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CONG CALLS MEET ON MIGRANTS' MAMATA CONFIRMS PARTICIPATION IN SC REFUSES TO TRANSFER CASES TO CBI, CHINESE LAB BELIEVES NEW DRUG CAN PLIGHT, CHANGES IN LABOUR LAWS OPPN MEETING ON CORONAVIRUS CRISIS GRANTS PROTECTION TO ARNAB GOSWAMI ‘STOP COVID WITHOUT VACCINE’

he Congress has called a meeting of like-minded opposition parties on Friday est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday confirmed her n partial relief to Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the Chinese laboratory has been developing a drug it believes has the power to Tto discuss the plight of migrant workers and the changes in labour laws by Wparticipation in the opposition parties' virtual meet convened by the Supreme Court Tuesday quashed all criminal investigations related to Abring the coronavirus pandemic to a halt. The outbreak first emerged in China some states, sources said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi will chair the Congress to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the impact of the lockdown. Ithe news show on Palghar mob-lynching except the initial one that is late last year before spreading across the world, prompting an international race meeting of leaders of opposition parties, the sources said on Tuesday. Around The Congress has called a meeting of like-minded parties on Friday to discuss being probed by the Mumbai police, but refused his plea for to find treatments and vaccines. A drug being tested by scientists at China's 17 opposition parties have agreed to participate in the meeting which the plight of migrant workers and the changes in labour laws. transfer of probe to the CBI. Observing that journalistic prestigious Peking University could not only will be held via videoconferencing. The SP and the BSP have ot yet "Yes, there will be a meeting of opposition parties on Friday freedom lies at the core of freedom of speech and shorten the recovery time for those infected, but confirmed their participation, they said. Rendered jobless due to the evening through videoconferencing to discuss the present expression, a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M even offer short-term immunity from the virus, coronavirus-induced lockdown, which began on March 25, and COVID situation and the lockdown impact. I will be there," R Shah granted protection to Goswami from any researchers say. Sunney Xie, director of the desperate to get home, thousands of migrant workers across the she told reporters here. Various opposition-ruled states coercive action for three more weeks from today and university's Beijing Advanced Innovation Center country are undertaking long and arduous journeys to their have criticised the Centre over its handling of the said that he can approach the competent court for for Genomics, told AFP that the drug has been native places on foot, on bicycles or packed into trucks. migrant crisis. quashing of the FIR. successful at the animal testing stage. India’s Covid cases escalating SC rejects LG Polymers at the fastest pace in Asia petition against NGT PNS n NEW DELHI Since Monday, states have PNS n NEW DELHI further eased restrictions for India's coronavirus infections India records 0.2 Covid-19 industries, shops and offices LG Polymers India Ltd from crossed the 1,00,000 mark and and reopened public transport, whose plant at Visakhapatnam, are escalating at the fastest pace deaths per lakh population while the lockdown in the there was a leakage of Styrene in Asia, just as Prime Minister worst affected areas of the gas on May 7, resulting in the Fadnavis targets Narendra Modi further relaxed ndia has so far about 0.2 COVID-19 country — including a ban on death of 12 persons and hos- Pawar, asks Maha the country's nationwide Ideaths per lakh population as against interstate and international air pitalisation of over 500 people lockdown to boost economic the global figure of 4.1, the Union travel — has been extended faced a major setback in the govt for economic activities. health ministry said as the number until May 31. The government Supreme Court on Tuesday. package Infections in of fatalities due to coronavirus is hoping to ease the econom- The apex court rejected the the country of infection in the country rose ic impact of the world's biggest petition of the company seek- 1.3 billion to 3,163 on Tuesday and the total cases reached 1,01,139. lockdown, which has crippled ing a stay on the orders of people were Also, a record number of 1,08,233 samples were tested business activity and left mil- National Green Tribunal for an at 101,328, for COVID-19 on Monday in the country. So far a total of lions jobless. investigation into the gas leak- 4 including 24,25,742 samples have been tested, the ministry said. Still, companies are facing age incident. more than Referring to data from WHO situation report-119, the difficulties reopening factories The arguments in the case 3,000 deaths, ministry said 3,11,847 COVID-19 mortalities have been — primarily because of travel were posted to June 8. as of Tuesday, reported till Tuesday worldwide which is about 4.1 deaths restrictions, conflicting rules, LG Polymers argued that the according to per lakh population. Among the countries with high COVID- broken supply chains and a NGT had no jurisdiction to data from Johns 19 casualties, the US with 87,180 fatalities has 26.6 deaths shortage of workers. The move- probe into the accident. It said Hopkins University. per lakh population. The UK has reported 34,636 deaths and ment of millions of migrant the NGT cannot take up a suo As many as 5,242 new has approximately 52.1 deaths per lakh population, it said. Italy with workers from the cities where motu inquiry into the incident. cases were added on Tuesday, 31,908 instances of coronavirus fatalities so far has around 52.8 they had jobs to their homes in However, the Supreme according to the health min- deaths per lakh population. 3 rural villages — and their reluc- Court rejected this argument. AP police book 60-year-old istry. tance to return — is one of the It said the apex court would India is now among the key challenges for the economy, take up the hearing only after woman for post on gas leak nations worst hit by the epidem- Bloomberg's Coronavirus deaths. Its cases increased by which could be heading for its the ic, with a 28% increase in cases Tracker. Neighbor Pakistan has 19% over the same period, the first full-year contraction in completion of NGT inquiry. he Andhra Pradesh CID police have registered a case against a since last week according to 42,125 cases including 903 tracker showed. more than four decade. It also ruled that all legal T60-year-old woman for allegedly posting in social media issues could be raised only questions pertaining to the recent Styrene gas leak incident in before the NGT. Visakhapatnam in which 12 people lost their lives and hundreds “Any objections from the fell ill. The CID is also investigating the role of a man, Malladi 2 die, 57 fresh company should be raised Raghunath in the matter. A case has been booked against the No consent Confidence in you paid off, only before the NGT,” the woman, P Ranganayaki, under IPC sections 505 (2) (making required from states cases reported Supreme Court ruled. statements that create or promote enmity),153 (A) (indulging in It may be mentioned that wanton vilification), 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 120-B r/w 34 (criminal conspiracy), a to run Shramik PNS n VIJAYAWADA the LG Polymers’ lawyers chal- Jagan tells Collectors, SPs press release from the CID said on Tuesday. When contacted P V Special trains lenged the directions of the Sunil Kumar, additional DGP (CID) said that a notice under section Two Covid-19 related deaths NGT and Andhra Pradesh 41 (A) of the CrPC (notice of appearance before police officer) PNS n VIJAYAWADA fidence and lauded their efforts now entered the fourth phase of were reported in AP taking the HighCourt in the Supreme was also served on her. The woman in her social media account in mitigating the spread of the lockdown. We will now toll to 52 even as 57 more test- Court. raised 20 questions such as why there were no arrests in the 5 Telling district Collectors and Coronavirus in the state. have to follow a different ed positive, pushing the total The company challenged Vizag gas leak case and why the government allowed the leftover Superintendents of Police that At the field level, the village approach, unlike the previous number of infections in the the High Court’s direction to Styrene to be sent back to South Korea. A senior police official they are his strength and the volunteers, village secretariats, one. The focus now will be on state to 2,489, a health bulletin deposit Rs 50 crore till the claimed the woman was a TDP sympathiser. government recognises their Asha workers, doctors, consta- to restart the economy. Without said on Tuesday. investigation into the gas leak- 3 capabilities, Chief Minister YS bles, police force and sanitation losing focus on Covid-19 pre- Samples of 9,739 people age incident was completed. Jaganmohan Reddy said that he workers — all of had done a vention measures, we also need were tested and 69 have been has full trust and confidence in remarkable job during this to open the economy fully.’’ discharged from various hos- their abilities. pandemic, the Chief Minister For this, the Collectors and pitals after treatment, taking Addressing the Collectors said, praising their efforts. In SPs need to participate and the cumulative recoveries to 16 IAS and SPs via videoconference on the video conference with the ensure that proper measures are 1,596. The number of active Meat shops booked for Tuesday, Jagan expressed con- officials, Jagan said, "We have taken in all places except, patients are now at 691. officers shopping malls, Of the fresh cases in the past movie theatres, 24 hours ending 9 am on adding beef in mutton We have now entered the fourth phase of the lockdown. We religious events, Tuesday, six were linked to the transferred will now have to follow a different approach, unlike the congregations Koyambedu market in PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM PNS n VIJAYAWADA previous one. The focus now will be on to restart the economy. and every- Chennai. Kurnool and Without losing focus on Covid-19 prevention measures, we where, Jagan Chittoor districts reported one Officials of Legal Metrology Chief said. death each. The cumulative department and Greater Secretary also need to open the economy fully positive cases from other states Visakhapatnam Municipal Nilam ‘Govt to further — YS JAGANMOHAN REDDY, Chief Minister 3 stood at 150. Corporation raided meat Sawhney shops at various places in on revise criteria for Anakapalle Town and regis- Tuesday classifying medium tered a total of eight cases after affected they found that the traders on meat shops located in transfers of 16 enterprises’ AP schools to reopen from August 3 manipulated the weighing Nehru Chowk, Woodpeta, IAS officers. machines and were cheating Vijayaramarajupeta, Among the IAS officers CHINNEM PRADEEP KUMAR Camp Office here, the reopen. During the the customers. Mallaveedhi, Park Centre, transferred are K Praveen n VIJAYAWADA Chief Minister directed Spandana video confer- The officials also sealed one Santhabayalu and other areas Kumar, working as Special 8 officials to complete the ence with collectors of all meat shop at Mallaveedhi for in Anakapalle. Chief Secretary to Chief Minister YS first phase of development districts, the Chief Minister allegedly selling mutton by He said some meat sellers Government, YAT&C Jaganmohan Reddy on works in schools under instructed them to take an mixing beef with it. had converted the weighing Department who has been Tuesday announced that the Nadu-Nedu initiative active role and evaluate Assistant controller of the machines from kg to litre transferred and posted as TODAY schools in the state would by the end of July and pre- the daily progress of the legal metrology department, mode thereby short weighing Special Chief Secretary to reopen from August 3. pare for the launch of works completed below PV Ranga Reddy, who led the of 100 to 120 gm per kg to cus- Government, BC Welfare ALMANAC Speaking at a review Jagananna Vidyakanukaon the scheme. raid after receiving complaints, tomers. Department. Month & Paksham: meeting held at the CM’s August 3 when schools 3 said the raids were conducted 3 3 Paush & Shukla Paksha Panchangam Tithi: Trayodashi: 07:41 pm Nakshatram: Ashwini: 10:37 pm Cyber virus steals credit card details using Covid info Rs 31,000 bill shocks Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start any important work) PNS n NEW DELHI The Trojan virus contacts smartphone users via Rahukalam: 12:12 pm – 01:49 pm text messages and asks to click on a link saying it Kanna, electrifies BJP Yamagandam: 07:23 am – 08:59 am A malicious software called Cerberus is stealing financial will provide COVID-19 updates. When clicked, the PNS n VIJAYAWADA tive homes to lodge their Varjyam: 06:10 pm – 07:57 pm data such as credit card details link installs a malicious application on their protest against what they Gulika: 10:36 am - 12:12 pm by luring people with COVID- phones, which extracts sensitive financial data BJP state unit president Kanna called “inflated power bills” Good Time: (to start any important work) 19 related information, the Lakshminarayana has being served to the people Amritakalam: 02:36 pm – 04:23 pm Central Bureau of Investigation charged the YSRCP of the state. Abhijit Muhurtham: NIL has warned states, Union ter- banking Trojan known as smartphones," agency said. government with Depending on the ritories and agencies after Cerberus. This malicious soft- "This Trojan primarily focus- hiking the power power consumption VIJAYAWADA receiving Interpol inputs. ware takes advantage of es on stealing financial data bills in the state of consumers, the "CBI alerts State/UT/Central COVID-19 Pandemic to such as credit card numbers. In by altering the government cate- WEATHER Agencies on a malicious soft- impersonate and send SMS addition, it can use overlay slabs. He backed gorised them into A, Forecast: Mostly cloudy ware threat that uses an update using the lure of COVID-19 attacks to trick victims into his accusation by B, C and D slabs. Temp: 45/29 related to the Coronavirus related content to download providing personal informa- saying that he him- On account of the Humidity: 21% pandemic," the investigation the embedded malicious link, tion and can capture two-fac- self has been slapped lockdown, people most- Sunrise: 05:42 am agency said in a statement. saying it will provide COVID- extracts sensitive financial data. which deploys its malicious tor authentication details," with power bills of Rs ly stayed at home leading to Sunset: 06:42 pm The Trojan virus contacts 19 updates. When clicked, the "Based on inputs received app usually spread via phish- it added. 31,500 for two months. higher domestic power con- Current Weather Conditions smartphone users via text mes- link installs a malicious appli- from INTERPOL, the CBI has ing campaigns to trick users Kanna and BJP rank and file sumption. Updated May 19, 2020 5:00 PM sages and asks to click on a link cation on their phones, which issued an alert relating to a into installing it on their 3 staged protest at their respec- 3 VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 vijayawada 02 Tempest over Krishna waters may be a seasonal storm

hile there may one is their com- work to go on at It will be happy moment for ated a sensation in AP politi- appear to be mon hatred for TDP The sudden surfacing of the Pothireddipadu unhindered. KCR if his one time boss is cal circles. With just 26 MLAs, Wstandoff supremo N Pothireddipadu issue has spurred This is because of the past decimated in Andhra with the PJR successfully ran the show between AP Chief Chandrababu Naidu. cordial relations between Jagan blow delivered by Jagan in the in Naidu's rule. Minister YS Jaganmohan The second common political activity. While Jagan’s and KCR — they had amica- form of Pothireddipadu. Naidu had to face criticism Reddy and his Telangana PIN cause is “freeing” detractors are unable to criticise his bly worked out several con- Both the states intend to for not protecting the rights of counterpart K POINT both the states of the TDP. move since the decision is clearly tentious issues earlier. draw water at 800 feet level in AP over Krishna water, espe- Chandrasekhar Rao over While KCR has almost Jagan transferred the prop- Srisailam reservoir whose FRL cially since he had played a key the former’s decision to go completed this self-imposed aimed at providing drinking and erty rights of the valuable AP is 885 feet. AP government role in making Deve Gowda ahead with the plans of con- task, Jagan is struggling to irrigation water to Rayalaseema, KCR Secretariat building in believes that its nothing wrong the Prime Minister. structing a lift irrigation marginalise TDP in AP since is facing the heat from Cong and BJP Hyderabad to the Telangana in following Telangana and Now, the AP government scheme Pothireddipadu across the party is the principal oppo- government, when they should drawing water till 800 ft. has clearly told the Krishna the River Krishna to draw 3 sition party there. have been in the custody of AP While they may be at odds River Management Board that tmc ft water for the parched The sudden surfacing of the drawing capacity to 80,000 some in his own party, the government till 2024 as per the over drawing Krishna water, it it plans to utilise the water allo- Rayalaseema region, the ulti- the Pothireddipadu issue has cusecs from 44,000 cusecs at a Congress. M D RATNA KUMAR AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. may be mentioned here that cated to it. On the other side, mate political beneficiaries spurred political activity, cost of Rs 6,800 crores. Former CLP leader P. Senior Journalist These buildings are worth leaders of undivided AP had KCR is also confident of get- would be the two Chief which had taken a backseat in It may be mentioned here Janardhan Reddy and senior hundreds of crores of rupees, fought against Karnataka over ting his state's due share of Ministers. both the states due to the that the project is not a new MLA Marri Sasidhar efforts to stop the project, the but Jagan is accused of letting the same reason. Krishna water and clearly stat- Earlier, leaders in undivid- lockdown. While Jagan’s concept; the late YS Rajasekhar Reddyraised their voice against ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ man- go of them for only for a few PJR, CLP leader during ed that he would protect the ed AP had fought against detractors are unable to criti- Reddy had enhanced the Pothireddipadu. aged to keep the issue alive by date fruits. (The issue was 1995-99 Naidu regime, had rights of Telangana. Karnataka against its attempts cise his move since the deci- capacity of Pothireddipadu PJR and Sasidhar became linking it to the Telangana settled at a Iftar party hosted brought the construction of Pressure is mounting on to tap the Krishna waters. sion is clearly aimed at provid- head regulator to 44,000 cusecs known as ‘Hyderabad cause. by the then Governor ESL Alamatti dam to light in 1997. KCR to to draw more water After bifurcation, tension ing drinking and irrigation and had expected the TDP, Brothers’ for their tirade Now that much water has Narasimhan). He went to the site in from Krishna even before AP between the two states over water to Rayalaseema, KCR is headed by Naidu not to against Pothireddipadu and flown down the Krishna since, The AP government has Karnataka along with a group can begin work on the project. AP’s plans for Pothireddipadu facing the heat from the oppose the plan. YSR. Jagan is again moving ahead also been mum on the thou- of media persons from The share of Krishna water have come as a surprise for Congress and the BJP in his Naidu did oppose YSR’s YSR had his way and no one with his plans on sands of crores of arrears in Hyderabad and inspected the to undivided AP is 811 tmc ft many. state. moves, and was left red-faced from within the Congress Pothireddipadu. power sector. project site by ignoring the and after bifurcation, AP is to While there are many rea- Jagan has cornered the TDP after the plan was supported by could stop him from going While Jagan knows that he The cordiality on display prohibitory orders there. get 512 tmc ft and Telangana sons behind the bonhomie by issuing GO 203 for con- some TDP leaders from ahead with the Pothireddipadu will face no resistance in AP, he may have led one to believe The outside world came to 299 tmc ft. This arrangement between the two Chief struction of Rayalaseema lift Rayalaseema. However, YSR project. believes that ultimately, KCR that KCR sees a true friend in know about Alamatti dam due would continue till further Ministers, the most obvious irrigation scheme to enhance faced stiff opposition from Despite their unsuccessful will give in and allow the Jagan. to this move of PJR and it cre- re-allocation by Tribunal.

