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  sector regulator, Director General of Civil Aviation, said fter suspending train ser- there are no restrictions on Avices and international domestic and foreign air oper- flights, the Centre on Monday ators to carry out cargo oper-   suspended all domestic flights, ations. “Currently, there are no effective midnight March 24 to restrictions on domestic or eadly coronavirus contin- contain the spread of coron- foreign air operators for carry- Due to spread its tentacles avirus pandemic. The ing out cargo operations at any taking India’s tally to 468 cases Government also decided to airport in India. All stake- on Monday with new cases block all immigration ports and holders kindly note,” DGCA being reported from seaports. tweeted on Monday. Telangana, , At the same time, Punjab While States have shut Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar and Maharashtra have decided down inter-State traffic, except Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and to impose curfew while sever- carriers of essential commodi- Bihar. The tally also includes 34 al other States have announced ties and sealed intra-city trans- cured cases as well as death toll lockdown as part of efforts to port services, all private vehi- which rose to nine on Monday. ensure safety of the citizens. cles and citizens not engaged in Confirmed coronavirus These restrictions will not essential services have been cases in India have more than apply to cargo-carrying flights. strictly asked to stay indoors. doubled in just the last four Metros, inter-State buses, Section 144 of the Indian Panel days. Total number of active private and public transport Code has been imposed in coronavirus cases in India              !   including buses, auto, taxis, e- several States and UTs. stands at 434, as per latest     "!        rickshaws have already been Punjab on Monday became ICMR report. Multiple States banned, and the cancellation of the first in the country to and over 100 cities across the cases so far. In Haryana, there 21 in Punjab, 1 in Puducherry, flights will bring the country to                        impose curfew, and only country are in lockdown till are 17 cases, which include 14 2 in Odisha, 6 in Madhya a complete halt. exempted essential services to March 31. foreigners. Apart from these, Pradesh, 2 in Himachal, 30 in As many as 30 States and said in a statement. requested to get in touch with out of the Capital. The prevent the infection, while According to data from the seven confirmed cases have Gujarat, 1 in , 2 in Union Territories have Sharing this information, the airline concerned for Directorate General of Civil Maharshtra Chief Minister Indian Council of Medical been reported in , Bihar and five in Andhra announced a complete lock- the Delhi Airport tweeted, updated flight info on interna- Aviation had put out a clarifi- Uddhav Thackeray imposed Research (ICMR), a total of three in Uttarakhand, 13 in Pradesh. The deadly coron- down. Other States and Union “Passengers of the last inter- tional departing flights. cation saying there would be no curfew in the entire State from 18,383 samples from 17,493 Ladakh, four in J&K, 5 in avirus, which has infected over Territories have been placed national arriving flight have #Coronavirus,” the Delhi change in domestic flight oper- Monday midnight as the fight individuals have been tested for Chandigarh, seven in Tamil 3,25,000 people and killed over under partial lockdown to pre- now exited the airport. Airport said in another tweet. ations. The Government’s lat- against coronavirus. COVID-19. Nadu including two foreigners, 14,000 globally. vent the spread of coronavirus Operations at T3 internation- The official said all airlines est decision to suspend domes- Delhi, Jharkhand, Goa, Maharashtra is worst hit pandemic while three have al arrivals will remain sus- will have to plan operations in tic flights come after several Assam, J&K, Arunachal with 89 confirmed cases. ordered the shutdown of some pended till 05.31 hours of such a way so that they are able States like Bihar and West Pradesh, Kerala, Tripura, Kerala has the second highest specific activities. March 29, 2020.” to land by 11:59 pm on March Bengal reached out to the Telangana and Nagaland Bihar, number of cases at 67. Delhi    “Airlines have to plan oper- “We take this opportunity 24. On Sunday, the Centre has Central Government to stop Haryana, UP and West Bengal has reported 30 positive cases. ations so as to land at their des- to thank all our airport employ- overturned the Delhi flights to contain the spread of declared lockdown. Telangana has reported 26 tination before 11:59 pm on ees and doctors for their com- Government decision that no COVID-19. Chandigarh announced impo- cases. Uttar Pradesh and     *  March 24, 2020,” the Ministry mitment. Passengers are flights would be allowed in or Earlier in the day, aviation sition of curfew. Rajasthan have reported 28     under Section 144 of the CrPC  in Delhi till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak, n the wake of coronavirus banning protests, and other   !R#   Ioutbreak, the Delhi Police on gatherings.  Monday evening sealed its According to the order, border as the execution of the persons private sector staff      Presenting the Budget for prohibitory orders in the who are engaged in essential the sixth consecutive time in the national Capital was not up to services in Delhi, their respec-   #   he Delhi Assembly passed Assembly, Deputy Chief the mark during the day. Police tive organisations shall seek T65,000-crore Budget for Minister Manish Sisodia said the said people associated with curfew passes from the office the 2020-21 financial year on Delhi Government will imple- essential services will be issued of Deputy Commissioner of      Monday, with the Government ment the Ayushman Bharat curfew passes. Police in which the organisa- setting aside 50 crore to deal Yojana of the Centre in On Sunday, the police tion is he Supreme Court on he National Task force for with the coronavirus outbreak. Delhi. imposed prohibitory orders located. TMonday directed all States TCOVID-19 led by Indian and Union Territories to con- Council of Medical Research stitute high-level committees to (ICMR) on Monday gave its consider releasing on parole or nod for the use of anti-malar-    O   P   interim bail prisoners and ial medicine hydroxylchloro- undertrials for offences entail- quine as prophylaxis (preven- ing up to 7-year jail term to tive drug) for the coronavirus decongest prisons in the wake infection for high risk cases             of coronavirus pandemic. albeit with precautions. The The SC said overcrowding Drug Controller General of #!   $  % & '          range. It was obvious that the of prisons is a matter of serious India (DCGI) has approved it O()* +,-.     '   P  / +!   0   foreign investors were dumping concern, particularly in the for “restricted use in emergency + 1  23(45   "  5 % +!   ! +15 n “end of the world” syn- Indian stocks without consid- present context of coronavirus. situations”. (65 " "!     Adrome gripped the stock ering the relatively cheaper In regard to the provisions The drug cannot be given market on Monday, and cur- valuations. of Article 21 of the for general use and one must for a healthcare worker who is respiratory etiquette, keeping a rency shared the panic. The key The absence of any fiscal Constitution of India, it has not self-administer, said ICMR treating a Covid-19 patient. distance of minimum one indices saw the biggest single stimulus by the Government become imperative to ensure Director General Balram “Secondly, it’s recommended metre and use of personal pro- day fall in the history even as has accented the freefall in the that the spread of coronavirus Bhargava when it was brought only for persons staying and tective equipment (wherever the Rupee touched a new low, India market, which has come within the prisons is controlled, to his notice that people are caring for a household positive applicable). breaching 76 levels for the first down by nearly 40 per cent the court said. rushing to hoard it. patient. They can take that only In an advisory issued to the time on intra-day basis. from its peak. The banking sec- A bench of Chief Justice SA Meanwhile, in the wake of for prophylaxis, only for pre- States, the ICMR said that the The BSE benchmark tor has seen the biggest sell-off Bobde and Justices LN Rao and rising cases of coronavirus in vention,” he added. high risk contacts of a positive Sensex sunk 3,935 points or 13. amid fear of rising NPA in the Surya Kant said the State or UT the country, the ICMR has ICMR has, however, cau- case placed under chemo pro- 15 per cent to close at coming quarters due to the could consider the release of also put on fast-track the tioned the States that placing of phylaxis should remain in 25,981.24; while the NSE Nifty “lockdown”. Take the case of a prisoners who have been con- process of giving approval to kit healthcare workers under home quarantine while on pro- cracked 1,135.20 points or company like Axis Bank. victed or are undertrial for manufacturers for testing sus- chemoprophylaxis with phylactic therapy. 12.98% to settle at 7,610.25. The share plummeted by as offences for which prescribed pected coronavirus (COVID- hydroxy-chloroquine should As recommended by the task By all yardsticks, this was '            "%7     ! %   much 29 per cent in a single punishment is up to 7 years or 19) cases. not instill a sense of false secu- force, the drug should only be an unprecedented fall even         day, before registering a sym- less, with or without fine and In a press briefing here on rity and that they should simul- given on the prescription of a considering the continuing bolic recovery. The stock closed the prisoner has been convict- Monday, Dr Bhargava said the taneously follow all prescribed registered medical practition- sell-off in the global indices Indian market crashed by near- one time — the Asian indices at 308, compared to 760 it ed for a lesser number of years hydroxyl-chloroquine com- public health measures such as er, it after the outbreak of the dead- ly 13 per cent — Sensex shed- were lower by 3 to 7 per cent reached six weeks than the maximum. pound is recommended only frequent washing of hands, added. ly coronavirus. While the ding more than 4000 points and Europe traded in the same ago.   +   (!!!    & ( R    !               "As part of this special         drive, our health (department)       Monday night.   he State Government on officers will make people As the BJP legislative party mid reports of a possible     TMonday warned that it understand how false news hivraj Singh Chouhan was meet held in Bhopal on Arise in coronavirus cases in       would take stern action against and misinformation can harm Son Monday administered Monday evening, senior leader Chhattisgarh, the State rumour-mongers spreading law and order and create con- oath as the Chief Minister of Gopal Bhargav proposed Government on Monday    fake news on social media fusion’’. Madhya Pradesh in a small cer- Chouhan’s name and several decided to shutdown all indus-      about the novel coronavirus “They are satisfying the emony at the Governor House. MLAs, including former trial units barring the essential The district collectors have    outbreak. curiosity of the citizens and are In the wake of coronavirus Minister Narottam Mishra, ones. been asked to strictly imple-  !  The state level fake news making efforts to desist from threat, only a few VVIPs were %!9 % ! (! !  !  seconded his name. Soon after An order in this regard was ment the order. The decision "   control and special monitoring forwarding unverified infor- present at the swearing-in, (!    ! !  central observers — Vinay released by the State was taken after reports that cell had been set up by the mation or images. There are while the media was not "!     Sahastrabuddhe and Arun Government. COVID-19 is fast spreading in state government, which has adequate provisions in IT Act allowed entry at the event. Singh, attending the meeting “Food processing, medical, the state. The order further said that been monitoring fake news on for taking action against these With the oath-taking cer- through video conferencing drugs and medical equipment The industrial houses have essential commodities and ser- social media platforms and fake news being spread on emony, Chouhan created his- as BJP Legislative Party’s leader announced that Chouhan has units, will be exempted from been asked to pay salaries and vices will not be affected. In the other publications. social media,” the source said. tory in Madhya Pradesh for at a meeting held at the State been named the leader of BJP shutdown,” an official press allowances to their officers and meantime, the transport used "Strict action will be taken The activities of host, dis- having become Chief Minister BJP headquarters. Legislative Party. release issued by the commerce employees on time during the by industries for moving essen- against those spreading fake play, upload, modify, publish, for the fourth term. First, he Having elected as Chief Chouhan in his address and industries department said. shutdown period. tial commodities will not be news. We will not take such transmit, update and share became CM on November 29, Minister designate, Chouhan straightaway launched a sting- Also, such industries where The industrial units where used for public transport in any things lightly... this is an emer- come under the different sec- 2005, second time on called on his partymen saying ing assault on outgoing production takes place round continuous production hap- circumstances. gent situation and spreading of tions of Act and the news December 12, 2008 and for it is not a time for any celebra- Congress Government claim- the clock like iron production pen must manage work In case of violation of the false and unverified news can affects the interest of common third term on December 14, tion but to fight off corona ing that the Congress govern- from blast furnace, will also not through minimum work-force, order, the industry will have to lead to panic among the peo- people, the source 2013. Earlier, on Monday scare. He said he will start ment completely destroyed the be closed down, it said. it said. face legal action. ple," an official source said. stated. evening, Chouhan was elected working at Mantralaya from State in 15 months of rule.  ! #$            cases have come to notice.  %    Announcements are being made in all area through con- ith people defying lock- cerned SHOs and PCR to  %    the Indian Police Service and upgrading medical infrastruc- Wdown orders in the city, remain inside the house during Punjab Police Service officers ture in Mansa. For the same, he the Chandigarh the curfew period he said. s the state grapples with the have volunteered to contribute has written to the Mansa Administration on Monday In addition to routine duty Acoronavirus outbreak, one day’s salary to the Police Deputy Commissioner. imposed curfew from mid- of all Police Stations, PCR and Punjab Cabinet Ministers, Welfare Fund towards welfare night till further orders to Traffic, all SDPOs, all SHOs Congress MLAs, Shiromani activities for the police per- SCREENING EVERY FOR- combat the spread of COVID- and approximately NGO/ORs- Akali Dal (SAD) MPs and sonnel battling Coronavirus EIGN-RETURN ONLY WAY 19 (Coronavirus). 500 have been deployed at dif- MLAs, IAS, IPS and PPS cadre pandemic across the state. TO SAVE FROM COVID: The development comes ferent places, outer barriers officers on Monday announced A sum of nearly Rs. 33.2 MINISTER after neighboring Punjab and as reserve force in the city, to donate their one month lakhs is likely to be contributed Chandigarh: Punjab Health Government also imposed a he added. salary to the Chief Minister’s as one day’s salary component and Family Welfare Minister curfew to ensure social dis- Relief Fund. of 121 IPS and 809 PPS officers Balbir Singh Sidhu on Monday tancing and fight the deadly SEVEN CASES IN CHD All the Ministers, led by the in the State, said Gupta, adding said that the state Health disease. SO FAR Chief Minister Capt Amarinder that the said contribution Department is working on war Chandigarh reported one Singh, will contribute their would be utilized in making footing to screen every foreign more positive case of COVID- A 21-year male, resident of one-month salary on account arrangements and initiating return passenger as screening is 19 (Coronavirus) on Monday Sector 38 here was tested pos- of donation towards the other welfare measures for the one of the way to save our peo- taking the total number of itive for COVID-19 on Monday ‘Corona Virus Disaster valiant police personnel, who ple from COVID-19. cases to seven till the filing of becoming the seventh person Management and Relief Fund’. are solely dedicated to supple- “As India has reached in this report. More than 400 affected due to the virus in the Announcing the decision, ment the efforts of the state for second stage, there is need to people are under home quar- city. He is a contact of a posi- the state Parliamentary Affairs the containment of COVID-19 quarantine all the foreign pas- antine in the city. Parida. products etc. media and government tive case and is under treatment Minister Brahm Mohindra said with firm commitment and sengers following strict instruc- The Administration had on The Adviser said that the It has also been decided to machinery tasked with at GMCH-32 here. He has five that this was a goodwill gesture zeal. tion laid by the Centre,” he said. Sunday announced a lock- individuals engaged in essen- requisition Sood Dharamshala COVID-19 related duties, any family members which include of the Punjab Ministers to Not only those in power, Besides such initiatives, down restricting movement of tial services including Police, where 125 isolated rooms with other category exempted by parents, grandparents and express their solidarity with the but the opposition parties have the stamping of hands as well denizens. However, the order Medical, Municipal etc will be toilets are available to function order of DM and those espe- brother. His brother is tested people of the state in their fight also chipped in to contribute as marking of houses of quar- failed to stop the residents given curfew passes. as isolated ward, if necessary. A cially issued permit by the negative while rest of the fam- against the Novel Coronavirus their one month salary. Aam antined persons is being made from thronging the markers Employees of Punjab, Haryana separate block of PGIMER DM, ADM or SDM or other ily members are asymptomatic (COVID-19). aadmi party (AAP) MLA from by the Health Department so and parks. and Central Government will (Nehru Block) has been desig- officer authorised in this behalf. at the moment and after “The government is pro- Sunam Aman Arora also that they can easily identify if Punjab Governor and UT request for passes through their nated as COVID place for The compliance of these screening has been referred to active in discharging its duty to donated his salary to CM relief they violate the instructions. Administrator VP Singh Chief Secretaries only. exclusively housing and treat- orders shall be ensured by the GMCH-32 for testing. provide the medical care and fund “to fight out COVID-19”. “It’s our collective respon- Badnore on Monday held a The Deputy Commissioner ing Corona affected patients, he executive magistrates (includ- In regard to the positive treatment of the people and to Besides, SAD parliamen- sibility to ensure cent percent meeting with senior UT offi- will take the decision on issu- said. ing those especially appointed) case, the Health Department provide all essential services tarians and well as legislators compliance of Government’s cers to review the situation and ing curfew passes. Moreover, The newspaper distributors and police officers/officials. has traced driver along with his and amenities to the people in have also announced to donate instructions for the safety of liv- decided to impose curfew in the relaxation in curfew hours and hawkers have also been Violation of the curfew orders other three family members this crucial time,” he said. one month’s salary to the Relief ing beings,” he added. Chandigarh starting from will be given for purchase of advised to follow hygiene stan- will be dealt with strictly under and maid also in Sector 25. All He said that the State Fund to assist the Punjab The Minister said that in Monday midnight till further essential items in due course, he dards and use protective gears relevant provisions of IPC, the of them are asymptomatic and Government is also working Government’s efforts to provide the present scenario, anyone orders. said. for distribution of newspapers, order stated. have been home quarantined, shoulder to shoulder with all the treatment and succor to coming from any country “With the imposition of Parida further said that he added. said a senior UT officer. workforce, which comprises COVID-19 patients as well as abroad has to undergo manda- curfew all the residents will be the Administration has tied up BORDERS SEALED The 25 years old boy, resi- Police Personnel, district admin- take preventive steps to stop the tory isolation or quarantine for required to stay indoors. The with neighboring states of INSTRUCTIONS dent of Sector 19, who is son of istration, doctor, nurses, health spread of the pandemic. 14 days, if symptoms appear, DGP has been given strict Punjab and Haryana for con- UNDER CURFEW Keeping in view the lock- a senior UT officer was tested workers, who are working at the The decision was taken confirmation tests are done directions to enforce the curfew tinuous supply of essential District Magistrate Mandip down and curfew, all 38 outer positive for COVID-19 on ground zero to check the spread after SAD president Sukhbir free of cost to rule out COVID- without any relaxation what- commodities including Oxygen Singh Brar issued order under border nakas Sunday and is in isolation ward of COVID-19 in the State. Singh Badal held discussions 19 infection. soever,” said UT Adviser Manoj cylinders, LPG, petroleum section 144 of the CrPC to (manned/unmanned) have at GMCH-32 for treatment. All Maintaining that the Chief with MPs MLAs on this issue. Maintaining that Punjab impose curfew in the city been made operational on his family members including Minister has entrusted him “Following a suggestion by the has been on its toes ever to which stated, “No person shall round the clock basis, where- father (senior UT officer), the task of talking to all the SAD president to lead the relief break the chain of transmission leave their homes or shall move in vehicles working for essen- mother and sister are tested Ministers in this regard to seek effort, all party MPs and legis- since the spread of COVID-19, on foot, or by vehicle or travel tial service, vehicles carrying negative and his residence has their approval to donate their lators unanimously agreed to Sidhu said: “The department or stand or roam around on patients, ambulance, govern- been sanitized, he said. one month salary into Chief donate one month’s salary for has been taking series of pre- any road or public place, except ment vehicles of Haryana, The patient had come in Minister’s Relief Fund, this noble cause,” said the ventive measures to make sure for emergency medical aid. Punjab are allowed to come. contact with the first positive Mohindra said that he has party’s official release. that the virus does not spread Any assembly of five or more A spokesman said, “On case of COVID-19 in the city. talked with all the Ministers At the same time, Sukhbir within the community. persons shall not be allowed receiving any call of Three more contacts of the and they have given their con- also issued an appeal to all Intensive screening of anywhere in the city.” Coronavirus case in the city, patient have been traced. These sent in this regard. party leaders and workers to foreign return passengers is The order does not apply to beat staff of concerned area as are 30 years old sweeper in In a similar move, to help contribute their might to com- being done by the frontline those tasked with law and well as one PCR vehicle are vis- Sector 26, 40 years old gardener those whose livelihood is bat the pandemic while urging fighters of Health Department order or emergency and iting with health team to assist in Kishangarh and 52 years old affected as a result of the state- the SAD district presidents to with the help of police and municipal services/duties them in quarantine or testing maid residing in Maulijagran. wide lockdown, all IAS (Indian assist the District other departments across the including executive magis- of suspect case. Further, special All of them are asymptomatic Administrative Services) offi- Administration in this task State.” trates, police personnel, mili- duty has also been deployed to and put under home quaran- cers of Punjab cadre will con- while reaching out to the doc- “Massive, information edu- tary, CAPF personnel in uni- curtail access to the area where tine. tribute one-day salary to the tors and patients in cation and communication form, health, electricity, fire, Coronavirus suspect or positive Chief Minister Relief Fund. hospital by providing them (IEC) campaign has been The IPS and PPS officers of much needed masks, ventila- launched by the department as the State have also announced tors and medicines or simply by part of which series of aware- to donate a day’s salary for the ensuring free ‘langar’ service to ness campaign is being done welfare of police personnel the needy. through print, social and elec- involved in combating the SAD MP Balwinder Singh tronic media for educating deadly virus. Bhunder also announced Rs 50 people regarding mode of DGP Dinkar Gupta said all lakh from his MPLAD fund for spread, symptoms,” he said.

