Watch | Why are the farmers protesting?

A video explaining why the farmers in India are protesting against the new agricultural bills passed by the central government

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/watch-why-are-the-farmers-protesting/article33209299.ece

Joe Biden fractures foot while playing with his dog

A doctor said that the U.S. President-elect is likely to require walking boots for several weeks.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/joe-biden-fractures-foot-while-playing-with-his-dog/article33209311.ece

Provocative messages should be treated as an anti-national act, says Khader

Urging the State government to trace those behind the two provocative wall writings in the city within a week, Mangaluru MLA and former district in-ch

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/provocative-messages-should-be-treated-as-an-anti-national-act-says-khader/article33209306.ece

Body of CRPF official to be brought to Nashik

He was killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/body-of-crpf-official-to-be-brought-to-nashik/article33208467.ece

Talks fine but no precondition, say farmers

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 29

Agitating farmers today rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah's offer for "conditional talks", sticking to their decision to continue protesting on highways and threatening to block all five entry points to the national Capital, if the Centre did not roll back the recent farm laws.

"We are ready for talks but without preconditions," farm leaders said, stressing they would go back the moment the Centre announced to revoked the three "anti-farmer" Acts and turning down Shah's appeal to shift to Nirankari Ground at Burari, calling it a an "open jail".

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today again invited the farmers to the negotiating table. Shah, addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, said the farmers' agitation was not political.

"I have never said so. Don't put words in my mouth," he told the media in Hyderabad. This is being seen as an attempt by the government to reach out to the farmers as several BJP leaders, including Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, have called the agitation political or "Congress-driven."

Claiming that it was not just Punjab farmers' stir, but of farmers from across the country, farmers' unions hit out at the government for attacking "arthiyas", arguing they were service providers and not middlemen. "You (government) are under pressure from middlemen because you have middlemen in defence, trade commerce deals," remarked Balbir Singh Rajewal of the BKU (Rajewal).

Countering claims that the protests were mainly Punjab-centric, the protesters demanded a talks invite for all. "It is a pan-India stir. Farmers from Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are part of the movement. Agitations are on in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand too," the All-India Sangharsh Coordinating Committee said.

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Stir pan-India: Farm panel

Countering claims that the agitation was "Punjab-centric," the protesters have sought talks invite for all. "Farmers from Haryana, UP, U'khand and MP are part of the movement. Agitations are on in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, M'rashtra, K'taka, Telangana, Andhra and Jharkhand," the All-India Sangharsh Coordinating Committee said.

Hold talks immediately: AAP

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked the Centre to immediately hold talks with the farmers. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said: "We welcome the farmers to Delhi." The party said Shah had shown "utter irresponsibility" by leaving the Capital to campaign for Hyderabad MC elections when the farmers were waiting at the Delhi border for talks.

Rahul takes a dig at govt

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over the farmers' protest. "Promise was to double farmers' income, the Modi government did double income, but that of Adani-Ambani. Those who are still defending the black farm laws, what solution will they find in favour of farmers?" he tweeted in Hindi, adding: "Ab hogi (now there will be) #KisaanKiBaat".

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New agri laws have given farmers new opportunities: PM

New Delhi, November 29

With farmers from Punjab, Haryana and some other parts of the country laying a siege to the capital, PM Narendra Modi today underscored the virtues of the new farm laws, saying these had opened doors of possibilities for the farmers. While Modi made no reference to the ongoing agitation, he said farmers for years were demanding reforms and every political party at some point of time or other made a promise to fulfil those demands.

"After a lot of deliberations, Parliament gave a legal form to the agricultural reforms. These reforms have not only freed them of various shackles, but also given them new rights and new opportunities. In just a short span of time, these new rights have begun to ameliorate the woes of farmers," PM Modi said in his monthly "Mann ki Baat" radio address. H

e cited instances of how the new laws were bringing about change in the lives of farmers.

In the case of Jitendra Bhoiji from Dhule in Maharasthra, it was payment due to him for sale of corn which was pending for long. He said under the new laws, farmers should get their dues within three days of procurement failing which complaint could be lodged.

In another instance, Mohammed Aslam from Baran district in Rajasthan became CEO of his farmer producer organisation and on his WhatsApp group of farmers updates prevalent prices in the neighbouring mandis. — TNS

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Numbers swell, Khattar warns of Covid spike

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 29

The local administrations in Sonepat and Jhajjar have started making arrangements for mobile toilets and medical facilities and begun distributing face masks and sanitisers among the protesting farmers. With entry points to Delhi through the Singhu and the Bahadurgarh-Tikri borders sealed, there was a surge on the Haryana-Delhi border with farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand joining the agitation today.

The traffic on NH-44 remained paralysed and a number of vehicles carrying perishables, including milk, were stranded. Even as local farmers chipped in with ration and set up medical facilities for the protesting farmers, an angry Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar warned that he would hold his Punjab counterpart Capt Amarinder Singh responsible, if the farmers' gathering on the state's borders with Delhi led to any aggravation of the Covid-19 situation.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda slammed the Haryana CM for his remark that Haryana farmers were not part of the stir against the new farm laws, warning of a "bigger movement" if the farmers' problems were not solved soon.

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Punjab, Haryana among eight states with 71% daily fatalities

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 29

Punjab and Haryana are among the eight states that contributed around 71 per cent of the 496 Covid-19 deaths over the past 24 hours while the national toll rose to 1,36,696.

The other six states with top daily fatality load are Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Delhi reported the maximum new fatalities (89) followed by Maharashtra (88), West Bengal (52), Haryana (30) and Punjab (28).

No shortcuts on Covishield: CEO

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawala has said the firm was not looking for shortcuts to distribute Covishield vaccine. It would start formalising distribution plans only after the Drug Controller General of India granted the institute an emergency use licence based on efficacy, he said.

Twenty-two states and Union Territories have case fatality rate less than the national average of 1.46%. These include Haryana (1.03%) and Ladakh (1.39%).

India's Covid case count today reached 93,92,919 with 41,810 new infections in a day as against 42,298 recoveries. The active caseload remains below 5 lakh at 4,53,956, which is 4.83% of the total confirmed cases.

Of the 41,810 fresh confirmed Covid cases, 70.43% are from Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.

Kerala leads the tally with 6,250 new cases followed by Maharashtra (5,965) and Delhi (4,998). Total recovered cases stand at 8,802,267, taking the national recovery rate to 93.71%.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, over 13.95 crore samples have been tested up to November 28 with 12,83,449 samples being tested on Saturday alone.

The Union Health Ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

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Chinese Defence Minister in Nepal to bolster ties

Kathmandu, November 29

China's Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe arrived here on Sunday to meet Nepal's top leadership and bolster military cooperation and take the existing friendly bilateral relations to a new height.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa welcomed him at the Tribhuvan International Airport, according to the state-run Nepal Television.

Expanding cooperationn

• China's Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe, also a State Councillor, said his visit aimed at implementing bilateral understandings reached between the two governments in the past.
• Wei said the visit will take the existing friendly relations between the two neighbours to a new height.

The Chinese Defence Minister, also a State Councillor, told reporters that his visit aimed at implementing bilateral understandings reached between the two governments in the past. Wei said the visit will promote bilateral military cooperation between Nepal and China, and take the existing friendly relations between the two neighbours to a new height. This is the highest-level visit from China after President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit that took place in October last year.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wei will pay courtesy calls on President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his brief stay in Kathmandu. He is also scheduled to meet Nepal's Chief of Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa. — PTI

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Construction along Indian border ‘provocative’: US

Washington, November 29

An influential US lawmaker has expressed concern over reports of China's continuing construction activities along the Indian border in Ladakh, saying if the reports are true, it is a "provocative measure" on the part of Beijing and fits the pattern of its conduct in the South China Sea.

Stalemate continues

• Both countries have deployed a large number of troops along the LAC. Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides to resolve the standoff have not yielded any outcome.
• China claims almost all of the 1.3 million square mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory. It has been building military bases on artificial islands.

India and China have been locked in a military standoff along the LAC.

Both countries have deployed a large number of troops along the LAC. Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides to resolve the standoff have not yielded any concrete outcome. "If it (reports) turns out to be true, it would be yet another provocative measure by the Chinese military to change the facts on the ground," Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. "It would also fit the pattern of their conduct in the South China Sea, where they build islands, where they try to change the facts as we previously understood them, and they would be deeply disturbing, to say the least," said Krishnamoorthi, the first-ever Indian-American on the US House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. — PTI

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At Himachal weddings, mask norm given a miss

Ravinder Sood

Palampur November 29

With marriage functions proving to be one of the biggest spreaders of Covid cases in Himachal Pradesh, the Palampur, Baijnath and Jaisinghpur administrations have begun conducting checks at these events.

