Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 12 Published From WINDS OF POLITICAL MUMBAI BACK IN HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOW GOVT ALLOWS IMPORT OF BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH DUBIETY IN KERALA MEDICAL DEVICES FOR 3 MONTHS VICTORY STRIDE BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA *LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 190 HYDERABAD, FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

NARAPPA RELEASE POSTPONED { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com US TELLS CITIZENS TO LEAVE INDIA MANMOHAN SINGH COVID-FREE, DEADLY CALIFORNIA FIRE WAS STARTED DELHI REPORTS HIGHEST EVER DEATHS AS COVID SWAMPS HOSPITALS DISCHARGED FROM DELHI'S AIIMS TO COVER UP A MURDER: POLICE DUE TO COVID ON A SINGLE DAY he U.S. government told its citizens to leave India ormer Prime Minister Manmohan California fire that killed two people last year he national capital yet again report- as soon as possible because of the country's Singh, who was hospitalised after was intentionally set to cover up a murder, ed its highest ever fatalities on a Tescalating Covid-19 crisis. In a Level 4 travel Ftesting positive for COVID-19, was Ainvestigators revealed in a press briefing. Tsingle day due to COVID-19. advisory --- the highest issued by the discharged this morning from Delhi's he Markley Fire was started in Northern Government data shows 395 Covid Department of State -- U.S. citizens were told All India Institute of Medical Sciences. California's Solano County on August patients died in the last 24 hours in "not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is The 88-year-old veteran Congress T18, 2020 near where police found the Delhi. The city reported 24,235 safe to do so." There are 14 direct daily flights leader was admitted to the Trauma burned body of 32-year-old missing person Covid cases during the same peri- between India and the U.S. and other services Centre of All India Institute of Medical Priscilla Castro. Authorities had previously od. The positivity rate or the that connect through Europe, the department said. Sciences (AIIMS) on April 19. The said Castro was reported missing after she chances of infection spreading is 33 Indian authorities and hospitals are struggling to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan went on a date with Victor Serriteno two days per cent, and the active cases are at cope with record Covid-19 infections and deaths. Official Singh has received his two vaccine doses of before the fire. She was not seen again. "Based on an 97,977. The rising daily fatalities have put data on Wednesday showed new infections rose by 360,960 in the prior Covaxin - the first on March 4 and the second on April 3. extensive, eight-month investigation, we believe Serriteno deliberately intense strain on crematoriums across the city. The Delhi 24 hours, while 3,293 additional lives were lost -- both a record for the Dr Manmohan Singh was moved to the hospital as "a set the Markley Fire in an attempt to conceal his crime," Tom Ferrara, Police has asked the municipal body to find more sites to country. India has the world's fastest-growing caseload. matter of precaution". the Solano County Sheriff, said in a briefing Wednesday. be used as crematoriums amid Covid.

NO VACCINE Representational Photo It's difficult to start vaccination for 18+ from May 1 in Telangana due to shortage of stock where as AP CM Jagan said vaccination for 18+ can start only from Sept TS records 500 plus Govt promotes all PNS n HYDERABAD/VIJAYAWADA of getting a vaccine where there is not start on May 1 in the State as students, but private no vaccine available in the coun- planned due to delay in procure- schools insist on Hit by a shortage of Covid-19 vac- try.We are in touch with the man- ment of vaccine from manufactur- deaths in April! cine, Telangana and Andhra ufacturers also," Telangana Public ers. exams! Pradesh may not be able to start Health Director G Srinivasa Rao The official said the state govern- NAVEENA GHANATE succumbed to the coronavirus. mass immunisation for those aged told PTI. ment has already written to the n HYDERABAD It took just 28 days for coron- between 18 and 44 from May 1, "We are in search of the vaccine. manufacturers for vaccine sup- avirus to claim 507 people in official sources in both the states We require around four crore plies and yet to get confirmation The Covid-19 death toll in April Telangana as the death toll con- 3 said on Thursday. doses," he said. from them, hinting that there may zoomed past the 500 mark in the tinues to rise in the state. In the A senior official of Telangana He said the vaccine manufactur- be delay for those in the 18-44 age State on Thursday, with the dead- past seven days, 309 people lost health department said though the ers also could not assure the state group. ly second wave claiming 58 more their lives to coronavirus in the state government is in touch with government as to when they will be Amid an unprecedented surge in lives -highest single-day death toll state. In total, 2,208 people suc- vaccine manufacturers, there is no able to supply stocks. The official, however, said vac- coronavirus cases in the country, in the 14 months of the pandemic. cumbed to coronavirus in the certainty on when the stocks would The vaccine rates have been cination for people above 45 years the government has decided to This means that five patients died state, of which 23% deaths hap- be available for the mass vaccina- fixed by the Centre and according- of age will continue as the doses are allow everyone above 18 years of every two hours on Wednesday in pened only in April since the tion. ly the state will have to place their supplied by the Centre. age to get vaccinated from May 1. various hospitals across the state. onset of the second wave. "There are no possibilities (of requirements with the manufactur- According to a senior official in According to the Telangana Health vaccination).We are in the process ers, he added. Andhra Pradesh, inoculation may 2 Department, on Wednesday 58 2 Artist Chandra succumbs to Covid Center failed in assessing the PNS n HYDERABAD Reinforcing Noted illustrator, artist and Covid second wave: Eatela writer Chandrasekhar, popular PNS n HYDERABAD did they say it will be this intense? forget that they have a role in pro- capacities to fight as Chandra, passed away here on If center knew the magnitude of the tecting the citizens of India. In such Covid: Rajnath Thursday. TS Health Minister Eatela Rajender wave, they wouldn't have conduct- pandemic situation, disowning is Chandrasekhar, who tested has said that the Centre has failed ed elections across the country; they not up to the stature of the Central positive for Covid recently, utterly in assessing the impact of wouldn't have given permission for government." breathed his last at RK Mother the second wave of Covid and did Khumb mela. The Center In his strident criticism of the Teresa Rehabilitation Centre in not alert the States or take preven- didn't know the gravi- Centre, Rajender said that, at a time Secunderabad. He was 75. tive steps. It was evident from the ty of the second wave. when States and people were strug- 5 Chandrasekhar, a Fine Arts way it announced elections in five If they knew, what gling with shortages of liquid med- graduate, worked and retired as States and allowed Kumbh mela. they have done is ical oxygen and Remidesivir injec- artist-cum-designer in Addressing a media confer- wrong. How can you tions, the Union government, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open ence here on Thursday, the blame states now? … University. Health Minister observed: The Center shouldn't 2 He has drawn thousands of "Across the world illustrations for thousands of countries have react- story books, magazines, cover ed to the crisis as If Center knew the magnitude of the wave, pages for many books, apart nation and not as they wouldn't have conducted elections from thousands of cartoons that state government. across the country; they wouldn't have are popular for their satire on Nobody tackled it The grounds are prepared for mass cremation of political and social develop- like this. Central gov- given permission for Khumb mela ments. ernment has alerted — EATALA RAJENDER coronavirus victims in New Delhi (A Reuters photo) that there will be Health Minister 2 second wave but Facebook blocks #ResignModi posts for hours, restores Elections held at the expense Global cues, bottom PNS n NEW DELHI In a tweet, the Ministry of fishing lift equity In a tweet, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said: "Govt has mkts; metal Facebook blocked posts tagged Electronics and IT said: not issued any direction to remove of lives of people: High Court stocks shine #ResignModi amid raging criticism ‘Govt has not issued any this hashtag. Facebook has also of the government's handling of the clarified that it was removed by Maybe SEC officials are living on Mars COVID crisis, but restored it hours direction to remove this mistake." later calling it a mistake. hashtag. Facebook has "Media has a very important role PNS n HYDERABAD moment and why can't they The blocking on Wednesday, also clarified that it was to play in acting as a force multi- inform at least one day in 8 Facebook said, wasn't at the behest plier to the efforts of our front-line The Telangana High Court on advance. of the government. Facebook isn't removed by mistake.’ workers and medical professionals. Thursday asked the state govern- When the Court was informed TODAY the first social media company to At a sensitive time like this, we ment to spell out what it proposed there was still one day's time, it censure posts critical of govern- would urge the media to partner to do after the night curfew ends wanted to know why the govern- ment handling of the COVID-19 "We temporarily blocked this with crores of ordinary Indians as on the 30th April. When the state ment could not decide today ALMANAC crisis. Twitter had removed or hashtag by mistake, not because we collectively fight the pandem- government responded stating (Thursday), instead of attending Month & Paksham: restricted access to several critical the Indian government asked us ic," the Ministry tweeted. that a decision would be taken on to it on Friday. Chaitra & Krishna Paksha posts on orders from the govern- to, and have since restored it," a statement on Thursday. It howev- Friday, the Court asked as to why Panchangam ment, which called it fake news. Facebook spokesperson said in a er did not elaborate. 2 decisions are always taken at last 2 Tithi : Chaturthi: 07:09 pm Nakshatram : Jyeshtha: 12:07 pm Time to Avoid : (Bad time to start any important work) Exit polls predict huge Mamata has edge in Bengal, DMK to sweep Rahukalam : 10:38 am – 12:13 pm Yamagandam : 03:22 pm – 04:57 pm Varjyam : 07:30 pm – 08:58 pm, 10:41 am – 12:07 pm victory for TRS in NS TN, Left set to win in Kerala: Exit polls Gulika : 07:29 am - 09:03 am PNS n HYDERABAD Which party would you vote PNS n NEW DELHI re-election for an incumbent in Good Time : (to start any important work) Kerala's see-saw politics. The BJP is Exit polls have predicted a clear in Nagarjunasagar by poll? Mamata Banerjee has an edge in set to make its presence felt in the Amritakalam : 04:21 am – 05:50 am and huge victory for the ruling Bengal and her Trinamool Congress southern state with two seats, the exit Abhijit Muhurtham : 11:48 am – 12:38 pm TRS party's candidate Nomula could win 148 of the state's 294 seats polls says. Bhagat Kumar in the Nagarjuna with the BJP not far behind at 131 In Tamil Nadu, the polls predict HYDERABAD Sagar by-poll held on April 17. seats, says exit polls in state elections a sweep for the opposition DMK and WEATHER The AARAA predicted that the that were held alongside a steep rise its allies; they are likely to win a stag- Forecast: Mostly sunny TRS candidate will win the elections in Covid cases across the country. gering 165 of 234 seats, the polls say. Temp: 37/23 bagging 50.48 per cent of the votes HMR Research Pvt Limited predicted An aggregate of six exit polls pre- The ruling AIADMK -- the BJP's ally Humidity: 36% and the Congress candidate K Jana dicts that Mamata Banerjee may just – will end up with 66 seats in its first Sunrise: 05:50 am Reddy will be in the second place votes. However, the ruling party can- make it past the half-way mark but state election since the death of its Sunset: 06:36 pm securing 39.93 per cent of the votes. didate will win the elections with her comfort factor will largely BJP's projected tally is significant in power with 88 of 140 seats and the charismatic leader J Jayalalithaa in The BJP will occupy the third place 10.55 per cent vote majority. depend on how much she can a state where it has so far been an Congress-led UDF will be a distant 2016, say the exit polls. Current Weather Conditions Updated april 29, 2021 5:00 PM with 6.31 per cent of the votes, while widen the gap with her challenger outlier. In Kerala, the incumbent second with 50 seats, the polls say. others will get 3.28 per cent of the 2 BJP after a series of defections. The Left-led LDF front is likely to retain If that proves right, it will be the first 2 HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 hyderabad 02

