Anti-climax to political show, Rajini calls ‘cut’ before action

Anti-climax to political show, Rajini calls ‘cut’ before action

Cites God And Health, Says Sorry

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:30.12.2020

In the climax of his 2002 flop ‘Baba’, Rajinikanth makes a last-minute return from sanyaas to socio-political life. On Tuesday, the actor made a virtual repeat of the theme, this time in reverse, going back on his promise to launch a political party.

“I regret to announce that I am not in position to launch a party and enter politics. Only I know the pain behind this announcement. This will come as a disappointment to the members of RMM (Rajini Makkal Mandram), my fans and people. Forgive me,” Rajinikanth said in a three-page statement. “Some people may ridicule me. But fearing them, I cannot sacrifice those who trust and travel with me,” he said. Rajinikanth, who was shooting in Hyderabad for his latest movie last week, was hospitalised for three days with complaints of fluctuating blood pressure after four of the crew members tested positive for Covid-19. He tested negative for the virus. Rajinikanth’s announcement on Tuesday came as a shock for some, disappointment for some others, who were anticipating the actor’s promised December 31announcement.

Relief for both DMK, AIADMK

Both the DMK, which was worried about Rajinikanth taking away a chunk of the anti-incumbency votes, and the AIADMK — whose negotiating position with allies like the BJP that were looking at other options has been bolstered — must be feeling relieved. P 2

Left us politically orphaned: Fans

The three-page letter came as a bolt from the blue for his fans. “We formed booth panels in 70% polling stations. He had enough time to launch party in the last two years. He has left us politically orphaned,” said an RMM district secretary. P 2

‘Went for Hyd shoot against doc’s advice’

Fans took to social media to express their views; many wished him good health. Some of them regrouped in front of his Poes Garden residence to make a last ditch attempt to make Rajini reconsider his decision.

“Vaanga Thalaiva, Naanga Irukkom” (Come out, leader, we are here), one of the fans tweeted. “You do not worry. We will take care of the hard work,” said another. RSS ideologue and Tuglak editor S Gurumurthy termed Rajinikanth's decision as “inevitable”. He hoped Rajinikanth would still make an impact in the coming elections as he did in the 1996 assembly polls (when the actor had issued a statement against Jayalalithaa), which the DMK-TMC alliance won with a big majority.

In his statement, Rajinikanth said despite the advice from doctors not to venture out, he had travelled to Hyderabad to shoot for a film. All the 120 people who participated in the shooting were made to follow strict Covid protocols and undergo tests every day, he said. “Still four people tested positive for Covid and the director halted the shooting to carry out Covid tests for all. The result was negative for me. But due to severe fluctuations in my blood pressure, I was admitted to a hospital and was monitored for three days. Fluctuating blood pressure is harmful for my transplanted kidney. I considered it as a warning from God. If despite strict protocols, four out of 120 could test positive, what could happen when thousands and even lakhs assemble for my campaign,” Rajinikanth said.

The actor said he cannot trigger his desired uprising by campaigning merely via social media and videos. “If I venture out, it could become a big risk for all, especially when a second wave of the virus is spreading. If a well-organised film shoot can result in my hospitalization for three days, participating in an election campaign could become even more risky and I do not want to leave people in the lurch midway,” he said. RMM functionaries have toiled hard over the past three years and served the people during Covid. Their efforts will not go waste. RMM will continue to function as usual. “I will continue to serve the people away from electoral politics. I never hesitated in expressing my honest opinion,” the actor said, thanking his RMM secretaries for abiding by his decisions.

100 Munnabhais under lens in Hyderabad

100 Munnabhais under lens in Hyderabad

TNN | Dec 28, 2020, 04.44 AM IST

HYDERABAD: A Delhi-based education consultant has reportedly supplied fake MBBS certificates to YS Teja, who hoodwinked Rachakonda police and even became their adviser during the Covid-induced lockdown, and another person from Shabad, who studied up to Intermediate and started a small hospital.

Investigators found Delhi-based consultant Sunil facilitated in supplying the fake certificates to Teja and Shabad resident, whose name is reportedly Ram Reddy, from a university in Chhattisgarh. Already, health department officials have ordered a departmental probe into certificates of 100 doctors practising in Hyderabad and adjoining districts.

Police said in all cases of fake education certificates, they found that miscreants had fabricated fake certificates of different institutions by illegally printing them and sold them to the prospective customers. However, the candidates would not be in the records.

TimesView

A multi-agency probe team comprising cops, Indian Medical Association and National Medical Commission authorities must be set up to bust the racket behind people obtaining fake certificates from other states. Hospital authorities and other employers in Telangana are also guilty of not checking the veracity of certificates submitted by the candidates. There must be stringent checks in place, especially when the fate of scores of innocent people are at stake.

“Teja and the Shabad resident came in contact with Sunil after they googled for consultants who can help them get fake certificate. Teja paid Rs 40,000 as advance and a photocopy of a fake MBBS certificate was created on his name and sent on the condition that he will be given the actual fake certificate if he pays the remaining Rs 2 lakh,” Medipally inspector B Anji Reddy told TOI. Chhattisgarh Medical University confirmed to police that the certificate produced by Teja in the name of an affiliated college of their university was fake.

When police nabbed Sunil from Delhi, they found he had supplied fake certificates to several persons. Ram Reddy was one such beneficiary and he started a small hospital, which was shut by police a month ago.

Similarly, Hyderabad police found that M Srinu Naik, who was arrested a month ago, reportedly had bought M Tech certificate by paying Rs 2 lakh through a broker, Srinivas Reddy of Nalgonda, from CMJ University, Meghalaya. However, there were records of his enrolment with the institution.

Police said fake graduation certificates were being sold by some agents for a maximum price of Rs 1 lakh.

Hyderabad deputy commissioner of police (Task Force) Radhakishan Rao said in almost all fake certificate cases they had dealt with, the accused had bought them from other states—mainly Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. “We found the accused who seek fake certificate prefer to get them from other states since they presume verification of such certificates will be difficult for an employer,’’ he said.

துணைவேந்தர் சுரப்பா மீதான விசாரணை புகார் அளித்தோருக்கு ஆணையம் சம்மன்

துணைவேந்தர் சுரப்பா மீதான விசாரணை புகார் அளித்தோருக்கு ஆணையம் சம்மன்

Added : டிச 27, 2020 23:28

சென்னை: அண்ணா பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் சுரப்பா குறித்து புகார் அளித்தவர்கள், நேரில் ஆஜராகி ஆவணங்கள் தாக்கல் செய்யும்படி, விசாரணை ஆணையம் சம்மன் அனுப்பியுள்ளது.

