Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 12 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW BHOPAL NOT MAKING A SONG ANOTHER RS 34,000 CRORE SMITH WANTS TO WIN TEST RAIPUR CHANDIGARH BHUBANESWAR AND DANCE... COMPENSATION TO STATES SOON SERIES IN RANCHI DEHRADUN *Late City Vol. 2 Issue 178 HYDERABAD, THURSDAY APRIL 9, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

BUNNY AND SUKU GO PAN-INDIA WITH PUSHPA { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com MISS ENGLAND BHASHA MUKHERJEE IITs TO HOLD SPL PLACEMENT DRIVES FOR INDIGO SUSPENDS INTERNATIONAL BRAZIL PREZ REFERENCES RAMAYANA, RETURNS TO WORK AS DOCTOR IN UK AFFECTED BY CANCELLED JOB OFFERS FLIGHTS TILL APRIL 30 URGES INDIA TO RELEASE KEY DRUG

iss England 2019 Bhasha Mukherjee has returned to the UK to resume he Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will hold special placement mid the nationwide lockdown implemented to contain the spread of razil, the latest country to urge India to open the export of a key drug Mher medical practise in the wake of the coronavirus Tdrives for those students whose job offers got cancelled amid the Anovel coronavirus in India, budget carrier IndiGo said on Wednesday it is Bthat is being tested as a cure for coronavirus, has referred to Hindu epic pandemic. Mukherjee, a doctor by profession who spent her coronavirus outbreak, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' said suspending its international flights till April 30. Air India has already Ramayana while making its request.Over 30 countries, led by the US, have childhood in Kolkata, was crowned Miss England in August on Wednesday. "I have also asked all IIT directors to hold special suspended domestic and international flights till April 30. "Our International been urging India to release anti-malarial drug hydroxy-chloroquine in the 2019 and since then she has been travelling for humanitarian placement drives for the students affected by cancelled job operations are temporary suspended till April 30, 2020. Your money is safe fight against coronavirus or COVID-19. Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, in a work. In December, she represented England at the Miss World offers. The students to whom the jobs were offered during the in the form of a credit shell, valid for one year from the date of the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote," Just as Lord 2019 pageant. But she has now decided to temporarily step back placement drive are among the country's brightest minds and issuance," IndiGo said in a tweet on Wednesday. India has Hanuman brought the holy medicine from the Himalayas to from humanitarian activities as she returned to the UK to can help recruiters in times of crisis," he said. "I have imposed a 21-day lockdown, which is supposed to end on save the life of Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana, and Jesus continue her work as a doctor. "It wasn't a tough decision. appealed to all campus recruiters not to withdraw jobs April 14, to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, healed those who were sick and restored the sight to Bartimeu, I've been to Africa, Turkey, and India was the first of the offered to graduating students of technical education all domestic and international commercial passenger flights India and Brazil will overcome this global crisis by joining Asian countries I was going to travel to. institutions," he added. have been suspended for this time period. forces and sharing blessings for the sake of all peoples."

SC asks pvt labs GOING NOWHERE to conduct corona RBI reaches out to test for free PNS n cash-strapped TS, AP The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all coro- L VENKAT RAM REDDY navirus infection patients to n HYDERABAD be tested free of cost. A bench comprising The Reserve Bank of India Justices Ashok Bhushan and has, in its own way, reached out S. Ravindra Bhat said, "The to the cash-strapped state gov- tests relating to COVID-19, ernments of Telangana and whether in Andhra Pradesh. The RBI has approved gov- allowed TS and AP govern- ernment labo- ments to borrow 50 per cent of ratories or the total open market borrow- approved pri- ings (OMB) ceiling for this fis- vate laborato- cal (2020-21) in the first month ries, shall be free itself (April). of cost. The respondents The RBI has fixed ceiling of Rs (Union of India) shall issue 15,051 crore OMB for Telangana The RBI has fixed ceiling of Rs 15,051 crore necessary direction in this and Rs 15,153 crore for AP for OMB for Telangana and Rs 15,153 crore for AP regard immediately." this fiscal, of which TS and AP The apex court order came can borrow 50 per cent in April for this fiscal, of which TS and AP can borrow on a petition filed by advocate to meet their expenses. 50 per cent in April to meet their expenses. Shashank Deo Sudhi chal- The RBI has relaxed borrow- lenging the Indian Council of ing norms to help the states tide Medical Research (ICMR) over their financial crisis on months of this fiscal (2020-21), cent of the net borrowing ceil- advisory to fix maximum Rs account of the outbreak of against the usual 12-month ing fixed by the RBI in the first 4,500 for corona test by pri- Covid-19. It has allowed states duration. And, even in these month of this fiscal (April) vate entities. to cumulatively borrow from nine months, the states have itself, if situation demands. 2 Gacchibawli and surrounding areas, which throb with intense activity on normal days, looks forlorn on Wednesday due to the Covid-19-induced lockdown. the open market in the first nine been allowed to borrow 50 per 2 Bus pass holders lose a All pending I-T refunds Situation akin to ‘social emergency’, month without travel to be released PNS n HYDERABAD was observed. Each RTC warrants tough decisions: PM Modi depot has set aside five buses PNS n NEW DELHI RTC city bus pass holders, for operation in case of an PNS n NEW DELHI other policy measures to boost including those with student emergency. In a measure that is expect- the country's capability in the passes, have urged the state According to conservative ed to provide relief to the tax- The situation in the country is SUPPORT A POOR FAMILY TO battle against the pandemic, government to extend the estimates, the total number of payers amid the outbreak of akin to a "social emergency" the statement said. Suggestions validity of their passes by 25 bus pass holders in the deadly coronavirus (COVID- and it has necessitated tough SHOW ME YOUR RESPECT: PM were also given by the leaders ‘Modi great’, days, considering the peri- state is 8 lakh, includ- 19), the government decisions, Prime Minister rime Minister Modi has urged that if you really have so much on extending the lockdown, od they have lost on ing 3.5 lakh in on Wednesday Narendra Modi told political PIndians with economic love and want to honour Modi, and on a "phased exit" after the says Trump account of the nation- GHMC limits. decided to leaders on the COVID-19 out- means to financially support one then take the responsibility of a lockdown ended. n wide lockdown Commuters have to release all pend- break as he asserted that his poor family till the coronavirus poor family, at least as long as The leaders provided feed- PNS NEW DELHI imposed to check the shell down Rs 890 ing income tax government's priority is to outbreak continues. "It has been the corona virus crisis is there. back, suggested policy mea- spread of coronavirus. for an ordinary bus refunds up to Rs 5 "save each and every life". brought to my attention that There can be no greater honour sures, discussed the 21-day Hours after warning India of By April 14, these bus pass, Rs 990 for lakh immediately. Interacting with floor lead- some people are campaigning to for me than this." This is not the lockdown and the way forward, "retaliation" if it did not agree pass holders would have lost express service, Rs 1,500 In a press note released by ers of opposition and other honour Modi by standing for 5 first time he urged people to according to the statement. to export hydroxychloro- 25 days as RTC buses have for Metro Deluxe and Rs 2,000 the finance ministry, the parties in Parliament via video minutes. At first glance, it seems help the needy and deprived in They thanked the prime quine, an anti-malarial drug remained off the roads since for AC bus services. There are government said that the conferencing on Wednesday, like a scandal to drag Modi into this hour of crisis. India is amid minister for the meeting, believed effective in treat- March 22. The RTC has con- different kinds of student bus move will benefit as many as Modi said, "We must continue dispute," PM tweeted. Then he a 21-day shutdown to contain appreciated the timely mea- ment of the novel coron- fined its buses to the depots passes too. 14 lakh taxpayers. to remain vigilant." went on to add, "Maybe it is the spread of Coronavirus. sures taken by him and said avirus, US President Donald since the day Janata Curfew 2 2 "The situation in the coun- someone's goodwill, yet I insist that the "entire country is Trump called Prime Minister try is akin to a social emer- standing united behind him Narendra Modi "great" and gency...it has necessitated during the crisis", the state- "really good". TS bans spitting tough decisions and we must and every life. and UTs, and ment said. The change in tone came Sweet distribution continue to remain vigilant," Modi told the leaders that tackling the chal- During the interaction, after Mr Trump confirmed in public places the prime minister told the the country is facing "serious lenges of hunger Modi underlined the that the first shipment of a leaders, according to an official economic challenges as a result and malnutri- impact of the emerging total of 29 million doses of the HYDERABAD: The Telangana statement. of COVID-19, and the govern- tion. situation, as witnessed in drug was on its way from government has banned spit- led to virus scare States, district administra- ment is committed to over- They also resource constraints. three factories in Gujarat to ting in public places, as part of tions and experts have suggest- coming them." spoke about "Yet, India has been the United States, reports its measures to contain the Revenue wing quarantined ed extension of the ongoing The leaders who attended eco- among the few news agency PTI. US has spread of COVID-19. lockdown beyond April 14 to the virtual meet talked about nomic nations to reported four lakh coron- In view of the COVID19 RAMAKRISHNA PERALA Jamaat's congregation in contain the spread of the virus, boosting the health and morale and control the avirus cases and 13,000 deaths. pandemic, the Government n ADILABAD Nizamuddin, New Delhi Modi said. of the healthcare workers, pace of "I bought millions of of Telangana issued notifica- during March 13-15, dis- He said that the priority of ramping up testing facilities, spread of doses... more than 29 million. tion banning the unhealthy A revenue wing here has tributed sweets. the government is saving each the need to assist smaller states the virus I spoke to Prime Minister practice of spitting with been quarantined after six The sweet distribution till now," (Narendra) Modi, a lot of it immediate effect. people tested Covid-19 pos- came to light after the The situation in the country is akin to a social the state- comes out of India. I asked 2 itive in Nirmal district of Tahsildar was sent to a quar- emergency...it has necessitated tough decisions ment him if he would release it. He the erstwhile Adilabad and antine centre and the VRA said. was great. He was really it also turned out that a and his family members were and we must continue to remain vigilant good," Donald Trump told TODAY VRA in Narsapur, who had directed to follow suit. — NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister American channel Fox News. ALMANAC been to the Tablighi 2 2 2 Month & Paksham: Chaitra & Shukla Paksha RESPONSE TO RTI QUERY REVEALS … Panchangam: 49 more test positive Tithi: Dwitiya: 12:38 am (Next Day) Nakshatram: Swati: 12:15 am (Next Day) Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start Arvind cited fake degree in poll affidavit to EC: TRS for virus in Telangana any important work) NAVEENA KAVI Rahukalam: 01:50 pm – 03:22 pm n HYDERABAD The BJP MP's election Etela says steps can allay corona fears by 95% Yamagandam: 06:07 am – 07:40 am affidavit states that he Troubled present, shady Varjyam: 07:59 am – 09:24 am, It is one thing to make false holds a Master's degree PNS n HYDERABAD Karimanagar reported 11 cases 07:00 pm – 06:44 am claims about one's education- past of Vidyapeeth on Wednesday. Nirmal report- Gulika: 09:12 am - 10:45 am al qualifications and quite in Arts -- Political Science Telangana reported 49 more ed 6 cases on Wednesday, tak- Good Time: (to start any another to submit as part of from Janardhan Rai HYDERABAD: The university in University, Rajasthan; positive cases on Wednesday, ing the total number of active important work) one's election affidavit educa- question, Janardhan Rai Nagar Allahabad Agricultural Institute, taking the total to 453 posi- cases in the district to 10. Amritakalam: 04:28 pm – 05:53 pm tional records obtained from a Nagar Rajasthan Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, has a Allahabad (since renamed as tive cases in the state. While Medchal, shady past and a troubled Sam Higginbottom University Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:53 am – 12:42 pm university that has been black- Vidyapeeth There are 397 active Nizamabad, listed by the University Grants present. Janardan Rai Nagar of Agriculture, Technology and cases in the state, Kamareddy and HYDERABAD Commission on the orders of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, known Sciences); and Vinayaka while 45 have been Khammam the Supreme Court and whose to an RTI query raised by its as Member of Parliament for as JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Missions Research Foundation, discharged and 11 reported 4, 3, 2 WEATHER Vice Chancellor himself was leader Krishank Manne, laid it filing an affidavit with patent- is among the four universities . The SC had then succumbed to the and 2 cases respec- Forecast: Partly cloudy once booked for forging elec- on thick that Nizamabad MP ly false entries. whose distance learning restrained all deemed infection. tively; Jayashankar Temp: 39/26 tion records. Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri had filed The BJP MP's election affi- engineering and other degrees universities across the country On Wednesday, most Bhupalpally, Humidity: 51% Arvind Dharmapuri did pre- in his election affidavit false davit states that he holds a have been suspended by UGC. from continuing any distance of the cases were reported Mahabubnagar, Sunrise: 06:04 am cisely that and is in trouble now. details pertaining to his educa- Master's degree in Arts -- The other three were learning courses from from the districts, with only 11 Nalgonda, Suryapet, Vikarabad Sunset: 06:30 pm On Wednesday, the tional qualifications. Krishank Political Science from Janardhan Institute of Advanced Studies |2018-19. cases being reported from and Warangal reported 1 case Current Weather Conditions Telangana Rashtra Samiti Manne demanded that Arvind Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth. in Education Deemed Hyderabad. While Rangareddy each on Tuesday. Updated April 08, 2020 5:00 PM 2 (TRS), armed with a response should resign from his position 2 district reported 17 cases, 2 HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 hyderabad 02

he situation post April 14, PRINCIPLE 5 the date the lockdown imposed by the Central (public cooperation and T participation): government is scheduled to end, Covid-19: A post lockdown framework requires a framework within Public has to be involved in which all State Governments can the spatial cordon sanitaire plug in. The framework will have dents in the management of tions for tracking patients and impose individual social dis- approach. A basic element of scope for adaptation by the States Covid-19. The conventional Thus, the framework will follow a provide access to telemedicine, tances and spatial cordon san- public cooperation is sharing and, importantly local areas. units - districts/ taluqas/ wards ‘loose-fit, light touch’ framework in which (4) organising advocacy on a itaire of Areas. At the same time, of information. People threat- Moving away from a cookie cut- - are too large and the best states and local areas will have the range of issues that are connect- the higher levels will do deep- ened with lockdown do not ter model will leave room for would be an Area containing ed to prevention of Covid-19 er analysis and provide inputs cooperate with authorities. adaptation to local conditions and 5000 people (an area, see 73rd opportunity to adapt their responses, in and its treatment so that the to Areas. People take flight, which take into account varying levels of and 74th Constitutional real-time, to the Covid-19 outbreak people can make sense of the One example, is the research spreads the epidemic, and existing conditions in local areas. Amendment). The Area will be huge amounts of information done by New York Institute of the authorities do not get to Thus, the framework will fol- different for rural and urban being received by them daily Technology. The study found know or get to know quite low a ‘loose-fit, light touch’ frame- areas. For each Area there will spatial areas based on the mor- such conversions, (7) identify from several sources (e.g. social (with some statistical caveats) late. work in which states and local be one action team with one bidity and mortality patterns, private doctors to look after media), (5) providing direct the following associations - the Eliciting peoples’ cooperation areas will have the opportunity to leader and a single chain of (2) ensure that all people in the these hospitals, and (8) distrib- help if the local unit is over- average mortality rate was 0.78 is what public health teaches us adapt their responses, in real- command. For example, the local unit wear masks, (3) ute pensions, direct cash trans- whelmed by a large number of deaths per million people for 55 since the plague years - focus on time, to the Covid-19 outbreak. volunteers in Andhra Pradesh decide on people to be quaran- fer, etc. to the local residents. cases, and (6) converting at least nations having a national BCG case findings of individuals, Let us first look at some could be members the action tined in houses or in hospitals, one building into a large Covid- policy. The mortality figure followed by tracing and isola- broad principles based on the team. (4) decide on local sanitary PRINCIPLE 3 19 hospital (e.g. stadium) with was 16.39 for five nations (Italy, tion. This is what the Area will (States to support local units): SAMEER SHARMA, IAS learning contained in the PRINCIPLE 2 measures, (5) doorstep distrib- the help of NDRF/armed police. the US, Netherlands, Lebanon achieve in India. responses to earlier pandemics, ution of food, medicines and State Governments PRINCIPLE 4 and Belgium) not having such including Covid-19. (Entrustment of functions): daily provisions, particularly (including district/sub- In case doctors are unavail- a policy. Here, the higher levels (Author is a Ph.D. from (monitor, feedback, modify PRINCIPLE 1 All Covid-19 related func- to the poor and the vulnerable, division /taluqa/ mandal able, then deploy doctors (e.g. can advise Areas to craft their USA and a D.Litt. from tions, which can be best done (6) identify establishments (e.g. officers) assistance will be private, AYUSH) from else- response): responses based on the levels of Kanchi University. (Identifying the local unit and at the Area level will be entrust- schools, stadia, community required by the Areas for the where, (2) provisioning for all The Areas will establish a sys- BCG vaccination. Such hit- The article is creating leadership): ed to it. Some examples to be halls) that can be converted into following tasks, (1) providing medial and health supplies and tem of real-time monitoring and-trial initiatives will enable based on his research and The local units should permit given to the Areas are, (1) temporary hospitals by the masks, ventilators and test technical assistance, (3) mobil- using the ubiquitous mobile Areas to respond in real-time to practice and views are real participation of local resi- decide on locking down of State Governments and assist in kits. ising and provide digital solu- phone to decide on places to ever-changing situations. personal.)

