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DELHI GOVT ‘LOOTED' OXYGEN TANKER INDIA’S O2 EXPORT ROSE OVER 700% TOP DELHI HOSPITALS GET OXYGEN PM IGNORED CRISIS TO HIDE LACK FROM PANIPAT: HARYANA MINISTER IN JAN 2021 VS 2020 AMID PANDEMIC SUPPLY AFTER HC PULLS UP CENTRE OF FORESIGHT: PRASHANT KISHOR aryana minister Anil Vij on Wednesday n the huge surge in the second wave of Covid fter an acute oxygen shortage in Delhi oll strategist Prashant Kishor who is alleged that a tanker carrying medical that has seen more cases of breathlessness hospitals was flagged in court and looking after the Trinamool Hoxygen for COVID patients in Iand a demand for oxygen, the oxygen Athrough appeals by politicians, PCongress' election strategy in hospitals, which was going from Panipat exports from India doubled, government data including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal on Tuesday accused to Faridabad, was ''looted'' by the Delhi reveals. Between April 2020 and January some of the city's biggest medical Prime Minister Narendra Modi of government and said all oxygen tankers 2021, India exported over 9,000 metric facilities received a late night refill ignoring the COVID-19 crisis to hide will now move with a police escort. Vij tonnes of oxygen. In financial year 2020, yesterday. Oxygen tankers arrived late on his lack of understanding and fore- also said given the increased demand for only 4,500 metric tonnes of oxygen were Tuesday at some of these places, including sightedness. "ModiGovt handling of oxygen due to a surge in coronavirus cases, exported but inexplicably, it was doubled since. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Guru Teg crisis: #1: ignore problem to hide lack Haryana can spare the supply for others only From January 2020, when India was exporting Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, which were merely of understanding & foresightedness #2: after the state meets its own demand. ''Yesterday, 352 metric tonnes of oxygen, the exports increased hours away from running out of stock. Delhi's suddenly take control, use bluff & bluster to one of our oxygen tankers was going from Panipat to supply to by a staggering 734 percent in January 2021. India exported 2,193 biggest COVID-19 facility, the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan claim victory #3: if problem persists, pass it on to others #4: hospitals in Faridabad. When it was passing through Delhi, the metric tonnes of oxygen in December - a 308 percent increase Hospital, received 10 tonnes of supplies last night. The hospital when situation improves, return with Bhakts'' army to take tanker was looted by the Delhi government,” Vij said. compared to 538 metric tonnes in December 2019. administration said these stocks would suffice for now. credit," Kishor tweeted. AP needs over Rs 3,000 crore 24 Covid patients die as oxygen line leaks just to procure vaccines for all PNS n NASHIK/MUMBAI tion immediately shifted dura cylinders from other facilities in At least 24 Covid-19 patients on the city to help the patients at the NAVEENA GHANATE ventilator support died on Zakir Hussain Hospital. n HYDERABAD Wednesday due to an interrupted According to local officials, the supply of medical oxygen at a civic- oxygen leakage was noticed around The cash-strapped Andhra Pradesh Two lakh vax run hospital at Nashik in 12.30 pm, following which hospi- Government would have to rake up doses reach AP, Maharashtra caused by the leakage tal authorities were alerted. dProviding water for around Rs 3,000 crore if it wants to of the gas from a storage plant, offi- Hospital officials in turn con- protect its residents aged 18 years cials said. tacted municipal commissioner agriculture: from and over just to procure vaccines state hires docs A senior civic official said of the Kailash Jadhav seeking technical rhetoric to action to inoculate them. PNS n VIJAYAWADA 150 patients admitted to the hos- help to stop the leakage, they said. The new vaccine strategy pital, 24 were on ventilator support Mandhare said a private compa- unveiled by the Central The State Government on at the time of the incident while the ny looks after the maintenance of Government places the financial Wednesday received two lakh rest were on oxygen support. the oxygen storage tank located on burden on the states which are Covishield vaccine doses from "As per the current information, the premises of the hospital. 2 already reeling under the stress of Pune's Serum Institute of India. 24 people have died due to the "We have given all the informa- pandemic. The vaccine stocks reached interrupted supply of oxygen at the tion to the government. As far as As per UIDAI data, as of Gannavaram airport from where Zakir Hussain municipal hospital. the oxygen supply is concerned, December 31, 2020, Andhra they will be dispatched to vac- The patients were on ventilators as the NMC has received dura cylin- Pradesh has 3.84 crore people who AP inches towards 10K-cases mark; 38 more die cination points across the state. well as on oxygen supply, which got ders from places where consump- are aged 18 years and over. PNS n VIJAYAWADA after September 12. This has The vaccination doses will be interrupted after the leakage in the tion is less. Oxygen will be supplied This means the state has to pro- pushed the gross positives up to administered through PHCs, oxygen supply tank," district col- to the patients from these cylin- cure 7.68 crore doses as one person The coronavirus spread is peak- 9,86,703. Also, 3,359 patients CHCs, area hospitals and desig- lector Suraj Mandhare told ders," he said. has to get two shots to be fully vac- ing once again to last September recovered from the infection, nated private hospitals. reporters. cinated. As on April 20, the state levels, as AP reported close to taking the total to 9,18,985, The state government on He said the municipal corpora- 2 has administered 43.55 lakh doses. 10,000 fresh Covid-19 cases on according to the latest bulletin. Wednesday through a release has The state needs to procure 7.25 Wednesday and also recorded the The toll rose to 7,510 after 38 informed that it was hiring doc- crore more doses. highest number of 38 fatalities more Covid-19 infected people tors for remote tele-consultation. If we take the prices announced after six-and-a-half months. succumbed in 24 hours, it said. Interested can register through by Serum Institute of India as The number of active cases Srikakulam, which on http://dashboard.Covid19.ap.gov baseline i.e. Rs 400 per dose for the crossed the 60,000 mark to February 15 seemed poised to .in/doctor-registrationform/. state government, without vaccine 60,208, the highest after become a coronavirus-free dis- The doctor will have to eval- wastage and without private inter- September 28. trict with just five active cases, uate callers on toll-free No. 104 vention, the state has to shell out Rs From 39,619 tests, 9,716 fresh now reported 1,444 new cases, the for Covid-19 symptoms, do vir- ‘Try to implement pub- 2,900 crore only to procure the vac- positives turned out in the state highest in a day in the state after tual triaging and offer advice on lic policies to make cines. This does not include the in the 24 hours ending 9 am on more than seven months. further course of action like hos- country self-reliant’ supply-chain expenses that will Wednesday, the highest in a day 2 pital admission, testing and only increase the financial burden. medical advice with or with However, if the state decides to would come to Rs 1,500 crore. It of its population was inoculated our prescription. inoculate at least 50 percent of pop- may be mentioned here that Israel with the second dose of vaccine. 2 5 ulation to get herd immunity, this went mask-free after more than half 2 N440K found to cause re-infection US cop found n ‘Immune escape' of N440K found in Kurnool man guilty of killing Maha to get 100 tonnes SNV SUDHIR Genome sequencing of the virus George Floyd n VIJAYAWADA from the re-infected patient from PNS n WASHINGTON Kurnool also established that while of oxygen from RINL While it has been established that the patient was asymptomatic A US grand jury has found for- a new variant that causes Covid-19 when infected the first time, in the mer Minneapolis police officer PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Covid-19 patients, they said. - the N440K - is prevalent in the re-infection episode he had shown Derek Chauvin guilty on all three The Air Separation Plant (ASP) southern states, particularly in symptoms. charges he faced over the custo- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, in RINL-Vizag Steel has five units both the Telugu states, it's now Genome sequencing was done dial death of African-American which runs a 7.3 million tonnes per of oxygen extraction plants, of emerged that the same variant can by the researchers at Virus Research George Floyd last year, a chilling annum steel plant here, will sup- which three are of 550 tonnes and cause re-infection. and Diagnostic Laboratory incident that sparked worldwide ply over 100 tonnes of Liquid the other two of 600 tonnes per day This means that N440K has (VRDL) at Kurnool Medical protests against racism. Medical Oxygen (LMO) to capacity. 'immune escape' capacity. College (KMC) and New Delhi However, elation over the ver- Maharashtra in the early hours of On an average, every day, ASP Gowda: Waiver More importantly, it recently based CSIR's Institute of Genomics dict was tempered by calls for a April 22, sources in RINL said on produces 2,600 tonnes of oxygen came to light in a study that this & Integrative Biology (IGIB). continued fight against inequal- Wednesday. gas and 100 tonnes of liquid oxy- of duty variant had a high prevalence - of It's widely believed that immune IGIB is a premier Institute of ities pervading the US criminal The LMO will be filled in seven gen. on Remdesivir will over 33 percent - in Andhra escape variants could contribute to Council of Scientific and Industrial justice system. empty cryogenic tankers with a RINL has already supplied help Pradesh. an increase in re-infections as well Research (CSIR), engaged in The 12 jurors found Chauvin, 45, total carrying capacity of more approximately 400 tonnes of LMO Genome sequencing analysis as potentially adversely affect the research of national importance in guilty of unintentional second- than 100 tonnes. last week to various destinations in done on the virus sample collect- efficacy of vaccines. the areas of genomics, molecular degree murder, third-degree murder It would take nearly 20 to 24 hours Andhra Pradesh and other states ed from a re-infected patient from The Centre had recently issued medicine, bioinformatics and pro- and second-degree manslau-ghter in to complete the process of filling, as instructed by the Centre. 8 Kurnool showed the presence of fresh guidelines to step up the vac- teomics. one of the most closely watched weighing and safety checks as per pro- RINL supplied 8,842 tonnes of N440K in the spike protein in both cination drive from May 1 2 cases in recent memory in the US. tocol before it leaves for Maharashtra medical oxygen last fiscal, the episodes of infection. onwards. 2 to meet the medical exigencies of sources added. TODAY ALMANAC TTD declares ‘Anjanadri’ Brahmotsavams begin at Vontimitta temple Month & Paksham: G GOPIKRISHNA Chaitra & Shukla Paksha n KADAPA Panchangam is Hanuman’s birthplace Tithi : Dashami: 11:35 pm The Sri Ramanavami PNS n Nakshatram : Ashlesha: 08:15 am TIRUPATI Executive Officer AV Dharma Brahmotsavams began with Time to Avoid : (Bad time to start Reddy were also present. Dhwajarohanam (hoisting of the The Tirumala Tirupati The committee said Anjandri flag) at the temple of Sri any important work) Devasthanams, which governs the was the birthplace of Lord Kodandaramaswami in Vontimitta Rahukalam : 01:48 pm – 03:22 pm ancient shrine of Lord Hanuman, popularly known as Sri on Wednesday morning. Yamagandam : 05:59 am – 07:32 am Venkateswara at Tirumala here, on Anjaneya Swamy in South India, Amid the second wave of Covid- Varjyam : 07:58 pm – 09:32 pm Wednesday announced that Lord according to a TTD official. 