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THE LARGEST CIRCULATED ENGLISH DAILY IN SOUTH INDIA HYDERABAD I THURSDAY I 26 MARCH 2020 WEATHER WORLD 8 TABLOID Max: 35.2OC NATION|7 | Min: 22.8OC RH: 39% Mamata says Centre Prince Charles tests How long for vaccine Rain: Nil didn’t give lockdown info positive for Covid-19 to defeat COVID-19? Forecast: Partly cloudy sky with moderate rains. Max/Min temp. 35/23ºC deccanchronicle.com, facebook.com/deccannews, twitter.com/deccanchronicle, google.com/+deccanchronicle Vol. 83 No. 84 Established 1938 | 10 PAGES | `6.00 ASTROGUIDE Sarvari; Uttarayana Thithi: Chaitra Shuddha Vidiya Hyderabad cops create crisis at AP border till 7.53 pm Star: Revathi till 7.13 am Varjyam: 5.41 am to 7.28 am TS lures people with ‘pass’ to travel to destination of their choice as AP cops stop them from entering (Friday) N. VAMSI SRINIVAS | DC Durmuhurtam: 10.12 am to 11 VIJAYAWADA, MARCH 25 TRS CONDEMNED am; 3.02 pm to 3.51 pm Rahukalam: 1.30 pm to 3 pm In a flagrant violation of FOR ‘INHUMAN’, HIJRI CALENDAR the nation-wide lock- down for 21 days in less Rajjab 30,1441 AH than 24 hours, Telangana HASTY ACTION PRAYERS Chief Minister K. Chand- Fajar: 5.16 am rasekhar Rao on Wed- S.A. ISHAQUI | DC Zohar: 12.32 pm nesday put lives of thou- HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Asar: 4.43 pm sands of people at Maghrib: 6.34 pm extreme risk by sending The Telangana state gov- them away from the vari- ernment’s decision on Isha: 7.41 pm ous hostels in the state Wednesday to allow stu- SUNSET TODAY 6.25 PM capital city of Hyderabad dents and young profes- SUNRISE TOMORROW 6.15 AM to far-off places in neigh- sionals to be evicted from MOONRISE TOMORROW 6.56 AM bouring states, mainly their hostels and to MOONSET TODAY 7.19 PM Andhra Pradesh. return to their native The Telangana govern- places in neighbouring ment created a humani- state, particularly And- COUNTER POINT tarian crisis by luring hra Pradesh, besides sev- people with passes to eral people from within travel to destination of Telangana, leading to their choice, barely a day virtual stranding of after a nationwide lock- scores of people in sever- down was announced. al parts of the city, and The most glaring the AP-Telangana state dimension of this tragic border, came from strong saga is that several girl condemnation from students and working across the polity. women had to travel The move enabled by nearly 200 km on two- Telangana police, in wheelers in their eager- gross violation of both ness to reach their native the Central government place, even as Telangana declaration of national police issued passes to COVID-19 WATCH lockdown as announced “those who have their by Prime Minister own means of transport”. People from Andhra Pradesh being stopped at the inter-state border shared with Telangana INDIA TELANGANA Nare-ndra Modi yester- The crisis deepened fur- after it was closed by district rural police at Vijayapuri south, on Wednesday. They were day, as well as Chief ther with neighbouring returning from Hyderabad and other places of Telangana State following the lockdown CASES DEATHS CASES Minister K Andhra Pradesh police announced all over the country on Tuesday. Chandrashekar Rao’s stopping them from — TEJO ROY shutdown announce- entering their jurisdic- 606 10 41 ment, created a bizarre tion, thereby resulting in standoff and mass-scale IN BRIEF a mass gathering of evac- violation of the much uees, stranded on roads needed social distancing till late at night, defeat- in the aftermath of the Anti-malaria drug ing the very objective of Covid epidemic. the heath emergency-led “It is a crazy situation, export banned lockdown — social dis- AP youth forced out of hostels in Hyderabad a humanitarian crisis New Delhi: Amid the tancing. Serpentine que- created, perhaps unwit- coronavirus outbreak, ues of four-wheelers and JAYENDRA national legal norms, the managements of various dents, professional work- purpose of the nation-wide tingly but must be the government on two-wheelers were seen CHAITANYA | DC global health emergency hostels and paying guest ers standing in clumps — and state-wide lockdown, resolved immediately. Wednesday banned at the Garikapadu check HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 and potential human cost (PG) accommodations ask- small and large — and with helpless students Both state governments export of anti-malarial post on the Hyderabad- that defeated the very pur- ing their “clients to imme- heading to some police sta- pushed to throw to wind must immediately res- drug hydroxycloroquine, Vijayawada highway In gross legal violation of pose of a lockdown diately vacate” their tions in gatherings of thou- all caution as they rushed olve it. The two Chief with immediate effect to and at Panchalingala the compete national lock- imposed by Telangana rooms. According to man- sands, standing cheek to to police stations and Secretaries must speak ensure sufficient avail- checkpost near Kurnool down till April 15, on its State came to the fore in agements, they were in no jowl — prompted a late sought “permission let- and find an amicable ability of the medicine in on the Hyderabad-Bang- very first day on the city on Wednesday, position to provide ser- evening tweet with a tone ters” to travel back to their solution. We are facing the domestic market. alore highway. Wednesday, thousands of with thousands of young vices to their tenants as it of urgency from TRS work- homes in Andhra Pradesh. an unprecedented emer- Women pleaded with people, most youth from people — mostly from was becoming increasing- ing president and minister Thousands of youngsters gency, and we must not police to leave them as Andhra Pradesh, were Andhra Pradesh — forced ly difficult for them to pro- K.T. Rama Rao, urging — living in hostels across allow it to become a Spain overtakes they have to travel 100 forced to leave their rooms to leave their rooms and cure essential commodi- restraint from accommo- the city were rendered greater tragedy,” said km further to reach their and hostels in Hyderabad take to the streets and scat- ties to ensure other regu- dation managements and homeless by force and president of AIMIM, China Covid toll destinations. and move to the intra-state tered across the city to dif- lar services. “promising all assis- unprotected by police. Asaduddin Owaisi. Madrid: Spain's coron- border. This unforgivable ferent police stations des- The spectacle of hun- tance”. Wednesday’s avirus death toll over- ■ Page 4: AP reacted on lack of foresight and plan- perately seeking help. dreds, and at some loca- development punched a ■ Page 2: Cops issue 3,000 ■ Page 2: Owaisi appeals took that of China on health officials’ plaint ning, oblivious to both The issue erupted with tions, thousands of stu- serious hole into the very permits to students for financial aid to poor Wednesday, rising to 3,434 after 738 people died over the past 24 hours, the government said. The spiralling num- ber of deaths came as NPR, Census Phase 1 put India at home during lockdown Spain entered the 11th day of an unprecedented DC CORRESPONDENT ● SUPPLY OF food, While police and securi- Minister Narendra Modi lockdown to try and rein with agency inputs ty officials detained hun- said winning the war in Covid-19 epidemic. off, new dates after 21 days NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 groceries and even dreds for violating pro- against coronavirus will medicines was hibitory orders, many take 21 days as opposed to DC CORRESPONDENT census during April- Delhi, Meghalaya, India marked Day 1 of the severely affected more were let off after the 18 days taken to win Banks stagger NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 September and population Lakshwadeep and world’s largest shutdown mild punishment by the the epic battle of Maha- working hours enumeration from Andaman and Nicobar on Wednesday by staying ● HEALTH officials police in Jammu & bharata. He was address- In view of the coronavirus February 9 to 28, 2021. Islands. at home, mostly. Visuals said India can now Kashmir and Delhi, which ing people of his parlia- New Delhi: Banks have outbreak and the 21-day The updating of NPR was There is a growing view from across the country included making them roll mentary constituency, resorted to staggered nation-wide lockdown, the also to be done along with within the home ministry were similar — deserted test 12,000 samples about on the road, or squat Varanasi, through a video working hours as they Centre has decided to put Phase I of Census 2021 in that not only will the state main roads and colonies, a day while holding their ears. link. The number of con- work with reduced man- on hold the first phase of all the states and Union government machinery be but long queues outside Several FIRs were regis- firmed Covid-19 cases in power to maintain social Census 2021 and the upda- Territories, except Assam. busy dealing with the medical and grocery sto- tered across the country India went up to 606 on distancing in the wake of tion of the National Officials said new dates corona crisis, sending offi- res, with people in masks and local bus stands. Many against people for violat- Wednesday, including 10 coronavirus spread, Population Register for the first phase will be cials for house-to-house diligently maintaining were daily wagers trying ing lockdown orders. In deaths reported earlier. besides encouraging cus- (NPR). Both were sched- finalised after the three- survey will only expose social distancing norms. to return home. Uttar Pradesh alone, 1,788 Maharashtra reported 15 tomers to use digtial uled to be conducted week lockdown period. No them further to the risk of Even as the number of In Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, FIRs were filed 5,592 peo- more cases on Wednesday, banking channels more between April 1 and decision has been taken the deadly virus. confirmed Covid-19 cases UP, Jharkhand and Delhi, ple were booked and 39,757 the largest number of often. SBI’s managing September 30, 2020. regarding the second Further, states like in the country went up to shops found their own way vehicles were challaned. increase, taking the total director P.K. Gupta said In a statement, the home phase of the Census exer- Odisha and Delhi had 606 on Wednesday, there of ensuring social distanc- Underscoring the enor- positive cases in the state they have implemented ministry said Census 2021 cise that was to be held requested the home min- were reports of people vio- ing — by marking well- mity of the challenge to 122. staggered time slots for was scheduled to be con- from February next year. istry to defer both Census lating the unprecedented spaced circles or squares before the country that led banking hours across the ducted in two phases — Census 2021 was to be and NPR exercise in view nationwide restrictions, for customers to stand in to the lockdown on Tue- ■ Page 5: Delhi reports five country. house listing and housing launched from April 1 in of the corona menace. especially at interstate as they waited in queues. sday midnight, Prime fresh cases 25 killed in Kabul UGADI | TALK Panchangam predicts ups and downs for state gurdwara attack 3-year-old from Saudi is Kabul: Heavily armed gunmen and suicide bombers blasted their Telangana, beware till May 22 way into a Sikh gurdwara TS’ 41st Covid +ve case in the heart of Afghani- DC CORRESPONDENT ● THE STATE gov- New Year. He stated that state as well the country stan’s capital of Kabul on HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Chief Minister K. will face some calamities BALU PULIPAKA | DC ● THE HEALTH This woman has no histo- Wednesday, killing at ernment’s Ugadi cel- Chandrasekhar Rao, who and the people should HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 ry of foreign travel, the least 25 worshippers and Vedic scholar Bachampalli ebrations were a low is striving for the progress more cautious till May 22 department did not department said, confirm- wounding 8 others, in Santosh Kumar Sastry of key affair due to the of Telangana will continue and to protect them from A three-year-old child has provide any further ing that the coronavirus is one of the deadliest Sringeri Sarada Peetham, his efforts and he will these calamities the people become Telangana’s forty- information on the now spreading in attacks on the communi- reading out the Panch- lockdown attract the people with his have to perform the first Covid-19 patient, Telangana from primary ty in the country. The angam (almanac) for good administration in the Yaganas and Yagas. with the government family of the child, patients to secondary gunmen attacked the Sarvari Nama Samva- of the state. Homes were New Year. He also predicted ups and announcing that the child who has been identi- patients. It is learnt that gurdwara in Shor Bazar. staram, cautioned the peo- decorated with mango He said that KCR’s zodiac down in the banking sector had travelled from Saudi fied as a boy. this new patient is the sec- ple to be more cautious till leaves and flowers and peo- sign is Karkataka Rasi in the New Year. Arabia to the city recent- ond in the family who has ■ Report on Page 8 May 22, 2020. ple ate Ugadi ‘Pachadi,’ (Cancer) and in Sarvari The Vedic scholar said ly. ● TWO CASES had contracted the disease The total lockdown which is made with neem Nama Samvastaram would that in the new year the The health department tested postive on from the primary patient announced by the Centre flowers, jaggery, pepper or be more beneficial person- Centre and the state gov- did not provide any fur- Wednesdsay, the who returned from abroad INSIDE and state government green chillies, salt, ally to the Chief Minister. ernment will work like ther information on the recently. resulted in scaled-down tamarind juice, and small He said that though there brethren and face all the family of the child, who health department While 50 persons were ■ CITY.. PG2 celebrations of the Telugu pieces of raw mango. will be ups and down in the hardships to protect the has been identified as a said in its daily admitted to hospitals with New Year, Ugadi in The state government state economy due to the people from the calamities boy. Covid-19 bulletin signs of coronavirus infec- Railway hospital lacks Telangana on Wednesday. organised celebrations at economic slowdown in the and also for the welfare of On Wednesday, two tion on Wednesday, a total basic facilities However, traditional fer- endowments commission- country, the state govern- the people. cases - including that of of 813 have been admitted ■ vour won over health con- erate in the city but they ment will successfully He predicted that with the child - tested positive, a 43-year-old woman from so far as possible suspects, NATION.. PG7 cerns early in the morning were low-key with the overcome the situation. the completion of the the health department Hyderabad, designated as including those who have Kerala shuts down as people thronged many Vedic scholar reading out Maintaining that Sarvari Kaleshswaram Project, said in its daily Covid-19 patient no. 40, who is a tested positive for the dis- liquor outlets of the markets in the Almanac predicting Nama Samvastaram start- Telangana will turn into a bulletin. contact of a patient who ease so far, the depart- Hyderabad and other parts good rains in the Telugu ed with the Sarpa Yoga, the lush green state. The other case is that of tested positive earlier. ment said. CITY pg 2 DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020

SHORT TAKES ALL RELIGIOUS Hyd, neighbour dists Covid hotspots soon PLACES SHUT IN BORABANDA Stay away from others, don’t go out unless very necessary, are the only ways to curb its spread BALU PULIPAKA | DC DC CORRESPONDENT HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 AP GOVT REACTS With coronavirus cases Borabanda has become first popping up in several ON PLAINT OF division to convince religious parts of the city, it is leaders across the spectrum feared that the whole of and ensure closure of all reli- Hyderabad, as well the HEALTH OFFICIALS gious places during the entire neighbouring districts of 21-day lockdown period. Ranga Reddy and From Page 1 Intense awareness created Medchal-Malkajgiri, may by Greater Hyderabad turn into a hot zone for the Some passengers said Municipal Corporation Covid-19 disease. that they have to travel (GHMC) and other religious This should be a com- as far as villages in the organisations helped achieve pelling reason for people Godavari districts. this incredible feat. to stay put in their homes The Y.S. Jagan Mohan Consequently, all mosques, and scrupulously follow Reddy-led Andhra churches and temples in the the directions of the state Pradesh government too division will remain closed government with respect did not react to the until April second week. to the lock down. impending danger when Since coronavirus is vernacular TV news known to spread from per- channels began airing OWAISI APPEALS son to person, an effective stories of Telangana way to contain its spread police issuing passes to FOR FINANCIAL is to stay away from others people to travel to AP. to the extent possible and Only after the Andhra AID TO POOR not step out of the house Pradesh state health unless absolutely neces- authorities complained From Page 1 sary. And when such is the to state Chief Secretary case, limit the time spent Nilam Sawhney and the The Hyderabad MP appealed outside the home to the Chief Minister’s Office to Prime Minister Modi to give minimum, come back against the influx, and immediate financial assis- home, wash hands thor- the risk it brought, did tance to people of the poorest oughly and take all the the top brass react. strata stuck in different parts other hygiene precautions “We can’t rule out the of the country. “This may be to ensure the safety and possibility of some of the first such instance, but if security of others at the entrants being carri- poor people cannot get food, home. So far, positive ers of Coronavirus. We nor go back home – what are cases of coronavirus infec- told higher authorities they to do?” tions have been reported that we are already Sources in the state govern- from Manikonda, Kuka- exhausted and can’t take A large number of people who stay in hostels visit police station to seek permission to go to their native places, at Raidurg PS on Wednesday. ment took umbrage in the tpally, Kokapet, Chand- further workload, which catch-22 situation they anagar, Shantinagar in — R. PAVAN is avoidable,” a senior claimed to have found them- Saidabad, Secunderabad, doctor involved in pro- selves in, given that manage- Begumpet, Somajiguda, viding healthcare to ments of private hostels in Banjara Hills and PEOPLE STUCK Covid positive patients Hyderabad forced these youth Balkampet in and around Cops issue 3,000 permits to students told Deccan Chronicle on to vacate hostels and that they the city of Hyderabad. condition of anonymity. allowed them a one-time Typically, when more ON AP BORDER Back in Andhra exemption because of than one case is found in a From Page 1 Pradesh, it was realpoli- “humanitarian” reasons. But given locality, and such tik that punctured a most political leaders were has been the case in at At SR Nagar and CREATES HAVOC larger cause of the scathing of the move, with least two instances in the Punjagutta police sta- MD ILYAS | DC nation’s safety and leaders of different parties city so far, the contain- tions, officials “issued VIJAYAWADA, MARCH 25 resolve to fight the condemning the incompetence ment protocol calls for a nearly 3,000 such permits” dreaded Covid-19. The of the government, its brutali- lockdown in a three kilo- for students to go back If the forcible eviction ruling YSR Congress ty in handling the situation metre radius of the epi- home in a one-time exemp- and sending away of Party and principal and its absolute lack of pre- centre with no one allowed tion from the curfew. At Andhra people from opposition Telugu paredness. to leave or enter the con- several other police sta- Hyderabad despite a Desam competed with Telangana state BJP presi- tainment zone. tions, thousands more shutdown of hostels was each other to welcome dent and Lok Sabha MP Bandi While the geographical were “waiting for their one half of a tragedy, the “our own people.” Sanjay Kumar called it a spread of positive cases by turn to collect” such let- other half was the While TD leaders ques- “hasty act, which reflects the itself is a serious concern ters well past 6 pm. refusal of entry to those tioned the stopping of mindset of CM K. in terms of containment, After an entire day of people at AP borders, our own people from Chandrashekar Rao. While the safety of people whom chaos, neither prevented leading to havoc among entering our state, the Prime Minister Narendra the confirmed coron- to urgently unattended to people. ruling party MLA S Modi has appealed to people to avirus patients have come by the Telangana govern- Nearly 2,000 people set Udayabhanu reached the stay wherever they were for 21 in contact with - who could ment or police, Director out for their native spot and negotiated with days, the CM allows people to be ‘close contacts’, such as General of Police M. places due to closure of the police to let them in. be forced out of their rooms, members of their families Mahendar Reddy “issued hostels at Hyderabad on Chief Minister Jagan gives them permits after they or more importantly oth- instructions” to all hostel Wednesday since morn- Mohan Reddy directed rush to in herds to local police ers outside of the families and PG accommodation ing. the state police to allow stations, further augments the who are residents of other managements that any They started to their them after conducting risk of Covid by large-scale parts of the city - has left “evictions would be met native places with health check-ups. violation of social distancing the government with no with serious action” and Telangana police depart- Later, the government norms and inhumanly does option but to take strict “called on them to with- ment giving permis- issued a press release not do it properly.” action to limit exposure of draw” any such moves. sions for those with stating that municipal He said that if at all the people to any possibility of This came for thousands vehicle arrangements to minister Botsa Telangana government had contracting the virus. of students, too late, after leave. But when they Satyanarayana spoke to resolved to send back students Nearly 78 per cent of the city police, claiming to reached Garikapadu his Telangana counter- it should have consulted the people who might have be under siege from home- check post on the AP- part