Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 11 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW POLICY CHOICES IN THE ANOTHER RS 34,000 CRORE SMITH WANTS TO WIN BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH TIMES OF CORONAVIRUS COMPENSATION TO STATES SOON TEST SERIES IN INDIA BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD *Late City Vol. 2 Issue 157 VIJAYAWADA, THURSDAY APRIL 9, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

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MISS ENGLAND BHASHA MUKHERJEE IITS TO HOLD SPL PLACEMENT DRIVES FOR INDIGO SUSPENDS INTERNATIONAL BRAZIL PREZ REFERENCES RAMAYANA, RETURNS TO WORK AS DOCTOR IN UK AFFECTED BY CANCELLED JOB OFFERS FLIGHTS TILL APRIL 30 URGES INDIA TO RELEASE KEY DRUG

iss England 2019 Bhasha Mukherjee has returned to the UK to resume he Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will hold special placement mid the nationwide lockdown implemented to contain the spread of razil, the latest country to urge India to open the export of a key drug Mher medical practise in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Tdrives for those students whose job offers got cancelled amid the Anovel coronavirus in India, budget carrier IndiGo said on Wednesday it is Bthat is being tested as a cure for coronavirus, has referred to Hindu Mukherjee, a doctor by profession who spent her childhood in Kolkata, was coronavirus outbreak, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' said suspending its international flights till April 30. Air India has already epic Ramayana while making its request.Over 30 crowned Miss England in August 2019 and since then she has on Wednesday. "I have also asked all IIT directors to hold suspended domestic and international flights till April 30. "Our International countries, led by the US, have been urging India to been travelling for humanitarian work. In December, she special placement drives for the students affected by operations are temporary suspended till April 30, 2020. Your money is safe release anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine in the represented England at the Miss World 2019 pageant. But she cancelled job offers. The students to whom the jobs were in the form of a credit shell, valid for one year from the date of the fight against coronavirus or COVID-19. Brazil President has now decided to temporarily step back from humanitarian offered during the placement drive are among the country's issuance," IndiGo said in a tweet on Wednesday. India has Jair Bolsonaro, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra activities as she returned to the UK to continue her work as a brightest minds and can help recruiters in times of imposed a 21-day lockdown, which is supposed to end on Modi, wrote," Just as Lord Hanuman brought the holy doctor. "It wasn't a tough decision. I've been to Africa, crisis," he said. "I have appealed to all campus April 14, to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, medicine from the Himalayas to save the life of Turkey, and India was the first of the Asian countries I recruiters not to withdraw jobs offered to graduating all domestic and international commercial passenger flights Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana, India and Brazil was going to travel to. students of technical education institutions," he added. have been suspended for this time period. will overcome this global crisis by joining forces.” Situation akin to ‘social emergency', says Modi l PM affirms his government’s priority is to ‘save each and every life’

Nadda posts PNS n NEW DELHI Vijaya Sai thank you mes- The situation in the country is sage for ‘corona akin to a "social emergency" asks PM to and it has necessitated tough Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy formally launches the Covid-19 testing kits manufactured Andhra Pradesh MedTech warriors' decisions, Prime Minister lift lockdown Zone at his camp office in Tadepalli on Wednesday. Narendra Modi told political leaders on the COVID-19 out- in phases break as he asserted that his 4 government's priority is to PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Jagan launches Covid-19 test "save each and every life". Interacting with floor lead- Rajya Sabha member and ers of opposition and other senior YSRCP leader V parties in Parliament via video Vijaya Sai Reddy on kits made in MedTech Zone conferencing on Wednesday, Wednesday told Prime PNS n VIJAYAWADA Modi said, "We must continue Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Parliamentarians via a video link to Minister Narendra Modi l Production to be soon to remain vigilant." take their views on lifting of the lockdown, on Wednesday. that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS ramped up to 25,000 units per "The situation in the coun- government was in favour Jaganmohan Reddy on day from the 2,000 at present try is akin to a social emer- and every life. challenges of hunger and mal- of withdrawal of the lock- Wednesday formally launched gency...it has necessitated tough Modi told the leaders that nutrition. down in phases. Covid-19 testing kits manu- l Each kit costs Rs 1,200 to decisions and we must contin- the country is facing "serious They also spoke about eco- factured indigenously in the make and can be used to ue to remain vigilant," the economic challenges as a result nomic and other policy mea- Andhra Pradesh MedTech perform 20 tests prime minister told the leaders, of COVID-19, and the govern- sures to boost the country's Zone (AMTZ), providing a according to an official state- ment is committed to over- capability in the battle against much-needed boost to the ment. States, district adminis- coming them." the pandemic, the statement beleaguered healthcare sector produce ventilators also. It will manufactured and delivered trations and experts have sug- The leaders who attended said. Suggestions were also in the state. start with 3,000 ventilators a to other states as well. gested extension of the ongo- the virtual meet talked about given by the leaders on extend- To facilitate the launch, a set month which will soon be Moreover, the Central Govt likely to ing lockdown beyond April 14 boosting the health and morale ing the lockdown, and on a of 1,000 testing kits were scaled up to 5,000 units per Government has already extend lock- to contain the spread of the of the healthcare workers, "phased exit" after the lock- brought to the Chief Minister’s month, the Minister said. placed orders for 3,500 venti- virus, Modi said. ramping up testing facilities, down ended. camp office at Tadepalli, AMTZ will not only be lators, the Minister said. down: Adhir He said that the priority of the need to assist smaller states 3 where he did the hounours. able to cater to the demand in He said that the State gov- after meeting the government is saving each and UTs, and tackling the 3 As many as 20 tests can be the state but also supply the ernment is planning to scale performed with each kit that Covid-19 kits to other states up the supply of kits so that with PM costs Rs 1,200 to manufacture. and the Centre to meet the 4,000 tests per day could be Later, Minister for demand nationally, Goutham conducted in the state. DNA, Four medical Industries, Mekapati Reddy said. RNA, PCR tests can also be 34 more test positive for Goutham Reddy told the He added that unlike the performed using these kits 5 personnel media that the AMTZ is cur- previous TDP government and the result can be obtained rently manufacturing 2,000 that neglected the MedTech in 55 minutes, the Minister testing kits per day. Once the zone in Visakhapatnam, the said. Permission has been Covid-19, total reaches 348 test positive AMTZ gets the laser welding Chief Minister has made full accorded by the Naval author- PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n ANANTAPUR equipment it’s waiting for, use of the facility which is now ities to manufacture a Of these 43 infections, production will be scaled up able to manufacture the test- machine that supports 5 to 6 Overnight, the number of 19 positive cases were Confirming that four medical to 25,000 units per day. ing kits that would give the patients using one ventilator. persons infected with the reported in Guntur followed personnel working at Starting April 15, for the first result in less than an hour. deadly Covid-19 rose to 348, by seven in Anantapur, six Government General time in India, AMTZ will By May, 7.5 lakh kits will be 3 with another 34 positive cases each in Krishna and Nellore Hospital, Anantapur, have being recorded in AP till 6 pm districts and three each in tested positive for the of Wednesday. Chittoor and West Godavari Coronavirus, District Of these 43 infections, 19 Medical and Health Officer Varsities get positive cases were reported in districts, according to the Anil Kumar said that there RBI reaches out to Guntur followed by seven in bulletin released by the has been a surge in the num- Executive Anantapur, six each in State Government ber of infections in the dis- Krishna and Nellore districts trict with Wednesday alone cash-strapped AP and three each in Chittoor accounting for seven positive Councils and West Godavari districts, England on March 17 and was with 74 positive cases followed cases. The number of persons L VENKAT RAM REDDY itself (April). The RBI has PNS n VIJAYAWADA according to the bulletin admitted in GGH CCD hos- by SPS Nellore with 49 and testing positive for the infec- n HYDERABAD fixed ceiling of Rs 15,051 Sensex ends 173 released by the State pital on March 21. The other Guntur with 41 positive tion in the district was now crore OMB for Chief Minister YS pts lower, Nifty Government. patient who was discharged in cases in AP. 13, the DMHO said. The Reserve Bank of Telangana and Jaganmohan Reddy has Meanwhile, three patients Visakhapatnam was Patient- Krishna district reported 35 The four medical person- India has, in its own Rs15,153 crore for approved providing of 50 per sheds 43 pts were discharged after recover- 13, a contact of Patient-7 was positive cases, followed by nel had treated a 58-year-old way, reached out AP for this fiscal, cent reservations to weaker ing from the virus and testing also admitted in the hospital YSR Kadapa with 28 and person who had tested posi- to the cash- of which TS and sections and women in the negative after undergoing on March 21. Prakasam 24 cases. While tive for the Coronavirus. This strapped state AP can borrow Executive Council of quarantine in Visakhapatnam. Dr Raju, hospital superin- West Godavari district report- patient, belonging to governments of 50per cent in Universities in the State. The total number of patients tendent, along with paramed- ed with 21 positive cases, Hindupur, passed away due Telangana and April to meet According to a release, this 8 who have been discharged ical staff had taken care of the Visakhapatnam and Chittoor to the Coronavirus. Andhra their expenses. is the first time that Executive rose to nine in the state. patients. As per protocol, tests recorded 20 positive The unforeseen develop- Pradesh.The RBI The RBI has Councils are formed in the Patient-6, a 49-year-old were conducted thrice on the cases each. ment has forced the author- has allowed TS and relaxed borrowing State. Perhaps this is the first TODAY from Visakhapatnam who was patients and once they East Godavari district ities to send 25 Government AP governments to bor- norms to help the states time in the country that discharged was a contact of returned negative, the patients reported 11 and Anantapur General Hospital medical row 50 per cent of thetotal tide over their financial crisis reservations were observed in ALMANAC Patient-3, a Saudi Arabia were discharged, said Dr Raju. registered six positive cases. personnel to quarantine facil- open market borrowings on account of the outbreak of the formation of such Month & Paksham: returnee. Patent-7 is a 25-year- Kurnool district remains ity, the DMHO said. (OMB) ceiling for this fiscal Covid-19. councils. Chaitra & Shukla Paksha old male who returned from the most affected by the virus, 3 3 (2020-21)in the first month 3 3 Panchangam: Tithi: Dwitiya: 12:38 am (Next Day) Nakshatram: Swati: 12:15 am (Next Day) Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start High alert in Corona hotspots Kurnool, Nellore SC directs private labs to any important work) Rahukalam: 01:50 pm – 03:22 pm CHINNAM PRADEEP conduct Corona test for free Yamagandam: 06:07 am – 07:40 am n VIJAYAWADA Among the 74 persons who had tested positive for Varjyam: 07:59 am – 09:24 am, the virus in Kurnool, 70 had either returned from the PNS n NEW DELHI The respondents (Union of 07:00 pm – 06:44 am While 11 of the state’s 13 districts India) shall issue necessary Gulika: 09:12 am - 10:45 am have reported Covid-19 positive Tablighi Jamaat convention at Nizamuddin in Delhi The Supreme Court direction in this regard Good Time: (to start any cases, the most number of infec- or were their close contacts on Wednesday immediately." important work) tions have been reported from ordered all coron- The apex court Amritakalam: 04:28 pm – 05:53 pm Kurnool and SPS Nellore dis- avirus infection order came on a Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:53 am – 12:42 pm tricts. By Wednesday afternoon, In the wake of rising number shifts. According to the informa- patients to be petition filed by of the 329 cases, as many as 74 of infections, the authorities tion disclosed by the officials, tested free of advocate VIJAYAWADA persons from Kurnool and 49 have set up quarantine centres quarantine centres have been set cost. Shashank Deo from Nellore districts had test- in 14 constituencies in the dis- up at IIIT College, Rayalaseema A bench com- Sudhi challeng- WEATHER ed positive for the virus. trict according to officials. Till University where primary and prising Justices ing the Indian Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms Nellore district had incidental- date, 600 people have been secondary stage Covid-19 sus- Ashok Bhushan Council of Medical Temp: 37/26 ly reported the first positive case shifted to the various quarantine pects have been shifted to, as a and S. Ravindra Bhat Research (ICMR) Humidity: 56% in the state. cases in the last two days alone. Jamaat convention at centres in the district where con- precautionary measure. The said, "The tests relating to advisory to fix maximum Sunrise: 06:04 am Vizianagaram and Among the 74 persons who Nizamuddin in Delhi or were stant vigil is kept over them and officials have provided all facil- COVID-19, whether in Rs 4,500 for corona test by pri- Sunset: 06:30 pm Srikakulam remained free of the had tested positive for the virus their close contacts. It may be all facilities are provided — ities to conduct tests in the quar- approved government labora- vate entities. Current Weather Conditions virus, even as the rest of the state in Kurnool, 70 had either noted that the district reported including medical and health antine centres. tories or approved private lab- Updated April 08, 2020 5:00 PM had reported a whopping 100 returned from the Tablighi one death on April 3. checks round the clock in three 3 oratories, shall be free of cost. 3 VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 vijayawada 02

he situation post April 14, PRINCIPLE 5 the date the lockdown imposed by the Central (public cooperation and T participation): government is scheduled to end, Covid-19: A post lockdown framework requires a framework within Public has to be involved in which all State Governments The local units should permit advocacy on a range of issues tances and spatial cordon sani- the spatial cordon sanitaire can plug in. The framework will real participation of local resi- The local units should permit real participation of local that are connected to prevention taire of Areas. At the same time, approach. A basic element of have scope for adaptation by the dents in the management of residents in the management of Covid-19. The conventional of Covid-19 and its treatment so the higher levels will do deeper public cooperation is sharing States and, importantly local areas. Covid-19. The conventional units - districts/ taluqas/ wards - are too large and the best that the people can make sense analysis and provide inputs to of information. People threat- Moving away from a cookie cut- units - districts/ taluqas/ wards would be an Area containing 5000 people (an area, see 73rd of the huge amounts of Areas. One example, is the ened with lockdown do not information being received by ter model will leave room for adap- - are too large and the best would and 74th Constitutional Amendment) research done by New York cooperate with authorities. tation to local conditions and be an Area containing 5000 them daily from several sources Institute of Technology. The People take flight, which take into account varying levels of people (an area, see 73rd and (e.g. social media), (5) providing study found (with some statis- spreads the epidemic, and the existing conditions in local areas. 74th Constitutional Areas are, (1) decide on locking State Governments and assist in direct help if the local unit is tical caveats) the following asso- authorities do not get to know Thus, the framework will fol- Amendment). The Area will be down of spatial areas based on such conversions, (7) identify overwhelmed by a large number ciations - the average mortality or get to know quite late. low a ‘loose-fit, light touch’ frame- different for rural and urban the morbidity and mortality private doctors to look after these of cases, and (6) converting at rate was 0.78 deaths per million Eliciting peoples’ cooperation is work in which states and local areas. For each Area there will be patterns, (2) ensure that all peo- hospitals, and (8) distribute pen- least one building into a large people for 55 nations having a what public health teaches us areas will have the opportunity to one action team with one leader ple in the local unit wear masks, sions, direct cash transfer, etc. to Covid-19 hospital (e.g. stadium) national BCG policy. The mor- since the plague years - focus on adapt their responses, in real-time, and a single chain of command. (3) decide on people to be quar- the local residents. with the help of NDRF/armed tality figure was 16.39 for five case findings of individuals, fol- SAMEER SHARMA, IAS police. to the Covid-19 outbreak. For example, the volunteers in antined in houses or in hospitals, PRINCIPLE 3 nations (Italy, the US, lowed by tracing and isolation. Let us first look at some Andhra Pradesh could be mem- (4) decide on local sanitary unavailable, then deploy doctors PRINCIPLE 4 Netherlands, Lebanon and This is what the Area will broad principles based on the bers the action team. measures, (5) doorstep distrib- (States to support local units): Belgium) not having such a achieve in India. (e.g. private, AYUSH) from (monitor, feedback, modify learning contained in the ution of food, medicines and State Governments elsewhere, (2) provisioning for policy. Here, the higher levels can responses to earlier pandemics, PRINCIPLE 2 daily provisions, particularly to (including district/sub-division response): advise Areas to craft their (Author is a Ph.D. from (Entrustment of functions): all medial and health supplies including Covid-19. the poor and the vulnerable, (6) /taluqa/ mandal officers) and technical assistance, (3) The Areas will establish a responses based on the levels of USA and a D.Litt. from PRINCIPLE 1 All Covid-19 related functions, identify establishments (e.g. assistance will be required by the mobilising and provide digital system of real-time monitoring BCG vaccination. Such hit-and- Kanchi University. which can be best done at the schools, stadia, community Areas for the following tasks, (1) solutions for tracking patients using the ubiquitous mobile trial initiatives will enable Areas The article is based on his (Identifying the local unit and Area level will be entrusted to it. halls) that can be converted providing masks, ventilators and phone to decide on places to to respond in real-time to ever- research and practice and creating leadership): and provide access to Some examples to be given to the into temporary hospitals by the test kits. In case doctors are telemedicine, (4) organising impose individual social dis- changing situations. views are personal.) ABCA Star hotels satisfy craving Industries bears the demands brunt of Coronavirus release of n pending dues of foodies with take-away PNS VISAKHAPATNAM In the wake of Covid-19 lock- PNS n VIJAYAWADA CHINNAM PRADEEP down, industries not only bear- n VIJAYAWADA l Keeping in mind the ing the brunt of production The Andhra Pradesh food needs of the hour, capacity with skeletal staff but Building Contractors Epicureans, who always ven- also facing untold hardships Association (ABCA) ture out to experiment with DV Manor announced a with regard to host of other issues demanded that the govern- food, were restless for some pick-up menu with all plaguing the economy. Though ment release the pending days due to lockdown. But varieties of biryanis, they appreciate the measures dues after the COVID-19 now, they heaved a sigh of butter naans, snacks and taken by the State and Central virus subsides. The mem- relief, thanks to star hotels in others, said take-away governments on a war-footing, bers reminded that the gov- the city as they are started take- still a lot of other initiatives can ernment has to pay dues to away service. section in-charge Vijay rescue the enterprises in the the tune of Rs 30,000 crore Soon after the Central gov- l The hotel is working aftermath of Corona outbreak in since November 2018. ernment had announced lock- the country. Addressing the media down across the country in the with minimum staff, so Core Committee members of here on Wednesday, wake of the COVID-19 out- they requested the Andhra Pradesh Chambers met SABCA president Srinivas break, its impact was clearly customers to place their the District Collector and Police l AP Industry l Though industries appreciate Reddy said that building shown on the hoteliers in the food orders in advance Commissioner of body meets the measures taken by the State contractors alone have to state. Most of the hotel book- and collect them at the Visakhapatnam and had hectic Collector, and Central governments on a get Rs 10,000 crore arrears ings were cancelled as the lurch. Several hotels across delicacies and the response is confabulations to sort out issues that were pending since the virus cases in the State are on the State, including star hotels, good. Customers can order designated pick up area, arising out of the lockdown. discuss war-footing, still a lot of other TDP regime. the rise. downed their shutters and over phone and has to come he says The result of their endeavours problems initiatives can rescue the Soon after the YSRCP After Prime Minister asked their guests to vacate personally to pick the order fructified with posting of AP arising due to enterprises in the aftermath of government came to power, Narendra Modi announced rooms. between 7 am and 7 pm. As per Chambers’ staff in the Integrated lockdown Corona outbreak in the country they brought the issue to the 21-day lockdown to con- When The Pioneer spoke to the instructions of the govern- are working with less staff, so Command Control Room 24/7 the notice of the govern- tain the spread of the the Taj Gateway Hotels front ment all of us are properly pro- they requested the customers in the District Collector’s ment but small bills within Coronavirus, people who were office manager M Sanjeev, he tected with masks, gloves and to place their food orders in office enable the chamber mem- es across all industries. Likewise, ational or the importing coun- Rs 25 lakh were cleared. away from their homes, were said that in order to cater to the sanitising their hands at regu- advance and collect them at the bers seek immediate relief on many units in the tries are also in crisis, they are He recalled that the gov- stranded with nowhere to go. cravings of foodies and to lar intervals apart from keep- designated pick up area, he any issues like pertaining to Visakhapatnam Special not able to move the manufac- ernment assured that it The lockdown announcement cater to needs of those cus- ing themselves hydrated." adds. movement of trucks and goods Economic Zone (VSEZ) are tured goods also from their would clear the pending hit hard the daily wagers and tomers, who prefer special del- Keeping in mind the food Mohammed Akhil, direc- by dialling 9121221477 or send- facing severe financial stress factory premises. Some of their dues by March but in vain migrant labourers with the icacies, they minimised the needs of the hour, DV Manor tor sales, Novotel Hotel, said ing issues to during this juncture. Most of the clients have either cancelled due to the pandemic. sudden loss of livelihood and number of dishes in the pick- announced a pick-up menu that the hotel is not function- [email protected] VSEZ units are either shut down their orders or postponed their Hence, they appealed to several of them were seen up menu list. He said, "We are with all varieties of biryanis, ing due to the lockdown till AP Chambers envisage that or working at a less percentage orders and procurement. As the government to settle walking miles towards their vil- working with minimum butter naans, snacks and oth- April 14 and they are not under prevailing circumstances of their capacity. Since they are the units funds realisation and their dues after the virus lages, middle-class and profes- kitchen staff as instructed by ers, said take-away section in- offering take-away service as of they may be severe crisis and a mostly dependent on exports working capital has temporari- subsides, said Srinivas sionals were also left in the the authorities and listed a few charge Vijay. He says that they now. huge revenue loss and job loss- and as the airlines are not oper- ly got affected. Reddy. REEL pledges Rs 5 cr to CMRF VMC presses machine into ‘Corona car' for public awareness PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n VIJAYAWADA service to spray disinfectant Hyderabad's K Sudhakar, The Ramky Environ Engineers known for making whacky cars Limited (REEL), a leading PNS n VIJAYAWADA in unimaginable shapes and provider of comprehensive envi- forms, has now come out with ronment management services, In the wake of the increase in a car in the Coronavirus model backed by global investment the COVID-19 positive cases in to create public awareness about firm KKR, announced its con- the State and to contain the the dreaded virus. Sudhakar, tribution of Rs 5 crore to the spread of the virus, sodium who runs a quirky museum Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. hypochlorite solution is being called Sudha cars, unveiled the The contribution, which is an sprayed in the city. innovative car on Wednesday. extension of REEL’s widespread A few places are identified as "To create awareness about and ongoing efforts to combat red zones in the city and Coronavirus and to encourage the impact of COVID-19 on Salcon–600 tractor mounted ing further. The VMC author- people to stay home, I've made with a social message is not new condom bike to create aware- communities, will be consisting spraying machine was used to ities are discharging services the Coronavirus car. I want to for Sudhakar, who holds the ness about AIDS. He also high- of Rs 3 crore cheque as well as spray the solution in those with a target to contain the pos- give a clear message to people Guinness World Record for lighted the message of road safe- a supply of Rs 2 crore worth per- areas. Minister for Endowments itive cases in the city. not to come out of their house designing the largest tricycle in ty by making a helmet car. sonal protective equipment Velampalli Srinivas, along with The Commissioner said that and stay safe," said Sudhakar. the world. "We have always Using junk automobile parts, (PPE). VMC Commissioner V they have been spraying disin- The single-seater car, with a made cars to give back to the Sudhakar makes offbeat cars, The contribution was deliv- M Goutham Reddy, Managing Director of REEL, hands over a cheque for Rs 3 Prasanna Venkatesh, launched fectant on the streets through 100cc engine, has six wheels, society in our own way, for var- which can be driven at slow ered to Chief Minister YS crore to Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy in Vijayawada on Wednesday the spraying machine at Taiwan power sprayers, water and a fibre body. "It took 10 days ious occasions and causes," he speed. They are on display at his Jaganmohan Reddy by M Kummaripalem here on tankers, fire engines, drone to build this car which can said. museum located near the Nehru Goutham Reddy, Managing Coronavirus outbreak has spread of the virus requires the Wednesday. sprayers. He said that sodium touch a maximum speed of 40 In the past, he engineered a Zoological Park. Director of REEL, here on impacted countless lives and has active participation and mobil- Speaking on the occasion, the hypochloride was sprayed in all kmph," said Sudhakar. He plans cage car to spread the message He also developed cars in the Wednesday. created an unprecedented need isation of resources from every minister said that the govern- areas as a precautionary mea- to donate the car to Hyderabad not to cage birds. Similarly, shape of a burger, a stiletto, a Commenting on the initia- to bond together against an quarter. The REEL team takes ment was taking initiatives to sure to contain the spread of the police to help create awareness there was a cigarette bike for a bag, a camera, a football and a tive, Goutham Reddy said, “The invisible enemy. Containing the this mission to heart. contain the virus from spread- virus. about COVID-19. Building cars stop smoking message and a computer. Ayurvedic medicines to curb Coronavirus spread distributed In UP, man shoots dead

