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TIKTOK GOES COMPLETELY OFFLINE INDIA'S FISCAL DEFICIT TOUCHES 58.6% WEDDING PARTY LEAVES MORE THAN BIG RELIEF TO TRAIN PASSENGERS AS IN INDIA AS BAN TAKES EFFECT OF ANNUAL TARGET IN TWO MONTHS 100 CORONA POSITIVE, GROOM DEAD TATKAL TICKET BOOKINGS RESUME

ikTok has now completely stopped working in India. After the Indian ndia’s federal fiscal deficit in the first two months through May stood wedding ceremony in rural Patna a fortnight ago where the groom was n a big relief to train passengers, the Indian Railways has resumed Tgovernment imposed a ban on TikTok last night, the app was delisted Iat 4.66 trillion rupees ($61.67 billion), or 58.6% of the Arunning high fever, two days before he died and his body cremated Ibookings of Tatkal tickets for all 230 special trains from June 29, a from Google Play and App Store both soon after. However, it continued budgeted target for the current fiscal year, government without being tested for COVID 19, appears to have set off the biggest service that was stopped in the wake of the novel coronavirus to work for those who had it already installed on their phone. Now, the data showed on Tuesday. Net tax receipts during April- infection chain in Bihar so far, health department officials pandemic. The Railways had suspended passenger, mail and express TikTok app has completely stopped working on all devices, including the May period were 338.5 billion rupees ($4.48 billion), said on Tuesday. More than 100 people have tested trains during the nationwide lockdown from desktop website, and a user notice is displayed inside the app to while total expenditure was 5.12 trillion rupees, the positive in Paliganj sub-division of Patna district, March 25. A senior Railway Ministry official said inform users about the ban. Alongside, TikTok, 58 other Chinese data showed, indicating the government was front- about 55 km from the state capital, in the last few here that the public was made aware on May 31 apps have also been banned in the country. The TikTok app loading its budgeted spending to combat the impact days, out of over 350 who have been tested upon that the Tatkal quota facility could be availed in now shows a network error alongside a notice that reads, of pandemic. India’s federal fiscal deficit touched contact tracing, they said. Fifteen of his relatives all special trains from June 29 onwards. “Dear users, we are in the process of complying with the 4.6% of GDP in 2019/20 fiscal year ending March, who attended the wedding tested positive for the "Tatkal bookings were done on Monday for Government of India's directive to block 59 apps. from initial estimates of 3.3%. contagion and apparently infected others. trains commencing from Tuesday," he said. Two killed in another gas Jagan to flag off a new era of healthcare on wheels today leak accident in Vizag l 1,088 fully equipped ambulance vehicles to be launched PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n The officials informed the Chief Minister that Putting medicare on the fast Two persons died and four oth- track, Chief Minister YS ers took ill in a gas leak at a phar- leakage was confined Jaganmohan Reddy will flag- Jagan in a maceutical unit in to the reactor unit only off a fleet of 1,088 vehicles of Visakhapatnam on Monday and there was no need 108 and 104 ambulances, quandary night, the second industrial dis- equipped with modern life over Council aster to strike the port city in less for any panic as the support systems to provide than two months. situation is under quick and better medical atten- abolition The incident occurred at control tion, on July 1 (Wednesday). Sainor Life Sciences Private For the first time, 26 neona- Limited, a pharma company tal ambulances are also going located at Jawaharlal Nehru under control," read a statement to be inducted into the fleet of 2 Pharma City in Parwada on the from the CMO. 412 new 108 ambulances, city outskirts around 11.30 pm Meena told reporters that a where 104 of them are on Monday. However, it came to First Information Report (FIR) advanced life support vehicles light only in the early hours of would be registered into the inci- and 282 are basic life support Tuesday. Revenue Divisional as shift incharge R. Narendra, 33, The collector has ordered an dent and an inquiry would be vehicles. In addition to these, Officer P. Kishore told reporters and chemist M. Gowri Shankar, inquiry into the incident. conducted. "The gas leakage to cater to the interior and A historic day for healthcare at the scene that Hydrogen 26. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan was arrested immediately. There remote villages, 676 Mobile Sulfide (H2S) leaked while it was The condition of L.V. Mohan Reddy enquired about is no threat to other units in Medical Units (MMU) of 104 being pumped from one reactor Chandrashekhar, a helper, was the incident. As a precautionary Pharma City or to nearby habi- emergency services are being system in the State: Alla Nani to the other. critical. He was kept on a venti- measure, the factory has been tation," the RDO said. introduced. ealth and Family Welfare The Minister said that Initially, the leaked gas was lator. The other affected persons closed. Sainor Life Sciences Pendurthi MLA The State government has HMinister Alla Kali time management has been suspected to be benzimidazole. were out of danger and they were manufactures Active Annamreddy Adeep Raj said the taken up this novel initiative Krishna Srinivas (Nani) on set up in such a way that the Six people working there identified as P. Anand Babu, a Pharmaceutical Ingredients negligence by the company with a total budget of Rs 201 Tuesday said that Chief vehicles reach in 15 minutes inhaled the gas. While two per- helper, and D. Janaki Rao and M. (APIs), pellets and intermediates. management led to the gas leak. crore, with the aim of saving Minister YS in urban areas, 20 sons died, four others were Surya Narayana, both chemists. "The officials informed the He said necessary precautions lives. All these vehicles are Jaganmohan minutes in rural shifted to a hospital, where con- Visakhapatnam Chief Minister that leakage was were not taken while pumping equipped with the latest tech- Reddy will flag areas, and in dition of one of them is stated to Superintendent of Police R. K. confined to the reactor unit the gas and this led to the nology, high-end medical off 108 and 104 agency areas, be critical. Meena and District Collector only and there was no need for tragedy. equipment and advanced fea- vehicles at the vehicle will The deceased were identified Vinay Chand visited the plant. any panic as the situation is 3 tures. Apart from oxygen Benz Circle in reach in 25 UP govt trying cylinders, the new ambulances Vijayawada on minutes. are equipped with ventilators, Wednesday. Along with to cover up infusion pumps, syringe Speaking to the 108 vehicles unemployment 704 Covid-19 pumps, comfortable stretchers media persons, which are avail- Free ration for 80 crore and have provisions for deliv- Alla Nani said the able in three vari- through ads cases, 7 ery. The vehicles are also inauguration of 104 and ants, 104 advanced life enabled with surveillance cam- 108 vehicles would create support vehicles, 282 basic deaths in AP eras to ensure proper health history in the medical and life support vehicles and 26 people till November: PM care monitoring by doctors. health sector in the state. He neonatal support vehicles are 5 PNS n VIJAYAWADA In order to reduce infant said that 676 manuals will get being made available in the PNS n NEW DELHI mortality rate, the State gov- new 108 and 104 vehicles state, said the Minister. A total of 704 Covid-19 cases ernment introduced 26 exclu- across the state. 3 Prime Minister were added in Andhra sive neonatal ambulances on Tuesday announced exten- Pradesh, taking the overall which are supported with Sick sion of the Pradhan Mantri tally in the state to 14,595 on Newborn Care Unit (SNCU). the transport to SNCU which to 12 per cent of all newborns Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Tuesday. Delivery Locations and SNCUs will reduce the Infant Mortality require SNCU supportive care. (PMGKAY), a programme to The toll rose to 187 with are perfectly mapped to pro- Rate (IMR). It has been esti- provide free ration for over 80 seven fresh casualties, accord- vide early intervention during mated that around 10 per cent 3 crore people, mostly poor, by ing to the latest health depart- five more months till November ment bulletin. end. Since June 1, when Unlock In a televised address to the 1.0 began, the state has wit- nation, the prime minister said nessed a rapid surge in coro- Government gives a shock to over Rs 90,000 crore will be navirus infections as a stag- spent on the programme's gering 10,919 cases were extension, and if the last three added this month, the gov- months expenditure on account 2' for a graded exit from the population of the United ernment data showed. , takes back land of the free ration scheme is national lockdown that was Kingdom and double the pop- From March 12, when the added then the total budget will imposed on March 25. 'Unlock- ulation of the European Union. first Covid-19 case was PNS n VIJAYAWADA Amara Raja Infratech Private Need to cut be about Rs 1.5 lakh crore. 1' ends on Tuesday. Each member of a family reported in the state, to May Limited belonging to TDP The scheme was rolled out The prime minister said in covered under the scheme will 31, the total number of cases Allocating lands and issuing MP Galla Jayadev were taken logistics cost, for three months from April his 16-minute address that the get five kilogram wheat or rice, in the state stood at 3,676. GOs are the part and parcel of back by the government by says Gadkari soon after the nationwide lock- central government is also and every family will get one Of the total 14,595 cases, any government, whichever issuing a GO Ms 33 on down was announced to com- working on the "one nation, one kilogram whole gram per health officials point out, comes to power. It is a fact Tuesday. The government has bat the COVID-19. ration card" initiative which, he month as well. 12,202 were local people that no government will keep permitted the APICC to take Modi noted that July marks added, will benefit people living Highlighting his govern- while 1,997 were returnees mum if the industrialist fails back the 253.61 acres of land the beginning of the festive outside their home for employ- ment's pro-poor measures dur- from other states and 396 to keep up the promise of situated at Nunegundalpally 8 season when people's needs as ment and other needs the most. ing the lockdown, he said it had from other countries. generating employment by village in Bangarupalem man- well as expenditure increase. This is Modi's sixth address to announced Rs 1.75 lakh crore But the surge in the local setting up of industry in the dal and Kothapally village in "Keeping all these things in the nation after the outbreak of package for the poor earlier, cases has also been not stipulated time in the land Yadamarri mandal of TODAY mind, it has been decided to the coronavirus pandemic. with Rs 31,000 crore trans- insignificant as 8,526 were allocated by the government. Chittoor district. It may be extend Pradhan Mantri Garib Underscoring the enormity ferred to 20 crore poor families added in the last 30 days. It seems the YSRCP gov- recalled that this land was ALMANAC Kalyan Anna Yojana up to of the free ration scheme, Modi under direct benefit transfer and A total of 3,118 local cases ernment, too, toeing that line allocated to the company at Month & Paksham: Diwali and Chhath Puja till the said it covers two and half Rs 18,000 crore given to nine were registered in the state and taking the land allotted to About 253.61 acres of Rs 1,80,000 per acre by the Ashadha & Shukla Paksha November end," Modi said on times the population of the crore farmers. from March 12 to May 31. industrialist-turned politician unutilised land out of the APIIC. 3 Panchangam the eve of the start of 'Unlock- United States, 12 times the 3 3 and TDP MP Galla Jayadev total 483.27 acres allocated to Tithi : Ekadashi: 05:29 pm Nakshatram : Vishakha: 02:34 am (Next Day) Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start Official assaults woman over wearing of mask, held VPT cargo traffic sinks as any important work) n Rahukalam: 12:20 pm – 01:57 pm PNS VIJAYAWADA media and triggered public out- snatches the object from rage. In the clip, the official is Bhaskar's hands. coal import takes a hit Yamagandam: 07:27 am – 09:04 am After a public uproar, the seen pulling the woman staffer Police said the official got Varjyam: 09:19 am – 10:49 am police on by her hair, dragging her and angry and felt insulted after the PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM the corresponding period of the Gulika: 10:42 am - 12:20 pm Tuesday arrested a government repeatedly attacking her with a woman colleague advised him last fiscal. Good Time: (to start any important work) official, since suspended from chair handle even as other to wear the face mask to contain The Coronavirus The Port of Amritakalam: 06:19 pm – 07:49 pm service, on charge of brutally employees in the office tried to the spread of Coronavirus. pandemic seems to Visakhapatnam Abhijit Muhurtham: NIL assaulting a differently-abled intervene. The Nellore police said the have choked the handled a cargo woman colleague in office after Another employee tries to official was booked the same day cargo traffic flow traffic of 153.27 VIJAYAWADA she advised him to wear a face control him but he pushes him under Indian Penal Code at Port of lakh tonnes mask. to the ground. He then picks up Sections 354 (assault or crimi- Visakhapatnam (15.33 million WEATHER The incident occurred in the the chair handle that gets nal force to woman with intent with drastic tonnes) in the first Forecast: Mostly cloudy Tourism Department's office in detached in the melee and to outrage her modesty), 355 decline in the quarter of the cur- Temp: 34/27 Nellore on June 27 but came to repeatedly attacks her as other (assault or criminal force with import of coal. rent fiscal 2020-21 as Humidity: 72% light on Tuesday after the shock- employees watch in horror. intent to dishonour person) Visakhapatnam compared to 170.95 Sunrise: 05.45 am ing visuals recorded on CCTV Unable to bear the assault, and 324 (Voluntarily causing Port Trust (VPT) witnessed lakh tonnes (17.10 million Sunset: 06.54 pm surfaced on the social media. (APTDC) announced the sus- woman colleague. another woman present in the hurt by dangerous weapons or decline of 10 per cent in cargo tonnes) of the corresponding Current Weather Conditions Andhra Pradesh Tourism pension of Deputy Manager The CCTV footage of the office can be seen rushing out. means). handling in the first quarter of period in 2019-20. Updated June 30, 2020 5:00 PM Development Corporation CA Bhaskar who assaulted his crime went viral on the social A man who walks in finally 3 the current fiscal, 2020-21 over 3 WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 02 JAGAN IN A QUANDARY OVER COUNCIL ABOLITION s AP Chief Minister YS by none other than have been hoping to get their mand, Rayapati ensured cadres. Jaganmohan Reddy N. Chandrababu The Council, where the TDP enjoys an share in the pie of gover- Dokka got the ticket, against In this way, five vacancies in Ireconsidering his Naidu. overwhelming majority, blocked Jagan’s nance. the wishes of YSR. Now, he has the Council are to be filled 'emotional' decision of As much as 80 per plans. Not only that, for the first time in Till such time the Centre got political rebirth with the despite in the near future, and getting the state cent of the landholdings approves abolition of the patronage of his YSR’s Jagan. this may happen even before Legislative Council abol- in Amaravati wrests in the state the Appropriation Bill, which is Council, the YSRCP Meanwhile, two ministers the Centre approves abotion of ished? PIN the hands of one crucial for financial management of the Government will have to fill Pilli Subhashchandra Bose and the Upper House. Indications are that POINT predominant caste — state, failed to get nod from the Council vacancies that are created due Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao The scenario is like getting he is, and for good reason Kamma —which has been to retirement of existing have been elected to the Rajya ready to conduct a marriage too. the driving force behind the Members. Sabha, as promised by Jagan on a grand scale after firmly It’s a known fact that Jagan TDP since its inception 38 However, the Legislative NT Rama Rao faced a very Last week, former minister after he took the decision to deciding to get divorce imme- decided to scrap the Council years ago. However, the party Council, where the TDP similar situation in the mid- Dokka Manikya Varaprasad abolish the Council. Those diately after the function ends. as his party lacks majority in in power at present, the enjoys an overwhelming 1980s — not getting the switched loyalties to the two seats in the Council will With the process to fill up the Upper House. This has YSRCP, is backed by the polit- majority, blocked Jagan’s plans. approval of the House for his YSRCP by resigning as MLC, have to be filled and there are these five seats almost a cer- resulted in several crucial Bills ically strong Reddy communi- Not only that, for the first government's decisions due M D RATNA KUMAR and was reelected to the post. many who wish to be the tainty, it wouldn’t be surpris- — including the Bill on decen- ty that holds a record of hav- time in the state the to the Congress having major- Senior Journalist Dokka joining the YSRCP is chosen ones. ing if Jagan reconsiders his tralisation of administration — ing ruled undivided AP for Appropriation Bill, which is ity in the Council — and had believed to be a blow to Naidu Another two vacancies will decision to abolish the stalled. nearly decades. It’s nothing but crucial for financial manage- abolished the Upper House in since the MLC hails from the be created due to the impend- Council. This Bill has been strongly irony that the Reddy commu- ment of the state, failed to get those days. The same reason holds SC Madiga community. ing retirement of T. Ratna Bai After all, the issue of deal- opposed by the Telugu Desam nity has failed to get majority nod from the Council. The biggest irony of the pre- good; a functioning Council Interestingly, Dokka came into and Kanteti Satyanarayana ing with political unemploy- Party that has got the support landholdings in the State Due to this, Jagan decided to sent situation is that while may help Jagan satiate the the political limelight being Raju. These two seats too are ment may get out of control if of farmers who gave up vast Capital Region as those lands do away with the thorn in his NTR abolished the Council, thirst of many for a seat in the pushed by the then Congress to be filled as per election Jagan deprives himself of posts tracts of highly fertile land for are firmly in the clutches of path and abolish the Council YSR revived it and now, YSR’s State Legislature. MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao process. for his party’s aspirants. the purpose of constructing Kamma community. itself. The decision brought son has announced that he If the Council is indeed who made him contest the Raju is hoping to return to As things stand, the YSRCP the capital city. This one crucial point is immediate criticism since it wants the Upper House abolished in the near future, Tadikonda (SC) seat in 2004. the Council with his contacts is poised to gain majority in It’s no secret that a sizeable believed to have influenced the was his father, the late YS scrapped. Jagan would find it difficult to It was a shocking moment for in the central BJP leadership. the Council, provided it is not number of TDP leaders or YSRCP leadership and led Rajasekhara Reddy, who had However, YSR had a very not only rehabilitate the party’s YSR then who had decided to Interestingly, the same Raju abolished, by 2021. sympathisers have majority Jagan to take such an extreme strived to revive the Upper good reason for reviving the MLCs who would be out of the allot the same seat to his had strived hard for revival of If Jagan waits patiently for landholdings in Amaravati, step of decentralisation of House in 2007. Council a good two decades Legislature, but would find it staunch follower K. Sambasiva the Council in 2007, so much one more year, he will have the the capital of residuary AP administration and separate Interestingly, TDP founder after NTR abolished it — difficult to create enough posts Rao. Using his good offices so that he was acknowledged cake and be in a position to eat conceptualised and conceived capitals. and the then Chief Minister political unemployment. for other YSRCP leaders who with the Congress high com- as ‘Council Raju’ by Congress it too. Mondelez TDP accuses YSRCP of to launch People in Anantapur dist Cadbury violating Corona guidelines

