Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 facebook.com/dailypioneer *Late City Vol. 2 Issue 175 ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 11 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable DON’T EXPECT RBI GIVES RS 50,000 CRORE HOLDING FINDS NO LOGIC IN CORONA THE MOON BOOST TO MUTUAL FUNDS LEGALISING BALL-TAMPERING CASES IN WORLD VIJAYAWADA, TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 3,029,709

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FIVE NORTHEASTERN STATES ARE ICMR: STOP USING RAPID ANTIBODY NEED TO GIVE IMPORTANCE TO SC SEEKS CENTRE'S REPLY ON PIL COVID-FREE, SAYS JITENDRA SINGH KITS PROCURED FROM CHINESE FIRMS ECONOMY, BATTLE COVID: PM TO CMS OVER JOURNALISTS' WAGE CUTS

ive out of the eight Northeastern states are completely coronavirus-free he country's apex health research body ICMR s India enters final week of the lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi he Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply Fand the remaining three have not added any new COVID-19 positive case Ton Monday asked states to stop using the Aon Monday conveyed to chief ministers that the country will have to give Ton a plea alleging that employees including in the last few days, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday. Singh, COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits procured from importance to the economy as well as to continue the fight against journalists have been meted out inhuman and illegal who is the minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), said two Chinese companies and return them to be coronavirus. In a video conference with the chief ministers, fourth treatment by some media organizations which have this after a video conference with senior officers of the North sent back to the suppliers. In an advisory sent to such interaction since March 22 when he first spoke to them on been issuing termination notices, effecting wage cuts Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, as well representatives of chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories the pandemic, Modi also highlighted the importance for states and asking them to proceed on unpaid leaves during the different government bodies and PSUs. The minister said five on Monday, the Indian Council of Medical Research to enforce prescribed guidelines strictly in the coronavirus coronavirus lockdown. A bench comprising Justices N V Northeastern states — Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, (ICMR) said it "evaluated the kits of Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and hotspots zones, the government said in a statement. The prime Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B R Gavai, in a proceedings held through Manipur and Tripura — are totally coronavirus-free while three Zhuhai Livson Diagnostics in field conditions. The results have shown minister underlined that the lockdown has "yielded positive video conferencing, issued notices to the Centre, the Indian Newspapers other states — Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram — had eight, wide variation in their sensitivity, despite early promise of good results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in Society and the News Broadcasters Association on the plea filed by three 11 and one COVID-19 positive cases respectively. performance for surveillance purpose". the past one and a half months", it said. journalists' bodies and listed the plea for further hearing after two weeks. Govt staff to get 50% pay this Corona can’t be eliminated, we have to live with it: Jagan month too, relief for pensioners PNS n VIJAYAWADA PRADEEP n VIJAYAWADA the lockdown was announced in Coronavirus could not be the last week of March. The State eliminated and "we have to live For the second consecutive government is learnt to have with it" by taking adequate pre- month, Andhra Pradesh State informed them that a decision cautions to prevent infection, government employees will be to pay only 50 per cent of Chief Minister Y S paid only half of their salaries. salaries for April has been taken Jaganmohan Reddy said on However, pensioners will get and asked them to cooperate. Monday. their full pension. The State government has In a televised address to the No community According to a GO issued on paid 50 per cent pension to the people of the state, he said a transmission in Sunday evening, the State gov- pensioners in the State. Trade vaccine for the virus might be ernment will continue the pay- union leaders said efforts were developed only after a year or Kerala so far: ment pattern that it adopted being made to convince the gov- so and till then, developing Shailaja with regard to disbursement of ernment about the need to pay "herd immunity" was the only salaries for the month of March full payment of pensions. option to check the spread of paid in the first week of April, Speaking to The Pioneer, the virus. while paying the pensioners to the pensioners.” With hard- drop, the State government had Andhra Pradesh NGOs The Chief Minister appealed their full pension. Principal ly a few days left for April paid only 50 per cent salaries to Association Krishna district to people to follow social dis- 4 Finance Secretary Shamsheer salaries to be released, the State its employees for March (paid in president A Vidyasagar said tancing norms as it was the 1.12 cr credit, debit cards Singh Rawat told The Pioneer government employees have the first week of April). that payment in accordance only way to prevent the conta- that the same structure adopt- appealed for payment of full However, the frontline work- with four Dearness Allowances gion, which has so far affect- ed for March salaries will be salaries without any cuts and force like doctors, police, para- announcements and PRC were ed 1,177 people in the state and for farmers by Kharif: Jagan continued for April salaries, deductions as their financial medical staff and sanitation pending and that the trade claimed 31 lives. hief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Monday said that 56 due to the ongoing lockdown. position is not good. workers have been spared from union had been reminding the Jagan said the infection rate Clakh farmer’s credit cards and as many debit cards would be Asked about pensions, he In the wake of Covid-19 pan- the salary cuts. Following news government time and again in the state was just 1.6 per cent introduced by Kharif season to ease the process for the tillers to said that Chief Minister YS demic, a countrywide lock- reports that the State govern- through representations as against the national average obtain incentives, crop loans and the like. He added that the Jaganmohan Reddy has taken a down was announced by the ment is likely to continue deduc- demanding it honour its com- of 4 per cent. government is focusing on creating new accounts for farmers for decision to pay complete pen- Central and State governments tion of employees salaries for the mitments. "However, no action "By God's grace we should added benefits. Addressing a review meeting on Rythu Bharosa sion to the pensioners. "A GO to contain the spread of the virus month of April, trade union has been taken in this regard till feel proud about it," Jagan Centres here, the Chief Minister stated that all the benefits provided in this regard was issued over on March 23 which will be in leaders have asked the admin- date," he said. remarked. to farmers by the State government should be directly credited into payment of salaries and pension force up to May 3. In this back- istration to release full salary as 3 "Coronavirus need not be their accounts, which they can access using their debit cards. seen as an untouchable or “Farmers should not worry or fear about their money or the people need not feel everything incentive provided by the government. It has to be in the most is ruined with it. It's just like an simple way, whereby just showing the card in the bank, the farmer 80 more ordinary fever," he added. gets his money. 3 The Chief Minister empha- Most CMs cases take sised that special care should He complimented and police, sanitation and revenue want lockdown be taken of the elderly and thanked all the healthcare staff for their exemplary ser- to continue: total to 1,177 those with comorbidities. workers, village volunteers, vices in fighting the crisis. Narayanasamy PNS n VIJAYAWADA As per the health bulletin released by the state govern- 5 ment on Monday, 80 new TN builds makeshift Covid-19 positive cases were registered in the past 24 hours in Andhra Pradesh, walls on AP border taking the total number of cases to 1,177. PNS n VELLORE rised entry of people like Of this, 911 are active cases migrant labourers, who use while 235 patients have been Temporary walls have been vehicles including buses to discharged and as many as 31 built on roads across the bor- enter Tamil Nadu without people have succumbed to der with Andhra Pradesh at any valid permission. Oppn questions the infection. two remote checkpoints near In view of the nation-wide During the past few days, here to help prevent unautho- curbs to help prevent spread high price paid Kurnool district in the state rised arrival of people into of coronavirus, the govern- has been then worst-hit by the Tamil Nadu, a senior official ments of other States too do by TN for rapid Over 60% Corona patients in infection, topping the list said on Monday. not allow people to travel with 292 cases, followed by The walls, made of concrete anywhere. test kits Guntur with 237 and Krishna hollow blocks have come up Some people, however, get AP are aged between 16 & 45 with 210. Anantapur, at Synagunda and Ponnai on access to vehicles and use PNS n CHENNAI Chittoor, East Godavari, YSR the border with Andhra them to get into Tamil Nadu Reliance starts SUMIT ONKA misled by the fact that more Kadapa, Prakasam, Pradesh, the official said. taking advantage of crossings DMK president M.K. Stalin on n VISAKHAPATNAM elders are succumbing to the Visakhapatnam and Asked on the reason behind tucked away in very remote Monday asked why the Tamil using WhatsApp virus. Most of the youngsters Vizianagaram have not the construction of walls, locations like Synagunda, he Nadu government paid Rs for grocery deliver- Over 60 per cent of Covid-19 fail to discern this fact and reported any positive cases Vellore District Collector A said. 600 per rapid test kit when the patients in Andhra Pradesh could end up infecting elders during the last 24 hours in the Shanmuga Sundaram said it cost of a single kit was only Rs ies but model can be counted as youths, and and children in their homes, state. Of the reported 292 pos- was mainly to check unautho- 3 245. He also welcomed the are in the age group of 16 to 45. said a doctor. itive cases in Kurnool, 252 are Delhi High Court's judge- Although the elderly are more Meanwhile, World Health “active” and 31 patients have ment that the rapid test kits at risk of death considering their Organisation officials have cau- been discharged while nine Rapid kits profiteering: Make should not be sold at a price 8 immunity levels, the younger lot tioned that more young people have lost their lives. more than Rs 400 including are being infected more and are becoming critically ill and goods and services tax (GST). pose danger to others. dying from the coronavirus public documents, says Cong In a statement issued here, TODAY According to Andhra Pradesh years old. The remaining 60.81 that’s now spread to almost NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday demanded that all the Stalin said based on the infor- government data on the infect- per cent of the total cases are every country across the world. documents of procurement of rapid test kits should be made mation available in the Delhi ALMANAC ed persons based on their age young working population. In It is now important for young public, after a trial in Delhi High Court revealed massive profiteering High Court's judgement, the Month & Paksham: group. 11.2 per cent of those view of this development, the people to take measures to and over-pricing by a firm in the COVID-19 test kits sold to Indian Chinese company sold its Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The legal dispute that came to Paush & Shukla Paksha who tested positive for the virus AP Government has urged peo- prevent the spread of the virus, rapid test kits at Rs 225 and the are over 60 years of age, 21.48 ple to stay indoor regardless of not only to protect themselves light in the court unearthed that the same company supplied kits to freight cost is about Rs 20 per Panchangam per cent are in the age group of their age. but also to contain the spread Tamil Nadu government at Rs 400 per kit but to ICMR the rate was kit taking the total cost to Rs Tithi: Panchami: 03:07 pm at Rs 600. 46-60 years while 6.54 per cent Many youngsters are violat- and protect others who are 3 245 per kit. Nakshatram: Ardra: 01:33 am are children, aged from 0 to 15 ing the lockdown as they are more vulnerable. 3 3 (Next Day) Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start any important work) Governor, First Lady test Rahukalam: 03:22 pm – 04:57 pm AP govt claims false, Ramesh Kumar tells HC Yamagandam: 09:04 am – 12:39 am PNS n VIJAYAWADA to find out the practical difficul- undermining the autonomy of Varjyam: 09:15 am – 10:39 am negative for Coronavirus The former Gulika: 12:13 pm - 01:48 pm ties to conduct elections in the State Election Commission, PNS n VIJAYAWADA outside for cleaning the Former SEC Nimmagadda SEC said that he such a short span of time. He he averred. Good Time: (to start any important work) premises were responsible for Ramesh Kumar, as per the addressed a letter said that the election schedule The former SEC said that he Amritakalam: 03:06 pm – 04:46 pm Governor Biswabhusan the spread of the virus in the direction of the Andhra Pradesh to the Union Home introduced by the ordinance addressed a letter to the Union Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:48 am – 12:38 pm Harichandan and First Lady Raj Bhavan. According to High Court, has filed an affi- Ministry about the was impracticable and does Home Ministry about the inci- Suprava Harichandan were sources, random tests were davit stating that the claim of incidents of poll not further the objection of free dents of poll violence including VIJAYAWADA tested negative for conducted on the staff and the State Government in its violence including and fair polls. 35 incidents of prevention of fil- WEATHER Coronavirus on Monday, a four of them were found to be counter affidavit that it has 35 incidents of The ordinance was solely ing of nominations, 23 incidents day after four staff members infected. conducted deliberations before prevention aimed at removing him from of forceful withdrawal of nom- Forecast: Mostly sunny of Raj Bhavan tested Covid-19 All the four members were issuing the ordinance was not of filing of the post of the State Election inations and 55 incidents of vio- Temp: 36/27 positive. According to highly shifted to quarantine. true. He said that the claim was Commissioner which is imper- lence in addition to the unusu- nominations Humidity: 64% placed sources, the Governor Meanwhile, the Raj Bhavan made up in order to give cre- missible, Ramesh Kumar said. al increase in the number of Sunrise: 05:51 am and his wife took the test after was tightlipped on the positive dence to the ordinance. Moreover, curtailing the term unanimous elections. Sunset: 06:35 pm the positive cases emerged. It cases, neither confirming or N Aswani Kumar, counsel for Court on Monday. In his affi- election schedule to 15 days and applying it to the incum- Ramesh Kumar denied that Current Weather Conditions was also learnt that the sani- denying the news that Covid- Ramesh Kumar, submitted the davit, Ramesh Kumar said that later, and did not consult with bent State Election he overstated the incidents of Updated April 27, 2020 5:00 PM tation staff who came from 19 affected its staff. counter affidavit in the High the ordinance had also fixed the the State Election Commission Commissioner is nothing but violence. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 vijayawada 02 Jagan’s focus is on politics, not on fight against Coronavirus ast Sunday, West Bengal Ministerial Teams to states opinion. approach, all sections of behaved with short-sighted- Health Services Assistant where the number of cases is Without taking note of the developments The Jagan society, including vol- ness. When will he come out Ldirector and central very high. But Mamata taking place across the globe due to the virus, government is TRULY unteers appointed by of the short-sightedness? medical stores in-charge Dr Bannerjee tried to politicise it. thinking like the proverbial Roman emperor not in a posi- government, are fac- The Modi government is Biplab Das Kanti Das Gupta Instead of waging joint battles tion to under- SPEAKING ing the risk of con- well aware of developments died due to Coronavirus. He with the Centre against the and like a frog in the well Jagan behaved with stand the inter- tracting the virus. taking places in states. The had contracted the virus nine Corona virus, she is not hes- short-sightedness national opinion Had the government Centre deputed a Cabinet days earlier and his health itating to risk the lives of the on the need to pur- not keen on using religion to Subcommittee to the state. deteriorated progressively and people of West Bengal for sue primary education in suit its political purposes it The Centre also received more ultimately he succumbed to it. her selfish politics. human failure. orously is any indication. mother tongue at least up to would not have kept virus or less the similar reports as His wife, the doctor who treat- The situation is more or less Mainly, Chief Minister YS Instead of welcoming the primary level, UNESCO rec- cases information under that of West Bengal. Moreover, ed Biplab and 17 others in the same in Andhra Pradesh, Jaganmohan Reddy is respon- SEC decision to postpone ommendations in this regard wraps. AP BJP leaders also com- health department who came according to information sible for failing to rein in the local body elections by two and the spirit of the Indian Going by the example of the plained of state government into contact with him have reaching the Centre. virus. The CM took the virus weeks, the government constitution. USA, the Narendra Modi gov- withholding facts on been quarantined. In AP, the virus has reached casually and advocated parac- brought out a GO in the dead Y SATYA KUMAR Surprisingly, the state gov- ernment has been warning the Coronavirus. According to the West the community transmission etamol to treat the symptoms. of the night and replaced him. BJP National Secretary ernment, instead of removing state time and again against The Prime Minister, Home Bengal Doctors Association, stage. At least four employees While the virus travelled to People with dictatorial style the YSRCP colours on govern- taking the virus lightly, but it Minister Amit Shah, BJP many frontline doctors and of the Raj Bhavan contracted India from China, the CM was of functioning have no respect ment buildings as per the HC is evident that Jagan, as head national president JP Nadda medical workers have been the virus through medical so ignorant to say that its for courts, as indicated by tion campaign stating that and SC orders, is adding new of the government did not act know how to deal with the sit- infected, a testimony to the personnel. Over 1,000 tested birthplace is Korea. Jagan’s style of functioning. the HC wanted the govern- colours making a mockery of responsibly. uation at government level extent of the spread of the positive for the virus in AP Factionists are bothered The AP High Court faulted ment to gather public opinion the rulings. How far is it justified to play and also as that of a political virus in West Bengal. with Vijayawada city, Kurnool about their region, their inter- the State government’s deci- on medium of instruction. Though the High Court with the public health to meet party. The Mamata Banerjee gov- and Guntur districts bearing ests and nothing else. sion to replace Telugu with Where did the court indi- found fault with the govern- political gains? Jagan, in spite of the YSRCP ernment did not make public the brunt. That is why Jagan focused English as medium of instruc- cate that the government ment steps to rein in Covid- Without taking note of the winning the highest number details of Coronavirus till it At many places, medical on how to crush the rivals and tion and felt that the option should gather affidavits from 19 and putting the public developments taking place of seats, is committing one killed Biplab. It was also not staff members are battling bring various regions under should be left to the people. the people? It is anybody’s health in peril, the YSRCP across the globe due to the mistake after the other and known that the government with the infection. his grip if the government opt- But, Jagan government dis- guess how the volunteers government seems to be unaf- virus, thinking like the prover- has proved that he is not failed to provide PPE kits. Coronavirus becoming viru- ing for local body elections at torted the judgment and appointed by Jaganmohan fected. bial Roman emperor and like capable of ruling the state The Centre deputed Inter- lent in AP is attributed to a time virus is spreading vig- embarked on a misinforma- Reddy would gather public Because of such an a frog in the well Jagan properly. Govt to set up Aqua Authority soon Rs 5,000 financial aid to PNS n VIJAYAWADA written to the Union Ministry l Minister for Animal Husbandry and of Commerce and Fisheries to priests, imams, pastors The government will soon set Fisheries Mopidevi Venkataramana said permit the cargo for aqua pro- up an Aquaculture Authority to the Aqua Authority will monitor the duction and sale. PNS n VIJAYAWADA monitor the aqua sector from activity from breeding to shipment and “The State government will seed level to marketing and will asked farmers not to sell aqua products stand by aqua farmers and Minister for Endowments assure MSP to farmers. in distress as the ports have opened up make sure that they need not Velampalli Srinivas said that Speaking to the media here on and exports will pick up once the resort to distress sales. As of though the government was in Monday, Minister for Animal cargo ships are put to sail now, exports of the aqua pro- dire straits, it was implement- l The State Husbandry and Fisheries l In this regard, the State duce have begun in various ing all the welfare schemes Mopidevi Venkataramana has largest number ports across the State, soon the promised to people. of hatcheries in the government has already Ramana said the Aqua country, and with the written to the Union cargo services will be made Addressing the media here Authority will monitor the lockdown, breeding Ministry of Commerce and fully functional.” on Monday, the minister said l activity from breeding to ship- As 80 per cent of the broader prawns are to be seed has become a Fisheries to permit the Speaking about the stranded that priests are performing ment and asked farmers not to exported to the US, with the lack of proper cargo herculean task cargo for aqua production fishermen in Gujarat, the min- pujas and rituals in every tem- sell aqua products in distress as facilities, there arises a gap in the production activity and sale ister said that Chief Minister YS ple during the lockdown. the ports have opened up and Jaganmohan Reddy has already He said that as per the exports will pick up once the spoken to Union Minister directive of Chief Minister YS cargo ships are put to sail. and with the lockdown, breed- the broader prawns are to be there arises a gap in the produc- Nirmala Sitaraman regarding Jaganmohan Reddy, onetime The State has largest number ing seed has become a her- exported to the US, with the tion activity. In this regard, the the issue and he is constantly special financial assistance of of hatcheries in the country, culean task. As 80 per cent of lack of proper cargo facilities, State government has already pursuing the issue. Rs 5,000 was being provided to priests, imams and pastors in l Chandanotsavam was l Food is being prepared at the State. For the same, reports performed at Simhachalam Annadanam temples and FAKE NEWS ON COVID-19 RAMPANT ON SOCIAL MEDIA were collected from the respec- temple with religious fervour distributed to more than 50,000 tive departments. without allowing devotees as people. District Collectors, 4 migrant