 %    their bank account. He said then no surcharge or interest that all BPL families who have would be charged till April 15. aryana Chief Minister not registered under MMPSY Similarly, the due date of all HManohar Lal Khattar on would also be provided a sum taxes under the Haryana Motor Monday announced a special of Rs 4500 per month on week- Vehicle Taxation Act would be financial package to help those ly basis starting March extended by one month to living Below Poverty Line (BPL) 30. April 30. Also, stage and con- and people of Low Income He said poor persons who tract carriage vehicles would be Groups like daily wage workers, were earning on daily basis given 100 per cent exemption labourers, street vendors and such as mazdoors, street ven- from the Motor Vehicle construction workers so that dors etc. may register with the Taxation for the period they are they do not face any difficulty to Deputy Commissioner of the not allowed to ply in view of the meet their day-to-day require- district on a portal that would lockdown, he said adding that ments during the period of lock- be established by March 27. no penalty would be charged down. All such persons who are found for any delay with respect to the Addressing a Digital Press eligible and have a bank vehicles, which become due for Conference here, Khattar said account would be directly pro- renewal/passing from March that all BPL families would be vided an assistance of Rs 1000 15 to April 30. provided their monthly rations per week. All positive coron- The CM said a special for the month of April free of avirus patients, if requiring package for agriculture and cost. This would include rice or hospitalisation, would be given farmers shall be announced by wheat as per their entitlement, the benefit of free hospitalisa- the Government by March 28. mustard oil and 1 kg sugar. All tion, irrespective of whether the school children enrolled in treatment is in a private or gov- HARRYANA COVID RELIEF Government schools and all ernment hospital, he further FUND SET UP children in anganwadis would added. Khattar also announced be provided dry rations for the He said that all health setting up “Haryana COVID period the schools and angan- workers and frontline workers Relief Fund” for providing wadis are closed. involved in combating the assistance to all those who are He said families registered pandemic would be provided economically affected by the under Mukhyamantri Parivar accident insurance (ex-gratia) present situation. The Chief Samriddhi Yojana (MMPSY) of Rs 10 lakhs. Government Minister announced the initial are being provided Rs 4000 would ensure that all contrac- contribution of Rs 5 lakh from with contributions to the dif- tual workers with Government his personal savings towards ferent insurance and pension would receive their wages even the Fund. The Funds will be schemes. As on date around if they were unable to perform invited from contributions 12.38 lakh families have regis- their work during the period of from all those who are capable tered under MMPSY. The bal- lockdown. of supporting those economi- ance amount of 2,000 per "All industries and com- cally affected. family would be released before mercial establishments are He said all MLAs will con- March 31 to all the registered being advised that they would tribute one month’s salary to families whose verification has not retrench or remove any the Fund. All India Services been completed. employee for their absence Officers will be contributing 20 A further sum of Rs 6000 during the period of lock- per cent of their salary to the would be provided to such down," he said. Fund as an initial contribution. families in the month of April, In case any domestic, com- Contributions are being made he added. mercial or small industrial by all Government employees Khattar said those who consumer is unable to pay other than Group D employees have been registered with the electricity bills in time, then no who shall contribute 10 per Haryana Board of surcharge or interest on delayed cent of their salary to the Construction Workers but have payment would be charged till Fund. not registered under MMPSY April He also urged the people of would be provided a sum of Rs 15. the State to voluntarily con- 4500 per month on weekly Khattar said that in case of tribute in this. basis starting March 30. The delay in payment of water or sum would be paid directly into sewerage bills by the due date,

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                  P      Q "" #  $  %   #  &''( ) *  #  % ' +,-.//0  '1/00"2 ...3.4/50/     #  *   67' 8 9    8  % ' +,-.//: 6;      % 6; )     <  &; $( 4  =  8      )  >      $8 < +""/ //. ; /""+,/""/,::    &; ?+3" ) 4 $&@<9 =     $ +./"3/" A(( ; /"./+,B0-B// C ,B0--//( chhattisgarh 03 RAIPUR | TUESDAY | MARCH 24, 2020 Baghel reiterates his appeal to CM, HM pay tribute to people to observe home-isolation martyrs in Naxal attack STAFF REPORTER n The only way to prevent C’garh declares COVID-19 RAIPUR the spread of Corona Virus STAFF REPORTER n Union home ministry (COVID-19) pandemic is as infectious disease RAIPUR Vijay Kumar and director hhattisgarh chief minister home isolation and social dis- RAIPUR: The state public general of police DM CBhupesh Baghel on Monday tancing. Many people are still health and family welfare hhattisgarh chief Awasthi, were among reiterated his appeal asking the not taking the lockdown seri- department on Monday Cminister Bhupesh others who also paid trib- people of the state to remain in ously and are unnecessarily declared the novel Baghel, his senior cabi- utes to the martyred home-isolation, after the Centre roaming around on streets. coronavirus (COVID-19) as net colleagues, state police personnel. issued fresh directives. The state government a notified infectious disease. police chief and a sen- Paying his tribute, Baghel said: “As responsi- has requested the people to A notification issued by the ior security advisor to the chief minister said: ble citizens, people should not stay at home and has directed secretary, public health and the Union home min- “We are proud of our do anything which can increase officials concerned to ensure family welfare department istry on Monday paid security personnel’s brav- the possibility of the spread of to stay indoors a few more strict compliance of the advi- Niharika Barik Singh, said tributes to the martyred ery. Our brave security the coronavirus infection. days until March 31. sory issued by the Centre. that under the Chhattisgarh security personnel of personnel sacrificed their “As the third stage is “We hope for coopera- The state government Public Health Act, 1949, the Sukma Naxal lives while braving the approaching, the number of tion from the people,” he said also appealed to the people to Section 50, the state govern- attack, at the Sukma Naxal attack. cases is increasing across the in his appeal. take the lockdown seriously ment has declared COVID- police lines. “Their sacrifice will world,” he said, adding that until The CM further said that to save themselves and their 19 as an infectious disease Apart from the CM, not go in vain.” now, Chhattisgarh has only one just as people cooperated families from the within the complete geo- state home minister Saluting the courage positive case that has been with the government for the coronavirus infection. graphical boundary of the Tamradhwaj Sahu, state of the slain police per- detected and it is under control. last three days by staying Guidelines issued by state as and under Section industry minister sonnel, Baghel said that The awareness among indoors, the, same should be Centre and the state govern- 51 as a notified infectious Kawasi Lakhma, the state government is the people can only help to continued until March 31, so ment should be strictly fol- diseases. The notification Congress legislator with the families of the control it pathogen, he said that the chain of the infection lowed to prevent spread of will remain effective until Mohan Markam, senior martyrs in this difficult and reiterated his to people can be broken. the pandemic. further orders. security advisor to the time. Ex-corporator, hotel director booked Under-trial prisoners to All civic bodies meeting for holding party in Ambikapur STAFF REPORTER n however, the organizers were be released on parole banned till March 31 AMBIKAPUR adamant, following which the police had to intervene, offi- n he Ambikapur police on STAFF REPORTER RAIPUR Chief Justice of India SA prisoners can be released on n cials said. Bobde directed the states to parole or an interim bail for STAFF REPORTER Body and Appeal Committee had issued the guidelines Monday booked a for- T They have been booked he Supreme Court on form a high-powered com- such period as may be RAIPUR meeting should not be after the coronavirus lock mer corporator and the direc- organized in the down of offices. under Sections 188, 269 and TMonday directed the state mittee comprising the princi- thought appropriate,” he said. overnment of Corporations. Urban adminis- Similar order has been tor of a city-based hotel for 279 of the Indian Penal Code government to grant special pal secretary of the state “The Supreme Court has GChhattisgarh in continu- tration secretary issued for Chief Executive holding a marriage party in (IPC) and Section 3 of the parole to under-trial home department, the chair- also issued directives to the ation of the measures taken Alermalmangai D has direct- Officers of Municipal Ambikapur, police said. Chhattisgarh Epidemic Act, prisoners to decongest man of the state legal services states to ensure the maxi- in the wake of novel coron- ed to strictly follow the direc- Councils and Nagar “Director of Hotel Grand 2020, the SP added. prisons in a bid to control the authority, and the director mum possible distancing avirus (COVID-19) infection tive. Panchayats of state. The Basant KK Agrawal and Irfan Meanwhile, police also spread of coronavirus general of prisons to consider among the prisoners, includ- has taken a decision to post- State government order states of not to hold Siddiqui were booked for vio- said that both the bride and outbreak in the jails. various steps for de-congest- ing under-trials prisoners to pone all the meetings of civic directive on the Corporation the meeting of President- lating Section 144 and groom had returned from the Chhattisgarh advocate ing the prisons. minimise the risk of the viral USA more than a month back. bodies of state till March 31. budgets had directed the in-Council, General Body Chhattisgarh Epidemic Act,” general Satish Chandra Following the instruc- transmission.” Following the detection Verma said the Supreme Urban administration Commissioners to take nec- and Appeal Committee superintendent of police (SP) tion, the state government The official further said of a COVID-19 positive case Court on Monday asked all too will form the committee and development depart- essary action as per provi- meeting till March 31. Surguja Ashutosh Singh said. that the Apex Court also ment, Government of sions of Chhattisgarh On regards to the budg- in Raipur, Section 144 was states to consider releasing to decide about release of directed that the physical After getting information Chhattisgarh has issued Municipal Corporation Act et process which has not imposed across the state. prisoners facing sentences of prisoners serving up to seven presence of under-trial pris- guidelines circular to all the 1956 Section 98. State gov- begun, Under the about the gathering on Public places have been up to seven years and under year sentences and under- oners before courts "must be Municipal Corporation ernment has sought details Municipal Council Act Sunday, the district adminis- shut down, inter-state vehicu- trial prisoners, in order to trial prisoners on parole for a stopped forthwith and Commissioners. from the Commissioners of 1961, section 116 sub sec- tration had reached hotel and lar traffic has been restricted. decongest prisons in light of limited period, he said. recourse to video conferenc- The directive states that Corporation on the budget tion 3 provisions, the action tried to persuade them for Rail movement has also been the coronavirus pandemic. “The committee will ing must be taken for all pur- Mayor-in-Council, General but later state government should be taken. not holding the program, halted until March 31. The Bench headed by determine which class of poses." All passenger trains to remain Plying of public transport banned STAFF REPORTER n RAIPUR Traders, retailers and he Chhattisgarh govern- wholesalers said they are Tment on Monday cancelled until March 31 banned all the public trans- waiting for the government port, including taxis, autos STAFF REPORTER n has been refunding the pas- refunds will be allowed if the and e-rickshaws with imme- to relax the restriction for RAIPUR sengers from March 21 and passengers do not to travel diate effect until March 31, the payout will continue until even for the trains that have to curb the spread of Covid- transportation of essential ontinuing its measures in June 21 for all those tickets not been cancelled. 19 infection in the state. Corder to fight the spread generated from the PRS For refunds, passengers State transport commis- commodities for the of the novel coronavirus, the counters along with e-tickets. can submit the ticket deposit sioner issued the guidelines on Monday For cancellation of the receipt (TDR) to the chief in the context to all the supply to normalise decided to cancel all passen- tickets, the passengers need commercial manager or the regional, additional regional ger trains, including premi- purchase vegetables and have not been allowing vehi- not to come to the railway office of the chief and district transport offi- um trains, mal/express cers. other essential provision. cles transporting the goods station and can get their commercial within a period trains, and suburban trains Police has put up barri- With the supply of veg- to enter the city, resulting in refund online, the release until midnight of March 31. of three months from the cades as part of the imposi- etables reducing and the the scarcity of food and pro- To make it more conven- said. date of travel. tion of prohibitory orders demand have increased. A vision with the retailers and ient for passengers, full The refund is been given On submission of the under Section 144 of the few venders, who have set up traders in the city refund for all cancelled trains for two cases, one for the TDR, and after verification CrPC during the morning stalls, have hiked the prices Traders, retailers and will be provided to passen- trains cancelled during stipu- of the train reservation chart, hours but once the restric- of vegetables, residents wholesalers said they are gers until June 21, an official lated period. Passengers can the passenger will be tions were relaxed, the peo- alleged. waiting for the government railway release said. avail the refund from the refunded the total fare ple started to come out their Wholesalers too alleged to relax the restriction for Adequate arrangements date of travel up to three amount within 60 working private vehicles to travel. that despite there is no ban transportation of essential are being put in place to to passengers affected by The release further said months period. days from the date of the Many residents stepped on the supply of essential commodities for the supply facilitate hassle-free refund train cancellations, it said. that the public transporter In the second case, the submission of the claim. out of their houses to commodities, the police to normalise. AIIMS closes routine Scientists in 2007 warned China Average power OPDs, including specialty was a ‘time bomb' for COVID-19 bill this month, services from today NEW DELHI: As the world lead to new genotypes and battles growing new coron- outbreaks. STAFF REPORTER n closed all routine OPDs in avirus (COVID-19) pan- It's been 17 years since a RAIPUR the AYUSH building and demic that has killed over respiratory virus called now, it has decided to close he All India Institute of 14,500 people, a study that severe acute respiratory no half tariff other routine OPDs in the appeared 12 years back then syndrome (SARS) appeared TMedical Sciences 36 departments, including n (AIIMS) Raipur on Sunday claimed that the situation in in China. STAFF REPORTER RAIPUR infection among employees specialty services. China was a "time bomb" for By the time the global who physical jot down the decided to close all its n the wake of the threat of According to deputy a dangerous virus outbreak. SARS outbreak was consumption of power and routine OPDs, including director (admin) Neeresh the coronavirus outbreak, specialty services from Published by the journal contained, the virus spread I hence the billing has been Sharma Trauma, all Clinical Microbiology to over 8,000 people the Chhattisgarh State suspended, the sources said. March 24 until further emergency services at the Power Distribution Company orders. Reviews in 2007, the worldwide and killed almost The average bill will be AIIMS will remain Limited (CSPDCL) on The AIIMS has taken researchers noted that the 800. calculated from the power the decision in the wake of functional as usual. "presence of a large reservoir The new coronavirus, Monday decided to suspend consumption by each coronavirus outbreak in the Suspected coronavirus of SARS-CoV-like viruses in SARS-CoV-2 which causes the on-spot power billing this consumer between October country, an official said. patients will get medical horseshoe bats, together the disease COVID-19, month. 2018 and September 2019, the The AIIMS out-patient facility at the AYUSH with the culture of eating surpassed the 2003 SARS An official source in the official said. departments (OPDs) building, he said. exotic mammals in southern outbreak long back. It has Discom, said the consumers The exemption of half services are much sought A woman coronavirus China, is a time bomb". killed over 14,500 people and whose power billing has not tariff up to 400 units will not medical treatment facilities positive patient, who is The cause for concern infected over 2.40 lakh peo- been done for the month of passed on to the consumers in the state. admitted in AIIMS Raipur, was due to the culture of eat- Respiratory Syndrome should not be ignored," ple globally, according to the March, will be charged an this month but it will be Every day, nearly 1 500 is stable in condition. ing exotic mammals in (SARS) and other novel warned the study. latest data from John average power bill. extended to the next month in to 3 000 patients visit the Doctors have given southern China. viruses from animals or lab- Coronaviruses are well Hopkins University's The billing, which used to which the exemption of half OPDs in 37 departments. counselling to her on "The possibility of the oratories and therefore the known to undergo genetic Coronavirus resource be done manually, is posing a tariff i.e. 800 units will be The AIIMS had earlier Monday. reemergence of Severe Acute need for preparedness recombination, which may Center. (IANS) threat of coronovirus granted, the source said.   #%

  & &                * R          n anguished Prime 8:; AMinister Narendra Modi on Monday rued that some people are not taking the lock-  6      down in the country serious- ly in the wake of Coronavirus   these challenges can only be (      will have to disinfect their per cent other ranks working pandemic and appealed to the neutralised by the coordinat- hands by using sanitisers before from home at the Army people to save their family oncerned about likely job ed efforts of all.   O  P aving airlifted 170 Indian boarding the plane. Moreover, Headquarters here from members and themselves by Closses and pay cuts due to The advisory further states Hcitizens from Wuhan and the support staff and crew of Monday. These personnel strictly adhering to the direc- the coronavirus crisis, the that in view of the coronavirus      ! Iran since the cornoavirus the IAF planes will not come in will work from home till tions being given by the State Ministry of Labour & pandemic and the consistent pandemic outbreak, the IAF close contact with the passen- March 31 and then the sec- and Central Governments. He Employment on Monday efforts of the government   has decided not to allow gers as a safety measure. The ond batch will do the same. also requested the State asked all the employers of requesting the citizen to COVID-19 suspects to board IAF had deployed its giant C- The IAF plan comprises Governments to make people public/private establishments remain at home and not ven- ollowing the Ministry the aircraft and directed the 17 transport aircraft to bring working with 50 per cent adhere to the lockdown. to not cut salaries or resort to ture out, will constraint the Fof Labour’s advisory, the pilots and other crew to back Indians from Iran and manpower in case of coron- “Many people are still not layoffs of their employees. worker or the employee to Ministry of Finance on remain in the cockpit at the China and the plane can avirus spread in the service. taking the lockdown serious- sectors of the economy. Several The move has come days report for work. Monday issued order that all time of escorting passengers accommodate more than 400 The remaining workforce ly. Please save yourself by sectors like tourism, construc- after the televised address by There may be instances casual, contractual and out- from outside the country as a passengers. The procedure will work from home, offi- doing this, save your family, tion, hospitality and daily life Prime Minister Narendra that on this pretext, the sourced staff working with precautionary measure. after landing in India entails cials said. follow the instructions seri- engagements including the Modi on the outbreak on employer may dispense with the Ministries/ departments In the latest set of advi- the ground staff maintaining The plan also says while ously. I request the State informal sector have been hit Thursday when he urged the the services of the employees and order organisations of sories, the IAF also asked its distance from the incoming deciding the roster for the Governments to get the rules due to COVID-19. The impact business community not to cut or may force them to go on the Government of India crew to brief passengers about crew and passengers. Also, all first week, addressees are and laws followed,” Modi on the economy will be felt for staff salaries. leave without wages or would be treated ‘on duty’ social distancing, cough eti- waste items left over by pas- advise to include personnel Tweeted in the morning. some time to come,” said Modi The Ministry in its advi- salaries. during stay at home in view quettes, refrain from touching sengers will have to be tightly who are involved in core Later, Prime Minister to the industrialists. sory said the Employees’ State As per the advisory, if of lockdown order regard- aircraft surfaces and person- sealed in bags on board and activities, residing in close interacted with industry rep- The industry representa- Insurance Corporation (ESIC) any worker takes leave, he or ing coronavirus prevention, al hygiene. disposed of by biohazard vehi- proximity of their office and resentatives via video confer- tives thanked the Prime requests all employers not to she should be deemed to be and pay and wages would be As per the drill, the board- cles, they said. who may use their own ence from ASSOCHAM, Minister for leading from the cut salaries of employees who on duty without any conse- paid accordingly. ing passengers will go through Besides this, the IAF is transport to travel to work FICCI, CII and several local front and taking swift, front- are unable to work. quential deduction in wages thermal screening and any also working on a contin- places. The IAF has directed Chambers from 18 cities across footed action to counter the The advisory asks employ- for this period. Further, if employee from the job or symptomatic person will not gency plan to allow its per- the Director General Medical the country. threat. They informed the ers not to terminate their the place of employment is reduction in wages in this be allowed to board the plane, sonnel to work from home. Services (Air) to work out a He appealed to the corpo- Prime Minister about the steps employees, particularly casual to be made non-operational scenario will further deepen officials said here on Monday. The Army has already imple- disinfection plan for all office rate to be united in dealing the being taken by them to main- or contractual employees, from due to coronavirus pan- the crises and will not only After going through ther- mented such a scheme with complexes of Air headquar- economic and social issues in tain supply lines of essential their jobs or reduce their demic, the employees of weaken the financial condi- mal screening, the passengers 35 per cent officers and 50 ters and common areas. the current chaotic situation items and medical equipment wages. The letter states that the such unit will be deemed to tion of the employee but also even as he reiterated that the including ventilators, assis- catastrophic situation due to be on duty. hamper their morale to com- companies should not go for tance in creation of isolation the outbreak of coronavirus is The advisory also realis- bat their fight with this epi- '   !   