YOUR NEWSPAPER IS TOTALLY SAFE

KOCHI l WEDNESDAY l APRIL 01, 2020 l `7.00 l PAGES 16 l LATE CITY EDITION PSU BANKS KICKSTART LOAN CUSTOMERS CAN OPT OUT, IF THEY WISH MOST PSU BANK CUSTOMERS TO BENEFIT The relief will be on EMIs of all term loans and deferral of interest ■ EMI deductions are system-generated at a prefixed date. For next MORATORIUM MEASURES payments on working capital loans. It means EMIs on home or auto loans three months, banks will deactivate the automatic deduction of EMI due on April 1 can be deferred for three months and the instalment can be EMIs, though the process differs from bank to bank Days after RBI allowed banks to offer a 3-month freeze on all paid in June. However, the repayment schedule will get extended by three ■ SBI, PNB, IDBI Bank, Canara Bank, Andhra Bank, Indian Bank and DUES FALLING BETWEEN MARCH 1 AND EMIs, PSU banks announced their intent to do so on Tuesday months. Customers willing to pay can opt out of the moratorium Indian Overseas Bank and many others will freeze EMIs MAY 31 ARE EXEMPT, ACCORDING TO RBI

CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ WARANGAL ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI DELHI ADDRESS FOR MOTHER OF ALL INFECTIONS FIR against head of Nizamuddin mosque MARCH 21 TABLIGHI JAMAAT’S FOOTPRINT Action begins to isolate and where large religious gathering was held in quarantine Tablighi Jamaat activists Death of man with no violation of prohibitory orders; hundreds after positive cases found in suspected to have been infected; 7 dead Telangana TOTAL travel history triggers 115 FOREIGNERS EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE help in moving people out but By then, Haryana @ New Delhi no help came in. community spread fears They said following the PM’s WITH the Tablighi Jamaat call for ‘janata curfew’ on 824 DILEEP V KUMAR @ T’Puram KERALA CASE DIARY headquarters in Delhi becom- March 22, they suspended all 824 DELHI ing the biggest hotspot for coro- their programmes. However, foreign Tablighi Uttar Pradesh KASARAGOD continued to be Jamaat workers were new cases were navirus in India, the police on the subsequent nationwide the hotspot of Covid-19 epi- reported on Tuesday Tuesday registered an FIR lockdown left a large number in different parts of demic in Kerala after the total 7 Rajasthan against the head of the Niza- of visitors stranded in the the country for 132 number of infected persons in missionary work 13 confirmed muddin Markaz, Maulana premises. the district rose to 108 on Tues- cases so far Saad, and other management Police sealed the headquar- Madhya Pradesh JharkhandWest Bengal day, but the state health de- 241 staff for flouting orders against Around partment should be worried ters on Tuesday. Around 800 are currently under gatherings. people were moved out in buses more about Pothencode near treatment At least seven people who and quarantined in different Odisha 38 70 here where a 68-year-old died. 215 participated in the congrega- parts of the city. 2,100 His case could be a pointer to tion in mid-March died after On Monday, the police had what the state had feared the State starts identifying Indian Tablighi Jamaat Nizamuddin returnees contracting the virus. Many evacuated 200 people suspected members, too, were touring 11 most — a possible community Telangana 49 others have tested positive and with the symptoms of Covid 19. different parts of the country transmission — as it is still un- The state government has are under quarantine. According to police, between THE INDIAN ANGLE clear as to how the man, with started identifying the Malayalis Registering a case under var- 10 March to 15 March, around Maharashtra no international travel history who attended the recent ious sections of the Epidemic 4,000 people including foreign At the Delhi Markaz at Nizamuddin, Odisha Kerala or known contact with a con- 115 19 attended Delhi meet, 54 attended the meet, most Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Diseases Act that would entail nationals from Indonesia, Jor- foreign nationals firmed case, contracted the Nizamuddin. As many as 54 a punishment of two years, dan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, four returned; 15 in Delhi of them returned, now on virus. were staying on 82 quarantine home quarantine people from the state attended police said the Crime China, Ukraine, Malasia, 216 that day Abdul Azeez, who tested pos- the meet, a majority of whom Karnataka Telangana Branch will handle the Sri Lanka, Afganistan, Karnataka itive on Sunday, died at the returned in the second week of

case. Police said the Bangladesh and others At least 79 returned from 1,030 went to Delhi, most Government Medical College Andhra Pradesh Andhra March. Most of them are in Tablighi management participated in the reli- Indian Tablighi Jamaat 50 the meet, quarantined. returned; 348 in Hyderabad Hospital, Thiruvanan- workers, too, were One of them died home quarantine home quarantine. P5 violated prohibitory or- gious event. 24 thapuram, late Monday night. ders and failed to take Though Delhi did not 1,530 housed at the Markaz Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Thiruvananthapuram report- safety measures such as record any fresh cases 1,500 went to Delhi, Around 700 went to Delhi, ed two of the seven new cases tive is expected to speed up

Tamil Nadu social distancing. from Nizamuddin on Tuesday, MARCH 23: Lockdown brings 1,131 returned; 800 most returned; 85 yet to be on Tuesday while the other in- identification and isolation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind several attendees of the con- Tablighi work to a halt 125 located and quarantined traced fected persons were from the infected. Kejriwal also hit out at them, gregation were found positive Kasaragod (two), Kannur, Kol- “The deceased doesn’t have saying, “This was an absolute- for coronavirus on Tuesday. lam and Thrissur (one each). an international travel history ly irresponsible thing to do. In Delhi, 24 people out of the MARCH 26: 1,203 Tablighi Jamaat The fatality in Pothencode to any of the disease-affected workers screened, tested Everyone is hearing about cor- 102 tested for the virus after be- could be an indication of the countries nor is he a contact of onavirus and its impact on ing taken to the Lok Nayak presence of asymptomatic or a confirmed case. Thus, there’s lives around the world. Gurd- Hospital have been found posi- MARCH 29: 162 others screened silent carriers in society, said a chance that he might have waras, mosques, temples and tive so far, while reports of and shifted to quarantine facilities health officials. The depart- got infected through a silent churches all are vacant... At nearly another 200 taken to two ment is also not ruling out the carrier. If that’s the case, we’re this time, having such a gather- other hospitals is still awaited. MARCH 31: possibility of people who are going to deal with community ing was absolutely wrong.” 50 from Tamil Nadu with the not very sick or have not yet transmission,” said a health The management, facing travel history of Delhi tested developed symptoms becom- department official. The offi- criticism for allegedly allowing positive and 11 who had attend- ing stealth carriers of the vi- cial said China had scaled up about 1,800 members to contin- ed the gathering of Tabligh-e- 1,339 rus, thereby triggering a com- prevention and control activi- ue to stay at its headquarters in Jamaat were found infected in Tablighi Jamaat workers shifted to munity transmission. The ties after many asymptomatic Delhi’s Nizamuddin despite Andhra Pradesh. Narela, Sultanpuri and Bakkarwala department is planning to con- infections were reported. lockdown orders, issued a de- The Union Ministry of Home quarantine facilities as well as to duct mass screening — rapid A section of the experts, tailed statement in defence, Affairs said approximately Delhi govt hospitals and AllMS, antibody tests — for the first however, said it is too prema- saying they haven’t violated 2,100 foreigners have come to Jhajjar People with symptoms of coronavirus boarding a bus in Nizamuddin area to a hospital time in the state at Pothen- ture to say the Pothencode case any law. They claimed they India for Tablighi activities Rest of them are being screened for screening on Tuesday | ANIL SHAKYA code. Kits for the tests have is a result of community trans- reached out the authorities for since January. started arriving and the initia- mission. ● More on P4 GLOBAL RECESSION MAY NOT DAY’S CASES An isolated panchayat’s plight: People NEW DEATHS REPORTED AFFECT INDIA, SAYS UNCTAD FROM l Kerala turn milk into curd and feed it to pigs EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE tries. While UNCTAD chose slip into a recession given l Punjab GEORGE POIKAYIL @ Kasaragod @ New Delhi not to elucidate why China our internal economy and l West Bengal and India would escape the other factors.” NEW CASES Cumulative ON March 24 — two days after WHILE the economic impact recession, analysts said it Calling for a $2.5-trillion ON TUESDAY confirmed the Janta Curfew — Karnata- of the coronavirus pandemic was partly because of the package for developing coun- cases ka police dumped truckloads will most certainly pull down large internal markets that tries, UNCTAD Secretary- of mud at Chemberi — the the rest of the world into an these countries have General Mukhisa border of Kodagu and Kasara- era of recession, India and and the benefit of low- Kituyi said, “The eco- god districts. China may escape unscathed, er energy prices. nomic fallout from 1,396 The police had done that in according to a report by Said Prof N R Bha- the shock is ongoing the run-up to the curfew along UNCTAD. 145 the border of Dakshina Kan- numurthy of the Na- and increasingly dif- Major G20 countries have tional Institute of ficult to predict, but Kerala at nada district too. committed massive stimulus Public Finance & Policy there are clear indica- 292 The idea was to insulate the 2nd spot with packages to the tune of $5 “Our growth rate will slow tions that things will get Maharashtra state from Kasaragod, where trillion to salvage their econ- down in the next two quar- much worse for developing has the the number of Covid-19 cases largest Mud piled up on the road at Chemberi, entry point of Karike panchayat | EXPRESS omies but a possible reces- ters, but we are unlikely to economies before they get touched 108 on Tuesday. 241 number of sion stares them in the face. better.” But unlike other parts of Karnataka police’s road blockade Balachandran said the cases in all cases “World economy will go UNCTAD believes that Dakshina Kannada, the block- has cut off Karike panchayat blockade has hit the dairy into recession this year with Developing countries hit given the global conditions, ade at Chemberi isolated an farmers of Karike the most. ACTIVE CURED/ TOTAL The panchayat depends on a predicted loss of global in- Within two months of the virus fiscal and foreign exchange entire panchayat of Karnata- The panchayat produces CASES DISCHARGED DEATHS Panathur in Kasaragod for come in the trillions of dol- spreading beyond China, constraints would tighten ka itself. around 250 litres of milk all its needs lars… with the likely excep- developing countries have over the course of the year For all practical purposes, everyday. tion of China and the possible taken a hit in terms of capital and developing nations 1,238 124 35 Karike grama panchayat in “Since the blockade, we are exception of India,” said the outflows, growing bond would face a $2-3 trillion fi- Kodagu district was an ap- chayat with a population of turning milk into curd and report titled The Covid-19 spreads, currency depreciations nancing gap over the next Source: National Disaster Management Authority, pendage of Kerala. “We de- 5,700 persons is supplied by feeding it to our pigs. What Shock to Developing Coun- and lost export earnings two years. Union health ministry pend on Panathur in Pana- Kerala State Electricity Board. else can we do,” asked N G thady panchayat of Kasaragod To be sure, there are villages Gangadhara, manager of a co- for our grocery shopping and in Kasaragod where Karnata- operative bank and dairy EXPERT’S TAKE hospital needs. Our milk soci- ka government supplies farmer. He has nine cows. He ety is also at Panathur,” said power. said there are around 30 dairy Balachandran Kattor, the Panathur is 6km from Ka- farmers. “I hope the police president of Karike rike. People fill petrol in their will help us to at least deliver It’s once-in-a-century health crisis: Dr Potluri panchayat. vehicles at Balathode, 5km the milk to the society,” Gan- Even electricity to the pan- away, in Kerala. gadhara said. ● More on P4 EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE not a day before that. is a purely computational model @ Hyderabad In a chat with TNIE Editor with correlation,” he explains. G S Vasu, Dr Potluri, who works Also reacting to the study that EXPRESS READ EVEN as the Centre is dispel- with the NHS in the UK and at the virus has different virulent ling notions that the coronavi- KIMS, Hyderabad, and is a pio- strains in different countries, Party worker tests -ve, K’taka to HC: Can’t take in Kasaragod patients rus lockdown will not extend neer in using big data in health- Scan the QR code to watch the whole Dr Potluri says, “this study just close contacts positive beyond mid-April, acclaimed care research, hotly con- interview at youtu.be/PON9bxevzog looked at genomic patterns of a Kochi: The High Court has directed the Kerala and Karanataka cardiologist Dr Rahul Potluri tests the findings of an few of the early cases.” Idukki: The party worker tested governments to inform the court about the arrangements that could says the lockdown can be lifted MIT paper on the ef- rus is only an abstract, there is A huge advocate of social dis- negative for the second straight be made for catering to the medical needs of patients in Kasaragod if “the number of deaths are fect of heat on Cov- no full paper. They only looked tancing, he describes Covid-19 time on Tuesday, but the two based on the proximity to Karnataka. The Karnataka Advocate- not vastly increasing and if the id-19. “The MIT paper at the cases that presented in as a problem we have not seen persons who came into close General submitted that two roads from Wayanad are open. P2 system can cope with the num- looking at tempera- early mid-March and they cor- the likes of for over 100 years contact with the worker tested ber of new cases coming”, but ture and the coronavi- related this to temperatures. It since, probably, the Spanish Flu. positive for the virus. 16 PAGES, INCLUDING 4 PAGES OF KOCHI EXPRESS TOTAL UNDER HOME HOSPITAL HOSPITALISED DISTRICT OBSERVATION OBSERVATION OBSERVATION ON TUESDAY T’Puram 18,392 18,315 77 13 Kollam 17,247 17,228 19 2 P’Thitta 7,254 7,241 13 2 Idukki 2,737 2,732 5 1 Kottayam 3,258 3,254 4 0 Alappuzha KOCHI WEDNESDAY   6,956 6,945 11 1 02 01 04 2020 Ernakulam 5,312 5,281 31 8 Thrissur 20,588 20,541 47 8 APRIL FOOL PRANKS MAY LAND YOU IN SOUP Palakkad 20,219 20,171 48 10 Malappuram 12,642 12,540 102 24 Pranksters beware! That ‘April Fool’ prank you have been Kozhikode 21,239 21,222 17 5 7 241 215 planning to pull on April 1 may land you in a legal tangle. The Wayanad 8,511 8,498 13 2 Kerala Police will have zero tolerance to any post that can 24 TOTAL CONFIRMED TOTAL NUMBER OF Kannur 11,049 10,941 108 37 PEOPLE CASES NUMBER OF PEOPLE UNDER potentially mislead the public with regard to the Covid-19 Kasaragod 7,725 7,562 163 37 pandemic or the lockdown, even if it’s posted on Wednesday DISCHARGED ON TUESDAY POSITIVE CASES TREATMENT as part of the April Fool’s Day celebration. Total 1,63,129 1,62,471 658 150

KARNATAKA There are 15 main border Impact EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE LIFELINES points connecting @Kasaragod Kasaragod with Tamil Nadu Panthallur, 15 Thaloor, OF KERALA Kasaragod Gudalur and LLIYAS Thuminad runs a TN OPENS ESSENTIAL The major roads and checkposts connecting Three checkposts Tholpetty in tiles and granite shop in Wayanad cut Kerala with neighbouring states keep the state connecting Wayanad Manjeshwar. But since Kannur with Karnataka off from Kerala March 23, when Karnata- afloat, bringing in everything we need -- from because of blockade. They ka locked down the bor- SUPPLIES WINDOW; fuel to food. Express takes a look at the major cannot access 8Wayanad ders with Kasaragod, he border points and the impact their closure or Five checkposts hospitals in Kozhikode I is a busy man. His day connecting Sultan Bathery partial blockade can have on our districts Wayanad with starts at 6 am and works till late and K’TAKA LOCKS DOWN Malappuram Tamil Nadu Mananthavady into the night, often skipping Kasaragod Wayanad lunch and breakfast. Illiyas’s job Thuminad (Manjeshwar) is to smuggle out critically ill pa- Checkposts 8 main border points Kedhampadypadav (Paivalige) connecting Wayanad connecting Tamil Nadu tients from border areas of with Tamil Nadu 8 Palakkad Kasaragod to hospitals in Man- Sunkadhakatte Thrissur Impact galuru. On Tuesday, around 3 (Paivalige/ Vorkady) Thaloor Pattavayal As Palakkad is pm, when TNIE contacted him, Choladi  Kakkundi Kurudapadav (Meenja) the gateway TAMILNADU he had transported 22 patients to Ernakulam for essential Muligade (Paivalige) Nambiarkunnu Mangaluru. Idukki commodities A native of Thuminad, a bor- Beripadav (Meenja) Checkposts connecting supplied for Wayanad with Karnataka Kottayam the districts der village in Manjeshwar, Illi- Swarga (Enmakaje) from yas knows all the secret entry Muthanga Alappuzha Alappuzha to Pallathur (Delampady) Kozhikode, the points and so all politicians con- Tholpetty Pathanamthitta Galimukha closure of tact him. borders will Bavali Kollam The Manjeshwar police too Nattakkal (Checkpost) impact the look the other way when Illiyas people of these Chamakochi ferries a patient to the border in Kannur districts. his car. In his hectic schedule, he Saradka (Checkpost) Checkpost connecting Thiruvananthapuram had a moment of ecstasy around Kottiyadi (SH) district with Karnataka 1 pm. “I got a call. The woman Saradaka checkpoint in Enmakaje panchayat in Kasaragod district closed by Karnataka following the lockdown | EXPRESS Chemberi (Panathur) Makkoottam from Uttar Pradesh, I helped Palakkad cross the border gave birth to a Tholpetty from Kerala. With the Thalapady (NH checkpost) Impact Karnataka has Checkposts connecting blocked the road; district with Tamil Nadu boy in the hospital,” he said. blockade, residents do not have ‘M’luru hosps full, can’t take trucks with essential Earlier in the morning, Illiyas access to hospitals at Sultan Impact commodities such as  Walayar  Nadupunni tried to take two siblings aged Bathery and Mananthavady. Kasaragod does not have vegetables, fruits, foodgrains  Gopalapuram eight years and 11 years across In Palakkad, the governments in patients from Kasaragod’ are diverted to Kannur via tertiary health care Muthanga, a detour of 120km.  Meenakshipuram the border through the toll gate. of Kerala and Tamil Nadu @Kochi facilities, and depends on Centre flayed EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE Govindapuram, The siblings had come to formed a committee to ensure Mangaluru, which has 9 Manjeshwar with their uncle be- the smooth passage of essential Chief Minister THE Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed both medical colleges, and Idukki  Ozhalapathy fore the lockdown and were goods. In Thrissur, the border at Pinarayi Vijayan state governments to inform the court about the ar- several more speciality Four border points Tamil Nadu  Velanthavalam said that everyone hospitals. Mangaluru is also missing their parents on the oth- Valpparai is open only for essen- rangements that could be made for catering to the Kumily Cumbum Mettu,  Aanakatti in Attappadi at the Centre an education hub for people er side of the border. “When I tial goods. Thiruvanan- medical needs of patients in Kasaragod district based on this side of the border. Bodimettu Chinnar asked the police to let them cross thapuram shares two border promises their on the proximity of the hospitals in Karnataka. The Thrissur support for Those in hill panchayats Vehicular traffic blocked. over, one officer said the parents points with Tamil Nadu. The court will again consider the case on Wednesday. depend on Sullia and Impact Border point connecting resolving the Free movement of can go to Kerala if they want. bulk of the goods come through A division bench comprising Justice A K Puthur for hospital needs. consignments Thrissur with Tamil Nadu border issue and But no one from Kerala will be the Amaravila check-post. The Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Shaji P Chaly, Valpparai allowed in,” said Illiyas. second one is through the Poo- call back, but no while considering a petition filed by the Kerala High one has kept their The stringent blockade at var check-post. Court Advocates Association seeking a directive to Kerala Impact As of now there is the border at Thalapady, At present, there is re- word. “First, take measures to ensure that the blockades put up by EMPTY BOWL depends on no restriction on minister Kerala consumes way more than it the passage of essential which led to the denial of stricted movement of es- the Karnataka government on the roads, especially Andhra supplies. Sadananda produces. A look at the demand- tertiary health care, has sential commodities such the National Highways, cutting through the border production mismatch Pradesh for a claimed the lives of six per- as grains, vegetables, poul- Gowda promised between the two states are immediately removed. considerable Kollam sons till Tuesday. Karnataka try and milk. People in neigh- he will look into When the case came up for hearing, P K Navadgi, COMMODITY TOTAL DEMAND PRODUCTION DEFICIT part of its Aryankavu checkpost has dumped mud on 12 border bouring districts in Tamil Nadu the matter and Advocate-General of Karnataka, informed the court requirement will inform the Rice 35 lakh 5.95 lakh 29.64 lakh Essential goods for the roads, cutting off several wards come to Thiruvananthapuram that the hospitals in Mangaluru are overcrowded and for rice, on district and nearby and villages in Delampady, Vork- for tertiary medical care. In status. Then, cannot accommodate patients from Kasaragod. In Wheat 5.24 lakh 0 5.24 lakh Tamil Nadu districts enter state ady and Enmakaje panchayats Idukki, the tea plantations took Home Minister this situation, Karnataka may not be compelled to Pulses 4.29 lakh 3,300 4.26 lakh for through this point. As of of Kasaragod. a major hit as the lockdown has Amit Shah himself open the border roads from Kasaragod, he said. vegetables now there is no restriction called and made Edible Oil 2.96 lakh NA NA on the passage of In Kannur, 200 trucks trans- stopped the arrival of workers. To this, Ranjith Thampan, Additional Advocate- and essential supplies. porting vegetables from Karna- Thousands of workers come such a promise. General of Kerala, said both Kerala and Karnataka Vegetables 27.13 lakh 9.93 lakh 17.2 lakh Karnataka for taka were held up at Makkoot- from Tamil Nadu daily to work But no one has are member states of the Indian Union and are bound meat and Thiruvananthapuram given feedback. Fruits* 17.74 lakh 23.98 lakh 6.24 lakh tam for a day. They were in the plantations. by the directives issued under the National Disaster milk. People Amaravila checkpost redirected to Kerala via Muth- Tamil Nadu allows trucks car- Might be the Management Authority (NDMA) Act, which permit- Spices 2.28 lakh 1 lakh 1.82 lakh on the border Poovar checkpost anga in Wayanad. A driver said rying essentials goods to enter problem has not ted transportation of patients. All figures are in tonnes depend on yet been solved. I they had to drive 121 km more to Kerala through Kumily, Cum- He also pointed out that domicile requirement can- Karnataka Impact No curbs on am optimistic *Kerala produces fruits including banana, transport of reach Kannur. In Wayanad, Kar- bummettu, Bodimettu and Chin- not be a criterion to accord treatment in a hospital. mango, papaya, pineapple and jackfruit and Tamil nataka has blocked the eight nar. Vegetables from Cumbum, about their He also pointed out that Mangaluru is just 15km from Nadu for essential commodities. interventions,” he People of Tamil Nadu roads, cutting off people in Pan- Theni and Udumalpet come to Thalappady, which is convenient to patients in (Source: Niti Aayog) groceries. come to the district for thallur, Thaloor, Gudalur and Kerala from these points. said. Kasaragod. tertiary health care

THE PHANTOM Test your number crunching CROSS WORD skill with our unique puzzle PETER VIDAL SU KU 01 st April : I’m watching Jupiter as it sweeps through the sky. DO We’re in a volatile period in international affairs, so I’m hoping that our leaders get a bit of common sense and sit down and talk, sorting out their problems instead of squaring up for a fight. If peace prevails, then the world will definitely be a better place.

