Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 Published From OPINION 6 MONEY 8 SPORTS 12 DELHI LUCKNOW MILKING THE GOVT MAY CUT RATE ON SMALL NO ‘IDEAL’ SOLUTION FOR BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH MEN IN UNIFORM BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN SAVINGS SCHEMES NEXT QUARTER TOKYO OLYMPICS, SAYS IOC VIJAYAWADA

` *LATE CITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 158 HYDERABAD, THURSDAY MARCH 19, 2020; PAGES 12 3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

VAKEEL SAAB MAY BE DELAYED { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com 2 MORE TEST COVID-19 GOAIR SUSPENDS FLIGHTS TO COVID-19 HITS ALL 50 US SATIRICAL HEADLINE TRIGGERS POSITIVE IN BENGALURU FEW NE STATES FOR 28 DAYS STATES, TOLL SURGES TO 108 SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE TO EDITOR

arnataka Health Minister B. Sriramulu on Wednesday confirmed two udget carrier GoAir has he deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has now hit all 50 states he Press Council of (PCI) has taken suo moto cognizance of a Kmore positive coronavirus cases in the state, raising the total to 13. Bsuspended its operations for Tin the US. With West Virginia reporting its first case of Tleading newspaper's headline wthat made a satirical reference to the "Two more COVID-19 cases have been registered in Bengaluru on 28 days in some northeastern infection on Tuesday, Governor Jim Justice said, "We President. The PCI issued a showcase notice to the editor of the Wednesday, taking the total infected states in view of coronavirus knew this was coming." New York City said it was 'Telegraph' newspaper on Tuesday. A press statement issued by the Press cases to 13," tweeted Sriramulu. He said scare and ensuing travel restrictions, considering a lockdown similar to one in the San Council on Tuesday, noted that PCI Chairman Justice the two new cases included a 56-year-old officials said on Wednesday. The airline Francisco Bay area, BBC reported. There have so far Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has noted with concern city-based man who returned from the US on has suspended operation for 28 days effective Thursday been 108 deaths in the US from COVID-19 and the satirical use of the President’s name in a March 6 and a 25-year-old woman who returned (March 19) on the Aizawl-Kolkata-Guwahati-Imphal route as a more than 6,300 confirmed cases nationwide. derogatory manner. The editor of the newspaper has from Spain. "Both are admitted in designated isolated preventive measure, Mizoram government's principal consultant for civil Globally, there are about 200,000 cases and been issued a showcause under sections 17(i)(a)(b) hospital," Sriramulu added. aviation, Wing Commander J. Lalhmingliana, told the media in Aizawl. nearly 8,000 people have died. and 31(vi) of Norms of Journalistic Conduct.

Coronavirus cases in country climb EIGHT MORE IN TS TEST COVID-19 POSITIVE IN A DAY to 158 „ TOTAL COUNT UP TO 13; 7 ARE INDONESIANS „ STARING AT STAGE-2 OF CORONA PANDEMIC PNS n NEW DELHI NAVEENA GHANATE corona positive on a single day. n HYDERABAD Although so far there has Maintain The number of novel coron- been no community CM convenes avirus cases in India rose to Telangana now has 13 Covid- transmission of Covid- 158 on Wednesday after four 19 positive patients, with 19 in Telangana, there are Gap: Etela more were reported from seven Indonesians, who had indications that the state PNS n HYDERABAD various parts of the country, travelled along with the is headed for Stage-2 emergency meet according to the Health Patient 5 reported on Tuesday, i.e. local Amid corona scare, Health Ministry. testing positive on trans- PNS n HYDERABAD Minister Etela Rajender has The cases include 25 for- Wednesday. The delegation of mis- asked people to avoid meeting eign nationals and the three 11 members from Indonesia sion rel- Telangana Chief Ministers, MLAs or relatives persons who died in Delhi, came on a religious tour to atively Stage 1 : imported cases: Minister K without valid reason. "We have Karnataka and Maharashtra. India. All the Covid-19 pos- soon. Patients who have travelled Chandrashekhar Rao has shut educational institutions, Over 5,700 people, who itive patients are being treat- As of now, abroad to countries that have convened a high-level emer- not to facilitate people to visit had come in contact with ed in an isolation ward at all of the confirmed cases of the virus and gency meeting on Thursday to relatives' places, malls, gardens these positive cases, are under Gandhi Hospital. reported returned to India discuss, inter alia, measures to or parks. Ensure that kids are rigorous surveillance, the As per a health bulletin Covid-19 be taken to contain the not contaminated and they Ministry said. released late on Wednesday positive Stage 2: local transmission: Cases spread of coronavirus need to stay at home. We are Delhi has so far reported night by the Health who have come in contact with those and mitigate its getting reports that people are ten positive cases which Department, all the seven have a travel history and tested impact in the visiting places, malls and parks. includes one foreigner, while cases "do not belong to positive State. Please don't do that. Don't Uttar Pradesh has recorded Telangana and are not Indian". take it easy. Every household 16 cases, including one for- Meanwhile, the Health Stage 3: community transmission: The meet- Ministers from Hyderabad -- needs to be serious. You can see eigner. Department has begun contact Stage where there is no way ing will be held Mohammed Ali, Srinivas what happened in Italy for not Maharashtra has 42 cases, tracing of the patients who had that the virus can be at 2-00 PM in Yadav, Sabita Indrareddy, being serious." including three foreigners, come from Delhi to patients, traced back to a certain Pragati Bhavan, Malla Reddy, Deputy Speaker The Minister said that peo- while Kerala has recorded 27 Ramagundem via train on including the person. involving all District Padma Rao, Principal ple keep approaching elected cases which include two for- March14. All of the seven sixth one that OF COVID-19 STAGES Collectors, Police Secretaries of Medical and representatives for various rea- eign nationals. patients have been kept in an surfaced on Stage 4: epidemic: The Commissioners and Health, Panchayat Raj, sons. "For the next 15 days, we Karnataka has 11 coron- isolation ward since March16. Wednesday, reflect one witnessed in China Superintendents of Police. Municipal Administration request people to avoid visiting avirus patients. The number Already samples of Indian Stage- cases, meaning Medical and Health Minister departments and the government offices seeking of cases in Ladakh rose to citizens with travel history to the patients have histo- Etela Rajender, Municipal Commissioners concerned deputations, transfers, promo- eight and Jammu and Scotland reported positive in ry of travel to other Administration Minister KT have been invited to the meet- tions, or non-essential activi- Kashmir three. the state on Wednesday. In countries. Rama Rao, Panchayat Raj ing. ties. 2 total, 8 cases were recorded as 2 Minister E Dayakar Rao, 2 2 Covid-19 requires strict Dentists told to avoid treatments WHO chief says Market crash wipes out lockdown: 51 entrepreneurs Covid-19 ‘enemy Rs 15.72 lakh cr wealth suggest to PM Modi that make Covid-19 airborne against humanity’ PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n NEW DELHI The market capitalisation PNS n NEW DELHI Elective dental procedures on hold PNS n GENEVA of BSE-listed companies erod- The Telangana State Dental Indian equities declined for a ed by Rs 15,72,913.52 crore in A group of venture capitalists Council has advised all dentists Even WHO is Further, as a way to reduce their The head of the World Health third day in a row on three days to reach Rs and start-ups have appealed to in the state to "strictly avoid all risk, the council advised all Organisation on Wednesday Wednesday, making investors 1,13,53,329.30 crore on Prime Minister Narendra treatments that result in aerosol considering ‘airborne dentists practising in the state to said the new coronavirus was poorer by a whopping Rs Wednesday. Modi to take decisive action generation". precautions’ for "suspend all non-essential and an 'enemy against humanity', 15.72 lakh crore in the three- Barring ONGC and ITC, and "impose strict lock-downs Coronavirus can be airborne medical staff after a elective dental procedures for as the number of people day crash since Monday. all 30 Sensex stocks dived. and impose Section 144 (to and stay suspended in the air new study showed three weeks". The dentists have infected in the pandemic Intense selling engulfed the IndusInd Bank, Power Grid ban large gatherings) across because of heat and humidity. been advised to follow pre- soared past 200,000. equity market for yet anoth- Corporation of India, Kotak key cities this week" to com- According to WHO, "when you that corona can screening protocols and per- "This coronavirus is pre- er day, with the benchmark Mahindra Bank, Bajaj bat the novel coronavirus out- do an aerosol-generating proce- survive in the air in form pre-treatment risk assess- senting us with an unprece- index Sensex plummeting Finance and HDFC Bank break. dure like in a medical care some settings ment. The circular read, "Also dented threat," Tedros 1,709.58 points or 5.59 per were among the major losers, In a detailed Powerpoint facility, you have the possibili- avoid treating high-risk patients, Adhanom Ghebreyesus told cent on Wednesday. tumbling up to 23.90 per presentation tweeted Tuesday ty to what we call 'aerosolize' can survive in the air in some patients who have other co- journalists in a virtual news Since Monday, the index cent. Banking shares were hit evening, Abhiraj Singh Bhal, these particles, which means settings. morbidities and geriatric conference, stressing that it has plunged 5,233.97 points the most following the the co-founder of Urban they can stay in the air a little bit In this context, as dentists patients, unless it is an emer- was "an unprecedented to hit a one-year low of Supreme Court directive to Company, pointed out that The virus does not longer". Even WHO is consid- come under high-risk category gency, to avoid transmitting opportunity to come togeth- 28,613.05 as fears of global telecom firms to clear AGR countries that had "acted early discriminate basis ering "airborne precautions" for transmitting and contract- the infection to these groups er as one against a common recession due to coronavirus dues in full as mentioned in and strongly (South Korea, nationality - early, for medical staff after a new ing Covid-19, they have been who can become critically ill if enemy: an enemy against pandemic hit investor senti- its judgement. Singapore and Japan)" were strong and decisive study showed that coronavirus asked to avoid such treatments. they contract the virus." humanity." ment. 2 able to control the outbreak as compared to those which action is key to "waited and watched (Iran, containment Italy and the United States)". YES BANK RESUMES FULL "The virus does not dis- lockdown (citizens stay at Revanth granted conditional bail Emirates asks criminate basis nationality - home) across major cities for PNS n HYDERABAD Rama Rao. Prior to the MP's early, strong and decisive two weeks starting March 20, SUITE OF SERVICES arrest, six other persons involved pilots to take action is key to containment. 2020," the presentation said. PNS n MUMBAI your patience and co-opera- The Telangana High Court on in the case viz. Praveen Paul Impose Section 144 and strict 2 tion. #YESforYOU @RBI Wednesday granted conditional Reddy, Vijay Simha Reddy, Jaipal unpaid leave Yes Bank on Wednesday said @FinMinIndia," the lender bail to Malkajgiri MP Revanth Reddy, Rajesh, Shiva and Om it has resumed operations, tweeted. The Reserve Bank of Reddy. Last week a local court in Prakash Reddy were arrested by PNS n NEW DELHI and all its banking services are India (RBI) had put restriction Kukatpally had rejected his bail the Narsingi police. Officials said TODAY available for its customers on the lender on March 5, petition. Reddy was arrested on that Revanth Reddy had hired the Middle East airline Qatar ALMANAC now. "Our banking services under which the bank's cus- the charge of using a 'spy' drone six persons to use a drone and Airways laid off about 200 Month & Paksham: are now operational. You can tomers were allowed to with- to click pictures of a farmhouse shoot videos and photos of the Filipino staff in Doha this now experience the full suite draw up to Rs 50,000 till that he alleges is owned by TRS farmhouse. week and rival Emirates Phalguna & Krishna Paksha of our services. Thank you for April 3. president and IT Minister K T 2 asked pilots to take unpaid Panchangam: leave as the coronavirus out- Tithi: Ekadashi: 05:58 am (Next Day) break hammers demand for Nakshatram: Uttara Ashadha: 02:49 pm travel. Time to Avoid: The state-owned airlines (Bad time to start Saina decries Favipiravir effective in treating COVID-19: China have had to slash dozens of any important work) flights, which are crucial for Rahukalam: 01:53 pm – 03:23 pm ‘profits over Patients who took the flu drug recovered quicker and showed greater lung improvement their Gulf hubs that millions Yamagandam: 06:24 am – 07:54 am of passengers pass through n demic. Most people have mild each year. Varjyam: 07:12 pm – 08:57 pm players’ welfare’ PNS TOKYO Doses will be symptoms and can recover at Philippine Labour Gulika: 09:24 am - 10:53 am PNS n NEW DELHI Medical experts in China have investigated in more home within a week. Secretary Silvestre Bello told Good Time: (to start any important claimed that a new flu drug is COVID-19 patients by Almost 200,000 have been Reuters on Wednesday that work) Saina Nehwal said officials 'clearly effective' in treating Hong Kong infected and 7,900 have died. the government was trying Amritakalam: had put profits ahead of play- the coronavirus (COVID-19) It was given to 80 patients in to ascertain the "real cause" 07:56 am – 09:40 am researchers, who claim Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:59 am – 12:47 pm er welfare by allowing the All pandemic. Shenzen and in Wuhan, where behind the unexpected deci- England badminton champi- Favipiravir, the active ingre- they will give their pill the novel coronavirus first sion to lay off the workers. HYDERABAD onship to go ahead last week- dient in a Japanese anti-flu 'for free' if studies emerged in December 2019. Qatar Airways did not WEATHER end despite the coronavirus medicine called Avigan, was Favipiravir has been effec- respond to an emailed pandemic. The competition trialled on 340 patients with the show it is safe tive, with no obvious side- request for comment. Forecast: Mostly sunny was one of the few interna- disease in China. effects, in helping coronavirus The layoffs were reported Temp: 37/22 tional sporting events to con- Patients who took the flu However, contradictory clin- patients recover, Zhang earlier by ABS-CBN. It said Humidity: 32% clude Sunday amid the dead- drug recovered quicker and ical trials suggest Favipiravir Xinmin, an official at China's the Filipino employees, Sunrise: 06.20 ly outbreak, which has showed greater lung improve- to block the virus from repli- Hong Kong researchers, who will not be useful in patients Science and Technology including engineers and Sunset: 06.26 claimed thousands of lives ment compared with patients cating in the body. claim they will give their pill who have more severe illness. Ministry, told reporters at a maintenance staff, were laid Current Weather Conditions across the globe. not given the drug. Doses will be investigated in 'for free' if studies show it is As of yet, there isn't a treat- news conference on Tuesday. off on Tuesday and others Updated March 18, 2020 5:00 PM 2 The component is thought more COVID-19 patients by safe. ment for the coronavirus pan- 2 had also lost their jobs. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 hyderabad 02 Tribal terrain ready NIT-Warangal develops its own hand sanitiser n to deal with corona? SCR cancels PNS HYDERABAD IIT-H TOO FOLLOWS SUIT PV KONDAL RAO facilities in distant places. The Department of Chemistry, n n WARANGAL The Medical and Health departments are leaving In many areas, viral fevers are NIT Warangal has developed PNS n HYDERABAD lounge, Shiru Café, meeting not treated properly in the trains due to its own hand sanitiser. It has no stone unturned and are making every effort to halls and laboratories, among On Wednesday, one person remotest corners and the been prepared in accordance Indian Institute of Technology- other areas. This makes it more with a travel history to United create awareness on hygienic conditions among research group claimed that the Covid-19 with the norms to protect n Hyderabad researchers have likely that people will use it and Kingdom was tested positive the tribals human loss went unrecorded in PNS HYDERABAD against Covid-19. Director Prof developed their own hand sani- this will help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Hyderabad. This those localities. If such a serious NV Ramana Rao appreciated n tiser, in line with the standards germs and promote good health was the sixth positive case in Koyas and Gutthi condition prevails even now at In view of poor patronage the staff and researchers of recommended by World Health and hygiene. This has been Telangana State. Koyas, who stay a time when Coronavirus is due to the coronavirus pan- Chemistry Department for Organization (WHO) and developed by Dr Shivakalyani Though the state govern- spreading like wild fire, people demic, South Central Railway their efforts. He asked the Centers for Disease Control Adepu, who was a research ment is making every effort to deep inside of these interior corners may be (SCR) has cancelled several department to prepare hand the forests, (CDC), a Federal Health Agency scholar at the Department of tackle the spread of forced to face many problems, trains across the zone. Trains sanitizer in large quantities in the US, for the Institute Materials Science and Coronavirus in the state, trib- have no the research groups opined. which have been cancelled for further use within the insti- Community. Around ten liters Metallurgical Engineering, IIT al terrain connecting access to Maharashtra border locali- include Train No.08502 tute. The institute has taken all of this hand sanitiser have Hyd along with Dr Mudrika Telangana-Maharashtra and safe drinking ties like Paramdholi in the Secunderabad - measures including distribu- already been deployed in the Khandelwal, Associate profes- Chhattisgarh are keenly watch- Sironcha belt and the Nirmal Vishakapatnam on March tion of sanitisers to all the stu- campus for the benefit of the sor, Department of Materials ing the developments and pre- water district tribal villages in the 18, 25 and April 1, Train dents and monitoring the students, staff and faculty at Science and Metallurgical cautions undertaken by the Alampalli area are keen on get- No.08408 Secunderabad - health of students. locations such as faculty Engineering, IIT Hyderabad. governments to meet the chal- ting adequate precautionary Bhubaneswar on March 20 lenge posed by the virus. in the vicinity to fetch water, clean and hygienic conditions measures expansion during and 27, Train No.08574 Though many localities in there is scope for unsafe drink- in those parts seem unlikely. the present phase. Telangana Tirupati - Vishakapatnam on the districts of the erstwhile ing water in thandas. A research organisation bound thandas have of course March 24 and 31 and Train SSC exams Adilabad are deep inside the While the plain tribes in the studying on the conductions of got good facility as the 104 No.08302 Banswadi - Revanth granted forest, the Medical and Health regions like Mulugu district tribes during the present stage vehicles frequent these parts Sambalpur on March 18 and in state from departments are leaving no have got the facility of mission of Corona feel that the stage one occasionally even during the 25. In addition, due to change stone unturned and are mak- Bhagiratha pipelines, the for- phase of symptomatic precau- regular seasons. The in days of service and oper- today ing every effort to create aware- est tribes such as Koyas and tions can be implemented by Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra ational reasons, Train conditional bail ness on hygienic conditions Gutthi Koyas have no access to quarantining the individuals in bound thandas are trying to No.17014 and Train PNS n HYDERABAD among the tribals. safe drinking water. their respective localities but if secure this facility during the pre- No.17013, which runs Continued from Page 1 the petition, after the prose- The thandas and far flung Since the clean water facili- the virus spreads into the second sent pandemic period and the between Hyderabad and cutor argued that there is a The SSC Public areas face water shortage in the ties are not available in the phase, the preparedness of the health and medical wing of Pune has been cancelled on According to the police, it chance of "intimidation of Examinations are all set to early summer itself and since pockets on the border villages governments may not match the these three states are preparing March 31 and April 1, was at the MP's behest that the witnesses" as the case is under commence from Thursday. the tribals rely on the streams connecting the three states, required quantity of treatment to meet the challenges. according to a press release. persons were hired to capture investigation. A total of 5,34,903 students, images of the farmhouse. The However, on Wednesday, the including 2,73,971 boys and MP had questioned how the High Court, while hearing the 2,60,932 girls, from 11,045 farmhouse could be built on bail petition, sought two schools registered for the lands that were protected by a sureties of Rs 10,000 each, examinations which will be 8 more in TS test Covid-19 positive in a day GO. before granting the condition- held till April 6. The GO in question pro- al bail. The examinations will Continued from Page 1 a hospital. So, all possible con- hibits any construction or The High Court post- begin with first language tacts have been identified. CM convenes emergency meet industrial activity within 10-km poned hearing on the sup- paper-I to be held from 9.30 Although India is already in Karimnagar CP has been direct- Maintain Gap, radius of Himayatsagar and plementary petition that am to 12.15 pm. Stage-2 as declared by WHO ed to take action as per protocol. Continued from Page 1 ensure that people coming Osmansagar reservoirs. Revanth's counsel filed, urg- In the wake of the Covid- and ICMR, all these days the sil- After the Telangana govern- from various nations are says Etela The Cyberabad Police had ing the authorities to strike 19 pandemic, to avoid large ver lining was that Telangana ment requested the Deputy The Chief Minister urged allowed to go home only after Continued from Page 1 taken suo motu cognisance of off the FIR (First gatherings, the students will has been in Stage-1 only. Chief Commercial Manager, people in the State to be alert, thorough screening. The State the incident and filed a case Information Report) that be allowed to enter the cen- However, it appears that the Secunderabad Railway Station, considering that people who government has implemented Unless it is absolutely nec- against the MP and his broth- was filed against him in the tre from 8.30 am. They are fifth case - that of an Indonesian to provide a list of co-passen- had travelled from Indonesia week-long and 15-day action essary, we ask people not to er Krishna Reddy as well as case. The High court has urged to reach the centre an - could push the state into Stage- gers, SCR apparently traced 80 to Karimnagar tested positive plans to prevent spread of the go out. Sometimes people their associates for violating sought counter affidavit hour prior to the examina- 2, involving local transmission i.e. of those who had travelled in for Covid-19. virus. Certain other measures want to make a visit to orders against the use of from the concerned police tion, and can wear face cases of those people who have the train. Health Minister Etela Against this backdrop, dur- would be decided at the emer- Minister, MLA or officer just drones, conspiracy, and for authorities. masks. come in contact with those hav- Rajender said that the sixth ing the meeting on Thursday, gency meeting, including to check how-abouts. violations under the Aircraft Meanwhile, anticipating a Medical officials will be ing travel history. For, the fifth Covid-19 positive case in the preventive measures and reg- additional preventive steps. Don't come for simple Act. celebratory rally by the deployed at the centres, Covid-19 positive patient trav- State is a 20-year-old who ulations to be followed would The Chief Minister has things; to give a bouquet or The TPCC working presi- Congress party cadre, and medicines and ORS elled in S9 Coach of Hazrath returned from Scotland on 16 be discussed. Since Covid-19 urged people to stay away shawl or to find out how- dent was arrested on March 5, Rachakonda Commissioner of packets will be provided. A Nizamuddin-Tirupati Sampark March. The patient came to the is spreading mainly through from festivals and celebra- abouts or for employment. after he arrived from New Police has issued prohibitory control room with tele- Kranthi from New Delhi. He authorities on Tuesday. His those coming from various tions, which would involve Try to maintain at least one Delhi at the Shamshabad orders under the Hyderabad phone number 040- took the train on March13 and condition is currently stable. nations, all those coming group activity. He wanted yard distance from people. In Airport. All the six others City Police Act. 23230942 has been set up reached Ramagundem on The Minister said that so far in from abroad should undergo people to understand the buses or trains, try to main- arrested in the case managed to These orders prevent a by the Directorate of March14; from there he went to contact tracing everyone had the mandatory tests. People measures being taken by the tain gap." secure bail, except the MP, gathering of five or more Government Examinations Karimnagar and stayed at a tested negative, including the also should be alert and government to prevent the Telangana health min- who was sent to 14-day judicial members and prohibit them (DGE) at its office and at mosque for two days. The per- three persons from Tolichowki inform the authorities about spread of Covid-19. He urged istry on Wednesday con- custody. from taking out any proces- every district educational son could have come in contact who attended the funeral of those coming from abroad. people not to gather in large firmed the sixth positive Last week, a local court at sion, holding dharna, rally or office to resolve problems, with many people through this corona positive patient who had KCR asked officials to numbers at one place. case of coronavirus in the Kukatpally refused to grant public meetings, or making if any, faced by the journey before being admitted to returned from the Gulf. state. bail to the MP and dismissed any speeches. students.

