Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From OPINION 6 MONEY 8 SPORTS 11 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW HAUNTED BY SENSEX ENDS 199 PTS HIGHER; RELIANCE INDIA TOUR DOWN BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH THE PAST INDUSTRIES RALLIES OVER 3 PC UNDER STILL ON BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD *Late City Vol. 2 Issue 186 VIJAYAWADA, SATURDAY MAY 9, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable ADAH ON CASTING COUCH: PRODUCTION OF COUCHES EXISTS { Page 12 } www.dailypioneer.com TELANGANA IMPOSES RS 1,000 MANASAROVAR PILGRIMS ECSTATIC INDIA SENDING MEDICINES TO 25 DEFAMATION CASES HAVE BECOME FINE FOR FAILURE TO WEAR MASK AFTER KEY ROAD OPENS IN U’KHAND AFRICAN COUNTRIES, SAYS MEA TOOL TO INTIMIDATE MEDIA, SAYS HC

fter making wearing a mask in public places mandatory, the Telangana n 80-km strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass at a ndia is dispatching medicines to more than 25 African countries as part of he Madras High Court has observed that defamation cases have become Agovernment has issued orders imposing Rs 1000 as fine for those not Aheight of 17,000 feet along the border with China in Uttarakhand with Iassistance for them to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of T"tool of intimidation" by some powerful politicians and corporates and has complying with it. "In order to prevent transmission of COVID-19, it shall be Dharchula was thrown open by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on External Affairs said on Friday. It said medicines included quashed such proceedings against two journalists and an Engish daily. mandatory for everyone to wear a face cover/mask in public places. Friday.The new road is expected to help pilgrims visiting Kailash hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol and other drugs which are immediately Justice G R Swaminathan, who quashed the proceedings recently, said such Each violation shall attract a fine of Rs.1,000, an order issued by Mansarovar in Tibet as it is around 90 kms from the Lipulekh required to fight the pandemic. "These medicines are expected to "cases are used as tools to intimidate the media." The higher the state government on Thursday said. The government issued pass. After inaugurating the road through video- complement the national efforts of the various countries in Africa to judiciary could not desert its duty when it comes to fresh orders as the lockdown was extended upto May 29 to conferencing, Singh said pilgrims going to Kailash combat the pandemic," the MEA said in a statement. On April 17, protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of the contain the coronavirus spread. While permitting certain Mansarovar will now be able to complete their journey Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with press, the judge said. The Judiciary will have to take the activities, the orders said no movement of any person shall be in one week instead of up to three weeks. The road South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and conveyed to him role of an activist as "criminal defamation proceedings permitted for any purpose other than accessing emergency medical originates at Ghatiabagarh and ends at Lipulekh India's "full support" to the African continent in dealing have become a tool of intimidation for corporate bodies care during the period from 7 PM to 7 AM. pass, the gateway to Kailash-Mansarovar. with the coronavirus pandemic. and powerful politicians,” he said.