The authorities are visiting marriage functions to check if the cap of 50 on the guest count is being adhered to and the attendees are wearing masks and sticking to social distancing norms.

"In most cases, we found that people were not wearing masks at weddings," said Pawan Sharma, SDM, Jaisinghpur, who inspected four wedding functions. Officials in Baijnath and Palampur are also conducting similar checks. Their teams visited Makkar, Harsi, Kachayal, Jagya and Lambagaon villages in the last two days. "Families have to obtain prior permission for the weddings. Though they're briefed about the norms, we are carrying out the checks to doubly ensure the rules are being followed," said Sharma.

The SDM said the cap on the number of invitees was being followed at most gatherings but the 'mandatory mask' directive was hardly being obeyed. The violators had been let off with a mere warning but in future, penalties would be slapped on them, he warned.

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SII sues vaccine volunteer for wrong claim

New Delhi, November 29

After a Chennai-based volunteer served a legal notice to the Serum Institute of India (SII) demanding Rs 5 crore compensation for the alleged neurological complications he developed after being administered a test dose of its Covishield vaccine, the SII has now countered the allegation with a demand of Rs 100 crore as damages to its reputation while terming his claims "malicious and misconceived in nature".

The Pune-based pharma giant said "there is absolutely no correlation with the vaccine trial and the medical condition of the volunteer". The SII said the medical team informed the volunteer that the complications were unrelated to the test dose administered to him. — IANS

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CoBRA officer killed in IED blast

Raipur, November 29

An officer of the CRPF's jungle warfare unit, CoBRA, was killed while nine commandos were injured after Maoists triggered an IED blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday night.

The blast occurred in the Chintalnar forest area of the district around 9 pm. Assistant Commandant Nitin P Bhalerao, 33, succumbed to his injuries this morning. Among the injured is second-in-command rank officer Dinesh Kumar Singh. They all belong to 206th battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). — PTI

Maoist attack

• Maoists triggered an IED explosion in the Chintalnar forest area of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh
• Assistant Commandant Nitin P Bhalerao (33) succumbed to his injuries during treatment

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UP registers first case under new ‘love jihad’ law

Lucknow, November 29

Uttar Pradesh has registered its first case under the new anti-conversion law in Bareilly district based on a complaint from a woman's father. The case was registered on Saturday. In a statement issued on Sunday, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said a case was registered by Tikaram, a resident of Sharif Nagar village in Bareilly, who accused Uvaish Ahmed of the same village of trying to convert his daughter through "allurement".

The case was registered against Ahmed under sections of the IPC and the anti-conversion law. Rohit Singh Sajwan, SSP, said four police teams have been formed to arrest the accused. According to the complaint, Tikaram's daughter and Ahmed studied together in Class XII.

Three years ago, the accused started pressurising her to undergo religious conversion and perform "nikaah" (marriage). But when the woman opposed, he threatened to kidnap her, Tikaram alleged. — PTI

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Lockdown bitter pill for type-1 diabetic

Ravinder Saini
Tribune News Service
Rohtak, November 29

A study conducted by the PGIMS here has revealed that the Covid pandemic adversely affected the health of type-1 diabetic patients during lockdown. On an average, the patients'sugar level went up by 30 per cent and the HbA1c (three-month average blood sugar) level hiked by 14 per cent, indicating poor glycemic (presence of glucose in blood) control.

The reasons were low availability of insulin/glucostrips, poor compliance with the recommended diet and decreased physical activity in the lockdown period.

Insulin shortage

Rohtak PGIMS study attributes the poor glycemic control to low availability of insulin/glucostrips, poor compliance with the recommended diet and decreased physical activity during the lockdown period.

The research was conducted by Dr Anjali, Assistant Professor at the Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHS) here, on 52 patients of type-1 diabetes. As many as 27 patients were below 10 years, 19 between 11 and 20 years and six between 21 and 30 years.

The study aimed at ascertaining the impact of the lockdown (March 25 to May 31) on the patients' glycemic control. Their post-lockdown health condition was compared with their follow-ups before the lockdown.

Type-1diabetes, a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, usually appears during adolescence. Its patients need regular treatment to maintain normal blood sugar levels through insulin therapy, diet and exercise, said Dr Sanjeev Nanda, Head, Pediatric Department, UHS.

"The main reason behind the rising level of sugar was the low availability of insulin/glucostrips due to restrictions in transportation," Dr Anjali said.

During the lockdown, children were at home with their non-diabetic peers and other family members, leading to poor compliance with the recommended diet, she said.

"The break from school resulted in a longer screen time and decrease in physical activity for children, causing poor glycemic control," Dr Anjali added.

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time to breakfast

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cute

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Joe Biden chooses an all-female senior White House press team

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Although I suspected it all along, today it was confirmed that my wife is actually a Disney Princess.

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Despite having a rough past and being FIV+, we just adopted our new pal Bill!

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Joe Biden to nominate Tanden, Rouse and others to economic team

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A cat said to be joining Bidens in White House

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US Covid cases top 4 million in November, doubling the record set in October

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Rebuilding JK Police in 1997

AS always, Jammu and Kashmir has figured prominently on the national horizon, the last two years being no exception, and tumultuous changes effected there have shaken the very foundations of the structure — changes which were not entirely unexpected. However, in doing so, we may have played into the hands of our enemies, who are always looking for opportunities to create divisions and weaken our republic. The tremors are being felt across the erstwhile state in most spheres of life. Trust is the basis of all human relations, and this was what we were working towards for decades. This trust lies fractured today and I'm hopeful that we can rebuild it. We have to stay united even as we respect each other's diversity all over the country. I also was a participant in the task of strengthening this 'trust' through the rebuilding of Jamp;K Police.

Elections to the Jamp;K Assembly were held towards the end of 1996 and Dr Farooq Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the National Conference government. At some point thereafter, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs took the decision to appoint the DGP from outside the Jamp;K cadre to head Jamp;K Police. I was asked if I was willing to go on deputation from the Punjab cadre and I agreed to do so, considering it a great privilege to head the police in the trouble-torn state. I took over as DGP in February 1997 and stayed on till the end of 2000.

It was winter and so I joined at Jammu and quickly completed the formalities of calling on the Governor, the CM, the Chief Secretary and officers of the armed forces, paramilitary and police. I then began a tour of the Valley police stations and those in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts. I interacted with the constabulary and junior officers everywhere and took the opportunity of calling on senior Army/PMF officers in the area. I called upon the police officers and men to honour their uniform and act together in defence of the motherland against foreign agents and their local supporters. My aim was only one — to win the trust of the police and the people and this could only be done if I was seen to be fair, unbiased, compassionate and professional. The force lacked in infrastructure and modern arms, vehicles, communications, etc. With full backing of the MHA, we assured them that all of this would be available in a matter of months and the only thing expected from them was loyalty, devotion to duty and good intelligence for our operations.

One of the policy decisions was to augment the strength of the police force. This was deemed necessary not only as it was seriously undermanned, but because the employment generated would be of immense benefit to the local population. In the months to come, the remotest of areas was covered and a large body of able-bodied young men were recruited. We would give short notice before going to an area and then transport the selected candidates to the nearest Police Lines. This was done in order to remove all scope for middle men, ambiguity and the accompanying nuisance of bribery and underhand dealing. The young men could not believe their luck and would often ask the recruiting party to take them along at that very moment. One could see abject poverty in the remote parts of the state and a desolation which years of conflict had brought about.

These young men from the remote border hamlets proved to be a great asset in counter-terrorist operations and became an integral part of our protective shield. They were not only familiar with the treacherous mountainous terrain and moved nimbly on it, but were an excellent source of information. Religion or region was no consideration except that the balance was maintained between Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The positive results of this were visible in a few months and 'trust' started becoming a reality. The policemen came to form the vanguard of the Special Operation Groups (SOGs), which also contained elements of the Army, PMF, SPOs. The men behind the success of the SOGs were these local boys, who provided real-time actionable intelligence.