Kia Motors resumes work Collectors, SPs given schedule State doing all possible for at Anantapur for programmes to be taken up migrant workers: Minister PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA fined to tweets as there is no PNS n VIJAYAWADA guidelines and containing cadre to organise a video con- Kia Motors India has Describing the Covid-19 spread and at the Endowments Minister ference after losing both the resumed production on Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan officials as his same time increasing aware- Velampalli Srinivas on Tuesday places he contested for elec- Tuesday at its Anantapur- Reddy on Tuesday discussed main strength, ness on the pandemic by eras- said that the state government tions. The minister said that based plant after putting a with District Collectors and ing the stigma factor are to be was taking all measures to they wrote to the West Bengal comprehensive system of SPs wide-ranging issues during the Chief Minister done, Jagan said. ensure food and other facilities CM Mamata Banerjee to safety measures in place. the Spandana videoconference asked them to go Speeding up of land acqui- reach migrant workers strand- accord permission to send Minister for Industries and gave them the schedule of the extra mile to sition for house site pattas, dis- ed in the state. He took part in back migrant workers from her Mekapati Goutham Reddy programmes to be taken up. couraging liquor consump- a food distribution programme state and were awaiting reply. said that very soon, the car Implementation of welfare get the desired tion, preparedness for the to the migrants at He criticised the APCC manufacturing company schemes, Covid-19 Mana Badi, results kharif season with supply of Kanakadurga Varadhi on leaders for taking out protest would prove its mark in the drinking water preparedness quality seeds, fertilizer pesti- Tuesday. for one hour and not provid- world markets. for kharif seasons, distribution cides and setting up of Rythu Through Shramik trains and ing any relief to the migrant While speaking to the of house sites, curbing illegal to reopen from Aug 3, he Minister asked them to go the Bharosa kendras (RBKs) by buses, migrant workers are workers. media on Tuesday, the transportation of sand and asked the officials complete the extra mile to get the desired month-end to give rural econ- being sent back to their native Speaking on the power bills Minister said that the state liquor were among the major scheduled work by July end so results. omy a fillip, were among the places and Chief Minister YS Velampalli Srinivas the minister said that the gov- government has already issues that were discussed dur- that Jagananna Vidyakanuka Restoration of transport, issues that came up for discus- Jaganmohan Reddy has ernment did not hike power given guidelines about the ing the conference here on can be launched. opening up of shops, establish- sion. The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to pro- TDP supremo N Chandrababu tariff as claimed by opposition safety of workers and the Tuesday. Describing the officials as his ments, factories and work- set a timeline for rolling out the vide all facilities to the Naidu sitting in Hyderabad parties. As two months bills precautions to be taken Giving a nod for the schools main strength, the Chief places within the Centre' welfare measures. migrants, the Minister said. He and taking part in tele-confer- came together people feel the while they perform duties in added that however, opposi- ences while pretending as if he burden, he said. He alleged that the company, he said. tion parties are on a spree to is doing something. “The Left the protest was being orches- Kia Motors Plant at criticise the YSRCP govern- parties are trying to gain trated by Chandrababu Naidu. Anantapur currently has a CRTs to get ment’s efforts for political mileage during these crucial Srinivas said that the state production capacity of Pulivendula town now in Green Zone mileage. times of lockdown by provok- government has released Rythu around 3 lakh units per paid even He recalled that BJP leader ing the West Bengal workers,” Barosa amounts to the farmers annum, to cater to both PNS n VIJAYAWADA two are men aged 51 and 60, Kanna Lakshminarayana Srinivas said. to the tune of Rs 5,500 crore to domestic and international and two women aged 45 and wrote to CM and was flinging He said that Jana Sena Party support and build confidence markets. Pulivendula Town will now 69, the Collector said. on holidays mud on the government while chief Pawan Kalyan was con- among the farming sector. The Minister while talk- come under the Green Zone The neighbouring Kurnool PNS n VIJAYAWADA ing about the support to be category from Tuesday. district which had emerged as given to the families affect- The time limit for the the largest Covid-19 hotbed in Deputy Chief Minister ed by the LG Polymers gas Containment Zone restric- the state, has completely gained Pamula Pushpa Srivani on First ICD leak, he said that a Special tions to be in place ended on control over the coronavirus Tuesday said that the govern- Task Force was set up with Monday, as per a statement pandemic. ment has decided to pay implantation at 200 people to help these issued by the YSR Kadapa On Monday, 28 people were salaries even on holidays to families. District Collector C Hari Kiran cured and discharged from contract residential teachers KIMS Saveera He said that the govern- on Monday. hospitals in Kurnool district. working in tribal welfare PNS n ANANTAPUR ment is taking all measures Four Covid-19 positive cases C Hari Kiran With this, a total of 403 peo- schools across the state. to support the victim and were registered in Pulivendula ple have recovered and were In a statement released to that the clearing and ship- and strict restrictions were in the Collector said. "Since 28 discharged from hospitals in the media, Pushpa Srivani The first ever intra-cardiac ment of the Styrene gas place as it was turned into a days, no positive cases have Kurnool district till date. said, "The Contractual defibrillator (ICD) has been from the plant to South containment zone, he said. been registered here," he said. Kurnool, which continued Residential Teachers (CRTs) successfully fixed in the heart Korea was completed. He “The last case was registered The four persons who to maintain worrisome trend working in tribal institutions of a 58-year-old cardiac further assured that the gov- on April 6, and the last recovered from Covid-19 were with highest reporting cases for are being paid salaries for the patient at KIMS Saveera ernment would support all Coronavirus patient in the discharged from Tirupati State the past few weeks, has wit- period they are Hospital here, giving a fresh the families' living in the five area was also discharged on Covid Hospital, SWIMS. All of nessed a dip in a number of working". PAINTING ON VISAKHAPATNAM lease of life to the man. villages in the vicinity of the April 20, following medical them hailed from Kadapa. Of positive Covid-19 cases report- She said It is the first-ever ICD im- plant, he said. reports that he was negative,'' the four coronavirus patients, ing on a daily basis. that the GAS LEAK TRAGEDY UNVEILED plantation case to be report- last ed from Rayalaseema region. working PNS n VIJAYAWADA The painting was unveiled The patient was identified day for on Tuesday by the District as Kumar. He has been suffer- CRTs was Mallikarjuna Rao R, Chief Collector A Md Imtiaz. ing from ventricular arrhyth- APNGOs seek full salary this month April 23, Executive Officer of Andhra Mallikarjuna Rao says that mia and was facing the risk of and till June Pradesh State Creativity and there are three distinct parts in cardiac arrest any time. PNS n VIJAYAWADA A Vidya Sagar and Md Iqbal ernment has increased the all medical facilities to the 12 school reopening they Culture Commission has pro- the painting. The blue colour Invasive cardiologist Dr V said that the employees could health scheme contribution employees in the hospitals and were not paid salaries. duced a painting showcasing in the background indicates Rakesh Naik and consultant The Andhra Pradesh Non not get their full salary for two from Rs 90- Rs 125 to Rs 225 implementation of cashless However, the government a number of aspects related to the city on the sea shore. In the Interventional cardiologist Gazetted Officers Association consecutive months as the - Rs 300 and asked the employ- treatment in view of increasing has accepted the request the Visakhapatnam Gas first part, the greatest risk Dr Kiran Kumar Reddy (APNGOs) on Tuesday asked government had paid only 50 ees to pay the revised contribu- the contribution for health made by the CRTs to pay Leakage tragedy that took posed by the gas leakage poses implanted the ICD in the the State Government to pay percent of the gross salary. tion from December 2019. scheme from Rs 90- Rs 125 to them during the vacation place on May 7. to animals, plants and humans patient’s heart. employees their full salary for They reminded the govern- They requested the govern- Rs 225-Rs 300. They request- period. From now, the CRTs Styrene gas had leaked from is shown. The second part Kumar was diagnosed with the month of May in June and ment that the employees have ment to implement the orders ed the government to take will be paid salaries for the a chemical plant owned by the shows the evacuation of per- the problem after he reached also release the 50 per cent bal- paid Income Tax for the month on payment of health scheme measures that employees of entire period except for ten South Korean company LG sonnel who are affected of gas the hospital complaining of ance of payment for the of February and could not get contribution from the month Andhra Pradesh get treatment days as per their terms of ser- Polymers India Pvt. Ltd in leakage to the hospital and in dizziness. The heart was find- months of March and April. full salary in March, 2020 and of its implementation. and medical facilities in other vice. Pushpa Srivani said that Gopalapatnam, the third part shows Chief ing it difficult to pump blood In a press release on Tuesday, were facing financial prob- The APNGOs leaders states of Telangana, Tamil the government has issued Visakhapatnam and claimed Minister YS Jaganmohan as the muscles in his heart APNGOs Association leaders lems. They said the state gov- underlined the need to provide Nadu and Karnataka. orders to this extent. the lives of 12 people. Reddy comforting the people. walls had thickened. NTPC- Simhadri empowers Corona warriors with 24x7 power supply PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Commissioner for Covid-19 Governments regarding lock- the nation. are entering the plant and township. Social distancing is migrant contract workers of down and social distancing. The power station is operat- administrative offices as well as being adhered to both at town- Joining the national fight Visakhapatnam. Even as NTPCians are at the ing with the requisite number those entering the township ship and plant areas. Social against Covid-19, NTPC- And, V Sudharshan Babu- frontline and ensuring round of employees adhering to the area. Meetings were conduct- gatherings , meetings, clubs and Simhadri has been working on CGM of NTPC, Simhadri per- the clock power supply, all lockdown guidelines issued by ed through web enabled video gyms were completely prohib- a war footing to support the sonally contributed Rs 5 lakh to plants are strictly adhering to the Central and State conferencing facilities. ited. Stepping up its vigil state government and the dis- the AP CM relief fund. the guidelines regarding lock- Governments. Employees and The NTPC Hospital has against the global pandemic, trict administration provide Role of power utilities has down and social distancing. contract workers’ deployment taken foreign and domestic NTPC-Simhadri has created an relief to the people during the assumed greater significance as Beyond power output, has been streamlined as per travel history of all the employ- isolation ward 24 beds to meet pandemic. electricity is critical to ensure NTPC is making rich contribu- guidelines. ees and their wards. It has any future exigencies. NTPC - In addition to distributing the smooth functioning of the tion to the social welfare activ- According utmost priority to launched an awareness cam- Simhadri hospital has also pro- essential grocery items among economy. National Thermal ities for underprivileged section the health and safety of the paign using pamphlets, posters, cured the requisite equipment migrant laborers, NTPC con- Power Corporation is com- and migrant workers by pro- ly powered in its fight against Andhra Pradesh has been workforce masks have been videos to educate the employ- to handle such emergency sit- tributed Rs 30 lakhs to mitted to provide continuous viding ration and medical aid. Covid-19. ensuring uninterrupted power provided to frontline workers, ees and their family members uations. . A Covid task force Visakhapatnam District power to the country while The management of NTPC is Among its fleet of power sta- supply and the well-being of its all employees and CISF person- to take necessary precautions has been formed and is work- Administration towards abiding with all the guidelines monitoring the developments tions NTPC Simhadri with the employees, all other workforce nel and sanitisers are placed at for maintaining hygiene and ing 24x7 to implement the procuring ventilators and Rs. set by the Government of India closely so that every corner of installed capacity of 2000 MW and CISF personnel who are many places. Thermal screen- social distancing both at their guidelines of the Centre and 22.50 lakhs to GVMC as well as the State the country remains adequate- situated near Visakhapatnam in rendering a selfless service to ing has started for those who work places and also in the state government.

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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. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 vijayawada 03 Confidence in 13 flights to bring AP Jagan releases schedule you paid off, Jagan tells natives back to state Collectors, SPs for welfare sop release Continued from Page 1 “With public transport, PNS n VIJAYAWADA autos, taxis and private vehi- cles to resume in the next two There is a need for the State’s to three days, people should economy to open up during Complete land acquisition ensure taking proper care this 4.0 lockdown, which was like wearing face masks, in a dormant state for over the washing hands, sanitisation past 55 days for the contain- formalities, collectors told and follow social distancing ment of Covid-19 pandemic, PNS n VIJAYAWADA of marking and lottery to select norms. Since everything will PNS n VIJAYAWADA 166 passengers, will arrive at said Chief Minister YS 12,66,253 beneficiaries has be open now, we will have to Visakhapatnam airport at 8.30 Jaganmohan Reddy, while Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan been completed so far. live with Covid-19. Under ‘Vande Bharath’ Phase 2, pm on May 19, flight from UAE, addressing the Spandana Reddy has set an agenda to the The Chief Minister directed Discrimination, fear in the as many as 13 flights from AI 1902 carrying 166 passengers, review meeting through a collectors to complete formal- the officials to complete the for- people should be eliminated abroad will land directly in AP, will arrive at Visakhapatnam air- video conference here on ities of land acquisition to pro- malities by May 30. The final and awareness should be said Venkat S Medapati, Advisor port 8.45 pm May 19 and the Tuesday. vide house sites for the poor by list of beneficiaries has to be spread among the people to the Government of Andhra flight from UK AI 1641 carry- The Chief Minister was all May. announced by June 7 and also about the virus,'' the Chief Pradesh on NRT Affairs here on ing 100 passengers will arrive at praise for the Collectors, police Addressing a video confer- complete the formalities for Minister stated. Tuesday. Vijayawada 6.45 am on May 20. personnel and the frontline ence with the collectors as including the additional appli- People in the state should He said that with the initiation Medapati said that all the pas- workers who strove for enforc- people voluntarily get them- have to become self-reliant. A part of Spandana review meet- cations received by June 30. So come forward voluntarily taken by Chief Minister YS sengers, after completion of ing the lockdown strictly. He selves tested in case of doubt. GO has also been issued waiv- ing here on Tuesday, the Chief far an amount of Rs 4,436,47 and get themselves tested, Jaganmohan Reddy and MEA S immigration formalities, will said it was the bounden duty of The collectors will have to ing the electricity charges to Minister said while 99 per crore has been released for the Information about these tests Jaishankar, stranded people in be received by a team appoint- the frontline warriors to bring- take the lead in the setting up them for three months, Jagan cent of land acquisition was acquisition of house sites. He etc., should be made available various countries would reach ed by the Joint Collector of the ing back the economy on the of the proposed YSR Village said. completed, 90.8 per cent of said efforts should be made to to the people. “YSR Village AP through direct flights from district concerned. rails right from small shops, and Ward Clinics,” the Chief By May 26, all the archakas, work on layouts, 80.09 per cent see that nobody is left out. and Ward Clinics will be set May 19 onwards. The reception team at the air- public transport and other facil- Minister said. pastors and imams would get in the coming days. The con- Medapati said 13 flights from port consists of members from ities and the same time creating Jagan has enunciated a cal- a one-time help of Rs 5,000 struction of these clinics the Philippines, UAE, UK, Saudi Protocol, Medical and Health, awareness among the people on endar for the revitalisation each. Rythu Bharosa centres 10,000 each. By June 17, age-group of 45-60 and the sec- should be now be given Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Police and APNRTS depart- the precautions to be taken, like and rejuvenation of the econ- would be opened by May 30 to weavers would be given incen- ond instalment incentive of Rs prime importance,” he said in Ireland and Kazakhstan will be ments. All passengers will be maintaining physical distance omy for which he said the col- rejuvenate the farmers and to tives as part of YSR Chenetha 450 crore would be released to his directions to the reaching AP directly from May screened and initially, only the and wearing the mask. lectors and the joint collectors cater to their needs a J-C has Nestham and all the arrears to the MSMEs by June 29 and on Collectors. People who are 19 to June 1 under Vande asymptomatic one will be Except for shopping malls, have to take the lead. been appointed. The RBKs the Apco kept pending by the July 1, 1060, new 104 and 108 suspected to have the coron- Bharath Phase 2. A total of allowed to board the special theatres and religious activities, As per the calendar, half of would revolutionise the admin- previous government would ambulances would be avirus should go there, get 2,000+ NRT’s will be arriving by APSRTC busses arranged by the all other activities will have to the incentive arrears withheld istration, he said. be cleared by this date. Cloth launched. themselves tested, and take these flights to Visakhapatnam, Government. Any sympto- be restarted by the collectors by by the previous government to YSR Vahana Mitra incentive has been acquired from Apco An amount of Rs 18,750 the medication and this entire Vijayawada and Tirupati. Apart matic passengers will be shifted taking all precautionary mea- the MSMEs of Rs 905 crore of Rs 10,000 each would be for making safety masks and each would be given to all process should happen very from these returnees, 200+ pas- to Covid-19 hospital in a sepa- sures. “Though we have to would be cleared by May 22 delivered to auto and cab dri- that amount would also be women belonging to BC, SC, smoothly. We also have to sengers from AP will be landing rate ambulance. Asymptomatic live with Covid-19, one should and the remaining cleared by vers on June 4 and by June 10, cleared, said the Chief Minister. ST and Minorities in the age ensure that the scope of con- at Hyderabad, Bangalore and passengers will be taken to the not show any discrimination to June. barbers, washermen, tailors YSR Kapu Nestham would group of 45-60 on August 12 as tainment clusters should be Delhi airports. respective district headquarters the Covid-9 patients. Efforts The MSMEs are employing and petty shop owners would be implemented from June 24 part of YSR Cheyuta, the Chief reduced gradually, he He said that a flight from for mandatory institutional should be made to make the at least 10 lakh people who be given an incentive of Rs to cover all the women in the Minister said. advised. Philippines, AI 1317 carrying quarantine for 14 days. Kanna leads BJP protest against 'STIMULUS' BINDS NON-BJP CMS sale of government lands KCR jumps on the bandwagon, Jagan adopts a different stance L VENKAT RAM REDDY PNS n VIJAYAWADA the month of March. But his n HYDERABAD n TS JOINS TN, WB n JAGAN WELCOMES bill has now crossed Rs 20,000 AND KERALA IN PACKAGE, BJP state president Kanna during the current month, he The 'conditional' hike in Fiscal OPPOSING CENTRE APPOINTS CS-LED Lakshminarayana and other said. Responsibility and Budget FOR UNDERMINING PANEL TO AVAIL OF party leaders wore black He said that after coming to Management (FRBM) limit, FEDERAL SPIRIT THE PACKAGE badges and remained con- power, the YSRCP has announced as part of the Centre's fined in their houses on increased the prices of all Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus pack- Tuesday in protest against the essential commodities and age, has had the unintended con- age. The committee has direct- offering such a package, the state government over the AP now the government was plan- sequence of bringing together ed all the departments con- Modi government has lost its Government to auction state- ning to sell state-owned prop- Chief Ministers of states ruled by cerned to come out with action image in the eyes of the people," owned lands erty at prime locations. Selling non-BJP parties. These CMs are plans to make the most of PM's KCR said. The BJP leaders demanded the plot of market area in now rising as one to take up cud- package. However, KCR's confrontation cancelation of GO regarding Guntur for Build AP Mission gels against the Centre for under- KCR on Monday lashed out at with the Centre on power the e-auction and also is a hasty move as hundreds of mining the federal spirit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi reforms is expected to cost heav- demanded roll back of the hike people depend on the market Constitution. for the conditions imposed to ily for TS discoms in securing in power tariffs. After the for their livelihood. Telangana Chief Minister K avail of the hike in FRBM limit loans from Power Finance protest at his residence, Kanna sumption during the last one Kanna recalled that case Chandrasekhar Rao is the latest and said the Union government Corporation and Regional told media persons that it was year. Stating that even middle- was filed against a senior citi- one to join the bandwagon for was treating states like beggars. Electrification Corporations as unfortunate that the govern- class people consume 225 units zen for a post on social media raising a banner of revolt against He said it was unfortunate that well as state government in ment resorted to a steep hike per month, Kanna said this against the government and the Centre's stimulus package ruled state, has taken a complete- chief secretary Neelam Sawhney, the Centre had tried to rule over securing additional loans by in power tariff at a time when slab system was disastrous for questioned how many people and untenable FRBM condi- ly different stand, with its Chief has on board several senior offi- the states taking advantage of the availing of FRBM hike. the people are suffering due to the middle and poorer sections will be arrested in this way. tions. Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy cials of key departments, besides financial crisis facing states. He The Centre has offered Rs Covid-19 lockdown. of people. Former minister Ravella Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and welcoming the PM's package and Jagan's close aides - V Vijay Sai said that the central package 90,000 crore loans to discoms He condemned the way by Kanna said that govern- Kishore Babu, S Aruna, Jupudi Kerala governments are already appointing a CS-led committee Reddy, P Mithun Reddy and clearly showed that Modi's talk across the country to tide over which the state government ment’s new slabs leading to two Rangababu, R Lakshmipathi, T on the warpath against the to study ways of utilizing the ben- Anantapur MP Talari Rangaiah. of cooperative federalism was just financial crisis. However, it has divided power consumers into to three times increase in Venkatesh Yadavm P Centre over these issues. efits that would accrue to AP The committee will work out bogus. "We are also constitution- tied the offer to state govern- four groups – A, B, C and D on power bills. For example, he Nagabushanam, TV Rao and Surprisingly, neighbouring from the Centre's package. a plan and prepare guidelines for ally elected governments and not ments approving power reforms the basis of their power con- said he had paid Rs 11,541 in others were present. Andhra Pradesh, a non-BJP The committee, headed by effective utilisation of the pack- subordinates of the Centre. By proposed by the Centre. Rs 31,000 bill AP police book Bonda accuses government of India records 0.2 shocks Kanna, 60-yr-old woman hiking power tariff ten-fold Covid-19 deaths... for post on gas leak Continued from Page 1 from one laboratory conducting PNS n VIJAYAWADA shockwaves among consumers. spoke to K Koteswara Rao, COVID-19 test in January, India electrifies BJP Continued from Page 1 He asked the government how Deputy Executive Engineer, France has so far reported has very rapidly increased its Former TDP MLA Bonda can the poor people pay the APSPDCL, on the Bonda Uma 28,059 casualties which is about capacity by adding over 385 gov- Continued from Page 1 Talking to reporters at her residence, Umamaheswara Rao on Tuesday increased power charges as they charges. 41.9 deaths per lakh population ernment laboratories and 158 pri- Ranganayaki said she did not have any bad came down heavily on the state have suffered economically due Koteswara Rao said that for while Spain with 27, 650 fatalities vate laboratories. "Duly forging Therefore, even middle classes had to consume intentions and merely shared a post put governments, accusing it of to the prolonged lockdown. customers consuming more than has about 59.2 deaths per lakh. partnerships with all central gov- at least 225 units in a month. by her friend. "I took permission from my increasing power tariff ten-fold. Bonda Uma pointed out that the 500 units per month, there is an Germany, Iran, Canada, Nether- ernment labs, state medical col- “The YSRCP government is smartly saying that friend and copy pasted it.I dont have any The TDP MLA alleged that YSRCP, Ministers and MLAs increase of Rs 0.90 per unit, pre- lands and Mexico with 7,935 leges, private medical colleges and it has hiked power bills, but change of slabs has bad intentions. the inefficiency of the YSRCP deny that the government has viously it was Rs 9.05 and from deaths, 6,988 deaths, 5,702 deaths, private sector, the testing capac- led to middle class and the poor consumers inclu- I do not know if my post is so offensive," government had led poor peo- increased the power tariffs. April 1, it is Rs 9.95 per unit for 5,680 deaths and 5,045 fatalities ity in the country has been sion under slab C, and therefore higher power she said. ple to suffer due to an abnormal The TDP MLA said that the billing above 500 units per have a mortality of around 9.6, 8.5, expanded," the ministry said. bills,” the BJP leaders said. TDP chief and former chief minister increase in power tariffs. He people are not ready to pay the month. 15.4, 33.0 and 4.0 per lakh pop- Other testing machines like As a result, power bills increased two or three N Chandrababu Naidu condemned the appealed to the people in the hiked power charges and that his He said that bill is generated ulation respectively. China, which TrueNAT and CBNAAT have times compared to earlier times, they said. case against the elderly woman and said state not to pay power bills. party will support the people. He as per the consumption of power so far has recorded 4,645 casual- also been mobilised to ramp up Wanna said that he paid electricity bill of Rs she has been served notice by the CID Speaking to the media persons further found fault with the rul- by the customers. He said that ties due to COVID-19 so far has testing. Through 14 AIIMS-like 11,541 in March. However, this month the for speaking out against the govern- at his residence on Tuesday, ing party leaders saying that dur- they would visit Bonda Uma's approximately 0.3 deaths per mentor institutions, handholding power bill crossed Rs 20,000. Therefore, he said ment. Bonda Uma alleged that the ing March, April and May power residence and clarify the differ- lakh population. "The relatively of labs across the country is that he had to pay over Rs 31,000 in two Meanwhile, police warned people not YSRCP government has affect- bills would be high as con- ence and stressed that bill will be low death figures represent time- undertaken to ensure adequate months. “How can the government deny that it to indulge in false propaganda against the ed the sharpest-ever increase in sumption will be more during generated only as per the con- ly case identification and clinical bio-safety standards and accred- had not hiked power tariffs? Kanna asked the gov- government or its machinery leading to power tariff in the history of the these months. sumption of power by the cus- management of the cases," the itation of the laboratories, the ernment, citing his own power bills as evidence. law and order problems. electricity department sending Meanwhile, The Pioneer tomers. ministry said. On testing, it said ministry said. Meat shops AP schools to 16 IAS officers transferred booked for Cyber virus steals reopen from Continued from Page 1 Siddharth Jain, serving the (VS/WS & Development), Department for posting him as state government as Anantapur, S Dhilli Rao, who is Commissioner, Municipal Rajat Bhargava, discharging Commissioner and Inspector waiting for posting is posted as Corporation, Nellore. adding beef in credit card details... August 3 services as Special Chief General, Registrations and Director, Civil Supplies, B Rama B Sunil Kumar Reddy, work- Continued from Page 1 of the Zoom video conference Continued from Page 1 Secretary to Government Stamps was placed in full addi- Rao, Director, BC Welfare, were ing as DFO, Chittoor (West) is mutton application, saying it was not a (Excise&CT) Revenue tional charge of the post of placed in full additional charge transferred and his services are Continued from Page 1 The stolen data could be safe platform. The application is Additionally, he asked offi- Department is placed in full Director, Survey, Settlements of the post of Managing Director, placed at the disposal of used to make unauthorized being widely used for personal cials to make sure there is no additional charge of the post of and Land Records, until further Sports Authority of Andhra Municipal Administration and A local RTI activist, transactions from the compro- and official interactions as peo- shortage of supply for sand and Special Chief Secretary to orders. Pradesh until further orders. Urban Development Kandregula Venkataramana, mised credit cards. On April 7, ple have been asked to stay at cement for the works. In the Government (Tourism, Culture, Kanna Babu, working as P Arjuna Rao, Joint Secretary Department for posting his as was also present during the the CBI's Interpol division had and work from home because of first phase, nearly 15,715 Archaeology & Museums), Special Commissioner, Disaster to Governor was transferred Commissioner, Municipal raids. He said the quality and sent an advisory to police the coronavirus pandemic. schools will get a makeover with YAT&C Department till further Management and Ex-Officio and posted as Spl. Commissio- Corporation, Kakinada. weight of the meat has been departments across the country, "Zoom is not a safe platform a revolving budget of Rs 456 orders. Additional Secretary to ner, Endowments. The services of M affected by high demand. alerting about a cyber attack on even for usage of individuals a crore. Under the Nadu-Nedu K Ram Gopal, working as Government, Revenue (DM) Sridhar Chamakuri, Sub- Madhusudhan Reddy, IRAS, Venkataramana said that some hospitals and health installations. detailed advisory has already scheme, a total of nine develop- Principal Secretary to was given full additional charge Collector, Kavali is transferred MD, APMDC were withdrawn traders were selling the meat "Cyber criminals are using been issued by CERT-India," the ment works, including the Government who is waiting for of the post of Commissioner, and posted as PO, ITDA, from the Industries and without obtaining a license ransomware to hold hospitals home ministry had said in an school infrastructure and basic posting is posted as Principal Fisheries, until further orders. Seethampeta, Srikakulam Commerce Department and from the GVMC. He appealed and medical services digitally advisory. facilities, are to be taken up. As Secretary to Government The services of G Srinivasulu, District. he is posted as Managing to the officials to display the hostage; preventing them from The guidelines, the govern- the schools reopen on August (Sports and Youth Welfare), (UP: 2005), awaiting posting, Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar, Director, AP State Fibernet phone numbers of the GVMC accessing vital files and systems ment had said, would prevent 3, the Chief Minister is prepar- YAT & C Department. Kantilal were placed at the disposal of Sub-Collector, Nuzivid is trans- Limited and VG Venkata and Legal Meteorology in until a ransom is paid," it said. unauthorised entry in the con- ing to launch YSR Vidhya Dande, awaiting posting was Social Welfare Department as ferred and his services are Reddy, Director, Mines is kept front of the meat shops so that The agency had asked the ference room and even mali- Kanuka the same day, where all posted as Secretary to MD, SC Corporation. placed at the disposal of as in charge to the post of consumers will be able to police to remain vigilant. cious activity by authorised par- the school going students will Government, Tribal Welfare A Siri, who is waiting for post- Municipal Administration and Managing Director, A.P.M.D.C, alert them if any illegal prac- Last month, the central gov- ticipants on terminals of the be provided with uniforms, Department. ing is posted as Jt. Collector Urban Development until further orders. tices are noticed.. ernment had warned the users other participants. books, belt, shoes and socks. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 nation 04

