Year : 05 Issue : 04 New Delhi Saturday, March 21, 2020 Rs. 1/- Pages - 8

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FIRST COLUMN Coronavirus: Lucknow shuts all Railway employee suspended Nirbhaya case: 4 convicts hanged at restaurants after singer tests for ‘hiding’ COVID-19 positive 5:30 am after nightlong court hearings positive; India cases jump to 223 son in rest house New Delhi, Agency. New Delhi, Agency. The four death-row convicts in the Amid a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Nirbhaya gangrape case were hanged in country, the Delhi government stepped up to contain the virus by shutting down the malls in the national This was after the Supreme Court, in a capital. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation too announced Delhi’spre-dawn Tihar hearing, jail at brought 5:30 am the on curtains Friday. that it will close the metro services on Sunday, the day down on the gangrape and murder case ‘Janata curfew’ will be imposed. So far, 223 people have by dismissing a plea by one of the four Research (ICMR) said on Friday, while the death toll plea by President Ram Nath Kovind. In been confirmed positive, the Indian Council of Medical New Delhi, Agency. againstan indication rejection of public of his outrage second over mercy the Bengaluru was suspended for allegedly case that had shaken the conscience hiding information that A railway her son, officer who in of an entire nation, several posters later tested positive for COVID-19 in the were seen outside the Tihar premises city, had a travel history to coronavirus- in the wee hours on Friday ahead of the hanging with placards and posters same, South Western Railway (SWR) hit Germany and Spain. Confirming the told indianexpress.com that the lady readingCourt Bench “thanks comprising to judiciary” Justices and “the R Chief Public Relations Officer E Vijaya morningBanumathi, of justice”.Ashok BhushanEarlier, a and Supreme A S old paramedic student, referred to as n  Delhi gangrape convicts Nirbhaya, was gang-raped and brutally officer who was working as an Assistant Pawan Gupta that his mercy plea had hanged: Justice finally assaulted on the intervening night of Personnel Officer in Bengaluru Division Bopanna rejected the fervent plea of delivered, says victim’s December 16-17, 2012, in a moving house accommodation for her family in without considering the fact that he was was officially suspended on Thursday. mother Asha Devi bus in south Delhi by six people before “SheBengaluru (the officer) and was had allotted requested the same a rest next beena minor wrongly at the rejected time of byoffence the President in 2012. she was thrown out on the road. One of has reached four. In a press conference on Friday, the to KSR Bengaluru railway station from “The consistent view of this court is that n the six accused in the case, Ram Singh, Health Ministry urged citizens to comply with the ‘Janata March 13 to 16. It was then understood scope for review of President’s decision  Asha Devi, the mother of the allegedly committed suicide in Tihar curfew’ as “one day’s cooperation will help break the in mercy petitions is very limited,” the 23-year-old physiotherapy chain of transmission”. Health Ministry Joint Secretary Germany via Madrid (Spain) airport to the bench said. “What are the grounds on student who was gangraped Lav Agarwal assured there is no shortage of essential city was later tested positive (on March that the said officer’s son who came from and brutally assaulted on Jail in 2013. A juvenile, who was among mercy plea by President...You had relied thereformation accused, homewas convicted after serving by a juvenilea three- which you are challenging rejection of December 12, 2016, justiceyear term. board Asha and Devi, was the released mother from of the a commoditiesMinister Narendra to fight Modi coronavirus on Thursday and cautionedappealed to against them 18)disclosed for coronavirus,” information Vijaya about added. her son’s The and are using it again and again. You are 23-year-old physiotherapy student who tocomplacency maintain socialon the distancing pandemic to while fight asking the virus. people Prime to actionforeign has trip been to a coronavirus-hittaken as the officer nation neither on school certificate to claim juvenility policemen last year. The bench asked was gangraped and brutally assaulted observe a self-imposed curfew on Sunday by not stepping nor informed the state health department the Centre to consider the fervent on December 12, 2016, hugged a picture out of homes between 7 am and 9 pm. Globally, the virus as per provisions of Karnataka Epidemic askinglower court, us to Delhi review High judgement, Court and us your as of her daughter on Friday morning has infected more than 234,000 people and the death toll juvenilitywell,” it said. claim Solicitor has been General rejected Tushar by that the family members of Pawan after four convicted of the crime were exceeded 10,000. In Italy, the death toll overtook China’s preventive measure, SWR has closed down Mehta, appearing for the Centre and requestGupta and of theAkshay lawyer Singh for thebe convictsallowed in a stark illustration of how the outbreak has provided Diseasesthe rest house Act, 1897, and has Vijaya kept explained. the cleaning As a to meet them for 5-10 minutes before Delhi.“Finally they have been hanged. It toward Europe and the US. It recorded at least 3,405 plea of Pawan Gupta and said that this hanging. Mehta said that though this is hangedwas a long to deathstruggle, at but Tihar today jail we in have New deaths, or roughly 150 more than in China. California their families who stayed in the rest house thehad Delhibeen dealtPolice, earlier objected by allthe the juvenility courts. issued a statewide ‘stay at home” order for its 40 million staffhave underbeen informed quarantine. to be“All on officers the lookout and The court also did not consider the plea daughters of the country,” she told the residents and Washington warned Americans to return and to be alert for symptoms if any. Details of lawyer A L Singh, appearing for the painful,before thethe jailhanging. manual On does March not permit5, the got justice. This day is dedicated to the of people who stayed there have been death row convict Pawan Gupta, that convictstrial court to issued meet family fresh memberswarrants justfor coronavirus deaths in the country hitting 200. The shared with the state government and his execution be deferred for one or two hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all media.delayed, Thanking but not thedenied. President, She urged judiciary the home or stay abroad indefinitely, with the number of days so that he can record his statement convicts in the case - Mukesh Singh andSupreme governments, Court to Devi“issue said guidelines justice was so on standby in four cities Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Vizag and The Karnataka health department had in an assault case. Singh alleged that (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma that no one can adopt delaying tactics in IndianGorakhpur Armed to Forces accommodate have arranged around quarantine 1,000 people facilities if fumigation is being done,” Vijaya added. the convict was assaulted in prison by (26) and Akshay Singh (31). A 23-year- such cases in future. to be the 12th positive case in the state confirmedon March 18, the stating 25-year-old he was male admitted patient to a required, said Brigadier Anupam Sharma, the nodal designated isolation hospital in Bengaluru. opensearch officer for coordinating efforts of the Defence Ministry. Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K DPIIT notifies decision to permit NRIs to Express Archives: PK Banerjee and legends had then confirmed that seven primary own up to 100 per cent stake in Air India contacts were identified and were placed New Delhi, Agency. underof COVID-19 strict home with onequarantine. casualty Toreported date, roll back years back to 1956 Olympics Karnatakafrom Kalaburagi. has confirmed 15 positive cases The FDI policy earlier permitted New Delhi, Agency. NRIs to take only 49 per cent stake in the airline. The Department Assam to put $2000 in accounts for Promotion of Industry and and PK 1960, Banerjee where and they several held otherFrance members to a 1-1 ofdraw, the were felicitated at a function in Delhi in 2011. His of residents stuck abroad, a decision of the union cabinet to Olympic squad of 1956, where India finished fourth, arm trembling, ravaged by the effects of a cerebral Internalallow non-resident Trade (DPIIT) Indians has notified(NRIs) stamp those coming in to control up to 100 per cent stake in disinvestment-bound Air India. from the sports minister on Wednesday. Age, and The FDI policy earlier permitted hemorrhage a few years back, P K Banerjee moved with obvious discomfort to receive a silver plaque NRIs to take only 49 per cent stake continue to be vested in Indian fact that we are meeting one another once again,” in the airline. In its press note, the injury may have dulled the former Indian forward’s said S Hamid, a member of the Rome Olympics DPIIT said: “Foreign investments in earlier stated that in light of the Air India including that of foreign reflexes but at the moment he shook hands with nationals.proposed Anstrategic official statementdisinvestment has Ajayhe would Maken, have his received grip was recognition firm and ashis the gaze captain steady, of Indian Olympic blazer, They laughed like long lost airlines shall not exceed 49 per cent of 100 per cent of Air India by the squad.brothers, Many honoring were dressed those who in the were faded not indigo present of and the either directly or indirectly except in as it must have been more than fifty years ago when government, it has been decided that Melbourne Olympics. case of those NRIs, who are Indian foreign investment in Air India be the Indian team that reached the semi-finals of the Nationals, where foreign investment swappingstrikers India stories has by ever the produced,dozen, the recountedanecdotes aflying tale is permitted up to 100 per cent under other scheduled airline operators. thick and fast. PK Banerjee, hailed as one of the best automatic route”. On March 4, the Banerjee and several other members of the broughtThe national on a level-playingcarrier will fieldhave with no held France to a 1-1 draw, were being felicitated assisted in a goal with only his second touch in an cabinet had taken a decision in this Olympic squad of 1956 (Melbourne), where India residual government ownership and at a function in Delhi. With many of the players ofinternational. legendary goalkeeper“We were playing Peter Thangaraj Sri Lanka, who and hadthe New Delhi, Agency. In the wake of regard. The decision came at a time finished fourth, and 1960 (Rome), where they will be completely privately owned. from those halcyon days in ill health or having ball was passed to Peter. He bounced it twice, which the COVID-19 outbreak, Assam Health when the government has sought Under the SOEC framework, which passed away, those gathered used the function was his signal that he was going to kick the ball Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Friday preliminary bids for 100 per cent is followed in the airline industry as an opportunity to reconnect after many years long. Peter had one of the strongest kick during our announced a $2,000 monetary relief stake sale in the national carrier. playing days, and the ball travelled nearly half the measure for those residents who had It also said that the condition that from a particular country should be are playing. But once those days are over, everyone way into the other half. I was anticipating the shot travelled abroad from the state in the substantial ownership and effective globally,substantially a carrier owned that by thatflies country’soverseas apart.has their “You own are thing quite to close do. More to each important other when than youthe past 30 days and were now “stuck” with control (SOEC) of Air India shall government or its nationals. the centre of a circle of former comrades. no way to come back home. This was fact that we are being honoured after so long is the among a slew of measures announced so I only had to tap it in,” recalled Banerjee, sitting in by the health minister. “Many Assamese may have travelled out of the state Madhya Pradesh crisis either as a tourist, or for work (maybe training, workshops, seminars in the past 30 days. However, now due to the outbreak and recent rules announced by the government, they are unable to Madhya Pradesh govt falls as Chief Minister Kamal Nath resigns come back,” said Sarma. To help them, saying he was there to honour the Supreme we will release an e-mail ID in the next n In my 40 years of public life, I Court-mandated trust vote. The resignation two days. These people can write in to us,  of 22 MLAs, including six ministers, had with a copy of their stamped passport. have always followed politics plunged the Congress-ruled government We will deposit $2,000 in their accounts of probity and given priority to into crisis last week. With the resignation as a gesture from our side. If someone’s of 16 more MLAs on Thursday night, the VISA or passport has expired, they can democratic values. strength of Congress has come down to 92 inform the government, and we will New Delhi, Agency. from 108. The strength of the House has take it up with the Indian embassy,” also been reduced to 206. Madhya Pradesh Sarma added. Sarma also said the Assam “In my 40 years of public life, I have always Crisis Live News Updates: The Assembly government has advised the Election followed politics of probity and given Commission (EC) to defer the upcoming priority to democratic values. Whatever has the trust vote proceedings. In a brief address Bodoland Territorial Council election happened in the last two weeks is a new was adjourned after till March 26 without scheduled for April 4. In the interim, chapter in the devaluation of democratic advised everyone in the House to uphold campaigning too is advised to be put on values,” he said in his resignation letter tolaw theso that Assembly, the “dignity Governor of Madhya Lalji Pradesh Tandon hold. Shortly after, the Assam Election remains protected.” Soon after the Speaker political uncertainty in Madhya Pradesh, the elections were postponed. Till March toChief Governor Minister LaljiKamal Tandon. Nath on EndingFriday resigned days of Commission31, government officially departments announced will thathave to bring down curtains on the 15-month-old NPBJP moved Prajapati the adjournedSupreme Court the Assemblyover the trust till only 50 per cent employees attending Congress government in the state. extend his cooperation for the development March 26 without holding the floor test, the “In my 40 years of public life, I have “The balance 50 per cent will work from always followed politics of probity and given on December 17, 2018. Before handing mafiafrom people,which proliferated not the BJP,” during he said. the The15-year BJP vote. The plea filed by former chief minister officehome. on This a daily/weekly will be implemented rotational in basis.a priority to democratic values. Whatever has ofover the his state. resignation, Nath had takenhe told the the oath reporters of office ruleplotted of theagainst BJP. “Ihis want government character certificatefrom the Shivrajtaken up Singh tomorrow. Chouhan The and BJP nine also other submitted MLAs rotational basis,” said Sarma, adding happened in the last two weeks is a new at the CM house that he tried to give a new beginning, he claimed. “Who took the MLAs demandinga letter and floor paraded test within 106 12 MLAs hours willbefore be that the announcement does not apply chapter in the devaluation of democratic identity to the state. He accused the BJP of to Bengaluru?” he asked insinuating that to employees in essential services like values,” he said in his resignation letter to trying to destabilise his government from day one. He alleged that the BJP did not GovernorSingh Chouhan Lalji accused Tandon. the Stating chief minister that while of to his successor, he said he would always like the campaign he launched against the theSingh BJP Chouhan arranged led flights BJP MLAs for the to the rebel assembly MLAs. Congress has only 92 members, Shivraj health, fire, electricity and water. Governor Lalji Tandon. Wishing good luck Former CM and senior BJP leader Shivraj running away from the battlefield. 