Modern equipment started coming in and we first ensured that the transport, communication and arms, etc. were given to the police stations. This led to further strengthening of our credibility and the police officers and men had a new spring in their step. Senior officers were given due regard and responsibility assigned to them, which they gladly accepted and discharged. We started developing into a team at headquarters and in the field. After due deliberation, we posted young and bold officers in the districts and told them to work carefully and fearlessly and we would ensure total moral and material support. We facilitated on an urgent basis the induction of approximately 35 state police officers into the IPS (something which had been lying pending for seven-eight years) by coordinating with the MHA, DoPT and UPSC. This led to an increased level of motivation. All this was made possible by the continued support of Delhi and the state government. During my tenure of approximately four years, I saw three changes in government at the Centre and as many Prime Ministers. Not one of them diluted the fight against terror and to the contrary, it only strengthened with time. The purpose, the direction and the goal was common — to defeat the designs of our enemy and build a strong, unified, effective police force. We were fully trusted by the Centre and the state government, which enabled us to go from strength to strength.

Another example of the country coming together on this quest was the training of new recruits. We had recruited thousands of constables and non-gazetted officers, but lacked the facility to train them. I made a request to the heads of police forces in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi and they took on a few thousand each and devoted personal attention to their training. This exposure to other states and police forces was very useful to our men. To top it all, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi refused to charge us anything for the training. Yes, the country responded to our dire need, and our need was indeed dire as the enemy was not sitting idle. Massive attempts at infiltration were made and Pakistan, freed from its 'jihad' in Afghanistan after installing a Taliban government there, had diverted major resources and manpower towards Kashmir. In the years leading up to Kargil, we were put hard to the test, but the young men of Jamp;K Police held strong. Many were martyred in the defence of our republic. During the Kargil war, many attempts were made by the ISI to create disturbances and violence within the state to create an image of a revolution within. It is to the credit of the Jamp;K Police and other forces that our shield held strong — a quiet battle was fought by many an unnamed policeman in his remote police station. This was especially commendable as all the regular Army units on internal security duty were withdrawn overnight and only gradually replaced by RR units.

Here I must pause and acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the armed forces, the PMF, the intelligence agencies and all the allied forces and institutions which worked together under the Unified Command. Above all, the support of the Chief Minister and MHA was total. Only once did the Deputy PM come up with an apprehension about arming of the Jamp;K Police and SPOs on a large scale with modern weapons. I assured him that there would be no desertions or loss of arms. At the time of demitting office, I reminded him of his fears and informed him that these had been unfounded and in all the three regions of the state, we had a loyal, trained and dedicated force. Unity in diversity, combined with a strong federal structure, has been our strength. It is what distinguishes us from our fanatical neighbour. I have always believed that if we had worked more towards establishing a vibrant democracy in Jamp;K and held the politicians and bureaucrats accountable to the people, the situation would have been vastly different. I do hope that years of fighting the barbarians have not made us more like them. As Roosevelt said, 'War is young men dying and old men talking.' It is easy to draw lines on maps and make proclamations while in positions of power — the ramifications are felt for long.

— The writer is ex-chairman of UPSC, former Manipur Governor and served as Jamp;K DGP

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The ‘jugalbandi’ worth emulating

For some time now, I find myself more drawn towards non-fiction writing. Time was when I used to devour fiction obsessively but now I find it almost impossible to finish a novel. Biographies, political writing and essays, on the other hand, have become my go-to reading.

Biographies are not easy to write and political biographies are a genre not many have been able to handle well. In India, where it is considered bad form to speak ill of the dead and keep a worshipful distance from one's ancestors, few biographers have been able to go beyond hagiography. To recreate in flesh and blood the life of a person warts and all, while retaining one's affection or admiration, is not an easy task. I discovered this when I wrote a memoir of my own mother, a writer and complex character.

A few years ago, one was introduced to a young writer, Vinay Sitapati, through a biography he wrote of the late Narasimha Rao. 'Half a Lion' was an eye-opener that gave me a totally new perspective of a man his own party seemed so eager to bury. Sitapati was handed a trunk full of papers by Rao's son and although Rao himself had written a semi-autobiographical novel once, it was left to Sitapati to do full justice to a man who was not just a consummate politician, but a scholar and polyglot of extraordinary proportions. Sitapati based his work not just on the papers and personal notes he received from Rao's son, but on long conversations with the men and women Rao shared a personal relationship with, including a woman journalist whom all of Delhi knew as his close friend and confidante. Recently, Sitapati has published a second book, titled 'Jugalbandi'.

I have only read some excerpts yet, but my appetite is whetted. 'Jugalbandi' is a name given to a kind of musical form when two artistes playing different instruments improvise a performance that blends two styles and two kinds of music into a harmonious whole. Readers will recall some outstanding recordings of Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan on the sitar and sarod, respectively, that are almost divine. Similarly, Ustad Bismillah Khan and Pandit VG Jog on the shehnai and violin played to rapturous audiences. There are countless examples of two artistes never overshadowing each other, playing in perfect sync with the mood of the raga and the beat. Sitapati has taken this metaphor to elaborate on the relationship of two outstanding politicians of the BJP and their lifelong friendship and political styles to bring the party to a stage where it is today.

These two are Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani. Not one to shy away from personal lives when assessing political careers, Sitapati has brought out of the woodwork Vajpayee's intriguing relationship with his long-time companion, Mrs Kaul. Few ever saw her, fewer still ever spoke of her but the chatterati of Lutyen's Delhi were full of stories about the power the lady wielded over her partner. Significantly, Vajpayee's funeral pyre was lit by his foster daughter, Mrs Kaul's daughter. Naturally, given the prissy and moralistic stand of his own party, many elders from the RSS and BJP evidently tried to coax Mr Vajpayee to consider distancing himself, but it must be said in praise of the man that he never caved in and although their relationship always remained discreet, it was never hidden away like those of several other leaders one can name.

India has always had a long tradition of women in purdah advising rulers without stepping out of the shadows. Yet, there is a curious reluctance in acknowledging such relationships openly. This hypocrisy needed to be exposed, Sitapati feels, because, as he explains rather convincingly, Vajpayee's liberal views owed a great deal to the spirited political discussions he had with Mrs Kaul. Apart from this, Sitapati's book also uncovers the dual relationship between the top two in the BJP that enabled one to build the organisation and the other to handle the affairs of governance and Parliament. From the beginning, when this was the arrangement between Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyay to the famous jodi of Advani and Vajpayee, the division of responsibility and the confluence of ideology and realpolitik created a political 'jugalbandi' that other parties ought to study and adopt.

It was this kind of 'jugalbandi' that made the Nehru-Patel jodi so special but later, once personal ambition became more important than loyalty to the party, a 'darbari' culture completely destroyed the Congress. Dynastic politics is in a large measure responsible for a similar decline in other parties as well, but working in tandem means working as a team, a way of operating that seems quite alien to our tradition. Today, it is each man, or woman, for himself and when that person declines, sadly so does the party.

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Tipsy pudding — NDA’s dessert storm

ASK any Army officer who has come up the National Defence Academy route about two things he instinctively remembers about NDA. In majority of the cases, the first will be the name and antics of the strictest Directing Staff. The second, and I am about 99 per cent sure on this, will be tipsy pudding!

Tipsy is a mouth-watering dessert which basically mixes sponge cake and chopped seasonal fruits (apples, bananas, grapes, pomegranate, pears) in a custard base, topped with whipped cream and dry fruits. It is simple to prepare and delicious. This pudding is imprinted on every ex-NDA officer's mind because it is associated with a lot of events (and stories).

Tipsy was not your everyday pudding, it was made only on occasions like the Academy Dinner night and campfires. Generous helpings were catered for or else the seniors would corner the bulk. And yes, the name is misleading. Tipsy pudding does not have alcohol — my wife did try making it with a rum cake, but the taste was not the same!

In NDA, there are three outdoor training camps, one each in the second, fourth and sixth terms. These are of three to five days' duration and culminate into a run back, which is an inter-squadron competition. A night prior is the campfire dinner in which tipsy pudding is a must. In my second term camp, a senior surreptitiously visited our location (since camps are held in the same areas each year, the locations are known), simply to savour tipsy. The fact that he knew fully well that if caught he could be relegated (demoted by six months) was inconsequential for him! He simply walked over 20 km for the love of a pudding! There is a tradition, too. In the fourth-term Camp Rover, which is held in the rolling hills overlooking the NDA campus, squadron Senior Cadet Captains (SCCs) come to the campfire, ostensibly to motivate their squadron teams to do well in the run back to the Academy the following morning. In actuality, most come to pack tipsy pudding (as much as they can) for coursemates back in the squadron.

There are a lot of unsavoury tales also linked to the tipsy, the most common being about some cadets eating copious quantities on campfire night and delaying their squadron teams in the run back due to runny tummies. But our course's story takes the cake, literally. It involves a particular second battalion squadron.