TRSPP pitches for extension of Harish expresses concern Tailors reach out to rural lockdown PNS n HYDERABAD over shortage of gunny bags The TRS Parliamentary Party on Wednesday strongly PNS n SIDDIPET folks with desi masks pitched for extension of the PV KONDAL RAO Thatikayala village in lockdown in the country Finance Minister T Harish n WARANGAL While surgical Warangal urban district is one beyond April 15, terming it as Rao on Wednesday said that masks are sold such area where four village the most effective tool to the state government has only "A stitch in time saves nine," at Rs.20 per tailors have taken upon them- control Coronavirus out- 5.5 crore gunny bags as against goes a proverb. Taking the selves the task of preparing break. The party requested the required 14 crore and the larger import of this maxim to piece, the cloth masks for residents. the PM to extend the nation- state government has been the next level of their profes- cotton masks These four tailors have so far al lockdown at least by two trying to procure the rest. The sion, tailors have started pro- made by some distributed about 500 cloth weeks, when lockdown ends Minister exhorted the farmers ducing cloth masks that have masks among the villagers free on April 14. to bring old gunny bags avail- become a bit hit among the of the tailors of cost in order to help fight TRSPP leaders K Keshava able with them. rural folks as they are distrib- are sold at the coronavirus. Rao (Rajya Sabha) and Nama Speaking after inaugurat- uted free or come at a reason- rate of Rs.15 Observers say that, with the Nageshwara Rao (Lok Sabha) ing the paddy and maize pro- able price. Further, people prescribed N95 nowhere in pledged complete support of curement centres in Siddipet donot have to scramble for per unit. sight, and with the supply of TRS party and the Telangana urban and rural mandals here them in shops that otherwise normal surgical masks likely to government to Prime on Wednesday, Harish Rao prefer to sell only surgical or be hit in the case of an exten- Minister Narendra modi in advised the farmers to bring N95 masks at a premium. villagers. The best part is that interior areas and remote sion of the lockdown, the des- the fight against COVID-19, tarpaulins along with them as Naturally, these desicloth these cloth masks are thandassome of the tribals icotton cloth masks are likely during the Prime Minister’s unseasonal rains are likely The Minister distributed essential masks provide rural peo- handy, durable and have started wearing leaf to be the mainstay of villagers video conference with all during the current month. He ple the first layer of washable. masks. In most of the rural in many of the districts. political parties on advised farmers to cooperate commodities kits worth Rs 1 lakh safety. Of course, in areas, people are now relying Even those dealing in Wednesday. with one each other by giving donated by ZPTC member Srihari Goud As things stand, the initial stages on masks made of cotton cloth. medical supplies and surgi- Speaking on the occasion, their tarpaulins. The required the Medical and of the lock- While surgical masks are cal equipment are of the Keshava Rao said the nation paddy cleaners are being req- among safai karmacharis and ASHA Health wings as down there sold at Rs.20 per piece, the cot- considered view that any must continue lockdown uisitioned from Punjab. workers in Chinnagundavelli village. well as pharmaceu- were occasion- ton masks made by some of the extension of the lockdown which comes at an enor- Earlier, the Minister inaugu- tical and surgical al supplies of tailors are sold at the rate of would further hinder pro- mous costs as there was no rated the procurement centres agencies have failed surgical masks to Rs.15 per unit. In many vil- duction and distribution of alternative. Admitting that it at Mittapalli, Ponnala, Irkod, ASHA workers in Meanwhile, on Tuesday to make available ade- prevent the spread lages, local tailors are distrib- surgical masks. In all prob- was best of the bad deals, he Chinnagundavelli and Chinnagundavelli village. Baby night Harish Rao distributed quate number of masks of coronavirus. uting these masks free of cost. ability, the cloth masks feared that if the lockdown Raghavapur villages of the dis- Srivigna, daughter of upa- essential commodities among for people in villages. So, Subsequently, they Their contention is that the ser- would continue to be the was relaxed, situation will trict. Comparing the global sit- sarpanch Maheswar Reddy, the members of Light Motor some resourceful tailors have became scarce, forcing people vice they render would help the preferred alternative for rural worsen especially in rural uation of Coronavirus vis-à-vis donated her kitty bank savings Vehicles' Association at Konda taken the initiative to provide to look for alternatives. It is a village survive from the effects folks in the weeks ahead areas where there is poor with the situation in India, the to the Minister for the purpose Bhudevi Gardens. alternatives at their doorstep of different matter that in some of the dreaded virus. across Telangana. healthcare facilities. Minister exhorted the people of utilising it for Coronavirus The Minister called upon to observe precautions and affected. Similarly, MPP of the people of the town to advised them to cooperate Raghavpur village Sridevi cooperate with the govern- with the government even if donated her six months salary ment by supporting the exten- the lockdown period is going of Rs 60,000 to the government sion of the lockdown period. RBI reaches out to... Vardhamanukota put on high alert to be extended further. for reining in the virus. SUDA Harish Rao quoted the exam- The Minister distributed chairman Ravinder Reddy, ple of how the people of the Continued from Page 1 on April 7, will be completed BAKKA TENNYSON Minister The Minister advised the vil- essential commodities kits MPP Sridevi, ZPTC member Italy and USA are suffering for on June 30. n NALGONDA lagers to adhere to the direc- worth Rs 1 lakh donated by Sri Hari and other elected their fault of not adhering to As per norms, RBI fixes net With RBI further allowing Jagadeeshwar tions of the administration ZPTC member Srihari Goud people's representatives were suggestions made by their gov- borrowing ceiling for each states to raise market loans up Vardhamanukota village has Reddy and entire and they were advised to wear among safai karmacharis and also present. ernments. state on market borrowings to 50 per cent of ceiling in the become the epicentre of district machinery masks. The Minister, accompa- every fiscal. States are allowed first month of April itself, Nalgonda's Coronavirus scare nied by local legislator Gadari to raise loans from the open both the states are planning to as six inhabitants tested posi- of Suryapet rushed Kishore and Collector Vinay market every quarter. They are utilise the opportunity to raise tive to the dreaded virus from to the spot and Krishna Reddy took stock of 49 more test positive... ‘Modi great’... allowed to raise loans in four more loans to meet expenses this village on Tuesday. sounded alert in the situation in the village and Continued from Page 1 quarters, spanning 12 months. till the coronavirus is con- The administration has advised the people to take Continued from Page 1 to 167 quarantine centers. He However, keeping in view trolled and situation returns to declared the village as 'Red the entire village. necessary precautions by stay- expressed his hope that, given Earlier on Monday, during a the severe financial constraints normalcy. Zone' and the village bound- ing safe in their respective In all, 26 districts have been the steps in place to contain press briefing at the White being faced by state govern- The RBI has also allowed aries were sealed for all the out- entire villagers were advised not houses in order to keep the affected by coronavirus in the Covid-19, fears over the impact House, Mr Trump said he ments due to huge dip in rev- state governments greater flex- siders from Tuesday after- to move out of their houses. novel coronavirus at bay. state. All the positive cases are of the virus in the state would would be "surprised if he enue collections on account of ibility for availing overdraft noon. Minister Jagadeeshwar The officials of Health and The Minister Reddy con- being treated in Gandhi be reduced by 95 per cent. (Prime Minister Modi) nationwide lockdown since facilities with immediate effect Reddy and entire district Medical Department were ducted a review with the offi- Hospital and none of them in Dismissing claims of short- would" stand firm over his March 25, the RBI has relaxed till September 30. The central machinery of Suryapet rushed directed to initiate measures cial machinery in Suryapet the districts. Health Minister age of equipment, Etela said, ban on the export of the drug. borrowing norms. bank said it had decided, after to the spot and sounded accordingly. The minister later and alerted the officials to Etela Rajender said that 535 "PPE kits and N95 masks are "I didn't hear it was his For the first quarter of this a review, to increase to 21 alert in the entire village. directed the village take necessary precautions in samples were yet to be tested; not available in countries like decision. I know that he fiscal (April-June 2020-21), working days the period for Over 30 villagers sanitation workers to the village. The six persons the task would be complete in America. We will ensure there stopped it for other countries the AP government has which a state could be in were sent for quaran- take up the chlorin- who were tested positive were a couple of days. He said all the is no shortage of PPE in (but) I spoke to him yester- already confirmed its partic- overdraft continuously. The tine and seven more isation process on a having the travel history of people who attended the Telangana. 80,000 PPE kits day and we had a very good ipation in the auction of bonds previous stipulation was for 14 from the adjoining war footing basis Markaz congregation and the Tablighi Jamaat's congregation are available and we have talk... I said we'd appreciate to be conducted by RBI to working days.The number of Masireddipalli were and the medical villagers and revenue officials, in Nizamuddin, Delhi had placed order for another 5 you allowing our supply to raise Rs 11,000 crore. The TS days a state can be in overdraft also quarantined for department was including the police authorities been identified and their con- lakh PPE kits. Over 1 lakh N95 come out. If he doesn't allow government has confirmed in a quarter has also been coming in contact with advised to press in were advised to secure the con- tacts traced. He said that 3,158 masks and 5 lakh masks have it to come... there may be its participation in auction to increased to 50 working days those who tested positive for additional forces to con- tacts of those six persons in people who had come in con- been ordered. We have ordered retaliation," Mr Trump said, raise Rs 9,000 crore. The auc- from the current stipulation of the virus. The village was kept duct door-to-door screening order to contain further spurt tact with the Delhi congrega- 2 crore doctor masks and 5 referring to his Sunday phone tion of bonds, which started 36 working days. under strict surveillance and process in Vardhamanukota. in the cases. tion returnees had been moved lakh goggles.” call with PM Modi. Bus pass... Arvind submitted fake degree... TS bans spitting SC asks pvt labs to conduct ... Sweet.... Continued from Page 1 in public places Continued from Page 1 philanthropic services in the Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 hour of national crisis. We As things stand, regardless of Continued from Page 1 The petition also sought direc- thus are satisfied that the After the VRA's sample whether a pass-holder is in a Krishank Manne, the TRS Troubled present, shady... tion that all such tests be petitioner has made out a tested positive, the entire Tahsil position to use the pass or leader who filed the RTI, cited The Health Department conducted by accredited case for issuing a direction to office was locked down on not, he would have to renew the response, which says: "As Continued from Page 1 authorities. According to issued a notification, ban- pathological laboratories, and the respondents to issue nec- Wednesday. The results of the his pass at the expiry of the per as per the University reports, Bhanwar Lal Gurgar the ning spitting of paan/any to strike down the ICMR essary direction to accredited samples of the other persons validity of the pass. records s/o of Dharmapuri Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Kul Pramukh, secretary Bheru chewable tobacco or non- advisory for allegedly being private labs to conduct free of in the VRA's family have not Since buses are not run- Srinivas - Arvind Dharmapuri Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Lal Lohar and then VC Dr. S.S. tobacco product in public violative of Articles 14 and 21 cost COVID-19 test", said the been received yet. Still, there ning, the RTC is bound to is not a passed-out student in Vidyapeeth was booked for Sarangdevot were booked for places and institutions. of the Constitution. "Private court. Suggesting free tests, the are apprehensions that the extend the validity period of 2018 in Master of Arts, forging election documents after forging election documents and According to the govern- hospitals, including laborato- petitioner also claimed that revenue wing staff might have the existing passes, say com- Political Science under dis- Prafull Rai Nagar, the 72-year-old replacing the original ones with ment order, the action has ries, have an important role to capping test charges at private been infected by the virus as muters. Some retired RTC tance education mode. He is son of renowned educationist Pt fake papers, which, the been taken in the interests of play in containing the scale of labs violates the ideals and val- they consumed the sweet dis- employees also said that pre- not enrolled under distance Janardan Rai Nagar (the founder complainant claimed, were public health and safety. the pandemic by extending ues of the Constitution. tributed by the VRA. viously the validity of bus education course in Janardan of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan presented before the Office of passes was extended when- Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth) laid serious charges Deputy Registrar of Cooperative ever RTC failed to operate Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be of fraud against the university Societies. buses. Currently, RTC has University)."Although Arvind, All pending IT refunds... been sustaining heavy losses in his affidavit, stated that he because of the loss in revenue secured Master's degree in Court and there is a CBI Arvind has been using foul Continued from Page 1 pending income-tax due to the lockdown. So, 2018, the UGC suspended the Investigation also. When there language on KCR, despite refunds upto Rs.5 lakh & extending validity of the bus degrees awarded by the are so many reputed universi- being asked to refrain from In context of COVID-19 GST/Custom refunds with passes is not feasible, say University in 2016 itself. ties in Telangana state, what's such things. Because of his atti- situation & to grant imme- immediate effect.The total some former RTC employ- Krishank said, "The institution the need to go to Rajasthan to tude, we were compelled to diate relief to taxpayers, refund amount will be to the ees. has 700-plus cases in Supreme pursue his Master's? BJP MP expose his fraud." GOI has decided to issue all tune of Rs 18,000 crore.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 hyderabad 03

RIME Food delivery platforms come CORNER Islamophobia hit new peak TWO ARRESTED FOR to the rescue of delivery agents ATTACK ON POLICE NAVEEN KUMAR safety and welfare of delivery ing these testing times, we have fficials of the Hyderabad City after Tablighi Jamaat meet n HYDERABAD partners and their families. initiated this special fund OPolice apprehended two Swiggy has set up 'hunger which will be supported by persons accused of attacking a DAVE BENNETT SILVERY Please. Avoid purchase food While work from home has savior Covid relief fund' which Swiggy and our investors," police constable three days ago n HYDERABAD from Muslim shops." become a mandatory precau- will be used towards the safe- Majety said. at Chandrayangutta on The islamophobia created tion for many amid the dead- ty and welfare of delivery part- According to the company, Wednesday. The arrested After officials confirmed that by such false videos is also ly coronavirus outbreak, a por- ners and their families. through the fund, delivery persons were identified as Shaik six persons who had attend- evident in twitter hashtags. As tion of the population are rely- Meanwhile, Zomato partners are now covered Mohammed Ameeruddin, a ed the Tablighi Jamaat confer- if the ruling right wing party ing on food delivery agents launched the 'feed the daily with 'Income-Protection resident of Hafeez Babanagar ence in Delhi, had died of hadn't created a large enough who are working throughout wager' initiative on March 24 Insurance' where up to 14 and Shaik Saif Mohiuddin from Covid-19, videos and mes- divide in the nation, the the day to bring food to those to support and ensure meals days of income is insured if Gulshan Iqbal colony in sages targeting Muslims have spread of such fake videos and in need. As an initiative, food for workers at construction tested positive with Covid-19. Chandrayangutta. According to spread quicker than fire on texts instilled hatred among delivery platforms like Swiggy sites, shops, restaurants, deliv- The fund will also be used to the police, the constable, every social media platform the majority of the public and Zomato set up ery staff, and local transport provide sustenance support Praveen, was posted on throughout the country. and brought out deeply root- Covid relief systems who earn on a daily through food and grocery lockdown bandobast duty at In the second week of ed islamophobic comments. funds which basis. care packages to the partners Chandrayangutta, when March, more than two thou- Speaking to The Pioneer, will be While Swiggy aims and their families who are Ameeruddin and Mohiuddin sand devotees met in Goutham Uyalla, a member of used to raise Rs 10 crore for facing hardships. assaulted the constable and fled Nizamuddin for a conference Checkit, a WhatsApp group towards this fund and has Meanwhile, Zomato said in away on a bike. Praveen organised by Tablighi Jamaat. trained to spot false news on already raised over 4 an official statement that sustained serious injuries in the On March 19, as many as 10 While many independent fact checkers, social media, said that such crore through initial under the 'feed the daily incident and was shifted to Indonesians who attended content, targeting a particular contributions from Swiggy wager' initiative, Zomato will DRDO hospital in Kanchanbagh, the conference tested positive and organisations have been working religious group, has been founders and employees, be providing food support to where he is currently for Covid-19 in Karimnagar. hard to devoid society of fake news, the around since 2013. However, Zomato had collected Rs 1.5 the daily wage earner com- undergoing treatment. The Soon after, dozens of delegates rise of fake content targeting Muslims the recent turn of events, just crore within 17 hours of munities during this time of police registered a case and who had attended the event, saw a tremendous spurt in launching the initia- distress. Zomato revealed that began an investigation. The duo were tested positive from var- is spreading faster than the virus itself such news. While there have tive. it has made ration kits, were identified based on the ious parts of the country. been recorded instances of Sriharsha Majety, including wheat flour or rice, CCTV camera footage and were Fifteen deaths have since been persons claiming to work for CEO at Swiggy, has committed two types of pulses and a bar subsequently caught. A case reported among those who through misinformation. "Be careful everyone…. These vested interest in spreading 50 per cent of his annual of soap, to meet the needs for was registered under the attended the event. After the officials con- are some people who are such targeted fake news, the salary towards this fund. "To a family of five members for Epidemic Disease Act 1897, Numerous old videos firmed local transmission preparing to spread Corona spread of fake news these the assist our delivery heroes dur- one week. Disaster Management Act 2005 shared on Facebook, through the devotees, sever- Virus…Please be far from days is also due to everyone and other sections of the Indian WhatsApp and Instagram al videos appeared on social people…Please. Nobody sitting at home with nothing penal Code. claimed that Muslims were media platforms that claimed knows what is happening to to do. actively working to spread to show Muslims engaging in the nation." Another video While many independent Narayana Group CASE AGAINST the virus in India. Despite various activities to infect shared on WhatsApp showed fact checkers, and organisa- Man creates Coronavirus each of the posts on social others with the virus. an employee at a restaurant tions like Alt news, Checkit donates Rs 2 cr NEWS CHANNEL media being easy to disprove, A video on WhatsApp wearing a skull cap blowing and Factly have been working FOR FAKE NEWS the sheer quantity of false- showed a group of men in into a plastic carry bag before hard to devoid society of such car for public awareness to CM relief fund information shared makes white robes and skull caps packing food. The text along fake news, the rise of fake con- achakonda Police booked one wonder how much is licking the leftovers from with the video was "Muslims tent targeting Muslims is PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD Rcases against a vernacular being done to target minori- plates and spoons meticu- are spitting in food which we spreading faster than the virus news channel after they aired a ties and pin the blame lously, followed by a message give order to purchase to eat. itself. Hyderabad's K. Sudhakar, The deadly coronavirus, false news clip about a mutton known for making whacky which is causing havoc with shop owner being tested cars in unimaginable shapes lakhs of people getting positive for coronavirus. and forms, has now come out infected across the world Kacham Satyanarayana Gupta, with a car in the coronavirus and dying in thousands daily the proprietor of V3 news Disinfectant tunnel set up Special helpline services model to create public aware- in most of the countries has channel, a local TV channel of ness about the dreaded virus. Hyderabad Police to help cre- also started spreading Chaitanyapuri area, was booked Sudhakar, who runs a quirky ate awareness about Covid-19. across the Nation, particu- under the National Disaster at Rachakonda CP office for cops from top doctors museum called Sudha Cars, Building cars with a social larly in the Telugu states and Management Authority (NDMA) unveiled the innovative car on message is not new for creating a deadly scare n n Act. Their news alleged that the PNS HYDERABAD combination of a water-solu- PNS HYDERABAD the entire police force was Wednesday. Sudhakar, who holds the among the people. owner of a mutton shop in ble polymer and iodine. The healthy, happy and mentally "To bring awareness about Guinness World Record for In this connection, the Jahangir Nagar in Chaitanyapuri A 3V Safe Tunnel, which ser- solution has been proved to be In view of the long working fit. coronavirus and to encourage designing the largest tricycle in Narayana Group of ves as a disinfectant tunnel, effective against SARS, MERS hours and relentless efforts by An expert group of doctors people to stay home, I've made the world. "We have always Educational Institutions has Cross Roads was tested positive was installed at the Rachako- and Ebola viruses,” said the personnel of the Telangana have volunteered and come the coronavirus car. I want to made cars to give back to the come forward to contribute and that the people who nda Police Commissioner police. Police force to prevent the forward to provide online or give a clear message to people society in our own way, for var- Rs 2 crores as its mite to fight purchased mutton from him are office at Neredmet on Wedn- S3V Vascular Technologies spread of Covid-19, the top telephonic consultation. The not to come out of their house ious occasions and causes," the coronavirus epidemic. at high risk. "The news report esday by S3V Vascular Techn- Private Limited is a Medical brass has begun a dedicated doctors include all systems of and stay safe," Sudhakar said. said Sudhakar. Executive director of created panic among the ologies Private Limited. Device company that manu- online facility providing med- medicine and all super special- The single-seater car, with a Using junk automobile Narayana Group K Puneet customers. It was found out that This tunnel uses an aerosol factures devices for the brain ical services from expert doc- ities. The doctors would be 100 CC engine, has six wheels, parts, Sudhakar makes off- handed over a cheque of Rs the news report was false and technology to provide maxi- and heart. 3V Safe Tunnel is tors and counsellors to every- available between 6 AM to 9 and a fibre body. "It took 10 beat cars which can be driven 1 crore towards Chief telecasted without verification of mum protection to people one of the many methods to one on the police force. PM on the given numbers, days to build this car which can at slow speed. They are on dis- Minister's Relief Fund to facts," the police said. After the passing through the tunnel in reduce local transmission of The service, that was however, in case of emergen- touch a maximum speed of 40 play at his museum located Minister for Municipal news was proved fake, cases around 20 seconds, said the Covid-19 virus. Rachakonda extended to personnel’s fam- cies, would be available to talk kmph," said Sudhakar. near the Nehru Zoological Administration KT Rama were booked against the officials. "The atomised liquid CP Mahesh Bhagwat thanked ilies as well, was to ensure that at any time. He plans to donate the car to Park. Rao on 7th April 2020. channel, as it tarnished the spray disinfects all surfaces, the team of 3V Safe Tunnel image of the shop and also even those that are not direct- Badri Narayan, Dr for spread fear among the public of ly exposed to the nozzles. The their solution and for provid- the area. disinfectant used consists of a ing one at their office. HC tells TS to submit report 12 containment clusters in on security to doctors city to combat Coronavirus n PNS HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD areas, Special attention is given Annapurna meals per day. "As to Sanitation and Spraying of many as 17,000 food packets are The Telangana High Court The Greater Hyderabad disinfectant in these clusters. being distributed to the needy by on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation Apart from this, a team consist- the donations from philan- state government to inform (GHMC) has set up 12 contain- ing of Health and GHMC offi- thropists in 10 mobile vans it about the security arrange- ment clusters to combat cials are going to each and which is monitored by a special ments being made by police COVID-19 spread said every household to identify wing set up in GHMC," department at all the hospi- Commissioner Lokesh Kumar. those who are symptomatic and said. tals, which are specifically He stated as per the instructions getting them tested. Meanwhile, in these identified designated to treat Covid-19 of the government, GHMC offi- He said, "As many as 330 clusters public movements are in Hyderabad and other dis- cials and staff are working in mobile rythu bazars are supply- monitored and barricading is tricts of the state. coordination with police, rev- ing vegetables to avoid hardships done to keep a check on public The HC asked the advo- enue and health department to public. As per the announce- movement. Regarding this dis- cate general of the state to officials. ment made by the government cussions were held with City submit a report on the issue The containment clusters 12 kg free rice and Rs 500 cash police Commissioner Anjani before April 16, 2020. include Ramgopalpet, is being distributed to the poor. Kumar said. A division bench passed Sheikhpet, Red Hills, Malakpet To maintain social distancing Barricading and bandobust these orders while dealing -Santoshnagar, foot paints were marked at gro- will continue till some stipulat- with a PIL filed by a city Chandrayangutta, Alwal, ceries shops and fair price ed period he said. Out of 593 based advocate K Karuna Moosapet, Kukatpally, shops". people who returned from Sagar. The petitioner told Qutubullapur -Gajularamaram, More than 3,400 homeless Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi, that the government had Mayurinagar, Yosufguda and people are accomodated in 14 63 people tested corona positive. failed to take appropriate Chandanagar. night shelters and 12 temporary With these 45 family members steps in providing security to Lokesh informed that 89 shelters. More than 55,000 peo- got effected with Covid-19. Now the doctors and other sup- corona positive cases are regis- ple in the afternoon and 35,000 there is a chance to see decrease porting staff who are treat- tered in these above-mentioned people are provided with two in coronavirus cases, he added. ing the Covid-19 patients. Covid: Firms defer campus hirings PNS n HYDERABAD Vijaya Mair, head of place- Campus placements for engineering ments cell at CVR College of Engineering students have to Engineering said, "Offers are in students are seeing what is being face a tough year as their cam- place in some of the bulk hir- touted as the impact of the economic pus recruitment process may ing companies including slowdown due to coronavirus get hampered due to Covid-19 Accenture and TCS. They are pandemic. Most of the firms planning to train the recruited are considering to defer the employees online as they have few have truncated the intern- Sri Charan Lakkaraju of joining date given the current many platforms where stu- ship. It is just 20 days, we are Stumagz said, "There is clearly scenario due to Covid-19. dents can login and start vir- waiting for a concrete answer." anxiety among students about According to IT Principal tual work. Companies which There is clear uncertainty campus placements. Especially Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, had internships active as part among students and colleges when offers given to IIT and "Impact is on new recruit- of their final year project have about the possibility of delay in IIMs are revoked, there is ments but not much on layoffs. gone on pause. Few of them are campus placements given by uncertainity among students. Companies are going to defer giving work from home and the recruiters. However, post lockdown, com- the offers given as part of All India Council for panies would prefer people campus placements but won't Technical Education (AICTE) who need little or no training. rescind." released circular stating that So students should make the While big companies which there cannot be summer most of it by upskilling them- have taken up large scale cam- internships and mini pro- selves through webinars and pus placements may not revoke jects have to be virtual or online portals". offers but may push the join- cannot be onsite. While some recruiters ing date from June to January deferred the process others are or later. However, most of the opting for new methods such as companies are currently in virtual interviews. Institutions wait and watch mode. If the working to get students placed lockdown extends, the prod- and companies are exploring uct-based companies might options such as Skype inter- revoke the offers as well. views. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 hyderabad 04 Tamarind, red chilli prices To combat Coronavirus, leaders skyrocket in Hyderabad K VENKATESHWARLU cast aside political differences n HYDERABAD The prices of tamarind and red PV KONDAL RAO Braving the scorching sun and chilli have skyrocketed in the n WARANGAL state, thanks to the nationwide coronavirus scare, Congress MLA lockdown. The retailers in the Leaders cutting across the party Seethakka, Chief Whip Dasyam city are selling these commodi- lines in the state are extending ties at Rs 280 per kg. help to the needy who got Vinayabhaskar, Harish Rao are other Before the announcement affected due to the lockdown. leaders reaching out to the needy of lockdown, tamarind was From Congress MLA from sold anywhere between Rs 150- Mulugu Seethakka to Chief 200. Even after the announce- Whip Dasyam Vinayabhaskar, Warangal, later he extended his Srinivas is also supporting his ment of lockdown, for one everyone is doing their bit by solidarity to the sanitation and endeavors. The MLA of week, the price of tamarind was Before lockdown, tamarind was sold reaching out to the people by scavenging workers of GWMC. Warangal west is taking up the the same. However, the prices distributing essential com- He took up the task of feeding task of creating awareness skyrocketed this week. anywhere between Rs 150-200. But modities. Braving the scorch- the unorganised sector work- through poetry too. In case of red chilli too, the now, tamarind is sold at Rs 280 per kg ing sun and coronavirus scare, ers in his segment limits and Minister Harish Rao who is case is same. Before the lock- the Congress legislator is reach- every day, he provides essential always at the forefront in down, it was sold anywhere ing out to the tribals residing commodities to at least five extending helping hand, is between Rs 150-200 per kg. instance, if you eat 100 grams they are not daily essentials as in the district and distributed hundred members. guiding his followers and party However, the price of red chilli of tamarind a day, you will get compared with other essentials. essentials including rice, dal The MLA of Warangal West cadre to reach out to the needy increased similar to that of 36 per cent of thiamin, 35 per However, the department offi- and vegetables, free of cost. is even taking up the task of during the turbulent times. tamarind after the lockdown cent of iron, 23 per cent of mag- cials are monitoring the prices On Wednesday, the MLA of mobilising required PPE kits His initiations in Gajwel was announced. The retailers nesium and 16 per cent of phos- on everyday basis. We are Mulugu drove into the and ventilators in the MGM and Siddipet have always said that they have increased phorus," said Preksha Nidhi, a allowing red chilli and tamarind remotest corners of the hospital Warangal. He pre- helped the locals. Although the prices in accordance with nutritionist. It also has plenty of transportation weekly twice Thadwai belt and connected to vailed upon the IMA Warangal many other leaders are follow- the prices in wholesale market. niacin, calcium, vitamin C, only. We are concentrating on the distant tribal villages like branch and took the support of ing the same patterns to con- Shivani, a native of copper, and pyridoxine. She the transportation of most Lingala, Lavvala, Pochapur, Sarvodaya Mitramandali, a tribute to the call given by the Nacharam, said that she was said that tamarind will help essential goods. We will Kodishala and Gundala. The charitable unit along with the Chief Minister to ensure that shocked after knowing the people develop immunity increase the transportation of MLA took about five to six MP Warangal Pasunoori the people stay safe in their prices of red chilli and tamarind power, which will help in keep- tamarind and red chilli to sta- quintals of vegetables, ten quin- Seethakka remained an inspi- the constituency which Dayakar, to provide PPE kits respective places, these three in retail shops. "I went to pur- ing novel Coronavirus at bay. bilise the prices of both," she tals of rice and basic amenities, ration for many during the Vinayabhaskar represents was for 100 doctors in the Warangal legislators are leading from chase tamarind and chilli on Speaking to 'The Pioneer', said. along with the groceries and lockdown days. declared as 'Red Zone'. Right hospital. the front and guiding the peo- Wednesday. Tamarind is rich in Telangana State Agricultural Meanwhile, the farmers are masks to the terrain. She has Dasyam Vinayabhaskar, the from his student days, the His initiation was thorough- ple. Apart from the leaders, C vitamin. The government Marketing Board director G in search for daily wage labour- been visiting the tribal terrains Chief Whip, who represents Chief Whip was known as the ly supported by Private there are many charity organ- itself has advised people to Laxmi Bai said that the depart- ers to harvest chilli and on tractors. Though many Warangal West constituency in supporter of working class. Hospitals of Warangal such as isations that are distributing eatable which are rich in C vit- ment has concentrated on most tamarind crops. However, the term the legislator as a mem- the Warangal urban limits is Initially, Vinayabhaskar took Jaya Nursing Home and Ajara masks, sanitisers, groceries and amin," she said. essential goods. "People will not daily wage labourers are not ber from the opposition party, also doing his bit by extending up the task of feeding the six Hospital. The IMA branch essential commodities to the "Tamarind is rich in a num- purchase tamarind and red stepping out of their homes due the service rendered by help to the needy. Interestingly, hundred odd Journalists of Warangal president Kothagattu needy. ber of essential nutrients. For chilli on every day basis because to the novel coronavirus.