Chocobakes n PNS VIJAYAWADA l PNS n VIJAYAWADA The TDP has deplored reap benefits of MNREGS that the government was TDP chief N Chandrababu covering up its failures Mondelez India, announced PNS n ANANTAPUR This is the highest number Naidu convened a virtual the launch of Cadbury of works in the State. meeting with the TDP's elect- by making false claims Chocobakes Choc Layered People in the parched "Karuvu pani (NREGS ed representatives and senior that it has conducted the Cakes. This is the company’s Anantapur district have been work) is the only source of leaders on Tuesday and con- record number of Covid- 19 tests. A lot of second launch under the deprived of work till June first livelihood for me and I'm get- demned the complacent atti- confusion was being Chocobakery sub-category, week but now more than six ting full work throughout the tude of the YSRCP govern- created among people in in less than a year, after the lakh persons are having their season,” says a happy ment with regard to this regard successful launch of Cadbury hands full with drought relief Kullayamma, a 62-year-old Coronavirus preventive mea- Chocobakes Choco-filled works and reaping the benefits single woman of Dadithota sures. l The government's Cookies. of Mahatma Gandhi National village. He alleged that the virus l TDP leaders demanded that negligence went to such Commenting on the Rural Employment Guarantee Bhagyamma, another infection was spreading at a Jagan, Ministers and party leaders an extent that doctors at launch, Deepak Iyer, Scheme. woman, shares a similar feel- brisk pace in the past five to follow Corona norms to the ENT Hospital in President – India, Mondelez In the process, they have set ing. weeks. He pointed out that inculcate protective habits among Visakhapatnam staged a International, said “We are a new national record with the "The lockdown left us with- Chief Minister YS people to restrain the spread of protest for shortage of expanding our portfolio into single largest manpower out any work. Males in our Jaganmohan Reddy, Ministers Covid-19 PPE kits related categories by driving turnout of over 6,30,618 peo- family had no work as factories and MLAs are not wearing the taste of chocolate as a ple, each earning a record l "We are putting l "The joy, of getting work, in the eyes of were shut down but now we masks, who are supposed to snack – beyond the bar. wage of Rs 234 per person on more than Rs 15 these workers is priceless," remarked could have two-square meals, set an example to people, in tests. A lot of confusion was Chief Minister YS Today with our strong an average, per day. crore into people's Chandrudu, who has been awarded the thanks to MNREGS works," following the norms. being created among people in Jaganmohan Reddy's negli- Cadbury legacy and an estab- "We are putting more than pockets by providing Skoch District Governance Gold for his she said. "Being a parched dis- TDP legislators alleged that this regard. The government's gent comments like taking lished play in biscuits and Rs 15 crore into people's pock- MNREGS work to 6.3 initiatives. trict, our focus is obviously on there are not enough facilities negligence went to such an paracetamol for Coronavirus cookies we are well placed to ets by providing MNREGS lakh people daily. water harvesting structures. like necessary beds and venti- extent that doctors at the ENT went viral and it showed the l Anantapur district, incidentally, is where expand into the bakery and work to 6.3 lakh people daily. This is the highest in We have taken up construction lators in hospitals. Even now, Hospital in Visakhapatnam negligence of the government it all began as the then Prime Minister cakes segment with layered This is the highest in the entire the entire country," of a number of percolation the doctors are not being staged a protest for shortage of to containing the pandemic. Manmohan Singh launched the rural job cakes. With our individually country," said a beaming said a beaming tanks, improvement of existing given PPE protection kits. PPE kits. They demanded that Jagan, guarantee scheme on February 2, 2006. wrapped chocolatey cakes, Gandham Chandrudu, Gandham check dams, digging of water They deplored that the gov- They alleged that the ruling Ministers and party leaders to we are not only providing a Collector of Anantapur district. Chandrudu, l After 14 long years, the district has absorption trenches at foothills, ernment was covering up its YSRCP was doing socio- follow Corona norms to incul- new eat experience but dri- Some 30,000 migrants from Collector of now emerged top in the country in building storage ponds and the failures by making false claims destruction with its insensitive cate protective habits among ving consumer convenience other States are also being Anantapur district providing the largest employment like," the Collector said. that it has conducted the and indifferent mindset people to restrain the spread both for in-home and on the provided work under Besides, desilting of minor record number of Covid-19 towards immediate problems. of Covid-19. go consumption. This is an MNREGS in the district where irrigation tanks is also under- important milestone in the the focus is on sustainable the eyes of these workers is After 14 long years, the dis- taken so as to improve the journey of our company in asset building. priceless," remarked trict has now emerged top in water table, he added. India.” Chandrudu has been going Chandrudu, who has been the country in providing the The district administration Contractors Sudhanshu Nagpal, around the villages, trying his awarded the Skoch District largest employment. has prepared a detailed plan to Associate Director – hand at ploughing and sharing Governance Gold for his initia- Chandrudu said that over ensure all these people get Assn demands Marketing, Mondelez India, the smiles of the MNREGS tives. 80,000 works have been taken work at least for 100 days in added, “Our Biscuits business workers as consistently, over Anantapur district, inciden- up under MNREGS in view of the prevailing crisis scrapping of in the country has been one the past fortnight, the district tally, is where it all began as the Anantapur, the second most caused by Coronavirus. of the key growth drivers for has been providing livelihood then Prime Minister drought-prone district in the "If required, we will extend us, globally and in India. to over six lakh persons during Manmohan Singh launched country after Jaisalmer. Over the duration and see that peo- GO No 308 Our endeavour has always these stressed Covid-19 times. the rural job guarantee scheme Rs 2,003 crore has been ear- ple are not left without work," PNS n VIJAYAWADA been to provide unique eat "The joy, of getting work, in on February 2, 2006. marked for these works. Chandrudu added. experiences and a broad The Andhra Pradesh State range of product offerings to Builders Contractors our consumers – some of our Sathenepalli MLA Ambati Rambabu hands over a cheque to Chief Minister Association (APSBCA) vice unique innovations like Corona tally touches 16K in TS YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his camp office in Tadepalli on Tuesday presidents VA Surya Prakash Bournvita Biscuits – Banana Left parties protest PNS n HYDERABAD from Hyderabad, 29 from and V Rajagopal Reddy & Oats, Oreo Cadbury Rangareddy, 13 from Medchal demanded that the govern- Dipped, Cadbury Telangana’s Covid-19 tally rose and 21 from Sangareddy. ment scrap the GO No 308 Chocobakes Choc-filled to 16,339 on Tuesday with near- The State has conducted CMRF gets donation with immediate effect. Cookies, etc are a testament hike in fuel prices ly 945 fresh infections report- 88,563 tests, so far of which 8,785 Addressing the media to this commitment. We are ed in the last 24 hours. The State are active cases. On Tuesday, PNS n VIJAYAWADA over to Chief Minister YS here on Tuesday, they said confident that our latest PNS n VIJAYAWADA hiking the fuel price without has witnessed seven deaths on 3,457 tests were conducted of Jaganmohan Reddy by by implementing the GO launch – Cadbury concern. He criticised that the Friday. With this, the death toll which 2,512 turned out to be Sathenepalli constituency Sathenepalli MLA Ambati 308, hundreds of contractors Chocobakes Choc Layered Left party leaders staged a BJP government promised peo- in the State due to the virus negative. Deputy Speaker T people contributed Rs Rambabu at the CM’s camp would face severe problems. Cakes will help us further protest against the Central gov- ple it will strive for the all-round touched 260. So far, over 7,294 Padma Rao's brother's son and 1,02,16,116 to the Chief office here on Tuesday. The government as part of expand the category and ernment for hike in fuel prices development of the country but people have recovered from the another grandchild have been Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) Ambati Muralikriahna, Ch Navaratnalu is renovating open interesting avenues in across the nation on Tuesday. in vain. Fuel price hike dealt a disease of which 1,712 have tested positive. The number of towards Covid-19 contain- Aambasiva Rao and R and constructing area, com- the snacking space.” Addressing a gathering at Ajit deadly blow on the transport been discharged on Tuesday. Of Covid-19 cases within the fam- ment measures. Purushotham Rao accompa- munity and district hospitals Singh Nagar here on Tuesday, sector, which was badly hit due the 945 fresh infections, 869 are ily climbs to five. The cheque was handed nied the MLA. across the 13 district by CPM leader Ch Babu Rao to the lockdown. Prices of dividing into three zones. pointed out that when fuel essentials commodities are also The total project is done at VIJAYAWADA prices are falling globally they spiraling due to fuel hike and as an estimated cost of Rs 1,236 are rising in India. a result the common man was Body found crore as 169 works were BULLION RATES He said that during the suffering. He alleged that the Pawan Kalyan demands divided into three packages GOLD Covid-19 pandemic crisis, peo- Central government was find- in car in Hyd and tenders are called by ` 50,480 (10 gm) ple are struggling without ing all ways to generate revenue issuing the GO 308. income but the Central govern- from the people despite Covid PNS n HYDERABAD They said that by issuing ` 180 ment has levied Rs 2 lakh crore and lockdown crisis. He point- safety audit on industries the GO only a few contrac- SILVER on people by increasing fuel ed out that the ruling YSRCP A 57-year-old man’s body PNS n VIJAYAWADA l Jana Sena Party chief Pawan tors will be benefited and ` 48,550 (1kg) prices. He flayed the govern- should break silence on the fuel was found under suspicious Kalyan said that their party is most of the contractors will ` 800 ment for putting burden on price hike and it is imposing circumstances in his car in an Reacting on the gas leak at reminding the department be in loss. They appealed to people and giving subsidies to VAT and generating revenue, isolated area near Sainor Life Sciences, a pharma- concerned time and again to Chief Minister YS corporate sectors. Babu Rao said. He demanded Choutuppal on Monday. ceutical unit in Visakhapatnam, monitor the security measures Jaganmohan Reddy to scrap CHICKEN He said that 5.5 lakh people that the government roll back Police are yet to verify if the Jana Sena Party chief Pawan being provided in the chemical the GO 308 and issue orders RATES `/KG were tested Corona positive in the fuel hike. He appealed to the man committed suicide or Kalyan expressed shock and said factories in the State. Why the to the officers concerned to the country but the government people to get ready to fight was murdered. that even before forgetting the LG government is not reacting on the issue separate tenders so Dressed/With Skin `160 is burdening the people by against the BJP government. The deceased was identi- Polymers gas leak incident that security measures of workers, he that local contractors and Without Skin `182 fied as Challati Shanmukha claimed 12 lives, including two questioned? workers will get work. And Broiler at Farm `110 Chary, a resident of children, and SPY Agro in the promise of the govern- Nalgonda, and had retired Nandyal, it is very unfortunate ment to providing liveli- from service from BSNL. that one more incident took provided in the chemical facto- incidents are repeating time and hood to 75 per cent locals EGG According to police, place. He expressed condolences ries in the State. Why the govern- again. will be fulfilled, they point- patrolling teams discovered to the kin of the bereaved fami- ment is not reacting on the He alleged that there was no ed out. 100 RATES `/ his body when they noticed ly and demanded that good security measures of workers, he transparency in the inquiry in the They reminded that they HYDERABAD 346 his vehicle near the temple. treatment be provided to the vic- questioned? LG Polymer incident. Action addressed a letter to the VIJAYAWADA 364 Preliminary investigation tims. He demanded that the gov- shall be taken on industries that Chief Minister on June 25 revealed that on Sunday He said that their party is ernment conduct a safety audit violate safety guidelines. The explaining their problems. VISAKHAPATNAM 349 morning, Chary set out from reminding the department con- in all the factories across the deceased families shall be given Association secretary MRD RETAIL PRICE `4.00 Nalgonda without informing cerned time and again to moni- State. An Expert Committee compensation and the party will Prasad Rao and others were (IN VIJAYAWADA) his family members. tor the security measures being shall inquire into these issues as support their families, he added. also present.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 03 WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 04 Naidu politicising Murder plot Village Secretariats to unravelled, people’s welfare: Botsa four held PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n VIJAYAWADA used to call for the services they used to either being The Medchal police, while monitor streetlights While the YSRCP govern- told that the ambulances investigating a hit and run ment is relentlessly fighting were under repair, or that death of a man, unravelled a PNS n VIJAYAWADA n The government has also against Covid-19 pandemic there was shortage of oil, he murder plot and arrested four taken the decision to and at the same time imple- said. persons on Tuesday. On May The government has decided install four lakh new LED menting welfare schemes for Now Chief Minister YS 23, D Suresh, a resident of to entrust the responsibility of the weaker sections, it was Jaganmohan Reddy has Medchal, was going on his Complaint Monitoring System street lights in 2,000 unfortunate that Opposition revived the services by Splendour, when a DCM of LED street lighting to Village habitations, which have leader N Chandrababu Naidu launching 1,088 ambulances. lorry crashed into his vehicle Secretariats by involving not been covered so far was going on unleashing Has the TDP ever thought of and sped away. Due to the around 7,000 energy assistants in the programme in invectives against the govern- introducing such a large con- impact of the crash, Suresh (junior linemen) and 2.6 lakh various districts ment, said Minister for tingent of ambulances and fell onto the road and was village volunteers in the new n Municipal Administration why is Naidu hatching con- critically injured. A Swift system in coordination of AP The LED street lighting Botsa Satyanarayana. spiracies even in the provi- car passing by stopped and State Energy Efficiency programme has also Speaking to the media here sion of welfare measures to took Suresh to the govern- Development Corporation been named as on Tuesday, he said nearly this all that he can do with the weaker sections, the ment hospital where the doc- (APSEEDCO). ‘Jagananna Palle Velugu’ nine lakh tests were conduct- his 40-year experience in the Minister asked. Nobody can tors declared him brought The decision was taken at a ed in the State to trace political field, he asked. stop the government from dead. Based on a complaint high-level meeting chaired by Corona and asked if there The Minister said the going ahead with its welfare from his father, police regis- Minister for Panchayat Raj also been named as ‘Jagananna light in every village for which providing most of the govern- was any other State, which YSRCP government was agenda for the poor, he said. tered a case and began probe. Peddireddy Ramachandra Palle Velugu’. it would put measures to make ment services at the doorsteps had conducted so many tests. clearing the Rs 60,000 crore The Minister said the gov- Police then traced and arrest- Reddy at the office of Speaking on the occasion, the programme a success. of people, which is nowhere in He said people know the debts to the industries left by ernment is planning to give ed the driver of the car, Rahul Panchayat Raj commissioner Minister Ramachandra Reddy “What is the use of spending the history of the country. We efforts being made by the Naidu during his regime and 30 lakh house site pattas to and questioned him on on Tuesday. The government said that the State government hundreds of crores on street also expect that the LED street government in containing he drove the State into a debt the poor women to mark the Monday. Rahul then confessed has also taken the decision to was keen on providing better light programme by the gov- light programme will also help the virus and they would not trap of Rs 2.75 lakh crore. Is birth anniversary of former that Prem Singh had install four lakh new LED street lighting in villages and ernment if the people are not to improve the living condi- believe in the untruths being this the good governance Chief Minister the late YS approached him and four oth- street lights in 2,000 habita- even remote areas, which help benefited. The government is tions in rural areas. The gov- uttered by Naidu, who was that Naidu talks about, he Rajasekhara Reddy. Naidu ers to kill Suresh. Police said tions, which have not been cov- for improving the living stan- ready to spend any amount to ernment will not allow any lax- just struggling for political asked. The credit goes to seems to be politicising even that Prem Singh had an affair ered so far in the programme dards of people. He said that provide better facilities to peo- ity in the maintenance of street existence, which he had lost Naidu to have made the State the distribution of houses to with Suresh’s wife Babitha and in various districts. The LED the government is aiming at ple. We have already estab- lighting,” he said. due to his wrong-doings and 104 and 108 ambulance ser- the poor. Is this the kind of they wanted him eliminated to street lighting programme has illuminating every LED street lished Village Secretariats and scams during his tenure. Is vice redundant. If anybody politics you pay, he asked. continue their relationship. TDP leaders denied permission Nani falls unconscious DOKKA CALLS ON CM to meet Atchannaidu in GGH at funeral of his aide PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA

TDP MP K Rammohan Naidu Minister for Transport Perni and TDP leader Devineni Venkataramaiah (Nani) Umamaheswara Rao, along reportedly fell unconscious with MLC AS Ramakrishna after participating in the and other leaders, went to the funeral procession of his fol- GGH in on Tuesday to lower and Machiliptnam con- meet TDLP deputy leader K stituency in-charge Moka Atchannaidu, who was arrest- Bhaskar Rao in ed by the ACB in the ESI scam. Machilipatnam on Tuesday. As the GGH officials denied The minister, who was permission to the TDP leaders, shocked over the brutal mur- they enquired about the con- der of Bhaskar Rao, has col- dition of Atchannaidu with lapsed at the funeral. doctors. Immediately, the minister was Speaking on the occasion, provided first aid. Newly elected MLC Dokka Manikyavara Prasad calls on Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his camp office in Tadepalli Rammohan Naidu alleged that Atchannaidu from the hospi- ing power and influencing the It is learnt that Nani after when an unidentified man on Tuesday. Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh and MLA Ambati Rambabu accompanied the MLC who was elected the YSRCP government was tal without completion of treat- ACB. He further alleged that hearing the news of Bhaskara stabbed him with a knife. unopposed misusing the ACB to harass ment, which is gross negli- ACB is putting pressure on Rao's murder on Monday had Bhaskara Rao succumbed to and put Atchannaidu in the jail gence of the court orders. the GGH doctors to discharge not taken food since morning. injuries and died while under- by implicating him in the ESI The TDP MP pointed out Atchannaidu to take him in He is said to have undergone going treatment at the district scam case with false claims. that the GGH superintendent their custody and demanded dehydration but went to the government hospital. Govt shock to He alleged that the GGH offi- was submitting the reports the GGH officials handover grave yard in Machilipatnam Police identified key evi- Free ration for 80 crore cials showing negligence to about Atchannaidu's condi- Atchannaidu to the court to participate in the funeral. dence in the murder of Jayadev Galla, implement court directions tion to the court without prop- after completion of the treat- Immediately, his followers Bhaskara Rao. According to and said that the ACB officials er signatures, which shows ment. took him aside and gave him police, it was reported that the takes back land people till Nov: PM still were in GGH after com- their negligent attitude towards The TDP leaders submitted water. After a while, he was accused has held an enquiry Continued from Page 1 pletion of a three-day inquiry, Atchannaidu treatment and a memorandum to GGH provided first aid. His health, on the surroundings for three Continued from Page 1 of society. While taking all the which is a violation of the court medical care. superintendent Dr K however, seems to be stable days to assassinate Bhaskara Special Chief Secretary precautions, we will further orders. He alleged that Chief Sudhakar demanding issuance now. Rao. The man, who stabbed (Industries Department) R The Union government, he expand the economic activi- He alleged that the ACB was Minister YS Jaganmohan of health bulletins about the It may be recalled that Moka was identified as Chinta Puli, Karikal Valaven has issued added, is also spending Rs ties," Modi said. trying to exert pressure on Reddy is trying to put condition of Atchannaidu on Bhaskar Rao was murdered in and the other accused is the GO Ms 33 ordering the 50,000 crore for providing The nation's top priority doctors to discharge Atchannaidu in jail by misus- a regular basis. the municipal fish market Chinta Chinni. Vice-Chairman and Managing employment to people in rural during the lockdown was to Director of APIIC to take India. ensure that no one remains necessary action accordingly. With economic downturn hungry, and the Central gov- The company was supposed to caused by the coronavirus pan- ernment, state governments Official held for utilise the land for the intend- demic hitting employment and civil society, all did their VPT cargo traffic sinks as coal ed purpose within a couple of across the country and millions best, he added. years from the date of enter- of migrant labourers having The prime minister said his ing into an agreement in 2010. returned to their native states, government will continue to assaulting woman According to the pact, the the extension of the free ration work ceaselessly for 'aatamnirb- import takes a beating company has to develop a scheme is expected to provide har Bharat'. Digital World City. succour to the poor. "We all will be vocal for over wearing of mask Continued from Page 1 “The government in the It is also expected to help the Local. With this pledge and GO stated keeping the allotted ruling BJP-led NDA in the poll- commitment, the 130 crore Continued from Page 1 The DGP said Disha While the exports from VPT public property idle and vacant bound Bihar, which is home to people of this country will police station would be increased to 64.45 lakh tonnes as is not only violation of the a huge number of migrants and have to work together and “The accused was taking up further inves- compared to 55.17 lakh tonnes of covenants of agreement of beneficiaries of the scheme. move forward together." arrested and is being sent tigation in the case and previous year registering a sale and sale deed, but is also Modi also credited farmers Speaking on the coronavirus in judicial remand. directed it to ensure that growth of 17 per cent, the against public interest and and honest taxpayers for the situation, he said India is com- Nellore district police are the probe is completed imports declined to 85.39 lakh defeats the very purpose of government's success in pro- paratively in a better position extremely sensitive to any within a week and a tonnes as compared to 116.04 allotment, which is to promote viding free ration to the needy compared to many countries of violation or crime against charge sheet filed. lakh tonnes of previous year development by creating and poor. the world, as timely imposition women. Women safety The state government registering 26 per cent. investment and employment." While farmers produced of lockdown and other deci- is our top priority," it earlier this year launched The main cargo commodities The government has stated enough grains, contribution sions have saved lakhs of lives. tweeted. 18 Disha police stations are crude and petroleum prod- that the company has utilised from honest taxpayers has But, he also expressed con- Director General of across the state for ucts, iron ore, thermal coal, cok- 70.54 lakh tonnes handled dur- 5.25 million tones. only 229.66 acres out of the helped the poor coping with cern that since 'Unlock-1' Police Gautwam Sawang speedy investigation and ing coal, steam coal, fertilisers ing previous year. It is also planning to handle total allotted 483.27 acres and such a big crisis successfully, he began there is an increasing praised the Nellore police trial of cases related to and raw material, container cargo VPT developing infrastruc- container vessels 360 mt LOA/36 even after 10 years of agree- said. "negligence" in personal and for taking quick action. sexual offences against and other cargo. ture The VPT authorities have set mt beam (10,000-12,000 TEU ment of sale, 253.61 acres of "On behalf of all the poor of social behaviour. "Crime against women women. The significant change was a target to complete the extension capacity) from September 2020. land is lying unutilised. the country, I express my heart- "Earlier, we were very care- is unacceptable. We con- Police said the observed in the import of coking of existing container terminals on Studies have been initiated for Moreover, the company has felt gratitude to all the taxpay- ful with respect to wearing of demn the Nellore inci- accused's samples were and steam coal with fall of 43 per PPP mode by March 2021. installation of mechanised cargo not fulfilled its promise to ers and farmers, and also salute masks, social distancing and dent and action has been collected for Covid-19 cent and 49 per cent respective- Creation of additional oil han- handling facilities at the WQ-7 invest Rs 2,100 crore with a them. In the coming days, we washing of hands for 20 sec- taken against the accused test as per the protocol ly. dling facilities in the inner har- and WQ-8 berths for handling potential employment gener- will further strengthen our onds. But today, when we need for manhandling the lady and he would be pro- Port Railways recorded growth bour is also going on with an coal and other dry bulk cargoes ation of 20,000 people but the efforts and continuously work to be more careful, increasing official," the police chief duced before a magis- in volumes by handling a quan- investment of Rs.168 crores, to and EQ-7 for fertilizer and other actual employment achieved to empower the poor, down- negligence is a cause of worry," said. trate. tity of 71 lakh tonnes as against ensure an additional capacity of clean cargo. so far is only 4,310. trodden and deprived sections he said. Double murder 2 killed in another gas Jagan to flag off a new era of health on wheels 704 Covid-19 accused Continued from Page 1 minutes in the Agency. cases, 7 Adding to these, a new pro- leak mishap in Vizag In regard to 104 services, 676 gramme Dr YSR Rahadari absconding Mobile Medical Units are ready Bhadratha is also being linked A historic day for healthcare deaths in AP PNS n HYDERABAD Continued from Page 1 Siva Shankar Reddy said leak- for launch, assigning one vehi- to 108 Services, where any Continued from Page 1 age of Hydrogen Sulphide, a cle for each mandal across the road accident case will be A 27-year-old murder accused, This is the second incident by-product poisonous gas with state. Through these vehicles, treated free of cost in any hos- system in AP: Alla Nani Deputy Chief Minister who was out on bail, murdered at the company in five years. a smell of rotten eggs, during 20 types of medical services pital across the state for first 48 Continued from Page 1 have been prepared for the (Health) A K K Srinivas two of his sisters at Two workers including a phar- the preparation of the including all screening for com- hours with the treatment cost Coronavirus treatment in pri- (Nani), however, denied the Chandrayangutta on Monday macist were killed and five Omeprazole medicine by municable and non-communi- threshold of Rs 50,000. The He also stated that facilities vate hospitals in the state. He containment measures failed evening. Police officials of two injured in a reactor blast at using the intermediate sub- cable diseases will be provided. amount will be reimbursed by in the state are being also said that there were few to curb the spread of coron- commissionerates have begun active pharmaceutical ingredi- stance Benzimidazole claimed In all, 744 doctors will be made Dr YSR Aarogyasri Health increased in the wake of a cases recorded in the state as avirus in the state. a hunt to nab the absconding ents manufacturing plant of two lives and left four hospi- available for these services and Care Trust. surge in coronavirus cases people had cooperated during “We have been strictly suspect. The accused person, Sainor Life Sciences in talised. they will visit every village Meanwhile, Minister for and there is a need to increase the lockdown. implementing all guidelines Ahmed Bin Salam Baa Ismail, September 2015. The erroneous process in once in every month to offer Health and Family Welfare campaigns to bring awareness Nani also appealed to the stipulated by the World a former bouncer, was residing Monday's gas leak incident the reactor (connecting the medical services. Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas said, about the facilities being pro- people of the state to be more Health Organisation (WHO), with his mother, Puthli Begum, comes close on the heels of reactor to wrong pipe) to The State government “Introducing 108 and 104 vided to the people. cautious as the cases have Indian Council of Medical at Salala Barkas under May 7 disaster at LG Polymers extract the next stage product designed the services with emergency services is the The Minister further stat- increased after easing of lock- Research (ICMR) and the Chandrayangutta police station plant at Venkatapuram on the from Benzimidazole led to stringent work structure by fix- brainchild of YS Rajasekhar ed that special guidelines down restrictions. Central Government. limits. He attacked his two sis- outskirts of Visakhapatnam. leakage of trace of Hydrogen ing the response time. The esti- Reddy, which saved lakhs of Accordingly, we have been ters with a dagger after inviting Styrene gas leak from the plan Sulphide (poisonous), he mated time of arrival of these people's lives. But during the taking containment mea- them to dinner at his house. had claimed the lives of 12 peo- added. emergency vehicles to the spot TDP regime, N Chandrababu in a dilapidated condition.’ on track, with added advanced sures,” Nani said. While Razia Begum (35) died ple and affected around 500 in He pointed out that the in- from the time an emergency Naidu neglected and ruined “Soon after forming the gov- features. Besides improving the He said people should be on the spot, Zakira Begum (45) the surrounding villages. charge of the unit and also the call is received is expected to be the system. Even though the ernment, Jagan laid special facilities, we also generated job cautious and take all steps to succumbed to injuries while Joint Chief Inspector of chemist were responsible for the 15 minutes in urban areas, 20 vehicles require minor repairs, focus on these services and opportunities through these prevent contamination. There being shifted to a hospital. Factories, Visakhapatnam, J mishandling of the reactor. minutes in rural areas, and 25 he left them unattended o and determined to put them back emergency vehicles,” he said. is no other way, he added. WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS Covid-19 vaccination must India become a major power with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission be affordable, universal: PM PNS n KOLKATA Asserting that 2020 will be a PNS n NEW DELHI turning point for India, Union From gram pradhan minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pradhan mantri, on Tuesday said Prime Sikh gurdwaras in on Tuesday reviewed India's Minister Narendra Modi's preparations for vaccinating its no one above rules: 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self- Nanded no longer part vast population against COVID- reliant) mission will give the of containment zones 19 once a vaccine is available and Modi on masks country the much-needed asserted that vaccination must be o individual is above the law, thrust to become a major AURANGABAD: Two prominent affordable and universal. including the leader of a power in the world. Sikh shrines in 's N Modi chaired a high-level country, Prime Minister Narendra Addressing a virtual rally for Nanded are no longer under meeting to review planning and Modi said today during his 17- the people of Bengal, which containment zones, as no fresh preparations for vaccination minute televised address to the was attended by Asansol MP COVID-19 case was reported against the novel coronavirus. nation, as he warned people and Union minister Babul from the area in the last 20 At the meeting, the current against disobeying rules in force Supriyo, Meghwal said the PM days, a district official said on status of vaccine development to fight the spread of the novel intends to make the country Modi taking over as PM for the come true and the Trinamool Tuesday. However, gates of efforts were also reviewed and coronavirus. The PM said self-reliant in every aspect -- second term -- abolition of Congress will bite the dust in Gurdwara Langar Sahib and the prime minister highlighted "negligence in social and personal from thought-process to Article 370 and Article 35A of next year's elections in the Gurdwara Hazur Sahib will India's commitment to play an The prime minister enunciated 4 guiding behaviour" had been seen since implementation of goals. the Constitution that granted state," he said. remain closed for devotees till enabling role in the vaccination principles that will form the foundation of "Unlock1" - the first stage in the "On May 12, Prime Minister special status to J&K, Supreme The Union minister said further orders from the efforts against COVID-19, the government's "calibrated" re-start Narendra Modi talked about Court nod for construction of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, a gurdwara official this national effort, the PMO said Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of economic activity and normal India becoming an Ram Temple in Ayodhya, TMC had raised the slogan -- said. The Hazur Sahib gurdwara said in a statement. life - came into effect on June 1 'Atmanirbhar desh' and the enactment of Citizenship - 'Ma, Mati, Manush' (moth- was sealed on May 1 when Prime Minister Modi noted tor and civil society, it said. frontline COVID-19 warriors, and said this could prove disas- most advanced country. The Amendment Act and a law er, soil and people) to come to Punjab reported that 91 more that vaccination of India's vast The prime minister enunciat- and vulnerable people among the trous as India looks to get the PM wants to make India banning Triple Talaq. power in Bengal, but "all three people who returned from the and diverse population will need ed four guiding principles that general population. outbreak under control. "We notice 'atmanirbhar' in every way -- Bengal is ready to bless the are now in distress". shrine had tested positive for to factor in issues, including will form the foundation of this Another guiding principle negligence in people's social and from thought-process to goal BJP in the 2021 assembly elec- Claiming that the chief min- coronavirus. At least 197 those related to management of national effort, the PMO said. enunciated by the prime minis- personal behaviour. We used to implementation," the Union tions to enjoy the fruits of ister does not believe in con- pilgrims out of the 3,500 meticulously wash hands, used brought back from the medical supply chains, prioriti- He stated that vulnerable ter was vaccination of “anyone, minister of state for parliamen- development and advance- stitutional propriety, he said, "It sanitisers, wore masks, maintai- gurdwara, among the holiest sation of at-risk populations, groups should be identified and anywhere” should take place tary affairs said. ment initiated by Modi, he is astonishing that her officials ned social distancing and avoided sites in Sikhism, had coordination between different prioritised for early vaccination, without imposition of any domi- Meghwal also said the coun- claimed. do not allow the state governor shaking hands," Modi said. contracted the infection, agencies involved in the process, for example doctors, nurses, cile related restrictions for getting try has achieved four major "The slogan of '19 mein to visit universities, where he authorities had said in Punjab. as well as the role of private sec- healthcare workers, non-medical the vaccine. successes within a year of half, 21 mein saaf' is poised to is the chancellor." "Gurdwara Hazur Sahib, also known as Takht Hazuri Sahib Sachkhand, and Gurdwara Langar Sahib are not under Athlete forced to sell India's Covid-19 tally climbs to UP govt trying to cover up containment zones anymore. We have not found a patient in this area for more than 20 5,66,840, TN surpasses Delhi unemployment through ads days," Nanded collector Vipin vegetables in Jharkhand n n Itankar said. PNS NEW DELHI PNS NEW DELHI PNS n RANCHI With 18,522 people testing pos- Congress leader Priyanka Budding athlete Geeta itive for coronavirus in a single Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday Video on dumping of Kumari was forced to sell day, India's COVID-19 tally accused the UP government of Covid-19 victims' bodies vegetables in the streets of climbed to 5,66,840 on Tuesday trying to cover up "massive in K’taka triggers outrage Jharkhand's Ramgarh dis- while the death toll rose to unemployment" through trict to make ends meet. 16,893 with 418 new fatalities, advertisements, and said the BENGALURU: A video Chief Minister Hemant according to the Union Health ground realities were far dif- purportedly showing health Soren's intervention helped Ministry data. ferent as 1.5 lakh state resi- workers burying inappropriately Kumari to get Rs 50,000 from The Ramgarh Deputy Recording nearly 4,000 cases dents have left for in some bodies of COVID-19 the Ramgarh district adminis- Commissioner (DC) Sandeep in the last 24 hours, Tamil search of employment. victims in a large pit allegedly tration and also a monthly Singh gave a cheque of Rs Nadu has surpassed Delhi to "Uttar Pradesh government in Ballari district in Karnataka stipend of Rs 3,000 to pursue 50,000 to Kumari on Monday regain the second spot among made several announcements has surfaced, triggering an her athletics career. and also announced Rs 3,000 the list of worst-hit states by relating to job creation at an she said in a tweet in Hindi. outrage on social media. A top Soren received information monthly stipend to the athlete the pandemic, while Karnataka stands at 2,15,125, while 3,34,821 tive day that coronavirus infec- event held recently. But the "The state government official in the district, the native on his twitter handle that and arranged for her training also recorded more than 1,100 people have recovered, and one tions have increased by more labourers on the ground have through its event tried to of state Health Minister B Kumari has turned into a at a sports centre, an official overtaking Haryana and patient has migrated, according than 15,000. The country has a different story to tell. cover up massive unemploy- Sriramulu, said they were roadside vegetable seller due to release said. Andhra Pradesh. to the updated data at 8 am. seen a surge of 3,76,305 infec- "There is no work in UP, ment on the ground, but how inquiring into it. In the video, financial problems. The chief Kumari had won eight gold Maharashtra remained the "Thus, around 59.07 per cent tions from June 1 till date. which is why everybody has long advertisements hide the the workers wearing personal minister directed the Ramgarh medals at state-level walking highest contributor to the single of patients have recovered so far," According to the ICMR, a been forced to return to their truth," Gandhi said. protection equipment are seen deputy commissioner to assist competitions and won a silver day rise, registering over 5,200 an official said. cumulative total of 86,08,654 previous places of work. Gandhi tagged a video of bringing bodies in black sheets Kumari financially so that she medal and a bronze medal in coronavirus infections. Delhi The total number of con- samples have been tested up to According to data, around 1.5 labourers saying there are no from a vehicle parked nearby could pursue her athletics competitions held in Kolkata, saw an increase of 2,084 cases. firmed cases includes foreigners. June 29 with 2,10,292 samples lakh people from UP have employment opportunities in and dropping one after another career. the release said. The number of active cases This is the seventh consecu- been tested on Monday. already returned to Mumbai," Uttar Pradesh. into the large pit, dug up with the help of an earthmover. A man who posted the video first on YouTube claimed it UP Cong prez, happened in Ballari. HC transfers to CB-CID probe into ASHA workers played critical role legislature Couple murdered in UP's Moradabad death of father-son duo in Tuticorin party leader in UP, tracked 30.43 lakh migrants PNS n MADURAI PNS n NEW DELHI MORADABAD: A couple was detained brutally murdered by PNS n LUCKNOW unidentified persons in Uttar The Madras High Court on In a major exercise, 1.6 lakh Pradesh's Moradabad district, Tuesday ordered the transfer accredited social health activists officials said on Tuesday. The of investigation into the death Uttar Pradesh Congress pres- have tracked in two phases over bodies of Mohit, a cable of a father-son duo in ident Ajay Kumar Lallu, leg- 30.43 lakh migrants who operator, and his wife Mona Tuticorin, alleged victims of islature party leader returned to Uttar Pradesh dur- were found at their house in police torture, to the CB- Aradhana Mishra and sever- ing the COVID-19 lockdown Thakurdwara area on Monday CID, expressing fear that evi- al party workers were and assisted the state govern- night, they said. While Mona dence could disappear by the detained here on Tuesday ment in contact tracing and was strangled to death, Mohit's time CBI took over the probe. while protesting against the community surveillance, the throat was slit, police said. On The case would be handled arrest of the party's minori- Union Health Ministry said on receiving the information about by the Deputy Superintendent ty cell chief. Lallu and Mishra, Tuesday. The ASHAs tracked the double murder, officers and of CB-CID, Tirunelveli, Anil accompanied by a number of 11.24 lakh migrant returnees in major challenges in Uttar far, according to the Union a forensic team reached the Kumar. party workers, were stopped the first phase and 19.19 lakh in Pradesh was to cater to the Health ministry data updated at crime scene, they said. The state government had on The Judges felt that the imme- liminary) and Judicial outside the party office in the the second, the ministry said, healthcare needs of returnees 8 AM. The ministry presented Moradabad SP (rural) Vidaya Monday transferred the probe to diate transfer of the case to the Magistrate's report indicated Mall Avenue area when they adding that they not only iden- and arrest the spread in its rural a case study of a 20-year-old Sagar Mishra said prima facie, the central investigation agency. CB-CID was done so that pub- there was prima facie material for were trying to move ahead to tified 7,965 persons with symp- population. "ASHAs have native of Bahraich district it appears to be a case of A division bench of Justices P N lic confidence was not lost. registering a murder case in the protest the arrest of UP toms but also regularly followed played a critical role in support- (Huzorpur Block, Nibuhi Kala personal enmity. The bodies Prakash and B Pugalendhi said The bench sought the opinion matter, the bench said. The court Congress minority cell chief up on their health status. ing the state's COVID-19 man- village), who worked at a juice have been sent for post- the court was handing over the of the state government on the said the probe of the case should Shahnawaz Alam in connec- "With the surge in the cases of agement during this crisis," the shop in Mumbai and returned mortem and no arrest has been case to the CB-CID as it feared interim arrangement but trans- not be delayed even by a second tion with a case of violence COVID-19 in the country and ministry said. home along with other migrant made so far, the superintendent that evidence could disappear by ferred the case to the CB CID. and directed the CB-CID to during an anti-CAA stir in the influx of migrant population Uttar Pradesh has reported workers in a truck in early May of police said. the time CBI took over. The post mortem report (pre- take up the probe immediately. December last year. from hotspot areas, one of the 672 deaths and 22,828 cases so after travelling for five days.