In camps, tipsy pudding was given to each squadron quarter master in rectangular pans of about 4 feet by 2 feet (with 4 inches high pudding layer). This was more than adequate for 25-odd cadets. Of course, as a tradition, a large helping was sent back to the squadron with the SCC. Now the participants had eaten their share and the pan contained the remainder tipsy to be sent for squadron sixth termers, when Cadet LVR, with his mucky size 11 DMS boot, accidently stepped into the pan, leaving his footprint mark right in the centre. It was a well- known fact that non-provision of tipsy for the sixth termers could turn the week after return to the Academy a very miserable one. So, after a quick collective brainstorming session, the pudding was rearranged, with the visible effects of LVR's footprints removed and the balance concoction, which had considerably reduced in quantity, vigorously stirred and packed. The fact that the squadron fared badly in the run back resulted in curtailment of some privileges in the weeks thereafter. The limited quantity of tipsy was also understood to be a contributing factor.

Tailpiece: Tipsy pudding is banned in my house. It has less to do with my bulging mid-section and more to my insistence that it be the default dessert in most dinners we hosted. No matter what recipe my wife adopted, her pudding never matched the NDA's and I would foolishly tell her that! Then one day, she swore never to make it.

from The Tribune https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/tipsy-pudding-—-ndas-dessert-storm-177341

Of an unsuitable girl and other inanities taking firm hold

A MADNESS is sweeping over our magnificently diverse nation, shaking its very foundations. It's a weird, dehumanising and divisive phenomenon that should disturb all of us who value decency, compassion, equality and an inclusive society. The first sign was a lilting and uplifting jewellery TV ad celebrating happiness and communal harmony. In it, a Hindu girl was being welcomed on Diwali to the Muslim household of her husband. Her mother-in-law adorned her with a Diwali gift, a gold necklace. Pleased but mildly surprised, the girl says, "But I did not think you observed such customs." "Our custom is to bring happiness to you," the mother-in-law replies, smiling.

A lovely and heart-warming exchange, celebrating an inter-faith union. But not, it seems, for some Hindu hardliners who have only hatred and violence on their mind. Their protests compelled hasty withdrawal of the ad. A pity, but one supposes commercial considerations come first for any corporate house, even one of the largest and most-respected. Freedom of expression takes only second place. Soon after, an excellent film series directed by a Padma Bhushan awardee, Mira Nair — one of whose films "Salaam Bombay" had been nominated for an Oscar — was the object of ire of the same kind of toxic characters. The series was based on a critically-acclaimed novel, "A Suitable Boy", by Vikram Seth. He is a Padma Shri awardee and his mother, Leila Seth, was the first woman judge to be appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of an Indian state, Himachal Pradesh. What was found objectionable? A scene in which a Hindu girl kisses a Muslim boy, with a temple in the background. Both are adults and in love with each other. Note that, again, it is a Muslim boy and a Hindu girl. If it had been the other way round, a Muslim girl and a Hindu boy, those hardliners who evidently don't believe in the concept of love would not have minded, thereby displaying their misogyny, which the dictionary defines as "hatred of women". Two senior officials working for streaming service Netflix have been asked for an explanation by the police. Explain what exactly? That Hindus and Muslims cannot be intimate, especially if the girl is a Hindu and the boy a Muslim? And if explanations are called for, why don't the police summon Nair and Seth? Nair, incidentally, is married to an Indo-Ugandan Muslim, perhaps another red flag for this hatred-filled lot.

Worse has followed in the same communal vein. Four states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, namely Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and UP, have indicated that they intend to bring in a law to prevent "forcible" inter-faith marriages. The fact that it is labelled as "love jihad" clearly indicates that it is only targeting Muslims. In fact, UP has already come up with an ordinance, under which those convicted face long terms of imprisonment, up to 10 years, and a hefty fine. The government spokesperson, Sidharth Nath Singh, said disingenuously that the ordinance was "necessary to ensure justice for women, especially from SC/ST categories". Few people will be taken in by that. The reality is that it is only Muslims who are being singled out. Another provision says that for "willing conversions", the district magistrate has to be notified two months in advance. This would give goons plenty of time to put pressure on anybody planning to convert and get married.

Fortunately, the Allahabad High Court has come to the rescue. Almost at the same time as the malevolent ordinance, the High Court said, "The right to choose a partner, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, is inherent under the right to life and personal liberty, an integral part of the Fundamental Right, under Article 21." The HC was ruling on a petition by a Muslim man and his wife, who had converted from Hinduism, against a complaint by her father. It went on to say, "We do not see them as Muslim and Hindu, rather as two grown-up individuals, who out of their own free will and choice are living together peacefully and happilyhellip;. interference in a personal relationship would constitute a serious encroachment into the right to freedom of choice." In other words, the UP ordinance is unconstitutional and highly divisive.

The Delhi High Court followed this up with a similar judgment, in which it stated that an adult woman was free to live wherever and with whoever she wished. It related to a 20-year-old Hindu woman who had left her family, to join her husband. The family, who tried forcibly to get her back, was warned "not to take the law into their hands or threaten the couple". Hopefully, these two powerful judgments will make the UP authorities withdraw their ordinance and restrain the other BJP-ruled states. Otherwise, the Supreme Court will need to step in.

Let me end with another instance, not of dividing Hindus and Muslims, but of a different kind of toxicity, a foolish one meant to garner publicity. In Mumbai, a Shiv Sena legislator, one Nitin Nandgaonkar, objected to a store which has called itself for decades "Karachi Sweets". Fearing violence, the owner covered up the signboard with newspapers. The legislator was clearly attempting to show his "nationalism" against the "enemy", Pakistan. But isn't China also a foe these days? So, why not close down all Chinese restaurants?

If there is a "tukde tukde gang" around, characters like Yogi Adityanath and Nitin Nandgaonkar clearly belong to it. They are the true dividers who don't believe in "unity in diversity". There will always be fundamentalists and hardliners around in any society. But let us at least marginalise them as much as possible, and keep them on the fringes, not in the mainstream.

— The writer is a veteran journalist

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Pawan Bansal Cong’s interim treasurer

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28

Pawan Kumar Bansal, former railway minister and ex-MP from Chandigarh, has been appointed Congress treasurer after the demise of Ahmed Patel.

Party chief Sonia Gandhi approved the appointment today, saying the arrangement was interim and Bansal would need to take charge immediately to discharge the duties of the treasurer.

Bansal, 72, was recently made in-charge of the AICC administration, replacing former general secretary Motilal Vora.

A confidante of Sonia Gandhi, Bansal has kept a low profile ever since he was sacked in 2013 as railway minister in the then UPA cabinet over accusations of his nephew fixing railway posts in exchange for bribes.

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Stir not Punjab-centric, say leaders from other states

Tribune news Service

New Delhi, November 28

In a decision that may further complicate matters for the Centre, Punjab farmers have decided to stay put at Delhi borders for now. Rejecting the offer to shift the protest to the Nirankari Ground at Burari, some demanded to be heard either at the Jantar Mantar or the Ramlila Ground.

Joginder Singh Ugrahan of BKU Ekta Ugrahan claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah called him to go to Burari, but they decided against it.

Meanwhile, leaders from other states and organisations countered the "general belief" that the "protest is mainly Punjab-centric". The government had extended invitation for December 3 talks only to Punjab farmer unions, pretending and arguing that other farmers are happy with their reform.

"It is clear by now from the fact that farmers from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are attempting to go to Delhi that the resistance is pan-India. Agitations are underway in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand," said AIKSCC's Samyukt Kisan Movement.

Either the government should give an assurance that it will take back the farm laws or promise to enact the fourth one on MSP, appears to be the common consensus among various groups.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar again appealed to farmers to stop the agitation and come for talks on December 3. "There is nothing that cannot be resolved through talks," Tomar said, asking the Congress to "stop politicising the protest and misleading" the farmers.

Facing criticism over their handling of the situation, the Centre is also under attack for "underestimating the determination and resolve of Punjab farmers reached Delhi who despite so many hurdles".

"It is not just the movement of Punjab farmers. The entire nation is watching. The ball is in the Centre's court now. It is a remarkable movement which is not driven by religion or politics," agriculture expert Devinder Sharma said.

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JD(U) had ‘role’ in RS seat denial to LJP

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28

NDA's ally JD(U), mainly Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is believed to have played a major role in the Rajya Sabha seat being wrested from the LJP, sources are indicating.