19, the Brahmotsavams will be held Gulika : 09:06 am - 10:40 am Hanuman's birthplace was A booklet with 'epigraphical, sci- with all pandemic guidelines in the Anjanadri, a hillock at Japali entific and mythological evidence', temple till April 29. Accordingly, Good Time : (to start any important work) Theertham located about 5 km projecting Anjanadri, one of the from 9.15 am to 10.15 am, a dhwa- Amritakalam : 06:38 am – 08:15 am from north of the hill temple. seven hills at Tirumala, as the jarohan ceremony was held at Abhijit Muhurtham : 11:49 am – 12:39 pm The widely-expected announce- birthplace of Lord Hanuman was Mithuna Lagnam to mark the ment, on 'Ram Navami' day, was released by Muralidhara Sharma Pancharatra Agama Sastra. made by a TTD constituted com- on the occasion. Nava Kalasa Panchamrit VIJAYAWADA mittee of scholars from different Muralidhara Sharma said the Abhishekam was performed to the WEATHER fields led by Prof Muralidhara panel has gathered some "signifi- dwajasthambam (flagpole) and all Forecast: Mostly Sunny Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of cant smithereens of evidence" the deities and Ashta Dikpalakas Temp: 39/28 National Sanskrit University here, based on the references in ancient invited to the Brahmotsava. Humidity: 48% in the presence of Tamil Nadu literature, inscriptions, historical The dwajarohanam ceremony Sunrise: 05:55 am Governor Banwarilal Purohit and and astronomical calculations as was held under the patronage of Sunset: 06:33 pm other dignitaries. well. Rajesh Kumar Bhattar, chief TTD Executive Officer KS Kankana battar of the temple. Brahmotsavams, Rajampet MLA member Meda Mallikarjunareddy ments to Sri Kodandaramaswamy. Current Weather Conditions Jawahar Reddy and Additional 2 On the first day of the and TTD Dharma Kartala Mandali and his wife presented silk gar- Updated april 21, 2021 5:00 PM 2 VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 vijayawada 02 Providing water for agriculture: from rhetoric to action rrigation and agriculture measures. and 'water distribution effi- come to a conclusion. Given As a first step in this direc- share an intimate relation- In order to consider the To provide irrigation water to every field, it ciency' from source to the an appropriate scarcity value tion, it is necessary to take a Iship and grow mutually. question of providing water is important to go into details. This goal fields of farmers. of water, usage of piped irri- holistic approach by plug- However, due to the finite for agriculture, we shall, for As per available studies, the gation can be expedited, thus ging leakages, seepages, and nature of resources like water the time being, focus on only will remain a mere rhetoric unless quantity overall water use efficiency in moving towards achieving minimising evapo-transpira- and land, efficiency concerns two components ignoring the of water required for individual fields is India in the irrigation sector higher water use efficiency. tion losses. It would be pru- increasingly assume a pivotal doubling of income compo- is about 32%. It means that if Improvement of irrigation dent to establish a proper role. In so far as efficient use nent. determined. This further needs one TMC of water is released efficiency is equally important management system based of water is concerned, it was To provide irrigation water amplification in terms of answers to 'when, at the source, only 0.32 TMC for gravity schemes. on the crop water require- horticulture sector in India to every field, it is important which source, and at what rate/frequency'. water is used by crops with One can imagine the ment. that first understood the to go into details. This goal distribution efficiency amount of savings of water in Human knowledge needs importance and started using will remain a mere rhetoric between 50 and 70% and on a state like Uttar Pradesh to be supported by a network water efficiently.\ unless quantity of water What are the factors that other parameters such as soil farm water efficiency of about with a canal network of about of 'soil moisture sensors' and It is a matter of urgency required for individual fields lead to crop selection by the types, status of micro nutri- 50 to 60% in an open canal 75,000 km serving 1.81 crore 'satellite imageries' to deter- now to take the idea of 'water is determined. farmers? Is this overall prof- ents etc. irrigation system. farmers . mine the precise irrigation use efficiency' to the entire This further needs amplifi- itability, ease of cultivation, This has major potential of Water resources are pre- water requirement. It is high agricultural sector as it con- cation in terms of answers to influence of social practices or growth for services in the pri- DR SHAILENDRA JOSHI, In comparison to a gravity- cious. Our irrigation net- time we moved towards sumes over 80 per cent water 'when, which source, and at all of them? In case of diver- vate sector. Advisor of Telangana govt and former based system, a lift irrigation works are growing in differ- achieving higher water use in the country. what rate/frequency' water is gence of criteria, what should The second objective 'More chief secretary of Telangana system requires additional ent parts of the country. efficiency in the irrigation The three-pronged strategy to be supplied. When, which be the inter se priority to be crop per drop' is trickier one. tive numbers. capital and operating costs. Whatever decisions are taken sector. namely 'doubling farmers' source, and at what rate are accorded for crop selection? Some people may like to get We should be in a position Every percentage point of today will have long-term The upshot is we have to income', 'water to every agri- supply side parameters. Are our agricultural scientists it replaced by 'more valuable to measure either monetary efficiency improvement leads impacts. keenly look at various cost- cultural field' and 'more crop On the other hand, 'how and extension machinery able crop per drop'. value or production per TMC to saving significant power We need to strive for an effective techniques for per drop' planned to resurrect much water' is a demand side to provide answers to these This leads us to go for water supplied at farm level, units in major lift irrigation ideal situation where the enhancing water productivi- Indian agriculture has a long parameter that depends on questions and preparing the enhanced productivity and for determining water use systems such as those of farmer should be able to ty in agriculture/horticulture way to go. crop water requirement, sea- farming community? Ideally, opting for high-value crops. efficiency. Telangana. demand irrigation water just sectors. Barring a few frontline sonal conditions, and water they should be able to provide This has to be worked out in In addition to improving Whether to continue with as one chooses among differ- Towards this end, we have states such as Telangana, use efficiency at the farm a menu of options for individ- terms of establishing bench- farm-level water use efficien- the existing open canal system ent packages offered by tele- to follow the strategic Maharashtra and Madhya level. It is obvious that the ual farmers cultivating in var- marks and evaluating efforts cy, technical efforts should or move over to piped irriga- com companies at the speci- approach to encourage inno- Pradesh etc., several other water demand largely depends ious agro-climatic zones, after made by the agencies con- also be made to step up 'water tion systems, it is time to con- fied time duration and data vations and to carry out activ- states are yet to take concrete upon the choice of the crop. taking into consideration cerned in terms of quantita- reservoir/storage efficiency' duct comprehensive studies to flow rate. ities in a more efficient way. Genome sequencing neglected in India 24 Covid patients die as PNS n VIJAYAWADA fine tune the efficacy of the vaccines to counter Covid oxygen line leaks... While experts say detecting effectively. However, I feel dis- new Covid variants and under- turbed that it was not to be so, N440K found to cause re-infection Continued from Page 1 standing their potential to as evident from media reports," Continued from Page 1 protocol and were analysed as from the US. increase severity of infection or Sarma said in his letter to per standard protocols. KMC's VRDL is the first Divisional Revenue cause more infections needs Sitharaman. In the first episode of infec- "The analysis revealed a laboratory in South India to Commissioner Radhakrishna better genome sequencing, fin- He cited the frustration tion, the 47 -year-old senior total of 15 and 17 genetic vari- collaborate in employing a Game said a 13 KL (kilolitre) gers are being pointed out at expressed by some scientists on government official from ants in the genomes from the new protocol - 'COVIDSeq oxygen tank was set up on the the Centre that enough effort how adequate funds had not Kurnool, was identified to be two episodes of which 14 Next-Generation Sequencing' premises of the hospital, locat- is not being put into genome been allocated for gene positive for Covid-19 on July variants were common - for diagnosis and phyloge- ed in Dwarka area in the north sequencing in India. sequencing effort of the 25, 2020, in nasopharyngeal between the two episodes. A netic analysis of Covid-19 Maharashtra city. Former Secretary to GoI, Department of Biotechnology specimens analysed as part of close comparison of the samples. "Around 10 am, a socket of EAS Sarma recently wrote to and how even premier institu- routine surveillance and was genetic variants with a com- Hyderabad-based CCMB the oxygen storage tank broke Finance Minister Nirmala tions like the Centre for asymptomatic. pendium of immune escape director Dr Rakesh Mishra, in and the leakage started. When Sitharaman about inadequate Cellular and Molecular Biology The cycle threshold values variants revealed a 22882T>G a study said "We now have the hospital staff came to know allocation of funds for genome (CCMB) in Hyderabad and the were 22.3 and 19.1 for (Spike: N440K) variant in the emerging evidence that about it, they deployed jumbo sequencing. the Institute of Genomics and ORF1ab and N genes, respec- genomes isolated from both N440K is spreading a lot cylinders to supply oxygen to "Having gone through the Integrative Biology (IGIB) in tively. He had tested negative episodes of infection," Dr more in southern states. the patients and started shift- first wave of Covid last year, Delhi have been struggling on August 2, 2020, and test- Pallavali Roja Rani, specialist Closer surveillance is needed ing some of the patients," he and closed the valve which pre- Fund, which will be one would have thought that with limited resources to con- ed positive again on in microbiology at KMC's to understand its spread prop- said. vented the further leakage of announced by the CMO. your Ministry, in consultation duct genome sequencing work. September 10, 2020, during VRDL lab who was part of the erly. Accurate and timely Game said the leakage has oxygen," Game added. Commenting on the leakage with the Ministries of Health "The genome sequencing exer- routine surveillance, but dur- genome sequencing study detection of new variants that been stopped, the tank Expressing grief, from the oxygen tank, Tope and the Departments of cise, already running at a snail's ing this episode, he was symp- project told The Pioneer. may show greater infectivity repaired and the oxygen sup- Maharashtra Health Minister said, "The liquid oxygen which Science & Technology and pace, slowed down further tomatic with fever, cough, The work of the KMC and or worse clinical symptoms, ply is being normalised. Rajesh Tope said the 22 was filled in the tank has the Biotechnology, would strength- between November and January and malaise. He tested nega- IGIB was published in the first including immune escape, "As the incident happened, deceased, including 11 men temperature of around (minus) en the facilities of R&D in cru- due to lack of funds, absence of tive after 14 days. week of April in the interna- will be extremely important to people rushed to the hospital and 11 women, died due to a 180-degree celsius. There is cial fields such as gene clear directives, and, possibly, The RNA samples were tionally acclaimed Journal of preempt disastrous conse- wards which created hurdles in low supply of oxygen caused by extreme pressure on the walls of sequencing with special refer- also disinterest because of the sequenced using CovidSeq Medical Virology published quences." the rescue operations. When the leakage from the storage the tank which supplies the oxy- ence to Covid virus so that steadily falling Covid curve," said this happened, an oxygen tank. gen to patients on ventilators. It Indian scientists, who are on scientists as quoted in an article sequences from China, United In India, however, genome China, the UK and US, had done tanker reached the hospital They all were on ventilators is more of a technical issue". par with the best in the world, mentioned by Sarma in his letter. States and some other countries sequencing crawled. several thousand and submitted premises. Technicians who and Covid-19 positive, he said, Tope said a probe will ascer- may keep abreast of the rapid- The retired bureaucrat also said is one key reason why a vaccine In the first six months, India these in public global deposito- came with that tanker and adding the kin of the deceased tain whether the leakage was ly evolving Covid mutants and that scientists had deliberated that could be developed in such a had barely done a few hundred ries for scientists across the world technicians at the hospital will be given financial assis- caused due to negligence or help the vaccine industry to the early availability of gene record time. sequences, when countries like to study. broke open the lock of the tank tance from the CM Relief due to any other issue. Two lakh vax AP inches towards 10,000 Brahmotsavams AP needs over Rs 3,000 crore... doses reach AP, Continued from Page 1 Apart from looking at how from May 1 away from itself much involvement of private and towards the State cases mark; 38 more die .The Centre has said that the players will be there and pref- Governments to answer. state hires... begin at Vontimitta... 50 percent of vaccines pro- erence of people to private Never seen such abdication Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 Chittoor added 1,180, Continued from Page 1 cured by it from manufactur- entities, the decision of of a fundamental duty”. Kurnool 958, SPS Nellore 934, ers will be allocated to the whether or not to subsidise Experts opine that pro- The remuneration would Srikakulam now has a stagger- Anantapur 849, East Godavari On Wednesday night, the first states on the basis of a set for- them for the masses is to be curement of vaccines by the be Rs 400 per hour of service. ing 7,420 active cases, out of 830, Visakhapatnam 810 and night of the Sri mula and will only be used for taken. states is not a good idea and The state machinery has 55,469 total Covid-19 infec- Vizianagaram 565 new cases in Kodandaramaswamy those who are currently eligi- As it were, policymakers the Central government also kept Covid essential tions, after 47,689 recoveries a day. Brahmotsavams, Sri ble for the vaccines: Healthcare are angry with the vaccina- must rethink. stocks handy in the wake of and 360 deaths. Krishna and Prakasam dis- Seethalakshmana Samatha Sri workers, frontline workers and tion strategy as it shifts the Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, a spike in positive cases. The “We are doing more tests tricts registered 294 new cases Rama would be seen on the all adults over the age of 45. burden of procuring vac- President, Infection Control essential stocks include and declaring results in 24 each, Kadapa 216 while West Sesha Vahanam. However, based on the expe- cines for the 18-45 age band Academy of India, said, 4,77,331 VTMs, 7,77,489 PPE hours. Naturally, there is a Godavari also crossed the cen- A vehicle service would be rience of the past two months, entirely on state govern- “The Centre is trying to Kits, 5,22,262 N95 Masks, surge in cases," Srikakulam dis- tury mark to add 106. held at the temple from 8 pm the allocations from Centre to ment. Already, states like wash off their hands on vac- 25,49,138 triple layer masks, trict Collector J Nivas told PTI. SPS Nellore crossed the to 9.30 pm. the state have been minuscule West Bengal, Kerala, cination and put the onus 11,85,165 gloves, 3,38,296 Though it is a district bor- 70,000 total cases mark, the As per the lore, Adisesha is and the state cannot rely on Chhattisgarh have expressed onto the states. This move is home isolation kits and dering Odisha, there is not sixth in the state with such a very close to Swami. Sheshu that devotion the animality is Centre for vaccines even for their concerns with this nothing but pushing the 40,109 Remdesivir injections. much movement of people large count. incarnated as Lakshmana in removed and humanity, from HCW, FLW and adults over 45. move of Centre. burden of acquisition on On the other hand the across the border. Moreover, In 24 hours, Krishna district the third age and as Balarama it divinity, and then the The unilateral decision to Former Union Health states who are reeling under state health department has Odisha is relatively reporting reported 10 fresh Covid-19 in the second age. He was the paramapadam are prepared. pass the vaccine costs on to the Secretary K Sujatha Rao said financial and economic bur- given the availability status of lesser cases and, as such, cases fatalities, SPS Nellore seven, forerunner of the Nityasuras of The function was attended state is going to put addition- in a tweet, “The vaccine pol- den. Apart from procure- beds in various districts in the in Srikakulam are predomi- East Godavari and Srikakulam Srivaikuntam and Seshu was by temple deputy EO Ramesh al strain on the Telangana icy announced is complete- ment hassles, even if the state as on Wednesday. There nantly local. four each, Chittoor and in charge of the land. Babu, AEO Muralidhar, super- government too. ly biased towards pharma states have funds, how are are 1744 ICU beds available Guntur district reported Prakasam three each, Guntur, The Sesha vahanam was intendents Venkatachalapathy, There is already a shortfall companies. It (Centre) has they going to prioritise vac- across the state besides 7,291 the second highest of 1,236 Kurnool and Visakhapatnam especially a testament to the Venkateshya, temple inspector of Central taxes as well and neatly shifted the confusion cinations? Poor states are oxygen general beds and new cases and inched closer to two each while Anantapur devotion of the devotee. Dhananjayulu and other offi- delay in GST compensation. and chaos that will emerge going to suffer more!” 3,865 general beds. the 90,000 gross. had one. Devotees believe that with cials.

VIJAYAWADA BULLION RATES TTD declares ‘Anjanadri’ is Hanuman’s... GOLD US cop found guilty of killing... Continued from Page 1 ` 48, 930 (10 gm) Hanuman, the official said. and history scholars have Venkatadri hill, the seventh In December last, TTD dismissed the TTD's claim, and Narayanadri, Seshadri Continued from Page 1 handcuffed Chauvin and city and has significant impli- ` 930 The TTD booklet, with 20 executive officer KS Jawahar the Karnataka unit of Vishwa and Garudadri are among the escorted him to a side room. cations for the country and SILVER pages titled in Telugu as ‘Sri Reddy had constituted a Hindu Parishad has said the other hills of Tirumala. Chauvin was filmed kneeling on He was later transferred to the even the world. ` 73, 900 (1kg) Anjaneyaswamy Vari high-level committee of TTD should take some more Hanuman is also hailed as Floyd's neck during his arrest on Minnesota Correctional "Justice for Black America is ` 500 Janmasthalam Tirumalaloni scholars from various fields time and hold discussions 'Vayuputra' and as son of May 25 after a convenience store Facility. justice for all of America. This Anjanadri’ (Tirumala's to study and gather evi- with scholars and reli- Anjana Devi who did 'tapas' clerk in Minneapolis alleged Judge Peter Cahill said sen- case is a turning point in Anjanadri is Sri Hanuman's dence to establish gious heads before in the one of the seven hills that Floyd tried to pass a coun- tencing is expected in eight American history for account- CHICKEN birthplace), was unveiled on that Anjanadri is arriving at any of Tirumala and it was terfeit USD 20 bill. weeks. ability of law enforcement and RATES `/KG the occasion. the place where conclusion. named after her as Chauvin pinned down The City of Minneapolis sends a clear message we hope It was distributed among Lord Hanuman According 'Anjanadri.' Floyd, 46, with his knee on the last month settled a wrongful is heard clearly in every city Dressed/With Skin `154 media persons and other TTD was born. to some Besides Muralidhara pavement of a south death lawsuit with Floyd's fam- and every state," the state- Without Skin `175 officials, a TTD official said. TTD's claim reports, Sharma, the committee of Minneapolis intersection for ily for USD 27 million. ment said. Broiler at Farm `106 The booklet would also be on the topic of Hanuman scholars includes Prof more than nine minutes. "I The verdict prompted cele- The statement also demand- uploaded on the TTD website Hanuman's was born in a Sannidhanam Sudarshana can't breathe. I can't breathe," bratory scenes outside the ed that the other three officers for the benefit of the public, the birthplace has cave in Anjan Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of were his last words. court and in Floyd's home who played their own roles in EGG official added. created a stir in village in Sri Venkateswara Vedic Chauvin pleaded not guilty town, where several hundred the death of Floyd must still be Purohit, who came here to religious, archaeo- Gumla district of University here, Prof to the charges against him. He people cheered as it was held accountable for their RATES `/100 offer worship to Lord logical, and political Jharkhand while Muralidhara Sharma, Vice- faces up to 40 years in prison, announced. actions. VIJAYAWADA 430 Venkateswara on the occasion circles in Karnataka some other reports from Chancellor of National according to US media reports. The Floyd family's lawyer, President Joe Biden said it HYDERABAD 400 of Rama Navami, hailed the because Hampi near Ballari is Maharashtra claim his birth- Sanskrit varsity, professors With only his eyes visible as Ben Crump and George was a murder in the full light committee's efforts and considered 'Kishkindha place is at Anjaneri hills near Ranisadasiva Murthy, Sri the rest of his face was hidden Floyd's family released a state- of day and it ripped the blind- VISAKHAPATNAM 505 expressed satisfaction over its Kshetra' or monkey king- Nashik. Janumaddi Ramakrishna and behind a surgical mask, ment following the convic- ers off for the whole world to RETAIL PRICE `4. 30 report projecting Anjanadri dom for ages. The temple of Lord Sankaranarayana of the Chauvin watched as the verdict tion of Chauvin, saying the see the systemic racism in the (IN HYDERABAD) as the birthplace of Sri While some archaeology Venkateswara is located on National Sanskrit University. was announced. A deputy verdict goes far beyond this country.