VIZAG TRAGEDY 554 affected by Styrene leak, 305 still in hospital No patient on ventilator, 128 recover; efforts are on to neutralise gas Former NCP MP PNS n VIJAYAWADA in list of BJP Concerted efforts are being candidates for made by experts in the field to Police officers inspect the site of the horrific accident near Karmad in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in which 16 neutralise the Styrene gas that migrant labourers were crushed to death under a goods train early on Friday. Maha Council leaked from the tank of LG Polymers here, killing 11 peo- ple and affecting many others, said Minister for Industries M 16 migrant workers crushed to 4 Gautam Reddy on Friday. Health Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas said that death by goods train in Maha 554 victims were shifted to hospitals out of whom, 128 PNS n AURANGABAD have completely recovered. While there are 305 persons, At least 16 migrant workers Train accident: Survivors including 52 infants, are being sleeping on rail tracks were treated at the KGH. There are crushed to death by a goods raised alarm, but in vain 121 others being treated at train in Aurangabad district of AURANGABAD: Survivors of the private hospitals that are out Maharashtra on Friday morn- After some time, these Aurangabad train accident three saw a goods train of danger. Nobody is on ven- A mother feeds her baby recovering from the affects of gas leaked from the LG Polymers factory on Thursday, at the King ing, police said. frantically raised alarm to alert their tilator support, the Health George Hospital in Vizag on Friday Two other labourers were group members sleeping on tracks coming and immediately raised Minister said. The govern- injured in the accident which about a fast-approaching the alarm but it went unheard ment would provide com- took place at 5.15 am under the freight train, but it all went plete medical support to all of Karmad Police station jurisdic- —MOKSHADA PATIL , High-Power in vain as 16 of them Superintendent of Police them, he added. 65-yr-old succumbs tion, an official said. were crushed to death at Speaking after a high-level The workers, who were the crack of dawn on panel set up adjoining Aurangabad review meeting of the Group walking to Bhusawal from Friday. in central Maharashtra, of Ministers, which included to gas, toll rises to 12 Jalna in central Maharashtra Chilling details to probe leak and were heading home Alla Nani, Kurasala along rail tracks, were return- emerged about the tragedy n n in the amidst of coronavirus- Kannababu, Botsa PNS VISAKHAPATNAM PNS VIJAYAWADA ing to their home state Madhya involving a group of migrant enforced lockdown, officials said. Satyanarayana, Dharmana Pradesh, an official at the workers who were on their way Manu Bhaker gets "A group of 20 stranded Krishna Das, Avanti Srinivas One more person suc- The Andhra Pradesh govern- Karmad police station told to native places in Madhya labourers started walking from electronic target and P Jayaram, Gautam cumbed to the styrene gas ment on Friday constituted a PTI. They were sleeping on rail Pradesh on foot from Jalna. They decided to take rest Reddy said there was no need that leaked from LG five-member High-Power tracks due to exhaustion when Maharashtra and had taken a installed at home and most of them lied on rail to panic as experts from the Polymers India Private Committee to probe the leak- they were run over by the break to rest on rail tracks out of tracks. Three of them were field are doing their best to Limited plant at RR age of styrene gas from the LG goods train coming from Jalna, sheer fatigue. taking rest in a nearby plain area. neutralise the gas in the tank. Venkatapuram in Vizag on Polymer plant at RR around 40 km from Karmad, The accident left 16 migrant "After some time, these three He said stern action would Thursday, taking the toll to Venkatapuram in he said. workers dead and one injured 5 saw a goods train coming and be taken against those found 12. Visakhapatnam on Thursday, "The labourers, working in while three others survived. All immediately raised the alarm but guilty for the accident after the The victim was identified A GO was issued by Chief a steel factory in Jalna, left for of them were working in a steel it went unheard," Superintendent inquiry report is presented. as Ratnala Gangadhar Secretary Nilam Sawhney to their home state on foot last manufacturing in Jalna, a district Asking people not to believe Chowdhary (65), who was this effect. As per the orders, night. of Police Mokshada Patil told. in rumours, the Minister said declared dead at Kothavalasa the committee will be headed 3 it might take 48 hours to neu- Primary Health Centre in by Neeraj Kumar Prasad, tralise the gas. Vizianagaram district. Special Chief Secretary (EFS The government has only Vizianagaram and T department) and the COVID CRISIS been a facilitator for industries Superintendent of Police B Well-wishers console the relative of a members will include Karikal HC reserves and now it has taken up the Raja Kumari said that victim in front of the KGH on Friday. Valaven, Special Chief task of safety audit of 86 Gangadhar was a resident of Secretary (Industries), Vinay order in SEC industries in the state, he the Gopalapatnam in Vizag inhaled the Styrene on Chand -Visakhapatnam dis- 3 die, 80-year-old added. city. Thursday morning. trict collector, removal case 3 Like others, he had 3 3 cured, discharged PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA Meanwhile, an 80-year-old The Andhra Pradesh High Over 60 pc of patient from Ganigalli, Court on Friday reserved its Identify hazardous factories in Despite the increase in the Kurnool City made a complete verdict on the plea against leaked styrene number of patients being dis- recovery from the virus and removal of the N Ramesh Record excise duty charged after recovery, there was discharged on Friday from Kumar as State Election populated areas, officials told has been a steady increase in Viswabharathi District Covid Commissioner by the State hike unlikely to polymerised the number of Covid-19 pos- Hospital, Kurnool according Government. help bridge fiscal PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA sive roadmap to ensure a safe itive cases in Andhra Pradesh. to district collector G The High Court made the and risk-free city from haz- The State reported 54 new Veerapandian. decision known after conclu- gap: Report Over 60 per cent of the Stating that the Pollution ardous industries and the cases during the last 24 hours The patient was admitted sion of hearing the argu- styrene vapour that leaked Control Board (PCB) should location should be far away as per the bulletin released by on April 14, and after under- ments of counsels of the 12 from a tank in LG be strengthened, Chief from habitations. the government on Friday, going treatment he recovered petitioners who filed petitions Polymers near Minister YS Jaganmohan The Chief Minister taking the total number of well and tested negative challenging the removal of 8 Visakhapatnam on Reddy on Friday directed the instructed officials of the PCB Coronavirus positive cases to twice. the SEC. Thursday, killing at least 11 officials to identify hazardous to play a proactive role in pre- 1,887. 3 3 TODAY people, has polymerized factories in and around venting mishaps. so far and all chemical Visakhapatnam located in He further directed the ALMANAC tanks in the plant are densely populated areas. officials to conduct a fair and Month & Paksham: safe, District Collector V During a review meeting held transparent investigation on Vaishakha & Krishna Paksha Vinay Chand said on through videoconference, the the mishap and come out Consider home delivery of Panchangam Friday. Chief Minister asked the offi- with a comprehensive report. Tithi : Dwitiya: 10:14 am 3 cials to prepare a comprehen- 3 Victims recuperate at the KGH on Friday. Nakshatram: Anuradha: 06:33 am, liquor, SC suggests states Jyeshtha: 05:02 am (Next Day) PNS n NEW DELHI conferencing, disposed of the line sale/home delivery of Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start NGT slaps Rs 50 cr interim penalty on LG plea challenging the guidelines liquor to facilitate social dis- any important work) The Supreme Court on Friday issued by the Ministry of tancing, the bench said. Rahukalam: 09:01 am –10:36 am PNS n NEW DELHI Thursday's gas leak incident in asked states to consider non- Home Affairs (MHA) on During the hearing, Yamagandam: 01:48 pm – 03:23 pm the chemical factory, in which direct contact or online sales May 1, allowing sales of advocate Sai Deepak, Varjyam: 11:48 am – 01:18 pm The National Green Tribunal 11 people were killed and 1,000 and home delivery of liquor liquor through direct appearing for peti- Gulika: 05:49 am – 07:25 am slapped an interim penalty of Rs exposed, and submit a report during the lockdown period to contact during the tioner Guruswamy Good Time: (to start any important work) 50 crore on LG Polymers India before May 18. "Having regard prevent the spread lockdown period. Nataraj, argued that Amritakalam: 08:47 pm – 10:17 pm and sought response from the to the prima facie material of coronavirus on We are not inclined there are 70,000 Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:47 am – 12:38 pm Centre and others on Friday in regarding the extent of damage account of to entertain this peti- liquor vends across the gas leak incident in to life, public health and envi- crowding at the tion filed under Article the country and over five VIJAYAWADA Visakhapatnam, Andhra ronment, we direct LG shops. 32 of the Constitution of crore people have till now WEATHER Pradesh, saying "there appears Polymers India Pvt Ltd to forth- A bench of India. The petition is purchased liquor from these Forecast: Mostly sunny to be a failure to comply with with deposit an initial amount Justices Ashok dismissed. However, it shops. Temp: 40/28 the said Rules and other statu- of Rs 50 crore, with the District Bhushan, shall be open for the He said that due to social Humidity: 55% tory provisions". A bench, head- Magistrate, Vishakhapatnam, Sanjay Kishan concerned State distancing norms not being Sunrise: 05:46 am ed by NGT Chairperson Justice which will abide by further Kaul and B R Government to followed at the liquor vends Sunset: 06:38 pm Current Weather Conditions Adarsh Kumar Goel, set up a 5- orders of this tribunal. Anxious relatives wait for news about their loved ones recuperating at the KGH, Gavai, hearing consider non- and shops, there has been rise Updated May 8, 2020 5:00 PM member Committee to probe 3 in Vizag on Friday. the matter direct sale in Covid-19 cases. through video including on- 3 VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 vijayawada 02 LG POLYMERS DISASTER INS Dega to get a facelift Long-term effects can’t be ruled PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Indian Navy’s INS Dega air- field in Vizag is all set to get a facelift as the Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a out: Homi Bhaba former director contract with Tata Power SED (TPSED) SUMIT ONKA assessment of bodily func- The Ministry of Defence n VISAKHAPATNAM All the residents, the rescue teams and tions, system wise, with signed the contract for perhaps the care givers must be enrolled emphasis on dermatological, Modernisation of Air Field The long-term health effect of in a long term health monitoring plan, gastrointestinal, respiratory, Infrastructure (MAFI) of 37 The Ministry of Defence signed the Styrene on the victims, who suggested former director of Homi cardiac, renal and neurological airfields for Indian Air Force contract for Modernisation of Air Field inhaled after its leakage from systems. (IAF), Indian Navy (IN) and Infrastructure (MAFI) of 37 airfields for LG Polymers cannot be total- Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research According to him, these Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ly ruled out, claimed former Centre (Visakhapatnam) Prof D should be reassessed at period- with Tata Power SED (TPSED) Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy (IN) Director of Homi Bhabha Raghunadha Rao ic intervals, perhaps, for life at a cost of nearly Rs 1,200 and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Tata Cancer Hospital and Research time of individuals – those that crore. The proposal has been Power SED (TPSED) at a cost of nearly Centre (Visakhapatnam) Prof remain within the area and duly approved by Defence D Raghunadha Rao on Friday. and varies from individual to thing related to fuel, hydrocar- those migrate and perhaps Minister Rajnath Singh. Rs 1,200 crore. The proposal has been A concrete plan, he suggest- individual. The traces left in the bon would be suppressed given move into the area. Adequate On March 12, 1986, the duly approved by Defence Minister ed, to address several issues body could manifest it later the money involved in it. stress should be laid on Visakhapatnam airfield came related to health, environmen- with physical ailments. So, we “All the residents, the rescue scholastic achievement of the under naval control from the tal and administrative cropping can’t rule out its long-term teams and perhaps the care children, who were victims, erstwhile national airport under MAFI Phase-I have military and civil aircrafts up from the Styrene gas disas- effect.” givers must be enrolled in a long term disability if any. authority (domestic). Naval been of immense benefit to even in poor visibility and ter is very crucial. Prof D Raghunadha Rao He further highlighted that long term health monitoring Studies must focus on such air station (Visakhapatnam) both military and civil users. adverse weather condition In all, 554 victims were shift- the impact of chronic exposure plan. These are typically of 2 long term impact on reproduc- was formed with one Chetak The project is a turnkey while enhancing aerospace ed to hospitals out of whom, ‘probable’ to ‘possible’ carcino- of styrene on rats or animals is types: post traumatic stress tive capabilities of survivors flight and a few disembarked project that includes installa- safety. 128 have completely recov- gen in 2018 that hints the risk known but that would not be disorder and physical ailments.” and on mutagenic, teratoge- helicopters of ship-borne tion and commissioning of The contract will provide ered. While there are 305 per- involved in it. Moreover, we exactly same in case of human Every single resident must nenic and carcinogenic poten- flights. modern airfield equipment impetus to the domestic indus- sons, including 52 infants, are never had this kind of disaster beings. Responding to views of compulsorily be screened and tial, if any. The Indian Navy’s airfield like Cat-II Instrument Landing try in the prevailing situation. being treated at the KGH. Five and so it’s not a known phe- some doctors that the gas documented for any psycho- Monitoring plant and animal has seen an exponential System (ILS) and Cat II Air The project will give a boost to villages with population of nomenon. The effect of the would not have long-term logical stress – acutely, sub- life could also be of very great growth since its inception. On Field Lightning System over 250 Micro, Small and more than 5,000 were affected. styrene monomer who inhaled impact, he said the bad conse- acutely and long term. They help in deciphering long term October 21, 1991, INS Dega (AFLS). Medium Enterprises, which “Styrene was categorised as depends on the quantity, age quences of styrene or any- must all undergo a baseline effects from styrene. was commissioned by admiral The modern equipment will be directly benefited from l Ramdas as a full fledged air around the airfield will also be being involved in execution of station. At the time of incep- directly connected to Air various activities of this pro- tion, air operations from this Traffic Control (ATC), there- ject. This contract would aid in air station were restricted to by providing excellent control infusing the much needed cap- 100 PPE kits handed PHCs to get two-wheelers rotary wing operations and of the airfield systems to the ital in the market and boost Dorniers from Vayudoot. air traffic controllers. The employment generation in The MAFI Phase-II is a fol- upgradation of navigational such fields as communica- low-on programme based on aids and infrastructure under tions, avionics, information over to Collector for delivery of medicines MAFI Phase-I that included this project would enhance technology, apart from civil PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA On the agriculture front, he upgradation of 30 airfields of the operational capability by and electrical equipment and instructed officials to be pre- IAF. The airfields modernised facilitating air operations of construction. The Retail Chemist and Emphasising the need for strict pared for the purchase of 10,000 Druggist Association of implementation of Covid-19 tonnes of oranges and also Vijayawada and Krishna preventive measures in the State, agreed for the grant of subsidy District Chemist and Druggist Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan in retail sale. The Minimum Hotter Association arranged 100 Reddy has ordered officials to Support Price is being provid- Personal Protective purchase two-wheelers for ed for maize and turmeric, he Equipment (PPE) kits worth Primary Health Centres (PHCs) said adding that purchase of weather Rs 1 lakh to help doctors and for the supply of medicines to turmeric from neighbouring para medical staff, the front- the patients within 24 hours. States should be prevented. may not line warriors battling the Health care system in the He directed officials to com- Corona crisis, as a humble ges- State should be strengthened plete the farmers' registration by stop Covid-19 ture. In a special programme the occasion, assistant director further, the Chief Minister said officials said that tests have May 10 and display the list at held at the Collector's camp Kolanukonda Rajabhanu during a review meeting here on been completed for the identi- village/ward secretariats ahead INS n TORONTO office here on Friday, Drug thanked the association for Friday, and instructed officials to fied people in the family survey. of the launch of Rythu Bharosa Control department assistant their contribution and said put YSR Telemedicine to max- People stranded in various coun- Kendras (RBKs) on May 30. He Temperature and latitude are director Kolanukonda that the association has imum use. He asked officials to tries, including the US, the UK told officials to publicise the not associated with the Rajabhanu handed them over received appreciation from buy bikes and ensure availabil- and Gulf nations are returning registration and see that all the spread of the Covid-19 dis- to Krishna District Collector people for their past services ity of thermo bags at every PHC to the State. eligible farmers are applied for ease, say researchers, adding Md Imtiaz. in Gudivada, Avnigadda, in the State as soon as possible. The Chief Minister instruct- the scheme. that they found a weak asso- DVR Sai Kumar, President Muvva, Tiruvuru, Jaggayapeta Medicines should be deliv- ed officials to ensure qualitative He made it clear that social Minister for Transport, Information and Public Relations Perni Venkataramaiah ciation between humidity of Retail Chemist and and Machlipatnam. Drug ered to patients within 24 hours facilities in the quarantine cen- distancing should be strictly (Nani) inaugurates a modern filtration plant in Machilipatnam on Friday and reduced transmission. Druggist Association of inspectors P Srirama Murthy, of the call and doctor's prescrip- tres and shelters. Initially, implemented near shops and The results - that hotter Vijayawada, said Kolanukonda J Vinod and B Anvesh Reddy tion. The system will be further 75,000 beds should be utilised wearing a mask is mandatory. weather had no effect on the Rajabhanu has been a true also present on the occasion. strengthened with the upcom- that were set up across the State So far, six crore masks have pandemic's progression - inspiration for their associa- Sudakar, Sri Hari and other ing Village Clinics, he added. and the number should be been distributed in the State surprised the authors. "Our tion's service activities against association members also par- With concern to the Covid- increased to 1 lakh beds, he with a daily production of 42 Transport Minister study provides important the Corona crisis. Speaking on ticipated in the programme. 19 tests and quarantine centres, said. lakhs masks. new evidence, using global data from the Covid-19 epi- opens filtration plant demic, that these public health interventions have Tearful adieu PNS n VIJAYAWADA he said. reduced epidemic growth," These migrants from Bihar reach TS “If the monsoon arrives on said study researcher Dr to police dog Minister for Transport, time, we will not have any Peter Juni from the PNS n HYDERABAD 20,000 to 25,000 workers from Information and Public water problem, or else we will University of Toronto, and St Bihar, who were working in PNS n VIJAYAWADA Relations Perni follow the same procedure of Michael's Hospital in At a time when migrant work- rice mills in Telangana. Venkataramaiah (Nani) inau- diverting from the Godavari Canada. ers from various parts of the Last month, Rao had urged A tearful farewell was organ- gurated a modern filtration catchment areas water as it was The study, published in the country are returning to their the Bihar government to send ised for police trained dog at plant in Machilipatnam on done last year. Drinking water Canadian Medical home States due to ongoing back the workers to Telangana. Machilipattnam on Friday. Friday. It was constructed at an supply to people of Association Journal, looked nation-wide lockdown, a train More than 90 per cent of the District Superintendent of estimated cost of Rs 22 crore Machilipatnam is just a few at 144 geopolitical areas - with about 250 migrants from workers in rice mills were Police M Ravindranath under the Amrutha scheme. weeks away and every day States and provinces in Bihar reached Telangana on Bihari migrants. "These work- Babu, along with Additional Speaking on the occasion, one-hour drinking water will Australia, the US and Canada Friday. ers, who load and unload the SPs Satyanarayana, M Satti the minister said that the plant be supplied,” he said. as well as various countries Sharmik Special carrying rice trucks, had gone to Bihar Babu, DSPs, CIs, SIs, RIs and would treat 22 million litres of He said that Rs 25 crore was around the world - and a the workers, who were work- for Holi and are stranded there other police personnel, were water and supply drinking proposed for setting up of new total of more than 3,75,600 ing in rice mills of Telangana due to the lockdown," the present at the farewell. water to the people of reservoirs for supply of drink- confirmed Covid-19 cases. reached Lingampalli station Chief Minister had said. The police dog Raja won Machilipatnam soon. The old ing water in the city, he added. China, Italy, Iran and South on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Rao had even stated that if 16 medals for cracking crim- plant has a capacity of treating Machilipatnam Municipal Korea were excluded because According to East Central Telangana Chief Minister K necessary he would talk to the inal cases. It had helped the about 16 million litres water Corporation Commissioner the virus was either waning Railway (ECR), the train Centre to arrange a few special police to crackdown many and with both the plants water Sivarama Krishna, municipal in the case of China or in full departed from Khagaria in Chandrashekhar Rao had said on May 5 trains to bring back the Bihari criminal cases in Krishna problem can be solved in engineer Trinadh Babu and disease outbreak at the time Bihar at 3.45 am on Thursday. that the trains carrying migrant workers migrant workers. The Chief district to nab the culprits. Machilipatnam Corporation, others were present. of the analysis in others. ECR officials said the train was to Bihar will come back with 20,000 to Minister said as Telangana was The police dog was ill for operated at the request of the procuring record 1.05 crore some time and was under- State government. 25,000 workers from Bihar, who were tonnes of paddy from farmers going treatment and They made the clarification working in rice mills in Telangana at designated procurement breathed its last on Friday. after Rashtriya Janata Dal centres in villages in view of the Raja was honored with Dilapidated masonry bridge (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha lockdown, the task can't be international, national and tweeted to the Railway was being run. said on May 5 that the trains completed without the labour- district medals during the Minister, wanting to know Telangana Chief Minister carrying migrant workers to ers Bihar, who load and unload six years recognising its tal- replaced with precast RCC under whose order the train K. Chandrashekhar Rao had Bihar will come back with the trucks. ent and ability. PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The South Central Railway, WHO ON CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK Vijayawada Division, has com- pleted the replacement of dilapidated masonry bridge Wuhan market ‘played a role, that's clear' with precast RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) boxes in PNS n GENEVA eight hours without affecting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has major train operations under A wholesale market in the cen- said there is "a significant amount of the supervision of Sanjeev tral Chinese city of Wuhan Kumar, Divisional Engineer, played a role in the outbreak of evidence" the virus came from the South, Vijayawada Division, the novel Coronavirus in 2019, Wuhan laboratory, although he has also South Central Railway. as the source, or possibly as an said there wasn't certainty The workers were engaged more than 200 passenger and congratulated the engineer- 'amplifying setting', the World by obtaining consent from the goods train services during the ing team for carrying out such Health Organisation said on administration and they were normal course. crucial works during the lock- Friday calling for more research. laboratory, although he has also camels as the source of the thoroughly screened, provided Recently, four major bridge down. He expressed his happi- Chinese authorities shut down said there wasn't certainty. MERS (Middle East Respiratory with PPEs, sanitizers and all blocks were completed by the ness and satisfaction over the the market in January as part of No public evidence has linked Syndrome) virus, a Coronavirus the safety precautions were Division viz; two bridges each Divisional teams remarkable efforts to halt the spread of the the outbreak to the lab in Wuhan that emerged in Saudi Arabia in undertaken by strictly adher- on up and down line mainline performance by positively virus and ordered a temporary and scientists have said the 2012 and spread in the Middle ing to social distancing mea- between Sigarayakonda marching ahead and setting ban on trade and consumption Coronavirus appears to have East, adding: "It's not too late." sures during the work. –Tangutur and Rajahmundry- new precedents even during of wildlife. developed in nature. A German "What is important, what Utilising the lockdown peri- Visakhapatnam section where these troubled times of pan- "The market played a role in Peter Ben Embarek, a WHO shoppers may have brought the intelligence report cast doubts on would be of great help, is to get od imposed by the Central the track was washed out two demic. the event, that's clear. But what expert on food safety and virus into the market, he told a Pompeo's allegations, Der Spiegel hold of the virus before it adapt- government to containing times during floods in addition He lauded the efforts and role we don't know, whether it zoonotic viruses that cross the Geneva news briefing. reported. ed to humans, before the version Covid-19 spread, the Division to the replacement of scissors dedication of field staff in was the source or amplifying set- species barrier from animals to US Secretary of State Mike Ben Embarek did not address we have now. Because then we has carried out major tracks crossover at Vijayawada yard commissioning the major ting or just a coincidence that humans. Pompeo has said there is "a sig- the accusations. would better understand how it and bridge repairs in record with PCC sleepers. infrastructure works in record some cases were detected in It was not clear whether live nificant amount of evidence" He noted that it took adapted to humans, how it time, which would have other- P Srinivas, Divisional time without affecting the and around that market," said Dr animals or infected vendors or the virus came from the Wuhan researchers a year to identify evolved," he said. wise affected the movement of Railway Manager, Vijayawada, train operations.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 vijayawada 03 HEART-RENDING SCENES AT MORGUE Government releases Will ex gratia bring back Rs 30 cr towards ex gratia PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The government on Friday released Rs 30 crore towards ex gratia announced by Chief lives, ask kin of gas victims Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to the families of the SUMIT ONKA victims of LG Polymers gas n VISAKHAPATNAM It’s really a great loss to me as my leak incident. As per the husband N Nani was killed in the gas Chief Minister’s announce- N Greeshma was going to be 10 leakage. My children are asking where ment, an ex gratia of Rs 1 this June and her family had crore each will be paid to the big plans to celebrate the day. the father is, I don’t know how to kin of the deceased. A pay- Her father had promised her to inform and console my children said ment release order has been take her for shopping. They did Lakshmi with a choked voice and issued to this effect. not know that death will sniff On Thursday, during his Those who are on ventilators in hospitals will her daughter’s life out in her tears rolling down visit to Visakhapatnam to con- sleep. It was heart-rending to sole the gas leak-affected, the be given Rs 10 lakh, while patients, who see the Greeshma’s father and Raju (38), who was a worker at was located in the residential Chief Minister has expressed require a hospital stay of two or three days, relatives sobbing uncontrol- LG Polymers,” said Raju’s wife area. Why the police failed to his anguish over the tragedy will be extended financial assistance of Rs 1 lably and many other kin of the S Venkatalakshmi. Govinda arrest the responsible persons and announced compensation lakh. Those who have been discharged after LG gas leak victims on Friday Raju was a worker at the LG for leakage of the poisonous of Rs 1 crore each to the fam- at the KGH mortuary. lied unconscious on Thursday, management of LG Polymers Polymers but he didn’t attend gas,” she kept asking questions ilies of those who had lost their primary treatment will also get an ex gratia of From 10 am onwards on expecting that she will recov- for killing their daughter and the duties on Thursday. Raju crying loudly. lives in the incident. Rs 25,000. This apart, all the 15,000 families Friday, family members and er. I want my daughter, I don’t others. woke up around 3 am after It’s really a great loss to me as He also announced graded residing in the affected villages around the relatives of the deceased were want any compensation, will “Why the management of smelling the leaked gas from my husband N Nani was killed compensation in a bid to sup- plant will be given Rs 10,000 each seen in front of the mortuary. the compensation bring back the LG Polymers failed to the plant and he went near the in the gas leakage. My children port the affected people. Those “It is unbelievable that our my daughter?” asked incon- sound a siren immediately company to find what has are asking where the father is, who are on ventilators in hos- daughter G Kundana Sriya (6) solable G Sobha. Sriya’s parents after the gas leak. The negli- happened but he was found I don’t know how to inform and pitals will be given Rs 10 lakh, 15,000 families residing in the been admitted to various hos- is no more. I took her to KG Sobha and Srinivas and his gence of the management of dead on Thursday morning. console my children said while patients, who require a affected villages around the pitals after inhaling the toxic Hospital on Thursday after family members demanded the company has claimed the “We are demanding the clo- Lakshmi with a choked voice hospital stay of two or three plant will be given Rs 10,000 gas. Deputy Chief Minister she inhaled the Styrene gas and stringent action against the life of my husband S Govinda sure of the LG Polymers as it and tears rolling down. days, will be extended financial each. Aalla Nani announced on assistance of Rs 1 lakh. Those So far, 12 persons died in the Friday that 128 gas leak-affect- who have been discharged tragic styrene gas leak at the ed victims were discharged after primary treatment will LG Polymers chemical plant after treatment at King George also get an ex gratia of Rs located at RR Venkatapuram in Hospital and other hospitals in 3 die, 80-year-old Fear of gas leak still 25,000. This apart, all the Visakhapatnam. Others have the district. cured, discharged persists among Vizagites HC reserves 16 migrant workers crushed Continued from Page 1 which 54 returned positive. PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM order in SEC Of these 54 cases, Anantapur to death by goods train... As per doctors information, reported 16, Visakhapatnam 11, The ramification of the LG Continued from Page 1 rail tracks apparently to escape among the 100 patients dis- nine cases were reported from Polymer gas leak incident is yet removal case police attention. charged so far from West Godavari district, Kurnool to sink in properly, but the Continued from Page 1 They came till Karmad and A video clip from the scene of Viswabharathi Covid Hospital, district had seven, Krishna dis- proclamation — ‘stay home, slept off on the tracks as they the tragedy shows the bodies of the youngest patient was 1 year trict six and three cases were stay safe’ to protect people The arguments concluded were tired," police officer migrant workers lying on the 4 months old and this was the reported in Chittoor. Guntur from Coronavirus—changed on Friday, the fifth day. Santosh Khetmalas said. tracks and nearby with their oldest. and Vizianagaram have report- to the staying at home unsafe Advocate General S Sriram Fourteen workers lost their meagre personal belongings Till now, 842 people have ed one Covid case each. for thousands of families in argued that there was no lives in the accident, while two scattered around. recovered and been discharged Among the 62 patients dis- Visakhapatnam. protection of tenure of the others were injured, he said, Prime Minister Narendra from hospitals, while 41 people charged from the hospitals, 23 Not only were the people SEC in the Constitution. The adding three labourers who Modi expressed anguish over the have died to Covid-19 infection. are from Kurnool, 14 from residing close to the plant state government brought were also part of the group sur- death of 14 migrant workers in As many as 1,004 active Covid- Guntur, eight from Prakasam, where the mishap occurred the ordinance only as part of vived as they were sleeping the train accident. 19 patients are undergoing treat- six from Chittoor, three each scared, but almost all Vizagites the electoral reforms and the some distance away from the rail He said all possible assistance ment in the designated hospitals from Anantapur, YSR Kadapa fearing that another big leak or intention of the government tracks. is being provided. In a tweet, the across the state. and Krishna districts, one each explosion could take place. was to conduct the elections The injured are undergoing prime minister said, "Extremely During the last 24 hours, from SPS Nellore and The fear grew stronger with impartially, he claimed. treatment, Khetmalas said. anguished by the loss of lives due 7,320 sample were tested, of Visakhapatnam districts. the videos of fumes emanating The advocate-general also The migrant workers, ren- to the rail accident in from the plant going viral on This correspondent also got stated that it was not true that dered jobless due to the coron- Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have Thursday around 9 pm when distress calls from his friends, NDRF and district the government was vindic- avirus-enforced lockdown and spoken to Railway Minister Shri dusts were settling down. And, who are staying quite far away administration tive in bringing the ordi- desperate to go to their native Piyush Goyal and he is closely rather doing it in day time, from the plant, but wanted to nance. places, were walking along the monitoring the situation". Migrant workers’ protest police suddenly launched an leave their home with the said that there evacuation drive in the affect- news of second leak spreading was no second turns violent at Mangalagiri ed area by the gas. These all like a wild fire. leak from the developments were enough to People from Consider home delivery of liquor... PNS n VIJAYAWADA chase away the protesters. More create a fear among people Madhavadhara, Simhachalam plant, and advised than 3,000 construction work- with conviction that gas leaked and many other places were people not to Continued from Page 1 free. To this, the bench said that media reports indicate that social Police resorted to lathi-charge as ers from Chhattisgarh, for second time, hence, cops seen leaving their area in cars, discussion is already going on for distancing norms at and around hundreds of migrant workers Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar are trying to rescue people. auto-rickshaws and bikes to a believe in rumours Deepak contended that the allowing online sale of liquor or the liquor vends/shops are being turned violent at Mangalagiri Pradesh working at AIIMS con- A video also surfaced how haven. “Since the lockdown in and gas leaked in results, which have been its home delivery. given a complete go-by in these near here on Friday demanding struction site have been people are waiting for ambu- view of the Coronavirus, stay- the affected area achieved in over a month-long Deepak said he only wanted areas, leading to alarming situ- the authorities send them back demanding that they be sent lance and seeking for help ing home was safe, but now it nationwide lockdown will be that life of a common man ations. The health and safety of to their home states. back to their states. after second leak in the plant, has changed,” said Abhishek would be neutrali- nullified as the coronavirus should not be affected due to this all persons who gather at and Tension prevailed after the They staged protests again denied by the NDRF and who became father to a baby sed in 48 hours graph, which was earlier flatten- direct sale from vends and MHA around the liquor vends/shops, migrants turned violent during on Friday against officials for police later. Panic-stricken girl recently. He was worried ing, is now showing a sharp rise. should issue clarificatory guide- the personnel of the liquor the protest at All India Institute not making any transport people started fleeing the area about his daughter as kids are He sought issuance of fresh lines and states should abide by vends/shops, the police officials of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) arrangement despite an assur- packing their bare minimum vulnerable. NDRF and district adminis- MHA guidelines or directions for it. The bench then directed the who have to be deployed and Mangalagiri in Guntur district. ance given three days ago. needs to friends or relatives “There is a sort of fear in us tration said that there was no prohibition of sale of liquor at state to consider online sales or intervene, passers-by and the They barged into the security Officials tried to pacify them houses away from the plant after the incident. Yesterday second leak from the plant and vends and shops through direct home delivery of liquor during public at large is being endan- office at the construction site and by saying that since Guntur area. It was not only the peo- night was sleepless for me. advised people not to believe contact during the lockdown the lockdown period and dis- gered and jeopardised, increas- ransacked it. district is a Red Zone, their ple residing within three to five And, the fear still persists. in rumours and gas leaked in period or till the National posed of the matter. ing the scope for further trans- Policemen in riot gear entered States were not giving consent km radius of the plant, but Home is not safe now,” said the affected area would be Disaster Management Authority The plea, filed through advo- mission of Covid-19 amongst the the campus and used force to for their travel at this stage. beyond that. Suresh from Simhachalam. neutralised in 48 hours. announces India to be Covid-19 cate Anindita Mitra, said that population it said. Naidu accuses state govt of 554 affected by Styrene leak, 305 still in hospital Continued from Page 1 casual approach to tragedy With reference to the gas NGT slaps Rs 50 cr interim penalty on LG Over 60 pc of leak, Gautam Reddy said it Continued from Page 1 PNS n VIJAYAWADA occurred during maintenance next date of hearing. office of State Pollution Control n The TDP chief said that The committee comprises Board to provide logistic support leaked... Styrene leakage had and that production was not Continued from Page 1 Leader of the Opposition N started during lockdown. The amount is being fixed former AP High Court judge to the committee to enable their Chandrababu Naidu on Friday caused a large number Minister Alla Nani said the having regard to the financial Justice B Seshasayana Reddy; V fact-finding and reporting. In a report submitted to expressed concern over the lack of human fatalities and government was totally worth of the company and the Rama Chandra Murthy, Former "The Chairman, CPCB may Chief Minister Y S Jagan of prior documentary and scien- loss of livestock besides involved in the relief and reha- extent of the damage caused," the Vice Chancellor, Andhra steer and facilitate the functioning Mohan Reddy during a tific evidence on Styrene-related hospitalisation of over bilitation measures as per the bench said. University, Vizag; Professor of the committee using available video conference, the 350 persons The NGT issued notices to the Pulipati King, Head of Chemical technology. CPCB will bear the tragedies for assessing the actu- instructions of Chief Minister Engineering Department, Andhra initial cost of functioning of the Collector said it might al impact of LG Polymers gas YS Jaganmohan Reddy. The Ministry of Environment and take 18-24 hours for the n National and Forests, L G Polymers India, University; CPCB Member Committee to the extent leakage on the local environment 15,000 people in the five vil- Secretary, CSIR-Indian Institute of necessary. The committee will be remaining vapour to poly- and its long-term health effects international experts, lages in the vicinity of LG Andhra Pradesh State Pollution merise, a process to bring along with chemical Control Board, Central Pollution Chemical Technology Director, at liberty to take assistance of on survivors. Polymers plant were evacuat- and head of NEERI in Vizag. such experts, individuals and down the temperature He said that Styrene leakage scientists, should be ed and rehabilitated on a war- Control Board, Vishakhapatnam below 20 degree Celcius District Magistrate and sought The NGT directed institutions as may be considered had caused a large number of involved in a footing soon after the news of Vishakhapatnam DM and regional necessary," the bench said. where styrene remains in human fatalities and loss of not think in terms of giving comprehensive study of the gas leakage was received. their response before May 18, the its original liquid form, livestock besides hospitalisa- them nominal treatment and the toxic leak in the long- The Minister said nobody and turn safe. tion of over 350 persons. then leave the residents to their term interests of people would be allowed into the "We have taken all mea- Hence, national and interna- fate, he said. in the Port City, Naidu affected villages till medical sures to plug the leak tional experts, along with The TDP chief strongly experts say so and people High-Power panel set up to probe leak completely and experts chemical scientists, should be objected to Chief Minister YS said have to be thoroughly alert are closely monitoring the involved in a comprehensive Jaganmohan Reddy announc- about the situation. The Chief Continued from Page 1 whether the company had that led to gas leakage. situation. The situation is study of the toxic leak in the ing compensation hastily based Commission had also taken suo Minister has advised the offi- adhered to safety protocols. Further, the committee will now fully under control," long-term interests of people in on preliminary reports from motu cognisance of the tragedy cials to take all precautionary RK Meena -Visakhapatnam It will study if there are any suggest measures to be taken by the Collector added. the Port City. District Collector and without based on media reports. measures and assured that the Commissioner of Police as long-term effects of the gas industry units, including safety On Thursday, he had Addressing a virtual press fully understanding and Naidu further asserted that a compensation announced members and Vivek Yadav leakage on the surrounding audits, to prevent such mishaps said a technical glitch in conference, the TDP supremo analysing the situation by con- proper study should be made so would be paid very soon. Member Secretary, AP Pollution villages. in the future, and in case, there the refrigeration unit also stressed the need for a sulting the subject experts. as to find out whether some Medical teams are on alert and Control Board as member- The committee will are any observations and attached to the two mandatory preparation of elec- It would not be enough for other chemical was used to sta- people in need can get treat- convener. recommend the proposed action suggestions for all similar styrene tanks at the plant tronic health profiling of all the the Chief Secretary and other bilise Styrene inside the storage ment on the spot at the relief The committee will inquire into to be taken against the industrial industrial plants, they will be had caused the vapour sick keeping in view their officials to study and decide tank which might have eventu- camps arranged for the pur- the reasons for the leakage, and unit in case of any negligence, included in the report. leak. medium and long-term health recovery measures. The Chief ally led to leakage mishap. pose, the Minister said. interests. Minister should realise the seri- Expressing concern over All data regarding air quali- ousness of the situation based reports of the second leakage, ty should be immediately gath- on how Prime Minister and he termed it as an administra- Identify hazardous factories in populated areas... 65-yr-old succumbs to gas, toll rises to 12 ered scientifically at the facto- Union Cabinet Secretary had tive failure on the part of the Continued from Page 1 residential areas. Continued from Page 1 ry location and surroundings held review meetings on the gas government and officials for "Ensuring public safety, a on Thursday evening. Gangadhar was suf- for proper assessment. tragedy, he said. not being able to properly Jagan asked Special Chief Secretary comprehensive safety audit of all the fering from some heart-related ailments, He had called his cousin, who resides at Naidu accused the YSRCP Naidu recalled how the guide the people of for Environment and Forests Neerabh industries should be taken up and a the SP added. Superintendent of King Kothavalasa to informed that he was on government of adopting a 'casu- National Green Tribunal had Visakhapatnam on Thursday Kumar Prasad and AP Pollution Control Standard Operating Procedure should George Hospital (KGH) Dr G Arjuna said his way there on his scooter. Gangadhar al' and 'superficial ' approach to reprimanded and ordered LG midnight. As a result, most Board Secretary Vivek Yadav to be part be enforced. Without any hesitations, that a total of 321 people, including 57 collapsed on the road after he reached to a human tragedy. Best doctors Polymers to deposit Rs 50 crore scared residents rushed out to of a high-level inquiry team and not the officials should come up with children, who fell sick in the gas leakage Kothavalasa and was admitted to Primary with national and global exper- immediately towards future the beachside and stayed awake hesitate to recommend the relocation of suitable recommendations to avoid such incident, are undergoing treatment at KGH Health Centre, where he breathed his last tise should be deployed to treat compensation while the till late night in the grip of fear the industries, if needed from the mishaps in future,” he said. and their condition is stable. the sick. The government should National Human Rights of another massive leakage. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 nation 04 Ban on pvt hospital after kins' Former NCP MP in list of BJP SHORT READS candidates for Maha Council video over death of 4 patients PNS n MUMBAI BJP has 105 MLAs Former NCP MP Ranjitsinh and the party has PNS n INDORE CMHO Praveen Jadia Mohite Patil and three others claimed support of said, "We came to figure in the list of BJP candi- 11 members of The Indore district administra- know during the preli- dates for the May 21 tion imposed a temporary ban Maharashtra Legislative smaller parties and Court extends CBI on a private hospital here from minary investigation Council poll. The list was independents. It Friday, after four patients, that four patients died released from Delhi on Friday, needs 116 first remand of Wadhawans including a suspected COVID- in the hospital within a state BJP functionary said. preference votes to in Yes Bank scam 19 patient, reportedly died six hours on Thursday. Senior state BJP leaders there within six hours as Eknath Khadse and Pankaja get its four MUMBAI: A special court here Three of the deceased on Friday extended till May 10 claimed by their relatives in a Munde don't find a place in the candidates elected video that went viral on social tested COVID-19 list, which instead has lesser- being held for nine seats, for the CBI remand ofDHFL media. negative during the known faces like Gopichand which the electoral college is promoter Kapil Wadhawan and In the purported video, the Padalkar, Praveen Datke and the 288-member Maharashtra party has claimed support of RKW Developers promoter probe, while the report Dheeraj Wadhawan, arrested in relatives of the four patients of another patient is Ajit Gopchhade. Legislative Assembly. 11 members of smaller parties admitted in the city's Gokuldas Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil who The quota for a winning and independents. It needs connection with the Yes Bank Hospital are seen crying and awaited" joined the BJP ahead of the candidate is 29 votes. The 116 first preference votes to get scam. The duo was arrested last monthfrom a expressing their pain. 2019 Lok Sabha elections is the election assumes importance its four candidates elected. Mahabaleshwar- based They alleged in the video Hospital for investigation, while the report of another Hospital management over the son of former Maharashtra Maharashtra Chief Minister Talks are still on among the quarantine facility, nearly 50 that the hospital administra- where some suspected patient is awaited." allegations made by the patients deputy chief minister Vijaysinh Uddhav Thackeray is among three ruling MVA alliance days after the CBI booked them tion wants the facility to be COVID-19 patients are also "We have seized the docu- could not be elicited. Mohite Patil. While Ranjitsinh the candidates. partners with the Congress in a case of alleged bribery also vacated in order to sanitise it, being treated. ments from the hospital and In different videos that had joined the BJP officially, his While Pankaja Munde lost adamant on fielding a second involving former Yes Bank CEO which is why no attention was Chief Medical and Health temporarily stopped its oper- surfaced on social media in the father hasn't done so formally. the 2019 Assembly election candidate. If the allies contest Rana Kapoor. The Wadhawans being paid towards the treat- Officer (CMHO) Praveen Jadia ations. The matter is being recent past, some private hos- Padalkar who joined the from Parli to estranged cousin more than five seats, there were produced before the ment of patients that ultimate- said, "We came to know dur- investigated in detail," he pitals were accused of sending BJP ahead of last year's and NCP leader Dhananjay would be an election. special court here on Friday at ly resulted in the death of four ing the preliminary investiga- added. back patients suffering from Assembly polls, had unsuccess- Munde, Khadse who was During the trust vote in the the end of their previous patients in a short span. tion that four patients died in The CMHO informed that 14 various diseases without treat- fully contested against Ajit denied Assembly poll ticket by Assembly, the MVA had remand. The centralprobe After the video went viral, the hospital within six hours on patients admitted to this hospi- ment, charging hefty fees and Pawar from Baramati. Pawar his party, had recently declared secured support of 169 MLAs, agency sought an extension of the administration immedi- Thursday. Three of the tal are being sent to other facil- not discharging patients on had retained his seat with a that he would like to contest while four MLAs (CPM 1, their custody, saying they need ately sent the officials of the deceased tested COVID-19 ities. Despite repeated attempts, time even after they tested margin of over six lakh votes. the May 21 poll. MNS 1, AIMIM 2) had to interrogate the duo further. health department to Gokuldas negative during the probe, the reaction of Gokuldas COVID-19 negative. The Council election is BJP has 105 MLAs and the abstained. The Wadhawan brothers have been named accused in the CBI FIR pertaining to alleged swindling of money by Kapoor Private bus operators ICMR to study asymptomatic patients Flight carrying 167 J-K and others, officials said. to check for community spread medical students arrives Disinfection drive at demand doubling of Srinagar Secretariat PNS n NEW DELHI from Bangladesh capital after staff tests positive bus fares in Bengal Amid a spurt in COVID-19 SRINAGAR: An entire floor of n cases, apex health research PNS SRINAGAR the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar n PNS KOLKATA body ICMR has decided to was cleared and disinfected conduct a study in 75 affected A special flight, carrying 167 after an employee posted there Private bus operators in West districts across the country to medical students hailing from tested positive for COVID-19 Bengal have demanded dou- identify people who were Jammu and Kashmir, arrived two days ago, officials said on bling of fares and subsidy for exposed to the novel coron- here from Bangladesh capital Friday. The employee, a plying their vehicles in seven avirus infection and yet Dhaka on Friday as part of the resident of the Safapora area in COVID-19-free districts of showed mild or no symptoms. Centre's efforts to bring back Ganderbal district, was found the state, bus owners' associ- The study can help ascertain Indians stranded abroad. COVID-positive on Wednesday, ations said on Friday. whether there has been com- "Total 167 students arrived prompting the authorities to Joint Council of Bus munity transmission of the res- at Srinagar airport in the spe- clear the floor where he was Syndicates general secretary department officials on piratory disease in those areas zones in a district will be test- had no symptoms," an official cial flight from Dhaka this working, they said. A Tapan Banerjee said, it was not Thursday. The owners are or not, official sources said. ed for COVID-19 at random to explained. afternoon," an official said. Chaudhary expressed his grat- disinfection drive was carried even possible to meet the fuel eager to run their buses pro- The death toll due to check whether they have devel- The exercise will also help Officials said the students itude to the Indian High out in the secretariat building, prices by carrying only 20 pas- vided the state government COVID-19 rose to 1,886 and oped antibodies against the ascertain if there has been were undergoing screening Commission in Dhaka for the which houses offices of the top sengers in a bus, as stipulated ensures that they are compen- the number of cases climbed to infection even though they community spread of the dis- at the airport after which "tremendous efforts" in getting brass of administration and by the state government for sated for the loss, he said. 56,342 on Friday registering an remained asymptomatic or ease, the official said. they will be sent to admin- these students home. bureaucracy of Jammu and maintaining social distancing He claimed that even dou- increase of 103 deaths and showed mild symptoms. Community spread is a stage istrative quarantine for a "Profound gratitude to Kashmir. Deputy Commissio- norms. bling of fares would not cover 3,390 cases in the last 24 hours "The presence of antibody in where the source of the infec- period of 14 days as mandat- Indian High Commission ner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal The matter was raised dur- half the cost of plying a bus since Thursday morning, them will establish that they tion cannot be traced. ed under the guidelines @ihcdhaka for tremendous Chaudhary dismissed reports in ing meetings between repre- as each vehicle with a seating according to Union health were infected by the virus and Scientists at the Indian issued for curbing the spread efforts. More to follow. For some sections of the media sentatives of the bus owners' capacity of 45 to 55 passen- ministry data. were able to fight it off. They Council of Medical Research of COVID-19. convenience of students -- about the Civil Secretariat being associations in the seven green gers, on an average, carries 65 "As a part of the study, peo- did not know they had con- (ICMR) aim to begin the study Srinagar Deputy bulk tickets next," Chaudhary closed. "I have just returned districts and state Transport to 70 persons. ple from red, orange and green tracted the disease as they at the earliest. Commissioner Shahid Iqbal said in a tweet. from there. We had one positive case from there. The particular floor was cleared and disinfected following due Five lakh fruit trees to be planted LSAT entrance exam to be held online due to Covid protocols," he added. PNS n NEW DELHI partnered with Pearson VUE to offer students a technologically Punjab cop shoots across India on Environment Day US-based The Law School advanced entrance exam this dead kabaddi player PNS n DEHRADUN of planting. Lemon, guava, Admission Council (LSAC) has year. The test delivery system has apricot, pear, peach, and decided to administer the 2020 technical features that ensure the KAPURTHALA: A Punjab Around five lakh fruit trees jujubes produce fruit in their LSAT-India entrance examina- transparency, convenience, and policeman shot dead a 24-year- will be planted across the third year and onwards, he tion online for the first time ever integrity of the testing process, old international kabaddi player country on the World said. from June 14 due to the Covid- without sacrificing security," and seriously injured his friend Environment Day on June 5. The long-term benefit is 19 pandemic. LSAC said LSAT- Kellye said. The statement said in Kapurthala district, fearing The plantation drive will be immense. Each tree provides a India, which was a paper-pencil students seeking admission to all they would attack him for undertaken by two NGOs minimum of Rs 1000 per year, test since its inception in 2009, programmes of Jindal Global stopping their vehicle during half a million fruit trees trans- Law School can take this exam curfew, police said on Friday. from India and the US. becomes India's first and only Assistant Sub Inspector The Dehradun-based late into Rs 50 crore worth of Law Entrance Exam to be entire- at their own convenience from Paramjit Singh killed Arwinderjit Sustainable Green Initiative fruit and nutrition, year after ly online, AI-enabled remote- the safety of their homes or other Singh and seriously injured and the United States-based year for the next 50-60 years, proctored. settings to complete the admis- Pardeep Singh on Thursday One Tree Planted will execute Saklana range of Uttarakhand's the SGI founder said. The move to online exam will based testing in the world, has been made available in this sions process in an efficient and night in Lakhan Ke Padda the programme together with Tehri Garhwal district, he said. Beyond the nutritional and enable candidates to take the test administers this test as an format. LSAC President and timely manner. village. The ASI was going to the involvement of local com- The initiative is intended to social benefits of reforesta- from the convenience of their Artificial Intelligence (AI)- CEO Kellye Testy said, “The C Raj Kumar, Founding Vice the village to drop his friend munities in the land of small not just expand the green tion with fruit trees, this pro- home or other respective settings enabled, online solution for aspi- worldwide pandemic Covid-19 Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global Mangu in a car when they saw and marginal farmers country- cover but also create sustain- ject will support cleaner air and without worrying about their rants to take their required col- has clearly had a profound University (JGU) & Founding another vehicle coming towards wide, SGI founder Raj Mohan able livelihood for the rural help reduce the effects of cli- health and safety, it said in a state- lege admissions tests in a safe impact on how we live and on Dean, Jindal Global Law School them at 10 pm when a curfew said. populace. mate change. ment. manner, thereby overcoming how business is conducted (JGLS), said: “At a time when the was in force in the area, police Trees to be planted during Fruit trees will not only The planting and nurturing Candidates seeking admis- the restrictions posed by the around the world. But we know, global pandemic has created said. They followed the car and the drive include moringa, provide nourishment but also of fruit trees will be executed sion to law schools in the coun- Covid-19 lockdown. too, that it is acutely affecting the unprecedented uncertainty for all signalled to stop. When the car papaya, banana, lemon, guava, supplement income of small by local partners at Sustainable try will be able to take the LSAT- It is the first time in more than academic pursuits of millions of law entrance exams generating stopped, the ASI fired four to apricot, pear, peach and farmers, he said. Green Initiative with whom India from June 14, 2020 using 25 years of existence of Pearson's students everywhere. huge anxiety among law school five rounds from his service jujubes, he said. Moringa, papaya, and One Tree Planted has already an online test delivery system. Virtual University Enterprises "In order to safeguard the abil- aspirants, LSAT-India has given revolver at Arwinderjit and his The SGI has planted 30,100 banana trees can produce food planted over 300,000 trees It said Pearson VUE, one of (VUE) that an AI-enabled ity of Indian students to apply to hope and aspiration by launch- friend suspecting that they were fruit trees in ten villages in and fruit within 8-10 months throughout India. the leading players in computer- remote-proctored online solution law schools in India, we have ing this exam in an online format. going to attack him, police said. Migrant workers paint Arunachal Hry govt decides to extend parole school that sheltered them granted to prisoners by six weeks Denied treatment PNS n CHANDIGARH PNS n ITANAGAR "It is an unbelievable by doctors, woman The Haryana government has As a mark of gratitude, a group moment for the decided to extend by another of migrant workers painted, institution. I am very delivers baby on six weeks the duration of without charging a paisa, a parole or interim bail granted school building in Arunachal thankful to the roadside in UP to convicted prisoners in view Pradesh that sheltered them workers and the PNS n FIROZABAD of the COVID-19 pandemic. during the lockdown, an offi- district administra- As many as 3,817 prisoners cial said on Friday. tion for their support A woman delivered her child were released last month on The labourers, mostly from on the roadside after she was interim or regular bail, parole Dhemaji and North and cooperation in allegedly denied treatment by or extended parole. The state Lakhimpur districts in neigh- this crisis period," doctors here, police said on government decided to release bouring Assam, took shelter in she said Friday. Kiran (35) delivered the convicted prisoners with up to the school in Yupia area of baby at around 11 am on the seven years of sentence and Singh Chautala said. passed the order for decongest- Papum Pare district, and they roadside at Katra Bazar in undertrials liable to get as A high-powered committee ing prisons in view of the wanted to paint the building moment for the institution. I tration that was taking care of Complex -to provide shelter to Shikohabad area of the district, long jail terms on conviction. under Justice Rajiv Sharma of pandemic. that was their home for sever- am very thankful to the work- us," one of the migrant workers more than 145 labourers dur- they said. The woman's fami- Foreign prisoners, however, the Punjab and Haryana High "Readmitting of such a large al days, he said. ers and the district adminis- said. The deputy commission- ing the nationwide lockdown. ly alleged that doctors denied are not included in this. Also, Court and comprising number of inmates at this "Within a couple of days, the tration for their support and er said the authorities were Papum Pare SP Jimmy treatment to her. As soon at the prisoners convicted in cases Additional Chief Secretary point is likely to increase the school building, which was cooperation in this crisis peri- continuously monitoring the Chiram said adequate securi- news spread, Additional like drug smuggling, rape, acid (Home), Haryana, Vijai risk of the COVID-19 infec- not in a good shape, was given od," she said. The migrant health condition of the workers, ty arrangements were made for District Magistrate (ADM) attack are not among those Vardhan and DGP (prisons) K tion to the existing inmates a new look," Papum Pare workers also cleaned the while they painted the building. the stranded labourers, and Narendra Singh and Circle released. Selvraj in its recommenda- and will defeat the whole Deputy Commissioner Pige school premises and repaired "We ensured that social dis- regular physical training ses- Officer of Shikohabad Indu “The decision to release the tion had on May 5 stated objective of releasing inmates Ligu said. wooden benches, the head- tancing protocol and health sions were arranged to keep Prabha reached the spot and prisoners had been taken in “readmitting around 4,000 on parole/interim bail. Expressing her happiness, mistress said. safety guidelines were followed them fit during their stay in the got the woman admitted in a accordance with the Supreme prisoners released on parole or "In this background, it headmistress of the upper pri- "We are habituated to hard while they were working," he relief camps. hospital. Prabha said, "It would Court's directive to decongest interim bail back into the jails would be appropriate to extend mary school Obbi Zirdo Rumi work and happy to keep our- said. The district administra- The administration along be probed whether the doctors crowded prisons to prevent at this stage is a huge risk”. the parole period of the con- said the maintenance of the selves busy with activities in tion had arranged two relief with police also helped all refused to treat her. The con- them from becoming fertile The committee was formed victs for another six weeks building was due. these tough times. It was our camps-one at the school and migrant workers reach their dition of the woman and the ground for spread of the coro- on the directive of the Supreme from the date of their first sur- "It is an unbelievable gratitude to the local adminis- another at the UD Shopping respective destinations safely. child is fine. Both are well." navirus,” Jails Minister Ranjit Court, dated March 23, which render," the committee said. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS COVID-19 Seven political parties write to Stopping spread from urban Prez over labour law dilution