2 | English Daily Open Search | STATE | New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 Minor raped, a youth HC red flags withholding of tax refunds, arrested, sent to jail. Patna Rajkumar Roy n At present, the Gyan, a 22-year-old youth issues show-cause to top Haryana officers living in Railway Hundar youth is under Road of Kadamkuan area, police custody Chandigarh, Correspondent. The Huawei Telecommunications (India) has been arrested in a case Company Private Limited had approached NOTING THAT the procedure for refund of raping a minor in Kadam and the police Kuan police station area of tax amount and withholding of refund is passed in November 2019 under Section is trying to send often being used as a “delaying tactic” for of the district. Which by the241A court of the seeking Income quashing Tax Act ofwithholding an order window dressing the collection of revenue, staying in Patna, J.E. While him to jail. the refund for the assessment years 2017- preparing for engineering, 18 and 2018-19. Section 241A empowers Gyan, an accused caught in issued a show-cause notice to the Principal the tax authorities to withhold the refund the minor student called the theCommissioner Punjab and of HaryanaTax, Rohtak, High CourtKrinwant has the case, has told that he met 22-year-old young man Gyan 4 Sahay and Assistant Commissioner of his student 1 year ago after days before Holi and told that Income Tax, Circle 4(1) Gurugram Dipin Goel which the meeting turned ofwould an amountbe adversely subject affected to certain in case conditions of grant he is pregnant while he gave to explain why costs should not be imposed into love and the girl came information about this to his likeof refund. Assessing The companyOfficer’s opinionhad claimed that arevenue refund in contact with it. While the on them for withholding the refund of nearly of Rs 48,11,52,210 and Rs 252,45,13,970 as family as well. He was taken Rs 300 crore of Huawei Telecommunications. boy has clearly stated himself to the doctor. Where doctors refund under the provisions of the Act. While to be innocent in this case, he “It is evident that procedure for refund holding that the order passed in Huawei’s told the womb of 6 months and withholding of refund is often being has said that he has met the in the womb, after which case is unsustainable as there was no reason girl twice in the meantime, used as delaying tactics for various reasons recorded for coming to the conclusion that including window dressing of collection despite how she can be the grant of refund is likely to adversely affect pregnant even though the of revenue. The method adopted is a short the revenue, the Court said the pendency of theKadamkuan case caught police fire station and thein sighted vision. Apart from harassment to Patna. After which, 22-year- proceedings under Section 143(2) (scrutiny minor girl And how true are family hurriedly filed a case at the assessee, it results in paying interest assessment proceedings) of the Act in itself old youth Gyan was caught on the delayed amount of refund putting questionthe allegations arises that against the victim the by Kadamkuan police station is not enough to withhold the refund. It 22-year-old man accused by further ruled that selection of a case for his family members? This is an order passed by the division bench of scrutiny does not automatically amount been registered under the Poxo further burden on the exchequer,” read now a matter of investigation. Act. The youth is a resident of to withholding of refund, adding there is At the same time, if the accused in quick action and a case has Observing that trade and commerce are the interest of the revenue is to be collected no dispute in the company’s case from the Justices“life blood” Ajay of Tewarithe system, and the Avneesh division Jhingan. bench believes, he has done DNA in under police custody and the business. “There cannot be second opinion like an apiarist extracts honey from beehive authorities regarding the refunds. The court the court on this whole matter. further said if the excess amount deposited that the revenue collection and securing without destroying it,” the order read. issued notice to Sahay and Goel for April 28. floods.police isAt tryingpresent, to the send youth him is as tax is not refunded to the entrepreneur or assessee, it has an effect on the liquidity and When asked to get the test done, while the girl is believed, to jail. Gujarat sees three new positive cases with ‘Expenditure on schools foreign travel history, number rises to 5 has increased ten fold’: n  The three new positive cases Vijay Inder Singla Punjab Correspondent. include a 49-year old man from We have started pre-primary only in those Vadodara with a travel history primary schools where space was available. We have proposed 1,600 new classrooms to from Spain, and two women in be constructed under NABARD funds, says Ahmedabad from Finland and New York. Vijaythat the Inder state Singla. government Punjab School is actively Edu Ministerworking Vijayto provide Inder digital Singla infrastructure tells The Indian in schools: Express Ahmedabad Correspondent. Most of the 5,500 government schools have The three new positive cases include a 49-year been transformed into Smart Schools using old man from Vadodara with a travel history donations. Your take. A proper development from Spain, and two women in Ahmedabad plan is made before a school is converted from Finland and New York. Three new persons into Smart School. Yes, most of the schools have some contribution from community but kids or furniture. They are sitting on the they are partially funded by the government. All three people have a travel history to Spain, We have released funds for several facilities those primary schools where space was in Gujarat tested positive for the COVID-19 on Around two or three are mildly symptomatic Finland and New York. Principal secretary of floor.available. We haveWe have started proposed pre-primary 1,600 only new in Friday taking the total cases in the state to five. Ravi. “Yesterday we also took the decision Health Jayanti Ravi told mediapersons that all LED screens etc. Our spending on schools classrooms to be constructed under NABARD Surat patients are not on ventilator anymore, to prohibit weddings and events in party of them were in stable condition at the moment now been institutionally quarantined,” said suchhas increasedas CCTVs, educationalten fold. We parks, have projectors, also tied funds. Enrollment in government schools plots as community halls to avoid clustering,” and all are below 35 years of age. The three and have been isolated,” added Ravi. Rajkot and up with ASER to provide digital education continues to be low, despite intensive drives. stay in h added Ravi. Since two days we are video new positive cases include a 49-year old man infrastructure in schools. Expenditure is being We have enrolled 2.70 lakh new kids in pre- history will be stamped. “While initially we conferencing with collectors, commissioners from Vadodara with a travel history from Spain, she said. Ravi said those who are required to done under different components such as primary recently. Enrollment in govt schools had discussed that wrist bands may be used, and two women in Ahmedabad from Finland ome quarantine owing to their travel had drastically declined during SAD-BJP we decided to instead stamp them as bands 150 samples, 123 were clearly negative, results and New York in US. On Thursday, a man from greenboards etc. Just by painting a building can be removed. While we would like to trust on home quarantine, added Ravi. Of the total parks,in a colourful LEDs, projectors, way, a school building doesn’t classrooms, become they left. Now, it is on the path of recovery. people, few may be irresponsible,”opensearch added Ravi. NIV as test results may give false positives and ‘Smart’. There are some Smart Schools which history of Saudi Arabia and London respectively governmentTET and BEd and unemployed we have filledteachers the are backlog still for 22 are pending, some are being verified at are fully government funded and others are protesting. We have already advertised 2,000 Rajkot and a woman from Surat with a travel came as inconclusive which are sent to NIV. “We are currently rigorously contact posts for recruitment and 2,000 more will inform us. We have had cases where a person “Airport screened 559 travellers yesterday, of tracing. The 49-year-old man landed in Mumbai “I appeal to citizens that if you find someone thus sent to NIV to be ratified. Some results how much government has spent on Smart be advertised soon, but in no case will we were confirmed positive. came from abroad and was not following home and then took a train along with his family violating home quarantine, they call 104 and partial.Schools.Rs We 100 need crore to compile has been exact proposed figure of for these schools in this year’s budget. Pre- hired. If they want that those who did not even strictly enforce it. Those found to be violating them 63 were quarantined. At least 492 were primary classes have been started but there is compromisesecure 50 per thecent quality marks in of their teachers graduation to be quarantine. Collectors have been asked to homedistricts” quarantined. said Ravi. Everyday we find 2-3 cases no space in primary schools to accommodate to Rajkot. They have been institutionally should be hired to teach kids. violating home quarantine from multiple quarantined. Maximum are asymptomatic. home quarantine were caught and have Child Advisory Council meeting held under Across the country, armed forces readying 11 more quarantine facilities the chairmanship of District Magistrate

Pune Correspondent. Madhubani: Correspondent. to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force are currently A meeting of the Child Advisory Council was held in the chamber of the Collectorate MoD officials said the ministry has deployed all possible resources in the aid of civilian authorities on Thursday under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate, Dr. Nilesh are already functional at Manesar, Jaisalmer, Mumbai and Hindon, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) readying 11 more quarantine facilities at various places in the country, in addition to four which authorities to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. A large number of Indian nationals have till now RamchandraPresident, Child Devre, Welfare IPS. The Committee, meeting was Superintendent attended by the in Districtcharge, TransportGirl Child, Officer, Labor hasbeen said. evacuated MoD officials by the Indian said the Air ministry Force from has countries deployed like all possibleMaldives, resources Myanmar, in Bangladesh, the aid of civilian United District Program Officer (ICDS), ACMO, Director, Child Line, Coordinator Child Line, States of America, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru, as well as from some of In the meeting, it was decided to send letters to all the schools for cooperation in the severely COVID-19-affected countries such as China, Japan, Italy and Iran. As a precautionary Superintendent’spropagation of child Representative line, to write sloganand District of child Education line in the Officer’s walls of representative. all schools in the . district and to inform the child line in the meeting of CRC and BRC etc. Formation of the Block Child Labor Task Force was also discussed with the cooperation of the measure, these evacuated persons are being kept under quarantine for a period of 14 days. Army, Superintendent of Labor. Addressing the meeting, the District Magistrate directed Navywas set and by Air the Force Army have at Jaisalmer set up quarantine and one each facilities by the which Navy are at Mumbai, being called and ‘wellnessby the IAF centres’. at Hindon. “It was Most the of Armythese whichfacilities had are set near up the existing first isolation military that the child line should coordinate with the labor department and campaign for facilitystations, at from Manesar, where where resources the first of Armed batch forcesof Indian formations citizens evacuatedare being deployed from Wuhan for running in China these were facilities. quarantined. There Subsequently, is close coordination one more with facility civil theDirector, liberation Child ofProtection child laborers Unit and at all ensure major that railway the child stations, line is bus installed stands, in etc. all inbuses the agencies for every aspect of its functioning,” said an officer. He added,”These centres are fully equipped and functional facilities, helping people to district.and buses He of directed private the schools. District Through Transport training, Officer information to coordinate was with given the toAssistant all the undertake48 hours, if the needed. mandatory These quarantine facilities are period at Jodhpur, under Kolkatathe supervision and Chennai of skilled by Army, medical Visakhapatnam authorities. Soldiersand Kochi have by volunteeredNavy and at toBengaluru, provide care Kanpur, and units related to child protection as well as the team of child line through training. supportJaisalmer, to Jorhat our citizens and Gorakhpur returning and from Dundigal overseas. near In Hyderabadaddition, more by the quarantine IAF. facilities are being readied and may be made operational within wall-line writing on all Anganwadi centers in the district. Also, a child friendly Incorner coordination was also withconstructed the District at each Program police Officer, station. ICDS, it was also directed to make Water tanker strike hits east Bengaluru amid lockdown over coronavirus scare BSF constable entitled to Bengaluru Correspondent. With areas like Panathur and Varthur in disability pension, says HC Mahadevapura zone being the worst hit, residents are left with no access to water. What has compounded the problem is that most of them Chandigarh:, Correspondent. the time of recruitment, adding are now working from home due to the ongoing that once the person, “who was Directing the authorities to an eminent sportsman”, was lockdown in the city because of coronavirus. As pay disability pension along summer kicks in, residents of east Bengaluru recruited in the category of with arrears to a BSF constable service, it cannot be said that he discharged in 2006 for was suffering from the disease, tech corridor in the city – are facing acute water experiencing Affective Psychosis, especiallyshortage with in private residential water areas tankers adjacent owners to going the caused by stress and strain, even at the time of recruitment in on a strike. With areas like Panathur and Varthur Court has ruled that once it is in Mahadevapura zone being the worst hit, residents are left with no access to water. 1995. The court further said even theconcluded Punjab that and the Haryana disease High for the medical board has said the What has compounded the problem is that most of them are now working from which he was invalidated out was home due to the ongoing lockdown in the city because of coronavirus. Echoing the stress and strain of the service caused only during the service, has aggravated the disease. sentiments of thousands of residents in the area, Elan Kulandaivelu, a resident of he is entitled to grant of disability Mahadevapura, blamed the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) “Once, there is nothing on record pension as the stress and strain tendency. The Medical Board in not attributable to the condition to show that the petitioner was leading to the illness has to be September 2006 declared him of service. Before court, they situation”. “The civic body and the water board should not have allowed multiple attributed to the service. The defended their action saying or was suffering from the said andconstructions Bruhat Bengaluru to take place Mahanagara in the area Palike even (BBMP) when they officials were for aware “failing that to the foresee area hadthe constable is from Haryana’s the disability was not directly the disease was aggravated by no source of water to cater to such a booming population,” he said. The situation unfitdisease, at it the can time be safely of recruitment held that unfitattributable from further to conditionsservice. It saidof stress and strain, which was the petitioner suffered the said worsened on March 9 after the Hosakote tahsildar issued an order prohibiting private the BSF in 1995 under sports service but was aggravated by not attributable to government water tankers from fetching water from borewells in Harohalli, Kotur, and Muthsandra disease while in service as the Jhajjarcategory. and Starting was from enrolled 2002, he in stress and strain. In November causes of the same were stress showed abnormal and erratic 2006, he was discharged. The Singh Sethi, in the order dated and strain and the said cause behaviour with violent outbursts. bonafideMarch 4, duty. said Justice the authoritiesHarsimran aggravated the disease,” reads the villages.“In our meeting HA Nagaraja with Rao,the tanker President suppliers of Bangalore association, Apartments’ we were Federation, informed calledthat their it a He would remain alone and claim of disability pension on the nowhere have contended that he ‘knee-jerkpower supply action’, has especiallybeen cut off at bya time the whenorder theof the demand Tahsildar. for water is higher than usual. authoritiesground that in the 2014 disability rejected was his was suffering from the illness at judgment. also had an aggressive fighting New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 | DELHI/NCR | | English Daily Open Search | 3 Coronavirus: Delhi malls to be shut with immediate effect Delhi metro services to be closed on New Delhi Correspondent. “In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all Sunday in view of ‘janata curfew’ Coronavirusmalls (except in grocery,Delhi: Taking pharmacy to Twitter, and Arvind vegetable Kejriwal shops said, in them).” All shopping malls in New Delhi will be shut with maintain social distancing, which is immediate effect in view New Delhi, Correspondent. of the novel coronavirus Coronavirus in Delhi: In an eight-point the DMRC press release stated. In cases, Delhi Chief Minister advisory released on Thursday, DMRC essentialan eight-point in the fightadvisory against released Covid-19,” on also emphasised the need for commuters Thursday, DMRC also emphasised the Friday. As many as 14 to maintain at least a metre’s distance need for commuters to maintain at cases, including one death, Arvind Kejriwal announced from each other inside the trains and at least a metre’s distance from each other have been registered in the stations. Delhi Metro rail services inside the trains and at the stations. the national capital so far. will remain suspended on Sunday, a “Standing passengers will not be Grocery stores, pharmacies, and vegetable shops in malls, measure aimed at encouraging people to allowed and alternate seats to be left however, will remain open, he added. Taking to Twitter, stay indoors in line with Prime Minister vacant,” the statement said, adding that random thermal scanning of passengers closing down all malls (except grocery, pharmacy and In a statement issued by the Delhi will be carried out at all metro stations. vegetable shops in them).” On Wednesday, the Gurgaon Kejriwal said, “In view of the prevailing situation, we are NarendraMetro Rail Modi’s Corporation, call for a it“janata said: curfew”.“In the In some cases, trains will skip stations wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed that are crowded and may lead to more also announced that restaurants in the national capital will this Sunday, it has decided to keep metro passengers on board. “Trains may not remain closed at least until March 31 even as he announced administration had announced a similar move. CM Kejriwal services closed. The move is aimed at stop at such stations which are crowded a fresh set of restrictions, including barring gatherings of encouraging public to stay indoors and i.e. less than the expected distance of 1 more than 20 people, to contain the spread of coronavirus. maintain social distancing, which is metre between the passengers,” it said. For the time being, home delivery and takeaway facilities “In case anyone has fever or is observed will continue in restaurants extending such facilities, To be sure, Modi did not pitch for to have any symptom of coronavirus, essentialany institutional in the fight backing against for, Covid-19.” what he described, would be a self-imposed Kejriwal told a press conference, following a review meeting curfew by the people between 7 am and statement said. Coronavirus in Delhi: Metro rail services will remain suspended on Sunday, a he/she will be referred for medical tests with Lt Governor Anil Baijal and other Cabinet ministers 9 pm. Metro’s decision to suspend all commuters to maintain a gap of at least released on Thursday, DMRC also In an eight-point advisory released on measure aimed at encouraging people to stay indoors in and quarantine to the authorities,” the and senior officials of the administration. Meanwhile, Delhi services on March 22 also comes a day 1 metre among themselves, both inside emphasised the need for commuters Thursday, DMRC also emphasised the after it issued an eight-point advisory, the train and on the premises of the to maintain at least a metre’s distance need for commuters to maintain at curfew”. In a statement issued by the Delhi Metro Rail urging people to avail its services “only stations spread across Delhi and the from each other inside the trains and least a metre’s distance from each other Corporation, it said: “In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a “janata when it is essential and unavoidable”. National Capital Region. Coronavirus at the stations. “The move is aimed at inside the trains and at the stations. observed this Sunday. It also put in effect a policy urging in Delhi: In an eight-point advisory encouraging public to stay indoors and Delhi Mohalla Clinics get ready to Coronavirus paranoia: Confusion among step up to a tough new challenge foreign students at Delhi campuses New Delhi Correspondent. New Delhi, Correspondent. has authorised six state hospitals to collect samples of suspected COVID-10 patients. These are Lok Nayak. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jawaharlal Nehru University Thursday the 11 districts are reaching out to doctors at the clinics Gandhi Super Speciality, Janakpuri Super Specialty, asked all students to vacate hostels within to explain the guidelines that have to be followed 48 hours citing a Delhi government To this end, chief district medical officers (CDMOs) of Guruand Deen Tegh Dayal Bahadur, Upadhyay Baba Sahebhospitals. Ambedkar, “We are Rajivalso while screening a patient. The Delhi government is getting private labs on board to provide the testing order. For foreign students, it said training doctors working at Aam Aadmi “special arrangements” would be made. Mohalla Clinics on handling suspected “The university shall remain closed COVID-19 cases. Aimed at strengthening till March 31. All activities, including the healthcare set-up at primary level, services in the hostel, schools and doctors at the clinics have been advised to administration, are hereby suspended. report all suspected cases to designated to vacate the hostels,” the Registrar said COVID-19 have been reported from Delhi. Accordingly,Thursday. “To allfacilitate students students are required to leave hospitals.To this So end, far, 11chief confirmed district casesmedical of for home, mess facilities will be available for next 48 hours. No mess facilities and reaching out to doctors at the clinics to services will be available from March officersexplain (CDMOs)the guidelines of the that 11 districtshave to arebe 22-31… IHA (Inter Hall Administration) followed while screening a patient. “This will make essential arrangements for is an initiative by the CDMOs in the city. international students who may not They are calling doctors and sending be able to leave for their respective not letting food delivery guys enter,” decided is that in university-run hostels, out WhatsApp messages about dos and countries,” he added. On what these claimed the student. JNU’s International we will keep it optional to leave the dont’s to be followed while screening any arrangements would entail, Dean of Students’ Association president, who hostel,” said Dean of Students’ Welfare patient. If any patient shows symptoms, Students Umesh Kadam said they would is from North Korea, has been unable review the situation in 48 hours. The to leave his country. “He was supposed the International Students’ House. DU are being counselled. We are providing lack of clarity on “special arrangements” to return in the last week of February,” Rajeevhas students Gupta, from who around is also 32 Provostcountries. of thenawareness he/she material and their to familymohalla members clinic has put some international students at said ISA member Yasmine Omarzada. At At Jamia, foreign students have been doctors,” said Dr. Nimmi Rastogi, health coordinator, JNU in doubt. An international student Delhi University, there are two hostels allowed to stay back. “If the rules and Dialogue & Development Commission (DDC). There are approval for opensearchcoronavirus testing. Three other labs – said, “There confusion among us… for foreign students, one each for men government permit, they can leave after approximately 460 mohalla clinics operational in the some people who were able to leave and women, housing 70 students each. informing us. Several of them are still facility.BioMérieux, Roche Trivitron Diagnostics Healthcare is the first & privateMylab Discovery lab to get city, which cater to 160-200 patients a day on average. Solutions — are also in touch,” added Dr Rastogi. earlier have left. Those of us who are “We can take the decision to vacate the in the hostel,” said Jamia PRO Ahmed Each mohalla clinic has a doctor and three multi- Until now, samples were being sent to AIIMS and staying back don’t know till when we’ll hostel but where will these students Azeem. tasking workers. Meanwhile, the Delhi government National Centre for Disease Control. be allowed.” “There is also no proper go? The second issue is even if we ask The university has 259 foreign sanitation in hostels, washrooms are students to vacate, aren’t we exposing students from 39 countries, more than them while they travel? So what we have half of them from Afghanistan. Amid lockdown & social distancing, not cleaned frequently. They are also weddings, engagements deferred Sundar Nagar market body asks traders to shut Gurgaon Correspondent. shop until Mar 31 amid coronavirus outbreak By early March, the number of positive cases of coronavirus in Italy had crossed 2,500, and as soon as a 29-year-old Delhi-based fashion stylist found out, she cancelled her New Delhi Correspondent. wedding at Como in Italy. Likewise, a 38-year-old media professional cancelled her four- Sundar Nagar Market Traders’ Association president day wedding festivities in April across Delhi and Goa once the Centre announced the Komal Jain said he has given a call to close shops to suspension of all visas till April 13. As India takes stringent steps to battle coronavirus, prevent transfer of disease, adding that those who weddings and engagements take a backseat, with many deciding to postpone them want to keep their shops open can do so. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, most shops in South Delhi’s wedding on April 15. Of course, we had to cancel the wedding, and the hotel was kind upscale Sundar Nagar market will be closed till March indefinitely.enough to email “We hadthat bookedthey will a hotelrefund in theItaly’s sum Como once and banks booked are properly airline tickets functional,” too for said our the stylist. The couple did consider getting married on the same day at the bride’s Delhi house on April 15 but are worried about even a gathering of 30-odd people. “There is a lot of uncertainty. We have pushed 31.restaurants, This is thehas firsttaken time such in a itsdecision. 80-year Sundar history Nagar that theMarket market, Traders’ known Association for jewellery, president handicraftsKomal Jain said and depending on the lockdown,” said the stylist. Delhi-based wedding designer Vasundra Banga (30), who runs Tinselle Events, he has given a call to close shops to prevent transfer of thesaid wedding that even to though April 25November-February for now and have istold peak the wedding planners season, that this spring will andonly summer be confirmed weddings five toodays have before become the wedding,common disease, adding that those who want to keep their shops in North India, and the coronavirus outbreak has impacted business. She said, “We were working on four weddings for open can do so. “We felt it would be best to close down the month of April, and now three have been pushed to later dates, and one is still on track.” The media professional, who the market, keeping in mind the safety of our members, cancelled her wedding festivities due in April, said it was the most practical decision to make. She said, “I have a cousin in traders, staff and also our clients,” he said. When The of closing the shop, said he will keep it closed for at Canada, and three friends in Germany and Spain, who would not have made it to the wedding. Also, it is not safe to have a Indian Express visited the market on Thursday, it was book shop owner Vijay Chopra, who was in the process gathering. We are getting a refund from the Goa venue.” A bride-to-be, with an April wedding slated in Delhi, said the families will take a call by Monday and may agree to do a small ceremony at a temple instead. A wedding planner said while she is not open. Even among the shops that were open, some leastalso said four he days will on close the theadvisory shop ofas thethere association. are barely Ojas any mostlywere preparing deserted tojust shut seven-eight due to lack of ofthe footfall. 38 shops Mascot’s were jewellerycustomers. and handicrafts shopkeeper D D Pandey discouraging clients, but she is petrified of “exposure as wedding planning requires stepping out of home.” People make panic purchases, shops Coronavirus outbreak: In Noida, run out of stocks amid coronavirus fear govt spaces turn isolation wards New Delhi Correspondent. Neighbourhood stores have reported a steep rise in the number of customers placing NoidaCorrespondent. large orders over the past two-three days. News of bare shelves in supermarkets in several countries that have seen a sizable A 150-bed facility was opened at the Bhimrao number of coronavirus cases have started to Ambedkar Hostel in Gautam Budh Nagar have an impact in Delhi as well, with people University on Thursday for patients who need stocking up on grocery items. Neighbourhood stores have reported a steep cases rise in Gautam Budh Nagar district, rise in the number of customers placing large tothe be administration quarantined As thehas numberbegun of converting COVID-19 orders over the past two-three days. “We have government spaces into makeshift isolation seen a sudden increase in orders for rice, pulses, wards. As of Thursday, four residents had tested sugar — almost double. People are primarily positive while test results of others are awaited. buying basics that can get them through for at A 150-bed facility was opened at the least a month,” said Chetan Vashisht, who runs Bhimrao Ambedkar Hostel in Gautam Budh Siddhivinayak store in Jangpura Extension. Online stores such as Big Basket and Prime Nagar University on Thursday for patients who at any given time. The hostel will eventually have in Sector 30, which was due for inauguration Now (Amazon) are experiencing a longer turnaround time. “I tried to place an order for a capacity of 300 beds, when fully functional. since the last one year, has arranged 350 beds dry goods today to be delivered tomorrow, but was informed delivery will be delayed. hostel rooms have been turned into temporary Patients will be kept at the facility for 14 days Earlier I was able to get things delivered within a two-hour window,” said Raashi Sehgal, needisolation to berooms. quarantined. The rooms The single-occupancyhave a bed, a and if they show no symptoms, they will be 42, a resident of Saket.In Gurgaon, where malls were ordered shut, stock that usually mattress, a pillow and a table. The facility has forhave quarantine. been set up. At present,“We are thetrying hospital to tell only people has lasts weeks is running out in days. At a Safal store in DLF5, for example, employees said are available at the Government Institute of servicesto not panic. for quarantine People are as nobeing other brought departments in for their stock, which normally lasts a full day, has been running out in barely three hours be present to provide further information. The discharged,Medical Sciences officials and said.another Presently, nine beds 10 in beds the since the start of this week. “We get fresh stock every morning and have been getting the aAdditional welcome District desk where Magistrate two-three and an officials SDM will government pediatric hospital in Sector 30. In been in contact with a person who contracted addition to this, the Asian Institute of Medical quarantinethe virus. More only thanif symptoms 10 samples appear were or sentthey afterhave Things like onion and garlic, which can last longer, run out by 10 am. People are buying doctor of the health department will oversee Sciences in Sector 40 and Noida Mitra Hospital in two people had tested positive. We are trying to samethings quantity in bulk, as everyone always, but is worried,”the surge ofsaid demand an employee. each morning “At our has store, been weoverwhelming. have today be the nodal officers for the facility, while a senior Sector 35, both of which are dysfunctional, will utilise more government spaces,” said Dr Anurag started the practice of allowing only two people inside the shop at a time. three shifts, with at least three doctors present also be utilised for the same. The district hospital Bhargava, CMO, Gautam Budh Nagar. medical aspects. Medical officials will work in 4 | English Daily Open Search | EDITORIAL | New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 Open Search We need to restrict the use of crowded public EDITORIAL Justice Gogoi’s Rajya Sabha transport to prevent transmission of Covid-19 Swati Piramal nomination underlines need for The crowded local train is Mumbai’s lifeline. The city’s supply chain of essential cooling-off period for judges commodities and its residents are heavily There is a light-hearted maxim that lawyers are fond dependent on this mode of transport. The local trains, used by more than 7.5 million know the law and those who know the law minister.” commuters daily, are being sanitised in a ofThe quoting: Narendra “There Modi are government’s two types oftenure judges has those seen who the bid to control the spread of coronavirus. Special efforts are being put in to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in all passenger emergence of a third type of judge those who know the interface areas and components in primelegitimate minister. criticism Former and analysis Chief Justice concerning Ranjan its Gogoi’stiming coaches, including door handles, side rushedand has nominationled to many unfavourable to the Rajya inferences, Sabha has whether drawn handles, grab handles, seats, windows, partitions, etc. In the long-distance trains, disinfection of toilets and washbasins are justified or otherwise. In this context, it becomes also being ensured. That said, travelling in importantdedicated a to considerable revisit the amount jurisprudence of time and to debating political the local trains could be the easiest way commentary on this subject. Our founding fathers to contract the virus. The Mumbai locals, which are known to carry commuters 2.6 theprevent importance interference of anby the independent executive or judiciary the legislature. and in times more than its capacity, are famous for ensuringThis principle that adequatewas further safeguards elaborated are upon installed by the to people breathing down each other’s necks, Supreme Court to state that “the constitutional scheme literally. An infected person travelling on a local train in Mumbai can potentially infect millions. What are other countries doing aimsindependence at securing along an with independent the doctrine judiciary, of separation which is with their mass transit systems? What can Scientists have been planning for a pandemic for decades and transport hubs theof powers bulwark – between of democracy”. the legislature, Consequently, executive and judicial the we learn from their experience? Is mere are widely regarded as infection hotspots, with virus transmission rates up disinfection of the trains enough? In the to six times higher for those using public transport systems. Airplanes, trains the basic structure of the Constitution. Unfortunately, face of the coronavirus outbreak, health judiciarythese safeguards – have beenare now repeatedly being callously held to formdisregarded. part of The Mumbai locals, and buses (and the stations and airports you must travel through) provide in The defence that the BJP propaganda machine is which are known to crowds whenever possible, and people are many respects the perfect environment for droplet-spread diseases such as putting forth is that it has happened before. But that officialsincreasingly are worried advising about citizens being to in avoidclose coronavirus (Covid-19) to thrive. Most cities with large transit systems, such is a deliberately disingenuous half-truth designed to carry commuters contact with strangers. For those who use public transit, this concern is top of the as in the US, are doubling down on deep cleaning their subway cars, buses, them further. It is a fact that no elevation of a former 2.6 times more mind. Health experts know that Covid-19 turnstiles, and handrails. mislead the loyal support base that is unlikely to question than its capacity, causes respiratory problems. This virus manner that mocks the wisdom of people. There was a is similar to the common cold and other be in during a pandemic, in comparison respiratory viruses, which usually spread work-from-home plan. If you feel sick judge to the Rajya Sabha was done in an audacious are famous for to entertainment places, shops, hospitals, through exposure to tiny droplets from a workplaces and schools. Countries such decade (Justice M Hidayatullah), of almost six years in people breathing sick person’s cough or sneeze. as “at higher risk” of contracting the cooling-off period (between retirement as a judge and as Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea another (Justice Ranganath Misra). And Justice Baharul Scientists have been planning for orcoronavirus belong to(older the adults, category people classified with the subsequent nomination), in one case of almost a down each other’s have seen a dip in ridership, in part a pandemic for decades and transport chronic medical conditions, etc), staying because schools, businesses, and even necks, literally. An hubs are widely regarded as infection entire cities have shut down. Cities are not vice-versa. None of these examples is comparable hotspots, with virus transmission rates thing to do. Generally speaking, close Islam was a Rajya Sabha member for over a decade infected person still operating some train and bus routes, to the nomination of Justice Gogoi within four months up to six times higher for those using atcontact home with or self-quarantining people in crowded is the spaces best before he became a judge of the Supreme Court and in addition to thoroughly sanitising of retirement. His largely deferential treatment of the travelling on a local public transport systems. Airplanes, (whether that be a subway, airplane, or them. Some transit systems are using trains and buses (and the stations train in Mumbai technology to monitor at-risk individuals. rights violations and electoral malpractices left much and airports you must travel through) to catching the virus. Previous research Taiwan’s metro agency installed an to be desired. Even if these could have been discounted provide in many respects the perfect office)has shown makes that a person using morepublic susceptible transport government qua constitutional challenges, human can potentially infra-red tool to measure people’s body environment for droplet-spread diseases can increase a person’s risk of catching a