அண்ணா பல்கலை துணைவேந்தராக, கர்நாடக மாநிலத்தைச் சேர்ந்த, பேராசிரியர் சுரப்பா பணியாற்றுகிறார். அவரது நிர்வாகத்திற்கு, பல்கலை பேராசிரியர்கள் பாராட்டு தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.சுரப்பாவின் நிர்வாக சீர்திருத்த முறைகளால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டவர்கள், அவருக்கு எதிராக, தமிழக உயர் கல்வி துறையிடம் புகார் அளித்துள்ளனர்.

பல்வேறு அரசியல் கட்சியினர் மற்றும் மாணவர் அமைப்புகள், சுரப்பாவுக்கு எதிராக போராட்டங்கள் நடத்தியுள்ளன.இந்நிலையில், சில புகார் கடிதங்கள் அடிப்படையில், சுரப்பாவுக்கு எதிரான ஊழல் குற்றச்சாட்டுகளை விசாரிக்க, ஓய்வு பெற்ற நீதிபதி கலையரசன் தலைமையில், விசாரணை ஆணையத்தை, தமிழக அரசு நியமித்துள்ளது.இந்த ஆணையம், துணைவேந்தருக்கு எதிரான புகார்கள் தொடர்பாக, பல்வேறு தரப்பினரிடமும், விசாரணை நடத்தி வருகிறது. அண்ணா பல்கலையின் பதிவாளர் கருணாமூர்த்தி, தேர்வு கட்டுப்பாட்டு அதிகாரி வெங்கடேசன் மற்றும் பலரிடம் விசாரணை நடந்துள்ளது.

தொடர்ந்து, துணைவேந்தர் சுரப்பாவுக்கு எதிராக புகார் அளித்தவர்களிடம், விசாரணை நடத்த முடிவு செய்துள்ளது. அதன்படி, தமிழக தனியார் கல்லுாரிகள் மற்றும் பணியாளர் சங்க நிர்வாகிகள், உரிய ஆவணங்களுடன், வரும், 6ம் தேதி விசாரணைக்கு, ஆணையத்தில் ஆஜராகும்படி, ஆணைய உறுப்பினர் செயலர் சங்கீதா சம்மன் அனுப்பி உள்ளார்.படிப்படியாக ஒவ்வொரு புகார்தாரருக்கும் சம்மன் அனுப்பப்படுவதாக, உயர்கல்வி அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

பணிக்கொடை பிடித்தம்: உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் தீர்ப்பு

பணிக்கொடை பிடித்தம்: உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் தீர்ப்பு

Added : டிச 28, 2020 05:47

புதுடில்லி: 'ஊழியர் செலுத்த வேண்டிய நிலுவை தொகையை, அவருக்கான, 'கிராஜுவிட்டி' எனப்படும் பணிக்கொடையில் இருந்து பிடித்தம் செய்யலாம்' என, உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் தீர்ப்பு அளித்து உள்ளது.

அரசுத் துறை நிறுவனமான, 'செயில்'4 எனப்படும், 'ஸ்டீல் அத்தாரிட்டி ஆப் இந்தியா'வில் பணிபுரிந்த ஊழியர், ஓய்வு பெற்ற பின்னும், தனக்கு ஒதுக்கப்பட்ட வீட்டை காலி செய்யாமல் இருந்தார்.தடைஜார்க்கண்ட் மாநிலம், பொகாரோவில் உள்ள அந்த குடியிருப்புக்காக, அவர் செலுத்த வேண்டிய வாடகை பாக்கி, 1.95 லட்சம் ரூபாய், அவருக்கான பணிக்கொடையில் இருந்து பிடித்தம் செய்யப்பட்டது.

இதை எதிர்த்து தொடரப்பட்ட வழக்கை விசாரித்த, ஜார்க்கண்ட் உயர் நீதிமன்றம், 2017ல் உச்ச நீதிமன்ற அமர்வு அளித்த உத்தரவை மேற்கோள்காட்டி, பணிக்கொடையை பிடித்தம் செய்வதற்கு தடை விதித்தது.இதை எதிர்த்து தொடரப்பட்ட வழக்கை, நீதிபதிகள் எஸ்.கே.கவுல், தினேஷ் மகேஷ்வரி, ரிஷிகேஷ் ராய் அடங்கிய, உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தின் மூன்று நீதிபதிகள் அமர்வு விசாரித்து வந்தது. சமீபத்தில் அந்த அமர்வு அளித்துள்ள தீர்ப்பில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளதாவது:கடந்த, 2017ல், ஒரு வழக்கில், அந்த வழக்கின் தன்மையை கருத்தில் வைத்து, பணிக்கொடையை பிடித்தம் செய்யக் கூடாது என, உச்ச நீதிமன்ற அமர்வு கூறியுள்ளது. அது அந்த வழக்கில் பிறப்பிக்கப்பட்ட உத்தரவே தவிர, தீர்ப்பு அல்ல.ஒருவர் பணி ஓய்வுக்கு பின்னும், அரசு ஒதுக்கிய வீட்டில் இருந்து காலி செய்ய மறுத்தால், அவருக்கு அபராத வாடகை விதிக்கலாம். அந்த அபராத வாடகை உட்பட, அவரிடம் வசூலிக்க வேண்டிய தொகையை, பணிக்கொடையில் இருந்து பிடித்தம் செய்யலாம்; பணிக்கொடையை நிறுத்தி வைக்கலாம்.

இதற்காக அந்த ஊழியரிடம் இருந்து முன் அனுமதியோ, ஒப்புதலோ பெறத் தேவையில்லை.வசூலிக்கலாம்கடந்த, 2005ல், உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் அளித்த தீர்ப்பில், இது உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. குறிப்பிட்ட காலத்தைவிட, அதிகமாக அரசு குடியிருப்பில் தங்கு வோரிடம் இருந்து அபராத வாடகை வசூலிக்கலாம் என, அந்தத் தீர்ப்பில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.இவ்வாறு, அமர்வு தன் தீர்ப்பில் கூறியுள்ளது.

Modi to inaugurate country’s first-ever driverless train ops

Modi to inaugurate country’s first-ever driverless train ops

New Delhi:  28.12.2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first ever driverless train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line (Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden) as well as the fully operational National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services on the Airport Express Line, via videoconferencing, on Monday at 11am.

“With the commencement of driverless trains on Magenta Line, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will enter the elite league of 7% of world’s Metro networks, which can operate without drivers,” a DMRC spokesperson said.

After starting driverless services on the 37km-long Magenta Line, another major corridor of Delhi Metro, the 57kmlong Pink Line (Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar) will also have driverless operations by mid-2021. After this, DMRC will have a driverless network length of about 94 kilometres, which will be approximately 9% of world’s total driverless Metro network.

The common mobility card, which will be fully operationalised on the Airport Express Line, will allow anyone carrying a RuPay-Debit card issued recently in the last 18 months by 23 banks. The same facility will become available on the entire Delhi Metro network by 2022, he said. TNN

Colleges in a fix over five add-on seats

Colleges in a fix over five add-on seats

DU Yet To Issue Directions

Mohammad.Ibrar@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:28.12.2020

Following the controversial Delhi University notification of December 21regarding the addition of five new seats to courses this year, no new directions have been issued to colleges yet, even as admissions for 2020 end on December 31.