Saina decries ON CLOUD NINE ‘profits over Coronavirus cases... Coronavirus Market crash wipes out Continued from Page 1 ing the three patients from need ... players’... Kerala who were discharged Continued from Page 1 Telangana has reported six cases last month. Rs 15.72 lakh cr wealth Continued from Page 1 which include two foreigners. Three persons infected with "While containment Continued from Page 1 payable. Banks shares slumped Rajasthan has also reported the virus have died so far, the efforts should continue, as a collapse of a telecom oper- "Only thing I can think of is four cases including that of latest casualty being a 64- imposing a lockdown and Indian equity markets witnessed ator could add to lenders' bad that rather than the players wel- two foreigners. Tamil Nadu, year-old man from Mumbai Section 144 now, vs 30 yet another sharp fall, as the loan pile, Khemka observed. fare n feelings, financial reasons , Odisha, with a travel history to Dubai days later, might reduce increasing number of coron- BSE Telecom, Bank, Finance were given more importance," Uttarakhand and Punjab have who succumbed on Tuesday. deaths by 5x (saving near- avirus cases and tough stance by and Utilities were hit hard the Nehwal, who won bronze at the reported one case each. A 76-year-old man from ly 10,000 lives," it added. the Supreme Court on AGR dues most and plunged up to 9.48 per 2012 London Olympics, wrote In Haryana, there are 17 Kalaburagi who returned from The presentation continued to spook the markets," cent. At the BSE, 1,882 compa- on Twitter."Otherwise there cases, which include fourteen Saudi Arabia and a 68-year-old acknowledged India had Siddhartha Khemka, Head - nies declined, while 963 was no other reason for the foreigners.According to the woman in Delhi who had "started well with good Retail Research, Motilal Oswal advanced and 186 remained #AllEnglandOpen2020 to go ministry's data, 14 people have tested positive for coronavirus containment efforts" that Financial Services Ltd, said. unchanged. In the broader mar- on last week." been discharged so far, includ- were the other deceased. included closing of public "Worries of greater disruptions ket, the BSE mid-cap and small- spaces like malls and cin- in businesses rose due to the ris- cap tumbled 4.84 per cent and ema theatres and encour- ing number of new coronavirus 6.09 per cent, respectively. aging people to work from cases in India. Many states have The frontline indexes were home for social shut restaurants, malls, gyms and down by close to 5.50 per cent, distancing. movie theatres as a precaution- in a market hit by the likely Continued‘Favipiravir from Page 1 effectivethe Institute ofin Microbiology treatingall the COVID-19’ efforts and preparations, However, warning that a ary measure," he added. adverse impact of the pandem- Epidemiology, a division of the our group is fully prepared for second lockdown may Further, the Supreme Court ic, at a time when it was nego- An oral medicine using favipi- Chinese armed forces. favipiravir's raw material and have to be imposed, the held that no further objections tiating a critical juncture in the ravir, developed by Hong The study will involve 60 preparation production." presentation also urged to its orders would be allowed already existing economic slug- Kong-based Sihuan COVID-19 patients who will An oral medicine using MP Santosh Kumar congratulates K Kavitha on being nominated as MLC candidate the government to ensure against telecom's AGR dues gishness. Pharmaceutical, is also in line be given treatment for around favipiravir, developed by Hong from local bodies constituency of Nizamabad district. "No matter where you are. You supply of essentials, like to try on COVID-19 patients. 10 days. Larger trials are Kong-based Sihuan bring the grace to the place." Heartiest congratulations to my dearest sister food, medicine and Led by Beijing Chaoyang expected later. Pharmaceutical, is also in @RaoKavitha on being nominated as #MLC candidate from local bodies money, and ensure avail- Hospital, a clinical trial is part Sihuan executive director line to try on COVID-19 constituency of #Nizamabad dist. A fitting gesture from our Honble CM #KCR ability of services like pub- of a programme by Sihuan and Che Fengsheng has said, "After patients. garu." The MP tweeted along with the picture. lic transportation.

HYDERABAD BULLION RATES GOLD FEAR PSYCHOSIS GRIPS INDIANS ` 40,650 (10 gm) PNS n NEW DELHI n Doctors are n Despite the Indian Council er it is required. ` 1,950 Experts are getting flu of Medical Research (ICMR) "Once results are not sug- SILVER Weather change that is associ- flooded with test and chest X-ray declaring there is no commu- gestive of possibility of coro- ` 35,000 (10 gm) ated with common cold cases patients who done wherever it nity transmission of the new navirus disease, patients are at ` 300 in India in the month of have normal is required coronavirus yet in the country, peace. If there is breathlessness March-April has left millions cold or flu - people in their sixties suffer- or there are findings in chest, of people who are down with along with ing from pre-existing condi- we also suggest CT scan of the CHICKEN seasonal cough or cold symp- tions like diabetes and high chest area to be done," said `/KG toms self-isolating themselves conditions like blood pressure are becoming Tapdiya. Yes, there is a social RATES -- an exercise which is only anxiety and paranoid. pressure, admit doctors. Dressed/With Skin `51 creating unnecessary fear in stress -- "They want to get them- "In fact, one girl who came Without Skin `58 the country, say health experts. in the selves screened for it whether to me from an NGO wanted to Broiler at Farm `35 Doctors are flooded with n People having cough or or not the symptoms fits the work from home because she patients who have normal OPDs disease. At the same time, had lots of elderly colleagues. cold or flu - along with con- cold symptoms are scared they're also worried about "She said since I'm suffering ditions like anxiety and stress in view of COVID-19 their family, especially the from flu, they're asking me to EGG -- in the OPDs. They are very elderly," said Dr Mugdha take leave and sit at home, RATES `/100 fearful and assuming it might 19 outbreak. Some might also engage in an unreasonably Tapdiya, Senior Consultant, which will be without pay. So HYDERABAD 210 be new coronavirus (COVID- fear disclosure in fear of being restricted lifestyle," Dr Sameer Internal Medicine, Fortis Flt. there is a lot of social pressure 19) disease although they just isolated. People with an anx- Malhotra, Head, department Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, especially in the private com- VIJAYAWADA 290 have seasonal symptoms. ious and oversensitive predis- of mental health and behav- Vasant Kunj. panies where people are not VISAKHAPATNAM 300 "People having cough or position or hypochondriacal ioural science at Max Super Health experts are getting getting paid if they're sitting at RETAIL PRICE `2.10 cold symptoms are somewhat and obsessive symptoms are Speciality Hospital in Saket flu test, complete blood count home, that's why they're hid- (IN HYDERABAD) scared in view of the COVID- likely to worry a lot and said. and chest X-ray done wherev- ing symptoms," Tapdiya said.

Although every possible care and caution has been taken to avoid errors or omissions, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that information given in this publication is merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or binding in any way on the writers, editors, publishers, and printers and sellers who do not owe any responsibility for any damage or loss to any person, a purchaser of this publication or not for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only. Readers are advised and requested to verify and seek appropriate advice to satisfy themselves about the veracity of any kind of advertisement before responding to any contents published in this newspaper. The printer, publisher, editor and any employee of the Pioneer Group's will not be held responsible for any kind of claim made by the advertisers of the products & services and shall not be made responsible for any kind of loss, consequences and further product-related damages on such advertisements.

Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 hyderabad 03 NIRDPR announces Mosquito menace: Drone sprays KTR nudges officials to last date to apply for diploma course anti-larval insecticide over Musi fast-track SRDP works PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD The last date to apply for the Post In a bid to fight the rising mosqui- Graduate Programmesviz. Diploma in to menace in the city, GHMC offi- MA&UD Minister reviews Hyderabad constituency Rural Development Management and cials on Wednesday used a drone Postgraduate Diploma in Rural to spray anti-larval insecticide over PNS n HYDERABAD Management (PGDM-RM) offered by the MusiNala under Goshamahal the National Institute of Rural constituency. Municipal Administration Development and Panchayati Raj The operation, which is a part and Urban Development (NIRDPR), is 10th April 2020. of GHMC's pilot project to use Minister KTRama Rao, The course boasts of having achieved drones for spraying bio-enzymes instructed the officials con- a 100 per cent placement rate since to contain water hyacinth and cerned to speed-up the Batch One in 2008 with highly compet- mosquito menace, was earlier ongoing developmental itive salaries. Highlighting the growth done over Miyapur Lake, works in the Hyderabad in importance of Rural Development MalkamCheruvu and Banjara Parliamentary Sector, Dr. W.R. Reddy, IAS, Director Lake, and a lake in The MLA said, "With manual Constituency. General, NIRDPR, said, "This is an Serilingampally. Following com- spraying, It is almost impossible Following The Minister asked them idening., and also to replace exciting time to build expertise and plaints from residents of nearby to cover the entire expanse and complaints from to prepare proposals for KTR asked HMWS&SB officials to old sewerage pipes lines. make a career in Rural Development. localities, the GHMC officials reach the other side of the lake, residents of nearby laying four-lane road on plug water leakages and if Minister directed the The confluence of policy, technology sprung into action. leaving mosquito larva fester in either side of Musi River officials to take up public and purpose have made what was once Goshmahal MLA Raja Singh the center of the lake. The drones localities, the under East - West corridor. necessary replace pipelines to toilets, SHE toilets in the the preserve of a few well-meaning and along with officials visited Nala however reached every part of the GHMC officials The Minister conducted a ensure better water supply open places and facilitate hardworking individuals, an open field and inspected the spraying oper- surface area that had to be sprayed sprung into action review meeting along with open gyms in parks, to for innovation of the sort that will drive ation for controlling mosquitoes from the edges of the lake right to the Mayor Dr Bonthu out any delay. officials to submit propos- develop integrated market transformation. Government, non-gov- spreading dengue. The drone the middle." He added, "Using Rammohan, MP The Minister instructed als for laying VDCC roads complex as built in Gajwel ernment and private enterprises are all flew over the Nala under drones in the fight against mos- ogy is developing rapidly and has Asaduddin Owaisi, MLA to speed-up the works and also to speed the land in area of more than half involved in rural development initia- Goshamahal constituency and quito menace seems to be yield- a lot of potentials to be leveraged AkbaruddinOwaisi, deputy taken up under acquisition process on the acre. tives." sprinkled the insecticide. ing positive results, drone technol- in several ways." Mayor Baba Fasiuddin, SRDPworks including fly- 20 stretches meant for road EVDM director GHMC Commissioner overs, under pass, foot over widening and to post a spe- ViswajitKampati, ENC Lokesh Kumar on bridges and road widening cial officer for this purpose. Sreedhar, Chief Engineers Wednesday. works, junction improve- He asked the HMWS&SB Ziauddin, Vasantha, CCP Speaking about the road ment and beautification, officials to repair water Devender, Zonal Commissi widening works, KTR water supply pipe lines, leakages if necessary oners Pravinya, Ashok asked the officials con- development of sport com- replace with new pipe lines Samrat, Additional cerned to co-ordinate with plex, parks, public toilets, to order to get better water Commissioner Krishna, the railway authorities to nala widening works and supply and also to ensure OSD Housing Suresh, SE sort out issues, and with other infrastructure facili- there is no shortage of Venkatramana, lakes other departments to shift ties. water supply in summer. SEMurali Krishna and oth- the public utilities so as to During the review meet- Funds were also sanctioned ers participated in the complete the works with- ing, the Minster asked the for the purpose of nalaw- meeting.

RIME Fraudsters cash in on virus CORNER fears, make fake sanitisers

Man held for PNS n HYDERABAD raping minor A Special Operations 30-year-old man was arrested Team (SOT) from the Afor sexaully assaulting and Bhongir Zone along with raping a minor girl at his home the Kushaiguda and in the city by the Moghalpura Abdullapurmet Police Police. The information about the arrested six people in Nepali native victim was given to two separate raids and the police by an NGO here. The busted a duplicate hand accused, identified as Shiva, was sanitiser manufacturing a cab driver by profession who racket. was living with the 17-year-old In the first raid at girl in Moghalpura area, the Kushaiguda, three per- police officials said. "The man sons were arrested. They was living with the girl claiming were identified as Are passengers skipping that she is his wife. Upon Kakarlapudi Krishna receiving information a team was Kiran, 38, Vemuri screening at airport? sent to their residence and the VenkataSubramanyam, victim was rescued. Though she 50, and Vemuri PNS n HYDERABAD or apparently took med- claimed her age was 15, during Vishwanath, 27. Kiran is ication for the symp- the age-determination check, it the MD of Seven Hills Despite the screening toms. To ensure that the was found that she was aged Softgel Company. at airports, the ques- persons who have had a between 17-18 years old," said In the second raid at a tion arises on how did travel history but man- the police, who arrested the man sub-unit in Abdulla all those coronavirus aged to enter the coun- and sent him to judicial remand purmet, the police arrest- positive patients man- try, are tracked, govern- and shifted the victim to a shelter ed three persons, identi- aged to enter the state. ment is deploying home. Cases were booked under fied as Chandan It is possible to cheat GHMC officials in sections 376, 366, 373, and 323 Panjwani, 28, Anil screening tests at airport Hyderabad and Asha of the IPC and other relevant Kumar, 30 and Bommu by taking medicine or workers in villages to POCSO Act. Shanker, 26. Another entering even before the resolve the issue. person, identified as restrictions were Health Minister Etela Fire breaks out in Nirmal Kumar, 65, is imposed. A woman who Rajender said that in vil- absconding, said the travelled from Wuhan in lages it is easy to track MPDO office police. China to France boasted people as they have less fire broke out in the At the first manufac- on social media that she population, so we AMandalParishad Development turing unit, the police had been suffering from deployedAsha workers Office in Hayathnagar on seized 25,000 sanitiser- a fever, but managed to to take cognisance of Wednesday. No casualties were bottles besides 11 drums reduce her symptoms such visitors and inform reported but files and documents of Isopropyl alcohol and with medicine. India the officials immediately. were reportedly damaged, said Rs 40 lakh cash. At the started screening pas- Meanwhile, GHMC also the fire officials. Officials sub unit in sengers from China began a door-to-door investigating the cause of the fire Abdullapurmet, 2,500 from January and the list campaign to track people said that preliminary bottles of sanitiser and 5 of countries to be who have returned from investigation revealed that a cans of liquid sanitiser screened has increased foreign trips recently. short circuit is suspected to have was seized, besides a van to 11. However, those With more than led to the mishap. Police said and Rs 10 lakh cash. The people who made it into 65,000 passengers arriv- that nobody was hurt as the total worth of the seized the country even before ing in the state since the office was closed at the time property is Rs 50 lakhs, the imposition of restric- screening began, offi- when the fire broke out at said the police. tions managed to come cials were apparently around 8:30 in the morning. Krishna Kiran into the state. given the details of the According to Sreenaiah, SFO obtained a licence in the Some of the cases passengers who arrived Hayathanagar, a spark ignited the name of AyushSoftgel were allegedly unaware in the state. fire near the main electrical capsules & Syrups in the board and soon caught on to the year 2018 and established them in the market. 1.44 crore. While the office papers and newspapers. a unit at IDA Cherlapally Police said that, so far approximate cost for Furniture was gutted in the where he prepared the the accused has manufac- manufacturing the sani- flames. Officials are estimating AyushSoftgel Capsules & tured and marketed 1 tiseris Rs 46, the accused the value of the property lost. Syrups and supplied lakh bottles worth Rs used to sell it for Rs 144.