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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 | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 vijayawada 03

IUML wants GoM on Covid to meet today curbs eased PNS n VIJAYAWADA in Guntur city The Group of Ministers that PNS n VIJAYAWADA was constituted to oversee handling of the second wave Stating that black marketing of Covid will meet on of essential commodities is Thursday to take stock of the flourishing in Guntur city in prevailing situation. It will be the guise of lockdown restric- the GoM’s first meeting. tions, the AP unit of the After reviving the Covid Indian Union Muslim League Command and Control on Wednesday demanded Centre, the state government easing of the curbs. had constituted the GoM for IUML-AP president Bash- effective handling of the sec- eer Ahmad said that huge ond wave of Covid. crowds are witnessed at shops The GoM is headed by due to reduction of business Deputy Chief Minister Alla timings and this would fur- Kali Krishna Srinivas as the ther cause spread of Covid. convenor and has Ministers Machilipatnam Govt hospital Stating that while Chief for Home, MA&UD, Finance, Minister YS Jaganmohan Agriculture & Marketing as Reddy asked officials not to Vellampalli takes part in members. dedicated to Covid patients impose lockdown, Basheer In its first meeting the Ahmad said that the officials, GoM is expected to discuss PNS n VIJAYAWADA outsiders shall not be allowed hospital, only ordinary gynae- in their eagerness, are impos- the prevailing situation, vac- in. He said that the number of cology and paediatric treat- ing curbs so strictly that Rama Navami celebrations cination strategy, availabiilty The Machilipatnam boxes in mortuary shall be ments shall be carried on the there is a virtual lockdown in of beds, oxygen, medical pro- Government hospital has been increased with the help of hospital premises and people Guntur city. PNS n VIJAYAWADA Sri Mahalakshmi Ammavarla Him as the ideal in life. fessionals etc. converted into a full-fledged donors. should make a note of this. He said that people already devastanam at Kothapeta in He said that the For effective monitoring of Covid hospital and 100 beds Doctors pertaining to scan- For non-Covid health prob- were facing a lot of financial Endowments Minister West Constituency on Government will extend com- various measures taken up by have been added to the health- ning, operations, radiology, lems the patients shall get difficulties due to the Corona Velampalli Srinivasa Rao on Wednesday. plete support for the develop- the State Covid Command care facility to take the total to anaesthesia and computer treatment at Gudur, crisis for the past one year Wednesday said that the peo- He was welcomed by the ment of temples in the state. and Control Centre and for 250 beds, disclosed Transport operator will be recruited on Chinnapuram, Talluru PHCs. and their income has come ple in the state are prosperous temple committee members on Later, the Minister crowned giving valuable advice from Minister Perni Venkataramaiah deputation. Covid vaccination will be drastically down. as they were when Lord Rama the occasion. Lord Rama with a gold crown time to time, the Government (Nani) on Wednesday. Triage centre will be set up administered at Lady Amptil Basheer Ahmed recalled ruled under the able leadership Extending Sri Rama Navami worth Rs 9 lakh that was gift- has decided to constitute a The Minister was speaking in the Ashirwad Bhavan in the college. All business estab- that prices of essential com- of Chief Minister YS greetings to the devotees, the ed by a devotee. GoM. The Government had at a meeting organised by hospital premises where Cvid lishments shall be closed by 7 modities have shot up during Jaganmohan Reddy. Minister said that Lord Rama The Minister appealed to the already issued orders reviving Covid Task Force at the hos- tests will be conducted. pm and the public should the lockdown and expressed The Minister took part in Sri taught us to live life by adopt- people to get vaccinated to get the state Covid Command pital premises on the measures Officials were directed to make a note of this, said the fear that similar conditions Rama Navami celebrations at ing the path of Dharma, Love protected from the deadly and Control Centre and to be taken to contain Covid inspect all the ventilators in the RDO. are being seen again. Sri Nagarala Sitarama Swami and Truth, and one should take virus. appointed senior IAS officer and facilities to be improved. hospital and ensure blood Superintendent Dr Madhvi, KS Jawahar Reddy as the Nani said that as there was thinners are available, said Tahsildar D Sunil Babu, Traffic chairperson who would be a significant increase in the the minister. DSP Masum Basha, Dr A assisted by special officers for number of Covid cases, infect- Machilipatnam RDO Khaja Srinivas Rao, Dr Mallikarjun Charred body management of activities and ed persons admitted to the Vali said that since the hospi- Rao, Dr Jaya Kumar and oth- Government should declare vaccination. hospital shall be tagged and tal is converted into a Covid ers were present. of missing Health Emergency: TDP man found Call 104 for help, advice on Covid: JC PNS n VIJAYAWADA people at risk," he alleged. on Highway Govardhan Reddy remind- PNS n VIJAYAWADA was set up at the Sub-collector’s Pointing out that the number ed that world health experts PNS n VIJAYAWADA office in Vijayawada. He said of Covid-19 cases were rising say that the second wave would With a rapid rise in Covid data entry operators will be rapidly across the state, TDP be very severe compared to the The charred remains of a cases, the district administra- recruited soon to upload the spokesperson Kaki Govinda first one, and demanded Chief man who had gone miss- tion is taking measures to col- details of the total Covid cases Reddy said that it was up to the Minister Jaganmohan Reddy ing, were found on the lect details of all positive cases. on the website. Siva Sankar State Government to provide to immediately close the liquor Vijayawada – Hyderabad Private labs have been asked to asked officials to conduct a succour to the people. "More shops that he claimed to have Highway near Real Estate submit details of all positive zoom conference and give than 7,000 people have suc- become the breeding grounds road, Paritala village in cases to the medical and health instructions to the private labs cumbed to Covid so far, for the spread of pandemic. Krishna district late on department. to furnish the details of the including employees working "Everyone knows that Tuesday. The rapid rise in the num- Covid reports to the in the Secretariat. It is the Jaganmohan Reddy became Police identified the ber of Covid cases in the dis- Government. responsibility of Chief Minister the Chief Minister through victim as one Kothapalli trict is creating panic among Siva Sankar said sometimes YS Jaganmohan Reddy to con- false promises. The CM, who Sambasiva Rao, a farmer the people who are rushing to problems arise at the sole and reassure the families against Covid without stepping is supposed to save the lives of from Mulapadu village of test labs arranged by the dis- Government hospitals which is of those who died from Covid," out of his 'Tadepalli palace'," the people, is not even paying Ibrahimpatnam mandal trict administration at gov- the first choice of all Covid Govardhan Reddy said in a the TDP leader said. salaries to the frontline work- in the district. ernment hospitals, area hospi- positive patients for the treat- statement on Wednesday. He pointed out that during ers and had sacked them from Early on Wednesday, tals and PHCs. More than 100 ment and admission. He recalled that the Chief the first phase the government their jobs," the TDP leader on noticing the half-burnt centres are collecting samples Sub-collector HM Dhyana Minister used to console peo- was clueless what to do to con- alleged. body, the villagers for tests. Krishna district joint related issues at the Joint arrange help for Corona patients. Chandra, Assistant trainee col- ple during his marathon tain the pandemic. "The mis- Govardhan Reddy criticised informed the collector L Siva Sankar on Collector’s office. He said the private labs lector Sobhika, Project padayatra but he was not doing steps by the state government the government on the prevail- Kanchikacherla police. Wednesday conducted a review Addressing the meeting, the must upload the details of Director DRDA M Srinivasa the same to the families of peo- of opening liquor shops during ing pandemic situations in the According to meeting with the officials on the joint collector said the district Covid test reports within 24 Rao, DM and HO Dr M ple who lost their lives to the the first phase to generate rev- state, saying that the people Kanchikacherla police, a Corona cases, maintenance of administration has set up ‘104’ hours of the diagnosis without Suhasini and other officials pandemic. "Jagan is instructing enue paved the way to the were clueless as to when the missing person complaint hospitals, labs, and other Covid- call centres to give advice and fail. He said the Covid control present in the meeting. government employees to fight spread of Corona putting the vaccine will be available. was lodged by the wife of the victim Sambasiva Rao on Tuesday. Soon after a search was launched. TN alleges oxygen diverted to AP, TS; to complain On searching the sur- roundings of the scene of PNS n CHENNAI tonnes per day, the health sec- Meanwhile, the opposition offence, the police noticed retary said and asserted that the DMK and AMMK slammed that there were marks of a The Tamil Nadu government state is in a comfortable posi- the diversion of oxygen by the scuffle in the cotton fields on Wednesday said it would tion now. Centre. nearby. take up with the Centre, diver- The private manufacturer DMK President M K Stalin Meanwhile, the wife of sion of about 45 metric tonnes in the city, who has a pan India claimed 'shortage' of oxygen the victim and other rel- of medical oxygen from a city presence, contributes to about and wondered why it was atives said that they sus- plant to Andhra Pradesh and 50 per cent of the medical oxy- diverted during such a situa- pected one Telangana, while asserting that gen market in India, sources tion and expressed concern. Subramanyam, a cousin of the state had adequate stocks of said and added that there is no While those in the neigh- Sambasiva Rao to be oxygen. supply-side bottleneck in the bouring states "are our broth- behind the murder. Wondering what the need state. ers," the Centre should have A murder case was reg- EESL to take up new was for the Central govern- With states like Maharashtra, checked the situation in Tamil istered under Sections ment to divert the oxygen Delhi and Gujarat, those with Nadu with the Chief Secretary 302, 201 IPC and investi- manufactured by a supplier at high daily Covid-19 cases, or the government and charged gation taken up. The body nearby Sriperumbudur, Health reporting an acute shortage of it with not taking the states was shifted to a govern- LED programme Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan "The availability situation is comfortable in the future too," oxygen cylinders, the centre seriously. ment hospital for post- said that even during the pan- currently adequate, but this he added. had recently clarified that India In a statement, he asked why mortem. The report was PNS n VIJAYAWADA the Union Minister of State demic times, the state has been diversion has been done by the Tamil Nadu's liquid medical had a production capacity of the Centre was reportedly seek- due at the time of going to (Independent charge) for supplying oxygen to others. Government of India. While oxygen manufacturing capac- 7,127 MT of oxygen per day. ing to import oxygen while ear- the press. Union power ministry's Power RK Singh emphasised "Even now the state is pro- Tamil Nadu can always supply ity is around 400 metric tonnes Further, from April 19, lier maintaining that there was According to sources, Energy Efficiency Services the need for EESL to vigorous- viding oxygen to its neighbour- to others, this mandatory a day and the state has a stor- Indian Railways began trans- sufficient stock and charged the investigation officers Limited (EESL), has decided to ly implement energy efficien- ing states who are in deficit for diversion should not create age capacity of around 1,200 porting Liquid Medical Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suspect an extra marital take up one more gigantic cy programmes across the medical oxygen. We have not problems in the future and we tonnes. Oxygen and Oxygen Cylinders "touted as an expert administra- affair might be the motive LED programme in rural areas nation with the support of imposed any restrictions," he are taking up the issue to Currently, the daily medical across the country through tor", with "failing" to tackle the behind the murder. for households of the state by international agencies. told PTI. ensure that our situation is consumption is around 240 green corridors. Covid crisis. and large without any financial Saurabh Kumar in a com- burden on the state govern- munication on the national ment or power utilities. webinar to be conducted on EESL executive vice-chair- Earth Day hosted by conver- man Saurabh Kumar on the gence energy services limited Covid may turn mango season sour for farmers this year occasion of 51st Earth Day on (CESL) headed by MD and April 22 requested AP Energy CEO Mahua Acharya, said PNS n VIJAYAWADA UP and other Northern states hectares the department has Secretary Nagulapalli Srikanth that, with India's policy in are not coming forward to trained about farmers of 25,000 to participate in a national force, the country has reached With bountiful rainfall during buy mangoes in the district. hectares in the district on sci- webinar on decarbonisation a turning point in its decar- monsoon and timely flowering, Apart from pandemic the entific method of mango farm- and energy transition which bonisation journey and there mango farmers had a good traders have formed a cartel ing by wrapping with fruit would be conducted tomorrow is a need to chart a course of yield and the harvesting is and forcing prices to plummet. cover that would get good by EESL and express his valu- action that will enable a suc- going on