AMPHAN SHORT READS Ran 1,565 ‘Shramik Spl' trains, BSF moves ships, patrol boats ferried 20 lakh migrants: Rlys to safe anchor in Sunderbans n n PNS NEW DELHI "Under the leadership PNS NEW DELHI The Indian Railways has oper- of PM @NarendraModi, The Border Security Force 11 SRA buildings ated 1,565 'Shramik Special' more than 20 lakh (BSF) has moved its three to turn into trains since May 1 and ferried workers have been floating border posts or ships over 20 lakh migrants back and 45 other patrol boats quarantine centres home, the national transporter sent to their homes deployed to guard the India- said on Tuesday. by the Railways on Bangladesh riverine front in MUMBAI: Considering the daily While Uttar Pradesh has the Sunderbans and Icchamati rise in COVID-19 cases in allowed 837 trains, Bihar has 1,565 Shramik river in West Bengal to safe Mumbai, the Slum permitted 428 and Madhya Special trains," the anchorage in view of the Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has handed over 11 building to Pradesh more than 100, minister said cyclonic storm 'Amphan', offi- Railway Minister Piyush Goyal cials said. the Brihanmumbai Municipal said in a tweet. These vessels are used by the Corporation for setting up As of Monday night, 162 and then the Centre accusing south Bengal frontier of the quarantine centres, an official trains were in transit and 1,252 some states having non-BJP border force to guard about said on Tuesday. At least 11 had reached their destinations. governments of not providing 350 kms of the riverine border SRA buildings, with 2080 Around 116 more are cur- permission for the migrant in this area. in view of cyclone 'Amphan'. structure as soon as possible, rooms, will be used as rently in the pipeline, it said. pipeline, while over 266 trains Out of the trains that have trains to run. The BSF protects over 930 BSF Deputy Inspector Guleria, who has earlier served quarantine facilities, the SRA terminated so far, the maxi- Goyal, in a series of tweets in the NDRF, said. official said. These building are "Under the leadership of have already started from kms of the International Border General (south Bengal frontier) located in both western and PM @NarendraModi, more Maharashtra, with 37 more in mum has been in Uttar on Monday, said he had spo- under this frontier that includes S S Guleria told PTI that the He said satellite phones have eastern wards of the BMC, he than 20 lakh workers have the pipeline. Pradesh at 641, while 73 more ken to the Odisha, Bihar and 110 kms of the Sunderbans, troops who man these vessels also been provided to the added. The SRA was working been sent to their homes by the Among other originating are in transit, followed by the Uttar Pradesh govern- Estuary Point, Icchamati river will move to land border posts riverine border posts so that on a war-footing for the last 20 Railways on 1,565 Shramik states, 188 trains have started Bihar with 310 and 53 more on ments, and they assured him of and Panitar, where the land and till the activity of the cyclone. communication links are on, days in coordination with Special trains," the minister from Punjab, 89 from the way. permitting more trains. riverine borders of the two A team of experts like elec- he added. A control room has various developers to hand over said. Karnataka, 61 from Tamil The operation of these trains A 'Shramik Special' train countries meet. tricians, masons and engi- been established for the these buildings to the civic body, According to data till Nadu, 58 from Telangana, 54 has, however, led to a political carries around 1,700 passen- The three floating border neering personnel have also cyclone related operations at chief executive officer of SRA Monday night, more than 496 from Rajasthan, 41 from mud-slinging, with the oppo- gers, instead of the earlier posts or ships, 45 other patrol been sent to the riverine bor- Hasnabad that will be super- Deepak Kapoor said. "The SRA trains have originated from Haryana and 38 from Uttar sition accusing the Centre of 1,200, to ferry as many work- and mechanised boats have der fronts so that they can help vised by a senior officer from has so far handed over 11 new Gujarat and 17 more are in the Pradesh. charging fares from migrants ers home as possible. been moved for safe anchorage in reviving the damaged infra- ground, he added. buildings in various suburban areas to the BMC," the official said, adding that more such structures will also be made Congress MLA writes to Fadnavis targets Pawar, asks 2 former Major Generals available as and when the need arises during the pandemic. NHRC over COVID-19 Maha govt for economic package booked for corruption Railway police PNS n NEW DELHI The agency has registered sub-inspector shot PNS n MUMBAI the FIR after a two-year-long The CBI has booked two for- preliminary inquiry based on dead in Haryana deaths in Ahmedabad Senior BJP leader Devendra mer Major Generals for a complaint from a vigilance HISAR: A 36-year-old Railway PNS n AHMEDABAD responsibility to junior doctors Fadnavis on Tuesday took a dig alleged corruption in con- officer in the Ministry of Protection Force (RPF) sub- and para medical staff". at NCP chief Sharad Pawar on ducting Group C and D exam- Science and Technology who inspector was allegedly shot Gujarat Congress MLA Till Monday, Ahmedabad his recent letter to Prime inations in the Survey of India alleged malpractices in com- dead by a man when the officer Gyasuddin Shaikh on Tuesday reported 555 COVID-19 deaths Minister Narendra Modi on the in 2002, resulting in wrong pilation of marks in the answer was on patrol duty in Uklana alleged that negligence andim- in various government-run hos- economic stimulus package, and selection of 44 candidates as sheets of the Limited here, police said on Tuesday. proper treatment of COVID-19 pitals, including civil hospital. demanded a similar measure those who had succeeded were Departmental Competitive Munish Sharma, the in-charge patients in Ahmedabad civil "The high mortality rate of from the Shiv Sena-led made to fail, officials said on Examination for Group D to of Uklana Railway Station hospital is leading to high num- coronavirus patients in Maharashtra government. Tuesday. C Topo Trades held during Police post, which is located ber of deaths, and sought the Ahmedabad is due to improp- However, the Congress hit The FIR has been registered October 2002 in the Survey of between Hisar and Jakhal intervention of the National er treatment and negligence of back asking why did MLAs of against the then Brigadier M India. railway stations, was shot dead Human Rights Commission in doctors and authorities," the the Opposition party donated led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) said, after meeting state Governor V Bhat, Director, Survey It was alleged that candi- Monday night near railway the matter. opposition MLA said. their local area development government. "Uddhav Bhagat Singh Koshyari along Training Institute (STI), and dates who had passed were tracks at Uklana, about 45 km In a letter sent to the National "It has come to my notice fund to the PM Cares Fund Thackeray-led MVA govern- with other BJP leaders. In his the then Brigadier K R M K made to fail and vice versa, from here. Railway police Human Rights Commission that doctors are not aware instead of to the CM Relief Fund ment should announce a pack- recent letter to the PM, Pawar Babaji Rao, Deputy Surveyor resulting in wrong selection of personnel and locals rushed (NHRC), Shaikh claimed a sim- about the death of a patient if they are so concerned about age on the lines of the Centre. stated that the Centre's econom- General, STI. Both of them 44 candidates. Sharma to a private hospital ilar scenario was there in other even after three hours. Relatives Maharashtra, which has report- Sharad Pawar has written sever- ic stimulus package lacked pro- retired as Major Generals, The agency had alleged that from where he was being taken government-run hospitals also are also not informed about the ed the highest number of al letters to Prime Minister visions to compensate the losses they said. answer sheets were deliberate- to the Hisar Civil Hospital in a where senior doctors are "shy- treatment or progress in health COVID-19 cases in the country. Narendra Modi. He should write incurred by farmers during the Other names include J K ly manipulated by accused private car, but he died midway, ing away from treating COVID- of the patients," Shaikh said in The NCP and the Congress one such letter to CM Uddhav lockdown period, which has left Rath and R Rama Singh, the officers to favour selected can- they said. Sharma, who hailed 19 patients and handing over the a video message. are the constituents in the Sena- Thackeray as well," Fadnavis no cash in their hands. then officials of STI. didates, they said. from Jaipur's village Bassi, had joined the force's unit here about a year ago. The police have started investigations into LOCKDOWN IMPACT: the case based on the Inmates, staff in Rohini jail quarantined, statements of eyewitnesses. Police said according to witnesses, Sharma noticed that Small temples in TN three youths were sitting on the contact tracing on: HC judge headed panel told railway line and caught one of them, while the two others PNS n NEW DELHI capacity of 280 prisoners and managed to run away. seek power bill waiver it has 248 individual cells with A high-powered committee attached toilets and currently 2 Hizbul Mujahideen PNS n CHENNAI headed by a Delhi High Court it houses 178 inmates, who are judge has been informed by 'high risk prisoners'. militants killed in With the near two-month DG (Prisons) that 15 inmates It has been decided by the encounter in J-K lockdown taking a toll on and a staff found COVID-19 committee to shift the 160 of their meagre revenue, many positive in Rohini jail are quar- these 178 high risk prisoners to SRINAGAR: Two Hibzul small temples in Tamil Nadu antined and undergoing treat- different jails in Tihar which Mujahideen militants were are seeking a waiver of power ment, while the process of also has high risk wards to killed while a CRPF jawan and a bills, as demands are also being tracing other prisoners who accommodate them. The other Jammu and Kashmir policeman 18 who are working as suffered injuries during an made for enhanced compensa- came in contact with them is encounter in the city's tion for village priests and still underway. 'sahayak' will remain in Nawakadal area on Tuesday, workers allegedly not paid The Director General Mandoli jail. The committee police said. While police salaries during this period. (Prisons) told the committee was satisfied with the steps officials did not identify the Over 8,000 temples where headed by Justice Hima Kohli positive case was reported after entering the premises for deliv- being taken by jail authorities slain militants, sources said the "oru kala puja" (single keep up the faith of the devout ment to prevent the spread of that a Special Task Force (STF) an inmate had undergone a ery of essentials so that they do to prevent the spread of coro- one the ultras killed in the puja a day) is performed and but also promote sustainable coronavirus, he said. has been formed for 'contact surgery in DDU Hospital on not come in direct contact navirus in prison premises. operation was a top also temples with low earnings income generation activities Shrines across Tamil Nadu tracing' of suspected cases in all May 11. After being found pos- with the prisoners. It was informed that till commander of the Hizbul across the state have sought the around them," said P Vasu, have been closed for darshan the jails here, including Rohini itive, he was shifted to LNJP “Feeling concerned” about Monday, a total of 3,678 pris- Mujahideen hailing from government to waive the state president of Tamil Nadu since March 24 after the gov- jail, and if necessary coron- Hospital, dedicated for the issue, the committee chair- oners, including undertrials Srinagar. The other militant is power bills. Village Temple Priests ernment clamped the lock- avirus test will be done on COVID-19 treatment, where person asked the DG (Prisons) and convicts, have been believed to be a foreign Shrines are not mere places Association. Temples play a down to prevent the spread of other inmates who had come he is recuperating. regarding availability of indi- released on interim bail, parole national, they said. “Two of worship but support many major role in drawing the reli- coronavirus. in contact with the COIVD-19 The committee, set up on vidual cells in any prison which or remission of sentence as part militants have been killed in the dependent on them for a liveli- gious and heritage tourists to Only priests have been per- positive prisoners. It has been Supreme Court's order to look can be converted into isolation of the programme to de-con- operation at Nawakadal in hood, including flower sellers, the state, he said. forming pujas and other relat- reported by DG (Prisons) that into decongesting prisons and cells for keeping the new gest jails here to contain the Srinagar,” a police official said, according to the Tamil Nadu Not just the temple priests ed services during the lock- all the 15 inmates as well as the prevent spread of COVID-19 entrants at least for an initial spread of COVID-19. adding that weapons and Village Temple Priests and staff but also flower ven- down. staff are asymptomatic, the there, decided that new entrants period of 14 days to prevent The committee also made it ammunition were seized from Association. dors or archana plate sellers The said priests' body has committee recorded in its min- in jail should be kept in isolation them from coming in contact clear that no prisoner in what- the spot. Two security "Though they may not hog dependent on the shrines for petitioned the government to utes of meeting held on wards to prevent their intermin- with other inmates. soever category/ class he falls personnel — a CRPP jawan the attention just as the indus- their livelihood are experi- provide enhanced relief to Monday evening. gling with other inmates. Minutes of the meeting and whatever nature of offence and a Jammu and Kashmir tries and hospitality sectors encing the worst economic them and temple staff, besides A total of 16 inmates and It said precautions be taken recorded that the DG (Prisons) he is facing trial, can seek or policeman — were injured in which have reported losses, crisis as a fallout of the lock- pressing it to waive the power one jail staff tested COVID-19 by jail staff, medical staff, informed that jail no.15 of claim to be released from the gubbattle with the militants, temples nevertheless not only down, enforced by the govern- bills of low income temples. positive last week. The first maintenance staff and others Mandoli prison has an overall prison as a matter of right. the officials said. Autorickshaw, car numbers in Cong list Plea to remove groups like Bois locker room from social media of buses for migrant workers: UP govt n PNS NEW DELHI PNS n LUCKNOW 10 am on Tuesday, according to The Congress the Congress. The Delhi High Court The Uttar Pradesh govern- initially claimed The aide wrote back to the Tuesday sought response of ment on Tuesday said the list that the state's BJP UP government saying that the Centre on a plea seeking of 1,000 buses offered by the sending empty buses to directions to it to ensure Congress to ferry migrants government was Lucknow was “inhuman” and social media platforms like contained registration numbers ignoring the offer the “product of an anti-poor Facebook and Instagram of two-wheelers and cars, a with CM Yogi mindset” when thousands of remove illegal groups such as charge denied by the party. workers are gathered at UP's 'Bois Locker Room', "for the The UP claim reignited the Adityanath even borders. safety and security of chil- row over the offer made on refusing to give an "This demand of your gov- dren" in cyberspace. May 16 by Congress general appointment to a ernment seems politically A bench of Justices Rajiv secretary Priyanka Gandhi motivated. It does not appear Sahai Endlaw and Sangita RSS ideologue K N said the petition filed through Vadra to provide 1,000 buses at party delegation that your government wants to Dhingra Sehgal issued notice Govindacharya "highlighting advocate Virag Gupta. the UP border for migrant seeking a meeting help our labourer brothers and to the ministries of home the unlawful nature of illegal It further contended that workers heading to their sisters who are facing a disas- affairs, Information groups" like 'Bois Locker "the incident of 'bois locker homes in the state. ter," the letter in Hindi said. Technology and finance as Room'. room' on Instagram shows The Congress initially delegation seeking a meeting. ernment on Monday formally the row. In an email received by UP's Additional Chief also Facebook, Google and "Due to the negativity, fake one of the vilest forms of claimed that the state's BJP Even while accusing the accepted the offer. Priyanka Gandhi's private sec- Secretary (Home & Twitter asking them to indicate news and illegal content many social media". government was ignoring the Congress of playing politics It asked the Congress to retary at 11.40 pm Monday, the Information) Awanish Awasthi their stand on affidavit by the young lives are destroyed. Such Central government stand- offer with Chief Minister Yogi over the plight of workers submit a list of the buses, and Uttar Pradesh government responded to the Congress let- next date of hearing on July 14. groups are criminal in nature ing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia Adityanath even refusing to heading home after the coro- its drivers and conductors. asked the opposition party to ter, agreeing to take charge of The order came on the and do not deserve any protec- accepted notice on behalf of give an appointment to a party navirus lockdown, the UP gov- But that was not the end of send the buses to Lucknow by the buses at the border itself. application moved by former tion of free or creative speech," the ministries. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS Our families need us in this Public transport resumes in Delhi after nearly 2 months tough time, migrant workers say PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI Public transport resumed in On May 5, he and Delhi on Tuesday with buses, Babban Mahto's wait to see his his co-workers auto-rickshaws and taxis plying No consent required two-month-old girl for the from Bihar on roads, albeit with a limited first time only seems to be get- number of passengers, after a gap from states to run ting longer. registered for free of nearly two months due to the Shramik Special trains The 27-year-old from Bihar travel on 'Shramik coronavirus-induced lockdown. worked as a 'beldar' (daily Special' train. Delhi Transport Minister NEW DELHI: The railways on wager) in Seelampur in Kailash Gahlot said the depart- Tuesday said the consent of the Northeast Delhi until the lock- Two weeks later, ment is taking all necessary pre- destination states is not down hit businesses, rendering they have no clue cautions with regard to the required to operate Shramik him and his co-workers jobless. which train will resumption of public transport Special trains, hours after the "I am the only one earning and urged people to wear masks Home Ministry issued a in the family. First, the riots in take them home and ensure social distancing. buses resumed services with in the coming days," a senior standard operating procedure Northeast Delhi impacted "At some terminals and bus social distancing norms and transport officer said. for the national transporter to business, and now the lock- they have no clue which train "I have only Rs 200 left with just finished watching news stands, we have started conduct- safety measures like use of sani- He said no major issues have run these trains to ferry down brought the people to will take them home. me. I have not even got the about the Delhi government ing thermal screening of passen- tisers and masks in place to check been reported since the bus ser- migrants to their native places. their knees," he says. "We also registered on the refund for the cancelled tick- arranging 16 special trains on gers before boarding. We will try the spread of the deadly coron- vices resumed in the morning, "Consent of terminating state Babban says he was to take link provided by the Delhi gov- et. We don't have agricultural Tuesday to ferry migrant work- to implement this at all busy bus avirus. except in some areas where not necessary to run Shramik a train to home, in Siwan dis- ernment two days ago. It says land back home. I know it will ers to their native states. stands. Under the leadership of "We are trying to run as many people had to wait a bit longer. Special trains," railway trict, on May 2, which got can- the application has been suc- be hard there, but I will be with "We have been waiting here Arvind Kejriwal, the government buses as possible. But, many Sources said some cluster spokesperson Rajesh Bajpai celled. cessfully submitted, but how do my family. I am happy having for our turn," he says. is taking all necessary steps to buses are under special hire and buses in rural areas did not ply said. "After the new SoP, the On May 5, he and his co- we know which train will take 'roti and chutney' with them," Kumar says he and his room- ensure safe transport for people," also some of our drivers and con- as drivers stayed away from implication is that no consent workers from Bihar registered us home and when?" asks Jitendra says. mates, including Babban and he tweeted. ductors living in the NCR cities work claiming their wages for of receiving state is mandatory," for free travel on 'Shramik Jitendra Mahto, 35, who worked Salendra Kumar, 30, from Jitendra, left their rented accom- The Delhi Transport are finding it difficult to join the the lockdown period had not he said. Earlier, a political storm Special' train. Two weeks later, in a T-shirt printing unit. Bihar's Chapra district, says he modation at 6 am on Tuesday. Corporation (DTC) and cluster duty. The situation will improve been paid. had broken out when Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were being laggard in approving these Non-COVID-19 patients Haryana govt allows trains. Since May 1, the Centre issues SOP for railways has run 1,565 migrant trains and ferried over 20 lakh 50-100% Group C, D staff migrants. subject to long waits train travel of migrants PNS n MUMBAI PNS n CHANDIGARH Hardline separatist's PNS n NEW DELHI son among two terrorist Even as hospitals in Mumbai The Haryana government has grapple with the rising number The Centre on Tuesday issued allowed 50 per cent staff from killed in encounter of coronavirus cases, out- patient a Standard Operating Protocol Group C and D categories to SRINAGAR: Junaid Sehrai, son departments at civic and state- (SOP) for transportation of attend offices which can go up of separatist conglomerate run facilities witness long queues stranded migrant workers to 100 per cent if there is suffi- Tehreek-e-Hurriyat's chairman of non-COVID-19 patients between states, which will des- cient space for complete obser- Ashraf Sehrai, was among the waiting to seek treatment. ignate nodal authorities and vance of social distancing norms, two terrorists killed in an Mumbai has witnessed a make necessary arrangements according to an order issued by encounter with security forces in sharp increase in COVID-19 for receiving and sending the government. downtown Srinagar, police said. cases since the first week of May. the government has reserved them, amid the novel coron- The state government had Junaid Sehrai went missing in This has not only increased 400 beds at KEM for patients avirus-induced lockdown. reopened its offices in the state ered, as per an order from Chief March 2018 and later his the pressure on staff at state and infected with the novel coron- While issuing the revised and those located in its capital Secretary to all the administra- picture, brandishing an AK-47, civic-run hospitals, but it has also avirus. This has had a cascading SOP, Union Home Secretary Chandigarh with certain condi- tive secretaries, heads of depart- went viral on social media. The led to the neglect of non- impact on non-COVID-19 Ajay Bhalla said for running receiving state shall be obtained the special trains for the conve- tions during the third phase of ments and Commissioners and joining of Sehrai, who comple- COVID-19 patients, especially patients, who visit the hospital's 'Shramik' special trains, permis- by originating state, and a copy nience of migrant workers. the COVID-19-induced lock- Deputy Commissioners of all ted his MBA degree from the pregnant women. OPD, where they are subjected sion will be given by the Ministry provided to Railways before The SOP said the train down. In the third phase of the Divisions, all MDs of Boards and Kashmir University, was the first The state-run KEM Hospital to a long wait. of Railways (MOR) in consulta- departure of train". schedule, protocols for entry lockdown itself, that lasted till Corporations and Registrars of such case where a son of a and its neighbouring Nair "We cannot turn patients tion with the Ministry of Home According to the fresh SOP, and movement of passengers, May 17 following which the universities. separatist leader of Jammu and Hospital, which is run by the away. However, availability of Affairs (MHA). the train schedule, including services to be provided in fourth phase began with less "While attendance percentage Kashmir had joined a terror Brihanmumbai Municipal beds is a real challenge. Several States and union territories stoppages and destination, shall coaches, and arrangements restrictions, government offices for Groups A and B shall be 100 group. Corporation, can become a case people wait till late in the night should designate nodal author- be finalised by the MOR based with states and UTs for book- were re-opened with 100 per per cent, for Groups C and D it study for how hospitals hoping to get a bed for their ail- ities and make necessary on the requirements of states and ing of tickets shall be publi- cent staff of Groups A and B and shall be 50 per cent. In case any 55,960 migrants left resources are stretched to the ing relative," dean of KEM arrangements for receiving and UTs, and shall be communicat- cised by the MOR. 33 per cent staff strength at the office has sufficient space to limit because of the rising num- Hospital Dr Hemant Deshmukh sending such stranded people, ed by the MOR to states and UTs Sending states and UTs, and level of Groups C and D. ensure 100 per cent attendance Thane so far in trains, ber of COVID-19 cases. said. The state administration the home ministry SOP said. for making suitable arrange- the MOR will ensure that pas- In view of the amended with complete observance of buses: Official While Nair Hospital, which was also under a lot of pressure However, the guidelines issued ments for sending and receiving sengers are compulsorily guidelines issued by the Ministry social distancing norms for All THANE: Nearly 55,960 migrant has been dedicated for COVID- to create more medical facilities by the Ministry of Railways on such stranded workers. screened, and only asympto- of Home Affairs on May 17, the Groups — A, B, C and D, they labourers have so far been sent 19 treatment, is swamped and for COVID-19 patients, an offi- May 2 for 'Shramik' special Officials explained that the matic passengers are allowed to matter of attendance in govern- may do so,” as per the order to their native places from filled to its maximum capacity, cial said. trains said: "The consent of MOR will ensure more halts of board the trains, it said. ment offices has been reconsid- dated May 18. Maharashtra's Thane district amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Collector Rajesh Narvekar said on Tuesday. Of Screening area to be set up at these, as many as 21,475 have Hundreds of migrants gather been sent in 17 trains and 34,485 have been ferried in 1,553 buses to their native AIIMS before OPD services start near Bandra station in Mumbai places in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, n n Orissa and Jharkhand, he said. PNS NEW DELHI ties are being dedicated for PNS MUMBAI The Thane district administra- managing COVID-19 patients. tion in coordination with the A screening area will be set up Besides the AIIMS Trauma Hundreds of migrant labourers state government arranged for at the AIIMS here to identify Centre has been converted gathered on an approach road to their travel, he said. The and segregate patients having into a dedicated COVID-19 Bandra Terminus here on number of those sent by trains symptoms of influenza-like ill- hospital and the NCI Jhajjar Tuesday before the departure of to various states is as follows: ness and COVID-19 before also is treating coronavirus a Shramik Special train, leading Uttar Pradesh-2,833, Bihar- they are referred to the OPD as infected patients. to chaos in the area for some 10,632, Madhya Pradesh- the hospital gears up to resume "Doctors at AIIMS are cur- time. The crowd was later dis- 1,652, Rajasthan-3,494, out-patient department ser- rently providing tele-consulta- persed by police, a Western Odisha-1,364 and Jharkhand- vices in a phased manner, offi- tion to all follow-up patients in Railway official said. 1,500. Till date, more than cials said. an effort to reduce the need for The incident comes over a 65,000 migrant laborers have According to the AIIMS them to visit the facility during month after hundreds of migrant registered their names with the Chief Spokesperson Dr Aarti the lockdown. Around 1000 workers had assembled near district administration to get Vij, the premier hospital is in tele-consultations are being the Bandra station over their clearance to travel to their the process of modifying OPDs provided per day in different demand that arrangements be in the area around 11 am, gathered on a road and a bridge native places by trains, the in view of COVID-19. sures to prevent any spread of tailed all elective surgeries as departments in total and these made for them to return to their sources said. near the station, it said. collector said. So far, 21,475 Preparations are in full- infection to non-COVID part of its effort towards redi- figures are going up," Dr Vij native places in the wake of the The Western Railway in a "The bonafide passengers labourers have been sent by swing for setting up a screen- patients and healthcare work- recting its resources to control said. coronavirus-enforced lockdown. statement later said a Shramik were checked and allowed to trains, he said, adding that the ing OPD to identify and seg- ers. Steps are also being taken the COVID-19 outbreak. The COVID-19 National In a video clip of Tuesday's Special train was scheduled for enter the station by the state states concerned are being regate patients having influen- towards ensuring good air cir- The hospital has also consti- Tele-consultation Centre incident that went viral on social Purnia from the Bandra machinery. The train left the contacted for permission to za-like-illness and COVID- culation. Since we are modify- tuted a committee to devise a (CoNTeC) at AIIMS, New media, a large number of Terminus in which passengers Bandra Terminus around 12 send the other labourers also. 19 suspects before they are sent ing the OPDs, it will require strategy for restoring health- Delhi has handled over 4,500 migrants were seen carrying registered with the state author- noon with 1,700 labourers and Following arrangements made to the main OPD, she said. few more days," Dr Vij said. care services in a phased man- calls that includes calls for their luggages and running ities were to travel. their families who were entitled for the transportation of "This is being done from the It has been close to a month ner, Dr Vij said. COVID-19 related queries, tele- towards the gate of the Bandra However, many people, who to travel," Western Railway's the labourers, the district point of view of taking all pos- that the AIIMS has shut down A large proportion of man- consultation calls by doctors Terminus. were not registered and not Chief Public Relations Officer administration said. sible infection control mea- its OPD services and cur- power and patient care facili- and calls for appointments. The crowd started gathering called by the state authorities, Ravinder Bhakar said. On 1st day of relaxed lockdown COVID-19 dominates headlines; Migrant people buy non-essentials labour crisis most-trending news: Study PNS n AHMEDABAD PNS n NEW DELHI The study found that out of the total With the conditional relaxations As a nationwide lockdown con- 75,000 headlines, 24.5 per cent of during the lockdown kicking in tinues to fight the coronavirus headlines were related to COVID-19 in non-containment zones of pandemic, COVID-19 has Gujarat on Tuesday, people came accounted for up to 42.2 per cent pre-lockdown (from March 1), but it out to buy non- essentials, of mainstream news headlines rose to 42.2 per cent during the first including items like paan masala, during this period while a resul- and to get their mobile phones tant migrant labour crisis has two phases of the lockdown and then and vehicles repaired in western emerged as the most-trending dropped to 32 per cent in the first Ahmedabad and other cities. news, a new study showed on week of the third phase (till May 10) In a major relief to people Tuesday. affected due to the coronavirus- Prime Minister Narendra induced lockdown, the state Modi has emerged as the biggest Mamata Banerjee. The study relaxations as compared to the government had on Monday newsmaker among all Indian found that out of the total 75,000 earlier two phases, while the lock- announced several relaxations, open in the 11 containment Ahmedabad district stands at political leaders, showed the headlines, 24.5 per cent of head- down has now been extended to including opening of markets zones in Ahmedabad covering 8,683 with 555 deaths, the total study that used artificial intelli- Chidambaram in the top-five Jyotiraditya Scindia was most in lines were related to COVID-19 the fourth phase till May 31 with and shops only in non-contain- about 12.68 lakh people, sever- number of cases in Surat and gence to analyse 75,000 headlines newsmakers among national the news with his shift from pre-lockdown (from March 1), further relaxations to help revive ment zones, from Tuesday. al shops reopened in western Vadodara stands at 1,127 and across 15 mainstream news leaders, as per the study done by Congress to BJP. He was followed but it rose to 42.2 per cent dur- economic activities. The government has allowed part of the city. 682, respectively, a govern- sources between March 1 and boutique brand-building firm by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind ing the first two phases of the Dharma Media Consultants' shops and other commercial Ahmedabad, Vadodara and ment official had said on May 10. Dharma Media Consultants, in Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief lockdown and then dropped to Founder Shutapa Paul said the establishments in non-contain- Surat account for the maximum Monday. Modi is followed by Congress partnership with technology Minister Yogi Adityanath, former 32 per cent in the first week of the study was carried out with an aim ment zones to remain open coronavirus case load in Gujarat, On Tuesday, citizens in leader Rahul Gandhi, Home company PRM Fincon, on how Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister third phase (till May 10). to find who and what were the between 8 am and 4 pm. which reported 11,746 cases Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot Minister Amit Shah, Finance COVID-19 has primarily occu- Kamal Nath, Maharashtra Chief The third phase of the lock- newsmakers before and during While no shops, except those and 694 deaths as on Monday. among other cities visited Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pied news space. Minister Uddhav Thackeray and down continued for two weeks lockdown induced by the dead- selling essentials, are allowed to The overall case count in markets. and Congress leader P Among state-level politicians, West Bengal Chief Minister till May 17 with considerable ly coronavirus. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Signs of a cure As producer of 60 per cent of the world’s vaccines, India Power games in Nepal could become the production hub for an antidote to the virus onths into the pandemic, humanity still seems to be in a tailspin. Given this The new political map and a road to Lipulekh have sown fresh seeds of discord whose principal Mgloom and doom scenario, it is but natural that mankind should look towards the beneficiary is Beijing. Nimbleness was needed from New Delhi in defusing the crisis scientific community to find a vaccine or drug to cure/combat the deadly virus at the earli- est. Till now, there is no formal vaccine but there are many positive developments. For the first time, a multi-lateral and cooperative ini- tiative is on across the world to find an anti- dote. Clinical trials are under way in many countries and some have reported positive progress. Normally drug trials take years but researchers around the world are ASHOK K MEHTA working overtime to beat the clock. Not only that, in a first, they are sharing updates and expertise. India is part of several collaborative projects. In the UK, pharma- lready riding high, China has ceutical giant AstraZeneca is on track to manufacture 100 million doses of vac- used the Corona pandemic to extend its political influence in cine for the entire world. The vaccine developed at Oxford University is under- Nepal. Chinese President Xi going testing right now and if successful, its large-scale production can begin Jinping spoke to Nepalese and be available as early as September. Pharmaceutical firms Johnson & Johnson, APresident Bidhya Devi Bhandari and inquired about the COVID-19 situation, Sanofi and Pfizer are at it, too. Scientists are also pushing to develop treatments despatched flight loads of succour and to slow down the virus and some of the earliest will most likely be drugs already staved off the collapse of the Government approved for other conditions, or those which have been tested on other virus- over there. Then on May 9, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new es. We already know about chloroquine and remdesivir. The US, Israel and Germany Indian road to the disputed Lipulekh, trig- are working on antibody drugs and China itself is now claiming a drug to cure gering off a political storm in Nepal. This the disease and even get short-term immunity. There is also talk of “human chal- was accompanied by protests and the cus- tomary exchange of diplomatic notes. lenge trial” that scientists say could speed up the vaccine clinical trials and give Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, us hope earlier than ever. The encouraging part is that even though there are no who is the honorary General of Nepal Army, plans for this kind of study in the US as yet, over 16,000 people in over 100 in response to a question on the protests said, “Nepal’s protest over India’s road in nations have volunteered to participate in trials. The WHO has already released Lipulekh might be at the behest of some- ethical guidelines to help scientists navigate rights issues. There’s history: one else”, alluding to China, though it could Unscrupulous human trials have unsuspectingly been tried in countries where also have been Pakistan. Last year in lives are cheap, Africa being the prime target of pharma majors over the years. November, there was a tsunami of protests when India reproduced a map depicting So this should not become a new bio war. new political boundaries in Jammu & However, the worrying part is that once a successful anti-Corona vaccine Kashmir, including Kalapani, an area or drug is found, the politics of marketing it for economic gains and domination claimed by Nepal in its territory. In the lull before a second spike in the of nations that don’t have it will begin. Already stocks of pharma majors involved territorial issue, a week-long political cha- Government but very briefly thought to have been tamed. nominally elevated Dahal as the During the crucial secretariat in vaccine development have almost tripled in value. As usual, the powerful and rade around May Day, to dethrone Nepalese months later, India succeeded in During the decade of executive chairman of the NCP meeting on May 2, Dahal did a rich nations will put their interests over those of developing nations where access Prime Minister KP Oli, fizzled out as his bete orchestrating his exit with the Constitution-writing, Madhav even as Oli became its co- somersault, declaring the noire, the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lure of premiership in a Deuba- Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai, chairman but remained a spoke importance of party unity and to vital drugs and vaccines is a perennial issue. How real the fear is of coun- executive chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Dahal Government. It is anoth- both considered to be friends of in Dahal’s wheel. What fol- letting Oli stay as the Prime tries putting their economic and social interests ahead of global unity can be ‘Prachanda,’ switched sides and let Oli claim er matter that even as part of India, became the Prime lowed next were widespread Minister as the latter promised gauged from the fact that the WHO, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French victory. In turn, Oli promised to make his this Government, Dahal surrep- Minister and so did Jhala Nath reports of disillusionment and to make Gautam a law-maker political foe and party vice-chairman Bam titiously entered the Beijing- Khanal. But Khanal, who’s never frustration with Oli’s autocrat- soon. That was a demotion for President Emmanuel Macron recently called for fair distribution of vaccines. The Dev Gautam a lawmaker. inspired Left alliance, which was passionate about India, was not ic style and shenanigans capped Gautam as earlier, Oli had Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), an Oslo-based group It was China and not the traditional expected to sweep the federal, invited to New Delhi on a State with misgovernance and cor- offered him premiership to that’s funding numerous Coronavirus vaccines, sees a way out of this through player in Nepal, India, which came to the provincial and local polls that visit. ruption. This, even during the wriggle out of the crisis. rescue of an embattled Oli. Sensing inter- followed. In this new “Great Oli, once an Indian blue- purchase of medical equipment Dahal has pressed the pause advance market commitments where donors promise funds to guarantee the nal crisis within the ruling NCP and the Oli Game” in Nepal between India eyed boy, has risen to become in the midst of the pandemic, button on plan Alpha, surpris- price of vaccines once they have been developed. CEPI is talking with other organ- Government, Beijing’s popular envoy in and China, Beijing demonstra- the most powerful Prime passage of two controversial ing its key players. Undoubtedly, isations, including the World Bank, which is exploring how to set up such agree- Kathmandu, Hou Yanqi, followed upon Xi’s bly has an upper hand. Minister and party chairman of political ordinances, which he there will be rewards for Dahal 45-minute-long conversation on April 27 It is worth recalling that Nepal on a wicket of national- withdrew and in transacting from Oli and Beijing. The rul- ments. While a vaccine is a crucial part of the exit strategy, the world lacks a with his Nepalese counterpart Bhandari. during the pre-2006 people’s ism and anti-India sentiment due to which Bhandari became ing political class has shadow- global system for managing its distribution in a crisis. It is time we set that up What followed next were mediations for the revolution and civil war periods, following the economic block- complicit. Through such high- boxed what Nepalese are calling also along with our efforts to look for a cure. For politics is the reason why dis- next two days, meeting with Bhandari, Oli, Chinese diplomats in ade of 2015. China’s help in handedness, Oli sought to gar- a political Corona instead of Dahal, former Prime Minister Madhav Kathmandu, while alluding to forging first the Left alliance and ner more power: Secure two- seriously combating the eases such as HIV and ebola persist because of unequal access to therapies Kumar Nepal and according to one report, New Delhi, would claim that then the merger of the two Left thirds majority in Parliament COVID-19 pandemic, thus and drugs, something which activists are still fighting for. Some world leaders even with Sher Bahadur Deuba, the leader Beijing does not interfere in any parties ensured Oli’s sputnik and make Constitutional proving that power is the ulti- of developing countries have signed a petition demanding that all vaccines, treat- of the Nepali Congress Opposition party. country’s internal affairs. They rise. Lord John Dalberg-Acton’s appointments with simple mate aphrodisiac. ments and tests be made patent-free, distributed fairly and made available to all By May 2 evening, at the fateful Central sec- would describe Dahal-Maoists dictum that power tends to cor- majority. Kalapani and Lipulekh are retariat meeting of the NCP where Dahal as “anti-state rebels”, “miscre- rupt and absolute power cor- That is when on April 24, part of a disputed package people, in all countries, free of charge. They even called for mandatory world- has a majority, surprisingly, he declared a ants” and “hijackers” of Mao’s rupts absolutely fits the Oli the proverbial straw broke the revived in 2015 after a trade wide sharing of all COVID-19 related knowledge, data and technologies with a truce. He called for party unity when it was fair name. After the Maoists story well as he sits in Baluwatar camel’s back and Dahal trig- agreement was signed between pool of COVID-19 licences freely available to all countries. Even assuming that he who had asked Oli to step down nam- came to power in 2008, Beijing (the Prime Minister’s red-stone gered off plan Alpha — leader- China and India. The new ing Madhav Nepal as his replacement conveniently discovered ideo- residence) on a gilded chair ship change — which has been political map and a road to privileged nations with a solution become big-hearted enough overnight, mass three days earlier at the same forum. logical identity and congruity under his own towering portrait in the works for some time now. Lipulekh have sown fresh seeds production will still be a challenge as building capacities for a rollout such as Friends of India saw the rescinding of with them, saying all was fair in at the back. In designer clothes, It envisages replacing Oli with of discord, whose principal this is a humongous task for poorer nations. Of course, India has a distinct advan- Madhav Nepal’s (sometimes jokingly called love and war. he appears to be in the pink of Madhav Nepal as the Prime beneficiary is Beijing. Madhav India) name as the Prime Minister In contrast, India has had a health even after a second kid- Minister, appointing Dahal as Nimbleness was needed from tage here producing as it does 60 per cent of the world’s vaccines and account- as a defeat for us. monopoly in making and ney transplant. the undisputed party executive New Delhi in defusing the cri- ing for 60-80 per cent of the United Nations’ annual vaccine procurement. Our Kathmandu fears China’s new political unseating Prime Ministers as Dahal and Oli joined the chairman and Khanal in time as sis. home-grown companies have also helped over the years to distribute vaccines mantra of compliance, which was recently well as preventing their appoint- battle early following a gentle- the President of Nepal. While (The writer, a retired Major demonstrated in the admonition of the edi- ments. Like in 2009, after Prime man’s power-sharing agree- Oli kept clutching at the straws General, was Commander IPKF to the world. So it could become the hub of a production line and claim its place tor of the Kathmandu Post by the Chinese Minister Dahal was removed ment, whose existence Oli at the party central secretariat South, Sri Lanka and founder at the forefront of providing an antidote to COVID-19. Embassy. This was not so in mid-2016 when from office, he was never denied. Mutual sniping was meetings and divulged his own member of the Defence Planning China valiantly tried to prevent Dahal from allowed to become the premier halted when Bhandari brokered leadership reshuffle plan, he Staff, currently the Integrated breaking away from the Oli-led coalition again till 2016, when he was an agreement last year, which sent a May Day call to Yanqi. Defence Staff.) Haircut or not? S O U N D BITE Beauty and grooming services need a detailed and I changed because I want- The beauty of prayers is you Repeated missteps by the WHO This is not the time to do careful protocol before being allowed to open up ed to score all over the pray for your loved ones, those in responding to the pandemic politics. It is a challenging ground. The static position who are less fortunate than you have been extremely costly for time for the Centre and the o we open salons or not? As a haircut was limiting my shotmak- are, who are in bad health, you the world. The only way States to bury their differ- closely follows liquor as the most sought ing options. I had to tweak have to pray for everyone to be forward is if it demonstrates ences and work together to Dafter service, both the Centre and State it to suit my game. okay for you to be okay. independence from China. tackle the present crisis. Governments are wondering whether to list bar- Cricketer Actor US President Minister of State for Home ber services as an essential category or not. —Virat Kohli —Gauhar Khan —Donald Trump —G Kishan Reddy Unfortunately what was once essential has now been pushed to being non-essential as grooming and care involve close proximity and L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR touch therapy that are anathema in times of the pandemic. In fact, barber and salon ser- Extension of lockdown gers remaining low initially, it may Open the skies for air travel not be difficult for the authorities. vices were the reason that cases spread in New Of utmost importance will be York. With the nation entering the fourth phase Sir — This refers to the editorial, ith the Centre allowing inter-State passenger trav- their ability to track and monitor of the lockdown, the southern States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have decided to “Moving out of lockdown” (May el with the flagging of railway services from Delhi the impact of mobility relax- 18). With the country entering the Wto 15 destinations across the country, it was hoped ations. Until a vaccine or a cure to allow barbers with mandatory riders like all-time use of masks and sanitisers, fourth phase of the lockdown, by that the floodgates for air travel, too, would be opened the Coronavirus is found, such sterilisation of tools, maybe protective suits of some sort and maintaining social now people must have become during the fourth stage of the lockdown. The railways are measures are essential. distancing. While in Kerala, barber shops are now allowed to open on a rota- accustomed to following basic doing a stupendous job in ferrying thousands of strand- Devendra Khurana hygiene habits like wearing masks ed migrant workers, tourists and students to their home Bhopal tional basis without air conditioning, so that the enclosed air filters out, in Tamil and washing hands. And if main- States. The day is not too far when it would be undertak- Nadu, they have been allowed to operate in rural areas, too. The Palaniswamy taining social distancing and all ing full-fledged journeys. Coming to air travel, a gradual Care for the elderly Government has even gone a step ahead by announcing a `2,000 dole for unreg- safety protocols have not become opening of the aviation sector should not be a tough call part of our daily routine in the last for the authorities considering that among its peers like istered barbers. Those registered with the Tamil Nadu Hair Dressers Welfare Board two months, we have only our- the Railways or roadways, it is the most regulated. It is dening queue at airport counters and restless faces at Sir — From the beginning of the have already been compensated. Much as we may laugh about the need for a selves to blame. So, lockdown 4.0 also the safest way to travel long distances, especially in boarding point are set to be fewer, nonchalant passen- pandemic, a lot of discussion has haircut or trim, fact is livelihoods have been lost. At the same time, this means was actually not warranted now. Corona times. Since international oil prices have come gers may get along the new routine with customary ease. been going on co-morbidities and If the Central Government has left down, air travel may even become cheaper. People are Others may find fresh regulations to be troublesome yet the elderly. The average age of that it is mandatory for establishments to ensure that staff at such outlets should it on the States’ sole discretion of likely to switch from road and rail to air once operations inevitable. It is, perhaps, time to lift the ban on flying. death due to Corona in India is 75 be COVID-free to inspire confidence. Clients walking in need to be screened, too, deciding the zones, then it sure- resume. Demand will be slow but it will pace up. According to the International Air Transport Association years and 83 per cent of the lest they infect staff. Besides, a cap has to be put on the number of clients that ly should have left the extension Of course, the dangers of travelling at a higher alti- (IATA), the Corona pandemic is expected to impact more deaths are of those already suffer- as well to the States. tude will be many when compared to a closed compart- than 29 lakh jobs in the Indian aviation and dependent ing from co-morbidities. can be attended to in a day. At the moment, they should run in green zones only. Even a day of extended lock- ment train bogey. It’s good that a blueprint encompass- industries. All the more reason why the Government must Protecting and taking care of the One may argue that in times when the world is facing a pandemic, we should down has a huge economic cost, ing all safety protocols that need to be followed by the re-open this sector. old and sick who are most vulner- not fuss about the vanity of appearances. More than anything, those not accus- which despite the huge relief passengers is ready with the Government. Those who Ganapathi Bhat able is our moral duty. We need to package cannot be completely want to fly must be allowed to do so. While the mad- Akola adopt social, behavioural changes. tomed to having long hair or beard, especially men, are bound to feel itchy and compensated. So, all focus should Elders in our houses should not be some sort of irritation and allergies during the high heat of summer. There are now be on reviving the economy. Open public transport the halt in all economic activities Of course, this should be allowed to go out unless there’s a skin hygiene issues involved, too. True, people are now managing with trimmers Coming to individual companies, that have led to unemployment done keeping in mind the safety medical emergency. Even for med- and razors and experimenting with tools at home but that is a temporary com- they know better whether they besides causing massive damage of the travellers and those involved ical requirements, a person must can manage work effectively by Sir — This refers to the editori- to India’s economic prospects, in transportation activities. It will accompany them. promise. A clear protocol for beauty and grooming services has to be evolved allowing employees to work from al, “Moving out of lockdown” other States must take a cue be difficult to enforce social dis- Ravi Teja Kathuripalli that may need additional costs in terms of safety gear and inputs. And many home or getting them back to the (May 18). The Delhi from Delhi and gradually open tancing. This is why State admin- Hyderabad players may not have the resource depth to continue. But at least a conversa- office. Government’s decision to resume the transport system so that com- istrations must take adequate Bal Govind the public transport system is a muters do not face problems in measures to ensure strict compli- Send your feedback to: tion for reopening services has started. Noida step in the right direction. Given reaching their place of work. ance. With the number of passen- [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN The new POINTCOUNTERPOINT THE WORLD IS CURRENTLY INFECTED BY SUCH A BIG HE IS TALKING ILL ABOUT OUR COUNTRY. AFRIDI HAS normal DISEASE. BUT THE BIGGER DISEASE IS IN MODI’S MIND. NO RIGHT TO SPEAK ILL AGAINST OUR COUNTRY AND HE HAS DEPLOYED SEVEN LAKH SOLDIERS IN KASHMIR. HE SHOULD STAY IN HIS COUNTRY AND LIMITS We cannot let our guard down and must —EX-PAKISTAN CRICKET CAPTAIN —INDIAN CRICKETER continue to follow social distancing norms, wear masks and avoid crowded places SHAHID AFRIDI HARBHAJAN SINGH Much ado about nothing KALYANI SHANKAR ow will life change for us in the post-lockdown period and Faced with a steep decline in its revenue and increase in expenditure commitment, the what have we learnt from the Coronavirus outbreak? Many Hexperts in India and abroad have stressed the point that the Modi Government has opted for a package which is dependent on loans world as we know it will change forever and will now be divided into the pre and post-Coronavirus period. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is clear that while there is no need to get paranoid, at the same time it is imperative that Government guidelines be fully and completely adhered to by the citizens of the country. We cannot afford to let our guard down and must continue to follow guidelines like social distancing, wearing a mask when outside the house, avoiding crowded places and sanitising our hands repeatedly, among other things. Social distancing is the backbone of the current strategy that the Government has adopted to slow the spread of the virus. Telemedicine is the new doctor-patient rela- tionship. Globetrotters will have to find a new way to amuse them- selves as travel is to be strictly avoided in the immediate future. UTTAM GUPTA Going to the movie hall and shopping in the mall is taboo for now. fter a long wait of about seven weeks, since Big fat weddings are forbidden. Handshakes are out and the good the nationwide lockdown began on March old “namaste” is in. Working from home wherever possible is the A25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi new norm. Webinars will continue and in short a new lifestyle should announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, a ` be devised individually/collectively and followed scrupulously. This special package of 20,00,000 crore, about 10 per is the new normal that we have to get used to. cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to So what does the oft-repeated phrase, learn to live with the revive the economy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the details in five tranches dur- Coronavirus, mean? Harsh Vardhan says that it means that the THE CONDITIONS ing press conferences held between May 13 and 17. CREATED BY Coronavirus is not going away anytime soon. Though other dis- The package aims at giving relief to all strata of soci- eases like small pox had been eradicated, this virus will be around COVID-19 ARE ety impacted by the sudden stoppage of econom- RENDERING ALL like the Ebola and SARS. It is imperative to follow the hygiene guide- ic activities viz. farmers, workers, migrant labour- lines that have been given by experts until a vaccine/drug is found. ers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), EFFORTS TO Many scientists in India and abroad are working round-the-clock vendors, small merchants, self-employed people, PUMP MORE on a vaccine/drug, but it will take time. the middle class and so on. Given its mega size, an CREDIT/LIQUIDITY immediate question that comes to mind is whether INTO THE ECONOMY While the pandemic is highly-infectious and deadly, some good ` things have emerged in the last few weeks due to the panic trig- all the components add up to 20,00,000 crore? INFRUCTUOUS. THIS gered by the COVID-19. For the first time Prime Minister Narendra The PM Garib Kalyan Yojna (PM-GKY) MAY ALSO BE SEEN unveiled on March 26, that focussed mostly on food Modi has shown that he wants to take everybody along in the fight FROM THE FACT and other bare minimum needs, offered support THAT MANY against the virus, including the Opposition, Chief Ministers of all of `1,70,000 crore. Besides, the announcements by States and not just the BJP-ruled ones, the media and the public. BUSINESSES AND the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, ENTERPRISES HAVE Both, the Centre and State Governments have shown that they can Shaktikanta Das on March 27 and April 17, togeth- rise to the occasion and work together, putting aside their differ- er provide a liquidity injection of about `8,00,000 GOT LOAN ences and political agenda. Cooperative and competitive federal- crore. These add up to `9,70,000 crore and are SANCTIONS WORTH ism have come into play for the first time. The States have com- included in the mega package total of about HUNDREDS OF ` ` peted with each other in their enterprise and performance and even 21,00,000 crore (as informed by the FM in her THOUSANDS OF However, the Government argues already owe 15,00,000 crore, the banks months to the borrower. These crutch- press conference on May 17). CRORES BUT ARE that the prime focus of its package is to face huge risk and may not lend. The es will work but only if the vendors/enter- egoistic regional satraps like Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ` and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earned praise from the The balance 11,30,000 crore focusses most- UNWILLING TO enable the enterprises where workers are Government’s promise of indemnifying prises get a chance to resume their nor- ly on MSMEs, NBFCs, power distribution compa- employed or those who are self-employed them in the event of default won’t instill mal activities. Prime Minister for their enterprise. The fear of the unknown has ACTUALLY DRAW nies, migrant labour, agricultural credit and lower THE FUNDS. THIS to resume operations which in turn, will confidence in the banks. The conditions created by COVID– done the trick. middle class, agriculture infrastructure and farm generate jobs and increase income. It is Look at the loan of `75,000 crore, the 19 are rendering all efforts to pump more Second, what the Supreme Court and the State Governments HAS LED TO AN reforms, structural reforms in coal, minerals, civil ANOMALOUS arranging fresh loans at lower interest, Government wants to be given to non- credit/liquidity into the economy infruc- could not do in decades to ensure clean air, clear blue skies, reju- aviation, defence and MGNREGA, health and State collateral-free, backed by sovereign guar- bank finance companies (NBFC), hous- tuous. This may also be seen from the fact venated water bodies, restoration of wildlife and so on, the COVID– Governments’ resources and public sector reforms. SITUATION antee (either for full amount or partial). ing finance companies (HFCs), micro that many businesses/enterprises have got 19 has achieved in just a few months, as it forced nations to go Taking the total of about 40 crore workers in WHEREBY DESPITE It is giving such enterprises relief from finance institutions (MFIs). Of this, loan sanctions worth hundreds of thou- into lockdown and put all economic activity on hold. the informal sector, `21,00,000 crore works out to THE RBI MAKING servicing of existing loans, their treatment `30,000 crore is fully covered by sover- sands of crores but are unwilling to actu- ` ` Another plus is that the citizens of India have shown that they 52,500 per worker or about 17,500 per month PLENTY OF as non-performing assets (NPAs) and ini- eign guarantee and for the remaining ally draw the funds. This has led to an ` can fight the pandemic unitedly and be disciplined when they want (assuming a three-month lockdown). The amount LIQUIDITY tiation of proceedings under the 45,000 crore, it has given a guarantee anomalous situation whereby despite the to. Despite many difficulties, by and large people have obeyed the is nearly four times the national minimum wage AVAILABLE WITH Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). cover only to the extent of 20 per cent. RBI making plenty of liquidity available for an informal worker, which is `4,550 per month Additionally, it is giving tax incentives Put simply, for 80 per cent of the amount with banks, borrowers are not coming Government’s guidelines, observed social distancing norms and BANKS, (`175 per day and 26 working days). BORROWERS ARE (such as 25 per cent less tax deduction `36,000 crore, the banks will be left in the forward to avail the loans. This has forced obeyed the lockdown rules. This back of the envelope calculation is from various payments) to leave more lurch from the word go. banks to keep money with the RBI under Significantly, due to the combined efforts of the Union Health NOT COMING ` intended to show what a mega package such as this FORWARD TO AVAIL cash with people. Consider the special loan of 90,000 the so called “reverse repo” window earn- Ministry and the States, the death toll in India is much less than can do; provided the money is actually made avail- None of the above measures can sub- crore it wants Rural Electrification ing 3.75 per cent. many other countries including the US and Italy. For a country of able to the beneficiaries. But where is it? For a farm THE LOANS stitute cash in the hands of the millions Corporation (REC), Power Finance Currently, the amount lying unused a whopping 1.3 billion people, the number of Coronavirus cases household in which a woman (also head of the fam- of workers whose income source has been Corporation (PFC) — both central in this window is a gargantuan about is 1,01,139 and the death toll is 3,163. Rural India has played a ily) is a Jan Dhan (JD) account holder, has a ration completely smashed for now. Team undertakings — to give to discoms. It is `8,50,000 crore. Sitharaman is reported very significant role in keeping the numbers down till now. Villagers card, gas connection in her name and a job under Modi is trying to rebuild this very well-known that the latter are bankrupt to have pleaded with banks to release this ` have saved the country by maintaining strict vigil and by keeping MGNREGA, the total benefit comes to 3,055 per source by arranging loans at concession- and are just not in a position to pay back. money for spurring economic activity. strangers out. They have by and large behaved responsibility and month. This includes the value of 25 kg rice (for a al rates. But in the present highly-excru- Yet, any pressure on REC/PFC to lend to But, what do you do when the enterpris- family of five people at five kg per person) at `35 ciating circumstances, when COVID–19 discoms will be at the cost of creating es themselves are not coming forward. kept returnees outside the villages, in quarantine. per kg, plus one kg pulse at `80 per kg or `955; `500 is not letting factories and businesses to NPAs on the former’s books. Faced with a steep decline in its rev- However, nothing is all rosy and, of course, there have been ex-gratia in JD account; `500 value of subsidised reopen, preventing markets from reopen- Likewise, it is asking the National enue and increase in expenditure com- failings on the part of the Government and other stakeholders in gas cylinder; `600 hike in wages under MGNRE- ing and blocking consumers’ reach to the Bank for Agriculture and Rural mitment, the Modi Government has handling the human tragedy and suffering brought on by the out- GA and `500 under PM-KISAN (`2,000 being one market, neither will there be an increase Development (NABARD) to give `30,000 opted for a package which is dependent break. Employers, the Centre and State Governments are respon- of the three lots of four months each in a year, pro- in supply nor will demand materialise crore additional emergency working preponderantly on loans. This helps in sible for the plight of the migrant labourers who continue to suf- rata monthly amount is taken). (this won’t happen even if the capital (upfront) for crop loans in addi- preventing immediate fiscal stress. It fer even today, over 50 days after the lockdown was announced Thus, even for a family blessed with access to Government puts enough cash in the tion to `90,000 crore that is already being could have done more by increasing suddenly by the Centre. Things could have been handled much all the schemes, the amount is just about two-third hands of the people). given for such financing. Being a direc- direct cash support beyond what it has ` better and a humane approach was lacking. Neither the migrant of the minimum wage of 4,550. Further, consid- In this backdrop, none of the mech- tive from the Government, it may have given. But, there is no guarantee that this labourers, their families nor the country will ever forget the way ering that the number of beneficiaries under each anisms contemplated by the Government no other option but to disburse funds, but by itself would have helped in spurring scheme varies: 80 crore under the National Food will work. To get a sense of this, let us look the risk of the loan becoming an NPA is demand. There is dire need for all stake- the less-fortunate were treated with apathy and callousness. Security Act; 20 crore under JD; 8.3 crore Women at the following: The Centre is goading real. The Government also wants to help holders viz. industries, businesses and As the virus throws up new challenges each day, we as a coun- Ujjawala beneficiaries; PM-KISAN 8.69 crore and banks to give collateral-free loan worth street vendors by arranging bank credit most importantly the public to strictly fol- try are still learning to cope with it. However, the most important MGNREGA five crore, it is inconceivable that all `3,00,000 crore to MSMEs for three years facility for initial working capital of up low “social distancing.” This is the only lesson that the pandemic has taught us is that health is wealth, those impacted by the lockdown would get any- (borrowers with up to `25 crore outstand- to `10,000 (expected to benefit five mil- way the virus can be reined in, by not only for individuals but also for the nation and the healthcare where near this amount. The workers in the infor- ing and `100 crore turnover are eligible) lion vendors) and micro-enterprises that paving the way for revival of the econo- sector should get priority funding. A healthy nation can meet any mal sector who can’t avail of PM-KISAN, JD and to benefit 45,00,000 units. They also get avail loans up to `50,000 under the my, restoration of jobs and incomes. challenge that life throws at it. Women Ujjawala would get at the most about one year moratorium on repayment. MUDRA Shishu scheme by giving two (The writer is a New Delhi-based (The writer is a senior journalist) `1,500. However, considering that these firms per cent interest subvention for 12 policy analyst) Helping others to help themselves SHG platforms have acted as effective responders to the pandemic in UP, showing the importance of localised and community-driven response Suman and Kajal, today, all across UP, fact, the use of Khadi as a raw mater- SHG didis (sisters) about precaution- post-harvest procurement of agricul- Like other States, post the lock- growing evidence coming in from var- women in SHG groups have become ial for making of masks is now under- ary measures against the virus, which ture commodities. down, the challenges UP faces are not ious States of how SHGs can function an important part of the Uttar Pradesh way. Uttar Pradesh’s Khadi and Village also urges the women to further This very early success of the likely to recede quickly. While these as an important mechanism which can State Rural Livelihood Mission’s Industries Board has pledged to give spread awareness regarding this in SHGs as partners in UP’s COVID steps were necessary, it has also meant be leveraged to implement (UPSRLM’s) COVID-19 response six lakh metres of fabric to SHGs to their communities. Further, existing response has been widely acknowl- that economic activities around the Government schemes, build local strategy. Further, their involvement has deliver 50 lakh Khadi masks, to be ‘Prerna Canteens’ managed by SHGs edged by all stakeholders. In a radio country have come to a grinding halt community capacity and roll out pol- not been on a small-scale. This means, made and sold for `13.60 each to var- — which were set up a couple of years address, UP’s Rural Development and livelihoods of millions continue to icy interventions. Further, in many it is not limited to a few individual ious Government departments. ago by UPSRLM to ensure nutrition- Minister Rajendra Pratap Singh be under stress. UP is no exception. cases, we have seen that their involve- members of SHGs or a few SHGs and In another case, the Indian Army al self-sufficiency in households — thanked and urged the Samuh Sakhis Here, we are confronted by several ment has led to better health outcomes this movement has now rapidly spread has placed an order to procure 2,000 have been transformed into commu- to continue building on their efforts. challenges. These include: Assuring and successful financial inclusion SUJEET KUMAR across districts. The SHGs are now PPE kits which are also being manu- nity kitchens and are working hard to Over the years, UPSRLM has rations for an extremely large propor- efforts. They have been especially deeply involved with several aspects of factured by SHGs. Estimates suggest ensure continuous cooked food sup- been focussed on investing in and tion of vulnerable rural households fac- effective in driving behaviour change uman Devi is a member of a self- the UP Government’s COVID-19 that till date, more than 50 lakh ply to vulnerable households, quaran- building this community institution as ing food shortages; providing for campaigns, often acting as role mod- help group (SHG) in Hasanpur strategy. Take the production of masks masks, 25,000 PPEs and 7,700 litres of tined people and front-line health a mechanism to help them achieve sev- returning and stranded migrant els and galvanising other community SGram Panchayat, Barabanki, Uttar for example. As the news of the pan- sanitisers have been produced through workers. eral mission objectives, including labourers; and alleviating the impact members. Pradesh (UP). Ever since she heard the demic broke, some members of SHGs, 4,000 SHGs. Meanwhile, the This quick re-orientation of enabling rural poor to augment their of severe shock to agricultural, live- In UP we have seen how the SHG news on the television about the like Suman, began production to pro- Government has been ensuring that its ‘Prerna Canteens’ to community household income via sustainable stock, fisheries, and other supply platforms have acted as effective COVID-19 pandemic and the need for tect their own communities. But today procurement is under due process. kitchens during this crisis has taken livelihood enhancements and chains — all of which have hit house- responders to the pandemic. This has masks, she has been stitching the face we have thousands of SHGs across the This has also meant an additional place across 54 Village Organisations improved access to financial and pub- hold incomes hard. also shown us the importance of covers for women in her own group, State involved in mass production of source of income for SHGs. (VOs) which are a set of 12-15 SHGs. lic services. Estimates already suggest that localised and community-driven their children and the elderly in her masks. What began with just five The involvement of SHGs is not Further, a Samuh Sakhi selected from SHGs have received book-keep- over and above the residents — vul- response. In the case of COVID-19, we community. Kajal, who belongs to the SHGs, in one district, producing 2,000 limited to making COVID-mitigation the SHGs is coordinating these efforts ing, financial literacy and even lead- nerable populations, returning migrant are seeing SHGs drive behaviour Nari Shakti Samuh in Bijnore, has been masks daily, has now swelled to 12,683 items only. They have been mobilised between SHGs and VOs. In certain ership training.They form the base of labour, whose number is expected to change communication as well as working to raise community awareness SHG members of 52 districts, produc- to roll out several awareness-building areas where SHGs work closely with a three-tier organisational structure be around 2.6 to three million — will quickly set up last mile delivery mech- about the disease through her rango- ing around 50,000 masks daily and the communication campaigns and facil- the local administration, members are envisioned by the UPSRLM which need food and finances to help them anisms to provide essential items that lis. She believes that it is a very effec- numbers are only growing each day. itate the implementation of food dis- providing meals to panchayat-run organises SHGs into VOs and Cluster- re-establish their livelihoods. This are needed to mitigate this socio-eco- tive way to make her community see While the SHGs are producing tribution and delivery efforts during hospitals. There is now even a plan in Level federations. The mission has the means that the Government’s human nomic hardship, hand in hand with the the importance of frequent hand masks at scale, the district administra- this crisis. place for a partnership of SHGs with ambition to mobilise more than 10 resources capacity will be over- State Government. washing, adhering to the lockdown tion has been working to keep the sup- On the awareness-building front, private and other development agen- million women in the next 10-15 years stretched for the foreseeable future. (The writer is an IAS officer and and social distancing norms. Like ply chains of raw material going. In a radio message was created to educate cies to ensure delivery of essentials and in a phased manner. Over the years, there has been Mission Director, UPSRLM) VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 money 08

