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www.indianhorizon.org RNI NO: DELENG/2013/51507 In memory of Dr Asima Kemal and Prof. Dr. Salim W Kemal [email protected] Volume Issue No: 75 Published from New Delhi & Hyderabad New Delhi, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 No: 7 Pages 12 + 4 pull out (P16) Price: 3.00

I’M STILL QUITE YOUNG, PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA NOT COVID˨19: RCB TRAINING CLARIFIES PUNJAB CM ON IMPACTED BY WESTERN CAMP DEFERRED UNTIL CONTESTING POLLS SANCTIONS FURTHER NOTICE

P-5 P-8 P-11

BRIEFS TELANGANA ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION AGAINST CAA, NPR, NRC

Hyderabad, March 16 pressed its concern over the adopted by a voice vote af- nature of Indian citizenship," sess adequate documentary (IANS) The Telangana As- proposed implementation ter a debate. reads the resolution. proof of citizenship. More- sembly on Monday unani- of NPR and NRC, which may It referred to statements by It noted that there have over, there are serious ques- mously adopted a resolution result in exclusion of large ministers of government of been concerted attempts to tions as to the legality and against Citizenship Amend- number of people. India as well as government tinker with the inclusive and constitutionality of CAA, NPR ment Act (CAA), National "This House, accordingly, of Assam that the CAA is to be non-religious nature of Indi- and NRC." Population Register (NPR) urges the government of used in order to protect non- an citizenship through CAA, "The parliamentary en- and National Register of Telangana to take all neces- Muslims who may have been NPR and NRC. actment of CAA has created Citizens (NRC), terming it as sary steps to safeguard the excluded from the NRC in As- "Besides violating prin- grave apprehensions among an attempt to alter non-reli- people of Telangana from sam, and in future, in the rest ciples of equality, non-dis- various sections of society gious nature of Indian citi- exercises such as NPR and of India."Therefore, this is crimination, secularism, this that it is a prelude to the NPR zenship.The resolution urged NRC," says the resolution nothing less than an attempt concerted attempt will also which will lead to a nation- the Centre to amend CAA by any religion or to any foreign moved by Chief Minister K. to fundamentally alter and endanger the lives of vulner- wide NRC," it said. removing all references to country.The House also ex- Chandrashekahar Rao and undermine the non-religious able groups who do not pos- ...... Continue on Page 3 RAHUL GANDHI DEMANDS NAME OF KAMAL NATH MEETS GOVERNOR AMID TOP 50 WILFULL DEFAULTERS POLITICAL CRISIS IN MP New Delhi, March 16 faulters," Rahul said in the nor for not mentioning the Ileana D’Cruz and (IANS) Former Congress Lok Sabha.Minister of State floor test in the list of busi- Randeep Hooda President Rahul Gandhi for Finance rose to reply to ness of state Assembly’s first on Monday asked in Lok Rahul Gandhi's question, day of the Budget session on collaborate for the Sabha the names of top 50 but the Congress leaders Monday. FIRST time for wilfull defaulters. objected and demanded The Governor had, on late Unfair And Lovely The question was listed answers from the Finance Saturday, written to Chief at serial number 305. Minister. To this, the Minister Kamal Nath, asking Rahul Gandhi asked Speaker said that the MoS him to prove his majority in BJP MLAS TO that government to give banks and have fl ed from can reply to the question. the house. the names and what steps the country will be brought The MoS finance Anurag After that, the BJP had told the government has taken back to India. I asked for the Thakur said that the names him that the electronic voting STAY BACK to recover loans from the names of those who have are on the site and the system in the house was not defaulters."Prime Min- defaulted, but I did not get most of the advances have Bhopal, March 16 (IANS) the state.Earlier in the day, functioning and the Gover- IN MADHYA ister says that those who any reply. My question is been given during the UPA Madhya Pradesh Chief Min- BJP leaders had also met nor, in another letter on Sun- have taken loans from the who are the 50 top wilful de- government. ister Kamal Nath late Sun- Tandon. Leader of Opposi- day, told Kamal Nath that if day night met Governor Lalji tion and BJP leader Gopal the electronic system was not PRADESH Tandon at Raj Bhavan amid Bhargava and Narottam working, then the members Bhopal, March 16 (IANS) The PM MODI CALLS FOR TECH deepening political crisis in Mishra had met the Gover- vote by raising their hands. plan to take the Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legisla- SOLUTIONS TO TACKLE COVID˨19 tors to New Delhi from Bhopal has DELHI ASSEMBLY'S BUDGET SESSION now been cancelled. New Delhi, March 16 dia. These efforts can help The BJP MLAs have returned (IANS) Prime Minister Nar- many. #IndiaFightsCorona," FROM MARCH 23 back from Raja Bhoj airport. How- endra Modi on Monday called the Prime Minister's tweeted. ever, they will not be staying in Ho- for harnessing technology to Even as the government is New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) tel Amer Greens now. tackle the coronavirus (Co- not sparing any effort to stop The Budget Session of the Former Madhya Pradesh minis- vid-19) challenge. the spread of Covid-19, the Delhi Assembly will begin from ter Vijay Shah said: "The Governor Noting that a number of number of confi rmed cases March 23, the Assembly said has written to Chief Minister Ka- people have been suggest- has been steadily ris- on Monday.The Budget Ses- mal Nath to conduct the fl oor test ing technology-driven solu- ing with 114 cases sion of the Assembly begins on Tuesday so the plan to fl y them tions for tackling the pan- being reported till with an address of Lieutenant back to Delhi has been cancelled. demic, Modi urged netizens Monday. Governor Anil Baijal. However, chances are dim that the to share their ideas with the Covid-19 has It will be the third part of Chief Minister will follow the in- government."Harnessing been declared a the fi rst session of the Delhi structions of the Governor." innovation for a pandemic by the Assembly and the fi rst Budget Sources said the BJP MLAs will healthier planet. World Health Orga- of Arvind Kejriwal 3.0 govern- now stay in a hotel in Sehore dis- A lot of people nization with over ment.Finance Minister Man- trict.The BJP MLAs reached Bho- have been sharing 1,70,000 cases be- ish Sisodia will present the pal from Manesar on Sunday. technology-driven ing reported from annual budget on March 25, They attended the fi rst day of the solutions for CO- around 100 coun- while the session is expected Budget session. VID-19. I would urge them to share them on @mygovin- tries across the world. to conclude on March 27. AAP MLA MOHANIYA ACQUITTED MP BJP CITES EIGHT SC RULINGS TO DEMAND IMMEDIATE FLOOR TEST

IN MOLESTATION CASE New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) ernment tottering.On Monday, vs Deputy Speaker, Arunachal by Madhya Pradesh's former New Delhi, March 16 ingly, all the accused are The Madhya Pradesh BJP has the Madhya Pradesh BJP unit Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh (IANS) A court here on entitled to be given benefi t cited the Supreme Court's fi led a plea in the Supreme (2016); the recent Shiv Sena v. Chouhan contended that it is Monday acquitted three of doubt. Hence, accused decisions in eight cases to es- Court seeking an order to the Union of India, (2019), where essential that a fl oor test is con- persons, including AAP persons namely Dinesh tablish the primacy of a fl oor MP Assembly Speaker to hold a apex court directed fl oor test in ducted on March 16, as already MLA Dinesh Mohaniya, Mohaniya, Subhash Shukla test where it is prima facie fl oor test within 12 hours, as per 24 hours; Rameshwar Prasad directed by the Governor, so in a molestation case, and Lalit Chaudhary stand proven that the incumbent the direction issued by Gover- judgement (2006); G. Par- that it becomes absolutely observing that the pros- acquitted,” Additional government does not enjoy nor Lalji Tandon.The BJP cited meshwara (2016), and three clear as to whether the Chief ecution could not build a Chief Metropolitan Magis- the confi dence of the legisla- precedents in the Bommai other judgements where the Minister continues to enjoy case against the accused trate Vishal Pahuja said in ture, and there should be a test witnessing political turmoil af- judgement (1994), the most apex court directed immediate the confi dence of the majority “beyond the reasonable his verdict. of strength on the fl oor of the ter 22 Congress MLAs resigned, cited case in hung Assemblies; conduct of fl oor test.Through of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan doubt”. The court further Assembly.Madhya Pradesh is leaving the Kamal Nath gov- Nabam Rebia & Bamang Felix these cases, the petition fi led Sabha. The MLA was booked on observed that there were June 23, 2016 for allegedly material discrepancies misbehaving with a group and contradictions in IB STAFFER MURDERED ON TAHIR COMMAND, POLICE TELLS COURT of women who had ap- the testimony of star New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) east Delhi."I fi nd force in the Rajawat said while sending fronted with other accused in proached him with a com- witnesses and none of A court here on Monday sent submissions of the investi- Hussain to police custody. the case," the police said.Hus- plaint of a water crisis. the other independent suspended Aam Aadmi Party gating offi cer that to unearth Seeking his custody, Delhi sain was arrested in this case “It is held that the prose- public witnesses sup- (AAP) councillor Tahir Hus- the conspiracy of the reasons Police told the court that IB earlier on Monday, after which cution has not been able to ported the version of sain to four-day police cus- which led to the riots that re- staffer Sharma was alleg- the police was allowed to inter- successfully build the case complainant, this leaving tody in connection with the sulted in massive loss of life edly murdered on Hussain's rogate him within the court. against the accused beyond a big cloud of doubt. murder of an Intelligence and property, police remand command."Everything was After interrogating him for an reasonable doubt. Accord- ...... Continue on Page 3 Bureau (IB) staffer during is required," Chief Metropoli- done on Tahir Hussain's com- hour, the police moved the ap- the recent violence in north- tan Magistrate Pawan Singh mand. He needs to be con- plication for his custody. Indian Horizon 2 City Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Scamsters offer verified Facebook, Hackers eye workers from home in Instagram users $1500 a week New Delhi, March media. We are willing contents every day for 4 selling medical face absence of secure networks 16 (IANS) Cybercrimi- to do advertisements on weeks but you can stop masks on their plat- nals are luring verified your Facebook page,for any time you want," said forms to stop people New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) at home to ensure the security getting exposed to cybercrimi- of the top tech firms, includ- Facebook and Insta- awareness peoples and the sender. from exploiting the With several Indian organ- of confidential organisational nals with many employees us- ing global tech companies with gram users in disguise save humans lives," According to Manan coronavirus emergency. isations implementing work data is the biggest worry, say ing unsecured networks and facilities in India, have asked of spreading awareness read an email that came Shah, Founder and CEO Facebook said that from home for employees leading industry experts. BYOD (bring your own device) their staff to work from home. about novel coronavirus from some obscure of Mumbai-based Ava- coronavirus-related in the wake of growing CO- "Threat actors are lurking to access enterprise networks. In such a scenario, it is impor- (COVID-19), offering health organization. lance Global Solutions, searches on its platform VID-19 threat, hackers have into this phenomenon as an "Businesses who have not tant for businesses and em- them $1,500 per week The sender ap- this is an ongoing email would be greeted with turned their eyes on breaking opportunity. Multiple instanc- prepared for work from home ployees to ensure safety and se- via a global email fraud. proached the verified scam and several veri- an automatic pop-up into companies' networks and es of malicious, automated scenario are likely to have curity of their data to avoid any IANS got access to Facebook user with fied Facebook users are featuring information systems in absence of robust, emails have been reported in employees using their per- disruptions. According to an such emails shared by conditions such as pub- falling for it. from the WHO. The multi-layered firewall and several continents, including sonal devices like smartphones Avast survey out on Monday, verified Facebook users, lishing 1 content per "I think Facebook and company said it will no security solutions within the India, that are getting spooled which may not have the same 39.32 per cent people globally that came from 'health day, "we will pay you Instagram, apart from longer allow people to boundaries of workers' homes. with 'Coronavirus' as a theme," level of security as a corporate- said that they don't receive the organisations', offer- $1500 per week," pay- temporarily banning search for COVID-19 Over 20 lakh employees are Sanjay Katkar, Joint Managing owned device," Katkar added. technological support or exper- ing money to advertise ment terms like PayPal, face mask commerce related AR effects on likely to work from home -- Director and CTO, Quick Heal The Silicon Valley in India tise from their employer, when their awareness content Western Union, payo- listings and ads related Instagram, unless mainly in the Indian IT sector Technologies, told IANS. is virtually under a lock-down they are working from home or on coronavirus on their neer, or any other way to coronavirus, must they were developed -- but how many of them have The work-from-home chants for some days owing to the new in a public place, which makes verified handles on so- you can ask us". Terms also address this email in partnership with a installed best security practices could lead to corporate data coronavirus pandemic. Most security a concerning issue. cial media platforms and condition included fraud that is happening recognized health or- like Facebook. Facebook verificationin the disguise of WHO ganization. According "World Health Organ- to join website and add to spread awareness," to Facebook CEO Mark Social distancing difficult in overcrowded prisons, says SC isation (WHO) is fight- page to publish con- Shah told IANS. Zuckerberg, Facebook ing against CORONA tents. "Assign any ad- Facebook and Insta- is focused on stopping New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The officers and other prison staff enter The top court observed the Direc- VIRUS. We want you min in publishing tool gram have banned ads hoaxes and harmful Supreme Court on Monday said the prisons regularly, and so do visi- tor General of Prisons, Kerala has help us through social who can publish our and commerce listings misinformation. the prisons are overcrowded which tors (kith and kin of prisoners) and set up isolation cells within prisons strikes against the Centre's advice lawyers. "Therefore, there is a high across Kerala. Those suffering with Special claims to maintain "social distancing" and risk of transmission of Covid-19 virus Covid-19 symptoms such as cold Professor Ajay Kumar awarded helpdesk by this posed a major risk against the to the prison inmates. For the rea- and fever are being moved to these Pramerica Life backdrop of outbreak of coronavirus sons mentioned above, our prisons isolation cells. All the new inmates in the country where over 100 people can become fertile breeding grounds who will be admitted to the prisons with Philip Kotler Award at Insurance for have tested positive for the infection. for incubation of Covid-19," added in Kerala will be isolated in the isola- families impacted The Supreme Court has taken suo the court. "If prisoners are tested tion cells in the admissions block for Vigyan Bhawan by Delhi riots moto cognisance of overcrowding in positive for the Covid-19 virus, im- six days before permitting their entry prisons across the country. mediate measures have to be taken into the regular prison cells. "Simi- Delhi,16,March,World Marketing Delhi, March 16, 2020: "While the Government of India for their quarantining and medical larly, an isolation ward has been set Summit and Philip Kotler Award In light of the recent un- advises that social distancing must treatment," it stressed. up in the Tihar Jail. was organized for the first time in rest and riots in North be maintained to prevent the spread Delhi, the capital of the country. East Delhi, Pramerica of Covid-19 virus, the bitter truth is More than one thousand people Life Insurance has sim- that our prisons are overcrowded, took part in this program organized plified the death claim making it difficult for the prisoners IN THE BOMBAY CITY CIVIL COURT AT BOMBAY , in Vigyan Bhavan. The Prime Min- settlement process for to maintain social distancing," said Chamber Summons .No.2121 of 2019 ister was awarded the first Philip its customers.To help a special bench headed by Chief SUIT NO. 8577 OF 1994 (H.C SUIT NO.2381 OF 1994) Kotler Presidential Award from New the bereaved families, Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Delhi last year, similarly this time Pramerica Life Insur- Justice L Nageswara Rao, which was Unit Trust of India ( UTI) a corporation Established by an act of Parliament , Having its registered Dr. Ajay Kumar, Director of GL Bajaj ance has set up a “Claims not part of the roster on Monday but office at 13, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey Marg ,Bombay 400020 through their constituted Institute, was also honoured with Helpdesk” to render pro- took up the hearing on the matter of Attorney M/s. Stock Holding Corporation Of India Ltd. this award. In this program, Dr. Ajay active service to the ben- "public importance relating to medi- ....Plaintiff ... V/s Kumar was honored for his contri- eficiaries of the affected cal assistance to prisoners". The top 1.M/ s. Reliance Industries Limited ) 2. M/s Reliance Consultancy Services Ltd. Defendants butions over the years in the plan policyholders. The sim- court observed that there are 1,339 AND ( 1.) Gulabchand Chandulal Bafna , (2) Kanubhai Chandulal Parikh Adult, having address at, implementation and operation of plification of claim docu- prisons in this country, and approxi- 5/148, Nimay Nagar Chandlodia Road, Ahmedabad-382 481. (3) B. R. Sachdeva Adult, Indian having new ideas and methodology in the lar topics like Green Marketing, CSR, mentation requirements mately 4,66,084 inmates in them. address at, 1E/13, JhandewanExtn, New Delhi (4) Parikh Alkaben Jatinkumar Adult, Indian , 5/148, field of Marketing. Also in the mod- Best Marketing Methodology, Digital (relaxation in usual re- According to the National Crime Re- Nimaynagr Chandlodia Rd., Ahmedabad-382481. (5) Times Guaranty Financials Ltd., (6) Mr. ern world marketing Summit, popu- Marketing were discussed. quirements) would help cords Bureau, the occupancy rate of Prahalad Ray Agarwal expedite death claim Indian prisons is at 117.6 per cent, To, (1) Kanubhai Chandulal Parikh (2) B.R.Sachdeva (3) Parikh Alkaben ,....Respondents settlement for families and in states such as Uttar Pradesh LET ALL PARTIES CONCERNED appears before the Honourble Judge in Chambers on the 23rd day of impacted by Delhi riots. and Sikkim, the occupancy rate is as March, 2020, in Court Room No. 13 before Honour Judge Shashikala S. Nagur at 11 O'clock/2.45 in the Following documents high as 176.5 per cent and 157.3 per forenoon or soon thereafter for the hearing of Chamber Summons on the part of the Plaintiff above are required to process cent, respectively. named for the following reliefs: (a) That this Hon'ble Court be pleased to pass the necessary order the death claim: ü Mu- "Like most other viral diseases, the nicipal Death Certifi- susceptibility of Covid-19 is greater and directions allowing the Plaintiff herein to amend the cause-title of the above suit by adding the cate or Death Certified in over-crowded places, mass gath- name and addresses of the registered holders/lodger parties (1) GulabchandChandulalBafna, having by any competent Local erings, etc. Studies indicate that con- address at, Kundan, 280/1, M. P. Peth, Pune- 411 042, (2) Kanubhai Chandulal Parikh, having address Government authority tagious viruses such as Covid-19 vi- at, 5/148, Nimay Nagar Chandlodia Road, Ahmedabad-382 481,(3) B. R. Sachdeva, having address at, like Delhi Government rus proliferate in closed spaces such 1E/13, JhandewanExtn, New Delhi, (4) Parikh AlkabenJatinkumar, 5/148, NimaynagrChandlodia Rd., / Government Hospi- as prisons. Studies also establish that Ahmedabad-382481, (5) Times Guaranty Financials Ltd., having address at, The Times of India Bldg., tals / Police Authority. prison inmates are highly prone to Ground Floor, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai-400001, (6) Mr. Prahalad Ray Agarwal, having address at, Completely filled Death contagious viruses," the court ob- C/o Shiva Engineering Works, 2, India Exchange Place, 1st Floor, Kolkata-700001 and allow the Claim Form, Claimant served. Plaintiff to amend the cause title of the Plaint and proceedings as per schedule annexed hereto; ID, residence proof & "The rate of ingress and egress in (b) for ad-interim reliefs in terms of prayers (a) above; And (C) for any other and /or further relief bank account details to prisons is very high, especially since as the nature and circumstances of the present application may require Indian Praja Cogress party Celebrate First Formation Day in Moti nagar Boara banda ensure claims are paid persons (accused, convicts, detenues given under my hand and seal of the court , this day of march 20 Hyderabad,In Group Photo Party Founder and National president Mr K.B Sridhar,Telanagana to correct beneficiary, etc.) are brought to the prisons on a additional registrar ' City Civil Court ' ....seal State President Mr G.Chinna Reddy, Smt e Vijaya Lakshmi Party Treasurer, Mr Narender Insurance policy docu- daily basis," it added. The top court chamber summons is taken out by Reddy Telanagana Working President National General Secretary Mr KHS Sharma, and Te- ment, if available . also noted that several correctional advvocate for Plaintiff 14/15 Mahrashtra Bhawan, Mazzazine Floor Fort mumbai 400001 leugu Film Director Mr Chitrajailu Prasad and Others aslo seen. India reports 28 swine flu deaths in 2020 Bridgestone India mandates New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) outbreak, including H1N1," a RSDC to train Tyre Fitters While the focus of the country is Health Department official said. NEW DELHI-16th-March,2020---In perative that the youth, especially from on the 'epidemic' Covid-19, as The situation of the H1N1 is reg- one of the largest skill training drives the lower social strata, are imparted many as 28 people have lost their ularly reviewed by the Joint Moni- in Rubber sector, a tripartite Memo- training as per the latest technological lives in India due to swine flu this toring Group under the chairman- randum of Understanding (MoU) has advancements for this vital role. This year up to March 1. According to ship of Director General of Health been signed between Bridgestone India initiative will create skilled workforce the Union Health Ministry data, Service (DGHS). "The last meeting and Rubber Skill Development Council and enable safer mobility on Indian there have been over 1,100 deaths of the JMG was held on January (RSDC) under the aegis of National Skill roads” said Parag Satpute, Managing due to swine flu in the country in 8," the official said. The Minis- Development Corporation (NSDC) to Director, Bridgestone India. “Having 2019 and 2018. try of Health and Family Welfare, train as well as reskill the tyre fitters in reskilled and upskilled thousands of tyre "A total of 2,270 deaths were the official added, has provided the country. mechanics under its Saamarth project, reported in 2017 because of the guidelines on the categorization of Under the MoU, Bridgestone India RSDC is privileged to be of assistance to swine flu," the Health Ministry patients, treatment protocol and has mandated RSDC to freshly train Bridgestone for creating a strong line- data accessed by IANS showed. sonal Influenza is a seasonal infec- public health facility may be con- guidelines on ventilatory manage- 1,000 individuals in tyre fitter & repair up of over 3,600 trained tyre mechanics The swine flu deaths in 2018 tion which usually occurs every tacted immediately," the Health ment to the states and the UTs. job role besides reskilling and certifying in the country. These tyre mechanics were 1,128 and that in 2019 were year with two peaks -- January to Ministry advises. "State governments have also been over 2,650 tyre fitters already on board chosen through a rigorous process will 1,218. "A total of 28 deaths have March and July to September. India has declared H1N1 as an advised for vaccination of health with Bridgestone dealers across the be trained on state-of-the-art tools and been reported in India because Preventive measures such as epidemic, while the WHO named care workers dealing with H1N1 country. The MoU was signed by Apurv equipment for tyre repairing & fitting of the swine flu till March 1," the covering the nose and mouth it pandemic in 2009. Now, while cases." Health is a state subject in Choubey, CHRO, Bridgestone India and and will create a new benchmark for Health Minister data said. The with a tissue/handkerchief while the WHO has declared the coro- India and the states or the UTs are Vinod Simon, Chairman, RSDC in the tyre fitters in the country,” said Vinod number of cases reported of the coughing or sneezing, washing navirus as a pandemic, India has having the primary responsibility presence of RSDC’s Governing Council Simon, Chairman RSDC. The project is swine flu per year in the country is hands often with soap and water is called it an epidemic. of the issues related to it. Members and officials of National Skill being executed to bridge the skill gaps also high. While the total cases in advisable to check the spread. There have been 114 positive "However, the Central closely Development Corporation (NSDC). The amongst the tyre fitters in the country. 2017 were 38,811, it came down to "Avoid crowded places; avoid aof the coronavirus (Covid-19) in monitors the Seasonal Influenza training will be provided under Pradhan In a first move of its kind, the Bridges- 15,266 in 2018. However, the coun- touching your eyes, nose or the country while two deaths have situation and have been in regular Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. “Bridges- tone tyre set-ups providing tyre repair- try witnessed 28,798 cases of swine mouth; stay away from crowded been reported as of now. touch with other governments," tone recognizes the fact that tyre repair- ing & fitting services will be branded as flu in 2019. Till March 1, there have places if you have cough/cold; "While Covid-19 is the main the official added. In the national ing & fitting plays a critical role in road “Tyre carewala”. Such branding will also been 1,469 swine flu cases in the drink plenty of water; sleep well. In health crisis before the country, a capital, while zero deaths have safety and in ensuring smooth move- act as morale boosting exercise for tyre country. Swine flu or H1N1 or Sea- case of any symptoms, the nearest close eye has been kept on other been reported in H1N1 in 2020. ment of transport. It is therefore im- mechanics. Indian Horizon Tuesday, March 17, 2020 State 3 Kamal Nath is running away 'Difficult to distinguish between trapped Jamia s from floor test New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Speaker that there should be a ished his customary address. Students, rioters' Member of parliament from floor test in the Assembly after Governor Lalji Tandon in his Satna Lok Sabha constituency his address. address asked the MLAs to up- New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) in Madhya Pradesh, Ganesh "If the Speaker is not doing hold democratic ideals. He also The Delhi Police on Monday told Singh on Monday said Chief this, it is a disrespect to the told the government to hold a a court here that it was "difficult Minister Kamal Nath is run- Governor's order. I feel the floor test on Monday itself. to distinguish between trapped ning away from the floor test as Speaker will take notice of this On the issue of Gujarat MLAs students and rioters" in Jamia he is aware that he lacks major- action." Singh also said that the quitting the party, he said there Millia Islamia during the vio- ity in the house. MLAs are unhappy with Kamal is a fear among the congress lence on December 15 last year. The Lok Sabha MP said giv- Nath. "There is no proof that members that "their future is The police had allegedly ing more time to Kamal Nath they are captive. Why cannot not secure in the party". Four cracked down in the varsity after amounts to cheating to the because he is aware he does he find the missing MLAs?" party MLAs from Gujarat, the protest against the Citizen- people of Madhya Pradesh as not have a majority. He is us- Amidst uproar in the Madhya where Congress is in opposi- ship (Amendment) Act on De- "it is undemocratic for a mi- ing coronavirus as an excuse Pradesh Assembly, Speaker tion, tendered their resignation cember 15, 2019 turned violent. nority government to continue to buy time," Singh said. The N.P. Prajapati on Monday ad- on Saturday which has been Pursuant to the incident, the in office." "Kamal Nath is run- Satna MP said the governor journed the house till March accepted by Assembly speaker varsity administration moved ongoing violence from within the in light of the ongoing violence ning away from the floor test has directed in writing to the 26, just after the governor fin- Rajendra Trivedi. the court seeking registration university campus and to rescue from within the university cam- of an FIR against the police for innocent students trapped inside pus." using excessive against the stu- and to ensure normalcy. "With a view to contain the SADD urges Modi dents. The petitioner claimed "It was difficult to distinguish violence and maintain law and After 30 years, Malik, government not to that the police had "entered the between the trapped students order, the police was constrained campus without permission and and rioters who were found to to enter the university campus. ban Kartarpur visits subjected the students to brutal- be having petrol bombs, all were The police personnel could suc- 6 others charged for IAF ity." asked to be evacuated with their cessfully contain the violent ac- indefinitely "The students were merciless- hands up since this exercise was tivity by temporarily apprehend- ly beaten and abused. Tear gas undertaken as it was already dark ing 52 persons under Section 65 officers murder NEW DELHI, Mar 16 — The SADD shells were fired, lathi charge was in the evening." of the Delhi Police Act," the po- called upon the Modi government not done. Police officials broke open The police sought dismissal of lice added. New Delhi/Jammu, March to ban Kartarpur visits indefinitely be- the main library gate and fired the complaint contending that It said that keeping in mind the 16 (IANS) A court on Monday cause of the coronavirus pandemic. tear gas shells at students study- it was generalised in nature and law and order situation, no uni- charged Yasin Malik, chief of “Banning Kartarpur visits indefinitely ing inside," added the petitioner. that aggrieved individuals have versity student has been arrested banned terror outfit Jammu sends out a wrong message to the Sikh In its action taken report (ATR) already filed writs in the higher so far in the case. Metropolitan & Kashmir Liberation Front community worldwide,” SADD chief submitted on Monday, the police courts. Substantiating it's posi- Magistrate Rajat Goyal has now (JKLF) and six others involved Paramjit Singh Sarna said. “While we said that the action was required tion, the police stated, "The said slated the matter for April 7 for in the killing of four unarmed favour restrictions aimed at contain- to be taken in light of the (then) action was required to be taken further hearing. Indian Air Force officers in ment of the coronavirus spread, we Kashmir in 1990. The charges believe singling out Sri Kartarpur Sahib were framed under section 302, for an indefinite travel ban, as opposed 307 RPC, section3 (3) and sec- to a temporary one, undoes the historic tion 4(1) of TADA Act, 1987 and measure the Modi government took in section 7/27 of Arms Act 1959 , opening up the pilgrim corridor late last section 120-B of RPC. year.” The SADD president urged the Malik and his aide Showkat of the IAF officials. Special NIA been charged with attempt Centre to specify the period for Kartar- Bakshi lodged in Tihar and judge Subhash Gupta had said to murder, murder, criminal pur restrictions. s Ambedkar Nagar jails respec- the court was of a certain view conspiracy, illegal possession “Like in other cases, the Modi govern- tively appeared via video- that sufficient grounds exist for of arms and acts of terror, un- ment should announce a set date for the conferencing, sources said. All drawing presumption that the der several sections of TADA travel ban to Sri Kartarpur Sahib to last, the accused pleaded not guilty accused Yasin Malik, Ali Mo- and Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), such as up to March 31. The measure and sought trial. The case will hammad Mir, Manzoor Ahmed the erstwhile state of J&K's should then be reviewed in the light of be listed on March 30, sources Sofi alias Mustafa, Javedown law. The JKLF chief Malik the coronavirus situation on March 31 said. On Saturday, the Terror- Ahmed Mir alias Malka, Nana is also accused of kidnapping without prejudice.” ists and Disruptive Activities Ji alias Saleem, Javed Ahmed Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Sardar Sarna reminded the Centre Act (TADA) court had said that Zarger and Shoukat Ahmed the then union home minister that a large number Guru Nanak naam there was enough prima-facie Bakshi, prima facie have com- Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and lewas might like to pay obeisance at Sri The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh releasing a book on the former Defence Minister late Shri evidence for prosecuting Malik mitted acts of terror. sister of former chief minister Kartarpur Sahib during the Vaisakhi Manohar Parrikar, in New Delhi on March 16, 2020. The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and for involvement in the killing Malik and his aides have Mehbooba Mufti. celebrations due next month. Defence, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik is also seen.