workers Chandanotsavam was per- per the guidelines, said officers concerned and NGOs are formed at Simhachalam tem- Minister for Endowments lending a helping to temples in Mainstream media info ple with religious fervour with- Velampalli Srinivas this regard out allowing devotees as per start from Vja on the guidelines, he said and added that food is being pre- the government was granting welfare of people, the minister more reliable, says study pared at Annadanam temples pensions under the and MLA said and took pot bicycles to Agra PNS n NEW YORK tion. According to the tion and higher levels of mis- and distributed to more than Corporation. Moreover, under shots at TDP chief researchers, conservative media information, the researchers 50,000 people. District the Brahmin Credit Society Chandrababu Naidu, Jana Sena PNS n VIJAYAWADA Joining the growing body of usage (such as Fox News and added. Collectors, officers concerned 500 groups would get loans president Pawan Kalyan and evidence for social media being Rush Limbaugh) correlated People who used web aggre- and NGOs are lending a help- with Rs 3 crore through BJP State unit president Kanna Desperate to return home due the primary source of fake with higher levels of misinfor- gators (such as Google News, ing to temples in this regard. Arundathi and Vashishta Lakshminarayana for flaying to the ongoing lockdown, four news around Coronavirus, a mation and belief in conspira- Yahoo News) were less likely to Meanwhile, YSRCP MLA schemes. the government instead of migrant workers embarked new study has found that peo- cies about the SARS-CoV-2 believe in the effectiveness of and Brahmin Corporation aThe State government is helping people in the hour of on their bicycles from ple, who relied on social media pandemic. hand washing and avoidance of Chairman Malladi Vishnu said putting relentless efforts for the crisis. Vijayawada to Agra. or conservative news outlets in symptomatic individuals as The youth were found ped- early days of the Covid-19 ways to prevent transmission of dling their bicycles on the out- outbreak were more likely to be the virus (in early March, the skirts of Vijayawada. They misinformed about how to asymptomatic transmission said they wanted to return prevent the virus and believe was less clear). People stage protest home and be with their fam- conspiracy theories about it. Mainstream broadcast and ilies. "With no money in hand The Annenberg Science print media usage correlated and a total lockdown, how can assurance by the governments Knowledge (ASK) survey on with higher levels of the correct demanding succour we survive here? We want to in both the States that they will Covid-19 was conducted in information and lower levels of be with our families in these be provided food and shelter, early March, among a nation- misinformation, the study said. PNS n VIJAYAWADA the West Assembly con- difficult times," one of them they have only one demand: ally representative sample of People who reported using stituency led by CPM lead- said. send us back to our homes and 1,008 US adults, the researchers broadcast news (such as ABC People staged a protest by ers staged day-long protest The daily wagers were set- if you can't make any transport from the University of News, CBS News, NBC News) standing in front of their appealing to the government tled in the city a couple of arrangement, allow us to go.” Pennsylvania and the were more likely to say, correct- houses in various divisions to provide succour to them years ago. Agra is more than During the last one month, University of Illinois at Urbana- The survey found that more ly, that the novel Coronavirus in the city on Monday in view of the pandemic. 1,600 km from Vijayawada, authorities in both the States Champaign in the US said. than 23 per cent people is more lethal than the season- demanding that the gov- CPM State executive AOI launches free but the youth said they were stopped several migrants, who The study, published in the thought it was probably or al flu, it added. ernment come to their res- member Ch Babu Rao determined to face all odds to had embarked on the journey journal Harvard Kennedy definitely true that the Chinese People who consume main- cue by providing succour alleged that both the State consultation for reach home. on foot to reach their destina- School Misinformation Review, had created the virus as a bio- stream print news (such as The to them. and the Central governments “Migrant labourers in both tions. Most of them were from found that there were notable weapon (there is no evidence New York Times, Wall Street People in from 57 to 64 had failed to rise to the Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, Jharkhand, differences in views about the of this). Social media and web Journal) were more likely to division in the Central occasion and solve prob- cancer patients Telangana are desperate to Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh Coronavirus that correlated aggregator usage was associat- hold accurate beliefs about the Assembly constituency and lems of people during the PNS n VIJAYAWADA return home. Despite the and Odisha. with people's media consump- ed with lower levels of informa- virus. 50,51,43,44, 55 divisions in lockdown. The American Oncology Institute (AOI) launched free video consultation facility for those suffering from can- SUMMERS MAY SLOW DOWN CORONAVIRUS SPREAD cer during the lockdown in the Capital Region of unshine and summer may terns with brutally cold winters States are different nations. helpful actions regarding it be good enough to declare ensuring that the health sys- Vijayawada and Guntur. ebb the spread of the (in most states) and warm Some people think that India hydroxychloroquine. a major success against tems are not overwhelmed and Emergency service is being SCoronavirus, and BCG summers. While social activi- is four weeks behind America Covid-19? the demand for heath care is provided to patients, while vaccine (already given to all ty in the summer often involves in the peak. But India's lock- What is your reaction on Relapse can be talked in the spread out. If that happens, we consultation timings for Indians) also may offer partial outdoor spaces, winter activi- down (March 24) started eight plasma therapy? context of happening in a can declare a major success. patients will be from 9 am to immunity, says Ravi Godse, ties tend to be more congested days after that of America Use plasma for serious recovered patient or in the 5 pm from Monday to Director of Discharge Planning, and indoors. (March 16), so India might patients. Start collecting the community. When a patient We have limited experience Saturday. The institute is tak- UPMC Shadyside Pennsylvania, In the summer, the humid- have had a three-week head- plasma today, if we need it in gets infected, he or she first on this viral infection. Under ing tough measures to con- the US. Godse recommended ity can go up as well, meaning start on social distancing, and three weeks. Rather than trou- develops IgM, then IgG anti- these circumstances, can we tain the spread of Covid–19, the use of plasma therapy for more water drops in the air. If that will help. bling the recovered bodies. In some viral say people will develop lasting said Dr N Subba Rao, AOI serious patients in an email the air is saturated with water It is possible that the BCG patients for the illnesses (say chick- antibodies to protect them Medical Director interview with IANS. and somebody sneezes virus vaccine (already given to all plasma, we en pox) the pro- from this infection? As cancer patients need droplets into such air, it is like- Indians) may offer partial can try and tection could We will only know by test- long term treatment, the Excerpts from ly that the droplets will fall to immunity. Weather might help. see if the be lifelong. ing. The antibody testing will video conference facility was the ground quicker, making RAVI GODSE Many people think that the antibody We don't be a tool, and it needs to be introduced to provide assis- the interview them less infectious. So the sturdy genes of our population, titer of know how employed regardless of the tance during the lockdown short answer is yes, hardened through experience the long the cost. If people, who have IgG without patients coming to Recently, the White House summer/sunshine could be you think things are under with infectious illnesses, may healthy IgG pro- against the virus, are shown to the hospital. Cancer patients said the spread of better. We know what we know, control? afford a more robust cross asymp- tection for be immune from future/recur- across the country can con- Coronavirus may ebb during but we don't know what we India is a big and populous immunity. This might be more totic Covid-19 rent disease, then those people sult the specialised doctor summer months. May and don't know. country and will likely behave wishful thinking, however, it patients will last in can be used to open the nation through video conference by June will have peak summers similar to America (though does seem like India will avert is better recovered and restart the economy. logging in https://www.amer- in most parts of the country, Recently, the health minister India has a fewer foreign trav- the disastrous peak that other (they did patients. If it Remember, the vaccine is also icanoncology.com/ or call do you think high tempera- said the efforts to contain the ellers). In America, San countries experienced. If the better than is durable, coming, which will try and arti- 7674999238. tures will help in containing outbreak, has saved India Francisco is very different from cases pick up, then the rest of the patients, then relapses ficially induce lasting antibod- Emergency services are the outbreak? from going into Stage 3 or Indianapolis; New York is dif- the world (especially America, who ended up in should not occur. ies. The challenge could be the available at Nagarjuna Viral illnesses tend to go community transmission ferent from Las Vegas. which would be far beyond its the hospital). Even if there is an over- fact that Covid-19 is an RNA Hospital, Kanuru, NRI away in the summer months. stage, and many senior offi- Similarly, Agartala is different own peak) would rush to all increase in the number of virus and can mutate, but Academy, Mangalagiri, This trend is more distinct in cials said the Covid-19 disease from Mumbai and Chennai is India's help. I don't think that If no relapses occur and there cases of really sick people, the remember, not all change is Bommidala Cancer Institute, countries like America where is under control. With 20,177, different from Shimla. So India the people of America will is no drastic increase in the increase would happen gradu- bad: it could become milder or Guntur, and American there are distinct weather pat- active cases in the country, do will behave as if individual soon forget India's selfless and number of cases in July, would ally over a longer duration, less infectious. Oncology Institute.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 vijayawada 03 Women play online rummy SEC did not ASHA workers’ survey, a ray spread virus, to beat lockdown blues says Mopidevi of hope to defeat pandemic PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM PNS n VIJAYAWADA As clubs, guest houses are out Minister for Fisheries and of reach due to the lockdown, Horticulture Mopidevi PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Bharati (name many gamblers, who were not Venkataramana on Monday changed), says tech-savvy, are now playing came down heavily on TDP Accredited Social Health online rummy finding it safe leaders for alleging that State Activists (ASHA) workers or “Sometimes, I feel and no fear of police raids. Election Commissioner V the women working as the proud to serve the With the Covid-19 lock- Kanagaraj’s swearing in cer- interface between community community in this down, some of the online emony at the Raj Bhavan led and the public health care sys- unprecedented situa- rummy platforms have been to the spread of the virus tem in the State are playing a witnessing an increase in reg- among the staff. It may be significant role in combating tion, but I am still istration since the lockdown. reported that four employees the Coronavirus pandemic risking my life. What The online rummy platforms at the Governor’s bungalow with door-to-door surveys. will I do with medical are also giving big discounts on police officer. n The addicted gamblers, were tested positive for After their surveys, they insurance cover of Rs its welcome offers to attract The addicted gamblers, who who played cards for Corona on Sunday. The min- were asked to hand over the 50 lakh for three more registrations. played cards for betting in the betting in the dens ister pointed out that when data to their supervisor at 3 The new twist is that women dens before the lockdown, are before the lockdown, are the SEC was hale and hearty pm, which will be submitted to months from the Cen- have been indulging. The men- now playing online rummy for how can he spread the virus, the nearby Primary Health tral government and in-uniform says not only the the cash rewards. Now more now playing online he questioned? He alleged Centre (PHC). Moreover, they Rs 10,000 salary from elite group but also upper gamblers are invading the rummy for the cash that TDP leaders are trying to have been instructed to screen inform to Control Rooms of social media, the work has the State govern- middle class women have been online space moving from the rewards gain political mileage and all households to identify any the GVMC to enable them to become more challenging. ment, if I don’t stay resorting to gambling in the traditional gambling dens. Not n Now more gamblers are by sending wrong message to persons showing symptoms of rush to the spot with Rapid However, many of them are online platform. only men but also women are people and creating confu- the Coronavirus infection in Response Team consisting of scared to go for surveys. They alive and healthy” The trends have changed also addicted to the online invading the online space sion among them in the pre- the desired format provided by medical team to test the infect- say “We have children, we have and now housewives are rummy in the cities. moving from the sent situation. the State government. ed and take further necessary families. How can we put them But Bharati says “Sometimes, indulging in gambling in a big In online rummy, one has traditional gambling Providing further details of action.” After checking the at risk? I assume the fear is quite I feel proud to serve the com- away on a daily basis online, many options and can play for dens. Not only men but her daily tasks, a woman said case, the team takes the deci- natural. My husband, who is munity in this unprecedented said Murli Patnaik, who is little stakes (Rs 5) and also for also women are also information related to travel sion depending on the symp- very supportive of my work situation, but I am still risking fond of online rummy. bigger stakes (Rs 10,000) for addicted to the online history and symptomatic cases toms whether to send the otherwise, keeps telling me, my life. What will I do with The illegal gambling dens, each game. The Covid-19 has rummy in the cities is channelled differently. “In patient to an isolation ward or what is the need to work so medical insurance cover of Rs which are mostly guest hous- hit many industries but it has case any person has a travel advise quarantine. hard, if you fall sick? So, I use 50 lakh for three months from es, lodges, and a few other benefitted the online gaming history or shows symptoms of Bharati (name changed), fresh mask or use my dupatta. the Central government and Rs places are shut. The Covid-19 industry, which has been seen Vijayawada, said P Raju, who the infection, we have to another ASHA worker in I have a bath as soon as I get 10,000 salary from the State has also hit the revenue sources a massive surge in the number spends at least three hours per immediately report it to our neighbouring ward said due to back and wash my hands as government, if I don’t stay of the organisers of the illegal of hours spent by people in the day in the world of online higher-ups, who in turn, rumours being circulated on often as I can,” she said. alive and healthy.” gambling dens, said a senior cities like Vizag and rummy. ITDA plans to pump Rs 100 cr into New Coronavirus case Oppn questions high price paid Govt employees to turmeric cultivation in Vizag Agency reported in Srikakulam by TN for rapid get 50 pc salaries... n n PNS VISAKHAPATNAM PNS VISAKHAPATNAM n Srikakulam District test kits Collector J Nivas told Continued from Page 1 tials. With 50 percent pension, As the demand for Curcumin One more person was report- Continued from Page 1 they are left with no money rich turmeric sees a sudden ed positive for Covid-19 in habitation in charges to Interestingly, only the after the first week of the spike as immunity booster in Patapatnam of Srikakulam remain alert with new Stalin said Tamil Nadu Telugu states - Telangana and month," she said and appealed view of the Coronavirus pan- district on Monday. Kakinada Covid-19 positive cases Chief Minister K. Andhra Pradesh - have paid 50 to the government to pay full demic, the ITDA is investing lab reports confirmed that being identified in the Palaniswami should explain percent salaries to their pension to pensioners. Rs 100 crore in turmeric cul- another person has contract- district why the government sourced employees while the other Another employee Suman tivation in Vizag Agency. ed the deadly virus from the n the kits at Rs 600 per unit and states in the country have Kumar said that his superan- Pharma sector is looking out man, who returned from The lockdown must be that too through a city based paid full salaries to their staff nuation was due in the month for Curcumin rich turmeric, Delhi on March 19. strictly enforced, the intermediary not recognised for March. of June and that he has many which is abundant in the With this case, there are Collector said and by Indian Council of Medical Meanwhile, the Central gov- payments to be done with the Agency area. In Vizag Agency, four Covid-19 positive cases directed officials not to Research (ICMR) instead of ernment has issued a GO retirement benefits. He said turmeric is an annual crop and in Srikakulam district. They allow even talking with directly from the Chinese instructing the private organ- that his colleagues, who retired farmers usually put up their next five years and in the first n Project Officer of ITDA are all from the same family neighbours and company. isations not to sack the employ- a few months back, were still produce for sale from March to year, the crop would be grown DK Balaji said he held a in Patapatnam. According to everyone should be in The Tamil Nadu govern- ees and to pay full salary. waiting for the retirement May and the volume of crop is in 2,000 acres. Seeds worth Rs Srikakulam district medical house arrest ment had earlier said the A retired teacher G amounts to be credited to around eight tonnes per 32,000 would be given to farm- video conference with and health department offi- test kits were bought at a Amrutha Kumari said that their accounts. He said, "All hectare in the region. ers. Around 700 kgs of seeds officials of horticulture cials, the old woman tested price fixed by the Central the government should pay a the amount I received through Project Officer of ITDA was required for each acre. The and agriculture and positive for Covid-19 is tation in charges at government and from the total pension to retired 50 per cent payment of my DK Balaji said he held a farmers have to pay an amount suggested them to grandmother of wife of the Patapatnam tahsil office on company recognised by the employees as they are unable salary was used to pay my loan video conference with offi- of Rs 3,360, for the 700 kgs encourage farmers to go person working at Delhi Monday. He asked them to Centre. AMMK leader T.T.V. to manage with 50 percent instalments. I am in a big cials of horticulture and agri- pack, the PO said. for turmeric, which was Metro Rail. remain alert, with new Covid- Dhinakaran has also pension. "Most of their pen- dilemma over when the retire- culture and suggested them The crop will keep the farm- now being treated as a "Though, he didn't show 19 positive cases being iden- demanded a white paper on sions are spent on medical and ment benefits will be paid to encourage farmers to go ers busy throughout the year commercial crop, having any symptoms of the infec- tified in the district. He said the sourcing of test kits by the health problems, pending and how long I should wait if for turmeric, which was now and wean them away from rich medicinal value tion, he was kept in home iso- the lockdown must be strict- Tamil Nadu government. loans and purchase of essen- the present trend continues.” being treated as a commer- growing ganja, Agency sources lation under the surveillance ly enforced. He directed them cial crop, having rich medi- said. Last week, the authorities n DK Balaji said that they of district medical and health not to allow even talking cinal value. DK Balaji said allowed auctioning in the have given permission officials. After the home quar- with neighbours and every- 1.12 cr credit, that they have given permis- Agency, the only activity wit- for sale and antine period, he and his one should be in house arrest. Provide transport to sion for sale and procure- nessed during the lockdown procurement of turmeric wife were tested negative, but He further asked to con- debit cards... ment of turmeric in a few period. in a few areas in the his wife's father, mother and duct the home survey thor- areas in the Vizag Agency. Experts said turmeric has sister, were tested positive oughly to identify people Continued from Page 1 He said seeds of short ges- high content of Curcumin Vizag Agency for the deadly virus," the offi- with symptoms. He suggest- dialysis patients: Naidu tation varieties-Pragathi, (main active ingredient in cial said. ed observing not only people By the end of Kharif season, Pratibha and Roma would be turmeric and its anti-inflam- ma sector is looking out for Srikakulam District returned from abroad but PNS n VIJAYAWADA reports are not being provided near 56 lakh credit cards and given to farmers. This project matory effects make for a very turmeric for manufacture Collector J Nivas conducted also those who meet them in even after 10 days. 56 lakh debit cards will be would be implemented for strong antioxidant). The phar- immunity boosters. a review meeting with habi- the containment areas. Opposition leader N The delay is putting the made available for distribu- Chandrababu Naidu wrote a lives of kidney patients in tion,” Jagan said. He stated that letter to Special Chief danger as they are unable to 11,158 Rythu Bharosa centres Secretary Health, Medical and go for dialysis as per the would be established across Family Welfare Dr KS Jawahar scheduled treatment. In addi- the State by June 1. “Farmers TN builds makeshift 80 more cases take total to 1,177 Reddy stating that in the wake tion to this, another issue is are expecting quality seeds Continued from Page 1 district reported 73 (active cases positive cases with 35 active of Covid–19 pandemic peo- being faced by kidney patients and it is our responsibility to 57) with 16 patients discharged and 14 patients discharged ple, who are suffering from is transport problem. Non- supply them and officials have Guntur recorded 237 cases after recovery. after recovery with four deaths. other health related issues, are availability of transport from to make sure that only quali- walls on AP border with 200 active cases and 29 YSR Kadapa reported 58 East Godavari district being ignored. residence to Dialysis Centre ty seeds are being supplied patients were discharged and positive cases with 30 active reported 39 positive cases with Undue delay in announcing and back is impeding kidney without any irregularities,” he Continued from eight deaths reported. Krishna cases while with 28 patients 27 active cases and 12 patients the test results of Covid-19 tests patients from going for dial- said. Officials were asked to Page 1 district reported 210 cases with discharged after recovery. were discharged after recovery, is hindering people from ysis treatment. book cases against those sup- 173 active cases and 29 patients Prakasam reported 56 positive Visakhapatnam reported 22 undergoing treatment. Naidu He said it is pertinent and plying spurious seeds. In "Since the chances