Health Ministry Imminent, Govt

follow us: To my dear aspirants Is aturday,have markedapril 11, 2020 E and PA for certain articles. E IS Chennai City Edition

thehindu.com FOR ETHICS. These are stories of how the human mind works in the face 18 pages ț ₹5.00 facebook.com/thehindu twitter.com/the_hindu of adversity. Make a note of it. These will be useful as examples for case studies and also for framing a very good answer for your GS paper IV. PA IS FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PAPER II. HAPPY READING. Travel nod for Yes Bank Punjab government India has su!cient British Prime Minister case co-accused Kapil extends preventive hydroxychloroquine Boris Johnson out of Wadhawan triggers row lockdown till May 1 stocks, says Centre intensive care unit page 8 page 8 page 10 page 12 Printed at . Chennai . Coimbatore . Bengaluru . Hyderabad . Madurai . Noida . Visakhapatnam . Thiruvananthapuram . Kochi . Vijayawada . Mangaluru . Tiruchirapalli . Kolkata . Hubballi . Mohali . Malappuram . Mumbai . Tirupati . lucknow . cuttack . patna NEARBY Scarcity of drugs, devices No evidence of community transmission: Health Ministry imminent, govt. warned Ensure resumption of units, urges Dept. of Pharmaceuticals States cite surge to extend lockdown; death toll across country climbs to 206 1,973 residents report Vikas Dhoot symptoms during survey SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Mumbai CHENNAI NEW DELHI Have enough A countrywide shortage of The Chennai Corporation has The Union Health Ministry medicines and medical dev- identi!ed 1,973 residents on Friday denied evidence of facilities, says ices is likely in the coming who have reported community transmission weeks, the Department of symptoms in COVID-19 Harsh Vardhan containment blocks across (CT) of COVID-19 while re- Pharmaceuticals has the city. Corporation porting at least 700 new cas- India is unlikely to face an warned the Home Ministry, Commissioner G. Prakash said es since Thursday evening. “unmanageable crisis” urging it to take immediate they would be monitored for The nationwide death toll from COVID-19, Union steps to help drug makers the next few weeks. from the epidemic touched Health Minister Harsh resume production under CHENNAI Ī PAGE 3 206, and the Ministry con- Vardhan said at an online the current lockdown. DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD !rmed 6,761 positive cases. conference in New Delhi. Drug and medical device Increase salaries of The Ministry’s response Should matters makers are functioning front line sta!, urges HC follows an Indian Council of deteriorate, India had “…on an average, at only Medical Research (ICMR) re- enough infrastructure to 20%-30% capacity during CHENNAI Observing that the salaries of port on Thursday of nearly tide over, he said. “We the lockdown,” as per feed- government doctors, month long surveillance of have 500 dedicated COVID back from various industry paramedics, sanitation 5,911 randomly chosen sam- hospitals, 2,00,000 beds formations, Department of workers and policemen were ples of patients who exhibit- across hospitals and Pharmaceuticals Secretary not commensurate with their ed Severe Acute Respiratory 50,000 ICU beds.” Ī page 9 P.D. Vaghela pointed out in services, the Madras High Illness (SARI), whom 104 DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD an April 9 communique to Court has expressed the hope tested positive for COVID-19. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, that the government would 70 health sta" which has been reviewed by increase their salaries. The Hindu. taken “in the right earnest” Secretary to the Prime Mi- TAMIL NADU Ī PAGE 2 to prevent this “avoidable” nister had urged State go- DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD in Bhopal Export demand situation. vernments to ensure such Tamil Nadu may face All but two were tested bet- test positive “If the production does not Production units engaged production work continues, tax revenue shortfall ween March 21-April 2 and reach the pre-lockdown le- in making essential com- at a review meeting on CHENNAI 40 had no history of interna- As many as 20 health vel soon, it could lead to modities, including medi- March 22. Irrespective of whether the tional travel or contact with maintained that this was not The Health Ministry res- workers, including two shortages of medicines and cines, vaccines, masks and Since then, repeated mis- Tamil Nadu Cabinet someone with travel history evidence for CT. ponse comes even as States doctors, tested positive for medical devices in the com- their ancillaries had been ex- sives from the Home Secre- recommends extension of the but had picked up the infec- Health Ministry spokes- have announced an exten- COVID-19 in Bhopal on ing weeks,” the letter said. empted from the restric- tary to the State govern- lockdown or not, the State tion, indicating community person Lav Agrawal said all sion of the lockdown beyond Friday, taking the number Underlining that half of tions imposed as per the ments to ensure that the government appears to be transmission, the ICMR said. of the cases of SARI were April 14 citing CT; Chief Mi- of the a"ected sta" in all to India’s output of pharma- three-week national lock- production and movement reconciling itself to the Over the last few weeks, from districts where there nister Amarinder Singh de- 70 in the city, according to ceuticals is exported as glo- down announced by Prime of essential goods is not scenario of getting only there have been reports were con!rmed cases of the clared on Friday that CT had the district administration. bal markets o"er better pric- Minister Narendra Modi on hampered hasn’t changed minimum revenue through from several States of people disease and that travel histo- been observed in Punjab. On the day, the patients’ es, the Department of March 24. things on the ground, State taxes in April. testing positive but who ries of those SARI patients tally in Bhopal soared to Pharmaceuticals stressed Though several States had prompting the Department TAMIL NADU Ī PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON Ī PAGE 8 DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD were unable to explain the were being investigated. 119 as 24 fresh cases were that this could lead to dis- already imposed restrictions of Pharmaceuticals to raise possible source of the infec- “We’ll be the !rst ones to tell STAGE FRIGHT Ī EDITORIAL reported. Health workers proportionate shortages in on mobility and production the issue afresh. METROPLUS WEEKENDĪ 4 PAGES tion. However, the Health if you if such transmission MORE REPORTS ON PAGES Ī 5, 7, make up 59% of the cases the domestic market, calling by then, Cabinet Secretary PROPERTY PLUS Ī PAGE 3 Ministry has consistently has begun,” he said. 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 in the city. Ī Page 9 for suitable measures to be Rajiv Gauba and Principal CONTINUED ON Ī PAGE 8 CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Ready to #y India pounds LoC terror Field day stranded launchpads, Pak. Army sites Indians: UAE Suhasini Haidar Kallol Bhattacherjee Villagers forced to !ee "ring, despite COVID-19 lockdown NEW DELHI Peerzada Ashiq “The whole world is bat- Responding to India’s con- Srinagar tling the coronavirus. This is cerns, the United Arab The Army on Friday said it the time to allow people to Emirates has o"ered to $y had in$icted heavy damage be safe in their houses rather stranded Indian nationals on the Pakistani Army’s gun than sending them in hordes who want to return home areas and terrorist launch- looking for shelters,” he in view of the COVID-19 pads after unprovoked cea- said. Following the !ring, In- pandemic. Ambassador se!re violation by the “ene- ternet was suspended in Ahmed Al Banna told The my side” in two areas along Kupwara district. Hindu on Friday that the the Line of Control (LoC) in government of UAE has de- Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Bid to disrupt peace’ cided to help all countries A defence spokesperson Director General of Police $y their citizens home after said the Army retaliated “ef- (DGP), Kashmir, Dilbag the completion of the ne- fectively and strongly” to the Singh said it was condemna- cessary medical tests. cease!re violation in Keran On guard: BSF jawans at ble that when the entire “We have reached out to sector in Kupwara district in the international border world was coming together all foreign governments to the afternoon. near Jammu on Friday. * PTI to !ght the pandemic, Pakis- repatriate their nationals Police o%cials said Pakis- tan and its sponsored terro- including testing them be- tan had violated the cease- in Kupwara to shift their fa- rists were making attempts fore they leave and if found !re in Uri area of Baramulla milies to safer locations. disrupt peace. positive to treat them here. district as well. Nazir Ahmad Khatana, a The shelling comes days A note verbale to all embas- The heavy exchange of resident of Panzgam, said he after a gun!ght between the sies was sent seeking the !re amid the ongoing lock- had to shift his family to Army and in!ltrators result- help of all governments,” down due to the COVID-19 Kupwara town after artillery ed in the death of !ve elite New threat: Pigeons hovering over a wheat !eld on the outskirts of Mohali in Punjab on Friday. These birds feast on the crop, said Dr. Al Banna pandemic forced scores of shells and bullets hit his vil- paratroopers and an equal which is yet to be harvested owing to shortage of farm workers due to the COVID-19 lockdown. * AKHILESH KUMAR villagers living along the LoC lage in the morning. number of in!ltrators. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CONTINUED ON Ī PAGE 8

Extend lockdown by 14 days: experts Red army keeps virus at bay in northeast T.N. records 77 were connected to a “single Unmindful of a village decides the number source event” (Delhi confe- of GBs. During epidemics fresh cases, taking rence), according to the Di- risks, village elders and disasters, we put our the total to 911; rectorate of Public Health work with govt. heads together to decide and Preventive Medicine’s what is best for the villagers one patient dies bulletin. RAHUL KARMAKAR and share the responsibili- Coimbatore reported the GUWAHATI ties,” he told The Hindu. Special Correspondent highest number of cases A ‘red army’ of wise old men Imnakumba Longchar, 59, CHENNAI with 26 persons — 21 women and women are helping vil- of Khensa village in Mokok- On a day when a team of and !ve men — testing posi- lages across some hill States chung district of Nagaland, medical experts recom- tive. in the northeast keep the no- plays a similar role. “Keeping mended that Tamil Nadu Twelve persons, including vel coronavirus away. everyone calm is a major Chief Minister Edappadi K. nine women, from Chengal- Though a majority of In charge: Village elders putting up a barricade at Salang challenge,” he said. Palaniswami extend the pattu, nine persons each in those felled by the COVID-19 village in Arunachal Pradesh. * SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Assisting the GBs in Naga- lockdown by 14 days beyond Chennai and Ranipet, eight pandemic are aged 60 years land are the dobashi, the April 14, the State recorded a Keeping the faith: Devotees o"er prayers outside a church in from Dindigul, three each or more, this hasn’t stopped “The villagers look up to GBs are appointed, pre- custodians of Naga custom- further 77 cases of COVID-19. Chennai on Good Friday. * PTI from the Nilgiris and Villupu- the gaon buras (male villager us in times of crisis as well as scribes the 35-60 age slab. A ary laws who also wear red Brie!ng reporters after a ram, two each from Erode elder) and gaon buris (fe- happiness. It is our duty to majority of Arunachal Pra- coats. They have been sala- meeting with the Chief Mi- The Cabinet, which is Till date, 44 persons who and Tuticorin, and one each male village elder) — usually ensure their safety and liaise desh’s estimated 9,500 GBs ried government employees nister, Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur meeting on Saturday, may tested positive have been from Cuddalore, Kanniyaku- referred to as GBs — from fol- with the government agen- are 60 or more. A head gaon since 1842 when the British of ICMR National Institute of take a call on the issue. discharged. mari and Tiruvannamalai lowing their predecessors in cies for guidelines and in bura, who supervises !ve appointed the !rst dobashis Epidemiology said: “Despite On Friday, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary K. Shan- tested positive. forming a shield between the maintaining order,” said Ta- GBs, is usually older. Talom for interpreting Naga dia- all the e"orts taken by the tally of COVID-19 cases mugam told reporters that “Our main aim is to con- villages and the enemy — in nom Mibang, one of the Tamut, who Mr. Mibang re- lects into Assamese or Hindi. government, cases have surged to 911, with the addi- !ve of the 77 patients had a trol the spread of COVID-19. this case, the virus. three GBs of Lileng village in ports to, is 80 years old. Arunachal Home Minister been increasing... All the ex- tion of 77 cases. A woman, history of travel, and the re- We are taking steps to ensure The village elders across Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Bamang Felix said the impor- perts feel that it will be good who had tested positive for maining were contacts of that new cases do not occur the States are distinguished district. Sharing tasks tance of village veterans was if the lockdown is extended COVID-19 and was undergo- those with a travel history. outside quarantine or con- by their red coats provided Mr. Mibang is 64, although At just 43, Yachang Tacho of evident from the inclusion of for 14 more days. This is the ing treatment at Thoothuku- All 77 were from areas that tainment zones,” he said. by the government, which al- the Assam Frontier (Admi- Salang village in Upper Sub- the powers of the GBs in the recommendation of the di, died, taking the total were already under contain- so pays them a stipend of nistration of Justice) Regula- ansiri district, is a rare ex- Constitution. “They are in- committee.” number of deaths to nine. ment. Of the fresh cases, 70 CONTINUED ON Ī PAGE 2 ₹1,500 per month. tion of 1945, under which ception. “The population of dispensable,” he said. CM A CH-CHE YK

Transporters Decision on lockdown after today’s Cabinet meeting can’t pay for 2 months: assn. Experts say an extension can be used to test contacts of COVID-19 patients Tax revenue may drop to a minimum in April Sanjay Vijayakumar CHENNAI Dennis S. Jesudasan <> Based on the data Private transport industry CHENNAI after the results of State government has to rely heavily on its share of Central taxes and grants-in-aid will not be able to pay sal- After making a set of recom- those tests, an aries to employees for the mendations to the govern- informed decision T. RAMAKRISHNAN months due to concessions next two months and ment on extending the lock- could be taken after CHENNAI announced by the Central needs government support down, representatives of the two weeks Irrespective of whether the government for "rms. Those to tide over the situation, expert team said that during A. Afzal, president, Tamil Prabhdeep Kaur Tamil Nadu Cabinet would having an aggregate annual the extended 14-day period, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology recommend extension of the turnover less than ₹ 5 crore Nadu Omni Bus Owners As- many people, including COVID-19 lockdown or not have been given three sociation said. those who were contacts of Swaminathan participated in on Saturday, the State go- months (up to June last “Till mid of March the COVID-19 positive cases, the two-hour meeting vernment appears to be re- week) to "le returns for collections where coming could be tested. through video conference conciling itself to the scena- March to May with no inter- and we had funds to pay Prabhdeep Kaur of ICMR from Geneva. rio of realising minimum est, late fee, and penalty. the salaries,” he said. National Institute of Epide- A doctor, who participat- revenue through State taxes For “bigger "rms,” a simi- miology said: “Based on the ed in the meeting, said doc- in April. lar concession has been pro- data after the results of those tors who were present in- In other words, it has to vided, though late "ling of cluded some from the rely much more on its share returns after 15 days will car- Man in isolation 19-member expert commit- in Central taxes and grants- ry 9 % interest. The State go- ward ends life tee and also from other com- in-aid from the Union government is of the view that I mittees. vernment. Its dependence these "rms too will make use I on the Centre is expected to of the extension of time un- Special Correspondent tests, an informed decision Govt. steps lauded continue during the "rst der the given circumstances. ARIYALUR could be taken after two The doctors “were apprecia- quarter (April-June), as poli- Even otherwise, during A 60-year-old man belong- weeks,” she explained. tive of the steps being taken cy-makers feel that it may 2019-20, the State governing to Kadambur near Vik- The A senior o!cial told by the State government” take at least a few months to ment experienced the pain kiramangalam in the dis- Hindu : “Some doctors re- and emphasised on the need see signs of economic recov- Bound by belief: A family joins the Good Friday prayers from home during a live telecast in of the general slump in the trict, who was admitted to commended a two-week ex- for strengthening the public ery, even if the lockdown Chennai. * R. RAVINDRAN economy, which got re$ect- the COVID-19 isolation tension and some favoured a health system, which would gets lifted in May. ed in terms of tepid growth ward in Ariyalur Govern- three-week extension and increase the State's capacity As per the Budget Esti- derstanding the govern- age "gure of total revenue re- on sale of liquor through re- in revenue. Amid a tight "- ment Hospital, ended his some, even beyond. The go- to detect the cases /clusters mate for 2020-21, the State ment’s plight. ceipts based on pre-CO- tail outlets of the Tamil Nadu nancial condition, it had life on Friday evening. Ac- vernment will wait for Prime at the earliest. Own Taxes Revenue (SOTR) Traditionally, SOTR’s VID-19 calculations comes to State Marketing Corporation made the full payment of sal- cording to sources, the vic- Minister’s video conferenc- The doctors underlined is around ₹ 1,33,530 crore. In share in the total revenue re- around ₹ 18,281 crore. It Limited (TASMAC) and regis- ary to its employees for tim, a construction worker, ing with Chief Ministers on the need for ensuring the sa- terms of monthly average receipts is around 60%. Non- would be a tall order if the tration of documents, apart March, unlike in States such was admitted to the hospi- Saturday and a "nal decision fety of doctors, nurses and venue, it will be ₹ 11,127.5 Tax Revenue contributes total revenue receipts ex- from reduction in the prices as Maharashtra, Andhra Pra- tal on April 6 and his test will be taken during the State other health workers, who crore. Even though it is too about 9 % of the revenue. ceed the mark of ₹ 10,000 of petroleum products. desh and Telangana, which results were awaited. Cabinet meeting [in the were in the front line in the early to hazard a guess, the Approximately 31 % of the re- crore in April and even in have either deferred their Assistance for overcom- evening].” "ght against COVID-19. government is sure that only venue receipts is from the May. The fall in SOTR is be- GST revenue payment or decided to make ing suicidal thoughts is Besides medical experts Health Minister C. Vijaya- a negligible amount may get Union government in the ing visualised due to several Besides, the government is the payment in two install- available on the State’s from Tamil Nadu, Chief baskar, Health Secretary realised, that too if certain form of the State’s share in factors such as 60-70% de- not expecting much revenue ments, a senior Tamil Nadu health helpline 104 and Scientist of World Health Or- Beela Rajesh and senior o!- taxpayers come forward to Central taxes and grants. cline in consumption of pe- through Goods and Services government o!cial points Sneha’s suicide prevention ganisation Dr. Soumya cials participated. make their remittances, un- The State’s monthly aver- troleum products and ban Tax in the next couple of out. helpline 044-24640050. IN BRIEF Court favours higher salaries FROM PAGE ONE Give relief to MSMEs, Ramadoss urges Centre CHENNAI for front line workers Extend lockdown by 14 days: experts PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Friday urged the Centre to All family members of CO- the last 24 hours, a total of 71 “We have not progressed tive equipment. We have provide relief such as tax Policemen, sanitation sta! work round-the-clock: Bench VID-19-positive persons were persons were tested. Five re- to stage 3. In that, there will roped in manufacturers in breaks, easy loans for micro, being tested for the infec- sults are pending, and none be numerous cases with un- Tiruppur and are directly small and medium sized Mohamed Imranullah S. tion, and this exercise would of the remaining persons has identi"able sources of infec- purchasing from them. This industries and unorganised CHENNAI be completed within two tested positive for CO- tion,” he explained. is the same for triple layer workers who depend on Observing that the monthly days. Their contacts would VID-19,” the o!cial said. The rapid test kits should masks. We are directly pro- these industries after the economic activity has ceased salary paid to government be isolated, checked for As per Thursday’s data, have reached the State on curing ventilators as well,” markedly due to lockdown doctors, paramedical sta%, symptoms and further ac- the source of infection for 23 Thursday night, he said, ad- he said. imposed to tackle Covid-19. sanitation workers and poli- tion would be taken as per persons, who tested positive ding: “The Centre has got a The o!cial clari"ed that In a statement, Dr. Ramadoss cemen was not commensu- protocols, he said, adding: for COVID-19, could not be purchase order and has in- the State had received ₹314 said that 90% of the workers rate with the services ren- “The Chief Minister has in- established and con"rmed. formed us it would supply a crore from the National who belong in the informal dered by them, the Madras structed that all family mem- “However, we can tell indi- part of the order. We will get Health Mission for tackling sector workers would be High Court has expressed bers should be tested again.” rectly. For instance, there the kits in a day or two.” COVID-19. He said that ₹234 severely affected due to the hope that the government “We hope that the num- are two or three patients crore - Rs. one crore from lockdown imposed in India. will appreciate their services ber of positive cases will who have visited Phoenix Protective gear Member of Legislative As- by increasing their salaries come under control once all mall. There is a contact but On availability of protective sembly Constituency Deve- Dhinakaran wants farmers in govt. panel appropriately. contacts are tested for CO- we are unable to con"rm it. gear, he said, “As soon as the lopment Fund - would be CHENNAI Justices N. Kirubakaran VID-19,” he added. Apart from the 23 persons, pandemic broke out in China utilised for procuring medi- The Amma Makkal Munnetra and R. Hemalatha made the A health worker in a protective suit collecting a swab from a Persons hospitalised with there is no case where we in January, the Tamil Nadu cal equipment, and a G.O. Kazhagam (AMMK) founder observations in their com- person in Chennai on Friday. * B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM severe acute respiratory in- have not been able to zero in Medical Services Corpora- would be issued soon. T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Friday mon interim order on a cou- fection (SARI) are being on the source,” he said. tion started preparatory Meanwhile, a sta% of the called upon the State ple of public interest litiga- raj Milton had complained were su%ering without food. monitored on a daily basis He said as per the statis- works to procure medical Directorate of Medical and government to make tion petitions. “This court is about lack of certain facili- He said Chief Minister Edap- across Tamil Nadu. “This is tics, the State was still in equipment. We are not de- Rural Health Services, Chen- arrangements for procuring of the "rm opinion that doc- ties in hospitals, the court padi K. Palaniswami had or- to check if there is commun- stage 2 of COVID-19 transmis- pendent on the Centre for nai, has tested positive for the agricultural produce from tors, health workers, sani- recorded the submission of dered free distribution of ity spread of COVID-19. In sion. supply of personal protec- COVID-19, o!cials said. farmers. Referring to reports tary workers and policemen Additional Advocate General rice, oil, dal and ₹1,000 cash of sections of farmers either are serving round-the-clock P.H. Arvindh Pandian that not only to ration cardhol- dumping vegetables throughout the year. Yet, 37,648 personal protective ders but also to non-cardhol- including carrot or facing their salary is not commen- equipment, 1.17 lakh N-95 ders. To be read from Laxmikant: High Court, Advocate hurdles at the direct surate with their work. masks, 7.75 lakh three- When the court wanted to procurement centres in “This court hails and ap- layered masks and 14,000 know whether government General, SHRC, State Election Commission, National handing over paddy or selling preciates the services ren- testing kits were available as doctors and paramedical pulses such as urad, Mr. dered by them especially in on date in the State. sta% were being given su!- Commission for Women, NHRC Dhinakaran, in a statement, the "ght against the danger- Pointing out that orders cient time to relax, the AAG suggested that a committee ous pandemic COVID-19 had been placed for more replied in the a!rmative. of officers, constituted to which is now threatening number of safety gear, he “They should be safe- coordinate farm activities district-wise, should include the entire humanity. This said the stocks were replen- guarded against the viral at- farmers. court hopes and expects ished regularly. tack and therefore, they that respective governments The AAG denied the liti- should be subjected to regu- Help unorganised sector will appreciate their services gant’s claim that some resi- lar testing by the authori- workers, Vaiko to Centre by proper increase in their dents and migrant workers ties,” the Bench said and ad- CHENNAI salaries,” their order read. at Pulianthope, Korukkupet, journed the cases by two MDMK general secretary Though the litigant S. Jim- Vyasarpadi and Ambattur weeks. Vaiko on Friday requested the Centre and State governments to unveil the plan to address concerns faced by workers in the SHRC seeks report on police ‘excesses’ A farewell after a full recovery unorganised sectors who are facing a bleak situation due to Plea for a simple mechanism to lodge complaint against men in uniform The 24-year-old from Erode sent home in an ambulance the lockdown announced to contain the spread of Special Correspondent Kathelene Antony COVID-19. In a statement, Mr. CHENNAI TIRUCHI Vaiko said the Centre should take note of the ILO report The State Human Rights A 24-year-old man who had released on April 8 on the Commission (SHRC) has tested positive for COVID-19 economic situation of the sought a report from the Di- at the Mahatma Gandhi Me- workers in the unorganised rector-General of Police on a morial Government Hospital sector. plea, which sought an easy on March 26 was discharged access complaint mechan- on Friday after treatment. Assist Tamil Muslims in ism through which general He was discharged after two Delhi: Thirumavalavan public could post their grie- successive tests turned out CHENNAI vance against police o!cials. to be negative. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi The plea also urged the The man, who hails from Back to normal: The discharged patient (in protective suit) founder and Chidambaram SHRC to direct the DGP to Erode had travelled to Dubai leaving the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital MP, Thol. Thirumavalavan, on ensure protection for all pol- in search of job opportuni- in Tiruchi on Friday. * M. MOORTHY Friday said that Muslims from icemen from the spread of ties, o!cial sources said. the State, who went to New COVID-19. The patient had been dis- Dean, MGMGH, said. wever, he took everything Delhi for Tablighi Jamat event The complainant, R.S. Aa- Bending the rules: Police personnel questioning two-wheeler riders who ventured out during charged and sent to his ho- A set of self-care instruc- we said positively and had and have been quarantined freen, a student of the Tamil the lockdown in Chennai on Friday. * R. RAVINDRAN metown in a 108 ambulance tions, including dietary in- no fear,” he said. there in government hospitals Nadu National Law Universi- by hospital o!cials. He was formation, has been given to Meanwhile, a team of doc- and student hostels, should ty, submitted that a few pol- formed him that he was a media show that some of the the police they were also handed some fruits, boiled the patient, Dr. Vanitha said. tors who cared for the pa- be helped and taken care of by the State government. In a ice personnel beat up those doctor. police personnel are not pro- equally worried that exer- eggs and two water bottles “He came to the hospital on tient said he was an example statement, he said that both on the road. Some of them “It might be the tip of the vided with adequate protec- cise of excessive or illegal or so that he did not go hungry March 22, on his own after of how early detection could patients and those who have resorted to such action with- iceberg since many such in- tive equipment/information inhuman force might de- on the 150-km journey to he experienced cough and save lives. “We are hearing been tested negative are out even "nding out the rea- cidents might go unnoticed to safeguard themselves grade the dedicated service Erode. “Even though he has fever. He has been coopera- about cases of people hiding suffering without access to son for which they had come because there are neither from the spread of CO- of the entire Police recovered, he will have to re- tive and has responded very symptoms and resisting vi- food and change of clothes. out. many on the streets nor do VID-19,” the complainant Department. main in home quarantine for well to treatment,” she said. sits to the hospital. They “Bihar has helped Muslims The complainant said in a they have the courage to vi- said. Acting on the complaint, the next 28 days. The district Along with treatment for CO- must know that they are not from that State and made all video clip a police o!cer deograph such violations,” SHRC acting chairperson D. authorities in Erode have VID-19, the hospital held a only putting themselves at arrangements. Tamil Nadu was seen beating up a doc- Mr. Aafreen contended. Excessive force Jayachandran has sought a been informed of his arrival. counselling session for the risk, they are also harming should do the same,” he tor. Later, he is seen asking “Moreover, a few video While the general public ap- report from the DGP within The doctors there will moni- patient. “Patients tend to get their near and dear ones,” a demanded. why the victim had not in- clips in circulation on social preciated the dedication of four weeks. tor his health,” K. Vanitha, anxious and depressive. Ho- doctor said.