retrenchments or salary cuts. wards, utilisation of CSR funds a challenge to the society and es that the termination of the demic. Modi asked the corporate for combating COVID-19 and houses to be passionate to provision of assistance to         . &  their manpower and provide migrant labour. all sorts of help to them as well “They discussed the spe-   “Many countries in the world strengthen the grass root level as to the society in upholding cific issues being faced by sec-   9       have announced that the gov- health administration and the corporate social responsi- tors like banking, finance, hos- eft parties and its trade ernment will guarantee the economic relief packages to bility. pitality, tourism, infrastruc- Lunions on Monday urged payment of at least 80 per cent the workers and employees. “ Soon after the Prime ture and requested for help to :  !   !  Centre, State Governments of the salaries being drawn by The government should have Minister’s meeting, Mukesh overcome these challenges and Corporate Houses to workers who are now unable come out with financial assis- Ambani-led Reliance through financial and fiscal adopt compassionate to attend work. Government tance to working people and Industries declared that they assistance. Industry represen-   ments to the Bill for passing, tioned the success of the ‘Janata approach to employees work- of India should do likewise. businesses in case of shut have geared up the production tatives also appreciated the Congress legislative party Curfew.’ He said that as MPs go ing in private sector and unor- Alongside there should be a down due to govt. decision to of one lakh masks per day and importance of instituting a arliament was adjourned leader Adhir Ranjan back to their constituencies, ganised sectors. CPI (M) gen- moratorium on bank loans for ensure job security and to safe increased the production of lockdown, irrespective of eco- Psine die on Monday, near- Choudhary said the they would be joining the eral secretary Sitaram Yechury a year for SMEs and retail guard the poor, vulnerable other hospital related materi- nomic losses, to prevent the ly two weeks ahead of its Opposition was ready to pass fight too. As Choudhary in a letter to Prime Minister traders as well as on EMIs. needy sections of the society als. They also offered support spread of the virus. Prime schedule, due to the the Finance Bill but wanted an sought to press for his Narendra Modi demanded Now that the specially those who are daily to free meal schemes across the Minister thanked the industry Coronavirus scare with Lok announcement from demands, Birla also mentioned announcement of economic Finance Bill has been /casual/contract/migrant country and fuel supply. representatives for speaking Sabha passing the Finance Bill, Sitharaman for a financial that opposition leader’s daugh- relief packages to the workers approved by the Parliament, workers. The migrant labour Industrialist Anand Mahindra in one voice on the needs of the 2020, without a discussion package that would help mit- ter too banged the ‘thali’ on and employers. He also said the Central government must is worst hit, nothing to fall too pitched in for production unorganised sector and said even as the Opposition want- igate the economic hardships Sunday in solidarity with the that no private companies set aside separate funds for a back upon. The financial of ventilators. that this marks a new dawn of ed an announcement from generated by the pandemic. doctors and health workers would be allowed to go for substantial package to save the package to them for the peri- The Prime Minister said economic integration. He Union Finance Minister DMK member T.R. Baalu also who are securing the country retrenchment or salary cut in lives and livelihood of crores ods of lockdown is must. that while the government was asked them to allow employees Nirmala Sitaraman for a finan- made the demand. from the epidemic. the wake of Cornoanvirus of people. This is the time to There should be distribution working on giving a fillip to the to work from home wherever cial package to tackle COVID- The finance minister,how- Birla said apart from pass- pandemic situation. use our resources for saving of food packets and drinking pace of growth in the country, doing so is feasible through 19. The Minister did not ever, did not speak on the ing thegeneral budget , 13 bills Yechury suggested that lives and not be preoccupied water to all these worst hit an unforeseen hurdle in the using technology. He exhorted address the issue. issue. After the passage of the were passed by the house. there should be moratorium by concerns to maintain fiscal people during the lockdown,” form of COVID-19 came in them to adopt a humanitarian The two-part budget ses- Bill, two more Bills for a “As we go back to our con- of bank loan repayments to discipline,” said Yechury. said Amar Jeet Kaur, AITUC front of the economy. He said approach and not to cut down sion was scheduled to conclude National Security University stituencies, we need to take on SME, retail traders and EMI CPI’s trade union AITUC general secretary that the challenge posed by the on workforce in spite of the on April 03. was introduced by Minister of the challenge of this pandem- payments to employees. urged Government to pandemic is graver than even negative impact on their busi- The decision to shorten State for Home G. Kishen ic and turn a negative atmos- that posed by the World Wars nesses,” said the PMO in a the session was taken before Reddy. “We are ready to pass phere into a positive one,” he and we need to be on constant statement. the House convened at 2 pm the Finance Bill but we need to said. vigil to prevent its spread. Modi reiterated about the after a meeting was held by hear some announcement of The Rajya sabha lasted Modi told the barons that the importance of ‘swachhta’ and Speaker Om Birla with floor an economic package from longer than the Lok Sabha as /  5  5  fulcrum of the economy is following medical advice to leaders of various parties. the Finance Minister,” said it approved the Bill for the bud- trust. prevent the spread of COVID- The Rajya Sabha which Choudhary. get of 1-lakh crore for the “Trust has a unique yard- 19 at factories, offices and passed budget for union terri- Choudhary had also Union Territory of Jammu     !  stick - it is earned or lost in dif- workplace. He added that social tory of Jammu and Kashmir, moved an adjournment for- and Kashmir for 2020-21. The ficult and challenging times. distancing remains our biggest too was adjourned after it putting on hold the exercise of upper house too was The parameters of trust are at weapon in our fight against completed its business in the National Population Register adjourned by its Chairman M   Disabilities Act 2016. the States about the RPwDs a critical juncture in various preventing the spread of the evening. in the country. Venkaiah Naidu, in the In a letter to all the State Act 2016 that envisages dis- Besides passing the finance Before the house was evening. midst the coronavirus Chief Secretaries recently, semination of all information bill, the lower house intro- adjourned Prime Minister It also approved and Ascare, the Centre seems to Shakuntala Doley Gamlin, in accessible format both print duced two bills and the pro- Narendra Modi arrived in the returned to Lok Sabha anoth- have forgotten the people Union secretary (Social Justice and electronically. /7      ceedings the concluded with House. On the appeal of the er Bill for the budget of with disabilities (PwDs) as it and Empowerment Ministry) Rule 15 of the Rights of the address of the Speaker speaker members gave a stand- Ladakh, as required under is yet to make all its informa- drew their attention stating the PWD rules clearly man- Om Birla who touched on the ing ovation to the first respon- rules for money bills. tion and circulars/advisories that the information in regard date that all the websites must    ongoing coronavirus scare in ders, medical professionals, The Bills were approved related to Covid-19 in a for- to the Coronavirus that has be made accessible in accor- the country and people’s strong essential services workers and with voice vote after a debate mat that is easily accessible to infected over 3,0000 and dance with guidelines for gov-   This is why the WHO rec- resolve to cope with the epi- media for being at the forefront of over two hours. The Jammu them. killed over 14,000 is very ernments websites as adopt- ommends hand washing and demic. in the fight against the pan- and Kashmir Appropriation Waking up to this need of often not accessible by the ed by the Department of he World Health maintaining hygiene. Earlier, as the Finance demic coronovirus. Bills were passed by Lok Sabha the sector, the Union Social PwDs. Administrative Reforms and TOrganisation on Monday The WHO also tweeted, Minister presented amend- The Speaker also men- on March 19. Justice and Empowerment As such they remain Public Grievances and all allayed fear that Coronavirus “Airborne spread has not Ministry has now written to unaware of the safety mea- public domain documents to (Covid-19) spread through been reported for #COVID- the Department of Personnel sures to be taken by them to be uploaded in the website air also besides contaminat- 19 #coronavirus. Chinese virus. He also requested them and TV channels’ editors. He of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and and Training (DoPT) to make deal with the situation even either in the OCR (Optical ed objects. authorities reported possi- to use their CSR funding for praised the media for their Bangladesh for offering initial the awareness material in though it has been proven that Character Recognition) or Dr Poonam Khetrapal bility of aerosol transmis- humanitarian causes related work during the crisis period funds to the Covid Fund cre- braille for blind people and in they face increased risk of get- ePUB (ebook file format) Singh, Regional Director sion in a relatively closed to the pandemic at this critical and asked the editors to ensure ated by SAARC nations. India sign language video/tapes for ting infected and developing format, she said. WHO South Asia tweeted environment with prolonged juncture. Principal Secretary, the health and welfare of has donated 10 million dollars deaf and dumb people. more severe cases of COVID- Gamlin asserted that that based on the information exposure like ICUs & CCUs Cabinet Secretary and reporters and cameraman in the fund. Si Lanka has The Ministry has also 19. immediate steps need to be received so far and our expe- in hospitals, but more epid Secretary, Department for working whole day and night donated five million dollars asked the Union Health The virus can be kept at taken to make all the public- rience with other coron- data analysis is needed to Promotion of Industry and in the field. and Maldives donated two Ministry to ensure medical bay by following simple ity material related to COVID aviruses COVID-19 apppears understand this.” Her clarifi- Internal Trade also participat- He also thanked the Air million dollars. Bangladesh treatment on priority basis to hygiene measures like wash- 19 accessible in print mater- mostly through respiratory cation came amidst reports ed in the interaction. India crew for their courageous donated 1.5 million dollars the sector, in case they are ing hands with soaps and ial in braille and audio tapes, droplets )(for instance pro- and a few studies that the Later, Prime Minister also work in airlifting people from and Afghanistan donated one inflicted with the virus, as usage of hand sanitisers. videographic material with duced when a sick person deadly virus can be spread convened separate meeting Covid-19 affected countries. million dollars for the Covid- envisaged under the Rule 25 Taking stringent view of sub titles and sign language coughs) and close contact. through air also. with Pharma company owners He also thanked the heads 19 Fund. of the Rights of People with the gaps, Gamlin reminded interpretation for the sector. 50 8  9:!0 !R !)*+ -.. +./ + (    5   there has been a growth in GST, excise duty, stamp duty, bank-   informed that as against the 31 he over 1 lakh crore ing transactions in Jammu and sittings of the House scheduled %P   TBudget for Jammu and Kashmir. ajya Sabha Chairman M in two parts between January Kashmir and Ladakh for 2020- “No loss has been evident RVenkaiah Naidu on 31st and April 3rd, the House 21 — approved by the Rajya in micro-terms,” he said on Monday asserted that members was constrained to conclude   He tweeted in Hindi, Sabha on Monday through behalf of his senior colleague have no right to disrupt the after 23 sittings. “Respected Prime Minister, on separate Bills— laid emphasis Finance Minister Nirmala House as claimed by somebody The Chairman stated that mid scarcity of medical the suggestion of the WHO the on the development of newly Sitharaman. while they have a certain right as against the total scheduled Aequipment and protective government was advised to carved-out Union Territories On the occasion, Thakur to debate and discuss any issue duration of 118 hours 52 min- gear for health workers, the keep stock of ventilators and with effect from October 31, recalled how in 2011 he was in the House. He expressed utes during the 23 sittings, the Congress has demanded sack- masks, but the opposite has 2019. prevented from unfurling the concern over the loss of 24 per- House functioned for a dura- ing of Union Commerce been done and these items The Bills were subse- Indian flag at Kashmir’s Lal cent of the time of the House tion of 90 hours and 30 min- Minister and Commerce have been exported. At whose quently returned to the Lok current fiscal. Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged Chowk, which is something during the Budget Session that utes resulting in 76.13 percent Secretary for allowing export of behest has this been done?” Sabha, as required under rules With regard to the Union that Jammu and Kashmir was anyone from any corner of the concluded ahead of the sched- productivity of Rajya Sabha ventilators, surgical and face Earlier, the party objected for money bills. territory of Ladakh carved out on “ventilator” after the country can do now in the val- ule amidst rising concerns over during the Budget Session. masks, raw material for to the permission given to The total Budget estimates of the erstwhile state of Jammu Government put it under a ley. the spread of Corona virus. A total functional time of masks/coveralls till March 19. companies to export masks for the fiscal is 1,01,428 crore, and Kashmir, the total Budget “political quarantine” for the Initiating the debate, Azad The day also saw several 38 hours 23 minutes of the Congress leader Rahul and ventilators of which developmental expen- Estimates for the past 5 months last seven months and a half, hoped that the next budget for members including Motilal House has been lost due to dis- Gandhi termed the export of alleging that this was allowed till diture is of the order of 38,764 have been pegged at 5,754 saying the situation there was Jammu and Kashmir would be Vohra, Prabhat Jha, Rajiv ruptions including 32 hours 51 masks and ventilators till March March 19. Surjewala termed it crore, an increase of 27 per crore. Of this, capital expendi- worse than what it was even 30 passed in the Assembly there Gowda, BK Hariprasad and Dr minutes so lost during the sec- 19 as a criminal conspiracy. He as a “criminal conspiracy”. cent. The Government also ture would be  4,618.35 crore years ago. and all political detainees Satyanarayan Jatiya retiring ond part of the Session. The raised the issue soon after the Why was it allowed when presented a separate expendi- and revenue expenditure would MoS Finance Anurag would be released immediate- from the house. House, however, sat beyond the Congress sought sacking of the the country is facing a shortage ture plan of  55,317.81 crore be  1,135.65 crore. Singh Thakur, however, said ly to help revive political activ- Naidu in his valedictory scheduled time on 9 days for a Union Commerce Minister of such items?” asked for the last five months of the Leader of Opposition under the current Government ity in the State. observations in the House total of 9 hours 59 minutes. Piyush Goyal. Surjewala. $  !. / ,   #' (#) + $,! -  )% %  D State borders, the district bor- the 15 fresh cases, 14 are from Maharashtra on Monday to of procuring essential com- <=><:: der sealing orders do not apply Mumbai and one case is from purchase essential commodities modities, health services and #/!/4!*" *#2&#5/*/#" /!  "* !##5#4#4!//* #.5!#44* .*/4!  "/#* " n an extreme measure to to medical emergencies,” the . The fresh cases include 8 and drugs. Though there were activities permitted under the /" /#2 * 40/ 0/4/*3$ . .#4*4 */". 89#22.//!: #. 3 "#44  " Icheck the alarming spread of Chief Minister said. close contacts or family mem- reasonably large crowds around order and with only one person  4/5403 #3 * "#0 3./!!" * $*#" *"4 #$ /4! #35 3 "*#!#4*  ** " COVID-19, Chief Minister Meanwhile, the bers of earlier positive cases and grocery and medical stops, the besides the driver. #2* "4  */ $ 4*: Uddhav Thackeray on Monday Coronavirus toll in the State 4 with travel history to affected police chose not to enforce sec- In a restriction that stipu- ordered lockdown in entire rose to three as a 68-year old countries,” State Health Minister tion 144 of CrPc banning five or lates a penal against those not Maharashtra till March 31 and Philippine citizen man, who Rajesh Tope said. more persons understandably to complying with “home quaran- sealing of all State borders and initially tested positive and Of the total infected cases in help the harried citizens. tine”, the relevant portion of the : 25 coronavirus-free district bor- later tested negative after appar- the state, Mumbai accounted for Addressing the people notification read thus: “Every  4*; 0 *3#* ./ #2.#"#4/" " " 3#"* !2"#$& "//#4#4!/*/540* *#*/4$ "#2 ders, even as the pandemic ently after some recovery, died a maximum of 38 cases, while across the state live through person who is required to home 3/* 4*4! "*" /*$ 4**#<2##40 . *  2*# "4$ 4* /! .! !*##.5!#4* */* * claimed one more life and the at a private hospital late on Pune and Pimpri-chinchwad social media, Uddhav said: quarantine shall strictly observe /". =: 2* 8,</" 2"#$* #"*;/22 .* !4#"* "4!*".*#2&//"/0#!2 2"#$&/44"#4 total number of confirmed Sunday night. cities reported 16 and 12 cases “Essential commodities, drugs. the same failing which he/she 2"#$ /* 4/$* **/*#2"#$"4/5/$/4!#4 2"#$ ""%  24* " 4/"/(>//4*#!" 3#"* " COVID-19 cas es shot up to 89 The patient had been admit- respectively. Nagpur, Yavatmal, Drug manufacturing compa- will be liable for penal action and /2* "/% ( ;<"  $ *40: in the State. ted to the Kasturba Hospital in Kalyan and Navi Mumbai nies, agricultural goods and shifted to Government quaran- An overnight after the Mumbai ten days ago and post- recorded four infected cases products, banks/ATMSe related tine”. Maharashtra Government recovery when he tested nega- each, while Ahmednagar district activities, print and electronic Under the lockdown order, extended the Prime Minister- tive, moved to a private hospi- accounted for two cases. Panvel, media, IT, telecom, postal, inter- any congregation of more than :::> called “Janata Curfew” from 9 tal where he succumbed late on Thane, Ulhasnagar, Aurangabad net and data services, supply five persons is prohibited in pub-   "4/. / "/!  # "4$ 4* //44#4. !/#.5!#44* */* 2"#$#4!/  440*/". pm till 5 am, the Chief Minister Sunday. “The patient was a case and Ratnagiri registered one chain and transport of essential lic places. “All shops, including =4 #2* .#"#4/"#*" /5#22.//!:   4*/ ". .#4*4 !"40* 3 "#! announced a slew of measures of diabetes mellitus and asthma. confirmed coronavirus case commodities have been spared commercial establishments, /..#"!40*#/4#*2./*#4 !%  2 ." */"/"  &$/"#44!/40 *: under the Epidemic Diseases He was admitted on March 13. each. The State Health Minister from the lockdown,” the Chief offices and factories, workshops, Act, 1897, including lockdown He had developed acute renal said that the state stood on the Minister said. godowns etc shall close their in the entire State, sealing of all failure and respiratory distress,” threshold of a 'multiplication Under the lockdown notifi- operation. However, manufac- State borders and 25 coron- a statement issued by the pub- stage' of the virus and empha- cation issued by the Maharashtra turing units engaged in pro- :: avirs-free district borders and lic health department of the sized the need for people to later in the evening, all public duction of essential commodi- /$ 4! "#.5!