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ALL THOSE ABOVE 18 CAN REGISTER WITH 3.14 LAKH COVID CASES, INDIA UNION MINISTER TELLS MAN SEEKING CPI(M) LEADER SITARAM YECHURY'S FOR VACCINE FROM SATURDAY RECORDS WORLD'S BIGGEST DAILY SPIKE OXYGEN HE WILL GET ‘TWO SLAPS’ SON, 34, DIES OF COVID-19 ll above 18, now eligible for vaccination ndia today reported the world's video purportedly showing Union Culture PI(M) general secretary Sitaram from May 1, can register for their shot biggest-ever daily surge with 3.14 Minister Prahlad Patel telling a man who Yechury on Thursday said his Afrom Saturday (April 24) on the Ilakh new cases and 2,104 deaths Asought an oxygen cylinder for his Celder son Ashish died of COVID- CoWin platform. Registrations for the since yesterday. This is the fastest ailing mother that he would get "two slaps" 19 in the morning. Ashish Yechury, latest round of inoculations will open in rise in cases and deaths any country if he spoke rudely went viral on Thursday. who would have turned 35 on June the next 48 hours on the CoWin platform. has suffered till now.Over 2 lakh Patel, was inspecting the district hospital 9, was recovering well at Gurgaon's As India faces the world's worst Covid infections are being recorded herewhen a man approached him saying Medanta Hospital, people close to surge, its daily cases surpassing the US everyday since April 15. The second his mother, a Covid-19 patient, needed an the family added. "It is with great today, the government has opened wave is yet to peak, says centre, and oxygen cylinder. She was told she will get sadness that I have to inform that I vaccinations to all adults for the first time. experts are not sure when the cases will one after 36 hours, but it was yet to be lost my elder son, Ashish Yechury to According to the new vaccine rules, states and decline. Maharashtra (67,468), Uttar Pradesh provided, he said. As the man raised a finger at COVID-19 this morning. I want to thank all private entities can buy vaccines directly for inoculations. The (33,106), Delhi (24,638), Karnataka (23,558) and Kerala Patel while talking, an irked minister gestured to him to lower his those who gave us hope and who treated him - doctors, centre will continue to vaccinate those declared eligible so far - (22,414) were the five states that recorded the biggest finger, and said, "If you spoke in this manner, you will get two nurses, frontline health workers, sanitation workers and innu- frontline workers, health workers and those above 45. surge in 24 hours. slaps. (Aisa Bolega To Do Khayega)." merable others who stood by us," Yechury said on Twitter. Banks to work from ‘National Emergency’ 10 am to 2 pm in AP PNS n VIJAYAWADA to ensure smooth economic activ- Supreme Court asks Centre for oxygen, vaccine plan ities. However, there is also need PNS n NEW DELHI In the wake of an abnormal surge to restrict services to ensure safe- in Covid cases, banks have revised ty of bank staff as well as customers On a day the number of daily their business hours across the who visit branches for banking coronavirus cases in India hit a Govt appoints state. needs, which help reduce pressure record high with over 3.14 lakh Accordingly, business hours shall on medical infrastructure, said Deafening silence new infections being reported, the special officer for be restricted from 10 am to 2 pm. state AP SLBC convenor V over RGV’s tweet Supreme on Thursday said it A decision in this regard has been Brahmanada Reddy. expects the Centre to come out oxygen production, taken during a subcommittee meet- Keeping in view the present pan- though tremors with a national plan to deal with ing of the State Level Bankers’ demic, Indian Banks' Association felt in TDP proper distribution of oxygen Committee (SLBC) held in virtual (IBA) issued advisory letter on and essential drugs for the supply mode on Wednesday evening to Standard Operating Procedure to patients. PNS n VIJAYAWADA discuss a business continuity plan be followed by Banks during Observing that oxygen to to be followed by banks during Covid19 pandemic period. patients infected with the virus is With the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic period. The As per the resolutions passed, 3 said to be an essential part of treat- Covid-19 on the rampage, new timings will be in effect till May banks will continue to provide four ment, the apex court said it seems Andhra Pradesh clearly shift- 15 until further orders. mandatory services like accepting that a certain amount of panic has ed its focus towards oxygen The meeting was held to discuss deposits, cash withdrawals, remit- been generated due to which peo- Health Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas chairs the GoM meeting on Thursday. availability keeping in view the the revised Business Continuity tance and government businesses ple have approached several high increasing demand. The gov- Banking plan and also the rapid apart from other need based serv- courts seeking reliefs related to the ernment has appointed a 2013 infection to staff, customers and ices that can be provided under prevailing situation. batch IAS officer, Sagili Shan the public in general. existing pandemic conditions. A bench headed by Chief Justice Mohan, as special officer Banking is an integral part of the 2 SA Bobde, which took suo motu GoM takes charge, warns private exclusively to look after oxygen economy and services are needed cognisance on the issue of distri- production and supply. bution of essential supplies and hospitals not to overcharge The government had iden- services during the pandemic, said tified from the first wave that prima facie it is of the view that the PNS n VIJAYAWADA ability across the state. the state needed about 200 MT One side of road at distribution must be done in an After the meeting, health to 300 MT of oxygen per day even handed manner according to The Group of Ministers (GoM) minister and GoM chairperson during the peak. Currently Singhu border to be the advice of health authorities. that was constituted by the state Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas said the requirement has been “In these circumstances, we government to tackle the raging that the government has decid- pegged at about 80 MT to 100 cleared for oxygen direct that notices be issued to the Covid-19 pandemic on ed to bolster the '104' call cen- MT per day. 300 passengers flee Union Government, the State Thursday discussed at length the tre set up for people to clear their Governments /Union Territories prevailing situation in the state doubts about Covid. supplies: Farmers Silchar airport to avoid and the parties, who appeared to and would put forth their obser- Asserting that there was a PNS n CHANDIGARH Covid testing have approached the high courts vations before Chief Minister YS shortage of medicines and oxy- to show cause why uniform orders Jaganmohan Reddy during a gen across the country, the Farmers camping at Delhi's bor- be not passed by this court in rela- high level meeting to be held Minister said an action plan was ders in protest against three new tion to: a) supply of oxygen; b) shortly. being readied in Andhra agriculture laws of the Centre on Modi to hold supply of essential drugs; c) In its first meeting after it was Pradesh to overcome such short Thursday said one side of the high- method and manner of vaccina- constituted, the GoM discussed supply despite facing some hur- way at the Singhu border will be meetings on 5 tion and d) declaration of lock- availability of hospital beds, dles. cleared for giving passage to vehi- down,” said the bench. Remdesivir injections, Covid 2 cles carrying oxygen supplies. Covid today 2 care centres and oxygen avail- 2 Full Story on Page 2 PNS n NEW DELHI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a series of meetings on Friday, including one with chief Covid vaccine policy discriminatory, UAE bans flights from ministers of states with high bur- den of Covid-19 cases. Official sources said he will reverse it, Sonia Gandhi tells Centre review the Covid-19-related sit- India from Sunday uation in an internal meeting at PNS n NEW DELHI of age. has caused amongst the people. 9 am followed by the meeting "This is complete abandon- "It is surprising that despite the PNS n DUBAI with chief ministers an hour later Congress president Sonia ment of the Government's respon- harsh lessons of last year and the via video conference. Gandhi on Thursday wrote to sibility towards our youth," she pain inflicted on our citizens, the The UAE has banned travel from At 12:30 pm, he will hold a Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Government continues to follow India for 10 days from Sunday due meeting with leading oxygen Sales of EVs in India over the new COVID-19 vaccine Noting that any reasonable per- an arbitrary and discriminatory to the worsening COVID-19 situ- manufacturers in the country, policy, terming it as arbitrary son will agree on the benefit of a policy, which promises to exacer- ation in the country. they added. fell 20 pc in '21 and discriminatory and urged uniform price for vaccination, she bate existing challenges," she said The travel ban will come into The prime minister had earli- him to intervene immediately to said, "I would urge you to inter- in her letter. effect from 11.59 pm on Saturday, er called off his visit to West reverse it. vene immediately and reverse The Congress president April 24, and is subject to review Bengal for a poll campaign on Why is the government allow- this ill-considered decision." claimed that as a consequence of after 10 days, the Gulf News Friday due to the meetings here ing a policy that reeks of such She said the nation's goal must this policy, vaccine manufactur- reported. to review the Covid-19 situation. "insensitivity", she said in the be to ensure that everyone over 18 er - Serum Institute of India has Passengers who have transited He will instead address the letter to the prime minister. years is given the vaccine, regard- announced a differential pricing through India in the last 14 days diplomatic passport holders and West Bengal voters virtually. 8 The Congress chief alleged that less of their economic circum- mechanism - Rs 150 per dose for will also not be permitted to board official delegations, it said. With the Covid cases rising at the new vaccine policy implies stances. the Central Government, Rs 400 from any other point to the UAE, Anil Punjabi, chairman, Eastern a rapid pace in the country, Modi that the central government has Gandhi said she is writing to per dose for State Government the report said. Region, Travel Agents' Federation has been chairing regular meet- abdicated its responsibility of him to convey the deep concern and Rs 600 per dose for private However, departure flights will of India said travel agents in India ings to review the situation. TODAY providing free vaccine to all and sense of anguish that the new hospitals. continue to operate and the ban received the notification from He had also addressed the Indians between 18 and 45 years COVID-19 vaccination policy 2 will not extend to UAE citizens, Emirates. nation on Tuesday. ALMANAC Month & Paksham: Chaitra & Shukla Paksha Panchangam TS to offer free vaccine at government centres HC dismisses FB, Tithi : Ekadashi: 09:47 pm ML MELLY MAITREYI Nakshatram : Magha: 07:41 am exhausted, even the Centre would explained. n HYDERABAD Time to Avoid : (Bad time to start be charged Rs.400 a dose under Going by the statements of the new contract of supplies, Health Minister Eatela Rajender, WhatsApp pleas any important work) Although the TS government has along with the States. who asserted that the” Telangana Rahukalam : 10:40 am – 12:14 pm criticized the Centre for allowing State government sources argue government would go to any PNS n NEW DELHI order "perverse" or "wanting of Yamagandam : 03:22 pm – 04:56 pm dual pricing by the Serum that the Centre could still supply extent to help people tackle the jurisdiction". Varjyam : 03:15 pm – 04:46 pm Institute of India for the the vaccine received by it as per pandemic”, TS would in all The Delhi High Court on The court said it saw no merit Gulika : 07:32 am - 09:06 am Covishield vaccine, it appears that the old price to the States till all likelihood bear the expenditure Thursday dismissed pleas by in the petitions of Facebook and eventually the vaccine will be sold the quantum of vaccine agreed on the vaccine front even at the social media platforms, Facebook WhatsApp to interdict the inves- Good Time : (to start any important work) at Rs.400 a dose to all the upon under the old contract is hiked rate of Rs.400 a dose. and WhatsApp, challenging tigation directed by the CCI. Amritakalam : 12:19 am – 01:50 am governments- both Central and supplied to the Centre by the With the Centre opening up India's competition regulator The CCI had contended that it Abhijit Muhurtham : 11:49 am – 12:39 pm States. vaccine manufacturer. vaccination to include all those CCI's order directing a probe was not examining the alleged Minister for IT, Industry and Services Taxes was agreed upon The Centre is yet to issue a aged 18 years and above, there into WhatsApp's new privacy violation of individuals' privacy MA & UD KT Ramarao tweeted under the policy of One clarification in this regard. will be more demand for the policy. which was being looked into by VIJAYAWADA on Thursday morning nation,One Tax. But now in one Meanwhile, under the open vaccine and the government may Justice Navin Chawla said the Supreme Court. WEATHER questioning the two different country, two prices for the same market system allowed by the continue the policy of though it would have been "pru- It had argued before the court Forecast: Partly cloudy vaccine prices. “It is at Rs.150 for vaccine were being allowed. Centre, States and private administering vaccine free of cost dent" for the Competition that the new privacy policy of Temp: 38/27 GoI and Rs.400 for State However, SII reportedly hospitals could now directly at its government vaccination Commission of India (CCI) to WhatsApp would lead to excessive Humidity: 55% Governments. Can’t the GoI clarified to some news channels procure 50 per cent of the vaccine centres across the State. Official await the outcome of petitions in data collection and "stalking" of Sunrise: 05:54 am subsume any additional cost from that Covishield would be supplied produced by the company. The sources estimated that the the Supreme Court and the Delhi consumers for targeted advertis- Sunset: 06:34 pm the ‘PM Cares Fund’ and help at Rs.150 a dose to the Centre rates would be Rs.400 a dose for enhanced cost of vaccine would HC against WhatsApp's new pri- ing to bring in more users and is rapid vaccination across India?” only for the previously contracted States and Rs.600 a dose for result in additional expenditure of vacy policy, but not doing so therefore an alleged abuse of Current Weather Conditions Updated april 22, 2021 5:00 PM KTR said that the Goods and supplies and once that was private hospitals, sources Rs. 800 crore to Rs.900 crore. would not make the regulator's dominant position. 02 FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 With 10,759 new Covid cases, AP Oxygen Express reaches RINL, Vizag inches towards 10 lakh mark PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA ing on Friday, wherein appro- priate decisions will be taken," East Coast Railway (ECoR)’s Andhra Pradesh inched closer Nani told reporters after the First Roll On-Roll Off (Ro- to the one million coronavirus GoM meeting. Ro) Oxygen Express with cases mark as it reported Chittoor district reported seven empty tankers from 10,759 afresh in the 24 hours 1,474, Kurnool 1,367, Kalamboli Goods Shed in ending 9 am on Thursday, the Srikakulam 1,336, Guntur Maharashtra reached the single largest number in a day 1,186, East Godavari 992, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam after September 10. Visakhapatnam 844, SPS Limited (RINL), early on The latest health bulletin Nellore 816, Anantapur 789, Thursday morning. put the state's cumulative coro- Krishna 679, Vizianagaram Liquid Medical Oxygen navirus infection count 562, Prakasam 345 and (LMO) will now be filled in stopped at 9,97,462 from 1.58 Kadapa 279 new cases in a day. the tankers. About 15 tonnes crore tests, at an overall posi- West Godavari reported 90. of LMO will be loaded in each tivity rate of over 6.27 per cent. Visakhapatnam crossed tanker. In the 24 hours ending 9 am 70,000 total cases while It will then move towards on Thursday, the state also Vizianagaram went past Maharashtra. Railways transported essen- This time movement of reported 3,992 recoveries and 45,000, the lowest in the state. In response to the fight tial commodities and kept Oxygen Express towards dif- 31 deaths. Chittoor and Krishna against Covid-19, Indian the supply chain intact even ferent parts of the country will Andhra Pradesh now has also saw five fresh Covid-19 Railways has geared up to run during the lockdown last year help patients and different 66,944 active cases after a total fatalities each, Kurnool, Oxygen Express to supply and continue to serve the hospitals, said ECoR’s Senior of 9,22,977 recoveries and ly. the only way to curb the infec- left it to the Chief Minister's SPS Nellore, Prakasam and oxygen from steel plants to nation in times of emergen- Divisional Commercial 7,541 deaths, according to the It, however, wanted the peo- tion, the government stressed. discretion whether any sort of Srikakulam three each, East different parts of the country. cies. Manager, AK Tripathi. bulletin. ple to "behave responsibly" The Group of Ministers on curbs need to be put in place Godavari, Guntur and The state government, how- and take all precautions to Covid, which met here on to contain the virulent spread Vizianagaram two each, ever, asked the citizens not to contain the infection spread. Thursday under the chairman- of coronavirus in the state. Anantapur, Kadapa and panic as it was geared up to Following Covid ship of Deputy Chief Minister "The Chief Minister will Visakhapatnam one each Govt appoints handle the situation effective- Appropriate Behaviour was (Health) A K K Srinivas (Nani), hold a high-level review meet- in a day. Cop on duty at special officer... Banks to work... Covid vaccine... CM’s house dies Continued from Page 3 Indian Navy joins Indonesia's Though Andhra Pradesh has Continued from Page 3 Continued from Page 3 PNS n KADAPA Wednesday morning, went sufficient oxygen manufac- to Idupulapaya hospital and turing capacity, the It is the discretion of individ- This means that citizens will be An Andhra Pradesh Special was prescribed some medica- Government has decided to ual banks to permit branch- hunt for missing submarine compelled to pay high rates to Police Force battalion consta- tion. source oxygen from neigh- es to work with lean work- be vaccinated, she alleged, add- ble on guard duty at Chief Later, he retired bouring Odisha and Tamil force, and allowing work PNS n NEW DELHI The Indian Navy sent the Madhwal said Indian Navy's ing that this will also bleed the Minister YS to the room allo- Nadu. from home facility to avoid DSRV following an alert it DSRV system can locate a finances of state governments. Jaganmohan Reddy’s cated to him. As per the government congregation at branch level/ The Indian Navy on Thursday received through the submarine upto 1000 metres in "This begs the question, how farmhouse in When estimates, the State has about controlling and other offices. deployed a deep submergence International Submarine Escape depth utilising its state of the can the same vaccine manufac- Idupulapaya at Prabhakar 40 oxygen manufacturing Banks will take all neces- rescue vessel to support the and Rescue Liaison Office art side scan sonar (SSS) and tured by the same company Vempalle mandal of did not units, with a total capacity of sary steps to ensure availabil- Indonesian Navy's hunt for an (ISMERLO) about the missing remotely operated vehicle have three different prices? YSR Kadapa district emerge 510 MT per day and about ity of sufficient cash with attack submarine that went Indonesian submarine. (ROV). There is no rationale or justi- was found dead, from his 430 MT can be completely branches for pension pay- missing with 53 people on The submarine was report- "After the submarine is suc- fication that allows for such believed to be from room even utilised / diverted for produc- ments and other DBT pay- board. edly exercising in a location 25 cessfully located, another sub arbitrary distinction," she said. ill health on till after- tion of medical oxygen. ments etc. According to Indonesian miles north of Bali. module of DSRV- the subma- "In these unprecedented Wednesday. noon, his col- “Some entrepreneurs also However, currency chests, authorities, the KRI Nanggala- "Indian Navy dispatched its rine rescue vehicle (SRV) - times, how can the An autopsy report is leagues barged have come forward saying ATM cash loading vendors, 402, a German-made subma- DSRV on Thursday to assist the mates with the submarine to Government of India permit awaited to determine the into the room that they would be happy to ATM back offices, clearing rine, went missing during a Indonesian Navy in search and rescue the trapped personnel. such brazen profiteering from cause of death. and found him life- convert their industrial oxy- houses, bank treasury offices, military exercise around the rescue efforts for the submarine The SRV can also be used to people's misery? At a time The constable was identi- less. gen units to medical oxygen forex back offices and SWIFT Bali Strait on Wednesday. KRI Nanggala," Indian Navy provide emergency supplies when medical resources are fied as Bosala Prabhakar, 48, The body was sent to the units if the need arises. centres and others centres as Indian Navy officials said a Spokesperson Commander to the submarine," he said. scarce, hospital beds are of Giddaluru. He had joined government hospital at Immediate action plan is to authorised by the gead offices deep submergence rescue ves- Vivek Madhwal said. Under the framework of unavailable, oxygen supply and duty only a month ago, RK Vempalle for post-mortem. make arrangements to trans- of the bank will function sel (DSRV) departed from He said India is among a few comprehensive strategic part- availability of essential medi- Valley sub-inspector Krishna The S-I said that the cause port and supply oxygen with- normally. Visakhapatnam to support the countries globally which are nership between India and cine is dwindling rapidly, why Murthy said on Thursday. of death would be known out any hassles throughout This business continuity Indonesian Navy in its opera- capable of undertaking search Indonesia, the two navies share is your Government allowing Prabhakar, who com- only after the autopsy report the state. About 80 MT of plan will remain in force till tion to locate the diesel-electric and rescue of a disabled sub- a strong partnership of oper- a policy that reeks of such plained of chest pain on was out. oxygen is ready in RINL and May 15 or until further com- attack submarine. marine through a DSRV. ational cooperation. insensitivity. ready to dispatch whenever munications by SLBC of AP. required. Taking into contin- gencies, we are also sourcing about 100 MT from GoM takes Bhubaneswar and Chennai,” ‘National Emergency’... said industries minister Don’t adjust Mekapati Goutham Reddy. Continued from Page 3 phylactic in nature, Covid can groups whether the groups bench told Solicitor General The Minister on Vidya Deevena be treated only by some drugs are local, regional or otherwise. Tushar Mehta, “We, as a bench charge, warns Wednesday reviewed the sta- The top court said it is of the such as Remdesivir. Oxygen to The bench further said, and as a court, wish to take suo tus of oxygen availability with opinion that the Centre should the patients is also said to be an “Prima facie, we are inclined to motu cognisance of certain different stakeholders, includ- sop against respond, including on report essential part of the treat- take the view that the distrib- issues.” ing government officials. on existence or otherwise and ment,” the bench said. ution of these essential services It said that different high private hospitals... Around three industries — loans, banks told requirement of setting up of a It noted that drugs, oxygen and supplies must be done in courts are dealing with issues Continued from Page 3 Meanwhile, in a review one for each region — have coordinating body that would and vaccination availability an even handed manner pertaining to the prevailing sit- meeting, the newly appoint- been identified for the pro- PNS n VIJAYAWADA consider allocation of the and distribution are being car- according to the advice of the uation and they are exercising He warned of severe action ed chairperson of Covid duction of oxygen and they above resources in a consulta- ried out by the governments, health authorities which their jurisdictions in bona fide against private hospitals if Command Control Centre were asked to be ready to The State Government on tive manner (with the involve- including the Centre, accord- undoubtedly take into account and in the best interest. they charge more than the KS Jawahar Reddy asked col- start production as and when Thursday made it clear that ment of concerned states and ing to the protocols estab- relevant factors like severity, “What is happening is that it rates fixed by the state govern- lectors of all the 13 districts required. no bank shall be allowed to union territories). lished by the health authorities. susceptibility, the number of is creating some kind of con- ment for Covid treatment. He in the state to ramp up Covid Seeing the criticality, the adjust the amount released It said the Centre should “Nonetheless, it seems that people affected and the local fusion and diversion of appealed to people to maintain tests on war footing. Union government’s under the Jagananna Vidya respond on considering decla- a certain amount of panic has availability of resources. resources,” the bench observed. social distance and wearing Addressing the collectors Department for Promotion of Deevena Scheme against ration of essential medicines been generated and people “We expect the Central As the apex court said it masks to control Covid spread. through videoconference, Industry and Internal Trade loans availed by the beneficia- and medical equipment includ- have invoked the jurisdiction Government to place before would issue notice to the The Minister said that until Jawahar Reddy urged them has proposed to supply oxy- ries. ing the above articles as essen- of several high courts in the this court a national plan for Centre and hear the matter on now, around 49 lakh people to go out onto the field to gen for only high critical In a letter to the convener tial commodities in relation to country seeking various reliefs dealing with the above services Friday, Mehta asked the bench have been vaccinated in the ensure the Covid surge is industries like, ampoules and of the State Level Bankers Covid and also on coordina- such as Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, and supplies during pandem- whether the government state and added more people controlled. He said that at vials, pharmaceutical, petro- committee, the Finance tion of logistical support for MP, Calcutta, Allahabad and ic,” it said, adding, “The notice would respond to the high would be covered. He also present, only 19,000 beds leum refineries, steel plants, Department said that it has inter-state and intra-state Gujarat,” it said. shall be made returnable courts on the Covid-19 relat- said that they could complete are available and asked them nuclear energy facilities, oxy- come to its attention that a transportation and distribution The bench said the high tomorrow”. ed issues pending there. the vaccination as per the to start efforts to ready gen cylinder manufacturers, bank in Nellore has kept the of the above resources. courts have passed certain The top court, which said it The top court said the supply from the Centre. 19,000 more soon. Jawahar wastewater treatment plants, amounts transferred towards “The situation in various orders which may have the would hear the matter on Centre may present the nation- Vaccination strategy for Reddy asked the collectors to food and water purification the Vidya Deevena Scheme parts of the country is grim. effect of accelerating and pri- Friday, appointed senior advo- al plan to the high courts also. 18 years and above from give wide publicity to '104' and process industries which on hold for 74 accounts as the There seems to be a sudden oritising the services to a cer- cate Harish Salve as an amicus Mehta said he would inti- May 1 onwards will be call centre and also ensure require uninterrupted oper- beneficiaries had availed surge in the number of Covid tain set of people and slowing curiae to assist it in the matter. mate the high courts that the finalised after consultation that the calls are directed to ation of furnaces, processes, some loans. patients and mortality. Other down the availability of these While taking cognisance on apex court has taken suo motu with the Chief Minister, Nani the relevant departments and etc. as approved by respective The amounts were subse- than vaccination which is pro- resources to certain other the issue earlier in the day, the cognisance on the issue. said. officers. state governments. quently released on the inter- vention of the Government. In its letter, the Finance Department told the SLBC to avoid recurrence of any such One side of road at Singhu border to be cleared for oxygen incidents in the future.0 PNS n NEW DELHI they are committed to causing Singhu border from The bench, while dictating on April 22 under Disaster oxygen to hospitals. The high court said the the least inconvenience to the Barwasni in Haryana's its order, said the position in Management Act, and our The court was informed Centre's allocation of oxygen VIJAYAWADA Farmers camping at Delhi's citizens. Sonipat district on tractor Delhi has turned rather pre- order dated April 21. by the Centre that the for Delhi from plants in BULLION RATES borders in protest against three The meeting was attended trolleys, he added. carious with several hospitals “We also direct all the Ministry of Home Affairs has other states like Haryana new agriculture laws of the by the Sonipat superinten- Meanwhile, the Delhi High reporting that either they authorities concerned who issued an order to all the was not being respected by GOLD Centre on Thursday said one dent of police, officials of the Court on Thursday observed have insufficient oxygen or are bound by the order passed states and union territories the local administration ` 49, 200 (10 gm) side of the highway at the Chief Minister's Office and that the Covid-19 situation in will not last for longer peri- under the Disaster to ensure that no restriction there and it needs to be Singhu border will be cleared several SKM leaders, the the national capital has od. Management to ensure strict shall be imposed on the resolved immediately. ` 270 for giving passage to vehicles statement said. turned precarious with many The high court directed all compliance. We make it clear movement of medical oxy- Senior advocate Rahul SILVER carrying oxygen supplies. Darshan Pal dismissed the hospitals running out of oxy- the authorities concerned, that non-compliance of the gen between the states and Mehra, representing the ` 74, 000 (1kg) The decision was taken after allegation against the protest- gen and directed the Centre which are bound by the order said orders will be viewed transport authorities shall Delhi government, told the ` 100 the leaders of the Samyukt ing farmers of obstructing to ensure the gas is supplied passed under the Disaster very seriously since non- be instructed to accordingly court that oxygen which was Kisan Morcha (SKM), an oxygen supply to Delhi as to the city as per the planned Management Act, to ensure compliance of these orders is allow free inter-State move- to be picked up from some umbrella body of farm unions "baseless". allocation and without any strict compliance of the likely to result in grave loss of ment of oxygen carrying units in Uttar Pradesh could CHICKEN that is spearheading the agita- He alleged that the police hindrances. Centre's direction that there life," the bench said. vehicles. also be not lifted from there. RATES `/KG tion, met officials of the were seen "misdirecting" the "As it stands, we all know shall be no restriction on “We also direct the Centre The court's direction came With regard to Mehra's sug- Haryana government in the trucks carrying oxygen that this country is being inter-State and intra-State to ensure allocation of oxygen after the Delhi government gestion to transport oxygen by Dressed/With Skin `146 evening. towards the protest sites, run by God," observed an movement of persons and takes place as planned and submitted that the amount of air, the bench said research by Without Skin `167 "At the meeting, it was instead of guiding the vehi- anguish bench of Justices goods, including medical transportation of the tankers oxygen that was to come its legal researchers has shown Broiler at Farm `101 decided to remove the barri- cles towards the shortest Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli oxygen. takes place unhindered,” the here from Panipat in that airlifting of oxygen was cades on one side of the high- route to the national capital. which was of the view that all The bench made it clear bench said and added that Haryana was not being very dangerous and it has to be way at the Singhu border to The farmer leader further measures should be taken that non-compliance of the they shudder to think what allowed to be picked up by transported either by road or EGG give a free passage to oxygen, blamed the government for for removing obstructions in order will be viewed serious- will be the condition in other the local police there. rail. RATES `/100 ambulance and other such putting up barricades on the the transportation of oxy- ly since it is going to result in states. “You don't even have to Mehta told the bench "If emergency services," SKM road that were obstructing a gen. grave loss of lives and will It also directed that ade- wait for the order. Your one there is any roadblock by any VIJAYAWADA 430 leader Darshan Pal said in a free passage of vehicles. “If the government wants it invite criminal action. quate security be provided to word to Mr. (Haryana Chief individuals or any officers, HYDERABAD 400 statement here. He said more farmers will can do anything and can "We direct the Central gov- lorries transporting oxygen so Minister Manohar Lal) the officers have been He said the protesting farm- start coming back to the even make heaven meet ernment to peremptorily that they move without Khattar will do the job,” the instructed that if they are VISAKHAPATNAM 505 ers will support the fight protest sites from Friday. earth,” the bench, which ensure strict compliance of obstructions and a special bench told Solicitor General involved in any such activi- RETAIL PRICE `4. 30 against the Covid-19 pandem- A large convoy of protest- heard the matter from 2 PM the allocation order dated corridors may be created for (SG) Tushar Mehta, repre- ty they will be departmental- (IN HYDERABAD) ic in every possible way and ers will be leaving for the to 6:40 PM, said. April 21, its own order passed immediate transportation of senting the Centre. ly dealt with".