CM A CH-CHE YK

Timings CHENNAI Soil : Metrowater houses migrant SATURDAY, APR. 11 1,973 residents report symptoms AppleRISE 05:59 SET 18:21 RISE 21:50 SET 08:41 ‘Those with symptoms to be on Corporation radar for the next few weeks’ SUNDAY,Soil APR. and12 Climate workers at 32 camps in city RISE 05:58 SET 18:22 Special Correspondent ApplesRISE 22:50 S ETgrow09:35 bestCHENNAI on a well-drained, loam soils having a depth of 45 Groceries, medicine and sanitisers being provided MONDAY, APR. 13 The Chennai Corporation cmRISE 0and5:58 SET a18:22 pH range of pH 5.5-6.5. The soil should be free from hard Special Correspondent has identi!ed 1,973 residents RISE 23:48 SET 10:30 Chennai substrata andw water-loggedho have reported symp- conditions. Soils with heavy clay or toms in COVID-19 contain- A total of 572 migrant work- compact subsoilment blocks are across to the be city. avoided. ers, engaged in various wa- Corporation Commission- ter supply and sewerage pro- Climate : er G. Prakash on Friday said jects, have remained in the that all the residents would city since the lockdown. The apple is ab etemperate monitored for the next fruit crop. However, in India the apple C hennai Metrowater has few weeks. set up camps in 32 places growing areas do“Over not85% of householdsfall in temperate zone but the prevailing across the city to house have been covered in the these workers from various temperate climatesurvey for symptomsof the of CO-region is due to the Himalayan ranges and States, including West Ben- VID-19. Survey results show gal, Jharkhand and Odisha. Metrowater’s camps house workers from various States like * high altitudes.1,973 The cases, averagewith all kinds of summer temperature should be around The workers are involved in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM symptoms, such as fever, in projects funded by multilat- 21-24OC duringthe past active few days. Asgrowth many period. Apple succeeds best in regions eral agencies. They are being vided safety gear to nearly works such as water pollu- as 1,312 residents no longer provided groceries, medi- 3,500 o"cers and workers tion complaints and desilt- where the treeshave experiencesuch symptoms. They uninterrupted rest in winter and cines and sanitisers. engaged in essential servic- ing of sewer manholes,” said have been ruled out as clear “Project engineers in- es. This includes safety suits an o"cial. abundant sunshinecases. But 661 for residents good are wcolourith symptoms development.is higher in lakh households. It Thecan city beof moneygrown by a group at of indi- charge will check on their and boots. The N-95 masks will be gi- being followed up. However, areas such as Anna Nagar, has 20.7 lakh households,” viduals, who claimed that needs. Our dispensary doc- ven to workers with high-ex- 0an altitude of a1500-ll the 1,973 residents2700 will m be aboveTeynampet, the Tiruvottiyur, sea level.said an o "Well-distributedcial of the Corpo- they were from the Corpora- tors also visit them for regu- Safety gear posure risks. DISCLAIMER: Readers are requested to on our radar for the next few Tondiarpet and Royapuram, ration. tion and were here for CO- lar check-ups. Works on to It has sought N-95 masks for After the lockdown was verify and make appropriate enquiries to satisfy themselves about the veracity of weeks,” said Mr. Prakash. as per the list the Corpora- The Corporation will re- VID-19 containment work. lay pipelines in the added !eld workers, particularly announced, the number of anrainfall advertisement before responding of to1000-1250mm throughout the growing season is most any published in this newspaper. THG The civic body has ear- tion generated. Of the 10.7 cruit more workers to visit “The persons were wearing areas have been suspended. those involved in sewage trips by water tankers has PUBLISHING PVT LTD., the Publisher & Owner of this newspaper, does not vouch marked 12,204 containment lakh houses in the 15 zones houses and collect informa- masks. Some residents even Most migrant workers are management. come down by 600, every forfavourable the authenticity of any advertisement for optimum growth and fruitfulness of apple trees. or advertiser or for any of the advertiser’s blocks, with 100 houses of the city, 9.18 lakh houses tion on symptoms from resi- paid ₹1,000 to the people engaged in such projects,” “Several of them continue day, as more water is being products and/or services. In no event can the Owner, Publisher, Printer, Editor, Dir- each. As many as 11,838 have been covered by the dents this week. who visited the area. We are said an o"cial. The workers to work round-the-clock to supplied through pipelines. ector/s, Employees of this newspaper/ company be held responsible/liable in workers have been recruited workers, collecting data On Friday, residents in verifying CCTV camera foot- have been advised to prac- provide water supply and Now, about 5,000 tanker any manner whatsoever for any claims and/or damages for advertisements in for the survey. from residents. several neighborhoods com- age,” said a resident of the tice physical distancing. sewage disposal. We conti- trips are being operated dai- this newspaper. The number of residents “We have veri!ed 17.04 plained about the collection Teynampet zone. T he water agency has pro- nue to take up emergency ly, said o"cials.

LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN Mangoes land in city, to be NCC cadets to help police Soil Special Correspondent “A total of 42 NCC cadets Pomegranates CHENNAI from various colleges have Airport to have limited !ights sold through mobile units The Kancheepuram police come forward to help us Soil & Climate have roped in NCC cadets manage crowds at ration Sunitha Sekar be implemented only if a li- Horticulture Dept. buys them directly from farmers from colleges in the district shops, ATMs and markets in PomegranateCHENNAI can be grown on maited wide number of $ights take for crowd management at Kancheepuram district,” The number of $ights depart- o% at a time,” the o"cial not- Special Correspondent public places over the com- said B. Shamoondeswari, rangeing from Chennai of airport,soils. ev- However, it growsed. well in CHENNAI ing weeks. SP, Kancheepuram district. ery hour, is likely to be “Apart from the fact that Fresh loads of mangoes, mediumbrought down signi !deep,cantly for loamy and well-drainedaircraft movement will be af- apples and pomegranates some time, once operations fected, many will also hesitate arrived in Chennai on Fri- soilsresume after having the COVID-19 a pH of 7.5. Heavyto soilstake up leisure with air travel in- day, for sale through mo- lockdown is lifted by the go- itially, and $y only for someth- bile units. The Tamil Nadu poorvernment. drainage facilities are unsuitableing absolutely for essential,” Horticulture Department Airports Authority of India another o"cial said, strongly has been directly buying its(AAI) cultivation. o"cials said that the Physical distancing will be of indicating that passenger traf- fruits and vegetables from plan was being discussed prime importance after the !c may be hit as well. farmers for distribution to Semiaridsince physical distancing climatelockdown with ends, saidmild AAI. wintersAirlines like and IndiGo have al- consumers during the on- would be of prime impor- ready announced that there going COVID-19 lockdown. hottance aftersummers the lockdown are$ights ideal departing for at a time its is growth.will not be any onboard meals “Fresh Alphonso man- ends. likely to reduce substantially. for a while and airport buses goes have come from Priced at ₹500, a bag of groceries will contain toor dal, PomegranatesThe authorities have been canThis is because be successfully the airport has of airlines grown will be run only at Krishnagiri and Dharma- gram #our and salt, among other items. * K. PICHUMANI holding extensive talks for the severe peak-hour congestion, 50% capacity to ensure physi- puri. We procured apples inlast few areas days, and withthe process temperaturewherein hundreds queue ranging up cal distancing. from Sources said from the northern States f of revising and drawing up to complete check-in and se- that physical distancing was and pomegranates from Grocery kits for ₹500 fresh $ight schedules for the curity procedures ,” an o"cial likely to be enforced inside Maharashtra,” said agri- 25-35OC and an annual rainfall of 500- Special Correspondent airport will begin soon. said. the aircraft as well. Middle culture production com- salt (1 kg) and edible oil CHENNAI 800mm.“In case the lockdown is “This cannot happen hen- seats in the aircraft may be left missioner Gagandeep (250 g), apart from lifted, we should be prepared ceforth, as we have to main- vacant to implement the Singh Bedi. Ten lakh bags of pepper and mustard (100 Climatefor operations. The number of tain physical distancing. It can same, they added. He inspected the stock groceries, with 19 items, g each), among other of vegetables and fruits, will be sold through fair items. The Triplicane Hot and dry climate during fruit along with horticulture di- price shops in the State. Urban Cooperative rector N. Subbaiyan, at Priced at ₹500 apiece, Society has procured all development improves its fruit quality. the horticulture godown the bag will contain toor commodities. Chennai Railways to rope in ex-servicemen in Madhavaram. dal and urad dal (500 g has been allotted 57,000 The plants are affected if the each); gram $our (250 g); bags. R. Srikanth no transport services will be Cheap rates Vivek Narayanan introduced, yellow will have Vegetables are being pro- OCHENNAI restricted services and green cured from farmers in the buyers. We are selling vehicles, and the depart- temperatureOnce services resume after remains below 11w illC have for no a restrictions on Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, either in bulk or in pack- ment sells 200 tonnes a the lockdown ends, the Rail- the number of services Tiruvallur and Kancheep- ages with !xed prices,” day. Besides, the Chennai longerway Protection time. Force (RPF), Humid climate during“To ensure fruit physical dis- uram. “Since we are buy- Mr. Bedi said. Corporation and CMDA Chennai division, is planning tancing, there will be no allot- ing directly from the farm- In Chennai, vegetables are buying directly from settingto rope in ex-servicemen adversely to affects ment of the middle berth in ers, the rates are cheap and fruits are sold in 15 the wholesale market in provide security on trains. the three-tier sleeper and air- and this will also bene!t zones, through mobile Koyambedu. the“All ourfruit personnel colour will be development, qualityconditioned coaches and of long- provided masks and sanitis- distance trains. Even side increasesers,” said an o"cer. pest andAfter the disease lockdown ends, eachattack.berths may not be there. Li- The o"cer said that an RPF train will run to 2/3rd of its nen and food will not be intro- Mango o"cer or ex-serviceman capacity. * B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM duced till the number of cases would escort two compart- come down. All scheduled Soil & Climate ments. unreserved compartment,” trains are to be cancelled and “Immediately after the said an o"cer. only special trains will run. Mango is very well adapted to tropical and subtropical lockdown is lifted, some The government is also There will be thermal screen- changes are expected in the planning various measures ing at all entry points and pas- climates. It thrives well in almost all the regions structure of the compart- pertaining to the running of sengers above 60 will not to 00 of the country from sea level to an altitude of 600 m. The ments. There will only be one trains. One is to divide the be allowed to travel,” said a entry/exit and the number of country into three zones — railway o"cial. seats will be reduced. Each red, yellow and green — de- There are also plans to ideal temperature range for mango is 24 -30 C train will run to only 2/3rd of pending on the number of CO- make wearing of masks com- its capacity. There will be no VID-19 cases. In the red zone, pulsory. during the growing season, along with high humidity. A rainfall range of 890-1,015 mm in a year is considered as Bringing patrons back to theatres ideal for growing mangoes. However, mango can be grown in regions of both heavy (2540 mm) or scanty (254 mm) rainfall. Sangeetha Kandavel trying to see how temperature CHENNAI checks can be done for our Dry weather before blossoming is conducive to profuse Theatres and multiplexes patrons in a short duration.” across Tamil Nadu are mulling Nikilesh Surya, exceutive flowering. Rain during flowering is detrimental to the crop options to bring back movie director of Rohini Silver lovers once shows resume. Screens, is planning to en- as it interferes with pollination. From physical distancing force physical distancing, but within theatre premises, is waiting to see how the situa- Fog, cloudy weather at the time of flowering from November cleaning the restrooms after tion will unfold in the coming to February results in poor setting of fruits and favours pest every usage, to delivery of weeks. food and beverages to the According to estimates, a seats, theatres are looking at Theatres are looking at how one-day closure of all theatres and disease incidence. Mango grows well on wide variety of how to operate their business they can instil con!dence in the State will lead to an av- during the initial few weeks af- in moviegoers. erage loss of ₹8 crore a day. soils, such as lateritic, alluvial, sandy loam and sandy. The ter the lockdown. Senthil Kumar, co-founder PVR Cinemas has decided tor of Mayajaal Cinemas, said of Qube Cinema Technolo- loamy, alluvial, well-drained, aerated and deep soils (2-2.5 m) on maintaining physical dis- that his group would be sell- gies, said that physical distancing between seats. CEO ing tickets for alternate seats, tancing and deep cleaning rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 are ideal for Gautam Dutta said leaving like airlines. between shows would give pe- mango cultivation. The water table should be around 3 m one seat between a certain The team at AGS Cinemas is ople extra con!dence. group would eat into 16-20% looking at how to work out Theatres across the State of capacity, but the brand’s seating arrangements. Archa- are working on the economics and soils with high water table are unsuitable for mango. endeavour was to win back na Kalpathi, CEO, AGS Cine- of installing hand-washing sta- con!dence of its consumers. mas, said, “We are putting to- tions and disinfectant spray- Udeep B., managing direc- gether a sanitation plan and ing booths.

Published by N. Ravi at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002 on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD., and Printed by D. Rajkumar at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209. Editor: Suresh Nambath (Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). Regd. TN/ARD/17/2012-2014 G RNI No. 1001/1957 G ISSN 0971 - 751X G Vol. 143 G No. 87

CM A CH-CHE YK

IN BRIEF E Retaining the humanitarianE Two more test positive ‘Tangedco !eld sta" too should in Puducherry PUDUCHERRY Two more persons who approach in times of COVID-19 returned from Tablighi Jamaat conference in New get free treatment, ex gratia’ here are many ques- "nd transportation to reach Delhi have tested positive on tions that plague us the centre for treatment. Friday, taking the total tally Corporation says Govt. sanctions T everyday, as health While with residential of active COVID-19 cases in care professionals. But in sta!, there are no issues, be- the Union Territory to seven. front line sta! play ₹4 crore corpus times of COVID-19 the very cause they live on cam- a vital role in core of medical practice – its pus.However, non–residen- Mobile testing kiosk set supplying power for #re services humanitarian approach is tial health care sta! too face up in Ranipet under threat. The questions the same problem – lack of RANIPET to a!ected areas personnel now in front of health care transport to reach the hospi- The district administration professionals, for di!erent tal. As for housekeeping has introduced ya mobile Special Correspondent Special Correspondent reasons are: “To treat, or not sta!, who are key to running testing kiosk for collection of CHENNAI Chennai to treat” a hospital well, the institu- blood samples at the The Tamil Nadu Generation The State government has “Is it right, or is it wrong?” tion has to make transport doorsteps of home and Distribution Corpora- sanctioned over ₹4 crore to Further, “How long can arrangements until the con- quarantined people. tion (Tangedco) wants the be released as feeding we defer treatment?” This dition improves. Some med- Launching the vehicle on State government to extend charges for the Tamil Nadu decision is neither simple ical sta! members too, who Friday, Collector S. free treatment for COVID-19 Fire and Rescue Services nor easy, as treating doctors, do not have their own perso- Divyadharshini said the and ex gratia bene"ts to its (TNFRS) personnel across we have to think of the pa- nal vehicles, need assistance vehicle was an effort to minimise the struggle in operations and maintenance the State. tient and the family in the to reach the centre. collecting samples from sta!. Despite the lockdown, !eld sta" have to visit a"ected areas in C. Sylendra Babu, DGP, context of the pandemic, ed based on individual deci- clusters of people The sta!, including line- case of power disruption and ensure restoration of supply. TNFRS, sought funds for and what we do based on sions and are ideally General criteria quarantined at their homes. men, wiremen, supervisors feeding charges, as "remen strong evidence. deferred. The expenses in- We need speci"c guidelines and local engineers, are in- servancy employees of ur- On Thursday night, when have been working hard to For instance, early com- volved, in relation to surviv- or criteria for providing per- volved in the recti"cation of ban and rural bodies and power was disrupted in sev- contain the spread of the mon cancers are curable. In al, will not be either risk or sonal protection equipment, NLCIL sets up power disruptions in the sta! of Revenue and Disaster eral areas due to heavy rain, virus. such cases, it will be unethi- cost bene"cial. masks, gown etc for profes- disinfection tunnels State. Management departments the "eld sta! were involved Over 5,587 personnel cal to delay treatment. An sional and paraprofessional CUDDALORE The State government on were covered under the or- in recti"cation work in plac- and 536 "re"ghting vehi- advanced disease can be Treating institutions workers. For one, it will be Public Sector Undertaking April 4 issued an order an- der. But operations and es such as Royapuram, Ton- cles have been used to dis- controlled, and if untreated, As of now, only partial, se- helpful to reduce sta! fear/ (PSU) NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) nouncing an ex gratia of ₹ 2 maintenance sta! of the Tan- diarpet, Mambalam, Adyar, infect public places it might progress to the stage lected cases are being treat- panic and convince them has scaled up preventive lakh for frontline sta! of va- gedco, who play a vital role Kotturpuram, Pallikaranai throughout the State, inof palliative care. Again, pal- ed. Should this continue? that they are well protected measures to ward off rious departments involved in the maintenance of power and Tambaram. “They work cluding government hospi- liative care cannot and NGOs, and voluntary with the gear. COVID-19 by installing in the "ght against COVID-19 supply, were left out, a Tan- even in containment areas,” tals, Koyambedu bus stand should not be denied to charitable institutions pro- This is for those who are disinfection tunnels in three and that the expenses in- gedco o$cial said. the o$cial said. The Engi- and vegetable markets, patients. viding free cancer care, of not working with those who places – Arch Gate, Thermal Power Station – II Expansion curred for the treatment Despite the lockdown, neers Association of Tanged- railway stations, places of And then, uncommon which Cancer Institute is tested positive, are on rou- and Neyveli New Thermal would be fully borne by the "eld sta! have to visit the af- co plans to give a representa- worship and other loca- cancers with a doubtful out- one, are facing a major tine hospital duty, including Power Project (NNTPP). government. fected areas in the 15 zones tion to senior o$cials to get tions, where people gather. look, advanced age, and crisis. doctors, technicians and Front line sta! of the in the city in case of power the government include This is expected to go on with multiple co-morbidities Patients have a serious nurses who are working Health and Family Welfare, disruption to restore them, a their "eld sta! under the CO- till April 30 or till the need form a category all by them- problem, with the lock- with patients who have not MNM appoints police, sanitation and con- senior o$cial said. VID-19 scheme. ceases. selves. They have to be treat- down, they are not able to been tested. office-bearers CHENNAI Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan Contributions Guidelines for security personnel appoints noted entreprenuer Innovators urged to come up with C.K. Kumaravel as the General continue to come Secretary for Propaganda and assisting police in lockdown duty M. Muruganandham has been products for immediate use in for CM’s Public appointed as party’s General Special Correspondent The NIF would assist with incubate it. We are looking Special Correspondent ice personnel in enforc- Secretary (Organisation – CHENNAI Puducherry West and South). mentoring or funds to make at ideas and products that Relief Fund ing the orders of the go- The current health crisis has a prototype or develop the can be put into people’s A set of guidelines has vernment during the spawned competitions, all idea/product. hands. An open source plat- Staff Reporter been issued for security pandemic and beyond looking for answers to re- Foundation director Vi- form would be created and CHENNAI personnel assisting the when they would remain Namakkal duce the transmission of pin Kumar said already hun- people could make the pro- Kalpathi AGS Group has contributed police force to maintain coopted in policing and COVID-19 infection among dreds of suggestions and duct at home. The NIF is not ₹50 lakh to the Tamil Nadu Chief Mi- order and social distanc- crime prevention. introduces people as quickly as ideas had been received in looking just at the current nister’s Public Relief Fund. ing in public places to The security guards possible. the last few days. The con- scenario but also taking it The Group, which includes AGS check the spread of shall not be posted alone, colour-coded The National Innovation test was announced on forward post-COVID-19 and Cinemas Private Limited that runs COVID-19. but along with a police of- Foundation, that comes un- March 31. “We have shor- post-lockdown,” Mr. Kumar multiplexes, AGS Entertainment Priv- The private security "cial and twinned with card system der the Department of tlisted 10 of them and we are said. ate Limited and Kalpathi Invest- agencies are governed by A man being screened for the beat sta! of local pol- Science and Technology, in touch with these people,” The NIF contest revolves ments, among others, had earlier The Private Security COVID-19 symptoms. ice stations. Staff Reporter has announced an open- he said. “The aim is to have around sanitation; supply contributed ₹15 lakh to the Film Em- Agencies (Regulation) * T. SINGARAVELOU Wherever posted, it is Namakkal ended contest calling on ci- a technology that can be and distribution of essential ployees Federation of South India Act, 2005 as welI as The the duty of the un- The district administration tizens to give ideas that can converted into a workable items to the disabled and (FEFSI). Puducherry Private Se- has been decided to util- iformed guards to cover a has started issuing colour- be put to use immediately product. There is no dea- the elderly; and keeping the Gemini Edibles & Fats India Pvt curity Agencies (Regula- ise the services of private stretch of 100m and to in- coded cards to residents to by the public. dline and we are not giving population gainfully en- Ltd (GEF India), a company which is tion) Rules, 2009. security guards as 'force form the police of any il- reduce vehicle movement. The Challenge COVID-19 awards. If the idea is good gaged during lockdown, he in the business of importing of Pal- A circular issued by Ba- multipliers' to assist the legal activity or anything To discourage the public Competition is open to all. we will provide funding and said. molein throughw Chennai and Karai- laji Srivastava, Director police. The Standard Op- amiss. Those overseeing from venturing out unne- kal ports has contributed a sum of General of Police, noted erating Procedure (SOP), markets, banks, ATMs or cessarily, the district admi- ₹25 lakh to the CM public relief fund. that owing to manpower formulated in this regard, other places where peo- nistration from Thursday Chaudhary Anjana Samaj Founda- constraints of the police spells out the objective of ple gather, should ensure started issuing cards in Shops in containment zones in tion has made a contribution of ₹5 force, many points could these guards as assisting social distancing mark- three colours - green, blue lakh, while Punam Jewellery has con- not be covered. Hence, it and supporting the pol- ings and compliance. and rose. tributed ₹1 lakh each to Tamil Nadu Collector K.Megraj said Chengalpattu to stay shut from today Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, PM in a release that those with Cares Fund and Rajasthan Chief Mi- green cards could come Special Correspondent able and fruit shops in the getables and fruits along nister Public Relief Fund. out on Mondays and Thurs- Chennai areas identi"ed to be having with providing medicines Sun TV Network Ltd and its Group OBITUARYOBITUARY & REMEMBRANCE & REMEMBRANCE days, while Tuesdays and All shops still operating in COVID patients to prevent and other food commodities Companies said it will donate a sum Fridays would be the days containment zones in Chen- further spread. at the doorsteps of patients of Rs.10 crore to COVID-19 relief DEATH DEATH DEATH ANNIVERSARIES when those with blue cards galpet district would be fully In a press release issued every three days. However funds. The employees of Sun TV and could venture out and rose closed from Saturday. The by Chengalpet Collector automated teller machines other a$liated Group companies card holders would be able district administration has John Louis said steps have (ATMs) would be allowed to numbering more than 6,000 will also to come out to buy essen- proposed to close the veget- been taken to distribute ve- function. contribute one day’s salary, it said. tials on Wednesdays and Saturdays. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Mr.Megraj said that those going on medical It is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government emergencies would be ex- empted and only those in of India. Set up in February 2000 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat to provide institutional support for the age group of 15 and 60 years must use the cards to scouting, spawning, sustaining and scaling up the grassroots innovations across the country. venture out. The district administration has advised It is India’s national initiative to strengthen the grassroots technological innovations and the public to carry the FINANCIAL cards with them when they outstanding traditional knowledge. Its mission is to help India become a creative and come out. PERSONAL LOAN based on cheque Ct Jeeva Finances 7305999666, knowledge-based society by expanding policy and7667539482 institutional space for grassroots technological innovators. HEALTH GUIDE DEATH ANNIVERSARIES Related key facts:

The INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is being revamped and executed by Department of Science & Technology and National Innovation Foundation-India to align it with the action plan for “Start-up India” initiative. Micro Venture Innovation Fund (MVIF) at NIF, with support from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has provided risk capital to 230 innovation based enterprise projects, some of which are at different stages of incubation. Being organised since 2008, IGNITE is an annual competition for student’s ideas and innovations conducted by NIF in partnership with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In memory of your loved ones NIF has set up a Technology Business Incubator (NIF) – NIF Incubation and To dedicate a space in this section, Please contact: 044-28575711 / 28575714 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Entrepreneurship Council (NIFientreC). 72990 95757 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from 5 to 7 p.m. for Monday Edition For Placing Advertisements Online log on to www. thehinduads.com