2 held for selling TS receives 3 lakh Remdesivir at Document writers hold sway over doses of Covishield higher price in PNS n HYDERABAD the officials. The fresh stock will last for only couple of days as Hyderabad Telangana on Thursday the state health authorities plan PNS n sub-registrar offices in Telangana MEDCHAL MALKAJGIRI received 3 lakh doses of to vaccinate 1 to 1.5 lakh peo- PNS n HYDERABAD sub-registrar office system, a In the post-Covid situa- Covishield amid the continuous ple every day. Two persons who were Representational Photo proposal was mooted to bid tion, the state government shortage of Covid vaccine for Officials said that the state allegedly involved in the sale Unlicensed document writers adieu to the document writer introduced new system of targetted groups. has no vaccines stocks for of Remdesivir injections were act as middlemen and hold set up and replace it with more property registration, elimi- The vaccine doses reached launching vaccination of peo- arrested by the Uppal police sway over the sub-registrar accountable system. But the nating the need for document Rajiv Gandhi International ple aged between 18 and 45 on Thursday. The police offices and get the registration proposal did not see light at the writers. However, because of Airport from Serum Institute of years from May 1. seized three vials and two of document done without end of the tunnel. some unavoidable circum- India (SII) in Pune. Uncertainty prevailed over mobile phones from them. any queries, of course, for a After the Covid-19 pan- stances the government The consignment was then the launch of the thirds phase The arrested persons were consideration. In fact, the state demic, the document writers switched back to the old sys- shifted to state vaccine centre in of vaccination due to lack of identified as Kakumani Dilip government has no control became so brazen as to tem of registration of proper- the city. Officials were making sufficient supplies. The author- (29), a male nurse at Pragma over these unlicensed docu- demand their cut in getting the ty, bringing the document arrangements to transport the ities are currently focusing on Hospital in Vanasthalipuram ment writers. documents registered. Earlier, writers to the fore again. Ever doses to various districts. vaccination people above the and Vallamalla Madhu (22), Prior to the pandemic, these there was no demand from since the commencement of The doses arrived at a time age of 45, especially those due a lab technician at Sai document writers did not them and they used to collect their second innings, they when vaccination programme for second dose. Director of Sanjeevani Hospital in demand any bribe to get things their charges depending on the have been openly demanding in the state has been hit by the Public Health, G. Srinivas Rao Kothapet. One suspect, done. However, in the post- nature and scope of the work. their rate, which was hiked vaccine shortage. Many people had on Wednesday reiterated Pradeep, is absconding. "The Covid scenario they have been There were instances of the from earlier rate, as the sub- were returning disappointed that the state has the capacity to gang was selling each injec- demanding certain percent- document writers demanding registrars and registration from vaccination centres. At vaccinate 10 lakh people every tion at Rs 30,000 in view of age of the value of the proper- a certain percentage of the authorities look the other way. some centres heated arguments day but it is waiting for suffi- the huge demand," said N ty to be registered as their fees value of the property as their The allegations are that the were seen between people and cient number of doses. Shyam Prasad Rao, ACP on the pretext of they have to registration process even gets in a jiffy. In fact, no outsider consideration. document writers have been (Malkajgiri), adding that the grease the palms of some per- stalled. There are allegations should be allowed inside the There were allegations that collecting 'mamool' and greas- police laid a trap and nabbed sons in sub-registrar offices. that there is involvement of office of the sub-registrar bar- the registration would be very ing the palms of the sub-reg- them at Uppal. Efforts are on In fact, Madhukar Reddy of sub-registrar office personnel ring the purchasers, sellers easy and quick if the transac- istrar office personnel. That is to nab Pradeep. Yacharam in Rangareddy dis- in the whole affair. and witnesses. In the offices of tion was done with the help of why the sub-registrar offices HC asks if government In another incident, the trict bought 300 square yard In fact, if anyone approach- the sub-registrar, one can find the document writers, other- have been encouraging the Commissioner's Task Force plot in a real estate venture. As es the sub-registrar offices one a lot of activity by middlemen wise the parties would have to system of document writers. (East) caught one person on per the government valuation finds small shops with one or compared to the activity of the face problems. Parties to the On the pretext of preparing wants to shut TSPSC charges of selling Remdesivir of the property, the registration two computers and five or six employees there. registration say that the sub- documents, the writers collect PNS n HYDERABAD directed the TS govt to fill up injections in the black mar- fee was fixed as Rs 1.20 lakh. To chairs. All through the day, In fact, the document writ- registrar office personnel huge amounts. For each doc- the vacancies of chairman and ket and seized four vials. register the plot, he paid Rs there will be hectic activity. ers do not have any license. would make them pay rounds ument to get registered they The Telangana High Court on 9 members out of 10 members Acting on a tip off, the 8,800 towards the stamp duty, These are nothing but the Moreover, the government has to their offices if not charge Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000. Thursday has made critical in Telangana State Public team caught B Srihari (39), transfer duty, registration fees offices of document writers, no control over the document approached through document On the whole, the amount remarks on the appointment Services Commission" within who runs a pharmacy in and user charges and paid Rs which play pivotal role in get- writer system. They collect writers. transacted becomes several of the Chairman of the 4 weeks. Kachiguda. Police said he, 4000 to the document writers ting the lands and other prop- money in thousands to get The document writers open- crores. Telangana Public Service The CJ passed this order along with his associate Vinay towards bribe. The amount erties registered. everything done perfectly right ly admit that the amount they Last Saturday, across the Commission (TSPSC). The while dealing with a Public were selling the vials each at was paid to ensure preparation The sub-registrar offices from preparing the document receive would have to be shared state over 5,500 documents HC questioned whether the Interest Litigation (PIL) filed Rs 30,000 higher than the of document and to get things transact the business of regis- to getting it registered without in the offices of the sub-regis- were registered. If the amount state government had any by J Shankar from Karimnagar MRP," said K Srinivas, done in the sub-registrar office tration of document, while the delays on the pretext of they trar. While ordinary people of bribe collected per docu- intention of appointing an seeking to fill up those vacan- Inspector, Task Force (East). without any delays and prob- rest of the 90 per cent of the have to grease palms of the approaching the sub-registrar ment was put at Rs 1000, the actual chairman. The court cies of TSPSC. Police had laid a trap to nab lems. work is done in the offices of office personnel. offices go via the document lowest ever, the amount col- made harsh remarks as to The CJ was serious on the Srihari while Vinay managed If the demanded amount the document writers. In fact, In fact, there are over 2,000 writers to get their things done, lected by document writers whether the state government inaction of TS government in to escape. Srihari was hand- was not paid towards bribe, the every thing will be pre- document writers working the realtors and owners of would be Rs 55 lakh. If calcu- intended to shut down the filling up the vacancies for a ed over to the Kachiguda registration would get delayed arranged. Once the document under the jurisdiction of 141 reality ventures and bigwigs lated on a monthly basis, the TSPSC. vital institution of the state and police while efforts are on to with one problem or the other writer enters the sub-registrar sub-registrar offices. negotiate their deals with the amount would snow ball into The Chief Justice bench of directed it to fill up those nab Vinay. cropping up. Sometimes, the office every thing will be done In a bid to reorganise the sub-registrar office personnel. over Rs 15 crore per month. Telangana High court has vacancies within 4 weeks. Chada tests TS records 500 plus Elections held at positive for Center failed in assessing Coronavirus deaths in April! the expense of PNS n HYDERABAD the Covid second wave... Continued from page 1 cannot stop it. When people come early, they are getting Continued from page 1 oxygen, Remidesivir, vaccine He said that people in home CPM state secretary Chada Fatality figures often differ cured. But in a lot of cases in our and other medical essentials. isolation or institutional iso- lives of people... Venkat Reddy was tested pos- because the state doesn't consid- government hospitals, especial- which had been controlling Remdesivir, which should be lation were suggested to itive in a rapid antigen test on er people with underlying con- ly in Gandhi, TIMS and MGM their supply, failed to take sold at Rs.3,000 a vial, was undergo blood tests every 3- Continued from page 1 Thursday. Thursday. Presently, Chada ditions and infected with Covid - cases are coming in the last appropriate steps for ensuring now being sold at Rs.30,000 4 days to know if the patients While directing the State Venkat Reddy is in home as death due to virus. Experts said moment. Some are Covid and their proper distribution and and the price of testing kits are slipping into critical stage. The Court asked why the Election Commission isolation. He urged all the that deaths in the second wave are some are non-Covid. This time, supply to save people's lives. had also increased. The D-Dimer, IL-6, CBP, and state is trying to cover up the (SEC) to conduct smooth, people who visited him in the higher because the infections are even though the hospital is con- There could be no greater Centre should step up the pro- other tests would be per- restrictions and found fault careful municipal elections, last 10 days to undergo Covid higher. However, they point out verted to Covid, if any patient humiliation for a country than duction of Remdesivir and formed in diagnostic center in with the government for its the High Court said: "The test and isolate themselves. He that the fatality rate in TS is not comes in a critical stage, we are to see its citizens dying due to prevent its diversion to black 19 districts. The Health 'lack of seriousness' in con- manner in which the State said in a statement that his as scary as in other states. The admitting them, because there is lack of oxygen and such a sit- market. Minister said the 19 district trolling the spread of the Election Commission health condition is stable. case fatality is 0.51% in the state, court direction. We are admit- uation would shake the confi- 'Not the time for testing' diagnostic hubs would func- infection. The High Court behaved was most painful while it is at 1.1% in the country. ting them and there are deaths dence of people in the Eatala said that this is not tion from Friday. For those in asked the state to take a deci- to the High Court". The Telangana Health department among such critical cases… It is Government. The Centre the time for testing. He said, home isolation, the district sion keeping in view the field Court held that the func- officials who analysed the deaths because of disease progression ignored its basic responsibili- "Many states have said testing diagnostic units would con- conditions. tioning of the Election Mamata has found that in most cases the apart from co-morbidities, but ty of extending cooperation to is waste. This is not time for duct tests. Patients in home The Advocate-General told Commission was not prop- deaths happened in 24 hours of not due to lack of resources. We the States while only focusing testing. If you have symptoms isolation should undergo tests the court that a decision er and said that the elec- edge in infection and in some situations are taking all cases and clearing on exercising control over the come quickly, start corona once in three or four days. would be taken at a review by tions are being held at the they were 'brought dead' cases. them sterile with sodium States, he said. treatment. If you have cold, Referring to certain the Chief Minister and the expense of the lives of peo- Director of Medical hypochloride, putting in a plas- The Centre, which has sev- fever or even a slight change remarks of BJP state unit Chief Secretary on Friday. ple and employees. The Bengal, DMK Education Dr Ramesh Reddy tic bag and giving treatment, eral resources at its command in your body, consider it as leaders, Rajender said they The Court made it clear High Court said that SEC said on Wednesday: "In this pan- irrespective of whether they are like the Railways, defence etc., corona. Neither test nor blood were making irresponsible that it was not giving any sug- created "do or die" situation to sweep... demic, deaths happen and we Covid cases or not". should mobilise resources to samples are needed. After 2- statements. While the Centre gestions to the government, for employees. Continued from page 1 supply medical oxygen on a 3 days, get a blood test. If there had all controls, they were but only asking for measures The Court observed that war-footing in view of the is no difference, join in hos- blaming the States. "What is to arrest the spread of the maybe the SEC officials are MK Stalin's DMK had scored health emergency prevailing pital". the plight of people in the BJP- pandemic, keeping in mind living on Mars. The High big in the 2019 national elec- in the country. It should also It was not possible to take ruled States where hundreds the ground realities. The Court was surprised that tion and hopes to return to Exit polls predict... take measures to ramp up vac- up containment measures are dying due to lack of oxy- Court asked why the govern- the government was also power this time after two cine production to speed up either. He said, "Are there any gen? The measures being ment is not increasing the preparing for the elections. terms in the opposition. Continued from page 1 py second place with 38-42 per vaccination, more so when it places where there are no taken by Telangana to curb number of tests and pointed It is sad that the High The Congress is staring at cent of the votes and the BJP has opened vaccination to coronavirus cases? Is it even the pandemic are the best in that the number of reported Court did not postpone the disappointment in Assam, the The Mission Chanakya pre- candidate will get 6-8 per cent people aged above 18 years possible to take up contain- the country," he said. cases had also decreased as elections in the corona dis- exit polls suggest, with the BJP dicted that the TRS party will of the votes. from May 1. ment measures? In an apart- Telangana was getting the number of tests had aster. expected to retain power by win elections with 21,486 HMR Research Pvt Limited The Health Minister said ment with 100 houses, 50 patients from four neighbour- decreased. About 400 and The High Court asked winning 72 of 126 seats. The votes' majority, while getting in predicted that the TRS will States had been following have cases. Every village, bor- ing States and they were tak- 500 police personnel were the SEC if polls were more Congress, which campaigned total 93,450 votes. The win with 41.15 per cent of the whatever the Prime Minister der districts - everywhere ing care of all requirements in infected by the coronavirus important than people who aggressively to win back its for- Congress candidate will get votes. The will Congress get and Union Health Minister there are cases across the the hospitals. Several teams of due to the recent elections. are reeling under the pan- mer bastion, is likely to win 53 71,964 votes, BJP candidate 37.85 per cent of the votes. BJP said in their video confer- country". officials were monitoring the The Election Commission demic. State Election seats, say the polls. will get 14,806 votes and oth- will get 9.26 per cent, MSP will ences, but they were not get- Eatela said that almost half stocks of oxygen and its sup- told the Court that 2,557 Commission Secretary Elections were held from ers will get 9,561 votes. get 4.77, BSP will get 1.97, ting expected response to the houses in Delhi have coro- ply to hospitals across the policemen were in charge Ashok Kumar was present March 27 in West Bengal, The Political Laboratory TDP will get 1.24 and others their appeals for help in sup- navirus cases. "If situation is State. of the elections. The bench, at the High Court hearing. Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala agency predicted that the TRS will get 3.76 per cent of the ply of vaccine and Remdesivir like this in the country, is test- The State had requested comprising Chief Justice The Court said that while and Puducherry. Bengal's candidate will win with 48-50 votes. It predicted that the TRS injections. The Centre's failure ing, treatment, tracing possi- the Centre to allot 600 tonnes Hima Kohli and Justice B whole world is at war with record eight-phase polls ended per cent of the votes and the party would win with 3.3 per in assessing the intensity of ble? The entire country and of oxygen from places closer Vijaysen Reddy, were hear- coronavirus, SEC is today. The results will be Congress candidate will occu- cent vote margin. the second wave of corona every house should be con- to the State, but it allotted just ing the petition on focussing on elections. announced on May 2. resulted in the shortages of tained". 306 tonnes, he said. HYDERABAD BULLION RATES Continued from page 1 the Art director for 20 main- 1970 to 1976 and served prison district. Recalling Chandra's stream films and six documen- term during the Emergency in contribution as artist, illustra- GOLD Artist Chandra He published over 125 stories tary films. the country. Chief Minister tor and cartoonist, KCR con- ` 48, 330 (10 gm) in various magazines and wrote He was a member of K.Chandrasekhar Rao veyed his condolences to the ` 170 several articles and reviews on Virasam (Revolutionary mourned the death of Chandra members of the bereaved fam- No vaccine succumbs to... art and drawing. He was also Writers' Association) from who hailed from Warangal ily. SILVER Continued from page 1 said as per the availability of ` 73, 300 (1kg) stocks and eligible people (18 ` 200 Registration for vaccination to 44 years) in the country, the Facebook blocks #ResignModi posts for hours, restores for all those aged 18-44 years complete vaccination process began on the CoWIN plat- for them will not be complet- CHICKEN Continued from page 1 automated. The US government has told content that was critical of the URLs (uniform resource loca- form and Aarogya Setu App ed until January next year. RATES `/KG The blocking of posts tagged its citizens to leave India as soon handling of the current medical tors) to "prevent obstructions in from April 28. Jagan appealed to people to According to reports, a hashtag #ResignModi came ahead of as possible. crisis or spreading fake news the fight against the pandemic" An official release from maintain hygiene and observe Dressed/With Skin `141 calling for the resignation of polling in the last phase of West Social media timelines are around the pandemic. and disruption of public order Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Covid-19 protocols to keep the Without Skin `160 Prime Minister Narendra Modi Bengal assembly elections. filled with SOS calls with peo- Reports citing Lumen data- due to the said posts. Reddy’s office on Thursday contagion at bay. Broiler at Farm `97 was blocked on Facebook for The Modi government has ple looking for oxygen cylinders, base, an independent research They had added that the hours on Wednesday. Users drawn a lot of flak in domestic medicines, hospital beds, plas- project studying cease and desist order was issued in view of the searching the hashtag were given and international media for ma donors and ventilators. letters concerning online con- misuse of social media platforms EGG a message that said such posts handling of the second wave of Organisations across the spec- tent, suggested that more than by certain users to spread fake RATES `/100 were "temporarily hidden here" COVID infections, which on trum have come forward to sup- 50 posts - including those by a or misleading information and because "some content in those Thursday crossed the 1.8-crore port the fight against the Member of Parliament, MLA create panic about the pan- HYDERABAD 365 posts goes against our mark. COVID pandemic. and filmmakers - were removed demic in the society "by using VIJAYAWADA 389 Community Standards". India reported 3,79,257 new Just a few days back, Twitter by Twitter on government unrelated, old and out of the Facebook periodically blocks COVID-19 cases and 3,645 new and other social media plat- request. context images or visuals, com- VISAKHAPATNAM 379 hashtags and posts for a variety deaths - the deadliest day so far forms removed about 100 posts Government sources had said munally sensitive posts and RETAIL PRICE `3.65 of reasons. Some of the blocks for any country hit by the pan- and URLs after the govern- the social media platforms were misinformation about COVID- (IN HYDERABAD) are done manually and some are demic. ment asked them to remove asked to remove the posts and 19 protocols".