The notification signed by the registrar stated that college principals will be allowed to admit five students over and above the allotted number of seats, out of which the university may suggest two names. These five applicants would get 10% relaxation on the cutoff. This, DU claimed, was due to the Covid-19 pandemic and on the request of principals While most are waiting for directions, some colleges have forwarded the DU notice to their governing bodies, stating that principals do not have the right to take such decisions. Others have questioned the need for this notification at all.

A principal, on the condition of anonymity, dismissed the varsity’s claims. “Using Covid-19 as a crutch to conduct an activity similar to management quotas of private colleges is utterly shameful,” they said.

Principals say that most of them are unaware how the process will take place. “The university could have routed it through the Academic Council and the Executive Council, or at least from the admission committee,” said Manoj Khanna, principal of Ramjas College.

Suman Sharma, principal of Lady Shri Ram College said that no decision has been taken on this so far.

“We have no clarity on how to go about it as we have no directions,” said Kamala Nehru College principal Kalpana Bhakuni. “We also have to think about its implications.”

Principal Babri Moitra Saraf of IP College for Women said that the notification is unusual and is not supported by any ordinance or resolution. “I have forwarded it to my college GB for implementation as I don’t think the principal is empowered to select students for admission,” she said.

Saraf added that as she attended the last EC meeting in December as a member and there was no discussion on the topic. “We do not know which principals requested the notification,” she further said.

Speaking to TOI, DU’s dean of college Balram Pani was unsure of when directives would be issued. “The directions will go through the registrar. There was a meeting on the issue by the admission committee recently. We will get clarity by Monday.”

CITY CITY BANG BANG

CITY CITY BANG BANG

2020: The Year That Made Us All Think

SANTOSH DESAI

28.12.2020

Every year, the year-ender column is a bit of a ritual — it feels appropriate to look back and try and discern a pattern that defined the 12 months gone by. Sometimes the pattern really does exist, but on many occasions, it is a bit of a contrivance, this need to attribute meaning to a random period of time. This year, however, stands apart. For it is a year without parallel in recent history, and every individual on the planet has gone through an experience that was as constrictive as it was potentially transformative. 2020 seemed to have a plan for us all, and the emergence of a new variant just as we were getting hopeful about the vaccine makes it possible for us to ascribe to it a malevolence that is yet to play out fully.

This is a year that made us think. Wherever we came from, and whatever our station in life, we were forced to rethink so many ideas that we have taken for granted. It put us in a situation that we were not prepared for and had no physical and psychological equipment for. It was not a situation that could not have been foreseen, for there have been enough warnings, but the reality of going through this experience and that too collectively all across the world has been a deeply disorienting one.

Perhaps, the subject that was most unfamiliar given how hard we try and avoid it is that of death. For death and its prospect surrounded us. The most followed numbers in the year had to do with sickness and death. Daily new cases, daily deaths, the availability of ICU beds, the number of ventilators available. In the early days, Covid was something that happened to other people, but as the year wore on, it tightened its grip around us. People we knew were not only getting infected, but actually dying.

Death is always strange, for by definition we have no experience of it, and often sudden, but in Covid times, the randomness of death was even more striking than usual. The idea that being in a lift or in a shop or by clasping a door handle, one would bear such a dire consequence is a difficult idea to process; this mismatch between a truly trivial oversight and the heaviness of the price that needed to be paid.

The lottery aspect of the pandemic was underlined by the fact that some people who were infected showed no symptoms whatsoever. Most others got through without too much trouble. Only a few either perished or caught the longer-term version of the virus and struggled in the aftermath of their illness.

What made it worse was that people seemed to be dying not just of Covid, but in all sorts of ways. Young, old, healthy and those bursting with fitness all seemed susceptible. Whether it was a particularly aggressive form of cancer or massive heart attacks, the pages of social media seemed to fill up with terrible news. Statistically, it is unlikely that mortality rates went up last year, but it certainly seemed so. Perhaps, staying at home without the distraction of constant movement made us focus on the fragility of lives everywhere.

Time felt different last year. Time in pre-Covid times came neatly packed in little boxes. There was a rigidity about time, an inner insistence about its use that came pre-configured. Mornings meant getting ready, whether for school or work. The day was spent being and looking busy. Time wore appropriate clothes and followed prescribed behaviour. A uniform for school, formal attire for work, correctly informal clothes for work in a new-age workspace, relaxed chilling wear at home, celebratory attire that signaled fun for parties. Ditto for behaviour.

The last few months unglued time. Its structure fell apart, and its form became a shapeless blob. It went blank at the oddest time and overflowed its embankments frequently. We were in control now and a day later found ourselves overwhelmed. Life swirled all around us in the form of children’s wails and the incessant barking of dogs. Chores alternated with Zoom calls as life struggled to find a new rhythm. Thanks to the pandemic, we have experienced freedom from the structure of time as well as experienced its crushing weight.

Along with time came the question of priorities. If we spent most of this year stuck in a confined space, we also rediscovered the meaning of family ties in all their fullness. We were able to look at work from a whole new lens. Stripped of its accompanying paraphernalia, work took on a different colour. We could ask if this was the life we wanted to lead, and whether this was the place we needed to tie ourselves down to. A smaller town, perhaps, where commutes did not suck dry the ability and interest to do something more meaningful in life?

In some ways, this period was also a forced return to pre-liberalisation days where we made do with little. The experience of having to make do with what we had, particularly in the early days of the pandemic, underlined the fact that we consume more out of habit than out of need. Wardrobes felt bloated, cosmetic shelves looked ridiculously well-stocked, and cars and bikes sat by idly. If there was a loss, it was that of human contact. We missed being around people, interacting with those friends, making small talk with acquaintances and brushing shoulders with strangers in public spaces.

Will this experience make us re-evaluate how we lead our lives once we regain full control? Or will we slip back into familiar rhythms and comfortable habits because it is so easy to do so? Will we at least be more reflective versions of our old selves as we apply the wisdom that we have gained from this experience to new contexts? It all depends on whether 2021has a somewhat more optimistic script for us.

santosh365@gmail.com

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Is it time to resume offline coaching

Is it time to resume offline coaching

c-Jagriti.Kumari@timesgroup.com

28.12.2020

With exam season nearing, coaching institutes are waiting for the government approval to re-start offline classes. While most students are taking online lessons, final touches will be possible only if offline coaching is resumed to prepare them for Boards and entrance exams lined up from March. None of the states barring Bihar and UP has so far allowed the coaching institutes to resume offline classes. Just like any other sector, coaching institutes have faced major revenue losses since lockdown. While fee hike is ruled out, most institutes are hoping to get tax exemption as 18% GST is imposed on the fee.