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 03 DEAFENING SILENCE OVER RGV’S Ensure no corruption in land survey, Jagan directs officials TWEET THOUGH TREMORS FELT IN TDP PNS n VIJAYAWADA MARTHI SUBRAHMANYAM nothing, was thrust on them. n VIJAYAWADA Lokesh, who was in business Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan for a long time, was said to be Reddy on Thursday directed Leading film director Ram unaccustomed to regular pol- officials to ensure that there is Gopal Varma's tweet that the itics. When he was handled no corruption in the compre- TDP has no future unless responsibilities of the TDP, hensive land survey and no Junior NTR takes charge has the corporate-style mentality farmer is troubled unduly. literally set the cat among the that he brought to his politics The Chief Minister was pigeons, such has been the tur- made sure that the desired chairing a review meeting on moil in the party. results were never achieved. YSR Jagananna Saswatha The controversial tweet, in TDP seniors evaluate Bhoomi Hakku-Bhoo which Ram Gopal Varma, bet- whether their party, which has Rakshana scheme at his camp ter known as RGV, said that the faced every election so far office here, where he said there TDP has been infected with a since its inception, did not con- should be no scope for corrup- virus called Nara Lokesh and test the last ones due to the tion in the survey process. “If that there is a vaccine called influence of such a ‘corporate there is even one instance of Junior NTR available as an mentality’. corruption, the entire effort every village/ ward secre- (Standard Ownership Policy) antidote has become a hot A senior leader from East would get a bad name,” the tariat with details of govern- has been prepared for com- topic in TDP circles. Godavari said that if profits and Chief Minister said, asking ment schemes and pro- prehensive land survey of The very fact that no TDP losses were assessed in politics officials to double-check every grammes and set up perma- 17,460 villages and 47,861 leader worth his salt has come like they are in business, no one fact during the survey and nent hoardings in important habitations in an area of 1.26 forward to condemn the sar- would survive. They emphasise ensure the details gathered junctions. lakh km across the state. castic tweet is being seen as a Party seniors dissatisfied that Lokesh is not a patch are accurate. The Chief Minister said They said that the survey pointer to the state of affairs in compared to Naidu’s perfor- He directed the officials to sub-registrar offices should is being conducted in 13 vil- the party. Some are seeing it as mance and traits. get the Land Titling Act be set up in the 51 villages lages, in each district and a marker of the level of infight- Naidu never looked at party approved by the Central where the comprehensive then in 51 villages, with one ing in the party. with Lokesh's leadership affairs from a business perspec- Government as the entire data land survey has been com- village in each division, and RGV had said that if the tive, and went to lengths to of land records is being updat- pleted and added that by the 650 villages with one village ‘Junior NTR vaccine’ is not ensure that seniors were placat- ed. The Chief Minister also time the records purification, in each Mandal in the first administered to the party, then PNS n AMARAVATI would regain its prestige if five years or so. ed and no one left the party asked officials to ensure there record updation and setting phase. They said collecting it’s its fate, yet such a contro- Junior NTR were to take Lokesh has not exhibited disgruntled. is no shortage of funds for the up of survey stones is com- comprehensive information versial statement has evoked no Although no senior TDP charge in the current diffi- any qualities that makes “Everyone knows the prin- programme. pleted, sub-registrar offices in 51 villages is completed response from those that mat- leader is considered to be cult situation. TDP seniors him an asset to the party, ciple of investing in politics and He directed them to mark should be set up. He direct- and the survey would be ter in the party. among Lokesh’s coterie, are increasingly worried nor is he a crowd-puller. then earning. The same thing boundaries after completion of ed the officials to make nec- completed by July. Earlier, TDP senior MLA their children have been that the decline of the party, If Junior NTR takes has been going on since the the survey, and remove essary arrangements for set- With regard to 650 villages, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdhury closely associated with the which had withstood every charge, all the shortcomings inception of the TDP. The garbage and overgrowth under ting up registrar offices in survey using drones is com- too had recently asked Junior party’s national general sec- challenge it faced right from the party faces will end. party leadership also knows jungle clearance and plant the Village Secretariats. pleted in 545 villages and col- NTR to take a very proactive retary. its inception, has been rapid A former MLA from that all those who contested in survey stones in the presence The Chief Minister said a lected 2,693 images of agri- role in the party, though not as Lokesh had earlier hosted in the last few days. Guntur district said wistful- our district held a meeting after of farmers, getting them steering committee should be cultural lands and habitations sarcastically as RGV. a dinner for the children of In this context, everyone ly that if Junior NTR had the election to press for the involved. created for conducting com- and the survey will be com- Minister Kodali Sri TDP seniors. However, all — from the general work- joined hands with Naidu, party to reimburse them the The Chief Minister said prehensive land survey pleted by January 2022. Venkateswara Rao (Nani), who the youth leaders like er to the senior leaders — the TDP would have expenses incurred,” said a TDP that there should be no delay smoothly and the committee The said second phase of is known to be an NTR follow- Karanam Venkatesh, has made it it clear that they remained a force to reckon leader, referring to rumours in the supply of stones as the should hold a review meeting comprehensive land survey er, had earlier said that the TDP Devineni Avinash and were looking forward to with. that the party failed to release land survey will be complet- once in a week and added will be started in February would be wiped out if Lokesh Shidda Sudhir who attended Junior NTR helming the However, it remains to be funds for election expenses. ed soon and added that no that Land Administration 2022 and will be completed were to helm it, and that Junior joined the YSRCP along with TDP, by remaining silent seen if Junior NTR, who is “If something was arranged money should be collected Chief Commissioner will by October and the third NTR alone would be able to their fathers within a few over Ram Gopal Varma’s busy with movies, would for them it would have been from farmers for setting up play a vital role in the process phase will start in November preserve it. days of the dinner. tweet. They believe that it is play an active role in the okay. But since there are no boundary markers. He said a The officials informed the 2022 and will be completed It is learnt that Vallabhaneni According to party not possible for Lokesh to party. Also, his uncle Narne elections now, they are not even hoarding should be placed in Chief Minister that SOP by April 2023. Vamsi had said in private that sources, Lokesh's public face Jagan and that the Srinivas is active in the hopeful that the party would the TDP has utilised the ser- meetings are well attended, TDP has no future unless YSRCP. adjust the expenditure in some vices of Junior NTR and then but the attendees do not Junior NTR steps in to save However, RGV’s tweet form or the other,” the TDP SAVE THE EARTH dumped him. However, Vamsi come voluntarily but are the party. has been creating tremors leader said, blaming the mess refused to confirm saying this. mobilised by local-level Many in the TDP are among the TDP circle and on Lokesh looking at politics It is worth mentioning that TDP leaders. more pragmatic; they point many expect calls of “Come from a business perspective. the words used by the various However, there was wide- out that Naidu may be back Junior NTR” may echo TDP activists and leaders people are different but the spread belief that the TDP physically fit for another in the party. expect some response from the meaning, and the intent party high command to their behind, remains the same. seniors are sure that it would unable to express themselves as recent remarks made by TDP complaints, but the silence is A former minister com- not be of much use to the party freely to Lokesh as they do to Andhra Pradesh president K troubling and Lokesh is being mented that many seniors and in the current situation. Naidu, due to the former’s age Atchannaidu towards Lokesh blamed. second tier leaders were of the Lokesh, who thought he and inexperience. were not just an outburst but Although 24 hours have same opinion as RGV. knew everything when the It is no secret that seniors the feeling of almost every passed since RGV tweeted Lokesh's performance and TDP was in power, is now belittle Lokesh in their private senior in the TDP. about the future of the TDP, it style of dealing with those who thinking in real world terms, conversations and speak of Some seniors say in private is surprising that neither Junior come to him has improved a bit his aides say in private. Also, him in sarcastic terms. that they resent the fact that NTR nor any party leader has now compared to the past, but party seniors say that they are Party sources say that all the Lokesh, who they say knows responded.

