KOLLAM l thursday l December 05, 2024 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l city EDITION Reserve bank increases UPI Lite’s per-transaction limit to K1,000 The Reserve Bank of India also enhanced the on-device wallet’s total limit at any point in time from K2,000 at present to K5,000 Move to widen Scope of offline payments The central bank on Wednesday amended the ‘offline framework’ issued in January 2022 to facilitate small-value offline digital payments. Till now, the upper limit for a UPI Lite transaction was D500 and the maximum amount of money you could hold on your on-device wallet was D2,000. The RBI had announced its decision on raising the limits in October ■ 516 mn Aim is to encourage digital transactions ■ ■ Transaction and wallet limits are being raised to encourage wider adoption of the popular instant payment system UPI Lite payments don’t require an Additional Factor of Authentication like a PIN or a password and transaction alerts are not sent in real-time UPI Lite was introduced in 2022 with a per transaction limit of D200 is the Average number of daily UPI transactions in November CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Passengers stuck near Shoranur for 3 hrs as Vande Bharat develops snag E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @Kochi Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar share a light moment during a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday | pti Swearing-in today; November 25 tnie report said he was the likely cm pick Ajit Pawar to be dy chief minister; suspense continues over Shinde Fadnavis to be Maha CM ‘bjp-led govt will help state grow’ Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP’s central observer for the legislature party meet, said on Wednesday that BJP governments in Maharashtra and the Centre will help the state become a greater economic powerhouse in the country No room for tainted leaders, allies told According to BJP sources, Fadnavis wants to have leaders with clean image in his cabinet so that his government can deliver on the poll promises. Alliance partners Shiv Sena and the NCP have reportedly been told not to recommend ‘tainted and painted’ MLAs as ministers | P8 ban imposed HC cracks the whip on ‘digital distraction’ among its staff P R A M D A S @Kochi Clamping down on its staffers playing online games, b row s i n g s o c i a l m e d i a , streaming movies, or engaging in online trading during office hours — which it found had started diverting their attention from work — the Kerala High Court imposed a ban on such activities in the office, including during lunch breaks. A memorandum issued by HC registrar general Gopakumar G on December 2 read: “... many staff members are engaged in playing online games and watching social media content during work hours and the break, thereby hampering day-to-day office work.” “Against this backdrop, all members of the staff are informed that indulging in online games during office hours and lunch recess is strictly prohibited. Further, except for official purposes, use of mobile phones by officers and staff members for watching social media content, movies, online trading, etc., during office other than lunch recess is strictly prohibited. Any violation of the same shall be viewed very seriously,” the memorandum said. The HC had, through circulars issued in 2009 and 2013 – barring senior officers provided with mobile phones and chauffeurs – prohibited the use of mobile phones by officers and staff members during office hours, except lunch re● More on P4 cess.  SU D HIR SURYA W A N SHI @ Mumbai ENDING days of speculation, Devendra Fadnavis was on Wednesday unanimously elected the leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party, paving the way for his swearing in as chief minister. This newspaper had on November 25 reported that Fadnavis was likely to be picked as Maharashtra chief minister. Fadnavis will take oath on Thursday at 5.30 pm, after Governor C P Radhakrishnan invited him to form the new government in the state. Two deputy chief ministers, including NCP leader Ajit Pawar, will also be sworn in at the ceremony at the sprawling Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Thursday . There is no clarity on whether Shiv Sena leader and outgo- ing CM and Eknath Shinde will be a part of the new government, though Fadnavis said he has requested him to join. In the joint press conference with Fadnavis and Pawar, Shinde said he has offered his support to the new government to be led by Fadnavis, but refused to clarify whether he will become deputy chief minister. Shinde said he needs time to think it over and added that he will take the decision by consulting his people. Meanwhile, Shinde is also facing pressure from his party to join the government. “We are hopeful Shinde saheb will listen to us and be part of the government,” said Shiv Sena MLA and former minister Uday Samant. Sources said Shinde has demanded the home portfolio with an added condition that there should not be any interference in his ministry Shinde . has also handed over the list of names for ministers from Shiv Sena to Fadnavis, who said he would consult the BJP’s top leadership and get back on the demands. “There is pressure over Shinde by his own MLAs and former ministers