WANAPARTHY INCIDENT Two held for not cooperating with HC for action against cop health workers PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n VIKARABAD

The Telangana High Court on The police on Wednesday Wednesday made it clear that arrested two persons in the recent Wanaparthy incident Tandur for not cooperating involving brutal attack of an with the health workers innocent man by police cannot undertaking door-to-door be attributed to the entire Police survey and for behaving Department. It directed the rudely towards them and by state government to file a report not sharing information. On Free rice distributed Expect bumper paddy before April 17 informing it of Tuesday, the health workers an FIR was registered in the visited a house in Tandur as Wanaparthy incident or not. A division bench of the HC High Court advocate PVG part of the health survey. In to over 63L families harvest in Rabi: Ajay The police had beaten up the comprising of the Chief Justice Umesh Chandra wrote a letter stead of sharing information innocent man in front of his of the state Justice RS Chauhan to the HC on the issue and urged with the health workers, the PNS n HYDERABAD tonnes. PNS n KHAMMAM the shortest span of formation son. and Justice T Amarnath Goud the court to direct the Director duo behaved in a rude way On an average, every day 8 of Telangana, he said attribut- The video of the attack and passed the orders while dealing General of Police and with the health workers lead- So far, Telangana State Civil lakh card-holders were distrib- Minister for Transport Puvvada ing it to the vision of Chief the repeated pleas of the young with a taken up Public Interest Wanaparthy SP to register an ing to them lodging a com- Supplies Corporation has dis- uted the free rice, he said Ajay Kumar on Wednesday Minister K Chandrasekhar boy to the police to not bear his Litigation (PIL) alleging that six FIR against the accused police plaint with the police. The tributed free rice to nearly 74 per adding that their number said that the government has Rao. father went viral on social policemen have mercilessly beat- personnel by invoking relevant police registered a case and cent of the 87.55 lakh families increased to 12 lakh on April increased procurement cen- The Minister highlighted media. en the person at Wanaparthy. sections of the IPC. arrested the duo. holding white ration cards in the 4. During normal days, daily tres to 432 as against 96 earli- the round-the-clock power State. 2 to 3 lakh card-holders collect er due to bumper rabi harvest. supply, Rytu Bandhu and Rytu Talking to media, corpora- their rations. Initially, for about He was addressing a gathering Bhima schemes introduced by tion chairman Mareddy two days technical glitch on Wednesday after inaugura- the state government for the Srinivas Reddy said that the delayed the distribution of free tion of maize and paddy pro- benefit of the farmers. The state Centre lauds state’s mobile rythu bazaars government earmarked Rs rice. Now, the distribution is curement centres in VV Palem government will procure every PNS n HYDERABAD Procurement Centres have 1,314 crore to distribute Rs going on smoothly, he said. in Raghunadhapalem mandal, grain of paddy and maize at the been set up in villages to 1,500 for each card-holder's Earlier, srinivas Reddy Allipurm in the city, MSP through procurement Minister for Agriculture S wean farmers away from mar- family to enable them to pur- reviewed the procurement of Lachchagudem in Chintakani centres set up with the help of Niranjan Reddy urged the ket yards to prevent spread of chase essential commodities. To old and new gunny bags from mandal, and Peddagopavaram the IKP women's groups, PACS Union Agriculture Minister the virus, he said adding that credit the amount in the bank various sources, including man- in Konijarla mandal. and Markfed. Narendra Singh Tomar to 7,707 paddy procurement accounts of card holders in a ufacturing units in Kolkata. He In spite of Corona threat, the The government is also tak- solve the gunny bags issue centres have been set up in day or two, the process has been said that the severe shortage of state government opened pro- ing steps to ensure there is no immediately. Speaking with the state. Highlighting the speeded up, he said. gunny bags precipitated fol- curement centres so as not to shortage of gunny bags. MLC Tomar through video confer- problem of hamalis for load- In all, 63.34 lakh card-hold- lowing lockdown clamped on cause any inconvenience to Balasani Lakshminarayana, ZP ence from NIC on ing and unloading, the ers' families have been supplied the country at a time the farm- the farmers, the Minister said Chairman Lingala Kamal Raj, Wednesday, the minister said Minister sought Centre's sup- 12-kg free rice out of the total ers of the state reaped bumper advising farmers to observe MLA Ramulu Naik, DCCB that on account of foresight of port to overcome the problem 87.55 lakh card-holders. In all, harvest. social distance and sell their chairman K Nagabushanam Chief Minister K prevent the spread of virus. Minister's notice, the Minister of shortage of hands. The each of the 2 crore persons He exhorted the rice millers produce. The agriculture sec- Yadav, DCMS chairman Rayala Chandrashekhar Rao, all The Chief Minister had said adding that any delay Centre appreciated the con- were given 12-kg rice as on and ration dealers to cooperate tor in the state achieved seshagiri Rao and others took main markets in the state already brought the problem would put the state in an cept of mobile rythu bazaars April 8. Total quantity of rice with the government under the remarkable progress within part. have been closed down to of gunny bags to the Prime inconvenient position. in the state. distributed was 2.31 lakh present predicament. ‘Ensure wild animals do not fall sick' Talasani refutes Congress allegations PNS n HYDERABAD Tiger Reserve Forests monitoring the wild animals PNS n HYDERABAD Opposition leaders and a chasing essential commodi- period of 14 days are being dis- from falling sick. through the CCTV footages. section of junior doc- ties. charged. Minister for Responding to The Minister asked the forest Minister for Animal tors at a press confer- Talasani put the "Chief Minister K Forests news of a tiger in officials to provide arrange- Husbandry Talasani Srinivas ence held at the number of migrant Chandrasekhar Rao criticised Indrakaran Bronx Zoo ments in forests to quench Yadav on Wednesday said that media point in State labourers in only those who indulged in false Reddy has falling sick in the their thirst during the current Chief Minister K Legislative Assembly Telangana at 10 lakh. propaganda, but not all," asked the USA, the summer. Chandrasekhar Rao took many on Wednesday, the The TRS elected Talasani clarified. It is every- Principal Chief Minister on He advised them to fill measures to rein in the Minister said that the people's representa- body's knowledge how much Conservator of Tuesday reviewed check dams, pits and saucer Coronavirus including making people of the state have tives have been distrib- importance that the Opposition Set up Forests R Sobha the situation with pits with the help of the solar available 20,000 beds and giv- been responding well to uting essential commodities had given to media during its and other forest offi- the PCCF and other power run bore wells. He ing essential commodities to the lockdown clamped on the to them. The state government regime in the state, he disinfection cials to take steps to prevent officials and asked them to told them to take precautions the migrant labourers on par state. However, some people has provided all medical remarked. He wondered what tigers and other wild animals provide safe food. The PCCF to rule out fire accidents in with the people of Telangana. are venturing out onto the amenities. Those who have happened to the critics of the tunnels: in zoos, Kavval and Amrabad told the Minister that she is forests. Refuting allegations by streets on the pretext of pur- completed their quarantine government all these days. Jagadish PNS n NALGONDA ‘Rapid testing need of the hour in India’ Minister for Energy G Donations to CMRF Jagdish Reddy directed the PNS n HYDERABAD They analysed the data from to the number of cases and sub- officials of the district to the reference website sequently deaths in the under- implement the lockdown in continue to pour in If India doesn’t focus on exten- Worldometer as of 4th April, lying populations of different a more foolproof manner. sive rapid testing, it could wit- 2020 and collated the informa- countries is the best way to pre- Reviewing the measures to PNS n HYDERABAD MD, Optimus Drugs Private ness 10 lakh deaths due to tion obtained on the top 50 dict what might happen next. check the spread of Ltd donated Rs 25 lakh each to Coronavirus. According to UK- countries with the highest Dr Rahul suggested that the Coronavirus at the District IT and Industries Minister the CMRF, while Musi River based doctors’ analyses from number of Covid-19 cases. government to follow South Collector Camp Office here KT Rama Rao on Wednesday Front Development ACALM study unit, “Testing Doctors pointed that the “vast Korean model. South Korea on Wednesday, the Minister thanked industry leaders and Corporation Chairperson rates are extremely important in differences amongst countries after an explosion of cases ini- asked the officials to set up public representatives who Sudheer Reddy donated one projecting the outcomes of the in their testing policies for var- tially, embarked on an extensive the disinfection tunnels at came forward with donations lakh sanitizer bottles and pandemic particularly in coun- ied reasons including avail- testing policy along with isola- important places in erstwhile to the Chief Minister’s Relief 30,000 cloth masks. tries with large populations. In ability of testing equipment, tion policies combined with the Nalgonda district. He made Fund (CMRF) to help the Others who donated to the this context, if we look at coun- Dr Rahul Potluri Dr Deepthi Lavu infrastructure, resources and utility of mobile tech and appli- a special mention of quaran- government combat CMRF include SARK Projects tries such as the UK and India, local governing policies affect cations to inform the public tine centres to set up the tun- Coronavirus. India Private Limited – Rs 20 both of which have tested over which will enable us to exit the ing rates per population have case fatality rates. There are a about real time locations of nels. Dr. Ramesh Kancharla, lakh, TKR Educational Society 1,00,000 tests, given the large Covid-19 pandemic and reduce the lowest death rates and give number of factors for low test- positive cases. He spoke to Suryapet dis- CMD, Rainbow Hospitals, Rs 12 lakh, Indian Drug populations and their case per economic and social instabili- us an early indication of an ing rates such as local policies, The prediction of 10 lakh trict collector Vinay Krishna donated 5,000 PPE Kits, Manufacturers Association, test rate and death per test rate ty. eventual Covid-19 mortality lack of resources and equip- deaths was obtained by divid- Reddy in this regard and 10,000 N-95 masks and Telangana – Rs 11 lakh, SSB on 4 April 2020, both countries In study titled “Making sense rate. It is only by continued test- ment.” ing the number of deaths by the asked the officials to make 2,00,000 3-ply masks worth Infra Developers – Rs 10 lakh, have projections for over of the Global Coronavirus Data: ing on a large scale that will Several organisations, number of cases represented as arrangements to set up the about Rs one crore to the State Bishop Dr. Joab Lohara, 10,00,000 deaths”. The role of testing rates in enable us to know if the researchers have been analysing a percentage. Dr Rahul empha- tunnels. He wanted officials government. President AIM ASIA – Rs 10 Dr Rahul Potluri and Dr understanding the pandemic increasing number of patients the mortality rate and pandem- sised that the testing rate is a to take measures to boost the Bottta Parvathaiah of Vivin lakh, Shatabdi Townships Pvt Deepthi Lavu in their study and our exit strategy”, the doc- who are seriously unwell in ic. However, doctors suggest very important parameter in morale of the people quaran- Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd – Rs 10 lakh, Binjsaria noted that a rapid increase in tors point that, “We found that hospitals across the world are that the number of diagnostic projecting the outcomes of the tined. Moreover, he wanted Ltd, and Dr D Srinivas Reddy, Ispat Pvt Ltd – Rs 10 lakh. testing globally is the only way countries with the highest test- the tip of the iceberg or not”. tests performed in proportion pandemic. them to ensure people. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 nation 05