TABLIGHI JAMAAT: SUSHANT CASE: Women placed on higher pedestal, Actor goes to HC allows shifting of 65 foreigners police station to alternate accommodation can't allow pics breaching their privacy to record PNS n NEW DELHI HC on Sasikala's plea to remove her photos from sites PNS n NEW DELHI statement Women are placed on a higher A bench of Justices PNS n MUMBAI The Delhi High Court Tuesday pedestal and photographs Siddharth Mridul allowed shifting of 65 foreign breaching their privacy cannot be Actor Sanjana Sanghi went to nationals connected to Tablighi allowed, the Delhi High Court and Talwant Singh, the Bandra police station here Jamaat, who participated in the said on Tuesday while hearing during the video on Tuesday morning to record religious congregation at former AIADMK leader Sasikala conferencing her statement in connection Nizamuddin Markaz event 's appeal challenging an with the suicide of fellow actor during the COVID-19 lock- order which dismissed her claim hearing, observed, Sushant Singh Rajput, an offi- down, to alternate accommo- that her image was being tar- “We put women on cial said. Sanghi is set to make dation. nished by alleged morphed pho- a higher pedestal. her Bollywood debut with A bench of Justices Vipin tos and videos with a man on the Mukesh Chhabra-directed Sanghi and Rajnish Bhatnagar social media. We don't want any movie 'Dil Bechara', the last passed the order after the The court also observed that photographs which film of Rajput. She reached the counsel for Centre, Delhi gov- outraging modesty of a woman breach her privacy” Bandra police station in the ernment and Delhi Police gave more places of alternate The plea, filed through in any manner is a criminal morning to record her state- the statements that they do not accommodation for the foreign advocates Mandakini Singh offence. Facebook, Google and ment, a police official said. The have any objection to it. nationals connected to Tablighi and Ashima Mandla, said that YouTube contended however ing the video conferencing hear- and they have not uploaded any be for personal consumption and police were trying to under- The high court allowed the Jamaat in light of ongoing during the course of the that they are only intermediaries ing, observed, “We put women material. not to be made public. stand reasons behind Rajput's plea to shift 65 foreigners from criminal proceedings. month, 65 foreign nationals and do not upload any content on a higher pedestal. We don't The platforms have their own Senior advocate Arun suicide and were also probing the existing accommodation to On May 28, the high court housed at Meeraj International on their platforms. want any photographs which system of checking the objection- Kathpalia, appearing for Google whether professional rivalry, if another as they were facing had directed that 955 foreign School have faced discomfort Sasikala has challenged the breach her privacy.” The bench able content and keep on remov- and YouTube, also said they any, was responsible for the certain issues including unhy- nationals, who had partici- with regard to the arrange- single judge's order and urged the asked the social media giants to ing it, he said, adding that if the were intermediaries and do not actor's depression. So far, the gienic condition. pated in the Markaz, be shift- ments there. division bench to direct them to remove the offending material court will order them to remove upload the content on the police have recorded state- The bench, which conduct- ed from institutional quaran- On Tuesday, the high court remove the objectionable pho- from their platforms. “No more the material, they will abide by Internet and can only disable the ments of 28 people, including ed the hearing through video tine centres, where they were allowed them to be shifted tographs and also to set aside the mud raising, put an end to it,” the the directions. URLs. He said he was protesting his family members, actor- conferencing, allowed the kept since March 30 despite from Meeraj International cost imposed on her by the sin- bench said. When the counsel for the practice of impleading only friend Rhea Chakraborty, cast- application for modification in testing negative for COVID- School to Texan Public School gle judge. Senior advocate Mukul Facebook said these were con- intermediaries in a suit and not ing director Mukesh Chhabra the high court's May 28 order 19, to nine alternate accommo- in Moujpur here, a new accom- A bench of Justices Siddharth Rohatgi, appearing for Facebook, sensual photographs, the judge the one who has uploaded the and Yash Raj Films' casting by seeking to include three dations. modation suggested by them. Mridul and Talwant Singh, dur- said it is only an intermediary said that may be so but it could content on the Internet. director Shanoo Sharma. WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Ban on China apps The People’s Republic of China has proven itself to not act Real test of leadership in good faith. This hitback was coming ever since June 15 he news that India has banned 59 Chinese-made apps did not really come Maharashtra has led by example in reining in the Corona pandemic even as the Tas a huge surprise to many ever since the unfolding of events on June 15. Highly pop- Opposition ramped up efforts to pull the Maha Vikas Aghadi Government down ular applications such as TikTok, Shareit and WeChat have been banned. Some of these apps count India among their biggest markets. For example, India is the biggest driver of the TikTok app and the ban is expected to hit its owner Bytedance hard as it had plans to invest $1 billion here. So, it would be prudent for the Government to make a watertight data secu- PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI rity and privacy case for banning these apps, much of which have been surrep- titiously used for data mining and surveillance. This wouldn’t be too difficult for s the city of Mumbai and the some apps such as TikTok. It is unfortunate though that several Indian youth, rest of Maharashtra re-opens particularly from the subaltern classes, are shedding crocodile tears. That said, cautiously but optimistically in a phased manner, it is impor- two and a half decades of the rise of the internet has taught us that platforms tant to mention how the Maha like these come and go. So, these “creators” will clearly find something new. AVikas Aghadi (MVA) Government contin- Already similar Indian apps like ShareChat are registering higher traffic. Of course, ues to face relentless attack from the main Opposition party, the BJP, ever since the the banning of social platforms is a very small step to counter the Chinese aggres- three parties — the Shiv Sena, the sion. Nevertheless, the step has been met with widespread approval, even by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the some of those who have been directly impacted. Congress — formed a coalition Government and took charge of the State The fact is that over the past few years, China has proven that it is not a in November last year. Barely had the MVA “good faith” actor. It has been in its interest that until now India remained weak, Government presented its first budget and both economically and militarily. The fact that Indian soldiers stood up to col- started building a roadmap for the revival of the State’s economy, the Coronavirus leagues despite having lost 20 of our men gave the Chinese a dose of their own pandemic brought fresh challenges for it. medicine. That our soldiers were able to kill many Chinese personnel is telling. The Maharashtra Government, name- Banning apps is one thing and acting against Chinese consumer products will ly the Chief Minster and the Health Minister, started providing daily updates possibly be next in the line. But extricating Indian industry from the Chinese sup- on COVID-19 after the first case was reg- ply chain is next to impossible. Industries in our country are heavily dependent istered on March 9. Most cases were relat- on Chinese-made capital goods such as power-generating turbines and indus- ed to travellers returning from abroad, who trial machinery as well as China-made intermediates such as active pharma- were not in the Centre’s scanner list initial- ly. Since then, the State has seen a spurt in ceutical ingredients. Various sectors would collapse in the absence of Chinese the number of Corona cases. With a total products. We have only ourselves to blame for putting ourselves in this posi- of 1,69,883 cases, the death toll stands at tion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should harbour some of the blame. His per- 7,429. There are 73,298 active cases while 88,960 patients have recovered so far. ceived bonhomie with Chinese President Xi Jinping was just an act for the lat- Of course, this has prompted the down, it remained focussed in the mortality rate. time when the Railways were ter. And Xi took Modi for a ride. At the same time, the entire philosophy of sell- Opposition to question the State augmenting bed capacity to be It is depressing that the already facing flak for the con- ing cheap products and the lowest bidder concept has led to India actively import- Government’s strategy in handling the pan- able to handle a rise in the State has continued to witness ditions of the trains, over 80 demic. It even predicted doomsday scenar- number of cases. Since then, political slugfest ever since the deaths and approximately 40 ing from China instead of building up additional capacity or even consider an ios with hashtags such as the State Government WHEN THE STATE Corona pandemic began when trains that lost their destination alternative. Here, the Kolkata and Nagpur metro rail systems are guilty of get- #MaharashtraBachao trending on social increased bed capacity in hos- it had to grapple with a high and reached a different State ting new rolling stock from Dalian instead of encouraging local production lines. media platforms. However, as it is said, the pitals from 400 to 2.5 lakh, of GOVERNMENT mortality rate. It continues to altogether. devil is always in the details. Truth makes which 25,000 beds had oxygen ANNOUNCED A fight this battle even as leaders Despite provocations, the India must make it clear that it will not allow Chinese companies to bid for infra- the State’s BJP unit uncomfortable and, facilities. The number of ICU in the Opposition are busy State Government has stu- structure projects. Most Chinese companies are beholden to the Chinese hence, it is unable to confront actual fig- beds, too, was increased from PHASED LIFTING OF holding press conferences and diously kept itself out of poli- Communist Party and, thus, to Xi. We cannot trust the Chinese or their compa- ures. The death rate in Maharashtra did 250 to around 8,500. Hospitals THE LOCKDOWN, IT protests to give teeth to their tics and focussed itself in con- climb up to 7.5 per cent eight weeks ago for treating infections with political agenda. They even taining the pandemic by work- nies. The Ladakh standoff will continue for some time but we have to make it but it has dropped steadily since then and isolation facilities, too, were REMAINED made frequent visits to the Raj ing in close cooperation with clear to China that India can stand on its own feet. We must reject the Chinese now stands at 4.65 per cent. Recovery rate increased from just three to FOCUSSED IN Bhavan to create political insta- the Centre. The State temptation of cheap products and consumer goods. Enough is enough. What has seen a marked improvement and now 2,576. bility in the State. Government was also left bat- stands at 52.26 per cent, up from 26.25 per Moreover, the number of AUGMENTING BED While the country was bat- tling a second challenge in is needed is a firm will on the Government to build our own self-sufficiencies cent on May 20. Mumbai’s COVID-19 dou- COVID-19 testing laboratories tling the migrant crisis, carrying out relief work that and end this dependence. bling rate is 25 days while the national aver- was raised from three to 100, CAPACITY TO BE Maharashtra, which is home to followed before and after age is 19 days. The daily death figures the highest in the country. The ABLE TO HANDLE A the largest migrant popula- cyclone Nisarga struck its coast. reported by Maharashtra so far, too, have State Government has also tion, created over 18,000 relief There could be weakness- declined in the fortnight. In the State cap- taken charge of 80 per cent of RISE IN THE camps for them. However, the es in the State’s health infra- Our own vaccine ital and the nation’s financial capital city, the beds in private hospitals NUMBER OF CASES. migrants spilled out on the structure, which is being faced Mumbai, where the average doubling rate and capped the treatment cost SINCE THEN, IT roads in large numbers outside by other States as well, but what Human trials to start this month, results in October. This is of cases stood at 41 days, Dharavi, which to ensure patients aren’t used to the Bandra station after the end is important is that we should was labelled as a ticking time bomb, is now profiteer in the times of a pan- INCREASED BED of the first phase of the lock- not lose sight of being able to reason enough to prioritise Govt funding to R&D recording cases in single digit. Further, demic. The State has neither down as a political slugfest over handle this medical and Mumbai saw its coronavirus count rise with shied away from testing nor CAPACITY IN the Shramik Special trains for humanitarian crisis with empa- hen the going gets tough, the tough 1,297 new cases being reported in the last from sharing data on the same. HOSPITALS FROM migrants workers erupted. thy and commitment to the get going. And this is exactly what 24 hours, taking the city’s tally to 72,175. Trace, test and treat have been 400 TO 2.5 LAKH, OF When the unfortunate people. So, while the India’s innovators, scientists and With 44 new deaths reported this week, the guiding principle. deaths happened at Palghar, the Opposition continues with its W Mumbai’s death toll stands at 4,179. The It was ironic that the media WHICH 25,000 BEDS BJP left no stone unturned to political agenda, the people of researchers have shown in the face of the number of active cases here are 28,244 and and certain influencers woke communalise the incident. The the State continue to solidly Coronavirus pandemic, most of them as self- 39,744 patients have recovered so far. This up to the transparency once HAD OXYGEN war of words intensified when back the Chief Minister and the starters. A potential COVID-19 vaccine, the first is way below the estimates provided by a Delhi raced past Mumbai in the FACILITIES the Railway Minister took MVA Government to help the five-member inter-ministerial central team number of cases reported, forc- offence to Chief Minister State get out of the biggest to be developed in India, has been given the that had projected that the number of cases ing the Central Government to Uddhav Thackeray’s statement humanitarian and medical cri- Drug Controller General of India’s (DCGI) would spiral to approximately 6.5 lakh by intervene to help augment their that the State had the capacity sis faced by the world. approval for Phase I and II human clinical tri- mid-May. capacities. The State to handle more Shramik trains (The writer is a Rajya When the State Government Government is now entirely than were allotted to the State. Sabha MP and Deputy Leader, als that are scheduled to start across the coun- announced a phased lifting of the lock- focussed on bringing down This escalation happened at a Shiv Sena) try this month. Results are expected to be out by October, following which larger clinical tri- als will be conducted. The vaccine has been developed by Hyderabad-based S O U N D BITE Bharat Biotech, which has delivered more than four billion doses of vaccines We should do it (sever ties with I don’t think it’s the time to The UP Government is The whole country knows worldwide and also created vaccines for H1N1 and rotavirus in the past. COV- Chinese sponsors in IPL) for be selfish or think about avoiding COVID tests, mak- that China has snatched the sake of the nation. Country yourself, but in the larger ing it difficult to assess the India’s land. Please tell AXIN, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the National Institute of comes first, money is sec- interest of what’s going on. current situation. It is also the country how you will Virology and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), is an inactivated ondary. And it is the IPL, not Everybody will have to difficult to assess when the evict the Chinese troops vaccine, created from a strain of the infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus that has shown the Chinese Premier League. change. disease will reach its peak. and when? promise in pre-clinical studies, demonstrating extensive safety and effective immune Indian businessman Actor SP chief Congress leader responses. The good news is that apart from COVAXIN, four or five other home- —Ness Wadia —Huma S Qureshi —Akhilesh Yadav —Rahul Gandhi grown vaccines are in early stages of development too. Zydus Cadilla is work- ing on two vaccines while Biological E, Indian Immunologicals and Mynvax are developing one each. The rapid strides that are being made is proof that not for L E T T E R S T O T H E EDITOR nothing is the country among the largest manufacturers of generic drugs and vaccines in the world. It is home to half a dozen major vaccine makers and a Accept the new normal Migrants represent Indian ethos Be grateful to doctors host of smaller ones, making doses against stubborn diseases like polio, menin- gitis, pneumonia rotavirus, BCG, measles, mumps and rubella. Sir — As bilateral ties remain he migrant workers have started to return to the Sir — July 1 is celebrated as When we began our fight against the pandemic, there was an atmosphere strained, the Government has States that they left at the onset of the COVID-19 National Doctor’s Day every year. sought to ban 59 Chinese apps Tpandemic. It's hunger and hopelessness again that It honours doctors across the of fear and gloom in the country over the fact that our healthcare facilities were from operating in the country. In is pushing them back to the cities from their villages. country for their relentless service. inadequate. We did not have enough PPEs, testing kits or ventilators and the gen- doing so, it would be killing two They have shown no rancour or disillusionment, either This day serves to show gratitude eral consensus was that with the West and China having massive resources at birds with one stone. First, this with the Government or their employers. They truly rep- to all medical practitioners who digital strike must be acknowl- resent the ethos of this nation, that of patience, forbear- have selflessly aided us in our time their disposal to pump into research, they would be the first ones to come out edged as a crucial move towards ance and goodwill. They marched hundreds of miles to of need and tirelessly worked for with the drugs and vaccines to treat Coronavirus. A vast majority of Indians were making India aatmanirbhar (self- their villages with hope and fortitude for better times the health of their patients by com- resigned to the fact that even if the vaccine did come out, it would reach us after reliant). Second, this sends a ahead, even as they patiently bore the vicissitudes of an memorating the greatest represen- clear signal about India’s resolve insensitive bureaucracy. The strength of this nation comes tative of these ideals. a considerable time lapse as the rich and developed nations would get it first to take on Chinese aggression from the moral fibre of its lower strata of citizens, even With the number of because of their money power and clout. If anything, the pandemic has unleashed head-on. as the upper echelon often weakens it with self-inter- now as he was in 2016. He managed with sheer perse- Coronavirus cases on the rise, it our determination to find our own solutions since the world is starved of resources. Surely, many users back home ests in mind. verance and jugaad, purely on the enduring sense of is important to appreciate the will miss using these apps, espe- For a nation that could handle in its stride the mas- brotherhood among men in similar distress. As before, efforts made by doctors, nurses, It has also made it imperative for us to invest in research and development, so cially TikTok. The app has sive demonetisation with a four-hour notice, the COVID the upper and middle classes would treat this episode, technicians, medical staff, admin- far neglected and supported by corporates. After testing kits, ventilators and even become extremely popular and crisis was but a second run with a different script. The albeit very long, as no more than a temporary blip. istrators, food service workers, making our own PPE kits — we are now exporting the last — we have been there is a lot of creative and villain had changed robes but the hero was the same in R Narayanan pharmacists, security guards, our humorous content being pro- both — the lowly common man. He is as indefatigable Navi Mumbai military deployed to set up hos- innovating at a rapid pace. We have also developed robots powered by Artificial duced by its users. As of June pitals and deliver aid and every- Intelligence to clean Covid wards and look after patients in isolation wards. The 2019, it was estimated that there body else who are endangering biggest news in the fight against the virus came on June 21 when the DCGI grant- were 120 million monthly TikTok Stand up to China avoided. Veteran politician and the Chinese threat. China views their life for our benefit. Doctors users in India. Many are expect- NCP supremo Sharad Pawar was India as a major potential threat are special and this year is one ed permission to Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to manufacture and sell Favipiravir ing that the Government would spot on when he said that nation- to its hegemony. A ban on where we have seen them as our and also gave Cipla and Hetero emergency marketing approval for Remdesivir launch Indian substitutes of these Sir — This refers to the editori- al security matters should not be Chinese apps or goods alone will real-life heroes. Doctor’s Day is an for treating severe COVID-19 patients. We may have not been the first off the apps. But it must not be forgot- al, “No point in this war” (June politicised. But do our politicians hardly serve the purpose. War opportunity to thank all the ten that not too long ago when 30). At a time when India’s sov- ever let go of any opportunity not isn’t a solution either. The time heroes in the medical fraternity block where the vaccine is concerned as the ones developed by Moderna Inc, the app was banned, we had got ereignty and integrity are at stake to use it for their political gain? has come to send out a clear mes- for their selfless contributions. China’s Sinovac Biotech and UK’s Oxford-AstraZeneca are set to enter late-stage used to not relying on it. in view of the country facing mul- All our internal bickering sage that our territorial integrity Jubel D’Cruz trials, but the fact remains that we will be independent and not look to the West Adjusting to life after the exit may tiple challenges, be it the Corona will benefit China. It’s high time is not negotiable and we won’t Mumbai not be too hard. pandemic, the state of the econ- that our leaders put their heads compromise. or the dragon to tackle our emergency. Our researchers and scientists have shown Tushar Anand omy or Chinese aggression at the together to form a consensus on Azhar A Khan Send your feedback to: that not for nothing are they considered the best minds in the business. Via email border, political bickering must be how to protect the country from Rampur [email protected] WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Arrest the POINTCOUNTERPOINT KEEPING IN MIND THE FESTIVALS THAT ARE COMING UP, WE WILL GIVE FREE RATION TILL JUNE 2021. OUR delinquent cops THIS SCHEME TO PROVIDE 80 CRORE PEOPLE WITH FREE RATION IS BETTER THAN THAT OF THE CENTRE. ONLY RATIONS WILL BE EXTENDED TILL NOVEMBER END. 60 PER CENT PEOPLE HERE GET CENTRAL RATIONS. The brutality committed on P Jayaraj and Fenix is —PRIME MINISTER —BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER unacceptable. It is high time that policemen in NARENDRA MODI MAMATA BANERJEE India also fear the law if they violate it The GST indemnity riddle MARKANDEY KATJU Even as States expect full and timely compensation for the shortfall in their tax revenue, vis-à-vis a hat happened recently in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, is worse than the Nirbhaya case for which four persons involved were given benchmark, the Union Govt has been making short payment and that too after a time lag Whanged a few months ago. A father and son, P Jayaraj and Fenix, running a mobile accessory shop in Sathankulam town in Tuticorin district were arrested by some policemen allegedly for keep- ing their shop open for some time beyond the period permitted dur- ing the lockdown. The two of them were booked under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 353 (use of force to deter public servant from duty) 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 506(2) (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. They were then taken to the police station and brutally assault- ed, evidently by forcibly thrusting rods or sticks into their private parts (since when they were released from custody their clothes were torn and covered in blood and they were profusely bleeding UTTAM GUPTA from their private parts. In fact, they needed multiple changes of clothes in the hours after they were released by the policemen).They he dwindling tax revenue of both the Centre and States since the financial year (FY) 2019- later died within a day of each other. In the Nirbhaya case, too, a 20 has led to a piquant situation. Even as States rod was thrust into the private parts of the victim, but it was done T expect “full” and “timely” compensation for the by delinquent citizens who were non-officials. In the case of P Jayaraj shortfall in their tax revenue (their own collection and Fenix, the brutality was committed by policemen whose duty plus the amount received as their share in indirect it is to uphold the law and protect citizens. Thus rakshaks (protec- tax collected by the Centre as per the Finance tors) turned into bhakshaks(destroyers). Commission’s devolution formula) vis-à-vis a given There is a big uproar all over the country, particularly in Tamil benchmark, the Union Government has been mak- Nadu, over this ghastly incident. There has been an outpouring of ing short payments and that too, after a time lag. outrage and shock by the Hindi and southern film industry and DMK The compensation to States is intertwined with the leaders have blamed the administration squarely for the occurrence. Goods and Services Tax (GST) in vogue since July 1, 2017. In fact, the passage of the Constitutional In Prakash Kadam vs Ramprasad Vishwanath Gupta, 2011 case, Amendment Bill (August, 2016) leading to the the Supreme Court held that policemen found guilty of fake encoun- launch of GST was predicated on the Centre giv- ters should be given the death penalty, treating it as a “rarest of rare” ing a legally-binding commitment that it would case. The court observed: “Policemen are people who are supposed compensate the States for the loss of revenue they to uphold the law. In our opinion if crimes are committed by ordi- would incur under the GST vis-à-vis the revenue nary people, ordinary punishment should be given, but if the offence they would get under the subsisting dispensation is committed by policemen much harsher punishment should be of excise duty, sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) given to them because they do an act totally contrary to their duties.” plus other local taxes (GST was first mooted in 2006 UNLIKE So if the Nirbhaya accused were hanged, all the more should by the then UPA Government but did not bear fruit during its term as it was unwilling to give this com- LAST YEAR, the policemen in the Tuticorin case be, if held guilty by the court. WHEN THE It may be mentioned that instances of custodial deaths were mount- mitment). Accordingly, the Modi Government enacted the SURPLUS ing in our country, as noted by the Supreme Court in its landmark GST Compensation Act (2017) to provide for com- AVAILABLE FROM decision in DK Basu vs State of , 1996. Hence Section pensation to the States for five years between 2017 THE PREVIOUS 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code was amended and a special and 2022, for the loss of revenue to be calculated YEARS HELPED procedure created for investigating custodial deaths. as the difference between their actual collection IN SALVAGING pensation requirement of the States, at the the latter need to appreciate that in the should fund the `1,25,000 crore deficit For ordinary crimes, investigation is done by the police. But for (including transfer of their share in indirect tax col- THE SITUATION, beginning of 2019-20, the Centre had a absence of adequate funds in the tax pool, through additional borrowing on their custodial deaths, Section 176 provided that investigation be done lected by the Centre) and the amount they would DURING THE surplus of about `47,000 crore in the tax even if the former is willing to compen- own or rationalise their expenditure to by a judicial magistrate. The purpose of making this special provi- have got with annual growth at 14 per cent over the CURRENT YEAR, pool. sate them, it may still not be able to do it. bring about savings. sion for custodial deaths was obvious: The police may not make 2015-16 level, under the erstwhile dispensation. THE CENTRE HAS During 2019-20, the situation deteri- It can take recourse to additional borrow- An alternative which is expected to a fair investigation against a colleague (as there is often a tenden- However, to ensure that the Centre has enough orated. Against the requirement of over ings or ask the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) give comfort to all stakeholders is to con- NOTHING TO FALL ` cy of people in the same service to side with each other). funds to pay for the shortfall faced by States, it also 1,35,000 crore, proceeds from the cess to print more currency but these options tinue the cess on demerit products beyond passed an amendment to the GST Compensation BACK UPON. IN THIS were just about `95,000 crore leaving a entail serious risk. the five-year period (this will require fur- However, there is nothing in Section 176 which says that police- Act (2018) to levy a cess on the supply of certain BACKDROP AND deficit of about `40,000 crore. As regards borrowings, already the ther amendment to the GST men accused of custodial death cannot be arrested before the enquiry goods and services. The cess is levied on demerit WITH STATES Notwithstanding this deficit, the Centre Centre has increased its borrowing pro- Compensation Act, 2018). The deficit in by the judicial magistrate is completed. In fact, in cases of murder, goods (those which fall in the highest tax slab at 28 UNWILLING TO could have drawn upon the surplus from gramme for the current year by 50 per cent the tax pool during 2020-21 should be met the police usually arrest the accused immediately and do not wait per cent, with the other slabs being five per cent, RELENT ON previous years to ensure timely release of to over `12,00,000 crore. While this fac- from additional borrowings by the Centre to do so till the investigation is over. Hence, the policemen involved 12 per cent and 18 per cent, besides the exempt cat- THEIR CLAIM FOR the compensation amount. But, that was tored in the liabilities arising from the with a clear stipulation that these will be in brutalising P Jayaraj and Fenix must be arrested. egory) such as automobiles, tobacco, alcohol and COMPENSATION IN not to be and there was considerable delay. Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan serviced from the proceeds of cess dur- In the FIR lodged by the policemen, it was alleged that the so on, with a proviso to use the proceeds for com- FULL, THE CENTRE For instance, the compensation for announced by Finance Minister Nirmala ing the extended period say, three years deceased father and son had abused the policemen and threatened pensating States. The cess was to remain in force October/November, 2019 about `34,000 Sitharaman during May, thereafter, the starting from 2022-23. for five years in sync with the Centre’s obligation IS TALKING OF crore was released in February/April, 2020. Government has taken onto itself an addi- The States should desist from pursu- to kill them. This sounds like an implausible claim, as it is difficult FORCE MAJEUR. to believe shopkeepers would behave like this with policemen. In to compensate States for that period. The rationale Now, the devastation triggered by the tional expenditure commitment of ing their demand made before the 15th behind keeping these arrangements in place for five PUT SIMPLY, THE lockdown has led to a steep decline in tax `90,000 crore (`50,000 crore on employ- Finance Commission for continuing with any event, assuming this was true, it was no justification for the years was that at the end of this transition, i.e. 2021- LATTER MAY HAVE collection of both the Centre and States ment scheme for migrant labour and compensation for three more years. This atrocious and abhorrent acts committed by the policemen on the 22, the GST dispensation would have acquired the EXPRESSED ITS (for instance, GST collection during April `40,000 crore additional allocation for is not only out of sync with the original deceased. In the police FIR it is also alleged that the two deceased much-needed “vitality” and “resilience” to yield suf- INABILITY TO PAY and May was less than 50 per cent of the MGNREGA). intent of the amendment Act on compen- suffered injuries because they rolled on the ground. This version is ficient resources for the States to meet their bud- INVOKING AN EVENT amount collected during April/May, If, to this we add `1,25,000 crore sation (it was meant to be a stopgap aimed laughable. Why should they roll on the ground? And how can rolling getary requirements within the prudential limit set BEYOND CONTROL 2019). The collection from cess is also required to cover the deficit in the tax pool, at protecting their revenue till such time on the ground result in such horrendous injuries as sustained by under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget OR AN ‘ACT OF GOD’ expected to go down drastically. Against the Centre will need to borrow another GST starts yielding the desired buoyan- the deceased? Management Act (FRBM), thereby obviating the (COVID-19) monthly compensation requirement of `2,15,000 crore, taking the total to more cy in revenue) but also will come in the In the State of UP vs Mohd Naim, Justice AN Mulla of the need for any extra support. over `20,000 crore, proceeds from the cess than `14,00,000 crore. This will further way of servicing the loan taken to fund the Allahabad High Court observed: “There is not a single lawless group Before we proceed to do the number crunch- are estimated to be just about `9,500 crore crowd the market and increase interest current year’s deficit. ` in the whole of the country whose record of crime comes anywhere ing and analyse the situation on ground zero, it leading to a deficit of 10,500 crore or rates. When, an overwhelming portion of should be abundantly clear that two provisions in around `1,25,000 crore for the whole of Alternatively, monetising the deficit the proceeds from the cess during the near the record of that single organised unit which is known as the the law viz. one relating to compensation and the the current year. has inflationary implications; besides, it extended period is dedicated to giving Indian police force.” No doubt the above observation was other levy of cess (and collection thereof) have to Unlike last year when the surplus sends a wrong message to stakeholders compensation to States, there won’t be any expunged by the Supreme Court, calling it a “sweeping generali- be viewed in conjunction with each other. In other available from the previous years helped especially rating agencies about India’s abil- money left to service the loans taken now. sation”, but it does indicate that many policemen in India think that words, the discharge of the constitutional obliga- in salvaging the situation, during the cur- ity to protect its macro-economic funda- Considering a special dispensation (as pro- they are above the law. They seem to believe that the law cannot tion to compensate States for the loss of revenue rent year, the Centre has nothing to fall mentals. What then is the way forward? posed above) to bail out the States dur- touch them. This needs to change, else the police brutalities in the would be possible only when there are enough funds back upon. In this backdrop and with How can the States and the Centre wrig- ing the current excruciating year, the GST country will never end and will, in fact, continue to grow each day available. States unwilling to relent on their claim gle out of the riddle without undermin- Council should impress upon States to as we have recently witnessed during the lockdown. The cases of During the first two years (since the launch of for compensation in full, the Centre is talk- ing India’s economic fundamentals? take urgent steps, like bringing more busi- harassment of the citizens by the policemen for minor lockdown GST) viz. 2017-18/2018-19, the collection from cess ing of force majeur. Put simply, the latter Going strictly by the spirit of the two nesses under the tax net, reining in eva- infractions and the harsh punishment and humiliation heaped upon was higher than the shortfall in tax revenue faced may have expressed its inability to pay constitutional amendments relating to sion, eliminating fraudulent claims of by the States. During July 2017-March 2018, the cess invoking an event beyond control or an compensation and cess, when there is not input tax credit and so on, to ensure that the migrant labourers who were trekking across the country in order collected was `62,600 crore against `41,150 crore “act of God” (COVID-19). enough money in the tax pool, the com- tax revenue under the new regime is self- to reach home are some of the cases that come to mind. The bru- needed for compensating the States. During 2018- Whether or not force majeur can be pensation amount to the States needs to sustaining, obviating the need for compen- tality committed on P Jayaraj and Fenix is unacceptable. It is high 19, the cess collection was `95,000 crore against invoked, thereby absolving the Centre of be reduced to balance the two. This means sation at least during normal times. time that the fear of the law was put in the hearts of policemen. `69,000 crore distributed among States as compen- its obligation to compensate the States is that the States should be content with what (The writer is a New Delhi-based (The writer is a former judge of the Supreme Court of India) sation. As a result, even after fully meeting the com- for legal luminaries to decide. However, is available in the tax pool; instead, they policy analyst) Rahul 2.0 must not miss opportunities FOREIGN EYE Just Modi-bashing is not enough to get votes. Rahul should be able to convince the people that he will be the better alternative