temperature before allowing them to rushed manner puts his supporters in an embarrassing infect millions. such as coronavirus (Covid-19) to thrive. enter a train, barring anyone with a position. No previous government, regardless of the Most cities with large transit systems, cold), since “buses and [trains] are earlier, his nomination to the Rajya Sabha in this What are other temperature above 38 degrees Celsius BJP’s false spin, adopted such a cavalier attitude to the such as in the US, are doubling down on respiratorycrowded with infection people (thesitting flu and or commonstanding (or 100 degrees Fahrenheit) from riding. line drawn between the three pillars of government. In countries doing deep cleaning their subway cars, buses, in close proximity” to one another. Herd with their mass turnstiles, and handrails. The London immunity (we often say that Indians have Underground, which serves roughly 1.2 great immunity) to other infections may not hold true for the coronavirus since it’s to identify commuters not wearing a fact, the late Arun Jaitley in 2012 was quick to point out transit systems? billion passengers annually, is a particular A Chinese tech firm recently developed a new virus strain. Preliminary data from mask or wearing it improperly, and thatcolleague, sometimes expressed post-retirement similar views. jobs Butcan theinfluence best view pre- hotspot. Many mass transit companies an algorithm for Beijing subway officials China suggests that household contact Hong Kong’s railway operator rolled out retirementof all came judgments.from Justice Piyush Gogoi Goyal,himself Modi’s when Cabinethe was have set up pandemic response teams. If hearing a challenge to the Finance Act. He is reported was an important means of transmission a robot to disinfect trains, in addition to to have cited a view that post-retirement appointments outside of Wuhan — prolonged contact deploying cleaning staff. To contain the risk of spread on public transit, Canadian discretion and shut down the system or with a sick person increases the risk of the outbreak gets significantly worse, it is health authorities recommend that users reduce service. Authorities in Wuhan, transmission. The time spent commuting up to transit and local officials to use their and the density of people commuting are practise impeccable “hand hygiene”. This (forideals judges) than to are live “aup scar to them. on the independence of the China, the epicentre of the outbreak, important factors in assessing if public means using an alcohol hand sanitiser judiciary”. It seems that it is easier to-Vijay profess Kumar high closed all transportation hubs in an transportation constitutes a risk for the or washing one’s hands afterwards, and being mindful not to touch one’s face. trains, ferries, buses, and planes from disease’s transmission. Because public Commuters are also advised to follow Nation must stay with vision of founding leaving the city when the disease started unprecedented quarantine, stopping all “cough hygiene”, which means not to to take hold in late January. This drastic share space with others, it goes against fathers to fight threat to secular democracy opensearchtransitthe “social naturally distancing” requires practices people health to cough directly into one’s hand and then step, in retrospect, appears to have been India has the potential to be one of the leading powers most effective in slowing the spread of one’s elbow. For Mumbai, the pandemic of the 21st century. It is the biggest democracy in the the virus. What measures can individuals closing of schools, encouraging remote response team on the local trains must world, and is blessed with talented citizens who have and companies take to reduce risk and officialswork, and have postponing recommended, or cancelling such mass as touch things, or to stifle the cough in made their mark in global business, academia, IT, effectively slow the spread of the virus? gatherings like sporting events, concerts, prevent transmission of the virus. Health entertainment and sport. There is so much India can Individuals can consider commuting or religious meetings. According to a 2005 workers, police and security, utility and teach the world about its traditions of democracy during non-peak hours, using transport survey conducted in eight regions affected use technology and quick response to supply chains for food and medicines and ahimsa (non-violence), which is why its friends, other than mass transit systems, or by the 2003 SARS outbreak, six locales — including myself, were profoundly disappointed and Hong Kong, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Great need to be considered as high priority travellers while travel restrictions could companies have asked employees to Britain, and the Netherlands — deemed Delhi in recent weeks. Millions of people around public transportation the riskiest place to be imposed on others. workingwork from home from or home. instituted Many a staggered major alarmedthe world by theremain communal inspired violence by the that example disfigured of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence. One of his greatest admirers was Nelson Mandela,

oppression and discrimination. When Mandela was whoawarded recognised the Gandhi a kindred Prize spirit in 2008, in the he fight called against on Coronavirus challenge underscores the rising powers like South Africa and India to work

reality” in the international order. His words still togetherring true today. so “democracy But speaking and as equality the deputy becomes chair of a necessity for ‘action in absence of crisis’ The Elders, the group of independent global leaders Ram Nath Kovind lost the way, and how we can still make worldwide, I am deeply concerned that Gandhi’s The outbreak of COVID-19 novel less apparent, but Nature tells us that foundedvision is bynow Mandela threatened to work by for sectarian peace and violence justice coronavirus has created an unprecedented and divisive political rhetoric. The attacks on poor, a comeback. Equality may be a factor situation around the world. Humankind beyond manmade distinctions of religion, working people, mainly Muslims, in Delhi cannot is no stranger to calamitous outbreaks of be separated from the attempts by Prime Minister werace all and are region. equal. ThisThe newworld virus has strikes been busy drawing distinctions and waging outbreak of this nature and scale in our who is eligible for it, via the recent Citizenship wars over us-vs-them. But we suddenly diseases.lifetime. Today However, my thoughts this is the are first with viral all realise that in the face of a grave mortal Narendra(Amendment) Modi Act to redefine(CAA), Indianand citizenshipthe proposed and those battling the virus, with the families of National Population Register and National Register threat like the present one, we have but all the victims around the world, and also one identity we are human beings. Inter- of Citizens. These measures would appear to be with the doctors, paramedics and health incompatible with Article 14 of India’s Constitution, dependency is also something we tend to overlook in normal times. In my speeches, lives at risk for the rest of us. I commend before the law. Together, these developments pose I have often referred to the Sanskrit officialspeople andfor alltheir others mature who haveresponse put their in which clearly states that all citizens are equal dictum, “vasudhaiva kutumbakam”, which the face of the crisis. Their support is means the whole world is but a family. and its place in the global family of nations. Callous helping all institutions to work in a searchingimperialism questions was the about handmaiden India’s democraticto India’s violent future Today, it turns out to be truer than ever birth as an independent state. Today, only Indians are before. We realise how deeply each one Our healthcare system has shown great of us is connected with everybody else. responsible for the direction of their country. There alacrity and competence in meeting the is no way that India can overcome its developmental coordinated manner to fight the outbreak. We are safe in as much as we take care extraordinary and evolving challenge. of the safety of others, not only of human challenges by pitting one religious group against Our leadership and administration have another and turning some Indians into second-class beings but also of plants and animals. proved their mettle in these testing times. Faced with an extraordinary crisis, most citizens. Yet, I fear this is the precise implication I believe that together we will weather of the CAA and other legislative measures that PM the storm. I also commend the Prime Modi’s government has proposed. When people of Minister, Narendra Modi, for taking pre- one religion are denied access to citizenship that is peopleThough tend voluntary to be selfish, services but through this is a socialcrisis emptive measures in right earnest to mobilisation are not encouraged due freely available to others, it prompts memories of contain the pandemic at the very beginning Sanitation and cleanliness are among the lasting impact on global political economy, that teaches us to think equally of others. some of the darkest periods in recent human history. to the highly contagious nature of the and reaching out to our neighbours in the humblest of civic virtues, and it is easy disease, there are many ways in which International observers, including myself, have also Respect for nature may be the next lesson been increasingly alarmed at the arbitrary attacks on people can help contain and mitigate the spread in the neighbourhood. Even the needed a Mahatma to attach the utmost triggerintended new for us. equations Homo sapiens among is the nations only viral spread. Every citizen can contribute India’s Muslims based on rumours about sensitive WHO has acknowledged India’s efforts priority to them. In South Africa and in organism that has overpowered all other issues such as cow slaughter, beef consumption SAARC to launch joint efforts to check its to underestimate their significance. It as worthy of emulation for the rest of India, his historic campaigns always began animals, taken control of the whole planet, by refraining from spreading panic, and inter-communal personal relationships. These the world. The outbreak has forced and even set foot on the Moon. Now it actions are tantamount to vigilante punishment, towardstaking prudent raising precautions awareness andadvised equally by us to keep a respectful distance from stands humbled by a microorganism. We the government. Those who can should which has a harmful impact on social cohesion as others. This isolation, self-imposed or was visiting India, and plague broke out would do well to keep in mind the fact well as the democratic fabric of society. If India with, or ran parallel to, the question of also share resources, especially with medically mandated, can be taken as sanitationin Bombay. and He hygiene.offered his In services1896, Gandhiji to the that, at the end of the day, we are merely less resourceful neighbours, and senior were to go further down this path of nationalist and an ideal opportunity to ponder on our state, and the offer was accepted. As he biological organisms, dependent on other religious discrimination, it would be a political and citizens who are vulnerable to the disease. organisms for survival. The coronavirus challenge underscores the social catastrophe that could set back the country’s are passing through a tough phase, let us you know what he did as a volunteer? He Humankind’s craving to control development for generations. The protests in Assam, necessity for “action in absence of crisis”. journeyturn this so challenge far and the into future an opportunitypath. As we wasinspected in Rajkot, latrines he and volunteered exhorted there.people Do to Nature and exploit all its resources for Nature is reminding us to acknowledge, and try to decipher what nature has pay attention to cleanliness. We need to on a trial basis last year, were a harbinger of the been telling us through this crisis. The imbibe his lessons in our daily life, and in organism we cannot even see with the and inter-dependency. It is a lesson whenwider thisnationwide new citizenship alarm, and law should was first have introduced prompted messages are many, but for the purpose this year of his 150th birth anniversary, we naked eye. Let us remind ourselves that the government to pause and listen to its citizens. profit can be wiped out in a stroke by an withimparted humility, at a heavyour quintessential price that will equality come of brevity, I would dwell upon a few here. may begin by rededicating ourselves to the our ancestors saw Nature as mother, in handy in mitigating global challenges More than 1.9 million citizens, both Hindus and cause of personal and social hygiene. The and asked us to respect it. At some point Muslims, were left off the NRC in Assam when it was like climate change as well as in building a obvious lesson. Precaution is the only nationwide “Swachch Bharat Abhiyan” in history, we forgot ancient wisdom. better, common future. In the meantime, I introduced in 2019, sparking fears that they could cure for this new strain of coronavirus. As (Mission Clean India) is a precursor to When pandemics and abnormal weather be declared stateless when the next census is carried We all know that hygiene is the first and precaution, what doctors advise is basic phenomena are becoming the norm, it out of the present crisis at the earliest, out in 2021. hygiene, apart from social distancing. writes: Coronavirus crisis could have is time to pause and wonder where we joinstronger you in than reaffirming ever as a our nation. resolve to come this great social awakening. C Raja Mohan New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 | INTERNATIONAL | | English Daily Open Search | 5 FIRST COLUMN 5.9-magnitude Virus hits Europe harder than China, is that the price of an open society? quake hits Tibet New York, Agency. facing a new pathogen and barely two The macabre milestones keep coming. By Wuhan was closed off, there were fewer Wednesday, Europe had recorded more near Nepal border weeks after the virus was identified. When coronavirus cases and fatalities than China. though testing had barely begun. “China On Thursday, Italy by itself passed China in thanmay 600have confirmed acted late. infections I have reservations worldwide, reported deaths. While China claims to have about some measures they implemented, lowered its rate of new cases essentially to but they controlled the epidemic,” Francois zero, Europe’s numbers grow faster each Balloux, an epidemiologist at University College London, wrote on Twitter on and 5,000 deaths in all so far suggesting that Thursday. “Doing so, they gave the world a daythe worst about is 100,000yet to come. confirmed So how infections is it that window of opportunity to prepare, which the new disease, COVID-19, has hit harder was squandered.” in Europe, which had weeks of warning that A 5.9-magnitude Beijing, Agency. the epidemic was coming, than in China, earthquake struck China’s remote broad area Italy’s much less stringently where the virus originated and where there Himalayan region of Tibet close to whole industries in the process. “China has censor any talk of an outbreak, and medical enforcedEurope’s isolation first of effort the northern to rope region off a are twice as many people? To some extent, Nepal on Friday, authorities said. The been willing to go to pretty extraordinary gear was in critically short supply — it then that includes Milan took effect March experts say, Europeans are paying a price for epicentre of the quake was located lengths, using the army, using the police, addressed the crisis seriously. The coercive 8, when the country had reported more 28.63 degrees north latitude and locking people in their homes, using drone power of an authoritarian government than 7,300 cases. Spain and France had people are used to free movement. 87.42 degrees east longitude, with a technology to monitor behavior, setting up was only one factor. Speed and aggressive similar caseloads the following week, when easy travel and independent decision- depth of 10 km, according to the China living in open, affluent democracies, where roadblocks,” said Dr. Arthur Reingold, head action have been essential, and some East they chose to ban most public outings making, and where governments worry Earthquake Networks Centre. Tremors of the epidemiology division at the public Asian governments have understood that nationwide. “You have to do strict social about public opinion. Governments aren’t were felt in Tingri county of Xigaze city health school of the University of California, better than their Western counterparts. distancing within a week of the start of used to giving harsh orders, and citizens A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Berkeley. “Whatever measures have been “They saw what SARS did” in 2003 and community transmission, otherwise you aren’t used to following them. But China China’s remote Himalayan region of Tibet put in place in Europe really have only been 2004, “and they prepared for the next one,” get an explosion, and once you get that acted with a severity and breadth that close to Nepal on Friday, authorities put in place recently, and frankly, and none said Thomas Frieden, a former director of explosion, it’s very hard to contain,” Frieden stunned the West, making unpopular moves said. The epicentre of the quake was of them has been as draconian and all- the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and said. “The key is not to get to that point, and and accepting deep economic damage as located 28.63 degrees north latitude encompassing as what was done in Wuhan,” Prevention. While China lost precious much of Europe is beyond that point, and the price of containing the disease. It closed and 87.42 degrees east longitude, with Reingold said. The consistency and reliability weeks in the beginning, it then moved New York is beyond that point.” Some parts off tens of millions of people, prohibiting a depth of 10 km, according to the China of the numbers from China and some other faster and more decisively than Western of East Asia acted quickly but with a very them from leaving their cities and even Earthquake Networks Centre. Tremors countries have been questioned, but the different strategy than China’s or Europe’s: their homes, except to get food and medical were felt in Tingri county of Xigaze city overall situation and its direction are clear. big lockdown, of Wuhan and other cities, aggressive testing and contact-tracing to care, and it imposed lesser restrictions in Tibet near Mount Everest at 9:33 AM, While China stumbled in the early going countrieson Jan. 23, have. less than China a imposedmonth after its local first stop the chain of transmission, without on hundreds of millions, shutting down the local government said, adding that shutting down economic activity.

