CHENNAI  FRIDAY  SEPTEMBER 04, 2020  `7.00  PAGES 30  LATE CITY EDITION FACEBOOK SAYS IT’S NEUTRAL, BANS BJP MLA RAJA SINGH Facebook has banned the lone BJP MLA from Telangana from its platform and Instagram on charges of hate speech FB RESPONDS TO CONGRESS’ CHARGES PAGES LINKED TO SINGH TO BE REMOVED Responding to concerns raised by the opposition Congress, Facebook said it has taken the party’s allegation of bias very seriously and will ensure it remains non-partisan. The social media giant added it denounces hate and bigotry in all forms. Earlier, the Congress had accused Facebook of being soft on members of the ruling BJP while applying its hate-speech rules | P9 ■ ■ “We have banned Raja Singh from Facebook for violating our policy prohibiting those that promote or engage in violence and hate from having a presence on our platform,” Facebook said Singh won’t be allowed on its platform or on Instagram. Pages, groups & accounts set up to respresent him will be removed | P7 PM MODI’S PERSONAL WEBSITE’S TWITTER ACCOUNT HACKED, RESTORED LATER CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ WARANGAL ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Relief to industry Covishield vaccine reaches Chennai for clinical trials as SC bars NPA tag till further orders BACK ON TRACK Bank accounts not declared NPA as on Aug 31 to remain so for now; Sitharaman directs lenders to roll out resolution plan by Sept 15 EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday said standard accounts that have not been declared nonperforming assets as on August 31, shall not be made NPAs till further orders. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed the interim order after hearing various stakeholders on a batch of petitions seeking interest waiver on loan moratorium granted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The court will continue hearing the case on September 10. While arguing whether banks should charge interest on moratorium period, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court, “The idea of the moratorium was to defer repayment to ease the burden caused by Covid and lockdown so that business can manage working capital. The idea was not to waive off interest. The effort is that those who are affected by Covid and facing distress get the benefit and those who are defaulters are not able to take benefit.” Mehta informed the bench an expert committee will come up with sector-specific guidelines on September 6 to ease stress caused by the pandemic. However, the bench said, “Question is about the demands of compound interest in the meantime. Moratorium and penal interest cannot go together. RBI will have to clarify .” Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Indian Banks’ Association, said, “Common man’s problems are different from those of corporates. Individual and industrial problems need to be addressed differently .” Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday asked bankers to roll out the ‘Covid impact not same for all sectors’ Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told SC the Covid impact has been good on pharma and IT sectors while it has been bad for others. Moratorium offers to defer repayment so that business can manage working capital. “The idea was not to waive interest,” he added loan restructuring framework by September 15. She also told banks to extend all possible support to MSMEs. Sitharaman met the heads of scheduled commercial banks and non-banking financial institutions afte the moratorium for loans got over on August 31. “The meeting was held to review the preparedness for implementation of the loans resolution framework for Covid-19 related stress. The minister also sought to allay the concerns of banks about NPAs and restructuring,” a person privy to the meeting told TNIE. “During her interaction, the finance minister focused on lenders immediately putting in place a board-approved policy for resolution, identifying eligible borrowers, and reaching out to them. Quick implementation of a sustained resolution plan by lenders for the revival of every viable business,” the finance ministry stated. Sitharaman added that after the finalisation of the resolution scheme, banks must conduct a media campaign to create awareness about it. The finance minister also advised the lenders that Covid-19 related distress must not impact the lenders’ assessment of their creditworthiness. 13 trains connecting districts to resume from Sep 7 Online reservation will open in a day or two 6 overnight services to connect Chennai with southern, western districts Trains will run only with reserved coaches and there will be no general class City Metro Rail Services will resume from 8 am on Sep 7 Crowd-control staff will ensure social distancing Stoppage time at each station has been increased from 20 to 50 seconds EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Chennai COVISHIELD vaccine developed by Oxford University reached Chennai on Thursday for phase two clinical trials. The news comes on a day when the city reported a slight dip in fresh cases with 968 people testing positive. The State recorded 5,892 cases and 92 deaths, taking up the tally to 4,45,851 and toll to 7,608 According to officials of the Health Department, the vaccine will be tested on 300 health volunteers above the age of 18 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, as part of multi-centric study in India. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had issued orders for the trial last month. Director PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought to woo global investors saying India has become a leading attraction for investments. Modi said all initiatives of his government have been taken keeping in mind the best global practices. “India is becoming one of leading attractions for FDI. The world believes in us. This year, when there is a drop in foreign investments across the world, we received $20 billion foreign funds,” he said in his keynote address at the 3rd Annual Lead- ership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. Noting that ease of living is as important as ease of doing business for his government, Modi said India has an aspirational population that has decided to take the country to new heights. “The pandemic has tested our resilience, our economic and health systems, but India is committed to democracy and diversity he said. ,” Spelling out what the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign means to India, Modi said it ensures local with global. “Over 1.3 billion people have embarked to make Atmanirbhar Anti-India rallies in Nepal have China angle New Delhi: In what could put an end the hassle faced by many car drivers, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday clarified that there is no Central advisory to suggest that those riding the vehicle alone should wear masks failing which they would be penalised. The move comes amid complaints of cops collecting fines illegally | P7 New Delhi: China is trying to fuel tensions between India and Nepal, intelligence agencies warned. Beijing has paid `2.5 cr in Nepali currency to various Nepal-based organisations to carry out demonstrations against India, they added. The MHA has called for heightened vigilance on the India-Nepal border and the tri-junction areas in Uttarakhand and Sikkim | P7 CHENNAI’S BEST WEEKEND GUIDE WITH THIS ISSUE 30 PAGES, INCLUDING 16 OF INDULGE (TABLOID) STATE CAPITAL RECORDS DIP IN CASES Chennai reported 968 fresh cases on Thursday. It was followed by Coimbatore (593), Cuddalore (590), Chengalpattu (378), Tiruvallur (258) and Salem (214). The number of active cases across the State stood at 52,070 and number of samples tested was 80,864. FRESH CASES DEATHS TOLL TOTAL CASES 5,892 92 7,608 4,45,851 PROBE BY APEX INTEL BODY “The NIA has received certain emails from an email ID threatening some dignitaries/ agencies. The contents of the email are selfexplanatory... It is requested to take action as deemed appropriate,” the NIA wrote in to MAC, the apex intel assessment body, and MHA A suicide that revealed the sad demise of humanity THE security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been enhanced following an email that issued a direct threat to the PM, stating “Kill Narendra Modi”. The National Investigation Agency, which received the email, has roped in the Multi-Agency Coordination Centre (MAC), which has senior representatives from R&AW, Intelligence Bureau and the Defence Intelligence Agencies, to investigate the matter. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is treating the matter “seriously” and has asked the Special Protection Group, which is responsible for the protection of Prime Minister Modi, to remain on high alert, according to sources in the security establishment. The email dated August 8 was received from the ‘ylalwani12345@ gmail.com’ id. The NIA chose not do any inquiry/ verification on its own as it thought it best to pass it on to the apex intelligence assessment body, sources said. Sources in the security establishment say that the origin of the e-mail has being tracked to a location outside India. ‘Covid hasn’t dented people’s aspiration’ Noting that the pandemic has not affected people’s aspiration, Modi said India was among the first to advocate use of masks and social distancing Bharat. Despite our local needs, we did not shy away from our global responsibilities. A selfreliant India will ensure a better world. The road ahead is full of opportunities,” he said. The Prime Minister’s address assumes significance as it and market the vaccine in India and many other countries, had initiated human trials. The news of trials brings a ray of hope on a day when, in a disturbing trend, Coimbatore reported 593 cases and Cuddalore recorded 590 cases. A media bulletin said Chengalpattu recorded 378 cases, Kancheepuram 150 and Tiruvallur 258 cases. The State also tested 82,901 samples and 80,864 people on the day . Among the deceased, nine didn’t have comorbidities. Meanwhile, a release from MGM Healthcare Hospital said veteran playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam’s clinical condition is stable. He is conscious, responsive and continues to be on ventilator and ECMO support in the Intensive Care Unit. He is being closely monitored by a multidisciplinary clinical team. IMMOLATION E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ New Delhi EXPRESS READ No mask needed if you are in your car alone be brought to public use, Vijayabaskar had said. The vaccine, developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca, is considered one of the most promising candidates undergoing phase-3 trials in some other countries. The Phase two trials of the vaccine began in India last month. Pune’s Serum Institute of India, which has an agreement with AstraZeneca to produce MODI’S SECURITY UP AFTER THREAT EMAIL JEGADEESWARI PANDIAN @ Dindigul An IAF Chinook helicopter flies in the Ladakh region, in Leh on Thursday | PTI India can handle Chinese aggression in best suitable ways, says Gen Bipin Rawat M AYA N K S I N G H @ New Delhi AMID fresh inputs on the Chinese Army strengthening its deployment on the southern bank of the Pangong Tso lake, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said the Indian armed forces are well placed to handle the aggression in “best suitable ways”. “Of late, India has been seeing some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these in the best suitable ways,” Gen Rawat said while speaking at the third annual leadership summit of the US-India strategic partnership forum. The day also saw Army Chief General M M Naravane visiting Ladakh to review operational preparedness in the region. He was briefed by the Army Commander of the Northern Command and the Corps Commander of the formation that is