ukra- Moscow, June 20: A dual in Yekaterinburg in late
CRITIC RUTTE ALL es had additionally destro-
yed two Iranian-backed
and wounding 12 others,
while tanks shelled areas
ple in the central Gaza
Strip, an Israeli air strike
cise, intelligence-based”
activities. — Agencies
ine, causing “extensive
damage,” according to
US-Russian citizen accus-
ed of donating around $50
January while on a trip to
visit her family in Russia.
SET TO LEAD NATO national power company
Ukrenergo. Seven workers
to a pro-Ukrainian charity
went on trial for treason in
Prosecutors accused her
of “proactively transferri-
Amsterdam, June 20: Mark
Rutte, who looks set to be
Nato’s next secretary-general,
is a fierce critic of Russian Pr-
Safe superintelligence ELECTION DATE
BETTING PROBE
were injured, it said.
Ukrenergo announced
extended blackouts
despite electricity imports
the Russian city of
Yekaterinburg on Thursd-
ay, a regional court said.
Ksenia Karelina, a 32-
ng funds to a Ukrainian
organisation, which the
Ukrainian Armed Forces
subsequently used to pur-

firm by OpenAI founder

esident Vladimir Putin and a and help with emergency year-old ballerina living chase tactical medicine,
staunch ally of Ukraine who
honed his skills as a political
CALL FOR SUNAK supplies from European
countries. — AP
and working in Los Ange-
les, was detained by police
equipment, weapons and
ammunition”. — AFP
dealmaker during nearly 14 London, June 20: UK PM
years as Dutch PM. Rishi Sunak faced calls on
EU MANDATED
Nasa chief says US, India
Rutte, 57, has been one of the Washington, June 20: Ilya Thursday to launch an
driving forces behind Europe’s Sutskever, one of the inquiry after a member of
military support for Ukraine founders of OpenAI who his security detail was
since Russia’s 2022 invasion, was involved in a failed ef- EVs TURN OVER arrested for allegedly bet-

to expand space alliance

and says defeat on the battle- fort to push out CEO Sam ting on the timing of the
field for Moscow is vital to
secure peace in Europe.
Altman, said he’s starting
a safety-focused artificial
DATA: BEIJING July 4 general election.
London’s Metropolitan
His view is heavily influenced intelligence company. Beijing, June 20: The Eu- Police said it was told by
by the downing of an airliner Sutskever, a respected AI ropean Commission so- the Gambling Commiss- Washington, June 20: Nasa the US and India after the tinues to further the US
over Ukraine in 2014, which the researcher who left the Ch- Ilya Sutskever ught an unprecedented ion that a close protection administrator Bill Nelson iCET Dialogue between US and India initiative on
Netherlands blames on Russia, atGPT maker last month, amount of detailed infor- officer was being probed has said that the US space national security adviser Critical and Emerging
and in which 196 of the 298 vic- said in a social media post than humans. mation on Chinese autom- over the alleged bets. The agency will expand collab- Jake Sullivan and his Technology for the benefit
tims were Dutch. “Nato must on Wednesday that he’s cr- It vowed not to be distra- akers’ supply chains du- regulator was looking oration with India and it Indian counterpart Ajit of humanity. Together we
be powerful to counter Moscow, eated Safe Superintellig- cted by management over- ring its investigation into into claims that party will include a “joint Doval on Monday said are expanding our count-
and other European Union ence Inc. with two co- head or product cycles, the country’s subsidised candidate Craig Williams, effort” aboard the they were working toward ries’ collaboration in spa-
leaders must not be naive about founders. The company’s and under its business electric vehicle imports. who served as Sunak’s International Space Stati- commencing advanced ce, to include a joint effort
Putin’s Russia,” he says. “He only goal and focus is safe- model, work on safety and The Commission slapped ministerial aide, placed a on with an Indian astro- training for Isro astro- aboard the International
won’t stop at Ukraine if we ly developing “superintel- security would be insulat- extra duties on imported bet on when the election naut. nauts in the US. Space Station with an Isro
don’t stop him now. This war is ligence — a reference to AI ed from short-term comm- Chinese EVs following the would be held. — AFP Nelson’s comments came “Building on my visit to astronaut,” Nelson, wrote
bigger than Ukraine itself.” systems that are smarter ercial pressures. — AP probe. — Reuters after a fact sheet issued by India last year, Nasa con- on X on Wednesday. — PTI
 EDIT
THE ASIAN AGE | FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | NEW DELHI
pg 7

Subhani

21 JUNE 2024

US delegation’s Dalai meet

is India’s message to China
T
he boot appears to be on the other foot now. China, accustomed to
irritating the world with its fanciful territorial claims and its
actions on the LAC with India and its aggressive posturing on
Taiwan and the Pacific Ocean, is now getting a bit of a taste of its
own medicine.
A bipartisan Congressional delegation of seven prominent US lawmakers
visited Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh to engage with the Dalai Lama
and to assure him of American support for full autonomy for Tibet.
The presence of former Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Nancy Pelosi, who once needled China by visiting Taiwan in 2022 when she
was in office, and the Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee chair-
man Michael McCaul was meant to be a signal to China that its views on
territory are not always taken as the last word and its sensitivities are not
going to silence the world forever.
The US President is also to soon sign the Resolve Tibet Act after the bill,
moved last month in the US House by Mr McCaul who also led the delega-
tion to Dharamshala, received overwhelming bipartisan support. “The US
strongly condemns all oppression and coercion

Modi 3.0 at G-7: Diplomacy

India will not take of Tibetans,” is what Mr McCaul said while
it lying down as piloting the bill. LETTERS
China continues Whether the signing of the bill into law suc-
to play games in ceeds in its aim to put the people of Tibet in
charge of their own future by starting a dia-
CAP HAJJ NUMBERS
renaming places logue with China on the status of their land or
in India such as not, it is certain to rile China more as it chal-
Arunachal lenges the view it has propagated for so long
Pradesh and that Tibet has been part of China since ancient
times.
objecting to visits India is not just a spectator to the US meeting
there by the Prime with the Dalai Lama as it facilitated this inter-
tweaked on Ukraine, China Prime Minister and Western supremacy”.
The death toll in the Hajj
pilgrimage in Saudi
Arabia due to extreme
heatwave has climbed to
Minister action in a strategic ploy while showing the The real problem con- more than 1,000. Ninety
Narendra Modi met fronting the United States
ability to stand up to China. How this will add to Indians were among
the tensions as the troops of both nations face each other from quarters too
close for comfort is not known.
K.C. Singh Ukrainian President
Volodymyr
and its allies is that institu-
tions like the United them. This year, more
The message is clear that India will not take it lying down as China con- Zelenskyy on the Nations and World Trade than 1.8 million people are
tinues to play games in renaming places in India such as Arunachal Organisation have become
Pradesh and objecting to visits there by the Prime Minister.
sidelines of G-7. fairly dysfunctional.
participating in the pil-
To tacitly support the concept of an autonomous Tibet is a counter card He was sending a Globalisation and immi- grimage, according to the
that India is obviously playing here even as the US rakes up the issue of signal of India gration have triggered an Saudi government. Due to
Chinese moves that led to the Dalai Lama and a whole host of Tibetans remaining electoral rebellion in Wes-
climate change, tempera-

