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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: 139 Published from New Delhi & Hyderabad New Delhi, Thursday, May 21, 2020 No: 7 Pages 12 + 4 pull out (P16) Price: 3.00

INS TO SC: CENTRE, STATES TOOK HCQ AFTER VALET MAIN AIM IS TO WIN AN OLY OWE SEVERAL CRORES’ DUES TESTED COVID POSITIVE, MEDAL OF DIFFERENT COLOUR TO MEDIA INDUSTRY SAYS TRUMP IN TOKYO: MARY

P-3 P-8 P-11

HOLIDAY NOTICE New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) mentation of the scheme that Prime Minister Narendra Modi NARENDRA MODI : is expected to bring about Blue THE WORLD UNDER ATTACK on Wednesday said several de- Revolution through sustainable cisions taken by the Cabinet Migrants, fishermen, and responsible development SCOURGE OF CORONAVIRUS today focused on welfare of of fisheries sector in India un- migrants, poor and senior citi- senior citizen to gain from der two components -- Central zens, adding these would facili- Sector Scheme and Centrally TOTAL TALLY IN INDIA Our office will be tate easier availability of credit Cabinet decisions Sponsored Scheme -- at a to- mounts to 1,06,750, death closed on 21st of May, and create opportunities in the tal estimated investment of Rs 2020 on the occasion fisheries sector. equate livelihood for rural-ur- 20,050 crore. toll 3,303 of Shab-E-Qadr. While welcoming the Cabi- ban communities.On ‘Pradhan The scheme is likely to ad- Therefore, net’s decision on formalisation Mantri Matsya Sampada Yo- dress the critical gaps in the of microfood processing enter- jana’, Modi said it will “revolu- fisheries sector and realize its there will be no issue prises, PM Modi tweeted: “The tionise the fisheries sector”. potential apart from creation of Indian Horizon Cabinet decision will contrib- “It will invigorate it with lat- of direct gainful employment English Daily on ute to a vibrant food processing est technology, infrastructure opportunities to about 15 lakh 22nd May, 2020 sector. It will also strengthen and ensure financial assis- fishers, fish farmers, fish work- New Delhi, May 20 the efforts towards Atmanirb- tance. Our hardworking fisher- ers and fish vendors. (IANS) With 5,611 new har Bharat.” men will gain immensely,” the The Modi movement has set novel coronavirus cases The other schemes are ex- PM tweeted. a target of 22 million metric and 140 new fatalities in cases each are Rajasthan pected to provide a big boost The Union Cabinet, chaired tons by 2024-25 through sus- the last 24 hours, the total (5,845), Madhya Pradesh to the cooperatives & micro- by the Prime Minister Modi has tainable and responsible fish- tally of such infections in (5,465) and Uttar food businesses and ensure ad- given its approval for imple- ing practices. India stood at 1,06,750 on Pradesh (4,926). Wednesday, the Health Other major states Ministry data revealed. and Union Territories Accept corona as part of life, return COVID˨19: The total includes that have reported more 61,149 active cases, 3,303 than 1,000 cases each to normalcy: Sharad Pawar TWO MORE fatalities, and 42,298 are West Bengal (2,961), ADITI SINGH patients cured of the dis- Andhra Pradesh (2,532), Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Na- laxations to the people at a fi xed DEATHS TAKE ease, the Ministry said. Punjab (2,002), Telanga- COULD BE NEXT tionalist Congress Party President time daily. In Maharashtra, coro- na (1,634), Bihar (1,498), Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said The NCP chief said he had dis- TELANGANA’S navirus cases climbed Jammu and Kashmir BJP BET FOR that the novel coronavirus will cussed in detail the prevailing to 3,37,136, followed by (1,317), and Karnataka not be completely wiped out soon situation in the state with Chief Tamil Nadu with 12,448 (1,397). RAEBARELI and it is imperative to "accept it Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the TOLL TO 40 cases and Gujarat with Other states and UTs as part of life" while limping back challenges faced by the adminis- 12,140 cases so far. that have reported a LS SEAT to normalcy. tration, and the preventive mea- Maharashtra has signifi cant number of New Delhi, May 20 "Coronavirus will not be com- sures required to provide relief to the highest number of corona cases are Hary- (IANS) Amid bitter politics pletely eradicated shortly. It is various sections of society. deaths at 1,249, fol- ana (964), Kerala (642), over buses for UP migrant necessary to accept it as part "The presence of state minis- lowed by Gujarat’s 719 Odisha (978), Jharkhand workers, Aditi Singh, of life, beware of it, and create ters and offi cials needs to be rein- and Madhya Pradesh’s (231), Chandigarh (200), rebel Congress MLA from awareness among the masses taken to gradually restore road stated to build public confi dence 258.In Delhi, the total Tripura (173), Assam Raebareli, has taken the about healthcare. transport within the state, be- about the situation returning to Hyderabad, May 20 (IANS) tally rose to 10,554.States (142), Chhattisgarh (101) Bharatiya Janata Party's In Japan, people wear masks sides planning for resumption of normal in Maharashtra. Appro- Two more persons died of Cov- with more than 4,000 and Uttarakhand (111). (BJP) line and targeted and look after personal hygiene air and rail services. priate instructions should be is- id-19 in Telangana on Wednes- Congress General Secre- as part of their routine social life," The earlier situation must be sued to the ministers and offi cials day, taking the death toll to 40, per cent needed oxygen tary Priyanka Gandhi on Pawar said here.He said the on- restored in Maharashtra by relax- to be present at their workplac- offi cials said. ONLY 6.39% support, 3 per cent ICU Wednesday. going lockdown 4.0 has severely ing some conditions of the lock- es," Pawar said, implying min- The state has reported fatali- COVID˨19 CASES and 0.45 per cent ventila- Slamming Priyanka disrupted transport services and down, and arrangements made isters and offi cials must be seen ties for the second day in a row. tor support. Gandhi, Singh said, "At that necessary steps must be to convey information about re- leading from the front. The authorities had declared NEED HOSPITALI˨ Stressing the Covid-19 the time of crisis what four deaths on Tuesday.The recovery rate, Agarwal was the need of the low Health Department, however, SATION : GOVT said, it “has been on con- level politics. Gave the Haryana to pay interest on education has not come out with the de- New Delhi, May 20 tinuous upwards climb list of 1,000 buses, half of tails of the deceased. (IANS) Only 6.39 per and is more than 39.62 them fake or junked. Why The number of Covid-19 cas- cent Covid-19 cases need per cent. this cruel joke? If you had loans for three months es in the state rose to 1,661 with hospitalisation, which in- When the fi rst phase buses why you didn't send Chandigarh, May 20 type of collateral for this 27 persons testing positive. Ac- cludes oxygen, ventilator of lockdown started, the them to Rajasthan, MP and (IANS) Haryana Chief loan. Under this scheme, cording to the Director of pub- or ICU support, according recovery rate was around Maharashtra. Minister Manohar Lal loan will be provided to 5 lic health and family welfare, to the Union Health Min- 7.1 per cent. During the "When thousand of Khattar on Wednesday lakh people of the state. 15 of these cases were reported istry, here on Wednesday. second phase of lock- children were stuck in Kota, announced the govern- The Chief Minister also in Greater Hyderabad. In a press release, Joint down, it was 11.42 per the Rajasthan government ment will pay interest of said that the state would Twelve migrants were also Secretary (Health) Lav cent and rose to 26.59 per couldn't drop them to education loans taken provide loans of up to Rs found infected, taking to 89 Agarwal said of the 61,149 cent. Today, the recovery the borders, forget about by students for three 15,000 to 3 lakh poor peo- the total number of migrants active cases, around 2.94 rate is 39.62 per cent.” home. Then Chief Minister months. ple for starting their own tested positive so far. Yogi Adityanath facili- This decision will bring small business at only Two persons were dis- tated the children to reach relief to 36,000 students two per cent interest. charged from hospital. With 1 DEAD, 67 NEW home."The tweets under @ amid the coronavirus all those students who are larly, the government will These loans will be pro- this the number of recoveries COVID CASES aditisinghinc suggest Singh pandemic. completing their educa- bear two per cent of the vided under the Differen- rose to 1,013. has derived a new path. Khattar said there are tion this year or who have total interest on loans of tial Rate of Interest (DRI) The number of active cases RAISE She may be technically in many such students who already done so in the up to Rs 50,000 under Shi- scheme, in which banks now stands at 608.Meanwhile, the Congress for the sake have taken loan for their previous year, but have shu Yojna of Mudra Loan charge four per cent in- with the relaxations in the KARNATAKA of House membership, but education. The govern- not been able to start Scheme of the Central terest.Of this, two per lockdown, Hyderabad and slamming Priyanka cast as- ment would pay the in- their jobs or business due government.They will not cent interest will be borne other towns continued to see TALLY TO 1,462 persions about her politics. terest of three months of to this epidemic.Simi- be required to give any by the state government. hectic activity for a second day. Bengaluru, May 20 galuru Urban’s ninth. (IANS) A 43-year-old man Meanwhile, 67 new government directing for publi- from Bengaluru Urban coronavirus cases emerged Over 1.95 lakh migrants from Bihar, 1.84 lakh from cizing the web link https://epass. succumbed to Covid-19, in the past 24 hours in the jantasamavad.org among strand- even as 67 new positive state.“New cases reported ed migrants,” read a government cases raised Karnataka’s between 5 p.m. on Tues- UP to return home from Delhi statement. tally to 1,462, an offi cial day to Wednesday 5 p.m. New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) their hometowns, with 11 trains Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who ac- Meanwhile Sisodia has also said on Wednesday. were 67,” said the Health Delhi Deputy Chief minister being sent to Uttar Pradesh and count for 1,95,746 and 1,84,997 written to the Ministry of Rail- “Positive case number Department offi cial. Manish Sisodia on Wednesday Bihar.“Around 65,000 people respectively, said Sisodia. ways requesting 262 trains to 1,236, a 43-year-old male, Of the total cases, confi rmed an IANS report that have been sent back to their The Delhi government said send migrants back to their states resident of Bengaluru 864 are active, 556 were more than four lakh people have homes until now. We are also most of the migrants from Bihar in the next four days. Urban, died on Wednes- discharged and 41 patients registered at the Delhi govern- seeking permission from other are from Darbhanga, Madhu- Delhi court has also refused to day,” said a health offi cial. dead.On Wednesday, 13 ment’s website for going home states to send migrants back bani, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur grant an early hearing on a peti- The deceased had a history patients were discharged and transportation being ar- to their hometowns. As soon and Katihar. While those from tion fi led by JNU professor Sucha- of hypertension, myocar- while 15 are in the ICU. ranged for around 65,000 mi- as we get the permission, we Uttar Pradesh are mainly from rita Sen seeking registration of FIR ditis and inter-state travel Across the state, 1.66 lakh grants.Around 25 trains left from would arrange trains for those Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, against the masked mob which history to Vellore in Tamil samples were tested for Delhi for different states today states.”Most such requests have Ambedkarnagar and Basti.“An or- had allegedly attacked her during Nadu.This is Karnataka’s Covid-19, out of which 1.64 carrying 37,500 migrants back to been received from migrants of der had been issued by the Delhi the campus violence on January 5. 41st Covid death and Ben- lakh tested negative. Indian Horizon 2 City Thursday, May 21, 2020 JNU violence: Court says only 'urgent' Cyclone Amphan: Landfall matters to be heard due to COVID-19 begins, to continue for 4 hours New Delhi, May 20 in the present condition expedite the matter. to the attack, Sen had (IANS) A Delhi court posed due to Covid-19 Sucharita Sen, a pro- filed a complaint with New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) tinue for four hours." to be 155 to 165 kmph gust- tensive damage in the urban has refused to grant an pandemic, the courts fessor at JNU's Centre the Station House Offi- The landfall process of The Cyclone is 190 km ing to 185 kmph. areas also. early hearing on a peti- are to take only the ur- for Study of Regional De- cer (SHO), Police Station cyclone 'Amphan' com- east-northeast of Odisha's Storm surge during the In coastal Odisha, gale tion filed by JNU pro- gent matters," the judge velopment, had received Vasant Kunj North, and menced at 2.30 p.m. and Paradip, 65 km east-south- landfall in West Bengal is wind of 100 to 100 kmph fessor Sucharita Sen stated. injuries in her head after sought registration of will continue for four hours, east of West Bengal's Digha, expected to be four to six gusting to 125 kmph will seeking registration of The court added, "It is a mob unleashed vio- the FIR for offence such the India Meteorological 35 km from Sagar island and meters above astronomical also impact Jagatsingh- FIR against the masked beyond the comprehen- lence in the campus ear- as attempt to murder, Department (IMD) said on 225 km south-southwest of tide. The surge is expected pur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak mob which had alleg- sion of the court as to lier this year. On January rioting and mischief but Wednesday afternoon. Khepupara in Bangladesh. to inundate low lying areas and Balasore. The weather edly attacked her during what prejudice will be 5, masked men armed "no action was taken by As per 3 p.m. update by Amphan will move north- of South and North 24 Par- condition would result in the campus violence on caused to the complain- with sticks and rods had the police authorities." the weather agency, "Land- northeastwards and cross ganas and parts of East Me- uprooting of trees, commu- January 5. ant if already pending allegedly attacked stu- Sucharita, through fall process commenced West Bengal-Bangladesh dinipur district. The wind nications and power trans- Duty Magistrate Va- application...is not pre- dents and teachers and advocates Adit S. Pujari, since 2.30 p.m. The forward coast between Digha and speed in Kolka ta, Hooghly mission poles, bending of sundhra Chhaunkar, poned." damaged property on Tara Narula and Kriti sectors of the wall cloud re- Hatiya Islands close to and Howrah is likely to telephone lines and exten- in an order passed on The Delhi Police had the campus. Awasthi, then moved gion are entering into land Sundarbans around Sagar range between 110 kmph sive damage to the 'kutcha' Tuesday said that only recently filed a status Sen had sought lodg- the court on January 13 in West Bengal and the Island. During landfall, the to 120 kmph gusting to 130 and even 'pucca' houses "urgent matters" will report asserting that in- ing of FIR by asserting seeking registration of landfall process will con- intensity of cyclone is likely kmph, which may cause ex- and crops and plantations. be taken up due to the vestigation of the FIR al- that the evidence in the FIR, following which the current COVID-19 pan- ready registered regard- case is in the nature of police was directed to file demic. "The reasons for ing the mob violence at data, which can be tam- an action taken report by pre onement of the ap- JNU was in progress and pered with and that four March 25 but the matter Two new containment plication...of the com- the Delhi High Court months have elapsed was later adjourned till plainant are not found has already directed the since the act. June due to the corona- to be plausible. Further, investigating agency to In January, pursuant virus pandemic. zones in South Delhi

New Delhi, May 20 the main street of F block ered and 168 lost their people in the buffer zone Giving wings: India to resume (IANS) Two areas of Zam- have been declared the lives. The administration will be strictly regulated," rudpur and Dakshin Puri containment zone and has also passed a slew of the order said. in the South District of blocked, following re- guidelines, like proper Shops would be domestic flight ops from May 25 the national capital have ports of Covid-19 cases barricading and 24X7 de- opened/closed as per the been marked as contain- at F-375. Shops would be ployment of local police/ orders issued from time New Delhi/Mumbai, May not only up to the Central sion to extend the lockdown schedule from May 25 on- ment zones, according opened/closed as per the CAPF. There should be to time in this regard by 20 (IANS) India will allow re- government to decide on till May 31, the Directorate ward on online platforms. to the authorities on orders issued from time only one entry and exist the state government, it sumption of domestic pas- the resumption of domes- General of Civil Aviation However, this can only Wednesday. to time in this regard by point to the area. said. In the national capi- senger flight operations in tic flights, as states will also (DGCA) had said that it will happen after the issuance In Zamrudpur, corona- the state government, it "No unauthorised per- tal, 10,500 Covid-19 cases a calibrated manner, exactly have to be ready to allow suitably inform the airlines of new route allocation and virus cases were reported said. In the national capi- son should be allowed have been reported. Of 2 months after suspending civil aviation operations. about flights resumption in other SoP norms. at 90C and 64C. In Da- tal, 10,500 Covid-19 cases under any circumstances this, 4,750 have recov- them under the national Ever since the imposition due course. Besides immediate finan- kshin Puri, from house have been reported. Of in the containment area. ered and 168 lost their lockdown norms. of the nationwide lockdown In its guidelines for lock- cial relief, the move allows number 306 to 379 on this, 4,750 have recov- Movement of traffic and lives. In a tweet, Civil Aviation in the wake of the coronavi- down 4.0, the MHA had said the airlines to keep their Minister Hardeep Singh rus outbreak in the country that all domestic and inter- staff and aircraft ready for Puri on Wednesday said: on March 25, passenger air national air travel of pas- the re-start of operations. Ensure social distancing after "Domestic civil aviation op- services were suspended for sengers will be prohibited, At present, some players erations will recommence both scheduled domestic except for domestic medi- have made cargo operations in a calibrated manner from and international flights. cal services, domestic air their main revenue stream. resuming ops: HC to Delhi Metro Monday, 25th May 2020." "It is not up to @MoCA_ ambulance and for security Still, fixed cost, especially "All airports & air carriers GoI or centre alone to de- purposes. IANS on Tuesday the employee compensa- New Delhi, May 20 observation came in while directions that may be is- after restoration of the its are being informed to be cide on resuming domestic reported that Covid-19 bat- tion component alone, has (IANS) The Delhi High the court was hearing a sued by the respondents services. ready for operations from flights. In the spirit of coop- tered airline industry has dented their financial po- Court on Wednesday di- petition filed by Shreesh subsequently, the govern- Additional Solicitor 25th May," he said. erative federalism, the govt started to accept ticket sitions and stock prices. rected the Delhi Metro Chadha seeking court's di- ment said. General (ASG) Maninder Furthermore, the minister of states where these flights bookings for the travel pe- Nevertheless, the latest an- Rail Corporation (DMRC) rection to the Centre and "Intra-state movement Acharya representing the said the standard operat- will take off & land should riod starting June 1. When nouncement should bring to ensure that adequate Delhi government to oper- of DTC as well as cluster Union of India and Ad- ing procedures (SOPs) for be ready to allow civil avia- contacted on Wednesday, some stability to the com- steps are taken to main- ate all the modes of public buses have been permit- vocate Shadan Parashar, the passenger movement tion operations," Puri had many airline executives said panies business continuity tain social distancing after transport in all districts of ted with a condition that counsel for state govern- would be issued soon. The tweeted on Tuesday. they will now swiftly load plans. A second airline ex- the lifeline of the national the national capital. It also not more than 20 passen- ment said that the griev- development comes a day On Sunday, after the Min- new ticket bookings itiner- ecutive contacted by IANS capital is back on track. sought court's direction gers shall be allowed at ance of the petitioner after Puri had said that it is istry of Home Affairs' deci- aries representing the new said that not all sectors. "It shall be the duty of for framing of guidelines one time inside the bus. has been adequately ad- the DMRC to ensure that for hygiene of commut- The Transport Depart- dressed. adequate steps are taken ers and operators of these ment has been directed to After hearing the matter to maintain social distanc- public transports. deploy adequate number at length, the court dis- Railways to start bookings for ing once the Metro Rail During the course of of buses to ensure social posed off the petition. "We is permitted to function, hearing, the Delhi govern- distancing inside the bus," may note that it has been particularly, since DMRC ment through its counsel said Shadan Parashar and just two days since the new 200 special trains from May 21 has become the lifeline for informed the court that as Bharat Gupta told the rules and regulations have the citizens of Delhi and of now, there is adequate court. come into force. It is too New Delhi, May 20 stranded migrant work- board the train," he said. Passengers were ad- the NCR region and invari- public transport that has Advocates Pushkar early in the day for learned (IANS) In a major relief ers, tourists, pilgrims and The official said that no visedto arrive at the sta- ably, the compartments been permitted to be op- Sood and Satya Prakash counsel for the petitioner to passengers, Indian students from May 1, and tickets will be issued on- tion 90 minutes before the are packed to the gills, erated to meet the require- appearing for the DMRC to urge that there is an in- Railways on Wednesday from May 12, began 15 board to any passenger departure of the train, and which can be dangerous ment of the public at large. appraised the court about adequate supply of public released the list of 200 pairs of Special air-condi- during the journey and no wear face masks. in the current COVID-19 As and when the lock- Standard Operating Pro- transport for insisting that Special trains that will tioned trains. The official Tatkal and premium Tat- The official also said pandemic situation," said down is further relaxed, cedures (SOP) formulated DMRC must be directed to run from June 1 and said said that these 200 Spe- kal booking shall be per- that on arrival at their des- a division bench of Jus- the DMRC shall also be by the Union Ministry of operate the Metro Rail in that these will be fully re- cial trains will be fully re- mitted in these trains. tination, the passengers tices Hima Kohli and Sub- permitted to operate the Housing and Urban Af- Delhi immediately," the served trains having both served. "General coaches According to the official, will have to adhere to such ramonium Prasad. The Metro Rail in terms of the fairs for Metro operation court noted. air-conditioned and non shall also have reserved the first chart will be pre- health protocols as are air-conditioned classes. seat for sitting. There will pared at least four hours prescribed by the destina- Bookings for these trains be no unreserved coach in before scheduled depar- tion state/UT. will commence on May 21. the train," he said. ture and second will be The Railway Passengers Aditi Singh could be next BJP A Railway Ministry He also said that fares prepared at least 2 hours, (Cancellation of Ticket spokesperson, in a state- shall be as normal and for unlike present practice and Refund of Fare) Rules, ment, said that Indian General coaches, being of 30 minutes before the 2015 shall be applicable bet for Raebareli LS seat Railways, in consultation reserved, second seating scheduled departure. for cancellation and in- with Ministries of Health fare shall be charged and The railway official said structions have already New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) ilesh Pratap Singh was an MLA & Family Welfare, and seats will be provided to that all passengers shall been issued regarding re- Amid bitter politics over buses for and had once contested against Home Affairs, has decided all the passengers. be compulsorily screened fund of fare in case pas- UP migrant workers, Aditi Singh, Sonia Gandhi in the Lok Sabha that train services will be The official said that and only asymptomatic senger is not found fit for rebel Congress MLA from Rae- elections. But later he returned to further partially restored only online e-ticketing will passengers are allowed to travelling due to symp- bareli, has taken the Bharatiya the Congress. with effect from June 1. be done through IRCTC enter or board the train. toms of corona. Janata Party's (BJP) line and tar- Sonia Gandhi, sitting Lok However, other regu- website or through Mo- The railways also said The official also said that geted Congress General Secretary Sabha member from Amethi lar passenger services in- bile App. "No tickets will that all quotas shall be no catering charges shall Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday. since 2004 had shifted to Rae- cluding all mail/express, be booked across the res- permitted in these special be included in the fare. Slamming Priyanka Gandhi, bareli. But the Congress could passenger and suburban ervation counter on any trains as has been permit- "Provision for pre-paid Singh said, "At the time of cri- win the Raebareli Sadar As- services shall remain can- railway station. Booking ted in regular trains. meal booking, e-catering sis what was the need of the low sembly seat only when Aditi celled until further advice, of tickets through 'agents' "Limited number of res- shall be disabled. Howev- level politics. Gave the list of Singh has derived a new path. She Singh joined the party. Before he said. The bookings of -- both IRCTC and railway ervation counters shall be er, IRCTC shall make pro- 1,000 buses, half of them fake may be technically in the Con- that her father was indepen- these Special trains will -- shall not be permitted," operated for this purpose. vision for limited eatables or junked. Why this cruel joke? gress for the sake of House mem- dent MLA from the seat most commence from Thurs- he said, adding that the However, normal ticket and packaged drinking If you had buses why you didn't bership, but slamming Priyanka of the time. In 2019, the BJP day at 10 a.m. through advance reservation pe- booking cannot be done water on payment basis send them to Rajasthan, MP and Gandhi cast aspersions about her nominated Dinesh Singh, an IRCTC. The announce- riod in these trains will be through these counters," only in limited trains, hav- Maharashtra. politics. MLC, against Sonia Gandhi. ment comes a day after 30 days. the official said. ing pantry car attached," "When thousand of children The calls and messages to But he lost badly. At that time Railway Minister Piyush The official said that The railways also said he said, adding passengers were stuck in Kota, the Rajast- Aditi Singh went unanswered. Aditi Singh and her father were Goyal announced running wait-listed and reserva- that only four categories are encouraged to carry han government couldn't drop But, according to highly placed with the Congress. of the 200 Special trains tion against cancellation of Divyangjan conces- their own food and drink- them to the borders, forget about sources, the BJP is nurturing her Amethi, the other Congress cit- from June 1. tickets will also be gener- sion and 11 categories of ing water. The official said home. Then Chief Minister Yogi for the Raebareli parliamentary adel, has already fallen with Smri- The railways have been ated. "However, passen- patient concessions are that no linen, blankets and Adityanath facilitated the chil- seat, which has been a Congress ti Irani defeating Rahul Gandhi in operating Shramik Spe- gers with wait-listed ticket permitted in these special curtains shall be provided dren to reach home." The tweets stronghold. 