PNS n NEW DELHI PIL in HC seeks free to rural areas key in battle Accusing the Centre of dilut- laptop, phones to poor ing labour laws using the coro- n kids for online classes PNS BENGALURU The death toll due to navirus pandemic as an excuse, seven political parties jointly NEW DELHI: The Delhi High COVID-19 rose to 1,886 Court Friday asked the Centre Preventing the spread of the wrote a a letter to President and the AAP government to coronavirus from urban to rural and the number of Ram Nath Kovind on Friday respond to a PIL seeking areas where majority of the pop- cases climbed to registering their protest over ulation live will be a key in the the issue. directions to them to provide 56,342 in the country free laptops, tablets or mobile country's battle against the The workers are being treat- phones to poor kids so that COVID-19, a prominent health on Friday, registering ed as slaves, said the letter they can access classes online expert said on Friday. an increase of 103 signed by CPI (M) General As people start easing back into Secretary Sitaram Yechury, during the COVID-19 lockdown. deaths and 3,390 A bench of Justices Manmohan their normal lives, they should CPI General Secretary D Raja, and Sanjeev Narula issued continue with the practice of cases in the last 24 CPI (ML) General Secretary notices to the Centre, the Delhi social distancing, wearing of face hours, according to the Dipankar Bhattarcharya, All ed factories, businesses, estab- The government has masks and hand hygiene to con- India Forward Bloc General lishments and industries from government, the municipal Union Health Ministry done little to help corporations and 10 private tain the spread, President of Secretary Debabrata Biswas, the purview of all, but three unaided schools here seeking Public Health Foundation of Revolutionary Socialist Party labour laws and one provision those who lost their their stand on the plea by an India Prof. K Srinath Reddy said. ty, Reddy, who formerly headed ing to the Union Health Ministry. Eighty-five per cent are very (RSP) General Secretary, of another Act for three years. livelihood. Fourteen NGO, Justice for All, by June "One of the important things the Department of Cardiology at When you increase the number mild, or asymptomatic, then we Manoj Bhattacharya, RJD MP The Madhya Pradesh gov- crore workers have 10 -- the next date of hearing. is to try and reduce as much as the All India Institute of Medical of tests, you will definitely find may not have much to worry, Manoj Jha and Viduthalai ernment too announced In its plea filed through possible flow of traffic between Sciences (AIIMS), told PTI in an out more cases. We have to look because ultimately the virus is Chiruthaigal president Katchi exemption of all establish- lost their jobs since advocate Khagesh Jha, the urban and rural areas, between interview. at number of new cases, as a per- going to spread, we cannot sud- Thol. Thirumavalavan. ments from obligations under the lockdown began, NGO has contended that the hotspots and non-hotspots, at By restricting traffic for only centage of number of tests done. denly arrest the virus but ques- "Reducing them to this sta- all labour laws for a period of they said private unaided schools' least till the hotspots are under essential goods and travel needs, Thats the figure to look at, tion is how fast its spreading and tus is not merely a violation of thousand days. decision to conduct classes via control because rural areas are we will be able to contain it Reddy said. how severely are the cases being the Constitution but its nulli- The parties said the Indian video conferencing would affect much protected even now in any because that is our biggest asset, Its true that the number of affected, Reddy said. fication," they said. economy was already in a tail- over 50,000 students belonging state, he said. two-thirds of our population is cases detected will increase with He said the COVID-19 death Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, spin hurtling towards a reces- to be the logic employed by to the economically weaker PHFI is engaged in capacity in rural areas, if we protect the number of tests and the virus rate in India so far was 1.3 per Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, sion even before the outbreak 'your government' at the centre sections (EWS) and cannot building in public health in the them, then we will be much safer, is likely spreading, said Reddy, million population, while its Rajasthan and Punjab have of this pandemic. and by some state govern- afford laptops, phones and country through education, he said. who has been involved in sever- much higher in other countries extended working hours from The government has done ments, rather than concentrat- high-speed internet service to training, research, policy devel- The death toll due to COVID- al major international and like the US (26 deaths per mil- eight to 12 without amending little to help those who lost ing on fighting the pandemic by attend the classes. opment, health communication 19 rose to 1,886 and the number national research studies, having lion), the UK (449 per million) the Factories Act. their livelihood. Fourteen crore augmenting our health facilities and advocacy. of cases climbed to 56,342 in the been trained in cardiology and and Belgium (726 per million). The parties raised a concern workers have lost their jobs and protecting our doctors and There was less likelihood of the country on Friday, registering an epidemiology. That means even if its spreading, that the others states are like- since the lockdown began, health workers and taking care Tea stall worker kills spread in rural areas as people increase of 103 deaths and 3,390 "But what we need to look at its much milder in India for ly to join this list. they said. of the people's requirements," employer for refusing there generally have less mobili- cases in the last 24 hours, accord- is how severe are the cases. whatever reasons, he said. Uttar Pradesh has exempt- "Diluting labour rights seems the letter stated. money for liquor PALGHAR: A man, who worked at a tea stall at Boisar in AI flight carrying 200 Ajit urges migrants to be Palghar district of Maharashtra, Manu Bhaker gets electronic allegedly killed his employer after the latter refused to give Indians from Sharjah to patient, avoid risky journeys money to him for buying liquor, target installed at home n police said on Friday. The PNS MUMBAI n incident occurred late evening arrives in Lucknow PNS NEW DELHI Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), on Wednesday and the the organisation that manages Terming the death of migrants n accused, Ram Vilas Rajbhar PNS LUCKNOW Pistol ace Manu Bhaker has her, for promptly getting the in a train accident as "painful", (42), was arrested within got a new electronic target machine — an avant-garde Maharashtra Deputy Chief hours, they said. Liquor shops An Air India flight with around installed at the makeshift target — delivered at her Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday in Maharashtra were shut for 200 Indians from Sharjah will shooting range at her home in home despite the nationwide urged labourers to have patience almost 40 days due to the arrive in Lucknow on Saturday, Haryana in place of an archa- lockdown enforced to contain and not undertake risky jour- lockdown to curb the an official said. The Indian gov- ic manual machine that was the COVID-19 pandemic. neys to their home states. coronavirus outbreak. But ernment on Monday had breaking down frequently "I was facing a lot of issues At least 16 migrant workers standalone liquor shops were announced plans to begin a and hampering her Olympics with the old machine as it was sleeping on rail tracks while states," Pawar said in a statement. given permission to operate phased repatriation of its citizens preparation. manual. The thread would returning to Madhya Pradesh Pawar, who is also the state's from Monday as part of the stranded abroad from May 7. Sharma, the director of The old machine was caus- come off and often it would were crushed to death by a Finance Minister, said the relaxations granted by the state The government also said Chaudhary Charan Singh ing her "immense irritation". break down on and off. Now goods train in Aurangabad dis- Maharashtra government was government. "The victim, that Air India will operate 64 International Airport, told PTI Delighted by the reboot in machine installed at my home it's very different with the trict of Maharashtra in the early working on war footing to send Jagandev Rajbhar (55), ran a flights from May 7 to May 13 to on Friday. India imposed a her training, the teenaged and this will be surely more new machine," the 18-year- hours of Friday. migrant workers to their native tea stall in the Boisar township, bring back around 15,000 Indian nationwide lockdown to curb the star has got down to prepar- beneficial in my training," old Bhaker said. Only four migrant workers states and this was being done in which the accused worked. nationals stranded abroad due to spread of coronavirus in the ing with renewed vigour, sure Bhaker told PTI from her "Since I feel there is unlike- survived in the accident, which with cooperation from the On Wednesday evening, the the coronavirus-induced lock- country, grounding all interna- in her mind that the home at Goria village. ly to be any outdoor action took place at 5.15 am near Centre and other state govern- accused demanded money down. "An Air India flight is like- tional flights since mid-March. Olympics will take place next Her father set up the range and competitions for anoth- Karmad, around 30 km from ments. "Workers should wait till from the stall ower in order to ly to arrive in Lucknow from Under the repatriation plan, the year despite the uncertainty after she showed exception- er three-four months, I Aurangabad, police said. their turn comes and arrange- buy liquor," Palghar police Sharjah between 8.00 pm and government will be facilitating in the world of sports due to al skills in the precision sport. thought it will be useful to get "The incident is painful. It is ments are made (to ensure their spokesperson Hemant Katkar 8.30 pm on Saturday. The tenta- the return of Indian nationals the COVID-19 pandemic. Bhaker thanked the Sports this installed at this point in disturbing to see how desperate return). They should not risk said. However, the victim tive number of passengers arriv- stranded abroad on compelling "I have recently got the Authority of India (SAI) and time." migrant workers in Maharashtra their lives travelling in an unsafe refused to give money, which ing in Lucknow is 200," AK grounds in a phased manner. are to return to their home manner," he said. angered the accused. Following an argument, he hit his employer with a log of wood, in Gautam Buddh which he died on the spot, the Delhi Minorities Commission chief moves GMC closed for new official said. The accused was arrested within hours and an Nagar reports offence was registered against him under IPC sections 302 HC for anticipatory bail in sedition case patient admissions after first death due and others, Katkar added. PNS n NEW DELHI grant him protection from to COVID-19 Khan sought anticipatory arrest and coercive action in a PG student tests positive PNS n NOIDA (UP) Drunk man kills Delhi Minorities Commission bail on the ground that he frivolous and untenable case, in PNS n GUWAHATI chairman Zafarul Islam Khan is a public servant and a order to safeguard his liberty as A 60-year-old man died due to two-year-old daughter on Friday approached the the failure to do so will have The Guwahati Medical coronavirus in western Uttar BADAUN (UP): A drunk man Delhi High Court seeking senior citizen aged 72 irreversible consequences on College will not admit patients Pradesh's Gautam Buddh killed his two-year-old anticipatory bail in sedition years, who suffers from his right to life,” the petition for the next few days after a Nagar on Friday, becoming the daughter by smashing her case lodged against him. heart disease and filed through advocates Vrinda post graduate student of the first fatality in the district due into the ground after an The plea was mentioned for Grover, Ratna Appnender and state-run facility tested posi- to COVID-19. The victim was argument with his wife in an urgent hearing and it has hypertension and is highly Soutik Banerjee said. tive for COVID-19, Health a resident of Noida's Sector 22, Bisauli area here, police said been allowed to be listed on susceptible to COVID-19 The plea sought direction to Minister Himanta Biswa officials said. on Friday. On Thursday, May 12, his advocate Vrinda infection which can have the police that in the event of Sarma said on Friday. contact with him, and the He was admitted in a private Sukhpal reached his home in Grover said. his arrest, he be immediately Assam recorded a spike in entire premise has been sani- hospital in Noida earlier this an inebriated state and had an Khan on April 28 published sedition and promoting feelings fatal consequences for a released on bail and that no coronavirus cases on tised. We have closed the hos- week and found positive for altercation with his wife. In a a post having alleged seditious of hatred between different person of his age and coercive measures be taken Thursday, as eight people test- pital for new patients for the COVID-19 on Thursday after fit of rage, he threw his and hateful comments through groups on the grounds of reli- against him. It also sought ed positive -- four each in next few days," Sarma said. which he was taken to the daughter on the ground, they his official page on social gion, race, place of birth, resi- health condition direction that Khan's laptop Guwahati and Silchar -- tak- "Special arrangements will Government Institute of said. The little girl was rushed media. dence and language. and mobile be not seized. ing the number of cases in the be in place for patients already Medical Science (GIMS) in to a hospital by other family Based on a complaint, the Khan sought anticipatory ble to COVID-19 infection The plea claimed that no state to 53. admitted and collection of Greater Noida, the officials members but died during Delhi Police Special Cell on bail on the ground that he is a which can have fatal conse- offence has been committed by "A PG student at Guwahati new swab samples," he said on said. In response to a PTI treatment. The accused has May 2 lodged an FIR against public servant and a senior cit- quences for a person of his age Khan and the FIR has been Medical College tested Twitter. There are 18 active query on whether a patient has been detained. The family Khan under Sections 124A and izen aged 72 years, who suffers and health condition. registered with a mala fide COVID positive last night. cases of novel coronavirus in died due to coronavirus, GIMS members have not yet filed a 153A of the Indian Penal Code from heart disease and hyper- “In these circumstances intention to harass and intim- Consequently, we are screen- the state, while 34 people have Director Dr. Brig (retd) Rakesh formal complaint to the police. (IPC) for the alleged offences of tension and is highly suscepti- there is an urgent need to idate him. ing everyone who came in recovered so far. Gupta said: "Yes." Plea seeks direction to Centre to approach Police suffers injury in clashes 2,000 migrants gather outside ICJ for compensation from China with miscreants PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n SRINAGAR govt office following rumour A plea has been filed in the A police officer was injured on PNS n AHMEDABAD Since a bus carrying Supreme Court seeking a Friday during clashes with migrants had left from this direction to the Centre to miscreants, protesting the Flouting lockdown norms, office on Thursday, a rumour approach the International killing of terrorist organisation nearly 2,000 migrant workers started doing the rounds that Court of Justice (ICJ) and file Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz gathered at a government office anyone wanting to go back to a case for compensation of Naikoo, in Budgam district of in the Gota area here on Friday their native places should reach USD 600 billion from China Jammu and Kashmir, officials hoping they will somehow the spot, said Patel. alleging that the coronavirus said. Deputy Superintendent of find a way to reach their native "Thus, around 2,000 pandemic was "deliberately Police Fayaz Hussain sustained places, said police. migrants flocked here since created" by it. head injury during stone pelt- The gathering, which start- morning hoping to catch a bus The plea claimed there was ing by miscreants at ed since the morning, was till railway station and then a strong evidence that coron- Nasrullahpora locality in apparently triggered by a train till their native places. avirus or COVID-19, which Budgam district, the officials rumour about a bus reaching "Before sending them back has "destroyed" the Indian pandemic was designed by Wuhan. The plea said that said. The miscreants pelted outside the government office from the spot, policemen made economy and killed hundreds China to be a very effective and since individuals cannot stones to protest the killing of to ferry migrants to railway sta- them understand the entire of it citizens, originated from catastrophic biological war- approach the ICJ, the Centre Naikoo and his associate dur- tion. native places amid the lock- permit were earlier asked to process and even helped them China's Wuhan Institute of fare weapon to kill mass pop- should be directed to file a case ing an encounter with securi- On learning about the sud- down are supposed to make an come here so that they can be in filling up the forms," Patel Virology. ulation in India," said the plea, there in this regard. ty forces in the Awantipora area den rush of people at the online application. They can ferried to a railway station in added. The petition, filed by drawn by advocate C R Jaya As per the latest data avail- of Pulwama district on deputy collector's office near also fill up the required form buses. This was the latest in a Madurai resident K K Ramesh, Sukin. able on the website of the Wednesday. Police used batons Gota bridge, police officials off-line and submit it at any "Migrants having permits series of incidents of lock- has alleged that COVID-19 has It underlined that coron- Health Ministry, over 56,000 and tear smoke shells to chase immediately reached the spot designated office under a dis- then board trains to reach down violation in Gujarat by been "deliberately created by avirus spread in India, other positive cases of COVID-19 away the protesters, the officials and persuaded the migrants, trict collector. their native places. This is how migrant workers desperate to China as biological weapon countries and continents but have been reported in India said, adding there were no mostly from Uttar Pradesh "This office of deputy collec- the system works," said leave for their native places against India". not in other cities of China with 1,886 deaths due to the reports of any injuries among and Bihar, to disperse. tor also accepts such forms. Assistant Commissioner of during the coronavirus- "Petitioner states COVID-19 despite originating in nearby virus. the protesters so far. Migrants wanting to go their Migrants who were given the Police, M A Patel. enforced curbs. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Don’t run over migrants Instead of just doles, compile a migrants’ database, employ Haunted by the past them in projects depending on location and decentralise units mages continue to flood us of the reverse The styrene leak from a chemical plant in Vizag confirms that India has not learnt lessons from migration brought on by the COVID-19 lock- Idown, the sudden shutdown of economic the Bhopal tragedy. A probe needs to find the reason and laws, too, must be amended activity upturning lives and livelihoods to such an extent that even our shock has been dulled into a fatalistic acceptance. Still there is no actionable plan to return, relocate or rehabil- itate migrants. Despite the delayed arrange- ment of trains and buses, the Government con- tinues to be on the backfoot about managing the economic plight of daily wagers who lost jobs and living quarters overnight. So they KK PAUL march on day and night. Without food and water. Stumbling and falling by the highway as they seek emotional succour in he gas leak incident near going back to their native villages and live off the land than starve to death, unwant- Visakhapatnam in the early hours ed and uncared for. Yesterday, that pattern of brute reality suffered a further jolt. of May 7 has led to the death of more than 10 people and hospi- A cargo train ran over migrants in Maharashtra, who fell exhausted after walk- talisation of over 200. According ing miles and decided to sleep on railway tracks thinking no trains would run toT the district authorities, the gas was con- during the lockdown. It shows the sheer desperation, hopelessness and a sur- firmed to be either styrene or vinyl benzene. As an intermediary, styrene is known as PVC real wasteland that COVID-19 has reduced the nation and humanity to. Yet the gas and is used for the manufacture of insu- migrants continue to trudge on along railway tracks and highways, waiting to lation material, plastic, rubber, pipes, fibre go home as we fly in stranded Indians home in a massively tom-tommed exer- glass and also for the packaging industry. According to the World Health Organisation cise. Still there is no codified plan to engage with the destitute labourers and (WHO), it is the 12th most used chemical rehabilitate them productively or dignify them as equal citizens of India. They in the world. It is to the credit of the district don’t have money for trains or buses. Without portable ration cards, they can- authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who reacted quick- not avail the Government’s enhanced food allowances except in their villages. ly, that fatalities remained low. Around 500 And no matter what the guarantees in zones that are operating units or resum- kg of chemicals were airlifted from Gujarat ing farm operations, they would much rather sign up for MGNREGA work in their to neutralise the effect of the gas well in time. home States, which is seeing a commensurate surge. Treated as virus carriers, Separately, with the direct intervention of the United Nations (UN), the bar for inves- disinfected brutely with hoses and dehumanised as Stateless people, the migrant tigation of the Vizag gas leak case has not only workforce — about two crore people are on the move — is not coming back, been raised but has also been virtually inter- causing a chronic shortage of labour and slowing down economic revival. nationalised. The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, The return of the native story is playing out among non-resident Indians, too. Stéphane Dujarric, said, “We obviously tal disaster. Thousands of peo- Insurance Act 1991. According victims go to a civil court and Many of whom have expired work permits and are facing deportation are being send our condolences to the victims and hope ple were killed in this disaster to the relevant rules framed by then have their remedies adju- evacuated along with stranded Indians abroad. Even NRIs with valid foreign cit- for the quick recovery of those who have been and many more suffered perma- the Government, styrene is clas- dicated, and we are all conscious impacted. These kinds of incidents should nent damage or a genetic impact. sified as a hazardous and a toxic of the limitations of our legal sys- izenship are homeward-bound, buying up high end property and country homes be fully investigated by the local authorities.” Responses of our entire system chemical. This should naturally tem that it almost takes decades, in India over the last month, hoping to return once normal flights resume. Each While detailed investigations would — the executive, legislative and have required a greater degree of not years, in order to compen- country is going to de-globalise, become insular and build self-sufficiencies with undoubtedly be undertaken, prima facie, it even the judiciary — were found ACCORDING TO supervision and monitoring of sate the victims…” appears that the protocols necessary for the to be inadequate to meet the operations. Some of the major These were ominous words, own resources and manpower in a post-pandemic world. So immigrant labour- recommencement of operations after the 45- expectations of the people. THE RELEVANT laws and regulations that appear whose importance one realises ers and NRIs are going to bear the brunt in foreign nations and these returnees day lockdown was lifted were not followed. Whatever was done by way of RULES FRAMED BY to have been overlooked in the only after 10 years when a trag- are going to stress the economy further. With mounting joblessness in our own When the accident took place early in the relief was too little when com- instant case are, Environment ic incident has occurred in morning, only a handful of casual workers pared to catastrophes across the THE GOVERNMENT, (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Visakhapatnam. The Parliament country, it will be very difficult to accommodate returnees according to their capac- were present. Elements of negligence at mul- world. rules framed there under such as can still amend the existing laws ities, skilled or unskilled, or even give them a dole. As the Government is under tiple levels are more than obvious. For this, In the case of Vizag, the STYRENE IS the Hazardous Waste or legislate a fresh enactment to pressure to announce a significant stimulus, just to roll out working capital to evidence will have to be secured immediate- plant was run by Hindustan CLASSIFIED AS A Management and Handling Rule fill up this major lacuna. While ly and this should be done in the right Polymers 1961 onwards. Later, it 1989 and ones framed there Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister medium and smaller industries, this human bulge poses another crisis. Although earnest. While the plant must have been merged with UB Group in 1978. HAZARDOUS AND A under, including the YS Jaganmohan Reddy has the Government bungled in anticipating the lockdown impact on the country’s sealed, a team of experts headed by a scien- Subsequently, LG Chem of TOXIC CHEMICAL. Manufacture, Storage And already visited the spot and his labour capital, it needs to now get a national migrant database going with a thor- tist from the Council of Scientific and South Korea took over THIS SHOULD Import Of Hazardous Chemical Government is undertaking nec- ough mapping of skill sets and capacities. In the event of a future crisis, such Industrial Research (CSIR) needs to be con- Hindustan Polymers and (Amendment) Rules, 1989, essary relief measures, there still stituted immediately to get into various renamed it as LG Polymers NATURALLY HAVE among others. might be individual compensa- data would help in organising and providing assistance to them wherever they aspects of this matter. India Pvt Ltd in July 1997. It is Despite a plethora of rules tion seekers, whose expecta- are located. Even help relocate them to work sites that are in need of their ser- According to scientific research approved understood that after the lock- REQUIRED A and regulations, there are certain tions would have to be suitably by the US Environmental Protection Agency down, permission to recom- GREATER DEGREE aspects which indicate weakness addressed. vices. Given the emotional pull of home during the pandemic and the fact that and published in a top scientific journal, mence operations was obtained in our legal system in dealing The number of lawsuits some have already returned, there needs to be a systematic reintegration plan, Environmental Health Perspectives, chronic a couple of days ago on phone. OF SUPERVISION with such cases. During a dis- filed in India and abroad after whereby those that have been lost are replaced by returnees to their home States. exposure to styrene has been linked to the The factory inspector and the AND MONITORING cussion in the Parliament on the the Bhopal tragedy was so large As the mass return of migrants becomes a reality, the Government at all levels occurrence of neurological and behaviour- pollution control board had nei- Civil Liability for Nuclear that a special enactment had to al deficit. This may eventually result in ther inspected nor understood OF OPERATIONS. Damage Act, 2010, it was men- be undertaken. All such matters should have a contingency plan. Though nobody would like to talk about China’s decreased performance, including delayed the sensitivity of such a plant tioned by the late Arun Jaitley, were transferred to a single judi- Wuhan, the local government there has engaged labour effectively in mass-pro- reaction time and visual disturbances, hear- recommencing operations with- SOME OF THE who was then the leader of the cial forum, which, however, ducing FMCG items. We can start import substitution units in the long run but ing loss and possibly even peripheral neu- out adequate precautions. MAJOR LAWS AND Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, failed to deliver complete justice. ropathy. The International Agency for This incident should be a “We have a sad and unfortunate So let us not repeat the mistakes in the short run, we can look at lighter industries, like farm produce processing Research on Cancer (IARC) has deter- wake-up call for Government REGULATIONS experience of the Bhopal gas of Bhopal and ensure adequate units and packaging. Start-ups helping in cold chain logistics and aggregation mined that styrene is a possible carcinogen agencies as well as the manufac- APPEAR TO leak. This law deals only with compensation to the victims can be incentivised and create smart rural and hub economies which can over and can cause cancer on prolonged exposure. turers since a large number of nuclear incidents. I think, two and those injured in tune with In this context, let us not repeat the mis- industries would be preparing to HAVE BEEN lessons still remain. If there are international standards. time ease off the overflow of labour into big cities. Decentralised federalism holds takes of the Bhopal tragedy. Even after 35 recommence operations after OVERLOOKED incidents and accidents, which Compensation for the damage the key not only in politics but in oiling the economy bottom up. years of the disaster, scars have not fully the lockdown is relaxed. are not on account of a nuclear caused to the environment, too, healed yet. The chain of suffering of the peo- Particularly after the Bhopal incident but because of which a must be made. ple has continued unabated for generations disaster, a number of legislations large number of casualty and (The writer is a former as genetic deformities have been reported in were enacted. From the damage does take place, our legal Governor and a Senior Advisor some newborns. Bhopal has been listed as Environment (Protection) Act, regime even today is only the at the Pranab Mukherjee No end in sight the world’s biggest man-made environmen- 1986 to the Public Liability conventional legal regime. The Foundation) While countries slowly open up their economies, corporations indicate that working from home will be the new norm S O U N D BITE t is becoming clear as a summer’s day now If the Government wants to I often wonder if we will be as The pandemic continues to For me, the epitome of that the Coronavirus spread is continuing, end the lockdown, it must compassionate as we have unleash a tsunami of hate mind skills training is MS bring physiological change been after this crisis is over. and xenophobia, scapegoat- Dhoni. I think people can Iin India and across the world. While the rate in the minds of the May be a lot of people will just ing and scaremongering. An learn from him because he of the spread of the infection may have been people and transparency go about their lives, thanking all-out effort to end hate has maximised his mitigated in some countries, the fact is that in exit plan. God that this is over. speech globally. potential into results. the world will have to live with the virus. But Congress leader Actor UN Secretary-General Indian cricketer this will mean that several companies will have —Rahul Gandhi —Divya Dutta —Antonio Guterres —Subramaniam Badrinath to continue their work from home policies. Many big tech companies have already done just that. Google has led the way. Sundar Pichai, L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR the CEO of Google-parent company Alphabet, Worsening situation more than 56,000 lives, the nation told his employees they will likely be working Respect the rights of migrant workers can ill-afford to bear such a cat- from home until the end of the year. Facebook, astrophe. All those killed and too, has allegedly made it clear that it will be reopening its offices from July 6 Sir — It is a matter of deep con- espective State Governments have been doing their injured in this mishap must get but the number of employees will be limited to those absolutely necessary. What cern that Mumbai is on the verge bit to ensure that migrant workers return home with just compensation. of an unprecedented public health Rleast hassles. With the Government allowing spe- Tushar Anand will this mean for professional relationships? After all, the “office water cooler” emergency as both public and pri- cial trains to help them reach their homes, there was a Patna was always a place for staff members to gather and swap gossip and stories vate hospitals in the city are mad rush of migrants who queued up to register their swamped with Coronavirus names in a bid to catch the first train home. Initially, indus- Endangering lives and even strike up a relationship. The last mentioned aspect is quite clearly on patients. The ICU facilities of try stakeholders brushed aside apprehensions over the hold, particularly with marriages (and even divorces in some countries) being almost all hospitals are fully migrant exodus affecting them. However, when reports postponed. What will this mean for office politics and the future of work? In the occupied and there is a shortage emerged that lakhs of stranded labourers registered with Sir — It is not surprising that hun- 1980s, we all assumed that by 2020, we will all have flying cars and working of nearly 400 doctors and health- the local authorities to transport them back home, indus- dreds of people thronged TAS- care professionals. Despite the try honchos got worrying. The Goa Chamber of MAC shops in Tamil Nadu with- will be automated to a large degree. Well, 40 years ago, we had no idea that the lockdown, Mumbai is witnessing Commerce and Industry has now asked the State out maintaining physical distanc- entire world would be brought to a standstill by a microscopic organism. Likewise, 400 cases daily on average. The Government to consider counselling them into staying. seen contradicting its own stand by urging contractual ing. There is now fear that many not too long ago, there were barriers to working from home. Improvements in city’s medical infrastructure is Of course, for a State is so heavily dependent on agencies to take care of the workers by providing them asymptomatic people may have finding it difficult to meet its the workers, measures to pre-empt a mass exodus of provisions and other essentials. And the Chief Minister spread the virus. How far could communication technology have, however, helped dismantle them now. Given needs, forcing a few to wait on the migrant labour force is welcome. But how candid now wants the contractors to impress upon the labour- authorities have implemented the the developments in internet connectivity, virtual world communication has become roads overnight before the has the Government’s appreciation for the migrant work- ers to not leave Goa. This sounds as if the administra- “one bottle per person” order of the fast and reliable, too. administration makes arrange- ers in Goa been? Inevitably, finding themselves at the tion has absolved itself of all responsibilities. In such a High Court? When policemen ments. The situation is so dire receiving end in these times, the Government was all situation, what would motivate the migrants to contin- found it a Herculean task to While paeans have been sung about telecommuting and working from home that people with non-COVID but listless in its attempt to provide relief to the work- ue working? Moreover, the police, too, have not been restrict the movement of people at the start of the lockdown, it is becoming frighteningly obvious that this is a ailments are struggling to get ers. The “lockdown dilemma” will haunt the migrants sympathetic to them. It is in the interest of the State to during the “lockdown within lock- privilege that only a few can afford. And not just people but also companies. In admitted. If the Government for quite some time. Ignored and abandoned, many had treat the migrant workers with kid gloves. down” period, how could they doesn’t act immediately, the cri- to petition their State Governments to help them out of Pachun Menon possibly have controlled crowds in many offices, including media organisations, production systems demand that sis will worsen, putting the lives their predicament. In response, the Goa Government was Margao front of TASMAC shops? The people come to work. These folks are as important as the frontline health and of many more patients at risk. crowds now endanger the health public security officials who have little choice but to come to office. And while MN Musa of the entire community. Who will Mumbai The dreadful incident of the sion at a Neyveli Lignite and requires a high level of super- be held responsible if the numbers it might be months before any organisation gets back to full staffing numbers, styrene gas leak from a chemi- Corporation plant, too, were vision during usage. Negligence of the infected swell soon? make no mistake, many firms themselves will be victims of this gift that came Probe the Vizag leak cal plant near Visakhapatnam reported on the same day. on the part of the staff must be Tharcius S Fernando from China. The future of work, whenever it does resume, will be markedly dif- has brought more bad news amid With this, serious questions investigated and those held Chennai the gathering economic gloom. A have arisen regarding the set-up responsible must be booked. ferent. But much like the future of anything right now, it will be impossible to pre- Sir — This refers to the editori- gas leak at a paper mill in of chemical plants in the country. In these times when the Send your feedback to: dict what life will be like at office in 2021. al, “Memories of Bhopal” (May 8). Chhattisgarh and a boiler explo- Styrene is a known carcinogen Corona pandemic has affected [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Beware the POINTCOUNTERPOINT I URGE ALL CHEMICAL MAKERS TO EXERCISE CARE AFTER A PROBE IT IS NECESSARY TO SHIFT THE (LG grapes of wrath WHILE REOPENING THEIR PLANTS THAT SUSPENDED POLYMERS) UNIT TO A SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE OPERATIONS DUE TO THE LOCKDOWN. THAT HAS NO POPULATION IN THE VICINITY. Modi must set aside political differences and rise —UNION CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS MINISTER —FORMER CHIEF MINISTER to the occasion by forming a national govt like Churchill did, which will pull together in a crisis SADANANDA GOWDA CHANDRABABU NAIDU Seize the day MARKANDEY KATJU he media has repeatedly been showing heartbreaking The Taliban are re-evaluating ties with their Pak allies and are fearing the extremism that ISI activity videos/images of hundreds of thousands of out-of-work RANVIJAY SINGH Tmigrant labourers heading for their villages, hundreds of kilo- brings. India must provide them with an alternate regional option, says metres away. They have been braving the searing heat, hunger and thirst as they try to reach home under terrible conditions. While some were able to get on the trains meant to carry them back to their States, ith India currently besieged by COVID- most were left to their own devices. Most decided to walk home and 19 and the host of socio-economic prob- there have been cases of people dying out of sheer exhaustion and Wlems that come along with it, few can afford lack of nutrition on the way, as they were forced to stick to back roads, to worry about geo-political machinations taking railway tracks and fields to avoid being caught and punished by police- place abroad. Yet, as the peace process between the men for violating the nationwide lockdown that has been on for the United States (US) and the Taliban in Afghanistan last 45 days now. The most recent tragedy to hit the migrants was reaches a precarious position — with the Taliban hav- the mowing down of 15 exhausted workers in Aurangabad, who had ing ramped up their attacks against the Afghan Government despite the recent spread of the gone off to sleep on the railway tracks and got crushed by a goods Coronavirus in the country — it is imperative India train early in the morning. There is no doubt that the lockdown has takes stock of the situation. caused a lot of hardship and suffering to these people and their fam- While it might be many months before the US ilies. But the more important question, which nobody asks, is this: finally exits Afghanistan, especially with the virus What will these people do on getting home? complicating prisoner exchange and the ongoing The workers had migrated to the cities in search of jobs as there negotiations, the South Asian security matrix is going were none available in their villages. The population has increased to undergo a paradigm shift once all American mil- from about 40-45 crore in 1947 in undivided India to about 135 crore itary operations come to their inevitable end. India today, minus Pakistan and Bangladesh. This is a population increase must aim to use this transition to boost its region- of about four times! There is, therefore, too much of a burden on the al security interests. The conflict in Afghanistan can at one level be cultivable land. Moreover, machinery has partially displaced farm labour. understood as being between the majority Pashtuns So, for both these reasons, people migrated to cities in large num- who are mostly concentrated in Southern and bers after 1947 as they had no source of income in the villages. It Central Afghanistan (and across the Durand Line, is estimated that in 1947 a whopping 85 per cent of Indians were the 2,430-km border between Afghanistan and living in villages and only 15 per cent were in the cities. Today it is Pakistan), who the Taliban claim to represent, fight- believed that only 60-65 per cent live in villages and 35-40 per cent ing against the empowerment of ethnic minorities IN A SITUATION OF are in the cities. from northern Afghanistan such as the Tajiks, AN ALL-OUT Now, to send crores of people who had migrated to the towns Hazaras and Uzbeks by successive democratically- MILITARY back to their villages raises the question of the lack of livelihood yet elected governments. CAMPAIGN, WHERE again. There is no work for them in their villages. They will only become While both the past and present presidents of THE TALIBAN a burden on their relatives and would hardly be welcome there. In Afghanistan — Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani — MIGHT HAVE AN are Pashtun, they are seen as leaders propped up by the towns they were earning some money which they would send INCLINATION TO the West. They are also seen as being overly-sym- FALL BACK ON back to their wives and children living in the village. Now their wives pathetic to ethnic minorities. Moreover, many State would hardly be happy at their return as they would not earn for their institutions are dominated by ethnic minorities and PAKISTAN FOR families, rather they would need to be fed by someone. see a lack of representation by the Pashtuns. ASSISTANCE, One is reminded of John Steinbeck’s great novel Grapes of Wrath However, the conflict in Afghanistan has also INDIA MUST BE Taliban without the Afghan Government. Mohammad Shaheen stated, “We will them play a pivotal role, India will risk which is about migrants who fled to California from Oklahoma, Texas, been considered as a continuation of the proxy war READY TO ENGAGE Regardless of how these negotiations never want any foreign organisation squandering its influence. Simultaneously Arkansas and some other US States after they lost their livelihood between India and Pakistan. It is no secret that WITH EQUIVALENT ultimately pan out, any form of eventual using Afghan soil to target another coun- though, India must also continue its because of the dust storms and recession in the 1930s. They thought Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has deep ASSISTANCE IN THE peace will need the integration of the try. We will bring a law to stop any such engagement with the democratic regime they would get jobs in California but found that they were unwelcome ties with the Taliban and has continued to back FORM OF ECONOMIC Taliban into the governing State — a real- activity.” More pertinently, Shaheen also and the northern ethnic minorities. It is there as local workers thought they would depress wages and bring extremist groups in Afghanistan, even while calling AND HUMANITARIAN isation that made the US finally reach the claimed that the Taliban would be more equally important to remember that a sit- itself an “ally” of the US in its war on terror. negotiation table. As it stands presently, than willing to engage with neighbouring uation resembling the Afghan civil war of in diseases. Because of these factors the migrant workers faced great AID TO THE A recent example of the Pakistani military estab- ENTITIES THAT the Taliban have been able to keep their countries “on the basis of mutual respect the late 90s, between the Taliban and the hostility from the locals. Steinbeck writes, “Ripe grapes spill their juices lishment’s support to the Taliban and allied terror sphere of influence strong enough to make and mutual interests.” erstwhile Northern Alliance, is still very when pressed for wine. Similarly, the migrants were ripe with wrath groups was the attack on a gurdwara in Kabul on WILL SAFEGUARD the US realise that trying to govern While the solidity of these sentiments much a possibility. and boiling with anger that was ready to spill forth. In their souls, the March 25. Prima facie it was thought to be an attack ITS INTERESTS. Afghanistan as a whole, in a state of peace will only be seen in times to come, India In a situation of an all-out military grapes of wrath were filling and growing heavy.” The same can be carried out by the Islamic State (IS). However, fur- SOME HAWKISH and stability, would be impossible with- must now aim to establish some sort of campaign, where the Taliban might have said of conditions in India today. Unless there is some drastic reme- ther investigations carried out by Afghan authori- VOICES HAVE EVEN out their cooperation. The US war aim of ties with the Taliban. Till now, it has been an inclination to fall back on Pakistan for dial measure by the Government, food riots and civil disorders may ties found direct links between the attackers, the CALLED FOR INDIAN completely eradicating the Taliban and openly hostile to the negotiations under- assistance, India must be ready to engage break out soon in many parts of the country. Taliban-linked Haqqani Network and the ISI. A BOOTS ON THE making the majority ethnic group, the taken by the US and has repeatedly tried with equivalent assistance in the form of This happened in France in 1789 because of the bread short- report produced by the European Foundation for GROUND IN AN Pashtuns, co-opt into a democratic system to lobby for their termination. Continuing economic and humanitarian aid to the ages in Paris and other cities, leading up to the French Revolution. South Asian Studies (EFSAS) further substantiated EFFORT TO FILL THE dominated by minority ethnic groups was such aggressive posturing against the entities that will safeguard its interests. these links. near impossible. Ghani and Abdullah both Taliban is folly if India wants to have sub- Some hawkish voices have even called for Something similar happened in St Petersburg in Russia, when women VOID THAT WILL BE India, on its part, has been a staunch support- LEFT BY THE US need to realise this, if they have not already stantial influence in a post-America Indian boots on the ground in an effort demonstrated in February 1917 on International Women’s Day demand- er of the democratic Afghan State. This link has exist- done so. Afghanistan. At a time when the Taliban to fill the void that will be left by the US ing bread, causing the February Revolution. ed since the pre-9/11 terror attacks, when New Delhi TROOPS. YET, IF So where does India find itself at this themselves are re-evaluating their relations troops. In my opinion the Prime Minister should now seriously consid- supplied military equipment and humanitarian sup- HISTORY HAS threshold of a new phase in Afghanistan? with their Pakistani allies and are fearing Yet, if history has taught us anything, er forming a National Government, including leaders of the present port to the Northern Alliance in its effort to topple TAUGHT US The resurgence of the Taliban has obvi- the spectre of extremism and lawlessness after the British, Soviet and now US mis- Opposition parties and also some scientists, technical and adminis- the brutal Taliban regime. ANYTHING, AFTER ously worried New Delhi. A key interest that ISI activity brings, India must aim to adventure to stabilise Afghanistan, it trative experts. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had done this The Northern Alliance later went on to form the THE BRITISH, of India, if not its main, is to ensure that provide them with an alternate regional would be a terrible mistake to do so. It is in May 1940 when faced with the looming danger of invasion by Nazi Afghan Government and many of its leaders, such SOVIET AND NOW the Afghan State does not eventually con- option. important to remember that much of the Germany. This National Government functioned from May 1940 to as General Dostum, are now key members of the US MISADVENTURE sist of elements that would support Some analysts, such as veteran jour- goodwill harboured by the Afghans May 1945 when the World War-II ended. During this period there were present regime. William Dalrymple’s Brookings Essay TO STABILISE extremist groups functioning in Kashmir. nalist and author Ahmed Rashid, have towards India has been due to our abili- A Deadly Triangle, published in 2013, presents and In the past, the Taliban have been known even gone on to claim that the Taliban ty to help them without intervening mil- no Opposition parties in the British Parliament, since the Opposition AFGHANISTAN, IT explains this tacit conflict cogently. WOULD BE A to have warm relations with the Lakshar- would prefer closer relations with India itarily, an action which will be perceived had joined the Government. Churchill, who was of the majority With the US now having committed to leaving, e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed now. In contrast to Pakistan, which has as hostile by many. No nation appreciates Conservative Party remained the Prime Minister, but Clement Atlee, the weakest entity in this entire sum seems to be the TERRIBLE MISTAKE (JeM). Extremist networks based in backed terror groups that have only the idea of a foreign army on its soil — the leader of the Opposition Labour Party, became the Deputy Prime Afghan Government. With the decrease in Western TO DO SO Kashmir, with the backing of the IS, have brought destruction and devastation especially not Afghanistan. Minister. There were others from the Labour Party too, who joined military support to it, the Taliban have made steady been known previously to have auxiliary upon the country, India has immense soft In a situation which is constantly the Government. gains and now control over a third of the country. bases functioning freely across power in Afghanistan. Holding back developing and has the possibility of mul- In my opinion, with respect to Prime Minister Modi, the critical The Afghan National Army has been unable to estab- Afghanistan and Pakistan. from military intervention, while contin- tifarious outcomes, India must constant- problems facing the country today are too big for him and his party lish itself as an effective fighting force. However, the Taliban now seem to be uing to support Afghanistan economical- ly try to pre-empt the status quo and build to handle alone. The economy is sinking rapidly and the pandemic Moreover, the recent election results have been willing to leave behind extremist inclina- ly with Indian aid totalling more than $3 ties that will help assert its geo-political has greatly aggravated the situation. We are facing a danger of epic heavily disputed and both leading candidates, tions if allowed to integrate into the billion now, has been an effective geo- interests. A stable and peaceful regime in incumbent Ashraf Ghani and his opponent Abdullah Afghan State. They have repeatedly political move. Afghanistan, which censures terror activ- proportions. Food riots may break out anytime and law and order may Abdullah, have sworn themselves in as President in claimed that they have now cut former ties Further strengthening this commit- ity, is vital to India’s security interests. collapse, leading to anarchy. So what is needed today is the com- March. A divided civilian leadership, a weak mili- and will not allow terror groups to func- ment, the Indian Government in mid- Deeming Afghanistan to be irrelevant, as bined effort of the whole nation. So, dear Prime Minister, please set tary establishment and with US support nearing its tion in Afghanistan if allowed to form a April sent medical and food supplies to aid some have, will only result in the weak- aside political differences and rise to the occasion by forming a National expiry date, the Afghan Government now finds itself Government. Recently, during an online the Afghan Government in tackling ening of India’s position in South Asia. Government which will pull together in a crisis. You will be hailed as in a bleak spot. conference hosted by the Delhi-based COVID-19. If relations with the Taliban (The writer is with the School of a great statesman, like Churchill, if you do so. This situation has been further exacerbated by think-tank Global Counter-terrorism are not established in this new chapter of Oriental and African Studies, University of (The writer is a former judge of the Supreme Court of India.) the US negotiating for a peace deal directly with the Council, the Taliban spokesperson Afghanistan, which will most likely see London) Covid poses a challenge to agricultural extension Despite the availability of the e-platform for extension services in agriculture, the usage by farmers, even the youth, remains very low in the country. This must be addressed on an urgent basis