T
seeking refuge in India since 1959. he annual Group a promise of $50 billion aid tern democracies. Sanc-
even-handed on
The meeting of US lawmakers with the Dalai Lama on Indian soil will not of Seven summit, to Ukraine. That would be
the subject.
tions and tariffs are global- tures have touched
change India’s declared position of recognising Tibet as a part of China of the seven pro- repaid from interest and ly creating new strategic
after having treated it as a de facto independent country. minent global ec- earnings from the $300 bil- walls for protectionist poli- around 49 degrees
What India’s stand here tries to convey is that it would like Beijing to onomies besides lion frozen Russian funds. tics. Donald Trump’s resur- Celsius in Mecca. Saudi
resolve tensions with Tibet and help protect the region’s native Buddhist India and China, was held The US also announced a ing Africa, Sustainable De- rection increases the possi- Arabia has spent billions
culture, which had drawn a lot from the Buddhism as practised in India in Italy on June 13-15. The 10-year security pact with velopment Goals (SDGs), bility of these forces gain-
and which had fostered cultural and religious ties with Tibet. Leaders’ Communique is- Ukraine, which if Donald global food security, cli- ing more currency and val- of dollars on crowd con-
With the talks to resolve the boundary issues that came up with the sued on June 15 addresses Trump gets elected in mate resilience, and so on. idation across the world. trol and safety measures
Galwan clashes of 2020 going nowhere after initial agreements saw some of the “pressing challenges of November is likely to be The Ukraine and Gaza con- The four-month jailing of
India’s advantage being nullified, India may have decided to up the ante in our times”. Ten other scrapped. flicts also figure promi- former Trump economic for those attending the
the latest round of being the facilitator of the US lawmakers’ meeting with nations were invited, inclu- The criticality of the nently. But the context of a adviser Peter Navarro, an annual five-day pilgrim-
the Tibetan spiritual leader whom China dubs a separatist. ding India, more for dis- Ukraine war to the trans- deep political churn and arch protectionist, for con- age, but the sheer num-
play and networking, than Atlantic alliance is obvious rise of the far-right in tempt of Congress has
any substantive contribu- from the way two other Western nations and the implications. Because he bers of participants mak-
tion to the summit’s out- meetings were structured growing strategic conver- was sentenced due to es ensuring their safety
come. immediately before and gence of China, Russia and unwillingness to cooperate
difficult. Perhaps, they
TN’s illicit liquor threat The attendance by Pope
Francis reflected the desire
of the host, Italian Prime
after the G-7 summit in
Italy. On June 11 the
Ukraine Recovery Confer-
Iran are complicating the
geostrategic choices.
Underlining this is the
in the January 6, 2021
Capitol Hill insurrection
inquiry, he is now a Trump
should put a cap on it.
Bhagwan Thadani

I
t should be intriguing that a hooch tragedy of such mega proportions, Minister Giorgia Meloni, to ence met to discuss financ- visit of President Vladimir favourite. His book The
taking a heavy toll of at least 34 lives and sending innumerable people underscore her right-wing ing. And after the G-7 sum- Putin immediately after New MAGA Development Mumbai
to hospital in Kallakurichi district, could happen in a state where licit commitment to family val- mit, a Global Peace Sum- the G-7 summit to North expounds his vision which
liquor can be bought across the counter from noon to 10 pm on all days ues and conservatism. As a mit was held on June 15-16 Korea on June 18 and can be expected to be
other than declared holidays. People consuming spurious liquor, and at result, the word “abortion” in Geneva to rally support
for Ukraine. Out of the 160
Vietnam on June 19-20. The
first involves the purchase
implemented if Donald FALSE HOPE
times perishing because of it, is a misfortune associated with states having went missing from the Trump wins. He proposes,
total prohibition like Bihar and Gujarat where bootleggers operate on the communique. Ironically, nations invited, only 90 odd of ammunition and mili- inter alia, a Reciprocal EVERY YEAR for the past few years
sly and their brew, at times, get mixed with poisonous substances like the gathering of the most attended. tary equipment for the Uk- Trade Act which will now, just before the budget there is
methanol. powerful group of nations Significantly, Prime raine conflict. However, in empower the US govern- news of the income tax exemption limit
That such a tragedy struck Tamil Nadu again, however, should not be a economically also hap- Minister Narendra Modi exchange Russia may end ment to impose tariffs that being raised making the salaried mid-
surprise as only a year back 10 persons were killed by spurious arrack in pened to be a conclave of met Ukrainian President up parting with technology match those imposed by dle class employees happy. Only for
Marakkanam and Madurantakam, impelling Opposition party leaders to those beleaguered at home Volodymyr Zelenskyy on to increase the strategic other nations on any US their hopes to be dashed when the actu-
allege that illicit liquor flows whenever the DMK comes to power. The gov- politically. France and the sidelines of G-7. He was nuclear and conventional product. al budget is presented. This year, too,
ernment, at that time, shrugged off the charge by pointing out that the Germany had just wit- sending a signal of India military capability of a The Narendra Modi gov- there are rumours floating around that
state was witnessing such a tragedy after a gap of 18 years. It also blamed nessed the rout of ruling remaining even-handed on highly irresponsible and ernment starts a fresh term the tax exemption limit is to be revised.
the deaths on industrial spirit, which is not meant for human consump- parties in European parlia- the subject. India also sent unpredictable nation. amidst this chaotic sce- Salaried employees are advised not to
tion. But that did not explain how the industrial spirit or methanol got into mentary elections, besides its very experienced diplo- China too has been flex- nario. Diplomacy shall be get their hopes too high for fear of dis-
the barrel or container from which arrack was poured out to drinkers. the success of far-right mat Pavan Kapoor, a for- ing its muscles in the South tested severely as self-inter- appointment. Ideally, exemption limits
Even on Wednesday when the catastrophe unfolded at Karunapuram groups. In the United mer ambassador to Russia China Sea. It may not pre- est dominates global must be linked with inflation. A five per
with people falling sick and getting admitted to hospital, the administra- Kingdom, the ruling Con- and now secretary at the fer a more jingoistic North geopolitics amidst a new cent inflation rate means the exemp-
tion was in denial, suggesting that it was a health issue and not related to servative Party faces antic- MEA headquarters, to Korea, with which it Cold War. tion limit, too, should increase by five
illicit spirit. Then the blame was placed on methanol, as though it was ipated defeat at the hands Geneva. He chose not to shares a border. It wants it Coalition politics should per cent. Otherwise, the government
freely available for people looking for a drink. They were all attempts to of Labour in the elections endorse the summit resolu- to remain a useful buffer, not hamper the govern- keeps on getting richer at the cost of the
gloss over a stark reality of there existing a thriving illicit liquor trade on July 4. In France a snap tion, repeating the Indian not an inciter of regional ment’s conduct of foreign tax payer.
that allegedly has a nexus with politicians and police personnel. poll to Parliament on June stand that for diplomacy to tensions, as China’s focus policy, except perhaps the Anthony Henriques
Otherwise, when the state has an exclusive enforcement wing to crack 30 and July 7 is expected to succeed, Russia has to be at is on annexing Taiwan. JD(U)’s interest in new Mumbai
down on hooch, how does an active network of bootleggers continue its result in a win for the right- the table. Some analysts surmise dams in Nepal or the TDP’s
trade unabated? Though tragedies have struck repeatedly, why has noth- wing National Rally (RN). Realising that the G-7 that China would reach focus on foreign invest-
ing substantial been done to put an end to it? It is time the state govern- The G-7 summit got would train its guns on
Russia, President Vladimir
optimum military prepar-
edness for a forcible occu-
ment. Prime Minister Mo- LOUD AND CLEAR
ment at least wakes up and acts. undermined by more than di’s warm exchange of mes-
domestic churn in member Putin presented a peace pation of Taiwan by 2027. sages with the President of RSS CHIEF Mohan Bhagwat has virtual-
states, other than in Italy. proposal in advance. He Thus, unsurprisingly, the Taiwan demonstrates that ly laid out a road map for the new gov-
The ongoing war in suggested that the four Chinese foreign ministry freedom. The government ernment and prescribed a model code of
Ukraine and conflict in eastern provinces of Uk- spokesman scoffed at the G- also permitted a high-level conduct, something that people expected
Gaza dominate any global raine, now partly held by 7, saying the group “does US delegation led by the the Election Commission of India to
discussion. The US has so Russia, and Crimea should not represent the world”, House Foreign Affairs enforce during the 2024 general election.
far failed to force Israeli be ceded to it. Also, he adding that the “seven Committee chair and The similarity between the two is in
Prime Minister Benjamin sought the demilitarisation countries only account for including former Speaker what remains unsaid. The EC put the
Netanyahu to abandon his of Ukraine and a commit- 10 per cent of the world Nancy Pelosi to meet the party on notice; the RSS supremo deliv-
THE ASIAN AGE maximalist positions and ment that it would not join population, and year after Dalai Lama in McLeodganj ered a sermon to “whomsoever it may
implement a sustainable the North Atlantic Treaty year their share in the glob- on June 19. This has clearly concern”. Mr Bhagwat’s message is loud
KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR ceasefire. This is even Organisation. This was al economy keeps drop- signalled to China that and clear whereas the EC’s was muted.
Editor Printer & Publisher
harming the re-election rejected out of hand by ping”. Alleging that the G-7 India too can play the game Both have the potential to hit the target
THE ASIAN AGE office is located at: campaign of US President Ukraine. had strayed from its raison of mixing provocation with without exposing it. It is akin to the
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002. Phone: Joe Biden. Ukraine domi- The G-7 communique d’être of coordinating for diplomacy. recent example of a juvenile justice
(011) 23211124. nated the summit’s pro- lists the standard litany of stability in the global eco- board in Pune asking a minor offender
Published and Printed on behalf of and for ceedings with the head- subjects like the impor- nomic environment, the The writer is a former to write a 300-word essay. But in this
◗ Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New
Delhi 110 002 at BFL Infotech Ltd., C-9, Sector-III, Noida -201301.
lines stolen by the presence tance of democratic values, spokesman concluded the secretary in the external case, who is meant to write that essay?
◗ London: Quickmarsh Ltd, 8th Floor, Block 2, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, SE1 7NQ. of the Ukrainian President the UN Charter and a rules- group had “become a polit- affairs ministry. He tweets M.R. Jayanthy
RNI Registration number: 57290/94 Volodymyr Zelenskyy and based global order, engag- ical tool to perpetuate US at @ambkcsingh. Navi Mumbai