2019. Since then Sanjay Singh of cial trains to transport the will not be allowed to trains. inside the train. under @aditisinghinc suggest Aditi Singh's father late Akh- Amethi has left the party. Indian Horizon Thursday, May 21, 2020 State 3 Over 1.95 lakh migrants from Bihar, 1.84 Congress recalls buses after lakh from UP to return home from Delhi UP denies permission New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) from Bihar are from Darb- Delhi Deputy Chief minister hanga, Madhubani, Sitama- New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) have made the buildings and Manish Sisodia on Wednes- rhi, Muzaffarpur and Kati- Highlighting the plight of mi- cities," she said. day confirmed an IANS re- har. While those from Uttar grant workers walking on foot Reiterating the offer of provid- port that more than four lakh Pradesh are mainly from Aza- to their native places, Congress ing 1,000 buses to ferry the mi- people have registered at the mgarh, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, General Secretary Priyanka grants, the Congress leader, who Delhi government's website Ambedkarnagar and Basti. Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday is also party in-charge of eastern for going home and trans- "An order had been issued targeted the Uttar Pradesh gov- UP, said, "Our buses have been portation being arranged for by the Delhi government ernment for not allowing the parked at the Uttar Pradesh bor- around 65,000 migrants. directing for publicizing buses arranged by the party to ders. They will remain there till 4 Around 25 trains left from the web link https://epass. enter the state. p.m. on Wednesday. If you want Delhi for different states to- jantasamavad.org among After the permission was not to use them, then give permis- day carrying 37,500 migrants stranded migrants," read granted for the buses to enter sion or they will be brought back." back to their hometowns, a government statement. UP, Priyanka Gandhi decided to However, the party said the buses with 11 trains being sent to other states to send migrants been received from migrants Meanwhile Sisodia has also recall them. Addressing a press She said that during the novel waited two more hours beyond Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. back to their hometowns. As of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh written to the Ministry of conference over the politics on coronavirus pandemic crisis, ev- 4p.m. and then w ere called back. "Around 65,000 people soon as we get the permis- who account for 1,95,746 and Railways requesting 262 the buses to ferry the migrant eryone needs to realize one's re- Priyanka said if the BJP wants to have been sent back to their sion, we would arrange trains 1,84,997 respectively, said Si- trains to send migrants back workers, Priyanka Gandhi said, sponsibilities. She said the Con- use these buses with their own homes until now. We are for those states." sodia. The Delhi government to their states in the next "For the last few days we have gress wants to help in a positive stickers and posters, the Congress also seeking permission from Most such requests have said most of the migrants four days. seen that migrant workers have way and doesn't want to indulge has no objection as its only motive been walking without any food in politics. "I request you to let is to help the migrant workers. and any proper mode of trans- these buses enter Uttar Pradesh. She said that in the last three days, port. They are are travelling This is not the time to play poli- had the buses been allowed to en- INS to SC: Centre, states owe several hundreds of kilometres. Many tics; all parties should set aside ter UP, over 92,000 people would pregnant women are walking politics and help people," she have been ferried to their native for over eight hours a day, while said. "They are not only people places. "But now we can see that crores' dues to media industry some are carrying their children of the country, but they are the the same people are walking on and parents on their shoulders." backbone of the economy. They foot to their homes," she said. New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) private bodies. Therefore, The Indian Newspaper So- no writ can be issued against ciety (INS) has told the Su- them, argued INS and NBA. preme Court that the Cen- The affidavits stated that Cabinet approves scheme tre and state governments approximately 80-85 per advertising arms owe be- cent government advertise- tween Rs 1,500 crore and Rs ments have been reduced to provide free foodgrains to 1,800 crore to various media already and that there is a houses going by industry es- drop of approximately 90 per timates. cent in other advertising due migrants for 2 months In an affidavit, INS told to the nationwide lockdown. the top court that the finan- The INS submitted before New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The cial constraints faced by the estimates, Directorate of Ad- -- National Alliance of Jour- the top court that due to Union Cabinet on Wednesday media industry were also vertising and Visual Public- nalists, Delhi Union of Jour- lack of advertisements, sev- approved the scheme to pro- flagged by the News Broad- ity (DAVP) owes between Rs nalists and Brihanmumbai eral newspapers have been vide foodgrains free of cost to casters Association (NBA). 1,500 and Rs 1,800 crore to Union of Journalists. These forced to drastically reduce the migrants and stranded per- The association, in a sepa- various media companies. bodies alleged that the em- their number of pages and sons under the provision of At- rate affidavit, submitted be- A large chunk of this i.e. Rs ployees, including journal- newspaper establishments maNirbhar Bharat package for fore the top court that due to 800-900 crore is owed to the ists, were being terminated have been forced to shut two months. the Covid-19 outbreak, the print industry alone. Such and steps such as unilateral down physical editions of The Union Cabinet, chaired industry is facing unprece- amounts have been out- steep wage cuts and sending newspapers because ven- by Prime Minister Narendra dented financial constraints standing for several months workers on indefinite unpaid dors have refused to de- Modi has given its ex-post fac- and has been "extremely and there is little prospect of leave were being taken by liver the copies. The INS to approval for allocation of severely affected". The NBA realizing the same any time managements citing nation- argued that the media sec- foodgrains from Central Pool to contended that no packages soon," the INS said in its af- wide lockdown. tor largely thrives on ad- approximately eight crore mi- or measures have been an- fidavit. The INS and NBA both vertisement expenditure by grants/stranded migrants at 5 kg nounced for news broadcast- The affidavits were filed in have sought dismissal of the industries such as FMCG, per person per month (May and It would entail an estimated dealers' margin / additional ers so far by the government, response to the notices is- plea of journalists' associa- e-commerce, finance and June, 2020) for two months free food subsidy of about Rs 2,982.27 dealer margin will account for as the businesses are on the sued by a bench headed by tions, contending that sev- automobile, and that these of cost, said the Ministry of Con- crore. Further the expenditure about Rs 127.25 crore which will brink of collapse. Justice N.V. Ramana on a PIL eral news broadcasters are sectors have been hit by the sumer Affairs, Food and Public towards intra-state transporta- borne fully by the Centre, said "As per various industry by three journalist bodies their members and all being lockdown. Distribution in a statement. tion and handling charges and the statement.

MHA amends 52,000 migrants 'Concerted, innovative effort': How India rules so you can fly within India sent to Bihar, ramped up its Covid-19 testing capacity New Delhi, May 20 New Delhi, May 20 have the expertise, mate- of increasing procure- (IANS) To enable do- Bengal, UP on (IANS) On May 18, India rials, staff and capacity to ment and ensuring regu- mestic air passengers reached a landmark in its carry out testing safely, lar supplies. to fly during the current fight against Covid-19 by successfully and reliably. Indian missions and lockdown till May 31, Wednesday performing 100,000 tests The RT-PCR test for Co- embassies abroad helped the Union Ministry of in one day. Starting from vid-19, although increas- identify global suppliers Home Affairs (MHA) has New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The Gautam less than 100 tests per day ingly available around in a highly competitive amended the guidelines Buddh Nagar administration sent 52,000 mi- just two months ago, a the country today, in- seller's market. At the on lockdown measures to grants and students back to their hometown 1,000-fold increase in just volves multiple, complex same time, the govern- fight Covid-19 measures. by 25 trains and 540 buses, the Uttar Pradesh 60 days was made pos- steps. First is the sample ment partnered with do- For this purpose, the government said on Wednesday. While a sible by dedicated teams collection using throat or mestic industry to work phrase "domestic air total of 22,364 migrants and students were from research institu- nasal swabs, which are towards self-sufficiency travel of passengers" is sent to their native places in Bihar by 16 tions, medical colleges, then kept in a special flu- in testing. Because of the deleted from the list of trains, a total of 11,530 people were sent to testing laboratories, min- in terms of technicalities evolving epidemic was an id called viral transport nationwide lockdown, prohibited activities. Uttar Pradesh in 8 trains and one train with istries, airlines and postal and scale, Indian scien- essential part of sustain- medium (VTM). industries faced severe This comes in the wake 1,474 passengers left for West Bengal. services working togeth- tists had to innovate ex- able scaling up. As the This is transported to operational challenges of Civil Aviation minis- Apart from the rail route, 540 buses were er. In January 2020, India tensively, health workers epidemic evolved, India's the laboratory, where the related to movement of ter Hardeep Singh Puri also involved in carrying 16,200 passengers had only one laboratory had to train and learn on testing strategy under- genetic material of the vi- human resources and tweeting out earlier in the back to their homes in various districts of testing for Covid-19 - at the job, administrators went iterative calibration rus is separated from the procurement of material day that domestic com- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and the Indian Council of had to coordinate mul- to keep pace with the swab and transport medi- and machinery. A task mercial flight operations Rajasthan. Medical Research's Na- tiple actions round the changing epidemiology um using RNA extraction force was set up princi- will commence from May Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief minis- tional Institute of Virolo- clock amid the challenges and extent of infection. kit. Next, using another pally to ease out these 25 in a staggered manner. ter Manish Sisodia earlier in the day, con- gy, Pune. Today, there are of nationwide lockdown, This ensured that ac- kit, an RT-PCR machine challenges and handhold Puri had said: "Do- firmed an IANS report that more than four 555 laboratories across and civil and defence avi- cess to tests was assured detects the virus. In order the industry to accelerate mestic civil aviation lakh people have registered at the Delhi the country, performing ation personnel had to fly for risk groups that need- to do this test, a constant production. operations will recom- government's website for going home and molecular tests for diag- at the shortest of notices. ed it the most; wasteful, supply of swabs, VTM, A case in point being the mence in a calibrated transportation is being arranged for around nosis of Covid-19 - an un- The fundamental prin- unnecessary testing was viral extraction kits and development of swabs for manner from Monday 65,000 migrants. paralleled achievement ciple to counter any in- avoided; and testing in- PCR kits are required, for Covid-19, which was ini- 25th May 2020. All air- Around 25 trains left from Delhi for in the history of the In- fectious epidemic is to frastructure was optimal- use by trained personnel tiated within 6 days local- ports & air carriers are different states on Wednesday carrying dian health system. detect, isolate, treat and ly scaled up without tak- wearing proper personal ly. Three companies can being informed to be 37,500 migrants back to their hometowns, The remarkable story manage cases early and ing away resources from protection equipment now manufacture upto ready for operations with 11 trains being sent to Uttar Pradesh of how India became ful- prevent the occurrence of other key public health (PPE) in quality assured 200,000 swabs/day. De- from 25th May." Howev- and Bihar. "Around 65,000 people have ly self-reliant in its test- new cases. In the absence interventions. laboratories. spite the lockdown, the er, all detailed guidelines been sent back to their homes until now. ing capabilities, despite of an effective treatment, This is evidenced by With the pandemic production of VTM was for operation of airports We are also seeking permission from other starting from scratch just prevention is the best the fact that for every soaring, there were se- upscaled from 500,000 and air travel of pas- states to send migrants back to their home- a few months ago, is one strategy, which revolves positive test, more than vere constraints for pro- units per year to 500,000 sengers would be issued towns. As soon as we get the permission, about the steely resolve around testing. 20 negative tests have curing Covid-19 diagnos- units per day. After expe- by the Ministry of Civil we would arrange trains for those states." of multiple agencies, In a diverse country been done throughout tic material. Empowered dited approval from the Aviation. Meanwhile, Most such requests have been received working together round- like India, for inclusive the course of the epi- groups set up by the Cen- Central Drug Standard international commer- from migrants of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh the-clock to save lives. and equitable access to demic. However, before tral government, cutting Control Organisation, a cial flight operation will who account for 1,95,746 and 1,84,997 Faced with an unprec- testing, optimisation of all this, an even more pri- across ministries, were private company has de- continue to remain sus- people respectively, said Sisodia. edented challenge, both resources, based on the mary requirement was to tasked with the objective veloped 10 million PCR. pended. Indian Horizon 4 South Thursday, May 21, 2020 With 24 new patients 1 dead, 67 new Covid cases raise Karnataka tally to 1,462 Bengaluru, May 20 (IANS) A 5 p.m. were 67,” said the A 40-year-old woman from in Kerala, active 43-year-old man from Bengaluru Health Department official. Dakshina Kannada was also suf- Urban succumbed to Covid-19, Of the total cases, 864 are fering from Severe Acute Respi- even as 67 new positive cases active, 556 were discharged ratory Infection (SARI). Among cases rise to 161 raised Karnataka’s tally to 1,462, and 41 patients dead. On the new cases, 33 are men and an official said on Wednesday. Wednesday, 13 patients the rest 34 women. In Karna- “Positive case number 1,236, a were discharged while 15 taka, Mandya has the highest 43-year-old male, resident of Ben- are in the ICU. Across the number of active cases, 144, galuru Urban, died on Wednes- state, 1.66 lakh samples followed by Bengaluru Urban day,” said a health official. The were tested for Covid-19, (116), Davangere (99), Kala- deceased had a history of hyper- out of which 1.64 lakh tested buragi (72), and Hassan (53). tension, myocarditis and inter- negative. Bengaluru Urban has so far seen state travel history to Vellore in On Wednesday, cases nine deaths, followed by Kala- Tamil Nadu. spiked in Hassan, Kalabura- buragi (7), Dakshina Kannada This is Karnataka’s 41st Co- gi and Bidar among others. (5) and Davangere and Vijaya- vid death and Bengaluru Urban’s Among the new cases, Has- pura (4 each), and remaining ninth. san contributed 21, followed from other districts. Meanwhile, 67 new coronavi- by Bidar (10), Mandya (8), Kala- Of the new cases, 49 had inter- Of the 1,462 cases, 10 per cent rus cases emerged in the past 24 buragi (7), Udupi (6), Bengaluru state travel history, mostly to were senior citizens, 63 per cent Thiruvananthapuram, May came into our state not because hours in the state. Urban, Raichur and Tumkur (4 Mumbai, India’s Covid hotspot. men and 37 per cent women. The 20 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister of the fault of anyone. The need “New cases reported between each), Yadagiri, Uttara Kannada Fourteen of the new cases were state’s patient discharge rate is 39 Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday of the hour is where the disease 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Wednesday and Dakshina Kannada (1 each). contacts of earlier cases. per cent. said that 24 new cases of coro- is and then we do the planning navirus were detected in the to see it does not spread and state, taking the total number of that’s our objective. We took After Covid, Kerala steps up watch as monsoon round the corner positive cases presently under a strong stand on the entry of treatment to 161. people and nothing else needs Thiruvananthapuram, May critical role in reducing the bur- said Meenakshy. “Apart from health domain, Amar Fettle ground for mosquitoes. Till Wednesday, 666 people to be looked into it. I say this be- 20 (IANS) With the South-West den of seasonal communicable the motivational efforts, steps said disease prevention is an For the prevention of lepto- have become positive in the cause some vested interests are monsoon expected to arrive diseases through personal and are also being taken to ensure important component of any spirosis, a commonly reported state. spreading canard. Many who ar- in Kerala by the first week of community level activities such that the government hospi- robust public healthcare sys- ailment caused by bacteria “Of the 24 new cases, 12 came rive do not have the disease, but June, the state’s public health as mosquito control, personal tals across the state are well- tem as Kerala has always given during the monsoon, it is im- from abroad, and 11 from within some have it. It’s here, where we machinery has been put in top hygiene, environmental sanita- equipped to meet the emerg- due emphasis to these activi- portant to keep the home and the country. We had pointed out should be alert and it’s for that gear to cope with the seasonal tion and safe drinking water. ing situation by ensuring that ties. the neighbourhood free of lit- yesterday itself that we are go- we are taking strong measures,” incidence of communicable V. Meenakshy, Additional they have sufficient human “In the present context, it ters, especially food morsels, ing forward precariously. Lock- said Vijayan. diseases, without slackening Director, Directorate of Health resources, funds and stock of is possible that many will get which attract rodents. down norms are now in place “Our diaspora is our own dear the Covid-19 containment ef- Services, said the ongoing medicines and equipment,” confused and become panicky The Health Department, and and may be stringent measures and near ones and none should forts. Apart from equipping programmes such as Arogya said Meenakshy. when they develop symptoms special missions under it such have to be taken in certain areas, ever feel that we are against the network of hospitals under Jagratha, the grassroots-level Lending a helping hand to of any type of fever. It would be as Aardram working to make as more and more people from such people. Here, some sec- the Department of Health and health awareness project car- the health workers, workers of difficult to make out one from health services people-friendly, outside the state as well as from tions are trying to create unnec- Family Welfare, down to the ried out with the support of the Arogya Sena, a voluntary the other. The way out is to have stepped up their ongoing abroad are coming. The first essary friction over this and our primary health centre level, to local self government institu- movement, have started home seek medical aid without wait- programmes in this direction. flight from abroad came on May appeal to all is none should try cope with the situation, public tions, have been stepped up. visits, without compromising ing,” said Fettle. The social media platforms 7. The next day there were only to create any fissures,” added contact and disease surveil- “The participation of people social distancing norms, to tell People must keep their sur- have also been leveraged in a 16 positive cases here and after Vijayan. The chief minister also lance programmes have also is a key component of com- people of the need to keep their roundings clean and dry, in- big way to mount the educative that new positive cases have cleared the air over the con- been stepped up. municable disease control ef- homes and surroundings clean. dividually and collectively, so and instructive efforts by them, been increasing daily and today duct of examinations for higher The thrust of the campaign is forts. This is especially impor- Another top health profes- that the immediate environs which have gained consider- it’s 161,” said Vijayan. “Covid-19 classes. to make people aware of their tant in the prevailing context,” sional engaged in the public will not become the breeding able traction.

Repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia lands in Bengaluru First giraffe in Bengaluru, May 20 (IANS) An 25 to combat Covid-19 spread. Air India flight from Dammam in The first flight in the second Bengaluru Zoo adopted Saudi Arabia landed here with 161 phase landed on Monday night passengers, including 85 for Ben- at Mangaluru on the state’s west by ex-IAF officer galuru and 76 to Hyderabad, an coast, with 177 passengers from official said on Wednesday. Dubai in the UAE. Bengaluru, May 20 adoptions, consider- “AIC-1910 (Airbus A321-211) The second flight to the south- (IANS) An animal- ing that the Mysuru landed at the city airport at 8.45 ern state from Kuala Lumpur in loving former Indian zoo has pioneered p.m. and 85 passengers, including Malaysia landed here (Bengaluru) Air Force officer has the concept of animal 9 women and one infant alighted on Tuesday evening, with 94 pas- donated Rs 1 lakh to adoption in India. here, while 76 will fly to Hyder- sengers. adopt the first giraffe According to Singh, abad,” the airline official told The third flight from Muscat in in Bengaluru Zoo, 79 fauna lovers ad- IANS here. Oman landed here at 6.31 p.m. on an official said on opted 95 animals in The flight was 45 minutes be- Wednesday evening and at Man- Wednesday. the Bengaluru Zoo hind schedule to Bengaluru. galuru on the state’s west coast at “Wing Commander in a space of 20 days, The airline staff and the state 8.01 p.m. G. B. Athri (retired) excluding one or two government officials received the run buses in batches for 14-day West Bengal on the east coast. The remaining flights to Karna- has come forward to earlier adoptions. returnees in the arrival terminal institutional quarantine in hotels The service was the fourth to taka will land in Bengaluru and support our efforts “Ninety five animals and gave them masks to wear and and resorts across the city. the southern state in the second Mangaluru over the next 13 days in ex-situ conserva- have been adopted by sanitizer to wash hands. Passengers have to download phase of Vande Bharat Mission, till June 3 from 12 more destina- tion by adopting gi- 79 people who donat- All the passengers would be the mandatory Quarantine app on the national carrier and its Express tions the world over. raffe Yadhunandan ed Rs 15.5 lakhs. To be screened with thermal device their mobile phone before leav- arm are operating to repatriate In the first phase of the mission by donating Rs 1 precise, in the last 20 to read their body temperature ing the airport for contact tracing thousands of Indians, including from May 7-17, the airline and lakh,” Bengaluru Ban- days, except for one though only asymptomatic were later. distressed workers, migrants, stu- its arm flew 6 flights to the state nerghatta Biological or two adoptions,” flown back. Another evacuation flight from dents, senior citizens and tourists, from May 11-15, bringing in 800 Park (BBBP) Execu- she said. After completing formalities, Kuala Lampur in Malaysia to Ben- stranded overseas since the gov- passengers, including 623 to Ben- tive Director Vana- Besides adoptions, including immigration check and galuru has been cancelled due to ernment suspended international galuru and 177 to Mangaluru from shree Vipin Singh told Singh said donations filling the self-declaration form, Amphan cyclone over the Bay of flights on March 23 and enforced London, Singapore, San Francisco IANS. also receive income the returnees were taken in state- Bengal that hit the Odisha and an extended lockdown on March and Dubai. One and a half year tax exemption under old Yadhunandan was Section 80 G of IT Act. born to Krishnaraja BBBP is a unit of and Babbly in the My- Zoo Authority of Kar- suru Zoo. nataka and one of the Train service within Karnataka to resume from Friday On April 24, the My- few places where wil- remained suspended since 10 stations en-route for pas- from within state to other suru Zoo, Sri Chama- derness is preserved the lockdown was enforced on sengers to alight or board as states and Rajdhani specials rajendra Zoological in the vicinity of a city March 25 and extended it four per the guidelines,” said the between New Delhi and Ben- Garden, had gifted like Bengaluru. times up to May 31 to contain official. galuru,” added the official. the young Yadhunan- The biological park the coronavirus spread, the The return train to Ben- The state government dan to Bengaluru Zoo. has four units -- a railways has been operating galuru will be on Tuesday, thanked Union Minister of “We are grateful to zoo, a safari, a butter- freight and parcel services Thursday and Saturday from State for Railways Suresh Athri for being the fly park and a rescue since April first week to en- Belagavi with halts at 10 sta- Angadi, a 2-time ruling BJP first animal adopter centre -- occupying sure essential supplies and tions en-route for passengers Lok Sabha member from Be- of a giraffe in the his- 732 hectares of land movement of goods across the to alight or board. lagavi, about 500 km from tory of BBBP and for and accommodating country. The trains will have 14 chair Bengaluru, for resuming the joining hands to sup- 2,279 animals. “Initially, 2 pairs of special cars and 2 luggage-cum-brake train services in the state. port ex-situ conserva- The zoo is nestled in trains will operate between vans, with 1,484 seats to carry The trains will not operate tion,” said Singh. the forests of Cham- Bengaluru, May 20 (IANS) request to resume intra-state Bengaluru and Mysuru for 6 passengers as per the guide- on Sunday due to complete Ex-situ conserva- pakadhama Hills in- In yet another sign of normal- train services, including sub- days a week except on Sunday lines to maintain physical lockdown in the southern tion of animals in- side Bannerghatta cy returning soon, the South urban across the southern and between Bengaluru and distancing due to the corona- state. volves maintaining National Park. Western Railway (SWR) zone state to enable citizens travel Belagavi in the state’s north- virus pandemic. “Passengers have to buy and breeding animals In 2019-20, the is resuming passenger train within Karnataka after being west region on thrice a week,” The train will have 14 chair tickets and reserve seats on- away from their na- BBBP incurred an services only within Karnata- stranded for over 55 days due said the official. cars and 2 luggage-cum-brake line through the IRCTC web- tive habitats, such as expenditure of Rs 38 ka from Friday, an official said to extended lockdown,” a zon- “The tri-weekly superfast vans. site. They should also wear a zoo or other similar crore on fodder and on Wednesday. al official said in a statement will operate from Benga- “The special trains to Be- mask and report to station in settings. food, veterinary care, “The Ministry of Railways here. luru to Belagavi on Monday, lagavi and Mysuru are in ad- advance for thermal screen- Incidentally, Karna- salary of animal keep- has approved state Chief Though passenger services Wednesday and Friday, begin- dition to Shramik (labour) ing and security check,” add- taka zoos are witness- ers, maintenance and Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s across the state and country ning from May 22 with halts at trains for ferrying migrants ed the official ing a good number of developmental works. Indian Horizon Thursday, May 21, 2020 Nation 5 Cyclone Amphan hits Bengal; high-speed winds in Kolkata Corona tally in Agra Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) Se- -- will be the worst affected, parts of the city. We have vere cyclonic storm Amphan besides, vast swathes of South shifted a number of people made a landfall in West Ben- Bengal districts such as Kol- from old dilapidated build- rises to 823 with gal on Wednesday afternoon, kata, Howrah, Hooghly, West ings in Kolkata to temporary with Kolkata and its nearby Midnapore will bear the brunt rescue centres. Some of them areas witnessing high-speed of the heavy storm. have, however, refused to get 7 new cases winds exceeding 100 kmph Areas such as Sagar Island, relocated. Our officials are accompanied by heavy rains. Kakdwip and Diamond Har- monitoring the situation on an Agra, May 20 (IANS) With sev- wide lockdown-4 will continue The cyclone is said to be one of bour in South 24 Parganas hourly basis”. en new novel coronavirus cases till May 31, police has strictly the worst to form over the Bay and Digha and Haldia in East “I am at the TMC control reported in Agra, the total tallly enforced it in the city, stalling of Bengal in many years. Midnapore were battered by room and supervising the of such cases went up to 823. the movement of both men and According to the India the storm, uprooting trees and overall situation in Kolkata. The new cases included three machinery. Meteorological Department electric poles and destroying Chief Minister Mamata Ba- jail inmates and three pregnant In the past one week, medi- (IMD), Director General Mri- many shacks. nerjee is reviewing the situa- women. cal services have shown some tyunjay Mohapatra said the Firhad Hakim, Administra- tion from the Nabanna control With a recovery rate of 77.76 improvement though. The sup- eye of the cyclone, which is 30 making landfall in Bengal this of Bengal. As per our records at tor of the state’s largest civic room. She will be there at the per cent, the number of active ply of essential commodities in km in diameter, has touched afternoon. 4 p.m. the windspeed was 105 body, Kolkata Municipl Cor- state secretariat for the whole corona cases now in the city is red zones has been streamlined. the land. He said : “The process start- km/hr in Kolkata which can go poration, said, “We are keep- night. A task force spearhead- 155. In just five days, 85 per cent of Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, ed around 2.30 p.m. with the upto 130 km.” ing a close watch on the situ- ed by the State Chief Secretary District Magistrate P.N. Singh the card holders have collected Alipore Met Dept, (Eastern forward sector boundary of He said three coastal dis- ation. The storm has caused Rajib Sinha is looking after the said so far 10,970 samples had their ration supplies. region), said the circular struc- the cyclonic circle making the tricts -- South and North 24 some trees getting uproted relief and rescue operations. been collected for testing. Meanwhile, the march of mi- ture of the cyclone started landfall in the coastal districts Parganas and East Midnapore and power failure in various The police are on high alert.” With the entire city now one grants continues till the border, containment zone, there is no even as police officials said they Of the 18, 14 returned to Mani- clarity on opening of markets were not permitting anyone to Assam, Manipur see rise in cases, pur from Chennai and four from and shops. City residents have enter Agra on foot. Delhi. With the fresh cases, the been demanding some relax- Even as authorities claimed Meghalaya loses Covid-free tag total number of positive cases in ations to enable shopping for that state roadways buses had Manipur rose to 25 with active Eid, which falls on May 26. been provided in adequate Guwahati/Imphal, May 20 caped from Sarusajai (stadium) tals after they recovered from the cases 23. Even as traders’ associations numbers, ISBT bus stand in (IANS) With 44 fresh cases in the quarantine centre, causing im- disease and three cases migrated In Meghalaya, coronavirus re- and merchant chambers sought Agra continued to remain over- past 24 hours, Assam saw its tally mense stress for the authorities, to other states, while four died, turned 24 hours after the state’s clarity on opening of businesses, crowded. of Covid-19 patients rise to 185, but were traced and brought including a 16-year-old girl, who 13th and last patient was pro- district officials indicated that “The mass fear, hysteria, Health Minister Himanta Biswa back. was found to be infected a day af- nounced cured, with one person till the migrants’ march through caused by state governments Sarma said on Wednesday. “Thanks to police for appre- ter her death earlier this month. found infected by coronavirus on Agra and the stand-off between has triggered this crisis, which Of the 44 fresh cases in the past hending them in time. Such acts Meanwhile, health officials in Tuesday night. the Uttar Pradesh government does not seem to end. A high- 24 hours, 35 were reported in shall attract punitive measures,” Manipur said 18 people, including In Tripura, four more persons and the Congress on buses to level inquiry is needed. We the state’s main city of Guwahati he said in a tweet. 12 women -- all returnees from tested positive for Covid-19 on ferry migrants continued, there would like to be assured that and remaining in several other Out of the 185 positive cases other states, mostly Chennai -- Tuesday night, taking the state’s could be no relaxations. some states are not trying to get districts, he said. Sarma also said found so far in Assam, 48 people tested positive for coronavirus in total number of cases to 173, With the state government rid of migrants,” said social ac- that three Covid-19 patients es- have been discharged from hospi- the past 24 hours. though only 38 of them are active. announcing that the nation- tivist Shravan Kumar Singh. With 398 new cases, Guj’s corona tally jumps to 12,539 Gandhinagar, May 20 (IANS) The On Wednesday, a total of 398 Co- grim for Gujarat, as over 20 deaths Aravalli (86), Anand (83), Rajkot total number of Coronavirus positive rona positive cases were detected in are reported daily. A total of 535 (82), Mahesana (80), Panchmahals cases climbed over the 9,000-mark the state. Ahmedabad had the maxi- people, out of the total 749, have suc- (71), Mahisagar and Patan (68 each), for the hotspot Ahmedabad, as 271 mum number of cases with 271, fol- cumbed to the virus in just 20 days. Kutch (57), Botad (56) and Kheda fresh cases were added taking the lowed by Surat (37), Vadodara (26), Till date, out of the total 749 deaths, (53) cases. total to 9,216 in the city on Wednes- Mahesana and Patan (15 each), 602 people have died in Ahmedabad Health authorities have so far car- day. The death toll in Ahmedabad Kutch (5), Aravalli (4), Gandhinagar, alone (over 80 per cent), followed by ried out a total of 1,60,772 tests in also crossed the 600 mark with 602 Sabarkantha, Navsari and Suren- 56 in Surat, 32 in Vadodara, 8 each in the state, out of which 12,539 have deaths. With this, Gujarat’s total dranagar (3 each), Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Anand and Gandhinagar been found positive and 1,48,233 cases jumped to 12,539 with an ad- Anand, Kheda and Valsad (2 each), and 6 in Panchmahal. negative. dition of 398 cases on Wednesday. Jamnagar, Bharuch, Dahod, Jun- On Wednesday, a total of 176 pa- There are 6,571 active cases, out of The death toll has now gone up to agadh (one each). tients were discharged. Till now, which the condition of 6,524 is sta- 749 in the state. Another 30 patients succumbed to total 5,219 patients have been dis- ble, whereas 47 critical patients are More and more number of cases the dreaded virus on Wednesday, out charged in the state. Ahmedabad still on ventilator. are being found outside the three of which Ahmedabad had the highest continued to lead the state with Right now, there are over 4.7 lakh major cities -- Ahmedabad, Surat casualties, 26 (22 males, 4 females). A maximum number of positive cases people quarantined in the state. Of and Vadodara, since the past couple female each from Gandhinagar and 9,216, followed by Surat (1,193), Va- 4,76,084 people, 4,64,900 are home of days, a sign of worry for the health Surat succumbed to the virus and a tha also died on Wednesday. Out of did not have any comorbidity. The dodara (726), Gandhinagar (193), quarantined, 10,562 in government authorities. male each from Patan and Sabarkan- the total 30 dead, half of the patients month of May has proved to be very Bhavnagar (114), Banaskantha (88), facilities and 622 in private facilities.