SHORT READS PM INTERACTS WITH FLOOR LEADERS Modi says lockdown will not be

Many organisations lifted in one go, will consult CMs holding online cultural PNS n NEW DELHI across the country beyond events & competitions Several opposition April 14 after several states have KOLKATA: With the lockdown in Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaders raised the favoured the extension to con- force and people confined to on Wednesday told floor lead- issue of shortage of tain the fast-spreading virus, as NGOs ensure their homes, many ers of opposition and other the positive cases in the coun- organizations in the city are parties in Parliament that the PPE for health try show no signs of any let up. now conducting online cultural nationwide lockdown will not be workers in the As per the Union health orphanages get events, including competitions lifted in one go on April 14, country while few ministry's Wednesday morning and theatre events. The New according to BJD's Pinaki Misra. update, there are 149 deaths Town Kolkata Development Modi's comments came dur- also suggested that and 5,194 confirmed cases of vitamin-fortified milk Authority is holding an online ing an interaction with these construction of the COVID-19 in the country even drawing, music, poem writing leaders to discuss the situation as the country entered its third PNS n NEW DELHI competition for children. All the arising out of the COVID-19 new parliament week of nationwide lockdown. Vitamin fortifica- participants, from 4 to 17 years, pandemic and the govern- building should be Apart from Azad and Pawar, Over 500 children living is tion in milk is one will have to do is to register ment's efforts to contain the avoided, a source said others who attended the virtu- slums and orphanages are being their names at the NKDA fast-spreading virus in the al meet included, Ram Gopal given vitamin-fortified milk in of the effective website mentioning their area of country. Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Kolkata, a child rights body said ways to address interest, an NKDA official said "Prime Minister Modi made Prime Minister told them that he were briefed by secretaries of Personal Protective Equipment Misra (Bahujan Samaj Party), on Wednesday as the 21-day deficiencies, on Wednesday. The organisers it clear that lockdown is not will also consult chief ministers. various ministries — health, (PPE) for health workers in the Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti nationwide lockdown to prevent will refer a particular date for being lifted and also that the life Those participated in the home and rural development - country while few also suggest- Party), T R Baalu (Dravida the spread of the novel coron- especially in every participant on which the pre-corona and post-corona meet included Ghulam Nabi — on the actions taken by the ed that construction of the new Munnetra Kazhagam), Sukhbir avirus entered its 15th day. children while video of his/her performance or will not be same," Biju Janata Azad, leader of the opposition government to tackle COVID- parliament building should be Singh Badal (Shiromani Akali The milk is being distributed enabling them to poem will be uploaded on the Dal leader Pinaki Misra said. in Rajya Sabha, and Nationalist 19 and mitigate the hardships avoided, a source said. Dal), Rajiv Ranjan Singh through non-governmental link given by NKDA, he said, Another leader, who partici- Congress Party head Sharad arising out of the lockdown. The meet comes amidst indi- (Janata Dal-United), Pinaki organisations that work for receive their daily adding that children can register pated in the meeting but did not Pawar. Several opposition leaders cations that the Central govern- Mishra (Biju Janata Dal) and children living in marginalised vitamin require- their names till April 14. "The wish to be named, said the Sources said, these leaders raised the issue of shortage of ment may extend the lockdown Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena). communities, Save the aim is to give a little bit of Children said in a statement. ment, it said happiness to the children who Vitamin fortification in milk are stuck in homes for so many is one of the effective ways to part of the distribution man- days and bring a smile on their address deficiencies, especial- agement system. faces," NKDA chairman Congress complains to Home ministry responsible for ly in children while enabling Those who are distributing Debasish Sen said. them to receive their daily vit- the milk are trained on social allowing Jamaat meet: Deshmukh amin requirement, it said. distancing and other hygien- Two mild intensity guv on coal transport The milk is being distrib- ic practices. This service will PNS n PANAJI ny for which the raw materi- PNS n the Central government of giv- uted by FMCG major ITC continue during the entire earthquakes hit West al was allegedly being trans- ing the Jamaat the permission to Limited in collaboration with lockdown period, it said. Bengal & Sikkim The Congress in Goa com- ported. Training his guns at the Centre hold the prayer meeting, and Save the Children Commenting on the initia- plained to governor Satya Pal "MV Ikan Pulas, a over the Tablighi Jamaat's con- charged it with having relations The statement said that on tive, an ITC spokesperson KOLKATA: Two earthquakes of Malik on Wednesday about Singaporean Vessel carrying gregation held in Delhi last with the community. Tuesday, milk vans reached said that “through the move mild intensity struck West unlawful transportation of coal powder from Richards month, Home He said despite the three of the most margin- they hope to make a meaning- Bengal and Sikkim within a gap coal from Mormugao Port Bay (South Africa) docked at Minister Anil Deshmukh on Nizamuddin police station locat- alised communities in Kolkata. ful contribution in supporting of 12-hours on Wednesday, an Trust to a village during the Mormugao Port Trust, with 150 Wednesday questioned why the ed near Markaz, yet the congre- In total 520 children living in their nutritional requirements IMD official said here. There COVID-19 lockdown. African sailors onboard, has Union Home Ministry should gation was not stopped (in view slums and orphanages during these trying times by was no report of injury to any In a written complaint to the been clandestinely transporting not be held responsible for the of the COVID19 threat). received the fortified milk. providing uninterrupted person or damage to property governor, Goa Pradesh coal dust to a plant at Amona spread of coronavirus from the "Why did the Union Home "The entire distribution was access to Aashirvaad Svasti's as per initial reports, officials Congress Committee presi- in Bicholim with the blessings religious meeting. Ministry give permission for done by community group Vitamin-A fortified milk to the said. While the first earthquake dent Girish Chodankar of the Goa Government," the Deshmukh also alleged that organising the Tablighi Jamaat's members under the leadership children in need”. hit East Sikkim district at 1.33 claimed that a Singaporean complaint states. National Security Advisor (NSA) sent Doval to meet Saad in the Ijtema at Nizamuddin in Delhi?" of child and youth champi- Save the Children's director am, the other one was recorded in West Bengal's Bankura vessel carrying coal powder The Congress alleged that Ajit Doval met Jamaat leader late night. Deshmukh asked. ons," it said. programmes and policy district at 11.24 am, the IMD from South Africa was docked the coal-laden carrier had Maulana Saad at 2 am during the "Whether it was the NSA's job "Isn't the Union Home They plan to reach more Anindit Roy Chowdhury said, official said. The tremor in East at MPT and is supplying the arrived in Goa on April 4 dur- period when the congregation or that of the Delhi Police Ministry responsible for the children in the coming days “Milk is a daily essential in a Sikkim was of magnitude 3.2 raw material to a company at ing the lockdown and started was held. He wondered the Commissioner to reach out to gathering on such a scale at the Besides Save the Children, child's diet and helps them to and occurred at a depth of 5 North Goa's Amona village. unloading the cargo, which nature of the "secret" dialogue the Jamaat members?" he asked. Markaz and subsequent spread NGOs Hope Kolkata protect themselves against ill- km from ground level, the The Congress, however, did was being transported to held between the two. The senior NCP leader raised of coronavirus to all other states?" Foundation and SOS nesses. This gesture is extreme- official said. In Bankura district, not name Vedanta, the compa- Amona in barges, it claimed. Deshmukh also asked who eight questions while accusing he questionned. Children's Village India are ly appreciated by all of us.” the quake was recorded at 4.1 magnitude at a depth of 15 km from ground level, he said. Govt likely to extend Chinese softshell BMC doesn't prevent burial of COVID-19 victim: HC Man hooked to booze turtle rescued in dies in TN after vain lockdown: Adhir after Arunachal Pradesh PNS n NEW DELHI "Prima facie, it appears from the bid to get his dose PNS n ITANAGAR The Bombay High Court has circular that it does VILLUPURAM (TN): After said a revised circular issued by meeting with PM A Chinese softshell turtle was the Brihanmumbai Municipal not prevent the burial trying desperately to get a n bottle of liqour, a 65-year old PNS NEW DELHI rescued by a few youths from Corporation on disposal of bod- of the body of any man fainted and was later Naharlagun and was handed ies of coronavirus victims does minority community pronounced dead at a The government is likely to over to the Biological Park in not prevent burial of the mortal extend the ongoing lockdown Itanagar for rehabilitation. remains of any minority commu- person afflicted with government hospital, police COVID-19 as sought said here on Wednesday. The beyond April 14 to combat the The reptile was rescued nity person. elderly man, when he heard coronavirus spread, Congress from a stream in Pachin Justice A A Sayed on April 3 to be suggested by that liquor stocks were being leader Adhir Ranjan Colony on Tuesday. refused to grant relief to a peti- the petition, the shifted from four Chowdhury said after a meet- Biological Park curator Raya tion seeking stay of the circular court said in its order neighbourhood outlets to a ing with Prime Minister Flago thanked the youths for issued by the Brihanmumbai warehouse, lined up in front of Narendra Modi on Wednesday. rescuing the reptile belonging Municipal Corporation (BMC) the circular that it does not pre- ty person afflicted with COVID- the shops at Janakipuram here Chowdhury said his party to a vulnerable species and on March 30. vent the burial of the body of any 19 has been cremated instead of move it out of the city. alongwith scores of other put forth some suggestions requested them to continue Mumbai resident Riyaz minority community person being buried," it said. Hence, no As per the circular issued by consumers. They desperately with regard to the crisis in the the noble work of saving the Ahmed Mohammed Ayub Khan afflicted with COVID-19 as case of grant of interim relief is BMC Commissioner Praveen pleaded with officials to sell farming sector. rich fauna of the state. approached the high court chal- sought to be suggested by the made out, the court added. Pardeshi, all bodies of COVID- them any alcoholic beverage. According to him, the Biological Park veterinary lenging the circular, claiming that petition, the court said in its On March 30, the BMC issued 19 patients should be cremated Despite police presence and in Congress has suggested that officer Sorang Tadap said the it prohibited burial of bodies of order. a circular saying bodies of those at the nearest crematorium irre- spite of authorities telling farmers might be exempted Leader in Rajya Sabha Ghulam turtle was found to be visibly minority community persons "There is no instance men- who succumbed to COVID-19 spective of religion to avoid consumers that stocks cannot from the 21-day lockdown Nabi Azad, attended the meet- healthy. who died of coronavirus disease. tioned in the petition that the would be cremated and if such a chances of transmission, and be sold in view of lockdown, for harvesting of Rabi crops. ing with the prime minister via The Chinese softshell turtle "Prima facie, it appears from body of any minority communi- body was to be buried, then to burial should not be allowed. they continued to mill around The party has also demanded video-conferencing. belongs to the softshell family the premises on Tuesday with a that all taxes on fertilisers be Modi interacted with floor Trionychidae, which includes hope that officials would relent. withdrawn, he said. leaders of opposition and the American softshell turtle, Following incidents of State-run "It is likely that the govern- other parties in Parliament to Cantors giant softshell turtle Fire tender vehicles to be used for sanitation purpose in UP Tamil Nadu State Marketing ment may extend the lock- discuss the situation arising and Florida softshell turtle, Corporation (TASMAC) liquor down," Chowdhury said. out of the COVID-19 pan- among many others. PNS n LUCKNOW DGP and Additional Chief works to get rid of coron- stores getting burgled in The Congress leader said the demic and the government's The species prefer to spend Secretary (Home) were told avirus, Adityanath said. regions including Coimbatore party had suggested that those efforts to contain the fast- most of their lives in water and Uttar Pradesh Chief that if the fire tender vehi- The chief minister also and Tiruchirappalli recently, enrolled under the rural job spreading virus in the coun- are adapted to absorb oxygen Minister Yogi Adityanath cles are used for sanitisation said that these fire tenders authorities have been scheme MGNREGA be given try. through their skin and the lin- on Wednesday flagged off purpose, then it will help to will be used to save people transferring inventories from priority while carrying out The death toll due to the ing of the throat when fully fire tender vehicles to be be free the villages and cities from incidents of wide- outlets considered vulnerable to harvesting of the standing novel coronavirus rose to submerged. used for sanitisation pur- from the infection. The spread fire (reported when warehouses. As part of the crop. 149 and the number of cases These turtles are agile swim- pose in 66 tehsils of the state, modern fire tender is the temperature rises) and lockdown from 6 pm on March The leader of the Congress climbed to 5,194 in the coun- mers and good hunters and the UP Government said in equipped with the latest for sanitisation purposes to 24 in the state, all liquor outlets in Lok Sabha, along with party try on Wednesday, according they would bite and scratch if a statement issued here. technology, and they will be combat COVID-19, the are shut. colleague and Opposition to the Union Health Ministry. touched. "Almost 10 days back, the engaged in sanitisation statement said. Railways misses freight target by 15 mn Policemen manning 112 helpline tonnes, earnings dip by Rs 2,129 crore number in UP don new role PNS n LUCKNOW n PNS NEW DELHI With the national end of February when the demand started reducing. Trained to enforce law and Indian Railways, which was on transporter managing When there is no construction, order, policemen attached to its way till February to not just to load 1,108 million no one needs cement or steel. police response vehicles meet but surpass its freight tonnes by the end of When there is less demand for (PRVs) are now performing a loading target, will end 2019- power, coal demands are less. new role amid the lockdown 20 with 15.7 million tonnes less February this year, "Then there is the issue with imposed to curb coronavirus, than the previous financial around 5 million labour too. Their absence means with many of them attending year's 1,212.56 million tonnes, tonnes more than loading and unloading is an calls related to supply of essen- official figures show. issue. So over all, like any other tial items and extending a As business dries up due to what it was this time business, our business too has helping hand to the poor, sick the coronavirus pandemic and last year, it looked been affected,'' said an official. and distressed. the railways virtually shuts good to achieve its This is the longest shut- Thousands of policemen down operations, earnings down of operations by the engaged in the emergency ser- from freight loading have also target by March 31 railways since its 54-day strike vices of the police helpline 112 plummeted — from Rs in 1974. are working round-the-clock ple calling on the helpline click pictures of handing over 1,25,354 crore in 2018-19 to Rs and claimed at least 149 lives. million tonnes by the end of unprecedented three-week The railways, however, con- to meet the demands of food number," Asim Arun, ADG, relief material which is usual- 1,23,225 crore in 2019-2020 fis- In February this year, when February this year, around 5 lockdown of the country. tinues to be the lifeline of the and medicines, besides looking police emergency services 112 ly shared on social media as cal, a loss of Rs 2,129 crore. the fear of the pandemic was million tonnes more than what In March, freight loading country, supplying essential into complaints of black mar- told PTI on Wednesday. people have certain reserva- The railways has cancelled yet to hit home, the railways it was this time last year, it dipped by almost 3 per cent commodities even through the keting and over-pricing of Around 91,000 people who tions about it. all its passenger train services, loaded 106.5 million tonnes of looked good to achieve its tar- with the railways carrying nationwide lockdown. essential commodities during sought help by calling the About 1,100 policemen, including suburban ones, till goods, around 6 million tonnes get by March 31. around 15.7 million tonnes From March 23 to April 4, it the lockdown period. helpline number have been including women officers, are April 14 as a measure to check more than in February last Things changed soon after as less goods than the previous transported 1,342 wagons of "Since the lockdown started, provided food and medicines, working from a building in the the spread of the coronavirus year. fear of the virus spread. On year. sugar, 958 wagons of salt and the PRV jawans have been he said. capital city of Uttar Pradesh, that has infected more than With the national trans- March 24, Prime Minister "The coronavirus pandemic 378 wagons/tanks of edible oil working round-the-clock to The ADG said clear instruc- receiving phone calls day and 5,100 people in the country porter managing to load 1,108 Narendra Modi announced an hit us hard from around the across the country. meet the demands of the peo- tions have been issued not to night. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Getting flying again The IATA is estimating that over 25 million aviation sector Just a ‘small thing’ jobs could be lost globally as a result of the pandemic t was the golden age of aviation when flights Despite all the propaganda trotted out by Beijing, some scars may remain for connected cities like Delhi to the unlikeliest Iof places on the planet. Thanks to the lat- decades, bringing the most drastic changes to China’s image in the world est generation of fuel-efficient aircraft with smaller passenger loads as well as travellers, who were keen to explore new destinations, cities across the world saw air travel explode over the past decade. But the spread of COVID- 19 pandemic has brought all this to a screech- ing halt. In fact, had growth come to a stand- still, the sector would have dealt with it. But what has happened now as a result of the pan- CLAUDE ARPI demic is even worse. As nations across the world shut both their external and internal borders, passenger flights have come to a virtual standstill. With only oustapha Dahleb, the vital cargo flights and the occasional repatriation ones operating, commercial Chadian doctor and author, air travel has declined, almost overnight, by over three quarters. This is a sort gave one of the most touch- ing descriptions of COVID- of shock that the aviation industry will find it difficult to recover from. A report 19, the pandemic that is by the airline industry body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Mpresently plaguing the earth. In his blog titled, has estimated that airlines across the world will have to lay off over 25 million “Humanity Shaken by a Small Thing (Un Petit Machin)”, he argues, “A small micro- people if Governments do not intervene, adding that about a third of 2.7 million scopic thing called coronavirus is upsetting direct jobs in the airline sector had either been lost or were furloughed. The indus- the planet. Something invisible has come to try’s representative body also said that airline finances were so fragile, they could make its law. It questions everything and upsets the established order. Everything is not afford to refund customers. Other reports have come out estimating that the put back in place, otherwise, differently.” industry will lose upwards of $35 billion this year. All such reports leave little Among other collaterals, “the Small doubt that when the world does emerge from the crisis, global aviation will not Thing” has triggered two wars on a scale not seen since World War II and the subsequent be the same again. That said, with much air travel being dependent on passen- Cold War between the Western and Soviet ger confidence and that likely to remain extremely low in the aftermath of the blocks. The first war is against the “Small pandemic, passenger numbers could take two-three years to recover. And that Thing” itself as to how to stop its worldwide is if the world is not tipped into a recession, which could make the entire decade spread and find a vaccine. China and the US, the world’s two super powers, are compet- a lost one for the industry. ing to win the battle. In China, the People’s In India, not only have airlines announced pay cuts across the board, sto- Liberation Army (PLA) has been working ries are emerging that some have furloughed their latest hires, leaving hundreds harder than anybody to find a solution. Is it because the PLA was no stranger to the of newly-hired cabin attendants stuck far from home and without money. All thanks first spread of the virus? It may take years on the Rocks, explained, “Several China may lose the second and other items have to be to the lockdown, they are unable to get back home. The aviation sector had been or even decades to know the truth. countries are employing disin- war. In a few months or years, bought back at often highly a rare beacon of hope for the Indian economy, creating both jobs and wealth. Meanwhile, as early as January 26, a 54-year- formation and messaging cam- the “Small Thing” will have inflated prices. old PLA General, Chen Wei, headed to paigns around COVID-19 in a eventually dissolved or disap- Critics have also accused Yet, as of today, airlines are as clueless as an average Indian as to when the Wuhan “to fight the epidemic” and take over branding effort to ensure they peared (it has already to a great Beijing of trying to split the lockdown will be lifted and when they can get flying again. With restrictions on the civilian Wuhan Institute of Virology (par- are not blamed for the pandem- extent in China if one is to European Union (EU) by ship- travel likely and several nations unlikely to open up their borders until May at the tially funded by France). ic in the history books.” CRITICS HAVE believe the Chinese propaganda) ping equipment to certain Further on March 16, China For the Communist Party of ALSO ACCUSED but some scars may remain for nations on more favourable earliest, getting even a limited schedule going might be extremely complicated announced that the lady General had devel- China (CPC), it is a question of decades, bringing the most dras- terms than others, while leaving with the current staff numbers. There are likely to be hundreds of job losses at oped a vaccine for the Coronavirus and it life and death. War of the Rocks BEIJING OF TRYING tic changes to China’s image in the US, the present epicenter of airlines and some suspect that one or even two firms in India might not survive had entered the first stage for clinical tri- asserted: “As the number of the world. the pandemic, in the lurch. This als. According to Chinascope, a Chinese COVID-19 cases in China has TO SPLIT THE Take Italy, they trusted scar will remain for a long time the crisis. But the knock-on impact to the economy and jobs will not be restrict- website based in the US, it is the first reportedly declined, Chinese EUROPEAN UNION Chinese President Xi Jinping despite Beijing’s all-out propa- ed to the airlines alone. Across the world, almost a quarter of application-based recombinant Coronavirus vaccine (aden- State-run media and diplomats BY SHIPPING and agreed to participate in his ganda. Eventually, Xi will have taxi services such as Uber and Ola survive on airport pick-ups and drop-offs. ovirus vector) approved for clinical trial. have waged a disinformation Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). to answer some hard questions Volunteers, organised in three groups campaign against the US in an EQUIPMENT TO As a the result, more than three from those in Beijing, who were A decline in airport traffic, therefore, will hit that sector, too. Even at airports, with 36 people in each, were given injec- attempt to distract from Beijing’s lakh Chinese came to work in or are in favour of a softer and lower passenger numbers will mean less retail and security staff. The indirect tions; Gen Chen was the first to be inject- mismanagement of the crisis.” CERTAIN NATIONS Northern Italy, where the more human approach to other job losses in the country alone can be in millions. And with no social security ed. The Global Times called Chen “a real It cites historical examples ON MORE tragedy started. Then the case of nations in difficulty. pathfinder.” Before taking charge of the from the Soviet era, when the Holland; the Dutch Health But the most valuable lesson net, this will put huge economic pressure on families. The Government will not Wuhan lab, Chen was associated with the same tactics were used, attempt- FAVOURABLE Ministry announced it had of the “Small Thing’s” strike is be able to do much to influence the sentiment on the flying Indian public and Academy of Military Medical Sciences ing to bring a new narrative: TERMS THAN recalled 600,000 face masks well described by Moustapha across the world. But it should not leave the millions of those unemployed, direct- (AMMS). “The origin of the virus is OTHERS, WHILE from China. Ditto was the case Dahleb: “Suddenly the pollution ly or indirectly, in the lurch. It was, however, pointed out that it would unknown. It could have come for Spain. Its Government has dropped, people have start- have taken at least five months to develop from anywhere in the world. LEAVING THE US, encountered similar problems ed having time, so much time the recombinant vaccine approved today by China has been a model in han- with testing kits ordered from a that they don’t even know what Beijing. Chinascope explained, “The US has dling the sensitive issue. Beijing THE PRESENT Chinese company and with- to do with it. Parents get to know also developed a vaccine in a short period can now advise the world how EPICENTER OF drew a batch of rapid test kits their children, kids learn to stay Sliver of hope but it was based on a different technology to go about it.” manufactured by China. Turkey with their families, work is no (mRNA technology), which could take Zhao Lijian, the spokesper- THE PANDEMIC, and the Czech Republic also longer a priority, travel and While drug combos are being used to slow down the spread, about 40 days to do. The traditional recom- son of the Chinese Ministry of announced that they had found leisure are no longer the norm binant vaccine could provide a permanent Foreign Affairs, started to use IN THE LURCH. some testing kits, ordered from for a successful life. Suddenly, in plasma transfusion from recovered patients is another option cure but the mRNA vaccine is like a flu shot vitriolic Twitter attacks against EVENTUALLY, XI Chinese companies, were not silence, we turn around in our- that needs to be done every year.” The ques- critics of his country. He alleged sufficiently accurate. selves and understand the value ith a possible vaccine still months tion, therefore, is, when did the PLA start that the American military was JINPING WILL HAVE Examples could be multi- of the words solidarity and vul- away, there’s a glimmer of hope. developing the vaccine to be able to com- at the origin of the virus. The TO ANSWER plied. China imported about 2.5 nerability. Suddenly we realise WApparently, a temporary measure tout- plete the research in five months? Did China argument went so far that SOME HARD billion healthcare items, includ- that we are all on the same boat, ed to be a “promising rescue option” is being know about the “Small Thing” earlier than China’s Ambassador to the US, ing visors, masks, gloves and rich and poor.” announced (end of December)? It’s difficult Cui Tiankai, had to contradict QUESTIONS ventilators from Australia Let us hope that the “Small explored to treat critically ill patients, our front- to answer this question but China will prob- his spokesperson. Cui said that between January 24 and Thing” can bring more human- line healthcare workers and those at high risk. ably win the first war. it was “crazy” to spread rumors February 29, leaving Australian ity to this planet despite the high Researchers have found tentative evidence in The second war triggered by the “Small about the Coronavirus originat- frontline medical staff without price paid by all nations. Thing” is to do with information warfare, ing from a military laboratory in protective equipment when the (The writer is an expert on a century-old blood transmission treatment that though this isn’t new. The US website, War the US. virus struck that country. Masks India-China relations) may help us at least slow the spread of the disease. The process involves the infusion of blood plasma cells, collected from patients who S O U N D BITE have recovered from the disease, to those crit- The Tablighis have done The graph should always keep The WHO really blew it. For Just as Lord Hanuman ically ill. What this reliable stopgap measure does is that it buys enough time for enough damage already. If climbing because once you some reason, funded largely brought the holy medicine you preach the word of God reach the top, you have nowhere by the US, yet very China from the Himalayas to save the patients to stabilise and recover. The antibodies so injected into the patient’s you first must learn to be to go except down. Praise can centric. We will be giving that the life of Laksmana, India body act as a booster, thus increasing his/her immunity, which helps the body responsible members go to your head, though mine is a good look. Why did it give and Brazil will overcome to be better prepared to be exposed to the impacts of SARS-CoV-2. China has of society. firmly placed on my shoulders. us faulty recommendation? this global crisis. already made use of this plasma therapy with five critically ill patients, including Shiv Sena leader Actor US President Brazilian President women, all aged between 35-65, showing striking improvements. In the US, too, —Manish Tewari —Taapsee Pannu —Donald Trump —Jair Messias Bolsonaro trials on two patients were conducted and now, the New York Blood Center is collecting blood plasma donations from convalescent COVID-19 patients for ther- apeutic use in New York City, the new epicentre of the pandemic. Depending on L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR the test results, which would depend on three parameters, namely whether the Lockdown dilemma “family” and says that the film fra- plasma can prevent infection in COVID-19 patients by a close contact; can keep The US must take cue from Kerala ternity would make donations to people with moderate symptoms from needing intensive care; and can it help the daily wage workers of the film cure those critically ill, the FDA would give a further green signal for wider use. Sir — Amid the outbreak of the here is much to be said about communism as a tenet industry, who are most affected In the UK, too, the national blood service has started screening blood from patients COVID pandemic, people are and policy tool. The Stalinst version saw Russia, over by the Coronavirus-led lock- divided over revoking the lock- Ttime, slide into oligarchy. In contrast, the Maoism of down. The entire team and its to find plasma rich in antibodies to use in those trials. Thankfully, India does have down. While one group wants the China took to the regimentation of the proletariat, for sponsors must be applauded for facilities to derive plasma from blood cells but is yet to receive a heads up from lockdown to be lifted, irrespective socialistic ends. COVID-19 illustrates the extremes of both this masterpiece. the Drug Controller General of India. Much will depend on the experiments car- of the situation after the 21-day the negative and positive aspects of the China model — M Pradyu period, the middle class and the inbuilt credo of managing information that suppressed Kannur ried out in these nations. Though there’s enough evidence for it to be used for Government employees want it to the scale of the outbreak and then the vigorous policy treatments but for the lack of any definitive answers, it is being used for emer- continue until a sustainable result implementation that laid the foundation for acquiring the Look for alternatives gency cases only. emerges. If the Government con- humongous capacity to mass produce anything at will tinues with the lockdown for with extraordinary speed to cater to markets on global While we await a conclusive result, it is some relief to know that this method, long, it will push the poor and the scale. The Red ideology took root in other nations, too, Sir — This refers to the editori- also known as convalescent plasma/sera, is known to have worked wonders in marginalised to the brink. each adopting it selectively to suit the tide of their times al, “Masking India” (April 7). The curing past epidemics such as mumps and measles. Even COVID-19’s fore- Najibullah Q Jogeshwari and political drift. matters to the regime more than the Main Street and New spread of Coronavirus has taken Mumbai The Obama Government in the US leveraged this to York is being kept defiantly open. Back home, Kerala has the world by surprise. Although most predecessor like H1N1, Ebola and SARS were fought with this passive bring in a universal health coverage only to meet viscer- shown commendable acumen and toil to joust with a pow- doctors, medical staff and para- immune therapy, though with inconsistent success. What is learnt from these Bollywood takes a leap al resistance. It had the foresight to factor in pandemic erful foe and is clearly winning. It can only thank its com- medical teams are working round experiences is the fact that downsides, too, exist. Some patients could recover, health hazards of the citizens. It spruced up the archi- munist roots that kept the common man as its core con- the clock to contain the virus, the tecture of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention cern. Its assiduously-built architecture of health schemes allopathic system of medicine others could not. This is why the therapy is being treated as “experimental” and Sir — When art, idea and tech- and readied an exhaustive document on the control of and last-mile delivery, backed by cadre-driven distribu- working all by itself appears is being used for “emergency” cases only. Primarily, it runs the risk of transmit- nology meet, the result is a mas- pandemics. In US President Donald Trump’s time, the tion of ration/services, has risen up to the task. One fer- somewhat inadequate to contain ting other kinds of diseases to the patient which might aggravate matters. Besides, terpiece, a class of its own. And rabid Right-wing has found an apostle to promptly dump vently hopes that the US, too, discovers its merit, come it. Perhaps, the world communi- that is what one can see in the both. The sad part is, even with deaths now mounting November 2020. ty can look at alternate systems of with the antibodies present in donors varying, a process to pool in concentrat- beautiful short film, Family, in thousands in the US, the hard-Right is bent on cocoon- R Narayanan medicine such as Homeopathy ed and consistent dose will need to be developed. It is, however, soothing that which spreads awareness about ing the economy at the expense of human lives. Wall Street Navi Mumbai and Ayurveda along with the process makes use of everyday equipment that is normally found in hospi- Coronavirus outbreak. The Allopathy to bring things under made-at-home short film features control. Yoga can help improve tals and blood-bank facilities. What will be troublesome is for nations to find con- various actors from across India Shiva , Sonalee Kulkarni been shot in the homes of the old and the young, the rich and the immune system, too. valescents eligible for plasma donation. For doctors, it would be essential to find like Rajinikanth, Amitabh and Diljit Dosanjh. The most bril- stars. Nobody had to step out. the poor, the literate and the lay- Devendra Khurana the right kind of plasma, one that has the highest concentration of neutralising Bachchan, , liant feature of this film, created This initiative proves that man. The film has got an over- Bhopal Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, to spread awareness about information told cleverly through whelming response. At the end of antibodies. Nevertheless, until a long-term strategy is found, we can at least buy Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Coronavirus and to help the film entertainment is something that the short film, Amitabh Bachchan Send your feedback to: time for COVID-affected patients. Alia Bhatt, Prosenjit Chatterjee, industry workers, is that it has can touch everyone’s heart — the calls the Indian film industry a [email protected] HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Strengthen their POINTCOUNTERPOINT IF HE (MODI) DOESN’T ALLOW IT (MEDICINE) TO COME FRIENDSHIP IS NOT ABOUT RETALIATION, INDIA MUST hands to save us OUT, THAT WOULD BE OKAY, BUT OF COURSE THERE MAY HELP ALL NATIONS IN NEED. BUT LIFE-SAVING BE RETALIATION. WHY WOULDN’T THERE BE? MEDICINES MUST COME TO INDIANS FIRST. All nations must invest in nursing and midwifery —US PRESIDENT —CONGRESS LEADER education and employment to improve health systems and advance gender equity DONALD TRUMP RAHUL GANDHI Not making a song and dance...