DEFICIENCY IN SERVICE Lokesh doesn’t know value Visa consultancy told to of education: Minister pay Rs 75K to customer PNS n VIJAYAWADA Vikrama Simhapuri University Vice-Chancellor Acharya Rokkam Sudarsana Rao plants a sapling on the campus on the education as he was a “paid inations citing Covid-19, as he occasion of World Earth Day under the National Service Scheme in Nellore on Wednesday. student”. was the one encouraging the ANUSHA PUPPALA Minister for Education He said that the State gov- public to go and watch his n HYDERABAD Adimulapu Suresh on ernment has been trying to movie ‘Vakeel Saab, ignoring Thursday lashed out at TDP save the academic year for Covid norms. Telangana District Consumer Covid victim's leader Nara Lokesh for Class X and Intermediate stu- Suresh said that the TDP Disputes Redressal Forum Fearing lockdown, demanding cancellation of dents by conducting the exam- leaders were intentionally try- directed Kansas Overseas jewellery examinations for Class X and inations with all Covid-19 pro- ing to politicise the issue and Career, a visa consultancy ser- Intermediate. Accusing the tocol being duly followed. to confuse both parents and vice in Hyderabad to compen- Opposition of trying to play The Minister said that the students. sate Rs 75,000 including com- goes missing workers leave Hyd politics over a health crisis, the opposition leader has turned a He strongly condemned the pensation and refund for caus- PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD Minister assured that priority blind eye towards the govern- manner in which Lokesh spoke ing mental agony to a opposite party for two years was being given to the health ment efforts in safeguarding and affirmed that every stu- Hyderabad resident Vijay and the reply was the consul- The family members of an With Telangana reporting a of students and teachers. the students’ future. dent’s life is important to the Francis, while he was trying to tancy was working on the elderly woman, who died of record-breaking surge in Addressing a press confer- He also slammed Jana Sena State government. He stated get a Canada PR visa. issue but nothing fruitful hap- Covid-19 while undergoing Covid cases, the state is witne- ence here, Suresh said that edu- Chief Pawan Kalyan over the that Lokesh would have under- The complainant had visit- pened. On September 17, treatment at a hospital in ssing yet another migrant exo- cation of children is just as issue, saying that the actor- stood the government’s take, if ed the office on June 1, 2017 2019, Vijay sent an email Gachibowli, approached the dus, as the state has imposed important but Lokesh would politician has no moral right to the degrees he was showing and paid Rs 1,150 as advance requesting to initiate the police alleging that her gold night curfew to contain the never understand the value of speak on cancellation of exam- were really authentic. in a week after the opposite refund of the amount paid by ornaments were missing. spread of the deadly infection. party assured to get him a him as his IELTS exams score According to police, an Migrant workers have been places. The railway stations at Canada PR Visa, with the edu- was nearing expiration on the elderly couple got admitted to returning to their native places Secunderabad, Nampalli and cational qualifications he had matter pending for two years. the hospital on April 9. After fearing lockdown and repeat Kachiguda and the bus stations Guntur reeling in 8 months. Later, he paid a He later sent an email on recovering, the husband was of last year's hard times for - MGBS and JBS - are swarm- Pvt teachers need sum of Rs 67,850 and appeared November 30, 2019 stating discharged, while the wife, them. They are catching what- ing with migrant workers. under severe for the IELTS exam, in which that he has IELTS exams again. aged 70, passed away on Ap- ever means of transport that is To cash in on the situation, he scored an overall band But, the opposite party could ril 18 and her family was available to them to return to the private transport vehicle score of 6.5. Later, the opposite not afford to appear the exam informed by the hospital, as their native places. Again they owners have increased the help: TDP to CM Covid crisis party shifted their office to again by paying the fee. The per the procedures. are on the trail of their villages. fare to loot the public. PNS n GUNTUR Begumpet from Himayatnagar. opposite party replied that The next day, her family They are catching lorries, In March, April last year, the PNS n VIJAYAWADA porting private school teach- With a great difficulty after they provided all the service members arrived at the hospi- trains, cars, cabs or any other people faced many difficulties. ers,” Atchannaidu said in his The Guntur district, which was finding their office, Vijay asked for processing visa for two tal and the body was handed means of transport to reach The lockdown clamped on TDP AP president K letter. devastated by last year's about the status of PR Visa. He years and has done justice to over to them, apart from her home safely. the country had all means of Atchannaidu has written to The former minister said corona, was facing the worst- was asked to necessary formal- the amount paid by the com- belongings. When the family As the virus become viru- transport - including public Chief Minister YS that the YSRCP government ever conditions even in the ities. plainant. Alleging that the members checked, they found lent, the state government has transport - suspended. There Jaganmohan Reddy, alleging had ignored teachers working second wave. The officials lift- After completing the for- service rendered by opposite her gold ornaments, reported- imposed night curfew. were migrant workers, includ- government failure in pro- in private educational institu- ed their hands unable to con- malities, the complainant con- party was of no use, Vijay filed ly weighing about 4 tolas, miss- Therefore, the migrant work- ing pregnant women, who viding Covid-19 package to tions since the first wave of duct tests for corona patients. tinuously visited the office of a complaint. ing. ers are travelling to their native trekked hundreds of km. private school teachers. corona last year. “So far 159 The authorities were finding Stating that teachers play a private school teachers had it difficult to test all the peo- key role in shaping students died due to lack of liveli- ple thronging for Covid cen- into true citizens, Atchannaidu hood,” he said, adding that the tres with corona symptoms. said that the role of teachers in Chief Minister has not Already 10,000 test results ‘Biased’ media houses spreading canards: YSRCP taking the country forward is responded. were still pending and as the unspeakable. “With Covid threat on one pressure mounting on the doc- PNS n VIJAYAWADA the media has been spreading price given by the Central “Such teachers are facing hand and closed private edu- tors, the tests were stopped for false information with vested Government and asked to severe survival problems due to cational institutions on the the time being. The boards Condemning reports in a sec- interests. Kannababu said this compare the prices with the the Coronavirus pandemic. other, their situation has were displayed at the centres tion of the media on Covid section of the media has been previous government. More than five lakh teaching turned miserable due to the advising people to go for home deaths in the state, Agriculture targeting Chief Minister YS Kannababu said the price of and non-teaching employees government ignoring them. It’s isolation even if they have Minister Kurasala Kannababu Jaganmohan Reddy every day mango will be more in the are working in private schools unfortunate that Jagan lacks symptoms. said the state government was with a one-point agenda and starting of the season and will in the state. Schools are closed the focus on the education sys- On the other hand, those on high alert and was working Covid seems to be a perma- be usually reduced once the due to the Covid and many are tem as he had on wine shops,” who have difficulty in breath- 24 hours a day. nent agenda for them. produce reaches the market. facing difficulties due to lack of the TD senior leader said. ing were queuing up at the Addressing a press confer- Brushing aside the false He said that the Chief Minister salaries,” the TDP leader said. “In Telangana, the govern- public and private hospitals. ence at the party's central office reports that the price of chill- has instructed that crop pro- Atchannaidu said that some ment distributes 25 kg of rice They were being admitted to here on Thursday, the Minister ies and mangoes is going curement should be done at teachers have become veg- along with Rs 2,000 a month the hospitals without corona said a section of the media has down, the Minister said that RBKs in villages. etable sellers, some are work- to support private teachers. As testing. Five more centres been trying to create terror and the cost of chillies today is Kannababu said the state ing as cobblers, while others well as the rest of the states are would be set up from panic among the people of the 15,000 per quintal and clari- government has earmarked have become construction also treating them in some Thursday and staff would be state and questioned if they fied that it was Rs11,000 last Rs 3,000 crore as crop stabil- workers and make a living as way. But, in the AP, Jagan is deputed to prepare for the don't have social responsibili- He said while the state gov- tests and releasing a detailed year. He said the Chief isation fund and Rs 2,000 labourers. “The government acting as if nothing has hap- tests. The situation was grim in ty for reporting false news ernment has been conducting report on the prevailing situ- Minister has announced more crore disaster management has failed miserably in sup- pened,” he wrote. Guntur at present. regarding Covid deaths. the highest number of Covid ation every day, a section of than the minimum support fund for procurement of crops. FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 04

Corona effect: Gurjanapalli temple's Lord All shops to be Kakinada MRO office closed by 7 pm on verge of collapse Venkateswara to get justice! in Tirupati PNS n KAKINADA PNS n TIRUPATI The tiled-roof house which PNS n KAKINADA Collector asking him to imme- was in complete dilapidated diately disburse the compensa- The first meeting of the condition (see in the photo- Acting on the news report tion with interest in accordance newly elected body of graph) was housing around 20 that appeared in these columns with the High Court and Municipal Corporation of revenue employees and around of 'The Pioneer' on April 20, Supreme Court judgments as Tirupati (MCT) which was 90 VROs, who are visiting under the headline per the land Acquisition Act. held here on Thursday at daily to check the revenue "Gurjanapalli Lord He said that the same copy YSR Council hall in the records. Venkateswara looks for shel- would be sent to their Special premises of Tirupati It was none other than the ter!", Deputy Commissioner of Commissioner and handed Municipal Corporation Kakinada urban Mandal Endowments M Vijaya Raju on over to the Principal Secretary, Office, decided to shut Revenue Office located at the Thursday started a depart- Department of Revenue. The down all the shops and Balaji pond in the port city of mental inquiry into the alleged story published in 'The business establishments by Kakinada. Gripped in fear, the encroachment of endowment Pioneer' on April 20 has creat- 7 pm in the city limits due employees were discharging Tahasildar and Deputy them have to sit in this ready- land worth crores of rupees ed tremors among the endow- to the alarming increase of duties in the office for the past Tahasildar, who were heading to-collapse building and per- belonging to the temple of Sri ment officials. Covid-19 cases in Tirupati. several years. They don't know the office, were, however, form their duties when they Venugopal and Venkateswara Following the news report in The Tirupati when it will be caved in and housed in a posh building come to the office of the urban Swamy in Gurajanapalli village, 'The Pioneer', the encroachers Municipality was upgrad- what about their families if near to this office. Tahsildar from the Secretariat Karapa Mandal of Kakinada stopped their construction ed as a corporation in something happened under Requests to shift the dilap- for various tasks. Adding to rural constituency. activity in the temple land January 2007 after the the roof of the revenue office. idated office to the new their woes, the roof tiles were He visited the make-shift after the revenue department expiry of the term of the The people would step into premises went unheeded. falling on the staff as well as on temple of the Lord housed in formally lodged a police com- elected municipal body in the office for death and birth A regular deputy tahsildar the people who were visiting the community hall instead of plaint. 2002. Owing to some rea- certificates and explain their and three deputy tahsildar the office. his temple on Tuesday. He On the other hand, the sons, the election for the grievances to the Tahasildar. (MSOs) from the Civil The roof was leaking water also inspected the construction Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Raju inspecting the encroached endowment lands endowment department has corporation did not take The century-old revenue office Supplies Department and 10 when it rains. There was no work being carried out by the in Gurjanapalli taken steps to complete the place till 2021. The civic was completely ruined. The Village Revenue Assistants guarantee for revenue records encroachers in the temple construction of the temple as body meeting was held lives of the revenue employees (VRAs) were discharging stored in the office. Some offi- lands. The concerned EO Meanwhile, The Deputy Passbook. Based on this survey, per the Vaikhanasa Agama after a long gap of 19 years were at stake to work under the duties from this dilapidated cials were discharging their Vaddadi Satyanarayana Commissioner also issued a complete details of the land Shastra and proposed to con- and it was presided over by tiled-roof and the public who tiled-roof office. They receive duties coming out of the office Murthy directed to give the notice to EO Satyanarayana taken by the Revenue struct the temple and to the ruling party YSRCP come for work were under grievances from the people and as nobody knows when it will police complaint immediately. Murthy seeking an explanation Department and the places arrange the Lord's idol in the Mayor Dr R Sirisha and severe threat. The roof was make efforts to resolve their be collapsed. The revenue The EO then lodged a com- for his negligence in the matter of where people built houses and new temple, after removing the Deputy Mayor Mudra covered with a plastic sheet to issues. But no one was both- employees want protection for plaint at Karapa police station the land belonging to the temple. buildings. He also directed to community hall which was Narayana. The ruling party prevent rainwater from ered to take care of their lives, their lives from the 'ready-to- alleging that the temple lands The DC also wrote a letter to survey the land currently constructed in the temple site. won 48 seats out of a total drenching the office files. the revenue employees com- collapse' office. The officials were encroached preventing the Land Protection Cell of the encroached by the encroachers. The villagers of Gurjanapalli of 50 divisions, while the The Kakinada urban plain. and revenue employees were outsiders from entering the Endowment Department to On this occasion, Vijaya thanked 'The Pioneer' for high- TDP won one seat and the Revenue Office has not been As many as 93 VROs were appealing to the district offi- temple lands. SI D Rama Rao survey a total of 7.81 acres of Raju said that a letter was lighting encroachments of the election for another seat properly maintained. working in 101 ward secretari- cials to take appropriate action registered the complaint. land based on the Pattadar being written to the district temple lands. was pending. Interestingly, the chambers of ats in Kakinada city. Many of to save their lives. A RARE HONOUR Partial lockdown imposed in SHAR, Nellore PNS n NELLORE explained the worse situation restrictions, only half of the and it may cast a shadow on its prevailed to ISRO Chairman employees were attending for launch. However, the SHAR A partial lockdown was Dr K Sivan. duties. A total of 2,000 regular authorities have not made any imposed at the Satish Dhawan The Covid 19 tests were and 2,000 contract employees announcement over its launch. Space Center (SDSC) in being carried out at Pulicat have been working in the It was observed that some Sriharikota, Nellore district. Nagar (KRP Colony), SHAR centre. experiments were interrupted Only 50 per cent of employees Swarnamukhi Nagar (DOS However, there were suspi- last year due to a corona pan- were allowed to work. It is Colony) and Pinakini Nagar cions that this year's rocket demic in the centre. When learnt that a decision was taken (DRDL Colony) in Sullurupeta launches might take a break in contacted, the SHAR officials to this effect after the SDSC town in the wake of increasing 600 corona positive cases were the wake of the Covid situation. said the experiments would not Director and Controller and cases of the corona. registered in the three colonies. The GSLV F10 was expected to be interrupted and there could other officials of the SHAR It was reported that about In the wake of the corona be launched later this month be a possibility for the delay.

Four hospitals CM urged to to treat Covid provide aid to patients in building workers Kadapa PNS n KADAPA PNS n KADAPA The building workers who The district administration were suffering due to lack of on Thursday notified a total employment were starving Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasa Reddy presenting the Best Citizen Award and a gold bracelet to Gollapudi Srihari, founder of of four hospitals for giving and the State government the Shivam Foundation for Community Service in Ongole on Thursday. treatment for Covid patients should extend financial in Kadapa district. They are assistance of Rs 5000 to Kadapa Rims, Kadapa each worker, Central Fathima Medical College, Building and Construction District Hospital in Workers Advisory Board First Covid red zone Proddatur and Area Hospital Chairman V.S. Srinivasa Pulivendula. The Covid care Naidu has demanded. centres were set up at Kadapa TTD temple with hardly any crowd Srinivas Naidu wrote a let- Haj Bhavan, Polytechnic ter to Chief Minister YS declared in Bhimavaram College, Proddatur, Minority Jaganmohan Reddy on Polytechnic College, Thursday seeking succour to PNS n BHIMAVARAM Rayachoti, Anantharajupet TTD reduces darshan the starving building work- Horticulture Unit, Koduru, ers as because of the corona The Municipal authorities on AP Carl buildings and they lost employment. Thursday announced the first Pulivendula in the district. He said late Chief red zone in Bhimavaram of The private hospitals have tickets over Covid curbs Minister YS Rajasekhara West Godavari District. The not yet received government Reddy had set up the Kodeti Street in the sixth ward approvals. Permits were issued PNS n TIRUPATI from across the country has Seeghra darshan tickets to Construction Workers in Narasayya Agraharam was to some hospitals last year. drastically come down. The 15,000 from the present 25,000 Welfare Board in 2009 to declared as a red zone where Now some private hospitals The world's richest temple of Tirumala Tirupati per day. help the building workers, the Covid positive cases were are unofficially giving Covid Lord Venkateswara in Devasthanams (TTD) stopped With the spike in Covid-19 but it was not functioning recorded. treatments. A total number of Tirumala, which was always issuing tickets for slotted for cases in Chittoor district and properly. The whole area was cleaned 480 oxygen beds and 2620 abuzz with the heavy influx of general darshan from April 19. more particularly in Tirupati In his letter, he appealed and sanitized under the super- instructions of the District to get the vaccination. She non-oxygen beds were avail- pilgrims, has a thin crowd in The temple authorities decid- urban limits, it has been decid- to the Chief Minister to vision of Municipal Collector Kartikeya Misra and appealed to the public that if able across the district. the wake of a surge in corona ed to temporarily stop issuing ed to reduce the issuance of deposit Rs 5,000 per work- Commissioner Shyamala. District SP Narayana Nayak anyone has corona symptoms Meanwhile, a total of 3291 second wave cases. On average, darshan tokens. tickets. er in their accounts After announcing the red zone they were taking measures led to call the helpline number. She beds were available in the dis- 60,000 devotees will have a In a bid to prevent the The majority of the pil- through the Welfare Board a village volunteer and munic- by DSP Veeranjaneya Reddy. urged all people to be vigilant. trict while 393 beds were darshan of the lord per day and spreading of the virus, the grims visiting Tirumala were for the welfare of construc- ipal staffers were deputed to She also said that all the peo- Bhimavaram Tasildar Ramana occupied. A further 2898 now the number came down TTD has decided to minimise from Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, tion workers in Andhra serve the people of the area. ple have to take necessary pre- Rao, CI Krishna Bhagwan and beds were available across the to just 20,000. the number of pilgrims to Karnataka and Telangana Pradesh to safeguard them Municipal Commissioner cautions against the corona others participated in the pro- district, district medical offi- As corona cases were on the 15,000 per day from May 1. It where partial lockdown was in in the wake of the corona Shyamala said that on the epidemic and asked everyone gramme. cials said. rise, the arrival of pilgrims reduced the quota of Rs 300- vogue. pandemic. Seven more hospitals Fate of Gundlakamma pipeline project hangs in balance notified to treat Covid A CHANDRA SEKHAR pipeline was 15.2 km, while Ranga Rayudu ponds were dried n ONGOLE 13.96 km was completed during up and repairs for the major the last government's regime. pipeline had not been carried patients in E Godavari Drinking water scarcity was Only 1.24 km of pipeline work out. Hence, it was difficult for the PNS n KAKINADA the 'B' category hospitals pro- looming large in Ongole in the was left. The pipeline works in people to get drinking water dur- vide treatment to coronavirus wake of summer as the schemes the city were stalled because of ing the present summer. East Godavari District patients as well as other proposed for augmenting water the general election. The government should have Collector D Muralidhar Reddy patients. supply by the previous govern- A filter-bed and a water tank continued the remaining on Thursday notified seven The following is the list of ments came to a grinding halt. were to be set up to purify and pipeline works to ensure water more private hospitals for treat- notified Covid hospitals, their The people of Ongole have to supply 15 million litres of water supply to quench the people's ment of Covid-19 patients bed strength and under what anxiously wait for some more per day near the dyeing industry thirst, he said and appealed to the making available an addition- category they have been time as the fate of the ambitious on Ongole-Kurnool Road. These leaders not to take the people for al 420 beds for treatment of grouped: 1. Hope International Gundlakamma pipeline project works were completed up to 70 a ride for the sake of politics. Covid patients. Hospital at Kakinada (100 was hanging in balance. to 80 per cent. Since the election Speaking to 'The Pioneer', The District Collector issued beds, B-Category), 2. Sunrise It may be recalled that the pre- code had come into effect, the Ongole Municipal Corporation Overhead tank works going at snail's pace at Kurnool Road area. orders to this effect while exer- Hospital at Kakinada-(50 beds, vious TDP government had ini- project works were stopped. Overhead tank with pending works at Public Works Executive cising the powers vested on B-Category), 3. TEAM tiated a comprehensive water The YSRCP had formed the Venkateswara Colony area Engineer Sundararami Reddy him under the Epidemic Hospital at Kakinada- (50 beds, supply scheme at an estimated government and Ongole legisla- said the delay was because the Diseases Act-1897 and Disaster A-Category), 4. Sanjeevi cost of Rs 123 crore under the tor Balineni Srinivasa Reddy problem, Ongole Citizen Forum pipeline had to be laid all along Management Act of 2005. Hospital at Kakinada- (60 beds, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation became a Minister. The people spokesperson Dr Kolla Madhu the national highway and the The total number of active B-category), 5. Srinidhi and Urban Transformation kept a lot of hopes that he would said the residents of Ongole permissions for that work were cases in the district is 6246 with Hospital at Amalapuram- (60 (AMRUT) to provide drinking complete the remaining project were facing drinking water yet to be obtained. He assured 643 fatalities. Daily, several beds, A category), 6. RSH water to Ongole drawing water work and ensure water supply to scarcity and the YCP govern- that the pending works would be hundreds of Covid cases are Neuro and Multispecialty from the Gundlakamma project. 5 lakh people in the city. But their ment was not showing much completed within 20 days and being reported from the dis- Hospital, Rajamahendravaram- The water supply project was hopes were shattered as the new interest to complete the drinking water from trict. (50 beds, B-category), and 7, designed to use 80 million litres government had not taken ini- Gundlakamma pipeline project. Gundlakamma would be Filter-bed While the hospitals cate- Sun Star Hospital at per day for a population of tiative to complete the project. He said that the existing two released to Ongole within 2-3 works which gorised under 'A' will exclusive- Rajamahendravaram- (50 beds, 5.515 lakh. The length of the Reacting to the drinking water summer storage tanks and months, he added. are stalled ly treat Covid-19 patients, while A- category). FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 nation 05 Govt invokes DM Act for Ten states account for over uninterrupted oxygen supply PNS n NEW DELHI