a time. I want to do only one thing at The old guard is wary of person- vey that. Rahul has also been engaging names given to him earlier and is it is Sonia Gandhi who is doing that job, a time.” Now, Rahul’s loyalists are get- al attacks against Modi as they feel that the media as was evident by the three engaging with him politically, though but she has not been very successful at ting impatient to bring him back as the the negative campaign against the free-wheeling press conferences he it is still ridiculing him often. it as the regional satraps are all going party chief. Nobody knows why he Prime Minister will not work. held in recent weeks. However, undaunted by the jibes, their own way. Third, and most impor- resigned last year after the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Rahul also launched his own the new avatar of Rahul has been rais- tantly, the Congress party needs to find poll results or why he is coming back Gehlot, a known Sonia loyalist, was the Telegram channel this week. The main ing pertinent issues like Modi’s han- a new narrative. Sonia Gandhi was suc- GOOD NEWS as the Congress president. It is perti- one who raised the issue in the CWC purpose of this exercise was to connect dling of the Chinese incursions, the fail- cessful because she thought of the “aam FOR THE EU KALYANI SHANKAR nent to note that though not holding meeting and the “Rahul lao” chorus with the voters directly. It is available ing economy and the hiccups in the aadmi (common man)” slogan in any office, it is Rahul who is fighting began soon after. One of them even on the messaging app and has so far handling of the COVID-19 pandem- 2004, which clicked well with the elec- ongress leader Rahul Gandhi from the front on behalf of the suggested that a virtual meeting should about 3,500 subscribers. This is a ic on behalf of the Congress and tweets torate. Just Modi-bashing is not enough It is the EU’s good fortune that turned 50 last week and celebrat- Congress Party, though Sonia Gandhi be organised to bring Rahul back as the novel experiment as it gives the pub- about these issues almost daily. to get votes. Rahul should be able to Germany will take over its Ced his birthday quietly in view too, is writing letters and participating chief of the party. lic access to his views directly. Though Rahul strategists would like him to convince the people that he will be the rotating presidency this week. of the Coronavirus outbreak. His in meetings with the political leaders Rahul 2.0 will see a new brand of he came late to the social media game shed the image of a dynast and a priv- better alternative to Modi. father Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime and the Prime Minister. the Gandhi scion. From the “angry as compared to the BJP, he has been ileged man. Instead they want him to He got everything in politics on a Germany’s assured handling of Minister of the country at the age of 40. The indications of Rahul’s return young man” of the earlier days, Rahul catching up fast in the last two years. be seen as the alternative to Modi. But silver plate. He had the family name. the epidemic has enhanced its Rahul, too, could have become the as the party chief were clear at last 2.0 will be seen as a mature and effec- He has 14.9 million followers on twit- before that happens, Rahul must first He was young and presentable and had authority and provided the Prime Minister in 2009 when the week’s meeting of the party’s top pol- tive leader, who alone can take on ter and over a million on instagram. His revive the party from the grassroots good opportunities in politics. He political capital to take necessary Congress Party returned to power or icy-making body, the Congress Prime Minister Modi. YouTube channel has 3.1 lakh sub- level. reached the top position in the party. risks in what has become a crisis at least a Cabinet Minister during the Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Rahul is being projected as an scribers. He should promote the second Now he should not miss a second ten years of the UPA’s rule from 2004 where there was a clash between the old intellectual who can hold his own with His strategists must have thought rung leaders in the Congress and chance if he comes back as the party presidency. Germany has -2014. guard and Rahul. The power struggle global experts and economists. His it is time for a new brand of Rahul. He appoint the right man for the right job. chief. A wise leader would grab the sometimes been criticised for However, Rahul had his own ideas was visible when Rahul was critical of conversations with experts like former can no longer be called a young man He must listen to the voices of experi- opportunities given to him and Rahul “leading from behind.” For the of leadership. At the swearing-in cer- the old guard for not supporting him Reserve Bank of India Governor as he is 50 now. Hence, the time has ence within the party. Second, he missed many of them in the past. next six months, Angela Merkel emony in 2009, I asked him why he did in his campaign against Prime Minister Raghuram Rajan, Nobel laureate come to project him as a mature leader, should also try to emerge as a success- Hopefully Rahul 2.0 will not miss any not become a Minister and his reply Narendra Modi either now or earlier Abhijit Banerjee and former US diplo- who has a worldview. Even the BJP no ful Opposition leader and unite the till- of them. will be leading from the front. was, “I don’t want to do ten things at during the 2019 poll campaign. mat Nicholas Burns were meant to con- longer calls Rahul the demeaning now scattered Opposition. Right now (The writer is a senior journalist) (The Guardian editorial) WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 money 08