POONAM KHETRAPAL ...but the cultural and creative sectors need financial help, too, as they have been ravaged by urses and midwives are central to the delivery of quality pri- mary health services for all. Nurses are highly effective in the impact of stringent public health measures imposed by the Govt to stem the pandemic Ndelivering services that prevent illness, promote health and care for the physically and mentally-ill and people with disabili- ties. The global response to COVID-19 underscores how critical nurses are to health security. They must be supported to get the job done. On their part, midwives provide the essential care need- ed for every woman to have a positive childbirth experience, for every child to come into the world safely and for every newborn and child to avoid disease and death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is committed to strength- ening its nursing and midwifery workforce as part of its quest to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). UHC is one of eight flag- PRATIBHA PRAHLAD ship priorities in the South-East Asia Region and the target that underpins Sustainable Development Goal Three, the health goal. he cultural and creative sectors across the In 2015 the region embarked on its decade for health workforce world have been ravaged by the impact of stringent public health measures, with per- strengthening — a key initiative aimed at overcoming shortages T formances and arts festivals cancelled, theatres, and skill-gaps in health cadre across the region. By 2018 the region museums and cinemas closed and film and tele- had increased the density of nurses and midwives to 18 per 10,000 vision production halted. The list, sadly, goes on. population, up from 16 per 10,000 in 2014. In 2018 the global For the unorganised arts sector in India, the average density was 37 per 10,000 population. The minimum impact is worse than ruinous. In times of crises, should be 40. artistes are often among those most affected. In By 2030 the region will require as many as 1.9 million more addition to health concerns, this is a challeng- nurses and midwives. Special focus must be given to ensuring ing time for many in our community as we deal that they are deployed where they are needed most — rural and with cancelled incomes, investments made for hard-to-reach areas. At every opportunity, policymakers and admin- booking venues, paid advances to technical and other staff that cannot be recovered, cancellation istrators should empower female health workers to reach leader- of teaching and other such activities. In addition, ship roles and to be involved in decision-making. All of them must trying to make plans for future dates for perfor- be paid fairly. mances and festivals, resuming teaching and As the world marks the International Year of the Nurse and choreographic activities, while sustaining one’s the Midwife, we must celebrate, support and strengthen this work- creative inspiration, in these very uncertain times force, with a focus on several key areas. is very unnerving. The first step is strengthening education. Demographic changes March has already had a devastating econom- RECOGNISING are shifting healthcare needs and driving greater demand for ser- ic impact on India’s non-profit arts sector. Since THAT IN THE vices for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), care for older peo- the first State-level orders of cancelling all CURRENT mobilise further support from the Artistes and culture workers, who they were given in the last two years, ple and the terminally-ill. For healthcare workers to respond to these events, sports activities, anything that meant an PANDEMIC, Finance Ministry for these critical sec- have been hit hard by lack of earnings, should be given to non-profits working audience or congregation, in early March, nix- tors. could be given a basic minimum pay- in culture as “sustenance or mainte- needs, policymakers and administrators must review pre-service ARTISTES AS ing of several scheduled events, festivals and per- INDEPENDENT While I welcome the Prime ment to sustain themselves for these nance fund”, for any of these factors that education, including curriculum and faculty development and where formances has been reported across the length Minister’s Office’s and the Finance three-four months. determine their situation: Employees necessary, amend it. They should ensure all nurses and midwives and breadth of the country. Many freelancers have WORKERS, ARTS Ministry’s swift responses to aid and Artistes, culture workers and non- who stopped working due to COVID- are provided ongoing professional development opportunities, seen their livelihoods disappear overnight. We ORGANISATIONS change rules to support a huge major- profit organisations must be given the 19 and do not have access to paid leave including in-service training, to enhance their knowledge and are entering a period of unprecedented isolation DEPENDENT ON ity of Jan Dhan account holders, option of deferred filing of taxes until or other income support. Workers skills.Tomorrow’s challenges may be different from today’s. and worry for people in the field of culture, be GATHERING migrant labour, daily wagers, struggling January 2021, reclaiming of Tax who are sick, quarantined, or taking Second, the policymakers and administrators should ensure they artistes, stage workers, technicians or other GROUPS TOGETHER businesses, Micro, Small and Medium Deduction at Source (TDS) on fixed care of someone who is sick with that the work environment for healthcare professionals is safe, workforce that come under the category of self- AND CREATIVE Enterprises (MSMEs), deferred pay- deposits and savings that they may COVID-19. Staff who must stay home healthy and satisfying. The hours nurses and midwives work should employed people. PEOPLE ENGAGED ment of EMIs, deferred filing of Goods have, deferred payments of rentals, without pay to care for children that are be reasonable and aligned with national labour laws. The on-the- As we know already, dancers, musicians, IN TRAVEL AND and Service Tax (GST), claiming refund deferred filing of TDS, GST(as the case sick or need additional care. Employees painters, sculptors and others involved in artis- EXCHANGE ARE on taxes and so on, I, once again, appeal maybe), electricity and such overhead who still have their employment but are job hazards they are exposed to should be minimised and wher- tic pursuits are vulnerable and suffer from inse- to them, to understand that cultural and costs incurred for maintenance of cul- not being paid because there is current- ever possible, eliminated. They should never be subjected to vio- ESPECIALLY curities that come with the territory. The situa- AFFECTED, BOTH creative businesses are also struggling ture spaces that cannot operate for ly not enough work and there is uncer- lence. By providing a positive and enabling environment for them, tion is unique and heartbreaking, because there and they need financial support now. three-four months. tainty of work in future. policymakers and administrators will increase recruitment, reten- are so many implications for everybody and there UNION MINISTRIES Our country is generally recognised Plus, grants already approved for Non-profit organisations under- tion and motivation. This is particularly important as countries will be a domino effect on all those connected OF CULTURE AND as the arts and spiritual capital of the non-profits for organising conferences standably cannot continue to retain and enhance the quality of health services in remote and hard-to-reach with the arts sector. Artistes are crying out for TOURISM AND world. Our responsibility is to nurture and festivals or individual events and pay staff salaries because of the uncer- areas. help from the Government in a bid to seek reval- STATE and nourish our artistic heritage and programmes must be made available to tainty of funding and future work that Third, increased focus should be put on strengthening lead- idation and have resonance. GOVERNMENTS deep-rooted culture and traditions and such organisations by relaxing compli- will be available. ership and management. Evidence shows that countries that have As COVID-19 continues to spread across SHOULD BE we can do this, at this time of crisis, only ances until things slowly return to nor- Many countries that have experi- a chief nursing officer and a nursing leadership programme have India, both Union and State Ministries of cul- PROACTIVE. THEY by valuing and preserving our living mal. enced the severe impact of COVID-19 ture should sustain this sector as best as they can, SHOULD BE artistes, performers, teachers the cul- Those non-profit organisations have doled out benefits to the arts and stronger regulatory environment for nursing and midwifery. This so that artistes and organisations can continue tural workforce and to give them that have been unable to conduct culture sector, recognising its impor- helps them to ensure that all healthcare providers have adequate COMMITTED TO to nourish the imagination of people across the CREATING, assurances and hope that the events, conferences, or performances tance and valuing its contribution in capacity and skills and can work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. country, both during the crisis and in the peri- Government stands with them to due to the outbreak of COVID-19 upholding the creative strength of It also means that, when developing policy, they are more likely od of recovery. AMPLIFYING AND ensure that there is a semblance of sta- should be permitted to utilise the their nations. to benefit from the knowledge and experience these healthcare Recognising that in the current pandemic, SHARING bility and security in their lives until life funds for other activities that they may It is time for India to act, too, and workers have. Hence, they must be enabled to develop leader- artistes as independent workers, arts organisa- RESOURCES TO reboots to “normal.” decide to conduct in future as per the give some tangible benefits to the arts ship potential and participate in key decision-making forums. tions dependent on gathering groups together SUPPORT The following remedial measures timelines and curation, without impos- and culture sector that is engaged in Additional investments are needed. The first-ever State of the and creative people engaged in travel and ARTISTES AND for the arts and culture sector can be ing restrictions of compliances to a said propagating the intangible heritage of World’s Nursing Report shows that low and middle-income coun- exchange are especially affected, both Union COMMUNITIES, considered by the Government. Set up financial year. our country. tries should invest an additional $10 per capita for nursing edu- Ministries of Culture and Tourism and State ALWAYS AS PART a culture relief fund recognising that Artistes and culture workers should Creative capital has always been Governments should be proactive. They should OF THEIR artistes and cultural workers exist also be given health security for them- anchored by a rich spirit of communi- cation alone. In most countries, this can be achieved with domes- be committed to creating, amplifying and shar- within precarious work and employ- selves and their families, should any be ty and mutual generosity and I hope tic funds. In some countries, development partners and financ- MISSION AND AT ing resources to support artistes and communi- THIS TIME ment conditions, often as self-employed affected by the current pandemic. that CSR for culture becomes manda- ing institutions can help. By transferring human capital investments ties, always as part of their mission and at this or contract workers. Non-profits currently availing of tory to reboot the sector. Without suf- for education, employment, gender and other areas into national time especially. ESPECIALLY They are also the driving force of repertory grant and salary grant be ficient funds, creativity and creation of health workforce strategies, partners can strengthen the workforce It is hard to understand why there has been our artistic and cultural sector and the given funds to reimburse salaries of works of dance, music, painting, sculp- while driving job creation, gender equity and youth engagement. a stony silence from the Culture Ministry. It’s broader creative economy. The dancers, musicians and culture work- ture and others will suffer. Therefore, The WHO is committed to supporting all countries in the region almost as if we do not exist for them and/or, if Government must also direct some of ers, who have not come for rehearsals continuing communication and to strengthen their nursing and midwifery workforce as together we do, they do not care about the welfare of the the Corporate Social Responsibility because of the lockdown and to main- exchange are crucial for all of us. we pursue our overarching goal: UHC. Health for all at all ages is sector they are mandated to be working for. monies towards the culture relief fund tain the number of artistes and others (The writer, a Padmasri awardee, is possible. We can and we must, make it happen. The Ministry should stand with the cultur- and ensure that dedicated funding is on their payroll, so they are secure and a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, al and creative sector in these difficult times. available to the arts and culture sector can continue artistic pursuits. teacher, choreographer, researcher and ( ) The writer is Regional Director, WHO South East Asia Their duty is to do everything they can to as part of the recovery plan. Also, 20 per cent of the grants that author) Policy choices in the times of Coronavirus The country is facing the worst crisis in modern times and it would need to follow a structured approach to overcome it. Extraordinary times require extraordinary solutions and the State should step aside from the playbook to make them possible