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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 | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 hyderabad 03 3-layered cloth masks effective Govt promotes all students, but as surgical masks against Covid PNS n HYDERABAD private schools insist on exams! A team of researchers have found that well-fitting, three- PNS n HYDERABAD layered cloth masks can be as The parents of effective at reducing the trans- In an example of state gov- the children are mission of Covid as surgical ernment proposes but man- masks. agements of private schools surprised at the The research team found disposes, several private private schools that under ideal conditions schools under the limits of and dependent on the fit, Khairatabad with total student conducting the three-layered cloth masks can strength of over 95,913 have examinations in perform similarly to surgical been conducting examina- spite of the masks for filtering droplets - tions to promote them to with both reducing exposure higher classes. Telangana by around 50 to 75 per cent. In fact, the state govern- government For example, if an infected ment of Telangana is promot- person and a healthy individ- ple of the importance of con- To better understand, the ing all students including that issuing orders ual are both wearing masks, tinuing to wear masks while team looked at how liquid of the SSC without examina- promoting them scientists believe this could Covid-19 remains present in droplets are captured and fil- tions in view of the sensitive result in up to 94 per cent less the community." tered out in cloth masks by Covid situation in the state. to next class exposure. At the height of the Covid reviewing and modelling fil- These private schools at the "While wearing a simple pandemic, 139 countries man- tration processes, including time of inception agree to Yousufguda, Vengalrao Nagar, demic. ducted for all classes with the next class. The parents are not and relatively inexpensive dated the use of face coverings inertial impaction. follow government rules, but Borabanda, Rahamath Nagar As the government pro- exception of SSC to the bewil- able to say anything since the cloth face mask cannot elim- in public space such as super- Inertial impaction does not later conveniently ignore and Yerragadda divisions. moted all students, students derment of parents and stu- schools are purely private. inate the risk of contracting markets and public trans- filter as a sieve or colander them. It may be recalled that the and parents breathed a big dents. The examinations for The examinations were held Covid, measurements and ports. The World Health does - it works by forcing the In Khairatabad's area of state government recently sigh of relief and thanked the lower classes are already over. till Monday last. However, on theoretical model suggests Organization also advises the air in your breath to twist and education department, there issued orders promoting stu- government for saving their Examinations are under way Tuesday, question papers were they are highly effective in use of face coverings and turn inside the mask so much are 17 government high dents of Classes I to IX and children from the Corona for high school students. given away to the students and reducing transmission," the offers guidance on their effec- that the droplets can't follow schools, 50 primary schools also declared that all SSC stu- hazard. But, the private school The parents are surprised at teachers asked them to answer researchers said adding that, tive features. Face coverings the path of the air. Instead, the and over 190 private schools. dents are deemed to have managements beg to differ. In the private schools conducting them at home. Students have "We hope that our work suppress the onward trans- droplets crash into fibres In them, over 95,913 students been promoted as conducting the above said divisions, in the examinations in spite of completed answering the inspires mask designs to be mission of Covid through inside the mask to prevent are pursuing education. These the public examinations is some of the private schools the state government issuing papers and submitted them in optimised in the future and we exhalation and protect the inhalation, the team schools are located in not feasible due to the pan- examinations are being con- orders promoting them to school. hope it helps to remind peo- wearer on inhalation. explained. CITY LIGHTS Active virus cases SERPENTINE 14 passport offices shut due QUEUES to spike in Coronavirus cases At ten past 5 am on Wednesday, jump to 76K in TS city resident Ramesh reached state-run Fever Hospital to get a mid the ongoing second wave n PNS HYDERABAD The state had Tuesday Covid test done. He had to wait of the Covid infections in the reported 10,122 cases the behind more than 80 people, state, Telangana Regional A The Covid claimed 58 more highest single day spike so far only to get turned away at 8 am. Passport Office has decided to lives in Telangana during the but nearly a lakh samples This was the second time suspend its services in fourteen Post 24-hour period as the state were tested. The fresh cases Ramesh was turned away, as Office Passport Seva Kendras reported a new high in daily pushed the state's cumulative people made a queue before 4 (POPSK) in Telangana from April 29 fatalities. tally to 4,27,960. am to get the tokens, which start to May 14. The Regional Passport This is the highest number The number of active cases at 7.30 am. Like Ramesh, Office had already reduced the number of online passport slots at of daily death toll since the jumped to 76,060. A total of hundreds of people are waiting Passport Service Centers in the state by 50 per cent starting from outbreak of the pandemic last 4,009 people recovered from in queues for up to 10 hours, as April 22, till further orders.Dasari Balaiah, the regional passport year. The state had on the virus during the last 24 crowds increase and testing officer, said services in all the 14 POPSKs located in Warangal, Wednesday reported 56 fatal- hours, taking the total number capacity remains the same. Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahaboobnagar, Medak, Adilabad, Bhongir, ities. The overall death toll has of recoveries to 3,49,692. Siddipet, Manchiriyal, Mahabubabad, Kamareddy, Vikarabad, surged to 2,208. The case fatal- The recovery rate has — SV CHARY Vanaparthy and Medchal will remain suspended. He also said that ity rate now stands at 0.51 per slipped further to 81.71 per services at the five passport service centers in the state would cent against the national aver- cent against the national aver- continue as before. Services at Begumpet, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, age of 1.1 per cent. age of 82.1 per cent. For the Nizamabad and Karimnagar passport centers will continue as usual. The state reported 7,994 first time the recovery rate in new cases during the 24-hour the state had dropped below period that ended 8 p.m. the national average. Wednesday. The tally slightly The recovery rate in Professionals to address 10K dropped from 8,061 the pre- Telangana was almost 99 per vious day. However, the num- cent early last month but the TS students on future of work ber of tests conducted second wave has led to a big elangana Academy of Skills and remained around 80,000. drop in recoveries. Knowledge (TASK), Telangana State TInnovation Cell (TSIC), X Billion Skills Lab, and The United Nations Young Changemakers Conclave (UNYCC) have Banned tobacco partnered to organise a summit on '21st Bank guard killed, 1 injured century workplace skills' for the benefit of products, gutka Gold worth Rs 1.36 cr over 10,000 aspiring students across 33 districts of Telangana on 1st May 2021 at 3.00 pm. Keynote worth Rs 2 lakh addresses will be delivered by Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand, seized from passenger as robbers open fire at ATM Indian National Badminton Coach and Jayesh Ranjan, Principal seized, one held PNS n HYDERABAD DUGGU RAGHU treated. His condition is said to Secretary, Department of ITE&C and Industries, Government of n MEDCHAL MALKAJGIRI be stable. Cyberabad Police Telangana. Recognizing the changing priorities and requirements of PNS n HYDERABAD Customs officials at the Rajiv Commissioner VC Sajjanar the industry, TASK, TSIC and UNYCC have joined hands to address Gandhi International Airport A bank employee was killed who visited the scene of this skill gap and ensure that students are made aware of what The Task Force along with the here on Thursday seized 2.7 kg and another was injured, when offence, told reporters that all needs to be done in order to build a sustainable career in the new Santoshnagar police raided gold from a passenger who armed robbers opened fire at check posts were alerted to technology driven world of work. This Summit is open to all the Noor General Stores and arrived from Dubai. an ATM in Kukatpally area in prevent the offenders from students from across different fields of study. To register, please fill caught one person on charges The passenger had con- Hyderabad on Thursday, leaving the city. and submit this form" (http://bit.ly/unycc_task). Registered students of illegally selling foreign cig- cealed the 24-carat gold bar, police said. He said the police officials can attend the live program on www.task.radiusedutech.com, as arettes, gutka and banned valued at Rs 1.36 crore, in a Security guard Ali Baig, an The armed robbers came on gathered vital clues and hoped well as the Facebook and YouTube channels of TASK and UNYCC. tobacco products on Thursday. pasta making machine. The ex-serviceman, was killed and a two-wheeler and attacked to track down the guilty soon. Police seized foreign ciga- Customs Department booked the other bank employee, two bank employees refilling The Police Commissioner said rettes, gutka and tobacco the passenger for smuggling of Srinivas was injured in the money in the ATM. One of the a home-made weapon was products worth Rs 2 lakh gold and said further investi- incident. The attackers escaped assailants opened fire, injuring used in the offence. OGH holds health, wellness from him. The arrested per- gations are in progress. Last with Rs 5 lakh cash on the two- Ali. The security guard, who He suspected involvement son Hussain, 30, procured the week, 386 grams of gold was cealed in the inner layers of wheeler. Local residents who received a bullet injury in the of an inter-state gang in the camp for Rachakonda police banned tobacco products and seized from a passenger who specially-designed T-shirt. A noticed the incident, stayed stomach, succumbed at a hos- incident. Police were scan- foreign cigarettes from deal- had arrived from Dubai. total of 386 grams of gold val- still as the robbers were armed. pital. Srinivas, the staff who ning the CCTV footage in the s the second wave of ers in Bidar and sold it to cus- According to officials, the ued at Rs 19.1 lakh was recov- The daylight robbery and fir- was at the ATM to dispense area to identify the offenders Covid grips the tomers in Hyderabad. gold in paste form was con- ered and seized. ing sent panic in the busy area. cash in the machine is being and gather more clues. Acountry, the chance of exposure of police personnel to the disease is very high. To assess this long term risk, the Covid testing within the reach of motorists Cops bust human Telangana State RSSDI PNS n HYDERABAD too crowded has inconve- along with the nienced those in dire need. To Department of The first drive-through Covid help mitigate and ensure test- Endocrinology of testing centre in Hyderabad, ing with ease, Apollo trafficking racket Osmania General Hospital being operated by Apollo Diagnostics launched this (OGH) organised health and wellness risk assessment camp at the Diagnostics was became oper- innovative drive through test- PNS n HYDERABAD brothel house at Nagole. After Rachakonda Police Commissionerate health centre for Covid ational on Thursday. ing at the Jubilee Hills Public being released on bail in 2018, affected and non-affected police personnel. Commissioner of Police, Individuals can now drive School and have more such The Rachakonda Anti-Human he started a web designing Rachakonda Mahesh Bhagwat speaking on the occasion thanked through in their four-wheelers, centres in the pipeline to be set Trafficking Unit busted an channel in a rented house in RK Sahay, HOD Endocrinology department, Osmania General register and allow the health- up at various locations of the interstate human trafficking Fathulaguda. Due to the lock- Hospital and the team of Genesis Medical systems who have care workers to collect their city," said Vishwajit Reddy racket at LB Nagar and arrest- down last year, he faced finan- organised the health camp for Rachakonda Police personnel. In the samples for Covid RT-PCR Konda, Strategy & New ed an organiser, apart from cial problems and contacted present scenario where many police personnel are testing positive, tests, while sitting in their ing is totally touchless and con- Banjara Hills, Shaikpet, Film Initiatives, Operations, Apollo rescuing three women from sex workers and began traf- it is important to consider the post Covid health of the affected cars. tact free. Nagar and Attapur. Diagnostics. West Bengal and Maharashtra ficking them from Kolkata personnel also, he stated adding that the tests will help diagnose The kiosk for RT-PCR tests Fully equipped for testing "The surge in Covid cases Carrying of the necessary here late on Wednesday. and Mumbai to Hyderabad. any arterial stiffness particularly in those who have blood pressure, has been set at the Jubilee Hills and with capacity to manage has citizens scouting for RT- identification documents, as The arrested person was "Since last March, he shared diabetes. He stated that over 250 police personnel including the Public School in Jubilee Hills. up to 250 patients per day, the PCR testing centres, however specified by the government identified as Debjyoti Das, pictures of women on higher officials have been tested with a patented technology medical The complete process of reg- centre will cater to the residents these centres either offer test- (PAN Card or Aadhaar Card) 27, a resident of Fathulaguda Locanto.com and lured cus- device 'PeriScope' developed by Genesis Medical Systems. istration and payment for test- living in areas of Jubilee Hills, ing at specific timings or being is mandatory. in Nagole and a native of tomers. He collected rates Khanapur in West Bengal. He ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs allegedly maintained an online 15,000 from customers," police dating app, through where he said. collected money from cus- The organiser collected the Theatre groups use digital tools to survive amid pandemic tomers. amount through e-wallets PNS n HYDERABAD ment quotient theatre has an They began to showcase their that cultivate social con- they have started the process commenting and subscribing According to the police, and transferred them into educative value for the peo- performance on the social sciousness as also spirituali- of performing plays in all the their channels as also by Das, a postgraduate, was his mother's account, the As the second wave of coro- ple living in the society. media platform YouTube. ty. As part of this, many fans languages of the country paying some money for the arrested in 2016 for running a police officials added. na is raging through the However, because of the Now with the second strain are enjoying the plays being online for one hundred days upkeep of the channel. country, the theatre artists, lockdown people were of corona wreaking havoc performed online under the with Hyderabad as the venue. Following the attention whose livelihood was deprived of deriving the ben- more and more theatre com- auspices of Abhinaya Theaters Drama fans are happy to from viewers to the plays impacted during the lock- efit that a stage performance panies are embracing the Trust and Venkateswara have the opportunity to presented online, Surabhi down imposed in the first offers. In order to overcome online platform to give their Surabhi Theaters. watch theatrical perfor- Theatre management has phase of corona with all cul- the hurdle imposed by the viewers a safe and hassle-free Using online platform to mances on their mobile with- made plans to undertake an tural events, including stage lockdown theatre organisa- viewing experience. impress art lovers, these out leaving home in these online drama performance in performances cut short, have tions and trusts promoting The online plays are gain- groups present plays every pandemic conditions pre- collaboration with Book My embraced online platform to theatre moved towards inno- ing popularity among the day through a YouTube chan- vailing in the country. They Show, one of the leading showcase their talents. vative solution and online viewing community as the nel called Tri-Color. For the are expressing their joy and movie ticket reservation plat- Apart from the entertain- provided them the answer. viewers are liking the plots first time in the country, love towards the plays by forms in India. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 hyderabad 04 Elaborate All eyes on Greater Warangal Corona may cast a shadow arrangements for municipal polls Municipal Corporation polls on polling, fear politicians in Achampet NS RAO n WARANGAL has its own strategy, the n The GWMC election is a Independent candidates, prestigious one to the PNS n NAGAR KURNOOL All eyes are on the Greater observers may give the can- ruling TRS, whose leaders Warangal Municipal didates of the main political are confident that the Elaborate arrangements Corporation (GWMC) elec- parties a run for their money. several welfare schemes have been made for the tion, which are slated for The communists are howev- that they did launch over conduct of Achampet Friday, more so because the er, contesting in limited divi- the period will eventually municipal elections on erstwhile Warangal district is sions in this election. "The Amidst Friday. in the grip of the second wave TRS will win all the 66 divi- see them through. these The polling will be con- of Corona, with cases rising sions in the GWMC elec- staff. ducted from 7 am to 5 pm. rapidly in the district. tion," said Minister for The minimum facilities are conditions, people In all, 40 polling booths The question that is plagu- Panchayat Raj Errabelli lacking in government hospi- may not show the have been set up at the rate ing all sections of the society Dayakar Rao. TRS leaders tals. The Mahatma Gandhi enthusiasm they of two for each ward. A is how many voters will final- assume that many welfare Memorial Hospital, Warangal, total of 240 personnel has ly exercise their franchise in schemes implemented by is in doldrums and the gov- show in normal been deployed for poll duty. these times of crisis. their party till date will ernment has failed to provide conditions to cast their The town has a total The GWMC election is a ensure their victory. the best treatment for the number of 20,684 voters, prestigious issue to the ruling However, one could not be so patients there. Given the cir- votes. However, the including 10,50,508 women. TRS, whose leaders are con- sure, observers felt, more so cumstances how many seats political parties may The other voters in the fident that the several welfare going by the healthcare sys- the TRS can certainly win town are 46. schemes that they launched tem, which had so far let the remains a question unan- not leave the voters till In all, 80 ballot boxes over a period of time will public down in these times of swered. they cast their votes have been kept ready for the eventually see them through. Corona. Moreover, nobody is sure whatever conditions polling. The district author- BJP and Congress parties Private hospitals are about the voter turnout, given ities said that there is not a have also taken this election allegedly taking full advantage the crisis situation. It may be may prevailed, single problematic booth as a challenge. However, of the pandemic situation to recalled that all major and Ramesh from from law and order point of going by the war of words fleece patients. The district opposition parties had view in the town. that was witnessed during the authorities have failed to con- demanded postponement of K VENKATESHWARLU show its impact on the voter and Kothur, Warangal city Security has been beefed campaign, it appears that the trol the private hospitals. In the polls given the Corona sit- n HYDERABAD turnout on Friday thereby too, are wit- opined up near the polling booths main fight will be between most of the government hos- uation. However, the Election impacting the winning nessing Corona to avoid any untoward inci- the TRS and the BJP. pitals there is lack of adequate Commission, had gone ahead Two Municipal Corporations prospects of many candidates. cases in large dent. While the Congress party doctors and para-medical with the polling. and five municipalities are all The political parties’ expecta- numbers. Acting on the directions set to go to polls on Friday tion may turn on its head if Amidst these condi- from the Election amidst life-threatening situa- voter turnout is less than what tions, people may not show Commission, masks, hand tion with the severity of they expect. There would not the enthusiasm they generally gloves, face shields and 100 Corona pandemic spiralling be any trouble however, to the show in normal conditions to ml sanitiser bottles have almost out of control. The political parties if the poll per- cast their votes. However, the places been supplied to those on elections will be held to centage was as per their expec- political parties may not leave where election are scheduled, he poll duty to ensure that the Warangal and Khammam tation. the voters alone till they cast their alleged. Covid regulations are fol- Corporations, along with In fact, the pandemic has been votes, whatever conditions may “The State Election lowed during the municipal Siddipet, Acchampet, showing its severe impact on prevailed, Ramesh of Warangal Commission has been conduct- polls. Jadcharla, Nakrekal and Warangal city. The Corona city said. ing these elections blindly, in Till the polling process is Kothur municipalities. patients’ standing in queues at CLP leader Bhatti tune with the TRS risking peo- over, the face masks and Byelection will also be held for MGM and other hospitals while Vikramarka said that certainly ple’s lives. As a national party we shields should not be the Lingojiguda division in the deaths are frightening the there would be Corona impact are contesting the elections removed. Training classes the GHMC limits. denizens. The situation is no dif- on polling percentage However, though we are against these have been held for person- However, the political par- ferent even in Khammam. The the police are arresting the ongoing elections,” TPCC offi- nel on poll duty from April ties are afraid that the prevail- municipal towns of Siddipet, Congress leaders and keeping cial spokesperson Ravali Reddy 18 to 26. ing Covid-19 conditions may Jadcherla, Achampet, Nakrekal them in police stations in all said. Ministers assure timely MUNICIPAL POLLS TODAY Poor deprived of Corona ‘Mask mandatory help to Covid patients ‘Siddipet municipality will to cast votes’ PNS n BHUPALA PALLY they advised maintaining of treatment, alleges Uttam PNS n JADCHERLA sanitation and providing med- Minister for Panchayat ical amenities in containment witness triangular contest’ PNS n HYDERABAD He said that the poor are Additional Collector Tejas RajErrabelli Dayakar Rao, zones. The police, panchayat facing a lot of troubles as they Nandlal on Thursday inspect- along with Woman and Child raj officials, local sarpanches n TRS confident of a clean TPCC chief N Uttam Kumar have been deprived of treat- ed the election material distri- Welfare Minister Satyavati and ward members should sweep Reddy stated that providing ment for Corona. It is painful bution centre at the Dr BRR Rathod, on Thursday reviewed ensure people confine to vil- n free medical services to the that the people are not getting College and said that all the measures initiated to rein lages. BJP eyes majority seats people is the responsibility of beds, Remidicivir injections. arrangements have been made in Corona virus and imple- They asked the officials to n Congress strives for the government. He demand- He said that he has been to conduct municipal polls mentation of the vaccination ensure that the NREGS work- the survival ed that the government receiving phone calls seeking adhering to Covid-19 regula- programme and assured offi- ers should not congregate at include the Corona treatment beds in hospitals, oxygen, tions. cials of necessary support in one place. Taking precautions n Counting on May 3 in Arogyasri to provide free ventilators and Remidicivir Talking to newsmen, said providing timely medical help for Covid, highest number of and quality treatment to the injections. that only those who wear to Covid-19 patients. workers should be deployed on the party candidates in the poor. In his message, Uttam said, masks, besides sanitising their Reviewing preparedness to work. town, the contesting candi- In a video message from a “I thank doctors, nurses, hands, would be allowed to tackle Covid through a video District Collector Krishna dates have to fend for them- private hospital where he has frontline health & sanitation exercise their franchise. conference from here, they Aditya said that 60-bed Covid selves. been undergoing treatment workers who have been work- To observe physical distance, expressed happiness over the treatment facility with oxygen The Congress, too, won for Corona on Thursday, ing in gruelling conditions to circles were drawn on ground. medical services provided by supply has been provided at A CHANDRASHEKAR RAO n making a clean sweep in 43 two seats in the last elec- Uttam thanked all the friends, save the lives of COVID-19 Sanitisers have been kept at the the district administration to Chityala and Mahadevpur SANGAREDDY wards as Harish Rao cam- tions, but two of them well-wishers, Congress lead- patients. Special mention to polling booths besides provid- help Covid patients recover Primary Health Centres, while paigned in all wards and met switched over their loyalties ers and activists for wishing @INCIndia, @IYC, @NSUI ing other amenities like tents, boosting their morale. quarantine facilities have been The battle for the Siddipet the voters seeking their votes. to the TRS. The party candi- him a speedy recovery. He volunteers who are tirelessly chairs, wheel chairs and drink- They said that with the help set up at Bhupalapally, municipal elections has The BJP, which was limit- dates want to win more seats said that he will be discharged helping patients & their fam- ing water. He appealed to the of CM KCR, Medical and Kataram, Chityala, reached its final stage as the ed to two seats in the 2016 this time to make their pres- within three days from the ilies. We shall win this togeth- voters to exercise their right to Health Minister Eatala Mahamuttaram and campaign ended in the wake elections, is focused on win- ence felt in the municipali- hospital. He further stated er.” franchise freely without fear or Rajender they would ensure Tadicherla. of Corona protocol. Elections ning more seats. Out of two ty. that Congress leaders and It may be recalled that favour. that there is no shortage of District headquarters gov- will be held on April 30 and councillors, one has joined Meanwhile, the urban activists are doing a good job Uttam’s driver, PA and gun- District SP R Venkateswarlu Remedisivir, oxygen, Corona ernment hospital at Mulugu candidates belonging to major the TRS. Currently, it has local body elections have for Corona patients by setting man also tested positive for said that there are 54 polling testing kits and vaccines. and Community Health parties are confident of their only one seat. BJP leaders are become an acid test for the up Control Rooms at Gandhi Corona before he was tested booths in 27 wards. There are They advised isolation cen- Centre at Yeturunagaram have victory, but their fate will be hopeful that the party will political leaders and workers Bhavan and in districts. positive 21 locations in the town. tres to increase oxygen beds. Covid treatment facilities with known only after May 3 when romp home in more seats as they have to brave the The MGM Hospital, which is oxygen supply. He said that the the counting of votes begins. this time. Dubbak MLA Corona pandemic while turned into a full-scale Covid vaccination programme and Many development works Raghunandan Rao stayed campaigning. Congress took treatment facility, will have all Covid treatment facility are have been taken up in here for a few days and cam- the government to task for Free vaccination amenities oxygen, emergency going on smoothly with the Siddipet under the supervi- paigned and BJP state unit conducting the polls when Shabbir terms ‘Tika medicines and so on. They support of officers of two dis- sion of Minister for Finance president Bandi Sanjay also the Corona cases are on the drive a historic appealed to people to make use tricts. Harish Rao. The TRS is hope- campaigned in the town. rise. of the facilities in MGM He asked the district officials ful that the results will be in The Congress, which once While the opposition and Utsav’ a damp squib Hospital. to test all those who have its favour as the people who ruled the Siddipet area, ruling party traded charges decision: Errabelli They asked authorities to symptoms and take steps to witnessed the growth of the could not found candidates against each other not only PNS n WARANGAL PNS n HYDERABAD test all those who have the administer vaccine to all those town, will vote in its favour. in the elections. As no on political issues, but also symptoms. At village level, who are above 45 years of age. The TRS is confident of prominent campaigned for on the Corona cases. Minister for Panchayat Raj, Former Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao said Mohammed Ali Shabbir on that the Covid vaccine will be Thursday advised the given free of cost to all those Central and State govern- HC questions above 18 years of age across ments not to treat the vac- Over 1 lakh to cast votes in Siddipet the state from May 1 for the cination as one of their govt on prevention of Corona. electoral promises. PNS n SIDDIPET ated and 14 zonal officers have 31 SIs. Several ASIs, Head About 190 have applied for He, along with MLC "Prime Minister been appointed and 17 returing Constables and constables, postal ballots, including 163 Kadium Srihari, made a sur- Narendra Modi had Revanth's plea In all, 1,00,653 voters will exer- officers and 17 assistant return- woman constables, home persons aged over 80 years and prise visit to the Urban announced 'Tika Utsav’ cise their franchise in the ing officers and 155 polling offi- guards, armed reserve police five who tested positive for Health Centre in from April 11 to 14 without on drugs case municipal polls to be held here cers, 155 assistant polling offi- have been drafted for polling Covid-19. Hanmakonda, even having an idea about on Friday. In all, 130 polling cers, 464 OPO officers have duty. Officials appeal to voters to Pochammakunta where the availability of vaccine other medicines and med- PNS n HYDERABAD booths have been set up in the been appointed. Seeral mobile parties, strik- wear mask to exercise their right Covid vaccination drive was doses across the country. ical devices/equipment used town for the purpose. The municipal polls will be ing forces, special striking forces to franchise and advised them being carried out, on Consequently, the 'Tika in the treatment of Covid- The High Court has ques- About 236 candidates captured on video in 60 polling have been constituted. to observe physical distance. Thursday. Utsav' proved to be a damp 19 patients. "Initially, Chief tioned the State government belonging to all political outfits booths, while webcasting of Arrangements have been Additional Collector He said that the state stood squib. Similarly, the Centre Minister K Chandrasekhar to tell as to why it has been are contesting the elections for the polls will be done in 69 made for distribution of polling Muzammil Khan on as an ideal for the country in announced vaccination of Rao did nothing to prevent hiding the names of those 43 ward member seats. booths. In all, 47 wheeled chairs material at Indur Engineering Wednesday evening visited the vaccination drive. He all individuals above the the spread of Covid-19. The who have links with the drug Out of the total number of have been kept ready at various College. Masks, face shields, the distribution and reception said the focus was on equip- age of 18 years from May 1. TRS government miserably cases. Why such a need arose voters, 50,767 are female voters polling booths. glouses and sanitisers have been centre set up at Indur ping the State government Thi,s too, was announced failed in minimising the to the government to hide the and 11 voters belong to other Security has been beefed up kept ready for distribution Engineering College. Voters with vaccines rather than vaguely without giving a damages during the first names, it questioned. It also voters category. for the polling with 465 police among polling personnel. Police would be let into the polling waiting for help from the thought to the logistics and wave and it did not change questioned the Narcotics For the purpose of the personnel, including three addi- personnel were deployed near booths only after their thermal central government. The infrastructure involved in its approach even during Control Bureau to tell as to polling, 11 zones have been cre- tional DCPs, four ACPs, 14 CIs, strong rooms. screening. Minister said that the deci- the implementation of this the second wave. The health what it has been doing. The sion of CM KCR to vaccinate promise. As a result, not infrastructure was not High Court directed the State for free was historic. many states in the country improved even by one per and Central governments to The minister said the are in a position to take up cent after the first wave of file a counter within four Covid vaccine was given to the vaccination drive due to Covid created havoc in weeks. 1,82,507 people on shortage of vaccines, man- Telangana," he said. Reacting to the petition Wednesday through 58 cen- power or other infrastruc- Shabbir Ali also demand- filed by the TPCC working ters set up for vaccination in ture," he said. ed that KCR explain alloca- president and Malkajgiri MP Warangal Urban District. He said even the websites tion of Rs 2,500 crore for A Revanth Reddy, on He said there was no for registration was unable the proposed free vaccina- Thursday, the High Court shortage of drugs, medicines to handle the rush and they tion programme. He said questioned the state and cen- and oxygen needed to treat crashed within hours of when the entire country tral governments. Revanth those infected with their launch. was opposing two different Reddy urged the court in his Coronavirus. He said the The Congress leader also prices for the same vaccine, petition that the drugs case government would take nec- condemned the TRS gov- how could KCR agree on must be handed over to cen- essary steps to protect the ernment for the shortage of prices set by the vaccine tral agencies CBI, Enforcement people from the Covid pan- vaccine, oxygen, manufacturers and even Directorate and others. Polling staff proceeding towards their destination in Siddipet on Thursday Officials checking arrangements in one of the polling booths in Siddipet demic. Remedesivir injections, make the allocation. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 nation 05 Reinforcing capacities to fight Covid: Rajnath Past Covid infection does not fully protect India focusing on procuring Tragedy unfolding in country young against reinfection: Lancet study oxygen-related PNS n NEW DELHI Mount Sinai, a senior author of is of ‘epic proportions’: CPM the study. equipment A past COVID-19 infection "Immunity is not guaranteed PNS n NEW DELHI does not completely protect by past infection, and vaccina- PNS n NEW DELHI “In the current pandemic, disregarding young people from reinfec- tions that provide additional Left parties on Thursday the grossly underestimated official tally, tion, and vaccination is still nec- protection are still needed for India is looking at getting attacked the government over essary to boost immune those who have had COVID- around 550 oxygen generating the handling of the COVID-19 at least a million have died and the toll response and reduce disease 19," Sealfon said. plants, 4,000 oxygen concen- situation, saying it has failed to continues to mount. This figure, however, PNS n NEW DELHI transmission, according to an In the study, conducted trators and 10,000 oxygen provide oxygen and beds, and observational study published between May and November cylinders from abroad to deal termed the pandemic the worst is a conservative estimate, multiplying by Defence Minister Rajnath in The Lancet Respiratory 2020, around 10 per cent or 19 with the coronavirus pan- calamity since the 1943 Bengal five, the two lakh dead officially declared” Singh on Thursday spoke to Medicine journal. out of 189 participants who demic, Foreign Secretary famine in terms of human lives his Singapore counterpart The research was conducted were previously infected with Harsh Vardhan Shringla said lost. Ng Eng Hen about "reinforc- on more than 3,000 healthy SARS-CoV-2 (seropositive) on Thursday. They also alleged that the human lives lost since the Bengal million have died and the toll ing capacities" to fight the members of the US Marines necessary to boost immune became reinfected. Shringla also said that India implementation of the inocula- famine of 1943 when around continues to mount. This figure, second wave of coronavirus Corps most of whom were responses, prevent reinfection, This was compared to new is looking at procuring tion drive against COVID-19 has three million people died due to however, is a conservative esti- that has hit India. aged 18-20 years. reduce transmission. infections in 50 per cent (1,079 400,000 units of Remdesivir been "callous" and the Centre is hunger, malnutrition and dis- mate, multiplying by five, the Singapore on Wednesday The researchers from the "As vaccine roll outs contin- out of 2,247) of participants medicine from Egypt besides encouraging "duopoly" to let ease...," according to an editori- two lakh dead officially had sent a consignment of Icahn School of Medicine at ue to gain momentum it is who had not previously been exploring to get it from coun- two vaccine companies earn al in the Communist Party of declared," the editorial in the lat- oxygen cylinders to support Mount Sinai in the US empha- important to remember that, infected (seronegative). tries like the United Arab "super profits". India-Marxist's (CPI-M) mouth- est issue of the Peoples India's COVID-19 pandem- sised that young people should despite a prior COVID-19 Although the study was in Emirates, Bangladesh and India, according to Union piece Peoples Democracy. Democracy said. ic response. take up the vaccine wherever infection, young people can young, fit, mostly male Marine Uzbekistan. health ministry data updated on The COVID-19 death toll in "It will not require any histor- Singapore investment firm possible. catch the virus again and may recruits, the researchers believe At a media media briefing, Thursday, recorded a single- the country stands at 2,04,832, ical research to pin the respon- Temasek has also sent med- They noted that despite pre- still transmit it to others," said that the risk of reinfection he said over 40 countries have day rise of 3,79,257 cases and the data showed. sibility for this catastrophe on ical equipment while India's vious infection and the presence Professor Stuart Sealfon, of found in their study will apply come forward to offer assis- 3,645 fatalities. "In the current pandemic, dis- (Prime Minister) Narendra Tata Group donated four of antibodies, vaccination is still Icahn School of Medicine at to many young people. tance to India in view of the "It (COVID-19 pandemic) is regarding the grossly underes- Modi and his government," it cryogenic oxygen cylinders unprecedented situation. the worst calamity in terms of timated official tally, at least a said. sourced from Singapore. "Spoke to the Defence Minister of Singapore, Mr Ng Eng Hen about reinforcing Centre releases revised norms for home isolation Army setting up temporary capacities to fight against the second surge of COVID-19 PNS n NEW DELHI treating medical officer. gational therapy must be taken by pandemic,” Singh said on According to the revised guide- a medical professional and it hospitals to fight Covid Twitter. The health ministry on Thursday lines, the patients may perform should be administered only in PNS n NEW DELHI pitals for civilians wherever "I am deeply appreciative issued the "Revised guidelines for warm-water gargles or take steam a hospital setting, the ministry possible and that citizens of Singapore government's home isolation of mild/asympto- inhalation twice a day. said. "Do not attempt to procure The Army is making its can approach their nearest efforts and support in assist- matic COVID-19 cases", in which "If fever is not controlled with or administer Remdesivir at medical staff available to Army hospitals, a statement ing India in these difficult it advised against attempting to a maximum dose of tab. home. Systemic oral steroids are state governments and is said. times," he mentioned. procure or administer Remdesivir Paracetamol 650 mg four times a not indicated in mild disease. If setting up temporary hospi- "General MM Naravane India is struggling with injections at home, underlining day, consult the treating doctor, symptoms persist beyond seven tals in various parts of informed the PM that the infection's second wave as that it should be administered only who may consider advising other days (persistent fever, worsening the country to the Army is helping hospitals in several states are in a hospital setting. drugs like non-steroidal anti- cough etc.), consult the treating fight the with manpower reeling under a shortage of The guidelines stated that sys- inflammatory drug (NSAID) (ex: doctor for treatment with low- COVID-19 for imported medical oxygen and beds. temic oral steroids are not indicat- tab. Naproxen 250 mg twice a day). dose oral steroids," the guidelines pandemic, oxygen tankers India saw a record single ed in mild cases and if the symp- "Tab. Ivermectin (200 mcg/kg said. Army Chief and vehicles day rise of 3,79,257 new toms (persistent fever, worsening once a day, to be taken on empty The revised guidelines stated General M M where spe- coronavirus infections push- cough etc.) persist beyond seven stomach) for 3 to 5 days should that the asymptomatic cases are Naravane told cialised skills ing the total tally of COVID- days, the treating doctor should be be considered," the guidelines laboratory-confirmed cases that Prime are required to 19 cases to 1,83,76,524, while consulted for treatment with low- stated. Inhalational Budesonide are not experiencing any symp- Minister manage them," it active cases crossed the 30- dose oral steroids. after a proper evaluation by the Elderly patients aged more than 60 (given via inhalers with spacer at toms and having oxygen satura- Narendra Modi added. Modi has lakh mark, according to the Elderly patients aged more than treating medical officer, it added. years and those with co-morbid a dose of 800 mcg twice daily for tion at room air of more than 94 on Thursday. been holding daily Union Health Ministry data 60 years and those with co-mor- In case of falling oxygen satu- conditions such as hypertension, five to seven days) to be given if per cent, while the mild cases are In a meeting where meetings with various updated on Thursday. bid conditions such as hyperten- ration levels or shortness of breath, diabetes, heart disease, chronic the symptoms (fever and/or patients with upper respiratory Modi reviewed the Army's organisations and officials as The death toll increased to sion, diabetes, heart disease, chron- the person should require hospi- lung or liver or kidney disease, cough) persist beyond five days, tract symptoms (and/or fever) preparedness and initiatives the government marshals its 2,04,832 with a record 3,645 ic lung or liver or kidney disease, tal admission and seek immediate cerebrovascular disease etc. shall they added. without shortness of breath and for COVID management, resources to fight the pan- daily new fatalities, the data cerebrovascular disease etc. shall consultation with the treating only be allowed home isolation The decision to administer having oxygen saturation at room Naravane also said that the demic raging in various parts updated at 8 am showed. only be allowed home isolation physician or surveillance team. after a proper evaluation by the Remdesivir or any other investi- air of more than 94 per cent. Army is opening up its hos- of the country. INDIA CORNER 3,820 new ‘Missing TN fishermen being Attend to all patients Covid-19 cases Congress ups ante against brought back to Kanyakumari’ reaching Covid in Thane Karnataka Minister leven Tamil Nadu fishermen PNS n THANE Ewho went missing after their PNS n BENGALURU asking people to die when boat was allegedly hit by a ship hospitals: HC to Guj With the addition of3,820 asked to give more rice show off the Oman coast last week new cases of coronavirus, Upping the ante against the arrogance and "such state- are safe and they are being the infection count in Karnataka Food and Civil ment amounts to abetting brought to Kanyakumari, the PNS n AHMEDABAD aware that there is a shortage Maharashtra's Thane dis- Supplies Minister Umesh the offence (suicide)." Indian Coast Guard said on of 108 ambulances and if that trict has reached 4,60,751, Katti for asking a man seek- The senior Congress leader Thursday. "IndiaCoastGuard The Gujarat High Court has was so, then what justification an official said on Thursday. ing more rice under the PDS demanded that the govern- ship Vikram escorting fishing directed the state government can there be if patients reach These new cases were to die, former Chief Minister ment should give 10 kg of rice boat Mercedes with 11 crew to make sure each and every the hospital in their privately reported on Wednesday, he Siddaramaiah demanded his per head during this lock- about 25 NM from Suheli Par patient reaching a designated arranged vehicles," the court said. The virus also claimed ouster from the cabinet. down, which came into effect Lakshadweep. Ship alongwith COVID-19 hospital is attend- said. the lives of 65 more people, "This is not an utterance of in the state from April 27 FB likely to arrive at Thengapattanam harbour Kanyakumari TamilNadu ed to and given preliminary "We accordingly direct that pushing the death toll in the a responsible minister. I con- night to May 12 morning. on 01 May", the Coast Guard said in a tweet on Thursday. In a tweet on treatment even if beds are not all the government, corpora- district to 7,466, he said. The demn it strongly and request "What's wrong in giving 10 kg Wednesday afternoon, the Coast Guard said in a sea-air coordinated available. tion, designated and private COVID-19 mortality rate Chief Minister B S rice? Let them give it. operation ICG Dornier located and established communication with the The court heard a PIL hospitals attend to all patients in Thane stood at 1.62 per Yediyurappa to remove Government is meant to missing Indian fishing boat Mercedes 200 NM NW of Minicoy. "All 11 online on Tuesday and a reaching them. Patients can- cent, he added. Umesh Katti from the cabi- protect the people. I demand crew safe. FB reportedly missing since 24 Apr & search by ICG and IN detailed copy of its order was not be left unattended," the The details of recovered net," Siddaramaiah told "When we were in power, we the government should take a ships & aircraft was in progress," it had said. The South Asian made available on Thursday. bench said in its order. and under-treatment reporters here. were giving seven kilograms decision immediately to pro- Fishermen Fraternity (SAFF) said the owner of the fishing boat, Joseph A division bench of Chief It said though the admis- patients were not provided He was reacting to Katti's of rice to protect people but vide 10 kg of rice per head Franklin, had spoken to his wife over satellite phone Wednesday Justice Vikram Nath and sion in a hospital would be by the district administra- reported remark to a farmer these people (ruling BJP) every month," Siddharamaiah morning. Justice Bhargav Karia also subject to availability of beds, tion. In neighbouring from Gadag to die for seeking have gone to the extent of said. The minister not directed the state government "a preliminary needed treat- Palghar district, the more rice under the public telling people to die by reduc- only drew the ire of opposi- to find alternatives for man- ment should be given and COVID-19 case count has distribution system to the ing the quota of rice." tion Congress and the JD(S) 6 members of family die in gas ufacturing medical oxygen to thereafter the parties may be gone up to 82,624, while the economically weaker section. Stating that Katti had no but also the Chief Minister save coronavirus patients. advised further course of death toll is 1,528, another Slamming the BJP govern- moral right to continue as a who too condemned the state- cylinder explosion in Delhi It was hearing a PIL taken action". official said. ment, Siddaramaiah said, minister, Siddaramaiah said ment. up suo motu (on its own) on While noting that the fire in a transformer in Delhi's the COVID-19 situation in Gujarat government has ABijwasan area spread to two Gujarat, which has seen a already sent a request to the shanties nearby, leading to a gas sharp rise in coronavirus cases Centre for allocation of more cylinder explosion in which six over the last few weeks. medical oxygen, the HC asked FIR against Param Bir over cop's complaint members of a family, including four The bench raised concern the state "to speed up and find minors, were killed early Thursday, over government-run and other alternatives for the man- PNS n MUMBAI policemen, an official said. Bharadwaj, ACPs Vijay Pulkar at the Kotwali police station and officials said. The officials said they designated COVID-19 hospi- ufacture of oxygen for medical The city Kotwali police in and D B Kamble and senior PI it has been transferred to the received a call regarding a fire in a tals in Ahmedabad attending use". Maharashtra police have filed Akola registered the FIR under Dilip Suryavanshi. A former Thane city police, the official transformer at Valmiki Colony only to patients coming in the "The PSA plants which are an FIR against former Mumbai various sections ranging from law officer and assistant chem- told PTI. around 12.30 am, following which EMRI (Emergency not functional to be made police commissioner Param criminal conspiracy, destruc- ical analyser of Forensic Science Police inspector Bhimrao four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Later, police received a Management and Research functional at the earliest...As Bir Singh after a police inspec- tion of evidence and sections of Lab have also been named, the Ghadge in his complaint had PCR call regarding a cylinder explosion in Valmiki Colony. Institute)-run '108' ambu- much as possible oxygen tor levelled corruption charges the Scheduled Caste and official said. made a series of allegations of According to the officials, the transformer caught fire and flames lances and ignoring those should be made available against him, a senior official Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Akola police filed a Zero FIR corruption against Singh and spread rapidly to two shanties nearby, which led to an explosion in brought in private vehicles. within the state in addition to said on Thursday. Atrocities Act), 1989. (mode of lodging FIR in any other officers, in the period the LPG cylinder. A senior police officer said Kamlesh (37), his wife "The state government and the central allocation so that The FIR was registered at Those named in the FIR police station irrespective of the when the former Mumbai CP Budhani (32), their two daughters, 16 and 12, and two sons, 6 the Ahmedabad Municipal there is no shortfall of oxy- Akola in Vidarbha region include DCPs Parag Manere, offence committed in was posted with the Thane years and 3 months, died in the cylinder blast. Corporation (AMC) were gen," the bench suggested. against 33 persons, including 28 Sanjay Shinde and Sunil that area or any other area) police.

