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GET IT ON RN-1127/57 TECH/GH – 103/2018-2020, VOL. 82, NO. 109 www.assamtribune.com Google Play ePaper app for The Tribune Pages 12 Price: 6.00 GUWAHATI, FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 p2 Extra USD 30-mn China p5 IndianOil assures consumers p11 Thunderstorm wreaks grant for WHO of LPG home delivery havoc in Dibrugarh 5 ULFA cadres New COVID-19 held, arms recovered DA put on hold STAFF REPORTER NEW DELHI, April 23: case in Dhubri The Finance Ministry on GUWAHATI, April 23: Thursday decided to put on hold increment in DA State count rises to 35 Hours before Chief Minister for 50 lakh Central CORRESPONDENT Dhubri district related to the The next day, Tarafdar and Sarbananda Sonowal’s visit to government employees Guwahati event and overall his colleagues attended namaz Charaideo today, police has ar- and 61 lakh pensioners till DHUBRI, April 23: One the fifth positive case in the at Athgaon Masjid where they rested five hardcore ULFA(I) June 2021 due to the cadres and subsequently, based COVID-19 crisis. “The Matiur Rahman Tarafdar of district. came in contact with Al Haz Kathaldi Part-III village un- According to district ad- Jamal Uddin, who had attend- on their confession, recovered additional instalment of a huge cache of arms and am- DA and DR due from July der Bilasipara police sta- ministration, Tarafdar along ed the Nizamuddin Tablighi 1, 2020, and January 1, tion was today tested posi- with ten other persons went Jamaat congregation. Tarafdar munition. 2021, shall also not be tive for COVID-19, taking to Fakiragram from Bilasip- also met Rahim Uddin at the While the ULFA cadres paid,” sources said. – PTI the total number of infect- ara on March 11 for their mosque. Both Jamal Uddin were arrested yesterday, the III Also see page 9 ed cases in Assam to 35. onward journey towards and Rahim Uddin were later recoveries were done in the EC initiative The 62-year-old attended Guwahati. They arrived Ka- tested positive for COVID-19. wee hours today. Those ar- NEW DELHI, April 23: the religious congregation at makhya, Guwahati by train to After taking part in the Ath- rested have been identified as The Election Commission Athgaon Masjid in Guwahati visit Athgaon Kabarsthan gaon Masjid congregation, Apurba Gogoi, Simanta Gogoi, has taken note of changes recently. This is the third Masjid where they stayed for Tarafdar and his associates Biraj Asom, Lakshyajit Gogoi made by South Korea in COVID-19 positive case of the night. came back to Bilasipara by and Sidhartha Gogoi. procedures while holding train. On March 14, Tarafdar The seized arms and am- its parliamentary polls amid munition include MQ 81 As- the coronavirus outbreak COCOCO VID-19 sta tus in again met with Jamal Uddin sault Rifles, Magazines of MQ and said it will consider and Rahim Uddin at the Bi- Confirmed cases 21,700 modifications as required lasipara Jame Masjid. He 81, a 7.65 mm Pistol (Rus- sian Made) with magazine and and suited to the Indian Cured/Discharged 4,325 stayed at home from March context when polls need to 15 to April 6 after which he a 0.22 mm (Factory Made) be held in such pandemic Death 686 was put in quarantine at Bor- with magazine among oth- environment. – PTI Figures include foreign nationals ers. III Also see page 3 kanda Pupils Academy. As on 23/04/2020 at 5 pm “Acting on a tip-off about Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewing the COVID-19 situation, at Sadiya on Thursday. militants taking shelter in a HS promotion Source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare GUWAHATI, April 23: – UB Photos (Report on Page 11) SEE PAGE 6 house in Tarai village at The Assam Higher Sapekhati police station area, Secondary Education a joint team of police and Council has confirmed Army led by Charaideo Su- promotion of HS first year Medical college hospitals to Arnab Goswami’s car perintendent of Police Anand students to HS final year in view of the COVID-19 Mishra had launched the op- outbreak. The council said eration,” sources said, add- HS first year students of open for general patients attacked in , 2 held ing the security forces had academic year 2019-20, intensified operation along MUMBAI/DELHI, April alleged attack, Goswami said who had filled online forms, Rapid tests for COVID-19 begins the Assam-Arunachal 23: Two motorcycle-borne he was told by his security would be promoted to the Pradesh-Nagaland border. next class as a special STAFF REPORTER gives results in 15 minutes,” government hospitals. persons allegedly attacked guards that the attackers case. – Staff Reporter Sarma said. “The doctors will conduct journalist Arnab Goswami’s were allegedly Youth Con- SEE PAGE 6 Ambubachi GUWAHATI, April 23: “If all test results are neg- test on suspected patients, car in Mumbai and tried to gress workers. However, GUWAHATI, April 23: Health Minister Himanta ative, we might consider lift- which will be helpful in clear- break its glass window while there was no confirmation of BJP polarising The Ambubachi Mela at Biswa Sarma today said that ing of the containment zone ing their doubts. In the re- he and his wife were on their the same by either police or temple, after the final nod from ICMR, tag of the complex in the next cent past, doctors have been way home in the early hours the youth outfit. society: Cong scheduled from June 22, the State health department 48 hours,” he said. Rapid test apprehensive of treating pa- of Thursday, police said. Goswami has faced flak over NEW DELHI, April 23: will be observed only started rapid antibody tests for will also be conducted at the tients fearing COVID 19 in- The incident took place on his remarks aimed at Sonia through traditional The Congress on Thursday COVID-19 in the State start- city’s Aathgaon Kabarsthan fection,” the minister said. the Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Gandhi during a discussion on religious rituals and no The attackers were carry- expressed concern over the pilgrims, s and ing from Spanish Garden in Masjid containment zone in In case a person who test- while Goswami was return- ing a bottle of ink which they the Palghar incident in which BJP’s alleged attempt to po- sanyasi s should visit the the city - a containment zone. a day or two. ed negative in the rapid kit ing from a studio located in threw on his car, the official three persons, including two larise society and inflame shrine during the mela , Centre has given 9,600 rapid Meanwhile, the medical col- shows symptoms later, RT- Bombay Dyeing Complex in said. Goswami’s security , were lynched. communal divisions, with the temple committee antibody test kits to the State. leges and district hospitals will PCR test will be conducted Lower Parel area, a police guards, who were behind in In Delhi, BJP leaders, in- Sonia Gandhi accusing it of stated in a press release. Some hundred tests were open for general patients from for confirmation. People who official said. The attackers another car, caught hold of the cluding party president J P spreading the virus of hatred, – Staff Reporter conducted at the housing com- tomorrow. They were kept show positive for COVID-19 overtook Goswami’s car, two persons and handed Nadda, condemned the al- III Also see page 5 causing “grave damage” to plex. Sources said one repre- aside for COVID-19 treat- in the rapid tests will also have stopped it and one of them them over to the N M Joshi leged attack on Goswami and social harmony. Suspended sentative from each apartment ment, and other patients redi- to undergo the RT-PCR test allegedly tried to break the Marg Police, he added. Both targeted the Congress over The Congress held a mar- GUWAHATI, April 23: was made to undergo the test. rected to private hospitals. for confirmation, sources said. vehicle’s glass window by re- the attackers have been ar- the incident. athon meeting of its working Bhupendra Rawat, an SI “The test is non-confirmatory Rapid testing kits have peatedly hitting it with his rested, he added. committee in which it sug- (probation) of Assam Police yet useful for surveillance. It been made available to the hands, the official said. In a video posted after the posted in Misamari PS in SEE PAGE 6 SEE PAGE 6 gested utilisation of the re- was maining period of lockdown placed under suspension to prepare and publish a de- for uploading an unethical tailed ‘exit strategy’ and a video of punishment to Himanta seeks views from Have cut transmission, comprehensive ‘road-map’ common people during for the future. lockdown in social media. Top Congress leaders met – Staff Reporter VCs to minimise academic loss minimised spread: Centre through videoconferencing JOCOSERIOUS RITURAJ BORTHAKUR and innovations for the learn- suggested online classes for NEW DELHI, April 23: The government As on March 23, nearly 15,000 tests were for almost four hours and ing and teaching framework. students, it is learnt that a said on Thursday that it has been able to done across the country and by April 22 more suggested measures to sub- GUWAHATI, April 23: Official sources told The majority of the colleges and “cut coronavirus transmission”, minimise than 5 lakh tests were conducted, which is stantially ramp up health in- Amid doubts over regularity Assam Tribune that the vice universities have either not its spread and increase the doubling time of about “33 times in 30 days”, he said, adding, frastructure to deal with the of online classes in colleges chancellors have been asked introduced it or have been COVID-19 cases in the country during the “But we are conscious of the fact that this is COVID-19 pandemic and re- to submit their views and and universities, Education extremely irregular. 30-day period of the nationwide lockdown. not enough and we have to continuously ramp vive the economy and pro- recommendations within Minister Himanta Biswa Sar- Sources said even at Gau- While asserting that the up testing in the country and tect employment and wages/ three days, based on which ma today held a video confer- hati University, many of the growth of coronavirus cases we will do that.” incomes. ence with 17 vice chancellors the government will come up COVID-19 departments have just up- in the country has been more Of the empowered groups “The CWC notes with con- to deliberate on measures to with some measures by May loaded study materials in or less linear and not exponential, it also said formed to suggest measures to ramp up cern that the BJP is seeking ensure that the academic year 3 or May 4. ‘Google Classroom’. No on- testing has been ramped up consistently. healthcare, put the economy back on track to inflame communal divi- is not lost, and to seek ideas While the government had line classes are being con- Addressing a daily press conference on and reduce misery of people once the sions even as the entire nation ducted. Students who are the COVID-19 situation in the country, C K lockdown is lifted, the Group Two is tasked battles Covid-19. The virus being engaged in online Mishra, the chairman of Empowered Group with coordinating availability of hospitals, iso- does not discriminate on the classes are also experiencing Two, said, “One crucial weapon we lation and quarantine facilities, disease sur- Sir, I think with the masks Maintain DISTANCE basis of caste, creed, religion on, there is no need to internet connectivity issues. employed during the 30-day lockdown veillance, testing and critical care training. or gender. indulge in underhand Save SOCIETY period is RT-PCR test to ascertain if one dealings! SEE PAGE 6 has contracted the disease or not.” SEE PAGE 6 SEE PAGE 6 Poor shifting livelihood amid lockdown Prompt steps helped Sikkim in SIVASISH THAKUR lockdown caught us unawares, obliter- ating my chances to join my family at having zero COVID-19 case GUWAHATI, April 23: The extended Bongaigaon. For people like us who sur- lockdown has hit the poor severely, chok- vive on day-to-day earnings, this has R DUTTA CHOUDHURY Chief Minister Prem Singh initiatives to fight the disease far, the State has not record- ing off their means of day-to-day liveli- been a terrible situation. Once the sale Tamang said that the State even before the Centre start- ed even a single case of coro- hood, but undeterred by the misfortune, of fruits was allowed, I found out a way GUWAHATI, April 23: Government started taking ed issuing instructions and so navirus. many have opted for different occupa- to bring fruits from the wholesalers and Despite being a favourite He said that the Chief Min- tions, especially vending activities. sell those at a particular point and also tourist destination, Sikkim ister reviewed the situation Taslim Ali, a city-based mason who across localities sometimes. It is far bet- does not have a single coro- way back on March 2 and in- was left without a job by the lockdown ter than sitting idle,” he said. navirus case till date and the structions were issued to the has turned to selling fish to make both It is not just their pragmatism and main reason for it is the fact tourists to leave the State and ends meet. resilience but also their sense of self- that the State Government on March 4, the foreign tour- “For more than two weeks I did noth- esteem that has helped these people to started the fight against the ists and trekkers, who were ing but when I realised that the shut- survive the shutdown. disease much before the More than 2,658,000 positive cases registered around in Sikkim were asked to down was going to be extended I start- forced an almost total closure of many After he found himself jobless, Rah- Central Government started the globe leave. All the places of tourist ed to look for some work. I had some economic activities. mat Ismail, who used to sell cheap sta- issuing advisories in this re- Death toll from the pandemic 185,434 attractions were closed on acquaintances among the fish sellers and Biren Roy, a rickshaw-puller in the tionery ware by the roadside, has vol- gard. The Government of March 4 to prevent gathering At least 722,000 patients recovered when sale of fish and poultry was re- city, has had a similar transformation unteered to do manual labour in house- Sikkim is also taking steps to of people and all the hotels, sumed, I found myself occupied again,” during the lockdown. He has now been holds so that he can survive on his own boost the rural economy Now the pandemic epicentre, the US has 843,937 restaurants, cinema halls, Ali, who originally hails from Goalpara, selling fruits on a push-cart together earnings rather than relying on alms during the lockdown period. infections and 46,851 deaths schools and colleges etc were told The Assam Tribune . with a friend. provided by the government. Talking to The Assam Spain (213,024 infections, 22,157 deaths) and Italy closed from March 17. Ali is happy that he is earning some- “I was solely dependent on my rick- Tribune , SD Dhakal, who is (187,327 infections, 25,085 deaths) follow the US thing even during the lockdown that has shaw to feed myself and my family. The SEE PAGE 6 the secretary to the Sikkim Data till 8 pm on Thursday – JHU SEE PAGE 6 2 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI INTERNATIONAL FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 Around the Iran Guard commander WW RLDRLD threatens US Navy after Trump tweet TEHRAN, April 23: The on Thursday, Guard Gen dence. leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Hossein Salami warned his Iran has had tense encoun- Guard warned on Thursday he forces “will answer any action ters at sea for years with the ordered his forces to poten- by a decisive, effective and US Navy in the Persian Gulf tially target the US Navy after quick counteraction.” “We and the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump’s have ordered our naval units through which 20 per cent of tweet a day earlier threaten- at sea that if any warships or all oil passes. The US has pa- ing to sink Iranian vessels. military units from the naval trolled the area to protect Iran separately summoned force of America’s terrorist global shipping for decades, the Swiss ambassador, who army wants to jeopardise our something Iran describes as looks out for America’s inter- commercial vessels or our akin to it patrolling the Gulf ests in the country, to com- combat vessels, they must of Mexico. plain about Trump’s threat target those (American) Trump on Wednesday, fac- The joint plaintiffs Andreas Schulz, from left, Khubaib-Ali Mohammed, Feras Fayyad and coming amid months of esca- warships or naval units,” Sal- ing a collapsing global energy Mohammad Alshaar talk to journalists after the first day's trial in Koblenz, Germany on Thursday. Two former members of Syria's secret police go on trial on Thursday in Germany lating attacks between the ami said. market and the pandemic at accused of crimes against humanity for their role in a government-run detention centre where two countries. The latest dispute comes home amid his re-election large numbers of Opposition protesters were tortured. – AP/PTI While the coronavirus after the US Navy said last campaign, tweeted out a warn- Deckhand Gerard Bakulikira, wears a Romware COVID pandemic temporarily week that 11 Guard naval gun- ing to Iran that he ordered the Radius digital bracelet, which flashes red when he is too close to someone else, as he walks on deck of a tugboat paused those tensions, Iran boats had carried out “danger- Navy to “shoot down and de- Bats, coronaviruses in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium on Wednesday. Europe's has since begun pushing back ous and harassing approach- stroy any and all Iranian gun- Beijing denies US second-biggest port is readying to test an electronic against the Trump adminis- es” to American Navy and boats if they harass our ships evolving together device aimed at helping people respect social distancing tration’s maximum pressure Coast Guard vessels in the at sea. as the spread of the coronavirus eases and they return policy both militarily and dip- Persian Gulf. The Americans “We don’t want their gun- for millions of to work. From next month, two teams of workers at the permission to probe Belgian port of Antwerp will be wearing chunky plastic lomatically. The Guard also said they used a variety of non- boats surrounding our boats, years: study bracelets that vibrate and flash lights when they get too launched Iran’s first military lethal means to warn off the and traveling around our boats close to each other. – AP/PTI satellite on Wednesday, un- Iranian boats, and they even- and having a good time,” Trump Covid-19 origin WASHINGTON, April 23: ...... veiling a previously secret tually left. Iran, meanwhile, told reporters on Wednesday Different groups of bats have ...... WASHINGTON, April ure this out. There’s an on- space programme. accused the US of sparking the evening at the White House”, their own unique strains of 23: Beijing has denied per- going pandemic. We still Speaking to state television incident, without offering evi- said Trump. – PTI coronavirus, a family that in- Richard Gere, Alejandra mission to American scien- don’t have the transparency cludes the COVID-19 caus- tists to visit Wuhan Institute and openness we need in ing virus, according to a study Silva welcome second child of Virology or any other part China.” which reveals that the flying LONDON, April 23: Hollywood star Indians among worst-affected of China to investigate the “It is the World Health mammal and coronaviruses Richard Gere and his wife, activist origin of the novel coronavi- Organisation’s (WHO) re- Alejandra Silva have become parents to have been evolving together rus. sponsibility to achieve that their second child, a boy. minority groups in England for millions of years. According to Spanish magazine US Secretary of State, transparency. They’re not The study, published in the Hola!, the couple welcomed LONDON, April 23: Peo- under the category at 2,252. ment of a review into the Mike Pompeo revealed this doing it. They need to be journal Scientific Reports , another son and are spending ple of Indian origin in the UK Those identifying with In- coronavirus death toll dispar- on Wednesday while speak- held accountable,” Pompeo noted that while bats do a lot time on their ranch on Pound have emerged as being dian ethnicity made up the ity among the BAME popu- ing to Fox News about why said adding, that it has been of good for the world such as Ridge, outside New York. among the worst-affected largest chunk under the eth- lation. greater transparency from “great to see other coun- pollinating plants, eating dis- The date of birth of the minority groups in the coro- nicity breakdown of data, at “We have seen, both the Xi Jinping government tries around the world to ease-carrying insects, and newborn is unknown. navirus pandemic, according around 3 per cent of the over- across the population as a was required. begin to recognize the WHO Gere, 70, and Silva, 37, dispersing seeds of tropical to a snapshot of official data all death toll, adding up to whole but in those who work “Even today, the Chinese failures as well.” already share another son forest trees, they are also Alexander, who was born early last year. on the COVID-19 deaths in 420 deaths. This was fol- in the NHS, a much higher government hasn’t permit- The US Secretary of State natural carriers of coronavi- The veteran actor also has son Homer, 20 with ex-wife, hospitals across England. lowed by Caribbeans as the proportion who’ve died from ted American scientists to said the WHO needs struc- ruses. actor Carey Lowell, while Silva has a seven-year-old son Figures released this second-largest ethnic group minority backgrounds and go into China, to go into not tural changes including step- To understand this diverse with former husband Govind Friedland. week by the National Health affected in the COVID-19 that really worries me,” said only the Wuhan lab but wher- ping down of its chief Dr Te- family of viruses, scientists, Gere and Silva had secretly wed in April 2018 after Service (NHS) England death toll at 2.9 per cent (407 UK Health Secretary Matt ever it needs to go to learn dros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. including those from Chica- more than three years of dating. – PTI show that of the 13,918 pa- death), followed by Paki- Hancock while launching the about this virus, to learn “Or even more than that. It go’s Field Museum in the US, tients who died in hospitals stanis at 2.1 per cent (287 review last week. about its origins,” Pompeo may be the case that the Unit- compared the different kinds Lanka declines foreign till April 17 after testing pos- deaths). The proportion of deaths told the news channel. ed States can never return of coronaviruses living in 36 itive for the novel coronavi- The data, only a limited among BAME groups is Reiterating that the to underwriting, having US bat species from the west- troops aid rus, 16.2 per cent were of snapshot of the UK-wide much higher compared to Trump administration has in- taxpayer dollars go to the COLOMBO, April 23: Sri Lanka has no plans to have ern Indian Ocean and nearby black, Asian and minority COVID-19 fatalities from the their roughly 13 per cent formation about it, he said, WHO. We may need to be foreign troops deployed in the country to combat the areas of Africa. coronavirus as the island nation’s military and police have ethnic (BAME) background, deadly virus, follows the Brit- make-up of the total popula- “Look, we know where it have even bolder change “We found that there’s a shown their capabilities in tackling the pandemic, with the number of deaths ish government’s announce- tion. – PTI began, but we need to fig- than that,” he said. – IANS deep evolutionary history according to Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne. between bats and coronavi- Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, ruses,” said study co-author Gunaratne said the Sri Lankan forces were well-prepared Extra USD 30-mn Bangla shutdown Steve Goodman from Chica- to tackle all the challenges posed by the COVID-19. go’s Field Museum. “Our military has already shown their expertise and till May 5 as toll professionalism in handling the emergency situation created “Developing a better un- under the coronavirus threat,” Gunaratne said. – PTI China grant for WHO touches 127 derstanding of how coronavi- ruses evolved can help us BEIJING, April 23: Cash- was “aimed to COVID-19 re- DHAKA, April 23: Bang- build public health pro- rich China on Thursday an- sponse and supporting the ladesh has decided to extend grammmes in the future,” nounced an additional USD 30 health systems of developing the nationwide COVID-19 Goodman said. million grant to the World countries. shutdown for 10 more days Banking HR firm looking for According to the research- Health Organisation to sup- “This is a different thing until May 5 amid warnings Consultancy, Institute to provide of heightening risks of coro- ers, there are a vast number candidates. Call: 9401008092, port its global fight against the from the membership dues navirus infections in the of types of different coronavi- What’sapp: 9050791704. deadly coronavirus, days after paid by China,” he said. country, including among ruses, potentially as many as SV/P/AC000032/1 Beijing expressed “serious China hinted at stepping up concern” over President its monetary contribution to doctors and healthcare bat species, and most of them Required retired persons & Donald Trump’s decision to the UN health agency on April workers. are unknown to be trans- Entrepreneurs for MNC. Earning freeze US’ funding for the UN 15. Beijing’s response came a To curb the spread of the ferred to humans and pose Rs. 45,000/-. Work from home. health agency over its handling day after Trump announced to novel coronavirus, the gov- no known threat. Contact : 96781-80856. of the COVID-19 crisis. put a “very powerful” hold on ernment initially declared a The coronaviruses carried by the bats part of the study SV/P/AC000035/8 Late Dipannita Sarmah Chinese Foreign Ministry US’ funding to the WHO, ac- general holiday on March 26 Born: 8th November, 1975 spokesman Geng Shuang cusing the UN agency of being for 10 days. Later, that was are different from the one Death: 24th April, 2004 made the announcement at a “very China-centric” and crit- gradually extended till April Newborn ring-tailed lemurs play inside the shuttered Attica behind COVID-19, the scien- Zoological Park, in Spata, east of Athens on Thursday. Five The Fragrance of your memories media briefing here. The grant icising it for having “missed the 25 as the country kept see- tists cautioned, adding that Highly experienced home Tutor linger in our heart each and every lemurs were born after the site was closed to the public as learning about these viruses for (XI-XII) Physics, Chemistry, moment. Let your soul rest in will be in addition to the USD call” in its response to the coro- ing a rise in the number of part of health restrictions for the new coronavirus pandemic. in bats can help better under- Mathematics. Conception peace heavenly abode. 20 million provided by China, navirus pandemic. The US is cases and deaths from COV- The government is planning next week to ease restrictions All members of: stand the pandemic causing #99573-06841. the world’s second-largest the largest donor to the Gene- ID-19. against the COVID-19 which has so far help keep infection Family and relatives rates low in Greece. – AP/PTI virus. – PTI Tuition/P/AC000037/29 Dipannita Memorial economy, earlier to the WHO. va-based WHO. “The government will ex- Education Trust “China has decided to do- “American taxpayers pro- tend the nationwide shut- Online Physics class for NEET Dipannita Academy (A Junior down until May 5,” a Cabi- nate another USD 30 million vide between USD 400 mn ANCHOR STORY & Boards by exp. Kota Faculty. College of Sc. Com. & Arts) in cash to the WHO in addition and USD 500 mn per year to net division spokesman told Dipannita Complex. Contact : 69009-77274. to the USD 20 million cash the WHO; in contrast China PTI as healthcare officials Tuition/P/AC000022/8 CD/InMemo/P/SP000011/1 donation to support the global contributes roughly USD 40 said that the pandemic has Two cats in US are first pets fight against COVID-19 to help million a year, even less. As spread to the country’s 58 strengthen developing coun- the organisation’s leading of 64 administrative dis- to test positive We provide Nurses, Patient tries health systems,” Geng sponsor, the United States has tricts, indicating worsening NEW YORK, April 23: Two cats in New York State have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, marking Care, Old Age Care, Baby said. He clarified that the addi- a duty to insist on full account- situation of community lev- the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 infection in Care. 8472855108, 91011- tional USD 30-million funding ability,” he said. – PTI el infections. – PTI pets in the US, according to health authorities. 04088. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nursing/P/AC000033/3 (CDC) and the United States Department of Agricul- ture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laborato- ries (NVSL) said on Wednesday that the two cats, who Mata Mahakali Astrologer A to live in separate areas of New York state, have become the first pets in the country to test positive for Z problem solution on phone coronavirus. Love affairs, Husband Wife “These are the first pets in the United States to test dispute, Court case, Business positive,” the two agencies said in a joint statement. enemy, Family problem, Love Late Ramendra Sarkar The agencies said that both pets had mild respiratory marriage, Real estate problem (Proprietor of illness and are expected to make a full recovery. call us for immediate solution. M/s Saptarshi Industries) COVID-19 infections have been reported in very few Give a new look to your life. Born : 17.01.1956 animals worldwide and mostly in those that had close Call: 9636010099. Died : 20.04.2020 contact with a person with COVID-19. Astro/P/AC000031/10 With a heavy heart, we bid Even as public health officials are still learning about adieu to our beloved the virus, there is no evidence that pets play a role in Husband/Uncle as he left for spreading coronavirus to humans in the United States. his heavenly abode, on “Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures 2500 to 98,000 sq. ft Industrial 20.04.2020 at 03.00 pm. May against companion animals that may compromise their Shed/Warehouse, Godown at his soul rest in peace. welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and Khanapara, Beltola, Lokhra, Leaving behind beloved how different animals, including pets, could be affected,” Amingaon, Changsari, Mirza. Smt. Rina Sarkar (Wife) the statement said. Routine testing of animals is not recommended at this 9435403986. & Family Members time, it said, adding that if other animals are confirmed Godown/P/AC006815/1 CD/Obituary/P/SP000010/1 positive for coronavirus in the country, the USDA will post the findings. For pick up of “State animal health and public health officials will Ph: 97060-43680 People wait to receive food assistance ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, during take the lead in making determinations about whether Classified a government-imposed nationwide lockdown to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in animals should be tested for SARS-CoV-2,” the agencies Advertisements or 70860-44611 Lahore, Pakistan on Thursday. Ramadan begins with the new Moon later this week as said, using the virus’s official name “severe acute Muslims all around the world are trying to work out how to maintain the many cherished rituals respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2”. from your doorstep ... of 's holiest month amid the coronavirus pandemic. – AP/PTI FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 NATIONAL THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI 3 Plasma therapy: Challenge is to convince people to donate blood, say officials MUMBAI, April 23: Even as the blood, its testing and then adminis- way of plasma, will be administered However, a Mumbai civic official ter recovering, people have to re- as simple as it may appear on pa- Research to carry out plasma ther- Indian Council of Medical Research tering it to a patient is a complicat- to COVID-19 patients,” a senior said, till Tuesday only a couple of main in 14-day mandatory home per. “The extraction of plasma, and apy on COVID-19 patients in has allowed plasma therapy for ed procedure and not as simple as epidemiologist from the Maharash- persons came forward to donate quarantine from the date of dis- its testing is crucial before treating Mumbai on an experimental basis. COVID-19 patients in Mumbai on it may appear on paper, they said. tra health department said. blood for the therapy, even as nearly charge. Hence, it is difficult to col- others. It should also have sufficient “The plasma of those who have an experimental basis, the chal- “The therapy involves extraction The dose of plasma along with 500 people have so far been dis- lect their blood sample,” he said, anti-bodies,” he said. recovered from coronavirus infec- lenge is to convince people to do- of plasma from the blood of recov- the ongoing medication will help charged in the city after recover- adding that medically also it is not Health Minister tion has some antibodies. If these nate blood for it, officials said on ered COVID-19 patients. These the patient to build immunity as ing from the disease. advisable. Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said the people’s plasma is used with ut- Thursday. people are expected to have good well as recover faster from the in- “We need to convince them to The official said plasma therapy State has received permission most precaution, it has proven to Also, extracting plasma from amount of anti-bodies, which, by fection, he said. come forward and help others. Af- is a complicated procedure and not from the Indian Council of Medical be useful,” he said. – PTI Kerala reports Shahi imams appeal to 10 new EC takes note of how South Korea held polls COVID-19 cases amid coronavirus outbreak THIRUVANAN- Muslims to offer prayers NEW DELHI, April 23: The cations that have been neces- procedures might be re- future elections. He said in the THAPURAM, April 23: Ten fresh COVID-19 cases were Election Commission has tak- sitated where polls have tak- quired,” he said. past too, there had been out- reported in Kerala on Thurs- en note of changes made by en place, or might have to be However, he added that it breaks of virus but elections at home during Ramzan day, taking the total active cas- South Korea in procedures conducted “in this kind of pan- was “too early” to say wheth- were held without making while holding its parliamenta- demic environment”. er COVID-19 would have a changes in the system. NEW DELHI, April 23: Shahi for the families and the socie- during Ramzan. es in the State to 129 with 23,000 people under observa- ry polls amid the coronavirus Responding to a question on bearing on future Indian elec- Nasim Zaidi, another former imams of Jama Masjid and Fateh- ty in view of the pandemic,” “Lockdown has been im- outbreak and said it will con- how the poll campaign and tions. Chief Election Commissioner, puri Masjid in the city have ap- Bukhari said. posed due to coronavirus and tion, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. sider modifications as required conduct of elections will be af- “The Bihar Assembly polls suggested that the poll panel pealed to Muslims to offer namaz The holy month of Ramzan people have been restricted to and suited to the Indian con- fected if the coronavirus pan- are still some months away,” should set up a task force to “re- during the holy month of Ram- marked by fasting by follow- their homes. But during Ram- Four of the new cases were reported from the high range text wherever elections need demic refuses to die down an EC functionary pointed out. view” standard operating pro- zan at home and follow lockdown ers of Islam is expected to start zan, authorities should allow to be held in this kind of pan- soon, the Election Commis- The term of the present Bihar cedures for holding elections. guidelines to prevent the spread from Saturday as per the lu- shops and vendors in Muslim Idukki district, two each from Kozhikode and Kottayam and demic environment. sioner said whatever meas- Assembly ends in November. “In the light of the disease of coronavirus. nar calendar. areas so those observing ‘Roza’ “Our people are studying ures are to be taken will be In March, the poll panel had and depending on how things Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri could buy food for iftari and one case each from Thiru- vananthapuram and Kollam, he the modifications made by taken in consultation with the deferred Rajya Sabha elections unfold, stakeholders, including shahi imam of Jama Masjid, in Masjid Mufti Mukarram sehri,” he said. South Korea in procedures health authorities of the coun- to 18 seats due to the corona- political parties, the EC and a video message asked people Ahmed said those who are The mosques in Delhi are said in his daily media briefing on the disease situation. while holding elections,” Elec- try and the stakeholders. virus outbreak. No fresh dates health officials will have to ap- not to venture outside unnec- under quarantine and unable to shut due to the nationwide tion Commissioner Ashok He, however, added that have been announced yet. ply their mind on SOPs relat- essarily and remain indoors observe roza (fast) can com- lockdown imposed to contain Kottayam, declared a green zone on Tuesday with no new Lavasa told PTI. much will depend on how long Former Chief Election ing to precautions to be taken during Ramzan for prayers. pensate for it through ‘Qaza’. the spread of coronavirus. The Election Commission, the present situation contin- Commissioner OP Rawat was in each step of holding elections “Two days later auspicious Such persons can observe fast The Delhi Waqf Board that cases in 14 days, reported one case each in the past two days. Lavasa pointed out, will take ues. “If this persists, some of the view that the virus right from filing nominations to Ramzan is commencing. later on, he said. administers over 200 masjids into consideration the modifi- modifications of the existing would not have a bearing on actual voting,” he said. – PTI Namaz and Tarabi (ritual Ahmed urged authorities to in the city has already issued an Two cases reported on prayer) should be offered at make necessary arrangements advisory for imams regarding Thursday had foreign travel home. Care should be taken so that people in Muslim-dom- Ramzan. It has asked imams to history, four had returned from that not more than three-four inated areas could go out in the disseminate official guidelines neighbouring States and oth- Entire Muslim community cannot be held people read Tarabi because evenings and early mornings for coronavirus containment ers were contacts of those al- large numbers can be harmful to buy food items to break fasts through loudspeakers. – PTI ready infected, Vijayan said. The total COVID-19 cases responsible for one group’s ‘crime’: Naqvi in the State is 447, Vijayan said NEW DELHI, April 23: The with State waqf board officials, spread of the pandemic after a strongly reacted to it, con- adding 23,000 people are un- entire Muslim community social and religious leaders, large number of cases were demned it and called for action der observation, most of them cannot be held responsible for imams on adherence to the found linked to the Tablighi against it. Entire community under home quarantine. – PTI one group’s “crime”, Minori- lockdown and social distancing Jamaat event at Nizamudddin cannot be held responsible for ty Affairs Minister Mukhtar guidelines during the Ramzan here, Naqvi said the whole one person or one organisa- Newlywed Abbas Naqvi said on Thursday month starting Friday or Sat- community cannot be held re- tion’s crime,” he asserted, Punjabi couple while reacting to instances of urday evening and they have sponsible for the “crime” of one adding that this has always Muslims being blamed for the begun creating awareness organisation or one person. been India’s culture. feted by cops spurt in COVID-19 cases af- among the people. “Whatever that organisa- Naqvi’s comments also as- PHAGWARA, April 23: A ter Tablighi Jamaat congrega- Asked about some people tion did, criminal negligence or sume significance in view of the newlywed couple had a sur- tion here, and asserted that blaming Muslims for the crime ... most Muslims have 57-member prominent inter- prise gift for them by police- most of the minority commu- national Muslim grouping, Or- men in Punjab’s Phagwara city. nity members have con- 21 foreigners who had attended ganisation of Islamic Coopera- The police personnel arranged demned the group’s action. tion (OIC), asking India to take a cake for the newlyweds for In an interview to PTI, Tablighi meet arrested “urgent steps” to protect the religiously observing the Naqvi also expressed confi- THANE, April 23: The crime branch of Thane Police on rights of its minority Muslim guidelines of lockdown during dence that Muslims will abide Thursday arrested 25 persons, including 21 foreign nationals community and stop the inci- their marriage ceremony. by lockdown guidelines during who had allegedly attended a gathering of the Tablighi Jamaat dents of “Islamophobia” in the In the presence of five fam- the holy month of Ramzan. in Delhi in March. country. ily members from each side, He said across the India, im- They were arrested after their quarantine period was over. Hitting out at the OIC, the Sukhwinder Singh Dhaliwal ams, ulema and Muslim or- A court later granted them bail, an official said. minister had said the country and Khushbir Kaur got mar- ganisations have unanimous- The congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area turned out be is “heaven for Muslims” and ried at a gurudwara here on ly decided that during Ram- a major coronavirus hotspot, following which police in every those trying to vitiate the at- Wednesday. zan (the Islamic holy month), State began to track down those who had attended it. mosphere of prosperity can- When the bride and bride- Muslims will not congregate Senior inspector Nitin Thakre said those arrested included not be friends of Indian Mus- groom reached near Satnam- in mosques, religious places, 13 Bangladeshis and eight Malaysian nationals while four per- lims. pura after getting married, and perform all rituals like sons are local residents. The foreign nationals violated the rules Naqvi said those targeting they were in for a pleasant sur- iftaar (breaking of fast) and under their tourist visas and attended the Tablighi meet and Muslims are a few isolated prise as police officers, led by taraweeh (special prayers) at later returned here, he said. They were found to be living at people who are trying to SHO Usha Rani, had arranged home keeping in mind social Tanvir Ulum Madrassa Trust, Kausa, and Al Nadi Ul Falah, spread “misinformation” and a cake outside the police sta- distancing norms. Kausa. On April 1 they were detained and quarantined at a “we should be united and iso- tion for the couple. – PTI Naqvi said he has spoken shelter at Shil Daighar. – PTI late such elements”. – PTI Health workers battle emotional stress while fighting COVID-19 MUMBAI, April 23: Healthcare workers at and then are quarantined for seven days, he the forefront of the war against coronavirus added. are not only facing the daunting task of han- A nurse, who is ward in-charge in a city hos- dling patients, but are also fighting to keep their pital, was initially quite worried when she was own worries and emotional stress at bay. told last month that the medical facility will A doctor from a leading Mumbai hospital, admit COVID-19 patients, and she and her team who is currently home quarantined after he will be working in the specially created ward. came in contact with a colleague who had coro- “We were not mentally prepared and had navirus symptoms, said these times are chal- heard about how serious the situation was in lenging for everyone, including the medical fra- China. I was more worried for my young team ternity. than my 15-year-old son and husband. What if I Even though his colleague tested negative was got infected while treating the patients?” for coronavirus, the doctor is not taking any she said, adding that they did not even know chances as he has aged parents and a six-month- how to wear the PPE. But, her inner struggles old son at home. continued when she could not celebrate her “I haven’t touched my baby since the last son’s 15th birthday on March 24, as the first one month. Yesterday was my wife’s birthday, COVID-19 patient got admitted to their hospi- but I could not participate in the celebration tal that day. since I am confined to a separate room in the “I felt sad and at the same time wondered if house,” the doctor told PTI. I was making my family and team unsafe. I felt He said some of them at the frontline of the I was responsible for their safety. So, we sent COVID-19 war are feeling exhausted and run- our son to my parents’ home and me and my ning out of patience. husband maintained social distancing,” she said. “Initially, we thought we would tide over But, the emotional turmoil continued and the crisis. But, now April is ending and there is one day, after returning come, she cried. Her no sign of decrease in coronavirus cases. My son consoled her, saying she was part of efforts colleagues haven’t met their families for last being made at the global level to fight the pan- one month,” he said. demic and should not be emotional. “The junior doctors, nurses and paramedics “My son was proud of me. The next day, I have really taken up this war as a challenge. joined the duty at my hospital and worked non- We hope we are able to flatten the curve,” he stop for the next few days. My son would call said. me at night to enquire about me. Some nurses He said wearing the personal protection did not report to work due to family pressure equipment (PPE) and masks for long hours is or fear of being isolated by society, but my fam- also no mean task and makes them feel suffo- ily allowed me to work,” she said. cated. While she was all geared up for her work, The PPE comprises a gown, shoes, cap, N- she was earlier this month asked to remain in 95 mask, goggles and double gloves which are institutional quarantine for 10 days after she air tight. “Still, there is no guarantee of pro- came in contact with a ward boy who tested tection against the virus,” he said. positive for coronavirus. Most hospitals here have separate corona- “My test later came out negative. I felt God virus disease ward, ICU and a dedicated med- wanted me to continue my work. There is no ical team whose members work for five days fear of coronavirus now,” the nurse said. – PTI Janasanyog/D/281/20 4 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