PNS n TIRUPATI l Five Ayurvedic l The medicine included son over a glass of milk The TTD has surged ahead medicines made with Rakshogna Dhupam PNS n PILIBHIT tion was stated to be stable. with one more precautionary Ayush standards (protective disinfectant) According to circle officer of initiative in fighting against Pavitra (hand cleaning A man allegedly shot dead his Puranpur circle Yogendra l Distributed among COVID-19 virus by indige- sanitisers) Gandoopam teenage son and then killed Kumar, Gurmukh Singh asked nous preparation of five TTD canteen himself over a dispute over a his son, Jaskaran, a Class 12 stu- (gargling liquid), Nimba Ayurvedic medicines. employees glass of milk. The incident dent, to fetch a glass of milk for On the directive of TTD Sasha (nasal drops) and took place in Sohanna village in him. He lost his temper when Joint Executive Officer P l Phased Amruta (anti- biotic tablets), Puranpur area, late on Monday he saw his son bring a half-filled Basant Kumar, the SV distribution among which were prepared with night. Gurmukh Singh (55) glass of milk. Gurmukh Singh's Ayurveda Hospital and the Ministry of AYUSH standards had an argument with his son wife and daughter were away at Ayurveda Pharmacy have other TTD staff Jaskaran (16) over the quanti- the time. jointly prepared five formula- ty of milk given to him. Senior police officials, includ- tions of Ayurvedic drugs to Gurmukh complained that his ing Superintendent of Police fight the pandemic COVID- The medicine included AYUSH standards. Initially in son had taken more milk while Abhishek Dixit, have inspected 19, which were released on Rakshogna Dhupam (protec- the first phase, the Ayurvedic he was given a lesser quantity. the spot. S.K. Singh, Station Wednesday, on the occasion Ayurvedid medicines being distributed to TTD canteen staff at Tirumala on Wednesday (right) Ayurvedic medicines on display tive disinfectant) Pavitra medicines will be given to An angry Gurmukh shot his House Officer, said a com- of World Health Day. (hand cleaning sanitisers) 1,000 canteen staff at son and brother Avtar Singh, plaint was filed by Gurmukh The JEO directed that the food packets for the people employees of all departments College and Dr Narapu Gandoopam (gargling liq- Tiruchanoor on Thursday who tried to intervene, and later Singh's brother, Balvir Singh. medicines should be provid- stranded due to lockdown in in a phased manner. Reddy, pharmacy medical uid), Nimba Sasha (nasal and later to canteen employ- also shot himself. While The FIR was lodged against the ed first to the staff of the TTD Tirupati. Later, the precau- On the instructions of the officer, provided medicines to drops) and Amruta (anti- ees at Sri Padmavathi College Gurmukh and his son died on deceased, Gurmukh Singh, canteen engaged in the daily tionary medicine could be JEO, Dr Bhaskar Rao, 200 employees of TTD can- biotic tablets), which were on Friday, said Dr Narappa the spot, Avtar was rushed to under IPC sections 302 (mur- preparation of thousands of freely provided to TTD Principal of SV Ayurveda teen. prepared with Ministry of Reddy. the hospital, where his condi- der) and 307 (attempt to kill).

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 vijayawada 03 Centre will announce policy ‘Immunity booster’, raw on Covid-19 soon, says CM PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan turmeric in high demand Reddy asserted that the new ‘Provide basic industrial policy should build SUMIT ONKA n Minister for Industries, faith among the industrialists amenities at n VISAKHAPATNAM Mekapati Goutham and help them to invest in the Reddy, said: “Turmeric State. Turmeric, the must ingredient In a review meeting con- quarantine, in every kitchen, has been with high Curcumin vened at the camp office here hogging the limelight for the content is high in on Wednesday, Chief Minister isolation centres’ right reasons. As immunity demand with pharma YS Jaganmohan Reddy said PNS n VIJAYAWADA comes into play following the industry as it is a key that in the wake of the pan- outbreak of Coronavirus, there ingredient to boost demic Coronavirus outbreak, BJP State president Kanna is a huge demand for immuni- immunity as fight against the industries sector across the Lakshminarayana wrote a let- ty booster supplements. viral replication world is affected and officials ter to CM YS Jaganmohan To meet the demand, phar- discussed the effect of COVID- n The government has Reddy urging him to take ma sector is looking out for 19 on industries in the State. In (MSMEs) and the government n New industrial policy will initiated PPP model for measures in providing basic turmeric with high content of this backdrop, the Chief should support the MSMEs help industrialists to invest facilities in quarantine and iso- Curcumin, which acts as integrated agriculture Minister has said the Central and prioritise MSMEs that in State, says Chief Minister lation centres for inmates and immunity booster. Rising to development in government would soon be have large scope of employ- YS Jaganmohan Reddy provide PPEs to doctors and the occasion, the government Chinatapalli for yielding announcing a policy on ment. other medical personnel. In his has decided to yield such The tribal farmers in Paderu areas of Vizag, tribal such turmeric COVID-19. Chief Minister is keen on n The government will be letter, Kanna mentioned that turmeric at Chintapalli, Araku Chintapalli, Paderu, Araku and farmers grow turmeric in The Chief Minister has ensuring zero pollution from providing land, water, inconvenience is being faced by and Paderu areas in Vizag a few other hilly areas in Vizag around 10,000 hectares. The n The tribal farmers in directed officials to clear pend- industries and instructed offi- electricity and quality the COVID -19 affected peo- Agency in Public- Private- Agency will get support from Chintapalli turmeric variety Chintapalli, Paderu, ing incentives of the past five cials that the government services to the industries to ple admitted to quarantine Partnership (PPE) mode. the government to expand the has been found to have around Araku and a few other years totaling Rs 4,800 crore to should take responsibility to boost the investments in and isolation centres due to lack On Wednesday, in his area under turmeric. 6 to 6.5 per cent Curcumin hilly areas in Vizag industries in installments and collect the waste from indus- the State, he assured. of basic facilities. As a result, Twitter handle, Minister for The officials of horticulture content compared to 3-4 per Agency will get support told to prioritise the industries tries and process it. Moreover, cases of affected people run- Industries, Mekapati Goutham department said that the cent in regular variety. High based on the employment he said that the use of desali- n ning away from centres were Reddy, said: “Turmeric with demand for turmeric has Curcumin content turmeric from the government to scale. nation water in industries He said that an assessment being reported. He also point- high Curcumin content is high increased after the outbreak of variety is in demand in the expand the area under The government will be would protect the environ- should be prepared on ed out that people with virus in demand with pharma indus- Covid-19 as turmeric has the pharma industries for its turmeric providing land, water, electric- ment and asked officials to those who depend on symptoms are either hesitating try as it is a key ingredient to medicinal properties and it will immunity boosting content. ity and quality services to the speed up works in this regard. Micro, Small & Medium or avoiding to get tested and he boost immunity as fight against improve the immunity and also The pharma firms will extract crop (7 to 8 months period), industries to boost the invest- Minister for Industries M Enterprises (MSMEs) and urged the CM to ensure that viral replication. The govern- keep the respiratory system the Curcumin from turmeric whereas the turmeric from Vizag ments in the State, he assured. Gautam Reddy, Special Chief the government should the facilities are improved in ment has initiated PPP model healthy and turmeric can also in crystal form for medical Agency region comes once in He said that an assessment Secretary Rajath Bhargav and support the MSMEs and these centres so that people do for integrated agriculture use for manufacture of medi- usage, they added two years and the volume of the should be prepared on those other officials were among prioritise MSMEs that have not have any apprehensions development in Chinatapalli cines for cancer treatment. Experts in the turmeric field crop is around 6 to 8 tonnes who depend on Micro, Small those present in the review large scope of employment about the centres. for yielding such turmeric. In Chintapalli, Araku and said that turmeric is an annual (final product) per hectare. & Medium Enterprises meeting. People from Telugu States YSRCP nominees violate Covid-19 Jagan launches 34 more test Covid-19 test positive... live amidst curbs in Gulf lockdown norms, alleges Naidu kits made in Continued from Page 1 PNS n HYDERABAD n Many NRIs living in Al- PNS n VIJAYAWADA n Naidu appealed to State to fight back Corona threat, the MedTech Zone The North Andhra dis- Ras and Naif areas of Election Commissioner N ruling party leaders in Andhra tricts of Srikakulam and NRIs living in Gulf countries Dubai tested positive TDP chief N Chandrababu Ramesh Kumar to Pradesh are making a mockery Continued from Page 1 Vizianagaram are so far have been facing difficulties as Naidu accused the YSRCP of the nationwide lockdown in untouched by the virus. they are getting infected with for the virus and are nominees, who are in the fray disqualify all those ruling the State, he alleged. Such innovations will Meanwhile, Krishna dis- the Coronavirus in spite of being sent to in local body elections, of vio- party contestants, who Stating that poor people's come up from the MedTech trict collector A Md Imtiaz in under quarantine facilities quarantine facility lating the nationwide COVID- are found guilty of lives became vulnerable zone in the near future and a media bulletin on distributing Rs 1,000 to because of the narrow rooms n Telugu people living in 19 lockdown norms and also because of YSRCP negligence, it would be the focal point of Wednesday informed that in the labour camps. the guidelines issued by the the poor he said that at the time of post- medical discovery in India, 2443 foreign returnees have Al Khor, Bur Dubai, It is the case with the State Election Commission not n poning the local polls, the the Minister said. been placed under home iso- labourers living in Dubai, Jebel Ali area of Dubai to campaign till further notice. Naidu told the SEC that SEC has directed political par- The Industries lation. Among them, 1,197 Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi are living under severe Naidu appealed to State photos, videos and other ties not to campaign till further Department announced that completed home isolation Arabia and so on. strictures. Completely Election Commissioner N evidence would be notice. But the YSRCP candi- it will be procuring 1,000 and 1,246 were still to do so. Many NRIs living in Al-Ras clamp down has been Ramesh Kumar to disqualify all submitted to the Election dates violated this in all the 175 Covid-19 kits and 1,000 He said that till date, 35 and Naif areas of Dubai test- imposed on the Sanaya those ruling party contestants, Commission to prove Assembly segments in the state. litres of hand sanitising liq- people have been admitted in ed positive for the virus and region of Qatar, which who are found guilty of distrib- machinery, including volun- where and how the Referring to AP Panchayat uid which the State will dis- hospitals. Total samples test- are being sent to quarantine has a sizeable uting Rs 1,000 to the poor. teers, across the State to influ- YSRCP contestants have Raj Amendment Ordinance 2 tribute on merit. ed till date were 586 of which facility. population of people Naidu told the SEC that ence the voters though there is violated the guidelines of 2020, Naidu asked for dis- Goutham Reddy said that 35 returned positive, 366 Telugu people living in Al from Telugu States photos, videos and other evi- a ban on electioneering now. qualification of the erring rul- it took only 35 days to man- were negative and 185 reports Khor, Bur Dubai, Jebel Ali dence would be submitted to Referring to the current ing party candidates and also ufacture the kits, starting were awaited. area of Dubai are living under the Election Commission to nationwide lockdown to pre- Central government has sought the relevant punish- from the day the Chief Imtiaz informed that the severe strictures. Completely Telugu States live, under their prove where and how the vent virus transmission, he banned all sorts of political and ment as per the Ordinance. Minister issued directions. Dwcra group members in clamp down has been imposed control. In the region, a YSRCP contestants have violat- told the EC that the YSRCP social gatherings in the country Also, the YSRCP nominees The AMTZ has devel- the district have prepared on the Sanaya region of Qatar, plumber from Bihar tested ed the guidelines. candidates were violating the to combat and eradicate violated Sections 51-60 of the oped the project and able to 65,210 masks which are cru- which has a sizeable population positive for the virus. It spread Local people took photos social distancing norms by Coronavirus epidemic. But the Disaster Management Act- manufacture it in 35 days. cial in these critical times. of people from Telugu States. to other Indians from him. and videos of YSRCP candi- going in crowds to doorsteps of YSRCP leaders and contestants 2005 by gathering crowds dur- The government of India He appreciated the Dwcra Kuwaitis are sore over as In Bahrain, 100 Indians are dates violating the norms at 253 poor families in the name of Rs are endangering public health ing the lockdown. Moreover, was astonished by the pace members for their effort Telugus constitute majority of affected by COVID-19. In areas in the State, which would 1,000 distribution. They are by mobilising crowds to seek the ruling party candidates of work of the state govern- and said that 2,254 members the Coronavirus victims. The Saudi Arabia, curfew has been be submitted to SEC by their unabashedly asking the poor votes from poor beneficiaries of are punishable under Sections ment and the AMTZ team from 13 mandals in the dis- Kuwait security forces took imposed in cities of Riyadh, party, said Naidu. The ruling voters to cast their votes once COVID-19 relief, ration and 171(E), 171 (F) and 188 of the and it is being taken up as a trict prepared the marks as Mahboula region, where Dammam, Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif party is resorting to rampant the election process begins. assistance. While the whole IPC for violating the SEC model study, Goutham per the directions given by majority of people from and Khobar. misuse of power and official Naidu recalled that the country is making frantic efforts guidelines, he pointed out. Reddy said. the doctors. Narsipatnam doctor suspended SC directs RBI reaches out to Situation akin to ‘social private labs... for remarks against government emergency', says Modi Continued from Page 1 cash-strapped AP PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM The petition also sought Continued from Page 1 cal (April-June 2020-21), the Continued from Page 1 direction that all such tests APgovernment has already con- A medical officer in regional Vijaya Sai asks be conducted by accredited It has allowed states to cumu- firmed its participation in the hospital at Narsipatnam in The leaders provided feed- pathological laboratories, latively borrow from the open auction ofbonds to be con- Visakhapatnam district has back, suggested policy mea- PM... and to strike down the market in thefirst nine months ducted by RBI to raise Rs 11,000 been placed under suspen- sures, discussed the 21-day Continued from Page 1 ICMR advisory for alleged- of this fiscal (2020-21), against crore.The TS government has sion following his criticism on lockdown and the way for- ly being violative of Articles the usual 12- confirmed its participation lack of amenities at the hospi- ward, according to the state- Explaining the position of the 14 and 21 of the monthduration.And, even in inauction to raise Rs 9,000 tal to tackle the Coronavirus. ment. State government to the Prime Constitution. these nine months, the states crore.The auction of bonds, The Andhra Pradesh Vaidya They thanked the prime Minister during a "Private hospitals, includ- have been allowed to borrow which started on April 7, will be Vidhana Parishad Commissio- minister for the meeting, videoconference he held with ing laboratories, have an 50per cent of the net borrowing completed on June 30. ner issued orders placing the appreciated the timely mea- Parliamentarians, Vijaya Sai important role to play in ceiling fixed by the RBI in the With RBI further allowing doctor under suspension. sures taken by him and said Reddy said that except for containing the scale of the firstmonth of this fiscal (April) states to raise market loans up Cases have been registered that the "entire country is hotspots and crowded places, pandemic by extending itself, if situation demands. to 50 percent of ceiling in the against him for violation of standing united behind him the lockdown could be philanthropic services in As per norms, RBI fixes net first month of April itself, both Section 144, abusing the high- equipment and so on. Doctors attention on the hospital prob- during the crisis", the state- withdrawn in phases in other the hour of national crisis. borrowing ceiling for each state the statesare planning to utilise er authorities by indulging in have been asked to use one lems and threatened to lodge ment said. areas. He later told the media We thus are satisfied that onmarket borrowings every fis- the opportunity to raise more personal criticism and speak- mask for 15 days. a complaint with Prime During the interaction, persons, that on behalf of Chief the petitioner has made out cal.States are allowed to raise loans to meetexpenses till the ing against the government at Not a single MLA or minis- Minister Narendra Modi, if Modi underlined the impact of Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, a case for issuing a direction loans from the open market coronavirus is controlled and a time when the State is pass- ter turn up at the hospital, he necessary. His remarks went the emerging situation, as wit- he had thanked Modi for the to the respondents to issue every quarter.They are allowed situation returns tonormalcy. ing through a turmoil. remarked and expressed viral on the Internet. nessed in resource constraints. efforts being made to control the necessary direction to to raise loans in four quarters, The RBI has also allowed The doctor was identified as anguish over the district coor- Health Minister Perni Nani "Yet, India has been among spread of the deadly virus in the accredited private labs to spanning 12 months. state governments greater flex- Sudhakar Rao. He passed dinator not responding despite was incensed over the doctor’s the few nations to control the country. Explaining the situation conduct free of cost However, keeping in view the ibility foravailing overdraft facil- sensational remarks against lodging a complaint with him. remarks. He doubted whether pace of spread of the virus till in the State, Vijays Sai Reddy COVID-19 test", said the severe financial constraints ities with immediate effect till the government saying that He said that the hospital the medical officer is working now," the statement said. told the Prime Minister that AP court in an interim order. being facedby state govern- September 30. The central bank there is no wonder if anyone is requires services of a gynaecol- in the regional hospital or a The prime minister noted has recorded 400 positive cases Suggesting free tests, the ments due to huge dip in rev- said it had decided, after a tested positive in Narsipatnam. ogistbut the surgeries are being political. that in these changing circum- as on Wednesday, of which 280 petitioner also claimed that enue collections on accountof review, to increase to 21 work- The 150-bed hospital is func- conducted with the help of He commented that upon an stances, the country should were related to the people who capping test charges at pri- nationwide lockdown since ingdays the period for which a tioning for the name sake and inexperienced junior doctors. enquiry it was revealed that the simultaneously try to bring had participated in the Tablighi vate labs violates the ideals March 25, the RBI has relaxed state could be in overdraft con- it is not equipped with basic He urged Chief Minister YS hospital has 20 PPEs, 32 N-95 about a change in its work cul- Jamaat convention in New Delhi. and values of the borrowing norms. tinuously.The previous stipula- amenities like masks, medical Jaganmohan Reddy to focus masks 32 and 35 HIV masks. ture and working style. Constitution. For the first quarter of this fis- tion was for 14 working days. Four medical Varsities get Executive Councils High alert in Corona hotspots Kurnool, Nellore personnel test positive Continued from Page 1 tion and police are strictly imple- It can be recalled that the first patients. According to sources, a Continued from Page 1 enough masks for the medical per- Continued from Page 1 menting the lockdown in the red Covid-19 positive case in the state well-known orthopaedic doctor in sonnel and questioned who should In Kurnool, district officials are zones (containment and buffer was reported from the district. Nellore was tested positive for the Meanwhile, a man, who claimed be held responsible for medical In 14 Universities of the State, 50 percent on high alert and had launched a zones) — 20 of these zones are in This patient was later discharged infection, two days after inaugurat- to be a healthcare personnel, post- personnel getting infected. reservations have been provided to SCs, STs, special drive to identify all who Kurnool city itself. after undergoing quarantine. ing a hospital in Pogathota. About ed a video on social media attribut- He threatened the authorities BCs, Minorities and Chief Minister was par- attended the convention at the According to sources, the inmates As per the latest update, the dis- 100 people attended the inaugura- ing the medical personnel testing with severe resistance from med- ticular that women should get half of the Markaz and send them to quaran- of isolation centres are expressing trict remains under strict lock- tion. The authorities are now trying positive to the virus to lack of min- ical personnel if such incidents posts. Of the 116 persons who made it to the tine facilities. Officials said nearly dissatisfaction about the arrange- down and as many as 896 people are to trace these 100 people, even as the imum amenities to them as they recur in future. It may be recalled Council, 58 are women. There were 360 450 people from Kurnool district ments. under home isolation in the district, doctor is undergoing treatment in treat the infected. The person who that the AP Vaidya Vidhana applications which were shortlisted. attended the convention, of whom The second highest number of and another 105 in hospital quar- Chennai. posted the video identified him as Parishad Commissioner placed The release said that the TDP-friendly some are still to be traced. positive cases are reported from antine. Officials said that 2,000 beds have one of the members of medical fra- Sudhakar Rao under the suspen- media which has been trying to rake up the As many as 1,000 foreign Nellore district, where once again, As many as 1,700 people have been arranged at the Government ternity working under extremely sion following what the govern- issue was silent when the Naidu government returnees have been identified in the most of those infected had taken been identified as foreign returnees General Hospital and Narayana risky conditions. ment said were controversial made appointments to the Council on district and are kept under home part in the convention and returned and arrangements have been for Medical College to provide treat- He alleged that there are not remarks against the authorities. nominated basis in 11 Universities. isolation. The district administra- home. 2,200 beds to treat Covid-19 ment. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 nation 04