CAPSULE Godfrey Phillips' 9 out of 10 startups bleeding arm resumes ‘Govt to further revise production at criteria for classifying in India, says Nasscom survey Ghaziabad plant medium enterprises’ PNS n NEW DELHI in revenue. PNS n NEW DELHI SBI employees The major decline in rev- PNS n NEW DELHI Gadkari said he The COVID-19 outbreak has enues was reported by travel Cigarettes and tobacco commit Rs 8 crore severely impacted Indian and transport startups. Aside products major Godfrey Days after changing the defi- feels the criteria towards PM Cares startup space with nine out of from that, fintech, supply- Phillips India on Tuesday nition of MSMEs, the govern- should be based 10 startups facing a decline in chain management (SCM), said its wholly-owned arm ment has decided to further on investment "or" New Delhi: Employees of revenues, according to a and logistics startups are also International Tobacco Co revise the criteria for medium turnover instead of State Bank of India (SBI) have month-long survey conduct- seeing a significant drop in Ltd has partially resumed units by enhancing the invest- decided to contribute an ed by IT trade body Nasscom. revenues. manufacturing operations ment and turnover limits to up investment and additional amount of Rs 7.95 The survey also showed that Nevertheless, the Nasscom at Ghaziabad plant after to Rs 50 crore and Rs 200 crore turnover both as crore to the Prime Minister's 30 to 40 percent of the total report highlights that 14 per- relaxation in lockdown respectively, Union Minister announced Citizen Assistance and Relief participant startups in India cent of edtech, fintech, and guidelines. Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. in Emergency Situations (PM- have halted their operations healthtech startups are International Tobacco Co Unveiling the contours of CARES) Fund as part of their temporarily or permanently expected to grow their rev- Ltd, which does contract the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus Road Transport and effort to fight the COVID-19 — and along with 70 percent The month-long survey also found enues. Business-to-business manufacturing exclusively package, Finance Minister Highways, Gadkari said he crisis. The donation made by of them have reserves for that nearly 63 percent of startups in (B2B) startups also did fare for the company, resumed Nirmala Sitharaman had last feels the criteria should be SBI employees by letting go of less than three months. better, with revenue reduced partial operations with last week announced a change based on investment "or" one day's salary and a day's Nasscom has also highlight- metro cities are facing over 40 up to 40 percent. restricted capacity and in the definition of micro, turnover instead of invest- leave encashment totals at Rs ed through its report based percent decline in revenue “Out of the blue, this flour- manpower at its Ghaziabad small and medium enterpris- ment and turnover both as 107.95 crore, the country's on the survey that more than ishing growth saga has sud- factory, Godfrey Phillips es (MSMEs). announced, adding that the largest lender said in a half of the startups respond- denly been hit by a road- India (GPI) said in a regu- As per the revised defini- government "will rectify the statement. In March, around ed are looking to move on files and include a large share decline of over whopping 80 block… the COVID road- latory filing. tion, any firm with investment same". 2,56,000 employees of SBI with new business opportuni- of mid-age startups alongside percent — all due to the block,” said Debjani Ghosh, "However, the company's up to Rs 1 crore and turnover The minister said he was donated Rs 100 crore to the ties. mature and early-stage star- coronavirus pandemic in the President, Nasscom, in the own cigarette factory in under Rs 5 crore will be clas- also open to considering sug- PM-CARES Fund that is As per the Nasscom report tups, around 62 percent are country. The survey also report. “There is no country, Maharashtra and pan sified as "micro". gestions regarding enhancing created to fight the based on the survey con- suffering revenue decline of found that nearly 63 percent business or living being that masala factory in Uttar A company with invest- the turnover limit to up to Rs coronavirus pandemic, it said. ducted with over 250 startups over 40 percent, while 34 of startups in metro cities are has not been affected by the Pradesh still remain closed," ment up to Rs 10 crore and 250 crore for medium enter- SBI has also committed 0.25 in India that have diverse pro- percent are facing revenue facing over 40 percent decline COVID pandemic.” GPI added. turnover up to Rs 50 crore will prises, and will take up the per cent of its annual profit of be classified as "small" and a matter with the MSME secre- 2019-20 towards CSR firm with investment up to Rs tary. (corporate social 20 crore and turnover under Gadkari said the govern- responsibility) activities to Rs 100 crore will be classified ment plans to raise MSMEs Sebi scraps registration COVID-19: Eight most affected as "medium". contribution to India's exports fight the COVID-19 pandemic, it said. Public sector The previous criteria for to 60 per cent from 48 per cent companies and their classifying enterprises in the at present and also boost the employees have been at the of share transfer agent states account for 60 pc of GDP "medium" category was invest- sector's contribution to the forefront in the fight against ment up to Rs 10 crore and country's GDP from 29 per n COVID-19 and they have PNS MUMBAI Analysts are estimating a turnover of up to Rs 5 crore. cent currently to 50 per cent. generously contributed to the Mennen Financials contraction of up to 5 per cent "We have taken a decision "We are planning to cre- PM-CARES Fund. At this time Eight states most affected by in GDP despite the govern- to raise the up to Rs 20 ate 5 crore new jobs. n of crisis, SBI is taking all PNS NEW DELHI The regulator, in the COVID-19 pandemic ment's efforts of pumping crore investment (cri- Until now, we efforts to provide best account for over 60 per cent of stimulus. teria) to up to 50 crore have created 11 possible banking services to Capital markets regulator Sebi its probe, found the GDP and the extended “With states continuing to and turnover (limit) crore jobs," said its customers, it said. has cancelled the registration restrictions will slam the econ- see a rise in cases, the restric- to up to Rs 200 crore. the minister, of Mennen Financial Services that the firm did omy harder, a report said on tions have been extended. This So we will issue an adding that he was Ltd as registrar to an issue and not submit reports Tuesday. The lockdown has been is bound to slam the overall order for that," keen on develop- share transfer agent for not for half-year ended The eight states, which extended till May 31 by the economy harder,” the report Gadkari said. ing Indian MSMEs paying registration fees. include Maharashtra, Gujarat Centre for the third time with said. The minis- of internation- In an order, Sebi said the March, 2016 and and Tamil Nadu, among oth- a liberty to states to decide the It noted that the top eight ter for al stan- firm violated RTA (Registrars September, 2016 ers also account for 58 per cent grading of the zones. Many of states have been selected as per MSME dards. to an Issue and Share Transfer of the employment, domestic the affected states like the districts affected as of the and Agents) Regulations on rating agency Crisil's research Maharashtra have decided to end of the third lockdown on COVID-19: Natco account of non-payment of Mennen Financial Services wing said in the report. continue with the restrictions. Sunday. Pharma donates necessary fee for keeping its was granted permanent regis- registration in force for tration with effect from chloroquine tablets October, 2016 to September, October 01, 2013. for global trials 2019 period. This block of three years of The agent also failed to registration (starting from NBFCs' liquidity stress to increase further: Moody's New Delhi: Drug firm Natco submit periodic reports as October, 2013) ended on Pharma on Tuesday said it has required by Sebi. September, 2016. donated chloroquine The regulator, in its probe, As per RTA provisions, the PNS n MUMBAI substantial on-balance sheet phosphate tablets through its found that the firm did not firm was required to pay the liquidity because they primar- marketing partner in the US to submit reports for half-year fees for the next block of reg- The COVID-19 related disrup- ily manage liquidity by match- support a global clinical trial ended March, 2016 and istration, that is October tions would worsen the asset ing cash inflows from loan conducted by CROWN September, 2016 01, 2016 to September Rupee settles quality of non-banking finan- repayments by customers with Collaborative in the wake of despite administra- 30, 2019, three months cial companies (NBFCs) and cash outflows to repay their coronavirus pandemic. The tive warning. before expiry of the 25 paise higher further aggravate their liquid- own liabilities, it said. trial will examine whether the It was further block for which fee ity stress, according to a report. "Moratoriums on loan anti-malarial drug can protect revealed that the was paid, Sebi said in at 75.66 The weakening of NBFCs' repayments will result in sub- essential healthcare workers validity of the regis- its order. But no pay- solvency will increase risks for stantial declines in cash from COVID-19 virus. The tration of the firm as ment of fee was made against US $ banks that have large direct inflows over the next few company has donated the RTA was till by the firm in a timely exposures to the sector, glob- months,” the rating agency tablets through Rising September 30, 2013. manner, the regulator PNS n MUMBAI al rating agency Moody's said The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) three- said. Pharmaceuticals. Subsequent to it, said. in a report. month moratorium on repayments of The extent of liquidity stress The rupee appreciated 25 paise The sector has been facing will depend on the number of to settle at 75.66 (provisional) liquidity challenges as loans would create a significant drain customers seeking moratori- against the US dollar on investors became risk averse on near-term liquidity at NBFCs ums and the degree of the eco- Tuesday as reports of initial after a series of defaults by nomic shock, the report said. Sensex rises 167 pts; Bharti Airtel soars 11 pc success in COVID-19 vaccine IL&FS Group in September The longer the restrictions trial boosted investor senti- 2018. underway in the past few according to the report. on economic activity remain, PNS n MUMBAI ment world over. "Asset quality at non-bank- years," Moody's said in a The Reserve Bank of India's the longer it will take for loan Forex traders said besides ing financial institutions report. (RBI) three-month moratori- repayments to return to nor- Equity benchmark Sensex rose the encouraging results in (NBFIs) will significantly dete- Asset quality deterioration um on repayments of loans mal levels even after morato- over 167 points on Tuesday led COVID-19 vaccine trial, high- riorate as economic disrup- at NBFCs on average will be would create a significant rium periods end, it said by gains in Bharti Airtel, er opening of domestic equi- tions from the coronavirus more severe than at banks drain on near-term liquidity at The agency expects loan HDFC and ITC amid positive ties and a weak greenback in outbreak deepen an econom- because the former focuses NBFCs, the report said. repayments to drop 50 per cent cues from other Asian markets. overseas market supported the ic slowdown that has been more on riskier segments, Most NBFCs do not have during moratorium periods. After rallying over 700 local unit. At the interbank for- points in a volatile session, the eign exchange, the rupee 30-share index finished 167.19 opened at 75.71, then gained points or 0.56 per cent higher further ground to finally settle Unemployment at 30,196.17. at 75.66 against the American Former CIL chief asks govt not Similarly, the NSE Nifty currency, registering a rise of claims in UK advanced 55.85 points or 0.63 25 paise over its previous close. per cent to end at 8,879.10. On Monday, the rupee had to do away with coal washing surge 69% as Bharti Airtel was the top settled at 75.91 against the US gainer in the Sensex pack, ral- dollar. PNS n NEW DELHI coal has led to the erosion of thermal units beyond 500 km lying around 11 per cent, fol- given that competition in the initial vaccine tests in people During the trading session, around Rs 1.25 lakh crore in from the coal mine. virus takes hold lowed by ONGC, UltraTech mid/high-end subscriber base have shown promising results the domestic unit saw an intra- Former Coal India market valuation in 10 This was done in line with Cement, ITC, PowerGrid and has now moved to network and can stimulate an immune day high of 75.63 and a low of chairman Partha S years to 2019-20. the country's stand in climate PNS n LONDON NTPC. quality. response against the virus. 75.79 against the greenback. Bhattacharyya has The Centre is plan- change negotiations - not to On the other hand, According to traders, hopes However, the rising number In a significant develop- asked the Centre to ning to do away with reduce coal consumption and Unemployment claims in IndusInd Bank, Reliance of a vaccine for COVID-19 of cases in the country kept ment towards developing a withdraw a proposal the mandatory require- rather focus on emission con- Britain jumped 69 per cent in Industries, L&T and SBI were enthused global investor sen- market participants on edge, vaccine for the coronavirus, an to do away with ment of washing of coal trol. "The government is con- April, as the COVID-19 pan- among the laggards. timent. traders said. American biotechnology com- mandatory coal washing before it is transported to sidering a proposal to do away demic took hold and hit the Analysts said the average In a significant develop- The number of COVID-19 pany on Monday said its ini- as it would be a "retrograde" thermal power stations. with earlier restrictions of coal labor market, UK authorities revenue per user (ARPU) ment towards developing a cases in India spiked to tial vaccine tests in people step. In 2014, as part of its climate washing for dry fuel moving by said Tuesday. increase speaks of Bharti vaccine for the coronavirus, an 1,01,139, while the death toll have shown promising results He flagged that the inabili- change commitments, the gov- 500 km or more or for the fuel The Office of National Airtel's ability to command a American biotechnology com- rose to 3,163, according to the and can stimulate an immune ty of the PSU to implement its ernment had made coal wash- consumed in and around any Statistics says jobless claims price premium in the market, pany Moderna has said its health ministry. response against the virus. promise of supplying washed ing mandatory for supply to all city," Bhattacharyya said. surged by 856,000 to 2.1 mil- lion in April as compared to the month before. The figures covered only the first weeks of the lockdown, said Recession, job losses and protectionism top worries OYO takes measures Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for eco- PNS n NEW DELHI These longer-term risks will have nomic statistics at the ONS. to mitigate virus impact “In March, employment A prolonged global recession far-reaching implications for societies, held up well, as furloughed due to COVID-19 pandemic, the environment and the governance PNS n NEW DELHI workers still count as high unemployment, another of breakthrough technologies employed, but hours worked outbreak of an infectious dis- Hospitality firm OYO on fell sharply in late March, ease and increased protection- Tuesday said it is taking sev- especially in sectors such as ism are among the biggest greater societal equality and were asked to look at the next eral measures to minimise hospitality and construction,'' near-term worries for compa- sustainability into the recovery, 18 months and rank their the impact of COVID-19, and he said. nies around the world, a new which would unleash a new era biggest concerns in terms of innovating to meet new stan- Work and Pensions study showed on Tuesday. of prosperity, said Geneva- likelihood and impact for the dards of good quality hospital- Secretary Therese Coffey told The study conducted by the based WEF, which describes world and for business. ity experience at its hotels. 'Sanitised Stays' tag to show- the BBC that the government World Economic Forum itself as an international organ- The immediate economic These steps include cus- case properties that clear back- was focused on those claim- (WEF) also flagged that the isation for public-private coop- fallout from COVID-19 dom- tomer, asset partners and ground checks for sanitisation, ing benefits under Universal world is not ready for the eration. inates companies' risks percep- employee-centric initiatives hygiene, and protective equip- Credit, a welfare payment knock-on effect of far-reaching The study, titled 'COVID-19 tions and these range from a to identify challenges and ment, it added. The company for those who need help, environmental, societal and Risks Outlook: A Preliminary prolonged recession to the operate in the post-lockdown plans to implement these mea- including the unemployed. technological risks, but a "green Mapping and Its Implications', weakening fiscal position of hospitality sector, OYO said in sures in 1,000 hotels within the “I think so far the employ- recovery" and more resilient, has been conducted in partner- major economies, tighter a statement. In the first phase, next 10 days and as the lock- ment stats really are indica- cohesive, inclusive and equal social discontent will rise over manage the fallout of the pan- ship with Marsh & McLennan restrictions on the cross-border OYO plans to implement mea- down relaxes, and aims to tive to the end of March and societies can emerge if leaders the next 18 months unless demic," according to the report. and Zurich Insurance Group. movement of goods and peo- sures such as sanitised stays implement the measures in all we won't have a more detailed act now. world leaders, businesses and As economies restart, there It taps into views of nearly 350 ple, and the collapse of a major with minimal touch and book- 18,000 hotels in the country, understanding for about "Economic distress and policy-makers work together to is an opportunity to embed senior risk professionals who emerging market. ing platforms will feature a OYO said. another month,'' she said. 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Wednesday May 20, 2020 ‘TV‘TV oror cinema,cinema, allall actorsactors areare thethe same'same' At the age of seven, Naresh Agastya knew that acting is what he wanted to do. Starting off his career with short films, it took him a couple of years to get into feature films after proving his mettle on small screen. The Mathu Vadalara actor speaks to K RAMYA SREE about his journey to acting, working for serials and films, and more....