Rajasthan bus drivers say they haven’t Haryana to pay interest on edu- Cyclone Amphan: Odisha govt seeks got food, water since last 36 hrs cation loans for three months preliminary report from districts Jaipur, May 20 (IANS) The “Migrants are abscond- Chandigarh, May 20 (IANS) Hary- two per cent of the total interest on bus drivers deployed by Con- ing from scene but bus driv- ana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khat- loans of up to Rs 50,000 under Shishu Bhubaneswar, May 20 (IANS) The “We have some devastation as gress workers at the UP-Raj- ers have been brought under tar on Wednesday announced the Yojna of Mudra Loan Scheme of the Odisha government on Wednesday a large number of trees have been asthan border to bring back pressure and those who are government will pay interest of educa- Central government. asked the district collectors to sub- uprooted. Electricity infrastructure migrants to their native plac- standing here are starving tion loans taken by students for three They will not be required to give any mit cyclone Amphan damage as- has received damage while there es, have alleged that they have while cursing the state gov- months. type of collateral for this loan. Under sessment reports within 48 hours. was minor damage to telecom in- not been given food and water ernment,” he tweeted tagging This decision will bring relief to this scheme, loan will be provided to 5 “We have asked the district col- frastructure. Besides, there is dam- since Tuesday. Congress general secretary 36,000 students amid the coronavirus lakh people of the state. lectors to submit primary reports age to some houses with asbestos BJP state president Satish Priyanka Gandhi. pandemic. The Chief Minister also said that the within 48 hours following which the roofs,” said the SRC. Poonia shared a video on his Poonia further shared a pic- Khattar said there are many such state would provide loans of up to Rs authorities have to submit a final He said agriculture and horticul- Twitter handle in which a ture of a fleet of buses parked students who have taken loan for their 15,000 to 3 lakh poor people for start- report. Once we get the preliminary ture crops have also been damaged bus driver is seen complain- at the border in his tweet and education. The government would ing their own small business at only reports, we can presisely say what due to the cyclone. Infrastructure ing that “There is no arrange- said that “these buses waiting pay the interest of three months of all two per cent interest. is the amount to be required and restoration work has already start- ment for food and water and for migrants expose lies of Pri- those students who are completing These loans will be provided under the timeframe for restoration,” said ed and it will be completed soon, he the story remains same for all yanka Gandhi. The migrants their education this year or who have the Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) added. drivers standing besides the have walked off on foot wait- already done so in the previous year, scheme, in which banks charge four Pradeep Kumar Jena. Over 1.5 lakh people have been parked buses. Amid scorch- ing for buses while Rajastha- but have not been able to start their per cent interest. Cyclone Amphan has caused evacuated from low-lying areas and ing sun, we have been sitting nis stuck in different parts are jobs or business due to this epidemic. Of this, two per cent interest will be widespread damage in the coastal thatched and mud houses to cy- inside our buses which seem still waiting for 4,000 buses to Similarly, the government will bear borne by the state government. districts on Wednesday. clone shelters during Amphan. to have become a furnace,” he be run by chief minster Ashok said. Gehlot,” he said. This driver further said that On the other hand, Chief he is a BP patient and has Minister Ashok Gehlot in his Discussed Covid situation with party leaders, says Punjab CM not taken his medicine since tweet said, “The state govern- Chandigarh, May 20 gent Covid-related safety Amarinder Singh wel- pandemic under check, the ment to minimise the impact morning. ment understood the pain of (IANS) Setting aside specula- protocols in place, the Chief comed the suggestions and smooth wheat procurement of Covid, reiterating that his “The RTO officials gave me the workers returning home tions over dissent within the Minister’s office said Ama- said he would take them into operations, the augmenta- priority was to save lives. wrong job description. Ini- on foot and sent them through government, Punjab Chief rinder Singh had invited only account as the state moved tion of health and testing in- At the same time, the state tially, I was asked to go Alwar trains and buses, as well as ar- Minister Amarinder Singh on a handful of party leaders and towards more relaxations frastructure and the overall government was also striving then officials told me to take ranged camps and food etc for Wednesday said he discussed members, namely state party and revival of economy. handling of the situation by to restore some normalcy to the bus to Bharatpur. Now, I them. Due to this, the number the dynamically evolving Co- chief Sunil Jakhar, Cabinet Discussions were held on the state government. alleviate the sufferings of the am stuck here since yesterday of workers walking home has vid situation with some of his minister Sukhjinder Randha- the situation on the ground Expressing pleasure at people, he said. for 36 hours with no food and come down considerably.” party colleagues and MLAs. wa and MLAs Amrinder Singh across districts, particularly meeting them, Amarinder The Chief Minister later water, he said. “We had given the task of The Chief Minister had in- Raja Warring, Pargat Singh in the context of the large Singh said, in a statement, said the party leaders had “Since morning, have not making these arrangements to vited them for an informal and Sangat Singh Gilzian. number of people returning that he was also happy to also raised the issue of the taken my BP medicine too,” the subdivision officers, and lunch, during which discus- The leaders shared with to Punjab from abroad and spend time with party lead- Chief Secretary and the al- he complained. they worked diligently. Due to sions were held on the pre- the Chief Minister their sug- other states. ers and members, whose leged excise revenue losses, Poonia, in another tweet, these camps, workers are now vailing Covid crisis and the gestions on the Covid pan- The party leaders con- opinion he valued in all criti- to which he responded that accused the Congress of play- reaching their destinations by prolonged lockdown in the demic and the problems gratulated the Chief Minister cal matters. he was apprised of the issue ing politics by misusing its re- bus and train instead of walk- state. In view of the social faced by the state due to the on the various steps taken He assured them of all pos- and was personally looking sources. ing,” he said in another tweet. distancing norms and strin- resultant lockdown. to keep the spread of the sible measures by his govern- into it. IndianIndian Horizon EDIT Thursday, March 26 2020 66 EDIT Thursday, May 21, 2020 GenderMeeting budgeting the Covid fails economic to address crisis all head-on problems Indian Horizon Rajiv Kumar announcing the lockdown. This per- turing. Long-pending reforms have additional credit lines provided to the By Jayshree Sengupta right age of marriage is a welcome workplace. Rural women find it 2020 has allocated larger funds to NoThe one twin expected mantras thatfor the Finance govern - move.mitted the successful harvesting and difficultbeen announced to work outsideto give farmers home for the self-helpMSMEs or groups vendors and or farmersit provides (Rs 2 Ministerment’s stimulusNirmala in responseSitaraman to the efficientWomen workprocurement very hard of thein rural critical lackmuch-needed of help at home.freedom Creche to choosefacil- fortrillion easier over access and above to bank the limits finance, pro- wouldunprecedented go out of hereconomic way to optimpact for householdsrabi crop. It which also impliedis unpaid pumping work. itiestheir for clients construction and for traders workers and will ex - yetvided more under needs the KCC) to bewill donecontribute be- generousof Covid-19 gender has been budgeting. to first Sheensure Makingin Rs 78,000 women crore earn as new from purchasing doing enableporters moreof agro-products women to to join maintain the causeto the strengtheningwomen are afraidof the aggregateof han- wasthat busythe human pointing cost out of thethat crisis the is workpower other in the than hands housework of the farmers. is im- work-the necessary force. Also, stocks. equal Defence wages pro in - dlingdemand. the bank paper work by themselves. It’s a good thing that economyminimised, has especially sound formacro-eco those at the- portant.The second The governmentprong was to effectively should farmduction work and is exports important will get for a newwom fil-- A significant number of measures nomic fundamentals and there is start light industries like food en to draw them into agricultural the Finance Minister has thought bottom of the pyramid; and two, to prevent the pressing cash/liquidity lip with the liberalisation measures. was announced to hike the con- Thursday,Thursday, March May 21, 26 2020 2020 little fear of a severe slowdown or processing which can give jobs activities. Garment factory work- of promoting beekeeping. Simi- recession.convert this Micro crisis sectorsinto an didopportu get - tocrunch rural fromwomen. converting This should to insolven be a - ersGreater are paid space low will wages be given in orderto private to larly,sumption poultry demand and directlysilkworm as well.be- theirnity bydue implementing attention and bold the structural allo- prioritycies and of bankruptcies. the government An immediate but it letbusinesses owners inremain sectors competitive.in which hith - sidesThey includeagriculture Rs 1.73 andlakh croreorganic (an- Lady in command post cationreforms of thatRs 28,600 will go crore beyond for repairing wom- seemsmoratorium not to was be announcedthe case in on Bud their- Instead,erto public their sector productivity enterprises should had farmingnounced should in the be first promoted. package) for enthe and damage child to thedevelopment production capacimay - getdebt-servicing 2020. Women obligations making tohome- com- beeither enhanced a complete monopolythrough orbetter a pre - improvingSome rural the women income make and welfarebeau- Major agriculture reform soundties and great, enhance but isthe it overallenough supply for mademercial products banks. This and was snacks greatly in reinru- - equipmentdominant presence. and working condi- tifulof the products most fromvulnerable, bamboo includ and- the 500 million women of India? It ral areas can sell in nearby towns, tions. Many more working wom- grass, but have no proper out- response capabilities of the economy. forced for the MSMEs, for whom an Finally, in a measure that does ing the 20 crore female Jan Dhan Landmark SC order on perma- is not adequate gender budgeting but because of lack of mobility, en’s hostels are needed from the let to sell them. Middlemen take The stimulus or package announced Changes to Essential Com- which involves the government theyadditional are restricted credit line from of Rsdoing 3 trillion so. increasenot have ina allocationlarge fiscal for footprint, it. Safety but hugeaccount cuts holders and exploit who them.will receive Mar- nent commission to women toby allocate the Finance funds toMinister, women-spe Nirmala- Makingwithout transportationany fresh collateral easy was and ex - fortouches women the is lives the andmost livelihoods important of ketingmonies outlets directly are into needed their bank in vil ac-- modities Act hold promise cificSitharaman, schemes over so thatthe past the fivebenefits days is safetended. ought The to MSMEs be a priority. could also avail thing,more than especially 50 lakh infamilies, cities. street In rural ven - lagescounts; known Rs 50,000for their additional crafts. in- In a historic order upholding the right ofa carefullygrowth crafted,are enjoyed well-balanced, fully by yet themselvesUnequal ofwages the new is equityanother from im the- areas,dors all too, over women the country are vulnerable have been comeIf India in the wants hands to of be those a $5 whose tril- THE Centre’s decision to amend the women.bold package, It is also that notwill inthe the alloca coming- portantRs 50,000-crore source offund low and earnings take advan for - togiven rape a creditand molestation. of Rs 10,000 each for re- lionTDS economy,and TCS were the reducedcontribution by 25 of women to equal opportunity in the tiondays that achieve is bothimportant the objectives. but how women.tage of the Very subsidiary skilled debt embroider facility an- - stockingThe maternal and use asmortality working capital.rate is byper women cent;Rs 40,000to the croreGDP additionalis of ut- Essential Commodities Act (ECA) is the money is spent that is crucial. ers near Kolkata are paid a pit- high in India. Women’s health is most importance. India cannot It is widely recognised that the pres- nounced by the FM. These measures Thus, ‘the package’ has guaranteed allocation for MGNREGA which will Indian Army, the Supreme Court has There are so much unspent funds tance while big designers make not of importance, specially in call itself a developed country if being billed as the 1991 liberalisation andent womencrisis is farare worse not able than to both ben the- aprovided killing making succour garmentsto a large outnumber of ruralthe survival areas. ofRural existing women production die dur ca-- theprovide women jobs remainand succour shackled to those by pavedmoment the for way Indian for all agriculture. serving Short The efitAsian from financial the allocation. crisis of the late nine- thoseof businesses, fabrics. especially Women thosepainters in the ingpacities childbirth and laid because strong grounds of com for- archaicreturning traditions to their and villages patriarchy. from tiesThere as well are as a the number global financial of prob -one fromservices Madhubani sectors like hospitality,and Raghura enter- - plications.enhancing largerIf primary private health sector particcen-- Gendermetros andbudgeting cities; Rsshould 30,000 aim crore at Servicemarketing Commission reform, announced (SSC) women by the lemsof 2008-09 which as needit has seriouslyto be focused impacted jpur,tainment, Orissa, retail can etc. be trained to tresipation were by bothbetter domestic equipped and foreignwith empoweringfor construction women workers; and Rs making 17,800 uponboth forthe gendersupply andbudgeting. demand One sides makeThe productsRs 90,000-crore that can credit fit intopack - medicinesplayers. and doctors, many themcrore standtransferred on their to 12own crore feet farm and- officers to be eligible for permanent lives could have been saved. Also, make their own choices and deci- Finance Minister as part of the third isof the the age economy. of marriage: The 27government’s per cent contemporaryage made available interiors. to state discomsThey Several measures have been an- ers; and Rs 13,000 crore transferred girls are married off by the age have skills but lack innovation. inadequate pre-natal care is re- sions. response has been to effectively ad- should also be included in this set as it nounced to lift the sagging demand to the states to finance the costs commissiontranche of the (PC) stimulus on a parpackage, with aimstheir of 18 which makes them vulner- All this requires detailed atten- sponsible for women developing Also, to give a bigger market to abledress to both patriarchy these aspects. and torture On the supby - tion.will prevent bankruptcies of the state complications.in the economy. AggregateUnfortunately, demand productsof running made quarantine by women, homes han and- maleto deregulate colleagues. cereals, The edibleverdict oil, opens oil- mothers-in-lawply side, the government and leads response to early has electricityWhile the utilities government and power doesn’t produc - theis made allocation up of consumption,on health remains invest - dloomshelters and for migrant handicrafts workers. that are theseeds, avenue pulses, for meritoriousonion and womenpotato. ofIt- childbirth.been four-fold. India has the highest seemers, which to think would that have our had unemploy disastrous- ament meagre and two demand per cent for ofintermediate the GDP. mostlyThese mademeasures, of natural which will material directly numberFirst, toof ensurechild marriages.that food security Em- mentresults. problem is serious enough, Somegoods stateas well. governments This has to beare taken re- bybenefit women different should categories be promoted of individ by- ficerswill allow to getprocessors, command millers, postings, export pro-- poweringand farmers’ women incomes would were require not im - it isThe also third paying set of scantmeasures attention was di - furbishingnote of by thoseprimary who healthconsider cen only- peopleuals, will who raise matterthe flagging in the demand, world a that girls are given higher educa- to the fact that our women’s par- tres, but it is not universal. India of style, interior decoration and paired, the government declared ag- rected to significantly improve the the cash in hand of consumers as the condition necessary to trigger a fast- motions,ers and traders rank and to hold pension. as much Reeking stock tion and training in some skills ticipation in the workforce at 34 also has a large number of female fashion like Bollywood stars and toriculture enhance and their all relatedearning activities power. as perecosystem cent is forone privateof the worstproducers, in suicides.sole means Women’s for reversing mental the declining health toppaced designers. recovery inAiming economic at all activity. these ofof genderthese commodities discrimination as theyand violativewant to. Thereessential has servicesto be a policyimmediately to incen upon- theboth world. in agriculture The world and average manufac is - isdemand increasingly in the aeconomy. problem Therefore, and has problems and resolving themIANS tivise parents to let their daugh- 50 per cent. Women drop out of to be tackled. call for careful gender budgeting ofThere Article is a14 rider that that guarantees a stock limitequality, can ters study further or learn some the workforce for various reasons. Small-scale women entrepre- which addresses all the problems skills before marriage. The com- Urban women fear for their safe- neurs are growing. They need ac- that women are facing in 2020. thesebe clamped benefits under were exceptional till now denied cir- mittee set up for determining the ty and sexualQuite harassment the at the cessflop to easy showcredit. The Budget IANS tocumstances them as the such women as national were allowedcalami- Manoj Joshi ing ‘shock and awe’. On March 25, fac- than the theatrics of ringing bells and ing directives. One called for the reopen- ties. Traders not buying and stocking The Covid-19 pandemic has been tories ground to a halt, crops were left lighting candles. ing of industries, but ensured that would a tenure of up to only 14 years. Sig- compared to BJPwar. But to hadgo by the per nothing- to wither, leaving tens positive of millions who Officials to offeradvising the atgovernment local not happen level by warning that CEOs surplus even during a bumper harvest formance of our society, leaders and lived hand to mouth, wondering where overlooked the consequences of lock- would be held responsible for any Covid nificantly, this restriction not only pre- thoseBy Saba responsible Naqvi for its governance, tencetheir at next civility meal in would public come life and from. ramped Some currenting down BJP the and country its ideological with no familynotice. agedinfection. to peacefully Another rule demanded Goa with awritten large was often seen as one of the reasons vented them from reaching the pinna- weThere would were cut always a sorry good figure, reasons were forwe to, upwere the hundredshate speech. of kilometres The desperation away from to have,Confronted therefore, with made harrowing the shift toscenes invok -of Christianexplanations population from medical without professionany social - theindeed, BJP to face be defeatedthe destruction in the andDelhi disrup As- - alsohome. stick No to provisionits CAA agenda had been in the made face to ingmigrants, enemies they here, turned there, a everywhere. blind eye to In it: upheavalals who caught is gone the too. infection. The most And signifi then,- for the vagaries of farm incomes. sembly elections. First, the party is in of spreading protests in the Capital and doing so, the BJP gives some youth the cant is the passing away of Arun Jaitley tion of a modern high-intensity war. pay and feed them through this period. ‘As of 11 am this March 31st, no one is there was the idea of red, orange and cle in their career, but also disqualified power in the three municipal corpora- across the country also drove the BJP pretext to abuse, blame others for their who determined the media spin given to Enacted in 1955 when the economy For millions of Indians, the country has Those who planned it did not con- them from pension, which starts only tions in the Capital that have a shabby to the point where we can state that in misfortuneon the road. and They feel have a sense been oftaken belong to the- eventsgreen zones.and was The brought original out idea as a depended trouble- was dealing with food shortage and record.regressed Indeed, into theone 18thcould century, say that with Januarysult the 2020, states, the neither BJP completely did they seek aban any- ingnearest to an availableideology, shelter,’some even Solicitor picked Gen up - shooteron its timing. when the Had script zoning went been haywire. done at after 20 years of service. theyits attendantare a blot anarchyon the Swachhand deprivation. Bharat donedfeedback; its mukhauta that is not (mask) their style. model It isthat only gunseral Tusharas was witnessedMehta grandiosely in three cases declared of theHalf outset, the secondthings mayrung have of the been BJP differ has - famine, the ECA gives the Centre and campaignPeople have of Prime been Ministerreduced Narendrato penury, hasat thea place PM’s in thirdthe party’s meeting history. with the CMs shootingto the Supreme that took Court place onin Delhi. behalf In of the the passedent. But away by the while time the the otherHome half Ministry has History is witness to a number of awe- Modi.forced Second, to march the acrossBJP could the countryoffer no on aMukhauta month and was a thehalf phrase after the that lockdown gained past,government. polarisation was part of the strat- beenbought rendered the idea, powerless. three weeks This includes late, the local leadership or face to take on Delhi currency after a high-ranking RSS-BJP egy; in the future, it seems likely to be the Union minister Nitin Gadkari, former state governments the power to regu- empty stomach, with wives and chil- that all participants will get a chance to Only when state governments started system had already crashed. The crown- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose functionary described former PM Atal main plank of the strategy along with the chief ministers Shivraj Chouhan and inspiring and brave women leading dren in tow. The Centre has simply left speak. making plans to evacuate people that, late the production, supply, distribu- approval ratings always remained high. Bihari Vajpayee as the mask/plausible continued cult of the Great Leader. Ramaning tragi-comedy Singh, who havehas theall beeninability cut toof thousands of men in battles, includ- Third,the people the BJP to hadfend no for youth themselves, alternative much pleasantGoing face by who the gaveword cover of his to NITI an ideo Aay- - a Thefull monthlanguage later, of onurban May warfare 1, the Centre and astate size, babussmaller to than manage their thepotential. reopening What of tion and prices of commodities. NITI toas AAP the whose powerless core Moghul team is emperorpacked with of the logicalog experts, agenda. Modi Vajpayee probably helmed believed a suc- civilagreed war to was let spokenthe Railways in Delhi run and trains hate for arethe left liquor are the shops Big Twoin an and orderly yes-men way. and The ingAayog the hasfamous termed Joan it ofa hindranceArc and our to youngtime. faces.Our politicians Fourth, large and sectionsbureaucracy of cessfulthat acoalition draconian in an lockdownage where numwould- speechesevacuation. made Characteristically by lawmakers evenwithout this women,overwhelming none of impression whom can ofmuster the work the - thehave youth revealed were, thatin any they case, have alienated lost touch bersbreak demanded the cycle moderation. of infection by mid- anyoperation real apology has beenfrom markedthe nation’s by chaospre- courageing of the to speak government up even ifunder they thoughtCovid is veryfarm own exports Rani and of theJhansi. Economic Recognising Survey fromwith the the BJP real at the India. spectacle When of violencePM Modi MayThe BJPand has the a majorityPM then on would its own have at eminentand incompetence, party. This is cash-strapped because they domi - errorsthe pleasure were being the madebureaucracy (and some and do). the on two universities in Delhi, Jamia Mil- the national level but is losing power in not see themselves as replacing any And there are new entrants who are ab- struck fast and hard on been seen as the saviour who had grants, some who had sold even their police seem to be deriving from govern- thecalled valour it an and anachronistic capability legislation.of women lia and JNU, in the weeks preceding the states