COVID-19: SHORT READS Doctors, healthcare workers are Synchronised global warriors, have to be protected: SC prayers’, Princeton PNS n NEW DELHI police," Mehta told the bench, "If anybody is adding, "as an institutional Univ to study effect Doctors and healthcare profes- doing something response, we are doing this". sionals are "warriors" in fight like this (salary "The government and police Kejriwal says 'will against coronavirus and have to will walk extra mile to protect be protected, the Supreme cut of doctors and doctors," Mehta said and added have to fight it Court said on Wednesday even staffs), we will that to ensure safety of family together' as the Centre assured that it is members, doctors are being doing its best by providing send police," housed in hotels also. NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief them personal protective Mehta told the During the hearing, the Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday held a meeting with equipment (PPE) and other bench, adding, "as bench observed, "Why do you facilities. not create a mechanism at dis- MPs from the national capital The apex court suggested an institutional trict level where nodal officers on the coronavirus outbreak that the government should response, we are can be appointed to get sugges- and said "we all will have to create a mechanism to solicit tions from all persons?". fight it together". In the meeting doing this" via video conferencing, Lok suggestions from people about ferencing three petitions seek- he was not opposing the Responding to the query, PNS n NEW DELHI The Indian Yoga Sabha members belonging to how to go ahead on the issues ing protective kits for doctors prayers made in these petitions, Mehta said that they have a the BJP and Rajya Sabha related to COVID-19, includ- and healthcare workers amid told the bench that doctors and of hospitals and said the Centre central control room which has Together we can, say students Association is a members of the Aam Aadmi ing on providing treatment, coronavirus pandemic, was healthcare professionals are would write to all the states that officials from ministries of across the globe who are offer- self-regulatory Party interacted with the chief regulatory mechanism for peo- informed by the Centre that "corona warriors" and govern- no salary should be deducted health, home and Ayush. ing "Synchronised Global body of leading minister and discussed ple working from home and PPE kits and other requisite ment is ensuring their protec- for purchase of PPEs and He said such control rooms Prayers" for those infected with measures to contain the also on lockdown. things are being arranged and tion and safety along with masks. are also there at state level and COVID-19 and healthcare yoga institutions COVID-19 spread in the A bench of Justices Ashok it is taking steps in this regard. their family members. "If anybody is doing some- they are dealing with calls workers with a group at USA's of India. Yoga guru national capital. "Discussed the Bhushan and S Ravindra Bhat, Solicitor General Tushar He also denied reports about thing like this (salary cut of doc- having suggestions and com- Princeton University studying Ramdev is the issue of corona with Lok Sabha hearing through video-con- Mehta, who made it clear that salary cut of doctors and staffs tors and staffs), we will send plaints. the effect on vibes during the and Rajya Sabha MPs via video period. Chairman of IYA's conferencing. Several MPs The prayers, which have been Governing Council have given good suggestions started by the Indian Yoga and HR Nagendra, which will soon be Rahul says farmers be Do not succumb to threats as Association (IYA) on Monday, implemented by the can be performed at either 8 am Chancellor of the government. We all will have to or 6 pm as per the Indian first Yoga universi- fight it together," Kejriwal Standard Time. Students from tweeted in Hindi. The meeting world is watching: Cong to PM universities across the world ty in India-VYASA, allowed to harvest crops came a day after Kejriwal are sharing videos and pictures is the President announced a five-point action n PNS NEW DELHI goes against the country and its of them offering prayers using plan which includes one lakh while maintaining safety 130 crore citizens as they are his hashtag "together we can" and rapid anti-body blood test in The Congress on Wednesday first responsibility while every- "synchronisedglobalprayers". Chancellor of the first Yoga hotspots to contain the spread PNS n NEW DELHI said Prime Minister Narendra thing else comes later. According to IYA authorities, university in India—VYASA, is of the coronavirus. Modi should not succumb to Asserting that there was no a group involved in the Global the President. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi threats and take any decision out place for threats in internation- Consciousness Project at USA's "This is entirely an IYA initia- on Wednesday called for giving of pressure at the time of a health al diplomacy, he said, "Whether Princeton University, will also be tive in which we are trying to People should use relief to farmers during the crisis as it would set the wrong we should have buckled under studying changes in the ran- involve all traditions and groups, COVID-19 lockdown by allow- precedent in international diplo- pressure is something that his- domness or vibes during the from across different religions. masks while stepping ing them to harvest crops while macy. tory is watching". period. The Protocol for the Synchroni- out of homes: Thackeray maintaining safety, saying this The opposition party's etamol on a case-by-case basis to Khera said India is not used Student groups in Australia sed Global Prayers (SGP) is sim- MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief is the only way out as they are remarks came after US President the countries which have already to the language of threats and had participated in similar ple and can be practised by any- Minister Uddhav Thackeray on facing a double whammy. Donald Trump on Monday placed orders for them after allowing export of the life-saving prayers when the country was one," HR Nagendra said. Wednesday urged people to "The Rabi crop stands ready warned that his country may meeting domestic requirements. drug sets a wrong precedent. affected by fires. Several univer- "In the prayer, we will chant use masks while going out of in the fields but harvesting of the "retaliate" if India did not export Congress spokesperson "What is the kind of precedent sities in India as well as the All Bhramari (5 seconds inhalation, their homes to buy essential crop due to Covid19 lockdown hydroxychloroquine drug, used Pawan Khera said, "Foreign pol- we are trying to set when we India Council of Technical 10 seconds exhalation with a items, in a bid to contain the is difficult. The livelihoods of for COVID-19 treatment, icy is apolitical and we are with buckle up under threats in this Education (AICTE) has sent low-pitched humming sound 27 spread of coronavirus. In his hundreds of farmers are at despite his personal request. the government on this. But, it hour of crisis," he asked. advisories to colleges and tech- times. Then repeat the following address to the state, Thackeray risk," he said in a tweet in Hindi. earlier called for adopting a On Tuesday, the government should not take any decision out The Congress leader said the nical institutions for students to loudly 'With all our collective also asked former army health "Those farmers who feed the nuanced approach to tackle decided to partially lift the ban of fear or threats as it sends a nation has a "tradition" of not participate in the initiative. power of peace, we win over services personnel, retired country are today in dual trou- the situation in India, as the on export of the anti-malarial wrong signal to the outside succumbing to threats as Indira The Indian Yoga Association COVID-19' nine times with nurses and ward boys to join ble. The only way out is to give situation here is different from drug, paving the way for its sup- world". Gandhi had "shown some coun- is a self-regulatory body of lead- hands raised. There will be the "war" against coronavirus. relief to them in the lockdown other nations. The country is ply to the US and other countries Addressing a press conference tries their place" when they ing yoga institutions of India. clapping after the ninth round Appealing citizens to stay safe while maintaining safety is to under a 21-day lockdown hit by the coronavirus pandem- through video conferencing, threatened India during the Yoga guru Ramdev is the and the prayer will end with during the pandemic, he said, allow them harvesting," he said. from March 24 to control the ic, saying India would export Khera said the prime minister struggle for a separate Chairman of IYA's Governing shanti, shanti, shanti," Nagendra "People should use masks The Congress leader has spread of coronavirus. hydroxychloroquine and parac- should not take any step that Bangladesh. Council and HR Nagendra, explained in an advisory. while stepping out of their homes." He regretted the inconvenience caused to citizens due to lockdown, but Flight restrictions will be lifted once we are said "we don't have any other AIIMS admin rejects proposal to make option". Maharashtra has so far reported 1,078 coronavirus donation to PM-CARES voluntary confident that coronavirus is in control: Puri cases. PNS n NEW DELHI domestic and international PNS n NEW DELHI commercial passenger flights Probe visas to foreign India will remove its suspen- have been suspended for this Tablighi Jamaat The AIIMS administration has sion of domestic and interna- time period. rejected the proposal by its tional commercial passenger However, cargo flights, off- members: Akhilesh Resident Doctors' Association to flights once it is confident that shore helicopter operations, LUCKNOW: In an apparent make donations to the PM- the spread of coronavirus has medical evacuation flights and attack on the BJP government CARES fund voluntary or opt- come under control, sad Civil special flights permitted by at the Centre over the action in, saying there is no mecha- Aviation Minister Hardeep Indian aviation regulator against foreign Tablighi Jamaat nism in place for an opt-in Singh Puri on Wednesday. DGCA are permitted to oper- members, Samajwadi Party donation in the institute. "My heart goes out to people ate during this lockdown. chief Akhilesh Yadav on In a response to the RDA's who are facing problems due to "These restrictions will be Wednesday said it should also demand, the administration on restrictions put in place on lifted once we are fully confi- be probed "when, why and Wednesday said there is no domestic & international flights, dent that the spread of the virus who" gave visas to them. mechanism currently for an done locally for provision of pursuant to the situation aris- down," the minister said on lockdown from March 25 to has been controlled & it poses "Those probing should also opt-in donation and all such vol- PPEs and other facilities to AIIMS issues guidelines ing out of the timely announce- Twitter. curb the coronavirus pan- no danger to fellow Indians," voluntarily probe that when, untary donations are to be made equip the healthcare workers. on reuse of PPE, citing ment of a nationwide lock- India has imposed a 21-day demic. Consequently, all the minister said. why and who gave visas to directly to the charity of choice. "In this regard, it may be noted those who are being caught. The letter also stated that there that there is no mechanism cur- depletion of stocks How many tests of coronavirus is no provision to collect donations rently for an Opt-in donation and he AIIMS has released are being done? And what from residents for internal use for all such voluntary donations are guidelines for the reuse of Army postpones arrangement is being made for provision of PPEs and other facil- to be made directly to the char- TPPE, citing their fast Nadda posts thank you the treatment of other diseases ities to equip healthcare workers. ity of choice. There is no provi- depletion of stocks in the wake of six-day and also for those who are The AIIMS RDA had written to sion to collect donations from res- the coronavirus outbreak, while hungry," Akhilesh said in a the hospital administration, idents for internal use for provi- stressing that the methods for conference tweet in Hindi. Over 900 demanding that donations to sion of PPEs and other facilities message for ‘corona warriors' PNS n NEW DELHI Tablighi Jamaat members, who disinfection should only be PM-Citizen Assistance Relief in to equip the healthcare workers," considered as extraordinary last- had come to India on tourist Emergency Situations (CARES) the AIIMS registrar said. resort methods in the event of an PNS n NEW DELHI emergency service providers. The Indian Army has post- visas, have been blacklisted by fund be made a voluntary exer- He further clarified that the imminent shortages of such kits. "Responding to Prime poned a six-day conference of the government for allegedly cise/opt-in and the money collect- current requirement is of pro- According to the AIIMS BJP president J P Nadda on Minister Narendra Modi's call, its top commanders next violating visa conditions for ed be used locally for procuring curement of PPEs rather than of guidelines, decontamination of Wednesday expressed his grat- the country has united in tack- week in view of rising cases participating in religious protective gear for them after the collection of funds from resi- PPE kits for the purpose of reuse itude to the emergency staff ling COVID-19. In this valiant of coronavirus in the country, activities. Action was taken administration appealed to all res- dents for this purpose stating is currently not recommended, working during the lockdown battle for humanity's future, official sources said on against them after over 2,300 ident doctors to contribute their adequate funds are available. primarily because of concerns imposed to control the spread Corona Warriors are at the fore- Wednesday. Jamaat activists were found to one-day salary to the PM-CARES "The RDA is therefore advised that it would degrade the of coronavirus and asked peo- front. I salute their grit and deter- The conference was to be be living at the the fund to aid the government's effort to clarify whether they wish to performance, especially of the ple to join in thanking the mination.Join. #ThankYou- held from April 13 to 18. In organisation's headquarters in to fight COVID-19. contribute for the above noble respirator. But then, decontamina- "Corona Warriors". CoronaWarriors," Nadda said. the conference, the Army Delhi's Nizamuddin despite the "In continuation of the appeal cause or not. There will be no tion and reuse of PPE kits may Nadda's message on social Nadda said their undiluted commanders were set to 21-day lockdown imposed to dated April 4, the RDA through provision for an Opt-in contri- provide another solution by media came after Prime courage, selflessness, determi- carry out overall review of check the spread of letter have stated that the collec- bution," the notice which was extending the existing on-hand Minister Narendra Modi asked the exercise as a mark of grat- nation and focus have ensured India's security challenges, coronavirus. "Please also tion of donation be made volun- sent to HODs, Chiefs of Centres supplies, the guidelines say. BJP workers to write thank you itude to health professionals, that India remains on track in particularly along the borders review the transparency in relief tary (opt-in) and use of funds be and RDA President stated. messages and have people join sanitation staff, police and other these difficult times. with Pakistan and China. funds," Yadav said. Manipur University starts online classes Somaiya claims arrest by cops; PNS n IMPHAL Prof O Mukherjee, Head of Manipur University Chemistry department, said: "In With classes suspended due to Registrar Prof WC chemistry and physics, online Awhad alleges threat on twitter COVID-19 outbreak, all the Singh in an order on teaching cannot reach up to the departments of Manipur level of satisfaction as in human- PNS n MUMBAI tion at the Nizamuddin Markaz ample time to arrest BJP leader University have started online April 2 had asked ities subject as these two partic- last month. Kirit Somaiya who wanted to teaching, but students residing students and ular subjects require explanation Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya The religious congregation help a common man. in remote areas of the state are teachers to based on mathematical calcula- on Wednesday claimed that he had emerged as a prime cata- The BJP has also twitted facing problems due to poor download and install tions, drawing symbols, molec- was arrested by the police while lyst for the spread of coron- NCP chief Sharad Pawar's ear- net connectivity while attend- ular structure, formulas." trying to meet a man who was avirus infection across the lier statement where he had ing the classes, officials said. Zoom app or Zoom Asistant Prof Sonia Waheng- allegedly beaten up by some men country. stressed the need to amend the Manipur University Cloud Meeting in bam of Mass Communication associated with state Housing Meanwhile, in a fresh twist, IT Act, 2000 to nail the actu- Registrar Prof WC Singh in an their laptops or and Journalism department, minister and NCP leader Awhad has shared a social al culprits and initiate preven- order on April 2 had asked stu- welcomed the online teaching Jitendra Awhad on Sunday. media message which has tive action against those insti- dents and teachers to down- smartphones for system and said: "it provides As politics played out over the threatened to kill him "like gating violence in the name of load and install Zoom app or online classes engagement to both teachers incident, the BJP stated that the (Narendra) Dabholkar". religion, castes or regional Zoom Cloud Meeting in their of Physics department told and calculations. and students during this lock- Shiv Sena-led state government In an official tweet from fanaticism. laptops or smartphones for PTI that teaching a science He also said the time slot down period." Wahengbam said seemed to have ample time to @BJP4Maharashtra, the party The Opposition party won- online classes. subject online is different from given is 40 minutes but it often Many students said that a practical problem faced by stu- "arrest" Somaiya who wanted to said, "Maharashtra government dered whether "Sharad Pawar Students were told to pro- teaching an arts subject as you has to be extended to one "poor net connectivity, partic- dents is limited data pack. Most meet the victim, but has no time seems to have no time in find- has designated his confidant vide their email ids to their need to draw up diagrams and hour due to technical issues ularly in rural and hill areas, is of the students run out of data, as to trace the members of Tablighi ing out the members of Tablighi Jitendra Awhad to bring for- respective departments. explain scientific theories by particularly due to disruption a hindrance in the interaction online classes consume a lot of Jamaat who returned after Jamaat who returned from the mer's ambitious mission of Prof Basanta Sharma, Head using mathematical formulas in live streaming and sound. process." data, a second year student said. attending a religious congrega- markaz at New Delhi but it has controllingthe social media". VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 nation 05