#42"#$?3$#4 !/*/". =4* /5 #2* 4# .#"#4/" penal action against those who Brihanmumbai Municipal maintain ‘social distancing’. transport services including ties like dal, rice mill, related 3/4! $. /* /4!/$ 2/" 4* "$/4*/ //"$//44#4. !: !!" 40/3"  are not complying with “home Corporation (BMC) said. "This is the stage to exercise inter-city MSRTC buses and units, dairy units, feed and fod- .#42 " 4.  " #4#4!//"$//!  4*/ ". 5 3 /"$/. $ !.//* "33/4540 quarantine”. After the latest death, the extreme precautions since we Metro rail will not be permitted. der units, will be permitted to /4!3 *"#3$3#!   $3* !2"#$* 3" #2* #.5!#4: “As a precautionary mea- total number coronavirus-relat- don't want to enter from Phase Significantly enough, taxies operate,” the order stated. sure to prevent the spread of ed deaths rose to three. Earlier, II to Phase III at any cost," Tope with not more than two persons The coronavirus free dis- coronavirus, we have sealed a 63-year-old disease-infected said, as he appealed to people to besides drivers, autorickshaws tricts where borders have been the various borders of had died at the Kasurba Hospital stay indoors as such a measure with not more than one pas- ordered to be sealed are: >::< Maharashtra. We have also the on March 17, while another 63- would help check the spread of senger besides driver are per- Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, collectors of 25 coronavirus-free year-old male patient, who had COVID-19. mitted only for purposes spec- Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Satara,  4#4 ""*#"#2/!/5  / 43/. !#4#.5!#4*/". =*#. .5* 3" /!#2.#"#4/" districts to issue orders pro- been admitted to private hospi- After 22-hour-long curfew, ified in the notification. Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur,  4/* " 3#"*#2?2"  /$3 #23 .* !./  / * * !4 0/* / 4#"0# "4$ 4*#22./ hibiting any vehicular move- tal in Mumbai on March 19. including the 14-hour-long “However, transport of passen- Buldhana, Amravati, Akola, /!#4#4!/:/!/5  /#2/"" .#"! !/*#*/#2=3#* .#"#4/"./ : *".* ments into their districts. The With 15 more fresh cases, “Janata Curfew” called by Prime gers for accessing emergency Washim, Nashik, Dhule,   #3$ 4*%#$$#4 "#2#*  /4!&/"0!*".* / $3# ! .*#4@@#2* %"$4/ movement of essential and per- the total number of confirmed Minister Narendra Modi, peo- medical services shall be per- Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Beed, Jalna, "#. !" %#! A%" %B* /* "/4/0 $ 4* .*/4!* 3! $. /  .*4! " . #4 ishable commodities have been coronavirus cases in the state ple ventured out of their homes mitted. Plying of private vehicles Osmanabad, Parbhani, Hingoli,  4*/ ".  /// *#* 3 #3 */". =%#$$#4 " ." */"A /* B04 spared from the lockdown of jumped to 79 on Monday. “Of in Mumbai and other parts of shall be restricted to the extent Latur, Nanded and Sindhudurg. /$3 *#!" 3#"* " " : 8@    , # $% ++ meeting which was attended he said. The general public in  )  )  The relatives of the victim wo Indians and 10 % among others by top govern- the State would be serviced by & &  said he had recently back trav- TKyrgyzstan nationals were Alipurduar: Over 100 sex work- ment officials including the Amma Restaurants that sell elled back from Bilaspur in held in preventive custody Thrissur(Ker)/Chennai: As ers in West Bengal's Alipurduar he entire State of Tamil chief secretary. subsidized idlis, pooris, Pongal, ven as all the Opposition Chhattisgarh by Pune-Howrah here on Monday in the wake of coronavirus cases in the coun- district will not be working for TNadu is being shut down Barring shops that sell curd rice and lemon rice. Eparties including BJP, Left Azad Hind Express wondering the coronavirus outbreak and try surge past 400, a priest in the next two weeks in the wake from Tuesday evening till essential commodities like All government offices and the Congress hailed Chief whether he had contacted the sent to the All India Institute Kerala who conducted a mass at of the coronavirus outbreak, March 31 in view of the milk, meat, groceries and phar- except district collectortates, Minister Mamata Banerjee for disease while travelling in of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in a church defying a Government they said on Monday. COVID-19 coronavirus attack. ma products, all business estab- police stations, fire and rescue her “impressive performance” train. the city for tests, police said. order against public gatherings People from several places, By Monday evening, the num- lishments will down their shut- services are being shut down in containing the proliferation “If he did not pick it up Acting on a complaint by was arrested on Monday. including neighbouring dis- ber of persons admitted to ters till March 31. “All con- from Tuesday evening. Private of the dreaded virus, the State, from his son or if his son had the locals, police picked them Priest Pauly Padayatti, tricts, visit the red light area hospitals in the State rose to 9. struction works throughout companies which are into the reported its first corona-infect- not visited India in the past up from a mosque in Kurji area Vicar of the Lady of Perpetual located in the central part of the “Those tested positive were the State would remain sus- production of goods meant ed death with a 57-year-old couple of months then he could of the Bihar capital. The for- Help church at Koodapuzha in district town. persons who came to Tamil pended till then. But the State for esports would be allowed to Railway employee from Dum be the first such patient who eigners were Islamic preachers, Chalakudy, conducted the They said that the step was Nadu from outside the State. has made arrangements to take operate with minimum staff. Dum succumbing to his ail- contacted the virus from the Digha police station SHO mass on Monday morning in taken to prevent the spread of But there are hundreds of peo- care of the needs of workers Employees of private firms ments late on Monday noon. community,” a Government Manoj Kumar said. which at least 100 people had the deadly virus. A local NGO ple who have been quarantined who would be affected by the including IT, telecom and other At least three other relatives of official said. The two guides are resi- participated, police said. The that works for the welfare of the in the State and we are expect- shut down,” said the chief min- technological sectors are to the victim, including his wife There are seven more dents of Uttar Pradesh, he priest was arrested and later let sex workers said it would pro- ing the results of their tests,” ister. work from home while private and mother, were under obser- Corona-infected patients said. off on bail. vide financial assistance to these said Dr Vijaya Baskar, Tamil The chief minister further medical facilities can continue vation at a different hospital of undergoing treatment at the Six of them were tested A case under sections 269 women during the period. "This Nadu Minister of Health and stated that all district borders to operate. Kolkata, Health Department Beleghata ID Hospital, sources negative for COVID-19 while IPC (Negligent act likely to is a very good decision and we Family Welfare. across the State would be The chief minister told the sources. said adding no new infection reports of the others are await- spread infection of diseases will provide them some assis- The decision taken by the sealed. “District collector and assembly that the government Though any foreign trav- was reported on Monday. ed, the police officer said. dangerous to life) and 118e of tance so that they can sustain Government to bring the entire superintendents of police have has set apart an additional el history of the victim was still Meanwhile, even as the Six persons whose reports the Kerala Police Act (causing themselves during this period," State under shut down was been authorised to issue orders amount of Rs500 crore for pre- not established as his wife said urban parts of the State went are awaited have been quar- danger to public) has been reg- said Larry Bose, a member of the announced by Chief Minister under Section 144. Public or ventive measures against that they had not visited any into a complete lockdown the antined at a city hotel. istered against the priest and the NGO. Terming the decision Edappadi Palaniswamy in the private transport buses would Corona virus. Palaniswamy corona-affected country in the opposition leaders of Bengal "Initially, we detained them 100-odd faithful. The total exemplary, the district's chief Assembly on Monday. Though not be operated. All eateries said the hospitals in the State recent past, authorities were on Monday hailed the Chief for medical examination but number of COVID-19 cases in medical officer Puran Sharma the Chief Minister was present have been told to suspend ser- are fully equipped to meet any trying to find out whether his Minister for her “impressive later set six of them free," the the country surged to 415, a appreciated the efforts of the sex in the House, he took out time vices till March 31 though emergency arising out of the infection had anything to do performance” in containing officer said, adding all had spike from the figure of 360 the workers and said that the move to preside over the high level they could sell packed foods,” COVID-19 attack. with his US-based son. the outbreak. valid travel documents. night before. PTI was much needed. PTI !"# 9!          ;    !" $&' Jammu: The Army on Monday         announced the postponement of # % ,!%  )  declared out of bounds by its 10-day major recruitment placing concertina wires on the Patna: Leader of Opposition in One of them, a 38-year-old man, rally slated to take place in fter locking down four historic bridge connecting the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi died at AIIMS, Patna, on Rajouri district of Jammu & Amost-affected districts in Jammu & Kashmir with Prasad Yadav, on Monday Saturday, while the other patient Kashmir next month in view of Jammu & Kashmir and Madhopur in Punjab. offered his 1, Polo road official was undergoing treatment. "As the coronavirus outbreak. The Ladakh, the administrators on To check movement of bungalow to the Government the leader of opposition, I have rally was meant for eligible can- Monday decided to seal inter- people in their personal vehi- for turning it into a makeshift been allotted the 1, Polo road didates of all the 10 districts of state borders with Punjab, cles, the Government also quarantine camp or a testing government bungalow. I would Jammu province. "In view of Himanchal Pradesh, and decided to restrict inter district centre for Covid-19. like to put it (bungalow) to bet- COVID-19, Army Recruitment Ladakh to effectively deal with movement of vehicles but only Taking to Twitter, the RJD ter use," Yadav tweeted. Rally scheduled to be held at the outbreak of COVID-19. It permitted movement of vehi- leader also said that he would "The bungalow could be ALG, Rajouri from April 20 to also ordered release of an addi- cles ferrying essential supplies. donate a month's salary to the used as a quarantine camp or a 29 for eligible candidates of tional 40 crore to all deputy A Government advisory chief minister's relief fund to testing centre, or for setting up Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Jammu, commissioners to support their urged public to stay at home help those in need in the wake isolation wards and increasing Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, corona-mitigation efforts to slow the spread of the of the crisis. the number of beds. It can also Samba and Udhampur districts besides two months' advance novel coronavirus disease As per the State Health be used in any other manner to of J&K has been postponed till ration to eligible consumers. (Covid-19) and advised not to Societys bulletin, of the 143 fight against the coronavirus further order," the defence The gateway of Jammu & venture out unless it is samples collected till Sunday, two outbreak," he wrote on the spokesman said. PTI Kashmir at Lakhanpur was absolutely essential. '    !!         !       $     have tested positive for Covid-19. microblogging site. PTI /       /   ' &   %!!5     /7     Guwahati: The leader of the bringing to his notice the fact incidents, where persons from "Other incidents include opposition in Assam that at a time when the coun- the north-east have been another young woman from , # $% ++ all for public consumption. You venues have been shifted to the Monday saw a youth Legislative Assembly, try was struggling to cope abused as chinkis, bat-eating the north-east being spat upon % may not see Brahmin pundits sanctum sanctorum of tem- belonging to the political outfit Debabrata Saikia, on Monday with the threat posed by coro- tribe etc," Saikia said. by a scooterist in New Delhi officiating as “God’s ples! The priest of the temple led by film star Vijayakanth wrote to Union Home navirus, certain racist ele- He said that at a shopping for apparently the same rea- pulence, that’s how people Representative” during the cer- blesses the couple, who tying nuptial note in Chennai. Minister Amit Shah expressing ments in some parts of India mall in Pune, a middle-aged son. Odescribe marriages in Tamil emony. But there are new exchange the garlands (made He was forced to do away with concern over the targeting of were abusing and vilifying woman abused a young girl A woman named Angelica Nadu. Whether the bride and avatars of EV Ramasamy out of minimum number of all celebrations because of the people from the north-east fol- people with Mongoloid fea- from the north-east ostensibly Aribam was so appallingly groom hail from the rich and Naicker (founder of Dravidian flowers) which are sanitised. Section 144 but he shifted the lowing the coronavirus out- tures who hail from the north- because she suspected the vic- abused on social media that she powerful families or from the movement who propounded The minimum number of venue to the actor’s residence so break. eastern states. tim of being a Chinese nation- was compelled to lodge an FIR lower middle class strata, mar- the idea of self-respect mar- guests who grace the occasion that his “God” could grace the The Congress leader, in his "I have already received al, and therefore, responsible with the Delhi Police against the riages in Tamil Nadu are known riages) playing the role of the are welcomed not with the tra- occasion. A wheel chair bound letter to Shah, said that he was information about several such for spreading the coronavirus. culprits," he said. PTI for their extravaganzas, mind pundit. The marriages contin- ditional sandal waters and pastes Vijayakanth, who is keeping boggling entertainments and ued to be glittering events where but with sanitisers with which indifferent health for the last two unique and exquisite spread of music concerts and western they could clean their hands! years attended the marriage lunch and dinner tables. The dance events by the stars of The amount of loss suffered covering his face with mask and number of persons attending Kollywood played major role. by the catering agents because blessed the couple. the marriage reception and the Not any more. The coron- of the corona virus attack is Elsewhere in the State, the kind of swanky cars in which avirus, which struck Tamil beyond comprehension. bride, groom and their imme- the guests arrive are an indica- Nadu early this month, has “Usually there would be a min- diate relations constitute the list tion of the social stand of the taken the glamour and crowd imum of 6,000 guests for a mar- of guests. The same is the case hosts. off the marriages. The last four riage. The coronavirus has in Kerala with parents of soon Though the Dravidian days saw people hailing from brought it down. We serve 14 to to be married youngsters decid- movements in the State claim upper middle class families 20 course meals during lunch ing to do away with the air-con- that they have revolutionised doing away with all opulence, which include vegetable ditioned wedding halls, lavish Tamil society with self-respect high-end celebrations and the biriyani, fried rice, parothas, feasts, and related rituals which marriages, touted as simple unique spreads during lunch puris, vegetable curries and would help them save a few events sans Vedic scholars for and dinner. Gone are the glit- sweet delicacies,” said lakhs. solemnising the most important terati and chauffer driven lim- Manikandan , a lead caterer COVID virus too has its event in the lives of youths, it is ousines. And above all, the from Ambur near Velore. advantages ! 20   #(    2/. ##5:.#$E!/3#4 " G / #4 " 4*/0"/$:.#$E!/3#4 "E **+./02*44/'5 4 F;8 G B   0                    /" /** /*$#$ 4*4 *#"* /** *4/*#4/ /! " 30/040 # 22. 4*                             #    # "4$ 4*" /.** .#$3/#43 !/4!./ :  / *#"! *#*.# .*                       (               ?                                 (                                         +            ! )*+)                    *                    ( his Sunday, on March 22, sharp at 5 pm, we witnessed a rare tryst                     when the entire nation gathered +             O     ( on their balconies and rooftops                 to applaud the valorous brave- heartsT who have been endangering their                  8  lives to serve the rest. The clamour of gongs   8  @  / S 38@/4           reverberated like a celebration, reminiscent                        of some medieval time in history. Except that this solemn and collective chiming of                  bells and conch shells was happening in a        ( #        war-like situation of utter morbidity to fight    @0, # S              8  8 00 back the black swan, COVID-19, which has struck lives and livelihoods with unprece-     (     # 8@/       dented ferocity.      A            ( The Armageddon of 2020 is more per-                    ilous than the localised terrorist strikes of 26/11, the Great Depression of 1929, the        financial apocalypse of 2008 or any other one- ?                  time shocker, devastating human lives and                 *    financial resources. The spread of the pan- demic has left the medical fraternity and pol-                     icy-makers confounded on how to deal with       +            ( the crisis because the contour of this upheaval     3*!*4  > )      3>)!*4 .   is a biological beast and has nothing to do with the principles of economics. Yes, we are                       all together and, hopefully, six months from much before the COVID-19 tional/domestic environmental tices being pursued by Canada payments for hawkers, vendors                   ( now, this, too, shall pass. pandemic struck, even the few laws, there is a ‘polluter pays prin- and the US among others, as and daily wagers; and food dis-                  We stand at that moment in time when erstwhile profitable sectors have ciple.’ Similarly, China must be most nations are moving tribution and emergency shelters we have been compelled to self-reflect and now been pushed to the brink. forced to provide free medical aid towards offering a universal to the unorganised and vulner-           # @0,         re-strategise from the confines of individual This will all precipitate India’s and economic reimbursements basic income. Exceeding fiscal able sections in need of financial +            #   7 isolation: How do we cope by rebuilding banking crisis even deeper with to all countries affected by the deficits no longer matters as pol- aid with immediacy.   # 8@/                      from the free-fall of economies; insulate our- a likelihood of turning even virus.” Especially as China prof- icy-makers now need to tear up Aside from ensuring freer     #      "          ( selves from being afflicted by the disease; the positive net-worth firms into itted the most through global conventional theories of eco- flow of working capital, the shock of ensuing job losses; and worst, the non-performing assets (NPAs). trade in the comity of nations. As nomics that are outdated and Government is now expected to    0      $@ "     (      emotional aftermath of feeling vulnerable India’s response is in sync the culprit nation, it deserves salvage livelihoods by offering take its fiduciary duties serious-            0 *!*(+     " and so close to death? The $87 trillion glob- with the rest of the world in hav- international sanction and eco- financial relief commensurate ly by under taking the role of a                     al economy propels on the simple principle ing to resort to fiscal expansion nomic isolation. Because even with the economic costs of the standing guarantor for a portion of “one person’s spending being the other while simultaneously lowering acts of genocide or terrorism crisis. The downside is that of the wages for businesses #     #             person’s income” as the underlying driver of revenue target expectations to stand pale in comparison to the even when the most developed affected by the crisis and those                  #     any business activity. With the world in shut- perhaps the lowest ever. The havoc wrought by Corona’s con- economy like the US disburses unable to operate, offering a life-                  ( down mode, the economic impact of social anticipated shortfall cannot be tagion and contagiousness. $1,000 to all adults, people will line to citizens by lowering distancing is at present unquantifiable as the now made up through disinvest- This is serious and re-read spend it only on necessities and taxes as also the rates of utilities;    "                risks to life cascade into financial risks that ment targets but will have to this point please: I state that conserve the rest. This will not extending loan tenors and relax- (  #      A         will reverberate for at least a year until a med- depend on the deficit being China’s wilful opacity on this spur the demand cycle. ing bad-debt norms for small    !      (            ( ical solution is found. made up through the windfall issue is tantamount to mass The Government’s task force firms; and speeding up direct Restricting physical movement has gains of roughly $50 billion murder. Because near-fatal out- under the Finance Ministry will, cash transfers to eligible Jan               0        damaged the demand-supply economics through oil arbitrage. If the 2008 breaks can originate from any of course, address sectoral con- Dhan holders and for MNRE-                   much beyond what a cyclic slowdown or a financial crisis eroded a decade’s country. But the host nation has cerns of the largest afflicted GA wagers dependent on con-       +                 recession could erode, lowering forecasts of global growth and earnings, a moral obligation to not wilful- unorganised sector, hospitality struction activity that has global growth to 1.25 per cent. Prolonged COVID-19 will globally regress ly obfuscate facts that can jeop- and tourism, which employs 40 slowed down.