4 fresh cases of AAP MLA Bommai verdict back in reckoning as BJP COVID-19 in Mohaniya India, total 114 moves SC for immediate floor test in MP cases acquitted in New Delhi, March 16 to the conclusion - and New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The BJP's Madhya records the same in his re- (IANS) Amid the corona- Pradesh unit has cited the port - that for the reasons virus pandemic across molestation case 1994 nine-judge Constitu- mentioned by him, a free the globe, the govern- New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) A court here on tion bench judgement in vote is not possible in the ment on Monday said Monday acquitted three persons, including AAP S.R. Bommai vs Union Of House." that four fresh cases of MLA Dinesh Mohaniya, in a molestation case, India, which held that a S.R. Bommai was the COVID-19 have been observing that the prosecution could not build a Chief Minister's refusal to Chief Minister of the Janata detected in India, with case against the accused "beyond the reasonable test his strength on the floor Dal government in Karna- one each from Jammu & doubt". The MLA was booked on June 23, 2016 for of the Legislative Assembly taka between August 13, Kashmir, Ladakh, Odisha allegedly misbehaving with a group of women who can well be interpreted as 1988 and April 21, 1989. On and Kerala, taking the had approached him with a complaint of a water prima facie proof of his no April 21, 1989, his govern- total number of affected crisis. Mohaniya was charged under Sections 323 longer enjoying the con- ment was dismissed under people to 114. Addressing (voluntary causing hurt), 354 (Assault or criminal fidence of the legislature. Article 356 of the Constitu- a press conference here, force to woman with intent to outrage her mod- The case has become the tion and President's Rule Ministry of Health Joint esty), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (intend- most cited whenever hung was imposed. This was Secretary Lav Agarwal ing to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any Assemblies found its way seen as a common mode said, "Till date 114 cases word, makes any sound or gesture) of the Indian on the political landscape to keep Opposition par- of coronavirus has been Penal Code (IPC). The trio have now been acquitted and parties scrambled to ties at bay. The ground of confirmed in India, with of the charges but directed to submit a bail bond form a government. dismissal was that the gov- 13 cured and 2 deaths." of Rs 20,000 each, as per practice. "It is held that Madhya Pradesh is wit- ernment had lost its ma- "Four fresh cases has the prosecution has not been able to successfully nessing a political turmoil confidence of the house, it ment of the strength of the is difficult to envisage such jority following large-scale been detected, one each build the case against the accused beyond reason- after 22 Congress MLAs re- is the duty of the Governor Ministry is not a matter of a situation. Even assum- defections orchestrated by from Odisha, Ladakh, able doubt. Accordingly, all the accused are entitled signed, leaving the Kamal to direct the government to private opinion of any indi- ing that there arises one, it several party leaders. Then Jammu & Kashmir and to be given benefit of doubt. Hence, accused per- Nath government totter- prove the majority by floor vidual, be the Governor or should be obligatory on the Governor P. Venkatasub- Kerala," he said. He also sons namely Dinesh Mohaniya, Subhash Shukla ing. test. "In this connection, it the President. It is capable Governor in such circum- baiah refused to give Bom- said as a precautionary and Lalit Chaudhary stand acquitted," Additional On Monday, the Madhya is necessary to stress that in of being demonstrated and stances, to state in writing, mai an opportunity to test measure, the govern- Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vishal Pahuja said Pradesh BJP unit filed a all cases where the support ascertained publicly in the the reasons for not holding his majority in the Assem- ment has decided to in his verdict. The court further observed that there plea in the Supreme Court to the Ministry is claimed House," said the judge- the floor-test," the petition bly, despite the Chief Min- expand the minimum were material discrepancies and contradictions seeking an order to the As- to have been withdrawn by ment. cited from the apex court ister presenting him with quarantine of 14 days in the testimony of star witnesses and none of the sembly Speaker to hold a some legislators, the prop- The petition emphasised judgement. a copy of the resolution for passengers coming other independent public witnesses supported the floor test within 12 hours, er course for testing the that any private assess- The nine-judge bench passed by the Janata Dal from UAE, Qatar, Oman version of complainant, this leaving a big cloud of as per the direction issued strength of the Ministry is ment, on the strength of emphasized that wherever Legislature Party. Bommai and Kuwait. He said the doubt. Mohaniya was charged under Sections 323 by Governor Lalji Tandon. holding the test on the floor the legislators in the gov- a doubt arises whether the did not get any relief from decision will come into (voluntary causing hurt), 354 (Assault or criminal Citing the Bommai of the House," the Bommai ernment, is an anathema to Council of Ministers has the High Court and then he effect from March 18. He force to woman with intent to outrage her mod- judgement in its support, judgement had said. the democratic principle, lost the confidence of the moved the Supreme Court. also said that the govern- esty), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (intend- the plea contended this The MP BJP has cited ex- apart from being open to House, the only way of test- The apex court through its ment has prohibited the ing to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any had held that if the sup- cerpts from this judgment serious objections of per- ing it is on the floor of the judgement put an end to entry of passengers from word, makes any sound or gesture) of the Indian port to a government is to establish the validity sonal mala fides. "It is pos- House except in an extraor- the arbitrary dismissal of European nations or Penal Code (IPC). The trio have now been acquitted withdrawn by some legis- of the floor test in the on- sible that on some rare oc- dinary situation "where be- state governments under member countries of the of the charges but directed to submit a bail bond of lators and the government going political upheaval casions, the floor test may cause of all-pervasive vio- Article 356 by spelling out European countries from Rs 20,000 each, as per practice. appears to have lost the in the state. "The assess- be impossible, although it lence, the Governor comes restrictions. March 18. Indian Horizon Tuesday, March 17, 2020 South 4 BMC ‘highly’ recommends ‘work- Compulsory ‘quarantine’ for those from-home’ in Mumbai if possible coming from USA, Dubai, Saudi Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) maximum number of COV- expand the facilities at private Against the backdrop of coro- ID-19 cases have been detected, hospitals. He said asocial-dis- plement compulsory ‘home directives, all passengers from navirus pandemic, the Brihan- officials said. In a special appeal tancing’ is the key to contain- quarantine’ for all people coronavirus affected coun- Mumbai Municipal Corporation on the Facebook page “Humans ing the outbreak for which a coming from these three tries arriving after Feb. 15 are chief Praveen Pardeshi on Mon- of Bombay” the civic chief of lock-down has been enforced in countries,” Thackeray told already undergoing thermal day issued a veiled warning to India’s richest municipal cor- schools, colleges, malls, swim- mediapersons as the number screening at the three inter- all companies to initiate ‘work- poration said that Mumbai has ming pools, gyms, etc, though of coronavirus cases touched national airports - Mumbai, from-home’ wherever possible. currently five positive cases, in school-college examinations 39 in the state - the highest in Pune and Nagpur. “We highly advise companies quarantine in the Kasturba Hos- are going on as scheduled. the country. As per the new directives to initiate work-from-home pol- pital. Presently there are around “School officials are instructed The other worst-hit coun- today, those sent to ‘home iciesa If necessary, we will make 600 people in ‘self-quarantine’ to send back any students who tries from where all passen- quarantine’ shall be ‘stamped’ this mandatory in the days to at their homes as they have a show symptoms such as dry gers coming to the state have on their left hand to enable come,” Pardeshi said. history of recent foreign travel. cough, runny nose and breath- to undergo mandatory ‘home identify them if they break His comments came in the “For passengers from high- lessness. Students may also be quarantine’ include: China, quarantine and mingle with wake of a similar appeal by risk countries, quarantine excused from attending the Iran, Italy, South Korea, the general public before their Chief Minister Uddhav Thac- norms will be applicable for exam, provided that they submit France, Spain and Germany. isolation period ends. keray to the private sector, urg- those showing symptoms. a medical certificate that states A majority of the 39 cases The state has already lapsed ing them to implement ‘work- Those without symptoms will they have a cold, cough or fever,” found positive in the state into an unprecedented partial from-home’ policies in view of mandatorily be home-quaran- Pardeshi said. The civic chief Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Chief Minister Uddhav concern those having a re- shutdown with all schools, the COVID-19 concerns. tined for 14 days with follow-up said local transportation would Maharashtra on Monday an- Thackeray said that in addi- cent history of foreign travel, colleges, malls, theatres, cin- This can help decongest the calls to ensure they are not car- continue to allow travel for es- nounced compulsory quar- tion to the seven nations no- and subsequently some oth- ema halls, swimming pools, suburban trains, metro net- riers,” Pardeshi said. sential needs like going to hospi- antine for all people arriving tified by the Centre last week, ers who came in ‘first contact’ gyms, sanctuaries, gardens, works, public buses and other The BMC also plans to in- tals or public utility services, but to the state from USA, Dubai Maharashtra has added three with such persons were also playgrounds, temples, et al, forms of transport systems crease its testing capabilities advised people to avoid all travel and Saudi Arabia as an extra more countries to the list. infected. ordered closed, and also can- especially in Mumbai, Pune, from existing 200 daily to more for non-essential activities like precaution against the coro- “Besides the seven other Health Minister Rajesh celled all functions, events, Nagpur, the three cities where at different public hospitals and attending social events. navirus pandemic. countries, the state will im- Tope said that as per centre’s festivals, etc, till March 31a