dealing with the stand-off in east Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control. He also visited forward positions. The Army Chief ’s visit came a day after Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria flew Bipin Rawat to the Eastern Air Command, which is tasked with defending India’s east, including the northern borders of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The Air Chief, too, visited frontline air bases. As for the situation on the ground at the recent pressure points in Ladakh, a senior officer said, “We have observed that Chinese Army is beefing up its deployments in the Chushul Sector.” They are accompanied by armoured, artillery and engineers too, he added. This happened immediately after the Indian Army’s tactical rearrangement of its deployments on the heights in the Chushul Sector and repositioning its troops on ridges around Finger 4 in the north bank of Pangong Tso on August 30. The redeployments have enabled the Army to have a deeper visual observation of the activity in Chushul on the Chinese side from its side of the LAC. Amid the heightened activity India and Russia finalised a major , deal to manufacture AK-47 203 rifles in India during Defence MinP9 ister Rajnath Singh’s ongoing visit to Moscow. India best global investment destination, says PM P U S H K A R B A N A K A R @ New Delhi of Public Health T S Selvavinayagam will be the principal investigator for the project. Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, in a press release earlier, had said that studies have shown the vaccine triggering TCell response within 14 days of vaccination, and an antibody response within 28 days. T-Cells are white blood cells that can attack the infected cells. After the successful phase two and three clinical trials, the vaccine would comes soon after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s participation in the summit and weeks after co-chairmen of the India caucus of the US Congress wrote to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging him to expedite Indo-US mini trade deal. “India presents opportunities of a young, diverse, and rules based economy but the persistent issues that matter to investors also loom large namely timely judicial recourse, policy stability, and supporting infrastructure,” said Kriti Upadhyay , Research Associate at the USbased CSIS Wadhwani Chair. Kaapaathunga (save me) — Malathi’s screams echoed all around before she fell on the road, fully consumed by the flames she had set herself upon. Her screams, however, fell on deaf ears as people who were around hardly moved an inch until it was too late. She died right there, but not before making it clear that humanity also died along with her. After getting estranged from her husband five years ago, Malathi had developed a relationship with N Sathish Kumar (26) of K C Patti in Kodaikkanal. But, after being in the relationship for about four years, Sathish deserted her and married another woman recently, sources said. On August 29, Malathi came to his doorstep and pleaded with his family to accept her. When her pleas were ignored, a dejected Malathi set herself afire right in front of the house, sources added. While Sathish was arrested by the Thandikudi police on Tuesday under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for abetting the suicide, his elder brother Saravana Kumar (27) was also arrested under the same Section for another reason, which came as a bigger shock than even the incident. Even as Malathi fell on the road and the bystanders, in a delayed reaction, tried to find a wet sack to save her, Saravana Kumar allegedly stood at a nearby teashop filming the horrific incident on his mobile phone. Sources claimed that he had captured the immolation on video to prove that his famP5 ily had no role in it. INVALUABLE TO A FAMILY Homemaker on a higher pedestal than earning member: HC H A R I S H M U R A L I @ Chennai STAY-at-home partners or parents seldom get the recognition and respect they deserve in our career-driven society. The Madras High Court has made an attempt to change that social pers p e c t ive by s t at i n g t h at homemakers are to be put on a “higher pedestal” than the earning members of a family. Observing that the loss of a homemaker would be immeasurable on family, the court enhanced the accident compensation awarded to a Salem resident from `8.4 lakh to `14 lakh. The award was given on a petition filed by 39-year-old Bhuvaneshwari. She had challenged the compensation awarded to her by a motor accidents claims tribunal. Bhuvaneshwari met with an accident in 2017, when a rashly-driven private bus hit her on Valasaiyur main road. She suffered 60 per cent perma- nent disability due to spinal injuries. She also lost the front portion of her tongue. When the matter came up in the tribunal, it fixed a monthly income of `4,500 for her and awarded a compensation of `8.46 lakh. Dejected, Bhuvaneshwari moved the High Court. Justice SM Subramaniam, who heard the case, noted that the compensation awarded was inadequate. “Performing the job of a home- maker is the toughest challenge. They work without any time limits, and with love and affection that can never be expected from an ordinary employee,” the judge observed, adding that the tribunal was unfair in assessing the contributions of a If an earning member dies, there will be an impact for sure. But if a homemaker dies, that impact is much higher on the family SM Subramaniam, HC judge homemaker. If an earning member dies, there will be an impact for sure. But if a homemaker dies, that impact is much higher, said the court. “The family will become scattered. It would become very difficult to cope up. Therefore, they are standing on a higher pedestal than an earning member of the family Thus, . a pragmatic approach is required to be adopted.” The judge added that homemakers also contribute to this P5 nation’s development.