MESSAGE FOR TODAY The enemies of freedom do not argue; they shout and they shoot. Opportunities at the time of corona crisis – WILLIAM INGE I Kalpajit Saikia Unlike other pharma formulation year. Assam can try to grab a ma- provide guarantee for uninterrupt- businesses, API manufacturing is dif- jority share in that. ed supply of water, electricity and n this present hour of crisis, generates $11 billion trade surplus. ferent. It is manufactured in bulk and One of the interesting categories availability of waste disposal infra- there are a few developments But this industry is dependent on Chi- shipment is required to only a few of products imported from China is structure. which may change the way in- na for APIs, which is the basic raw manufacturing locations. Hence, it plastic items which adds Rs 19,000 Skill development: This is a crit- ternational trade is conducted. material for pharmaceutical products. will be relatively easier to structure crore in our import bill. India is also ical and tricky area. The State Gov- IFirstly, Japan’s incentive of $2.2 bil- In fact, Indian pharma companies im- a compelling plan in the industrial a major exporter of plastic goods with ernment needs to be a little more Stark ingratitude lion for its companies to exit China; port 70% of APIs from China. If an policy for the APIs. an export of around Rs 75,000 crore. granular in its approach of skill de- One of the saddest aspects of India’s fight to contain the secondly, the US President’s attack uncontrollable pandemic or a conflict Electrical machinery import Around 70-80% of the plastic pro- velopment and it should be tightly Covid-19 pandemic is the stark ingratitude being displayed on China for non-transparency dur- stalls trade between India and China, from China is around Rs 1.45 lakh duction is in the MSME sector with linked to a planned manufacturing of by a section of the public towards the health workers who ing the outbreak; and thirdly, the In- it will lead to the demise of the en- crore in 2018-19. Though it has a total employment of 40 lakh peo- a category of products. Generic skills are at the frontline of this battle. Even doctors who have dian Government’s Rs 10,000 crore tire pharmaceutical indus- ple. Assam has taken its are not appreciated in today’s world sacrificed their lives in the line of duty have suffered, with incentive for local development and try in India. first steps with a plastic and organizations have limited time manufacturing of APIs (active phar- The trade deficit with Assam needs to do more than park in Tinsukia. But the and resources to skill people. Good stupid and ignorant people trying to prevent their burial maceutical ingredients). Though un- China is almost equal to that. Assam needs to build a need of the hour is to have incentive should be provided to at- and performance of last rites because they think this will related, these developments target Assam’s GDP. While this an integrated plastic goods tract niche skills to come and work in pose a health hazard. It is of no use informing these ignora- the most controversial yet smart in- is concerning, it also pro- compelling case for these manufacturing strategy in Assam. Skill development is a spe- muses that corpses cannot infect the living if social dis- ternational trade player of the last vides immense opportuni- companies to move to Assam which local entrepreneur- cialized activity and professionals tancing norms are maintained and the individuals han- three decades: China. ty to the India States. ship development should should be employed to design and dling the rites wear protective gear. The media too is rife Most of the countries run mas- Deepak Parekh, one of the instead of recognized business be the primary focus. execute the same. with reports of doctors having been spat at, and patients sive trade deficits with China. India’s topmost financial brains in friendly States like Andhra Assam needs to move Friendly policy: Assam has a abusing nurses and other health workers. For instance, trade deficit in 2018-19 with China the country, has suggested fast, faster than other clear disadvantage of infrastructure, Indian television channels had shown a mob throwing stones was $54 billion. While India import- that the Indian States Pradesh, or Karnataka. States who already have utilities, distance from markets and ed goods and services $87 billion, its should take the initiative to the advantage in the form ports, and unfamiliar investment cli- at two female doctors, who had gone to an area in Indore, to Assam immediately needs to export stands at only $13 billion. The lure the Japanese compa- of a sound investment en- mate. The Government should make check on a woman suspected of having Covid-19. It is not focus of the Indian Government has nies moving out of China. start a task force to chase vironment, infrastructure it up with aggressive industrial poli- only that poor and illiterate people are being so crass; even been to reduce the trade deficit by He suggested that the of- and quicker access to cy. The present industrial policy educated and affluent members of society in many parts of initiatives like Make in India. This fer of land of 2000-5000 these opportunities and work ports. Five important should be revamped with a plan for India are displaying bias against health workers. There helped India reduce the import from acres in special economic on a policy to attract these steps will surely help. larger incentives. More aggressive have been numerous reports of doctors and nurses, re- China marginally for electrical ma- zones will attract the com- Sector-wise Task subsidies should be worked out for turning from their duties, being stopped from entering chinery, but the deficit is widening in panies. Assam needs to do companies. force: A focused special capital investment. their homes in residential complexes because of fear that other categories. more than that. Assam task force is needed to do Salesmanship: The relocation of they were carriers of coronavirus, and police having to The present crisis of coronavirus needs to build a compelling case for reduced from Rs 1.84 lakh crore in institutional marketing of Assam, its the Tata Nano factory from West has made many nations relook at the these companies to move to Assam 2017-18, there is still good scope economic zones, build entrepre- Bengal to Gujarat happened with a step in to keep them from being ostracized. way they run trade. One of the im- instead of recognized business friend- for the Indian States to promote neurship, help in policy formulation, simple message from Things having reached such a sorry state, the Indian portant realizations is that the over- ly States like Andhra Pradesh, Gu- local manufacturing to further re- facilitate technology collaboration, to Ratan Tata: “Welcome to Gujarat.” Medical Association had to demand that the Centre en- dependency for raw materials on a jarat or Karnataka. Assam immedi- duce the gap. Assam should have a control quality and provide market- Entrepreneurs look at the eagerness, act a law to protect medical professionals from attacks specific country can lead to the col- ately needs to start a task force to long-term electrical machinery ing assistance for the manufactured intent and trustworthiness of the while on duty, and that in the absence of an urgent re- lapse of an industry. Countries have chase these opportunities and work manufacturing strategy and start by goods. Industry professionals government when they plan for in- sponse doctors would observe a ‘black day’. This has now realized that China holds the key to on a policy to attract these compa- attracting domestic manufacturers. should be a part of the task force vestment in a State. Ministers and prompted the Centre to amend the old Epidemic Act and their economies by controlling 70% nies. The initial motivation should be There is also scope for local entre- and should be formed sector-wise. top bureaucrats should have one-on- bring in an ordinance under which any person who at- of the global raw material supply. This job creation rather than revenue. preneurship in manufacturing of This will be the planning, execution one engagements with the owners tacks a health worker can be jailed for a maximum of awareness has hit India also very There are other areas Assam can parts and sub-assemblies. If the and operationalization engine of As- of top businesses. Investment sum- hard. Take the example of the Indian immediately look at. Pharmaceuti- pace of reduction of import from sam’s industrial vision. mits and group events can’t demon- seven years. The ordinance also makes attacks on health pharmaceutical industry. India’s phar- cal API manufacturing is surely one China in this area continues at the Land and resources: Immedi- strate the eagerness an industrialist workers cognizable and non-bailable. In order to fast-track ma industry stands at around $40 bil- of them. Assam can target 10-15 top same rate, India has an opportuni- ate identification and notification of want to see in a government. such cases, the ordinance stipulates a period of 30 days lion employing 27 lakh people direct- pharmaceutical companies in India ty for another Rs 30,000 crore land and economic zones for specif- There are huge opportunities within which investigation on attack against health work- ly or indirectly. The exports com- with various incentives and offer to worth of additional domestic pro- ic industries is required. The As- now. Time will tell if Assam can grab ers has to be completed and verdict delivered within one prise around $20 billion in that and set up their manufacturing hubs. duction of electrical machinery this sam Government should be able to a pie of it or not. year. Depending on the nature of any attack, punitive fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 7 lakh can be im- posed. In case any damage is caused to vehicles or clin- ics of health workers, those held responsible will have to Covid-19: Where do we go from here? pay a fine double the market rate of the property dam- I Pallavi Konwar a warning to all of us to take seri- Chinese manufacturing capacity. We have seen first-hand what aged. Needless to say, such a stringent measure to pro- ous stock of our own individual ac- For some others, it might be the happens when that balance is dis- tect our frontline ‘warriors’ had been exigent and has microscopic organism world and our place in it in new tions and limit the harmful impact dependency on a single national turbed even before Covid-19 hit us. come none too soon. However, in India laws by them- has brought the human light. It has given us a glimpse of of these actions on our environ- resource (read oil) for driving in- This was evident in the wildfires selves are not enough and their rigorous implementation world to its knees. In a what could be possible for our world ment. This might mean a number come. Countries will need to as- that ravaged Australia at the end of too is required. Above all, the authorities have to con- few short weeks, it to be: cleaner, greener and more of things: buying less things that sess their own fault lines to address 2019 and early 2020, burning an es- Ahas dismantled our world in a way caring. That is, if we choose to learn we don’t need, reducing our waste, their vulnerabilities in a post-Cov- timated 50 million acres and de- stantly educate the public as to the invaluable service our health workers are providing and the sacrifice they that few could have imagined. This the lessons from this crisis and recycling everything possible, id world. For some, this could mean stroying more than one billion ani- are constantly making. minute virus has not only put the implement them. composting our food waste, con- re-energizing neglected sectors mals. Over the last year, we have breaks on our economic activities While we have been in isolation, necting more with the natural and industries by creating new busi- had numerous record-breaking and but in the process has also disman- it has been surprising to realize how world by growing our own food ness models; for others such as In- unprecedented weather events Flood-control measures tled some of our long-held notions little we really need to be happy. and/or changing our mode of trav- dia, with a vast rural population, this across the world, be it the extraor- With pre-monsoon rains lashing the region for the past about what is important in our so- Besides, food, clothing and shelter, el. Whatever we do, we all can might mean ensuring a sustainable dinary heat-waves in Europe, the cial and political life. the main things we need are our make a difference. living wage by enhancing farming record melting of Arctic sea ice, one week, the State needs to brace for the monsoons that The ill-effects of Covid-19 is all friends and family, and our commu- Since the virus has affected eve- and modernizing it as well as in- hurricane Dorian ravaging the Ba- will inevitably trigger waves of floods in the coming months. too painfully clear for all to see in nity for a sense of belonging. Oth- ry country in the world without creasing manufacturing so that cit- hamas, cyclone Idai wreaking hav- The ongoing lockdown has severely affected activities the daily statistics of deaths and er than that, one of the key things discrimination, it will also be up to ies are not burdened beyond their oc in Mozambique or the heaviest cutting across spheres but now many of the norms have hospital admissions at home and we need for happiness is our own our leaders to learn these lessons carrying capacity. monsoon in the last 25 years in In- understandably been relaxed and the Government needs across the world. However, the health: both mental and physical. and implement changes at the na- But most importantly, in a glo- dia bringing disastrous flooding to expedite the functioning of departments such as Water virus has also given us wide-eyed With increasing urbanization and tional policy level. Some of these balized world, we will need our across the country. Resources which has its task cut out ahead of the flood clarity on other things that we had consumerism, people have been lessons will be relevant for the par- leaders to rise above themselves This is a time of reckoning. For season. Given that a month has been lost during the lock- chosen to happily overlook over moving further and further away ticular national context, whether and lead the world with one vision many of us, this means taking a long time. It has shone a spotlight on from the natural world. In the proc- that be creating a universal health- for this connected world. Today, hard look at what we attach value down and the spectre of a major flood looms, it will have to the fractures and fissures in our ess, we have been losing connec- care system for citizens, or re- more than ever, we need our lead- to, personally and as a nation. The work on a war footing to ensure that old and breached societies, and on the inequalities tion with it and therefore an appre- vamping existing policies to com- ers to be statesmen and not mere decisions we will take as individu- embankments are repaired at the earliest. Shrugging off and injustices in them; it has ex- ciation of how our own existence is mit extra resources and funding to politicians. We need them to come als, and as nations, in the post-Covid the lethargy induced by the shutdown will be difficult, with posed the weaknesses and vulner- intertwined with it. On the flip side, ensure the system is ‘fit for pur- together to forge a new path of world will determine whether we workforce shortages putting further hurdles in normal abilities of our capitalist econo- the rise in population has meant pose’. It will also inevitably mean economic recovery and growth will rise from this crisis to thrive in execution of labour-intensive works such as repair or con- mies and in the process highlight- human encroachment into biodi- looking beyond healthcare and as- that is value additive for the world a world that is ecologically sustaina- struction of embankments. But the hurdles must be over- ed what is truly valuable for man- verse areas, leading to massive sessing the vulnerabilities laid and not resource depleting for the ble and economically equitable or come in quick time as flood-control measures warrant no kind to exist and thrive. declines in biodiversity while in- threadbare by this crisis. For the planet. We need to forge a path whether we imperil our species and Like a sieve, the virus has done creasing the risk of spillover of new UK, for example, this crisis high- that values and maintains the fine future generations with our short- delay ahead of the rainy season. the sifting of our muddied and pol- infectious diseases from wild ani- lighted the acute dependency of balance between our physical and termism and self-serving decisions Floods in Assam being a routine phenomenon, they call luted world, to show each of us our mals to humans. This pandemic is vital products and necessities on the natural world. that have led us to this point. for adoption of timely and holistic measures for easing the magnitude of the floods so that damage to standing crops, human settlements and vital infrastructure like roads is Letters minimized. Instead, we have seen successive government to the Regulating children’s screen time groping in the dark for a lasting and effective mechanism ing, developing the art of also been reported against the Partial relaxation dramatic spike in the Covid-19 to deal with the menace. We need to evolve a mechanism EDITOR speaking, etc. Also for positive doctors. Many such doctors share Sir, – The order of partial cases, and it is the citizens who that is long-term, scientific, and with due thrust on envi- psychological and emotional their pain on social media and are relaxation of lockdown in some should be concerned over the ronmental aspects that are known to aggravate flood con- growth, our children should be forced to seek government sectors is good but the WHO’s situation. The State Health Ministry ditions. The huge network of exiting embankments is worn Sir, – Amid the Covid-19 encouraged to go for some sort of intervention. India’s healthcare warning against the ease of should go for pool testing at the out, with over 70% of the embankments not witnessing pandemic-induced lockdown meditation and self-introspection. workers, especially doctors, are lockdown is also a concern. Those ground level as rapidly as possible. any maintenance since the past five-six decades. It is hard- across this entire planet, many This is not a time to sit idle but to an overworked lot even under people who are involved in the Without testing we cannot confirm ly surprising that the waves of floods keep causing breach children are sitting at home glued harness our inner strength. Yours normal circumstances. In this sectors where the relaxation that Assam is Covid-19 free. Yours etc., RAJIB DUTTA, North etc., RAHUL GOSWAMI, Jorhat. of a number of embankments every year, inundating large to the cell phone or television. crucial time, the pressure on the would be implemented should Lakhimpur. healthcare workers is manifold. swathes of settlement and cropland. Similarly, anti-erosion Researchers have found that much maintain strict preventive Food relief Stigma is dangerous Ensuring the safety of the doctors measures by following the measures, too, have fallen short of meeting their objective, of screen exposure can be linked Sir, – Regarding the govern- to autism spectrum disorder Sir, – The stigma attached to and healthcare workers, the apex guidelines issued by the Govern- ment decision to provide five kg of with huge landmass eroded by the Brahmaputra every (ASD)-like symptoms in babies the disease is more dangerous court of the land has already ment. We have to be more careful rice to poor people who are not year. Resolving the twin menace of flood and erosion un- and small children. In this aspect, than the coronavirus itself. The directed the Centre, all States and when we go out for any work so as under the National Food Security doubtedly entails huge expenditure but it is also time the YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has Indian medical professionals are Union Territories to provide to ensure that the activity will go (NFS) Act, I want to inform the worthiness of the existing measures was put to scrutiny. also shared how she regulates her now increasingly fighting on a necessary police security to the smoothly and a decrease in the authorities concerned that those Rather than persisting with conventional means, the Gov- five kids’ screen time. Wojcicki whole new front in the Covid-19 medical staff in hospitals and rate of positive cases is also who are genuinely poor should ernment should consider experimenting with emerging says she takes their phones away, battle: stigma. Fully under the places where patients are either achieved. Also, we witness the only get the benefit. There are technologies for tackling the menace. The best practices particularly on vacation, to help grip of the global pandemic, the quarantined, suspected or violation of lockdown rules by some sections of people who some sections of people on a from outside that have proved to be useful in severe flood- them focus on the ‘present’. She country is reporting cases of diagnosed with Covid-19 and take pretend to be poor, some are also regular basis, which also is a under the NFS Act to get the prone regions can definitely provide some food for thought wants her kids to be responsible doctors, nurses and other necessary action against those for how much time they spend on persons who obstruct and commit serious issue. Yours etc., RAJBIR benefit with the help of some local for our authorities. The Water Resource Department that healthcare professionals, on the their phones and learn ‘self- frontline of the battle, being any offence in respect to perform- SAHA, Guwahati. unscrupulous people of the is responsible for maintenance of embankments has a his- control methods’. We as well as shunned by others for fear of ance of duties by the doctors, Covid testing in Assam respective areas. So, before tory of not starting or completing repair work on breached our children too need to learn being infected. This includes the medical staff and other govern- Sir, – Some relaxations of the distribution the officials must embankments within the desired time. This is despite the when to focus on a conversation threat of being evicted from their ment officials. The Government lockdown rules in Assam have been ensure they have the proper list of fact that the lean winter season provides the authorities and when it is ok to go and watch own apartments and general too has announced strict action announced. It is a good sign and a the genuinely poor people and enough time in which to complete such work. The increas- videos or do other activities in the ostracism. Many incidents are under the Epidemic Diseases Act positive indication that Assam is make necessary arrangements for ing magnitude of flood and erosion warrants a rethink on internet. coming to light where doctors are against those indulging in such transforming into a Green Zone. distribution. Yours etc., RK our flood management. Mere pumping in funds is unlikely In this lockdown the parents threatened not to enter their own harassment. However, how far But on April 21, we observed SAHA, Maligaon, Guwahati. need to encourage their children to serve any long-term purpose unless a foolproof protec- homes in fear that his or her these will be implemented is a hundreds of people without any Articles (within 1000-1100 words) and tion mechanism is worked out with thrust on expertise, to other recreational and creative immediate neighbours will get matter of concern. Yours etc., reason coming out of their homes Letters to the Editor for publication in activities. This can be singing, infected. Additionally, shocking planning and execution. KUMAR ROSHAN DUSAD, with some excuses. If this trend the editorial page may be sent to the dancing, painting, art of storytell- incidents of physical violence have Mangaldai. continues, we may encounter a email ID: [email protected]. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 CITY THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI 5 Drive against Corona forces cancellation vendors yields Rs 18,500 fine WEATHER of Ambubachi Mela CITY CORRESPONDENT GUWAHATI GUWAHATI, April 23: STAFF REPORTER In normal circumstances, LOCAL FORECAST: This is for the first time in its recorded The Assam Livestock and the temple doors remain Poultry Corporation and Generally cloudy sky history that the annual Ambubachi Mela GUWAHATI, April 23: closed on the festival days. Guwahati Municipal with one or two spells of For the first time in its re- organised at the atop However, owing to the out- rain/thundershower are Corporation today jointly very likely to occur. corded history, the annual the Neelachal Hill, has been called off break of COVID-19, the conducted a drive and Maximum and minimum Ambubachi Mela organised temple management com- seized poultry, fish, temperatures are most at the Kamakhya Temple mittee had decided to keep vegetables, eggs and fruits likely to be 30°C & 19°C atop the Neelachal Hill, has the doors of the shrine from unauthorised respectively on Friday. been called off. The annual closed from March 20 itself. vendors from different TEMPERATURE: festival witnesses footfalls of “As the lockdown is sup- parts of the city. Max 28.2°C 20 to 25 lakh pilgrims and posed to ease after May 3, and During the drive, 50 kg Min 18.8°C tourists from all over the people will start enquiring for poultry, 10 kg fish, 30 kg country and abroad. room rents, etc., for the festi- vegetables, five plates of eggs GPC decries The five-day festival which val, we took a decision well in is usually organised from June advance for convenience of the and 20 kg fruit were seized attack on 22 to 26 every year, marks the residents as well as the pil- and a total amount of Rs annual menstruation cycle of grims,” Sarma further added. 