at a swift pace across However, some mango yield, blemish-free quality that able views with regard to suc- cessful transition of the ener- Krishna district. exporters and traders feel that will not get spoiled soon. cess stories of Andhra Pradesh gy system. However, the market price of the prices are dipping as farm- He said that exporters in energy efficiency field. Union power secretary Alok the fruit is not up to the expec- ers are not following scientific choose for quality with TSS He said that EESL has iden- Kumar and senior executives tations of the farmers as Covid- methods leading to poor qual- percent above 12, he said and tified several major states like of national public sector 19 has hit business hard, with ity. added that this year the yield Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, undertakings shall participate exporters and traders from Recently the horticulture would be about 3 lakh tonnes. Rajasthan, Kerala, in the webinar, he said. North Indian states unable to department had approached A mango farmer Koteswara Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh Saurabh Kumar said that lift the stocks. farmers to use covers to protect Rao of Cheemalapadu village etc, including Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh had imple- Even in 2020, there was a mangoes from pests and natur- in A Kondur said that they are for their best performance in mented urban and rural LED bumper yield for the mango al calamities like heavy rains or very much worried as govern- the front of energy efficiency. street lighting programmes farmers across the district with high temperatures. ment has announced lock- EESL, felt that Andhra under which six lakh LED good rainfall and other suitable Ch Sreenivasulu, Assistant down and curfew at a few Pradesh Street lighting pro- streetlights were installed in all conditions. Unfortunately, the Director Horticulture, Nuzvid places in North India due to the gramme (rural and urban) is the urban local bodies of the crippling lockdown during said that 53,000 hectares of pandemic as it the peak time the biggest in the country and state and 23.29 lakh LED peak mango season had come mango farming was done in for harvest and buyers come to one of the world's best pro- lights in 11,749 gram panchay- as a huge disappointment for currently in the range of Rs the district are now getting said that they face huge losses. Krishna district in 2021 in buy the material. “We are very grammes. ats in 13 districts. the mango farmers. 30,000 to Rs 45,000 per tonne increasingly desperate. Some farmers say the impact which 60 percent is the deli- worried that we may suffer Now, EESL has decided to He said the LED street light- Initially, the top quality during the last few days due to However, prices have plum- of second wave of Covid in cious Banginapalli quality, 20 huge losses this year also. As implement another energy ing programme is estimated to Banginapalli mangoes fetched Covid. meted over the past few days North India may be reason for percent was Totapuri and the the yield was good the business efficiency program to benefit save energy to the tune of 133 prices ranging between Rs The mango farmers who leaving mango farmers on the falling demand for the fruit rest are Pedda Rasalu, Chinna will be carried till May end and rural households in AP which MU per annum in urban areas 50,000 to Rs 70,000 per tonne were hopeful of making good verge of panic. The prices fell from Krishna district. Rasalu and Suvarnarekha qual- to wait and see if there is be any is likely to be launched soon. and around 260 MU per in March. However, the prices profits this summer due to the by more than 30 percent in Consequently, buyers from ities. relief from Corona restrictions Saurabh Kumar said that annum in rural areas. gradually decreased and are quality mangoes produced in recent days and many farmers Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, He said that out of 53,000 for the buyers to come,” he said. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 vijayawada 04 TN Guv offers Low-key Sri Rama Navami YSR Aarogyasri a boon to prayers in Tirumala festival in East Godavari poor patients: Kodali Nani PNS n TIRUMALA PNS n KAKINADA Governor of Tamil Nadu In the wake of the second wave Bhanwarilal Purohit offered of corona pandemic and surge PNS n GUDIVADA surgery. prayers in the hill Shrine of in the cases across East Later, Minister Kodali Nani Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Godavari district, the Sri Rama The YSR Aarogyasri scheme said that Rajulapati Swamy on Wednesday. Navami festival lost its gaiety was aimed at providing med- Chandrasekhar, who was suf- Earlier, on his arrival at the and spirit. ical treatment to the poor and fering from an illness, would main entrance of the temple- Sri Kodanda Ramalayam in the needy to assist people from be treated under YSR Maha Dwaram, he was wel- Gollala Mamidada in Pedapudi selling their properties for Aarogyasri. It was suggested comed by Addl Executive mandal of East Godavari medical treatment, State Civil to bring an estimation from Officer AV Dharma Reddy, District was known as the Supplies and Consumer Affairs the hospital regarding the temple priests. oldest temple after Sri Minister Kodali medical expenses. After offering prayers to Kodandarama temple of Srivenkateswara Rao (Nani) Meanwhile, in the medical Dwajasthambham in the tem- Vontimitta in Kadapa district. Department. long that the SP couple used to has said. field too, CM Jaganmohan ple, the Governor had darshan The district Collectors and The celestial wedding, attend the festival and take Stating that the YSR Reddy has been carrying out of Lord Venkateswara. Later, SPs on behalf of the govern- which was usually attended by blessings of the Lord every Arogyasri scheme was a boon ambitious programmes today at Ranganayakula Mandapam, ment present silk cloths on the millions of people every year, year. to the poor, Minister Kodali and was taking necessary the Vedic Pundits offered him occasion of Sri Ramanavami this year the temple witnessed A low key profile was seen in Nani said that as per the direc- president Peyyala Adam, Peyyala Adam said that steps without any shortage of Vedasirvachanam. The Addl here. Owing to Corona second only a few devotees. all the 1000 and odd Rama tem- tions of Jaganmohan Reddy, Gudivada Agricultural Market Rajulapati Chandrasekhar of funds. EO presented Thirtha wave, however, the devotees Anaparthi MLA Dr Satti ples across the district as devo- 2,436 medical procedures were Yard Vice-President Thota Nandivada, belonging to the The event was attended by Prasadams and a Coffee Table were not allowed to witness the Suryanarayana Reddy and his tees confined to homes fearing being treated under the Nagraj, YSRCP leaders Gudivada constituency, was former Municipal Vice- Book on Lord to the Governor. kalyanam of Jagadananda wife were present. The pujas the spreading of coronavirus. Aarogyasri scheme and people Desireddy Rammohanreddy, suffering from an illness. Chairman Adapa Babji, YCP Temple Dy EO Nayaka. were also held in privacy in the The temples run by the would be reimbursed if the Dumpala Srinu and Nerusu He was being treated at a District Steering Committee Haridranath, Reception As the Collector and SP temple at another temple of Endowment Department wit- medical expenses exceeded Srinu called on the Minister on hospital in Vijayawada and he member Mandali DyEO Bhaskar, OSD were not present in the pro- Lord Rama on the Kakinada nessed a thin crowd. With the more than Rs 1,000. Wednesday. was told by doctors that he Hanumantrao, town presi- Ramakrishna and others were gramme, Deputy police lines. imposition of strict regula- YSRCP Nandivada mandal Speaking on the occasion, would have to undergo leg dent Gorla Srinu and others. present. Commissioner M Vijayaraju The SP couple skipped the tions on other temples as well, presented silk cloths on behalf celestial wedding as it was the Sri Rama Kalyanotsavam drew of the Endowment tradition that was going for a no crowd in the district. Covid restrictions Bring Covid under control, SP, ASP take part Somireddy writes to CM Jagan imposed in Prakasam PNS n NELLORE district hospital, while the PNS n ONGOLE in Rama Navami 1050 beds were ready at the PNS n ELURU celestial wedding. Somireddy Chandramohan Narayana General Hospital, Restrictions were imposed in Speaking on the occasion, Reddy, former minister and as they were lying idle due to areas where cases were high On the eve of the holy Srirama the SP said that he wished the Telugu Desam National lack of adequate health staff. due to the corona outbreak in Navami festival, the 86th people of West Godavari dis- Politburo member has writ- The patients were denied the district, District Collector Lorry goes up Sitaramula Kalyana mahot- trict to come out from the ten a letter to Chief Minister admission for Covid treat- Pola Bhaskar said on savam was held on corona catastrophe on the YS Jaganmohan Reddy ask- ment. Wednesday. Wednesday at Sri Bhakta eve of holy Srirama Navami ing him to send a committee He said Nellore had the He said the corona cases in flames during Anjaneya Swami temple at and said he prayed to Lord Sri headed by the Health highest number of Covid were on the rise in 19 man- Aminapeta in Eluru adhering Rama that everyone would get Minister to Nellore to cases in the state with 1,347 dals in the district and offi- welding work to Covid rules. District SP protection from the improve the Covid situation, in a single day spike and cials were directed to clamp PNS n ELURU Narayan Nayak along with the Coronavirus. DSP Dr Dilip which was gone beyond con- due to improper implemen- eight deaths were reported. It down restrictions in these The Collector said that Additional SP AV Subbaraju Kiran, CCS DSP Paideshwara trol in the district. tation of the decisions taken was a matter of deep con- mandals including Ongole. there would be restrictions in A lorry caught fire at couple was present at the Rao and others participated. In the letter, Somireddy by the district administra- cern. He urged the state gov- There would be some Ongole urban and rural, Tadepalligudem fruit market said the corona pandemic tion. ernment to take immediate relaxation for people to buy Markapuram urban and rural, in West Godavari district on was creating devastation in Though about 800 beds action to bring the situation essentials from 6 to 10 am and Chirala, Tripuranthakam, Wednesday. The fire broke out the Nellore district and the with oxygen and ventilator under control and save peo- restrictions would be in vogue Kandukur urban suddenly when workers were corona victims were dying were available at the Nellore ple from the disaster. from 10 am to 4 pm, he said Singarayakonda, Parchuru, doing welding work for the and adding that people would NG Padu, Kanigiri urban and truck which was belonging to be allowed outside from 4 to rural, Addanki urban, the fruit traders association. 6 pm. Restrictions would be Tangutur, Vetapalam, Darsi, The workers who were in place from 6 pm to 6 am Karanchedu and Martur doing welding work escaped Cop turns a Good Samaritan the next day, he said. The areas. However, the Collector unhurt. Firefighters rushed Covid regulations would be did not mention from which to the spot and put out the strictly enforced for 10 days, date the restrictions of partial blaze. Although no one was except for the emergency ser- lockdown would come into injured in the incident, the rescuing aged corona patient vices, the Collector said. force. ten-tyre truck was complete- ly burnt down. PNS n AKIVEEDU

The police proved their FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE humanity and humbleness once again by going for the res- Cricket betting den raided, five held cue of an octogenarian woman, who tested corona PNS n ELURU positive and her son when they were driven out from the The police on Wednesday house by her landlord. arrested five members of a The incident took place at cricket betting gang in Tanuku Akiveedu in West Godavari and seized their bank accounts district on Wednesday. in various places along with cell According to reports, Yekula phones, TV and other goods. Veeramma (80), who was a shed located in the Christian allow Veeramma into her According to Tanuku SI K residing in a rented house at cemetery by vacating the hous- house. Rama Rao, they conducted a Pedapeta in Akiveedu of West es. The SI said it was unfortu- raid on an apartment and Godavari district, was declared Local Sub-Inspector VS nate that such incidents were arrested five persons while Chandrasekhar Reddy of ies in the state. The bank corona positive and doctors Veerahadra Rao, who got the happening though the govern- they were involved in cricket Tirupati, Mahapatra Harish accounts of the accused would advised her to stay indoors for information that the old lady ment was repeatedly giving betting. and Mupidi Kiran Kumar of be seized in Hyderabad, 15 days as home isolation. was in a cemetery, approached publicity that corona should be Workers of the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) staging a protest in The cricket betting was Tanuku and Gorrela Saibaba of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, On knowing information, her and took mother and son hated not the corona patients. front of the Government General Hospital in Nellore on Wednesday, demanding going on in a flat of CRSS Paidiparru village and recov- Palangi, Bhimavaram and the landlord of the house asked to the house in an auto-rick- The local people praised SI implementation of Covid, non-Covid medical services, diagnostic tests, oxygen apartment on the Velpur Road ered four cell phones, a LED Palakollu. The raid was con- her to vacate the house. The shaw and counselled the land- Veerabhadra Rao for playing and ventilator beds, CT scan and can in view of growing corona cases. of Tanuku. television and currency notes ducted under the supervision mother and son took shelter in lord and convinced him to the role of a Good Samaritan. The arrested were including worth Rs. 2500 from them. of West Godavari district SP Bokka Sivakumar of Palangi The SI said the accused Nayana Nayak on the tip-off village, Munisetti were associated with 20 book- from the Special Branch. Woman donates CBI arrests former GST plasma four CELESTIAL WEDDING times, hailed official in assets case PNS n