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr. 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Among the many helpful Sometimes, you do planetary aspects today are one thing and the universe two which are strongly does another. As fast as HI AND LOIS suggestive of welcome financial rewards you try and keep things as you want as a result of a change of direction or them, others will undo your moderately unusual achievement at handiwork. A helpful perspective work. In other words, a well-deserved on the mid-week’s mixture of good increase in income! and bad humour, is that everyone will TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) get what they want at least some of the time! Today’s celestial schedule is crammed with planetary SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) alignments that are bound It’s partly because some EASY Solutions to Yesterday’s puzzle to keep the emotional situation moving stunning planetary aspects along at a cracking pace. You may now relate to financial ■ Fill in the grid expect, indeed welcome, changes in matters that you should take such care. with digits in such mood. Also don’t hide from feelings you It’s exactly at times like these that BEETLE BAILEY cannot face. Meet them head-on and carelessness with resources and a manner that every they might just disappear. personal possessions can be expensive. row, every column GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) After all, there’s no such thing and every 3X3 box as a free lunch. Not until after another few accommodates the days have passed will you be SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 22) digits 1 to 9, without entirely clear about what Try to remember that with repeating any. should, or must, be done. If you wish, Mars now exerting its you may prevaricate until next week, powerful presence, you may ■ Each sudoku has a unique solution that can be hopeful that other people will share the be exhibiting an irrepressible urge to reached logically without guessing. prevailing sense of indecision and become number one. There are indeed uncertainty. amazing chances of success, but, if at ACROSS DOWN CANCER (June 22 - July 23) any time it seems that the tide is going against you, don’t force the pace. Concentrate on BLONDIE 1 Slow shy essayist gets a plant (7) 1 Many items entered by CAPRICORN (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) activities which can be jousting knights (5) accomplished in harmony For all your confidence, self- 5 Joined in a Chinese with other people, and realise that it determination and fighting wedding ceremony (5) 2 Distinctions that may be may not be wise to fight crusades at spirit, it is clear that you 8 Advantageously placed for a standardised (6,7) work. The moment you start speaking cannot fight battles on your own behalf. 3 Doesn’t hurry from Estoril (7) your mind, it may become clear There is an almost compulsory idealism glamour photograph? (7,6) 4 High spirits? (6) that you have forgotten what around at the moment which means 9 Loves an anagram to work out (5) you were talking about! that you have no choice but to put 5 Shoot for almost the whole season (5) 10 A number possibly ignore LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23) others first. 6 Dual purpose stores for lifeboats?(5,8) a form of restraint (3,4) In spite of a wave of AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) 7 Deny one is about to become 11 A division of the church (6) optimism, which is inclined You’ll find opportunities in a senior member (7) to appear without warning the midst of adversity. The 12 More’s ideal land in which to live (6) and sweep all before it, this is a very principle group of planets LOCKHORNS DENNIS THE MENACE 11 Makes ends meet sailor fashion? (7) dodgy moment to take risks. Your now affords you a marvellous 15 A mild epithet (7) 13 About fifty odd pieces cause light planets are casual and reckless, which opportunity to have your cake and eat it, 17 Wants to sound negligent (5) means that you must therefore take probably several times over! Just make interference (7) very great pains to make sure that sure that everyone else is too 19 Surprised having forty winks (6,7) 14 Attacks one in the streets (6) everything works out as planned. preoccupied with their own little 20 Raw material of sails? (5) 16 In time the lady reveals her name (5) affairs to notice. VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23) 21 Apparently boards another’s child (7) 18 Legend has point for French writer (5) Powerful, challenging PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar 20) circumstances are urging An intriguing but challenging you to become very much relationship between Jupiter, YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS more outspoken, outgoing and your planetary ruler, and self-confident. Proceed with optimism, Mars, is one to celebrate. While it can be Across: 1 Orate, 8 Category, 9 Viola, 10 Skeleton, 11 Edits, 12 Arc, 16 Goblin, 17 Adrian, 18 Tat, but at the first hint of complacency good to let off steam, you need to do so 23 Osaka, 24 Alliance, 25 Envoy, 26 Platypus, 27 Order. or carelessness, everything will in a manner which is not going to cause unravel. That’s why you’ve got to accidents or regrets. Your diplomatic Yesterday’s Down: 2 Raindrop, 3 Tall tale, 4 Backer, 5 Realm, 6 Route, 7 Hyena, 12 Ant, 13 Cat, 14 Prisoner, keep awake and stay alert. skills are in demand! 15 Banknote, 19 Accrue, 20 Harpo, 21 Allay, 22 Satyr. Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala Kerala govt’s decision to allow drunkards to avail liquor on doctors prescription defies common sense. Liquor is no mean TWEET a medicine.T his decision will have far-reaching implications OF THE DAY on the society. It also demean the position of doctors.

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 03 01l04l2020 newindianexpress com 284 hospitals identified for takeover in dist Temporary release of Lakshmi Hospital, defunct Al Shifa at Edappally among hospitals to be taken over if necessary, says minister 122 inmates in district’s ANILKUMAR T @Kochi “At present, we have 300 ven- is planning to identify nearly ity chart and also avoid any tilators ready to meet any cri- 10,000 beds in the district with last-minute rush to find a ven- THE district administration, sis. Since ventilators are the adequate numbers of ICUs and tilator,” Sunil Kumar said. prisons recommended Just because we are taking the steps, which took over the defunct most important equipment ventilators. He said some colleges and it does not mean the number of PVS Memorial Hospital at Ka- needed for treating Covid-posi- “We have set up a war room schools have been identified for TOBY ANTONY @Kochi patients will increase. We are just loor to convert it into a quaran- tive patients, we are taking at the collectorate to coor- preparing to deal with any situation setting up Covid care centres tine centre for suspected Cov- every effort to procure dinate the availability of and they will be added to the JAILS in the district have rec- V S Sunil Kumar, Agriculture Minister id-19 patients, has shortlisted the maximum number ICU beds and ventila- database. “Just because we are ommended the names of 122 284 more hospitals in the dis- of units,” said Agricul- tors and are in constant taking the steps, it does not prisoners to the Kerala Pris- trict for the purpose. ture Minister V S Sunil touch with all the iden- mean the number of patients ons and Correctional Services PVS READY Major hospitals like Laksh- Kumar, who is oversee- tified hospitals through will increase significantly. We Department for temporary Minister Sunil Kumar said PVS mi Hospital, Apollo Hospitals ing the initiatives to con- there. Information about are just preparing to deal with release owing to the Covid-19 Hospital was ready to house at Angamaly and the closed- tain the Covid-19 outbreak any vacancy of beds or any situation. In this direction, outbreak. However, the de- suspected Covid-19 patients. “All down Al Shifa Hospital at Edap- in the district. He said beds in ventilators will be uploaded on we have started carrying out partment has decided against WHERE ARE THEY RIGHT NOW? repairing works, including that of pally, besides other govern- 284 hospitals have been the online platform. This will swab tests of patients admitted releasing prisoners involved The 122 prisoners whose names electricity and water, besides ment hospitals, will be taken arranged. help in admitting patients by in private hospitals with fever in more than one cases. have been sent to the Kerala cleaning, are over,” he said. over if need arises. The district administration simply looking at the availabil- and other diseases,” he said. As per the details from the Prisons and Correctional department, the jails pre- Services Department include 46 pared lists comprising re- inmates of Muvattupuzha mand and undertrial prison- Special Sub Jail, 40 of District ers and forwarded the same to Jail at Kakkanad, 14 of Street vendors’ union the department headquarters Mattanchery Sub Jail, 10 of for final scrutiny. The 122 Ernakulam Sub Jail and 12 of prisoners include 46 lodged in Aluva Sub Jail. wants welfare scheme Muvattupuzha Special Sub Jail, 40 in District Jail at Kak- lodged in Ernakulam Sub Jail kanad, 14 in Mattanchery Sub were cleared on Tuesday for Jail, 10 in Ernakulam Sub release. They will be released rolled out immediately Jail and 12 in Aluva Sub Jail. after police stations in their “The lists comprise jail in- native places are intimated on EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kochi Though a welfare scheme is mates facing charges that at- Wednesday. already announced, delay in tract less than seven years of The High Court had, on THE Covid-19 outbreak and its implementation is hitting imprisonment. Their release Monday, issued interim bail the subsequent lockdown beneficiaries hard,” said ED- is subject to the approval of to undertrial and remand have added to the troubles of VSU president K K Sivan. the headquarters,” said an of- prisoners facing punishment street vendors in the city. Al- The union members said ficial with the department. up to seven years or less in the ready struggling to sell their vendors had bore the brunt of The headquarters has de- wake of the Covid-19 out- goods due to the al- demonetisation, cided not to release prisoners break. Prisoners released on leged challenges GST and back-to- involved in multiple cases. interim bail are to report to from officials, the back floods and it “Prisoners from other the local police station imme- vendors are now was high time they states, habitual offenders and diately after reaching their facing difficulty in Several merchants received assistance those arraigned in multiple place of residence. came up with making both ends packages of essential from the cases are not to be released. A three-member committee meet. materials for the government. Clearance was given on Tues- comprising the chairman of Raising their families to sustain “When hundreds day to release some prisoners. the State Legal Services Au- plight, the Ernaku- themselves during of vendors and The scrutiny of other prison- thority, an additional chief lam District Street the 21-day lockdown. their families are ers will be completed on secretary with the Home De- Vendors Union We are also reaching on the verge of star- Wednesday and those getting partment and the director- (EDSVU) affiliated out to our members vation, the scheme clearance will be released by general of the Kerala Prisons to CITU has de- and helping over to provide them Wednesday evening or Thurs- and Correctional Services De- 10,000 street manded that the with financial assis- day morning,” said the offi- partment was formed to scru- vendors in the A SORRY SIGHT government imple- district tance will be a boon cial. One prisoner lodged in tinise the lists of to-be re- ment the already- for them. The gov- Migrant labourers trying to get their hands on the last bottle of water being distributed by a man at Kaloor on Tuesday | A SANESH Aluva Sub Jail and another leased prisoners. announced welfare K A Usman, secy, EDVSU ernment should un- scheme for the ven- derstand the emer- dors with immediate effect. gency and take necessary TUESDAY UPDATE “Be it cooking our own food action without much delay,” or paying monthly rent, ven- EDVSU secretary K A 25k events cancelled, thousands go jobless new under dors like us are struggling to Usman. cases treatment find money. As our sole source EDVSU is at the forefront to ARUN M @Kochi anchors, stage performers, vid- sector more than six months to lice personnel and health work- 0 14 of revenue has dried up, we help nearly 10,000 street ven- eographers, photographers, overcome the present crisis. ers to fight the pandemic. 6 admitted to isolation wards are left with no option. dorsin the district, he said. THERE were at least 25,000 sound and light technicians, “We have approached the state “We have provided kiosks to small and mega events sched- decoration workers, drivers, se- government seeking interest- let police officers deployed on 648 placed in AT A GLANCE uled to be held in the state in curity guards and others in al- free loans to the workers for the streets take rest. In Kollam, home quarantine March and April. Together, lied sectors. Several women 9-12 months once the situa- 15 kiosks have been set up. We District has over they were to lead to a turnover and students who made tion changes,” he said. have also provided our walkie- 10 results received (all -ve) 10,000 street vendors of `350 crore. money through part- “The coming year talkies to doctors and health 35 samples sent for testing Of them, 3,500 are Then came Covid-19 and the time jobs in the sectors will be crucial for us workers of ESI Medical College 272 calls received at Covid 19 migrants subsequent lockdown. have also been hit. and we request govern- Hospital in Kollam,” said Now, all the programmes “Over 75,000 people ment to announce tax Kishore G Das, a business pro- control room Sellers of fruits, have been cancelled and thou- involved in the sector deduction, relief pack- fessional in the sector. So far vegetables, fancy wear sands of daily workers em- are staring at a bleak fu- ages and other measures “Police are playing the most and footwear, besides ployed in the state’s event man- ture due to the lockdown,” said to save the industry once the important role in implement- 31 in isolation wards roadside eateries, are agement sector — which has an Anwar Pallikkal, president of lockdown is over,” Anwar said. ing the lockdown. Hence, we among those hit due to annual turnover of nearly Confederation of Event Enter- Meanwhile, people in the have launched a campaign 5,281 in home quarantine Covid-19 and lockdown `1,200 crore — have been ren- tainment Management Kerala event management field have “moral citizens, big salute”, to 75 results of samples awaited dered jobless. The list includes (CEEM). He said it will take the extended a helping hand to po- support them,” Anwar said. EXPRESS READ Two-women army on a mission to feed stray dogs Over 32k food packets 138 held for flouting lockdown norms FOR A PRICE distributed in district Kochi: Continuing the crackdown on people venturing out of their ANU KURUVILLA @Kochi homes without any valid reasons during the lockdown, the city This love for animals has cost Kochi: In the times of Covid-19, police on Tuesday arrested 70 persons for flouting the guidelines. WHILE the authorities are Sachitra dear on many occasions. community kitchens in the The police also registered 69 cases and seized 37 vehicles. busy meeting the food-related “Since my job involves moving district are cementing the Meanwhile, the rural police registered 87 cases and arrested 68 needs of the homeless and mi- around a lot, I don’t have a message that the onus of caring persons for the offence. As many as 41 vehicles were seized. grant labourers, there is a permanent residence. I also had for those in need lies on fellow group that is roaming around to change my residence several humans. Official sources said the city searching for some- times after the neighbours the kitchens set up by local self- Police supply groceries to migrant workers thing to eat. complained,” said Sachitra. government (LSG) institutions With hotels and restaurants Kochi: IG (Kochi range) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar on Tuesday visited in the district distributed 32,714 downing shutters due to the and rehabilitation of animals, the camp at Nettoor where 392 migrant workers are staying and food packets to the needy on lockdown, stray dogs who de- we are always on the lookout distributed groceries. The officers said rice and 16 other essential Tuesday. “Around 125 pended on the establishments for strays and know where to items were distributed at the camp. The items will be distributed community kitchens are for food were left to starve. Re- find them. Every animal lover till April 14, the last day of the 21-day lockdown. The city police, functioning in the district under alising their plight, animal lov- does this,” said Sachitra. She with the help of various organisations, are also distributing food 96 LSGs. Of these, 99 are being ers Sachitra Munjuwani and said they give the canines to the destitute and other persons stranded on the streets. run by the Kudumbashree. Bhaveena Dharmesh took up cooked and uncooked food. While around 18 are being run responsibility of feeding them. Dyan Foundation and Ani- Sachitra Munjuwani and Bhaveena Dharmesh feeding stray dogs in the city | A SANESH by the LSGs directly, eight are OBITUARY “We have been feeding the mal Rescue Rehabilitation and being operated by other strays for the past one week,” joined by District Collector S at the jetty,” said Sachitra. She Overall Wellness help the duo organisations,” said the Bhupen P Patel said Sachitra, a distributor of Suhas at the Boat Jetty. “There said more groups of strays can in its endeavour. “They help us officials. Various organisations beauty products and a sales are 16 strays in the Boat Jetty be found near the Jawaharlal find resources to feed the dogs,” have identified around 29,870 Kochi: Bhupen P Patel, 65, died on Sunday. He is manager. Neither Sachitra nor area. Of these, three can be Nehru International Stadium said Sachitra, a Thiruvanan- beneficiaries for the project, of survived by wife Meena B Patel, son Jaldeep B Bhaveena work for any found at the bus stand, while at Kaloor, the Pullepady bridge thapuram native. Bhaveena is which, 9,786 are migrant Patel, brothers Arvind P Patel and Bipin P Patel organisation. the rest, comprising four adults among other areas. from Gujarat and is settled in labourers. and sister Deena R Patel. The funeral was held. On Tuesday, the duo was and nine puppies, can be seen “Since we are into the rescue Kochi. Home-alone septuagenarian VC: Cusat on track to achieve int’l status falls unconscious at home, dies EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Kochi ject,” said the VC, adding no noti- said the efforts of everyone at Cu- fication on how to spend the mon- sat helped the varsity bag the EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Kochi where he was declared COCHIN University of Science ey has been received so far. award. He said as part of its am- brought dead. The body has and Technology (Cusat) has The `5 crore Cusat received the bition to be counted among the A 75-year-old man who lived been kept at Ernakulam Gen- bagged the Chancellor’s Award first time, helped it to build a best international universities, alone in his house at Vadu- eral Hospital mortuary for for the second time. The varsity women’s hostel and set up a Cusat’s Department of Interna- thala here died on Tuesday postmortem examination,” first received the award – which Chancellor’s Chair, which saw ex- tional Relations has been empow- after fainting in his home. said an officer. carries a purse of `5 crore, a cita- perts, researchers and eminent ered with the appointment of a The deceased is Lawrence Though the police after car- tion and a trophy – for the 2016- personalities from across the special director. Mordan. Police officers said rying out the preliminary in- 2017 academic year. world give lectures and talks at “The varsity has signed MoUs his relatives are working vestigation, ruled out any “This year, there are some con- the varsity, said Madhusoodan- with 37 universities across the abroad and his wife had died mystery behind his death, the ditions on spending the prize an. Various other works were globe. Around 20 of our students earlier. officers said a clear picture money,” said Cusat Vice-Chancel- also carried out, he said. completed internships in foreign “He vomited after consum- will emerge after the getting lor K N Madhusoodanan. “Every For this year’s award, Cusat universities, while foreign stu- ing food on Monday night. the results of the postmortem university had to submit a pro- submitted a project proposal for dents are coming here for intern- Around 8pm, the neighbours examination. A case of un- ject proposal this year. We believe the installation of Femtosecond ships. All this will go a long way found him unconscious and natural death has been the prize money is intended for Laser, which will help research- in taking the university to the rushed him to the hospital, registered. the implementation of the pro- ers, he said. Madhusoodanan international level,” he said. AMID COVID SCARE, BODY FROM GULF TO ARRIVE AT KOCHI AIRPORT TODAY Kochi: Amid Covid-19 concerns, body of a Tiruchirapally native, who died in the Middle East, will arrive at the Cochin International Airport on Wednesday. Airport officials clarified that the person died of a cardiac arrest, as per the documents. KOCHI WEDNESDAY 04 01l04l2020 However, due to the concerns over the pandemic, the body will be treated with all precautions, similar to a Covid-19 death, sources said. They said information UNDER ADMITTED TO ADMITTED TO regarding the arrival has been given to the local OBSERVATION ISOLATION WARDS HOSPITALS bodies and the health department. This is the first body coming to Kerala after Covid-19 was declared a IN STATE IN HOSPITALS ON TUESDAY 1,63,129 1,62,471 658 150 pandemic. PEOPLE IN HOME QUARANTINE State’s second Covid victim buried as per WHO protocol Abdul Azeez of Pothencode had been on ventilator support for 5 days after suffering heart attack and stroke; compiling list of his primary contacts a difficult task

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE quarantined at their respective @T’Puram homes. The patient, a retired police CB to track down people who came 4 panchayats completely SIXTY-eight-year-old Abdul officer, had been on ventilator Azeez of Pothencode who test- support for five days after he ed positive for Covid-19 on Sun- suffered a heart attack and under home quarantine day died in the Government stroke while at the MCH. Both into contact with Pothencode native Medical College Hospital here his kidneys failed following EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T’Puram probe has been ordered. The EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T’Puram down for disinfection as the de- late in the night on Monday. which he was given dialysis. probe, the police sources said, GOOGLE’S HELP ceased had visited the centre Confirmation about the second The patient also had long-term A Crime Branch probe has will initially focus on finding TO PREPARE WITH all primary contacts of twice with symptoms. Now, Covid-19 death in the state thyroid issues. The patient had been ordered to track down the places he had visited oth- FLOW CHART Pothencode native Abdul with the panic setting in be- came on Tuesday no travel history. All of his the people who had interacted er than what have been con- Top police sources said Azeez, 68, the second Covid-19 cause of the death, people are morning. primary contacts have with Pothencodu native Ab- firmed so far. Google has been helping patient to die in the state, not flocking to the next nearest His funeral was held not been identified dul Azeez who died due to Once the places have been the officials of the Health being established yet, the pos- health centre at by the health depart- yet, causing doubts Covid-19 infection on identified, the next step will Department and National sibility of community spread Mangalapuram. ment and district ad- of the community Tuesday. be to locate the people, who Informatics Centre to a bigger level cannot “We had a large ministration follow- spread to linger. He The decision was taken were present in the vicin- to prepare the be unruled. number of patients on ing all protocols set hadd tested negative after it was assessed that ity of the person. The po- flow chart by Taking this into con- Tuesday. There are by WHO at the Kal- in the first test. he had interacted with a lice sources said a time- providing the sideration, the district two doctors at the hos- loor Juma Masjid The route map of the lot of people, but their line will be sought from administration on We have formed pital who work on al- time-line of the local teams and burial ground. The patient’s wife, patient was pub- identities were not clear. Google to find out the plac- infected persons. Tuesday enforced the made arrangements ternate days. Most of The body was three daughters and lished late on Mon- The authorities has also ap- es he had travelled. However, However, this service is complete home quaran- to make public the people now arriv- wrapped in a triple- two sons-in-law were day with the infor- pealed to the public to turn up the police said they cannot restricted to the Covid-19- tine for people in Poth- announcements to ing here are from the layer body bag and admitted in the mation gathered before the health department expect much result by locat- infected only due to encode panchayat for ensure Vavarambalam region was buried in a isolation ward of the from his immediate officials in case they had ing the mobile phone tower privacy issues and it three weeks while the implementation of which is barely 5km 10-foot-deep pit with Government MCH relatives. come across the person, but location of the deceased man cannot be sought in case nearby panchayats of complete home away. They are all quarantine five health workers earlier, but sent home The patient who had the response has been poor. as it won’t throw up any de- of primary and secondary Manikkal, Man- coming with fever or in attendance in full to remain in cold and mild fever Police sources said it is be- tails of those who had been in contacts. galapuram and Vem- — Sujatha S, Manikkal cold, worried that personal protection quarantine late on first visited the cause of this, a Crime Branch close contact with him. bayam, and the Ariyot- panchayat president they have contracted gear. No one other Tuesday as they did Thonnakkal Prima- tukonam-Melemukku the virus. The death than the health not have any ry Health Centre region of the city corporation has left everyone spooked and workers were al- symptoms of the twice and was re- will see a complete quarantine is in turn creating more health lowed on the prem- infection. ferred to the Govern- ‘Incident does provide some leads’ for two weeks. A call centre will risks. We have all precaution- ises of the burial ment MCH after he also be opened for people in ary measures in place, except ground. developed symptoms CONTINUED FROM P1 trol methods,” said a senior determine the disease early these regions. that we are running short of The patient’s wife, three of Covid-19. officer. and contain it within a specific “We have the situation under masks,” said a medical staffer daughters and two sons-in-law However, his family chose to DILEEP V KUMAR @ T’Puram A member of the rapid re- geographic area by breaking control. What gives us hope is of Mangalapuram Primary were admitted in the isolation take him to Gokulam Medical sponse team said: “The health the chain of transmission and the fact that all 185 people who Health Centre. ward of the Government MCH College Hospital here on March “THE possibility of silent car- department is not in the dark. thus preventing its spread to were initially put under quar- In Manikkal panchayat, even earlier, but sent home to re- 23 from where he was referred riers can’t be ruled out. At the It has specific plans for dealing new areas. antine in the panchayat don’t the few scattered people who main in quarantine late on to the Government MCH the same time, without any conclu- with worst-case scenarios like For the same, geographic have any serious symptoms. are usually found on the streets Tuesday as they did not have same day. The employees of sive details, it can’t be said that community transmission. quarantine, social distancing We are now preparing for the everyday despite the lockdown any symptoms of the Thonnakkal Primary Health community transmission has First, we need to find out if measures, enhanced active complete quarantine,” said could not be seen on Tuesday. infection. Centre were taken to the Gov- happened in the state. The there is a spike in influenza or surveillance, testing all sus- Pothencode panchayat presi- “We have received no order as The samples of his wife, one ernment MCH, while five staff Pothencode case does provide acute respiratory illness cases pected cases, isolation of cases, dent Venugopalan Nair. The of now about the complete daughter and her two children members of Gokulam Medical some leads, but let’s wait for in Pothencode grama panchay- home quarantine of contacts people here were largely de- home quarantine. As soon as tested negative. College Hospital are in isola- the final report. at. If there is an increase, then and social mobilisation to fol- pendent on the Thonnakkal we get the mail, we will deploy The daughter is a conductor tion at that hospital itself and The department is consider- the cluster containment strat- low preventive public health Primary Health Centre for our teams which are all on with KSRTC. His other imme- a few other employees have ing it as a special case. We’ll egy will have to be rolled out.” measures will have to be their medical needs but that standby,” said Manikkal pan- diate relatives have also been been home-quarantined. tweak our prevention and con- As per that, the priority is to implemented. has not been completely shut- chayat president Sujatha S. Tipplers tap excise offices Rlys to convert 40 coaches across state for daily fix into isolation EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE them with liquor. It may take @T’Puram/Kochi BLACK DAY some time before the matter is wards in state Kerala Government Medical resolved,” he said. A DAY after the government Officers Association Commenting on the high re- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Kochi issued an order allowing the (KGMOA) on Tuesday said it jection, an Excise officer said Excise to provide liquor to will observe a statewide most of the prescriptions did THE two Railway divisions in those showing severe with- black day on Wednesday not have the seal of the doc- the state - Thiruvanan- drawal symptoms with the against the government’s tors and were fake. “Some thapuram and Palakkad - will doctor’s prescription, the de- order. In a statement, KGMOA brought prescriptions from re- be turning 20 coaches each into partment received 42 applica- office-bearer Vijaykrishna tired and private doctors. This isolation wards. The decision tions on Tuesday. said the decision will affect is why the department decided comes in the backdrop of the The department has formu- the doctors’ morale and the to issue fresh guidelines for Indian Railways’ preparation lated fresh norms for supply- government should withdraw liquor supply,” an officer said. to modify 20,000 coaches into ing liquor to the needy. As per the order. “There are Sources said that most ap- isolation facilities to augment the new proposal, Excise will numerous scientific methods plicants demanded rum and the quarantine infrastructure hand over the prescriptions to to treat people with brandy. being created in the country. the respective BEVCO outlets withdrawal symptoms and Fresh guidelines stated that FIGHTING THE VIRUS Since there are no manufac- which in turn will deliver that is the medical protocol. the brand of liquor, quantity Fire and Rescue Services personnel spraying disinfectant on Kammath Road in Kozhikode as turing units in Kerala, the con- three litres of liquor every version of the coaches into iso- Giving liquor for withdrawal and the price will be decided a precaution against the spread of Covid-19 | MANU R MAVELIL week to the homes of those symptoms is not ideal,” he according to availability in the lation wards will be carried out showing withdrawal symp- said. warehouse. The department at the maintenance toms. However, briefing the will issue a pass, which ap- sheds, Railways media Chief Minister proved applicants can ap- sources said. Pinarayi Vijayan said the gov- proach Bevco outlets. After INCONVENIENCE INEVITABLE, “In the Thiru- ernment has not taken a final the week’s quota is over, they vananthapuram decision on the issue. can approach the excise offic- division, the On Tuesday, 42 people ap- es again for a fresh pass. SAY THE PEOPLE OF KARIKE maintenance proached various excise range “We have not issued any or- sheds in Nagercoil, offices across the state with der. But we have formulated CONTINUED FROM P1 to Karike on the Karnataka cut which required 42 stitches. Thiruvananthapuram Central doctors’ prescriptions de- some norms. But it will be im- side is Bhagamandala. “He went to a hospital in Sul- and Ernakulam are being con- manding liquor. Of these, 14 plemented based on the final GEORGE POIKAYIL @ Kasaragod “To reach Bhagamandala, lia after travelling 100km. If sidered. Coaches have been applications were found to be decision by the government,” we have to travel 15km through the Panathur route was open, identified and work will begin valid while others were a senior excise officer said. TILL now, the people have not the reserve forest, and half of it would have been onlya 23- soon,” said an official. rejected. Commissioner, Ernakulam, After reports emerged that a run into any medical emer- the road is not in good shape km journey,” said Ramanatha In the Palakkad division, the In Ernakulam district, eight said no decision has been tak- few people committed suicide gency, said N G Gangadhara. either,” said the panchayat Gowda, a panchayat member. work will be carried out at the persons in the 35-70 age group en on providing liquor to peo- due to the non-availability of “For medicines, we have a president. “We go there only Though we are facing a lot Mangaluru station. “We hope approached the Excise range ple approaching with medical alcohol following the nation- pharmacist in Panathur. His for official purposes as the vil- of inconvenience, it is neces- to begin work in a day or two offices in Ernakulam, Aluva, prescriptions. “We are yet to wide lockdown, the state gov- name is Narayanan Nair. A lage and taluk officers are sary to keep out the coronavi- and get two to three coaches Angamaly and Varapuzha. receive any directive in this ernment on Monday issued good man. He is giving us med- there,” he said. rus, he said. ready in a week,” the official This is the largest number of regard. More clarity is re- the order to provide liquor to icine on credit. We will pay On Tuesday, Naveen B B,38, “The inconvenience is inevi- said.“The unavailability of cer- applications received in a day. quired on whether the Excise the needy in a restricted him once the lockdown is lift- an arecanut plucker had to go table. Somehow, we will man- tain components needed for the A S Ranjith, Excise Deputy Department has to provide manner. ed,” he said. The nearest town to hospital. He suffered a deep age,” he said. wards is causing the delay. The lockdown has made it difficult ENGAGEMENT@SKYPE to buy materials. However, things are being worked out.” According to the official, 20,000 coaches are being modi- This couple went the virtual way to get engaged during lockdown fied across the five zones in the country and can accommodate NEETHU SETHUMADHAVAN their plans. Taking into ac- ed the families from postpon- the idea with my father and the families from their homes for- tion. Had they attended the up to 3.2 lakh possible beds for @ Kochi count the stringent restric- ing the ceremony. It was then groom’s relatives to which mally vouched for their rela- event and if something bad isolation needs. tions on social gatherings, both Reshma, a 24-year-old psychol- they agreed without any reser- tionship. “As a medical profes- happens, it would be really un- “Each coach is expected to AS they say, true love endures families decided to make it a ogist, struck upon the concept vation,” Reshma told TNIE. sional, I advise my clients to be fortunate,” said Reshma’s fa- accommodate 16 beds for isola- despite all hardships. This low-key affair. of ‘virtual engagement’. “The function started as socially responsible. Instead of ther Pradeep K, who has been tion. Only non-AC ICF sleeper proved true in the case of Resh- However, the 21-day lock- “We get connected with peo- planned, at 10am. We sat in postponing things, people can in the frontline of the fight coaches are being planned to be ma Pradeep and K Madhu- down by the government upset ple during the lockdown front of the laptop by main- use social media to make life against the pandemic. utilized for conversion into iso- soodanan during the time of their plans. Madhu, a 31-year- through video calls. So why taining social distance among meaningful during a crisis,” “We were looking forward to lation coaches. One Indian lockdown. Their betrothal cer- old album designer from Pat- not conduct the function ourselves. There were three the cheerful bride-to-be said. the engagement as this is the style toilet will be converted emony was set to be held on tambi, and his family did not through Skype? Rela- persons from the groom’s Madhu was all smiles as he first marriage in our family,” into a bathroom and equipped Tuesday at Reshma’s house in get permission from the police tives from far and near side and 10 from our side,” gave thumbs-up to Reshma’s said Reshma’s mother Girija with a bucket, mug and a soap Changaramkulam, Malap- to travel more than 25 km to can also view it. I shared she said. The respective idea for a virtual engagement Devi, who now keeps her fin- dispenser each. Taps with lift- puram, for which 300 guests reach Changaramkulam for instead of incurring the wrath gers crossed to celebrate her type handles will be provided were expected. However, Cov- the function. On the other side, Instead of postponing things, people can utilise social media of the police. “Around 300 peo- daughter’s wedding the date of in washbasins,” the official id-19 poured cold water on conservative thoughts prevent- to make life meaningful during a crisis — Reshma ple were invited for the func- which will be finalised later. said. Kerala Tourism @KeralaTourism The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Kerala Tourism worked together for the successful TWEET repatriation of 232 German and E. U nationals in Kerala. OF THE DAY Today, all the tourists were able to return to Frankfurt.