The Centre on Thursday directed states to ensure unin- 75% of new Covid-19 cases terrupted production and sup- PNS n NEW DELHI in the country has crossed 13.23 ply of medical oxygen and its crore. transport along inter-state bor- Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Cumulatively, 13,23,30,644 ders and said the district mag- Delhi, and Gujarat are among 10 vaccine doses have been admin- istrate and superintendent of states that account for over 75 istered through 19,28,118 ses- police of the district con- per cent of the 3,14,835 new sions, according to the provi- cerned will be held responsi- COVID-19 cases registered in a sional report till 7 am, the min- ble if there is any violation of day, the Union Health Ministry istry said. its order. said on Thursday. These include 92,19,544 The directive under the The number of coronavirus healthcare workers (HCWs who stringent Disaster cases in India hit a record daily have taken the first dose and Management Act 2005 was high with over 3.14 lakh new 58,52,071 HCWs who have issued by Union Home infections being reported in a taken the second dose, Secretary Ajay Bhalla in the span of 24 hours pushing India's 1,16,32,050 frontline workers wake of reports that some "Therefore, to ensure the home secretary said. total tally of COVID-19 cases to (FLWs) who have received the states blocked supply of med- uninterrupted supply of med- The order said there should 1,59,30,965, according to the first dose and 59,36,530 FLWs ical oxygen to other states ical oxygen across the country be no restriction on the move- ministry data updated in the who have taken the second amid sudden spike in coron- for management of COVID- ment of medical oxygen morning. India's total active caseload 59.99 per cent of India's total of 24 hours. dose. avirus cases and demand for it. 19 patients, in exercise of between the states and trans- The other states in the list of has reached 22,91,428 and now active cases. Ten states account for 81.08 Besides, 4,78,67,118 and Bhalla said the availability of powers conferred under sec- port authorities shall be 10 are Karnataka, Kerala, comprises 14.38 per cent of the India's cumulative recoveries per cent of the new deaths, the 57,60,331 beneficiaries more adequate and uninterrupted tion of the DM Act, the under- instructed to accordingly allow Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, country's total infections. A net have surged to 1,34,54,880 with ministry said. than 60 years old have been supply of medical oxygen is an signed, in the capacity as free inter-state movement of Bihar, and Rajasthan. increase of 1,33,890 cases 1,78,841 recoveries being reg- Maharashtra saw the maxi- administered the first and sec- important pre-requisite for chairperson, National oxygen carrying vehicles. Maharashtra has reported recorded in the total active istered in a day. mum casualties (568). Delhi fol- ond dose respectively whole managing moderate and Executive Committee, hereby No restrictions shall be the highest daily new cases at caseload in a span of 24 hours. The National Mortality Rate lows with 249 daily deaths. 4,44,28,884 and 16,34,116 ben- severe cases of COVID-19 directs the state and Union imposed on oxygen manufac- 67,468. It is followed by Uttar Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, has been falling and currently On the vaccination front, the eficiaries aged 45 to 60 have and with the increasing cases, Territory governments and turers and suppliers to limit Pradesh with 33,106 while Delhi Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and stands at 1.16 per cent.2,104 cumulative number of COVID- taken the first and second dose the medical oxygen supply state and Union Territory the oxygen supplies only to the reported 24,638 new cases. Kerala cumulatively account for deaths were reported in a span 19 vaccine doses administered respectively. will need to keep pace with the authorities to ensure the fol- hospitals of the state and the requirements of the states and lowing measures within their union territory in which they union territories. areas of jurisdiction," the are located.

INDIA CORNER HC directive 1,600 tonnes of unexploded Elgar-Maoist links case: HC to to Centre on 300 passengers flee Silchar ordnance disposed by Army hear activists' plea on Apr 29 n panel for NRIs airport to avoid Covid testing PNS MUMBAI he Bombay High Court on Thursday said it will hear PNS n NEW DELHI As much as 1,600 metric Tthe petitions filed by PNS n SILCHAR(ASSAM) tons of unexploded ord- activists Rona Wilson and The Delhi High Court nance was disposed of by Shoma Sen in the Elgar Thursday asked the Centre Over 300 passengers, who the Southern Command Parishad-Maoist links case on to decide a representation landed at the Silchar airport on of the Indian Army to April 29. The activists had sent to it in December for Wednesday, created disorder help civilian authorities moved the court alleging setting up a commission and fled the facility to escape in Mumbai and several tampering of evidence and for the welfare of Non- mandatory COVID-19 test- other locations, a defence seeking that the charges Resident Indians (NRIs) "as ing, officials said on Thursday, release said on Thursday. against them in the case be expeditiously as possible and asserted criminal action In Mumbai alone, over quashed. A bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale said it and practicable". will be initiated against them. 800 tons of Unidentified locations in Mumbai, will hear both pleas together since they seek similar reliefs and cited a A bench of Chief Justice Cachar district Additional Explosive Objects (UXO) Gujarat, Kanpur, Jaipur report of the US-based forensics firm Arsenal Consulting.The bench D N Patel and Justice Deputy Commissioner Sumit with explosive content of and Jodhpur, the release also asked Sen's counsels senior advocates Indira Jaising and Anand Jasmeet Singh asked the Sattawan said a total of 690 over two thousand kg of said. Grover to serve a copy of her plea to the National Investigation central government to passengers arrived at the air- RT-PCR test for Rs 500 even if infected with the virus. Many RDX/ TNT was disposed A special Bomb Agency (NIA), the prosecuting agency in the case.On April 14, Sen decide the representation port from various parts of the the report of the RAT comes were exempted from testing as of. Disposal Team from the had filed a plea in the court citing the report of Arsenal Consulting, sent on December 8, 2020 country aboard six aircraft. negative. they were transit passengers on Operation `Visphotak Central Ammunition which claimed that an attacker had used malware to infiltrate a laptop by the petitioner - an NRI - He said they were supposed Asserting that the passen- way to neighbouring states Mukt Bandargah' was Depot, Pulgaon carried belonging to Wilson before his arrest, and inserted 10 incriminating "in accordance with law, to undergo swab tests at the gers had violated the rules, the like Manipur, Mizoram and undertaken by the Army out "survey, segregation letters on his computer. Wilson, who is Sen's co-accused in the case, rules, regulations and poli- airport and the nearby Tikol officer said,"We have their Tripura, Sattawan said. on the direction of the and disposal" of unex- had himself approached the High Court in February this year through cy applicable to the facts of Model Hospital. "Around 300 database and we will track The Assam government had Defence Ministry to ploded ordnance. senior advocate Mihir Desai, citing the Arsenal report. the case, as expeditiously as people created chaos at both them. We will initiate criminal on Wednesday night ensure the safety of peo- In a similar operation possible and practicable". places, mainly over payment of action under Section 188 of the announced that all people ple living in these areas, in Thiruvallur district of With the observation, the Rs 500 for the tests," he said. IPC (Disobedience to order coming from outside will have the release said. The ord- Tamil Nadu in March Puducherry reports 987 court disposed of the plea The Assam government has duly promulgated by publicser- to undergo seven days of com- nance had "possibly been 2021, the Southern seeking setting up of a com- made it mandatory for all air vant) and other relevant pro- pulsory home quarantine, as collected inadvertently by Command had safely dis- fresh Covid cases mission at the national level passengers arriving in the visions." the state's COVID-19 tally some factories and steel posed of unexploded ord- for Non Resident Indians state to undergo free Rapid Of the 690 passengers, 189 shot up to 2,29,138 with 1,150 scrap yards" over the past nance, the release he Union Territory ofPuducherry (NRIs). Antigen Test followed by an were tested and six were found fatalities. few years at multiple informed. logged 987 new Covid-19 cases Tduring last 24 hours taking the overall tally to 50,580, a senior official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare said. The number of ADROSONIC active cases in the union territory stood at 5,923 which included 4,016 patients in home isolation, Director of to bear vax Health and Family Welfare Services S Mohan Kumar said. Four patients including two women succumbed to expenses the virus during the last 24 hours ending 10 AM Thursday, he said, adding the death toll rose to 726. Also, one patient hailing from West of staff Bengal died in the government hospital here and has been listed under West Bengal account, Nodal officer of the Department of Health J PNS n MUMBAI/ Ramesh told P T I. With the identification of 987 new cases at the end MAHARASTRA of the examination of 4,675 samples, the overall count has risen to 50,580 in the union territory. Putting emphasis on health Ensure oxygen and contributing to the global fight against AAP MLA appeals to Centre COVID-19 pandemic, dig- transported to Delhi ital consulting company to provide oxygen to Delhi SASB suspends registration of ADROSONIC announced n an emotional appeal, AAP that it would provide 100% without any hindrance: MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj on free vaccination for all its n IThursday posted a video Amarnath yatra due to COVID employees and associates, PNS NEW DELHI tration there and it needs to be where he can be seen wearing along with their immediate resolved immediately. n an oxygen mask and gasping PNS JAMMU twin routes of Pahalgam and situation improves. families. The Delhi High Court Thursday It directed the central govern- for breath to urge the Centre Baltal on June 28 and culmi- Registration started from April The company on April directed the Centre to ensure ment to provide adequate secu- and the Haryana government to Registration of pilgrims for the nate on August 22. 1 for both the routes through 20 announced that it will oxygen is supplied to the nation- rity to lorries transporting oxy- provide oxygen, stressing that upcoming annual pilgrimage to "In view of the evolving 446 designated bank branches reimburse the cost of al capital as per the allocation gen and to form dedicated cor- it is not the time to pull each the cave shrine of Amarnath in COVID situation in the coun- -- Punjab National Bank (316), COVID-19 vaccination for order and is transported with- ridors for the same. other's legs but to work south Kashmir Himalayas has try and the need to take all nec- the Jammu and Kashmir Bank all its permanent, contrac- out any hindrance. The directions came after together. Bharadwaj was been being temporarily sus- essary precautionary measures, (90) and the YES Bank (40) -- tual and third-party front- The high court said there has the Delhi government told the admitted at a city hospital three-four days back after testing positive pended on Thursday due to the registration for Shri Amarnath all over the country. line staff along with their to be strict compliance of oxy- court that oxygen that was to for COVID-19, party sources said. In the video posted on Twitter, the COVID-19 situation, officials ji Yatra is being temporarily Nitishwar Kumar, Chief immediate family mem- gen allocation order issued by come from Panipat in Haryana AAP leader can can be seen wearing an oxygen mask and gasping said. The offline and online suspended," the Shri Amarnath Executive Officer (CEO), Shri bers if they get the jab at the Centre and non compliance was not being allowed to be for breath. Bharadwaj said the hospital, where is admitted, has only registration for the annual Shrine Board (SASB) Amarnathji Shrine Board private hospitals. would attract criminal action. picked up by the local police three hours of oxygen left. "The hospital in which I am admitted has Amarnath Yatra through Baltal announced on its Twitter han- (SASB) confirmed the develop- “As we continue to nav- A bench of Justices Vipin there. only three hours of oxygen left. When I removed this mask, I felt like and Chandanwari routes will dle on Thursday. ment and said that the situation igate the pandemic, noth- Sanghi and Rekha Palli said the The Delhi government also some non-swimmer had been pushed into a pool and he was begin from April 1 and April 15 It further said that the situ- is being constantly monitored ing is more important than Centre's allocation of oxygen for told the court that oxygen which gasping for breath. respectively. The 56-day yatra ation is being constantly mon- and the registration would be the health and well-being of Delhi from plants in other states was to be picked up from some to the 3,880-metre-high shrine itored and the registration reopened once the situation our people. like Haryana was not being units in Uttar Pradesh could also BJP MLA slams Serum India is scheduled to start from the would be reopened once the improves. respected by the local adminis- be not lifted from there. over vaccine pricing pset over anti- Cop dies hours after ‘Pvt firms making hay with vax drive’ coronavirus vaccine Upricing by the Serum PNS n NEW DELHI Promises of free vaccination, it Institute of India (SII), a testing Covid positive appears, are good only for BJP MLA has compared its A national association of doc- winning elections, and dump- CEO Adar Poonawalla with tors and scientists have accused ing the people thereafter," it a "dacoit" and asked the PNS n NEW DELHI was sent on 14-day home quar- the Centre of lending the said. government to "acquire" the antine and prescribed medi- COVID-19 vaccination drive The forum said the central company under the Hours after being tested posi- cines by doctor, police said. to "profiteering" by private government commands the Epidemic Diseases Act. tive for COVID-19, a 58-year- A senior police officer said companies rather than ensur- financial resources to extend Gorakhpur MLA Radha old assistant sub inspector of Surender appeared fine. His ing public financing of the pro- grants to, and thereby demand Mohan Das Agrawal made Delhi Police died Wednesday family said he collapsed after gramme. answerability of private man- the remarks after SII on Wednesday announced a price of Rs 600 per morning, officials said. coming out of the bathroom In a statement, the ufacturers. dose for Covishield supplies to private hospitals and Rs 400 per dose to The deceased, identified as Wednesday morning. He was Progressive Medicos and "In a situation where there is state governments "@adarpoonawalla you are worse than a dacoit. ASI Surender, was posted with taken to the hospital where he Scientists Forum, said on already a critical shortage of @PMOIndia @AmitShah @blsanthosh @drharshvardhan should acquire the Ashok Vihar Police Station, was declared brought dead. Wednesday that the Centre's vaccine doses, this implies that your factory under epidemic act," the MLA, who is also a doctor, said in they said. He was on night shift The exact reason for his move is "bound to lend the vac- the states shall have to bargain a tweet in Hindi on Wednesday. In a series of tweets, Agrawal also on Tuesday when he com- death will be ascertained after cine prices to market manipu- better epidemiological and doses shall now be routed at their level with the manufac- referred to the Swaminathan Commission's formula for agriculture costs plained of breathlessness and the post-mortem report which lation for maximising private economic sense, the govern- through open market. turers for the best price, and and prices. The world's largest vaccine maker announced pricing of fever. is awaited, police said, adding profits". ment has lent even the vacci- This is bound to lend the shall in (all) probability have to AstraZeneca shots it manufactures at its Pune facility, following the He was taken to BJRM hos- he had taken two jabs of the "Rather than ensuring nation drive to profiteering by vaccine prices to all manner out-bid each other to be able to government decision to open up inoculation to all citizens above 18 pital where after being tested COVID-19 vaccine last entirely public financing of private companies by announc- market manipulation for max- secure enough doses to meet years of age. positive for COVID-19, he month. vaccination, which makes far ing that 50 per cent of all the imising private profits. their respective demands. FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 06