CAPSULE China expresses concern over Sensex, Nifty pare early India's ban on 59 Chinese apps gains, end marginally lower PNS n MUMBAI PNS n BEIJING istry said in a statement. The Chinese foreign min- Equity benchmark Sensex sur- A day after India banned 59 istry spokesman said the prac- rendered all its early gains to Shell writes down apps with Chinese links for tical cooperation between end 46 points lower on engaging in activities which are China and India is actually Tuesday as investors turned oil and gas assets "prejudicial to sovereignty and mutually beneficial and win- cautious ahead of Prime by $22 billion integrity" of the country, China win. Minister Narendra Modi's on Tuesday voiced strong con- “Such pattern has been arti- address to the nation. London, Jun 30 (AP) Energy cern over the move, and said ficially undermined and it is After jumping 272.39 points producer Royal Dutch Shell the Indian government has not in the interest of the Indian during the day, the 30-share warned Tuesday it will slash the value of its assets by $22 the responsibility to uphold the side,” Zhao added. index turned negative and set- billion to account for lower oil "legitimate and legal rights" of The list of apps that have tled 45.72 points, or 0.13 per and gas prices amid the international investors. spokesman Zhao Lijian said, added. India's Information been banned by India also cent, down at 34,915.80; while COVID-19 pandemic. The India on Monday banned 59 “China is strongly concerned Technology Ministry said on include Helo, Likee, Cam the NSE Nifty slipped 10.30 company predicted the write- apps with Chinese links, about the relevant notice issued Monday that it has invoked its Scanner, Vigo Video, Mi Video points, or 0.10 per cent, to down for the quarter and said including the hugely popular by the Indian side. We are power under section 69A of Call – Xiaomi, Clash of Kings 10,302.10. it continues “to adapt to TikTok and UC Browser, for checking and verifying the sit- the IT Act and rules, and has as well as e-commerce plat- PowerGrid was the top lag- address. 16,893. ensure the business remains engaging in "activities which uation. decided to block 59 apps in forms Club Factory and Shein. gard in the Sensex pack, shed- Concerns over rising Meanwhile, bourses in resilient” in challenging times. are prejudicial to sovereignty "I want to stress that the view of information available The IT ministry statement ding around 2 per cent, fol- COVID-19 cases and its Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan Earlier this month, its and integrity of India, defence Chinese government always that they are "engaged in activ- also said that it has received lowed by Sun Pharma, ITC, impact on economic recovery and Seoul ended with signifi- competitor BP, also cut the of India, security of state and asks the Chinese businesses to ities which are prejudicial to many complaints from various ONGC, Bharti Airtel and remained a key factor for cant gains. value of its own assets by up public order". abide by international rules, sovereignty and integrity of sources, including several Reliance Industries. investors, analysts said. However, stock exchanges in to $17.5 billion. Shell The ban also comes in the local laws and regulations in India, defence of India, secu- reports about misuse of some On the other hand, Maruti, The number of cases around Europe started on a tepid note. predicted prices for Brent backdrop of the current stand- their business cooperation with rity of state and public order". mobile apps available on Nestle India, ICICI Bank and the world linked to the disease International oil benchmark crude, the international oil off along the Line of Actual foreign countries," he said. The move will "safeguard the Android and iOS platforms for UltraTech Cement were has crossed 1.03 crore and the Brent crude futures fell 1.36 benchmark, would be at $50 control in eastern Ladakh with “The Indian government interests of crores of Indian "stealing and surreptitiously among the gainers. death toll has topped 5.05 per cent to USD 41.28 per bar- dollars a barrel in 2022. Earlier Chinese troops. has the responsibility to uphold mobile and internet users. This transmitting users' data in an Indian market pared intra- lakh. rel. it had predicted a price of $60 Reacting to India's ban of the the legitimate and legal rights decision is a targeted move to unauthorised manner to day gains as participants In India, the number of On the currency front, the a barrel. On Tuesday, it was Chinese apps at a Chinese of the international investors ensure safety and sovereignty servers which have locations adopted a wait and watch infections spiked to 5,66,840 rupee settled 7 paise higher at trading near $41 a barrel. Foreign Ministry briefing here, including the Chinese ones,” he of Indian cyberspace", the min- outside India". approach ahead of Modi's and the death toll rose to 75.51 against the US dollar. Bengal Zomato rechristens membership BGR Energy realtors see Systems Need to cut logistics gradual programme Gold to Zomato Pro report Rs 4.71 cost, says Gadkari Chola MS General PNS n NEW DELHI recovery It has launched an crore loss PNS n NEW DELHI Insurance gets new PNS n KOLKATA Online restaurant guide and initiative to PNS n NEW DELHI Managing Director food ordering platform rechristen Zomato India needs to enhance its : Cholamandalam Real estate developers in West Zomato on Tuesday said it has Gold to Zomato BGR Energy Systems on cargo carrying capacity to MS General Insurance Bengal are witnessing a rechristened its membership Pro — and make it Tuesday reported a consoli- reduce logistics cost and there Company on Tuesday "gradual recovery in sales" programme Zomato Gold to dated net loss of Rs 4.71 is a need to look into the pos- announced the appointment of after the lockdown restric- Zomato Pro to include more a bigger, better all- crore for the January-March sibility of converting old air- V Suryanarayanan as its new tions were eased, and an discounts and privileges. encompassing quarter 2020. craft of Defence and airlines managing director with effect association of the builders has "All Zomato Gold mem- membership The consolidated net prof- into cargo carriers, Union from July 1. Suryanarayanan launched a digital campaign bers across 10 countries will it of the company was Rs Minister Nitin Gadkari said on succeeds S S Gopalarathnam to attract buyers, industry automatically get upgraded to 31.96 crore in quarter ended Tuesday. who retires on Tuesday after sources said on Tuesday. The Zomato Pro starting August 1, rants, he added. on March 31, 2019, a regu- Interacting with members through video conference. serving the company for over developers claimed that 2020," Zomato Co-founder and delivery, he added. Zomato Pro has been latory filing said. from Domestic Air Cargo The Minister said the logis- 41 years, the city-based around 2,000 inventory units, and COO Gaurav Gupta said This is in addition to some designed to be much more Total income dropped to Agents Association of India, tics costs in India is as high as company said in a statement. which remained unsold, have in a blog post. never-seen-before exclusive friendly for a wider variety of Rs 320.32 crore in the quar- the Road Transport and 13 per cent as compared to 8 Cholamandalam MS General been purchased by individu- The company has launched privileges on the Zomato app restaurant businesses, Gupta ter from Rs 1,012.98 crore in Highways Minister also said per cent in developed nations. Insurance is a joint venture als, and there will be a 10-15 an initiative to rechristen and a unique money-back said. same period last year. India has huge potential in "Defence and airline old between diversified per cent jump in prices for Zomato Gold to Zomato Pro guarantee for all Pro members, "We have signed up around For 2019-20, the company fishery and the fish economy planes can be converted into conglomerate Murugappa new ones. "There is a gradual — and make it a bigger, better Gupta said. 50 per cent more partner posted a net loss of Rs 9.57 can reach Rs 6 lakh crore from cargo carriers for taking prod- Group and Japan-based sales recovery since the all-encompassing membership Zomato Pro members will restaurants on Zomato Pro crore against consolidated the present Rs 1 lakh crore. ucts to foreign countries and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance unlocking of the country," that unlocks amazing privi- continue to enjoy existing than what we had on Zomato net profit of Rs 15.10 crore "Transportation of agricul- pilots could be employed on Company Ltd. said an official of the realtors' leges and discounts at the best offers (on Zomato Gold) across Gold – across dining out and in 2018-19. ture, fish and other products contract basis," the Minister Suryanarayanan currently apex body Credai. restaurants across dining out a wide selection of restau- delivery," he added. Total income declined to is a major problem the coun- said and added that the serves the company as Rs 2,734.49 crore in 2019-20 try is facing...We need to Association should also look President and Chief Operating from Rs 3,275.59 crore in enhance the cargo carrying into the possibility of roping in Officer and he will take over 2018-19. capacity to bring down logis- Jet Airways' fleet. the new role on July 1. Nationwide lockdown tics cost. There is need to Gadkari also urged the Philips introduces mobile ICUs for India consequent to spread of explore the possibility of con- Association to look into devel- COVID-19 pandemic had verting old Defence and oping infrastructure around PNS n NEW DELHI tions looking to enhance com- tomer". temporarily disrupted the Airlines aircraft into cargo airports and if cooling plants munity outreach and to miti- The company will be direct- operations of the company, carriers," Gadkari said etc could be installed on the Global health technology gate the impact of natural dis- ly selling them to the hospitals, it said. addressing the Association side of the airports. major Royal Philips on asters and pandemics like the it added. Tuesday said it has introduced ongoing COVID-19, it added. "Aligned with the govern- mobile intensive care units When asked about the cost ment's commitment to provid- (ICUs) for India to address the of a mobile nine-bed ICU, ing quality and accessible Exide Life SBI launches Yono challenging needs of critical- ufactured by Philips in India, Philips India told PTI in an e- healthcare to the population in care services in the country. it said in a statement. mailed response, "Price of a our country, we are proud to Insurance net branches in three Designed to meet the criti- Each ICU unit can be pre-fabricated 9-bed ICU introduce our state-of-the-art cities cal-care requirements of assembled in one day at the begins from 1 crore approxi- mobile ICUs for India," Philips patients, each pre-fabricated chosen site.These portable mately and can be customized Indian Subcontinent Vice profit up 89% MUMBAI: State Bank of India ICU has a capacity for nine ICUs will be helpful to govern- further depending upon the Chairman and MD Daniel PNS n NEW DELHI (SBI) on Tuesday said it has beds and will be locally man- ment agencies and organisa- requirement from the cus- Mazon said. launched 'Yono' branches in Exide Life Insurance has reg- select cities, aimed at driving istered a 88.7 per cent jump adoption of digital banking in net profit at Rs 28.3 crore among its customers. Yono is CAIT for probe Sebi seeks for fiscal year ended March the lender's digital banking Manorama firm’s 2020. app. The bank has launched into Chinese clarification The private sector insurer Yono branches in Navi EV mkt may see lower had registered a net profit of Mumbai, Indore and Rs 15 crore in fiscal year Gurugram, one in each city, as investments YoY PAT up by 22% on CAMS IPO 2018-19. This is the eighth part of its pilot, a release said. PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n MUMBAI PNS n NEW DELHI consecutive year in which the "We believe the Yono branch demand, says report company has reported prof- will enable and empower Traders' body CAIT on Manorama Industries, one of Markets regulator Sebi has PNS n NEW DELHI Chinese components may lead it, Exide Life Insurance said customers to adopt digital Tuesday called for an inves- the leaders in Specialty Butters, sought clarifications from to disruptions in EV manufac- in a statement. banking to enjoy all banking tigation into investments Fats and Cocoa Butter merchant bankers of the Electric vehicles market in turing. Gross written premium services with ease," SBI made by Chinese firms in Equivalents (CBE) announced proposed initial public offer- India may experience a shift as "Auto sales could decrease during the year rose 12 per Chairman Rajnish Kumar said. various Indian startups to its results on 29 June where it ing of Computer Age consumers seek affordable by as much as 45 per cent in cent to Rs 3,220 crore. Through the self-service zone, the financial year 2020–21. EV The company, a 100 per customers can deposit cheque ensure that data accrued by announced a YoY revenue Management Services, products amid COVID-19, into smart cheque deposit these startups is not being increase of 83.83%, EBITA which filed draft papers in and it could make manufac- production could be affected cent subsidiary of Exide kiosks, withdraw and deposit transferred to Chinese increase of 55.99% and PAT January to raise an estimat- turers resume production for in the short term due to lower Industries, has continued its cash, and print passbook investors and there is no increase of 22.43%. On an H2 ed Rs 1,500-1,600 crore. conventional vehicles, accord- demand and supply-chain dis- emphasis on protection prod- 24x7, without depending on threat to the country's secu- comparision basis while its Managing Director says, " We The CAMS' IPO will sell ing to a report. ruptions with BNEF estimat- ucts, resulting in protection branch staff. The said rity. revenue increased 37.65%, the are tapping growth opportuni- 1.22 crore equity shares The report - Towards a ing an 18 per cent decrease in business mix increasing from branches have been launched The Confederation of All PAT saw a decline of 21.29%. ties and the positive perfor- through offer-for-sale by Clean Energy Economy: Post- global EV sales in 2020. 9 per cent of Annualized on the eve of the 65th India Traders (CAIT) has As stated by the management mance during this year was led Great Terrain Investment, COVID-19 Opportunities in Lower disposable incomes Premium Equivalent (APE) anniversary of the bank's written to Finance Minister in the release uploaded on the by a strong growth in sales. NSE Investments, Acsys India's Energy and Mobility and a tendency towards cash in FY19 to 11 per cent in foundation day. Nirmala Sitharaman, exchanges they are confident The Bikroni plant has started Investments, HDFC and Sectors - is prepared by gov- saving will lead to reduced FY20, the statement said. Information and Technology that in FY20-21 their opera- full commercial production of HDB Employees Welfare ernment think tank Niti Aayog demand for EV in the short Exide Life Insurance said it Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tions will be smooth and they all its units including the key Trust, as per the draft and Rocky Mountain Institute. term, the report said, adding achieved its highest ever ‘COVID-19 may set and Commerce Minister anticipate and increase in pro- process of fractionation. We papers. It also said there may be "some OEMs' customers are claims settlement ratio at Piyush Goyal seeking a probe duction and revenue that will are also in the process of con- While Great Terrain is an delays in electric vehicles (EV) pushing back their EV busi- 98.15 per cent, and has a back Indian banks' to ascertain that no "foul set off the increased costs. sidering in making our Africa affiliate of Warburg Pincus, production as manufacturers ness plans by two or more healthy solvency ratio of 210 recovery by years’ play" was taking place under Commenting on the perfor- venture a wholly owned sub- NSE Investments is a group focus on reviving demand years". The report also high- per cent versus the regulato- the garb of investment. mance, Ms Vinita Saraf, sidiary of the company." firm of the National Stock and producing BS-VI vehicles, lighted the consequences of ry requirement of 150 per NEW DELHI: The COVID-19 Exchange. while curbs on imports of policy changes. cent. pandemic may set back the recovery of India's banking sector by years, which could hit credit flows and, ultimately, Retail inflation for industrial the economy, S&P Global Kerala startup launches ‘Fokuz' Ratings said on Tuesday. The US-based rating agency PNS n THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ence for all meeting attendees. expects non-performing loans workers eases to 5.1 pc in May Unlike any other such plat- in Indian banks will hit a fresh PNS n NEW DELHI previous month and 5.21 per Kerala-based tech start-up forms, Fokuz features the high, raising credit costs, and cent in May 2019. Skyislimit Technologies has option of unlimited partici- putting pressure on ratings. The retail inflation for indus- ?The All-India CPI-IW for launched 'Fokuz',a video con- pants. "In our base case, we expect trial workers dipped to 5.1 per May 2020 increased by 1 point ferencing platform, to cash in It would be available free of the non-performing loans to cent in May due to lower and stood at 330. On 1-month on virtual interactions that cost for the coming two shoot up to 13-14 per cent of prices of certain food items percentage change, it increased were increasing due to the months and can be accessed total loans in the fiscal year and kerosene oil. by 0.30 per cent between April COVID-19 situation. from round the globe. ending March 31, 2021, The retail inflation for month (April 2020) and 8.65 and May, 2020 compared to The unprecedented times "Working remotely has compared with an estimated industrial workers is measured per cent during the corre- 0.64 per cent increase between have pushed businesses across It promises unparalleled user built-in recording feature, posed a huge challenge in the 8.5 per cent in the previous through Consumer Price sponding month ( May 2019) the same months of the previ- the world to shift to remote experience like simple click among others. way we work and video confer- fiscal year," said S&P Global Index for Industrial Workers of the previous year," a labour ous year. ?The maximum working, and given the rise in schedule meetings, high qual- Fokuz would be available encing has become an integral Ratings credit analyst Deepali (CPI-IW). "Inflation based on ministry statement said. upward pressure in current demand for a safe and hassle- ity video and audio, secure across Android and iOS part of our daily life," founder Seth-Chhabria. all items stood at 5.10 per cent Similarly, as per the data, index came from Food group free platform, Fokuz was devel- experience, go live option to devices as well as Windows and & CEO (sales, Fokuz), for May, 2020 as compared to food inflation stood at 5.88 per contributing 0.67 percentage oped in four months, the com- any social media handles, macOS computers thus Skyislimit Technologies Pvt 5.45 per cent for the previous cent against 6.56 per cent in the points rise to the total change. pany said ina press release. effortless screen shares and enabling new seamless experi- Ltd Manodh Mohan said. 9