The country has been put under changes.The responses for every sec- to get back to work as quickly as pos- In the medium term, the focus has rent financial year so that they can orities, programmes and policies cur- a 21-day nationwide lockdown and tor would have to be classified into sible. The tests should not only be free to be on rapid economic revival.The ramp up testing infrastructure, health rently. In the absence of harmonisation while social distancing is necessary to short-term (two-three months) but also freely available. recently-announced `1.7 lakh crore cri- facilities and buying of vaccines as per among them, different actors in the prevent the rapid spread of the epidem- focussed clearly on defeating the The country will have to be very sis-management package by the their need. economic system work towards differ- ic, there is a huge economic cost that onslaught of the pandemic; medium- creative with the generation of Government, which accounts for Revving up the economic engine, ent goalposts in a fragmented and inef- it entails.There is no denying the fact term (three to eight months) focussed resources. Fiscal deficit goals could be around one per cent of the GDP may in the long run, would need more than ficient manner, sub-optimally address- that the choice seemed to be between on socio-economic revival; long-term shelved for at least the next six months. need to be scaled up to around five-six liquidity, doles and incentives. The ing the national imperative. the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (eight months onwards) focussing on Fiscal action needs to be directly percent, considering the magnitude of country can use this opportunity to The importance of decentralisa- and lives. However, sooner than later, pushing ahead on all cylinders based focussed on providing relief to individ- the crisis. Within that package, carry out structural reforms. A society tion in solving problems in an agile KUNAL KUMAR questions regarding rising unemploy- on new emergent realities. uals and firms most affected by the cri- resources would have to be found to with unequal levels of ownership of manner cannot be exaggerated. ment, shutting down of businesses, In the short-term, flattening the sis and not on public spending on the support sectors most severely impact- capital and unequal access to basic ser- Economic growth has to be a key objec- he COVID-19 crisis is a bolt increasing non-performing assets, sup- curve of the epidemic below levels of creation of economic assets like high- ed by the crisis through incentives, vices like health and education would tive of local governments. An integrat- from the blue. There is no prece- ply chain disruptions, reduced invest- available capacity in terms of hospital ways and sewage systems.The actions moratoriums and easy availability of see an exacerbation of such differences ed Ministry for Economic Growth, Tdent of this particular strain of ments and contracting demand would and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds is would include, inter-alia, ways of credit. as it attempts to push frontiers of eco- both at the Centre and State levels, the Coronavirus and hence, any pro- become serious challenges. The soon- a top priority and a mere lockdown ensuring people remain on payrolls or Also, investments into the expan- nomic growth. Therefore, the first step could be examined to support local jections of its impact can just be intel- er we reframe the choice from being won’t be enough to achieve that. A else are provided unemployment sion of the healthcare system would should be towards land reforms. efforts and to bring convergence ligent guesses. Predictive numbers between the GDP and lives to being lockdown is not sustainable beyond a allowance and so on. The crisis-hit need to be continued with a significant In a country where more than 70 between the functions of industrial pol- need to be relied upon with great cau- between lives and lives, the better we point as people will start to decide manufacturing sector needs to be emphasis on the development/sourc- per cent farmers have less than two icy, urbanisation, regional development tion. One has to keep a very close watch would be able to manage the crisis. between a thin chance of dying from supported through special loans, ing of a vaccine to deal with the out- hectares of land and almost 40 per cent and economic growth through the on how the crisis unfolds and keep tin- While this may seem to be the the virus and an almost certain chance restructuring and rescheduling of break. Collaboration with interna- of the workforce in agriculture is “whole of Government” approach. kering with different actions as facts right time to undertake structural of starving to death.The smartest ways loans, Goods and Services Tax (GST) tional agencies and being nestled in landless, no amount of support services The country is facing the worst cri- regarding the virus’ trajectory, the reforms that may help build long-term of leveraging the lockdown lie in the breaks, tax incentives, altered insurance global efforts in this direction would can provide the foundation for sustain- sis in modern times and it would need effectiveness or otherwise of contain- resilience to such crises in the future, world of data. If a rapid testing premiums, especially in the case of be immensely important. States are able uplift from a state of perennial cri- to follow a structured approach to over- ment efforts and reactions of econom- our prime concern has to the revival methodology (NAT or equivalent) Small and Medium Enterprises playing the most critical role at the fore- sis. There is a need for actual redistri- come it. Extraordinary times require ic actors become clearer. The crisis of the economy in the present. To the can be deployed at a large scale that (SMEs). After individuals and firms, front of dealing with the crisis but face bution of land between the haves and extraordinary solutions and the State would, as any crisis does, affect both extent possible, we should only focus enables quick tests, then a sampling banks need to be supported. The constraints in using resources as their the have-nots. The political economy should step aside from the playbook to the supply and demand sides of the on the short-term for the moment, methodology can ensure that the Government can look at a law against hands are tied with laws like the Fiscal has to bite this bullet before it is too late. make them possible. economy. It would stress not only the while trying to ensure that these short- working population can be screened as layoffs during the crisis period. The role Responsibility and Budget The Government’s aspirations (The writer is Joint Secretary and financial markets but the socio-eco- term measures are aligned with the per need. And, if needed, quarantined of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Management Act, 2003. It is time that towards becoming a $5 trillion econ- Mission Director, Smart Cities Mission, nomic fabric of society. needed long-term structural and then treated so as to allow them this context will be crucial. these restraints are relaxed for the cur- omy are laudable. There are many pri- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 money 08 CAPSULE Another Rs 34,000 crore Curbing spread of misleading content amid Coronavirus PNS n NEW DELHI

compensation to states soon The Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity)expects social PNS n NEW DELHI 2018-March 2019, Rs 81,141 media companies to put more Hyundai integrates crore was paid to states. For efforts in curbing the spread entire sales network In a bid to provide further relief April-May and June-July last of misleading content that has to states amid the coronavirus year, Rs 17,789 crore and Rs the potential to cause harm to with online sales outbreak, the finance ministry 27,956 crore were released. the society, especially in the platform is planning to soon release Further, Rs 35,298 crore was present crisis of COVID-19, another about Rs 34,000 crore paid to states as compensation a senior official said on New Delhi: Hyundai Motor to states as compensation for for August-September and Rs Wednesday. India Limited (HMIL) on their revenue loss in the goods 34,053 crore for October- Last week, Meity is learnt to Wednesday said it has and services tax (GST) regime. November 2019. have asked social media plat- integrated its entire sales States, so far, have been paid GST collections in March forms to remove rogue mes- network of over 500 pending dues till November slipped below the psychologi- sages spreading misinforma- dealerships across the country and the remaining will be cal Rs 1-lakh crore mark for the tion and weakening the gov- with its recently introduced cleared in phases soon, sources first time in four months to Rs ernment's efforts to fight online sales platform. The said. The Finance Ministry cleared about 97,597 crore as the COVID-19 against the coronavirus. Social media companies have also company's online sales The finance ministry cleared lockdown that shut most busi- Social media companies been asked to save details of uploaders platform -- Click to Buy -- about Rs 34,000 crore pending Rs 34,000 crore pending GST nesses compounded tax collec- have also been asked to save offers an end-to-end retail GST compensation for compensation for October and tions in an already sluggish details of uploaders of such of such malicious content which can be experience to its customers. October and November in two November in two tranches economy. malicious content which can shared with law enforcement agencies Hyundai had launched a pilot tranches. GST mop-up in March be shared with law enforce- phase of the initiative with few The first tranche of Rs recorded a 8.4 per cent decline ment agencies when required. dealers of Delhi-NCR in 19,950 crore was released on and union territories towards and 28 per cent slabs. On top over March 2019 collection of "We have seen the report by down content will “have to India against following safe January 2020. All Hyundai February 17, while the remain- GST compensation cess. of the highest tax slab, a cess is Rs 1.06 lakh crore. The collec- Voyager Infosec. We are in come via proper legal notices”. practices to contain coron- models including the new ing amount of Rs 14,103 crore Under GST law, states were levied on luxury, sin and tions were lower on account of touch with social media com- The IT ministry has not avirus infection. The firm Creta and Verna are available was distributed to states and guaranteed to be paid for any demerit goods and the pro- dip in revenues from domes- panies regularly and have issued any legal notice to found that videos have been on the Click to Buy website Union territories on Tuesday, loss of revenue in the first five ceeds from the same are used tic transactions as well as asked to remove all the con- social media companies but is shot in both foreign loca- that acts as an additional sales sources added. years of the GST implementa- to compensate states for any imports. tent that can potentially cause coordinating with them tions and India and are being channel for Hyundai In all, Rs 34,053 crore were tion, which came into force revenue loss. In the last four months -- damage to the society espe- almost every day to act primarily posted on Chinese dealerships, HMIL said in a released at a time when states from July 1, 2017. The Centre has, so far, November 2019-February 2020 cially in the present scenario," against such content, the offi- mobile video app TikTok with statement. The platform is are facing liquidity crunch due The shortfall is calculated released about Rs 2.45 lakh -- GST collection surpassed the the Meity officer, who did not cer said. religious instigations against connected in real time with all to the nationwide lockdown assuming a 14 per cent annu- crore as GST compensation to Rs 1-lakh crore mark. In wish to be named, told PTI. According to a report by the health advisories and fake the dealerships across India for the convenience and need imposed to contain spread of al growth in GST collections by states since the implementation February, mop-up was Rs 1.05 Industry body IAMAI open-source intelligence and information regarding coron- of new age digital customers, coronavirus. states over the base year of of GST on July 1, 2017. lakh crore, January (Rs 1.10 defended the social media fact-checking IT firm Voyager avirus. These videos are fur- it added. According to sources, the 2015-16. During July 2017-March lakh crore), December (Rs by putting the onus on the Infosec, bulk videos are being ther shared on other platforms government has released close Under the GST structure, 2018, Rs 48,785 crore was 1.03 lakh crore) and November users for content creation posted on social media plat- like Whatsapp, Twitter and to Rs 1.35 lakh crore to states taxes are levied under 5, 12, 18 released, while between April (Rs 1.03 lakh crore). and said any request to take forms to influence Muslims in Facebook, the report said. I-T cautions RIL's net debt to fall Essar Ports cargo handling jumps despite struggling against retail demand over 23 pc to 49.22 MT in 2019-20 breach New Delhi: Billionaire Mukesh ‘Focusing on PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI Ambani-led Reliance Industries continue to operate and service Ltd's net debt will fall even if customers, thus allowing them supply of energy and retail demand Essar Ports on Wednesday to meet the cargo-handling The Income-Tax Department said its cargo handling grew requirements of the nation, he has asked taxpayers to guard struggles for six months and essentials to the planned asset sales are over 23 per cent to 49.22 mil- added. against possible breach of delayed, analysts said. lion tonnes (MT) in 2019-20. Its Hazira terminal record- their personal e-filing Essar Ports is one of the ed a growth of 6.32 per cent communities’ Snowman Logistics account and report such an Also, RIL can re-prioritise n investment, potentially slowing country's largest private sector during the financial year han- PNS MUMBAI instance to the police cyber capex by up to a third. Beyond port and terminal developers dling 25.42 MT cargo, while says warehouses fully security wing. "If you think COVID-19, RIL emerges and operators and claims to Vizag terminal saw a rise of Tata Motors on Wednesday your e-filing account many stronger as competitors face have invested Rs 11,000 crore 34.06 per cent in cargo han- said it is focusing on the sup- have been compromised or high debt challenges and slow in developing world-class ter- dling of 12.87. ply of essentials to the com- operational accessed in an unauthorised investments, Morgan Stanley minals in three states. Salaya terminal saw a jump munities most affected the manner, then you may be a n said in a research report. "Essar Ports' business, which of 177.21 per cent in cargo COVID-19 lockdown by PNS NEW DELHI The business of the compa- victim of cybercrime," the With the outbreak of operates four terminals on the handling to 5.96 MT, while facilitating production of pro- ny has not been adversely department said in an advi- coronavirus impacting east and west coasts of India, on driving operational efficien- Paradip terminal handled 4.97 tective gears and medical kits Snowman Logistics on affected and demand for stor- sory. "Please report the inci- economies globally, RIL faces has registered a 23.5 per cent cies and optimising opera- MT cargo witnessing 18.05 to curb spread of COVID-19 Wednesday said all its ware- age has increased, the filing dent to the concerned police or multiple challenges -- oil prices growth in cargo volumes in FY tions has helped in recording per cent growth.Essar Ports is as part of its CSR initiative. houses are fully operational said. cyber cell authorities as a first have declined along with a fall 2019-20, with a throughput of strong growth. The height- one of India's largest private The company has so far amid the nationwide lock- This increase has come in step," it said. The e-filing in global oil product demand as 49.22 million tonne (MT)," the ened activity in the Indian sector port and terminal devel- provided over 25,000 packets down to contain the coron- from various segments such as account of an individual or a result of the lockdown across company said in a statement. economy has helped us consis- opers and operators. Its current of cooked meals and over avirus outbreak. seafood, meat, poultry, butter entity is accessed by logging on India and multiple geographies, In terms of their fourth tently surpass the average sec- operations span four terminals 5,000 grocery kits (ration) to "The business of Snowman and healthcare products. to the web portal of the depart- potential slowdown in quarter performance, the ter- torial growth rate." with a combined capacity of migrants and stranded com- Logistics Ltd (Snowman) is The cargo meant for export, ment-- fashion/electronics demand for minals recorded a 4.63 per cent While the mitigation mea- 110 million tonne per annual munities, urban slums, dri- considered under the ‘essential accounting for approximately https://www.incometaxindiae- its retail segment, slower growth in cargo, with a sures adopted to control the (MTPA), which is roughly 5 vers, co-drivers, mechanics, services' category as per the 30 per cent of the volumes filing.gov.in. A senior official monetisation of telecom throughput of 11.08 MT, it COVID-19 outbreak have per cent of India's port capac- contractual and temporary Ministry of Home Affairs handled by Snowman, is being said the advisory has been investments, and still relatively said. given rise to several limitations, ity. The company claims to be workers, among others as (MHA), and accordingly all stored, leading to an increase issued in the wake of an high debt post the investment Essar Ports MD and CEO the high mechanisation at a leader in the non-container- part of the initiative, Tata the warehouses of the in warehousing occupancy. increased vulnerability and cycle. Rajiv Agarwal said, "Our focus facilities has enabled them to ised bulk cargo space. Motors said in a release. Company are functional and Imported products, attacks on online systems. fully operational," the compa- accounting for approximately ny said in a filing to BSE. 5 per cent of volumes, have not The company remains com- been affected as these com- mitted to providing support modities are essential goods Rupee settles 70 paise lower Sensex ends 173 pts lower, for the storage and distribution comprising pharmaceutical of essential goods, especially products imported regularly in food and pharmaceutical India during the lockdown at 76.34 against US dollar products, it added. period. n Nifty sheds 43 pts PNS MUMBAI 177.93 points lower at 29,889.28 and Nifty down by PNS n MUMBAI The Indian rupee settled 70 73 points at 8,719.20. paise lower at 76.34 (provi- The Reserve Bank of India Equity benchmark Sensex EU coronabonds sional) against the US dollar (RBI) has reduced the timing ended over 173 points lower Make open offer to on Wednesday amid rise in of market hours for call money on Wednesday after a highly will create more coronavirus cases in the coun- market, government securities volatile session as investors Mindvision Capital's try and weak domestic equi- market and currency market remained jittery on concerns ties. Forex traders said rising from April 7 to April 17 (from over the Covid-19 pandemic. problems: Dutch brent prices and firm US dol- 10 am to 2 pm) following the Plunging over 1,300 points PNS n THE HAGUE shareholders: Sebi lar index also weighed on the unprecedented situation that from the day's high, the 30- local unit. has emerged due to the spread share BSE barometer ended Issuing EU "coronabonds," PNS n NEW DELHI At the interbank foreign of coronavirus. 173.25 points or 0.58 per cent controversial pooled debt exchange, the rupee opened Traders said investor senti- lower at 29,893.96. It hit an instruments, will not help Capital markets regulator Sebi weak at 75.83, then lost further ments remain fragile amid intra-day high of 31,227.97. countries hardest hit by the has directed 10 entities to ground and finally settled for concerns over the impact of Similarly, the NSE Nifty pandemic and may create make an open offer to share- the day at 76.34, registering a coronavirus outbreak on the closed 43.45 points, or 0.49 per even more problems, Dutch holders of Mindvision Capital fall of 70 paise over its previ- domestic as well as global cent, down at 8,748.75. among the top gainers. beyond April 14. Finance Minister Wopke Ltd, and pay 10 per cent inter- ous close. economy. TCS was the top loser in the According to Paras Bothra, Further, traders said Indian Hoekstra said Wednesday. est for delay in making such an On Tuesday, the rupee had There are more than 14.30 Sensex pack, falling over 3 per President of Equity Research, markets moved in sync with Hoekstra said his country offer. The entities have been offer. settled at 75.64 against the US lakh declared cases of coron- cent, followed by Titan, ICICI Ashika Stock Broking, volatil- global benchmarks as worries "was and remains against the asked to make the open offer The entities, who were dollar. Domestic bourses were avirus worldwide. In India, the Bank, SBI, ITC and Bharti ity in the markets was on over the economic impact of idea... we think this will cre- within 45 days from April 15. 'Persons Acting in Concert,' trading on a negative note on tally of confirmed coronavirus Airtel. On the other hand, account of speculation that the the Covid-19 pandemic con- ate more problems than solu- Dash Pharmaceuticals, (PAC) failed to make public Wednesday with benchmark cases has crossed the 5,000- Sun Pharma, NTPC, IndusInd central government was tinued to weigh on investor tions for the EU." "We would Mandvi Dyes & Chemical, announcement for open offer, indices Sensex was trading mark. Bank and Bajaj Finance were mulling lockdown extension sentiment. have to guarantee debts of Maxilla Financial Services, as required under the Sebi other countries which isn't Parachit Sales & Marketing, (Substantial Acquisition of reasonable," he said in a Prime Dyes and Chemical Shares and Takeovers) norms tweet, after a meeting of Company, Rajratan Trading, on several occasions with eurozone finance ministers Shingar Dyes & Chemicals, respect to their acquisition of Hospitality firms launch slew of initiatives failed to agree how to help Sparkle Tooth Brush, Tutis shares in Mindvision Capital struggling EU countries such Technologies and Vishal during the period from July 2, PNS n NEW DELHI In Mumbai, ITC Grand Central has made as Italy get funding to cope Information Technologies are 2008 to September 30, 2010, with the massive coronavirus the 10 entities which have the regulator said in an order Leading hospitality firms ITC arrangements to deliver meals to damage to their economies. been asked to make the open passed on Tuesday. Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group doctors in MG Hospital. Food has also and Apeejay Surrendra Park been catered to doctors at the Kasturba Hotels are taking a slew of ini- tiatives to serve healthcare Hospital providers and community at India's coal import drops over large in times of the coron- avirus outbreak in the country. and Hyderabad, ITC Hotels and ITC Kohenur, Leveraging its rich expertise said. Hyderabad, to enable 27 pc to 16 MT in March in food and hospitality services, In addition to providing stopover of asymptomatic the key initiative of ITC Hotels meals, ITC Hotel properties in international travellers as and PNS n NEW DELHI toring of vessels' positions and ous fiscal (April 2018-March has been food distribution Jaipur and Goa have provided when required," ITC Hotels data received from shipping 2019)," it said. across cities based on the shower caps for doctors and said. India's coal import in March companies. According to mjunction requirements of the local healthcare workers as well as ITC Hotels remains fully stood at 15.74 million tonnes However, the country's coal MD and CEO Vinaya Varma, administration as well as hos- ensuring availability of sanitis- committed to serving nation- (MT), down 27.5 per cent import registered an increase "the lockdown imposed across pitals, the company said in a ets daily for 15 days (15,000 Mumbai by ITC Grand ers, it added. "ITC Maratha, al priorities during this over last year, due to restric- of 3.2 per cent to 242.97 MT the countries due to novel statement. meals) to Municipal Central, it added. Mumbai was identified as unprecedented situation, the tions imposed at various ports in 2019-20. coronavirus pandemic has had While in New Delhi, ITC Corporation, ITC Hotels said. In Lucknow, Fortune Hotel one of the quarantine spaces statement said. In similar in the wake of coronavirus out- "On a progressive basis, total a cascading effect on this sec- Maurya and Sheraton have In Mumbai, ITC Grand is also lending assistance by the Mumbai Municipal vein, Radisson Hotel Group is break in the country. coal and coke imports during tor. There was a significant been providing over 1,500 Central has made arrange- through the provision of more Corporation. ITC Hotels is also contributing in a number The country had imported 2019-20 (April 2019-March drop in India's coal import meals daily for distribution to ments to deliver meals to doc- than 1,000 meals per day. This also working closely with the of ways to support the gov- 21.72 MT of coal in March last 2020) stood at 242.97 MT volumes due to both demand migrant workers; in Bengaluru, tors in MG Hospital. Food has initiative will be progressively local administration and ernment and the community year, according to a provi- (provisional), about 3.24 per and supply side factors, i.e. off- ITC Gardenia is lending its also been catered to doctors at rolled out in other metros embassies and offered similar in the fight against COVID- sional compilation by mjunc- cent higher than 235.35 MT take, consumption, logistics support with 1,000 food pack- the Kasturba Hospital in including Kolkata, Chennai space at ITC Grand Chola, 19. tion services based on moni- imported during the previ- and despatches". Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Thursday April 09, 2020