K.T. Rama Rao and AP government first. contracted the virus never less students, began issu- People from hostels wait at the Jubliee Bus Stand on Wednesday to get some means Telangana border, AP brought to the latter’s and coordinated it properly, display serious symptoms ing travel permission cer- of transport so that they can reach their town or villages. police denied permis- notice that it was “not by taking them properly to or come down with the dis- tificates to them instead of sion to them to advisable” at this junc- their native places after a med- ease itself. But they could taking the back to their government that they enter.ensuring they ture for students and ical examination and handing still be carriers of the respective hostels. I work as a labourer in Hyderabad and have to cut off electricity Majority of the people youth to move out. The them over to the AP govern- virus and spread it to the A woman from Andhra stay in a private hostel. They shut and stop providing food returning were stu- official press statement ment so they could put them in more vulnerable among Pradesh, who works in the down the hostel and told us to vacate. Some following orders from the dents, who were getting further said officials of home isolation. the population such as eld- city and lives in a hostel at of them are students and some of us work government. coaching for various the AP CMO and Chief Mr Bandi said it was not just ers, children or those Begumpet area, said, in this city. We have been waiting here since The official release from exams and courses. Secretary spoke to their a problem of AP students but already suffering from dis- “This (lockdown) has the DGP’s office also They claimed that man- TS counterparts. also youth from several places eases such as diabetes and come as a shock to us. 5 pm but there has been no mode of referred to reports it agements of hostels Meanwhile, to avoid in Telangana who were those related to heart, kid- Though our office had ear- transport. I have to go to Kareemnagar. But received that manage- forcibly closed down and congestion on National thrown out of hostels today. neys or the upper respira- lier informed us to work there is no transport. ments of certain hostels threw the out citing Highway 65, several peo- “Police herding them into tory tract. Such being the from home due to coron- were pressurising their Telangana government ple took to different buses, beating some of them – case, government officials avirus (Covid-19) threat, SATHISH KUMAR renters to vacate their orders and instructed routes but were stuck is this the way for a govern- are at pains to explain the the hostel management rooms despite the lock- them to vacate. beause local villagers at ment to respond during a importance of staying put informed us only today to down. They said that they several places obstruct- national health crisis?” at home during the lock vacate the premises, going to North Zone DCP tion through a tweet, Since lock down is under went to the Hyderabad ed their movements. He said if Chief Minister Rao down period and are owing to their incapabili- office to request and col- promising “hostel man- implementation, no per- police who asked them Tension prevailed in really wanted to handle the cri- repeatedly urging people ty to serve us food and pro- lect a pass. We are a group agements and PG accom- mission/NOC shall be to make arrangements areas like Budhavaram, sis, he would have constituted to respect the lock down vide other amenities till and have a car in which modations all the support granted for any movement of vehicles to go back to when locals prevented committees Assembly and procedures. the completion of lock- we want to go home.” they require to keep the of the people across the their native places in AP them from proceeding Parliament Constituency wise down.” Surprisingly, not Though thousands were hostels and running States till further orders and further issued per- further. “I only heard of with senior officers experi- ● WHEN MORE than one of the thousands of issued permits, it is smoothly”. He requested in the overall interest of missions, instead of set- the travails of people enced in crisis management one case is found in a illegally evicted students unsure how they would these managements not to public health and public tling them back at their who migrated, forced out and made a minister in-charge considered calling the make their way back to evict anyone and “cause safety, the release said. hostels. At Garikapadu of their homes, to each committee. Instead of given locality, and such friendly Telangana police their native places, undesirable panic”. In another release, the check post, the Andhra overnight from Pakistan making concrete efforts, Mr has been the case in at for protection to stay on in whether in Andhra The minister also called Hyderabad city police Pradesh police denied to India during the 1947- Rao was making theatrical least two instances in their hostels. Pradesh or in Telangana upon all elected represen- commissioner said since permission to them to Partition, with death statements and puts up a tame the city so far, the con- When asked further, the itself, since there is no tatives to “visit the hos- hostel managements travel up to their native hovering around. I feel show. If the state government woman who was traveling public transport or pri- tels, along with officials” sought passes to get essen- places. They were made like that, thrown out of a has real intention to rescue the tainment protocol calls on foot from Begumpet to vate taxi service of any and convey the govern- tial commodities for run- to wait for over five hostel in Hyderabad, and youngsters it would have been for a lockdown in a 3 Secunderabad, said, “we kind currently being per- ment’s commitment to ning the hostels, the police hours without food and now stuck at AP border, made arrangements in plenty km radius of the epicen- got information that mitted. helping them. provided them with the water. Several of them disowned by both, sur- of empty lodges available in police are giving some Later on, when then It did not help matters same and following this, claimed that they were rounded by fear and the city and informed parents tre with no one allowed passes for people who issue was brought to his any with management of many students changed ready to undergo med- uncertainty ahead,” said that their wards were safe cus- to leave or enter the want to travel to their notice, Mr K.T. Rama Rao one hostel claiming that it their plans and returned ical check-ups for a youth stuck at the tody, instead of allowing them containment zone. native places today. I am tried to address the situa- received orders from the to their accommodations. coronavirus. border. to leave the city without proper prior arrangements with the neighbouring state. TPCC president N. Uttam TOTAL | CHAOS It all started when private hostels and paying guest owners asked inmates to vacate Kumar Reddy said that the problem of youngsters strand- ed at the border was a human- itarian crisis that should be resolved by both state govern- ments immediately. He said Centre intervenes in AP-Telangana border mess that since the lockdown period was fairly long, both govern- N. VAMSI SRINIVAS | DC the night. colleagues at the Centre to ● AGITATED YOUTH ceeded to police stations at people gathering at police Deccan Chronicle. ments should coordinate bet- VIJAYAWADA, MARCH 25 “The Telangana govern- act as he was not sure of Madhapur, SR Nagar and station as TV channels Cornered over violations ter so that parents should not ment acted deliberately. his own government tak- gathered on roads and Kukatpally in the city aired these visuals since of Prime Minister suffer mental agony. The Centre on Wednesday How can state police issue ing up the matter with later proceeded to after “being tipped” that morning. Narendra Modi’s Congress working president took a serious note of the passes to people who want Telangana. police stations at they would be permitted to By the time, IT minister announced lockdown, TS and Malkajgiri MP A. Revanth Telangana government’s to travel hundreds of kilo- Meanwhile, Chief go to their native places. K.T. Rama Rao was alerted police took up eleventh Reddy said that the state gov- deliberate disobeying of metres violating the lock- Secretary Nilam Sawhney Madhapur, SR Nagar The Telangana police of the issue and he hour fire-fighting, but by ernment has handling the Prime Minister Narendra down? The tamasha, as spoke to her counterpart and Kukatpally in the started issuing passes to responded through a tweet that time, thousands gath- Covid situation in Telangana Modi’s call for a national reports obtained by us, Somesh Kumar and con- city after “being people having their own at 7.15 pm, requesting hos- ered at the AP borders, with immaturity ever since lockdown by evicting thou- reveal what went on the veyed the state’s concerns. tipped” that they would mode of transport and tel managements not to waiting for an entry after the first positive Covid-19 case sands of people away from whole day,” fumed a senior A senior Telugu official, “assured them” that the evict inmates, it was way health checks. was detected in the state. the capital city of official at Union ministry who was in a crucial post be permitted to go to pass would ensure a free too late. Telangana Director Why did the state govern- Hyderabad. of home affairs. in Centre, alerted the their native places. passage till state border. “He (KTR) would have General of Police (DGP) ment allow students to go to While two state govern- A bureaucratic network MHA on the develop- Police started issuing Instructions were issued done this in the morning M. Mahender Reddy and their native places in AP with- ments of Telangana and which acted above region- ments. to all police stations itself. How can anyone Hyderabad city Police out prior consultations with Andhra Pradesh did not al lines brought the inhu- It all started in the morn- passes to people having enroute till the Andhra expect KTR did not know Commissioner Anjani the government there? he care much about the man deadlock to an end, ing when managements of their own transport. Pradesh borders not to about the issuance of Kumar issued separate asked. “Chief Minister K. impending danger due to though much damage was private hostels and paying stop these vehicles carry- migratory passes to peo- statements urging tenants Chandrashekar Rao is compet- movement of masses from already done. guest accommodations etables and essential com- ing passes issued by the ple? We have information to stay back and asking ing with and trying to project- one place to other, the According to official purportedly asked tenants modities to prepare food Hyderabad and Cyberabad that city police acted on hostel managements to not ing himself as someone who is Centre’s intervention sources, a senior bureau- to vacate. Their decision for them. city police. instructions of their top evict them. But the train handling the Covid crisis bet- saved the day, though crat in Andhra Pradesh, came after police prevent- Agitated youth gathered The city police action brass,” a senior Andhra had left the common capi- ter than PM Modi.” chaos prevailed till late in sensing danger, urged his ed them from fetching veg- on roads and later pro- resulted in thousands of Pradesh police official told tal’s station long ago. CITY pg 3 DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 Umasankar

IN BRIEF Cops in action Exams postponed Curfew in Hyd due to lockdown Hyderabad: The theory examinations of Kaloji further diluted Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences PG Medical scheduled to be held in April Despite appeals, public violates lockdown norms 2020 have been postponed indefinitely. The next date of MADDY DEEKSHITH | DC thronging to wayside the name of service. examination for the courses HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 shops and supermarkets Though he was selling along with fee notification with their children. food, he claimed, “how and time table will be inti- Appeals made by Prime Busy by-lanes had a fes- would people eat if mated later on the website Minister Narendra Modi tal look, with people look- everyone is closed. God knruhs.telangana.gov.in. and Chief Minister K . ing to buy goods neces- will not forgive us if we Chandrashekar Rao did sary to celebrate Ugadi, do not serve hungry peo- not have any impact on the Telugu New Year. ple.” Transporters to several Hyderabadis. People gathered in hun- However, by afternoon Ignorant of the possibility dreds at local markets in even by-lanes were empty. get special passes that local transmission of several areas to purchase People cursed the police Novel Coronavirus vegetables, meat and for closing their shops. Hyderabad: Police commis- (Covid-19) had started and chicken to celebrate “How would we earn if sioners of Rachakonda and with the country entering Ugadi. police devils shut our Cyberabad on Wednesday stage 3 of the crisis, peo- In areas like RTC X shops. I have only 5 kg met representatives of asso- ple queued up at super- Roads and Husbiguda, pickle left to be sold. I will ciations involved in trans- markets and wayside even sweet shops were earn about `1,500 if my portation and supply of shops to buy mangoes, open. A sweet shop owner shop is open till after- essential commodities and pots, neem leafs, flowers, in Musheerabad said, “we noon. I demand the gov- updated them about the apart from groceries giv- have already prepared ernment to save us from do’s and dont’s during the ing a toss to social dis- sweets for a week prior to police brutality,” said a lockdown period. tancing and basic preven- Janata Curfew. We have pickle shop owner in Issues pertaining to trans- tive gear. already suffered a huge Chilkalguda. portation and the supply of However, by afternoon, loss. Thank God, every- Citing demand, black pharma products, LPG, even by-lanes wore a thing was sold out by 9 marketers spread their petrol and diesel, and gro- deserted look after police am today because of wing, despite Mr Rao’s ceries to traders and their intervention. Few volun- Ugadi.” warning to book them Police use lathis on those who were found roaming the streets during lockdown on Wednesday. availability for the public, teers helped police at People took police, who under the Preventive —DEEPAK DESHPANDE were discussed. The police some check posts. They were deployed in small Detention Act. also discussed inter-state explained about the-ill numbers, to task at veg- The price of daily com- transportation issues and on effects of stepping out till etable markets. There modities saw a hike. how to address them. the Corona crisis period were stray reports of citi- Onions were sold for `40 The traders were advised and the lockdown is zens having roughed up per kg, which was `30 yes- not to sell commodities for revoked. police, among others, at terday. Chillies were sold KTR inspects ongoing lockdown higher prices and it was While Chief Minister the Ramnagar vegetable for `160 while it was only decided to give special pass- Chandrashekar Rao market. `80 yesterday. Tobacco DC CORRESPONDENT nation safely. es to those involved in sup- appealed that only one An over enthusiastic tif- products like cigarettes HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Rao also interacted with ply of essentials to ensure member per family was fin centre owner near the were sold for `200 per a youth, an orphan,who is Few netas heed that the public does not suf- allowed to purchase gro- Musheerabad X-roads pack of 10 and further Municipal administration a native of Bihar. He fer. Meanwhile, the ceries, people have been operated till afternoon in higher. and urban development instructed officials to shift Cyberabad special opera- (MA&UD) minister. K.T. the youth to one of the tions team sleuths appre- Rama Rao on Wednesday night shelters in the city. hended 15 persons, who toured various parts of Later, Rao went to the to KCR’s call were selling vegetables, sur- Hyderabad city and enforcement, vigilance gical masks and sanitisers at No decision yet on Haj inspected the ongoing and disaster management DC CORRESPONDENT Hills MLA Maganti higher prices. They seized measures taken to prevent (EVDM) office at buddha HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Gopinath was spotted in `54,000 worth vegetables the spread of coronavirus. bhavan in Hyderabad. He the vegetable market and `14,000 worth masks The minister took note of enquired about the meas- Despite Chief Minister K. enquiring about the spike and sanitisers from their 2020, says TS panel chief the situation while lock- ures being taken up by the Chandrasekhar Rao’s call in prices. When Deccan possession. down is being implement- GHMC Disaster Response on Tuesday to elected rep- Chronicle asked TRS party ATHER MOIN | DC interpreted. Speaking to or the other. ed in the city. Force (DRF) to curtail the resentatives to come out workers why they had not HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 the media, Mr Masihullah He said that the date for Some daily wage work- spread of coronavirus in on the streets and help the heeded the CM’s call, in a said Saudi government payment of second instal- ers,natives of Suryapet the city. authorities during the loc- off the record conversa- TWO BOOKED FOR Chairman of Telangana has not taken any such ment has been extended district, were struck in Rao then visited the call kdown, very few showed tion said how can you State Haj Committee, Mr decision, although they and it can now be paid Hyderabad due to the lock- centre set up at the GHMC up to help police and mun- quote an off the record THRASHING Mohammed Masihullah had banned Umrah in the along with the final instal- down. While they were head office to respond to icipal authorities in the conversation that too after Khan, on Wednesday clar- wake of Covid-19. ment amount. walking on the road along queries related to the coro- city. Until afternoon no saying it was so? that they HOME GUARD ified that neither Saudi However, the video of Mr Khan also said that with their belongings, navirus. He interacted minister, MLA, corpora- have been busy with the authorities nor the Haj Saudi Ambassador to in case if Saudi Arabia Rao, who was on his way with the staff and asked tor, or chairman was seen Ugadi festivities till after- DC CORRESPONDENT Committee of India had Senegal, Abdullah Ahmad cancels Haj operations to buddha bhavan, stopped them to respond with out in the city. Deputy noon and post that situa- HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 announced about cancel- Al Abdan, which is in cir- this year, the amount paid the convoy and interacted empathy to the queries of mayor Baba Fasiuddin tion was under control. lation of Haj 2020 rituals. culation, shows him by the pilgrims would be with them. Learning citizens. was the only elected repre- Some elected representa- Two persons assaulted a home Taking serious excep- advising Haj tour opera- reimbursed. He added th- about their problem, Rao Rao also visited the sentative who distributed tives claimed that when guard for questioning them tion to the video making tors against making at those who have been se- immediately arranged for GHMC night shelter at food packets to police and they tried to volunteer about the reason for travelling such claims that is going reservations with hotels lected for this Haj will be a vehicle and instructed Golnaka and interacted municipal authorities in prior to Mr Rao’s call, long despite a lockdown in viral, he made it clear that and airlines till an official sent next year because of the officials to make sure with the senior citizens his division. police had not allowed force. The two have been they were being wrongly decision is taken, one way the Covid-19. they reached their desti- and children there. By afternoon, Jubilee them on the roads. booked in a case by the Kondrug police of Cyberabad Commissionerate. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when the A long walk home home guard from the PS Fines to be slapped as AI stopped a car moving from Parigi to Shadnagar. When HG Venkatesh questioned the occupants, Ramakrishna and detects 3-km rule violation Madhusudhan, about the pur- pose of their travel, they were T. JAYENDRA ● POLICE ARE now three-kilometre rule. enraged and assaulted CHAITHANYA | DC identifying owners of Police are now identifying Venkatesh. HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 owners of these vehicles A case was subsequently reg- these vehicles to slap to slap cases against them istered against the two. There is a “third eye” cases against them under relevant sections of Kondurg police also served closely watching move- under relevant sec- the IPC and Epidemic Act. notices to them. ments of vehicles to tions of the IPC and Speaking to Deccan detect violation of the Chronicle, a senior police three-kilometre rule for Epidemic Act. official said, “The soft- TRA CHIEF HELD fetching essential com- ware detects vehicles that modities. The government tions in Hyderabad, where cross the three-kilometre AFTER EX-WIFE has stipulated that what- thousands of high defini- limit and indicates a ever shopping a person tion cameras have been popup along with images. COMPLAINS needs to do during the installed to capture viola- Our teams are in the lockdown period has to be tions of traffic rules. process of identifying DC CORRESPONDENT within a three-kilometre These cameras have now owners of these vehicles HYDERABAD MARCH 25 distance from home. been equipped with to book cases against Violators of the rule will Automatic Number Plate them for violating the President of Telangana Rifle find challans slapped Reading software, which lockdown.” Association (TRA), who against them, thanks to will read the registration The official pointed out threatened his estranged wife, the state police using numbers of vehicles that youngsters have been was booked by the Banjara Artificial Intelligence- crossing the junction. coming onto roads to take Hills police here on based video analytics The software automati- selfies and shoot TikTok Wednesday. from Wednesday onwards cally calculates the dis- videos. Some are even tak- Speaking to Deccan for strict implementation tance travelled by the ing up challenges of cov- Chronicle, Reeta Sanghi, who of the lockdown imposed vehicle once it crosses the ering distances in the was separated from her hus- throughout the state next junction. On shortest time. “We appeal band Amit Sanghi three years owing to Covid-19. Owners Wednesday alone, over to the public not to ven- back, said, “On Tuesday night, People leave their hostels in Secunderabad on Wednesday and walk towards LB nagar hoping to find some means of vehicles that violate 1,000 vehicles, including ture onto roads unneces- he came to my house with a of transport to help them reach their villages. —GANDHI the order will be booked. cars and two-wheelers, sarily and get into trou- weapon to kill me. There are about 250 junc- were seen violating the ble,” the official added. He was under the influence of alcohol and was barely able to stand on his legs. He came to my house on the pretext of HAPPY | ANIMALS NZP is completely sanitised and anti-viral sprays are also being used seeing our son to whom he showed the gun. My son alert- Black marketing: ed me and in turn screamed for help. My brother, who lives next door, came to our rescue Zoo declared as ‘essential services’ and overpowered my husband HC takes up PIL and took the gun from his pos- BALU PULIPAKA | DC Department as an essen- ● THE STATE govern- be fed and checked for much-needed for many of session. Our 16-year-old son, HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 tial service and thereby ment has already their health,” NZP curator the herbivores in the zoo. VUJJINI ● THE STATE It was who witnessed the incident, the NZP Nehru Zoological N. Kshitija said. “We started our prepara- VAMSHIDHARA | DC based on news remains in a state of shock,” With the entire country in Park that functions as part declared the “Every day we need tions about a month ago HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Reeta Sanghi said. the grip of a serious of the Forest Department Telangana Forest deliveries of fresh vegeta- with the news on Covid-19 reports, which high- She lodged a complaint with Coronavirus crisis, the too received the status, Department as an bles and fruits as well as and the importance of en- The Telangana High lighted about how Banjara Hills police, who Central Zoo Authority has though not formally. essential service and meat for the animals and suring health of all wild court has taken up a suo- traders and middle- booked a case of criminal said that it is time to With the zoo closed as birds. Emergency duty animals in the zoo. We moto PIL on the spiraling men were selling intimidation and violation of declare zoo in the country part of the government's thereby the NZP passes have been issued first completed a full hea- prices of vegetables, fru- Arms Act. as ‘essential services’. lockdown to stop the (Nehru Zoological for 14 vehicles and we have lth check on all our inm- its and other essential essential commodi- Banjara Hills police Declaration of zoo under spread of Covid-19 dis- Park ) that functions asked the suppliers to ates,” Ms Kshitija said. commodities due to the ties at exorbitant Inspector Kalinga Rao said, this category will enable ease, the forest depart- deliver these materials to Before the zoo was lockdown across Tela- prices, taking advan- as part of the Forest “Investigation is going on. them to function fully and ment has written to the meet the needs for up to locked down, its staff and ngana State. The High tage of the crisis. The Amit Sanghi said his son normally under the cur- director-general of police Department too three days at a time as we workers were issued hand Court took up the PIL on inaction of the author- found the weapon in a bag and rent lockdown restrictions and city commissioner of received the status, have cold storage facili- sanitizers, masks and the directions of the misunderstood him. He is a imposed across the coun- police to issue instruc- ties. As far as grains and additional rations of Chief Justice. ities in monitoring the license holder.” try by respective state gov- tions to police personnel though not formally. dry foods are concerned, soaps to ensure that they It was based on news rates was accentuat- Mr Rao added that only after ernments. to allow zoo staff to travel we have already made maintain proper hygiene. reports, which highlight- ed in the media. questioning the son would Declaration of zoo under from home to the zoo on questioned. preparations to ensure “With thousands of peo- ed about how traders and they get a clear picture of this category will enable work and on other “Sometimes they are there is no shortage in the ple coming to the zoo, we middlemen were selling Secretary, Principal Sec- what exactly transpired. them to function fully and assigned duties as asked why the need to go zoo,” Ms Kshitija said. tried to make sure our essential commodities at retaries of Home, ‘Meanwhile we have booked a normally under the cur- required. to work at the zoo during In a worst-case scenario, staff had what is needed to exorbitant prices, taking Agriculture and Civil Su- case’, he said. rent lockdown restrictions According to some of the the lockdown. The thing is the zoo can manage for a protect them,” she added. advantage of the crisis. pplies Consumer Affairs imposed across the coun- zoo staff, by and large we need people like elec- couple of days supplying The Nehru zoological The inaction of the departments, Commi- ● HE WAS under the influ- try by respective state gov- there is no problem with tricians, carpenters, our animals with fresh green park has also been com- authorities in monitoring ssionerate of Civil Sup- ence of alcohol and was ernments. the police allowing them own animal keepers, vet- leaves from its mulberry pletely sanitised all its the rates was accentuated plies, DGP, Collectors of The state government to go to work, since they erinary staff and others. and other trees, and grass vehicles and also anti- in the media. Hyderabad and Ranga barely able to stand on his has already declared the have emergency duty pass- The cages need cleaning from the lawns. But sup- viral spray has been used The State of Telangana Reddy districts are respo- legs. Telangana Forest es. But sometimes they are every day, animals need to plies of fresh grass are in all public areas. represented by its Chief ndents in the petition. CITY DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 pg 4

SHORT TAKES HYPERACTIVE 24-HR CURFEW Crucial medical equipment supply hit COPS STALL IF LOCKDOWN Doctors cannot attend to Covid-19 patients without wearing personal protection gear MED SUPPLY’ KANIZA GARARI| DC (PPE) is also not there in product without checking explained, “We need function by local state offi- need for air courier serv- T.S.S. SIDDHARTH | DC NOT RESPECTED HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 major government hospi- varsity of the manufactur- masks and sanitizers cials and police. ice as some molecules HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 S.A. ISHAQUI | DC tals in the country. er. On realising that they urgently. We have made Collectors are not willing have to be sent in tempera- HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 Chemicals, raw materials The demand has were not certified, there is sanitisers in the hospital to listen to pharmaceuti- tures which are below 10 At a time when the for medicines, finished increased as number of a hue and cry as to how but that is not sufficient. cal companies and degree C. We need these nation has addressed the Chief secretary, Somesh products like masks, sani- patients coming for testing spurious products have There has to be a supply to demand that it must be services to operate. The novel coronavirus crisis Kumar, in a circular, cautioned tizers, gloves and medical and treating has seen a come to be sold. There are hospitals on priority basis. shut down. Indian Medical central government has by going in for a nation- that if the present system of devices are not being rise. Doctors cannot no quality checks done for End-stage patients with Device Industry has been apprised of this situ- al lockdown, members of lock down fails then 24-hour allowed to move from one attend to patients without fluid resistance, filtration pneumonia of unknown appealed to all central and ation and states must co- the Association of curfew will be imposed on the state to another due to a wearing personal protec- efficiency, flammability origin cannot be attended state agencies to co-oper- operate or we will be in Indian Medical Device state. He said that the present total lockdown, com- tion. PPE is required in and bio-compatibility. This without PPE. To control ate with them as they play short supply of treating Industry (AiMeD) say night time curfew will contin- plained manufactures to drawing of samples for is a major concern as med- situation from deteriorat- a crucial role of manufac- medical devices and medi- that due to the lock- ue till March 31. central government. testing, treatment in emer- ical staff is the first line of ing further, it is important turing in times of crisis cines.” down, most of the hospi- Kumar instructed that “in These are essential prod- gency and isolation wards. defence and they need to that supplies of these and stopping them will On top priority are tals are getting masks this context, all collectors and ucts and required during a It is a protection against be well protected.” Due to essentials are quick to all only aggravate situation gloves, disposables, elec- and sanitizers but cer- CPs/SPs should have a joint time of emergency like transmission of virus. this reason, some private government hospitals as as they will not be able to tronic devices, instru- tain medicines and some press conference to request all this but trucks are stopped Before lockdown, fake hospitals have refused to they are running out of supply on time. ments, IVD reagents for medical devices were citizens to cooperate so that at check points at inter- PPE products took over see Covid-19 patients and stocks.” Rajiv Nath, Forum testing purposes. The not reaching on time. the necessity of imposing state borders and not the market and certain very few have come for- The other hospital units Coordinator, Association reagents are to be sent to “Avoidable restrictions harsher restrictions and allowed to move. hospitals, which had pro- ward who have a good which are not in infection of Indian Medical Device ensure that there is ade- have been imposed by enforcement measures does Manufacturers from cured it, are now com- stock of certified equip- control like psychiatry, Industry explained, quate testing and on time. the local police on the not arise.” Monday onwards are fol- plaining that checks have ment. With emergency orthopaedic, ENT and oth- “Production schedules Hospitals require these as mobility of people asso- According to the circular, lowing up with local not been in place. supplies and raw materi- ers have been asked to have been stopped since they are already having ciated with the supply, curfew shall be imposed from 7 administration and police Dr Sai Kumar Katam, als being stopped at inter- come on rotation basis as Monday. Local administra- problems due to shortage. distribution and trans- pm to 6 am every day till 31 in different states to allow president, Doctor of state borders, the effects of their patients are not to tion of states are not Mr Nath said, “Just like port of medicines, raw March, 2020. All the shops and for free movement of their Pharmacy, explained, “due lockdown will not be visit the hospitals until an allowing workers to reach doctors, those in the sup- materials, components establishment shall be closed vehicles, as masks, sanitis- to a surge in demand, achieved if those who are emergency. factories. The raw materi- ply chain also have to be to make masks, sanitiz- by 6 pm every day so that peo- ers, medical devices for PPEs are manufactured sick are not provided med- In districts of states the als and various compo- supported so that the ers and other medical ple can reach their homes by 7 respiratory distress are in without proper manufac- ical help on time. manufacturing units for nents have been stuck on essential goods can reach devices to the factories pm. The following are the high demand. Personal turing license. Small and A senior doctor on condi- medicines and medical the road at the inter-state hospitals on time to treat and manufacturing instructions in the circular to protection equipment big hospitals stocked the tion of anonymity devices are not allowed to borders. There is also a patients.” plants, which are hold- the general public and also ing up production lead- official machinery in the state ing to shortages. If any establishment does not “A bigger concern is close by 7 pm, it should be the absence of courier closed immediately and legal Youth without masks assaulted in Supermarket services and trucking action should be taken against though the authorities it. Movement of people should ADITYA CHUNDURU | had issued an order for be restricted to 3 km from their DC transporting essential houses in Hyderabad. In other HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 goods,” said Rajiv Nath, cities, a lesser limit can be Forum Coordinator, imposed, depending upon the Misinformation is lead- Family starves AiMeD. size of the city. ing to fights and con- A list of persons who are put frontations among a in home quarantine should be stressed and panicked SENIOR CITIZENS available on the collector's public. Two youngsters for 2 days, KTR, table. The process of home visiting a supermarket quarantine is to be monitored were accosted by anoth- SUFFER AMID very strictly. GHMC collectors er customer for not of Rangareddy, Medchal and wearing masks. This CMO intervene COVID CRISIS Hyderabad are to play key role despite the lack of con- in the monitoring as 75 per sensus about the effica- HARLEEN MINOCHA | DC and industries minister SANJAY SAMUEL PAUL | cent of foreign returnees are cy of masks. HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 K.T. Rama Rao through DC from these districts. Their Prashansa and Harshit twitter with the help of HYDERABAD, MARCH, 24 passports are to be collected were waiting in line out- A family of six, starving their acquittance sharing under proper procedure and side Heritage Fresh at for the last two days due their ordeal. Senior citizens, many of returned once their quaran- Whitefield, Kondapur. to the lockdown in the The information was whose children are not tine is over. Once they entered, a state, were provided with sent to Rachakonda living with them, are Any person having any emer- man who was already essential commodities on police commissioner those suffering the most gency shall dial 100. The police inside started shouting Wednesday after the fami- Mahesh Bhagwat who during this lockdown. department is requested to at them for not wearing ly tweeted to the Chief instructed the Keesara The seriousness of the ensure that the caller is attend- masks. Minister’s Office and police to make necessary lockdown means that ed to urgently. Police person- Harshith said, “The Minister K. Taraka Rama arrangements for the transportation is non- nel shall be courteous while man was not willing to Rao about their pathetic family. existent, groceries are dealing with such emergen- listen to us. He assault- condition. Inspector J. Narender out of stock in some cies. The supply chain of ed me and pushed me Dharavath Kumar, a Goud of the Keesara poli- parts, food availability essential services is not to be out of the store.” native of Rajlu village in ce said, “Several migrant has also fallen as restau- disturbed. The price of all Prashansa said she Korvi mandal of Mahabu- workers from Telangana rants are closed, deliv- essential commodities shall be tried to show the man, babad district, moved and Chhattisgarh have ery services are at a monitored on a daily basis. who himself had only with his family of five to been living on the out- standstill. The Health Essential items which are per- tied a handkerchief the outskirts of Hydera- skirts of Rampally vil- department has mitted in GO Ms 45, vehicles around his mouth, bad some time ago. The lage and were engaged as announced that people carrying those goods going tweets by the Union whole family works as labourers.” who are above 60 years outside the state and those ministry of health on daily wage labourers in The Keesara police are at a greater risk At coming into the state shall be the use of masks. “I told nearby Rampally village inspector said Kumar’s this point, senior citi- allowed movement in the him it is not necessary and lives in a makeshift family had been unable to zens will be in need of evening hours. for anyone, but the man hut on the roadside. stock food and had gone help. Hospitals, clinics, and med- wouldn’t listen. It was With the sudden lock- without for two days. A few socially respon- ical shops shall be allowed to an assault but even the down, which has not They were given rice, dal sible citizens have come function. Collectors should security guards didn’t spared a thought for the and other groceries. forward to extend a help- report any issues. help us,” he said. hundreds of daily The Nagaram munici- ing hand. They added that the wagers, the family was pal commissioner and The unified federation store security had no unable find work and did concerned revenue offi- of residential associa- FOOD DELIVERY problems allowing them not have enough money cials were informed tions (UFRA), of which inside, even without a even to buy food. about the situation and 4300 residential colonies mask. The family members requested to do whatever in the twin cities are COMPANIES The duo tagged have been starving for the was needed for migrant members, has come out Cyberabad police in last two days. labourers living in the to help senior citizens GIVEN PERMITS their tweets, who asked On Wednesday, they rea- area who survive on daily whose children are not them to file a written Hungry daily wage labour queue up for food being distributed by NGOs on the third ched out to the Chief wages, the inspector living with them. DC CORRESPONDENT complaint. They have day of lockdown at Musheerabad on Wednesday. — DC Minister’s Office (CMO) added. They contacted 30 sen- HYDERABAD, MAR 25 also lodged a complaint ior citizen associations, via the police depart- during the janta curfew The state government on ment’s app HawkEye and managed help 11 Wednesday announced that and are waiting to hear older people in need of persons engaged in delivery of back. help. Since the lockout goods can apply for passes to This is not the first Vendors complain of travel blockages was declared, UFRA enable their movement within case of vigilantism want to extend this the city. since the announcement DURGA PRASAD drugs and pharmaceuti- vehicles during the night are around 40 members of break the chain of Covid- work. B.T. Srinivasan, After a lengthy meeting with of a lockdown. There SUNKU | DC cals industry stated that if hours, distribution of the market staff and 200 19. In every business activ- general secretary, representatives of the compa- have been many cases of HYDERABAD MARCH 23 the situation continues milk packets has been members commission ity, there is a supply chain. UFRA, said that there nies, IT secretary, Jayesh the general public try- like this, there will be a affected. There is also agents in the market. Due Most of those involved in are 70 senior citizen Ranjan, said that their man- ing to enforce rules, real The Hyderabad city police shortage of medicines. shortage of cattle feed and to the lockdown they are the same should commute. associations in the city agements could send emails to and imagined, on oth- held a meeting with repre- The police assured them both green and dry grass.” scared to come. Every day In view of this we called Trice, a startup, app [email protected] with ers. sentatives of all essential that passes will be provid- Mr Masqati requested the markets do business of for a meeting.” and logistics team, fund- details of name, vehicle num- Recently, frenzied resi- services during which the ed for required vehicles that milk distribution nearly `1 lakh. During the Mr Kumar said 900 pass- ed by Movie Director ber, route and company name dents in an apartment latter brought their prob- and persons to allow free vehicles be allowed to ply lock down it has come es have been issued, Rajamouli, designed for for a pass. complex in Banjara lems to the notice of the movement of essential during the night so that down to half (`50,000).” including 750 individual large residential areas, It may be noted that though Hills locked a resident police. products in the city. the milk will reach the Representatives of Bowe- passes and 150 vehicle came into existence two delivery personnel have been inside his house when The Telangana State Sultan Masqati of the public on time. He also npally market, Monda passes, to allow people to years ago by four people. exempted from the lockdown, they found out he had Dairy Association appea- Telangana Dairy requested that supply of market, and Mir Alam commute, and another 900 It delivers necessities to many companies have stopped recently returned from led to the police to allow Association told Deccan milk after 7 pm should be Madi market attended the passes will soon be given. senior citizens. “Trice is their services. In the past few overseas. tankers into the city for Chronicle, “Milk tankers allowed as many milk ven- meeting. Addressing a “We have opened a special seen as a great help to days, delivery personnel A few days ago, two distribution of milk. have been stopped at the dors supply milk at night. press conference after- mail id covid19.hyd.com to many senior citizens in reported issues with the journalists from the city The lockdown has also state borders. They should Explaining the difficul- wards, Anjani Kumar, apply for the passes sun city and surround- police obstructing them on were accosted by a man affected the movement of be allowed in. There is ties in the vegetable mar- Hyderabad city police online. No need of coming ing areas who are taking duty. claiming to be a social vegetables in the city as also a shortage of packag- kets, C Sanjay Kumar commissioner said: “Total to the commissioner’s the help,” said T. Ranjan told Deccan worker, for ordering the commission agents are ing material for milk and Gudimalkapur, a member 10,000 police personnel are office. We will contact the Goutham Reddy and Chronicle that a meeting was food from a restaurant, not allowed to come out. fuel for boiling it. Due to of the vegetable market on their toes to protect the people who have applied Naveen. K.L. two of the held with representatives of well before the deadline. Representatives of the curbs on movement of committee said, “There citizens of Hyderabad and for passes.” founder-members. delivery aggregators, includ- ing BigBasket, to smoothen out the logistics. TROUBLED | TIME Representatives of logistics Psychiatrists claim many will suffer from severe seizures companies dealing with essen- PM’s firm support tials such as vegetables, milk, meat and poultry, even news- papers, attended the meeting to enumerate their difficulties Addicts face withdrawal symptoms cheers up doctors to the government and police department. KANIZA GARARI | DC A change from daily psychiatric society, BALU PULIPAKA | DC professionals could be the Food delivery aggregators HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 routine for a long peri- Telangana state branch, HOME STAY TROUBLES MANY HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 carriers of the disease. which had become inactive explained, “We have “It was heartening to have been asked to resume Withdrawal symptoms in od of 21 days is stress- appealed to all psychia- ● Psychiatrists claim Doctors were pleasantly see the Prime Minister service in an attempt to addicts are being seen ful. People must think trists to guide emergency that boredom complaints SOLUTION surprised to see Prime pay serious attention to reduce the number of people with demands surging in doctors who will be seeing Minister Narendra Modi what we were saying,” Dr positively and utilise are already pouring in. ● Consider it as visiting shops for groceries. the black market as this time by spending it these patients over the warn landlords in the Ram said, recalling his "BigBasket, Amazon and friends and family are try- phone. They have been The complaints were contribution for country against attempts complaint to the PM dur- other aggregators will soon ing to procure for them to with their loved ones. apprised of the situation mostly from men, who people’s well-being to evict medical person- ing the latter’s meeting start delivering groceries and keep them calm. as by early next week, we ● nel from their homes fear- with doctors ahead of his other essentials. We are Psychiatrists estimate — Dr Jyotirmayi K. are expecting that there wonder what should Start exercise for ing that healthcare per- address to nation on expecting the companies to that more than 500 may to Psychiatrist will be more patients as they do during 21-day physical activity. sonnel might be carriers Tuesday. resume their services tomor- suffer from severe seizures they will suffer from with- shutdown. Sleep well at night. of the disease. He also said the Prime row morning (Thursday). and hallucinations in the drawal symptoms.” ● Dr P. Raghu Ram, presi- Minister was very atten- ● Assist in house- They will be focussed on deliv- next few days. With stocks cotic drugs from medical Government hospitals Social distancing has hold chores and dent of the Association of tive to other suggestions ering groceries, medicines drying up due to lack of shops to deal with their like Gandhi and Osmania compounded troubles of Surgeons of India, had he had made, including and other essentials," he said. transportation, they will urges. Experts said emer- do not have psychiatrists share burdens with brought to the notice of the need for a directive The movement pass would report to hospitals soon. gency doctors have been and often the patients who many people as they family. the Prime Minister on from the government to be issued by the state police Violent behaviour, anger, apprised as they will have come there are asked to go cannot meet friends or ● Read books, Tuesday the plight of protect employment of department. "We have depression, fatigue, insom- to deal with these patients to institute of mental relatives. They find it engage in games heathcare professionals healthcare professionals received an enormous num- nia and urge for narcotics as there are no out-patient health, Erragadda. Most of in Warangal, who were in small and medium hos- ber of applications since the are signs to look out for, departments functioning. them never make it to the difficult to confine with children for asked to vacate their rent- pitals who are being laid email was activated," said stated psychiatrists. Some Dr. Minhaj Nasirabadi, institute as it is far from themselves to home. mental agility. ed houses by landlords as off because of a slump in Ranjan. of them also shift to nar- general secretary, Indian both these hospitals. they fear the healthcare the number of patients. NATION DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 pg 5

SHORT TAKES RAM LALLA IDOL India may see up to 13L Covid-19 cases SHIFTED, YOGI Report says in absence of widespread testing, it is impossible to quantify scale of community transmission FACES FLAK New Delhi, March 25: the pandemic, the country testing, it is impossible to Prime Minister India against the US and they said the number of number of people in the India could face between is critically missing a key quantify the magnitude of Narendra Modi Italy. hospital beds per 1,000 peo- country without an insur- Ayodhya/Lucknow, March 1,00,000 to 13 lakh con- component in this assess- ‘community transmis- announced on Tuesday a The scientists, including ple in India is only 0.7, ance policy stretched to 25: The Ram Lalla idol in firmed cases of the novel ment - the number of truly sion’, in other words, esti- total lockdown for 1.3 bil- those from Delhi School of compared to 6.5 in France, about 1,100 million as of Ayodhya was shifted to a tem- coronavirus by mid-May if affected cases. mate how many are infect- lion people in India for 21 Economics in New Delhi 11.5 in South Korea, 4.2 in 2014, with the number of porary new location on the current trend in the This factor depends on ed outside hospitals and days, warning that the and the University of China, 3.4 in Italy, and 2.8 men and women with Wednesday at a ceremony growing number of Covid- the extent of testing, the health care facilities,” the nation may go back by 21 Michigan in the US, noted in the US. hypertension, one of the attended by Uttar Pradesh 19 cases continues, accord- accuracy of the test scientists wrote in the years and many families in a blog post on the plat- Owing to this, the scien- major risk factors for Chief Minister Yogi ing to a report by an inter- results, and the frequency report. could be devastated if we form Medium, that the tists said, the predicted death from Covid-19, being Adityanath, who faced opposi- national team of scien- and scale of testing of peo- “Thus our current esti- don't abide by the lock- estimates may change as surge in the number of more than 300 million peo- tion flak for seemingly violat- tists. ple who may have been mates are at best underes- down rules. stricter restrictions and cases may make it impos- ple. ing norms meant to beat coro- The report, compiled by exposed but do not show timates for India based on In their analysis, the sci- measures are adopted by sible for the healthcare Without enforcing any navirus. The shifting of the COV-IND-19 Study Group, symptoms, the early phase data,” they entists used data on the India. India, according to providers in India to sup- intervention in the idol clears the site to begin an interdisciplinary team researchers, including said. number of reported cases the researchers, has the port the sheer volume of country, the scientists pre- construction of a Ram temple. of researchers, said while Debashree Ray from Johns According to the report, in India up to March 16, most overstretched health- cases. dicted that the number of The idol was placed on a 9.5- India seems to have done Hopkins University in the it is essential for India to and applied tools of model- care system where it is The report also identi- cases may exceed the esti- kg silver throne at the new well in controlling the US, said. adopt “draconian meas- ling disease transmission. hard to provide care even fied the most vulnerable mated capacity of hospital structure, where it would number of confirmed “So far, the number of ures” to act before the They estimated the theo- when the patient volume groups of population in beds in India, which remain till the construction of cases compared to other people tested in India has growth of Covid-19 infec- retical number of infected flowing into hospitals is India. stands at 70 beds per the Ram temple is completed countries like the US and been relatively small. In tions starts to accelerate at any given time, and “normal”. Citing multiple studies, 100,000 Indians. on the site allotted for it by the Italy in the early phase of the absence of widespread in the country. compared projections for Citing World Bank data, the researchers said the - PTI Supreme Court. The rituals involved in the shifting had begun Monday. They ended early Wednesday at a ceremony attended by Sit-ups, squats: New ways Adityanath and a small group of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and VHP leaders. The local administration did to keep people at home not allow people to gather on the occasion as a lockdown New Delhi, March 25: cials. The Central govern- #PunjabPolice Nagin has been imposed across the With people continuing to ment had last week dance bhi karva do Bhai country. Opposition parties step out for non-essential announced a lockdown till inse... why can't people criticised Adityanath, saying activities amidst the March 31 in 80 districts getting in there brains at he had not presented a good Covid-19 lockdown, police across India to contain it is very serious matter... example by taking part in the across the country have the spread of the deadly Please stay at home ceremony. come up with unique coronavirus. (police makes people “Yogi is telling people not to ways to highlight the The police forces in crawl from one place to go to temples and mosques, importance of staying at Punjab, Uttar Pradesh another) and in view of the coron- home. and Uttarakhand took #StayAtHomeSaveLives avirus epidemic this is From making COVID- their creative ways a #StayHomeStaySafe absolutely right. But the chief IOTS (a term coined for notch higher to ensure #COVID2019 (sic), one minister himself is flouting those flouting restric- that the public curfew is Twitter user posted along what he is saying, Samajwadi tions) squat on the road followed. The restrictions with pictures of people Party's Naresh Uttam said. and do sit-ups, to making were extended after Prime being punished in Punjab. them pose with pamphlets Minister Narendra Modi Niti Aayog chief N-E REGISTERS admitting their fault, declared a 21-day nation- Amitabh Kant also took to police officials have wide lockdown. Twitter to praise the pulled out all the stops UP Police punished Delhi Police for its ways of SECOND from their kitty of cre- unnecessary people wan- encouraging social dis- ativity to drive home the dering around in order to tancing. POSITIVE CASE message. make ‘public curfew’ suc- Sharing a video of a few MANOJ ANAND | DC Think before you step cessful and maintain police personnel driving GUWAHATI, MARCH 25 out during lockdown in #Social_Distancing people out of a public #AndhraPradesh. #Covid19India,” posted a park peacefully while A man from Mizoram on Vijayawada police are Twitter user. telling them the impor- Wednesday tested positive for finding new ways to The accompanying tance of staying indoors, coronavirus. He tested posi- restrict traffic. The Chief video shows the police he wrote, Delhi Police at tive at Guwahati Medical Minister @ysjagan has resorting to the age old its best! As Gr8 College Hospital. This is the allowed only one per fami- ‘murga’ punishment to Ambassadors of second corona positive case in ly to purchase essentials, teach the defaulters a les- #SocialDistancing ! north-eastern states which are gathering more than 5 is son. Murga punishment is #StaySafeStayHome” under complete lock down. strictly prohibited. a stress position used as a It was not all praise for Informing that the frontier #AndhraFightsCorona,” corporal punishment the force as many also state has quarantined 140 peo- writes a user on where sit-ups are done shared instances of the ple including some having microblogging site holding the ears. police crossing the line. Police punishes an offender after he came out of his home while enforcing the complete lockdown in Ranchi on their travel history abroad so Twitter. While defaulters in In places like Guntur, Wednesday. - PTI far, health and family welfare A similar awareness tac- Punjab were asked to Sikar, police is seen beat- board vice chairman and rul- tic was used by the either crawl on all fours, ing up those flouting the ing Mizo National Front Maharastra police, which or lie down flat on the rules with lathis. In sever- (MNF) MLA Dr. Z. R. in a video posted on social road; those in al cases, people who were Thiamsanga who is heading media, is seen making at Uttarakhand were made out for essential activities the operation against coron- least nine people do sit- to pose with pamphlets were harassed by the avirus in the state told this ups near a traffic signal, that said, I’m enemy of security personnel. Many newspaper, “The sample of a evoking both laughter and society; I won't stay home. users posted videos of 50-year-old Aizawl man with appreciation for the offi- #PunjabLockDown such instances. - PTI recent travel history to Holland has tested positive for coronavirus. His family has also been kept in isolation at Centre should NO EVIDENCE TO Zoram Medical College and hospital in Mizoram.” LINK COVID TO Pointing out that they are already in touch, with the Indian Council of Medical implement Nyay CHINA: ENVOY Research Dr Thiamsanga said SRIDHAR that patient was responding to KUMARASWAMI the medicine and doctors are NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 confident to cure the patient. scheme: Cong The first case of coronavirus Under severe pressure positive had come from SREEPARNA Every ration-card hold- due to mounting global Manipur after a 23-year-old CHAKRABARTY | DC er should be provided, criticism of it, China on woman who returned from the NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 Wednesday lashed out at United Kingdom tested posi- through ration shops, 10 kg its critics and said it had tive, making it the first case in Congress on Wednesday of rice or wheat free as a “neither created the the northeast region of India. demanded that the Modi one-time measure in the (Corona)virus nor Meanwhile, Dr Thiamsanga government make imme- next 21 days intentionally transmit- said that the Mizoram govern- diate provisions of pro- — P. CHIDAMBARAM ted it”. ment has constituted a med- viding food and cash into In a statement issued ical operation team headed by the hands of millions of Former finance minister from New Delhi on him to fight coronavirus Indians who would be Wednesday evening, the spread in the state. financially affected by Chinese Embassy Coronavirus lockdown. allowing for 15 per cent of spokesperson Ji Rong Among the many sug- ‘wrong payments, it is also claimed “there is no ONE MORE TESTS gestions made by the worth doing these cash evidence that China is party were implementa- transfers”. the source of the virus POSITIVE FOR tion of the Nyay Similarly the former that caused the Covid-19 Minimum Income FM said that for the although Wuhan city COVID IN BIHAR Guarantee Scheme which urban poor `6,000 can be reported the outbreak”. had been a poll promise of put into the Jan Dhan China also sought to NAYEAR AZAD | DC the Congress during last accounts of the benefici- draw parallels with the PATNA, MARCH 25 year’s Lok Sabha polls. aries, adding that the 'no H1N1 virus, stating that Former Congress frills or zero balance it originated in North A person has tested positive President Rahul Gandhi accounts' opened before America but was never People stand on designated areas to maintain social distancing as they queue outside a grocery store during the for coronavirus in Patna tak- said that the government the Jan Dhan scheme was called the “North first day of a 21-day government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 ing the number of confirmed should provide direct launched should be American Flu”. coronavirus in Faridabad. - AFP cases in the state to four. cash benefits and free included in this. He has been admitted to rations to daily wagers Every ration-card hold- Nalanda Medical College and and give tax rebates to er should be provided, Hospital, Patna. Initial reports businesses. through ration shops, 10 suggest that he has been sick Making more concrete kg of rice or wheat free as after he returned from Gujarat suggestions, Former a one-time measure in the Delhi reports five fresh cases of Covid-19 a week earlier. He was referred finance minister P. next 21 days, Mr to NMCH after his condition Chidambaram recom- Chidamabaram suggest- From Page 1 including Delhi, there essential commodities and government has also market. deteriorated on Tuesday. mended a 10-point action ed. He said the govern- were reports of long services were facing diffi- asked states to set up a ICMR Director General His test reports arrived on plan which included dou- ment should ask all regis- Delhi, which has been queues outside grocery culties due to restrictions dedicated helpline num- Balram Bhargava had on Wednesday morning which bling the amount, both tered employers to main- under lockdown for three stores, inflated prices, dif- on movement despite e- ber to help healthcare Monday recommended the confirmed that he was infected paid and payable, under tain current levels of days, reported five fresh ficulty in getting impor- commerce and home deliv- workers and others offi- use of hydroxychloro- with the virus. He has been PM-KISAN to `12,000 and employment and wages. cases of coronavirus on tant items. With the sup- ery coming under essen- cials who are working in quine for treating health- kept under observation in the transferring the addition- “Guarantee to such Wednesday, taking the ply of food, groceries and tial services and exempted hospitals handling coron- care workers handling isolation ward at the hospital, al amount immediately to employers who do so that total number of active even medicines severely from the lockdown rules. avirus cases as some of suspected or confirmed officials said. the bank account of each the wages of the employ- cases to 28. As the number hit due to the nationwide E-commerce players like them are facing harass- coronavirus cases and also “He has been kept in the iso- beneficiary as well as ees will be reimbursed by of deaths from around the lockdown, the Central gov- Big Basket and Grofers ment by landlords, neigh- the asymptomatic house- lation ward at the NMCH. We bringing tenant farmers the government within 30 world from the novel coro- ernment on Wednesday complained that their staff bours or locals. hold contacts of the lab- are taking all kind of preven- under the scheme and days of payment,” he navirus stood at 19,246 on announced it is setting up were being stopped from The government sought confirmed cases. tive measures. We now are try- transferring `12,000 to said. Wednesday, and more than a control room to monitor delivering goods and at help from its PSUs, includ- The treatment protocol ing to track all those whom he their accounts in two Congress Chief 427,940 declared cases in the situation. some places even beaten ing DRDO and BEL, in recommended by the has been in touch with after he equal installments. Spokesperson Randeep 181 countries, the Indian The Union home min- up by police. making PPEs (personal ICMR-constituted Nati- returned to Patna from He also sought transfer Singh Surjewala said a government said that it istry also wrote to the Several state govern- protection equipment), onal Task Force for Covid- Gujarat”, State nodal officer of `3,000 into the cash transfer of `7,500 has ramped up its testing state governments asking ments, including Jammu masks etc. Indian Railw- 19 has been approved by for COVID-19, Dr. Ragini accounts of each regis- should be done in every capacity by allowing 29 them to set up round-the- & Kashmir, Andhra Prade- ays’ production units have the Drug Controller Gen- Mishra told this newspaper. tered MNREGA worker. Jan Dhan Account, every private diagnostic chains clock control rooms with a sh, Uttar Pradesh and Ker- already started producing eral of India for restricted On Sunday, a person with a “There will be some PM Kisan Account and that have over 16,000 col- helpline number at its ala, among others, have sanitisers. use in emergency situa- travel history to Qatar died. duplication despite the every Pension Account lection centres to do headquarters and in each announced that ration will Meanwhile, amid coron- tions. In a notification The administration has been de-duplication efforts just like the Nyay scheme Covid-19 testing. Union of its districts to ensure be delivered to people’s avirus outbreak, the gov- issued on Wednesday, the worried about the growing made by seeding Aadhaar promised by Congress. health ministry officials seamless availability of doorstep. Safal, the fruits ernment on Wednesday Directorate General of threat due to the huge migrant in these accounts. There He demanded a relief said that India now can essential commodities and vegetable brand of banned export of anti- Foreign Trade said, “The population returning home. So will be cases where the package for farmers, test 12,000 samples per day. during the 21-day lock- Mother Dairy, announced malarial drug hydroxy- export of hydroxycloro- far 194 samples have been beneficiary received a proper procurement and However, all samples are down period. This came in that all its outlets will cloroquine with immedi- quine and formulations examined, out of which 174 double payment. There fair price for crops, and to be collected as per the wake of reports that open “from 6 am - 2 pm and ate effect to ensure suffi- made from hydroxycloro- were negative while results for will be some mistakes. suspension of all due ICMR norms. those involved in the dis- then 4 pm - 10 pm, in full cient availability of the quine is prohibited with 14 are awaited. Does not matter. Even recoveries from farmers. From several states, tribution and delivery of capacity.” The Central medicine in the domestic immediate effect”. c m y k c m y k EDIT DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 pg 6