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 05 01l04l2020 newindianexpress com Kerala govt gets busy tracking Nizamuddin returnees At least 54 from state attended the congregation; A Pathanamthitta native who was part of the group 50 of 57 cases reported in TN connected to the a majority returned in the second week of March died in Delhi; reportedly due to cardiac ailments religious event; southern states heighten vigil

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T’Puram March 11, and they exhibited no symptoms. “We were at Niza- THE state government has muddin from March 8 to 10. No Andhra govt on edge over started identifying the Malaya- Covid-19 fear had affected North lis who attended the recent Tab- India then. When we returned, Delhi link to surging cases lighi Jamaat (TJ) congregation Kerala had rolled out early at Nizamuddin. As many as 54 preparations,” he said. Vijayawada: With the Tablighi Jamaat meet in New Delhi leading people from the state attended According to the Kozhikode to a massive spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in Andhra the meet, a majority of whom district administration, three Pradesh, the state government has appealed to the attendees returned in the second week of from Kozhikode — who stayed and their relatives to voluntarily come forward and get tested for March. Most of those who re- at the Banglewali Masjid be- the infection. As many as 18 of the 21 people in AP who tested turned are under home quaran- tween March 18 and 20 — were positive on Tuesday were either attendees of the religious tine in various districts. home-quarantined. Sources gathering, or a close contact of one. The meeting was held in One of the Malayalis — Dr said they reached Kozhikode by Hazrat Nizamuddin on March 15 and 16. Chief Minister Y S Jagan Salim from Vettipuram in train. Nine from Palakkad at- Mohan Reddy, who was apprised of the situation in a review Pathanamthitta —- died in Ni- tended the congregation. The meeting, said, “There is no stigma in getting tested or treated. It zamuddin last Tuesday, report- District Special Branch said all will only improve their health.” He further directed the police and edly due to cardiac ailments. He of them stayed back in New Del- health departments to trace all the attendees and their was buried at the Nizamuddin hi. However, Palakkad DMO K P contacts. While the state government has set up a hotline — 104 Markas. Another 20, part Rita said one or two persons — for notifying the details of returnees, various district of an earlier delegation, have returned. administrations have also set up phone numbers for the purpose. are stuck at the mosque. The Kottayam admin- Though the exact number of attendees is yet to be ascertained, A TJ member from istration is yet to spot sources said it could be around 700. the state, Muthu Kott- anyone who returned to akkal told TNIE that the district after the among those stuck at the event. As per DMO Jacob A police team led by DySP P Sajeevan organises a musical event in front of an apartment complex, in an effort to reduce the mosque, eight are from Varghese, 12 persons came stress endured by residents due to the lockdown, in Pathanamthitta on Tuesday | SHAJI VETTIPURAM 74 Tablighi attendees from Palakkad, five from Malap- to the district on March 10 after puram, four from Kollam, two visiting Nizamuddin. They are Telangana show symptoms from Thiruvananthapuram and under home quarantine. No one one each from Ernakulam and has developed any Covid-19 Hyderabad: After five deaths due to Covid-19 in a single day on Pathanamthitta. “Two from symptom. Alappuzha District Tamil Nadu records 57 cases in single day Monday of those who attended a religious congregation in Delhi, Kollam, who are above 60, have Collector M Anjana said around EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE The remaining — around She appealed to those who the Telangana government officials went on a hunt for others been shifted to a hospital in 25 persons — including eight @Chennai 300 people — would be tracked attended the event to come for- who attended the convention in mid-March, even as the samples New Delhi. They are healthy, who went to Nizamuddin and down in another day or two. A ward and report themselves, of 15 of those who took part in the prayers and who had already but were shifted due to their their primary contacts — are A whopping 57 persons tested total of 1,131 from the State ‘for the benefit of their own been quarantined tested positive on Tuesday. The spike in the age,” said Muthu, a business- under quarantine. positive for Covid-19 in Tamil could have attended the event, family, community and number of cases, all of them people who attended the Markaz, man based in New Delhi. They In Malappuram, four people Nadu on Tuesday, taking the estimates the government. others’. came as a chilling development as the total positive cases in the are among the group that went who attended the congregation tally from 67 to 124 in a single Identifying this group and cor- Beela Rajesh said the gov- state went up to 97. Of them, six have died and 14 have been preaching for 40 days in various have been identified. Six from day. Among those affected, 50 doning them off is crucial to ernment has been tracking discharged. The officials and the police fanned out to different parts of the country and later Idukki have attended the meet, are connected to the three-day fighting this virus in the State, these clusters through door-to- parts of the state identifying those who attended the gathered at the mosque. two of whom are at the District religious conference held at said the Chief Secretary. door surveys, analysis of im- congregation at Markaz in Nizamuddin in Delhi and ended up Of the 54 who took part in the Hospital in Thodupuzha. Two the Nizamuddin Mosque in “Some of them returned by migrants’ list, and through shifting 96 of them to quarantine centres. They included 74 from All India Mashuara, three are from Thrissur returned on Delhi earlier this month. train, some by domestic police intelligence informa- the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area. Authorities from Kozhikode. Among them, March 12 and are under home Chief Secretary K Shan- flights. Some others went from tion. The police department, have identified 1,030 people as having attended Markaz meet one is an assistant professor at quarantine. Two from Ernaku- mugam said the state govern- Delhi to other States and re- meanwhile, is trying to trace from the state. The patients who were picked up in Hyderabad a training college. He told TNIE lam also attended the congrega- ment had already traced and turned to Tamil Nadu by the address of the 300-odd peo- have been admitted to Gandhi and Chest Hospitals. they were unlikely to be infect- tion. But their current status is isolated 800 people who took road,” said Health Secretary ple by using their phone ed as they reached Kerala on unknown, officials said. part in the Delhi event. Beela Rajesh. numbers. DATA GEEKS Pinarayi announces special action plan for worst-hit Kasaragod EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE to the people who attended a Chief that Crime Branch will WHAT THE CM PROMISED @ T’Puram religious congregation in Del- conduct an inquiry to find the ‘INSTALL’ KERALA hi’s Nizamuddin and at Malay- persons with whom he had No scarcity of Data of migrant workers now staying in the THE state government is set to sia. The police have conducted come into contact. facemasks or state to be collected within 48 hours announce a special action plan a detailed investigation. The The CM also had a word of PPE for health for Kasaragod district, which district collectors were provid- caution towards the laxity of COVID TRACKER workers in the Migrant labourers’ welfare to be ensured by respective local bodies has become the hotspot in the ed with a list of the attendees some section of the public in RAJESH ABRAHAM @Kochi Tsukuba in Japan — contact- state state with the number of active from their respective districts. adhering to the direction of ed Ulahanan, a close friend The problems Vigilance to keep in cases rising to 108. Chief Min- It has also been directed to en- staying at home. According to KERALA releases Covid-19 and his senior at the Cochin being faced by check price rise of ister Pinarayi Vijayan told sure cautionary steps,” him, such people have to under- statistics every evening, per- University of Science and Malayali nurses 1,91,000 essential media persons on Tues- said the CM. Mentioning stand that sloppiness comes haps in a manner better than Technology (Cusat). Nishad in Mumbai, Delhi saplings for farming at commodities day that panchayat-lev- the second death in the with a price and it has to be any other state. For a layman, floated the idea of a Covid home gardens el data will be pre- state from Pothencode, borne by the whole society. and other places Online counselling however, an easy-to-digest tracker site similar to Japan’s to be brought to pared. Details of the CM said it is not an “Self-restraint is the key. Covid-19 tracker website was Covid tracker covid19japan. Three lakh seedlings to be launched for persons who have incident of community Everyone should understand the notice of the those in home unavailable for a live update com. Prime Minister packets have been symptoms like fever transmission and an in- the gravity of the issue and act on the pandemic in the state. Soon, other experts in data readied quarantine and cough and those who quiry is on to find from accordingly. Neither the health Now, a group of Malayali modelling — Jeevan U of Cu- Covid-19 hoaxes came into contact with them where he contracted the virus. and police departments nor the The council of Agriculture technology volunteers from sat, Nikhil Narayanan of on April Fool’s will be included in it. Considering the contacts he government itself could pro- ministers of the state Department to across the globe have joined Cognizant, Musafir, Dr A V Day will be At the same time, the state had before getting admitted to tect all. People should protect has started to develop seedlings hands to establish a Kerala Pradeep, Sreehari, Jaleel K, considered on Tuesday reported seven new a hospital, there were various themselves. For that they have contribute their one and saplings for Covid tracker website. It goes Saneesh Chengamanad, serious and strict cases of Covid-19, taking the to- possibilities and each is being to remain alert and should re- month’s salary farming in houses a step further to give an effec- Prem Prabhakar, Sooraj P action to be tal number of people under examined, said the CM. How- main transparent by passing towards the CMDRF during the tive visual repre- Suresh and Sree- ensured lockdown period treatment to 215. “A new prob- ever, he said he was unaware of necessary information to the sentation of the kanth C — joined lem that has emerged is related the direction of the State Police concerned,” said Vijayan. outbreak. The site STAYING ON in from their re- covid19kerala.info TRACK spective locations — developed by Visit covid19kerala. to set up the Kera- data geeks led by info to get live la Covid tracker. Dr Jijo P Ula- updates on: The site has now hanan, HoD (phys- emerged as the ics), Government Coronavirus most reliable College, Kasara- statistics across source for Covid god — brings out a the state updates from the live update on the District-wise state. Ulahanan coronavirus break-up said, though the across Kerala. It Kerala Govern- provides all de- Outbreak ment was giving tails, including the spread trend daily updates, district-wise which are good, New cases by day break-up, the out- some information break spread Confirmed case is still missing. trend, new cases trajectories “We don’t get the by day and con- by district gender profile or firmed case trajec- the age profile of tories by district, the Covid patients, in a visually ap- which will not Foreign nationals at the Trivandrum International Airport on Tuesday | EXPRESS pealing manner. help in our predic- “We began this Our focus is on Kerala tions,” he said. purely for an aca- and the rise of this Do the tech vol- demic purpose pandemic in the state. unteers plan to in- 232 foreign nationals sent though the idea But so far, the data clude other states? was also to provide size is not sufficient Can the site pre- the public with for predictive dict the rise or fall modelling back to EU from state easy to track sin- in the numbers of gle-point source Nikhil Narayanan Covid patients? EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T’Puram tourism department arranged facili- for all Covid cases of Cognizant “Our focus is on ties for all nationals from other EU in Kerala,” Ula- Kerala and the rise AS many as 232 nationals from Eu- countries also to leave the country. hanan told TNIE. of this pandemic ropean Union countries stuck in the The medical tests of all foreign During the 2018 flood, many in the state,” Nikhil Naray- state in the wake of the lockdown nationals were conducted. All of online communities joined anan said. “Some of us are were airlifted to their home coun- them, including those who had no hands to provide technologi- experts at data modelling and tries. The foreign nationals, a major- symptoms of Covid-19, were placed cal support including infor- we plan to include trend-pre- ity of them Germans, were airlifted under the mandatory 14-day quaran- mation to help track missing dictors, at both the conserva- following the joint efforts of Kerala tine before allowing them to embark persons and provide relief tive and aggressive ends. We Tourism and German Embassy. on their journey. measures, apart from live are monitoring the trajectory The foreign tourists stranded in The chartered fight took off from data on the flood-affected per- closely during this lockdown 13 districts in the state were brought Trivandrum International Airport sons. From the tech commu- period and will do so even af- to Thiruvananthapuram after the on Tuesday morning. The state gov- nities’ perspective, this was ter that, until we have enough Tourism Department started help ernment and tourism department seen missing in the coronavi- data points around Kerala to desks in all districts to help the tour- had coordinated with various agen- rus outbreak. That’s when Ni- project the rise and fall of ists. The German Embassy had cies for their safe movement inside shad Thalath — a data geek this pandemic.” He said there reached an understanding with Air the state, accommodation, medical and network security expert are scientists in the team India to take their nationals to their tests and their flight to Germany, who is doing metadata re- looking at various infectious home country. Taking advantage of said Tourism Minister Kadakam- search at the University of disease models. the German Embassy’s efforts, the pally Surendran. As long as we believe that there is

something that will permanently satisfy our Pema hunger for security, suffering is inevitable Chodron KOCHI WEDNESDAY 06 01l04l2020 THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN OPINION INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. VALSON THAMPU Former principal of St Stephen’s College, New Delhi — Ramnath Goenka Email: [email protected]

CORONA SPREAD: On occasions like this, it could help to recall how such JAMAAT, DELHI GOVT calamities were faced in the past ARE BOTH CULPABLE he Delhi-based headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin, HOW SHALL WE south Delhi, has suddenly become the latest Covid-19 hotspot in the country. RESPOND TO TThe alarm bells started ringing when a 65-year-old man from Kashmir died on THE PANDEMIC? March 26. He had attended a religious gath- AMIT BANDRE ering at Nizamuddin sometime in mid- March, which saw a congregation of over s the killer virus tightens its tion. Boccaccio does not bother shut themselves in homes that but went about, ‘flowers and ished alone, abandoned. Boc- 1,800 people, including many from foreign grip on humankind worldwide, to adjudicate between these remained uninfected. Tried to herbs in hand’, inhaling their caccio connects this large-scale nations. Officially, 1,033 people have been the question presses itself upon views. He goes on to record divert their attention from the fragrance ‘to fortify the brain human wretchedness to the evacuated from the seminary, 334 hospital- us: What shall we do? How shall what, to him, was more impor- grimness of the situation with with such odours’. This made culture that prevailed in the we respond to this peril? Re- tant: the fact that neither civic ‘music and such other diver- sense, given that the air was city prior to the outbreak. They ised and 700 quarantined; 24 who attended spond, we have to. Even refus- authorities nor priests were of sions as they had’. Significant- thick with the stench of the died abandoned, he writes, “. . . the meeting have tested positive for the vi- A ing to respond is also a re- any help to the afflicted. Boc- ly, they quarantined them- epidemic and the miasma of having themselves, while they rus and at least 10 have died. The authori- sponse, the response of denial. caccio notes that grand sys- selves not only from the death. Nearly half the popula- were when whole, set the exam- ties have sealed the seminary’s premises On occasions like this, it could tems of support, to which we infected but also from ‘any tion of Florence—and a third ple to those who abode in and contact tracing efforts are underway. help to recall how such calami- attach our pride and hope, news from without of the death of Europe—perished. Boccac- health.” That is to say, Floren- Many are questioning why so many peo- ties were faced in the past. prove brittle and irrelevant in of sick folks’. As we would say, cio does not raise this question, tines, while hale and hearty, The Plague—or the Black the face of calamities. What ‘they quarantined themselves but today we can’t help asking: lived only for themselves; so in ple were allowed to gather at one place even Death—that ravaged the world caused the mainstays of sup- from the media!’ what is the connection between peril they died by themselves, after the PM ordered a nationwide lock- in the 14th century offers an in- port to collapse was the hyper- In the second type of re- pollution and pandemic? each individual abandoned to down from the midnight of March 24 and structive case study. Giovani contagiousness of the infec- It is in testing sponse, Florentines took the op- Florentines who adopted the his plight. His words ring omi- banned mass gatherings. The Jamaat has Boccaccio’s Decameron serves tion. Not only did talking or times that we posite path. They believed that fourth strategy resorted to nously relevant, “…No neigh- issued a detailed statement where it has un- our purpose best. It was writ- coming into contact with the know who is ‘carousing, making merry and ‘fleeing from the pestilence’ as bour took thought unto other; genuine and who derlined that it had got in touch with the ten a century after the Plague sick give the infection to the going about singing and frolick- if they could outstrip its reach! no kinsfolk visited one another. ended its death dance in Eu- healthy, “. . . the mere touching is fake. Tragedies, ing’ was the best remedy. They Like the rest, they too thought Brother forsook brother; uncle, authorities and sought their help in evacu- rope. Boccaccio outlines four of the clothes or of whatsoever not enclosures ‘satisfied the appetite in every only of themselves; except that nephew; wife, husband; and, ating the stranded followers. It has said the different responses that the other thing that had been of priest-craft, possible way’ and ‘scoffed at they manifested it in a more even, parents, their children.” country observed the janata curfew on Plague —‘the late pestiferous touched or used by the sick ap- nurture the whatsoever was proposed as dramatic fashion. They aban- It is pertinent to note here March 22. The same day, the Centre sus- mortality’—evoked from the peared of itself to communi- sublimity of the remedy’. They sought to doned their kinsfolk, dear that Pope Clement VI fled Avi- pended all passenger and suburban trains. people of Florence in 1348. cate the malady to the touch- the spirit that drown their fears in drunken ones, and possessions. Retreat- gnon, which was the seat of the This was followed by Delhi CM Arvind Ke- When faced with terrors of er”. To illustrate the point he expresses itself as debauchery, mostly, at the ex- ed to the countryside as if medieval Church, in order to heroism in duty. jriwal ordering a citywide lockdown from the magnitude of the corona cites an instance. “The rags of pense of others, who became there they could hide them- save himself. In contrast, his pandemic, we face a compel- a poor man, who had died of The dark nights of suddenly generous as they were selves from the wrath of God. physician, Gui de Chauliac— March 23. Then on March 24, the PM an- ling need to ‘interpret’, or to the plague, being cast out into our existence can ‘to live no longer’. (Awareness What guided them was the as- like thousands of our heroic nounced a total lockdown. All these meas- understand, them; for what is the public way, two hogs came be illumined only of impending mortality deliv- sumption, prevalent even to- men and women in the medical ures, the Jamaat has claimed, impeded at- not understood cannot be man- up to them and having….took by the splendour ers us from acquisitiveness. Ir- day, that cities are marked out fraternity battling the epidemic tempts to clear out the seminary, prompting aged. The people of Florence them in their mouths and of the spirit respective of religion, we begin for destruction because of today—stayed back and served them to seek help. If this is true, then the were divided in how they inter- tossed them about their jaws…. to believe in the doctrine of their degradation and depravi- the city in affliction until he Delhi government needs to answer many preted the ‘wandering disease’. they both fell down dead upon maya). Like those of the previ- ty—a notion rooted in the Bi- perished. It is in testing times One group saw it as resulting the rags. ...” ous type, Florentines of this ble, in particular, in the tragic that we know who is genuine questions. Why did it not take immediate from the ‘operations of heav- How did the people of Flor- kind also ‘shunned the sick to fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. and who is fake. Tragedies, not steps to address the situation? The Kejriwal enly bodies’, a sort of bolt from ence respond to a calamity as the best of their power’. With a touch of wry humour, enclosures of priest-craft, nur- government has written to the police, seek- the blue. The rest read its sig- dreadful as this? Boccaccio The third type adopted a Boccaccio notes that no strate- ture the sublimity of the spirit ing an FIR against the religious outfit, but nificance morally. It portended lists four response strategies: middle path between austerity gy helped. The Plague spared that expresses itself as heroism it needs to explain its own lapses. the wrath of God at human in- Some sought safety in living and debauchery. They used none. He emphasises the out- in duty. The dark nights of our The Jamaat is also equally culpable. iquity. The Plague was, thus, a moderately, abstaining from ‘things in sufficiency’. They break of loneliness in the wake existence can be illumined only scourge meant for their correc- excesses of every kind. They did not quarantine themselves, of the epidemic. People per- by the splendour of the spirit. From early March itself, the MEA had start- ed issuing guidelines and advisories, among them the mandatory home quarantine for those coming from abroad. Then on March For centuries on a 16, the Delhi government banned all congre- One of the last matriarchal societies in Europe Sea invaders small, forested island The men of Kihnu island, 10 km off the coast of Estonia, are away at sea gations, religious or otherwise, of over 50 in the Baltic Sea, ESTONIA’S ANCIENT “Seals and cormorants, they’re the biggest people. Why didn’t the Jamaat heed these fishing for weeks or months at a time, leaving the women to run what is often problem,” fisherman Margus Laarents tells women in headscarves dubbed one of the last matriarchal societies in Europe. Steeped in folk orders? It certainly can’t escape blame. and striped red skirts ISLE OF WOMEN AFP. The two species were given protected traditions, Kihnu’s historic way of life however is now threatened as economic status by the European Union after almost have done most of the hardship drives more and more islanders away in search of work work: from farming to dying out during the middle of the last century due to overhunting. As a result, A SILENT CRISIS lighthouse keeping, “Around every kitchen table, every day, we discuss how to survive,” Mare their numbers have skyrocketed in leading church Matas, official guide and ardent defender of Kihnu’s heritage, tells AFP. Estonian waters since the mid-1980s, LURKS BENEATH services and even Although 686 people are registered as living on the island, only 300 now do so depleting local fish stocks. Margus and his dressing up as Santa year-round, says Matas, a 45-year-old mother of four who was instrumental in wife Marge say they can no longer live off he coronavirus pandemic has strained at Christmas securing UNESCO recognition of Kihnu’s intangible cultural heritage in 2008 their earnings from the sea healthcare systems across the world, exposing their inadequacies and flaws. Another silent pandemic lurks be- MINDSPACE Write to: [email protected] MAILBAG Write to: [email protected] Tneath the current crisis, pushed to the backburner once again. If at one level, front- line workers are exposed to the stress of Telangana salary cuts welcome, but pensioners might find it tough long hours, death and their own mortality, Return of the good The coronavirus pandemic has those under isolation or home quarantine Monitor credentials of borrowers Nature reclaims its spaces brought about a financial crisis This is with reference to Tackling It is great to see nature reclaiming silently struggle with loneliness, depression not only at the Centre but at state the ever-greening problem in banks its spaces in some parts of India and paranoia at another. Worse off are those levels as well. The decision of the (Mar 31). The bank crisis can be after the lockdown. Sightings of who fear the economic uncertainty that the old Doordarshan days Telangana CM to reduce the sala- tackled by ensuring transparency peacocks in Bengaluru’s residen- lockdowns across the world have created. ries of all ministers, including in lending. By monitoring the cre- tial areas and tuskers on the Kar- Days into the 21-day lockdown in India, ever in our wildest dreams did we imagine that an invisible himself, is definitely a step in the dentials of borrowers, we can get nataka-Kerala highway have de- several state and central resources have and deadly virus would confine us to our homes and slow right direction. But to reduce pen- rid of the problem of ever-green- lighted nature lovers. While the down our busy lives. Blaise Pascal, the famous French math- sion payments is unfair, as many ing from banks. virus scare has forced people in- opened up to offer psychological support to ematician and physicist, once said, “All of humanity’s prob- pensioners already live a hand-to- Ajay Rajeev, Cherthala doors, it has proved to be a bless- those in need. Most states are also provid- lems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” mouth life, with rising living and ing for nature’s wild residents ing patients with psychiatric support as Indeed, time was lying heavy on our hands. As we were medical costs. Pensions are the Spraying shouldn’t have been done who are using the opportunity to they are treated. However, doctors, nurses, N coming to terms with the changing trajectory of our hum- only means of survival for many This is with reference to Why do explore our towns and cities. sanitary workers and police officers—eve- drum lives, Doordarshan decided to invade our homes again of them. Instead, the government we treat fellow humans like this? N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru ryone at the highest risk of contracting the with an authority it once had three decades ago. The channel should appeal to people of the (Mar 31). Instead of spraying the virus while working under severe stress— was relegated to the dustbin of irrelevance in the 90s as state earning above a certain level migrant workers with chemicals, Delightful to read it failed to compete with private channels in the entertain- to contribute to the chief minis- the authorities could have given This is with reference to Social appear to be left out of the loop. Similarly, ment sweepstakes. ter’s relief fund. them demonstrations on how to distancing of another kind (Mar the economic and physical uncertainty of Life has now come full circle again. Doordarshan is now K Durga Prasad Rao, Hyderabad wash hands properly. Social dis- 31). The piece was delightful to migrant workers, daily labourers and farm- re-telecasting two Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, tancing could have been ex- read. I, too, have had such experi- ers have been overlooked. The WHO in its which gained huge popularity in the 80s. It is taking us back K’taka, Kerala must talk it out plained to them. The officials who ences often while on train jour- guidelines on mental health during the in time as a wave of nostalgia washes over us. Forget the The roadblocks at several points made them sit together them- neys. The part about the marriage pandemic has said that such crises leave languid pace, shoddy editing and gross overacting, the visual on the Karnataka-Kerala border selves ignored the principles of function was amusing, as I have re-telling of these epics continue road created by the former are social distancing. faced the same. Except for the people vulnerable to post-traumatic stress to keep us glued to our sofas as causing immense difficulties to S Elangovan, Kanchipuram weddings of close relatives, I just disorder (PTSD). FULL CIRCLE drawing rooms get colonised the people living on the border. send a gift with my wishes. Tamil Nadu has some experience of deal- again with people cutting across People needing urgent medical Rework 1897 epidemic Act M Sampath Kumar, Erode ing with PTSD in the context of disasters— ADITYA MUKHERJEE generations. From the grandfa- care for cardiac and other ail- This is with reference to The dark both the 2004 tsunami and the 2018 Gaja Email: [email protected] ther and grandmother to their ments are denied timely medical past of the Epidemic Act (Mar 31). cyclone took a psychological toll. But to ad- children and grandchildren, the care. Vegetable trucks are having It is distressing to learn that India hold of these timeless epics over to take longer routes, thus raising is still dependent upon the draco- dress the effects of a global crisis, India our lives is palpable. The belief that today’s youngsters may the cost of everyday essentials. nian Epidemic Diseases Act of needs adequate resources. Unfortunately, if not take a shine to these epics has been considerably proved The two states must talk it out and 1897 to deal with the current pan- our healthcare remains underfunded, men- wrong. The sight of arrows and sharp weapons clashing come to a decision that is benefi- demic situation. Reworking the THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS tal health receives a mere fraction. There against each other in the sky; kings killing the evil demons— cial for everyone. Act is the need of the hour. Fixing simply aren’t enough psychiatrists, psy- it is being excitedly lapped up by the kids. With both these K V Raghuram, Wayanad responsibility for each agency via Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia serials telecast twice a day, even those working from home the law is imperative. Editor: G S Vasu chologists, community workers, etc., for Resident Editor (Kerala): Kiran Prakash* those already living with mental health is- catch up on the episodes at their convenience. Pass on benefits of oil price drop S Madhavan Thampi, Haripad Apart from these two serials, there are a couple of popular The price of crude in the interna- Published by R K Jhunjhunwala on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Limited at sues. It is unlikely that everyone will be able DD serials that are being re-telecast. One of these is the 90s tional markets has gone down al- Railway isolation wards laudable to receive the support required at this time. Express House, Kaloor, Kochi-682 017 and Printed by serial Circus starring Shah Rukh Khan. A struggling actor most 60% since the start of the The decision of the Indian Rail- him at Viani Printings, P B No.3062, Lissie Road, Hopefully, this crisis will force the Centre to at that time, it was Shah Rukh’s spontaneous energy and year to about $22.5 per barrel. But ways to convert train carriages Ernakulam North, Kochi - 682018. gripping presence in the serial that made him a lovable char- the benefit of this drop is not into Covid isolation wards is re- allocate sufficient resources both to public Kochi. Vol. 48, No.78. RNI Reg. No. 24964/73. healthcare as well as mental healthcare. In acter. The simple art of storytelling and impressive acting in reaching the public yet due to the markable. With this decision, In- Phone: 0484-2402220, Fax: 0484-2401799. the short-term, state and Central govern- these serials made them unforgettable. `3 hike in excise duties per litre dia will be able to increase the * Responsible for selection of news under There is good news for kids as a popular kids’ TV serial of in the open market. Let us hope number of beds for Covid-19 pa- the PRB Act. ments can mitigate large-scale distress the 90s, Shaktimaan, will soon be aired on Doordarshan. In- that this hike is revised once the tients in very little time. Kudos to through economic support extended uncon- Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private deed, they have plenty to look forward to in these uncertain war against the coronavirus pan- the people behind this idea and its Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any ditionally in a humane and timely manner times when news of deaths and devastation being wrought demic ends. immediate implementation. manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, to those most vulnerable. by an invisible enemy keeps us on tenterhooks. P P Sahadevan, Nileshwar Suresh Babu N C, Aluva without prior written permission is prohibited. People from all walks of life have ‘NO QUIBBLING’ contributed to PM-CARES. They have M Venkaiah Naidu said there is no place given their hard-earned money to sharpen for “quibbling” over the lockdown and QUARANTINED urged “intellectuals and others” to hold 22 the fight against COVID-19. — PM Narendra Modi People back issues till India overcomes the crisis. IN RAJASTHAN