to be part of the new government. The BJP is offering urban development revenue ministry instead of home ministry We are confi... dent that he will accept the deal,” said a BJP leader. This is the third time in 10 years that Fadnavis is becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra. In 2014, he made history as the state’s first Brahmin chief minister in nearly 40 years. In 2019, he managed to form government with the help of Ajit Pawar but it lasted only a few days. Dubai Holding-owned TECOM to exit 84% stake in SmartCity Kochi A n u K u r u v i l l a @ Kochi TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding LLC, which owns 84% stake in SmartCity Kochi, a 246-acre IT park in Kakkanad, is withdrawing from the project. The state government holds the remaining 16% stake in the project. Contours of the withdrawal, including the compensation to be given to TECOM, will be decided by a government-appointed committee headed by the chief secretary Industries Min. ister P Rajeeve said the committee will comprise the Kerala State IT Mission director, the Infopark CEO, and MD of Overseas Keralites Investment and Holding Ltd Dr Baju George. “The committee has been directed to study various aspects and submit recommendations. An independent evaluator will be appointed to calculate the compensation amount that needs to be paid to TECOM,” he said. Dissatisfaction over TECOM’s performance in developing the IT park has been brewing for some time, and Silver lining for Infopark SmartCity Kochi was started as a joint venture between the Kerala government and Dubai Holding to develop an IT special economic zone in Kochi. The government’s decision has come as a silver lining for Infopark, which is looking for land to expand. prompted the cabinet’s Wednesday decision to approve the recommendations of the chief secretary-led committee. The nod for the recommendations comes two years after TECOM wrote to the state government expressing its desire to withdraw from SmartCity Kochi. The IT park has been mired in controversies ever since the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government proposed the project during its tenure from 2004 to 2006. The then opposition under V S Achuthanandan had alleged that TECOM was a real estate firm and not a company backed by the Dubai government. Then, As per sources in the IT department, only a handful of agencies are capable of taking over TECOM’s equity. Infopark’s name is doing the rounds as the topper in the list in early 2012, the Achuthanandan government signed the agreement, clearing the hurdles for the much-hyped project. However, it was dedicated to the nation by Chandy in February 2016, just months before the UDF was voted out of power. SmartCity Kochi was started as a joint venture between the Kerala government and Dubai Holding to develop an IT special economic zone in Kochi. It was implemented by Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure Pvt Ltd based on successful models of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowl● More on P4 edge City  . Passengers had a harrowing time on Wednesday after the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat (20633) train developed a technical snag and got stranded for more than three hours shortly after it left the Shoranur railway station . Sources said the train stopped after passing the Shoranur signal after it developed a system error. They said the train, which should have left Shoranur for Thiruvananthapuram by 5.30pm, departed around 8.50pm after a diesel engine of a regular train was attached to it and the train was pulled into the Shoranur station. Eyewitnesses said tension prevailed briefly at Shoranur station as the system failure The stranded Vande Bharat train being attached to a diesel engine and taken to the Shoranur railway station | Praveesh Shoranur made even opening the train’s doors impossible. “The train was pulled into platform six of Shoranur station using a diesel engine and steps were taken to open the doors,” said a source. A railway police officer said once the doors were opened, a few passengers disembarked and sought alternative modes of transport for the onward I had a medical emergency, so we preferred Vande Bharat in order to reach the destination at the earliest. Unfortunately, our entire plan went awry. While the officials are saying the issue has been resolved, we have doubts whether the train will face further delays — Nisha, a passenger journey while others stayed on, board. The officer said though the AC engine was connected to the train, its departure was delayed further after the rear coach developed a snag. The Palakkad Division spokesperson said reasons behind the system failure will be investigated once the train reaches Thiru● More on P4 vananthapuram.  