HYDERABAD esagainst Andhra Pradesh Chief PNS n NELLORE Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy The Central Bureau of and others in connection with the A woman from Santapeta in Investigation on Wednesday said alleged quid pro quo investments Nellore became the first it has arrested a former in Jagan's companies and other woman to donate plasma for Superintendent of GST, high-profile cases. the fourth time helping coro- Hyderabad, in an ongoing inves- The CBI had registered a case na patients for plasma ther- tigation into a disproportionate in July 2019 against the accused apy after she conquered the assets case after he did not coop- and his wife on the allegations of deadly Covid. erate during the probe. illicitly enriching themselves to P Yamini, who fought and The accused was produced the tune of Rs 3,74,74,046. won over the corona, donat- before a local court and was During investigation, the ed plasma four times at the remanded in judicial custody till agency said notices were issued Red Cross Blood Bank. May 7, a press release from the under the provisions of Criminal Lord Sri Rama rides on Red Cross District CBI said. Procedure Code. Committee Chairman P The former GST official had But, the accused did not cooper- Chandrasekhar Reddy com- served in the Enforcement ate with the investigation and also mended Yamini for donating Directorate andbeen a part of the did not furnish requisite information Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy offering prayers during Lord Sri Sitarama Kalyanotsavam at Sita Rama Temple on Hanumantha Vahanam plasma for the fourth time teaminvestigatinginto cas- /documents pertaining to the case. the Police parade grounds in Ongole, Prakasam District on Wednesday. PNS n TIRUMALA when people were afraid of even visiting the hospital. The utsava idol of Lord Sri Praising her service to Rama took a celestial ride on mankind, he said she had given Hanumantha Vahanam on life for many patients who Officials prioritise second dose recipients of vax Wednesday evening in were battling with corona. Tirumala. In connection with Congratulating Yamini on PNS n KAKINADA 22,377 workers were looking for a second dose. This led to the Sri Rama Navami festival, behalf of the Red Cross for the second dose till the date. a shortage of vaccines. the procession took place District Committee, The Covid threat looms large Besides, about 6,349 healthcare Meanwhile, District between 7 pm and 9 pm. Chandrasekhar Reddy in East Godavari district as the workers were yet to take the Collector Muralidhar Reddy Bangaru Vakili. The proces- appealed to the people who sanitation workers and govern- first dose, while 7,994 workers on Wednesday held a meeting Additional EO AV Dharma sional deities of Sri defeated the corona to come ment employees were panic need to take the second dose. with District Medical Health Reddy, CVSO Gopinath Jatti, Ramachandra Murthy, Sita forward to save the lives by due to delay in the second dose The second dose should be Officers, Division Medical Temple Dy EO Haridranath, Devi, Lakshmana Swamy and donating plasma to those of vaccination. The district given within 28 days after Officers and other officials devotees and TTD officials Anjaneya Swamy were made who were fighting with officials decided to give prior- being vaccinated for the first and decided to stop the first took part in the procession. to sit opposite Garudalwar Covid. ity to giving the second dose of time. dose of vaccination for some Astanam performed: and Asthanam was performed Red Cross District vaccination first instead of giv- The district has 4,58,648 days and to give the vaccine to Meanwhile, Sri Rama Navami between 10 pm and 11 pm. Sri Treasurer Suresh Kumar Jain, ing to people for the first dose people above the age of 60 and those who needed to be vacci- Asthanam was conducted in Rama Jananam chapter from District Committee mem- in view of drying up stocks. 2,05,478 people with chronic nated with the second dose. Srivari temple at Tirumala on Sri Madramayanam was ren- bers Bayya Prasad, Yadavalli According to the govern- diseases between the ages of 45 Hence, those who came to Wednesday evening. dered by Vedic scholars on this Suresh and Blood Bank ment records, a total number and 60. Those who have taken the hospital for the vaccine for The temple court took place occasion. Later, prasadams Convener Ajay Babu were of 23,948 frontline workers the first dose were running out the first dose were returning at Garudalwar Sannidhi in were distributed. present on the occasion. waiting for the first dose while of time to take the second dose. Hence, these people were rush- ing to the vaccination centres without vaccination. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 nation 05 New Covid-19 vaccine may provide Mamata: Second Covid wave is Modi-made disaster protection against all strains: Study PNS n BALURGHAT Lashing out at Prime Minister PNS n NEW DELHI protect against deadly diseases Narendra Modi, West Bengal like cholera and pertussis. Chief Minister Mamata A new experimental COVID- Factories in many low-to-mid- Banerjee on Wednesday alleged 19 vaccine has shown promis- dle-income countries around that the second COVID-19 ing results in early animal test- the world are making hun- wave in the country and its ing, according to researchers dreds of millions of doses of management is a "Modi-made who say the preventive may those vaccines per year now, disaster". provide protection against for a USD 1 per dose or less," Addressing an election rally existing and future strains of the Zeichner said. at Balurghat in Dakshin novel coronavirus, and cost "It may be possible to adapt Dinajpur district, the TMC about USD 1 per dose. those factories to make this chief asserted that West Bengal The vaccine developed by new vaccine. Since the technol- will be run only by a "Bengal government. We will not allow way in West Bengal, the BJP is researchers, including those ogy is very similar, the cost engine government" and not by Gujarat to capture our state or bringing in people from other from the University of Virginia should be similar too," he "Modi's double-engine". run it from Delhi. Bengal will states and spreading the infec- (UVA) in the US, prevented added. "The second COVID wave is rule Bengal," she said. tion among the people here," pigs from being becoming ill The vaccine takes an unusu- more intense. I would say this The term "double-engine she said. with a pig model coronavirus, al approach in that it targets a is a Modi-made disaster. There government" often used by She said that her administra- porcine epidemic diarrhea virus part of the spike protein of the are no injections or oxygen. BJP leaders denotes the govern- tion is finding it difficult to set (PEDV). virus, the "viral fusion peptide," Vaccines and medicines are ment of the same party at the up safe homes as many govern- PEDV infects pigs, causing cause some cases of the com- existing vaccine-manufactur- Described in the journal that is essentially universal being shipped abroad even as Centre and the state. ment accommodations are diarrhea, vomiting, and high mon cold, the researchers said. ing factories, they said. PNAS, the vaccine-produc- among coronaviruses. there is a scarcity of these The TMC chief also urged being used to house central fever, and has been a large bur- According to the "Our new platform offers a tion platform involves syn- The spike protein helps the items in the country," she told people not to vote for Left- forces. den on pig farmers around the researchers, the vaccine offers new route to rapidly-produce thesising DNA that directs the virus to enter the human cells. the rally. Congress-ISF alliance candi- "We are finding it difficult to world. The new vaccine several advantages that could vaccines at very low cost that production of a piece of the The fusion peptide has not She claimed that this election dates claiming that voting for set up safe homes. approach might one day open overcome major obstacles to can be manufactured in exist- virus which can instruct the been observed to differ at all in is a fight to save West Bengal them will strengthen the BJP's Although we have increased the door to a universal vaccine global vaccination efforts. ing facilities around the world, immune system to mount a the many genetic sequences of and "protect the honour of the hand. the number of beds, I would for coronaviruses, including It would be easy to store and which should be particularly protective immune response SARS-CoV-2 that have been Bengali mother". Banerjee said that the Centre suggest that patients who don't coronaviruses that previously transport, even in remote areas helpful for pandemic against the virus. "Killed obtained from thousands of "Our state will be run by a had said seven months ago that have severe symptoms, please threatened pandemics or per- of the world, and could be pro- response," said Steven L. whole-cell vaccines are cur- patients around the world dur- Bengal engine government and the pandemic has subsided. remain in home isolation," haps even coronaviruses that duced in mass quantities using Zeichner from UVA. rently in widespread use to ing the pandemic. not by Modi's double-engine "Now, with elections under- Banerjee said. INDIA CORNER Pvt hospitals, ‘Atrocious': Jairam Ramesh slams Pondy adds 619 fresh cases; Maha cancels clinics allowed Centre over Covishield pricing Lt Guv asks people to take vax Class 10 exams enior Congress leader Covid treatment Jairam Ramesh on PNS n PUDUCHERRY tion meant to cover those above PNS n MUMBAI SWednesday criticised the PNS n AHMEDABAD Puducherry registered 619 fresh 60 years or those above 45 years Union government over COVID-19 cases on Wednesday with co-morbidities has benefit- Amid a surge in COVID-19 differential pricing of Covishield The Gujarat government has pushing the total caseload to ted 1,09,471 people. cases in Maharashtra, the state vaccine, saying the Centre permitted all private hospitals, 49,593 while the toll climbed to Meanwhile, Lt Governor government has decided to getting it at Rs 150 per dose clinics, nursing homes and 722 as five more people suc- Tamilisai Soundararajan inaugu- cancel Class X board examina- and states at Rs 400 is no dispensaries to treat coron- cumbed to the infection. rated a vaccination festival at a tion, Minister for Primary cooperative federalism. He avirus patients till June 15, an Director of Health and Family privately managed hospital PIMS and Secondary Education demanded the Centre and state official said on Wednesday. Welfare Services S Mohan near here and said people should Varsha Gaikwad said on governments pay the same The decision was taken Kumar said there were 5,404 samples during last twenty four not hesitate to receive vaccina- Tuesday. The decision was price for the COVID-19 vaccine. He said overcharging state governments during a core-committee active cases which included hours. tion to prevent the pandemic. taken at a meeting of the state for the anti-coronavirus shots will bleed dry their already stressed meeting chaired by Chief 1,036 patients taking treatment The Director also said the She said Puducherry was per- cabinet here. In a televised finances. "The Central government will continue to pay Rs 150 per dose Minister Vijay Rupani on in hospitals while the remaining fatality and recovery rates were haps the only state where the vac- message, she said, The (Class for Covishield. State governments will now be charged Rs 400 a dose. Tuesday night in light of the 4368 patients were in home iso- 1.46 percent and 87.65 percent cination programme was being X board) exam is cancelled. decided, Gaikwad said. This is not cooperative federalism. This will bleed dry the already reeling surge in coronavirus cases in lation. respectively. implemented in a coordinated However, to bring parity There is no decision as of state finances. Atrocious," he said on Twitter. "We demand One Nation, the state. "Looking at the He said 43,467 patients recov- Kumar said of the 7.43 lakh manner in association with pri- across various higher sec- now on how marks will begiv- One Price for Centre and State governments," he said. Serum Institute of growing number of novel ered and were discharged so far samples tested so far 6.73 lakh vate medical colleges and hospi- ondary education boards, en to students who will be India (SII), the world's largest vaccine-maker, on Wednesday announced coronavirus cases, the Gujarat from hospitals. samples turned out to be nega- tals under Public Private partner- including of Maharashtra as applying for Class 11 admis- a price of Rs 600 per dose for COVID vaccine supplies to private government has decided to Of the total new cases tive. ship. well as central and internation- sion in various junior colleges. hospitals and Rs 400 per dose to state governments. In a statement permit doctors in private Puducherry region alone On the vaccination drive, he Soundararajan further said a al boards, a meeting (ofstake- "A decision on marking posted on its Twitter handle, SII said it will address the limited capacity hospitals, clinics, dispensaries accounted for 470 cases fol- noted that 30,473 health care day's delay in getting the shot holders) will be called to system will be finalised only by scaling up the vaccine production over the next two months. and nursing homaes to treat lowed by Karaikal 70, Yanam 41 workers and 18,128 front line would mean delaying anti bod- finalise a roadmap."Marks will after discussing the issue with COVID-19 patients till June and Mahe 38. workers have been inoculated so ies and hence no hesitation be given to students based on various stakeholders, Gaikwad 15," an official release stated. The 619 cases were identified far in the Union Territory. should be shown by the people internal assessment, but a said after attending the cab- Fire breaks out at furniture at the end of examination of 5607 The second phase of vaccina- to get the inoculation. process for the same is yet be inet meeting. market in west Delhi fire broke out at Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh ‘Try to implement public policies a furniture Son of Amarket in west to make country self-reliant’ Delhi's Kirti Nagar dies battling COVID-19 businessman area in the early PNS n NEW DELHI hours of Wednesday, officials said. PNS n KOLKATA Shah said he was anguished Vice President M Venkaiah