cancer patients said the threat COVID-19: Wipro offers of COVID-19 is real but the re- Close liquor outlets, Chandy sponse to mitigate it not en- tirely clear. Given the incuba- select work from home option tion period of 14 days and the tells Vijayan amid Covid scare al Environment, Health and fact that the first known case Safety (EHS) and crisis man- of Coronavirus recently pre- Thiruvanantha- retail outlets, most of When Chandy was agement teams will continue sented in Bangalore, Srivastava puram, March 16 which witness large the Chief Minister in to assess the coronavirus situ- said Navya’s employees are al- (IANS) Former Kerala queues. Liquor and 2016, he had closed ation. ready working from home. Chief Minister Oom- beer in Kerala is sold down about 700 bars Wipro will review the deci- “We have also asked employ- men Chandy on Mon- only through state- to set the ball rolling sion after a week and take a call ees that at the end of the 14 day wrote to Chief owned retail outlets, for declaring prohibi- on the future course of action. day period, if they are medi- Minister Pinarayi Vi- most of which witness tion by 2023. “At Wipro, the safety, health cally certified with a cold or flu jayan that in the wake large queues. But after Vijay- and wellbeing of our employ- to stay home till they recover,” of the coronavirus While people are an took over in the ees is of paramount impor- she added. (Covid-19) outbreak, advised to stay away same year, most of tance and over the past several Lingerie retailer Zivame has steps should be taken from crowded places, the bars that Chandy weeks we have taken a series of advised all its corporate em- to shut down all the the state government had closed have been preventive measures to protect ployees to work from home state-owned liquor re- had said last week opened. our employees from the coro- with immediate effect to main- tail outlets with imme- that it didn’t intend to Chandy also urged navirus outbreak,” the com- tain social isolation to combat diate effect. close down liquor out- Vijayan to take up the pany added. the spread of coronavirus. In Kerala, 21 positive lets. issue with banks to Bengaluru, March 16 (IANS) “Given the evolving situ- In this tech hub, several The company has stopped all Covid-19 cases have For fund starved ensure that there is a Global software major Wipro is ation, beginning Monday, companies and startups are meetings with external part- been reported so far Kerala, the revenue moratorium on all ag- selectively offering work from March 16, we have advised our allowing employees to work ners and clients for a week and over 10,000 people earned from the sale of ricultural loans in the home option to employees, employees to work from home from home in the wake of coro- and is leveraging technology are under observation liquor and beer is one wake of the Covid-19 depending on the job role al- wherever feasible and if their navirus scare. wherever possible. Karnataka in homes and hospi- of the biggest sources outbreak. lowing such operation in the role allows them to do so,” told Gitika Srivastava, founder government has advised IT tals across the state. of income, record- He also said that ar- light of prevailing COVID-19 a Wipro spokesperson to IANS. of Navya, a clinical informat- and biotech companies to al- Liquor and beer in ing a turnover of Rs rears for social securi- scenario, an official said on The company said its offices ics startup in the city, provid- low work from home option to Kerala is sold only 14,504.67 crore in the ty pensions should be Monday. will remain open and it glob- ing online expert opinions to their employees. through state-owned last fiscal. cleared immediately.

Conduct floor test on Tuesday: MP Governor to Kamal Nath Goa shuts down wildlife la Zoo of Goa (will be closed) for Bhopal, March 16 (IANS) Madhya had requested you to hold a floor test ister that “it is unfortunate that you general public with immediate Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon on in the House on March 16. Today after did not try to hold the floor test in the effect. “These measures will re- Monday asked the Kamal Nath-led I read my speech in the House, but I prescribed time frame, which has no sanctuaries, zoo till March 31 main in force until March 31 and Congress government for a floor did not find the proposal of holding the basis.” “The reasons mentioned by you Panaji, March 16 (IANS) In Warden Santosh Kumar states, it shall be reviewed depending test in the 230-member Assembly on floor test and adjourned the Houe till in the letter for not holding the floor view of the Covid-19 pandemic, that the order would be in place upon Covid-19 situation in the Tuesday. March 26,” he said. test are baseless,” the Governor said. the Goa government on Mon- till March 31 for now. Kumar’s state,” Kumar said. Tandon in his letter to Nath said that The Governor in his letter also men- “Thus I am requesting you to hold the day closed down all wildlife order said, that the decision was Goa has wildlife sanctuaries as he received the letter of the Chief tioned that the decision of the Supreme floor test in the House on March 17 and sanctuaries and the state’s only taken under section 27 and sec- and one national park scattered Minister on March 14 and that was not Court referred by the Chief Minister in prove majority, or it should be under- zoo and national park as a pre- tion 33 of the Wildlife Protection across the state’s hinterland, in accordance with parliamentary de- his letter does not apply in the present stood that you do not have majority in cautionary measure. The order Act. “All wildlife sanctuaries, na- which touches the foothills of corum. “In my letter dated March 14, I scenario. Tandon told the Chief Min- the House,” Tandon said. issued by Goa’s Chief Wildlife tional parks, including the Bond- the Western Ghat mountains.

AIADMK-TMC, DMK candidates Parrikar’s memorial will damage Tripura kings’ contributions to be elected to RS unopposed Goa’s Miramar beach: PIL for Visva-Bharati University Panaji, March 16 (IANS) Erecting a reporters. The High Court bench has Agartala, March 16 (IANS) The tions by Visva-Bharati University, Chennai, March 16 were found to be valid. has 125 MLAs (includ- memorial dedicated to former Chief not admitted the petition yet. BJP-led Tripura government which is run by the Central gov- (IANS) The two AIAD- The nomination pa- ing the Speaker) in the Minister and Defence Minister late In the petition, Sequeira has said would take steps to recognise the ernment. MK, one Tamil Maan- pers of three indepen- 234-member Assem- Manohar Parrikar at Panaji’s Mira- that “all public beaches should be contributions of Tripura’s kings “The Purvaudaya delegation ila Congress and three dents were rejected. bly whereas the oppo- mar would damage the beach and the protected from constructions of any for the development of Visva- informed the Chief Minister that DMK candidates are Vasan is being sup- sition DMK and its al- ecology of the area, a public interest kind including memorials and pre- Bharati University, founded by on February 21 a team of the set to get elected to the ported by the ruling lies have 106 (DMK 98, litigation filed at the Bombay High served for future generations” and Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath organisation led by its General Rajya Sabha on March AIADMK. Congress 7 and IUML Court in Goa said on Monday. demanded an immediate stoppage Tagore, Tripura Chief Minister Bi- Secretary Niti Deb had visited 26 without hitch as Six Rajya Sabha 1). The ruling AIADMK The petitioner Devika Sequeira, a of “all constructions of the proposed plab Kumar Deb said on Monday. Visva-Bharati University and their nomination pa- members from Tamil has 125 MLAs (includ- local resident, has also alleged in her memorial on the sandy Miramar The Chief Minister told a dele- had requested Vice Chancellor pers were found valid Nadu -- Sasikala Push- ing the Speaker) in the petition, that beaches as public spac- beach”. gation of The “Purvaudaya”, a so- Bidyut Chakrabarty to recognise on Monday. pa, Vijila Sathyanath, 234-member Assem- es should not be used to host memo- The petitioner has also cited sev- cio-cultural body, that the Tripura of former Tripura King’s contri- In a statement is- S. Muthukaruppan, bly whereas the oppo- rials of late political leaders because eral alleged environmental violations government would take necessary butions towards the develop- sued here, Election A.K. Selvaraj (all from sition DMK and its al- governments holding a majority, in which could take place, if the memo- steps so that the contributions of ment of the Visva-Bharati,” an Officer and Legisla- AIADMK), Tiruchi Siva lies have 106 (DMK 98, the future, would insist on more me- rial was allowed to be constructed Tripura’s kings are recognised by official release said. tive Assembly Sec- of DMK and T.K. Rang- Congress 7 and IUML morials in public areas dedicated to over an area of 1255 sq mts on the the Visva Bharati University in Niti Deb, a bank official-turned- retary K.Srinivasan arajan of CPI-M -- will 1). their party leadership. beach in Panaji, which was Parrikar’s Shantiniketan in West Bengal’s social activist, is the wife of the said the nomina- retire on April 2. Presently, the AIAD- “The matter came up for hearing legislative assembly constituency. Birbhum district. Chief Minister. tion papers filed by As per the Election MK has 10 members today before the division bench of “The said location of the memo- Deb announced this when a The “Purvaudaya” team had M.Thambidurai, Commission’s sched- in the Rajya Sabha and the High Court in Goa. But because of rial falls in sandy terrain with natural delegation of “Purvaudaya”, led requested the Vice-Chancellor to K.P.Munusamy (both ule for the biennial the DMK five. Post- the notification of the Bombay High sand dune. The petitioner states that by its President Alka Sinha met take appropriate steps so that the AIADMK), G.K. Va- elections, the polling elections, the AIADMK Court that only urgent matters should along the river front is a no develop- him at his official residence. contributions of Tripura Kings san of Tamil Maanila will be held on March strength in the Rajya be taken up in view of the coronavi- ment zone from 100 meters distance The “Purvaudaya” delegates from Maharaja Bir Chandra Man- Congress (TMC), and 26 and counting of Sabha is expected to rus pandemic, the matter will now of the high tide line and whether the urged the Chief Minister to take ikya Bahadur to Maharaja Bir Bi- N.R.Elango, Trichy N. votes taken up the fall to eight whereas be heard in regular course at the end area falls under CRZ-II or CRZ-III appropriate step by the state kram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Siva and Anthiyur Sel- same day. DMK’s strength will of the notification period,” the peti- does not make any difference,” the government for recognition of are properly and adequately rec- varaj (all three DMK) The ruling AIADMK increase to seven. tioner’s lawyer Rohit Bras D’sa told petition states. erstwhile Tripura Kings’ contribu- ognised by the Visva-Bharati. Indian Horizon 5 NATION Tuesday, March 17, 2020 COVID-19: Bengal govt invokes MP Congress MLAs may present Epidemic Diseases Act Kolkata, March 16 state, as also the business governments have al- themselves before Governor (IANS) The West Bengal chambers participated in ready given effect to the government on Monday the meeting. law. “We are invoking it Bhopal, March 16 (IANS) In of only 92 MLAs, while the BJP the voting for the Rajya Sabha invoked the Epidemic “In the present situ- so that nobody can flee what could be more trouble for has 106.” elections. Diseases Act, 1897, ex- ation, we shouldn’t be halfway into the treat- the Kamal Nath government “We have paraded our MLAs Most of the 22 MLAs who tended the closure of the organising such big gath- ment. It is a weapon to in Madhya Pradesh, the rebel before the governor. The Con- have resigned from the As- educational institutions erings. But it had to be force people to cooperate Congress MLAs who have been gress is running away from sembly represent seats in and up to April 15, and di- done. And we have kept if the government wants lodged in a Bengaluru resort proving majority on the floor around the Gwalior-Chambal rected that cinema halls, ample distance between to arrange for their treat- for the last few days are likely of the House. The governor as- region and swear allegiance auditoria and shootings every two participants,” ment,” she said, while as- to return to Bhopal and pres- sured that the constitutional to Scindia. They include Ra- for reality shows be shut said the Chief Minister. suring that it would not ent themselves before Gov- rights of the legislators will be jvardhan Singh, Hardeep till March 31 to prevent The state govern- be misused. ernor Lalji Tandon. The rebel protected,” Chouhan added. Dang, Bisahulal Singh, Aidal spread of the deadly coro- ment has set up a Rs 200 Banerjee advised peo- Congress MLAs are also likely Experts say that if the 16 Singh Kansana, Ranveer Jatav, navirus. crore fund, which is be- ple not to panic, or be- to interact with the media in Congress rebel MLAs present Kamlesh Jatav, Raghuraj Kan- Addressing the media ing utilised to order two lieve rumours. “Please Bengaluru. themselves before the gover- sana, Munnalal Goyal, O. P. after a high level meet- lakh personal protection don’t feel ashamed if you Arvind Bhadauria, the BJP nor and express no confidence S. Bhadoriya, Giriraj Dan- ing at the state secretariat equipment and four lakh feel sick. Please don’t hide legislator who accompanied in the government, the number dotiya, Brijendra Singh Yadav, Nabanna, Chief Minister masks for those involved the disease.” them to Bengaluru, said, “Leg- of MLAs against the govern- Suresh Dhakad, Jajpal Singh Mamata Banerjee also in combating the disease. The Chief Minister said islators are not captive there. dia said that a chartered plane ment will rise to 122 and the ‘Jajji’, Manoj Chaudhary, Jas- appealed to religious or- Besides, the state was 58 of the 59 suspects test- They have been sending mes- is being readied in Bengaluru government will fall. Mean- mant Jatav, Raksha Santram ganisations to avoid pub- also buying ten thousand ed for the virus have been sages and presenting their to bring them back to Bhopal, while, the Supreme Court has Sarauniya, Mahendra Singh lic gatherings. thermal guns and 300 found to be negative in viewpoints. They can interact just waiting for the nod from agreed to hear a petition filed Sisodiya, Tulsiram Silawat, Railway, metro, airport ventilators. the state, while one result with the media and may also Scindia. Meanwhile, former by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Govind Singh Rajput, Imarti authorities, Shipping Announcing that the was awaited. Altogether present themselves to the Gov- chief minister Shivraj Singh others for an urgent floor test Devi, Prabhuram Chaudhary Corporation of India rep- Epidemic Diseases Act, 2.24 lakh people have ernor.” Chouhan said, “Kamal Nath after Madhya Pradesh Speaker and Pradyumna Singh Tomar. resentatives, all depart- 1897, was being invoked, been screened, and 5,590 Sources close to former Con- government is in minority. N.P. Prajapati adjourned the Six of them have been sacked ments concerned of the Banerjee said 13 state are in home surveillance. gress leader Jyotiraditya Scin- Kamal Nath has the support House till March 26, the day of from the party.