www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Faulty figures? Lives, livelihoods Amid the COVID-19 apocalypse, certain data highlight the efficacy of desi vaccines ASHISH AHUJA eople are falling like ninepins to the COVID-19 virus and the situation has exac- still far from safe erbated due to the shortage in oxygen and medicine supply, besides the non- Pavailability of hospital beds. Similarly, crematoriums and graveyards are out of The Government’s stand on clamping the lockdown in 2020 and space for the last rites of the dead. The Government’s job seems to be limited to just coming out with higher numbers each passing day — of the succumbed, and new and total infections — which, even if much lower than the actual figures as some steering away from it this year appears inherently incongruous people are claiming, present a horrifying picture. Amid all this, the Indian Council of he ‘Great Indian Medical Research (ICMR) throws up the data that only 0.04 per cent of the 17,37,178 Lockdown’ that began individuals who received the second dose of Covaxin were COVID-19 positive while on March 25, 2020, 0.03 per cent of the 1,57,32,754 people who took spanned 68 days. TInitially announced for a period the second dose of Covishield were infected. The of 14 days, it was repeatedly figures are definitely a shot in the arm for the extended to finally reveal the swadeshi vaccines and instil confidence in peo- ‘Great Unlock’ on June 1, 2020. ple. However, looked at minutely, these figures raise It was heralded as a pre-emptive masterstroke. Was it one? And a few uncomfortable questions. First, how many is there a case for Lockdown 2.0? individuals in these sets of 17.37 lakh or 1.57 crore At the first instance, the people went for testing after the second dose? ‘Great Indian Lockdown’ was There must have been many asymptomatic brandished as the ultimate tool that would eradicate COVID-19 patients (who show no symptoms but are carri- from our shores. The citizens ers) who didn’t go for the RT-PCR or other COVID were asked for a few weeks, then detection tests. It’s now established that most peo- a few weeks more and then ple don’t prefer to get tested in the absence of any some more to win the war against the virus. So while the symptom but still carry the lethal virus. Then, there must be those who didn’t inform obedient citizens believed what the authorities even if they had mild symptoms. was being fed to them, they Many people prefer to get treated at home rather than in a hospital, especially utilised their time making since there is a massive shortage of beds, oxygen and medicines. The accuracy of Dalgona coffee at home. They banged plates, lit candles and these figures, therefore, is suspect. Further, a study in The New England Journal of sacrificed their daily wages in declared by showing how lockdown did little to prepare as the smartest move last Medicine, Vaccine breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants, states that in the belief that they were being our country fared so much our health infrastructure for year? Confusing to me. a group of 417 people who had received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or protected from the tentacles of better than the rest. If the the tsunami facing us today. If the March 2020 lock- Moderna vaccine, two women were identified with the vaccine breakthrough infec- a deadly virus. Time spent with- ‘Great Indian Lockdown’ was In such a case, what did the down was not a mistake, it out social contact would van- about preparing the health lockdown achieve? Very little. definitely cannot be a mistake tion, at an approximate rate of 0.50 per cent. Interestingly, the ICMR figures of vac- quish the virus was the war cry, system, then shouldn’t the It did not vanquish the virus, in April 2021. However, since cine efficacy, with the sample size in lakhs and crores, show more promising results for some time. nation have been served a it did not adequately prepare it does not seem to be a tool than the findings in the top journal — with its limited sample size and accurate test- As time passed, reality slow- graph of additional hospital our health system but it def- for the Government in the ing of all individuals. Well, if the sample size is in lakhs and crores, it is not possi- ly dawned that the ‘Great Indian beds, ventilators, oxygen initely destroyed the liveli- current crisis just yet, isn’t that ble to test all the individuals and, therefore, the results are bound to be far from accu- Lockdown’ in no way could capacity and the like to keep hoods of millions. an admission that it erred in extinguish the virus. The the citizens informed of the Personally, I have never March last year? The sad part rate. However, ICMR chief Balram Bhargava has assured that the “data are not at all Government’s narrative conve- work being done to prepare IF THE ‘GREAT INDIAN been an advocate of lock- is that they are erring again. worrisome”. But we still have to take it with a pinch of salt. It’s time for the Government niently changed to the lock- for the worst? It is hard for LOCKDOWN’ WAS downs. Each one must eval- However, this time, by not and its agencies to concentrate more on plugging the loopholes and not just get buoyed down being an instrument to normal folk to accept a mis- uate one’s own risks and act enforcing one. The happen- by the figures that are far removed from the actual and seem to serve only the end prepare the health system to take, and even harder for the ABOUT PREPARING accordingly by imposing a ings over the last year remind cope. Now, this made sense — Governments to do so. self-lockdown when required. me of a game we played as of the vaccine manufacturers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be making all- a lot of sense. The obedient cit- Rather than admitting to an THE HEALTH However, if there is ever a children, called “musical out efforts to save the country from the pandemic but such misleading figures by izens never questioned this nar- error in judgement, a SYSTEM, THEN greater reason and logic for a chairs”. The Government the ICMR only undermine his sincere endeavours. rative, since it genuinely had a changed narrative from “let’s stringent lockdown, it is now. seems to be caught on the lot of merit to it. For the com- kill the virus” to “we are SHOULDN’T THE I have constantly maintained wrong side of the chair each mon man, the changing narra- preparing the health system” NATION HAVE BEEN that lockdowns simply reduce time the music stops playing. PICTALK tive explaining the reasons for worked as a convenient expla- the pace of spread of the As most of us juggle mul- the lockdown was immaterial as nation. I, for one, hoped that SERVED A GRAPH virus. They never complete- tiple calls for help from fam- long as the end justified the the changed stance truly OF ADDITIONAL ly eradicate it or stop its ily and friends, television means. A short crisp lockdown reflected the Government’s spread. Thus, a lockdown is grabs of religious ceremonies was probably the need of the intent. Sadly, I was wrong. HOSPITAL BEDS, unfortunately necessary only and election rallies seem to hour in late March 2020 to bet- Cut to the present. If the and only when the health sys- mock us. Do we deserve this? ter prepare the health infra- Government presumably VENTILATORS, tem is running at capacity. Who is to blame for our structure. There can hardly be acted prudently and helped OXYGEN CAPACITY And it is running to more predicament? The virus, the a debate on this. prepare the health system in than capacity now. The time Government’s response or us But what explains the sud- those 68 days and the ensu- AND THE LIKE TO to save lives is now, not when who cast our ballots — the 1.4 denness of it all when hospitals ing period of another 200+ KEEP THE CITIZENS our hospital capacity was billion? Think hard about it. were empty and deaths a frac- days since ‘Unlock 1’, then chugging along at 30 per Let’s hope and pray that tion of where we are today? what explains the current INFORMED OF cent or so, in April 2020. With lives as well as livelihoods are What explains the painful and mess? Even for the uninitiat- THE WORK BEING the hospitals bursting at saved. Sadly, as it is playing prolonged 68 days of being ed, it simply means that the seams, the Union out, it seems neither lives nor shut down? The only number preparation was grossly inad- DONE TO PREPARE Government in its wisdom livelihoods are safe. the Government seemed to be equate and the forecasting thinks that lockdowns don't (The writer is ‘an ordinary bothered about then was the even worse. The time spent in FOR THE WORST? help. Really? Wasn’t the ‘Great concerned citizen’. The views infection graph. Victory was lockdown and the time post- Indian Lockdown’ presented expressed are personal.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOUNDBITE A worker clears water from the cover over a pile of wheat grain after rain in Amritsar PTI One day, we will hug LESSONS FOR INDIAN JUDICIARY, POLICE again. I have faith in Sir — In what may be called an era-defin- A disturbing situation the human spirit, in ing day for the US, police officer Derek the Indian spirit. We Don’t choke Mars Chauvin was found guilty of the murder uite disturbing are the memory. The plight of these will heal. We will of George Floyd, a black security guard words of Trupti Gilada, an labourers who lost jobs and defeat this virus and It’s great that NASA has been able to create oxygen who had lost his job during the pandem- Qinfectious diseases spe- are in distress, on the roads we will do it by working together. ic. The episode was followed by simmer- cialist in Mumbai: “Like many and in buses and the starving on the Red Planet but don't think of colonising it ing racial tension across the country, trig- doctors, I am troubled. I don’t millions in the countryside Congress leader gering mass protests under the umbrella know what to do. I am heart- must also figure alongside the — Rahul Gandhi or those who have grown up watching sci-fi movies like Species, Total Recall, The of ‘Black Lives Matter’. broken. Maybe if I tell you what suffering captured in Gilada’s Martian, Marvin the Martian and so on, the Red Planet holds a lot of fascination. It There is an important takeaway for worries me, if I can help you words. Iranian President is not just popular culture that is obsessed with Mars, our scientists, too, are con- India here. Floyd was killed in May 2020; understand, I might be more at peace.” These It’s time for the Government to pool all Hassan Rouhani F the country’s justice delivery system words are reflective of the struggles of the med- resources to pull India back from the brink of acknowledged that sumed with the possibility of humanity being able to live on it one day. This is because worked fast. Chauvin was found guilty by ical fraternity to save lives from the pandem- devastation. There is an urgent need to rope in bilateral relations Mars is potentially the most habitable planet so close to a court in less than a year following a trial ic as the healthcare sector is reeling under a the States and cooperate with them. Empowered have improved. We us. Many believe that the first manned space flight to Mars which was covered widely by the media. severe crisis. Committees of the Centre and the States, as well have signed an MoU is only a matter of time and that it will eventually be fol- For sure, the justice delivery system was As another lockdown comes into effect in as expert committees, should be set up to evolve with Iran to open trade centres. helped by ubiquitous mobile phones that many parts, the migrant labourers are again fresh ideas to make the Corona curve flat, mon- lowed by its colonisation by humankind. In fact, many captured the last moments in Floyd’s life under threat of losing their jobs and livelihood. itor the calamitous situation on a regular basis, Pakistan Foreign Minister — Shah Mahmood Qureshi countries and private firms are heavily involved in the race in excruciating detail. The essential fact is Fearful of the impending extremity, they have manage medical facilities, suggest ways to sup- to colonise the Red Planet. The US, as usual, is far ahead that justice was delivered quickly. It’s a pre- started rushing back to their villages on buses port the economy, shape schemes to mitigate of the others in the great space race. And, in a landmark requisite to build trust in a system. and trains. To be in the queue to get vaccinat- the misery of migrant labourers and reduce rural For me, staying vegetarian was a development which will have a far-reaching impact on Contrarily, the Indian judicial system’s ed is hardly a priority for them. The scenes of poverty. backlog running into millions of cases their mass exodus last year are still fresh in Haridasan Rajan | Kozhikode personal choice that I making future manned missions to Mars a reality, builds distrust among its citizens. made long back. I Perseverance, NASA’s newest six-wheeled robot on the Another aspect of the trial that is rel- wanted to see how it of micro-containment zones. He assured 18 years will be eligible for vaccination. impacts my overall fitness. Martian surface, converted some of the planet’s thin, evant is the nature of police response. the country that there is enough stock of Anshita Rochwani | Ujjain Floyd was picked up following an allega- SPECIAL CENTRES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Former Miss World carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere into oxygen. A toaster- vaccines, medicines and oxygen to win the — Manushi Chhillar tion that he used a counterfeit note of $20 battle against the second wave of Sir — I am aged 71 years and got my first sized, experimental instrument aboard Perseverance, to buy cigarettes. The sequence of events Coronavirus. The Opposition, including dose of Covaxin at a private hospital on called the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilisation Experiment (MOXIE), accomplished led to Chauvin kneeling on his neck for 9 the Congress and the NCP, often get dis- March 24 just to avoid crowds at the I don’t have many the task. The test took place on April 20, the 60th Martian day since the mission land- minutes and 29 seconds, unmindful of the appointed with Modi’s speech, which cre- Government hospitals where it was being problems with my ed on February 18. While the technology demonstrated by NASA is still in the nascent victim repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.” ated a storm on social media as many peo- provided free of cost. But now the hospi- game but I must get The prosecution’s evidence included a ple were expecting some relief which they tal where I took the jab has been declared fitter. The level of stage and MOXIE’s oxygen production was a meagre five grams, which is equivalent police chief who observed that Chauvin didn’t get. On the other hand, many a COVID hospital and going there for the badminton will go up to about 10 minutes worth of breathable oxygen for an astronaut, it is designed to violated protocol. India has often seen cus- Twitter users were relieved that Modi did- second dose is highly risky for senior cit- a couple of notches if I generate up to 10 grams of oxygen per hour. However, NASA is jubilant as this baby todial deaths and other police excesses. n’t announce a complete lockdown. izens like me. The situation will deterio- get remain fitter consistently. step will pave the way for science fiction to become a science fact. In the future, the Similarly, in the US, it’s hard to get a con- He also stated that the Government rate after the ongoing six-day lockdown in Badminton player viction of police officers who violate was putting in all efforts to save lives. The the Capital is lifted. — Sai Praneeth US could isolate and store oxygen on Mars for its astronauts to live and work there, norms. We hope the George Floyd trial will PM was very sympathetic towards all Arrangements should be made by the besides helping power rockets to lift them off the planet’s surface. No doubt it is a catalyse some change here too, to hold the those families who have lost their loved authorities concerned to provide the vac- giant leap for humanity, but what about our Blue Planet? Instead of planning to get rogue police officers to account. ones to the virus. Further, he assured that cination at homes at least for the senior cit- The measures taken our greedy hands on other celestial bodies to ruin them the way we have done the N Sadhasiva Reddy | Bengaluru the pharma sector is very robust and it has izens and other special categories. Also, the by the Government increased the production of medicines Delhi Government should set up separate have increased the Earth, the time, effort and money would be better spent on finding solutions to the LOCKDOWN IS ONLY THE LAST RESORT manifold. He said he had held detailed dis- centres across Delhi for providing the vac- biodiversity and once problems created by us here. While it is good to be ambitious in the interest of sci- Sir — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cussions with the pharma industry lead- cination to senior citizens. again brought nature ence, we must not forget that we owe the planet we live on a great debt as we have stated that lockdown should be the last ers for enhancing drug production. It’s Madhu Agarwal | New Delhi back to life in the resort and the focus must be on creation good that from May 1, all citizens above State. all but made it inhospitable. Let us look after the Earth, the only planet we call home. Send your feedback to: Telangana Chief Minister [email protected] — K Chandrasekhar Rao FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 07 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ FIRSTCOLUMN Change strategy to BRING UP AN ASSET, NOT A LIABILITY eliminate Red terror ANIL GUPTA It is vital for parents to understand that producing a child is not a one-time event, but a lifetime responsibility A hammer-and-tongs approach is needed to shut the Red Corridor and bring the Maoists to the negotiating table ecently, the nation was shocked by the news of mass casualties of policemen who Rwere part of an instant anti-Maoist oper- ation launched in the forests of Bastar in MANJULA PAL Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, a Maoist- e who gives a mouth shall feed it too.” This fatalistic, age-old adage infested State. The forces not only suffered large- so often used by the poor in the subcontinent conveniently pass- scale loss of lives but the rebels also managed to Hes the buck to the Almighty as a cover-up for our own inadequa- escape with weapons, bullet-proof jackets, boots cies. Next in line of assault is the establishment for “failing” in its duty and other personal accessories of the martyred policemen. What is shocking is that such loss- towards the country’s underprivileged population. Human rights activists es occur frequently and we hardly learn lessons use poor people’s helplessness as a means to achieve their own goals. from the past failures to ensure that the loss of A photo shoot of a family showing an emaciated mother with an infant men and weapons is minimised in future. The in her arms, a sickly husband by the side and a line of malnourished off- bitter fact is that the Maoists have proved more springs speaks louder than a thousand words. Still the words, “No, one professional, in the sense that they are known ever came forward to give us any help either from the Centre or from the to critically analyse each operation by filming State”, go viral and capture the hearts and imagination of the privileged. the same and carrying out post-operation analysis to draw lessons for the future. A country progresses step by step, but the fruits of progress and TO BEGIN WITH, Unfortunately, when security experts THERE IS A NEED development are usurped by the ever-increasing number of mouths to analysed the recent anti-Maoist operation, they FOR A THOROUGH feed and more hands being continuously added to the workforce, look- were sad to note that the mistakes committed OVERHAUL AND ing for employment. As a result, we are back to square one. Man-made in Sukma in 2018 were repeated by the forces. SHAKE-UP OF THE advancements in the fields of agriculture and technology ensure mate- Evidently, our forces have failed to learn from ORGANISATIONAL the past, which speaks poorly of the leadership. STRUCTURE. THIS In fact, senior journalist Shekhar Gupta has INCLUDES observed that, “the first reaction after any such operation is to cover the ba@#&ide of the senior CREATION OF A officers.” How true! Narratives and stories are SEPARATE spun to justify failure by converting it into a well- MINISTRY OF contested, successful operation. We lack inves- INTERNAL al combat, quick mental reflexes ture must give way to military cul- of the rank of DIG and above for tigative journalism and the media houses also SECURITY are needed to respond and act as ture. A patchwork solution will operations should be replaced by buy the narrative spun by Government agencies. THROUGH per the emerging tactical or oper- lead us nowhere. To close the Red Brigadiers and above on second- In order to draw a comprehensive strategy RESTRUCTURING ational situation. That needs Corridor which has already shrunk ment from the Army. The Army to close the Red Corridor, it is essential to under- OF THE EXISTING immediate availability of the com- to less than one-third (only 31 has a large number of officers in stand the shortcomings and professional errors MINISTRY OF manders at headquarters and in affected districts remaining out of these ranks with adequate combat rialistic growth, but it is superseded by the unsustainable population growth. committed in the conduct of instant operations. HOME AFFAIRS combat with the troops for on-the- the original 200 plus), a synergised experience of counter-insurgency Unfortunately, since the Emergency, family planning has been regarded It is learnt that the operation was launched on AND A SEPARATE spot decision- making. This is also approach is needed. and fighting in the jungle terrain. as a touchy subject and no politician wants to talk about it. Become ratio- a specific Intelligence input provided by an OPERATIONAL a frequently-observed drawback. The first and foremost require- The logistics branch can con- nal, talk sense and lose the chair! Consequently, the mindset of the estab- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The objective COMMAND FOR The CRPF must inculcate the ment is to regain the confidence of tinue to have officers from the lishment, of shying away from addressing the topic aggressively, still has was to trap Hidma (a top-rated Maoist comman- THE ENTIRE RED habit in its officers of leading from the people and convince them of police. Only those units of the der known for conducting successful ambush- the front in such operations. the Government’s determination CRPF or other police organisations not changed to the extent needed. This is despite the incumbent Government CORRIDOR LED BY es). A careful analysis of the Intelligence input A LIEUTENANT- Unpredictability is the key to and capability to eliminate the Red which are trained in counter- at the Centre being in a majority. should have prompted the planners to maintain GENERAL. THIS success in unconventional opera- terror. Its only when the local pop- insurgency and jungle warfare Social, religious or cultural orientation are great impediments in the contact with the high-value target and keep all COMMAND tions. However, a study of the ulation is convinced of the should be “on the order of battle” realisation of the importance and benefits of smaller families. A wide- his activities under surveillance through both SHOULD CUT operations carried out by the Government’s upper hand in the of this Anti-Maoist Operations spread network of accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers are Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Human ACROSS STATE CRPF leads one to believe that Red Corridor that the much- Command (AMCOM). The doing a good job in many States in promoting hospital deliveries against Intelligence (HUMINT). BOUNDARIES AND their operations are very pre- needed human Intelligence would Command should also have spe- home deliveries, where contraception advice is routinely given. However, Obviously, it was not done, otherwise how BE MANDATED TO dictable and hence afford an start flowing. cialised units for Psychological can the ability of Hidma to gather 400 Maoists opportunity to the Maoists to sur- To begin with, there is need for Operations and WHAM (Winning an inaccessible maternal healthcare system is still a problem in the remote CONDUCT for the ambush be justified? Hence, inadequate SEAMLESS prise them. The fact that the a thorough overhaul and shake-up Hearts and Minds) operations. areas. Fortunately, the country is self-sufficient in the production of food Intelligence assessment and poor Intelligence troops were lured into a “U-Type” of the organisational structure. Population-control measures grains and the States are heavily subsidising it for the poor. As the farm gathering along with faulty operational planning OPERATIONS ambush bears testimony to the This includes creation of a separate to isolate the Maoists should also land holdings get divided with each generation, urbanisation is inevitable. are the obvious shortcomings, just like the fail- WITHIN THE fact. Proper terrain analysis dur- Ministry of Internal Security be initiated prior to launching full- DESIGNATED Therefore, the biggest task before the establishment is sustainable devel- ings noticed in the previous botched-up oper- ing the planning stage would have through restructuring of the exist- fledged operations to eliminate ations. The conduct and execution of the oper- GEOGRAPHICAL identified the likely ambush sites ing Ministry of Home Affairs and them on the pattern of the Sri opment along with tackling the paramount problem of unemployment AREA through job creation. ation is as good as its planning. This incident on the route-in and route-out and a separate operational command Lankan Army, which undertook reflects poorly on the standard of training, par- plans could have been made to for the entire Red Corridor led by the operations to finish the Tamil One of the steps the Union Government plans to take is emphasis- ticularly specialised training in jungle warfare. secure these sites before advancing a Lieutenant-General. This com- Tigers or the LTTE. ing on privatisation and monetisation of some State-owned companies. The other major shortcoming was lack of further. Obviously, it was not mand should cut across State The Government will come The aim is to generate `2.5 trillion that will be used for developmental proper command and control, coupled with the done. boundaries and be mandated to under tremendous pressure from purposes, along with job creation. However, it is easier said than done absence of commanders with their respective No tactical operation is ever conduct seamless operations with- Maoist sympathisers, so a as there are many challenges before the Centre. Already there are sev- units and formations. Since four different forces launched without planning and in the designated geographical favourable national opinion will eral voices and demonstrations against the divestment of State-owned were operating together, a foolproof command catering for reserves. In the latest area. have to be built by highlighting the companies and the privatisation of nationalised banks. The insecurity of and control structure was mandatory. Anti- The author is a case, lack of reserves was obvious The force needs to be provid- danger Maoists pose to not only Maoist operations can’t be treated as routine Jammu-based veteran, as was the lack of coordination for ed operational and logistics where- local development but also to the employees is palpable and they fear that the number of Government ones. The troops and commanders need to political commentator, casualty evacuation and reinforce- withal tailor-made for conduct of national integrity and security. A jobs could further decrease with this move. acquire the skills not only for counter-insurgency columnist, security and ments using helicopters. operations as well as for logistics “hammer and tongs” strategy is Ultimately, merit and the skills of the candidate would have the upper operations but for jungle warfare as well. strategic analyst. A thorough overhaul of the support. Drones, helicopters and needed to eliminate the Red The views expressed hand and, in the times to come, parents would have to invest more money Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are are personal. forces operating against the UAVs should be totally integrated Corridor and bring the Maoists to and time that ever before in educating and skilling their children to increase good for routine activities and drills but for actu- Maoists is needed. The police cul- with this force. The senior officers the negotiating table. their employability. The more the number of children, the more the bur- den on the guardians. It is highly imperative for parents to understand that producing a child is not a one-time event, but an additional respon- POINTCOUNTERPOINT sibility of bringing them up properly. The Government gives adequate impor- tance to strengthening the federal structure, thus district-level establish- IS THIS NOT CRIMINAL? AN MP HOARDING MEDICINES THOSE WHO ALLOWED REMDESIVIR TO BE BLACK ments can be authorised and empowered to implement innovative meth- AND GIVING IT AS PER HIS WISHES. WHY SHOULD HE MARKETED ARE CONCERNED OVER A FEW HUNDRED ods for promoting family planning programmes. The media can play a positive role by highlighting the far-reaching benefits of smaller families NOT GIVE THEM TO THE HOSPITAL? FABIFLU STRIPS THAT ARE BEING GIVEN FOR FREE. and making people aware of their responsibility towards their children and —AAP LEADER —BJP MP the need to bring them up as an asset to the nation and not a liability. SOMNATH BHARTI GAUTAM GAMBHIR (The writer is an author. The views expressed are personal.) Fires engulf the ecology and livelihoods in Uttarakhand The most telling impact of this disaster has been on the livelihoods of the local communities that were dependent on the forests and their products he raging forest fires in witnesses 55 millimetres the livelihoods of the local trees, present a mesmerising year the increasing intensity of the State Government, these Uttarakhand have (mm) of rainfall, saw a measly communities that are depen- visual against the backdrop of wildfires during the flowering trying circumstances have Talready consumed over 10 mm. This left the forest dent solely on forests and the snow-clad mountains. Locally season and now the restric- already led to a mass exodus 2,800 hectares of irreplaceable floor dry as tinder and provid- products that come out of called “burans”, the rhododen- tions imposed in the backdrop from the villages to the cities. verdant forests, mainly in the ed an endless run to the for- them. dron blooms are replete with of the COVID-19 pandemic The report confirms that cur- higher altitudes, and as many est fires. According to the time-tested medicinal proper- have dealt a major blow to this rently there are a total of as eight people have lost their Wildfires are frequent Uttarakhand State Council ties. The tree has a flowering small flourishing economy. 1,065 ghost villages in the State lives due to the wildfires. The SRIRAJ annual incidents all over India for Science and Technology, season between February and The repeated lockdowns whose population has migrat- loss of wildlife is yet to be KOTA and the “Devbhoomi” 80 per cent people are direct- April and the locals earnestly and curfews have prevented ed to the cities in search of bet- ascertained, but has to be Uttarakhand, with over 70 ly or indirectly dependent on look forward to the season so the local people from going ter prospects and livelihoods. colossal as these calamitous per cent of its area under forests either for their suste- that they can sell these flow- out to collect the leftover The Uttarakhand State fires started six months ago. forests, is no exception. But the nance or subsistence. Forests ers, the juice and the pickle flowers that have not been Government must set up a However, thanks to the ongo- fact that the State lost 85,000 provide fodder, firewood, made out of the blooms. Over burnt by the forest fires. Last task force to investigate the ris- ing pandemic, national as well football fields or 45,000 many wild fruits, construction the last two decades, climate year, the season saw a major ing scale of forest fires and as State resources have been hectares of woods to forest materials and medicines for change has had a telling drop of 60-70 per cent in the simultaneously provide the steadfastly focused on fighting fires over the past 20 years is humans and livestock. Besides, impact on the local crops as flower harvest, and this year, fire department with state-of- the Coronavirus that seems to a disconcerting reality. The forests also provide the micro- rising temperatures and dry- too, is not promising. the-art equipment including be becoming more unman- colossal loss of ecology is only climate for the cultivation of ing glaciers have caused pauci- These are difficult times aerial firefighters so that the ageable with each passing day. rivaled by the immense pollu- several crops that can be been an integral part of the ty of water resources leading for all but for the population difficult terrain does not ham- The Uttarakhand forest tion generated during the grown only on the hills and local commerce for centuries. to continuous crop failures. of the hills of Uttarakhand, it per firefighting operations. department recorded 989 fires course of these fires. The cur- provide substantial livelihood But this very source of liveli- Owing to the unpre- is an exceptionally bad time as Similarly, afforestation efforts between October 2020 and rent fires have caused the lev- opportunities for the people hood is now being threatened dictability of traditional crops, failing crops, forest fires and must be redoubled to com- April this year and, to make els of black carbon to shoot up living in the forest fringe by the increasing scale of for- the local communities have a beleaguered tourism indus- pensate for the loss of the matters worse, the annual The writer is an six times to 12,000 micro- areas. For instance, the har- est fires every year. started to depend more on try in the wake of the pandem- green cover. The locals under- rainfall was scanty also. The environmental grams per cubic metre of air. vesting and processing of the The bright red flowers, harvesting of the rhododen- ic means feeding a family has stand the significance of the period between January and journalist. The views The most telling impact of this rhododendron — the State growing at an altitude of 1,200 dron flowers in order to sup- become a challenge. forest better than anybody March this year, that usually expressed are personal. natural disaster has been on flower of Uttarakhand — has feet and above on full-sized port their families. But every According to a report by else and hence must be given FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 Money 08 Sensex rallies 375 points; Offered not-for-profit price for vaccine; Tessolve to supply through govt contracts: Pfizer Nifty tops 14,400 PNS n NEW DELHI based on agreements with The union raises USD respective govern- government Global pharma major Pfizer on ment authorities on Monday PNS n MUMBAI On the other hand, COVID- Thursday said it has offered a and following announced Titan, HUL, Asian 19 cases in 40 mn from not-for-profit price for its vac- regulatory that every- Equity benchmark Paints, Tech Mahindra the country cine for the government authorisation one above Sensex rebounded 375 and Nestle India were to Novo Tellus immunisation programme in or approvals, 18 years of points on Thursday, among the laggards. PNS n NEW DELHI India and it remains commit- the state- age would tracking gains in index "In a volatile ses- 1,59,30,965. ted to continuing engagement ment added. be eligible majors ICICI Bank, sion, markets The oxygen Tessolve -- a Hero with the government to make The com- to get vac- HDFC Bank and ended on a posi- crisis, precipitat- Electronix venture -- on the vaccine available in the pany, howev- cinated Kotak Bank despite tive note despite ed by the second Thursday said it has country. er, did not against mounting COVID-19 the country wave which has left raised USD 40 million The company also said dur- reveal the 'not- COVID-19 cases in the country. recording its tens of thousands hos- (about Rs 301 crore) ing the pandemic phase it will for-profit' from May 1 as it After falling 501 highest daily pitalised, appeared to from Singapore-based supply the Pfizer-BioNTech price that it liberalised the points in opening ses- COVID spike as intensify with com- Novo Tellus Capital COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has suggested to the vaccination drive to sion, the 30-share BSE investors plaints of shortage Partners, valuing the only through government con- government. allow states, private hospitals index pared all losses to focused on broad from several states. engineering and R&D tracts. "Pfizer remains commit- "... in all our agreements and industrial establishments end 374.87 points or basing of the vacci- Elsewhere in Asia, services provider at USD ted to continuing our engage- Pfizer has adopted a distinct to procure the vaccine doses 0.79 per cent higher at nation pro- bourses in Hong Kong, 100 million. ment with the Government pricing structure for high, directly from manufactur- 48,080.67. gram," said S Seoul and Tokyo The funding will be towards making the Pfizer and middle, and low/lower-mid- ers. Similarly, the broad- ended on a pos- used by Tessolve to drive BioNTech vaccine available dle-income countries consis- Under the third phase of er NSE Nifty jumped ened fur- itive note, further growth through for use in the government's tent with our commitment to the national vaccination 109.75 points or 0.77 Ranganathan, "Barring FMCG ther by while Shanghai was in acquisitions and organ- immunization programme in work towards equitable and drive commencing next per cent to 14,406.15. Head of Research at and IT, most of key approximately 3 per the red. Bourses in ic investments. the country", a Pfizer affordable access for our month, the vaccine manufac- ICICI Bank was the LKP Securities. sectoral indices traded cent," he added. Europe were trading "Since a majority spokesperson said in an email COVID-19 vaccine for peo- turers would supply 50 per top gainer in the Sharp bounce back positively. Notably, India registered over with gains in mid-ses- investment by Hero response to PTI. ple around the world," the cent of their monthly Central Sensex pack, surging in financials and after seeing sharp rally 3.14 lakh new coron- sion deals. Meanwhile, Electronix in 2016, As stated earlier, during this statement said. Drugs Laboratory (CDL) over 3 per cent, fol- favourable global cues in last couple of days, avirus cases in a day, international oil Tessolve has witnessed a pandemic phase, Pfizer will "For India, Pfizer has released doses to the central lowed by HDFC, Bajaj supported the market's profit booking was the highest-ever sin- benchmark Brent year-on-year growth rate prioritise supporting govern- offered a not-for-profit price government and would be Auto, HDFC Bank, rebound, said Binod seen today in many gle-day count recorded crude was trading 0.51 of over 30 per cent, ments in their immunisation for its vaccine for the govern- free to supply the remaining SBI, Kotak Bank and Modi, Head - Strategy pharma counters. in any country, taking per cent lower at USD clocking USD 75 million programmes and supply the ment immunization pro- 50 per cent doses to state Bajaj Finance. at Reliance Securities. Volatility index hard- the the total tally of 64.99 per barrel. in revenues in 2020. COVID-19 vaccine only gram", it added without governments and in the open through government contracts revealing the price. markets.