were discharged while eight cases with 33 active cases and positive cases with three active said kidney patients across the crucial for the government to regard to aquaculture, the of getting detected at patients breathed their last. 23 patients discharged after cases while 19 patients dis- State in general and Uddanam immediately act and provide Chief Minister instructed offi- the main border The other districts in the state recovery. charged after making a com- region in particular, are suffer- transport to kidney patients in cials to start an exclusive call crossing is high, some with positive cases are SPS West Godavari district plete recovery. Srikakulam has ing as Dialysis Centres are need of dialysis and make suit- centre in order to address the people tend to use Nellore with 79 with 54 active reported 54 positive cases with three positive and active cases insisting on Covid-19 screening able transport arrangements issues of the aqua farmers. He little noticed loca- cases while 23 patients recov- 43 active cases, 11 patients as of now. No Covid-19 posi- for dialysis patients. Though for kidney patients to travel also emphasised on the sup- tions in remote ered and were discharged and were discharged after recovery. tive cases are reported from the kidney patients are giving sam- from their respective homes to ply of quality seed and feed for places," he pointed 2 patients died of virus. Chittoor Anantapur district recorded 53 Vizianagaram district. ples for Covid-19 screening, but Dialysis Centres and back. the aqua produce. out adding the effort was aimed at pre- Rapid kits venting unauthorised entry or exit. profiteering... LOCKDOWN The district collec- Continued from Page 1 92 stranded Kanna urges Governor to order tor, to a question said the walls were a tem- Congress leader Manish Tewari said fishermen Railways handling 13,000 porary arrangement : "There is an anarchy going on probe into testing kits purchase and built without imports of testing kits and government damaging the roads. should tell what action have been rescued PNS n VIJAYAWADA calls on a daily basis Asked if the move taken by them." PNS n MACHILIPATNAM PNS n NEW DELHI local language of the caller, will affect usual move- The said case is of arbitrage in BJP State unit president Kanna over telephone," he said. ment of vehicles which a company procured testing kits As many as 92 fishermen Lakshminarayana in his letter In a bid to address the griev- The official said that due to between Andhra at Rs 245 a kit and supplied 5 lakh kits from Srikakulam and addressed to Governor Biswa ances of passengers during the this 24-hour working railways Pradesh and Tamil to ICMR and both the companies Vizianagaram were strand- Bushan Harichandan alleged nationwide lockdown to com- emergency cell for Covid-19 Nadu, he said "Normal involved in the supply profited more ed in their boats near an irregularities while filing nom- bating the spread of had its ears to the ground, traffic is not affected than Rs 18 crore, it was said. island off Krishna district inations for the local body elec- Coronavirus, the Indian leading to fleet-footed and the main border When the court reprimanded the due to rough sea conditions tions. He accused the ruling Railways emergency cell has response to redress grievances with Andhra Pradesh firm they agreed to supply it at the rate were rescued on Monday, party leaders of violation of responded to over 13,000 calls of both railways' customers (on the Chittoor of Rs 400 per kit. officials said. rules by misusing the govern- on a daily basis. A railway min- and general public. Road) is open as usual Tewari said that it's a serious mat- The fishermen had set ment machinery. He also istry spokesperson said that He said that even and that check post ter that the companies are in profit out from Chennai on April brought to the notice of the railway emergency cell for RailMadad Helpline 139 has all infrastructure making and government is not keep- 24 to Srikakulam and got Governor misdeeds in the pro- Covid-19 is a comprehensive answered over 2,30,000 queries to screen people." ing any check and so there is a huge stuck near the Edurumondi curement of Rapid Test Kits nationwide unit comprising on one-on-one basis in first In the nearly 10 discrepancy. The government should Island in view of rough from South Korean company. about 400 officers and staff four weeks of the lockdown, in other porous border make the papers public as it has cen- weather on Monday. Kanna remarked that while from railway board to divisions. addition to queries answered crossings, additional tralised procurement of the kits. Officials brought them to ICMR had given permission to advantage on the pretext of a came to light when the high- "During the lockdown, the by its IVRS facility. "During the personnel have been Party leader Rahul Gandhi also the shores and accommo- the State government to buy medical emergency. He said er official of Government of cell has been responding to same period, over 1,10,000 posted to check entry said, "That any human being would dated in a government high kits from SD Biosensor South that APMSDIC has given a go- Chhattisgarh has tweeted that about 13,000 queries, requests calls received on Helpline 138, of people, he said. try and profiteer from the immeasur- school in Edurumondi vil- Korean Company, but the gov- bye to the established transpar- they procured testing kits at Rs and suggestions every day, which is geo-fenced, that is, Chittoor, which is able suffering of millions of his broth- lage. They would be allowed ernment nodal agency APM- ent procedures and entered 337 from a South Korean com- from five communication and calls land on the nearest rail- also a district head- ers and sisters, is beyond belief and to return to their native SIDC has approached the mid- into negotiations with Sandor pany. This shows that the feedback platforms - helplines way divisional control office quarters in Andhra comprehension. This scam is an places after the weather dlemen for procuring the test- Medicaids Private Limited for modus operandi of the govern- 139 and 138, social media, e (manned round-the-clock by Pradesh is 37 km insult to every Indian. I urge the PM became normal, ing kits. procuring testing kits for Rs ment is not only objectionable mail and CPGRAMS. And railway personnel well-versed from here and is one to act swiftly to bring the corrupt to Machilipatnam Revenue He further stated that the 14.6 crore with each kit priced but also illegal and he urged more than 90 per cent of the in local language and familiar of the busy inter-state justice.” Division Officer N S K government has chosen mid- at Rs 730. the Governor to order a probe queries were responded on with local issues) as per the highways. Khaja Vali said. dlemen to derive financial He recalled that the issue into the deal. one-to-one basis, mostly in the location of the caller," he said. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 nation 04 No community transmission Private hospital in Indore SHORT READS starts plasma therapy trials in Kerala so far: Shailaja PNS n INDORE A private hospital in Madhya PNS n THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Pradesh's Indore city has start- "We are checking ed plasma therapy trials on There has been no third stage whether there is three coronavirus patients, who spread or community transmis- any rise in are in serious condition, an 33 staffers at Max sion of COVID-19 infection so official said on Monday. far in Kerala,but there is need to respiratory-related Two doctors, who recov- hospital test positive exercisevigil, Health minister K cases or ered from COVID-19 after for COVID-19 K Shailaja, said. treatment, came forward to pneumonia.As of NEW DELHI: As many as 33 There is no third stage spread now, there are no donate their plasma (a compo- as of now because all those who nent of blood) for these staffers of a leading private have been infected with the such reports patients, Sri Aurobindo hospital in east Delhi, virus lately have some or the Institute of Medical Sciences including two doctors, nurses suggesting that and paramedic staff, have other kind of contact with the such cases have (SAIMS) chest disease depart- navirus-free after undergoing eases specialist, said this was a affected, the minister told ment head Dr Ravi Dosi said. treatment at SAIMS, he said. small contribution from him in tested positive for coronavirus reporters here. increased Indore has emerged as a The official also informed the battle against COVID-19. over the last two weeks, sources said on Monday. Max "We have not identified the coronavirus hotspot in the that the two doctors do not Qureshi, who recovered Healthcare group had exact contact in certain cases, community spread," she said. in such cases we will focus on nity spread,she said. state. The district has so far work at SAIMS. from the disease, said people announced two weeks ago but there are certain suspected The peripheral hospitals like that area.So as of now, there is She asserted that testing was reported 1,207 COVID-19 One of the donors, Dr Izhar need not panic as most patients that it was going to conduct points," she said. Taluk hospitals, and others were no community spread.But we being done in a systematic cases and 60 deaths. Munshi (54), said, "When I was recover from the infection after tests for COVID-19 on all its "Community spread is the also being monitored to find out cannot be sure that it won't hap- manner-- those who have been "The plasma therapy has asked to donate plasma, I proper treatment. employees and patients at its infection of the virus in a com- if there has been any increase in pen." exposed to the virus and have been started on three serious immediately said yes. Only "However, it is a rapidly facilities across the country. munity as whole.We have been respiratory infections and pneu- Giving the example of symptoms were being tested first COVID-19 patients, includ- one sentence is echoing in my spreading disease. So, care "Since the test started, 33 conductingrandom testing.We monia cases. Singapore, she said everything followed by those who did not ing a woman, in our hospital. mind - Corona will lose, India must be taken for protection staffers, including two got a nurse infected with the "We are checking whether looked fine from January 23 to show any symptoms, but had We are hopeful of positive will win." against it," he said. doctors, nurses, paramedics, virus in a random testing con- there is any rise in respiratory- March 23 as they had only 500 come from high risk areas. results," Dosi said. Munshi said he has obtained Convalescent plasma thera- and non-medical staff have ducted at hospitals. related cases or pneumonia.As casesbut after the lockdown Priority is then being given to The three patients are aged a list of 60 people from SAIMS py is an experimental proce- tested positive for COVID-19 There is sentinel surveillance, of now, there are no such reports was lifted theyare around 15,000 sentinel surveillance to under- between 30 and 60 years, he who have recovered from the dure for COVID-19 patients. In at Max Hospital, Patparganj, random testing and all this is suggesting that such cases have cases. stand whether there is any pres- said, adding the experiment coronavirus infection, and will this treatment, plasma from a till date," a source said. Max being done to check the com- increased. There is need to be extreme- ence in the community and peo- may continue for next 14 days. request them to donate plasma. cured COVID-19 patient is Hospital, Patparganj is an munity spread and it has been This monitoring will contin- ly careful in the coming months ple who have no travel history The two doctors who have The other donor, Dr Iqbal transfused to a critically ill upscale health facility in east found that as of now there is no ue and in case there is any rise else it would result in commu- and symptoms are being tested. donated plasma became coro- Nabi Qureshi (39), a liver dis- coronavirus patient. Delhi. All the affected people have been shifted to a quarantine facility in East Block of Max Hospital, Saket Make public details of all CRPF complains over, handcuffing' Lucknow hospital begins in south Delhi, sources said. The East Block of the hospital is a dedicated COVID-19 COVID-19 purchases: Cong of commando to Kar DGP plasma therapy to treat facility. Healthcare workers from hospitals under Max PNS n NEW DELHI "We would like to demand PNS n NEW DELHI Healthcare (18,000), BLK from the Health Ministry and COVID-19 positive patients Hospital (3,000) and Nanavati The Congress on Monday the government to make pub- The CRPF has taken up with the Hospital, Mumbai (3,000) will demanded that the govern- lic all procurements made Karnataka Police the "unpleas- PNS n LUCKNOW be tested over the next few ment should make public with regard to equipment to ant" case of alleged manhandling weeks, officials of Max details of all purchases made fight COVID-19 for testing, and handcuffing of its CoBRA A 58-year-old doctor became Healthcare had earlier said. in the last one month to fight PPEs and ventilators. All those commando by policemen and the first coronavirus patient at COVID-19, alleging that huge transactions must be transpar- has sent a team to follow-up on the King George Medical profiteering was being ently placed in public the matter, officials said on University (KGMU) here to Virus: Youth most made at this time of domain," he said. Monday. receive plasma therapy as an crisis. Referring to a The Commando Battalion experimental treatment for infected, must behave Congress company engaged for Resolute Action (CoBRA) the disease, a hospital official responsibly: Official spokesperson in supply of test- unit of the Central Reserve said on Monday. Manish Tewari ing kits, he Police Force (CRPF) specialises The doctor from Orai in AURANGABAD: The civic chief said the govern- alleged that kits in guerrilla tactics and jungle action of the police" against the wearing commando and two Uttar Pradesh was adminis- given to him later in the day or of Aurangabad in Maharashtra ment should purchased at Rs warfare. The force has written a jawan, a senior officer of the policemen getting into an alter- tered the plasma donated by a on Tuesday, the doctor said. took to Twitter on Monday to warn youth against behaving ensure that huge 245 were being sold letter to Karnataka Director paramilitary force said. cation, and subsequently, throw- woman doctor from Canada Three coronavirus patients irresponsibly in the wake of the profiteering in pro- by the same company General of Police (DGP) Praveen The CRPF letter said com- ing blows at each other. who was the first COVID-19 who have now recovered have novel coronavirus outbreak as curement of equipment to ICMR at Rs 600 each Sood stating that the "unpleas- mando Sachin Savant was "man- The CoBRA commando was patient admitted to the KGMU so far donated their plasma for they could pass on the infection for fighting COVID-19 be while the same to Tamil Nadu ant situation could have been handled, ill-treated, paraded to on leave and at his home town. and later recovered, Dr Tulika the treatment of others suffer- to the elderly in their families. stopped immediately. government were sold at Rs avoided had the state police the police station barefooted, As per the CRPF, the state Chandra of the hospital's ing from the disease. They Municipal Commissioner Astik "There seems to be absolute 400 each. taken the CRPF hierarchy into kept in chains and handcuffs" by police informed them that blood transfusion medicine include a resident doctor of the Kumar Pandey uploaded anarchy in procurement of He said the matter came to confidence before making the police personnel on COVID-19 Savant was outside his home to department said. KGMU, Tauseef Khan, she statistics which showed that a equipment for fighting light in a petition before the arrest" of the jawan on April 23 lockdown duty in Examba village wash his bike and "was not The patient has been kept said. Convalescent Plasma majority of COVID-19 patients COVID-19," he said at a press Delhi High Court by a com- in Belagavi district. of the district. In a video, shot wearing a mask", and police per- under round the clock obser- Therapy is an experimental are in the 21-40 age group. conference via video confer- pany supplying such equip- The CRPF is mulling to file "a from a distance by a local on a sonnel on duty asked him why vation and if required a second procedure for COVID-19 Pandey claimed youth were encing. ment. counter FIR against the atrocious mobile phone, it is seen the mufti he was not wearing a face mask. dose of the plasma would be patients. venturing out and "bringing coronavirus to the elderly in families". "This 21-40 age group Bihar ADJ made COVID-19 BURIAL: SER produces is the most infected and it should behave responsibly," he to wait for hours, masks, hand Tourism has suffered due to said in one of his tweets. Giving information on the action sought on No HC relief on plea sanitiser for staff COVID-19 situation in the city, Pandey said, out of the 51 PNS n KOLKATA lockdown: Uttarakhand CM patients here, only two had UP police n PNS DEHRADUN He said the bold and international and one had PNS n PATNA on Bandra cemetery The South Eastern Railway domestic travel history. "Of the (SER) has made nearly 92,000 Uttarakhand Chief Minister timely decision taken 51 COVID-19 patients, 10 came The Bihar Judicial Services PNS n MUMBAI face masks and more than Trivendra Singh Rawat on by Modi to impose from hotspots. Another 38 got Association (BJSA) on 5,000 litres of hand sanitiser for Monday said the nationwide the lockdown in order infected after coming in contact Monday expressed displea- The Bombay High Court on the use of its healthcare person- lockdown has dealt a blow to with these travelers," he said. sure after Uttar Pradesh Monday refused to grant relief nel and staff to ensure their tourism in the state, but to curb the spread of Police made one of its mem- on a plea challenging the BMC's safety in the wake of the coro- expressed hope that things will coronavirus has bers wait for five hours before permission to use 'Bandra navirus outbreak, an official get back on track under Prime made the country feel Ambulance Staff help allowing him to enter the Kabrastan' (cemetery) to bury said here on Monday. The SER Minister Narendra Modi's lead- safe today and every state to attend his brothers bodies of COVID-19 victims. is producing reusable face ership. woman deliver twins funeral in the neighbouring Justice B P Colabwalla was masks and hand sanitiser in its "Uttarakhand has been a cen- Indian "looks up to PANAJI: The staff of the 108 state, though he possessed a hearing a petition filed by resi- four divisions and at the tre of tourism, especially reli- in the state, the chief minister the prime minister as ambulance service in Goa valid pass to travel during the dents living near the Konkani placed any scientific reasoning Kharagpur workshop, its gious tourism, which has suf- said adopting the prime minis- a guardian" helped a woman deliver twins lockdown. Muslim Kabrastan in suburban to show the virus spreads spokesman Sanjay Ghosh said. fered due to the lockdown, but ter's mantra of "jaan bhi, jahan amid the lockdown in place for Personnel of Deoria dis- Bandra seeking the court to through dead bodies. These are being prepared in we are confident that under the bhi", the state government is the novel coronavirus outbreak, trict police in UP stopped restrict burial of bodies of Nimbalkar pointed out a Kharagpur, Adra, Ranchi and leadership of the prime minis- pursuing a policy of gradual exit he said. Citing an example, state Health Minister Vishwajit Additional District and COVID-19 patients. The peti- notification, dated March 15 Chakradharpur divisions ter, the situation will improve from the ongoing lockdown Rawat said the portals of Rane said on Monday. The Sessions Judge (ADJ) of tion, filed by resident Pradeep issued by the Union Ministry of under strict supervision of its again," Rawat said after partic- with resumption of selected Gangotri and Yamunotri were woman was on her way to the Siwan, Ramayan Ram, twice Gandhy and others, claimed that Health and Family Affairs on medical department, he said. ipating in the prime minister's economic activity, while strict- opened on the occasion of district hospital in Mapusa and he, along with his fam- locals were afraid of communi- guidelines on COVID-19 dead "The divisional units of the video-conference with chief ly following the Centre's guide- Akshay Tritiya on Sunday while town when she went into ily members, had to wait ty spread of the virus if the bur- body management, which stat- SER and the Kharagpur work- ministers. He said the bold lines in view of the prevailing strictly following the social- labour some 30 kilometres inside the police station of ial is not done properly. ed that transmission of COVID- shop have so far produced and timely decision taken by health emergency. distancing norms. away from the destination, he Guthni for hours, BJSA Advocate Pratap Nimbalkar, 19 is through droplets. 91,800 reusable face masks Modi to impose the lockdown "We are working on gradual- Work on some national high- told reporters. "Twins were Secretary Ajit Kumar Singh appearing for the Kabrastan "The notification says there is and 5,020 litres of hand sanitis- in order to curb the spread of ly improving the economy. way projects and those under successfully delivered in the said. The funeral of his trustees, on Monday opposed unlikely to be an increased risk er," Ghosh said. The reusable coronavirus has made the coun- Pharmaceutical and food-pro- MGNREGA have been ambulance by Valpoi staff brother was also delayed the plea and argued that due dili- of COVID-19 infection from a face masks and hand asanitis- try feel safe today and every cessing industries, besides many resumed in nine districts where nurse Nilima Sawant along with because of this, he said and gence was being carried out dead body to anyone if standard er are being distributed among Indian "looks up to the prime others, have resumed operations there are no coronavirus cases, other staff including Seema demanded action against the before disposing of the bodies, precautions are followed while the frontline employees like minister as a guardian". without compromising on the while maintaining the med- Parit and EMT Shreetan erring officials. and that the petitioners had not disposal," Nimbalkar argued. loco pilots, he said. On the coronavirus situation guidelines issued by the Centre," ical-safety norms, he added. Kudnekar," he said. UNDP teams up with Indian Stranded French family bonds with UP villagers PNS n MAHARAJGANJ (UP) lagers follow social distancing “The family folds and wear masks when they govt to boost coastal resilience A French family stranded at a hands and greets interact, local residents said. village here for over a month others with 'Ram- Nautanwa sub divisional PNS n KOCHI by the Government of India, because of the coronavirus magistrate Jasveer Singh said UNDP and GCF, 15,000 lockdown is getting to know Ram, Sita-Ram'. the family from Toulouse in India is one of 27 countries that hectares of mangroves, coral the local way of life, including They come daily to France is on tour since will be worst affected by rising reefs, seagrasses and saltmarsh- daily visits to the temple. the temple during February. sea levels due to global warm- es will be restored and con- Motor mechanic Patrice They were about to enter ing and the 60 million plus peo- served. Pallarez, his wife Virginie, the sunrise and Nepal when the border was ple living on the country's coasts This will lead to reduction of daughters Ophelie and Lola sunset prayers and sealed. So they stayed close to will bear the brunt, according to Maharashtra and Odisha. 