S
ome doomsayers point to the election of trasting performances of the candidates from the The reality of ground emotions and frustrations that unfiltered and unheeded grouses from the
Engineer Rashid, Amritpal Singh and ruling national party (still the largest party). In was implicit when the electorate denied a man- outlier border districts are unworthy of tabling in
Sarabjeet Singh to the Lok Sabha as proof Khadoor Sahib, first-time incarcerated and date to the relatively moderate Omar and Sajad. Parliament is sheer hubris. Such a cavalier atti-
that “democracy is in danger” in this coun- “Independent” candidate Amritpal Singh got The backgrounds of all three unlikely winners tude had ensured the presence of such forces in
try. Some even go as far as saying that “democra- 4,04,430 votes compared to the BJP’s 86,373. In don’t suggest any major achievements (even from the first place. These three could put forth certain
Bhopinder cy itself is dangerous”. Faridkot, the till-then electorally unsuccessful an extremist perspective) to warrant such thump- genuine grievances (along with the unacceptable),
Singh Such assessments are too simplistic. Constant
fear-mongering has made many citizens impatient
candidate (lost once for Lok Sabha, four times for
Assembly) Sarabjeet Singh got 2,98,062 votes, com-
ing endorsement, other than the sheer symbolism
of sending someone with such a railing presence
and the redressal of the fair ones could only
strengthen the country.
and alarmist. For, the poll victory of such voices pared to his nearest rival, popular musician and to the Lok Sabha. It is a clear signal to the powers- Democracy is also brutally auto-correcting.
may just turn out to be the most ameliorative out- parliamentarian Hans Raj Hans, who got only that-be. If Omar was truly as unpopular as the Ultimately, if these three do not work for the socio-
come for the troubled regions they now represent 1,23,533. In both Punjab constituencies, the Baramulla results show, then his National economic betterment of their constituents, they

The LS election of as Members of Parliament.

Democracies are about the dominant national
narrative. In recent times, this had undeniable
nation’s ruling party candidate came fifth.
Jammu and Kashmir, which has been among
the most bandied “success” stories of the ruling
Conference’s candidates would not have won the
only other two seats in Kashmir. Similarly, the
Congress, which is widely believed to have con-
will not get re-elected. Many were similarly con-
cerned when Simranjeet Singh Mann won the
byelection from Sangrur in 2022, yet he was rele-

Amritpal, Rashid portents of majoritarianism. Majoritarianism is party, was surprisingly left uncontested (not even tributed to the regression in Punjab in the 1980s, gated to third position within two years as his vote
not just of religion and ethnicity, but also of opin- by other NDA constituents). Their strong claim of would not have won seven out of 13 Lok Sabha share crashed from 35.61 per cent to 18.55 per cent
ion. It is predicated on “either with us, or with “normalcy” and the end of local disaffection with seats (the BJP won none). It would be highly naïve this time (all 10 other candidates from Maan’s
them” binaries. Only a large-hearted and inclu- many announced investments, etc., notwithstand- of the electorate to imagine anything substantial party also lost their security deposits).

may prove a boost sive leadership can stop the resulting societal
alienation. If it is left unaddressed, the alienation
can metastasise the disaffected “others” to make
ing, the ruling party did not feel the need to prove
itself towards electoral validation.
The Baramulla seat had political heavyweights
from the three MPs in a practical sense, other than
sending an invaluable “message”, that the
unheard and diminished voices of the “others”
The permitted expressions of distrust with
“Delhi” are in fact healthy for democracy as it acts
as a societal safety valve. The participation of the
disillusioned is the key to secure future peace and
for our democracy
extremist choices on the rebound. Such electoral in Omar Abdullah, Sajad Gani Lone (widely be- need to be heard.
choices may not always be rational, but rather lieved to be a proxy of the BJP) and the locked-up It is a counterpoise to the metaphor of “bulldoz- prosperity.
emotional. These three winners represent those “Independent” candidate, Engineer Rashid. Yet, er” politics. Looked at positively, the entry of
extremist choices of a frustrated and possibly despite the incredulous claims of spending only these three, who have held simply unacceptable The writer is a retired lieutenant-general and a
slighted populace, sending a larger “message”. `27,000 on the election, Rashid got 4,69,574 votes, as positions earlier, is an opportunity to engage, former lieutenant-governor of the Andaman and
That larger “message” can be gauged by the con- against 2,66,301 for Omar, and 1,71,582 for Sajad. thaw and win over the disgruntled. To suggest Nicobar Islands and Puducherry
 FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024 | THE ASIAN AGE | NEW DELHI

CRICKH T PAGE

TOP GUNS
SHORT SINGLES MOSES KONDETY
BRIDGETOWN (BARBADOS),
SUPER EIGHT
JUNE 20 GROUP 1
Indian players pay Suryakumar Yadav and
TEAMS
INDIA
P
1
W
1
L
0
N/R
0
Pts
2
NRR
+2.350
Jasprit Bumrah stood out
tribute to Johnson as the Blues turned in a AFGHANISTAN 1 0 1 0 0 -2.350
red hot show to begin
AUSTRALIA 0 0 0 0 0 00
T he Indian cricket team wore
black armbands in honour of
former fast bowler David Johnson
their Super Eight cam-
paign with a convincing
47-run victory over
BANGLADESH 0 0 0 0 0 00
who passed away on Thursday, Afghanistan at the
during their T20 World Cup Super
Eight match against Afghanistan.
Both skipper Rohit Sharma and
Kensington Oval here on
Thursday.
After rattling a robust
India shoot down Afghans in Super game GROUP 2
TEAMS P W L N/R Pts NRR
Virat Kohli came out to bat wear- 181, they bowled out ENGLAND 1 1 0 0 2 +1.343
ing black armbands. Rashid Khan's men for 134 SCOREBOARD S. AFRICA 1 1 0 0 2 +0.900
“Team India will wear black arm- to get a headstart in their
bands today in memory of former quest for a spot in the India: Rohit Sharma c USA 1 0 1 0 0 -0.900
India fast bowler David Johnson, semifinals. Rashid Khan b Fazalhaq WEST INDIES 1 0 1 0 0 -1.343
who passed away on Thursday,” None of the Afghan bat- Farooqi 8, Virat Kohli c
the BCCI had said shortly before ters could withstand the Nabi b Rashid Khan 24,
Rishabh Pant lbw b Rashid
the start of play at the Kensington pressure created by the

