Year : 05 Issue : 04 New Delhi Thursday, March 19, 2020 Rs. 1/- Pages - 8

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FIRST COLUMN Coronavirus: 255 Indians Amid coronavirus lockdown, Coronavirus: Govt confirms 276 Indians infected in Iran, 276 across the Indian students in Philippines infected abroad, cases near 150 in country world, Govt tells Lok Sabha stranded in transit New Delhi, Agency. New Delhi, Agency. A total of 276 Indians have been infected The government further informed that 12 people with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) abroad, including 255 in Iran, the and one each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) haveAfrican been country infected Rwanda. with the A day virus after in UAE, the fiveMinistry in Italy, of informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. External Affairs stated that media reports claiming a large number of Indians in Iran had tested positive for day after reports emerged that a large Thenumber government’s of Indian pilgrims clarification in Iran came had a told Lok Sabha Wednesday that 255 Indians had been tested positive for the infection. Out of coronavirus could not be confirmed, the government New Delhi, Agency. By means of lockdowns and shutdowns, countries all and one each from Hong Kong, Kuwait, Sri over are exercising measures to curb the 276,Lanka 12 and are Rwanda.also from Within UAE, five the from country, Italy spread of COVID-19. These restrictions may help limit the pandemic but in the climbed to 147, including 14 who have process, it has taken a huge toll on those therecovered total number and three of confirmeddeaths, the cases Ministry has living abroad, especially students. The of Health and Family Welfare said in its Philippines is a favoured destination latest bulletin. Maharashtra has reported for many Indian medical aspirants, with the maximum number of cases, followed hundreds of students pursuing MBBS by Kerala, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. in universities there. As the coronavirus cases rose in the island nation (187 cases case, BJP MP Suresh Prabhu isolated home quarantine, as mentioned in the that mass gatherings in Gurgaon district and 14 deaths till the time of writing), Whilehimself the at Indianhis residence Army reportedfor the next its first 14 stamp on their hands. After being de- would be limited to 50 people. This will President Rodrigo Duterte declared a days following his return from Saudi boarded, they were taken to a government extend to all gatherings, whether they be state of calamity, placing Luzon (country’s hospital in Palghar. Karnataka will be social, religious, academic, or personal most populous island and home to under lockdown till March 31. All public weddings or functions.” Gatherings of places including malls, cinema theatre, more than 200 people had been prohibited capital Manila) under effective lockdown. Arabia.Inthe license a significant for conducting development, coronavirus Swiss infected with COVID-19 in the Islamic Republic.The schools and colleges, and other places will across Haryana following orders from Moreover, the Filipino government has firmtests Rocheafter approvalDiagnostics from India drug has regulator received government further informed that 12 people have been announced an overseas travel ban after remain shut. Karnataka Chief Minister BS the government to this effect on Sunday. Yediyurappa has formed four task-force Gyms, swimming pools, schools, colleges, March 19. This has put Indian students get such permission after the government Hong Kong, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Rwanda. Till Monday, there in a quandary. “On March 16, we DCGI,decided making to allow it theaccredited first private private firm labs to teams to contain the spread of COVID-19 clubs, night clubs, theatres, and cinema and released Rs 200 crore for preventing halls had also been directed to remain infected with the virus in UAE, five in Italy and one each in were informed that we have 72 hours to to test for COVID-19, news agency PTI including 205 pilgrims. On Tuesday, Ministry of External the epidemic. According to Karnataka closed until March 31. The Gurgaon leave the Philippines, post that we will be 389Affairs Indians Additional had returnedSecretary from Dammu Iran Ravi by special said it flights, could at our own risk,” said Leelasai Kotireddy, Controller General of India (DCGI) is now health minister, the state has reported two District Magistrate, meanwhile, directed more new cases, taking the total number operations of all shopping malls (except reported.assessing Asgiving per licensea senior to official, another the private Drug that a country which has such a large spread of the virus of positive cases in the state to 13. With Pharmacies & Medical Establishments, University of Perpetual Help, Las Piñas, onlycould confirm have some “some positive positive cases cases”. among “It indianis quite nationals. possible aover first-year the phone. AB Psychology Things happened student in also sought approval to conduct tests for the number of coronavirus cases rising in Grocery stores and Super Markets) in India, mass gatherings in Gurgaon have the district be “suspended” as well, “with suddenly. Markets were closing. Even diagnosticcoronavirus. firm, Four BioMerieux, Germany-returned which has circulated on social media is correct,” he said. Last week, been ordered to be limited to a maximum immediate effect”, until March 31. The our canteen was shut down. We were passengers were deboarded from coach Ravi had said that the government would bring back only of 50 people. A decision to this effect has Indian Army on Wednesday reported its But I cannot confirm to you if the list which is being unsure if we will get any food. So we number G4 & G5 of Garib Rath at Palghar those Indians from other countries who test negative been made during a meeting between the station, around 100 kms from Mumbai, for coronavirus. “If Indians test positive elsewhere, we district administration and Additional a 34-year-old soldier in Leh was tested the next day,” he added. But on March when travel ticket examiners and co- would expect the country they are in to take care of them Chief Secretary, Health and Family positive. The jawan was on leave and he right17, India away suddenly booked bannedour flight the to entry India offor passengers raised an alarm seeing a stamp first case of the COVID-19 disease after like we are doing with the foreign nationals (here),” he Welfare, Rajiv Arora, Wednesday morning. came in contact with his father, who had passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines on their hands. They were headed to Surat. said on March 12. Several of the pilgrims who are stuck Speaking to the media after the meeting, returned from a pilgrimage to Iran on and Malaysia. “We cleared the immigration The four passengers were screened at in Iran told The Indian Express over the phone that over Arora said, “Following suggestions from a February 27. His father, however, was only but the airline unexpectedly apprised us the Mumbai international airport, where 800 Indians were currently stranded in the city of Qom. lot of people and recommendations of the quarantined on February 29 at the Ladakh of the Indian government’s direction. One they were found negative for coronavirus. A 44-year-old pilgrim from Leh said he and 18 others in Deputy Commissioner, it has been decided Heart Foundation. student was even deboarded from the However, they were advised 14 days of a 53-member group had tested positive but no effort had been made to segregate them. students have to transit in Kuala Lumpur. flight,”“As the Leelasaitravelling said. was To only come banned to India, to the opensearch Kuala Lumpur at least. But they refused,” Delhi HC reserves order on plea by India,he added. we asked Malaysia the hasairline also to escalated fly us to its Inform by next week if you’re releasing travel restrictions. Over 200 students, who managed to leave Manila before December 16 gangrape convict India’s travel ban, are as of now stranded New Delhi, Agency. Omar Abdullah: SC to Centre, J&K admin at Kuala Lumpur airport. New Delhi, Agency. The convict’s lawyer M L Sharma had argued for a stay in the execution The apex court told the counsel appearing for the Coronavirus: Odisha to of the death warrant by submitting Centre that Abdullah’s sister Sara Abdullah Pilot’s that Mukesh was lifted from Karoli, plea against his detention will be heard on merit distribute three months of Rajasthan, in 2012 and it was if he is not released soon. The Supreme Court impossible to commit the crime in Wednesday asked the Centre and Jammu and ration to beneficiaries Kashmir administration to inform by next week if High Court on Wednesday reserved it is releasing former chief minister Omar Abdullah, Delhiits order and on flee a plea to by Karoli. one of The the Delhi four who has been under detention since the abrogation death-row convicts in the December of Article 370 in August last year. Abdullah’s sister 16 gangrape-murder case, Mukesh Sara Abdullah Pilot’s plea against his detention will Singh, seeking quashing of death be heard on merit if he is not released soon, a bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah told the counsel penalty claiming that he wasn’t in administration’s contention that public order in the Delhi at the time of the incident. withheld the documents, Mukesh appearing for the Centre. “If you are releasing him, then release him soon or we will hear the matter on region should be examined “contextually” keeping Mukesh moved the High Court on would have been held innocent. The in mind its geographical proximity to the “Islamic Wednesday challenging a trial court four convicts Mukesh Singh, Akshay merits,” the bench said, news agency PTI reported. The court’s observations came after the counsel order. A Delhi court had on Tuesday Singh Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and had said: “It is appalling to observe the statement of Vinay Sharma are scheduled to be for the Centre and the J-K administration said that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing Republicthe Respondent of Pakistan”. no 2 (Srinagar In a rejoinder District affidavit, Magistrate) Sara M L Sharma, seeking a stay in the hanged at 5:30 am on March 20. The that the geographical proximity of the UT of J&K New Delhi, Agency. In the wake junkedexecution a petition of the filed death by hiswarrant. lawyer execution of their death warrants has in the matter, is arguing in another court. Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said with the Republic of Pakistan is deemed to be an of coronavirus outbreak, Odisha Sharma claimed that as Mukesh been deferred thrice so far due to overarching feature that can contextually modify government has decided to distribute was arrested in Rajasthan’s Karoli, delays caused by the convicts trying the concept of ‘public order’. Needless to add that foodgrains under the Public Distribution it was impossible for him to commit to exhaust all legal remedies available matter. To this, the bench said only six benches are thefunctioning court should due to fix the a ongoing short date arrangement for hearing in the Pakistan is in close geographical proximity to three to them. On December 16, 2012, the other states of India (Gujarat, Punjab & Rajasthan) any scare of a shortage of essential Sharma argued that a prosecution woman was gang-raped by six men apex court and it does not know when the next turn will come. “Probably next week we are sitting and the as well and by the extended logic of the Respondent Systemitems or (PDS) rush atto fairbeneficiaries price shops. to avoidThe thewitness crime statement in Delhi and supported flee to Karoli. this on a moving bus, tortured with an no 2, ‘public order’ in such states would also be Department of Food Supplies and and if the prosecution would not have iron rod and thrown off the vehicle. matter will be taken up at that time,” the bench said. Consumer Welfare announced it will On Monday, Sara Abdullah had questioned the J&K distribute rice, wheat, and S.K. Oil to contextually modified. National Food Security Act and 4.50 Madhya Pradesh crisis 3.26 crore beneficiaries under the Security Act through PDS for April, lakhMay, beneficiariesand June from under April the 1 to State May Food 15. Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain stated BJP moves SC for immediate floor test, parades 106 MLAs before Governor given an window period of 45 days to New Delhi, Agency. Madhya Pradesh Crisis for the last many years and that they did not oncollect Twitter: their “Beneficiaries three months haveration/S.K.Oil been Live News Updates: The Assembly was discuss politics. Madhya Pradesh has been entitlements in a staggered manner, so as adjourned after till March 26 without the in a political turmoil since last Tuesday after to avoid the rush at the fair shops in the trust vote proceedings. In a brief address to 22 MLAs of the ruling Congress resigned. wake of ongoing #CoronaVirus threat. the Assembly, Governor Lalji Tandon advised They are believed to be the loyalists of rebel #OdishaFightsCorona #COVID19”. Since everyone in the House to uphold law so that Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has Coronavirus is contagious in nature and the “dignity of Madhya Pradesh remains since joined the BJP. The governor had on food grains shall be distributed to PDS protected.” Soon after the Speaker NP Prajapati Saturday night directed Chief Minister Kamal adjourned the Assembly till March 26 without without using any type of biometric Budget session beginning on Monday in view beneficiaries through ePoS devices but, Supreme Court over the trust vote. The plea Nathof the to holdresignations a floor test Madhya on the Pradeshfirst day ofChief the scanner or IRIS scanner attached to the holding the floor test, the BJP moved the Minister Kamal Nath on Monday wrote to state scanninge-PoS. As throughper the government, either fingerprint electronic Chouhan and nine other MLAs demanding Governor Lalji Tandon stating that holding of Point of Sale (ePoS) devices are installed filed by former chief minister Shivraj Singh at Fair Price Shops are authentication of tomorrow. The BJP also submitted a letter “undemocratic and unconstitutional” in view floorand paraded test within 106 12MLAs hours before will Governor be taken Lalji up aof floor some test MLAs in the of Assembly the Congress would being have beenheld of subsidised foodgrain distribution to Tandon. Stating that while Congress has only in “captivity” by the BJP with the help of the beneficiaries and electronic recording 92 members, Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Karnataka Police. The Legislative Assembly practice of manual record-keeping of the the chief minister of running away from the Pradesh remains protected.” He was received of the purview of his constitutional rights and beneficiaries.transactions, theCompared ePoS based with transactions the prior of the Budget session on Monday amid the have the advantage that the FPS dealers Speaker adjourned the House today. When by CM Kamal Nath outside the House who was that it “does not lie within the domain of the concernwas adjourned raised by till the March state 26 government on the first over day are not required to manually make battlefield.the BJP raised Citing Governor coronavirus Lalji Tandon’s outbreak, letter seen carrying a mask. While the Speaker and Governor to interfere with the functions of separate/repetitive entries of foodgrain to Chief Minister Kamal Nath, the Speaker Congress legislators were seen sporting masks, the Speaker”. Amid ongoing political tussle test as demanded by the BJP. “I would like you distribution in registers and ration cards said the correspondence was between the BJP MLAs were not wearing them. Hours before in Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader coronavirusto recall that infection, when I withoutmet you holding on March a floor 13, governor and the CM. Earlier this morning, the session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Digvijay Singh on Monday met state Governor 2020, I had brought to your notice that the BJP ePoS devices at FPSs is ensured by state in a brief address to the Assembly, Governor began on Monday, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Lalji Tandon, and termed it as a “courtesy” has kept many Congress MLAs as captive under wrote a letter to Governor Lalji Tandon saying visit. Talking to reporters after meeting the ofgovernments. the beneficiaries. Connectivity to Tandon advised everyone in the House to the control of Karnataka Police and they were uphold the law so that the “dignity of Madhya governor, Singh said he had known Tandon forced to give different types of statements.