SHORT READS PM INTERACTS WITH FLOOR LEADERS Modi says lockdown will not be

Many organisations lifted in one go, will consult CMs holding online cultural PNS n NEW DELHI across the country beyond events & competitions Several opposition April 14 after several states have KOLKATA: With the lockdown in Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaders raised the favoured the extension to con- force and people confined to on Wednesday told floor lead- issue of shortage of tain the fast-spreading virus, as NGOs ensure their homes, many ers of opposition and other the positive cases in the coun- organizations in the city are parties in Parliament that the PPE for health try show no signs of any let up. now conducting online cultural nationwide lockdown will not be workers in the As per the Union health orphanages get events, including competitions lifted in one go on April 14, country while few ministry's Wednesday morning and theatre events. The New according to BJD's Pinaki Misra. update, there are 149 deaths Town Kolkata Development Modi's comments came dur- also suggested that and 5,194 confirmed cases of vitamin-fortified milk Authority is holding an online ing an interaction with these construction of the COVID-19 in the country even drawing, music, poem writing leaders to discuss the situation as the country entered its third PNS n NEW DELHI competition for children. All the arising out of the COVID-19 new parliament week of nationwide lockdown. Vitamin fortifica- participants, from 4 to 17 years, pandemic and the govern- building should be Apart from Azad and Pawar, Over 500 children living is tion in milk is one will have to do is to register ment's efforts to contain the avoided, a source said others who attended the virtu- slums and orphanages are being their names at the NKDA fast-spreading virus in the al meet included, Ram Gopal given vitamin-fortified milk in of the effective website mentioning their area of country. Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Kolkata, a child rights body said ways to address interest, an NKDA official said "Prime Minister Modi made Prime Minister told them that he were briefed by secretaries of Personal Protective Equipment Misra (Bahujan Samaj Party), on Wednesday as the 21-day deficiencies, on Wednesday. The organisers it clear that lockdown is not will also consult chief ministers. various ministries — health, (PPE) for health workers in the Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti nationwide lockdown to prevent will refer a particular date for being lifted and also that the life Those participated in the home and rural development - country while few also suggest- Party), T R Baalu (Dravida the spread of the novel coron- especially in every participant on which the pre-corona and post-corona meet included Ghulam Nabi — on the actions taken by the ed that construction of the new Munnetra Kazhagam), Sukhbir avirus entered its 15th day. children while video of his/her performance or will not be same," Biju Janata Azad, leader of the opposition government to tackle COVID- parliament building should be Singh Badal (Shiromani Akali The milk is being distributed enabling them to poem will be uploaded on the Dal leader Pinaki Misra said. in Rajya Sabha, and Nationalist 19 and mitigate the hardships avoided, a source said. Dal), Rajiv Ranjan Singh through non-governmental link given by NKDA, he said, Another leader, who partici- Congress Party head Sharad arising out of the lockdown. The meet comes amidst indi- (Janata Dal-United), Pinaki organisations that work for receive their daily adding that children can register pated in the meeting but did not Pawar. Several opposition leaders cations that the Central govern- Mishra (Biju Janata Dal) and children living in marginalised vitamin require- their names till April 14. "The wish to be named, said the Sources said, these leaders raised the issue of shortage of ment may extend the lockdown Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena). communities, Save the aim is to give a little bit of Children said in a statement. ment, it said happiness to the children who Vitamin fortification in milk are stuck in homes for so many is one of the effective ways to part of the distribution man- days and bring a smile on their address deficiencies, especial- agement system. faces," NKDA chairman Congress complains to Home ministry responsible for ly in children while enabling Those who are distributing Debasish Sen said. them to receive their daily vit- the milk are trained on social allowing Jamaat meet: Deshmukh amin requirement, it said. distancing and other hygien- Two mild intensity guv on coal transport The milk is being distrib- ic practices. This service will PNS n PANAJI ny for which the raw materi- PNS n MUMBAI the Central government of giv- uted by FMCG major ITC continue during the entire earthquakes hit West al was allegedly being trans- ing the Jamaat the permission to Limited in collaboration with lockdown period, it said. Bengal & Sikkim The Congress in Goa com- ported. Training his guns at the Centre hold the prayer meeting, and Save the Children Commenting on the initia- plained to governor Satya Pal "MV Ikan Pulas, a over the Tablighi Jamaat's con- charged it with having relations The statement said that on tive, an ITC spokesperson KOLKATA: Two earthquakes of Malik on Wednesday about Singaporean Vessel carrying gregation held in Delhi last with the community. Tuesday, milk vans reached said that “through the move mild intensity struck West unlawful transportation of coal powder from Richards month, Maharashtra Home He said despite the three of the most margin- they hope to make a meaning- Bengal and Sikkim within a gap coal from Mormugao Port Bay (South Africa) docked at Minister Anil Deshmukh on Nizamuddin police station locat- alised communities in Kolkata. ful contribution in supporting of 12-hours on Wednesday, an Trust to a village during the Mormugao Port Trust, with 150 Wednesday questioned why the ed near Markaz, yet the congre- In total 520 children living in their nutritional requirements IMD official said here. There COVID-19 lockdown. African sailors onboard, has Union Home Ministry should gation was not stopped (in view slums and orphanages during these trying times by was no report of injury to any In a written complaint to the been clandestinely transporting not be held responsible for the of the COVID19 threat). received the fortified milk. providing uninterrupted person or damage to property governor, Goa Pradesh coal dust to a plant at Amona spread of coronavirus from the "Why did the Union Home "The entire distribution was access to Aashirvaad Svasti's as per initial reports, officials Congress Committee presi- in Bicholim with the blessings religious meeting. Ministry give permission for done by community group Vitamin-A fortified milk to the said. While the first earthquake dent Girish Chodankar of the Goa Government," the Deshmukh also alleged that organising the Tablighi Jamaat's members under the leadership children in need”. hit East Sikkim district at 1.33 claimed that a Singaporean complaint states. National Security Advisor (NSA) sent Doval to meet Saad in the Ijtema at Nizamuddin in Delhi?" of child and youth champi- Save the Children's director am, the other one was recorded in West Bengal's Bankura vessel carrying coal powder The Congress alleged that Ajit Doval met Jamaat leader late night. Deshmukh asked. ons," it said. programmes and policy district at 11.24 am, the IMD from South Africa was docked the coal-laden carrier had Maulana Saad at 2 am during the "Whether it was the NSA's job "Isn't the Union Home They plan to reach more Anindit Roy Chowdhury said, official said. The tremor in East at MPT and is supplying the arrived in Goa on April 4 dur- period when the congregation or that of the Delhi Police Ministry responsible for the children in the coming days “Milk is a daily essential in a Sikkim was of magnitude 3.2 raw material to a company at ing the lockdown and started was held. He wondered the Commissioner to reach out to gathering on such a scale at the Besides Save the Children, child's diet and helps them to and occurred at a depth of 5 North Goa's Amona village. unloading the cargo, which nature of the "secret" dialogue the Jamaat members?" he asked. Markaz and subsequent spread NGOs Hope Kolkata protect themselves against ill- km from ground level, the The Congress, however, did was being transported to held between the two. The senior NCP leader raised of coronavirus to all other states?" Foundation and SOS nesses. This gesture is extreme- official said. In Bankura district, not name Vedanta, the compa- Amona in barges, it claimed. Deshmukh also asked who eight questions while accusing he questionned. Children's Village India are ly appreciated by all of us.” the quake was recorded at 4.1 magnitude at a depth of 15 km from ground level, he said. Govt likely to extend Chinese softshell BMC doesn't prevent burial of COVID-19 victim: HC Man hooked to booze turtle rescued in dies in TN after vain lockdown: Adhir after Arunachal Pradesh PNS n NEW DELHI "Prima facie, it appears from the bid to get his dose PNS n ITANAGAR The Bombay High Court has circular that it does VILLUPURAM (TN): After said a revised circular issued by meeting with PM A Chinese softshell turtle was the Brihanmumbai Municipal not prevent the burial trying desperately to get a n bottle of liqour, a 65-year old PNS NEW DELHI rescued by a few youths from Corporation on disposal of bod- of the body of any man fainted and was later Naharlagun and was handed ies of coronavirus victims does minority community pronounced dead at a The government is likely to over to the Biological Park in not prevent burial of the mortal extend the ongoing lockdown Itanagar for rehabilitation. remains of any minority commu- person afflicted with government hospital, police COVID-19 as sought said here on Wednesday. The beyond April 14 to combat the The reptile was rescued nity person. elderly man, when he heard coronavirus spread, Congress from a stream in Pachin Justice A A Sayed on April 3 to be suggested by that liquor stocks were being leader Adhir Ranjan Colony on Tuesday. refused to grant relief to a peti- the petition, the shifted from four Chowdhury said after a meet- Biological Park curator Raya tion seeking stay of the circular court said in its order neighbourhood outlets to a ing with Prime Minister Flago thanked the youths for issued by the Brihanmumbai warehouse, lined up in front of Narendra Modi on Wednesday. rescuing the reptile belonging Municipal Corporation (BMC) the circular that it does not pre- ty person afflicted with COVID- the shops at Janakipuram here Chowdhury said his party to a vulnerable species and on March 30. vent the burial of the body of any 19 has been cremated instead of move it out of the city. alongwith scores of other put forth some suggestions requested them to continue Mumbai resident Riyaz minority community person being buried," it said. Hence, no As per the circular issued by consumers. They desperately with regard to the crisis in the the noble work of saving the Ahmed Mohammed Ayub Khan afflicted with COVID-19 as case of grant of interim relief is BMC Commissioner Praveen pleaded with officials to sell farming sector. rich fauna of the state. approached the high court chal- sought to be suggested by the made out, the court added. Pardeshi, all bodies of COVID- them any alcoholic beverage. According to him, the Biological Park veterinary lenging the circular, claiming that petition, the court said in its On March 30, the BMC issued 19 patients should be cremated Despite police presence and in Congress has suggested that officer Sorang Tadap said the it prohibited burial of bodies of order. a circular saying bodies of those at the nearest crematorium irre- spite of authorities telling farmers might be exempted Leader in Rajya Sabha Ghulam turtle was found to be visibly minority community persons "There is no instance men- who succumbed to COVID-19 spective of religion to avoid consumers that stocks cannot from the 21-day lockdown Nabi Azad, attended the meet- healthy. who died of coronavirus disease. tioned in the petition that the would be cremated and if such a chances of transmission, and be sold in view of lockdown, for harvesting of Rabi crops. ing with the prime minister via The Chinese softshell turtle "Prima facie, it appears from body of any minority communi- body was to be buried, then to burial should not be allowed. they continued to mill around The party has also demanded video-conferencing. belongs to the softshell family the premises on Tuesday with a that all taxes on fertilisers be Modi interacted with floor Trionychidae, which includes hope that officials would relent. withdrawn, he said. leaders of opposition and the American softshell turtle, Following incidents of State-run "It is likely that the govern- other parties in Parliament to Cantors giant softshell turtle Fire tender vehicles to be used for sanitation purpose in UP Tamil Nadu State Marketing ment may extend the lock- discuss the situation arising and Florida softshell turtle, Corporation (TASMAC) liquor down," Chowdhury said. out of the COVID-19 pan- among many others. PNS n LUCKNOW DGP and Additional Chief works to get rid of coron- stores getting burgled in The Congress leader said the demic and the government's The species prefer to spend Secretary (Home) were told avirus, Adityanath said. regions including Coimbatore party had suggested that those efforts to contain the fast- most of their lives in water and Uttar Pradesh Chief that if the fire tender vehi- The chief minister also and Tiruchirappalli recently, enrolled under the rural job spreading virus in the coun- are adapted to absorb oxygen Minister Yogi Adityanath cles are used for sanitisation said that these fire tenders authorities have been scheme MGNREGA be given try. through their skin and the lin- on Wednesday flagged off purpose, then it will help to will be used to save people transferring inventories from priority while carrying out The death toll due to the ing of the throat when fully fire tender vehicles to be be free the villages and cities from incidents of wide- outlets considered vulnerable to harvesting of the standing novel coronavirus rose to submerged. used for sanitisation pur- from the infection. The spread fire (reported when warehouses. As part of the crop. 149 and the number of cases These turtles are agile swim- pose in 66 tehsils of the state, modern fire tender is the temperature rises) and lockdown from 6 pm on March The leader of the Congress climbed to 5,194 in the coun- mers and good hunters and the UP Government said in equipped with the latest for sanitisation purposes to 24 in the state, all liquor outlets in Lok Sabha, along with party try on Wednesday, according they would bite and scratch if a statement issued here. technology, and they will be combat COVID-19, the are shut. colleague and Opposition to the Union Health Ministry. touched. "Almost 10 days back, the engaged in sanitisation statement said. Railways misses freight target by 15 mn Policemen manning 112 helpline tonnes, earnings dip by Rs 2,129 crore number in UP don new role PNS n LUCKNOW n PNS NEW DELHI With the national end of February when the demand started reducing. Trained to enforce law and Indian Railways, which was on transporter managing When there is no construction, order, policemen attached to its way till February to not just to load 1,108 million no one needs cement or steel. police response vehicles meet but surpass its freight tonnes by the end of When there is less demand for (PRVs) are now performing a loading target, will end 2019- power, coal demands are less. new role amid the lockdown 20 with 15.7 million tonnes less February this year, "Then there is the issue with imposed to curb coronavirus, than the previous financial around 5 million labour too. Their absence means with many of them attending year's 1,212.56 million tonnes, tonnes more than loading and unloading is an calls related to supply of essen- official figures show. issue. So over all, like any other tial items and extending a As business dries up due to what it was this time business, our business too has helping hand to the poor, sick the coronavirus pandemic and last year, it looked been affected,'' said an official. and distressed. the railways virtually shuts good to achieve its This is the longest shut- Thousands of policemen down operations, earnings down of operations by the engaged in the emergency ser- from freight loading have also target by March 31 railways since its 54-day strike vices of the police helpline 112 plummeted — from Rs in 1974. are working round-the-clock ple calling on the helpline click pictures of handing over 1,25,354 crore in 2018-19 to Rs and claimed at least 149 lives. million tonnes by the end of unprecedented three-week The railways, however, con- to meet the demands of food number," Asim Arun, ADG, relief material which is usual- 1,23,225 crore in 2019-2020 fis- In February this year, when February this year, around 5 lockdown of the country. tinues to be the lifeline of the and medicines, besides looking police emergency services 112 ly shared on social media as cal, a loss of Rs 2,129 crore. the fear of the pandemic was million tonnes more than what In March, freight loading country, supplying essential into complaints of black mar- told PTI on Wednesday. people have certain reserva- The railways has cancelled yet to hit home, the railways it was this time last year, it dipped by almost 3 per cent commodities even through the keting and over-pricing of Around 91,000 people who tions about it. all its passenger train services, loaded 106.5 million tonnes of looked good to achieve its tar- with the railways carrying nationwide lockdown. essential commodities during sought help by calling the About 1,100 policemen, including suburban ones, till goods, around 6 million tonnes get by March 31. around 15.7 million tonnes From March 23 to April 4, it the lockdown period. helpline number have been including women officers, are April 14 as a measure to check more than in February last Things changed soon after as less goods than the previous transported 1,342 wagons of "Since the lockdown started, provided food and medicines, working from a building in the the spread of the coronavirus year. fear of the virus spread. On year. sugar, 958 wagons of salt and the PRV jawans have been he said. capital city of Uttar Pradesh, that has infected more than With the national trans- March 24, Prime Minister "The coronavirus pandemic 378 wagons/tanks of edible oil working round-the-clock to The ADG said clear instruc- receiving phone calls day and 5,100 people in the country porter managing to load 1,108 Narendra Modi announced an hit us hard from around the across the country. meet the demands of the peo- tions have been issued not to night. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Getting flying again The IATA is estimating that over 25 million aviation sector Just a ‘small thing’ jobs could be lost globally as a result of the pandemic t was the golden age of aviation when flights Despite all the propaganda trotted out by Beijing, some scars may remain for connected cities like Delhi to the unlikeliest Iof places on the planet. Thanks to the lat- decades, bringing the most drastic changes to China’s image in the world est generation of fuel-efficient aircraft with smaller passenger loads as well as travellers, who were keen to explore new destinations, cities across the world saw air travel explode over the past decade. But the spread of COVID- 19 pandemic has brought all this to a screech- ing halt. In fact, had growth come to a stand- still, the sector would have dealt with it. But what has happened now as a result of the pan- CLAUDE ARPI demic is even worse. As nations across the world shut both their external and internal borders, passenger flights have come to a virtual standstill. With only oustapha Dahleb, the vital cargo flights and the occasional repatriation ones operating, commercial Chadian doctor and author, air travel has declined, almost overnight, by over three quarters. This is a sort gave one of the most touch- ing descriptions of COVID- of shock that the aviation industry will find it difficult to recover from. A report 19, the pandemic that is by the airline industry body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Mpresently plaguing the earth. In his blog titled, has estimated that airlines across the world will have to lay off over 25 million “Humanity Shaken by a Small Thing (Un Petit Machin)”, he argues, “A small micro- people if Governments do not intervene, adding that about a third of 2.7 million scopic thing called coronavirus is upsetting direct jobs in the airline sector had either been lost or were furloughed. The indus- the planet. Something invisible has come to try’s representative body also said that airline finances were so fragile, they could make its law. It questions everything and upsets the established order. Everything is not afford to refund customers. Other reports have come out estimating that the put back in place, otherwise, differently.” industry will lose upwards of $35 billion this year. All such reports leave little Among other collaterals, “the Small doubt that when the world does emerge from the crisis, global aviation will not Thing” has triggered two wars on a scale not seen since World War II and the subsequent be the same again. That said, with much air travel being dependent on passen- Cold War between the Western and Soviet ger confidence and that likely to remain extremely low in the aftermath of the blocks. The first war is against the “Small pandemic, passenger numbers could take two-three years to recover. And that Thing” itself as to how to stop its worldwide is if the world is not tipped into a recession, which could make the entire decade spread and find a vaccine. China and the US, the world’s two super powers, are compet- a lost one for the industry. ing to win the battle. In China, the People’s In India, not only have airlines announced pay cuts across the board, sto- Liberation Army (PLA) has been working ries are emerging that some have furloughed their latest hires, leaving hundreds harder than anybody to find a solution. Is it because the PLA was no stranger to the of newly-hired cabin attendants stuck far from home and without money. All thanks first spread of the virus? It may take years on the Rocks, explained, “Several China may lose the second and other items have to be to the lockdown, they are unable to get back home. The aviation sector had been or even decades to know the truth. countries are employing disin- war. In a few months or years, bought back at often highly a rare beacon of hope for the Indian economy, creating both jobs and wealth. Meanwhile, as early as January 26, a 54-year- formation and messaging cam- the “Small Thing” will have inflated prices. old PLA General, Chen Wei, headed to paigns around COVID-19 in a eventually dissolved or disap- Critics have also accused Yet, as of today, airlines are as clueless as an average Indian as to when the Wuhan “to fight the epidemic” and take over branding effort to ensure they peared (it has already to a great Beijing of trying to split the lockdown will be lifted and when they can get flying again. With restrictions on the civilian Wuhan Institute of Virology (par- are not blamed for the pandem- extent in China if one is to European Union (EU) by ship- travel likely and several nations unlikely to open up their borders until May at the tially funded by France). ic in the history books.” CRITICS HAVE believe the Chinese propaganda) ping equipment to certain Further on March 16, China For the Communist Party of ALSO ACCUSED but some scars may remain for nations on more favourable earliest, getting even a limited schedule going might be extremely complicated announced that the lady General had devel- China (CPC), it is a question of decades, bringing the most dras- terms than others, while leaving with the current staff numbers. There are likely to be hundreds of job losses at oped a vaccine for the Coronavirus and it life and death. War of the Rocks BEIJING OF TRYING tic changes to China’s image in the US, the present epicenter of airlines and some suspect that one or even two firms in India might not survive had entered the first stage for clinical tri- asserted: “As the number of the world. the pandemic, in the lurch. This als. According to Chinascope, a Chinese COVID-19 cases in China has TO SPLIT THE Take Italy, they trusted scar will remain for a long time the crisis. But the knock-on impact to the economy and jobs will not be restrict- website based in the US, it is the first reportedly declined, Chinese EUROPEAN UNION Chinese President Xi Jinping despite Beijing’s all-out propa- ed to the airlines alone. Across the world, almost a quarter of application-based recombinant Coronavirus vaccine (aden- State-run media and diplomats BY SHIPPING and agreed to participate in his ganda. Eventually, Xi will have taxi services such as Uber and Ola survive on airport pick-ups and drop-offs. ovirus vector) approved for clinical trial. have waged a disinformation Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). to answer some hard questions Volunteers, organised in three groups campaign against the US in an EQUIPMENT TO As a the result, more than three from those in Beijing, who were A decline in airport traffic, therefore, will hit that sector, too. Even at airports, with 36 people in each, were given injec- attempt to distract from Beijing’s lakh Chinese came to work in or are in favour of a softer and lower passenger numbers will mean less retail and security staff. The indirect tions; Gen Chen was the first to be inject- mismanagement of the crisis.” CERTAIN NATIONS Northern Italy, where the more human approach to other job losses in the country alone can be in millions. And with no social security ed. The Global Times called Chen “a real It cites historical examples ON MORE tragedy started. Then the case of nations in difficulty. pathfinder.” Before taking charge of the from the Soviet era, when the Holland; the Dutch Health But the most valuable lesson net, this will put huge economic pressure on families. The Government will not Wuhan lab, Chen was associated with the same tactics were used, attempt- FAVOURABLE Ministry announced it had of the “Small Thing’s” strike is be able to do much to influence the sentiment on the flying Indian public and Academy of Military Medical Sciences ing to bring a new narrative: TERMS THAN recalled 600,000 face masks well described by Moustapha across the world. But it should not leave the millions of those unemployed, direct- (AMMS). “The origin of the virus is OTHERS, WHILE from China. Ditto was the case Dahleb: “Suddenly the pollution ly or indirectly, in the lurch. It was, however, pointed out that it would unknown. It could have come for Spain. Its Government has dropped, people have start- have taken at least five months to develop from anywhere in the world. LEAVING THE US, encountered similar problems ed having time, so much time the recombinant vaccine approved today by China has been a model in han- with testing kits ordered from a that they don’t even know what Beijing. Chinascope explained, “The US has dling the sensitive issue. Beijing THE PRESENT Chinese company and with- to do with it. Parents get to know also developed a vaccine in a short period can now advise the world how EPICENTER OF drew a batch of rapid test kits their children, kids learn to stay Sliver of hope but it was based on a different technology to go about it.” manufactured by China. Turkey with their families, work is no (mRNA technology), which could take Zhao Lijian, the spokesper- THE PANDEMIC, and the Czech Republic also longer a priority, travel and While drug combos are being used to slow down the spread, about 40 days to do. The traditional recom- son of the Chinese Ministry of announced that they had found leisure are no longer the norm binant vaccine could provide a permanent Foreign Affairs, started to use IN THE LURCH. some testing kits, ordered from for a successful life. Suddenly, in plasma transfusion from recovered patients is another option cure but the mRNA vaccine is like a flu shot vitriolic Twitter attacks against EVENTUALLY, XI Chinese companies, were not silence, we turn around in our- that needs to be done every year.” The ques- critics of his country. He alleged sufficiently accurate. selves and understand the value ith a possible vaccine still months tion, therefore, is, when did the PLA start that the American military was JINPING WILL HAVE Examples could be multi- of the words solidarity and vul- away, there’s a glimmer of hope. developing the vaccine to be able to com- at the origin of the virus. The TO ANSWER plied. China imported about 2.5 nerability. Suddenly we realise WApparently, a temporary measure tout- plete the research in five months? Did China argument went so far that SOME HARD billion healthcare items, includ- that we are all on the same boat, ed to be a “promising rescue option” is being know about the “Small Thing” earlier than China’s Ambassador to the US, ing visors, masks, gloves and rich and poor.” announced (end of December)? It’s difficult Cui Tiankai, had to contradict QUESTIONS ventilators from Australia Let us hope that the “Small explored to treat critically ill patients, our front- to answer this question but China will prob- his spokesperson. Cui said that between January 24 and Thing” can bring more human- line healthcare workers and those at high risk. ably win the first war. it was “crazy” to spread rumors February 29, leaving Australian ity to this planet despite the high Researchers have found tentative evidence in The second war triggered by the “Small about the Coronavirus originat- frontline medical staff without price paid by all nations. Thing” is to do with information warfare, ing from a military laboratory in protective equipment when the (The writer is an expert on a century-old blood transmission treatment that though this isn’t new. The US website, War the US. virus struck that country. Masks India-China relations) may help us at least slow the spread of the disease. The process involves the infusion of blood plasma cells, collected from patients who S O U N D BITE have recovered from the disease, to those crit- The Tablighis have done The graph should always keep The WHO really blew it. For Just as Lord Hanuman ically ill. What this reliable stopgap measure does is that it buys enough time for enough damage already. If climbing because once you some reason, funded largely brought the holy medicine you preach the word of God reach the top, you have nowhere by the US, yet very China from the Himalayas to save the patients to stabilise and recover. The antibodies so injected into the patient’s you first must learn to be to go except down. Praise can centric. We will be giving that the life of Laksmana, India body act as a booster, thus increasing his/her immunity, which helps the body responsible members go to your head, though mine is a good look. Why did it give and Brazil will overcome to be better prepared to be exposed to the impacts of SARS-CoV-2. China has of society. firmly placed on my shoulders. us faulty recommendation? this global crisis. already made use of this plasma therapy with five critically ill patients, including Shiv Sena leader Actor US President Brazilian President women, all aged between 35-65, showing striking improvements. In the US, too, —Manish Tewari —Taapsee Pannu —Donald Trump —Jair Messias Bolsonaro trials on two patients were conducted and now, the New York Blood Center is collecting blood plasma donations from convalescent COVID-19 patients for ther- apeutic use in New York City, the new epicentre of the pandemic. Depending on L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR the test results, which would depend on three parameters, namely whether the Lockdown dilemma “family” and says that the film fra- plasma can prevent infection in COVID-19 patients by a close contact; can keep The US must take cue from Kerala ternity would make donations to people with moderate symptoms from needing intensive care; and can it help the daily wage workers of the film cure those critically ill, the FDA would give a further green signal for wider use. Sir — Amid the outbreak of the here is much to be said about communism as a tenet industry, who are most affected In the UK, too, the national blood service has started screening blood from patients COVID pandemic, people are and policy tool. The Stalinst version saw Russia, over by the Coronavirus-led lock- divided over revoking the lock- Ttime, slide into oligarchy. In contrast, the Maoism of down. The entire team and its to find plasma rich in antibodies to use in those trials. Thankfully, India does have down. While one group wants the China took to the regimentation of the proletariat, for sponsors must be applauded for facilities to derive plasma from blood cells but is yet to receive a heads up from lockdown to be lifted, irrespective socialistic ends. COVID-19 illustrates the extremes of both this masterpiece. the Drug Controller General of India. Much will depend on the experiments car- of the situation after the 21-day the negative and positive aspects of the China model — M Pradyu period, the middle class and the inbuilt credo of managing information that suppressed Kannur ried out in these nations. Though there’s enough evidence for it to be used for Government employees want it to the scale of the outbreak and then the vigorous policy treatments but for the lack of any definitive answers, it is being used for emer- continue until a sustainable result implementation that laid the foundation for acquiring the Look for alternatives gency cases only. emerges. If the Government con- humongous capacity to mass produce anything at will tinues with the lockdown for with extraordinary speed to cater to markets on global While we await a conclusive result, it is some relief to know that this method, long, it will push the poor and the scale. The Red ideology took root in other nations, too, Sir — This refers to the editori- also known as convalescent plasma/sera, is known to have worked wonders in marginalised to the brink. each adopting it selectively to suit the tide of their times al, “Masking India” (April 7). The curing past epidemics such as mumps and measles. Even COVID-19’s fore- Najibullah Q Jogeshwari and political drift. matters to the regime more than the Main Street and New spread of Coronavirus has taken Mumbai The Obama Government in the US leveraged this to York is being kept defiantly open. Back home, Kerala has the world by surprise. Although most predecessor like H1N1, Ebola and SARS were fought with this passive bring in a universal health coverage only to meet viscer- shown commendable acumen and toil to joust with a pow- doctors, medical staff and para- immune therapy, though with inconsistent success. What is learnt from these Bollywood takes a leap al resistance. It had the foresight to factor in pandemic erful foe and is clearly winning. It can only thank its com- medical teams are working round experiences is the fact that downsides, too, exist. Some patients could recover, health hazards of the citizens. It spruced up the archi- munist roots that kept the common man as its core con- the clock to contain the virus, the tecture of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention cern. Its assiduously-built architecture of health schemes allopathic system of medicine others could not. This is why the therapy is being treated as “experimental” and Sir — When art, idea and tech- and readied an exhaustive document on the control of and last-mile delivery, backed by cadre-driven distribu- working all by itself appears is being used for “emergency” cases only. Primarily, it runs the risk of transmit- nology meet, the result is a mas- pandemics. In US President Donald Trump’s time, the tion of ration/services, has risen up to the task. One fer- somewhat inadequate to contain ting other kinds of diseases to the patient which might aggravate matters. Besides, terpiece, a class of its own. And rabid Right-wing has found an apostle to promptly dump vently hopes that the US, too, discovers its merit, come it. Perhaps, the world communi- that is what one can see in the both. The sad part is, even with deaths now mounting November 2020. ty can look at alternate systems of with the antibodies present in donors varying, a process to pool in concentrat- beautiful short film, Family, in thousands in the US, the hard-Right is bent on cocoon- R Narayanan medicine such as Homeopathy ed and consistent dose will need to be developed. It is, however, soothing that which spreads awareness about ing the economy at the expense of human lives. Wall Street Navi Mumbai and Ayurveda along with the process makes use of everyday equipment that is normally found in hospi- Coronavirus outbreak. The Allopathy to bring things under made-at-home short film features control. Yoga can help improve tals and blood-bank facilities. What will be troublesome is for nations to find con- various actors from across India Shiva Rajkumar, Sonalee Kulkarni been shot in the homes of the old and the young, the rich and the immune system, too. valescents eligible for plasma donation. For doctors, it would be essential to find like Rajinikanth, Amitabh and Diljit Dosanjh. The most bril- stars. Nobody had to step out. the poor, the literate and the lay- Devendra Khurana the right kind of plasma, one that has the highest concentration of neutralising Bachchan, Mohanlal, liant feature of this film, created This initiative proves that man. The film has got an over- Bhopal Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, to spread awareness about information told cleverly through whelming response. At the end of antibodies. Nevertheless, until a long-term strategy is found, we can at least buy Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Coronavirus and to help the film entertainment is something that the short film, Amitabh Bachchan Send your feedback to: time for COVID-affected patients. Alia Bhatt, Prosenjit Chatterjee, industry workers, is that it has can touch everyone’s heart — the calls the Indian film industry a [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Strengthen their POINTCOUNTERPOINT IF HE (MODI) DOESN’T ALLOW IT (MEDICINE) TO COME FRIENDSHIP IS NOT ABOUT RETALIATION, INDIA MUST hands to save us OUT, THAT WOULD BE OKAY, BUT OF COURSE THERE MAY HELP ALL NATIONS IN NEED. BUT LIFE-SAVING BE RETALIATION. WHY WOULDN’T THERE BE? MEDICINES MUST COME TO INDIANS FIRST. All nations must invest in nursing and midwifery —US PRESIDENT —CONGRESS LEADER education and employment to improve health systems and advance gender equity DONALD TRUMP RAHUL GANDHI Not making a song and dance...