surrenders : However, no one was tolearn about the death of Naidu on Wednesday asked injured in the Noted Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh. bureaucrats to keep reshap- Car crash incident, they added. Ghosh, a Padma Bhushan "He will always be remem- ing India's governance According to fire awardee, died on Wednesday bered for his outstanding structures to reflect consti- PNS n KOLKATA department officials, morning while he was in iso- poems, deeply rooted in the tutional values as well as information lation at his residence after social context. My deepest expectations of the people. The son of Kolkata regarding the blaze testing positive for COVID-19, condolences to his family and In a series of tweets to mark restaurant chain owner was received around 3 am, following which 28 fire engines were rushed his family said. followers. Om Shanti!" he the Civil Services Day, on Tuesday surrendered to the spot. The fire was brought under control around 6 am, they said. Ghosh, 89, was found to be tweeted. Naidu said it is an occasion before a court in the city According to police, five godowns and around 26 adjoining shanties COVID-positive on April 14. CPI(M)'s legislative party for all civil servants to trans- after the Supreme Court were damaged in the fire. He was in home isolation on leader Sujan Chakraborty said form governance and con- junked his plea seeking the advice of doctors and was that Bengal lost its soul with stantly try to implement bail in a 2019 car crash stable, his family said. the death of Ghosh. public policies that will case that left two K'taka govt sets up war room However, his condition Born in 1932 to grammar- make the country Bangladeshi nationals deteriorated suddenly late on Jnanpith Award in 2016. ian Manindra Kumar Ghosh at "atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) dead. The trial court to monitor supply of oxygen Tuesday night, following He received the Sahitya Chandpur in present-day as well as regain its rightful remanded the accused ith complaints pouring in which he was given oxygen Akademi Award in 1977 for Bangladesh, he graduated in place in the comity of the coronavirus pandemic. Raghib Parwez to judi- regarding shortage and support, they said. his book 'Babarer Prarthana'. Bengali from Presidency nations. The central government cial custody till May 5. Wblackmarketing of oxygen He died around 8.30 am, Condoling the death, Prime College and completed MA On this day in 1947, Sardar observes April 21 every year On August 17, 2019, a and Remdesivir, the Karnataka they added. Minister Narendra Modi said from Calcutta University. Vallabhbhai Patel had aptly as 'Civil Services day' as an speeding Jaguar jumped government on Wednesday Ghosh, who suffered from Ghosh will be remembered for He started his teaching c described civil servants as occasion for civil servants to a traffic signal and hit a announced setting up a 'War several comorbidities, was his contributions to Bengali reer at Bangabashi College in the 'steel frame of India', he rededicate themselves to the Mercedes, before crash- Room'. "In order to ensure hospitalised a few months ago and Indian literature. 1955, and after a few stints in recalled. cause of citizen and renew ing into three persons timely & sufficient supply of due to deterioration of his "His works were widely read some other institutes, he "On this Civil Services Day, their commitments to pub- standing under a police Oxygen and #Remdesivir a 24x7 health condition. and admired. Saddened by joined the Jadavpur University. I express my heartfelt grat- lic service and excellence in control booth in war room has been established Considered to be having his demise. Condolences to his He retired from JU in 1992. itude, along with my fellow work. Kolkata, killing two with staff working round the authority on Rabindranath family and friends. Om Ghosh, whose literary citizens, to numerous civil On this day in 1947, India's Bangladeshis. clock in 3 shifts," state Health Minister K Sudhakar tweeted. Passing Tagore, Ghosh is known for Shanti," he tweeted. career spanned over five servants who have left an first Home minister The accused initially an order to thi s effect, the Drug Controller of Karnataka appointed 26 'Adim Lata - Gulmomay' and Chief Minister Mamata decades, was considered one indelible impress on the Vallabhbhai Patel had took shelter in his rela- government employees and officers to manage the war room. The 'Murkha Baro Samajik Nay', Banerjee said she was shattered of the most influential mod- governance of our country," addressed the probationers tive'shouse on the out- government also set up a new 6 Kilo Litre capacity Medical Oxygen among other books. after coming to know about ern-day Bengali poets. he said. of Administrative Services skirt of Kolkata and plant at the Chamarajanagar District Hospital. Sharing the information Ghosh was awarded the Ghosh's death with whom she Originally Chittopriyo Ghosh, The vice president hailed the Officers at the Metcalf from there he fled to on Twitter, Sudhakar said the oxygen plant will be operational very Padma Bhushan in 2011 and shared a close rapport. he took the pen name of yeoman service civil ser- House here. Dubai. soon. There had been an acute shortage of Remdesivir and oxygen in conferred the prestigious Union Home Minister Amit Shankha Ghosh. vants are rendering during the state ever since the surge in COVID cases was noticed. T Maha: Indrani Mukerjea, 39 FEED SHOCK INCREASING CORONA CASES other inmates corona +eve Farmer complains to cops Film producers scramble in Maha heena Bora murder case accused Indrani Mukerjea hens stop laying eggs PNS n MUMBAI the infection, and fears of a lock- rer "Adipurush", which was tak- Sand 39 other inmates of down grew, so did uncertainty ing place in Mumbai with min- the Byculla prison here have PNS n PUNE the same issue, following With COVID-19 continuing its about what the future holds. imum cast and crew, is now on tested positive for coronavirus which he submitted a com- relentless surge and the Producer Bhushan Kumar's hold due to the virtual lockdown and shifted to a quarantine A poultry farmer from plaint to us," said Rajendra Maharashtra government tight- “Ek Villain Returns” is one of the in the state. centre, an official said on Maharashtra's Pune district Mokashi, senior police inspec- ening restrictions, film and TV biggies to be affected. The shoot In television, where producers Wednesday. These 40 inmates has approached the police tor, Loni Kalbhor police sta- producers are scouting for loca- has been moved to Goa but have to come up with daily were found positive for claiming that hens at his farm tion. tions outside the state in a desper- Kumar said there is no decision episodes, they have gone to sec- coronavirus after they were have stopped laying eggs after The complainant stated he ate bid to complete long-stalled yet on their other films. ond-tier cities after Mumbai shut subjected to Rapid Antigen consuming the feed manufac- had purchased the poultry movie projects and build up “The sudden surge in Covid down production. Test (RAT), he said. "Most of the 40 inmates are asymptomatic. They tured by a particular firm, an feed from a company based in episode banks. cases is definitely something to Goa, a convenient flight away, were shifted to the isolation centre of the prison at Patankar School in official said on Wednesday. the neighbouring Ahmed The pandemic last year had worry about. We stand by the seems to be a favourite. Byculla in Central Mumbai as a precautionary measure," he said. No FIR is registered as the nagar district of the state. slammed the brakes on the decision to not shoot in the city. Star Plus shows such as "Yeh The RAT was performed on Sunday as one of the women prisoners was concerned manufacturer has "He mentioned in the appli- Mumbai-headquartered enter- To meet the shoot deadlines we Hai Chahatein", "Ghum Hai found infected and shifted to the COVID centre at St George Hospital in agreed to pay the compensa- cation that after consuming tainment industry that provides have found the perfect location Kisikey Pyaar Meiin" and "Aapki South Mumbai, the official said. Subsequently, RAT was conducted on tion to owners of three to four that feed, hens at his farm employment to lakhs of people. in Goa to shoot ‘Ek Villain Nazron Ne Samjha" are current- 350 women prisoners, 225 men inmates and 60 staff of the jail, out of poultry farms who also faced have stopped laying eggs," And just as shooting schedules leading the tally of cases. Returns'. The shoot has begun ly being shot in the coastal state. whom 40 women tested positive for coronavirus. Mukerjea has been this issue. Mokashi said. He said the were picking up pace and dates As the state government there and we are abiding by the Zee TV has also shifted the lodged at the Byculla prison since her arrest in the murder case in "The complainant is a poul- police consulted the block getting finalised for films await- clamped down further on move- protocols laid down by the gov- shoot of its popular shows August 2015. The prosecution's case is that Mukerjea, along with her try farm owner. He and at level animal husbandry officer ing theatrical releases came the ment, following its announce- ernment. We will soon take a call "Kundali Bhagya", "Apna Time former husbands Sanjeev Khanna and Peter Mukerjea, had killed Sheena least four other poultry farm in Ahmednagar over this second Covid wave more power- ment that all shootings stand sus- on the other films,” Kumar told Bhi Ayega" and "Qurbaan Hua" Bora, who was born of her previous relationship, in the year 2012. owners in his area also faced issue. ful than the first with Maharashtra pended to curtail the spread of PTI. The shoot of Prabhas-star- to Goa. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 06

www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION More trouble Training to grow As the number of COVID-19 infections soars, a triple mutant variant has emerged in Bengal JS RAJPUT he humankind is facing an unprecedented crisis as the enemy is mightier than us learning horizons — it frequently changes form and gets increasingly virulent — and arguably can Trender all our defences, including medicines and vaccines, ineffective. The Coronavirus is an RNA virus and all viruses have an inherent capacity to mutate. Basically, they mutate The National Education Policy-2020 rightly accords importance to to stay on; but not all mutations are worrying for humans, save for the lethal ones. The main concern of the scientific community right now is the efficacy of the extant vac- mentoring as it can offer wide-ranging support to learners cines against the mutants and possible future variants. There is no way to stop the virus read with considerable inter- from mutating but the spectrum of vaccine effectiveness can be broadened keeping the est the Delhi Government’s possible mutations in mind. But as these changes in genes or protein sequencing can- decision to launch “mentor- not be predicted accurately, it’s next to impossible ing” of 1,000 girl students by 250I select senior-level students to to gauge the future form of a current strain and there- help them move towards careers fore to develop an effective vaccine. Even as India in STEM — science, technology, struggles with a double mutant Coronavirus, there engineering and maths. are reports that a new strain — a triple mutant vari- Obviously, the move is linked to the importance that mentoring ant — has been detected and is circulating predom- finds in the National Education inately in West Bengal, the State where three more Policy (NEP-2020): “A National phases of Assembly elections are due and which had Mission shall be established, with for long become the favourite hunting ground of politi- a large pool of outstanding/retired faculty — including those with cians of all hues, none of whom cared for COVID- the ability to teach in the Indian appropriate behaviour either for themselves or the languages — that would be will- electorate. Is there any end to these mutations, or ing to provide short-term men- will these keep haunting us forever? toring/professional support to the university/college teachers.” The There are worrying reports that even fully inoculated people have contracted the policy proposal should have far- virus. Probably, they either didn’t adhere to COVID-appropriate norms during the inter- reaching and much wider impli- val between the doses, their bodies failed to produce antibodies despite getting vac- cations than those indicated in cinated or the vaccine turned out to be ineffective (improper storage might be a cause). the initiative mentioned above. Mentoring, articulated compre- thinking individual. The experienced, empathetic, ty. It was always readily forth- But if it is actually due to a new strain against which the existing vaccines are not hensively, can offer tremendous process of growing up understanding and ready to be coming as they were not busy working, the scientists and pharmaceutical giants need to put their heads together support to institutional function- deserves to be dynamically a partner in the process of dis- with coaching or teaching in and find a solution. But scientific studies are data-based and not merely assump- ing, quality enhancement, stress oriented accordingly. Apart covery. Everyone learns from private institutes, which is tive, while India has a huge sample size with a lot of variations. The onus is on the reduction in the learning envi- from the acquisition of life and someone else: Mostly it would now the order of the day. An ronment and critical thinking. productive skills, the system- be from parents, friends, an example: The head of a univer- Government to encourage and adequately fund such studies that will help the sci- At present, the inadequacy atic process of learning must acquaintance or an icon. sity department once asked a entific community in developing new vaccines. Another problem scientists across of professionally equipped man- enable every individual to Formal education/schooling brilliant young lecturer how he the world, and particularly in India, might face is if a person infected with a mutant power is a major bottleneck lead a peaceful, harmonious can cater only to a part of liked the teaching experience. strain shows symptoms similar to those of the precursor variant. In such a