CM A CH-CHE YK

Southern States focus on containment Tougher norms likely for With 49 new cases, A.P., Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka continue tracing and tracking of contacts public transportation Special Correspondent discharged and the death toll day. Guntur reported seven Thiruvananthapuram/ stood unchanged at 12. cases, East Godavari !ve and HYDERABAD/VIJAYAWADA/ Protocol chalked out for post-lockdown situation in Kerala Bengaluru Nizamabad, with 49 cases Kurnool and Prakasam dis- Seven more cases of CO- including two reported on tricts, two each. S. Anil Radhakrishnan VID-19 were reported in Ker- Friday, stood next to Hydera- Ten individuals were dis- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ala on Friday, taking the bad (179) followed by Ranga- charged after recovery, and Restricting the number of State total to 364. Three reddy (27), Warangal Urban six succumbed to the virus. persons travelling in cars, were from Kasaragod, and (23) and Medchal (21). The buses and on bikes, increas- two cases each were from case load was up in Nirmal ing the working hours, a !ve- Kannur and Malappuram. district, with 15 and Jogulam- day week, and the odd-even The Malappuram cases ba Gadwal district (19) while system to restrict vehicles are linked to the Nizammud- 10 cases each were reported Also, 365 were under have been spelled out in a din meet, while the rest are from Mahbubnagar and Ka- treatment. In all, 133 clusters protocol chalked out for pu- contacts of imported cases. mareddy districts. were identi!ed as COVID-19 blic transportation post- On Friday, 27 persons under Public Health and Family red zones in 13 districts. The lockdown in Kerala. treatment tested negative. Welfare Director, G. Srinivas highest number of cluster The protocol also calls for So far, 124 patients have Rao, said there was no evi- red zones are in Nellore dis- developing an app or soft- tested negative and been dis- dence of community trans- trict (30). ware to track the movement charged. These include eight mission in the State and the of inter-State rail and bus foreign nationals touring government had identi!ed Tally crosses 200 commuters. leave via the front door. for those travelling. Kerala. They were admitted 101 hotspots. Containment With 10 new cases detected Motorcycle travel will be Those having cold, fever, All vehicles used for pu- to Ernakulam and Thiruva- activity was taken up in all on Friday, Karnataka’s case limited to one, private cars and symptoms of other dis- blic transport, including tax- nanthapuram Medical Col- districts with cases. number touched 207. Five for three, and one per seat in eases will not be allowed to ies and autorickshaws, will lege hospitals. There are 238 E"orts to trace and track cases were from Mysuru. On other vehicles. Family mem- travel on public transport, as have to be sanitised. Drivers people under treatment. primary and secondary con- the brighter side, the !rst bers will be allowed in cars, per the protocol. falling under the high risk The number under sur- tacts of Delhi returnees con- person who tested positive, and motorcyclists will have There will be facilities to category will have to use veillance dropped to tinued on Friday. from a pharma company in to use full-face helmet with wash hands at bus stops. masks. 1,29,751. Of these, 730 were Mysuru was discharged on visor. No standing travel will Kiosks for masks and to pro- The protocol, worked out in isolation wards in hospi- 16 more in A.P. Friday. be allowed on public tran- vide safety tips to travellers by the Motor Vehicles De- tals, and the rest in home ing positive for coronavirus The State registered 16 The addition of 16 new CO- Of the other !ve cases, sport, which will be applica- will also be set up. Social dis- partment, is awaiting appro- quarantine. in Telangana was less than cases on Friday, against 18 on VID-19 positive cases raised two are from the greater ble to school and college tancing will have to be en- val. Those #outing the rules 20 for the second consecu- Thursday, taking the total Andhra Pradesh’s total to Bengaluru area, two from buses too. Commuters will sured in public places and will be !ned and termina- 16 more Telangana cases tive day on Friday, giving the number of active cases to 381. Fresh cases emerged af- Bengaluru Rural, and one have to enter the bus identity card/passes issued tion of the journey will also The number of people test- State government a breather. 430. Also, 45 people were ter day-long testing on Fri- from Kalaburgi. through the rear door and by the police will be needed be considered.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Prayer time Now, masks mandatory while stepping outside Telangana to execute ‘MaskOn’ policy Special Correspondent siderably, a memo issued by HYDERABAD Special Chief Secretary, The Telangana government Health, A. Santhi Kumari, has ordered propagation said. and implementation of a The revision of advice ‘MaskOn’ policy at all levels was a sequel to the learning that envisages that people from the medical and scien- wear masks while stepping ti!c community that a large outside and while stationed number of infected people in closed spaces and inte- did not show any symptoms racting with others. The pol- but were still carriers of the icy is an update to an earlier infection and therefore advisory by the government could infect others. that masks be used “only for MaskOn will protect peo- the sick”. ple from inhaling infected droplets released while To contain virus sneezing, coughing and talk- The update was based on ing. Therefore, homemade Good Friday was observed in churches all over the country. Family names of the faithful were pasted on empty chairs to signify their presence at a church in Kochi, and right, the Archbishop of studies in Japan that showed reusable masks were recom- that MaskOn had slowed the mended for use as the !rst Hyderabad distributing food and masks to the needy on Friday. * PTI & REUTERS CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC spread of coronavirus con- line of protection. IN BRIEF E Social media posts land ‘Concern over my son’s safety Weather Watch E Rainfall, temperature & air quality in select metros yesterday 6 in trouble in Karnataka made me ride 1,400 kilometres’ PA They had put out hate messages Teacher goes on a solo rescue mission on a scooter Special correspondent hatred. In another develop- Mangaluru/Mandya ment, two persons at Anka- sPecial correspondent and from the Mandal Parish- NIZAMABAD ‘A vicious design to The Dakshina Kannada pol- nahalli in Ramanagaram dis- ad Primary School in Salam- remove incumbent SEC’ ice have registered !ve cases trict have been booked for At !rst thought it sounds like pad for several years made VIJAYAWADA against six persons for their asking villagers to prevent mission impossible. But the the teacher a seasoned rider. With the A.P. government alleged social media hate the entry of Muslims, blam- 1,400 km distance did not Armed with a letter from reportedly issuing an posts relating to the Muslim ing the community mem- deter doting mother Rajia ACP Jaipal Reddy and a Goo- ordinance on Friday reducing community. bers for the spread of Begum from travelling on gle map, she hit the highway. the tenure of the State While three cases by the COVID-19. her scooter to bring back her “I had to undergo problems Election Commissioner, TDP Bantwal Town police have It is said that a member of younger son Nizamuddin, en route as food was not president N. Chandrababu been registered against San- Kailancha Gram Panchayat stranded in Rahamatnagar available. I took only fruits Naidu wrote a letter to tosh Gowda of Nandavara, a had hired an elderly man to in Nellore, following the and relaxed for a few mi- Governor Biswa Bhusan case has been registered by alert the villagers against al- lockdown. nutes intermittently. I man- Harichandan, urging him to the Dharmastala police lowing Muslims to enter the He had gone to Nellore on aged to reach Nellore early intervene to “uphold the rule against Muralidhar and village. March 12 to drop his friend on April 7. On the return, I of law”. Mr. Naidu said the three others of Ujire. The This was videographed from a NEET coaching insti- Rajia Begum travelled from dared to travel at night as my government had amended four cases were registered by a person and the clip was tute in Hyderabad and got Bodhan to Nellore on her son was with me. So, we Temperature Data: IMD, Pollution Data: CPCB, Map: INSAT/IMD (Taken at 19.00 Hrs) Section 200 of the A.P. PR on Monday. A case was re- shared on social media. stuck there. motorcycle to fetch her son. started our journey at 4 p.m. Forecast for Saturday: Thunderstorm with lightning and gust Act with a “vicious design to gistered by the Bellare pol- Meanwhile, K.R. Pet tah- Fearing she would be dis- and reached Bodhan on likely at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West remove the present SEC”. ice on April 4 against sildar M. Shivamurthy has suaded from her mission if even at night via Kamareddy, Wednesday around 3 p.m.” Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Odisha and Kusumadhara. drawn the ire of social acti- she revealed her idea, Rajia Gajwel, Nalgonda, Addanki “My story has gone viral Maharashtra. Tourism sector stares city rain max min city rain max min at 70% job loss In a statement, Dakshina vists for stating that three Begum set out with a pack of and Ongole. Concern over on social media after one of Agartala...... -....37.2....23.2 Kozhikode...... 1.0....36.6....24.9 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Kannada Superintendent of people who were roaming rotis and a 5 litre petrol can the safety of her son over- my colleagues posted it on Ahmedabad...... -....40.6....24.4 Kurnool ...... -....40.1....23.4 The tourism and hospitality Police B.M. Laxmi Prasad around with quarantine on the morning of April 6 took her fear of loneliness WhatsApp. On the way back Aizawl...... -....33.8....18.0 Lucknow...... -....36.0....18.3 Allahabad...... -....40.6....19.2 Madurai...... 2.9....37.8....22.2 sector is staring at a potential said stringent action would seals on their hands were and reached Nellore the fol- while traversing State and home, mediapersons at Ka- Bengaluru ...... 33.2....33.4....18.6 Mangaluru ...... -....35.6....25.2 job loss of around 38 million, be taken against those who Muslims, while they did not lowing day. National Highways. mareddy hosted lunch for Bhopal ...... -...... -....22.1 Mumbai ...... -....33.8....24.0 which is around 70% of the try to create communal belong to the community. She travelled all alone Her daily drive of 25 km to us,” she said. Bhubaneswar...... -....36.8....24.6 Mysuru ...... 7.3...... -....21.6 workforce, leading Chandigarh ...... -....34.0....16.8 New Delhi ...... -....36.2....17.0 Chennai ...... 9.2....33.5....24.4 Patna ...... -....38.7....19.9 accounting and audit firm Coimbatore ...... 0.8....33.8....21.2 Port Blair...... -....32.1....24.7 KPMG says. The tourism and Dehradun...... -....32.0....15.1 Puducherry ...... -....34.5....25.4 aviation sector was the first Gangtok...... -....25.6....10.3 Pune...... -....38.1....18.8 industry to take a hit. Many Goa...... -....34.4....24.3 Raipur ...... -....36.8....21.2 Kerala girl sketches Spanish street, wins hearts Guwahati ...... 13.6....30.6....16.4 Ranchi...... -....35.7....21.0 believe this crisis is a greater Hubballi...... -....36.0....22.0 Shillong...... -....23.2....18.5 threat than the earlier ones, Hyderabad ...... 18.0....35.2....21.5 Shimla...... -....21.6....11.2 such as 9/11 and the financial Imphal ...... -....30.8....16.3 Srinagar...... -....20.5...... 6.8 Work depicted an ‘eerie’ locality during the pandemic Jaipur ...... -....38.0....22.0 Thiruvananthapuram...... -....34.2....25.6 meltdown of 2008-09, Kochi ...... -....33.2....26.0 Tiruchi...... 45.0....36.0....22.8 KPMG pointed out in a report M.P. Praveen Kohima ...... 4.8....21.5....12.3 Vijayawada ...... -....33.0....22.0 Canadian singer Celine replicated the scene from Kolkata ...... -....36.5....26.2 Visakhapatnam ...... -....32.0....25.6 “Potential impact of KOCHI COVID-19 on the Indian Dion’s My Heart Will Go On the video,” said Ms. Sheha- (Rainfall data in mm; temperature in Celsius) economy.’’ For Shehana Fathima, a 20- in the middle of March had na, a self-taught painter who Pollutants in the air you are breathing Yesterday year-old engineering student gone viral. is still basking in the glory of CITIES SO2 NO2 CO PM2.5 PM10 CODE Maldivian nationals to from Thrikkakara, the even- completely unexpected adu- Ahmedabad..... 43 .32 17 ....54 ...80 ....* be flown back today Bengaluru ...... - .07 38 ....90 ...... - ....* In observation made at 7.00 ing of March 24 will always Musicians take notice lations. Chennai ...... 07 .26 24 ....78 ...... - ....* p.m., Nandesari, Gujarat, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM recorded an overall air I be memorable. The youngster was on cloud Hoping to go further in Delhi ...... 26 .34 19 ..200 .136 ....* quality index (AQI) score of The Maldivian nationals Just an hour before the nine when hardly a couple of the world of arts, she is now Hyderabad ...... 05 .90 46 ....27 ...34 ....* 106 indicating a moderate stranded in Kerala for the last Kolkata...... 10 .13 18 ....37 ...41 ....* level of pollution. In Prime Minister announced a hours later she posted the using the lockdown period Lucknow...... 04 .24 59 ..154 ...... - ....* contrast, Ramanagara, three weeks will be Karnataka, recorded a 21-day nationwide lockdown, image, both the musicians to master digital drawing Mumbai ...... 04 .09 07 ....53 ...95 ....* healthy AQI score of 21. evacuated on Saturday on the budding artist posted on praised her work, with Mr. tools. Pune...... 40 .14 50 ....50 ...48 ....* * two flights to the island Instagram a pencil sketch Torrent even promising to Visakhapatnam 07 .45 06 ....39 ...67 .... nation. Maldivian, the that portrayed two artistes repost it from his Instagram Other mediums Air Quality Code: * Poor * Moderate * Good (Readings indicate average AQI) country’s national airline, will 2 Sulphur Dioxide. Short-term exposure can harm the respiratory system, serenading an eerily empty account. Having started with painting SO : operate the first flight Q2 making breathing difficult. It can affect visibility by reacting with other air 6702 at 10.20 a.m. from the Spanish street from their bal- Later, the partner of one two years ago, the youngster particles to form haze and stain culturally important objects such as statues conies even as quarantined of the artistes also personally has since then moved on to and monuments. Thiruvananthapuram NO2: Nitrogen Dioxide. Aggravates respiratory illness, causes haze to form by international airport. The neighbours emerged on messaged her. other mediums and a wider reacting with other air particles, causes acid rain, pollutes coastal waters. Dash 8-300 aircraft can their balconies to enjoy the “The video was going canvass. CO: Carbon monoxide. High concentration in air reduces oxygen supply to music. around for a while, and that “I plan to conduct an exhi- critical organs like the heart and brain. At very high levels, it can cause accommodate 50 passengers. dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and even death. The second flight Q2 6700 The video of noted Span- inspired me. It took me a day bition and even a workshop PM2.5 & PM10: Particulate matter pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, from here to Male is ish pianist Alberto Gestoso to complete the picture. Ac- once I have enough collec- nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, reduced scheduled for departure at Play on: The pencil sketch of a Spanish street during the and saxophone player Alex tually, I don’t know how to tion of works,” Shehana lung function, irregular heartbeat, asthma attacks, heart attacks and premature death in people with heart or lung disease 12.45 p.m. COVID-19 epidemic drawn by Shehana Fathima. Lebron Torrent performing draw buildings, and I simply Fathima said.

CM A CH-CHE YK

CHENNAI THE HINDU 6 EDITORIAL It’s your lucky day. Plain read the entire page. Nothing SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEnew. All are just observationsEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE from last week’s news.

Against Trump, and the Democratic machine Democrat voters did not want to risk voting for Bernie Sanders, but Joe Biden is a !awed candidate That concern was not entirely but had no infrastructure to make he has won in the three times he justi"ed. Throughout February, that happen. Given his agenda, Mr. has run for the presidency in 32 Mr. Sanders led Mr. Trump in ev- Sanders’ appeal was considerable: years (1988, 2008, 2020). At the Lives and livelihoods ery poll by between 2% and 8%. but it did not take su#cient root best of times he is a terrible candi- The early States he performed well beyond his base. date. On the stump he rambles Centre must spend more, forego tax revenues in — Iowa, New Hampshire, Neva- His prospects went south when hopelessly, losing himself midsen- to protect livelihoods during lockdown Gary Younge da — were all the kind of swing the voting went South. The "rst tence, wandering into rhetorical he government is in the process of applying its States Democrats need to win in state in the former Confederacy to cul-de-sacs and is overly tactile November. vote, South Carolina, was the "rst with women. He told a crowd in mind on whether it should extend or lift in phas- t 11.30 on Monday morning, But the more he won among De- in which the African American Houston he was looking forward Tes the 21-day lockdown that ends next week. The there was a queue of cars, mocrats and threatened to break vote was decisive. Mr. Biden won to Super Thursday and once con- choice for Prime Minister Narendra Modi now, as when Atwo vehicles deep and sev- the mould the more those who AP handily. Democratic grandees fused his wife and his sister, who he decided to impose the lockdown on March 24, is the eral miles long, for the Greater had been set in that mould, insist- It was not his programme they would have settled for anyone but were both on the stage with him. same — between saving lives and ensuring livelihoods. Pittsburgh Community Food Bank ed he would lose against Mr. did not like. African Americans Mr. Sanders. The trouble is, until And these are not the best of He rightly privileged the former over the latter then. in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, wait- Trump. The con"dence in his un- were more likely to support un- South Carolina, they did not have times. The trouble is not just his But as India nears the end of the lockdown period, the ing for the two boxes of food of- electability sat somewhere bet- iversal health care and free college anyone. performance but his politics. He fered when it opens at noon. Every ween a script and an incantation, tuition than any other ethnic As Mr. Biden rose, other cen- was an enthusiastic backer of the serious damage to the economy and livelihoods is be- week the lines get longer. recited dutifully and earnestly by groups. It was either him or his ca- trist candidates — some of whom North American Free Trade Agree- ginning to make itself apparent. There is tremendous Two days later, Bernie Sanders, the media and political establish- pacity to achieve those goals, they had been outperforming him — ment, the Iraq war, deregulation pressure from industry bodies to opt for a nuanced pol- the left-wing challenger for the De- ments, most of whom had insisted were unconvinced by. pulled out and endorsed him. Af- and social security freezes, which icy that will help economic activity to restart as they mocratic presidential nomination, that Mr. Trump could never win “I think African Americans, par- ter Super Tuesday, when, apart does not leave him with much to fear a collapse if activity is stopped for another fort- withdrew from the race and the presidency. ticularly older ones, have learned from the big prize of California, take on Mr. Trump with. night. Lives could be lost to hunger and livelihoods sa- vowed to back the presumptive If he won the nomination not not to expect too much from De- Mr. Sanders won little else, his And so it is that after three-and- cri"ced in the lockdown. One way to sidestep this exis- nominee, former Vice-President only would he be running against mocratic politicians,” explains candidacy was e!ectively over. a-half years that have seen the lar- Joe Biden. Mr. Trump but the Democratic Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a Prin- But the political questions it gest demonstrations in U.S. histo- tential dilemma is by bringing on a second round of an machine. After he won Nevada ceton professor in African Ameri- raised are more pertinent than ev- ry, including two women’s march- economic relief package that goes well beyond the "rst America on the edge and it looked like no clear conten- can studies. “Because that’s what er. That line in Duquesne, which is es and a youth-led protest against both in terms of the "nancial commitment and the The coronavirus has made the der had yet emerged, Matt Ben- they usually get.” more than "ve times bigger than it gun control, we end up with a 77- spread. Out-of-the-box ideas for delivering support and case for universal health care, a nett, of the moderate group, Third His other key vulnerability was was at the start of the pandemic, il- year-old man who is to the right of also for raising the required funds might be required. welfare state and tackling inequal- Way, told Politico: “It’s this incred- younger voters, who did back him lustrates the transformative na- Hillary Clinton. For starters, it is clear that the government should con- ities in a manner that Mr. Sanders ible sense that we’re hurtling to — including, it should be noted, ture of this crisis. The day after Mr. Mr. Biden won the nomination sign "scal conservatism to the cupboard for now and go was unable to. Even before the the abyss. I also think we could younger African Americans — but Sanders withdrew, unemploy- by not being Sanders; but not be- pandemic struck, a signi"cant por- lose the House. And if we do, there did not turn up in su#cient num- ment rose by 6.6 million bringing ing Trump may not be enough to all out to spend and support the economy. Economists tion of the country was on the would be absolutely no way to bers to make a di!erence. Mr. San- the number who have lost their seal the deal in November. A poll are unanimous that there is little option now but to brink: four in ten American adults stop [Trump]. Today is the most ders had predicated his potential jobs in the last three weeks to 16 two weeks ago showed he attract- print money and spend. That is exactly what the deve- could not withstand an unexpect- depressed I’ve ever been in on his ability to change the electo- million. Recovering from the glo- ed the lowest recorded amount of loped countries are doing. ed $400 expense. Now they have politics.” rate by galvanising non-voters. If bal economic depression, we are ‘strong enthusiasm’ among his The ₹1.7-lakh crore package announced by Finance been pushed over the edge. they were not going to show up about to experience demands of a own supporters for any Democrat- Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 26 was a good The trouble, for Mr. Sanders, is Cornerstone constituency then a crucial part of his coalition thoroughgoing structural alterna- ic presidential hopeful in the 20 start but barely accounted for 1% of GDP. India should the lesson came too late and too There was no justi"cation for this would be missing. tive to neo-liberalism. That is what years of polling. Mr. Trump’s base spend at least 5% of GDP for now — about ₹10-lakh few people believed that he was bed-wetting. But concerns about In this sense, Mr. Sanders’ pre- Mr. Sanders was suggesting: that is remains "red up. either capable of defeating Presi- his electability were not entirely carity was, at its root, similar to why the establishment was so des- Coronavirus has made a volatile crore. The cash transfers to the poor should be hiked to dent Donald Trump or getting his unjusti"ed either. Despite consid- that of his counterpart in the Unit- perate for him to lose. electorate and a fragile political at least ₹3,000 a month for the next three months. This agenda through Congress or both. erable and concerted e!orts, he ed Kingdom, the former left-wing culture even more unpredictable. should be in addition to free rations and cooking gas, as Put bluntly, in a moment when failed to convince African Ameri- leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy On Biden Anything could happen. Both Mr. was announced earlier. In the harvest season, farmers progressives believe American de- cans that his candidacy was viable. Corbyn. Their ascent was disor- Clearly, that alternative is by no Biden and Mr. Sanders represent- need logistical support for moving their produce to mocracy is in peril at the hands of That is no small thing. African ganic. They did not emerge from a means the only scenario; Mr. ed a risk. But Mr. Sanders was a markets. Lenders, including NBFCs, should be granted an egomaniacal right-wing dema- Americans are the cornerstone of deeper movement seeking electo- Trump could win and things can risk worth taking; Mr. Biden is the freedom to reschedule their loan accounts so that bor- gogue, too many liberals thought it the Democratic coalition: the par- ral representation that could sus- get even worse. risk we are now stuck with. was too great a risk to stand a sep- ty has only won the presidency tain them, but were, instead, the But a Biden candidacy is by no rowers are not under pressure to repay for fear of turn- tuagenarian Jewish socialist from with the white vote alone once — product of a broad, amorphous, means a risk-free proposition. Far Gary Younge is a professor of Sociology at ing delinquent. A credit guarantee fund that will sup- Vermont who had a heart attack in 1964 — since the Second World alienated sentiment that sought from it. There is a reason why Manchester University and the former port non-delinquent borrowers for the next six months six months earlier. War. electoral remedy through them South Carolina was the "rst State U.S. correspondent for The Guardian will be a good option. Such a fund can be "nanced through a domestic bond o!ering. The bankruptcy code should be suspended for the next six months, at least for MSMEs. And why not a GST holiday for the Team India and winning the pandemic battle next three months? The loss of revenue will be ₹3-lakh crore at worst, but in reality will be much lower than The ability to quell the epidemic is linked to political will and professional skill shaping a multi-sectoral response that because economic activity is at a standstill now. and will we gain further by extend- should quickly gear up our testing on their toes, avoiding a poor Such a move will ease cash $ows for business and also ing it fully or partially? Will we be capacity to meet this mapping health system response (loose obviate the need for statutory compliances at a time in a position to gear up the capac- mandate. Hotspots should be balls), supply chain delays when the focus will have to be on getting businesses ity of our health system for e!ec- identi"ed, based on numbers of (dropped catches) and social dis- tive public health and health-care self-referred symptomatic cases, tancing violations (mis"elds). No back on track. The crisis now is without precedent and responses across the country with- persons identi"ed on home visits huddles please! the solutions cannot be conservative. Generous sup- K. Srinath Reddy in the next few weeks if there is a and population survey results. port from the government, and quickly delivered, is the surge in cases? How can we triage These should be ring fenced, with Focus on health services need of the hour. our response strategies to best use intense search for contacts and ac- We also need to make sure that our