and communications were reported. The — local and regional officials attempted to officials there conceded that they were no house collapse or disruption of traffic to villages and towns to collect more Italian death toll overtakes US Representative Tulsi countyinformation, government state-run has Xinhua sent officials news agency reported. Tingri borders Nepal to the south. Most areas of the county China’s as coronavirus spreads Gabbard ends Democratic belong to the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, it said. In the meantime, Jerusalem, Agency. presidential bid, endorses Biden The death toll in Italy from the were dispatched to the epicentre. More Rome, Agency. nine firefighters and three fire tenders coronavirus overtook China’s on vehicles are on standby. Meanwhile, Thursday in a stark illustration of U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who thantremors 100 were firefighters also felt and in Nepal’s dozens capitalof how the outbreak has pivoted toward campaigned to end “forever wars,” dropped her long-shot city Kathmandu and and surrounding Europe and the United States. Italy, bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination on districts. The earthquake measuring 6.2 with a population of 60 million, Thursday and endorsed front-runner Joe Biden in a video magnitude was recorded at National recorded at least 3,405 deaths, or posted to Twitter. “Although I may not agree with the vice Seismological Centre in Kathmandu at roughly 150 more than in China – president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and 7.18 AM. The epicenter of the earthquake a country with a population over he’s motivated by his love for our country and the American was located at Quilling in Tibet, according 20 times larger. Italy reached the to the National Seismological Centre of bleak milestone the same day that Nepal. No causality or damage to property Wuhan, the Chinese city where the was reported. Five days ago, western Nepal’s tourist hub Pokhara was hit by a months ago, recorded no new 5-magnitude earthquake. PTI KJV/SBP coronavirusinfections, a sign first that emerged the communist three country’s draconian lockdowns were a powerful method to stop of reasons for Italy’s high toll, key public transportation as authorities Iran’s supreme leader to the virus’ spread. On Thursday, a among them its large population of considered imposing tougher travel visiting Chinese Red Cross team elderly people, who are particularly restrictions. The British supermarket pardon 10,000 prisoners, criticised Italians’ failure to properly susceptible to serious complications quarantine themselves and take from the virus, though severe cases hour of shopping for vulnerable including political ones the national lockdown seriously. have also been seen in younger chaincustomers, Sainsbury’s one of many reserved such the efforts first Meanwhile, the damage to the world’s patients. Italy has the world’s second- around the world. largest economy kept piling up, with oldest population, and the vast Jim Gibson, 72, of London, said he unemployment claims surging in majority of its dead – 87% – were found most of his groceries there in the United States, while the virus over 70. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a a “relatively trauma-free” experience. appeared to be opening an alarming virologist at Germany’s Bernhard But he fretted that he hadn’t been people,” said Gabbard, 38. She has served as a congresswoman new front in Africa, whereopensearch in less Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, able to get the medicine he needed for than three weeks it has spread to 35 said Italy’s high death rate could be his wife and himself, and expressed Congress. The endorsement was something of a surprise given countries. The epidemic has also now explained in part by the almost total concerns that Britain’s government fromGabbard’s Hawaii past since support 2013 for and Biden’s is the main first rival, Hindu U.S. elected Senator to reached at least one European head breakdown of the health system in had been too slow in ramping up Bernie Sanders of Vermont. But she noted that recent state of state, 62-year-old Prince Albert II some areas. “That’s what happens testing. “You can’t go on ignoring nominating contests had made it clear that Democratic voters of the tiny principality of Monaco. when the health system collapses,” World Health Organisation guidelines had chosen the former vice president to take on Republican The palace announced that he he said. On a visit to the northern city – if they’re wrong, who the hell is President Donald Trump in November’s general election. On tested positive for the virus but was of Milan, the head of a Chinese Red right?” he said. “Let’s have no shilly- Twitter, Biden thanked Gabbard for her service to the country New York , Agency. On Tuesday, Esmaili Cross delegation helping advise Italy shallying.” The British government, as a veteran and a congresswoman. “I’m grateful to have her said Iran had temporarily freed about and was being treated by doctors said he was shocked to see so many which was slow to react to the virus, support and look forward to working with her to restore honor 85,000 people from jail, including political continuingfrom Princess to Grace work Hospital, from his named office people walking around, using public has shifted gears and is now drawing and decency to the White House,” he wrote. Despite remaining prisoners, in response to the coronavirus after his American actress mother. transportation and eating out. Sun up legislation giving itself new mired far behind Biden and Sanders, Gabbard had stayed in epidemic. Iran’s Supreme Leader In the US, Congress rushed to pass Shuopeng said Wuhan saw infections powers to detain people and restrict the race even as better-known rivals dropped out. In all nine Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon a $1 trillion emergency package to peak only after a month of a strictly gatherings. The bill is expected to be 10,000 prisoners including political ones shore up the sinking economy and enforced lockdown. “Right now we approved by Parliament next week. other contenders who had already abandoned their campaigns in honour of the Iranian new year on help households pull through the need to stop all economic activity statebut still contests appeared over on the ballots. last two Gabbard weeks, earned she finished her only behind two Friday, state TV reported. “Those who will and we need to stop the mobility of since Jan. 20 that Wuhan showed be pardoned will not return to jail almost rounds of relief checks consisting of people,” he said. “All people should Thursdayno new locally marked transmitted the first cases, time a was born. Biden has won at least 971 delegates of the 1,991 half of those security-related prisoners crisis,payments with of the $1,000 first ofper two adult possible and be staying at home in quarantine.” rare glimmer of hope and perhaps a delegatesneeded to by clinch finishing the nominationsecond in American in July, whileSamoa, Sanders where shehas will be pardoned as well,” judiciary $500 for each child. The worldwide Aside from the elderly and the sick, lesson in the strict measures needed collected 737, according to Edison Research an advantage spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told death toll crept toward 10,000 as the most people have mild or moderate to contain the virus. Wuhan, which for Biden widely seen as virtually unassailable. A major in the state TV on Wednesday. On Tuesday, total number of infections topped symptoms, like a fever or cough, has been under a strict lockdown Hawaii National Guard who was deployed in Iraq from 2004 to Esmaili said Iran had temporarily freed 220,000, including nearly 85,000 and most recover in a matter of since January, once was the place about 85,000 people from jail, including people who have recovered. French weeks. Spain has been the hardest- where thousands lay sick or dying in wars.” Despite her liberal views on most other issues, she has political prisoners, in response to the Prime Minister Edouard Philippe hit European country after Italy, and hurriedly constructed hospitals. But 2005,won praise Gabbard from is asome fierce Trump opponent supporters of what andshe callsconservative “forever coronavirus epidemic. Esmaili did not pleaded with people to keep their in Madrid a four-star hotel began Chinese authorities said all 34 new media outlets, where she frequently appears as a commentator. say whether British-Iranian aid worker distance from one another to avoid operating as a makeshift hospital for cases recorded over the previous She has consistently opposed U.S. intervention in Syria, going Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe who was spreading the virus, even as the crisis coronavirus patients. The director day had come from abroad. “Today, so far as to meet secretly with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad temporarily released on Tuesday for pushed them to seek comfort. “When of the group that runs the Ayre GH we have seen the dawn after so in January 2017 during Democratic President Barack Obama’s two weeks was among those who would you love someone, you should avoid Colon hotel tweeted: “365 rooms many days of hard effort,” said be among those who will be pardoned. taking them in your arms,” he said more to help win the war.” The Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at own party. She became embroiled in an ugly war of words in The United States has urged Iran to free in Parliament. “It’s counterintuitive, Madrid Hotel Business Association the National Health Commission. administration,October after 2016 sparking Democratic fierce presidential criticism from candidate some Hillary in her dozens of dual nationals and foreigners and it’s painful. The psychological said it has placed 40 hotels with Meanwhile, the World Health Clinton said Gabbard was being “groomed” to disrupt the 2020 held mainly on spying charges, saying consequences, the way we are living, room for 9,000 people at the service Organisation warned that the virus election as a third-party candidate. In January, Gabbard sued Washington would hold the Tehran are very disturbing – but it’s what we of the Madrid region, which has near is spreading quickly in Africa – an for defamation, seeking at least $50 million in damages from government directly responsible for any must do.” The American death toll half of Spain’s 17,000 or so cases. In especially alarming development, Clinton for harming her reputation by allegedly suggesting she American deaths. rose to 160, primarily elderly people. London, home to almost 9 million, the given the poor state of health care was a Russian asset. Health authorities have cited a variety government urged people to stay off in many of its countries. Ebola-hit West African nations on alert amid coronavirus pandemic Coronavirus outbreak: Some countries are New York, Agency. the virus, because the people we are depending on to help us during the Ebola crisis can’t even better armoured for epidemics than others Although the virus has not yet hit the continent help us now because they too have the same New York, Agency. as hard as other parts of the world such as problem.” Businessman Peter Walker is also Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) concerned about Liberia’s ability to cope with No European country is escaping the economic consequences of the coronavirus, but has expressed concern over the vulnerability another outbreak. “We are very much afraid with the pain won’t be divided equally. Southern Europe, which bore the brunt of the last of resource-poor countries with weak health what is unfolding now,” he told DW. “Ebola came big economic crisis, will suffer the most. Countries like Greece and Italy depend heavily systems. People in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra to this country – it started with one case and on tourism and are still suffering the lingering effects of the eurozone debt meltdown Leone are ramping up preparations for a potential spread everywhere…We don’t have any means to over the last decade, including austerity programs that left their health care systems ill coronavirus outbreak, with many worried they manage this.” Misinformation spreads in Guinea prepared for a pandemic. But even countries regarded as paragons of competitiveness, will see a repeat of the chaos and misinformation As the epicentre of the West Africa Ebola like Germany and the Netherlands, may turn out to have weaknesses that, until a few associated with the 2014 – 2016 Ebola outbreak. outbreak, Guinea is no stranger to the importance weeks ago, were regarded as strengths. Germany’s automakers, for example, have Although the virus has not yet hit the continent of containment and tracing. But, much like with dominated the luxury car business. But the virus exposed their dependence on sales as hard as other parts of the world such as the Ebola outbreak, misinformation is a key point in China, and now they are closing factories all over the region. Any country with lots Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) of concern among residents here, with many left has expressed concern over the vulnerability confused as to the symptoms of coronavirus of resource-poor countries with weak health and how exactly it spreads. “I have heard that Italy are examples, but so is the Netherlands. Other countries may have hidden strengths. systems. The 2014 – 2016 Ebola outbreak was allegedly suspended from his position as the of small firms and self-employed people will suffer as well, because these businesses head of the Environmental Protection Agency coronavirus is more dangerous than Ebola,” typicallyAn economy have with thinner lots financialof companies reserves that to can survive deliver a sudden their services plunge digitally,in sales. Greeceand where and student Fode Soumah told DW. “It is a sickness employees can work from home, should be relatively resilient. This could be Estonia’s emergency response systems, with the epidemic after refusing mandatory quarantine, however Blama disputes this. In communities across the that can be contracted through bodily heat, so moment; its capital, Tallinn, has a lively digital startup scene. The most important inultimately West Africaclaiming highlighted over 11,000 serious lives flaws by the in country, memories of the deadly Ebola virus, we must therefore take precautions.” Scientists economic policy for any country, economists at Oxford Economics point out, is to get say Coronavirus, or COVID-19 – is spread mainly the virus under control. That gives the advantage to countries with effective leaders and Liberia, authorities have ordered schools to close which killed 4,800, are still strong in people’s minds. Prior to the outbreak in 2014, Liberia’s from person-to-person between those who are well-equipped health care systems. Countries in southern Europe cut back on health care time the outbreak was officially declared over. In in close contact with one another and through spending during the eurozone debt crisis to meet stringent budget limits that were a cases of the new coronavirus as of March 18. The health system was still struggling to recover from the civil war which ended in 2003, with only 50 respiratory droplets produced when a person condition for receiving bailouts. Now these countries are tragically vulnerable. The virus for at least a week, with at least two confirmed doctors for a population of over 4 million. Teacher has spread its woe in unpredictable ways, and there are certain to be more unpleasant Ruby Martine told DW she is already preparing Wuhan, China in late 2019. It did not reach sub- surprises. “It’s still hard to say which country will be hit the most and which will be the second case was identified as a domestic worker for the worst. You notice I have my gates locked coughs or sneezes – it was first identified in most resilient,” said Carsten Brzeski, chief eurozone economist at the Dutch bank ING. incountry the home after of returning the government from Switzerland. official, Nathanial Blama right now,” she said, “You don’t know who has “We are still in the middle of the wave.” The European economy is. Blama who was the first recorded case in the Saharan Africa until March 9, when the first case was identified in Burkina Faso. 6 | English Daily Open Search | SPORTS | New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 FIRST COLUMN I’ll defend French Open Cricket boards brace for losses in the time of coronavirus title whenever it’s Mumbai, Agency. working through with advice from experts, externally as to what are the various scenarios played, says Ash Barty