“It is important for students to get into the grind which is possible only in offline mode. Excessive dependency on the digital medium has kept them away from peer competition and has also created psychological problems,” says Krishna Chaitanya Kasula, general secretary, Coaching Federation of India.

“It is not practical to increase the fee in 2021 as people are still grappling with financial problems and most students will opt out,” Kasula adds. Coaching institutes in Kota are waiting for the state government nod to start operating.

“Offline classes are more appropriate for preparation of competitive exams as it increases the interpersonal interaction and helps students in clearing their doubts which is restricted in digital mode,” says Naveen Maheswari, director, Allen Career Institute.

Full report on educationtimes.com

TALKING POINT

TALKING POINT

Should young doctors be compelled to serve government hospitals

UP govt has decided to fine students with Rs 1 crore if they do not serve government hospitals for 10 years after their post-graduation

28.12.2020

Devoting 10 years is a tough decision

Serving 10 years in an organisation means giving a major part of your career. Besides, allowing only those candidates who can serve this long in a government hospital or pay Rs 1 crore will drastically impact quality of doctors in the state.

MONIKA SHEKHAWAT

GENERAL SURGERY RESIDENT, THIRD YEAR, PGI ROHTAK

Government invests huge amount

The government invests a huge amount and resources in state medical colleges. The students who get a seat in these colleges avail the best medical education in extremely marginal fees. After getting their degrees most of these doctors join private hospitals. This consequently creates a shortage of doctors in rural areas and government hospitals.

ABHISHEK PANDEY

MBBS, THIRD YEAR, KD MEDICAL COLLEGE, HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, MATHURA

Must reduce the duration

While, the move will give us more exposure to patients, giving 10 years to a hospital is long. A student can complete an MD/MS during this period. They can study to get a fellowship from prestigious universities. The decision to work in a government hospital is worth appreciating but it would have been better if doctors were asked to work for a relatively lesser duration such as 2-3 years.

PIYUSH MISHRA

MBBS STUDENT, GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, BANDA

Should improve infrastructure

This step is taken keeping in view the shortage of doctors in government medical hospitals. The decision will help in improving the condition of state hospitals. People living in rural areas who are deprived of the required medical attention will benefit from the move. However, the government needs to work on improving the status of the government hospitals rather than such forceful compulsion.

UTKARSH SINGH

MBBS, THIRD YEAR, GS MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, HAPUR

–As told to

Puniti Pandey

Universities to roll back fee refund policy post COVID

Universities to roll back fee refund policy post COVID

c-Puniti.Pandey@timesgroup.com

28.12.2020

UGC has come for the rescue of parents battling financial crisis due to lockdown and has instructed educational institutes to refund fees of students who withdraw their admission from the first-year undergraduate, postgraduate courses for the academic session 2020-21. Akhil Shahani, director, Thadomal Shahani Centre For Management observes that the move is introduced only during the pandemic and the decision will be rolled back once the situation normalises.

“Several universities in India have a policy of not refunding admission charges of students even if they drop out before the course starts. They make a huge amount of revenue from this. The UGC directive of refunding all fees is only for the year 2020-21 due to the hardships created by COVID, it will hit the revenues of universities as their expenses remain the same. It is unlikely that universities will change their refund policies post COVID,” he says.

The UGC directive is a special case for 2020-21, he adds. Once the situation returns to normal, the universities will go back to their old policies of non-refundable admission fees. The revenue from this is too large to give up easily.

The fee refund policy by UGC is already being followed at JK Lakshmipat University. Apart from the Rs 1,000 bank processing charges, the university refunds the entire admission amount.

“We have clearly mentioned the fee refund policy in the joining letter for respective courses. We just deducting the bank processing charges from the fees,” says KK Maheshwari, officiating registrar, JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur.

Oxford vax may get nod in a few days

Oxford vax may get nod in a few days

‘SII Data OK, Govt May Not Wait For Approval In UK’

New Delhi:

India is likely to see the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine approved for emergency use in the next few days as the updated data submitted by Serum Institute of India appears “satisfactory”, top government sources said, reports Sushmi Dey. Once evaluation of data is done, the regulator may not wait for the vaccine’s approval from UK’s regulatory agency, MHRA.

Daily cases now 1/4th of Sept peak

Three months after Covid cases peaked on September 17, the average number of new cases has fallen by threefourth. Positivity rate is rising only in Kerala. P 6

‘3 vaccines likely to get emergency use authorization’

We can take our regulatory decisions independently. The company has submitted the same data here from clinical trials in the UK and Brazil and rolling reviews are going on. The updated information shared by Serum Institute also appears satisfactory. We are hopeful that based on regulatory assessment, the vaccine will be approved in a day or two,” a senior official told TOI.

However, it is quite possible that the UK may also meanwhile grant the emergency use authorisation as MHRA is already reviewing the data for the vaccine developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca.

A PTI report said the drug major's CEO Pascal Soriot has reported the Covishield vaccine to have achieved a “winning formula” for efficacy. Soriot’s comments were carried in an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper. He added that he believes trials will show his firm has achieved a vaccine efficacy equal to Pfizer-BioNTech at 95% and Moderna at 94.5 per cent.

“We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else,” the chief executive said, while only adding that data would be published at “some point”. He also said that the vaccine “should be” effective against the new highly transmissible variant of the coronavirus.

The government plans to inoculate around 30 crore “priority” population in the first phase of the vaccination drive that is expected to roll out in the first week of January and end latest by July. This will include healthcare and frontline workers and those at higher risk of infection such as people over 50 years of age and others below 50 years but with severe co-morbidities that can lower immunity and increase chances of death due to Covid-19 infection.

“In the coming weeks we are likely to have around three vaccines with emergency use authorization, paving way for a large scale vaccine roll out,” the official said.

He added, once the availability of vaccine increases, the second phase will be rolled out simultaneously to expand the vaccine coverage.

Apart from Covishield – for which Pune based SII is a major manufacturing partner of AstraZeneca – two other vaccine candidates have sought emergency use authorisation in India. These are Pfizer and the locally developed Covaxin by Hyderabadbased Bharat Biotech.

Covishield has shown 62% efficacy when two full doses were given to trial participants, but 90% for a smaller subgroup given a half, then a full dose. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is likely to approve the vaccine only in two full doses as the clinical trial protocol approved here as well as the bridging studies being conducted in the country involves only full doses.

The government also plans to conduct dry run on December 28 and 29 in four states to assess the readiness.

DATA AWAITED

›Case fatality rate among seniors in K’taka dips, P 4 ›Europe’s vaccination drive in full swing, P 13

Don’t fly in Chinese nationals, Centre informally tells airlines

Don’t fly in Chinese nationals, Centre informally tells airlines

Move Follows Beijing ‘Ban’ On Indian Flyers

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:28.12.2020

In a strong retaliatory push, India has asked all airlines informally not to fly Chinese nationals into the country. This comes after China’s not-so-subtle move to stop Indians from flying into their country, something that has only tightened since November.