that his directive to hold a floor test was out 2 | English Daily Open Search | STATE | New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 Amazing child born in Dhriti More than 1.25 lakh railway tickets were Jeevan Hospital Banwaripur Begusarai Dhriti Jeevan Hospital canceled in four days due to fear of Corona. located in Bhagwanpur Block area under the n district, Hanuman Chowk  Passengers canceled Banwaripur is proving to tickets worth more than be a god for the patients, with the opening of Dhriti Rs 1.25 lakh from the Jeevan Hospital in the said reservation counter rural area, the local people are seeing happiness, now n the people of this area Does Booking and shopping also not have the chance to go lip and two teeth which is reduced by 15 to 20 percent: to any other place in any amazing, as soon as it is kind of serious disease, station superintendent so that people can get to see that newborn in the treatment for any kind of known,morning. people Singing get inflamed In this Bhagalpur, Sanjeev Mishra emergency diseases Or all regard, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, These days the fear of Corona is so much kinds of operation facilities director of the hospital, said that it has its own discussion everywhere. In are provided immediately, that the child had two cleft Navagachia of the district, the corona virus which saves the lives of lips, fractured palate and a has also started to affect the rail journey. In patients at a low cost. The strange type of face, which the last four days, passengers worth more latest example of which is still healthy and told that than Rs 1.25 lakh from the reservation Pramod Paswan, resident the child was corrected counter of Navagachiya station have been of Kiratpur village of after two years by doing canceled. Tickets of 20 to 25 thousand Bhagwanpur block, arrived plastic surgery. can be rupees are being canceled daily at the at 12:00 pm at night at done. Which is available station. Fear of Corona also has fewer people 12:00 pm to deliver his in our hospital. In this way, On Monday, Chief Health Inspector Satish Lazy solution is being mopped at crowded Kharak, Kataria, Bihpur, Narayanpur, Kursela wife, Driti Jeevan Hospital, the talk of the birth of that ago. Station Superintendent said that in the Kumar Chandra and Station Superintendent places of the station i.e. ticket counters, seats, stations of Barauni-Katihar railway line will Banwaripur, who gave strange child spread like traveling in passenger trains than five days NK Tiwari conducted awareness and shops and other places. It is being sanitized run daily. However, the effect of the corona is birth to a healthy baby, but to 20 percent in ticket booking and shopping. cleanliness campaign at Navagachia station. after this. It was told that Navagachia, also visible on the railways. the child born weighing 4 everyone is praising the last five days, there has been a decrease of 15 kg and cut There is a torn firesaid indoctor the wholeendurance. area and The plunder of CSP Director did not stop, then DM recommends action against six former BDOs robbed of 70 thousand from CSP Director. Madhubani Rajkumar Roy Bhagalpur, Sanjeev Mishra. n Departmental proceedings will be criminals have strong fresh days The fear  Robbery attempt at UCO conducted against the six former BDOs posted of law is gone from the minds of criminals Bank’s Jagdishpur branch 13 in various blocks of the district. District these days. Incident near the Jagdishpur petrol pump on Dumka road, three bike riders on days ago constituted charges against six former BDOs Monday morning robbed 70 thousand rupees Officerin Form-A Dr. and Nilesh has sent Ramchandra them to the DevreAdditional has from the CSP operator on the strength of arms. n In the past also, miscreants Chief Secretary of the General Administration The victim CSP operator informed the police Department for conducting the departmental about the incident. The DSP investigated looted 3.55 lakh on the proceedings with recommendation. The the case by looking at the CCTV footage. On strength of arms near Angari DM has been recommended by the General receiving the information, SHO Sanjay Kumar Administration Department to conduct Satyarthi reached the spot and investigated the Mor. departmental proceedings against the former matter. At the same time, DSP Nesar Ahmad BDOs concerned for not timely completing supervise the plans. Did not discharge the Shah also visited the spot and questioned n In Rajaun, money was the schemes recommended by the then prescribed obligations. the victim and examined the footage of CCTV snatched from the CSP MP Devendra Prasad Yadav. Among the Allegations against Phulparas former cameras installed at rice mill and petrol pump. former BDOs who have been recommended It saw two riders on a bike in suspicious operator and murdered to conduct departmental proceedings, Anil BDO Videshwari Prasad… - condition. Victim director Vishnu Das said Kumar Sinha and Dinesh Ram, the then BDOs The then BDO of Phulparas Videshwari that he runs SBI’s Customer Service Center of Baburayi, the then BDO Videshwari Prasad Prasad is accused of building community (CSP). Withdrawal of money from the rupees from the victim Vishnu Das on the of Phulparas, the then BDO Anand Ghosh of strength of the weapon near Angari Mor. The building at Sugabadi Bhagwati Chowk bank’s Baluchhak branch was going to CSP Ghogradiha, the then BDO Ravish Kishore of recommended by the then MP DP Yadav, Ghat at Jagdishpur. Meanwhile, about one km police has not yet been able to disclose the Andharatadhi and Lucknow Arvid Kumar watching CCTV footage of the surrounding matter. On the other hand, an attempt was construction at Pokhara in Sisababarahi, Shiv from Jagdishpur police station, three armed Mishra, the then BDO. Mandir at Kadampura Tola, Ghat construction miscreants came on a bike from behind and made 13 days ago at the Jagdishpur branch of the statement of the operator, an FIR is being at Pokhara, Ghat construction at Sisbabazar pushed them to the roadside while overtaking. UCO Bank. But the police has not been able to Allegations against BDO Anil Kumar investigated against unknown miscreants. West Pokhara, Sisbabarhi Construction of After showing the fear of the weapon, he broke area. The police station officer said that on arrest anyone in this case yet. It can be said Sinha and Dinesh Ram before October Please tell that on July 26, 2019, the bike riding ghats in Pokhara located in village hamlet, the dicky and ran away towards Bhagalpur that these days the spirits of the criminals are The then BDO of Baburayi is alleged to miscreants looted three lakh 55 thousand very high, the fear of the police is ending. have not timely completed the community with the money. The DSP said that police are opensearch Amauja Goth The construction work had building work including the graveyard siege at Hanumannagar Brahmotra and the toilets freedomnot Ssmay fighter full. Did Ramakant not regularly community supervise in at Pipraghat recommended by the then MP the plans. Did not discharge the prescribed Devendra Prasad Yadav. Did not regularly obligations. The then BDO of Ghogardiha, Will the district administration be able to supervise the plans. Did not discharge the Anand Prakash, has been accused of not ‘Chinese firms interested in making prescribed obligations. At the same time, the completing the public building construction uncover the assets acquired by crime ...? in Mahdeva village and the cemetery siege Samastipur Correspondent. then BDO of the same block, Dinesh Ram, is accused of not completing the community work in Pirojgarh as recommended by the investment worth crores’ Government and Samastipur district administration building work in Balancer, Kabiyahi West Tola then MP DP Yadav. Did not regularly supervise the plans. Did not discharge the prescribed Chandigarh Correspondent. are thinking to take action towards exposing the and Bhatchaura as recommended by the then property acquired by the criminals of dacoity, MP Devendra Prasad Yadav. Did not regularly obligations. The Haryana government has claimed leading robbery and abduction gangs or will it end the taxing companies of South Korea and China have case under pressure from the ruling party? This evinced keen interest in making investment discussion remains in the city. Last year 2 years District is shaking in the battle of supremacy ago, the property of diamonds, gold and silver worth vehicles and information technology sector, millions of rupees was stolen from Modi’s house in Khagaria Correspondent. worthwhich will crores generate of rupees employment in the field opportunities of electric Ambedkaranagar in Samastipur city that a case was in the state. The interest was shown by the registered in Adarsh Nagar police station. The police Even after committing half a dozen murders within a month due to a minor incident investors during a meeting held under the captain was transferred by the government only in the eastern Thak village of Khagaria, his killers are still roaming freely and the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar after the then police captain’s research began. It was police is watching the scene unaided. The Farkia area of Khagadia district, which Lal Khattar to discuss various investment also discussed that the Modi, who had stolen crores was famous for forcible capture by force of gun, has once again burnt down. The opportunities in Haryana, at Gurugram late of diamonds, gold and silver, did not have a good guns of the criminals are roaring there and the police is looking helpless. According Monday evening. Edison Motors India, a leading house. But under the pressure of which politician, to the information, in order to establish political supremacy in this incident, the South Korean company and manufacturer of neither the Income Tax Department nor the Cell Tax family of two former chiefs Brajnandan Yadav and Amod Yadav and their supporters electric buses and trucks offered to establish Department took any action, a similar case was taken its manufacturing plant over 30 acre with an yesterday. Arrested criminals including weapons, opponents of each other, were not only neighbors but also relatives. But both investment of over Rs 500 crore. This will destination for the industries to set up their units mobiles, and vehicles and told that these crime havefamilies been are sacrificed. on the verge Brajandan of being Yadav burnt and to Amodashes Yadav,by a small who werespark. already It started political with also generate employment opportunities for in the state. In terms of ease of doing business workers have movable and immovable property about 500 to 800 youths. Similarly, the Chinese rankings, Haryana is currently at number three besides houses in many districts Passenger Yadav beat him up. Taking advantage of this incident, Brajanandan Yadav sent Vinod information is received. He said that in the Kashipur anYadav incident to jail of by a fightputting with pressure a textile on businessman the police. when Just whatAmod was Yadav’s it? On brother February Vinod 8, the headquarters building in Gurugram area of Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Patna, Samastipur city, Vinod Yadav shot and killed Brajanandan Yadav and his supporter Satto Yadav after with a potential of generating employment firm has shown keen interest in establishing ininvestors the country were andhighly first impressed in northern with states,” the CM’s say there are many houses of arrested criminal Manoj he was released from jail. Soon after this incident, Amod Yadav was killed by the son opportunities for 600 to 700 youth. As a result of governmentcommitment officials.to garner “The foreign Chinese investment and Korean by Sah. There is a buzz in the city that any concrete various facilities and clearances being provided offering favourable atmosphere to the investors action now seems impossible due to a close relative to arrest Vinod Yadav on the day of the incident and escaped waving guns. However, to the entrepreneurs under one roof in a time during this current world scenario.” of a politician in the ruling party. Recently 32,00,000 of Brajnandan Yadav in retaliation. Vinod Yadav also fired on the police who arrived bound manner, Haryana has become a favourable rupees were looted by criminals. More than two and a half dozen arrests were made for Khanapurti, including many afterwomen. this But incident, the guns the of police absconding filed an chief FIR accused and accused Vinod more Yadav than thundered. 4 dozen people. To restore Punjab’s glory, Capt seeks another term for Cong fierce firing between current and former chief Bengaluru Correspondent. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on supporters at Ekachari under the district. Tuesday sought another term to restore Bhagalpur, Correspondent. the former chief’s house the state’s glory, insisting that his n  The police of five and brought him safely A big news is coming out from to the police station. the problems faced by Punjab. The CM Raslpur subsidiary police station police stations Pappu Mandal and son government needed more time to fix area of Ekachari under the including the Zone Pramod Mandal, who years would have been enough to revive district. The dispute between Inspector reached oversee the functioning the state’s fortunes, but the situation was the current and former chief said that earlier he had thought that five the spot of the current chief, have “so bad” that the government needed supporters of Ekachari Panchayat jointly applied to the over the route on Tuesday. After more time. “If the Congress returns to n Around 15 rounds police. In it, it is alleged power, the next seven years will witness that Shivdani Patel was Punjab being restored to its previous were no injuries or casualties of firing between demanding extortion glory as India’s number one state,” Singh this,in this both incident. sides opened But infire. view There of current and former of two lakh rupees in said at a conclave held to mark three years of the Congress rule in the state. On his party the tension in the village, police chief supporters return for the work of MLA Navjot Sidhu, who had quit the state Cabinet last year after he was divested of his the Seven Determination SDPO Reshu Krishna, Circle Scheme and started minister had committed to sticking to the Congress and it was up to the high command ofReserve five policeInspector stations reached including the cutting and construction of sewer keyto decide portfolios how in best a reshuffle, his services the CM could said theybe utilised. have not Amarinder met for a long also time declared but the that former his spot and controlled the situation. from the JCB machine along his people. In this order, According to the villagers, about government will not allow ‘kurki’ of the land of the beleaguered farmers, who had been the narrow road. Meanwhile, between the two sides increased firing on the spot with trapped by the banks in vicious cycle of loans and mortgage. He dismissed the Centre’s former chief Shivdani Patel got took away 50 thousand rupees. done between the current and promise of doubling farmers’ income as mere hogwash in the absence of any concrete out of his Scorpio to go home, his while fighting with Pappu, he former head supporters. A steps. “Does the Union Finance Minister even know what agriculture is all about?,” he 15 rounds of firing have been vehicle got stuck. He asked the andfrom theboth fighting sides. When started. Shivdani After around 10–12 rounds. Vinay drain was being constructed in quipped, demanding that she should explain what the Centre planned . to do to boost chief’s caretaker Pappu Mandal that,ran towards several the rounds house wereto save fired his HePatel, has Lalan been accusedPaswan, ofBrajesh firing Rasalpur village by the son of the to remove the road jammed so life, the supporters of the chief Patel, Pawan Kumar and Tunka rot in the godowns. Taking another dig at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, chief Indira Devi. The movement that his vehicle could get out. surrounded his house. On the Mandal have been nominated, farmAmarinder, income, in afterresponse first toensuring a question. that every grain of Punjab is lifted and not allowed to of vehicles was blocked due to Due to the delay, the dispute information, the police reached including Shivdani Patel. New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 | DELHI/NCR | | English Daily Open Search | 3 Can lethal injections replace hanging: Gautam Gambhir Long night at Delhi’s IGI airport, confusion lasts till Tuesday New Delhi Correspondent. New Delhi, Correspondent. machine between the immigration and Amid delays in the hanging of the four death row convicts the space where you deboard. We were in the December 16 2012 gangrape-murder case, East Delhi Scenes of confusion that unfolded at BJP MP Gautam Gambhir asked the government if it has any the Indira Gandhi International Airport Monday. After that, I got a meal at 10.30 (IGIA) Monday, as authorities scrambled plans to introduce lethal injections as means of executing givenpm at breakfast the Narela in thefacility.” Air India On theflight Narela early the death penalty. The to quarantine more than 400 passengers government Tuesday told from Paris and Frankfurt, continued until around 3 am Tuesday. Passengers had to the Lok Sabha that it had facility,shared withshe said another they passenger. were DDA “We flats were and wait for over eight hours as they were no such plans. Gambhir shetaken was to a put clinic in Monday a one-BHK night; flat they that asked she had asked “whether the being taken in groups to four facilities set us our travel history and if we have any government is considering symptoms. No temperature was taken. On the use of lethal injections in