Residents of the Rock Villa Colony in Banjara Hills have been know to excel at keeping their surroundings clean and green since decades with unique methods, and also for helping An eco-friendly out those in need with donations, way of gifting finds ho doesn’t love gifts? And who doesn’t love Hyderabad-based paper-artist Nikita V SATEESH W gifts that are eco- friendly? Nikita Rochiramani makes gifts out of paper. REDDY Rochiramani from Hyderabad began ‘Paper Towers’ to help These eco-friendly gifts that are sure surprise people by making eclared one of the best our colony has its own rainwater har- Jayan says, “We are doing social they are doing so on a daily basis. hand-made gifts, that too, to surprise one, has the city slowly colonies in the Central vesting pit. We have collectively service activities since years on behalf Jayan says, “India is struggling to with paper. She has been mak- Zone by the Greater planted some trees and flower pots of our association so that we get a fight the Coronavirus. With no work ing customised gifts, greeting picking it, finds V SATEESH REDDY Hyderabad Municipal along the boundary lines of the chance to give something back to the due to the lockdown, the poor are suf- cards using paper material. D Corporation, Rock Villa colony to make it more beautiful.” society in the form of helping the fering and in some cases, near starva- Nikita’s love for art, particular- Colony in Banjara Hills About celebrating various festivals, poor. In the neighbourhood of our tion. To help them, we are donating ly paper art, encouragement is an example of a model colony in Jayan said, “The residents of our asso- colony, there are many economical- four kg rice and dal to the people who from friends and family, Hyderabad. Established in the 1980s, ciation actively indulges in various ly backward people living in basthis live near our colony. The marginalised pushed her to start her own the residents of the colony employ festivities like Holi, Deepavali and who have to struggle hard just for are the worst affected by Coronavirus business. Speaking to The various different methods to keep it others. Celebrating their daily needs. We distribute and it’s our duty to help them.” Pioneer, she says, “I was a clean and green. essentials and groceries to them Along with parks, the association graphic designing student and Speaking to The Pioneer, every year. It gives us utmost satis- also has a yoga centre for the resi- made many greetings and gift Jayan, president of the Rock faction to help the poor.” dents. Jayan says, “Yoga helps us to cards with paper during my Villa Colony, says, “The With the world facing a pandem- lead a peaceful life. India is an exam- college days. Once, for a colony association was set up ic in the form of Coronavirus and the ple for foreign countries by showing friend’s birthday, I made a gift in 1980s to maintain cleanli- economically backward families the greatness of yoga. Our residents describing our friendship ness and the greenery. We facing a tough time, the members regularly and actively participate in using paper material and she appointed dedicated personnel of the Rock Villa association have various yoga sessions to lead a happy loved it. The gift was appreci- to collect the garbage generat- come forward to help them. This life.” ated many and that’s how I ed by the residents every day began getting orders to make and hand it over to the GHMC such presents. That’s when I officials. We have our own sep- thought, why not make money arate garbage lifting vehicle out of it.” that collects all the dry these festivals At the start, Nikita started and wet waste. Our with everyone represents making customised greeting efforts are always the unity in diversity of cards, photo booklets, and appreciated by our country. We also others. She has now moved to the city munic- hold regular meet- making presents for corpo- ipal officials ings with associa- rates weddings and events. and their con- tion members to When asked about the con- stant apprecia- discuss what needs cept behind Paper Towers, cent made from paper mate- of paper art and how familiar tion has enc- to be done to she explains, “People love to rial because we also use frames people are with it, Nikita says, ouraged our enhance the beau- look back on their memories and wooden work to make “Not many know of this. colony mem- ty of the colony. they can’t have now. Paper some gifts. Our works are Paper Art is grow- bers to intensify We have more than Towers is all about translating water-resistant. We undergo ing slowly, but our efforts.” 250 residents at pre- those memories into gifts. a lot of quality checks steadily in the Jayan pointed sent in the colony and Whenever somebody reaches before delivering the country. I’m out that the associa- all show great enthusiasm us for any gifts that they want items.” also plan- tion members collect in participating in the vari- gifted to their loved ones, we Clients can place their ning to plastic waste and e-waste ous community activities organ- ask them specific questions orders through tele- launch my every Sunday. The colony has five ised by the association.” about what they want from phones or can meet own store parks for children and elders to The residents of the colony also us.” Paper Towers in person. to expand spend some quality time amidst actively participate in various social Nikita also does a little “We deliver our prod- my fresh air. He said, “We have five dif- activities, in fact they have been doing research herself before starting ucts through third- reach.” ferent parks for different age groups. so for many years now. These activ- work on any project she takes party applications but We believe that parks are the best ities include distribution of food up. She says, “It is important we suggest that they place to spend some valuable time and groceries to the needy across for us to understand what our be collected in with our loved ones. Every house in Hyderabad. client’s priorities are, before person,” Nikita starting any work. We enquire advises. The cost about the client’s relationship for each gift with the person he/she wants starts from Rs our product to be gifted to. 800 and can go THE RESIDENTS OF THE COLONY ALSO ACTIVELY This process helps us under- up based on the stand our clients and their client’s require- PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, IN requirements better which ment. “Each helps us come up with exact- project takes a FACT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SO FOR MANY ly what they’re looking for.” week to make,” YEARS NOW. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE For birthdays, Paper Towers she adds. also makes cake decor. “Our On the idea DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND GROCERIES TO THE gifts help people convey their love to their loved ones and NEEDY ACROSS HYDERABAD. that’s our biggest satisfaction as an organisation,” Nikita shares. When asked if their products are made entirely from paper, she says, “Our Beating Covid-19 with the ‘right moves' products are not 100 per s more and more dona- saw donations come in from tions towards the PM more than 80 people who were A CARES fund (which THE TOURNAMENT able to raise Rs 1,05,000 for the is raising money to WAS THROWN OPEN TO cause. Hyderabad-based IM combat the COVID 2019 pan- Ravi Teja won the tourna- demic) pour in from actors, CHESS ENTHUSIASTS ment. The tournament was social activists, and sports stars, ACROSS THE COUNTRY, the brainchild of Under-17 some teenage chess champions National Chess Champions People love to look back on decided to contribute towards WITH NO Vedant Panesar, Adarsh the cause by doing what they PARTICIPATION FEE Tripathi, and Srivastava. their memories they can’t have do best — play chess! In a first “We hoped to raise as much as now. Paper Towers is all about of its kind initiative, an the country, with no participa- possible and contribute in our translating those memories International Grandmaster, 7 tion fee. All that the partici- small way to the cause. It has International masters, many pants had to do to donate to the been gratifying that well-wish- into gifts. Whenever National Chess Champions, PM CARES fund was to send ers across the globe helped us somebody reaches us for any Chess players and enthusiasts a screenshot of the game they in our endeavor,” Vedant says. gifts that they want gifted to came together to host an online are playing to the organisers, Vakil Akhtar, their Chess chess tournament under the and play on. Coach adds, “I’m extremely their loved ones, we ask them aegis of “The Chesster group”. The tournament received a proud of the initiative taken by specific questions about what The tournament was thrown great response from chess play- my students to use Chess to they want from us open to chess enthusiasts across ers across the country and raise money for a noble cause.” 10

Hyderabad Thursday April 9, 2020 what’s brewing COVID-119 After two daughters, RAKUL forays into Youtube, provides meals to doctors, producer dad tests says revenue will go to healthcare staff, poor +ve for Coronavirus ctor Varun Dhawan has decide to provide free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are ollywood producer Karim Morani leading the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 has tested positive for Covid-19, PM's relief fund A pandemic. and has been admitted to On Wednesday, Varun took to Instagram and b Nanavati Hospital in ctor Rakul Preet Singh has launched her YouTube channel and has shared that he will facilitate meals for doctors and med- Mumbai. Earlier, his two promised that it will have a lot of fun stuff in it. Subjects on her list ical staff engaged in the coronavirus battle, and also pitch daughters Zoa and Shaza had also include food, fitness tips, films and friends. in to provide meals for the poor. tested positive for the disease. Karim's Sharing it, Rakul wrote, “A lot of time on hand so I thought of “With each passing day of being locked down at home, A launching my YouTube channel which will have all things fun !! The brother Mohomed told a reputed media my heart goes out to all those who have no home in this house, “Yes, we have been anticipating revenue generated will go to @pmoindia fund ! Let’s spread joy and time of crisis. And so this week I’ve committed to provide this as he was with his daughters. Karim happiness in whatever way we can. Subscribe now to make a difference !! and- meals for the poor who are without homes or jobs,” the has tested positive of coronavirus. He has dddd because it’s world health day we kickstart with... umm check out the actor posted on social media. video.” In the video, she mentions how after much thought she came up “I also have deep admiration for all those who are risk- been shifted to Nanavati Hospital,” he said. Shaza, who had returned with the idea to launch her YouTube channel, which will have a ‘lot ing their lives by working on the frontlines. I’ve commit- from Sri Lanka in the first week of March, showed no symptoms but more of me’. Like her contemporaries in the Indian film industry, ted to provide meals to doctors and was admitted to Nanavati Hospital on Monday. According to sources, Rakul too is doing her bit for the needy during the Coronavirus medical staff at hospitals. All Zoa, who had returned from Rajasthan around mid-March, tested pandemic. Singh is helping over 200 families living in a slum meals are provided through positive for Covid-19. “She had tested today for COVID-19 and her close to her home in Gurugram. She says that it is a “small the Taj Public Service results came positive by evening. She is in Kokilaben Dhirubhai effort” to express her gratitude. Welfare Trust. It’s a small Ambani Hospital, whereas Shaza is under medication at Nanavati. The actor said that everyone should be doing their bit espe- step. But during a crisis Shaza will be tested again after two days. As of now, the immediate cially during this time. “It is very important to understand like this, we have to make family, house helps are also getting tested. They are all under that many of us are privileged. We have a house, help, food, PTI. every step count. I will quarantine,” a source told Earlier in the day, Morani had said ability to stack up in case of emergency but this is when you continue to do what best I that both his daughters were under observation. “Shaza had no give it to the society. For me, nothing can give me more hap- can,” he added. symptoms but has tested positive. Zoa, my other daughter, has a few piness than the smiles on these people’s faces when they will “It is a long battle and we symptoms so we got both of them tested. Zoa, however, tested eat their meal. And that will make me extremely happy,” she have to fight it together,” he negative. Both have been admitted to Nanavati hospital. They are in said, adding, “So that’s my way of expressing my gratitude for wrote, adding, “Finding isolation and under observation,” Morani had said. The producerRa.One, has everything I have and it is a very small effort. Whoever can solutions is the only way backed many Bollywood films, including 's make a difference should, because I truly believe in giving forward.” , Happy New Year and Dilwale. back to the society.” HARRY STYLES sells merchandise to raise funds for Covid-19 relief inger Harry Styles will be sell- ing merchandise such as T- shirts to raise funds for the s fight against the spread of the COVID-19. Styles unveiled the design on April 7, with a T-shirt featuring a special message for people. The white T-shirt features black text printed in capital letters, with the front reading, “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other. This T-shirt fights COVID- 19. Treat people with kindness,” it con- tinues on the back. In a statement, Styles re-iterates the need for social dis- tancing, writing, “In times like these, it is more important than ever to remem- ber the power of people. If you are able to help, please donate where you can. 100% of the profits of this t-shirt will go towards fighting COVID-19.” “Stay home, self-isolate, and protect each other. TPWK (Treat people with kind- ness).” The T-shirt is available as part of Styles’ official merchandise collec- tion on his website and retails at $26, benefitting the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. 11

Hyderabad Thursday April 9, 2020 tollywood BUNNY and SUKU Icon is on taying with Allu Arjun, GO PAN-INDIA Sproduction house Sri Venkateswara Creations on Wednesday indicated that their proposed project with the actor, Icon, is on track. Tipped to be a social drama with an WITH PUSHPA underlying message, the film llu Arjun’s long- prepping for the part by learn- 50 days. The likes of Jagapathi was announced on the actor's pending wish of ing Chittoor accent. Babu, Vijay Sethupathi, Raj last birthday but with the actor doing a pan-India The film’s shoot has been Deepak Shetty, Brahmaji and giving precedence to Sukumar A project is getting ful- delayed because of Covid-19 Kannada Kishore are on board after Ala Vaikunthapuramlo, filled by his friend outbreak. The initial idea was to to essay key supporting roles, director Sriram Venu too and director release it in October but Mythri while Rashmika Mandanna is decided to do another project in Sukumar. As the actor blew out has now decided to push the the leading lady. Sukumar’s fre- 37 candles on his birthday cake release to the summer of 2021. quent collaborator Devi Sri the interim. Which over here is -starrer Vakeel on Wednesday, the makers of his Sukumar has shot a tiny sched- Prasad is rendering tunes and Saab. upcoming with Sukumar have ule in Kerala last year but he will music sessions have commenced There were speculations not just announced the title of begin afresh later this June. more than a month ago in that Bunny dropped Icon the film as Pushpa but also indi- Besides Hyderabad, a significant Chennai. The expectations on altogether. However, our source cated that it will be releasing part of the film will be shot in the film are visibly high as it close to him say that he very in Hindi, Tamil, Maredumilli and marks Suku and Bunny teaming much loved the script and only Kannada and Rampachodavaram up after Arya and Arya 2. asked Venu to save it until he Malayalam. While forests near Besides, their respective last gets freed from his other the actor is a Rajahmundry, ventures — Rangasthalam and commitments. So most likely, potent force in Kerala and Ala Vaikunthapuramlo — have Icon will be the actor's next Malayalam, Tenkasi, Tamil set the box-office coffers ringing after he completes Pushpa. where his Telugu Nadu for around big time. releases get dubbed consistent- ly, this is the first time he will be wooing the audiences of other Netflix India languages. “The film’s content has universal appeal, which is why Sukumar and Bunny decid- irks Bunny fans ed to dub it in other languages as well. It will, however, be shot treaming giant Netflix faced the ire of stylish star Allu Arjun only in Telugu,” said a source. S fans as the actor celebrated his 37th birthday Wednesday. Production house Mythri The OTT platform, which recently dropped Arjun's blockbuster Movie Makers also unveiled a Ala Vaikunthapuramlo on its service, chose to describe the couple of posters of Arjun from actor as Buttabomma while wishing him on his birthday. “Happy the film. In one of them, the birthday to this beautiful butta bomma!” they wrote tagging the On the actor's birthday, the makers of his upcoming with actor sporting a bushy beard is actor. This certainly didn't go down well with the actor's fans seen sitting cross-legged on the who collectively raised an alarm, stating that Buttabomma in the ground outside a police station song from Ala Vaikuthuntapuramlo was meant to describe Sukumar have not just announced the title of the film as with logs of red sanders in the background. Set in the backdrop Pooja Hedge. The post was removed under six minutes from the Pushpa but also indicated that it will be releasing in Hindi, of Seshachalam forests, the film timeline of Netflix India account soon after. “Happy birthday to deals with red sanders smug- the person who taught us the lyrics to Butta Bomma, scarf Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, finds NAGARAJ GOUD gling and will see Bunny as a fights and the best boardroom dance moves, Allu Arjun,” read lorry driver. The actor is also their new post. Seetimaar is a tribute to the unsung sporting heroes: TAMANNAAH

eing a girl who never played Lockdown diaries: any sport before, Tamannaah says that the challenge to play THE ACTRESS SAYS b a Kabaddi coach in Seetimaar, SHE HAS UNDERGONE SUDHEER VARMA starring Gopichand, kicked her to take up the role. A COMPLETE Sharing an insight into her prepara- binges on shows tion for the role, she said, “I play the TRANSFORMATION FOR THIS ormally when he is not shooting or writing, coach of the Telangana kabaddi team PARTICULAR ROLE, RIGHT Sudheer Varma consumes a lot of content on OTT while Gopichand plays the coach of an platforms to keep him abreast of any changes in Andhra kabaddi team. It is a very chal- FROM LANGUAGE, n the way stories are being told internationally. And lenging and inspiring role. It is a huge TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF when he has nothing much to do-like now-he is tribute to the unsung heroes in sports. binge watching series in his hometown Bhimavaram. I had to prepare and work very hard for THE GAME, MAINTAINING A Sudheer tells us, “I’ve just completed Ozark season 3. I’ve this role and it constantly motivated me GOOD FITNESS REGIME, been following it ever since it first started streaming on to give my best. It’s my first sports drama Netflix. I’m also a fan of Money Heist and as soon as the fresh and I’m very excited. I did everything I AND MORE season dropped on Netflix last week, I took no time to com- could to look the part. I never imagined plete it. With no brand new shows around, I’m planning to that I would get to play kabaddi in my revisit my all-time favourite show Breaking Bad all over life, let alone in a film.” endurance, flexibility and agility.” again.” Some of his other best shows include The Night Of She added, “I have undergone a com- While the actress maintained a spe- and The Man in the High Castle. plete transformation for this particular cial vegetarian, gluten-free diet, she also On the work front, the director will start filming his next, role, right from language, technical learnt a new dialect for the film. an action-comedy, with Regina and Nivetha Thomas. He was knowledge of the game, maintaining a “I had to get a hang of the Telangana to begin it earlier this month but Covid-19 outbreak derailed good fitness regime, special training ses- dialect. I had to learn the Telangana his plans. The film is a remake of 2017 South Korean hit sions and more. Kabaddi is a very dis- slang. It’s really challenging, but Midnight Runners. Suresh Babu and Tati, who ciplined Indian sport. I learnt to be vig- Sampath sir (director) is helping me produced the successful Oh! Baby, starring Samantha, are ilant and focussed on physical and with the dialogue delivery,” Tamannaah producing this film as well, in partnership with Korean pro- physiological aspects such as strength, signed off. duction house Kross Pictures. Richard Prasad is the film’s cameraman. — NG CCC gets more funds ore than 10 days after it took form, Corona Crisis m Charity (CCC) continues to get more donations from the industry members. Aimed at helping the daily wage employees to tide over the crisis that Covid-19 has caused to them, the latest to donate to CCC is first-time producer Padmavathi Galla. Wife of TDP MP and industri- alist Jay Galla, Padmavathi is launch- ing his son Ashok as a leading man with Sriram Adittya’s next under Amar Raja Media & Entertainment. She sent a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to CCC and urged everyone to stay at home and practice the suggestions of the govern- ment and health experts. Similarly, actor Sai Kumar along with son Aadi on Wednesday donat- ed Rs 5 lakh to CCC. The dialogue king and his brother Ravi Shankar also pledged to contribute Rs 1 lakh each to dub- bing union. Mogalirekulu fame actor Sagar has handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to TS IT Minister KTR in Hyderabad on Wednesday. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 sport 12