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 07 01l04l2020

TRACKING COVID-19 TABLIGHI JAMAAT HELD GATHERING DESPITE BAN While the seminary flouted guidelines, authorities also woke up only after death of 2 preachers in J&K who attended the event

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi NORMAL BEHAVIOUR 2.5 People WITH the headquarters of Tab- 50% LESS CONTACT lighi Jamaat, an Islamic mission- 1.25 People ary society, in Nizamuddin in south Delhi emerging as the big- gest hotspot for coronavirus 75% LESS CONTACT 0.625 People spread in the country, all agen- cies including the administration THE VITAL of the religious body claimed to IMPORTANCE have alert the authorities con- cerned well in time about pres- OF SOCIAL ence of more than 3,000 people DISTANCING including international travel- How a reduction in 2.5 People lers in the premises in question. social contact can However, the fact remained reduce the spread that large gathering beyond ‘per- of the coronavirus 15 People missible’ numbers stayed put on Jamaat’s campus for about two In 5 Days weeks despite Delhi government In 30 Days 406 People orders and Delhi Police notice for prevention and control of the outbreak. The authorities turned their focus to the site after deaths of Validity of driving licences two preachers from Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu and extended till June 30 several individuals from other The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has states tested Covid-19 positive, extended the validity of vehicle related documents who attended gatherings at that expired on or after February 1 to June 30. “The Markaz, as the headquarters of Evacuees from Markaz Nizamuddin being taken to LNJP hospital in New Delhi for COVID-19 test on Tuesday | PTI validity of all permits, driving licences and the society is locally called. registrations or other documents which have However, a senior police offi- expired since February 1 or will expire by June 30, cial said that notices had been is- will be treated valid until June 30,” the ministry sued to Jamaat twice. said in an advisory to all states and Union “Notices were issued twice to Tablighi Jamaat has presence in 160 nations Territories. According to the advisory, the step was the Markaz committee to vacate taken to ensure people can be hassle-free while the building. A notice was issued renewing the validity of their documents amid the on March 24 by Station House Of- PARVEZ SULTAN @ New Delhi mained apolitical and confined lockdown enforced till April 14 due to the ficer (SHO) and again on March its activities to religious coronavirus pandemic resulting in closure of 28 by the concerned Assistant IN mid-19th century, India was services. transport department offices. Commissioner of Police (ACP),” on the cusp of a major political Every year, the organisation he said. transformation with British as- holds three-day congregations On this Maulana Yousuf of the cending to the throne; following in different cities in India in- religious body said that Jamaat the fall of Mughal empire. Mus- cluding Delhi in which lakhs of 60 passengersof Delhi-Ranchi responded to the notice and the lim scholars believed ending of devout including international SHO was duly informed regard- the Mughal empire, perceived guests participate. Similar gath- Rajdhani Express under lens ing closure of the Markaz and ar- as Islamic state, was caused by erings in Pakistan and Bangla- Around 60 passengers who travelled on the New rangements being made to re- deviation from the ‘faith’ and desh comprises larger number Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express, in the same coach move around 1,000 visitors deterioration of religious prac- of attendees than Hajj, annual as a Malaysian woman who tested positive for belonging to different states and tices during the reign of Mughal pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi coronavirus, are under the scanner with the foreign countries. emperors. Arabia, on occasions. authorities scrambling to find their whereabouts, The statement issued by This thought gave birth to Is- According to Farooqui, in sources said Tuesday. The 22-year-old woman, who Jamaat authority also said that it lamic revivalist movement in the emerging influences of would go to the villages and edu- 1970-80s, decentralisation of travelled on the train with 23 others on March 16, had requested to issue passes for the country, which aimed to re- Christianity and later secular- cate Muslims. He urged people Markaz began after which local tested positive and is Jharkhand’s first confirmed vehicles to ferry devout present orient people, who were practis- ism. It was this threat, per- to spare few hours of the day for mosques were authorised to case of COVID-19. She was traced to a city mosque at Markaz to their respective ing Islam. Tablighi Jamaat, ceived or real, to the Islamic the service of Islam and create carry out preaching activities along with the others on Monday and lodged at a destinations. which literally means ‘preach- way of life –the shifting of bal- awareness in the community to in their neighbourhoods and quarantine centre. Sources say the South Eastern However, it didn’t explain why ing group’ set by a noted scholar ance of power—that inspired become true Muslims,” said hold small gatherings. However, Railway has handed over the list of passengers large attendance of about 3,000- Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi in Islamic reformists in the region Farooqui. they follow the guidelines draft- travelling in the air conditioned coach (train no 4,000 was allowed despite two pro- 1926, was one attempt to bring and the founding of movements Ilyas, a native of village ed by the Jamaat. The head of 20840, coach no-B1) to the district authorities. hibitory orders of Delhi govern- faithful to close to the correct for the reinvigoration of the Kandhla in Muzaffarnagar dis- the local unit is called Amir, ment putting restrictions on the way of practise of the religion. faith,” he wrote. trict of Uttar Pardesh, was ap- who reports to the Markaz. size of public, religious, and oth- Zacharias P Pieri, assistant Niaz Ahmed Farooqui of Ja- pointed Imam of Banglewali Every day, hundreds of de- er social gatherings including professor of International Rela- miat-Ulema-e-Hind, one of the Mosque in Nizamuddin Basti in vout from others states and weddings etc. tions and Security Studies at leading organisations of Islam- 1918 so when he formed the or- abroad reach Nizamuddin to at- The first order issued on March the University of South Florida ic scholars in India, however, ganisation, it became headquar- tend religious gatherings. They 16 fixed limit upto 50 and three has recorded in his book—Tab- said that Jaamat was formed in ters of the Jamaat. The mosque are sent to different cities in days later, the second order, the lighi Jamaat and the Quest for response to ‘Shuddhi (reconver- with attached hostel facility and batches for religious service, size was reduced to 20. On March the London Mega Mosque: Con- sion) Movement’ launched (by madrasa is popularly known as where they spend from seven 21, Delhi chief minister Arvind tinuity and Change—how politi- Arya Samaj) around 1920s in ‘Markaz’ (centre). days to 40 days or sometimes the Kerjiwal, however, had said that cal circumstances led to the Mewat of undivided Punjab, Within two decades of its for- duration is four months and not more than five people would movement in the subcontinent. now in Haryana. mation, influence of Tablighi travel to multiple towns. be allowed to gather at any place. “For Muslims in India, the “Because of the movement, Jamaat grew by leaps and A religious gathering takes A Delhi Police notice dated collapse of the Mughal empire some Muslims started shun- bounds and spread across the place every Thursday at Markaz March 18 by Delhi Police Com- carried with its connotations of ning Islam as they lacked basic globe, its roots presently exist in which thousands of Delhi missioner SN Srivasatav also or- waning of the Islam. Hinduism knowledge of fundamental of in more than 160 countries and residents also participate and dered banned gathering of people long, present in the region, was the religion. So, Maulana Ilyas have millions of followers. De- sometimes they stay overnight comprising more than five in ascendance, not to mention started Tablighi Jamaat. He spite its influence, this re- on its campus. persons. PUBLIC HEALTH INFRA IN MIGRANT STATES Number of people being served by one doctor (2019) SECTION 3 SECTIONS 269 AND SECTION 271 IPC SECTION 120-B IPC Cracking What it says: Any person 270 IPC What it says: Whoever What it says: Criminal Uttar Pradesh 3,692 disobeying the order is What it says: Negligent act knowingly disobeys any rule conspiracy down punishable under Section likely to spread infection of where an infectious disease Bihar 3,536 188 disease dangerous to life prevails Punishment: Shall be What is the punished with Odisha 2,495 Epidemic Diseases Punishment: Imprisonment Punishment: Jail term of Punishment: imprisonment for a term Act, 1897 and what for up to six months or fine six months up to two years Imprisonment up to six not exceeding six months, West Bengal 1,705 are the provisions Rs 1,000 or both and/or fine months or with fine, or both or with fine or with both Rajasthan 2,224 Source: National Health Profile, 2019 Rajya Sabha Man killed in Bihar for info to cops on return of migrants Centre seeks SC direction for media to Villagers in Bihar beat a man to death on suspicion that he informed the police about two people who returned home recently from Maharashtra, which publish Covid news based on govt info has reported the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. The police have EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi separate mechanism provided by get community leaders belonging asked people to report to them about those who the central government”. to all faiths,” the CJI told Solici- have returned to their native places recently to THE Centre on Tuesday sought a While the SC did not pass any tor General Tushar Mehta. ensure they remain in quarantine. But the family direction from the Supreme order on the Centre’s plea, it di- The court pointed out that the members of the 36-year-old man said residents of Court that no media outlet rected the government to ensure government’s affidavit about the Madhaul village in Sitamarhi district were angry should print, publish or telecast supply of food, water, beds and steps being taken to ameliorate that he informed police about two people who news on coronavirus without medicines to the migrants work- the situation has nothing on the returned from Mumbai recently and beat him to first ascertaining facts from the ers, apart from counselling them. aspect of counselling to people, death on Monday. The two returnees have been information provided by the It also directed criminal action including the migrant workers arrested and efforts are on to nab the accused. government. against those spreading misin- lodged in shelter homes and oth- 23 lakh people being provided In an affidavit filed in the top formation and fake news on the er temporary accommodations. court, the Ministry of Home pandemic. Mehta assured the bench that Affairs said in “an unprec- The hearing was con- he was willing to make a state- food in 21K relief camps: Govt Centre announces package edented scenario” of this ducted via video confer- ment that the government will nature, any deliberate or encing by a bench com- engage counsellors and mobilise NEW DELHI: OVER 23 lakh people are being provided food at over under PM Garib Kalyan unintended or inaccurate prising CJI S A Bobde religious leaders within 24 hours 21,000 relief camps in various parts of the country to help stranded The central government has announced a financial reporting can have a “se- and Justice L Nageswara to counsel the migrants in the and destitute people, the home ministry said on Tuesday. The gov- package under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan vere and inevitable poten- Rao. The court stressed shelters and help them stay calm. ernment also said that over 6.6 lakh people are being sheltered at Yojana under which approximately `27,500 crore tial of inflicting panic” that fake news creates panic To counter fake news, Mehta the relief camps. Punya Salila Srivastava, a joint secretary in the are going to be disbursed during this week and in among large sections of society. among people, thus requiring the said the Centre is setting up a ministry, said the ministry was continuously monitoring the ongo- the coming weeks to the targeted public through “…Any panic reaction by any Centre to have an official chan- chat box under a unit headed by ing lockdown situation in coordination with the states and Union bank branches, ATMs and business correspondents, section of society based upon nel for directly communicating a joint secretary in health minis- territories. The essential supplies system is running satisfactorily Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said. In view of such reporting” would cause with the people and sharing au- try and including health experts and interstate cargo movement is also going on smoothly, she said. these facts, the home secretary urged the states grave harm, it added while urg- thentic information on coronavi- and senior doctors to answer que- The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to ensure and UTS to issue instructions to their field ing the court to issue a direction rus outbreak. ries from citizens. normal functioning of banks and ATMs during the 21-day shut- functionaries to ensure that bank branches remain that no electronic/print media/ “Panic will destroy more lives The court also asked the solici- down, also telling them that `27,500 crores from the Prime Minis- functional. In the letter, Bhalla said that banks web portal or social media shall than the virus. You need counsel- tor general to deploy volunteers ter’s special package has to be disbursed this week for tackling the should be allowed to work beyond working hours print/publish or telecast any- lors. You can have bhajan, kirtan, for managing the shelter homes pandemic. In a communication to chief secretaries of all states/ for financial closure. thing “without first ascertaining namaz or whatever but you have for migrants and ensure there is UTs, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said smooth banking operations the true factual position from the to give strength to the people and no use of force or intimidation. and related activities across the country are essential. ENS INDIA Max Min Max Min DIPLOMATIC TIES Ahmedabad 38 21 Mumbai 34 24 India and China will kick off the Bhopal 35 18 Panaji 34 25 Jaipur 30 17 Patna 34 21 celebrations to commemorate the PASSENGERS Amritsar 22 15 Lucknow 37 18 70th anniversary of the diplomatic 60 New Delhi 32 17 Port Blair 32 24 relations on Wednesday RAILWAY Kolkata 36 24 Imphal 31 18 UNDER SCANNER Srinagar 12 4 Chandigarh 27 16