INTERMEDIATE EXAMS 8 students held for malpractices n PNS HYDERABAD The college Eight students who were management aided by the college man- agement to cheat in the collected intermediate examination between Rs were apprehended by the 5,000 and Rs West Zone Task Force team on Wednesday. 8,000 for helping The raid was conducted the students, by the Task Force team and said a Task a team from Board of Intermediate (BIE), who force official nabbed the students, along with four faculty mem- and Narayana junior col- bers of New Madina Junior lege. "The management of College in Tolichowki who and Syed Kaleemuddin, Nazeer, and Nisar Ahmed, the college collected were charging the examin- while the students were who had Chemistry-II. between Rs 5,000 to Rs ers with a fee to cheat and identified as MohdIqbal Two more students 8,000 for helping the stu- handed them over to Abbas who had Chemistry involved in the scam were dents in writing the exam- Golconda Police for fur- exam, FirazMirza who had reportedly absconding. ination. They arranged ther action. Commerce-II, Mohd The students were from some persons to write The staffers were identi- Ahmed Hussain appearing Noesis junior college, St. examinations on behalf of fied as ShoaibTanveer, 29, for Commerce- II, Ahmad Joseph junior college, New them at the institution," Shabha, ShahidaShareen, Nazeer, MohdRiyan Reliance junior college, said Task Force officials. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 hyderabad 04 Tackle spread of Covid-19, KCR has ‘big plans' for 2024 says Satyavati Rathod l Kavitha's entry into state politics signals TRS supremo’s ‘larger plans' PNS n HYDERABAD L VENKAT RAM REDDY again from the same nominate her daughter to n HYDERABAD Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat in Rajya Sabha since for a leader Women and Child Welfare 2019. However, her shocking of the stature of Kavitha, who Minister Satyavati Rathod on Former MP Kalvakuntla defeat at the hands of BJP in represented TRS in Lok Sabha, Wednesday asked the officials Kavita's entry into state politics 2019 altered KCR's plans. nominating her to Rajya Sabha of Tribal Welfare Residential signals larger plans of TRS Kavitha, known to be hyper would be a fitting position. No Educational Institutions, ITDA supremo and Chief Minister K active in TRS, has been keep- one expected her to get nom- project officers to take preven- Chandrasekhar Rao in mind ing away from party activities inated as MLC as it would send tive measures to tackle the before 2024 general elections. after her defeat in May 2019. signals that she was demoted. spread of Covid-19 and sensi- KCR's sudden decision to Let alone party activities, she KCR could have nominated tise tribals on Coronavirus nominate his daughter Kavita was hardly visible in party or Kavitha to Rajya Sabha easily. symptoms. to Legislative Council is being public meetings since then. Instead he nominated In the light of SSC and elucidated as a strategy to fur- At this juncture, KCR is K Keshava Rao and KR Intermediate public exams, ther tighten his family's grip learnt to have realised that it Suresh Reddy recently sending the Minister reviewed with over the party and the govern- KCR sprang a surprise by another 'power centre' both in would be fatal for the political a clear signal that he wants to officials here on Wednesday Women and Child Welfare Minister Satyavathi Rathod at a review with officials on ment. KCR is nurturing plans nominating his daughter his party and the government, career of Kavitha if she remains shift his daughter to state pol- the steps taken to protect stu- Wednesday to play a key role in national Kalvakuntla Kavitha to which may cause hindrance to in political oblivion till May itics. But KCR's latest decision dents from virus, to hold pub- politics before 2024 LS polls by Legislative Council as MLC on the smooth transition of power 2024 Lok Sabha polls. triggered speculations in party lic exams, put educational them back to schools. widows. The project officials leading a movement against Wednesday paving way for her to his son KT Rama Rao in the KCR reportedly took a deci- circles that he took a strong institutions on alert about the Besides sensitising students should ensure that the govern- CAA, NPR and NRC. entry into state politics. future. Since KTR was confined sion to resurrect her political decision to handover CM reins virus. on Covid-19, stringent mea- ment schemes for tribals reach Kavitha's nomination as This is in sharp contrast to to state politics and included in career by nominating her to to his son KTR anytime soon, In view of government sures to check the spread of the the target group and make MLC is being viewed in the his earlier stand when he con- his Cabinet in 2014, KCR Rajya Sabha or Legislative make Kavitha as Minister in declaring holidays for all stu- virus should be put in place, them understand the efforts of party and political circles as fined his daughter to national ensured Kavitha remained in Council, since TRS enjoys KTR's Cabinet and shift his dents barring SSC and she said. Application of sani- the government to benefit the KCR's larger plan to make his politics by fielding her from national politics. KCR followed absolute majority in Legislative focus to national politics. KCR Intermediate, Satyavathi want- tisers and personal hygiene tribals," she said. Minister son KT Rama Rao as Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat in the 'same mantra' even during Assembly and local bodies to recently announced his plans to ed the officials to pay more should get more attention. As The ITDA officials should Chief Minister and Kavitha as 2014, which she won with a 2018 Assembly polls and 2019 make Kavitha either Rajya lead a movement against CAA, attention on the pass percent- suggested by the Chief formulate schemes and imple- No.2 in KTR's Cabinet before thumping majority. Lok Sabha polls. He did not Sabha member or MLC. NPR and NRC by touring all age of students appearing for Minister, the precautions given ment works which would ben- he shifts his focus to national By doing so, KCR wanted to consider Kavitha for Assembly However, everyone in the the states and moblise the sup- board exams. by the Medical and Health efit the tribals. The 'Each One politics. ensure that there should not be polls in 2018 and fielded her party was expecting KCR to port of non-BJP parties. Since December last, special Department should be fol- Teach One' should be imple- classes are being held for stu- lowed without fail. mented in tribal areas as sug- dents appearing for board Measures to prevent spread gested by Chief Minister, she exams. Therefore, the officials of coronavirus from new per- said. KAVITHA'S NOMINATION SPRING TIME should supervise students from sons or through new methods Tribal Welfare time to time so that they get should be implemented in the Commissioner Christina good marks. Teachers and offi- ITDAs. At the same time, the Chongtu, ITDA project officer TRS cadre in cials who are on duty should ITDA officials should sensitise Bhavesh Misra, Bhadrachalam remain accessible till comple- tribals on precautions to be ITDA project officer Gautam, tion of board exams. taken prior to manifestation of Yeturu Nagaram project offi- Teachers accompanying SSC symptoms and after. cer Hanmanthu, Mannanuru upbeat mood students for exams, to be held "The ITDA officials should ITDA project officer Akhilesh from March 19 to April 1, prepare plans promote cottage Reddy, tribal welfare addition- PV KONDAL RAO party. The BJP and Congress should ensure that the students industries to benefit families al director Sarveswar Reddy n NIZAMABAD are fielding their respective should not mingle with groups weaned away from brewing and others took part in the candidates but their presence of students and safely bring illicitly distilled arrack and meeting. With Kalvakuntla Kavitha fil- is unlikely to show any impact ing her nomination papers for on the elections. the MLC seat from With respect to the sudden Nizamabad constituency on selection of Kavitha as the TRS Manthani Wednesday, there is a renewed nominee for MLC, the leaders SBI Hyd circle donates energy among the TRS party and MLAs of this district are municipal cadres in erstwhile Nizamabad of an opinion that her selec- district. However, the cadres in tion would boost the morale of van to Sevashram the district are not seeing the party in Nizamabad. commissioner her nomination as a Even the nomination of KR PNS n HYDERABAD Eco Van 7-Seater comes in surprising move. Subsequent Suresh Reddy for the Rajya handy for senior citizens of suspended to the filing of nomination, the Sabha was also a morale boost- SBI is always ahead in CSR the old age home in case of PNS n HYDERABAD only loser whose chances were er in Nizamabad TRS but the initiatives. In such initiatives, any medical and other emer- spoiled is Machareddi MPP fresh move could become a Flowering trees at NTR Gardens present a pleasant sight to the commuters Photo by SV Chary SBI Hyderabad Circle donat- gencies. Dr N Satyanarayana , Narsinga Rao. He is likely to major achiever for the party ed Maruthi Eeco 7 Seater Van On the occasion, Director, Municipal withdraw from the fray follow- since this step strengthens the worth Rs 5 lakh to OP Mishra, CGM, Administration Department ing the nomination of Kavitha. local body representatives in 'Sevashram', Annaram. Hyderabad Circle handed on Wednesday place One more leader — Arikela the district. Earlier in the day, ‘KCR spreading lies on CAA’ 'Sevashram' is an old age over van key to MV Manthani municipal com- Narsa Reddy has also expect- former Nizamabad MP home established in 1994 as Bhadram, secretary, missioner Guttala ed a ticket for the seat. Kalvakuntla Kavitha filed her PNS n HYDERABAD a non-profitable organisa- Sevashram. OP Mishra Mallikarjuna Swamy under The TRS cadres of the dis- nomination papers as TRS tion with a noble aim of pro- expressed his happiness and suspension for violating gov- trict however are on cloud party candidate for the Telangana state BJP unit on viding not only physical shel- reiterated SBI's commitment ernment instructions and nine as the Chief Minister's Nizamabad Local Bodies MLC Wednesday submitted a mem- ter and comforts to its resi- to welfare of the society. showing negligence in dis- daughter got a fresh chance to election at the District orandum to the Governor dents but also to bring cheer KV Bangarraju, DGM & charging his officials duties. lead the party from the front. Collectorate. She was accom- Tamilisai Soundararajan and sunshine in their lonely CDO, Liob A Vijay Kumar, It is learnt that Swamy was The TRS is likely to win this panied by R&B Minister against the state government lives. MV Bhadram and LSSVD suspended for availing one segment hands down as 90 per Vemula Prashanth Reddy, for passing a resolution against The ashramam is 27-year- Hanumantha Rao, day leave in view of a healthy cent of the voters in the local MLAs and several other party the Citizen Amendment Act in old NGO and home for 50 AGM-PR were also present emergency like situation pre- body list belong to the TRS leaders. the Assembly. senior citizens. The Maruthi on the occasion. vailing in the state because of In its memorandum, the Coronavirus. Mandhani BJP alleged that the state gov- Tahsildar Anupama Rao is ernment of flouting constitu- learnt to be appointed in- tional propriety and the spirit A delegation of BJP leaders submitting a memorandum to Governor Tamilisai charge municipal commis- of federal structure for petty Soundararajan at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on Wednesday sioner. On the directions polemics. from CS Somesh Kumar, "The resolution alleges that which are potentially incendi- blatant lies in a manner that Swamy was suspended. the CAA and NPR and the ary. The issue of conferring cit- potentially create wedge Mallikarjuna Swamy, who non-existent NRC would tin- izenship or rejecting a plea amongst communities. earlier worked as Manager of ker with the inclusive and thereof is purely the domain of "The Chief Minister says Kagaznagar Municipality, was non-religious nature of the the Union Government under that the CAA is discriminato- posted as Commissioner, citizenship. The occasion was Articles 5 to 11 of the Indian ry against Muslims. CAA is a Manthani Municipality used by the members and cer- Constitution. Neither the state historical necessity. While recently on promotion. tain political parties and the governments nor the assem- CAA is nothing to do with the Several have been raising Chief Minister himself to blies have any mandate here," Muslims of India, Chief eyebrows over the suspension spread misconceptions and it said in its memorandum. Minister's statement creates that took place within 50 days lies on CAA and NPR. The The BJP blamed Chief apprehensions in their minds of the governing body Former MP K Kavitha filing her nomination papers for the Local Bodies MLC in Chief Minister in particular Minister K Chandrashekhar now and thus create wedge P Mishra, CGM, Hyderabad Circle, hands over van key to MV Bhadram, assumes office in the munic- Nizamabad on Wednesday made misleading statements Rao for allegedly spreading amongst communities,” it said. secretary, Sevashram in the city on Wednesday ipality. Cong to TS govt: Waive KTR skips wishing his ‘pup' Khammam hospital PNS n HYDERABAD that her life be filled with Santosh terming it as 'fit- happiness. ting gesture by CM KCR' While the TRS party leaders While Harish Rao, J said, "No matter where you gets isolation ward crop loans in one go were cheering Kalvakuntla Santosh Kumar took to twit- are. You bring the grace to the n (DM&HO) Dr. Banoth PNS HYDERABAD Kavitha Rao over being ter to wish Kavitha, the ever place." Heartiest congratula- Malathi and others inspected PNS n HYDERABAD picked as TRS party candidate active on social media KTR, tions to my dearest sister on The Khammam district an isolation ward set up at TRS government is repeating the mistake it for the Nizamabad Local skipped it raising an eye- being nominated as MLC administration has taken pre- trauma care centre at the Former Minister and ex- committed while waiving off crop loans in the past. Bodies MLC election, party brow. It is apparently to avoid candidate from local bodies ventive measures to contain District General Hospital Leader of Opposition in Crop loans of nearly Rs 17,000 crore were waived off working president KT Rama critiscm over fifth member constituency of #Nizamabad spread of COVID-19, here on Wednesday.The Telangana Legislative Council Rao not wishing her has from the family to be induct- district". Likewise, Harish informed the District Collector informed that a Mohammed Ali Shabbir in four instalments and it did not benefit the farmers raised eyebrows. ed into role. Already Santosh Rao said, "My Heartiest con- Collector R V Karnan. 120 bedded isolation ward demanded that the State — MOHAMMED ALI SHABBIR , Telangana Legislative Council Last week on former MP's is Rajya Sabha member while gratulations to Kavitha on He along with the which was equipped with 10 Government to waive off crop birthday, KTR wished her KTR and Harish are Ministers filing nomination as MLC Commissioner of Police beds in ICU and 10 beds in loans in one go and not split sister on social media and in government headed by candidate for Nizamabad Tafseer Iqubal and District AMC besides wards with 50 them into four instalments Debt Waiver Scheme (A Study called her 'pup' and hoped KCR. local bodies constituency". Medical and Health Officer each for women and for men. like it did in the past. in Telangana State). Shabbir Ali, in a statement He said the report, in its on Wednesday, said that the conclusion, stated that, guidelines for Crop Loan "Majority of the farmers i.e., Waiver Scheme issued by the 80 per cent of Small and Tipplers manage to get ‘high’ during shutdown State Government on Tuesday Marginal Farmer (SMF) and were not comprehensive and 67 per cent of Medium and DAVE BENNETT SILVERY traffic police official said that no shops continue to remain open promises no major relief for Large Farmer (LMF) felt that n HYDERABAD instructions were received to and are selling liquor unabated. farmers. He said that the gov- the debt waiver scheme would stop the tests due to the virus. After the call to shutdown ernment plans to waive off out- have been beneficial to them, Despite the government “We only received a communi- bars and pubs was given, wine standing loans up to Rs. 25,000 had it been a onetime settle- announcing closure of bars, cation to exercise caution while shops saw an unprecedented in the 1st phase and for ment. Otherwise the instal- pubs and permit rooms to curb doing the tests and nothing rush with people thronging the remaining farmers, it propos- ment that is being released is the spread of coronavirus, tip- about stopping the checks alto- shops to stock up before an Italy es to waive off the amount in present outstanding crop loans only serving the purpose of plers still manage to find ways gether,” said the official. like situation prevails. A twitter four instalments. of nearly Rs. 25,000 crore rescheduling the loans with- to get themselves intoxicated Youngsters who are working user with the handle "TRS government is repeat- clearly shows that the previous out any provision for crop during the shutdown. from home are having a ball @KelaBhavesh wrote: "Why ing the mistake it committed loan waiver scheme has failed investment. Therefore, they Taking undue advantage of while able to work in an envi- only gyms and swimming pools while waiving off crop loans in to deliver the desired results," were not completely sure the wine shops still selling alco- ronment of their liking. A fre- are closed why your the past. Crop loans of nearly he said. about the point that the debt hol, consumers are stocking up quent club visitor, Rohan Government is not closing Wine Rs 17,000 crore were waived The Congress leader said waiver scheme implemented alcohol and getting intoxicated Kumar, who works at an MNC shops till 31st march it will make off in four instalments and it that the National Institute of in the State was beneficial to at private properties. While the that asked their employees to people more safe government did not benefit the farmers. Rural Development & them. Surprisingly around 11 government has ordered shut- rooms being closed, the police sons during the drunk and drive work from home said that he is only taking sympthy if you They faced harassment from Panchayati Raj has come out per cent of SMF and 25 per down of multiple establish- are continuing drunk and drive check on Sunday against the usu- was joyed at the prospect of really want a public opinion then the banks continuously for with interesting findings after cent of LMF felt that very lit- ments, citizens have also begun checks. However, the numbers ally high number of detainees. working while downing a glass close wine shop for better health four years and even after loan doing a research study tle relief was provided to them self quarantine, thereby, bring- have drastically come down. The Traffic Police attributed of wine in the comfort of his #CoronaPolitics waiver, they could not get rid 'Agrarian Distress, Coping keeping in view of their total ing their parties home. The Gachibowli traffic police this to the shutdown of pubs in home. However, the public are #closewineshop" (SIC) com- themselves off their debts. The Mechanism & Ramifications of debts." Despite bars, pubs and permit managed to nab only three per- the state capital. However, a annoyed with the fact that wine menting on the issue. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 nation 05