Salt blasts Eng

Khan 20, Suryakumar
Oval. bowlers, among whom Yadav c Nabi b Fazalhaq
Several Indian cricketers includ- Bumrah was brilliant Farooqi 53, Shivam Dube
ing Sachin Tendulkar led the trib- with figures of 4-1-7-3. lbw b Rashid Khan 10,
utes for Johnson. “Deeply sad- Azmatullah Omarzai was Hardik Pandya c
dened by the passing of my former their highest scorer with

to win over WI
Azmatullah b Naveen-ul-
teammate, David Johnson. He was 26. Haq 32, Ravindra Jadeja c
full of life and never gave up on the Earlier, India elected to Gulbadin b Fazalhaq
field. My thoughts are with his bat and posted their high- Farooqi 7, Axar Patel run
friends and family,” Tendulkar est total of the tourna- out (Gurbaz/Naveen-ul-
wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ment, surpassing the 119 Haq) 12, Arshdeep Singh Gros-Islet (Saint Lucia),
Former India bowlers and all out against Pakistan in not out 2. Extras (lb-5, w-
8) 13. Total (for 8 wickets
June 20: Phil Salt SCOREBOARD
Johnson's state teammates New York. It was built on thrashed a brilliant 87 not
Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Surya's hurricane half- in 20 Overs) 181.
out off just 47 balls as West Indies: Brandon King
Kumble also paid their tributes on ton, Hardik Pandya's Fall of Wickets: 11-1, 54-2, defending champions retired hurt 23, Johnson
social media. thrilling 32 and their sta- 62-3, 90-4, 150-5, 159-6, England romped to an Charles c Brook b Ali 38,
bilising stand of 60 for the 165-7, 181-8. eight-wicket victory over Nicholas Pooran c Buttler b
Archer 36, Rovman Powell c
fifth wicket. the West Indies in their
WI win has given Surya was stylish, tim-
ing the ball sweetly as he
Bowler: Fazalhaq Farooqi
4-0-33-3, Mohammad Nabi
3-0-24-0, Naveen-ul-Haq
T20 World Cup Super
Eight clash on
Wood b Livingstone 36,
Andre Russell c Salt b
Rashid 1, Sherfane
us confidence: Salt sent it scurrying to the
fence five times and thrice
4-0-40-1, Rashid Khan 4-
0-26-3, Noor Ahmad 3-0-
Wednesday.
Salt smashed seven
Rutherford not out 28,
Romario Shepherd not out

E ngland opener Phil Salt said over it. Some of his shots 30-0, Azmatullah Omarzai fours and five sixes dur- 5. Extras (b-2, lb-1, w-10) 13.
the convincing eight-wicket were picture perfect as he 2-0-23-0. ing a swashbuckling Total (for 4 wickets in 20
overs) 180.
victory over the West Indies in executed them in complete Afghanistan: Rahmanullah innings at the Daren
their Super Eight clash has given balance. Gurbaz c Pant b Bumrah 11, Sammy National Stadium Fall of wickets: 0-40*
his side “confidence and momen- The No. 4 brought up his Hazratullah Zazai c Jadeja in St. Lucia while Jonny (Brandon King, retired hurt),
tum” at the right time in the T20 half-century and 150 of Bairstow hit an unbeaten 1-94, 2-137, 3-141, 4-143.
b Bumrah 2, Ibrahim
World Cup after a chaotic run in India’s innings with a Zadran c Sharma b Patel 8, 48 as England finished on Bowling: Reece Topley 3-0-
the event’s group stage. Salt played boundary off Farooqi but Gulbadin Naib c Pant b 181/2 off 17.3 overs after 26-0, Mark Wood 3-0-36-0,
a major hand in the win here, rac- fell soon, holing out to Kuldeep Yadav 17, earlier restricting the Jofra Archer 4-0-34-1, Sam
ing his way to an unbeaten 87 off Mohammad Nabi at long- Azmatullah Omarzai c West Indies to 180/4. Curran 3-0-25-0, Adil Rashid
47 balls as the defending champi- off after making 53 in 28 Patel b Jadeja 26, Player of the Match Salt 4-0-21-1, Moeen Ali 2-0-15-1,
Najibullah Zadran c Liam Livingstone 1-0-20-1.
ons replied to the home team’s balls. effectively sealed victory
180/4 with 181/2 in 17.3 overs. Pandya switched gears Arshdeep Singh b Bumrah after cutting loose in the England: Phil Salt not out 87,
19, Mohammad Nabi c Jos Buttler lbw b Chase 25,
“It’s been a very stop-start (tour- in the 16th over. He India’s Jasprit Bumrah (left) celebrates the dismissal of Afghanistan batter Najibullah 16th over, hammering 30
Jadeja b Kuldeep Yadav Moeen Ali c Charles b
nament) for us. We had a hiccup thumped left-arm spinner Zadran during their Super Eight match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, 14, Rashid Khan c Jadeja b
runs off West Indies
Russell 13, Jonny Bairstow
against Australia and then, the Noor Ahmad through bowler Romario
Barbados, on Thursday. India won by 47 runs. — AP Arshdeep Singh 2, Noor not out 48. Extras (lb-1, w-7)
rain out against Scotland. It didn’t cover to bring up his 100th Ahmad c Sharma b Shepherd with an exhibi- 8. Total (for 2 wickets in 17.3
really feel like we played much boundary in T20 interna- made its way past went for a heave but only Pant was out in the next Arshdeep Singh 12, tion of power-hitting that overs) 181.
cricket up to this point,” Salt said tionals and celebrated it Hazratullah Zazai at short managed to sky a catch to over, trapped leg before Naveen-ul-Haq c Pant b included three sixes and
Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-84.
in the post-match press meet. with a six on the next ball. third man to the boundary. Rashid Khan at mid-on. wicket while trying to Arshdeep Singh 0, three fours.
“I feel in tournament cricket, you Pandya was out while Off-spinner Nabi was That was Farooqi's 50th reverse sweep Rashid Fazalhaq Farooqi not out The win marked an Bowling: Akeal Hosein 4-0-
need a bit of confidence and trying to up the ante, pressed into the attack wicket in T20 internation- Khan. His 20 came off 11 4. Extras (b-4, lb-7, nb-1, emphatic return to form 35-0, Romario Shepherd 2-
momentum at the right time and caught by Omarzai off and bowled a tidy second als. balls. w-7) 19. Total (all out in 20 for England, who 0-41-0, Andre Russell 2-0-
mediumpacer Naveen-ul over in which he conceded It was not until the fifth Kohli followed soon, hit- overs) 134. 21-1, Alzarri Joseph 2.3-0-
you need to keep building on it. So, laboured through the first 32-0, Gudakesh Motie 4-0-
to get a win against the hosts gives Haq, who was the most only three runs. over that India got their ting Rashid straight to Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-23, round group phase and 32-0, Roston Chase 3-0-19-1.
us the first push in that direction,” expensive Afghan bowler, Rohit (8 in 13 balls) sur- first big hit - Kohli slapped Naveen at long-off after 3-23, 4-67, 5-71, 6-102, 7- flirted with elimination
he added. going for 40 in his four vived a confident shout for Naveen-ul Haq straight making a run-a-ball 24 114, 8-121, 9-121. at one stage.
overs. leg before wicket on the into the sight screen for a that contained a sole The England opener other end. England’s
Bowling: Arshdeep Singh
The openers couldn't first ball of Farooqi's sec- six. boundary. praised the contribution other runs came from 25
Marsh backs Oz to click, again. The tourna-
ment's leading wicket
ond over and got away
after the Afghans
Rishabh Pant picked up
from the other end, smash-
Shivam Dube (10),
Ravindra Jadeja (7) and
4-0-36-3, Jasprit Bumrah
4-1-7-3, Axar Patel 3-1-15-1, of Bairstow, who kept the
runs flowing and took the
from skipper Jos Buttler
while Moeen Ali added a
‘fire in big games’ taker Fazalhaq Farooqi
(3/33) started well, with
reviewed the umpire's 'not
out' decision. However, he
ing three successive
boundaries off Nabi even
Axar Patel (12) could not
contribute significantly to
Hardik Pandya 2-0-13-0,
Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-32-2,
Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-20-1.
pressure off Salt at the brisk 13. — AFP