India committed to IBA asks SLBCs to take decision TUV SUD and MONEY MATTERS Atlan-tec Systems de-carbonising its on banks based on local situation add safety with Ola Electric to set up one lakh economy: Pradhan PNS n NEW DELHI HAZOP+ charging points in 400 cities In order to ensure safety of PNS n NEW DELHI Ola Electric on Thursday PNS n WASHINGTON bankers, Indian Banks' unveiled the Ola Association (IBA) has asked Safety, integrity and eco- 'Hypercharger Network', the India is committed to decar- State Level Bankers' nomic efficiency are crit- charging network for its bonising its economy as a Committee (SLBC) convener ical factors in the opera- upcoming two wheeler responsible global citizen, to modify the Standard tion of production facili- products starting with the though the country's priorities Operating Procedures (SOPs) ties in the chemical and Ola Scooter to be launched are different from the devel- as per the prevailing COVID- process industries. TÜV in the coming months. Ola oped world, Union Petroleum 19 situation and needs in SÜD and atlan-tec said in a statement it will and Natural Gas Minister respective states. Systems have now brought offer "the most comprehensive" set of charging options to its electric Dharmendra Pradhan has The decision to this effect gral part of the economy and resentation had asked IBA for HAZOP, Operational vehicle customers through a combination of widely deployed high- said. was taken in a special the services are needed to be restriction in services and Excellence (OPEX) and speed Ola Hyperchargers and the home-charger that will come Observing that India's ener- Managing Committee meeting continued to ensure smooth reduction in public dealing AI-based methods togeth- bundled with the Ola Scooter."The Ola Hypercharger Network will be gy demand is all set to increase organised on April 21, 2021. economic activities, there is a time to around 3 hours per day er in HAZOP+, thus cre- the widest and densest electric two wheeler charging network in the in the coming years, he told a "We are also suggesting need to suggest steps to restrict till the situation improves to ating an innovative world, with more than 100,000 charging points across 400 cities", it US think-tank that the future part of the global developed SLBC convenors to separately services to ensure safety of protect bank employees from approach for using syner- said. In the first year, Ola is setting up over 5,000 charging points of the growth of energy economic group,” Pradhan call meetings of all stakehold- banking staff as well as our the coronavirus infection. gies in the continual across 100 cities in India, more than double the existing charging demand will come from India. said in his address to the ers including Chief Medical customers who visit branches "We are deeply distressed to improvement of produc- infrastructure in the country, the statement said. The incremental require- Center for Strategic and Officers and senior level gov- for their banking needs. This constantly receive news about tion processes and plant ment of India's energy will International Studies (CSIS) ernment officials and deliber- will also help in reducing pres- infections, hospitalizations and safety. come from renewable energy, think-tank on Wednesday. ate on emerging situations in sure on the medical infra- deaths of bank employees HAZOP, a systematic he said and referred to the He asserted that India is their respective states and issue structure," it said. round the clock every day," the technique for hazard Rupee slips 6 paise to 74.94 recent announcement of committed to “decarbonise advisories to the banks," IBA There are a growing number UFBU had said. analysis and evaluation of Prime Minister Narendra our economy as the responsi- CEO Sunil Mehta said in a let- of cases in every bank and Last month, the IBA had possible preventive and against USD as cases spike Modi that by 2030, India's ble global citizen. ter addressed to heads of bankers are finding it difficult written a letter addressed to mitigation measures, is energy basket would have 40 A decarbonised economy is banks. to get a bed and oxygen sup- Secretary Health and Family designed to improve the he rupee weakened per cent of its needs from the based on low-carbon power It is felt that localised advi- ply like any other citizens of the Welfare for inclusion of bank safety and operability of Tfurther by 6 paise to renewable sector. sources that therefore has a sories will be more practical country, UFBU has said. employees for vaccination on plants and equipment and close at 74.94 (provi- “We are an emerging econ- minimal output of greenhouse and useful for the entire sys- The United Forum of Bank priority basis given their enhance their service life sional) against the US omy. Our priority, our strate- gas (GHG) emissions into the tem, it said. Unions (UFBU), an umbrella important role in running the and reliability. dollar on Thursday as gy is different from the other atmosphere. "While banking is an inte- body of nine unions, in a rep- economy. a persistent rise in COVID-19 cases and enhanced restrictions imposed by a number of states weighed on L&T construction bags order from VIL's arm investor sentiment. At the interbank forex unveils post- market, the local unit opened at 75.25 against the greenback and traded in the range of Oilfields Supply Company Saudi 74.82 to 75.26 during the day. The rupee finally ended at 74.94 paid plans against the American currency, registering a fall of 6 paise over its PNS n NEW DELHI previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee had settled at 74.88 against for biz the American currency. Forex and equity markets were closed on L&T on Thursday said its con- PNS n NEW DELHI Wednesday on account of 'Ram Navami'. struction arm has bagged up to Rs 2,500 crore order from Vi Business, the enter- Oilfields Supply Company prise arm of VIL, has Saudi to design and build an oil introduced a slew of India's gas output to Tata Steel takes Liberty Steel and gas supply base. post-paid plans aimed The company did not pro- at businesses and work- vide value of the contracts but ing professionals. jump 52 pc by 2024 to court over missed payments said the orders fall under "sig- The post-paid offer- PNS n NEW DELHI 2019-20 was 85 mmscmd, ndian steel major Tata nificant" category which ranges ing from Vi Business which is estimated to have fall- ISteel has filed a commer- between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs comes at a time when India's natural gas production en to 80 mmscmd in the fol- cial court claim in the UK 2,500 crore as per its classifi- businesses, particularly is projected to jump by 52 per lowing year, HDFC Securities against British Indian steel cation of contracts. SMEs and start-ups, are cent to 122 million standard said in a report. tycoon Sanjeev Gupta led "The buildings and factories Ltd to design and build one of involves constructing industri- adapting to hybrid ways cubic metres per day by 2024 The output is projected to GFG Alliance, which owns business of Larsen & Toubro the World's largest oil and gas al facilities of different sizes, an of working, and looking as state-owned Oil and Natural rise in the current fiscal that Liberty Steel, over alleged Construction has secured a supply bases at King Salman administration building, ancil- for value-based con- Gas Corporation (ONGC) and started on April 1 to 93 missed payments from an significant contract from Energy Park, Dammam, lary buildings, associated infra- nectivity solutions that Reliance Industries Ltd-BP mmscmd, 107 mmscmd in the acquisition dating back to Oilfields Supply Company Kingdom of Saudi Arabia " structure and storage yards are convenient and combine raise output from the following year and 122 2017. Liberty Steel had Saudi owned by the Dubai L&T said in a regulatory filing. along with civil, structural and secure. KG basin fields. mmscmd in 2023-24, the bro- stepped in to acquire Tata's based Oilfields Supply Center L&T said the project architectural works. Natural gas production in kerage estimated. Speciality Steels business employing more than 1,700 people in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the West Midlands in an estimated 100 million pounds deal, which Tata Steel announced as complete in May 2017. Now, it has emerged that payments have been missed in that Sunteck Realty's sales transaction resulting in Tata launching proceedings against Liberty Sales of EVs in India fell 20 pc in '21 Speciality Steels, Liberty House Group PTE and Speciality Steel UK – all parts of GFG Alliance, ‘The Daily Telegraph' first reported. “As this PNS n NEW DELHI "However, a lot more needs is now an active case we are not making any comment,” a Tata Steel bookings drop 16 pc to be done to achieve the tar- spokesperson said on Thursday. Society of Manufacturers of get under the FAME II scheme. Electric Vehicle (SMEV) on Timely intervention by the PNS n NEW DELHI Rs 715 crore in the previous Thursday said sales of EVs in government in a form of pol- year. India fell 20 per cent in the icy change is required to fuel Sunteck Realty Ltd on "Aggressive project acqui- financial year 2020-21 to the growth and achieve the tar- Gold futures fall on low demand Wednesday reported 16 per sition was done in FY21 2,36,802 units. get by the end of FY22," Gill cent decline in its sales book- within the industry - three In 2019-20 sales of electric asserted. Gold prices fell by Rs ings at Rs 1,022 crore during new project acquisitions vehicles (EVs), including elec- SMEV said a strong bank 260 to Rs 47,968 per the last fiscal year. under the asset-light strate- tric two-wheelers (E2W), elec- finance mechanism for EVs is 10 gram in futures The company had clocked gy totalling to approximate- tric three-wheelers (E3W) and still missing with only a few trade on Thursday as sales bookings of Rs 1,221 ly 8 million sq ft at Vasai, electric four-wheelers (E4W), FY20. The data doesn't include FY21, but sales remained stag- banks like SBI and Axis, offer- speculators reduced crore in the previous year. Vasind and Borivali," stood at 2,95,683 units. E3Ws that are not registered nant due to various reasons. ing loans on select models. The their positions amid low Sunteck achieved lower Sunteck said in its opera- For FY21, the E2W seg- with the transport authority, it The sales in the electric three- government should ask banks demand. On the Multi sales bookings in the first six tional detail for the last fis- ment sales declined by 6 per said. wheeler and two-wheeler seg- to offer loans on EVs to aug- Commodity Exchange, months of the 2020-21 at Rs cal. cent to 1,43,837 units, as com- In the E4W segment, the ment stood low as compared to ment sales. gold contracts for June 301 crore. The second half of These projects will further pared to 1,52,000 units in industry witnessed registra- last year." It, however, said the future of delivery traded lower by last fiscal contributed Rs strengthen the cash flows FY20, SMEV said in a state- tion of 4,588 units, compared A good thing has happened EV in the B2B sector is posi- Rs 260, or 0.54 per 720 crore to the overall sales and balance sheet of the ment, adding that the FY21 to 3,000 units in FY20, a jump that people have started mov- tive with a lot of traction com- cent, at Rs 47,968 per bookings number. company, it added. E2W sales included 40,836 of 53 per cent. ing towards advanced lithium ing from this segment for the 10 gram in a business In a regulatory filing, the Sunteck Realty focuses on high-speed and 1,03,000 low- Commenting on the sales ion batteries and the city- next 2-3 years with the likes of turnover of 11,233 lots. Mumbai-based developer a city centric development speed E2W. performance, SMEV Director- speed and high-speed catego- Amazon India and Flipkart Analysts attributed the fall in gold prices to trimming of positions by said the collection from cus- portfolio of about 40 million The E3W segment regis- General Sohinder Gill said, "we ry in the two-wheeler seg- announcing that they will participants. Globally, gold traded 0.04 per cent lower at USD tomers increased to Rs 780 square feet spread across 28 tered sales of 88,378 units as were anticipating a good ment have witnessed growth, deploy EVs in their fleet of 1,792.40 an ounce in New York. crore in 2020-21 fiscal from projects. against 140,683 units sold in growth before the start of he added. delivery vehicles. 9 Health Friday April 23, 2021 ALL IN THE MIND: THE STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN CORPORATE INDIA study highlighting the ¬IT/ITes ( 64 percent) and role of the workplace BFSI (57 percent) are among the in causing, furthering top sectors on awareness levels A and perpetuating on mental health, with FMCG mental illness, (50 percent) and Automobile launched by Gi Group (53 percent) industry faring at India, a leading human capital the bottom end. solutions and services provider. ¬On the cities with high The study titled ‘All in the Mind: awareness on the topic, The state of Mental Health in Southern capitals — Chennai Corporate India’ shares a birds- (63 percent) and Bengaluru (57 eye view into the state of mental percent) score better than the well-being of India’s corporate rest. Delhi NCR (50 percent) is segment. at the bottom of the list when it It shares critical analogies that comes to awareness on Mental can help reduce stress in gener- Health. al, thus creating a happier and Speaking on the launch more motivated workforce. The Marcos Segador Arrebola, survey had a sample size of Managing Director, Gi Group 1,088 employee respondents and shared, “It is clear that the pan- 368 employer respondents from demic has increased the recog- Junk foods may leading small, medium and nition as well as receptivity of large-scale businesses based out mental health issues in our of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, ceived by employers are work- fallout of mental health issues employers surveyed were found country specifically in the cor- Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, life balance (49 percent of all on the functioning of their to have policies and mechanisms porate sector. Being one of the damage your bones Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Pune. employers), work related stress organisations in varying ways. A receptive to mental wellness world’s largest staffing group The key findings from the (42 percent) and anxiety over big majority (70 percent) of all cases. 54 percent of the respon- and an integral part of oes your kid love to eat The team then sought to analyse report are: career growth (34 percent) employers believe that mental dents have not put formal poli- Corporate India, we believe that ultra-processed junk how specific eating habits might ¬Covid-19 was a mixed bag health has a serious (45 percent) cies and mechanisms in place shining light on a nebulous, but foods like packaged impact bone development and repli- ¬Employers and employees for issues concerning mental or significant (25 percent) and deal with mental wellness critical problem must concern d chips, soups, hot dogs cated this kind of food intake for contradict each other on factors wellness. Awareness and accessi- impact on organisational perfor- concerns in their informal ways. us beyond business as usual. and fries? Besides the the rodents. of influence. 77 percent of the bility leapfrogged and taboos mance or organisational growth. ¬A large proportion of the Through the study, ‘All in the increasing risk of obesity, They divided the rodents’ weekly employers point to long, erratic, significantly diminished. 30 percent believe that there is employers surveyed (82 percent Mind: The state of Mental eating junk foods can also affect nutritional intake — 30 per cent always on work hours, as the top However, only a small propor- insignificant or negligible are sensitising their organisa- Health in Corporate India’, we your bones, warn researchers. came from a ‘controlled’ diet, and 70 factor, and play down the role of tion of employers were more in impact on either performance or tions to be receptive to mental have set out to give shape to the A team of researchers from the per cent from ultra-processed foods. leadership. And 79 percent of control of their mental health. growth. health concerns. 63 percent are seemingly amorphous entity. As Hebrew University of Jerusalem in “Even if we reduce fats, carbs, the employees put the role of 29 percent of the employees sur- ¬Organisational policies and opening up multiple channels an organisation committed to its Israel proved the linkages between nitrates and other known harmful leadership right on top of the veyed suffered due to erratic mechanisms do not effectively for people to speak up, and 51 ethics, Gi Group wishes to focus ultra-processed foods and reduced substances, these foods still possess factors work schedules and 21 percent address mental health concerns percent encourage healthy inter- on a formidable issue that con- bone quality, unveiling the damage their damaging attributes. Every ¬The top concerns that lead suffered due to reduced salaries in an overwhelming majority of personal equations between cerns the nation, and the world, of these foods particularly for part of the body is prone to this to mental health issues, as per- ¬Employers understand the cases. Only 14 percent of the people and look at possible solutions.” younger children in their develop- damage and certainly those systems ing years in a rodent-study. that remain in the critical stages of The findings showed that the development,” Monsonego-Ornan exposure and in term increase formulation of renewable ingre- rodents experienced moderate dam- said. Pascale Mora, aging signs. This, in return, add dients,” Mora tells you. age to their bone density, albeit Director Scientific to the need of keeping your skin Biotechnologies for example there were fewer indications of car- hydrated — for which hyaluron- have recently made very signifi- tilage buildup in their growth plates. Communications, ic acid is best known for. cant scientific progress and “Our conclusion was that even in NO ROOM “Simple tips would be to pro- many start-ups are developing reduced amounts, the ultra- L’Oréal, speaks vide a regular hydration of the to exploit the full potential of processed foods can have a definite skin, an adapted photoprotec- yeasts and microorganisms to negative impact on skeletal growth,” with The Pioneer tion and to ensure a proper produce ingredients traditional- said Efrat Monsonego-Ornan, cleansing in a daily routine. ly obtained using petrochemical Professor at the varsity. about the benefits UVs are responsible for 80 per processes. The team surveyed lab rodents of adding hyaluronic FOR AGEING cent of ageing signs, so photo- “The development of these whose skeletons were in the post- protection is really a must,” technologies will contribute to embryonic stages of growth. The serum in skin multi-healing properties. Scientific Communications At Mora says. ecological transition, but many rodents that were subjected to ultra- “Hyaluronic acid is part of L’oréal, tells you. However, everything comes economic challenges related to processed foods suffered from regime and other natural glycosaminoglycan pre- Change in weather, associated with a price. So does your beau- investments and the cost of the growth retardation and their bone sent in the skin. This molecule with cold, humidity percentage ty. In order, to reduce the bur- transition need to be solved. It strength was adversely affected. things has water retention properties, or sun exposure might con- den on the environment, L’oréal is important to adopt a long- Under histological examination, forms network, gives rigidity tribute to the occurrence of skin has adopted Green Sciences term perspective in this field,” the researchers detected high levels and structure to the derm. It is discomfort and even some skin approach. Mora adds. of cartilage buildup in the rodents’ e all, by now, must a reference for dermatologists, disorders such as redness, dry- “The term Green Sciences This is, she says, a huge chal- growth plates, the ‘engine’ of bone have been lured into that is why it is well-known. It is ness, itching (cold, dry environ- means all the scientific knowl- lenge. “For the time being and growth. When subjected to addi- adding hyaluronic used in cosmetics as an anti- ment), a thickening of the epi- edge ranging from innovative as the knowledge stands, we do tional tests of the rodent cells, the W acid into our skin aging ingredient. Involved in dermis (sun), skin imperfection agricultural practices to envi- not think we will be able to researchers found that the RNA regime. However, not tissue repair, Hyaluronic acid (hot weather, sweating). Other ronmentally friendly processing achieve this for 100 per cent of genetic profiles of cartilage cells that many of us might improves wrinkles, skin elastici- external factors such as pollu- techniques (biotechnologies, our products by 2030. However, had been subjected to junk food know what makes it so sought- ty and photoaging signs,” tion may also exacerbate weath- fermentation, extraction, macer- it remains our ultimate goal,” were showing characteristics of after. It is the fact that it has Pascale Mora, Director er-induced damages such as sun ation, distillation, etc.) to the she says. impaired bone development. FUN