3 held for trying to sell Remdesivir 2 vials filled with saline water HC to Centre: Why MP, Maha got more O than Delhi? PNS n NEW DELHI cost of any state or Union this or "make amends" now supply was out of line while hree persons have been Territory. that the situation has been MP and Maharashtra were Tarrested for allegedly trying The Delhi High Court Friday Senior advocate Rahul brought to its attention, the given more oxygen, Mehta to cheat people by selling them questioned the Centre as to Mehra, representing the high court said. Solicitor said the population of MP saline water in vials of why various states, including Delhi government, said that General Tushar Mehta, repre- was more than the national Remdesivir, an anti-viral used in Maharashtra and Madhya while the national capital's senting the Centre, said the capital. the treatment of COVID-19, in Pradesh, were being allocat- requirement was 700 MT per government will file an affi- He then told the officer, Maharashtra's Beed city, police ed more oxygen than they day, it was allocated 480 and davit on the court's query and “You cut from MP and give it said on Thursday. The Shivaji demanded while the nation- 490 MT and the Centre has will give the reasons for giv- to Delhi. It would be at the cost Nagar police recently nabbed al capital was not getting not increased it. ing more oxygen to Madhya of some lives in MP but let us Santhosh Naikwade, Prakash even the quantity necessary Mehra and senior advocate Pradesh and Maharashtra, if do it for Delhi.” Nagargoje and Datta Nirmal for allegedly trying to sell a vial of the for treating COVID-19 Raj Shekhar Rao, who is ami- that is the case. This was objected to by the injection for Rs 22,000, an official said. Investigations revealed that patients. cus curiae in the case, Madhya Pradesh demanded be accepted, it would appear "There are states which judges who said, "Don't give it one of the accused, who worked as a compounder at a city-based A bench of Justices Vipin informed the court that as 445 MT and it was allocated that the central government received less than what they an impression as if we are ask- hospital, had filled used vials of Remdevisir with saline water and Sanghi and Rekha Palli made per the national allocation 543 MT and that the situation needed to explain this aspect had asked for. We have been ing something extra for Delhi. tried to sell the same, assistant police inspector (API) Amol Gurle it clear that it was by no plan, Maharashtra demanded was similar for several other and granted it a day to rationalising," he said. During Don't project like this. We said. "We have sent a vial recovered from the accused to a laboratory means interested in securing 1500 Metric Tonnes (MT) of states. respond. the hearing, when the court don't appreciate this. We are for testing to ascertain the contents," the official said. more oxygen for Delhi than oxygen per day and was allo- The court said that if the The Centre has to either asked a senior central govern- asking this on the basis of facts required and that too at the cated 1661 MT; similarly, information provided was to show some justification for ment officer as to why Delhi's and figures.” HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 06