I’m still quite young, clarifies Railways starts thermal screening of passengers in running train Punjab CM on contesting polls Thiruvanathpuram, The official said that The railways has also coaches and decided not try, toilets on regular in- Chandigarh, March 16 sider his wishes” in taking March 16 (IANS) Amid the the work of screening the put sanitisers near the to provide blankets to the tervals. (IANS) Setting at rest all any decision. novel coronavirus scare passengers with thermal waiting lounge. On Sun- passengers travelling in The Union Health Min- speculations, Punjab Chief The Chief Minister said (Covid-19), the railways devices have been started day, as a precautionary AC coaches. istry said till Sunday Minister Amarinder Singh he had known Sidhu since has started screening with the help of state gov- measure, railways decid- The railways also in- night, the total number of on Monday made it clear he was two years old and passengers on running ernment. ed to remove the curtains structed the officials to confirmed COVID-19 cas- he would definitely con- had no personal issues trains with the help of the The official said that from the air conditioned disinfect the train coach- es across India were 110, test the next Assembly with him. Kerala government. the railway officials are coaches and decided not es at proper frequency including the foreign na- elections in the state. To a question about According to Railway also clearing the doubts to provide blankets to the and clean the taps, pan- tionals. The total number “I’m still quite young. Sidhu meeting the central Ministry officials, the of people on Covid-19. passengers travelling in try, toilets on regular in- of patients freed from the Do you think I’m too old party leadership on Pun- national transporter of- In New Delhi, mean- AC coaches. On Sunday, tervals. The railways also coronavirus has reached to fight the polls?” he jab issues instead of taking ficials have started the while, the railways has set as a precautionary mea- instructed the officials to 13 in the country. quipped in a lighter tone, it up with the state leader- screening of passengers up a help desk to check sure, railways decided disinfect the train coach- There has been two in response to a question ship, Amarinder Singh said inside the trains in Thiru- the temperature of the to remove the curtains es at proper frequency deaths because of COV- during the press confer- he was welcome to discuss vanathpuram. passengers. from the air conditioned and clean the taps, pan- ID-19 in India. ence to mark the third any issue with anyone in anniversary of his govern- the party. ment here. Describing the Madhya Asked about the current Pradesh developments as role and status of party their internal issue, Ama- Haryana to set up 500 isolation Gujarat: Cong stages walkout, MLA Navjot Sidhu, Ama- rinder Singh said it was rinder Singh said the for- for the Congress national beds in Gurugram demands delayed budget session mer minister was still a leadership to comment on part of the Congress and of the matter and his purview Chandigarh, March 16 (IANS) Besides, attention should be paid Gandhinagar, March and there is no question slogans and left the the team and “we will con- was confined to Punjab. Haryana Chief Secretary Keshni to ban the gathering of more than 16 (IANS) The opposition of going for ‘Vote on Ac- House. Interestingly, Anand Arora on Monday gave di- 200 people in any social, political, Congress in Gujarat on count’. As public rep- many of the BJP mem- rections to set up at least 100 iso- cultural, educational, sports com- Monday staged a walkout resentatives we should bers were bidding them Coronavirus: Gardens, parks lation beds in all districts and over petition and family events in the demanding postpone- worry about the public “goodbye”. The speak- closed in Srinagar 500 isolation beds in Gurugram state. The state has issued guide- ment of the ongoing bud- and not about ourselves.” er said: “Don’t worry only to contain the spread of coro- lines to ensure the availability of get session in the wake of Deputy Chief Minister about them, they will Srinagar, March 16 (IANS) navirus (COVID-19), 1829 navirus. medicines, masks, and sanitisers to the coronavirus outbreak. Nitin Patel also backed be back tomorrow.” All parks and gardens in persons are under home She said the government’s de- the public at reasonable prices. Shailesh Parmar, the him and said: “There is Paresh Dhanani, the Srinagar have been closed quarantine and 29 persons cision to close all cinema halls, The government has set-up two Congress MLA from no need to panic. All our Leader of Opposition, till further notice due to the are in hospital quarantine schools except examination cen- helpline numbers -- 8558893911 Danilimda assembly students from affected said: “Maharashtra state spread of coronavirus. while 131 persons are under tres, gyms, swimming pools and and 108 -- where information re- constituency, raised the countries have been assembly speaker has Shahid Choudhary, the home surveillance. night clubs should be strictly im- garding the novel coronavirus (CO- issue of the coronavirus brought back safely and also decided to stop the deputy commissioner of Further, the Bulletin said plemented till March 31. VID-19) suspects can be taken. outbreak and asked the at the earliest.” ongoing budget session Srinagar, has sought the co- that 101 samples have been House to postpone the Trivedi, on his part, of Maharashtra assem- operation of people in im- sent for testing, of which 87 ongoing budget session said: “From now on, ev- bly. Other neighbouring plementing precautionary tested as negative and only 2020-21. The proposal ery visitor to the House states are also thinking of measures. two cases have tested posi- BJP paid Rs 65 cr to buy 5 was, however, rejected by will be required to sa- following this due to the Rohit Kansal, J&K Govern- tive, so far while as reports Speaker Rajendra Trivedi. nitise their hands at the coronavirus crisis.” ment Spokesperson tweeted: of 12 cases are awaited till Gujarat MLAs’ resignation: Cong Gujarat Chief Minister entrance. So, there is no Earlier on Monday, “One more case with history March 15, 2020. Meanwhile, Vijay Rupani, in a reply, need for such a proposal the Speaker announced of travel to Saudia Arabia re- 168 persons have completed Gandhinagar, March 16 uproar in the House. said: “Right now, there is to be granted regarding that on Saturday, four ported high viral load; kept their 28 days surveillance (IANS) Gujarat Congress Infuriated by the allega- no need for such an ac- the coronavirus scare.” Congress MLAs tendered in isolation. Confirmation period. chief Amit Chavda, here on tions, Deputy Chief Minister tion as there has been The replies and re- their resignations and on awaited.” According to the Bulletin, Monday, alleged that the Nitin Patel demanded that not a single positive case sponses agitated the Sunday one more res- Meanwhile, the J&K Gov- home quarantined persons Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the opposition either prove in the state. The budget Congress MLAs and ignation came from the ernment on Sunday in- and their family members bought resignations of five the allegations or apolo- session is already midway they began shouting Congress. formed that at least 2157 are requested to cooperate Congress MLAs for Rs 65 gize. “The opposition lead- travellers and persons in with the local surveillance crore using a corruption ers have made allegations of contact with the suspected teams/health authorities fund. corruption against the Gu- coronavirus cases have been and strictly follow the guide- As soon as the House as- jarat Chief Minister and the put under surveillance in lines for home quarantine sembled for the sixth ses- BJP. We can’t take it lightly. UP: 16-year old girl raped, Jammu and Kashmir. issued by the Ministry of sion, heated discussions en- Either they prove their ac- According to the daily Me- Health & Family Welfare, sued between the Congress cusations or apologize,” he dia Bulletin on novel coro- Government of India. and the BJP members. said. nose slit Chavda and Leader of Op- “In an informal discus- Lakhimpur (UP), March 16 (IANS) Sunday when the accused, identi- position in the Assembly sion, the BJP MLA friends In a shocking incident in Uttar fied as Gautam Raidas, 20, allegedly Paresh Dhanani started ac- complained that nobody Pradesh, a 16-year-old girl was raped barged into the house with a knife Ban on gathering of over cusing the BJP of indulging takes notice of them, while and her nose was slit by a man who and locked her inside. When the girl in corrupt practices over five the outsiders (Congress allegedly barged into her house at resisted his advances, he slit her nose Congress MLAs’ resignations MLAs) are being paid mon- Sharda Nagar area in Lakhimpur dis- with the knife and raped her. Later, 100 people in Chandigarh on Saturday and Sunday. ey,” Dhanani said. “Right trict, police said on Monday. Gautam fled from the spot. Chandigarh, March 16 (IANS) The Chandigarh adminis- Citing a news report, now the world is affected by An FIR has been registered against The girl somehow managed to get tration on Monday decided to impose a ban on gatherings of Chavda alleged the corrup- coronavirus, while Gujarat is the man and the girl has been admit- aid from her neighbours who called more than 100 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus. tion money was used to buy getting affected by ‘Todo na’ ted to a local hospital for treatment. her parents. Also it announced closure of all cinema halls, gymnasiums, five MLAs. “A newspaper to- virus and now it’s ‘Maro Na’ Additional forces have been de- She was then taken to the police swimming pools, pubs, spas, shopping malls and coaching day has claimed Rs 65 crore virus,” Dhanani said. ployed at the village since the ac- station and an FIR was lodged. centers in the city till March 31. exchanged hands at the Gu- Responding to the Con- cused belongs to another commu- Ajay Mishra, SHO of Kotwali police However, the closure won’t apply to groceries and jarat Chief Minister’s bunga- gress charge, Gujarat BJP nity. station, said, “We have booked Gau- chemist shops. These decisions were taken at a meet- low. Where did this money chief Jitu Vaghani said, “The According to police, the survivor is tam Raidas and will arrest him soon.” ing chaired by Administrator and Punjab Governor V.P. come from,” he said. infighting within the Con- a school dropout and her parents are The girl’s statement will be record- Singh Badnore here to review preparedness to prevent The ruling party members gress has resulted in resig- wage labourers. ed in front of the magistrate after her the spread of coronavirus. retorted the charge causing nations of MLAs.” The girl was alone at her home on treatment, Mishra added. EDIT Indian Horizon 6 Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Indian Horizon National carrier Changing in critical reform By Subir Roy themselves, a decision has simply board, for example, a member freight revenue clocked only half the whole The Indian Railways has been one been postponed. Now the chairman and a member passenger. Though year’s target. Hence, the board and of the most change-resistant organ- as CEO will have the authority to there has been a movement towards the chairman are contemplating cut- isations in the country. Expert com- tell the factions to do as told. These orientations in terms of functions, the ting the already high freight rates, mittees have over decades recom- changes will hopefully put an end to change has stopped halfway. so as to offer an incentive to haulers mended key changes in the way the departmentalism. But by far the bigger issue now to shift from road to rail. Again, this national carrier is organised and run, Internationally, there is one clas- before the Railways is the merging is a good long-term strategy for the but to no avail. sical instance of departmentalism of the cadres. Railway officials are Railways to regain market share. But Tuesday, March 17, 2020 This is likely to change now, hope- hurting the wider cause. The Japa- vehemently opposed to it. This will during a slowdown, when there may fully. Railways Minister Piyush Goyal nese bureaucracy, presided over by make a task intrinsically difficult, be short-term supply inelasticities, has announced two key changes the cabinet secretary, has not had the even more so. How difficult it is to cutting freight rates may well lead to which strike at the root of the prob- authority to tell those engaged in a merge cadres can be seen from the further fall in revenue earnings. Course correction lem. One, the eight cadres of railway skirmish where to get off. The result problems which cropped up when The other stratagem now acted officials will be merged into one, In- of this is that when after the Second Indian Airlines was merged with Air upon is raising passenger fares. Tradi- dian Railway Management Service. World War, individual bureaucrats India and their different cadres had tionally, fares have been cross subsi- Govt should release other Two, the railway board, the apex body were asked how they could have al- to be merged. dised by freight revenue, and so there which runs the organisation, will be lowed the country to start such a ru- The only way this herculean task is a long-term case for raising pas- political leaders in J&K too reorganised and the number of its inous war, they replied that it was not can be successfully completed is with senger fares. But passenger revenue is members reduced. Along with this, their war but that of the defence min- direct supervision and push from a currently not doing well either. Rais- the chairman of the railway board will istry. powerful railways minister who is left ing passenger fares at this juncture Farooq Abdullah has been released be designated the CEO. The railway board, which had to run the whole course. Goyal does can lead to further fall in passenger The reforms seek to address one till now seven plus one (chairman) command a lot of clout. revenue. A journey, like a consumer after seven months of detention. This paramount problem, departmental- members, will have four other than What happens most often in Indian durable purchase, can easily be post- ism. Individual departments, run by the chairman as CEO. They will be politics is that every new minister sets poned. marks a welcome change in the intran- their designated cadre officials, have in charge of infrastructure, rolling his own agenda, with the earlier one On current reckoning, there seems zealously guarded their turf and oper- stock, finance and operations, and not losing importance, and some- to be little that the Railways can do to sigent attitude of the Centre, ever since ated in silos, often to the detriment of business development. It is here that times being scuttled by default. And combat the downturn in its finances. the overall health of the organisation. the trouble with the changes begins. if a new government comes in after a Traditionally, the Railways, because the revocation of Article 370 that guar- The decision taken over a decade ago Restructuring of the board remains a few years, and before the job is com- of its size and infrastructure status, to regularise overloading of wagons half-done job. plete, the earlier agenda can become has gone up and down in tandem anteed special status to Jammu and and thus earning more revenue was Earlier, whenever organisational re- a matter of history. with the overall economy. The same unconscionably delayed because the structuring was suggested, the whole Reorganisation of cadres and func- is happening now. Railway finance Kashmir and subsequent political de- revenue people were pushing it but idea was that from being an organisa- tions is really a medium, if not long- will recover when the economy re- technical people saw nothing in it for tion primarily geared to looking after term task. The immediate short-term vives. The more fundamental chang- velopments. There was no real justifi- themselves. the various services, it would become issue is freight earnings lagging be- es outlined above, if they are actually Traditionally, the railway board one which would be structured to hind the target as a result of the gen- carried out and that is a big if can cation for the continued incarceration chairman has presided over meetings serve different customer segments eral economic slowdown. In the first have an impact only in the medium as the first among equals, and when like freight and passengers. In keep- seven months (April to November) term. of a man who has been Chief Minister departments have fought among ing with this, there would be on the of the financial year 2019-20, freight IANS thrice and is a Member of Parliament. With his release, there is hope that the Give farmers a viable crop alternative Centre would feel compelled enough By Devinder Sharma rectly from farmers, it ended up turn- published, India’s ranking was a dismal kets and doing away with the MSP. The to release other political leaders too, At a time when agrarian distress is ing the country into the world’s biggest 96 among 119 countries, sliding further World Bank has been consistently de- quite pronounced, and while India importer of wheat. Private trade swung to 102 in 2019. Several studies have manding this, the World Trade Organ- including Farooq’s son Omar Abdul- ranks 102 among 117 countries in the into action to make brisk purchases, but shown that rural India (and also urban isation has been questioning the need Global Hunger Index-2019, the coun- didn’t disclose the quantity purchased poor) was spending less and less on for public stockholding, and even eco- lah, and Mehbooba Mufti, both former try’s granaries are overflowing. Against and hoarded the grain. As a result, there food. A leaked report of the consumer nomic surveys as well as some mainline a surplus of 73.1 million tonnes of was a shortfall in procurement at a time expenditure survey — which has been economists have repeatedly pointed to Chief Ministers. wheat and rice which was stacked with when there was no visible drop in pro- junked by the government — clearly how administered prices are coming in the government in July 2019, the food duction. To meet the food needs for shows how food consumption in rural the way of what it calls as price discov- The detention, under the Public stocks are projected to swell by another public distribution, India had to import areas had steadily dropped by 10 per ery. 10 million tonnes or so to reach a record 5.5 million tonnes of wheat in 2007-08 cent in the period 2011-12 and 2017-18. If there is one market intervention Safety Act that allows imprisonment 84.7 million tonnes in July 2020. at almost double the price it paid to The piled-up stocks, therefore, could that ensures price discovery, it is the Expecting to be saddled with an extra domestic farmers. International prices have been very effectively used to meet MSP, if it is delivered properly. In a for up to two years without bail, and 46.3 million tonnes by July 2020, over had jacked up when India’s wheat im- the nutritional needs of a large section country where only six per cent farm- and above what is prescribed under port needs became known. This had of the population. Here I agree with the ers get the benefit of MSP, markets the unprecedented crackdown on the buffer norms, the Centre is asking Pun- evoked a lot of controversy, and the BJP recommendations of the CACP which have failed miserably to provide a bet- jab, Haryana and other surplus states to (which was then in the opposition) had suggests additional allocations to be ter price to 94 per cent of the remain- political leadership of Jammu and curtail procurement. demanded a CBI inquiry into, what it made under the National Food Security ing farmers and thereby help in price While the PMO wants to reduce the called, the wheat import scandal. Act, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and discovery. The introduction of e-NAMs Kashmir since August 5 last year has subsidy burden, and ostensibly reduce Allowing private trade to buy wheat other welfare schemes. (electronic national agricultural mar- the cost of carryover stocks, the Com- or paddy directly from farmers by- On the issue of curtailing open- kets), too, has failed to assure a higher been sharply criticised, both domes- mission for Costs and Prices (CACP) passing the APMC-regulated markets, ended procurement, what needs to price to farmers. Although former Fi- is seeking a review of the open-ended therefore, is fraught with dangers. At be understood is that even if the MSP nance Minister Arun Jaitley had ac- tically and internationally. Releasing procurement policy under which the no stage can the government afford to does not entirely cover the cost of cul- knowledged that e-NAMs are the first marketable surpluses of wheat and rice ignore the ‘food security’ requirements tivation, at least it provides an assured step towards setting up spot markets, the 82-year-old Farooq will ease the farmers bring to mandis, the govern- and has to be ready with adequate buf- price. For the farmers, an assured price what is not being answered is why in ment is committed to buy at MSP. Seek- fer stocks, even if it is more than what as well as an assured procurement is the US agriculture continues to slide international pressure and has already ing a restriction on procurement by is required, to meet any unforeseen what protects them from the tyranny into deep crisis year after year despite setting limits for purchase, the CACP is shortages. of the markets. That is why the farmers’ having the world’s largest commodity been welcomed by the media and Op- suggesting that the private sector be al- To the question of what to do with demand for raising the MSP and linking exchange at Chicago, and another at lowed to directly procure from farmers. excess inventory, isn’t the failure to liq- it with the Swaminathan Commission’s New York? According to the US Depart- position leaders. The last time the government uidate stocks when there exists plenty recommendations has been growing ment of Agriculture, the growth in real amended the APMC (Agricultural Pro- of hunger simply a reflection of food steadfast. But for quite some time, the income for American farmers has been Farooq Abdullah is a seasoned lead- duce Market Committee) Act in 2006 mismanagement? In 2006, when the dominant economic thinking is for on the decline since the 1960s. er, well versed in the dynamics of the to allow private companies to buy di- first Global Hunger Index report was dismantling the APMC-regulated mar- IANS relations between his state and the Centre. He has worn his Indianness Of incentives to firms & subsidies to poor Devinder Sharma that the banks have incurred a loss of cent in the five-year period of 2014 demonised word. The moment the as a badge of honour against Pak- Playing around with words, one Rs 16.88 lakh crore between FY 2014 to 2019. If there are ‘wilful defaulters’ government announces a subsidy for has to marvel at the creative ability of and December 2019. Even if techni- among the corporates, why the NPAs farmers or for the poor, it is invariably sponsored terrorism at the interna- economists, bankers and corporate cally speaking, ‘written off’ allows the can’t be simply clubbed as corporate followed by an uproar. This is wasteful managers who come up with phrases banks the right to continue with the re- defaults? Let the people know in a sim- expenditure; this subsidy amount will tional fora. His incarceration has only and terminology that hide more than covery process, the total loss figure can ple language they can understand the widen the fiscal deficit; and where will what they reveal. be revised as and when the bank books total amount of loans that the compa- the money come from are some of the damaged the country’s image and Well, as if the commonly used term are finally closed. In any case, recovery nies have defaulted on. usual questions. — non-performing assets (NPAs) — measures have not yielded more than Further, to hide these ‘wilful default- But when the government provides his release and active participation in is not enough, global banking group 15 to 20 per cent of what is once writ- ers’, the RBI has been withholding financial aid or grant to the industry, a Credit Suisse has come up with a new ten off. these names from being made pub- different term is used — incentive for politics would hopefully repair it sub- one — impaired assets. And while you So why complicate it for the general lic. A heightened fear is created as if growth. While subsidies for the poor wonder what ‘impaired assets’ means, public? Let them know the severity revealing these names will jeopardise are considered bad for the economy, stantially. As of now, he is holding his India Ratings says in a study that 25 per of the crisis that the banks are faced the economy. But when it comes to de- incentives are projected as an invest- cent of the Rs 10.52 lakh crore of cor- with. After all, it is public money that faulting farmers, their names and pic- ment for economic growth. cards close to the chest. He has asked porate debt over the next three years is goes into recapitalising the banks and tures are displayed in the tehsil head- Often on panel discussions, when likely to turn ‘delinquent’, resulting in people have the right to know. But quarters. While the defaulting farmers I say that incentives for growth are for the release of his fellow politicians, an additional Rs 2.54 lakh crore of ‘de- hold on, did you hear any economist with petty outstanding amounts often also subsidies, my co-panellists ques- linquent debt’. A loan becomes ‘delin- express concern at the fiscal drag the end up in jail, the banks take a ‘haircut’ tion my understanding of economics, eschewing any discussion on politics. quent’ when the payment is not made burgeoning impaired assets of banks to bail out the defaulting corporate saying that incentives are absolutely in time. will result in? with massive outstanding toxic debts. necessary for economic development, He is, naturally, expected to provide It took me some time to figure out It has always been a clever play with A ‘haircut’ is the loss a bank will suf- whereas subsidies are a fiscal drain. what impaired assets means. The term vocabulary. When an ordinary bor- fer when a defaulting company fails to This was rightly answered by Prime leadership to the National Conference, may be in use by accountants, but for rower fails to repay the bank, he/she pay up. It is the bank that bears mas- Minister Narendra Modi while ad- an average reader, it certainly is new. is called a defaulter. A Cibil score even sive losses, while the corporate bor- dressing the 2016 ET Global Business which still has a sizeable presence in Despite a decline in gross NPAs, the provides a summary of your credit his- rower is free of the financial debt. Why Summit when he asked whether this total impaired assets of the banking tory. But when a company defaults on can’t ordinary citizens who are unable difference in language is a reflection of J&K, even as he and other political sector, as of December 2019, come a loan, it is not called a defaulter. It is to pay back their home/car loans, too, the difference in our attitude. to Rs 16.88 lakh crore, screamed a labelled under NPA, which means it get the benefit of a haircut? When a benefit is given to a farmer or leaders navigate a world vastly differ- newspaper headline. Reading care- has faulted on a loan or advance for As per news reports, banks are ex- a poor person, experts and government fully, it emerged that impaired assets which the principal or interest pay- pecting zero recovery from the ongo- officers normally call it a subsidy. But ent from the one that existed before actually means the total write-offs of ment has remained overdue for 90 ing 354 liquidation cases under the In- when a benefit is given to the industry, it Rs 7.77-lakh crore since 2014, plus days. solvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) becomes an incentive. Saying that gov- their arrest. The Centre has taken the the outstanding NPAs of Rs 9.10 lakh Within this category, there is a clas- resolutions lined up for the current ernment support should not be viewed crore. Add both the figures, the total sification of ‘wilful defaulters’: those year. This means that the banks will from any ideological position, the PM first step towards restoring the politi- impaired assets actually turn out to be who actually have the ability to pay take a ‘haircut’ of Rs 3.55 lakh crore. wondered how experts would react if the cumulative loss the banks are star- back but don’t. The government ac- It doesn’t end here. When the poor fertiliser subsidy is renamed as ‘incen- cal process in the state-turned-UT. It is ing at. The question that needs to be knowledges that the number of such are given financial aid, it is dubbed tive for agricultural production’. a sign of the times that even such a asked is why bankers can’t simply say ‘wilful defaulters’ has risen by 60 per as subsidy. And subsidy is a highly IANS baby step is a harbinger of hope. Readers Response and contribution Welcome Indian Horizon 7 OPED Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Coronavirus: What is a lockdown? Are we heading for a global one now?