26 MARCH 2020 Centre must plan for Subhani Lakshman Rekha inally, India has got into a lockdown fighting Covid-19 pandemic. About 130 crore people have been advised not to get out of their homes except for essentials, as part of the mammoth effort to break Fthe chain of Covid-19 spread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the decision in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, advised people not to breach the Lakshman Rekha for the next 21 days, lest we push the nation back in 21 years of progress. The Prime Minister has also announced a `15,000 crore package to boost the healthcare sector, including training. Mr Modi has assured the nation that the Union government is working with the states to ensure that the supply of essential commodities is not disrupted. The home ministry has followed up on the Prime Minister’s statement with detailed guidelines on how to enforce the lockdown. While whatever the government has announced is welcome, what is left out is worrying. The Lakshman Rekha poses no hazard to those who have assured income but India has about 50 crore daily wage-earners and the Prime Minister was silent on them. Several states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab LETTERS have announced schemes to ensure that they don’t go hungry. But we see no national effort to put in place a comprehensive plan, backed by the All-round approach CORONAVIRUS Union government with its financial muscle, for their well-being during the lock-down period. There are thousands of migrant labourers who have During the lockdown the set out for their homes anticipating the lockdown but are stranded en only thing that brings route with no food, money or transport. We don’t know who will take care information to public is the of them as the Prime Minister’s advice to people is to remain wherever media. Though it is not they are. The industrial sector has been asked not to cut down on salaries vital to fight Covid-19 or wages but has been given no assurance on a help from the government. safe, mediapersons are Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements on easing travelling to places, stay- statutory filings have come as a disappointment; her assurance to come responsive administra- eventuality. As we’ve ing hours together at hos- up with plans later are less than reassuring for the economy. All that we tion began imposing not had any major out- have seen till now from the Union government are pieces of advice to the stricter measures as the break so far, our level of pitals to cover news. people on their conduct. Now, the Centre must come up with its own Rajeev Ahuja situation started to preparedness has not However, many false news action plan. Nations have already done it: The United States has prepared unfold. been tested yet. on the virus is being a $2 trillion economic stimulus package. Britain, another big casualty, has However, there are In Singapore and announced a 330 billion pound programme while France has come up with other experts who dis- South Korea, swift pub- shared online annoying a 45 billion euro booster dose for the economy. Various estimates say agree. They believe the lic health and safety people. Media is playing Covid-19 could bring down India’s GDP by about 0.3 per cent to 0.4 per actual number of cases measures have helped in the role of an intermediary cent, which could impact people at the lowest level of the economic spec- is probably much higher controlling the spread of between governments and trum the most. The states which are in the forefront of the fight against than the reported num- this highly infectious the pandemic have been given no assurance on Central support; many are s the number of national or internation- bers. The low numbers disease. In the Indian people. On the whole, to asking the Centre to at least clear the GST arrears that are due to them. It coronavirus (also al commercial flights, all reported by India may context, an effective know facts media is the is time that the Centre comes up with a definite plan to mitigate the fear Acalled Covid-19) passenger trains have be the result of its test- lockdown along with a best. that more people will die of hunger than of Covid-19 during the lockdown cases rises in India, halted, and no move- ing protocol, which is swift public health and to handhold the economy out of the tough times. we’re conjuring up two ment of people across limiting, and they response should prove K. Manoj Kumar very different scenarios: immigration check- believe that India will effective in containing Huzurabad, Karimnagar one, where India posts. The government see a surge in cases over the disease. becomes the next epicen- has issued detailed the next few days and While the administra- India’s precautionary measures Olympics makes the sacrifice tre of Covid-19, with guidelines on the strict weeks. In their view, tion at all levels has an are steps in the right direction. The dreadful consequences enforcement of the lock- India should be testing important role to play, Centre and state governments are he Tokyo Olympics has bowed to the inevitable in putting off the of unimaginable propor- down. Undoubtedly, the many more cases and the role of the public in doing their best to contain the scheduled July 24 start and picking 2021 as its year. The Covid-19 tion, and the other, lockdown will impose prepare for the worst. complying with the lock- virus, but the big task ahead for the Tpandemic has hit sport’s greatest showpiece that has run once in where India is success- short-term hardships on Indeed, the Indian down simply can’t be world is on how to face an econom- four years from 1896 except during the world wars and embraced multiple fully able to prevent any people at large but it’s Council of Medical overemphasised. As ic slowdown. Our biological and disciplines to best reflect a panorama of competitive sport. Japan may be major outbreak and well worth it. Although Research (ICMR), the with the public, so is life science research institutions paying the heaviest price since it has already spent $10 billion on prepa- earn for itself a big the lockdown is for three apex official body with business establish- should have been proactive to come rations. However, they may not go waste as the Games won’t be aban- applause. Which one of weeks for now, one does- involved in biomedical ments. They need to rise out with a solution for this. doned. Nevertheless, the IOC and its sports federations will suffer a finan- these scenarios will n’t really know for how research in the country, above their narrow com- M. Jeevanand cial blow from delays in TV rights money. Considering how much sport unfold depends on how long it will need to last. has been revising its mercial interests and try Secunderabad at all levels has already sacrificed in suspending or putting off landmark swiftly the country -- Clearly, we are living in testing protocols based to help the country in events like the French Open, the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the which includes the gov- uncertain times. on the learning that is this hour of need. These The nationwide lockdown is the NBA, it is only logical that the biggest event follows suit. “Humanity first, ernment, the people and The novel coronavirus coming from within the are extraordinary times. right thing to do. We need a com- sport later,” said an IPL franchise owner as the cash-rich cricket league, establishments -- is able disease has taken the country and other high- Now is the time to do prehensive plan to ensure senior which holds Indian audiences in its thrall, prepares to postpone or cancel to deal with the emerg- world by storm. Covid-19 risk nations. The ICMR charity and philan- and other vulnerable citizens are altogether the 13th season. Cricket would be seen to be acting selfishly if ing situation. is barely three months has ramped up testing thropy. And there are a not adversely affected. Essential it tries to run a truncated version of its billion-dollar league in 2020. Two Now that Prime old and has already capacity by activating number of ways to do it vegetables and fruits should be sold seasons in 2021 may be possible if the world recovers from the pandemic. Minister Narendra Modi infected over 425,000 per- over 100 government depending on their line on mobile carts at the doorstep to There can be no winner in this battle against Covid-19, only survivors as has placed the entire sons and caused over laboratories with the of business. ensure all citizens remain indoors the world reconciles to deal with the scars the pathogen would leave on country on a three-week 19,000 deaths worldwide. combined capacity to Almost all experts and keep social distance while pro- 21st century civilisation. In an ideal world, even amid a global emergency, lockdown, there is a While the disease in conduct over 10,000 tests agree that Covid-19 is viding livelihood to vendors. live sport may have proved the greatest boon to billions living in isolation high chance that we may China (where it started), a day. Additionally, it yet to peak in India. But Ravi P. at home. But that is not to be and Japan has understood the situation and get away from Covid-19 South Korea and Taiwan has added substantial no one is quite sure in Hyderabad taken the hit in its stride. By simply staying at home, sportspersons, too, relatively lightly. has crossed the peak, the capacity by designating what form or shape it have to contribute to the cause of humanity in this grave hour of crisis. Through this lockdown, infection elsewhere is private labs and fixed a will do so. the government hopes to yet to. We don’t know price ceiling for tests It all depends on how Punjab ministry achieve universal social where the situation may conducted in private seriously we all take the DECCAN CHRONICLE distancing, which is land us. labs. Regardless of the lockdown. toppled seen as vital in cutting In the spread of this difference of opinion, all By acting in unison, we CHANDIGARH, MARCH 25 ADITYA SINHA T. VENKATESWARLU the chain of disease infection, one surprise experts agree on one can cut the chain of The Gurnam Singh Ministry Editor Printer & Publisher transmission. element has been the rel- thing: given India’s frag- transmission and take was today defeated in the Punjab This extreme decision atively low number of ile healthcare system, the steam out of the dis- Vidhan Sabha when the House DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: doesn’t appear to be a Covid-19 cases and disease prevention is its ease. Together, we can rejected the Appropriation Bill knee-jerk reaction. deaths in India thus far: only weapon. A delay in defeat Covid-19, which 1970 by 44 votes to 22. Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad - 500 003, Ph: 040-27803930-4; Fax : 040-27805256 we must. Vijayawada: No.C-3 & 4 Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.), Ph: 0866- Sunday’s “janata cur- India has reported 512 the onset of Covid-19 and Thirty-five Akali MLAs belong- 2555284/2555287; Telefax: 0866-2555234 few” seems to have been cases so far, including its relatively slow pro- But fighting Covid-19 is ing to Sant Visakhapatnam: Survey No.1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, a prelude to preparing nine deaths (these fig- gression in the country only one of the battles Fateh Singh Visakhapatnam - 530 017 (A.P), Ph: 0891-2552333/2552334; Fax: 0891-2755285 the public for the total ures may rise by the has given the adminis- that lie ahead. Shoring group, 50 YEARS AGO IN Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawaleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry, Ph: 0883-2417618/2417208; Telefax: 0883- lockdown, which was in time this article is pub- tration a golden opportu- up the Indian economy, seven Jan 2417208 the making as there lished). Even Iceland, nity to not only ramp up badly bruised by Covid- Sangh mem- Anantapur: Thapovan colony, Bangalore By-Pass Road, Anantapur - 515004, Ph: 08554-276903; Fax: were some hints to it in with a population of its testing capacity but 19, is another battle that bers and 08554-276904 Mr Modi’s first public only 370,000, has report- also prepare for any pos- has to be fought later. two CPM members voted against Karimnagar: Survey No.1341, Vavilalapally Colony, Jagityala Road, Karimnagar - 505 001, Ph: 0878- sible outbreak. The This will probably last 2228908; Telefax: 0878-2220433 address on coronavirus ed a higher number of the Appropriation Bill. Nellore: Survey No.527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemmudugunta Panchayat, Nellore, on Thursday evening. cases! administration has much longer and Eighteeen Akali MLAs includ- Ph: 0861-2348581/82; Telefax: 0861-2348580 The lockdown has Experts are divided in ramped up quarantine require a far more con- ing the Chief Minister, Mr. Chennai: SP-3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032, Ph: 044-22254747/ 48/50/51; brought the entire coun- their views. Some facilities and kept isola- certed effort together Gurnam Singh, one PSP, one Advt Fax: 22254765/22254766/42305325 try to a complete stand- attribute the low num- tion wards ready, consti- with the rest of the SSO and one Swatantra and one Bengaluru: 5th Floor, BMTC Commercial Complex, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala, Bengaluru-560 095 Ph: still. Except for the pro- bers to the early intro- tuted rapid response world. Rebel Akali member ( Mr. 080-43460500; Fax: 080-22960552. duction, movement/dis- duction of border teams, deputed addition- Kapoor Singh) voted in favour of Coimbatore: 77, Vivekananda Road, Ramnagar, Coimbatore - 641 009, Ph : 0422 2231255 tribution and sale of cer- restrictions (even before al secretaries/joint sec- the Appropriation Bill. Kochi: No.3-B, 3rd Floor of DD TRADE TOWER, Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road, Ernakulam, Ph: 0484- tain essential goods and any positive case was retaries for a coordinat- (The writer is a devel- The Congress (R), which has a 4039408 opment economist, for- Thiruvananthapuram: St Joseph�s Press, TC 15/1040, Cotton Hill, Thycaud (PO), Thiruvananthapuram services, there is a total reported in India), the ed response at the state strength of 28, the four-member 695 014 ban on all other activi- imposition of quaran- level, and has not shied merly with the Bill and CPI group and one member of Kozhikode: Door No 6/1002 E, First Floor of City Mall, Opp. YMCA, Kannur Road, Kozhikode - 673 ties, including on the tine rules, and active away from partnering Melinda Gates the SSP ( Mr. Balbir Singh) did 001, Fax : 0495 4019 018 outdoor movement of tracing of contacts. with the private sector Foundation and the not participate in the voting. Gram: CHRONICLE Postal registration no: No. H/SD-348/2006-08 people. There are no Further, the alert and a in preparing for any World Bank)

he global coronavirus crisis important to keep in view the lim- driven by domestic political calcu- dential election. Nevertheless, the longer the has understandably over- its of the Doha agreement. This is lations rather than any strategic Several questions are raised by delay in starting intra-Afghan Tshadowed the international indicated by its purposively vague thinking. It enables him to deliver these developments. Will the start negotiations the greater the risk of endorsement earlier this month of nature in some respects and the on his pledge to disengage America of the US drawdown mount enough the peace plan mapped out at Doha the Doha agreement between the obvious fact that it excluded the from an “endless war”. pressure on Mr Ghani and Mr being derailed and the country Maleeha United States and the Afghan Afghan government with whom This implies that his determina- Abdullah to reconcile their differ- descending into political chaos. Taliban. Washington signed a separate dec- tion to pull out of Afghanistan ences and agree on a common nego- While Covid-19 will impose obvi- Lodhi On March 10 the UN Security laration. appears to have priority over tiating team for intra-Afghan ous limits on diplomatic efforts, Mr Council unanimously adopted a The crux of the Doha agreement whether the negotiating process is talks? Khalilzad has used it to press the resolution welcoming the agree- is Washington’s commitment to a able to yield enduring peace. From How engaged will the US be at urgency of resolving the prisoners' ment as a significant step “towards total but phased withdrawal in the Doha agreement and Mr this time to press the Afghan par- dispute.Yet despite his prolonged ending the war and opening the return for the Taliban’s commit- Trump’s statements it seems that ties to compromise, preoccupied as stay in Kabul, he has been unable door to intra-Afghan negotiations”. ment to prevent Afghanistan’s soil the US may even be prepared to it is, like other countries, with so far, to overcome the impasse on This marked an important develop- from being used by terrorists and contemplate leaving Afghanistan tackling the coronavirus emer- both the prisoners issue and paral- ment as it conferred international agreeing to intra-Afghan talks. The without any meaningful long-term gency? Will a prolonged hiatus in lel governments. For Pakistan it is The endgame legitimacy on the agreement rest consists of aspirational goals commitment. At the declaratory peace talks unravel efforts to end imperative to accurately anticipate signed in Qatar on February 29. and timelines, with the Afghan par- level, Washington will continue to the war especially if there is a the likely scenarios that may But other developments have been ties left with the responsibility to assert that the drawdown is condi- renewal of significant violence? evolve and be ready with a whole- far more consequential for the negotiate a ceasefire and a political tions-based until full implementa- For now, Mr Ghani seems intent of-government approach to in Afghanistan peace process, already at a stand- settlement to end the war. tion of the agreement, but on using the prisoners issue as respond to them. This exercise still following a series of setbacks. The intra-Afghan talks assumes President Trump is hardly likely to leverage to strengthen his hand should neither be guided by wish- The inability to start intra- their progress but does not indicate change his long-held view that with Washington and press Mr ful nor short-term thinking. looks Afghan talks slated for March 10, when they are to conclude. It also Afghanistan is a quagmire from Abdullah to back down and accept The best-case scenario of course deadlock over the prisoners’ does not specify when the new which an exit, not staying on, is the him as the legitimate President. is that the principal parties adhere release issue and the rival inaugu- Islamic government is to be formed best course. Disagreement over the This brinkmanship, against the to the agreement, work to reduce ration ceremonies of the Afghan — within the 14-month period com- prisoners’ release, which the backdrop of parallel governments violence and defeat the machina- uncertain President on March 9 — all under- mitted for the drawdown of US Taliban insist is a prerequisite for and regional leaders lining up with tions of domestic and regional line how fraught the post-Doha sit- forces or after? commencement of a dialogue, has one or other side, risks further spoilers even if the timelines uation has turned out to be. This As many analysts have pointed become the immediate obstacle in destabilising the situation and change and stated positions are raises serious questions about the out, for US President Donald the peace process. But a bigger imperilling the peace process. modified in order to make the future of the peace process as Trump the agreement to bring challenge is the political crisis Meanwhile, the Taliban, while arrangement work. envisaged by the Doha accord. troops home ahead of the sparked by the clash between renewing attacks on government (The writer is a former Pakistani While considering the ramifica- American presidential election Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah forces, have sought to demonstrate ambassador to the US and the UN) tions of these developments it is (less than eight months away) is Abdullah over the disputed presi- that they are sticking to their deal. By arrangement with Dawn NATION DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 pg 7

IN BRIEF Touch me not GOVT TO SUPPLY INDIA CONDEMNS WHEAT AT `2, ATTACK ON RICE AT `3 GURUDWARA MADHUSUDAN SAHOO | DC DC CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 with agency inputs NEW DELHI/KABUL, MARCH 25 Given the massive short- age of basic food items India on Wednesday “strongly like rice and wheat due condemned the heinous terror to the complete lock- attack on a Gurudwara in down following the spre- Kabul” in which several peo- ad of coronavirus across ple have been reportedly killed India, the government and said it “stands ready to on Wednesday decided extend all possible assistance to supply wheat at `2 per to the affected families of the kg, and rice at `3 per kg Hindu and Sikh community of to aam aadmi through- Afghanistan”. out the country. Commending the valour of Also, to ensure suffi- the Afghan security forces cient supply during the who fought the terrorists, New 21-day lockdown, the Delhi said “such cowardly government decided to attacks on the places of reli- increase the monthly gious worship of the minority quota of subsidised foo- community, especially at this dgrains by 2 kg to 7 kg time of Covid-19 pandemic, is per person through rati- reflective of the diabolical on shops for 80 crore mindset of the perpetrators beneficiaries. In another and their backers”. The use of decision, the govern- the word “backers” is being ment also approved seen as a veiled indication by `1,340 crore for the reca- India towards Pakistan pitalisation of regional although the Pakistan-backed rural banks, in which a Taliban has denied it carried `670cr share will come out the attack. from the Central govern- The MEA said, “We convey ment. our sincerest condolences to These decisions were the immediate family mem- taken by the Cabinet bers of the deceased and wish Committee on Economic speedy recovery to the injured. Affairs, headed by Pri- India stands ready to extend me Minister Narendra all possible assistance to the Modi. Announcing the affected families of the Hindu world’s largest food and Sikh community of security programme for Afghanistan.” the poor, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre is hopeful MIZORAM TO that the subsidised sche- me will benefit around BAN TRADE 80 crore people under the public distribution OF DOG MEAT system across the coun- Stranded passengers wait in a queue maintaining social distancing at SRTC bus terminal during a 21-day lockdown in Jammu on Wednesday imposed in the wake of coronavirus try and it would be given MANOJ ANAND | DC pandemic. The authorities in J&K on Wednesday decided to toughen restrictions as the number of Covid-19 patients went up with four more persons testing positive. — PTI at concessional rates for GUWAHATI, MARCH 25 the next three months.