ith the aim to get into films from TV OR CINEMA, ALL ACTORS a very young age, Naresh ARE THE SAME... Agastya started his career in act- There is a lot of difference between W ing through short films, that serials and films in terms of technical caught the attention of a few aspects. Many people do not take directors from the television serials seriously. Especially young- out of the industry. After proving his skills on sters, they take serials in a funny way. the small screen with a couple of seri- But there is a lot of hard work, chal- als, he decided to get into films. After lenges a TV artist undergoes during BOX PARADIGM SHIFT IN working on a script for almost two the shoot. We would reach the set years, he bagged his first role in the area early in the morning and return film with Mathu Vadalara starring home only late in the night. The life Rajamouli’s nephew Sri Simha. He tells of a TV artist is tougher than a cine- us about his journey to films from ma actor. There is no time for yourself make a good career in films. When I short films in an exclusive conversa- in serials, but in cinema, you have a took the decision to enter films too, tion. break after a film for yourself. I still many people questioned my decision EDUCATION SYSTEM JOURNEY TO THE SMALL don’t understand why TV actors are as to why I’m taking this step and felt SCREEN... treated in a different way. For me TV it wasn’t right until my first film or cinema, all actors are the same. released. With no hope in I initially started off with short HOLLYWOOD MOVIES WANT TO DO SOMETHING films. Around 2011 and 2012, Zee INSPIRED ME... FOR OTT PLATFORMS... sight for Telugu reached out to me after watch- ing those short films. They wanted me I used to watch a lot of Hollywood I want to do something for OTT schools to to audition for Gorantha Deepam seri- films from a very young age along platforms. The present trend is OTT. I al. I was a little hesitant then because I with my cousin. I used to love those want to do at least one web series. I reopen any time always wanted to work for films. So I films and would question myself, why have no clue how many people will asked them to give me a role that lasts wouldn’t our guys make such quality watch films in theatres now. But at only for 2 or 3 months. I didn’t want a films in terms of technicality. I decided present, OTT is ruling the roost. So it soon, parents lead role. Eventually, I didn’t take it up. to act for films at the age of 7. will make us reach a larger audience fear that Later, Praja Prabhu called me up for THE IMMENSE SUPPORT FROM more, giving the current situation. I another serial Pasupu Kunkuma. He FATHER... don’t have any character obligations. I said, although it’s an important charac- won’t hesitate even playing a daily children will ter, it will last only 2 or 3 months, so I My dad supported me a lot. When I wage labour as long as the character signed the serial. But over time, the was working for short films too, dur- has depth. For me, I want to work for either miss out character was a huge hit and the mak- ing my Engineering days, he was there films that are relatable to all sections of ers made me the second lead. I was for me. One thing he was upset about, people in the society. on an academic still pursuing my engineering then. was my decision to quit serials. I was SHOOTING FOR MATHU Since I started earning good money, I earning well then. When I took a VADALARA... year or have an took up another serial Swathi break from serials and entered films, Chinukuklu on ETV. That serial gave my flow of income reduced. So he was I never felt like I was working with incomplete My daughter’s school I’ve begun slow with I looked for material and me the biggest hit. I had to forcefully a little scared about my future then Rajamouli sir’s family while making leave the serial in 2016 to get into and he would ask me to get back to Mathu Vadalara. They were all very syllabus. This has begun online finishing languages and syllabus for homeschooling films. serials because there was a constant friendly. They are all down to earth. classes, but there’s only words, then moved to and made the best plan that BAGGING FIRST MOVIE... flow of money. He felt one’s life span in They never gave me the feeling that had led to most so much attention each math and other subjects. suits my son. I make films is unpredictable or rather short they belong to a star family. It was all a Mathu Vadalara director Ritesh and when compared to serials. I might very chill environment during the kid can get via virtual Now that her school has stencils and other activities my team were doing short films earli- make a comeback in serials if I don’t shoot. parents classrooms. These apps begun online classes, that keep them both busy er. Serials were the main root to ensure my child has we’re ensuring her and thinking. I make them bag a role in Mathu Vadalara film. considering My co-actor Suresh from one of fully grasped a particular learning and grasping is out of chart paper to help the serials helped me reach out to homeschooling concept. smooth, just like it was him learn numerals, Mythri movie productions. In before. alphabets, words, etc. 2016, Ritesh and our team their kids, for — BHAGYASHREE DANDU, pitched the story of Mathu AN INCIDENT MANAGER — MAINAZ FATIMA, Vadalara to Mythri Movie AND A MOTHER OF A 3RD — JOEL EMMANUEL, MOTHER OF A 3-YEAR-OLD the time being, GRADER WORKING PROFESSIONAL productions, but the movie took off only in finds RACHEL 2018 and finished the Many people do not shoot in 2019 May. take serials seriously. DAMMALA ties too, but will rightfully Mathu Vadalara con- Online classes seem require parent’s involvement nects well with the Especially youngsters, in the process too. current generation. they take serials in a he nationwide to be the best bet right Then there are other Although I got a hit lockdown called now. A combination of moms, who are trying to with Mathu funny way. But there is as a result of the regular online and rare their best to keep their kids Vadalara, I haven’t a lot of hard work, T COVID-19 pan- offline classes can soon be a away from phones and lap- received challenges a TV artist demic has result- tops. Mainaz Fatima, mother roles that ed in various sec- reality. If not for long, it’s the to a 3-year-old and an 18- impressed undergoes during the tions of the society suffering. most effective option right month-old baby, has been me per- shoot. We would reach One such often ignored keeping her kids busy, by sonally. the set area early in the group is children who’re now, given the uncertainty indulging them in various But I did missing out on school. around this academic year. fun activities. “I looked for hear some morning and return According to experts, material and syllabus for excellent home only late in the schools are unlikely to re- GEORGE SAMUEL, homeschooling and made scripts night. The life of a TV open until a vaccine or cure VICE PRINCIPAL AT A PVT SCHOOL the best plan that suits my from bud- to the Coronavirus is found son. I make stencils and ding film- artist is tougher than a and that looks like it’s going other activities that keep makers. cinema actor. to take a while. homeschooling him and he A combination of regular them both busy and think- This change has left par- enjoys it,” the IT professional online and rare offline class- ing. I make them out of ents asking several questions tells us. “Another reason why es can soon be a reality. If chart paper to help him — NARESH AGASTYA — ‘Will my child’s academic I’d prefer homeschooling my not for long, it’s the most learn numerals, alphabets, year go waste? Will the son this year is schools effective option right now, words, etc.,” shares this psy- school be able to complete charging the exact same fees given the uncertainty around chology graduate. the syllabus in a short span, even though we don’t this academic year. The The mother makes learn- how will my child cope with need/are using their infra- lessons online are being ing simple and fun by asking exams in such a time as structure,” she adds. made as realistic and inter- her son what colour T-shirt this?’ and so on. While some Bhagyashree Dandu, an esting as possible,” he he wants to wear the next schools have begun online Incident Manager and a informs. day, converses with him in classes, others are mulling mother of 3rd-grader Worried that the lock- English once a while, asking over doing the same. In the Meghna, has taken to apps down was announced even him what h’'s doing, or what meantime, some parents such as Byjus and Vedantu before his sister could finish she’s doing so he’d under- have begun to do the next to train her child during this her academic year, Joel stand little things like cook- best thing — homeschool- lockdown. “My daughter’s Emmanuel, a working pro- ing, sewing, bathing and also ing. school has begun online fessional, began home- their methods. “I’m enjoying Sheetal Reddy, a mother classes, but there’s only so schooling 9-year-old Jenny homeschooling my kid. I to 10-year-old Nathan, much attention each kid can very early on in March. “I’ve know and understand his decided to go back to home- get via virtual classrooms. begun slow with finishing speed and plan my teaching schooling her son for the These apps ensure my child languages and words, then accordingly. I never compare time being. “My son was has fully grasped a particular moved to math and other his progress with other kids homeschooled until his 5th concept,” she opines. subjects,” Joel informs. “Now his age, but I must say he is a grade. He was almost done But is this effective or that her school has begun fast learner,” says the proud with his examinations this something the teaching fra- online classes, we’re ensuring mother. year before the lockdown ternity encourages? “Why her learning and grasping is So how long will this last? was announced. Since it not?” says George Samuel, smooth, just like it was Only time will tell. Until doesn’t seem like my son’s Vice Principal of a private before,” he adds. Online then, parents are ensuring an school will reopen for anoth- school. “Online classes seem classes include worksheets, academic year of their child er few months, I’m back to to be the best bet right now. homework, and other activi- doesn’t go down the drain. 10