By Shyam A. Krishna manity. When the virus started its voyage imposed a nationwide lockdown, placing How did Hubei beat the coronavirus? in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, strict limits on people’s movements and The Chinese imposed a lockdown on the the Chinese were alarmed by the speed asking everyone to stay indoors. province –– a bold and unprecedented of infections. After the initial attempts France resisted the temptation to measure. And the results were good. Very to contain the virus failed, China ag- implement the lockdown and told peo- good. In less than two months, the infec- gressively employed the lockdown in ple to avoid large gatherings. It didn’t tion rate came down drastically. Lock- Hubei. Tens of millions of people were work. More infections and more deaths down worked. That has now become not allowed to leave the cities in what is prompted the closure of cafes, restau- preferred action for countries and cities termed as the biggest quasi-quarantine rants and non-essential businesses. struck by COVID-19. in history. Within six weeks, China’s Gulf closures and other measures What’s a lockdown? A lockdown re- radical moves paid off as cases began to In the Gulf, there have been no clo- fers to an emergency situation when it dwindle. sures. But the measures by Kuwait and is safer to be inside your building, room China’s success spurred Italy to en- Qatar amount to a lockdown. Both coun- or area. People are not allowed to leave force the draconian measures, the strict- tries have stopped flights into and out of their buildings or the area or move freely. est in a western democracy, to fight the the country. Lockdowns are imposed mostly for spread of the virus. On March 9, Prime Kuwait has told its citizens and other safety reasons. An active threat to peo- Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a na- residents to remain indoors. Commer- ple’s lives is the most likely reason: like a tional quarantine, restricting the move- cial complexes, shopping malls and pub- bomb threat or an active shooter. ment of people except for emergencies lic markets, except food supply outlets, Biggest quasi-quarantine in history and work. Only restaurants and cafes have been closed. Theme parks and hair- The coronavirus, zipping across the were permitted to open from 6am to dressing salons too have been shuttered. world, has brought lockdown to our ev- 6pm. Seems very much like a shutdown. Is the eryday conversation. With more than As the coronavirus threat shook the rest shutdown is here to stay? Will there be a 160,000 cases and at least 6,400 deaths of Europe, more countries raced to close global shutdown? Maybe, if the coronavi- INTEREST IN AFRICA IS ONLY LIKELY TO GROW, AND EU in 146 countries and territories, the pan- borders and shut down businesses. A day rus continues to sprint around the world. IS DETERMINED TO GET AHEAD OF THE GAME demic is a major threat confronting hu- after declaring a state of emergency, Spain Gulf News Your hoarding masks could cost me my life it changed that guidance to advise the use of surgical masks, which don’t offer nearly as much protection. Why? To stretch a national stockpile of N95 masks estimated to be only about 1% of what will be needed. When I read about people hoarding N95 and surgical masks, I’m outraged. Public hoarding of supplies needed by clinics and hospitals is not the way for people to protect them- selves; in fact it’s counterproductive. Social distancing isn’t simply a phrase; it’s what every responsible person should be doing to slow down this virus and give the health system a fighting chance at success. Sanders’s campaign slogan — “Not me, us” — illustrates a deep longing for a renewal of communalism and coop- eration and a rejection of the relentless individualism that has increasingly come to define American life. That’s the advice being given by re- sponsible public officials. And yet, every day we see photos in the newspaper of people going about their ordinary lives cluding mine, are doing everything in cess to testing. The federal government wearing professional-quality masks to their power within this grossly under- should implement restrictions on who can protect themselves instead of simply prepared system to try to prepare for this purchase personal protective equipment staying home. It’s frustrating to see those disaster. like masks and gowns. And, if you have By Erica Patel We know that a growing wave of in- covered faces when I know that doctors The federal government’s failure to already laid in a supply surgical masks or As a doctor working in a public hospi- fected people is coming. And we are very and nurses on the front line already des- rapidly ramp up testing is another thing N95 masks, consider contacting your local tal, I don’t have the choice of telecom- worried about our ability to cope with it. perately need the masks. that has put us all in danger. We don’t hospital about donating or selling them. muting or working from home. My col- One of the biggest worries is supplies. People buy and hoard masks to pro- have enough kits to test all those show- There are a lot of things we don’t know leagues and I have a moral commitment At hospitals, masks are being rationed tect themselves. But in reality, protecting ing potential signs of the virus, and we about this coronavirus. But one thing we to care for the sick and try to save lives. in preparation for the upcoming surge medical professionals is imperative to wouldn’t have the lab capacity to pro- do know is that things are going to get This is a profession we happily chose, of patients. Instead of using a new mask protecting the nation. If even a fraction cess the tests if we did. It’s impossible worse. US will see a sharp rise in cases knowing the risks involved, but we used with each potentially infectious patient, of doctors and nurses get sick, you won’t to adequately prepare for the epidemic over the next few weeks much in the way to feel adequately protected. Today, with we are allotted one or two per day in LA. get the medical care you need if you fall when we have no idea how many people of many European countries, and this will a raging global pandemic, we don’t. Up until last week, the Centers for Dis- seriously ill from a coronavirus or a heart are infected. But we can do things to help put immense stress on the medical system. In the hard-hit Italian region of Lom- ease Control and Prevention in the US attack or anything else. strengthen us against the impending tide We also know this: If doctors and nurs- bardy, 20% of the health care workers recommended that medical profession- The government shares responsibility as cases skyrocket in the next few days or es die because of inadequate protection, have been infected by COVID-19. Every als treating patients suspected of having in this crisis. For decades, public health weeks. Follow the guidance about limit- all the toilet paper and dried pasta in the time another one of them falls ill, that’s coronavirus use N95 masks, which con- has been underfunded and the safety net ing social contact. Quit hoarding. Isolate world won’t save you. one fewer person to treat sick patients. fer the highest level of protection. Then has eroded. Hospitals across the US, in- yourself when you feel ill until you get ac- Gulf News

Where do Bernie Sanders’ supporters go from here?

crushing defeats suffered by the UK’s ic involvement are reasons interper- have drawn talented graduates away Jeremy Corbyn and French left-wing sonal trust has fallen: If they’re willing from careers in government. But leader Jean-Luc Melenchon. to do the nitty-gritty work of making a young progressives don’t necessar- Sanders’s followers, however, have difference in the places they live and ily see getting rich as the purpose of much with which to console them- work, young progressives could turn life. This lack of financial ambition, selves. Sanders managed to move this trend around. Sanders’s campaign coupled with belief in government the Democratic field well to the left slogan — “Not me, us” — illustrates and a desire to fix their broken soci- on policy, with even moderate front- a deep longing for a renewal of com- ety, might drive many talented young runner Joe Biden promising a Green munalism and cooperation and a re- people to seek careers in the civil ser- New Deal, supporting a so-called jection of the relentless individualism vice. There, they can get to work fixing public option for health insurance that has increasingly come to define what years of complacency have bro- and calling for a $15 federal mini- American life. ken. One thing that young progres- mum wage. They’re more comfortable with di- sives should discard, however, is the And Sanders garnered overwhelm- versity than their predecessors. And as idea of a socialist revolution. Sand- ing support among young Democrats, digital natives, they may be able to use ers described his movement in the suggesting that his brand of progres- the internet to counter social isolation antiquated language of the mid-20th sivism is the future of the party, even if instead of exacerbating it. century, when — as Mao Zedong once some of his supporters age into more A tweet by a member of the Demo- memorably put it — power flowed moderate views. cratic Socialists of America gives some from the barrel of a gun. But the young Americans who were hope that this is already happening. But the age of left-wing violence energised and inspired by Sand- User “irockgnomes” recounts how his ended badly, both for countries where ers’s movement shouldn’t simply sit San Francisco DSA chapter is bringing communism triumphed and those around and hope for better electoral tents to the homeless. where it simply bombed a lot of bath- chances four or eight years down the Respondents reveal that they’re rooms. More recently, Venezuela has road. There is much they can do now planting chestnut trees, running shown that revolutionary socialism re- to direct their energy toward the re- roundtables to help workers solve tains its power to wreck a country even vitalisation of US society and institu- workplace problems, organising ten- after the end of the Cold War. tions. ant groups, creating skill-sharing pro- Instead of seeking to tear down US society isn’t suffering from a lack grams, fixing brake lights for bicycles democratic institutions as their left- of political rallies, bold policy propos- and doing many other communal ist predecessors did, today’s young THE RADICAL DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDI- als or Twitter campaigns. It’s suffering projects. progressives should work on building DATE’S CAMPAIGN HAS LITTLE CHANCE OF VICTORY from declining civic involvement. As A second thing young progressives them up. sociologist Robert Putnam has docu- could do is to revitalise the civil ser- American society has done a fine By Noah Smith paign has very little chance of victory. mented, Americans used to be much vice. The stunning and pervasive fail- job of running itself into the ground There are still many states left to Sanders’s so-called political revolu- more likely to volunteer in civic organ- ures by the Centers for Disease Control through neglect, complacency, self- vote in the 2020 Democratic primary tion, centred on far-reaching plans for isations. and the Food and Drug Administration ishness and lack of caring. Sanders’ election, but the outcome now looks single-payer health care, free college, This trend of isolation could be due in the face of the coronavirus epidemic movement — the closest thing Ameri- all but certain. Following a series of bans on fossil fuels and nuclear power, to the internet, suburbanisation, a point to the degradation of the coun- can politics has seen to a true mass catastrophic losses in states such as and a revamp of the US economic sys- backlash against diversity or a variety try’s essential government services. movement in a long time — offers hope Michigan and Missouri, and facing big tem, looks as if it has been put on hold. of other changes. But whatever the Years of hiring and pay freezes have that members of the young generation deficits in the polls in coming states, This result mirrors those in a number cause, it seems reasonable to assume left the civil service hollowed out, are ready to rebuild their society. Bernie Sanders’s presidential cam- of European countries, including the that social isolation and declining civ- while soaring private-sector salaries Gulf News