The BJP on Friday nominated former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll after Nitish Kumar reportedly refused to support a candidate from the LJP, whose chief Chirag Paswan led an acrimonious campaign against him in the recent Assembly elections in which JD(U) suffered major losses.

The former Bihar Deputy CM, who shares a good rapport with Nitish Kumar, is believed to be among top runners for several vacancies in the Narendra Modi Cabinet for which names of several leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, are doing the rounds.

Apparently, the LJP wanted the seat for Reena Paswan, wife of Ram Vilas Paswan. It now remains to be seen if the LJP, which continues to be a part of the NDA at the Centre, is given any assignment in the Narendra Modi Cabinet. After the exit of the Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal, Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) is the only NDA ally in the Central council of ministers.

The seat had fallen vacant following the death of LJP patriarch Ram Vilas Paswan, who was a Cabinet minister in the Modi government. With the LJP out of Bihar NDA after its decision to contest separately, the BJP's decision to reclaim the seat has put a question mark on the future of Chirag Paswan.

Ram Vilas Paswan was elected to the Upper House by the NDA under the 'seat-sharing formula' finalised during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by three parties.

---

LJP wanted it for Paswan's widow

• The BJP on Friday nominated former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll after Nitish Kumar reportedly refused to support a candidate from the LJP
• Sources say the LJP wanted the seat for Reena Paswan, widow of Ram Vilas Paswan

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Shift to Burari, will hold talks forthwith: Shah tells farmers

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Nov 28

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today appealed to the agitating farmers to shift from the border points to the designated protest site at the Burari Ground, assuring them that the Centre was ready for talks. "The government is ready to deliberate on every problem and demand," he stressed.

"If farmers' unions want to hold discussions before December 3, I want to assure you that as soon as you shift your protest to the designated site, our government will hold talks to address your concerns the very next day." The Delhi Police on Friday had granted the farmers permission to gather at the Burari Ground. However, a number of farm leaders said the protesters were adamant on staging a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In Chandigarh, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh urged the farmers to reciprocate Shah's gesture. On the latter's offer to hold talks at the earliest, he said: "It is in the best interest of the farming community and the nation. It reflects the Centre's willingness to listen to the farmers." Capt Amarinder said the farmers had already won half the battle by bringing the Centre to the negotiating table." The Punjab Government is willing to mediate to find an early solution to your problems," he added.

Talks on Tuesday, claim BJP sources

Considering the support to farmers, the Centre is set to invite Punjab's farm unions for talks on Tuesday, BJP sources said. A mediator between the farmers and the Centre said Home Minister Amit Shah would head the talks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister NS Tomar too would be present. Shah spoke to Joginder Singh Ugrahan of the BKU earlier in the day. — Vishav Bharti

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Apologise for brute force: Capt to Khattar

Chandigarh, November 28

Reacting to his Haryana counterpart ML Khattar's "sponsored stir" charge, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh today said: "Some people are blind not to see the lakhs of farmers trying to enter Delhi from across the country." On Khattar's charge that he had tried calling him a number of times but in vain, Captain said : "Khattar is lying that I did not respond to his calls. After Haryana's treatment of my farmers, I will not take his calls now. Unless he apologises and admits he has wronged the farmers of my state, I will not forgive him."

He urged the Centre to immediately hold talks with the kisan unions to defuse the situation "created by Haryana's attempts" to forcibly stop the farmers' march.

"Why wait till December 3," he asked. Urging the Centre to accept the farmers' demand for assured MSP, the CM said, "I fail to understand why they can't make it a legal obligation." Expressing concern over the situation getting out of control due to the "use of force" by the Haryana Police, he said the farmers had the right to march to the Capital to air their grievances. — TNS

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PM reviews vaccine development at 3 facilities

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited India's top vaccine hubs — Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune — to review the development of Covid vaccine and the manufacturing process.

The PM's first two stops were the facilities manufacturing indigenous Covid-19 vaccines — Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and Bharat Biotech facility in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.

Pankaj Patel, Zydus chairman, said the Prime Minister's visit encouraged the team to put in more efforts.

The PM wound up the daylong tour with a visit to Pune-based Serum Institute of India, the manufacturing collaborator for Oxford University-AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine that has shown over 70 per cent efficacy during recent trials. "Visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad to know more about the indigenous DNA-based vaccine being developed by Zydus Cadila. I compliment the team for its effort," the PM tweeted.

At Hyderabad, he took a briefing on Covaxin, India's first indigenous Covid vaccine being developed by Bharat Biotech and the ICMR. It is in Phase 3 of clinical trials.

At Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, the PM took stock of the late stage Phase 3 trial process for Covishield.

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Punjab relents, accepts borrowing option

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28

After months of resistance, the Punjab Government has accepted the Centre's borrowing proposal (Option-1) to meet revenue shortfall arising out of GST implementation. The move will give the cash-strapped state access to over Rs 11,000 crore funds.

Besides getting nod to borrow Rs 3,033 crore, Punjab will get Rs 8,359 crore through the special borrowing window.

Earlier this week, two other Opposition-ruled states — Kerala and West Bengal — communicated their acceptance of Option-1 to the Centre, leaving Punjab with no option but to follow suit.

The number of states which have chosen this option has now gone up to 26. All three UT legislative assemblies (Delhi, Jamp;K and Puducherry) have also decided to go for Option-1.

They will get the amount of shortfall arising out of GST implementation through a special borrowing window put in place by the Centre.

The window has been operational since October 23 and the Centre has already borrowed Rs 24,000 crore on behalf of the states in four instalments and passed it on to the states and UTs, which chose Option-1.

---

Joins 25 states

• Following acceptance of Option-1, Punjab has got Centre's nod to raise additional borrowing of Rs 3,033 crore (0.5 per cent of GSDP)
• It will also get Rs 8,359 crore through special borrowing window to meet GST implementation shortfall
• As many as 25 states and three UTs have already chosen this option

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Post HC order, footballer Ali back in game

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 28

Adampur-based footballer Anwar Ali (20), who was barred from the sport after being diagnosed with congenital heart condition, is back in the game. Ali is currently playing Himachal State League matches as part of Techtro Swades United Club.

Ali, who belongs to a family of Gujjars from Chumo village in Adampur, has represented India in several under-15, under-17 and under-19 tournaments.

In September, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) had barred him from playing competitive football owing to his health condition. The footballer had taken the matter to the Delhi High Court. On October 20, the court allowed Ali to continue playing till the AIFF arrived at a final decision.

Contesting the ban, Ali had claimed that a doctor from the PGIMER, Chandigarh, had given him a go-ahead to play football.

An alumnus of Mohali's Minerva Academy, Ali said the AIFF's decision had snatched his livelihood as he was the sole bread earner of the family.

His father Razak Ali said: "Doctors have told us that Ali is in the low-risk category. He feels energetic and is doing well in his game. He can't think of a life without football. My son is performing well for his new club. I intend to go to Una for his next league match. He is likely to participate in the Punjab League and Delhi League too."

---

Modest background

• Anwar Ali belongs to a family of Gujjars from Chumo village in Adampur, Jalandhar
• He has represented India in several national and international tournaments
• In September, the AIFF had barred him from playing owing to his health condition
• The footballer moved the Delhi High Court, which allowed him to continue playing till AIFF's final decision
• Ali's father Razak Ali claims that doctors have given him a go-ahead to play football since he is in the low-risk category

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Protesters stay put at Singhu, Tikri

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 28

Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana gathered at Singhu and Tikri borders today refused to shift to Nirankari Ground in Burari, sealing the national Capital from both sides. They laid siege to the highway on a stretch of over 3 km each from Singhu border towards Murthal and Tikri towards Bahadurgarh.

The farmers, who have been protesting against the Centre's three farm laws, said they had called a crucial meeting on Sunday to decide the next course of action. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), one of the largest farmer organisations in Punjab, said they would not go to the Burari Ground in Delhi.

Its senior vice-president Jhanda Singh Jethuke said: "We urge the Centre to give us a place at Jantar Mantar for the protest." Balbir Singh Rajewal of BKU (Rajewal), said farmers had no plan to shift to Burari and would stay put at the borders. Amid reports that some leaders from Punjab have been approached by the Centre, Haryana farmers alleged it was an attempt to create a rift among them.