SHORT READS Minister directs ‘Don't ask questions based teams to visit quarantine facilities on newspaper information’ PNS n NEW DELHI n PNS NEW DELHI MPs should not ask Union Health Minister questions based on Harsh Vardhan on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Wednesday held a review on Wednesday cautioned MPs information meeting on containment MP: Cong urges Guv not to ask questions based on published in and management of the to ensure release of what is published in newspa- newspapers. This is in the coronavirus, directing that pers and raise issues only rule book that questions teams be deputed to regular- rebels in Bengaluru on the basis of their own should not be asked based on Roche Diagnostics India ly inspect and monitor quar- BHOPAL: Ruling Congress information. the information of newspapers antine facilities for ensuring MLAs on Wednesday met Birla's direction came after and television channels. So, necessary amenities are Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji A. Raja, a Dravida Munnetra ask questions based on your first private firm to get being provided. Tandon and requested him to Kazhagam leader and an MP own information, The meeting was attend- ensure the release of their rebel from Mayiladuthurai in Tamil ed by senior health ministry colleagues from the "captivity" — OM BIRLA Nadu, referred to a newspaper Lok Sabha Speaker COVID-19 test approval officials, the directors or of the BJP in Bengaluru. In a article while asking a supple- medical superintendents of memorandum, the Congress mentary question during PNS n NEW DELHI central government hospi- requested the governor to use Question Hour. articles that the Law Minister The official said tals such as the Safdurjung his Constitutional office to "MPs should not ask ques- and the Telecom Ministry Swiss firm Roche Diagnostics two Indian diagnostic Hospital, the RML Hospital ensure release of the 16 MLAs tions based on information rupting Raja. Raja put a sup- burning articles. This govern- succeeded in getting the India received the license for companies — Trivitron and the AIIMS-Delhi. being held "captive" by the BJP published in newspapers. This plementary question when ment came to power by say- Supreme Court's permission conducting coronavirus tests Healthcare and Mylab Vardhan reviewed the at a resort, said state Congress is in the rule book that ques- question number 346 linked ing that Rs 1.73 lakh crore loss to allow private telecom oper- after approval from drug regu- preparedness of hospitals in Discovery Solution — spokesman Bhupendra Gupta. tions should not be asked to Universal Service to the exchequer in 2G (spec- ators like Airtel, Vodafone lator DCGI, making it the first terms of availability of test- The letter stated that former based on the information of Obligation Fund (USOF) trum allocation). We suffered and Idea to pay statutory private firm to get such permis- have also sought ing kits, personnel protective chief minister Digvijay Singh newspapers and television mentioned in the list of 20 a lot. That is not the question. dues totalling Rs one lakh sion after the government approval from the DCGI equipment, medicines and and other MLAs were channels. So, ask questions questions for oral answer was I want to ask a legitimate crore over 20 years. You suc- decided to allow for the coronavirus isolation wards. prevented from meeting the based on your own informa- raised. "Yesterday, newspa- question," Raja said. ceeded. Who gave conces- accredited private labs to test testing kits developed He directed hospitals to legislators in the Karnataka tion," Birla said while inter- pers carried very hot and "The newspapers carried sion to the operators?." for COVID-19. by them ensure adequate availability capital by Bengaluru Police on According to a senior official, of protective gear for all Wednesday morning. Being a the Drug Controller General of also sought approval from the healthcare workers. Rajya Sabha candidate, Singh India (DCGI) is now assessing DCGI for the coronavirus test- Vardhan reviewed in wanted to meet the MLAs but DISSENT IN TIMES OF COVID-19 RACIAL REMARKS giving license to another private ing kits developed by them. detail the quarantine facili- the Bengaluru police and local diagnostic firm, bioMérieux, The Union health ministry ties for evacuees, including administration detained him Centre issuing which has also sought approval had on Tuesday issued guide- those at airports and other and other leaders of the NCPCR seeks report on to conduct tests for coron- lines for private sector labora- key transit points, in terms Congress, it stated. Meanwhile, advisory to avirus. The official said two tories intending to initiate of segregation of passen- Congress workers staged a Indian diagnostic companies — COVID-19 testing while gers, transportation to protest in front of the statue of Shaheen Bagh Congregation states Trivitron Healthcare and Mylab appealing them to conduct the quarantine facilities and Mahatma Gandhi in Minto Hall, n Discovery Solution — have tests free of cost. checks-ups. the old Assembly building PNS NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI located in front of Raj Bhavan. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on The National Commission for Wednesday said a strict advi- Protection of Child Rights on sory is being issued to all states Wednesday wrote to the District to take action after Prisoners start manufacturing Magistrate of South East Delhi some incidents to submit a report regarding the of racial assembly of people in Shaheen remarks masks to overcome shortage Bagh protest site amidst the against peo- coronavirus outbreak. ple belong- PNS n MUMBAI In the letter, the NCPCR said ing to the it had received a complaint North East in In a bid to tide over the short- CBSE asks exam regarding the large gathering at some parts of the country age of masks during the coro- the site which they said was tak- were reported in the wake of navirus outbreak in centres to ensure ing place despite an advisory the coronavirus outbreak. Maharashtra, prisons in the adequate distance issued by the state and central Rijiju, who hails from state have stepped in to man- NEW DELHI: The Central Board government regarding safety Arunachal Pradesh, also said ufacture the protective gear. of Secondary Education (CBSE) and prevention for COVID-19. the issue was taken up with the Speaking to reporters on has directed board examination The Delhi government has 15 last year at Shaheen Bagh and North East division in the Wednesday, Home Minister centres to ensure sitting announced that any gathering eventually at other places in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Anil Deshmukh said in order arrangement with adequate - religious, family, social, polit- national capital and elsewhere "Some incidents of racial to meet the increasing demand distance between students to ical or cultural - of more than in the country. remarks against North-East for masks during the pandem- contain the coronavirus spread. 50 people will not be allowed in The number of novel coron- people have emerged in some ic, inmates in central prisons "It shall be responsibility of the national capital till March 31 avirus cases in the country rose parts of India in the wake of across Maharashtrahave start- examination centres to ensure amid the coronavirus scare. to 147 on Wednesday, with 10 #Coronavirus due to cultural ed manufacturing them. that candidates for board "You are kindly requested to fresh cases reported from vari- ignorance, prejudice minset & The minister said the prison exams are seated at distance of take necessary action in view of ous parts of the country, accord- lack of understanding. Matter administration approved of one metre from one another. advisory issued by the State ing to the Union health min- discussed with NE Division, his idea and have started man- For wherever the size of room Government and the Central istry. The cases include 25 for- MHA. Strict advisory is being ufacturing. Some of these screen all new inmates in view new inmates in Mumbai doesn't permit that, the Government regarding safety eign nationals and the three per- issued to the States," Rijiju masks are used by inmates, of the pandemic. will be moved to Taloja Jail, he examinees can be split into and prevention for COVID-19 Hundreds of people, including sons who died in Delhi, tweeted. According to health prison officials and the rest are Authorities have also been said. other rooms. "The exam and submit a report to the women and children, are stay- Karnataka and Maharashtra. officials, the total number of sold to suppliers, Deshmukh asked to subject inmates, who Families will not be allowed invigilators should wear masks Commission within three days ing put on the road as part of Over 5,700 people, who had novel coronavirus cases in the said, adding that prisoners are already lodged in prisons, to visit prisoners for the time or cover face with from the date of issue of this let- their protest against the come in contact with the country rose to 147 with 10 are paid for this work. to medical tests, he added. being, he said, adding that handkerchiefs during exams," ter," the letter from the National Citizenship (Amendment) Act COVID-19 positive cases, are fresh cases reported from var- Meanwhile, the Home Moreover, to prevent over- courts are also requested to CBSE Controller of Exams Commission for Protection of (CAA). Protests against the under surveillance, the ministry ious parts of the country on Minister has directed the crowding, some inmates will conduct trials through video Sanyam Bhardwaj said in an Child Rights (NCPCR) said. CAA had started on December said. Wednesday. prison administration to be shifted to other jails and conferencing. advisory. Nirbhaya convict's wife UK asks it’s nationals in India with doesn’t want to be known Army takes steps: Checking ‘Malik's remarks hurt as ‘rapist's widow' AURANGABAD : The wife of flu symptoms to banning Covid-19 symptoms to self isolate dignity of Raj Bhavan’ one of the convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape case, who PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n MUMBAI "What the governor does face the gallows later this week, Thompson said inside is his prerogative, but non-essentialn travel The UK has advised British Shiv Sena mouthpiece he shouldn't cross the line of has filed a divorce petition PNS NEW DELHI the Foreign and before a court here saying she nationals in India that if they 'Saamana' on Wednesday said discipline. All the governors does not wish to live with the From checking flu symptoms have symptoms of coronavirus Commonwealth the remarks made recently by in the country should come label of being "a rapist's among soldiers on their return they should self-isolate for Office (FCO) has Goa Governor Satya Pal together and respond to widow". Puneeta Devi, wife of from leave to cancelling non- seven days and contact the advised against all Malik about governors in Malik's allegations," it said. Akshay Thakur, who hails from essential travel and confer- Government of India's helpline general has hurt the dig- "If the governors don't Nabinagar block in this central ence, the Army on Wednesday in case their condition wors- but essential travel nity on the Raj have any work to do, Bihar district, moved the family said it has taken a series of ens. UK's Acting High to India Bhavan. then why look after court on Tuesday and the precautionary measures to Commissioner to India Jan While speak- these white ele- petition is likely to come up for prevent the coronavirus Thompson, in a video posted ing at an event phants?" it asked. hearing on Thursday. spread among the forces. It on Twitter, also said the situ- or travel provider in order to sengers from these countries to in Uttar "Earlier, Raj According to her counsel, has also stopped the recruit- travel. The Air Force too has ation remains "fluid" and it is arrange for their journey board planes from 1200 GMT Pradesh's Bhavans were Mukesh Kumar Singh, there is ment drives across the coun- announced postponement of recommended that all British home," Thompson said. on March 18, 2020, she said. Baghpat, Malik meant to rehabil- a provision in law that a try, including the Service the Air Force exams which nationals should continue to "We are working closely with Thompson asked British had reportedly itate old politi- woman can seek divorce on the Selection Board (SSB) exams, was scheduled later this week. monitor any advice on state- Indian authorities to monitor nationals due to travel between said on Sunday cians, but now ground of her husband being officials said. The Indian Army reported level restrictions and follow the developments," she said. the UK and India after March that governors in the under the Modi rule, charged with a sexual offence. At some locations, they its first case of the coronavirus instructions of local authorities Thompson said the Foreign 18 to contact their airline or country do not have one-time RSS pracharaks Till recently, Thakur's wife had said, the Army has also placed after a 34-year-old soldier in India. and Commonwealth Office travel provider as soon as pos- much work to do and that of are being sent to the Raj maintained that her husband soldiers under quarantine from the Ladakh Scout regi- "Given the current circum- (FCO) has advised against all sible. "If you are currently in Jammu and Kashmir "drinks Bhavans," it added. was "innocent" and wrongly after their return from leave. ment tested positive for the stances, we understand that but essential travel to India. India and suffering from wine and plays golf". "Pracharaks don't consume accused of involvement in the At other locations, it is check- infection in Leh, army sources many people currently in India This follows the Indian govern- symptoms associated with The Sena said in its edito- meat or alchohol, but still this heinous gang rape that took ing symptoms of flu among said on Wednesday as the total may want to return to the UK ment's announcement that pas- coronavirus then you should rial in 'Saamana' that through governor, who has been a place inside a moving bus in soldiers after resuming number of cases in India sooner than planned. Provided sengers from the UK, the EU self isolate for seven days. If his remarks, Malik has insult- pracharak himself, says that New Delhi on December 16, of work. climbed to 147 after several you are not subject to quaran- and will be prohibited you feel the symptoms worsen- ed the people of Jammu and Raj Bhavan is a place to con- 2012 triggering nationwide It has also asked its person- states reported fresh cases of tine, anyone who wishes to do from entering India. ing contact government of Kashmir, where he was post- sume alchohol. This is not outrage. nel to avoid non-essential COVID-19. so should contact their airline Airlines will not permit pas- India's 24/7 helpline," she said. ed as its governor earlier. right," the Marathi daily said. 799 held in detention Puducherry govt orders closure of bars till month-end PNS n PUDUCHERRY government general hospital he said the closure became centres in : Govt Narayanasamy said in Mahe. "Doctors are attend- necessary in the wake of PNS n NEW DELHI 1946 and Foreigners Puducherry Chief Minister V ing on her and she is stable," COVID-19 being declared a (Tribunal) Order, 1964. As Narayanasamy on Wednesday he and the Health the chief minister said, adding disaster under provisions of A total of 799 people are cur- per the information provided announced closure of all bars Minister Malladi the health authorities were Disaster Management Act. rently held at detention by the government of in the union territory as part Krishna Rao would collecting details as to whether He said preventive measures centres for declared or Assam, 799 detainees of steps to prevent spread of anyone had been in contact had been intensified to convicted foreign- are held in detention coronavirus. visit Mahe region, with the patient. Meanwhile, improve various restrictions ers in Assam centres in Assam While bars have been an enclave of the territorial government under the Epidemic Diseases where 26 as on February ordered to remain closed from Puducherry in intensified measures to impose Act 1897 to prevent spread detainees died 27, 2020. Out of Thursday till the month-end, Kerala, and review restrictions on the movement of the infection. due to illness in these, 95 wholesale and retail sales of of the people in various pub- He also said all medical last four years, detainees have liquor would however, be per- steps taken there to lic places. colleges, dental colleges and Rajya Sabha was completed three mitted, he told reporters here. prevent spread of The district Collector T physiotherapy centres had informed on years or more in He said the government the infection Arun announced closure been directed not to declare Wednesday. detention, he said had already launched a slew of with immediate effect of all holidays as services of the Minister of State for replying a written ques- measures to tackle the spread public parks, botanical gar- students, faculty and para- Home G Kishan Reddy said tion. Reddy said 26 detainees of coronavirus in Puducherry. region, an enclave of tion. He said one woman a religious function had devel- den, Aurobindo Ashram, medical staff would the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) have died during their deten- Narayanasamy said he and Puducherry in Kerala, and belonging to Mahe region oped positive symptoms of museum, boat houses at be needed for strengthening in Assam operate under the tion due to illness in the past the Health Minister Malladi review steps taken there to who had returned from Saudi coronavirus. She was admitted Poornankuppam and at the healthcare delivery provisions of Foreigners Act, three years and current year. Krishna Rao would visit Mahe prevent spread of the infec- Arabia recently after attending in the isolation ward in the Thengaithittu. In a release, systems. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com 06 facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ op nion PAPER WITH PASSION Gogoi's new run The former CJI’s nomination to RS is not surprising but raises questions on propriety and independence of judiciary Milking the men in uniform stensibly, there is nothing technically wrong with ex-Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi Oaccepting a presidential nomination to The global wave of uber nationalistic politics has accelerated exclusivism, polarisation and become a Rajya Sabha member. Given his extensive domain knowledge and experience divides that are normally an anathema to the inclusive and apolitical moorings of a soldier of the law, he does qualify to be a notable who can contribute valuably to the Upper House. He is, in the end, somebody who has excelled in society in his chosen field. There’s no short- coming there. Also, he is not the first retired Chief Justice to have benefitted from the exec- utive’s munificence; there have been others propped up by several regimes before him as a reward for services that were “friendly” to them. If whataboutery is the logic, he can quote precedence. And BHOPINDER SINGH we know he knows his law. There’s enough counter-logic going around as to how Justice S Fazl Ali was the first Supreme Court judge to be made Orissa Governor n participative democracies, the prin- ciple of civilian supremacy over the in 1952 and was the beginning of the Congress’ endorsements of judicial lumi- military is both mandated and essen- naries that continued till the party was in power. From Assam itself, there’s the tial. In democracies like the US and example of Justice Baharul Islam, who began as an advocate in the Assam High India, which have active combat com- mitmentsI towards the armed forces, the Court in the early 1950s and went on to serve a decade-long term as Rajya Sabha orders to partake, intensify or withdraw from member. As far as controversial rulings go, then the Congress suitably accom- such roles ultimately come from the civilian modated former Chief Justice Ranganath Misra, who gave a clean chit to the Rajiv leadership. This lends itself to strategic and operational situations where the military has Gandhi-led Congress in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. After his retirement, he was to abide by civilian orders even where it dis- made the first chairman of the National Human Rights Commission and was even agrees as the latter has the “right to be wrong.” elected to the Rajya Sabha on a Congress ticket in 1998. The examples are so Such disagreements have led to subliminal civilian-military tensions, which are natur- many that at one time, there was much debate over how judges should not be al and expected in the normal course of pro- encouraged to take up the offer of the Government’s post-retirement benefits, like fessional disagreements. heading commissions of inquiry, simply because that could cloud their impartial By constructive design, the military has a black and white instinct of situational judgments and colour their opinions in sensitive cases. Why then is there such imperatives, which are supremely effective, deep discomfort about Gogoi’s induction in the Rajya Sabha, that, too, in a posi- kinetic and blunt. Whereas by nature, a polit- tion that is much lower than the Chief Justice of India? Is it because of the imme- ical decision is more complex, asymmetric diacy of the appointment, barely allowing for a cooling off period, one that would and given to the “unapparent.” This implies that the military may pay the price for par- not have led to deductions that he was being rewarded for favourable judgments, tisan politics that comes along with the deci- be it in Rafale or Ayodhya? Or is it because of a lack of pretence and propriety sion-making process in democracies. Yet, the in the face of the ruling BJP’s brazenness in protecting its favourites? most compelling argument for persisting with this imperfect civil-military equation the elite US Navy SEALs (Sea, tive disciplining. mand-and-control and unim- Yet nobody is holding the party to account simply because it is doing what is the alternative track record of nations, Air and Land) team, is sympto- Unfortunately, this incident peachable discipline are the the Congress did for so long. But there’s much criticism of Gogoi because he where the military has the last word on gov- matic of the political interfer- offered Trump an opportunity backbone of military profes- was at one time considered a “rebel” judge and, therefore, now looks like a test ernance matters. The ideal leadership ences in an institution that to exhibit his misplaced sense of sionalism. Trump will most requirement for civilian politicians is in prides itself on discipline, com- political “muscularity” by probably be replacing Green case of how the institution of the executive superseded that of the judiciary and maintaining professional respect, mature mand and ethos of the warfight- defending the errant SEAL, with another two-star SEAL, a one-time warrior appeared to have fallen in line. Remember the time when Gogoi restraint and operational independence of ers. These “frogmen” are the CREATING much against the professional Wyman Howard, who has a — then the seniormost after the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra – held a press the military so as to ensure that its apoliti- ultimate warriors of covert oper- assessment of his Commander questionable past. He is said to cal discipline, efficacy and steel is maintained. ations, who had earlier “taken DIVISIONS WITHIN and the institution of the armed have encouraged his men to conference in January 2018 to express concern over the arbitrary manner in In recent times, unrest and violence in out” Osama bin Laden and THE UNIFORMED forces. Amid disconcerting carry hatchets during combat which Misra was running the top court? He had specifically made a reference society has posited the public faith and trust conducted many other acts of FRATERNITY MAY murmurs, Rear Admiral Green deployments. to the selective allocation of sensitive files. Therefore, there was a sense of expec- onto the “soldier” even higher when all other daredevilry. The SEALs person- had to acquiesce to the presi- Politicians do not under- arms of governance seem to have failed. ify the finest soldering, training, RESULT IN dential and unwarranted polit- stand the intricacies, sensitivities tation built around him, one of them being that he would ensure the indepen- Unfortunately, the Indian armed forces, who culture and compliances that are ical intervention in a routine and traditions of the armed dence of the judiciary. There was faith he would not be coopted by an execu- ought to be the “last recourse” of the required to undertake complex SHORT-TERM disciplinary case. His profes- forces. To them, the “soldier” tive that was backed by a mammoth electoral verdict and could heave upon rea- Government, are getting increasingly requi- and dangerous missions. POLITICAL BENEFITS sional concerns of the “ethical- serves the limited utility of con- sitioned to bail out the beleaguered State as The SEALs wear a revered ly misaligned” combatants were textualising political decisions “in soned judgment calls as not being in sync with the times. Subsequent judg- it fumbles from one man-made or natural dis- pin called the “trident” or “the BUT IT COULD rubbished and the dignified the interest of the soldier” and ments have replaced the crusader halo with a shadow. For somebody who spoke aster to another. They have been doing it all bird,” which is freighted with IMMEASURABLY “soldier” was left with no option thereby, “in the best interest of against the roster system of his predecessor, he was seen as ensuring the — from fighting insurgency in Kashmir to incalculable heft and pride on the WEAKEN THE but to step down earlier than the nation.” A global wave of Government line held ground in most politically-sensitive cases. Perhaps, Gogoi quelling communal riots in Delhi to setting chest of a serving officer. It is required. Military culture lost, uber nationalistic politics has up Coronavirus-related camps across coun- extremely hard-earned and easy SWORD-ARM OF politics won. accelerated these tendencies of could have got some of his old glow back had he refused such an offer, know- try. The “soldier” seems to epitomise solutions to lose, should one fail to live up Creating divisions within exclusivism, polarisation and ing full well that he was landing himself in another controversy. Nobody better for all societal, natural or national urgencies. to its exacting physical, moral and THE NATION. the uniformed fraternity may “divides” that are normally an than him knows that Rajya Sabha nominations are quid pro quo for services However, this public imagination and psychological standards. Rear result in short-term political anathema to the inclusive, apo- perception of the “soldier” has not gone unno- Admiral Collin Green, as the CERTAIN benefits for politicians but it litical and simple moorings of a rendered to the regime of the day. He perhaps could have waited to take up some ticed to the overzealous politicians, who are Commander of Naval Special INSTITUTIONS NEED could immeasurably weaken soldier, who swears by his paltan national-level commission instead and not seemed so desperate. But Gogoi jus- increasingly and unhealthily co-opting the Warfare Command (which over- TO BE SPARED THE the sword-arm of the nation. (battalion), regiment and to the tified his acceptance saying, “It would be an opportunity to project the views of imagery of the “soldier” onto their own sees SEALs and their special Certain institutions and entities nation. Ever-increasing opera- image, policies and posturings. This situation operations and missions), had INTERFERENCES need to be spared the interfer- tional deployments, invocations the judiciary before the legislature and vice versa.” He could argue that this being could potentially narrow the required distance sought to withdraw the symbol- ences and appropriations that and allusions have exposed the a presidential nomination, he was, again technically speaking, independent of and apolitical bearing of the armed forces as ic pin from the errant SEAL, AND are borne out of compulsive “soldier” to the societal morass political affiliations and could act as the “conscience keeper” of the nation. Perhaps, it risks pushing the “soldier” towards politi- Eddie Gallagher, as he found his APPROPRIATIONS politicisation and partisan one- that prevails. The duty to protect cal opinions, preferences and biases. conduct unbecoming. upmanship. Such misplaced the “soldier” from political mis- he wants to retrospectively decide to be true to his oath and “bear true faith and Xenophobically nationalistic and self-obsessed Rear Admiral Green was THAT ARE political enthusiasm needs to be use is one of every serving sol- allegiance to the Constitution” and perform duties “without fear or favour.” Only leaders like US President Donald Trump typ- keen to clear the Augean stable BORNE OUT OF nipped in the bud, else politi- dier and veteran. Militaries that time will tell whether he scores a moral victory by trying to fight the challeng- ify the sort of political leadership that milks of war crimes, murder, drug cians get emboldened by their avowedly shun political appro- the image of the “soldier” as he tries to justi- issues and sexual assaults among COMPULSIVE own liberties and recklessness. priations remain strong and ing circumstances of politically charged times as a respected citizen of India. fy his tenure decisions — for them, populism, others that had tainted the insti- POLITICISATION Trump has unconvincingly professional. Those that don’t, Or whether we are judging him too harshly for eroding an institution. even at the cost of long-term impact on the tution in recent times. The open- posited his intervention towards resemble political parties. armed forces, is par for the course. and-shut case of Eddie Gallagher “sticking up for our armed (The writer, a military veter- The recent case involving the Special had been one such professional forces” — nothing could be an, is a former Lt Governor of Put religion on hold Warfare Operator chief, Eddie Gallagher of dereliction that warranted correc- further from the truth as com- Andaman & Nicobar Islands) The spread of COVID-19 among Shia devotees in Iran S O U N D BITE should give all religious bodies food for thought The way the BJP is doing Star kids have an advantage as China is engaged in a Anti-defection law should OVID-19, a global pandemic triggered by politics, it stands exposed. It they have easier access to disinformation campaign to be abrogated. MLAs should is using money and power in people from the industry. But shift its responsibility in the be given free hand to a virus that emerged in China late last the Rajya Sabha elections. The now that I've got that chance, spread of the Coronavirus. express their choice. This year, has had several fascinating story Gujarat Congress MLAs were it's unfair for me to waste it. I We'll do the after-action law is against the basic C principles of democracy. threads. First in list is the Wuhan-based oph- given bribe and they resigned. want to make my father proud. when the time is right. thalmologist Li Wenliang, who tried to alert the NCP leader Actor US Secretary of State Haryana Minister Chinese authorities about the spread of the dis- —Nawab Malik —Ananya Panday —Mike Pompeo —Anil Vij ease before it became a critical issue but was instead censured, although in death, he has become a national hero. Then there is the story L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR of the “31st case” in South Korea, about a Detection is the key policy approach of the Government vis-a-vis the judicia- woman member of a cult who became a “super Coronavirus: A test of our resilience ry has either been missed or it is spreader” and was linked to almost 80 per cent Sir — This refers to the article, xtraordinary circumstances are upon us. As COVID- too sanguine to fret over. It may of the 8,000 plus cases registered in that country. Thankfully, strict action and “We can just wait and watch” 19 spreads across the globe, Governments are yet redeem itself by entrusting the information transmission by authorities managed to slow down the spread and (March 18) by Kalyani Shankar. scrambling and citizens are fearful. There is little portfolio of law to this new The outbreak of COVID-19, Edoubt about the immensity of the challenge that lies incumbent. This, however, may contain fatalities, too. In Iran, however, inaction on the part of the authorities in which started in China about two ahead. Few will have contended with anything remote- leave an awkward aftertaste as the closing major sites of Shia worship has led to a national catastrophe. Coronavirus months ago, has now tightened its ly like this in the past. A global pandemic has thrust its judiciary chooses to rub shoul- cases have exceeded 17,000 and over 1,700 deaths have been reported offi- grip across the globe. A panic-like virulent tentacles far and wide. It will test our collective ders with the Government that situation has developed, giving jit- economic, social and political resilience like never before. appears before it as a plaintiff or cially. A large number of the 255 Indians diagnosed with the virus are believed ters to one and all, including even Battling it will demand a globally coordinated response defendant in a majority of the to be Shia pilgrims, many of whom had visited Qom. Opposition to closing reli- those unaffected. and reserves of individual patience. Across continents, cases for adjudication. gious sites by both religious authorities and politicians has clearly led to this cri- In the midst of all this, the the scenes played out are scarcely believable. R Narayanan writer has made an intriguing Navi Mumbai sis. Fanatical devotees have not made things easier. In a span of a few months, we have gone from social inference of this abysmal situation networking to social distancing. With several borders India should learn lessons from both Iran and South Korea as well as the Vatican, by terming it to be “a blessing in shutting, panic stockpiling of essential items and a pub- driven by this outbreak. Europe is in lockdown for the Don't stop Press which has even cancelled Easter festivities this year. The Maharashtra disguise” for the Central lic health crisis unfolding, what might have hitherto most part: The physical containment is also segueing Government has taken a positive step by closing the Shri Siddhi Vinayak temple Government as all burning issues, seemed a script from a movie has taken on a grim real- into a huge mental struggle. Not for nothing did the Italian be it the controversial Citizenship ity. Empty supermarkets, distressed travellers and fren- Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte somberly invoke Sir — As part of a set of measures in central Mumbai. Other State Governments must follow suit. Major temples, Amendment Act (CAA) or the zied headlines have combined to convey an urban apoc- Churchill by declaring, “It is our darkest hour.” But in to prevent the spread of masjids, gurudwaras, churches and other religious sites must be shut down. On Delhi riots and even the econom- alyptic vision. On the one hand, medical experts and para- the face of adversity, Churchill had also famously declared Coronavirus, Jordan has banned this front, the Government has to be completely secular. Major religious celebra- ic problems, have taken a back medics are working towards containing and mitigating that the population will get through. That demands a mea- printing of newspapers. This is seat in the wake of the outbreak. indeed unwarranted. In times of tions must be curtailed, if not postponed, such as the Uttar Pradesh the outbreak. On the other, Governments and banks are sure of collective self-belief and resolve. Given the fact that India, like stitching together fiscal and monetary stimulus pack- Javvadi Lakshmana Rao difficulty, we need to access infor- Government’s plans of a big Ram Navami celebration, the first one since the Supreme China, is the most populous ages to calm the contagion in global financial markets Visakhapatnam mation. In times when there is so Court paved the way for the construction of a new temple in Ayodhya. In Tirupati, nation in the world, contain- much panic and misinforma- even though the authorities wanted to restrict the entry of devotees, more have ment measures that proved suc- tion, the need for “real story” cess elsewhere in Asia may not they can be isolated. But often A lingering aftertaste and the regard for our upper judi- needs no emphasis. This is not a thronged. This highlights the fact that in times of crisis, people turn to their gods. work here. Enacting strict social people don’t come forward until ciary, we now see the “stop the Presses” moment but But devotees must be made to understand that their god is not running away. distancing measures like the they have advanced symptoms Government inducting a retired rather “print the paper” time. widespread lockdowns and quar- and have spread the disease. Sir — Back in 2019, the Modi Chief Justice of India into the Dennis Fitzgerald Like global civil aviation, religion, too, is a major vector for the spread of this dis- antines may be a challenge in our We need to enhance our testing Government had appointed a political arena to a seat of power Melbourne ease. If “flattening the curve”, as authorities desire, is to be achieved, then organ- country. The key to managing the systems. retired Supreme Court judge as that is covered under the inves- ised religion has to be curtailed this time. Not everybody will agree but faith is in COVID-19 outbreak is to identi- Azhar A Khan the first Lokpal. If this elevated tigative ambit of the Lokpal. fy people with symptoms early so Rampur both the level of public discourse The apparent contradiction of Send your feedback to: the mind and not prostrating oneself at a holy site. The latter can wait awhile. [email protected] HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com 07 FIRSTCOLUMN analysis Boris’ sinister POINTCOUNTERPOINT MY PRESENCE IN PARLIAMENT WILL BE AN THIS (RS NOMINATION) REDEFINES THE Coronavirus plan OPPORTUNITY TO PROJECT THE VIEWS OF THE INDEPENDENCE, IMPARTIALITY AND INTEGRITY OF JUDICIARY BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE AND VICE VERSA. THE JUDICIARY. HAS THE LAST BASTION FALLEN? The problem is that this would kill a great many —FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA —FORMER SUPREME COURT JUDGE Britons for nothing if Johnson is wrong — which most experts think he is RANJAN GOGOI MADAN B LOKUR Wolves in sheep’s clothing