A ustralia skipper Mitchell

Marsh has expressed confi-
dence in his players to ‘stand up in
four dot balls to Rohit
Sharma before an edge
did not last long and per-
ished four balls later as he
as Naveen dropped a catch
on the boundary. However,
the team total. It did not
matter in the end though.

big moments’ following criticism

for sloppy fielding against
Scotland in their last group match
of the T20 World Cup, which saw Oz need all-round effort ENGLAND BATTERS LOOK TO
the former champions spilling half
TAME STRONG SA BOWLING
against tricky Bangladesh
a dozen catches.
Even though Australia won by
five wickets, their reputation took Gros Islet (St Lucia), June
a bit of a beating and Marsh put 20: If their authoritative
his hand up in admitting the win against the West
errors. North Sound (Antigua), sub-continent. Indies is a sign, England
“It was obviously not our best June 20: It’s a mismatch From an Australian per- batters seemed to have
effort in the field. I think I dropped on paper but title- spective, it might bring found their cloak of
three of the catches, so I take the favourites Australia increased onus on leg- invincibility at the right
brunt of that,” he said during a would be wary of slipping spinner Adam Zampa and time and they will eye an
media interaction. on the proverbial banana part-timers such as Glenn encore against a formida-
“But the thing we speak about, is peel that Bangladesh can Maxwell and Travis Head. ble South African bowl-
that we’ve got a lot of trust in our be when the two teams Bangladesh will hope ing unit in a Group-2
group. We had an off night in the clash in their Super Eight, that their assortment of match of the T20 World
field and this group loves to stand Group 1, match of the T20 clever and experienced Cup Super 8s here on
up in big moments and they all World Cup here on Friday. T20 bowlers like Friday.
start now ? so I’ve got a lot of trust Australia, champions of Mustafizur Rahman, England were at their
in the group,” Marsh added. the 2021 edition of the Shakib Al Hasan, menacing best against the
Marsh has struggled with a ham- tournament, will be mind- Mahmudullah and Taskin Windies, while handing
string injury he suffered during ful of the dangers of tak- Ahmed can deliver them a crushing eight-
the Indian Premier League in ing Bangladesh lightly. against the Australian wicket defeat here that
April, which forced him to head The supremely confi- batters. has also fired them to the will have their one foot in
home for rehabilitation. But the dent team from Down 2021, and any laxity can be However, Bangladesh’s top of the group through the semifinals of this ICC
skipper said if the need arises, he Under was humbled 1-4 by severely punished in con- real problem lies in a rick- a better Net Run Rate — showpiece will come as England’s Phil Salt plays a shot against the West Indies
will be available for sharing bowl- the South Asians in a T20 ditions here that have ety batting line-up. +1.34 against SA’s +0.90. an additional motivation. during their Super 8 match at the Darren Sammy
ing workload. International series in close resemblance to the — PTI That the winners here — PTI National Stadium in Gros Islet on Wednesday. — AP

Hosts Germany through to last 16 of Euros FORMER INDIA PACER JOHNSON DIES AFTER
Stuttgart (Germany), June
20: Hosts Germany
became the first team to
European Championship
for the first time since
Euro 2012.
FALLING FROM FOURTH-FLOOR APARTMENT
qualify for the knockout Hungary’s hopes of pro- Bengaluru, June 20: Former ● Former India pacer incident. Neither, there was a
phase of Euro 2024 on gressing now hang by a India pacer David Johnson David Johnson, who suicide note,” the police said,
Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 thread, while group rivals died on Thursday after falling adding a probe was nonethe-
win over Hungary, while Switzerland and Scotland from the balcony of his played two Tests for India, less being conducted.
Scotland drew with played out a 1-1 stalemate fourth-floor apartment here was 52 and is survived by A senior police official later
Switzerland and Croatia’s in Wednesday’s late and an investigation is in his wife and two children. also informed that Johnson
hopes of progressing were match. progress to figure out if it had been visiting a de-addic-
left hanging in the balance Scotland went ahead was a case of suicide, the “The body is taken for post- tion centre in the city.
after they were held by early on when Callum police has said. mortem to the Ambedkar Earlier, a Karnataka State
Albania. McGregor cut the ball Johnson, who played two Medical College Hospital at Cricket Association (KSCA)
Germany followed up back for Scott McTominay Tests for India, was 52 and is Shampura main road,” it official said Johnson was
their 5-1 demolition of to score with a shot that survived by his wife and two added. brought dead to a nearby hos-
Scotland in the tourna- went in via a big touch off children. Johnson, who was admitted pital by the members of his
ment’s opening game by Fabian Schaer. “It is believed that 52-year- to the St Philomena’s family and friends.
seeing off the Hungarians However, Switzerland old David Jude Johnson fell Hospital last week after com- “We were informed that he
in Stuttgart, with Jamal equalised when Xherdan from his apartment in plaining of acute stomach had fallen from the fourth
Musiala and Ilkay Shaqiri pounced on a stray Kanaka Sri Layout in pain, was battling health floor of his apartment build-
Gundogan scoring either pass by Anthony Ralston Kothanur. A UDR (unnatural issues for a while now. ing. He was taken to a hospi-
side of half-time. to smash a superb first- death report) has been filed at “None of his family mem- tal but the doctors declared
Julian Nagelsmann’s time strike high into the the Kothanur police station,” bers have raised any suspi- him brought dead,” the KSCA
team have a maximum six Germany’s Jamal Musiala (centre) scores against Hungary during their Group ‘A’ net. The Swiss saw Dan a statement from the state cion. It was a ’self-fall’ and official said.
points with one game still match at the Euro 2024 tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, on Wednesday. — AP Ndoye miss a glorious sec- police read. there is no eyewitness to the — PTI
to come in Group A, and ond-half opportunity and
are certain to progress to quality in the final third, Gundogan refused to give swept home an assist by Breel Embolo have a goal Published by K. Sudhakar for and on behalf of Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited at Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth
the last 16 at least as run- with Bayern Munich star up a lost cause in the box. Maximilian Mittelstaedt. disallowed for offside, but Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi 110 002. and Printed by him at BFL Infotech Limited, C – 9,
ners-up in the section. Musiala firing in the open- Germany then doubled Germany have now won Scotland deserved the Sector – III, Noida – 201301.
Hungary put up a fight er midway through the their lead on 67 minutes as their opening two games draw which keeps their Editor – Kaushik Mitter,
but the hosts had too much first half after captain Gundogan, of Barcelona, at a World Cup or hopes alive. — AFP RNI Registration number 57290/94 Price in Nepal - Nep.Rs. 20.00 per copy.
 matinee
Does Sonakshi
have her
delhi
THE AGE
family’s
blessings?

16 >>
FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2024
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Yoga is the answer

Crisis, pain, and difficulties are part and parcel of everyday life. Only
those who can tap their inner strengths and build the
potential to fight through the suffering and keep up that
confidence are the ones who emerge stronger, resilient, and happy. Yoga is
the only way to achieve it all, writes Swati Sharma