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 08 01l04l2020

1 KASARAGOD (Kerala): Meerut remain in home quarantine for 14 days. Most TRACKING TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES 106 of these patients were those who visited the Noida COVID-19 mohalla clinic between March 12 and 18 Total cases in state: 202 Shahdara Cases from abroad: 77 (75 Dubai, one (Delhi) 7 NIZAMUDDIN (New Delhi): TOTAL Sharjah, one UK); local transmission: 29 NUMBER OF CASES: 24 Nizamuddin Total cases in Delhi: 97 TIMELINE: February 3: First wave, first (Delhi) INDIA USA case from Wuhan (recovered); March 16: OUTBREAK: A congregation of 1,800 21 Bhilwara Second case (from Dubai) people was held this month. At least 24 in (Rajasthan) 13 Government reaction: Kasaragod Delhi have tested positive and reportedly 10 ITALY district quickly responded to the second Ahmedabad have died, six in Telangana, one each in wave of Covid-19 cases by setting up Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and J&K died NUMBERS IN % Mumbai isolation wards and testing; the Government response: The Delhi Police 11 SPAIN administration erred in strictly quarantining Pune and paramilitary forces have cordoned off a those who returned from abroad The worst Kasargod major area in Nizamuddin West, people are (Kerala) INDIA’S COVID-19 HOTSPOTS being screened and contact traced 2 PATHANAMTHITTA (Kerala): hit in the CHINA At least nine cities or towns in the country have reported unusually high number of TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES 12 Pathanamthitta 8 MUMBAI (Maharashtra) TOTAL 11 (Kerala) confirmed COVID-19 cases. Here is why and what the authorities are doing world Total cases in state: 202 CONFIRMED CASES 151 GERMANY Cases from abroad: 6 (3 Italy; 1 Qatar, 1 Total cases in state: 302 More than 75%of TIMELINE: A doctor first caught the virus sources of 31 positive cases. Also, several March 28, four of his contacts tested positive UK; 1 UAE); local transmission: 6 reported #COVID19 and continued to visit the hospital and people who returned from Italy, Switzerland, Government response: In Mumbai, as 9 Government response: Meerut district cases are currently in FRANCE TIMELINE: First case in the second wave treating patients. All 26 infections are Indonesia and France tested positive containment measures, areas surrounding magistrate Anil Dhingra ordered sealing of eight countries. commenced in March with the arrival a connected with the hospital. Around 5,580 the positive cases, including one lakh houses Government response: While Noida DM the areas where the confirmed case lived and family from Italy patients who came to the OPD were and 3,87,000 people are surveyed 6 BN Singh has been removed for dereliction ordered for disinfectant spraying in the areas IRAN examined between February 22 and March 9 PUNE (Maharashtra) TOTAL Government response: After the initial 18. Two people died on March 26 and failing to get Cease Fire Company office 5 lapse in identifying the family with travel sealed after so many cases were reported. 6 SHAHDARA (New Delhi) : TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES 48 history to Italy, authorities acted swiftly to Government response: Rajasthan’s Department of Health has registered an FIR CONFIRMED CASES: 11 3 Total cases in state: 302 UK contain the spread of the disease. The first Health Minister Raghu Sharma said: “This is against the administration of the company Total cases in Delhi: 97 Source: Global health strategies identified case was that of the family’s two due to the negligence of the private hospital. Cases from abroad: Government has not relatives. The authorities immediately The district health department is tracing the 5 MEERUT (Uttar Pradesh): TOTAL Cases from abroad: 1 clear data over this, but majority of cases are quarantined all and their primary contacts people who have moved out of the district” NUMBER OF CASES 19 imported from UAE, America, UK, Thailand, TIMELINE: A 38-year-old woman returned Total cases in state: 103 Sri Lanka, Australia, etc 3 BHILWARA (Rajasthan) : TOTAL 4 NOIDA (Uttar Pradesh): TOTAL from Saudi Arabia on March 10, she was Cargo flights ferry over 15 Government response: Pune municipal NUMBER OF CASES: 26 NUMBER OF CASES 38 Local transmission: 16 (one family) + 2 diagnosed on March 18 and passed on the infection to her 65-year-old mother and health officer Ramchandra Hunkare said tons of medical supplies Total cases in state: 93 Total cases in state: 103 TIMELINE: The first case was reported on 35-year-old brother in Jahangirpuri, and her that they are taking measures to contain the New Delhi: Amid the lockdown, domestic airlines March 27. A 50-year-old man with travel sisters, 24 and 26 in Dilshad Garden out spread. “We are conducting a door-to- Local transmission: A doctor from Cases from abroad: 6 ; local and cargo operators, along with the Indian Air history to Amrawati in Maharashtra tested door survey. We are contact tracing and Bangar Hospital of Bhilwara was infected. It transmission: 32 Force, have transported 15.4 tons of medical positive for Covid-19. In Meerut, he stayed at Government response: Delhi asking people for either home quarantine. is suspected that he contracted it from a supplies in 62 flights between March 26 and March HUB: A fire extinguisher factory, Cease Fire three locations for two days each. No foreign government asked at least 1,200 people, Besides, fumigation and cleaning all high guest from Saudi Arabia 30. Both, Air India and private carriers have been Company, in Sector 135 of Noida is the travel history or contact could be traced. On who had come in contact with the clinic to density locations work was on,” he said pressed into service to facilitate movements of medical supplies across the country. Air India flight A320 on its route Mumbai-New Delhi-Bengaluru- Mumbai, carried HLL consignment of 6,593 kg and Nagaland ventilator masks, consignments of Kerala and Karnataka, consignment for Meghalaya and consignment of Ministry of Textiles for Death of Assam doc who took Govt agencies Coimbatore. Similarly, IAF flight from Hindon- Dimapur- Imphal-Guwahati carried consignments of HLL and ICMR kits for Shillong. Besides, private airlines such as Indigo, Spicejet and Blue Dart are malaria drug creates panic differ on mask use also operating flights on commercial basis, said the civil aviation ministry officials. Docs say people should only take Hydroxychloroquine after proper testing SUMI SUKANYA DUTTA @New Delhi per cent use of masks. “Masks protect people from SHOULD everyone wear a droplets from those in prox- SUMI SUKANYA DUTTA @New Delhi mask as the threat of con- imity and reduce droplets tracting Covid-19 looms leaving people and potential- THE sudden death of a doctor due large? Even the Centre does ly infecting others,” Ra- to a massive cardiac arrest in As- not seem to have a clear an- ghavan said. sam, who had taken two doses of swer to the question. While In contrast, Lav Agarwal, Hydroxychloroquine —an anti- the Health Ministry has joint secretary in the health malaria drug — to prevent con- maintained that masks do ministry on Tuesday said the tracting coronavirus has caused not help those who government stands ripples in the medical fraternity. are not ill, the advi- by its earlier stance The drug, which is originally sory from the Prin- and only those who used for lupus and rheumatoid ar- cipal Scientific Ad- have the infection, thritis apart from malaria, has visor (PSA) to the their close contacts been recommended by top health Centre on Tuesday There needs to be a with symptoms or research body, the Indian Council urged every citizen clear understanding that masks used as suspected patients of Medical Research, as a prophy- should use masks. part of PPE by those need to wear lactic medicine for healthcare Incidentally, treating COVID 19 masks. workers treating Covid 19 patients PSA K VijayRa- patients are Public health and close contacts who have tested Medical staff stage a protest over supply of low-quality Personal Protection Equipment and ghavan, along with different from the specialists believe positive a few days back. other medical facilities at Howrah State General Hospital, West Bengal, on Tuesday | PTI Dr V K Paul, mem- masks suggested in that the PSA manu- There are, however, many re- ber (health), Niti the manual from al aims to ensure ports that several doctors, includ- complained of sharp chest pain. a difficult proposition that some- Aayog — who also PSA appropriate use of ing those who are not involved in Along with Hydroxychloroquine, one will have such severe side ef- heads a 21-member Dr Oommen John reusable masks. “A managing coronavirus patients, he had reportedly also taken fects of the drug unless they had national task force recent article in the HUNGER PANGS have started taking the medicine Azithromycin, an antibiotic used cardiac disease or QT interval is- on the outbreak — Lancet Respiratory Beneficiaries lined up outside a ration shop to collect though ICMR has not made public in the treatment of Covid 19, but sue from before.” have been made part of an Medicine has suggested that foodgrains in Kanpur on Tuesday | PTI any evidence to suggest the suc- not recommended by ICMR for Some doctors said that while hy- empowered group on science governments should make ra- cess rate of the drug for prophylac- prophylactic use. droxycholoquine is largely a safe and technology to tackle the tional recommendations on tic use. A friend of 43-year-old Dr Incidentally, there are no con- medicine, it does have cardio-toxic- crisis. The picture book, de- appropriate face mask use to Utpal Barman, who worked as an firmed Covid-19 cases in Assam. ity effect in 1-3 per cent people. signed by the Union health compliment recommended anaesthetist at Pratiksha Hospital Dr NK Hazarika, the medical su- “Everyone treating COVID 19 pa- ministry and issued by the preventive interventions,” Foreign tourists can now seek in Guwahati, said that the doctor perintendent of the hospital tients, should use Hydroxycholoro- PSA’s office, cited an influ- said Dr Oommen John, sen- help through portal had taken two doses of the drug— where Dr Barman worked, said he quine prophylactically only after enza modelling study from ior researcher, George Insti- 400 mg (200 mg each morning and had a history of hypertension. getting themselves thoroughly ex- the US that noted the elimi- tute of Global Health in New New Delhi: In order to reach out to foreign tourists, evening) — within a gap of few Dr R R Gangakhedkar, the chief amined,” said Dr Smit Srivastava, nation of infection with 80 Delhi. the Ministry of Tourism has launched a portal days and on Sunday he suddenly epidemiologist at ICMR, said, “It is a cardiologist in Raipur. which will disseminate information on a range of services that they can avail during the lockdown. Titled ‘Stranded in India’, the portal aims to act as a support network for foreign tourists who are stuck in various parts of the country. The tourism India reaches out to Israel for medical tech solutions for treatment ministry came up with this in order to help tourists in the ‘unprecedented situation’, the government RICHA SHARMA @New Delhi and Technology has come up dress early signs of deteriora- said. The portal strandedinindia.com consists with a suggestive list of nearly 30 DIGITAL HELP TO CONTROL PANDEMIC tion, including falls and pressure information on COVID-19 helplines and call centres FROM remotely monitoring and innovative technologies on Covid Neura, a human behaviour platform enabling governments and health ulcers. Keeping in mind social that the foreign tourists can reach out to for help. managing Covid 19 patients to 19 from Israeli companies and and many worried for their elder It has also given information on the Ministry of organizations to monitor and control the spread of Covid 19 by digitalized detection of infection has sought interest from Indian applying digitalized detection of infection chains parents staying alone in other cit- External Affairs control centres along with a list of chains to improve population ad- researchers and companies in ies, Smart Remote Caregiver for officers and their contact information spread herence to government social dis- this regards. The move comes at Aging at Home by Kytera is a across different regions. The portal will also give tancing guidelines — India has a time when Israeli media reports Both India and Israel have a put out by DST include Contact- smart remote caregiver solution tourists information around state-based or reached out to Israel for such said that country’s defence minis- joint USD 40mn Research and De- free Monitoring Solutions by that provides insight into sen- regional tourism support infrastructure. There is an medical tech solutions by compa- try plans to use software that velopment (R&D) fund managed EarlySense which provides con- iors’ activity at home. The solu- integrated support section to extend help to those nies working to improve the pre- analyses data gathered from mo- by DST in India. The two coun- tinuous touch-free monitoring of tion includes a home system that who need further information and connect them to vention, detection and treatment bile phones by the spyware firm tries have been collaborating on a patient’s heart rate, respiratory collects data, a mobile app for the authorities concerned. of coronavirus. NSO to help locate likely carriers R&D in various sectors. rate, and movement, enabling family members and a dashboard The Department of Science of the coronavirus to test them. The list of Covid 19 technology clinical teams to detect and ad- for professional caregivers.

82-year-old gives ANURAAG SINGH Lady cop attached to lines ‘Mama hai na’, assures Shivraj `1 lakh from pension Our correspondent in for shaming labourer Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Madhya Pradesh Chouhan visited the BHEL township and Old Bhopal to review facilities being An octogenarian pensioner in A female sub inspector from Madhya Vidisha has become perhaps [email protected] provided during the lockdown. Chouhan visited the Triveni Women Hostel, Pradesh police was attached to Chhatarpur the oldest contributor in the where he urged the inmates to follow social distancing and wearing masks and battle against the coronavirus District Police Lines recently for writing ‘I’m a also assured them that they would get all essential supplies. He also visited a in Madhya Pradesh by donating BHOPAL DIARY lockdown violator, just stay away from me’ Girl’s Hostel in the MP Nagar Zone-2 and interacted with students who are stuck their due to the lockdown. Fondly called mama (maternal uncle) by children, Rs 1 lakh from her pension to on a migrant labourer’s forehead. The the CM told the girls not worry. “Mama hai na,” he added. the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Jain couple in mask gets married amid social distancing incident took place in Gaurihar police station A retired education department area of Chhatarpur district, when the female employee, 82-year-old Sulbha A Jain family in Indore cancelled all functions planned for their daughter’s marriage in Uskar refused to be clicked Indore. They however went ahead with the marriage with a simple ceremony taking all sub inspector Amita Agnihotri wrote the line while donating the amount. preventive measures, including use of sanitiser and masks. With Indore is becoming one in Hindi on the forehead of a labourer found The number of coronavirus of the coronavirus hotspots in the country, city-based Akshay Jain cancelled all big violating the lockdown. The visuals of the cases in Madhya Pradesh has functions planned for daughter’s Kinjal’s marriage with the groom from Mumbai. The shocking incident went viral on social media. jumped to 65, with 18 more invites to the office bearers of around 40 trusts and other guests were cancelled. The Taking prompt cognizance of the matter, patients being reported in the bride and groom wore masks after properly sanitising their hands and also used pearl state on Tuesday. This is highest garlands instead of floral garlands during the marriage which took place in the presence Inspector General of Sagar Police Range Anil number of coronavirus cases of a handful of family members following social distancing. Indore, the industrial hub, Sharma immediately attached the police found in a day in the state. has reported the highest number of 44 COVID-19 cases in the state so far. officer to Chhatarpur district police lines. Beijing 17 6 SNY Los Angeles 19 10 SNY Colombo 32 24 TDS Melbourne 24 15 LR Doha 33 20 SNY Moscow 15 1 LC 849 people GLOBAL Dubai 32 24 LC New York 12 9 LC WEATHER Houston 26 19 SNY Singapore 34 24 LC died due to novel coronavirus in Spain LR: Light Rain HR: Heavy Rain Istanbul 11 9 HR Toronto 17 7 TDS on Tuesday TDS: Thundershower LC: Light Cloud SNY: Sunny London 8 3 LC Washington DC 23 13 LC

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 09 01l04l2020

BAGHDAD LONDON LONDON BEIJING BRUSSELS WASHINGTON WASHINGTON US deploys Patriot air UK’s Harry and Meghan Officer who probed Skripal 19 firefighters die trying to EU launches mission to Marriott says new data US tells Guaido, Maduro to defence system to Iraq formally quit royal life poisoning is new MI5 chief quell forest blaze in China police Libya arms embargo breach affects 5.2 million make way for a new leader The US has deployed Patriot air Prince Harry and his wife Meghan The head of the investigation into China’s state media say 19 people The European Union announced on Marriott says guests’ names, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defence batteries to Iraqi bases to formally step down as senior the poisoning of Russian former died while fighting a raging forest Tuesday the launch of a new naval loyalty account information and said Tuesday that Juan Guaido, protect US troops recently targeted members of the British royal double agent Sergei Skripal has fire in the southwestern province of mission in the Mediterranean Sea other personal details may have recognised by Washington as by Iranian missiles, US and Iraqi family on Tuesday, as they start a been appointed as the next head Sichuan. The Xinhua News Agency aimed at enforcing the U.N. arms been accessed in the second major Venezuela’s leader, should step military sources told AFP. controversial new life in the US. of Britain’s domestic intelligence reported the deaths on Tuesday but embargo on Libya, after Italy data breach to hit the company in aside along with President Nicolas Washington and Baghdad had The couple have already relocated agency. The British government did not say when they occurred. A blocked a previous operation less than two years. Marriott said Maduro for new elections. In a shift been negotiating the placement of to California, according to reports, announced the appointment of city information office says the fire claiming that the warships on Tuesday about 5.2 million after more than a year of US-led the defence system since January, after announcing in January that Ken McCallum on Monday. He will started on a farm Monday attracted migrants. The new guests worldwide may have been efforts to topple the leftist Maduro, when Tehran fired ballistic missiles they intended to quit royal life and take over from the current head of afternoon and quickly spread to operation, dubbed Irini, the Greek affected. The information taken Pompeo told reporters that the two at the western Iraqi base of Ain “work to become financially MI5, Andrew Parker, when he nearby mountains due to strong word for ‘peace,’ will start work for may have included names, men should set up a transitional al-Asad, which hosts US troops. independent”. retires at the end of April. winds. a year from Wednesday. addresses and phone numbers government to arrange elections. Lockdowns may have saved 59,000 lives in Europe Restrictions on the movement of people likely ‘dramatically reduced’ the rate at which the virus spreads, finds a major study by British researchers

LONDON 13-yr-old shot by cops Russia’s top doctor STRICT containment meas- China didn’t amid curfew in Kenya tests positive ures might have already saved up to 59,000 lives across 11 Eu- The bullet struck the 13-year- The head of Moscow’s main ropean countries battling the report 1,541 old as he stood on the balcony coronavirus hospital who spread of the new coronavirus, of his family’s home with other met with President Vladimir experts in Britain say. children. Below, police moved Putin a week ago has tested Basing their modelling on cases with no through the crowded positive, he said on Tuesday, the numbers of recorded neighbourhood, enforcing as the Kremlin announced deaths from COVID-19, re- symptoms Kenya’s coronavirus curfew. the Russian leader’s health searchers from Imperial Col- The killing of Yasin Hussein was fine. Last Tuesday Denis lege London said most coun- Moyo might be the latest Protsenko met with the tries it looked at had likely BEIJING example of police abuse of Russian leader who dramatically reduced the rate coronavirus restrictions seen in inspected the Kommunarka at which the virus spreads. IN a highly-anticipated an- several African nations hospital Using the experiences of nouncement, China on Tuesday countries with the most ad- said that it’s put 1,541 people in- vanced epidemics like Italy and fected with the novel coronavi- Spain, the study compared ac- rus but who don’t have symp- tual fatality rates with an esti- toms under observation as of mate of what would have hap- March 30. More African countries pened with no measures such China’s total count of con- as school closures, event can- firmed Covid-19 infections cellations and lockdowns. A group of youngsters wearing face masks cross a road in Taiwan’s capital Taipei on Tuesday | AP stands at more than 81,000. impose lockdowns as “With current interventions The publication of the num- remaining in place to at least has killed more than 38,000 peo- number was 2,500, in Belgium people could have been infect- ber of asymptomatic infections the end of March, we estimate ple since it emerged in China 560, Germany 550, the United ed in Italy up to March 28 -- al- comes as China’s Premier Li Ke- that interventions across all 11 late last year. Kingdom 370, Switzerland 340, most 10 per cent of the qiang directed local officials on Covid-19 cases soar countries will have averted The Imperial College study Austria 140, Sweden 82, Den- population. Monday to focus on tracking 59,000 deaths up to 31 March,” said despite the grave mark 69 and Norway 10. In Spain, researchers noted symptom-free carriers. LAGOS said the report, which was re- strain on the medical Epidemiologists from a recent “large increase” in China has reported 48 new CASES IN PROPORTION leased Monday. system in Italy, lock- Imperial College are deaths and estimated that confirmed imported cases of ROADS in Africa’s largest While the US and Italy leads the “Many more deaths will be down measures had part of the group ad- some seven million people — the novel coronavirus while the city Lagos were deserted world in total number of confirmed averted through ensuring that “averted a health care vising the British gov- or 15 per cent of the population death toll reached 3,305 with one Tuesday after Nigeria locked Covid-19 cases, here are countries/ interventions remain in place catastrophe”, estimat- ernment on its out- — have been infected. more fatality from the virus-hit down its economic hub and territories that have highest number until transmission drops to low ing that the contain- break response. It said it was too early to say Hubei province, health officials shuttered its capital, in the of cases per 1 million residents levels.” ment efforts had saved The study, which used whether countries with lower said on Tuesday. continent’s latest effort to Billions of people around the 38,000 lives. assumptions about the propor- death tolls would see a compa- China’s National Health Com- brake the juggernaut of Country/region Cases per 1M world have been ordered to stay In Spain researchers esti- tion of infected people not re- rable impact of their interven- mission (NHC) said on Tuesday coronavirus. Vatican City 7,491 home to prevent the spread of mate 16,000 lives had been corded in official figures, esti- tion measures as those battling that no new domestically trans- Businesses were closed, the novel coronavirus, which saved, while in France the mated that some 5.9 million a more severe epidemic. AFP mitted cases of the COVID-19 markets abandoned and San Marino 6,778 were reported on the Chinese streets empty as the usually Andorra mainland on Monday. chaotic megacity of 20 mil- 4,789 Meanwhile, China said it will lion, along with the capital Faeroe Islands 3,459 step up support for smaller en- Abuja, shuddered to a halt on Struggling New York seeks terprises in a bid to shore up the first full day of a two- Iceland 3,182 support for sectors hit by the week shutdown. Luxembourg 3,176 novel coronavirus, increasing Nigeria embarked late financing quotas of small- and Monday on one of Africa’s 1 million more health workers medium-sized banks by one tril- most ambitious efforts at so- the continent have imposed lion yuan state media reported. cial distancing after record- restrictions from night-time A State Council meeting pre- ing 135 confirmed cases and curfews to total shutdowns to NEW YORK sided over by Premier Li Ke- two deaths. try to halt the disease. qiang said authorities would Across all of Africa, coun- Uganda on Tuesday woke THE mounting death toll guide smaller banks to lend all tries have recorded more up to lockdown after Presi- People applaud health workers during from the virus outbreak in the funds they receive to small- than 5,300 cases and 170 dent Yoweri Museveni or- a partial lockdown in Brussels on the United States had it and medium-sized enterprises deaths, according to a tally dered his east African nation Monday | AP poised on Tuesday to over- at preferential rates. compiled by AFP. Tanzania to shut up shop immediately. take China’s grim toll of 3,300 The Communist Party’s deci- and Mauritania on became The Republic of Congo was deaths, with New York Gover- sion-making politburo had the latest nations to register gearing up to follow suit later 12-year-old girl nor Andrew Cuomo saying called last Friday for stronger fatalities from the novel coro- in the day and Botswana’s up to 1 million more health- counter-cyclical policy meas- navirus as Sierra Leone con- president ordered a state of dies in Belgium care workers were needed. ures and a step-up in stimulus, firmed its first infection. emergency from midnight on “Please come help us,” he as the pandemic ravages the Dozens of countries across Thursday. BRUSSELS urged. global economy. Agencies Hard-hit Italy and Spain A 12-year-old girl confirmed in- have already overtaken Chi- WB warns China’s growth fected with COVID-19 has died na and now account for more could screech to halt in Belgium, health officials said than half of the nearly 38,000 Economic fallout from the Tuesday. COVID-19 deaths worldwide, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (first from left) has said the state is ‘beyond pandemic could bring China’s Fatality at such a young age according to figures from staggering’ as he sought additional one million health care workers | AP “is a very rare occurrence,” said Johns Hopkins University. growth to a standstill, the World government spokesman Dr Em- “To me, we’re beyond stag- News also came of the first “This is a stinging loss for Bank said, warning of “an manuel Andre, adding that her gering already.” US service member to die our military community,” Es- unprecedented shock” that could death “shook us”. Even before the governor’s from the disease. Secretary of per said in a release. also increase poverty across the The girl had had a fever for appeal, close to 80,000 former Defense Mark Esper said the More than 235 million peo- region. Chinese factory activity three days before her death, and nurses, doctors and other pro- death of the New Jersey ple — about two of every saw surprise growth in March as tested positive for COVID-19, fessionals were stepping up Army National Guardsman three Americans — live in the businesses grind back to work said another spokesman, Steven to volunteer, and a Navy hos- strengthened their resolve to 33 states where governors following a lengthy shutdown, Van Gucht. pital ship had arrived with work more closely with part- have declared statewide or- but analysts said the economy It was the first death of a 1,000 beds to relieve pressure ners to stop the spread of ders or recommendations to faces a challenging recovery as A policeman sets up a road block in Nigeria’s Lagos, where a lockdown is in child in the coronavirus crisis on overwhelmed hospitals. COVID-19. stay home. PTI external demand remains low. effect for two weeks starting from Tuesday | AP in Belgium, which has now re- corded a total 705 deaths from the disease it causes, according PROVOCATIVE ADVICE to the latest official toll. Last week, France reported the death of a 16-year-old girl from coronavirus in the greater Paris region. Avoid nagging your husbands during lockdown, Malaysian govt tells women Although serious COVID-19 infections are uncommon KUALA LUMPUR dered all citizens to stay at home gether next to a caption that ad- working at home to wear make- among the young, some excep- Police stop to stem the spread of the coro- vised women to “avoid nagging” up and dress neatly, rather than tional cases have been taken to a woman MALAYSIAN authorities have navirus, which has killed more their husbands, and to imitate in casual clothes. hospital intensive-care wards, during the advised women to wear make- than 30,000 people globally. the squeaky voice of Doraemon, “This must be a pressing is- as US health authorities have Movement up, not to nag their husbands In a series of Facebook posts, a cartoon robot cat from Japan sue,” said one Facebook post. pointed out. Control Order, and speak with a cartoon char- the Malaysian women’s minis- that is popular across Asia. “How will dressing up and put- Hospitals in Brussels and in limiting the acter’s soothing voice during try offered tips for how wives The post was removed Tues- ting on make-up at home (pre- two provinces, in the north and activities of the virus lockdown, sparking a should behave during the day afternoon following a flood vent) COVID-19? Pray, tell?” “It’s the west, are now confronted people in flood of mockery online. lockdown. of criticism, with many accus- already 2020, please progress. with “a more complicated situa- Malaysia, last Like many countries, the One showed a picture of a ing the government of sexism. Focus on more important mat- tion” as beds fill up, Andre said. week| AFP Southeast Asian nation has or- couple hanging up clothes to- Other posts advised women ters for women,” read another. MARKET GOLD SILVER FOREX Market 1,028.17 Sensex 29,468.49 H1 24 carat (1 gm) H4,316 H0 Per kg H39,480 Dollar 75.67 Watch 316.65 Nifty 8,597. 75 H1 22 carat (1 gm) H3,951 H0 Per gm H39.48 Euro 82.78 KOCHI WEDNESDAY 10 01l04l2020 Validity of lower TDS certificate extended till June

ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @ New Delhi lockdown imposed to stop the TDS/TCS (tax deduction at to non-residents (including Coronavirus spread, many NOTIFICATION source/tax collected at source) foreign companies) having The Centre on Tuesday extend- businesses and individuals for FY21 and whose applications permanent establishment in ed the validity of nil or lower could not fill the request and in Taxpayers who had filed for were pending for disposal of India and not covered by the tax deducted at source (TDS) many cases, the assessing offic- lower TDS/TCS (tax their FY20 order on lower TDS, above scenarios) till June 30 or certificates for financial year ers could not process the re- deduction at source/tax has been extended till June 30. disposal of application, ending March 31, 2020 till June, quests in a timely manner. Con- collected at source) for However, in the latter case, whichever is earlier. Overseas including overseas lenders to sequently, CBDT decided to FY21 and whose income recipients have to make companies and lenders are Indian borrowers. relax the dates till June 30, con- applications were pending an application as soon as given concessional rate of TDS According to the Income Tax sidering the hardships of tax for disposal of their FY20 normalcy is restored or before under bilateral tax treaty Act, recipients of certain payers making the payments. order on lower TDS, has end of June, CBDT explained. provisions. Domestic firms income can request tax official CBDT said the covid-19 pan- been extended till June 30. The extension will also be pay interest, royalty and fee for for a certificate to be issued demic has led to much disrup- However, in the latter case, given if taxpayers have the technical services to their saying there was no need to de- tion, including the normal income recipients have to lower TDS order for FY20 but overseas associates and they duct tax at source or it could be functioning of Income Tax de- make an application as have so far not applied similar are expected to benefit from the done at a concessional lower partment and hence a relaxa- soon as normalcy is order for FY21. The order has decision. The order would rate, based on the recipient’s tion was being offered. Taxpay- restored or before end also prescribed a 10 per cent allow seamless flow of Banks pass on income. However, due to the ers who had filed for lower of June, CBDT explained. withholding tax on payments payments to service providers. TRADE TALKS EMI relief for Govt to borrow `4.88 lakh cr in first half of FY21 New foreign

ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU ly as the government believes for the poor and vulnerable sec- the fund raising plan, the Min- trade policy to @ Hyderabad there’s substantial demand for tions. “Our fund raising istry proposed to roll out G-sec next 3 months securities in the market. resources are geared towards issuances through debt ETFs THE government on Tuesday “Government has sufficient that end,” he said adding besides inceasing the ways and be announced Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and stuck to the script to not revise amounts to meet its cash re- the government has taken into means advances, a mechanism after March’21 SBI deferred payments, others to follow its FY21 gross borrowings quirements. We have suffi- account the higher spending using which temporary mis- upwards notwithstanding cient capacity for a stimu- due to the coronavirus matches in cash flows are man- the recent `1.7 lakh crore lus or any other pandemic. aged, limit to `1.2 lakh crore ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @ New Delhi ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @ Hyderabad on their website (includes Covid-19 stimulus package and requirement arising Finance Minister Si- Meanwhile, Chakraborty writing an email to the bank), the likely need for further due to Covid-19,” said tharaman pegged FY21 said the government’s fiscal The government on Tuesday INDIAN banks on Tuesday others like Canara Bank have fiscal measures. Atanu Chakraborty, gross borrowings at deficit aim was ‘very realistic’ extended the existing foreign rolled out the 3-month mora- requested customers to get in In line with tradition, the Secretary, Department `7.8 lakh crore, includ- and that meeting the FY20 fis- trade policy (2015-20), which torium on all term loans and touch with their respective Ministry of Finance decided to of Economic Affairs. ing repayments and past cal deficit was not in question. was scheduled to lapse this deferral of interest payments branches. “To avoid unneces- frontload its borrowings by He added that the Ministry loans of `2.35 lakh crore. It ICRA estimates that the Cen- month-end for one year till on working capital loans. sary paperwork the facility raising `4.88 lakh crore or 62.5 will do all it can to meet the means, FY21 net borrowings tre’s capital expenditure and March 2021 amid lockdown This means, EMIs on home has been extended across the per cent of the FY21 gross bor- ‘health commitments for resur- will be at `5.36 lakh crore, up net lending would need to rise imposed due to coronavirus or auto loans due on and from board to all the borrowers by rowings in the first six months gence and recovery of industry, fom `4.99 lakh crore. As part of by 29.5 per cent on a year-on- outbreak. Wednesday or April 1, can be extending the facility of Term of the fiscal. This includes rais- year basis in March 2020 to “The existing foreign deferred for three months and Loan instalments (includes ing `25,000 crore every week meet the revised estimate of trade policy 2015-20 which is the next installment can be interest) by 90 days. The origi- via T-Bils from April through Government has sufficient amounts to meet its cash requirements. `23.5 lakh crore for FY20. Ac- valid up to March 31 this paid only in June if the bor- nal repayment period for September. For now, the Minis- We have sufficient capacity for a stimulus or any other requirement cordingly, further saving in ex- year is extended up to March arising due to Covid-19. rowers so desire. It means, the Term Loans will get extended try has ruled out the possibility penditure relative to FY20 re- 31, 2021. Various other repayment schedule by 90 days e.g. a loan of the RBI buying bonds direct- Atanu Chakraborty, secretary, Department of Economic Affairs vised estimate appears likely. changes are also made ex- gets extended ac- repayable in 60 in- tending the date of exemp- cordingly and inter- stalments maturing tions by one year and extend- est will be charged on March 1, 2025 TODAY’S STOCK PICK ing validity of DFIA and extra for three As per COVID 19 will mature on June EPCG authorisations for im- months on the total regulatory package 1, 2025,” Central Current Price Govt extends deadline for BPCL bids port purposes,” the directo- outstanding loan of RBI, Indian Bank Bank of India clari- rate general of foreign trade amount. allows a moratorium fied on its website. A324.5 said in a notification. Almost all banks by deferring EMI Chennai-based In- The order means all exist- payment/ term loan to June 13 due to Covid-19 outbreak are extending the dian Overseas Bank ing incentives and schemes instalments & Target Price moratorium to all interest/interest on not only deferred will also continue. This will outstanding ac- @ New Delhi earlier deadline of April 4. The include the popular Mer- working capital for 3 EMI payments for 650 ICICI BANK ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU counts by default. months w.e.f 1st term loans but has A CHECK NEW DATES divestment had exempted Nu- chandise Export from India For most banks, March 2020 also slashed its repo- ICICIBC is well placed in a The Centre has extended the maligarh Refinery Limited. Scheme and the Export Pro- EMI deductions are linked lending rate challenging environment with its date of bidding for divesting its  Bidders can now submit BPCL has a market capitali- motion Capital Goods system-generated at Indian Bank from 8 per cent to limited exposure to the newly 52.98 per cent share in Bharat information memorandum sation of about `68,223 crore (EPCG) scheme that the gov- a prefixed date and 7.25 per cent with ef- surfaced stressed names and one Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) by by May 16 instead of April 4 and the government stake at ernment has to phase out be- time, usually the first week of fect from April 1, thereby ben- of the highest provisioning over a month to June 13, keep-  Only Private companies current prices is worth about cause of a World Trade Or- the month and the deduction efitting MSMEs and retail coverage in the banking sector. ing in view the lockdown with a net worth of more `36,159 crore. The successful ganisation dispensation. will be time in the first bank- loans. Similarly, Punjab Na- ICICI has one of the lowest imposed due to the Covid-19. It than $10 billion are eligible bidder will also have to make EPCG is an export promo- ing hour of the day. But for tional Bank, State Bank of exposure to SME segment which has announced the strategic an open offer to other share- tion scheme under which an next three months, banks will India, Syndicate Bank have forms <4% of total loans. We disinvestment of its entire holders for acquiring another exporter can import certain deactivate the automatic also deferred interest on term estimate RoA/RoE to improve to shareholding in BPCL compris- has been extended to 5 pm on 26 per cent at the same price. amount of capital goods at switch calling in payments. loans. As per the RBI direc- 1.7%/16.8% in FY22. ing of 114.91 crore equity June 13 in “view of the re- India’s fiscal deficit for the zero duty for upgrading tech- However, customers willing to tion, moratorium is applica- shares, along with transfer of quests received from the inter- April 2019 to February 2020 pe- nology related with exports. —Motilal Oswal Financial Services pay as per schedule can opt- ble on all term loans includ- management control to a stra- ested bidders and the prevail- riod touched 135.2 per cent of On the other hand, ad- out of the moratorium, ing principal and/or interest tegic buyer. ing situation arising out of the revised target of 3.8 per vance authorisation is is- Disclaimer: The views and though the process differs components, bullet repay- recommendations made above are Earlier this month, the gov- COVID-19”, a notification said. cent of GDP and government sued to allow duty free im- from bank to bank. ments, EMIs, credit card that of the individual analyst or ernment had invited expres- The last date for submission had so far been able to meet port of inputs, which is While some like IDBI Bank dues falling due between broking company, and not that of sion of interest (EoI), in buying of written queries has also only 74 per cent of both tax and physically incorporated in have offered an opt-out option March 1 and May 31. The New Indian Express its stake, by May 2. This now been pushed to May 16 from the none tax revenue. export product. Under the Duty Free Import Authorisa- tion scheme, exporters are TOUGH TIMES EXPRESS READ allowed to import certain goods like sugar at zero duty. Restaurant body, food tech firms raise NMDC pays G150 cr to ITC to produce 1.25 lakh Exporters from most sec- SpiceJet to cut PM-Cares fund Savlon hand sanitisers tors are looking for an exten- sion in policy as in the cur- March salary money to feed millions of daily wagers New Delhi: State-run NMDC Ltd New Delhi: ITC on Tuesday said rent scenario, when exports will contribute `150 crore to the it has started production of have taken a big hit due to BISMAH MALIK @ Bengaluru restaurants in India, has an- and Bengaluru cities. Prime Minister Cares Fund to Savlon hand sanitisers from its shut-down, they do not want by up to 30% nounced to supply free 10 mil- Online delivery start-ups help the fight against COVID -19. Manpura facility in Himachal existing incentives to be RESTAURANTS and food de- lion meals to the daily wage such as Swiggy and Zomato This is the single-largest Pradesh, which has been tinkered with. So this exten- ARSHAD KHAN @ New Delhi livery companies have an- earners/ construction work- have also announced separate contribution made by any PSE in designed to produce premium sion will give more time for nounced separate crowd fund- ers throughout the lockdown crowd funding campaigns to the country till date to help the fine fragrances to meet soaring the importers and exporters HIT hard by the COVID-19 ing campaigns to feed millions period in partnership with feed the daily wagers. Zoma- fight the pandemic. Besides, demand due to coronavirus to make effective plans amid pandemic, budget carrier of daily wagers and gig work- various NGOs and state to CEO, Deepinder Goyal the company said it has rolled pandemic. It expects this facility the intense uncertainty as SpiceJet on Tuesday an- ers.Even as the food services authorities. NRAI said earlier said that his out various preventive measures to help produce an additional well as for the government to nounced a pay cut of up to 30 sector is expecting at least 50- that the campaign will company is planning to protect the employees. 1.25 lakh litres of sanitisers. hold more consultations in per cent for all employees in 60 perc ent drop in revenues be partially funded to raise `50 crores view of the changed econom- March. The airline, however, due to the Covid-19, major and each meal will through “Feed the Dai- ic and global scenario. said it won’t be cutting jobs stakeholders in the industry cost between `20-25 ly wager” project and Covid-19 outbreak: Isuzu delays BS6 launches Exports during April-Feb- even as all its flights remain have stepped up efforts to feed The restaurants will use so far they have collected ruary this financial year suspended till April 14. their employees , delivery their kitchen infrastructure `17 crores. Swiggy has also Chennai: Japanese utility vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu Motors India, has dipped by 1.5 per cent to “The bold measures are partners and the migrant to prepare meals and supply contributed `4 crore to its Cov- rescheduled its plans to introduce its BS VI models to the later part of $292.91 billion, while Im- in the best interest for every- workers who are stuck. the same to the needy every id19 relief fund with its CEO the second quarter of 2020-21 due to Covid-19. The company has also ports during the period de- one at SpiceJet as it aims to National Restaurant Asso- day. NRAI said that the initia- Sriharsha Majetywill letting extended the warranty of its vehicles and informed that all vehicles clined by 7.30 per cent to $436 sail through the crisis with ciation of India (NRAI) , a rep- tive will be implemented go 50 per cent of his annual whose warranty expires during the period from March 15 to April 15 will billion, leaving a trade defi- zero retrenchment,” Spice- resentative body of five lakh across Delhi NCR, Kolkata salary as a contribution. now have their warranty extended until end-May 2020. cit of $143.12 billion. Jet said in a statement. Assuring its employees in the lowest pay grades that MANPOWER CRISIS they will remain unaffected by the decision, Ajay Singh, chairman and managing di- rector, SpiceJet, said: “What Exodus of migrant labourers throws FMCG supply chain into disarray we are facing is a global phe- nomenon and no airline in the world is immune to the SESA SEN @ New Delhi plants is even more severe material and packing material Meanwhile, distributors are impact. Tough times don’t since they are mostly located in continues to be a challenge now telling retailers, including last, tough people do.” Singh ADDING to the woes of the fast smaller towns and labourers with the restricted movement kirana stores, to arrange their has also opted to take the moving consumer goods have migrated from there first. of trucks and this is hampering own transport and delivery highest 30 per cent pay cut. (FMCG) industry, who are grap- Unless there is clear statement quick start-up of production of mechanism as they are either Other airlines such as pling with panic buying and from the government that the essential products. “The key is- running on skeleton staff or GoAir, IndiGo and Air India dwindling supplies of fresh disease is under control, la- sue, however, is the availability are still awaiting clarity on dis- have also enforced salary stocks, the exodus of migrant bourers are unlikely to come of manpower and workers to tribution operations from local cuts earlier to minimise the labourers is crippling their op- back,” said Mayank Shah, cat- run these operations,” he said. administration. “We were not financial burden. Experts erations further delaying sup- egory head at Parle Products. R S Sodhi, managing director prepared for a 21-day lockdown. believe if the Covid-19 crisis plies. Companies are learnt to Britannia Industries is also and chairman, Amul con- There are no labourers to load deepens, the aviation sector be working at a critical 20-25 facing a similar labour crisis. curred. “While our products products nor delivery people. will be left with no choice per cent workforce with their “We are evaluating how we can are getting delivered to distrib- Currently, I have stocks of but to cut their employee third-party manufacturing operate with fewer number of utors, the latter are unable to cooking oil, atta, Maggi, pulses base. The Centre for Asia Pa- units taking the worst hit. people as most of our workmen deliver due to an acute man- and besan in my go-down but cific Aviation estimates In- “Even as the movement of have got back to their villages. power shortage. Labour is a no people to deliver them. If the diGo and SpiceJet losses at trucks has improved, the short- We are operating at only about set a target of 50 per cent for the fear of the virus spread. huge problem. Due to the COV- retailers have their own trans- up to $1.5 billion across the age of manpower is making it 25 per cent of strength,” said this week although it might be Shahrukh Khan, executive ID-19 scare, a lot of them have port, they can come down and fourth quarter of FY20 and difficult to run operations. The Britannia managing director a “lofty target” given the work- director, operations at Dabur gone home. This problem will pick up the goods,” said a Del- the first quarter of FY21. shortage in our 125 third-party Varun Berry. The company has ers are not willing to return for India said availability of raw persist for a few more days.” hi-based distributor. Indian women’s football captain Bala Devi has joined Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri Bala Devi joins AFC in the Asian Football Confederation’s awareness campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. She is among the latest leading players of the continent to join the AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign against virus video campaign, aimed at raising awareness in the fight against coronavirus.

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 11 01l04l2020 newindianexpress com MENTAL HEALTH RISKS HIGH No lockdown in Elite sportspersons, because of the stress caused by sudden change in lifestyle, could develop anxiety-related issues AICF battle, prez

AFP @ Hong Kong Serena Williams, who has suf- with bipolar disorder, told isolate for.” fered from depression in the America’s WOODTV.com. Many sports bodies have re- suspends secretary FEAR, stress and money wor- past, to journeyman pros and Concerns have also been acted by offering support to ries: coronavirus lockdown is Olympic hopefuls whose lives raised about Australia’s swim- athletes. However, some sports hard for anyone, but athletes have been thrown into mers and cricketers, after ath- are making cuts to avoid going ATREYO MUKHOPADHYAY That sounded odd, consider- are facing extra mental health turmoil. letes in both sports suffered bust, reducing their ability to @ Chennai ing that the Madras High risks as they go from highly ac- Williams, 38, who only needs well-documented psychologi- help. Substance abuse, such as Court had set aside that elec- tive lifestyles to isolation and one more Grand Slam title to cal problems in the past. drinking or using drugs, is one THE COVID-19 lockdown has tion process and Patel’s ap- boredom, experts warn. equal the all-time record of 24, “The mental health thing, we tell-tale sign of problems, done little to douse the unrest peal challenging that order in While some housebound ath- admitted that social distancing talked about it in a conference Broderick said. in All India Chess Federation the Supreme Court was also letes have posted upbeat videos because of coronavirus had call this week,” said Australian “Stress and anxiety can man- (AICF). In the latest episode turned down. of themselves training or at- left her feeling “a ton of men’s cricket coach Justin ifest in substance abuse. That’s of the battle, the president However, Chauhan claimed tempting internet challenges stress”. Langer. what I’d look out for, if they’re has suspended the secretary, otherwise. “While setting such as juggling toilet rolls, the “Every little thing makes me “Particularly for any of our using alcohol as a support,” who shot back saying that he aside the election process stress caused by the extreme crazy. And by anxiety I mean staff or players who are home she said. “There has certainly doesn’t have the power to take (that elected Patel president), adjustment and uncertain fu- I’m just on edge. Any time any- alone basically. We have to been some anxiety,” added such a step. Since the matter the court never said the pre- ture looks likely to take its toll. one sneezes around me or keep an eye on those guys and Broderick, who said Austral- may require judicial inter- vious set of office-bearers Long-term effects on athletes coughs I get crazy,” she said on Every little thing makes me crazy. girls to make sure they’re OK.” ia’s tennis players receive reg- vention, no immediate head- will remain in office. So Patel after the SARS and swine flu TikTok, a social media app. And by anxiety I mean I’m just on Broderick, who was deputy ular communications and can way seems visible under the stays president. I will write to outbreaks included anxiety, ob- Even before the virus, a edge. Any time anyone sneezes medical director for Austral- call on medical support. circumstances. the people he (Raja) has writ- sessive hand-washing and fear steady stream of people in- around me or coughs I get crazy. ia’s 2016 Olympics team, and “The high-level, high-profile The development is a con- ten to and explain this,” said of getting too close to people, volved in sports — often an in- tinuation of the fight between Chauhan, who was elected Serena Williams sits on an advisory panel for professional athletes can han- Carolyn Broderick, Tennis secure and high-stress profes- the National Rugby League, dle this loss of income but the sides led by AICF presi- secretary with Patel before Australia’s chief medical of- sion — have wrestled with said the effects of isolation can there are a lot of athletes on dent PR Venketrama Raja the court overruled that ficer, said. depression, from Williams to to chase medal dreams but now be felt more acutely by ath- the fringe,” she said. and secretary Bharat Singh election. But the impact of the cur- Olympic swimming great Mi- face extra disruption after the letes. “They have all the same “If you have a few months of Chauhan. Elections could Even if there are loopholes rent pandemic is unprecedent- chael Phelps, MMA fighter Tokyo 2020 Games were post- psychological issues that eve- loss of activity there’s a signifi- have offered a solution, in Chauhan’s argu- ed, with athletes sidelined Ronda Rousey, boxer Mike Ty- poned for a year. ryone does but also the stress cant loss of income as well.” but that is sub-judice ment, the Raja camp worldwide after COVID-19 son and All Blacks rugby play- “I would be lying if I said I and anxiety about their futures She recommended athletes and stuck in the Ma- will find it hard to forced most sports into hiber- er John Kirwan. was all right. Just like most that they cannot easily con- stick to routines, focus on what dras High Court due prove it right now nation and put billions of peo- The athletes currently out of people I’m struggling in my trol,” she said. “They don’t can be controlled and use their to the coronavirus because the courts ple in lockdown. action include thousands of own ways,” Olympics-bound know what the next stage is go- extra time for a hobby or on- pandemic. That, how- are functioning Those affected range from would-be Olympians, many of American weightlifter Kate ing to be or how long they’re line training to maintain their ever, has not led to a only for emergency well-paid superstars such as whom have put careers on hold Nye, who has been diagnosed going to have to quarantine or mental health. ceasefire. cases. The AICF’s Levelling at least nine election matter has charges against Chauhan, also got held up due to this. HELPING HANDS Raja wrote he is using his “Chauhan knows that if elec- “extraordinary powers” as tions take place, he will lose. ROHIT SHARMA AICF president “under Arti- So he is trying to stall the pro- The star batsman has cle 15 (a) of the AICF constitu- cess by hook or crook,” said donated `80 lakh. Of this, tion” to “remove” Chauhan RM Dongre, aspirant for the `45 lakh is for the PM’s fr om the secretary’s post. “All secretary’s post from the Raja fund, `25 lakh for the your actions contrary to and faction. Maharashtra CM’s fund, `5 in violation of this notice sh- Chauhan countered by say- lakh for ‘Zomato Feeding all be null and void,” read the ing that the Raja group is tak- India’ and `5 lakh for the letter accessed by this daily. ing action against him to di- welfare of stray dogs. Chauhan said Raja is not vert attention from a letter the AICF president and even from the Sports Commission- ANIL KUMBLE if he is, he doesn’t have the er of Maharashtra, which The former India captain authority to dismiss an elect- asks the AICF to direct the and coach made donations ed official without two-third All Marathi Chess Associa- to the central and majority of the general body tion to submit the expendi- Karnataka state relief or central council of the fed- ture statement for the World funds. He refrained from eration. He insisted that Ajay Youth Championship held in disclosing the amount Patel is the AICF president. Mumbai last year. donated. NEERAJ CHOPRA EXPRESS READ The Asian and Commonwealth Games Kerala’s Santosh Trophy hero Usman passes away gold-winning javelin thrower has given a total of KOCHI: Former Kerala footballer KV Usman Koya, who was fondly `3 lakh to the central and called ‘Dempo Usman’ passed away at the age of 74 due to cardiac Haryana state relief funds. arrest. Koya has a special place in Kerala football history as he was part of the state team which won IOA & AFFILIATES the prestigious Santosh Trophy for the first time. He Associations under the played as a stopper-back for Kerala as they beat Indian Olympic Association Railways 3-2 in the final held at the Maharajas (IOA) have put together College ground in Kochi. At the club level, he most `37.50 lakhs. The wrestling, notably played for Goan football club Dempo SC. golf, table tennis, That’s when he got the label ‘Dempo Usman’. The affable footballer basketball, tennis and used to play as a midfielder but was converted into a stopper back cycling federations along by Olympian Simon Sunder Raj who was the coach of the Kerala with Kerala Olympic team in the 1973 Santosh Trophy. His footballing journey started Association have with Calicut AVM Sports Club. He then went onto play for Calicut contributed in this. TIK-TOK TIK-TOK! Young Challengers. He played for Premier Tyres, Titanium, FACT and A countdown clock displays the remaining days until the new start date for the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday | AP most notably Dempo SC. Koya is survived by his wife Kadija.

US Open site to be USA Rugby forced to Olympics in 2021 a boon as Dipa targets comeback converted to hospital file for bankruptcy ASHIM SUNAM @ Bengaluru ing and evening to get back in tic Gymnastics World Chal- events have been postponed, NEW YORK: The site of the US NEW YORK: USA Rugby has her best shape. “Due to this cor- lenge Cup in Turkey in 2018 giving her more time to Open tennis tournament here will decided to file for Chapter 11 TWO kilometres: That is the onavirus situation, there is a and bronze in Artistic Gymnas- prepare. be used to build a 350-bed facility bankruptcy due to financial distance between India gym- lockdown and I had to stop my tics World Cup in Germany. “Out of the eight qualifying in an effort to provide additional woes exacerbated by the nast Dipa Karmakar’s house practice too, which I had start- The same year also witnessed tournaments for Tokyo Olym- medical infrastructure to the city shutdown. In financial strife and her coach Bisweswar Nan- ed recently. As of now, I am her pull out of the Artistic pics, two remain. She should as it battles the growing since 2018, USA Rugby’s recent di’s residence in Agartala. De- working on my fitness at team finals in the Asian feature in both, but has to be in coronavirus outbreak. A report attempt to restructure was set spite the short distance, the mo- home. Around evening, Games due to injury. good form and fitness also,” said that New York city’s emer- back this month when it had bile phone has become an I inform sir (Nandi) of Again, the knee inju- said Nandi. “First of all, one gency management office plans to suspend all activities. essential tool for both with the things (exercises) ry came to haunt her in has to understand that she is to build a 350-bed facility at the their communication restrict- that I did during the 2019, where she could coming out of an injury. There Billie Jean King National Tennis BWF freezes junior ed to calls, including a few via day via phone,” Dipa not compete in the final will be a psychological fear, but Center in Flushing Meadows- and senior rankings video when required, after the told this daily. of Artistic Gymnastics we will try to overcome that Corona Park. The report said 26-year-old is done with train- Such emphasis on attain- World Cup in Baku. As a re- and prepare well. If she finish- construction could begin as early NEW DELHI: The Badminton ing. With the country in lock- ing top fitness does not come as sult, she missed out on the es with a medal in both the as Tuesday at an indoor training World Federation (BWF) on down due to the COVID-19 out- a surprise. After an impressive Doha World Cup, one of the events, then there are chances center at the facility, which has Tuesday decided to freeze the break, Nandi has strictly fourth-position finish in Rio qualifying events for Tokyo. of her qualifying. Let’s see, but multiple courts and wide spaces, world rankings, saying instructed Dipa to stay home Olympics, she suffered anteri- Just when her Olympic chanc- it is not going to be easy.” according to a spokesman for the standings as on March 17 will and not venture out. or cruciate ligament (ACL) tear es looked slim, the postpone- Though Dipa can use this US Tennis Association. The beds be the basis for entry and In such times, the gymnast is in 2017 and underwent surgery, ment of Olympics by one year time for doing free-hand exer- will likely be for patients who do A sign in Flushing Meadows Corona seedings when it restarts the not wasting any time. She is which kept her out of the sport means she can feature in the cises, she cannot be involved in not have COVID-19, the illness Park, a site for the temporary hospital international calender that spending much of her time in for almost a year. The 4-feet, 11- last two qualifying events for full-fledged training until the caused by the novel coronavirus. to cope with coronavirus cases | AFP has been thrown haywire. physical exercises in the morn- inch athlete won gold in Artis- Tokyo in Baku and Doha. Both lockdown ends on April 14.