When the world is facing a pandemic believed to have been caused by the trade in wild animals like the bat for consumption, the frontier State not in loop, state of Mizoram has taken Kerala shuts liquor outlets, lead to end the trade of dog meat by amending the law to remove the dogs from defini- says Mamata tion of animals suitable for slaughter. mulls online delivery option RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC ations or not.” Welcoming the decision of KOLKATA, MARCH 25 Banerjee added, “We the legislators to amend the will again give some law, an NGO — Humane All 265 outlets run by the govt-owned beverages corporation to remain shut Within 24 hours of Prime relaxations if we find Society International, India Minister Narendra nothing available to said, “The Mizoram Assembly DC CORRESPONDENT `14,504.67 cr. Modi’s announcement of households. In that case has amended the law unani- with agency inputs The Opposition parties, a 21-day curfew-like total relaxations can be grant- mously by passing the Animal THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, IMA and activists had 9 new cases in Kerala; no new lockdown across India to ed. It will be decided on Slaughter Bill 2020. We would MARCH 25 sought a complete shut- tackle Covid-19 pandemic, March 31 when we will also like to urge the govern- down of bars and liquor West Bengal Chief review the situation. ment of Mizoram to ban the Following mounting pres- outlets in the state in view Minister Mamata Daily monitoring and cruel and illegal dog meat sure from the society and of the coronavirus spread. case from worst-hit Kasargod Banerjee has accused the review are underway. We trade in the state.” in view of the serious Meanwhile, the Left par- Centre of not informing may grant more relax- The consumption of dogs is threat posed by the Covid- ties on Wednesday DC CORRESPONDENT ● THERE CASES were The ration shops will her government before ations on March 31 if also prohibited under India’s 19 pandemic, the Kerala slammed the government THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, reported from Ernakulam, remain open from 9 am to imposing it. there will be any improve- food safety regulations. Howe- government on Wednes- over its “failure” to intro- MARCH 25 two each from Palakkad 5 pm as against the rou- Warning the Centre of ment in the situation. We ver, this is poorly enforced and day finally decided to shut duce “concrete measures” tine timing of 9 am to 2 her government’s powers are not divulging every- thousands of dogs each year all liquor outlets in the to deal with the coron- Nine persons were tested and Pathanamthitta and pm. to grant relaxations dur- thing right now because it are illegally captured from the state. avirus pandemic and ques- positive for Covid-19 in one each from Kozhikode The government in asso- ing the lockdown, she depends on how the dis- streets or stolen from their There are 265 outlets run tioned why an economic Kerala on Wednesday tak- and Idukki respectively. ciation with the local bod- allowed the farmers, veg- ease is spreading daily.” homes, stuffed into gunny by the government-owned package had not yet been ing the total number of ies will ensure cooked etable vendors, labourers Her stand, however, in bags with their mouth stitched Beverages Corporation announced for the poor. cases to 118 in the state. high level review meeting, food and other essential and home delivery boys sharp contrast to initia- or tied, and transported over and 36 rub by Consum- In an open letter to the There cases were report- Chief Minister Pinarayi items for people who are in the state on Wednesday tives by two icons from many days to Mizoram and erfed. All these outlets will Prime Minister, CPI(M) ed from Ernakulam, two Vijayan said the govern- under home quarantine. afternoon to work with the city who came for- Nagaland. remain shut for the entire general secretary Sitaram each from Palakkad and ment would bring an ordi- Ward level committees “passes” for their free ward to help her govern- The Humane Society 21 day lockout period. Yechury said his govern- Pathanamthitta and one nance to take stringent will identify homes where movements. ment for the quarantine International-India which was The state government is ment has taken no meas- each from Kozhikode and measures against those the marginalised sections The Trinamul Congress of the Covid-19 patients. also the member of the State considering the sale of ures to assist poor Idukki respectively. Four violating the restrictions. including the elderly peo- supremo also demanded While BCCI president Animal Welfare Board of liquor bottles online and migrants who are most came from Dubai, one per- The ordinance seeks to ple, differently abled, that the Centre give a spe- Sourav Ganguly has Mizoram, has been working to is contemplating changes hurt by the sudden lock- son is from UK and one make an amendment in transgender live, to make cial package, worth `1,500 offered the famous crick- end the dog meat trade in to the existing liquor poli- down and a large number from France. Three con- the Epidemic Diseases Act sure they also get regular crore to West Bengal and et stadium: Eden Mizoram since 2016. cy to facilitate online of them are stranded with- tracted the infection by including the provision food supply and essentials. similar ones to other Gardens, industrialist sales. The Kerala govern- out food or shelter. through contact including of two years imprison- Vijayan said two months states to meet the crisis. Harsh Neotia offered a ment said that it had “It is very disappointing one taxi driver who got it ment and `10,000 fine for welfare pension will be Governor Jagdeep palatial resort: Ffort ‘WB CANDIDATES refused to shut down liq- that no concrete measures from a French tourist in those who violate the disbursed from March 27. Dhankhar slammed her Raichak, run by his uor outlets as the decision have been announced so Ernakuam. instructions given by the As many as 54 lakh people attack on the Centre. group, at Diamond GOT THEIR RS would lead to the flow of far to provide relief to the Six Covid-19 patients government. Individual will receive the benefit. At the state secretariat: Harbour in South 24 illicit liquor into the state. poor and the needy, and to who were under treatment departments will be The government will Nabanna, she said, “The Parganas for the purpose. CERTIFICATES’ Shutting down bars and alleviate the suffering of in the state have been test- empowered to take action expedite the process of lockdown was enforced Lambasting Banerjee, ban on local brew (arrack) those who need urgent ed negative. as per the amended rule. setting up 1,000 hotels according to the National the Governor in the RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC in the past have led to help at this moment to sur- There was no positive Meanwhile , the special which will provide meals Disaster Act which never evening stated that the KOLKATA, MARCH 25 hooch tragedies in the vive the lockdown. case from Kasargod on cabinet meeting on at `20. happened earlier. The preparations have been in state. Also, closure of bars “How will they (migr- Wednesday which has Wednesday decided to pro- The meals will be home state government was not place after the PM’s call Uncontested victory by all of in 2015 had led to an ants) reach safe spaces? reported the highest num- vide all ration card hold- delivered to people. The informed while imposing on March 24 for a total the five candidates, including increase in substance How will they survive ber of confirmed cases in ers at least 15 kg of rice Chief Minister said there this Act. So we also could lockdown. four from the Trinamul abuse in the state. without money or food the state at 45, which has free for a month in the would be no shortage of not give our opinions He said, “Concerns of Congress, in the Rajya Sabha Apart from hooch and with reports of police come as a big relief. wake of Covid-19 scare. food grains as the FCI has about the state of affairs. all have been taken care Election in West Bengal have tragedies, the state gov- harassment too?,” he said As on Wednesday 76,542 People belonging to the informed that their 25 We have to abide by it of. I appeal all concerned made their voting redundant. ernment was also con- in the letter. CPI general are under surveillance of Below Poverty line catego- godowns in the state have since the Central govern- to disable their political The RS poll was earlier sched- cerned about the revenue. secretary D Raja said which 76010 persons are ry will receive their usual stocks for eight months. ment has done it. While antennas for this crisis uled on Thursday. The government was while he appreciated that under home quarantine. quota of 35 kg of food The primary health cen- doing so, the state also period and take respite On Wednesday Assembly reluctant to close bars, it was difficult for the gov- So far 12 Covid - 19 grains, 28 kg of rice and 7 tres and family health cen- has some authority on from political mileage. Speaker Biman Banerjee told retail outlets as it is a ernment to fight this epi- patients have completely kg of wheat. All house- tres have been directed to relaxations and excep- We all need to be in one this newspaper, “The RS polls major source of income. demic, the lack of wide- recovered in the state. holds in the state will ensure uninterrupted sup- tions. It depends on the mission mode and avoid here will not be held and the During 2018-19, the gov- scale testing could harm At a press conference receive “good quality” free ply of medicines to the situation in which cases either side or any side election process is totally ernment sold liquor worth the country. here after presiding over a rice for a month. people. we will impose relax- any blame game.” closed because the five candi- dates have been elected since there were no other contest- ants. They were given their WHAT | TIMING Comedians are reconnecting with fans online to spread cheer in the time of Covid-19 outbreak certificates on March 18 on the direction of the Election Commission. The assembly secretary, who is the returning officer also for the RS polls, Jokes to rescue: Comedians connect via social media told me that he got the instruc- tions from the EC to issue the New Delhi, March 25: A video on Monday was to do thing as correct as possi- ● WOMEN COMEDIANS day, ranging from washing Sahil, best known for wait for them to laugh due certificates to the winners.” cure for coronavirus may something instead of stay- ble. This time didn’t really feel that they suffered hands to working from comic group East India to the transmission lag. The Trinamul had fielded still take a while but ing stuck at home. take that pressure. People more as a lot of shows home, but in a fun way to Comedy, was planning to It’s quiet weird waiting for four candidates: Subrata armed with sharp jokes, “We don’t know when is are like ‘give us some- encourage people to stay finally release his special, the response.” “I timed one Bakshi, Dinesh Trivedi, quick rebuttals and topical the next time we get to go thing. Anything will work they get during the healthy and stay home. “Thak Life” after two stand-up with the ‘Janata Arpita Ghosh and Mausam observations, Indian on the stage. I have a lot of at this time’,”he added. Women’s Day week But joking on coronavirus years and go on tour. He curfew’ so that when my Benazir Noor who won uncon- stand-up comics are trying new jokes and thoughts A cancellation of shoot- were cancelled. right now doesn’t always has been doing live stand- set got over, it was like all tested after filing their nomi- to calm and entertain peo- that I would rather put on ings was followed by go down well with some up shows via Google of them were clapping for nations as they did not face ple via social media in YouTube because the quar- stand-up gigs being called women comedians suf- people, the “Comicstaan 2” Hangouts from home for me,” he said with a laugh. any contest from the opposi- what appears to be a long antine came at a time that off, one after another. The fered more as a lot of the judge said. past two weeks. “I reached Sahil wants to do such vir- tion parties. period of self-isolation. it didn’t allow us to shoot plug was pulled on over shows they get during the “I put out some funny to my fans and asked them tual shows more often and It also decided to support its Comedians Karunesh much,” he said. 1,000 shows in the comedy Women’s Day week were tweets on this and I got to post why they should be so does Sorabh. Sorabh former MLA Dinesh Bajaj as Talwar, Neeti Palta, Sahil The comic said it was a scene across the country, cancelled because of the flak for that. The point was a part of this show. I then said with tours and shows an independent candidate who Shah, Sorabh Pant and “bummer” when the as per Karunesh. “My tour, ongoing health crisis. “On to laugh. I’m not making sent a mail to them, added gone for a toss for at least filed his nomination to contest Sumaira Shaikh, all shoots were called off but which was due to begin March 8 itself, I was sup- fun of those who are suf- 10-20 people and went two months, doing some for the fifth and final seat known for their quick-wit- the thought of not being April 23, alone had 35 posed to have three shows. fering, but people don’t get ahead with it. It actually Instagram Live or releas- against CPI(M) leader and for- ted, observational able to perform for people, shows. That has been can- But I could only do one,” it. It’s better to joke about turned out to be way better ing stand-up bits on mer Kolkata Mayor Bikash humour, are reconnecting especially during such try- celled. There was a spon- she said. “I think (comic) it now as it’s needed and as than I expected. The 10 YouTube is the way to go. Ranjan Bhattacharyya, who with fans online to spread ing times, was unbearable. sorship deal I was consid- Sumukhi Suresh also did by the time this gets over, people who came on “I released one video was jointly fielded by the Left some much needed cheer “I thought I don’t know ering with a brand that an Instagram Live saying all the content will be Hangouts sort of became recently, I’ll plan to put out and Congress. But Bajaj’s in the time of Covid-19 out- when I’ll get to interact obviously suffered. So how this virus is patriar- passe and old,” she said, friends, they even created stuff weekly. So this is a nomination, filed at the last break. Karunesh, who is with people again. But I there was a lot of money chal as it got so many of adding she ensures that a WhatsApp group.” But, way in which we can make moment, was cancelled as a selective about sharing had some footage from that I would have loved to our shows cancelled,” she follows development the comic said there are a people happy. I’m also scrutiny found his affidavit content on social media, four old shows and I have to make. But it didn’t Neeti quipped. The come- around Covid-19 and asks few challenges. “I had to planning to do piece to having no signature and seal said the idea behind put- thought I’ve been too con- happen,” he added. dian said she has been put- people to not fall for fake talk a little slower for my camera stories on quaran- of a magistrate. ting a ‘Random Jokes’ cerned with making every- According to Neeti, ting up new content every- news. voice to reach to them and tine,” he said. — PTI WORLD DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 pg 8

IN BRIEF Third positive Covid vaccine: 5k sign Beijing, March 25: Arou- ence 14-day quarantine re- case in Nepal nd 5,000 people have sign- strictions after being vac- ed up for the phase I clini- cinated and their health LOCKDOWN TAKEN Kathmandu: Nepal has repo- cal trial of recombinant condition will be recorded rted its third Covid-19 case in novel Covid-19 vaccine in every day. Chinese scien- OFF FROM VIRUS a 32-year-old man who retur- Chinese city Wuhan whe- tists are hastening the de- ned from Qatar as the gove- re the virus first emerged velopment of Covid-19 EPICENTRE WUHAN rnment has announced a late last year. vaccines through five app- week-long nationwide lock- The recruitment for par- roaches — inactivated va- Beijing, March 25: Chi- down to battle the pandemic. ticipants ended this week ccines, genetic engineeri- na on Wednesday downgr- The man had returned home with nearly 5,000 volunte- ng subunit vaccines, aden- aded the risk level of the on March 19, according to ers signing up for the tri- ovirus vector vaccines, Covid-19 in its epicentre Health Ministry officials. “Our al, state-run Beijing News nucleic acid vaccines and Wuhan from high to medi- laboratory confirmed the reported on Wednesday. A vaccines using attenuated um and resumed bus serv- positive case yesterday single-centre, open and influenza virus as vectors. ices within the city for the night,” National Public Health dose-escalation phase I cli- So far, most teams are first time since the nine- Laboratory spokesperson nical trial for recombina- expected to complete prec- week lockdown even as a Rajesh Kumar Gupta said. nt novel Covid-19 vaccine linical research in April new study said thousands (adenoviral vector) will be and some are moving for- of positive cases there tested in healthy adults ward faster, Wang Junzhi, may have gone under the Iran to ban aged between 18 and 60 an academician with the radar. China has decided years, according to the Chinese Academy of Eng- to lift the three-month intercity travel ChiCTR (China Clinical ineering said. Wang noted lockdown on more than 56 Tehran: Iran will ban intercity Trial Register). that research and develop- million people in Hubei travel within days as it finally The trial, led by experts ment of Covid-19 vaccines province. However, the gets tough with the Covid-19 from the Academy of Mili- in China is not slower lockdown of Hubei's capi- that has killed more than tary Medical Sciences, than foreign counterparts tal Wuhan will end on 2,000 people. The strict me- gained its approval on Ma- and has been carried out April 8. — PTI asures come after cajoling rch 16 and the research is in a scientific, standardis- largely failed to prevent Iran- expected to last half a ed and orderly way. ians taking to the roads to year. Requiring at least China has stepped up Wednesday. But there visit family for the Persian 108 participants, the trial the process to finalise vac- were another 47 imported New Year holiday. “Leaving will be conducted in Wuh- cines to counter Covid-19 infections from overseas, towns and cities will be ban- an, capital of Hubei provi- after Kaiser Permanente the National Health Com- An man is treated in a hospital after a gunman stormed a religious gathering of Afghanistan’s minority Sikhs at a ned," government spokesm- nce, the region worst-affe- research facility in Seattle mission said. In total, 474 gurdwara in Kabul on Wednesday. — AP/PTI an Ali Rabii announced, hou- cted by the virus in the and Washington stole the imported infections have rs after President Hassan Ro- country, state-run China march and began human been diagnosed in China -- uhani revealed the govern- Daily reported. trials. China reported no mostly Chinese nationals ment was poised to intro- Participants will experi- new domestic cases on returning home. — PTI duce “difficult” measures. S. Africa cases 25 killed, eight hurt in rise to 709 At 3,434, Spain toll Johannesburg: South Africa reported that its number of Kabul gurdwara attack confirmed cases of the novel overtakes China’s Covid-19 jumped to 709 on Wednesday from 554 the Madrid, March 25: Spa- ● THE NUMBER of IS claims responsibility; suicide bomber gunned down previous day, an increase of in’s Covid-19 death toll deaths around the world 28 percent. South Africa, overtook that of China on Kabul, March 25: At WE STRONGLY Mujahid said in a state- Sikh worship area in PD1 which now has the highest Wednesday, rising to 3,434 from the novel Covid-19 least 25 worshippers were ment that the militant of Kabul. A number of numbers of infections on the after 738 people died over cases stood at 19,246 killed and eight others condemn the terror group had no link with the people have been rescued continent, has ordered a 21- the past 24 hours, the gov- on Wednesday. injured when a heavily attacks in Afghanistan attack in Shor Bazar area who were trapped inside yesterday. They are an day lockdown which rolls ernment said. ● armed suicide bomber of Kabul. Photos from the the building,” said Inte- into action at midnight on Across the world, only MORE THAN 427,940 stormed his way into a attack on Afghanistan's blast scene showed securi- rior Ministry spokesman Thursday. “Right now we Italy now has a higher de- cases have been regis- prominent gurdwara on multicultural fabric. My ty forces carrying wound- Tariq Arian. have actually increased from ath toll than that of Spa- tered in 181 countries PRINCE CHARLES Wednesday in the heart of thoughts are with the ed people away on stretch- Afghan President Ashraf yesterday, we are now at in. In China, where the vi- and territories since the Afghanistan’s capital of bereaved families. ers. Some Afghan media Ghani condemned the 709 cases,” Health Minister rus emerged late last year, epidemic first emerged TESTS POSITIVE, Kabul, in one of the dead- outlets shared videos of attack on the gurdwara, Zweli Mkhize said in an inter- 3,281 people have died. in China in December. liest attacks on the minor- — NARENDRA MODI the family members of TOLOnews reported. “The view on the state broadcast- The spiralling number of ity Sikh community in the victims waiting outside a attack on the religious er SABC. deaths came as Spain SELF ISOLATING strife-torn country. Indian Prime Minister city hospital in tears. sites shows the extreme entered the 11th day of an ry’s emergencies coordin- The Islamic State (IS) Police in Kabul said that weakness of the enemy, unprecedented lockdown ator Fernando Simon London, March 25: terror group, which has ried out by four terrorists. at least 11 children were religious sites should not Pak suspends to try and rein in the said. Health authorities Britain’s Prince Charles targeted Sikhs before in The terrorist group issued rescued from the gurdwa- be vulnerable to attacks Covid-19 epidemic that are hoping it will soon be- has tested positive for Afghanistan, claimed res- a statement confirming ra. Sikh lawmaker Narde- and violence,” it quoted domestic flights has now infected 47,610 come clear whether the the novel Covid-19 after ponsibility for the attack that its members carried ndar Singh Khalsa told Ghani as saying. The pres- Islamabad: Pakistan has sus- people, the health min- lockdown is having the he displayed “mild sym- on the gurdwara in Shor out the attack on Sikhs in reporters that up to 150 pe- ident’s spokesperson desc- pended all domestic flight istry said. As the authori- desired effect. The Madr- ptoms” and is now self- Bazar area at about 07:45 Kabul city, Khaama Press ople were praying inside ribed the attack as “yet operations until April 2 to ties stepped up testing, id region has suffered the isolating, his office said (local time) as 150 worshi- News Agency reported. the gurdwara when it another heartless, coward- curb the spread of the novel the number of cases sho- brunt of the epidemic on Wednesday. ppers were inside the bui- TOLOnews, quoting sour- came under attack. Khal- ly terrorist attack on a wo- Covid-19 after the country wed a 20 per cent increase with 14,597 infections — The 71-year-old heir to lding. “Unfortunately, 25 ces in the Afghan govern- sa, the only representative rshipping place in Kabul. reported over 1,000 cases on the figures for Tuesd- just under a third of the the British throne is self- civilians were killed and ment, blamed the dreaded of the Sikh community in The Afghan government and seven deaths from the ay, while the death toll total — and 1,825 deaths, isolating in Scotland eight others injured,” the Haqqani group for the att- Afghanistan said he recei- strongly condemns today’s infection, authorities said on showed a 27 per cent rise or 53 per cent of the with wife Camilla, Duc- Ministry of Interior said ack. The Pakistan-based ved a call from a worship- senseless attack on Wednesday. The nationwide over the same period. national figure. With hos- hess of Cornwall, who in a tweet on the attack Haqqani group, designat- per inside the gurdwara, Dharamsala Sikh temple. tally of patients touched Despite the national loc- pitals on the brink of col- has tested negative for carried out by a gunman, ed by the US as a banned informing him about the Our hearts go out to the 1,037 with 413 cases in kdown imposed on March lapse from the surge in the deadly virus which