at a time when the economy is in middle ground — as the BJP of the Va- solutely committed to this goli maaro electionsMarch (after 24 by voting declaring day, came a shutdown, reports it crisis.defeated There Covid. is now Now, a palpable with thesense infec of - jpayeemobile era phones did — to but survive, in creating were askedan en -to toneing by and fear tenor — on without the anvil any of pretense the disease, of inSome military experts matters feel it in disincentivises the past couple in- ofwas sexual seen assault as another on girl of students his famous of Gargi ‘mas - economiction growth despair rate in rising the air. from In the 4.7 week to 5.5 tirelypay fornew the ground passage and back reality home. in India. beingthey are part able of polite to hammer politics. the people with of decades, countries such as the US, Collegeterstrokes’. in South A sudden Delhi decision,by goons withshout little- precedingper cent, Delhi’s the problem February has 8 voting revealed day, a Besides,The bureaucracy’s there is no one functioning left in the nahas- theThere danda is andno theturning fatwa. back from the vestment in warehouses and storage ingor Jai no Shri consultation, Ram). and aimed at induc- a complexitydiplomat from that a requires country muchwith large more tionalbeen BJPmarked who bycan confused pull off theand kind confus of - hard ideological line for the BJP. It’sIANS also Israel, North Korea, France, Germany, In the end, the AAP moved far more investments in India revealed that their deft positioning that is required when a important to understand why Shaheen facilities. The changes hold promise deftly and creatively than the older internal political assessments show a party pushes a hard ideological agenda Bagh, the anti-CAA protest site in Delhi, Netherlands,for a big push Australiain private investmentand Canada in party. It was light on its feet in evading cycle of endemic social unrest leading and then tries to pass it off as reason- that became a template for similar pro- the BJP’s attempt to Indiamake this election needs up to 2024; they doto not seeact, the country andable. In the notpast year, the just more plausible look tests across east the country, was made the havefarm allowedinfrastructure women and in groundbreak purchase of- about Hindu versus Muslim as opposed as a safe destination to invest in infra- pleasant faces of the BJP passed away. main election issue by the BJP. It upset to issues of local governance. Partly be- structure and do not expect the Indian Sushma Swaraj would have watched the believer for a multiplicity of reasons ingfood combat processing positions. stocks. While A legal stopping frame- causeBy the Maj BJP Gen had Ashok nothing K Mehta positive tosystem of- economyof governance to grow with at jointa healthy some rate. Theymilitary her Pslawmakers and Qs while losing talking out about to Beijing. other Myanmar that lie beyondand Chin the Delhistates poll. in MyanmarShaheen fer atOn the March local level, 14, itMyanmar’s decided to makecivil-military were evenleadership factoring which in a simulatedwould cross-vote. war women, While be Suu they wantsprotesters India or to leaders; play the roleBagh of marks and furtherthe resurrection north in the of Manthe - shortwork ofto grantingallow farmers this role to fixto thetheir Indian own thenominal election leader about and its Nobel ideological lau- givesna- herwith the Pakistan! number Thisthree shockingly po- Kyi badis bent eco- onshe constitutional even maintained a regional excellent balancer, rela- butpower New ofdalay the nation’sarea. India largest has minority reversed tional issues. In the process, in full view nomic projection means that the BJP tions with Sonia Gandhi although the supported by the large percentage of In- reate Aung San Suu Kyi, in a sition in state hierarchy after the reforms to alter the balance of Delhi has not got its act to- work south-north on the multi- women,fair price, the theSupreme government Court judgmentbelieves, of the national and international media cannot use traditional means to engage two had contested an election against dians who did not vote for the BJP. televised address, announced President and Vice-President, civil-military power, the mili- in the Capital, the BJP dropped all pre- the young in a future that has hope. The each other. Manohargether. Parrikar who man- modal Kaladan highwayIANS due notablywould result rubbished in an theincrease patriarchal in their con in-- that as a global exception, whereas the Commander-in- tary junta has institutionalised At the core of India’s Act to the Arakan Army depreda- comes. Myanmar has no case of Co- Chief, senior General Aung a system where its role perco- East Policy (AEP) is regaining tions. Similarly, for the India- cept that portrays women as weak by vid-19. This claim was ques- Hlaing, who calls the shots, is at lates from the centre down to strategic space in Myanmar, Myanmar-Thailand trilateral pointingTo remove out the barriers fact that to 30inter-state per cent tioned and criticisedUS on wantssocial number five. Central theAsia district and to village oust levels. its launchChina, pad for giving Russia Chi- highway to become functional, media. Health ministry offi- Still, Myanmar’s military While the present system en- na a run for its money in the a loop link avoiding Nagaland- trade, a Central law is proposed to not By P Stobdan once Moscow signed a special strategic Uzbek leader Islam Karimov’s death The critical point is that Uzbekistan en- cials, in a press conference on dictatorship is a state within a sures that Suu Kyi can never Asean. Unfortunately, the AEP Manipur through Mizoram is of our women officers are deployed in US officials rarely visit Central Asia, partnership with China. The US then in 2016 and Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan dorses the Taliban movement and sup- bind farmers to sell their crop only to butMarch amidst 16, the said coronavirus that China’s outbreak Hu- state in andtook the a pause,longest waiting lasting for in thebecome situation theto steppingdemocratically down inis 2019 hobbled opened by ainsurgencies win- ports in direct necessary. talks between Other projects the US would and conflict zones. This effectively expos- bei province, the source of the the world, but now with a civil- elected leader, the military can the North-East and fledgling need to hop, step and skip the licensed traders in their district Agri- China, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo evolve, while maintaining the posture of dow of opportunity that prompted Mike militia. It hedges a bet on Washington es the government stance that wom- paiddeadly a stealthy coronavirus, visit to wasKazakhstan 1,200 ianand façade.supporting The theConstitution independence be oustedand terri only- throughPompeo ato coup visit Nursultanconnectivity in Tashkent. and identical than is on- Moscow’sinsurgency-ridden ability to endareas. the That Af- cultural Produce Market Committee Uzbekistanmiles away with froma bag fullMyanmar of intersecting has reservedtorial integrity the posts of Centralof de- Asianfrom nations. within. New Uzbek leadersues Shavkat in MyanmarMirziyoyev (two is ghandozen stalemate, is why crucialthe management for Uzbekistan’s of the en are physiologically unfit for higher agendas,and ‘our primarily lifestyle to and convey diet’had that the fence, re- homeIn the and 90s, border Zbigniew affairs Brzezinski Much sugof the- worldnow a reformeris happy and active potential and partnerdormant for insurgen security.- 1,450-km Indo-Myanmar bor- mandis. In short, farmers can sell to gionprevented remains independentthe disease offrom the malign ministers gested for thethe needmilitary to wait and for thewith next this gen fait- accompli,the US, who most it believes, cies), hastopped taken up steps with snail-Uzbekistander becomes is becoming so important. a linchpin influence of ‘external actors’, an obvious eration Central Asians overcoming their to initiate reforms. Mirziyoyev’s busi- state in the US success to get the Afghan Army ranks as farcical and hollow. spreading towards us. guarantees one-quarter of the of all, its northern neighbour, paced decision making in the This January, President Xi anyone and anywhere, and traders can tug to China and Russia. The visit came inherited, unsure self-ambivalence and ness offers could spin off opportunities war to an end. We don’t know the details In the light of the forward-looking aheadMyanmar of the State shares Department’s a 2,100-km unveil seats- inorienting parliament themselves for it. towardsChina. America. It is ironicalfor thethat US Suu firms. Kyi joint civil-military structures,for the post-AfghanJinping visited settlement, Myanmar but theand freely buy, stock and move any quan- ingborder of the with ‘US China.strategy On for MarchCentral AsiaEscaping After the 30 yearsradar since, last Central chose Asia to hasdefend Pompeothe military also visitedwhere Nursultan China has to acul clear- advanaim would- signed be to 33 avoid agreements the mistake of which of order that bestows dignity on able 2019-25:22, it wasAdvancing reported sovereignty that 202 monthand changedwas a andmonumental Washington lastseems year set atto thetivate International new Kazakh tage. President Finalising Kassym- the Nagalandhastily withdrawingthe China-Myanmar US troops fromEconomic Syr- tity of agri-produce within the coun- economiccases were prosperity’. under investigation, event: reapMyanmar’s the fruit ofparliament its investments. Court The of new Justice Jomart in the Tokayev Hague toFramework profit from Accordhis recent of 2015ia resultingand Corridor in Turkey’s was the military centre-piece. assault It women,try. To compete, it is now private a question mandis of would time withAmericans 187 testing are not negative. known forThe under blocking- policy NLD’s lists figurative $9 billion and funding against support charges politicalof excesses reforms. un- endingPompeo the lauded mother ‘real of all againstinsur- theseeks Kurds. access The to thebigger warm picture waters standing Central Asia well as compared for democracy programmes, security improvements’, urged Kazakhs to resist is how the US may be subtly using the popular national water festival futile bid to reduce the role of leashed on the Rohingya. gencies in India was to have of the Indian Ocean through before women officers in the Indian to Europeans who coined the Eurasia cooperation, economic governance and excessive engagement with China and Afghan factor as a means to nudge Cen- demand subsidised credit and land. in mid-April was cancelled and military in politics. The failed Myanmar is sandwiched be- and Silk Route phrases and traversed private sector-led economic growth. Be- instead consider Americabeen achieved as a reliable by October tral 31,Asia intothe acceptingnew deepwater a certain port option it is ArmyAny proposal acquire thatpositions helps growersof command. needs alonglockdown its various promulgated paths. During in the the amendmentsSo- sides, the would US has have supported re- tween $50 billionChina andbusiness India. Its partner. pol- 2019. But the Naga issueor usehas cuesdeveloping to direct at them Kyakpu away to matchfrom vietcommercial period, only hub, a few Yangon. American The tourists duced, inover credit 15 years,and loans the resto -theicy region. of balance The and Conversely,equidistance Kazakhs been nowdrowned see the in US silence overly de- dependingIndia’s at on Sittwe. Russia Kyakpuand China. will Into thebe meanwhile,welcomed. However,the rank andthere file has of travelledcountry to has Tashkent recorded from 150 Moscow. Co- ervationThe US of private seats sectorthe military invested betweenover $31 bilthe- twoas has a source generally of investment, spite its newgarrulous technol interlocutor- The US hasultimately offered a $100-millionconnect China’s aid to US struggled to make a workable foot- lion in commercial ventures and funded ogies, education and global standards. increase cross-border trade and connec- thebeen military a long historywould ofdo government well to throw in- vid-19 cases so far, including enjoys as lawmakers and made worked in a tilt towards China and Nagaland Governor RN Yunnan province by road, rail, printsix deaths. in the geopolitically crucial Censome- perfunctoryover 40,000 studentchanges and — professional because ofex -a primordialAfter Chevron fear and Ravi’s ExxonMobil, claim that Ameri the- mattertivity isbetween oil and Uzbekistan gas pipelines. and AfghaniFor India- tral Asia that prompted the Congress to changes, among others. can Tyson Foods is preparing to enter stan. For the first time, the US told the outdated perceptions of male superi- Though the head of the ruling like appointing the Command- of it. The military is happier resolved, but for the NSCN-IM to catch up with China, it re- tervention when prices surge — of on- adopt the Freedom Support Act in 1992. Clearly then, Washington still treats Kazakhstan’s agriculture sector. regional states to push China and Russia National League for Democ- er-in-Chief and removing the working with an authoritarian dragging its feet. quires to ‘act’ and not look east, orityion, forout instance. of the window Its removal that fromare gen the- In 1991, Secretary of State James Baker Central Asia as an open book and the last In the C5+1 format, Pompeo pointed out of the region, be wary of predatory flewracy, to Suu Kazakhstan Kyi is only to a denuclearisenominal word the ‘disciplined’chapter is not yetfrom written. the TheChina fresh rather stra- thanto a enlargingdemocratic American The thrustinfluence, of connectivity by Chinese is lending,which it andis doing avoid today, falling as intolittle erallyECA isproffered a bold move. to keep Will them consumers down Muslimleader majorityas the state.military-drafted descriptiontegic ofopportunity the country assessment as India defineswhere policy snaring towards Uzbekistan the in intore-routing its Afghan some pol of- thethe proj debt- traphas changedunder the on pretence the ground of Belt in constitutionWashington’s of desire 2008 toforbids forge aa parta genuine- the ‘disciplined’,region important multi- in itsmilitary own right, could change,icy and as by it didexploring ects waysthrough to counterthe insurgency- and Roadthe Initiative last decade, (BRI) except projects. that The BJP andfeel bethe preparedpinch in theto takelong ordersrun? Maybe from nershipforeigner was from constrained holding by office. the dilem party- democraticlays out new system. milestones The forin strengthen the 1980s- whenChinese India influence. sup- free Tashkent’s Mizoram. regional Some projectsdebt finance governments, impacting not sovereignty the Congress, is maShe confronted is the party byleader the and Soviet-trained state NLD, whiching sovereignty, does not have fighting the terrorismported Suu and Kyi’s plans NLD for but improving later are relationship stuck due with to itsthe Arakanacute in Kyrgyzstanrule the north-eastern and Tajikistan states. that yes, but they will not mind as long as residual leaders for defining their des- helping to make economies attractive to neighbours and efforts to nix the peace are unable to repay. them. The mission is of utmost impor- councillor in a carefully curated two-thirds majority, had hoped switched tack, realising it was Army insurgency in Rakhine IANS tinies. The regional context changed US businesses. process in Afghanistan, impress the US. IANS tancethe increase and women is pocketed are equally by the capablefarmers ofand helming not a new it. middleman. ReadersReaders ResponseResponse andand contributioncontribution WelcomeWelcome Indian Horizon 7 OPED Thursday, May 21, 2020 COVID-19 pandemic halts the global economy By Doyle McManus warships into the South China Sea to a model for Europe,” German Foreign US economy will likely recover more The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed reinforce freedom of navigation, a long- Minister Heiko Maas told local report- slowly than those of South Korea, Japan more than 228,000 lives and thrown the standing Pentagon mission in the re- ers, an extraordinary statement from a or Germany, all of which have man- global economy into chaos. It’s making source-rich, strategically crucial region. US ally that American democracy looks aged the pandemic more successfully. the world more dangerous, too. But only one country has an aircraft no better than Chinese authoritarian- And in a global recession compounded In the Middle East, Iranian gunboats carrier operating in the western Pacific ism. by mounting disorder, everybody loses. have harassed US warships in the Ara- now, and it’s China. The two US carriers Now add one more problem: a global “The longer the pandemic goes on, the bian Gulf, and Iranian-backed militias in the region were confined to port after leadership vacuum. Unlike during most more the world will change,” Wright have attacked US bases in Iraq. crew members were stricken with COV- major international crises of the postwar warned. “The real risk is that a long cri- In Asia, China has continued its drive ID-19: the Theodore Roosevelt in Guam world, this time the US president has sis will eviscerate international coopera- to take control of the South China Sea, and the Ronald Reagan in Japan. gone missing. tion ... and leave a more anarchic world.” sinking a Vietnamese fishing boat and With the contagion spreading on land “This is the first post-American crisis How bad can it get? Foreign policy sending an oil survey ship into Malay- and sea, the economy in free fall and un- of our time. There’s no US leadership,” scholars compare this moment to two sian waters. relenting chaos in the White House, why Thomas C. Wright, a foreign policy critical periods in the last century. North Korea, which hates to be over- would anyone be distracted? scholar at the Brookings Institution, told After World War II ended in 1945, the looked, has fired off missiles and re- Failed states me. “The administration isn’t engag- United States, the only major power with mained strangely silent about rumours The long-term effects of the pandemic ing with its allies except to worry about its economy intact, led a massive recov- that its leader, Kim Jong UN, was dying. look even more alarming: a global de- whether China is making gains.” Nor- ery effort, producing decades of relative Even Russia, with its own surge of Not surprisingly, Trump administra- pression that could persist for years, mally the Group of 7 big industrial de- peace and prosperity not only for itself coronavirus cases, has resumed buzzing tion officials insist they’re not distract- more failed states and unremitting big- mocracies would coordinate solutions and its European allies, but for its de- US and Nato aircraft over the Baltic and ed, although the nation’s medical and power competition. to the pandemic and efforts to speed an feated enemies, Germany and Japan. Mediterranean seas. economic catastrophes have under- China has been trying to win friends economic recovery. After World War I ended in 1918, with A distracted world standably taken most of their attention. and escape blame for the novel corona- But under this year’s G-7 chairman, an influenza pandemic similar to the “You’re definitely seeing a time when President Donald Trump responded virus’ origin by doling out aid and medi- one Donald J. Trump, that’s not hap- coronavirus, no joint recovery effort these countries see an opening to do to Iran’s recent actions with a bellicose cal supplies in an effort so heavy-hand- pening. was launched. Nations went their own things that we would normally combat tweet, saying he had instructed the Navy ed it has created a backlash in some Odd man out way, embracing nationalist politics and instantly — both rhetorically and per- “to shoot down and destroy any and all countries. The president has held two video protectionist economics, and the next haps militarily — when we’re off-bal- Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships But don’t take any comfort in that. meetings with his G-7 colleagues — but global cataclysm soon followed. ance,” said John McLaughlin, a former at sea.” America’s shambolic response to the he’s been the odd man out, asking the This moment, alas, looks more like acting director of the CIA. Pentagon officials said a tweet is not crisis has put a huge dent in its global others to join him in calling COVID-19 1918, a time when the United States “I’m sure they all consider us not only an order, and they have not changed image as a competent cutting-edge na- the “Wuhan virus” and saying he would withdrew from the world and interna- distracted, but militarily less adroit right their rules of engagement, which allow tion. halt US funding for the World Health Or- tional disorder increased. And we know now than we normally would be,” he US ships to fire in self-defence. The United States and China “are ganisation. They declined. If our battle how well that turned out. said in a recent podcast. The US Navy recently said it sent three two extremes, neither of which can be with COVID-19 lasts much longer, the Gulf News Coronavirus is hitting the world’s most vulnerable homes and are displaced within or outside to a decrease in aid — including humanitar- norms and roles, and they exacerbate gender their countries of origin. And crises — even ian funding — in the near term. The data on inequalities. There is some evidence that in- before the pandemic — tend to last longer the impact of previous global recessions on timate partner violence has been increasing than in the past. humanitarian aid are inconclusive. The In- with the implementation of covid-19 control Covid-19 is likely to exacerbate exist- ternational Monetary Fund, however, has measures while access to assistance has ing crises in places like Burkina Faso, and warned that the magnitude of the economic been decreasing. Intimate partner violence northeast Nigeria, and further tax poorly effects of covid-19 will be significantly more is the most common form of gender-based resourced health systems in places like Ven- severe than that of recent recessions. violence in humanitarian crises. ezuela and Congo. 3. It may be more difficult to reach those Research suggests that deep gendered bi- The pandemic is also likely to increase the in need. Restrictions on movement aimed at ases within the humanitarian system affect numbers of people in need of aid as local slowing the spread of the virus are already what gets funded and what is considered ur- economies suffer, and people lose access to preventing humanitarian agencies from gent. One example of this is the humanitar- remittances, livelihoods and basic resources. reaching populations in need. ian response to this type of violence. The World Food Programme projects that Border closures, flight cancellations, lock- 5. Local organisations will play an in- the number in need of food aid may double downs of ports, and other movement and creased aid role. In 2016, the UN convened — to 265 million — by the end of 2020. UNI- transport restrictions mean that aid workers the World Humanitarian Summit, which CEF warns that shifting health resources to and supplies cannot get to those who need brought together humanitarian organisa- respond to covid-19 could result in up to 1.2 them. tions and others to help reimagine and re- million extra deaths in children under 5 in For example, a government-mandated shape humanitarian aid. the next six months. lockdown of Rohingya refugee camps in Ban- One outcome of that meeting and related 2. Funding will be even more tight. Even gladesh prevented 80 per cent of aid person- processes was a commitment to work to- before covid-19, levels of need around the nel from doing their work in the camps. Aid wards giving greater power and more re- By Chen Reis Red Crescent movement, and non-govern- world have been greater than the capacity of groups are advocating for increased access sources to local organisations to shape and How are people in conflict-torn countries mental organisations deliver aid to those in international humanitarian organisations to and reduced restrictions for humanitarian lead humanitarian responses. like Yemen, South Sudan and Syria affected need. respond. In 2019 only 63 per cent of needed work, and for increased funds to safeguard While some countries have made progress by the pandemic? Crowded living conditions But the pandemic’s effects on humanitar- funding was available to humanitarian or- humanitarian supply chains. toward this type of “localisation,” overall the and insufficient access to water and health ian aid are likely to extend well beyond the ganisations. 4. Non-coronavirus issues may take a back summit’s targets have not been met. But the services put many of them at acute risk of in- immediate crisis. Most of this funding came from wealthier seat. As the world turns its attention to ar- border and financial restrictions may now fection, while lack of testing may exacerbate 1. More people will need help. As of De- donor countries. As of the end of April, the resting the spread of covid-19 and caring result in reduced international capacity and the spread of the virus. cember 2019, an estimated 167.6 million US and other countries had donated only for people with the virus, will other pressing staffing. Together these factors may help ac- The covid-19 crisis adds new obstacles to people — 1 in 45 people worldwide — need- 13% of what humanitarian organisations humanitarian needs be ignored? Crises, in- celerate the process of localisation and there how over-extended humanitarian organisa- ed some sort of humanitarian assistance. needed for 2020. The economic impact of cluding disease outbreaks, affect women and is some evidence of this already. tions including U.N agencies, the Red Cross/ Of these, some 71 million had to flee their covid- 19 on these donor countries may lead men differently due to differences in gender Gulf News COVID-19: How to create space for everyone at home