18,500 was collected as fine. Arnab the Mother Goddess Kama- Neelachal Hill is home to “The drive was conduct- STAFF REPORTER khya and is considered to be nearly 500 to 600 local fami- ed at Dispur, Beltola among the biggest religious ers of Kamakhya and adjoin- cals to soak in the spiritual lies, mostly associated with Survey, Beltola Tiniali, GUWAHATI, April 23: The congregations in eastern India. ing areas, the devalaya com- ambience surrounding the the religious activities of the Beltola Bazar, Jayanagar Guwahati Press Club (GPC) While the management of mittee has asked them not temple. It was a tough deci- temple. More than 90 per cent Chariali, Six Mile, VIP today condemned the attack on Maa Kamakhya Devalaya has to rent out their houses to sion for us. However, consid- of the residents offer rooms Road, Basistha Chariali and the editor-in-chief of Republic confirmed that no festival will the pilgrims for the festival. ering the threat perception on rent to the pilgrims for the Latakata at Basistha. We TV Arnab Goswami and has be organised during the Am- “Ambubachi is one of the due to the pandemic, we Ambubachi Mela. also checked the social urged the Mumbai Police to bubachi period, it added that biggest events in the annual have decided not to hold the Besides, the hotels, lodg- distancing norms, round take appropriate action against the rituals performed during tourism calendar of Assam. festival and restrict entry of es, homestays, etc., that also marking, use of masks, the culprits. the festival will continue as For the residents also, it is a devotees into the temple witness significant occupan- licence, permission, price “There is a rule of law in Working to live: An old woman carries a load of discarded usual from June 22 to 26. source of income as a good premises,” bor doloi of the cy during that time of the listing and hygiene of the cartons amid the COVID-19-induced lockdown, in Guwahati our country and such acts can- In a notification issued to number of pilgrims come temple Mohit Chandra Sar- year, will suffer financial loss- allotted vendors,” a source on Thursday. – UB Photos not be condoned no matter the residents and land own- here and reside with the lo- ma told The Assam Tribune . es because of the pandemic. in the GMC said. what the circumstances,” GPC president Manoj Kumar Nath and general secretary NFR transports Sanjoy Ray said in a statement. IndianOil assures consumers Tribune to launch Heal the World Expressing concern over 2.5 tonnes of recurring incidents of attack on journalists across the of LPG home delivery medical items digital music series on April 26 country, including Assam, the STAFF REPORTER at home and the experience is expected to GUWAHATI, April 23: In view of many i.e. North Guwahati Bottling Plant and Silchar to NE states GPC also urged the Assam be highly enriching for the audience. customers crowding LPG distributorships for Bottling Plant. This has increased the compa- government to bring in a law STAFF REPORTER GUWAHATI, April 23: To keep people’s The artiste for the inaugural concert is refills ‘out of panic or due to many unfounded ny’s bottling capacity by nearly 45,000 LPG cyl- for safety and security of me- spirits high amidst the prevailing gloom in- Mumbai-based Sunita Khaund Bhuyan, rumours’, IndianOil has issued a clarification inders per day, enough to meet the LPG backlog diapersons. GUWAHATI, April 23: duced by the COVID-19 pandemic, The As- who will present Songs of Spring – a folk about availability of home delivery options of the entire North East, it said. Masks distributed: City- Maligaon-headquartered sam Tribune is launching a new music se- fusion duet with pianist Ronojit Bhuyan – from the IndianOil LPG distributorships and Meanwhile, IndianOil has again sought police Northeast Frontier ries, Heal the World , which will be beamed to celebrate the spring season and spread based Hayat Hospital distrib- availability of LPG in the market. security – which was withdrawn on April 20 Railway (NFR) has live from its official Facebook page ( https:// happiness and positivity among people uted around 200 masks and In a press statement IndianOil stressed the after relaxation of the lockdown – at all the dis- ramped up transportation www.facebook.com/TheAssamTribune ) on amidst the pandemic. sanitizer bottles to people need for its customers to book cylinders stay- tributorships for seamless delivery of LPG re- of medical items and from the field of journalism ing safe at home by using various op- fills to its customers while maintaining April 26 at 7 pm. Daughter of violinist Minoti Khaund, Su- equipment to ensure their on the premises of the Press tions like IVRS, Whatsapp, IndianOil all social distancing and safety norms. This digital music series will give read- nita Khaund Bhuyan is a renowned violinist Club here on Thursday. ONE app, etc. Once booking has been G Ramesh, Chief General Manager supply in this part of the ers an opportunity to experience the best who plays Assamese folk music on the vio- done, customers can stay at home and of the IndianOil AOD State Office has country during the of Indian music from the comfort of their lin, infusing Scottish and Irish folk elements. Khalsa Centre the cylinders will be delivered at their requested all customers to make use COVID-19 pandemic. living rooms. She is also a well-known leadership trainer, feeding the poor doorstep, it said. of the various online booking options “NFR has transported The live video will remain on the site who uses music as a structured tool for lead- The press statement further said, and feedback options made available nearly 2.5 tonnes of for viewers to access even after the ses- ership and change intervention for corporate GUWAHATI, April 23: “Many customers are even demanding to the customers. He elaborated on medical items to various sion has ended, and the link can be shared and business schools across the world. Ronojit The Khalsa Centre North LPG refills without bookings and are com- the various mediums to book an LPG north-eastern states across platforms. Bhuyan, her son, is also an accomplished west- East, which has been feeding ing down to collect the cylinders from the refill from the comfort of their homes through parcel express Artistes shall appear in their real avatars ern classical pianist in his own right. the hungry lot amidst the na- godown. Many instances have been ob- like making a booking through IVRS trains. Transportation of tionwide lockdown and cur- served where the public are intercepting/block- by calling 7670024365 (Assam)/ 9089024365 such items to the NE rently serving over 4,000 ing the LPG delivery vehicles enroute to home (Rest of NE). Cylinders can also be booked states is of great impor- Food distributed to meals on a daily basis, has delivery and demanding refills without any valid via WhatsApp by typing “REFILL” to tance as these items are made an impassioned appeal bookings. This is creating a problem in systemat- 7588888824 from the registered mobile generally not manufac- to the benevolent section of ic and timely home delivery of the refills.” number. Refills can also be booked through tured in this region and poor in city localities society, including the media, On such occasions IndianOil brings the matter the IndianOil ONE app. states are heavily depend- to the notice of the district authorities and seeks Any complaints on LPG safety can be lodged STAFF REPORTER and its outskirts. The NDRF The Guwahati Refinery to highlight their philanthrop- ent on their transportation ic mission and support it fi- help wherever required. via the toll free No. 1906. Complaints can also teams sprayed disinfectants Workers’ Union has also from outside. Masks, nancially, too, if possible, to Refuting rumours that the supply of LPG re- be lodged through www.iocl.com , toll free No. GUWAHATI, April 23: consisting of sodium hy- come forward to reach out sanitizers and other help it carry on its fight fills to distributors is not adequate, IndianOil 1800-2333-555, the IndianOil One app, Indi- Rescuers of 1st Battalion of pochlorite in public places. to the people facing difficulty medical items have against hunger. clarified that LPG refills are supplied as and when anOilfacebook page and the company’s twit- NDRF Guwahati (Assam) to- NGO Save Guwahati Build earning their livelihood become very essential in In a press release, the cen- distributors book their indents which are exe- ter handles i.e. @IndianOilcl and day distributed food among Guwahati (SGBG) along with amidst the lockdown. view of the present spread tre said people can contact it cuted within a day or two. It also said, in order to @IOCL_Assam. more than 500 poor people Mushroom Development Union members with sup- of the COVID-19,” said at 9435040009 to extend ensure all the LPG demand across the North Ramesh said, “All feedback lodged through in Katamura village, Chang- Foundation (MDF) also dis- port from the Noonmati Stu- Subhanan Chanda, Chief their help in whichever way East is fulfilled, the company has augmented its these various mediums goes through an esca- sari, in Kamrup district. tributed food items to needy dents’ Union and Noonmati supply chain logistics and has also started 24x7 lation matrix and it is our commitment that Public Relations Officer they can, the release added. These people are contractu- families in Beltola area with Police Station distributed dry operations of two major locations in the region these will be closed within 7 days.” (CPRO) of NFR. al labourers from different the help of city police on ration to 100 families of Song of hope parts of Assam. Wednesday. SGBG member Noonmati and its adjoining Rituraj Hotel of Guwahati Sanatan Das and MDF chair- areas on April 21, said a press and positivity assisted in the distribution man Pranjal repre- release. They will distribute released programme. A sanitization sented the organizations dry ration to around 400 un- CORRESPONDENT exercise was also carried out along with other members, derprivileged families in a in different parts of Guwahati a press release stated. phased manner. JORABAT, April 23: Osto- Beli – a song of hope and posi- tivity composed and performed by Rakesh Riyan featuring Central Govt move to freeze Deeg Diganta and Dhruv Thakuria – was released today dearness allowance denounced to keep the people’s spirits high CITY CORRESPONDENT The railway employees commodities across the amid the novel coronavirus pan- and the railway pensioners country forgetting their demic in the State. The team have been shocked at the family commitments during said this song is intended to GUWAHATI, April 23: ‘arbitrary order’ to freeze the present pandemic situ- inspire and motivate people The All India Railwaymen’s to hold on and not lose hope Federation (AIRF) has dearness allowance to the ation created due to coro- in these difficult times. strongly protested the ‘ar- Central government em- navirus, AIRF president Since studios are closed bitrary decision’ of the Cen- ployees and dearness relief Rakhal Das Gupta said in a due to the countrywide lock- tral government to freeze to the pensioners although press statement. down, the team recorded the dearness allowance due the prices of all essential The statement urged the vocals on iPhone11, and for from January 1, 2020 to June commodities have been in- government not to compel the rest of the composition 30, 2021 and demanded creasing unabated day by the railwaymen to intensify the artists collaborated from withdrawal of the decision day. The railwaymen have their agitation which may their homes with their re- Forget social distancing! A dog sharing bedspace with a destitute woman on a footpath even as a sparrow hops about in the interest of better in- been working round the cause serious industrial un- spective pieces of work. nearby, in Guwahati on Thursday. – UB Photos dustrial relations. clock to reach essential rest in the country. Online classes: still a distant dream for students of rural areas MANASH PRATIM DUTTA ence stream are the worst sufferers as formed that all teachers of his college working very well in case of arts stu- residing in rural areas have been de- soon we will appeal to our students to they have not been able to do their lab- have been trying to keep their students dents. But in case of science stream stu- prived of availing the facilities of online help the school children in their respec- GUWAHATI, April 23: Although they oratory works. engaged through online classes during dents, it is not so. classes due to various factors. “Now we tive localities to continue with their stud- live in a digital era, attending an online Explaining the problem, Principal of the lockdown hours so that they can “During the lockdown hours we are are taking online classes through What- ies,” Goswami told The Assam Tribune . class is still a distant dream for a large Moridhol College Dr Kamal Gogoi said, sApp and trying to cover as many stu- Head of the Department of Commu- section of college students residing in the “For a college which is located in a rural dents as possible. We are also engaging nication and Journalism, Gauhati Univer- rural areas of Assam. area, online classes cannot not be an al- Lack of money to buy android mobiles, weak our NSS volunteers in this regard. More- sity Dr Ankuran Dutta informed that af- For these students, weak cellular net- ternative option to continue with aca- cellular network and frequent disruptions in over, we are in contact with many stu- ter the recent thunderstorms, presence work, inability to buy a smart phone due demic activities. Most of our students dents over phone,” Hazarika said. of students in the online classes de- to poor economic condition and frequent are not tech-savvy and for them attend- power supply are major constraints Vice Chancellor of Cotton University creased drastically. The department com- disruptions in power supply in their vil- ing an online class is not easy. Again, most Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami informed pleted a hundred online classes recently. lages constitute stiff challenges for them of the students don’t have android mo- avert loss of classes. But, “Most of our trying to reach out to our students that his university will develop a system General secretary of the Gauhati Uni- to continue with academic activities amid biles. Apart from these issues, weak cel- students come from economically weak- through online media. Our main motive so that they can continue with the online versity Post Graduate Students’ Union the lockdown. lular network and frequent disruptions er sections and for them purchasing an is to keep them busy. Especially, we are class facility in normal times too. Moon Talukder asserted that more than In the current academic year, college in electricity supply are really some big android mobile is difficult. Moreover, using WhatsApp to reach out to them. “It is a new experience for most of us. 50 per cent students of the State have students of Assam have not been able issues for us. So ultimately a huge number frequent disruptions in electricity sup- But I think online classes cannot be a For the students who could not attend not been able to attend the online classes to attend regular classes for more than of students have been deprived of the ply are also a normal phenomenon in complete alternative to regular classes,” online classes due to technical problems, as most of them do not have android two months because of the precaution- online initiative.” our place,” Das said. Bora said. I instructed the teachers concerned to mobiles and adequate internet data. “It ary measures against the coronavirus. Echoing similar concerns, Principal of Principal of JB College Dr Bimal Bora Dibyajyoti Hazarika, Principal of Mai- send the voice recording of classes to is not possible to conduct examinations During this period, students of the sci- Barama College Tiken Chandra Das in- informed that the online class system is bong College stated that the students them through WhatsApp. Again, very after such online classes,” he said. 6 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI NATIONAL FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 Corona Snippets Central team Let us stay focussed till battle is won, says Vice President visits hospitals NEW DELHI, April 23: As the country completes 30 days of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Vice President M Venkai- ah Naidu on Thursday said people have put up with tremen- in Bengal dous discomfort in order to ward off a bigger catastrophe. “Over the last 30 days, we, as a nation, have been waging a tough KOLKATA, April 23: A Rajarhat and spent nearly an battle. We have endured considerable hardship and unprece- Central team on Thursday vis- hour, the official said. dented disruption in our daily lives,” he said in a series of ited a quarantine centre in Ra- Later in the afternoon, the tweets. He hailed the people “for their forbearance and will- jarhat area in West Bengal’s team went to MR Bangur ingness to put up with tremendous discomfort in order to ward North 24 Parganas district and Hospital, where several COV- off a bigger catastrophe”. “Let us stay united and focussed till a hospital in the city to take ID-19 patients are undergoing the battle is won,” he stressed. “Let us adhere to preventive stock of the State’s prepared- treatment. measures like social distancing, including at work place, wear- ness to combat the COVID- “Both at the quarantine cen- ing masks, not spitting in public places avoiding religious gath- 19 crisis, an official said. tre and at the hospital, the erings,” Naidu said. – PTI Two inter-ministerial Cen- Central team spoke to doctors tral teams are in West Bengal and officials and took note of Butterflies throng Bengaluru to assess the preparedness of the details. They also enquired the State in tackling the coro- about the problems, if any, that biological park after years navirus outbreak. the health staff are facing,” a BENGALURU, April 23: Swarm of migratory butterflies The team which was in senior official said. flock to the Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBBP) Kolkata on Wednesday sought The second Central team in here for the first time in recent years. This is the migratory A roadside flower vendor awaits customers, during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Srinagar on Thursday. – PTI a detailed presentation from North Bengal, however, is yet period for some of the species such as blue tiger, glossy blue the West Bengal government to begin its field visits, the of- tiger, double branded crow and common crow butterflies, which on whether the level of test- ficial said. have made the zoo their home, providing a visual treat, the ing in the State is adequate and The team at North Bengal, park said quoting an entomologist. “Usually the butterflies Odisha puts Panchayats at forefront in enough oxygen, ICU beds and led by Vineet Joshi, a senior migrate from Western Ghats (heavy rainfall region) to the East- ventilators are available. official of HRD ministry, met ern Ghats (rain shadow region) to escape the monsoon season. This team, led by Apurba health officials, including the Now the zoo premises has become home for thousands of fight against COVID-19 Chandra, a senior bureaucrat Jalpaiguri district’s Chief Med- colourful winged jewels,” it said in a release. The lifespan of BHUBANESWAR, April 23: that they can take tough deci- eign travellers, the State gov- has already made arrangements in the Ministry of Defence, vis- ical Officer, and took stock of these brightly-coloured butterflies is said to be around 2 to 3 ited the quarantine centre in the situation. – PTI weeks. – PTI The Odisha government has sions for better management ernment has made this com- for placing them in quarantine put the village level authori- of COVID-19 situation in the pulsory for those returning at the panchayat levels. Jamia Millia Islamia starts yoga ties at the forefront to prevent areas under their jurisdiction. from other States too after the We have already created spread of coronavirus when an “We have decided to put end of nationwide shutdown. two lakh beds facilities for UP farmhouse of Tablighi and mindfulness sessions anticipated five lakh migrants Panchayats at the forefront to Besides, they would be sub- quarantine of the returnees at NEW DELHI, April 23: Jamia Millia Islamia has started yoga rush back home after lifting of ensure that the highly infectious jected to 14 days isolation on panchayat levels. Another Jamaat leader raided and mindfulness training sessions for the residents of its hos- the lockdown. virus do not spread in rural ar- arrival to their villages, he three lakh beds will be put in NEW DELHI, April 23: The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch tels during the lockdown imposed to control the coronavirus In order to make the local eas,” Panchayati Raj Depart- said. “No one will be allowed place before May 3 (end of has raided a farmhouse of Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad outbreak, officials said. The university has started training ses- administration battle-ready, ment Minister Pratap Jena told to enter Odisha without reg- lockdown as per the present Kandhavli, who was booked for organising a religious congre- sions for residents of its MMA Jauhar Hall hostel. – PTI Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reporters after the Group of istration and all returnees will order), Singh said, adding the gation here in violation of COVID-19 lockdown orders, officials had on Wednesday delivered Ministers meeting on corona- undergo 14-day mandatory returnees will be received by said on Thursday. oath to over 6,000 village heads virus situation here Thursday. quarantine,” the Panchayat Raj the government from railway The raid was carried out at Kandhavli’s farmhouse in Uttar 5 ULFA cadres ... that they will ensure that the Around 6798 Sarpanchs who Secretary said. stations and bus stands. Pradesh’s Shamli district, they said. (Contd from page 1) returnees don’t carry with took oath the previous day, Singh justified mandatory They cannot directly go to The cleric was booked along with seven others on a com- Assam Police sources informed that the arrested cadres were them the disease as many of promised they would imple- quarantine for the returnees their house. The local level plaint at the city’s Nizamuddin Police Station for holding the wanted in a number of serious offences, including kidnapping them would be travelling from ment the guidelines of the State referring to reports that 80 officers will receive the re- congregation in alleged violation of the orders against large and bomb blasts. Police also arrested another person for har- the COVID-19-hit States. government on COVID-19. per cent of the COVID-19 pa- turnees and take them to pan- gatherings to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. bouring the ULFA cadres. All the arrested accused have been The State government has Giving detail of the strate- tients in different parts of the chayat quarantine centres IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to mur- sanitized and COVID-19 tests done. already bestowed on the pow- gy, Panchayati Raj Department country did not show any where they will be provided der) is among the Sections they have been booked, and the er of district collector to Sar- Secretary DK Singh said like symptoms of the infection. stay, food and treatment, Singh complaint was lodged by the Nizamuddin Station House Of- Poor shifting ... panchs (village headmen) so mandatory registration of for- He said the State government said. – PTI ficer. – PTI (Contd from page 1) “I do not want to live as a beggar. I have a family with two children, but still I would prefer to earn my meal rather than Have cut transmission ... beg for food. Not that I am getting a lot through my work as a (Contd from page 1) lockdown, we have been able number of isolation beds rose manual labourer, but it has protected my pride at the same “The growth of COVID-19 to cut transmission, mini- by 3.6 times. time,” Ismail, who insisted that he would not take free food cases has been more or less mize spread and increase the “Despite a 24-fold increase provided by anyone, said. linear, not exponential; this doubling days of COVID-19. in testing, percentage of indicates that the strategies We have been able to positive cases is not rising. New COVID-19 ... we adopted have succeeded in consistently ramp up our The percentage of positive (Contd from page 1) containing the infection to a testing and utilise our time cases as a ratio of testing is “He completed his mandatory 14-day quarantine period and particular level. Post preparing for the future in more or less the same as was found positive with COVID-19 in his second test,” said Dhu- imposition of lockdown, while case the virus spreads that a month ago,” he said. bri Joint Director of Health Services Sayed Imdadullah, who add- the number of new positive further,” he said. Mishra also claimed that ed that the samples of many of his acquaintances were also tested. cases has increased by 16 Mishra also said that in the India has done better than a “We are also preparing to collect samples of several other times, testing increased by 24 last month, the number of majority of developed persons related to the fresh COVID-19 positive patient,” he times,” Mishra said in his dedicated hospitals for treating countries with respect to the said, adding that till today the district has had 406 samples presentation. coronavirus patients has been percentage of test cases tested out of which five have been found positive, 248 negative, “During the 30 days of increased 3.5 times and the yielding positive results. – PTI while results of 153 samples are being awaited. Medical college ... Himanta seeks views ... (Contd from page 1) (Contd from page 1) of those in rural areas. The session in universities “ICMR says these test kits can be used for surveillance and “The university students had The officials said the vice begin from August and the next that is what we are doing. We will have an idea of the spread of classes for only about a month chancellors have suggested batch is slated for admission in the virus,” the Health Minister said. during the second semester that the summer vacation may July. The university students Sarma further informed that the quarantine period of the which began in January. In most be called off and the semester will lose around 65 days if the people who came in direct touch with the positive patients of the departments, even 20 per breaks curtailed to a few days. lockdown continues till May have been increased to 28 days. cent of the course has not been “According to the vice chan- 30. Classes have remained “We have seen that people are getting infected even after 14 completed. Even if the classes cellors, even if the classes suspended since March 17. days. The patient in Dhubri who tested positive today had been resume in June, it will require resume from June 10, the loss Faculty members also said in quarantine since April 5. So, as per guidelines, we have in- at least two months to com- could be made up,” the offi- that the government could creased the quarantine period of the direct contacts,” he added. plete the remaining course,” cials said, adding that manda- have utilised the dedicated ed- the faculty members said. tory online classes were one ucational TV channels and the Even colleges in Guwahati suggestion made to make up reach of BSNL in a better way BJP polarising ... are yet to introduce the online the loss during the lockdown to minimise academic losses (Contd from page 1) teaching platform, not to speak period. of the students. “As a nation, we must be wary of forces that seek to polarise in times of crisis such as these. The onus lies on us to ensure that we stand together as one nation in the face of all odds,” the Arnab Goswami’s car ... party said in a unanimous resolution. (Contd from page 1) in the incident. In a letter to Javadekar, The CWC also hoped the government will consider its sug- “Shocking to see Arnab “Deeply condemn the vio- Mahila Congress chief Sush- gestions in the constructive spirit to help the country and the Goswami attacked after Con- lent physical attack on senior mita Dev claimed that the people emerge victorious in this battle. gress CMs publicly threat- journalist #ArnabGoswami content of a show broadcast on Addressing the meeting, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi al- ened him. Sad to see such and his wife. State Police must Republic Bharat on Tuesday leged the BJP’s attempt to create communal polarisation should public hounding of a journalist take lawful action against the with Goswami as the anchor worry every Indian. Her party will have to work hard to repair for his freedom of speech. attackers, “ he tweeted. was “vile, misleading and the damage. Congress shows it is the party Objecting to Goswami's hateful in nature”. “Let me also share with you something that should worry that brought Emergency and remarks on Sonia Gandhi, the “The broadcast in its entire- each and every one of us as Indians. When we should be tackling continues its rich tradition of Congress asked the Information ty is a violation of the Pro- the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus trampling free speech,” and Broadcasting Ministry to gramme Code prescribed of communal prejudice and hatred,” she said. Nadda tweeted. take action against the journalist under the Cable Television “Grave damage is being done to our social harmony. Our Law Minister and BJP lead- and his TV channel, alleging that Network Rules, 1994,” Dev party, we will have to work hard to repair that damage,” the er Ravi Shankar Prasad sought they violated broadcasting rules alleged in her letter dated April Congress chief added. – PTI action against those involved during a show. 22. – PTI Prompt steps helped Sikkim in having ... (Contd from page 1) also sealed and tests of people Dhakal said that the medicine age of PPE kits and the local have their own vehicles, which From March 2 , medical living in the inter-state border manufacturing companies are drivers are using it to drive the are used to transport vegeta- teams and police started areas were carried out. Any functioning with adequate pre- trucks into the state from the bles and fruits to the markets. checking all the entry points person suffering from flu, cautions and the raw materials inter-state gates. These are The Government is providing to Sikkim and medical tests of cough and cold are being quar- and other essentials are being washable kits and they can be Rs 8 per litre extra to the milk all people entering Sikkim antined in the hospitals and transported from outside with re-used,” Dhakal said. producers who are selling milk started. tests are being carried out. full precautions. The trucks car- The Secretary to the Chief to the milk producers’ union. After all the tourists left the Dhakal said that so far, Sikkim rying the same are being sani- Minister admitted that as tour- Essential items are also pro- State, one German tourist en- does not have any testing lab- tized at the inter-state borders. ism is a major source of in- vided to the labourers and tered Sikkim from Bhutan and oratory and the samples are Interestingly, Sikkim does not come, the State may face prob- there is no shortage of food he was tested. It was found that being sent to North Bengal allow drivers from outside to lems. But at the same time, grain. he was not affected by corona- Medical College. However, he enter the state and local drivers he said that efforts are on to Dhakal said that the Chief virus. Dhakal said that along said that the Chief Minister has are used to drive the trucks from ensure that the rural econo- Minister is personally moni- with the inter-state borders, written to the Centre and Sik- the inter-state border gates. “As my is not affected. Sikkim has toring the situation and he is the international borders with kim is likely to have its first Sikkim does not have a single agriculture and horticulture visiting all parts of the State to Nepal, Bhutan and China were testing laboratory soon. case as of date, there is no short- producers’ groups and they assess the ground situation. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 NORTH E AST THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI 7 10 in Tripura quarantined after Latest COVID-19 tests WEATHER negative in Meghalaya B’desh national tests positive STAFF CORRESPONDENT The State Government has holds. The total AAY benefi- NORTHEAST so far screened 24,382 per- ciaries stand at 2,90,989, who Forecast for NE: Rain/thunder- CORRESPONDENT Gope’s house from January 28 to April Officer Dr Deep Debbarma today said SHILLONG, April 23: sons, out of whom 5,208 are received rice at Rs 3 per kg. shower is very likely to occur 6. She returned to her native place at that as per the standard norms, the ten at most places over Arunachal Meghalaya Chief Minister in home and institutional quar- Each household received 35 AGARTALA, April 23: Ten persons of Brahmanbaria in Bangladesh through the occupants of the house were quarantined Pradesh and at many places Conrad Sangma has stated that antine. Out of the total quar- kg of rice. Under the Priority over Assam, Meghalaya, a household in Aralia locality on the out- Akhaura ICP on April 7 and was taken to and the local people have been urged to all the 59 COVID-19 tests antined persons, 223 are pri- House Hold (PHH), 3,51,305 Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram skirts of the Tripura capital were placed a local hospital on her arrival there. strictly follow the lockdown rules. received today, were nega- mary contacts of the first households with 18,54,156 and Tripura. under institutional quarantine after a Bang- On April 22, the woman tested posi- Only two positive cases have been de- tive. Meanwhile, the condi- COVID-19 patient of the beneficiaries received 5 kg of Warning: Thunderstorm with ladesh national, who had stayed there for tive for COVID-19 and was taken to in- tected in Tripura so far. One patient has lightning and gusty wind with tion of all the 11 active patients State and 5,007 are second- rice per head at Rs 3 per kg. a brief period, tested positive for COV- stitutional quarantine at the Bijoynagar already been released from the hospital, speed (30-40) kmph is very in the State has been stable. ary contacts. Under the Pradhan Mantri likely to occur at isolated ID-19 in the neighbouring country. Upzilla Hospital in Brahmanbaria district, while the second patient is also recovering. “We received results of 59 Meanwhile, the State Gov- Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana places over Arunachal Swabs of the ten individuals, including close to Agartala. Meanwhile, the State Government has Pradesh. Thunderstorm with tests today and all are nega- ernment has stated that (PMGKAY), the AAY and the house owner, one Sital Gope, were Soon after the information went viral decided to engage the Tripura State Ri- lightning and gusty wind with tive,” Sangma said. In all, foodgrains under the Nation- PHH beneficiaries are also collected by a medical team on Thurs- on the social media, the Tripura Gov- fles (TSR) along the Indo-Bangladesh speed (40-50) kmph accom- 1,109 test samples have been al Food Security Act (NFSA) getting 5 kg of rice and one kg panied by hail is very likely to day, but the reports are still awaited. Be- ernment swung into action and a district border as a second line of defence to pre- sent out of which 1,000 results and non-NFSA have been dis- of pulses free of cost. They occur at isolated places over sides, two workers of a bakery unit run surveillance team rushed to Aralia. vent any infiltration from across the bor- Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, were negative and 97 results tributed to 70,198 Antyodaya will get this assistance for by Gope, and their family members have Gope’s house at Aralia was sealed and all der. The decision was taken in view of Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. are still awaited. Anna Yojana (AAY) house- April, May and June. Temperatures: been put under home quarantine. occupants of the house were taken to the rapid spread of coronavirus in Brah- Max (°C) Min (°C) According to information available, the institutional quarantine last night. manbaria district of Bangladesh during Dibrugarh 25.2 17.1 Bangladesh citizen, a woman, stayed at When contacted, State Surveillance the last few days. 28.7 19.0 Manipur Govt steps up Silchar 31.6 20.4 Dhubri 28.5 21.6 Mizoram farmers Jorhat 25.5 17.3 N Lakhimpur 26.6 17.6 get Rs 13.07 cr vigil in Churachandpur dist Shillong 20.0 – Cherrapunjee 21.7 14.0 under PM-KISAN CORRESPONDENT Regular patrolling activities are being con- Aizawl 26.8 15.1 ducted by personnel of the Behiang Police Sta- Kohima 19.8 – CORRESPONDENT tion and the Singngat Police Station in coordi- Pasighat 22.8 17.0 IMPHAL, April 23: The Manipur Govern- Itanagar 28.0 18.4 nation with the Assam Rifles, the DIO stated in AIZAWL, April 23: Hun- ment has stepped up vigil in Churachandpur Imphal 28.0 26.2 district along the Indo-Myanmar district to a press release. One additional company of the Agartala 33.5 22.7 dreds of farmers in Mizoram IRB has been deployed since April 22, it added. have received financial assist- contain the possible spread of novel coronavi- rus, official sources said today. The interna- Meanwhile, the SDPO of Churachandpur Contributions ance from the Pradhan Mantri has been camping at the Behiang Police Sta- Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- tional boundary stretches from Border Pillar No. 32 to No. 48, running a distance of 79.5 tion to supervise all activities along the bor- to fight COVID KISAN) during the lockdown. der, in coordination with the Assam Rifles. According to the BJP’s Mi- km. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, Moreover, the police, civil officials and doc- in Arunachal zoram unit, an amount of Rs and the Samtui, Tuivel and Tuivai rivers form tors are holding meetings to educate villagers CORRESPONDENT 1,307.40 lakh has been trans- the natural border. on the measures taken to fight COVID-19 and ferred to the accounts of farm- The District Information Officer (DIO) of the importance of sealing all entry and exit ITANAGAR, April 23: Tak- ers across the State. Churachandpur said that patrolling has been points on the border. ing note of the “unprecedent- A PIB release said Lung- intensified to check cross-border movement Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb visiting a relief camp set up for storm-hit people On April 16, Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief ed” challenges posed by the tiawii of Khawbung in Cham- of people. Besides, awareness is being gener- at Chikancherra in Sepahijala district on Thursday. – Photo: Correspondent Secretary, accompanied by the DC of Churach- COVID-19 crisis in the State, phai district is one such farm- ated among the people residing on the border andpur Pawan Yadav and SP Amrita Sinha visit- the Arunachal Pradesh Chief er who received Rs 2,000 un- by the Churachandpur Police in coordination Information Commissioner der the PM-KISAN scheme. with the civil administration, Assam Rifles and ed Pakmual, a border village, to monitor en- and the State Information Nagaland allows industries “Lungtiawii said that she is other security agencies. forcement of lockdown restrictions in the area. Commissioner, in a meeting happy to receive Rs 2,000 held here on Monday, volun- during the lockdown. She has tarily agreed to take a pay cut in rural areas to operate used the money for farming equal to 30 per cent of their CORRESPONDENT tion, laying and erection of power transmis- activities,” the release said. gross salaries of one month, sion lines and laying of telecom optical fibre Zodinpui of Kolasib Veng- which is to be deposited to the DIMAPUR, April 23: The Nagaland Gov- and cable along with related activities. lai also received Rs 2,000 in Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. ernment on Thursday permitted the indus- Functioning of research establishments deal- her account under the The Commission also de- tries located in rural areas and outside the ing with agriculture and horticulture activi- scheme. She thanked the cided that all hearings on RTI municipal limits to resume their activities. ties, inter-State and intra-State movement of Centre for helping her during appeals and complaints would An order to this effect was issued by State planting materials, honeybee colonies, honey the lockdown period. be held through video confer- Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, which said food and other beehive products also come under Scores of farmers have also encing on the ‘Lifesize’ video processing industries, stone crushers, saw- the permitted activities. received Rs 2,000 each in their app, which can be downloaded mills and brick kilns in the rural areas have Shops of educational books for students, elec- bank accounts under the Prad- han Mantri Garib Kalyan Yo- from the Google Play Store. been permitted to function. tric fans, recharge of prepaid mobile connec- jana. BJP sources said Mizo- The Commission further Collection, harvesting and processing of mi- tions, food processing units such as bread fac- ram has also received Rs decided that the receipt of ap- nor forest produce and non-timber forest pro- tories, milk processing plants, flour and pulse 268.88 lakh under the Prad- peals and complaints in physi- duce by Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwell- mills, etc., located in the urban areas have also han Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana cal form would be suspended ers in the forest areas have also been allowed. been allowed to resume their activities, the during the lockdown period. till further orders, adding that The order said bamboo, coconut, areca nut, order said. However, social distancing as spec- those who intend to file appeals cocoa, spices plantation and their harvesting, ified in the lockdown measures, national COV- Sikkim calls off or complaints may e-mail to processing, packaging, sale and marketing ID-19 directives and standard operating pro- [email protected]. could be resumed. cedure for offices, workshops, factories, es- border trade, Meanwhile, Arunachal It said the permitted construction activities tablishments and farms must be adhered to, Mansarovar Pradesh State Election Com- in rural areas include water supply and sanita- the order added. missioner Hage Kojeen has Yatra No mask, no vegetables: vendors also volunteered to contrib- A CORRESPONDENT AGARTALA, April 23: Step- by the norms laid down by the Rifles personnel have been ute 30 per cent of his gross ping up efforts to halt the spread Government. No exceptions deployed at all marketplaces salary of one month to the Sikkim institutes to remain GANGTOK, April 23: The of COVID-19, traders in Agar- will be made.” to prevent crowding. Petrol Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Sikkim Government today tala have asserted that they Gouranga Pal, a vegetable pumps across the city have The State Election Com- closed till May 31 said that the annual Sino-Indi- would not sell items to custom- vendor, said he has turned down also adopted the ‘no mask, no missioner has also appealed to A CORRESPONDENT The meeting decided that movement of vehicles will re- an border trade and the Kai- ers who flout social distancing requests of several customers fuel’ policy. all like-minded people to come the police and district admin- main in force till May 3 and all lash Mansarovar Yatra have norms or visit their shops with- over the past few days as they Debabrata Ghosh, manager forward to contribute as per GANGTOK, April 23: All istration should ensure that movements will be permitted been cancelled in view of the out putting on masks. “refused to follow social dis- of the Radhanagar Petrol Pump their capacity to strengthen the educational institutions in Sik- the restrictions are properly through identified vehicles COVID-19 pandemic. At the Maharaj Ganj mar- tancing norms”. here, said, “We are just adher- hands of the State Government kim will remain closed till May enforced, except for the relax- only. The meeting also dis- Border trade through the ket, a wholesale mart for veg- “We have decided to sell ing to the decision taken by the as well as the district adminis- 31. It was decided at a meet- ations made for MGNREGA cussed in detail the measures Nathu La Pass was scheduled etables here, a display board our products only to those All India Petroleum Dealers trations during this crisis. ing chaired by Chief Minister works, agriculture, and permit- to be taken after possible lift- to begin in May, while the has been put up, stating that who maintain safe distance and Association, which has 84 per While lauding the efforts of Prem Singh Tamang on Tues- ted industries and activities. ing of the lockdown on May 3. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to customers without masks wait for their turns patiently. cent of all fuel dealers in the the State Government, partic- day to assess the State’s pre- It was clarified that MGN- The Chief Minister the Tibetan Autonomous Re- would not be entertained. It makes our work easier,” he country registered with them. ularly frontline warriors like paredness to fight COVID-19 REGA workers should carry stressed the importance of gion via Nathu La was slated Nakul Das, a member of the said. Similar measures have Accordingly, we have also police personnel, medical of- and the compliance with lock- out only those activities which the Aarogya Setu app and to commence in June. Maharaj Ganj Bazaar Sabzee also been taken by vendors in launched a campaign and asked ficers and staff, and other agen- down guidelines in the State are within the confines of their called for its mandatory use State Commerce and In- Byabsayi Samiti, said, “Whole- Battala and Lake Chowmuha- the dealers to sensitise people cies rendering essential serv- after partial easing of lockdown private holdings/farms, and no by every individual for their dustry Minister BS Panth said salers and retailers have decid- ni market. about the importance of wear- ices, the State Election Com- from April 20. construction work can be car- own safety. He also appealed the Sino-Indian trade route ed that they will strictly abide Police and Tripura State ing masks.” – PTI mission urged people to ob- Sikkim is the only State in ried out till further orders. to the people to take utmost has been closed for an indefi- serve the guidelines issued by the country where no COVID- The State Government care of their health, strictly nite period in the wake of the the Government during the 19 case has been reported so will review the situation again adhere to the safety guide- COVID-19 outbreak. He said lockdown period to help pre- far. The meeting was attended before May 3 to decide on the lines issued by the State Gov- the decision would be com- Khongjom Day observed vent the spread of COVID-19 by the Cabinet ministers and future course of action. ernment and comply with the municated to the Union Gov- in Arunachal Pradesh. top officials of the State. Restrictions on inter-State lockdown norms. ernment for necessary action. in Manipur Mon dist at forefront of COVID-19 battle CORRESPONDENT IMPHAL, April 23: In re- single point for data collection and He said the district administration membrance of the brave sons monitors people under quarantine on conducted a one-day training pro- of the soil who fought valiant- a daily basis, he added. gramme on contact listing and tracing ly in the Anglo-Manipur War Thavaseelan said that 891 teams for COVID-19 District Control Room of 1891, the Khongjom Day comprising village or ward-level task and war room personnel, police and was observed today at the forces, ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi frontline Health workers on April 20. Khongjom War Memorial workers and teachers, were formed Thavaseelan stated that a sample col- Complex at Khebaching in as a holistic response to the crisis. lection booth was installed at the Mon Thoubal district. Though Mon district has not record- District Hospital on April 20. The booth Manipur Chief Minister N ed any positive case so far, the district was set up to ensure the safety of Health Biren Singh led a small team war room adopted an “active case workers. It acts as a physical barrier comprising ministers, MLAs, search strategy” on April 13 to pre- between the patient and the Health government officers, police vent any possible outbreak. worker during sample collection. personnel and the public in Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh paying homage on Every ward or village was divided The booth also minimises the use laying wreaths on the war Paona Brajabasi’s statue in Thoubal district on Thursday. Volunteers attending a training programme on tackling COVID-19 at Mon town into units of 50 households on the ba- of personal protection equipment memorial and the statue of pan on the bank of the Khong- 19 outbreak. The Thoubal dis- in Nagaland on Thursday. – Photo: Correspondent sis of the recent economic census, and (PPE) as the doctor collecting the sam- Paona Brajabasi. jom river. trict administration maintained BHADRA GOGOI Room was set up on April 10, four days a two-member team conducted sur- ple from inside the kiosk does not re- Among those present on the The ‘Last Post’ was also social distancing during the pro- before Nagaland Governor RN Ravi sug- veys on symptoms, travel history, con- quire to wear a complete PPE set. occasion were Health Minister played as part of the observ- gramme. DIMAPUR, April 23: The Mon dis- gested it for all the districts. State Chief tacts with infected persons, etc. Tha- Meanwhile, COVID-19 volunteers L Jayentakumar, Consumers ance. The Khongjom Day be- The Manipur Pradesh Con- trict of Nagaland that lies along the Secretary Temjen Toy directed all depu- vaseelan said the data collection for for Mon district were trained on Affairs, Food and Public Distri- ing a State holiday, almost all gress Committee also observed Indo-Myanmar border, has been at the ty commissioners to set up the District every household in Mon district was Thursday in two batches. The first batch bution Minister Karam Shyam, the State Government offic- the day at its party office here. forefront of the ongoing battle against COVID-19 War Rooms on April 21. completed on April 17. comprised volunteers from the Red Tribal Affairs Hills and Fishery es remained closed today. State Congress chief M Okend- the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant- Mon DC Thavaseelan K pointed out Thavaseelan said four sub-division- Cross, Youth Club and Nehru Yuva Minister N Kayisii, MLAs P Unlike the previous years, ra, Congress Working Commit- ly, the district administration has tak- that the war room comprises officials al war rooms have been set up at Tobu, Kendra, while the second batch includ- Brojen, Y Surchandra, ex-MLA the day was observed in a sub- tee member Gaikhangam and en a slew of measures in advance to from the district administration, po- Aboi, Tizit and Naginimora subdivi- ed Grade IV employees, Thavaseelan M Hemanta, Chief Secretary dued manner in view of the cur- others were present. combat the virus. lice, Health and Family Welfare, and sions to function in tandem with the said. Altogether 88 volunteers attend- Dr J Suresh Babu and DGP LM rent situation arising out of the The day was also observed in The Mon District COVID-19 War various line departments. It acts as a District COVID-19 War Room. ed the training programme. Khaute. They also offered tar- lockdown due to the COVID- other parts of the State. 8 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI STATE FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF AASU seeks DC’s intervention CM visits LPG bottling plant over fee demand by schools ANN SERVICE The Chief Minister also di- rected the officials of the plant STAFF CORRESPONDENT fees during lockdown period tural machinery and spare parts, ferti- MIRZA, April 23: Chief to ensure smooth supply of He said that in view of the lockdown, lizers, pesticides and seeds in Jorhat dis- Minister Sarbananda Sonow- LPG cylinders to the people. JORHAT, April 23: The Jorhat dis- people were facing a lot of difficulties trict, are allowed to open on two days al on Wednesday visited the He interacted with the work- trict unit of AASU has sought the in- especially on the financial front, and the fixed area-wise by the administration IOCL Sarpara LPG Bottling ers of the plant and expressed tervention of the Jorhat district admin- schools should not force parents to pay under certain conditions. Plant near Mirza and took gratitude for their efforts in istration regarding some private fees and provide some relaxation. The order said the shops will open stock of the daily capacity of enhancing the capacity during schools of the district reportedly ask- Bordoloi, who is also the advisor of from 1 pm to 5 pm on the fixed days the plant. the lockdown period. ing parents of students to pay fees dur- the Jorhat regional unit of the AASU, locality-wise with bare minimum staff – He also held a meeting Later, talking to mediaper- ing the lockdown period. said the memorandum has been signed up to maximum of 50 per cent of the with the officials of the LPG sons, Sonowal informed that The student body has submitted a by Jorhat AASU regional unit president total number. Bottling Plant and reviwed he reviewed the production memorandum to the Jorhat Deputy Arjunmoni Bhuyan and general secre- Shopkeepers will have to ensure com- the daily capacity of the plant. of the plant at this critical Commissioner, urging the top official to tary Partha Pratim Bora. pliance of social distancing of at least one According to a report, the hour. “The existing capacity Officers of the CRPF’s 10th Battalion F Coy distributing take note of the matter raised by the Jorhat admin relaxes norms for metre and maintaining of hygiene prac- state has seven bottling has been enhanced so that relief materials in Patacharkuchi on Wednesday. – AASU and stop those private schools Photo: Nava Kanta shops: The Jorhat district administra- tices like handwashing and sanitizing fre- plants scattered in various people can get hassle-free asking to pay fees within the lockdown tion has granted permission to certain quently among the staff members and places, which have the capac- service,” he said. period. categories of shops to open two days in customers, the order mentioned. ity to fill over 1,70,000 LPG He appealed to the people MMB employee found dead AASU Assistant General Secretary a week by imposing a few restrictions. The order further stated that wear- cylinders per day during the to maintain social distancing MORIGAON, April 23: Anal Kundu (23), an employee (Jorhat district unit) Bijoy Shankar Bor- An order passed by an Additional ing of masks, handgloves by the staff lockdown period, and the to prevent spread of the novel of Morigaon Municipal Board (MMB), was found dead in doloi told this newspaper that it has come Deputy Commissioner on Wednesday members of the shops was compulsory existing capacity has been coronavirus. He later plant- his room on Wednesday. Anal was a popular youth of to the notice of the student body that a stated that as per the directive of the and spitting was strictly prohibited. Ward No.2 of Morigaon town. A sincere employee of enhanced to meet the re- ed a sapling at the campus of few private schools were sending What- Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Individual passes for staff members MMB who served the people selflessly years together, quirement of the consumers. the bottling plant. sApp messages to parents and guardi- his service during the lockdown period was commenda- State Government, shops selling hard- of the shops and vehicles, if used, will Officials of IOCL apprised Sonowal was accompanied ans asking for paying admission fees, ble. The cause of the death is yet to be ascertained. ware materials, electrical goods, station- have to be obtained from E-Pass Cell, the Chief Minister that bot- by Guwahati Development monthly fees and other miscellaneous Staff of MMB deeply mourned the death of Anal. – ery items, sanitary materials, agricul- Jorhat, the order said. tling plant located at Sarpara Minister Siddhartha Bhatta- Correspondent has been producing around charya, Palasbari MLA Earth Day observed 16,910 cylinders per day dur- Pranab Kalita, Kamrup DC MORIGAON, April 23: Earth Day was observed in ing the lockdown as against Kamal Kumar Baishya, Morigaon yesterday by the members of Environment Casual tea labourers, daily wage the normal filling of 14,085 Kamrup SP Partha Sarathi Protection Committee, Morigaon, Sabdakalpa, and Jivan cylinders in the plant. Mahanta and other officials. Jeuti Krishak Sangha, Morigaon. Members of the organisations urged the people to maintain social distancing, cleanliness to prevent spread of the novel earners pushed to the edge coronavirus. The members later launched a massive CORRESPONDENT Villagers demand plantation programme along the bank of the Charon beel. The members later distributed food packets to 30 BPL families. – Correspondent DOOMDOOMA, April 23: Casual tea garden labourers and those who earn embankments School buildings damaged on a daily basis in the tea belt of Doom- ANN SERVICE due to lack of embankments GOSSAIGAON, April 23: Several school buildings and dooma circle have been facing severe on both sides of the river. houses were damaged by a high-speed wind that lashed economic hardship due to the ongoing TIHU, April 23: The flood- Several areas, including many parts of Gossaigaon subdivision on April 21. The lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 hit farmers of nearly 30 vil- Kharsitha, Ralisaghat, Pachim wind also uprooted trees and electric polls causing pandemic. lages under Banekuchi and Balijar, Nadla, Banekuchi, disruption of power supply. – ANN Service Though the tea gardens here resumed Pachim Nalbari revenue cir- Rajaghat, Pahlongpara and Illicit liquor seized operation from April 12, they are yet to cle have strongly demanded Purni have been witnessing JORHAT, April 23: The State Excise department, engage their full labour force due to gov- construction of embank- severe erosion. Jorhat branch conducted raids at different places of ernment guidelines of running the gar- ments on the banks of the In this connection, the Boloma Tea Estate and Teok Pirakata under Teok dens with 50 per cent workers. Follow- Buradia river, which flows poor farmers of the areas Revenue Circle, and seized 35 litres of illicit liquor and ing this government instruction, the tea through Nalbari district. have demanded the State 440 litres of raw materials. One person was arrested in companies are now engaging only their It may be mentioned here Government for construction this connection. – Staff Correspondent permanent work force, which has that every year, the sali cul- of embankments on the bank Fund donation pushed the casual workers to extreme tivation of the farmers are of the Buradia river as early GUWAHATI, April 23: Sundarpur Samiti has economic hardship. washed away by the flood as possible in order to save donated Rs 50,000 to the Chief Minister Relief Fund to During the plucking season, tea gar- waters of the Buradia river. the families and also have fight the COVID-19, a press release stated. The Samiti dens need a huge labour force and hence Besides, during the rainy requested the Agriculture also appealed to the people to strictly follow the the tea companies engage a good number or bank account will be given Rs 1,000 nounced Rs 1,000 to each family which season, the whole area is sub- department to assist them lockdown announced by the Prime Minister. of labourers on casual basis. During the each, but many such people of Doom- does not have any ration card, people in merged by the flood waters with the supply of seeds and Food packets distributed off season, these labourers engage them- dooma circle informed this Correspond- Doomdooma LAC area are not getting affecting the sali cultivation other materials. MANGALDAI, April 23: The Uttar Pub Mangaldai selves in various other jobs on daily ent that they did not get that amount. this benefit. Only a few people have got Sarvajanin Committee and Uttamjyoti Club wage basis. Most of them work in con- Hence, they are now at sea. this amount.” of ward No.3, Mangaldai town on Tuesday distributed struction sites. “I used to work as a jugali (helper) Bhumij therefore urged the adminis- 10 bookstalls reopen packets of food among 300 poor and needy families. Moreover, another section of people with a mason on daily wage basis. But tration to undertake a proper survey in Similarly, Dr Anil Sarma of Mangaldai Civil Hospital with belonging to the tea garden community since the last 25 days, I have no work. I Doomdooma LAC area to find out the the help of his family distributed aid to several families have got 25 kg rice from the govern- poor families without ration card. in Mangaldai in his native village Rangamati. – Correspondent here do not work in the tea industry and are engaged in various other manual jobs ment ration card. But only rice is not In the meantime, severe economic CORRESPONDENT Shortage of LPG cylinders on daily wage basis. enough for survival. The government hardship has led to various anti-social TIHU, April 23: The people of Tihu subdivision have Significantly, a majority of the casual should think about people like us,” said activities like theft in certain areas of MANGALDAI, April 23: Ten bookstalls dealing with text- been facing shortage of LPG cylinders for the last few tea labourers and daily wage earners Bijoy Bhumij, a daily wage earner of Doomdooma circle. books have reopened in Darrang district in the greater inter- days that has become a matter of concern for the people. are excluded from the public distribu- Beesakopie Trolley Line. In a desperate bid to overcome the est of students. The district administration granted permis- It needs to be mentioned here that Ganesh Agency, tion system. “I used to work as a domestic help in crisis situation, a few people have even sion to the book stalls of Mangaldai town to open for three which has 26,000 consumers, requires nearly 12,000 a household at Doomdooma town and started digging out the bricks used to cylinders per month. But this time, IOCL has supplied Though a section of tea labourers, days a week from 10 am to 1 pm. In separate orders issued by only 5,028 cylinders, causing shortage of cylinders. – both permanent and casual, having Prime thus I use to manage my three-mem- construct rural roads and sell them for Additional Deputy Commissioner Nabajyoti Oja on Wednes- ANN Service Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana account, have ber family. But when the lockdown was some amount of money. On Sunday night, day, these bookstalls were allowed to open from Wednesday received Rs 500 each, but another sec- imposed, I could not go to work. I am many bricks along a rural lane of to Friday, subject to the fulfillment of adopting social distanc- Donation by retd teachers tion do not have this account. therefore facing a severe crisis in main- Daimukhia Gaon under Doomdooma PS ing and other safety measures with limited staff as per guide- GUWAHATI, April 23: The Association of Retired Moreover, when prices of essential taining my family. The government were dug out and stolen. lines of Assam COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 under the Epi- Teachers of Arya Vidyapeeth College has contributed Rs commodities have been rising by leaps should consider our plight,” Geeta Kour “If the government does not take demic Diseases Act, 1987 for prevention and containment of 1.20 lakh to Assam Arogya Nidhi to help the state fight of Doomdooma said. immediate steps to help the poor peo- against the coronavirus pandemic, stated a press and bounds, Rs 500 is nothing for a fam- COVID-19. These bookstalls are Jnan Mandir, Assam Book release. The association’s secretary Dr Nilima Goswami ily of 6-7 people. On the other hand, Talking to this correspondent, Doom- ple, the social environment in these ar- Stall, Jnanjyoti Book Stall, Kitap Kanan, Golden Book Centre, and treasurer Dr Dipti Khaund handed over a cheque to though the government has announced dooma MLA Durga Bhumij said, eas would worsen even further,” spec- Rumi Store, Chakravarty Book Stall, Sarathi Book Stall, Ram Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. that those who do not have ration card “Though the government has an- ulated a local youth of Daimukhia Gaon. Dhenu Book Stall and New Book Stall. 