When the mighty Indian cricket board that are plausible, how likely are they, and decided this week that only the chief among how would we plan to deal with each of its national selectors would travel business them.” In England, the fate of the inaugural ‘The Hundred’ championship hangs in the for the game amid the coronavirus outbreak. balance after the epicenter of the pandemic class,The uncharacteristic it merely confirmed austerity straitened by the world’s times moved from Asia to Europe, shutting down richest cricket board follows its decision most sport on the continent. earlier this month to halve the winner’s purse The England and Wales Cricket Board at this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), a (ECB) have invested heavily in promoting cash cow with a brand value of $6.8 billion. the competition in the 100-ball format, The franchise-based Twenty20 league which is scheduled to begin on July 17. “It is was scheduled to begin on March 29 but has to share how it plans to dovetail the launch a smaller share from the shrunken central clear that every industry, including cricket, now been postponed until April 15. To many, will be impacted by this unprecedented a condensed tournament, possibly without of its new platform with the IPL. Chinese pool of revenues for the eight IPL franchises, smartphone maker Vivo, which bagged the not to mention a reduction in gate receipts. situation,” Tom Moffat, chief executive of foreign players, later this year looks like a more the Federation of International Cricketers’ realistic prospect. A curtailed or cancelled 2018-22 title rights for 219 million rupees, is unlikely to suffer a big loss. “They would have Cup narrowly escaped the health crisis but the Associations (FICA), told Reuters. “It’s more important than ever for the cricket industry for the Board of Control for Cricket in India been preparing for new launches around IPL. Furtheroutbreak afield, has castthe Women’sa shadow Twenty20 over the Worldmen’s They can still do it,” Abraham said.Vivo did event in Australia, which begins on Oct. 18. to work together collaboratively at this time.” tournament(BCCI), which would gets around mean 400 significant million rupees losses Individually, top players from outside India ($5.38 million) annually from broadcaster not elaborate if the truncation had disrupted The International Cricket Council (ICC), which their plans to leverage their tournament runs the tournament, said it was monitoring risk losing IPL contracts worth millions of STAR India and its central pool of sponsors. dollars if they are unable to travel or their “The loss at this stage is notional. The biggest rights. “In light of the global health risk … we the situation. at Vivo completely support BCCI’s decision to “We are planning for the event to go ahead boards deny them permission to play. As loser in any economic dynamics is always far as FICA is concerned, Moffat said, the its biggest gainer, which is BCCI in this case,” postpone the series,” Nipun Marya, Director of as scheduled,” it said on the tournament Ash Barty did not Vivo India’s Brand Strategy, said in a statement website. Cricket Australia stands to lose some wellbeing of the players while the world Mumbai, Agency. SportzPower co-founder Thomas Abraham, deals with an international health crisis is far receive a heads up from tournament whose company monitors sports business in to Reuters. “We shall continuously evaluate the A$300 million ($174 million) should the chief Guy Forget about moving the 2020 situation as it progresses.” The BCCI and IPL more important than cash. “Governing bodies, India, told Reuters. “For STAR India, it’s also a employers, and leagues owe a duty of care to edition back by four months but said she loss of opportunity. It was building the India franchises also pay 20% of a player’s annual home test series against India later this year. would grasp at any chance she gets to fee to his home board, which stands to lose coronavirus outbreak derail their high-profile provide players with a safe workplace,” he launch of its Disney+ OTT (streaming service) added. “And enforcing that players travel to, defend her title. French Open champion around the IPL.” A truncated tournament that money if it does not allow the cricketer project precisely what will transpire over the Ash Barty did not receive a heads up into the IPL due to fears about the coronavirus “We’renext number in uncertain of months,” times, CAand chief it’s difficult executive to or work in conditions that are unsafe, would would necessitate renegotiation with Disney- not meet that standard.” from tournament chief Guy Forget about owned STAR India, which was not available for example. A shorter tournament will mean Kevin Roberts said this week. “But we will be moving the 2020 edition back by four months but said she would grasp at any chance she gets to defend her title. Barty won her maiden Grand Slam title Team management backs my in Paris last June but will have to wait Athletics Federation of India’s until at least September to return to Roland Garros after the French Tennis approach, don’t pay attention to Federation (FFT) announced the shift Indian GP stopped in its tracks on Tuesday because of the coronavirus social media: Cheteshwar Pujara pandemic. The FFT have been under New Delhi, Agency. New Delhi, Agency. being called off. The Federation Cup, Despite fears of Coronavirus consulting with other stakeholders but Cheteshwar Pujara, who has become one of the most dependable official announcement of the event Olympics, which was scheduled to be fireAustralian for making world the number decision one without Barty said batsmen in the India Test team over the years but has still been was going ahead with the event she was just looking forward to getting dogged by question marks aheld qualification from April event10 to 13 for also the stands Tokyo pandemic,until the sports the track ministry and banned field body all cancelled. When social isolation. self- the chance to get back out on the famous over his strike rate, says he events till April 15 Some of India’s red clay. “I haven’t spoken to Guy Forget feels no pressure because quarantine and medical screening is top javelin throwers, including Neeraj being followed across the country and but I’m happy to play the tournament the India team management Chopra, and coaches have been put in whenever it is scheduled,” Barty told – including skipper Virat new cases of Coronavirus are being quarantine rooms for 14 days at the reported daily, the AFI had earlier the Australian Associated Press on Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri National Institute of Sports in Patiala. Thursday. “I hope I get the chance to – value his style of play. The deputy chief coach of the and second legs of the Indian Grand defend my title in September – any “I don’t think there is too Athletics Federation of India (AFI) opportunity to compete is something much talk (inside the team thisPrix weekseries announcedwill be held that in the Patiala first has isolated himself for a fortnight. on March 20 and 25. This decision I’ll grab with both hands. “There are on strike rate). In media, At least two national campers were more important things going on in the it is described differently was arrived at after taking internal world right now, though, and I will do but the team management premises on Thursday though the Spectators were barred though. The whatever helps keep us all safe and has been backing me on AFI had asked them to travel to like the AFI from conducting national told by NIS officials to leave the feedbackAFI accepted from over coaches 175 andentries officials. from this completely. There is no Patiala from their respective training competitions or selection trials loss to Petra Kvitova at the Qatar Open pressure from the captain, issued more stringent restrictions. athletes across the country among them those who would have to take healthy.”in February Barty and last faces played a long in waita semi-final before coach or anyone else,” Pujara, Grand Prix. At a time when the All national sports federations were told not to conduct ‘tournaments different modes of transport to she gets back on court after the WTA who is currently getting much-needed family time due to the basesCoronavirus for the (COVID-19) first leg of thepandemic Indian suspended the tour until June 7. A freeze Covid-19 outbreak, told PTI on Thursday. “I just want to clarify and selection trials’ till April 15. reach NIS and compete in the same has resulted in either the cancellation arena as the national campers. The in rankings, however, means Barty will that when it comes to strike rate people start pointing towards or postponement of many sports Olympic-bound athletes are also to stay at the top for another three months the team management’s take on it, but there is no pressure on me be isolated from anyone not a part next day, better sense prevailed and the AFI restricted participation in at least. at all. The team management understands my style of play and the AFI over the past week was of their training camp, the advisory stated.The AFI informed coaches and the Indian GP to national campers its importance,” he said. The 32-year-old from Rajkot was at the event,adamant including on its events Olympic calendar. qualifiers, That receiving end of questions once again on social media. athletes about the cancellation of the and some of the events for men and was till Thursday when the sports women were culled. A footballing Goliath opensearchministry in a bid to stop federations Indian GP. However, there was no in India, PK Banerjee passes away at 83 MS Dhoni’s India comeback: Express Archives: Second Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer homecoming for Class of 1956 offer contrasting opinions Mumbai, Agency. It took 53 years for the Indian government to acknowledge the country’s greatest footballing moment—making the last four at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. At a felicitation function here on Monday, however, the bruises seem New Delhi, Agency. PK Banerjee, India’s to have given way to wrinkled smiles with sips of water legendary footballer, passed away Friday at between tell-tale stories and posing for the media on the age of 83 in Kolkata. The former Indian request. Despite age catching up with the heroes of yore, skipper was battling a chest infection since the memories from more than half a century back are February and was under the supervision of sharp as ever, and none of the queries regarding November doctors at the Medica Superspecialty Hospital 24-December 5, 1956 went unanswered by the group of Rajkot, Agency. in his hometown. Banerjee had been on life 70-year old Olympic veterans. support since March 2 after suffering from Two of the surviving members Krishna Pal and Tulsidas MS Dhoni’s future with the Indian team continues to be a topic of respiratory problems due to pneumonia. He Balaram failed to show up for the felicitation. PK Banerjee speculation even as international cricket and most domestic cricket has also had Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and remembered his injuries “I remained unconscious for come to a halt. Virender Sehwag and Wasim Jaffer, both former India nine hours after an injury to my head during our match teammates of Dhoni, offered opposing views on their former captain on the hospital on February 6 and his condition against Australia. It hit back with a cerebral attack last as he’ll be an asset behind the stumps and also lower down the order. hearthad been problem. unstable Banerjee since then.was first Banerjee admitted was to year” and the lessons of civility “We were littering away on the streets in Melbourne. On looking back, I saw a group Wednesday.It’ll take the “Ifpressure Dhoni is of fit keeping and in formoff Rahul I think and we India can’t lookcan play beyond Pant him as part of the 1962 Asian Games gold medallist same team on our way back. In Sydney, we silenced them team and also led India in the 1960 Rome of girls picking up the papers. This was quite a lesson,” a batsman too if they want a lefty,” Jaffer said in a tweet. “Where will Banerjee added. Teammate Nikhil Nandy talked about the with a 7-1 victory,” remembered Nandy. The one who wore Olympics, in which he scored the equaliser greatness without vanity Samar Banerjee, the skipper, had against France to help his side secure a 1-1 game, speaking of India’s 4-2 victory over the hosts, and especially the latter performing exceptionally well of late, I think there heis no fit reasonin? With why the we likes should of Rishabh not stick Pant with and them,” KL Rahul Virender already Sehwag, in form, on draw against the European giants. Before the which, as it turned out, was a smash hit. “Rahim (coach) Rome Olympics, Banerjee represented India charts. “There was a lot of chatter from the Australian the other hand, told TOI. Speaking about the T20 World Cup, Sehwag somefell sick extra, and unexpectedhad to be hospitalised duties ahead soon of theafter very our first arrival tie, in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and played then the 7-1 thrashing that never made it to the official said India will have an edge over other teams with the return of Hardik questioned our ability and said we just managed to win on Pandya. “The whole combination will change with an all-rounder of the a key role in their 4-2 win over Australia in which we won,” he said. teamthat particular after our day, 4-2 inviting victory us in for the a re-match quarter-finals. against They the calibre of Hardik,” he said. The postponement of the IPL has also pushed in Australia. I had to coach the team before our first match, back Dhoni’s return to cricket. the quarterfinals. PK Banerjee: The one who wore greatness without vanity ‘We are considering different New York, Agency. . master storyteller who revelled in holding scenarios’: IOC president Thomas Bach court. Born in Jalpaiguri, in north Bengal, PK The Rome Olympics organisers told us we did his schooling in Jamshedpur and broke Mumbai, Agency. must have a team theme song. We barely had into the national reckoning when he played a clue. I took the stage and started singing The opening ceremony is scheduled for for Bihar in the Santosh Trophy. Soon he was July 24, with some 11,000 athletes and Dhitang, Dhitang Bole (a Salil Chowdhury included in the national team for the 1955 composition). Within two minutes the entire even more fans, volunteers, journalists, Quadrangular Tournament in Dhaka. India diplomats and others descending on Olympic stadium joined the chorus.” won the tournament, defeating Pakistan 2-1 PK Banerjee, Pradip da, as we called him Tokyo. As coronavirus has swept the globe, placing cities and countries on was a great recounter. His stories always had Peter Thangaraj, shone the brightest. The a few coats of varnish – how do you justify lockdowns, canceling the spring sports in1956 the Melbourne final and PK,Olympics along withwas goalkeeperwhere the 80,000 Romans humming to a Bengali song calendar and jeopardizing every major Indian football found its ‘holy trinity’ – PK, event scheduled for 2020, Thomas of the IPTA vintage! But that was the legend Chuni Goswami and Tulsidas Balaram. Till of the man. He was respected for his football Bach, the president of the International date, they remain unmatched. PK played Olympic Committee, has not wavered in and coaching. Fans and reporters adored an important role in India’s 4-2 win over remained optimistic that infection rates him. PK Banerjee, 83, breathed his last at his determination to hold the Summer football was in throes of the Pancha Pandavas Games in Tokyo. The opening ceremony might subside enough to allow the Kolkata hospital on Friday after suffering a assists. Although India crashed out of the Games to go forward. “We are affected massive heart attack. He is survived by his – Ahmed Khan, Apparao, P Venkatesh, PB is scheduled for July 24, with some competitionAustralia in theafter quarterfinals, losing to Yugoslavia providing in twothe by this crisis like everyone else and we two daughters, and countless pupils and Saleh and Dhanraj. They played for East 11,000 athletes and even more fans, Bengal and had been very Oriental in their volunteers, journalists, diplomats are concerned like everybody else,” he admirers who hero-worshipped him. He the 1956 Olympics performance remains the styles. PK brought in power and speed, when and others descending on Tokyo. Yet said. “We are not living in a bubble or was admitted to the hospital on February benchmark for any Indian football team. The he joined Aryan in 1954. “They (defenders) semifinal and Bulgaria in the third-place tie, complaints about