    +       (          growth below two per cent is classified as national and individual gains ardise the very survival of million people. Restaurants This is a moment in history    +/,0(12            “recession” by the International Monetary even deeper and longer, elevat- humanity. As the Chinese econ- account for 7.3 million jobs, that will test national leadership            #        Fund (IMF) with shrinkage in every para- ing sovereign and corporate debt omy will be the first to recover aviation has more than 3,50,000 by gauging how efficiently meter: From lowered industrialist produc- to even higher levels than they and rise, thereby having the lead employees, ride hailing services Governments react with compas-                   tion to a slowdown in trade to tighter cap- stood historically. in redefining its predominance in have five million driving part- sion, speed and scale. This is not            %         ital flows, less of oil consumption, heightened But who put the world into the world order, we need to ners, cinema and entertainment a moment to lose in our attempt >                      unemployment rates and lowered per capi- mass quarantine? Once the chaos diminish our over-dependence cover eight million and online to recalibrate and resurrect from ta investment and consumption. settles and a cure is found, China for supplies of intermediate food delivery companies employ ground zero, as it were. We have               ( The only light at the end of the tunnel must be held accountable by the goods for pharmaceutical and 5,00,000. Real estate, the second to ride it out individually and col-                      is for the healthcare and pharmaceutical World Health Organisation electronics from it or any single biggest employer after agricul- lectively till we inch back to pre-                      industry, e-commerce platforms and any dig- (WHO) and international trade nation. Ideally, the culprit must ture, is expected to take a hit of crisis levels, reminding ourselves   0        7   ital business that delivers products and ser- bodies for keeping the outbreak be ostracised economically for a 35 per cent. with optimism that even war- vices online to the customer confined at home under wraps, which squan- near war-like crime. But the essence for the time losses never precluded  S $  1=  (              as has been the case for video streaming ser- dered precious five weeks that These are testing times for Government is in speeding up strong economic bounce-backs.        S      vices like Netflix, online grocery stores, Ed- could have alerted the world to the Indian Government to dis- the response time to effect pay- (The writer is an author, tech, e-health and fintech, among others. take proactive measures. play how it will deliver on ease outs to businesses; to ease liquid- columnist, Chairperson of the While other sectors such as the real estate, According to a Supreme Court of living and ease of doing busi- ity for the crippled NBFC and National Committee for Financial * airlines and telecom were gasping for life Advocate, GV Rao, “In interna- ness, in line with the best prac- MSME sectors; provide cash Inclusion at Niti Aayog) R= "  / 0  1," GKL /43 #3 /" *4#* * 45* * *$ *##"* /* "* /45 340/22. 4* /$0"/* 2* /*$/4%      %    */540* #.5!#4 #2" *#" " > 4/* /4! *#.5#2 4*/*#"/4!"0; / 24/4! "*##!*             "#:  / / " 3 4 #" 2:#"5#4 ./$/5 !!4O** $3 "/* #2/#.5!#4: ) #" 2!#40*  #"/04$ 4*/4!5 *: # "4$ 4*/#* "   #!0#2"* "/4!      *!*(+, - ( / #"2/$2##* #"$/ !#4O*0 **$ *# $3#"**/".        of strategic thinking, communi- have seen disasters like the tsuna- The Prime Minster’s move to The number of cases being Abdul Malik Qasmi    8             cation and coordination, have mi, floods, epidemics such as impose janta curfew was success- tested and those found positive Mumbai 0/+ 0                   ( been much better. cholera and other infectious dis- ful in bringing the people togeth- could be the tip of the iceberg. Kajal Chatterjee eases like swine flu, bird flu and er. Other measures such as the India has very few testing centres %     .     #                Kolkata SARS among others. In all such shutdown of shops, suspension of when compared to its population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uch before the crisis at the beleaguered                   Yes Bank reached a flashpoint [when the                  )  MReserve Bank of India (RBI) on March        1E  5 00   *  *   5, 2020, superseded its Board, appointed ex-Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of the State Bank of India  +          .   G  (SBI) as its administrator and imposed a mora-       H $    >  $   "  torium for a month on critical operations such #                     as sanction of fresh loan, renewal of existing   0               loans, 50,000 ceiling on withdrawal of money      /       %    + per account] some depositors had already         # ?         ) sensed it coming.     0   $  3 0$4       They withdrew about 18,000 crore during             .     the first six months of the current year (deposits declined from 2,27,000 crore as on March 31, 0$S       ?  S 0 3?04       2019 to 2,09,000 crore as on September 30, 2019); of this, 16,000 crore were withdrawn dur-     +     H .   ? > ing July–September, 2019 alone. Thereafter, the    1F(     0        (  withdrawals leapfrogged to 72,000 crore till the                   3G !4  moratorium came into effect on March 5, 2020,  3G  H4 @           the current level of deposits being 1,37,000  (          (A    crore.  %                      At the core of the crisis is the surge in non-  :               # ?0    performing assets (NPAs) — a jargon for the             -=--    loans that have turned bad raising serious             (     H doubt about their recovery. As per results for the   %                 third quarter of current year, the NPAs are  (' 40,000 crore. At this level, the bank was on the          * %   >        brink of collapse. Had things continued as usual,        *         (  % (  each one of the remaining depositors would have  %   bad under an external environment and controlled by the kin of the ex- jolt to the financial system. The RBI and                  rushed to withdraw his/her money lying in the becoming adverse. For instance, dump- chairman and used for laundering the the Government need to change gears.   S    ?       bank. Given the mammoth shortfall in available N ( (O ing of steel by Chinese producers in the proceeds of corruption. From this Instead of bolting the stable after the           "   ?0       capital, this would have led to utter chaos. The  :' Indian market a couple of years back or alone, one gets an idea of the magni- horses have fled, they need to be    "             ( RBI intervention averted it.   withdrawal of the Generalized Scheme tude of bribe money in the deals, man- proactive and focus more on “preven-                 Meanwhile, the Union Government has (  % of Preferences or the global economic ifold gain to the borrower (in the cited tive” measures.            ?0 * (  ( approved a scheme for the ‘Reconstruction of Yes  slump accentuated by the Coronavirus cases, the ratio is 6:1) and correspond- They should use surveillance pow- Bank — 2020’ under which the SBI has commit- % ' and so on. These are all factors beyond ing loss to the bank in NPAs. There is ers to actually see things happening and      %       H %                    0 ted to invest 6,050 crore for 49 per cent share-   the control of the borrower which could no way any loss being the result of a pre-empt the chances of dubious loans holding and private sector banks viz. HDFC    change for the better and with policy “quid pro quo” arrangement between being sanctioned — instead of waiting       E<===           -=-=(-1 Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank and support from the Government, the the bank top brass and borrower, could for the balance sheet and audit report     $  >  G *  3$>(G4    ;  so on, promising to put in about 3,950 crore tak- % %  stress on loan can be eased. be recovered. to be finalised. If need be, the Banking   (               ing the total capital infusion to about 10,000 The loan given under the second Add to this, NPAs due to loans Regulation Act should be amended. 5    H %     7 7  >  crore. With this, the moratorium was lifted on   category is potentially vulnerable as at given to Reliance Communications The Yes Bank episode clearly demon-                  March 18 when the new Board took over. Under     the time of sanctioning it, the bank sim- Limited (RCL), Jet Airways, Cox & strates that proactive regulatory inter- -=-B                  the new ownership and management control,  % K ply did not bother to conduct due dili- Kings and so on. The capital loss on vention on “real time” basis is far more        (     @    whether or not, the bank will be able to stem the    gence and determine whether the both these counts may well be in crucial than even governance reforms      0           exodus of depositors, restore confidence and start     underlying project is viable. Still, there excess of 30,000 crore. in banks. It also shows that lowering of       0#0  S   (         normal operations, one time will tell.  % could be an unusual chance it is able to The project ‘Reconstruction of Yes Government shareholding in public  0                 ( Meanwhile, it is necessary to analyse as to    generate adequate cash flows to amor- Bank — 2020’ is an attempt to plug this sector banks to below 50 per cent or pri- how the Yes Bank came to such a pass; in fact, tise the loan — possibly based on an big hole created in the bank’s balance vatisation in plain words is not a     . -=I=   S               look at the big picture as to how in a span of two    :  implicit assumption that there was no sheet by the dubious actions of the pro- panacea for the latter’s ills. Irrespective                years, three other financial entities viz. Punjab malafide intent. moter and irregularities at the manage- of whether a bank is owned by a State                 (   and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank, &  Coming to category three, a loan ment level. To the extent, it remains or private entity, the managements are  S %    $  3%$4 >    *    Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services given by the bank top brass with an unplugged (so far, the total commit- prone to playing with public money.                  -=(I=    (IL&FC) and Dewan Housing Finance    % intent of self-aggrandisement is bound ment is just about 10,000 crore; which This attitude is propelled by lack of       0             Corporation Limited (DHFL) were pushed    to go junk as the person taking it has consortium members are forced to keep timely supervision on one hand and  %                ( towards bankruptcy. At a fundamental level, we  no intent of returning it. The probe cur- invested for three years, the SBI’s whole absence of punishment commensurate      (      (   *  @   need to look at the manner in which the bank rently underway by the Enforcement contribution and private investors 75 with the crime on the other.           ?0      sanctions a loan and to whom it is given name- Directorate (ED) points to several per cent), even after reconstruction, the The bailout given and that, too,   *                 ly, the borrower. loans given by the Yes Bank in this cat- bank will remain vulnerable. using public money (resurrection of Yes                    Let us consider three possible scenarios viz. egory. Two such cases that have been Here, we need to recognise that the Bank involves 60 per cent of capital First, the bank has conducted due diligence, care- widely reported include a loan of problem is systemic. All other entities infusion by the SBI which is majority-    0   (              fully assessed the viability of the project/venture 3,700 crore extended to DHFL in lieu (having gone bankrupt) had given owned by the Government) emboldens  (       (         for which loan is to be given, convinced itself of the latter returning the favour by giv- loan under the third category. For them to continue with their game      P     Q        about the credibility of the borrower and taken ing 600 crore to shell companies instance, 6,500 crore loan given by plan. It is, therefore, incumbent upon      # %            adequate security/collateral against the loan. owned by daughters of the ex- PMC to Housing Development and the Government and the RBI to do all                   0    Second, it has granted loan in a cavalier fashion Chairman of the bank. Second is the Infrastructure Limited; tens of thou- that is necessary to give a body blow to   +/,0(12              without conducting due diligence and assessing loan of 1,900 crore extended to the sands of crores in dubious loans given this attitude. Otherwise, the banks    *              ( project viability, at best seeing in some cases, Avantha group in lieu of the benefit of by IL&FS which landed in dozens of will continue to remain vulnerable to     %              whether or not the borrower has a licence. Third, over 300 crore given by the latter to shell companies owned by the top brass manipulation by the top management           while, granting the loan, the management only the wife of the ex-Chairman for pur- of the former and so on. including by the founder/owner for 3         looks at the gain that will accrue to it at person- chase of a posh bungalow in New Delhi. There is a lurking fear that this adding to personal riches. al level under what is termed as “quid pro quo.” The agencies have reportedly could be the tip of the iceberg. In that (The writer is a New Delhi-based  4 A loan given under category one could go unravelled 78 shell companies owned scenario, we could be staring at a big policy analyst)                                             

sionals. Acknowledgement of the skills such as leadership, managing attack of a deadly disease, especially data and developing the response sys- protection as well. Since they care for tal staff may be adversely affected by selfless service that the medical com- uncertainty, problem-solving, risk- as initial signs and symptoms may be tem for later reference. The doctors, both patients who are suffering from circumstances not necessarily or not munity is providing to people around taking, professional judgment and a subtle or mimic common disorders, therefore, are first to become aware Coronavirus as well as the regular directly related to the crisis, such as the world and in India by world lead- grasp of clinical situations based on prompting victims to contact their of a problem and are pivotal in ini- patients, they could inadvertently an illness or a conflict between fam- ers and citizens alike, helps to bolster a deep understanding of the area of primary care physicians. tiating and guiding the public health spread communicable agents rather ily and work commitments. During their confidence and motivates them practice. Most importantly, their In its initial stages, a contagion response. It is they, who have to quickly, especially to vulnerable an emergency of this scale, there to work with greater zeal. much-required confidence and assur- like COVID-19 may not be obvious remain vigilant about general trends members of the population. could also be the need for addition- It was heart-warming to hear all ance of survival to the patients is the as healthcare systems sometimes are and patient flow in their clinics and Therefore, in the interest of the al personnel for providing specialised the clapping and ringing of bells and most important element. not fool proof enough due to their communicate the same to the health nation, it is essential that healthcare care to meet the likely increase in (&) )--) beating of drums and thalis by peo- During the last few decades, we limitations and may not always detect authorities to formulate the right professionals adequately protect numbers of patients seeking admis- ple across the country on March 22 have witnessed many disease out- suspicious patterns. In the majority strategy at the national level. themselves. In fact, all hospital per- sion to the hospital. Arrangements t a time when the COVID-19 at the behest of the Prime Minister breaks such as Severe Acute of cases, early symptoms are vague In an emergency situation doc- sonnel, including regular employees, must be made to meet such eventu- outbreak has forced most peo- to acknowledge the yeoman’s service Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and readily mistaken for more com- tors are required to go beyond their volunteers and temporary staff, alities so that there is enough time for Aple around the world to hun- being provided by the media, police, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome mon upper respiratory infections routine responsibilities. They have to should follow the highest level of per- the healthcare professionals to rest ker down and go into self-isolation, doctors, nurses, other healthcare (MERS), H1N1 flu virus (Swine Flu) such as influenza and staphylococcal carry out exhaustive jobs in a stress- sonal protection from infection and and re-energise. Provisions for req- distancing themselves from everyone workers, and so on. and Nipah virus among others. All enterotoxin B or viral gastroenteritis, ful environment as witnessed in other risks to their safety and the uisitions have to be made to the socially and professionally, there are In times like this, when social dis- these required quick responses from which take a heavy toll on a nation’s China, Italy and France which are same degree of access to occupation- armed forces for getting their person- people who are putting themselves at tancing is becoming imperative, the healthcare providers and the whole health. now the epicentres of disease spread. al health services. nel to meet emergency situations. risk and who are pulling out all stops role of doctors has again come to the world have seen how Indian doctors Depending on the agent and its Despite the potential hazards, health- Anxiety among staff confronted In these trying times when most to fight the pandemic and stall its fore and it is vital that doctors have proved their professionalism, be mode of transmission, the population care professionals always maintain a with a crisis involving the COVID- of us want to stay within our comfort deathly march across the globe. remain closer than ever before to their it on the ground in India or playing density and access to healthcare, it can state of calm and readiness for fulfill- 19, a highly contagious infectious dis- zones to beat the Coronavirus, health These soldiers in the war against patients. Their professional com- a critical role abroad. Our be days or even weeks before anyone ing the planned emergency tasks in ease, is to be expected and requires professionals are putting their armour Coronavirus are the doctors, nurses, mitment demands that doctors Government places huge faith in its can recognise the problem. As early these situations without being con- active management through per- on and attacking it with full force. Let paramedics and other healthcare remain at the beck and call of healthcare professionals and keeps response may be crucial in contain- cerned for their own safety or well- sonal protective procedures and psy- us give more power to these heroes workers who are putting their own patients. sending medical teams abroad as well. ing the problem and minimising being. Early responders, doctors, cho-social support. who will eventually save the world. lives at risk and fulfilling their duty So, what defines a doctor in these Doctors are among the first to resultant morbidity and mortality, nurses and other healthcare profes- There is also a chance that the (The writer is Chief Clinical and moral obligation like true profes- situations? No doubt it is a mix of observe patients suffering from the doctors play a vital role in recording sionals during these times require efficiency and effectiveness of hospi- Officer, Clove Dental)  #6 $  !. / , 67'78+020'77*44+4):;;;         he number of deaths @ Taround the world from the novel coronavirus cases stood      at 15,189, according to a tally compiled by AFP on Monday    But it was still lower than from official sources. the record 793 deaths health More than 341,300    Argentina, the US state of taly banned travel and shut officials announced on declared cases have been reg- California, Iraq and Rwanda. Idown a range of industries Saturday. The number of new istered in 174 countries and ter- ore than one billion peo- Greece is the most recent Monday in a last-ditch push to infections also rose Sunday by ritories since the epidemic first Mple have been asked to country to impose mandatory stem the spread of a coron- a relatively modest 10.4 per- emerged in China in stay home in more than 50 confinement measures, which avirus that has killed nearly cent. The chief health officer of December. countries and territories around came into effect on Monday 5,500 people in a month. northern Italy’s devastated The tallies, using data col- the world as governments bat- morning. Colombia will The latest wave of restric- Lombardy region sounded lected by AFP offices from tle the coronavirus pandemic enforce an obligatory lock- tions is designed to get the uncharacteristically upbeat national authorities and infor- sweeping the globe, according down on Tuesday and New Mediterranean country Sunday. mation from the World Health to an AFP tally Monday. Zealand will follow suit through a vital 10-day stretch “These figures are always a Organization (WHO), likely Some countries imposed Wednesday. In most cases it is in which the rate of deaths and matter of either seeing the reflect only a fraction of the mandatory lockdown mea- still possible to leave the house infections is supposed to final- glass as half full or half empty,” actual number of infections. sures, while others have issued to go to work, buy essentials or ly drop. Giulio Gallera wrote on Many countries are now '   ! (,-       !  !   !5  <     ' stay-at-home recommenda- seek medical care. Italy’s health officials Facebook. only testing cases that require tions to stem the spread of the At least four countries with sounded notes of guarded hope “Today, the glass is half hospitalisation. Italy, which China -- excluding Hong The third worst hit coun- deaths and 35,224 cases. virus. At least 34 countries or a collective population of more after reporting another 651 full.” recorded its first coronavirus Kong and Macau -- has to date try is Spain with 2,182 fatalities Since 1900 GMT Sunday, territories has established than 228 million people, fatalities on Sunday. Italy has sacrificed its econ- death in February, now has declared 81,093 cases, includ- and 33,089 cases, followed by the Czech Republic, Nigeria mandatory lockdown measures including Iran, Germany and The figure was the second- omy and liberties by shutting more fatalities than China with ing 3,270 deaths, with 72,703 Iran with 1,812 fatalities and and Montenegro announced ordering people to stay in their Britain, have urged their pop- highest recorded during the down and banning almost 5,476, as well as having 59,138 people recovered. It reported 39 23,049 cases, France with 674 their first deaths. Papua New homes, accounting for some ulations to stay indoors and crisis and above that officially everything to halt the spread of declared infections with 7,024 new cases and nine new fatal- deaths and 16,018 cases, and Guinea and Syria reported 659 million people. This limit contact with other people registered anywhere else in the a virus the government views recoveries. ities since Sunday. the United States with 471 their first cases. includes France, Italy, as much as possible. world in a day. as an existential threat. /)< Q> =/ !     