POONAM KHETRAPAL ...but the cultural and creative sectors need financial help, too, as they have been ravaged by urses and midwives are central to the delivery of quality pri- mary health services for all. Nurses are highly effective in the impact of stringent public health measures imposed by the Govt to stem the pandemic Ndelivering services that prevent illness, promote health and care for the physically and mentally-ill and people with disabili- ties. The global response to COVID-19 underscores how critical nurses are to health security. They must be supported to get the job done. On their part, midwives provide the essential care need- ed for every woman to have a positive childbirth experience, for every child to come into the world safely and for every newborn and child to avoid disease and death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is committed to strength- ening its nursing and midwifery workforce as part of its quest to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). UHC is one of eight flag- PRATIBHA PRAHLAD ship priorities in the South-East Asia Region and the target that underpins Sustainable Development Goal Three, the health goal. he cultural and creative sectors across the In 2015 the region embarked on its decade for health workforce world have been ravaged by the impact of stringent public health measures, with per- strengthening — a key initiative aimed at overcoming shortages T formances and arts festivals cancelled, theatres, and skill-gaps in health cadre across the region. By 2018 the region museums and cinemas closed and film and tele- had increased the density of nurses and midwives to 18 per 10,000 vision production halted. The list, sadly, goes on. population, up from 16 per 10,000 in 2014. In 2018 the global For the unorganised arts sector in India, the average density was 37 per 10,000 population. The minimum impact is worse than ruinous. In times of crises, should be 40. artistes are often among those most affected. In By 2030 the region will require as many as 1.9 million more addition to health concerns, this is a challeng- nurses and midwives. Special focus must be given to ensuring ing time for many in our community as we deal that they are deployed where they are needed most — rural and with cancelled incomes, investments made for hard-to-reach areas. At every opportunity, policymakers and admin- booking venues, paid advances to technical and other staff that cannot be recovered, cancellation istrators should empower female health workers to reach leader- of teaching and other such activities. In addition, ship roles and to be involved in decision-making. All of them must trying to make plans for future dates for perfor- be paid fairly. mances and festivals, resuming teaching and As the world marks the International Year of the Nurse and choreographic activities, while sustaining one’s the Midwife, we must celebrate, support and strengthen this work- creative inspiration, in these very uncertain times force, with a focus on several key areas. is very unnerving. The first step is strengthening education. Demographic changes March has already had a devastating econom- RECOGNISING are shifting healthcare needs and driving greater demand for ser- ic impact on India’s non-profit arts sector. Since THAT IN THE vices for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), care for older peo- the first State-level orders of cancelling all CURRENT mobilise further support from the Artistes and culture workers, who they were given in the last two years, ple and the terminally-ill. For healthcare workers to respond to these events, sports activities, anything that meant an PANDEMIC, Finance Ministry for these critical sec- have been hit hard by lack of earnings, should be given to non-profits working audience or congregation, in early March, nix- tors. could be given a basic minimum pay- in culture as “sustenance or mainte- needs, policymakers and administrators must review pre-service ARTISTES AS ing of several scheduled events, festivals and per- INDEPENDENT While I welcome the Prime ment to sustain themselves for these nance fund”, for any of these factors that education, including curriculum and faculty development and where formances has been reported across the length Minister’s Office’s and the Finance three-four months. determine their situation: Employees necessary, amend it. They should ensure all nurses and midwives and breadth of the country. Many freelancers have WORKERS, ARTS Ministry’s swift responses to aid and Artistes, culture workers and non- who stopped working due to COVID- are provided ongoing professional development opportunities, seen their livelihoods disappear overnight. We ORGANISATIONS change rules to support a huge major- profit organisations must be given the 19 and do not have access to paid leave including in-service training, to enhance their knowledge and are entering a period of unprecedented isolation DEPENDENT ON ity of Jan Dhan account holders, option of deferred filing of taxes until or other income support. Workers skills.Tomorrow’s challenges may be different from today’s. and worry for people in the field of culture, be GATHERING migrant labour, daily wagers, struggling January 2021, reclaiming of Tax who are sick, quarantined, or taking Second, the policymakers and administrators should ensure they artistes, stage workers, technicians or other GROUPS TOGETHER businesses, Micro, Small and Medium Deduction at Source (TDS) on fixed care of someone who is sick with that the work environment for healthcare professionals is safe, workforce that come under the category of self- AND CREATIVE Enterprises (MSMEs), deferred pay- deposits and savings that they may COVID-19. Staff who must stay home healthy and satisfying. The hours nurses and midwives work should employed people. PEOPLE ENGAGED ment of EMIs, deferred filing of Goods have, deferred payments of rentals, without pay to care for children that are be reasonable and aligned with national labour laws. The on-the- As we know already, dancers, musicians, IN TRAVEL AND and Service Tax (GST), claiming refund deferred filing of TDS, GST(as the case sick or need additional care. Employees painters, sculptors and others involved in artis- EXCHANGE ARE on taxes and so on, I, once again, appeal maybe), electricity and such overhead who still have their employment but are job hazards they are exposed to should be minimised and wher- tic pursuits are vulnerable and suffer from inse- to them, to understand that cultural and costs incurred for maintenance of cul- not being paid because there is current- ever possible, eliminated. They should never be subjected to vio- ESPECIALLY curities that come with the territory. The situa- AFFECTED, BOTH creative businesses are also struggling ture spaces that cannot operate for ly not enough work and there is uncer- lence. By providing a positive and enabling environment for them, tion is unique and heartbreaking, because there and they need financial support now. three-four months. tainty of work in future. policymakers and administrators will increase recruitment, reten- are so many implications for everybody and there UNION MINISTRIES Our country is generally recognised Plus, grants already approved for Non-profit organisations under- tion and motivation. This is particularly important as countries will be a domino effect on all those connected OF CULTURE AND as the arts and spiritual capital of the non-profits for organising conferences standably cannot continue to retain and enhance the quality of health services in remote and hard-to-reach with the arts sector. Artistes are crying out for TOURISM AND world. Our responsibility is to nurture and festivals or individual events and pay staff salaries because of the uncer- areas. help from the Government in a bid to seek reval- STATE and nourish our artistic heritage and programmes must be made available to tainty of funding and future work that Third, increased focus should be put on strengthening lead- idation and have resonance. GOVERNMENTS deep-rooted culture and traditions and such organisations by relaxing compli- will be available. ership and management. Evidence shows that countries that have As COVID-19 continues to spread across SHOULD BE we can do this, at this time of crisis, only ances until things slowly return to nor- Many countries that have experi- a chief nursing officer and a nursing leadership programme have India, both Union and State Ministries of cul- PROACTIVE. THEY by valuing and preserving our living mal. enced the severe impact of COVID-19 ture should sustain this sector as best as they can, SHOULD BE artistes, performers, teachers the cul- Those non-profit organisations have doled out benefits to the arts and stronger regulatory environment for nursing and midwifery. This so that artistes and organisations can continue tural workforce and to give them that have been unable to conduct culture sector, recognising its impor- helps them to ensure that all healthcare providers have adequate COMMITTED TO to nourish the imagination of people across the CREATING, assurances and hope that the events, conferences, or performances tance and valuing its contribution in capacity and skills and can work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. country, both during the crisis and in the peri- Government stands with them to due to the outbreak of COVID-19 upholding the creative strength of It also means that, when developing policy, they are more likely od of recovery. AMPLIFYING AND ensure that there is a semblance of sta- should be permitted to utilise the their nations. to benefit from the knowledge and experience these healthcare Recognising that in the current pandemic, SHARING bility and security in their lives until life funds for other activities that they may It is time for India to act, too, and workers have. Hence, they must be enabled to develop leader- artistes as independent workers, arts organisa- RESOURCES TO reboots to “normal.” decide to conduct in future as per the give some tangible benefits to the arts ship potential and participate in key decision-making forums. tions dependent on gathering groups together SUPPORT The following remedial measures timelines and curation, without impos- and culture sector that is engaged in Additional investments are needed. The first-ever State of the and creative people engaged in travel and ARTISTES AND for the arts and culture sector can be ing restrictions of compliances to a said propagating the intangible heritage of World’s Nursing Report shows that low and middle-income coun- exchange are especially affected, both Union COMMUNITIES, considered by the Government. Set up financial year. our country. tries should invest an additional $10 per capita for nursing edu- Ministries of Culture and Tourism and State ALWAYS AS PART a culture relief fund recognising that Artistes and culture workers should Creative capital has always been Governments should be proactive. They should OF THEIR artistes and cultural workers exist also be given health security for them- anchored by a rich spirit of communi- cation alone. In most countries, this can be achieved with domes- be committed to creating, amplifying and shar- within precarious work and employ- selves and their families, should any be ty and mutual generosity and I hope tic funds. In some countries, development partners and financ- MISSION AND AT ing resources to support artistes and communi- THIS TIME ment conditions, often as self-employed affected by the current pandemic. that CSR for culture becomes manda- ing institutions can help. By transferring human capital investments ties, always as part of their mission and at this or contract workers. Non-profits currently availing of tory to reboot the sector. Without suf- for education, employment, gender and other areas into national time especially. ESPECIALLY They are also the driving force of repertory grant and salary grant be ficient funds, creativity and creation of health workforce strategies, partners can strengthen the workforce It is hard to understand why there has been our artistic and cultural sector and the given funds to reimburse salaries of works of dance, music, painting, sculp- while driving job creation, gender equity and youth engagement. a stony silence from the Culture Ministry. It’s broader creative economy. The dancers, musicians and culture work- ture and others will suffer. Therefore, The WHO is committed to supporting all countries in the region almost as if we do not exist for them and/or, if Government must also direct some of ers, who have not come for rehearsals continuing communication and to strengthen their nursing and midwifery workforce as together we do, they do not care about the welfare of the the Corporate Social Responsibility because of the lockdown and to main- exchange are crucial for all of us. we pursue our overarching goal: UHC. Health for all at all ages is sector they are mandated to be working for. monies towards the culture relief fund tain the number of artistes and others (The writer, a Padmasri awardee, is possible. We can and we must, make it happen. The Ministry should stand with the cultur- and ensure that dedicated funding is on their payroll, so they are secure and a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, al and creative sector in these difficult times. available to the arts and culture sector can continue artistic pursuits. teacher, choreographer, researcher and ( ) The writer is Regional Director, WHO South East Asia Their duty is to do everything they can to as part of the recovery plan. Also, 20 per cent of the grants that author) Policy choices in the times of Coronavirus The country is facing the worst crisis in modern times and it would need to follow a structured approach to overcome it. Extraordinary times require extraordinary solutions and the State should step aside from the playbook to make them possible