GWYNNE DYER must level with the British public. Many more families are going to An increasing number of purely business ideas is being masqueraded as social innovation. lose their loved ones before their time,” said British Prime Minister IBoris Johnson on March 11. Thus several false trappings of innovation are being embraced over truly innovative ideas “Just stay calm. It will go away,” said US President Donald Trump, March 10. The contrast between the two major populist leaders of the English- speaking world could not have been greater. Donald Trump, who spent two months dismissing the Covid-19 virus as a “hoax” cooked up by his opponents to crash the market and scupper his re-election chances, finally did an about-face on March 13 and declared a “national emer- gency.” But on Sunday he was still fantasising that “we have tremen- dous control” over the virus. Johnson, on the other hand, assumed a grave manner as he deliv- ered the bad news. It’s serious, many people will die but we do have MOIN QAZI a plan. The problem is that the plan would kill a great many Britons for nothing if he is wrong — which most experts think he is. “When I heard he field of social entrepreneurship has attract- about Britain’s herd immunity Coronavirus plan, I thought it was satire,” ed great global interest on account of its role epidemiologist William Hanage of Harvard University told The Guardian Tin providing sustainable solutions for address- on Sunday. But it is deadly serious. Boris Johnson, unlike Donald Trump, ing a diverse range of complex and stubborn envi- ronmental and social problems and the systems that listens to scientists but the ones he listens to most, Chief Scientific Adviser perpetuate them. Social entrepreneurs are drawn by Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Adviser Chris Whitty, have a plan a variety of social missions and are passionate about that most other experts think is crazy. “Herd immunity” occurs when tackling a problem, have an idea for a solution and a large majority of the community has acquired immunity to a disease. the determination to make that solution happen. That breaks the chain of transmission for the virus in question and even This fertile field has given rise to extraordinarily inge- those without immunity are fairly safe so long as their numbers stay nious people, who have conjured brilliant ideas and low. So this is Boris’ cunning plan. used them with operational prowess to dramatical- Let the coronavirus spread until around 60 per cent of the popu- ly improve people’s lives. At the core of social entre- lation has acquired and survived it. Then the dreaded “second wave” preneurship is the recognition of a new mindset — of the epidemic will not happen, because herd immunity will protect every- that believes in an agenda oriented around making the world a more just and equal place. body. Alas, there are a few flaws in this plan. Social entrepreneurship is an appealing con- For starters, 60 per cent of the British population is about 40 mil- struct precisely because it gives primacy to social lion people. Only 0.2 per cent of adults under 40 who contract Covid- benefits while at the same time remaining firmly THE EMERGENCE 19 die from it (and those under 10 don’t get sick at all). The death rate grounded in sound financial principles. Finding the OF A TRIBE goes up steeply for older age groups but even for those in their 60s it’s balance between social purpose and commercial via- THAT SEES only 3.6 per cent. So for all the under-70s it’s only — hang on a minute, bility remains the toughest challenge for any social THE WORLD that’s 445,000 deaths. More than British military deaths in World War- entrepreneur. THROUGH A II. That’s assuming that Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) can give The social entrepreneurship community has BUSINESS intensive care to all the severe cases of Covid-19. If the UK follows the now a big tent and a major challenge is to protect LENS AND pattern in China, around one in five Coronavirus patients will need inten- the purity of its mission. It is tragic that we are wit- WANTS TO USE nessing an unsavory and disconcerting trend which sive care to recover. One in five of 40 million people is eight million. is muddying the waters and putting this noble field VULNERABLE nological change is a trade-off and may cerned with the consequences it is hav- the transition. Innovators must give The number of beds in intensive care units (ICUs) in British hos- under strain. An increasing number of purely busi- COMMUNITIES AS be better termed as a Faustian bargain. ing on the well-being of the larger soci- importance to this window before scaling pitals is 4,300. Maybe the NHS can improvise 10,000 more, but it still ness ideas is being masqueraded as social innova- A CONSTITUENCY Alan Moore once said, “Technology is ety, while one section is investing its time up and take measures to minimise the wouldn’t go far if up to eight million severely-ill patients need ICU beds tion. Thus several false trappings of innovation are FOR FURTHERING always a two-edged sword. It will bring in and effort in dealing with the fallout. The negative consequences. this year, each for weeks at a time. Many more than 445,000 would being embraced over truly innovative ideas. ITS COMMERCIAL many benefits but also many disasters. For system is not working. There are now peo- Ideas that generate commercial div- die. The whole scheme is lunacy — and we still haven’t got to the plan Resources are squandered when the innovation’s GOALS every advantage a new technology offers, ple, particularly among the socially con- idends along with even bare social divi- for the over-70s. actual capabilities fall short of its promise. We now HAS SET THE there is always a corresponding disadvan- scious ones, who are embracing the dends charm investors — the investors and The death rate from Covid-19 for people in their 70s is eight per have so many “lost Einsteins” because the prolifer- ACTIVIST CAMPS tage. These are unevenly distributed notion of “entrepreneurship for society” political actors who are now important cent. For 80 and over, it’s at least 15 per cent. So while everybody under ation of so many so-called social innovations is ON FIRE. THE among the population. Some benefit, rather than “commercial” or “social” players in the ecosystem. Most innovations 70 takes their chances with the virus, all those over 70 must self-iso- obscuring several genuine ones who are left to lan- AVOWED SOCIAL while some others are harmed. The con- entrepreneurship. are measured in terms of their business guish. sequences of the changes are vast and There is no that doubt that millions worth and how effectively they can be late for four months. Moreover, there may be unknown after-effects of Several so-called entrepreneurs are being hailed MISSION OF unpredictable and often irreversible. It is of people lack access to basic services but pitched to the investment world. The lan- having Covid-19, like getting shingles decades after you had chicken- as saviours and game changers when the impact and THESE in this context that Bertrand Russell there are ethical questions when products guage of innovation is getting increasing- pox. There are reports of lung damage in many survivors. Re-infection outcome of their work is nowhere near proven — SELF-SERVING warned that “unless men increase in wis- and services are tested and sold in the guise ly grounded in financial logic. may be possible: Infected people have tested positive again after being still less studied are the damaging, unintended con- ENTREPRENEURS dom as much as in knowledge, increase of a public service. Everyone has heard In their book Poor Economics, Esther discharged negative. Why don’t we give Covid-19 to 40 million people sequences of their enterprise. In many cases, their IS MEANT of knowledge will be increase of sorrow”. depressingly familiar tales of poor and Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee have listed and see what happens? mission is not their work — but they themselves. TO CAMOUFLAGE Poor societies have long been used as uneducated people saying how privileged hundreds of “common sense” develop- Now, it’s possible that Boris Johnson’s advisers are right and every- There is a huge mismatch between rhetoric and real- THEIR RAPACIOUS guinea pigs by development scientists. This they were made to feel as they were sud- ment projects — micro insurance, hous- body else is wrong. Maybe there is a devastating “second wave” com- ity — as is the misalignment between their person- BUSINESS is perfectly alright as long as the objectives denly offered the chance to receive med- ing, food aid, microcredit — those either ing next winter and this bizarre plan is the only way to stop it. But we al lifestyle and the public stance about the poor, lead- INTERESTS are fair and rational. But the emergence icines and nutritious food they couldn’t don’t help poor people or make them don’t even know if Covid-19 will have a second wave. There wasn’t ing to a pervasive loss of trust. of a tribe that sees the world through a usually afford. Such interventions are in poorer. Many of the serious problems of Trust is the currency that facilitates every social business lens and wants to use vulnera- many cases part of clinical or field trials. farmers and the rural poor are largely a with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a similar Coronavirus. transaction. Without trust, society risks moral bank- ble communities as a constituency for fur- These people are chosen because they do result of misguided projects that have As William Hanage said, “Vulnerable people should not be exposed to ruptcy. We cannot take trust for granted. It must be thering its commercial goals has set the not understand their implications and severely impaired the local ecology, lead- a virus right now in the service of a hypothetical future.” earned in all we do, every day. These new social activist camps on fire. The avowed social agree to them without any fuss. ing to soil degradation, acute shortage of Elsewhere, there’s a dramatic fall in the number of new infections climbers must be made to understand that the poor mission of these self-serving entrepreneurs Every social innovation normally water, and resistant pests. There are sev- in Asian countries that started testing, contact tracing and social dis- cannot be used as raw material for individual or cor- is meant to camouflage their rapacious involves an unsettling of the status quo and eral policies which have novel features that tancing early on. China has had 81,000 cases but on Monday report- porate salvation. Microfinance was once hailed as business interests. In this pursuit, they are reordering of the social ecosystem — and are not organically integrated. They have ed only seven new cases. one of the most revolutionary ideas of the century. using their semantic skills to justify their these disruptions may impose new costs excellent ingredients but have to be No official will say this aloud but Britain is deliberately neglecting But rigorous studies have demonstrated that micro- action by garbing the wolfish acts in sheep’s for some members of a community or ele- meshed in proper proportions so that they all that and letting the infections rip. Testing, contact tracing and social finance, more particularly microcredit, has only a clothing. Social science tends to focus on ments of an ecosystem. Yet, when the make an effective recipe. A policy must be distancing may turn out to be ineffective: Infections may pick up again modest role in improving the lives of the poor. average outcomes and makes little impact is measured, there’s a tendency to seen as a living organism where each organ Microcredit is so longer an ally in a social entrepre- allowance for negative tail-end effects. avoid assessing the full range of positive has its own unique role in other countries when the rules are finally relaxed. (280 million Chinese neur’s toolbox. Most modern entrepreneurs are products and negative impacts and to only focus on Every society is going through differ- went back to work recently after two months of lockdown). But that Since the term social innovation is still quite of business schools where the training is measurable effects within the “good part ent stages of development and the neces- strategy is certainly worth a try, whereas Johnson, in the words of Richard amorphous, several business leaders are conflating focussed on maximising shareholder of the impact spectrum”, which is what is sary solutions and interventions must be Horton, editor-in-chief of leading British medical journal The Lancet, is it to cover even purely profit-driven inventions. One value with limited understanding of eth- crucial to mobilise investment. Much less appropriate for its unique cultural and eco- “playing roulette with the public.” of the prime determiners of meaningfulness and rel- ical and social considerations essential to effort is put in for measuring the poten- nomic context. By respecting the cultur- So not all that much difference between the mini-Trump and the evance of the innovations is their affordability to end- a truly visionary leadership. tial negatives, which are critical to the per- al outlook of the people and embracing real thing after all. And the “herd immunity” nonsense won’t last much users while being sustainable for the providers also. The key to compassionate and sus- spective of the user community. While it their concerns we enlist their buy-in and longer. The British public is starting to realise what Johnson’s Government An initial subsidy for training support is alright but tainable capitalism is reasonable profits as is true that several innovations become that is what paves the way for enduring was actually planning and he has begun his retreat back to sanity. in the long run the providers must be able to meet opposed to maximisation of profits. In the useful after a period of refinement, the and sustainable success. (Gwynne Dyer’s new book is Growing Pains: The Future of costs . present system, one section of society is final impact can only be measured by (The writer is a well known develop- Democracy and Work.) Technology is an unmixed blessing. All tech- trying to maximise profits, totally uncon- understanding the damage caused during ment professional) Need to POP this pollution bubble FOREIGN EYE Though India signed the Stockholm Convention in 2002, new and preemptive regulations banning the manufacture, use and trade of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) were only introduced in March 2018