the ongoing Coronavirus pandem- Demonstration for wider spread of the Coronavirus. through building of resources and However, there are a large num- Mobile apps like Kisan Suvidha, ic has compelled us to think and Application and to enhance However, extension activities social capital. The Government ber of agricultural services that are Pusa Krishi, Krishi Gyan, Crop plan about its future in India. Capacity Development (TADA- such as training of farmers, rural intends to set up 10,000 FPOs over effectively managed by IT applica- insurance, Agri Market and IFFCO Normally, agriculture exten- CD). The target is horizontal expan- youth and extension functionaries the next five years in different fields tions, including accessibility to mar- Kisan Agriculture and so on, are also sion services are mainly provided by sion of proven agricultural technolo- require a minimum gathering of 20 of agriculture, including value addi- kets, training, capacity-building, popular among farmers and exten- the functionaries of State depart- gies through on-farm testing (OFT), to 25 people at one place. On the tion and processing of fruits, vegeta- collection of feedback from farmers sion functionaries. ments of agriculture and local vol- frontline demonstrations (FLDs), other hand, organisation of Kisan bles and meat products. and so on. The creation of an IT Despite the availability of the e- untary organisations. farmers’ trainings, vocational train- Melas, field days on specific Cluster frontline demonstra- infrastructure has been an integral platform for extension services in The Indian Council of ings for rural youth, interaction crop/enterprise, farmers’ seminars tions (CFLDs) on oilseeds and puls- part of the Government’s strategy for agriculture, the usage by farmers, Agricultural Research (ICAR) start- meetings between scientists and and campaigns involve the build-up es, traditional agriculture develop- effective delivery of services. even the youth, remains very low. PAWAN KUMAR SHARMA ed its extension activities with the extension functionaries, field days of more than 100 farmers. ment plan and so on, are among the The National e-Governance Looking at the current mindset National Demonstration project in and Kisan Melas. At present there One of the modern extension major extension programmes of Plan (NeGP) was introduced in and the need for social distancing in gricultural extension is a 1964. Further, the Krishi Vigyan are 713 KVKs under the adminis- approaches recommended for dou- the Ministry of Agriculture and 2006 to make all Government ser- the wake of the pandemic, organ- form of informal education Kendra (KVK) was introduced in trative control of State and Central bling farmers’ incomes are Self Farmers’ Welfare which employs a vices available to citizens via the ising agricultural extension activi- Athat aims at transfer of scien- 1974 to offer need-based and skill- Agricultural Universities (498), Help Groups (SHGs), farmers clubs cluster approach for sustainable electronic media. Approximately, 45 ties in the country will be a huge tific interventions to farmers and oriented training to farmers and ICAR Institutes (63), NGOs (101), and so on. These are formed to production in agriculture. per cent of the world’s ICT projects challenge. collection of feedback from them. extension workers. Then the Lab to State Governments (38) and other boost group activities so as to bring Further, agricultural market- are implemented in India, with the Taking into consideration the The ultimate aim is to introduce the Land Programme was launched in educational institutions (13). economies of scale in farming ing covers so many activities which maximum number of information success of group dynamics in agri- latest technical know-how in agri- 1979 to improve the economic con- In recent years, KVKs are per- through better resource manage- involve interaction of multiple stake- kiosks being in rural India. cultural extension, there is an urgent culture and allied activities such as dition of small, marginal farmers forming the duties of primary ment. holders at one place. Starting from E-agriculture initiatives such need to devise alternative method- dairy, poultry, apiculture, marketing and landless agricultural labourers. awareness centres for all Centrally- Farmers, as producers of agri- primary rural/village markets to as Agrisnet, Digital green, eSagu, ologies for offering uninterrupted and so on. The use of effective tools, KVKs are considered to be the sponsored schemes in the rural cultural products, can form groups wholesale regulated markets, all Agmarknet, eArik, Village extension services to the clientele, vernacular languages and group front runners in providing extension and agricultural sector. During the and register themselves under the involve direct contact of many Knowledge Centers (VKCs), SMS apart from ICT. dynamics marks the effectiveness of services to farmers even in the lockdown period also, KVKs are cre- Indian Companies Act to form farmers, intermediaries and con- Portal/mKisan Portal, Kisan Call (The writer is Scientist, Agril any extension programme. remotest districts of the country. ating awareness among rural house- Farmer Producer Organisations sumers to do interconnected activ- Centers (KCCs) and so on, are suc- Economics, Sher-e-Kashmir Apart from the other challenges The mandate of KVKs is holds for taking precautionary mea- (FPOs). The aim is to improve the ities for completing the supply cessfully rendering agricultural University of Agricultural Sciences that plague agricultural extension, Technology Assessment and sures in their farms to avoid the bargaining power of farmers chain of agricultural products. extension services. and Technology) VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 money 08