The country has been put under changes.The responses for every sec- to get back to work as quickly as pos- In the medium term, the focus has rent financial year so that they can orities, programmes and policies cur- a 21-day nationwide lockdown and tor would have to be classified into sible. The tests should not only be free to be on rapid economic revival.The ramp up testing infrastructure, health rently. In the absence of harmonisation while social distancing is necessary to short-term (two-three months) but also freely available. recently-announced `1.7 lakh crore cri- facilities and buying of vaccines as per among them, different actors in the prevent the rapid spread of the epidem- focussed clearly on defeating the The country will have to be very sis-management package by the their need. economic system work towards differ- ic, there is a huge economic cost that onslaught of the pandemic; medium- creative with the generation of Government, which accounts for Revving up the economic engine, ent goalposts in a fragmented and inef- it entails.There is no denying the fact term (three to eight months) focussed resources. Fiscal deficit goals could be around one per cent of the GDP may in the long run, would need more than ficient manner, sub-optimally address- that the choice seemed to be between on socio-economic revival; long-term shelved for at least the next six months. need to be scaled up to around five-six liquidity, doles and incentives. The ing the national imperative. the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (eight months onwards) focussing on Fiscal action needs to be directly percent, considering the magnitude of country can use this opportunity to The importance of decentralisa- and lives. However, sooner than later, pushing ahead on all cylinders based focussed on providing relief to individ- the crisis. Within that package, carry out structural reforms. A society tion in solving problems in an agile KUNAL KUMAR questions regarding rising unemploy- on new emergent realities. uals and firms most affected by the cri- resources would have to be found to with unequal levels of ownership of manner cannot be exaggerated. ment, shutting down of businesses, In the short-term, flattening the sis and not on public spending on the support sectors most severely impact- capital and unequal access to basic ser- Economic growth has to be a key objec- he COVID-19 crisis is a bolt increasing non-performing assets, sup- curve of the epidemic below levels of creation of economic assets like high- ed by the crisis through incentives, vices like health and education would tive of local governments. An integrat- from the blue. There is no prece- ply chain disruptions, reduced invest- available capacity in terms of hospital ways and sewage systems.The actions moratoriums and easy availability of see an exacerbation of such differences ed Ministry for Economic Growth, Tdent of this particular strain of ments and contracting demand would and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds is would include, inter-alia, ways of credit. as it attempts to push frontiers of eco- both at the Centre and State levels, the Coronavirus and hence, any pro- become serious challenges. The soon- a top priority and a mere lockdown ensuring people remain on payrolls or Also, investments into the expan- nomic growth. Therefore, the first step could be examined to support local jections of its impact can just be intel- er we reframe the choice from being won’t be enough to achieve that. A else are provided unemployment sion of the healthcare system would should be towards land reforms. efforts and to bring convergence ligent guesses. Predictive numbers between the GDP and lives to being lockdown is not sustainable beyond a allowance and so on. The crisis-hit need to be continued with a significant In a country where more than 70 between the functions of industrial pol- need to be relied upon with great cau- between lives and lives, the better we point as people will start to decide manufacturing sector needs to be emphasis on the development/sourc- per cent farmers have less than two icy, urbanisation, regional development tion. One has to keep a very close watch would be able to manage the crisis. between a thin chance of dying from supported through special loans, ing of a vaccine to deal with the out- hectares of land and almost 40 per cent and economic growth through the on how the crisis unfolds and keep tin- While this may seem to be the the virus and an almost certain chance restructuring and rescheduling of break. Collaboration with interna- of the workforce in agriculture is “whole of Government” approach. kering with different actions as facts right time to undertake structural of starving to death.The smartest ways loans, Goods and Services Tax (GST) tional agencies and being nestled in landless, no amount of support services The country is facing the worst cri- regarding the virus’ trajectory, the reforms that may help build long-term of leveraging the lockdown lie in the breaks, tax incentives, altered insurance global efforts in this direction would can provide the foundation for sustain- sis in modern times and it would need effectiveness or otherwise of contain- resilience to such crises in the future, world of data. If a rapid testing premiums, especially in the case of be immensely important. States are able uplift from a state of perennial cri- to follow a structured approach to over- ment efforts and reactions of econom- our prime concern has to the revival methodology (NAT or equivalent) Small and Medium Enterprises playing the most critical role at the fore- sis. There is a need for actual redistri- come it. Extraordinary times require ic actors become clearer. The crisis of the economy in the present. To the can be deployed at a large scale that (SMEs). After individuals and firms, front of dealing with the crisis but face bution of land between the haves and extraordinary solutions and the State would, as any crisis does, affect both extent possible, we should only focus enables quick tests, then a sampling banks need to be supported. The constraints in using resources as their the have-nots. The political economy should step aside from the playbook to the supply and demand sides of the on the short-term for the moment, methodology can ensure that the Government can look at a law against hands are tied with laws like the Fiscal has to bite this bullet before it is too late. make them possible. economy. It would stress not only the while trying to ensure that these short- working population can be screened as layoffs during the crisis period. The role Responsibility and Budget The Government’s aspirations (The writer is Joint Secretary and financial markets but the socio-eco- term measures are aligned with the per need. And, if needed, quarantined of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Management Act, 2003. It is time that towards becoming a $5 trillion econ- Mission Director, Smart Cities Mission, nomic fabric of society. needed long-term structural and then treated so as to allow them this context will be crucial. these restraints are relaxed for the cur- omy are laudable. There are many pri- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 9, 2020 money 08 CAPSULE Another Rs 34,000 crore Curbing spread of misleading content amid Coronavirus PNS n NEW DELHI

compensation to states soon The Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity)expects social PNS n NEW DELHI 2018-March 2019, Rs 81,141 media companies to put more Hyundai integrates crore was paid to states. For efforts in curbing the spread entire sales network In a bid to provide further relief April-May and June-July last of misleading content that has to states amid the coronavirus year, Rs 17,789 crore and Rs the potential to cause harm to with online sales outbreak, the finance ministry 27,956 crore were released. the society, especially in the platform is planning to soon release Further, Rs 35,298 crore was present crisis of COVID-19, another about Rs 34,000 crore paid to states as compensation a senior official said on New Delhi: Hyundai Motor to states as compensation for for August-September and Rs Wednesday. India Limited (HMIL) on their revenue loss in the goods 34,053 crore for October- Last week, Meity is learnt to Wednesday said it has and services tax (GST) regime. November 2019. have asked social media plat- integrated its entire sales States, so far, have been paid GST collections in March forms to remove rogue mes- network of over 500 pending dues till November slipped below the psychologi- sages spreading misinforma- dealerships across the country and the remaining will be cal Rs 1-lakh crore mark for the tion and weakening the gov- with its recently introduced cleared in phases soon, sources first time in four months to Rs ernment's efforts to fight online sales platform. The said. The Finance Ministry cleared about 97,597 crore as the COVID-19 against the coronavirus. Social media companies have also company's online sales The finance ministry cleared lockdown that shut most busi- Social media companies been asked to save details of uploaders platform -- Click to Buy -- about Rs 34,000 crore pending Rs 34,000 crore pending GST nesses compounded tax collec- have also been asked to save offers an end-to-end retail GST compensation for compensation for October and tions in an already sluggish details of uploaders of such of such malicious content which can be experience to its customers. October and November in two November in two tranches economy. malicious content which can shared with law enforcement agencies Hyundai had launched a pilot tranches. GST mop-up in March be shared with law enforce- phase of the initiative with few The first tranche of Rs recorded a 8.4 per cent decline ment agencies when required. dealers of Delhi-NCR in 19,950 crore was released on and union territories towards and 28 per cent slabs. On top over March 2019 collection of "We have seen the report by down content will “have to India against following safe January 2020. All Hyundai February 17, while the remain- GST compensation cess. of the highest tax slab, a cess is Rs 1.06 lakh crore. The collec- Voyager Infosec. We are in come via proper legal notices”. practices to contain coron- models including the new ing amount of Rs 14,103 crore Under GST law, states were levied on luxury, sin and tions were lower on account of touch with social media com- The IT ministry has not avirus infection. The firm Creta and Verna are available was distributed to states and guaranteed to be paid for any demerit goods and the pro- dip in revenues from domes- panies regularly and have issued any legal notice to found that videos have been on the Click to Buy website Union territories on Tuesday, loss of revenue in the first five ceeds from the same are used tic transactions as well as asked to remove all the con- social media companies but is shot in both foreign loca- that acts as an additional sales sources added. years of the GST implementa- to compensate states for any imports. tent that can potentially cause coordinating with them tions and India and are being channel for Hyundai In all, Rs 34,053 crore were tion, which came into force revenue loss. In the last four months -- damage to the society espe- almost every day to act primarily posted on Chinese dealerships, HMIL said in a released at a time when states from July 1, 2017. The Centre has, so far, November 2019-February 2020 cially in the present scenario," against such content, the offi- mobile video app TikTok with statement. The platform is are facing liquidity crunch due The shortfall is calculated released about Rs 2.45 lakh -- GST collection surpassed the the Meity officer, who did not cer said. religious instigations against connected in real time with all to the nationwide lockdown assuming a 14 per cent annu- crore as GST compensation to Rs 1-lakh crore mark. In wish to be named, told PTI. According to a report by the health advisories and fake the dealerships across India for the convenience and need imposed to contain spread of al growth in GST collections by states since the implementation February, mop-up was Rs 1.05 Industry body IAMAI open-source intelligence and information regarding coron- of new age digital customers, coronavirus. states over the base year of of GST on July 1, 2017. lakh crore, January (Rs 1.10 defended the social media fact-checking IT firm Voyager avirus. These videos are fur- it added. According to sources, the 2015-16. During July 2017-March lakh crore), December (Rs by putting the onus on the Infosec, bulk videos are being ther shared on other platforms government has released close Under the GST structure, 2018, Rs 48,785 crore was 1.03 lakh crore) and November users for content creation posted on social media plat- like Whatsapp, Twitter and to Rs 1.35 lakh crore to states taxes are levied under 5, 12, 18 released, while between April (Rs 1.03 lakh crore). and said any request to take forms to influence Muslims in Facebook, the report said. I-T cautions RIL's net debt to fall Essar Ports cargo handling jumps despite struggling against retail demand over 23 pc to 49.22 MT in 2019-20 breach New Delhi: Billionaire Mukesh ‘Focusing on PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI Ambani-led Reliance Industries continue to operate and service Ltd's net debt will fall even if customers, thus allowing them supply of energy and retail demand Essar Ports on Wednesday to meet the cargo-handling The Income-Tax Department said its cargo handling grew requirements of the nation, he has asked taxpayers to guard struggles for six months and essentials to the planned asset sales are over 23 per cent to 49.22 mil- added. against possible breach of delayed, analysts said. lion tonnes (MT) in 2019-20. Its Hazira terminal record- their personal e-filing Essar Ports is one of the ed a growth of 6.32 per cent communities’ Snowman Logistics account and report such an Also, RIL can re-prioritise n investment, potentially slowing country's largest private sector during the financial year han- PNS MUMBAI instance to the police cyber capex by up to a third. Beyond port and terminal developers dling 25.42 MT cargo, while says warehouses fully security wing. "If you think COVID-19, RIL emerges and operators and claims to Vizag terminal saw a rise of Tata Motors on Wednesday your e-filing account many stronger as competitors face have invested Rs 11,000 crore 34.06 per cent in cargo han- said it is focusing on the sup- have been compromised or high debt challenges and slow in developing world-class ter- dling of 12.87. ply of essentials to the com- operational accessed in an unauthorised investments, Morgan Stanley minals in three states. Salaya terminal saw a jump munities most affected the manner, then you may be a n said in a research report. "Essar Ports' business, which of 177.21 per cent in cargo COVID-19 lockdown by PNS NEW DELHI The business of the compa- victim of cybercrime," the With the outbreak of operates four terminals on the handling to 5.96 MT, while facilitating production of pro- ny has not been adversely department said in an advi- coronavirus impacting east and west coasts of India, on driving operational efficien- Paradip terminal handled 4.97 tective gears and medical kits Snowman Logistics on affected and demand for stor- sory. "Please report the inci- economies globally, RIL faces has registered a 23.5 per cent cies and optimising opera- MT cargo witnessing 18.05 to curb spread of COVID-19 Wednesday said all its ware- age has increased, the filing dent to the concerned police or multiple challenges -- oil prices growth in cargo volumes in FY tions has helped in recording per cent growth.Essar Ports is as part of its CSR initiative. houses are fully operational said. cyber cell authorities as a first have declined along with a fall 2019-20, with a throughput of strong growth. The height- one of India's largest private The company has so far amid the nationwide lock- This increase has come in step," it said. The e-filing in global oil product demand as 49.22 million tonne (MT)," the ened activity in the Indian sector port and terminal devel- provided over 25,000 packets down to contain the coron- from various segments such as account of an individual or a result of the lockdown across company said in a statement. economy has helped us consis- opers and operators. Its current of cooked meals and over avirus outbreak. seafood, meat, poultry, butter entity is accessed by logging on India and multiple geographies, In terms of their fourth tently surpass the average sec- operations span four terminals 5,000 grocery kits (ration) to "The business of Snowman and healthcare products. to the web portal of the depart- potential slowdown in quarter performance, the ter- torial growth rate." with a combined capacity of migrants and stranded com- Logistics Ltd (Snowman) is The cargo meant for export, ment-- fashion/electronics demand for minals recorded a 4.63 per cent While the mitigation mea- 110 million tonne per annual munities, urban slums, dri- considered under the ‘essential accounting for approximately https://www.incometaxindiae- its retail segment, slower growth in cargo, with a sures adopted to control the (MTPA), which is roughly 5 vers, co-drivers, mechanics, services' category as per the 30 per cent of the volumes filing.gov.in. A senior official monetisation of telecom throughput of 11.08 MT, it COVID-19 outbreak have per cent of India's port capac- contractual and temporary Ministry of Home Affairs handled by Snowman, is being said the advisory has been investments, and still relatively said. given rise to several limitations, ity. The company claims to be workers, among others as (MHA), and accordingly all stored, leading to an increase issued in the wake of an high debt post the investment Essar Ports MD and CEO the high mechanisation at a leader in the non-container- part of the initiative, Tata the warehouses of the in warehousing occupancy. increased vulnerability and cycle. Rajiv Agarwal said, "Our focus facilities has enabled them to ised bulk cargo space. Motors said in a release. Company are functional and Imported products, attacks on online systems. fully operational," the compa- accounting for approximately ny said in a filing to BSE. 5 per cent of volumes, have not The company remains com- been affected as these com- mitted to providing support modities are essential goods Rupee settles 70 paise lower Sensex ends 173 pts lower, for the storage and distribution comprising pharmaceutical of essential goods, especially products imported regularly in food and pharmaceutical India during the lockdown at 76.34 against US dollar products, it added. period. n Nifty sheds 43 pts PNS MUMBAI 177.93 points lower at 29,889.28 and Nifty down by PNS n MUMBAI The Indian rupee settled 70 73 points at 8,719.20. paise lower at 76.34 (provi- The Reserve Bank of India Equity benchmark Sensex EU coronabonds sional) against the US dollar (RBI) has reduced the timing ended over 173 points lower Make open offer to on Wednesday amid rise in of market hours for call money on Wednesday after a highly will create more coronavirus cases in the coun- market, government securities volatile session as investors Mindvision Capital's try and weak domestic equi- market and currency market remained jittery on concerns ties. Forex traders said rising from April 7 to April 17 (from over the Covid-19 pandemic. problems: Dutch brent prices and firm US dol- 10 am to 2 pm) following the Plunging over 1,300 points PNS n THE HAGUE shareholders: Sebi lar index also weighed on the unprecedented situation that from the day's high, the 30- local unit. has emerged due to the spread share BSE barometer ended Issuing EU "coronabonds," PNS n NEW DELHI At the interbank foreign of coronavirus. 173.25 points or 0.58 per cent controversial pooled debt exchange, the rupee opened Traders said investor senti- lower at 29,893.96. It hit an instruments, will not help Capital markets regulator Sebi weak at 75.83, then lost further ments remain fragile amid intra-day high of 31,227.97. countries hardest hit by the has directed 10 entities to ground and finally settled for concerns over the impact of Similarly, the NSE Nifty pandemic and may create make an open offer to share- the day at 76.34, registering a coronavirus outbreak on the closed 43.45 points, or 0.49 per even more problems, Dutch holders of Mindvision Capital fall of 70 paise over its previ- domestic as well as global cent, down at 8,748.75. among the top gainers. beyond April 14. Finance Minister Wopke Ltd, and pay 10 per cent inter- ous close. economy. TCS was the top loser in the According to Paras Bothra, Further, traders said Indian Hoekstra said Wednesday. est for delay in making such an On Tuesday, the rupee had There are more than 14.30 Sensex pack, falling over 3 per President of Equity Research, markets moved in sync with Hoekstra said his country offer. The entities have been offer. settled at 75.64 against the US lakh declared cases of coron- cent, followed by Titan, ICICI Ashika Stock Broking, volatil- global benchmarks as worries "was and remains against the asked to make the open offer The entities, who were dollar. Domestic bourses were avirus worldwide. In India, the Bank, SBI, ITC and Bharti ity in the markets was on over the economic impact of idea... we think this will cre- within 45 days from April 15. 'Persons Acting in Concert,' trading on a negative note on tally of confirmed coronavirus Airtel. On the other hand, account of speculation that the the Covid-19 pandemic con- ate more problems than solu- Dash Pharmaceuticals, (PAC) failed to make public Wednesday with benchmark cases has crossed the 5,000- Sun Pharma, NTPC, IndusInd central government was tinued to weigh on investor tions for the EU." "We would Mandvi Dyes & Chemical, announcement for open offer, indices Sensex was trading mark. Bank and Bajaj Finance were mulling lockdown extension sentiment. have to guarantee debts of Maxilla Financial Services, as required under the Sebi other countries which isn't Parachit Sales & Marketing, (Substantial Acquisition of reasonable," he said in a Prime Dyes and Chemical Shares and Takeovers) norms tweet, after a meeting of Company, Rajratan Trading, on several occasions with eurozone finance ministers Shingar Dyes & Chemicals, respect to their acquisition of Hospitality firms launch slew of initiatives failed to agree how to help Sparkle Tooth Brush, Tutis shares in Mindvision Capital struggling EU countries such Technologies and Vishal during the period from July 2, PNS n NEW DELHI In Mumbai, ITC Grand Central has made as Italy get funding to cope Information Technologies are 2008 to September 30, 2010, with the massive coronavirus the 10 entities which have the regulator said in an order Leading hospitality firms ITC arrangements to deliver meals to damage to their economies. been asked to make the open passed on Tuesday. Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group doctors in MG Hospital. Food has also and Apeejay Surrendra Park been catered to doctors at the Kasturba Hotels are taking a slew of ini- tiatives to serve healthcare Hospital providers and community at India's coal import drops over large in times of the coron- avirus outbreak in the country. and Hyderabad, ITC Hotels Chennai and ITC Kohenur, Leveraging its rich expertise said. Hyderabad, to enable 27 pc to 16 MT in March in food and hospitality services, In addition to providing stopover of asymptomatic the key initiative of ITC Hotels meals, ITC Hotel properties in international travellers as and PNS n NEW DELHI toring of vessels' positions and ous fiscal (April 2018-March has been food distribution Jaipur and Goa have provided when required," ITC Hotels data received from shipping 2019)," it said. across cities based on the shower caps for doctors and said. India's coal import in March companies. According to mjunction requirements of the local healthcare workers as well as ITC Hotels remains fully stood at 15.74 million tonnes However, the country's coal MD and CEO Vinaya Varma, administration as well as hos- ensuring availability of sanitis- committed to serving nation- (MT), down 27.5 per cent import registered an increase "the lockdown imposed across pitals, the company said in a ets daily for 15 days (15,000 Mumbai by ITC Grand ers, it added. "ITC Maratha, al priorities during this over last year, due to restric- of 3.2 per cent to 242.97 MT the countries due to novel statement. meals) to Municipal Central, it added. Mumbai was identified as unprecedented situation, the tions imposed at various ports in 2019-20. coronavirus pandemic has had While in New Delhi, ITC Corporation, ITC Hotels said. In Lucknow, Fortune Hotel one of the quarantine spaces statement said. In similar in the wake of coronavirus out- "On a progressive basis, total a cascading effect on this sec- Maurya and Sheraton have In Mumbai, ITC Grand is also lending assistance by the Mumbai Municipal vein, Radisson Hotel Group is break in the country. coal and coke imports during tor. There was a significant been providing over 1,500 Central has made arrange- through the provision of more Corporation. ITC Hotels is also contributing in a number The country had imported 2019-20 (April 2019-March drop in India's coal import meals daily for distribution to ments to deliver meals to doc- than 1,000 meals per day. This also working closely with the of ways to support the gov- 21.72 MT of coal in March last 2020) stood at 242.97 MT volumes due to both demand migrant workers; in Bengaluru, tors in MG Hospital. Food has initiative will be progressively local administration and ernment and the community year, according to a provi- (provisional), about 3.24 per and supply side factors, i.e. off- ITC Gardenia is lending its also been catered to doctors at rolled out in other metros embassies and offered similar in the fight against COVID- sional compilation by mjunc- cent higher than 235.35 MT take, consumption, logistics support with 1,000 food pack- the Kasturba Hospital in including Kolkata, Chennai space at ITC Grand Chola, 19. tion services based on moni- imported during the previ- and despatches". Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Thursday April 09, 2020