Vijayawada Wednesday May 20 2020 what’s brewing? Anurag Kashyap's Choked: Paisa Bolta TWILIGHT ACTOR Hai gets release date nurag Kashyap’s winner, she is overworked Choked: Paisa Bolta and frustrated, yet tena- BOYCE, GIRLFRIEND Hai, which stars cious and always scheming Saiyami Kher and to build ‘that dream’. At A Roshan Mathew, one level Sarita is that will release on June every-woman. Nihit Bhave, FOUND DEAD 5. our writer, has beautifully “Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai weaved the complexities of ctor Gregory Vegas Medical said. The source added my experience there real- is very close to my heart. It this middle class family. Tyree Boyce, Examiner’s office, Boyce that prior to his death ly memorable.” is the story of a strong- And I thank Anurag for best known and his girlfriend Natalie Boyce was “really Boyce turned 30 in willed middle-class house- trusting me with Sarita and A for playing Adepoju were pro- focused and handling a December. In an wife, who finds cash flow- letting me bring her to life. Tyler Crowley nounced dead on May lot of business”. Instagram post, he wrote, ing out of her kitchen sink Working on the film has in the first 13. The cause of death He has moved to Las “At one point I didn’t every night, and how this been a life changing expe- Twilight film, was found for either has not yet Vegas to help his mother, think I would make it to changes her life. It is about rience for me.” dead in Las Vegas. He been disclosed. the source said that the see 30 years old. Over relationships — and the Roshan feels his charac- was 30. Boyce and his 27-year- actor “would commute the years like everyone precarious balance ter is “defeated, disgrun- According to the Las old girlfriend were found to LA for acting jobs and else I have made mis- between truth, power and tled, insecure, and suspi- dead in their Las Vegas to see his daughter”. takes along the way, but money,” Anurag said. cious”. condo, reports Another source said, today is one of those On Tuesday, Netflix “These things made him THE CAUSE OF THE eonline.com. “Greg was definitely a days I only reflect on the released the first look and very exciting to play. He DEATH OF BOYCE “Greg’s cousin woke person who loved life great ones. What a time release date of the suspense was written beautifully by up and noticed that and (was) super posi- to be alive. Happy Dirty drama. Nihit, and Anurag sir AND HIS Greg’s car was still at the tive... super animated, 30 self! Let’s make the In the film, Saiyami stars brought to him a GIRLFRIEND ARE house. He was worried really witty, he was the rest of these years your as Sarita Pillai and unique kind of because Greg was to be life of the party. I will best!!” Roshan will be seen sensitivity YET TO BE KNOWN in LA. His cousin went definitely miss him. He He is survived by his as Sushant Pillai. that only he to check on him and was one of my funniest 10-year-old daughter Talking about could. I’m found them,” the source friends in LA and made Alaya. her character, lucky and Saiyami said, proud to “Sarita is a 30- have year-old middle- been part class woman. She of this is the sole bread- film,” he added. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife files for divorce