hen will we move CO- our limited resources? Are there KONWAR RAJ RITU tive spreaders, with further local- health-care system provides time- VID-19 from a tense pre- favourable factors which suggest counselling, severity-based care ised lockdown as needed. ly and competent care to all who Stage fright Wsent to past tense? That that India will have a less extensive and social support. Potentially fa- The height of summer in June need. Primary health-care facili- Limiting transmission in hotspots depends question hangs perplexingly and spread or a milder manifestation vourable factors for India are the may also give us some respite, if ties, district hospitals, public and lies posed before an embattled of illness? What kind of partner- younger age pro"le and a higher not full relief. There is some evi- private tertiary care institutions on a wider tracing and testing strategy world and an anxious India. As we ships need to be mobilised in the rural proportion of our population dence that this virus too, like other have to gear up with equipment ven after the Health Ministry on March 28 ack- look to the possible end of the 21- country to develop and deliver an compared to China, Europe, the coronaviruses, is likely to wane in and augment human resources nowledged on its website that there was “limited day national lockdown, what next? e!ective response? United States or other highly af- hot weather. Other suggestions, of drawn both from trainees and reti- community transmission”, India’s national task- Is there an early timeline for re- fected countries whose popula- protection from malaria endemici- rees. Considering the higher risk E turn to normalcy or will we have to Moving forward tions are older, urban and highly ty and past BCG vaccination, are to older health-care providers, the force for COVID-19 continues to deny it. Now, a paper in wait for years to regain the vigour The impact of a three-week lock- mobile. However, this enjoins us speculative and based on correla- "rst line of care should be formed the Indian Journal of Medical Research, by ICMR and and the vitality of life as before in a down on reducing infectivity can- to energetically protect the elderly tion studies which do not qualify by younger sta! members who Health Ministry researchers, provides evidence of com- reconnected world? not be gauged well till the third and rural segments of our popula- for inference of causation. Crowd- will have milder e!ects even if in- munity transmission in 36 districts in 15 States. The stu- week because the virus has an in- tion. Restricting urban to rural ed living conditions and propensi- fected. The older sta! members dy is based on sentinel surveillance undertaken by the Self-reliance is the way cubation period that can extend movement to essential goods and ty to have myriad mass gatherings, can provide supervisory support. task force among severe acute respiratory infections India has to chart its own strategy, up to 14 days, though the vast ma- essential needs, for at least six for political, religious or social rea- This will prevent attrition of the (SARI) patients who have been hospitalised in public whether it is in planning a staged jority of cases clinically emerge by weeks after the lockdown ends, sons, can be our undoing if we do health workforce due to exhaus- release from the lockdown or in 11 days. Whether there are already will help. The health, nutrition not enforce discipline. tion or illness. Temporary hospi- sector institutions to identify the spread and the extent developing domestic capacity for infected cases that will spread out- and "nancial security of the poor Even if some factors favour us, tals for treatment and isolation fa- of transmission of COVID-19 disease in the community. medical equipment. There will be doors after the lockdown will be must be ensured. Elderly persons our ability to quell the epidemic cilities for persons on quarantine If there were 1.9% (two of 106) SARI cases positive for a need for scienti"c and economic gauged by clinical criteria (syn- too should observe social distanc- will depend on how well political may need to be set up at short not- the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the end of March third week, cooperation with the rest of the dromic surveillance) and testing ing and limit visits outside home will and professional skill can ice. Industry must produce essen- the number increased to 104 by April 2. Of the 102 coro- world, but self-reliance is the rud- (using viral or antibody tests as infor this period. Essential economic shape a coherent, countrywide tial medical equipment and drugs navirus positive SARI cases tested between March 22 der that must steer our ship as we dicated). House-to-house surveil- activity can be resumed in stages. multi-sectoral response. Think of to meet our needs and, if capacity and April 2, 40 (39%) had no travel history or contact sail through these rough seas. Glo- lance being implemented in And- We would be entering June by it as a game of cricket. Even if the permits, assist other countries. balisation lies shredded as we read hra Pradesh, even during the this time. By then, we should have pitch conditions favour us, we still This has to be our game plan, with a positive case; data on exposure were not availa- of French and German o#cials lockdown, involves accredited vil- a better picture of the spread and have to play well to win. If CO- with $exibility to change the "eld ble for 59 (58%) cases. If more than 1% of SARI patients protesting at the Americans seiz- lage and block level volunteers severity of the epidemic in di!e- VID-19 is the batsman scoring free- settings and bowling options as we tested positive for the virus in 15 States, at 21 (3.8%), ing shipments of masks that they partnering front line health work- rent parts of the country. That ly, the health system is the bowler reassess the situation periodically. Maharashtra had the most number of coronavirus pos- had ordered from China, in what is ers to identify symptomatic per- would need a greater level of test- trying to tie him down and get him Let us get going, to win this match itive SARI cases in eight districts followed by Delhi (14 being called “guerre des masques” sons for later visits by medical ing to detect both asymptomatic out. Full support is needed from as Team India. cases; 5.1%), Gujarat (13 cases; 1.6%), and West Bengal (9 (war of the masks). teams. The involvement of desig- and symptomatic persons who the other sections of the govern- cases; 3.5%). Kerala had just one SARI patient testing For charting our course ahead, nated volunteers and community- have been infected, through ran- ment who form the close-in "eld Dr. K. Srinath Reddy is President, Public we have to answer several ques- based organisations can greatly dom population sampling in di!e- and the citizens who are guarding Health Foundation of India. The views positive. The authors point out that antibody-based tions. Did the lockdown bene"t us enhance case detection, isolation, rent parts of the country. We the out-"eld. Everyone has to be expressed are personal testing carried out in those testing negative for molecular test could have helped identify more positive cases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR With community transmission, or the third stage, Letters emailed to [email protected] must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials. now being con"rmed in 36 districts, an expansion and To read more letters change in testing strategy has become imperative in the Managing the pandemic When they face so much pharmaceutical and I There appear to be some resistance to self- online, scan the QR code high focus areas for the lockdown to be more meaning- With much of the world in disruption, it would be electrical "elds could cost us di!erences of opinion among declaration in some parts of ful. Though the taskforce has not openly declared com- the grip of the pandemic, naive to expect them to dear. The return of State governments and the India. Insurance companies I It is sad that the iconic munity transmission, it is reassuring to note that the there is growing reach out to the developing expatriates due to job losses Centre on many issues may be asked to roll out a dabbawalas of Mumbai are apprehension about the countries to the level is going to hit us hard, when related to the COVID-19 COVID insurance model. staring at starvation due to ICMR has already initiated changes in the testing strate- extent of devastation the expected of them. we are struggling with an containment strategy such as Another step would be to the 21-day nationwide gy in response to the change in the pattern of commun- virus will leave behind Kamal Laddha, employment crisis. The idea the lockdown period and reward those who call the lockdown (Page 1, ity spread. On April 9, the ICMR revised the testing stra- (‘World’ page, “‘Half a Bengaluru of globalisation in the ensuring social welfare. The health authorities on their “Lockdown robs Mumbai’s tegy for hotspots/clusters and large migration billion people face poverty present environment may time has come to act in own with some incentive. dabbawalas of lunch”, April gatherings/evacuees centres. While the criteria for test- due to virus’,” April 10). I The Indian government will look far fetched when the tandem. Having di!erent sets The award can also be given 10). The 5,000-odd ing across India remain the same, the testing norms for What the globe is have to act fast with relief globe is under a recessionary of lockdowns will only result to informers such as dabbawalas have been a the high focus areas will now include people with in- experiencing today is an measures to bring about trend. Instead of waiting for in confusion and increase neighbours and symbol of Mumbai’s extraordinary situation some semblance of sanity in COVID-19 to abate, the the risk of the virus shopkeepers. The identity of resilience to any crisis, $uenza-like illness (ILI) with certain symptoms. Antibo- where even most of the various critical areas such as government should set up a spreading. There needs to be patient and informer must be man-made or natural, and it dy testing should be carried out whenever molecular developed world is reeling health, infrastructure and high-level task force a clear message on this (Page kept secret. would certainly have been a tests on these patients turn out negative. It is important under the viral onslaught. employment. Countries straightaway — made up of 1, “Odisha becomes "rst State Awareness of COVID-19 is di#cult decision to make as to include antibody testing along with molecular testing Their sheer helplessness in hitherto adopting a give-and- "nancial experts and to extend lockdown till April important — the ground they have never stopped when necessary in the high focus areas. Together with not having anything ready take policy could be forced representatives from various 30”, April 10). reality can shock a person — their service. containment measures, this approach will help in snap- o! the shelf to deal with the to adopt protectionism in a industries — to handle the There are also attempts by so a mass campaign on every It is all the more painful that ping the transmission chain. Syndromic surveillance of virus medically has only more strident manner. Our economy. ‘Make in India’, private and public possible platform is a must. these committed men have aggravated their exports may get impacted. now in slumber, needs to be organisations to make The message of self-isolation, now been left to struggle. all SARI and ILI patients along with quick and e!ective desperation. The impact of We may have to pay a higher given a new lease of life cheaper ventilators. The quarantine, hygiene should Perhaps their services can be tracing, quarantining and testing of their contacts the ongoing disruptions to price for import of raw (OpEd page, ‘Parley’ – “Will government needs to bring be conveyed in an easy to used in a better way as they should be the way forward now. How well India res- their economies can never materials not indigenously COVID-19 a!ect the course of all such organisations under understand way and in a form a vital link in the great ponds now will determine whether the spread is con- be assessed until normalcy manufactured. Our globalisation?”, April 10). one umbrella and provide its number of local languages. city. tained quickly or leads to more cases and deaths. returns, but it would be on dependence on China for V. Subramanian, support. Rishin Pal, R. Sivakumar, an unprecedented scale. raw materials required in the Chennai There also appears to be New Delhi Chennai

CM A CH-CHE YK

The story of India’s largest COVID-19 cluster Despite government orders prohibiting large gatherings, more than 4,500 people assembled at the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz in mid-March. Saurabh Trivedi recounts the events of the week when costly mistakes were made

On March 30, the evacuation exercise at the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz started with the help of the local police. (Below): People leave for hospitals from the Markaz at Nizamuddin after showing symptoms of COVID-19. * R.V. MOORTHY , PTI

t was a letter that arrived sometime pitals from the premises. A medical surge in COVID-19 cases. And how did despite the lockdown, “many persons vernment quarantined 275 foreign na- said the o$cer. on March 25 evening that announced camp was established outside the build- the Delhi Police, under the jurisdiction have gathered at the centre in Nizamud- tionals in various mosques. All of them In a press release issued on March 31, Ithe beginning of a nightmare. The ing for screening purposes. of the Ministry of Home A"airs, fail to din”. He warned of legal action. had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event. the Tablighi Jamaat said that the pro- letter, which con!rmed the Delhi auth- detect the presence of such a large gath- In another letter to the police on How were they given visas? A senior of- gramme at the Nizamuddin Markaz was orities’ worst fears, landed at New Del- Process of evacuation ering? Did this not amount to a huge in- March 29, Yousuf said that further ef- !cer with the Foreigner Regional Regis- discontinued immediately after the hi’s South-East district administration With many members still inside, on telligence failure? forts to vacate the premises had been tration O$ce said that most of the fo- Prime Minister announced a Janata Cur- from the district administration of the March 30 morning, a white canopy tent The Delhi government had passed stopped due to the lockdown an- reign nationals visiting India as a part of few to be held on March 22. “However, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It stated was erected outside the Markaz. The two orders restricting the size of gather- nounced by the Prime Minister. Tablighi Jamaat team had come on the due to the sudden cancellation of rail that all the six patients who had tested evacuation process started with the ings. The !rst order, passed on March On March 30, the Delhi government strength of the tourist visa. Any person services across the country on March 21, positive for novel coronavirus in the is- help of the local police. They barricad- 13, prohibited more than 200 people asked the Delhi Police to register an FIR entering the country on a tourist visa 2020, a large group of visitors who had lands had one thing in common: they ed the entire area to prevent others in from assembling at one place. Another against Maulana Mohammed Saad, the cannot indulge in any missionary activi- to depart by way of railways got stuck had all returned from a gathering at the the neighbourhood from coming into on March 16 prohibited gatherings of Delhi head of the Markaz. A Delhi Police ty and the Ministry of Home A"airs had on the Markaz premises,” it said. Markaz (Centre), the headquarters of contact with those emerging from the more than 50 people. Both orders were o$cer said that the Tablighi Jamaat Mar- already issued guidelines on this, he the Tablighi Jamaat, a conservative Is- Markaz. The Health Department set up violated by the Jamaat members. The kaz had applied for passes for only 12 said. “There is a separate visa category A communal colour lamic organisation, in New Delhi. The a help desk at the tent. Each person police too failed to enforce the orders. vehicles, and all public transport to the for missionary activities which allows Away from the Delhi hotspot, and six of them had attended a large conven- coming out of the Markaz was thermally When the Delhi Police were asked Markaz had been banned. How could overseas missionaries to work long- spread across half-a-dozen districts of tion with more than 4,500 people from screened. Their names, addresses and about their correspondence with the Ja- they evacuate 1,500 people using only term in the country if they are associat- Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the world over. their duration of stay at the Markaz maat, a senior o$cial told The Hindu 12 vehicles, he asked. ed with a registered organisation,” said the Mewat region, predominantly inha- The nightmare for the authorities were noted. After their thermal screen- that the Delhi Police verbally informed On March 31, the Delhi Police regis- the o$cer. bited by Meo Muslims, is the birthplace was that all the attendees and their con- ing was completed, attendees were the members about the Delhi govern- tered an FIR against Maulana Mo- Besides the 275 foreign nationals, of the Tablighi Jamaat. The region has tacts had to now be traced and quaran- asked to walk with their luggage to- ment’s order. “The Markaz is a huge hammed Saad and six other o$ce-bear- 1,744 asymptomatic people were moved been divided into 18 blocks for the pur- tined to prevent further spread of the wards the main road, about 50 metres building. It has !ve #oors and two base- ers charging them with “deliberately to quarantine centres in Narela, Wazira- pose of the activities of the 94-year-old deadly virus. Until this information away, through a barricaded corridor ments. The police never go inside it,” he and wilfully” allowing a huge gathering bad, Dwarka, Jharoda Kalan and other religious organisation. While Mewat has came, India’s e"orts in combating the erected by the police to prevent the said. The police o$cer said the police on the premises, an act that posed a places, and were closely monitored. lost its pre-eminent stature to Delhi, Sa- COVID-19 pandemic were con!ned to spread of infection in the locality. About had sent out letters to the o$ce-bearers threat to many lives. Delhi’s Education Minister and Deputy dar Shura Majlis Ilaka Mewat, Mufti Mo- screening travellers who had come from 70 buses were arranged to transport the of the Markaz on March 19 and 24 asking In his complaint, the SHO of Niza- Chief Minister Manish Sisodia requested hammad Zahid Hussain, told The Hindu abroad. attendees from the Markaz to various them to come to the Nizamuddin Police muddin Police Station said that on all those who attended the Markaz in that the region was preferred to other hospitals or quarantine centres in the Station on March 24 to meet with the March 21, the Delhi Police contacted the March to report to the authorities. “If regions for hosting the congregation of Chalking out a plan city. Bus drivers of the Delhi Transport SHO, Mukesh Walia. At the meeting, Wa- authorities of the Markaz and reminded you do not come forward or if you are ill the Jamaat workers, known as “Jod”. The Delhi police, the district adminis- Corporation (DTC) were provided haz- lia asked them to clear the building at them about the Delhi government’s and are hiding it, then action will be ta- The last Jod was held from December 21 tration, and the Delhi government’s mat suits and other protective gear that the earliest, he said. A video of the March 16 order. The Jamaat was direct- ken against you,” he said. In Tamil Na- to 23 at the Nuh Idgah. It saw the partici- Health Department quickly huddled to- covered their faces. Each bus accommo- meeting was released by the Delhi Pol- ed to send the foreign delegates back to du, the Health Secretary issued a hu- pation of several thousand workers. gether for a meeting. Their agenda was dated about 30 persons. ice after questions were raised over the their respective countries, and the In- manitarian appeal as the number of “Only dedicated Jamaatis with more to chalk out a plan to trace everyone An o$cer with the Health Depart- role of the local police in allowing the dians to their respective cities and those testing positive for COVID-19 and than four months of association with who had attended the convention at the ment said that the process of shifting gathering. towns. On March 24, a meeting was held had attended the event in March began the organisation are allowed to partici- Markaz between March 12 and March the Jamaat members to hospitals and Maulana Yousuf from the Markaz at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Police Station to spiral in the State. “You are patients pate in the Jod,” said Hussain. 22. The attendees at the congregation quarantine centres was an onerous wrote to the police on March 25 stating between the SHO and the o$cer-bear- and we will treat you like that. Please He said that the Jod held in Mewat had been divided into several groups. task. “We had to save our own men from that they had vacated 1,500 people. Ho- ers of Tablighi Jamaat, the FIR stated. voluntarily report,” she said. Many and other regions was separate from the Each group had attended a two-three getting infected. We noted down the de- wever, 1,000 people remained in the The FIR also referred to an alleged came forward. Jamaat programmes held at the Niza- day workshop. Many of them had left, tails of the attendees. We erected a tent premises, he said. “We still have more audio recording, purportedly of Maula- muddin Markaz all through the year. but many of them continued to stay at outside the building and sanitised the than 1,000 people from di"erent States na Saad, in circulation on WhatsApp on Preventing spread of the virus About 1,000-1,500 Jamaatis from across the Markaz. This was because a day-long entire area with the help of the Delhi in the building. As per your direction, March 21, in which the speaker is heard On April 2, the Nizamuddin area was de- the world are present at Markaz to parti- Janata Curfew on March 22 and the 21- Police. The DTC bus drivers also played we contacted [the respective] SDMs asking his followers to defy “the lock- clared as a containment zone, after ma- cipate in various programmes at any gi- day national lockdown announced by an exemplary role in shifting people to [Sub-Divisional Magistrates] for vehicle down” and social distancing and in- ny positive cases of COVID-19 were ven point in time, he said. “Hundreds of Prime Minister Narendra Modi begin- the hospital. We did all this to the best of passes so that we can send the remain- stead attend religious gatherings of the found. In order to prevent further delegates keep visiting the Markaz all ning March 24 had made it virtually im- our ability,” he said. ing people to their respective places,” organisation. spread of the virus, movement restric- through the year. The problem was that possible for the Jamaat members to Even as these e"orts were being ta- the letter said. “You [the police] are the- A Delhi government o$cial, who was tions were put in place. To prevent in- this time they were stuck there due to leave the Markaz. So, quickly evacuat- ken, news broke late on the night on refore requested to kindly approach the part of the evacuation team, said, “If fection, 12 policemen of the Nizamud- the cancellation of trains and #ights being the premises, sanitising the building March 30 that six people who had re- SDM for early action. We are ready to you put 2,000 people in a closed build- din Police Station, who were part of the cause of the Janata Curfew and the sud- and placing the attendees in quarantine turned from the Markaz at Nizamuddin comply [with] all your directions.” In ing, everyone is bound to test positive. evacuation operation, said they shaved den announcement of the lockdown. was also on the team’s agenda. The oc- had died after testing positive for CO- the March 25 letter, Yousuf also in- It was bad timing for faith and a pan- their heads. A policeman said that this The embassies were duly informed cupants at the Markaz, all in close prox- VID-19 in Telangana. Hearing this, the formed the area SHO that they were try- demic to clash.” was their attempt to keep themselves about their visit, so it is wrong to say imity in the building in the crowded team in Delhi charged with evacuation ing to shut down the Markaz as directed In order to decongest the Markaz, safe as they were closely involved in the that the Markaz violated the lockdown,” area of Nizamuddin in the capital, were developed cold feet, but nevertheless by him the previous day. many of the occupants were shifted to evacuation operation. Every corner of said Hussain. There are reports from perhaps unaware of the presence of the continued with their duty. They evac- On March 28, the Assistant Commis- various mosques in the National Capital the police station was sanitised by a across the country on the number of Ja- invisible, malevolent virus in their uated 2,361 people from the Markaz. sioner of Police (Lajpat Nagar), Atul Ku- Region. In a joint operation, the Delhi team of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) maatis infected, but why is all the em- midst. When the last batch shu%ed out of the mar, wrote to the Tablighi Jamaat that Police, Special Branch, and the Delhi go- and the 50-metre passage used by the phasis on the Jamaatis and their con- The immediate plan was this: for !ve premises on April 1, the team heaved a occupants of the Markaz was washed tacts, he asked. “If samples of only days, from March 26 to March 30, a big sigh of relief. with disinfectant. Jamaatis are collected, of course only team supervised by the Sub-Divisional A day after a team of the DFS went in- they will test positive,” he said. Magistrate of Defence Colony, Vinod Ku- Violating orders side the Markaz and disinfected the pre- Following the identi!cation of the mar Yadav, would inspect the building. As members of the Jamaat were being mises, a team of the Health Department cluster, Tablighi Jamaat members have The team, in its report to the Deputy evacuated, questions piled up. How had inspected it. “The Markaz teaches to become an easy target on social media. Commissioner of South-East Delhi, Har- so many people gathered at the Markaz obey the rule and law made by the go- They have been accused of “spreading leen Kaur, #agged several concerns. It when warnings had been issued about vernment of the state. It [the gathering] the virus” and being “careless”. With reported that there was no social (phys- the serious threat posed by the deadly was never intentional but it is unfortu- social media and some TV channels ical) distancing being maintained bet- virus across the world? The reckless- nate that this happened,” said a Maula- fuelling hatred against Muslims, the ween the members of the Jamaat. They ness of the Tablighi Jamaat aside, how na who did not wish to be named. Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Ta- were not wearing face masks. And there had the Ministry of External A"airs A Delhi Police o$cer said extensive mil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala were no sanitisers on the premises. By granted visas to foreigners to attend the data mining has been carried out to and Maharashtra have warned people the time the evacuation process started meeting? The gathering had included identify each individual who attended against communalising the issue and on March 29, some members of the Ja- people from Indonesia, Malaysia, Ne- the religious congregation or stayed in painting one community as the perpe- maat were already coughing and com- pal, Afghanistan, France, Italy, Myan- the building. “We are preparing lists of trator. plaining of having a headache and a fev- mar, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Thai- their contacts. We are preparing the Hussain agreed. “It is an injustice to er. The fear was becoming real: they land, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the U.K., pro!le of each individual and sharing it give this event a communal colour. It is were all showing signs of SARS-CoV-2. Singapore, Belgium, Tunisia, the U.S. with the concerned State police. Most of against democracy,” he said. On March 29 night, at about 9 p.m., 34 and Kuwait. At the time, some of these the people who attended the congrega- people were immediately shifted to hos- countries were already witnessing a tion went back either by bus or train,” With inputs from Ashok Kumar