who was killed by Afghan terror outfit, has conduct- attack. “I rushed over to families of the victims of Sindh; 115 in Balochistan; 296 14, which is to be extend- patients, troops have set has claimed 422 lives in special forces. ed several deadly attacks help. There were about 150 this heinous act”. in Punjab; 117 in Khyber ed until April 11, both de- up a massive field hospi- the UK. It said 80 people stranded inside Afghanistan. worshippers inside the gu- Former president of Pakhtunkhwa; 80 in Gilgit- aths and infections have tal in Madrid’s IFEMA “The Prince of Wales inside the gurdwara were Earlier, the country’s rdwara at the time of the Afghanistan Hamid Kar- Baltistan; 15 in Islamabad continued to mount, with exhibition centre which has tested positive for rescued by the security main militant group, the attack,” he was quoted as zai strongly condemned and one in Pakistan-occu- officials warning this currently has 1,500 beds Covid-19,” the Clarence forces. Earlier, the Afghan Taliban, denied their invo- saying by the official Bak- the attack on the gurdw- pied Kashmir. The National week would be particular- but which could be House statement read. media reported that the lvement in the attack on htar News Agency. ara and expressed his con- Disaster Management ly bad. “We are approach- expanded to take in up to “He has been displaying attack that lasted for the gurdwara. Taliban sp- “Afghan forces have dolences to the victims’ Authority has said that so far ing the peak,” the minist- 5,500 people. — AFP mild symptoms but oth- about six hours was car- okesperson Zabiullah cleared the first floor of a families. — PTI seven people have died after erwise remains in good falling prey to Covid-19 and health and has been wor- 18 recovered. Abdul Sattar king from home throug- ● MORE THAN three Khokhar, the spokesman of hout the last few days as billion people have Aviation Division, said that usual,” it notes. been asked to stay the decision was part of Diamond Princess In keeping with social US agrees on $2 trillion home in almost 70 ongoing efforts to contain distancing advice duri- the virus. The ban will be ng the pandemic, Charl- countries and territo- effective from Thursday, leaves Yokohama es has been noticeably ries as governments Khokhar said. using ‘namaste’ as a gre- rescue for economy battle the pandemic Yokohama, March 25: how many crew members eting rather than a han- sweeping the globe. The Diamond Princess, a were onboard. dshake when seen in pu- Washington, March 25: ● Covid-19-hit cruise ship The departure ends the blic over the last few we- The Senate and White TRUMP’S OWN BUSINESS IS IN PERIL THE UNITED Nations off Japan that saw 712 ship’s troubled two-mon- eks, including during an House have reached agre- on Wednesday ETHIOPIA TO passengers and crew con- th stay in Yokohama whe- event to mark the Com- ement on a $2 trillion sti- Washington, March 25: States, Scotland and Irel- launched a $2 billion tracting the disease with re passengers on the luxu- monwealth Day on Mar- mulus package for the US As if presiding over the and are under pressure to global humanitarian RELEASE 10 deaths, left its moor- ry cruise were abruptly ch 9 at Marlborough Ho- economy and millions of threatened destruction of close, and his cherished response plan to fund ings in Yokohama Wedne- told to remain inside the- use in London. His wife Americans ravaged by the the US economy by the “Southern White House” the fight against the sday, a city official said. ir small cabins for two- Camilla, 72, was seen we- Covid-19 crisis, top lawm- Covid-19 pandemic is not — the beach-front Mar-a- PRISONERS The ship, which origina- week quarantine from aring long black gloves akers said Wednesday. “At enough, President Donald Lago club in Palm Beach, Covid-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, March 25: Eth- lly carried some 3,700 pas- February 5, except for during the same event. last, we have a deal,” Sen- Trump is watching anoth- Florida is shuttered. Like the world’s poorest iopia announced Wednesday it sengers and crew membe- brief exercise time. “The Duchess of Corn- ate Majority Leader Mitch er financial drama: The other hotels around the countries, warning that would free thousands of inma- rs, dominated internatio- The ship arrived off Yo- wall has also been tested McConnell said, hailing Trump Organisation hot- country, Trump’s have it is threatening the tes from the country’s overcro- nal headlines as Japan's kohama on February 3, af- but does not have the vi- the massive “wartime el, golf course and real es- been forced to lay off most entire human race. wded prisons in a bid to curb clumsy handling of its ter a former passenger rus. In accordance with level of investment into tate business that made workers and face the fact the spread of the Covid-19. quarantine made it at one left the ship in Hong Kong the government and me- our nation” reached after him a billionaire. His five- that the $435 million in ● RUSSIAN PRESI- Attorney General Adanech point the biggest cluster and tested positive for the dical advice, the Prince five days of arduous and star US and Canada hotels revenues that the Trump DENT Vladimir Putin Abebe told state media the me- of Covid-19 carriers out- virus. Tokyo claimed its and the Duchess are now tense negotiations. with more than 2,200 roo- Organisation reported in said Wednesday the asure would apply to more side China. quarantine was effective, self-isolating at home in “We have a bipartisan ms are mostly empty, his 2018 is likely to plummet public vote on his con- than 4,000 prisoners, many of “Disinfection work has but passengers, crew me- Scotland,” the Clarence agreement on the largest golf courses in the United this year. — AFP whom are locked up for “petty been finished. Quaranti- mbers, and physicians House said. rescue package in Ameri- stitutional reforms crimes” and drug offences or ne confirmed that the who examined the ship The Royals were tested can history,” top Senate must be postponed due have less than a year remaini- work has been finished,” reported shortcomings, on Monday after they Democrat Chuck Schumer know what their future is House of Representatives to the Covid-19 and ng on their sentences. a Yokohama city official such as inadequate prote- had flown out to Scotl- said shortly after McCon- going to be like, how are still need to pass the legis- declared next week a “4,011 prisoners have been gi- said. “It is leaving the ction for quarantine offi- and in a jet on Sunday nell spoke. “So many peo- they going to pay the lation before sending it to public holiday. “I ven pardons,” Adanech said, pier” around 0500 GMT, cials. The number of new and the royal couple ple are being put out of bills,” Schumer added. President Donald Trump believe the voting must adding that the releases would he said, without revealing infections soared daily. have remained there work through no fault of “Well, we come to their for his signature. be postponed to a later begin Thursday. Conditions in where it was heading or — AFP since then. — PTI their own. They don’t rescue.” The Senate and — AFP Ethiopia’s prisons are “harsh date,” Putin said. and in some cases life threate- ning,” marred by “gross overc- rowding and inadequate food, NO | KISSING Strict rules imposed by authorities following Covid-19 outbreak water, sanitation, and medical Thousands stuck care,” according to the latest annual human rights report on Ethiopia from the US State Department. Social distancing at Indonesia weddings on cruise ships As of Tuesday, Ethiopia had confirmed 12 cases of Covid-19 Surabaya (Indonesia), ies, who have banned mass Their reception party Perth, March 25: Thou- ifica, carrying around after conducting 480 laborato- March 25: Closed borders gatherings including wed- was cancelled and only a sands of passengers on 1,700 passengers, depart- ry tests, according to the Ethi- and social distancing rules dings but allowed some compromise with the mos- three cruise ships were ed Fremantle Tuesday aft- opian Public Health Institute. to stem the Covid-19 outbr- exceptions for marriages que allowed the pair to pr- stranded off Australia’s er being allowed to refuel, Officials at the institute say all eak failed to stop one tran- booked before the pandem- oceed with the ceremony west coast Wednesday as but was forced to turn the cases involve people who snational couple in Indon- ic began. on Wednesday, earlier than officials refused to let back when told it could travelled from abroad or had esia from tying the knot on Virus precautions were planned. “All people must them land to avoid repeat- not dock in Dubai. direct contact with people who Wednesday, minus the cus- on full display, with a max- pass our disinfectant gate ing the “utter disaster” of Health officials were te- travelled from abroad. Prime tomary kiss. imum of 25 people at the after being checked with a a previous cruise-related sting some of the 800 pas- Minister Abiy Ahmed has ord- Irra Chorina Octora, 29, event, temperature checks thermal gun,” Al Akbar Covid-19 surge. sengers on board the Art- ered measures to prevent wide- and her Turkish partner at the door and hand sani- mosque spokesman Helmy The Artania and Magni- ania for Covid-19 after 25 spread transmission of the Yavuz Ozdemir, 32, swapp- tiser throughout the ven- M. Noor said. Octora said fica were anchored off were reported for respira- Covid-19, including shutting ed vows at Al Akbar mos- ue. The wedding was also she was still happy with Fremantle with a third, tory illness. Virus cases land borders and limiting over- que in Surabaya, as frien- wrapped up in just 30 min- the wedding despite the re- the Vasco de Gama, on its have been connected with crowding in buses and taxis. ds and family — each sat utes. The only hint of phy- strictions. “We were worr- way. “There are no circu- cruise ships in Australia, But his appeals to practice two metres apart —looked sical intimacy came when ied that if we stuck to Ma- mstances we will allow the latest being Ruby Pri- social distancing have fallen on. The couple both wore Ozdemir, whom Octora rch 29 for the vows things passengers or crew to wa- ncess, which let passenge- on deaf ears, as large crowds facemasks and kept their first met on social media, might have happened and nder the streets in our st- rs off in central Sydney continue to form in the capital, distance through the cere- briefly took off his mask we would not have been Indonesian bride Irra Chorina Octora and her Turkish ate,” West Australian Pre- last week, sparking at Addis Ababa, for religious cer- mony to comply with strict for his bride to feed him a able to marry in the end,” partner Yavuz Ozdemir during their wedding ceremony mier Mark McGowan said least 133 cases and one emonies and other events. rules imposed by authorit- piece of wedding cake. she said. — AFP in Surabaya on Wednesday. — AFP on Wednesday. The Magn- death. — AFP pg 9 THURSDAY | HYDERABAD | 26 MARCH 2020 Ed-tech sees unprecedented surge in interest quick SANGEETHA G the engagements from existing professionals and also college tion on creative careers and the CHENNAI, MARCH 11 users have spiked up quite a bit. students, we have launched the industry. Our online chat sup- Our teams have been handling GL Academy to provide free port handles and responds to all Ed-tech has seen a sudden spurt the situation and are constantly online courses in areas such as the students' queries that are BITES in demand as people sit at home on the roll to resolve all queries Artificial Intelligence, Machine coming in. Students seeking or work for home. Proactive for the students. Recently, we Learning, Data Science, Cloud undergraduate and postgradu- steps taken by the ed-tech com- have also witnessed college pro- Computing, Digital Marketing ate programme education in INDICATORS % panies are expected to convert fessors reaching out to our plat- etc," said Hari Krishnan Nair, design, art, and gaming are new customers into regular form to explore and try the plat- co-founder, Great Learning. applying for online admissions,' Sensex 28,535.78 6.98 ones even after the crisis. form on behalf of all their stu- Most of the surge is coming said Dhruti Patel, director-mar- Nifty 50 8,317.85 6.62 Great Learning has seen a dents," Chandrabhanu Patta- from metro cities with keting and admission, Ecole S&P 500* 2,468.08 0.85 three-fold increase in content joshi, founder of Glossaread. Bengaluru being the leading Intuit Lab. consumption on its platform. Its Great Learning is seeing a lot city followed by other metros A good number of these new Dollar (`) 76.08 0.15 recently launched GL Academy of traction from working profes- like Mumbai, Chennai, customers can get converted Pound Sterling (`) 89.45 -1.86 has witnessed 100 per cent sionals, especially employed in Hyderabad and Delhi. Increased into regular customers even increase in learners consuming April. ing programs more than dou- the IT/ITES sectors. Over the enquiries are also coming from after the crisis. Euro (`) 82.51 -1.43 our learning content. "Since our announcement last bled in the next one week," said past three-four weeks, there has cities such as Pune, Noida and "We believe that the current Gold (Oz)* ($) 1,629.00 -2.06 In light of the ongoing Covid19 week, we have witnessed a 60 Divya Gokulnath, co-founder also been a surge in interest Kochi. situation is going to transform health crisis, in the second week per cent increase in the number and director of Byju's. from college students and fresh "We have observed that the stu- the ed-tech industry altogether Brent crude ($/bbl)* 27.11 -0.15 of March Byjus had announced of new students using the app to "We have seen a huge spike in graduates. dents have comfortably adapted with massive changes in con- IN 10-Yr bond yield 6.304 -1.332 that it will be providing free learn from home daily. The num- March, specifically from the last "Keeping in mind the disrup- to online meetings, interviews, sumer behaviour patterns and US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 0.823 0.489 access to its complete app to ber of queries from students week in terms of paid registra- tion Covid has caused to the and lectures. Webinars are also shift towards studying online,” school students till the end of and parents for its home learn- tions from new users and also, established routines of working conducted to provide informa- said Pattajoshi. * As of 9:30 pm IST Government RIL soars on buzz that Facebook may take stake in Reliance Jio Auto shutdown bans export of malaria drug Sensex vaults even as FPIs keep selling loss pegged at Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government has banned RAVI RANJAN PRASAD (9.44 per cent), Axis Bank export of anti-malarial drug MUMBAI, MARCH 25 (7.83 per cent) and ICICI hydroxycloroquine with imme- Bank (6.93 per cent). Brokers want `2,300 cr/day diate effect to ensure sufficient Market benchmarks Gainers among other availability of the medicine in Sensex gained over 1850 index heavyweights MICHAEL GONSALVES Motorcycle have also sus- the domestic market. Indian points and Nifty-50 gained included Maruti (12.23 per trading hours PUNE, MARCH 25 pended production. Council of Medical Research over 500 points on cent), Larsen & Toubro Besides, tyre makers and director general Balram Wednesday, recovering (8.22 per cent), and Bharti The Rs 8.21-lakh crore other major auto compo- Bhargava had on Monday rec- most of the losses earlier Airtel (6.36 per cent). to be cut down Indian automotive indus- nent makers too have shut ommended the use of hydroxy- this week despite a nation- All the sectors ended in try, the world's fourth down manufacturing chloroquine for treating health- wide 21-day lockdown the green, with the Nifty RAVI RANJAN PRASAD largest, would be hit with a activities due to the coron- care workers handling suspect- announced by Prime Bank being the biggest MUMBAI, MARCH 25 revenue loss of more than avirus outbreak. ed coronavirus cases. Minister Narendra Modi. gainer at 8.03 per cent. Rs 23,000 crore during the Manufacturing activi- Domestic equities ral- However, market senti- Brokers find it difficult first 10 days of shutdown ties ceased from March 22 lied on hopes of a stimu- ments remained fragile to run their operations due to the coronavirus after the Maharashtra lus package sooner than with foreign portfolio as police and other pandemic in Asia's third government decided to later and reliefs related to investors selling equities enforcement agencies largest economy. enforce work from home tax compliance worth Rs 1,893.36 crore are trying to imple- The automobile industry more strictly in the state. Yes Bank needs announced by the finance while domestic institu- ment the nationwide is the third largest employ- Companies having plants minister by extending the tions were net buyers by lockdown. Brokers said er in the country. in Gujarat, Haryana, up to `13,000 cr in deadlines, besides gains in just Rs 737.98 crore. their staff are facing The Society of Indian Karnataka and Tamil global markets on US lead- Gaurav Dua, senior VP harassment while trav- Automobile Manufact- Nadu also followed suit to ers finalising a $2 trillion and head-capital market elling to workplace and urers, or Siam, the trade shut operations by March 1-2 years: Icra stimulus package to boost strategy & investments, being pulled out of lobby, on Wednesday said 23. the US economy. Sharekhan by BNP their offices. Some bro- the closure of manufactur- The Indian automotive With the lockdown in Paribas, said, "Indian kers even wanted ing plants by various market has produced an force, the number of coro- market surged ahead financial markets to be automakers and compo- average of 75,000 vehicles navirus cases in the coun- today building on the either closed during nent manufacturers due to every day so far this year, try has now crossed 600 RIL promoter firms exchange `11,000 cr shares gains posted yesterday. this period of lock- the contagion would lead clocking production of while the global number New Delhi, March 25: Reliance Industries' promoter Indian market got a boost down or to at least cur- to a revenue loss of over Rs nearly 25 million units till was still rising fast at Devarshi Commercials LLP on Wednesday offloaded from the positive global tail trading times of 2,300 crore per day. end of February, the latest 4,40,318, along with deaths shares worth over Rs 11,000 crore in the firm through cues. The clearing of huge the market. All major automakers data from Siam showed. of over 19,750. open market transactions. Devarshi sold shares of RIL $2 trillion stimulus by Deven Choksey, man- like Tata Motors, Maruti More than 500,000 units The Sensex gained 6.98 through two separate transactions. While 5,80,40,583 political leaders in US aging director, K R Suzuki India, Hyundai, of two-wheelers, more per cent, or 1861.75 points, shares were sold at an average price of Rs 950 apiece, have turned the senti- Choksey Shares & Honda, Mahindra, Toyota than 5,000 passenger cars closing at 28535.78 while 5,80,40,587 shares were offloaded at Rs 949 per scrip. ments positive globally. In Securities, said, "Our Kirloskar Motor, Kia and little over 8,000 units Yes Bank will need additional Rs the Nifty-50 closed 6.62 per Another promoter entity of RIL, Samarjit Enterprises India, the decision to take markets must be closed Motors, MG Motor India, of commercial vehicles 9,000-Rs 13,000 crore in the cent up at 8317.85, with a LLP, bought these shares at the same price. —PTI aggressive step to fight because our staff is among others, have powered by Bharat Stage next one-two years, Icra said. gain of 516.80 points. coronavirus has also been being pulled out of declared temporary shut- IV engines are yet to be "As the regulatory norms require Index heavyweight Sensex and Nifty-50 on The large-cap stocks in welcomed by the markets. offices and they down of plants. sold. banks to maintain a CCB (capital Reliance Industries market buzz that US tech the banking and financial Wednesday's sharp uptick (authorities) are seal- Two-wheeler makers like After the Supreme Court conservation buffer) of 2.5 per gained 14.65 per cent, clos- giant Facebook is looking services sector recovered, shows that any sense of ing office buildings." Hero MotoCorp, Honda decided deadline of March cent as on March 31, 2020, Icra ing at Rs 1,081.25 on the to pick up a 10 per cent led by Kotak Bank (12.31 stability can lead to sud- Markets regulator Motorcycle and Scooter 31 these vehicles will expects additional capital BSE and contributed max- stake in its telecom arm, per cent), HDFC Bank den turnaround in the Sebi asked states to India, TVS Motor become scrap since BS4 requirements of nearly Rs imum to the gains in Reliance Jio. (11.77 per cent), HDFC direction of markets." exempt notified enti- Company, Bajaj Auto, stock cannot be sold or reg- 9,000-Rs 13,000 crore over the ties staff from the lock- Yamaha and Suzuki istered. next 1-2 years," the ratings firm down. said. It said the bank may see Vijay Bhushan, presi- deposit withdrawals for which dent, Association of liquidity support is needed. National Exchanges US to unveil $2-tn stimulus Members of India rep- resenting 900 brokers RoSCTL to continue for JOSH WINGROVE, Unemployment insurance said, "The law enforce- LAURA LITVAN & would be extended to four ment agencies at the STEVEN T. DENNIS months, the benefits would grass root level are still Cost of 21-day MARCH 25 be bolstered by $600 week- not sensitised about apparels from April 1 ly and eligibility would be (the Sebi) directive. lockdown seen The Trump administra- expanded to cover more This has lead to several SANGEETHA G in March, the refunds were tion struck a deal with workers. instances of manhan- CHENNAI, MARCH 25 pending for almost an year. Senate Democrats and Democrats demanded dling the staff of This had squeezed the at $120 billion Republicans on an historic and won a series of broking firms to travel The tax refund scheme that working capital of Pegging the cost of the Covid- rescue package that tees restraints on corporations to/from offices. We was about to expire by exporters. Meanwhile, the 19 lockdown at $120 billion up more than $2 trillion in that would benefit from have also received March 31 for apparel and sector was expecting that (about Rs 9 lakh crore), British spending and tax breaks to loans or investments from requests to suspend made-up exports, will now Remission of Duties and brokerage Barclays cut India's bolster the hobbled US the Treasury Department, broking services…We continue from April 1. Taxes on Exported Prod- growth estimates and stressed economy and fund a as well as an oversight will be taking up these However, the refunds, ucts (RoDTEP), announced the need to announce an eco- nationwide effort to stem mechanism for who gets concerns with Sebi." which have been pending for all export sectors, will nomic package. "We estimate the coronavirus. money. Narinder Wadhwa, since March last year, has be brought in for apparels that the cumulative shutdown "At last we have a deal," Any company receiving a president, Commodity just started to be issued to and made-ups by April 1. cost around $120 billion or 4 Senate Majority Leader government loan would be Market Participants exporters from last week. The Cabinet on per cent of the gross domestic Mitch McConnell said subject to a ban on stock Association of India The apparel industry had Wednesday gave its product," Barclays said in a early on Wednesday on the gets to President Donald well as state and local gov- buybacks through the said, "Brokerage com- faced a lot of hardships approval for continuation note, revising down its FY21 chamber's floor. "I'm thrill- Trump's desk. House ernments. It also has more term of the loan plus one panies and staff are after the Merchandise of RoSCTL from April 1, growth forecast by 1.7 percent- ed that we're finally going Speaker Nancy Pelosi had than $350 billion to aid additional year. They also facing huge difficulties Exports from India 2020 onward. Later the age points to 3.5 per cent. to deliver to the country." consulted with Schumer small businesses. Then would have to limit execu- in reaching their Scheme (MEIS) scheme scheme will be merged Senate Democratic throughout his negotia- there is $150 billion for tive bonuses and take steps offices, as the police is was discontinued on with the newly announced leader Chuck Schumer tions with Treasury hospitals and other health- to protect workers. The not allowing any move- March 7, 2019. MEIS had to RoDTEP. Continuation of called it an "outstanding Secretary Steven care providers for equip- Treasury Department ment; moreover the be withdrawn