By Michele Lerner tion and can be a practical solution for ready have. You don’t have to spend a lot If you ask families, roommates and cou- storage,” wrote Gabriela Gargano of Gri- of money on interim solutions. When the ples if they would like a little privacy now, soro Designs in New York City in an email. fabric is pulled closed, it means private the answer is likely to be a resounding A division of space time is in session.” yes. With stay-at-home guidelines, house- If you don’t own a system on wheels, Jamieson also suggests turning a walk- hold members are often working or do- you may want to temporarily move an in closet into a hidden haven. ing school assignments in the same space existing bookcase or table to create a divi- “I have a small desk set up in mine that where people normally relax, and that can sion of space. works as a quiet place to sketch, read and put a strain on even the best relationships. Finding that personal space is particu- write,” she wrote. “If you don’t have a de- Everyone can use a place in their home larly difficult in a small apartment. Tyler mure desk, look around your home and where they can escape for a little bit of Hill, co-owner of Mitchell Hill Interiors see what could [do] double-duty. Perhaps quiet. We asked interior designers for owns a 1,000-square-foot apartment. a folding game table or smaller console. ideas on ways to carve out that space to “I think one thing that could really help Bring in a tiny table lamp and pull up a make it easier to handle the emotional is roping off a section of a room and re- chair. stress of the covid-19 pandemic. serving it for a small home office,” Hill Declutter your closet “Find a spot with a view,” wrote Pamela wrote in an email. “Preferably this needs What’s more, you may be inspired to Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors in an to be away from the television and any declutter your closet and when we’re all email. “A breakfast nook or kitchen island other distractions. If you have a foldable out and about again, donate those items might be an ideal spot to sneak away while decorative screen, this can greatly help to to Dress for Success or Goodwill. Or just still keeping an eye on the family. If it has divide the space and make it feel like you roll out your yoga mat and take a nap in a view, even better. Deep breaths and a are in your own quiet cocoon.” there.” chance to sit down for a minute go a long Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Sometimes a quiet space can be as way.” Beari Designs, recommends expandable simple as an extra table and chair in the of a separate room, it can help create a under any circumstances. “Think about Most people don’t have extra rooms to spring tension curtain rods for temporary garage or a chair in your living room or visual cue that you’re not to be disturbed finding another spot or two to camp out designate for meditation or reading, but privacy that can be ordered online. bedroom, wrote Gargano. unless truly needed.” for an hour or so,” wrote Harvey. “Moving sometimes a little rearranging of furniture “They come in a variety of sizes, are “The important part is to have the seat- Although a home office with a door is around, especially if you can look outside or an online order of an inexpensive item easy to install and won’t damage walls,” ing face away from the rest of the room,” better than having to work with others during the sunnier days or even better, go can help create the illusion of separation. she wrote in an email. “Mount them in she wrote. “This is a simple way for you to nearby in the kitchen, Harvey suggests out on a porch, might bring some energy “A bookcase or shelving system on the doorway of your dining room and signal you’re taking some personal time. that switching work sites can be a way to to your day.” wheels can create a movable privacy op- drape with sheets or fabric that you al- While this space doesn’t offer the privacy find some privacy and a new perspective 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 8 international Thursday, May 21, 2020 France revises down COVID-19 death toll due to counting error 10 killed, 14 injured in twin attacks Paris, May 20 (IANS) government to unwind cial distancing). We had France's Health Ministry restrictions, allowing the curbed the epidemic dur- in Afghanistan on Tuesday revised down country a gradual return to ing the confinement, we Kabul, May 20 (IANS) At least 10 (local time) in Khalazai, a village on the country's death toll normality. Health officials, should not press the accel- villagers were killed and 14 others the outskirts of provincial capital from the novel coronavi- however, urged caution erator now," he added. wounded in two separate gun Charikar city, 55 km north of Kabul, rus by 217 from 28,239 on and recommended people Salomon said that since shootings in Afghanistan, authorities reported local media Tolo News TV. Monday, citing "an error of to show high vigilance to the lockdown exit on May said on Wednesday. The wounded were shifted to double counting in several prevent a second wave. 11, 50,000 tests have been In one incident on Tuesday, three a hospital in Charikar, the madia nursing homes." "De-confining does not conducted daily, adding people were killed and one child was quoted an Interior Ministry official as The death toll stood at mean the end of the epi- that the testing capacity wounded after the gunmen fired on saying. The attacks came as Afghans 28,022 as of Tuesday, the demic. As we know, the would be ramped up in the people outside a mosque as Ramadan are observing the fasting month of ministry said in a state- virus is still here, it is dan- coming days. "The goal is night prayers were underway around Ramadan. No group has claimed ment, Xinhua reported. On gerous and deadly. The that we do tests for all the 9:00 p.m. (local time) in Korchako responsibility for the attacks so far. May 17, France reported an of 429 deaths. Tuesday's Hospitalized patients fell evolution of the epidemic people who are symptom- village, Sabari district of eastern Khost The Afghan civilians continue to oddly high daily death toll figures from the Health by 547 to 18,468, with 1,894 is only linked to our be- atic, for all the people who province, 150 km southeast of Kabul, bear the brunt of armed conflicts as of 483. of those, hospitals Ministry also showed that in intensive care units, haviors," French Director need it, the contact cases in provincial government spokesman more than 500 civilians were killed reported 54 new deaths 524 people tested positive down by 104 in one day, General for Health Jerome particular," he said, urging Talib Mangal told Xinhua. and 760 others wounded due to while nursing homes, for COVID-19 in the last consolidating an improve- Salomon told a press meet- people to get tested at the In eastern Parwan province, seven fighting in Afghanistan in the first which represent a third of 24 hours, taking the total ment in the sanitary crisis. ing. "For our safety, we slightest doubt by being villagers were killed and 13 others three months of 2020, United Nations the country's total fatali- cases of infection in France Positive indicators had must respect these rules prescribed by a doctor in wounded in a similar attack during Assistance Mission in Afghanistan ties, reported a one-day rise to 143,427. encouraged the French (barriers gestures and so- case of symptoms. night prayers roughly at 7:00 p.m. (UNAMA) announced on late April. Australia announces emergency financial aid EU adopts 100bn euro programme to save jobs to rely on public support to preserve employment. to Pacific Island nations "SURE will be a vital safety Canberra, May 20 (IANS) Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Timor- net to protect jobs and workers The Australian government Leste. "This immediate as it will ensure that member has announced "quick funding will provide respite." states have the necessary financial support" for 10 The government in means to finance measures Pacific countries hit by November 2019 provided to tackle unemployment and Cyclone Harold and the PNG with a 440 million loss of income, as well as some coronavirus pandemic. Australian dollars (287.7 health-related measures," Cyclone Harold swept million US dollars) short- the Croatian minister said. In through the Pacific in term loan, repayments on order to provide requesting April, causing widespread which have been postponed member states with financial damage that exacerbated amid the pandemic. assistance at favorable terms, the economic impacts of Marise Payne, the Minister the European Commission will COVID-19. for Foreign Affairs, told raise funds on international In a statement issued on the parliament earlier in Zagreb, May 20 (IANS) sudden and severe increase of capital markets on behalf of Tuesday, the Department May that Australia's Pacific The Council of the European national public expenditure the EU, the press release said. of Foreign Affairs and Trade neighbors had kept the Union adopted on Tuesday after governments have All loans will be backed by the (DFAT) committed 100 Australian dollars (13.4 Island countries and Timor- spread of COVID-19 "to a the regulation for temporary spent millions to save jobs in EU budget and guarantees will million Australian dollars million US dollars), followed Leste to provide quick very low rate" on account of support to mitigate countries that were hit by the be provided by member states (65.4 million US dollars) to by the Solomon Islands financial support, drawing "very swift action." unemployment risks in an lockdown, Xinhua reported. according to their share in the nations struggling with the and Vanuatu at 13 million on our existing aid program," However, she said Cyclone emergency (SURE) which EU leaders endorsed the EU's gross national income basic costs of running their Australian dollars (8.5 a DFAT spokesperson said. Harold "compounded the allows financial assistance up plan on April 23 and called for (GNI). The total amount of countries, Xinhua news million US dollars) each. "Australia is providing impact of COVID-19 in the to 100 billion euro of loans to the package to be operational guarantees will be 25 billion agency reported. "To mitigate the impact separate support packages Solomon Islands, in Tonga, member states, the Council by June 1, 2020. euros ($27.34 billion). Papua New Guinea of COVID-19 in our region, for Papua New Guinea, Fiji, in Vanuatu and in Fiji", said. Croatian Finance Minister The statement said that the (PNG) will receive the most Australia has been working Solomon Islands, Samoa, saying it prompted a "pivot" It is part of the emergency Zdravko Maric, who chaired instrument will be available assistance at 20.5 million in partnership with Pacific Tonga, Nauru, Kiribati, in foreign aid priorities. support package to tackle on Tuesday a videoconference after all EU member states the economic impact of of the ministers of finance of provide their guarantees and the COVID-19 crisis. The the EU member states, said it will be operational until the instrument enables the that the COVID-19 pandemic end of 2022, with a possibility COVID-19: UN calls for international help in Africa European Union (EU) has caused massive economic to extend the period for a United Nations, May He repeated his call for Political processes and member states to request and social disruption and that further six-month. (1 euro = 20 (IANS) UN Secretary- a global response package elections in the coming financial help to finance the many companies have had $1.09). General Antonio Guterres amounting to at least 10 months offer potential on Wednesday called for percent of the world's gross milestones for stability and international action to domestic product. For peace. Women and youth help Africa deal with the Africa, that means more must be empowered, said 8 IS militants killed in anti-terror operations in Iraq COVID-19 pandemic. than 200 billion US dollars as the UN chief. He warned Baghdad, May 20 (IANS) and the destruction of six civilians in the formerly IS- "These are still early days additional support from the that the pandemic threatens A total of eight Islamic State IS hideouts as well as two controlled Sunni provinces for the pandemic in Africa, strengthen Africa's health international community, African progress. "It will (IS) militants were killed in motorcycles, al-Sudani said. since the beginning of the and disruption could escalate systems, maintain food he said. Guterres reiterated aggravate long-standing two security operations in In the province of holy month of Ramadan, quickly. Global solidarity supplies, avoid a financial his call for a comprehensive inequalities and heighten Iraq's Diyala and Salahudin Salahudin, four would-be resulting in the killing and with Africa is an imperative crisis, support education, debt framework, starting hunger, malnutrition and provinces, security sources suicide bombers wearing wounding of dozens. -- now and for recovering protect jobs, keep with an across-the-board vulnerability to disease. said. explosive belts were killed The security situation in better," said Guterres in households and businesses debt standstill for countries Already, demand for Africa's Based on intelligence when a police force attacked Iraq has been improving a video message for the afloat, and cushion the unable to service their debt, commodities, tourism and reports, the security forces their position in al-Jazira since Iraqi security forces launch of a policy brief on continent against lost income followed by targeted debt remittances are declining. conducted a security area the western part of the fully defeated the IS militants the impact of COVID-19 on and export earnings," said relief and a comprehensive The opening of the trade operation on Tuesday in Wadi province, Mohammed al-Bazi across the country late in Africa, according to Xinhua Guterres. African countries approach to structural zone has been pushed back, Thlab area, some 140 km from the provincial police 2017. news agency. should also have quick, issues in the international and millions could be pushed northeast of the Iraqi capital told Xinhua. However, IS remnants have Ending the pandemic in equal and affordable access debt architecture to prevent into extreme poverty." Baghdad, Ali al-Sudani, from The operations came as since melted in urban areas Africa is essential for ending to any eventual vaccine defaults. The virus has taken more the Diyala provincial police, the extremist IS militants or deserts and rugged areas, it across the world, he said. and treatment, that must African countries should than 2,500 African lives. told Xinhua. intensified their attacks on carrying out frequent guerilla "We are calling for be considered global public work to silence the guns and Vigilance and preparedness The operation resulted in the security forces, including attacks against security forces international action to goods, he added. address violent extremism. are critical, he said. the killing of four IS militants Hashd Shaabi forces, and and civilians. India hits back at Nepal, says its territorial claims unacceptable Took HCQ after valet tested Covid Kathmandu/New Delhi, May 20 The move, he said, is "contrary Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new (IANS) India on Wednesday hit back to the bilateral understanding to road connecting the Lipulekh pass at the Nepal government over in- resolve the outstanding boundary in Uttarakhand with Kailash Man- positive, says Trump corporating some its territory along issues through diplomatic dialogue. sarovar route in China, Nepal pro- New York, May University of Virginia the border in its revised official Such artificial enlargement of terri- tested against it and also threatened 20 (IANS) President researcher Jayakrishna map, saying such unilateral moves torial claims will not be accepted by to put up a security post in the dis- Donald Trump says Ambati reported that and territorial claims are complete- India." Nepal, he said, is well aware puted territory. he began taking the risk of death was ly unacceptable. of India's consistent position on India and Nepal share an 1,800 hydroxychloroquine found to be higher in The Nepalese government has re- this matter. The government urged km-long open border. However, (HCQ) "as a frontline ex-servicemen suffering leased a revised official map which Nepal to "refrain from such unjus- Nepal has disputed India's claim defence" after his valet from COVID-19 who has included Limpiyadhura, Lipule- tified cartographic assertion and over 400 sq km area at India-Nepal- and Vice President Mike were treated with it kh, and Kalapani, the areas which respect India's sovereignty and ter- China tri-junction in western Ne- Pence's press secretary compared to those who have been part of Indian territory. ritorial integrity." pal and 140 sq km area of Susta in tested positive for were not. In response to media queries on Srivastava said that India hoped southern Nepal. The Lipulekh Pass, COVID-19. Wilkes said, "That the revised map, the Ministry of Ex- that the Nepalese leadership will is a mountainous pass in the Kala- After the two of was not a VA study. ternal Affairs official spokesperson create a positive atmosphere for pani area. In 2015, Nepal objected them tested positive, Researchers took VA Anurag Srivastava said that it is a diplomatic dialogue to resolve the to an India-China agreement on "I thought, you know, to be an extra line of "It's gotten a bad numbers and they did "unilateral act" and "not based on outstanding boundary issues. trade through the Pass, claiming from my standpoint, defence, and it's gotten reputation only because not clinically review historical facts and evidence." On May 8, after Defence Minister that it violated its territorial. not a bad time to take tremendous reviews I'm promoting it. So I'm them. They were not it, because we had the from some people, obviously a very bad peer-reviewed." Trump combination of those including many, many promoter. If anybody added, "That was a -- the two people," he doctors all over the else were promoting it, phony study, and it's very Cyclone Amphan: 1.4 mn people evacuated in Bangladesh said on Tuesday. Trump world," he added. they'd say, 'This is the dangerous to do it." Dhaka, May 20 (IANS) At least 1.4 The Bangladesh Meteorological the imminent dangers of cyclone has been criticised by The Indian Council greatest thing ever'." Some studies in million people in the coastal areas Department elevated the storm Bulbul. In Jhalakathi, almost 10,000 Democratic Party leaders of Medical Research Veterans Affairs (VA) France and elsewhere of Bangladesh have taken refuge alert to great danger signal 9 for riverside inhabitants of Sugandha and some doctors for (ICMR) National Task Secretary Robert Wilkie have shown positive in storm shelters as super cyclone Chattogram and Cox's Bazar ports Char, Rajapur, Bishkhali and taking HCQ, which has Force on COVID-19 pointed out that HCQ results for the use of Amphan moved closer to the coast as the cyclone was just 345 km from Nalchhiti have been evacuated to been described in the has recommended that is widely used in the HCQ and several studies on Wednesday the country's coastline, bdnews24 cyclone shelters. media as a dangerous healthcare workers military."Those of us are underway in the US, Authorities are continuing to shift reported. Bagerhat, another coastal drug. Chuck Schumer, and others caring for who've had a military life India and elsewhere. the local people to the shelters, said Mongla and Payra ports have district, had more than 90,000 of its the Democratic Party coronavirus patients use -- some of us around this Trump had personally Kazi Tasmin Ara Ajmiri, Deputy been asked to keep hoisted great residents including children, senior leader in the Senate, HCQ as a preventive. table -- we've been taking requested Prime Secretary in the National Disaster danger signal number 10. citizens and specially-abled persons said Trump taking HCQ While it has been this drug for years," he Minister Narendra Modi Response Coordination Centre. The storm is expected to cut its moved to 977 cyclone shelters was "dangerous" and used by millions around said. to relax the ban on HCQ Some people who came to the path through the Bangladesh-West as of Wednesday morning, said accused him of giving the world for decades Both he and Trump export and allow India centres on Tuesday left for home as Bengal coast near the Sundarbans Additional Deputy Commissioner false hopes. to fight malaria and disputed a study to export doses ordered the storm has not hit the coast yet; by Wednesday evening, according Md Kamrul Islam. Trump said, "I've had is commonplace, in attributed in the media to before the COVID-19 they are being brought back to the to the Met Office. About 12,000 volunteers are no impact from it. I've the US the focus has the VA, the department pandemic. India agreed shelters, she said. Last year, 1.8 million people working at the shelters where now - I've had no - I been on the side effects that provides services and sent the US 3.5 "There are 1,364,000 people in the were taken to the shelters ahead special emphasis is being placed on feel the same. I haven't of interference with for ex-servicepersons million tablets and nine shelters as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday," of cyclone Fani while another 2.2 maintaining social distancing amid changed, I don't think, heartbeats in some and runs a network of tonnes of ingredients to said the Deputy Secretary. million were moved to safety from the coronavirus crisis. too much." "But it seems people. Trump said, hospitals. manufacture it. Indian Horizon Thursday, May 21, 20205 business 9 Jewar airport in UP gets MHA nod Cabinet nod to extend senior citizens' pension scheme by 3 years Lucknow, May 20 (IANS) International had on No- The Union Ministry of vember 29 emerged as the New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) year 2020-21, and thereafter the scheme, it added. Home Affairs (MHA) has highest bidder to develop In good news for the senior to be reset every year in line The actual interest-gap given the nod to the green- the Jewar airport on the citizens, the Union Cabinet with Senior Citizens Saving (subsidy) would however de- field project, the much- outskirts of Delhi, outbid- chaired by Prime Minister Scheme (SCSS). pend upon the actual expe- awaited construction of ding competitors like Adani Narendra Modi has approved The expenses on manag- rience in terms of number Jewar airport in Noida. Enterprises, DIAL and An- the extension of the Pradhan ing the scheme are capped at of new policies issued, the In a tweet, S.P. Goyal, chorage Infrastructure In- Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana 0.5 per cent of assets under quantum of investment made principal secretary to Uttar vestments Holding. (PMVVY) till March 31, 2023. management per annum for by subscribers, actual returns Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi The entire project will be A government release said the first year of the scheme, generated and the basis of Adityanath, said, "Glad to spread over 5,000 hectares that the Cabinet approval for and 0.3 per cent per annum annuity payment, the release share that Zurich Airport and estimated to cost Rs its extension would enable for second year onwards for said. The scheme was an- International AG has got 29,560 crore.The airport, old-age income security for the next nine years. "As such, nounced in Union Budget of the security clearance for the third in the national senior citizens for three more the expected financial liability 2017-18 and 2018-19. In 2018- development of Noida in- capital region after Delhi's years beyond March 31, 2020. will range from an estimated 19 Budget, the maximum in- ternational airport." Indira Gandhi Internation- According to the govern- expenditure of Rs 829 crore vestment limit under PMVVY The project has been al airport and Ghaziabad's ment, PMVVY scheme, imple- in the 2023-24 fiscal to Rs 264 was doubled to Rs 15 lakh per awaiting the MHA nod, Hindon airport, is touted to mented through the Life In- The assured rate of return cent. crore in last FY 2032-33," the senior citizen. after the environment have six to eight runways. surance Corporation (LIC), is for fiscal 2020-21 has been It said that government's release said. Pension is payable at the ministry gave its approval The Uttar Pradesh govern- intended to give an assured pegged at 7.4 per cent per an- financial liability is limited to The average expected finan- end of each period during the following the response of ment has set an aggressive minimum pension to senior num and thereafter to be reset the extent of the difference be- cial liability for the subsidy policy term of 10 years, as per the Yamuna Expressway deadline for the comple- citizens (60 years and above) every year, an official release tween the market return gen- reimbursement, calculated monthly, quarterly, half-year- Industrial Development tion of the Jewar airport based on an assured return said after the Cabinet meeting. erated by LIC and the guar- for annuity payment on actual ly, yearly frequency, as chosen Authority (YEIDA), the project, targeting opera- on the purchase price or sub- Earlier, the scheme offered anteed return of 7.4 per cent basis, is expected to be Rs 614 by the pensioner at the time of agency which is piloting the tionalisation of its first scription amount. an assured return of 8 per per annum initially for the crore per year for currency of purchase. project. The Swiss firm AG phase by 2023.