CM A CH-CHE YK

FROM PAGE ONE Choked supply lines to be cleared Punjab extends No proof of community Centre to consider truck movement, harvest while deciding on extending curbs lockdown till May 1 transmission: Ministry Nistula Hebbar of bene!ts under the Prad- CM to convey decision to Modi today NEW DELHI han Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Reports from State Health ing to these sites have to be Stoppered supply lines with Yojana as well as close coor- SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT infrastructure was not bur- Departments put the death tested. At least 10-20 sites in trucks waiting on highways, dination with NGOs and oth- CHANDIGARH dened. “There was general toll at 252 with 6618 active every district have to be se- the ongoing harvest season er organisations for the Punjab on Friday extended consensus in the medical cases. Maharashtra report- lected and sample collec- and procurement of food- same. the lockdown till May 1 amid community that the lock- ed 197 fresh cases even as tion facilities have to be ar- grains in various parts of the “It was pointed out that apprehension of communi- down curbs would only de- the death toll in the State ranged there. Sites will have country are some of the is- there were many people ty spread of COVID-19. lay the spread of the dis- climbed to 110 to be increased in a locality sues that will inform the kind who did not have a ration On Thursday, Odisha ex- ease,” he said. The ICMR had randomly if community transmission of lockdown the country will card to get the free grain dis- tended the lockdown till tested samples from labora- occurs,” Dr. Iype Joseph, an continue to have post April tribution undertaken by the April 30. Role of private hospitals tories in 52 districts in 20 epidemiologist at the Rajiv 14. Question of priority: Rural areas are likely to get priority government and the instruc- A meeting of the State Ca- At the meeting, the Cabinet states. As of now, nearly 280 Gandhi Centre for Biotech- Government sources said during the phasing out of the lockdown. * PTI tions were to distribute binet, chaired by Chief Mi- approved the Punjab Clini- districts have reported con- nology in Thiruvananthapu- that smoothing the supply grains to all,” said a govern- nister Capt. Amarinder cal Establishment (Registra- !rmed cases. ram, told The Hindu. lines that have still to be the spread of COVID-19 is nounce his decision on the ment source. Singh, also decided to pre- tion and Regulation) Ordi- Independent epidemiolo- At the daily media brief- seamless and the harvest likely to be sent out. continuation of the lock- “In Jharkhand and at least vent overcrowding at ba- nance to make private gists said the ICMR still had ing, Mr. Agrawal said India and procurement season On Friday, Punjab Chief down after consulting the two divisions of Bihar, there zaars during the wheat har- hospitals join the battle too few surveillance sites to needed about 1 crore hy- have complicated the deci- Minister Amarinder Singh Chief Ministers through a vi- were reports of shortages of vesting and procurement against COVID-19. The Chief detect CT evidence and droxychloroquine tablets sion on the kind of lockdown said each district with deo conference on Saturday, supplies and instructions season. Minister was authorised to ought to be expanding it and had stocks nearly three to have. groups of farmers would be harvesting and movement of were given to address these,” Capt. Amarinder will con- approve the !nal draft of the manifold. times that. “Harvesting is very impor- given speci!c dates for bring- trucks will be likely exempt. said the source. “If needed, vey the decision to Prime Bill. “Sentinel site surveil- “Arrangements for addi- tant, as is procurement as ing their crops to the mandis At a meeting held by P.K. Food Corporation of India Minister Narendra Modi at The ordinance would lance of all SARI (or at-least tional two-three crore ta- there are standing crops and for procurement and the Mishra, Principal Secretary stocks would be unlocked to the latter’s video-confe- provide for the registration all X-ray positive pneumo- blets have been made and they need to be taken care number of mandis would be to the Prime Minister, with make sure there was enough rence with the Chief Minis- and regulation of clinical es- nia) is essential for getting through private sector two of. Mandis do not lend them- increased from 1,900 to over the empowered group of of- supply.” ters on Saturday, an o"cial tablishments in a profes- an idea about the spread of crore tablets had been sent selves to social distancing,” 3,000 to make the opera- !cials set up to tackle the CO- With most economic ac- statement said. sional manner to ensure COVID-19. All cases report- to the !eld,” he added. said a government source. tions smaller, leading to few- VID-19 crisis, on Friday, the tivity at a standstill due to compliance of clinical stan- Various micro plans are be- er crowds. issue of shelters being run the lockdown, it appears Grim projectins dards and protocols and ing considered for various Such district speci!c for migrant workers and the that harvesting and procure- Citing grim projections of transparency in their func- States and an overall adviso- plans are being sought from homeless was also brought ment at least, will be ex- the impact of the pandemic, tioning for fair and proper Scarcity of drugs, devices ry on how to go about en- every State. up. Mr. Mishra emphasised empted from it, while big ur- the Chief Minister said cur- delivery of health services forcing the behaviour re- While Prime Minister Na- that “data sanctity” be main- ban areas will continue to be few-like restrictions were es- to the common man, said imminent, govt. told quired for the prevention of rendra Modi is likely to an- tained to ensure the transfer under strict lockdown. sential so that the medical the statement. Citing multiple factors res- their vehicles on highways ponsible for the impasse at or dhabas and returned to Sonia concerned over several pharma units in the their native places. Unless Bihar o#cial’s letter sets o! alarm country, the letter has iden- they are allowed to reach ti!ed the unavailability of la- their vehicles, those vehi- low number of tests bour, transport and courier cles will be left stranded and ‘Alleged infected individuals likely to cross Nepal border into India’ services as the biggest pro- thus would be out of circula- blems, along with the clo- tion,” the letter pointed out. Amarnath Tewary formation, but there was no Jalim Mukhia, The Hindu alerting them to the “move- ‘Cong. ready to play its role in the !ght’ sure of ancillary industries Even drivers who are not Patna evidence yet on the ground. has learnt from sources, is a ment of suspected Corona that are not being consi- stranded in between trips Bihar’s Home Secretary “We are in touch with our criminal involved in arms positive Indian Muslim na- SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT dered essential by local ad- are unwilling to take up Amir Subhani has forwarded district superintendents in smuggling on the India-Ne- tionals from Nepal to India.” NEW DELHI ministrations and the police work due to the “fear of ill to the Union Home Ministry border areas and keeping a pal border. Several cases are “Input received from very Reviewing the Congress’s ef- despite the Home Ministry’s treatment by the police, a letter sent by the District strict vigil on movement of pending against him in local reliable sources that one per- forts to provide relief to peo- directions. stoppage of vehicles on Magistrate of West Champa- people,” he said. police stations in the border son, namely Jalim Mukhia, ple hit by the three-week State, district and city bor- ran warning that nearly 200 In the “con!dential” letter districts. The District Magis- r/o Vill-Jagannathpur, Post— COVID-19 lockdown, party Constraints on labour ders, and lack of food and Indian Muslims, believed to (No: 1250, dated April 7, trate, however, could not be Janki Tola, P/S-Serwa, Distt- president Sonia Gandhi on Reverse migration of labour diesel on the route” the let- be infected with COVID-19, 2020), District Magistrate contacted. Local journalists Parsa (Nepal), is planning to Friday expressed concern and local workers not re- ter noted. are likely to cross the Nepal Kundan Kumar asked his quoted him as saying “it was spread pandemic in India. over the low testing and porting to work due to lack “There is a dire need to border into India. subordinate o"cials to deal a routine thing.” He is also involved in smug- shortage of testing facilities. <> The economy was of public transport options not only address the appre- “We have forwarded the strictly with “any suspicious On April 3, Commandant gling of Arms & FICN [fake Ms. Gandhi agreed on a already in crisis, and the fear of police action, hensions of these drivers letter to the Union Home Mi- movement”. The letter ref- of the 47th battalion of SSB Indian currency notes] from Corona Action Strategy that and now it seems combined with family and but also to motivate/incen- nistry and everything is un- ers to intelligence informa- posted at Pantoka in Ram- Nepal to India. He has also will seek to utilise the net- that di!culties will local community pressure, tivise them (with insurance, der investigation,” Mr. Sub- tion received from the 47th garhwa on the Indo-Nepal taken responsibility to cross work of party workers na- increase has made it di"cult to oper- etc.),” it said. hani told presspersons. Battalion of the Sahastra See- border in West Champaran Indian Muslims working in tionwide. She also hoped Sonia Gandhi ate factories even at lower The Department of Phar- The State’s Director-Gen- ma Bal (SSB) that a person district had sent a letter (No di#erent Muslim countries that the Union government Congress president than normal capacity, the maceuticals, entrusted with eral of Police, Gupteshwar named Jalim Mukhia from 5039-40 U/2130) addressed during lockdown,” said the would come out with a plan department says. ensuring the seamless pro- Pandey, said the letter was Nepal has been planning to to the District Magistrate and one-page letter marked to deal with the situation are su#ering the most,” the The letter urged the duction and distribution of written based on veri!ed in- spread COVID-19 in India. Superintendent of Police “Con!dential / Urgent.” arising out of the prevailing Congress chief said. Home Ministry to allow the critical life-saving medicines lockdown. “The lockdown is going pharma industry to ‘ferry in the wake of the lockdown E Addressing Pradesh Con- to put a lot of burden on our back their contractual work- to contain the COVID-19 gress Commitee (PCC) economy. The economy was ers from their native places’ pandemic, also reiterated its Lockdown chiefs from across the coun- already in crisis, and now it and make courier services concerns about ancillary in- Priyanka urges Adityanath try via videoconferencing, seems that di"culties will ‘fully functional’ in metro ci- dustries that it had raised in alone won’t Ms. Gandhi said the party increase. We have to be rea- ties as well as Tier 1 and Tier an earlier April 3 letter to was ready to play its role in dy for it,” she added. 2 cities. Courier services are the Home Ministry. help: Yechury to emulate Rajasthan example the country’s !ght against Congress leader Rahul ‘crucial in ensuring move- “Ancillary suppliers of in- COVID-19. Gandhi, in an open letter, ment of medicines and med- puts, including packaging Special Correspondent She urged party col- hailed accredited social ical devices… is not adverse- material, excipients (re- New Delhi Congress leader writes to Chief Minister on !ght againt virus leagues to take it up with health activists, auxiliary ly a#ected during the quired for tablets and cap- As the Union government their State governments the nurse and midwives and An- lockdown,” Mr. Vaghela sules manufacturing), utility mulls an extension of the Special Correspondent Along with increased test- need to ramp up testing, ganwadi workers for their noted. consumables like bri- lockdown to further con- New Delhi ing, all those categorised as provide PPEs for the corona role in the !ght against the quettes/gases (required to tain the spread of CO- Congress general secretary ‘Mild to Moderate High Risk warriors, !nancial package pandemic and said “they Truckers’ troubles run boilers) and spare parts VID-19, CPI(M) general se- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has Cases’ should be immediate- for them and economic re- are true patriots” who toil to State and district adminis- are not able to operate/sup- cretary Sitaram Yechury urged Uttar Pradesh Chief ly treated to prevent any lief for the vulnerable sec- keep communities safe in trations need to be sensi- ply…” the letter had said. on Friday said that lock- Minister Yogi Adityanath to pressure on intensive care tions. the midst of this grave tised and nudged to be Apart from directives down alone would not help increase testing for CO- units of hospitals, she noted. “Due to the lockdown, crisis.” proactive to ful!l the need from the Home Ministry and unless it was backed by in- VID-19 and cited the exam- Ms. Vadra also asked for im- the poor labourers left for In another development, for pharma units to function the Pharma Department to creased testing to identify ple of Rajasthan. provement the ‘isolation their villages, and our work- the Congress urged Prime fully, the Pharma Secretary State governments on the is- and isolate hotspots. In a letter to Mr. Aditya- ward quarantine facilities’, ers got down to help them. Minister Narendra Modi to said, mooting that drivers sue, the National Pharma- “Merely extending the nath, dated April 9 and re- keeping in mind human dig- Even today, all over the impress upon the United with commercial licences be ceutical Pricing Authority lockdown and thereby in- leased by the Congress on nity, as reports of poor hy- country, Congress workers States not to terminate the allowed to move with or (NPPA) had also written to creasing the economic mis- Friday, she said, “It is essen- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra giene from some of the facil- from every district are en- H-1B visas of Indians living without a vehicle by treating all State Chief Secretaries on ery and chances of people tial to increase the rate of ities had come in. gaged in this work,” she in the country. it as a ‘pass’ during the lock- March 26 after it learnt of losing their livelihood, testing in Uttar Pradesh. In a spread of the infection by With reports of communi- said. “The sword of H-1B visa down. the problems facing pharma can’t be allowed to happen State like U.P. with massive the virus. Rajasthan’s Bhil- ty transmission coming in, The Congress chief also job termination looms large “Many drivers… have left !rms. in order to contain the population, increased test- wara saw work on war-foot- the government should in- mentioned that she and Ra- on the heads of an estimat- spread,” he said at a press ing can prove to be an e#ec- ing as 24 lakh people were crease awareness among hul Gandhi had written to ed 75,000 Indians, with the conference. tive way to contain the screened in just 9 days, ag- clusters, as people tended to the government and made United States giving them Mr. Yechury said that spread of the virus.” gressive testing was done hide their disease. “Please suggestions over the battle only a 60-day period to !nd UAE o!ers to "y in there had to be a staggered The letter, in Hindi, said, and the infected people make sanitizers and masks against the pandemic. “We a new job in case of a lay-o#. withdrawal of the lock- “South Korea, with a popula- were identi!ed. The popula- available on a war-footing hope that the government There are 3,09,986 Indians down by opening up clus- tion of 6 crore, tested 6 out tion in U.P. is nearly 23 and inform the people as to comes out with a plan to working on H-1B visa,” Con- stranded Indians ters free of COVID-19 pa- of every 1,000 persons and crores but the sample sent how and where they will get meet this challenge. The gress chief spokesperson tients. managed to prevent the for testing is 7,000.” them,” she said. poor, farmers and labourers Randeep Surjewala said. The repatriation o#er would consisting of travellers, stu- be available only to those cidents and stranded tourists tizens una#ected by the vi- in various parts of the globe ral outbreak, Dr. Al Banna who want to return home. It Pannun, SFJ said. is believed that a substantial CBI asks o#cials not to free Wadhawans The assurance comes on number of these citizens are booked for a day when Kerala Chief Mi- in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as They face nister Pinarayi Vijayan these are two prominent IPS o"cer sent on leave for issuing travel permit sedition sought the intervention of aviation hubs that serve warrants in Prime Minister Narendra India. Yes Bank case special correspondent Mahabaleshwar on April 8 over 20 family members, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Modi to persuade the UAE to The Ambassador said the Mumbai despite the lockdown. were detained at CHANDIGARH ensure that the large work- UAE has introduced one of SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The State government sent Mr. Wadhawan and his Mahabaleshwar for violating The Punjab police on Fri- force of Keralites in that the “most comprehensive NEW DELHI Principal Secretary (Special) brother Dheeraj are DHFL prohibitory orders. State day booked Gurpatwant country was e#ectively insu- programs” to diagnose the The Central Bureau of Inves- Amitabh Gupta, on promoters, and co-accused Home Minister Anil Singh Pannun and his lated from the risk of expo- novel coronavirus infection tigation (CBI) has asked the compulsory leave following in a case of cheating and Deshmukh also announced banned group Sikhs for Jus- sure to COVID-19. and has tested more than District Magistrate and the the controversy over money laundering an inquiry into the matter tice (SFJ) for seditious auto- In a letter to Mr. Modi, Mr. half a million samples in the Superintendent of Police of allowing DHFL chairman registered against Yes Bank by Additional Chief mated calls aimed at insti- Vijayan said Keralites, who country to contain spread of Satara, Maharashtra, not to Kapil Wadhawan and his 22 co-founder Rana Kapoor. Secretary Manoj Saunik and gating people against the made up the bulk of blue the virus. release Kapil and Dheeraj family members to travel Late on Thursday night, asked him to submit a State during the lockdown. collar workers in the Emi- Prime Minister Narendra Wadhawan without its con- from Khandala to both brothers, along with report within 15 days. Cases have been regis- rates, lived in crowded facil- Modi has so far held several sent or a court order. Kapil Wadhawan CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC tered under Section 124 A ities in cities such as Dubai rounds of telephone conver- Non-bailable arrest war- of IPC, and Sections 10 (a) and ran a high risk of con- sations with the regional rants are pending against the Superintendent of Police for On March 7, the CBI regis- Kapil Wadhawan was tion, notices under Section and 13 (1) of Unlawful Activ- tracting the infection. heads of governments of the Wadhawans in the Yes Bank not releasing them without a tered the case against the named as the promoter-di- 41-A of the Code of Criminal ities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Kerala was worried about Gulf region since the CO- case registered by the CBI in no-objection [certi!cate] Wadhawans, former Yes rector of DHFL and Dheeraj Procedure were served on said Director General of the safety and well being of VID-19 pandemic. He spoke March. from the CBI or a court or- Bank managing director and Wadhawan as the director of them. But they did not turn Police Dinkar Gupta. its diaspora in the Gulf, the to Sheikh Mohammed Bin “On April 9, we received der,” a CBI o"cial said. chief executive o"cer Rana RKW Developers Private Li- up,” the o"cial said. “Since the spread of the Chief Minister said, seeking Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown information that the accused The local administration Kapoor and others in con- mited. A Mumbai special court is- COVID-19, Pannun and his Central intervention. Prince of Abu Dhabi on were located in Satara and has also been told to ensure nection with the lending of Two days later, the CBI sued non-bailable arrest war- associates were found to be The Ministry of External March 26 during which the were lodged at a government that the accused do not $ee. ₹3,700 crore to DHFL alleg- conducted searches. “Both rants against the Wadhawan disseminating seditious A#airs has not yet respond- Crown Prince assured his quarantine centre at Panch- According to the CBI, the edly in lieu of ₹600 crore in the accused were not found brothers on March 17. But content on social media to ed to the UAE’s o#er. New government’s support to the gani. Thereafter, an email Wadhawan brothers have investments in an entity on their premises. There- they did not appear before frustrate the already dis- Delhi has said there are at large Indian community in was immediately sent to the been absconding since the linked to Rana Kapoor’s fa- fore, in order to secure their either the CBI or the court, tressed masses of Punjab,” least 25,000 Indian citizens the country. District Magistrate and the investigation started. mily. presence for the investiga- said the CBI. a statement said.

CM A CH-CHE YK

IN BRIEF India well-equipped: Vardhan 23 members of a family in Minister says country is unlikely to face an ‘unmanageable crisis’ from COVID-19 Bihar’s Siwan test positive SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT authorised 39 manufactur- NEW DELHI ers to make such equipment The borders of three districts have been sealed India is unlikely to face an locally. Jallianwala Bagh memorial to remain shut “unmanageable crisis” from “From next week, 10 lakh Special Correspondent Patna NEW DELHI COVID-19, Health Minister PPEs are expected, as well as The Union Ministry of Culture Harsh Vardhan said at an on- 48,000 additional ventila- As many as 23 members of a said on Friday that the line conference organised by tors,” he said. family in a village in Bihar’s Jallianwala Bagh memorial in the India Foundation. He Siwan district have tested Amritsar would remain closed was addressing international Hails health o!cials positive for COVID-19, taking to the public till June 15, as delegates, according to infor- He also addressed a confe- the total number of cases in planned renovation works mation on his o"cial Twitter rence with health o"cials the district to 29. The bor- had been affected by the handle. from various States and ders of Siwan, Begusarai and coronavirus pandemic. The Were matters to deterio- “congratulated them” for Nawada districts have been memorial has been closed rate, India had enough in- keeping the situation under sealed by the State adminis- since February 15 and was frastructure to tide over the control, according to a state- tration to prevent the spread supposed to open on April 13, crisis, he said. ment from the Press Infor- of the disease. Long wait: Bene!ciaries waiting to withdraw relief money ending the year-long “We have 500 dedicated mation Bureau. He exhorted In the village under Ragh- from their bank accounts in Patna on Friday. * RANJEET KUMAR commemoration of the COVID-19 hospitals, Ready for challenge: A municipal worker spraying disinfectant all States to establish at least unathpur block of Siwan, a centenary of the Jallianwala 200,000 beds across hospi- in a makeshift hospital in Mumbai. * AADESH CHOUDHARI one dedicated COVID-19 hos- youth had returned from Siwan has become the hot- lage and drones are monitor- Bagh massacre. On April 13, tals and 50,000 ICU beds. pital in every district. Oman on March 21 and had spot in Bihar. A sizeable pop- ing the movement of people. 1919, British forces opened We have ordered everything in place to contain the pan- places and improving hospi- States ought not to be ne- mingled freely with the resi- ulation in the district belong One company of Bihar Mili- fire on unarmed Indians at in plenty. In the last two demic. For more than 15 cas- tal accommodation capacity. glecting the treatment/medi- dents, even playing cricket to the minority community tary Police and State Disas- Jallianwala Bagh, killing months, we have ensured es in a district, we have a “In another way, CO- cal needs of pregnant wo- with friends. After his sam- and nearly 60,000 work in ter Response Force person- hundreds of people. adequate testing facilities. ‘large outbreak’ strategy and VID-19 has come as a bless- men, dialysis patients and ple tested positive on April Gulf countries. The village nel too have been deployed We started with one lab and for less than 15, a cluster con- ing in disguise” he re- those su!ering from thalas- 4, 22 of the 28 members of from where 23 members of a to sanitize the area. The Divi- Assam records first today we have over 200. Ov- tainment strategy, he said. marked. Until now, India semia and must improve ac- his family, including several family tested positive has a sional Commissioner of Sa- COVID-19 death er 150 are public labs.” According to guidelines had largely relied on import- cess to mobile blood women and children, too population of over 5,000, ran, along with top district GUWAHATI released by the ICMR this ing Personal Protective donation. were found infected. Six oth- with nearly 900 households. o"cials, is monitoring the The local authorities on Friday Multiple strategies week, both strategies involve Equipment for health care Everyone should down- er people from di!erent vil- It is 31 km from the Siwan situation in the village. The declared a mosque in As on Friday, the Ministry active surveillance for cases workers. However, with ris- load the Arogya app as it lages of the district too have town and 5 km from Raghu- villagers have appealed that Guwahati a ‘containment has reported 6,761 cases and and contacts in an identi#ed ing local demand and shor- would help assess the risk of tested positive. nathpur block. all of them be tested as the zone’, hours after Assam 206 deaths. Dr. Vardhan said geographic zone, expanding tages, the government had, infection, the press state- With 29 positive cases out The Siwan district admi- youth had moved around recorded the first COVID-19 India had multiple strategies testing to all at risk in these via the Ministry of Textiles, ment added. of the total 60 in the State, nistration has sealed the vil- quite freely. death from Hailakandi district. Officials said about 100 people, including eight who had returned from the Bhilwara breaks virus Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi’s 20 more health workers test positive in Bhopal Nizamuddin, had attended a congregation at the Athgaon transmission chain Kabarstan Mosque on March Among them are 2 junior resident doctors; the number of cases in M.P. capital goes up to 119 12. Two of the returnees had Staff Reporter tested positive, as did Bharat Yojana. Two junior 11-day-long “all-down curfew” helped Bhopal another person who attended resident doctors from a go- Mohammed Iqbal the congregation with them. Twenty more health workers vernment medical college tested positive for COVID-19 here, who have been en- JAIPUR in Bhopal on Friday, taking gaged in COVID-19 duties, al- The “ruthless containment” 18 went home from the number to 70 in the city, so contracted the disease on model adopted in Bhilwara, quarantine without check the Bhopal district adminis- Friday. which emerged last month LUCKNOW tration said. This comes a week after as the worst-a!ected district A village pradhan was booked The number of cases in the #rst case from the Health in Rajasthan, has succeeded and a panchayat secretary Bhopal soared to 119 as 24 Department, of an IAS o"c- in breaking the chain of no- and lekhpal were suspended fresh cases were reported. er tasked with procuring vel Coronavirus transmis- in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur Health workers, including drugs and equipment for pu- sion. Among the 27 CO- Of the 27 positive cases district on Friday after 18 doctors and others engaged blic healthcare institutions, VID-19 positive cases found reported, 25 patients persons quarantined in a in combating the outbreak in was reported. earlier in the textile city, 25 have been cured. primary school building were Madhya Pradesh, make up The o"ce of the State Di- patients have been cured of allowed to leave without a E 59% of the cases in the city. rectorate of Health Services the infection and 15 dis- on Thursday. He has medical inspection for As the infected o"cials has been sanitised multiple charged from hospital. claimed that he had no tra- COVID-19. The incident is the latest in a series of lapses don’t have any travel or con- times as most of the o"cials Bhilwara Collector Rajen- vel or contact history. reported from quarantine tact history, the Health De- who had contracted the dis- dra Bhatt said on Friday that Daulat Meena, a physi- centres in rural areas of the partment is yet to locate the ease were not #eld workers, the remaining 10 persons, cian at the Mahatma Gandhi State, where people, source of the disease, which but those who devised stra- who were under observa- Government Hospital who especially migrants who has visited even the Princi- tegies at the o"ce. The virus tion, would be discharged in treated some of the pa- recently returned from other pal Secretary, Public Health has infected 13 police per- a couple of days. The two el- tients, told The Hindu that States, have escaped from and Family Welfare, and the sonnel and their families in For safety gear: An o"cial paci!es contract workers of a government hospital in Bhopal derly people who died after the regimen was decided af- quarantine before time. CEO of the State Ayushman the city. on Friday after they staged a protest against low-quality personal protection equipment. * PTI testing COVID-19 positive re- ter studying the contact and portedly had co-morbidity medical history of each of and other medical compli- them. “The right combina- cations, while one of them tion of drugs and multiple Maharashtra cases Tablighi was also in a state of coma testing at regular gaps en- Gujarat records 116 positive when he was tested. sured timely recovery of pa- members Since April 3, when an ag- tients. Since most of them mount to 1,574 gressive 11-day-long “all- were sta! members of a COVID-19 cases and 2 deaths infected down curfew” started with private hospital, they knew 13 new deaths reported across State even essential services be- that the illness could be fatal Special Correspondent ing curtailed, only two new if not managed properly.” Staff Reporter The total number of positive cases has increased to 378 AHMEDABAD cases have been reported in The containment model PUNE Dharavi reports The novel coronavirus in- the city of 4 lakh people. involved some meticulous Maharashtra recorded a Special Correspondent fection is spreading to Teams of health workers strategies adopted in several surge of over 200 new CO- 11 new cases AHMEDABAD more districts in Gujarat. have screened a population phases, including isolation VID-19 positive cases for the Staff Reporter In the largest single day On Friday, seven cases of 24 lakh in the entire dis- of the district with its bor- second consecutive day on Mumbai spike, 116 new cases of the were reported in Bharuch trict and conducted contact ders being sealed, screening Friday as the cumulative tal- Eleven more residents of novel coronavirus infection in the #rst occurrence of tracing of COVID-19 patients in the city and in rural ly shot to 1,574, while the Dharavi tested positive for and two deaths were re- COVID-19 in the district. on a war-footing. areas, and sending the peo- death toll rose to 110 with 13 COVID-19 on Friday, taking corded in Gujarat on Friday. They are all members of The only patient infected ple showing symptoms to new deaths being reported the number to 28. Among The total number of posi- Tablighi Jamaat from Tamil with Coronavirus and being home quarantine and the from across the State. the new cases are #ve tive cases has increased to Nadu and Haryana, who treated in the district is a 47- con#rmed patients to isola- In a now-familiar pattern, persons whose samples 378, and 19 persons have had arrived here for year-old teacher, who was tion wards. This was fol- Mumbai once again record- were collected during a died so far. preaching in villages of detected positive in the lowed by a rigorous moni- ed the maximum deaths - 10 medical camp at Mukund Two persons died in Ah- Bharuch. screening by a medical team toring in the villages. and the maximum cases Nagar on Thursday and a medabad and Gandhinagar. “Seven cases have been -132, of the 210 fresh cases as 26-year-old man who lives in Till Friday, Ahmedabad ac- reported from a village in the city’s tally itself exceed- Rajiv Gandhi chawl. counted for seven deaths Bharuch. They are all Ja- ed 1000 cases on Friday, DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD and Surat four. So far, 33 in- maat members, #ve from →standing at 1008. fected persons have reco- In full swing: A worker spraying disinfectant in a residential Tamil Nadu and two from One death each was re- than 35 cases being record- vered and discharged from complex in Ahmedabad on Friday. * VIJAY SONEJI Haryana,” a top o"cial ported from Pune, Vasai-Vi- ed across the district, taking hospitals. from Bharuch told The rar and Panvel, said State the #gure to 245 while Pune On Thursday and Friday, 103 samples are pending. from Vadodara, 27 from Su- Hindu. health authorities. city alone exceeded 200 the State recorded 195 cases Gujarat’s Health Secre- rat and 22 from Bhavnagar. He said they stayed in a About 85% among the 13 cases. and three deaths. tary Jayanti Ravi said the “We are doing more tests mosque and were asked to new deaths had high-risk In fact, the number of State had increased the and have identi#ed clusters undergo a test. comorbidities like diabetes, cases in Pune city has nearly 7,718 samples tested number of testing, so more from where larger number DGP Shivanand Jha said asthma and hypertension, doubled over a four-day As per the details released cases were coming out. of cases have emerged. Sur- a total of 130 people had said o"cials while 188 per- span, shooting from a 100- by the Health Department, The infection has now co- veillance has been intensi- been identi#ed in the State sons have recovered and odd positive cases earlier a total of 7,718 samples have vered 20 of the 33 districts. #ed in these clusters as part who had attended Tabligh discharged so far. this week to its current tally been tested in the State and However, Ahmedabad re- of the containment strate- Jamaat’s congregation in The tally of positive cases of 207. 378 of them have returned mains the main hotspot, gy,” a top o"cial of the State Delhi in March. Of them, 13 in Pune district continued The district has reported positive and 7,237 negative. with 197 cases. Fifty-nine government told The Hin- tested positive, including to rise as well with more 25 deaths so far. The reports in respect of cases have been reported du. one who died.