awazuddin notice regarding what are Quarantined at our underwent medical Siddiqui’s wife the contents and what are hometown Budhana. screening at 25 points Aaliya has sent the the allegations, but let me Please #StaySafe during his journey. N actor a legal notice tell you that the allega- #StayHome,” he tweeted Kushalpal Singh, demanding a tions are quite serious on Monday. Station House Officer divorce and main- and those are very sensi- The actor and his fami- (SHO), Budhana police tenance from him over tive to Mr Siddiqui as ly underwent medical circle, said that health issues related to their well as his family mem- screening and have tested officials had visited the married life. bers,” Aaliya’s lawyer said negative for coronavirus. actor's house and told In a recent interview, in a video message. The actor reached his them to be under home Aaliya’s lawyer Abhay Meanwhile, home on May 15 after quarantine for 14 days. Sahay said that the legal Nawazuddin and his fam- taking a travel pass. He notice was sent to ily have been quarantined and his family have been Nawazuddin on May 7 in his house in Budhana asked to remain in home through email and in Muzaffarnagar district. quarantine till May 25. WhatsApp, but he is yet “Due to the recent loss His mother, to respond, reported a of my younger sister, my brother and sis- popular media house. mother, who is 71 years ter-in-law also Nawazuddin and old, got anxiety attack made the journey Aaliya got married in twice. We have followed with him in his 2009. all the guidelines issued private vehicle. “I would not like to get by the state government. The actor told into the details of the We are home reporters that he

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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. VIJAYAWADA | WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2020 sport 11 Never doubted myself in game situations: Kohli