1,216 people under OBITUARY Surendra Mohan Rina Borah GUWAHATI, April 23: Deka: a tribute quarantine in Dhemaji Rina Borah ANN SERVICE (Smriti), a Surendra Mohan Deka, a many districts across the resident of Ja- retired Judicial Officer, Legal state. He was later chosen DHEMAJI, April 23: The Dhemaji district administration tia, Kahilipara, Remembrancer cum Law for the post of Legal Re- has taken a slew of steps to combat the spread of the novel died on April Secretary to the Govern- membrance cum Law Sec- coronavirus in the district. 19 at the resi- ment of Assam, breathed his retary to the Government According to a report received from Bharat Konwar, Dis- dence of her youngest daugh- last on April 13 following old- of Assam, and retired on trict Infomation and Public Relation Officer, 2,562 persons ter at Mumbai. She was 64. age ailments. He was 87. superannuation in 1992. were kept under quarantine in different hospitals in the dis- Borah was associated with Born on March 1, 1933 at After his retirement, he trict. Out of them, 2,285 completed 14-day quarantine and the Krishnaguru Internation- Chenga at Barpeta district, was called in to impart train- were released. al Spiritual Women’s Society, Deka studied at Government ing to young Judicial Officers On the other hand, the rest 267 persons who have not and served as general secre- Barpeta High School and lat- in the North East Judicial completed 14-day quarantine are still in different hospitals tary for eight years. She was er came to Guwahati and Officers Training Institute under quarantine. In that way, a total number of 1,216 persons also a Bhagawati (reciter of studied science at Cotton (NEJOTI), sponsored by all are still under home quarantine. According to official sources, Srimad Bhagawat) of College. After his BSc, he the Northeastern states. 104 suspected persons’ swabs were sent to ICMR, Lahowal, Krishnaguru Sewashram. She moved to then Calcutta for Deka was later entrusted Dibruarh for COVID-19 test and the results were negative, Masks being distributed to shopkeepers by the members of the Bakaliaghat Town leaves behind her husband, a higher studies and obtained with the post of Director, which Committee on Thursday. – UB Photos while the results of two other persons are awaited. son and two daughters. Master’s in Science from Cal- he held till 2015, when he vol- cutta University. On return- untarily tendered his resigna- Kiranbala Bora ing home, he studied in the tion due to his frail health. CORRESPONDENT then Government Law Col- The Government of As- Arunachal agrees to reconstruct Zubeen Garg Setu lege, Earle College. sam, in recognisition of his CORRESPONDENT low plying of boats across the river ya Superintendent of Police BL Mee- of boundary between both the states, DOOMDOOMA, April He joined the chamber of expertise in legal matters, for communication to Tengapani vil- na, All Moran Students’ Union survey of land in both the states along 23: Kiranbala law practitioner Kiron- later appointed him as a DOOMDOOMA, April 23: Fol- lage during the lockdown period. The (AMSU) central committee president the border, development issues of the Bora, a pop- moyee Lahiri, who was lat- member in the 6th Pay Revi- lowing strong protest and resent- bridge connects Tengapani village of Arunjyoti Moran, secretary Naba border areas were also discussed in ular and pious er appointed as Judge of the sion Commission of Assam. ment after Arunachal Pradesh Police Assam situated along the border of Moran, Tengapani Gaonburhah Sarat the meeting. The administrations of lady of Jonaki Gauhati High Court and lat- Deka, who was also a allegedly dismantled a portion of the Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of Chetia, Thepabari village represent- both the districts agreed to send pro- Path, Lachit er as the Chief Justice. prolific writer and contrib- Zubeen Garg Setu, the bamboo Assam. The Tinsukia district admin- ative Nirmal Handique and others. posals in these matters to the higher Nagar at During his legal practice, uted many write-ups on le- bridge constructed over the river istration will also cooperate in recon- After the meeting, Sarat Chetia authorities of their respective gov- Rupai Siding here, breathed Deka also worked as a part- gal topics in local and na- Noa-Dihing recently, to curb the struction of the bridge. told this correspondent, “Ultimately, ernments,” said AMSU president her last at her residence on time lecturer at Universi- tional legal journals, is sur- movement of people during the lock- This decision was taken at a meet- the administrations took a decision Arunjyoti Moran. Wednesday evening. She ty Law College. vived by his wife, two sons, down period, the Namsai district ad- ing held at the conference hall of the to construct the bridge. The construc- It may be mentioned here that Sadi- was 78. She leaves behind He later cleared the Ju- a daughter, and several ministration of Arunachal Pradesh, Deputy Commissioner’s office of Tin- tion work will start from May 4. On ya MLA Bolin Chetia took the initia- two sons, two daughter and dicial Service Examination, grandchildren. On the day after initially denying its involve- sukia district on Tuesday. The meet- behalf of the villagers, I would like to tive and arranged the meeting on a host of relatives. She was and joined as Assistant Dis- of his adyasraddha, we pray ment in the act, has finally agreed to ing was chaired by Tinsukia DC thank The Assam Tribune for pub- Tuesday. Chetia also visited the bridge closely associated with the trict Judge at Dhubri in to the Almighty to grant reconstruct the bridge in the post- Bhaskar Pegu and was attended by lishing the news.” and talked to the local people of Ten- Lachit Nagar Naamghar and 1973. He rose to the posi- eternal peace to the de- lockdown period. Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia, Namsai DC “Today’s discussion was very cor- gapani and Thepabari village and also Doomdooma Naamghar. tion of District and Ses- parted soul. Moreover, the Arunachal Pradesh Bijoy Talukder, Namsai Superintend- dial. Besides the issue of the bridge, of the meeting held at the Tinsukia Her death was widely sions Judge and served in – Uddhab Chandra Rabha administration has also agreed to al- ent of Police Ankit Kumar Singh, Sadi- several other issues like demarcation DC office. mourned at Rupai Siding. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 BUSINESS & E CONOMY THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI 9 Govt freezes DA, DR of 1.1 Govt working on scheme cr employees, pensioners to reimburse payment with NEW DELHI, April 23: The govern- DA and DR, respectively, at the current ployees and pensioners is revised twice interest: Gadkari ment today froze inflation-linked allow- rate – 17 per cent – till June 30, 2021. a year in January and July in line with NEW DELHI, April 23: bill we can reimburse that measures and business activ- ance of its 1.1 crore employees and pen- The Department of Expenditure, un- inflation trend. The Centre is working on a amount with the interest ities simultaneously. sioners, a move States are likely to rep- der the Finance Ministry, in the memo- “As and when the decision to release scheme to reimburse pend- cost. We will find out some The minister further men- licate, helping save a combined Rs 1.2- randum said no arrears will be paid from the future instalment of DA and DR due ing payments with interest to solution, some of the cost will tioned that highways and lakh crore that could be used to combat January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. How- from July 1, 2021, is taken by the govern- micro, small and medium be borne by the government, ports have started function- the coronavirus crisis. ever, for releasing the DA and DR due ment, the rates of DA and DR as effective enterprises (MSMEs), Un- some of the cost will be borne ing and over a period of time, Last month, the government had an- from July 1, 2021, the government will from January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020, and ion Minister Nitin Gadkari by the industry, some of the operations will be on track. CAPSULE nounced a 4 per cent increase in dearness take into account the previous hike. January 1, 2021, will be restored prospec- said today. cost will be borne by the sup- Regarding the MSME allowance (DA) for its 50 lakh employees “In view of the crisis arising out of tively and will be subsumed in the cumu- LICHFL cuts Once implemented, the plier and we will take the sector’s revival, the minister and 61 lakh pensioners beginning January COVID-19, it has been decided that ad- lative revised rate effective from July 1, government’s plans towards guarantee for that and MS- said that special focus to- lending rates 1, 2020. This was to cost Rs 27,100 crore 2021. No arrears for the period from Jan- framing a mechanism for wards export enhancement MUMBAI, April 23: in the current financial year 2020-21. States likely to replicate uary 1, 2020, till June 30, 2021, shall be clearance of huge pending is the need of the hour and Mortgage financer LIC Pending dues With today’s decision, this 4 per cent move; combined savings paid,” the ministry. dues owed to MSMEs by necessary practices shall be Housing Finance Ltd hike has been put on hold. According to sources, the combined sav- to MSMEs (LICHFL) today an- Central and State PSUs as adopted to reduce costs for “In view of the crisis arising out of of Rs 1.2-lakh cr may be ings on account of freezing of these instal- nounced to reduce its well as corporate players are MEs will get their payment. power, logistics and produc- lending rates to 7.5 per COVID-19, it has been decided that ad- used for COVID-19 fight ments of DA and DR to Central govern- expected to provide a major We are working on it. So that tion to become competitive cent for new homebuyers ditional instalment of dearness allowance ment employees and pensioners would be relief to the sector battling can be a good relief to MS- in the global market. having a CIBIL score of payable to Central government employ- ditional instalment of dearness allowance Rs 37,530 crore in the current financial distress, as millions of units MEs,” said the minister. Gadkari stressed that 800 and above. “The RBI ees and dearness relief (DR) to Central payable to Central government employ- year and 2021-22. Generally, the States struggle to survive amid During the interaction, Gad- there is also a need to focus has taken a number of government pensioners due from Janu- ees and dearness relief to Central gov- follow the Centre’s order on DA and DR. mounting losses caused by kari said while the government on import substitution to re- steps to provide enough ary 1, 2020, shall not be paid. ernment pensioners due from January It is estimated that the savings due to the coronavirus pandemic. has allowed certain industry place foreign imports with liquidity into the system. “The additional instalment of DA and 1, 2020, shall not be paid. suspension of these instalments of DA and We are also getting In an interaction via video sectors to start functioning, it domestic production. DR due from July 1, 2020, and January 1, “The additional instalment of DA and DR of State government employees and cheaper cost of funds and conferencing with the repre- is also needed to be ensured He urged enterprises to we want to pass on that 2021, shall also not be paid,” the Depart- DR due from July 1, 2020, and January 1, pensioners will be Rs 82,566 crore, the sentatives of Bharat Chamber that necessary preventive make use of technology and benefit to customers. This ment of Expenditure said in an office 2021, shall also not be paid. However sources said. Thus, the combined savings of Commerce, the Minister measures are taken to prevent mentioned that research, in- will also help in bringing memorandum. DA and DR at current rates will contin- of the Centre and States will be Rs 1.20- for MSME and Transport said the spread of COVID-19. novation and quality improve- back consumers’ However, Central government employ- ue to be paid,” the ministry said. lakh crore, which will help in fighting the the default on pending pay- He emphasised the usage ment can play a major role in confidence back to the ees and pensioners will continue to receive Generally, DA for government em- COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout. – PTI ments is one of the “big prob- of masks, sanitizers, gloves, industrial development. sector,” LICHFL MD and CEO Siddhartha Mohanty lems” faced by MSMEs. etc., and advised maintaining The minister also stated that said. – PTI Gadkari said he has asked a safe social distancing while Japan has offered a special pack- the MSME Ministry offi- resuming the offices/business age to their industry for tak- Bharti Infratel PAT cials to work on formulat- operations. Industries should ing out their investments from NEW DELHI, April 23: ing a scheme of Rs 1- to 2- also arrange shelter and food China and move elsewhere. Telecom infrastructure firm Bharti Infratel today lakh crore. for the labourers at the work He sees it as an opportunity to posted consolidated profit “Where there is a pending site, and focus on preventive be grabbed by India. – PTI after tax of Rs 650 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2020. The company had reported a Govt holds talks with industry profit of Rs 608 crore in the same period a year ago. The telecom tower bodies to boost economic activities company recorded NEW DELHI, April 23: On completion of 30 the first phase of 21-day lockdown on April consolidated revenue of days of continuous nationwide lockdown, the 14, the Home Ministry permitted over 15 Rs 3,624 crore during the government today contacted industry associa- industries to start work with minimum man- quarter. It had registered revenue of Rs 3,600 crore tions to facilitate permits for industrial func- power and by maintaining social distancing in the corresponding tioning in order to boost economic activities. norms on a single shift basis. quarter of 2018-19. – PTI Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Now, the government wants to exempt a Uber grants Department for Promotion of Industry and few more industries during the ongoing 19- NEW DELHI, April 23: Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Gurupras- day second phase of lockdown which is consid- Ride-hailing major Uber ad Mohapatra held a video conference with ered crucial in terms of economic activities. today said it expects to the industry associations to discuss the issue. The Home Ministry on April 12 gave relax- provide grants worth Rs They reportedly discussed facilitating per- ation to industries involved in manufacturing of 20 crore by the end of the Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh unveiling the DRDO-developed Mobile Viral Research Lab that will speed up mitted industrial activities and boosting eco- heavy electrical items like transformers and week to its driver-partners COVID-19 screening and related R&D activities, in Hyderabad via video conferencing from New Delhi on Thursday. – PIB nomic activities across the country amid the circuit vehicles, telecom equipment and com- to support them amid the lockdown imposed to break the transmission ponents including optic fibre cable, compres- coronavirus lockdown. It of novel coronavirus. sor and condenser units, steel and ferrous alloy has already reached out to 55,000 driver-partners Sources said the government has been mills, spinning and ginning mills, power looms, through its Uber Care Data unavailability main reason, considering providing relaxation to some and defence and defence ancillary units. They Driver Fund. Earlier this more industries to restart economic activi- were allowed to function in one shift. month, Uber had said it will ties. The move comes a week after the in- Cement plants, however, were allowed to run provide grants totalling Rs says Ex-Finance Secy dustry department asked the Home Minis- in three shifts as cement production is a contin- 25 crore to its driver- try to allow more industries to operate with uous process. Pulp and paper units were allowed partners in India . – PTI NEW DELHI, April 23: Former Fi- number of labours employed, loss of out- omy hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak reasonable safeguards after the lockdown was to resume their production in clusters where nance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg put and profit data.There is an urgent and the 40-day nationwide lockdown im- extended till May 3. COVID-19 cases were low, based on the data IndiGo rolls back has said the unavailability of data is the need to establish the system of unique posed to curb the contagion. However, two days ahead of the ending of provided by the State authorities. – IANS main reason why the government has business ID and link significant business The former Finance Secretary further April pay-cuts not been able to announce a stimulus data with this,” he said. said the economic lockdown ordered by NEW DELHI, April 23: In- package for coronavirus-stricken busi- the government to save lives has jolted diGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta told nesses, including MSMEs. Govt inability to announce the business loans portfolio of banks. Steps taken to ensure uninterrupted employees today that the air- Garg, in a blog post, said there is an stimulus for businesses “Many businesses in travel, tourism, line has decided to roll back urgent need to assign a unique ID to each hospitality, construction, transportation, the pay-cuts, which were an- business as it would help in collecting The government on March 26 had an- retail, entertainment, sports will fail. food supply, says FSSAI nounced earlier for senior staff vital economic performance data and fa- nounced a Rs 1.7-lakh crore stimulus that This can double their non-performing NEW DELHI, April 23: ries) have been classified as logistic supply chains, other members, for the month of cilitate linking of all bank accounts of a included free foodgrain and cooking gas loans as a number of shuttered business- Food regulator FSSAI today essential services during the than manufacturers, to tem- April in deference to the “gov- business to that ID. to poor for three months. It also had cash es and disrupted businesses will fail and said it has taken various meas- COVID-19 lockdown. porarily operate their busi- ernment’s wishes”. “Principal reason for inability of the doles to vulnerable class including wom- suffer profitability shocks,” he noted. ures, such as faster clearance “To facilitate faster clear- nesses on the basis of a valid “However, your Excom government to announce any survival and en and poor. Garg suggested that it is time for the of imported food products, to ance, sampling is being allowed receipt of FSSAI licence/reg- (Executive Committee mem- revival package, even for MSMEs, is the The Finance Ministry is working on a RBI to think of providing credit to invest- ensure uninterrupted supply at Kochi International Contain- istration application having bers and... Senior Vice-Presi- unavailability of business, value-added, second relief package for the Indian econ- ment grade businesses directly.– PTI of essential items during the er Transshipment Terminal 17-digit application reference dents) have volunteered to take ongoing lockdown. itself...,” it said in a statement. number (ARN) generated on pay-cuts this month. For eve- In response to the COV- It has allowed provisional the Food Licensing and Reg- ryone else, you can expect your ID-19 pandemic, the Food clearance for the consignments istration System (FLRS). April salaries to be paid with- Hero MotoCorp announces Safety and Standards Author- of imported crude oils (edible Only in high-risk cases, e- out the pay-cuts,” Dutta told ity of India (FSSAI) said it is grade) and foodgrains till May. inspections will be done to pre- employees through an e-mail. taking several steps to en- The regulator said that vent delay in processing of ap- India has been under lock- financial support to dealers sure uninterrupted food serv- provision has been made to plications. Licences requiring down since March 25 to curb ices/supply as well as indus- receive online applications renewal during March 22 to the coronavirus pandemic. All NEW DELHI, April 23: products, financial support to- lockdown period of 41 days,” Several company dealers try facilitation during the and fee for review of reject- May 31, 2020 have been al- domestic and international The country’s largest two- wards the interest on dealer Munjal said at the town hall. confirmed the steps announced lockdown period. ed food import cases. lowed a penalty waiver and commercial passenger flights wheeler maker Hero Moto- stocks and financing options The event was attended by the company to improve FSSAI said while food safe- To ensure the consistent grace period till June 30, 2020. have been suspended for this Corp has come up with a fi- from Hero FinCorp, the com- by the company’s dealers, their liquidity position. Munjal ty is its paramount concern, supply of food for special med- The returns to be filed by period. As a result, revenues nancial package to support its pany’s retail finance arm. sales and after sales staff and has now addressed the compa- there is a need to facilitate food ical purposes, that is food for food businesses have been de- of the Indian aviation industry dealers who have been fac- “We have revised the pric- its senior leadership team. ny’s dealers twice over video businesses to function in these Inborn Errors of Metabolism ferred till July 31, 2020. Modi- have been hit hard. ing liquidity crunch due to the ing structure that will en- To support the dealers with conference in less than a month trying times when the supply (IEM) conditions and hypoal- fication fee for FBOs has been “In deference to our gov- nationwide lockdown amid hance your profitability, and liquidity for operating expend- since the lockdown was an- chains are badly affected. lergenic conditions, FSSAI has reduced from one year licence ernment’s wishes of not re- the coronavirus pandemic. the new structure will be iture, the two-wheeler major nounced. In his first town hall Listing out various steps extended the permission for fee to Rs 1,000 only, it said. ducing pay during the lock- The package, announced by applicable on all dispatches has come up with a solution on March 28 Munjal had an- taken by it, FSSAI said im- their import for a further pe- That apart, FSSAI has re- down, we have decided not Hero MotoCorp Chairman post the lockdown. Addition- with Hero FinCorp, which nounced the company’s sup- port clearances of food items riod of six months till Novem- cently released a guidance note to implement the previously Pawan Munjal at a digital town ally, I am also happy to an- would disburse an amount in port measures for the dealers and food testing laboratories ber 1, 2020 through Delhi and titled ‘Food Hygiene and Safe- announced pay-cuts during hall over video conference ear- nounce financial support to- line with the respective deal- to help them liquidate the BS- (National Food Labs at NCR Mumbai ports. ty Guidelines for Food Busi- the month of April,” Dutta lier this week, includes a re- wards the interest on the er’s wage and rental liabilities IV stock and for manpower and Kolkata, and FSSAI-ac- FSSAI has allowed food nesses during COVID-19 Pan- added in the e-mail. – PTI vised pricing structure on new dealer stock for the complete at a subsidised rate of interest. upskilling at dealerships. – PTI credited private laborato- business operators (FBOs) in demic’. – PTI Refiners stare at Rs 25,000-cr inventory loss: CRISIL NEW DELHI, April 23: Indian oil “For oil refiners, the COVID-19 pan- India has a total refining capacity of riods. That means refiners will have ing for up to 1.5 months, with another refiners may have incurred an in- demic is delivering two blows: inven- 250 million metric tonne per annum to borrow more working capital to 1 to 1.5 months required to resume ventory loss of Rs 25,000 crore in tory loss of over Rs 25,000 crore in the and refiners keep an inventory of 20- fund the crude oil purchased earlier.” and stabilise operations,” it said. the January-March period as oil pric- January-March quarter because of a 70 50 days of crude on average to avoid In addition to these inventory loss- Additionally, refining margins on es slumped and are now likely see- per cent fall in crude oil prices, and a disruption in operations. The rapid es, the operating performance of re- high-yield products such as aviation ing a plunge in refining margins in likely plunge in gross refining margins fall in crude oil prices would mean an finers is expected to remain weak in turbine fuel (ATF), petrol and diesel the current quarter, CRISIL Rat- (GRMs) in the first quarter (April-June) inventory loss of $10-20 per barrel. the first quarter of fiscal 2021 due to have plummeted and are expected to ings said today. of fiscal 2021 because of demand de- “The loss would be offset once lower volumes and lower GRMs. remain weak over the near term. Crude prices have nosedived from struction,” CRISIL said in a note. crude oil prices rebound, but the “With demand culled further be- That will affect the operating metrics an average $55 per barrel in February Oil cartel OPEC and its allies on April process would take time given that cause of the extension of nationwide of refiners. However, oil marketing to $33 in March and around $20 at the 12 managed to strike a deal for a record the slump in global demand is ex- lockdown up to May 3, 2020, refiner- companies would fare better than stan- end of March as demand slumped be- production cut of 9.7 million barrels per pected to prolong,” it said. ies are staring at a halving of utilisa- dalone refiners because of higher mar- cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. day. Yet crude prices have hovered low Sachin Gupta, Senior Director, tion during the April-June quarter. keting margins for some products, it The mayhem in the oil market meant because of the pandemic-induced CRISIL Ratings, said: “Inventory loss- “Refineries that replenished their said, adding, the retail prices of petrol that by the time crude oil is processed plunge in demand across the globe. es would be more for refineries locat- product inventory are staring at the sig- have not fallen in tandem with crude and converted into fuel, the rates have “This has caught refiners on the ed away from the coast because they nificant curtailment of operations. Our oil prices, which implies higher mar- fallen, resulting in inventory losses. wrong foot,” it said. have to stock crude oil for longer pe- base case assumes the lockdown last- keting margins. – PTI FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 10 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI LEISURE & L IFESTYLE