R< R          United Nations: United Nations Secretary-General )=) Antonio Guterres on Monday called for an “imme-       diate global ceasefire” in all corners of the world, RR    remained cautious. emphasising that it is time to put armed conflict in All of Iran’s 31 provinces S President Donald Trump has said he lockdown and focus on the fight against the rapidly-     ran on Monday announced have been hit by the novel coro- Uis “a little upset” with China over its late spreading coronavirus pandemic. His appeal came as I127 new deaths from the navirus outbreak. Tolls pro- sharing of information on the outbreak of the total number of deaths due to coronavirus he coronavirus death toll in novel coronavirus, raising the vided by the health ministry in the deadly coronavirus and refusing to crossed 15,000 globally. Over 341,300 cases have been TSpain surged to 2,182 after official toll to 1,812 in one of recent days indicated that the accept a visit by American medical experts registered in 174 countries and territories since the 462 people died within 24 the worst hit countries along spread of the virus has wors- to the country “out of pride”. “They should epidemic first emerged in China in December. hours, the health ministry said with Italy, Spain and China. ened especially in northern have told us about this,” Trump told Addressing UN correspondents in a virtual brief- on Monday. Health ministry and central regions of Iran. reporters at a Press conference in the White ing, Guterres said: “Our world faces a common enemy: The death rate showed a spokesman Kianouche Jahanpour renewed a call by House on Sunday during a briefing on his COVID-19. The virus does not care about national- 27-per cent increase on the fig- Jahanpour said 1,411 new cases authorities for people to stay at administration’s coronavirus response. ity or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relent- ures released a day earlier, had been recorded in Iran over home until “the virus is con- “I’m a little upset with China. I’ll be lessly”. He voiced concern that as coronavirus spreads with the number of confirmed the past 24 hours, bringing the quered”. honest with you, because as much as I like across the world, armed conflict rages on around the cases of COVID-19 rising to total of those infected to 23,049. That call has come as the (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) and as world and the most vulnerable — women and chil- 33,089 in Spain, one of the Jahanpour, who was speak- Islamic republic is celebrating much as I respect and admire the coun- dren, people with disabilities, the marginalised and worst-hit countries in the world ing during his daily news con- the Iranian New Year, try,” he said. There are now 31,057 con- the displaced — pay the highest price. after China and Italy. ference devoted to the pan- a time when people usually firmed cases across the US, with 390 Noting that these people are also at the highest risk Despite an unprecedented demic, said he would no longer travel far and wide across the deaths. New York state has become the epi- of suffering devastating losses from COVID-19, he said national lockdown which was give a breakdown of cases by country for holidays and fam- centre of the outbreak in the US and that health systems have collapsed in war-ravaged put in place on March 14, the province. ily reunions. accounts for almost half of the country’s countries. number of deaths and infec- This was necessary, he said, Authorities, however, have cases. Trump said soon after he received “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war. tions have spiralled in Spain, *    %!   6  2%'64 !  ;  5    to avoid sparking undue con- not imposed any travel ban or information about the spread of the That is why today, I am calling for an immediate glob- with the figures growing as the            &      !  cern among residents of the lockdown on Iran where the deadly viral infection in China, he want- al ceasefire in all corners of the world. It is time to put country steps up its capacity for     ()* +,-   5 ! % ' most stricken areas and ensure Nowruz holiday continues until ed to send US medical team there. armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the testing. And the lockdown, that those in less affected zones April 3. However, China did not allow. true fight of our lives,” the UN chief said. PTI which was initially put in place warned that the number of for two weeks, will be extend- deaths and infections would ed until April 11 to try to curb continue to rise this week 5 0"#3#3 4 the spread, Prime Minister and that the worst was yet to '   ;    !  R Pedro Sanchez said — in a come. 2##!/45*#*/.5 measure which will be put to .#"#4/;*"00 " ! parliament on Tuesday. /      1   The rise in infections in  #"*/0 this country of 46 million peo- Berlin: Chancellor Angela “The Chancellor has decid- 66 ple has brought Spain’s health- Merkel was on Sunday in quar- ed to quarantine herself imme- care system to the brink of col-  02> 5 4#4;3"#2* antine after meeting a doctor diately at home. She will be Islamabad: Pakistan said on Authority. Of the total 803 lapse, particularly in Madrid, #"0/4/*#4 /#3 4 ! who tested positive for the tested regularly in the coming Monday that the total number cases, Sindh province account- 04> % . /* #"* /!#4 $ "0 4.2##!/454%/4/!/ the worst-hit area, which has #4!/*  /! 4* novel coronavirus, as Germany days... (and) fulfil her official of coronavirus cases in the ed for with 352 cases, Punjab registered 10,575 cases, and *#./* "*#* 4." /40! $/4! further tightens rules on pub- business from home,” # country rose to 803, even as the 246, Balochistan 108, Khyber- 2/. $/5*# *// 2#"2##!33 /4! 0 4 where 1,263 people have died .#$3 4/*#42#"/.#4*40 4* lic gatherings and plots a spokesman Steffen Seibert said Army scrambled to put togeth- Pakhtunkhwa 32, Islamabad — accounting for 58 per cent 3"#!.*4 #2* taboo-breaking package of sup- in a statement. /02> % /4. #" 40 / er all resources to tackle the 15 and Gilgit-Baltistan 72 and   !2"#$*"/22.5 "* /**"4 ! .#"#4/"#*" /5 .  /  "5 O./4 *#4#4!/ of the national death toll. #**# 3/"*#2/!#4/*#4 port for Europe’s top economy. Merkel had been slated to infection which has claimed 1 in Pakistan-occupied Some 3,910 healthcare ./$ !# " 0#/: News of Merkel’s potential lead a cabinet meeting Monday /0" !/443" . ! 4* ! more than 15,000 lives world- Kashmir. 2"#$% 4/*# */: ." !// 4* !5 /;/22/* !4#4; 3/.5/0 #233#"**#"#3 O workers have tested positive for L* 2*M#$ $ !/*  " exposure to the virus came to sign off on a 822-billion-euro wide. Sindh Education Minister the virus, or around 12 per cent 3"#2*4#4;0# "4$ 4*/ minutes after she announced a ($882 billion) slew of measures 00 * .#4#$#"* At least six people have Saeed Ghani in a video message /40 " ! */."" 4** 0#/ #"0/4/*#4/!* 2##!/45 4!" !#2#4#2 "#*# of those infected, the health 3. 4*" #2* % ( ;< ban on public gatherings of to support Europe’s top econ- died, while six others recovered on Monday confirmed that he ministry’s emergencies coor- /$*# 3!/!/4*/0 !/4! more than two people and omy through the shutdowns of . #4* $3/.*#2$ /"  from COVID-19 so far, accord- had tested positive for coron- 3/4! $.* /$#* 4 "/ 0"#3 3 ./ *#.#4*/4* 4# .#"#4/" dinator Fernando Simon said. ! /* /4!* #3*//* further infection control mea- public life designed to slow the ing to the country’s National avirus and was now in isolation Officials have repeatedly  4#".* 4/4!. !" 4* sures. infection’s spread. AFP 0# "4$ 4*#". *#!: Disaster Management at his home. PTI " /5403#4*: #  " " 3#"* !:  #             

ing masks, gloves and other Asked about the conspicu- with the Chinese side over spreads, we have also noted the South Asian countries recently. form to share China’s experience of the COVID-19 on Sunday but emergency medical equipment ous absence of India in the 19 phone,” he said. situation in India. China and South Asian countries in epidemic prevention, diag- reported nine deaths taking the    )  to the coronavirus-hit Wuhan countries listed by him, “We have received assis- India are the only two countries including India, Sri Lanka, nosis and control, treatment, death toll to 3,270 as it ramped city on February 26 by a mili- Geng said India and China tance from the Indian side with a population of over one Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, supply guarantee, Geng said, up measures to strictly quaran- hina on Monday “applaud- tary plane, which also evacu- have an “unimpeded channel of and we applaud that. We have billion. The virus is a challenge Maldives, Bangladesh partici- adding that Chinese officials tine people coming from abroad. Ced” the aid sent by India dur- ated 112 Indians and several exchanges and the exchange a mechanism of exchanges and to all and we would like to share pated in it, he said. Officials answered around 80 questions. The overall confirmed ing the height of Beijing’s battle foreign nationals. is close.” “After the outbreak of China has been notifying the our experience with the Indian included those from health Geng said the conference lasted cases on the Chinese mainland against the deadly coronavirus In his media briefing here, COVID-19, China and India information to India in a time- side and further provide neces- authorities, diplomatic ser- for four hours and around 2,000 has reached 81,093 by the end and said it would like to share its Foreign Ministry spokesman have been in communication ly manner,” he said. sary assistance to the Indian vices, national defence, customs representatives participated in it. of Sunday. It included 3,270 experience in handling the Geng Shuang said China is and there is cooperation “We have also been pro- side,” he said. civil aviation etc. The World The participants think it is time- people who died of the disease, COVID-19 with New Delhi and extending assistance and aid to between the two. Prime viding assistance and neces- Geng also pointed out India Health Organisation delegates ly and necessary to learn from 5,120 patients still undergoing provide necessary assistance in local Governments in 19 coun- Minister Narendra Modi sent sary convenience to the Indians was part of a video conference in the relevant countries also China’s experience, he said. treatment, 72,703 patients dis- preventing its spread. tries which have extended assis- a letter of sympathies with the in China. We have been pro- conducted by the Chinese offi- participated in the video con- China, which is battling the charged after recovery, accord- India sent about 15 tonnes tance to it when the coronavirus Chinese side and the Indian tecting their health and safety,” cials to share their COVID-19 ference, he said. coronavirus since January 23, has ing to China’s National Health of medical assistance compris- outbreak struck the country. Foreign Minister also spoke he said. “As the pandemic experience with Eurasia and The conference was a plat- reported no new domestic cases Commission. < ' !  8R */$0.  ++ (        ;    . .  KABUL: US Secretary of State ceremonies earlier this month. Jerusalem: Israel’s Supreme country’s legislature must con- Mike Pompeo was in Kabul on Pompeo met separately Zagreb: Croatia has experi- Court on Monday ordered the tinue to function at such a crit-    Among decisions taken by appointed defense lawyers to an urgent visit Monday to try to with Ghani and was meeting enced a series of aftershocks a country’s parliament to recon- ical time. The party accused the court since the trial opened represent him. When the trial move forward a US peace deal with Abdullah before going to day after a strong earthquake vene for the selection of a new Edelstein of shuttering the halls he trial of three Russians and on March 9, Presiding Judge opened earlier this month, the signed last month with the meet together with both caused widespread damage and speaker, dealing a blow to of the legislature in order to Ta Ukrainian charged with Hendrik Steenhuis authorised courtroom was packed with Taliban, a trip that comes despite Afghan leaders. His schedule injured at least 27 people amid Prime Minister Benjamin keep his job and shield his multiple murder for their alleged prosecutors to give lawyers for lawyers, judges, family mem- the coronavirus pandemic, at a also has Ghani and Abdullah a partial coronavirus lockdown Netanyahu as he tries to steer beleaguered party leader. roles in shooting down Malaysia family members of the 298 vic- bers of victims and media. time when world leaders and coming together for a one-on- of the capital. the country through the coro- Blue and White is expected Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 tims access to limited parts of But on Monday judges sat statesmen are curtailing official one meeting, presumably to Seismologists said Monday navirus crisis and fend off a to choose a new speaker and use resumed briefly Monday as the the investigation dossier. separated from one another by travel. Since the signing of the discuss a possible compromise. at least 38 weaker temblors looming corruption trial. its parliamentary majority to presiding judge read out a num- After a hearing of just under an empty seat, the number of deal, the peace process has The United States pays bil- were felt in Zagreb since a 5.5 The current speaker, Yuli push through legislation that ber of preliminary decisions. 45 minutes, the case was prosecutors, lawyers and other stalled amid political turmoil in lions every year toward the magnitude quake struck the Edelstein of Netanyahu’s Likud could prevent Netanyahu from Courtroom was almost adjourned until June 8, when staff was reduced and family and Afghanistan, with the country’s Afghan budget, including the capital early Sunday, triggering party, suspended the parlia- serving as prime minister in the empty due to restrictions aimed defense lawyers for one of the media were not allowed to leaders squabbling over who was country’s defence forces. panic, the evacuation of hos- ment’s activities last week, cit- future. The Likud party has at slowing spread of coron- suspects will be allowed to make attend. The flight, known as elected president. Afghanistan barely raises a pitals and structural damage, ing procedural issues and accused Blue and White of rely- avirus. Decisions on several preliminary objections such as MH17, was shot down July 17, President Ashraf Ghani and quarter of the revenue it needs including the city’s iconic restrictions on large gatherings ing on the votes of “terrorist- requests by prosecutors for challenging the Dutch court’s 2014, by a Buk missile fired from his main rival in last September’s to run the country, giving cathedral and other historic due to the virus. sympathizing” Arab members of further investigations were jurisdiction to stage the trial. territory in eastern Ukraine con- presidential polls, Abdullah Pompeo considerable finan- buildings. But the opposition Blue parliament to “trample democ- delayed to give defense lawyers None of the suspects is trolled by pro-Russian separatist Abdullah, have both declared cial leverage to force the two The strongest aftershock and White party, which is racy” amid a national state of for one of defendants more attending the trial and only one rebels as it flew from Amsterdam themselves the country’s presi- squabbling leaders to over- was around noon, measuring backed by a slim majority in the emergency and vowed to boycott time to prepare. — Russian Oleg Pulatov — has to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. dent in dueling inauguration come the impasse. AP 3.7. AP newly elected Knesset, said the a vote for a new speaker. AP $  !. / , & ( + ; K 6"    ,&  !       ;     “As a pre-emptive mea- both the auctions. In the first The RBI added it is monitoring RBI said it has advanced the       sure to tide over any frictional repo auction, the RBI received the evolving financial market second tranche of s part of its continued liquidity requirements on 31,585 crore of bids. It accept- conditions. open market operation (OMO)   Aeffort to provide liquidity, account of dislocations due to ed all the bids at a cut off rate “We will calibrate our oper- purchase to March 26 from     the Reserve Bank of India Covid-19, the RBI has decided of 5.16 per cent. ations to meet any need for March 30. he spread of coronavirus in (RBI) on Monday said it will to conduct the fine-tuning The second tranche of additional liquidity support, if It will buy 15,000 crore of    “He said the challenge TIndia is rapidly increasing conduct 1 lakh crore of short- variable rate repo auctions for 50,000 crore of repo auction warranted, to ensure normal four government securities posed by the pandemic is with eachpassing day, the term variable repo auction. 1 lakh crore in two tranches, will be conducted on March 24. functioning of markets, pro- under OMO purchase auction rime Minister Narendra graver than even that posed by Ministry of Electronics and The repo auctions will be con- “ the central bank said in a As a special measure, the mote staff welfare and preserve on March 26. PModi on Monday asked the World Wars and we need to Information Technology reiter- ducted in two tranches. The release. RBI has also allowed stand- financial stability,” the central The first tranche of OMO captains of India Inc to ensure be on constant vigil to prevent ated advisory to all social media first repo auction of 50,000 The RBI is offering funds alone primary dealers to par- bank said. purchase worth 15,000 crore that production of essential its spread,” the release said. intermediaries — Facebook, crore was held on Monday. to banks for 16 days through ticipate in these repo auctions. Earlier on Monday, the will be conducted on March 24. items is not impacted in the Industry representatives YouTube, TikTok, ShareChat wake of the coronavirus out- from Assocham, FICCI, CII and Twitter to control the spread break and there is no hoarding and several local chambers from of misinformation on coron- 8 =      : and black marketing. 18 cities across the country par- avirus pandemic. 8+   During his interaction with ticipated in the interaction with Showing their sense of       leaders of India Inc, the Prime the PM through video-confer- responsibility, such intermedi- Minister also asked them to encing. Modi asked the indus- aries have been showing on  -8,7,       allow employees to work from try “to allow employees to work their platforms the links to the home, said an official release. from home” wherever doing so WHO’s dos and don’ts regarding =U8W@ 3    “The impact on economy is feasible through using tech- the virus, and how to contain its     ,4R<5 will be felt for some time to nology, the release said. spread. As per a statement     (  New Delhi: General Motors !>   .#$#3 "/*#" come,” said PM as he exhorted He exhorted them to adopt released by the ministry, social    the priority sector classification (GM) on Monday said it has /"* "*  /"** 4*#* India Inc to adopt a humanitar- a humanitarian approach and media platforms are intermedi- for bank loans to NBFCs for he Industries and suspended production at its .#$3 **#" /4. )# ian approach and not to cut not to cut down on workforce aries as defined under section he Reserve Bank on on-lending for 2020-21, RBI TCommerce Department of Talegaon manufacturing facil- (#!/2#4  ! / /4! down on workforce in spite of in spite of the negative impact 2(1)(w) of the Information TMonday said bank credit to said in a statement. Andhra Pradesh on Monday ity in Maharashtra, in support 2#"/"#/$40/0" $ 4**# the COVID-19 negative impact on their businesses. The PM Technology Act, 2000 and are registered NBFCs towards agri- Further, it said, the existing issued a set of guidelines for of government efforts to pre- 2/.*/* 44* ""3* ! ". *# on their businesses. “The PM stressed that while the required to follow due diligence culture, MSEs and housing loans disbursed under the on- industrial units in the state to vent the spread of COVID-19 33#"*#"52"#$ #$ #22 " ! said that while the Government Government was working on as prescribed in the Information sector up to prescribed limits lending model will continue to check the spread of coronavirus. (coronavirus). /$#*/ 4** 4* .#4*" was working on giving fillip to giving fillip to the pace of Technology (Intermediary will be treated as priority sec- be classified under Priority E-commerce establishments like The company, which has /$!* .#"#4/"#*" /5: the pace of growth in the coun- growth in the country, an Guidelines) Rules notified under tor loans during the next fiscal Sector till the date of repay- Walmart and Amazon would be ceased to sell products in the 4 /"***/; !2"$#4 try, an unforeseen hurdle in the unforeseen hurdle in the form section 79 of the IT Act.”Social starting April. ment/maturity. allowed to supply food, gro- Indian market and utilises the 4!//33"#/. !* form of COVID-19 came in of COVID-19 came in front of media platforms must inform The move will help boost “Bank credit to registered ceries, milk, bread, fruits, veg- plant for export purposes, said .#$3 **#"*# *34*"/;.". front of the economy. the economy. their users not to host, display, credit disbursement NBFCs (other than MFIs) and etables, meat, fish and also carry suspension of production began "#/$40/4!#* "3"#.  4 upload, modify, publish, trans- in the targeted segment like HFCs for on-lending will be out other transport-related activ- on March 21 and will run until * /*!#4 *  .*#"*# mit, update or share any infor- agriculture, MSME and hous- allowed up to an overall limit ities, logistics, warehousing and March 31, 2020. PTI " 3#4!*#!/* ":  mation that may affect public ing sector. of five per cent of individual delivery facilities. order in any way,” the statement After undertaking a review, bank’s total priority sector lend- The firms could also con- read. it has been decided to extend ing cap,” it said. tinue e-commerce services that are essential to the public, according to Special Chief    Secretary (Industries and ?X Commerce) Rajat Bhargava.    All essential factories and industries across the state pro-    ducing pharmaceuticals, masks, sanitizers, ventilators, COVID New Delhi: State-owned ship kits and essential food products maker Cochin Shipyard Ltd could operate duly following the New Delhi: The Centre has of lockdown. (CSL) on Monday said it has social distancing norms and requested chief secretaries of all “Further, essential staff decided to stop building and other guidelines issued from states to exempt services of related to these agents should repairing ships as part of its time to time, the Special Chief Sebi-regulated stock market be allowed to commute so as to measures to contain the spread Secretary said. entities as well as related ensure that these establish- of deadly coronavirus. The district Collectors have workforce from the purview of ments function smoothly,” as The company has already been directed to permit indus- lockdown imposed to per the letter addressed to been taking a series of mea- trial units engaged in continu- curb spreading of coronavirus Chief Secretaries of States and sures in view of the COVID-19 ous production (steel plants, infections. Administrators of UTs. pandemic to ensure safety and cement, fertilisers, textiles, elec- The move comes against Domestic stock market suf- health of all employees besides tronics and IT units) to work the backdrop of alleged fered its worst-ever single-day complying with government with curtailed capacities, instances of brokers, deposito- crash on Monday, with the directives, CSL said in a BSE fil- reduced shifts and skeletal staff. ry participants and other per- benchmark indices plummet- ing. “The company has decid- Bhargava said the lockdown sonnel related to stock markets ing as much as 13.15 per cent ed to stop shipbuilding and period announced by the gov- facing difficulties in commut- as sell-off continued amid ris- ship repair operations with ernment would not be treated as ing to their workplaces. ing coronavirus cases. effect from (wef) March 23, break in production and all In a letter, Cabinet In the wake of the coron- 2020 till further order, to ensure industries should mandatorily Secretary Rajiv Gauba has avirus outbreak, many states safety of the employees and to pay full salaries and wages to requested that services of Sebi- have announced partial or contain the spread of the coro- employees and workers, includ- regulated stock market entities complete lockdown, to curb navirus (COVID-19),” it said. ing those under contract and be exempted from the purview spreading of infections. PTI PTI outsourcing. "" 5                       ;33 New Delhi: Website and mobile app of online grocery New Delhi: Markets regulator and above the timeline in the encumbrance will include seller BigBasket on Monday Sebi on Monday put in place a wake of coronavirus pandemic. pledge, lien, negative lien, non- faced breakdown due to surge framework for invocation as In view of developments disposal undertaking or any in demand amid the coron- well as encumbrance on units surrounding the spread of other covenant, transaction, avirus outbreak. Following the of real estate and infrastructure COVID-19, “a need for tem- condition or arrangement in the load, the company restricted investment trusts. porary relaxation in compliance nature of encumbrance. access of service only for exist- In a separate circular, Sebi requirements for REIT and This is subject to the con- ing customers. “We are cur- has also extended the regulato- InvIT is warranted”, it added. ditions that for creation and rently experiencing unprece- ry due date for filing and com- With regard to encumbrance, invocation of encumbrance are dented demand. In light of this, pliance for real estate investment Sebi said entities required to also included in the agree- we are restricting access to trusts (REITs) and infrastruc- hold units of REITs and InvITs ment executed for the purpose our website to existing cus- ture investment trusts (InVITs) may create encumbrance on of creation of such encum- tomers only. Please try again in for the financial year ending such units during the manda- brance, the Sebi said in two cir- a few hours,” it said. PTI March 31, by one month over tory holding period wherein culars. PTI  # "  !+ 1