www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Mayday! Mayday! A lesson in the As young adults enthusiastically try to register for a jab, the system seems less than prepared PRAFULL GORADIA he maddening rush on the Co-WIN portal speaks volumes about the jitteriness Gyanvapi case among the young adults to book a slot for getting inoculated at the earliest. Within Tminutes after registration for the COVID-19 vaccination for those in the 18-44 age bracket was thrown open, the website crashed due to excessive load. However, it does- The Kashi Vishwanath temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb. So, n’t surprise anyone as internet servers in India are known to have succumbed even during the university registration process. Anyhow, the first day recorded almost 1.33 changes to Gyanvapi mosque as per facts mustn’t rile anyone crore registrations. It is a clear inkling that the task ahead for the Centre and the State t was 1927; one Abdul Governments would be arduous, to put it mildly. Besides, in the backdrop of several Rashid murdered Swami States flagging the shortage of vaccines, the drive is unlikely to cover the population it Shradhanand, the successor of Swami Dayanand is meant to before May 15, by when the States are ISaraswati, in his sickbed. The expected to have a meaningful stock. The second killer was arrested and tried. wave of the Coronavirus tsunami has exposed the The British Government then glaring incompetence and loopholes in our health- had no qualms about the reli- gions of the two men. Jawaharlal care system which is now creaking under the weight Nehru’s friend Asaf Ali, a distin- of the pandemic. The ailing healthcare infrastructure guished advocate, took up is impacted by the sudden exponential rise in cases, Rashid’s brief. The court, nev- shortage of medical oxygen and essential medicines ertheless, sentenced him to death as it was a cold-blooded like Remdesivir and availability of hospital beds. murder. The janaza (funeral) However, putting the blame squarely on the sever- was attended by thousands of ity of the second wave and the pitiable state of health- Rashid’s sympathisers but there care setup would not be justifiable as it must be was no riot or communal dis- turbance. Had any riot taken shared by the States for their lackadaisical approach place, the Government would and the Centre for its insouciance after the first wave had died down. not have flinched from sup- The time which could have been utilised for ramping up the infrastructure was pressing it. If the British were wasted on making conjectures of defeating the virus. As a result, we were ill-prepared inclined to be soft, they could not have ruled an Empire for and the second wave overwhelmed us. Another matter related to the non-availability 190 years. That Empire had 40 of vaccines was its differential pricing, which was a cause of concern for the States crore Indians, with the white and other stakeholders but that has been taken care of in a limited way, for now. Be men from the British Isles being was that they wished to blame the Polish Government only has to read the Magna that as it may, only time will tell how the nation emerges from the throes of affliction, never more than one lakh. declare to the area that a for having pulled down the Carta of English King John, Take the case of Ayodhya. change of regime had taken Russian church. The pur- 1215 AD. confusion and uncertainty. How grim the situation can turn after May 1 can be gauged The All India Muslim Personal place. A Hindu raja had been pose for which the Russians Some scholars have from the fact that most hospitals in States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and Law Board eventually lost its replaced by a Muslim sultan had built it had been not reli- expressed the fears of com- West Bengal have showed non-availability of slots for those less than 45 years of long litigation in the Supreme or badshah. In response, I gious but political, and the munal riots. How many riots age. During the second phase, most people simply walked into the vaccination cen- Court; not a single Muslim asked that when a Hindu purpose had also been inten- have taken place since 2014? tres for their jab without necessarily registering at the Co-WIN portal. So, the moot stabbed a Hindu. In Ayodhya Prime Minister takes over in tionally offensive.” Before It is true that recently there itself, everyone favoured the a Hindu-majority country, reaching Delhi, Sir Arnold have been a few skirmishes question here is: Are the Governments equipped and ready to handle such huge traf- temple, including the local would it be fair to reverse the had taken a boat ride on the in Bangalore and there was fic at the vaccination centres in a short span? Also, it’s clear by now that the Governments Muslims, on the grounds that it situation? Should not the Ganga and had noticed a major riot in northeast have failed to rein in the black marketeers of medical oxygen and medicines when would vastly increase the num- mosque be replaced by a Aurangzeb’s mosque on the Delhi when President Trump the demand is sky-high. With people hunting all around for COVID vaccines and the ber of inbound pilgrims and the temple? Again, as a true SOME SCHOLARS bank with two tall minarets. was on a visit to India. city’s economy would flourish. Muslim, the Jamaat chief He said at his lecture that he Otherwise, the scorebook as authorities claiming to have insufficient stocks, there’s no guarantee that these won’t If at all any violence took place, promptly replied that if it was HAVE EXPRESSED was surprised that this far as riots are concerned has be sold illegally at a premium by the corrupt doctor-trader-official-politician nexus, it was because of the firing ear- the PM’s and his people’s mosque was standing even been negative over the last pushing these out of reach of the common man. With just a day to go for the third lier by Mulayam Singh’s police desire, so be it. THE FEARS OF after the Partition of India. seven years. In any case, phase of the vaccination drive, the Governments must quickly clean up their act. in 1990. The Mulayam regime In 1961, while delivering COMMUNAL RIOTS. To come back to the how can a court of law or a resorted to indiscriminate the Azad Memorial Lecture, point, should not a crime be Government shun the shooting, not sparing even boys. British historian Arnold HOW MANY RIOTS punished commensurately? If enforcement of justice mere- PIC No violence occurred owing to Toynbee, especially invited by HAVE TAKEN PLACE the criminal had got away at ly due to the fear of riots? TALK any mischief by a Muslim. It has Jawaharlal Nehru, said: “In the time of commission of the It is well recorded that the been my consistent experience the course of the first Russian IN INDIA SINCE crime, should he not be Kashi Vishwanath mandir that when confronted with facts, occupation of Warsaw, the 2014? IN ANY apprehended and punished was destroyed on the orders most Muslims are willing to Russians had built an Eastern when it is possible to do so of Aurangzeb after his crown- accept them. A member of the Orthodox Christian CASE, HOW CAN later? If the wrongdoer has ing. Fortunately, a portion of AIMPLB confided to me that Cathedral in the city that had passed away, at least the act its front has survived as part the Board contested the been the capital of the once- A COURT OF LAW of crime should be reversed. of the masjid. Where people Ayodhya issue in the courts for independent Roman Catholic OR A GOVERNMENT What is the meaning of jus- now worship Lord Shiva was so long merely to stall the Christian country, Poland. tice otherwise? And where built by the great Holkar Hindus’ demands on other tem- The Russians had done this to SHUN THE would be the rule of law? Queen Ahilyabai in the 18th ples-turned-mosques. give the Poles a continuous ENFORCEMENT OF Since 2014, quite a few intel- century. If, therefore, the Some years ago, the chief of ocular demonstration that lectuals have been protesting Gyanvapi mosque underwent the Jamaat-e-Islami visited the Russians were now the JUSTICE MERELY that democracy in India is in some changes according to Delhi for a few days and hap- masters. After the re-estab- DUE TO THE danger and that liberals have historical facts, no Muslim pened to spend a couple of lishment of Poland’s indepen- no future here. Well, here is would have any objection. hours at my place. His explana- dence in 1918, about 100 FEAR OF RIOTS? their opportunity to firm up (The writer is a well-known tion for Islamic conquerors years later, the Poles pulled democracy whose first foun- columnist and an author. The replacing temples with mosques down this cathedral. I do not dation is the rule of law. One views expressed are personal.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOUNDBITE The Kisan Sangharsh Committee members protest against the Punjab Government over land acquisition PTI COVID ON A KILLING SPREE India must get free Sir — How the Government is tackling the Lockdowns are a curse COVID vaccines. All pandemic can be assessed to some extent citizens must receive by distinguishing between the deaths due the inoculation free of to lack of medical care and deaths despite the situation is no better and the second wave The real heroes charge. Let's hope has created havoc. There is lack of medical oxy- the medical care. It must be conceded that they get it this time. it is not always possible to save all patients gen supply in hospitals, lack of medicines, beds They hide behind ordinariness in everyday life from succumbing to a deadly disease like are not available in hospitals and the overall Congress leader but their acts of compassion make them special Coronavirus. At the same time, we can safe- treatment is too costly for the poor to afford. — Rahul Gandhi ly say that it is possible to save most of the The underprivileged people and the working eroism is not limited to the battlefield or silver screen alone. It is present all around patients, even those who are in a critical con- class have been left at their wit’s end. In my discussion us but since these intrepid heroes don’t make a song and dance about their noble dition, by providing them timely and ade- However, whenever the Government fails, with President Xi, the judiciary steps in. This time also, several I told him that we acts, we tend to miss noticing their considerable contribution. The basic creed quate medicare. Avoidable deaths are not the H same as inevitable deaths. The occurrence High Courts and the Supreme Court have pulled welcome the competition and of heroism is to show grace under pressure and courage in the line of fire. A person’s of deaths due to the lack of hospital beds, t refers to the editorial ‘What’s in a name?’ up the Governments for their failure to man- age the COVID crisis. Other scientific methods that we are not conduct and mettle to look squarely into the eyes of an adverse situation smilingly are medical oxygen and medications crys- (April 29). No matter by what name you call looking for conflict. But I made it the quintessential qualities that make her/him stand out from the rest. Another great char- tallises the scale of the tragedy and makes Iit, a lockdown always derails normal life. could have been used to arrest the spread the disease rather than imposing strict restrictions, absolutely clear that I will defend acteristic of a gallant person is that s/he invariably does the failure of the State starkly conspicuous. There is no end to the suffering of the com- American interests across the board. Implicit in the right to life is people’s mon man during the restrictions and curfews curfews and lockdown in States like Delhi. The the right thing, takes the right course of action, even right to medical care. The State cannot as daily life is jeopardised and uncertainty situation would not have gone out of control US President when nobody is watching. Such real-life women and absolve itself of its primary responsibility to looms large over the employment and liveli- had the Government taken the right steps at — Joe Biden men of honour, perseverance and diligence aren’t per- provide medical services to all those who hood aspects. The poor and labour classes are the right time. Now, a roadmap should be drawn to vaccinate the masses in large num- are needy. The pandemic’s second wave has the worst sufferers. Last year, when the first It's time to get turbed by the lack of cameras at hand to record their bers and the Centre and the States must act laid bare how overstretched and woefully wave of COVID-19 swept the nation, the vaccinated!! Vaccinate heroics but they give the moment their all, and then in a planned way. Merely throwing open the inadequate the health facilities are to meet migrant workers had to put up with immense yourself and your some more, to vanquish the hardships. Of course, they the medical emergency. Meanwhile, sufferings. With no transport available, they vaccination drive for all those above 18 years loved ones to give do it at the cost of their time, energy, comfort and Governments are in denial and under- walked hundreds of miles to get back home. will not serve the cause. It must be executed everyone, especially reporting the COVID deaths for fear of loss During the journey, many lost their lives in a scientific and planned manner. the frontline warriors, finances; sometimes even life, like Narayan Dabhalkar Chennai of image. But then they cannot escape scruti- due to accidents and hunger. This year also, Sravana Ramachandran | a fighting chance against the of Nagpur. The 85-year-old unflinchingly vacated his ny by concealing real data or fudging the pandemic!! COVID hospital bed, secured after much effort, for a management of the pandemic. durability of the US-India relationship as investments, no employment opportunities; Actor critical 40-year-old patient he didn’t know (“the fam- G David Milton | Tamil Nadu strategic partners. New Delhi should lever- there is nothing in the State. But everything — Sunny Leone ily’s kids would be orphaned”) after the hospital refused age all the help it can get from the US, hold looks fine from the outside. Successive BETTER LATE THAN NEVER it to its commitments, preserve the friend- Governments in Kerala facilitated the flour- Last season in the UAE admission to the latter because there were no vacant beds. Sir — After the initial inertia to extend aid ship and use it to alleviate the distress. ishing of the alcohol business as it is a major was tough. We had a Opting for a discharge despite dipping oxygen levels and against medical advice, to India in this hour of crisis, the US has now Meanwhile, if the US changes its stand and source of revenue for the State. The major- pretty bad run. We got swung into action to support us in our fight a pretty big knock at Dabhalkar returned home and passed away three days later. Similarly, businessman Ketan focuses on fighting COVID only within its ity of the regular alcohol consumers are poor the start of the Rawal is providing 12 of his 50 vanity vans to the Mumbai Police free of cost to help against COVID’s second wave. Secretary of borders while the disease rages on labourers and this unscrupulous alcohol sale tournament for many State Antony Blinken met with leaders of the unchecked in India and other parts of the by the State has ensured the collapse of many reasons. policemen and frontline healthcare workers rest and eat as they serve during the partial US business community and the US-India developing world, sooner or later these vari- a family. It is true that those who consume lockdown. For their part, Ludhiana’s good Samaritans are sending free home-cooked meals business council to mobilise support for ants will make their way to the US and the alcohol daily can’t lead a normal life. CSK head coach to COVID patients and pasting motivational messages, wishing them speedy recovery, India. In fact, the full spectrum of the western world. All the countries need to The Government is forced the contin- — Stephen Fleming on these food packets. Then there are “oxygen langars” being organised, people volun- American machinery has been mobilised. fight it together. ue selling alcohol online even during the Around 40 top American companies N Sadhasiva Reddy | Bengaluru pandemic owing to its financial commit- The Delhi Government teering to deliver free food and medicines to COVID patients near their residence. To put have come together to create a first-of-its- ments. The State needs to either maximise will expedite the it in Hemingwayesque fashion, these noble souls show the coolness, the grace, the courage kind global task force for India to provide UNETHICAL INCOME OF KERALA GOVT the revenue in an ethical way or minimise process of adding and the discipline to rise above their sorrow, misfortune and self-interest while lending it with medical supplies, vaccine, oxygen and Sir — There are three sources of income for the expense for the welfare of people. oxygen beds across a helping hand to those less fortunate or doughty. Let’s doff our hats to these unsung other life-saving assistance. Meanwhile, the State of Kerala. The main among these Girish R Edathitta | Kerala the national Capital in raw materials are being shipped to the is the forex remittance by the NRIs; the oth- the coming weeks. heroes and sincerely hope they would inspire many more people to bring fraternal care, Serum Institute to ramp up production. ers being the revenue from liquor and lot- Send your feedback to: Delhi Chief Minister courage and empathy to our pandemic-ravaged society and its hurting individuals. All this indicates the strength and tery sales. No major industries, no major [email protected] — Arvind Kejriwal HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 07 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ FIRSTCOLUMN Winds of political VACCINATE ON WAR FOOTING dubiety in Kerala KUMAR CHELLAPPAN The Centre must come up with a decisive policy to give 6.5 million doses per day till the end of this year What adds spice to this year’s Assembly poll is whether the State would see an incumbent Government returning to power? hough Kerala has seen many electoral bat- tles in the past, no election has generated the Tkind of heat and dust which we saw during KUMARDEEP BANERJEE the Legislative Assembly poll held on April 6 this illions of global citizens woke up to numbing images of funer- year. The electorate of the State had only two options al fires dotting bleak, snooty cremation grounds in India, a dooms- till now — choose either the Congress-led United day visual, which will continue to haunt all who are alive today Democratic Front (UDF) or the CPI(M)-led Left M Democratic Front (LDF) which were the two main and the Government in power. A COVID hurricane is sweeping across protagonists in the State’s political as well as social swathes of India, destabilising lives, uprooting homes and leaving indeli- theatre. What adds spice to this year’s Assembly poll ble scars for a lifetime. Yet, despite the avalanche of (mis)information is whether the State would see an incumbent being circulated on social media and conventional channels of com- Government returning to power? This has not hap- munication, now is not the time for finger pointing and finding a scape- pened in Kerala for more than four decades. The goat. The war is here, brutal and unwavering. It is time to act decisive- present-day UDF came into existence in 1969 and ly. First, India a large country with a huge population of over 135 crore, the LDF in 1980. Except for fringe political outfits with presence in some pockets aligning and has to be given a basic shield to fight the virus. While all sorts of home realigning with the big brothers (the Congress and remedies (most unscientific and based on faith) are being circulated, the CPI-M) it could be said that the voters in the the only proven limited protection available is immunisation. India has State had no other alternative. Kerala is known to managed to provide at least one dose of vaccine to nearly 10 per cent vote in a peculiar manner whether it be to the Lok of its population so far and the section immunised has largely been spared Sabha and the Assembly. the fury of the current second wave sweeping the country. The election which comes to mind is that of 1977, the one that was held after the internal Emergency declared by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1975. There was a discernible who declared Vijayan as the Chief Ministers, bureaucrats and party then nothing has happened in the anti-Congress wave all over India. A Keralite by the THE QUESTION Minister, what would happen to commissars for charges ranging State to turn the tables in favour of name of Raveendra Varma contested the Lok Sabha BEING Achuthanandan, a peeved Yechury from gold smuggling, hawala trans- the CPI(M). Moreover, the BJP had election from Ranchi in Bihar and won with a big ASKED IN replied that he was “the party’s actions, bribery and acts of impro- made some politically shrewd majority. He was made a Cabinet Minister in the KERALA Kerala Castro.” It was a shock for prieties. M Sivasankar, the then moves, focussing in regions where Morarji Desai-led Government (1977-1979). IS HOW Achuthanandan. His name and Principal Secretary to the Chief the Hindus have a considerable But what surprised the nation was the result LONG image were exploited by the party to Minister as well as the Chief MO presence. If the Hindutva party from Kerala. The State which loses no opportuni- the hilt only to dump him after the were probed with the former spend- bags just five seats, the State is in for ty to claim its intellectual superiority voted en masse WOULD IT election. This is nothing new in the ing nearly three months in jail. His a hung Assembly , according to P for the UDF in the 1977 election! The UDF liter- TAKE FOR CPI(M). KR Gowri Amma, the name was associated with a cartel of Rajan, veteran scribe and Kerala’s ally swept the 20 Lok Sabha seats that were at stake THE CPI(M) AND mercurial leader from Alappuzha smugglers and hawala dealers. P chronicler. This is one area where the Centre needs to act decisively given the from Kerala. In the Legislative Assembly election THE CONGRESS was projected and portrayed as the Sreeramakrishnan, the Speaker of Kerala has seen a hung Assembly held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha poll, the TO COME chief ministerial candidate of the the Legislative Assembly, was ques- only in 1965, when no parties could fact that it enjoys a robust majority in democratic polity. Remember it TOGETHER? was for times like these that the country voted in unison for a power- UDF won 111 out of the 140 seats, while the LDF party during the 1987 Assembly elec- tioned by the agencies in connection reach the magic figure needed for BOTH THE forming a Government on its own. ful Central Government that is not subject to the taciturn volatilities of was pulverised. This was the only time in Kerala’s tion. The slogan coined by the with the hawala transaction as a fol- political history an incumbent Government man- PARTIES ARE CPI(M) for that election was: low up to the statement given by his Alliances and coalitions were in an coalition partners. The Central Government has lethargically managed aged to win the people’s mandate and retain power. ELECTORAL “Keram thingum Kerala naadu KR driver that the former had handed embryonic state those days. to vaccinate a minute chunk of India. And in the midst of an acute short- Much water has flown down the Periyar River ALLIES IN Gowri bharicheedum (Kerala, jam- over a sack containing US Dollars to The best Governance Kerala age of the precious shots, it has left the rest of the inoculation programme since then. Kerala saw many political churnings that THE REST OF THE packed with coconut trees would be be delivered at the UAE Consulate. has seen is that of the 1987-1991 for the States to negotiate, procure and execute. State Governments are led to new permutations and combinations. But the COUNTRY, ruled by KR Gowri).” P Sreeramakrishnan is facing a LDF Government led by Nayanar. mostly caught in the age-old clutches of a dormant bureaucracy and core structure of both the Fronts remained intact. EXCEPT IN This was a slogan with multiple series of allegations for his liaison There were no major scams or cor- are mired in corruption. Most of them did not invest in building the crum- The BJP was seen as a north Indian political out- KERALA. targets as coconut trees symbolised with Swapna Suresh, the kingpin of ruption charges against that fit and the party failed miserably to take roots in the powerful Eezhava community the smuggling cabal. Swapna herself Government. But in the 1991 elec- bling healthcare infrastructure. It may be a lost opportunity and a colos- SO WHAT the State. The absence of leaders of stature and the HOLDS BACK known for their prowess in toddy disclosed to the agencies about tion to the Legislative Assembly, the sal damage for India, if a couple of States get body blows during the religious demography of Kerala played a significant AN OPEN tapping and trading. Gowri Amma Sreeramakrishnan’s investment plans UDF sailed through easily despite current wave of the virus. role in keeping the Hindutva party off the State. It ACCEPTANCE belonged to the same community. in the oil-rich kingdom of West Asia. the absence of any anti-incumben- The Central Government, facing flak for the poor state of affairs in was the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation which paved OF THE RELATION But once the election result was KT Jaleel, Minister for Higher cy factor. Marxists claim it was due the country, swung into action in the last fortnight but, something is amiss. the way for the BJP’s entry into Kerala. The chief- AND A POSSIBLE announced Nayanar, a member of Education had to put in his papers to the sympathy wave generated by The well-synched effort seen during the first wave is definitely missing tains who dominated the political horizon of the MARRIAGE? the Nair community turned out to after the April 6 polls as the the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by in the deadliest phase of the pandemic. One of the reasons (even though State are gone. The lone surviving founder mem- be the dark horse and was sworn in Lokayukta found him guilty in cases the Tamil terrorists at ber of the CPI(M), VS Achuthanandan is old and as the Chief Minister much to the of nepotism and favouritism. Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. If it is not confirmed by any Government officials) could be that a large bedridden. He was the most popular Marxist leader dismay of Gowri Amma and the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the party’s there was any sympathy wave, it number of civil servants or their staff/families are themselves fighting the State has seen, an equivalent to the likes of EK Eezhava community. State Secretary had to make way for should have reflected in the election the infection. The onus for managing the current pandemic wave, there- Nayanar and EM Sankaran Namboodiripad (both Opinion polls managed by the another lightweight because of the to the Lok Sabha held simultaneous- fore, falls on the second chain of command and dropping the baton at left us to meet Marx). It was Achuthanandan who media houses in the State claim that ED raiding his house. Balakrishnan’s ly with the Assembly polls. The this stage would be grievous. tilted the balance in favour of the CPI(M) in the the CPI(M)-led LDF is all set to younger son has been arrested and Congress could score just 244 seats One immediate decision that the Central Government has to take 2016 Legislative Assembly election. The National return to power. But there are many incarcerated in Parappana Agrahara despite the sympathy wave. Kerala is to remove question marks on universal immunisation in less than a Highway from Kaliyikkavila in unanswered questions and unasked Central Jail in connection with voted differently. Thiruvananthapuram to Manjeshwar in Kasaragod queries. This is the first time in hawala and narco smuggling cases. The question being asked in week. Questions like, who will get vaccinated on Central Government was dotted with life-size posters and flex boards of Kerala politics that central agencies Still, the CPI(M) has the bold- Kerala is how long would it take for quota; will vaccine exports continue; will the Centre foot the vaccine bill VS, who was projected as the chief ministerial can- like the Central Bureau of ness to make “LDF for sure” its war the CPI(M) and the Congress to for some, while leaving out a large chunk, are haunting. Add to this the didate of the LDF. The LDF won convincingly but Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement cry. The Sabarimala Temple issue has come together? Both the parties are confusion among the State Governments, who have less than a week it shocked the party cadre and the followers of VS The writer is a senior Directorate (ED), the Customs hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. electoral allies in the rest of the coun- to negotiate prices with the two COVID jab manufacturers in India. The by declaring that Pinarayi Vijayan would be the journalist. The views department and the National It was reflected in the 2019 Lok try, except in Kerala. So what holds Chief Minister. When some of the media persons expressed Investigation Agency (NIA) Sabha election in which the UDF back an open acceptance of the rela- manufacturers have come out with exorbitant prices for these crucial are personal. shots. Allowing vaccine makers to reap super profits at the cost of human asked the party’s general secretary Sitaram Yechury, launched investigations against swept 19 out of the 20 seats. Since tion and a possible marriage? lives, as many will not be able to afford the shots, could tarnish the wel- farist image of the Government. All Central Governments including the US, first spent whatever it took to block an excessive quantity of vac- POINTCOUNTERPOINT cines for their citizens. Meanwhile India, for some strange reason, felt this was the time to act charitable and kept donating vaccines. At today’s THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF OXYGEN IN ANY COVID UP IS FACING AN OXYGEN EMERGENCY. IF YOU WANT rate India needs nearly `700 billion to vaccinate all citizens above 18. HOSPITAL. THE PROBLEM IS BLACK MARKETING AND TO LODGE A CASE OR SEIZE MY PROPERTY, GO AHEAD. Given the impact it could have, it is a small price. The Centre ought to HOARDING, WHICH WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY. BUT UNDERSTAND THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION. come up with a decisive policy to administer 6.5 million doses per day till the end of this year. Any Government that is able to do it will go down —UTTAR PRADESH CM —SENIOR CONGRESS LEADER in history as a saviour. YOGI ADITYANATH PRIYANKA GANDHI (The writer is a policy analyst. The views expressed are personal.) The Sanskrit legacy of Kashmiri literature decoded The flame of Sanskrit studies in the State was kept alive in modern times by scholars like Zadoo, Kamal and Parmanand. One hopes the current generation will keep it lit anskrit is an all-India lan- or the crown jewel of prophets. Kashmir to Afghan king Historical, technical, philosoph- dents was noted by the pilgrim Somanada, author of ‘Shiva guage. All parts of this Its first translation has just Trilochanapala when he faced ic and religious as also general. I-tsing. Another was ‘Chandra Drishti’ in the 12th century and Sland have contributed to its appeared as ‘A Tale of Wonder’, an invasion by Mahmud All are touched on here. Famous Vyakarana.’ T h e b e s t k n ow n his disciple Utpaladeva, who great ancient literature and an example of the vast range of Ghazni. works of each category are still today is the 12th century ‘Kavya wrote the well-known ‘Ishwara none can claim a special place Sanskrit literature from Bilhana was also a great available and admired, but are Prakasa’ by the Kashmir schol- Pratyabhijna’ still used by devo- in this regard. Even so, the con- Kashmir. poet from Kashmir in the same little-known. ar Mammata, which is still in tees of this idealistic monism. tribution from Kashmir over Another example is of this century. But he travelled south History writing in Sanskrit use due to its comprehensive Finally, it is pertinent to centuries is quite remarkable — HAKSAR literature’s interaction with the where he was a court poet in precedes Kalhana, who men- coverage of Sanskrit poetics, mention something about the in quality and variety as well as AND rest of India. This is seen in the Kalyana, in present day tions several earlier writers. His with no less than 75 commen- general literature in Sanskrit value and volume. Once well- works by the four celebrated Karnataka. There he com- own famous work was contin- taries since it was written. from Kashmir. The best know known all over this country and scholars from Kashmir: posed another respected histo- ued with the same name by four Poetics, the study of litera- today is ‘Kathasaritsagara’, s t o - beyond, it now deserves Kalhana, Bilhana, Shilhana and ry in Sanskrit, ‘Vikramankadeva scholars at different times. The ture as an art with its merits and ries written by Somadeva for the renewed notice, especially in Jalhana. The first alone is bet- Charita’, about the rulers of that second historian, Jonaraja of the defects, appears to have been then queen in Kashmir. Others today’s conditions. ter known at present. He lived land, as also the famous love 15th century, also covers the one where Kashmir’s contribu- worth noting are the 11th cen- One may begin with a rel- in 12th century Kashmir where lyrics of ‘Chaurapanchasika.’ known now. These examples arrival of Islam in Kashmir. The tion to Sanskrit was the most tury satires of Kshemendra on atively recent work, the he wrote the famous Shilhana was a later poet who would indicate the spread of third was his pupil Srivara who widespread, with numerous social conditions. But Kashmir’s ‘Kathakautukam’ by Srivara ‘Rajatarangini’ which has had went to Bengal and wrote the Sanskrit scholars from Kashmir further describes the golden age distinguished names like contribution to Sanskrit satire is from 15th century Kashmir. several modern translations, ‘Shantishataka’ verses on peace- over much of the country, as of king Zainul Abidin and his Anandavardhana and little- known now. The flame of Written after the arrival of including one by RS Pandit, the ful living. Finally, Jalhana in the also their role as writers of his- successors. That history was Abhinavagupta among the con- Sanskrit studies in Kashmir Islam, it is based on a famous brother-in-law of Jawaharlal 13th century went from tory. But the history of Sanskrit continued by the other two till tributors. As for religious and was kept alive in modern times Farsi or Persian love poem Nehru. The original is a work of Kashmir to Ajmer where he there is much older. The earli- the Mughal conquest. philosophical works, one may by scholars like Jagaddhar about Yusuf and Zuleikha, also history, including earlier wrote a history of its rulers upto est Kashmir text at present is Technical writing includes mention the savants who initi- Zadoo, Janakinath Kaul Kamal a parable of the human seeking mythology but also Ashoka’s Prithviraj Chauhan who was ‘Nilamata Purana’ of about Sanskrit grammar and compo- ated what came to be known as and Parmanand. One hopes the the divine. A remarkable exam- The writer is a former patronage of Buddhism, and the defeated by the Ghoris from sixth century AD. It also shows sition to which there were Kashmir Shaivism. The chief present generation will take ple of cultural confluence, apart diplomat and a translator later Kusana kings. From the Afghanistan. This history ends that the language was by then important contributions from name here is Vasugupta to interest to keep it lit. The liter- from prayers to Hindu gods, it of Sanskrit classics. The seventh century onwards, it is with the first battle where he was already developed there. Kashmir. In the seventh centu- whom, according to legend, ary treasure house of Kashmir views expressed also invokes the founder of are personal. mostly a factual record, also victorious and is titled The literature is best ry was the work ‘Kashika Vritti’, ‘Shiva Sutra’ was revealed on a still needs more public recogni- Islam as “paigambar shiromani” mentioning the help sent from ‘Prithvirajavijaya’, a work little described in categories of works: the use of which by Chinese stu- mountain. He was followed by tion for the gems within it. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 Money 08 Global cues, bottom fishing lift SBI earmarks Rs 30 cr to set up makeshift hospitals PNS n NEW DELHI equity mkts; metal stocks shine As part of the CSR initiative, the country's largest lender State Bank of India has decided to set up makeshift hospitals with ICU facilities for COVID-19 PNS n MUMBAI Sector wise, profit book- "We are expecting contin- patients in some of the worst ing decline was seen in PSU uation of outperformance affected states. Global cues along with bot- Banks, Auto, FMCG where- in the Banking and Metal The bank has already ear- tom fishing lifted the key as outperformance was wit- space and thus, one can marked Rs 30 crore and is domestic equity indices dur- nessed in Metal and Pharma look for buying opportuni- engaging with non-governmen- ing Thursday's late after- space. ty in the same." tal organisations (NGOs) and noon trade session. Around 2.50 p.m., the According to Likhita hospital management for setting Accordingly, indices S&P BSE Sensex traded at Chepa, Senior Research up medical facilities on an Social Responsibility (CSR) also collaborating with hospitals opened gap up to make ini- 49,877.56, higher by 143.72 Analyst, CapitalVia Global emergency basis for the treat- activity. India is reeling under and NGOs to provide oxygen tial highs but could not hold points or 0.29 per cent from Research: "The market ment of COVID-19 patients, the impact of the second wave concentrators for the patients. at these elevated zones. its previous close. opened with a gap up but SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar of COVID-19 with over 3 lakh "We have put in place an Globally, Asian markets The Nifty50 on the very soon profit booking Khara told PTI. cases being reported for the past action plan. We have earmarked traded in the green after the National Stock Exchange from the higher levels was He said the bank intends to 8 days in a row. With each pass- Rs 70 crore plus out of which we Asian Development Bank traded at 14,920.10, up 55.55 observed following the glob- put in place 1,000 beds with 50 ing day, the death toll is rising. are giving Rs 21 crore to 17 cir- had forecasted a positive points or 0.37 per cent from al trends." ICU facilities in the states that The country witnessed a cles for COVID-19 related ini- recovery in the Asian mar- its previous close. "On the sector front, there are the worst affected. record single-day rise of tiatives," he said. kets although the current "At current juncture, sup- is no clear indication of the So, he said, it could be 120 3,79,257 new coronavirus infec- Last year, the bank had outbreak of Coronavirus port for Nifty is placed at trend and a lot of sectors beds at some places, while 150 tions pushing the total tally of donated to the Prime Minister's remains a threat to the mar- 14700 and then 14550 zone; have also seen the correction at others with adequate health- COVID-19 cases to 1,83,76,524, Citizen Assistance and Relief in ket. while on the upside hurdle in the market. JSW Steel and care facilities, depending on a while active cases crossed the Emergency Situations (PM On the domestic front, is seen at 15050, then 15300 BajajFinserv are the top hospital's capacity to scale up. 30-lakh mark, according to the CARES) Fund. SBI had con- market witnessed some zones," said Jay Purohit, gainers while Heromotoco It is to be noted that the Union Health Ministry data tributed 0.25 per cent of annu- resistance but overall trend Technical & Derivatives and Tata consumers are the Ministry of Corporate Affairs updated on Thursday. al profit, while employees col- remained intact. Analyst, MOFSL. top losers." last week permitted makeshift Speaking about various initia- lected over Rs 100 crore for the hospitals and temporary tives taken by the country's fund. In addition, Rs 11 crore COVID care facilities to be largest lender in its fight against contribution was towards sup- treated as an eligible Corporate COVID-19, Khara said SBI is porting vaccination drive. IFFCO's 4th oxygen plant Vedanta pledges Rs 150 cr to Gold gains being set up in Odisha to marginally; commence ops by Jun 15 help India fight against Covid silver jumps PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI towards our commitment to fight the pandemic and we Rs 1,776 Fertiliser cooperative IFFCO on Vedanta on Thursday said its stand firmly with our people Thursday said its fourth oxygen Chairman Anil Agarwal has and the government at this dif- PNS n NEW DELHI plant being set up at Paradeep pledged Rs 150 crore to help ficult time," Agarwal said. (Odisha) will commence oper- India in its fight against dead- Additional capacity of crit- Gold went higher by Rs 61 to ation by June 15 and will pro- ly COVID-19 second wave. ical care beds will be created in Rs 46,472 per 10 gram in the vide the free supply to hospitals The amount is over and states like Rajasthan, Odisha, national capital on Thursday, in the state and adjoining areas. In a statement, above Rs 201 crore that was Jharkhand, Goa and Delhi- Inox Leisure reports according to HDFC IFFCO is setting up a total of IFFCO said the spent by Vedanta Group in NCR. Securities. four oxygen plants in India at cooperative has 2020, it said in a statement. The company is targeting to The precious metal had the cost of about Rs 30 crore. "Anil Agarwal...has pledged set up and commission the first Rs 93.69 cr loss in Q4 closed at Rs 46,411 per 10 About 610 cubic meters per placed an order for Rs 150 crore to help the coun- set of facilities within two PNS n NEW DELHI Siddharth Jain, Director – gram in the previous trade. hour of oxygen will be pro- setting up a 4th try in its fight against the weeks and the balance facilities Inox Group, said the advent of Silver also moved up by Rs duced from these four plants. rapidly spreading second wave will be increased within a Multiplex chain operator Inox COVID-19 has left a severe 1,776 to Rs 68,785 per kg, Two plants being set up in oxygen plant in of COVID-19," Vedanta said. month. Leisure on Thursday reported a impact on the company's FY21 from Rs 67,009 per kg in the Uttar Pradesh and one plant in Paradeep, Odisha The company will create Vedanta has estimated this consolidated loss of Rs 93.69 performance. previous trade. Gujarat will commence by May additional capacity of 1,000 support for a minimum six- crore for the fourth quarter "Just when the industry had In the international mar- 30. In a statement, IFFCO said critical care beds in 10 cities month period. ended March 2021, as the started witnessing the fervour in ket, gold was quoting margin- the cooperative has placed an ical grade oxygen and fill 520 across the country in an effort COVID care. The company said it is also COVID-19 pandemic impact- Q4, the resurgence of COVID- ally lower at USD 1,777 per order for setting up a 4th oxy- big D-type cylinders daily and to support the Centre and The critical care facilities working closely with the gov- ed the film exhibition business. 19 cases has emerged as a cause ounce, while silver was flat at gen plant in Paradeep, Odisha. 200 medium B-size cylinders states in this challenging times. will have 90 beds equipped ernment bodies and local The company had posted a of concern. Despite the pan- USD 26.29 per ounce. The capacity of this new on demand supplied to all hos- The critical care beds will be with life saving oxygen support administration to provide loss of Rs 82.15 crore in the demic, we have continued the HDFC Securities Senior oxygen plant would be 150 pitals free from June 15. placed in state-of-the-art ‘field while the remaining will have medical facilities and hospital January-March quarter a year addition of news cinemas in Analyst (Commodities) cubic meters per hour. "The The transposition of these hospitals' which will be ventilator support. care to those in need. ago. Revenue from operations FY21," he added. Tapan Patel said, "Gold prices plant will commence by June plants requires some time. A attached to recognised and "I am deeply concerned and At present, Vedanta is sup- declined 75.66 per cent to Rs Inox Leisure at present oper- traded marginally down with 15," IFFCO Managing Director dedicated separate team has reputed hospitals. anguished to see the impact of porting around 700 beds for 90.44 crore during the quarter ates 648 screens across 153 spot gold prices at COMEX and CEO U S Awasthi tweeted been also assigned for this pro- Each facility will have 100 the second wave of COVID-19 COVID patients across its under review as against Rs multiplexes in 69 cities. (New York-based commodi- separately. ject in all the plants. It's an auto- beds in an air-conditioned and loss of precious lives. business locations, which will 371.58 crore in the correspond- Shares of Inox Leisure were ties exchange) trading at USD The proposed oxygen plant matic cylinder filling turnkey tent with full electrical support Vedanta Group has come for- be increased to 1,000 in the ing quarter a year ago, Inox trading per cent 1.78 lower at Rs 1,777 per ounce on in Paradeep will generate med- plant, the cooperative said. and designed specifically for ward to pledge Rs 150 crore near term. Leisure said in a BSE filing. 272.50 apiece on BSE. Thursday." Axis Bank board Rupee extends Banking is essential service; allow approves re- Bajaj Auto Q4 net profit gains for 4th day; appointment of vax for bankers on priority: ICICI rises 29 paise to PNS n MUMBAI Amitabh Chaudhry rises 15 pc to Rs 1,551 cr 74.07 against dollar as MD & CEO PNS n NEW DELHI ICICI Bank on Thursday said PNS n MUMBAI it is "much better" prepared to PNS n NEW DELHI Bajaj Auto on Thursday restrict the impact of the sec- reported a 15 per cent rise in The rupee rose by 29 paise to ond coronavirus wave on its Private sector lender Axis consolidated net profit to Rs close at 74.07 (provisional) operations because of last Bank on Thursday said its 1,551 crore for the fourth against the US dollar on year's experience but appealed board has approved the re- quarter ended March 2021 on Thursday, extending gains for banks' employees to be appointment of Amitabh the back of robust sales across for the fourth straight session allowed to take vaccinations on Chaudhry as its Managing domestic and international amid a positive trend in a priority basis as they are ren- Director and CEO for three markets. domestic equities. dering an essential service. years with effect from The Pune-based company At the interbank forex The second largest lender January 1, 2022. had posted a net profit of Rs market, the local unit opened warned that if banking services ly counted deaths. as well after the ongoing health "The board of directors 1,354 crore in the January- at 74.20 against the greenback were to fail, it can have an "We are an essential ser- crisis, and cited the case of a sin- of the bank.. considered March quarter of 2019-20. and witnessed an intra-day adverse impact on the eco- vices… we are all exposed (to gle automated teller machine and approved the propos- Total revenue from opera- high of 73.94 and a low of nomic activity, and hence it is customers). We don't have the shutting down for seven days to al relating to re-appoint- tions rose 26 per cent to Rs March quarter of the preced- crore in 2019-20. 74.23. pertinent for ensuring that at luxury. But we are not allowed illustrate his point. ment of Amitabh 8,596 crore in the fourth quar- ing fiscal, it added. Bajaj said it has sold a total It finally ended at 74.07 least the branch staff is allowed vaccinations, not allowed to There is a case for "higher Chaudhry as the Managing ter, from Rs 6,816 crore in the For the entire 2020-21, the of 39,72,914 units in FY21 as against the American curren- to take vaccinations. board trains, not allowed to sensitivity" when classifying Director and CEO of the same period of FY20, Bajaj company posted a consolidat- compared with 46,15,212 units cy, registering a rise of 29 The comments come at a board buses. So, what kind of essential services, Bagchi said, bank, for a further period Auto said in a regulatory filing. ed net profit of Rs 4,857 crore, in FY20, a drop of 14 per cent. paise over its previous clos- time when localised lockdowns essential services we are? More stressing that there are other of 3 years, with effect from During the period under down 7 per cent compared to The company noted that the ing. On Wednesday, the are being announced across push should be there," its exec- essential services also and January 1, 2022 up to review, the company sold a Rs 5,212 crore in 2019-20. full-year numbers were not rupee had settled at 74.36. many pockets of the country in utive director Anup Bagchi bankers exposed to customers December 31, 2024," Axis total of 11,69,664 two-wheel- The company's total revenue comparable as the first quar- This is the fourth straight view of the rising COVID told reporters. in branches should be allowed Bank said in a regulatory ers and commercial vehicles, from operations declined to Rs ter of FY21 was an absolute session of gain for the rupee, infections, which are breaching He warned that if banking to vaccinate because they are filing. up 18 per cent compared to 27,741.08 crore in the last fis- washout due to the coron- during which it has appreci- the 3 lakh mark daily and also operations get affected, we may exposed to walking-in cus- 9,91,961 units in the January- cal as against Rs 29,918.65 avirus pandemic. ated by 94 paise. resulting in over 2,000 official- have to face an economic crisis tomers. Govt allows import of medical devices for 3 months Wealth managers need PNS n NEW DELHI Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted. Importers have been asked The government on Thursday This will help fulfil the coun- to provide advice: Sebi allowed import of 17 medical try's demand of medical devices to inform the quantity of PNS n NEW DELHI gramme in wealth manage- devices for three months with required for COVID-19, he imported medical devices to ment by the National Institute mandatory declarations immedi- added. Due to the prevalent pan- With the expected increase in of Securities Market (NISM), ately after custom clearance and demic situation of COVID-19, state governments where retail penetration, it is impor- in collaboration with CRISIL. before sale of such products in the the ministry in its April 28 order import is made, immediately tant to have wealth managers The programme is aimed at domestic market. said, there is a steep demand for who can prescribe meaningful ensuring investors get quality To meet rising demand in the medical devices in these critical after the shipment, it added. investment advice aligned to advice to negotiate the maze of ongoing pandemic, the govern- conditions on an urgent basis in the clients' risk tolerance, products. It will cover the ment has allowed import of med- view of the emergent health con- have been permitted subject to a return expectation and finan- entire lifecycle of wealth man- ical devices like nebulizer, oxygen cerns and immediate supply of condition that importers will cial needs, a Sebi official said agement, equipping partici- concentrators, oxygen cannister, the medical industry. make all declarations (by way of on Thursday. pants with deep conceptual oxygen cylinders, oxygen gener- Therefore, considering the pan- stamping or putting stickers or Also, given the fiduciary understanding, and ability to ators and ventilators. demic situation of COVID-19 online printing) required under responsibilities of a wealth use that to serve clients effec- An order in this regard has and to meet the demand of med- the Rules immediately after manager, it becomes equally tively, and aims to build wealth been issued by the Food and ical devices, the central govern- import/custom clearance and important for them to be management capacity at Consumer Affairs Ministry. ment under the Legal Metrology before sale of such products in the grounded in ethical principles, banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, "Government under the lead- (Packaged Commodities) Rules, domestic market, the order said. such as client confidentiality, brokerages and family wealth ership of PM@ Narendra Modiji 2011 "hereby permits the Importers have been asked to transparency and objectivity, S offices. permits importers of medical importers of medical devices to inform the quantity of imported K Mohanty, Wholetime While traditional curricula devices for making mandatory import the... medical devices for medical devices to state govern- Member of Sebi and Director provide a good grasp of finan- declarations required under Legal three months from the date of this ments where import is made, at NISM, said. He made these cial products, most are acad- Metrology Rules, 2011 after cus- advisory..." immediately after the shipment, remarks at the launch of com- emic and follow global prac- tom clearance and before sale," Imports of medical devices it added. prehensive certification pro- tices. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Friday April 30, 2021