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Do Recruit Deathly Hallows: Part 1 20:30 Tujhse Hai Raabta 15:00 16:15 Shaft 21:00 Kumkum Bhagya 16:00 17:50 Mean Machine 12:00 Chhota Bheem 21:30 Kundali Bhagya 17:00 Mann Ki Awaaz...Pratigya 19:30 Horrible Bosses 21:00 Top Five 12:30 Grizzy And The Lemm... 22:00 Qurbaan Hua 18:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:30 Drillbit Taylor 13:30 Chhota Bheem 22:30 12:00 Best Of Crime Patrol 18:30 Sanjivani 14:30 Grizzy And The Lemm... 23:00 Kumkum Bhagya 19:00 Dil Jaise Dhadke... Dhad.. 15:30 Chhota Bheem 23:30 Qurbaan Hua 19:30 Dadi Amma.. Dadi Amma 16:30 Grizzy And The Lemm... 20:00 Kasautii Zindagii Kay 11:15 Baby’s Day Out 17:30 Chhota Bheem 20:30 Yehh Jadu Hai Jinn Ka! 13:00 A Bug’s Life 18:30 Chhota Bheem Neeli.. 12:00 Resident Evil: Afterlife 21:00 Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum 14:40 Hot Shots! 20:00 Super Bheem 14:00 Love Island UK 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:10 Fantastic Four: Rise of 21:00 Grizzy And The Lemm... 15:00 The King Of Queens 22:00 Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke the Silver Surfer 22:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated... 17:00 Love Island UK 22:30 Yeh Hai Chahatein 17:45 Night at the Museum Spreading hope 23:00 M.A.D. 18:00 Penny Dreadful 23:00 Nazar 19:40 Captain Marvel 23:30 Teleshopping 19:00 Everybody Hates Chris 19:00 Mere Sai - Shraddha Aur... 23:30 Yehh Jadu Hai Jinn Ka! 21:40 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum 23:40 Six Days Seven Nights Papon’s new Assamese song aims at spreading positivity HBO 21:00 The Hangover Part II 15:30 Animal Fight Club 16:00 Running Wild/Bear Grylls inger Papon has come out with a new Assa- Papon earlier released a video of a 14-year-old 17:00 Airport Security: Madrid 18:00 Running Wild/Bear Grylls 07:45 Pratham Xongbad Smese song, Paar hobo aei xomoy , which trans- song Din guzrein woh for fans during the lock- 12:00 Africa's Wild Side 19:00 Big Picture with Kal Penn 07:00 Breakfast Live 14:00 Biyolir Headline 11:25 Stree lates to “This time too shall pass”. down period. “A friend of mine, Ronnie Lahiri, 13:00 Wild Families 19:30 Science of Stupid 08:00 Live at 8 16:00 Abelir Khabar 14:10 Singham 14:00 Wolves of Yellowstone Papon, who has a cult following in Bollywood posted the audio of this song on social media that I 20:00 Earth Day: 50 Storie 09:00 Good morning Assam 16:30 Superfast Prime Time100 17:25 Coolie No. 1 15:00 Survival Of The Fittest 21:00 Adventure: Primal Survivor 10:00 Assamese news 17:00 City18 19:55 Total Dhamaal 16:00 The Lakeshore Killers 11:30 Kotha Barta (R) 22:45 The Real Jackpot thanks to his melodies like Jiyein kyun , Kaun mera had created 14 years back. I have always loved 22:00 Running Wild/Bear Grylls 18:00 Prime Time18 17:00 Built For The Kill 12:00 Mid Day Live 19:00 Dintur Shironam and Moh moh ke dhaage , says it is a universal song this song as it was one of my first compositions,” 18:00 World's Weirdest 23:00 Seconds From Disaster 13:00 Assamese Telefilm 20:00 Porjyobekhyon STAR MOVIES 14:30 Afternoon Prime 21:30 Aparadh Nama 23:40 Six Days Seven Nights for hope and faith. said Papon. “I got re-inspired and made a video... 17:30 Guwahati Bisesh 22:00 North East Scan 18:00 Guwahati Live 12:10 Simmba After receiving a positive response to his three- The song is apt for all of us since we are at home. 18:30 Breaking @ 6:30 22:30 Noixo Xironam 15:00 I day online concert “Bohaag 2020”, Papon decided I hope everyone enjoys this special song,” he add- 12:00 Wild Frank 19:00 Assamesse Prime Time 18:10 No. 1 Businessman 12:40 Just Animals 20:00 Discussion Show 21:00 The Real Tevar to come up with the song. The song has been ed. 13:25 Animals Unleashed 21:00 Super Prime Time 12:40 Loafer The Hero 08:30 Devotional Music 13:40 How Do Animals Do That 22:00 Live at 10 14:50 Pardesi composed and sung by Papon. He also shot a video Papon has also teamed up with legendary lyri- 22:30 Noixo Guwahati 08:45 Swachh Bharat Batori 17:30 Mera Thikana 14:10 Deadly Bites 08.50 Batori 14:55 Fierce Fighters 23:00 Noixo Batori 19:45 Lal Baadshah himself on his phone at home. cist and poet Gulzar for a single. “I feel really 15:00 Vigyan Prasar 22:35 Tigeer One Man Army “I received overwhelming response to the in- blessed to be working with Gulzar saab. He is 15:55 Modern Dinosaurs 15:30 Classical Music 16:55 Monkeys Revealed 16:00 Abelir Batori 17:55 Jewels Of The Natural house concert for Rongali . The way every- writing one song. He showed so much love to me 1700 Xopun 16:05 Akholor Juti 18:30 Super Senses 1730 Barala Kai 16:30 Chiphung one is fighting this difficult situation is very inspir- and said ‘ Beta aur karte hai (let’s do more). If I 18:55 Animal Planet Exclusives 1830 Xopunor Aasutia Rang 17:00 Nimishote Batori 10:20 Hiraasat 19:55 Wildest Survival ing, and staying positive is the need of the hour, will write for you, then my health will be good’,” 2000 Jonaki Kareng 17:02 DD Kisan TV Serial in 13:05 Mela 19:00 Wild Pals 21:00 Friday Blockbusters 2030 Xopun 17:30 Krishi Darshan 16:40 Sai Teri Maya which lead to this song. It aims at spreading posi- Papon said. 22:00 Wild Frank 19:00 Money Hai Toh Honey 20:00 Survival Of The Fittest 2100 Oi Khapla 18:00 Dharabahik ZEE CINEMA 21:00 India's Wild Leopards 23:00 Killer Instincts 2130 Bah Amarawati Bah Hai tivity and a ray of hope,” Papon said. The singer also got the “biggest compliment” 18:30 Batori 12:10 Simmba 22:00 Hostile Planet 23:25 The Cute Ones 2200 Borola Kai 18:45 NE News 22:00 Samurai The Warrior Asked about his decision to make the song in from the veteran lyricist. “He said ‘ Mere zindagi 23:00 Dangerous Encounters Assamese, Papon said: “Music has no boundaries, ka jo graph hai... jiske saath kaam kia woh com- it itself is a language.” plete nahi hota agar Papon ke sath kaam nahi 21:30 Football United Special 21:00 Memorable Masterstrokes 12:00 Snakes in The City 22:30 IPL HLs 21:30 BBL Rewind “There have been songs in various foreign lan- karta ’ (My life’s graph would have been incom- 12:00 13:00 Running Wild/Bear Grylls 23:00 Indi vs Aus ODI HLs 22:00 Men in Blue Victorious 12:45 Shipping Wars 12:30 Football Greatest Stage guages that we tend to not understand but we will plete had I not worked with Papon). It’s a nice 14:00 Adventure: Primal Survivor 23:30 Hero ISL HLs 23:00 Turf Wars 13:00 NBA HLs 13:25 18:30 IPL HLs 23:30 Nail-Biting Finishes enjoy the sound, the music. This song has good high. I got that extra boost,” he added. 13:45 Storage Wars 19:00 Jai Ho 13:30 NBA 14:10 Secrets Of Superfactories 20:00 IPL HLs 14:00 Conte’s Champions 14:30 Best of UEFA Champions music and the video is with English subtitles. My On his other songs, he said, “I am also working 15:10 OMG! Yeh Mera India 21:00 Jai Ho 12:30 Nail-Biting Finishes 15:00 TNA Greatest Matches 16:10 Forged In Fire: Knife/Death 22:00 Football United Special 13:00 Best of Abu Dhabi T10 HLs 12:00 Best of Bayern HLs first language, mother-tongue is Assamese. Since on 500-600-year-old music from Assam. It’s like 17:00 Immortal 17:00 Storage Wars 22:30 IPL HLs 13:30 Shakti: India’s Super Women 12:30 WWE Nxt my college days in Delhi till now I have always classical music. It hasn’t been documented, more 17:30 Shipping Wars 23:00 Ind vs Aus ODI HLs 14:30 Men in Blue Victorious 14:30 WWE BlockBusters 17:30 Football Greatest Stage 18:00 Leepu & Pitbull 23:30 Hero ISL 16:30 BBL Rewind 15:30 ATP Uncovered 18:00 NBA HLs been appreciated whenever I sing in the language. like passed on by word of mouth. I have been 19:00 17:00 Shakti: India’s Super Women 16:00 WWE Nxt 19:00 Born to Fight I think people like its phonetics, so why not a song interviewing people about it for the last three 20:00 OMG! Yeh Mera India 18:00 Best of Abu Dhabi T10 HLs 18:00 WWE Main Event 20:00 UCL Classic Match 21:00 Forged In Fire 18:30 IPL HLs 18:30 Turf Wars 19:00 Best of UCL HLs 21:00 Conte’s Champions in Assamese, this is a universal song for hope and years. I am making a film on it.” 22:00 Pawn Stars 19:00 Jai Ho 19:00 We Are One 20:00 WWE Nxt 21:30 Best of UEFA Champions 22:30 Storage Wars 20:00 IPL HLs 20:00 Nail-Biting Finishes 22:00 WWE BlockBusters 22:00 Born to Fight faith, and I hope it serves its purpose,” he added. (Source: IANS) 15:00 Science of Stupid 23:00 21:00 Jai Ho 20:30 Best of Abu Dhabi T10 HLs 23:00 Best of UCL HLs 23:00 UCL CLassic Match Know your DAY LOCKHORNS CROSSWORD - 6876 By JACQUELINE BIGAR HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Friday, April 24, 2020: Nurturing and protective you makes sure all your loved ones are healthy. You spend this year being creative or enjoying solitary hobbies such as music or art. You ensure finances are stable. If single, you especially enjoy exchanging messages with a new prospect who has suddenly caught your eye. If attached, resist the temptation to give direction all the time. You married an independent person who gives you a lot of happiness. CAPRICORN speaks their mind. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3- Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult. ARIES (March 21-April 19) #### It’s a wonderful day to boost earning power through experi- menting with creative ideas. Devotion to your finances promises deep satisfaction in the long run. A partner decides to upset the status quo. Insist upon balance and respect. Tonight: Pay bills first. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) #### A cycle of frantic activity and competition reaches its end. Take some time to revel in the peace and quiet of nature. Let go of that ® By Lee Falk which you have fought a partner over. It is finished. A child needs extra time. THE PHANTOM Across second month of 12 Acorn bearer (3) Tonight: Just as you like. 1 Seller of food the year (3) 13 Anaesthetic gas (6) 29 Unmarried girl (6) (5) GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ##### Replenish your vitality by taking time to rest and regroup. 7 Imperil (8) 30 Most devious (6) 15 Earlier (5) Become focused on a small project. You can complete it with aplomb by 8 Immense (4) 31 Tassel (4) 18 Wispy clouds (5) day’s end. Write a dream journal. You will be surprised at how much wisdom you 10 Looked 32 Unfairness (8) 19 Son of Jacob (3) glean from it. Tonight: Early beddie byes. lasciviously at 33 Ancient king of 20 Israeli gun (3) (6) Persia (6) 21 State neighbour- CANCER (June 21-July 22) #### Disputes with a partner can be resolved through the mediation 11 Islands in the Down ing Assam (7) of mutual friends. Groups are lucky for you today, including an organi- N Atlantic (6) 1 Questions 22 Pig (3) zation that plans to ask you to become a member. Write down your highest 14 King in Latin (3) thoroughly (6) 23 A young cow (6) wishes and goals. Tonight: Catch up with friends online. 16 Hop-drying 2 A red wine (6) 24 Incite by LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) kilns (5) 3 “Retired” in encouragement ### Suggestions that you resist at first can prove to be valuable in 17 Scare away (4) short? (4) (4) the end. A close companion has multiple projects in process. Discus- 19 Intoxicated (5) 4 Folded over 25 Flower parts (6) sion will dispel confusion. You will have an opportunity to influence the course 21 Indian corn (5) pizza (7) 26 Egg-shaped body of action. Tonight: Network with higher-ups. 22 Capital of 5 Lab gels (5) (5) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Vietnam (5) 6 Dozen dozens 27 Bugged, irritated ### Purchase books and consider joining an online class in your 23 Stringed (5) (5) interested study. Friends can seem quite opiniated. Help a comrade instrument (4) 8 Miles from 28 Sick-day cause direct anger in a constructive way. Choose new associates with discretion BLONDIE 26 Constellation Hollywood (4) (3) today. Tonight: Watch a documentary on a foreign country. (5) 9 The fair ___ : the 30 River of Hades LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) 28 In short, females ? (3) (4) ## It can be a little difficult to concentrate today. Follow a schedule