Narela, Saket, Dwarka and Gurgaon. Tuesday, we returned to the clinic, where for convicts facing death upThis by was the Delhiin line government, with the Union officials Health said, my temperature was taken; I was told it penalty as death by ministry’s directive that those arriving was normal.” “I was made to sign a form hanging is perceived to from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, that said I will home quarantine myself. be barbaric”. In his reply, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany I left for the airport again. I am going MoS Home G Kishan Reddy said, “No such proposal is after February 15 would be quarantined to Bhopal, where my parents live,” she under consideration of the Government.” Meanwhile, West for 14 days, March 13 onwards.On said. The Delhi government has also set Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh also asked the government Monday, several passengers said the Delhi aside 182 rooms at three premier hotels “if the Ministry (of Home Affairs) is planning to amend government’s facilities were not suitable. the procedure (of death penalty) so as to expedite the Some of those taken to Dwarka and Narela (plus taxes) per day, including meals. claimed the facilities were unhygienic. process of execution of death sentences”. In a written inAbout Aerocity 107 forpeople a fixed from price the of RsDwarka 3,100 A “large number” of people were reply to the question, Reddy told the Lok Sabha Tuesday, were about 30 of us. At 3 am, authorities A, B and C categories high, moderate and facility were brought to these hotels after recommended home quarantine, as per took our temperatures at a helpdesk. they protested, with a passenger claiming 22.01.2020 in the Supreme Court in writ petition (criminal) They then told us that if we wanted them from Paris to Delhi, a 24-year-old woman it was unhygienic. Some passengers that only about 15-20% of the over 400 “The Government has filed a miscellaneous application on to take our temperatures for the next 14 reached the airport at 9 am Monday, only also said things got heated as they were people would now be at the facilities. A low risk. After an anxiety-ridden flight guidelines passed by the Supreme Court in the common a health ministry official, who estimated days, we could stay back, or quarantine to be held up there for 10 hours before brought to the hotels. New Delhi District 23-year-old student from Paris, who was No. 55 of 2013 seeking clarifications / modifications of the ourselves at home.” The student, who being taken to the Narela facility for a Magistrate Tanvi Garg said, “We carried taken for quarantine to Gurgaon’s SGT of Shatrughan Chauhan and Another vs UOI & Others to night. She told The Indian Express, “There out their screening. They were a little Medical College, said Tuesday that she finalcurtail judgment delay in andexecution order of dated death 21.01.2014 sentence.” in He the added case decided to return with others. Some other was no screening at the Paris airport; agitated, had not eaten, so we offered was the only one from about a 100 people that capital punishment is awarded by the courts as per there was no screening at IGIA either…” them something to eat. Most passed as who declared a symptom and decided to had a connecting flight to Bengaluru, provisions contained in various Acts and criminal laws. various Indian cities. The health ministry She said at the airport, passports were category C and were recommended home stay back. Another student from Paris who “The award of capital punishment by trial court requires is dividing travellers from the seven taken away and no food or information quarantine. Seven who were in category B was taken to a facility in Saket said, “There passengers also had connecting flights to countries mentioned in its directive into was provided. “We found a vending were quarantined at the hotel.” confirmation by the High Court. Coronavirus: IIT-Delhi asks eight Delhi riots: For family of BJP staffers, two guests to self-quarantine man, an endless wait New Delhi Correspondent. The “alleged human body”, says the post-mortem report, was found near Karawal Nagar’s Yamuna Pushta road on February 26, right next to an overturned car, burnt, mangled and decomposed. It was not until February 29, when a team of doctors at GTB Hospital performed an autopsy on the charred bones, that one could be sure the remains were of a person. But since the identity had to be established, samples were sent for a DNA test on March 3. Two weeks on, the report is yet to come out. “Chalo result

wo ek insaan hi tha (the results will come tohout aabut jayegi, at least par there itna istoh no confirm doubt thathai kiit was a human being),” said Haider, whose instruct the two guests who stayed from March 9 to friend Mohsin Ali has been missing since New Delhi, Correspondent. dedicated to his pre-wedding shoot and 4.30 pm after he received a call from March 13 to undergo self-quarantine. Also, as advised The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has asked minority cell in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur, meetings of the minority cell. His posts the manager of a community hall at speak highly of the BJP and PM Narendra Sabhapur near Yamuna Pushta. “One of eight staff members and two guests to self-quarantine faculty members who are staying in Gulmohar are 23-year-old Ali was driving through the last month. An office-bearer of the BJP’s Modi, while also batting for Hindu- after it was found that a guest who tested positive being asked to self-quarantine,” the Dean said. They area on February 25 where the body was by CMO (Chief Medical Officer), 10 recently appointed Muslim amity. Ali, ran a diesel generator hall, had to be operated on account of a for coronavirus, with a history of travel to Italy, had said that IIT had “tried our best” to get the right staff found. On February 24 and 25, Northeast set business in Noida’s Sector 5. He wedding. So he left after having lunch stayed in one of the institute’s guesthouses. An email members “tested in the hospital today but none of the Delhi, including Karawal Nagar, was his five DG sets, which was rented to the moved to Noida in 2010, as his father, a with me,” Haider said. Around 6.45 pm, in this regard was sent by the Dean (Infra) K C Iyer and helpline numbers were working” and that they were under the grip of communal riots that landless farm labourer, was struggling to when Ali’s younger brother Wasim tried Associate Dean (Infra) J T Shahu to all faculty members “hopeful that we will be able to get these staff tested left 53 dead and over 300 injured. make ends meet for the family of seven. calling him, his number was switched Tuesday. “It has come to our notice today that one tomorrow”. “In the meantime, as a precautionary Ali, the family and police fear, came His uncle Imran Khan, who also runs a guest from Milan, declared asymptomatic of Covid-19 measure and as advised by the CMO IIT Delhi, these under its sweep. Their fears deepened at the airport screening on March 6 but advised home opensearchgenerator set business, said: “I brought as reports of the violence started coming eight staff members have been directed to self- after the chassis of the car, found next him here. Initially, he worked under in, they began to fear the worst. The next isolation for 14 days, had stayed in Gulmohar (Faculty quarantine at home starting from today for 14 days to the remains, turned out to be the one off. The family did not worry at first but me; he branched out around three-four day when the family went to register a Guest House) from March 7 afternoon to March 8 and they have been granted special leave during the being driven by Ali. The social media years ago, launching his own business. missing complaint, police suggested morning in Room no. 209. As per the newspaper quarantine period. Most of these staff are contractual account of the 23-year-old paints the After getting married last year, he moved report, he tested positive on March 16 at Bhubaneswar and their employers have also been informed about picture of a vibrant young man with a to Ghaziabad. His parents stay in Hapur.” and is moved to isolation ward there,” they said. our decision,” they said. The institute said there were distinct interest in politics, with albums On February 25, Ali left his shop around the burnt car. From check-in time to check-out time of this guest, also “indications” that the SDM (South Delhi) “might they check the unidentified bodies and eight staff members had come in direct/indirect take over Gulmohar in a day or two for quarantine those injured first. “We were told about contact with this guest. Later, two more guests stayed of general public”. “Due to this, around 10-12 new in this room from March 9 to March 13, but they faculty staying in Gulmohar have been asked to shift checked in only after 24 hours of the check-out of to Amaltas (guest house). Hence, we have stopped the previous guest. The room is vacant since then,” taking new bookings for both Amaltas and Gulmohar Police intervention fails at Shaheen they added, clarifying that “till now, no staff or guest till further instructions. We have also cancelled all of the Gulmohar has reported with any symptoms bookings,” they said in the email. of Covid-19”. “We have requested the host faculty to Bagh, protesters continue to gather New Delhi Correspondent. The Delhi Police held a meeting with a few Shaheen Bagh Second Covid-19 case in 2 days in Gurgaon: 44-year-old man protesters and RWA members of Shaheen Bagh and Abul Fazal Enclave Tuesday afternoon in a bid to convince Gurgaon Correspondent. the group to end the anti-CAA protest in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. DCP (Southeast) RP Meena coronavirus, after their counterparts in Delhi informed them of the development. The patient, said, “We had met some protesters and locals residents Healththey said, officials is a 44-year-old in Haryana man said who a secondresides residentin Sector of50 Gurgaon and had hasrecently tested returned positive from for at the Shaheen Bagh police station Monday. We decided London. “He returned on March 7 and went to RML in Delhi to get himself tested on March 9. Our counterparts there told us he has tested positive, but we are yet to receive the report,” way forward.” The local ACP and SHO met the protesters toand meet RWA the members protesters at atthe the barricades sit-in on Tuesdaynear the to protest find a the changes will be implemented by evening. At 8.30 pm, site at 2 pm Tuesday. The DCP said, “We requested them the plan to have “less than 50 protesters” did not work, with at least a 100 women at the site. A volunteer said, saidon Monday the official, a 29-year-old adding that woman a team who from resides Delhi inalso Gurgaon visited Sector his residence 9 and works in Gurgaon at an IT Monday company to to vacate the sit-in but they refused.” On Monday night, Shaheen Bagh protesters said they will continue the “We tried to limit the number to less than 50 people, but collect samples of his family members for testing. Haryana had recorded its first positive case many didn’t agree. It was earlier decided that around 40- issued by the Haryana government Tuesday evening stated the woman was initially “asymptomatic” and in home isolation. protest and are in touch with medical and legal experts. On Tuesday morning, Shaheen Bagh volunteers said it 45 women will protest in shifts. That didn’t work. We are in“She the developed city. Officials symptoms said she on had March travelled 12. A to sample Malaysia was and taken Indonesia immediately for a holiday and she and was had kept returned in the onisolation March ward 4. A bulletinin Civil making arrangements to ensure that two-three women sit Hospital, Gurgaon. Now she has been shifted to Fortis Healthcare Hospital in Gurgaon on her choice. She is stable,” states was decided that the protesters will comply with the CM’s order and limit the number of people at the sit-in together, at least one metre away from the other group. to less than 50. However, by 4 pm Tuesday, there were Sanitisers have been made available at entry and exit points, and women are wearing masks. theVirology, bulletin. Pune, Gurgaon only on health Monday. department The woman officials has since said been although moved the to initialthe isolation confirmation ward at of Fortis. the result being positive came hundreds of protesters at the site, and a volunteer said from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi on Saturday, the final confirmation came from National Institute of Delhi: Phones ring through day at a Coronavirus: 9 suspected cases at Lok modest call centre–‘Am I infected?’ Nayak, hospital cuts back on OPD timing New Delhi Correspondent. New Delhi Correspondent. Services (DGHS), in East Delhi’s Karkardooma, lie a computer, notepads and three MTNL Nine suspected coronavirus patients have been Inlandline a 15×20 phones room that on have the been ground ringing floor off of the office of the Director General of Health admitted to the isolation ward of Lok Nayak the hook. Set up by the Delhi government hospital. While three were admitted on Monday, six to cater to medical queries from patients, were brought to the hospital on Tuesday evening. the 24×7 call centre is now responding to calls from the general public on the novel to the hospital, one of Delhi government’s largest. coronavirus and spreading awareness about the disease. The virus has led to the ThisFollowing is the thefirst admissions, set of suspected the hospital patients has admitted swung into action. Starting Wednesday, the hospital has death of over 7,925 people globally, while reduced the OPD registration timings and plans over 100,000 are undergoing treatment. to curtail routine surgeries as well. The OPD that caters to 7,000 patients on a daily basis will be seen a surge in the number of calls from operational from 8.30 am to 10 am. Currently it is Overworried the citizens last five seeking days, the details helpline about has functional from 8 am to noon. “This is a medical symptoms, testing facilities and home emergency and keeping in view the present isolation. On March 11, the helpline situation, we are taking these measures to put all answered 49 calls, which rose to 253 calls attention on the Covid-19 patients. Doctors and and the administration plans to increase it to 100. The hospital witnesses a large number of patients the next day. Since then, the average number of calls have oscillated between 200 and medical staff need to be directed to the isolation The hospital has stationed four doctors and a team on a daily basis; we can’t miss any step here,” said 300 per day. On Tuesday, the call centre received and responded to 307 calls, the highest ward. We will also curtail routine surgeries and of paramedics and nurses to provide treatment to Dr Singh. On Monday, the Federation of Resident only critical surgeries will be performed as per the suspected cases. If any of them tests positive, Doctors’ Association (FORDA), an umbrella body of symptoms and are afraid of catching Covid-19. Many of them have cold, cough and fever. the requirements,” said Dr Kishore Singh, medical the hospital will also put its staff under quarantine. resident doctors in the country, wrote to the Union tillWe date.advise “Around them to50% take of medicines the total callsand arerest fromat home,” panicked said residentsDrisya Baiju who (32), have a flu-like public director of the hospital. The hospital, on an average, “Even the staff on duty will be sent to isolation for Health Ministry requesting to put certain elective performs 100 routine surgeries a day. At the 14 days if any of the suspected cases are positive. surgeries on hold as doctors are occupied with calls are from those wanting to know what their children and family members who have moment, there are 50 beds in the isolation ward, These are precautionary measures we need to take. Covid-19 cases. healthreturned nursing from foreignofficer (PHNO) trips must who do is — among if and the where six people they should managing go for the testing. helpline. Other 4 | English Daily Open Search | EDITORIAL | New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 Open Search Pandemic and politics : Coronavirus crisis calls for EDITORIAL solidarity but it also begets deeper conflicts View From The Right Pratap Bhanu Mehta Pandemics have the potential for transforming Prevent, don’t panic the nature of states. Different states have The latest issue of the RSS mouthpiece, Organiser, responded differently to the coronavirus has focused on the spread of coronavirus in India. crisis. The Indian state’s initial response In an editorial by Prafulla Ketkar, Organiser has was mature and, within the constraints, asked people to not panic but prevent the spread well judged. But the real test is yet to come. of the disease. It has also lauded the government’s India will need to massively ramp up testing, efforts towards prevention and attacked politicians monitoring and become more stringent on who are seen to have mocked Indian culture. “We social distancing. Many frontline agency are a mature society with inherent preventive workers, including municipalities, are quietly mechanisms in our tradition. Initiatives like Swachh doing an extraordinary job. But how our Bharat Abhiyan also are coming handy in averting health system will cope with a more serious further spread. Some people are still in the colonial onslaught remains to be seen. You might hangover and take pride in mocking Bharat; some think that a disease of this scale will produce immature politicians are also trying to earn brownie the necessary social solidarity required to points in this grave situation. We have to spread combat it. But not only have the responses of awareness, adopt best-practices