moving ahead have on another planet. We are in the middle 7. Gradually, sepsis and multi-organ failure 1960 Olympics saw PK’s stardom grow, as he always chased shadow. My Achilles tendon been rising from athletes and other of our societies.” Here are excerpts from due to pneumonia set in on the background scored a goal against France in a 1-1 draw. was the worst sufferer,” Pradip da’s face used people connected to the Olympics, the interview: Q: Is there a date when of Parkinson’s disease, dementia and heart The 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta followed, you have to decide whether the Olympic problems. As a footballer, PK was a trailblazer, to light up every time he recalled his halcyon especially in the countries hardest which was the highest point in PK’s career hit by the disease. In an interview Games will happen? A: What makes someone who brought the modern game to as a player. India went on to win the football but he did that with dignity. There was never Thursday, Bach acknowledged the the Kolkata maidan. Till mid-1950s, Kolkata gold under Goswami’s leadership. overcome is the uncertainty. days.a hint PKof arrogance. liked to boast It was his the on-field mastery exploits of a increasingly troubling situation but this crisis so unique and so difficult to New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 | BUSINESS | | English Daily Open Search | 7 FIRST COLUMN YES Bank fiasco: ED asks Wi NPA norms may be eased, tax deferment Anil Ambani to appear again on March 30 likely in coronavirus healing touch Mumbai, Agency. aspect of the relief package being discussed is whether a temporary tax As the Indian economy reels from the holiday should be for industry as a whole impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Narendra Modi government is drawing are aware of the impact that such a up a relief package for industry. The ormove sector-specific. could have on Topthe already-weak policymakers tax revenue collections. Coronavirus banks, thus allowing companies to delay fear: Rupee breaches 75 a dollar, hits relaxationthe repayment of asset-classification of loans, and tax norms holidays by intra-day low of 75.30 While such a tax for the worst-hit sectors like aviation and deferment will likely be for the April- hospitality are expected to be part of the June 2020-21 quarter, a weak economy package, Business Standard has learnt. is negatively impacting tax collections. These measures could be discussed by For example, the Centre needs to collect New Delhi, Agency. Reliance Group the COVID-19 Economic Response Task Chairman Anil Ambani appeared before Rs 3.06 trillion from direct taxes in 20 Force, announced by the Prime Minister. days, and Rs 1.11 trillion from indirect the Enforcement Directorate (ED) The task force is also expected to on Thursday to clarify on the group’s taxes in a month to meet the revised estimates (RE) for 2019-20, Minister of exposure to YES Bank, and sought more coming weeks, government sources said. time from the agency to provide further State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur announce“There have sector-specific been discussions measures at multiple in the said in the Rajya Sabha in a written stages, between various ministries and The probe agency has asked him to reply earlier this week. “These are with regulators such as the Reserve medium enterprises or larger corporates appear again on March 30. Ambani had unprecedented times and we will have clarifications on some specific queries. Bank of India. Sectoral ministries are if a debt is not serviced for 90 days, it as well. However, the relaxation on loan been called by the ED in connection giving their suggestions,” said a senior with an ongoing money laundering official. According to the current norms, After the proposed relaxation, banks will “Say you have a hotel, and you have a case against YES Bank co-founder Rana to keep aside fiscal considerations,” the were being worked out, the person said. not be classifying outstanding loans as company which provides security and Kapoor. Ambani was asked to furnish is classified as a non-performing asset. repayments won’t be sector-specific. second official said. government“One plan being official. strongly The considered final details is manpower logistics for the hotel, both are some important details which are crucial expenditureBoth officials side was clarified, being considered. however, still being held internally and with the thatThe revenue so far no foregone fiscal stimulusdue to any on thetax companies will be exempt from the RBI on whether such relaxations should amongst the largest borrower of the bank, NPAs. The official said discussions were loanrepayment forbearance. of loans, For and a banks specific will period, relax be provided to only micro, small and being hit,” said a second official. “It will stimulus. forwith the an case, exposure said an of EDaround official. Rs 13,000ADAG is crore. Sources said that the ED during be more difficult to provide relaxations deferment will be considered a fiscal sector-wise,” the official added. Another questioning asked for his replies on their asset-classification norms,” said the queries related to the group’s functioning, utilisation of credit sanctioned and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s the agreement with the private-sector portfolio hit 28%; Ashish Sensex takes breather, rallies lender,went unanswered. the official said. In a mediaAn email statement, sent to Dhawan, Dolly Khanna suffer 1,628 pts; Nifty ends at 8,745 Reliance group onsaid, the “Anil specific Ambani queries met ED New Delhi, Agency. Mumbai, Agency. Reliance Group’s exposure to YES Bank. He A meltdown in the stock market triggered by the coronavirus After days of brutal sell-off, the domestic officialsreiterated (on that Thursday) the Reliance to clarify Group’s on theentire (Covid-19) pandemic has seen the frontline indices – the S&P equity market witnessed a sharp rebound exposure to YES Bank is fully secured BSE Sensex and the Nifty 50 – tank 32 per cent thus far in the on Friday and ended with around 6 per cent and transacted in the ordinary course calendar year 2020 (CY20). The fall has wiped-off nearly Rs 46 gains as positive global cues and coordinated of business. All transactions between trillion in market capitalisation of the BSE-listed companies. the Reliance Group and YES Bank are in Amidst the massacre, the networth coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic soothed of high individual investors (HNIs) effortsinvestors’ by countriesnerves. acrossThe S&P the globeBSE toSensex fight such as Rakesh Jhunjhunwala & rallied 1,628 points or 5.75 per cent to settle compliancethe agency that with Reliance the law Groupand financial had Family, Ashish Dhawan, Anil Kumar at 29,916. Of 30 constituents, 28 advanced regulations.”no direct or indirect Ambani exposure also clarified to Rana to Goel & Family, Ashish Ramchandra and just 2 declined. Reliance Industries Kapoor or his wife or daughters, or any Kacholia and Dolly Khanna have (RIL), HDFC and TCS contributed the most entities controlled by Kapoor or his family. taken a massive hit. The big bull to the index’s gains. Ambani assured that the Reliance Group of Indian equity markets, Rakesh ONGC jumped over 18.5 per cent to will continue to extend its full support Jhunjhunwala & family, has lost Rs Rs 72.45 apiece. It ended as the top gainer and cooperation to all authorities, in its 3,554 crore thus far in CY20, with on the index. Other heavyweights such as statement. The central agency had issued value their investments slipping RIL, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and TCS summons to Ambani to appear last on below Rs 10,000 crore mark. Based on Thursday’s closing gained in the range of 10-12 per cent. On March 16, but he had sought adjournment price, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala & family’s total investments in the downside, HDFC Bank slipped over 1 and requested an extension. listed companies stood at Rs 8,925 crore, down 28 per cent as per cent to Rs 882 after global brokerage compared to Rs 12,480 crore at the end of December 2019. house Bernstein downgraded the stock to According to data from the latest shareholding pattern where ‘unerperform’ and sharply slashed the target Biocon receives EIR from they held an over one percentage point stake reveals that these price to Rs 750 from Rs 1,400 earlier. On the investors took a painful hit due to sharp correction in shares NSE, headline index Nifty gained 482 points USFDA for good manufacturing of mid-and small-cap companies. While the mid-cap index has or 5.83 per cent to settle at 8,745 levels. On slipped 27 per cent, the small-cap index has lost nearly 29 per a weekly basis, Sensex slipped xx per cent practice inspection cent during this period. In Titan that has slipped 24 per cent while Nifty lost xxx per cent. All the sectoral to its 52-week low of Rs 900 per share, for instance, where indices on the NSE ended in the green. Nifty 2020, approved by Ministry of Finance, are listed and Rakesh Jhunjhunwalaopensearch along with his wife Rekha Jhunjhunwala, FMCG advanced the most - up around 9 per cent to permitted to trade on the Exchange with effect from holds 6.69 per cent stake, the value erosion thus far in CY20 26,073 levels while Nifty IT surged over 8.5 per cent Thursday, March 19, 2020,” BSE said in a notice dated has been Rs 1,710 crore. Jhunjhunwala’s investment in Titan to 12,306 points. Metal stocks, too, witnessed solid March 18, 2020. COVID-19 causing an economic based on December 2019 quarter’s shareholding pattern now buying as the Nifty Metal index ended 7.7 per cent activity standstill in Mar’20, could see the March stands at Rs 5,344 crore. NCC, Delta Corp, Karur Vysya Bank, higher at 1,695 levels. Asian shares made a partial and June quarter witness weak credit growth and Aptech and Jubilant Life Sciences are among those stocks from comeback from a global rout on Friday but still nursed stretched recoveries causing higher slippages. The Jhunjhunwala’s portfolio that took a severe hit, falling more massive losses for the week, while bonds rallied and next 2-4 weeks might determine the extent of virus than 50 per cent during the period. However, Lupin, Escorts oil extended its gains. European stocks, too, opened proliferation in India and hence the time taken for and Rallis India have outperformed the market by declining less on a positive note. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- economic recovery, which we see by H2FY21. Hence New Delhi, Agency. Biocon on Friday than 20 per cent. In percentage terms, Anil Kumar Goel & Seema for FY21E we lower estimates on loan growth and said it has received the establishment Goel who hold stocks of sugar companies such as Dhampur ending a seven-sessions streak of losses. “A 1,000 raise our provisions which could impact FY21/22E inspection report (EIR) from US health Sugar, Triveni Engineering and Industries, Dwarikesh Sugar Pacificmillion shares equity outsideshares of Japan Rs 2 eachwas 4.41 issued per at cent a premium higher, PAT by 7.5%/5.3%. With the BFSI space/HDFC Bank regulator for the post-approval and and Uttam Sugars in their portfolio, the average value erosion of Rs 8 issued to non-promoters on a preferential correcting by 33% each we revise CUBK’s multiple/ good manufacturing practice (GMP) has been 49 per cent to Rs 453 crore. On the other hand, other basis pursuant to YES Bank Reconstruction Scheme, TP to 2.0x/Rs170 (vs 3.1x/Rs263 earlier). inspection of its small molecules investors such as Ashish Dhawan, Ashish Ramchandra Kacholia manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. and Dolly Khanna have seen their portfolio value dip between “The EIR has been closed with a 36 per cent and 44 per cent thus far in CY20. While the jury is voluntary action indicated (VAI) still out how long the health scare will continue to impact the markets, analysts at ICICI Securities suggest the real impact Here’s why your fuel bill hasn’t fallen to come from the demand side due to the cascading impact of classificationBSE. “Biocon hasfor thereceived observations, the EIR from the the slowdown. This can eventually lead to suppressed prices companythe US Food spokesperson and Drug Administration said in a filing to much despite tumbling crude prices (FDA) for the post-approval and GMP of the negative outcomes from Covid-19 in at least the next inspection of its small molecules and,two quarters thereby, financialare already growth discounted of most across companies. global “Majority indices. NEW DELHI, Agency. forms an important revenue active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) However, either any delay beyond that or a substantial increase sources for them. Central manufacturing facility at 20th KM, in infection can result in more negative outcomes. Hence, the You must be wondering why the current freefall in the taxes (excise duty) on petrol Biocon Campus, Bengaluru, conducted probability of further downsides in equity indices cannot global oil market is not resulting in commensurate or sharp and diesel stands at Rs between Feb 20 and Feb 26, 2020,” be ruled out. wrote Chirag Shah and Dhavan Shah of ICICI fall in retail price of petrol and diesel. The answer lies in a 22.98 and Rs 18.83 per litre, Securities in a note. Meanwhile, the valuations of the mid-and plethora of taxes that both Central and state governments respectively, while Delhi the inspection last month, the agency small-cap segments has dipped below the long-term averages. levy on the two auto fuels that rob the customers of the real levies a VAT of Rs 14.79 per ashad per issued the filing. a Form At 483,the conclusion with two of “Post market correction, current price-earnings (PE) of NSE Mid- gains that accrue from a subdued oil market. The current litre on petrol and Rs 9.19 per observations, which were procedural cap Index is -33 per cent/-22 per cent versus its 5/10-yr average. base price of petrol stands at just Rs 27.96 a litre while litre on diesel, effectively taking the total tax component on in nature and are being addressed by For Nifty50, the same is -21 per cent/-15 per cent. On the other diesel at Rs 31.49 a litre in Delhi (as on March 16, 2020). the two auto fuels to a staggering 54 per cent in the case of hand, the current PE for our Midcap coverage is -27 per cent/-1 But customers were paying Rs 69.59 and Rs 62.29 for the petrol and 45 per cent in the case of diesel. The component committed to global standards of quality per cent versus its 5/10-yr average,” says Sonali Salgaonkar, an two petroleum products, respectively, at the pumps in Delhi of taxes is much higher in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and few theand company, compliance. the filing said. “We remain analyst with Jefferies tracking these market segments. on Thursday. Bulk of the retail price consists of taxes that others states that keep petrol and diesel retail prices much are levied by both the Centre and state governments and higher for customers in these states. Bernstein downgrades HDFC Bank on Coronavirus impact: Fitch cuts India unsecured credit, succession plans growth forecast to 5.1% for FY21 NEW DELHI, Agency. HDFC Bank stocks fell after brokerage house Bernstein downgraded the bank on exposure to unsecured consumer loans amid a Coronavirus induced slowdown, New Delhi Agency. spread of the virus, such as closing schools, cinemas and theatres. While India’s linkages and on “non-proactive handling of the management Fitch Ratings on Friday cut India’s growth with China (e.g. trade and tourism) are succession so far.” The brokerage lowered the bank’s forecast to 5.1 per cent for FY 2020-21, modest, manufacturers in India are heavily rating to ‘underperform’ from ‘market-perform’ earlier, saying the coronavirus outbreak is likely reliant on key Chinese intermediate inputs and lowered the target price to Rs 750, from Rs 1,400 to hit business investment and exports. especially of electronics and machinery earlier. “In the current pandemic driven environment. Fitch had in December 2019 projected and equipment,” Fitch said. The WHO has we believe HDFC Bank carries certain idiosyncratic India’s growth at 5.6 per cent for 2020- declared coronavirus pandemic. Over 2 lakh risks and unique management challenges,” wrote 21 and 6.5 per cent in the following year. people have been infected globally and the Gautam Chhugani, analyst with Bernstein, adding, In its Global Economic Outlook 2020, disease caused by it COVID-19 has claimed the bank’s portfolio is “most exposed to unsecured Fitch said the number of people affected over 9,000 lives. In India, there are about 195 consumer credit risk versus peer