Vivo says production on, 2 construction 'Rs 90,000 cr liquidity injection a breather for power gencos' New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) Also, most of these capacities workers found corona negative The government's move to pro- may not have adequate letter of Noida, May 20 (IANS) is 15 kms away from the op- for all their head offce staff vide Rs 90,000 crore loans to credit limits to defer fuel pay- Chinese smartphone brand erational factory and man- while resuming production state power distribution com- ments by a quarter, it said. Vivo on Wednesday said aged by a third-party con- with 30 per cent capac- panies (discom) comes at an Crisil Ratings said: "The Rs that its manufacturing unit struction company. Vivo ity at their manufacturing opportune time and will help 90,000 crore liquidity injection in Kasna, Greater Noida, said the operational facility facility. "Furthermore, to clear a significant part of their to discoms, therefore, comes never stopped production continues to abide by all ensure business continuity obligations to power generation at an opportune time for these since its reopening on May prescribed standard oper- for offline partners, we will companies (genco), according generation companies, and 9, and the two third-party ating procedures (SOPs) be addressing the demand to Crisil Ratings. can potentially alleviate the in- construction workers at to ensure safety and well- for smartphones across the In statement, Crisil noted terim risks." According to Ankit one of its upcoming sites being of its current 3,000 country by leveraging an that the loans are to be provid- Hakhu, Director, Crisil Ratings who were earlier found employees (30 per cent of innovative lead generation ed through the Power Finance cause of the lockdown, Crisil month can cause them to de- said how quickly the money is corona positive have now total workforce capacity) platform to help consum- Corporation (PFC) and the Ru- noted, adding that this has fault on financial obligations." injected will be critical as these been tested negative in that continue to work at the ers connect with retailers ral Electrification Corporation raised the risk of discoms either According the Crisil, the at- capacities have limited ability fresh lab tests. Greater Noida facility. from the comfort of their (REC) against receivables of curtailing electricity purchases, risk capacities have either inef- to withstand delays. The company said that "Health and safety of our homes," the company in- discoms backed by state gov- or delaying payments based ficient power purchase contract "This includes timely formu- no worker at the Vivo facto- employees and partners formed. ernment guarantees and it will on high-cost power purchase structures or high generation lation of the scheme and ap- ry has been found Covid-19 are of paramount impor- Earlier, at least eight come at a time when 53 GW agreements. cost, making them dispropor- provals of guarantees by the positive to date. tance to us. No vivo em- workers at the Greater coal capacities of independent Manish Gupta, Senior Direc- tionately susceptible to pay- state governments. Moreover, "As per the latest lab test ployee has tested positive Noida factory of Chinese power producers, excluding 22 tor, Crisil Ratings: "The bulk ment delays by discoms. as the loans would be made reports that came in today, till date and the company smartphone brand OPPO GW under debt resolution, are of these 53 GW capacities can While most of these capacities available to the discoms the ex- both the workers have been are taking all precaution- were found corona posi- facing the ramifications of the withstand cash flow pressures have availed of the three-month tent of liquidity pass-through to found COVID negative," ary measures and adher- tive, leading to all opera- liquidity squeeze at discoms. owing to their liquidity buf- moratorium announced by the generating companies will be the company told IANS. ing to all government tions being suspended till There has been a big fall in fer and/or parentage. But the Reserve Bank of India till May crucial to reduce vulnerability," The two construction guidelines," Nipun Marya, further notice. An OPPO electricity demand from high- risk would be higher for 9.4 31, 2020, sustained disruption Hakhu said. workers were earlier mis- Director - Brand Strategy, India spokesperson said tariff paying industrial and GW of capacities (with debt of in cash flows will make them Crisil's credit outlook on gen- diagnosed at the construc- vivo India, told IANS. that they had done Cov- commercial consumers, and Rs 49,000 crore) because their vulnerable versus obligations in erating companies will remain tion site of the new vivo Vivo said it continues to id-19 testing for more than collection efficiencies of dis- liquidity cushion is so low, an June with accrued interest and sensitive to these develop- manufacturing plant which adhere to work from home 3,000 employees. coms have also dropped be- additional delay of even one regular principal repayments. ments, said that statement. ShareChat sacks 101 employees amid COVID-19 Cabinet okays Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free credit line for MSMEs uncertainties New Delhi, May 20 MSME borrowers, in view New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) the needle for growth," Sa- (IANS) The Union Cabinet of the economic distress Home-grown regional lan- chdeva said. on Wednesday approved caused by the COVID-19 guage social media platform "We believe the Ad Market the Rs 3 lakh crore Emer- crisis, by providing them ShareChat on Wednesday an- would remain unpredictable gency Credit Line Guar- 100 per cent guarantee for nounced that it had to let go of this year. We are streamlining antee Scheme (ECLGS) for any losses suffered due 101 of its employees, or about our revenue teams to these MSMEs and MUDRA bor- to non-repayment of the a fourth of the company's total new expectations yet will keep rowers. ECLGS funding by borrow- workforce, due to the COVID- working towards building the Under the Scheme, 100 ers. 19-induced uncertainties in necessary technology infra- per cent guarantee cover- amount of Rs 3 lakh crore All MSME borrower ac- the advertising market. structure," he said. age would be provided by is sanctioned under the counts with outstanding The Bengaluru-based com- In another big change, National Credit Guarantee ECLGS, whichever is earlier. credit of up to Rs 25 crore pany's cost-saving measures which is in line with Twitter's Trustee Company Limited The ECLGS has been as on February 2020, which were announced in an email decision to allow some em- (NCGTC) for the additional formulated as a specific were less than or equal to to employees by Ankush Sa- ployees to work from home funding of up to Rs 3 lakh response to the unprece- 60 days past due as on that chdeva, Cofounder and CEO "The global pandemic along erance package and extend forever, ShareChat said that it crore in the form of a ECLGS dented situation caused by date and with an annual of the five-year-old firm which with various local market un- assistance to the impacted would be partially remote at facility. An official state- COVID-19 and the conse- turnover of up to Rs 100 competes against the likes certainties have had an impact associates with their outplace- all times in the future. ment said that to this pur- quent lockdown, which has crore, would be eligible for of Facebook and TikTok. "... on our business plans. This ment support. "We have adapted well to the pose, a corpus of Rs 41,600 severely impacted manu- collateral-free loan under today with the market uncer- has pushed us towards certain The Twitter-backed firm remote working environment. crore shall be provided by facturing and other activi- the scheme. The amount of tainties due to COVID-19, we tough decisions including a re- started monetisation through Hence, we have relooked at the Centre, spread over the ties in the MSME sector. ECLGS funding to eligible are compelled to take a relook vised leaner structure while we advertisements only last year. the requirement of physical current and the next three The main objective of the MSME borrowers will either at our business. We have had continue to grow," the spokes- But the COVID-19 brought un- office spaces. We would be financial years. scheme is to provide an in- be in the form of additional to make a few decisions that person said in a statement. certainties to the ad market. partially remote at all times in The Cabinet also ap- centive to Member Lending working capital term loans would allow us to become "We've had to let go of 101 "We have to focus on our the future," Sachdeva said in proved that the scheme Institutions (MLIs), includ- in case of banks or addi- leaner and position the com- of our employees who've been core product and feed recom- the email. would be applicable to all ing banks, financial institu- tional term loans in case of pany better for the future," Sa- part of our start-up journey. mendation driven growth le- ShareChat, which has over loans sanctioned under tions, and non-banking fi- NBFCs and it would be up chdeva said in the email. This was not an easy decision vers while scaling back on the 60 million monthly active us- ECLGS during the period nancial companies (NBFCs) to 20 per cent of their entire A ShareChat spokesperson to make." others. We need to go back to ers, raised $100 million in a from the date of announce- to increase access to and outstanding credit up to Rs later confirmed the decision to ShareChat said it will pro- our fundamentals in terms of new round of funding in last ment of the scheme to Oc- enable availability of ad- 25 crore as on February 29, lay off 101 employees. vide a comprehensive sev- only picking bets that move August. tober 31, 2020, or till an ditional funding facility to 2020. Gold prices rise amid global uncertainty, Scheme to promote Blue Revolution gets Cabinet's approval Bengaluru Tech Summit New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) tivity at a sustained average Central government (i.e. 100 deferred to November 2020 silver gains The Pradhan Mantri Matsya annual growth rate of about per cent central funding). Bengaluru, May 20 (IANS) The Karna- New Delhi, May 20 key. The major demand Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), 9 per cent to achieve a target Wherever direct beneficiary taka government has deferred Bengalu- (IANS) Gold prices in India is coming from the inter- a scheme to promote a Blue of 22 million metric tons by oriented i.e. individual/ ru Tech Summit (BTS) in view of Covid rose on Wednesday amid national gold exchange Revolution in the country 2024-25 through sustain- group activities are under- pandemic, Deputy Chief Minister C.S. the economic uncertainty traded funds (ETFs). through sust4ainable and able and responsible fishing taken by the entities of the Ashwathnarayan said on Wednesday. and the gains in prices of In the domestic spot responsible development practices, said the Ministry. Central government includ- "Originally, BTS was scheduled for the yellow metal in the market, the yellow metal of fisheries, was cleared by The scheme also aims to ing the National Fisheries September 21-23 this year. However, global markets. is currently trading at the Union Cabinet chaired improve availability of cer- Development Board (NFDB), owing to anticipated inability of inter- Currently, the June con- around Rs 48,900 per 10 by Prime Minister Narendra tified quality fish seed and the central assistance will be national delegates to attend the summit tract of Gold on the MCX gm, against the previous Modi on Wednesday. feed, traceability in fish and up to 40 per cent of the unit/ in view of Covid, BTS has been post- is trading at Rs 47,275 per times of uncertainty as it is closing level of Rs 48,500, With a target of doubling including effective aquatic project cost for general cat- poned," he said. 10 gm, higher by Rs 225 or considered as a safe haven he said. On Monday, both the income of fishermen, health management and egory and 60 per cent for SC/ The flagship tech summit is now 0.48 per cent from its pre- asset. in the spot and futures fish farmers and fish workers help in creation of critical in- ST/Women category, said scheduled from November 18-20. vious close. However, Bamalwa, market, gold touched re- by 2024, the Scheme will be frastructure including mod- the Ministry. The 2020 BTS will focus on leverag- The June contract of who is also a former Chair- cord levels of Rs 49,700 implemented during a pe- ernisation and strengthen- In the northeastern & Hi- ing technology to tackle the challenges gold on COMEX was at man of the All India Gems and Rs 47,980 per 10 gm, riod of 5 years from FY 2020- ing of value chain. malayan states, the Centre thrown up by Covid. $1,752 per ounce, higher and Jewellery Trade Fed- respectively, before slip- 21 to FY 2024-25. The PMMSY, a 5-year will contribute 90 per cent "There will be symposiums and by 0.4 per cent from its eration, noted that due to ping from the highs. According to the Min- scheme, will be implement- of the scheme while state' tech-related talks by experts and tech- previous close. the restrictions and lock- Silver futures also istry of Fisheries, Animal ed as an umbrella scheme share will be 10, but in other nologists. The government has already Bachhraj Bamalwa, a down globally to combat surged on Wednesday. Husbandry and Dairying, with two separate Compo- states, the Centre's share will planned social distancing protocols Kolkata-based jeweller, the COvid-19 pandemic, The July contract of silver the PMMSY will address the nents namely (a) Central be 60 per cent and state's to be followed at BTS," said an official said that as the economic there is not much demand on the MCX is currently critical gaps in the fisheries Sector Scheme (CS) and (b) share 40 per cent. statement. scenario is not stable glob- in the physical markets, trading at Rs 49,450 per kg, sector and aid it in realising Centrally Sponsored Scheme In Union Territories, 100 Ashwathnarayan, Additional Chief ally, investors are moving including the major jew- higher by Rs 629 or 1.29 its potential. (CSS). per centfinancial assistance Secretary, IT, E.V. Ramana Reddy and towards gold. Investors ellery manufacturing in- per cent from its previous It will help in augmenting The entire project/unit of the scheme will be given others were part of meeting which de- generally turn to gold in dustries of Italy and Tur- close. fish production and produc- cost will be borne by the by the Centre. cided on deferring the summit. Indian Horizon Thursday, May 21, 2020 business 10 Apple, Google release contact tracing tech, 23 nations on board Kotak Bank to help in asset monetisation San Francisco, May 20 an app — rather public health feedback the joint project and Google. of Franklin Templeton's shut funds (IANS) Apple and Google on agencies will incorporate the team received from hundreds Exposure Notification has Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) said: "Franklin Templeton is Wednesday announced to re- API into their own apps that of conversations over the past the specific goal of rapid no- Franklin Templeton Trustee committed to ensuring an or- lease their Exposure Notifica- people install," said Apple five weeks with PHAs, NGOs, tification, which is especially Services has appointed Ko- derly and equitable exit for all tions System (or contact trac- and Google. academics, government of- important to slowing the tak Mahindra Bank as an in- investors at the earliest possi- ing technology) to help public Each user gets to decide ficials and privacy experts in spread of the disease with a dependent adviser to assist ble time, and we will partner health agencies make their whether or not to opt-in to America and dozens of coun- virus that can be spread as- Franklin Templeton Asset with the Board of Trustees Bluetooth-based COVID-19 Exposure Notifications and tries across five continents". ymptomatically. On April 10, Management (India) Private and Kotak Mahindra Bank to apps effective while protect- the system does not collect or The API will allow PHAs to Google and Apple announced Ltd with all portfolio actions ensure an efficient wind-up ing user privacy. use location from the device. define what constitutes an a joint effort to enable the use in six funds being wound up, of these schemes, while pre- About 22 countries on five "If a person is diagnosed tell someone they may have exposure event and will allow of Bluetooth technology to including monetising their serving maximum value for continents have requested with COVID-19, it is up to been exposed to COVID-19. them to determine the num- help governments and health assets. Kotak Mahindra Bank our investors." and received access to the them whether or not to report Today the Exposure Notifica- ber of exposure events an in- agencies reduce the spread of will assist through its Debt Sujata Guhathakurta, application programming that in the public health app. tion API we created with @ dividual has had. COVID-19 through contact Capital Markets team. President of Debt Capital interface (API), with more ex- User adoption is key to suc- Google is available to help "The API will allow PHAs tracing, with user privacy and The shut funds are Frank- Markets, Kotak Mahindra pected to join in the coming cess and we believe that these public health agencies". With to factor transmission risk of security core to the design. lin India Low Duration Fund, Bank Limited, said: "Kotak weeks, the tech giants said in strong privacy protections are these updates, public health positive cases into their defi- Both the companies pro- Dynamic Accrual Fund, Mahindra Bank is pleased to a joint statement. also the best way to encour- agencies (PHAs) around the nition of an exposure event vided developers with new Credit Risk Fund, Short Term take on this assignment and "Starting today, our Expo- age use of these apps," said globe can begin to deploy and a combination of the API resources to help them make Income Plan, Ultra Short is looking forward to work- sure Notifications technology the companies. apps that make use of expo- and data that users volun- exposure notification apps, Bond Fund, and Income Op- ing closely with the trust- is available to public health Apple CEO Tim Cook sure notifications. tarily choose to input into the including user interfaces (UI) portunities Fund. ees and the AMC to assist agencies on both iOS and An- tweeted: "Technology can The API released on app allows PHAs to contact and sample code for both iOS Sanjay Sapre, President, them in wind-up of these droid. What we've built is not help health officials rapidly Wednesday "is the result of exposed users", said Apple and Android. Franklin Templeton, India, schemes." 2nd generation of VMware Cloud on Dell 55,138 housing units sold during Q1, EMC now available 2020: PropEquity San Francisco, May 20 applications - especially valu- New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) more, in the present scenario (IANS) Enterprise software able in highly regulated indus- A PropEquity report on the demand in the residential major VMware has announced tries such as healthcare and Wednesday said that around segment is higher than the the availability of second gen- financial services. 55,138 housing units were supply which is contrasting eration of VMware Cloud on VMware Cloud on Dell EMC sold across the major cities to the situation in 2008." Dell EMC that will enable IT is now fully certified for VM- during the first quarter of He noted that the pandem- teams to transform operation, ware Horizon to deliver virtual the Covid-hit January-March ic has affected the operations management and protection desktops at the edge or in the quarter. of almost all sectors which of their on-premises infra- data centre, said the company. In a report comparing the has created a cash crunch in structure to a cloud model. Additionally, it maximizes VMware Cloud on Dell EMC scenario in the real estate the market which may have a Jointly developed with Dell the value from existing IT in- now offers support for backup sector, data from PropEquity significant impact on smaller Technologies, this VMware vestments—eliminating the and recovery with certification showed that the sale of apart- firms. The past policy re- service delivers simple, more potential need for point IT of ‘Dell EMC PowerProtect ments during the first quarter forms have already forced the secure and scalable infrastruc- tools and related processes. Data Manager' to protect cus- of 2020, which was impacted unorganized developers out ture as-a-service to customers' Now available in the US, the tomers' workloads. by the coronavirus pandemic of the market and the pan- on-premises data centre and second generation of VMware Additionally, the service to some extent, was 119 per demic will further check the edge locations. Cloud on Dell EMC introduces supports other leading backup cent higher than 25,139 units sustainability of the develop- "Organisations can migrate several new key capabilities and recovery solutions. sold during the October- per cent at 50,361 during the MD, PropEquity said: "While ers in the realty market which existing VMware-based work- like business continuity sup- "With the second genera- December quarter of 2008, quarter ended March com- the situation may look simi- will further lead to more con- loads immediately to this port as virtual desktops are a tion of VMware Cloud on Dell which was the first quarter pared to 36,532 units in the lar to the 2008 crisis, the real solidation, he added. cloud service, eliminating any critical capability for enabling EMC, we are extending this to be impacted by the global fourth quarter of the 2008. estate market has evolved "There were more afford- re-development, re-factoring, business continuity as more cloud service capability to a financial crisis as a fallout of The survey was done during this period. The resi- able units in the market post- or architectural rework and people work from home. broader set of enterprise use the Lehman Brothers' col- across Bengaluru, Kolkata, dential market now is an end 2008 crisis and people were related costs," said Fidelma VMware Horizon enables cases," said Deepak Patil, se- lapse. Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Gu- user driven market and peo- ready to buy under construc- Russo, senior vice president enterprises to offer their re- nior vice president and general Total new supply across rugram, Noida, Chennai and ple are now preferring near- tion properties due to which and general manager, VMware mote workforces more secure manager, Cloud Platforms and the nine major markets in the Hyderabad. ing completion and ready to the market witnessed a good Cloud on Dell EMC. access to their desktops and Solutions, Dell Technologies. country also was higher by 38 Samir Jasuja, Founder & move in properties. Further- pace in recovery.

Bike taxi booking app Rapido resumes Domestic flight ops to start from May 25 Domestic flight ops to New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) "It is not up to @MoCA_GoI start from May 25 operations in 35 cities After nearly two months of or centre alone to decide on instructions via in-app suspension, Union Civil Avia- resuming domestic flights. notifications. tion Minister Hardeep Singh In the spirit of cooperative According to the com- Puri announced on Wednes- federalism, the govt of states pany, ‘captains' or driv- day that domestic civil avia- where these flights will take ers need to install the tion operations will resume off & land should be ready Aarogya Setu app before from May 25. to allow civil aviation opera- they go on-duty to start In a tweet, the minister tions," Puri had tweeted on accepting orders and said: "Domestic civil aviation Tuesday. have been asked to wear operations will reco mmence On Sunday, after the Min- a mask at all times as well in a calibrated manner from istry of Home Affairs' deci- New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) After nearly as carry sanitizers, hair Monday, 25th May 2020." sion to extend the lockdown two months of suspension, Union Civil net in addition to the "All airports & air carri- till May 31, the Directorate Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri an- mandatory helmets. ers are being informed to be General of Civil Aviation nounced on Wednesday that domestic New Delhi, May 20 taxi services will be op- Captains are also asked ready for operations f rom (DGCA) had said that it will civil aviation operations will resume from (IANS) Bike-taxi ser- erational in the green and to maintain personal hy- 25th May," he said. flights, as states will also have suitably inform the airlines May 25. vice provider Rapido on orange zones as the ser- giene and sanitise their According to the minister, to be ready to allow civil avia- about flights resumption in In a tweet, the minister said: "Domestic Wednesday said it has vices cannot be extended bikes at regular intervals, special operating procedures tion operations. due course. civil aviation operations will recommence resumed normal op- to the containment zones especially sanitise the pil- (SOPs) for passenger move- Eever since the imposition In its guidelines for lock- in a calibrated manner from Monday, 25th erations in over 35 cities as per the lockdown lion seat before on board- ment are being separately is- of the nationwide lockdown down 4.0, the MHA had said May 2020." across 11 states, follow- guidelines," the company ing customers. sued. in the wake of the coronavi- that all domestic and interna- "All airports & air carriers are being in- ing the new guidelines said in a statement. Meanwhile, after every The development comes a rus outbreak in the country tional air travel of passengers formed to be ready for operations from announced by the gov- The company said it ride, customers can give day after Puri had said that on March 25, passenger air will be prohibited, except for 25th May," he said. ernment for lockdown will keep updating cus- feedback about wearing a it is not only up to the Cen- services were suspended for domestic medical services, According to the minister, special op- 4.0. tomers on the status of mask or captains not us- tral government to decide on both scheduled domestic and domestic air ambulance and erating procedures (SOPs) for passenger "For now, our bike various cities and safety ing sanitizer. the resumption of domestic international flights. for security purposes. movement are being separately issued. Giving wings: India to resume domestic flight Economy likely to contract by 5% ops from May 25 in FY21: ICRA Delhi/Mumbai, May that all domestic and in- operations their main more delayed than our 20 (IANS) India will al- ternational air travel of revenue stream. Still, earlier assessment." low resumption of do- passengers will be pro- fixed cost, especially the On April 7, the ratings mestic passenger flight hibited, except for do- employee compensation agency predicted that In- operations in a calibrat- mestic medical services, component alone, has dia's economy is likely to ed manner, exactly two domestic air ambulance dented their financial po- witness a sharp contrac- months after suspending and for security purpos- sitions and stock prices. tion of 4.5 per cent during them under the national es. IANS on Tuesday re- Nevertheless, the latest Q4 FY2020 and is expected lockdown norms. ported that Covid-19 bat- announcement should to gradually recover to In a tweet, Civil Avia- tered airline industry has bring some stability to post a GDP growth of just tion Minister Hardeep started to accept ticket the companies business 2 per cent in FY2021. Singh Puri on Wednes- bookings for the travel continuity plans. ICRA has sharply cut its day said: "Domestic period starting June 1. A second airline execu- forecast for Indian GDP civil aviation operations When contacted on tive contacted by IANS growth in FY 2021, post the will recommence in a Wednesday, many air- said that not all sectors New Delhi, May 20 crore. Covid-19 outbreak. calibrated manner from line executives said they are likely to be offered (IANS) Ratings agency "With the further exten- That time, ICRA had said Monday, 25th May 2020." will now swiftly load new under the new bookings ICRA on Wednesday pre- sion of the lockdown, and that it expects the ripple "All airports & air carri- have to be ready to allow these flights will take off ticket bookings itinerar- itinerary. dicted that India's econ- the expectation of sub- effect of coronavirus to ers are being informed to civil aviation operations. & land should be ready to ies representing the new "This resumption will omy is likely to witness a stantial delays in getting impact India Inc on five be ready for operations Ever since the imposi- allow civil aviation oper- schedule from May 25 go a long way in lifting sharp contraction of 5 per the full supply chain op- major counts of domestic from 25th May," he said. tion of the nationwide ations," Puri had tweeted onward on online plat- the overall economic cent during FY 2020-21, erational, especially given demand slowdown due Furthermore, the min- lockdown in the wake of on Tuesday. forms. However, this can sentiment in the coun- despite the massive stimu- the likelihood of enduring to regulatory restrictions, ister said the standard the coronavirus outbreak On Sunday, after the only happen after the is- try," said Ajay Singh, lus given under the Self- labour mismatches follow- lockdown and fear of con- operating procedures in the country on March Ministry of Home Af- suance of new route al- Chairman and Managing Reliant India programme. ing the return of migrant tagion will impact certain (SOPs) for the passenger 25, passenger air services fairs' decision to extend location and other SoP Director, SpiceJet."While Earlier, ICRA had pre- workers to their home sectors over the near term. movement would be is- were suspended for both the lockdown till May 31, norms. the SOP for resumption dicted a contraction of states, we now anticipate Accordingly, purchas- sued soon. scheduled domestic and the Directorate General Besides immediate fi- of operations and details around 1-2 per cent. the GDP contraction in ing power erosion due to The development international flights. of Civil Aviation (DGCA) nancial relief, the move of flights to be oper- Recently, the Centre Q1 FY2021 to be deeper," job losses or pay cuts and comes a day after Puri "It is not up to @MoCA_ had said that it will suit- allows the airlines to ated is still awaited, we gave an immediate fiscal ICRA's Principal Econo- trickle-down effect of de- had said that it is not only GoI or centre alone to de- ably inform the airlines keep their staff and air- are sure that this much support under the ‘Atma mist Aditi Nayar said in a mand deferral will have a up to the Central govern- cide on resuming domes- about flights resump- craft ready for the re-start awaited move will help a Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' report. longer-lasting impact on ment to decide on the tic flights. In the spirit of tion in due course. In its of operations. large number of passen- estimated at a modest 10 "... and the subsequent some other sectors, es- resumption of domestic cooperative federalism, guidelines for lockdown At present, some play- gers by providing them per cent of the GDP with economic recovery in In- pecially where demand is flights, as states will also the govt of states where 4.0, the MHA had said ers have made cargo access to the safest. a total outlay of Rs 20 lakh dia to be shallower and discretionary in nature. Sports Indian Horizon 11 Thursday, May 21, 2020