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He’s not ready to talk as stir sponsored: Haryana CM

Gurugram, November 28

Alleging that the farmers' agitation was funded by the Punjab Government, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar today claimed that no farmer from Haryana was part of it. "I am thankful to our farmers for not participating in the stir, mainly sponsored by a political party and some organisations in Punjab. They (farmers) were carrying Punjab Government cards and their CM is not ready to talk about it," Khattar said. Lashing out at the Punjab CM, he claimed to have repeatedly tried to contact him in the past three days. "I dialled his number a couple of times, but was told each time by Captain's staff that he was busy. He would earlier respond within an hour or so." His staff later released details of the calls made.

Praising the Haryana Police for "complete restraint," the Chief Minister appealed to the Punjab farmers to send their representatives for talks with the Union Government.

"Assembling in Delhi in large numbers is of no use. The Centre is ready for talks. Dialogue is the only way out," the Chief Minister added. — TNS

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Had a bad case at work and the clinic cat decided to comfort me

https://ift.tt/3fL1quC via /r/aww https://ift.tt/36ixKlD

Saved a cat in the freeway today I45 no hesitation pulled over immediately, grabbed from traffic.

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Joe Biden announces 3 more members in Covid-19 task force

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Got a sausage dog yesterday! Everyone, meet soda.

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At least one of them loves the water bath.

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Coronavirus | Rajasthan slashes RT-PCR test rate for private labs

The rate had been reduced from ₹1,200 to ₹800 following a drop in the prices of test kits

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-rajasthan-slashes-rt-pcr-test-rate-for-private-labs/article33204009.ece

Coronavirus | Active cases in Maharashtra inch towards 90,000

Mumbai, Pune report more than 1,000 new cases

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-active-cases-in-maharashtra-inch-towards-90000/article33203964.ece

Maharashtra govt. ignoring farmers, dragging feet on Maratha quota: Fadnavis

Former CM lists MVA govt.’s failures

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maharashtra-govt-ignoring-farmers-dragging-feet-on-maratha-quota-fadnavis/article33203956.ece

Supreme Court moved on ED Director tenure

Extension by one more year violates CVC Act, says NGO

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-moved-on-ed-director-tenure/article33203929.ece

GDP contracts 7.5% , recovery in Q2 better than expected

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27

The economy contracted by 7.5 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) of 2020-21 as against a fall of 23.9 per cent during the stringent lockdown months of the first quarter (April to June), according to government data released on Thursday.

Edit: Economic recovery

Covid control key factor

Recovery ignites optimism, but a cautious optimism. Sustainability of the recovery critically depends on keeping the pandemic in control. - Union Finance Ministry

India in technical recession, but govt 'cautiously optimistic'

Encouraging signs

• The economy contracted by 7.5 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) of 2020-21
• The GDP contracted by record 23.9% in the first quarter (April to June) as lockdown hit economic activity

Govt spending to spur growth, says CII

We are certain this trend will continue. Private consumption is weak and increased govt spending will help the momentum for a more robust growth. - Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII

With the contraction in two successive quarters, India has entered a technical recession but the Union Finance Ministry feels the latest data, especially the high frequency indicators, suggest a recovery is underway.

The government, however, was not willing to commit that the fourth quarter could see positive growth after it was clear that the third quarter GDP growth will also be negative. "Recovery provides optimism but we urge caution about the pandemic. Winter months must warrant caution and safety protocols must be followed stringently as a service to the nation,'' said the Ministry's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian.

In a break from the past, the government used six new indicators in a total of 23 to project -7.5 per cent GDP growth. These include data of rice and fish, purchase of private vehicles, passenger traffic at airports and Center's revenue spending. There was V-shaped recovery in use-based industries in consumer goods, especially consumer durables, and investment, capital and infrastructure goods which suggest strong revival of both consumption and investment, which together account for about 90 per cent of India's GDP, said the Finance Ministry.

The corporate sector seemed back on track in the second quarter after two quarters of contraction with its level of operating profits similar to that in September 2018, said Subramanian. However, bank credit rose by a little over 5.2 per cent and gross fixed capital formation remained in the negative territory.

The government also released the index of industrial production (IIP), which showed that core sector growth has remained in the negative zone at -13.0 per cent. In October, the decline was -2.5 per cent after raising hopes in September about returning to positive territory with a contraction of 0.1 per cent. On the positive side, steel production and consumption gathered momentum, signalling the revival of construction activity. Power consumption and e-way bills also registered double-digit growth in October, suggesting buoyancy in industrial and commercial activities

Analysts however point out that consumption remains low, industrial recovery is still weak and the traction seen in IIP growth lately is triggered largely by the festival demand, which was also pointed out on Wednesday by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.

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Hyderbad firm to produce Sputnik doses

Tribune News Service/PTI

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Nov 27

The Russian Direct Investment Fund and Hyderbad-based pharma group Hetero have agreed to produce over 100 million doses per year of the world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V, Hetero said on Friday.

10 states account for 84% fatalities

Of the total deaths, 83.80 pc are from 10 states: Maha, K'taka, TN, Delhi, Bengal, UP, Andhra, Punjab, Gujarat amp; MP

The parties intend to start the production of Sputnik V in the beginning of 2021 through Hetero's biologics arm Hetero Biopharma, it said in a press release.

The Gamaleya Center in Russia and the RDIF announced on November 24 positive results obtained during the second interim data analysis of the largest double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trials in Russia involving 40,000 volunteers.

Currently, Sputnik Phase III trials are being held in several countries, including India. Meanwhile, the new Covid cases exceeded daily recoveries for the third day in a row in India. The country saw 43,082 new cases as against 39,379 recoveries in the last 24 hours.

Of the new cases, 76.93 per cent are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra leads the tally with 6,406 new cases. Delhi has reported 5,475 cases, while Kerala recorded 5,378 in the last 24 hours.

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2 Army jawans killed in Pak shelling at LoC

Jammu, November 27

Two Army jawans were killed on Friday as Pakistani troops opened heavy fire and shelled mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

A defence spokesperson said, "The Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked firing on the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector of district Rajouri today (Friday)." The Indian Army immediately responded to the unprovoked firing, he added.

Naik Prem Bahadur Khatri and Rifleman Sukhbir Singh sustained critical injuries in the firing and died later, he said. The nation would always remain indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty, the official added. On Thursday, Subedar Swatantra Singh was killed and a civilian critically injured in Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Kirni and Qasba sectors of Poonch district. — PTI

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Jagir Kaur elected SGPC president for fourth time

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 27

Senior SAD leader Bibi Jagir Kaur was elected president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the fourth time at an annual general House meeting held here today. She succeeds Gobind Singh Longowal.

Held post in 2005

Jalandhar: Many years after Bibi Jagir Kaur got mired in a controversy relating to her daughter's death, the SAD once again appointed her as the SGPC chief. A few days after she was inducted as a minister in the SAD-BJP government in 2012, she was convicted and jailed for the "forcible abortion" of her daughter. Even after she got bail, she remained sidelined by the party till she was appointed as the chief of the Istri Akali Dal about three years ago. On her appointment, Bholath MLA Sukhpal Khaira said, "The decision to appoint Bibi Jagir Kaur, a tainted and corrupt leader, as SGPC president exhibits total political bankruptcy of the SAD, besides the fact that she is a known rubber stamp of the Badals." TNS

A day earlier, members owing allegiance to the SAD had entrusted all rights to party president Sukhbir Singh Badal to take a final call on their behalf.

As Jagir Kaur's name was announced by Longowal and seconded by former SGPC acting president Alwinder Pal Singh Pakhoke, it was opposed by some members who proposed the name of rebel 'Akali' leader Mithu Singh Kahneke against her.

Dhami appointed chief secy

Amritsar: The SGPC's general House on Friday appointed Harjinder Singh Dhami as honorary chief secretary. Dhami, a law graduate, has been SGPC member since 1996 and also served as general secretary during the last tenure. His appointment was confirmed by passing a resolution read by newly appointed SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur during the general House meeting. The post has been vacant after Dr Roop Singh resigned on August 24. While passing another resolution, the House urged the Centre to reopen the Kartarpur corridor. TNS

Consequently, the voting process was adopted in which Jagir Kaur emerged as the winner with a convincing margin. She polled 122 of the total 143 votes.

She was first elected as SGPC president in 1999. In 2000, she was re-elected but during this term she resigned following the controversy in which she was accused of allegedly killing her daughter.

During her third tenure, she led the Sikh body from September 2004 to November 2005. She was acquitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in December 2018.

Surjit Singh Bhittewad was elected as senior vice-president, Baba Buta Singh junior vice-president and Bhagwant Singh Sialka general secretary.