3.5 million tonnes of carbon and son Tom were on a multi- participate in the village temple, near the United Nations Development "India is one of 27 countries emissions, the UNDP said. nation trip, travelling and Laxmipur forest. “The admin- Programme (UNDP). worldwide most vulnerable to "And 1.7 million people will sleeping in their camper, when chanting mantras istration is providing them The UN body which works sea level rise. Over 60 million learn how to build climate they were grounded at and worshipping groceries and other essential to eradicate poverty and reduce coastal Indians are at risk of los- resilient livelihoods. It will help Maharajganj's Singhorwa vil- the temple during the sunrise “Earlier they were not able to the deities," priest commodities, and they were inequalities through the sustain- ing homes & livelihoods. We're protect vulnerable ecosystems lage on March 21. and sunset prayers and partic- mix with us. But now they have Udairaj said found healthy during a medical able development of nations, teaming up with the govt of and train local communities to The authorities had sealed ipate in chanting mantras and developed a liking for Indian check-up,” the SDM said through the social media on India & @theGCF to boost monitor ecosystem health. This the Nepal border even before worshipping the deities," priest culture and have become a part Travelling on their home- Sunday referred to a USD 43 coastal resilience," the UNDP initiative is another example of the nationwide lockdown to Udairaj said. of the village,” he added. Pallarez said they have on-wheels, the five entered million initiative kickstarted by said in a tweet on Sunday. India's leadership in climate fight coronavirus was declared. “Their dedication is sur- Sanjay, a man from the picked up Hindi. “We can now India from Pakistan's Wagah the Government of India, Noting that India has made action and help India reach its The five now stay in the prising as they chant 'Om neighbouring village, talks to understand what the local peo- border. They also planned to UNDP and the Green Climate significant strides in lifting mil- goals under the Paris camper parked near the Shiv Namah Shivay' daily and also them in English and they say ple say,'' he said. visit Nepal, Myanmar, Fund late last year. lions out of poverty, the UNDP Agreement as well as achieve Ramjanaki temple and are reg- pray to the deities to eradicate that they will continue wor- The French family said it is Indonesia, Thailand and It said over six years, 10 mil- said the country remains the Sustainable Development ulars there, the priest said. coronavirus from the world,” shipping Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh overwhelmed by the villagers' Malaysia before heading back lion people will benefit from extremely vulnerable to the Goals by 2030", the UN body “The family folds hands and he said. and Hanuman even after hospitality. ''We are like their home. ''We do not know if we improved shoreline protection impact of climate change. said in a video presentation greets others with 'Ram-Ram, They now mostly eat dal-rice returning home, according to family members,'' he said. can now complete our tour,” in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Through the joint initiative attached to its tweet. Sita-Ram'. They come daily to and rotis, he said. the priest. The travellers and the vil- Pallarez said. "Let's see.” VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS Respond on Journalists’ job ‘No mask - no fuel' rule implemented in Arunchal and wage cut, SC to Centre PNS n ITANAGAR PNS n NEW DELHI “These are the The Arunachal Pradesh gov- ernment has asked all petrol The Supreme Court Monday matter which depots and gas agencies here to When will foodgrains sought the Centre's reply on a required an refuse service to customers plea alleging that employees hearing and who visit their outlets without stored in govt including journalists have been wearing mask, an official said warehouses be used? meted out “inhuman and ille- some serious on Monday. gal treatment” by some media issues have been District Food and Civil LUCKNOW: BSP president organizations which have been raised,” the Supplies Officer (DFCSO) Mayawati on Monday asked the issuing termination notices, Amit Bengia, in a notice issued central and state governments effecting wage cuts and asking bench said when to the fuel stations, said the to make proper arrangements them to proceed on unpaid Solicitor General government's move was aimed for food for thousands of poor leaves during the coronavirus Tushar Mehta, at ensuring safety of people liv- migrant labourers and also lockdown. ing in the state capital, amid provide financial assistance to A bench comprising Justices appearing for the the spurt in COVID-19 cases ment order and wear masks them. Mayawati said it would N V Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Centre, across the country. when they step out to buy fuel," "We have specifi- have been better if the Kaul and B R Gavai, in a pro- Journalists, Delhi Union of suant to a request from the submitted that "No consumer will be Loram said. cally asked them governments made proper ceedings held through video Journalists and Brihanmumbai employers whether oral or in allowed to purchase fuel or Meanwhile, the administra- to ensure that arrangements for the millions conferencing, issued notices to Union of Journalists and writing, all wage reductions, all no notice be LPG cylinders in the capital tion in the state capital has des- of people, who are suffering the Centre, the Indian alleged that the employees directions to go on leave with- issued to the region without a mask," Bengia ignated the Police Training there is no due to the lockdown over the Newspapers Society and the including journalists are being out pay, taking place after the government at added. Centre (PTC) at Banderdewa negligence during novel coronavirus pandemic, News Broadcasters Association terminated and steps like uni- announcement of the 25 lock- Taking to Twitter, Chief near here as the "official quar- working hours and send them safely to their on the plea filed by three jour- lateral steep wage cuts and down as suspended with this stage Minister Pema Khandu also antine centre" for people arriv- houses. "The central and all the nalists' bodies and listed the sending workers on indefinite immediate effect until further stated that 'no mask, no fuel' ing from outside. and appealed to state governments, besides plea for further hearing after unpaid leave are being taken orders”. March 2020 to retrench work- rule has been implemented in Doctors along with health the people to increasing the testing of two weeks. citing the nationwide lock- The PIL has been filed ers and employees, impose Itanagar. workers, magistrate and police follow the coronavirus, should also make “These are the matter which down to contain the Covid-19 regarding the “inhuman and wage cuts, etc. in spite of advi- Capital Complex Petroleum personnel have been stationed available proper food, required an hearing and some or coronavirus pandemic. illegal treatment being meted sories issued by the Ministry of Depot Association president at the centre for screening the government order especially to the helpless serious issues have been The PIL has sought a direc- out by employers to their Labour & Employment, Arun Kipa Loram said neces- returnees. and wear masks millions of poor migrant raised,” the bench said when tion to “all persons publishing employees and workers in the Government of India and even sary instructions have been "People coming from other when they step labourers," Mayawati tweeted. Solicitor General Tushar newspapers or engaged with newspaper and media sector”, appeals by the Prime Minister forwarded to petrol pump states to Itanagar will be quar- "Otherwise how will these Mehta, appearing for the media work including digital it said. of India to not terminate the owners and managers in this antined at the PTC for 14 days out to buy fuel," people, suffering from hunger, Centre, submitted that no media and employing journal- “Several newspapers, maga- services or reduce the wages of regard. or more to avoid chances of Loram said be able to increase there notice be issued to the govern- ists and non-journalists for zines, online media outlets, and their employees,” it said. "We have specifically asked virus transmission. The entire immunity and save themselves from the deadly coronavirus? ment at this stage. this purpose to treat all termi- other employers in the media The plea referred to some of them to ensure that there is no PTC area has been disinfected When will the foodgrains Senior advocate Colin nation of service notices issued, sector have reportedly taken the steps taken by few media negligence during working on Sunday under the supervi- Superintendent of Police stored in government Gonsalves represented the peti- resignation from services steps after the announcement houses against some employ- hours and appealed to the sion of Naharlagun SDPO R (Headquarters) Gari Tai," warehouses be used?" she tioners, National Alliance of received from employees pur- of the nation-wide lockdown in ees due to the lockdown. people to follow the govern- Kamsi and Deputy Capital SP Tumme Amo said. asked. The BSP leader also demanded immediate financial help to the migrants. MSMEs will need helping Most CMs want lockdown 369 stranded students NCW asks Rajasthan to conduct probe in hand from govt: Selja reach J-K from Kota n to continue: Narayanasamy n gang rape of woman PNS CHANDIGARH PNS KATHUA government had dispatched 15 NEW DELHI: The National PNS n NEW DELHI did not give any solution to SRTC buses three days back to Commission for Women on Haryana Congress president resolve the migrants problem A group of 369 students, hail- bring back 369 students who Monday asked the Rajasthan Kumari Selja said on Monday A majority of chief ministers issue," he said at a press con- ing from different districts of were left stranded in Kota police to conduct an immediate that small and medium enter- who interacted with the prime ference through video confer- Jammu and Kashmir and due to the lockdown. The investigation in the alleged gang prises would need a helping minister on Monday wanted ence. Ladakh, reached here on students entered Jammu and rape of a woman in that state hand from the government as the lockdown to continue after The Puducherry CM said he Monday from Kota in Kashmir this (Monday) morn- and sought strict action against these were among the sectors May 3 with little economic and Bihar chief minister Nitish Rajasthan onboard 15 SRTC ing,” District Development the culprits and the erring that had been adversely hit due activity, according to Kumar raised the issue of buses, officials said. Commissioner, Kathua, O P police officials. A 40-year-old to the lockdown over the Puducherry Chief Minister V migrants. Narayanasamy said Soon after their arrival, they Bhagat, who himself received woman, who was unable to novel coronavirus pandemic. Narayanasamy. the CMs demanded that the were screened for COVID-19 the students, said. make her way back to her home Selja said these industries The chief ministers were government should announce and later allowed to proceed to He said all the students in Jaipur due to travel restric- were the backbone of the unanimous in telling the prime a stimulus package on lines of their home districts in the two were screened by the special tions amid the countrywide economy and generated huge minister that the way the virus the UPA's 2008 package for Union Territories where they team of doctors and later lockdown, was allegedly raped employment. helping hand from the govern- was spreading, there needs to to discuss the situation arising revival of the economy. would undergo administrative allowed to move towards their on the night of April 23-24 by "These industries have been ment." be a cautious approach in lift- due to COVID-19 in the coun- He also said the prime min- quarantine before joining their respective districts. three men at a school in Sawai adversely hit. They don't have According to the Congress ing the lockdown, try ister lauded Rajasthan chief families, the officials said. "Eight buses with students Madhopur district where she that kind of buffer that they leader, the government Narayanasamy, who participat- The chief ministers also said minister Ashok Gehlot for They said six students from of Kashmir and Ladakh left for was put up by the local authori- can go on for long in this sit- should talk to various stake- ed in the meeting through that the government should taking steps to contain the Kargil, who also completed Srinagar. Six students of Kargil, ties. The Commission has uation without government holders to chalk out a plan video conference, said evolve a policy for sending virus in his state. He also their quarantine period of 14 who had completed adminis- written to Bhupendra Singh help," Selja told PTI over and help the sectors that Prime Minister Narendra home migrant workers strand- mentioned about the work days in Kathua, also joined the trative quarantine in Kathua, Yadav, Director General of phone. "To get back into busi- needed immediate attention Modi on Monday held a video ed in different states. done by chief ministers of group from Ladakh. also boarded the Ladakh- Police, Rajasthan, for immediate ness, they will surely need a in the COVID-19 crisis. conference with chief ministers "But, the prime minister Odisha and Bihar. "The Jammu and Kashmir bound bus," he said. investigation and strict action against the culprits and erring police officials as per the law, the NCW said in a statement. All cops on Bus operators The Commission is concerned Kumaraswamy suggests COVID cess Over 1.5 lakh NRKs about the safety and security of lockdown duty in Bengal seek women despite the enactment of the Criminal Law Amendment on ultra rich to offset revenue loss to be tested: register to return to Kerala financial help Act, 2013, that made laws agai- nst sexual crimes stricter, it said. PNS n BENGALURU Stating that the economy C'garh DGP PNS n THIRUVANANTHAPURAM won't bounce back within a from Gadkari Former Karnataka Chief very short period, he said, it is PNS n RAIPUR Over 1.5 lakh Non-Resident PNS n KOLKATA One arrested in UP for Minister H D Kumaraswamy important to lower the cost of Keralites (NRK)s, stranded in derogatory comments on Monday suggested impos- living as spending power of the All police personnel on duty various countries, have regis- Two bus operators' associations ing "COVID cess" on the ultra consumer has depleted. during the lockdown for the tered online for returningto the in WB said on Monday that against deities rich to offset the loss of rev- "The govt must cut the coronavirus outbreak in state, once the Centre gives the they have written to Union BALLIA (UP): One person was enue, as he called for citizen- petrol and diesel prices. The Chhattisgarh will be tested in nod and air services resume Minister Nitin Gadkari seeking arrested on Monday for centric measures and lower the loss of revenue may be offset a phased manner as per direc- The Norka (Non Resident a financial package for the pas- allegedly making derogatory cost of living, to help those partially by imposing COVID tions of the state Director Keralites Affairs) department senger transport industry, which comments against Hindu affected by the lockdown. cess on the ultra rich," he General of Police DM Awasthi, had commenced the registration has taken a severe hit amid the deities on his Facebook page, a Cautioning the state and added. a senior official said on process at around 6pm on coronavirus-triggered lock- police official said. The person Central governments about Further, Kumaraswamy said, Monday. In a letter to senior Sunday and within an hour those who had gone abroad on down. Drawing attention of had made the derogatory the impact of COVID-19 lock- it is high time the government superintendents of police and 25,000 had registered, govern- visiting visa are among thelarge the Road Transport and High- comments about 10 days ago down on economy and people agencies, the GDP growth rate announced schemes to save SPs, Awasthi said police have ment sources said. numbers of people who are ways minister to the plight of and a complaint was lodged in turn, the JD(S) leader of the country is expected to livelihoods of people, espe- been in the frontline enforcing Till Monday morning, over waiting to return. thousands of bus owners and against him in this regard by advised for measures like par- fall to a historic low. Such a cially those in the unorganised the lockdown and, therefore, it 1.5 lakh NRKs have registered, Those wanting to return, their employees, the Joint Coun- one Rakesh Singh, said SHO, tial waivers of EMIs, rents, dire situation calls for citizen sector. The government must was appropriate that they be the maximum is from UAE-- have to get themselves tested for cil of Bus Syndicates and Inter Ubhav police station, Yogendra school fees, cut in petrol and centric measures like full or provide immediate relief to tested as a precautionary mea- over 60,000. COVID-19 in the respective and Intra Region Bus Associa- Bahadur Singh. The arrested diesel prices. partial waivers of EMIs, rents, farmers, construction workers, sure after consulting the respec- The aged, pregnant women, countries, where they are and tion said the industry would suf- person hails from Kundel "According to RBI and inter- school fees and other levies," cab and auto drivers, garment tive district health officer, the children, critically ill patients, register after getting a negative fer an irreparable loss without village, Singh said. national economic assessment Kumaraswamy tweeted. workers, etc, he added. official informed. those with expired visas and certificate for the infection. any aid from the government. Feeding stray dogs and other animals during Tripura working to increase COVID-19 lockdown: HC seeks govt stand production in primary sector PNS n NEW DELHI The Central govern- animal bodies. PNS n AGARTALA "Apart from loss of animal The Delhi High Court on ment standing life, a situation will also arise Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Monday sought response of the counsel, Anurag where the stray dogs in partic- Kumar Deb on Monday said his Centre and AAP government Ahluwalia, accepted ular, enter into other territories government has started work to on a plea seeking directions to notice for the searching for food and display increase production in primary them to provide food and aggressive behaviour towards sectors like agriculture, horticul- water to stray animals during ministry. The order humans in search of food," the ture, poultry and dairy farming the coronavirus lockdown. came on the plea by petition said. to deal with losses suffered due A bench of Justices Arti Puri who has It also said that presently to the lockdown. Siddharth Mridul and Talwant been working for only a handful of NGOs and He said Tripura usually earns Singh issued notices to the volunteers are ensuring that around Rs 1,500 crore per Ministry of Fisheries and welfare of animal stray animals are fed in very annum from the rubber produc- Animal Husbandry, Delhi gov- for the last 15 years limited areas of Delhi. tions, which suffered losses of Rs ernment, the Animal Welfare Further, due to lack of ade- 250 crore due to the lockdown the economy which suffered a lot has decided to boost the prima- Board of India (AWBI) and the quate fund and support, as imposed to control the spread of due to COVID-19 pandemic can ry sectors as an alternative to municipal bodies here. needy get food, no such steps also penal consequences that COVID-19 pandemic. be balanced if production could increase the revenue," he added. The bench sought their reply Ahluwalia, accepted notice for COVID-19 pandemic. are being taken for stray ani- may entail for violation of the Deb said poultry, fisheries, be increased in primary sectors," "A good number of people, on the petition by June 10, the the ministry. The order came Even those private persons mals. lockdown order, the volun- animal husbandry, dairy, agricul- a government press statement especially from indigenous com- next date of hearing. on the plea by Arti Puri who who were feeding them are not The petitioner submitted teers are unable to take care of ture, horticulture and floriculture quoting the chief minister said munities, are involved in fisheries Advocate Gauri Puri, who has been working for welfare of venturing out of their homes that the failure to take any the several starving stray ani- could generate early income on Monday. sector for livelihood. Fish seeds appeared for the petitioner, animal for the last 15 years. due to the lockdown, and action could result in deaths of mals in the national capital, the with less investment and may be Deb said his government is are produced in Tripura. Andhra said the high court also asked She contended that stray therefore, the strays are suffer- countless stray animals due to petition said. focused to increase primary sec- considering providing subsidized Pradesh procures fish seeds of Rs the Delhi government to issue dogs and other animals are ing from starvation, the plea starvation and it could lead to The plea has also sought tor productivity loans under various government 150 crore from West Bengal. If travel passes on sympathetic largely dependent on garbage said. another epidemic as the limit- directions to the Animal " ... considering the present sit- schemes in primary sectors. Tripura can meet the demand grounds to animal welfare vol- and left over food from restau- It was further contended ed municipal staff engaged in Welfare Board of India to estab- uation, the deadline set by our "Closure of rubber industries in then the state will earn the same unteers during the lockdown. rants, canteens and market- that while the governments sanitization of colonies and lish a committee to ensure ade- government for achieving self- some states due to lockdown amount and the income of fish The Central government places, all of which have been were taking adequate mea- garbage collection, would be quate food and water is being sufficiency in primary sectors has might be the reason for Rs 250 cultivators will increase sub- standing counsel, Anurag shut down in the wake of sures to ensure the poor and unable to dispose of the dead provided to stray animals. been reduced by 1-2 years so that crore losses. So the government stantially." Deb said. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION No stimulus yet As the nation stares at a prolonged lockdown given the fluid pandemic, economic revival specifics must be spelt out A dubious propaganda here seems to be no unanimity over lifting the national lockdown and we may not be Tgetting a single date applicable for the whole In times when the world is facing an existential crisis, the Western media must look closer nation. With hotspots and red zones emerging on the virus map, containment still a massive home than build false narratives about India and its handling of the Corona pandemic challenge with unanticipated spikes and testing not enough with asymptomatic carriers moving around, it is difficult for affected State Governments and the Centre to reach a com- mon meeting ground. Truth be told, this, in the end, cannot be a one-size-fits-all formula till a vaccine is found and the Centre has no option but to go by the State Governments’ recommendations and concerns, particular- ly those badly affected. So no big announcement came out after the Prime Minister’s SANDHYA JAIN teleconference with Chief Ministers on COVID-19 management except that the colour- n an interview to German television coded zoning would continue and green dots would be opened up in a staggered Deutsche Welle (DW) on April 17, manner so that economic activity could resume. While most Chief Ministers want- writer-activist Arundhati Roy accused ed resumption of economic activity to avoid a livelihood crisis, some Chief Ministers, the Government of India “of exploit- like those of Odisha, Meghalaya and Goa, wanted an extended lockdown till May ing the Coronavirus outbreak to Iinflame tensions between the Hindus and end and would like State borders sealed than risk a cross-flow of labour and import the Muslims”, adding dramatically, “the sit- the virus. To sum it up, green zones would be allowed to open up economic activ- uation is approaching genocidal.” Given their ities with caveats and compliances while the risky zones would automatically go experience with a democratically-elected leader in 1933, one expected the Germans into the third phase of the lockdown. No inter-State travel, be it by air, train or road, to show better sense in their reportage and of any kind except those specified already. Of course, one expected Prime Minister choice of guests. Still, we remain grateful for Narendra Modi to declare some sort of stimulus package, something that the entire the submarine ride that helped Netaji get to Japan. nation demands, but nothing specific came out. Again. Except, of course, the Reserve Roy’s nauseating statements may please Bank of India (RBI) did announce a `50,000 crore bailout for mutual funds. But a certain audience but with no evidence to apart from assuring broadly that the economy would do fine, Chief Ministers got even tangentially support her wild allega- tions, DW has tarnished its journalistic stan- no concrete guarantee. Most of them have been demanding that at least the GST dards by inviting her bilge against India at dues be released to them. Perhaps, Modi doesn’t want to sound grandiloquent or such a sensitive time. In reality, several South be held to his statements in these fluid and fickle times and promise something Asian nations hold the Tablighi Jamaat responsible for the rise of Coronavirus that may be unattainable. Perhaps, his economic advisers are against the give- hotspots within their borders. Sensible aways leading to runaway expectations of handouts. But businesses are expect- Muslims are embarrassed by the ing some strong signal, for example higher working capital limits while small and Nizamuddin event, which led to the exten- sion of the national lockdown; hopefully, it South Korea. The authorities in from different States, who attend- masks, gowns and ventilators medium scale enterprises are looking for some enablers to ride out the crisis and will end on May 3. Brunei (50 cases), Singapore (5), ed the Ijtema in Delhi (March 25) were found to be in desperate- meet statutory dues. Recent weeks have also seen reports of Cambodia (13) and Thailand (2) as they might have contracted the ly short supply, Governors There may be piecemeal efforts, yes, but the nation expects the Prime Minister a temple yatra and one high-profile wedding have confirmed the link between Coronavirus. It appears that the pleaded for them from the where none of the guests wore masks. In the meeting and the disease. One incubation period of the virus White House, which stalled, to reassure people that their savings are not at risk or that there were ways of clam- South Korea, a little known church emerged Filipino man, who attended the varies and sometimes takes then called on private enter- bering out of the trough. They know about social distancing and don’t need the as a hotspot linked to nearly 5,200 confirmed event and was being probed for longer than the projected two prise, which couldn’t deliver. Prime Minister to tell them about that in his speeches. He needs to share revival cases in February. Singapore banned the suspected Coronavirus infec- FOR FOREIGNERS, weeks to manifest. The Delhi States and cities were forced local activities of this sect. Further, a high- tion, died in the city of Marawi. TO FIND A MOTE IN Police has reportedly charged into bidding wars that left them efforts instead with his people so that there is no uncertainty on the ground. Even profile election guru was recently smuggled The India-baiting New York Saad with culpable homicide, but prey to price gouging and cor- now, despite easing of lockdown, only 16 to 17 per cent of the truck business is from Delhi to an Opposition-ruled State in Times published an article, In THE INDIAN EYE he is untraceable. Worse, it porate profiteering. Civilians operational, plagued as it is by desertions of migrants and procedural hurdles in a transport plane. As he was visiting a State India, Coronavirus Fans Religious AND NOT LOOK AT appears that a meeting was also took out their sewing machines getting clearances in different States. Besides, every industry and sector has its regarded as a Coronavirus hotspot, one Hatred, on April 12 and said that held in Mewat (Haryana). to try to keep ill-equipped hos- expected the authorities to enforce the 14- the Delhi Government had THE BEAM IN THEIR For foreigners, to find a pital workers healthy and their own specific problem and demand that need to be at least listened to or acknowl- day quarantine at the airport, on his return. banned meetings of more than 50 mote in the Indian eye and not patients alive. Russia, Taiwan, edged. Except Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Micro, Small and Hopefully, he will not be allowed to smug- people on March 16, but on OWN, HAS GIVEN look at the beam in their own, and the United Nations sent Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Nitin Gadkari, who has been talking to Chief Ministers gle himself back. March 19, Maulana Saad PAIN TO A NATION has given pain to a nation that has humanitarian aid to the world’s To return to the Tablighi Jamaat, Khandalvi, the head of the always prided itself for adhering richest power — a beggar regarding infrastructure projects in their States, there has been no discernible out- around 250,000 people attended a five-day Tablighi Jamaat, announced that THAT HAS ALWAYS to the most exacting and chal- nation in utter chaos.” reach by any other Minister. Of course, there has been a bureaucratic reshuffle over Ijtema in Raiwind, Lahore, Pakistan, on Coronavirus was “god’s punish- PRIDED ITSELF FOR lenging civilisational values. In India, First Lady Savita the weekend, one that’s clearly geared towards economic recovery. The appoint- March 10. Authorities say over 2,258 peo- ment” and not to fear it. Days Bigotry does not come natural- Kovind and thousands of women ple, who attended the event, were found pos- after the nationwide lockdown ADHERING TO THE ly to Indians; Western journalists across the country are stitching ments of Tarun Bajaj and AK Sharma, both Modi aides who have been with the itive for Coronavirus. On April 16, Maulana began on March 24, after two MOST EXACTING should look closer home. masks to ensure that every citi- PMO, mean business. The former has been made the Department of Economic Suhaib Rumi, 69, head of the sect’s Faisalabad deaths at the Markaz, doctors If I may show the mirror, zen has at least one. In America: Affairs (DEA) Secretary in the Finance Ministry while the latter will take charge as branch, who attended the Raiwind Ijtema, found nearly 1,300 people at the AND CHALLENGING George Packer writes, “When the “A few Senators and corporate died of Coronavirus; five members of his centre without masks or protec- CIVILISATIONAL virus came here, it found a coun- executives acted quickly — not to Secretary, MSMEs. While we reorient ourselves towards building self-sufficiencies family were also infected. Pakistan’s Science tive gear. By then, hundreds had try with serious underlying con- prevent the coming disaster but in manufacturing and import substitution in the long run, at this stage the small and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry moved and spread the virus to VALUES. BIGOTRY ditions and it exploited them to profit from it.” and medium industries can keep the wheels going at the level of local economies held the “stubbornness of the clergy” many States, including the DOES NOT COME ruthlessly. Chronic ills — a cor- Above all, the virus, George responsible for the spread of the contagion. Andaman Islands. Quick action rupt political class, a sclerotic Packer laments, exposed the and collectively grease the bigger wheels of producers. Already, experts have pre- Pakistan’s first set of cases came with Shia by the authorities intercepted the NATURALLY TO bureaucracy, a heartless economy inequality rampant in America: dicted that 25-30 per cent MSME units many not survive the pandemic. Gadkari pilgrims returning from Iran, one of the Malaysian guests at the airport INDIANS; WESTERN and a divided and distracted pub- The wealthy and connected man- has said that the Government will set up a `1 lakh crore fund to repay outstand- worst-affected nations, but the problem was before they could leave the coun- lic — had gone untreated for aged to get tested, though most then less known. try. JOURNALISTS years…. It took the scale and inti- had no symptoms, while “ordi- ing dues owed by the Central and State Government undertakings to them. But In Malaysia, nearly 16,000 Tablighis The Ijtema undeniably led to macy of a pandemic to expose nary people with fevers and even the big industries need some encouragement. And that better come fast and attended a meeting at Jamek Mosque, Sri a spurt in India’s Coronavirus SHOULD LOOK their severity — to shock chills had to wait in long and pos- soon. All major leaders of the world have done so and on a day we were declared Petaling, Kuala Lumpur (February 27- cases. Medical staff dealing with WITHIN Americans with the recognition sibly infectious lines, only to be March 1) and spread the disease in Southeast patients and quarantine cases also that we are in the high-risk cat- turned away because they weren’t the third highest military spender, after the US and China, we wished there was Asia. Only half the Malaysian participants suffered very difficult situations, egory.” (We Are Living In A actually suffocating.” some news to alleviate the pains of what looks like a prolonged lockdown. reported for testing, despite requests from even as they risked their lives to Failed State, The Atlantic, June Unsurprisingly, most victims the authorities. The guests included 1,500 save lives. In a related develop- 2020 issue) were poor, Black and Brown. foreigners from Brunei, Thailand, Canada, ment, the Union Home Ministry The analysis of American (The author is a senior Nigeria, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, the has asked State Governments to preparedness to cope with the journalist. Views expressed Defining essential Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, China and help trace Rohingya migrants crisis is crisp: “When test kits, are personal) A huge debate has erupted over what constitutes essentials. Is it even worth a discussion? Focus must be on the economy S O U N D BITE India should look at convert- When you don’t come from a If we have money and When the entire country is ith non-essential goods being banned ing the world’s hatred for film family, you don’t get your access, we can avert famine fighting against the China amid the pandemic second film before your first and we can truly avert Covid-19 disaster, some for delivery by e-commerce companies, into an economic opportu- film releases. Which happens catastrophic humanitarian people are still profiteering. Wthanks to a Government order, people nity for itself by attracting when you come from a film death from starvation. Shame and disgust at this are wondering what constitutes to be essential. foreign investments. family, many times. corrupt mentality. Head of the World Food While working from home (WFH) seems to be Union Minister Actor Programme Congress leader a good idea during the lockdown period, not —Nitin Gadkari —Kriti Sanon —David Beasley —Rahul Gandhi everyone, who has been asked to work within this structure, has the requisite set-up to be able to do so. Maybe someone needs a better lap- L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR top or a work table or other electronic equipment like a microphone/earphone or even a dongle for Protecting the protectors Rash decisions will do more harm Plan the ecology map data connectivity. What about a chair? Or glass- es? Possibly even air conditioners and washing machines? While certain com- Sir — That an amendment to the t’s true that ultraviolet or UV rays can decrease the Sir — This refers to the report modities like clothes have rightly been banned for delivery, it is plainly ridiculous Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, via viability of viruses, including the new Coronavirus, that says over 10 pollution an Ordinance was needed to Ion surfaces but that doesn’t mean people infected hotspots in Delhi and Mumbai that a bureaucrat sits in an office and determines what is essential and what is not. guard the protectors from the with COVID-19, who expose themselves to UV light or have turned into green zones dur- While the Government might think it is protecting physical stores, the inability to protectees in this time of the sunlight that contains UV radiation, will get rid of the ing the lockdown period. A sig- get certain goods delivered is actually harming the economy rather than helping pandemic was no great tribute to infection. Looks like US President Donald Trump is so nificant reduction in air pollution our country and our collective desperate to reopen the American economy that he has levels has been a bright spot in a it. This is not just because people need those items urgently to work, online deliv- consciousness. now suggested that sunlight and ingesting disinfectants scenario otherwise dominated by ery services are the best way to ensure physical distancing. The fact is that we It was proof that we are still like Lysol could help cure Coronavirus. In fact, he a virus that is taking its own time live in times when reduced human interaction is a positive thing. Thus, having goods mired in ignorance and prejudice hypothesised about the possibility of using a to go away. to be anywhere near attaining the “tremendous ultraviolet” or “just very powerful light” Nonetheless, Delhi, Mumbai, delivered with minimal interaction is welcome. Surely, no State Government wants status of a society capable of sci- on or even inside the body as a potential treatment. London and Los Angeles are thousands of delivery boys to run up and down the city. But if we are to get the entific thinking and rational This is indeed hilarious. among those cities that have consumer economy going once again, with factories open and employees inside behaviour. Even a primitive soci- True, sunlight has been the most discussed topic toxic. It can and does kill people who drink it. Bleach recorded improvement in air ety would not have shown hos- in the Coronavirus battle. It is an excellent natural source should not be injected or ingested. Bleach and sunlight quality levels since vehicular traf- producing things, we need to get demand going. And for that, the Government must tility towards its healers. of Vitamin D, which has many health benefits, includ- might kill the Coronavirus on a park bench but they are fic has been largely off the roads. restart the delivery of all such services forthwith. The number of delivery person- It is inexplicable that even the ing increased resistance to infectious diseases. There harmful to the body. This pandemic is an emerging Environmental experts feel that nel can be limited and this has already been done. This can encourage or even terrible cost being exacted by the have been clinical trials to see if Vitamin D improves study and we should not take rash decisions based on this is a time which India must use pandemic in death and suffering the outcomes among COVID-19 patients. However, so preliminary findings. to achieve a 10 per cent target of mandate that e-commerce companies work with some physical retail stores for does not seem to have had any far there’s no evidence to suggest that it reduces the Ravi Teja Kathuripalli blending ethanol in vehicle fuel. products. Most sites have a vibrant seller community, this should not be a prob- perceptible impact on aggressive risk of contracting the Coronavirus. Chlorine bleach is Hyderabad Ethanol is a green fuel, which lem. Moreover, this would be a lot better than thousands of people crowding mar- human behaviour. Adversity when blended with petrol, results kets the day the lockdown lifts. should bring out the best in us in a cleaner environment as it and not the worst. It was incon- Adapting to changes times. For all the talk about gen- developing a new understanding reduces carbon emissions. There is no doubt now that the lockdown will not end very soon. While some ceivable that local residents in der equality and women empow- of professionalism that’s fair for Besides, it can reduce the net oil cities and districts might open up sooner than others, even the most optimistic of Meghalaya’s Jhalupara and erment, it took the outbreak of the mothers and removes all the import bill. One hopes that India Chennai obstructed the intern- Sir — This refers to the editorial, disease for us to revise our outdat- barriers that professional women will achieve the desired result of people know that a full “return to normalcy” might not happen before the end of ment of dedicated and renowned “Comeback story” (April 27). It is ed beliefs about working women, face. Post-motherhood, if women bringing out a cleaner fuel. the year. But if we are to return to normal, the work towards that has to start now. doctors who succumbed to indeed heartwarming that former who were forced to hold them- get back to their jobs, it is wel- Devendra Khurana To make sure this happens, the Government has to start allowing more products COVID-19 in the line of duty and women employees are joining selves back due to domestic com- come but for that to happen, fam- Bhopal to be delivered and not look at e-commerce as a bad thing. This needless debate denied them dignity in death. back their parent companies with pulsions. ily support will be critical. G David Milton work from home (WFH) becom- One can just hope that this Bal Govind Send your feedback to: about what constitutes “essential” and what doesn’t has to end. Maruthancode ing a new reality in COVID moment pushes us towards Noida [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN A helping hand in POINTCOUNTERPOINT WOMEN WHO DRESS SCANTILY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THE TARGETTING OF the Covid war THE CORONAVIRUS. THEIR BEHAVIOUR IS BRINGING THE WOMEN. THIS SIMPLY REFLECTS IGNORANCE WRATH OF GOD UPON THE COUNTRY. ABOUT PANDEMICS OR A MISOGYNIST MINDSET. The Indian IT industry is warranting —CLERIC AND PUBLIC SPEAKER —FEDERAL MINISTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS business continuity to global clients and meeting demands of the nation MAULANA TARIQ JAMEEL SHIREEN MAZARI Don’t expect the moon OMKAR RAI he impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the world is unprece- The RBI has given a boost to the economy in these testing times. But India Inc. argues that dented and so humongous that the UN Department of Economic this won't be of help in the absence of demand. This is flawed thinking Tand Social Affairs has projected that the global economy could shrink by up to one per cent in 2020. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the recession triggered by the Coronavirus could be worse than the one caused by the global financial crisis in 2008. However, certain industries will bloom due to the crisis like health- care, pharmaceuticals, health devices, insurance and so on, while some will withstand it better, like the $191 billion Indian IT Industry. In com- parison to other industry verticals, the IT industry is in a better posi- tion in terms of communication infrastructure, geographic distribution, business segmentation, global delivery model and virtual work culture, which ensure that companies deliver services to their global clients even during the nationwide lockdown. Most of the IT organisations are UTTAM GUPTA leveraging the cloud to deliver business-critical solutions to their clients. Plus, with the majority of the employee strength adopting the work n March 27, in a bid to resuscitate the econ- from home (WFH) model, it was business as usual and there were no omy devastated by the Coronavirus, the productivity disruptions. Barring data centres and other mission-crit- OReserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Shaktikanta Das, announced a host of measures to ical projects that needed minimal deployment of employees onsite, most inject liquidity into the country’s financial system; IT functions are cloud-integrated, which supported the remote oper- reduce the cost of capital and ease the stress of loan ations. repayments. These included reduction in policy rate Timely Government interventions like relaxations of norms and var- by 75 basis points to 4.4 per cent; a three-month ious policy amendments helped IT companies display alacrity in ramp- moratorium on payment of installments in respect ing up the WFH employee strength to comply with business exigen- of all term loans outstanding on March 31; relax- cies of clients amid the shutdown. With right enablement like provi- ation in the norms for cash credit and working cap- sioning laptops, communication facilities, secured network like VPN, ital limits; reduction in cash reserve ratio (CRR) by tools and software, IT companies have shown the maturity in address- 100 basis points to three per cent; auction of target- ing the immediate challenges of the lockdown. ted long-term repo operations (TLTRO) of three- year tenor for `1,00,000 crore at floating rate; accom- In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the industry is devis- modation under Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) ing a strategy through which the minimum requirements of the coun- to be increased from two per cent of the statutory try in this challenging time can be served efficaciously so that the man- liquidity ratio (SLR) to three per cent, with imme- WHILE COMPANIES, date of the lockdown can be met successfully without much interrup- diate effect till June 30. WHO HAVE BUILT tion. For example, e-commerce companies are ensuring home deliv- On April 17, Das announced more measures. ENOUGH CASH ery of essential materials and empowering people to shop from home These included reduction in reverse repo rate (inter- RESERVES FROM and reduce the chances of catching/spreading the infection. est rate at which banks lend money to the RBI) by THEIR OPERATIONS Technology empowerment has enabled masses to keep abreast 25 basis points from the existing four per cent to 3.75 IN THE PAST, CAN ` of relevant news and information on a real time basis. The recent launch per cent and availability of 50,000 crore directly USE A PORTION OF of the Aarogya Setu app by the Government is a sui generis initiative under the TLTRO 2.0 window. Under it, banks can THAT TO SUPPORT “disruptive” effect on the entire demand- financing business needs. of three months. From where will the access three-year funding from the RBI to invest in supply chain. Tens of millions of workers This comes along with a cut in repo funds come? While companies, who have to help citizens protect themselves by tracking the proximity of infect- THEIR STAFF IN THIS investment grade papers of Non-Banking Financial CRISIS SITUATION, not getting wages and salaries causes wide- rate by 0.75 per cent (this is on top of the built enough cash reserves from their ed people, access curated information and medical advisories from Companies (NBFCs), with at least 50 per cent invest- spread destruction of demand; millions of cumulative reduction of 1.35 per cent dur- operations in the past, can use a portion the Government and enable them to self-assess on whether they need ed in small and mid-sized NBFCs and micro-finance OTHERS NOT SO vendors not getting payments means ing 2019) which will ensure that addition- of that to support their staff in this crisis to go for a Coronavirus test or not. institutions (MFIs). Banks have a month to invest BLESSED CAN TAKE they are unable to honour their liabilities al funds are available at lower costs. situation, others not so blessed can take Leading technology companies like TCS have gone further to deep- this amount and more is promised, depending on LOANS FROM BANKS including payment of salaries to their own Further, by reducing the reverse repo rate loans from banks and other FIs who have en research and innovation by leveraging their technology platforms the requirement. The RBI also gave a `50,000 crore AND OTHER FIS WHO workers. from the existing four per cent to 3.75 per plenty of liquidity, courtesy massive injec- to develop medical solutions like patient tracker and a platform for a special refinance facility for financial institutions HAVE PLENTY OF With cash flows of various entities viz. cent, the RBI has goaded banks to lend to tion by the apex bank. This should be clinical trial system. While IT giants are working towards identifying (FIs). Of the `50,000 crore, `25,000 crore will go to LIQUIDITY, corporates, suppliers/vendors, businesses or buy Government securities taken as investment in the future. solutions with the help of emerging technologies, start-ups, too, are the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural COURTESY MASSIVE workers/employees under stress, servic- instead of parking excess funds with itself As and when there is exit from the looking for answers and working to create low-cost tools. Premier tech- Development for refinancing regional rural banks, INJECTION BY THE ing of loans taken from banks and other (as on April 13, this amount was a gargan- lockdown and economic activity resumes, cooperative banks and MFIs; `15,000 crore to the FIs viz. NBFCs, MFIs suffers. This affects tuan `6,90,000 crore which the Governor the revenue stream from operations can nology institutions, including the IITs and IISc are collaborating with APEX