Residents of the Rock Villa Colony in Banjara Hills have been know to excel at keeping their surroundings clean and green since decades with unique methods, and also for helping An eco-friendly out those in need with donations, way of gifting finds ho doesn’t love gifts? And who doesn’t love Hyderabad-based paper-artist Nikita V SATEESH W gifts that are eco- friendly? Nikita Rochiramani makes gifts out of paper. REDDY Rochiramani from Hyderabad began ‘Paper Towers’ to help These eco-friendly gifts that are sure surprise people by making eclared one of the best our colony has its own rainwater har- Jayan says, “We are doing social they are doing so on a daily basis. hand-made gifts, that too, to surprise one, has the city slowly colonies in the Central vesting pit. We have collectively service activities since years on behalf Jayan says, “India is struggling to with paper. She has been mak- Zone by the Greater planted some trees and flower pots of our association so that we get a fight the Coronavirus. With no work ing customised gifts, greeting picking it, finds V SATEESH REDDY Hyderabad Municipal along the boundary lines of the chance to give something back to the due to the lockdown, the poor are suf- cards using paper material. D Corporation, Rock Villa colony to make it more beautiful.” society in the form of helping the fering and in some cases, near starva- Nikita’s love for art, particular- Colony in Banjara Hills About celebrating various festivals, poor. In the neighbourhood of our tion. To help them, we are donating ly paper art, encouragement is an example of a model colony in Jayan said, “The residents of our asso- colony, there are many economical- four kg rice and dal to the people who from friends and family, Hyderabad. Established in the 1980s, ciation actively indulges in various ly backward people living in basthis live near our colony. The marginalised pushed her to start her own the residents of the colony employ festivities like Holi, Deepavali and who have to struggle hard just for are the worst affected by Coronavirus business. Speaking to The various different methods to keep it others. Celebrating their daily needs. We distribute and it’s our duty to help them.” Pioneer, she says, “I was a clean and green. essentials and groceries to them Along with parks, the association graphic designing student and Speaking to The Pioneer, every year. It gives us utmost satis- also has a yoga centre for the resi- made many greetings and gift Jayan, president of the Rock faction to help the poor.” dents. Jayan says, “Yoga helps us to cards with paper during my Villa Colony, says, “The With the world facing a pandem- lead a peaceful life. India is an exam- college days. Once, for a colony association was set up ic in the form of Coronavirus and the ple for foreign countries by showing friend’s birthday, I made a gift in 1980s to maintain cleanli- economically backward families the greatness of yoga. Our residents describing our friendship ness and the greenery. We facing a tough time, the members regularly and actively participate in using paper material and she appointed dedicated personnel of the Rock Villa association have various yoga sessions to lead a happy loved it. The gift was appreci- to collect the garbage generat- come forward to help them. This life.” ated many and that’s how I ed by the residents every day began getting orders to make and hand it over to the GHMC such presents. That’s when I officials. We have our own sep- thought, why not make money arate garbage lifting vehicle out of it.” that collects all the dry these festivals At the start, Nikita started and wet waste. Our with everyone represents making customised greeting efforts are always the unity in diversity of cards, photo booklets, and appreciated by our country. We also others. She has now moved to the city munic- hold regular meet- making presents for corpo- ipal officials ings with associa- rates weddings and events. and their con- tion members to When asked about the con- stant apprecia- discuss what needs cept behind Paper Towers, cent made from paper mate- of paper art and how familiar tion has enc- to be done to she explains, “People love to rial because we also use frames people are with it, Nikita says, ouraged our enhance the beau- look back on their memories and wooden work to make “Not many know of this. colony mem- ty of the colony. they can’t have now. Paper some gifts. Our works are Paper Art is grow- bers to intensify We have more than Towers is all about translating water-resistant. We undergo ing slowly, but our efforts.” 250 residents at pre- those memories into gifts. a lot of quality checks steadily in the Jayan pointed sent in the colony and Whenever somebody reaches before delivering the country. I’m out that the associa- all show great enthusiasm us for any gifts that they want items.” also plan- tion members collect in participating in the vari- gifted to their loved ones, we Clients can place their ning to plastic waste and e-waste ous community activities organ- ask them specific questions orders through tele- launch my every Sunday. The colony has five ised by the association.” about what they want from phones or can meet own store parks for children and elders to The residents of the colony also us.” Paper Towers in person. to expand spend some quality time amidst actively participate in various social Nikita also does a little “We deliver our prod- my fresh air. He said, “We have five dif- activities, in fact they have been doing research herself before starting ucts through third- reach.” ferent parks for different age groups. so for many years now. These activ- work on any project she takes party applications but We believe that parks are the best ities include distribution of food up. She says, “It is important we suggest that they place to spend some valuable time and groceries to the needy across for us to understand what our be collected in with our loved ones. Every house in Hyderabad. client’s priorities are, before person,” Nikita starting any work. We enquire advises. The cost about the client’s relationship for each gift with the person he/she wants starts from Rs our product to be gifted to. 800 and can go THE RESIDENTS OF THE COLONY ALSO ACTIVELY This process helps us under- up based on the stand our clients and their client’s require- PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, IN requirements better which ment. “Each helps us come up with exact- project takes a FACT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SO FOR MANY ly what they’re looking for.” week to make,” YEARS NOW. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE For birthdays, Paper Towers she adds. also makes cake decor. “Our On the idea DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND GROCERIES TO THE gifts help people convey their love to their loved ones and NEEDY ACROSS HYDERABAD. that’s our biggest satisfaction as an organisation,” Nikita shares. When asked if their products are made entirely from paper, she says, “Our Beating Covid-19 with the ‘right moves' products are not 100 per s more and more dona- saw donations come in from tions towards the PM more than 80 people who were A CARES fund (which THE TOURNAMENT able to raise Rs 1,05,000 for the is raising money to WAS THROWN OPEN TO cause. Hyderabad-based IM combat the COVID 2019 pan- Ravi Teja won the tourna- demic) pour in from actors, CHESS ENTHUSIASTS ment. The tournament was social activists, and sports stars, ACROSS THE COUNTRY, the brainchild of Under-17 some teenage chess champions National Chess Champions People love to look back on decided to contribute towards WITH NO Vedant Panesar, Adarsh the cause by doing what they PARTICIPATION FEE Tripathi, and Yash Srivastava. their memories they can’t have do best — play chess! In a first “We hoped to raise as much as now. Paper Towers is all about of its kind initiative, an the country, with no participa- possible and contribute in our translating those memories International Grandmaster, 7 tion fee. All that the partici- small way to the cause. It has International masters, many pants had to do to donate to the been gratifying that well-wish- into gifts. Whenever National Chess Champions, PM CARES fund was to send ers across the globe helped us somebody reaches us for any Chess players and enthusiasts a screenshot of the game they in our endeavor,” Vedant says. gifts that they want gifted to came together to host an online are playing to the organisers, Vakil Akhtar, their Chess chess tournament under the and play on. Coach adds, “I’m extremely their loved ones, we ask them aegis of “The Chesster group”. The tournament received a proud of the initiative taken by specific questions about what The tournament was thrown great response from chess play- my students to use Chess to they want from us open to chess enthusiasts across ers across the country and raise money for a noble cause.” 10

Vijayawada Thursday April 9, 2020 what’s brewing COVID-119 VARUN DHAWAN After two daughters, RAKUL forays into Youtube, provides meals to doctors, producer dad tests says revenue will go to healthcare staff, poor +ve for Coronavirus ctor Varun Dhawan has decide to provide free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are ollywood producer Karim Morani leading the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 has tested positive for Covid-19, PM's relief fund A pandemic. and has been admitted to On Wednesday, Varun took to Instagram and b Nanavati Hospital in ctor Rakul Preet Singh has launched her YouTube channel and has shared that he will facilitate meals for doctors and med- Mumbai. Earlier, his two promised that it will have a lot of fun stuff in it. Subjects on her list ical staff engaged in the coronavirus battle, and also pitch daughters Zoa and Shaza had also include food, fitness tips, films and friends. in to provide meals for the poor. tested positive for the disease. Karim's Sharing it, Rakul wrote, “A lot of time on hand so I thought of “With each passing day of being locked down at home, A launching my YouTube channel which will have all things fun !! The brother Mohomed told a reputed media my heart goes out to all those who have no home in this house, “Yes, we have been anticipating revenue generated will go to @pmoindia fund ! Let’s spread joy and time of crisis. And so this week I’ve committed to provide this as he was with his daughters. Karim happiness in whatever way we can. Subscribe now to make a difference !! and- meals for the poor who are without homes or jobs,” the has tested positive of coronavirus. He has dddd because it’s world health day we kickstart with... umm check out the actor posted on social media. video.” In the video, she mentions how after much thought she came up “I also have deep admiration for all those who are risk- been shifted to Nanavati Hospital,” he said. Shaza, who had returned with the idea to launch her YouTube channel, which will have a ‘lot ing their lives by working on the frontlines. I’ve commit- from Sri Lanka in the first week of March, showed no symptoms but more of me’. Like her contemporaries in the Indian film industry, ted to provide meals to doctors and was admitted to Nanavati Hospital on Monday. According to sources, Rakul too is doing her bit for the needy during the Coronavirus medical staff at hospitals. All Zoa, who had returned from Rajasthan around mid-March, tested pandemic. Singh is helping over 200 families living in a slum meals are provided through positive for Covid-19. “She had tested today for COVID-19 and her close to her home in Gurugram. She says that it is a “small the Taj Public Service results came positive by evening. She is in Kokilaben Dhirubhai effort” to express her gratitude. Welfare Trust. It’s a small Ambani Hospital, whereas Shaza is under medication at Nanavati. The actor said that everyone should be doing their bit espe- step. But during a crisis Shaza will be tested again after two days. As of now, the immediate cially during this time. “It is very important to understand like this, we have to make family, house helps are also getting tested. They are all under that many of us are privileged. We have a house, help, food, PTI. every step count. I will quarantine,” a source told Earlier in the day, Morani had said ability to stack up in case of emergency but this is when you continue to do what best I that both his daughters were under observation. “Shaza had no give it to the society. For me, nothing can give me more hap- can,” he added. symptoms but has tested positive. Zoa, my other daughter, has a few piness than the smiles on these people’s faces when they will “It is a long battle and we symptoms so we got both of them tested. Zoa, however, tested eat their meal. And that will make me extremely happy,” she have to fight it together,” he negative. Both have been admitted to Nanavati hospital. They are in said, adding, “So that’s my way of expressing my gratitude for wrote, adding, “Finding isolation and under observation,” Morani had said. The producerRa.One, has everything I have and it is a very small effort. Whoever can solutions is the only way backed many Bollywood films, including Shah Rukh Khan's make a difference should, because I truly believe in giving forward.” Chennai Express, Happy New Year and Dilwale. back to the society.” HARRY STYLES sells merchandise to raise funds for Covid-19 relief inger Harry Styles will be sell- ing merchandise such as T- shirts to raise funds for the s fight against the spread of the COVID-19. Styles unveiled the design on April 7, with a T-shirt featuring a special message for people. The white T-shirt features black text printed in capital letters, with the front reading, “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other. This T-shirt fights COVID- 19. Treat people with kindness,” it con- tinues on the back. In a statement, Styles re-iterates the need for social dis- tancing, writing, “In times like these, it is more important than ever to remem- ber the power of people. If you are able to help, please donate where you can. 100% of the profits of this t-shirt will go towards fighting COVID-19.” “Stay home, self-isolate, and protect each other. TPWK (Treat people with kind- ness).” The T-shirt is available as part of Styles’ official merchandise collec- tion on his website and retails at $26, benefitting the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

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SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