CM A CH-CHE YK

Mobile link must for PF BSF told to suspend border passes withdrawal Home Ministry asks States not to allow social or religious gatherings or processions during lockdown Yuthika Bhargava Vijaita Singh was a lot of resistance among areas along the border is ing people to not let Bangla- Damini Nath New Delhi the local people. such that the zero line passes deshis enter their homes as NEW DELHI The Border Security Force The Ministry has also through the houses of villag- they might be COVID car- Employees’ Provident (BSF) has been asked to sus- asked the States to maintain ers, one part in India and the riers,” a senior BSF o$cial Fund account-holders who pend all passes given to “appropriate vigil on social other in Bangladesh. There told The Hindu. do not have a mobile num- farmers to tend to crops, es- media” against the circula- are around 60 villages in India had sealed all its ber linked to Aadhaar may pecially along the densely tion of objectionable con- North, South 24 Parganas land borders on March 23. Crucial move: Following a Supreme Court court order, a few not be able to withdraw populated Bangladesh bor- tent, the communication and Nadia districts of South India shares 4096.7 km bor- laboratories have started free testing. * AP money immediately under der, in the wake of the CO- adds. Bengal located right up to der with Bangladesh and a government scheme to VID-19 pandemic. the zero line. Only 42% of the 3323 km border with mitigate the economic im- The border guarding force Security review area is fenced owing to the ri- Pakistan. pact of the novel coronavi- is in a !x as the West Bengal Home Minister Amit Shah re- verine and complex land In the meeting with BSF Some private labs rus outbreak. government is yet to issue viewed the border security boundary. o$cials, Mr. Shah directed The Employees’ Provi- guidelines restricting the arrangements along Pakistan Amit Shah “The district o$cials in that vigil on the border may dent Fund Organisation ac- movement of farmers as the and Bangladesh borders West Bengal say they have be intensi!ed. o!ering free tests cepts only online claims. A harvest season is on. through video conferencing who cross the border gates not received any written In another communica- key requisite is an Aadhaar- Following the directions on Thursday. He spoke to or zero line to attend to their communication from the tion, the Ministry directed linked mobile number on issued by the Union Home around 50 o$cials in the !elds. Cultivation is allowed State government, so they the States and Union Territo- Guidelines on compensation awaited which the EPFO sends a Ministry to “not allow a sin- !eld. A senior government in the open area beyond the cannot issue any order. But ries to ensure strict com- one-timeKey password Features (OTP). gle Bangladeshi” to enter In- o$cial said the BSF had been fences and up to the zero to implement the Minstry’s pliance with lockdown mea- Jacob Koshy every step,” Arjun Dang, But online update of mo- dia, the BSF on Friday wrote asked to suspend all kind of line or international directions, we have moved sures and not to allow any NEW DELHI CEO, Dangs Labs, told The bile numbers is not al- to the State government to passes given to people dwell- boundary. the personnel right up to the social or religious gathering Some private laboratories Hindu in an email. lowed for security reasons. address the issue as there ing along the border and The topography in some border and are also sensitis- or procession. have said they were o#ering “Private laboratories are The government-sponsored health insurance scheme will provide free coverage of up tof reeRs testing 5 forlakh COVID-19 per fol- bfamilyarely able to recoverper costs lowing a Supreme Court di- at the government-mandat- year at any government or even empanelled private hospitals all over India for secondaryrective and on Wednesday. tertiary Ho- edmedical cost of ₹4,500. Also, the Ayushman wever, some of them noted routine work of laboratories Indiacare facilities. has enough stock of HCQ, says Centre that it was unsustainable un- owing to the lockdown has listing for less the government reduced drastically and Modicare will be available for 74 crore beneficiary families and about 50 crore Indian citizens.stepped in soon Under with guide- thekeeping process, this in mind we Countries that received clearances for import of the drug express gratitude to government pvt. hospitals lines on how they could be hope the government 80 percent of beneficiaries, based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data in thecompensated. rural and thecomes urban up with modalities so Suhasini Haidar ing paracetamol stocks for However, Congress MP Special Correspondent Every test costs the go- that testing in private units NEWareas, DELHI have been identified. his country. Shashi Tharoor criticised the NEW DELHI vernment ₹4,500 and 67 remains sustainable. We are The Union government on Exports of HCQ and para- government for the move. The National Health Auth- private laboratories author- currently following the SC’s FridayThere said India is had no “su$ restriction- on the basis of familycetamol size, were age banned or last gender.He alleged that it was not ority has launched express ised by the Indian Council of orders and doing the test cient bu#er” of the much-in- week but the government putting “India !rst”. empanelment to bring a Medical Research (ICMR) free of cost while awaiting demandAyushman drug hydroxychlo- Bharat is unlike other medical insuranceoverturned the ban onschemes April External where A#airs Ministry therelarge is numbera waiting of private periodacross the for country pre-existing were further clarity,” he said. roquine (HCQ). Export of the 6, allowing the Ministry of o$cials said exports were hospitals under Ayushman charging the same until the Arokiaswamy Velumani, drugdiseases. to several countries All had kinds of diseases are covered Efromxternal A #dayairs (MEA) one and ofbeing the cleared Ayushman for more than Bharat Bharat Pradhan Mantri policy. Jan S upremeThe Court benefit issue the or- covermanaging director of the begun, it said. the Department of Pharma- a dozen countries in three Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) der. The court had directed Mumbai-headquartered includesResearchers believe both there pre and post hospitalization expenses.ceuticals to assess requests categories: humanitarian to ensure continued essen- the government to issue Thyrocare Technologies, is a chance that the drug can from various countries. aid, aid to neighbouring tial treatment for serious guidelines. said his organisation had treatThe coronavirus expenditure infection incurred in premium paymentTwenty-four will other drugs be that sharedSAARC countries, between and com- Centralillnesses such and as cancer State“We Governments endorse the Su- conducted in a some 20 free but it is yet to be clinically were put on a restricted list mercial orders to countries and heart ailments. preme Court’s judgment, tests since Thursday. “The proven.specified ratio. The funding for the schemei nwill March havebe been shared cleared s uch– 60:40as the U.S. forand Brazil, all statesWith the and launch ofUTs this withwhich aims their at increasing own the glegislature,overnment ought to have “A lot of requests of HCQ for export as well. who have pushed the most new mechanism, Hospital accessibility to COVID-19 immediately issued guide- are90:10 already there in and Northeast taking In demand: statesIndia has lifted and the ban threeon the export Himalayan of some states of Jammufor the release andof HCQ orders Kashmir,Empanelment Himachal Module t estingand and Uttarakhandto make it a#or- lines regarding and reimburse- into view the domestic stock drugs, including hydroxychloroquine. * AP Domestic estimate for which their companies (HEM) Lite, patients su#er- dable for the common man . ment and compensation,” and100% requirement Central and keep- funding for UTs without legislature.“In the next week, we will re- had made payments. “We ing from serious illnesses However for private labora- he told The Hindu. ing su$cient bu#er, a deci- medical supplies, which had !ght this pandemic. India is quire one crore [10 million] are in the process of provid- such as cancer, cardiac is- tories, there are numerous Of the 67 laboratories of- sionThe was taken NHPS by the Group willbeen draw held up for additional weeks after ready to resources do whatever is pos- fromHCQ tablets the for Health domestic ing and humanitarian Education aid in the s uesCess and diabetes and that also re- cdependosts such as reagents, on con- fundingfering tests, fromat least 50 have of Ministers to release some the Directorate General of sible to help our friends,” Mr. use. We have over 3.28 crore. form of pharmaceutical and quire continuous treat- sumables, skilled manpow- licensed kits and diagnostics ofStates the surplus medicineto boost for Foreign the Trade Central banned them allocation.Modi tweeted in reply The to Mr. premiums[So] this will complete are the oexpectedther items, including to HCQ be inment the will range be able toof `Rser and infrastructure 1,000 – specif- ` 1,200from internationalper !rms, export purposes,” Health Mi- for export. Netanyahu. “India is com- entire month’s require- & paracetamol, to SAARC continue getting inpatient ics. The pandemic also calls which add to the costs. nistryannum. Joint Secretary Lav Israeli Prime Minister mitted to contribute to hu- ment,” Mr. Agarwal said, dis- countries and to Mauritius services without the fear of for immense infection con- The test being o#ered is Agarwal said. Benjamin Netanyahu and manity's !ght against this missing reports of domestic and Seychelles. We would al- contracting the infection. trol measures like personal the real-time reverse tran- TheThe government’s NHPM move (NationalBrazilian President Health Jair Bol- p andemic,”Protection he tweeted Mission) to shortages of HCQwill as a resultpay sforo be providing the hospitalisationthese items “The mechanism costs will also ofprotective its beneficiaries equipment,viral- scriptase through polymerase chain won it many expressions of sonaro thanked Prime Minis- Mr. Bolsonaro. Acting British of the decision. Another 2 to some countries in Africa help in empanelling dedi- transport media and the reaction test (RT-PCR) that gratitudestrategic from countries purchasing that ter Narendra Modi from for the de- publicHigh Commissioner and private also crore hospitals. were in production, he and Latin America,” an MEA cated COVID-19 hospitals,” need to keep sanitation and can detect the presence of receivedNOTE: clearances for their cision. “We have to jointly thanked Mr. Modi for releas- added. o$cial told The Hindu. noted a release. employee safety in mind at the virus.

INTERVIEW | DEREK O’BRIEN "Strategic purchasing" means active, evidence-based engagement in defining the service-mix and volume, and ‘Anyselecting lockdown the provider mixhas in toorder be to maximizehumane’ societal objectives. Wellness Centres: The 1.5 lakh sub-centres that are converted into wellness centres will cater to majority of Tservicesrinamool MP such says West as Bengaldetection will never and have treatment a blanket closure of cardiovascular of facilities diseases, screening for common cancers, mental Sandeep Phukan prises international public ration to 8 crore people for health, care ofhealth the and elderly, policy experts eye care, etc. six months. Can the State Derek O’Brien, Trinamool with impeccable interna- manage this given its huge CongressThe leader wellness in the Rajya centrestional credentials. will They will also offer a set ofd ebtservices backlog? including maternal and child health services, mental health Sabha, has said that though have their meeting today. I The Centre owes Bengal theservices party had raised andthe red vaccinationsThe second group is a team against selected ₹communicable61,000 crore, ₹36,000 diseases. !ag about COVID-19 in early of health experts including crore of which is backlog. MBenefitsarch, it was not taken se- doctors from Bengal who un- The Chief Minister has writ- riously. Edited excerpts of derstand local conditions. ten to the Prime Minister for an interview done over Both these groups report di- ₹25,000 crore. We have re- phone.The scheme, ifrectly implemented to her. Then we have properly couldceived enhance nothing. access to health care including early detection and three Task Forces headed by <> We have three To marshal resources, we Primetreatment Minister Narendra servicesthe State’s senior-mostby a large bu- sectionTask Forces of societyhave suggested who to increaseotherwise could not afford them. Modi has said most State reaucrats, looking after im- headed by the the withdrawal limits for governmentsNHPS favour could lifting helpplementation, country economy and move towardsState’s senior universalStates under the FRBMhealth Act — coverage and equitable access to healthcare which is the lockdown in a phased enforcement. bureaucrats from the current three to !ve manner. What is the Bengal per cent. government’sone of view the of UNY ouSustainable have commented on DevelopmentVID-19 patients from regular GoalsWhile (SDG3: we are continuing Good health and well-being). „ extending the lockdown? Bengal getting personal patients. How are we doing to fund our operations from I The Chief wellness Minister of Ben- centresprotection equipment that (PPE) arethis? planned We have set up over under 50 State the reserves, Ayushman the Centre Bharat programme can play a preventive role by gal will announce this in the for its doctors and healthcare hospitals, two to three in must release funds to all nextreducing few days. The interpre- the incidenceworkers. But we have andseen impacteach of the of 22 districts. non-communicableStates right now because this diseases. „ The proposed NHPS could be the precursor tation of the lockdown is im- viral videos of doctors in Three in Kolkata. Incidental- challenge has to be met at portant.to the It’s not Universal a lockdown north BengalInsurance and Howrah Schemely, at 2.5/1000, which Bengal has willthe State provide and local levels. cover to all citizens. where you shut everything wearing raincoats as the highest bed-to-people ra- The ₹1.7 lakh crore package downHow and youwill throw NHPS away protection. work How do financially? you tio in the entire country. In or 2% of GDP won’t work. We the key. Mamata Banerjee is explain that? the last 10 years, the Mamata need at least 5% of GDP or very clear: any closure has to I This is a national health Banerjee government has ta- roughly ₹8 lakh crore. be done in a humane man- emergency. It is disappoint- ken the number of super- ner.The She is leadingNHPS by exam- operatesing to see that aroundthe only peo- thespeciality insurance hospitals from se- principleHow badly has the State of been ‘risk pooling’. When a large number of people subscribe to ple. Going to vegetable mar- ple not self-quarantining ven to forty-one. hit in terms of revenue ketsan and insurance drawing circles on scheme,themselves are members only of a small fractionb ofecause them of the lockdown will and be hospitalised in any given year. In a tax-funded system theor ground a largeto communicate insurancethe IT cell of the programme, world’s lar- But how is Bengalthere reaching is a hlargeow do you plan risk to make pool wherein the healthy cross-subsidise the sick at any physical distancing. So Ben- gest political party and are out and helping the good the losses? galgiven will never havetime. a blanket „ spreading misinformation migrants? Districts like I Our !rst priority now is lockdown. even in times of distress. I Murshidabad send a large taking a humane approach TheFrom DayNHPS 1, vegetable willwould be appeal financially to them: take a number viable, of migrant despite workers to thisa crisis.high We mustcoverage curb offered to the few who fall sick in any year, because markets have been open, es- break. Spread public service across the country. the spread of COVID-19 and sentials available and com- messages. You will have I Over two lakh migrant la- ensure the safety of our peo- pliantthe with rest physical in distanc- thee noughlarge time topool play your do dir- notbourers need and stranded it that peo- p le.year. Of course the economy ing. It is all about striking the ty tricks. ple from 16 States are being is important too and we have rightTasks balance. Ahead Bengal, like a few other housed in 711 camps across adopted a nuanced calibrat- States, has to fend for itself. West Bengal. They are being ed lockdown. Let me explain Bengal has set up an Expert We were the !rst State to set directly taken care of by the how. CommitteeState with governments, very up a ₹200-crore which emergency willgovernment administer along with a few it Bthrougheedi workers in Murshi- their own agency, will have to purchase care from a variety distinguished names fund. We were the !rst State NGOs under its supervision. dabad are working. Flower includingof players, Nobel Laureate includingto announce a 10in lakh the insu- privateTwo weeks ago, sector, Mamata Ba- atmarkets pre-determined continue opera- rates. Professor Abhijit Banerjee to rance package which went nerjee had written to Chief tions. Sweet shops are open formulateReaching a response a consensusbeyond the ambit onof health treatmentMinisters of 18 States costs urging throughfor four hours a daya transparentas thou- consultative process is vital for a smooth and strategy. What exactly will workers and included State coordinated e#orts to shel- sands of litres of milk were thissteady committee look rollout. at? or private employees of all ter and take care of migrant being wasted due to the lock- I Let me tell you what the essential services. labourers. down. The Bengal govern- structureA large-scale is in Bengal. The InformationWe were the !rst State toTechnologyWe must also thank network Udd- ment has foralso started cashless a new treatment should be set up and validated. Chief Minister, who also hap- announce a 6-month ration hav Thackeray, M.K. Stalin, programme, “Procheshta”, pensSince to hold the a Healthmajority and for 8 croreof people.the Nofamilies one Arvind Kejriwalwill and be so many rural,where and ₹1,000 isthe given secondary as a and tertiary public hospital infrastructure Home portfolios, is hands must go hungry. The focus is others from di#erent State cash grant to those in the un- on.suffers She has two groupsfrom ad- severeclear: Address efficiency the humani- governments and accountabilityfor their conti- organised sector problems, including State governments should upgrade the vising her. One is the Global tarian issue, tackle the dis- nued help in this time of daily labourers, wage ear- Advisoryadministrative Board (GAB), ease systems. and protect the crisis. ners. About six million peo- which is led by Nobel Lau- economy ple, including domestic and reate Abhijit Vinayak Baner- On the medical front, our You say the Bengal migrant workers, will jee. This team of eight com- policy is to separate CO- government will give free bene!t.

CM A CH-CHE YK

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THE HINDU CHENNAI SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 COVID-19 11 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPA E TPA Et New helpline to !ght domestic violence NHRC asks govt. about steps People can contact the National Commission for Women over WhatsApp during the lockdown taken to help the mentally ill JAGRITI CHANDRA Ms. Sharma explained tacted immediately. It is also NEW DELHI that when a person sends a working on building a net- ‘Home Ministry must take steps to protect those on streets’ The National Commission message on the number work of counsellors and has for Women (NCW) on Friday seeking help, the NCW’s sought UN Women’s help on Special Correspondent sary directions may be is- vices during the crisis, some NEW DELHI launched a helpline number complaints and legal cell will this. sued by them [the Ministry] sections, like those su"ering — 0721-7735372 — to enable contact her and seek speci!c When asked how the NCW The National Human Rights to all the States and Union from mental illness, should those facing domestic vio- details about the interven- plans to popularise the new Commission (NHRC) on Fri- Territories to ensure that be provided food, shelter lence to send a WhatsApp tion she requires. Following helpline, Ms. Sharma said it day asked the Union Minis- persons su"ering from any and social security by the message to access help. this, she will be linked with would use social media, try of Home A"airs to ad- kind of mental ailment un- state. “Many women don’t know ed more than a two-fold in- on the issue of women’s safe- the local police team or a news media, radio and NGOs dress the concerns of the der their jurisdiction are how to send an e-mail, whe- crease in complaints of dom- ty. The Minister sought to counsellor from a local NGO to spread the word. mentally ill on the streets provided with proper coun- Dependent on charities reas WhatsApp is easy to use. estic violence and sexual convey the message that the or a medical facility or relo- On why the NCW did not during the lockdown to selling towards necessary It said the complaint high- That is why we decided to assault as well as as a three- government was working for cated to a One Stop Centre opt for an easier number to check the spread of the no- precautions for their perso- lighted the issue of mentally launch this initiative,” NCW fold rise in complaints of pol- women in need of temporarily. recall as a helpline, Ms. Shar- vel coronavirus. nal care and protection from ill persons dependent for Chairperson Rekha Sharma ice apathy towards crimes protection. The messaging facility will ma said, “To set up the facil- The NHRC took cogni- the virus and not deprived of food and shelter on chari- told The Hindu. However, against women. also help those women who ity in a short span, we are sance of a complaint about basic amenities like food, ties, temples and gurdwaras. she added that that the hel- The move comes days af- Digital governance cannot make a call because merely using a spare perso- the alleged violation of the shelter and medical care “But the administration has pline was only a temporary ter Minister for Women and She urged her sta" to take they may be overheard by nal number we had with us, human rights of such people etc.,” a statement from the not issued any speci!c gui- facility being made available Child Development Smriti steps to encourage reporting the perpetrators of abuse. which will be discontinued and asked the Ministry to in- NHRC said. delines for these people, for the period of the Irani held a web-conference of violence against women as The NCW has compiled a after the lockdown. It is also form it, within two weeks, of The NHRC said that while and no arrangements for lockdown. with more than 1,000 parti- well as use digital gover- State-wise list of One Stop di#cult to get a new number the arrangements made for the Central and State go- their survival during this pe- In the !rst week after the cipants from various institu- nance e"ectively to ensure Centres as well as nodal pol- because of the restrictions them. vernments were trying to riod of crisis have been lockdown, the NCW record- tions linked to her Ministry their safety. ice o#cers who can be con- imposed.” “In the meantime, neces- provide food and health ser- made,” the NHRC said. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ‘Ministry move weakens No ticket Bengal Chemicals gets scrutiny of genetic labs’ COVID-19 drug boost

AIDWA writes to Health Minister PSU can make hydroxychloroquine

Staff reporter the Pre-Conception and Pre- Shiv Sahay Singh NEW DELHI Natal Diagnostic Techniques Kolkata A women’s rights group has (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. In an overnight decision, sent a memorandum to Un- The clauses deal with the Bengal Chemicals & Phar- ion Health Minister Harsh process for renewal of regis- maceuticals Ltd. (BCPL) was Vardhan asking the govern- tration of genetic and ultra- issued a licence to manufac- ment to withdraw an order sound clinic, responsibili- ture hydroxychloroquine, that could weaken the im- ties of labs in maintaining an anti-malarial drug that is plementation of the law that and preserving records of being used in the treatment bans pre-natal sex all tests, techniques and of COVID-19, on Friday. determination. procedures as well as the The decision comes in “The suspension of these duties of district authorities the wake of reports that the rules throughout the coun- in sharing a quarterly pro- pro!t-making unit, despite try would mean that clinics gress report. being the only government and genetic labs can carry The Health Ministry has undertaking to manufacture Bengal Chemicals, in on functioning without any since issued a clari!cation anti-malarial drugs in the Kolkata, can make 10 lakh scrutiny. This is the only through a press statement country, did not have a li- tablets a day. scrutiny that these labs are that its move was to only al- cence to manufacture hy- subjected to, to assess their low an extension of dea- droxychloroquine. The Hin- cence, BCPL does not have adherence to the basic rules dline for submitting these du reported on April 9 that adequate raw materials for and to ensure that sex selec- reports until June 30, but the company was idling, production. tion is not being carried out AIDWA has rejected this ex- awaiting orders to start pro- by them,” the All India De- planation. ducing hydroxychloro- Not enough raw stock mocratic Women’s Associa- Application for re-regis- quine. The BCPL is reputed “We do not have the active tion (AIDWA) stated. tration should not be post- as India’s !rst pharmaceuti- pharmaceutical ingredient It was referring to a ga- poned as it can be done on- cal company. (API) which is available with zette noti!cation issued by line, AIDWA pointed out, Friday’s order from the a fewI companies in India or the Health Ministry on April adding that relevant records Dancing heads: Asia’s largest tulip garden, now in full bloom, remains closed to visitors in Srinagar due to the nationwide Directorate of Drug Control, is imported from China. 4, which suspended Rule 8, must be maintained as per lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19. * NISSAR AHMAD Government of West Ben- Since it is not possible to im- Rule 9(8) and Rule 18A(6) of the Act. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC gal, allowed the BCPL to ma- port from China we are ask- nufacture hydroxychloro- ing both the State and the quine tablets. The public Centre to help us procure sector undertaking has a fa- it,” Mr. Chandraiah said. Join duty, govt. Online tool for cility to make tablets at BCPL o#cials said a few BCAS extends validity of certi!cations Maniktala. pharma companies, such as tells Kannan mental health “We got the licence only a Cadila and Ipca, may have few hours ago from the the API and the company Gopinathan Civil aviation body’s move will help in assigning duties to pilots and crew o"ered free Drugs Controller. Now, we was trying to source that. can manufacture it subject Mr. Chandraiah said with Press Trust of India S. Vijay Kumar fresher course certi!cations The BCAS conducts at SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT to the availability of raw ma- the API, the company could Ahmedabad CHENNAI expiring on or after March least eight types of refresher NEW DELHI terial,” P.S. Chadraiah, Ma- manufacture about 10 lakh The government has asked The Bureau of Civil Aviation 20, up to June 20 or till revo- courses to personnel in- Global mental health plat- naging Director, BCPL, told tablets a day. Kannan Gopinathan, who Security (BCAS) has extend- cation of the instructions is- volved in %ight operations at form InnerHour will o"er The Hindu on Friday. BCPL’s trade unions have quit the Indian Administra- ed the validity of refresher sued in the circular dated the national and regional its online programmes and The company was manu- welcomed the initiative. tive Service eight months training certi!cations that April 6, 2020. Aviation Security Training self-help tools pro bono to facturing chloroquine phos- Mrinal Roychowdhury, re- ago “over denial of free- are mandatory for assigning “The validity of the certi!- Centres/institutes. The avia- help people to better cope phate and the management presenting the CITU-a#liat- dom to the people of Jam- %ight/ground duties to pi- cation is mandatory for as- tion industry has stringent with stress and anxiety had assured that it could ed Bengal Chemical Sramik mu and Kashmir”, to join lots, crew, ground sta" and signing %ight duties to pilots, regulations with regard to during the lockdown. rise to the occasion and Karmachari Union, wel- duty in the wake of the CO- others. crew, aircraft maintenance %ying hours, training and re- InnerHour’s self-help make hydroxychloroquine, comed the development. VID-19 pandemic. But he After the nationwide lock- engineers, ground handling fresher courses to ensure sa- app has bene!ted nearly which was just another for- Bengal Chemicals was set has refused. down to prevent the spread Aviation sta! get regular sta", etc. The refresher fety and security of passen- six lakh people globally, its mulation, if it got the licence up by chemist and entrepre- The government has of COVID-19 grounded all air- refresher courses on safety. courses update them on the gers, the o#cial said. founders, Amit Malik and and orders. After reports neur Acharya Prafulla Chan- asked him to join duty on craft, aviation sta" have re- latest technology develop- The extension of the valid- Neha Kirpal, said in a press emerged of the company dra Roy in 1901. the grounds that his resig- mained housebound, com- ground handling sta", secur- ments, amendments in In- ity or eligibility period of the statement. not using its optimum ca- While there has been talk nation has not been accept- plying with the prohibitory ity personnel and others ternational Civil Aviation Or- certi!cate holders would The organisation will pacity, West Bengal Chief of a strategic sale of the ed yet. Mr. Gopinathan orders. The Aviation Securi- have also closed down. ganisation (ICAO) norms and help in uninterrupted servic- o"er a range of clinical Minister Mamata Banerjee company, the PSU, with 300 said he was willing to vo- ty Training Centres and In- With the lockdown likely latest guidelines issued by es in case the COVID-19 lock- tools and self-help activi- raised the issue. “What is employees, has posted pro- lunteer during the CO- stitutes that o"er the manda- to be extended, the Ministry the Ministry of Civil Avia- down is lifted and %ight op- ties and voice or video the- Bengal Chemicals doing?” !ts for the past few years. In VID-19 crisis but not as an tory refresher courses for of Civil Aviation has decided tion,” a BCAS o#cial told The erations are allowed, the rapy sessions in seven she asked on Thursday. 2018-19, it made a pro!t of IAS o#cer. pilots, crew, %ight engineers, to extend the validity of re- Hindu on Friday. o#cial said. languages. However, even with the li- ₹25 crore.