related to civic the different states varied, there are already hygienic life and show the world our resilience emerging faultlines that show how this without pressing the panic button. The words of pandemic might reignite a debate over the sages like Swami Vivekananda preached at the time nature of state. Crisis calls for solidarity but of plague in Kolkata known as the Plague Manifesto can come handy in this endeavour,” the editorial distributive fault lines to watch for. says. Cautioning against panic, the editorial further it alsoFirst, begets any deeper conclusions, conflicts. overHere arewhether some states: “While taking requisite precaution, we should authoritarian systems or democratic systems responded better to the crisis will be not be as The second is that informational privacy will become an even more politically clear-cut in retrospect. The United States’ and notdied. forget Right that now, this 90 outbreak per cent is of not the as infectedfatal as the cases flu Europe’s shockingly paralytic response in the feeble idea. The need to monitor risks in an interdependent world, where ofare 1968 limited or theto fourAsian countries, flu of 1956, including in which China. millions The There will certainly early days of the crisis lends credence to deep even small outbreaks, if not caught in time, can cause disproportionate fatality rate is 3.4 per cent though it can be more if we democracy scepticism. But, with the passage havoc, will be the basis for rendering citizens more legible to the state. consider the limited infected zones like Wuhan.” In be more conflicts of time, different state performance will not another article focused on the pandemic, Organiser easily map on to their political systems. South Third, as Trump’s attempt to “monopolise” a potential vaccine for America has expressed happiness that the entire world is over the trading Korea has done relatively well; China might demonstrated, there is a distributive issue in the availability of treatments. adopting the Indian greeting of namaste because of have been able to take aggressive shut-down As the scholar of the politics of pandemic preparedness, Adam Kamradt-Scott, the coronavirus outbreak, and how it could bring systems and need measures, but in the early stages, the perils world peace. Taking note of how the entire world of political order, where you can be penalised had pointed out, after the H5N1 epidemic, Indonesia had raised two issues: A is now avoiding physical contact, the article said, to secure supply for information, were quite clear. The debate reform of existing “virus” sharing systems, and the need for equitable access will turn more on the historical memories to influenza vaccines, two issues also close to India’s heart. rather it has come to our rescue! The whole world chains. Whether that shaped responses to the crisis, particular “Thisis adopting is where this namasteIndian salutation has come for to greeting fill the void, one another. It not only avoids “bodily contact” but also this will lead to discovering vaccines), that have taken the economic precarity will rise to the surface. enables greeting another person with respect, from load off politics. But a full reckoning of the In India, if there is a serious downturn, the a globalisation- politicalof democracies ideologies, andand specific authoritarian institutional ways to reduce the risks of future pandemics hardest hit, as during demonetisation, will a distance.” The article goes on to cite how different configurations,systems. Second, rather all states, than broad democratic categories or world leaders, from Donald Trump to Benjamin might actually require the kind of deeper be the informal sector and the poor whose compatible authoritarian, will likely become surveillance regulatory and cultural cooperation that is fortunes are tied to the formal economy. Netanyahu were adopting ‘Namaste’, and, talks states. The pandemic will give states even about Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praising the not easy to produce. For one thing, the signs While certain sectors will suffer loss of wages diversification more reason to render their citizens’ actions, are that the need to assign responsibility for and employment, other sectors including movements, histories, economic activities, goes on to quote Voltaire on the greatness of Indian the disease will be caught in geo political health care, and delivery workers might be of global supply transparent to them. The deepening of the narratives: For the US, this will be, as Trump overworked to risky levels. traditioncivilisation, and and calling laments it “scientific”. the ignorance The article of Indian even information order for states will be the sites intellectuals: “… in the home country there are top chains, or more put it, the “China virus”; for China, the US will We cannot subject them to another shock intellectuals who just shrug aside, or even denigrate, have exacerbated the problem by not pulling of this scale without support. In terms of national governments and international its weight. But more deeply, if there are risks health care also, we are already experiencing Indian ethos and values without ever making any nationalisation, oforganisations two conflicts. which The need first to will do independent be between efforts to study them,” it said. Talking about how from zoonotic diseases, a frank discussion of serious distributive issues. In India, the compliance monitoring under various global them will involve dialogue on a broad range scarcity of public health facilities will make namaste is more than just a greeting and, rather, an is still an open protocols, and have been often hampered acknowledgement of the divine in each being, the of issues: The relationship between ecology these dilemmas acute. But the politics of social by national governments. The second is that and diseases, safety in animal markets, support, state capacity building and public article says: “Let’s hope the coronavirus stays true question. informational privacy will become an even to (the general reputation of) its manufacturers potential safety issues in research, possible goods provisions is inescapable. Sixth, there more politically feeble idea. The need to lifestyle regulation. So the politics of cultural is a potential to accelerate deglobalisation (read Chinese) and doesn’t last long. Let’s also hope monitor risks in an interdependent world, that namaste also stays true to its creators (read representation, and the regulatory calls they in the wake of the crisis. There will certainly where even small outbreaks, if not caught in will unleash, may produce new tensions. Indian sages) and lasts long, particularly in order time, can cause disproportionate havoc, will to foster universal brotherhood, and the sentiment Fifth, there are distributional issues that and need to secure supply chains. Whether be the basis for rendering citizens more legible will arise out of the economic fallout of this this will lead to a globalisation-compatible of the entire world being a family (Vasudhaiva to the state. Third, as Trump’s attempt to be more conflicts over the trading systems kutumbakam). pandemic. The extraordinary measures that “monopolise” a potential vaccine for America the Fed announced yesterday suggest that more nationalisation, is still an open question. -Vijay Kumar demonstrated, there is a distributive issue in diversificationThe pandemic ofhas global confronted supply us chains, with the or the availability of treatments. As the scholar acknowledged that this crisis will be big. Other contingency of so much of what we take for of the politics of pandemic preparedness, atcentral least banks from are a financialgoing to follow. angle theThe USUS has Adam Kamradt-Scott, had pointed out, after pulled out all stops in trying to shore up the very elemental, in ways that will require a new Virus and the migrant the H5N1 epidemic, Indonesia had raised two opensearcheconomy, in sharp contrast to its response to granted.politics. ButIt refocuses two aspects us on of fighting politics something as usual S Irudaya Rajan , H Arokkiaraj issues: A reform of existing “virus” sharing measures to slow down the disease. But the continue. While the pandemic puts other systems, and the need for equitable access political issues out of the limelight, different More than 100 countries across the world have reported political parties and ideologies, from Trump coronavirus cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to India’s heart. Indonesia had, to argue for to Xi to Modi, will not desist from using this cancelled his visit to European countries because of the big question will be: Who will the financial tovaccine influenza access, vaccines, gone twoon to issues declare also “viral close crisis to further their existing agendas; in fact pandemic. The outbreak has affected people’s mobility, backstopsnot liquidated? ultimately A response benefit? to Will this wecrisis ensure will sovereignty” and ceased to share samples. it might give the perfect cover for many dodgy both within nations as well as travel across borders. thatrequire workers a massive are expansionnot fired, smallof social businesses security It is far from clear that these issues will not decisions. But more importantly, the basic Almost all countries in the Persian Gulf have stopped support in some form across all countries. yet again surface in the duration of this Economists can debate the best form of pandemic. Fourth, after each pandemic, there giving this support. But there is no question will rise to the surface. Unless a vaccine saves from India are stuck on the coronavirus-hit Kish island is a call for greater international cooperation. that in advanced economies, the question of distributiveus, quickly. Let conflicts us hope that so. characterise politics acceptingin Iran, which migrants has requested from India. the Nearly government 600 fishermen of India Often science has provided solutions (like to repatriate them. After the successful repatriation of Indians from the COVID-19 hit areas of China, the

challenge for the Indian government. The predicament extraditionof Indian migrants of these appearsfishermen grave could in prove view toof bethe a majortravel Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party mark restrictions imposed by several West Asian countries. For instance, the Kuwait General Administration of Civil for two weeks. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have imposed a new phase of Dalit assertion Aviationtemporary has travel suspended bans on passengers all flights tofrom and India. from Indians India who want to return to the countries where they work, after the end of the ban period, will require medical Rehnamol Raveendran decline of the BSP. Even though BSP chief Mayawati had achieved an indomitable The transformation of the Bhim Army position in Dalit politics and emerged more hurdles for the migrants. For instance, Indians from a local resistance group against passengers planning to return to Kuwait will require as a potential game-changer in national certificates from authorised hospitals. This could create caste discrimination in Western Uttar politics, her party has seen a rapid Pradesh to a political party signals the decline in recent times. The BSP failed by the West Asian country’s government. Most reinvigoration of Dalit assertion in India. government hospitals in the country have their hands to win a single seat in the 2014 general medical certificates from hospitals that are recognised This has implications for electoral politics election and could gather only 19 seats full with coronavirus-infected patients and it’s not clear in northern India, especially UP. Last if the healthcare institutes recognised by the Kuwait in the UP assembly in the 2017 election, Sunday, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar its lowest tally since 1993. The Bhim government have facilities to diagnose a COVID-19 Azad announced the formation of Azad infection and if they are equipped with quarantine Army found acceptance among Dalits facilities. The government must take up this issue with by directly addressing the community’s Ambedkar’s values and ideas and meant fear and helplessness. While other the relevant authorities in Kuwait to facilitate the smooth Samajto accomplish Party, an the outfit political based goals on B of R return of Indians after the travel ban is lifted. The list of Dalit organisations, including the BSP, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader, exclusively focussed on electoral politics, Indian hospitals recognised by the Kuwait government Kanshi Ram. The Bhim Army started out must be put up on public fora. Several airlines in the the Bhim Army mobilised on the ground to provide a sense of security to Dalits, country have cancelled their services to Doha after the Gharkoli village, Western UP, in 2015 and Qatar government’s travel ban. Due to the high demand especially where the state machinery astill an2017, outfit it fought fighting pitched caste battles oppression locally in failed to protect the community. Azad against oppression by upper castes. are likely to increase after the travel ban is lifted. This has invoked Kanshi Ram’s ideological Its militancy recalled the activities of proposition, bahujan hitaya, bahujan for flight services in the India-Gulf corridor, flight fares Ayyankali in the 1900s in Kerala, the Airlines should announce free re-booking as part of their sukhaya, in the context of launching his Bhim Sena in Karnataka in the 1960s, and party. The idea is to reach out to a host of will add to the financial burden of Indian workers. the Dalit Panthers of the 1970s. The travel ban has created panic among Indians abroad historically marginalised and oppressed as well. Social media is rife with discussions about castes and communities and build a corporate social responsibility during this difficult time. catapulted the Bhim Army and Azad into political alliance of these. the travel bans imposed by the Indian government. In Four incidents in the past five years some cases, the travel restrictions imposed on citizens Azad has also claimed that the BSP on June 17, 2017. Just as he got bail in failed to meet the aspirations of Dalit of European countries such as Germany, France and theNovember limelight. (2017), The first the was UP Azad’sgovernment arrest Italy have been misinterpreted as applying to Indian The first was Azad’s arrest on June 17, 2017. Just as he got bail in slapped the National Security Act on him Party will be the Bihar assembly elections citizens travelling from such countries to India. It is and sent him back to prison. By the time November (2017), the UP government slapped the National Security very important, therefore, to disseminate country- youth.and panchayat The first polls test forin UP, the both Azad due Samaj in he was released in September 2018, Azad Act on him and sent him back to prison. By the time he was released October 2020. Unlike Kanshi Ram, who had become a hero for many Dalits. The dispensed of his grassroots organisation, English, as an effective way to reach Indians abroad and second incident was the Bhim Army’s in September 2018, Azad had become a hero for many Dalits. The their families in India. Passengers travelling to India BAMCEF, in favour of the BSP, Azad plans specific advisory notes in regional languages, apart from role in the April 2, 2018 mass protests second incident was the Bhim Army’s role in the April 2, 2018 mass to retain Bhim Army and run it as a against the dilution of the Dalit Atrocities information about the self-reporting form that must be protests against the dilution of the Dalit Atrocities Act. The Bhim Act. The Bhim Army further strengthened similar attempts in the past to transform are facing difficulties after their arrival as there is little Army further strengthened its profile as an alternative space of parallelsuccessful outfit. Dalit Azad movements ought tointo know political that assertion after it mobilised against the Dalit assertion after it mobilised against the demolition of a Ravidas parties have had only partial electoral filledit and by clear international immigration. passengers. Moreover, They there sometimes is very havelittle itsdemolition profile as of an a alternativeRavidas temple space in of Delhi. Dalit information about the counters in international airports temple in Delhi. Guru Ravidas is one of the most revered saints among success, that too when they could join to wait long hours in the airport to acquire this form, fill Guru Ravidas is one of the most revered pre-poll alliances. The experience of in India that offer this service before passengers proceed saints among the Dalits in North India the Dalits in North India and the Ravidasis (also referred to as Jatavs to immigration clearance. This must be addressed to Dalit Panthers in Maharashtra and the and the Ravidasis (also referred to as and Chamars) make for the single largest Dalit community in UP. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi led by avoid overcrowding and chaos in airports. The India- Jatavs and Chamars) make for the single silence of Mayawati (also a Ravidasi) on the issue allowed Azad to Gulf region is the second largest migration corridor Thirumavalavan in Tamil Nadu highlight largest Dalit community in UP. The this predicament of Dalit politics. in the world. It is imperative that governments in the silence of Mayawati (also a Ravidasi) on gain salience as an alternate Ravidasi leader. Finally, the Bhim Army region take measures to ensure that travel restrictions However, the increasing disillusion of the issue allowed Azad to gain salience was unambiguous in its opposition to the CAA and NRC. Dalits with the BSP and Mayawati’s imposed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak do not as an alternate Ravidasi leader. Finally, affect livelihoods of people and hinder mobility in the reluctance to nurture any young Dalit the Bhim Army was unambiguous in its leader has opened up the political space long-run. opposition to the CAA and NRC. Azad’s dramatic appearance at the Delhi Jama captured national imagination. The rise Masjid holding up the Constitution of Bhim Army has also been helped by the for Azad. New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 | INTERNATIONAL | | English Daily Open Search | 5 FIRST COLUMN US teenager stranded in Citing Coronavirus, Trump will announce strict new border controls Dubai gets high court relief to Washington, Agency. repeatedly threatened to close the border, visit family in Mumbai offering a top official a pardon for the task. The Trump administration plans to “This is our new statement: The system is immediately turn back all asylum seekers full,” the president said last April. At the and other foreigners trying to cross the time, top aides to the president convinced southwestern border illegally, saying him that it was not legal to simply turn away they cannot risk allowing the coronavirus all migrants seeking to enter the country. to spread through detention facilities International treaties and U.S. law require and among Border Patrol agents, four asylum-seekers to have an opportunity administration officials said. The Trump to present their case, although a related administration plans to immediately turn policy now allows the administration to back all asylum-seekers and other foreigners make some wait on the Mexican side of Mumbai, Agency. trying to cross the southwestern border the border for their asylum hearings. The illegally, saying they cannot risk allowing Trump administration has previously tried In a significant the coronavirus to spread through detention to push through a policy that would deny ruling, the Bombay High Court on facilities and among Border Patrol agents, asylum to migrants who illegally crossed the Tuesday granted relief and directed four administration officials said Tuesday. southwestern border, an effort the Supreme Central Government to issue fresh visa The officials said the ports of entry would would be driven to the nearest port of entry compared with around 5,600 in the United Court refused to allow in 2018. But officials to a 19-year-old US citizen stranded in remain open to U.S. citizens, green-card and returned to Mexico without further States and more than 470 in Canada. Some insisted on Tuesday that the new policy Dubai, away from her family that resides holders and some foreigners with proper detention. Although they advised that details of the new rule remained unclear, was not meant to achieve the president’s in Mumbai. The girl, who holds Overseas documentation. Some foreigners would details of the policy could change before the including whether foreigners seeking immigration goals. They said it was driven Citizenship of India (OCI) card, was on be blocked, including Europeans currently announcement, administration officials said asylum or other protections at the ports of by the president’s health advisers and would a flight to Mumbai after her University subject to earlier travel restrictions enacted the effort was critical to avert an outbreak entry would be turned back immediately. be in effect only as long as the coronavirus in Boston had asked its students to by the administration. The entryways will of the coronavirus inside detention facilities But President Donald Trump has suggested remains a threat to the United States. vacate campus and return home in also be open to commercial traffic. along the border. Such an outbreak could multiple times that he could close the border, Officials said the new policy would be based the wake of coronavirus pandemic. A But under the new rule, set to be spread quickly through the immigrant hoping to crack down on illegal immigration on authorities that can be granted to public division bench of justices S J Kathawalla announced in the next 48 hours, Border population and could infect large numbers and pressure Mexico to do more to curb the health officials in the time of a medical or and R I Chagla passed an order after Patrol agents would immediately return of border patrol agents, leaving the defenses northward flow of migrants. Long before the health emergency, not on immigration laws granting an urgent hearing on Tuesday to Mexico anyone who tries to cross the at the southwestern border weakened, the coronavirus outbreak, he admonished his that the administration has repeatedly cited to a plea filed by the girl’s mother. The southern border between the legal ports officials argued. Administration officials say top advisers at the Department of Homeland as justification for past actions at the border. petitioner, Sabah Collabawalla, through of entry. Under the policy, asylum-seekers many of the migrants who cross the border Security about stopping illegal immigration Another official said the administration senior counsel Dinyar D Madon, argued would not be held for any length of time are already sick or lack sufficient documents by saying he wanted to “shut it down.” Last would invoke a federal legal code that that the 19-year-old girl was refused in an American facility nor would they detailing their medical history. Confirmed spring, as the number of migrants crossing says if the surgeon general identifies “any permission to board her connecting be given due process. Once caught, they cases of the virus in Mexico stand at 82, from Central America surged, the president communicable disease in a foreign country. flight to Mumbai by an airline due to a travel advisory issued by the Indian Biden sweeps three states and takes commanding Iran temporarily frees 85,000 Government in wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and the diplomatic mission in Dubai ‘arbitrarily’ and ‘wrongfully’ lead, as virus reshapes American politics prisoners, including political refused her request to grant visa. It was submitted that the student, who New York, Agency. was asked to vacate a Tufts University ones, amid coronavirus Brawlingcampus due to the COVID-19monkeys. spread. Dubai, Agency. Wandering deer. Joe Biden easily defeated Sen. Bernie Sanders in three major primaries Blame coronavirus on Tuesday, all but extinguishing The death toll in Iran from coronavirus has risen to 988 and Sanders’ chances for a comeback, as a total of 16,169 people have been confirmed infected across anxious Americans turned out to vote the country, one of the worst national outbreaks outside amid a series of cascading disruptions China, where the pandemic originated. Iran has temporarily from the coronavirus pandemic. freed about 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, in Biden, the former vice president, response to the coronavirus epidemic, a judiciary spokesman won by wide margins in Florida and said on Tuesday. The death toll in Iran from coronavirus has Illinois and also carried Arizona, sweeping the night and achieving a nearly insurmountable delegate lead. The emphatic outcome could greatly intensify pressure on Sanders to end his campaign and allow Democrats to unify behind Biden as their New York , Agency. presumptive nominee. The routs in presidential campaigns and other government action to remedy the Florida and Illinois represented both party leaders were not engaged economic damage of the crippling Large populations of a vote of confidence in Biden from on Tuesday in the traditional all- virus, including an initiative to give wild animals are sustained almost entirely most Democrats and a blunt rejection out push to drive supporters to the people $2,000 monthly payments on treats handed out by tourists in a of Sanders’ candidacy by the kind of polls. Tom Perez, the chairman of the for the duration of the crisis. “We variety of Asian countries. Now, for better large, diverse states he would have Democratic National Committee, told must make certain that this health or worse, thousands of animals are being needed to capture to broaden his voters on Twitter to “remember your and economic crisis is not another forced to fend for themselves. In a video appeal beyond the ideological left. health comes first,” while the Sanders moneymaking opportunity for posted last week, a mob of monkeys runs Sanders, of Vermont, has struggled campaign released a statement corporate America and for Wall since his first presidentialopensearch campaign renouncing the muscular get-out- Street,” Sanders said, eschewing any around a city plaza in Thailand. Something gets thrown in the macaques’ midst and in 2016 to win over black voters in the-vote tactics that have defined mention of the primaries. Biden’s risen to 988 and a total of 16,169 people have been confirmed they break into a giant brawl. This horde larger numbers and to persuade its operations in other primaries. It victory in Florida relied in part infected across the country, one of the worst national outbreaks of animals lives in Lopburi, home of the voters who do not share his ethos made for an extraordinary day in the on a familiar coalition of voters outside China, where the pandemic originated. “So far, some country’s Phra Prang Sam Yot monkey of democratic socialism that he can country’s electoral history, featuring who have supported him in other 85,000 prisoners have been released … Also in the jails we temple. The macaques, which are usually be trusted to lead the party into the candidates who could not campaign states, including African Americans, have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak,” fed by tourists visiting the city, are finding general election. in public and party officials who were political moderates and voters over judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said. Yes, about a new scarcity because of the coronavirus. In the two biggest states voting navigating the delicate line between 50, according to a preelection poll 50% of them were security-related prisoners,” he said when And they’re not alone. Large populations on Tuesday, Sanders failed: Biden protecting public safety and the there. But polls suggested that Biden asked at a briefing aired by state TV whether political prisoners of wild animals are sustained almost carried Illinois by a wide margin, civic right to nominate a candidate would also finish narrowly ahead of were among those freed. He did not elaborate on when entirely on treats handed out by tourists keeping intact his winning streak for the nation’s highest office. In a Sanders with people who described those released would have to return to jail. Iran announced in a variety of Asian countries. But over in the large Midwestern primary gesture to the gravity of the moment, themselves as very liberal, and that the release of 70,000 prisoners on March 9 in response to the past few weeks, the flow of tourists states, after previously winning in Biden used much of his brief victory the former vice president would the virus, but none were political detainees. The UN Special has been reduced to a trickle as a result Minnesota and Michigan. And the address via a balky livestream from beat him by double digits among Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, said of quarantines, travel restrictions and a victory in Florida was a particularly his Wilmington, Delaware, home to voters who said the economic system then that he had asked Tehran to free all political prisoners general reduction in visitors put in place sharp repudiation of Sanders: Many discuss the virus and to reassure needed a complete overhaul. The temporarily from its overcrowded and disease-ridden jails to to stop the spread of the illness. Now, for moderate and conservative Hispanic the country. “We’ll get through this virus drove down turnout in some help contain the spread of coronavirus. Rehman said only those better or worse, thousands of animals voters in the state had recoiled from together,” said Biden, trying to project Florida localities, but even with the serving sentences of less than five years had been freed, while are being forced to fend for themselves. his past praise of leftist governments a presidential bearing to a rattled pandemic, turnout was still higher prisoners charged with heavier sentences and those linked to Although fights between the macaques of in Latin America, including his nation. He only fleetingly mentioned than in 2016 in a handful of suburban their participation in anti-government protests remained in Lopburi are not uncommon, a brawl of the admiring remarks about certain Tuesday’s results, noting he had and affluent communities, such as jail. Rights activists say the Islamic Republic has freed at least magnitude shown in that video suggests achievements of Fidel Castro’s Cuba. “a very good night,” before directly Naples and suburban Jacksonville. a dozen political prisoners in the past few days but that the that resources are scarce, said Asmita But the day of voting may have speaking to Sanders’ youthful Biden won both jurisdictions handily, most prominent political prisoners remain incarcerated. Before Sengupta, an ecologist at the Ashoka Trust been most notable for a state that supporters, a voting group he is trying as he has in other upscale precincts the March 9 release, Iran said it had 189,500 people in prison, for Research in Ecology and Environment did not vote: The turmoil caused by to court. “I hear you; I know what’s at since Super Tuesday, a sign of his according to the report Rehman submitted to the Human Rights in Bangalore, India, who studies the the coronavirus upended plans for stake; I know what we have to do,” strength with the sort of voters who Council in January. They are believed to include hundreds effects of humans feeding macaques, a primary election in Ohio, where Biden said. “Our goal as a campaign, could swing the general election. The arrested during or after anti-government protests in November. which remain wild animals even if state officials postponed voting in an and my goal as a candidate, is to unify results appeared somewhat more The United States has called for Iran to free dozens of dual they live in close quarters with people. abrupt maneuver that barely survived this party and unify this nation.” competitive in Illinois, which has a nationals and foreigners held mainly on spying charges, saying “The fall in tourist numbers because of last-minute legal scrutiny. Four other Read| Explained: What gave Joe younger and more liberal electorate that Washington would hold the Tehran government directly COVID-19 may have indeed brought about states have also taken steps to delay Biden the edge over Bernie Sanders? than Florida’s. In Illinois, Sanders responsible for any American deaths. Iran’s clerical rulers have a shortage of food supply for them,” she their primary elections until late this Praising the “remarkable passion was dominating with voters under rejected locking down cities despite the rising death toll from said. That shows that feeding the monkeys spring, with Maryland on Tuesday and tenacity” of Sanders and his 45 and among the most liberal the virus and the rate of new cases, but have urged people not “can have detrimental effects. Once they becoming the latest to push back supporters, the former vice president Democrats to cast ballots. In all three to travel before Iranian new year on March 20 amid fear over get used to being fed by humans, they voting. Read| Biden and Sanders said he and the senator disagree on states, voters said by huge margins a further spread of the disease. Many Iranians have ignored become habituated to humans and even criticize Trump on coronavirus, tout tactics but “share a common vision.” that they believed Biden was the calls by the health authorities to stay at home, and shops and display hyperaggression if they are not their own crisis leadership In the Sanders did not deliver a speech candidate best prepared to handle restaurants remain open. “Stay at home…Shopping for the new given food. states that did vote, there were signs about the primary results but earlier a major crisis. More than 1 million year is like committing suicide these days,” a health ministry that the virus had dampened voter in the evening he broadcast his own people cast ballots early or by mail in official told state television. Asylum-seekers say USturnout, is returning and that the Democratic them online to addressthe dangers calling for sweeping they advance fled of Primary Day.Amid coronavirus outbreak, North Korea’s Kim