While flights between India and China are currently suspended, Chinese nationals eligible to travel as per current norms for foreigners have been doing so by first flying to a third country with which India has a travel bubble. And from there, they fly to India. In addition, Chinese nationals living in air bubble countries have also been flying to India from there for work and business.

Over the past weekend, airlines — both Indian and foreign — have been specifically asked not to fly Chinese nationals to India. At the moment tourist visas to India remain suspended but foreigners are allowed to travel here on work and some other categories of non-tourist visas. Industry sources say a majority of Chinese nationals flying to India have been coming from air bubble countries in Europe.

Some airlines, it is learned, asked the authorities to give them something in writing so that they can give reason for denying boarding to Chinese nationals booked on flights to India as per current norms.

New Delhi’s response comes when Indian seafarers are stranded in various Chinese ports because China is refusing to allow them on shore, or even to change crew. This has affected almost 1,500 Indians serving on international flag merchant vessels as they can’t even come back home.

Indian seafarers have taken collateral hit

Though the target is Australia, whose coal is now banned by China, Indian seafarers have taken a big collateral hit and Beijing does not seem to be willing to organise immediate relief. Questioned this week, the Chinese foreign ministry lobbed the ball back in the courts of local authorities.

But officials say there are no permissions forthcoming from any local authority. The Chinese government has given a list of steps to be followed, but, Indian officials say, they are designed to frustrate efforts.

In early November, China had suspended the entry of foreign nationals holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits from some countries including India due to the pandemic. "The Chinese embassy/consulates in India will not stamp the health declaration forms for the holders of the above-mentioned categories of visa or residence permits," the Chinese embassy in India had said in a statement on its website on November 5, while exempting some categories of visa holders like diplomats.

“The entry into China with visas issued after November 3, 2020 is not affected… suspension is a temporary measurement that China has to adopt to deal with the current pandemic. China will make further adjustment and announcement in accordance with the ongoing pandemic situation in a timely manner,” the statement had said. China’s decision had come after almost 20 passengers of an Air India Vande Bharat Mission Delhi-Wuhan flight of October 30 had tested Covid positive and another 40 were found to have Covid antibodies on arrival.

China’s special administrative region of Hong Kong suspends airlines for 14 days if five or more passengers on any single flight test positive on arrival. Hong Kong has so far barred AI four times and Vistara once during the pandemic for this reason.

There is no door delivery; Pongal gift tokens only available at ration shops, say Chennai residents

There is no door delivery; Pongal gift tokens only available at ration shops, say Chennai residents

Despite the government’s announcement that tokens will be distributed to ration card holders at doorsteps, residents say this is not the case.

Published: 28th December 2020 03:37 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Despite the government’s announcement that tokens will be distributed to ration card holders at doorsteps, residents say this is not the case. “Tokens are only being given at ration shops. The same issue occurred when the government gave Rs 1,000 for two months during the pandemic,” said S Krishna, a resident of Velachery.

To prevent crowding of people receiving Pongal gifts, the government said ration card holders of a particular street will be given tokens to get their gifts on a particular day and within a particular time frame. Rama Rao, a civic activist from Nanganallur, said,

“A stampede occurred on December 18, 2005 at a school in MGR Nagar, where the government was distributing relief materials to people affected by floods. As many as 42 people died and 37 others were injured. In a similar incident, a 63-year-old woman died in Tiruvannamalai.” He suggested that if the government cannot do door delivery, bank transfers would be a viable option.

“Tamil Nadu has a high banking penetration. Nearly 90 per cent of people have bank accounts. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts too are available,” he added.

Residents say physical distancing has gone for a toss at ration shops and this could prove risky at a time when the nation faces threat of a second wave of Covid-19. An official, on condition of anonymity, said there is not enough manpower for door-delivery of tokens.

Indian students stuck in the UK as flights stand suspended

Indian students stuck in the UK as flights stand suspended

Students hope the government resumes the flights and impose stricter quarantine and testing regulations

c-Sheetal.Banchariya@timesgroup.com

28.112.2020

The Indian government has imposed a ban on flights coming to India from the UK. All flights originating from the UK to India are suspended till December 31, 2020, with effect from December

22. While the decision to suspend flights will help curb the spread of the new strain of the virus, Indian students studying in the UK are uncertain and confused about their plans to visit their home country.

Ayurshi Dutt, a secondyear PhD student at Durham University, had booked her tickets just 10 days before the travel ban was imposed. To this date, her flight status is confirmed and she has not received any formal notification from the airline about the cancellation. “These discrepancies will play out hugely when it comes to seeking a refund and students may have to face financial losses. While the local students are enjoying Christmas break, international students are unable to meet their families,” says Ayurshi.

Akhiljeet Kaur, an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) working with a consulting firm in the UK was travelling to India on January 2, but the ban has got her worried about her travel plans.

“My flight schedules have not been altered yet as the suspension orders are effective only till December 31. There are chances of the ban getting extended if domestic or international pressure increases on the Indian government. I hope they still run the flights but have stricter quarantine and testing regulations,” Kaur tells Education Times.

Many students planning the India visit are worried about spending extra money on rent until flights are resumed again. Few students, including Ayurshi, were lucky for having their university accommodation contract extended.

“As per pre-COVID guidelines, once a student signs a contract to live in university accommodation, they cannot terminate the lease. But, many universities have made their lease agreements flexible and are processing refunds to those who have paid for the entire year or term and had to stay in their family homes,” adds Ayurshi.

Rajinikanth discharged from hosp, advised complete bed rest by docs Returns To Chennai In Evening

Rajinikanth discharged from hosp, advised complete bed rest by docs

Returns To Chennai In Evening

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:28.12.2020

Actor Rajinikanth, who was admitted to a private hospital in Hyderabad due to severe fluctuations in the blood pressure on December 25, was discharged on Sunday. While he has been advised complete bed rest for a week, Rajinikanth, accompanied by his daughter, returned to the city by evening.

“In view of his post-transplant status, labile hypertension and age,” the hospital said it has given the actor postcare advice to be followed in addition to the medication and diet. He has been advised complete bed rest for one week with regular monitoring of blood pressure, minimal physical activity and to avoid stress, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad said in a statement. “In view of his condition, he has also been counselled to avoid any activity that increases the risk of contracting Covid-19,” the hospital said.

The hospital’s advice to Rajinikanth immediately put a question mark on the actor’s pre-announced plan about making an announcement on December 31 about launching his political party next month. While the actor did not talk to reporters either in Hyderabad or in Chennai, there has been no communication from his office too. But the actor’s close confidante Tamilaruvi Manian, who has been given the responsibility of coordinating the party work along with A Arjunamurthy, did not think the developments would alter the planned announcement on December 31. “I hope he will still go ahead and make that announcement. But I will have clarity only after I speak to Rajinikanth once he returns to the city,” Tamilaruvi Manian told Times Now on Sunday noon.