Jagir Kaur has proposed the name of Kahneke to be included in the 11-member executive. The other executive members include Baldev Singh Chungha, Baba Charanjit Singh Jassowal, Navtej Singh Kaoni, Satwinder Singh Tohra, Ajmer Singh Khera, Darshan Singh, Bhupinder Singh Balwan, Harbhajan Singh Masana, Malkit Kaur Kamalpur and Amrik Singh Shahpur.

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On poll eve, Mehbooba alleges house arrest

Srinagar, November 27

On the eve of the first phase of the maiden District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jamp;K, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti claimed on Friday she had been placed under house arrest.

Kashmir is an open air prison where no one has the right to express their opinion. - Mehbooba Mufti, PDP

Kashmir is an "open air prison" where no one has the right to express their opinion, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said after the authorities barred her from holding a press conference at her residence here.

The former Chief Minister said she was not allowed to visit the Pulwama residence of party leader Waheed Parra, who was arrested by the NIA earlier this week. Mufti said her daughter was also put under house arrest. "Press has been barred from entering my residence in Srinagar. This despite no written orders explaining my arbitrary detention. Kashmir is an open air prison where no one has the right to express their opinion," she said on Twitter.

A posse of policemen stopped journalists about 100 metres away from Mehbooba's 'Fairview' residence, where she was scheduled to address the media.

The police dismissed Mehbooba's claims, saying that she was not under house arrest but was asked to postpone her visit to Pulwama due to security reasons.

Meanwhile, Jamp;K is all set for the DDC polls and byelections to the panchayat and urban local bodies, scheduled to be held in eight phases beginning tomorrow. In the first phase of the DDC elections, 43 constituencies will go to the polls — 25 in Kashmir and 18 in Jammu, officials said. — PTI

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Unable to bear son, Nuh woman kills 4 daughters

Gurugram, November 27

A woman allegedly killed her four daughters by slitting their throat before trying to kill herself at Piproli village of Nuh district in the early hours today.

The accused, identified as Farmeena, is in a critical condition. A case of murder has been registered against her. Her husband Khurshid alleged that Farmeena killed the girls and then attempted suicide. The deceased were identified as Muskan (6), Miskina (4), Alshifa (3) and four-month-old Arbina.

While the police said they were probing the case from various angles, sources claimed that it was the mother's frustration over not being able to bear a male child that drove her to commit such ghastly act.

They said Khurshid was Farmeena's second husband. She had a daughter from her previous marriage. Villagers said the couple had a tiff a month ago following which Farmeena allegedly threatened to kill her daughters. Vivek Chaudhary, DSP, Punhana, said: "We have booked Farmeena on the basis of prima facie evidence and her husband's complaint. A kitchen knife was used to kill the girls." The incident has shocked the villagers. — OC

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Banks want SC to lift stay on classification of NPA accounts

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27

The Indian Banks Association on Friday urged the Supreme Court to vacate the stay on classifying accounts as non-performing assets (NPAs), contending that it has rendered banks helpless against defaulting various sectors demand concessions.

'Huge Implications for Banking System'

• During hearing on PILs seeking relief for borrowers of various sectors, senior counsel Harish Salve told a Bench, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, that it should lift the stay ordered on September 4 restraining banks from classifying accounts into non-performing accounts.
• Earlier, the Reserve Bank of Indiahad in an affidavit filed in the top court said, "If the stay is not lifted immediately, it shall have huge implications for the banking system, apart from undermining the regulatory mandate of the Reserve Bank of India."

50% didn't avail of moratorium

• March for three months, the loan moratorium is a legal authorisation to debtors to postpone payment of EMIs. It was extended to six months till August 31, 2020. The government said more than 50 per cent of the borrowers didn't avail of the moratorium.
• Even after disposal of individual PILs, there are several petitions filed by various sectors of the economy seeking similar relief from the government on account of Covid.

During hearing on PILs seeking relief for borrowers of various sectors, senior counsel Harish Salve told a Bench, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, that it should lift the stay ordered on September 4 restraining banks from classifying accounts into non-performing accounts.

Earlier, the RBI had in an affidavit filed in the top court said, "If the stay is not lifted immediately, it shall have huge implications for the banking system, apart from undermining the regulatory mandate of the Reserve Bank of India."

The Bench disposed of PILs filed by individual borrowers after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said eight categories of borrowers with loan up to Rs 2 crore had already been given benefit of the loan moratorium scheme. It directed the government to ensure that all necessary steps be taken to implement its decision to forego compound interest.

Mehta, however, said pre-Covid defaulters can't benefit from the fresh resolution framework.

Announced by RBI in March for three months, the loan moratorium is a legal authorisation to debtors to postpone payment of EMIs. It was extended to six months till August 31, 2020. The government said more than 50 per cent of the borrowers didn't avail of the moratorium.Even after disposal of individual PILs, there are several petitions filed by various sectors of the economy seeking similar relief from the government on account of Covid-19.

On all such petitions, the Bench adjourned the hearing to next week and asked power producers to give suggestions on loan relief to RBI. The court noted that the pandemic has not only caused serious threat to the health of the people but has also cast its shadow on the economic growth of the country as well as other countries in the entire world.

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Evaluation of FIR against Arnab doesn’t establish charge, says SC

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27

Sixteen days after ordering the release of Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the Supreme Court on Friday delivered a detailed judgement which said the FIR against him prima facie didn't establish abetment to suicide charge.

Demolition smacks of malice: HC

Mumbai: The Bombay HC on Friday held that demolition carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at actor Kangana Ranaut's bungalow here was illegal and smacked of malicious intent. The court appointed an assessor to evaluate the damage caused so as to decide Ranaut's claim for compensation. It also came down heavily on Sanjay Raut over his tirade against Ranaut. PTI

Raps Bombay HC

• The top court criticised the Bombay High Court for failing to notice the contents of the FIR and making a prima facie evaluation and abdicating its role, functions and jurisdiction when seized of a petition under Section 482 of the CrPC.
• The High Court should not have refused to exercise its powers "when a citizen has been arbitrarily deprived of their personal liberty in an excess of state power".

A Bench, headed by Justice DY Chandrachud, said "a prima facie evaluation of the FIR does not establish the ingredients of the offence of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC". It ordered that the interim bail granted to Goswami and two other accused — Feroz Mohammad Shaikh and Neetish Sarda — on November 11 shall remain operational four weeks after the Bombay High Court disposed of their plea for quashing of the FIR. If rejected, they can move the top court.

The top court criticised the Bombay High Court for failing to notice the contents of the FIR and making a prima facie evaluation and abdicating its role, functions and jurisdiction when seized of a petition under Section 482 of the CrPC.

The High Court should not have refused to exercise its powers "when a citizen has been arbitrarily deprived of their personal liberty in an excess of state power".

The top court lamented that 91,568 bail applications were pending in High Courts, while 1.96 lakh such pleas were hanging fire in district courts.

Maintaining that "Liberty is not a gift for the few", the top court asked High Courts and District Court's to monitor pendency of bail applications to ensure protection of personal liberty of ordinary people.

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After Nivar, another cyclone brews over Bay of Bengal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27

After Nivar, another cyclonic circulation is brewing in the Bay of Bengal due to which extremely heavy rain is expected around December 2 and 3 over South Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the IMD has said.

Heavy rain expected on Dec 2, 3 in TN, Puducherry

• A low pressure area is likely to form over Southeast Bay of Bengal during the next 36 hours
• It will lead to enhanced rain activity over Peninsular India during December 1 and 3

Its latest update says "a low pressure area is likely to form over Southeast Bay of Bengal during the next 36 hours, around November 29, leading to enhanced rain activity over Peninsular India during December 1 and 3".

"It will concentrate into a depression during the subsequent 24 hours and likely to intensify further thereafter, move westwards and reach Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts on December 2. Under its influence, heavy-to-very-heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy rain are very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on December 2 and 3. Sea conditions will be rough to very rough from November 28 onwards in different parts as the system progresses through the Bay," it added

There has been an increase in the number and intensity of storms over the recent years due to changing climatic conditions. Sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal have been steadily increasing over the last decades, a factor driving rapid intensification. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water, driving extreme rainfall during cyclones, increasing threat of flooding, experts say.

High temperatures are generally conducive for cyclogenesis. There is also a correlation between cooler phase of ENSO, known as La Nintilde;a, and increased tropical cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal. 2020 being a La Nintilde;a year (which is also reason for a harsher and longer winter) is another underlying cause behind increased activity.