‘Yoga fosters MAT TO THE STREET

holistic well-being’ Yoga outfits
Y
ash Birla, an Indian industrialist
and scion of the Birla family
empire, underwent a transforma-
tive journey through yoga and spiritu-
TOLOVE ‘My baby bump
ality after experiencing personal
tragedies and challenges. “Yoga tran-
scends exercise; it is a scientific disci-
Fitness and style experts on
balancing the traditional art is due to lavish
pline that harmonises body and breath.
Integrating with prana through
pranayama, yoga aims to connect
of meditation with a perfect
dash of modern style food served by
deeply with the soul, fostering holistic
well-being and spiritual growth,” says
>> full story on pg 5 << Prabhas...’
Yash. Through asanas, pranayama, and
meditation, Yash found a means to Says Deepika, “We relished
manage stress, cultivate inner peace,
and enhance mental clarity. One inspir- varied delicacies on the sets”
ing tale from Yash’s life revolves
around his resilience in the face of SPIRITUALITY, INTERTWINED BVS PRAKASH
adversity. Despite experiencing person- WITH YOGA, PROVIDED ME
al tragedies, including the loss of close Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone
family members in a tragic plane WITH A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING stated that working in her maiden
crash, Yash emerged stronger and OF LIFE’S PURPOSE AND A Telugu film Kalki 2898 AD was a
more determined. “I turned to yoga CONNECTION TO HIGHER unique experience. “It was an incredible and
and spirituality as pillars of strength, CONSCIOUSNESS. THIS HOLISTIC fascinating experience working in Kalki,”
embracing their transformative power APPROACH NOT ONLY REVITALISED says the actress and adds, “We enjoyed work-
to navigate grief and find inner peace.” MY PHYSICAL HEALTH BUT ALSO ing in a new world created by director Nag
Through his journey, Yash exempli- Ashwin and it was a unique experience.” She
fies the ability to rise above challenges NURTURED MY EMOTIONAL AND also stated that Nag Ashwin’s magic stored in
and find meaning in life’s setbacks. His SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING.” his mind has finally taken shape. “As
story encourages individuals to Amitabh ji stated, we all got new things to
embrace adversity as an opportunity — YASH BIRLA, INDUSTRIALIST do,” she
for personal growth and spiritual evo- pointed out.
lution, illustrating the profound impact Later, in a
of resilience and perseverance. >> more on pg 4 << chit chat
with Rana
Da g gubati,
she said,

Winds of Change
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY

“My baby
bump is due
to the lavish
food served
Sparing a thought for the environment, by my co-
EVEN OTHER ACTORS s t a r ,
music bands are going eco-friendly, giving WOULD VOUCH FOR HIS Prabhas and
their fans across the world one more HOSPITALITY AS WE RELISHED I should
SEVERAL DELICACIES ON THE blame it on
reason to celebrate World Music Day SETS EVERY DAY. IT WAS A him,” she
GREAT EXPERIENCE BOTH said jokingly
VIKRAM SHARMA liness. While folk rock band, PROFESSIONALLY AND and added,
Swarathma, is all set to make PERSONALLY TOO.” “Even other
This is music for the ears. history with solar-powered con- actors would
Yegor
Pop stars and rock bands cert tour—a groundbreaking
—DEEPIKA vouch for his
Svysokikhgor, a
across the globe—who hitherto initiative that is sure to revolu- hospitality
key member of
limited themselves to making tionise the live music experi- as we relished several delicacies on the sets
the Russian rock
music and entertaining peo- ence—rock band Coldplay is all every day.”
band
ple—are now hitting a new note. set to make the most eco-friend- The mother-to-be also said that she worked
Ciolkowska
Along with the melody, harmo- ly album, Moon Music. for three years in the movie and it has been an
ny, tempo, and dynamics, they enriching experience. “It was a great experi-
have added a dash of eco-friend- TURN TO PAGE 11 ence both professionally and personally too.”
 Friday 21 June 2024 10

spotlight Delhi Age

PHOTOS: MANAS BHATIA

ESHA LOHIA

Imagine bus stops made

from bamboo and terra-
cotta, vegetable markets
covered with bamboo canopies,
or indigenous air-cooling sys-
tems that use evaporative cool-
ing via water and terracotta
cones! There is a growing trend
of solarpunk culture where
architects, artists, designers, and
green warriors envision a future
where AI technology, nature,
artistic expressions, and people
live in perfect harmony.
A utopian concept, solarpunk
is a subgenre of speculative fic-
tion that is a combination of
nature and technology, keeping
sustainable community building
as its core theme for the good of
the planet.
‘Solar’ represents renewable
energy and an optimistic future
that rejects climate doomerism,
while ‘punk’ reflects a counter-
cultural, post-capitalist, and
decolonial drive to create such a A market with AI-generated bamboo canopies AI-generated bamboo-terracotta bus stops
future. Manas Bhatia (28), an

Junk Dystopia,
architect and digital artist says,
“Solarpunk is a fictional concept
about a hypothetical future that
is green and works on renewable
energy. Nature is integrated well
with the architecture and plan-

Hug Solarpunk
ning of the city.”

BEYOND AESTHETICS

Technology, especially AI, is

often being used by artists as

Utopian Ideas
well as architectural designers
to envision an aesthetically
pleasing and problem-solving
solarpunk future. A future
where climatic and environmen- Reimagine spaces under highways as public spaces
tal issues are resolved and
humanity embraces nature in its
entirety instead of just biomim-
The concept of blending fiction, AI technology, design, and art to convert
icking it. Manas says, “I can't
create a futuristic city on a new,
dreams of a futuristic sustainable world into reality is gaining momentum
barren land as the real-world company says, “Sustainability is
I AIM TO CATER TO

‘‘
space is limited. So, I aim to not just about being eco-conscious.
cater to the existing world by THE EXISTING It can also be aspirational, trendy,
reimagining negative public WORLD BY REIMAGINING and realistic. Until people don’t see
spaces into charming, positive NEGATIVE PUBLIC what it can be like to live in houses
ones using AI.” SPACES INTO CHARMING, made with earth bricks and tim-
Most of Manas’s AI-designed POSITIVE ONES USING AI.” ber, they won’t know how to appre-
work is just an expression of his ciate it.” Akshay started off work-
vision of a green future. AI has a — MANAS BHATIA, ing with existing architects who
lot of potential to solve real- architect and digital artist work in the sustainability arena.
world problems by creating sus- They realised that they were bare-
tainable, eco-conscious infra- ly making a difference since
SUSTAINABILITY IS

‘‘
structures. The inspiration cement and steel were the primary
drawn from AI-generated images NOT JUST ABOUT materials used widely. “Now, we
can be empowering for several BEING ECO-CONSCIOUS. use excavation soil from the site
designers to be aspirational in IT CAN BE ASPIRATIONAL, with a patented alternative for
their eco-friendly approach. TRENDY, AND REALISTIC.” cement. We make carbon-negative
— AKSHAY TANDON, blocks and bricks and use alterna-
REAL WORLD PROBLEM-SOLVING tives to cement mortar and plaster
founder, Solarpunk Futures as well,” he explains.
Many architectural designers
and companies are blending IN INDIA, PEOPLE MAINSTREAM MOMENT

‘‘
community-driven art with
nature and turning these utopi- ARE MOSTLY Solarpunk may not be achiev-
an ideas into reality. Monish INTERESTED IN EITHERable to its idealistic benchmark
Siripurapu, founder of Ant PROFITABILITY OR but serves as a token of inspira-
Studio and its sister company, SURVIVABILITY. AIMING
tion to turn dreams into practi-
CoolAnt says that as an architect FOR A SUSTAINABLE LIFE IS cality. With the ongoing climatic
he focuses on making designs SECONDARY TO THEM.” changes, India is becoming more
that are not just innovative but receptive towards environment-
also experiential. He says,
— MONISH SIRIPURAPU,
friendly alternatives. Acquiring
“Through CoolAnt, we are slid- founder, Ant Studio
funds for such projects, mainte-
Beehive CoolAnt, cooling system PHOTO: ANT STUDIO
ing into problem-solving, social nance, and seeking skilled crafts-
work, and touching on the envi- malleability, avoiding plastic. As ed in either profitability or sur- MATERIAL MATTERS men are some of the challenges
ronmental aspects through our air passes through terracotta vivability. Aiming for a sustain- that many face. Akshay says,
architectural designs.” cones, it cools naturally. able life is secondary to them. Solarpunks use sustainable mate- “There is an awakening towards
Monish’s Beehive CoolAnt When asked why this system is Through open-source, we aim rials that have low environmental accepting this concept, yet it
installation, an air-cooling sys- open-source, he says, “The to take solutions to the masses.” impact. This means a revival of remains a subculture. People are
tem uses evaporative cooling, an problem that we are catering to He adds that the fight towards traditional construction methods still quite agnostic but all move-
ancient technique with water is not just limited to specific sustainability can be solved with locally sourced materials. ment starts with a subculture.
and local materials. He chose ter- areas but the entire world. In when the ideas are accessible Akshay Tandon, founder of Art, creativity, and design will
racotta for its robustness and India, people are mostly interest- easily to common people. Solarpunk Futures, a construction make it mainstream.”
 Friday 21 June 2024 11

music Delhi Age

WINDS OF CHANGE
Sparing a thought for the environment, music bands are
going eco-friendly, giving their fans across the world one
more reason to celebrate World Music Day
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Members of British rock band Coldplay
Even Radiohead has begun to
send their gear via ship instead
of airfreight in their effort to
reduce their carbon footprint.
What more? Their buses run on
biofuel, they use water flasks
instead of disposable plastic
cups, and the rock band is even
encouraging their fans to take
public transportation to their
shows!
If World Music Day is not
enough reason to celebrate,
then what is it?