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

THE HINDU CROSSWORD 12907 (set by KrisKross) SUDOKU FAITH Log on to crossword.thehindu.com for more puzzles 12 By entering US state without 2 They transport waste from say, visa, !nally make a discovery your dirty street, mostly (7) Narasimha praised (7) 3 Herb quietly visits ruined One of the names by which Lord Mahavishnu is praised in 13 Restaurants abruptly drop/ minarets (9) the Vishnu Sahasranama is Sandhaata. This is a reference to withdraw orders (7) 5 Public showers? (14) His avatara as Narasimha, said M.A. Venkatakrishnan in a 14 Some operas said to be very discourse. As Narasimha, He calls out to devotees like Prah- musical (5) 6 After extraordinary zeal, son lada, and keeps them beside Him. The next nama is Sandhi- 15 Modern Indian state, now does nothing (5) maan. This means that not only does He draw His bhaktas to reduced toxic emissions His side, but He also ensures that they are beside Him al- 7 Court accepts a pure form of primarily (2-2-4) ways, and are not separated from Him. Narasimha is Sthi- entertainment (7) rah, which means that even if those who are with Him 18 She gives a lecture — one should err, while they are with Him, He willingly forgives essentially about a musical 8 Picks up notices about a composition (8) herbarium’s top tree (3,3) them and overlooks their errors. He is Ajah. This means that His birth is unusual. He sud- 20 Very !t but lax (5) 9 Humbly we stretched up in denly sprang from a pillar. Vedanta Desika says that because order to welcome head of 23 Vehicle out at sea, subjected to of the Narasimha avatara, a pillar became Brahma’s grand- Italy (4,3,7) endless mishandling (7) mother! Vishnu is the father of Brahma, and since Vishnu as Narasimha, appeared from a pillar, naturally, the pillar be- 25 Brie"y leave bar, beginning to 16 Boyfriend holding comes Brahma’s grandmother! Narasimha is Durmarsha- edge towards the beach (7) sweetheart’s huge sack (9) nah, because enemies cannot face Him. He is Saasta, be- 26 Group without legendary 17 Church to measure yard for cause He punished the wicked in a way they deserved. He is leader is lost (5) burial ground (8) Solution to puzzle 12906 Solution to yesterday’s Sudoku Visrudaatma. This indicates that the story of Narasimha is I ACROSS 27 Send back additional diet 19 Read regularly and plan — it’s one that should be heard by everyone. He is Suraarihaa, be- supply (9) a tough competition (3,4) cause He tore up the enemy of the celestials, namely 1 Crush fruit (6) Hiranyakasipu. 28 Stitching coat — need yarn (8) 4 Meditates in secret, about 21 Girl passes, receiving Ramanujacharya appointed 74 Simhasanadipathis to car- controlling con"ict at heart 29 Cattle respectfully addressed spectacles as gifts (7) ry forward the Visishtadvaita philosophy, and for every one by Spooner in English and of them, Narasimha was the Aradhana murthi. Nammazhvar (8) 22 Doctor makes an incision in Hindi (6) asks, will anyone study about anyone but Rama, for by asso- boy, near a point in the skull 10 After that, idiot carrying ciation with Him, even blades of grass were liberated? In the I (6) present reaches hotel (9) DOWN following verse, Nammazhvar extols the Krishna avatara. 11 Zulu chased by wild bear and 1 In Lhasa, must a saint raise 24 Fried a kebab for starters in But he !nally says knowledgeable persons will not want to another animal (5) oranges? (8) garden (5) learn anything except the glories of the Narasimha avatara.

CM A CH-CHE YK

Wear masks, Melania British PM Boris Johnson out of intensive care urges Americans Hundreds of millions of people around the world to spend Easter holidays at home as COVID-19 death toll nears 1,00,000 Agence France-Presse First Lady contradicts husband’s stance London/Rome Recovered patients test Katie Rogers Prime Minister Boris John- Washington son was recovering in a hos- In a message on Twitter ac- pital ward on Friday after positive in South Korea companied by a picture of endingA Non-Banking three days in inten- Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companiesher face Act, partly covered1956 by engaged a in sive care for COVID-19. Reuters behind the trend, with medical mask, Melania theThe 55-year-old business leader left of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securitiesSeoul epidemiological Trump, the issued First Lady, by intensive care at London’s St. South Korea on Friday investigations under way. urged Americans on Thurs- Thomas’Government Hospital on Thurs- or local authority or other marketable securitiesreported thatof 91 apatients like nature.Nearly 7,000 South day to protect themselves day evening and will now be thought to be cured of the Koreans have been reported from the coronavirus by mNBFConitored closely does during not include any institution whose principal businessnew coronavirus is had that tested ofas recovered agriculture from COVID-19. activity,wearing face industrial coverings in Melania activity, Trump posted a what Downing Street called positive again. False test results could public, an image all the photo of herself wearing a “thepurchase early phase of his recov-or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providingJeong Eun-kyeong, any servicesalso be at fault, and other sale/purchase/constructionmore striking because it mask on Twitter. of ery”. “He is in extremely director of the Korea Centers experts said, or remnants of contrasted with her hus- goodimmovable spirits,” a No. 10 spo- property. for Disease Control and the virus could still be in band’s mixed messages on reporters that he would not kesman said. Prevention, said the virus patients' systems but not be the subject. be interested in wearing a AMr. non-banking Johnson’s improving institution which is a company and has principalmay have been “reactivated”businessinfectious of receivingor of danger to the deposits“As the CDC continues under to anymask unless scheme he deemed it condition came as the go- rather than the patients host or others. study the spread of the CO- important. Instead, eve- vernmentor arrangement continues to im- in one lump sum or in installments by waybeing of re-infected. contributionsSouth Koreaor onin Friday any otherVID-19, they’re manner, recommend- isr yonealso who comesa non- into close posebanking an unprecedented ﬁnancial na- company (Residuary non-banking company).Health o! cials said it reported 27 new cases, ing people wear cloth face contact with Mr. Trump tionwide lockdown to try to Mass burial: Workers wearing personal protective equipment burying bodies in a trench on remains unclear what is taking the total to 10,450. coverings in public settings must now be tested for the

stem the spread of the dead- Hart Island, in the Bronx borough of New York on Thursday. * AP DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD where social distancing virus, including journalists lyDifference coronavirus. It announced between banks & NBFCs measures can be di!cult to in the White House brie"ng navirus pandemic, with the globally, according to an AFP hit country, saw its lowest tion” after a slight drop in the stood empty on Friday, maintain,” she said in an ac- room. global death toll rapidly ap- tally. Europe remains the day toll in 17 days, and Prime daily death rate from Wed- shorn of the customary East- companying video, refer- “I don’t know, somehow proaching 1,00,000. hardest-hit continent in Minister Pedro Sanchez said nesday’s record toll of 1,973. er holiday hustle. Even such ring to the Centers for Dis- sitting in the Oval O!ce be- NBFCs lend andThe makeU.S. is now emerginginvestmentsterms of cases, withand 826,389 henceon Thursday their the “ "activitiesre started In New are York, akin the epi- to hthatallowed traditionsof banks; as the howeverease Control there and arehind that a beautiful few Resolute anotherdifferences 980 deaths in the asa sgiven the global hotspotbelow: of the and 67,247 deaths. Italy has by the pandemic is starting centre of the virus in the Un- pope’s Easter message are Prevention. After a slow Desk,” the President told re- past 24 hours, the highest virus. More than 1,700 peo- the highest death toll at to come under control”. ited States, the rate of hospi- being revamped — Pope start to acknowledge the vi- porters, “I think wearing a dailyNBFC toll yet, taking cannot the U.K. pacceptle died on Thursday demand from 18,279 deposits; followed by Spain France also reported that tal admissions fell on Francis will live-stream from rus, the First Lady has since face mask as I greet Presi- total to nearly 8,000, with almost 5,00,000 cases, with 15,843. fewer people were in inten- Thursday and Governor An- the seclusion of his private li- issued a string of public ser- dents, Prime Ministers, dic- mNBFCsore than 65,000 do cases not so b ringingform its total part death toll of to the payment andsive settlement care for COVID-19, the systemdrew Cuomo saidand the actions cannotbrary. issue chequesvice videosdrawn meant toon echo itself;tators, kings, queens, I don’t far con"rmed. the second highest in the Improving !gures "rst fall since the pandemic taken in the state were “$at- “We have to respond to guidelines on social distanc- know — somehow, I don’t DepositHundreds of millions insurance of world after facility Italy. It also has ofH Depositowever, across Europe Insurance and broke out. and Credittening Guarantee the curve”, referring Corporationour con"nement with all is our noting andavailable hand-washing. to depositorssee it for myself. I just — I people around the world will the largest number of cases the United States, o!cials Anthony Fauci, the U.S. to attempts to stabilise the creativity,” the ponti# said. But in his news brie"ngs, just don’t. Maybe I’ll change spendof theNBFCs, Easter holiday unlike at anywhere in in thecase world by of far. banks.sought solace in slightly im- government’s top pandemic death rate. “We can either get depressed President Donald Trump my mind, but this will pass, home as lockdown measures More than 1.6 million in- proving "gures. expert, said the United States Easter pilgrimage sites and alienated... or we can get o#ers his own interpreta- and hopefully it’ll pass very intensify to combat the coro- fections have been recorded Spain, the third hardest- was “going in the right direc- across Europe and Asia creative.” tion of the rules: he has told quickly.” NY TIMES Long Term Reverse Repo Operation (LTRO) is a mechanism to facilitate the transmission of monetary policy War-tornactions and Yemen the flow reports of credit its #torst the case economy. Pakistan This helps extends in injecting ban liquidityEU strikes in the banking€500 billion system. rescue deal AgenceFunds France-Presse throughwhat LTRO it said was aare move toprovidedof what the UNat calls the the repo rate. This means that banksAgence can France-Presse avail one “yearEurope has and decided three-year and the deal come through after Dubai help "ght the pandemic. world’s worst humanitarian on "ight operations Washington is ready to meet the gravity pushing hard for Italy and Yemenloans reported at its "therst case same“The " rstinterest con"rmed case ratecrisis. of“This oneis a moment day we repo. But usually, loans with higherAfter weeks maturity of wrangling, EU periodof the crisis,” (here French Fi- likeother 1 a #yearected countries to of COVID-19 on Friday in a of coronavirus has been re- all feared, and were hoping Press Trust of India in Pakistan has sharply in- member states on Thursday nance Minister Bruno Le undertake economic southernand government-con-3 years) willported have in Hadramawt a higher pro- to avoid, interest because Yemen rate is comparedIslamabad to shortcreased to term4,601, with (repo)more buried loans. their di#erences and Maire tweeted after the reforms. trolled province, raising vince,” Yemen’s supreme na- critically under-equipped to Pakistan on Friday extend- than 280 fresh infections, agreed to a 500-billion-euro talks. “Today we answered our fearsAccording of an outbreak in theto thetional emergency RBI, committeethe LTROface this schemevirus,” said Xavier willed bethe ban in on domesticaddition and while to the the death tollexisting reached ($550 Liquidity billion) emergency AdjustmentHe warned earlier Facility in the citizens’ (LAF) call for and a Europe war-torn country as air for COVID-19 said on Twitter. Joubert, country director for international $ight opera- 66, Health o!cials said on plan for a European econo- day that France’s economy is that protects,” Eurogroup strikesthe blamed Marginal on the Saudi- Standing FacilitySave the (MSF) Children in operations.Yemen. tions up to April 21 as the Friday. my knocked to its knees by expected to shrink 6% this chief Mario Centeno said. led coalition tested a unilat- Broken system “Only half of Yemen's country stepped up e#orts The government has an- the coronavirus outbreak. year, even with the coun- “This response contains eralThe truce. LAF and MSFAid groups arehave warned the that twohealth sets facilities of are still liquidity fully to contain operations the spread of the nbyounced the various RBI measures with theEU Finance LAF Ministers havingtry’s a own number 100-billion-euro ofb oldtools and ambitious like propo- The announcement came when the coronavirus hits functional. There are 700 in- novel coronavirus, which to meet the challenge of CO- agreed in late-night talks to relief plan. sals that didn’t seem possi- onrepo, the second reverse day of the repo,Yemen’s broken term healthcare repotensive etc. care unit beds, in- has infected more than VID-19 pandemic, including the rescue package aimed at Ministers put aside propo- ble just weeks ago,” added two-week cease"re declared system, the impact is likely cluding 60 for children, and 4,500 people in the coun- cash payments to the most reducing pain across the 27- sals by France and Italy for Mr. Centeno, who is also the byThe the military central coalition sup- bankto be catastrophichas been for a conducting500 ventilators for a popula- LTROstry, authorities for one- said. andn eedy,three-year which started ontenorsnation bloc,of especiallyappropriate har- pooled borrowing.sizes for The upPortuguese to a total Finance porting the government in country already in the grip tion of about 30 million.” The total number of cases Thursday. dest-hit Italy and Spain. Netherlands relented and let Minister. amount of Rs 1,00,000 crore at the policy repo rate from the fortnight beginning February 15, 2020. Pak.The seeks central extradition bank received of IS totalCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC bids of ₹1.94 lakh crore, for the three-year repo,CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC comparedAngry with crowd the notified destroys amount of ₹25,000 crores. Alone in prayer leaderIn yet fromanother Afghanistan (LTROs) ₹ 48,856 crores worth of bids were conducted for an amount of ₹25,000UN base crores in Central with a three-Africa Fyeararooqi tenor.was arrested last week A road accident provoked the attack AssociatedLTROs Press are conductedin eastern Afghanistan. on Core Banking Solution (E-KUBER) platform. The operations wouldAgence France-Presse be conductedwe condemn at this a reaction. Islamabad “Since Aslam Farooqi was Bangui It's not by destroying this Pakistanfixed has askedrate. Afghan- involved in anti-Pakistan ac- Villagers in Central African base that people will be pro- istan to extradite a leader in tivities in Afghanistan, he Republic attacked a forward tected,” Mr. Monteiro said. theThe local Islamic minimum State group should bid be handed-overamount to would be Rs 1 crore and multiples thereof. There will be no restrictionbase used by UN peacekeep- on theIncidents of this kind in- a!liate who was arrested in Pakistan for further investi- ers after a civilian was killed volving MINUSCA, which southernmaximum Afghanistan ear- amountgations,” the ofMinistry bidding state- by individual bidders. in a road accident, the UN deployed in the CAR in lier this month. ment said Farooqi was ar- force said Friday. 2014, are rare, although the E-KuberAslam Farooqi, whose rested last weekend along The incident happened force is facing criticism from real name is Abdullah Orak- with 19 other IS operatives, on Thursday in Beboura, in some politicians and the pu- zai, is a Pakistani national according to Afghanistan’s the northwest of the trou- blic at a time when the wanted in connection with intelligence agency. bled country, said Vladimir country is struggling to im- attackse-Kuber claimed by theis IS thein CoreThe upstart Banking Islamic State Solution of Reserve Bank of India which was introduced inM 2012.onteiro, spokesman for plement a February 2019 Pakistan. The Afghan go- a!liate has taken credit for MINUSCA, the UN mission peace deal. vernmentCore accuses Banking Farooqi a ttacksSolutions in Pakistan, includ- (CBS) can be defined as a solution that enables banks to offer a multitudein the CAR. of customer-Deeply impoverished of involvement in last ing one in January in the “There was an accident despite mineral wealth, the mcentriconth’s attack in Kabulservices on a southwestern on a Baluchistan24x7 basis from a single location, supporting retail as well as corporateinvolving banking a UN vehicle activities.CAR has been in the grip of Sikh house of worship that provincial capital of Quetta which led to the death of an violence since 2013. killedThe 25 worshipers. centralisation that killed 15 thus worshipers. makes a “one-stop” shop for financial services a reality. Using CBS,individual. customers Local people Mcanore than access two-thirds of In a statement late on In recent months, Afghan then decided to attack the the former French colony Thursday,their Pakistan’saccounts Fo- and from American oany!cials claim branch, anywhere, irrespective of where they have physically openedforward military their post,” accounts. he lies in the hands of armed reign Ministry said the Af- the IS has been weakened as said. groups, who typically claim ghanAlmost Ambassador allto Pakis- branchesa result of relentless of commercial U.S. banks, including the Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), are“Between brought 10 and 20 (UN) intoethnic the or religiouscore- a!lia- tan, Atif Mashal, had been bombing raids in eastern Af- troops were there at the tions and often "ght over summonedbanking and told fold. of Pa- ghanistan as well as military time. We evacuated them. resources. kistan’s worries about the operations by the Afghan Two were injured,” he said. According to the UN, 1.6 activitiesThe of e-kuberthe Islamic State systemNational Security can Forces be accessedTesting times: A pilgrim either standing through at the closed door INFINETof the Church of the Holy or Sepulchre, Internet. believed by manyThe Christians INFINET to be the is“While a Closed we regret this ac-Usermillion Group people out of a pop- a!liate, known as the IS- and attacks by their rivals, site of the cruci!xion and burial of Jesus, in Jerusalem, on Friday. * AP cidental death, which we ulation of 4.7 million are Khorazan,Network headquartered for theTaliban exclusive insurgents. useCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC of member banks and financial institutions andCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC is the communicationwill investigate thoroughly, backbone“extremely vulnerable.” for the National Payments System. Russia probe was started ‘without basis’ S. Korea goes to the polls despite virus

Attorney-General Barr says it amounted to an e!ort to ‘sabotage the presidency’ To make the voting run smoothly, govt. has mobilised armies of public servants

Associated Press dence there was “something ferent conclusions from the Choe Sang-Hun any of the 3,500 balloting WASHINGTON far more troubling” than just separate investigation led by SEOUL stations opened for that pur- Attorney-General William mistakes during the investi- John Durham, the U.S. attor- They came wearing masks pose. Anyone showing tem- Barr believes the Russia in- gation that eventually ney Mr. Barr selected to exa- and stood in line at 3-foot in- perature readings higher vestigation that shadowed morphed into special coun- mine the early days of the tervals. They were required than 37.5 Celsius (99.5 Fah- President Donald Trump for sel Robert Mueller’s probe. Russia probe. Mr. Durham’s to have their body tempera- renheit) would be stopped at the "rst two years of his ad- “I think the President has investigation is going on. tures taken, to rub their the gates of polling stations ministration was started every right to be frustrated, Mr. Barr has been a loyal hands with sanitiser and to and escorted to a separate without any basis and because I think what hap- supporter of Mr. Trump put on disposable plastic area to vote. The voter amounted to an e#ort to “sa- pened to him was one of the William Barr since becoming Attorney- gloves handed out by o!- would then be sent for test- botage the presidency”. greatest travesties in Ameri- General, though their posi- cials. Then they entered the ing and the voting booth Mr. Barr o#ered no sup- can history,” Mr. Barr said in at least have the e#ect of sa- tive relationship showed booths and voted, as South disinfected. port for his assertion that the the interview with Fox News. botaging the presidency.” signs of fraying earlier this Korea pressed ahead with its O!cially, the election for FBI lacked a basis for open- The Attorney-General said year when Mr. Barr said in "rst election in a time of South Korea’s 300-member ing the investigation and the FBI launched its counter- Security threat an interview that Mr. epidemic. National Assembly is sche- made no mention of the fact intelligence investigation in- The Justice Department’s In- Trump’s tweets about ongo- The coronavirus pandem- duled to take place Wednes- that the bureau began its to ties between the Trump spector General found the ing Justice Department cases ic is disrupting political ca- Vote of con!dence: Resident casting ballots during early day. But nearly 5 million pe- probe after a Trump cam- campaign and Russia “with- FBI was justi"ed in opening made it “impossible” for him lendars around the world, voting at a polling station in Seoul on Friday. * AFP ople cast ballots on Friday paign adviser purported to out any basis.” an investigation into ties bet- to do his job. causing delays and trigger- and more were expected to have early knowledge that “Even more concerning, ween the Trump presiden- Mr. Mueller concluded ing electoral chaos in the parliamentary election is smoothly, South Korea has vote on Saturday. The ad- Russia had dirt on Democrat- actually, is what happened tial campaign and Russia — that the Russian government U.S. It has provoked voter ire proceeding relatively seam- mobilised armies of public vance voting system, intro- ic opponent Hillary Clinton. after the campaign, a whole to protect against a national interfered in the 2016 poll, in Wisconsin, where many lessly so far. The govern- servants. They have disin- duced in 2013, is serving as a Mr. Barr, who has appoint- pattern of events while he security threat — and found but his probe didn’t "nd suf- absentee ballots failed to ar- ment is trying to assure its 44 fected 14,000 voting stations dress rehearsal of sorts for ed a U.S. attorney to lead an was President,” Mr. Barr the bureau didn’t act with "cient evidence to establish rive in time and voters were million eligible voters that it across the country. the extraordinary plan dis- investigation into the origins said. political bias. a criminal conspiracy bet- afraid to put their health at is safe to leave their homes South Koreans were also ease-control o!cials have of the Russia probe, said the “To sabotage the presi- Mr. Trump and his sup- ween Mr. Trump’s campaign risk by going out to cast their to go to the polls. allowed to vote in advance designed for an epidemic- Justice Department has evi- dency, and I think that — or porters are counting on dif- and Russia. ballots. In South Korea, the To make the voting run on Friday and Saturday at era election. NYTIMES

CM A CH-CHE YK

Saudi, Russia want oil Bank credit shot up just before lockdown cuts "nalised at G20 talks Loans grew by a whopping ₹2.31 lakh crore in the fortnight ended March 27, RBI data showed But, Mexico refuses to sign up in full SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT <> It seems companies ing the reporting fortnight MUMBAI are preparing for a was ₹2.31 lakh crore while Reuters Bank loans grew by a whop- surge in demand the growth for the year was DUBAI/MOSCOW ping ₹2.31 lakh crore in the after the lockdown 7.9% compared with the 10% Top oil nations were !nalis- fortnight ended March 27, in- period recorded in the previous ing a deal at G20 talks on Export sector dicating robust loan demand Soumya Kanti Ghosh year. Friday for big output cuts to just when a nationwide lock- Group CEA, SBI The central bank had also lift prices slammed by the may see 15 mn down was imposed to con- said that there were signs of COVID-19 crisis with Russia tain the spread of COVID-19, would have been ₹10,000 growth picking up, in the and Saudi Arabia taking a jobs go, NPAs according to the RBI. crore, industry ₹1,20,000 monetary policy report re- lion’s share and signs the This was probably the crore, services ₹60,000 leased on Wednesday. United States might take un- rise: FIEO highest fortnightly loan crore and personal loans “Prior to the outbreak of precedented moves to help. nald Trump had told him he growth recorded in !nancial ₹20,000 crore. COVID-19, the outlook for Riyadh, Moscow and its might make cuts on Mexi- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA year 2019-20. The lockdown, “Clearly, the tide seemed growth for 2020-21 was look- allies, which make up the in- co’s behalf, even though the NEW DELHI that paralysed the economic to have turned as far as bank ing up,” the RBI said as it cit- formal OPEC+ group, had U.S. President has given no About 15 million people activity, came into e"ect on credit is concerned in ed the bumper rabi harvest, forged a pact to curb crude public indication Washing- face job losses in India’s ex- March 25. March,” the report said. transmission of monetary production by the equiva- ton would join in the cuts ports’ sector following can- Soumya Kanti Ghosh, policy rates and reduction in lent of 10% of global sup- and has instead threatened cellation of over half of the group chief economic advis- Credit growth at nadir GST rates. plies in marathon talks on Saudi Arabia with tari"s and orders and a gloomy fore- er, SBI, had said in a report working capital require- riod,” he added. Latest data released by the “The COVID-19 pandemic Thursday and said they other measures if it did not cast for global trade due to that the banks have wit- ments) in the last seven days Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has drastically altered this wanted others to cut a furth- resolve the oil market crisis. the COVID-19 pandemic, nessed a healthy credit de- of the year ending March 31, Incremental o!take showed, credit growth for outlook,” the central bank er 5%. Major oil markets were exporters’ body FIEO said. mand in the last seven days 2020,” Mr. Ghosh said in the The report had estimated the year ended March 27 was added while refraining from But e"orts to conclude closed on Friday as the G20 Seeking immediate an- of the !nancial year 2019-20. report. “It seems companies/ the incremental credit o"- 6.1%, one of the lowest in providing any forecast on the OPEC+ deal hit the bu"- energy minister held a video nouncement of a relief “The good thing is that corporates are preparing take would have been many years. Credit growth growth due to the uncertain- ers when Mexico refused to conference, hosted by Saudi package for exports, Feder- banks have witnessed good themselves for a surge in de- ₹2,10,000 crore in March of for the previous year was ties on how long will be the sign up in full. However, the Arabia, but prices failed to ation of Indian Export Or- traction in credit (term and mand after the lockdown pe- which agriculture demand 13.3%. Deposit growth dur- pandemic will continue. Mexican President said Do- rally after Thursday’s cuts. ganisations (FIEO) Presi- dent Sharad Kumar Saraf said !ne balancing is required between life and li- Half of stores velihood, as opting for only Moratorium on repayment Removal of tari! ceiling may one can be disastrous for shut, footfalls the country. He said that exporters drop: D-mart revive investment in renewables were left with “very” few puts NBFCs in a spot orders and if factories were PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Solar energy producers to get leeway to factor in higher risks not allowed to work with a Institutions can’t postpone repayments to banks: Crisil NEW DELHI minimum workforce, ma- Avenue Supermarts, which Special Correspondent higher bid tari"s and im- ny of them will su"er “ir- Special Correspondent signi!cant pressure on the li- crore has been made availa- owns and operates retail MUMBAI prove subscription to ten- reparable losses” which Mumbai quidity pro!les of many ble through the RBI’s target- chain D-mart, said opera- The Centre’s decision to re- ders, though positive impact will bring them to the brink Non-banking !nancial com- NBFCs,” Crisil said. ed long-term repo operations of half of its stores are move the tari" ceiling from is expected to materialise of closure as they were sad- panies (NBFCs) may face a According to Crisil, liquid- tions (TLTRO) window, only closed, following the direc- renewable energy tenders only after the pandemic dled with !xed costs that, tough time following the Re- ity pressure will increase for half of that is earmarked for tions issued by authorities will give the beleaguered in- ends.” in any case, had to be ab- serve Bank of India’s recent almost 25% of the Crisil-rat- primary issuances. amid the lockdown. dustry a much-needed leg- Crisil Research, however, sorbed by them. directive on providing a mo- ed NBFCs if collections do “Also, an expected scram- The company is retailing up. Capacity addition in re- expected solar weighted av- “With cancellation of ov- ratorium on repayment. not pick up by June 2020. ble for funds means corpo- only essential items from newables dropped to 9 GW erage tari" to remain in the er 50% of the orders and a This is because though These NBFCs have ₹1.75 rates and government- the operating stores and in !scal 2019, compared current ₹2.50-2.60 per unit gloomy forecast for the fu- these entities are providing lakh crore of debt obliga- owned !nanciers will also be average footfall is “signi!- with 11-12 GW over the 2017 range as lower module cost, ture, we expect 15 million moratorium to their custom- tions maturing by then. interested in this window. cantly lower than usual” and 2018 !scals, and re- larger scale of projects, and job losses in exports and ers, they still have to conti- “With collections being Consequently, only higher- due to several restrictions mained subdued through !s- continued tendering activity rising NPAs (non-perform- nue repaying banks and oth- minimal and the moratori- rated NBFCs may end up be- imposed by the authori- cal 2020 as well. of 6-7 GW from the removal in the segment continue to ing assets) amongst exporter borrowers. NBFCs are um [applicable] only for ne!ting,” it said. ties, Avenue Supermarts The allocation rate fell of tari" ceiling over the me- spur competition among ing units, hitting the eco- highly dependent on banks their borrowers, raising Crisil said while larger said in an update on busi- from almost 75-80% over !s- dium term. Solar energy de- players. nomy very badly,” he said. for funding. fresh funds is critical, espe- and better-rated NBFCs may ness operation to bourses. cals 2016 and 2017 to 35-40% velopers will now have the As for wind energy ten- “We are losing markets “NBFCs face a double cially because NBFCs, unlike still be able to manage the “Nearly 50% of our over !scals 2018 and 2019, leeway to factor in higher ders, though tari"s have re- to China. All orders are go- whammy because they are banks, do not have access to situation, smaller or lower- stores remain closed based and is likely to be even lower risk in cases where the coun- mained sticky at the ₹2.8 per ing to China as they have o"ering moratorium to cus- systemic sources of liquidity rated NBFCs, which have sig- on a directive by the local at 20% in !scal 2020. ter-party has a weaker pro- unit mark, viability remains resumed work. It will be tomers despite not getting and depend signi!cantly on ni!cant dependence on authorities,” it said. The Miren Lodha, director, !le, irradiance is low, or a concern as the sector grap- very late if we don’t start one themselves from their wholesale funding,” it said. bank funding, will !nd the !rm has presence in 206 Crisil Research said, “We es- there are other execution ples with execution chal- our factories now,” he said. lender-banks. That will put a Crisil said while ₹1 lakh going extremely tough. locations via D-mart stores. timate an incremental !llip hurdles. This will allow for lenges on the ground.