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% ( ;<! /* ."#84<8.#4*"  $4$$?888 #.5!#44 4!/:O3#3/*#4#2 */42 .* ! 4!/D*/* D88=&B $0022D3>&&*BB    #>&*&*'7EF8 0 'E7EF8 +G1211   7H*''EJ E8J&&& SPECIAL CARE ince New Year eve, China has reported a cluster of cases of Spneumonia from Wuhan associated with seafood, which was later diagnosed to be associated with novel coronavirus. Around FOR ELDERLY 10,000 persons were reported to be infectious which includes 17 midst the recent coron- studied the spread of coronavirus- healthcare professionals and the casualties have been reported avirus outbreak, there are a #/ es in animals and humans, said t a time like this, with the threat of coron- to be over 200 within a month. Alot of myths doing rounds that he had seen no evidence that Aavirus disrupting our lives, it is very impor- While the virus is common in different species of animals, among people. It is important to R people who have the virus could tant that the elderly keep themselves safe, as they it has now spread to humans through close contacts via respi- clear all the misconceptions and G be a danger to their pets are easily targeted as their immunity is impaired. ratory droplets generated through sneezing or coughing. While go by the facts to fight the pan- Sex is safe. The following precautions need to be taken: there is a misconception that the virus only spreads through demic. Eat healthy to boost your If you can’t leave the house, Kissing could spread it. Though They should wash their hands frequently: symptomatic infectants, many such cases have been recorded Here are a few myths and immune system. dance, do some yoga or walk up coronaviruses are not typically sex- Old people tend to hold things a lot more than where the virus has been transmitted through asymptomatic facts. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks. and down the stairs. ually transmitted, it’s too soon to young people like grabbing railings for support, infectants also. It is thus the foremost priority to seek primary All infected patients need to Don’t smoke. It can exacerbate People working from home know. holding people’s hands to help them climb up prevention through keeping self-hygiene. Always wash your hands be admitted. COVID-19 symptoms and shouldn’t sit too long in the Virus can move freely. and down stairs, or to walk, to sit down and with soap or alcohol-based rub and seek immediate medical Home management is appro- increase your risk of getting same position. A naked virus can’t go any- sometimes even go to the bathroom. It is very advice in case of flu-like symptoms for ruling out the condition. priate for patients with mild infec- seriously sick. Take a three-minute break every where unless it’s hitching a ride with important that they wash their hands with soap Though Indians usually do not prefer to consume under cooked tion who can be adequately isolat- Exercise for at least 30 minutes 30 minutes. a droplet of mucus or saliva, said for 20 second.If they are unable to wash their or raw meat/ animal products, still avoid any type of animal prod- ed in the outpatient setting. a day for adults and an hour a Get your mind off the crisis. Kin-on Kwok, a professor at the hands themselves, they must be washed by some- uct. Management of such patients day for kids. Listen to music, read a book or Jockey Club School of Public one at all times, especially if they have returned Vitamin C as a immunity booster: Vitamin C is an immu- should focus on prevention of If you’re allowed to go outside, play a game. Health and Primary Care at the from the doctor or a hospital. nity booster. Along with the supplements, it also advisable to do transmission to others and mon- go for a walk, run or bike ride Get your information from Chinese University of Hong Kong. Sometimes old people tend to forget to wash warm saline gargles regularly, itoring for clinical deterioration, while keeping a safe distance reliable sources once or twice a These mucus and saliva their hands, in that case, they need to be remind- because the coronavirus tries to which should prompt hospitalisa- from others. day. droplets are ejected from the mouth ed to do so by either the nurses or the maids &    remain in the throat for around tion. or the nose as we cough, sneeze, looking after them as they do not have   & two-three days, so if you are Outpatients with COVID-19 number of sick people to levels droplet landed on a surface, a per- laugh, sing, breathe and talk. If they children/relatives around. cleaning your throat regularly , should stay at home and try to that medical providers can man- son who then touched that surface don’t hit something along the way, The staff must also be trained to wash their  K   your things are going to be on a separate themselves from other age. could pick it up. How much is they typically land on the floor or own hands frequently as they are looking after   better side. While there are no people and animals in the house- Prolonged contact is required to infect a person is the ground. When the virus someone who is vulnerable and prone to the proven treatment modules avail- hold. They should wear a face- required with an infected person unclear. becomes suspended in droplets Coronavirus.  !    able, and hence every possible mask when in the same room (or It’s not yet clear, but most But as long as you wash your smaller than five micrometres — They must be dissuaded from going out of preventive measure will act as a vehicle) as other people and when experts agree that more time hands before touching your face, known as aerosols — it can stay sus- the house: Some geriatrics want to go meet their   &   weapon. presenting to health care settings. equals more risk. you should be ok, because viral pended for about a half-hour. friends in the garden or go out to houses of      Regular consumption of hot Disinfection of frequently touched The virus cannot last on a bus droplets don’t pass through skin. Face to face eating is safe. friends. This has to be discouraged by the staff water and green tea is also surfaces is also important. pole, a touch screen Buy a good brand soap. No, to gain access to your looking after him/her. The only place they should &  preferable. Include nuts like There is no definition of After numerous people who No, the brand or type of soap cells, the viral droplets must enter be allowed to go to, are doctors and only if it's  !  almonds, walnuts and seeds like “how close is too close”. attended a Buddhist temple in does not matter. through the eyes, the nose or the an emergency. flax and pumpkin in your diet. The US CDC recommends Hong Kong fell ill, the city’s My coughing neighbour mouth. Sneezing and coughing In case they do need to go out, they must & It’s a medical proven fact keeping a distance of six feet Center for Health Protection col- cannot cause infection in me. are most likely the primary forms be made to wash their hands with soap as soon  &  ! that our immune system is the from other people to minimize the lected samples from the site. No. An infected neighbor of transmission. Talking loudly as they return. Unfortunately, many of the elder- first line of defence against an possibility of infection. (A useful Restroom faucets and the cloth might sneeze on a railing and if face-to-face or sharing a meal with ly suffer from diabetes or hypertension and this      alien microorganism entering way to think about six feet is that covers over Buddhist texts tested you touched it, you would get it. someone could pose a risk. attracts the virus to these diseases.   our body. Stronger your immune it’s roughly twice the length of the positive for the coronavirus. Virus particles can cross the If you can smell what someone Medication given on time: All medication to system, lesser is the chance of average person’s extended arm.) A recent study found that it glasses. had for lunch — you are inhaling the elderly must be given on time, especially the falling ill. Three feet is the distance the could live for three days on plas- No. There is no evidence that what they are breathing out, includ- medications for diabetes and hypertension as Turmeric: It has powerful W.H.O. emphasises as particular- tic and steel. If you are ordering viral particles can go through ing any virus in their breath. these diseases make the old people far more vul- anti–inflammatory effects and is ly risky when standing near a per- lots of supplies online, you may be walls or glass as suggested by a The virus is smart, it makes the nerable to the virus as the coronavirus tends to very strong antioxidant. Turmeric is a natural way to help boost son who is coughing or sneezing. relieved to know that the virus did doctor. nose loose the small, so to experi- attack people with these diseases even more than the immune system by increasing the immune modulating capac- Still, other public health poorly on cardboard — it disinte- AC is dangerous. ence the smell you inhale deeply. others. ity of the body. experts say that at this crucial grated over the course of a day. It We are more concerned about There are no predictors of Hydration and nutrition: Geriatrics must be Ginger: Ginger is antibacterial and it helps support the moment, when the world still survived for about four hours on the dangers posed by common transmission given anything form of hot water, like soup, tea immune system and it can help to prevent nausea and soothe has an opportunity to slow the copper spaces than those posed by vents, There are four factors that or coffee from time to time as their respiratory stomach. Ginger helps decreases inflammation, which can help transmission of the coronavirus, Dirty surfaces are more like- provided there is good air circu- likely play a role: how close you get; system needs to be unclogged and free so that reduce a sore throat. any number of feet is too close. By ly to keep the virus. lation in a room. how long you are near the person; the Corona Virus does not affect them. Garlic: Garlic helps and prevents the severity of illness like cutting out all but essential in-per- No, whether a surface looks Dog or cat cannot join me in whether that person projects viral the flu and common cold. Garlic contains antioxidants that sup- son interactions, we can help flat- dirty or clean is irrelevant. If an quarantine. droplets on you; and how much you !   1   5 5 port the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative dam- ten the curve, they say, keeping the infected person sneezed and a Professor Whittaker, who has touch your face.  #! %  age. Garlic can fight infectious diseases especially for the elder- ly or people with dysfunctional immune systems. Lemon: Lemon is a powerful source of vitamin c that helps   build up the immune system. Vitamin C helps in the produc- tion of white blood cells and the key to fighting infections. These are testing times. There ,    Spinach: Spinach is packed with abundant nutrients which help build the immune system. It is packed with anti-oxidants is need to keep oneself healthy including Vitamin C and Vitamin E which increase the infec- and strong to keep infections tion-fighting ability of our immune system. away. ROSHNI DEVI tells =U8W@G:::YQ=8 Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are not just great in taste but also bundled with immunity boosting vitamins. It comes with you how some home remedies our daily requirement of 30 per cent of Vitamin C and 120 per can help to fight viral cent of the daily value of Vitamin A. They are fat and choles- and flu orty-year-old Sunandita Dasgupta, a uncertainty. So far COVID-19 has infect- abandonment and being neglected. This terol free with all the vitamins along with healthy portion of fibre. FGovernment servant in Delhi, has ed over 2,22,000 people and claimed can make an already challenging situation here is panic and right- in digestion, it has anti-oxidant been freaking out about the novel coron- more than 13,000 lives. far more difficult for the elderly people,   ly so since we are not fol- properties as well. Take atea- avirus (COVID-19) since last few days. “I Experts say that generally, the cause of particularly for those who have co-mor- Tlowing the Government’ spoon of ginger juice, add have Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease a medical condition isn’t relevant, what bidity conditions, are victims of depression advisory of social distancing. honey and luke warm water. which makes me prone to anxiety, but it matters is the condition itself. It’s likely that or other mental health problems. $ $   - > Coconut fore it helps in aiding digestion. There is also fear and anxiety Drink this two-three times a is manageable. However, in the last few most people won’t require doctor’s help However, there are ways to tackle the water is not only a tasty It is also rich in electrolytes and the minute we get a cold or flu. day to soothe a soar throat. days it was going out of control, affecting under these circumstances; but those rise in panic accompanying COVID-19, alternative to water but is help keep the blood pressure One has to realise that Turmeric is my daily activities and worsening my phys- who are mentally finding tough to deal the disease caused by the novel coron- also packed with many under control. not every flu, cough found in all ical condition. Moreover, I was feeling ner- with the situation because of stress, then avirus. For instance, says Dr Smitha health benefits. It also help in achieving that and cold is kitchens. It has vous with the flood of information on all they must seek professional help like Pande, Professor of Psychiatry at Dr RML This perfect thirst picture perfect skin by keep- COVID-19 anti-inflam- media platforms,” she says. Sunandita did. hospital, Delhi, one should take break from quencher aids in ing it moisturised and and the matory, It started with panic and before deep- Dr RC Jiloha, Professor of Psychiatry, watching TV, reading or listening to news weight loss. It sup- hydrated. same antiviral, er anxiety set in, she decided to take pro- Hamdard Institute of Medical sciences & items, including social media. “Go for the presses the appetite can be andfessional help. Research, Delhi opines that pandemics are facts. But don’t overdo it. Eat healthy food, and makes you feel treat- antibacter- “I sought help of a counsellor who sug- not just a medical phenomenon. They maintain regular routine and try to do full because of its ed by ial proper- gested a few methods to control my affect individuals and society on many lev- what you like or planning to do for a long rich nature. taking ties. Haldi thoughts. Now, I am taking recourse to els, causing disruptions such as panic and time but were not getting time. Talk to peo- In the scorching sum- a few simple has cur- yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and stress. As concerns over the perceived ple you trust about your concerns and feel- mer heat, it helps keep ingredients cumin is other such techniques to reduce anxiety,” threat grow, people may start to collect ings.” the body hydrated at all found in our and is best she says adding that she’s much settled now. (and hoard) masks and other medical sup- She asserts that meditation and yoga times. In wake of recent kitchen. absorbed in the Sunandita’s is not the lone case of fear plies. This is often followed by anxiety- can help people come out of such negative coronavirus outbreak, Lemon is full of blood stream when psychosis amidst the coronavirus scare in related behaviours, sleep disturbances, thoughts in this crucial time. She cautions when certain doctors are Vitamin C. Cut three-four taken with black pep- India. With cities after cities under and overall lower perceived state of health. people not to take any anti-depressant suggesting to keep the slices of lemon and pour boil- per. Add a teaspoon of turmer- unprecedented lockdown, and a major part Individuals with mental illness may be par- medicines without doctors’ recommenda- body as hydrated as pos- ing water in a cup. Sip this. it ic and one-eighth teaspoon of of the earth’s population being in self-iso- ticularly vulnerable to the effects of wide- tions. sible, coconut water makes is not only boost immunity, it black pepper in any drink of lation, whether with families or individ- spread panic and threat. “Those already on medication, should for a good option. can also prevent normal cough your choice like orange juice. ually, health professionals feel that a large He says, social distancing and self- continue taking medicine as situations will The fibre content in and cold. One can also add warm water number of people can go through mental quarantine, especially for the children and certainly improve with the passage of time,” coconut water is high and there- Ginger not only has helps and drink it. health issues, mainly caused by fear and elderly may bring a feeling of ostracism, she tells you.   

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In popular EPISODES room, where she can be seen using RANVEER’s “OUT OF QUAR- from Valluvar’s classic Tamil 4  " 4 imagination, the metro is synony- Bollywood actor Deepika her phone while sitting on a sofa ANTINE” LOOK Language text, The Thirukkural,  2#" :"#$/ mous with the film industry which, Padukone is utilising her time at chair. Bollywood’s livewire star which says, “Anjuvathu anjamai .#4. 3*   by default, also gets imbued with home productively in a time of Her next post was a cheeky Ranveer Singh shared his “out of pethamai (It is foolish to say no to the qualities of the city. But with COVID-19 pandemic. She took to selfie with a bookshelf. She can be quarantine” look. In a photograph fear).” * 2*/ both being intertwined, it is not sur- social media and shared a photo- seen with a French dictionary by that he posted of himself on 4K : / prising that with the shutdown in graph of her wardrobe and said that Collins Robert among others and Instagram, the actor carried dread- SIDHARTH COOKS PRAWNS 3 / !*# place due to the Coronavirus or she is busy cleaning it. “Productivity wrote dreaming of everybody’s locks and had an intense look. He Actor Sidharth Malhotra is * " /.*#4*# COVID-19 pandemic, Bollywood in the time of COVID-19!? #clean- favourite junk, “I just love French captioned it, “Me coming out of trying his hands at something new * 2$:M sits at home — quarantined and ing #wardrobe,” she captioned it. fries.” quarantine.” — cooking prawns. Sidharth shared ongoing productions have come Post this, it was time for some Kareena and Saif Ali Khan a video on Twitter in which we can to an untimely and infinite halt. “self love” for the actor. A photo- know how to keep Taimur enter- AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE BY see him cooking. He captions it, However, the people who pop- graph in which she was seen pos- tained while abiding by Janata SURIYA “Well, it’s never too late to try some- O:  ulate the industry are as tensile as ing with a face roller popped up Curfew on Sunday, and staying Tamil actor Suriya also took to thing new! Here’s #MyAttempt at    some of the characters that they next on her account. “Season 1: indoors in the wake of coronavirus social media to explain to fans the cooking butter garlic prawns for the   ; portray on screen. So when the Episode 2, Productivity in the time outbreak. In Kareena’s latest post, importance and necessity of social first time, which surprisingly stars can’t step out of their homes of COVID-19! #selflove #selfcare,” she shared a few photographs in distancing. In a brief video, the turned out pretty well.”  :  to shoot another blockbuster, what she wrote. which we can see Saif and Taimur actor talked about how the    do they do? They’ve fallen back on She later posted her third pro- planting saplings in their balcony. Coronavirus is spreading faster SOURCES OF ENTERTAIN- technology to catch up. And thanks ductivity episode where she can be image of herself which was cap- The father-son duo is dressed in than we thought and we can spread MENT  !     to social media we also get a seen drinking fruit juice in her tioned, “Stay home and take self- white kurta-pyjama. “My boys awareness about it. Referencing to When you were closeted with    glimpse into how they are going nightwear. ies (be)cause a little vanity never doing their bit,” Kareena captioned the Jallikattu and Marina protests, your cousins and friends in a     about keeping social distance at hurt anybody.” the photos. The actor also urged he asked people to stay indoors and room or during a long train jour- their respective homes. ALIA’s “ME TIME” people to “make the world a bet- take part in this war against ney, Antakshari, the quintessential     Actor Alia Bhatt took to KAREENA ENJOYING HER ter place” and “play their part”. “Stay Corona. He also said that the Indian past time came to the res-      PRIYANKA-NICK’s SOCIAL Instagram to share various pictures NEWLY-JOINED INSTAGRAM Home...Stay Safe. #JanataCurfew,” death toll in Italy is higher than in cue. Bollywood has taken to it a leaf MEDIA MUSH of how staying at home at this time Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, she added. China because of the ignorance of out of that book but tweaked it to   &  Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is important and can be utilised for who recently made her debut on people living outside. The actor present times. Actors Aparshakti     along with her husband Nick, completing important chores. One Instagram, said that there could BOLLYWOOD CLAPS FOR insisted that we should follow the Khurrana, Parineeti Chopra, &       posted a mushy picture on social of them was reading a book, which have been no better timing than COVID-19 WARRIORS precautions such as keeping safe Nupur Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar, media while emphasising on the she captioned, “stay home and this as she is able utilise her time Bollywood biggies like distance from one another and and singers Vishal Dadlani,  &  fact that self-isolation is the need finish a book.” Alia was reading a to the maximum on social media. Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay washing hands, so that India does- Harshdeep Kaur, Jonita Gandhi, ! &  of the hour. The actress can be book on musician Nitin Sawhney. She had earlier shared a Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya n’t become another Italy. Armaan Malik and Aditya Narain seen sleeping with her head on With the post, she urged her fans glimpse of what the couple’s week Rai Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Varun He also explained that when a are some who have posted videos       Nick’s lap. Their pet dog is sitting to finish the book they have been ahead would look like. Kareena Dhawan, Karan Johar, Kiara person, who carries the virus, trav- of themselves singing song taking   P and relaxing next to the couple. wanting to for a long time. revealed what the couple would do Advani and Hema Malini were els by train or goes to a public event off from the last alphabet of the L> She captioned the photo, “Stay at She later posted an image of during their self-isolation period: seen participating in PM Narendra instead of isolating himself, he pass- singer who had tagged them where home.” On the other hand, Nick herself looking at the sunset. “Looks like he is ‘booked’ for the Modi’s Janata Curfew ‘taali bajao’ es the virus to everyone around, they are playing shared a video in which the two Utilising the quarantine time to the week... While I Instagram.” She also or clapping initiative to pay tribute and they suffer. He added that doc- #QuarantineAntakshari. L !     '   $/4 4! urged people to stay at home and maximum, she also posted an shared two photos — one of Saif to all those who are working round tors, government officials have     ###!!" .*#" hotography is perhaps the only ulously documented by me,” he @  " . 4* Part form that captures the pre- says. 3"/ !/.*#" sent and seals it forever in history. !    "  “The water line forms an inte- +#,%: Travel photographer Sanjay Das has gral part of Bengal with its many chosen to lay particular emphasis rivers, Ganga delta and Bay of )# 4/44* "; on the visual storytelling of differ-   $ %& '&0 &%    Bengal. The Hooghly, the lifeline of  /*/540 ent parts of India since more than %        millions of people who live along /#* 4!