IPL possible if normalcy Smith wants to win Test series in India returns by Oct: Nehra PTI n NEW DELHI crucial and for fingers spinners, PTI n NEW DELHI being able to change the pace with- tar Australian batsman Steve out changing the arms speed too Excited to see how Yashasvi, ormer India left-arm Smith believes India is one of much. I reckon there a few around Fpacer Ashish Nehra Sthe toughest places to play Test the world who do that, Jadeja is one Parag perform in IPL 13: Smith believes there is a possi- cricket and winning a five-day for- of them. He is very difficult to play.” bility of the IPL taking place in the last quar- mat series in the country is a major Smith took over the captaincy IANS n JAIPUR Smith said in an interaction with ter of the year, provided the COVID-19 pan- career goal for him. from Ajinkya Rahane mid-season Ish Sodhi on the franchise’s demic is brought under control worldwide “I would love to win a Test in the last edition of the IPL and ajasthan Royals captain Steve Facebook page. by the month of October. series in India,” Smith told New he is keen to lead the Rajasthan RSmith is looking forward to “He was bowling to MS Dhoni The IPL 2020 edition has been suspend- Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi Royals from the beginning if the how the younger players in the and almost got him out and just the ed till April 15 with no clarity yet on whether during a podcast organised by cash-rich event, which has been squad, particularly all-rounder smile on his face when he was it would go ahead at all. inaugural IPL champions suspended till April 15, is held later Riyan Parag and batsman Yashasvi bowling was so cool. We’ve been “Even if the IPL doesn’t happen in Rajasthan Royals. in the year. Jaiswal, perform in the 2020 season very lucky to have some good August, (because) there are a lot of places “I think as an Australian crick- “Plenty going on in the world of the IPL. young players.” in India that witness rains during that month eter we talk about like Ashes is at present, but hopefully we can get Riyan was 17-year-old when he Smith said that he is also excit- and there are high chances that lots of always big, World Cup is big but I an IPL at some stage,” said Smith, made his IPL debut with the Royals ed to see how Jaiswal would do if matches will get cancelled,” Nehra told on think now India is No 1 team in the who has so far amassed 7227 runs last year and Smith said that he was and when the season starts. Jaiswal Star Sports 1 Hindi show Cricket Connected. world and it is a very difficult place in 73 Tests and 4162 runs in ODIs. very much impressed with the went into the U19 World Cup “If things go back to normal around the to play Test cricket, so I would love “The two seasons that I cap- freedom with last year with a lot of hype world by October, we’ll have a 100 per cent to win a series there,” he said. tained the Royals were both half which he batted around him due to his record clearance,” he reckoned. Talking about his other targets, seasons, Shane Watson gave me the and recalled the breaking double-ton in the With the spike in coronavirus cases and Smith, who is currently the world’s captaincy in 2015 and then last year time when he Vijay Hazare Trophy. He ended deaths showing no signs of relenting across number one Test batsman, said: out of the blue, I took over at the almost dismissed up taking the World Cup the world, there are slim chances of the IPL “Other then that I would not like back end of the season. Looking at MS Dhoni. by storm and was the happening this year. to set too many goals, but take having a crack at it full time and the “Young 17-year- highest scorer in the Meanwhile, Nehra feels former star things day by day, series by series, Royals have a pretty good squad,” old kid carrying around tournament. all-aounder Yuvraj Singh has always excelled just try to improve. he said. his teddy bears. He “Jaiswal, he was while playing under Mahendra Singh “It has been a pretty long year Smith started his career as a copped a bit but when the top scorer at the Dhoni’s captaincy. with the World Cup and Ashes, a spinner before emerging as one of he went out to play he U19s and looks a “Yuvraj has played well under MS few away one day tours. So this rest the best batsmen in the world. did it with such free- quality player. So, fin- Dhoni, as far as I have seen Yuvraj’s career, is not the worst thing but hopeful- Talking about his career, the 30- dom and even won a few gers crossed we can the way he has batted in 2007 and 2008 ly it is for a few weeks. I am pret- year-old said: “I was more of a bats- games with his own bat. get over this year and see onwards it has been impeccable and in 2011 ty keen to get back to playing.” man than a bowler. I played my first Pretty special, I could just all that young talent close we saw how he braved his sickness and Smith also heaped praise on two Test matches as a specialist see the joy on his face,” up again,” said Smith. played brilliantly under Dhoni. India’s spin all-rounder Ravindra Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith bats at nets session during franchise’s training camp spinner which was strange. They “I feel every player has their own choice Jadeja, describing him as a difficult that good length and one ball skids then having at least one variation,” were looking for a spinner after the of a favourite captain when they play for 16 bowler to face in the subcontinent. on and one spins, and it just all he said. Shane Warne era and I was one of for me it was about finding a way slip and focussed only on my bat- years and Yuvraj played well under Dhoni “Jadeja in the sub-continent... looks same out of the hand. I think “So, I think for a leg-spinner, the 12-13 spinners that got a go. to get into Australian team and at ting. But I bowl every now and according to me,” he said. Why he is so good because, he hits consistency in length is key and having a good googly, or a slider is “I got dropped after that and that point of time I let my bowling then.” Deepak gets more time to recover after IPL postponement NZ tour helped me grow in confidence: Samson CHENNAI: The postponement of have missed CSK’s first few IPL 2020 has come as a blessing games if the IPL 2020 had start- KOCHI: India wicketkeeper- then to be a part of the in disguise for India medium ed as scheduled on March 29. batsman Sanju Samson has world’s best cricket team is pacer Deepak Chahar as the “When things are not in not had a lot of chances to not a small thing,” he told delay has given him time to your control, there is little you stake a claim but he is happy on his regain full fitness from his can do. So, I focus on what I can with sharing the dressing time on the bench. lower-back injury. do during that time. I am try- room with the likes of Virat “The New Zealand tour Chahar, who plays for ing to learn new things, focus on Kohli and Rohit Sharma was one of the best times of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, my fitness — as you know I was while learning from them. my life. Yes, it is true that I is now eagerly waiting to make injured and getting back. This The 25-year old played could not perform with the his return to competitive crick- gives me more time to recover,” two T20Is in New Zealand bat the way I would have et once the situation normalis- he was quoted as saying on in the five-match series loved to. But I believe the es. CSK’s official website. which India won 5-0, but change of style that I have “I am looking forward to “Had the IPL season start- failed to make an impact adopted in my batting bowling again. For now, the idea ed on time, I would have missed with scores of 2 and 8. He recently will sometimes lead is to stay fit,” the 27-year-old against the West Indies in the first few matches,” said was given a chance against to failures. I have started to said. December last year, which ruled Chahar, whose 6 for 7 against Sri Lanka also in Pune ear- side of things. I got to share to learn from them even if accept that fact and I wait Chahar sustained a stress him out of action until the end Bangladesh last year was lier this year but there also the dressing room with leg- we just observe the way and prepare for my next big fracture on his lower back mid- of March. declared the ICC T20I perfor- he managed just six. ends like Virat bhai and they handle themselves on successful innings,” he way through the ODI series He admitted that he would mance of the year. PTI “I looked at the brighter Rohit bhai and there is a lot and off the ground. And added. IANS Ben Stokes in action during ICC World Cup 2019 final AP SINGLES Stokes is Wisden Akhtar proposes Indo-Pak Neymar welcome anytime at Barca: Suarez CSA INCLUDE FITNESS CLAUSES IN CONTRACTS Cape Town: South Africa head coach Mark Boucher on n Cricketer of the year AFP BARCELONA Wednesday said Cricket South Africa (CSA) will pencil series to raise funds in fitness clauses into player contracts in the future so n PTI LONDON irrespective of whatever happens on eymar “will always be that a minimum standard is maintained for selection. the field,” he said. Nwelcome” back at "Guys need to keep up their fitness because we will be washbuckling England all-rounder, Ben Akhtar said the matches could Barcelona, the Spanish inserting new fitness clauses in contracts," Boucher SStokes has ended India skipper Virat Kohli’s be a closed-door affair. giants’ striker Luis Suarez confirmed via an audio statement released by CSA. "In three-year run as Wisden’s leading cricketer of “It can be a TV only affair. Since told Mundo Deportivo on the recent past we have seen that players who are not fit the year after being named for the honour on everyone will be watching at home, Wednesday. enough don't get selected. They are professionals and the back of his stellar show in 2019. you are bound to get massive view- Neymar left Barca in a they need to do what they have to do." The 2020 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack also ership for the games. For the first world record move to Paris coronated Ellyse Perry as leading women’s time, both countries will play for Saint-Germain in 2017 but BUTTLER'S WC FINAL SHIRT RAISES £65,000 cricketer of the year as the Australian reclaimed each other. And whatever funds are has been persistently linked London: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised the title from India’s Smriti Mandhana. generated through this can be to a possible return to the more than £65,000 to help fight the coronavirus by Stokes is the first Englishman to receive the donated equally to the government Camp Nou. auctioning off his World Cup final shirt. Buttler's shirt, honour since former captain Andrew Flintoff in of India and Pakistan to fight this Suarez told the paper: ate him a lot.” when asked by the paper to which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out 2005. pandemic,” added the 44-year-old. “Everybody knows Ney, we Suarez, recovering from discuss the rumours linking that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, Stokes propelled England to their maiden With both countries in a lock- all know the affection we right knee surgery, said it the 28-year-old Neymar with was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung World title last year with a man-of-the-match down amid the fast-spreading pan- have for him in the dressing was “complicated” to talk a Barca return. centres provided by the Royal Brompton & Harefield performance in the final against New Zealand NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan pacer demic, the games can only be room. about players joining Barca The Uruguayan also had hospitals in London. The auction closed on Tuesday had at Lord’s. Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday pro- organised when things improve. “His ability is indis- at this time of crisis with the warm words for Inter Milan’s attracted 82 bids with the winner paying £65,100. He then followed it up with a remarkable posed a made-for-television three- However, Akhtar feels the sooner putable and he still has so coronavirus pandemic. Lautaro Martinez, the 22- match-winning unbeaten innings of 135 in the match ODI series against arch-rivals they are held, the better it would be much to show. He will “But I can talk about year-old Argentine whose CANADIAN GRAND PRIX POSTPONED FROM JUNE third Ashes Test against Australia. India to raise funds for the fight but could not tell how the logistics always be welcome in the players, and these are huge name also been associated Montreal: The Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for The 28-year-old, who succeeds Kohli, against the COVID-19 pandemic in of such an initiative would be changing room, we appreci- players,” he commented with a move to Catalonia. Montreal June 12-14, has been postponed, the latest amassed 821 Test runs and scored 719 in ODI’s both the countries. worked out. Formula One casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. in 2019. The two nations have not “Everyone is sitting at home at Organizers of the event said in a statement that they “Ben Stokes pulled off the performance of played a full-series since 2007 due the moment, so there will be a mas- Mane would ‘understand’ if Liverpool were denied PL title “would have been honored to host the first race on the a lifetime — twice in the space of a few weeks,” to the terrorist attacks on India by sive following for the games. May 2020 Formula 1 calendar” and they were “saddened” to said Wisden’s editor, Lawrence Booth was quot- Pakistan-based outfits and the be not now, when things start LIVERPOOL: Sadio Mane says he would on the pitch. “I want to win the games and have to postpone the race. The news followed the ed as saying by ESPNCricinfo. resultant diplomatic tension. They improving, the games could be understand if Liverpool were denied the I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would announcement that Formula One are working with “First, with a mixture of outrageous talent only play each other in ICC events organised at a neutral location like Premier League title even though they were love,” he said. “But with this situation, promoters on a revised 2020 calendar, with officials and good fortune, he rescued England’s run- and Asia Cup. Dubai. on the brink of glory when coronavirus whatever happens I will understand. hoping to launch a season that had already seen eight chase in the World Cup final, before helping to “In this time of crisis, I want to “It could even lead to resump- forced a shutdown. “It has been difficult for Liverpool, races either cancelled or postponed. hit 15 off the super over. Then, in the Third Ashes propose a three match series in tion of bilateral cricketing ties and Jurgen Klopp’s men were 25 but it has been more difficult for many Test at Headingley, he produced one of the great which for the first time, the people relations of both countries improve points clear of Man City when foot- millions of people around the world. 2022 ATHLETICS WORLDS SET FOR JULY 15-224 innings, smashing an unbeaten 135 to pinch a of neither country would be upset diplomatically. You never know,” ball came to a halt, agonisingly close “Some people have lost family Paris: The world athletics championships originally one-wicket win.” at the outcome of the games,” said the Rawalpindi Express. to their first top-flight title in 30 years. members and that is the more compli- scheduled for next year in Eugene, Oregon, will take Australia all-rounder Perry bagged the Akhtar said. “The whole world will tune into But it is unclear when, or even if, cated situation. But for myself, it’s my place July 15-24 in 2022, avoiding a potential clash with honour for her splendid Ashes show. “If Virat (Kohli) scores a hun- it, so much money can be raised to the season will be completed. dream and I want to win it this year. the CWG in Birmingham. World Athletics last month “Ellyse Perry dominated the women’s Ashes dred, we will be happy, if Babar deal with this crisis. In difficult Asked if he feels like a champion, If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s shifted the event to 2022 to accommodate the like no one before her inspiring Australia to a Azam scores a hundred, you will be times, the character of the nation the 27-year-old Senegal forward said part of life. Hopefully we will win it rearranged Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed by a crushing victory. She was devastating with the happy. Both teams will be winners comes forward.” PTI he wanted to win the Premier League next year.” AFP year due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The World ball, claiming seven for 22 in the ODI at Athletics Council approved the new dates this week after Canterbury, and remorseless with the bat, not extensive discussions with the sport's stakeholders least during the one-off Test at Taunton, where including organisers of two other major championships she made 116 and 76 not out.” Eight-month suspension of Oly qualification period big blow for Indian athletes due to take place in July-August 2022, the Birmingham England pacer Jofra Archer, Australians Pat 2022 Commonwealth Games and the multisport Cummins, Marnus Labuschagne and Perry and PTI n NEW DELHI Olympic medal hopeful Neeraj But after the Olympics was pushed European Championships in Munich,” World Athletics Essex’s player Simon Harmer were picked as the Chopra, his javelin throw team-mate to 2021 due to the pandemic, the qual- said in a statement on Wednesday. five Wisden Cricketers of the year. orld Athletics’ decision to sus- Shivpal Singh, the mixed 4x400m ification period will now resume from Wpend the Olympic qualification relay team, K T Irfan (men’s 20km race December 1, 2020 until June 29, 2021. IOC RELEASE TOKYO QUALIFICATION PRINCIPLES period till end of November has dealt walk), Bhawna Jat (women’s 20km race Nair said the Athletics Federation New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Southee claims NZPA a huge blow to Indian track-and-field walk) and sable (3000m of India is hoping to hold the National has released revised Tokyo 2020 qualification principles competitors aiming for Tokyo, who steeplechase) have already qualified for Inter-State Championships and according to which allocated quotas remain valid and Players’ Cap were hoping to make the cut through the Tokyo Games. National Open in September and International Federations (IFs) could extend the age WELLINGTON: New Zealand pace spearhead Tim domestic meets tentatively scheduled The world body has said those ath- October but the performance of the eligibility criteria for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Southee on Wednesday claimed the top hon- later this year. letes who have already met the athletes may not exactly be the best as Games. According to the revised rules, the new ours in the annual Players’ Association awards World Athletics on Tuesday sus- Olympic entry standard since the they will not be counted for the qualification period deadline is June 29, 2021, and the for his “compelling” performance in the home pended the qualification period for the start of the qualification period in 2019 Olympics qualification. final entries deadline is July 5, 2021. IFs could now series against India, while Sophie Devine Tokyo Games from April 6 to will remain qualified. “What to do? We cannot do any- redesign their own qualification processes that have bagged the women’s top award. November 30, 2020, following consul- Asked what could have been the thing. We will be conducting the been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Tim Southee headed off several players tation with its Athletes’ Commission, rationale behind the World Athletics’ Nationals in September and October in a very close voting result before ultimately continental association presidents and decision to freeze the qualification if the situation improves,” said Nair, DUTCH PLAN LEAGUE RESUMPTION ON JUNE 19 securing his second The Players’ Cap with a the Council. period till the end of November, Nair one of the most qualified coaches in The Hague: Dutch football federation has said that it was hoping the top two divisions would restart on June compelling series against India at home,” the During this period, results Dutee Chand in action during 2018 Asian Games said, “I think many countries are not the country. New Zealand Players’ Association said. achieved at any competition will not sure when the COVID-19 situation World Athletics said the results in 19 following their suspension due to Covid-19 Southee, who was player of Test series with be considered for Tokyo Games entry “World Athletics decision will be will be alright and can start training. the intervening period of April 6 and pandemic. The decision would keep the Dutch league in 14 wickets in the two-match rubber earlier this standards or world rankings, the pub- a big blow for the likes of Tejinder Pal “Moreover, it is not fare to give ath- November 30, 2020 will continue to be line with UEFA, which has warned teams risk exclusion year, joins Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor lication of which will also be suspend- Singh Toor (shot put), Anu Rani letes almost two years as qualifying recorded for statistical purposes, from the next CL if their domestic competitions are as multiple winners of the award. ed. (javelin throw), M Sreeshankar (long period.” including for world records, subject to ended prematurely. The KNVB revealed its plans on Daniel Vettori presented the cap to Southee India’s Deputy chief national coach jump) and sprinter Dutee Chand,” Nair The qualifying period for most of the applicable conditions. Tuesday during a video conference with professional and said that “Tim has had a remarkable year Radhakrishnan Nair the decision said from NIS-Patiala. the events, barring long distance races But they will not be used to estab- clubs and other major stakeholders, although leading and is a truly deserving recipient of this award”. would disappoint many Indian ath- Star sprinter Hima Das is also yet and race walk, began in May 2019 and lish an athlete’s qualification status for sides including Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven Devine’s award is her third consecutive. PTI letes. to qualify for the Tokyo Games. was to end in June this year. the Olympics. have called for the season to be ended. AGENCIES