environmental degradation through tions banning the manufacture, use, conspicuously slow in adopting a compliance report for the regulations research. These initiatives will enable chemical, biological or photolytic trade and import or export of POPs proactive and expedited approach introduced in 2018 need to be crit- enforcement of the conventions to processes and it may take them were only introduced in March 2018 towards banning their use. ically examined in order to under- which India is a signatory. centuries to be degraded. Due to this by the Government. Though India This can be understood by the stand the gap between policy and POPs have reigned supreme in persistence they tend to bioaccumu- has been a party to the Stockholm fact that it was only in 2018 — a full implementation and how the suppli- every Indian citizen’s life, either in the late and pose a serious threat to Convention, its progress has been 12 years after India ratified the ers, users and manufacturers are still form of pesticides or countless chem- DON’T FORGET humanity and the ecology. rather slow, especially when com- Stockholm Convention — that the able to get away by using POPs and icals that one comes in contact with THE POOR POPs enter into a cycle in nature, pared to other nations such as China, Government banned 18 pesticides disposing the same in an unsafe on a daily basis. Already every accumulating in the bigger animals where the regulations have been that were harmful to human health manner, thereby polluting soil and human today carries approximately The International Rescue as they eat the smaller ones. Immune tightened to restrict the use of POPs. and the environment. But even this water-bodies. 250 chemicals within his body that Committee is stepping up KOTA SRIRAJ dysfunction is considered as a plau- As a result today, China has less ban was not complete and compre- Additionally, the Government did not exist prior to 1945. Therefore, its work to provide sible cause for increased mortality exposure to POPs as compared to hensive as many of the actually must also strengthen the capacity and it is imperative for the Government sanitation and hygiene he Environment Ministry’s among marine mammals. It is pos- India. harmful chemicals, pesticides and reliability of its offices so that the reg- to reduce this chemical load by facilities in Afghanistan and notified rules on Persistent tulated that the consumption by Other Stockholm Convention mosquito repellents such as DDT ulations and policies pertaining to focussing on those chemicals which TOrganic Pollutants (POP) seals of fish contaminated with POPs signatory nations have also been able (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) the use and disposal of hazardous have a diabolical history of claiming Iran. Bloomberg completed two years this month. may lead to vitamin and thyroid defi- to tighten the noose on the seven which are a part of the POP family chemicals are minutely observed by life and ensure that their manufac- Philanthropies says it will POPs are used in a wide range of ciencies and cause increased suscep- most dangerous POPs notified under have been left out of the ban. the related departments and offend- ture and use is stopped immediate- fund a $40 m global industrial and agricultural applica- tibility to microbial infections and the Stockholm Convention by ban- In order to ensure security to ers and violators are exemplarily ly. initiative to fight the tions. Some are pesticides, others are reproductive disorders. ning the same. both human health and the environ- punished. However, the critical aspect here virus's spread in low and industrial products or unintended The Stockholm Convention, POPs have a perilous impact on ment, there is an urgent need to This will also help the offices to is to act expeditiously as more and by-products resulting from industri- 2001, became one of the first major human health. According to the strengthen India’s chemical prolifer- adequately deal with issues of lack of more humans are exposed to POPs middle-income countries, al processes or combustion. international congregations to dis- International Agency for Research on ation and bring the nation at par with awareness, outdated technologies daily, foremost being the Indian especially in Africa. As They are rapidly becoming a cuss the possibilities of radically Cancer (IARC), POPs are confirmed international regulations as laid by under use and substandard policy farmers who spray a deadly cocktail societies seal source of concern globally as there restricting the use of POPs across the Group 1 carcinogens which can also the conventions of Basel, Rotterdam, implementation. Moreover, collabo- of pesticides on a regular basis, themselves off and turn is documented evidence of POPs world in order quell their adverse cause allergies, hypersensitivity, dam- Stockholm and Minamata. ration with international aid organ- exposing them to an array of health inwards, we must not causing damage to human health and impacts. age to the peripheral nervous system, The Government’s efforts to isations and institutions must also be problems whose treatment they can- the environment. Also termed as the Though India signed the conven- immune system and reproductive rein-in POPs can bear results if the forged to ramp up skill imparting and not even afford. forget to look beyond our “forever chemicals”, POPs are organ- tion in 2002 and ratified the same in system. In spite of the glaring evi- policies and regulations are imple- training, which in turn will stimulate (The writer is an environmental borders. ic compounds that are resistant to 2006, new and preemptive regula- dence against POPs, India has been mented better. For instance, the nationwide capacity-building and journalist) (The Guardian editorial) HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 money 08 CAPSULE Sensex crashes 1,709 pts; Bank shares continue to remain under massive selling Nifty tanks below 8,500 PNS n NEW DELHI Bank shares continued to face PNS n MUMBAI continued to hammer investor heat of heavy selling pressure sentiment. Earlier in the day, S&P Global Ratings in the equity market, tumbling Stressed NBFC Equity benchmark Sensex Earlier in the day, S&P lowered India's economic growth up to 24 per cent on plunged over 1,709 points on Global Ratings lowered India's Wednesday led by IndusInd sector relying more Wednesday as talks of stimu- economic growth forecast to forecast to 5.2 per cent for 2020, saying Bank. on banks lus measures to cushion the 5.2 per cent for 2020, saying the global economy is entering a "With the Supreme Court MUMBAI: Facing difficulties in economic blow of the Covid- the global economy is entering recession amid the coronavirus not providing any respite to raising money from the capital 19 pandemic failed to cheer a recession amid the coron- pandemic. telecom players, the banking market, non-banking financial markets across the globe. avirus pandemic. stocks which have exposure to companies are relying more The BSE barometer swung The agency had earlier pro- the telecom sector were most on banks to meet their funding over 2,488.72 points in a high- jected a growth rate of 5.7 per cent as the "global economy approach USD 1 trillion, a res- impacted today," Vinod Nair, requirements, with lending to ly volatile session, before end- cent during the 2020 calendar enters a recession", S&P said in cue initiative not seen since the Head of Research, Geojit NBFCs seeing a jump of 34.7 ing 1,709.58 points or 5.59 year. a statement. great recession of 2008. Financial Services said. Tracking decline in these companies, the per cent in more than a year, per cent lower at 28,869.51. Asia-Pacific economic Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Further, the Asian The Supreme Court BSE bank index dropped 6.99 per cent. says a report. Non-banking Similarly, the broader NSE growth in 2020 will Kong, Seoul and Japan too Development Bank (ADB) has Wednesday pulled up the financial companies (NBFCs) Nifty settled 498.25 points, more than plunged up to 4.86 per cent. announced a USD 6.5 billion Centre and telecom companies are struggling to raise funds or 5.56 per cent, down at halve to less Equity benchmarks in package for its developing for doing self-assessment or cent, Federal Bank 6.79 per pack which was hammered from the capital market due to 8,468.80 . than 3 per Europe tumbled up to 4 member countries to fight the reassessment of cent, City Union Bank badly. Markets are not show- higher cost and lack of IndusInd Bank was the top per cent in early trade. pandemic. the Adjusted 5.22 per cent, AXIS ing any sign of slowdown availability of funds. “NBFCs' loser in the Sensex pack, plum- US President The number of deaths Gross Revenue Bank 3.36 per cent, despite the sharp correction in borrowing profile has changed meting over 23 per cent. Donald Trump around the world linked to (AGR) dues fixed ICICI Bank 2.96 per the benchmark and stocks significantly from capital PowerGrid, Kotak Bank, Bajaj has proposed an Covid-19 has topped 7,400, by the apex court cent and SBI 0.12 per across the board. And, the market instruments to bank Finance, HDFC Bank and economic pack- with over 1,80,000 infections in its verdict given on October cent on the BSE. pressure in the banking space borrowings. Banks' lending to NTPC also finished signifi- age which recorded globally so far. 24 last year. Tracking decline in these has raised fresh concerns, NBFCs registered a growth of cantly lower. could In India, the number of Shares of IndusInd Bank companies, the BSE bank which might cascade in the fol- 34.7 per cent from September ONGC and ITC were the infected cases stood at 130, as plummeted 23.90 per cent, index dropped 6.99 per cent. lowing sessions too," Ajit 2018 to January 2020," Care only stocks in the index that per the union health min- Kotak Mahindra Bank 11.23 "The fall was widespread but Mishra, VP - Research, Ratings said in a report. ended with gains. istry. The rupee depreciated 12 per cent, HDFC Bank 9.92 per it was banking and financial Religare Broking Ltd said. Traders said domes- paise to 74.36 against the US tic equities failed to dollar (intra-day). hold on to early Meanwhile, global oil gains as concerns benchmark Brent crude Asian markets over an econom- futures fell over 3.48 per cent Govt liabilities up 3.2% ic recession to USD 27.73 per barrel. tumble as at Rs 93.89 lakh crore early stimulus IRF urges govt to BMW to shut PNS n NEW DELHI treat road accidents Govt may cut rate on small As per the report, rally fizzles out on lines of Covid-19 Total liabilities of the govern- down the yields on G- n NEW DELHI: Highlighting that ment increased to Rs 93.89 Secs moved in a PNS HONG KONG there are as many as 417 savings schemes next quarter European lakh crore at the end of deaths on Indian roads every December 2019, up 3.2 per narrow range Asian markets plunged day, global road safety body PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n FRANKFURT AM MAIN cent as compared to the previ- during October- Wednesday, reversing an IRF on Wednesday demanded ous quarter, said finance min- early rally fuelled by global treating road accidents in India The government is consider- German carmaker BMW said istry data on Wednesday. November 2019, stimulus pledges, including a at par with coronavirus ing rate moderation for small Wednesday it would close The liabilities, including before hardening more than $1 trillion package pandemic. According to savings schemes in the European and South African those under the public in the first flagged by the United States. International Road Federation upcoming quarter, a develop- factories accounting for half its account, had stood at Rs With borders being shut and (IRF), road accidents in India ment that could lead to speed- output for a month, matching 91,01,484 crore at the end of fortnight of countries going into lock- contribute 12 per cent of the ier transmission of monetary other car giants stricken by September 2019. December 2019. down, there is a broad expec- global accidents, which is no policy rate cuts, sources said. coronavirus containment mea- Public debt accounted for tation the world economy will less than a pandemic and During the current quarter, sures. It also warned that prof- 90.4 per cent of total outstand- plunge into recession as mar- could be effectively checked the government refrained its this year would be signifi- ing liabilities at the end of debt at the end of December kets convulse. and handled with government from cutting interest rates on cantly lower as a result of the December 2019. 2019 or 6.3 per cent of out- Dealers across the planet, support. The organisation small savings schemes, such as crisis. The Public Debt standing stock, on an average, who have been sent running welcomed Indian Public Provident Fund (PPF) "From today, we will shut Management Quarterly Report needs to be repaid every year for the hills, have been beg- government's quick moves to and National Savings down our European car facto- further said the proportion of over the next five years. ging for government mea- prevent the spread of deadly Certificate (NSC), despite ries and the Rosslyn factory in debt (dated securities) matur- As per the report, the yields sures to mitigate the impact coronavirus in the country by moderating bank deposit rates. South Africa," chief executive ing in less than one year was on G-Secs moved in a narrow of the disease as trade collaps- taking various measures but Bankers have been com- Oliver Zipse said, adding that higher at 6.64 per cent at the range during October- es and businesses close. urged it to treat road accidents plaining that high rates on the interruption is expected for end of December 2019 as November 2019, before hard- On Tuesday, the US led the in the country on similar lines small savings schemes prohib- Currently, there is a difference of nearly now to last "until April 19". compared to its previous quar- ening in the first fortnight of charge, with Treasury to prevent fatal accidents. it them from cutting deposit 100 basis points between deposit rate BMW's factories around ter level of 5.41 per cent. December 2019. Secretary Steven Mnuchin rates. of banks and small savings rate for one- Europe -- in Bavaria, else- The proportion of debt This reflected the impact of saying officials were drawing Currently, there is a differ- where in Germany and further maturing within 1-5 years was several developments, namely up a package that could sur- Ascendas ence of nearly 100 basis points year maturity. afield -- combined with the also higher at 25.09 per cent at reduction in the repo rate by pass $1 trillion, on top of between deposit rate of banks South Africa plant accounted the end of December 2019, RBI, contraction in IIP for the $300 billion in deferred tax India Trust and small savings rate for for half the 2.56 million cars the compared with 23.65 per cent month of October and simul- payments, making it among one-year maturity. rates and aligning it more transmission. group built in 2019. at end-September 2019. taneous purchase and sale of the largest federal emergency buys Arshiya's Earlier this week, RBI with the formula-based rate The finance ministry has Around Europe, other man- Debt maturing in the next government securities in plans ever and far surpassing Governor Shaktikanta Das fixation. We have referred to been nudging public sector ufacturers including Mercedes- five years worked out to 31.7 December 2019, the report assistance during the 2008 Warehouse said the Monetary Policy it in the MPC resolution." banks to pass the whole repo Benz parent Daimler, per cent of total outstanding said. global financial meltdown. Committee (MPC) will take a The MPC in its February rate cuts to retail loans for Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat and PNS n NEW DELHI call on an interest rate cut and Bi-monthly Monetary Policy pushing consumption. Peugeot have also moved to all options were on the table to Statement said that while there Banks have resisted it fear- shut factory doors through the Ascendas India Trust has counter the coronavirus blow. is a need for adjustment in ing their margin will take a hit coronavirus crisis. "As for many acquired a warehouse, com- Last month, the governor in interest rates on small saving in case of 100 per cent trans- goods, demand for cars will Global stocks sink after prising 2 lakh sq ft area, an interview with PTI said, schemes, the external bench- mission. sink sharply" because of the from Arshiya at Khurja in "We have said it in MPC res- mark system introduced from Rates on small savings virus and associated contain- Uttar Pradesh for around Rs olution that there is a case for October 1 last year has schemes are revised on quar- ment measures, BMW CEO Trump promises virus aid 95 crore as part of its expan- reducing the small savings strengthened the monetary terly basis. Zipse said. sion plan. PNS n BEIJING Ascendas Property Fund Trustee Pte Ltd, the trustee- Global stock markets sank manager of Ascendas India Wednesday in a third day of Trust (a-iTrust), announced NCLT allows 90 days' extension for wild price swings after signing of a definitive agree- President Donald Trump ment for acquisition of the promised aid to get the US income-producing ware- Jet Airways’ insolvency process economy through the coron- house with a total floor area avirus outbreak. of about 0.2 million sq ft from PNS n MUMBAI bidder. London and Frankfurt Arshiya Northern FTWZ Ltd. The NCLT bench, compris- The CoC had on February 18 set a new opened more than 3 per cent The warehouse, which is The National Company Law ing Bhaskara Pantula Mohan deadline of March 10 for submission of bids lower and Shanghai, Tokyo and part of a Free Trade Tribunal (NCLT) on and Rajesh Sharma, granted for the grounded airline after South Hong Kong all declined. Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) Wednesday allowed 90 days' the extension as the Committee Australia's main index fell 6.4 spread over about 127 acres extension for the corporate of Creditors (CoC) voted for the American conglomerate Synergy Group and per cent. of freehold land, has attract- insolvency resolution process of same, with 70 per cent votes in New Delhi-based Prudent ARC failed to The White House proposal ed multinational customers, Jet Airways. favour. could approach USD 1 trillion including ZTE, Corning, Jet Airways' resolution profes- The CoC had on February 18 meet the previous deadline. in spending to ward off the CFM Aircraft Engines, sional had last week filed an set a new deadline of March 10 pressure of business closures to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said among others, a company application in meet the previous deadline. tor lenders having significant contain the virus. The Federal Trump wants to send checks to Americans statement said. NCLT seeking Later, Synergy Group had exposure. Reserve has announced more in the next two weeks to help support them Within the 90 days' exten- backed out of the bidding The NCLT had on June 20, measures to keep financial FTWZ facility, sion for the insol- process over slot issues. The 2019, admitted the insolvency markets operating. while more parts of the economy come Arshiya has two exist- March 10 deadline was set after petition filed by the lenders' con- Treasury Secretary Steven closer to shutting down. ing warehouses and for Russia's Far East Asia sortium led by State Bank of Mnuchin said Trump wants to substantial land bank to submission of bids Development Fund also evinced India against Jet Airways. send checks to Americans in build additional ware- for the grounded interest in Jet Airways. The tribunal had also the next two weeks to help sup- for the benchmark S&P 500 On Tuesday, the S&P rose by houses. The future devel- airline after South The cash-strapped airline, appointed Ashish Chhauchharia port them while more parts of index was down 3.7 per cent. an unusually wide daily mar- opment potential of American conglomerate which was grounded in April of Grant Thornton as the reso- the economy come closer to The future for the Dow Jones gin of 6 per cent, regaining just the site is estimated at vency process of the grounded Synergy Group and New Delhi- 2019, owes more than Rs 8,000 lution professional for the crip- shutting down. Industrial Average was off 3.9 under half the previous day's about 3.6 million square feet. airline after it failed to attract any based Prudent ARC failed to crore to banks, with public sec- pled airline. On Wall Street, the future per cent. history-making loss. Facebook and Google in talks with UK in ‘wartime' scenario as 71 die of Covid-19 PNS n LONDON both domestic and interna- "We announced the steps Washington to track infections: US tional. that we did – advising India on Monday banned the The UK must act like a Johnson's remarks came as against all unnecessary entry of passengers from PNS n SAN FRANCISCO "wartime" government and India closed its borders to contact – steps that do whatever it takes to sup- those travelling from the UK. are unprecedented Europe, Turkey and the Facebook and Google are in port the country's economy, The Indian High since World War II. UK from March 18 till talks with Washington over Prime Minster Boris Johnson Commission in London has They will have potentially using individuals' has said as Britain's death toll set up a system of online reg- an effect on the March 31 to contain personal data to track and from the COVID-19 rose to istration for all Indian citizens spread of the dis- the spread of the In a statement to the Washington Post, combat the coronavirus out- 71 and the number of cases in the UK worried about ease," said Johnson deadly virus. break, US media reported. Google spokesman Johnny Luu confirmed stand at nearly 2,000. their visas and keen to travel in his daily briefing The project would involve London is described as the back to India and said it was related to the pan- collecting location information they were "exploring ways that aggregated hotspot of the pandemic as working to "address all con- demic from 10 wartime government and do from Americans' smartphones anonymized location information could the virus rapidly spreads cerns". Downing Street on whatever it takes to support and using it anonymously to across different parts of the India on Monday banned Tuesday. our economy," he said, as map the spread of the disease help in the fight against COVID-19. UK, which remains in semi- the entry of passengers from The current death toll 407 to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak and predict urgent medical lockdown in line with the UK Europe, Turkey and the UK in the UK stands at 71 - 1,950 on unveiled a massive 330-billion needs, for example. spokesman Johnny Luu con- anonymized location informa- government's advice for from March 18 till March 31 with half of England's fatali- Monday, the biggest pounds bailout package for In a statement to the firmed they were "exploring tion could help in the fight everyone to avoid non-essen- to contain the spread of the ties reported in London daily increase yet. businesses to survive through Washington Post, Google ways that aggregated against COVID-19. tial social contact and travel, deadly virus. alone. The cases exploded by "We must act like any the crisis. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Thursday March 19, 2020