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Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. 10 Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ Friday April 23, 2021 dailypioneer Gorging on desserts does not mean you have little or no self- control. It only means that you have a good sense of what you want, (sometimes it is just a sinful blueberry cheesecake), and that you have what it takes to honour these cravings. Bollywood's pastry chef Juhi Pahwa talks to The Pioneer's SHIKHA DUGGAL about how she keeps the A-listers happy and healthy. BOLLYWOOD'S PASTRY CHEF REVEALS B-TOWN'S BINGES hile we don’t really before indulging into the needed me to take charge hard to live up to these stan- hard choice to let all your the best seller, celebrities it, she speaks, “A large as they are heavy on our sys- need a reason to goodness of sweet! She made then, they were kicking and dards now,” the cake-maker efforts go in vain by consum- can’t get enough of it. It’s a amount of my clientele tem, thus vegan diet is pre- eat desserts, there healthy look so beautifying how! As per my reading, a shares. ing regular sweets. To avoid ‘Jowar’ and ‘Cocoa Bundt’ demands cruelty free prod- ferred by a lot of people.” are some who and palatable that every cake is not only a piece of Desserts makes us go weak that, Indians, including cake baked with a mix of ucts. Most of my products In closing, the Bollywood’s W wonder in amaze- Bollywood actress wanted to sweet, but an entire experi- in the knees. It’s a warm celebs, tend to go on for diet- chopped nuts like hazelnuts, are vegan and use nut milks pastry cordon bleu cook give ment why we’re nibble on the best-sellers of ence. I make sure the cakes I blanket on a cold winter friendly sweets that let them almonds and walnuts and the and coconut yogurt! Even for us few insights about Katrina being kind to ourselves ever hers. Compelling her own bake, apart from being evening! It’s the icing on the enjoy their favourite sweets well is filled with a vegan protein balls, I use plant Kaif and Jaqueline Fernandez so frequently without a prop- globus of refined sugar and healthy, are show stoppers cake and the climax to an without cheating on their dark choclate ganache. It’s based protein powders. You on how they like their er reason. For connoisseurs flour free place, one cake at a too! Initially, when I started, absolutely spectacular movie. diet plan. filled with warmth and fuzzy may have heard of the term desserts to be! “Katrina loves of desserts, however, it does- time, whether it’s Jacqueline keto was a huge trend and There is no denying the fact While Juhi knows that goodness,” she adds. ‘gluten-free diet’. This can be pancakes more than any n’t matter what the occasion Fernandez turning to the most A-listers at that time that desserts give a befitting abroad, the ingredients are Nowadays, vegan desserts a bit confusing to some peo- other dessert. She’s very spe- or the time of the year it is. jowar nutty chocolate cake or jumped in on the trend. My end to any meal. In multiple so truly bonafide with a are here to prove that you ple because it isn't a diet in cific with her cheat meals. Rather, it is all about feeding Esha Deol gobbling down a first celebrity order was shades and warm light fix- plethora of diversity, she don’t need butter, eggs, or the way that most people Her pancakes are always the the soul with food that pinata cake, nothing could made by someone to be gift- tures, the pastries by Juhi ensured to give her own cream to create something understand it — it’s not same! Buckwheat, protein, makes them feel like they’ve ever give them more pleasure ed with a PR package to Pahwa are delicious! Every healthily twist to it. that’s sweet, rich, and deca- designed to help people lose cocoa, cinnamon and eggs finally found heaven on than eating their favorite Swara Bhaskar post the suc- country has its own favourite “Considerable taste, substan- dent. Once you stock your weight. It’s just a way of eat- with a side of some 85% dark earth. And, Bollywood’s pas- dessert just the they want it cess of Veere Di Wedding and when it comes to desserts tial quality ingredients and pantry with a few simple ing that helps you heal your chocolate sauce, The Better try chef Juhi Pahwa does to be and Juhi does a fantas- simultaneously a hamper was while the bread-maker pronounced presentation is a ingredients, making knock- gut so you can start absorb- Binge Nutella and The Better exactly the same for all the tic job at it. sent out to Yasmin believes Indians are a lot must for prolific emphasis in out vegan desserts couldn’t ing all the nutrients you need Binge Peanut butter are some A-lister heroines who have “Apart from the accidental Karachiwala for her new more health conscious when the baking industry. If you’ve get easier. Keep coconut oil from your diet. Gluten, as of her favourites. And, an indulgence for sweet brownies that I baked at the gym. The day Yasmin posted it comes to yielding onto got all three, then I guess at hand to take the place of the name suggests, is like Jacqueline loves the ‘Jowar things, yet are health freaks! age of twelve, I never had the it on Instagram, I saw a jump sweets they like. There are a you’ve arrived! Only if it's butter, start reaching for glue and sticks to your sys- nutty cake’ as she loves the She kicked off four years penchant to be in the baking of 300 followers instantly. variety of delicious sweets appealing to the eyes, you ground flaxseed instead of tem for longer. Gluten isn’t fiery chocolate centre it has! ago from here, baking cakes industry! And then there Imagine a celebrity fitness available in the market that would want to put it in your eggs, and invest in a bottle of easy on your gut, lower During shoots she also likes and then ‘The Better Binge’ came a time when my best expert endorsing your prod- have the power to please mouth. For instance, the pure maple syrup. You might gluten intake causes less to binge on cupcakes as came into picture while she friend, who is also a baker, uct! The excitement levels your taste buds in no time. ‘Jowar Nutty chocolate’ cake be surprised to find that you inflammation. Same is with they’re individual portions, totally bought the thought got married and moved to were unmatched but I also But, if you have been on a is my signature culinary don’t miss the dairy or eggs dairy products, they also give scaled to about 85kcal each,” that none should think twice Delhi and my sweet cravings knew I had to work doubly restricted diet for long, it is a dessert that I bake and it’s one bit! Talking more about a lot of issues in a longer run she concludes.

important role homeopathy can Time and again, play in the management of diffi- cult illnesses. homeopathy has Now if this leaves you won- dering what all diseases are in SARAH homeopathy’s cure list, Banerjee proved its is here to your rescue. effectiveness in “Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine and has a ALL SET TO very wide scope. Allergic condi- managing tions of the skin and respiratory system, lifestyle and endocrino- lifestyle diseases. logical disease, gynaecological conditions including infertility, TALK STYLE! In conversation polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), musculoskeletal con- with The ditions, gastro-intestinal disor- arah Jane Dias has ders and neurological disorders stood out not only for Pioneer, Dr are some of the diseases which her performances but have been effectively cured. The also for her style sense! KUSHAL list, however, is very long,” he S She is one of the few says. actresses who has BANERJEE, He feels that given the bene- found wide acceptance both on fits of the treatment, homeopa- the silver screen and the OTT. thy should be promoted even And so, she was the best fit to do busts myths exclusive homeopathic manage- more through activities of the a style-based fun chat show with related to the ment of these conditions is Ministry of AYUSH and other the Myntra App. A long format The power of undertaken. In advanced or old relevant departments. “There detailed chat show aboard cases, homeopathy provides a should be a clear focus on pop- with celebrity stylists and treatments, and clear add-on benefit to ongoing ularising homeopathy and for Sarah hosting them, the allopathic medicines,” he making it available at the prima- show will be streamed tells us how it is explains. ry, secondary, and tertiary care live! homeopathic pills With that being said, there level. All major hospitals should Sharing more about taking are people who have long have departments of homeopa- the show, Sarah says, Banerjee’s Clinic, tells you. much before conventional med- understood the effectiveness thy and offer it to anyone who “Well it will be a centrestage In fact, for those who are still icine. “The holistic approach and the advantages of homeopa- may want it. Homeopathy detailed chat show skeptical of homeopathy’s effec- employed in homeopathy helps thy over conventional medicine should also be considered as an with a lot of fun ele- tiveness in the management of provide extremely effective and have been demanding the add-on to conventional medi- ments! I can’t reveal ow many times do we lifestyle diseases, Dr Banerjee management of a wide range of same for years. cines wherever it cannot replace the guest list right actually take to tells you that the importance of lifestyle related conditions like “Patients have been demand- it,” he adds. now but it’s homeopathy for cur- lifestyle and providing lifestyle hypertension, elevated choles- ing homeopathic treatment ever Practitioners of conventional absolutely ensemble. ing lifestyle diseases? advice to patients was under- terol, Diabetes, and various since it was discovered. Now, medicine should also under- We will have some of H Rarely. Why? Because stood first by homeopaths, other disorders. In many cases, greater awareness of the adverse stand that homeopathy is an the biggest stylists we believe it is a effects of conventional medicine extremely effective option which from Bollywood. It tedious treatment. However, the is fuelling even more interest in should be suggested and sup- can’t get bigger than fact of the matter is it isn’t. homeopathy. Patients have ported if the patient is desirous this on the styling space. “This is a misconception. ready access to information of it. Fashion and styling are grow- Homeopathic medicines can act about the harmful effects of “Not only this, research inter- ing by leaps and bounds in within minutes of consumption. medicines they may be taking est in homeopathy has grown the country and it's the best In cases of acute headaches, and are looking at options to and higher quality research time to be here. This chat high fever, and acute asthma, reduce or stop allopathic medi- involving homeopathic medi- show will not only give us an homeopathic medicines can cines,” Banerjee tells you. cines is increasing. Homeopathy in-depth knowledge of the provide relief in a very short Also, since homeopathy has demonstrated its ability to process of styling but also span of time. However, when attempts to address the root address emerging clinical enti- leave us with inspiration addressing a skin condition cause of disease, patients fed up ties time after time. During the and how to pick up clues which is considered incurable or with their recurring illness and ongoing Covidx-19 pandemic and create things from a long-standing case of Diabetes the temporary nature of the homeopathic interventions were scratch. That process is for example, the medicines relief provided with convention- found to have a protective effect extremely satisfying and show an apparently slow but al medicines are turning to against it and homeopathic who better than one of the incremental effect,” Dr Kushal homeopathy. Practitioners of medicines are being used in the biggest online fashion brands to Banerjee, Consultant conventional medicine are also management of Covid-19 as bring this!” Homoeopath, Dr Kalyan beginning to acknowledge the well,” Banerjee says. FRIDAY | APRIL 23, 2021 CAPTAIN’S CALL 11

THE WAY I'M GOING ABOUT THINGS AT THE MOMENT IS EXTREMELY POSITIVE. I'VE BEEN PRACTISING WELL AND IT'S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMETHING COMES TOGETHER — EOIN MORGAN