Setback Centre rejects dedicated track for SilverLine E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @T’Puram Police in plainclothes subdue a man (in black pants) who tried to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal | PTI The suspect being taken away by the police | PTI Sukhbir Badal narrowly escapes assassination bid other police personnel, Jasbir Singh and Parminder Shiromani Akali Dal Singh, overpowered him and (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh the bullet hit a wall.” Badal on Wednesday narrowBhullar said 175 police perly escaped an assassination sonnel in plain clothes were attempt outside the Golden deployed at the site. The fore Temple in Amritsar. was headed by an AIG-level Badal was performing the officer. Chaura was arrested duty of ‘sewadar’ at at the spot and his the main gate of the gun was seized by the shrine when a former police. He was alBabbar Khalsa Interready facing charges We demand a national terrorist in 30 cases, including high court Narain Singh Chauone under the Explomonitored ra tried to shoot him probe into the sives Act. around 9.30 am, but Pronouncing incident to unmask the missed. ‘tankhah’ (religious entire Standing a few mepunishment) for Suconspiracy ters away from Badal, khbir Singh Badal behind it Chaura took out a and other leaders for pistol and tried to the “mistakes” comBikram Singh shoot Badal, but was mitted by his governMajithia, SAD quickly subdued by ment in Punjab from leader the security person2007 to 2017, the Akal nel in plain clothes. A bullet Takht had on Monday directwas fired, which missed ed Badal to wash dishes and Badal and hit a wall. clean shoes at the Golden Detailing the incident, Temple in Amritsar as a Amritsar Police Commis- ‘sewadar’. sioner Gurpreet Singh BhBadal has a Z-plus security ullar said, “One of the police cover, which means both the personnel Rashpal Singh saw Punjab Police and the cenChaura and followed him. As tral forces are part of his prohe tried to fire at Badal, two tection detail. Ha r p r ee t Ba j w a @ Chandigarh In what could literally put an end to Kerala’s ambitious SilverLine project, the railway ministry has rejected the DPR that proposed setting up a dedicated high-speed track. Instead, the railways suggested that the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) revise the DPR, switching to broad gauge from the proposed standard gauge and integration with the existing rail network to enable the new tracks to accommodate other trains too. A crucial meeting between the Indian Railways and the KRDCL will be held in Kochi on Thursday for further discussions. In a written reply to Congress MP Kodikkunnil Suresh in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday Railway Minister Ashwini , Vaishnaw said there are many deficiencies in the DPR submitted by KRDCL. “KRDCL has been advised by Southern Railway to address those deficiencies and prepare a revised DPR, as per the latest technical standards such as adoption of broad gauge, integration with existing IR network at suitable points, flatter ruling gradient, provision of KAVACH, electrification with 2x25 kV, proper drainage scheme for yards and sections, addressing environmental concerns during construction and operation etc. The project is not yet sanctioned,” Vaishnaw said. To another question from CPM MP John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha last week, Vaishnaw had cited many deficiencies with the DPR. The railway ministry had recently written to KRDCL asking for revision of the DPR, with adherence to latest technical standards. The railways suggested some major changes, including ensuring a speed potential of 160 kmph. ● More on P4 dark side of sport express read India cricketers heckled and body-shamed in Adelaide Govt acts tough against ineligible pensioners E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Chennai Perhaps, the organisers never expected such a crowd. The open nets session for India at Adelaide before the second day and night Test match against Australia turned carnivalesque. Almost. It turned into chaos. About 3,000 (some put that figure to 5,000) spectators descended at the practice wickets at Ad- elaide to watch their favourite stars going through their practice rituals. According to reports, the crowd started to laugh and tease players whenever they got out or were missing the ball. On the other hand, Australia team practice did not see a turnout of more than 100 people. Things started to turn ugly as some of the spectators started to request for selfies, even while batting, and if reports are to be believed, some were even doing Facebook live from the practice centre. Reports also in- dicated that players were even laughed and mocked at. The crowd also seemed to have gone personal, attacking certain player for fitness. What really irked the team was that the vociferous crowd distracted them and concentration while batting was getting difficult. “It was complete chaos. During the Australian training session, not more than 70-odd peo- ple turned up but during India’s session, 3,000 came. No one expected so many fans to turn up,” a senior Indian cricket board official told a news agency. The anonymity cricketers held may be in the last century is slowly changing with more engagement from the South Asian communities in Australia. The BCCI has banned all net sesP11 sions after this. T’Puram: The state government is taking steps to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries of the social security pension scheme. It is learnt that the database of Sevana pension portal will be cross-checked with databases of the motor vehicles, civil supplies, registration and revenue departments to identify people who do not meet the criteria for enrolling in the pension scheme | P4