ENRICHING EXPERIENCE
“As a band, we are excited to
bring alive a concert experience
that is friendlier to the earth.
The experience of co-creating
this vision with our sustainabil-
ity and engineering partners
Jishnu Dasgupta has been very enriching,” says
Jishnu Dasgupta, a member of
Swarathma. Billie Eilish
He says it is almost as much
fun as planning the set lists and
the concert itself. “The teams
have collaborated to design a
revolutionary clean energy
power unit that will run the con-
certs across the country. By Johnny Greenwoof from Radiohead Thom Yorke
partnering with these industry
frontrunners, Swarathma aims IRISH ROCK BAND U2
to set a new standard for envi- WORKED WITH
ronmentally conscious enter- GREENPEACE IN THE
tainment and promote the adop-
tion of sustainable practices
EARLY 90S TO PROTEST
within the music industry,” THE SELLAFIELD
adds Jishnu, the band’s bassist. NUCLEAR REPROCESS-
ING SITE IN ENGLAND.
POSITIVE CHANGE LATER, THEY WORKED
Yegor Svysokikhgor, a key WITH GREENPEACE TO
Yegor Svysokikhgor member of the Russian rock PROTEST THE
band Ciolkowska, is a happy DESTRUCTION OF THE friendly album are truly
man this World Music Day. “It’s KHIMKI FOREST IN remarkable examples of music
wonderful to see how music bands getting eco-friendly. It’s
bands are going eco-friendly.
RUSSIA. THEY HAVE fantastic to see music bands tak-
Their concern about the envi- BEEN INVOLVED IN ing such proactive steps
ronment and the use of environ- ENVIRONMENTAL towards environmental sustain-
mentally friendly technologies ACTIVISM, WORKING ability,” says Jashan.
in their activities will go a long WITH UNICEF AND He says using recycled materi-
way in bringing about a positive AMNESTY als like plastic bottles and river
change,” smiles Yegor. INTERNATIONAL. plastic not only reduces car-
Speaking to the Hyderabad bon emissions signifi-
Chronicle from St. Petersburg, Bono from U2 EVEN cantly but also helps
the Ciolkowska frontman, who BILLIE EILISH combat plastic pollu-
is a regular visitor to the holy TOOK ACTION ON tion. “These initia-
city of Varanasi, says he and his possible in our everyday lives,” sumer waste, HER ECO-CONSCIOUS tives not only pro-
band members try to be eco- informs Yegor, who launched while a special VALUES; EILISH’S HAPPIER mote eco-con-
nomical and do not use plastic Ciolkowska in 2012. The band “ n o t e b o o k ” THAN EVER TOUR INCORPO- sciousness but
bags and bottles. “We try to be released their debut EP Pistolet edition will RATED REUSABLE WATER also inspire fans
as environmentally friendly as Buduschego in 2015, their sec- also be com- BOTTLES AND MERCHAN- and other artists
Jashan Bhumkar ond album Avtomat Proshlogo prised of 70% worldwide to con-
DISE MADE FROM
in 2016, and went on to release river plastic, RECYCLED MATERI- sider the environ-
ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCES their third album Psychedelia taken from the ALS. mental impact of
years later. “Since music binds Rio Las Vacas in their activities,” adds
warathma, a renowned folk-rock band from Bengaluru,
S is poised to transform the live concert experience by
utilising solar and clean energy to power their sound sys-
people across the world, such Guatemala. The band
moves by music bands will drive says this will reduce carbon
the singer. “It’s great that
music bands are becoming more
their fans to become eco-friend- emissions by 85%. eco-friendly. In the past, the
tems. They are embarking on a nationwide tour in support ly,” adds Yegor. music that came from the flute,
of their fourth studio album, titled Raushan, due this year. REMARKABLE violin, or sitar were good for the
Renowned for their electrifying performances and eclectic COLDPLAY ALBUM Indian singer Jashan environment. Getting back to
sound, Swarathma will bring their unique blend of music Each vinyl copy of the Bhumkar describes it as a fan- the roots of music is the only
and activism to audiences across the nation, powered by a Coldplay album will be pressed tastic move by music bands. way to make it more enjoyable
portable clean energy system that will replace the diesel onto discs made from nine plas- “Swarathma’s solar-powered to listen to,” said actor and
generators that are the norm across concerts today. tic bottles recovered from con- concert tour and Coldplay's eco- musician Aushim Khetarpal.
 C M Y K C M Y K

Friday 21 June 2024 13

the buzz Delhi Age

SHINJINI KULKARNI, Kathak Dancer
MAT TO THE
Yoga is the... A
s a Kathak dancer, Shinjini
Kulkarni’s life is an intricate
blend of rhythm, movement,
and grace. “However, an injury
once threatened to steal my passion
and livelihood, casting a shadow
over my world. It was during this
LATA REDDY, homemaker

A spiritual
discipline For
STREET —
YOGA
OUTFITS
trying time that I discovered yoga, a International
NIRVAAN BIRLA, founder
Y
practice that became oga is a spiritual disci-
of Birla Open Minds my beacon of pline that enhances your Yoga Day, we
‘Once ‘It
TO LOVE
hope,” says the overall health in areas speak to
Y
ash’s son Nirvaan grand daugh- such as balance, heart, breath-
fitness and
Birla too swears
by Yoga. Coming
from a spiritually
I embraced ter of Kathak
maestro Pt.
B i r j u
made me
ing, arthritis, back pain, sleep-
ing disorders, and eye vision.
Although yoga originated in
style experts
inclined family, he was
introduced to yoga at
it, yoga became Maharaj.
Through to return to India, it has gained wide-
spread popularity in many
on balancing
the
an early age, empha-
sising overall well- indispensable’ yoga,
not
she
only the dance
other countries, particularly
among the younger genera- traditional art
being. “Initially, it felt found physi- tion, as it significantly
of meditation
challenging, but once I
embraced it, yoga became
cal rehabilita-
tion but also a floor’ improves their overall health.
with a
indispensable. The benefits profound mental
extend beyond the physical; and spiritual awak- perfect dash
they profoundly impact the ening. “The asanas of modern
mind,” says Nirvaan. helped restore my strength and flex-
Through yoga, he achieved greater ibility, while the meditative prac- style.
focus and agility, enriching his tices nurtured resilience and inner
mental and physical health in peace. Yoga reconnected me with
immeasurable ways. “At Birla Open my body, enabling me to return to
Minds Education Pvt. Ltd., we the dance floor with renewed
recognise the significance of yoga vigour.“
and have integrated it into our cur- Today, she dances with deeper
riculum through the graded subject awareness and gratitude, embody-
“In terms of styles,
Soul Science. This approach ing the harmony that yoga has racerbacks, jazz
ensures that students, from an infused into her life. pants, and sweats are
early age, appreciate the impor- major statements, but fit, it is important for designs to have
tance of internal well-being.” One one can enhance their adjustable elements, such as straps
of the most inspiring experiences,
says Nirvaan, is the International
‘A lifeline for those NIVI SHRIVASTAVA
style with ribbed
designs, shoulder
and waistbands.”