combined with positive affirmations. Ask others to rephrase if the SOLUTION TO TRIBUNE CROSSWORD – 6876

meaning of their words is not clear. This is especially true if you are asking Styx. 30 Flu, 28

Ovoid, 27 Irked, 27 Ovoid, about instructions. Tonight: An early bedtime. 26 Petals, 25 Abet, 24 Heifer, 23 Hog, 22 Manipur,

19 Dan, 20 Uzi, 21 Uzi, 20 Dan, 19

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Cirri, 18 Prior, 15 Ether, 13 Oak, 12 Sex, 9 Vera,

Gross, 8 Gross, 6 Agars, 5 Calzone, 4 Retd, 3 Claret, 2 Grills, 1

##### Even when you are with another, you can feel alone. It is Down:

equity, 33 Xerxes. 33 equity, part and parcel of being born a Scorpio. But today an existing relation- In 32 Tuft, 31 Sliest, 30 Virgin, 29 Feb, 28 Orion,

i, 23 Harp, 26 Harp, 23 i, ship moves to a new level, and this makes you very happy. In this new time, Hano 22 Maize, 21 Drunk, 19 Scat, 17 Oasts, 16 Rex,

14 Azores, 11 Leered, 10 Vast, 8 Endanger, 7 Grocer, 1 happiness is needed. Tonight: Date night. Across: SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ### Seek creative ways to enjoy leisure hours at home without jeopardizing your freedom. Do not argue about finances with a child or HEALTH CAPSULES ® JUMBLED WORDS other loved ones. Resolve to enjoy all that you already have in your home and by Bron Smith Given below are four jumbled words. Solve in your domestic routine. Tonight: Slow down. the jumbles to make proper words and move them to the respective squares below. Select CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) the letters in the shaded squares and jumble #### An email or phone call could mark the beginning of an intrigu- them to get the answer for the given quip. ing new romance. Today brings an important development. For once in many years, throw caution to the wind and declare yourself to be open to love. HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Tonight: No obsessing. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) ##### Psychic bonds between parents and children strengthen. Wry, subtle humor will appeal. Work on home-related projects together, with lavish praise given to every individual. You will finish something by tonight of which you will all be very proud. Tonight: Celebrate. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) ## Use humor and good listening skills today. A loved one may be, quite frankly, freaking out from the pandemic scenario and you are ___ were invented to make children happy needed to be the calm one. Your cleverness and eloquence enable you to by giving them something to ignore. – succeed. Tonight: Catch up with a brother or sister. Ogden Nash (7) # # #

SOLUTION

Thought for the day Nash Ogden – ignore. to children happy by giving them something them giving by happy children

were invented to make to invented were Parents Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and Answer:

Health Capsules is not intended After, bursa, twinge, serape. twinge, bursa, After,