Organic farming and farm fresh produce have always been considered a thing ORGANIC PRODUCE, THE of the elite, with its being exaggerated. The pandemic and the SAVIOUR AMID COVID learning that came IMARC, the Indian organic most of us believe healthy food market reached a value food will keep us healthy from it taught of $815 million in 2020, and too. Organic foods are com- is projected to witness posed of the natural and people its strong growth during next organic ingredients that are five years. Founded in 2004, cultivated as per standards importance in an interaction with of organic farming. Earlier, SMBStory reveals that organic markets were busy and need. Hyderabad-based 24 Mantra doing exports because there Organic, under Sresta was hardly any demand in The Pioneer's Natural Bioproducts Pvt. our society. Having said Ltd, was launched by that, the Indian organic wapping Rajashekhar Reddy Seelam market is yet to flourish. SHIKHA everyday to bring an organic food Organic farming stems from food with brand, free of toxic chemi- production of fresh food DUGGAL organic pro- cals, to the Indian market. It and livestock without duce has directly works with the adding any artificial agents talks to S gained a lot farmers and sources agricul- like herbicides, pesticides, of attention tural produce from them. food,” explains Bala. So, conventional thoughts and allow DNA from one species weedicides, fertilisers and experts and support recently! This helps the business with endless news about that can only be eradicated to be introduced into a dif- GMOs,” says the expert. Rising consciousness ensure the farmer commu- unsafe modes of cultivating with awareness.” ferent one. “Done with the With the increase in pop- about amongst people about nity is compensated fairly vegetables and other dietary Like so many new break- ‘treated seeds’ while ulation our compulsion the side effects of arti- with a focus on their sus- foods, it is no surprise that throughs in the field of indulging in organic farm- would be not only to sta- where ficial chemicals in food tainability and standard of people are leaning towards genetics, GMO, also known ing without any pesticides, bilise agricultural produc- production has further living. having healthy and fresh as Genetically Modified radiations and food addi- tion but to increase it fur- it stands boosted the growth “Even though investment organic foods. Organisms, is a develop- tives. Now, GMOs could ther in sustainable manner. of organic food. in pesticides and synthetic With reports that antioxi- ment that brings with it a make a real and positive dif- The scientists have realised today. There can be many fertilisers meant had to bor- dants, omega-3s and other wide range of views in ference when it comes to that the ‘Green Revolution’ reasons to it now. row money, which was critical nutrients can help terms of how it can be put developing bespoke plant with high input use has Organic food has affecting the very sustain- stave off diseases, many to best use! breeding solutions and reached a plateau and is come a long way ability of the farmer’s life people turn to the grocery ‘Gene editing’ has the offers opportunities for the now sustained with dimin- since the days and standard of living, it aisles to save themselves. So, potential to unlock substan- future of farming,” expert ishing return of falling divi- when it had a rep- was a daunting task to con- we asked an expert Praveen tial benefits to nature, the adds. Producing food more dends. Thus, a natural bal- utation for being vince them to switch to Kumar Gupta, co-founder of environment while also efficiently and sustainably is ance needs to be maintained grubby, ugly-look- organic farming from tradi- Planet Organic to weigh in helping farmers to produce a very obvious priority in at all cost for existence of ing foods only found tional farming,” says Bala, on one of the most hotly healthier and more nutri- this regard as is the need to life and property. in the darkest corners of CEO of company. debated food topics: Is tious food. develop land management The obvious choice for speciality health food stores. “No chemicals are used organic necessary for good Gene edited organisms systems that sequester car- that would be more relevant These days you can pur- for fumigating the grains health? “It’s unmixed, con- do not contain DNA from bon and circulate nutrients in the present era, when chase organic food almost and spices. This makes nate and holds so much of different species, and in the most efficient way these agrochemicals which anywhere! And now, the Sresta products even more nutritional value. The popu- instead, only produce possible. Gene editing could are produced from fossil coronavirus pandemic has safe and pure. The Covid-19 lation is in a delusion that changes that could be made play an important role fuel and are not renewable helped a lot of people realise pandemic has accelerated ‘oh organic food — it’s for slowly using traditional towards these goals! and are diminishing in the importance of choosing this trend and going for- the elitist and is expensive’. breeding methods. Contrast “Organic produce has availability. It may also cost healthier options. ward, we anticipate this is The presumptions are this scenario with genetic become even more popular heavily on our foreign According to a report by how the world will consume always poles apart from the modification, which would during the pandemic as exchange in future. Raat Baaki Hai trailer leaves audience curious