BANK. THIS Small Industries Development Bank of India for on- SHOULD BE TAKEN the ability of the latter to lend, creating a wants to be released for spurring econom- help in servicing the loans. The banks need AIIMS, ICMR and leading IT companies and technology start-ups, to lending or refinancing and `10,000 crore to the fresh wave of compression in demand. ic activity). The RBI has done all that was to ensure that money gets distributed in build indigenous products such as high-quality masks, personal pro- National Housing Bank for supporting mortgage AS INVESTMENT IN The RBI’s package seeks to help busi- needed to give a boost to the economy in a “fair” and “equitable” manner. Under tective equipment for healthcare professionals, including hazmat suits lenders. THE FUTURE. AS nesses in two ways. First, by granting a these testing times. But the industries and TLTRO 1.0, almost all of the funds and affordable ventilators. Individually, some leading IT companies have The RBI has also eased asset classification norms AND WHEN THERE IS moratorium, it exempts them from hav- businesses argue that this won’t be of much released by the RBI or `75,000 crore were started collaborating with pharmaceutical and medical device manu- for all accounts where moratorium or deferment has EXIT FROM THE ing to service their loans during March 1 help in the absence of demand. They argue given to big corporates. This should be facturing companies to speed up prototyping, getting approvals from been applied. This means that all accounts covered LOCKDOWN AND to May 31 (though the lockdown period what will they do with higher production avoided even as a major portion of the the designated Government bodies for standard confirmation and mass under the moratorium from March 1 to May 31 will ECONOMIC ACTIVITY is 40 days, the balance 50 days — in the when there are no buyers. They want the package is given to small businesses. The production of required products to tackle the challenges raised by the be treated as Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from RESUMES, THE build-up to its commencement and the Government to come up with a “fiscal apex bank has tried to rectify this anom- pandemic. IT companies have taken the battle against the Coronavirus 180 days overdue instead of 90 days overdue as per REVENUE STREAM period after it ends — have been rightly stimulus” package to put cash in the hands aly under the TLTRO 2.0 by reserving 50 extant rule. The banks will have to maintain addi- included) besides ignoring these three of the people. The demand ranges from per cent of liquidity injection for small and forward by focussing on the application of emerging technologies such FROM OPERATIONS tional 10 per cent provisioning on these standstill CAN HELP IN months for determining if the loan has two per cent of the Gross Domestic mid-sized NBFCs and MFIs. However, as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things accounts over the two quarters ending March and gone bad. In other words, it completely Product (GDP) to as high as 10 per cent greater care is needed at the implemen- (IoT) and Data Analytics to rev up deeper understanding of the virus June. SERVICING THE immunises the firm from the impact of or `4,00,000 crore to `20,00,000 crore. tation level. and its impact on humans. AI is primarily playing an enormous role Furthermore, the banking regulator has extend- LOANS the lockdown on its ability to service the This is flawed thinking. The above approach, even while pro- in helping researchers accelerate study by analysing thousands of dig- ed the 210-day resolution period for all large stressed loan. Undoubtedly, lack of demand is a viding the much-needed fillip to the econ- ital research papers and delivering conclusive information faster and accounts identified under its June 7, 2019 circular Second, firms can get more money problem; it existed even before the pan- omy, will also have the added advantage AI-powered robots have now become part of the healthcare workforce (on its expiration, if banks are not ready with a res- from banks at lower interest rate (cour- demic. Now it has got aggravated. But why of avoiding big slippage in fiscal deficit fighting the pandemic. Indian IT companies are also cooperating with olution plan, insolvency proceedings are initiated tesy, relaxed norms for cash credit and should businesses depend entirely on the (inevitable if the Government is made to pharma companies to expedite the drug discovery process for the under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) by a working capital) which they can use to pay Government for boosting demand? Why bear the entire burden of propping up Coronavirus by reducing manual work and facilitating the potential of further 90 days. How do these measures help? To to vendors/suppliers and workers/employ- can’t there be sharing of the responsibil- demand) and disastrous implications in comprehend this, we need to look at the dynamics ees (including for the period they don’t ity? While, the latter can take care of the terms of spurring inflation, high interest AI, ML and supercomputing to deliver faster results. of how Corona is impacting businesses. In a bid to work, as wished by Modi) as also to fund most vulnerable, particularly those in the rate, unsustainable debt and so on. The Indian IT industry is in a better position to not only warrant stop the spread of the virus, the Government has new projects or expansion as and when informal sector such as daily wage earn- Meanwhile, all-out efforts should be business continuity to clients across the world but also its inherent imposed a nationwide lockdown that ends on May there is exit from the lockdown and con- ers, vendors, migrant labour and so on made to defeat the pandemic expeditious- strength in emerging technologies is complementing R&D, innovation 3. As a result all economic activities, except for essen- ditions are apt for resumption of econom- (already, it is doing this under the PM ly as that will help early resumption of eco- and indigenous product development to handle the crisis triggered by tials, have come to a grinding halt. When business- ic activities. The measures announced by Garib Kalyan Yojna and more assistance nomic activity and reduce the cost of the Coronavirus. At this critical point, the IT industry is the silver lin- es don’t run, they don’t generate revenue, hamper- RBI on March 27 and April 17 have made can be given by extending the coverage), revival. ing on the dark clouds looming over the country due to COVID-19. ing their ability to pay wages, make payments to ven- available plenty of liquidity close to the former should provide continued sup- (The writer is a New Delhi-based (The writer is Director-General, Software Technology Parks of India) dors/suppliers and so on. This leads to a spiralling `5,00,000 crore which can be utilised for port to all of their workers for the whole policy analyst) Look at the bigger picture India and Indians must not lose the behaviour change gains accrued in the midst of one of the toughest battles for survival in the world’s history

post-Coronavirus life, we could per- each other’s faces more often than not. available wall to ease their bladder is hygiene among families and commu- attitude, behaviour and practices” in The fight against the “spit mon- haps bank on the new behaviour, traits, Remembering the Swachh now a very uncommon sight indeed. nities by using a number of commu- SBM or the earlier behaviour change ster” must be carried on and on till the culture and values that we learnt, prac- Bharat Mission: If COVID-19 leaves The hygiene gains: In the after- nication and mainstreaming tech- campaigns, the crisis is the logic and finish line, Corona or no Corona. tised and which hopefully will perse- behind a tradition of sanitation and math of the Swachh Bharat Mission niques. the teacher this time. We could bury this national vere as we walk past the morass. hygiene among the 1.3 billion popu- (SBM), the impact of sanitation and Determined communication: In A Cabinet meeting with social dis- embarrassment of a habit like we did Simple calls for action: For the lation even after we are set free from hygiene on the life, health, livelihood the wake of the pandemic, there have tance maintained or Modi wrapping open defecation. It is no one’s worry last few weeks, a large majority of the the lockdown, no one should com- and well-being of the poor and the vul- been massive communication efforts, a gamcha (cotton muffler) around his if the population is getting weaned population — those who are not plain. After all, one of the reasons nerable in India has been well-docu- both from the Government and non- face, are lead by example communi- away from tobacco and maybe from being uprooted, their supplies nowhere attributed to the relative safe landing mented. A World Health Organisation Government agencies, to ingrain the cation techniques, steps ahead of alcohol. And if the hand sanitiser, toi- AKSHAY ROUT close to drying up and who are not fac- of the Japanese nation amid the (WHO) study states that three lakh Corona-time behaviour. Just as for the ordinary symbolism. The urgency of let seat disinfectant and a mask are ing the brunt of an unbearable finan- Corona pandemic is their almost diarrhoeal deaths have been avoided SBM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this day is much higher than when we gradually finding space in the hand- s our eyes travel from Pole to cial hardship as yet — are being asked congenital habit of observing high lev- between 2014 and 2019. Separate took upon himself to be the “commu- saw the Prime Minister lending a hand bag, these are the takeaways we have Pole and from our own to tweak their behaviour, make a few els of personal hygiene and protection UNICEF studies point to the financial nicator in chief”, through his special- in the construction of a toilet or wash- got from the present pandemic. AKashmir to Kanyakumari, the change of habits; mainly some social against germs and infections. This benefits to each household in an ly-planned three national addresses, ing the feet of sanitation workers at the There is another precious inher- only certainty regarding the COVID- distancing and better hygiene in the new-found sense of hygiene is a pos- Open Defecation Free (ODF) village his radio programme Mann Ki Baat Kumbh Mela. Triggering behaviour itance of the virus: The blue skies, the 19 is of course the palpable uncertain- absence of any other magic bullet to itive heritage of the Coronavirus. and the deep impact it has in reduc- and his tweets. It is heart-warming to change is a complex science and pollution-free air, a clean Earth and ty. However, one day the Corona cloud fight the virus. Quite recently, the Indian mass- ing contamination of precious ground see that communicators from across there is no uniform command. rivers with highly-reduced pathogens. shall clear and sunshine will not only The drill is rather simple: don’t go es demonstrated their propensity to water. India: Sarkari, private, media, A well-behaved nation: These will have to be nurtured with return but also bathe the Earth with out, don’t gather around, don’t touch, switch to desirable behaviour when Hand-washing, which has almost Bollywood, corporate and civil soci- Compliant behaviour is noticeable care in the future so that we don’t frit- a light brighter than ever before. don’t spit, wash your hand, don’t they became both leaders and follow- become the global weapon of resis- ety have joined to cement the new across the country: Masked men and ter the advantage away. We do not have It is easy to imagine that when it cough or sneeze without covering your ers of the Swachh Bharat revolution. tance against the COVID-19, can code of behaviour for citizens. One women waiting without a murmur the right to lay to waste the few nat- happens, nothing will be the same. face, wear a protective mask and the Whoever imagined that 600 million reduce by about 50 per cent incidence sees an exceptionally large amount of within the social distancing circle for ural entitlements given to our children Life, livelihood, trade, business, knowl- like. open defecators would follow the of diarrhoea, the second leading cause mass communication and social their turn to pick up essentials. People in our obduracy to be non-hygienic. edge and understanding of the envi- As far as social distancing is con- “darwaza bandh (behind closed of death among children under the age media push in the absence of the not- wearing masks as they leave the India and Indians must not lose the ronment, all will stand redefined. cerned, it is reasonable to expect that door)” code in a matter of five years. of five. Studies also show that good so-feasible touch and feel inter-person- house, covering their faces as they behaviour change gains accrued in the For sure the changed world, while Indians will not have to indefinitely A judicious communication action hand-washing practices with soap al communication. cough or sneeze are now the accept- midst of one of the toughest battles for being challenging enough, would not curb their famous spontaneity, vivac- design triggered the community and are among the most cost-effective Unlike the SBM, despite its cele- ed social behaviour. Hand washing survival in the world’s history. be uninterrupted gloom and doom; it ity and physical expressions of warmth. ordinary villagers became the leaders interventions to prevent diseases like brated sunset clause, the Corona with soap under the tap/washbasin (The writer is former Director- would have several bright moments we They will get a chance sooner or later of their own “jan andolan (revolu- pneumonia, acute respiratory infec- behaviour regime required instant and may not be for exactly 20 seconds yet General , Special Projects, SBM and for- could possibly pick up as a nation from to give that warm jhappi (hug). tion)” for freedom from open defeca- tions, skin and eye infections, cholera strict compliance. Hence a watchful but spitting is definitely frowned mer Director-General, ECI and is a these unique days, not so affectionate- Something like a mask may not tion. Not to mention, every child today and dysentery. It is not surprising that enforcement has to run side by side upon. This patience, cleanliness and Visiting Professor at the Central ly described as a lockdown. become a permanent accessory and we looks for a bin to dispose his/her waste UNICEF and other agencies are con- with persuasion. Compared to the the new-found discipline are an asset University of Odisha. Views expressed As we get ready to deal with a all would be restored the joy of seeing in and people running to the next tinuously engaged in promoting good complex drill involving “knowledge, not to be squandered away. are personal) VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 money 08 CAPSULE RBI gives Rs 50,000 crore Reliance starts using WhatsApp for grocery deliveries but model boost to mutual funds PNS n BENGALURU likely to grow to USD 200 bil- of WhatsApp (400 million) lion by 2027. could significantly accelerate PNS n MUMBAI earlier. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's The deal benefits Facebook the adoption of the JioMart The Reserve Bank also said Reliance Industries has start- via "partnership with the app besides it would leverage The Reserve Bank of India on it will review the timeline ed limited test use of largest retail player in India, Facebook's experience to mon- Honda launches Monday provided a Rs 50,000- and amount, depending upon WhatsApp to connect cus- where partnership starts with etize data through advertising. online sales crore shot in the arm to market conditions. tomers to grocery stores, days grocery, and later could be "The key advantage is not stressed mutual funds by The announcement comes after Facebook decided to extended to medicine distrib- only the large base of platform unveiling a special liquidity days after Franklin Templeton invest USD 5.7 billion in dig- ution, fashion and lifestyle WhatsApp users in India but New Delhi: Honda Cars India facility for the sector, days after Mutual Fund, which has been ital assets controlled by the stores, food delivery, etc," the amount of time spent on on Monday said it has launched Franklin Templeton Mutual operating in India for 25 years, company. Credit Suisse said in a report. the app per day by an average an online sales platform to help Fund decided to close six debt decided to shut down Franklin JioMart, an e-commerce Also, Reliance Jio, with its user. customers manage their schemes. India Low Duration Fund, venture of Reliance Retail, "has 388 million telecom users, "This would catapult Jio purchases without visiting a In a statement, the central Franklin India Dynamic already started interacting with could provide telecom infra- into the attention of the large dealership. The company's bank said heightened volatil- Accrual Fund, Franklin India customers on WhatsApp for structure for various user base, thereby addressing 'Honda from Home' initiative ity in capital markets in reac- Credit Risk Fund, Franklin grocery orders" in Navi Facebook's solutions, it said. the first key barrier of aware- allows customers to browse tion to Covid-19 has imposed India Short Term Income Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan, For RIL, the large user base ness post-launch of its New through the product options, liquidity strains on mutual The Reserve Bank also said it will Plan, Franklin India Ultra Credit Suisse said in a report. Commerce offering," Credit select their preferred dealership funds (MFs), which have review the timeline and amount, Short Bond Fund and "The customer initiates the Reliance Jio Suisse said adding this was and proceed to book their car intensified in the wake of Franklin India Income interaction on WhatsApp, based on assumption that at online. The platform, which has redemption pressures related depending upon market conditions Opportunities Fund. checks out the grocery order could provide some stage, JioMart could be been designed to simplify the to closure of some debt MFs The RBI further said funds on JioMart webpage, gets con- telecom a mini-app within WhatsApp booking process by offering and potential contagious availed under the SLF-MF nected with a retail store on infrastructure for (a concept similar to WeChat round-the-clock access from effects therefrom. igate the economic impact of Under the Special Liquidity should be used by banks WhatsApp and then customer mini-programmes) which any location, will soon be The stress is, however, con- COVID-19 and preserve Facility for Mutual Funds exclusively for meeting the liq- picks up the order from Kirana various would avoid new 400 million integrated with company's pan- fined to the high-risk debt MF financial stability. (SLF-MF), the RBI will con- uidity requirements of MFs by and pays in cash," it said, Facebook's downloads of JioMart and India dealerships, Honda Cars segment at this stage; the larg- Last time, the Reserve Bank duct repo operations of 90 extending loans, and under- adding the model is likely on solutions give JioMart immediate India Ltd (HCIL) said in a er industry remains liquid, it of India (RBI) had opened a days tenor at the fixed repo taking outright purchase of delivery and com- access to 400 million statement. "Customers can now said. "With a view to easing special borrowing window of rate. and/or repos against the col- pletion of the users of WhatsApp conveniently book their Honda liquidity pressures on MFs, it Rs 25,000 crore for banks to "The SLF-MF is on-tap and lateral of investment grade transaction on for grocery. car from the comfort of their has been decided to open a help meet the cash require- open-ended, and banks can corporate bonds, commercial one app. It is likely that the homes. This platform is part of special liquidity facility for ments of mutual funds in July submit their bids to avail fund- papers, debentures and certifi- The Facebook partnership could be Honda's digitalisation efforts in mutual funds of Rs 50,000 2013. Following the collapse of ing on any day from Monday cates of deposit held by MFs. deal will help extended beyond gro- car retail experience that not crore," it said. Lehman Brothers, RBI in to Friday, the central bank said. In case of over-subscription Ambani set up a digital cery to other retail only drives convenience but The Reserve Bank of India October 2008 had provided a The scheme will be available of the notified amount on any platform to take on products also efficiency," HCIL Senior (RBI) also stressed it remains similar additional liquidity from Monday itself till May 11, given day, the central bank Amazon and Walmart's too. Vice President and Director vigilant and will take whatev- support exclusively for mutu- 2020, or up to utilisation of the said the allotment will be Flipkart in an e-commerce (Sales and Marketing) Rajesh er steps are necessary to mit- al fund industry. allocated amount, whichever is done on pro-rata basis. market that KPMG says is Goel said. Banks have done Asian markets Ind-Ra cuts India's FY21 GDP Coal India to gain after Japan purchase dumpers nothing to help central bank growth further to 1.9 pc from BEML at ShareChat acquires retailers, says RAI boosts aid PNS n NEW DELHI Rs 400 crore Memer, looking for India Ratings and Research PNS n KOLKATA more buyouts PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n BEIJING (Ind-Ra) on Monday revised its FY21 economic growth Coal India Ltd on Monday New Delhi: Indigenously Banks have done "sweet noth- Asian stock markets gained forecast for the country fur- said it has signed two agree- developed social media ing" to provide financing to Monday after Japan's central ther down to 1.9 per cent, low- ments with heavy engineer- platform ShareChat has retailers to tide over the lock- bank promised more asset est in the last 29 years, citing ing major BEML Ltd for acquired Kae Capital backed down crisis, and the govern- purchases to shore up finan- the COVID-19 pandemic and purchasing dumpers at Rs meme-sharing app Memer ment intervention is needed to cial markets and more gov- the subsequent lockdown. 400 crore. and is looking for more avoid mass unemployment in ernments prepared to revive According to Ind-Ra, The miner will procure 15 buyouts, the company said on the sector, according to RAI. otherwise used for "paying struggling economies by Indian economy had regis- dumpers from the manu- Monday. The deal size was The retail industry body salaries" and other fixed costs reopening businesses. tered a GDP growth of 1.1 per facturing PSU, a CIL state- however not disclosed by the claimed that despite the as they have zero income at Tokyo's benchmark surged cent in financial year 1991-92. ment said. company. ShareChat claims to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) present. 