as the coun- RoSCTL beyond March 31, agreement." Mnuchin. ment and supplies. would have to disclose the workforce engaged in try had graduated from the 2020 is expected to make The legislation was still The plan includes about For individuals the pack- terms of loans or other aid these services is travel- category of the least devel- the textile sector competi- ONGC, IOC being drafted but $500 billion that can be age provides direct pay- to companies and a new ling and coming in fre- oped countries. tive by rebating all McConnell said the Senate used to back loans and ments to lower- and mid- Treasury inspector gener- quent contact with Though a new scheme, taxes/levies which are cur- would vote on it Wednes- assistance to companies, dle-income Americans of al would oversee the lend- their clients and other Rebate of State and rently not being rebated drastically cut day. It would still have to including $50 billion for $1,200 for each adult, as ing program. people." Central Taxes and Levies under any other mecha- production pass in the House before it loans to US airlines, as well as $500 for each child. —Bloomberg (RoSCTL) was announced nism, the government said. With the lockdown shutting down factories, ONGC has cut natural gas production by up to one-tenth as customers refused to take supplies. ONGC, which E-com majors suspend services as local officials stop deliveries produced 64.5 million standard SANGEETHA G plies, delivered to the cus- declaring food delivery as working with them and cubic metres of gas per day till CHENNAI, MARCH 25 tomers. essential, we are facing with their support, we will earlier this week, has reduced The companies said the hardships in continuing soon start accepting orders the flow to 59.8 mmscmd on E-commerce players, transit of materials CENTRE OKAYS MORE GRAIN SUPPLY VIA RATION SHOPS our operations. Please bear on our platform,' said Wednesday, and will further cut including e-grocers, sus- through inter-state borders MADHUSUDAN SAHOO the Cabinet Committee on which Rs 670 crore share, with us as we are working Albinder Dhindsa, Co- by 3 mmscmd more on Thurs- pended their services on is being blocked, ware- NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 Economic Affairs (CCEA) or 50 per cent, will come hard to unblock local founder and CEO, Grofers. day. IOC said it is cutting down Wednesday, the first day of houses are being forcefully headed by Prime Minister from central government authority hurdles," online In many states, the local its refineries by one-fourth to the nationwide lock-down. shut and delivery boys are In order to ensure ade- Narendra Modi, will ben- for the scheme. seafood and meat retailer authorities do not have align production to demand. They were unable to deliv- being prevented from ful- quate supply of basic food efit 80 crore public distri- The cost of wheat is Rs Frestohome said in a mes- clarity as to what all are er essential items due to filling orders. Due to this, items like rice and wheat bution system (PDS) ben- 27/kg, which will be pro- sage to the consumers. essential items. the clamp down by local e-grocers like BigBasket during the lockdown peri- eficiaries. vided at a subsidised rate While e-commerce play- "We are working with the Printed & Published by authorities on warehouses, and Grofers were declining od, the government, on The government also of Rs 2 kg, while the cost ers are finding it tough to central government and T Venkateswarlu on behalf of Deccan supply chain and delivery to take orders on Wednesday, increased the approved a total of Rs of rice is about Rs 32/kg handle the surge in orders, local authorities, asking Chronicle Holdings Limited. Printed at persons. Wednesday and were can- monthly quota of sub- 1,340-crore recapitalisa- but will be supplied at Rs clampdown by local them to help us urgently BFL Infotech Ltd, C-9 Sector 3, Noida- The central government celling the existing orders. sidised foodgrains by 2 kg tion of regional rural 3/kg through ration authorities is another chal- with detailed on-ground 201301. Published at 219, N D Tiwari Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, had recognised the role Amazon Pantry and to 7 kg per person through banks (RRBs) to improve shops, information and lenge. operating procedures, to New Delhi-110002. played by e-commerce in Flipkart too suspended ration shops. capital to risk-weighted broadcasting minister "Over the last few days, ensure delivery of priority Editor: T.Venkatram Reddy, RNI helping citizens remain at their services. "We will be The decisions, taken by asset ratio (CRAR), in Prakash Javadekar said. we faced a few hiccups in goods like household sta- Registration number 30074/09, Air sur- home and maintain social back soon," most of the our operations which led to ples, health and hygiene charge Re 1. © All rights reserved. distancing. However, e- players posted on their a backlog of around four products...safely across the Reproduction in whole or in part with- commerce players are find- websites. coordination between the delivery vans and bikes out any interruptions," lakh orders. However, the country to our customers' out written permission of The Editor, ing it tough to get essential "One thing that will help Centre and state, and don't get stopped by the said BigBasket spokesper- local authorities are help- homes without any disrup- Financial Chronicle ® is prohibited. items, like vegetables, us and other grocery deliv- between the state and local police, so that we can deliv- son. ing us in resuming our tion," said Amazon fruits and medical sup- ery companies is better police, to ensure that our er grocery essentials with- "Despite government operations. We are closely spokesperson. GAMES pg 10 DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | THURSDAY | 26 MARCH 2020 SHORT TAKES IPL is as good as Pep, Messi donate to help fight corona over this season Madrid: Manchester City coach TOKYO REBOOT Pep Guardiola has donated one New Delhi, March 25: million euros ($1.08 million) to The cancellation of this help buy medical supplies for year’s IPL looks inevitable ICC SET TO MEET the fight against the coron- IOC chief calls for sacrifices to reorganise Games with the BCCI under avirus pandemic in his native Lausanne, March 25: tremendous pressure after Spain. International Olympic the declaration of a 21-day VIA VIDEO The former FC Barcelona boss Committee President nationwide lockdown to gave the money to the Medical Thomas Bach said contain the the deadly College of Barcelona to buy Wednesday that the post- Covid-19 pandemic. CONFERENCE “medical equipment that is cur- poned Tokyo Games When the BCCI post- New Delhi, March 25: rently lacking in health centres would require “sacrifices poned the IPL to April 15 The member nations of in Catalonia,” the body said in a and compromises” from earlier this month, it said the International Cricket statement. all sides to make them conducting the tourna- Council will be engaged in His donation will also be used work. ment would only come into a video conference on to produce ventilators to treat “These postponed the picture if the pandemic Friday to discuss contin- patients and protective gear for Olympic Games will need subsides. However, there gency plans for upcoming health care workers in sacrifices, will need com- hasn’t been any remark- ICC events in the wake of Guardiola’s northeastern region promises from all stake- able change in the situa- global travel restrictions of Spain. Meanwhile Barcelona’s holders,” Bach told tion with positive cases to fight the Covid-19 pan- Hospital Clinic said it had reporters in a conference crossing the 500-mark in demic. received a donation from FC call the day after the IOC India, including 10 deaths. The high-profile ICC T20 Barcelona captain Lionel Messi decided to delay the 2020 BCCI president Sourav World Cup scheduled in to help it fight the virus. Games because of the Ganguly did not have much Australia from mid- “Thank you Leo, for your sup- coronavirus pandemic. to say on the current sce- October along with the port and commitment,” the The IOC’s role, Bach nario, which was made bilateral Test series in the hospital added in a tweet. said, was “to make the worse by the postponement World Test Championship While the hospital did not say Olympic dreams of ath- of Tokyo Olympics to the schedule could be in for a how much money the player letes come true”. summer of 2021, on rejig. donated, Catalan sports daily He admitted that can- Tuesday. The global Covid- However, one ICC Board Mundo Deportivo said it was celling the Tokyo Games 19 death toll is nearing member made it clear that one million euros. — AFP was “discussed and con- 19,000. no decision will be taken sidered” but said: “It was “I can’t say anything at during Friday’s video con- very clear from the begin- the moment. We are at the ference. “It’s more about CR7, agent help set ning that cancellation was same place where we were an update on contingency not something the IOC on the day we postponed. planning at this stage. In up three ICU units would in any way favour.” Nothing has changed in case of an extreme situa- It is the first Olympic the last 10 days. So, I don’t tion, there should be plan Lisbon Cristiano Ronaldo and Games in peacetime to be have an answer to it. Status B and C ready. So, we board his agent Jorge Mendes will postponed. quo remains,” Ganguly’s members need to under- helplessness was palpable. stand the options avail- donate three intensive care TOKYO TO Kings XI Punjab owner able,” the veteran adminis- units to Portuguese hospitals to REORGANISE GAMES help them cope with the coron- Ness Wadia was more trator said. avirus pandemic. Japan set about the forthright. “The BCCI “Obviously, the situation The Portuguese pair will unprecedented task of should really consider currently is very serious donate to at least two institu- reorganising the Tokyo Children walk past a Tokyo 2020 official shop in Tokyo on Wednesday, a day after the historic decision to post- postponing the IPL now. As and Covid-19 and its impli- tions and will give “two inten- 2020 Olympics Wednesday pone the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. — AFP a premier event, we need to cations is on agenda. But if sive care units”, with a “capaci- after making the tough act with great responsibili- you think logically, World ty of 10 beds each” to the decision to postpone the ty. Contemplation of IPL is T20 is in October and final University Hospital Centre of Games by a year as the inhuman right now. We of World Test Northern Lisbon (CHULN), a coronavirus pandemic need to save lives, not IPL,” Championship is in June, group of hospitals in Lisbon, a locks down one third of BWF might freeze rankings KXIP co-owner Wadia said. 2021.,” he added. spokesman confirmed. CHULN the planet. Currently, each stake- However, if the lock- currently has a capacity of 77 The dramatic step to New Delhi, March 25: holder is discussing ways downs then member beds. shift the Olympics, never The Badminton World to limit the financial dam- nations will be forced to Mendes and Ronaldo will also before seen in peacetime, Federation (BWF) on US ATHLETES age with insurance compa- make alternate plans for donate a unit to the Santo upends every aspect of Wednesday said it might nies as well as broadcast- the series. Antonio Hospital of the the organisation — freeze the world rankings ers. — PTI — PTI University Hospital Center of including venues, securi- for a while as it works on a HAIL OLYMPIC Porto. “This is a very important ty, ticketing and accom- “fair solution” to the investment that includes more modation. Olympic qualification than a dozen respirators and In a move symbolic of process after the Covid-19 SUSPENSION other necessary equipment,” the difficulties now facing pandemic forced a post- Los Angeles, March 25: BENGAL CRICKET BODY Eurico Castro Alves, director of Tokyo, Olympic count- ponement of the Tokyo United States athletes the hospital’s surgery depart- down clocks in the city Games. welcomed the decision to ment, told newspaper Jornal de switched from displaying There have been grow- postpone the Tokyo HELPS NEEDY CHILDREN Noticias. — AFP the number of days to go, ing calls to freeze the Olympics on Tuesday, Kolkata, March 25: The BCCI president Sourav instead simply showing world rankings after can- exhaling a collective sigh Ganguly has come forward in support of those affect- today’s date and the time. cellations and postpone- of relief tinged with dis- ed by the 21-day lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, Legend Roger gives It is not even clear exact- ments wrecked the sport's appointment as they pledging to donate rice worth `50 lakh for the under- ly when the rescheduled calendar. Indian shuttlers began to set their sights privileged. Games will take place, Saina Nehwal, B. Sai on 2021. Ganguly along with Lal Baba Rice will provide for $1m for Covid-19 with the International Praneeth, Parupalli The deadly coronavirus the needy people who have been put in government Geneva: Tennis great Roger Olympic Committee say- Kashyap and H. S. pandemic has swept into schools for safety and security, the Cricket Association Federer on Wednesday donat- ing the new date would be Prannoy have been lead- all 50 states of America, of Bengal announced in a statement. ed more than a million dollars “beyond 2020 but not later ing the way in expressing leaving US athletes’ years “Hope this initiative of Ganguly would encourage to help support his “most vul- than summer 2021”. concerns. of carefully choreo- other citizens of the state to take up similar initiatives nerable” Swiss compatriots Japan has framed Tokyo “For our athletes, we graphed Olympic train- to serve the people of our state,” the statement from through the coronavirus crisis. 2020 as the “Recovery will review any impacts ing plans in tatters. the company added. The 20-time Grand Slam Games” — a chance to on the Olympic and Powerhouse swimmer The 1.3-billion populated India has gone into a total champion and his wife donated show the world it has Paralympic qualification Katie Ledecky, expected lockdown from midnight in an attempt to slow the one million Swiss francs ($1.02 bounced back from the system to ensure a fair to be one of the stars of spread of Covid-19 virus and CAB secretary Snehashis million, 943,000 euros), saying “triple disaster” in 2011 solution is found to quali- the Tokyo Games, had Ganguly hailed the unprecedented step. nobody should be left behind when a massive earth- fy players for the post- been left without a pool to Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Bengal have as Switzerland battles against quake sparked a tsunami poned Games,” the BWF train in as restrictions in also decided to donate a sum of `25 lakh while its pres- the global pandemic. and the Fukushima said in a statement. California shut down the ident Avishek Dalmiya pledged `5 lakh to the state According to official figures nuclear meltdown. — AFP “BWF, in the short-term, Stanford University facili- administration to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. reported to the World Health is also looking into the ties. “We have decided to donate a sum of Rs 25 lakh and Organization, Switzerland has possibility of freezing Track and field star personally I will be donating Rs 5 lakh. We’re in talks the ninth-highest number of World Rankings until Noah Lyles — the reign- with the state government on how to donate the infections in the world. international tourna- ing 200m world champion money,” CAB president Avishek Dalmiya said. — PTI “These are challenging times ments start again. We are — had been denied regu- for everyone and nobody still working on the tech- lar access to a running should be left behind. Mirka nical solution to ensure P. V. Sindhu in action in this file photo. track. Instead Lyles, who and I have personally decided the freezing and eventual suffers from allergies and to donate one million Swiss un-freezing of World ● For our athletes, we will review any asthma, had been forced francs for the most vulnerable Rankings works fairly for impact on the Olympic and Paralympic to train in a Florida park. Cricket stadium on families in Switzerland. Our all players and we will qualification system to ensure a fair Lyles and Ledecky’s contribution is just a start,” announce this shortly,” it problems had become all world number four Federer, 38, added. solution is found to qualify players for the too common for US ath- said on Instagram. — AFP Shuttlers in the singles postponed Games, the Badminton World letes, who found them- standby for corona competition have to be Federation said in a statement. selves torn between the These postponed inside top-16 of world need to comply with local DC CORRESPONDENT would like to offer the facil- Olympic Games will rankings to qualify for the regulations restricting HYDERABAD, MARCH 25 ity of Rajiv Gandhi need sacrifices, will Olympics. In doubles, a 19,000 deaths worldwide. Tokyo Organising non-essential movement Stadium in Uppal to set up CHESS BODY need compromises from country can field one pair “Today, we stand in soli- Committee (TOCOG) to while simultaneously With the coronavirus isolation centres,” R. all stakeholders. It was if they are in the top 16 darity with the IOC and reschedule the Games to a sticking to training regi- wreaking havoc, the Vijayanand, HCA secre- very clear from the and two if both pairs are International Paralympic date beyond 2020 but no mens designed to help Hyderabad Cricket tary said in a statement. POSTPONES in the top eight. Committee (IPC) in wel- later than summer 2021. them prepare for Tokyo. Association — setting a “This we feel is the moral beginning that cancella- The BWF welcomed the coming the postponement “Balancing the many Lyles had no reserva- precedence — has decided obligation on our part in tion was not something International Olympic of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic necessary considerations tions about the decision to offer the Rajiv Gandhi this hour of crisis as there OLYMPIAD the IOC would in any Committee (IOC)’s deci- and Paralympic Games,” for the whole of sport has to postpone the Games -- Cricket Stadium in Uppal are 40 big rooms which can Chennai: The world governing way favour. sion to postpone the the statement said. been a complex exercise, and vowed to be ready for as a venue to set up isola- take care of some of the body of chess, FIDE, has post- — THOMAS BACH Olympics, originally “BWF fully supports the so we are supportive of Tokyo in 2021. tion centres. virus-affected patients,” poned the Olympiad, scheduled president of scheduled from July 24 to decision made yesterday how difficult this decision “Straight up I’m tired of In accordance with the Vijayanand added. for August 5-17 in Moscow, to International August 9, to next year in by IOC President Thomas would have been for the hearing I’m sorry like my services rendered by Chief Vijayanand further said, 2021 owing to the Covid-19 Olympic Committee the wake of the pandemic, Bach, Prime Minister of IOC and TOCOG,”it puppy just died,” Lyles Minister K. “With lot of parking space, pandemic. which has caused nearly Japan Shinzo Abe, and the added. — PTI wrote on Twitter. — AFP Chandrashekar Rao, the we feel it would be appro- The global chess body issued HCA arrived upon this priate on our behalf to a statement saying that the decision. make this token gesture of Olympiad and the FIDE “In sync with our com- appreciation of your Congress, slated to be held in mitment and passion in efforts. We will be more August in Moscow and Khanty- implementing the meas- than happy to be at your Mansiysk respectively, are IOA to revise preparation plans ures, I, on behalf of HCA service in this grim battle rescheduled to the summer of President Mohammad against the Covid-19 virus 2021 at the same locations. New Delhi, March 25: in the coming months and I welcome the decision letes. lockdown to contain the Azharuddin, and the mem- which has become a global “As you know, the Chess The Indian Olympic all necessary support of IOC to postpone The International spread of the deadly bers of the Apex Council, threat.” Olympiad is the most popular Association on would also be extended by #Tokyo2020 in view of Olympic Committee (IOC) virus, which has caused FIDE event, attended by thou- Wednesday conceded that us,” IOA Secretary the global pandemic. and Japan Prime Minister close to 19,000 deaths sands of people, including play- careers of some athletes General Rajeev Mehta It’s necessary for the Shinzo Abe on Tuesday worldwide. ers, coaches, officials, and would be impacted by the said in a letter to the IOC well being of athletes announced postponement The COVID-19 pandemic spectators. The mission of postponement of Tokyo and the Tokyo Games of the Games, scheduled has affected nearly 4 lakh BADMINTON NATIONALS Chess Olympiads is not only to Olympics and the IOA organisers without speci- from across the world. for July-August, because people globally. In India, determine the sportive results would look to address this fying any names. — KIREN RIJIJU of the pandemic which more than 500 positive but also to popularize our when it makes revised “I am holding discus- Union Sports has brought the world to a cases have been detected PUT OFF INDEFINITELY game and unite chess lovers preparation plans in con- sions and there would be minister standstill. so far and the death toll New Delhi, March 25: The Badminton Association of around the world in this truly sultation with the sports meetings scheduled with “I welcome the decision has touched 10. India on Wednesday postponed the 84th Senior global sports festival. FIDE has ministry. the Federations after the of IOC to postpone Earlier, the Indian Badminton National Championships scheduled to be decided to postpone the 44th Like all stakeholders, locked-down in India is which was abandoned in #Tokyo2020 in view of the Olympic Association had held in Lucknow from April 27 to May 3 after the gov- Chess Olympiad,” the state- the IOA on Tuesday wel- over. Athletes’ safety is most sports due to the global pandemic. It’s nec- also welcomed the IOC’s ernment put the country under lockdown till April 14 ment said. — PTI comed the International our utmost priority now. deadly outbreak. essary for the well being decision, saying it has to combat the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. “We would be also be of athletes from across relieved the country’s ath- Olympic Committee’s RIJIJU WELCOMES The coronavirus outbreak has claimed 10 lives and consulting with the the world,” Rijiju said in a letes of a stressful build- decision to postpone the TOKYO POSTPONEMENT infected nearly 600 people in the country, prompting Regd. No. H/SD/509/2018-20 Summer Games, supposed Ministry of Youth Affairs tweet late on Tuesday. up during a global health the government to put the whole country under lock- Printed and Published by T. to be held in July-August, and Sports in revising the Sports Minister Kiren He also assured the crisis. down till April 14 to fight the spread of the deadly dis- Venkateswarlu on behalf of Deccan to the summer of 2021 preparation plans,” he Rijiju has welcomed the Tokyo-bound Indian ath- The pandemic has ease. “Now that the government has extended the lock- Chronicle Holdings Limited. Printed owing to the global Covid- added. postponement of this letes of government’s full forced the cancellation or down, we have decided to postpone the 84th Senior at Deccan Chronicle Press situated at Plot No. 9 Alwal Village, Vallabh 19 pandemic. While the postponement year’s Olympic Games to support to ensure that postponement of almost nationals badminton Championships and 75th Inter Nagar Taluk, Medchal Malkajgiri “A one-year postpone- of the Games has brought 2021 in view of the wors- their preparations are not all sporting events across State — Inter Zonal. It is unfortunate that the tourna- Dist. Telangana and Published at 36, ment might impact the relief to the athletes, it ening COVID-19 pandem- impacted by the current the world, including the ment couldn’t be held as planned but it is a grave situ- S.D. Road, Secunderabad-3. career/ qualification and has also made some of ic, saying the IOC’s deci- situation. Olympic qualifiers and ation and fighting this disease is the priority,” BAI RNI Registration No. 3081/1957. plans of some athletes, them uncertain about the sion has ensured the well India was on Tuesday the European football General secretary Ajay Singhania said. — PTI Editor: Aditya Sinha which would be addressed qualification process, being of Tokyo-bound ath- placed under a 21-day championships. — PTI