Wednesday July 1 2020 Gifting a livelihood reemasons of the formation of Grand Gurudwara with belts and Telangana, on the Lodge of England when locks. eve of Universal Freemasonry in its present A new initiative F Brotherhood day, form took shape 303 years “Freemasons Meals on launched “Gift-A- ago on this very date in Wheels” was flagged off to Livelihood”, an 1717”. UBD is observed by feed the food to 500 poor initiative to help small Freemasons to propagate, people in honour and memo- traders, self-employed and ideate the basic concept of ry of Col B Santosh Babu and petty traders affected by Freemasonry, added D. 19 other martyrs. This was COVID-19 to restart their Ramchandram. taken up in association with businesses. The group gave away Amma Odi, an NGO. It is a A small get-together held materials, tools, sewing pilot project to undertake the in the city recently was where machines, bicycles to 15 ben- distribution of meals to the this ambitious project was eficiaries. Its members poor continuously in the unveiled. A two-minute Indersingh Malhotra and future. silence was observed as a others helped in identifying Freemasons earlier handed remark of respect to the 20 beneficiaries who comprised over a still camera Canon 200 Galwan Martyrs who made of four women tailors, a cob- D Mark-II to P. Manohar supreme sacrifice in service bler, a scooter mechanic, a Chary, a 9th Class Student of the nation. tea vendor, four priests who who wanted to pursue his The programme was were given away bicycles to photography hobby and also organised under the leader- commute; pushcart for a fruit earn pocket money to sup- ship of three Assistant vendor, Cutting, Drilling port his education. The boy Regional Grand Machines to a Carpenter, an earned Rs 1,000/- pocket Masters(ARGMs) Madan Electrician, a petty trader at money during the lockdown Mohan Lal, Maddulete, and and support a family of four D. Ramchandram. Senior with rice sufficient for two members of the fraternity months. The total project was Vishwanathan Ganesh, worth Rs 1.65 lakh. Suresh Khemani graced the Freemasons of Telangana occasion and explained the plan to extend financial sup- importance of Universal port to the needy, poor HYDERABAD KA Brotherhood Day. The brief traders, self-employed, petty handing over formality held businessmen, small-time in three batches of select peo- workers who lost their ple at a time at different tim- income source due to ings to ensure social distance. COVID. The group also Speaking on the occasion plans to provide post- Madan Mohan, Maddulete COVID survival skills to help said, “The Universal people earn a better and Brotherhood Day day is more sustainable business for WONDER KID! observed to commemorate their living. t the age of 2, His talents clearly don't give Devamsh Pursuing his playgroup classes always rush to cars whenever Narayanam staggers at Toddlers Den school, initial- he saw them and would pose away his age. Meet Devamsh names of over a ly, it was getting difficult for for pictures with them. As he A hundred cars manu- him to be alone but in a very grew, he was inquisitive about factured across the short time, he has surpassed the names of the models and Narayana, a talented world! Having an unusual pas- everyone in his class both in would recall the details the next sion for automobiles, this kid is academics and sports activities. time he saw them. Unlike other 2-year-old sprouting in the city gifted with an exceptional “The lockdown has been a kids of his age, he was always memory and grasping power. blessing in disguise, it has keen to hear interesting anec- of Hyderabad who knows and Born to the city’s famous cou- helped both of us identify his dotes about cars. He now has a turier Archita Narayanam and strong interest in cars and also wide collection of toy cars and loves every car he has ever industrialist Nikhil his excellent memory. We then spends his time with them. Narayanam, the kid is like a felt we can teach him about 20 Unbelievable memory reten- seen. This meaningful output mini encyclopaedia of motor car brands. Then we extended tion and a brain that works machines. it unto 50 and he was able to faster than a boy is what at such a tender age has his “We noticed his extraordi- learn them all within a week. Devamsh is being known for nary abilities during our trip to We then made a video of him across the city now! Apart parents talk to The Pioneer's the USA when he was just about identifying and recalling all of from having mind-boggling a year old. The wide range of them at rocket pace. He was abilities at a tiny age, he’s a reg- SHIKHA DUGGAL on how four-wheelers there seemed to eager to learn more and asked ular child who aces his studies excite him to no end. Every us to teach him of new car and loves playing. The tiny boy he excels, his extraordinary time a car whizzed past, his eyes brands,” shares his father. currently harbours aspirations and focus used to be riveted on At an age where he could of finding a cure for the novel talent, and more... them,” says his mom, Archita. barely walk, Devamsh would Coronavirus! From sports to acting...

out of the Do you remember Ragasudha from Kotha Bangaru Lokam? A character that we all loved BOX for her innocence and chirpiness. Sushma Kiron who played Ragasudha and impressed us all with her acting in many serials, was also a national-level sports player. Yes, you heard it right. Sushma speaks to K RAMYA SREE about her journey to acting, reason for not doing films, encouraging Telugu talent and more.....

OURNEY from his office to audition that give me good weightage. believe in it. My mom said, called for a game show in FROM for the Kotha Bangaru That’s another reason for not just because one person is a popular channel. She SPORTS TO Lokam film. I feel lucky, I doing films. bad doesn’t mean the entire was without work for ACTING... bagged the role and it is still ONLY A FEW SPORTS industry is bad. She used to sometime and there was J one of my favourite charac- come with me for shoots ini- no flow of cash. She was I was a sportsper- ARE RECOGNISED ters I have ever played. It HERE... tially. Later, she stopped as extremely happy and son. I used to attend gave me immense fame. she is a government employ- teary eyed to receive triathlons (1.5 km swim- Once you put the makeup ee and she had problems in some amount for ming, 40k cycling and 10k DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE MY ROLES... on, you get used to the fame availing leaves. My sister’s in attending the show. We run). I was a national player. and recognition. You receive laws would travel with me. all should come together I once attended an audition Although I received a couple similar fame even in sports. and promote Telugu tal- for Chinnari serial in 2006 TELUGU ACTORS of offers from films, i didn’t But here only a few sports MUST BE ENCOUR- ent. and got through. I played a know how to choose my are recognised. It is good negative role and I was show- AGED... CREATING YOUTUBE roles as I was very new and I when people recognise you CHANNEL... ered with a lot of love and was doing a couple of serials and compliment you for With the Corona effect, i support from the audience too by then. Since I was what you do. I got that fame felt Telugu artists will start Never be disappointed back then. That’s how my scared to make a decision and love from people for my receiving offers but sadly, it for not receiving work. journey from sports to acting about films, I continued on acting. Another thing is that, didn’t happen. A lot of There are other ways too to took place. the small screen. In 2009, i in sports, encouragement Telugu actors are disap- eke out a living. For WORKED AS NEWS married Ravi garu and took a from the government is pointed with the fact that instance, YouTube. With ANCHOR... break from work for a while. needed. And all sports actors including second my husband’s encourage- I was playing his sister role in should be treated the same. lead and all other roles are ment and support, we Meanwhile, I gave another the serial back then. After being hired from started our own YouTube audition for a film back then, SUPPORTIVE my marriage, I was asked to PARENTS... Bengaluru and other states. channel. Just like my during which I was offered a leave the show as they didn’t Noone is ready to raise mother, my husband too news anchor job for TV 5. I want Ravi’s real life wife to When I got into acting, my their voice against this. encourages me a lot. I’m worked there for a couple of play his sister on screen. I parents, especially my mom, There is a lot of talent in lucky that my son too months for Movies and Masti was a little disappointed were very supportive. My Telugu states too. We understands and sup- show and later took part in then. I also did a film called mom too received some should encourage and pro- ports my work. I will Kingfisher Superstar Zee Napoleon. One week or so offers back then but she mote our people first, later not say, Youtube will pay Telugu Anveshana. Although before the release of the film, couldn’t pursue as she was hire from different states. you a lot of money. If I didn’t win, the channel the producer-actor of the not allowed to. My mom did- For instance, Kannada seri- the content is good, peo- promised a role in one of film happened to meet my n’t want to impose those als mostly don’t hire cast ple will watch you and their serials. Later, i took part husband and he said they restrictions on me. There from other states, and simi- shower their love on in a similar show on Maa TV had to delete the scenes were outsiders who discour- lar is the case with Tamil you. I’m saying this and went till the semi finals. where I was seen to crunch aged my parents for support- industry too. I feel we too because if no one is hir- Dil Raju sir who was the the length of the film. I was ing my decision. They used should implement some- ing you, then you chief guest for the event at very disappointed and decid- to call a few names and thing like that so our locals become your own boss Lalita Kalathoranam noticed ed not to act in small films would say that the entire have a handful of work. and do something out me and I later received a call and only accept big projects industry is bad. But we don’t Recently, a senior artist was there on YouTube. 10

Wednesday July 1 2020 what’s brewing? Akshay's ‘Sooryavanshi', ‘Would love to Ranveer's ‘83' confirm theatrical release dates do investigative limited TV show' ctress Alia Bhatt Without revealing much Kailash. This is a place is looking for- about the plot, the actress where all search ends. ward to making said that Sadak 2 is not a Sadak 2 is the road to A her digital debut recreation. love,” she said. with the pre- “The film has different On the personal miere of her film love stories and also has front, the actress Sadak 2, and says she is (an element of) thrill. The said she is open to the idea of diving villain is someone very dif- spending her deep into the streaming ferent and totally unexpect- lockdown platform. ed,” Alia said. period by She even shared the Sadak 2 also stars Aditya learning gui- genre on her wishlist: An Roy Kapur. tar and doing investigative limited TV The actress said that meditation. show. working on the film was a “I thought “Actors not only in the homecoming in its true learning gui- West but over here also are sense. tar would be working directly on the “That the whole family is easy, but it OTT. (Web) has created a coming to make a film is hard. I huge opportunity for actors together. That emotion is have also to showcase their talent,” of another level altogether... started tak- she said while using the I always wanted to be pic- ing medita- elease dates of two on Monday, among other #Christmas *IN CINEMAS*.” recent success of web series turised in a song from the tion classes, of Bollywood's hyped projects. In Rohit Shetty’s like Sushmita Sen-starrer Bhatt camp, which has and helps most anticipated While there is no informa- Sooryavanshi, Akshay will be web series Aarya and been famous for its me keep R films this year, the tion yet on when cinema seen as ATS officer Veer Special Ops series to sup- music,” she added. calm dur- Akshay Kumar- halls will reopen, multiplex Sooryavanshi on a lookout port her point. Alia also released the ing this starrer chains have confirmed the for terrorists planning a “If I’m offered something first poster of the film, time.. I Sooryavanshi and 83 starring release date of the most deadly strike on Mumbai. that I connect with, I which showed Mount have also Ranveer Singh, have been awaited films of the year. Ajay Devgn and Ranveer would love to do an inves- Kailash at the end of a long spent my confirmed. After being “Exciting times ahead.. Singh will also reprise their tigative type limited TV road. She also read out a time watch- delayed due to the COVID- Gearing up to release Rohit roles of Singham and show. It would be quite message from her father, ing content on 19 pandemic, Sooryavanshi Shetty’s Sooryavanshi on Simmba in cameos, to help interesting,” she added. which explained the my TV,” she will release on Diwali while Diwali and Kabir Khan’s 83 Akshay bust the terror plot. Alia’s Sadak 2 is skipping thought behind the poster. said. 83 has been scheduled for on Christmas this 2020!,” a Actress Katrina Kaif will be the traditional theatrical “Mount Kailash, the age- Sadak 2 will Christmas this year. tweet by PVR Cinemas read. seen as Veer Sooryavanshi’s route, and going for a digi- less mountain, has the release on the The announcements come Trade expert Taran Adarsh wife while Jackie Shroff plays tal platform. footprints of gods and streaming at a time when a slew of films also posted: “BIGGG the antagonist. Sooryavanshi The film marks the sages. It is the abode of the platform — including big-ticket releas- DEVELOPMENT... also features Gulshan Grover, return of Mahesh Bhatt as god of all gods, Lord Shiva. Disney+ es like the Akshay Kumar- #Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Singh, Niharica director after two decades, So do we really need any- Hotstar starrer Laxmmi Bomb, Bhuj #83TheFilm to release in Raizada, Sikandar Kher and and is a sequel of the 1991 thing else or actors in that under starring Ajay Devgn, and the *theatres* first... Plans to Nikitin Dheer. The film is hit Sadak, which featured sacred space? Since the Disney+ Alia Bhatt-starrer Sadak 2 — release #Sooryavanshi in presented by Reliance Pooja Bhatt and Sanjay beginning of time humani- Hotstar committed for digital release #Diwali and #83TheFilm in Entertainment. Dutt in the lead roles. ty found its shelter in Multiplex. KALKI KOECHLIN ON MOTHERHOOD: #LOVETHISJOB

ctress and new of herself with her daugh- tioned the adorable image. Hersberg welcomed mother Kalki ter Sappho sitting on her Kalki’s friend and actress Sappho in February 2020. Koechlin has lap. She said that she is Sayani Gupta was quick to On the work front, A posted a picture loving the job of being a comment on the image Kalki was last seen in the with her mother, hashtagging and wrote: film Gully Boy starring “favourite words like “motherhood” ‘Olllleeeeeeeeee’.” Ranveer Singh and Alia munchkin” Sappho on and “Lovethisjob”. Kalki keeps sharing Bhatt. The film is directed social media. “Favorite munchkin glimpses from Sappho’s by Zoya Akhtar. She was Kalki took to Instagram, #Sappho #motherhood life on social media. The also seen in the web-series where she shared a picture #lovethisjob," Kalki cap- actress and her beau Guy Bhram.

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. WEDNESDAY | JULY 1, 2020 11