and shares tips and infor- Day on November 22, the serves as an airway. When genre of music. in professional music in mation about the tiny birthday of Milon Gupta the free end is made to Not only does the several countries and was instrument. The years of who played a key role in vibrate by the force of air, instrument produce soul- used by some music direc- bonding and camaraderie popularising the tiny it alternately blocks and ful music, it also helps tors in old Indian movies, has led to performances at instrument by playing in unblocks the airway to people to overcome it is not a well-known A harmonica of various cultural centres in various movies like Sholay, produce sound.” breathing issues and oth- musical instrument to the the city. CID, Dost, Dosti, Roti etc. Harmonica originated in ers. public. Speaking to The Pioneer, Debayan says, “On this Europe but like many Debayan says, “Apart There were only some Debayan Bhattacharjee, day every year, the group other instruments, trav- from being such a handy isolated exponents of this one of the members of the invites star harmonica elled far and wide and instrument which you can instrument in some cities group says, “Hyderabad players from across India easily slip into your pock- or towns in India and until Harpers was one of the to participate in a musical et, it has several health about two decades ago, first such groups formed evening and play along benefits as well. It pro- there was little communi- in India on September 28, with local players. It is vides much-needed cation amongst those play- 2009 on Vijayadashami a great opportunity HARMONICA IS relaxation, especially ers. day. The main purpose to learn from stal- at the end of a hard “After the advent was to create a platform warts of this RECOMMENDED BY day’s work. It is rec- YouTube, as in other fields, music and that can nurture, sustain, instrument.” DOCTORS AS A POWERFUL ommended by posting of audios and and promote love for the About the doctors as a pow- videos was made possible. harmonica. There are no types of the AID FOR CARDIOVASCULAR erful aid for car- This provided a virtual rigid rules to become a instrument, EXERCISE, FOR diovascular exer- platform for mouth organ member of the group and Debayan says, cise for control- players to interact and we are literally without “There are many CONTROLLING BLOOD ling blood pres- even meet personally. This boundaries. We are inclu- types of harmoni- PRESSURE, AND FOR sure and for was the starting point of sive and not exclusive. ca, including dia- enhancing concen- player interaction and as of Whether one is a player or tonic, chromatic, ENHANCING tration. Since inhal- now, several hundreds of just an admirer, a student tremolo, octave, CONCENTRATION ing and exhaling pat- harmonica players come HEALTHgroup of like- or an employee, a busi- orchestral, and bass ver- tern changes according together to share knowl- minded people, nessman or a retired per- sions. It is played by using to the blow-draw sequence edge and experiences regu- comprising doc- son, from or away from the mouth to direct air required for each song, larly.” tors, techies, Hyderabad, we welcome into or out of one or more took playing this instrument The group members retired army them to join our group. holes along with a mouth- many different forms to regulates breathing and have also performed at A personnel, busi- The only qualification for piece. Behind each hole is suit local requirements. improves lung capacity. various locations in nessmen and more — joining the group is love a chamber containing at Although this instrument One can start on an exhil- Hyderabad and on the started the Hyderabad for the harmonica. Also, least one reed. A harmoni- appears deceptively simple arating and healthy musi- radio. Harpers in 2009 to share there is no age bar. There ca reed is a flat elongated and is often overlooked as cal journey by spending as Many have also been their love for the harmoni- are several school-going spring typically made of a mere toy, the fact is that little as a few hundred participating actively in ca. children too in the group.” brass, stainless steel, or it is a serious and versatile rupees on a harmonica.” the Indian Mouth Organ The group meets at the The group started cele- bronze, which is secured at musical instrument, which Although this tiny Players Meet held every Indira Park every Sunday brating Indian Harmonica one end over a slot that may be used to play any instrument is widely used year during September.

For more than a decade, Hyderabad Harpers, a motley group of people from all walks of life — students, Army personnel, techies, doctors and businessmen — have been getting together every Sunday morning at the Indira Park to play the harmonica and share insights about improvisation with the instrument, writes V SATEESH REDDY Flea markets turn an ubiquitous part of Hyd

he bustling city of Its attractive grandeur usu- Hyderabad has ally made of recycled waste recently witnessed and unique choice of master- an increased rate pieces in vibrant colours will From clothing, in emergence of leave you awestruck. All it T gigantic flea mar- takes is Rs 100 to get an entry accessories and kets! A platform for budding to these markets. entrepreneurs, small business Multiple set-ups of stall that handicrafts to owners, independent and sell beautiful furniture, hand- passionate sellers to display made dream catchers, resin food, live their craftsmanship, flea mar- jewellery, etc. These markets men curate & connect with astounding fusion of delicious kets,” she said. kets are set-up frequently in are currently the biggest like-minded people and come food and captivating live Namratha Vippala, music, art and the city, mostly at the Hitex- attraction in the city. Flea up with potential earning music, the gorgeous arrange- founder CEO of Duskmiller exhibition centre. markets helps skilled crafts- opportunities. With an ment tops it all. It doesn’t end & Confectionery, turned her culture, these here; you will also find enthu- passion for baking into a siastic customers move from business venture. She markets, in the one stall to another bargaining believes that flea markets for the right price. For an provide an enticing opportu- form of fun- amateur enterpriser apprehen- nity of presenting themed sive of investing in a stall, cakes. “Investing ample time these outdoor markets help with rich flavours of cakes, I filled allay these fears by ensuring ensure that my customers get minimal risk! to have varied samples when exhibitions, For Shivaani Vaishnavi, a they arrive at flea markets,” 21-year-old resin art jew- she informs. bring masses eller, flea markets help her On the rising trends of find a place to sell these such markets, Teja Guna, a together from extraordinary handiwork, regular customer, tells, “Flea which is otherwise difficult markets offer us both new various spheres to find in local markets. “I and old goods. Earlier open Flea markets offer us both had my first flea display markets were the basic norm, Investing ample I had my first flea of life for a display along with local new and old goods. along with local artists to today you can see these out- time with rich artistes to encourage Earlier open markets were encourage craftsmanship. door markets running paral- good time of flavours of cakes, I Despite having minimal lelly. Through my mural art, craftsmanship. Despite the basic norm; today you products on display, I got a I want customers to know ensure that my having minimal great response from con- the details behind it. The shopping and products on display, I can see these outdoor customers get to markets running sumers. Many a time, I have next time I set up a display recreation, finds have varied got a great response met the same consumers in of my art, I want it to be fully from consumers. parallelly. Through my various other markets. In packed.” SHIKHA samples when they Basically, customisation mural art, I want fact, customers find our art- A crowded spot with vin- arrive at flea is the new trend of flea customers to know the work so appealing that they tage furniture and distinctive markets. markets give exciting ideas for prod- merchandise, flea markets DUGGAL details behind it ucts. Basically, customisation are turning out to be the best NAMRATHA VIPPALA SHIVAANI VAISHNAVI TEJA GUNA is the new trend of flea mar- way to spend one’s weekend. 10

Hyderabad Thursday March 19, 2020 what’s brewing? PARTY CITY GUIDE

EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION l More than 20 women photographers from across the country are showcasing their latest photographs on various topics in an exhibition titled Resilience at State Art Gallery, Madhapur. The exhibition is on till March 27 between 10 am and 6 pm.

PAINTING WORKSHOP l Lamakaan, Banjara Hills is conducting a painting workshop on its premises on March 22 from 11.30 am. The artistes will provide step by step instructions on how to paint.

l Meera Goradia and Usha Bhagia

PUPPETRY DAY l Nori Art and Puppetry Centre is conducting World Puppetry Day Celebrations on March 21 at Lamakaan from 6.30 pm.

l Anjani Shah

BOOK READING l Hyderabad Readers and Writers Group is hosting a book reading session on March 21 at Phoenix Arena from 6 pm.

COMEDY NIGHTS l Stand-up comedian Vivek Muralidharan is hosting his new stand-up show ‘Vivek Muralidharan Live’ on March 22 at Phoenix Arena from 5 pm. In this weekly show, he will speak about various societal issues.

AUR KARO SHAADI l l Arthi Shah l Bina Mehata ‘Aur Karo Shaadi’ is the voice screaming inside every married man (and woman)!. Hyderabad's one of the best comedians Avinash Agarwal, who got married recently, will perform FUN AND FROLIC this stand up, at Aaromale on March 21 at 8 pm. Ankitha

l embers of the Sanskruti Ladies Organisation held their 10th meeting of the year recently at ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad. MDuring the meeting, mentalist Dr Kruti Parekh mesmerised the GET YOUR EVENT LISTED: To get your events listed, send your details along audience by performing various mind tricks. The members had a gala time over delicious food. with a poster and contact number to [email protected] Photos by SV Chary l Manisha FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

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

Hyderabad Thursday March 19, 2020 tollywood OREY BUJJIGA HAS ENTERTAINMENT GALORE, SAYS VIJAY KONDA The film has a thin storyline, which is why the director wanted Covid-19 thwarts entertainment in it to be on a higher level, finds Bellamkonda NAGARAJ GOUD Ganesh's US plans he US leg filming of end before they think of the US Bellamkonda tour again. They are consider- Ganesh’s maiden ing going to US in May-June as film with Prema of now,” said a source close to T Ishq Kadhal director the unit. Pavan Sadineni has Meanwhile, Pavan is editing been postponed following the film that he has shot until coronavirus pandemic. “The now. “40 per cent of the film unit was supposed to leave for has been wrapped up and he is the US schedule — of 20 days extremely happy with the — on March 25 but with a trav- footage on hand. Ganesh has el ban in place there; the team’s surprised him with his acting plans have been disrupted. In chops,” added the source. The fact, they wanted to shoot a movie which chronicles heart- small schedule in Hyderabad breaks and relationships of a beginning earlier this week but youngster features Daksha with Telugu film bodies unani- (Hora Hori fame), Natasha and mously asking productions to Ananya Agarwal and a couple early six years needed to say the same dia- recently wrapped up a small Luckily I had a story which halt shoot, this plan too had to of new girls opposite Ganesh. after his last direc- The film has entertainment of 10-15 logue in three different schedule of his next with fit him and I took it floors. be called off. Now, the unit is It is a joint production venture torial Oka Laila films combined together. Especially, angles. On top of it, comedy Kannada actor Nikhil Kumar. It’s a feel-good love story. The planning to complete the between Lucky Media and Kosam, director there is a hospital scene of 15 is all about timing and there’s The project marks his foray next schedule starts in April,” Indian leg of filming by April Betel Leaf Productions. —NG Vijay Kumar minutes and its impact will be akin to every chance for the okayed into Kannada industry. On he signs off. N Konda is ready shot in a particular angle dif- his decision to do a film in the famous cow scene in Hanuman with his next, Orey Bujjiga, Junction. It will be a rib-tickling fer to that of the second and Kannada, which as an indus- starring Raj Tarun and third angle. Time is money try is relatively smaller to Malavika Nair. He tells us affair. The episode took me six on sets, so I believe in getting Telugu, he mentions, “Nikhil that it took two years for him months to write and two and half days the perfect shot in one angle,” loves my first two Telugu to pen the complete script of to film. It was shot on the lead pair, he maintains. films and got in touch with his latest directorial. “The Naresh, Posani Krishna Murali, Raj Tarun’s recent box- me sometime back to film has a thin storyline Saptagiri and Madhunandan. office form has been worri- make a which is why, I wanted enter- VIJAY KUMAR KONDA some but Vijay clarifies that it film for tainment in it to be on a level hardly affected the business him. higher to that Jabardusth DIRECTOR of his film. “Business-wise, we comedy, Tiktok videos and are very much happy. Almost what’s app forwards. My ear- all the areas have been sold. VAKEEL lier two films had entertain- famous cow scene in son but over a period of time, Word has spread in the distri- ment in portions whereas Hanuman Junction. It will be as one gets to know their bution fraternity that our film this film will be a thorough a rib-tickling affair. The minuses as well, disturbances is a good entertainer and that entertainer. Yes, it has episode took me six months creep in. The film tells that helped us. The buzz about romance and drama but to write and two and half your love is complete only the film too, has been posi- entertainment will dominate days to film. It was shot on when you love his negatives tive ever since the first SAAB everything. Audiences will the lead pair, Naresh, Posani as well,” he adds. look was out,” he states, roll in the aisles for all its Krishna Murali, Saptagiri and The director has made a adding that he will be running time of two and half Madhunandan.” habit of wrapping up his hop genre as far his hours,” the director promises. In the film, Malavika will films in quick pace. He com- next is concerned. Stressing that writing com- be seen as an IT employee pleted Orey Bujjiga in less “I’ve done rom-coms edy comes naturally to him, who falls for the charm of than 50 days and he credits it mostly till now and may be he goes on, “The film has Bujji (Raj Tarun), an app to the meticulous pre-pro- I’m looking at a change. entertainment of 10-15 films developer, but quickly dis- duction he undertook and My next stand alone combined together. tances herself from him over going to sets with a bound Telugu film will have a Especially, there is a hospital some issues. “Generally in a script. “Plus, I take a particu- tinge of action.” scene of 15 minutes and its budding relationship, one lar shot in only one angle. Talking about his impact will be akin to the loves the positives of a per- Actors get strained if they are next, Vijay has delayed