ctor Rahul Dev will be next seen in the thriller Raat Baaki Hai — a story based in the badlands with everyone playing their game. The film is all set to release on one of the major online portals! A The trailer, which is just out, looks extremely intriguing, and co-stars Paoli Dam, Anup Soni and Dipannita Sharma amongst others. Rahul Dev will be essaying a central role in the film as a cop who is relentless in his pursuit to solve the mystery behind the murder having four principal suspects. “The plot is fast paced, intriguing and multi-layered. With a kitty of flaring emotions and a false give-away shall keep everyone involved while the drama unfolds. I had a good time filming it! Shot in Ranthambore with an active crew, I am glad I was a part of this. As a big David Fincher fan, I love the genre and even as a kid, I would read a lot of thrillers. It's over ENABLING to the audience now,” shares Rahul Dev. Reserved for the most fearless of movie fanatics, Raat Baaki Mother earth Hai will be full of conflict, unexpected twists and tensions CHANGE that will have you on the edge of your seats. needs us now,

n move- antiperspirant ment,” brand has come up with Kathryn a the world’s first deodorant to Swallow, more than ever cater specifically to people Global with disabilities. Degree Brand Vice President, was quoted Deodorants usually come with tight as saying. The packaging of Degree arth’s glaciers scientist who carried out show that ice loss from caps and twist and spray functions. But Inclusive reportedly has features that are are shrinking the study. glaciers caused global sea the company Degree, owned by Unilever, accessible and easier to use with one at a rapidly Glaciers — vast rivers of levels to rise by 0.74mm wanted to create a product that suited the hand. It also features a hook design, accelerating ice that slowly ooze their each year. This means needs of customers with disabilities. improved grip placement, and a magnetic E rate, a new way across land are relied glacier ice loss accounted “As a brand that’s committed to inspir- cap closure, making it easier to handle large-scale upon by many millions for for around a fifth of the ing confidence in everyone to move for those with limited mobility or sight. study has confirmed. fresh drinking water total annual sea-level rise more, Degree believes no one should be Besides, instructions on the packaging From 2000 to 2020, the across the world. observed over the last 20 held back from breaking a sweat and are also written in braille for the visually world’s glaciers lost an However, these icy rivers years. Other major drivers enjoying the transformative benefits of impaired. average of 267 billion are particularly vulnerable of sea-level rise include tonnes of ice each year — to rising land and ocean the melting of the enough to submerge the temperatures. The study Greenland and Antarctic entire surface area of concludes that almost all ice sheets, and thermal Switzerland under six glacier loss observed since expansion — a term for metres of water on an the start of the fossil fuel how seawater expands as annual basis, the research era can be attributed to it heats up. said. Now, the rate of glac- human-caused tempera- It’s more necessary ier ice loss has increased ture rise. today than ever, to slow by around 30 per cent The new research uses a global warming. over the last 20 years, the vast trove of satellite and This, by making con- research suggests. Over aerial images including scious decisions to con- the same period, the half a million stereo satel- tribute toward lesser annual rate of glacier thin- lite images to estimate the emmissions. Make wiser ning nearly doubled from total amount of ice lost choices to carpool or bicy- 36cm a year! from Earth’s glaciers! cle to work, turn off The findings suggest The scientists also used devices when not in use, that Earth’s glaciers have their data to estimate how choose greener options lost around 4 to 5 per cent the loss of ice from glaci- every day. of their total volume in ers could be contributing (Study lead author the last 20 years. However, to global sea level rise, Romain Hugonnet is a doc- some glaciers are melting which poses a large threat toral student at ETH much more rapidly than to small island and coastal Zurich and the University others according to the populations. The results of Toulouse) 10

Hyderabad Friday April 30, 2021 what’s brewing? PRIYANKA CHOPRA SETS UP A FUNDRAISER Irrfan Khan foretold his to help India fight Covid her social media platforms to place in the first place? Why announce a fundraiser that is this happening?’ We will death: ‘Said: I’m going to die’ she has set up to help India as address that but after we stop the country faces the debili- the urgency. Please donate tating second wave of the and please use your resources ate actor Irrfan we met. He comes from a will plant, which I am doing Covid-19 pandemic. as much as you can. India Khan’s wife Muslim family, I come from now. Everything. I don’t Sharing a video on needs you.” Sutapa Sikdar a Hindu background but I know, I sometimes feel I Instagram, Priyanka said, Urging her followers to L has opened up never had a natal chart. It’s guilty that I had so much “Why do we need to care? contribute towards the fund on the death of all Irrfan; he made my kun- faith which I instilled in him Why is it so urgent right raiser, she also shared that she the actor and dali. His thing for astrology that ‘kuch nahi hoga, main now? I am sitting in and her husband Nick Jonas how she has been unable to was not to know what will sambhal lungi’. He believed London and hearing from have already contributed and cope with the loss. Sutapa happen to his career but he in me so much,” Sutapa my friends and family in will continue to contribute. and Irrfan met when they was curious to know what teared up. India about how hospitals She wrote, “Please please were both students at will happen in the next life. Babil also spoke about his are at capacity, there are donate. Nick and I already the National School He was immensely curious last moments with his ‘Baba’ no rooms in ICUs, ambu- have and will continue to of Drama. Irrfan about it. He messaged Anup Irrfan Khan. “I was there in lances are too busy, oxy- contribute. We have all seen died on April 29, in London if he was drawing the hospital in the last two gen supply is less, crema- how far and wide this virus 2020, after a long death towards him. Death days. He was losing con- toriums having mass cre- can spread, an ocean between battle with neu- had become like his play- sciousness. He just looked at mations because the vol- us makes no difference. No roendocrine tumor. mate,” Sutapa said. me, smiled and said, ‘I am ume of death is so much. one is safe unless everyone is In an extremely Sutapa said Irrfan needed going to die.’ And I said, ‘No, India is my home and India safe. It’s so heartening to see emotional inter- her around 24/7 as he under- you are not.’ He smiled again is bleeding.” so many people stepping up view with Film went treatment. She recalled and went back to sleep. But I The global icon also added to help in so many ways. We Companion, that before going to the hos- really feel like he had surren- that unless everyone is safe, need to beat this virus, and to Sutapa described pital, he assured her every- dered completely. There are no one is safe. She said, do that requires ALL of us. how Irrfan was thing is alright. “He is telling no words to achieve that “We, as a global communi- From the bottom of my heart curious about me – ‘nahi theek hai.’ hugged each other. There kind of evolution I think.” ty, need to care. And I’ll tell THANK YOU.” death and what Without any tantrum or was not even a second of Babil said he learned to you why we need to care – Priyanka has been quite happens after life. anger. His face didn’t reveal finality in it. No intuition of love selflessly from his moth- because unless everyone is vocal about India’s need for She said that after he any displeasure. I so clearly him was saying that I will er Sutapa who gave her 24/7 riyanka Chopra safe, no one is safe. So, please Covid-19 vaccination on an was diagnosed with remember, sitting on the not come back.” of two and a half year to has set up a use your resources and focus urgent basis. cancer, he felt that edge of the bed, he had “For him, I don’t think he Irrfan. Describing her fundraiser to help your energy on helping stop Earlier this week, Priyanka maybe he had drawn become very weak. I made thought the time has come. efforts, Babil got emotional P India fight the sec- this pandemic. Please donate. sought Covid-19 vaccines for death towards him.' him wear his trousers, He was reading books and and said what she did for ond wave of I understand a lot of people India, and tweeted about the “He was very curious combed his hair. He sat, he planning films with Babil. He Irrfan, no human will ever Covid-19 pandem- must be angry and thinking US ordering ‘more vaccines about death since the day held my hand and got up. We was planning every tree we do for another. ic. Priyanka Chopra took to about, ‘Why are we in this than needed’.

he Gossip Girl reboot aims to rev- Black Widow new promo: Scarlett olutionize the way Gossip Girl reboot stars on T we view one our favorite guilty plea- sure TV shows. how the show has evolved Johansson teases the real The cast of the HBO just that, but with a lot more Max series representation. story of Natasha Romanoff cover the lat- There are a few other est issue of changes, too. It will take place featurette from the The trailers and promos If the film Cosmopolitan, where they eight years after the original upcoming MCU have also hammered home the turns out as promised by the share how the show has website went dark (and after movie Black Widow crux of the film, that Natasha, promos, it will surely be a evolved from the original Penn Badgley’s Dan was released on the who was a former Soviet spy, a suitable send off to the super- series. Tavi Gevinson, who Humphrey revealed himself A occasion of National KGB operative before being hero who sacrificed her life in plays Kate Keller on the to be Gossip Girl) as a new Super Hero Day. recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D and Avengers: Endgame. reboot, says the upcoming generation of New York pri- Scarlett Johansson, who then later, Avengers, will con- Black Widow series makes the resentment vate school teens are intro- reprises the role of Natasha front her past. will be the first amongst New York City's duced to the social surveil- Romanoff, the titular super- Helmed by Cate Shortland MCU film upper crust and the work lance of Gossip Girl. The hero, also features in the clip. with a screenplay penned by after class much more explicit. reboot brings much-needed ent ways”" explained series will address just how Black Widow was the original Eric Pearson, the film is set “Part of the fun of watch- representation and diversity Savannah Smith, who plays much social media -- and the member of the Avengers. after the events of 2016’s ing the old one at the time to the cast that better reflects Monet de Haan on the show. landscape of New York itself - In the clip, Johansson teases Captain America: Civil was, ‘Oh, this is what it’s like the lives to todays teens. “I think this could really — has changed in the inter- how the film will tell the fans War in which to be a very privileged “It’s really important for a change things. Maybe they’re vening years. The crux of the who Natasha really is, as Black Widow 2019’s teenager who can act with Black girl, with twists in her not learning these things at new Gossip Girl won’t revolve despite experiencing her Spider-Man: Far impunity,’ and living vicari- hair, to be able to see some- home, but they’re seeing around the mystery of who adventures right from the From Home. ously through that, but with one in a position of power them on Gossip Girl. How the gossip maven actually is, Battle of New York, in which Black Widow was originally this show, class resentment is who looks like her. And it’s amazing is that?” but rather another twist that’s Loki invaded with the finds scheduled for release on May a much more explicit part of also important for kids in the While the cast kept many yet to be revealed. Chitauri army, to the war herself on the 1, 2020, but was delayed due it, which I’m very in tune suburbs or kids who don’t of the show’s secrets close to The show’s official Twitter against Thanos, we know pre- run from the law to the Covid-19 pandemic. It with,” Gevinson said. have a lot of Black friends or the chest, they did assure that account announced that the cious little about her prove- thanks to her aid to Steve will now release more than a In addition to highlighting friends of color just to gener- one of our favorite guilty reboot will be coming to nance. Rogers and Bucky Barnes. year later on July 9, 2021. that class resentment, the ally see us depicted in differ- pleasure TV shows will be HBO Max this July. 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 Friday April 30, 2021 tollywood NARAPPA Tollywood does its RELEASE bit to fight Covid POSTPONED