TOUGH TIMES Coming to terms with personal loss, sharpening serve & forehand

SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN October meant he was forced to two of quitting for good, is still dreams and look towards an al- Understandably, “cracking the For the time being though, he @ Chennai give a walk-over to Wu Tung-lin uncomfortable talking about ternate career. That’s when ATP 250s, winning that Anning is one among many elite ath- in the third round of the Liu- what his father meant to him. It Prabhakaran intervened. His Challenger (150 ranking points) letes around the world. “I can- THE first three months of 2020 zhou Challenger. Since then, he is only understandable because father asked him to give his in China as well as that do-or- not go out anywhere as I am has not been positive for Pra- has won four main draw match- without Prabhakaran’s guid- body one final chance to keep die Davis Cup rubber against under quarantine. If only I had jnesh Gunneswaran. He did es in seven meets. However, ance and motivation, the his dream going. So he willed China in 2018” figure highly in access to gym equipment or a make it into the main draw of there was a bigger blow in this 30-year-old would have stopped his body for one more time, a his list. tennis court. So I have to make the Australian Open but that time. He lost his father, SG playing tennis. “It (my father’s last chance saloon. “It just When he is asked to look for- do with what I have, just doing was the lone highlight as he Prabhakaran, who passed away death) impacted me a lot. But I clicked there,” Gunneswaran ward to what 2020 could yet push-ups and some body weight lost more matches than he won. after a period of illness last cannot really do anything remembers. “If I had aggravat- bring, he is just interested in training.” Defeat to Croatia’s Borna Gojo November. about it... it’s a part of my life.” ed my injury after coming back further polishing his big weap- When the Tour returns, the in the first rubber of the World “That was the biggest blow Here’s a little history lesson. for one last time... I would have ons; the serve and the forehand. World No 132 hopes he can Group playoffs compounded of my life,” Gunneswaran, who Managing chronic tendinits in definitely stopped then and “I have been making steady channel his never-say-die spirit the disappointment. In a sense, is quarantined at home, tells both his knees, the Chennai lad there.” progress and closing the gap. for another crack at the Top 100 it’s been a prolonged leen this daily. The former World No had had enough. He was just 23 Since giving himself ‘my last But I would like to pay special and beyond. Knowing him, one stretch since October. 75, who was explaining how he but because of the state of his chance’, he has gone on to focus to the things that I believe wouldn’t be advised to bet A nagging left wrist injury in came within a tournament or body, he was ready to delete his Prajnesh Gunneswaran achieve a fair few milestones. are my biggest weapons.” against him. private labs have been given permission for testing so far, 49 said Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar from ICMR on Tuesday

KOCHI WEDNESDAY 12 01l04l2020 newindianexpress com

samples have samples were tested been tested on Monday, said the for coronavirus Indian Council of 42,788 so far in India 4,346 Medical Research PRIVATE LABS PRIVATE

Know your test centres LABS GOVT Do you have symptoms of the new coronavirus? You should immediately get yourself tested. Here is a ready reckoner that will aid your decision-making. We are providing the latest list of locations of testing centres as well as quarantine facilities, based on data from ICMR and NDMA DELHI ODISHA KERALA North Kasargod GOVT TESTING LABS PRIVATE LABS GOVT TESTING LABS North West North East NEW DELHI: Army Hospital SOUTH EAST DELHI BHUBANESWAR Kannur QUARANTINE SITES QUARANTINE National Centre for Research & Referral Dr Dang’s Lab Regional Medical Central Disease Control All India Institute of Research Centre Dr Lalit Dar NORTH WEST DELHI Wayanad West Shahdara Medical Sciences Dr Lal PathLabs, National Reference (RMRC) 9818137078 (AIIMS) Laboratory Dr Jyoti Turuk East SOUTH EAST DELHI NEW DELHI SOUTH DELHI 7653915589 Malappuram Laboratory Services Lady Hardinge Laboratory Services Indraprastha Apollo South East Hospitals CUTTACK palakkad South West Indraprastha Apollo Medical College SCB Medical College Hospitals WEST DELHI City x-Ray & Scan Clinic Pvt. Ltd. Dr Dharitri Mohapatra/ NEW CASES New Delhi NORTH EAST Thrissur SOUTH WEST DELHI DELHI Dr Nirupauma Chayani Kerala reported SOUTH WEST DELHI seven new cases Institute of Liver and Ram Manohar Lohia Prognosis Laboratories 9861336505 South Ernakulam Biliary Sciences Hospital Oncquest Laboratories Limited on Tuesday, 09437310666 said Shailaja Teacher, the state’s minister Idukki confirmed cases have for health, social justice and Bidar been recorded, with 5 woman and child Kottayam KARNATAKA patients recovered development Kalaburgi 83 QUARANTINE SITES GOVT TESTING LABS Yadgir Alappuzha Vijapura KALABURAGI KALABURAGI Bagalkot ESI Hospital Gulbarga Institute Of Medical Sciences Kollam Raichur Pathanamthitta Belagavi YADAGIRI Dr Nawaz Umar District Hospital BALLARI Gadag Ballari Yadagiri Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science Koppala Thiruvananthapuram Dharwad Taluk Hospital Dr Krishna S, 9448415781 Shahapura Chitradurga SHIVAMOGGA KOLLAM Haveri Taluka Hospital, QUARANTINE SITES Tumkur Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences GMCH Paripally Uttara Kannada Shorapura HASSAN THRISSUR Victoria hospital Davanagere RAICHUR Community health District hospital Raichur Institute Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences centre, Mala Shimoga Chikkaballapur ALAPPUZHA of Medical Science MYSORE Chikkamagaluru Kolar A man pushes a trolley of grocery items amid the Taluk headquarters Taluk Head Quarters Navodaya Medical Mysore Medical College & Research lockdown in Yeswanthpur on Tuesday | SHRIRAM BN Udupi Hospital chalakkudy Hospital Bengaluru Rural Institute, Dr AmurthaKumari B, Kayamkulam College General Hospital Hassan Bengaluru Urban 9900571039 PRIVATE LABS Medical College SHIVAMOGGA Irinjalakuda Ramanagara BENGALURU Neuberg Anand Reference Laboratory Hospital Dakshina kannada Mcgan District Taluk HQ Hospital, General Hospital Chamarajnagar Bangalore Medical College & Research Dr Shantala G (P) 9448078081 Kodagu and Teaching Institute, Command Hospital (Air Force) Kodungallur Taluk Head Quarters Hospital Cherthala Mysuru Hospital National Institute of Virology Cancyte Technologies Private Limited (P) General Hospital Medical College Hospital KOTTAYAM General Hospital Vizianagaram District Hospital Kottayam Wadakkancherry ANDHRA PRADESH Medical College Taluk hospital Hospital West Godavari Srikakulam Kunnamkulam GOVT TESTING LABS IDUKKI Guntur Government Thaluk HQ ANANTAPUR VIJAYAWADA Visakhapatnam Hospital Chavakkad District Hospital District Hospital Government Medical College Sidhartha Medical Thodupuzha Kurnool East Godavari Dr Swarnalatha, 9849499761 College PALAKKAD Al Azhar Hospital Dr R Lakshmi Kumari Thodupuzha KADAPA Taluk Head Quarters Krishna Hospital, Ottapalam Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences KAKINADA District Hospital ERNAKULAM Dr SasidharMajeti Rangaraya Medical Government Medical Prakasam 9247899544 College MALAPPURAM College Kalamassery Dr D S Murthy Government District TIRUPATI 40 Nellore Hospital, Tirur WAYANAD Sri Venkateswara Institute of 9440341099 cases the state has WIMS Meppadi in total, according Medical Sciences, Dr UshaKalawat, 9493547709 VISAKHAPATNAM YSR Kadapa KOZHIKODE General Hospital to the Union health Kalpetta Andhra Medical college Medical Collegel hospital GUNTUR ministry. None Kozhikodu District Hospital Guntur Medical College Dr P Kamala have died so far of Government General Manathavady Anantapur Chittoor Municipal workers demonstrate how to handle a Covid-19 Dr Prasanthi Kohli, 9246667885 the disease Hospital KANNUR positive patient in Vijayawada on Tuesday | EXPRESS 9848173034 9492820244 T’PURAM General Hospital General hospital THALASSERY Tiruvallur Medical College GOVT TESTING LABS KASARGODE TELANGANA TAMIL NADU Vellore Ranipet Chennai THIRUVARUR PATHANAMTHITTA District Hospital Tiruvannamalai 2 Govt labs General hospital Kanhangad Kumurambheem Asifabad Tirupattur 4 Private Government Medical College Adilabad Jagtial 79 Dr. V Vasuki, 9442351350 District Hospital, General Hospital 1 non-ICMR Lab confirmed cases Krishnagiri Kozhencherry Kasaragod Nirmal Mancherial has been THENI Care well Hospital Dharmapuri Chengalpet Government Theni Medical Rajanna detected as on Salem Viluppuram College Sircilla Peddapalli Tuesday, Dr. S Lalitha, 9787594487 accordidng to Erode PUDUCHERRY GOVT TESTING LABS THRISSUR Nizamabad Karimnagar Government Medical the the Union Namakkal Kallakurichi TIRUNELVELI Jayashankar T’PURAM College Siddipet Health Ministry Nilgiris Cuddalore Tirunelveli Medical College Bhupatpally Dr. RevathyBalan, 4622572733 Dr. Prithi Nair K Kamareddy Mayiladuthurai Rajiv Gandhi Center for Coimbatore Biotechnology 9739152943 Medak Mulugu Karur Karaikal MADURAI Madurai Medical College 9448078081 Nagapattinam KOZHIKODE Sangareddy Tiruchy Dr. C Sugumari, 9842953380 Warangal Urban Government Government Medical Medchal Dindigul Thiruvarur Warangal Rural Medical College, College Malkajgiri Perambalur COIMBATORE Madurai Coimbatore Medical College Chalakkuzhi Dr. BeenaPhilomina J Hyderabad Ariyalur Dr. Sarada Devi Mahabubabad Theni Dr. Mythily Nagasundaram 9446161949 Thanjavur 9488990741 9495244081 Rangareddy Bhadradri Virudhunagar Pudukottai KOTTAYAM Kothagudem Sivagangai SALEM Inter University Centre, Vikarabad Kumar Mangalam ALLAPUZZHA Khammam Tenkasi Ramanathapuram National Institute of Thalappady, Mahabubnagar Tuticorin Government Medical College Suryapet Dr. S Rajesh, 9443321151 Virology Field Unit, KANNUR Narayanpet Nalgonda Tirunelveli QUARANTINE Kanyakumari VILLUPURAM Vandanam, 9448078081 Malabar Cancer Centre, Jangaon SITES Government Medical College Thalassery Jogulamba MADURAI Gadwal Yadadri Bhuvanagiri Dr. P Shankar, 9940856010 PRIVATE LABS The Institute of KASARAGOD Wanaparthy PRIVATE LABS Nagarkurnool Cooperative VELLORE MIMS Laboratory Central University of Management Christian Medical College COIMBATORE Training Services, Kozhikode Kerala, QUARANTINE SITES PRIVATE LABS Microbiological Laboratory, Veerakeralam CHENNAI TIRUCHY Guindy: King Institute of YADADRI HYDERABAD road, Vadavalli Shivani Engineering Preventive Medicine and BHUVANAGIRI Vimta Labs Ltd VELLORE College Research AIIMS, Bibngar Dr G Jyothi Lakshmi Christian Medical College Park Town: Madras Medical 9848097635 CHENNAI GOVT TESTING LABS Tambaram, College AMERICAN Institute of CHENNAI Poonamallee Dr. K Kaveri, 988485519 HYDERABAD Pathology and Laboratory Porur: Sri Ramachandra Laboratory Nizam’s Institute Of Medical Sciences Private Ltd Services, Sciences Dr. Remedies Labs Private Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Greams Road: Apollo Hospitals TESTING Institute Of Preventive Medicine Limited Enterprise Limited Medical Education & Research Dr. Osmania Medical College Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Pvt. LABS Rahul Dhodapkar, 9791933708 Ltd Royapettah: Neuberg Ehrlich Laboratory SECUNDERABAD Medcis Pathlabs India Pvt.Ltd. Pvt Ltd, QUARANTINE SITES Gandhi Medical College PATHCARE Labs Pvt. Ltd Tharamani: Y R Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Dr K Nagamani MULAKULAM: Hall ,Opp to Rina Mahal Research and Education, 9966533327 SECUNDERABAD Labourers form a queue BOMMIYANPET: Jawahar Nagar to collect rice provided WARANGAL The Department of Laboratory LAWSPET: Ashok Nagar CLEANING UP Medicine, Yashoda Hospital by the government at GOVT LABS NOT BACKED BY ICMR Dr. Raghunathan Kakatiya Medical College MUTHIALPET: Ganesh Nagar 9443090010 A Fire And Rescue Services truck spraying disinfectant in Dr Jyothi Kundru Apollo Health and Lifestyle Nayanaguda Melkote Old Washermanpet: Stanley Medical College, KURUSUKUPPAM: Kammamth Road in Kozhikode on Tuesday | MANU R MAVELIL 7337070094 Limited park | VINAY MADAPU PUDUCHERRY READSHAREFOLLOW newindianexpress.com Mail us: [email protected]

01l 04l 2020 WEDNESDAY

DAY’S DIARY Dawn of Apple TECH BY HAND VISION THE THIRD FOUNDER Hrithik Roshan’s life Both of them were college Jobs and Wozniak wanted to Ronald Gerald Wayne, the ‘third Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak dropouts. The kits were hand-built make computers small enough founder’ of Apple Computer, was now in TN textbooks founded the firm Apple Computer by Wozniak and first shown to the for people to have them in their with the company for only a short on this day in 1976 to sell Apple I, public at the Homebrew Computer homes or offices — they wanted a time. He illustrated the first Apple their personal computer kit Club. They went on sale in July 1976 computer that was user-friendly logo and wrote the Apple I manual PG 4

● Deena Theresa

n the age of social media, fake news is one battle that the world persistently KUDUMBASHREE KEEPS Ifights, especially during MEDICINE SALE testing times. Fabricated pieces of news with photo- shopped images, fraudulent health remedies, false narra- tives and bogus forwards have THE INFO FLOWING UNDER CLOSE WATCH left us bewildered over distin- The self-help group has been using its nearly two lakh guishing wheat from the chaff. As many hoard malaria medicine following media reports about In such a phase, the Kudum- WhatsApp groups to disseminate authentic information its effectiveness against Covid-19, Drug Control Dept has decided bashree Mission has convert- ed their network of WhatsApp All the groups to monitor the flow and availability of essential drugs groups, divided into ENTERTAINMENT, ALONG across these levels Area Development WITH INFORMATION are connected, Societies (ADS), ● Shainu Mohan Community Devel- “We have decided to start a therefore they function opment Societies programme called ‘WhatsApp systematically. We also ith the state (CDS) and Neigh- Arangu’ for these groups from review if the messages government bourhood Groups have reached the people. enforcing all (NHG), into Covid-19 April 1. The event consists necessary awareness platforms of three sections — ‘Nalla Forwards and fake articles measures to that disseminate imme- paattukari’, ‘Ente kavitha’ and are strictly banned contain the diate, authentic informa- ‘Chithram vichithram’ where —Renjini S, Wspread of Covid-19, the Drug tion and updates on the Asst district mission coordinator Control Department is aiding outbreak and precaution- the members should send in the effort by stepping up sur- ary measures from the eight-line songs and poems veillance to track the flow and Chief Minister’s Office, as audio clips, along with as members, CDC and ADS availability of drugs used for Health Department, dis- groups are solely confined to the treatment of patients. Ac- trict authorities and on photographs taken during women. The updates and ad- cording to officials, there has various activities one the time of the lockdown. vice sent across contain gov- been a rise in instances of can engage in, during Such an event is to keep them ernment emblems so as not be hoarding medicines by the the lockdown. entertained and refreshed,” confused with fake news. general public and private We are on high alert Vimukthi Deaddiction Centres. said Renjini. Assistant Ernakulam dis- practitioners. and haven’t noticed any “We are on high alert and we trict Mission coordinator Ren- Sources reveal that surveil- haven’t noticed any spike in Whatsapp groups jini S puts all apprehensions lance on the sale and demand spike in the demand the demand for narcotic drugs Kudumbashree mem- about the efficiency and swift- of psychotropic drugs and oth- for narcotic drugs so so far. Severe withdrawal syn- bers and officials level wherein there exists ness of these groups at rest. er medicines has also been far. Severe withdrawal drome would lead them to de- function across all two WhatsApp groups com- “All the groups across these stepped up in the wake of the syndrome would lead pend on other options like il- levels in the state. prising our executive direc- levels are connected, therefore ongoing lockdown. licit liquor,” said an excise While Ernakulam is tor, district-level coordina- they function systematically. “Following media reports them to depend on official. host to 20,381 What- tors and the principal So, at the lowest level, you that a medicine given for ma- other options like illicit According to Dr L R Madhu- sapp groups com- secretary. Then on, you have have the presidents and secre- laria could be used to treat liquor — An excise official jan of Karunasai Psychopark, bined across all 152 district-level groups. taries of the NHG groups Covid-19, there was a rise in a de-addiction and mental levels, comprising Block-level groups are next in who’re also part of ADC demand for the pills. We have health institute, the govern- 2,55,710 members, the cap- the hierarchy with CDS groups. Such a chain of com- now taken adequate measures ment should take immediate ital city of Thiruvanan- As per groups (panchayat-level), ADS mand is followed at the top. to ensure that it is not sold steps to authorise more with- thapuram has altogether Nishad C C, state groups (ward-level) and NHG Therefore, the top officials in without a prescription,” said Call for more drawal syndrome clinics in the 18,291 Whatsapp groups at all programme manager, Kudum- groups. Within 20 minutes, every group receive informa- an official. de-addiction centres state to cater to the increasing three levels consisting of bashree formerly had a net- every member of these groups tion instantly and pass it on to According to the state Drug number of addicts. 1,16,396 members. While mem- work of WhatsApp groups for would have received pertinent their respective teams. We Control Department officials, With the lockdown coming as a “Many entities have started bership is restricted to Ku- their purposes. “However, information. We aimed to also review if the messages they are closely monitoring blow to drug addicts and alco- manufacturing illicit and spu- dumbashree members, the around the second week of reach the grassroots level with have reached the people. For- medicine shortage in Kerala. holics in the state, the demand rious liquor. This would likely outreach is rather large con- March, these groups were con- basic connectivity and com- wards and fake articles are “We are in constant touch with for narcotic drugs is likely to go lead to tragic consequences. sidering every member con- verted into mediums for munication to the elderly,” he banned. Groups are also used stockists and are ensuring up. However, according to the This is happening in the forest veying the messages to others spreading awareness and en- said. to update the members on the proper supply. There are some Excise Department, checks are areas of the state. Once they within their family or friend couraging positive communi- While the district-level essentials needed at the com- issues with the consignment in place to curb the over-the- start running out of raw mate- circle. cation. It starts at the state- groups have male officials also munity kitchens,” she said. movement from other states counter sale of narcotic medi- rials, they would start using but there is no shortage as of cines from pharmacies. Ac- hazardous chemicals,” said now,” the official said. cording to them, such narcotic Madhujan. “We are getting nu- KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE It is learnt that the National drugs are being brought into merous calls from families. In Pharmaceutical Pricing Au- Kerala from Tamil Nadu and the past 48 hours alone, we thority (NPPA) has directed other bordering states. have admitted around 25 pa- drug manufacturers across the The Vimukthi Cell under the tients. But there are many who country to make available Excise Department has re- are underprivileged and are HELPLINE around 2.2 crore HIV medicines ceived 416 calls since the decla- not aware that this is a medical including Lopinavir and Rito- ration of the lockdown. Around condition. They should be giv- HEALTH navir for treating Covid-19 200 outpatients and 64 inpa- en more awareness,” he patients. tients have reported at the added. Disha: 1056 District Control Room: 0484-2368802 COMMUNITY KITCHEN Ventilators installed at MCH Corporation-run kitchens he ICU ventilators, bought using the MP fund of Hibi Mayor: 9633746942 Eden, have been installed at Ernakulam Medical Col- lege Hospital, Kalamassery. The MP had allotted `1 Deputy Mayor: 9387101803 T crore from his local development fund to buy the equip- Secretary: 9447694511 ment. Besides ventilators, an ECMO machine, non-invasive Long queues seen in front of supermarkets in the city. With social distancing norms in place, only four people are ventilators, multiparameter monitor with capnogram and allowed inside the shop at a time l Albin Mathew Kudumbashree: 9744263989 dual IBP machines will be bought for the hospital. ENS FREE DRUG DELIVERY WHEN DUTY CALLS Hypergo (all over Kochi): 62388 23588 Highway Medicals (Kalamassery): 9744 254322 Jailbirds turn good samaritans, feed hundreds Futureace Hospital: The Freedom Food Factory prepares meals for the medical team at Ernakulam Medical College, Kalamassery 85890 04500 POLICE ● Toby Antony ing to provide food for patients and talks are on in this regard. For the last two days, we have been supplying 8590202060 (only for foreigners) We may have to start preparing 280 packets of chappati and curry in the hey have often been tagged food for patients from this the ‘not-so-ideal’ citizens week,” he said. morning. For lunch, we provide an equal ESSENTIALS but in the times of Cov- The official said a 30-member number of biryani packets. At night again, we deliver AM Needs: T id-19 outbreak, prisoners task force has been formed at chappati again —K V Jagadeeshan, superintendent, district jail 97468 11118 have turned into good samari- the District Jail to prepare and tans. For, they have been pre- deliver food without hitch. Be- (Milma, Horticorp, VFPCK) paring food for the medical sides, the jail will also manu- team at Ernakulam Medical facture face masks for Big Baazar: 73044 37636 College Hospital, Kalamassery, hospitals. `25, chicken biryani is availa- and chilli chicken. Daily, 50 where Covid patients are being ble for `60. packets of chicken biryani, 20 We Mart treated. FEEDING THE PUBLIC Shiji, who manages the outlet packets of vegetable biryani According to K V Jagadee- at Jawaharlal International and 40 packets of meals are 1) Kakkanad: 80866 33304 shan, superintendent, District Not just the medical staff, even Stadium Metro Station, said sold,” she said. 2) Palarivattom: 95261 08885 Jail, Kakkanad, the Freedom the public, affected by the lock- people from different parts of Sajith R, a resident of Kan- Food Factory, run by the in- down, are benefiting from the the city line up to buy food. nur who is stuck here, is thank- Karyasthan: mates, deliver food for over 280 Freedom Food Factory outlets “We open at 10.30am and ful for the outlet. “I depend on people at the medical college, in the city. Much to the relief wind up by 6 pm. But, every- the food from Freedom Food 75111 77788, 75101 77788 the isolation and treatment of many, chicken biriyani, thing will be sold out by 2pm. It Factory outlet. Though online centres in the district. The Freedom food counter near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor lA Sanesh chicken curry and chilly chick- only takes a few hours to sell food delivery is available, the DE-ADDICTION “We are supplying 280 pack- en are available at minimal 200 packets of chappati, 50 price and options available are ets of chappati and curry in the vide an equal number of biri- we deliver chappati and curry price from these outlets. While packets of chicken curry, chilli not favourable for people like Vimukthi ( State Excise Dept ): morning. For lunch, we pro- yani packets. At night again, for the staff. We are also look- the chicken curry is priced at gobi, vegetable curry, egg curry me,” he added. 14405 READ newindianexpress.com SHARE WEDNESDAY Mail us: [email protected] www.newindianexpress.com FOLLOW 01l 04l 2020 2

BLACK CHANA FIT BIT SALAD AMAZON KINDLE STORE VIRABHADRASANA INGREDIENTS You can read Kindle books on your Kindle device or your phone, tablet or computer with the free Kindle Reading apps. Kindle Unlimited is a service that allows you (VIRA - A WARRIOR) Black chana: 50 gm Salt: a pinch to read as much as you want, choosing from over 1 million titles. The first 30 days are free, after which it’s available for `169 a month. Shallots: 5 Pepper: 1 tsp Limitations Tomato: half Lemon l People suffering from knee- or ankle- related ailments should be careful. Cucumber: a small piece Coriander leaves to garnish l Menstruating women and expectant mothers can do it at their own pace. METHOD n Soak black chana overnight for eight hours. n Pressure cook it for 20 minutes on low flame. l People with vertigo and epilepsy should do this n In a bowl, add chopped onion, tomato, posture carefully. cucumber and coriander. n Sprinkle pepper. LEARNING PACHINKO POONACHI: DAVID n Add the boiled black chana and squeeze lemon. HOW TO FLY By Min Jin Lee OR THE COPPERFIELD By Dr APJ Abdul Kalam From bustling street markets to the STORY OF A By Charles Dickens A compilation of nearly 2,000 halls of Japan’s finest universities BLACK GOAT This is the story of a young man’s lectures that were addressed to to the pachinko parlors of the By Perumal Murugan adventures on his journey teachers and students in school and criminal underworld, Lee’s complex Through a seeming act of from an unhappy & impoverished beyond. He speaks about preparing characters — strong, stubborn providence, an old couple receives childhood to the discovery oneself best for life, to identify and women, devoted sisters and sons, a day-old female goat kid as a gift of his vocation as a successful — By T Uma Maheswari, Chennai overcome challenges. fathers are shaken by moral crisis. from the cosmos. novelist. Graphic Novels , Chennai , AGARWAL VANDANA

IN YOUR KITCHEN DURING THIS LOCKDOWN? What’s cooking We are hungry for recipes with minimum ingredients and maximum flavours. Share your quick-fix with us, along with step-by-step photos, at [email protected]. Benefits MAUS LEGENDS OF BUGSY MALONE LONGFORM l Works on easing By Art Spiegelman HALAHALA By various authors By Alan Parker stiffness from Available at: Archive.org By Appupen Available at: Kindle Amazon Store Available at: Juggernaut.in hamstrings. Maus is a graphic novel by American Available at: Google Playstore The anthology takes us through In Prohibition-era New York City, Steps l Slowly bend the right knee 90 degrees, cartoonist Art Spiegelman, serialized This is a dark, comic ride through the streets of Rome and Kolkata, Fat Sam runs one of the most l Strengthens the body keeping the knee stacked over the ankle. from 1980 to 1991. It depicts popular speakeasies in town – but and mind. l Standing upright, spread a mythical world, and through modern-day Tehran and ancient l Right thigh should be parallel to the floor Spiegelman interviewing his father different periods in its history — his rival Dandy Dan is trying to your legs. Turn the left foot 30- Bhutan, imaginary cities and l Improves lung capacity. and left shin approximately 45 degrees about his experiences as a Polish Jew from the long-gone Oberian Age to kaleidoscopic dreamscapes. shut him down. It’s up to Bugsy 45 degree inwards and the right foot and Holocaust survivor. Malone to save the day. from the floor. the dystopian era of dome-cities. l Works well on thighs out 90 degrees. Gradually turn the body to the right, squaring the hips. l Open your hands parallel to the ground. Availability and download of the free e-book is subject to creating an account with the sites. and shoulder muscles. Use your email details to create an account on the website. This will enable you to access a range of free and paid e-books.