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

IPL possible if normalcy Smith wants to win Test series in India returns by Oct: Nehra PTI n NEW DELHI crucial and for fingers spinners, PTI n NEW DELHI being able to change the pace with- tar Australian batsman Steve out changing the arms speed too Excited to see how Yashasvi, ormer India left-arm Smith believes India is one of much. I reckon there a few around Fpacer Ashish Nehra Sthe toughest places to play Test the world who do that, Jadeja is one Parag perform in IPL 13: Smith believes there is a possi- cricket and winning a five-day for- of them. He is very difficult to play.” bility of the IPL taking place in the last quar- mat series in the country is a major Smith took over the captaincy IANS n JAIPUR Smith said in an interaction with ter of the year, provided the COVID-19 pan- career goal for him. from Ajinkya Rahane mid-season Ish Sodhi on the franchise’s demic is brought under control worldwide “I would love to win a Test in the last edition of the IPL and ajasthan Royals captain Steve Facebook page. by the month of October. series in India,” Smith told New he is keen to lead the Rajasthan RSmith is looking forward to “He was bowling to MS Dhoni The IPL 2020 edition has been suspend- Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi Royals from the beginning if the how the younger players in the and almost got him out and just the ed till April 15 with no clarity yet on whether during a podcast organised by cash-rich event, which has been squad, particularly all-rounder smile on his face when he was it would go ahead at all. inaugural IPL champions suspended till April 15, is held later Riyan Parag and batsman Yashasvi bowling was so cool. We’ve been “Even if the IPL doesn’t happen in Rajasthan Royals. in the year. Jaiswal, perform in the 2020 season very lucky to have some good August, (because) there are a lot of places “I think as an Australian crick- “Plenty going on in the world of the IPL. young players.” in India that witness rains during that month eter we talk about like Ashes is at present, but hopefully we can get Riyan was 17-year-old when he Smith said that he is also excit- and there are high chances that lots of always big, World Cup is big but I an IPL at some stage,” said Smith, made his IPL debut with the Royals ed to see how Jaiswal would do if matches will get cancelled,” Nehra told on think now India is No 1 team in the who has so far amassed 7227 runs last year and Smith said that he was and when the season starts. Jaiswal Star Sports 1 Hindi show Cricket Connected. world and it is a very difficult place in 73 Tests and 4162 runs in ODIs. very much impressed with the went into the U19 World Cup “If things go back to normal around the to play Test cricket, so I would love “The two seasons that I cap- freedom with last year with a lot of hype world by October, we’ll have a 100 per cent to win a series there,” he said. tained the Royals were both half which he batted around him due to his record clearance,” he reckoned. Talking about his other targets, seasons, Shane Watson gave me the and recalled the breaking double-ton in the With the spike in coronavirus cases and Smith, who is currently the world’s captaincy in 2015 and then last year time when he Vijay Hazare Trophy. He ended deaths showing no signs of relenting across number one Test batsman, said: out of the blue, I took over at the almost dismissed up taking the World Cup the world, there are slim chances of the IPL “Other then that I would not like back end of the season. Looking at MS Dhoni. by storm and was the happening this year. to set too many goals, but take having a crack at it full time and the “Young 17-year- highest scorer in the Meanwhile, Nehra feels former star things day by day, series by series, Royals have a pretty good squad,” old kid carrying around tournament. all-aounder Yuvraj Singh has always excelled just try to improve. he said. his teddy bears. He “Jaiswal, he was while playing under Mahendra Singh “It has been a pretty long year Smith started his career as a copped a bit but when the top scorer at the Dhoni’s captaincy. with the World Cup and Ashes, a spinner before emerging as one of he went out to play he U19s and looks a “Yuvraj has played well under MS few away one day tours. So this rest the best batsmen in the world. did it with such free- quality player. So, fin- Dhoni, as far as I have seen Yuvraj’s career, is not the worst thing but hopeful- Talking about his career, the 30- dom and even won a few gers crossed we can the way he has batted in 2007 and 2008 ly it is for a few weeks. I am pret- year-old said: “I was more of a bats- games with his own bat. get over this year and see onwards it has been impeccable and in 2011 ty keen to get back to playing.” man than a bowler. I played my first Pretty special, I could just all that young talent close we saw how he braved his sickness and Smith also heaped praise on two Test matches as a specialist see the joy on his face,” up again,” said Smith. played brilliantly under Dhoni. India’s spin all-rounder Ravindra Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith bats at nets session during franchise’s training camp spinner which was strange. They “I feel every player has their own choice Jadeja, describing him as a difficult that good length and one ball skids then having at least one variation,” were looking for a spinner after the of a favourite captain when they play for 16 bowler to face in the subcontinent. on and one spins, and it just all he said. Shane Warne era and I was one of for me it was about finding a way slip and focussed only on my bat- years and Yuvraj played well under Dhoni “Jadeja in the sub-continent... looks same out of the hand. I think “So, I think for a leg-spinner, the 12-13 spinners that got a go. to get into Australian team and at ting. But I bowl every now and according to me,” he said. Why he is so good because, he hits consistency in length is key and having a good googly, or a slider is “I got dropped after that and that point of time I let my bowling then.” Deepak gets more time to recover after IPL postponement NZ tour helped me grow in confidence: Samson CHENNAI: The postponement of have missed CSK’s first few IPL 2020 has come as a blessing games if the IPL 2020 had start- KOCHI: India wicketkeeper- then to be a part of the in disguise for India medium ed as scheduled on March 29. batsman Sanju Samson has world’s best cricket team is pacer Deepak Chahar as the “When things are not in not had a lot of chances to not a small thing,” he told delay has given him time to your control, there is little you stake a claim but he is happy The Times of India on his regain full fitness from his can do. So, I focus on what I can with sharing the dressing time on the bench. lower-back injury. do during that time. I am try- room with the likes of Virat “The New Zealand tour Chahar, who plays for ing to learn new things, focus on Kohli and Rohit Sharma was one of the best times of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, my fitness — as you know I was while learning from them. my life. Yes, it is true that I is now eagerly waiting to make injured and getting back. This The 25-year old played could not perform with the his return to competitive crick- gives me more time to recover,” two T20Is in New Zealand bat the way I would have et once the situation normalis- he was quoted as saying on in the five-match series loved to. But I believe the es. CSK’s official website. which India won 5-0, but change of style that I have “I am looking forward to “Had the IPL season start- failed to make an impact adopted in my batting bowling again. For now, the idea ed on time, I would have missed with scores of 2 and 8. He recently will sometimes lead is to stay fit,” the 27-year-old against the West Indies in the first few matches,” said was given a chance against to failures. I have started to said. December last year, which ruled Chahar, whose 6 for 7 against Sri Lanka also in Pune ear- side of things. I got to share to learn from them even if accept that fact and I wait Chahar sustained a stress him out of action until the end Bangladesh last year was lier this year but there also the dressing room with leg- we just observe the way and prepare for my next big fracture on his lower back mid- of March. declared the ICC T20I perfor- he managed just six. ends like Virat bhai and they handle themselves on successful innings,” he way through the ODI series He admitted that he would mance of the year. PTI “I looked at the brighter Rohit bhai and there is a lot and off the ground. And added. IANS Ben Stokes in action during ICC World Cup 2019 final AP SINGLES Stokes is Wisden Akhtar proposes Indo-Pak Neymar welcome anytime at Barca: Suarez CSA INCLUDE FITNESS CLAUSES IN CONTRACTS Cape Town: South Africa head coach Mark Boucher on n Cricketer of the year AFP BARCELONA Wednesday said Cricket South Africa (CSA) will pencil series to raise funds in fitness clauses into player contracts in the future so n PTI LONDON irrespective of whatever happens on eymar “will always be that a minimum standard is maintained for selection. the field,” he said. Nwelcome” back at "Guys need to keep up their fitness because we will be washbuckling England all-rounder, Ben Akhtar said the matches could Barcelona, the Spanish inserting new fitness clauses in contracts," Boucher SStokes has ended India skipper Virat Kohli’s be a closed-door affair. giants’ striker Luis Suarez confirmed via an audio statement released by CSA. "In three-year run as Wisden’s leading cricketer of “It can be a TV only affair. Since told Mundo Deportivo on the recent past we have seen that players who are not fit the year after being named for the honour on everyone will be watching at home, Wednesday. enough don't get selected. They are professionals and the back of his stellar show in 2019. you are bound to get massive view- Neymar left Barca in a they need to do what they have to do." The 2020 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack also ership for the games. For the first world record move to Paris coronated Ellyse Perry as leading women’s time, both countries will play for Saint-Germain in 2017 but BUTTLER'S WC FINAL SHIRT RAISES £65,000 cricketer of the year as the Australian reclaimed each other. And whatever funds are has been persistently linked London: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised the title from India’s Smriti Mandhana. generated through this can be to a possible return to the more than £65,000 to help fight the coronavirus by Stokes is the first Englishman to receive the donated equally to the government Camp Nou. auctioning off his World Cup final shirt. Buttler's shirt, honour since former captain Andrew Flintoff in of India and Pakistan to fight this Suarez told the paper: ate him a lot.” when asked by the paper to which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out 2005. pandemic,” added the 44-year-old. “Everybody knows Ney, we Suarez, recovering from discuss the rumours linking that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, Stokes propelled England to their maiden With both countries in a lock- all know the affection we right knee surgery, said it the 28-year-old Neymar with was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung World title last year with a man-of-the-match down amid the fast-spreading pan- have for him in the dressing was “complicated” to talk a Barca return. centres provided by the Royal Brompton & Harefield performance in the final against New Zealand NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan pacer demic, the games can only be room. about players joining Barca The Uruguayan also had hospitals in London. The auction closed on Tuesday had at Lord’s. Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday pro- organised when things improve. “His ability is indis- at this time of crisis with the warm words for Inter Milan’s attracted 82 bids with the winner paying £65,100. He then followed it up with a remarkable posed a made-for-television three- However, Akhtar feels the sooner putable and he still has so coronavirus pandemic. Lautaro Martinez, the 22- match-winning unbeaten innings of 135 in the match ODI series against arch-rivals they are held, the better it would be much to show. He will “But I can talk about year-old Argentine whose CANADIAN GRAND PRIX POSTPONED FROM JUNE third Ashes Test against Australia. India to raise funds for the fight but could not tell how the logistics always be welcome in the players, and these are huge name also been associated Montreal: The Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for The 28-year-old, who succeeds Kohli, against the COVID-19 pandemic in of such an initiative would be changing room, we appreci- players,” he commented with a move to Catalonia. Montreal June 12-14, has been postponed, the latest amassed 821 Test runs and scored 719 in ODI’s both the countries. worked out. Formula One casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. in 2019. The two nations have not “Everyone is sitting at home at Organizers of the event said in a statement that they “Ben Stokes pulled off the performance of played a full-series since 2007 due the moment, so there will be a mas- Mane would ‘understand’ if Liverpool were denied PL title “would have been honored to host the first race on the a lifetime — twice in the space of a few weeks,” to the terrorist attacks on India by sive following for the games. May 2020 Formula 1 calendar” and they were “saddened” to said Wisden’s editor, Lawrence Booth was quot- Pakistan-based outfits and the be not now, when things start LIVERPOOL: Sadio Mane says he would on the pitch. “I want to win the games and have to postpone the race. The news followed the ed as saying by ESPNCricinfo. resultant diplomatic tension. They improving, the games could be understand if Liverpool were denied the I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would announcement that Formula One are working with “First, with a mixture of outrageous talent only play each other in ICC events organised at a neutral location like Premier League title even though they were love,” he said. “But with this situation, promoters on a revised 2020 calendar, with officials and good fortune, he rescued England’s run- and Asia Cup. Dubai. on the brink of glory when coronavirus whatever happens I will understand. hoping to launch a season that had already seen eight chase in the World Cup final, before helping to “In this time of crisis, I want to “It could even lead to resump- forced a shutdown. “It has been difficult for Liverpool, races either cancelled or postponed. hit 15 off the super over. Then, in the Third Ashes propose a three match series in tion of bilateral cricketing ties and Jurgen Klopp’s men were 25 but it has been more difficult for many Test at Headingley, he produced one of the great which for the first time, the people relations of both countries improve points clear of Man City when foot- millions of people around the world. 2022 ATHLETICS WORLDS SET FOR JULY 15-224 innings, smashing an unbeaten 135 to pinch a of neither country would be upset diplomatically. You never know,” ball came to a halt, agonisingly close “Some people have lost family Paris: The world athletics championships originally one-wicket win.” at the outcome of the games,” said the Rawalpindi Express. to their first top-flight title in 30 years. members and that is the more compli- scheduled for next year in Eugene, Oregon, will take Australia all-rounder Perry bagged the Akhtar said. “The whole world will tune into But it is unclear when, or even if, cated situation. But for myself, it’s my place July 15-24 in 2022, avoiding a potential clash with honour for her splendid Ashes show. “If Virat (Kohli) scores a hun- it, so much money can be raised to the season will be completed. dream and I want to win it this year. the CWG in Birmingham. World Athletics last month “Ellyse Perry dominated the women’s Ashes dred, we will be happy, if Babar deal with this crisis. In difficult Asked if he feels like a champion, If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s shifted the event to 2022 to accommodate the like no one before her inspiring Australia to a Azam scores a hundred, you will be times, the character of the nation the 27-year-old Senegal forward said part of life. Hopefully we will win it rearranged Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed by a crushing victory. She was devastating with the happy. Both teams will be winners comes forward.” PTI he wanted to win the Premier League next year.” AFP year due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The World ball, claiming seven for 22 in the ODI at Athletics Council approved the new dates this week after Canterbury, and remorseless with the bat, not extensive discussions with the sport's stakeholders least during the one-off Test at Taunton, where including organisers of two other major championships she made 116 and 76 not out.” Eight-month suspension of Oly qualification period big blow for Indian athletes due to take place in July-August 2022, the Birmingham England pacer Jofra Archer, Australians Pat 2022 Commonwealth Games and the multisport Cummins, Marnus Labuschagne and Perry and PTI n NEW DELHI Olympic medal hopeful Neeraj But after the Olympics was pushed European Championships in Munich,” World Athletics Essex’s player Simon Harmer were picked as the Chopra, his javelin throw team-mate to 2021 due to the pandemic, the qual- said in a statement on Wednesday. five Wisden Cricketers of the year. orld Athletics’ decision to sus- Shivpal Singh, the mixed 4x400m ification period will now resume from Wpend the Olympic qualification relay team, K T Irfan (men’s 20km race December 1, 2020 until June 29, 2021. IOC RELEASE TOKYO QUALIFICATION PRINCIPLES period till end of November has dealt walk), Bhawna Jat (women’s 20km race Nair said the Athletics Federation New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Southee claims NZPA a huge blow to Indian track-and-field walk) and Avinash sable (3000m of India is hoping to hold the National has released revised Tokyo 2020 qualification principles competitors aiming for Tokyo, who steeplechase) have already qualified for Inter-State Championships and according to which allocated quotas remain valid and Players’ Cap were hoping to make the cut through the Tokyo Games. National Open in September and International Federations (IFs) could extend the age WELLINGTON: New Zealand pace spearhead Tim domestic meets tentatively scheduled The world body has said those ath- October but the performance of the eligibility criteria for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Southee on Wednesday claimed the top hon- later this year. letes who have already met the athletes may not exactly be the best as Games. According to the revised rules, the new ours in the annual Players’ Association awards World Athletics on Tuesday sus- Olympic entry standard since the they will not be counted for the qualification period deadline is June 29, 2021, and the for his “compelling” performance in the home pended the qualification period for the start of the qualification period in 2019 Olympics qualification. final entries deadline is July 5, 2021. IFs could now series against India, while Sophie Devine Tokyo Games from April 6 to will remain qualified. “What to do? We cannot do any- redesign their own qualification processes that have bagged the women’s top award. November 30, 2020, following consul- Asked what could have been the thing. We will be conducting the been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Tim Southee headed off several players tation with its Athletes’ Commission, rationale behind the World Athletics’ Nationals in September and October in a very close voting result before ultimately continental association presidents and decision to freeze the qualification if the situation improves,” said Nair, DUTCH PLAN LEAGUE RESUMPTION ON JUNE 19 securing his second The Players’ Cap with a the Council. period till the end of November, Nair one of the most qualified coaches in The Hague: Dutch football federation has said that it was hoping the top two divisions would restart on June compelling series against India at home,” the During this period, results Dutee Chand in action during 2018 Asian Games said, “I think many countries are not the country. New Zealand Players’ Association said. achieved at any competition will not sure when the COVID-19 situation World Athletics said the results in 19 following their suspension due to Covid-19 Southee, who was player of Test series with be considered for Tokyo Games entry “World Athletics decision will be will be alright and can start training. the intervening period of April 6 and pandemic. The decision would keep the Dutch league in 14 wickets in the two-match rubber earlier this standards or world rankings, the pub- a big blow for the likes of Tejinder Pal “Moreover, it is not fare to give ath- November 30, 2020 will continue to be line with UEFA, which has warned teams risk exclusion year, joins Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor lication of which will also be suspend- Singh Toor (shot put), Anu Rani letes almost two years as qualifying recorded for statistical purposes, from the next CL if their domestic competitions are as multiple winners of the award. ed. (javelin throw), M Sreeshankar (long period.” including for world records, subject to ended prematurely. The KNVB revealed its plans on Daniel Vettori presented the cap to Southee India’s Deputy chief national coach jump) and sprinter Dutee Chand,” Nair The qualifying period for most of the applicable conditions. Tuesday during a video conference with professional and said that “Tim has had a remarkable year Radhakrishnan Nair the decision said from NIS-Patiala. the events, barring long distance races But they will not be used to estab- clubs and other major stakeholders, although leading and is a truly deserving recipient of this award”. would disappoint many Indian ath- Star sprinter Hima Das is also yet and race walk, began in May 2019 and lish an athlete’s qualification status for sides including Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven Devine’s award is her third consecutive. PTI letes. to qualify for the Tokyo Games. was to end in June this year. the Olympics. have called for the season to be ended. AGENCIES 12

Vijayawada Thursday April 9, 2020 tollywood BUNNY and SUKU Icon is on taying with Allu Arjun, GO PAN-INDIA Sproduction house Sri Venkateswara Creations on Wednesday indicated that their proposed project with the actor, Icon, is on track. Tipped to be a social drama with an WITH PUSHPA underlying message, the film llu Arjun’s long- prepping for the part by learn- 50 days. The likes of Jagapathi was announced on the actor's pending wish of ing Chittoor accent. Babu, Vijay Sethupathi, Raj last birthday but with the actor doing a pan-India The film’s shoot has been Deepak Shetty, Brahmaji and giving precedence to Sukumar A project is getting ful- delayed because of Covid-19 Kannada Kishore are on board after Ala Vaikunthapuramlo, filled by his friend outbreak. The initial idea was to to essay key supporting roles, director Sriram Venu too and director release it in October but Mythri while Rashmika Mandanna is decided to do another project in Sukumar. As the actor blew out has now decided to push the the leading lady. Sukumar’s fre- 37 candles on his birthday cake release to the summer of 2021. quent collaborator Devi Sri the interim. Which over here is Pawan Kalyan-starrer Vakeel on Wednesday, the makers of his Sukumar has shot a tiny sched- Prasad is rendering tunes and Saab. upcoming with Sukumar have ule in Kerala last year but he will music sessions have commenced There were speculations not just announced the title of begin afresh later this June. more than a month ago in that Bunny dropped Icon the film as Pushpa but also indi- Besides Hyderabad, a significant Chennai. The expectations on altogether. However, our source cated that it will be releasing part of the film will be shot in the film are visibly high as it close to him say that he very in Hindi, Tamil, Maredumilli and marks Suku and Bunny teaming much loved the script and only Kannada and Rampachodavaram up after Arya and Arya 2. asked Venu to save it until he Malayalam. While forests near Besides, their respective last gets freed from his other the actor is a Rajahmundry, ventures — Rangasthalam and commitments. So most likely, potent force in Kerala and Ala Vaikunthapuramlo — have Icon will be the actor's next Malayalam, Tenkasi, Tamil set the box-office coffers ringing after he completes Pushpa. where his Telugu Nadu for around big time. releases get dubbed consistent- ly, this is the first time he will be wooing the audiences of other Netflix India languages. “The film’s content has universal appeal, which is why Sukumar and Bunny decid- irks Bunny fans ed to dub it in other languages as well. It will, however, be shot treaming giant Netflix faced the ire of stylish star Allu Arjun only in Telugu,” said a source. S fans as the actor celebrated his 37th birthday Wednesday. Production house Mythri The OTT platform, which recently dropped Arjun's blockbuster Movie Makers also unveiled a Ala Vaikunthapuramlo on its service, chose to describe the couple of posters of Arjun from actor as Buttabomma while wishing him on his birthday. “Happy the film. In one of them, the birthday to this beautiful butta bomma!” they wrote tagging the On the actor's birthday, the makers of his upcoming with actor sporting a bushy beard is actor. This certainly didn't go down well with the actor's fans seen sitting cross-legged on the who collectively raised an alarm, stating that Buttabomma in the ground outside a police station song from Ala Vaikuthuntapuramlo was meant to describe Sukumar have not just announced the title of the film as with logs of red sanders in the background. Set in the backdrop Pooja Hedge. The post was removed under six minutes from the Pushpa but also indicated that it will be releasing in Hindi, of Seshachalam forests, the film timeline of Netflix India account soon after. “Happy birthday to deals with red sanders smug- the person who taught us the lyrics to Butta Bomma, scarf Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, finds NAGARAJ GOUD gling and will see Bunny as a fights and the best boardroom dance moves, Allu Arjun,” read lorry driver. The actor is also their new post. Seetimaar is a tribute to the unsung sporting heroes: TAMANNAAH

eing a girl who never played Lockdown diaries: any sport before, Tamannaah says that the challenge to play THE ACTRESS SAYS b a Kabaddi coach in Seetimaar, SHE HAS UNDERGONE SUDHEER VARMA starring Gopichand, kicked her to take up the role. A COMPLETE Sharing an insight into her prepara- binges on shows tion for the role, she said, “I play the TRANSFORMATION FOR THIS ormally when he is not shooting or writing, coach of the Telangana kabaddi team PARTICULAR ROLE, RIGHT Sudheer Varma consumes a lot of content on OTT while Gopichand plays the coach of an platforms to keep him abreast of any changes in Andhra kabaddi team. It is a very chal- FROM LANGUAGE, n the way stories are being told internationally. And lenging and inspiring role. It is a huge TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF when he has nothing much to do-like now-he is tribute to the unsung heroes in sports. binge watching series in his hometown Bhimavaram. I had to prepare and work very hard for THE GAME, MAINTAINING A Sudheer tells us, “I’ve just completed Ozark season 3. I’ve this role and it constantly motivated me GOOD FITNESS REGIME, been following it ever since it first started streaming on to give my best. It’s my first sports drama Netflix. I’m also a fan of Money Heist and as soon as the fresh and I’m very excited. I did everything I AND MORE season dropped on Netflix last week, I took no time to com- could to look the part. I never imagined plete it. With no brand new shows around, I’m planning to that I would get to play kabaddi in my revisit my all-time favourite show Breaking Bad all over life, let alone in a film.” endurance, flexibility and agility.” again.” Some of his other best shows include The Night Of She added, “I have undergone a com- While the actress maintained a spe- and The Man in the High Castle. plete transformation for this particular cial vegetarian, gluten-free diet, she also On the work front, the director will start filming his next, role, right from language, technical learnt a new dialect for the film. an action-comedy, with Regina and Nivetha Thomas. He was knowledge of the game, maintaining a “I had to get a hang of the Telangana to begin it earlier this month but Covid-19 outbreak derailed good fitness regime, special training ses- dialect. I had to learn the Telangana his plans. The film is a remake of 2017 South Korean hit sions and more. Kabaddi is a very dis- slang. It’s really challenging, but Midnight Runners. Suresh Babu and Sunitha Tati, who ciplined Indian sport. I learnt to be vig- Sampath sir (director) is helping me produced the successful Oh! Baby, starring Samantha, are ilant and focussed on physical and with the dialogue delivery,” Tamannaah producing this film as well, in partnership with Korean pro- physiological aspects such as strength, signed off. duction house Kross Pictures. Richard Prasad is the film’s cameraman. — NG CCC gets more funds ore than 10 days after it took form, Corona Crisis m Charity (CCC) continues to get more donations from the industry members. Aimed at helping the daily wage employees to tide over the crisis that Covid-19 has caused to them, the latest to donate to CCC is first-time producer Padmavathi Galla. Wife of TDP MP and industri- alist Jay Galla, Padmavathi is launch- ing his son Ashok as a leading man with Sriram Adittya’s next under Amar Raja Media & Entertainment. She sent a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to CCC and urged everyone to stay at home and practice the suggestions of the govern- ment and health experts. Similarly, actor Sai Kumar along with son Aadi on Wednesday donat- ed Rs 5 lakh to CCC. The dialogue king and his brother Ravi Shankar also pledged to contribute Rs 1 lakh each to dub- bing union. Mogalirekulu fame actor Sagar has handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to TS IT Minister KTR in Hyderabad on Wednesday.