The views expressed in these columns are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Indian Horizon or its management.-Editor Indian Horizon Tuesday, March 17, 2020 international 8 Trump asks Americans to 'take it easy', as COVID-19 brings on new normal Putin says Russia not impacted by New York, March 16 (IANS) "very critical point" in the battle to Western sanctions US President Donald Trump has flatten the curve of the COVID-19 Moscow, March 16 (IANS) Russia urged Americans to stop stockpil- spread. "Now, if you look at the has managed to offset $50 billion in ing groceries as a reaction to the curves that I've described mul- losses caused by Western econom- COVID-19 pandemic and asked tiple, multiple times, this window ic sanctions since 2014, President people to "relax" and "take it that we're in is going to be very im- Vladimir Putin has said. easy", even as locals across the portant for us to stay ahead of this "According to various estimates, country continue to report empty curve," Fauci warned. we have lost $50 billion, but we have shelves in leading supermarkets In the same briefing, Trump earned the same amount," Putin and wholesale stores. praised the US Federal Reserve said in a multiple-episode interview Trump on Sunday struck an up- which took emergency economic "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin" beat tone on the same day when measures on Sunday slashing its with the TASS news agency, aired on America's top infectious diseases benchmark interest rate to zero Monday, Xinhua reported. expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said the and committing to buy $700 billion Western countries, particularly the dent, the countermeasures have worst effects of the COVID-19 were in treasury and mortgage bonds. Europeans, suffered approximately helped boost Russia's agricultural "still to come". "There's no shortages. We have day before his administration an- Trump reassured Americans that the same huge losses, he said, add- industry, making the major grain "You don't have to buy so much. no shortages other than people are nounces "advanced guidelines" he is using the "full power of the ing that they have been losing jobs, importer now a leading exporter of Take it easy. Just relax. It will all buying anywhere from three to five on Monday on containment and federal government" to defeat the while Russia now has a record low wheat, outperforming the US, Cana- pass," Trump said. "Can you buy a times what they would normally mitigation strategies against the coronavirus". "We will do what- unemployment. da and Australia. little bit less, please?" buy," Trump said. The President pandemic. ever it takes and we're doing really, In response to the sanctions, Rus- Russia produces enough dairy, Trump spoke at the White House said he spoke with the chiefs of "You're going to be hearing really well," he said. sia shifted the funds meant for for- poultry, pork and other basic prod- even as Americans continue to be America's leading grocery stores more about advanced guidelines The COVID-19 pandemic has eign products to import substitution ucts and last year exported agricul- stunned by the sudden shortage of and they assured him they are and more precise instructions killed more than 60 Americans and programs and started to produce tural products worth $25 billion, said canned food, bread, pasta, meat stocking up more than they would of how we could implement this more than 5,800 people worldwide. goods and develop technologies it Putin, who forecast an estimated $24 and other essential edibles in their during the Christmas season. mitigation within the community," Over 156,000 people have been did not have, Putin said. billion for this year, compared to $15 neighbourhood markets. Trump's comments came a Fauci said. He said the US was at a infected globally. According to the Russian presi- billion of weapons exports. Biden pledges to nominate woman for Vice President Saudi Arabia suspends New York, March 16 (IANS) Klobuchar were tied for the didates pick a running mate old and would be 81 if he is Former US Vice President Joe first choice as the likely Biden who geographically or through elected this year and seeks re- workplace attendance in Biden has pledged to nominate partner. Sanders refused to experience or other factors election in 2024. Sanders is a a woman as his running mate if make an explicit commitment brings a balance to the team year older than him. he gets the Democratic Party's to nominating a woman as and also to appeal to voters be- Harris ran for the Demo- all govt agencies nomination to challenge Presi- his running mate, although he yond their base. cratic Party's nomination and dent Donald Trump in the No- said: "In all likelihood, I will." In the current Democratic clashed with Biden in the early vember election. It will be a matter of ideolo- Party environment, Biden, who debates, but dropped out of "I commit that I will, in fact, gy, ensuring his Vice President is from the east coast state of last December and endorsed appoint a woman to be vice candidate is a progressive, he Delaware, would need a wom- the former Vice President this president," he said on Sunday said. "There are progressive an, preferentially a non-White, month. Biden said he would during the Democratic debate women out there a" so my very on his ticket which would put appoint an African-American directly facing off Vermont strong tendencies would be to Harris as a top contender. woman to the Supreme Court, Senator Bernie Sanders, his move in that direction." bate after the other candidates On the other hand, Harris is which has only one African- sole viable rival for the party The national anxiety over who had qualified for debates from California and if he feels American, Clarence Thomas, nomination. Senator Kamala the coronavirus overshadowed dropped out took place before he may need someone from a conservative. His cabinet, Harris, who is of Indian and the debate where the centrist Tuesday's party poll in Ari- the middle of the country to he said, would "look like the Jamaican-African descent, is Biden and the self-described zona. Because of the corona- cut Trump's base there, Klobu- country", meaning it will re- considered one of the front- democratic socialist Sanders virus pandemic, the venue was char, who is white, would have flect it gender and racial and runners on a Biden ticket. clashed on ideology. moved to Washington from an advantage. There are also ethnic make-up. There were For example, The Wash- Biden said the nation need- Arizona and held without an several other women who two women vice presidential ington Post's panel of experts ed a change, not a revolution, audience and ensuring they could meet the many qualifi- candidates of major parties be- Riyadh, March 16 (IANS) commit to sterilizing shop- known as "The Ranking Com- while Sanders said the status stood two metres apart to keep cations at play. The Vice Presi- fore and both lost. Republican Saudi Arabia announced on ping carts. mittee" on Friday said she quo has to be undone. the distance recommended dent pick would be important Sarah Palin ran on John Mc- Monday the suspension of The Ministry also ordered and Minnesota Senator Amy Their first one-on-one de- by experts. Presidential can- in Biden's case as he is 77 years Cain's ticket in 2008. attendance at workplaces in the closure of barbershops all government agencies for and beauty salons. 16 days against the corona- Service at food and bever- NZ PM calls for cancelling virus pandemic. age places is limited only to Macron's party loses in 1st-round of An Interior Ministry offi- take-away requests, and cus- gatherings of 500 people or more cial said in a statement that tomers are not allowed to sit municipal election: Exit polls the decision excludes health, inside the stores, the official security, and military sec- added. Paris, March 16 (IANS) Can- Doucet was placed first in Lyon, of the ballots to avoid a second- tors, the electronic security The decision was taken as didates of French President where he garnered 29 per cent round. For those who cannot centre, and the remote edu- part of measures to prevent Emmanuel Macron's The Re- of the votes, a 12-point lead get 50 per cent, they need to cation system, reports Xin- the coronavirus outbreak, public on the Move (LERM) over his conservative rival. obtain 10 per cent in the first hua news agency. while 118 virus-infected party have failed to garner The EELV saw a surge in sup- round of vote to head to the The decision also includes cases have been confirmed votes in the first-round of the port in Bordeaux, a right-wing runoff. the closing down of com- in the Kingdom, with 15 new municipal elections, clouding stronghold, Grenoble, Besan- Voter turnout in Sunday's mercial markets and malls, cases on Sunday, according Macron's plan to build a local con and Strasbourg, suggest- first round of the municipal except pharmacies and food to the latest health ministry's power base ahead of the 2022 ing a growing "green wave" was elections was 38.77 per cent, supply businesses which statistics. presidential race. likely to sweep Europe's second down from 54.54 per cent six According to exit polls on largest power. years ago, according to figures Sunday night, the LERM failed Facing his first domestic released by the Interior Min- to uproot the bastions long- mid-term vote challenge, Ma- istry. The abstention rate was Global COVID-19 Wellington, March 16 protect those who are more held by socialists and conser- cron had bet on his anti-estab- estimated at a record 56 per (IANS) Gatherings of 500 or vulnerable to severe illness". vatives in some of the largest lishment party -- which he cre- cent compared to 33.4 per cent cases surpass those more people held outdoors The Ministry of Education cities, reports Xinhua news ated in 2016 -- to win control of in first round of the 2014 mu- or indoors "should be can- will be working with schools agency. Paris remains in the major cities to anchor power at nicipal election, as French vot- celled" due to coronavirus and universities to reduce hands of the Socialist Party af- local level, and offset losses in ers, who traditionally tend to inside China: WHO concerns, and the decision gatherings as they are able ter its candidate and the city's the rural zone where he faces show less interest in polls, had Geneva, March 16 (IANS) tional Health Commission, was made "in the best in- to, she added. incumbent Mayor, Anne Hi- fierce criticism of "being out of further shunned elections on More than 83,000 confirmed the number of confirmed terest of New Zealanders", Over the weekend, Auck- dalgo led with 30.2 per cent of touch" with and "doing little to growing concerns of coronavi- coronavirus cases have been coronavirus cases in the Prime Minister Jacinda Ard- land's Pasikifa Festival as the votes, eight points ahead of the working class". rus spread. reported outside China as country as of Monday was ern said on Monday. well as the March 15 Christ- her conservative rival Rachida Prime Minister Edouard As of Sunday, 5,423 cases of of Monday, exceeding the 80,860, while the death toll There are approximately church terrorist attacks Dati's 22 per cent. Philippe finished first in the coronavirus infection were re- cumulative number of in- stood at 3,213. 107 events, with participants memorial service were can- Former Health Minister Ag- port city of Le Havre, winning ported, up from 4,500 in one fections in the Asian giant, Outside China, Italy has of more than 1,000 people, celled due to the pandemic. nes Buzyn, who defended the 43.6 per cent of the vote and day, while 127 patients died where the virus originated reported the maximum scheduled to take place na- The government will an- LREM banner, came in third consolidating his chance to win from infection, up from 91 last December, a World number of cases and deaths tionwide next month, Xi- nounce New Zealand's eco- with 17 per cent. In Marseille, the runoff. Culture Minister deaths registered on Saturday, Health Organization (WHO) at 24,747 and 1,809, respec- nhua news agency quoted nomic response to the pan- the right-wing Republicans Franck Riester and Budget Min- the French Public Health an- spokesperson said. tively. Ardern as saying at a press demic on Tuesday. party failed to secure a fifth ster Gerald Darmanin were re- nounced. The election runoff The spokesperson told Xi- It has been deemed as the conference. The country on Sunday mandate after its candidate elected with outright majority. is scheduled for March 22. But nhua news agency that the epicentre of the outbreak in She said the cancellation two more cases of the vi- came in second behind the Voter participation is crucial many politicians called on the pandemic has spread to 146 Europe. aimed to "slow the spread of rus, taking the total number Socialist contender. Candidate and one of the deciding factors government to postpone the countries and regions world- The global death toll in- COVID-19, reduce the num- of infections to 19, with no from the European Ecologists for candidates as they need to ballot due to the worsening wide so far. cluding China's figure was ber of people infected and to death. and the Greens (EELV), Gregory secure more than 50 per cent health crisis. According to China's Na- 6,506 on Monday. Sharif summoned in top media house editor's case Afghan govt indefinitely delaysT aliban prisoner release der the Lahore Development Au- Kabul, March 16 (IANS) spokesman for the coun- But the Taliban have only 1,500 Taliban prison- thority's (LDA) exemption policy, The Afghan government try's National Security insisted that they will not ers would be initially re- not more than 15 plots measuring has indefinitely delayed the Council told Efe news on enter the intra-Afghan leased as a gesture of good- one kanal each could be exempt- start of the planned release Sunday, a day after the talks until the 5,000 prison- will, with the remaining ed. "There must be some reasons of 5,000 Taliban prison- government missed its ers were released, as was 3,500 to be released over that he (Rehman) was exempted ers after the militant group deadline to begin the pris- agreed in the peace deal the following two weeks, 54 plots measuring one kanal each failed to guarantee that oners release process on brokered by the US and but only if there is a signifi- in a single compact block. He was their fighters would not Saturday. signed in Doha on Febru- cant reduction of violence. required to surrender 70 per cent take up arms again, a devel- The spokesperson said ary 29. The proposal was imme- of this land," Dawn news quoted opment that could further they have been assess- "To delay the releas- diately rejected by the mili- the sources as saying. complicate the recently ing the lists of the Taliban ing process of the prison- tants, who pointed out that After his appearance before the signed peace deal to reduce prisoners to ensure the re- ers is an action against the the deal stipulates the re- NAB team in Lahore last week, violence in the country. leased fighters would not agreement and shows that lease of all of the prisoners Rehman had said he had bought Kabul's decision comes return to the war, after the (Afghan government) is before any talks can start. Islamabad, March 16 (IANS) cal grounds, had illegally leased the land in question from a private after President Ashraf Taliban failed to agree to intentionally delaying the The Doha deal hinges Pakistan's National Accountability 54-kanal land to Rehman in 1986, party and no illegality had been Ghani last week announced that condition. intra-Afghan negotiations," on several factors, includ- Bureau (NAB) has summoned for- Dawn news reported on Monday. committed in this respect. the start of the process re- "So far no development Suhail Shaheen, Taliban ing the total withdrawal of mer Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Rehman was arrested by the In a statement, the Jang group leasing 5,000 Taliban pris- has been made in this re- political Office Spokesman foreign troops within 14 to appear before it on March 20 in NAB on March 12 in the 34-year- said its editor-in-chief had been oners in phases as part of gard from the Taliban side, in Qatar told Efe news. months and an agreement the case against the editor-in-chief old case relating to the 54-kanal arrested by NAB in connection the US-Taliban peace deal so far they have shown no On March 11, President on the part of the Taliban of the Jang Geo Media Group, Mir land allegedly acquired illegally with a property allegedly bought and efforts to pave the way commitment to peace, nei- Ghani had issued a decree not to use Afghan territory Shakil-ur-Rehman. during Sharif's tenure as Punjab illegally from a government entity for intra-Afghan talks, re- ther in action nor in talks," according to which 5,000 to launch attacks in other While summoning the former Chief Minister at te time. more than 34 years ago. The prop- ports Efe news. Faisal said. Taliban prisoners would be countries, as well as the leader on Sunday, the NAB said He was handed over to the NAB erty was bought from a private "We are working on the "We release these per- released in groups of 100, a participation of the mili- that Sharif, who at present is in on 12-day physical remand by an party and all evidence of this was lists, but it is unclear how sons to promote peace, not process that was due to be- tants in peace talks with the London for treatment after hav- accountability court following his provided to NAB, including the le- long it will take to be com- so that they can return to gin on Saturday. Afghan government and ing been granted bail on medi- arrest. NAB sources said that un- gal requirements like duty. pleted," said Javid Faisal, the war," he added. According to the decree, the release of prisoners. Indian Horizon 9 business Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Retail investors big losers in Yes Bank AT1 bond write down India's Feb wholesale New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) are indirect subscribers of by retail investors directly. If need, be the banking regula- that losses to this segment Arnab (name changed) put these bonds. The mutual they are written off, it will im- tor may provide additional are minimised," said another inflation declines to 2.26% his lifetime savings into addi- fund industry as a whole had pact hundreds of thousands liquidity support to Yes Bank, retail investor of Yes Bank Similarly, on a year-on-year tional tier 1 or AT1 bonds of an exposure of about Rs 2,730 of investors. bond holders have been left bonds. (YoY) basis, the Wholesale Price Yes Bank in 2018 after he was crore (as on 29 February) to Yes Bank's additional in the lurch. The losses on investment Index (WPI) data furnished by assured that such investment Yes Bank debt, much of it to tier 1 (AT1) bonds worth Rs "The bank (Yes Bank) has is expected to be fairly wide- the Ministry of Commerce and was as safe as a bank fixed de- AT1 bonds, according to data 8,415 crore are being writ- decided to write down AT1 spread as apart from mu- Industry on Monday showed a posit but offered much better from RupeeVest, an online ten down to zero under the bond. This is as per the terms tual funds, several hundreds decelerating trend during Feb- returns. mutual funds distributor. cash-strapped private lender of the contract between the of crores of retail investor ruary, as inflation had risen to For the first year, Arnab What makes the issue restructuring plan that also bank and the investor," RBI money was invested in these 2.93 per cent during the corre- received his interest on his problematic is that large includes investment by pri- Governor Shaktikanta Das bonds by insurance compa- sponding month of 2019. investment on time. Encour- chunk of this investment in vate banks to the tune of Rs said while mediapersons nies and pension funds. "Build up inflation rate in aged, he put the balance debt MF is from retail inves- 3,950 crore in Yes Bank's eq- about steps RBI is taking to What the mutual fund in- the financial year so far was of his savings into the in- tors that may emerge big- uity and public sector lender maintain liquidity in the fi- dustry fears is that writing New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) 1.92 per cent compared with a strument. But all his hopes gest losers in the Yes Bank SBI picking upto 49 per cent nancial system and currency down of Yes Bank AT1 bonds India's annual inflation rate build up rate of 2.75 per cent dashed when news came restructuring. AMFI data stake with a commitment to market in wake on coronavi- may cause panic redemp- based on wholesale prices de- in the corresponding period of that the bank will write down also suggest that debt (in- invest Rs 7,250 crore. rus spread. tions, even in situations clined to 2.26 per cent in Febru- the previous year," the minis- entire Rs 8,415 crore invest- cluding liquid) fund invest- The write down is being "A lot of misselling hap- where it is not warranted. ary from a rise of 3.10 per cent try said in its review of 'Index ments made in AT1 bonds ments constituted around done as per the globally ac- pened on Yes Bank's AT1 This would severely affect in January, official data showed Numbers of Wholesale Price in under Yes Bank restructuring 30 per cent of total retail and cepted Basel-III norms that bonds that were projected as investors' confidence in debt on Monday. India' for February. plan, effectively bringing his HNI asset under manage- mandate writing down of a safe investment instrument markets and financial insti- savings to a naught. ment (AUM), meaning big- such bonds in the wake of an giving higher returns. This tutions. Mutual funds owned What Arnab has seen ger trouble for this segment emergency. lured a lot of retail investors by Nippon, Kotak, Franklin through his two year journey in the restructuring plan for While the government and also to buy these bonds. Gov- and firms like Reliance In- Rout continues in D-Street, over bond investment made the private sector bank. On the RBI have assured that all ernment should not leave dustries, Barclays Bank, Bajaj in Yes Bank is similar to lakhs top of that, Rs 466 crore have the depositors' money in the these investors high and dry Allianz including 34 institu- Sensex falls 2,500 points of other retail investors who been invested in these bonds bank will be protected and if and look at some mechanism tions and pension funds. COVID-19: Border trade with B'desh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar on