private banks.” The brokerage noted that 24 per by coronavirus will keep rising in the positive cases and 4 deaths so far from the cent of earnings and 36 per cent of HDFC Bank’s earnings growth were contributed coming weeks but that the outbreak deadly virus. LSO READ: India’s economic will remain contained. However, there policy response to Covid-19 lags global peers: HDFC Bank’s loan book. In comparison, peers ICICI and Axis Banks have 9 per cent are downside risks to this scenario. byof theirunsecured book inconsumer unsecured finance retail and credit. that Kotakunsecured Mahindra retail Bankcredit is is defensive 17 per cent in itsof Supply-chain disruptions are expected economy have been exacerbated by YES Bank growth in retail unsecured credit and has been highlighting rising risks in unsecured to hit business investment and exports. Edelweiss The difficulties facing the Indian We see GDP growth to remain broadly system will further undermine sentiment services also could pose challenges as it is focused on weaker informal segments. The brokerage also said while HDFC Bank has weathered past crisis well and has failure, it said. “Fragilities in the financial consumer finance for the past two quarters. HDFC Bank’s subsidiary HDB Financial 2020-2021 following growth of 5.0 per system remains burdened with weak balance been a favourite with foreign investors, success plan is a problem area. “HDFC Bank’s cent in 2019-2020,” Fitch said. For 2021- impending CEO succession and lack of proactive planning, sets up the bank to lose its steady at 5.1 per cent in the fiscal year andsheets, domestic which spending.will limit anyThe upsideoverall tofinancial credit 22, Fitch projected India’s growth to be 6.4 forecast to 5.2% “The outbreak of the virus and growth despite policymakers’ efforts in sheen with investors who would have preferred less uncertainty. An unsatisfactory per cent. ALSO READ: Covid-19 to cripple is hitting sentiment, while local governments recent months to ease stresses, Fitch added. outcome of the succession process increases risk of a multiple derating,” the analyst economy: CRISIL cuts FY21 India growth have rolled out measures to contain the wrote. The bank’s shares were down 2.90 per cent at Rs 868.85 a piece on the BSE. 8 | English Daily Open Search | ENTERTAINMENT | New Delhi | Saturday, March 21, 2020 FIRST COLUMN Kangana Ranaut starrer ZEE5’s STATE OF SIEGE: 26/11 – A Panga is now streaming on this OTT platform GRIPPING STORY, WELL TOLD Mumbai, Agency. (NSG) who braved the ‘Black they were on the night of 26/11. Tornado’ mission as they named It is one of those memories that’s India’s leading video streaming it. A ZEE5 Original ‘State of Siege: seared into your consciousness.” 26/11’ that premiered today Shares Sandeep. The NSG premiered the most awaited will reveal several untold stories commandos arrived from New platform,show State of ZEE5 Siege: has 26/11 finally that about the attack that shook the Delhi to Mumbai and used a centers on the true events of whole world. India’s leading naval helicopter for an aerial the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks video streaming platform, survey. Watch how they freed the from the National Security hostages at three different places Guards’ (NSG) perspective. On the most awaited show State while they successfully took the night of November 26, 2008, ZEE5of Siege: has 26/11 finally that premiered centers down all attackers, except one – terrorists opened indiscriminate on the true events of the 2008 Ajmal Kasab who was later given Jaipur, Agency. Panga, starring Kangana Mumbai terror attacks from a death sentence. Ranaut in the lead role, is now available on and bombing attack in Mumbai. the National Security Guards’ Yes, it was this long and the firingThe in26/11 a coordinated Mumbai shootingterror (NSG) perspective. The narrative NSG conducted this siege without on January 24. The sports drama, which reveals the secrets of a war-like taking a break. The commandos OTTis helmed platform by Ashwiny Hotstar. IyerThe filmTiwari, hit alsoscreens and unfortunate events in the zone that shook the foundation took down 9 out of 10 and features Jassie Gill, Neena Gupta and Richa attack,history oneof India, of the killed most hundreds horrific of a dream city. Based on rescued over 500 civilians. The of people while leaving many Sandeep Unnithan’s best-selling unfortunate series of events the life of a former Indian Kabaddi player, badly injured. The sound of novel “Black Tornado: The Three also witnessed the loss of two Chadha in pivotal roles. The film focuses on gunshots and grenades still Sieges of Mumbai 26/11,” this Commandos while they fought middle-aged woman, to make a comeback. series is sprawled across eight off the perpetrators resolutely. whoPanga defies opened society’s to positive expectations reviews. from The capital and so does the clamor episodes, each of which brings State of Siege: 26/11 features reverberatesof sobs and strident in the outbursts financial forth some unsaid accounts of an impressive cast comprising wrote in her review, “Panga gives us an of horror as people plead for reality of 26/11 but seldom do rescue operation. ‘Mumbai under the fateful day. It was an intensely Arjan Bajwa, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Indianarray of Express wonderful film women critic Shubhra walking Gupta the we pay attention to the lesser- siege’ tested the mettle of India’s personal experience for me. Dahiya, Mukul Dev, Sid Makkar talk. Ranaut has the courage to go plain- documentaries, and books have known facts and challenges faced elite counter-terrorism unit, Everyone remembers where among other prominent faces. faced, minus pancake: her sure-footedness life.drawn Over inspiration the years, from several the films, grim by NSG commandos during the The National Security Guard

is spot-on. Chadha, armed with a bouncy rightpony-tail through and buoyantthe film, back-chat,on and off theis a mat,lot of fun, as is Neena Gupta’s bracing mother.” She Rajinikanth aces survival added, “The two current kabaddi players, Kanika Kapoor tests whom Jaya spends time with, in the second half, both leave a mark. And it’s nice that challenges in this new Jaya is made to work hard for her climactic positive for coronavirus triumph; the victory is then even sweeter. New Delhi Agency. Into the Wild clip New Delhi Agency. Singer Kanika Kapoor has been tested positive for coronavirus. The Baby Rajinikanth will be seen on Bear Grylls’ show Into the Wild Anushka Sharma and Virat Doll singer was in London just a few on March 23. The show will be broadcast on Discovery days ago. Kanika took to Instagram Channel. The Into the Wild episode, featuring Superstar Kohli: Let’s make it safe for to share the news. She wrote, “For Rajinikanth, will premiere on television on March 23. everyone by self-isolation the past four days, I have had signs Discovery Channel on Friday released a sneak peek of positive for Covid-19. My family and I ofare flu. in Icomplete got myself quarantine tested and now it came and following medical advice on how to move forward. Contact mapping of people I have been in touch with is underway as well.” The singer added, “I was scanned at the airport as per normal procedure 10 days ago when I came back home. The symptoms have developed only 4 days ago. At this stage, I would like to urge you all to practice self isolation and get tested if you have the signs. health. Jai Hind! Take care. In India, Kurylenko, Daniel Dae Kim, Kristofer and a mild fever. However, we need Hivju and Indira Varma have also Ito ambe feelingsensible ok, citizens like a at normal this time flu shoots have been put on hold. Release tested positive for coronavirus. The the episode where Bear Grylls and Rajini are taking part and think of all around us. We can allof movies film, televisionincluding 83, and Sooryavanshi, web series total number of coronavirus cases in in some adventures at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in get through this without panic only Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar have India currently stands at 206. Singer Karnataka. Here, we see Rajinikanth talk about the water if we listen to the experts and our been deferred until further notice. Kanika Kapoor has been tested crisis that India is facing. He also speaks about his life as a local, state and central government International celebrities like Tom positive for coronavirus. She was in superstar, his bus conductor days, and how he was given directives. Wishing everyone good Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Olga London just a few days ago. an opportunity by K Balachander. Bear Grylls is surprised New Delhi, Agency. Anushka Sharma opensearch to know that Rajnikanth is 70 as the actor appears quite and Virat Kohli are doing their bit to spread awareness about coronavirus. “Into The Wild is a truly unique show – at one level it offers The star couple took to their social fitadrenaline-pumping to the host. Rajinikanth action, had while earlier at saidanother, in a statement, the show media handles and shared a video, where Amitabh, Alia, Akshay and others shoot special they talked about the Covid-19 threat. In the video, Virat said, “We know that lendsa brand itself globally beautifully respected to driving for offering a specific inspiring purpose real-life for the video to spread awareness about coronavirus larger good of society. So, when, officials from Discovery, time.” Anushka added, “The only way to my debut on TV after more than four decades of cinema. westop are the all coronavirus going through spread a very is by difficult acting New Delhi Agency. entertainment,Kavithalayaa, the approached iconic Production me, I agreed house tofounded finally bymake my together.” The two also shared with The Bollywood fraternity has come their fans that they are social distancing. together to be a part of a special video Grylls had earlier shared a few photos of himself and They said, “We are staying at home for that informs and educates Indians guruRajinikanth K. Balachander, on social media.also played a significant role.” Bear our safety and everyone else’s too. You about the ways to check the spread of should do it too to prevent the further coronavirus. The special video, which spread of the virus. Let’s make it safe for is a Rohit Shetty Picturez Initiative, Suriya’s 2D Entertainment suspends ongoing us and everyone else by self-isolation. was posted by megastar Amitabh Stay home and Stay Healthy.” Anushka Bachchan on his Twitter handle. The projects amid coronavirus outbreak Sharma was also among the celebrities nearly two-minute-long video features who took up World Health Organization Bollywood A-listers like Akshay New Delhi, Agency. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads across India, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Alia Bhatt, actor Suriya’s production company 2D Entertainment has announced Ghebreyesus’s #SafeHandsChallenge. Ayushmann Khurrana, Ajay Devgn, that they will be suspending all their projects until March 31. The She posted a video educating her Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Arjun banner took to their official Twitter handle to make the announcement. fans about the correct way to wash Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty. The stars are “In view of the pandemic COVID19 throughout the world, considering hands. The actor had on Thursday seen talking about the pandemic and the safety of our cast, crew and the public in general, we have stopped also shared a long note on Twitter the dos and don’ts required to contain filming and post-production of our ongoing projects, commencing where she discussed several things it, including self-isolation, regularly today, 19th March 2020, until 31st March 2020. Restraint is the most like social distancing, the importance washing hands, maintaining hygiene effective way to combat Corona Virus,” their statement read. “We at of hygiene and also the ‘Janta Curfew’ and building immunity with healthy 2D Entertainment would like all of you to practice social distancing announced by PM Narendra Modi. food. Film stars in India have been at and stay safe during this global crisis. Let’s fight this together!,” the the forefront of spreading awareness statement further added. The production and distribution company about COVID-19. Apart from sharing is currently bankrolling Suriya’s upcoming film Soorarai Pottru and stands at 234,000. Anushka Sharma India has so far confirmed 195 cases Jyotika starrer Pon Magal Vandhal. The release of many Tamil films and Virat Kohli shared a video to spread of coronavirus, while the global figure Sharma have also shared videos of themselves participating in the #SafeHandsChallenge. Priyanka Chopra is has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Tamil Nadu, awareness about the need to stay also among those who are actively trying to educate fans about coronavirus. In India, the number of COVID-19 the government recently announced drastic shutdown measures in an indoors amid the Covid-19 threat. social media posts about things to be done to fight the pandemic, actors like Deepika Padukone and Anushka cases crossed 200 on Friday, including four deaths. attempt to combat the outbreak. According to the announcement, all educational institutions, theaters, malls, gyms, amusement parks and swimming pools will remain shut until March 31. Top five romantic K-dramas to binge-watch on Netflix New Delhi Agency. binge-watch and don’t require a lot of if you are curious about the North the OG romantic dramas. The show emotional investment, which is great Korean way of living and of course, was a major hit upon its release, for mindless TV watching. Today, whether our beloved lead actors will and it doesn’t take long to see why. K-dramas that you can binge-watch end up together or not. Starring Son Primarily a love story between an Here are the top-five romantic romantic dramas that I have watched Ye-Jin and Jung Hae-in, Something army captain (Song Joong-ki) and a isolation. Yes, the coronavirus Iso will far. be(Fair focusing warning: on I thehave top barely five in the Rain is a beautiful, light- doctor with a strong moral compass onoutbreak Netflix is to a killbummer. time duringAnd is self-the scratched the surface of K-dramas) hearted rom-com. The show focuses (Song Hye-kyo), the show addresses forced self-isolation making you feel My current favourite, this series is on an unconventional relationship even worse about the situation? Not the story of a rich South Korean girl between a 30-something woman of the heart) and how it is resolved to worry! I have the perfect solution (Son Ye-jin), who accidentally ends and a man who is in his mid-20s. The variousby the leads. conflicts What (especially makes the conflicts show that will not make you feel bad about up in the forbidden military lines of lead actors’ chemistry in the show is even more memorable are the cute being crammed inside your house North Korea. She is discovered by a so genuine that you cannot help but moments the lead actors share. Even all day. Korean romance dramas. I root for them. The show delves into though circumstances force them can guarantee that once you start Hyun Bin), who decides to protect their struggle with the age difference, to be apart, we are constantly made Northher and Korean secretly army help officer her (a terrificreturn breaking the taboo around it and to feel the separation and angst. to South Korea. They face several Of course, it helps that actors Song watchingare known these for their K-dramas ridiculously on Netflix, good- obstacles along the way because of to go public with it. There is also a Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki were looking actors, entertaining plots and you’ll find it hard to stop. The shows the dispute between their respective subsequently,fantastic sub-plot finding that highlights the courage the married in real life (they have since the best part, they are almost always countries. But of course, they fall in various problems faced by women in divorced), so most of their affection only one season. So you don’t have love. The show is currently among the corporate world of South Korea. and romantic moments seem very to worry about a series turning sour. the most popular K-dramas in the portrayal of North Korea as a place the western image where it is all natural and it will make you swoon. Additionally, they are very easy to world. It received praise for its where people actually live, unlike death and destruction. You can watch of the Sun is considered to be one of Romantic Doctor, A definite must-watch. Descendants

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