New York, Agency. calls for better health care in hospital speech New York, Agency. But only 20 about 2% have formally applied for sanctuary there. The rest have opted instead to CORTÉS DEPARTMENT, Honduras — Yovani face the risks of either returning to their home has a strategy for staying alive: He will not let countries or heading north once again, hoping North Korea has been engaged anyone know he is back in Honduras, he will to find sanctuary in Mexico or try their luck, one in an intense campaign to guard move homes every couple of weeks and he will more time, at the U.S. border. Supporters of the against COVID-19, though it hasn’t stay indoors. This is how much he fears the gang Guatemala-U.S. deal point to the large number officially reported any cases member who killed his brother, who forced two of transferees who have left Guatemala as of infection. Experts say North other close relatives into exile and who, he says, evidence that their asylum cases likely had little Korea is extremely vulnerable is trying to murder him next. Yovani, 23, had merit. Migrants and their advocates, however, to an infectious disease due hoped to apply for asylum in the United States. say it instead reflects the dangers vulnerable to its chronic lack of medical But when he and his family arrived at the border people face because of Guatemala’s weak rule of supplies and outdated medical late last month, U.S. officials diverted them to law. “To be here is almost the same as being in infrastructure. North Korean Guatemala instead. The action is permitted Honduras,” said Carlos Eduardo Woltke Martínez, leader Kim Jong Un said it was under a recent accord between the Trump a migrants’ advocate in the human rights section “crucial” to improve his country’s administration and Guatemala. And Tuesday, secret, because of the threats to his life. Getting of Guatemala’s public prosecutor’s office. “You’re health care system during a groundbreaking ceremony for a general hospital, state the administration began moving to tighten the killed in Honduras, he explained, “is super-easy.” in the same neighborhood of the criminal groups. media reported Wednesday, amid worries about the coronavirus in the impoverished southwestern border even further in response Trump administration officials last year created The conditions here are not a guarantee of your North. North Korea has been engaged in an intense campaign to guard against COVID-19, to the coronavirus crisis, adding another level of a policy, that allows them to send asylum-seekers safety.” The conditions facing asylum-seekers though it hasn’t officially reported any cases of infection. Experts say North Korea is uncertainty to the fragile lives of asylum-seekers. to Guatemala to apply for sanctuary there. Their grew even more uncertain Tuesday, when Trump extremely vulnerable to an infectious disease due to its chronic lack of medical supplies It has left Yovani with no good options. Fearing hope was that it would reduce the number of administration sources said the United States and outdated medical infrastructure. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim ordered for his safety in Guatemala, he and his family migrants reaching the United States. Critics said would begin turning back all foreigners trying the construction of the new “modern general hospital” in Pyongyang to be completed returned to Honduras. And then they looked for a the deal may be a death sentence for migrants to illegally cross the southwestern border. Under before October’s 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party. Kim said the place to hide. “We can’t stay in one place,” Yovani because Guatemala has high crime rates, a the new rule, set to be announced in the next state’s efforts should be directed “to prop up the field of public health,” KCNA said. Kim said from northern Honduras, where he, his nascent asylum process and few protections couple of days, border agents would immediately also said his country’s ruling party decided on building the hospital during a key party wife and two daughters have lived since earlier for those fleeing threats and violence. Since the return to Mexico, without due process, asylum- meeting in late December and was working to have it finished “in the shortest time.” Some this month. He asked that he only be partly transfers began in November, more than 900 seekers and others who try to cross the border observers said North Korea may have hurried the construction since China reported the identified, and that his precise location be kept Central Americans have been sent to Guatemala. between legal ports of entry. first cases of the new disease in late December and North Korea soon closed its borders in a disease-control measure. 6 | English Daily Open Search | SPORTS | New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 FIRST COLUMN Left Italy just before BCCI now allows only chief selectors to fly business class lockdown, says Mumbai, Agency. fencer Bhavani Devi last year, BCCI had made it clear that no member, barring the office-bearers, will The Indian cricket board has decided that be entitled to any TA/DA (Travelling henceforth only the chief selectors of the allowance and Dearness allowance) for senior and junior national teams will fly attending the annual general meeting business class on domestic flights. After held in Mumbai. In August 2018, The this directive, Sunil Joshi, the newly- Indian Express had accessed a detailed selected chairman of the panel will get half-yearly official expense sheet, and this facility while his colleagues will fly emails of foreign exchange and air travel economy class. However, the restriction is approvals, of the BCCI, which showed that lifted for any overseas travel in flights that the board had spent nearly Rs 1 crore takes more than seven hours. For shorter- on official engagements of its top three duration flights, typically in domestic office-bearers, and half of the amount journeys, the other selectors and the was spent on TA/DA allowance. The BCCI BCCI general managers will fly economy travel policy used to then allow its office- class, an internal communication of the Chennai, Agency. bearers $750 per day overseas and Rs Indian board stipulated. Till now, all the 20,000 in India apart from other perks selectors had been allowed business- Bhavani Devi returned such as five-star accommodation, vehicle class travel on all journeys after a change for local travel and first-class air travel. to India in the nick of time during the in policy affected in 2013. pandemic when she was bang in the An executive assistant, who travels with The senior selection committee felt the board will save a decent sum seated in business class and we walk pass BCCI officials abroad, used to get $350 middle of her training-cum-competition comprises Joshi, Sarandeep Singh, shuttling between Greece and Italy and by restricting the number of personnel them towards our seats in economy class. per day. To put that figure in perspective, Harvinder Singh, Devang Gandhi and Jatin allowed to fly business class. Even general We had requested BCCI then and they had the world’s richest sports body FIFA paid finally for a camp in Belgium. India’s Paranjpe whereas the junior selection international fencer Bhavani Devi is back manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim, agreed for selectors also to travel business its council members $150 per day during panel is chaired by Ashish Kapoor and a former India wicketkeeper, will now class,” a former selector said. In 2017, the the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Earlier, in Chennai from Italy, but has one eye on also has Debashish Mohanty, Amit the Sint-Niklaas women’s sabre World Cup have to fly economy class on domestic Supreme Court-appointed Committee the BCCI used to make travel and lodging Sharma and the two outgoing selectors flights. In 2013, the Indian board had of Administrators (COA), headed by arrangements for members attending at Belgium. Ranked 45th in the world right Gyanendra Pandey and Rakesh Parikh. now, she will hope Korea, with a team changed its policy for selectors’ travel. Vinod Rai, has approved the request of working committee, special general body The Indian board is yet to appoint a Until then, they flew economy class but business-class travel for all cricketers for and any other committee meetings. Each rank of 4, maintain their place ensuring women’s selection committee after the automatic qualification of their 3-member a few of them complained that they felt a their domestic flights after the players member used to get an allowance of Rs last one completed its four-year tenure sense of unfairness when they travelled complained about being mobbed while 20000 per meeting. However, post Lodha team. Should the rankings freeze recently. The Indian Express understands without the meet going ahead owing to with Indian team members for away travelling and lack of privacy. When the committee recommendations, the BCCI that the BCCI regime headed by president tours. “It didn’t look nice as we saw them current regime took over in October hasn’t had any working committee. Coronavirus concerns, then her spot gets Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah sealed. The Covid-19 outbreak was to have minimal effect on fencing Olympics qualifications with March 20-22 event in Monkeygate was lowest point Why the French Open being postponed Belgium being the last event determining team places. But it’s a photo finish for of my captaincy: Ricky Ponting Bhavani. The Chennai swordswoman New Delhi, Agency. has come as such a surprise would need 5th ranked Hungary to not leapfrog Korea to qualify via “Adjusted New Delhi, Agency. Official Ranking (AOR)” where she is The scandal unfolded when senior Indian off-spinner Harbhajan currently slated on Spot 1 (of the two Singh was charged with racially abusing Australian all-rounder Boston, and a women’s tournament in available from Asia). If Japan avail of their Wuhan, China, the city at the center of Andrew Symonds during the second Test at Sydney. Australia’s two- The French Open, one of the four Grand host nation individual slot for sabre, then the global pandemic. “Excusez moi???” time World Cup-winning former skipper Ricky Ponting considers Slam tournaments that define success she will pick the second spot. Should Naomi Osaka, the Japanese star and the 2008 ‘Monkeygate’ scandal the lowest point of his captaincy stint in tennis, will be postponed until Hungary upstage Korea though (they did two-time Grand Slam singles champion, as he feels he was not in control of what was happened at that time. September because of the coronavirus. in Greece a fortnight ago), the Chinese wrote on Twitter. Steve Simon, the The scandal unfolded The French Open, one of the four might pip her to the two AOR spots, and chief executive of the women’s tour, when senior Indian Grand Slam tournaments that define she will need to head into continental confirmed in a message that the WTA off-spinner Harbhajan success in tennis, will be postponed qualifiers. The Russian team circuitously had been caught by surprise by the Singh was charged until September because of the helped the Indian, staving off Hungary French Open’s move. Vasek Pospisil, with racially abusing coronavirus. French Open organizers at the last World cup at Greece keeping a member of the ATP player council Australian all-rounder announced the decision Tuesday amid them out of Top 4. Just 10 days back, who has been pushing for more player Andrew Symonds a wide lockdown in France aimed at Bhavani was bang in the middle of her solidarity and influence, said the during the second Test limiting the spread of the virus. The training-cum-competition shuttling decision had “come literally out of at Sydney. “Monkeygate tournament, the premier clay-court between Greece and Italy and finally for the blue” for the ATP. “That’s insane,” was probably the event, was scheduled for May 24 to June a camp in Belgium ahead of the World Pospisil said in a telephone interview. lowest (point in career 7. Tournament organizers said they Cup to be held over this weekend. It’s “These are really rough times, as captain). Losing the shifted those dates to Sept. 20 to Oct. when the Covid-19 cases in Italy – her unprecedented times, and this just 2005 Ashes series was 4. “The current confinement measures training base, surged exponentially. goes against the whole idea of the tour tough but I was in full control of that. But I wasn’t in full control have made it impossible for us to The sabre fencer returned to India in working together. We have a calendar. of what happened during the Monkeygate thing,” Ponting, who led continue with the dates as originally the president of the French Tennis the nick of time. Taking some quick We have discussions and negotiations Australia to 48 wins from 77 Tests and 164 triumphs in 228 ODIs, planned,” tournament officials said in a Federation, said in a statement. The decisions and relying on sheer luck, she between the Grand Slams and the ATP. told a ‘Skysports’ podcast. Harbhajan was eventually cleared of the statement. The change puts the French decision immediately drew criticism is back home from Tuscany. “In Livorno We are always trying to make it work charge and Symonds’ career went into a downward spiral after the Open after the U.S. Open, which had within tennis for being made without there wasn’t much problem as most for everybody, and they just haven’t incident. “It was a low point and also because it dragged on for so been the last Grand Slam tournament consulting others in the game. The date cases were in the north ..but I left for consulted the ATP, the players or the long. I remember coming off the ground during the Adelaide Test scheduled for 2020. “We are acting change created conflicts with other Belgium for a camp. match and speaking to Cricket Australia officials about the case events, including the Laver Cup men’s other tournaments. It’s just a very Kevin Durant says he has tested responsibly and must work together selfish move. They are basically doing a because the hearing wasopensearch at the end of the Adelaide Test match. in the fight to ensure everybody’s team event headlined by Roger Federer power play right now. positive for the coronavirus health and safety,” Bernard Giudicelli, that is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 in ICC Test championship without Pakistan- Foreign wrestling coaches torn India tie makes no sense’: Waqar Younis between family, responsibility Karachi, Agency. due to coronavirus

Waqar Younis lamented that due to the on and off strained relations with India, he got to play only four Tests against New Delhi, Agency. them in an international career spanning 14-years, featuring 87 Tests and 262 ODIs. Former pace great Waqar At least seven N.B.A. Younis said it doesn’t make sense that the ICC World Test players are known to have tested positive, Championship don’t feature any match between arch- including three of Durant’s teammates on rivals India and Pakistan. The World Test Championship the Nets. Kevin Durant, one of the biggest features nine top-ranked Test teams, who will play six stars in the N.B.A., is one of four Nets players bilateral Test series against mutually chosen opponents who tested positive for the coronavirus, he with the top two nations with most points at the end of told The Athletic on Tuesday. “Everyone be the league clashing in the final in England in June 2021. Rajkot, Agency. careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” “I know it is a difficult situation between Pakistan and said Durant, who described himself as feeling India even at government to government level but I fine. “We’re going to get through this. At least think the ICC needed to play a more proactive role in this seven N.B.A. players have tested positive for championship,” Waqar said in an interview to the YouTube “Even if I wanted to go to Georgia for maybe a week, I don’t know the virus. On Tuesday, the Nets announced channel Cricket Baaz. The ICC should have intervened and when I’ll be able to return. Maybe I’ll be quarantined in a hospital for that four of their players had tested positive, done something because to me having a test championship 15 days,” said Shako Bentinidis, Bajrang Punia’s coach. As the deadly though they did not name the athletes. The without Pakistan and India Test matches makes no sense,” India. “If you see India has really worked hard in this area COVID-19 virus causes mass hysteria around the world, two foreign team said only one of the four had shown he said. Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, India hasn’t and they are now producing bowlers regularly who bowl wrestling coaches working in India are worried about the well-being of symptoms. “All players and members of the toured Pakistan. The two neighbours have also not played a in the 140 plus range. “In the past it was not like this. But their family members, who in turn are concerned about the status of Nets travel party are being asked to remain full Test bilateral series since 2007 due to strained political things have changed. (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) the outbreak here. The situation is further complicated by the closure isolated, closely monitor their health and and diplomatic relations. Waqar lamented that due to the Shami, Ishant (Sharma) they have taken India to the top. of India’s borders and the temporary cancellation of all travel visas. maintain constant communication with team on and off strained relations with India, he got to play That is why India is doing so well in Test and other formats Anybody leaving the country will be compulsorily quarantined for 14 medical staff,” the team said, adding that it only four Tests against them in an international career now,” he said. Waqar also pointed out that India had a very days on return. American coach Andrew Cook, who trains the Indian was notifying anyone known to have had spanning 14-years, featuring 87 Tests and 262 ODIs. “It’s clearly rotation policy for its pace bowlers. “If you look at women’s wrestling team, hails from Washington, the US state most contact with the players, including N.B.A. always been like this that is why making my test debut their Test side they have more or less a settled combination affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Cook’s father Jack suffers from a opponents. It is not clear how many Nets against India is something I don’t forget,” he said. Waqar of pace bowlers for this format but in the white ball formats lung disease and the fact that the elderly and those with previous health employees have been tested for the virus. also praised the wealth of pace talent coming through in they keep on changing and experimenting which is good. complications are the ones most at risk from COVID-19 forced the coach to book a flight to the US to be with his parents. In a world without sports, few are still Roger Mayweather, mentor to nephew Floyd, dead at 58 braving the COVID-19 storm Mumbai, Agency. New York, Agency. .