Guwahati/Agartala, March He said that health offi- whether Indian or Nepalese international borders in West 16 (IANS) Border trade with cials had been deployed at or Bhutanese or from any Bengal, followed by three in Bangladesh and other neigh- the border trade points to other country with Covid-19 Assam, two each in Meghala- bouring countries continued screen and test drivers and symptoms or with a recent ya and Mizoram, one each in on Monday even as India re- labourers associated with travel history to any Covid-19 Bihar, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) per cent from its previous close. stricted people's movement cross-border trade through affected country shall be sub- and Uttarakhand. Bloodbath in the stock markets The decline in Indian stock through all land immigration infrared thermometers. jected to quarantine in an ap- The four 'Border Haats' continued during the afternoon markets was in line with the checkposts on the country's To prevent the spread of propriate facility of the state (markets) in Tripura and trade on Monday as the BSE freefall in Asian and European borders with Bangladesh, Covid-19, the Foreigners Di- or central governments," the Meghalaya along the India- Sensex lost over 2,500 points indices, despite the second Nepal, Bhutan, and Myan- vision (Immigration Section) official told IANS quoting the Bangladesh frontier are also and the Nifty50 was down over emergency rate cut announced mar from March 15 midnight. of the Ministry of Home Af- April 15. An official posted at Centre's circular. closed from last week as 700 points to trade below the by the US Federal Reserve. "The Indian government fairs, in a memorandum on the Integrated Check Posts at According to the Customs a precautionary measure 9,300 mark. At 2.25 p.m., Sensex The top losers on the Sensex has not yet issued any noti- March 13, had restricted pas- the Agartala (India)-Akhaura officials, 20 Integrated Check against novel coronavirus. was trading at 31,515.08, lower were IndusInd Bank, Axis fication to restrict cross-bor- senger movements between (Bangladesh) borders said Posts (ICPs) along India's The Manipur and Mizoram by 2,588.40 points or 7.59 per Bank, ICICI Bank, Tata Steel der trade with Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Bhutan and that Indians can enter into borders with Bangladesh, governments early last week cent from the previous close and Tech Mahindra. The Re- Nepal, Bhutan, and Myan- Myanmar from the midnight the country from Nepal, Bhu- Nepal, Bhutan and Myan- also prohibited cross-border of 34,103.48. It opened at the serve Bank of India too would mar. Trade is on with little of Sunday. The memoran- tan and Myanmar but not the mar are still operational and movement of people along day's high of 33,103.24 and has address media at 4 p.m., and lesser volume between India dum said that the operation foreign nationals. through which cross-border India's border with Myanmar so far touched an intra-day low anticipation is that the central and the neighbouring coun- of passenger train and bus "Intensified health in- trades could take place. and Bangladesh in the two of 31,460.72. The Nifty50 on the bank would follow its global tries," a top Custom official services would also remain spections at all border en- Of these 20 ICPs, the high- northeastern states as a pre- National Stock Exchange was at counterparts and may come up told IANS. suspended for a month till try points and any traveller, est nine are along the India's cautionary measures. 9,284.95, lower by 710.80 or 7.14 with an emergency rate cut. Yes Bank shares up 45% as AGR: Vodafone Idea pays Rs 3,354 cr, says principal amount paid rescue plan kicks in New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) 5,000 crore is extra, adding that Vodafone Idea has said that the company has also submit- Mumbai, March 16 State Bank of India for a Further, SBI which it has cleared the principal ted its self-assessment docu- (IANS) Shares of crisis- total consideration of Rs would hold 49 per amount towards AGR dues as ment. In another major devel- ridden Yes Bank soared 10,000 crore. cent stake in the cash- it paid Rs 3,354 crore to the De- opment which could provide on Monday as its recon- Investment by private strapped lender has partment of Telecommunica- relief to the telecom operators, struction scheme has banks has so far reached been allotted 605 crore tions (DoT) on Monday. the Department of Telecommu- come into effect, and Rs 3,950 crore. Among shares for Rs 6,050 crore. The payment comes a day nications (DoT) has moved the the bank has announced the private players, ICI- The government on ahead of the Supreme Court's Supreme Court seeking an ap- that it will resume full- CI Bank and Housing Saturday notified the hearing on the issue of Adjust- proval for a 20-year window for fledged operations on Development Finance scheme of reconstruc- ed Gross Revenue (AGR). In a payment of AGR dues. March 18. Corporation committed tion for cash-strapped regulatory filing, the telecom DoT has said that the inter- At 1.32 p.m., its stock Rs 1,000 crore each. Axis Yes Bank Ltd, paving the operator had earlier paid a sum est on the principal and penalty price stood at Rs 37.15, Bank and Kotak Mahin- way for the lender to re- of Rs 2,500 crore on February not be charged beyond judg- higher by Rs 11.60 or dra Bank committed to sume full operations. 17, 2020 and a further sum of Rs ment date, while dues payable 45.40 per cent from its invest Rs 600 crore and The private sector 1,000 crore on February 20 to- to the government be protected previous close. Rs 500 crore respectively. bank has been put un- wards the AGR liability. by levy of 8 per cent interest on So far, it has touched Both Federal Bank der a moratorium by the "The company has today paid staggered payments. an intra-day high of Rs and Bandhan Bank have Reserve Bank of India a further amount of Rs 3,354 The department is also seek- 40.40 per share. Under been allotted shares for since March 5 which has crore to the DoT, being the ing the apex court's nod for a the revival plan pro- Rs 300 crore each as per restricted deposit with- balance part of the principal formula arrived at for recovery posed by the Reserve their commitment and drawals up to Rs 50 thou- amount towards AGR liabil- tal dues is Rs 6,854 crore. After meeting Telecom Sec- of dues from telecom compa- Bank of India (RBI), the IDFC First Bank has been sand per month. Under ity. Thus the company has paid However, according to the retary Anshu Prakash here on nies after detailed deliberation private lender has allot- issued equity shares in the terms of the notified the full principal amount of Rs DoT's estimate, the company's March 11, Bharti Airtel Chair- by government and cabinet. ted 1,000 crore equity the crisis-ridden bank scheme, this morato- 6,854 crore towards the AGR overall dues stand at Rs 53,000 man Sunil Bharti Mittal said However, analysts are of the shares to seven private for a consideration of Rs rium will now be lifted at dues," it said. crore. The other major player as the government directed view that the scheme with 8 per banks and the state-run 250 crore. 6 p.m. on March 18. According to Vodafone Idea's Bharti Airtel has already said the company has paid the full cent interest might not be vi- own assessment, its AGR dues that it has paid its full adjusted amount. able for Vodafone Idea which is stand at Rs 21,533 crore and the gross revenue (AGR) dues of He said that the full AGR dues financially much more stressed Corona Impact: Reserve Bank principal amount out of the to- about Rs 13,000 crore. is about Rs 13,000 crore, and Rs than the other players. expected to cut rates mist Madhavi Arora told COVID-19: US Federal Reserve cuts interest rate to zero IANS. "Taking cues from oth- New York, March 16 (IANS) of losing their jobs. er Asian central banks The Federal Reserve has taken The stock markets have and the G-4 brigade, we the extraordinary action of plunged about 20 per cent since think MPC could front- slashing the interest rate effec- the highs in February, despite load the impending rate tively to zero in emergency ac- the about 9 per cent bounce cuts in a pre-emptive tion to prop up the US economy on Friday, putting them in bear fashion, if needed. The battered by the coronavirus cri- market territory. RBI may also continue sis and facing the risk of a re- The latest measures follow with unconventional cession. the Fed's offer last week to measures to ensure the Federal Reserve Chairman make $1.75 trillion available Mumbai, March 16 inflation has shown a credit spreads normal- Jerome Powell said on Sunday for the bond market to ensure (IANS) To deal with the decline to 6.58 per cent ize in the current credit evening that the rate cut and funds availability for its opera- economic fallout of coro- from January's 7.59 per stress situation, led by other actions were taken were tions. navirus outbreak, the cent. both domestic and exter- meant to help the US "weather On Friday, Trump declared Reserve Bank of India is However, the retail in- nal factors." this difficult period." a national emergency that he expected to ease key flation level continued She added that RBI Other measures announced said would make available $50 lending rate soon. to remain much above may also go in for a by the Federal Reserve, the billion to fight the fallout of the Accordingly, industry the RBI's medium-term "LTRO 2.0" in line with country's central bank com- coronavirus crisis. watchers contend that target for the CPI rate of the BoE and ECB style of monly referred to as the Fed, "That's really good news, full range of tools to support The House of Representatives RBI might go ahead and 4 per cent with a band of long-term bank lending include pumping $700 billion that's really great for our coun- the flow of credit to help house- passed a massive relief package ease lending rate before +/- 2 per cent. schemes. into the US economy by buy- try," he said. holds and businesses." on Saturday morning that will its scheduled MPC meet Nevertheless, even Recently, RBI had ing government bonds worth The benchmark Fed inter- The Fed measures are aimed be taken up by the Senate next slated for April. globally, US FED and conducted a Long Term $500 billion and $200 billion of est rate which was 1 per cent at lowering the interest rates week. The move might hap- BoE have cut rates to Repo Operations (LTRO) mortgage-backed securities. to 1.25 per cent after a 0.5 per banks charge consumers and The package known as Fami- pen as early as late Mon- aide the industry. aimed at providing ad- This is expected to lower the cent cut on March 3 was cut ef- businesses and making loans lies First Coronavirus Response day or in the coming "Even as RBI's 4QFY20 ditional durable liquidity cost of long term debt and ease fectively on Sunday by another available to them to meet the Act is backed by Trump and week. inflation forecast of 6.5 to the Banking Sector to pressures on the housing mar- 1 per cent to the 0 per cent to setbacks from the coronavirus. many Republicans and it pro- In fact, experts point- per cent will likely be spur lending. ket. 0.25 per cent range. The measures are the biggest vides for paid sick leave, family ed-out that a conducive overshot by ~25-35bps, According to Karan US President Donald Trump, Powell predicted that the steps taken since the 2008 fi- leave and free testing for CO- rate cut scenario has latter half of the year Mehrishi, Lead Econo- who had been criticising Pow- coronavirus pandemic will nancial crisis that plunged the VID-19. been built with the de- will see substantial cor- mist at Acuite Ratings ell for not cutting the interest "have a significant effect on nation into a recession, which The US now joins several cline in both CPI and rection in inflation,and Research: "We be- rate and taking other measures economic activity in the near now stares it in the face as many countries like Japan, Germany, WPI rates have declined much below the 4 per lieve an out of turn rate to stimulate the economy, con- term." businesses are being forced to France and the Netherlands in February. cent target," Edelweiss cut is possible to the tune gratulated him after the Fed ac- To counteract this, he said, cut back operations and tens of that have zero or negative in- Last month's retail Securities' Lead Econo- of 50 bps. tion was announced. "We are prepared to use our thousands of workers are at risk terest rates. Indian Horizon Tuesday, March 17, 2020 business 10 AGR: DoT seeks SC's nod for 20-year window for payment RBI to conduct LTROs New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) "Mobile Number Portabil- omy. worth additional In a big relief for telecom oper- ity (MNP) process has capac- "FDI sentiment will be ad- ators, the Department of Tele- ity limitations; this may lead versely affected... closure of Rs 1 lakh cr communications (DoT) on to delays in porting numbers one or more TSPs also ad- Mumbai, March 16 This type of operation Monday moved the Supreme from non-operational to op- versely impact the digital con- (IANS) In a bid to ease the are generally conducted Court seeking its approval for erational TSP (telecom service nectivity in the country... This liquidity strain that might to relieve the banks from a 20-year window for payment provider), and consequent will have adverse impact in ru- be caused due to the coro- some of their debt repay- of around Rs 1.47 lakh crore disruption of services for cus- ral areas, particularly Aspira- navirus outbreak and its ment obligations towards Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) tomers. TSPs porting in cus- tional Districts and the spread subsequent economic fall- bondholders. Thus, it dues, as adverse functioning of tomers from TSPs not able to of digitisation in the backward out, the Reserve Bank of boosts cash flows emanat- the telecom firms could have a provide services will also need regions of India," the DoT said. India on Monday decided ing from the banking sec- negative impact on the econo- additional access spectrum to Vodafone Idea has said that to conduct more long term tor. It was highly specu- my and consumers across the maintain Quality of Service. it has cleared the principal repo operations (LTROs). lated that the RBI will ease country. Spectrum is acquired through amount towards AGR dues as it The Reserve Bank has key lending rate soon after "All licencees impacted by auction," said the DoT seeking paid Rs 3,354 crore to the DoT already conducted LTROs with the US FED and BoE the judgement (October 2019) relaxation in the repayment of on Monday. In a regulatory fil- on February 17 and 24 and cut rates to aide the indus- of the court be allowed to pay the AGR dues. ing, the telecom operator had March 1, and 9, 2020. The try. the unpaid or remaining to be penalty not be charged be- interest of the consumers," it It also sought the apex earlier paid a sum of Rs 2,500 LTROs are conducted for a However, market watch- paid amount of past DoT as- yond judgment date, while said in the application. court's nod for a formula ar- crore on February 17, 2020 and three-year tenor period. ers said that such a move sessed dues in annual install- dues payable to the govern- The DoT contended in the rived at for recovery of dues a further sum of Rs 1,000 crore Addressing media per- will have a more durable ments over 20 years, duly pro- ment be protected by levy of 8 application that it has anal- from telecom companies after on February 20 towards the sons here, RBI Governor impact on dealing with the tecting the net present value of per cent interest on staggered ysed the issue in great detail detailed deliberation by the AGR liability. Shaktikanta Das said that economic fallout of coro- the said dues using a discount payments. and has given serious consid- government and the cabinet. "The company has today that fresh LTROs will be navirus. rate of 8 per cent (based on "The applicant is conscious eration to the market economy The department said the clo- paid a further amount of Rs conducted via which Rs 1 On the chances of a rate One Year Marginal Cost of of the fact that any immediate of this sector. Detailing on the sure of one or more TSPs and 3,354 crore to the DoT, being lakh crore will be injected cut, the Governor said that Lending Rate of SBI which is adverse impact on the func- adverse impact of the AGR gap being filled in by other the balance part of the prin- through multiple tranches. any decision on the same currently 7.75 per cent)", said tioning of the telecom service judgement in absence of any remaining TSPs will not be cipal amount towards AGR li- In financial parlance, an will be taken only by the the application filed by the providers would not only have support to the telecom firms, seamless, and the collapse of ability. Thus the company has LTRO is a loan scheme for monetary policy commit- DoT in the apex court. an adverse impact on the over- the DoT said it will impact on the TSPs would also have a paid the full principal amount banks which come at the tee (MPC) after assessing The DoT has said that the all economy of the nation but telecom services for a large cascading negative impact on of Rs 6,854 crore towards the current repo rate from the the impact of coronavirus interest on the principal and would also seriously harm the proportion of customers. the other sectors of the econ- AGR dues," it said. RBI. on the economy. PhonePe brings Swiggy to its Will add liquidity if needed, RBI assures Yes Bank depositors Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) and Kotak Mahindra Bank com- Switch platform Describing the reconstruction mitted to invest Rs 600 crore and Bengaluru, March shopping and travel and tela, Head of PhonePe scheme for Yes Bank as credible Rs 500 crore respectively. Both 16 (IANS) India's lead- entertainment apps Switch, said in a state- and sustainable, Reserve Bank of Federal Bank and Bandhan Bank ing digital payments from within the Phone- ment. "We are seeing India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta have been allotted shares for Rs platform PhonePe on Pe app itself. excellent user traction Das on Monday sought to assure 300 crore each as per their com- Monday said it has inte- Users can log in to since the launch of the the private bank's depositors that mitment and IDFC First Bank has grated food delivery ma- these apps without PhonePe Switch and their hard-earned money is safe. been issued equity shares in the jor Swiggy on its Switch downloading them, with currently have over 100 He also said that the central crisis-ridden bank for a consider- platform. With this part- a single tap.PhonePe partner apps live on bank will infuse additional liquid- ation of Rs 250 crore. nership, PhonePe's 200 Switch enables mer- Switch," Rautela added. ity into private lender, if required, Further, SBI which would hold million registered us- chant partners to in- PhonePe users can and urged depositors that there 49 per cent stake in the cash- ers can now access the tegrate their existing place orders on Swiggy was no need to carry out panic strapped lender has been allotted Swiggy app and order PWAs (progressive web in a few simple steps. withdrawals after the moratorium 605 crore shares for Rs 6,050 crore. their favourite food from apps) or mobile sites to All they need to do is: on the bank ends on Wednesday SBI, the largest public sector bank within the PhonePe app the platform, and in- Open the PhonePe app (March 18). nership (PPP) for revival of a pri- The government on Saturday in the country, has in fact commit- itself. The service will stantly reach out to the and click on the Switch "It is a very credible and sus- vate sector bank," he said. notified the scheme of recon- ted Rs 7,250 crore. On Thursday, be available across all vast PhonePe user base. icon, Select the Swiggy tainable restructuring plan," Das Against the backdrop of the Ma- struction for cash-strapped Yes it said that its Executive Commit- 520 cities where Swiggy "Through PhonePe app, Choose the restau- said while addressing the media harashtra government deciding Bank Ltd paving the way for the tee of the Central Board (ECCB) delivers food in India, Switch, our effort has rant they wish to order here on the Yes Bank issue and to desist from having accounts lender to resume full operations. has approved the purchase of 725 PhonePeAsaid. been to build a partner from, Select their fa- the coronavirus crisis. in private sector banks, Das said The bank on Monday said that it crore shares in Yes Bank at Rs 10 PhonePe Switch is a app ecosystem, which vourite dishes and pay Terming the restructuring of that RBI has written to all state will resume its full-fledged op- per share. The private sector bank one-click entry point to offers our users a very instantly.AA "Through the bank a "historic develop- governments saying that the In- erations at 6 p.m. on Wednesday had been put under a moratorium a world of apps on the convenient way to ac- this partnership, we are ment", he said that it is the first dian banking sector is sound and (March 18). by the Reserve Bank of India since PhonePe platform. cess and engage with delighted to extend the time a weak and failing bank has safe, including the private bank- Investment by private banks March 5 which has restricted de- It allows customers multiple apps, while en- convenience of food not been merged with another ing sector. "There is no reason for has so far reached Rs 3,950 crore. posit withdrawals up to Rs 50,000 to seamlessly switch abling faster customer ordering and delivery stronger lender and rather the the state authorities to keep away Among the private players, ICICI per month. Under the terms of between PhonePe and acquisition and high to the PhonePe Switch central bank has gone ahead with from private banks who are im- Bank and Housing Development the notified scheme, this mora- their preferred food, engagement for our platform and be a part of reconstructing the bank."It is also portant components of the bank- Finance Corporation committed torium will now be lifted at 6 p.m. grocery, health & fitness, partners," Rituraj Rau- the ecosystem of apps. an instance of public private part- ing sector," he said. Rs 1,000 crore each. Axis Bank on March 18. All In Red: Sensex tanks 2,700 Exporters hit hard by coronavirus impact on global trade, seek relief New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) chinery in operation. Indian exporters have urged "In any case, the export points, Nifty below 9,200 the central government to credit had contracted by come up with urgent relief about 23 per cent in 2019 heavy selling. to help the sector tide over (Jan-Dec) even before the out- As all the stocks on the the coronavirus-related busi- break of the global crisis due Sensex ended in the red, In- ness shutdown as trade in the to coronavirus."Engineering dusInd Bank lost the most country's top destinations gets exports for April-January (17.5 per cent down), fol- paralysed. 2019-20 to the US aggregated lowed by Tata Steel (11.02 In a submission, the En- to $9.87 billion, followed by per cent), HDFC (10.94 per gineering Export Promotion UAE ($3.58 billion) , Germany cent), Axis Bank (10.38 per Council has said that the In- ($2.56 billion) and UK ($2.26 cent) and ICICI Bank (9.96 dian exporters find themselves billion). Other major destina- per cent). in a state of turmoil. due to near collapse of global airlines have trimmed their tions are China ($1.85 billion Yes Bank stocks bucked The US, UAE, Germany, UK, supply chain even as the cargo operations," said EEPC Chair- ), Italy ($1.65 billion), Repub- the bearish trend and Singapore, Italy, and China, movement has stopped. The man Ravi Sehgal. lic of Korea ($1.62 billion) and surged on Monday and among others, fall into the warehousing capacity is over- He said that under these France ($1.13 billion). closed 45.21 per cent at Rs top destinations for Indian stretched with severe block- circumstances, the exporters, "All these markets are in the 37.10 per share as the bank's engineering exports, the larg- ing of export finance. The especially those in the highly grip of crisis due to corona- Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) The Sensex closed at reconstruction scheme has est contributors to the coun- international shipping lines job-oriented SMEs, need im- virus. More worrisome is the Coronavirus fears contin- 31,390.07, lower by 2,713.41 come into effect. try's basket of merchandise are affected. Even the urgent mediate fiscal relief and credit uncertainty as there is no clue ued to cause mayhem in the points or 7.96 per cent The bank has also said exports. "Trade is crippled and less bulky cargo through flow to keep their workforce so far as to how long the global stock markets as the BSE from the previous close of that it will resume its full- in most of these destinations air routes is paralysed as the and essential plant and ma- health emergency would last. Sensex ended over 2,700 34,103.48. It hat opened at fledged operations on points lower and the Nifty50 the day's high of 33,103.24 Wednesday. on the National Stock Ex- and touched an intra-day Further, shares of SBI change (NSE) settled below low of 31,276.30 points. Cards and Payments Ser- Sharper cuts in fuel prices if oil cos forego supernormal profits the 9,200 mark. The NSE Nifty50 closed vices made a weak debut This is the second biggest lower by 757.80 points or on the stock exchanges on New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) dustry to lower cost and boost single-day fall in the history 7.61 per cent from its previ- Monday as it opened at Rs Consumers may still get consumption and demand," of Sensex. ous close of 9,197.40. 658, nearly 13 per cent lower sharper cuts in retail prices of said an oil sector analyst. The rout in the domestic A bear run was witnessed than its issue price of Rs 755. petrol and diesel if Indian oil An official of OMC, how- market was in line with the across sector on Monday It ended at Rs 683.20, lower marketing companies decide ever, said the pricing deci- decline in Asian and Euro- with banking and financial by Rs 71.80 or 9.51 per cent to reduce their margins on sions should be taken while pean markets. and metal stocks witnessing from its issue price. the sale of auto fuels that has also considering volatility in increased substantially due oil markets but retail price of to abnormally low global oil petrol and diesel is still follow- US stocks go down despite Fed relief, prices. ing international price move- According to an ICICI Se- ments and changes going curities report, net auto fuel ahead would be bad. Dow falls 2,700 points margin of OMCs would be pans out now, OMCs have a cut, the report said. ICICI Securities said that Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) points to 2,415.39. "weather this difficult pe- super-normal at Rs 5 per li- very large window to provide At latest prices, the net mar- they have raised FY21E on Stock markets in the US con- The growing concerns of riod." tre on March 16, 2020 despite relief to consumers. gin of OMCs works out to Rs auto fuel net marketing mar- tinued a freefall on Monday the coronavirus crisis per- Other measures an- OMCs absorbing Rs 3 per litre The brokerage report said 9.01 per litre (price cuts will gin to Rs 1.75/l from Rs 1.5/l as both Dow Jones Indus- sisted even as the US Fed- nounced by the Federal Re- excise duty hike. This would that the hike in excise duty bring it down over the next 15 earlier. Further upside is not trial Average and the S&P500 eral Reserve has taken the ex- serve, the country's central mean that state-owned com- on auto fuels by Rs 3 per li- days) suggesting net margins ruled out; upside to OMC's slumped over 7 per cent low- traordinary action of slashing bank commonly referred to panies still have room to cut tre being absorbed by OMCs are likely to remain very high FY21E earning per share (EPS) er circuit to trigger 15-minute the interest rate effectively as the Fed, include pumping petrol and diesel prices if they has led to fall in net market- even in early-April, 2020. at a margin of Rs 2.0 - 2.5/l halt in trading. to zero in emergency action $700 billion into the US econ- are willing to sacrifice super- ing margin to Rs 0.33 litre on Net marketing margin is would be 8-29% with HPCL Trade, however, has re- to prop up the US economy omy by buying government normal profits coming from March 15 from Rs 3.68 per Rs 2.09/l in FY20 - till date being most sensitive to mar- sumed in both indices and battered by the coronavirus bonds worth $500 billion and higher margins. litre on March 13. However, and was Rs 1.83/l in FY19 vs gins, the report said. the indices have fallen over crisis and facing the risk of a $200 billion of mortgage- The government on Sat- plunge in refinery transfer Rs 0.97p - Rs 1.06/l in FY15- Though gross refinery mar- 10 per cent. Currently, Dow recession. backed securities. urday raised excise duty on price (RTP), based on 15-day FY18, suggesting new normal gins on OMCs are also ex- Jones is trading at 20,469.58, Federal Reserve Chairman US President Donald both petrol and diesel by Rs rolling average and changed is Rs2/l. pected to remain high, ICICI lower by 2,716.04 points or Jerome Powell said on Sun- Trump has already declared 3 per litre but OMCs factored fortnightly, by Rs 4.4 -Rs 5.5 "The higher net margin Securities has cut down the 11.71 per cent from its previ- day evening that the rate cut a national emergency in the this increase in cost and still per litre would boost net mar- calls for OMCs to cut petrol projection for FY21 as demand ous close. S&P500 has fallen and other actions were taken world's biggest economy over reduced retail price of the two gin on March 16 to Rs 5.09 per and diesel retail price sharply shock due to coronavirus pan- nearly 11 per cent or 295.63 were meant to help the US the coronavirus pandemic. products marginally. But as it litre as reduced by the price to benefit consumers and in- demic remains a concern. Sports Indian Horizon 11 Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Bengaluru, March 16 Chennai’s date with M.S. visas, except diplomatic, official, Sports Ministry also followed coronavirus outbreak. And, if it is (IANS) After Chennai Super Dhoni was cut short as the UN/international organisations, this up by making it clear that unavoidable, the events should Kings, now Royal Challengers captain of Chennai Super employment and project visas, all sporting events should be be held behind closed doors so Bangalore have decided to Kings (CSK) left the base amid stand suspended till April 15.The cancelled in the wake of the as to avoid mass gatherings. indefinitely postponed their huge fanfare. training camp which was set to “It has become your home, Pakistan-Bangladesh Karachi get underway from March 21. sir!” Keep whistling, as #Thala Taking to Twitter, RCB Dhoni bids a short adieu to Test, lone ODI postponed wrote: “Keeping in mind the #AnbuDen,” a tweet from CSK health and safety of everyone said with a short video of fans Karachi, March 16 (IANS) and the second ICC World involved, the RCB Training queuing up to get a glimpse In the wake of the ongoing Test Championship Test from Camp scheduled to start on of Dhoni as the former India coronavirus outbreak, another April 5-9."The Pakistan and the 21st of March has been captain bid adieu. international cricket series has Bangladesh cricket boards deferred until further notice. The government on March succumbed to the pandemic as have decided to postpone We request everyone to follow 11 cancelled all visas, except the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the upcoming One-Day the guidelines provided by the for a few official categories, COVID˨̉̑: RCB TRAINING has been forced to postpone International and Test in Karachi ICC World Test Championship Health Ministry and stay safe.” till April 15 in the wake of the the upcoming ODI and the for a later date," said PCB in a commitment."The first Test With the Indian Premier growing coronavirus scare. In Test match against Bangladesh. statement on Monday."The of the series was played in League (IPL) being the meeting held at Nirman CAMP DEFERRED UNTIL The Bangladesh team was due two boards will now work Rawalpindi from February 7-10, postponed till April 15 due Bhavan in the national capital, to arrive in Karachi on March together to identify a future which Pakistan had won by an to the coronavirus outbreak, it was decided that all existing FURTHER NOTICE 29 to play an ODI on April 1 opportunity to complete the innings and 44 runs. Aim to make Tokyo ARSENAL BLANK MAN UNITED 2-0 FOR ATP Cup not Olympics carbon neutral: 1ST WIN OF ARTETA ERA a tune-up for Emirates, Arsenal showed the Frenchman’s shot Australian Open, IOC PRESIDENT the same dynamism that right to Arsenal defender commitment to was on display for the Sokratis, who pushed the says Nadal sustainability and first half of last weekend’s ball into the net. feasibility is also match against Chelsea Arsenal slowed down reflected in the way It took the Gunners only some after the break, the Olympic Games eight minutes to get on the largely ceding possession are run. Tokyo Games board courtesy of club- to the visitors, but while in 2020 will be the record signing Nicolas Pepe, United threatened on most prominent who hammered a Sead several occasions, keeper expression of this IOC Kolasinac cross past United Bernd Leno and the commitment. Tokyo keeper David De Gea. Gunners’ back line proved 2020 aims to be carbon The Ivorian international, equal to the task. neutral Games. who came to Arsenal for The victory -- only their “From the Olympic a transfer fee of 72 million second in 16 matches in Lausanne is a central theme medals made from London, March 16 permanent replacement pounds ($95 million), had a all competitions -- brought (Switzerland), March of all its activities recycled electronics, to (IANS) Arsenal defeated for fellow Spaniard Unai chance to make it 2-0 in the Arsenal to 27 points, 16 (IANS) International in accordance with powering the Olympic Manchester United 2-0 Emery, watched the 38th minute, but his shot enough for 10th place in Olympic Committee the Olympic Agenda Games with renewable to give former Gunners team draw 1-1 against hit the post. the Premier League. (IOC) President 2020.“With Olympic energy or using zero- captain Mikel Arteta Bournemouth and lose 2-1 The second goal came just Manchester United are Thomas Bach said Agenda 2020, we have emission vehicles his first victory since at home to Chelsea in his four minutes later, however, fifth with 31 points whereas on Wednesday that made sustainability and many more becoming head coach of first two matches as coach, and Pepe contributed, Man City trail second- the upcoming 2020 a central element initiatives, Tokyo 2020 the Premier League side. reports Efe news.From sending the ball to place Leicester City by just Melbourne, March 16 (IANS) Tokyo Olympics to all our activities. will be an inspiration Arteta, who was named the opening whistle of Alexandre Lacazette at the a point. Everton sit in 11th World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has aims to be a “carbon- What better example for sustainable on December 20 as the Wednesday’s contest at the near post.De Gea deflected place with 25 points. said that Team Spain did not neutral” Games.In a of this than Olympic development,” Bach consider the ATP Cup, a team New Year’s message House, which in its said.Tokyo Olympics competition whose inaugural that was published on category is the most will be held between Indian archers will surely win medal edition kicks off in Australia IOC’s website, Bach sustainable building July 24 and August 9, this week, a tune-up for the said that sustainability in the world.“Our 2020. Australian Open. in Tokyo: Akash Malik “The preparations for the Australian Open will come a Vinesh Phogat says 2020 New Delhi, March 16 dence while playing in the week before that Grand Slam, (IANS) Akash Malik, who Khelo India Games envi- when we play the tournament made history after clinch- ronment,” said Malik. in Adelaide. will be special ing India’s first silver The 17-year-old, who is a We’re motivated to play this a completely new weight in archery at the Youth farm labourer’s son, devel- team competition,” Efe news category!” Vinesh tweeted on Olympics in 2018, said he oped an interest in archery quoted 33-year-old Nadal as Wednesday.At the 2016 Summer is sure that the Indian ar- after watching his friends saying after the team arrived Olympics in Brazil, Vinesh chery contingent will win practice the sport in 2016. for a visit to Rottnest Island, reached the quarter-finals and a medal at the 2020 Tokyo “I took up archery in a nature preserve located off lost to Sun Yanan of China owing Olympics. 2016. I saw my friends Perth.The Australian Open, the to a knee injury. “I am sure the Indian ar- practice archery in Hisar first Grand Slam event of the Vinesh, who was stretchered chery contingent will win tion for the Indian archery experience while partici- and then gradually I de- 2020 tennis season, starts on off the mat midway during a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team trials. pating in the first edition of veloped an interest in the January 20 in Melbourne. her quarter-final bout in Rio, Olympics. The players for The archer, who hails the Khelo India Games in sport,” said Malik. Team Spain was welcomed changed her weight category the team will be selected from Hisar (Haryana), has 2018.“I won bronze in the The archer faced finan- to Rottnest Island by Western twice since 2016, and in March through trials, which will won gold (men’s team first edition of the Khelo cial difficulties in acquiring Australia Tourism Minister Paul 2019, she decided to move up to be held early in 2020,” Ma- event) at the Asia Cup India Games. I had a great equipment at the begin- Papalia.“It’s really exciting to New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) the 53-kg category with an eye on lik said.He added that the Stage-I, silver (mixed team time at the tournament. ning of his career. Howev- have the ATP Cup in Perth and Star Indian grappler Vinesh avoiding injuries. third edition of the Khelo event) and bronze (men’s The competition is a great er, the Olympic Gold Quest Western Australia. We have the Phogat has said 2019 was a year “Now that I think of it, this new India Youth Games, be- team event) in the Asia Cup platform for the youth to spotted Malik in 2017 and, best players in the world here, so filled with all kinds of emotions weight category made the biggest ginning January 10 to 22, Stage-II in 2018. Malik ex- learn different skills. The thereafter, the organisation people can get up close to watch wherein she learned a lot and difference and finally helped me will serve as good prepara- pressed that he had a great athletes get a lot of confi- has been providing equip- them in the next few days. believes that 2020 -- wherein achieve something that I had she will be making her second pursued for a long time, a World Olympics appearance -- will be Championship medal! Chasing Swimming has been given Injury forces Sunita Lakra to retire special.“2019 was a year filled that medal brought in huge with emotions some bitter, some changes,” she said.“I changed the more importance recently: from international hockey sweet! Started off the year with a way I trained, the way I ate, and New Delhi, March 16 er," she said.Sunita said lot of anger, frustration and fear how I recovered!!! I explored new Shivangi Sarma (IANS) Sunita Lakra, de- that after recovering, she inside of me. I had a new full- countries, wandered round new New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) fender in the Indian wom- would continue to turn up time coach, a whole new practice cities and had a tonne of fabulous Shivangi Sarma, who clinched en's hockey team, has in domestic hockey. regimen, and most importantly new experiences. a silver medal each in 100 m drawn the curtain down "Pursuant to my treat- freestyle, 200 m freestyle and on her international career ment, I will play domestic 400 m freestyle at the South due to a knee injury which hockey and play for NA- New WADA VP Yang stresses Asian Games 2019, expressed will require surgery. LCO who have supported that swimming has been given "Today is a very emotion- my career by providing on promoting anti-doping more importance in India in al day for me as I have de- me a job." Beijing, March 16 (IANS) New Olympics champion told Xinhua. the last few years. Sarma said cided to retire from interna- dia, said the nagging injury Sunita has been part of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Yang said anti-doping organisations it's good to see the Indian gov- India Youth Games, is looking tional hockey," Sunita said had come in the way of her the national team since vice president Yang Yang stressed the should not only teach athletes how ernment supporting athletes to better her results in the next in an official statement."I dream to be a part of India's 2008. She led India during importance of education in the global to avoid using banned drugs, but also financially. edition of the competition. The had been part of this won- campaign at the Tokyo the 2018 Asian Champions fight against doping. give them education based on the "Swimming has been given third Khelo India Youth Games derful journey with the In- Olympics later this year. Trophy where the Indian Yang became the first Chinese correct values of fair play and honesty. more importance in the last will be held in Guwahati from 10 dian women's hockey team "As much as I wish eves finished runners-up. to assume a leadership role in “And more importantly is the few years. The government and January 2020 to 22 January 2020. since 2008 and through this to be part of the Indian "I was very fortunate WADA’s 20-year history after being value-based education. We aim to the administration are support- "I won two golds, two silvers journey we have seen many team as they prepare for to have played at the Rio elected vice president on November let more people, not just the athletes, ing all the sports financially. A and one bronze medal in the 2019 ups and downs but we re- the Tokyo Olympics, my Olympics in 2016, In- 7 in Poland. Beginning her term realize that doping is cheating. We sportsperson incurs many ex- Khelo India Games. The competi- mained as one unit, giving knee injuries have cut dia's first appearance in on Wednesday, she believed it is hope athletes can be determined penses such as travel, lodging tion was a great experience. I put each other the strength short my dream. I have over three decades. Many important to both give the athletes to be clean and be proud of it from and so on, therefore it's good up my best performance in all my and motivation to remain been told by the doctors people told me it was anti-doping knowledge and shape a young age and WADA has good that the government is support- events. Since Assam is my home strong and fight all the odds that I would be requiring a historic moment for their values.“I used to be an athlete, so programmes on this,” she continued, ing the athletes financially," state and the next edition will be to excel and bring laurels another knee surgery in women's hockey in In- I totally understand the importance adding that such an education for said the swimmer.Sarma, who held in the state, I am preparing to the country," she add- the coming days and I am dia but I always believed of education both on a technical the athletes’ supporting staff is also put up a brilliant performance even harder for the tournament ed.The 28-year-old, who unsure how long it would this team can achieve so level and values,” the former winter necessary. in the last edition of the Khelo and I want to make Assam proud." played 139 matches for In- take before I fully recov- much more." Entertainment IIndianndian HHorizonorizon Tuesday - March 17, 2020 12