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Fleming credits boundarymeter RCB HAMMER CLUELESS RR 4s 446 shift in attitude to 6s complete his half-century off 27 balls, the 197 sweep shots, the slash over backward point and the straight sixes with econo- PLAYER RUNS my of footwork, were all testimony to his CSK's turnaround solid technical foundation. 1. Shikhar Dhawan (DC) 231 Once Padikkal was in his mid 80's, the PTI n MUMBAI 2. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) 176 RCB skipper chanced his arms including 3. Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 173 a six over extra cover off Royals' costli- hennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has attrib- est buy Chris Morris. Cuted the team’s turnaround, after the flop show in last PLAYER WKTS Kohli's 50 came off 34 balls and was IPL, to a shift in attitude and addition of some key per- 1. Harshal Patel (RCB) 12 followed by a personal milestone of 6000 sonnel. runs in IPL as Royals surrendered way Three-time champions CSK are occupying the top 2. Deepak Chahar (CSK) 8 before the match officially ended. spot following three successive wins in the ongoing league, 3. Avesh Khan (DC) 8 Earlier, Rahul Tewatia's impressive less than six months after failing to make the tournament’s death overs hitting ensured a fighting 177 playoffs for the first time, in the UAE. MOST SIXES for 9 for Rajasthan Royals after yet anoth- “Winning three out of four probably exceeded the 1. Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 10 er familiar top order no-show. expectations. We felt maybe three out of five or if we got On a good batting surface, Royals a couple would be good,” Fleming said at the post-match 2. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) 8 managed a total which may be 25 runs media interaction after beating Kolkata Knight Riders on 3. Deepak Hooda (PBKS) 8 short but credit for the decent score goes Wednesday. to a counter-attacking effort from all- “We’re very proud of the way the batting in particu- rounder Shivam Dube (46 off 32 balls) lar is standing up that’s two 190s and two 220s So, we’re SUMMER SLAM which stemmed the rot and big-hits from playing well in that department and that’s by design which Tewatia (40 off 23 balls) that helped them is good.” MOTION PICTURE get past 175-run mark. While Sam Curran has carried forward his form from Dube smashed two sixes and five fours the last season, the real value addition has been the off- and with Riyan Parag (25 off 15 balls) giv- spin all-rounder Moeen Ali, who is giving them the flex- ing him good support, added 66 runs for ibility with his hard-hitting approach at No 3. the fifth wicket off only 6.2 overs to give “I think we’ve added some players that made a dif- his team's total some semblance of ference already, but the attitude is probably the number respectability. one thing, so real mind shift. It took Dube's impressive effort to lend “It’s probably both of those things, just making sure some muscle to the Royals' rickety-look- that we have a lot of batting that you can play a high-risk ing scorecard. game and that gives confidence to the players to play a For RCB, Mohammed Siraj's (3/27 in certain way. Rajasthan Royals batsman Shivam Dube and Rahul Tewatia chat during change of overs as RCB skipper Virat Kohli passes by @IPL 4 overs) off-cutter first-up cleaned Jos “We felt we were a little bit thin last year to play a Buttler (8) and Manan Vohra (7) , with high-risk game. So we had to really swivel around and PTI n MUMBAI maiden IPL century -- an unbeat- with a team that hardly inspires another atrocious shot selection off Kyle change more attitude than anything in this year,” en 101 off 52 balls. confidence, are again looking good Jamieson (1/28 in 4 overs), might have Fleming said. evdutt Padikkal managed to RCB never looked in any tear- for bringing up the rear. ensured a lengthy spell for himself in the Backing the players has been CSK skipper Mahendra Dovershadow none other than ing hurry and yet the target was The sixes that came off dug-out. Singh Dhoni’s success mantra, and opener Ruturaj the great Virat Kohli with an ele- achieved in only 16.3 overs with all Padikkal's blade was more about Siraj then unleashed a perfect toe- Gaikwad reposed the faith by returning to form with a RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s wife Dhanashree Verma gant hundred in Royal Challengers 10 wickets intact. timing than power as he hit 11 crusher for David Miller (0) as skipper 42-ball 64. poses for photo as he cheers for Bangalore during IPL match at Bangalore's successful 178-run Kohli went on the offensive fours and six sixes during his Virat Kohli made a perfect call for DRS. “We told him to just keep playing, we rate him very Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai IPLT20.com chase against Rajasthan Royals, in once Padikkal had ensured victo- knock. Samson (21 off 18 balls), maintained highly. I know there’s a bit of pressure on him from the a virtual cakewalk of an IPL con- ry as his contribution was 72 not Picking the length of Mustafizur his near decade-long IPL tradition of fiz- outside, but inside the camp there was absolutely no doubt NATARAJAN SET TO MISS ENTIRE IPL test here on Thursday. out off 47 balls in their unbroken Rahaman's short ball and getting zling out after one or two good knocks that what he’s capable of,” Fleming said of Gaikwad, who SRH pacer T Natarajan's knee has been aggravated and It hardly happens that someone opening stand of 181. into the shape to execute a perfect as a six off Washington Sundar was fol- had made 5, 5 and 10 in the previous three innings. he is set to miss out on the remainder of the ongoing as brilliant as Kohli, plays a second The RCB juggernaut continues pull-shot for a six showed why lowed by an indiscreet chip shot at mid- “Naturally, you want the player to get into the tour- IPL. The 30-year-old left-arm pacer may be advised not fiddle, allowing the talented left- to roll with their fourth victory on experts feel that it's only a matter wicket. Dube's two sixes in one over from nament and relax and do well. He’s such a stylish player to take further part in the tournament. Sources in BCCI hander use his sinewy wrists to the trot and a strong foundation in of time before he dons national Yuzvendra Chahal (0/18 in 2 overs) over and trains well, he’s got talent oozing out of him. There and IPL have revealed that the pacer could be asked to caress the balls to all parts of the the points table going into the third colours. The inside out chip off long-on forced Kohli to take his leg-spin- was some pressure there but the mental aspect of getting report back to the NCA in Bangalore. ground during a mind-blowing week of the tournament. Royals, Riyan Parag over extra cover to ner out of attack. a good performance will do him a lot of good,” he said. MORGAN FINED FOR SLOW OVER-RATE KKR skipper Eoin Morgan has been fined `12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate against CSK. As per the IPL guidelines, the captain of the erring team is docked MI, PBKS look to sort batting issues IPL's ‘Cluster Caravan' format can `12 lakh on the first instance of slow over-rate. On the second instance during the season, the fine for the VENUE: MA CHIDAMBARAM STADIUM, CHENNAI captain is doubled (24 lakh) while every other member KEY PLAYERS of the playing XI is penalised with a 25% deduction be used for T20 WC from the match fee or `6 lakh — whichever is lesser. NICHOLAS POORAN HEAD TO HEAD PTI n NEW DELHI The West Indian is struggling to get Matches 26 ‘WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE RUNS’ runs and has failed to open his In a message to MI misfiring middle-order, pacer Trent Punjab Kings 12 he twin city ‘Cluster Caravan’ account in three of the four matches Tformat being used by the BCCI Boult said the bowlers would like to have more runs on Mumbai Indians 14 in the ongoing IPL could be the tem- the board in their upcoming IPL matches. “I am sure the middle-order is probably not too pleased with how HARDIK PANDYA plate for the ICC during the T20 things are going so far but I know the guys are hungry Everyone know what he can do LAST YEAR’S MATCHES World Cup when the country will host in October-November, feels the and desperate to put in the performance in our last when he’s on song and Pandya Mumbai Indians defeated global governing body’s bio-safety game here in Chennai,” Boult said ahead of the team's would be eager to find his lost form game against Punjab Kings. “We have not had an ideal Punjab Kings (KXIP) by 48 runs head Dave Musker. An ICC team will be visiting start, obviously like to have a few more runs on the in Abu Dhabi India from April 26 to hold discus- board. But one of the strengths of this side is fighting till the end and the bowlers have managed to do that. PTI n CHENNAI Punjab Kings (KXIP) beat MI in sions and also inspect the arrange- “....The way the IPL is managed, a sharp second surge in Covid-19 ments with regards to all aspects of they only have two venues engaged cases. Hopefully, we put runs on the board,” he added. umbai Indians would be aiming to address Super over after match ended the global event. at one time. You haven’t got eight “I’m fascinated to see how the Mtheir batting woes to achieve consistency in a tie in Dubai Musker indicated that just like venues at one time,” Musker told IPL works in India over the coming POINTS TABLE while Punjab Kings would be desperate to arrest IPL has six venues (Mumbai, ESPNCricinfo when asked if the weeks. We will be travelling to their overall slide when the two sides clash here Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, number of venues could have been India on April 26 to see the arrange- P W L NRR PTS at Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Ahmedabad, Kolkata) but is being reduced. “If the IPL works with this ments there and are in touch with 1 RCB 4 4 0 +1.009 8 The Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai crashed to held in only two cities at a given two-venue caravan model, then it is the BCCI on this. It is on top of our defeat against Delhi Capitals following an 199 point in time (known as Cluster clearly a good starting point for us list of priorities. 2 CSK 4 3 1 +1.142 6 inept batting performance and will look for Caravan) before moving to next set, to understand how we may stage the Musker is, however, confident 3 DC 4 3 1 +0.426 6 redemption. The skipper shone with the bat, but Kieron Pollard with 199 fours in the template could also be green men’s T20 World Cup,” Musker that there won’t be much problem others could not get going and the misfiring 151 innings of 168 matches, lighted for the T20 World Cup. said, dropping broad hints as to how to organise the World Test 4 MI 4 2 2 +0.187 4 middle-order would be a major concern for the needs one more four to become The BCCI has shortlisted nine the global body plans to schedule the Championship in Southampton 5 SRH 4 1 3 -0.228 2 side. cities for the T20 World Cup — matches. from June 18 to 22 between India The MI bowlers have more often than not the fourth Mumbai Indians Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Musker added that the manner and New Zealand, given the United 6 KKR 4 1 3 -0.700 2 risen to the occasion and won matches for the Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, in which IPL is conducted in India Kingdom’s record of delivering big batsman to complete a double 7 PBKS 4 1 3 -0.824 2 team. century of fours in IPL Lucknow, Dharamsala — for the 16- will be a indicator how things will sporting events in the safest bio-bub- However, they couldn’t do so against Delhi team tournament. pan out in the coming days amidst bles since last year. 8 RR 4 1 3 -1.011 2 and would like the batters to put up bigger scores for them to do the job. Rohit looked in good touch against Delhi. 981 However, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, shortpasses Man City fightback stars of the team’s victorious 2020 campaign, Super League is have not been able to make match-winning con- Mayank Agarwal who scored 981 AMIT PANGHAL IN SF tributions and that has hurt MI along with mid- runs at an average of 25.81 in 39 NEW DELHI: Olympic-bound Amit Panghal dling performances from Kieron Pollard and the (52kg) was assured of at least a Bronze at the on standby: Perez to sink Aston Villa Pandya brothers — Hardik and Krunal. innings of as many matches, Governor's Cup in St Petersburg after he Madrid: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez AFP n LONDON It is still early days in this year’s needs 19 runs to become ninth advanced to the semis but five other Indian insisted Wednesday that the European Super League IPL but Mumbai Indians would Punjab Kings batsman to boxers bowed out after opening round losses. was not doomed, but merely “on stand-by”. anchester City closed in on like its players to find form and “The project is on stand-by. The project exists, Mthe Premier League title as consistency and a match complete 1000 runs in IPL BANGLADESH REACH 474-4 but half of them have left, tired of what they have the leaders fought back to win Faisel Features against an under-performing PALLEKELE: Captain Mominul Haque heard over 24 hours, saying they don’t want to con- 2-1 at Aston Villa on Wednesday. Punjab could well be the begin- completed a century beside newcomer tinue,” said Perez. Pep Guardiola’s side were ning. and the team needs to recover quickly or Najmul Shanto as their 242-run partnership His note of defiance came despite all six English rocked by John McGinn’s open- Punjab have flattered to else its play-off hopes would slip fast. lifted Bangladesh to a commanding 474-4 clubs as well as Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico er for Villa after just 20 seconds. deceive after a winning start. Being Rahul has got two fifties in four games against SL after two days of the first Test. Madrid turning their backs on the tournament, plans But City recovered impres- shot out for 120 by Sunrisers so far but has lacked support from others. for which were only revealed on Sunday night. sively as Phil Foden equalised Hyderabad on Wednesday hinted at His captaincy has not inspired a lot of con- REAL MADRID CRUSH CADIZ In an interview with Spanish radio station before Rodri put the visitors bigger problems for the KL Rahul-led fidence and muddled team selection has PARIS: Three goals in 10 minutes towards the Cadena Ser, Perez was asked if it is wrong to think ahead. team, which has more than one issue compounded his woes. end of the first half helped Real Madrid go top the breakaway competition is now dead. City defender John Stones to resolve, especially its composition. Deepak Hooda showed of the La Liga table on head-to-head, above “Absolutely,” he said. “We are working on it. threatened to derail his team’s The formidable batting unit what he is capable of, but Atletico Madrid. Something will come out that the world thinks is the charge when he was sent off for Spurs caretaker manager Ryan Mason hasn’t hit the straps, save for greater consistency would best.” a reckless foul on Jacob Ramsey embraces Serge Aurier after win AP Rahul and Mayank be needed from him if the SUSHIL IGNORED, AMIT PICKED Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are the only just before half-time. Elsewhere, Tottenham Agarwal and the bowling team has to prosper. NEW DELHI: Former Asian champion Amit three clubs yet to withdraw. Perez said Barcelona are However, Villa were reduced made a winning start to life after has been pedestrian. They bet on Dhankar (74kg) replaced national Gold- “thinking about it”. to 10 men as well when Matty Jose Mourinho as Son Heung- medallist Sandeep Mann in the Indian Universe Boss Chris Australian pace T “I am sad and disappointed. We have been work- Cash earned a second booking min’s last-minute penalty sealed Gayle has not been able imports Jhye wrestling team for the upcoming World ing on this for three years and fighting against the for chopping down Foden in the a vital 2-1 victory against to boss over proceed- Richardson and R Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Sofia from financial situation in Spanish football,” said Perez. second half. Southampton. Danny Ings put ings while his fellow Riley Meredith to up O May 6-9, signalling the end of the road for “I have never seen aggression like it, from the City are 11 points clear of Saints ahead, but Gareth Bale West Indian Nicholas the ante but they have P veteran Sushil Kumar. president of Uefa and some presidents of the nation- second placed Manchester equalised before Son converted Pooran, expected to proved expensive and S al leagues. It seemed orchestrated, it surprised all of United and need a maximum of a last-gasp penalty. provide the big shots already lost their QUARANTINE CAMPS FOR CLUBS us. It was like nothing I’ve seen in my career, like we eight points from their remain- Tottenham move into sixth in the middle, has place in the XI. R BERLIN: The 36 clubs in Germany's top two had killed football. We were working on how to save ing five games to clinch a third place, two points behind fourth- come a cropper so Punjab may look to bring E leagues will go into compulsory “quarantine football.” Premier League title in four sea- placed Chelsea, who have a far. in the talented Ravi Bishnoi in training camps” for the last two match days of “Uefa made it look like we dropped an atomic sons. “Not the start I dreamed of game in hand in the race to qual- Three straight loss- place of Murugan Ashwin and fit H the Bundesliga season, DFL announced on bomb. They haven’t let us explain. It can’t be that but we reacted very well. It was ify for next season’s Champions es would have definitely in Chris Jordan in the XI. T Thursday to ensure the fixture schedule is those at the top lose money and the rest earn money. a really good performance,” League. dented Punjab’s morale O completed on time. Agencies The rich now lose a lot of money,” he added. AFP Guardiola said. 12

Vijayawada Friday April 23, 2021 tollywood ELRED KUMAR, VIJAY SETHUPATHI TEAM UP FOR A PAN-INDIA FILM outh India’s leading producer Elred Kumar’s Production house RS S Infotainment announced their next with National award- winning filmmaker Vetri Maaran starring Vijay Sethupathi who plays ‘Vaathiyaar’ in the film titled Viduthalai, which being made Colours Swathi makes a for a pan-India aundience. Award-winning filmmaker Vetri Maaran has been amus- ing audiences acorss the Panchatantram country with unique and comeback with unparalleled story premises. Significantly, producer Elred olours Swathi makes a revealed the names of the film’s cast released on Thursday evening. The Kumar of RS Infotainment comeback with and crew. picturisation of our movie is going has produced many content- ing phase. Panchatantram The film being produced by on at a fast pace. Sandeep Raj, the driven movies, which have Following the grand success C The makers of actor- Ticket Factory and S Originals also director of Colour Photo, is penning been both critically and com- of Asuran, director Vetri comedian stars Samuthirakani, young hero the dialogues. Prashanth R Vihari, mercially successful. They are Maaran has yet another Brahmanandam and Rahul Vijay and Mathu Vadalara who has been continuously deliver- now collaborating for a movie strong content as the premise Shivathmika Rajasekhar starrer, on fame Naresh Agasthya. ing successful albums, is our music featuring Vijay Sethupathi in for this film, which has a Thursday announced the title of the Written and directed by Harsha director.” lead role and Soori is also part screenplay laced with edge-of- film along with its cast. Pulipaka, the film titled Debutant director Harsha of it. This is the first-ever seat thriller moments, twists Swathi Reddy aka Colours Swathi Panchathantram, a heartwarming Pulipaka said, “Every living being time, filmmaker Vetri Maaran and turns. was also seen on the title poster. tale of five senses and one emotion. needs the five senses for survival. is teaming up with Maestro The technical crew includes The actress was not to be seen in Speaking on the occasion, pro- The story of Panchathantram Ilayaraja. Velraj (cinematography), who any Telugu films for some time now ducer Srujan Yarabolu said, “We resolves around the five senses, and The shooting of Viduthalai has consistently cranked cam- and this film seems to be her come- have got an ensemble cast on is rich in five emotions.” is held across the dense era for Vetri Maaran’s previ- back film. board. The film first The film mirrors the thinking forests of western ghats, ous movies, R. Ramar (edi- Actor Adivi Sesh unveiled the look had and attitudes of today’s where there was no electricity tor), Peter Hein (action direc- film’s title poster, which also youth, he added. and telecommunications. tor) and Jacki (art direction). Vijay Sethupathi, Vetrimaaran, Soori, Bhavani Sre and the entire crew had stayed along with the native Kalyaan tribal people during the film- Dhev tests Everyone is just a storyteller, says positive for Covid ctor and Megastar Covid-19 positive with mild Chiranjeevi's son- symptoms. Rashmika Mandanna in-law, Kalyaan Quarantined at hospital. Will ctor Rashmika Mandanna just a storyteller,” she says. Rashmika A started her career with has been leading in the film industry Dhev, has tested soon bounce back stronger. Kannada films and success- as an actress since her 2016 debut positive for Thank you for all your love!” fully entered Telugu and with Kirik Party. However, the Hindi A Tamil films. She is now set debut happened only recently, in Covid-19 and is currently Kalyaan wrote. The actor will to make her Bollywood Badshah’s music video Top Tucker. quarantined at hospital in next be seen in Super Machi, debut with Mission Majnu, followed “I think it’s just the time because Hyderabad. Kalyaan took which is reportedly a by her role in the Amitabh before Covid hit, I had no time Bachchan-starrer Goodbye. because I was doing so many South to his official Instagram romantic film directed By Rashmika feels there is no difference films and I didn’t feel at that time handle on Thursday to Puli Vasu, starring when it comes to working in any that I should do Bollywood (films). industry. Once Covid hit and other pro- share the health Rachita Ram and “I believe every team, jects slowed down, I felt it update. Rhea director, crew member was the right time to do work differently. So, it and that’s when “Yesterday I Chakraborty. if the same cast is Mission Majnu and tested working with dif- Goodbye came. ferent team, There is no par- they become ticular reason different. So, why I didn’t do none of it earlier even them are though I had a the same couple of (individu- Hindi film ally) but offers but I no indus- feel now is the try is dif- right time,” ferent. she says. Everyone is

Adivi Sesh introduces his new family member elugu actor Adivi makes me feel ok,” he wrote as Sesh’s latest Instagram caption with the video. update introduces his Fans responded to the post followers to Bubbles featuring the over-two-month- T M. Adivi Sesh, his old pup. new pet shitzu. The The actor will next be seen in actor posted a picture of the pup Major, a biographical drama and a video that captures the based on life of 26/11 martyr dog nibbling at his arm. Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The “Introducing Bubbles M film, directed by Sashi Kiran Adivi. ‘M’ stands for Mighty. In Tikka, is scheduled to release on Today’s times of darkness, he July 2.

tion phase and is being shot Hyderabad. For several days, with huge sets to suit the the film unit examined the story. Avinash Kolla, who has Taj Hotel architecture. Not Took 6 huge sets worked as a production only did they scrutinise every designer for the national little thing, but they did a lot award-winning movie of research to lay out the set. to make Major Mahanati is taking care of the Five hundred people laboured artwork for the film and for almost ten days to build ensuring the sets give a realis- this huge set, we were told. ith films like terror attacks in Mumbai. tic feeling of the attacks. Speaking about the gigantic Kshanam, The film is being helmed The 2008 terror attack took sets, Avinash tells us, ‘‘We put Goodachari, and by Sashi Kiran Tikka and pro- place at the Taj Hotel. Avinash together six huge sets for the Evaru, actor Adivi duced by Sony Pictures, G. Kolla laid out a set similar to film. In the process of making W Sesh has become a Mahesh Babu Entertainment, what a real hotel looks like to each set, our team did a lot of household name. and A+S Movies. Shot simul- give the audience a real loca- research and only then went With all of them turning out taneously in Telugu and tion feeling while filming ahead with the design. We to be hits, the actor's fans Hindi and later dubbed into these scenes. In fact, the unit worked especially hard to set can’t wait for his upcoming Malayalam, it is based on the wanted to shoot the scenes at up the Taj Palace. Adivi Shesh rather than just a set/property biopic Major, in which he life of the 2008 Mumbai the Taj Hotel in Mumbai but explained the importance of in the film. Taking note of plays the titular role. The film attacks martyr Major Sandeep they could not get the neces- the Taj Hotel while narrating every little thing Sesh men- is based on real-life incidents Unnikrishnan. sary permits and so had to set the story. He asked us to tioned, we laid out our set like surrounding the deadly 26/11 The film is in its produc- it up in one of the studios in imagine it to be a character the real Taj Palace.”