Federer backing drew New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) cricket field has been put on MAIN AIM IS TO WIN Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting DHONI FANS START hold as the 13th edition of attention to ATP-WTA merger a full-grown grey beard in a the cash-rich league has been AN OLY MEDAL OF video posted on Instagram MOVEMENT, WANT HIM TO postponed by the BCCI due to DIFFERENT COLOUR idea, says Konta last week saw fans across the coronavirus pandemic. London, May 20 country getting nostalgic and BREAK THE BEARD His grey beard has also added IN TOKYO: MARY (IANS) World number even talking about how their fuel to the stories that Dhoni 14 Johanna Konta feels favourite sportsperson was old for any mother,” Dhoni’s should retire. But his fans won’t ATP-WTA merger was getting old. And they now want mother was quoted as saying by let that happen anytime soon. proposed a long time him to Break the Beard and BDcrictime. They all want to bring the Mahi ago but getting backing return to action. Dhoni’s return to professional Magic back, which starts with from 20-time Grand Even as many cricketers have cricket was one of the themes getting that shave. All popular Slam champion Roger been seen grooming themselves of the 2020 season of the Indian Dhoni fan pages saw posts Federer has drawn during quarantine, Dhoni has Premier League and videos of appealing to Dhoni. everybody’s attention been seen making most of the him training with Chennai Super Dhoni fans have started a towards it. break and spending time with Kings in front of thousands movement on Instagram and Earlier in April, daughter Ziva and wife Sakshi. of fans of the franchise at the Twitter by passing the message Federer had proposed In fact, Dhoni’s mother Chepauk Stadium were doing from one fan to another, hoping that tennis’ men’s and long run it makes sense reacted to the image and the grey the rounds in the build-up to it reaches Captain Cool for him New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) women’s governing for it to be one tour, it beard that he was sporting.“Yes, the tournament.But the former to #TakeTheWinningStroke and London Olympics bronze bodies should be makes logical sense but I have seen his new look but he is not that old. No child is ever India skipper’s return to the Break His Beard. medallist M.C. Mary Kom combined to tackle the I also know there are said that her only aim right effects brought onto the a lot of moving parts now is to ensure that she circuit by coronavirus to it, and I know there COSTA RICA RESTARTS NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE wins an Olympic medal of pandemic. will be a lot of people a different colour in Tokyo “Billie Jean King beat who won’t want it to San Jose, May 20 (IANS) Costa next year. Mary became the him (Federer) to that a happen, but also a lot of Rica became the first Latin American first female boxer from India long time ago,” Konta people who do want it country to restart its top national to win an Olympic medal told reporters as per The to happen,” the British football league on Tuesday in a when she won a bronze at Guardian. “So I think No.1 added. game played without fans and with London 2012. it is something that Former World No.1, substitutes sitting in the stands. She qualified for the has been talked about Federer, had stated Guadalupe secured a 1-0 home Tokyo Olympics at the Asian for a long time but that he isn’t asking for win over Limon in the first Liga FPD qualifiers in Amman, Jordan having Roger vocalise competitions being clash since the competition was earlier in the year. Eventually it drew attention to it.“I merged but only the suspended on March 15 because of however, the Olympics definitely think in the governing bodies. the coronavirus outbreak, reports itself was postponed to July 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Solid backline a must to win hockey “There are always a lot of expectations whenever I am matches, says Surender in the ring and that stays in my mind,” Mary says New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) on Sony Ten’s ‘The Medal Surender Kumar has come of Glory’ which airs on the of age as a defender honing network’s Facebook page on his skills over the years, Wednesday. cementing his position in the “I do spend sleepless national squad as one of the nights sometimes thinking most trusted players in the about how to make myself Indian hockey team backline. better, how to work on my The player from Haryana Xinhua news agency. FUTURE HOCKEY EVENTS WILL LOOK weaknesses and so on. has been nominated for “It is difficult to play “It is because of the prayers Hockey India Dhruv Batra again. We feel heavy, but VERY DIFFERENT: FIH that come my way that I Player of the Year 2019 (Men) we’re happy to return,” have been so successful. and Hockey India Pargat said Arturo Campos, Lausanne, May 20 (IANS) to resume."This starts, as has I am still working on my Singh Award for Defender Guadalupe’s goalscorer. The International Hockey been seen in the Netherlands strength, stamina, speed and of the Year 2019 at the 3rd happened in Bangalore was dropped after the Asia The match was the first Federation (FIH) has said and Belgium, with a return to endurance. Right now my Annual Awards 2019. and was witnessing some Cup in 2017. I didn’t get to of six fixtures scheduled for that an immediate return to carefully managed training, main dream is to change the The much-awaited event of the top players win these play in the Commonwealth Tuesday and Wednesday in international hockey may not still with social distancing colour of the Olympic medal is set to be held here on awards which was a big Games in 2018 but I worked the Central America nation. be possible. The FIH said that measures in place," said the this time.” Sunday. These awards are motivation to me and great hard on the feedback which The Liga FPD’s 12 teams any return to training and FIH in its statement. The six-time World given in recognition of boost to the team." was provided by the coach resumed training on May playing has to be "carefully "The next stage will be Champion said that she had excellence in performance The 26-year-old expressed on my game. 15 under strict health implemented to prevent any a resumption of regional to work with male boxers in for the year 2019 and overall that he is quite happy with the The period I spent in camp protocols. Among the new resurgence in infection". competition, followed by local India in the run-up to the contribution to the game way his career has progressed after missing the CWG was rules are a ban on hugging The second season of the travel between neighbouring 2012 Olympics so as to get of hockey.Speaking about over the years. an important learning curve when players celebrate FIH Pro League has been nations. Trans-Continental used to the 51kg category. his nomination, Surender “I’ve been quite fortunate for me,” said the Defender. goals and a requirement halted since mid-March and competition will follow and, Mary competed in 48kg before said, "All of us are looking with the way my career has Surender said chief coach that substitutes watch extended to June 2021 due to finally, once a vaccine is the Amateur International forward to these awards.I progressed over the years. Graham Reid has made it games from spectator the coronavirus pandemic. in place, it is hoped there Boxing Association (AIBA) had just joined the national I still think 2018 was quite clear that a solid defence is seats to comply with social The FIH on Tuesday listed a will be a return to normal scrapped the weight class camp when the awards crucial for me because I what wins games. distancing rules. five-stage process for the sport competition." from the Olympics. Athletic scrape past Granada to reach Copa del Rey final PARIS MARATHON

Granada (Spain), May 20 (IANS) 2020 Copa del Rey will be decided by as both Mikel San Jose and Raul Athletic's Raul Garcia headed over POSTPONED DUE TO Granada CF outscored Athletic a Basque derby, reports Efe news. Garcia missed the target from close the cross-bar.With 15 minutes left, Bilbao 2-1 to level the Copa del Rey Athletic are second only to range.The hosts nearly took the lead German headed-in a Machis corner CORONAVIRUS semi-final tie at 2-2, but the visitors Barcelona in the number of Copa in the moments before the break on to put Granada up 2-0 on the night Paris, May 20 (IANS) The Paris prevailed by virtue of the away goal del Rey titles: 23 to Barca's 30. But a set piece, but Athletic striker Inaki and 2-1 overall.Yet the 20,000-plus Marathon, which was scheduled to set up a showdown in the final the Bilbao club's last triumph in the Williams stopped Yangel Herrera's Granada supporters in the stands for April 5, has been postponed with arch-rivals Real Sociedad. competition was in 1984. shot on the line with Simon out of at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium to October 18 due to the growing Goals by Carlos Fernandez and Currently 9th and 10th, position.Granada broke the deadlock saw their joy cut short five minutes coronavirus outbreak in the German Sanchez gave the hosts respectively, in LaLiga, Granada and three minutes into the second half later when Berchiche transformed a country.The decision followed a 2-0 advantage, enough to offset Athletic played an entertaining first with a great header by Fernandez perfect deep ball from Mikel Vesga the cancellation of Sunday's Athletic's 1-0 victory in the first leg half with chances at both ends. counterpart, Rui Silva, had to be alert off a Machis cross.Berchiche fired into a goal.The home side pressed Paris Half Marathon for the in Bilbao on Thursday night, but Granada's Darwin Machis tested to stop teammate Victor Diaz from wide on a free kick before German hard for another goal, but their one same reason, reports Xinhua Yuri Berchiche pulled one back in visiting goalkeeper Unai Simon committing an own goal.Athletic let Sanchez, Carlos Neva and Machis serious threat culminated in a poor news agency. the 81st minute to ensure that the in the early going, while Simon's two other opportunities go to waste, each came close for Granada, while shot by Machis. "In order to avoid a late cancellation that would penalise the participants, we have, in ISL S/F: FC Goa have mountain to by-minute,” FC Goa coach FC Seoul likely to face sanction agreement with the Paris mayor's Clifford Miranda said. office, decided to postpone the climb against Chennaiyin Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC over ‘sex dolls’ controversy Paris marathon to October 18," would look to score first and the Amaury Sports Organisation Fatorda, May 20 (IANS) been in spectacular form this have a decision to make make the task even more Seoul, May 20 (IANS) are likely to be put forward by a said in a statement on Thursday. FC Goa face Chennaiyin season having scored 10 and as to whether he would improbable for the home K-League club FC Seoul are set disciplinary committee as per The statement also announced FC in the second leg of the assisted 11 in 14 matches. deploy an all-attacking line- side. Should Chennaiyin for a fine or points deduction Yonhap news agency.According that the half marathon will take Indian Super League semi- With the return of up of Bedia, Boumous and find the back of the net, Goa after they reportedly used sex to Yonhap, FC Seoul could be place on September 6. finals, looking to overturn a Brandon, Goa would hope Corominas or choose to go would need at least five goals dolls to fill up the stands during docked a minimum of five points About 138 new cases have 4-1 deficit at the Jawaharlal for better deliveries from with two foreign centre- to move to the final. a match recently. or face a fine of at least five been reported in France since Nehru Stadium here on wide positions, something backs in Mourtada Fall and Coach Owen Coyle has Football matches in South million won. Wednesday, the biggest one-day Saturday. which was missing from their Carlos Pena. mentioned that his players Korea began behind closed door The club issued a statement jump in the country since the Goa will be boosted by game in the first leg. “We have to win to would not be lackadaisical as a precautionary measure on social media to apologise for outbreak began, which brought the return of Edu Bedia who Ferran Corominas will overcome the deficit, but in the second leg, despite against the spread of coronavirus the fiasco but remained defiant the total to 423. And seven people missed the game in Chennai play as a number nine after that does not mean we go enjoying a three-goal lead. pandemic. The club reportedly with respect to the nature of the have been killed by the deadly due to personal reasons. playing as a withdrawn all out from minute one. He would also ask for used sex dolls to fill up the stands dolls.“We would like to apologise virus in the region. There is more good news forward in the last game. It’s 90 minutes and more an improved performance with some wearing club colours to the fans. We are deeply sorry Last week, the French as Brandon Fernandes and The Spanish striker has 14 and whatever football that from the front three of while others holding banners or about the mannequins that government had ordered to Hugo Boumous, who were goals to his name this season I know, it is not decided in Nerijus Valskis, Rafael placards on May 17. In total, there were seated during the May 17, cancel all the "gatherings of injured for last week’s tie, are and Goa need his goals now the first 10 to 15 minutes. It Crivellaro and Andre were 30 dolls on display with 2020 match,” a statement on FC more than 5,000 people in back in contention for a start. more than ever.Interim will be till the final whistle Schembri who had a quiet 28 being females and only two Seoul Instagram handle read as enclosed areas" as well as some Boumous, in particular, has coach Clifford Miranda will and we will take it minute- game by their standards. male mannequins.The sanctions per Fox Sports. external events. ENTERTAINMENT IIndianndian HHorizonorizon Thursday - May 21, 2020 ̉̊

ctress Sunny Leone un- ctor Leonardo DiCaprio derstands workplace SRK TAKES FIVE HOURS TO GET tried hard to not get rec- Aharassment is diffi cult Aognised during a date to deal with, but feels one night with girlfriend Camila needs to step up and address READY: GAURI KHAN Morrone in Aspen. it."Workplace harassment is The 45-year-old actor, who diffi cult to deal with but you sported a baseball cap and don't have to be quiet. Find black coat, was seen attempt- yourself a supportive boss," ing to go incognito while leav- Leone posted on Instagram ing dinner with his 22-year- along with a video address- old girlfriend and friends at ing the issue. Matsuhisa in Aspen, Colora- The video highlights why it do, reports dailymail.co.uk. is important to speak up and Earlier in the day, the cou- not stay silent if someone is ple were spotted enjoying a trying to use powerful posi- shopping trip with DiCaprio's tion to exploit someone. best friend, 43-year-old actor It is in sync with the mes- Lukas Haas. sage of her upcoming web The trio enjoyed hitting series "Ragini MMS Returns the luxury retailers including Season 2", which throws LEONARDO DICAPRIO Chanel and Loro Piana.Di- light on the importance of Caprio, 45, attempted to keep SUNNY LEONE: consent while getting inti- a low profi le as he pulled his mate with a horror story. She GOES INCOGNITO ON hoodie over his head. He also has a cameo as a paranormal wore a hat and pair of design- Don't be quiet expert in the series. DATE NIGHT er shades.Keeping up with the On the Bollywood front, incognito theme, he wore all the 38-year-old has been black including leather jacket, about workplace roped in for a horror-com- trousers and lace-up boots. edy called "Coca Cola". IANS harassment She also forayed into the uperstar Shah Rukh wear the black suit, so you southern film industry with Khan takes way more got to have a difference in movies like "Rangeela" and Stime to get ready black suit everytime you Hina Khan Says She was Shocked at "Veeramadevi". than his wife Gauri Khan. wear."Gauri's revelation "Nothing is tough when This candid confession about SRK came during an you enjoy doing it or are came from none other interview with the news First When Her Mother Asked Her to passionate about the same. than Gauri herself."I take channel NDTV. South industry will definite- fi ve minutes and he (SRK) The star couple were Wash Doormat ly help me grow. Being able takes 5 hours," said Gauri, at the Vogue X Nykaa few weeks back, to learn about a new culture adding that SRK has a big Fashion Power List event actress Hina is something that I like and room only full of ward- where they bagged the AKhan had posted enjoy a lot," Sunny had told robes.To which, Shah Most Stylish Couple of a funny video of herself IANS in the past. Rukh replied: "I wear the the year award. washing a doormat. IANS same clothes everywhere.I IANS The former Bigg Boss contestant says she had never expected ACADEMY CONSIDERS POSTPONING OSCARS ̊̈̊̉ her mother to ask her The Academy of Motion ent date. There is currently 2021 Oscars, making mov- to wash one."It came Picture Arts and Sciences no defi nite plan in place, ies of streaming services quite as a shock to me is considering postponing reports variety.com. eligible to vie for the golden when my mother fi rst Oscars 2021, as the entertain- "It's likely they'll be post- statuettes. asked me to wash the ment industry has come to a poned," said a source, adding The Academy tweaked doormat, but it eventu- standstill following a shuffl e that potential new dates have its Oscar eligibility rules in ally turned quite funny, of release dates of major not been "fully discussed or the wake of the coronavirus Pr and I had a hearty laugh movies amid the COVID-19 formally proposed yet". pandemic. The change is while getting it done," pandemic. Another source stressed not permanent, and will g Winning through the year, she told Times of India. For now, the 93rd Acad- that the "date is currently apply to fi lms released this h Hina is enjoying tak- emy Awards ceremony is unchanged at ABC". year. The Academy also SARA ALI KHAN ing part in household slated to be held on Febru- Last month, the Academy shared that it will eliminate chores, which she has ary 28, 2021.However, mul- Of Motion Picture Arts an Oscar category. "It's grabbed all debutant been unable to do ing the home to trying like sketching, this has tiple sources have claimed And Sciences announced a impossible to know what due to her hectic work my hand at cooking and become a regular part of that there are plans to move change in rules and eligibil- the landscape will be. awards in her list! schedule. "From clean- pursuing a new hobby my day," she said. the Oscars gala to a differ- ity requirements for the IANS ara Ali Khan has always de- through her sincerity towards her Rising star at Nickelodeon Kids' by her next character in Simmba- as the real character in the fi lm. Girl" of Bollywood after her back livered promising roles and work, Sara Ali Khan has charmed Choice Awards.Sara also won oth- both have successfully got praised Sara Ali Khan stepped through to back releases.Sara Ali Khan has Shas nailed every character us by sweeping all the debutant er signifi cant awards with Vogue's at the box offi ce, critics and was Kedarnath which was directed by beautifully brought every charac- by bringing all the justice to it. awards for this year. Breaking the Fresh Face Female of the Year. The immensely loved by the audiences Abhishek Kapoor. Her next was ter to life and the awards that she's Despite being just two fi lms old, big box of awards in the category actress has earned a successful also.She has been hailed as the with Ranveer Singh in 'Simmba' achieved refl ects that which truly she has swept all debutant awards of debutants, she has captured spot for herself by getting all the "Buzz Girl" of Bollywood because and this pair got lots of love from also shows the success that she in the year 2019 and it totally Filmfare Award for the best female accolades in her kitty! Since her of the hype around her that was the fans and audience. She was in has garnered for herself ever since proves how Sara is on a winning debut, IIFA Award for Star Debut debut in Kedarnath as `Manda- witnessed after her debut in Ke- buzz before her debut and after the debut. spree!Taking all over our hearts of the Year and now, very recently kini" which was further followed darnath and her skills of portrayal that, she got hailed as the "Buzz Courtesy: Santabanta Throwback to 'Lucky shot', Tiger Shroff What's the one kind of song has been giving us major action goals Kumar Sanu won't sing eversince his debut. with his daughter? IANS: "We had done 'It's iger Shroff has owing to the kind of ac- working and dedicated magical'. I had sung in been giving us ma- tion he has been per- actor doesn't have any Hindi and she had sung in Tjor action goals forming with each of his off days. English. I don't want to sing ever since he has made films, taking the difficul- He trains every single romantic songs with her. his debut on the silver ty and intensity a notch day of the year and tries We have a relationship of screen and he continues higher each time. his hand in various genres a father and a daughter, so to amaze us as he per- The year has been su- of actions so that he can it's better we sing romatic forms stupendous ac- perb for the actor as with bring freshness and new- songs with other singers." tion, each time he graces WAR he is the youngest ness to his characters and "She has sung with Sonu the screens! actor in the 300 crore entertain audiences with Nigam and Shaan. She also Recently, Tiger took club. The film has per- his individual and differ- sang for a Himesh Resham- to his social media and formed extremely well at ent take on it, every time miya movie and Ekta Ka- shared a clip of a scene the box office and Tiger's he is on screen. poor's movie," he added from one of his previ- performance has been The key principle is Sua- about his daughter, who ous films where he is loved by audience and vity; the refusal to break a started her musical journey performing the tornado critics alike. sweat. The real impossible in the US in 2018 with the kick along with a ball. The actor is back in task for Tiger would be song "A long time". Sharing the video Tiger the city after the 40 days calling it a day. His young daughter is still captioned it by saying, shoot schedule in Serbia Tiger has a fi tness regi- trying to make it big in the "Lucky shot. for Baaghi 3. The film will men beyond what most music industry, while Sanu As soon as Tiger shared hit the screens on 6th actors and civilians would is a name that is essential the video, the comments March, 2020. contemplate and dream of in Bollywood music, espe- section was flooded with Bestowed with such having. cially when you talk of nine- the emojis like fire, su- a remarkable talent in Tiger's determination opular singer Ku- phone to record a roman- ties music.Talking about perb sir, great work and performing action and and diligence are what mar Sanu's daughter tic song with his daughter. contemporary music, the not just the fans but bringing characters to make him stand out in his PShannon K has fol- Kumar Sanu and Shannon "Tujhe dekha toh yeh jaana celebrities too. Ishaan life, Tiger Shroff, with- league of contemporaries lowed in his footsteps and came together for a non- sanam" hitmaker shared: Khatter reacted " " on out doubt, has gained and we can draw inspira- the proud father is happy fi lm song titled "It's magi- "When it comes to melody, the video.The actor the status as one of the tion from him. If he can do about her career choice. cal" last year. Asked if he nowadays the basic Indian has been hailed as the most prominent actors it, why can't we? However, he isn't keen on will be doing more songs music is missing a bit. 'Youngest Action Star' in B-Town. The hard- Courtesy: Santabanta going behind the micro- with her, Kumar Sanu told IANS

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