“I have been speaking to him regularly and Rajinikanth is keen on launching his party and fielding candidates in all 234 assembly constituencies. Any speculation otherwise will be the handiwork of a few political parties, whose prospects could be hampered by Rajinikanth’s entry into politics,” Manian added.

Another source, who has access to Rajinikanth said, the announcement of December 31 could still happen. “Of course there is the advice from the hospital. He will surely launch his party. But to go alone or with an alliance is what needs to be decided. The announcement, if he decides to make it, can still be made through the social media,” the source said.

BACK HOME: Rajinikanth’s close aides said that the actor still might make an announcement on December 31 about launching his political party next month

MU seeks ₹91cr as grant from state govt

FINANCIAL CRISIS

MU seeks ₹91cr as grant from state govt

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:28.12.2020

Professors of University of Madras have sought ₹91crore as special grant from the state government to tide over the financial crisis faced by the university.

The 163-year old university’s revenue has been on the decline owing to a fall in admissions to its distance mode programmes and an increase in the financial burden after implementing the recommendations of the seventh pay commission.

“The university has not been able to give pension benefits to its retired faculty members and non-teaching staff since 2016. Even giving monthly pensions has become difficult,” said Professor's Forum of Madras University general secretary S S Sundaram. The university has been paying pension and other benefits to its employees from its own funds. At present, 1,465 people receive pension from the university.

“The state government should give a special grant of ₹55 crore for pensions and another ₹36 crore for meeting the deficit,” the forum said in its representation to chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami and higher education minister K P Anbalagan.

Some professors said the state government should disburse the salary grant monthly to the university. A senior official in the university said the state government has released ₹11 crore towards meeting pension benefits. “We will give the amount to the beneficiaries next week. There are some audit objections with regards to salary grants. We will rectify them and approach the government for additional grants,” the official said.

The professors’ forum said there has been no audit objection to the pension benefits so far.

சித்தா மருத்துவ படிப்புக்கு 3,000 பேர் விண்ணப்பம்

DINAMALAR

பொது செய்தி 

தமிழ்நாடு

சித்தா மருத்துவ படிப்புக்கு 3,000 பேர் விண்ணப்பம்

Added : டிச 26, 2020 22:39

சென்னை:சித்தா, ஆயுர்வேதம், யுனானி, ஓமியோபதி மருத்துவப் படிப்புகளுக்கு, 3,000க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் விண்ணப்பத்தை பதிவிறக்கம் செய்து உள்ளனர்.

இந்திய மருத்துவம் மற்றும் ஓமியோபதி துறையின் கீழ், அரசு சித்தா, யுனானி, ஆயுர்வேதம், ஓமியோபதி என, ஐந்து கல்லுாரிகளில், 330 இடங்கள் உள்ளன.இதில், அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டுக்கு, 50 இடங்கள் போக, 280 இடங்கள் மாநில அரசிடம் உள்ளன. இதேபோல், 20 தனியார் கல்லுாரிகளில், 65 சதவீதம் மாநில அரசுக்கும்; 35 சதவீதம் நிர்வாக ஒதுக்கீட்டுக்கும் உள்ளன.

இந்திய மருத்துவ முறை படிப்புகளான சித்தா, ஆயுர்வேதா, யுனானி, ஓமியோபதி பட்டப் படிப்புகளுக்கு இந்தாண்டு, 'நீட்' தேர்வு மதிப்பெண் அடிப்படையில், மாணவர் சேர்க்கை நடைபெற உள்ளது.அதன்படி, 2020 -- 21ம்கல்வியாண்டுக்கான மாணவர் சேர்க்கைக்கு, https://tnhealth.tn.gov.in என்ற இணையதளத்தில் விண்ணப்பப் பதிவு, 13ம் தேதி துவங்கியது. இதுவரை, 3,000க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் விண்ணப்பத்தை பதிவிறக்கம் செய்துள்ளனர்.

இவர்களில், 1,500க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் விண்ணப்பத்தை சமர்ப்பித்துள்ளனர்.பூர்த்தி செய்யப்பட்ட விண்ணப்பத்தை, தகுந்த ஆவணங்களுடன், வரும், 31ம் தேதி மாலை, 5:30 மணிக்குள், 'செயலர், தேர்வுக்குழு, இந்திய மருத்துவம் மற்றும் ஓமியோபதி துறை இயக்குனர் அலுவலகம், அறிஞர் அண்ணா அரசினர் இந்திய மருத்துவமனை வளாகம், அரும்பாக்கம், சென்னை - 16' என்ற முகவரியில் சமர்ப்பிக்க வேண்டும் என, தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

'பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்' தர அதிக கட்டணம் வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள் கடும் அதிருப்தி

DINAMALAR

பொது செய்தி 

தமிழ்நாடு

'பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்' தர அதிக கட்டணம் வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள் கடும் அதிருப்தி

Added : டிச 26, 2020 22:38

சென்னை:'பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்'கள் வழங்க, வங்கிகளில் கூடுதல் கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கப்படுவதால், வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள் கடும் அதிருப்தி அடைந்துள்ளனர்.

தேசிய நெடுஞ்சாலைகளில் உள்ள, சுங்கச்சாவடிகளில் கட்டணம் செலுத்த, நீண்ட நேரம் காத்திருக்க வேண்டியுள்ளது.

ரொக்க பரிவர்த்தனை

இதற்கு தீர்வு காணும் வகையில், மின்னணு முறையில் சுங்க கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கும், 'பாஸ்டேக்' நடைமுறையை, 2019 டிசம்பர் முதல், தேசிய நெடுஞ்சாலை ஆணையம் அமல்படுத்தி வருகிறது.இந்நிலையில், ஜனவரி, 1 முதல், பாஸ்டேக் முறையில் மட்டுமே, கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கப்படும் என, அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

தமிழகத்தில், 60 சதவீத வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள், பாஸ்டேக் இல்லாமல், ரொக்க பரிவர்த்தனை வாயிலாகவே, சுங்க கட்டணத்தை செலுத்தி வருகின்றனர்.மத்திய அரசின் உத்தரவை அடுத்து, பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்களை வாங்க, வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள் ஆர்வம் காட்டி வருகின்றனர். இந்த பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்களை, தேசிய மற்றும் தனியார் வங்கிகள், பண வங்கிகள், தொலைதொடர்பு சேவை வழங்கும் நிறுவனங்கள் உள்ளிட்டவை வழங்கி வருகின்றன.

பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர்களை வழங்க, ஒவ்வொரு வாகனத்திற்கும் குறைந்தபட்சம், 500 ரூபாய் கட்டணமாக பெறப்படுகிறது.இதில், கணக்கு துவங்கும் கட்டணமாக, 300 ரூபாய் எடுத்துக் கொள்ளப்பட்டு, மீதமுள்ள, 200 ரூபாய் மட்டுமே, பாஸ்டேக் முறையில் கட்டணம் செலுத்த ஒதுக்கப்படுகிறது.ஏற்கனவே, வங்கியில் கணக்கு வைத்துள்ளோரிடம், இதுபோன்று கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கப்படுகிறது. சில வங்கிகளில், 1,000 ரூபாய் வரை வசூல் செய்யப்படுகிறது.

ஆர்வம்

தேசிய நெடுஞ்சாலைகளின் பராமரிப்பு மோசமாக இருப்பதால், சுங்க கட்டணம் செலுத்துவதே பெரும் சுமையாக பலரும் கருதுகின்றனர். இதில், சுங்க கட்டணத்திற்கு மட்டுமின்றி, கணக்கு துவங்கவும் கூடுதல் கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கப்படுவதால், பலரும் பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர் பெற ஆர்வம் காட்டாமல் உள்ளனர்.இதனால், ஜன., 1 முதல்,பாஸ்டேக் முறையில், 100 சதவீத கட்டணம் வசூலிக்கும் நடைமுறை அமலாகும் போது, சுங்கச் சாவடிகளில் பிரச்னைகள் ஏற்பட வாய்ப்புள்ளது.

எனவே, பாஸ்டேக் ஸ்டிக்கர் வழங்க, குறைந்தபட்ச கட்டணத்தை வசூலிக்கும்படி, வங்கிகளுக்கும், தொலைதொடர்பு நிறுவனங்களுக்கும், மத்திய அரசு உத்தரவிட வேண்டும். வாகன உரிமையாளர்கள்அறிந்து கொள்ளும்வகையில், இதுதொடர்பான அறிவிப்பை வெளியிட வேண்டியதும் அவசியம்.

எம்.பாா்ம் படிப்புக்கான தேசிய நுழைவுத்தோவு: ஜன.22 வரை விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்

எம்.பாா்ம் படிப்புக்கான தேசிய நுழைவுத்தோவு: ஜன.22 வரை விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்

27.12.2020

முதுநிலை பாா்மசி (எம்.பாா்ம்) படிப்பில் சேர தேசிய அளவிலான நுழைவுத் தோவுக்கு ('ஜிபாட்') ஜன.22-ஆம் தேதி வரை விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்.

இது குறித்து தேசிய தோவு முகமை (என்டிஏ) வெளியிட்ட அறிவிப்பு:

முதுநிலை பாா்மசி (எம்.பாா்ம்) படிப்புக்கான மாணவா் சோக்கைக்கு தேசிய அளவில் பட்டதாரி தகுதி நுழைவுத் தோவு (ஜிபாட்) ஆண்டுதோறும் நடைபெற்று வருகிறது. அதன்படி, 2021-ம் ஆண்டுக்கான தகுதித் தோவுக்கு இணையதளங்களில் வரும் ஜனவரி 22-ஆம் தேதி வரை பட்டதாரி மாணவா்கள் விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம். மேலும், தோவுக்கான கட்டணத்தை ஜனவரி 23-ம் தேதிக்குள் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.

அதேபோன்று தங்களின் விண்ணப்பத்தில் திருத்தம் மேற்கொள்ள ஜன.25-ஆம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30-ஆம் தேதி வரை அவகாசம் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதனைத்தொடா்ந்து தோவானது பிப்ரவரி 22 மற்றும் 27 ஆகிய தேதியில் நடைபெறவுள்ளது. அதன்படி, கணினி வழித் தோவானது காலை 9 மணி முதல் 12 மணி வரையும், மாலை 3 மணி முதல் 6 மணி வரையும் 3 மணி நேரம் நடைபெறும். இதுதொடா்பான கூடுதல் விவரங்களை தேசிய தோவு முகமை இணையதளத்தில் காணலாம் என அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

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Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: Dinamani

Train info

 

Rajini stable, decision on his discharge today

Rajini stable, decision on his discharge today

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.12.2020

Actor Rajinikanth, who was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad on Friday, is stable. However, doctors are awaiting a few more reports to take a call on his discharge from the hospital, according to a hospital bulletin issued on Saturday evening.

“Rajinikanth is stable. Reports of some of the investigations done today (Saturday) have come and there is nothing alarming. A few more reports are awaited. Based on the reports of remaining investigations and his blood pressure status overnight, a call will be taken tomorrow (Sunday) morning on his discharge from the hospital,” said the statement from Apollo.

Earlier in the day, the hospital released a bulletin in which it said Rajinikanth’s health was “progressing well” but his blood pressure was still high, though under better control. “He has been advised complete rest in view of his labile blood pressure and visitors are not being allowed to meet him,” said the statement.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday spoke to Rajinikanth over phone and enquired about his health condition.

The CM took to social media and posted a tweet about his telephonic conversation with the actor and said, “I have also informed him (Rajinikanth) that I will pray to God for his quick recovery.” Deputy CM O Panneerselvam also took to social media and wished the actor, whom he referred to as “beloved brother,” a speedy recovery. He also tagged the actor.

Woman doc who lost job to Covid abandons child, tries to kill self

Woman doc who lost job to Covid abandons child, tries to kill self

Both Under Treatment At Hospital

Subburaj.A@timesgroup.com

Tirupur:27.12.2020

The Cheyur police have booked a case against a Bengaluru-based doctor, who had abandoned her five-yearold daughter at a bus stop here on Friday.

The 35-year-old woman, an ENT specialist, used to run a clinic in Bengaluru, sub-inspector Anbarasan said. “She had to close the clinic due to the pandemic and was facing financial strain. She tried to find work abroad but in vain. She was separated from her husband and stayed with her father, a retired central government employee, for some time. As the financial stress took a toll on her mind, she decided to leave for Madurai with her daughter,” the officer told TOI.

She reached Thandukkaranpalayam near Cheyur in a bus on Friday morning to catch a bus to Madurai. “Meanwhile, her daughter developed a fever and she gave the girl some medicine. But the girl suffered a seizure and became unconscious. The woman then decided to abandon her daughter and kill herself,” said Anbarasan.

Villagers who found the unconscious girl at the bus stop informed police. The girl was rushed to the Avinashi Government Hospital and later to the Tirupur Government Hospital. While police were trying to find the whereabouts of the girl, the woman returned to the bus stop looking for her daughter at night.

“She told cops that she had abandoned her daughter there and had consumed rat poison. We took her to the Tirupur Government Hospital and later to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH),” the officer said. “The girl is also kept under observation at CMCH. Doctors told us that she became unconscious due to drug overdose. She is still in the ICU.”