he Telugu remake of theatrical date would be con- Tamil acton-drama firmed soon. Asuran, Narappa, has It is learnt that the film’s pro- T been postponed. The ducer Suresh Babu is keen on makers made an offi- having a theatrical release for cial statement con- Narappa and he wants to release firming the postponement of the film only in cinemas, once the film’s release which was ini- the situation comes to normal- tially scheduled for a May 14 cy. The film is directed by release. Srikanth Addala and it has “In lieu of the pandemic, Mani Sharma’s music. #Narappa will not be releasing “Narappa is a film that we on May 14th. A new theatrical have made with a lot of dedica- date will be announced once we tion and hard work and your overcome this unprecedented love towards the film has been crisis. Stay Safe,” tweeted overwhelming. However, we are oing their bit to help ous States requesting help for resources available in the best Venkatesh Daggubati who will all going through a turbulent people in these tough their loved ones, brothers or way we can. Stay safe,” read the be headlining the film. time during this unprecedented times, celebrities extended family members, even post. However, there were some global pandemic, and hence, D stepped in to assist the the general public. A couple of days ago, Telugu rumours that the film may have keeping in mind the health and public by amplifying Senior actor Venkatesh Superstar Mahesh Babu urged a direct OTT release. With sev- safety of our beloved audience, the distress calls and Daggubati has been putting posts people to get vaccinated calling it eral films opting for OTT the theatrical release of the film messages through Twitter han- on Twitter requesting people for the need of the hour. “Done with release in the pandemic times, has been postponed. We will dles. Not just Tollywood stars but verified leads. Suresh my vaccination! Please get it was also rumoured that bring Narappa to you just when producers and directors too have Productions had announced that yours!! The COVID-19 second Venkatesh’s Narappa may also the time is right…Until then, be started making requests and tag- it would help out people in need wave has hit everyone choose to go digital. But prov- safe, take care of yourself, and ging authorities to get timely help of medical resources like hard and getting vac- ing all those rumours to be stay strong. We will all get to patients. oxygen cylinders, beds, cinated is the need of false, it has been officially through this together,” reads the Director SS Rajamouli, who is ventilators, etc. “Our the hour. Those announced that the film’s new statement. currently helming RRR, on country is collectively aged 18 years and Thursday, took to Twitter to going through a dis- above are eligi- announce that the team of RRR tressing time. ble to get theirs will stand with people during this Information about from May 1st. Covid crisis. “The times are the resources avail- #GetVaccinated. SIDDHARTH tough and our team is doing its able is key today. Stay safe every- bit in this hour of need to pro- Suresh one,” he wrote vide authentic information. You Production will on Twitter. RECEIVES THREATS, Mamata Mohandas can follow @RRRMovie to get help in identify- some information and we might ing and amplify- be able to coordinate and provide ing the TO LODGE some help to someone around revs up a Harley you. #CovidInfo #Covid19IndiaHelp” the actor COMPLAINT amata Mohandas, who has wrote on Twitter. starred in several popular Telugu He had been retweeting ctor Prime Minister movies, has been out of the spot- important tweets regarding Siddharth Narendra Modi as light in recent years. Along with Covid and recently wrote, has well as Home Minister M being a widely-loved actress, she “Plasma donation is the most A alleged Amit Shah. also sang multiple songs that noble thing to do. I request all that his Siddharth also were eventual chartbusters. After her tryst those of you who recovered from phone shared the screenshots with breast cancer in 2009, she emerged #COVID19 over 3 weeks ago to number has been of the trolls who victorious but took a step away from star- rise up during this hour of need!” leaked. He has openly threatened dom. Actor Naveen Polishetty of claimed that the BJP him on social media. She returned to the screens after a break Jathi Ratnalu fame has been Tamil Nadu IT cell He wrote, “This is one but now works in her native language of actively putting posts through his leaked his number! of many social media Malayalam. Instagram and Twitter requesting The actor also shared posts by BJP TN Recently, Mamata Mohandas was seen help — from plasma donor that because of this, members leaking my riding a motorcycle abroad in a luxurious requirements to those who are in he and his family have number yesterday and city. She sported a stylish look as she posed dire need of ventilator support. been receiving death telling people to revving up the Harley Davidson. Telugu producer Vivek threats. attack and harass me. “I’m busy riding a bike like no shooting Kuchibhotla put a post request- Via his Twitter post, “Ivan inimela vaaye during the crisis!” The actress said. This ing plasma O+ve for his friend’s Siddharth mentioned thirakka koodathu” video is currently going viral on the inter- 65-year-old father. Actor that he has recorded (this fellow must net. She later took to Instagram to post a Shraddha Srinath of Jersey fame all calls and is hand- never open his mouth picture with a caption, “Why wait for too has been retweeting the ing them to the police. again) We might sur- someone to take you for a ride when Twitter pleas from people of vari- “My phone number vive Covid. Will we you’ve had enough.. Riding after 15 years... was leaked by mem- survive these people?” the most amazing thing was that I haven’t bers of TN BJP and Actress Shreya lost touch!!! #musclememory. Building a @BJPtnITcell. Over Dhanwanthary, who career in films also meant putting away 500 calls of abuse, played the role of a days when I used to ride a motorcycle rape, and death journalist Scam 1992, around town freely.. oh those threats to me & family also commented on Bangalore days!!!” for over 24 hrs. All Siddharth’s post. numbers recorded Meanwhile, on the (with BJP links and work front, Siddharth DPs) and handing is busy shooting for over to Police. I will his Telugu comeback not shut up. film Maha Samudram Keep trying,” he in Ajay Bhupathi’s wrote and tagged direction. Sumanth Ashwin Chaavu Kaburu Challaga turns producer THRIVING ON OTT! oung actor Sumanth music director with Devi, Ashwin of Kerintha is launching a new music TT’s the star of the day, hit, amassing over 100 million and Tuneega director with this film as the pandemic rears views over 3 days. Tuneega fame, who and he is confident that its ugly head once again, The movie is a romantic Y recently entered the new music composer forcing people to be comedy directed by Peggalapati into wedlock, is all would reach heights. Raju O confined to their homes. Koushik and tells the story of a set to step into a new has done a contract with The Telugu OTT plat- man who falls in love at first phase of his career. the music director for his form Aha released a re-edited sight with a widow. Sumanth Ashwin is going next 3 films. version of the much-awaited With Sulthan all set to be to make his debut as a This film is going to be Chaavu Kaburu Challaga star- launched on April 30 on Aha, it producer and veteran formally launched soon. ring Karthikeya and Lavanya sure is going to be a good time filmmaker MS Raju is MS Raju is planning to Tripathi. to be stuck to your TV sets and going to revive his popu- make this film with his The movie, to everyone’s sur- avoid going out in these testing lar production house lucky actors and actresses prise, is proving to be a smash times. Sumanth Art Productions. whose names have been Interestingly, Sumanth’s kept under wraps. debut film as producer is The film is presented going to be directed by by Sumanth Art MS Raju who recently Productions while it is made a good comeback as bankrolled under Wild a director with Dirty Hari Honey Production in that turned out to be a association with ABG profitable venture. Creations. MS Raju himself has It is learnt that penned the story and it is Sumanth Ashwin wants to said to have shaped up take forward his father’s well. The film is titled 7 legacy as producer and is Days 6 Nights. Billed to be planning to revive the a light-hearted comedy banner that delivered sev- with moments that bite, eral blockbusters includ- the story is said to be ing Devi, Okkadu, appealing to youth. MS Manasantha Nuvve, Raju, who launched the Varsham, Nuvvostanante likes of Devi Sri Prasad as Nenoddantana. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | APRIL 30, 2021 CAPTAIN’S CALL 12

WE NEEDED THAT WIN BADLY AFTER A COUPLE OF LOSSES. WE DID EVERYTHING RIGHT TODAY, RIGHT FROM BALL ONE, AND VERY CLINICAL TOWARDS THE END AS WELL — ROHIT SHARMA

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boundarymeter DC’S PRITHVI STORM 4s 684 BLOWS KKR AWAY 6s 295 PLAYER RUNS failed to convert his solid start into a big score. 1. Faf du Plessis (CSK) 270 For DC, Axar Patel and 2. Shikhar Dhawan (DC) 265 Lalit Yadav were impressive 3. KL Rahul (PBKS) 240 with two wickets. KKR were 45 for one at PLAYER WKTS the end of powerplay overs 1. Harshal Patel (RCB) 17 after Nitish Rana was stumped out for 15 in the fourth over 2. Avesh Khan (DC) 13 bowled by Axar. Gill was 3. Rahul Chahar (MI) 11 going strong as he took on Ishant Sharma and Axar by MOST SIXES hitting a few boundaries but 1. Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 14 lost Rahul Tripathi to Marcus Stoinis in the 10th over. KKR’s 2. Andre Russell (KKR) 13 familiar batting slump came to 3. KL Rahul (PBKS) 11 the fore as captain Eoin Morgan and Sunil Narine both got out in the space of SUMMER SLAM three balls without opening their accounts. MOTION PICTURE Lalit, who replaced an injured Amit Mishra in the DC playing XI, grabbed both Mumbai Indians players Quinton de Kock and Kieron Pollard chats with Rajasthan Royals players at the end of IPL match IPLT20.com the wickets as KKR slumped PTI n AHMEDABAD had two boundaries and four from 69 for 1 in the 10th over sixes. to 75 for 4 in the 11th over. rithvi Shaw smoked a scin- Struggling opener Morgan holed out to Steve Ptillating 41-ball 82 as Delhi Shubman Gill top-scored with Smith at long-off while Narine Capitals crushed Kolkata a 38-ball 43, and his knock was castled by a quick off- MUMBAI BACK IN Knight Riders by 7 wickets in was studded with three break from Lalit, which dis- Ahmedabad. Shaw smacked boundaries and one six, but he turbed his stumps. 11 fours and 3 sixes during his blitzkrieg that also included six fours in the very first over VICTORY STRIDE from Shivam Mavi as Delhi Royals pledge $1 mn, Capitals crossed the finish PTI n NEW DELHI line with 21 balls to spare. With the win Delhi also rose DC `1.5cr to virus fight pener Quinton de Kock roared back to form We feel safe inside IPL to the second spot in the with a blistering 50-ball 70 as Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma gives an autograph to PTI n points table. Kolkata Knight NEW DELHI provide immediate support to Obeat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets here on bio-bubble: de Kock Rajasthan Royals pacer Chetan Sakariya on his jersey at the Riders suffered another famil- people affected by the second Thursday. end of IPL match between the two sides at Arun Jaitley iar batting collapse before late elhi Capitals on Thursday wave of Covid-19 pandemic Put in to bat, Rajasthan rode on 42 by skipper Sanju New Delhi: Mumbai Indians’ wicket keeper bats- Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday @mipaltan fireworks from Andre Russell Dpledged `1.5 crore in in India through its founda- Samson and Jos Buttler’s 41 to post a competitive 171 man Quinton de Kock on Thursday said his team lifted them to 154 for six support of the national capi- tion. for four but their efforts was overshadowed by de Kock, feels “very safe” inside the IPL bio-security bub- ZAMPA, RICHARDSON REACH AUS against Delhi Capitals here on tal’s fight against the raging “Rajasthan Royals is who struck six fours and two maximums to complete ble, two days after leg-spinner Adam Zampa called Australians Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson on Thursday. Covid-19 pandemic. pleased to announce a contri- the task in 18.3 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. it one of the “most vulnerable” before taking a Thursday returned home after withdrawing from the IPL Put in to bat, KKR were at The amount will be used bution of `7.5 Crores (over $1 Krunal Pandya also played a useful cameo, smash- flight back to Australia. and on arrival, the leg-spinner clarified that his a decent position at 69 for one to procure essential medical million) towards Covid Relief ing 39 off 26 balls with the help of two fours and as “To be honest, we trust in our doctors, so we comments on “vulnerability” of bio-bubble had nothing in the 10th over but slumped supplies, ranging from oxygen to help with immediate sup- many sixes. are pretty safe in our bubbles. At least we feel very to do with fear of the virus engulfing the controlled to 82 for five in the 13th cylinders and concentrators to port to people in India Mumbai openers Rohit Sharma (14) and de Kock safe and it is quite easy,” de Kock said after win- environment. “.... My comments about the vulnerability before Russell saved them Covid wellness kits. impacted by the surge of put up 49 for the first wicket. The South African fetched ning the match against Rajasthan Royals. of the IPL bubble had nothing to do with feeling like the with a 27-ball 45 not out. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals Covid-19 virus,” the franchise his first boundary, a cover drive, and then launched into “We still take precautions and I felt safe. I don’t virus would enter the bubble at any stage. The BCCI Russell’s blistering innings said it has raised `7.5 crore to said in a statement. left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman (1/37) for a four and know about other guys. I am speaking for and RCB had many precautions to make us feel safe. I a maximum. While Rohit played his trademark pull- myself. It is being easy to get on with the game believe the tournament is in great hands and will shot to get a six in the fifth over. and practice and everything,” the South African definitely see the finish line,” Zampa said. De Kock hammered Chris Morris (2/33) for anoth- added. er maximum but Rohit perished in the sixth over, giv- Speaking about the match, De Kock said that REFEREE MANU, UMPIRE MENON OUT Punjab hope to shed ing a dolly to Chetan Sakariya at mid-on. it was “lot easier” to bat on the Kotla track after Match referee Manu Nayyar left the IPL bio-bubble in Leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia (0/30) conceded three the struggles in Chennai. Ahmedabad following the death of his mother. Nayyar boundaries in the seventh over, two by Suryakumar “Obviously, it was a lot bit easier to bat over had officiated in the Mumbai leg of matches before Yadav (16; 3x4) and one by de Kock, as Mumbai got here. Was quite pleasant. We are just happy to win being assigned for the Ahmedabad leg. It is learnt that chronic inconsistency 14 runs. it. It feels good to score some runs again, espe- he reached Delhi on Thursday to join his family. Earlier However, Morris brought back Rajasthan by cially in a winning cause,” the southpaw said. in the day, India's top umpire Nitin Menon pulled out removing Surya, as Mumbai slipped to 83/2. “Yeah, genuinely with our team, we always try after his family was struck by a couple of Covid-19 KEY PLAYERS VENUE: NARENDRA MODI STADIUM, AHMEDABAD Krunal joined de Kock, who completed his half- and get one of our top four just bat through to cases, while his Australian counterpart Paul Reiffel's century in 35 balls and then got a life. Krunal the last (part) of our innings. We did that today attempts at leaving hit a dead end because of his KL RAHUL HEAD TO HEAD smashed a six over the sight-screen off Tewatia, in the and obviously the changes from Chennai to Delhi country's suspension of air travel with India. Punjab skipper is on a roll again 15th over, which fetched Mumbai 12 runs as they need- have helped a bit,” he added. with the bat but his captaincy is Matches 26 ed 41 runs from the last five overs. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson con- VAN DER DUSSEN ARRIVES IN INDIA Punjab Kings 14 De Kock and Krunal added 63 runs for the third ceded that his side was 20-25 runs short. South African Rassie van der Dussen, who has signed looking out of sorts with Rajasthan Royals as replacement for Ben Stokes, Royal Challengers Bangalore 12 wicket and brought the side closer to a win. “We played an afternoon game, but the wick- A profligate Morris conceded 16 runs in the 18th et was fine and the ball was coming on the bat. has arrived in India and is in quarantine. AB DE VILLIERS over, as Kieron Pollard (16 not out) and de Kock took I felt we were a bit 20-25 runs short. We need to Mr 3600 is a vital cog in RCB’s LAST YEAR’S MATCHES them on the cusp of a win. play some fearless and positive cricket when we POINTS TABLE Earlier, Samson blazed his way to 42 off 27 balls come out there and play the next game,” Samson middle order and time & again he Punjab Kings defeated Royals has shown what AB is capable of as Rajasthan Royals posted a competitive 171 for four. said at the post-match conference. PTI P W L NRR PTS Challengers Bangalore by 97 Put in to bat, Rajasthan openers Buttler (41 off 32) 1 CSK 6 5 1 +1.475 10 runs in Dubai and Yashasvi Jaiswal (32 off 20) laid the foundation with PTI n AHMEDABAD their 66-run stand in 7.4 overs. Samson, who hit five boundaries, added 57 runs for 2 DC 7 5 2 +0.466 10 Punjab Kings beat Royals Buttler, who was in his elements, smashed Rahul the third wicket, with the Mumbaikar playing some 3 RCB 6 5 1 +0.089 10 unjab Kings will have to play out of their skins Challengers Bangalore by 8 Chahar (2/33) for six, but the leggie dismissed him the aggressive shots. 4 6 Pto get their stuttering campaign back on track wickets in Sharjah very next ball, stumped by de Kock. Samson also kept playing shots at will, as he hit two MI 6 3 3 +0.071 when they face a high-flying Royal Challengers Samson started with a boundary, a cut-shot and successive boundaries, in the 16th over off Boult, which 5 KKR 7 2 5 -0.494 4 Bangalore here on Friday. then hit two boundaries off Krunal Pandya in ninth fetched his team 14 runs. Smarting from a five-wicket defeat at the over, in which RR got 12 runs. But Chahar struck again, However, Boult cleaned up Samson in the 18th over 6 PBKS 6 2 4 -0.608 4 hands of Kolkata Knight Riders, it will not be an this time removing Jaiswal, as he lobbed off a return and then Bumrah dismissed Dube in the penultimate 7 4 easy task for a struggling Punjab side to stand up 124 catch. over, as the Mumbai bowlers kept things tight in the RR 6 2 4 -0.690 to the challenge thrown by a RCB team, which Shivam Dube (35 off 31 balls; 2x4, 2x6) and last four overs. RR got 45 runs in the last five overs. 8 SRH 6 1 5 -0.264 2 has been firing on all cylinders. Yuzvendra Chahal with 124 Following four losses and two wins, Punjab are currently placed sixth in the league table with wickets at an average of 22.94 in four points, whereas RCB are second with 10 103 innings of 104 matches is the shortpasses points from five wins, only behind Chennai Super leading wicket taker for Royal Man City close in on 1st ever CL final Kings on net run rate. BARTY MAKES PERFECT START Apart from the sole loss against CSK, RCB Challengers Bangalore in IPL MADRID: World No 1 Ashleigh Barty eased AFP n PARIS have emerged as strong contenders for a maiden past Shelby Rogers 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday in IPL title, with many of their players striking form the first round of the Madrid Open. anchester City are in pole posi- as the tournament progresses. Mtion to reach the Champions Punjab’s inconsistent batting has been a let- 396 RODGERS OUT OF SPURS JOB League final after coming from behind down so far. In their six games, the KL Rahul-led LONDON: Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 away side have gone on to make the three low totals bat- Chris Gayle with 396 fours in said he has no interest in leaving the club for in the first leg of their blockbuster semi- ting first — 106, 120 and 123. 137 innings of 138 matches, the vacant job at Tottenham. “Tottenham is a final on Wednesday, with Riyad Mayank Agrawal has been guilty of wasting great club, but for me I'm just in a really, Mahrez curling in the winner from a his starts barring one game while Chris Gayle has needs four fours to become 10th really happy place in my life,” Rodgers said. free-kick. made only two good scores in six outings. batsman to complete 400 fours Marquinhos had powered in a The dynamic Nicholas Pooran is having a in IPL history SL BATSMEN DOMINATE B’DESH header to give PSG an early lead and PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth woeful season to say the least. The swashbuckling Faisel Features the deserved advantage at half-time at West Indian has managed just 28 runs in the Karunaratne (118) made a second straight the Parc des Princes. five innings which includes three ducks. His century against Bangladesh in the second Test However, City skipper Kevin De highest was 19 against KKR. The team top heavy and reliant on the perfor- as the hosts dominated the opening day, Bruyne’s cross dropped in to pull City could replace him with the premier T20 mances of Virat Kohli, Devdutt closing on a commanding 291 for one. level just after the hour and Mahrez batsman in the world, Dawid Malan. Padikkal, de Villiers and Australian beat Keylor Navas from a 71st-minute With not enough runs on the board all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. It augers SREEJESH & CO RECEIVE 1ST DOSE free-kick to complete the turnaround, against KKR, the Punjab bowlers could well for the team that all four play- NEW DELHI: The seasoned PR Sreejesh led giving Pep Guardiola’s side the advan- not do much. But the bowling unit ers have performed well. the way as the Olympic-bound Indian hockey tage going into next Tuesday’s return Man City’s Riyad Mahrez celebrates after he scores his side’s second goal against PSG @Mahrez22 has lacked aggression. The RCB bowling department teams on Thursday received their first dose of in Manchester. Covid-19 vaccines in Bengaluru. On the other hand, has been impressive led by T “The last 10 minutes of the first Idrissa Gana Gueye sent off in the 77th “There is no point in us going there if RCB will be high on con- pacers Harshal Patel, the half was good and the second half was minute as a shocking tackle on Ilkay we don’t believe we can turn it around.” fidence after they held Purple Cap holder, and R T20 MUMBAI LEAGUE DEFERRED excellent in every department. We Gundogan earned the midfielder a After all the money pumped in by their nerves to pip Delhi Mohammed Siraj. The O MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association scored two goals away which is so straight red card. their owners from Abu Dhai, City are Capitals by one-run. latter did well to defend P (MCA) on Thursday decided to defer the third important, but we have a hard job to Having already failed to win at eyeing a first ever Champions League While it was Ab de 14 of the final over S edition of its T20 league in the wake of rising do in six days,” Guardiola told BT Sport. home to Manchester United, Barcelona final, and this was their first appearance Villiers who delivered against DC, with the COVID-19 cases in the country. “In general, so satisfied for the per- and Bayern in this season’s Champions in the semi-finals since 2016, when once again with the dangerous Rishabh R formance but it is halfway. We still have League, the Parisians face an uphill they defeated PSG in the last eight. bat, the bowlers put up Pant and Shimron E FIVE FEMALE CANDIDATES IN FRAY 90 more minutes to beat them and struggle in England if they are to reach However, PSG can still be opti- a collective effort to Hetmyer in the NEW DELHI: Former chief selector Hemlata PSG is a team where anything can hap- the final for the second year running. mistic about their prospects after sen- give RCB their fifth middle. H Kala is among five female candidates who have pen.” “We conceded two stupid goals,” sational away performances against win of the season. T applied to become the Indian women's team's After starting so well, PSG lost Marquinhos admitted to broadcaster Barcelona and Bayern in the last two

The RCB batting is O head coach. Agencies their way after half-time and had RMC Sport. Of the return leg, he added: rounds.