Roger Mayweather first began working with Floyd in the late 1990s and over Even when all of the major sports have 12 years helped shape him into one shut down because of the spread of the of the best pound-for-pound boxers coronavirus, few are still active — from of all time, amassing an unblemished darts to snooker to combat sports to sled 50-0 record. Roger Mayweather, dog racing. In Russian soccer, it was Sochi trainer to nephew and champion 2, Krasnodar 0. In Turkish basketball, boxer Floyd Mayweather, has died at Fenerbahce 84, Tofas 75. In women’s 58 after a long battle with diabetes, Australian rules football, Greater Western his camp said on Tuesday. Before Sydney 26, Adelaide 21. These scores, which becoming a legendary cornerman, the would ordinarily be buried in the blizzard Grand Rapids, Michigan native was a record. He first began working with of worldwide sporting results, stood out champion in his own right. He had a Floyd in the late 1990s and over 12 this weekend. Not because the games were celebrated 20-year career, becoming years helped shape him into one of particularly remarkable, but because they a two-division world champion with the best pound-for-pound boxers of all were played at all. notable fights against Julio Cesar time, amassing an unblemished 50-0 All of the major U.S. leagues, plus golf, Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. The Black record. “My uncle was one of the most tennis and other sports, have shut down Mamba” held the WBA and lineal super important people in my life inside and because of the spread of the coronavirus. featherweight titles in the mid-1980s outside of the ring. Floyd Mayweather The top soccer and rugby leagues did the of matches in only a handful of regions: South The rest of the world was virtually sports free. and the WBC light welterweight title said in a statement. “Roger was a great same in Europe. Just about all sports in China later that same decade. He held the champion and one of the best trainers and Japan have been idle for weeks. The and Central America, Africa, Australia, Russia Here is a look at the games and events that and some former Soviet nations, and some are still bring held. For now. While human IBO light welterweight title and IBO in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was soccer slate for Sunday, normally chock-full of welterweight titles in the mid-1990s failing him for several years and now he games from nations big and small, consisted Asian countries that were not at the epicenter sports have been shutting down, horse racing of the pandemic, like Vietnam and Singapore. has proved to be surprisingly resilient. and finished with a 59-13 professional can finally rest in peace. New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 | BUSINESS | | English Daily Open Search | 7 FIRST COLUMN Global refiners consider crude oil cuts as coronavirus destroys fuel demand Covid-19: ICMR to set Mumbai, Agency.

up 2 rapid testing labs, a Seoul-based middle distillates trader said. Numerous refiners have invested in 49 more testing centres Falling prices for crude oil are usually costly large-scale projects to capitalise a good thing for global refiners - except on projected increases in demand for when nobody is driving. Worldwide, low-sulfur shipping fuel in the first half refineries are slowing output and of 2020 due to new maritime regulations contemplating extensive maintenance limiting the use of high-sulfur fuels. Now, due to travel restrictions put in place in though, those refiners may be particularly response to the coronavirus pandemic. hard hit, as the virus has curtailed cruises Gasoline demand in the United States, the and global shipments of goods. “Refiners world’s largest oil consumer, is plunging. that invested in sophisticated upgrading International flights are being grounded equipment to produce low-sulfur fuel oil worldwide, slamming jet fuel demand. for ships may suffer another blow,” said Margins for producing transportation Phil Verleger, a veteran oil economist fuels turned negative in Europe and Asia, and independent consultant, in a note. and briefly did the same in the United For example, PBF Energy’s market New Delhi, Agency. States, in a rapid response to international condition of anonymity, said it was margins fell a whopping 95% on Monday capitalisation fell to less than $1.3 billion and domestic travel restrictions in scores on Friday, just $300,000 more than it paid In a bid to strengthen of nations worldwide. “What we are extremely difficult for refiners to plan to settle at 28 cents per barrel, lowest the COVID-19 testing capacity, the India run rates due to daily changes in the since December 2008. On Tuesday, they for Shell’s Martinez refinery earlier this seeing is nothing short of unprecedented,” year. Following that purchase, PBF laid Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is said Tom Kloza, founder of the Oil Price situation. Few refiners have announced rebounded, but were still at a meagre going to operationalise two rapid testing actual cuts yet. Refineries must choose $2 per barrel. Asian refining margins off members of its commercial business Information Service, adding that demand development team, according to a person laboratories (high throughput system) and destruction during this pandemic has between extending maintenance while for jet fuel plunged to $4.71 per barrel 49 additional testing centres by the end margins are so poor or ramping up to over Dubai crude, lowest ever based on familiar with the matter. The team had been exceeded what was seen in the wake looking strategic projects, acquisitions and of this week. A rapid testing laboratory of Sept. 11 and other disasters. Crude take advantage of cheap crude to fill up Refinitiv data going back to March 2009. will be equipped to test as many as 1,400 storage with refined products. However, They were at $7.70 on Friday. In the United other new business opportunities for the oil prices have plunged this year, most company. PBF did not respond to a request samples each day. These high throughput recently after Saudi Arabia and Russia once storage has been filled, refining rates States, jet fuel prices when compared with systems will be set up one each in Delhi- would have to fall sharply, due to lack of the heating oil benchmark were at lows for comment. Italian energy group Eni failed to reach agreement on limiting said on Tuesday all its refineries in Italy NCR and Bhubaneswar to exponentially supplies. Both US crude and international demand. In Europe, refiners are losing not seen since 2011 in both New York and increasing rapid diagnosing of COVID-19. nearly $7 on every barrel of gasoline they on the Gulf Coast. “When crude prices fell were working normally except for two benchmark Brent have tumbled below that had cut volumes for maintenance. A The additional 49 testing centres will $30 a barrel. This would have been a produce, an 11-year low. Differentials for heavily early last week, it gave an incentive be at various medical colleges and other jet fuel cargoes also fell to a record low. to refineries to keep runs unchanged. spokesman for Repsol said the Spanish boon for refining margins - but prices refiner had activated a global plan two places. It includes Council of Scientific and on gasoline and jet fuel have plummeted Asian refiners are producing gasoline at Eventually, with the virus-related situation Industrial Research (CSIR), Department a loss of 78 cents a barrel of Brent crude, developing, it’s now the second time for weeks ago to ensure normal operation at even faster this week, sapping refiners’ all its facilities. of Biotechnology (DBT), and Defence profitability. Traders, all speaking on lowest in 13 months. US gasoline refining global refineries to think of run cuts,” Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) among others. These would be Brokerages slash India Inc’s fully equipped to test COVID-19 within ICMR asks private diagnostic labs this week. Professor Balram Bhargava, FY21 earnings estimates Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR said, “As amid coronavirus scare to test coronavirus samples for free of now, we have 72 laboratories in the country to test the samples. Still, we are Mumbai, Agency. expanding our capacity. We are going to start rapid testing laboratories which have high throughput systems to test COVID-19 The government on Tuesday opened testing of samples. In a day, it can test 1,400 samples. coronavirus cases to private sector diagnostic We have got enough reagents to start laboratories in a move that’s expected to improve them. We have placed orders for 1 million screening. Pricing has not been finalised, but the probes from World Health Organisation Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said (WHO). We should have them very soon.” it would appeal to the private chains to conduct Bhargava informed that ICMR has tested tests at ‘’no cost’’ to the consumer. According to at least 11,500 samples nationwide since officials, the price of the test could range between January 21. So far, India has reported 137 Rs 9,000 and Rs 12,000, depending on the type and confirmed positive cases of coronavirus. quality of kit being used. “If reagent is available at Out of this, 120 are active cases, 14 Rs 3,000, the cost of test is Rs 9,000 without any patients got cured and discharged and New Delhi, Agency. margins,” said a private player. Meanwhile, the three people lost their lives due to the shares of top diagnostic chains in the country shot virus. The World Health Organisation up amidst volatile market conditions. The stock (WHO) has declared it as pandemic. of Dr Lal PathLabs ended the day at Rs 1,500 a Globally, over 167,511 confirmed Even as coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is yet to peak piece, up 3 per cent, while Metropolis Healthcare COVID-19 cases have been reported and and its impact fully known on the fortunes of Corporate rose 2.4 per cent. (see chart). ICMR, the apex body 6,606 deaths have taken place across 152 India and the economy, most brokerages have started to for formulation, coordination and promotion of countries. trim earnings estimates for India Inc for the next financial biomedical research, said it would activate 51 units S&P lowers India’s growth year 2020-21 (FY21). Analysts at Jefferies, for instance, authorised by the National Accreditation Board for suggest that the markets are already pricing in a 15 per Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for forecast to 5.2% for 2020 cent drop in earnings given the current valuations. Within COVID-19 diagnosis. Already, 72 ICMR labs are doing Nifty 100, they believe, 63 per cent stocks, including HCL the tests and another 49 new government labs would amid Covid-19 pandemic Technologies, Infosys, ITC, Hero MotoCorp, Marico and be activated by the end of this week, taking the total Petronet, are building in a higher earnings downgrade private sector players to conduct the tests for free. number to 121. Balram Bhargava, head, ICMR, and “ICMR also strongly appeals that private laboratories of over 20 per cent.opensearch The earnings cut potential, Jefferies secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR), says, for select companies in the auto, energy, financials, should offer COVID-19 diagnosis at no cost. They said several private laboratories had approached the have come forward to help as a national crisis. It is industrial, materials & metals, technology and the utility organisation to be of use at this time of an outbreak. sector could be higher between 25 to 45 per cent. “Market an appeal to them and not a condition,” Bhargava A worker sprays disinfectant inside the cabin of a said clarifying that he’s not talking on behalf of decline has taken Nifty price-to-earnings (PE) to 13.3x Lion Air passenger jet as a precaution against the new one-year forward consensus earnings, 15 per cent below the government. He added that many people have coronavirus, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport assured that they would be able to give it for free. its last 10-year PE multiple. In other words, the market is in Tangerang, Indonesia ICMR plans to share the SoP already pricing in a 15 per cent earnings cut. While the A Velumani, chairman of Thyrocare, believes that and the positive controls with the labs. The private free testing is unlikely as the cost involved is high. Nifty had bottomed at much lower PEs (8x) during the labs would have to share the information real time global financial crisis (GFC), the cut to consensus earnings He, however, said that if the government makes the New Delhi, Agency. with state health departments for tracking and also reagents available to the diagnostic chains, the cost then was 22 per cent. Other market bottoms (Euro-2011, contact tracing. Once the labs have procured probes, Taper-2013, Yuan devalue-2016, Demonetisation-2017) of the tests can come down for the common man. The S&P Global Ratings primers and reagents required for the test and have raw material cost (reagents, primers and probes) is on Wednesday lowered India’s economic in last decade had averaged 13.2x PE,” wrote Mahesh their test kits validated by the National Institute of Nandurkar of Jefferies in a co-authored report with around 30 per cent of the test cost,’’ he said. Plus, growth forecast to 5.2 per cent for 2020, Virology, Pune, the ICMR would give them a go-ahead there’s an additional cost of collection. “If the cost saying the global economy is entering Abhinav Sinha. to run the tests. Around eight test kits are currently Those at Motilal Oswal Securities, too, have priced in of testing is high, the number of screenings would a recession amid the coronavirus undergoing validation. Bhargava, however, urged the automatically come down,’’ he said. pandemic. The agency had earlier a 10 per cent cut in Nifty earnings estimates in FY21. projected a growth rate of 5.7 per cent Global cyclicals, they believe, will see significant earnings during the 2020 calendar. Asia-Pacific downgrade given the sharp fall in commodity prices Have you been quarantined? PM economic growth in 2020 will be more and expected moderation in global economic growth. than halve to less than 3 per cent as the “Domestic economy facing sectors will also see downward “global economy enters a recession”, revision in the earnings forecast due to restricted movements to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus,” Modi’s speeches will give you company S&P said in a statement. An enormous they wrote in a recent report. From the recent peak on first-quarter shock in China, shutdowns NEW DELHI, Agency. across the US and Europe, and local February 19 2020, the Indian equity market has corrected virus transmission guarantees a deep 28 per cent (in US dollar terms), underperforming many recession across Asia-Pacific, said Shaun regional peers. The uncertainty around Covid-19 spread Roache, chief Asia-Pacific economist has expanded the risk premium for equities. The fall has Those in quarantine in government facilities will soon at S&P Global Ratings. We lower our been magnified as foreign institutional investors dumped get some reading material to keep them company. One of forecasts for China, India, and Japan for Indian stocks and sold to the tune of $4.8 billion in the these will be a collection of speeches of Prime Minister 2020 to 2.9 per cent, 5.2 per cent and last 11 days alone (till March 16), data shows. Taking into Narendra Modi. “We regularly distribute the copies of -1.2 per cent (from 4.8 per cent, 5.7 per account the current slower economic growth and changes these speeches to various dignitaries, as well as to schools cent, and -0.4 per cent previously),” S&P in the prices of commodities and currencies, analysts at and colleges on various occasions,” said a source aware said. On Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Nomura estimate 10 per cent and 8 per cent downside of the development. The source said these could also be Service had lowered India’s economic risk to FY21 and FY22 consensus’ earnings estimates, distributed at all the quarantine centres across the country. growth forecast for 2020 to 5.3 per cent respectively. “We see earnings risk across sectors driven The number of people in quarantine in India to prevent the (from 5.4 per cent), in the wake of the primarily by financials autos, information technology (IT) spread of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus impact on the economy. services and metals. We acknowledge additional risk, novel coronavirus, is rising continually. All international particularly to near-term earnings. passengers coming to India are being screened at airports. 276 Indians, including 255 in DoT plea for AGR relief to telcos: SC Iran, infected abroad irked, to decide after two weeks NEW DELHI, Agency. New Delhi Agency. In India, Coronavirus extended its footprint with Uttar Pradesh reporting a new case telecom service providers to pay their unpaid or of COVID-19 on Wednesday. A junior doctor in King George’s Medical University tested remaining AGR dues in annual instalments over positive for the virus, taking the total A Supreme Court Bench, comprising Justices the next 20 years or more. The plea had stated number of reported cases to 16 in the Arun Mishra and M R Shah, on Wednesday that telecom service providers liable to make state so far. The government informed expressed its displeasure over the Department payments had started making payments and the the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that of Telecommunication’s (DoT’s) plea seeking part payment was made arising out of AGR dues. 276 Indians have been infected with to allow telecom operators to make a staggered The petition said that the Centre was dealing with coronavirus abroad, including 255 payment of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) the telcos and it had found that those who were in Iran, 12 in UAE and five in Italy. dues. The matter was deferred to be heard again required to make the payments were catering to According to the health ministry, after two weeks. “Self-assessment by DoT is millions of consumers across the country. “The India’s total number of cases stand sheer violation of our orders, sheer contempt,” Centre is conscious of the fact that any immediate at 147. Globally, the number of cases Justice Arun Mishra remarked, according to Live SC judgment. If we allow these pleas, SC will be has reached over 200,100, and there party to a fraud. We say with all responsibility adverse impact on the functioning of telecom Law. “Who permitted self-assessment? CAG audit service providers would not only have an adverse have been over 8,010 reported deaths has to be done. This is in contempt of our orders”. that we cannot allow reopening,” the court across 157 countries. The Union health observed. Mishra also turned his ire on the impact on the overall economy of the nation but Mishra said the Court could not permit another would also seriously harm the interest of the ministry on Monday activated a toll-free round of litigation on the AGR issue. media, alleging “powerful” telecom companies 24x7 national helpline number, 1075, to were influencing the media. “Telecom companies consumers across the country.” The decision in To the assertion of Solicitor General Tushar favour of the DoT plea could have given a major address queries related to the infection. Mehta, who is appearing for the DoT, that there are very powerful and that is why they are Government and RBI are considering influencing the newspapers to write stories fillip to the ailing telecom sector, especially was no reassessment of dues and that only an Vodafone Idea, which has been on the brink of giving relief to banks, aviation and other hospitality sectors hit by the coronavirus extension of time was sought, Justice Mishra said: every day. If we want, we can send the managing outbreak by relaxing bad loan classification rules, a source familiar with the matter said. directors from the companies to jail,” Live Law a collapse. It, however, would also have implied “If this is the attitude of the government, we shall that the government would receive a fraction The government is discussing increasing timeline by 30-60 days to classify a loan as a recuse ourselves.” ALSO READ: Vodafone Idea quoted Justice Mishra as saying. Earlier this bad loan, the source said. Currently, a debt not serviced for 90 days is classified as a bad week, the government had approached the apex of its earlier estimate of Rs 1.47 trillion as AGR- pays another Rs 3,354 cr to DoT as part payment linked dues from the telecom industry. loan. As many as 276 Indians have been infected with coronavirus abroad, including 255 of AGR dues “We cannot allow encroachment of court seeking approval to a formula allowing in Iran, 12 in UAE and five in Italy, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. 8 | English Daily Open Search | ENTERTAINMENT | New Delhi | Thursday, March 19, 2020 FIRST COLUMN Priyanshu Painyuli to star Former Roadies director slams reality show, opposite Taapsee Pannu in Rashmi Rocket calls it an embarrassment to brand MTV Mumbai, Agency.