Yoga Festival held every March in

Rishikesh, which the Birla family
who are struggling’ cuts, thumbhole
long-sleeved tops,
IN SYNC WITH NATURE:

W
hether you’re a sea- high-waisted leg-
attends almost every year. gings, etc.” For young yoga practitioners, blends
soned yogi or just start- made from natural materials (like
ing your practice, the pop of acid. Tonal — Umashan cotton, wool, linen), eco-friendly per-
Naidoo
PAYAL GIDWANI TIWARI,
yoga expert in Bollywood ‘Yoga right attire
enhance your experi-
can black remains a key
element in all yoga
formance fabrics, and vegan apparel
that are alternative to synthetic fab-
and the author of Body ence and boost your confidence on and athleisure out- rics are the latest fad. Runway model
Goddess: The Complete
Guide to Yoga for Women
gave me the the mat. Practicing yoga has
immensely benefited people from all
fits, feels Umashan Naidoo, head of
customer & beauty at Westside.
and yoga coach Amit Ranjan, who
has been practicing it for more than
ability to face age groups, and continues to do so. Elaborating more on the trends, ten years, shares his two cents. He

I
t’s been over 20 years Naidoo says, “In terms of styles, says, “The meditative aspects of yoga
that Payal has been
doing yoga. “And as you
keep doing it for years and
obstacles’ ‘My life transformed’
VIBRANT MOOD:

The overall wellness wear is shifting

racerbacks, jazz pants, and sweats
are major statements, but one can
enhance their style with ribbed
have enhanced my focus and mind-
fulness, allowing me to approach
life's challenges with a calm and cen-
years together, you realise how SHIVAM DIXIT, co-founder and towards feeling good on every occa- designs, shoulder cuts, thumbhole tered mindset. The best yoga wear for
you’ve changed as an individual, CEO of Counsel India KULDEEP NEGI, Olympic weightlifting and sion (including yoga and gym wear). long-sleeved tops, high-waisted leg- me is comfortable, free-flowing, and
how strong you’ve become from within, power yoga expert People are thoughtfully choosing to gings, etc. Our fabrics let you move vibrant to uplift the mood. The fabric

A
and how you know how to face every situation that is s someone passionate balance their focus on function, com- at your own pace and are perfect for feel, fall, and fit are important factors

K
coming into your life with more ease, strength, vigour, about mental health, uldeep comes fort, and style with versatile pieces cool airport looks as well as a fit- for good yoga wear. Flowy garments
power, and awareness,” she says. Shivam has seen innumer- from a family that celebrate human connection. ness lifestyle.” colours are also being appreci- help asanas with ease and do not
“Yoga is an internal journey. It is a journey that you feel able tales of how hardship can with a strong Nature-inspired shades of green, ated, especially when it comes restrict blood circulation. Choose
all throughout your life. And every obstacle in our lives, unleash the human spirit’s emphasis on fitness. blue, and black with joyful accents of HIGH ON DESIGN: to activewear bottoms, like leg- details that reflect your personality
you can fight with awareness if you do yoga.” unbreakable strength. “I am “My younger brother citrus lime and orange or peachy pop gings. Preference is for and make you feel good — bold
With all the obstacles and challenges that came reminded on this International was always dedicated are currently popular, informs In 2024, yoga and fitness wear colours that effortlessly com- prints, calming pastels, and classic
into Payal’s life, including several deaths in Yoga Day of how yoga has helped to yoga, but during my Humera Tamboli, founder of fashion trends are all about embracing plement any outfit, such as black or neutrals are popular choices
her family, yoga showed her the way. many people get through their college years and early label Sensing. bold colours and vibrant prints. purple, and blue, that allow along with stylish details like mesh
darkest moments by acting as a business ventures, I She says, “Conventional design While black remains a staple and for a pop of personality in panels and cut-outs.”
beacon of light.” neglected my well- details of layering, pleats, and pock- a favorite in the Indian activewear the activewear. Our Triaction Interestingly, many yoga enthusi-
“We frequently find our greatest being, leading to ets cross paths with bold yet subtle market, a shift in consumer pref- collection includes RTW high- asts are also shifting from plain, bor-
sources of hope and strength at stress, sleeplessness, textures and playful contrasts. There erences is clear with a growing waist leggings in trendy ing products to vibrant, purposefully
these times of extreme suffering. and an unbalanced is a lot of sustainable fabric innova- desire for smart athletic wear. colours. With respect to designed accessories. Prateek Kedia,
‘Made my life easier’ Yoga is a comprehensive practice
that treats the mind, body, and
lifestyle. Frustrated, I
sought an escape and
tion happening around the world.
Choose styles made from blends of
Bhavin Devpuria ,
marketing head at
activewear, for example, while
practicing yoga, it is important
Founder, of WiseLife Wellness India
Private Limited, talks about the lat-
PRAVEEN BIDHURI, a fitness expert spirit. Yoga is a lifeline for people found inspiration in natural materials that are breath- T r i u m p h to prioritise moisture-wicking est trends in Yoga accessories and
who are struggling with chronic my brother’s happy able, soothing on the skin, and have Inter national, and quick-dry materials to stay highlights, “In 2024, yoga accessories

A
s a young adult, Praveen had many bad habits, pain or loss of movement,” he and healthy life,” he relaxed fits. Also, check wash-care remarks, “Vibrant comfortable while practicing will be focusing on aesthetics and
including a disrupted sleep schedule, a poor diet, says. “We must look deep within informs. and drying instructions especially indoors or out- functionality. We offer a range of
and frequent partying. “This lifestyle led to irrita- ourselves when a crisis arises. Kuldeep began with for innovative fabrics so that they doors. It mats made from cork and natural
tion, irresponsible behaviour, frustration, and a lack of Through this process of inner basic Surya Namaskar can last longer.” must sup- rubber, popular for their eco-friendly
direction. Despite coming from a business-oriented fami- discovery, yoga enabled me to and meditation, even- port the materials and superior grip. When
ly, I was not contributing to our ventures. However, I even- find new hope, resilience, and tually transitioning to power yoga. “This prac- LUXE AESTHETIC: body with investing in yoga accessories, it’s cru-
tually realised that I was on the wrong path and needed to happiness by connecting with my tice transformed my life, allowing me to leave breathable, cial to consider individual needs.
make a change,” he says. A friend suggested that he start inner strength.” It taught him to behind my stressful business pursuits. Today, Quiet Luxury has become supportive Mats with extra cushioning for those
by waking up early and practicing yoga. “From the first accept our frailties, channel our I am a power yoga trainer and an inspiration the everyday norm, and ath- fabrics with knee pain and those that effec-
week of my yoga routine, I noticed positive changes in my suffering into strength, and main- to many who seek to escape a demanding leisure is embracing sober- “VIBRANT COLOURS ARE ALSO t h a t tively absorb moisture due to sweat-
body and mind, which motivated me to continue. “Today, tain composure in the face of lifestyle,” smiles Kuldeep. By committing to ing palettes and a luxe feel BEING APPRECIATED, e n h a n c e ing are good buys. Prioritizing dura-
I manage two businesses: our family enterprise and my chaos. “Many people have discov- yoga, he achieved significant personal growth. with calculated colour ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO movement. bility, ease of maintenance, and eco-
own gym, where I also train others in yoga. Yoga has ered a fresh sense of purpose and “I also ventured into Olympic lifting and highlights. The trend- ACTIVEWEAR BOTTOMS, LIKE To ensure a friendliness are some things to keep
made my life easier, happier, and strengthened my mind,” the bravery to keep going through maintained a rigorous fitness schedule, rising ing colours are ice blue, LEGGINGS.” more per- in mind for choosing the best acces-
he says, adding that it keeps him refreshed. yoga,” informs Shivam. at 4:30 AM to start my day with yoga,” he says. winter white, melange, and a — BHAVIN DEVPURIA s o n a l i s e d sory.”
 Friday 21 June 2024 25
14

coffee-break Delhi Age

CALVIN AND HOBBES|Bill Watterson Dennis the Menace

DOONESBURY|Garry Trudeau

B.C.|Johnny Hart hocus focus

UP AND RUNNING|Gray and Shack

BLONDIE|Dean Young and John Marshall

jumble

ANDY CAPP |Reg Smythe