CAPSULE Record excise duty hike unlikely Sensex ends 199 pts higher; Reliance Industries rallies over 3 pc to help bridge fiscal gap: Report PNS n MUMBAI hand, NTPC, M&M, Axis ket. Bank and IndusInd Bank Foreign portfolio investors PNS n MUMBAI brokerage Bank of this report pegs a 200 bps slip- Equity benchmark Sensex were among the laggards. purchased equities worth a America Securities India page to this target for the year. ended 199 points higher on According to traders, net Rs 19,056.49 crore in the The record excise duty hike on said in a note on Friday. Calling for more fiscal stim- Friday, propelled by strong besides stock-specific action, capital market in the previous Zydus Cadila petrol and diesel will not help Its 200 bps fiscal slippage ulus measures to tide over the gains in index-heavyweight firm cues from global markets session, provisional exchange the government bridge the fis- is based on the assumption of COVID-19 pandemic, it Reliance Industries and pos- and strong foreign fund data showed. launches generic cal gap as planned, nor will it another 30 bps fiscal stim- forecasts an "additional 30 itive cues from global mar- inflows enthused buying Bourses in Shanghai, Hong prostate cancer help boost economic growth as ulus to small and bps of GDP fiscal stimulus, kets. activity in the domestic mar- Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended Despite drug consumption demand will fur- medium-sized enter- atop the 35 bps already After rallying 645.13 points with substantial gains as ther be crippled, warns a report. prises (SMEs), state- crude done, focusing on SMEs, during the day, the 30-share Foreign portfolio moves to ease lockdown mea- NEW DELHI: Drug firm Zydus Despite crude prices trading at run banks and real- prices real estate and state-run index surrendered most gains sures and reopen economies Cadila on Friday said it has a two decades low, the govern- tors. trading at a bank recapitalization, to settle 199.32 points or 0.63 investors around the world fuelled pos- launched generic Enzalutamide ment had earlier this week "We expect the gov- two decades shortly." per cent higher at 31,642.70. purchased itive investor sentiment. capsules used for the hiked excise duty on petrol by ernment to announce On growth, the Similarly, NSE Nifty rose equities worth a Top stock exchanges in treatment of prostate cancer Rs 10 a litre and on diesel by Rs another fiscal stimulus low, the report said best case 52.45 points, or 0.57 per cent, Europe were also trading on which costs nearly 70 per cent 13 a litre to mop up nearly Rs of 0.3 per cent of GDP government had scenario offers 1.5 to finish at 9,251.50. net Rs 19,056.49 a positive note in their open- less than the currently 1.6 lakh crore in additional rev- for SMEs, real estate and earlier this week per cent growth in Hindustan Unilever was cr in the capital ing sessions. available similar products in enue this fiscal. banks to support growth. hiked excise FY21, lower than the top gainer in the Sensex market in Globally, the number of India. The company's product With this the new effective This will likely push up fis- duty on petrol the 2 per cent pack, rallying over 4 per cent, cases linked to under the brand name 'Obnyx' excise duty on petrol is Rs cal deficit to 4.8 per cent of growth many oth- followed by Nestle India, Tech the the dis- is priced at Rs 23,980 per 32.98/litre and diesel is Rs GDP, overshooting the FY21 by Rs 10 a litre ers have pencilled Mahindra and Sun previous ease has month. The current maximum 31.83/litre. budget target, by 130 bps. and on diesel by Rs in. Even this 1.5 Pharma. session crossed retail price (MRP) of Following the record hike in "Accordingly, the states' fis- 13 a litre to mop up per cent growth Reliance Industries 38.46 lakh Enzalutamide drug ranges excise duty on petrol and diesel, cal deficit will also rise 50-100 nearly Rs 1.6 lakh is dependent on was the biggest contrib- and the from Rs 70,000 to 80,000 for the total incidence of taxation bps above our expected 3.1 per more fiscal and utor to the gains on death toll a monthly therapy, Zydus on auto fuels jumped to 70 per cent of GDP,” says the report. crore in additional monetary stimu- the index, jumping has topped 2.69 Cadila said in a statement. cent of the retail price. But the The report also doubted the revenue this fiscal lus and the Bank over 3 per cent after lakh. This price reduction will retail prices are not impacted as sustainability of the oil tax dri- of America economists expect the company In India, the benefit many prostate cancer the hike completely wipes out ven fiscal management as it the Reserve Bank to slash the announced death toll due to patients to adhere to the the fall in crude prices. remains to be seen if the tax rent prices sustain, and demand reverse repo by another 50 that US-based COVID-19 rose treatment, it added. "Our aim "We continue to expect fis- hike is sustainable as the Brent de-growth reverses, it said. bps to 3.25 per cent by October. private equity firm to 1,886 and the is to make a preferred choice cal slippage of 2 per cent of crude is projected to climb to The budget had revised “As it is, we see a 100 bps down- Vista Equity Partners number of cases of therapy like Obynx available GDP in overall fiscal deficit USD 39 a barrel by the upwards the fiscal deficit target side risk to our 1.5 per cent will buy 2.32 per cent climbed to and more accessible to people despite the oil tax hike of 0.7 December quarter. The revenue to 3.5 per cent for the current FY21 growth forecast if the stake in Jio Platforms 56,342, accord- suffering from cancer. per cent of GDP or around Rs gain of close to Rs 1.6 lakh crore fiscal, against the previously set lockdown extends to June, with for Rs 11,367 crore. ing to the health 1.6 lakh crore," Wall Street will make sense only if the cur- glide path of 3.2 per cent. And the restart taking up July. On the other ministry. Qatar Airways plans to Reliance strikes third deal in two Adani Gas reports 61 COVID-19 hit: weeks, sells 2.32 pc in Jio Platforms Indian pharma rebuild flight network pc rise in Q4 net profit exports miss target, PNS n NEW DELHI Rs 43,574 crore. Within days of than three weeks," the compa- stand at $ 20.58 bn that deal, Silver Lake - the ny said. PNS n NEW DELHI Reliance Industries on Friday world's largest tech investor - Vista co-founder Brian Sheth Hyderabad: The Indian in phased manner pharmaceutical sector has announced the sale of 2.32 per is half-Indian and his father Adani Gas Ltd on Friday PNS n MUMBAI Ahmedabad, Amritsar, cent stake in its digital unit to hails from Gujarat. Reliance reported a 61 per cent rise in been affected by the COVID-19 Reliance Industries lockdown as exports have Bangalore, Mumbai, Calicut, US-based Vista Equity Partners owner and richest Indian standalone net profit to Rs 122 registered USD 20.58 billion Persian Gulf carrier Qatar Kolkata, Kochi, New Delhi, for Rs 11,367 crore, the third announced the Mukesh Ambani, who also crore for fourth quarter ended during the 2019-20 financial Airways, which reportedly plans Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai and deal in a little over two weeks sale of 2.32 per comes from Gujarat, is said to March 31. year as against the targeted to lay off an unspecified num- Trivandrum routes by end of that will inject a combined Rs cent stake in its have personal connections with The company had posted a USD 22 billion in the previous ber of employees in the wake of June, it said. 60,596.37 crore in the oil-to- the private equity firm's founder net profit of Rs 76 crore in the the coronavirus outbreak, said it The gradual expansion will telecom conglomerate to help it digital unit to US- Robert Smith. year-ago period. fiscal. Despite this, there was based Vista Equity 7.57 per cent overall growth in will rebuild its flight network in focus initially on strengthening pare debt. The discussions were led by Adani Gas, which retails exports in FY '20 over 2018- a phased manner starting this connections between the airline's The US-based private equity Partners for Ambani's close aide Manoj CNG to automobiles and 19, a press release from the month. As part of this plan, the hub in Doha with the global firm will buy a stake in Jio Rs 11,367 crore Modi and Sheth. piped natural gas to household City gas distribution falls Pharmaceuticals Export airline is looking to resume hubs of its partner airlines Platforms, which houses the Strategic and financial kitchens and industries, saw under essential services and Promotion Council, a body flights to India by June, subject around the world including country's youngest but biggest investors are to form 20 per cent sales volumes rise 3 per cent Adani Gas Ltd (AGL) said it under the Ministry of to regulatory approval, Qatar air- London, Chicago, Dallas and telecom firm of Jio Platforms. Between the to 145 million cubic metres, will ensure that during this Commerce, said on Friday. ways said in a Hong Kong. It will also Jio, at an three deals, Reliance has sold the firm said in a statement. period of crisis, the supply of Though the exports started release. At present, look at equity value 13.46 per cent of Jio Platforms However, revenue from PNG and CNG is maintained doing well in 2019-20 and it the airline continues to of Rs 4.91 and more such investments are operations was 1 per cent without any interruption. has been a good year for the operate flights to more crore and an likely in near future. lower at Rs 490 crore. "Currently, with over 95 per first three quarters with than 30 destinations enterprise value of Rs 5.16 Ambani, 63, chairman and The company did not give cent of volume coming from umulative growth rate of 11.5 around the world. crore. managing director of Reliance, reasons for lower revenues the operational geographical per cent during April- By the end of May, the reopen- "Vista's investment will trans- had in August last year set a tar- and higher profit. areas (GAs), makes the busi- December 2019, the growth airline plans to grow its network ing many major business and late into a 2.32 per cent equity get of March 2021, to make his "The recent unfortunate ness quite resilient," it said. We rate in February and March back to over 50 destinations leisure destinations such as stake on a fully diluted basis, conglomerate net debt-free. But COVID-19 event and the con- expect to continue to generate has gone down recording 7.7 (subject to approvals), resuming Madrid and Mumbai, Qatar making Vista the largest investor thanks to the Facebook deal, a sequential nationwide lock- healthy cash flows from oper- per cent and -23.24 per cent services to cities such as Manila, Airways said. According to a in Jio Platforms behind Reliance bought a Rs 53,125 crore rights issue, down in India has impacted ations going forward." respectively, resulting in the Amman, and Nairobi while a report, Qatar Airways on Industries and Facebook," the 1.15 per cent stake in Jio Silver Lake and Vista Equity the current ongoing demand The company said capital negative growth of - 2.97 per further number of destinations Wednesday said it will lay off company said in a statement. Platforms for Rs 5,665.75 crore. investments, and more stake of CNG and PNG (piped nat- contribution for infrastruc- cent in the fourth quarter, the are planned to be added by the staff as the coronavirus pandem- The deal follows Facebook "Jio Platforms has now raised sale to companies such as Saudi ural gas) by industrial and ture development in new GAs release said. end of June. Qatar Airways will ic has largely grounded the picking up a 9.99 per cent stake Rs 60,596.37 crore from leading Aramco, the target is likely to be commercial segments," the has been made from the be operating flights on global aviation industry. in Jio Platforms on April 22 for technology investors in less achieved by December. statement said. accruals of the company. AIIB approves USD 500 mn loan to Procter & Gamble Moody's pegs Rico Auto support India's fight against Covid-19 March qtr profit at Industries BASF India receives Rs 91 crore India's FY21 GDP resumes Rs 85-cr demand PNS n NEW DELHI from the coronavirus crisis. nanced with the World Bank, PNS n NEW DELHI notice from K'taka "The AIIB Board of Directors will support India in address- operations The Asian Infrastructure has approved a loan of USD 500 ing significant challenges posed Procter & Gamble Hygiene growth at 0% tax dept for FY14 Investment Bank (AIIB) has million to support India's to the public health system, and Health Care Ltd on PNS n NEW DELHI n NEW DELHI: Chemical maker approved a loan of USD 500 efforts to prevent, detect and AIIB said. Friday reported a marginal PNS NEW DELHI government debt, weak social BASF India Ltd on Friday said million to support India's respond to the threat posed by "The financing will enable rise of 1.09 per cent in net and physical infrastructure, Rico Auto Industries on it has received a demand efforts to fight the COVID-19 COVID-19 by strengthening the Government of India to profit at Rs 91.10 crore for Moody's Investors Service on and a fragile financial sector Friday said it has resumed notice of Rs 85.19 crore from pandemic, the Beijing-head- the preparedness of the coun- scale up efforts to limit the the March quarter 2020 as the Friday projected India's face further pressures due to operations at several plants Karnataka's tax department for quartered multilateral lending try's national health system," it transmission of cases, strength- lockdown impacted its busi- growth at zero per cent for the the coronavirus outbreak. across the country following the fiscal year 2013-14. In a agency said on Friday. said. en the health system to expand ness operations. current fiscal and said the neg- Moody's had, in November relaxation of guidelines by the regulatory filing, the company AIIB's COVID-19 Crisis The project is funded by its response capacity and The FMCG firm, which ative outlook on sovereign 2019, affirmed India's 'Baa2' government in the third said it had earlier received Recovery Facility, created as AIIB's COVID-19 Crisis enhance preparedness to man- follows July-June financial rating reflects rating but phase of the coronavirus demand notices from part of the coordinated interna- Recovery Facility cre- age future outbreaks," it said. year, reported a profit of Rs increasing revised down- lockdown. The auto compo- Commercial Tax Department, tional response to ated to adapt to The project also supports the 90.11 crore in the year-ago risks that ward the out- nents maker said its plants at Karnataka for the periods counter the urgent financing purchase of medical equip- period. GDP growth look to nega- Dharuhera, Bawal, Pathredi, 2006-2010, 2010-13, 2014-15 COVID-19 pan- needs of the ment, enhanced disease detec- Net sales were down 6.19 will remain tive from sta- Gurugram, Haridwar and and 2015-16 as it treated the demic, has Bank's mem- tion capabilities and research. per cent to Rs 656.05 crore in significantly ble on con- Halol have resumed opera- stock transfers of the an initial bers impacted It is expected to address the the latest quarter as against Rs lower than in cerns of lower tions between April 27 and company's Mangalore plant as size of by the pan- needs of infected people, at-risk 699.34 crore in the year-ago the past. economic May 8. interstate sales to dealers. USD 5 to demic, it said. populations, medical and same period, P&G said in a The outlook also partly growth. However, the Chennai Subsequently, the company USD 10 bil- The India emergency personnel and ser- BSE filing. shows weaker policy effective- 'Baa2' is an investment plant is yet to reopen got a stay for the periods lion to support its COVID-19 vice providers at medical and “The company was fore- ness to address economic and grade rating with moderate although the company has 2006-2010, 2010-11 and members' urgent econom- Emergency testing facilities as well as casting high single digit sales institutional issues, it noted in credit risk, and is two notch- received permission to restart 2014-15 by the Karnataka ic, financial and public health Response and Health Systems national and animal health growth for the quarter before the update to its November es above the junk grade. functions, the company said Appellate Tribunal, it added. pressures and quick recovery Preparedness Project, cofi- agencies. the lockdown. 2019 rating forecast. The negative outlook in a regulatory filing. Stating that the negative reflects increasing risks that Operation will be started in outlook indicates that an economic growth will remain remaining facilities shortly upgrade is unlikely in the significantly lower than in the after complying with the due Many expect Covid crisis to end sooner locally near term, Moody's said high past, it said. regulations, it added. PNS n MUMBAI Nearly half of respondents in India Indians are more optimistic believe the situation will resolve in the Rupee settles 18 paise higher than people globally with country in the next three months, but regard to the COVID-19 crisis as most in the country feel that some think it may take longer the pandemic will end sooner at 75.54 against US dollar locally, by May-end or the end of July, a survey has revealed. PNS n MUMBAI finally close at 75.54 against the 316.53 points higher at Nearly half of respondents in Fewer Indians (32 per cent) trol, the survey added. US dollar, registering a rise of 31,759.91 and broader Nifty up India believe the situation will think it may take longer (end The survey was done online The rupee appreciated 18 paise 18 paise over its previous close. 83.90 points at 9,282.95. resolve in the country in the of August- end of October) till by YouGov Omnibus among to provisionally settle at 75.54 During the day, the domes- Foreign institutional next three months, but some the crisis resolves in India, but 900 adult respondents in India against the US dollar on Friday, tic unit hit an intra-day high of investors were net buyers in the think it may take longer, the number of people saying between April 28 and May 1 tracking higher domestic equi- 75.27 and a low of 75.59 against capital market, as they bought according to the data by this for the situation changing through YouGov's panel of over ties and weakness in the the US dollar. On Wednesday, equity shares worth Rs London-headquartered global globally is slightly higher- at 36 six million people worldwide. American currency. Forex the rupee had settled at 75.72 19,056.49 crore on Thursday, market research and data com- per cent, the survey has found. The survey further revealed traders said positive cues from against the US dollar. Forex according to provisional pany Yougov. believe the COVID-19 crisis end in India by end of May or Fewer than this, both local- that Indians are most likely to domestic equities and signifi- market was closed on Thursday exchange data. Meanwhile, the Even though some countries will get resolved sooner in end of July, which is higher ly (7 per cent) and globally (10 visit public places once local cant foreign fund inflows sup- on account of Buddha dollar index, which gauges the have managed to control the India than it will globally, it than the number of people per cent) think the pandemic COVID-19 cases are under ported the local unit. At the Purnima. greenback's strength against a spread of coronavirus with no added. hoping for the same to happen may last till the end of the year control, but likely to return to interbank foreign exchange, Domestic bourses were trad- basket of six currencies, was new cases in the last few days, Nearly half (48 per cent) globally within this time frame (end of November- end of work once the government nor- the rupee opened at 75.36, ing on a positive note with the trading 0.05 per cent down at Indians are more likely to think the pandemic is likely to (40 per cent). December) till it is under con- malises movement. then pared some initial gains to benchmark Sensex trading 99.84. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Saturday May 9, 2020