participants have to go back into the real world. It is worth Roadies Revolution has been the considering the long term subject of multiple controversies. damage being done to them,for After Neha Dhupia was brutally ratings.” A few days back, gang trolled on social media, the reality leader Neha Dhupia faced the show’s former director Nivedith wrath of trolls for her reaction Alva has now called Roadies an towards a contestant who embarrassment to brand MTV. In slapped his girlfriend for cheating a series of tweets, Nivedith said on him. The actor lashed out at Jaipur, Agency. the show ‘has degenerated over the man and emphasised that time’. it was the girl’s choice to cheat Actor Priyanshu Painyuli, He wrote, “The MTV Roadies on him, which did not go down best known for Vikramaditya Motwane’s format was created by my brother well with netizens. Neha Dhupia Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is set to feature Nikhil Alva @njalva and was wrote a long note clarifying that in Rashmi Rocket with Taapsee Pannu, the meant to be a show that inspired her statement on the show was makers announced on Wednesday. The & united the youth of India to against violence. “Cheating is actor, who recently starred in Netflix film do good and get involved with not something I stand for, and Upstarts, will play an Army officer in the nation-building.” “I directed the it is unfortunate that I have movie. Priyanshu said he is looking forward 1st Season of Roadies, produced been misrepresented for the to working on the film, to be directed by by Miditech, that discovered same… but what I do stand for is Akarsh Khurana. This is looking like a great youth icon @rannvijaysingha women’s safety,” the note read. year already and hopefully the start of a (Season 1). We also produced Dhupia also mentioned that great decade too. In Rashmi Rocket, I will Season 2 that Bollywood while she initially kept mum on be playing the role of an Army officer in Superstar @ayushmannk won,” to see what has been done to in-your-face-sexuality were time to the point where it is an the trolling, she chose to speak the film. It’s a matter of great pride for me. he added. Using the hashtag the Roadies format over time. never a part of the format. embarrassment to brand MTV up as trolls started abusing her “Since I come from the defence background, ‘Unreal Roadies’, Nivedith Alva Backstabbing, bad language, #UnrealRoadies.” He added, & to any advertiser associated family members. playing a man in uniform is both an honour further wrote, “It sickens me abusive anchors, violence and “The show has degenerated over with it. In the end,these young and responsibility. It’s extremely exciting especially after my last film ‘Upstarts’, Ekta Kapoor suspends all Balaji Coronavirus outbreak: whose universe is so far removed from the world this film is set in,” the actor said in How celebrities are coping a statement. Set in Kutch, Rashmi Rocket productions amid coronavirus outbreak will see Taapsee in the title role of a gifted athlete. Priyanshu Painyuli will play an Army New Delhi Agency. with the pandemic officer in Rashmi Rocket. The film stars New Delhi Agency. Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. First of Many: Milind Ekta Kapoor said safety and well- being of the company’s employees, Every day new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are being Soman revisits A cast and crew is of paramount reported from across the globe. In India, the number of Mouthful of Sky importance to her. To contain confirmed cases has climbed up to 137. The entertainment the spread of novel coronavirus, industry is also hit by the pandemic. International producer Ekta Kapoor on Tuesday celebrities like Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Olga announced that she has suspended all administrative and production work cross Balaji Telefilms Limited, Balaji Motion Pictures Limited and ALTBalaji. In a statement posted on her official Twitter account, Ekta said safety and well-being of the company’s employees, cast and crew is of paramount importance to her. “In light of the pandemic spread of health measures,” the statement from March 19 to March 31. Various the COVID-19 virus, all administrative read. Ekta’s statement comes a day events, award functions, interviews, and production work across Balaji after director-producer Karan Johar’s shooting schedules stand postponed Telefilms Limited, Balaji Motion Dharma Production announced the or cancelled in view of the outbreak. Pictures Limited and ALTBalaji stands suspension of all administrative India has reported 126 positive cases suspended till further notice. “We and production work. On Sunday, including 22 foreign nationals. So far, are complying with all safety and various film bodies in India including three people — one each in Karnataka, precautionary measures suggested Federation of Western Indian Cine Delhi and Maharashtra have lost their New Delhi, Agency. by the government to help contain Employees (FWICE), Indian Film lives after getting infected with the the situation. We are confident that & Television Directors’ Association virus. The virus, which originated in This week’s ‘First of together we will show our resilience (IFTDA) and Producers Guild of India China’s Wuhan city, has claimed over Many’ features Milind Soman. In the 33rd and bounce back. We urgeopensearch everyone decided to put shootings of films, 7,000 lives and infected more than edition of our exclusive series, the model- to be safe and ensure necessary TV shows and web series on hold 175,530 people in 145 countries. actor talks about his first acting project, A Mouthful of Sky, which was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. From playing Captain Frozen 2 actor Rachel Matthews Vyom in Indian television’s first sci-fi Kurylenko and Kristofer Hivju have been tested positive show, starring in movies like Rules: Pyaar for coronavirus and are undergoing treatment. Bollywood Ka Superhit Formula to making his web stars are also taking preventive measures. Veteran actor series debut with Four More Shots Please, tests positive for coronavirus Dilip Kumar is in complete isolation amid the coronavirus Milind Soman has explored it all. But how New Delhi Agency. outbreak. Amitabh Bachchan, Anushka Sharma, Deepika did it begin for Milind Soman? How did Padukone and many others are educating fans on how the former model find his way into acting? they can keep themselves safe. Several film production My first acting project was A Mouthful of companies have cancelled the shoot of their upcoming Sky (1995) on Doordarshan. It was India’s Frozen 2 actor Rachel Matthews has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The projects. The Batman, Jurassic World: Dominion, Laal first English serial. It was suggested to me Singh Chaddha and Jersey are among the affected films. by Mahesh Bhatt and my friend Devieka 26-year-old actor, who voices Honey Maren in the 2019 Disney animated film, told her Also, the release of big-ticket films like No Time To Die, Bhojwani. I had rejected all offers for Mulan and Sooryavanshi has been postponed. The shoot films and television before this as I was Instagram followers that she has been in quarantine for the past week. “Hey guys, I of TV shows and web series have also been put on hold not fluent in Hindi. I accepted the project until March 31. JD Majethia, the chairman of TV-wing- because it was in English, and I was ready, tested positive for COVID-19 and have been in quarantine the last week. Unsure of what the IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producers Council), at the time, to try something new. On the told indianexpress.com, “We will shoot till Wednesday. So first day of shooting for A Mouthful of Sky, next step is (been getting mixed info so will keep you posted) but obviously will remain this week, and maybe for a few, it will be a couple of more I was required to walk in a forest looking episodes. Then the obvious choice is to rerun, but it will for some secret. It was fairly easy. No in quarantine until told to do otherwise. I’m feeling better but I will be posting some info be interesting to twist and look at this as an opportunity dialogues, no complicated movements, to break the competition. For viewers too, it is a time to and Mahesh Bhatt was directing. That was that I hope will be helpful to some. “Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions. experiment and sample other channels’ successful shows, the only thing I shot that day. I had done which they might have missed due to loyalty towards similar shots for advertising before, so I I really would love to help in any way I can. Again, let’s please be mindful of our decisions their favourites on the same time slot.” Sharing a photo on wasn’t nervous or anything. I had a lot of Instagram, Aparshakti Khurana wrote, “Do you remember fun. I never really wanted to be an actor. – now is the time to be smart and responsible. Let’s take care of one another,” she wrote in the last time your life was as slow as it is today? We’ve I do enjoy it though. The movies I watch been part of the rat race since so long that we barely got most belong to the fantasy and superhero her Instagram story on Monday. The actor also shared the list of her symptoms to create time to connect even with ourselves. Today, I can’t help genre. This week’s ‘First of Many’ features but see a bright side of this pandemic. A side which is Milind Soman. In the 33rd edition of our awareness about the coronavirus outbreak. Matthews joins Hollywood veteran Tom telling us to slow down, to reflect, to introspect, to connect exclusive series, the model-actor talks with others while connecting with our own selves. Also, about his first acting project, A Mouthful Hanks and his wife, actor Rita Wilson, British actor Idris Elba, former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko and Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju who tested positive for coronavirus. The virus, which originated in China’s let’s try not to panic. As the most intelligent species on of Sky, which was directed by Mahesh earth, we definitely will find ways to tackle it, cure it and Bhatt. Wuhan city, was declared pandemic by World Health Organisation (WHO) last week. The COVID-19 has claimed over 7,000 lives and infected more than 175,530 people in 145 countries. come out of it stronger, as we always have. Till then, let’s remember - we are all in this together.” Coronavirus outbreak: How the television industry is coping with the ‘no shoot’ directive New Delhi Agency.

Cine Employees), IFTDA (Indian Film Baby. He currently has Bhakharwadi level. Most importantly, we are & Television Directors’ Association), on-air on SAB TV. Due to the sudden focussing on awareness, as there While many Indian and international IFTPC (Indian Film and Television move, Rajan Shahi postponed shouldn’t be any kind of panic,” he films including Sooryavanshi, Producers Council) and WIFPA the launch of his upcoming show shared. Zee TV has a plan in place to Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, The Quiet (Western India Film Producers’ Anupamaa. His long-running serial keep its audience entertained while Place 2 and Mulan among more have Association). While many Indian Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai will now they are confined to their homes. A delayed their theatrical release, the and international films including air for an hour till normalcy returns. spokesperson in a statement shared, luxury is not available to television Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi, YRF’s In a statement, the producer spoke “Keeping in mind the health and shows, given that it airs multiple Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, The Quiet about the decision to halt shoot, safety of all concerned, ZEE will stop times a week. Also, reality shows Place 2 and Mulan among more have “I totally agree and endorse the all shoots in the timelines stipulated follow the audience voting pattern, delayed their theatrical release, the decision. In today’s time, prevention in the directive. In times where social and need to film fresh episodes luxury is not available to television is the best thing. distancing is the need of the hour every week. On Sunday, several shows, given that it airs multiple I am telling my family to avoid to curb the outbreak of COVID-19 entertainment industry bodies times a week. Also, reality shows gatherings, so why should I not tell and people are spending more announced that shoots of films, TV follow the audience voting pattern, my other family, which is my unit.” time indoors, the idea is to provide and web series would be put on hold and need to film fresh episodes Earlier, Shahi had told us how his sets audiences with the most engaging a couple of more episodes. Then the channels’ successful shows, which from March 19 till March 31, owing every week. When asked how will had upped precautionary measures entertainment for the entire family. obvious choice is to rerun, but it will they might have missed due to loyalty to the coronavirus pandemic. This the television industry function, to tackle coronavirus. “A few days There will be special episodes and be interesting to twist and look at towards their favourites on the decision was taken in a joint meeting Chairman, TV-wing – IFTPC, JD back, we distributed masks on all excitement galore in store for viewers this as an opportunity to break the same time slot.” Majethia is known between IMPPA (Indian Motion Majethia told indianexpress.com, our sets to keep the team protected. considering they will spend more competition. For viewers too, it is a for creating shows like Sarabhai vs Pictures Producers’ Association), “We will shoot till Wednesday. So this We have also got sanitisers placed time indoors and collective family time to experiment and sample other Sarabhai, Khichdi and Baa Bahu Aur FWICE (Federation of Western India week, and maybe for a few, it will be around the set to keep up the hygiene time for TV is expected to increase. Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor Vijay Kumar Printed at Aditya Graphics, Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, I.T.O. New Delhi-110002 and Published at 1536/108, Ganesh Pura Road Tri. Nagar, New Delhi-110035 RNI No. DELENG/2016/67075 (Phone : 011-27380260 Moble :9210092542 ) E-mail : [email protected] , Websit : www.opensearch.co.in