Merged banks ‘Post-pandemic period will Sunrise Industry get time on

bancassurance see turnaround in job market’ Sunrise industry is a term used for a sector that is agreements Healthcare, pharma, biotechnology will be ‘sunrise’ sectors just in its infancy but shows promise of a rapid Lalatendu Mishra sectors will see a spike,” he companies, they added. Special Correspondent MUMBAI said. He said there will be in- Jyoti Bowen Nath, manag- HYDERABAD boom. Once the COVID-19 dust set- creased demand for con- ing partner, Claricent Partn- Insurance regulator IRDAI The industry is typically characterized by high tles down, a new order will tract employees across deliv- ers said, “While start-ups has allowed the four banks, emerge in the job market, ery services, ful!lment and small to mid-sized com- emerging from the recent analysts say. Several new centres and contact centres panies have been badly hit mega bank merger exer- growth rates, high degree of innovation and generally jobs in the !eld of health and to manage and support dis- by the crisis, the large cash- cise, to continue for a year hygiene and technology may aster management activities, rich business houses are also with existing bancassu- has plenty of public awareness about the sector and come up. sanitisation and cleaning facing the brunt.” rance agreements of the According to HR !rms, work. But companies will However, pharma, medi- lenders that amalgamated investors get attracted to its long-term growth gaming, over-the-top (OTT) have full-time employees in cal equipment companies, with them. services, work-from-home their core areas and across and the whole digital and e- “The acquiring bank prospects. virtual team, project man- IT digital skills, online mar- commerce segments are may continue arrangement On the other hand Sunrise industry rapid emergence agement software, e-com- keting and content writing. possibly the new ‘sunrise’ with more than three enti- merce and edutech seg- sectors as they are the need ties in each of the life, gen- ments would see a steady of the hour, she added. eral and health categories may threaten a competing industry sector that is increase in business. Sashi Kumar, MD, Indeed of insurers for a period of “There will be hot jobs in Microbiology and bio- India said, “As the job mar- 12 months from the date of already in decline. Because of its dim long-term these sectors,” Francis Pada- technology, as segments, are ket slows down in the wake merger by transfer of the madan, senior director, RPO expected to take o", as every of a global pandemic, essen- existing insurance arrange- prospects, such an industry is referred to as a sunset & BPS Practice, APAC, Kel- organisation would require tial services such as medical ments of the acquired lyOCG, said. the services of such people and public health continue banks to their name,” the industry. “Virtual medical tourism to advise and sensitise sta" to drive demand. Despite regulator said. Existing Indian sectors that can be termed as Sunrise could take o" to provide on microbes and how to deal the slump in the sector, This exemption allows psychological aid and faster with infections. Such people healthcare continues to be only for transfer of existing therapeutic healing to pa- will also be required for re- one of the foremost drivers insurance arrangements of sectors and likely to hold us in good stead in the tients. Services and health search by pharmaceutical of economic growth.” acquired banks to the acquiring banks and should future in terms of employment generation and not be construed as per- business growth are: Union Bank mission by the Authority to IT "rms’ Q4 pro"ts likely enter into new arrange- Information Technology reverses ments with other insurers, said a communication to Telecom Sector to be impacted by virus heads of the banks con- charges cerned from IRDAI Mem- Billing, utilisation to see impact: MOFSL ber (Life) K.Ganesh. Healthcare SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The communication ap- Mumbai Piyush Pandey plies to Punjab National Infrastructure Sector State-run Union Bank of In- MUMBAI Bank, Canara Bank, Union dia has reversed the Fourth quarter (Q4) pro!ts Bank of India and Indian Retail Sector amount deducted by the of leading Indian informa- Bank that, on April 1, had a bank due to non-mainte- tion technology (IT) !rms few banks merging with Food Processing Industries nance of minimum balance are likely to be impacted them as part of a govern- Fisheries by a migrant worker. due to the disruptions ment plan to create larger The lender reversed the caused by the pandemic banks. funds after some users outbreak. As per bancassurance Ceiling and ﬂoor prices. Ceiling is the maximum pointed out in social media Motilal Oswal Financial regulations, a bank can on- that a seasonal migrant Services said it expected IT ly market three life, general upper limit at which a product can be sold. Floor is worker, having an account !rms’ revenues to grow 6%, and health insurance com- the lower most limit at which a product is brought. with Union Bank, was in earnings before interest and with lower productivity, panies’ products. The need for funds and ₹800 tax to grow 4% and pro!ts to both billing and utilisation banks that have been was transferred to the per- fall by 2% in Q4. in Q4 should witness im- merged with them also had son’s account. However, “The second half of pact,” MOFSL said in a re- bancassurance business. the bank deducted most of 4QFY20 witnessed varying search note. The IRDAI eventually the amount deposited un- levels of COVID-19 disrup- Je"eries equity research wants the acquiring bank der the category, ‘general tion across most of core said discussions were likely to retain the existing certif- charges and recovery.’ markets of IT companies to be dominated by CO- icate of registration to act “When the matter came like the U.S. [and] Europe. VID-19 in the results season, as a corporate agent and to our notice, we reversed Not all service o"erings are though its impact on Q4 per- surrender COR(s) held by the money that was debit- amenable to be delivered formance and bookings is acquired banks by submit- ed,” a senior o$cial from from home for a variety of likely to be limited in most ting written request to the the bank said. reasons. In conjunction cases. Authority.

CM A CH-CHE YK EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWhat is the G20? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THE HINDU CHENNAI 14 SPORT SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEThe G20 is an annual meeting of leaders from the countries withEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE the largest and fastest-growing economies. Its members account for 85% of the world’s GDP, and two-thirds of its population.The G20 Summit is formally known as the “Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy”. OlympicsEstablishment: in doubt even in 2021: Tokyo CEO BCCI clears contracted D on’t know if it is going to be possible to get the virus under control by next July, says Muto players’ dues

AssociatedAfter Press the Asianponed Financial last month with a newCrisisquali!es in as an1997-1998, event that is it was acknowledged that the participationP ressof Trustmajor of India emergingthe !nancial year,” he Tokyo opening set for July 23, 2021, covered is not clear yet.” New Delhi said. Asmarket the coronavirus countries spreads followed isby the needed Paralympics on discussions on the international financial system, and G7T hefinance BCCI has cleared ministers the The England and in Japan, the chief executive on Aug. 24. The !ame quarterly dues of all its Australian players have ofagreed the Tokyo Games to said establish on “We have themade theG20 deci- FinanceHe was also asked Ministers about the and Central Bank Governors meeting in 1999.centrally-contracted admitted openly that they Friday he wouldn’t be able to sion to postpone the games Olympic "ame, which was ta- cricketers and vowed not are bracing up for pay guaranteePresidency: that the post- by one year,” said Muto. “So ken o# public display this to let anyone su#er cuts. poned Olympics will be this means that all we can do week in Fukushima prefec- despite the uncertainty The announcement of staged next year — even with is work hard to prepare for ture. Muto had an away- triggered by the COVID-19 central contracts has been a 16-month delay. the Games. We sincerely from-the-microphone talk pandemic. postponed in Australia, TheJapanese group Prime Minister hashope no that permanent come next year, with staff Tokyo spokesman of its Masa own, so every year in December, a G20 country fromMajor cricket a boardsrotatingwhile regionEngland skipper Joe Shinzo Abe issued an emer- mankind will manage to Takaya before talking about like those of England and Root has applied for gencytakes declaration on this the week presidency.overcome the coronavirus Thatthe country "ame. is then responsible for organising the next summit,Australia as have well indicated as smallerfurlough along with his to battle the virus, putting crisis.” “After the Olympic torch that players will have to Yorkshire teammates. themeetings country under restric- for theMuto coming was asked several year.relay They was cancelled, can also the choose to invite non-member countries alongtake payas cuts. guests. TheUnder the first furlough tions after it couldn’t avoid times about the added costs Olympic "ame was put un- “When the lockdown scheme, the British theG20 spread. meeting tookof postponing, place which in has Berlinder the management in 1999, of To- after a financial crisis in East Asia affected manywas announced countries on March aroundgovernment pays the 80 per “I don’t think anyone been estimated by Japanese kyo 2020,” Muto said. 24, the BCCI was ready for cent of wages — up to wworld.ould be able to say if it is go- media at between $2 bil- There are suggestions the any eventuality. The £2,500 — per month. ing to be possible to get it un- lion-$6 billion. He said it was International Olympic Com- Board clears quarterly A BCCI o$cial said the derFull control membership by next July or too soon of to know the the G20: price m ittee is thinking of taking instalments of central Board’s !nancial stability not,” Tokyo organising com- tag and who would pay. the "ame on a world tour, contract payments to its helps in testing times m ittee CEO Toshiro Muto He also revealed that the hoping to use it as a symbol players,” a BCCI o$cial when some of the other said, speaking through an in- Tokyo organisers had taken of the battle against the vi- told PTI. boards are struggling to terpreterArgentina, at a news confe- Australia,insurance policies. Brazil, “Tokyo rCanada,us. However, anyChina, tour France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan,“Plus the Mexico, match fees of Russia,even pay their domestic rence conducted remotely. 2020 has taken out several would be impossible until all those who played for players. “Neither our “WeSaudi certainly are Arabia, not in a po- insuranceSouth policies,” Africa, said Mu- Southtravel restrictions Korea, are lifted. Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United StatesIndia and and India-A the during Europeaninternational nor our sition to give you a clear to. Taking the "ame away Around the world in solidarity: The Olympic !ame, which was taken o" public display this this period, all these dues domestic cricketers will answer.”Union. “But whether the post- from Japan could also upset week, could go on a world tour — as a symbol of the battle against the virus — if travel were cleared at the end of su#er,” the o$cial said. ItsThe Olympicsrelevance was post- inponement changing of the Games times:the hosts. restrictions are lifted. * AFP

HNZ cancels ‘IAs want globalization to play progressesin next Candidates’ and various issuesOnline become blitz more event intricately raises intertwined, nearly the₹2.40 recent lakh G20 summits India tour Whaveorld No. focused 23 Vidit has not been only busy on with macroeconomy online games and‘Let’s trade, Fight Corona but also Together’ on aattracts wide 180 range players, of including global 17 issuesGMs which have an SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT immense impact on the global economy, suchRAKESH as RAO development,rior tie-break climate score. There changeSeasoned GMsand Dibyendu energy,jayalakshmi, health, Sriram Jha counter-and NEW DELHI CHESS NEW DELHI terrorism, as well as migration and refugees. The G20 has wsoughtas no entry fee, to but realize each Barua, anK. Sasikiran inclusive and Nee- S. and Meenakshi sustainable donated After world the suspension of P.K. Ajith Kumar The online-friendly nature of participant was expected to lotpal Das contributed ₹7000. matches in the Europe leg chess played its part perfect- donate a minimum of ₹100 ₹20,000 each. of the Pro League, the In- throughidit Gujrathi may its be par- contributions towards resolvingl ythese as Chessbase global India organ- issues.and a maximum of whatever Nihal, the eventual cham- Unknown contributor dian men’s hockey team’s Vdoned if he thought he ised a one-day event that he/she was comfortable pion who was a last-minute Shiv Shome, 13, chose to home games against New wWhatouldn’t be toois busy G20+? after helped raise ₹2,39,742 to- with. entry, pitched in with shell out ₹2,500 while an un- Zealand have also been the coronavirus crisis forced wards PM-CARES fund. ₹7,500. GMs Magesh Chan- known contributor, who did cancelled due to the CO- him to cancel his "ight tick- Titled, “Let’s Fight Coro- Live streaming dran, Arun Prasad, M.S. Thej not play, donated ₹10,000. VID-19 pandemic. The New ets to Europe and the United na Together”, this online Interestingly, Vidit also did Kumar, N. Srinath and Ankit IM Sagar Shah and FIDE Zealand men were sche- States.The G20 developing nations, also called G21/G23/G20+blitz chess event attracted is alive bloc streaming of of hisdeveloping games Rajpara contributed nations ₹5,000 whichinstructor Nikleshwas Jainestablished are duled to play onback-to-back But,the strongest Indian 180 players including 17 that raised ₹37,028 in two each. holding online classes since games on May 23 and 24 in chessAugust player after Viswanath-20, 2003. It is distinct from the G20 majorGMs, with India economies. No. 2 Vidit hours. The G20+ originatedGM R.R. Laxman notin only Septemberthe beginning of the2003 lock- atB hubaneswar.the 5th an Anand (World No. 15), Vi- Gujrathi being the top seed. Out of this, a donation of chipped in with ₹4,500, but down to raise funds. “Following the New Zea- ditministerial (No. 23) has been playing conference of the WTO held at Cancun,For the record, Mexico. Kerala’s ₹25,000 Its came origins from a gener- canalso be encouraged traced many toto theShah, alsoBrasilia the co-founder Declarationland government’s travel one online event after the rising star Nihal Sarin won ous Coimbatore-based chess play the event. GM Diptayan and CEO of Chessbase India, restrictions and lockdown, othersigned from his home by in Nash-the foreign ministers of India, Brazilthe title, and ahead of South Aravindh lAfricaover, C. Vinith. on 6th JuneGhosh donated 2003. ₹3,000. The declarationsaid, “We have raised an stated ad- combined that with the the medi- ik.major economies were still practising protectionistChithambaram and policies Vidit. A mongespecially players, notable in sectorsInterestingly, Sasikiran,they wereditional ₹74,179less in thecompetitive last 16 cal advice of in team doctors The goal: Vidit Gujrathi says he wants to break into the The trio tallied eight was the contribution of 16- Arun and Thej were among days through online classes. and in the interests of the Fund-raiserand that it wasworld’s important top 10. * SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT to see to it that thepoints trade each fromnegotiations nine year-old GM that Arjun Erigasi tookthose place who contributed provided with- More for importantly the every reversal day health, of safety those and well-be- On Saturday, the 25-year-old DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD rounds but Nihal was ad- who gave ₹25,000 a day be- out playing the fund-raiser. close to 500 people learn ing of our players and sup- wpolicies.Theill take on around 20 G20+<> I think is I willresponsible be DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD for 60% of jtheudged championworld on population, supe- fore the event. 26% ofL ikewise,the world’s the trio of S. Vi-agriculturalchess live.” exportsport sta and#, the decision has players from across the peaking as a player B On Saturday, Vidit will take been made by Hockey New world, at the same time on in two years when on around 20 players Zealand to cancel our tour chess.com70%, inof a fund-raisingits farmers. simultaneously, on of India (men) and China the Candidates is chess.com, in a fund-raising programme for India’s !ght held (women) at this present against the virus. event for India’s #ght Idea was to win back fans: Pat Cummins time,” HNZ chief executive against the virus Opec+Anand, P. Harikrishna, refers B. etovent theagainst Abhijitalliance Kunte,” of crude producers, who have been undertaking corrections in supply in theIan Francisoil said in a Adhiban, Koneru Humpy he said. “I had drawn that B Anand, Harikrishna, Rejects Clarke’s contentious IPL contracts claim statement. and D. Harika will also be game and Kunte went on to Adhiban, Humpy and While expressing disap- mmarketsaking their moves. Thesince do- b ecome2017. my coach.” Harika will also be Press Trust of India David Warner’s suspensions at ₹15.5 crore, told the BBC. pointment, Hockey India nations from the partici- He said he was happy to making their moves Melbourne and an overall criticism of However, he didn’t rule accepted that the situation DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD pants will go to the PM- be part of the chess.com The Australian cricket team’s their ‘win at all cost’ out that some players might was not conducive. “It is CARES fund. event. “It is great that all the Vidit’s aim is to be a parti- low-key aggression against mentality. have harboured thoughts disappointing that the OPEC“I am really lookingplus for- countriestop six Indian playersinclude are cipant Azerbaijan, in the next Candidates Bahrain,India during the Brunei, 2018-19 Test Kazakhstan,“I think probably a bigger Malaysia,about Clarke’s assumption Mexico, Oman, Russia,matches South need to be can- ward to the event and it is joining for this noble cause,” tournament. Given his con- series was more about win- factor was six months before that they went soft on Indian celled, but these are un- theSudan !rst time I am and giving a Sudan.si- he said. “I am told the res- sistency and age, he is proba- ning back fans rather than leading into that Indian se- skipper Virat Kohli in fear of avoidable circumstances multaneous exhibition on- ponse from the chess fans bly India’s best bet to qualify protecting their IPL con- ries, the media and everyone losing out on IPL pay-checks. and we support Hockey line,” Vidit told The Hindu. “I has been excellent.” for the Candidates, the win- tracts, said pace spearhead commentating on the Aussie “I’d say that would have New Zealand’s decision. have been part of such ner of which will earn the Pat Cummins, rejecting cricket team were pretty been a bigger factor than try- Safety of players and their eventsWhat physically, are though. theirDual goals? role right to challenge the World former skipper Michael clear in their direction in the ing to win or lose friends out support sta# is a top prior- Two years ago, I had played “I enjoyed it as well; I was champion. Clarke’s contentious claims. way they wanted the Aussies on the cricket !eld. But you ity. We hope to host them against 60 in Rajasthan, and giving commentary on my “That is my aim now; I team to go. never know, that might have again soon once the situa- won all the games.” own live games,” he said. “I think I will be peaking as a Overall criticism “And that was playing a lit- been a factor for some tion improves,” HI CEO TheHis career Opec in chess had and be- w asnon-Opec also part of the com-producersplayer in two years ﬁrst when the formedThe India seriesthe was alliance only the tle bit at less a aggressively historic out p layers.”meeting in Algiers in 2016. Elena Norman said, adding gun in a simultaneous dis- mentary team for the recent Candidates is held,” he said. second Test series after the on the !eld,” Cummins, who Australia skipper Tim that tickets already bought play by a Grandmaster. “I Candidates tournament in “I also want to break into the ball-tampering controversy was supposed to be IPL’s Paine had also rubbished Virat Kohli and Tim Paine. for the same will be refund- wTheas seven whenaim I played was that toRussia.” undertake productionworld’s top 10.” restrictionsthat led to Steve to Smith help and hresuscitateighest paid overseas player a ﬂailingClarke’s claims. market. * FILE PHOTO ed.

AIFFWhat and is FIFA OPEC?IN BRIEF Srinivasan has reinvented to !nalise new Milan ederby today MILAN dates: Patel Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to face off in a himself to stay relevant The Organization of the Petroleumvideo game derby Exporting as the football-mad country Countries remains in (OPEC) was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the signing lockdown. AC Milan's Portuguese striker Rafael Leao will take on WofOMEN’S an agreement U17 WC in SeptemberInter's 1960 Sebastiano by Esposito five on Saturday countries at 6 p.m. IST on eFootball namely Islamic RepublicHe has seenof Iran, it all as Iraq,a player, Kuwait, coach, and Saudian umpire Arabia Pro Evolution Soccer. The Milan eDerby will be available live on Press Trust of India S. Dinakar Inter and AC Milan's official channels. “Being a derby there is between ‘A’ sides and in the Newand delhi Venezuela. They were to become the Founder Members of the Organization.Chennai It is a permanent, always the desire to win. But the main objective is to be close to Ex-Olympic champ to IPL in various roles. stage Ironman fundraiser Theintergovernmental All India Football Fed- organization.our fans in Currently,this complicated time,” said the Leao. AOrganizationFP has a total ofIn the14 kaleidoscope Member that Countries. OPEC’sFor the last seven years, eration is in discussion Tendulkar to help BERLIN cricket is, careers of various he was the chairman of the wobjectiveith world body FIFA tois re- to feedco-ordinate 5000 people andWoods unify recovers petroleumfrom policies amongBeijing Olympics Member triathlon Countries,hues appear and disappear in order to secure fairTNCA umpire’s and sub-commit- tain the original age crite- MUMBAI injury, but... champion Jan Frodeno has creating radiant patterns tee. Last season, he was se- ria of the participating Sachin Tendulkar, who has MIAMI come up with an idea to raise that only last momentarily. cond in BCCI’s rankings for stable prices for petroleum producers;Tiger Woods says he has an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming players and !nalise new already donated ₹50 lakh for money to fight COVID-19. In this turbulent world, K. domestic umpires. recovered from a sore back dates for the U-17 Women’s the fight against the Frodeno plans to livestream a Srinivasan deserves credit Now 54, Srinivasan will nations; and a fair return on tcapitalhat hindered his preparationsto those investing in the industry.It is headquarteredin Vienna, Austria. World Cup, AIFF president pandemic, has decided to complete ‘Ironman challenge’ for staying relevant by evolv- retire next year unless he for the now-postponed from his home in Genova, Praful Patel said on Friday. feed 5000 people for a ing and reinventing himself. stands in an international OPEC membershipmonth. “Thankyou, is open toMasters any but is countrymissing the that is a substantialSpain, from 11.30exporter a.m. IST on of oil and which shares the ideals of the Scheduled to be held in A cricketer, a coach and game. “Even if I o$ciate in a @sachin_rt for stepping in & Augusta showdown.“I feel a Wright appointed Saturday. The German will use India in November, the an umpire, Srinivasan, Twenty20 international, my organization. helping Apnalaya help the little edgy. I want to get out Derbyshire president a home pool for the 3.8km event was postponed by FI- younger brother of all-roun- retirement age becomes 58. ones suffering the most there. I want to compete,” LONDON swim, an exercise bike for the FAWhy last week. is “I amOPEC+ happy during more this lockdown. influential He will Woods said. than AFP OPEC?Former New Zealand captain 180km ride and run a full der K. Barathan, has seen it K. Srinivasan. And if I stand in a Test, it is to share that we are work- be taking care of the ration of John Wright has been marathon on a treadmill. AFP all. * SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT 60.” ing with FIFA to choose a around 5000 people for a appointed president of the Srinivasan said, “Instead, new and earliest possible month. There are many more Derbyshire Cricket Club. He Proli"c in local league ram with whom he has why not have medical tests timelineOPEC’s to host the 14 U-17 membersindividuals who need control your 35 percent of globalreplaces Harold oil Rhodes, supplies who and 82 percentA brief careerof proven for Tamil Na- reserves.played for CromBest With and thefor umpires every year?” Women’s World Cup. The support, people! Donate was president over the past du in the one-dayers in 1993- was looked after by another LOCaddition [Local Organising of thebelow!,” 10 tweeted Non-OPEC Apnalaya. nations, notableyear. Speaking among about the them Russia, Mexico94 notwithstanding, and Kazakhstan, the No. friend R. Rangarajan those — Srini- sharesTendulkar’s humility Committee] and FIFA are Tendulkar replied, “My best appointment, chairman Ian 3 strokemaker and o#-spin- vasan was successful. Among his memorable mo- wincreaseorking to !nalise to new 55 wpercentishes to @ApnalayaTweets and 90 percent respectively.Morgan, said: “John This is one of affords OPEC+ a nleveler continued of to influencebe a force Never over idle, Srinivasan the had worldments as umpire is when Sa- dates keeping health and to continue your work in the the greatest batsmen to ever in !rst division league with by then cleared the NCA Le- chin Tendulkar stopped him safetyeconomy a priority,” Patelneverservice seen of the distressed before. and play for Derbyshire, scoring 25 hundreds including a vel II coaching course. And from tying his shoe-lace — a tweeted. needy. Keep up your good more than 14,000 runs for double against Globe he coached the Tripura Ran- normal practice for umpires China SC rules in favour “We are also in discus- work.” PTI the club.” IANS Trotters. ji Trophy team in 2003-04. — out of respect in a practice of Michael Jordan sions with #FIFA to keep And in 2000, a heroic Sri- game between the Indian No match worth risking a life: FIFA president Infantino BEIJING the age criteria of U-17 Wo- nivasan, representing SI- Gaining in stature probables in Chennai. “He ZURICH China’s Supreme People’s men’s World Cup the same, FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday said “no match” is worth Court (SPC) has overturned CAL, ambushed the fancied Passing umpiring exams, he has so much humility.” so that all the players who “risking a single human life” and that world football’s governing earlier rulings by Beijing Jolly Rovers with an eight- began standing in Ranji And Srinivasan believes have been working very body would be able to help financially national federations during courts to favour U.S. wicket innings haul followed games from 2001; talk about players considered tough to hard to prepare for the the coronavirus pandemic. “Our first priority, our principle, the basketball legend Michael by 179. wearing di#erent hats. Gra- handle are great to deal with tournament, do not miss one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to Jordan’s trademark appeal Asked to promote Young dually, Srinivasan began “if you communicate with an opportunity to play due follow is that health comes first,” he said in a video message. “No against a Chinese sportswear Stars from second to !rst di- gaining in stature as an um- them in a direct and honest to the postponement,” Pa- match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human firm that allegedly infringed vision in 2003-04 — the team pire, o$ciating in Ranji sem- manner.” tel added. life.” AFP upon his naming rights. IANS belonged to Kalpathi Agho- i!nals, tour games, matches Srinivasan is a survivor.

CM A CH-CHE YK