2.8 per cent and Shanghai, In a note on Monday, Ind- "The contract cost for have around 6 crore monthly circulars to banks to lend sup- Seeking the Centre's inter- Hong Kong and Sydney also Ra revised its economic seven 150-tonne dumpers is active users and aims to cross port to businesses, on the vention, Rajagopalan said, "We gained. growth estimate for the coun- around Rs 150 crore and the 12-crore mark by the end ground retailers are finding it want clarifications from the Investors are looking ahead try from its forecast of 3.6 per The rating agency, howev- expects retail inflation at 3.6 that of eight 190-tonne of 2020. "We are on an active difficult to access funds from government on this because to meetings of US and cent published on March 30, er added that if the lockdown per cent. dumpers is Rs 250 crore. lookout for startups that banks for various reasons. there is serious issue of shops European central bankers 2020 to to 1.9 per cent. continues beyond mid-May The rating agency said on The equipment will be used complement our product "The banks are not giving shutting down and a big this week for additional mea- Ind-Ra, noted that its 2020, and a gradual recovery the fiscal front, the dip in in opencast coal mines and capabilities and share the any kind of finance to retail- amount of unemployment sures to reverse the deepest growth projection is based on takes root only from June-end, tax/non tax revenue due to the play a critical role in hauling vision of serving diverse ers although RBI has stepped happening. There is zero global slump since the 1930s. the assumption that the par- GDP growth may slip further lockdown/growth slowdown coal and the top soil," it said. content and social needs of in. It is not happening on the income for retailers". That comes amid mount- tial lockdown will continue till to negative 2.1 per cent, low- coupled with the need to pro- The 150-tonne dumpers Indian masses. Memer ground. Banks have done Stressing that all industries ing evidence the coronavirus mid-May 2020. est in the last 41 years, and vide fiscal stimulus will desta- will be deployed on trial happens to be the first step sweet nothing in this whole are dependent on retail for pandemic's economic dam- According to Ind-Ra, "GDP only the sixth instance of bilise the fiscal arithmetic of basis in the Gevra opencast towards this approach," situation to help retailers in sales, he said, "If retail does not age is even worse than may come back to the fourth contraction since fiscal year both union and state govern- project of South Eastern Manohar Charan, vice this country," Retailers work, production is of no use. expected. The Bank of Japan quarter of 2019-20 fiscal level 1957-58. ments. Coalfields Ltd, the president for corporate Association of India (RAI) We want that clarification to said it will buy an additional only by the third quarter According to Ind-Ra, "Even without any signifi- Chhattisgarh-based sub- development and strategic CEO Kumar Rajagopalan told come. We want the Centre to 15 trillion yen (USD 140 bil- (October-December) of cur- India's GDP in 1957-58 was cant fiscal stimulus Ind-Ra sidiary of the miner. finance, ShareChat said in a PTI. support us on that part". When lion) of commercial paper rent 2020-21 fiscal anticipat- negative 0.4 per cent, in 1965- expects the fiscal deficit of the Four each of 190-tonne statement. The integration of He claimed that the RBI cir- asked about job losses in the and bank loans. ing resumption of normal 66 it was negative 2.6 per cent, union government to escalate dumpers will be put to use on Memer into ShareChat will culars have been "set aside for retail sector, Rajagolapan said, That is a “significant economic activities during in 1966-67 it was negative 0.1 to 4.4 per cent per cent of GDP trial basis in Amlohri and help it bring more variations to want of various things, includ- "Retailers themselves have increase from the timid 2 tril- second quarter (July- per cent, in 1972-73 it was in 2020-21 fiscal (FY21 Budget Nigahi opencast projects of content, a better user ing new business plans" as a become unemployed, and now lion yen” in purchases September) of 2020-21 and negative 0.6 per cent, and in Estimate: 3.5 per cent of GDP) Northern Coalfields Ltd experience that may lead to result of that retailers are they cannot be paying any announced in March, said festive demand during third 1979-80 it was negative 5.2 per and a stimulus package of Rs which operates in Madhya enhanced user engagement unable to get financing from salaries. They don't have any Marcel Thieliant of Capital quarter of current fiscal cent. 4 trillion would push it to 6.0 Pradesh and parts of Uttar and retention. banks which would have been money". Economics in a report. (October-December)," it said. For 2020-21, Ind-Ra per cent of GDP," it said. Pradesh, the miner said. Franklin Templeton MF committed Aluminium Force Motors deploys IOB launches special futures slip on scheme for SHGs to return investors money: Sanjay muted demand 80 mobile dispensaries PNS n NEW DELHI from IOB will be eligible for PNS n NEW DELHI Asset Management (India) The six debt schemes had PNS n NEW DELHI in Maharashtra cities this loan facility, which can be President Sanjay Sapre said in assets under management of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) availed till June 30, 2020. As Franklin Templeton Mutual a note to investors. over Rs 25,000 crore. Aluminium prices on PNS n MUMBAI which is also fully-equipped to on Monday said it has intro- per the bank's rule, only those Fund, which closed six of its The asset manager shut The asset manager blamed Monday softened 0.34 per identify coronavirus symp- duced a special borrowing SHGs whose existing loans are debt funds citing redemption down its six schemes — redemption pressures and lack cent to Rs 132.75 per kg in Pune-based automaker Force toms, has till Sunday checked programme for self help standard and performing as on pressures and lack of liquidity Franklin India Low Duration of liquidity in the bond markets futures trade as speculators Motors on Monday said it has over 1.11 lakh persons, the groups to March 1, 2020 in the bond markets, on Fund, Franklin India Dynamic for the "voluntary" action. cut bets amid subdued deployed over 80 mobile dis- company said in a release. The help them are eligible to Monday said it is committed to Accrual Fund, Franklin “Franklin Templeton has demand in spot market. pensaries along with teams of medicines are prescribed and tide over the avail loan under return investor money at the India Credit Risk been an early and patient On the Multi Commodity doctors and paramedics as given out for free, it said adding challenges this special earliest. Fund, Franklin investor in India. We have Exchange, aluminium for well as medicines across sever- that these mobile units can inflicted by scheme. It said that winding up of the India Short Term worked to build a long- delivery in May contracts al cities of Maharashtra to check 2,500 people per day and COVID-19. The state-owned lender said schemes does not mean that Income Plan, term business in India over eased by 45 paise, or 0.34 per conduct medical check-ups, can examine the symptoms of The maximum loan amount interested borrowers can apply investor money is lost. Franklin India our 25+ year history here. cent, to Rs 132.75 per kg in a to fight the coronavirus pan- around 500 patients in a day. is Rs 5,000 per member of a through branches directly or “We are committed to doing Ultra Short Bond This is also reinforced by the business turnover of 3,066 demic. Doctors in the vans monitor self help group (SHG) with a through business correspon- all we can to return monies in Fund and Franklin fact that over 33 per cent lots. However, the metal for The mobile medical care patients for cold and flu con- cap of Rs 1 lakh for the group. dents. IOB said the loans the schemes that are wound up India Income of our global work- delivery in June contracts facility, 'Doctor Aplya Daari', ditions and also inform them The bank said SHGs with a would be sanctioned and dis- at the earliest to investors, and Opportunities force is based in was trading up by 70 paise, or launched early this month in about preventive measures to good track record and a histo- bursed within six working to regain your trust in our Fund—on India,” Sapre 0.52 per cent, at Rs 134.40 per association with a non-govern- be taken to prevent the coron- ry of minimum two loans days. brand,” Franklin Templeton Thursday. said. kg in 5 lots. mental organisation (NGO), avirus spread. ‘Over one million IT employees Data usage surge due to lockdown: Report n will continue to work from home’ PNS MUMBAI Fixed broadband refers to taking The lockdown to control coro- internet connectivity till homes or PNS n BENGALURU Gopalakrishnan. of the larger (IT) organisations navirus infection has come as businesses using an optical fibre or The former President of the are working out of home. And a "godsend" to the fixed line More than one million informa- Confederation of Indian that transition has been smooth broadband sector, which was fixed line tion technology employees are Industry (CII) said the IT ser- and done very, very quickly. struggling with stagnancy in expected to continue to work vices industry has actually man- They have figured that out and subscribers for four years, a surged because millions are lihood of a hike in prices to be from home even after the coro- aged to transition people to I think this will now become report said on Monday. working from home...," it said. done by telcos as well. navirus-inflicted lockdown sit- work from home during the part and parcel of the business The ongoing lockdown, Data usage has darted up 25- The telcos' price hike will uation returns to normalcy, says 'stay-at-home' period. continuity processing, planning wherein many people are 30 per cent since the lockdown help sustain some of the uptick IT industry "And that was not a trivial in the future," Gopalakrishnan forced to work from home, has began on March 25, the note in fixed broadband usage veteran task. A large number of people said. resulted in a surge in sub- said. "Lockdown has come as a because its price differential Senapathy who have to be supported with The Chairman of early stage scribers and also data usage, Godsend to the fixed broad- with mobile data will reduce, it (Kris) technology infrastructure to startup accelerator and venture the research wing of domestic band sector," it said, adding explained. work from home; business fund, Axilor Ventures, also said rating agency Crisil said in a that on the flip side, data Fixed broadband penetra- processes will have to be that many of the smaller Indian note. aggressive play by the telcos, Till now, the lower speed 4G speeds have gone down as tion in India is among the low- changed, with client permis- startups have found that they are Fixed broadband refers to which started giving the fast 4G served the purpose for people more subscribers are using the est in the world at only 6 per sion," the co-founder of IT ser- as effective working out of home taking internet connectivity connectivity at low rates, the due to affordable smartphones, services. cent as compared with 55 per vices firm Infosys Ltd told P T and are now wondering whether till homes or businesses using number of subscribers has it noted. "But now, subscrip- It said that the benefits are all cent in China, 70 per cent in I. "Now I am told that 90 to 95 they require permanent office an optical fibre or fixed line. stagnated at 19 million since tions to fixed broadband, espe- set to continue in the medium Eurozone and 80 per cent in per cent of people in many space at all. The Crisil note said due to the 2016. cially in the urban areas, have term as well, as there is a like- Japan, the note mentioned. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Tuesday April 28, 2020

MORE CONVERSATIONS All this changed suddenly after family time. evening, I discuss with my From saving food and money to the virus made people work Eshwar, a bank employee family various things under efore the pandemic, most from home. Men began to says, “Previously, we didn’t the sun. This helped us under- spending time with our loved ones people found no time to understand and realise their have much time to spend with stand each other better. We are Btalk to their loved ones spouse’s hard work — to keep our family members due to still continuing our work at and experimenting new things, the for reasons other than necessi- the home clean, cook and keep work and other reasons. Now, home while also helping with ty. Many women complained things ready and on time, for I realised that we can give the household chores. I hope lockdown has helped us learn and earlier that their husbands did them and their children. equal importance for both companies will encourage their not spend quality time with Women are all smiles after the work and family with proper employees to work from home unlearn various things. Assessing them, due to work pressure. virus got them some quality time management. Every even after the lockdown.” the world post the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, The SAVINGS AND Keeping that in mind, people began before. Ramesh, a techie says, “We REDUCING WASTAGE saving money and are not wasting any never worried about money or savings Pioneer's V SATEESH REDDY food like they did, because we all had well paying jobs. e were so used to spending a We would go out every weekend and SHIKHA DUGGAL talks lot of money on various things not caring about a thing in the Wbefore the lockdown and with world. All of a sudden, due to the the sudden Corona crisis, people start- Coronavirus pandemic, things about the various lessons the ed saving money and food, because have changed unexpectedly. We we’re not sure when the crisis ends and are now spending our money and lockdown taught us how many can survive with what’s left. resources carefully.”

he world has never faced a situation like today, where IMPORTANCE OF we've been asked to stay home for months together. BUYING FROM Up until the Coronavirus took over our lives, we LOCAL MARKETS T have been living in a fast-paced life and haven't had the time to pursue other interests and chores. With iven our fast paced no option to go out and most of the people working lives, we would from home, life has taught us many things. Our perception on G prefer going to various things have changed in the recent times. Our staying at supermarkets, and shopping homes is also helping the earth heal from our mistakes. in malls since we get to buy THE PIONEER here makes everything at one stop. We a list of things that we What the never cared to buy from had taken for grant- local markets or cared to ed earlier but contribute toward encourag- now hold ing indigenous markets. The dear. lockdown has now forced us to buy from local markets and vendors. We have now begun to recognise the importance of local markets, farmers etc. DOWN Nagendra, a private employee says, “We always #LOCK buy our vegetables and other groceries at big supermar- kets or malls. With the clo- sure of all these outlets, we found small vendors near RICH our area. Earlier, I thought PEOPLE has taught us goods from the local market ARE LESS weren’t of a great quality but IMMUNE TO GLOBAL INDUSTRIES I realised only now, how THIS VIRUS SUPPLYING PRODUCTS ARE flawed my thinking was. THAN THE WORTHLESS IF NOT Local products are much POOR CONSUMED BY SOCIETy better and cheaper than big malls and shops.” hy does ny society’s wealth is worthless every- if not properly harnessed. The W one A production of several goods think that the and services has been suspended and LEARNING NEW THINGS poor are less like- those manufactured already and not ly to contract the used, are most likely to see their end he lockdown helped us Coronavirus? For in a dump yard, given that there are learn many new things the simple reason no consumers. All essential services Tto survive indoors. that they can’t are currently dependent on trans- Married men are helping travel a lot. Most portation and logistics laid down by their partners in cooking and cases are linked to the government. There’s been a sud- other chores. Meanwhile, international trav- den spike in a dearth of supply and bachelors have begun experi- el and the poor fall of utilisation. MANY CAN WORK FROM HOME EASILY menting various cooking not being able to methods to try new recipes afford interna- THE PLANET CAN REGENER- ost private companies have asked their every day. Even celebrities are tional travel. The ATE QUICKLY WITHOUT employees to work from home and people inspiring their fans by post- Previously, we didn’t have much time to rich, across the seemed to be more than happy and comfort- ing videos of how they are HUMAN INTERVENTION M spend with our family members due to work world, returned able to oblige. Most even confessed to being more pro- helping their family by doing from vacations hough the pandemic turned ductive while working from home and that their stress various chores at home. and other reasons. Now, I realised that we and business trips out to be dangerous for levels have come down. Companies can save money in Manohar, a techie says, “As can give equal importance for both work and carrying the virus. T humans, it saw a heedless the long run with flexible schedules and telecommuni- a bachelor, I’m trying to cook family with proper time management. Every The poor are benefit. Skies have turned bluer and cating opportunities like video chats and conference various special dishes. We without insur- water is getting clearer. The planet calls. Employees are said to be communicating more always would cook regular evening, I discuss with my family various ance, sold into is getting its much-deserved break! often with each other than on normal days. curries and had no time to things under the sun. slavery, less edu- There has also been a drastic reduc- experiment new dishes, cated, without any tion in toxic gases in metropolitan thanks to our work timings. EESHWAR, extra benefits. cities. What we had been trying to Most of my friends are trying A BANK EMPLOYEE Hence the struc- do for years, has happened in just their luck in sketching, paint- tural imbalance weeks of our absence. The demand ing and some even journaling between the poor for fuel has gone down consider- and sharing their lockdown and the rich, ably. Animals are wandering, the stories. I believe that the lock- where the latter is over-worked population is getting down period is the perfect We always buy our vegetables and other groceries most likely risking some rest as most time to try things that we the underprivi- of them are always wanted to, in at big supermarkets or malls. With the closure of leged to this pan- working from the past but all these outlets, we found small vendors near our demic. home without could not.” area. Earlier, I thought goods from the local market the need to commute weren’t of a great quality but I realised only now, through how flawed my thinking was. Local products are busy traf- ANIMALS much better and cheaper than big malls and shops. fic. FEEL THE WE CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT JUNK FOOD SAME IN A CAGE — NAGENDRA, PRIVATE EMPLOYEE AS WE DO NOW amilies have tended to adapt to new healthy-eat- ith humans now ing routines. A healthy diet is proving to be quite locked away in Faccessible during the times of a crisis. Thousands W their homes, of people, including celebrities, have taken to their animals have been found to be social media accounts and indulged in virtuoso cook- exploring the empty streets of We never worried about ing. The constant feeling of boredom and the pro- urban cities. With many staying money or savings longed lockdown has pushed humans to get into their indoors, almost no kitchens and fulfill their cravings. The unavailability commuting/transport and not because we all had well of large chains of fast-food currently has made it pos- much movement of people and paying jobs. All of a sible to avoid junk food. socialising, human beings have sudden, due to the now realised what it feels like, to be caged. People are finding it Coronavirus pandemic, things NO LIFE IS FRAGILE, ENJOY IT too frustrating and have also have changed unexpectedly. We PRIEST been experiencing cognitive are now spending our money and OR PANDIT, ndeed the news of the pandemic is causing worry behavioural traits. Looking for but you can still catch a breathing space. People are reintegration into society, resources carefully. ONLY A HEALTH WORKER CAN SAVE Ilearning to be happy and behave optimistically, humans clearly aren’t happy with A PATIENT having a brighter outlook towards life. Several folks the idea of solitary confinement. RAMESH, TECHIE are working toward maintaining better social relation- his pandemic resulted in several ships by articulating their emotions well and bein able people questioning their blind to manage stress better. An optimistic mind will culti- T faith in babas, miracle workers vate desirable skills and sprinkle positivity in our lives. who claim to cure any disease. The conflict between health and religion has been a constant debate for ages. Many have begun to realise that they need to consult a healthcare worker LIVING A HYGIENIC LIFE ISN’T DIFFICULT AT ALL who can assess their health and administer the right medication, rather than just sitting at home and waiting for a miracle to happen. There has roper grooming and healthy personal habits are also been newfound respect towards the healthcare workers, scientists, helping keep the Coronavirus at bay. There are and the police. Pmental and physical benefits attached to it too. As compared to the normal workday routine, due to MEN TOO CAN COOK excessive pollution levels, it tends to hamper our skin. The notion of taking precautions is something the he crisis has precipitated men to handle domestic chores. These lockdown has forced us to think upon. For the forth- turbulent times have taught the society that managing a house- coming existence too, the practice of personal hygiene Thold is no more just a woman’s responsibility. Men can do it too, will turn out to be very useful. by navigating through the new reality of being a cook, house help, tutor to the kids, caregiver, etc. 10

Vijayawada Tuesday April 28 2020 what’s brewing

Lockdown STARS TURN HOSTS diaries: OF DIGITAL SHOWS un chat shows to ous style, at the same time Ways to stay strong, main- it sees Sunny in conversation my show. We’ll be discussing which is to just talk to people the lockdown. informative sessions, engaging and informative, has tain mental balance and keep- with several celebrities, each field, with its possible from different walks of life and “I hope these conversations actors like Kartik already won the show a huge ing patience have been some of including Daboo Ratnani and career opportunities and the understand their lives and rou- on #DownToEarthWithDee F Aaryan, Sunny fan base, including Bollywood the topics of discussion. Mandana Karimi. skills required to be successful tines and importantly coping every Wednesday will help all Leone, Shruti stars such as Alia Bhatt and “I have a close group of “It was my idea to just in those particular fields,” said skills during these trying and those seeking ways to live in Haasan and Rashami Janhvi Kapoor, who have women who are my friends, have fun with our fans and Rashami. testing times,” added the actor, better harmony with nature Desai are flaunting their host- heaped praises on Kartik’s but I also have larger circle of people on Instagram. It is all Also making good use of the who had earlier brought in his despite living in cities. I hope ing skills in the digital space to effort on social media. women whom I have been about light hearted conversa- digital platform, actor Karanvir celebrity friends for a 21-ques- they find some magic, inspira- while away their lockdown In his first episode of Koki interacting with that have been tions with funny things and Bohra has started a fun-filled tion series on Instagram. tion and solutions in our con- hours, and fans are loving it. Poochega Kartik interviewed inspiring me. They are from details about the guest,” Sunny and informative live series Actress-producer Dia Mirza’s versations,” Dia said. Kartik’s talk show on India’s first COVID-19 sur- different walks of life,” said said. titled Lockdown with KV. digital session, Joining the list is actress YouTub e, Koki Poochega, is vivor Sumiti Singh. The inter- Shruti. Bigg Boss 13 contestant “The idea right now is to #DownToEarthWithDee, fea- Urvashi Dholakia, who has a surely among the most popular action gave an insight into “I thought it would be lovely Rashami Desai has also started keep people engaged, talking tures celebrity guests who digital chat show called efforts. On the show, he inter- what a person with symptoms to interact with them on vari- her own digital show titled The and importantly listening and share a common love for Trending Now. acts with frontline warriors in of the virus should do and not ous topics and I like that they RDShhow. watching good content to keep nature. The session is held Through the course of the the COVID-19 battle, includ- do. are from different places, dif- “It’s not your regular chat their minds diverted from the every Wednesday. show, Urvashi will be seen ing doctors and health work- Shruti, who has been sharing ferent topics and different pro- show. It’s being made with an ongoing stressful situation,” he Dia’s first conversation with chatting up with personalities ers, and also with survivors of recipes along with hair and fessions,” she added. intent to educate people on dif- said. filmmaker Zoya Akhtar dwelt from diverse fields. the novel coronavirus pandem- skin care tips on social media, Sunny Leone has also started ferent fields of career. I’ll be “So that’s what my second on a number of things, from She has interviewed celebri- ic. also goes live on Instagram for her chat show on Instagram. inviting eminent personalities live series Lockdown with KV is their shared love for nature to ties like Tony Kakkar, Sriti Jha Kartik’s trademark humor- interactions with select guests. Titled Lockdown with Sunny, from various fields as guests on aiming at. The first main idea how they are both dealing with and Sumona Chakravarti.

FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | APRIL 28, 2020 sport 11

T20 WC in Oct seems Umar Akmal handed impractical: BCCI official Holding finds no logic in legalising ball-tampering

IANS n NEW DELHI PTI n NEW DELHI va and sweat) is a natural three-year ban process. A ball exchanges PTI n KARACHI triggering speculation that he International Cricket Council ichael Holding feels hands all day, you run in, Umar would escape with a six- T(ICC) hosted a Chief Executives legalising ball tam- huffing and puffing, you emperamental Pakistan month to one-year ban and fine Committee meeting on Thursday, but Mpering in the post sweat and using saliva is nat- Tbatsman Umar Akmal was at the most. there was no clear direction on the fate Covid-19 world is a bit “self ural rather than on intent. It’s on Monday banned for three Akmal last played a Test for of the World T20 to be held later in the contradictory”, while Proteas a habit and you just can’t con- years by the PCB for failing to Pakistan in late 2009 but his last year in Australia. The Board of Control great Allan Donald is com- trol this aspect,” Waqar said. report corrupt approaches international appearance was in for Cricket in India (BCCI) feels that pletely on the opposite end of He felt that all these kind ahead of the country’s premier last October in the T20 home with the coronavirus outbreak and the the spectrum on a subject that of ideas show desperation to T20 league this year. series against Sri Lanka. effect it has had, having the showpiece has divided opinions. start proceedings. The Pakistan Cricket Board He was charged with two event in October-November seems The International Cricket “I don’t know how this (PCB) said the ban was imposed breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the impractical. Council (ICC), during its discussion came up but I feel by its Disciplinary Panel chair- PCB Anti-Corruption Code in A BCCI official said that a num- recent CEC meeting, consid- people who want the game to man Justice (retired) Fazal-e- two unrelated incidents on ber of factors would come into play and ered the use of artificial sub- be played are frustrated with Miran Chauhan, who held a March 17. all that would be only after normalcy stances on the ball instead of the lockdown. They are over- hearing on Monday. “The PCB doesn’t take any returns. The official went on to point saliva. thinking about it. I doubt this “Umar Akmal handed pleasure in seeing a promising at the travel restrictions to begin with “I have read that ICC is new idea of using (artificial) three-year ban from all cricket international cricketer being and the fresh directives that might contemplating preventing substance instead of saliva is by Chairman of the Disciplinary declared ineligible for three come in across the globe, not just in people from using saliva on a solution. Panel Justice (retired) Fazal-e- years on corruption charges, but India. the ball due to Covid-19 and “You can make a bowler Miran Chauhan,” read a tweet this is once again a timely “To be honest, the T20 World Cup allowing them to use foreign use a predefined substance on from the official handle of the reminder to all who think they in October seems to be impractical and substances on the ball to the ball, but at the same time PCB’s media department. can get away by breaching the even thinking of a gathering of people keep the shine on but in practically it’s not possible to The 29-year-old appeared anti-corruption code,” PCB of that magnitude at this time is front of the umpire. I don’t to isolate themselves for two environment, you are staying that environment in jeop- prevent a bowler using his before the panel at the National Director (Anti-Corruption and naive. I mean think about it. At this understand the logic behind weeks to make sure that in the same hotel, you are not ardy? sweat or saliva,” Pakistan’s Cricket Academy in Lahore Security) Asif Mahmood, said. stage you don’t know when interna- that,” Holding told everything was fine for when moving for the length of time “Why would you want to current bowling coach said. after not challenging a show “...If some cricketers decide tional travel would be safe. Someone ESPNCricinfo. they got to the venue before you are playing the matches, play cricket under those cir- Donald, however, is open cause notice issued to him by to take the Code in their hands, is saying June, someone is saying The West Indies great the match started. And every- if that is the case why are you cumstances? It’s either safe or to the idea. the PCB Anti-Corruption for then this is how things will pan longer. Once travel does open up, it also questioned the ICC for one involved (with the match) worried about someone’s sali- it’s not. No guessing, please,” “I absolutely agree with not reporting an alleged offer to out. would be prudent to study the impact shifting its stand on the issue will have to do the same va? one of the most respected legalising ball-tampering. I spot-fix in the 2020 Pakistan “I request all professional of travel as to whether the coronavirus by allowing foreign substance thing,” he said. “That person according voices in world cricket said. said so in an article sometime Super League. cricketers to stay away from the remains controlled or not,” the official instead of saliva or sweat. What Holding can’t fath- to what you are doing should Pakistan legend Waqar in the 2000s. It happens any- Once Akmal didn’t chal- menace of corruption and pointed. “Before they got to that om is that if people quaran- be free of Covid-19. If the Younis made it clear that use way, we see guys throwing the lenge the PCB notice, the case immediately inform relevant The official then brought in the point they said if they restart tine themselves and then start ICC thinks that the two- of saliva is a must and can’t be ball on the ground and was transferred to authorities as soon as they are human aspect as he spoke about cricket it has to be played in playing, why saliva can’t be week period to prove that you done away with when com- umpires say to throw it up the discipli- approached,” he added. whether the ICC and Cricket Australia a bio-secure environment. used then. are free of Covid-19 is not petitive cricket resumes. and it’s pretty obvious what nary panel, Akmal was provisionally would be willing to take the guaran- “They were saying crick- “Now, if you are saying foolproof, then that means “As a fast bowler, I reject they are doing. It could work suspended hours before his PSL tee of the number of lives that would eters for instance would have everyone is in the bio-secure you are putting everyone in this because this (using sali- if it is well-monitored.” team Quetta Gladiators was to be involved in the whole process of take on Islamabad in the open- having a showpiece event. ing match of the PSL’s 2020 edi- “The question would then be tion. whether the CA and the ICC are will- Reacting to the ban, former ing to stick their necks out and take the Aussies won’t be greedy to take pay cut: Paine Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja responsibility for such an event where said time has come to crimi- the number of people converging PTI n MELBOURNE associated with the CA and the nalise match-fixing. would be significant. Then it comes players association, their liveli- “So Umar Akmal officially down to the governments. Would the ustralia Test captain Tim Paine hood is dependent on the game of makes it to the list of idiots! Australian government want to take Asays he and his teammates will cricket being healthy. Banned for 3 years. What a such a risk? If so, what would be the not be “greedy” if they are asked to “So at the moment if a pay cut waste of a talent! It’s high time timeline of their approval? Would the take a pay cut to sustain cricket in for us is on the cards and that keeps that Pakistan moved towards time be sufficient for the other boards? the country after the massive finan- our game thriving well into the passing a legislative law against Would the governments of other cial crisis caused by the Covid-19 future, then that’s something we’ll match fixing. Behind bars is countries permit their teams to trav- pandemic. certainly have to look at,” he added. where such jack asses belong! el?” the official questioned. With India’s tour of Australia Cricket Australia might lose a Otherwise brave for more!!” Finally the official pointed at the and the upcoming T20 World staggering A$ 300 million dollars Raja tweeted. biggest area of concer — fan safety. Cup in doubt due to the fast- if the Indian team fails to turn up “Lastly, with the condition that every- spreading coronavirus, Cricket for the bilateral series due to the one is going through at the moment, Australia has already stood down global health crisis. Pressure of replacing would the fans want to gather in a sta- 80 per cent of its staff and is in talks Australia’s borders are sealed Ashwin’s Yorkshire move off dium at this stage? Or would the tick- with the Australian Cricketers till Sept 30 but in a bid to salvage ets of only one out of 10 seats be made Association (ACA) regarding a game and the players aren’t going the India tour, the Government is Dhoni behind wickets PTI n LONDON “Firstly, I really appreciate available to keep a semblance of social potential pay cut for players. to be greedy,” Paine said on ABC considering providing internation- the players’ understanding in distancing norms in place?” the offi- “Players need to know the Radio. al exemptions to allow the Indian was immense: KL enior India off-spinner this matter. We have been in cial asked. absolute financial positions of the “Our livelihood, all the people team arrive in Australia. SRavichandran Ashwin’s deal regular contact with the play- MUMBAI: The pressure to replace iconic MS with English county side ers and their agents through- Dhoni behind the stumps was “immense” due Yorkshire Cricket Club was on out this Covid pandemic. They to high expectations from fans says K L Rahul, Monday cancelled by mutual have been extremely profes- who has been doing the wicket-keeping duty for consent amid the Covid-19 sional and appreciate the No back-up plans for 2020-21 domestic season yet: Saba Karim India in limited overs format for some time now. pandemic. uncertainty facing counties at Dhoni quit Test cricket in 2014 and has not England and Wales Cricket present,” Yorkshire’s Director of PTI n NEW DELHI hold indefinitely due to the coro- Last season, the BCCI con- played for India in the limited overs format since Board (ECB) recently sus- Cricket, Martyn Moxon said. navirus outbreak. ducted as many as 2035 games last year’s ODI World Cup in England. pended all forms of profession- “We hope that we will be he BCCI has not yet made any The IPL has been postponed across age groups in men’s and Rahul kept the wickets in the limited overs al cricket till July 1 due to the able to see them at Emerald Tconcrete back-up plan for the indefinitely and there is a possibil- women’s category. Out of those, series against Australia in January this year and pandemic. Headingley in the future,” he 2020-21 domestic season, which is ity that it might be held in 470 matches were organised in also during the team’s tour to New Zealand. Ashwin, who signed for added. due to start in August, but the man September when the domestic senior men’s category. “I was nervous when I was doing it for India the club in January, was expect- Maharaj had agreed to re- in charge, Saba Karim, says the pri- season is also underway. So far, no With nine teams added to the because of the crowd pressure. If you fumble, ed to play in the majority of the join the White Rose for their ority will be to organise as many other cricketing activity has hap- domestic circuit in 2018, the num- people feel that you cannot replace MS Dhoni. remaining County champi- opening two Specsavers games as possible amid the chal- pened in India at the time of IPL. ber of games has increased signif- The pressure of replacing a legendary wicket- onship fixtures. County Championship fix- lenge posed by the Covid-19 pan- Asked about a possible clash icantly. keeper like MSD was immense as it involved peo- It would have been the 33- tures against Gloucestershire demic. between IPL and the domestic sea- Karim acknowledged the chal- ple accepting someone else behind the stumps,” year-old’s third county stint, and Essex. The England and Wales son, the former India wicket- lenge of conducting a long season. Rahul told on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. having represented While Pooran had Cricket Board has already keeper said: “It is difficult to talk “The thought has crossed my Rahul, who has played 32 ODIs and 42 Worcestershire and agreed a second stint at announced suspension of all its about it at this stage. It all depends mind (about rejig of the season) T20Is, said keeping the wickets is not alien to him Nottinghamshire in the past. Emerald Headingley activities till July, including the on how soon we overcome this sit- and we are extremely flexible. since he dons the gloves during the Indian The club also announced after agreeing to re- domestic season, in the wake of the uation.” Otherwise also, we need to be flex- Premier League (IPL) and also when he plays the termination of con- join as Yorkshire fast-spreading virus. “At this stage, it is more impor- ible due to the fickle weather con- for his Ranji side Karnataka. tracts for its other two Vikings' Vitality “There are no concrete back up tant to be safe and secure. I am sure ditions. It looks, this year is going “People who follow cricket know that I overseas players, South Blast overseas plans as such. There is still time for gradually things will open up. So to be different. We need to be vig- haven’t been away from wicket-keeping for too African spinner player for the August. We are taking month by Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey PTI we are positive. ilant and flexible for any changes long as I donned the gloves in the IPL and every Keshav 2020 cam- month,” Karim, who is BCCI gen- and ended with the Ranji Trophy “We will try to make the best that are required. time I played for Karnataka,” the 28-year-old said. Maharaj paign. eral manger — cricket operations, final last month. out of the circumstances. Whatever “Whatever changes we bring “I am always in touch with wicket-keeping and West said. The season-ending Irani Cup, window is available, we will try to in, it will be for the benefit of our but am also somebody who is more than will- Indies The 2019-20 season began which was to start four days after incorporate as many matches as players and state associations,” he ing to take up the role if the team needs me to,” batsman Nicholas with the Duleep Trophy in August the Ranji Trophy final, was put on possible,” said Karim. added. he stressed. PNS Pooran. F1 season set for Austria start FIFA proposes five substitutions per match when football returns Azerbaijan, Canada). GENEVA: With football facing a instead of three in 90 minutes, weeks. ing panel, known as IFAB. The fate of the Belgian congested program of games and a sixth in knockout games City could have 19 more Teams would still be limited to Grand Prix at Spa- caused by the coronavirus pan- that go to extra time. games — 10 in the Premier three stoppages of play to make Francorchamps on August 30 demic, FIFA wants to let teams “One concern in this regard League, up to six in the the changes. remains uncertain, with mass use five substitutes. is that the higher-than-normal Champions League and up to IFAB approval should be a gatherings banned in the coun- FIFA detailed a temporary frequency of matches may three in the FA Cup — being formality on a panel which try until the following day. plan on Monday to help prevent increase the risk of potential scheduled in as few as 10 weeks includes officials from FIFA Organisers of the race at Le more injuries due to “potential injuries due to a resulting play- through August. and the four British national fed- Castellet were forced to act after player overload” as football er overload,” FIFA said in a state- Juventus could need 20 erations. President Emmanuel Macron’s competitions catch up with a ment. more: 12 in Serie A, up to six in FIFA suggested retaining announcement last week that the backlog. Clubs such as Manchester the Champions League, and the five-substitute rule next sea- lockdown in France will be The proposal gives compe- City face an intense program in two Coppa Italia games. son, which looks likely to start extended until May 11 and pub- tition organizers the option of three competitions if games can The proposal must be later and be condensed into less lic gatherings banned until mid- letting teams use five substitutes safely restart in the coming signed off by football’s rule-mak- time. AP July. Ruling out holding the race Formula One chairman Chase Carey speaks during a news conference AP behind closed doors, Boullier said: “Le Castellet are already Our ultimate goal is to PARIS: Formula One boss Chase before the traditional finale in turning towards the summer of Nadal doesn’t see tennis back soon Carey on Monday targeted the Abu Dhabi, having completed 2021”. AP n MADRID “As far as competing, maybe our have kabaddi in Oly: Rijiju coronavirus-hit season starting between 15-18 races.” In the next of a series of sport is the most complicated one, hav- IANS n NEW DELHI in Austria on July 5 after the Carey’s statement followed announcements, Silverstone’s afael Nadal says it will be “very dif- ing to move a lot of people week after French Grand Prix was can- quickfire announcements from owners declared that no specta- Rficult” for tennis to return to action week,” he said. nion Sports Minister Kiren celled and fans barred from the the French organisers and the tors would be able to attend the any time soon and is concerned about the Nadal, who has had to deal with a URijiju on Monday said that British race at Silverstone. owners of the Silverstone track British Grand Prix but that they risk of injuries when the sport resumes. series of injuries throughout his career, kabaddi has huge potential not just The French Grand Prix, where the British Grand Prix is hope it will go ahead as sched- Nadal spoke in a joint interview with is also worried that the risk of new in India and Asia, but globally and which was to have been held on due to take place on July 19. uled. NBA player Pau Gasol that was published injuries will increase when players the ultimate aim of the country is to June 28, was the 10th race of the “Given the evolution of the “I am extremely disappoint- by Spanish newspapers on Monday. return to action. have the sport included in the season to be scrapped or post- situation linked to the spread of ed to tell you that we are unable “I don’t think training would be a “When I hit a ball again, my arm is Olympics. poned. the Covid-19 virus, the French to stage this year’s British Grand problem, but competing... I see it very dif- going to hurt in several places ... My “Kabaddi has already been “We’re targeting a start to Grand Prix takes note of the Prix in front of the fans at ficult,” Nadal said. wrist, my elbow,” the 19-time Grand included in the Asian Games and racing in Europe through July, decisions announced by the Silverstone,” the circuit’s manag- “It’s a moment to be responsible and Slam champion said. now, not just India, but all Asian August and beginning of French state, making it impos- ing director Stuart Pringle stat- coherent, so I don’t see how we can trav- “When you are out of action, the countries must come together to September, with the first race sible to maintain our event,” the ed on Silverstone’s Twitter el every week to a different country. risk of an injury is a lot greater than ensure that the sport in included in taking place in Austria on 3-5 race’s managing director Eric account. “I would be OK playing without fans, when you are exercising, even if just a the Olympics as well. That is our ulti- July weekend,” Carey said in a Boullier said. “We have left this difficult even though that’s not what we want, but bit. mate goal,” Rijiju said. statement. France joins nine other decision for as long as possible, unfortunately, from what I’m seeing, even “If I could have a tennis-related He added, “And to achieve that “September, October and races in the slashed 2020 cham- but it is abundantly clear given though things are improving, for our training for half an hour every day, If I goal we must improve the standard November, would see us race in pionship to be either cancelled the current conditions... that a sport I don’t see it prudent to be compet- nis compared to team sports, there are could at least exercise the specific mus- of the game in India and also ensure Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, (Australia, Monaco) or post- grand prix under normal con- ing again any time soon.” many people involved in the organiza- cles that are needed in tennis, I think that we propagate it across geograph- finishing the season in the Gulf poned (Bahrain, China, ditions is just not going to be Nadal pointed out that even though tion of tennis tournaments, from hotels that would help get the rust off my body ical locations in India and the rest of in December with Bahrain Vietnam, Netherlands, Spain, possible.” AFP there is a smaller risk of contagion in ten- to other sectors of society. when we get back to action.” the world.” 12

Vijayawada Tuesday April 28 2020 tollywood SHARWANAND has a choice to make MAA women force help employees without cards ovie Artistes daily wage employees who even distributed money to Association have cards belonging to dif- such employees in members Hema, ferent unions of 24 crafts of Hyderabad on Monday. M Surekha Vani, filmmaking have already “There are numerous assis- Rajitha, got the help from Corona tants who work without Jayalakshmi, Crisis Charity and continu- cards. We’ve decided to help Himaja and Sana among ing to do so, employees them taking into considera- others have come forward without cards run into tion the present situation. to help the employees of the thousands. In this regard, They are the ones who take industry who don’t possess MAA women artistes con- care of us on sets,” said a valid union card. While tributed food essentials and Hema. Meghamsh nods to a Telugu-Tamil bilingual fter making an there. Meghamsh’s part car- impressive debut ries a lot of pain and angst. with Rajdooth He is hoping the film will last year, be his first money-spin- The actor is also in discussions with A Meghamsh ner.” Srihari is The source adds that Sriram Adittya for a new project, geared up for his sec- the makers have initi- ond film. The actor ated talks with mae- which is an emotional romantic- has given his consent stro Ilaiyaraaja to to first-timer Muni, deliver the film’s comedy, finds NAGARAJ GOUD who in the past musical accompani- assisted director ment. “If the talks Maruthi and the film with him fail, the y now, it’s Chips in a source, after he goes through will be made in director is planning to clear that “Adittya is working on the final drafts of all Telugu and Tamil sign on another famous Sharwanand an emotional roman- the three filmmakers. simultaneously. A new composer. The producer B has agreed tic-comedy for If there’s a chance for producer will be pooling has given a complete free- to do films Sharwa. It was his role him to juggle between in resources for the project. hand to the director with for Ajay in the film — some- two projects, he will A source close to the regards to casting and tech- Bhupathi and Kishore thing he hitherto do it.” development informs us, nicians. A bevy of noted Tirumala for the rest played — that got Right now though, “The film is a romantic ond half faces will be a part of the of the year. While film hooked him to the Sharwa needs to com- thriller set in a realistic has been planned to be shot supporting cast, while a with Kishore Tirumala story. A major part of plete both his pending space. Meghamsh will be across Abu Dhabi but the Mumbai girl has been roped has been announced the film is also set projects—Sreekaram seen as an Anantapur lad makers are contemplating to in to romance Meghamsh,” on the actor’s birthday abroad and there’s no and an untitled film and the first half of the film change the setting in the the source concludes. last month, Bhupathi’s way this angle of the with Shree Karthik — unfolds over there. The sec- wake of Covid-19 cases over — NG film is yet to get an story can be compro- before he moves on to official word. And mised in the wake of his new assignments. now, we’ve learnt that coronavirus outbreak. Directed by debutant the actor is also in dis- So, it remains to be Kishore, Sreekaram cussions with Sriram seen whether the actor needs to be shot for Thalaivi Adittya for a new pro- will give precedence to another 20 days in Covid-19 hits badly ject. Sources say it’s Adittya’s script up Hyderabad and the same project that next. Also, Kishore Tirupati, while Shree ne of the anticipated films of the year, the director spoke to Tirumala hasn’t fully Karthik’s film is only Thalaivi, starring Kangana Ranaut in the Sharwa about, last narrated the script of half-way through. titular role, is believed to have incurred a year. It couldn’t flag- his next with the actor. O loss of Rs 5 crore due to Covid-19 out- off immediately He has just shared the break. The makers have built a couple of because the actor was plotline of the family THE ACTOR WILL TAKE A CALL ON HIS lavish sets — Parliament House and tied up with a couple drama. Ajay Bhupathi, Mount Road — at Hyderabad and Chennai of other films. Later, however, is more or NEXT AFTER HE GOES THROUGH THE respectively for some portions of the film, a the director took on less ready with the FINAL DRAFTS OF ALL THE THREE biopic on Tamil Nadu former chief minister the job of introducing bound script of J Jayalalithaa over a 45-day schedule. Close Ashok Galla, while Mahasamudram. He is FILMMAKERS. IF THERE’S A CHANCE to 90 per cent of the filming would’ve been simultaneously getting tweaking it to suit FOR HIM TO JUGGLE BETWEEN TWO wrapped up with this outing. However, a pledge from Sharwa Sharwa’s body lan- with lockdown restrictions in place since that he will work with guage. The actor will PROJECTS, HE WILL DO IT the mid of last month, the sets have lying the director. take a call on his next vacant so far, leading to losses. The makers fear that if the sets go unexploited till mid- June, they are at the risk of facing damage due to the onset of monsoon. The release date of the film though — June 26 — has been pushed. The makers will decide upon the date after the Bahu Humari Rajni shooting resumes. Beginning with her journey as an actress, Thalaivi, being made in Tamil, Telugu and Kant actress Hindi simultaneously, will end with Jayalalithaa becoming CM for the first time. The Archana Singh set ups and downs she weathered until that period will be a part of for Telugu film debut the film, directed by AL Vjay. It is a joint ctress Archana Singh Rajput, who was seen in production ven- the TV show Bahu Humari Rajni Kant, will ture between be seen making her Telugu debut with the Vishnu A film Mahaprasthanam, starring Tanish. Vardhan “The film is gangster drama based Induri and in an action backdrop. I’m playing Shaailesh the lead and have done two item numbers R in this film. The first song is Kummu Singh. kummu nene neeku zyummu and the next song is Billi choosa. My experi- ence was really amazing working with all of them,” said Archana. The actress said it was great sharing screen space with Tanish, Kabir Duhan Singh and Muskan in the film directed by Jhony, who had earlier called the shots on the horror thriller Anthaku Minchi. “Altogether it was great tuning and chemistry. Johnny sir is very creative and supportive. It is my first Telugu film and I really enjoyed working!” he said. She said she had never done an item number before. “It was an amazing experience. I never did item songs and worked for the Telugu industry before and it’s for the first time. It was a challenging role because language is very different. As I’m hard-work- ing I have done lots of rehearsals before shooting. Kapil sir was my choreographer who supported me a lot,” she said.