NYC mayor seeks $ 1bn Indian-American is Biden’s Flu virus with ‘pandemic Divorce granted on wife's Most police cut amid protest campaign's digital chief potential’ found in China refusal to wear sindoor Read week after a “defund the police” protest became a full-blown ndian-American Medha Raj has been named by Democratic esearchers in China have discovered a new type of swine flu bserving that the refusal to wear "shaka" (conch shell bangle) Aoccupation outside City Hall, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Ipresidential candidate Joe Biden as his digital chief of staff, a Rthat is capable of triggering a pandemic, according to a study Oand "sindoor" (vermillion) as per customs by a Hindu married NEWS Monday he has a plan for the New York City police department key role in his election campaigns which are entirely going published Monday in the US science journal PNAS. Named G4, it woman amounted to her refusal to accept the marriage, the budget to be slashed by USD 1 billion. The mayor, a virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. In this is genetically descended from the H1N1 strain that caused a Gauhati High Court has granted divorce to a man. Democrat, declined to discuss the sources of what he called capacity, Ms Raj will work across all facets of the digital pandemic in 2009. It possesses "all the essential hallmarks of After hearing a matrimonial appeal filed by the husband, a division “savings” for the nation's largest police department, saying at a department to streamline and coordinate how to maximise the being highly adapted to infect humans," say the authors, bench comprising Chief Justice Ajai Lamba and Justice Soumitra news briefing that the cuts are still being negotiated with the City impact of its digital outputs, Joe Biden's campaign said. scientists at Chinese universities and China's Center for Disease Saikia set aside an order of the family court which rejected his Council. But he said spending on capital projects would be "Excited to share that I've joined Joe Biden's campaign as the Control and prayer for divorce on the ground that no cruelty was found on the reduced by USD 500 million and there could be changes to the Digital Chief of Staff. 130 days to the election and we're not Prevention. From part of the wife against him. The man had appealed in the high department's role in policing schools. Money would be deferred to going to waste a minute!" she said on LinkedIn. Ms Raj comes 2011 to 2018, court against the family court's order. "... her refusal to wear the city's chronically underfunded public housing system and to from Pete Buttigieg's campaign, who has now endorsed Joe researchers took "sakha and sindoor" will project her to be unmarried and/or signify youth programs, de Blasio said.“The NYPD did a hell a good job in Biden. The news was first reported by CNN, which the news 30,000 nasal her refusal to accept the marriage with the appellant (husband). saying, 'Ok, here's a bunch of things we could do while sting channel said is part of the efforts of the Biden campaign to swabs from pigs Such categorical stand of the respondent (wife) points to the clear following weeks of protests over the death adapt to an almost entirely virtual campaign trail brought on by in intention of the respondent that she is unwilling to continue her of George Floyd and other Black the coronavirus pandemic. slaughterhouses conjugal life with the appellant," the high court said in the Americans killed by law enforcement. in 10 Chinese judgment passed on June 19. The man and the woman had Organizers have called it “Occupy City provinces and in married on February Hall” - a nod to the 2011 Occupy Wall a veterinary hospital, allowing them to isolate 179 swine flu 17, 2012, but they Street movement a few blocks away in viruses. The majority were of a new kind which has been started fighting soon Zuccotti Park.The group directed its dominant among pigs since 2016. The researchers then carried as she started demands - scrawled on colorful out various experiments including on ferrets, which are widely demanding not to live placards, a canvass of graffiti used in flu studies because they experience similar symptoms to along with his family and a massive poster taped humans -- principally fever, coughing and sneezing. G4 was members. As a over a subway entrance - observed to be highly infectious, replicating in human cells and consequence, the two at de Blasio and Council causing more serious symptoms in ferrets than other viruses. have been living Speaker Corey Tests also showed that any immunity humans gain from separately since June Johnson. exposure to seasonal flu does not provide protection from G4. 30, 2013. SINGLES BURNLEY IN CONTENTION FOR EURO SPOTS London: Burnley captain Ben Mee marked his 300th CAPTAINCY WON’T CHANGE MY STYLE: STOKES appearance for the club by scoring in a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday as the Clarets climbed to eighth in the Premier League table. Victory saw Sean Dyche's visitors go level on points with Spurs and keep English all-rounder says leadership responsibility will not affect his desire to influence each match as a player alive their hopes of European football next season. PTI n LONDON AUS-ZZIM ODI SERIES POSTPONED Melbourne: The One-Day series between Australia tar all-rounder Ben Stokes says he None better than Ben to and Zimbabwe was on Tuesday postponed by mutual won’t change his playing approach agreement between the two boards due to the Covid-19 Swhen he will lead England in the pandemic. The three-match series was to be played in absence of regular skipper Joe Root for the step in for Root: Hussain August 9, 12 & 15. Zimbabwe have not visited Australia Test series-opener against the West Indies. since the 2003-04 and in their last ODI meeting, the Vice-captain Stokes was on Tuesday LONDON: Former England Ben will happily hand the “I don’t think there’s team from African nation had beaten Clarke-captained named captain for the opening Test captain Nasser Hussain captaincy back to him. anyone in world cricket side in a 2014 tri-series played in Harare. against at Southampton from July 8 in feels Ben Stokes will do He will certainly bring who does as much as Ben place of Root, who will be with his wife well as a one-time skipper, passion and energy to Stokes. Maybe Virat Kohli GETAFE BOOST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES for the birth of their second child. however, handing him the captaincy,” he added. but he doesn’t bowl. Madrid: Jaime Mata scored twice as Getafe beat fellow “I hope that I always try to set the armband permanently Hussain also spoke Stokes’ plate is full and European hopefuls Real Sociedad 2-1 on Monday to example in terms of attitude and commit- would be something The about the prospect of when he does something give their push for Champions League qualification from ment If I am in charge that’s not going to Three Lions should be handing over the role per- there are never any half a boost. Getafe had seen their top-four bid hit by change the way that I go about things,” concerned about. manently to Stokes and measures. Stokes has to do a four-game winless run since the league restarted Stokes was quoted as saying by the BBC. “There is no one bet- stated it might not be a everything at a hundred following the coronavirus pandemic, but they moved Stokes had a phenomenal run in the ter than Ben Stokes to step good idea to put further miles per hour — there is back to within two points of fourth-placed Sevilla. past one year as he helped England to in for Joe Root as a short- pressure on someone who no other way for him. World Cup final victory and played a key term captain when is already giving the team “So his workload is in BRESNAN PENS 2 YR WARWICKSHIRE DEAL role in his side’s stunning Ashes win over England take on West everything in all three the red zone without the London: Warwickshire county cricket club has signed Australia at Headingley. Indies in the first Test departments of the game. mental strain of captaincy former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan on a two-year The 29-year-old, who has played 63 next week,” Hussain wrote “The long term is a and history tells you if you deal that covers up to the end of the 2022 season. Tests since 2013, says positivity influences in his column for the different matter. With the give the job to your best Bresnan will join the Bears initially on a loan deal, his conduct on the field and that will con- Daily Mail. full-time England cap- all-rounder, the graph will subject to clearance from the ECB, which covers the tinue. “Stokes is extremely taincy comes expectancy, go down the longer he remainder of the 2020 county season. “I'm thrilled to be “In terms of how I want to influence loyal, so Root would not selection, ups and downs does the job. The last joining Warwickshire. It's a club that I've always the game, I try to have a positive effect with have to worry he would be and a lot of things that can thing England need is for admired, and I've always thoroughly enjoyed playing at the ball or bat in my hand. No matter what handing his job over to weigh you down. So I Stokes to be affected by Edgbaston with Yorkshire and England,” Bresnan said. I do in terms of choosing what to do in a someone with any kind of would be concerned about high office. Some players situation, it will always be the positive ulterior motive of wanting giving it to Ben perma- do not need an armband WOMEN'S INDIAN OPEN GOLF CANCELLED route,” the Durham all-rounder said. to take it for good. nently at some point down to lead and Stokes is one Gurugram: The Hero Women's Indian Open golf If Stokes is given the captaincy, he will “When Joe returns the line,” Hussain wrote. of them,” he added. IANS tournament was on Tuesday cancelled in view of the be first all-rounder since Andrew Flintoff Covid-19 pandemic. The tournament, co-sanctioned by to lead England and 81st skipper overall. England is a huge honour — even if it’s if the opportunity presents itself, but also leading a side but would bank on support and wouldn’t want to just think that my the Ladies European Tour in 2010, was scheduled for He was named vice-captain in 2017 only the once you can still say ‘yeah, I’ve at the same time I know I’m only stepping from his experienced players. way is the only way,” he said. October. It will now return to the Gary Player Course at but he lost the position following the captained England’. in for the one game because of Joe’s per- “We’ve got some really experienced “There are 11 guys out on the field, so DLF Golf and Country Club in October next year. The Bristol nightclub incident that year. “It’s a huge honour to think about, and sonal situation.” guys out in the field who I can use. I’d like why not get 10 other opinions on some- Ladies European Tour and Women's Golf Association of “Getting the opportunity to captain something I’m really looking forward to Stokes does not have experience of to think that I’ll be quite an open captain thing that you’re thinking about?” India (WGAI) said “keeping the health and safety as top priority” such a decision became necessary. APPOINT VORO AS HEAD COACH Ramiz advises Azhar to Valencia: Spanish football club Valencia have sacked 6 Pak players test Covid -ve; to join squad in Eng head coach and have appointed Voro PTI n LAHORE Pakistan Cricket Board. Spinner Kashif Bhatti, Gonzalez as their new manager. “Valencia CF have “The players were pacers Haris Rauf and ‘focus on his own batting’ communicated to Albert Celades his removal from his ix Pakistani cricketers, retested on Monday, 29 Imran Khan and batsman hosts recorded as convincing 2- position as the first-team coach, with immediate effect,” Swho were found to be June, following a first nega- Haider Ali still remain in LAHORE: Former Pakistan crick- 0 series whitewash. “My advice the club said in a statement. It further said that Gonzalez Covid-19 positive ahead of tive test on 26 June,” the quarantine. eter Ramiz Raja has suggested for Azhar will be to first focus will be in charge of the first team coaching staff from IPL should sever ties with the team’s departure for PCB said in a statement In all, 10 Pakistani current Test captain Azhar Ali on his own batting. His captain- Tuesday until the end of the season. This is the sixth England last week, have on Tuesday. players were found coro- to focus on his own batting cy wasn’t good in Australia and time that he has coached the team. now tested negative for the Of these, Hafeez navirus-positive before and lead from the front also in recent times his form Chinese sponsors: Wadia second time in three days caused quite a stir when the team left for when they take on England has not been that great,” Raja SILVA, CHOUPO EXTEND CONTRACTS AT PSG PTI n NEW DELHI Chinese mobile phone making them eligible to join he got himself test- England on in the much-anticipated told Dawn News. “So he should Paris: Paris Saint-Germain have announced that maker Vivo is the IPL the squad in the UK. ed at a private Saturday. series in August. be focus on his batting Thiago Silva, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Sergio ings XI Punjab co- title sponsor and it pays Fakhar Zaman, facility, which The PCB Raja pointed first so that he can inspire Rico have extended their contracts with the club until Kowner Ness Wadia the BCCI `440 crore Mohammad Hasnain, found him said six play- towards Pakistan’s his teammates. Also, its the end of season. The Brazilian defender, the Cameroon on Tuesday called for a annually for the five- Mohammad Hafeez, negative just a ers “are now tour of Australia a great chance for striker and the Spanish goalkeeper will therefore be gradual end to Chinese year deal ending in 2022. Mohammad Rizwan, day after the eligible to last year where Babar Azam to again available for the Coupe de France final against Saint- sponsorship in the Other companies Shadab Khan and Wahab first PCB test join the Azhar could impress the world Etienne on July 24 and the Coupe de la Ligue final Indian Premier League involved in the IPL — Riaz have been found neg- put him in Pakistan men’s muster only 62 like he did in against Lyon on July 31. They will also be eligible for the amid escalating tensions Paytm, Swiggy, Dream ative in the latest round of the infected national cricket team runs in four Australia,” he final rounds of the CL in Lisbon from August 12 to 23. between the two coun- 11 — have Chinese testing conducted by the list. in Worcestershire.” innings as the added. IANS AGENCIES tries owing to the violent investments. Not just the clash in eastern Ladakh IPL, the teams too earlier this month. attract Chinese spon- Calls for boycotting sorship. Chinese products have While Wadia made ‘Rohit is one of greatest ODI openers’ intensified after 20 his stance clear, other PTI n NEW DELHI quality in Rohit Sharma is that he goes Indian soldiers were teams, including for these big hundreds and double killed in the Galwan Chennai Super Kings, tylish India batsman Rohit Sharma hundreds, that is something amazing,” Valley clash on June 15. said they will be happy Sis one of the greatest ever ODI Srikkanth said on Star Sports show The incident to go with whatever the openers, considering his ability to score Cricket Connected. prompted the BCCI to Government decides. daddy hundreds, says former captain “In a one-day match, you will go call a meeting of the “It will be tough to Krishnamachari Srikkanth. 150, 180, 200, just imagine where you IPL Governing Council replace them initially Out of his 29 ODI centuries, 11 are going to take the team to, that’s the to review Chinese spon- but if it has to be done Finch in awe of times Rohit has scored in excess of 140, greatness about Rohit,” said the 60- sorships but that meet- for the sake of the including three double hundreds. year-old Srikkanth, who played 43 ing is yet to take place. nation, we should do it,” Srikkanth, who himself was an Tests and 146 ODIs between 1981 and On Monday, India a CSK source said. Kohli’s consistency explosive opener during his playing 1992. banned 59 Chinese apps. Another team MUMBAI: The weight of expectations in a cricket- days, said Rohit will be in the top-3 or The 30-year-old Rohit has so far “We should do it owner said: “Let the mad country like India is huge but Virat Kohli has top-5 in the list of all time greatest played in 224 ODIs, scoring 9115 runs India all-rounder Krunal Pandya on Tuesday (sever ties with Chinese Government decide first, done an exceptional job leading the side, says openers. “I would rate him as one of at an average of 49.27 with 29 hundreds resumed outdoor training after more than three sponsors in IPL) for the whatever they decide, Australia’s limited overs skipper Aaron Finch. the greatest all-time one-day openers and 43 fifties. His highest score is 264, months at IPCL Sports Complex Ground in sake of the nation. we will follow”. Finch said all players are expected to endure in world cricket. What’s the greatest Rohit Sharma reacts after scoring 264 against Lanka which is a world record. Vadodara @krunalpandya24/Twitter Country comes first, However, Wadia some bad time but players like Kohli, Steve Smith, money is secondary. said it is not right to Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar are exceptions. And it is the Indian await Government’s “Every player, regardless of who it is, has a bad Matip out of Premier League, not the directive on the contro- series. But very very rarely do you see Kohli, (Steve) Chinese Premier League. versial subject as “it is Smith, even going back (Ricky) Ponting, Sachin Proteas return to training It should lead by exam- our moral responsibility (Tendulkar), these guys they don’t have two bad try’s Sports Ministry. women’s High Performance Miller, Sarel Erwee, Khaya final 7 games ple and show the way,” to stand with the nation series in a row,” Finch said on the Sony Ten Pit Stop According to Cricket training squad are still being Zondo, Daryn Dupavillon, LIVERPOOL: Liverpool defend- Wadia said on Tuesday. at this hour”. show. “The pressure of playing for India is one but South Africa, the players will deliberated upon. Keshav Maharaj, Senuran er Joel Matip will miss the “Yes it would be dif- “If I was the BCCI also leading India is another and the way he (Kohli) train in small monitored Muthusamy, Keagan Petersen, remaining matches of the ficult to find sponsors president, I would say has done it, so consistently for a long time. groups with identified coach- TRAINING SQUAD Imran Tahir, Lutho Sipamla, Premier League season due to initially but I am sure find me an Indian spon- “And taking over from (MS) Dhoni , the lead- es from their nearest franchise Quinton de Kock, Dean Edward Moore, Anrich a foot injury, the champions there are enough Indian sor for the upcoming ership, that is huge. The expectations were high and teams. Elgar, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Nortje, Sisanda Magala, said on Tuesday. Centre back sponsors who can season. he kept delivering and I think that is the most PTI n JOHANNESBURG The sessions will be in Markram, Junior Dala, Glenton Stuurman, Jon-Jon Matip sustained the injury dur- replace them. We must “Indian companies impressive thing,” he added. accordance with the guide- Theunis de Bruyn, Rassie van Smuts, Rudi Second, Pite van ing Liverpool’s goalless draw have all the respect for need to step up and see Finch was impressed with Kohli’s consistency ed by Quinton de Kock, lines set out by the CSA der Dussen, Shaun von Berg, Biljon, Raynaard van Tonder, with local rivals Everton. the nation and our the same benefits and as a batsman too. LSouth Africa’s 44 crick- Covid-19 steering committee Dwaine Pretorius, Henrich Gerald Coetzee, Pieter Malan, He told Liverpoolfc.com: Government and most opportunities that “What has been so impressive for so long is just eters, who are part of a men’s and approved by the National Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, Zubayr Hamza, Janneman “This season I will be not back importantly for the sol- Chinese companies have his consistency across three formats. To be the best high performance squad, have Institute of Communicable Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Malan, Faf du Plessis, Tony de on the pitch but for next sea- diers who risk their lives seen in the IPL, which is player of all-time in ODI cricket is one thing but returned to training amid the Diseases (NICD). Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Zorzi, Beuran Hendricks, son, I hope I’m going to be for us,” said the known the best T20 league in then to also be in Test cricket and T20 cricket as a Covid-19 pandemic after get- Plans for the commence- Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, George Linde quite early a direct help for the Indian businessman. the world.” rounded player that is remarkable,” he said. PTI ting approval from the coun- ment of training for the Andile Phehlukwayo, David and Kyle Verreynne. team.” IANS 12

Vijayawada Wednesday July 1 2020 tollywood SP to produce local and NAVEEN CHANDRA national web content eading producer situation continues but the Suresh Babu producers should be pre- says he will wait pared to face difficulties L for coronavirus for a year almost. Until the pandemic to cure for coronavirus comes AND SUDHEER VARMA subside before out, I believe the problem thinking of resuming pro- will persist.” duction ventures like Going with the trend, Naarappa and Virata Suresh wants to associate Parvam. “Both the films with content for OTT plat- have sequences which need forms. “We’ve prepared to be shot with a large web series content for local crowd; I can’t shoot them and national consumption. with 40-50 people. Neither We will tie-up with other set for a web show can I change the scenes. production houses to pro- On the other hand, I don’t duce them,” he notes. know when cinema halls Speaking on his younger will reopen. Even if they son Abhiram’s acting aspi- The series is a dark crime thriller consisting of 10 episodes. It deals with open, there’s a question of rations, the chief of the footfalls,” the producer prestigious Suresh hawala rackets and has been developed by a new writer who honed his notes, adding that the Productions adds, “Some industry is going through a directors are penning sto- bad phase now. “I don’t ries for him but nothing’s writing skills in the US, finds NAGARAJ GOUD know till when the current been finalized yet.”

ith theatres remain- gave his in-principle nod to the Parvam and Miss India, the lat- ing shut, a section of show. All these developments ter is set to remake South Naveen the industry is in the transpired much before the first Korean hit Midnight Runners in W process of adapting lockdown was announced, Telugu with Regina Cassandra Neni to modern forms of which is why the series couldn’t and Nivetha Thomas up next. storytelling-on digi- be officially signed on paper.” tal medium. To this end, we’ve The source further adds that goes learnt that director Sudheer it remains to be seen Varma, who is known for his when this project will technical deftness, and Naveen roll, as both Naveen solo Chandra, who is in much- and Sudheer are demand these days, are teaming occupied with ctor Naveen up for what will be their maid- their respec- Neni, who en web series. Bringing them tive other played small together is 100 per cent Telugu projects. A roles in films web channel aha. While the like Nannaku A highly-placed source close former Prematho, to the development tells us has Rangasthalam and Nene exclusively, “The series is a dark some Raju Nene Mantri crime thriller consisting of 10 pend- among others, is going episodes. It deals with hawala ing solo. As he turned a rackets and has been developed por- year older on Tuesday, by a new writer who honed his tions production house KS writing skills in the US. to Film Works announced Sudheer felt that Naveen was wrap a new film with him in the best bet to spearhead it and up in the lead. While the approached him. Bowled over Virata makers haven’t by the content, the actor too announced more details about the film, it will, however, mark the directorial debut of KS BOWLED OVER BY THE Hemraj, with Satyan on CONTENT, THE ACTOR board to compose tunes TOO GAVE HIS IN- PRINCIPLE NOD TO THE SHOW As a writer, my confidence has got a boost: Ravikanth on Krishna and his Leela's success ilmmaker same freedom to tell the Hinduphobic and an insult Ravikanth story the way he conceived. to Hinduism. Their objec- Perepu is pleased “That way I’m lucky with tion was that the titular with the Siddu,” he informs. character had sex with F response his sec- Earlier this week, the multiple women, with one ond film, film courted controversy of them being Radha. Hash Krishna and his Leela, with many north Indians tag Boycott Netflix also which narrates the story of protesting that it is trended on Twitter. While Krishna (played by offering no comments Siddu) who is simulta- on the issue, neously in love with Ravikanth wants peo- two women ple to watch the film (Shraddha Srinath) and before passing their Radha (Shalini verdict. Vadnikatti), has Up next, the direc- received and is contin- tor wants to make a uing to do so. drama on motivation Especially as a writer, and he is keen on it his confidence has got a not being preachy. “If shot in the arm. you’ve watched “Before I question my Krishna and his Leela, self-worth again, I want I ensured that it was to write another script,” not preachy anywhere. he smiles, while adding My thumb rule when I that his confidence write a script includes took a dip a couple of not judging my char- years ago when the film acters, imposing my couldn’t release. “Plus, I beliefs on them and had the pressure of preaching,” he signs many people asking me off. — NG Prasanth Varma's film on when it is going to release. But the period was short-lived.” After a debut like Kshanam, which was laud- ed for its story and the nar- coronavirus back on sets rative, Ravikanth could’ve landed a project with a big- fter wrapping up close to 40 ger hero but he chose to per cent filming of his untitled make his second film with next-which revolves around his best pal Siddu A the COVID-19 pandemic-film- Jonnalagadda, who was yet maker Prasanth Varma has to establish himself as a resumed shooting in lead when the film began. Hyderabad earlier this week, making it Didn’t he feel it was a risk? the third film after Crrush and Super “From day one of the Machi to have gone back to sets. shoot, I felt the project had From operating with a limited crew to a risk factor. Nonetheless, it checking the temperature of artistes never deterred me and before entering the set premises to ensur- Siddu from trying to tell ing that crew dons masks — the unit is the story we wanted. We adhering to the guidelines the govern- didn’t want to fall into the ment has issued. Actors Harsh Vardhan trap of a commercial suc- and Priya are presently filming for some cess as we were of the same key indoors scenes along with a young conviction that if a story is new female actor. effectively told, it will win According to a source, Prasanth con- the audience love. Yes, we ceived an idea — what if a virus attacks had pressure which is why us-some six years ago. “However, when he Actors Harsh Vardhan and we shot it in a tight bud- started writing the story late last year, he Priya are presently filming get… in a budget where we never expected coronavirus to spread as it were safe,” he states. did now. The film’s whole theme will for some key indoors He is of the opinion that revolve around the virus, its effects, scenes along with a young if the film was headlined by including the search for a vaccine,” point- an actor other than Siddu, ed out the source. new female actor he might not have got the