The woman had bought rat poison from a shopping mall at Chikkamagaluru, Tirupur superintendent of police Disha Mittal said. “We have alerted the Chikkamagaluru police. We will conduct inquiry after the woman is out of danger,” he said.

Police have registered a case against the woman under Section 75 (Punishment for cruelty to child) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.

The girl is kept under observation at CMCH. Doctors said she became unconscious due to drug overdose. She is still in the ICU

It’s life and death for 48-yr-old tree as neighbours quarrel

It’s life and death for 48-yr-old tree as neighbours quarrel

Komal.Gautham@timesgroup.com

Chennai:27.12.2020

Whether a 48-yearold rain tree in Poes Garden will live or die depends on its neighbours.Locatedon theboundary of Sathyanarayana Apartments and a private property, one of the two parties wants it to be chopped, while the other wants to save it.

R J Mehta who stays on the fifth floor of the apartment complex has seen the sapling being planted and then walked under its shade for years. “The tree grew on its own between the two compounds. It provides us with a lot of shade and is home to many birds,” he said. A week ago, his neighbour who owns the bungalow where the major part of the trees roots are, decided to chop the tree and Mehta stopped him. He took up the matter with the city corporation, local NGOs and also got a letter signed from all neighbours to save the tree. However, his opponent is adamant on having the tree chopped, with some tree cutters weiding an axe on Saturday too before Mehta reached in time to stop them. Whether the future of the tree now depends on how the two neighbours resolve their dispute.

“The tree provides a lot of shade and because of it in summer we don’t feel the heat as much. Why can’t the other party understand the importance of the tree.It is at the corner of the property and may be options like chopping a few branches should be considered,” he said.

TOI tried contacting the private property’s manager several times but he was unavailable for comment. On Saturday, he reached the spot with tree cutters at 6am but residents protested, they returned. The Greater Chennai Corporation officials said since the tree is on a private property, they don’t have a say.

Shobha Menon, founder Nizhal, an NGO said there is no law or act to protect these trees. “On saturday, we got a similar call to save a tree on a private property. When we reached the spot, we found it is a rare baobabtree ad after much convincing the owner decided not to chop it.In the absenceof a law, several such trees are at mercy of people in charge and they will continue to get chopped. We are endlessly planting trees but aren't protecting the existing mature trees to which we are deeply indebted to for shade, biodiversity and oxygen.ATreeActistherein New Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka and there is a need for it here too. We are not saying trees shouldn’t be cut, but where they can be protected, they should be,” she said.

CAUGHT IN BETWEEN: The rain tree grows on the boundary of a private property and an apartment complex at Poes Garden

Panchayat ex-prez held for fraud

Panchayat ex-prez held for fraud

Chennai:  27.12.2020

A former panchayat president who misused DVAC’s name and tried to dupe a man from Salem of ₹2.4 lakh was arrested on Saturday. The accused himself has a case pending with the agency for discrepancies during his tenure as Kongupatti panchayat president.

Police said the accused Ammasi was formerly the president of Kongupatti panchayat at Omalur taluk in Salem district. He approached a man in Salem claiming the DVAC had registestered a case against him and proposed to get the case closed using his connections. He demanded ₹2.4 lakh to get the job done.

The man sensed trouble and approached DVAC directly. After registering a case, the DVAC sleuths asked the man to invite Ammasi and the accused was caught red-handed while receiving the cash. TNN

279 UK returnees in T’gana ‘untraceable’

279 UK returnees in T’gana ‘untraceable’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

27.12.2020

At least 279 passengers who recently returned from the UK to Telangana are untraceable, state health officials said on Saturday. With 52 new cases recorded on Saturday, the number of infected across the country among passengers who had returned from Britain rose to 120 over the past seven days.

Samples taken from all the virus-positive passengers have been sent to labs for sequencing and by Monday it is likely to be known whether they are carrying the more transmissible variant ravaging the UK at present.

There were three new cases in Telangana, taking the state’s UK infected number to 21. Goa reported 16 Covid-positive cases among travellers from the UK, while there were 14 new cases from Maharashtra (total 17).

Genome sequencing to check ‘UK strain’

At least 5% of positive cases from all states and UTs should be tested for whole genome sequencing to check for the presence of the “UK strain” as part of “prospective surveillance”, the National Task Force for Covid-19 has suggested.

‘184 UK returnees furnished wrong ph no. & addresses’

One more passenger tested positive in Nashik but it was unclear if he had contracted the novel coronavirus in the UK because he had tested negative at Mumbai airport on returning on December

13. A male passenger tested positive in Odisha, taking the state count to two.

Kerala reported three new infected passengers, taking the total to eight, and Uttar Pradesh saw eight UK returnees test positive. One passenger from Mysuru (Karnataka) was found to have the virus, while Andhra Pradesh reported six virus-positive cases.

Telangana officials said 92 of the untraceable returnees are from the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, and 184 had furnished wrong phone numbers and addresses. “We have forwarded their details to their respective state governments so that they can help trace these returnees. A search is on to find the rest,” said Dr G Srinivasa Rao, Telangana’s director for public health. “People with the new type of virus need not worry. They only need be vigilant, use the mask properly, follow physical distancing and wash their hands regularly,” Dr Rao said.

Of the 14 new cases in Maharashtra, three are from Mumbai, four from Thane, one from Nagpur, two from Pune and one each from Nanded, Ahmednagar, Raigad, Aurangabad.

UP additional chief secretary (health and family welfare) Amit Mohan Prasad said the Central government had provided a list of 1,655 persons who had returned from or via the UK to the state. “Of these, 1,087 have been tracked, while 609 have been tested and eight were found to be positive,” Prasad said on Saturday.

GOVT BEGINS TRACING

Pongal gift: Token distribution begins, many visit shops

Pongal gift: Token distribution begins, many visit shops

Madurai: 27.12.2020

Distribution of tokens for receiving the Pongal gift announced by the government began on Saturday across the state. Though it was announced that the token would be supplied at the doorsteps, many came to the shops to receive it. The pongal hamper includes a cash gift of ₹2,500, a kilogram each of raw rice and jaggery, 20 grams each of cashew nut and raisins, five grams of cardamom and a whole sugarcane. V Ganeswari of Anna Nagar in Madurai said she rushed to her ration shop at Vandiyur where youngsters handed over a token. “I did not buy this month’s rations, but the shopkeeper told me that it would be just tokens from today and ration would not be given this month,’’ she said. TNN

2k get degrees at virtual convocation

2k get degrees at virtual convocation

Chennai: 27.12.2020

As many as 2,039 students received their degrees at the VIT Chennai campus convocation held virtually on Saturday. Justice V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras high court in her convocation address congratulated the graduands while also appreciating the pioneering efforts taken to complete the courses online without any disruption.

G Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT urged central and state governments to spend more on higher education. He further said VIT has offered more than 6,000 scholarships to students so far. TNN