awan Kalyan’s comeback film Vakeel Saab might not CHARAN make it on the intended date of May 15, word on P the street has it. Already lagging behind the schedule, the film was further hit by Telugu for low-key film bodies asking all films on floors to stop shooting in view of coronavirus. With sources indicat- ing that permission to resume birthday shootings likely to happen only in April, the March leg filming of Vakeel Saab has gone haywire. “As things stand now, it’s unlikely that celebrations the film will arrive on May 15. Producer Dil Raju also needs to couple of days after asking face the issues of dates as Pawan his fans and general pub- has given a bulk of his dates in lic to remain safe from April for AM Ratnam’s film. As contracting Covid-19 and much as he is unhappy over vacat- not to believe fake ing the summer slot, he is looking A WhatsApp messages in a at a best possible release date for video, Ram Charan has now the film,” said a source. appealed to his fans to desist from In the courtroom drama, Pawan celebrating his birthday on a will be seen as an eccentric lawyer grand note this March 27. It is a who defends the three women practice for mega fans to cele- from trumped-up charges of brate their beloved stars birth- assault and prostitution, while day by gathering in large num- using his legal acumen to make a bers and distributing food to larger comment about consent the needy. This time around, and violence. Directed by Venu Charan called for social Sreeram, it is a joint production distancing among his fans venture between Raju and Boney and requested his fans to Kapoor. withdraw celebrations if any. “It’s an extraor- dinary situation that we are in right now and it demands that we don’t form huge groups,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. He also appealed to his fans to co-operate with health officials and help spread a word about contain- ing Covid-19. “It would be the best gift that you can give me,” he added. HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | MARCH 19, 2020 sport 12

No ‘ideal’ solution for Tokyo Olympics, says IOC Tokyo plans ‘insensitive, irresponsible’ AFP n TOKYO because of virus-related lockdowns, AFP n LAUSANNE while others have seen key competi- nternational Olympic Committee tions and qualifying events can- lympic chiefs acknowledged Imember Hayley Wickenheiser said celled. “From an athlete perspective, on Wednesday there was no that vows to press ahead with plans I can only imagine and try to O“ideal” solution to staging for the Tokyo Games are “insensitive empathise with the anxiety and the Tokyo Olympics in response to and irresponsible.” heartbreak athletes are feeling right a growing number of athletes Wickenheiser, a member of now,” Wickenheiser said. expressing concern as the coron- Canada’s women’s ice hockey team “The uncertainty of not knowing avirus pandemic swept the globe. that won four straight Olympic Golds where you’re going to train tomorrow “This is an exceptional situation between 2002 and 2016, made her as facilities close and qualification which requires exceptional solu- comments on Twitter. events are cancelled all over the tions,” an IOC spokesperson said The 41-year-old IOC Athletes world would be terrible if you’ve been after criticism from top athletes that Commission member was speaking training your whole life for this. they would be forced to take health as the IOC said there was no need for “Athletes can’t train, attendees risks should the Games go ahead. “drastic decisions” over the staging of can’t travel plan. Sponsors and mar- “The IOC is committed to find- the July 24-August 8 event. keters can’t market with any degree ing a solution with the least nega- IOC and Japanese officials have of sensitivity. tive impact for the athletes, while insisted they are working towards “I think the IOC insisting this will protecting the integrity of the com- staging the Olympics as planned move ahead, with such conviction, is petition and the athletes’ health,” the despite the escalating coronavirus insensitive and irresponsible given the spokesperson continued. pandemic. state of humanity.” “No solution will be ideal in this “This crisis is bigger than even In a later tweet, Wickenheiser situation, and this is why we are the Olympics,” said Wickenheiser. expanded on her criticism. counting on the responsibility and “We don’t know what’s happen- “Should the Olympics be can- solidarity of the athletes.” ing in the next 24 hours, let alone the celled? No one knows at this point Olympic pole vault champion next three months.” and that IS my point,” she wrote. Katerina Stefanidi and Britain’s She pointed to the disruption the “To say for certain they will go world champion heptathlete pandemic had already caused to ahead is an injustice to the athletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson both athletes preparing for the games. International Olympic Committee member training and global population at voiced concerns at the IOC’s stance. international travel. inconsistencies when we should champion and world Bronze medal- Athletes have been prevented Hayley Wickenheiser raises her concern over large. We need to acknowledge the Stefanidi, one of Greece’s most Olympic qualifying tourna- today devote ourselves solely to the list who finished fourth at the 2016 from accessing training facilities Tokyo Olympic via series of tweets unknown.” prominent athletes, was scheduled ments are among the swathe of epidemic to save lives!” Rio Olympics, said a postpone- to hand the ceremonial flame to sports events that have been can- Johnson-Thompson, who won ment was the only fair solution. Japanese officials before the Greek celled or postponed. Only 57 per- her multi-event world title in Doha “We’re not all in the same boat, leg of the torch relay was scrapped cent of athletes have booked their in October, criticised the IOC for there are countries which are less Artistic Gymnastics World Cup cancelled over COVID-19. places so far. telling athletes to train “as best they affected than others. In some coun- “The IOC wants us to keep risk- “It’s unbelievable,” said Stefanidi. can”, saying it was at odds with strin- tries athletes can train normally Tokyo: A Tokyo Olympics gymnas- judges decided not to participate in ing our health, our family’s health “What about team sports that have gent government health measures. while we can’t even access our tics qualifier next month, which had the event,” the JGA said in a state- and public health to train every to train together? What about swim- “I feel under pressure to train training track,” he said. hoped to feature US superstar ment. day?” Stefanidi tweeted. ming? What about gymnastics, that and keep the same routine which is “We are not on an equal footing Simone Biles among its partici- A rhythmic gymnastics Olympic “You are putting us in danger they touch the same objects? impossible,” she wrote on Twitter. when it comes to preparation. The pants, was cancelled on Wednesday. test event scheduled for April 6 is still right now, today, not in 4 months.” “There is zero consideration of “It’s difficult (to) approach the Games should be postponed until The Japan Gymnastics going ahead, according to the Tokyo the risk they are putting us in right season when everything has the end of 2020, not next year.” Association announced the scrap- 2020 organising committee. “After ‘ZERO RISK CONSIDERATION’ now." changed in the lead-up apart from Germany’s six-time Olympic ping of the Artistic Gymnastics confirming it is safe to do so, Tokyo On Tuesday, minutes before French swimming federation the ultimate deadline,” added the dressage Gold medallist Isabell World Cup Tokyo on April 4-5, an 2020 will carry out an operational test the IOC statement that it was press- president Gilles Sezionale expressed Briton. Werth meanwhile said not talking Olympic test event, just a few days within the given dates,” the organis- ing ahead with its preparations, Euro his disappointment at the IOC about a potential postponement after saying it would be held with- ers said, adding they will consult with 2020 was delayed for a year, bowing “evoking the possible continuation ‘ONLY FAIR SOLUTION’ was “an incomprehensible and out spectators. the International Olympic Committee to the crisis that has paralysed of the Games”. France’s 110m hurdler Pascal unjustifiable delaying tactic by the “Due to the impact of the spread and cancellations of World Cups in and Federation Internationale de Europe and drastically curtailed “I am devastated by so many Martinot-Lagarde, a European IOC and the Japanese”. of coronavirus infections in Europe other countries, many athletes and Gymnastique. AFP It will be sad to see Saina, Indian boxer’s Oly preparation won't be affected by travel bans: Santiago

Srikanth miss Olympics: Vimal PTI n NEW DELHI rent circumstances. “We now enter the last leg of a process PTI n NEW DELHI “The world qualifiers (in Paris) are in that started after the Rio Olympics. he COVID-19 pandemic has thrown any case suspended as of now and we have What we achieved at the Asian Qualifiers nly four Indian shuttlers — Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth Tthe build-up to this year’s Olympics secured Olympic spots in nine out of 13 is a result of extensive training and com- Oand men’s doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and into disarray, but Indian boxing’s High categories. That is a huge advantage given petitions that we continuously participat- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy — are assured of a spot at the Performance Director Santiago Nieva feels the situation. As such, we are not under ed in India as well as outside the coun- Tokyo Games. And there is little hope that Saina Nehwal the country’s Tokyo-bound pugilists any pressure,” he explained. try,” Nieva said. and Kidambi Srikanth will be able to make the cut, espe- won’t be affected as they would be just fine Given that all training activities are “The India Open has become a huge cially after Badminton World Federation (BWF) was training at home if travel restrictions don’t suspended for now due to the precaution- platform for our boxers to gain experience forced to postpone all events due to the COVID-19 pan- ease up. ary measures in place, Nieva and his against the best in the world. All that has demic. Nieva is in precautionary quarantine women’s team counterpart Raffaele made them a very confident bunch and The 57-year-old Vimal, who represented India at the till March 27 after the team’s return from Bergamasco will be conducting online they are not bothered who is the oppo- 1992 Barcelona Olympics, said it will be sad to see Saina the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jordan, classes for Indian coaches. sition. and Srikanth miss Olympics this time. where India secured an unprecedented “I have been notified about it by the “Plus we are also able to bounce back “They were going through a low phase for quite nine Tokyo spots. federation yesterday (on Tuesday). We will from deficits (during bouts) more strong- sometime and even if the qualifying tournaments hap- The entire squad was training in the get going soon enough to utilise this time,” ly. We have a large pool of boxers as well pened, it would have taken a herculean task to qualify Italian city of Assisi before heading to he said. which is keeping the national camp pret- for Olympics. Even at the All England, their performance Jordan. The idea behind the online classes is ty competitive,” he added. wasn’t very good,” he said. “It’s actually quite boring (in quaran- to ensure coaches in India are abreast with “When I joined in India, some jour- “Srikanth needs a separate program regarding his tine). I just about manage to pass my time the latest technical rules. For this, they will nalists would ask me what I would do to physical training, take more initiative and find his way here but we all have to be patient. This will also be given handbooks, detailing the improve the boxers' mental strength and back. He might not play Olympics this time but can still be over soon and the preventive measures changes that have come about in the scor- I always considered that question funny come back and play at top level for 3-4 years. He had are for our good,” he said. ing system among other things. because I never found anything lacking,” niggles so he couldn’t play attacking badminton. The Argentina-born Swede, who MC Mary Kom punches her opponent Nikhat Zareen during India’s trial for Asian Oly boxing qualifiers PTI Talking about the Olympics, Nieva he recalled. “Saina also had injury issues. She is putting the effort came on board back in 2017, sounded the travel bans are not lifted, we have the before the Olympics. They were, in fact, said the preparation for Tokyo began soon “I always knew they had it in them in the practice sessions but not able to convert in match relaxed about India’s build-up plans. infrastructure in India to ensure that our scheduled to be in Russia on a training- after he joined the Indian team in 2017. to take on anyone. And they demonstrat- situations. It is sad that they are going through such a “What’s the point in panicking?” he training is not affected,” he asserted. cum-competition trip in May before the This was months after the Indian boxers ed that in these qualifiers. I feel very proud low phase. It will be a blow for Indian badminton, they asked. “Whatever happens, it is going to The Indian boxers have traditional- now-postponed world qualifiers but that failed to win any medals at the 2016 of this performance and my conviction,” missing out,” said Vimal, who had coached Saina from be same for all the countries. So, even if ly preferred to travel abroad for training plan looks unlikely to work out in the cur- Games in Rio. he said. 2014 to 2017. Srikanth and Saina are currently ranked 14th and 20th respectively in the BWF ranking with only the top 16 making the cut when the Olympic qualification dead- line ends on April 28. Vimal said Srikanth can still squeeze in if BWF Wimbledon still planning for play despite virus mayhem freezes the ranking and doesn’t extend the qualification AFP n LONDON 24, but will now run from ment to the health and safety of period. September 20 to October 4. our members, staff, and the “Srikanth is still 14th in ranking now and if BWF imbledon organisers are A roof has been installed public, and we are grateful to maintains this ranking till April 28, he can get lucky and Wstill planning to play the over Roland Garros’ centre the government and public still make it,” he said. Grand Slam this year, despite court, Philippe Chatrier, with health authorities for their The former India badminton coach is also extreme- the coronavirus chaos that led floodlights on the three other advice and support,” Lewis ly disappointed with the way Indonesian doubles coach the French Open to be pushed main courts, enabling play to said. Flandy Limpele left abruptly in an Olympic year and said back until September. go on later. “While we continue to plan foreign appointees must be held accountable for depart- Wimbledon is scheduled to Wimbledon remain hope- for The Championships at this ing without completing their tenures. run from June 29 to July 12, but ful that play at the grass-court time, it remains a continuous- Limpele, who was hired in March 2019, recently All England Club chiefs are tournament will be able to go ly evolving situation and we will stepped down as India’s doubles coach, citing family rea- aware the sporting schedule has ahead if the spread of the virus act responsibly, in the best sons, becoming the fourth such foreign coach to have been decimated by the deadly is slowed. interests of wider society. resigned without completing the tenure. pandemic. But Richard Lewis, chief “We thank all of our mem- “It was very unfortunate and unprofessional of French Open bosses on executive of the All England bers, staff, players, partners, Flandy to leave this way. When the doubles players had Tuesday revealed the clay-court Lawn Tennis and Croquet contractors and the public for US Open could qualified for Olympics and had chances of doing well, event will move from its sched- Club, insisted they would put their patience and trust as we to leave in the middle of it, I was disappointed,” Vimal, uled spring slot to September. public safety first. continue to navigate this who served as India’s chief national coach from 2003 to The year’s second Grand “At the heart of our deci- unprecedented global chal- be postponed 2006 said. Slam was due to begin on May Players in action at centre court during Wimbledon 2019 match ATP/Instagram sion-making is our commit- lenge.” NEW YORK: The US Tennis Association “I had a long chat with him in January. He had said acknowledged on Tuesday that develop- then that some players were not disciplined but he said ments in the coronavirus pandemic could he will work with them and then suddenly he left just dictate moving the US Open, now sched- before All England.” uled to start in August. Earlier, Korean Kim Ji Hyun, who guided P V Sindhu But the American federation said it to a world championship Gold, made an uncer- Dutee worried about Oly qualification wouldn’t determine any new date for its emonious exit last September. NEW DELHI: India’s fastest woman Olympics, Dutee, who won a Silver flagship Grand Slam without consulting Renowned Indonesian coach Mulyo Dutee Chand is wary of missing out each in both 100m and 200m in the other major championship organizers, Handoyo also resigned abruptly in of the Olympics after she was 2018 Asian Games, said, “I don’t the International Tennis Federation and late 2017 before joining the deprived of her training-cum-com- know. I am worried that I may not the ATP and WTA tours. Singapore squad. petition stint in Germany, which qualify for the Olympics. “We recognize that such a decision Malaysia’s Tan Kim affected her plans to qualify for the “It is very tough to qualify for should not be made unilaterally,” the USTA Her stepped down as Tokyo Games. the Olympics, the qualification said in a statement — a scarcely veiled jab India’s doubles coach The 24-year-old Dutee was to mark is 11.15 seconds. You get good at the French Tennis Federation. early last year, 18 train and take part in Olympic qual- competitors in Europe and that In postponing the event originally months before his ifying events in Germany from pushes up your timing. Here only sheculed for May 24-June 7, the French tenure was to March 2 but despite getting the visa five athletes are taking part in Federation apparently declined to consult end. and sponsorship, she could not 100m (in Indian GP). Competition other stakeholders in the sport. “I think they make it there as Europe has now is not much here,” said Dutee, who The chosen dates, one week after the have to be made turned into an epicentre of the coro- has a personal best of 11.22 secs. current scheduled conclusion of the US accountable. We navirus outbreak. She is still hoping that the sit- Open, caught the ATP and WTA by sur- need to be very “I was to go for a training-cum- uation caused by the virus improves prise. clear that they stick to competition stint in Germany from in the days to come and she gets They conflict with the Laver Cup in the group, or the certain March 2. I was planning to run in travel documents and was ready to some quality competitions in Boston, where Europe’s top players are number of players that some quality competitions in go to Germany. But suddenly I got Europe. scheduled to take on a World team. they have to handle. It Europe and hoping to qualify for the message from the training base “I know the situation is bad and Roger Federer has already committed should be in the contract. the Olympics. But all my plans fell in Germany that I should not I may not get any race in Europe. to the event. “We are paying them apart due to this coronavirus,” come due to the spread of coron- But I am still hoping. Now I have The US Open, the final Grand Slam huge money, so we have to take Dutee said from Patiala where she avirus. I am very disappointed,” said these Indian GP series and the on the calendar, is scheduled to run August that responsibility. They just can’t Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal accused the sport's administrators is taking part in the first leg of the the national record holder 100m Federation Cup (in Patiala next 24-September 13 at the Billie Jean King walk off without notice,” he of placing money above players' safety by continuing last week's All Indian Grand Prix series on Friday. sprinter. Asked how confident she month) to try and qualify for Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, said. England Championships despite the COVID-19 pandemic “I have got the visa and other is about qualifying for Tokyo Olympics. Let us see.” PTI New York. AFP