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Kolkata Police transfers 79 officers in major reshuffle

In a major reshuffle, the Kolkata Police on Friday transferred at least 79 officers, it said in a notification. Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/kolkata-police-transfers-79-officers-in-major-reshuffle/article33198392.ece

Garbage contractors threaten strike

They claim that bills amounting to ₹400 crore have not been cleared

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/garbage-contractors-threaten-strike/article33195657.ece

Rain in parts of Bhadradri district

Unseasonal rain leaves paddy farmers anxious

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rain-in-parts-of-bhadradri-district/article33198379.ece

U.S. advisory panel to meet on COVID-19 vaccine allocation

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have asked the FDA to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-advisory-panel-to-meet-on-covid-19-vaccine-allocation/article33198331.ece

SWR plans three pairs of trains to KIA

Two trains will originate at Majestic and one at Yelahanka

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/tentative-train-schedule-to-kempegowda-international-airport/article33195140.ece

National centre for arts likely to be closed for 3 months, to be shifted to Janpath Hotel

IGNCA to be demolished to make way for govt. offices as part of Central Vista redevelopment in Delhi

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-centre-for-arts-likely-to-be-closed-for-3-months-to-be-shifted-to-janpath-hotel/article33196933.ece

Girl dies after slap by father during tuition

A six-year-old girl died after she was slapped by her father, who was angry that she was not paying attention to her studies, in Odisha’s Koraput dist

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/girl-dies-after-slap-by-father-during-tuition/article33196850.ece

Will consult Sonia on alliance with Left: Rahul

West Bengal leaders want a tie-up for Assembly elections next year

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/will-consult-sonia-on-alliance-with-left-rahul/article33196829.ece

Prisons lack awareness about needs of transgender inmates: report

It says governments have failed to comply with the standards for ascertaining their needs

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prisons-lack-awareness-about-needs-of-transgender-inmates-report/article33196736.ece

Gujarat Chief Justice concerned at non-compliance of COVID norms by public

The court has asked the Principal Secretary (Health) to file an affidavit stating all steps the State authorities had taken

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/gujarat-chief-justice-concerned-at-non-compliance-of-covid-norms-by-public/article33196593.ece

Alliance with AIADMK and BJP will continue, says Rangasamy

Congress-DMK govt. was a “dark” chapter in the history of the U.T.: Anbalagan

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/alliance-with-aiadmk-and-bjp-will-continue-says-rangasamy/article33196275.ece

Congress Working Committee pays tribute to Ahmed Patel

The decision-making body says the party must go forward with a sense of unity and discipline

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-working-committee-pays-tribute-to-ahmed-patel/article33196044.ece

Video images of police beating Black man ‘shame us’, says Emmanuel Macron

The officers involved in the beating of Zecler were suspended during an internal police investigation.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/video-images-of-police-beating-black-man-shame-us-says-emmanuel-macron/article33197397.ece

“Pudding” is a resident Fox at the Fox Welfare society, too gentle to be released into the wild

https://ift.tt/2Jpkmmz via /r/aww https://ift.tt/3lgh1n6

SEC tells channels to stop spreading hate speeches

It asks parties, contestants to follow Covid norms

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/sec-tells-channels-to-stop-spreading-hate-speeches/article33190285.ece

Adamant farmers break barricades in Haryana

Geetanjali Gayatri

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 26

Hundreds of thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana, on way to the national Capital as part of the "Delhi Chalo" protest against the Centre's recent agriculture laws, on Thursday pushed their way through heavy police deployment, braved water cannons and tear gas and brought down barricades to reach the national highway.

There was a confrontation between the Haryana Police and the farmers at the Shambhu border. The farmers, riding tractor-trailers and raising slogans, outnumbered the police personnel and forced their way into Haryana. The use of water cannons and tear gas shells proved of little use as the protesters removed the barricades and dumpers parked in the middle of the road to obstruct their movement.

25,000 women protesters

25,000 women are taking part in the protest. "Over 4,000 tractor-trailers have been arranged for them," said SS Kokrikalan, BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan)

Stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported at the Shambhu border though none was injured. Sources claimed private and government vehicles were damaged in Kurukshetra, Karnal and Agroha. A toll plaza was damaged too. Farmers led by Bharatiya Kisan Union's Gurnam Singh Charuni, camping in Karnal for the night, and those making their way into Haryana through Munak in Tohana, Agroha in Hisar, Kaithal and the Khanauri border faced water cannons. In Gurugram, Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav and a group of protesters were detained by the police. By afternoon, the farmers from Punjab and Haryana had virtually swamped the highway till Panipat. The police, despite the barricades raised at several places, let them proceed after a brief face-off.

With a large number of farmers camping in Panipat, security at the nearby Karhans village has been tightened. The national highway has been dug up and stone pillars raised to stop the farmers. The Sonepat district administration has established a temporary jail at the IFCI building at Sewali village on NH-44.

Capt, Khattar fight it out on Twitter

It's cheap politics

Stop inciting innocent farmers. Time for your lies, deception and propaganda is over. Let the people see your real facehellip; avoid cheap politics. ML Khattar, Haryana CM

Blind to problems

Seems your govt has been so busy creating the bogey of non-existent 'love jihad' that you couldn't see the problems of farmers on the ground. Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM

---

Traffic snarls, Delhi Police step up checking

New Delhi: Commuters from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh faced traffic snarls at several border crossings as the Delhi Police intensified checking in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' march by Punjab farmers who are scheduled to reach Delhi through five highways.

Routes used by farmers

Lalru | Shambhu | Patiala-Pehowa | Patran-Khanauri | Moonak-Tohana | Ratia-Fatehabad | Talwandi-Sirsa

Shiromani Akali Dal calls it a black day

Using force against farmers on Constitution Day. It's a 'black day' for 'annadattas' of the country. SAD

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Punjab farm unions condemn use of force

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 26

Punjab farmers on Thursday removed boulders and trucks to make way into Haryana. All political parties in Punjab have lent support to the protesting farmers, providing vehicles and ration. Inside Haryana, despite police resistance, the farmers managed to proceed towards Delhi. "Such brutal use of force against the farmers is condemnable," said JS Patiala, general secretary of the BKU-Dakaunda.

MLAs lend support

A number of Pb Cong MLAs came on the roads in support of the farmers. Gidderbaha MLA Raja Warring and his supporters were taken in preventive custody at Ratia as he tried to enter Haryana from the Mansa side on a tractor-trailer.

Sources said about 3 lakh protesters, including 25,000 women, were on their way to Delhi. The BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), Punjab's largest kisan union, has mobilised 1.95 lakh farmers for the protest march. At Khanauri and Dabwali, the farmers' movement was obstructed. Subsequently, Ugrahan group activists pitched tents and launched protests. At Khanauri, help came from Haryana farmers who removed mounds of sand raised by the police. Union leader Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said they would breach police barricades on Friday to reach Delhi. All-India Kisan Sabha chief PS Bhangu, who led a protest at the Shambhu barrier, said they were gearing up to face resistance at the Delhi border. "Even in the face of resistance, our protest will remain peaceful," he said. Union leaders Jhanda Singh Jethuke of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) and Dr Darshan Pal of the Krantikari Kisan Union appealed to the farmers to remain peaceful.

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2 soldiers killed in JK militant attack

New Delhi, November 26

Two security personnel were martyred in a terror attack on an Army quick-reaction team on the outskirts of Srinagar today.

The police said the quick-reaction team came under indiscriminate firing by three militants in the HTM area of Srinagar.

"

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

PM: Won't forget Mumbai attack

India cannot forget Mumbai attack. Today's India is facing terrorism with new strategy and new polity. I praise those security officers who have been playing major role in securing the country.

"

Kashmir IG Vijat Kumar said, "Three terrorists opened fire on our Army soldiers. Two jawans were critically injured, who reportedly succumbed to their injuries. Jaish has active movement in this area. Terrorists fled in a car. Two of them are probably Pakistanis."

A defence spokesperson is reported to have said, "They (the injured soldiers) were evacuated to a nearest medical facility. However, they succumbed to their injuries."

The security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the assailants, he said. "Being a crowded area, our men exercised restraint to avoid any civilian casualty and collateral damage," he added. The attack comes just two days ahead of the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have been getting inputs that terrorists were planning attacks to disrupt the elections. — TNS

Pakistan yet to nab 19 Lashkar terrorists for role in 26/11

Lahore: Twelve years after the 26/11 attack, Pakistan has placed 19 members of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) on a list of "most wanted terrorists" for their role in the heinous assault, but it has not initiated any serious effort to nab them or punish seven others already facing trial. The security agencies here are clueless about the whereabouts of these 19 terrorists. PTI

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