IANS n NEW DELHI would invariably think he had it in him to chase down the total. Saliva ban needs alternative to ndia skipper Virat Kohli has "Honestly, when I was a kid, said he never doubted his abil- I used to watch India games and keep game balanced: Gambhir Iities during match situations see them lose I would go to sleep and as a child went to sleep think- thinking I could have won that IANS n NEW DELHI of the virus. In fact, the ICC ing he could gun down a total for match. If I am chasing 380, I never Cricket Committee has also rec- the country and win a particular feel that you can't achieve it. ormer Indian cricketer ommended the ban on saliva game he has been watching. "In 2011 in Hobart, we had to FGautam Gambhir feels there usage and a decision on the same "To be honest, I never doubt- chase 340 in 40 overs to qualify. At would be apprehensions in the can be expected next month. ed myself in game situations. the break I told (Suresh) Raina that minds of the players once they go However, Gambhir fears the Everyone who is human has we will approach this match as two back on the field and take part in recommended saliva ban could doubts and weaknesses. Have 20 over games. 40 overs is a big competitive sport post the Covid- further take the game — which is their negatives. So in practice duration. Let's first play 20 and see 19 lockdowns. already titled towards the batters during tours, if you haven't had a how many runs are scored and “It depends from individual — away from the bowlers. good session you feel you don't then play another T20 game." to individual (fear in mind of “It will be the hardest thing I want to be like have that flow," Kohli said during Kohli also lauded throwdown cricketers). But yes there will be for the bowlers. The ICC have to a Facebook Live session with specialist D. Raghavendra, saying little apprehensions, when they go come out with an alternative. Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim his ability to pump in speeds in out and play. Probably after some Without shining the ball, I don’t Iqbal. excess of 150-155 kmph with the time, it will go in the heat of the think it will be an even contest Imran, says Babar "Yes, doubts creep in then and sidearm enormously contributed game once players are on the pitch between bat and ball,” Gambhir PTI n KARACHI it's at the back of your mind. Key to Indian batsmen's improvement and will ease into the game and said. is to keep going and get into that against fast bowling in recent will be excitement to be out and “If they don’t allow using sali- abar Azam wants to take a leaf out of Imran Khan’s zone till you feel that it was just years. playing,” Gambhir said. va, they will have to come up with Baggressive captaincy and besides cricket, he is also distraction. If I believe I am good "I believe the improvement One of the talking points of an alternative to help the bowlers brushing up his English to become a “complete enough, then I am good enough. this team has shown while play- post-Covid cricket has been the to shine the ball. It’s going to be leader” like the World Cup-winning all-rounder. "Best part about match situa- ing fast bowling since 2013 has ban on the usage of saliva to shine very important otherwise there Last week, the star batsman took over the reins tion is that you don't need to think been because of Raghu. He has the ball when the sport resumes would be no fun watching crick- of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket after being appoint- so much. You react to situations good concepts about footwork, bat in order to stop the transmission et,” he added. ed as the ODI skipper. knowing your role. Negative voic- movement of players. He has “Imran Khan was a very aggressive captain and es always come off the field when improved his skills so much that Kohli also spoke about how he options limited. My basic funda of I want to be like him. It is not an easy job captain- you are not in competition mode," from sidearm he can easily hurl had to change his approach to bat- batting is that if your hips are in ers. Like Sachin Tendulkar had a "For me I had to change it ing the Pakistan team but I am learning from my said the 31-year old prolific bats- the balls at 155 kmph. After play- ting to suit his requirement. perfect position then you can static stance all his life and he accordingly to suit my needs. I seniors and I have also had captaincy experience since man. ing Raghu in nets, when you go "I changed because I wanted play any shot. Static position was- never had a problem. His tech- tried little, little things in my bat- my under-19 days,” Azam said. Kohli added that when he into the match, you feel there is a to hit all around the ground. The n't working well for me. nique was far superior with excel- ting as you would never know if He said that to be a complete captain one must used to watch India matches, he lot of time." static position was making my "But it works for a lot of play- lent hand eye coordination. you don't try," he said. be able to interact comfortably with the media and express oneself properly in front of an audience. “These days I am also taking English classes besides focussing on my batting,” he said. Won’t force players to tour Eng: Holder The 25-year-old Babar said he was not satisfied with Pakistan’s current standing in international crick- LONDON: West Indies captain et. “I am not happy with where we stand and I want Ronaldo back for Juve training Jason Holder has said he to see this team go up in the rankings.” won’t force his players into Babar said captaincy would be a challenge for him AFP n TURIN has been conducting training in small travelling to England for a but it would not affect his batting. groups since Monday, pending the final No Serie A restart three-Test series amid the “It is an honour to lead one’s national team so it ristiano Ronaldo returned to train- health protocol to be agreed with the Covid-19 pandemic. is not a burden for me at all. In fact, after becoming Cing with Juventus in Turin on Italian Government. before June 14 The West Indies were captain, I have to lead by example and be more Tuesday after an absence of over Juventus players got back to indi- originally scheduled to play responsible in my batting.” two months because of the coro- vidual training on May MILAN: The Italian Football Federation the Test series from June 4 Babar hoped the T20 World Cup is held this year navirus pandemic. 4, the day Ronaldo (FIGC) announced on Monday night but the fixture had to be in Australia as he wanted to lead his team in the ICC The 35-year-old arrived at returned to Italy after that all its competitions, including postponed due to the coro- event. the Juventus Training Centre in spending lockdown in Serie A, will remain suspended until navirus outbreak. “It would be a disappointment if the event was a Jeep with tinted windows around his native Portugal. June 14. However, the ECB hope not held or rescheduled because I am looking for- 09:20 (0720 GMT), leaving three For the past two The Lega Serie A had hoped for they can kickstart the season ward to playing in the World Cup and doing well in hours later with a smile and weeks, he has a return on June 13 but the FIGC has by rescheduling the series for it,” he said. thumbs up for waiting been in quar- pushed back the date in line with a July. “Each player has to be About plans for Pakistan to fly to England in July photographers. antine in his villa in Turin. Government decree that all sports comfortable in making the Ashley Giles said they have be the first priority. to play three Tests and three T20 internationals amid Ronaldo under- The five-time Ballon competitions be suspended until next step. It’s been made clear if to create an environment “The first priority is the Covid-19 pandemic, Babar said a lot of hard work went medical and d’Or winner is the first month. we are to hop on a plane and where West Indies and everybody’s safety,” said and planning would be required to make the play- physical tests before Juventus foreign player, The FIGC said the choice was go over to England to play, it Pakistan both feel safe while Holder. ers feel comfortable and safe. joining up with his among those who left made “pending any further... decision must be safe” Holder told travelling to the United “We’ve been assured that “Touring England won’t be easy. Health and safe- teammates for the Italy during the lock- by the authorities”, suggesting the pos- BBC Radio 5. Kingdom. He assured that a the only way the tour can ty of players is of great importance and the tour will first time in 72 days down, to return to sibility of a restart on June 13 might “Certainly from my per- complete risk assessment possibly go ahead is if every- only be possible when proper arrangements are in for individual train- the team’s Continassa still exist. AFP spective, I won’t be forcing would be done before taking one can be comfortable with place,” he said. ing, according to training centre. anyone to go anywhere,” the plunge. the measures the ECB are “Both England and Pakistan team fans, along media reports. League leaders one point as they target a ninth consec- Holder added. The 28-year-old reiterat- putting in place to roll the with the cricketers, are missing cricket because of the Coach Maurizio Sarri Juventus are leading Lazio by utive Scudetto. Last week, ECB director ed that health and safety will cricket out,” he added. PTI pandemic.” Watford captain refuses Man U urge fans to stay away if matches resume Six tests positive tests Dravid’s words kept me going return to training AFP n MANCHESTER pleaded with their fans to stay away from matches for virus at PL clubs before India selection: Mayank anchester United and watch on television. AFP n LONDON Mhave warned fans to “We share your disap- PTI n BENAGLURU turies at the top of the order. stay away from matches pointment that you will ix positive cases for coron- But he had to endure a long played behind closed not be able to watch Savirus have been detected at e earned his India debut wait to get there having per- doors at Old Trafford if the United in person from three Premier League clubs after Hafter waiting for far too formed consistently in the Premier League restarts within the stadium, but we players and staff were tested long and Mayank Agarwal says domestic circuit for Karnataka. amid the coronavirus cri- would encourage you to ahead of a return to training, England’s top batting great Rahul Dravid’s That’s when former India cap- sis. give your continued loyal flight said Tuesday. motivating words helped him tain Dravid, doing duty as the le Gunnar Solskjaer’s support from the comfort “The Premier League can today confirm keep negative thoughts at bay A team coach, helped Agarwal Oside are set to resume and safety of your home,” that, on Sunday 17 May and Monday 18 May, and continue with his quest. with his wisdom. small group training on stands due to the pandem- rather than at neutral United said in an email to 748 players and club staff were tested for His big moment came “I very clearly remember Wednesday as Premier ic, leading United to acti- venues, then United will supporters on Tuesday. COVID-19,” the league said in a statement. when he made his Test debut him telling me ‘Mayank these League clubs step up the vate a refund or rebate to have four home league “To help with that, the “Of these, six have tested positive from against Australia at the are the things that are in your Project Restart plan to fin- ticket holders for their matches to play. Premier League and their three clubs.” No details were released over Melbourne Cricket Ground hands. You have worked hard, ish the season. remaining home fixtures. Aware of the danger media partners will work which individuals or clubs are affected. (MCG) during the 2018/19 you have gotten here. You are But all 92 remaining If the Premier League of supporters gathering to deliver the very best “Players or club staff who have tested pos- series. as close as you can get. matches will have to be get their wish to play at in large groups during the broadcast coverage of our itive will now self-isolate for a period of seven “I was getting runs you Selection is not in your hands’. played in front of empty clubs’ normal stadiums health crisis, United have games. days,” added the league’s statement. know. I got massive runs that “And I totally agreed with Ranji Trophy season and for him. Theoretically you under- India A. I did have a word with stand that but practically it’s not AFP n LONDON Rahul bhai. I told him I was easy. Real, Bayern & Inter getting thoughts of sometimes “But he put forth few atford captain Troy Deeney will not Leverkusen thump Bremen not getting picked,” Agarwal things — ‘What is to say that Wreturn to training this week over to launch European told Sanjay Manjrekar in a the coming October and fears he could pass coronavirus on to his AFP n BREMEN Bremen right-back videocast on November is not going to be five-month-old son. Solidarity Cup Theodor Gebre Selassie ESPNcricinfo. different from September. If Deeney has consistently voiced his ai Havertz scored levelled on the half-hour Agarwal got you think otherwise you concerns over the speed with which the AFP n MADRID Ktwice as Bayer mark. his interna- will get into a negative mind Premier League hopes to return to play- Leverkusen ended But Havertz restored tional frame it’s you who is going to ing matches despite the United Kingdom eal Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter the first round of Leverkusen’s advantage career off lose out and nobody having the second-highest death toll in RMilan will stage a new competition Bundesliga matches three minutes later with to a fine else’. So I remem- the world. England’s top-flight clubs are called the European Solidarity Cup in 2021 in over two months another header, from start with bered that talk due to return to training in small, social- to raise money for medical facilities in Italy with a 4-1 win at Kerem Demirbay’s free- a fighting 76 and that kept ly distanced groups on Tuesday. and Spain. Werder Bremen on kick. against a high-quality me going,” Training will then be stepped up to The three clubs will play each other in Monday which moved Peter Bosz’s side Australian bowling Mayank full contact with the aim of resuming the a round-robin group, with Inter against them within a point of wrapped up a comfort- attack. added. “When season by the middle of next month. Bayern held in Milan, Real facing Inter in the top four. of Europe’s biggest clubs, The 20-year-old able victory with sec- In 17 innings so I got the call I “We’re due back in this week. I’ve said Madrid and Bayern hosting Real in Attacking midfielder was the star of the show Havertz nodded ond-half goals from far, he has scored 974 was elated and I I’m not going in. It’s nothing to do with Munich. Havertz, reportedly a at an empty Leverkusen into a 28th- Mitchell Weiser and runs at an average of called him up financial gain,” Deeney said on the Talk Proceeds from the fixtures will be transfer target for some Weserstadion. minute lead, before Demirbay. 57.29 with three cen- and thanked him.” The Talk podcast. donated to medical facilities in Italy and “My son is five months and he’s had Spain, two of the world’s worst-hit coun- breathing difficulties. I don’t want to come tries by the coronavirus pandemic. home and put him in more danger.” The aim is “to send out a message of F1 demands quarantine All players and staff will be regular- solidarity and fraternity to the people of East Bengal players, official asked to 'vacate' flats ly tested, but Deeney highlighted the con- Europe”, said a statement from Real exemptions for Silverstone GP PTI n KOLKATA had approached the tradiction of contact sport returning at a Madrid. Football Players’ time when the public are told to contin- Dates for the tournament have not AFP n LONDON out an intention to introduce a ome East Bengal play- Association of India. ue following social distancing guidelines. been decided. The timing will “depend on 14-day quarantine rule for inter- Sers, including foreign The East Bengal play- The 31-year-old also added he is willing the match calendar and when football can British Grand Prix would be national arrivals. recruits, and physical ers said they have received to take a financial hit if not playing results be played in front of fans again”, the clubs A“impossible” this year if “A 14-day quarantine would trainer Carlos Nodar, who a message from the in a reduction in wages. said. elite sport is not exempt from make it impossible to have a are still stuck here amid ‘QEBFC admin team’ “While we are being tested and Bayern will invite 5,000 nurses, carers 14-day quarantine restrictions British Grand Prix this year,” an the coronavirus-forced which has circulated the while we are going to be in a very safe and doctors to the Allianz Arena for their when entering the United F1 spokesperson said. national lockdown, have message. environment, it only takes one person in match against Real Madrid. Kingdom, Formula One said on “Additionally it has a major been asked to “vacate “As per notification the group. I don’t want to be bringing that “Nurses, carers and doctors in partic- Tuesday. impact on literally tens of thou- their flats” provided by from the owners of the home,” he added. ular are doing an outstanding job for soci- Silverstone is planning to sands of jobs linked to F1 and sponsors Quess Corp. residential accommoda- “I just said the simplest thing. I can’t ety at the moment,” said Bayern chairman host two races behind closed supply chains. Most of East Bengal’s when there’s nationwide The Bangalore-based tions in Rosedale, get a haircut until mid-July, but I can go Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. doors this summer, subject to “We would be travelling foreign players have left lockdown in force,” a play- Quess group, which is Uniworld and other resi- and get in a box with 19 people and jump “We, the three clubs, want to show Government approval, to make back to the UK on F1-only home but a few are still er told PTI, confirming exiting the club on May dences, we will be hand- for a header. these heroes our appreciation, respect and up for some of the lost time in occupied aircraft and all staff here along with the the development. 31, had last month activat- ing over the apartments “I don’t know how that works. gratitude.” the 2020 F1 season with 10 races would be tested making a quar- Spaniard Nodar who had “There is no way we ed the Force Majeure to the respective owners “I’ve lost more or less everyone that “The great commitment of all health- already either cancelled or post- antine totally unnecessary. preferred to stay back. can vacate at this point of clause, citing Covid-19 by 25th May, 2020,” read I care about. So that, to me, is more care workers has been essential to allow poned. However, the UK “If all elite sport is to return “This is the worst time but the management pandemic, to terminate all the message purportedly important than a few quid in my back us to look to the future,” said Inter presi- Government’s coronavirus to TV then exemptions must be thing to happen. Where is just ignoring our calls. the contracts with effect sent by Quess manage- pocket.” dent Steven Zhang. recovery strategy document set provided.” will we go now especially Let’s wait and watch.” from May 1. The players ment. 12

Vijayawada Wednesday May 20 2020 tollywood UMUR MEGHA TO goes to Aha

ROMANCE e were the first to inform you (on May 11) that Uma Maheswara Ugra W Roopasya (UMUR), months ago they entered into an Chandana Koppisetti and directed by C/O agreement with Love Story mak- Meghana Appikonda have SREE VISHNU Kancharapalem fame Venkatesh ers to stream their film on the essayed other key roles in the Maha, will be dropping directly OTT platform after its theatrical drama. on a streaming platform after release. Meanwhile, as a part of their coronavirus pandemic derailed UMUR — an official remake new offering ahaKids — Pillala The makers initially its April release plans. To this of Malayalam hit Maheshinte Rajyam, Aha has added 28 new end, the latest we've learnt is that Prathikaaram-tells the story of kids’ movies to its stock, specif- toyed with a couple 100 per cent first Telugu OTT an Araku-based studio photog- ically catering to the age group platform, Aha, has grabbed the rapher owner (Satyadev) who of two-eleven. The streamer has of other big names rights. An agreement to this end publicly vows that he will not joined hands with Rajiv Chilaka was signed between Aha man- wear his slippers again until he of Green Gold Animation, one as the role is a agement and producers Arka has avenged the humiliation of the leading kids’ content cre- Media and Praveen Paruchiri that he has been meted out to, ators in India, to bring the layered one but in and Venkatesh Maha recently. by a group. Maha has tailored globally popular children’s films An announcement about the the original to suit Telugu — like Chhota Bheem and the end collectively film’s streaming date is around nativity. Wrapped up in flat 35 Mighty Raju — to its collection. the corner. This is the latest days, it was shot in a non-stop They will be available to premi- preferred Megha, high-profile project that Aha start-to-finish schedule in um customers from May 22. finds NAGARAJ bagged of late, as a couple of Araku. Naresh, Kushalini, — NG GOUD

he extensive search for itself. Her role apart, she was in couldn’t sign on Varalaxmi dismisses a second leading lady love with the total script, giggling the dotted line as in Sree Vishnu-starrer for a major part of the narration. lockdown was T Raja Raja Chora, She believes the film will put her announced by the directed by debutant on the success route in Telugu central government Hasith Goli, has finally and will land her many more after Hasith gave her marriage rumours ended. According to a source, the opportunities.” the story narration. film’s makers have got the con- The source, however, is quick “She is expected to sent of Megha Akash, who has to mention that the Chennai girl sign the project offi- featured in films like Lie and cially in a couple of Chal Mohan Ranga in the past, to weeks from now,” be the film’s another female face. added the source. mid rumours that she is seeing a Sunaina has already been cast as Raja Raja Chora, a cricketed called Sandeep and that one female lead and she has even joint production venture she would quit acting post mar- participated in the shoot earlier The makers initially toyed with between People Media A riage, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar this year. Factory and Abhishek took to her Twitter to clear the The source tells us exclusively, a couple of other big names as Agarwal, is a satirical air, stating that she would scream “The makers initially toyed with the role is a layered one but in comedy. from rooftops if and when she decides to a couple of other big names as Hasith has wrapped up 40 enter marital bliss. “Why am i the last to the role is a layered one but in the end collectively preferred per cent of the shoot before know that I’m getting married..??Hahahah the end collectively preferred Megha. The fact that she is a the industry stopped all the same nonsense rumors.. why is every- Megha. The fact that she is a rel- relatively fresh face means that shooting activities due to body obsessed with me getting married..if atively fresh face means that Covid-19 outbreak. Ravi Babu I’m getting married I will shout it off the Hasith too can direct her without Hasith too can direct her and Ajay Ghosh are playing roof tops.. to all u media ppl writing abt any pressure. The actress nodded without any pressure. The significant roles in the film, a this..IM NOT GETTING MARRIED. IM to the film in the first narration actress nodded to the film in Vivek Athreya musical. NOT QUITTING FILMS (sic),” the actress wrote, replying to a section of a the first narration itself. media in Chennai. A SOURCE The actress is no stranger to marriage rumours. A couple of instances in the past too, she had to take to her social media pages to deny rumours about her marriage. The actress career is going strong right now career-wise. In Tollywood, Social media is the she has finished her portions for Ravi Teja-starrer Krack, while she still has to shoot some portions for Allari only source of Naresh-starrer Naandhi. A COUPLE OF INSTANCES IN negativity these days: THE PAST TOO, SHE HAD TO Lavanya Tripathi Replying to a fan TAKE TO HER SOCIAL MEDIA question on a crazy or PAGES TO DENY RUMOURS dmitting to missing To a question on how a weird moment from ABOUT HER MARRIAGE. the experience of does she deal with negativ- film shooting, ity, the actress, who will be her first film, she Lavanya Tripathi next seen in A1 Express posted, “Umm lots, A says that the one and Chaavu Kaburu movie budget was skill set that she is Challaga, she stated, “First glad to have possessed thing to do, go off social small so we didn't during the lockdown is media cause thats the only have caravans, I cooking. “Cook eat repeat source these days (sic).” remember (sic),” tweeted the actress When asked about the to a follower on what she impact of coronavirus on changing inside was up to during the lock- the film industry, she a production down. She was participat- wrote, “It’ll take time, but van (sic).” ing in a #AskLavanya ses- everything gets better with sion on Twitter on time no? (Sic)” Monday evening. Replying to a fan ques- When a follower wanted tion on a crazy or a weird to know the most difficult moment from her first part being an actress, she film, she posted, “Umm had this to say, “People lots, movie budget was believing that everything small so we didn't have that's been written in caravans, I remember tabloids about you is changing inside a produc- true… (Sic).” tion van (sic).”

BELLAMKONDA IN TALKS WITH SUDHEER VARMA n a fresh devel- the remake of Midnight starring Regina Cassandra last month but the opment, The Runners for Suresh and Nivetha Thomas, in lockdown has put the Pioneer has Productions, Guru Films front of the cameras early brakes on his plans. I understood that and Kross Pictures has the He is waiting for the a producer who director’s unwavering An action- industry to give con- has the dates of attention right now. After sent to shootings. On Bellamkonda Sreenivas has he wraps up this film, he adventure, the the other hand, initiated talks with Sudheer might direct Bellamkonda project is in the Bellamkonda’s next Varma to helm the project. Sreenivas,” declared a high- with Santosh Srinivas, “An action-adventure, the ly-placed source close to budding stages. Alludu Adhurs, was in project is in the budding the development. Sudheer has liked the final leg of filming stages. Sudheer has liked Sudheer prepared a when Covid-19 out- the script, penned by a new schedule chart to take the script, penned break hit it. writer Srikanth. However, Midnight Runners remake, by a new writer — NG