/4.4 $/ two decades. It has always been an its bank, dramatically changes the  4 /!$/4 effort to discover the known and        &0!%1 %1&.& landscape, with wonderful lush .#$3$ 4*/"* 40/#* unknown facets about this country, green fertile flood plains of the /$/4: he says. However, to do this, one golden Bengal. I have captured needs to walk off the beaten track many moments of this fascinating /540/#** /.*#"O which the photographer has done. river that flows into the Bay of 2$ )# /!L O His objective is to create an imagery Bengal from the Himalayas where 0" /*: # * /*2$: * /0#* that tells a story in texture, and in it is alive with people bathing on its 0" /* 4 "0: # * * light and shadow to form a unique banks, pounding their clothes on  4!* /.*#4 K 4. : blend, which is spiritually as well as flat rocks to launder them, fishing mentally rewarding. from boats, towing passengers /$/4O3 "2#"$/4.  /"; Bengal has deeply inspired him across or swimming,” adds Das. #/4! 4* "*/440/4!# time and again. For almost nine He feels that Kolkata is, indeed, 54# O$/04 *.#4." 4:M years now, a unique blend of past and the since his first throbbing vitality of a metropolis of visit, he keeps teeming millions. “The city, with its going back to centuries-old heritage buildings, is &    the region. brimming with life and looks like ,! *  Taking local a medley of colours and sounds. boats and ani- Roads are thickly populated with  */" % mal carts to yellow taxis, the rickshaw-pullers, aily tasks such as cut- cutting. These included reach the trams, buses, cars, cycles and peo- Dting, tearing or twisting fibres, fragments or triangles,    //$$ !  nooks and ple. Here, life never comes to a open plastic bottles, choco- ranging from nanometres    !*/" crevices of the standstill, except for the noisy late packaging and contain- to millimetres in size. 242+ /4!#* "3 #3 fascinating impasse created by the traffic jams,” ers at home also generate Fragments and fibres were  #/" 4#**/540* ! /#2 land that Das tells us. small amounts of microplas- generated most often. holds many The photographs have been tics — pieces of plastic that They estimated that 10 #./!*/4.40 "#4* surprises, he says that he always taken in monochrome as he feels pollute the environment and to 30 nanograms (0.00001- *$ #2%#"#4/"#*; prefers to travel by road. Be it land- that it gives them a nostalgic feel of may risk humans, warn 0.00003 milligrams) of " /5: scapes, water, people, dialects, the yesteryears. However, in a span researchers. microplastics may be gener- L*/4! !#4P* architecture, interiors, crafts, folk of nine years, “during the time I was Microplastics are gener- ated per 300 centimetres of  *3!  42# paintings, cuisine, textiles or festi- doing my survey and research on ally believed to originate plastic during cutting or vals — Bengal is one place where Bengal, I have witnessed the directly from industry. For twisting, depending on the .#4*#"2" !#$ culture is a way of life. changes the State has undergone,” example, as cosmetic exfoli- opening approach and con- # "K !#4P* His photographic journey of he says and adds, “In a few years, ates, or indirectly from the ditions of the plastic, such as 54# /** the State is an endeavour to bring many of these facets will be reduced breakdown of larger plastic stiffness, thickness or densi- K#" /* M forth the ‘spirit of Bengal’ found in to dust, and with that we lose an items over time. ty. “Everyday activities such "4 "/!!"; the blend of its land, people, culture essential part of our pristine glory. Researchers at the as opening plastic bags and and heritage. “It is mesmerising old customs and the associated song utaries and distributaries of Ganga Therefore, as a photographer, who University of Newcastle in bottles could be additional 40/4 4*/0"/$ with its long history, cultural lega- and dance forms alive in the mod- finally drain into the Bay of Bengal wants to keep alive the stories and Australia monitored the gen- sources of small quantities of ! #: cy and ancient architectural sites ern era. The folk songs and dances forming a unique biosphere, the unique elements for posterity, it is eration of microplastics dur- microplastics,” the * $ !* /* and above all, its amiable people deal with a variety of themes. Sunderbans. my effort to preserve through visu- ing the tearing open of researchers noted. "4 "/" 2 "; and natural beauty. Every place I While some are associated with reli- “Many of my images have al archiving the remains of a glori- chocolate packaging, cut- However, their risk, pos- "40*#/.#4*"#; have visited is a witness to how the gion, prayers, festivals and rituals, depicted how devotion and spiritu- ous past and components of our ting of sealing tapes and sible toxicity and how they locals organically weave their spir- others talk about society at large, ality exist as a way of life in Bengal, plush ethnicity. As much as we opening of plastic bottle may be ingested are not yet  "/ 4*/0"/$ itual practices within their every- and yet others bring religious epics in its lanes and by-lanes, through hope not, this may cease to exist in caps. resolved and further research 3#** /* day activities. The people, their life, to life.” its sublime culture, inherently reli- the years to come. And that is when The generation of into human exposure is $/! /2  occupation, skills, art and craft, His focus as a photographer is gious people and rituals that are in these archives may help ameliorate microplastics during these needed, the study said. !/ /" " tribes, festivals, fairs and rituals, to search and document unique harmony with nature. Be it the dif- the memories of those genera- processes was confirmed The finding sends an 4 .  depict the lyrical quality of life, spir- images that present the State as a ferent religions all-assimilating into tions, who may never get to see using chemical tests and important warning that we it and the pulse of Bengal,” he says. pulsating tapestry of life, interwo- one or the lovely cultural events that these images and memories again. microscopy, said the study must be careful when open- /!/! The state was the richest part ven together with different ethnic- seem to make up the glorious state (Presented by Gallery Art published in the journal ing plastic packaging, if we /  " of Medieval India and has a long ity, culture, religion, languages and that it is. The images of Bengal’s Exposure and curated by Ina Puri, Scientific Reports. are concerned about 2" !#$$#" * /4* /2 * tradition of popular literature, a diverse landscape — flanked by Architectural influences from dif- the exhibition, Aparajito — The The researchers found microplastics and care about $ /" /4!#/*#4* /* / music and drama largely based on the Himalayas in the North, the ferent eras are seen in its various Unvanquished, has been put on hold that different shapes and reducing microplastics con- Bengali folklore and Hindu epics lush Gangetic plains in the central temples, mosques, churches, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It sizes of microplastics were tamination.  400 * !*#20 ** ": and Puranas. He tells us, “Rural part and the deltas and beaches in rajbaris (home of the aristocratic shall be rescheduled and the gallery generated during tearing or L '/% Bengal takes the lead in keeping the the South before the myriad trib- people in the olden times) metic- will notify the new updates.)   $ )      O P. $ P  : RR@

%/4/!/"0 #5#/$  ! /#4O* 4!* /$4)

    more important than the health and safety of our athletes ')( (7)  (   @'=%)A anadian Olympic offi- and the world community,” the cials on Sunday urged COC and CPC said.  '' Cpostponement of the “This is not solely about Tokyo Games, saying that in athlete health — it is about ustralian Olympic officials said on Monday “it was clear” view of the coronavirus pan- public health,” their statement Athe Tokyo Games could not go ahead as scheduled this demic they won’t send a team added. “With COVID-19 and year and told its athletes to instead prepare for the event in in the summer of 2020. the associated risks, it is not 2021. “The Canadian Olympic safe for our athletes, and the The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) convened a Committee (COC) and health and safety of their fam- board meeting on Monday and unanimously decided a Games Canadian Paralympic ilies and the broader Canadian starting in July was not possible given the uncertainty around Committee (CPC), backed by community for athletes to the pandemic. their Athletes’ Commissions, continue training towards “It’s clear the Games can’t be held in July,” Australian chef National Sports Organizations these Games. de mission Ian Chesterman said. and the Government of “In fact, it runs counter to $ P    %!  '            ' “Our athletes have been magnificent in their positive atti- Canada, have made the diffi- the public health advice which tude to training and preparing, but the stress and uncertain- cult decision to not send we urge all Canadians to fol-   &' ty has been extremely challenging for them.” Canadian teams to the low.” 2  3       AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said athletes needed Olympic and Paralympic Bach said the IOC was ostponing the Olympics certainty, and they must also prioritise their health and that Games in the summer of considering “different scenar- over the coronavirus pan- of their families. 2020,” the COC said in a state- ios,” adding that complete can- Pdemic may become The board meeting decided an Australian team “could not ment that ratchets up the pres- cellation of the games was not “inevitable”, Japan’s prime min-      4 "& be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and sure on the International among them. ister conceded on Monday, after abroad” and they should now plan for an Olympics in the Olympic Committee to post- “We are thankful to the the International Olympic    northern hemisphere summer next year. pone the Games scheduled to IOC for its assurance that it will Committee said a delay was “We have athletes based overseas, training at central loca- start on July 24. not be cancelling the Tokyo being considered as pressure he Indian Olympic tions around Australia as teams and managing their own pro- IOC president Thomas 2020 Games and appreciative grows from athletes and sports TAssociation on grammes. With travel and other restrictions this becomes an Bach said a decision on when that it understands the impor- bodies. Monday said it will “wait untenable situation,” he said. the Games would take place tance of accelerating its deci- The comments from Shinzo and watch” for at least a “The IOC had adopted the key principles of putting ath- would be made “within the sion-making regarding a pos- Abe were his first acknowledge- month before taking any lete health first and ensuring it acted in their best interests next four weeks.” sible postponement,” the ment that the 2020 Games may call on Tokyo Olympics and the interests of sport. This decision reflects those prin- Canadian Olympic and Canadian statement said. not open as scheduled on July participation. ciples. Paralympic authorities, howev- “We also applaud the IOC 24. “Being the head of “We are now in a position where we can plan with greater er, said they wouldn’t wait for acknowledging that safe- For weeks, Japan and IOA, the health and well certainty.” that long, urging the IOC to guarding the health and well- Olympic officials have held the being of our athletes and Chesterman said postponing the Games until next year postpone the Games for one ness of nations. line that preparations are mov- officials are of prime con- “will allow athletes from around the world to properly pre- year while offering “our full “We remain hopeful that ing ahead to hold the Games as cern to me,” IOA President pare with the hope the coronavirus crisis will be under con- support in helping navigate all the IOC and IPC will agree scheduled, but there has been Narinder Batra said. '             !  :B:B )   trol”. the complexities that resched- with the decision to postpone increasing pressure from sports “Whatever decisions       ' “We are aware that for many such a postponement will uling the Games will bring. the Games as a part of our col- federations and athletes whose the IOA takes will be for present a range of new issues. But when the world does come “While we recognize the lective responsibility to protect training has been thrown into the welfare of our athletes. together at the Tokyo Olympic Games they can be a true cel- inherent complexities around our communities and work to turmoil. But right now we are just /'" ebration of sport and humanity,” he said. a postponement, nothing is contain the spread of the virus.” On Monday, Abe told par- waiting and monitoring liament that Japan was still the situation on a daily '$# committed to hosting a “com- basis.    letes’ preparation. /* #2 $3.*#". plete” Games, but added: “If that “I assure the people “I am personally in touch becomes difficult, in light of that we won’t let anyone ndian Olympic Association on regular and continuous " / /404//4. 8= considering athletes first, it may down and our decisions IPresident Narinder Batra on basis with Sports Ministry,     become inevitable that we make will be in the best interest Monday said the IOC has Sports Authority of India, IOC,   &'  a decision to postpone.” of our athletes,” he added. asked all members to furnish NSFs, with athletes through ritish track cyclist Callum Skinner has “Cancellation is not an IOA Secretary General updates on health and prepa- the NSFs and all stake holders he Olympic torch relay, Blabelled International Olympic Committee option,” Abe said, echoing com- Rajeev Mehta put a time- rations of their Olympic- regarding the 2020 Olympics Tdue to begin on Thursday president Thomas Bach “arrogant” and “stub- ments from IOC chief Thomas line to this wait and watch bound athletes this week as it and preparations for from a symbolic site in born” over the organisation’s approach to the Bach, who ruled out scrapping approach, saying it would deliberates on the fate of the Olympics,” Batra said. Fukushima, will proceed as coronavirus pandemic. the Games, saying it “would not be at least a month before Tokyo Games. “All NOCs have to get scheduled but organisers said Skinner, who won Gold and Silver medals solve any problem and would anything is decided. The International Olympic back to IOC this week on they would re-assess in the at the 2016 Olympics and is a member of the help nobody”. “We will wait and Committee (IOC), has asked their preparations and the coming days given the “wors- British Olympic Association’s (BOA) athletes’ The IOC has also shifted its watch for 4 to 5 weeks and National Olympic Committees health of athletes in their ening” coronavirus situation. commission, was scathing about Bach in a position on the Games, issuing then come to any decision (NOCs) to detail the impact of respective countries,” he “The torch relay will start social media post on Monday. a statement on Sunday saying it after consultation with the the coronavirus crisis on ath- added. on March 26 in Fukushima, “IOC president Thomas Bach’s stubborn- was stepping up planning for International Olympic the plan has not changed,” ness and arrogance has spectacularly failed in different scenarios, including Committee and the sports asked if India is also contem- ical and the govt cannot react Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro this instance and he has weakened the postponement. ministry,” Mehta said. plating acting on the lines of to hypothetical questions,” he Muto told Olympic movement,” Skinner wrote on It said it would hold “The situation is not Canada, Sports Secretary said. reporters. Twitter. going to be postponed anyway!!!" “detailed discussions” on the that bad in our country as Radhey Shyam Julaniya said the “We are not in consultation “The situ- “This isn’t the first time he has put his own Meanwhile a spokesman for Boris Johnson, “worldwide health situation and compared to other ministry is not in consultation with anyone right now. The ation is get- motives above the athletes and the move- the British Prime Minister, urged the IOC to its impact on the Olympic nations,” he added. with anyone at the moment. ministry can’t keep giving advi- ting worse and ment.” resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Games, including the scenario When contacted and “Your question is hypothet- sories,” Julaniya added. worse,” admit- British sprint star Dina Asher-Smith, who “Athletes are facing significant uncertain- of postponement”. A decision ted Muto, but won the 200 metres world title last year, said ty in the current environment... We want the should come “within the next he added: “For the IOC’s delay created further uncertainty for International Olympic Committee to make a four weeks”, the body added. But the IOC warned that packed international sports cal- Games, and has come under now, the deci- competitors. definitive decision soon, to bring clarity to all “Human lives take prece- the logistics of postponing the endar. increasing pressure as the coro- sion made one “So wait... Does this mean that athletes of those involved,” the spokesman said. dence over everything, includ- Games were extremely compli- “These are just a few of navirus crisis grows. week ago (to pro- face up to another FOUR weeks of finding “The sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, ing the staging of the Games,” cated, with venues potentially many, many more challenges.” The idea of holding the ceed as planned) ways to fit in training — whilst potentially set out yesterday (Sunday) that the IOC should Bach wrote in an open letter to unavailable, millions of hotel The IOC is responsible for Games on schedule has drawn is still appropri- putting ourselves, coaches, support staff and be seriously considering postponing the athletes. nights already booked and a making any final decision on the a swelling chorus of objections. ate.” loved ones at risk just to find out they were games.” 7QR5:'8/ & &         .#42"$3#*3#4 $ 4*#2 !%3%P 3        Prix series, was reported on which was to serve as a better. ormer India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar says     in the top two divisions will A joint statement from La Thursday and AFI made qualifying event of the “As of now, we have not Fyoung batsman K L Rahul is most suitable for only resume when the Liga and the RFEF read: “The he Athletics Federation the official announcement Tokyo Olympics, was discussed what will be the the number five position in the batting order in rofessional football in Spanish government decide Monitoring Commission Tof India (AFI) on on Monday. scheduled to be held from new dates for Indian Grand the ODIs but suggested that the team manage- PSpain will remain sus- there is no longer any established by the current Monday officially “The competition April 10-13 at NIS Patiala. Prix competitions and ment must look for batsmen like Suresh Raina and pended until further health risk. RFEF-La Liga Coordination announced the postpone- committee of AFI on AFI President Adille Federation Cup.” Yuvraj Singh. notice to limit the Fixtures had pre- Agreement agrees the suspen- ment of the Federation Monday decided to post- Sumariwalla said, “Looking Earlier, AFI had to KL Rahul had batted in the middle-order in spread of coronavirus, viously been sus- sion of professional football Cup National Senior pone the 24th Federation at the present situation in postpone its season-open- the home ODIs against Australia in January ear- La Liga and the pended for two competitions until the author- Championships to be held Cup National Senior the country and around the er Indian Grand Prix lier this year with success. He later continued his Spanish Football weeks from March ities of the Government of next month in view of the Athletics Championships world, hosting any compe- series which was sched- fine form in the limited-overs series in New Federation (RFEF) 12 but there was no Spain and the General COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 due to the outbreak of tition is difficult. Health uled to be held at three dif- Zealand. Of late, the Karnataka player has also announced on expectation they Administration of the State The postponement of coronavirus (COVID-19) and safety of everyone ferent venues — Patiala been keeping wickets in the 50-over games. Monday. would restart this consider they can be resumed the championships, as well pandemic,” the AFI said in comes first and we can (March 20), Sangrur Manjrekar, who played 37 tests and 74 ODIs, La Liga and the weekend, with the crisis without creating any health as the cancellation of sea- a release. resume the competitions (March 25) and New Delhi was responding to questions from fans after he RFEF said matches continuing to escalate. risk.” son-opening Indian Grand The Federation Cup, once things start getting (March 29). asked them “talk cricket” with him on his Twitter page. He was asked whether India should stick with Rahul at number five in ODIs and does #"/. 4*$!;)4            he find other batsmen other than Rahul to be in that position. /, > The Azerbaijan Grand Prix )  > The future of football FIFA president said. “Let’s all are already too few dates in the To which, Manjrekar, also a was postponed on Monday because could be fewer games and fewer together save football from a cri- FIFA-managed calendar to com- known commentator, tweeted, of the coronavirus outbreak, delay- top competitions to help avoid a sis that risks becoming irre- plete the scheduled qualification “For the moment he is the right ing the start of the Formula One financial crisis, FIFA president versible.” paths for the 2022 World Cup in fit. But we must keep looking for season until the middle of June Gianni Infantino said in a news- Infantino said different for- Qatar. a Raina and Yuvi kind of bats- at the earliest. paper interview published on mats could be an answer, with The pressure now on football man when Rahul eventually The first eight races of the Monday. “fewer, but more interesting tour- stakeholders — many with con- moves to the top.” 2020 season have now been either would be announced for later in the With football around the naments. Maybe fewer squads, but flicting interests — is likely to force Yuvraj, who played 304 postponed or canceled. season. world in near-total shutdown and more balance. Fewer, but more a debate on the squeezed sched- ODIs for India, scored 8,701 The race at the Baku City F1 races have been staged in no end in sight because of the competitive, matches to safeguard ule that the pandemic has exposed. runs while Raina amassed 5,615 Circuit was scheduled for June 7 but Azerbaijan since 2017. coronavirus pandemic, Infantino the health of the players.” Some influential clubs in runs from 226 ODIs. has been called off after discussions The next race scheduled after said the sport risked going into Before the pandemic, Europe are pushing to get more The former Mumbai bats- between governing body FIA and Azerbaijan is in Canada on June 14. recession. Infantino added to the congested guaranteed games in a bigger man was also asked who he the local government. The season is scheduled to end “Maybe we can reform world football calendar by expanding the Champions League, and 20-team thinks was the right choice for “This comes as a direct result of with the Abu Dhabi GP on Nov 29, football by taking a step back,” World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for South American football body top leagues could be under pres- number four and all- the ongoing global COVID-19 pan- but could be extended to fit some Infantino said in the interview the 2026 edition, and by trying to CONMEBOL postponed their sure to make cuts. Those include rounder’s spot in the T20 demic and has been based entirely postponed races in. with Italian daily Gazzetta dello launch a 24-team Club World Cup championships by one year to leagues in England, Spain and Italy. World Cup to be held in on the expert guidance provided to A total of eight races with 12 Sport published on his 50th birth- next year. 2021. That was to give domestic “It’s not science fiction. Let’s Australia. Manjrekar picked us by the relevant authorities,” cars must be completed for the day. The inaugural edition of the leagues time to try to finish their discuss it,” Infantino said about the Shreyas Iyer and Hardik organizers said in a statement. championship to be validated, FIA “There needs to be an evalu- latter tournament in China was seasons. possibility of changing football cal- Pandya respectively. They said a new race date has said. AP ation of the global impact,” the delayed last week after UEFA and The shutdown means there endars. AP