TAKING OVER IT ALL, 'BUZZ GIRL' SARA ALI KHAN ADDS ON AN ICONIC YOUTUBE STAR BHUVAN BAM TO BE AT COSMETIC BRAND TO HER SUCCESS LIST WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM 2020 ara Ali Khan, Bolly- movies , one being Kedar- wood's Buzz girl who nath where she shared the omedian and YouTube Tube. While in Davos, Bhu- Shas made a remarkable screen with Sushant Singh sensation Bhuvan Bam van will also attend a dinner impression like no other in Rajput and the second one Cwill participate at the hosted by YouTube CEO Su- the Bollywood industry with being Simmba where she World Economic Forum san Wojcicki, who is inviting all her astounding work and shared the screen with Ran- (WEF) annual meeting 2020. creators from around the sculpturing herself into a veer Singh. The forum will be held in Da- world.Bhuvan has emrged better version of herself ev- The actress has a very vos, Switzerland, from Janu- as an online sensation with ery single day. Sara Ali Khan quirky and bold fashion sense ary 21 to 24. his brand of comedy. has left no heads unturned and she aces every look with The event brings together He also addresses impor- and is killing it on every ease. Popular as a youth icon, 3,000 global leaders. Guests tant issues such as girl-child front- fi lms to brands! the actress has graced many invited this year at the Davos education, water conser- Adding to the great trajec- magazine covers and has meet include US President vation, women safety and tory of career and history of made it very special for the Donald Trump, Bollywood conservation of the envi- hardwork to look back to, brand and even for herself. actress Deepika Padukone ronment through his videos Sara has gained a new icon- Sara has been loved and and climate activist Greta meet, he will attend con- on his popular channel "BB ic cosmetic brand which is adorned by her fans alot and Thunberg. The theme of this ferences and will also be Ki Vines".WEF 2020 marks known and loved all over recieves an unbudged sup- year's meet is 'Stakeholders vlogging his experience to the 50th anniversary of the the world. port for every work she does. for a Cohesive and Sustain- educate his audience on the meet. This year at the meet We have nothing but The actress has been made able World'.Bhuvan will be discussion of a cohesive and Bollywood star Deepika praises for all the hardwork the face for a bunch of huge at Davos primarily thanks sustainable world.Joining will be awarded with a WEF that has resulted into suc- brand names under her ban- to his impact on YouTube, him will be 100 Indian CEOs Crystal Award. cess. Sara is in demand ner purely based on her tal- as an online creator. At the and other creators from You- IANS for her films and even by ent. The actress has had a brands.The actress has done victorious year with all her a phenomenal role with not awards as well. just one but two succesfull Courtesy : Santabanta Promo of 'Ek Duje ke Vaaste 2' shot in Ladakh BRAD PITT, PRIYANKA CHOPRA head of the launch of promo at Ladakh was like the second season of a dream come true for us, Athe popular TV show and we thoroughly enjoyed JENNIFER ANISTON reveals why she wanted "Ek Duje Ke Vaaste", mak- it. The show demands fi t- ers unveiled a promo that ness and discipline, and was shot in Ladakh. we trained for more than 'love they trust to date Nick Jonas The makers wanted the two whole months before ndian actress Priyanka comes off... So that song is show to refl ect the true feel starting the shoot. During each other' Chopra Jonas has re- my favourite," she said. of an Army background, the shoot at Ladakh, I got Ivealed what moved her In the feature piece, Pri- and hence the promo of the an opportunity to tick one ormer Hollywood cou- built their bond and rekindled to date American pop singer yanka also said that she and show was shot at real loca- wish off my bucket list - ple Brad Pitt and Jenni- their friendship so much more Nick Jonas. her Nick knew little about tions like Leh-Ladakh and that of riding a bike on the Ffer Aniston's rekindled than it was the past few years A little over a year after each other before they be- Satara recently. Magnetic Hill. friendship is blossoming and now that they're both single. tying the knot with Jonas, gan dating. The show will feature "It was also a great bond- they are enjoying having "each "They've realised what's im- Priyanka shared that the She said: "So we used to budding actors -- Mohit ing opportunity for the cast other's back".The exes, who portant in life and since they beginning of their romance do a show-and-tell at night Kumar and Kanika Kapur -- and crew, as we enjoyed the divorced in 2005 after Pitt had shared so much love for each has a lot to do with his where it would be like, 'This in the lead roles of Shravan snow-covered mountains, hooked up with actress Ange- other it's such a nice thing for steamy scene in his music is my fi rst song!' or 'This is and Suman respectively. sitting around bonfi res Pr lina Jolie, have met again at them both to have this kind of video for "Close", reports my fi rst movie!' or 'This is Speaking about his ex- while sipping on piping hot Aniston's holiday party at her close friendship again." aceshowbiaz.com.The the fi rst song I wrote my- perience of the shoot, Mo- soups at night." g home in Los Angeles, reports They trust each other and hit said: "The shoot of the IANS h mirror.co.uk. love the fact that they have someone who has their back, especially in Hollywood where trust and real friends are at Jigyasa Singh stars in Mohit a minimum."The two actors married in July 2000 but within Gaur's indie song video fi ve years they split.Pitt shares six children with Jolie. Thapki Pyar Ki" actress As per report, the 'Friends' Jigyasa Singh features in actress has apparently Shiloh "the music video of an inde- land a role in 'The Goree Girls', pendent song sung by former a movie which stars Jennifer. "India's Raw Star" contestant It's claimed that Shiloh has Mohit Gaur. been thinking about a career 37-year-old actress spoke self,' things like that. And The song is titled "Main in acting. However, Angeline when she took Harper's Ba- actually that's how we're hoon woh palak". allegedly wanted the youngster zaar through the 24 hours in still getting to know each "We all have been in love or to focus on her studies fi rst. her life for the magazine's other.""The Sky Is Pink" ac- are in love with someone, or When Angelina learned that February issue. tress shared that she doesn't are waiting to be someone's Shiloh has landed a gig, that too "The fi rst thing I do in google herself or Nick. love. '...Palak' is all about that in a movie featuring Jennifer, the morning is put on mu- "There's so much in- kind of pure love where we she did not take it well. “After sic. My life has always been formation about us - it's too are someone's palak, that Jen revealed there was a small pretty musical, and now overwhelming," she said. fallen eyelash we wish upon," role for Shiloh, Brad managed with Nick it's completely Though she doesn't mind said Mohit, who had earlier to get Angelina to agree on the musical. I decided to date looking at his works in the sung songs like "Wahin" and basis fi lming wouldn’t interfere him after seeing the video acting world. "Phir mujhe dil se pukar tu". with her studies. for 'Close', where his shirt IANS "This song has been close to Jennifer Aniston, per the out- my heart and I have been work- kind words for his co-star too. a voice as beautiful as Mohit's, let’s informant, has been very ing for quite sometime on this, "Collaborating with Jigyasa it's sure to get you thrumming supportive of Shiloh’s dreams. and fi nally it's release makes Singh has been like bliss, she's to the song's beats. It has been The “Just Go With It” actress, Juhi Chawla's son me happy and accomplished. added that beautiful vibe to the a wonderful experience work- This time, it has been report- reportedly, even agrees to look Working on this, a music video video and is such a wonderful ing on this song. The scenic ed that they are looking to re- out for future roles that Brad Pitt donates 300 pounds with director Vikram Singh has actor. I have had the most hard- view of Shimla which you'll fall build their friendship.A source hopes to improve Shiloh’s self- been one of the best things working team," he said.Jigyasa in love with, along with a fabu- told Hollywood Life: "They've confi dence and self-esteem. from pocket money for about this project for me. He is playing the love interest of lous co-star, Mohit, it was a is one of the most understand- Mohit in the video."Romantic smooth sail," said the "Shakti" ctress Juhi Chawla's son ing persons I have come to songs like '...Palak' have a way actress. Arjun is doing his bit to Oz bushfi re know."The singer had some to get to your heart, plus with IANS Ahelp those affected by "That was it. A day lat- at that time, no one Australia bushfires. The ac- er he said 'I've sent 300 had cameras on their tress says her son has sent 300 pounds from my pocket phones and so it was Gautam Rode loves celebrating pounds from his pocket mon- money. I hope it goes to 'possible' for them to ey to the Australian fire relief the right place'. I am re- do. "And I was afraid fund. ally happy and grateful of losing my career just Christmas with children According to reports, bush- to God. I feel so good when I had gotten to a ctor Gautam Rode has together and I become Santa fires in Australia have killed knowing his heart is certain level of success. a special noble way to for them."This year as well I over 25 people, decimated in the right place," she So I wanted to carry Acelebrate the festival of plan to do the same by tak- Australia's wildlife, and are ex- added.Arjun is currently on and this seemed Christmas. As he is associated ing different kids to different pected to rack up historically studying in a boarding the midway. That we with the initiative "Helping fun places. My Christmas high damage costs of multiple school in the UK. keep quiet and carry on Hands", Gautam is planning wish this year is that more billions of dollars. Juhi Chawla on her working," she added. to spend the whole day with kids get to study and I wish I Talking about her son's ges- marriage with Jay Juhi was last seen on the children there."Christmas am able to do something for ture, Juhi said: "I recall he had Mehta the big screen as a ca- is a really special day since I these kids, always," Gautam mentioned to me that 500 mil- In an interview with terer with acting dreams support the initiative 'Help- said.He added: "My message lion animals have been killed a publication, she in Shelly Chopra Dhar’s ing Hands' and I celebrate to my admirers is please take in the Australian bushfires and claimed that the only directorial debut, Ek Christmas with the kids part in initiatives where you he asked me 'what are you do- reason for her to do so Ladki Ko Dekha Toh there. I take them to a place can do something for those ing about it?' I said I'm helping was because she was at Aisa Laga. they would enjoy, like a ho- actually in need and Christ- plant trees in our country in the peak of her career IANS tel or fun zone and spend mas is a really beautiful op- the Cauvery Calling project." time with them as we play portunity to do so. IANS

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