DREAM MALAYALAM PODCAST RAMAYAN Directed by Ramanand Sagar, Ramayan, According to the team, this Malayalam based on Lord Ram’s life, was first aired podcast for all Malayalees who want to make on Doordarshan in 1987 and had a massive Kerala and this world a better place. This following across the country. podcast deals with a variety of topics, like l Cast: Arun Govil, Deepika Chikhalia Santhosh Thannikat explains his dream and Sunil Lahri of creating a solar car race in India, young architect’s dream for the world or the life THINKING, FAST l Watch on: DD National of entrepreneurs. AND SLOW l Daily at: 9 am-10 am, 9 pm-10 pm Dream Malayalam Podcast is By Daniel Kahneman available on Google Podcasts Drawing on a lifetime’s experimental experience, Kahneman reveals where KAECAWDO MALAYALAM PODCAST we can and cannot trust our MAHABHARAT IKIGAI intuitions and how we can Mahabharat, directed by BR Chopra, was first aired in The Japanese Secret to a Long and This Malayalam podcast talks about tap into the benefits of slow October 1988 and had a total of 94 episodes. The script Happy Life everything from the perspective of a thinking. He offers practical was written by the Urdu poet Rahi Masoom Raza, millennial, including culture, science and enlightening insights based on the original story by saint Vyasa. By Héctor García, Francesc Miralles and technology. The anchor also into how choices are made in l The people of Japan believe that everyone welcomes people to fall in love with Cast: Nitish Bharadwaj, Praveen Kumar, both our professional and our Gajendra Chauhan has an ikigai - a reason for being; the thing his voice. But jokes apart, for deep personal lives, and how we that gets you out of bed each morning. And information on Covid to data and can use different techniques l Watch on: DD Bharti according to the residents of the Japanese digital business, this podcast is a great to guard against the mental l Daily at: 12 pm and 7 pm island of Okinawa - the world’s longest-living source. glitches that often get us into CIRCUS people - finding it is the key to a longer and Kaecawdo Malayalam trouble. more fulfilled life. Directed by Aziz Mirza and Kundan Shah, Circus, Podcast is available Available on Audible. BYOMKESH BAKSHI which introduced the world to Bollywood Available on Audible. Pricing and for free on Spotify Pricing and benefits vary The character, Byomkesh Bakshi, initially appeared superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has made a benefits vary by Membership Plan. by Membership Plan. comeback on Doordarshan. Starts at `199 per month. in the 1931 story Satyanweshi. It gained pan-India Starts at `199 per month. popularity almost six decades later with a TV series on l Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker SOUNDING BOARD Doordarshan with Rajit Kapur portraying Byomkesh. l Watch on: DD National l Daily at: 8 pm ‘AVASANATHE KOODIKAZCHA’ l Cast: Rajit Kapur and KK Raina Listen to the classic works of Arthur Conan Doyle on Kathacafe.com. l Watch on: DD National All audio books in KathaCafe’s catelog are narrated in Malayalam.. l Daily at: 11 am Audio books from Kathacafe can be played on any android PAHAYAN’S MALAYALAM PODCAST device. Pricing and benefits vary This Malayalam Podcast hosted by poet and blogger Vinod Narayan aka Ballatha Pahayan will provide the daily dose of travel for all the globetrotters stuck at home. 12 episodes that include poems, travelogues, translations, quotes, anecdotes, stories, words and more Pahayan’s Malayalam Podcast is available for free on

Apple Podcasts CLASSIC COMEBACK

to his life. is a tale of a woman who is met with drama depicts the life and evolution of SELF MADE REGIONAL struggles at every step of the way. The Shakthi Seshadri. ENGLISH/FOREIGN l Cast: Mu Ramaswamy, Naga Vishal, An African-American washerwoman rises Yog Japee l Cast: Ramya Krishnan BIG BROTHER (Malayalam) from poverty to build a beauty empire l Watch on: Netflix l Watch on: MXplayer DUMBO and become the first female self-made After 24 years in jail, Sachidanandan l Registration: Free millionaire. l Registration: J199 per month Dumbo, a flying elephant, soars to new heights is finally set free. Despite his family’s alongside a charming aerial artist. unflinching support, he struggles to cope l Cast: Octavia Spencer, Tiffany with the ways of the world. HINDI l Cast: Danny DeVito, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton Haddish, Carmern Ejogo l Watch on: Hotstar l Watch on: Netflix l Cast: Mohanlal, Arbaaz Khan THE FORGOTTEN l Watch on: Amazon Prime ARMY – AZAADI KE LIYE l Registration: J299 per month l Registration: J199 per month l Registration: J129 per Based on the true story of Indian soldiers month who marched towards the capital, with DIARY OF A COUNTRY the war cry ‘Challo Dilli’, to free their PRIEST (French) country from the reign of the British. KD (Tamil) KANNUM KANNUM A new priest arrives in the rural French KOLLAIYADITHAAL IT HAPPENED IN As his children plot his l Cast: Sunny Kaushal, Sharvari Wagh village of Ambricourt to attend his first (Tamil) CALCUTTA (Hindi) death to claim their l Watch on: Amazon Prime Parish, and is rejected immediately. A carefree youngster’s The series revolves around Kusum, Through his diary entries, he relays a crisis inheritance, an ageing l Registration: J129 per month patriarch leaves womanising ways end when a young girl who aspires to become of faith. he meets the girl of his dreams. the first female doctor in the city home, befriending l Cast: Claude Laydu, Jean Riveyre, But their newfound peace is and gets an admission in the a spunky boy who ACCIDENT Markie-Monique Arkell adds direction interrupted when a cop comes into Calcutta Medical College to fulfil their lives. her dream. She falls in love with Vain and insecure Oxford l Watch on: Mubi Ronobir . But there is more to this don Stephen’s life is thrown KUMBALANGI l l Registration: J199 for three Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, tale than what meets the eye. into turmoil when he falls in NIGHTS Ritu Varma months (Malayalam) l Cast: Karan Kundrra, Naghma love with one of his students, l Watch on: Netflix Anna, who has attracted the Set in the backdrop of an island village, Rizwan, Harman Singha l attention of two others. Kumbalangi in Central Kerala, the film, directed by Registration: J199 l Watch on: ALTBalaji per month l Cast: Dirk Bogarde, Stanley Madhu C Narayanan, is about a family of four brothers l Registration: Free who eventually find the love between themselves with Baker, Jacqueline Sassard the help of men and women they befriend. QUEEN (Tamil/ l Watch on: Mubi l Cast: Shane Nigam, Anna Ben, English) All the streaming apps can be l Registration: J199 for three Shoubin Shahir, Fahad Faasil l Watch The webseries accessed on smartphones and smart months on: Amazon Prime l Registration: TVs with Internet connection. J129 per month WEDNESDAY www.newindianexpress.com 01l04l2020 3 Aries Group CEO offers house as isolation centre

● Express News Service

s the entire world struggles to contain The Covid-19 pandemic, Kerala too is go- This birthday ing through its share of issues. Even as Athe government is taking measures to will be one mitigate a situation wherein the state might that I will see a spike in the number of patients, many always are offering their homes as isolation centres. remember. The On the occasion of his 53rd birthday, Sohan Roy, CEO of the UAE-based Aries Group of quarantine Companies, decided to offer his house as an will not isolation ward. dampen my According to Sohan, his house at Desaman- galam, which spans 9,000 sq ft, will be able to spirits, which accommodate a good number of patients. are soaring “This birthday will be one that I will always high thanks to remember. The quarantine will not dampen my ability to my spirits, which are soaring high thanks to my ability to do something for my land and do something fellow beings,” he said. for my land Earlier, he had announced to provide 10 and fellow ventilators to the state to help with the short- beings age in the hospitals. Sohan also declared that he will be initiating ‘Support a Family’ drive —Sohan Roy, to assist 2,000 needy families. He has asked CEO, Aries Group of Companies each of his employees to try and support one poor family and take up their re- sponsibility during this pe- GET A GREEN THUMB riod of crisis. This cam- Staying at home is a great time to make yourself familiar with farming. Aluva-based entrepreneur paign was launched Anas Nasser, founder of natural soil substitute ‘Organure’ talks about DIY ways to grow a vegetable keeping in mind the hardships faced by garden while also managing biowaste in your house daily wagers who have no source of ● Likhitha P Nair you will get the right compost income during to make a rich kitchen gar- the lockdown den. “Cereals, pulses and veg- DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE period. his lockdown has etable waste will set very “You might have seen those DIY videos taught us two easily,” he says. where people plant seeds and in days, things–first, our Another villain fragile waste man- when it comes to it fetches a fruit. That is not always the agement system having to store your case, and keeping high expectations needs a more ro- waste is fish waste. can kill your passion,” warns Anas. Tbust and self-sufficient alter- “Fish is a complete “Also, techniques like growing tomato native, and Second, we cannot fertiliser. It provides keep depending on the market all the natural nutri- saplings from a cut tomato piece, for vegetables. Hundreds of Anas Nasser ents your soil needs,” doesn’t work with hybrid varieties. people staying at home are Anas says. If you can This sort of half information will only now willing to try a hand at mix it along with the turn you away from farming,” he adds. farming. “Due to the unavail- other biowaste, it could work ability of fertilisers and addi- wonders for your plants. According to him, the best varieties tives right now, starting farm- to begin with, so you can fetch and ing can be both easy and Gardening tips use the produce in 30 to 40 days, tough. But there are alterna- If the idea of storing food would be green leafy vegetables. tives you can try at home,” waste doesn’t particularly im- says Anas Nasser, an Aluva- press you, there is an alterna- “They are packed with nutrients, based entrepreneur. His prod- now–the red soil in your com- tive. “You can trim and collect and are especially helpful when you uct, Organure, is an eco- Due to the unavailability pound, sand-mixed varieties the grass growing around the are spending time indoors,” he adds. friendly and sustainable oil of fertilisers and additives or the clayey type–are all fit house and mix it with water Red and green spinach, parsley, kale substitute that will help you right now, starting for farming. The key is mixing in a 1:4 ratio. Add jaggery, salt farm at home. and balancing their character- and tamarind to this mixture and coriander can be your first pick. farming can be both easy istics. You can easily nurse and let it rest. In 20 to 30 days, Potatoes, green chillies and carrots Straight out of kitchen and tough. But there are the soil available to you,” he it can become a strong ferti- are for more adventurous growers. “If According to Anas, the kitch- alternatives you can try says. The food waste available liser for garden plants,” adds you spot shallots sprouting in your en waste we generate at home at home at home can be stored away in Anas. You can get in touch can be easily reused to grow a pit in your backyard, or a with him regarding queries refrigerator, you can try planting them vegetables in our garden. —Anas Nasser, founder, steel container if you live in on Instagram through his too,” he says. “Most soils in Kerala right Organure an apartment. In 30 to 45 days, page @plantaemaniac Lessons from Neil Grant’s ‘The Last War’ Ebindas has his game plan set ● Fr Sabu Thomas he loses it. Give him a mind, him as he finds no meaning in and he becomes arrogant; a life without a human compa- 14-year-old Ebindas Y has recently been selected for U-15 national hand, he makes a weapon of ny. He apologises on behalf of football team. He is the only Keralite to bag the position n 1935, on the eve of World it; a garden, he turns it into a all mankind. The drama War II, British dramatist quagmire; a dream and it be- comes to an end when the An- Neil Grant scripted ‘The comes a nightmare.” All ani- gel carries the remorseful sur- ● Ramu R also helpful,” says Ebindas. against Telangana which end- ILast War, A fantasy in one mals unequivocally concede vivor out of the stage to save A Kollemcode native, Ebin- ed with a 5-1 scoreline. The act’. As the name suggests, the that mankind was the most him from the animals’ fury. das has been training with the goals also proved valuable as it one-act play envisages nations “stupid species” to tread the The play is very much apoc- aving made it into Manvilla based LiFFA football helped us qualify for the na- attacking each other with bio- globe. alyptic in tone and looks at the U-15 national academy for the past two years. tionals which was later held at weapons carrying the most As the meeting proceeds, a man’s folly from the perspec- Hfootball team, As a player who likes to score a Kolkata,” Ebindas says. deadly viruses. The lethal vi- virus (Microbe), exhausted af- tive of the non-human. In the Ebindas Y is on cloud lot of goals, he idolises Argen- Having showcased man of ruses liquidate not only the ter accomplishing the task of backdrop of the current un- nine. The 14-year-old, tinian footballer Lionel Messi the match performances in warring nations but the whole annihilating the human race, precedented global pandemic, Class IX student of St Vin- and has been influenced by the most of the matches that he has of mankind. enters the scene. According to ‘The Last War’ gains renewed cent’s School is the only star’s game. To put Ebindas’ played for LiFFA, Ebindas is As the narrative progress- Microbe, man caused his own relevance. The play begs us to Keralite player in the squad. goal scoring stats into perspec- confident that he can make it to es, the drama features a group self-destruction. It was the sci- undertake decisive delibera- His impressive performance tive; he was the top-scorer with the big stage. ”My dream is to of animals talking about the entists, considered the most tions on human destiny. It re- during the all-India National 8 goals in the South Zone quali- play well and secure a chance conditions around the globe. brilliant of humankind, who minds us that we have taken U-14 Football Championship fiers of the U-14 national foot- to play for the Kerala Blasters “I had already foreseen this generated and nurtured the everything for granted, un- last year was instrumental in ball championship, held in Ben- in the Indian Super League situation years ago, carrying virus while being aware of the mindful of the fact that the his selection. galuru last year. “I had scored (ISL). I also want to win a tro- a man to the battlefield and fatal repercussions. An angel planet does not belong to us It was during the U-15 na- all the goals in our match phy for the blasters,” he adds. witnessing how atrocious enters after touring the world. alone. The Covid-19 outbreak tional camp that concluded re- they were to each other,” says It comments about the fragil- once again reminds us of cently in Goa, that Ebindas a horse. The monkey express- ity of human life: “Man cre- these resounding facts, so that was selected to the U-15 team. es his wrath towards evolu- ated a new world, the world of we can be much more empa- “The camp was cut short due tion theorists for calling him science. He fashioned new in- thetic towards mother Earth to the Covid-19 scare. Trips to the “ancestor of humankind” struments, which gave him and our fellow creatures. foreign countries as part of by saying it is an “absurd sto- mastery of the air and earth. the preparation process were ry”. The lion has a very perti- He was given all these things also postponed. During the nent comment to make: “We on one divine condition that Fr Sabu Thomas camp, we played several kill other beings only to ap- he should live in peace with is an assistant matches against top teams pease our hunger which is our his brothers”. professor of such as the Goa U-18 team, basic need, but man kills his To the great surprise and English at which was a learning curve fellow men and creatures for rage of everyone, a weary Sacred Heart for me. Practise sessions silly and selfish reasons.” The man in uniform plods on to College, Kochi. which focusced on improv- serpent poetically phrases it the stage. The wounded sol- (Views expressed ing technical skills re- thus: “Give him an Eden, and dier pleads the animals to kill are his own) quired for football were

meme that I came across re- tentially deadly health epidemic being implemented in companies, Perhaps the most important les- cently, read ‘climate change and keeping its economy afloat. the future of telecommuting will son now is one of human empathy. should have hired the coro- But while the business world allow greater work flexibility Amid the racist hate crimes and A historic lesson A navirus’ publicist’. There scrambles to figure out how to across the globe. This could help increased xenophobia fuelled by are other memes also floating keep working in this economy, companies review their travel pol- fear and hostility, there is still about, that relate these two seem- some positive signals have been icies and save on time and costs, hope for us. We have against this for humanity ingly related ‘armageddon-like’ emerging for the sustainability as well as their carbon footprint virus the power of information scenarios. While all of us scram- community. For starters, the goals. such as when the Chinese re- ble to adapt to the lockdown life- war on wildlife trade is finally With reduced human interac- searchers identified the genetic style, there are hidden benefits to being taken seriously. The grav- tion, nature is finally getting a sequencing of the virus, they the planet that may well be the ity of the virus has shone a chance to reset, there is news shared the information immedi- PAVITRA SRIPRAKASH outcome of this forced slow down. spotlight on wildlife trade and from Venice, of dolphins in the ately. True global collaboration @pavisriprakash In other words, Covid-19 could be wet markets, world-over, raising waterways. The smaller we keep requires governments and busi- the wake-up call we got from important questions about the our footprints and consume con- nesses to work together, toward mother Earth. risks and morality of animal servatively, the lesser the strain one goal for our species and our The writer is an architect, urban designer, dancer Every country is now treading consumption. on the earth, and all other species planet. This could be our biggest and chief designer at Shilpa Architects a fine line between managing a po- With work-from-home policies that inhabit it. lesson yet. www.newindianexpress.com WEDNESDAY 01l04l2020 4 Hrithik Roshan’s triumph over stammering a part of Tamil Nadu textbooks JOJU GEORGE

● Express Features rithik Roshan’s journey of over- ON BEING coming his stammering disorder is being taught in schools. As dis- Hcovered recently, his story is be- ing taught to students of class 6 un- der the chapter of self-confidence in the textbook, Life and Values imprinted by S. Chand publica- STUCK IN tions. The book is followed in the matric schools of Tamil Nadu for class 6 where the text- book is a part of value educa- tion for students. Earlier, Hrithik’s feat of not letting his drawback pull him WAYANAD back had been featured in au- thor Ben Brooks’ Stories For Boys Who Dare To Be Different. In 2009, in the television chat show Tere Mere Beach AND STAYING Mein, Hrithik had opened up about his speech disorder for the first time. “Everything seems normal until you start talk- ing, you get stuck and you don’t know why? Right from your toes to the ends of your hair strands, you are POSITIVE in complete shock. Your heart palpi- tates, you don’t understand and you are aware of people looking at you. You can ● Express Features out at all. I intend to stay here and loved ones during this compare it to hell,” he had shared. The until the lockdown is lifted,” time. We should talk not just to actor has since addressed the stigmas said the Joseph actor via a vid- friends but others too. It would surrounding stammering and inspired oju George has a mes- eo message. be a relief.” others to overcome it. sage of positivity and Applauding the govern- The actor also talked about Our country is going hope for everyone ment’s decision, Joju said, helping out those struggling through a tough struggling to get “Our country is going through with addiction and withdrawal time, and now is the through this lock- a tough time, and now is the symptoms and being nice to the down. The actor, who time for all of us to stand to- COVID-19 affected patients and time for all of us Jis currently at an ayurvedic gether. And we have to help the outsiders. “I’ve steered clear of to stand together. healing center in Wayanad for government do that without cigarettes and drinking. How- And we have to help Emilia Clarke auctions virtual weight loss treatment, request- any opposition. It’s for our own ever, some go into depression the government do ed everyone to tread carefully good. Everyone is standing without these things. Their and follow the government-im- united now. We will overcome friends should call them and that without any dinner for COVID-19 relief posed restrictions. this together. This too shall give them the necessary sup- opposition. It’s Joju, who was last seen in Sa- pass, and we will come out of port. Also, let’s not display any for our own good. nal Kumar Sasidharan’s Chola, this happy.” animosity towards outsiders or Everyone is standing ● Express Features has been in Wayanad for over Joju added that he has patients. This is something that two weeks. “I came here before been in touch with his friends was decided by time; there is a united now. the coronavirus scare started. and stressed the importance of reason for everything. Let’s ac- —Joju George, actor ctor Emilia Clarke, popular for her role in I’m undergoing treatment for communication. “It’s impor- cept it and stay aware at all Game of Thrones, is auctioning off a virtual weight loss and I haven’t gone tant to talk to friends times.” dinner with her in exchange for donations Afor coronavirus relief. The actor has sought people worldwide to donate money to her charity SameYou, of which, 12 donors will be randomly selected for a virtual dinner with Clarke. ANNE HATHAWAY TO STAR IN ADAPTATION OF The new initiative of the organization, which assists people recovering from brain injuries and strokes, aims to make beds for coronavirus patients and help FRENCH CHILDREN DON’T THROW FOOD people recover from brain injuries at home in order to free up more beds, say ● Express Features ican journalist who moves to they might appear, has their reports. Paris for her husband’s job own problems. “We’ll cook it together and eat it to- and raises a family there. Jamie Minoprio and gether. And we will discuss lots of things nne Hathaway will star As she tries to figure out Jonathan Stern wrote the —isolation and fear and also funny vid- in an adaptation of how to balance her family and most recent draft of the eos. And, you know, the fact that I can’t French Children Don’t career, and battle the feelings adaptation. really cook. So it’s going to be fun,” AThrow Food, based on that she is failing at both, she Hathaway’s recent release Clarke said in an Instagram post. She the autobiography from observes her French neigh- is the Joan Didion adaptation is hoping to raise 250,000 pounds Pamela Druckerman. The bours and friends to uncover The Last Thing He Wanted ($309,358) for the cause. project will be bankrolled by the secrets behind parenting from Dee Rees for Netflix. She Clarke founded SameYou after re- StudioCanal, with Blueprint well-behaved French next will be seen in Robert Ze- vealing that she had suffered from two Picture set to produce, say children. meckis’ The Witches remake, brain aneurysms in the early days of reports. She discovers that every- playing the Grand High Game of Thrones. The story follows an Amer- one, no matter how perfect Witch. ‘It’s a huge responsibility to helm a story about real people who sacrificed so much’

● Shilajit Mitra rible for the people of India. How was the experience of American director the monsoon season being But then, as you absorb the working with an Indian cast Matthew Leutwyler much longer than usual, the enormity of it all, you begin to and crew? script revisions, last minute EE5’s State of Siege: 26/11 just feel bad for the world as a I will not say it was without talks about shooting changes of locations, oh and I recreates the tension and whole. its challenges. I was probably a State of Siege: caught dengue fever putting me terror of the 2008 Mumbai International politics have bit harder on them than many 26/11, action in the hospital for a week. Zattacks. The show, stream- also been a keen interest of expected or maybe were used ing since March 20, follows a mine and as my filmmaking ca- to. But I take my job pretty seri- filmmaking, working What is the biggest chal- team of National Security reer has progressed, I seem to ously, especially when telling a lenge of shooting realistic Guard (NSG) commandos as be more drawn to real-life sto- story of such importance. I with an Indian cast military action? they are flown in to neutralise ries. Also, I spend a lot of time mean, it’s a tremendous re- and crew, and the Safety. And overall coordina- the attacks. The 8-episode se- in East Africa with a charity sponsibility to helm a story political backdrop of tion. The designing of the se- ries was created by Abhimanyu that I founded there that pro- about these real people who quences is the fun part. The Singh and helmed by American vides education and healthcare sacrificed so much and espe- the series easy part. But then managing director Matthew Leutwyler. for children who have become cially to honour the legacy of the stunts, squibs, pyrotech- Leutwyler started his career orphans due to various forms the people who died. I think nics, actors, and the DOPs team with the low-budget black com- of terrorism and violence, so I some crew and cast were a bit demanding about being pre- they put in were insane. I’m Which was the most difficult in order to coordinate and cap- edy Roadkill (1999). He has am acutely aware and interest- jarred by the first couple of pared and disciplined on set. sure they never want to see me sequence to shoot in the ture the detail that really tells since directed films like Dead & ed in exploring these subjects. weeks when I would be pretty again. And obviously, having series? the story... well that’s the trick, Breakfast, The River Why, An- Was it really that bad? my DOP Richard Henkels was The battle in the industrial isn’t it? swers to Nothing, and The series is based on jour- There were others who also a huge asset, especially in the kitchen was a reimagining of Uncanny. nalist Sandeep Unnithan’s seemed to appreciate it. Our early stages as I was trying to the actual final shootout in the Your favourite Indian films State of Siege is Matthew’s book. Did you have to do ad- first ADs (Hitesh Singhal and get comfortable in this new Taj Hotel. We definitely took of all time? first venture in India. Over ditional research? Anuj Gera) were excellent — as working environment. He un- some liberties there, but with Oh boy. This is going to make email, the director chatted with I did extensive research and good and as knowledgeable as derstood my vision right away the guidance of Col Sen, I think me look bad. I am sadly not that us about action filmmaking, was also guided by Col Sundeep any I have worked with. And and was up to every challenge we captured the spirit of the well versed in Indian cinema. working with an Indian cast Sen throughout much of the this was a very complex and that I threw his way. NSG’s final assault. We shot it But don’t worry, I will not say and crew, the political back- production. A partnership that Leutwyler Matthew emotionally draining shoot. over four gruelling days — Slumdog Millionaire (though I drop of the ZEE5 show, and his I can honestly say will have a Also, due to the rush to get the The show also comments on many of them over 20 hours. I did like it). Being western, I am favourite films from the profound effect on my life go- show completed by an extreme- the political situation at the think the last one was over 24 very familiar and a fan of Mira country. ing forward. Production ly ambitious deadline, there time. hours. The set was not complet- Nair’s work. But purely Indian was very smart in bring- was a lot of re-writing on It does a fair amount, though ed and so we had to shoot the production is probably Dangal, What are your memories of ing him on board as our set, which I am not used I would have liked to explore it beats out of order which made which I thought was very well hearing about the 26/11 technical advisor. I to. But that was another a bit more — but these are deci- it difficult to keep the logic done and beautifully shot. Also, Mumbai attacks? found myself leaning area where my team sions that one can go back and straight of each ‘kill’ and I recently watched the series My memories of the incident on him initially to came through and forth on forever. I know when where everyone was in the Delhi Crime and thought it was are probably not unlike that of keep us all honest frankly, it would have producer Abhimanyu Singh large space. I kept a diagram on very good. Especially the lead most of the outside world. I about how we were been impossible to brought me in, it was very im- my laptop to keep it all straight actress Shefali Shah — terrific. watched much of the horror portraying the pull off without portant to him to find the as the pieces kept getting And now that I’m in quaran- unfold on TV, but I did not have NSG tactics, but he both Karan Mir- proper balance of political moved around. tine, I’ve been watching Gully any personal connections to became a necessary chandani and Man- backstory and recreating the But to be honest, there were Boy which is wonderfully di- Mumbai. I did not know anyone calming force for ya Mirchandani intensity of the attacks in real many difficult scenes to shoot rected by Zoya Akhtar, whose living there or visiting at the me in a very diffi- (not related by the time. Hopefully, we did right by on this project. The show was previous work I will now have time. It just made me feel ter- cult shoot. way). The hours him. besieged by many challenges — to catch up on.