esearchers, busi- medical case using AI and ness profession- NLP technologies, with Monitoring platforms als and innova- generic ability to integrate R tors of various with multiple sensory out- that track the spread countries around put data. the globe are The Israeli Ministry of of the virus, passive using technology to allevi- Health has developed a ate the effects of the global COVID-19 strategy which vaccines, clinical trials and health crisis. includes daily nation-wide LIVING WITH From monitoring plat- monitoring of Coronavirus forms that track the spread related symptoms of the drone deliveries are a few of the virus to finding pas- population using sive vaccines to clinical tri- Diagnostic Robotics digital of the spectrum of als to drone deliveries — risk assessment and moni- these are a few of the differ- toring platform for technologies used by Israel ent technology projects COVID-19, screening eight used by Israel to fight million patients daily. to fight against the Coronavirus. DRONE DELIVERIES pandemic COVID-19 REMOTE Drone technology com- THE VIRUS ASSESSMENT AND pany Flytrex, in partnership MONITORING PLAT- with EASE Drones, the FORM Grand Forks Region It is a triage and monitor- Economic Development ing platform that allows Corporation and the City of officials to monitor the Grand Forks, announced progress of the disease and the launch of its drone alerts health providers of delivery service directly to patients at risk. A sympto- backyards in Grand Forks, matic Coronavirus heat North Dakota. The initia- map is leveraged to locate tive will provide food, med- Coronavirus symptomatic icine and other essential patients, and track the path goods via drone to selected of the pandemic. The infor- households. mation provides data-based The deliveries will be guidance on next steps for made in cooperation with patients, providers and the Northern Plains public health agencies. Unmanned Aerial System Currently it is in-use Test Site (NPUASTS), with with the Ministry of Health, takeoffs taking place across the emergency services, and the street from a local shop- all major HMOs in Israel, ping supercenter, where with the Department of provisions will be pur- Health in the State of chased. “In this time of cri- Odisha, India, and with the sis and social distancing, Department of Health in drones provide the ideal the State of Rhode Island. solution to bolster delivery Diagnostic Robotics has capacity while keeping citi- partnered with Deloitte and zens safe at home,” said Salesforce for seamless inte- Flytrex CEO Yariv Bash. gration to all Salesforce cus- DRONE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY FLYTREX, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH tomers and is a member of POWER THE VIDEO the COVID-19 Healthcare EXPERIENCE and powerful, easy-to-use EASE DRONES, THE GRAND FORKS REGION ECONOMIC Coalition, alongside Kaltura has emerged as tools for producers. Kaltura DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, pri- CLINICAL TRIALS Amazon, Google, Mayo the fastest growing video also trains employees, etary plasma derived FDA- Pluristem Therapeutics Clinic and others. platform. Various compa- faster, and more cost effec- ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF ITS DRONE DELIVERY SERVICE approved platform technol- (NASDAQ, TASE: PSTI) is It provides an AI layer nies are using it to build tively. DIRECTLY TO BACKYARDS IN GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA. THE ogy, as a potential treat- a leading regenerative med- for the healthcare system, knowledge, improve team INITIATIVE WILL PROVIDE FOOD, MEDICINE AND OTHER ment for patients from the icine company developing a providing services to productivity and collabo- MOBILE SPORTS disease. The product is platform of novel biological patients, providers and rate. It also engages viewers TRAINING PLATFORM ESSENTIAL GOODS VIA DRONE TO SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS being produced from plas- products candidates. The insurers. Their AI-driven and facilitates the delivery Legend is an immersive ma donated by patients company has reported personalised triage system of message more effectively. mobile sports training plat- to train and compete with lenges and competitions. (PASSIVE VACCINE) recovering from COVID- robust clinical trial data in guides the patients through From executive messaging form that engages young their friends and participate Kamada is developing an 19, which is expected to multiple indications and is their journey in the medical to live streaming of events, athletes, by providing a vir- in the global community PLASMA-DERIVED anti-Corona (SARS-COV- include antibodies to the currently conducting late ecosystem, analysing their it ensures high quality, reli- tual, AI driven, trainer. It through unique daily and ANTI-CORONA 2) immunoglobulin (pas- Coronavirus. stage clinical trials in sever- medical history and current able playback for viewers enables the young athletes weekly workouts, chal- IMMUNOGLOBULIN sive vaccine) using its pro- al indications.