a touch that never hurts. to be of a diagnostic nature. Words: – CHARLES DICKENS FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 STATE THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI 11 Thunderstorm wreaks havoc in Dibrugarh, leaves trail of destruction STAFF CORRESPONDENT 1827 houses have been count- seen today in Sessa Nagaon, denly the storm came back ed which were affected in some Singibil, Kothalbam, 1 No. with major force at around DIBRUGARH, April 23: A 93 villages across the district, Lezai, Baruagaon, Jugurubon- 6:30 pm, uprooting trees, strong wind followed by thun- of which some 580 families have gaon, Bordoibam and 2 No. electric poles, houses and derstorm caused massive been displaced as their houses Dewan gaon, among others, granaries. Several trees fell damages to hundreds of peo- have been fully destroyed. in Larua mouza under the Di- on houses, which caused ma- ples’ houses, their granaries Among six affected Reve- brugarh West Revenue Cir- jor damages to our belong- and livestock in different nue Circles, Dibrugarh West cle. Gaonburha Pradip Deh- ings inside the house as also parts of the district last night. Revenue Circle remained the ingia of 2 No. Garudharia Lat to livestock,” he said. Power supply has also been worst affected Revenue Cir- told The Assam Tribune that Additional Deputy Com- disrupted in the areas as elec- cle with 624 houses partially almost nothing has been left missioner Deepu Kumar tric poles were uprooted as damaged and with 478 hous- unaffected. “Major harm was Deka said that tarpaulins and also trees fell on the electric es fully destroyed. One Di- caused to people as trees fell other relief items have been wires and on standing hous- ganta Dehingia of Sessa Na- on houses and on granaries. rushed to the affected areas es of the affected families. gaon reportedly sustained leg The storm first lashed the and assessment was continu- District officials who are still injury when a GI sheet flew area for about an hour from 5 ing. Relief camps will be erect- Struggling to keep body and soul together, a minor girl tries to cook a meal as her house lies in ruins following the thunderstorm continuing with assessment of off a house roof and hit his leg. pm. We had assumed that the ed on need basis from tomor- which devastated Tengakhat Nepali Gaon in Dibrugarh district, on Wednesday. – UB Photos the damages said that so far Trail of destruction was storm had subsided but sud- row, he added. 4 held for Hail, thunderstorm destroy Masks sale killing leopard CM takes stock of COVID-19 centre CORRESPONDENT preparedness in Sadiya subdivision Muga plantations in Dhakuakhana opened at DERGAON, April 23: CORRESPONDENT bighas of land were destroyed. Muga silkworms,” said Sai- Nalbari town Four persons form Tarfad ABHIJIT KHATANIAR ing below the poverty line adequate measures to com- Noted Muga expert and kia. This appears to be a Ahomgaon were arrested by should suffer any hardship bat COVID-19 pandemic and, NORTH LAKHIMPUR, national award winning ag- double blow to the tradi- CORRESPONDENT Golaghat police in connection CHAPAKHOWA (SADI- during this crisis. as a result of these measures, April 23: Strong winds with ricultural entrepreneur tional Muga rearing families with alleged killing of a leop- YA), April 23: Chief Minister The Chief Minister also the COVID patients of the thunder accompanied by hail Jitul Saikia was one of the of Dhakuakhana as they NALBARI, April 23: In ard on Thursday. Sarbananda Sonowal visited suggested the local adminis- State had been coming round lashed Dhakuakhana subdivi- rearers who lost the entire could not do any business in order to meet the increasing Thagiram Gogoi (56), Nit- Chapakhowa, the headquarter tration to look after the prob- gradually. He expressed sat- sion in Lakhimpur on Wednes- plantation of Som used for the festive Bihu season due demand for masks, the Nal- yananda Saikia (50), Jonemon of Sadiya subdivision in Tin- lems of the farmers and to isfaction over the measures day night destroying several Muga worms. According to to ongoing lockdown. bari district administration Gogoi (32) and Raktim Go- sukia district on Thursday af- make necessary arrange- taken by the subdivisional ad- Muga silk cultivation areas. Saikia, more than 50 fami- The unprecedented thun- today opened a mask sale goi (28) were arrested by a ternoon. The Chief Minister ments of transportation of ministration of Sadiya in fight- The thunderstorm which lies of these two Gaon Pan- derstorm and hails pulled centre at the premises of team led by Divisional For- held a review meeting at the perishable Agri products to ing against COVID-19 pan- devastated the subdivision at chayats lost their entire down hundreds of trees of a Nalbari Zila Parishad premis- est Officer (DFO) along with conference hall of SDO(Civil) the local markets and if re- demic. He thanked the Health 8 in the night, completely de- Som plantations in the thun- wide area in Dhakuakhana es. Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat police at around 4 office, Sadiya on the prepar- quired to outside the district. department personnel, police stroyed Muga plantations, derstorm. He roughly cal- destroying power cables and Nalbari Bharat Bhusan Dev in the morning. edness to combat COVID-19 Sonowal also directed the and the media for their lead- many with live silkworms. culated that at least Rs 30 blocking many roads. The Choudhury formally inaugu- It may be mentioned here in Sadiya subdivision and took Health department officials to ing role in fighting against the The worst-hit areas are the lakh worth Muga were lost entire area is without electric- rated the mask sale centre in that the carcass of the leopard stock of the prevailing situa- keep all records pertaining to pandemic. He also thanked villages under Gandhiya and in the natural disaster. ity since Wednesday night be- a brief function. was recovered on April 18. tion arising out of the nation- COVID-19 preparedness in the people of the State for Dhenudhora-Batomari Gaon “Our Muga rearing has cause of this. Roofs of many As the Central govern- It was earlier alleged that wide lockdown. the subdivision as well as in their support to the govern- Panchayat of Dhakuakhana been pushed back to four houses were also flown away ment has made wearing of the leopard was killed by a sec- The Chief Minister was the district. ment in this fight. where Somanis or Som plan- years as a new plantation re- by the thunderstorm while masks in public places com- tion of villagers and they had accompanied by the MP of Besides, the heads of all line While asked if the lock- tations – host plant for Muga quires minimum four years many houses were destroyed pulsory, the demand for mask plans to consume it. However, Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat departments, the meeting down will be extended in the silkworms in more than 100 to grow host plants for by falling of trees. is gradually increasing. The later they buried the body of Pradan Baruah, Sadiya MLA was also attended by Tinsu- State , the Chief Minister said district administration so far the leopard in a jungle. Bolin Chetia, Digboi MLA kia DC Bhaskar Pegu, DIG that in this regard the State has prepared 13,680 masks Meanwhile after receiving Suren Phukan and Tingkhong (NER), Tinsukia Jitmol Doley, government would follow made of cloth, specifically information, Golaghat police MLA Bimal Bora. Tinsukia SP Siladitya Chetia, the guidelines of the Centre. from gamusa by 38 women recovered the carcass and SHGs under the National sent it for post-mortem. In the meeting, the Chief SP of Sadiya Police District The Mayamora Sanskritik Minister collected ground BL Meena, SDO(Civil) Sadi- Samaj of Tinsukia and Humi- Rural Livelihood Mission. Finally, the team led by DFO It may be mentioned here Bhaskar Deka along with Gola- report from various depart- ya Shyamal Khetra Gogoi, jan Borgohain of Sadiya hand- that the women made the ghat police arrested the duo ments. He also took stock of SDO(Civil) Margherita ed over a cheque of Rs masks within 12 days. They and interrogation is on. availability of foodgrains in Dibakar Nath and other sen- 1,00,000 each to the Chief Min- also plan to make one lakh The DFO Bhaskar Deka the subdivision. ior police and civil officials of ister for his relief fund. On the masks if the situation de- told this correspondent that Sonowal instructed the the district. other hand, Uttar Sadiya Sa- mands. the accused would be pro- administration to keep the Briefing the media after the mabai Samity Ltd. donated duced before the court later. public distribution system meeting, Sonowal said that Rs 20,000 and Paban Agarwal The inaugural programme “We are investigating the smooth and transparent and the Health department of the of Sadiya donated Rs 10,000 was attended, among others, matter seriously and no ac- to ensure that no person liv- State government had taken to the CM’s relief fund. by Nitul Deka, Chairman of cused will escape from our net,” Nalbari Zila Parishad, Krish- the DFO said. During the lock- na Baruah, chief executive down, several such cases of Appeal to Muslims to follow lockdown officer of Nalbari Zila Parishad hunting of wild animals in the and Chandan Talukdar, Noted Muga expert Jitul Saikia in his destroyed Som plantation in Gharmora village in project manager, NRLM. district have been reported. guidelines during Ramzan Batomari, Dhakuakhana, on Thursday. – Photo: Farhana Ahmed Emergency Sonowal CORRESPONDENT proactive and positive efforts fight tooth and nail against coro- centre of local religious leaders and navirus,” he asserted. SMCH set to resume general visits HAILAKANDI, April 23: representatives of religious- The district administration opened Superintendent of Police of social organisations, Muslims has assured the Muslim com- treatment services Chirang dist CORRESPONDENT Hailakandi, Pabindra Kumar in the district observed Shab- munity that fruits and other STAFF CORRESPONDENT Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Vice we are hopeful to resume treat- CORRESPONDENT Nath has appealed to Muslims e-Barat on April 9 by offer- items such as dates required HAILAKANDI, April 23: Principal of SMCH informed ment of general patients from to strictly follow social distanc- ing prayers and performing for Ramzan would be made BONGAIGAON, April The district administration of SILCHAR, April 23: Fol- this on Thursday saying that Friday and the OPDs of the four ing and lockdown guidelines all other religious rituals available during the lockdown. 23: Chief Minister Sarba- Hailakandi has set up District lowing the announcement on Friday, OPDs of all the four departments shall be brought during the holy month of Ram- staying indoors. Chief Adviser, North East nanda Sonowal visited the Emergency Operation Cen- made by State Health Minis- departments – Eye, ENT, back from Civil Hospital as zan starting either on Friday Nath said that due to coro- Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat, JSB Civil Hospital at tre to facilitate the travel of ter Dr Himanta Biswa Sar- Dermatology and Psychiatry well,” Dr Gupta said. or Saturday in the wake of navirus pandemic, guidelines Moulana Sarimul Haque Chirang district headquar- stranded citizens to different ma to reopen the medical shall be shifted back to SMCH Asked whether the Rapid COVID-19 pandemic. of lockdown and social distanc- Laskar also appealed to the colleges and district hospitals from Silchar Civil Hospital. Test kits have arrived at the ters Kajalgaon on Wednes- parts of the State due to na- Nath urged the Muslims to ing have to be followed reli- Muslims to pray and observe for general public, authorities “We have only one COVID- hospital, Dr Gupta replied that day to review the prepar- tionwide lockdown. Disclos- offer prayers and other reli- giously to break the chain of rituals like iftar at home due of the Silchar Medical Col- 19 patient, who is Assam’s first they have made all arrange- edness of the district to ing this on Thursday, Deputy gious rituals like the ‘ iftar ’ the dreaded virus that has to novel coronavirus outbreak. lege and Hospital, which has undergoing treatment at a sep- ments for treating patients fight COVID-19 during the Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli (breaking of fast) staying in- caused ripples globally. “There All the religious activities at been functioning as COVID- arate ward and the zone has once they receive the Rapid nationwide lockdown. said e-passes for inter-district side their homes during the is a need to make people aware temples, mosques, gurudwar- 19 hospital, is all set to pro- been kept absolutely safe and Test kits. Treatment of gener- The Chief Minister also travel would be issued only month of Ramzan. during the unprecedented as, churches and other reli- vide treatment to other pa- secured from thoroughfare. As al patients shall not be ham- held a meeting at the for the next three days from Nath appealed to various times so that they perform all gious places in the country tients from April 24. per Government instructions, pered, he maintained. Deputy Commissioner’s Saturday to Monday. The ad- religious leaders, represent- the religious rituals inside have been cancelled in view of office with the officials of ministration has also given atives of social and religious their homes,” he said. the COVID-19 pandemic. the district and took stock three contact numbers for any organisations to ensure that “Any callousness on our part Sonowal has also appealed Food packets distributed among needy of the current situation in travel-related query. It further the people do not gather at can be very harmful for our to the Muslim community to GUWAHATI, April 23: Sri hati Samiti Jorpukhri distribut- Organization, Guwahati, a the district. He instructed said those in need of vehicle religious and other places near and dear ones, the socie- observe the month-long fast- Sathya Sai Seva Organisa- ed relief materials to 170 fam- team of Assam Police assist- the district administration support may call on 104 and under any circumstances ty and the country as a whole. ing and rituals associated tion( SSSO) has been distrib- ilies of Umsru, Rajapara and ed this relief mission. Sim- to ensure every support to those who have their own ve- during Ramzan. We should strictly adhere to with Ramzan from the con- uting food packets to the Kathalguri (Umsru – 110, Ra- ilarly, Dhubri Samiti dis- poor people of the district hicle can apply for e-pass by The Superintendent of Po- the guidelines of the govern- fines of their homes in view needy throughout the coun- japara – 44 and Kathalguri – tributed food packets con- during the ongoing logging hailakandi.gov.in. lice said that in the wake of ment and administration to of COVID-19 situation. try during the lockdown pe- 16) villages under Palasbari po- taining different food mate- lockdown. riod, stated a press release. lice station in Kamrup district rials to 90 needy families The Sathya Sai Seva Sami- on April 23. in Dhubri on April 22, the His government has taken tis located in various parts of The villages are about 40 Darmikhal Samiti of Cachar every step against price rise Assam under the SSSO of As- kilometres away from LGBI district distributed food of essential items in the sam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Airport towards southern packets to 35 families on markets, Sonowal said. Pradesh have also taken steps Assam-Meghalaya border April 22 and Silchar Samiti In the evening, Agricul- in the same way to distribute and mainly people of Rabha also distributed food pack- ture Minister Atul Bora food packets. Sri Sathya Sai Seva community lives there. Be- ets on April 23, the release arrived at Bongaigaon and Organization (SSSO) of Guwa- sides Sri Sathya Sai Seva added. held a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office with officials of the Fear grips farmers following district to review the problems faced by farmers death of pigs in Tinsukia dist of the district during the lockdown period. CORRESPONDENT and non-vaccination etc. trict. But, we have received Minister Bora told the When contacted, Dr Deba- only 1500 samples of vaccine. media in a briefing that a DOOMDOOMA, April nanda Gogoi, the District Vet- So, we have now started the group of farmers in the 23: Several cases of the death erinary Officer of Tinsukia vaccination in the infected are- of pigs have been reported said, “pig farmers had hardly as only,” Dr Gogoi further said. district has been able to from several parts of Tinsu- reported about the death of In a bid to dispel fear and earn around Rs 1 crore by kia district like Dangari, Bal- pigs, and many a times it be- misconception that the pigs selling vegetables and ioni Aroimuria, Laika etc., came difficult to ascertain the infected with swine fever fruits. Chief Minister during the past one week, cause of the death as people might cause swine flu in hu- Sarbananda Sonowal is which has spread fear among in rural and tea garden areas mans, Dr Gogoi said that the planning to compensate the pig farmers about sus- used to eat the carcasses.” infecting viruses for both the those farmers who had to pected outbreak of swine fe- “Anyway, we have started diseases were different and face loss in the lockdown ver. Though the Veterinary extensive vaccination in the the Veterinary department period, Minister Bora said. department officials did not areas from where the death was also simultaneously car- Local legislator and Food rule out the death of pigs due of pigs has been reported,” rying out mass awareness and Civil Supply Minister to swine fever, they also cit- Dr Gogoi added. programme to allay peoples’ Phani Bhushan Choudhury Labourers washing their hands and covering their faces with masks during a COVID-19 awareness workshop organized by ed other reasons like weath- “There are more than fears and advising the farm- was also present with the Assam Police at Naharoni Tea Estate, Rangapara of Sonitpur district, on Thursday. – UB Photos er change, bacterial infection 85,000 pigs in the entire dis- ers to follow vaccination rules. Minister Bora today. 12 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI SPORTS FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 FTP till 2023 set for In hindsight, I probably didn’t Finch prepared for T20 revamp World Cup postponement , April 23: The ICC need to pull out of IPL: Woakes Chief Executives on Thurs- MELBOURNE, April 23: Australia’s limit- day unanimously agreed on a LONDON, April 23: England all- IPL,” he said. ed-overs captain Aaron Finch feels the dreaded revamp of its Futures Tours rounder Chris Woakes has revealed that The 31-year-old, who has represent- COVID-19 pandemic might lead to a postpone- and Programmes till 2023 in he pulled out of this year’s IPL primari- ed England in 33 Tests and 101 ODIs, ment of this year’s T20 World Cup by up to the wake of the COVID-19 ly to be with his pregnant wife but need insisted that national duty takes top pri- three months. pandemic that has brought not have officially announced his with- ority but he is open to playing other tour- The T20 World Cup is scheduled in Australia the world to a grinding halt. drawal from the event, which was sus- naments. from October 18 to November 15. Finch doesn’t The CEC meeting, held pended indefinitely due to the coronavi- “I want to play as much cricket as I see that holding up given the current health via tele-conference, decided rus pandemic. can moving forward while looking after crises affecting lakhs of people worldwide. that a decision on the World Woakes was bought for Rs 1.5 crore by my body. My England career is No. 1 “I think we might have to get our heads Test Championship and the Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction last year, but if opportunities come up, I’d still like around a T20 World Cup that might be post- proposed ODI league, sched- but pulled out of the tournament saying to play in them.” poned for a month, two months, three months, uled in June, can be taken at a that he wanted to stay fresh for England’s Talking about the T20 World Cup whatever it has to be,” Finch told ‘SEN Radio’. later date. home Test summer, which is also currently scheduled in October-November in Finch said he wouldn’t mind seeing the game “There was agreement that on hold due to the pandemic. Australia, Woakes said it was unlikely resuming without fans once the pandemic is the disrupted FTP pro- “In hindsight I probably didn’t need that he would make the squad. brought under control. The ICC’s Chief Executives Committee gramme would need to be col- to pull out. I didn’t say it at the time but “At the minute it doesn’t quite look “But as long as we can get live sport up (CEC) is meeting on Thursday to discuss the lectively reviewed through to we’re expecting another baby in Sep- like I’m going to get a go in T20 unless and running. Whether that’s with crowds or financial implications of COVID-19 and also the 2023 with a view to resched- tember and that added to the decision,” something drastic happens in terms of not, I don’t think that makes any difference contingency planning for all ICC global events, uling as much of the cricket Woakes was quoted as saying by ‘The injuries.” to the players. including the T20 World Cup, over a conference that has been postponed due Cricketer’. The right-arm pacer said he would be “We played one ODI against New Zealand call. Finch feels authorities will need to be “cre- to COVID-19 as possible,” the “My wife wasn’t well at home. The open to playing in an empty stadium with no crowd and it was really strange for first ative” while rejigging the international schedule. ICC said in a statement. idea of being away from home for three T20I for England in November 2015, without fans to get the international four or five overs, but then you got into your “I think we might have to get a little bit cre- Already, England’s tour of months was going to be too much. Fam- insisted he is not finished playing the game back up and running. work,” he said. ative with how we do that (as part of a new-look Sri Lanka stands postponed ily had to come first,” he said. shortest format of the game. “At least give the public something to Apart from the T20 World Cup, Australia is schedule). Whether that’s setting up and play- along with Australia’s tour of Woakes, who has not played a T20 “By no means do I feel like I’m fin- watch and hopefully entertain some who also set to host India for a bilateral series which ing two Test matches in one hub or something New Zealand. Pakistan and since August 2018, and featured in a ished in T20. I’d still love to play in the are missing it a lot,” he said. – PTI includes a four-Test rubber. like that,” he said. – PTI West Indies’ tours during the English summer also look to Anderson, Windies be in serious doubt. Boards cannot survive German football outlines It was also learnt that con- Broad set cricketers not tingency plans are being for long without made for the T20 World Cup Ashes target plan for May return paid match fees LONDON, April 23: Eng- in Australia, scheduled for BERLIN, April 23: The German football the powerful states of Bavaria – home to reign- since January resuming cricket: Ramiz land pace bowlers James An- October and November. league is set to announce plans on Thursday for ing German champions Bayern Munich – and derson and Stuart Broad have NEW DELHI, April 23: “The CEC was updated on KARACHI, April 23: Former the Bundesliga to restart without spectators in the football hotbed state of North-Rhine West- set their sights on a final Ash- Cricketers in the West Indies the continuing contingency Pakistan captain-turned-commen- the first half of May, but a move hailed as a wel- phalia to back football’s resumption, albeit in es series in Australia before have not been paid their match planning for all ICC global come return to normality by some is meeting empty stadiums. tator Ramiz Raja believes boards they consider retirement. fees since January this year events, including the ICC opposition from some scientists and fans. But the move to allow players back onto cannot survive for long without Anderson and Broad are due to a severe cash crunch men’s T20 World Cup 2020 resuming cricket and urged the The Bundesliga would be the first major the pitch is being treated with caution. in their governing body. and the ICC women’s Crick- first and second respectively PCB to hold talks with other as- in England’s list of all-time European league to restart, potentially mak- Bavaria state leader Markus Soeder made While the players’ retain- et World Cup 2021. sociations to find a way to play the Test wicket-takers, but both ing it the focus of sports fans starved of action it clear that football will not be given a “blank er has been cleared, Cricket “Planning for both events sport behind closed doors. are entering the twilight of across the world. cheque” to continue at a time of competing West Indies (CWI) has admit- as currently scheduled is on- The COVID-19 pandemic has their careers. Germany has been less affected by the coro- funding priorities, and the situation will be ted the non-payment of going.” – PTI hit sports hard with Cricket Aus- Anderson is 37 and has en- navirus pandemic than other European coun- constantly reviewed. match fees. Murray ‘would tralia forced to stand down almost dured a series of injury prob- tries, partly due to mass testing. “I can imagine that things will develop from “...monthly salary (and al- 80 per cent of its staff. lems over the last 12 months. That situation has allowed the leaders of one match day to the next,” he said. – AFP lowances) are up-to-date. play’ French The fast-spreading disease has halted all cricket activities Although Broad is four The problem we are having Open, if it goes across the globe, putting under threat this year’s T20 World years younger than Ander- is the retained players in the Cup and also indefinitely suspending the 13th IPL. son, he believes his career Economies of sport will be affected regional first-class competi- ahead “Cricket fans are starved now and the coronavirus pan- will not last as long as his fel- tion have not been paid their demic has brought life to a standstill but I don’t think cricket PARIS, April 23: Andy low paceman. match fees for the eight boards can survive for long like this. They can’t continue to the most by this pandemic: Bindra rounds that have been played Murray has said that he With the end in sight, both pay out salaries and expenses without having cricket activ- would “definitely” play in the are eager to keep their Eng- NEW DELHI, April 23: The mic effects. the world in coping with wars so far,” Wayne Lewis, the ities it would be disastrous for them,” Ramiz said in his rescheduled French Open in land places long enough for a entrepreneur in Abhinav Bind- “The economies of sport and natural disasters. Quite secretary of the West Indies Youtube channel. September, if it is able to take memorable farewell Ashes ra reckons the economies of will be affected the most, with like its role in the aftermath of Players’ Association (WIPA), place as planned. “I would also urge the Pakistan Cricket Board to think on series in Australia in 2021/22. sport will take a beating by the many associations and athletes the second World War, sport was quoted as saying by ‘ES- The tennis season has been these lines and hold talks with other boards to see how When asked by Anderson for time the coronavirus ceases to underfunded due to lack of can again play a positive role PNCricinfo’. shut down due to the coro- cricket activities can be resumed even behind closed doors.” his retirement plans during an spread its ugly tentacles, leav- events over this time,” Olym- but only after people have at- The report stated that navirus pandemic since last The coronavirus outbreak has forced countries to go un- Instagram Live Q&A, Broad ing the athletes in an uncertain pic champion Bindra told PTI. tained a semblance of stability, men’s team has not been paid month and will not resume der lockdown to contain the disease, which has so far infect- said: “I don’t think I could go world full of challenges. “This will be one of the key the champion shooter said. match fee for the home se- until mid-July at the earliest. ed over 2.5 million people globally. until your age. Your action’s so The champion athlete in challenges that will need to be “Yes. Sport does have the ries against Ireland in January Wimbledon has been can- The former Test opener said it would be a disaster if this smooth, it looks a lot calmer him sees sport playing a “large overcome, to ensure that ath- power to transcend borders, (three ODIs and three T20Is) celled and Roland Garros or- lockdown continues for long. on your body whereas mine is role” on the other side of the letes have the means and sup- and certainly capture the im- and the Sri Lanka tour in Feb- ganisers controversially “Unless a vaccine can be created, we can only defeat it through a little more forceful through pandemic, healing the wounds port to continue practising.” agination of millions across the ruary-March (three ODIs and moved the French Open un- social distancing and precautionary measures,” he said. – PTI my body I think.” – AFP of a world ravaged by its seis- Sport has in the past helped world.” – PTI two T20Is). – PTI til September 20-October 4, starting just a week after the end of the US Open, from its usual start date in May. “I’d definitely play on the clay, if it goes ahead,” former world number one Murray told CNN. “I’m a bit sceptical wheth- er it will. I would imagine tennis would be one of the last sports to get back to nor- mality because you’ve obvi- ously got players, coaches and teams coming from all over the world into one area. “I’d be surprised if they’re back playing sport by Sep- tember time, but we’ll see.” Murray had been due to return from a hip injury at the Miami Open last month. The 32-year-old Scot had considered retiring before surgery allowed him to make an initial comeback from in- jury last year, winning his first ATP title since 2017 in Antwerp last October. “I was training to get ready for that and that was going to be a good test. I was fit and feeling pretty strong,” Mur- ray, currently ranked 129th in the world, said. Tennis chiefs said this week they were launching a relief programme to be launched to help lower- ranked players financially during the lockdown. “Players ranked 250-300 in the world, it’s going to be really, really challenging for them,” added three- time Grand Slam champion Murray. “And I think in the last few years, there has been some improvements and some changes, but probably not enough.” – AFP

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