Great Bombay Circus on its last legs? ndia’s oldest circus, measures were imposed, the them. dogs, and parrots are to be childhood, the circus is our the Great Bombay circus had to stop their shows. “It’s been more than a month taken care of. The artists’ home. Till today we have pro- Circus, marks its A total of 134 artists, includ- and a half since the shows have salaries, food, shelter, and vided entertainment for you I centenary this year. ing nine Ethiopia and 19 Nepal been stopped. Our boss has maintenance expenses per day and your children, if you don’t The troupe has been nationals, along with their per- paid us our salaries and been are said to come up to help us now, our owner might entertaining people forming animals have been able to feed us so far, but he’s Rs 90,000. As of now, workers not be able to support us any- since the 1920s. However, this stuck in Mannargudi in Tamil also running dry now and is say, local authorities and a few more, and this circus, our year could be their last year Nadu for close to two months not being able to afford to pro- donors have been supplying home, might have to be shut because of the implementation now. Of the 134, 27 are women vide us with food and shelter, essential items like rice, dal, down forever. Please help us, of the lockdown due to the who are accommodated in with the circus being shut for vegetables, etc to cook. we’re at your mercy,” he adds. COVID-19 pandemic. rental homes. Most of the men so long,” says Tulsi Das “We couldn’t go back home, A fund raising campaign has The oldest circus company in are reportedly fending for Choudary, one of the oldest and now our owner is also started on Milaap.org to help India last performed in Tamil themselves in tents on the cir- members in the troupe, has finding it difficult to fund us. If these stranded artists survive Nadu until early February, cus site. been working with them for the we don’t get any help now, this this pandemic and help them when the number of people The workers say that though last 61 years now. He’s survived circus might have to shut down save the circus. who came to watch the circus their boss had been paying two cancers and wants to keep forever. What will we do?” Tulsi The workers are looking for drastically reduced by each them their salaries, but even he performing with the troupe till adds. people to donate so they can passing day. Once the is running dry. Soon, the owner he dies. “This is where I have earned keep their shows going post the Coronavirus precautionary won't be able to afford fund Camels, horses, ostriches, respect and been loved since lockdown. — PNS

CAMELS, HORSES, OSTRICHES, DOGS, AND PARROTS ARE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THE ARTISTS’ SALARIES, FOOD, SHELTER, AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES PER DAY ARE SAID TO COME UP TO RS 90,000. AS OF NOW, WORKERS SAY, LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND A FEW DONORS HAVE BEEN SUPPLYING ESSENTIAL ITEMS LIKE RICE, DAL, VEGETABLES, ETC TO COOK. 10

Vijayawada Saturday May 9 2020 what’s brewing?

COOK A BALANCED FRESH SKINCARE HEALTHY ROUTINE MEAL As mothers repre- For just seven sent the epitome of days, make her gentle care, you some healthy need to care for delicious meals your skin too. loaded with fruit Ensure you have the nuts, dry fruit, right set of products vegetables and to cleanse and mois- greens. Please turise. The right ensure they are choice of products cleaned thor- are is naturally ful- oughly though filling and basically and don't allow help to enhance the the grumbling at cells and help the the table to get removal of skin the better of you. impurities in a much easier man- ner, thus improving overall health.

LIGHT EXERCISING Opt for light yoga asanas, simple stretch- ing and meditation to help feel at ease. This will help relieve stress and get rid of muscle stiffness too. After all, a MUMSMUMS,, giftgift bit of sweating is essential. yourselfyourself aa dayday ofof detoxdetox

others Day is around the cor- ner, so go ahead and plan some M guilt free 'me- time.' While you spend most of the days in lockdown work- ing and taking care of the needs of family and home, it's time to take care of yourself. Try a special skin detox ses- CLEANSING BATH sion for a refreshing break from her daily hustle and for Using right bathing products some rest and relaxation. MAKE A REFRESHING such as a cup of unfiltered Dr Geetika Mittal, a con- SUMMER COOLER apple cider vinegar and a few sulting dermatologist at drops of olive oil or a few drops Cetaphil believes a rejuve- A common recommendation for good health of lemon juice in lukewarm nating detox session is the and great immunity is Vitamin C. With sum- water will help you feel perfect way to unwind. She mers setting in, make a refreshing lemonade refreshed. shares five simple ways to with mint leaves and honey. This will leave you With these simple skin detox pamper yourself on feeling rejuvenated and will help detox you tips, you can give yourself a day Mother's Day: body as well add a natural radiance to her skin. you really deserves.

FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU

Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2020 sport 11

‘Smith, Warner stand in India tour Down Under still On b/w India & victory in Aus’ Virat & Co to accept quarantine to save Aussie Test series later this year PTI n MUMBAI ndia will not win the Test PTI n NEW DELHI interested? So there is no clar- goes, that discussion hap- Iseries in Australia later this ity. pened before the lockdown. year if they fail to dismiss sea- t is premature to talk about “Once the situation When cricket resumes, (we soned run-machines Steve Smith resumption of cricket but improves and the lockdown will see) whether any country and David Warner early, the IIndia’s tour of Australia ends, then we will see keeping would like to host an addition- great Ian Chappell said on Friday. later this year is likely to go the safety and health of our al Test or have two T20s Should the much-anticipated ahead, BCCI treasurer Arun players in mind as that is para- instead, which is likely to gen- series goes ahead as scheduled, Dhumal said on Friday, down- mount,” said Dhumal. erate more revenues. the duo’s presence will put the playing the logistical issues India are scheduled to play “There is a possibility that hosts at an advantage, according likely to arise because of the four Tests Down Under with request comes from Cricket to the former Australian captain. Covid-19 pandemic. Cricket Australia considering Australia only.” “I am certainly looking for- To ensure that the high- an additional one. Dhumal Dhumal also said if the ward to it (the India-Australia Steve Smith and Pat Cummins PTI profile tour, starting in October, said the five-Test series idea IPL doesn’t take place, the series). It will be a very interest- goes on as scheduled, Dhumal was discussed before the lock- board will take a hit of `4000 ing one. India will come with the Australia will win,” said Chappell. said quarantining of Indian down but Cricket Australia crore. confidence of having won last Chappell heaped praise on players upon their arrival is a could now change its mind “If IPL doesn’t take place time they toured Australia,” current India skipper Virat Kohli, possibility even though it is not considering the severe financial the revenue loss will be `4000 Chappell said on the Sony Ten Pit saying he is the best at the feasible before every overseas impact Covid-19 has had on crore. In case, we lose the Stop show. moment when it comes to play- assignment. the board. home season also, that will The 76-year-old added, “It ing all the three formats, reiter- “You can’t be sure of the sit- “The India-Australia tour also be a substantial amount. will be a bit harder this time (for ating a point he made recently. uation prevailing at that point is more likely to happen BCCI is also facing huge loss- India) with Smith and Warner in “India has had some pretty of time. As of now the Australia because it is further away and es. If IPL doesn’t happen then the Australian side. But India are good batsmen, but the com- tour is on because nobody has logistically it easier to organ- we will be in a very big prob- well equipped to handle ment I made was over the three called off that tour and same for ise. We will have to see what lem,” said Dhumal. Australian conditions.” formats. I was basically asked T20 World Cup,” Dhumal said. government guidelines are at If the T20 World Cup Aussies missed services of Steve Smith or Virat Kohli and I “The need for quarantine that point (both India and doesn’t take place in October- Smith and Warner in the last said — over the three formats, ahead of Australia tour only Australian Government). November, staging the IPL is series. you can’t pick anyone ahead of arises if the preceding T20 “How will the team trav- a possibility in that window. “Australia are pretty hard to Kohli. World Cup doesn’t take place. el? There is no clarity on “If the situation improves beat at home and particularly “I mean his records in all If the World Cup happens, then international travel and if we by that time (September- with the attack that they have got three formats is incredible and players would have already can get an exemption. We October), we also have think at the moment, it is a very, very how he averages over 50 in T20 completed their quarantine.” Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Australia captain Tim Paine pose with Border-Gavaskar trophy before start of 2018-19 series don’t know as of now. The pic- about T20 WC and Asia Cup strong attack. cricket, I think it’s a tremendous Dhumal said isolation ture is ho hazy that we can’t and accordingly take a call. For “The batting last time India feat. before the start of the tour can games,” he said. October-November. Players will be out of cricket for decide anything,” said a full-fledged IPL to happen, were here wasn’t so good. If “So, he (Kohli) in my opin- only be a one-off. Dhumal then went on to “...Would it be possible for so long and further two weeks Dhumal. you have to have at least 45- India can keep getting Warner ion, if you are taking about all “If quarantine becomes a list the bigger logistical chal- Australia to have so many of quarantine and then On Cricket Australia’s idea 50 days. Whether we get the and Smith out cheaply, then three formats, Kohli is the best norm before every tour then it lenge that awaits Australia — teams (16) coming in and straightaway to go into T20 of an additional Test, Dhumal window, it is still a question India could win. If they don’t get batsman at the moment,” said the would be difficult to organise the T20 World Cup in quarantining for two weeks? World Cup. Who would be said:”As far as the fifth Test mark.” Warner and Smith cheaply, legendary Australian player. Root optimistic Sports without fans in No T20 WC in 2020: Warner about home Tests PTI n NEW DELHI one spot and keep bowling there. “Mentally, it was great for Indian stadium possible: Kohli ustralian opener David Warner says cricket but it was hard to watch. I felt Ait is unlikely that the T20 World Cup helpless. Hope it does happen and look- PTI n NEW DELHI ‘HOLLOW FEELING’ will be staged in his country in October- ing forward to the battle,” said Warner. Cricket is not going to be the November because of the Covid-19 pan- The Australian said playing India in ndia skipper Virat Kohli same in the post Covid-19 demic. India is one of the toughest challenges in Ibelieves cricket in empty world and playing in empty “The ICC World Cup will not go world cricket. stadiums is a real possibility in stadiums would be a “hollow ahead here by the looks of it. It will be “I love playing India in india. LONDON: England captain Joe a post Covid-19 world and feeling” but Australia difficult to get everyone (16 teams) Everyone is against you. Hard conditions. Root has said he is “very opti- though it is unlikely to have a wicketkeeper-batsman Alex together,” said Warner in an Instagram Same for you (Rohit) when you come mistic” Test cricket will take bearing on the intensity of Carey is ready to embrace Live session with India’s batting star Rohit here,” he said. place in his side’s 2020 home sea- players, he feels the magic the “new normal”. Sharma. Warner is also not enthused by the son even if that means the would certainly go missing. Carey is open to the idea However, the International Cricket idea of playing in front of empty stands, squad have to go into more than “It’s quite a possible situ- of playing in empty stadi- Council is yet to take the final call on the like Australia did against New Zealand two months’ of quarantine. ation, it might happen, I hon- ums, which according to him T20 showpiece event. in Sydney in March before the ODI series With Britain currently in estly don’t know how everyone could be a way forward. During the chat, Rohit said India’s was called off. lockdown because of the coro- is going to take that because “Cricket as we’re used to is tour of Australia, which is scheduled after “It was a bizarre experience. You navirus, a three-Test series we all are used to playing in going to be different for a bit. the T20 World Cup, will be a “great way” could only hear echo of cricket ball. It was against the West Indies sched- front of so many passionate There’s the T20 World Cup to restart international calendar. bizarre. We are used to calling ‘yes and uled for June has been post- fans,” Kohli said in Star Sports and the IPL that we’re all “I love playing against Australia. no’ while running between wickets but we poned, with Pakistan due to visit show Cricket Connected. looking to play, but it’s hard to When we won last time (in 2019), it was did not need to do that. later in a season whose start has “I know it will be played picture anything without the great for us. You guys (Warner and Steve “It was literally like playing a warm now been delayed until July 1. at a very good intensity but fans. It’s going to be a hollow Smith) were missing (due to ball-tamper- up game. It was surreal. I don’t know for “I’m very optimistic, hope- that feeling of the crowd con- feeling,” said the Delhi ing bans). how long you can sustain that. You gain fully that can be the case and it necting with the players and “Things will still go on, Capitals player during an “What our bowlers and batters did your momentum from home crowd.” would be a real shame if it was- the tension of the game where but I doubt that one will feel Instagram Live session with there was amazing. I am looking forward The Aussie opener also spoke about n’t,” he told the Cricket show on everyone goes through it in that magic happening inside his IPL team. to the upcoming tour already. Hope both Australian opening batsman David Warner AP players considered the best in the world Sky Sports. the stadium, those emotions because of the atmosphere “But I feel the fans will at boards manage to get the series under- in Test cricket in Virat Kohli and Steve “I think a number of people are very difficult to recreate,” that was created. least have some Live cricket to way. Will be a great way to kick off crick- ing helpless watching his team lose. Smith. “People say Kohli and Smith are are desperate to see Live sport he added. “We will play sports how look forward to on TV, and I et in the world,” said India’s limited overs “Watching that series was hard as you the best in the world,” said Warner. “But back on telly (television) and the Kohli said the many it is supposed to be played, but can promise it’s still going to vice-captain. can’t do anything from the outside. But we make Smith and Kohli because we guys are all very much missing moments which are created those magical moments will be some solid cricket which India won their first Test series in I want to say that India has the best pace take the shine off the ball. We have got playing and would love to get because of the passion brought be difficult to come by,” he the fans are going to love,” Australia, and Warner said he was feel- attack against left-handers. They zero in an important job as openers.” back out there.” AFP in by fans, would be missing. said. added the left-hander. Football to allow five substitutes Milan clubs back training AIFF recommends foreign LAUSANNE: Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when AFP n MILAN epicentre of Italy’s outbreak, one of players cap in ISL, I-League play resumes after the coronavirus the worst in Europe in terms of pandemic, the sport’s law-making talian football giants Inter Milan deaths and infections. PTI n NEW DELHI met on Friday via video conference body announced on Friday. Iand AC Milan were both back Lombardy has suffered some under the chairmanship of Shyam The International Football training on Friday two months after 15,000 deaths, around half of Italy’s he Technical Committee of All Thapa and took the decision to recom- Association Board (IFAB) said in as a strict lockdown which has hit the 30,000 coronavirus fatalities, since the TIndia Football Federation on mend the 3+1 (three non-Asians and statement that it had agreed to a northern Italian city hard. outbreak first erupted in early March. Friday recommended the implemen- one Asian) rule. proposal by world governing body Inter said all their players and avirus. Both Milan clubs insisted they tation of the continental body’s rule on “The Committee discussed at FIFA for a temporary change to the staff have tested negative for coron- “You have to be careful, but not were taking the maximum precau- fielding foreign players in a domestic length and unanimously recommend- rules “to protect player welfare”. avirus on Friday, clearing the way for to resume would be a disaster from tions. match from next year, reducing the ed the implementation of the 3 (for- Teams face likely fixture con- them to return to individual train- all points of view,” 51-year-old “We have closed the common number to four from five, a decision eigners) +1 (Asian) recruit rule for all gestion in a packed calendar as they ing in the afternoon. Maldini said during a live areas of Milanello,” said Maldini. which is in line with national team domestic league matches after the 2021 attempt to make up for lost time “All the medical tests that the first Instagram chat on Friday “The players are divided into four coach’s thinking. season onwards, as per current AFC when play can resume. team underwent have come back with former Milan team- for each pitch and in 12 you can India head coach Igor Stimac had regulations for participation in AFC The lay off is expected to have negative,” the team said in a state- mate Filippo Inzaghi. work well anyway.” in March expressed unhappiness at the Club competitions,” the AIFF said in an impact on player fitness levels ment. “France were wrong to Inter added: “The club main- number of foreign players featuring in a release. too. will only have three opportunities “Optional individual training decree the end immediate- tains the utmost attention to pre- a match in Indian Super League and “However, if AFC changes this It also said that competitions to make substitutions” as well as at sessions will begin this afternoon.” ly, but we will accept what ventive measures to safe- I-League, saying it was coming in the rule, the changes will be implement- which were using video assistant half time or before extra time. City rivals AC Milan resumed will be the verdict guard the health of way of the country producing a future ed for domestic league matches,” it referee (VAR) would be allowed to In competitions that allow an earlier in the week with club techni- of the the players and all Sunil Chhetri. added. drop it for the time being. another replacement in extra time, cal director Paolo Maldini warning Government. members of the Stimac had said that ISL and I- The Committee was also briefed The change will apply to com- teams will have an additional sub- on Friday “not going back on the There is so much club, in accor- League should follow Asian Football about the postponement of the FIFA petitions scheduled to be complet- stitution opportunity. pitch would be a disaster.” uncertainty.” dance with all the Confederation’s policy of allowing a U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 ed by 31 December of this year. The previous limit on outfield Former Italy captain Maldini, The city in governmental maximum of four foreign players in a by the FIFA-Confederations working While teams will be able to substitutes for top-level competi- together with his 18-year-old son the northern and public match instead of the five permitted in group, and informed that the future make five substitutions, “to avoid tions has been three in regulation Daniel, a Milan youth team player, Lombardy health protec- the domestic games currently. dates of the tournament haven't yet disruption to the game, each team time. AFP have both recovered from coron- region is the tion guidelines.” The AIFF’s Technical Committee been finalised. K-League kicks off football’s post-virus era Son earns military accolade JEONJU: The towering stands of Once the match began, fill- navirus patients. AFP n SEOUL boot camp. earned an exemption by win- the 42,477-capacity Jeonju ing the site were the sounds of Jeonbuk maintained the 1- All able-bodied South ning Gold at the 2018 Asian World Cup Stadium stood players shouting calls and ball 0 lead till the end. ottenham Hotspur striker Korean men are obliged to Games in Indonesia. empty on Friday as South Korea kicks that would have been Before and after the match TSon Heung-min was serve in the military for near- The Spurs star broke down opened football’s post-coron- buried under fans’ thundering the players bumped fists instead named one of the top ly two years, making up in tears of joy after the 2-1 avirus era without fans, but chanting during normal times. of handshakes as advised. five recruits in his unit the bulk of Seoul’s extra-time win over Japan, with an unprecedented interna- The match was punctuated The match, played under as he finished three 600,000-strong forces — which meant he could fulfil his tional TV audience. with intermittent playing of stringent safety guidelines, is the weeks of compulsory who face off against obligations with just three With most leagues world- Jeonbuk fan club’s recorded first glimpse of post-virus foot- military training in North Korea’s army of 1.3 weeks’ basic training and wide sidelined by the pandem- chants via speakers. ball and similar scenes are like- South Korea on Friday. million. around 500 hours of commu- ic, the K-League is the first com- The season’s opening goal ly elsewhere as other leagues get South Korea’s But Son — the top nity service. petition of any standing to come was a header by veteran striker under way. marine corps Asian goalscorer in In April he reported to a back to life and a host of safety Lee Dong-gook of Jeonbuk in All personnel entering the posted pictures Premier League marines camp on the island of precautions have been imposed, the eighty-third minute. stadium had their temperatures of Son wield- history, and the Jeju for the basic training, with wild goal celebrations and Lee celebrated the scoring checked and were required to ing an M-16 Asian Football which involved lengthy hikes, even talking discouraged. Jeonbuk's Lee Gong-gook, right, gestures with his teammates after scoring AP by posing with teammates as wear face masks, and hand sani- assault rifle Confederation’s as well as tear-gas training The long-delayed season- excessive celebration involving tisers were located throughout and saluting reigning inter- and rifle practice. opener between defending countries, even though specta- “#C_U_SOON” and “STAY close physical contact is banned the venue. on their national player He was judged among the champions Jeonbuk Motors and tors are not yet allowed at K- STRONG”, while one end was by K-League’s safety guidelines. Players have been told to Facebook of the year — five best recruits out of 157 on Cup-holders Suwon Bluewings League games. draped in a giant green banner Using sign language they avoid excessive goal celebra- page as he was in the his course, a spokesperson for was watched by sport-starved Paper sheets taped to stadi- for the Mad Green Boys, the expressed their “respect” for tions, handshakes, close talking completed South Korean the Republic of Korea Marine fans in a swathe of foreign um seats spelled out Jeonbuk fan club. medical workers treating coro- and blowing their noses. his stint at a team that Corps said. 12

Vijayawada Saturday May 9 2020 tollywood SURI, VAKKANTHAM Prabhas is all TEAM UP AGAIN smiles Suri approached Vamsi to pen a story for him and the former immediately agreed, finds NAGARAJ GOUD

ogether, the formidable agreed and has even begun writing. jodi of writer-director With their last film together, Kick 2, Vakkantham Vamsi and going out like the briefest of candles T Surender Reddy have at the box-office, they are deter- delivered commercial mined to hit the bulls-eye this time super hits like Kick and around. Chances of script being Race Gurram. While there has been penned for Varun Tej are high.” a one-odd flop like Kick 2, their The source adds, “Vakkantham’s other works like Ashok, Athidi and next directorial with Ravi Teja might Oosaravelli have their own set of take time as the actor is committed admirers despite the films not taking to a couple of other projects after he the box-office by storm. And now, wraps up Krack with Gopichand we’ve learnt that they are joining Malineni. So, he wants to make the forces again. Suri, who’s last director- most of the ial was the period drama, Sye Raa current Narasimha Reddy, starring Megastar time to Chiranjeevi, is keen on getting back work to the commercial pitch which paid for rich dividends to him in his career Suri’s so far. next We hear that Suri approached and Vamsi to pen a story for him and han- the former immediately agreed. A dover source close to the development the aking to Twitter on tells us, “The director set his sights script at Friday, director Radha on an action-drama with dollops of the earli- Krishna on Friday post- entertainment as his next and the est.” T ed some candid pictures first name that crossed his mind for from the launch of his it was Vakkantham. He immediately next with Prabhas. The rang the writer and wanted to event transpired more than a year know if he can come up with ago. The likes of SS Rajamouli and something usual but at the VV Vinayak have attended the same time hatke. The writer muhurat as guests and seem to have had a great time bonding with darling Prabhas. With the actor’s fans expressing their displeasure in production house UV Creations on not updating the fresh details of tic drama set in Europe. the film regularly, this move in the pictures. His Recently, the unit filmed some por- of the director seems to be look was complete with a pair of tions in Georgia, before they Filmmakers need an appeasement tactic. cool and yellow coloured shades. returned to India due to Covid-19 Nonetheless, the fans are This is the first time that official scare across Europe. Pooja Hedge, pleased, seeing their darling photos from the muhurat are out in who was seen in a comfy printed — sporting a hoodie and a the public. dress, is cast paired opposite to adapt now: pair of dark jeans—smiling The still-untitled film is a roman- Prabhas in the film. Ravikanth Perepu SUKU remembers his dear friend emembering his restrictions in place, Prasad says, friend Prasad on his “We can. People will say things, Any filmmakers dream is to see his birth anniversary Suku and Prasad have but we can.” When Suku wanted film reaching a large number of R Friday, director been friends since mid him to be careful, Prasad replied, people. The current situation prohibits Sukumar wrote a “What can happen to me any- moving post and ’90s. They both worked more? Nothing will.” The post people from visiting cinema halls but shared it on his Instagram page. went viral within no time and they need content. When OTT Beginning with “lekapovadam as lecturers in the past garnered thousands of likes. platforms are helping the film to reach ante enti..?? modati sari ee padam Suku and Prasad have been the viewers home directly, why not try nakartham kakunda poyindi” with his friend’s absence for over friends since mid ’90s. They both it? Nobody knows what’s in store for (What is the meaning of no a month, Suku asks Prasad where worked as lecturers in the past more? I have failed to understand he has been until now. To which, and Prasad even accompanied us because of the prevailing its meaning for the first time), the the friend replied, “I didn’t had Suku to Hyderabad when he conditions. We have to adapt and see director went on to a recall a con- much time; I had to leave’. When began his journey in the film where it takes us. Ultimately, a film is versation which seemed to have Suku pressed him on how is he industry. Prasad passed away due made for people to consume it, right? transpired in his dream. Upset roaming around with lockdown to heart attack early last month.

ADAH on casting couch: Production of couches exists universally

ctress Adah experience in southern Adah, who has worked Sharma, who cinema. in Telugu, Tamil and has worked in “Casting couch isn’t Kannada film industries A both southern something that just exists apart from Bollywood, or the past one dream is to see his film Ravikanth asserted. cinema and in the South or the North. says there is always a week buzz about reaching a large number of Shot in Visakhapatnam, Bollywood, I think it is something choice. Kshanam director people. The current situation Bengaluru, Coorg, Nandi says that the casting that has been spoken “I think you always F Ravikanth prohibits people from visit- Hills, Ladakh, the film, he couch exists everywhere. about worldwide. The have a choice of whether Perepu’s second ing cinema halls but they says, is a romantic comedy. Several Bollywood production of you want to sit on it, lay feature, Krishna need content. When OTT “It’s a story about one guy personalities have couches exists on it, stand on it or not and his Leela, looking for a platforms are helping the (Siddhu Jonnalagadda) try- previously spo- universally,” do anything on the couch. direct OTT release has been film to reach the viewers ing to flirt with three women ken out about Adah You can sit on the doing the rounds. The devel- home directly, why not try (Shraddha Srinath, Seerat their horrific said. floor,” quipped the opment assumes significance it? Nobody knows what’s in Kapoor and Shailini casting actress. as the film is a production store for us because of the Vadnikatti) simultaneously couch venture of Suresh Babu who prevailing conditions. We and the teaser indicates it. owns cinema halls across have to adapt and see where The soon to drop trailer will Telugu states and is also a it takes us. Ultimately, open the actual story. The prominent distributor as a film is made for film will be funny and view- well. When contacted, people to consume ers will be able to relate to it Perepu said, “The discus- it, right?” as it’s filed with incidents sions for an OTT release that most people would’ve have been going on but encountered in their lives,” whether it will be an OTT he added. — NG release or a theatrical release isn’t confirmed yet.” The director, however, is open to the idea of an OTT release. “Any filmmakers