scenario, practically at every stage of and sublime life. This is best growing up, that too if the sys- The young man replied: “I am the existing vaccines will be futile and the variant will not be easily detected as only education. It is the initial stage expressed in the essence of tem is working with full effi- worried. Shall I be repeating of teaching and learning that “Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram” cacy. Think of Eklavya! He had the stuff for the next three-four “genome sequencing” can give exact information about the strain afflicting a per- alone prepares a solid founda- (Truth, Beauty and a virtual mentor, who was his decades?” The senior son. In a poor country like India, genome sequencing — which costs tens of thou- tion for quality research, inno- Goodness)! And what good is THE TIMES AHEAD icon. In the current times, answered: “Oh! You are teach- sands of rupees — is not an option for the majority. With a clutch of life-and-death vations and entrepreneurship. If life if society and its institu- WOULD DEMAND every school could identify ing only physics? I help my stu- questions hovering all around us, these future possibilities are needed to be worked children get necessary person- tions permit growing up with- persons from the community dents grow up. In that, there is al-level guidance and help at this out internalisation of these MULTIDISCIPLINARY with experience, skills and no repetition!” upon in a “vision and mission” mode. Till we hit upon the correct answers, there is stage, it would be a huge help in ingredients. It must be accept- AND HOLISTIC readiness to support the young Life is getting more com- no option to wearing masks, sanitising hands and waiting in a queue for the jab while future. Learning is no more con- ed that our education systems ones in their learning needs. plex and competitive by the observing physical distancing. fined to classrooms, textbooks work under the conditions of EDUCATION THAT This would also require decen- day. The generations ahead and the hallowed premises of deficiency of every kind. Sadly WOULD PREPARE tralisation of authority. The shall endure a much faster schools and institutes of high- enough, it includes financial head teacher must be autho- pace of change; the education- PICTALK er learning. In times of swiftly resources and availability of THE LEARNERS rised to seek such support al institutions therefore must increasing availability of digital competent teachers in the based on her/his judgment and seek support from suitably learning support systems, edu- right proportion. In a world FOR MAKING AN the availability of right persons. equipped persons with a vision cational institutions must moving towards knowledge EFFECTIVE In the 1960s-1970s, teach- for future generations. The broaden their horizons and be economy and knowledge soci- ing in universities never suf- mentoring force needs to be prepared to take help from out- ety, no forward-looking nation CONTRIBUTION IN fered due to academic vacan- confined to retired and willing side the formal systems. The can afford dilution of quality CREATING A WORLD cies as the department heads teachers only as the process times ahead would demand in education, which India is were authorised to fill up even requires comprehension of multidisciplinary and holistic suffering from at present. One OF PEACE. JRD TATA short vacancies from amongst the issues of the young on a education that would prepare could get a realistic assessment ONCE TOLD the research scholars available much larger span. One expects the learners for making effective by visiting just a couple of within the department, or that the importance accorded contribution in creating a world sarkari schools and colleges, or YOUNGSTERS: ‘AIM from outside. The senior fac- to mentoring in the NEP- of peace. JRD Tata once told a State-maintained university. ulty would help them in every 2020 shall bring about a real youngsters: “Aim for perfection; Mentoring can be of help FOR PERFECTION; possible manner; an example positive change in the learning you will achieve excellence.” to everyone at every stage of YOU WILL ACHIEVE of perfect mentoring could be environment at every stage. This is what education and life. It contributes most promi- seen in practically every uni- (The writer works in learning are all about. The pur- nently in the initial stages, and EXCELLENCE.’ versity department. On appro- education and social cohesion. suit of excellence ought to be the it has a lasting impact. It must priate occasions, help was also The views expressed are goal of every informed and come from someone wiser, sought from the retired facul- personal.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOUNDBITE Alitalia workers in Rome to discuss with the Government the relaunch of the Italian carrier PTI The Tamil Nadu CENTRE, STATES SHOULD WORK TOGETHER Government should Sir — This refers to the editorial ‘Bitter The raging pandemic take steps on war homecoming’ (April 21). The unorganised footing to procure Influencers go blank sector workers have been hit the worst by pandemic. Existing healthcare facilities are necessary drugs and the pandemic. Insecurity, anxiety, the fear unable to cope with the surge in hospitalisation oxygen and prevent In spite of holding sway over millions of followers, of losing their loved ones have created con- of the infected patients. What makes headlines COVID-19 vaccine wastage. fusion and fear in the minds of migrant is their inadequacy to provide the needed care many stars ain’t promoting anti-virus precautions workers. However, the exodus from the to those struggling for life. DMK president Capital and other cities is not on such a A pandemic is characterised by peaks and — MK Stalin he entire country is in the stranglehold of the COVID-19 virus and several of its pesky large scale as last year and may be termed troughs. During the trough period, the strains and double and triple mutant variants. The citizenry is unsure of how the negligible compared to when the lockdown Government didn’t take steps to scale up the The success of our future would unravel on various counts — longevity, health, loved ones, business was first enforced last year. This time, the healthcare facilities in anticipation of a possible vaccination T curbs are imposed locally by certain resurgence of the virus. The avoidable loss of programme has and employment opportunities, economy, curtailed movement, et al. Suddenly, thousands s the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, States whereas in 2020, the entire nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed lives for want of hospital beds, medical oxygen demonstrated what of real and self-proclaimed “doctors” and “experts” have the UK can achieve was put under lockdown by the Centre. Ato the States to focus on micro-containment and drugs is really tragic. How sad the situation descended upon us to enlighten us with their profound This time, everyone including the has become can be gauged from the visuals of when we bring strategy and resort to lockdown only as the last together our brightest minds. knowledge and wisdom. Then there are crores of oth- labourers have an idea on how to deal with measure. Lowering the age bracket to 18 years non-stop cremations and burials. COVID-19, unlike last year when nobody for the jab is a welcome step that will help get As many as 22 patients on ventilator sup- ers who, without the necessary insight but still resolute was aware of the perils or the precautions. port at a Nashik hospital have lost their lives due British Prime Minister to serve humanity in their own humble fashion, feel con- maximum people inoculated and in developing — Boris Johnson That said, the respective Governments herd immunity. However, the decision to allow to the interruption in oxygen supply caused by tented playing the mailman especially with regard to haven’t done anything substantial to con- the manufacturers to set the vaccine price them- a leakage in the oxygen tanker. Coronavirus is All that exists is the effusive outflows from the know-all “University of trol this migration. It simply means that selves for use by the States and in the open mar- not going away anytime soon. It is spreading nature. Nature loves no lessons have been learnt since last year ket will introduce the element of profit-making faster in India than anywhere else in the world. WhatsApp and Twitter”. What’s a little unsettling to some all equally. We and that the Centre and the States still lack at such a crucial time. We are left to combat it by following COVID- of us armchair ‘look-tterati’, however, is the calm with arrogantly call Earth coordination. Even as the vaccination is going on, other appropriate behaviour, ramping up testing and which the sultans of the netherworld of social media In 2020, the Centre and the States tracing, increasing the pace of vaccination and ‘Our Planet'. It does measures are needed to bring the pandemic not belong to us. platforms have greeted the pernicious virus or exhort- woke up late; hopefully, they will do bet- under control. Wearing masks and maintaining improving healthcare facilities. Tamil Nadu Filmmaker ed their billions of followers to stay composed, follow ter this time. The key is perfect coordina- physical distancing are necessary to contain the G David Milton | tion without animosity and bitterness. — Shekhar Kapur COVID-appropriate behaviour with sincerity and get vac- Things are likely to turn worse in the com- standable but a fiat from the Bench is hard- ly unprepared to meet the challenge. The cinated as soon as their turn comes. ing days and the interests of the migrants ly the best way to go about tackling a pan- Government failed to control mass gath- The Argentina tour What makes their current conduct especially surprising is that most of these celebri- must be taken care of. The situation won’t demic. The Government correctly held erings, as seen in the Haridwar Maha was an important ties stay on social media as fish in water. You can expect them to write on any subject improve without coordinated efforts. that a lockdown could cause destruction Kumbh. Its intervention came too late as experience for all of Ganapathi Bhat | Akola of livelihoods and accentuate economic the damage had already been inflicted. us. We were yearning under the sun, even outside their field of speciality, and one doesn’t think that more distress. However, there are glaring gaps The BJP restricted the audience strength for proper match than a handful of their followers would ever have been disappointed. But in the current WELCOME DECISION BY THE SC in the State’s health infrastructure. Fixing at its public meetings in West Bengal only practice while building all-hands-on-deck situation, where even a miniscule effort makes a huge difference in Sir — The Supreme Court has rightly that is a long haul and will require sus- after the Left, Congress and the TMC had up towards the Olympics. stayed the Allahabad High Court’s direc- saving innocent lives, these super stars are ostensibly numb to the life-and-death issue tained investment and political focus on announced such steps. Congress leader Indian hockey player tive to impose a week-long lockdown in public health. That’s why the State Rahul Gandhi needs to be commended for — Nilakanta Sharma at hand. Since around April 1, from among social media’s regular despatchers, the names five districts of UP following what it Government may have got relief from the his vision and determination as he can- of only industrialist Anand Mahindra (April 14, April 19) and Priyanka Chopra (April 20) deemed a failure of the system to deal with apex court but it will do well to carefully celled his campaign midway. Besides, come to mind off the cuff, advising people to follow the health norms. Actors Amitabh the spike in COVID-19 cases. The situa- remember the HC’s concerns. had the Centre allowed vaccination for all The country, from Bachchan (April 1) and Salman Khan (March 24) simply informed the world that they tion in UP, no doubt, is grave and all sys- N Sadhasiva Reddy | Bengaluru adults earlier, many more lives could have being a vaccine leader, tems have been strained. But a lockdown been saved. It is a pity that the ruling BJP has been reduced to a have taken their anti-COVID vaccine while cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar confirmed (March is a call best left to the political executive GOVT FAILED TO CONTROL PANDEMIC refuses to learn lessons from history. vaccine beggar. Rather 27) that he had tested positive for the virus. Certain other online gladiators, such as since its economic and social implications Sir — It seems that the Prime Minister has That’s why India is currently in a mess. than testing patients, Karan Johar, were so busy promoting their web series or other filmography that a neg- are far-reaching. Moreover, managing a prioritised politics over people’s lives. Bhagwan Thadani | Mumbai the Government is testing people's patience. ligible development like Corona assuming more virulent strains escaped their attention. lockdown is based on district-level inputs When the virus reared its ugly head and the health infrastructure available. again, both the political leadership and the Send your feedback to: Congress leader A question for you: Are they really worth loving or emulating? The High Court’s anguish is under- health administration were caught woeful- [email protected] — Ajay Maken VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 07 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ FIRSTCOLUMN Maha mess due to blocked PLAN FOR GOLDEN SUNSET YEARS Vohra report annexures PRASHANT TEWARI The quality of post-retirement life depends on the pre-retirement decisions taken by an individual An open discussion on the NN Vohra Committee report in Parliament will reveal the kingpins of the corruption syndicate any influential leaders in Maharashtra and Gujarat during the 1990s had alleged- Mly developed ties with underworld don HIMA BINDU KOTA Dawood Ibrahim and his henchman Iqbal Mirchi. This assertion was officially put down on paper any individuals do not give adequate attention to prop- when the NN Vohra Committee submitted its 100- er retirement planning, which leaves them with either no page report to the Ministry of Home Affairs Mfunds post-retirement or with a very less amount that (MHA) on October 5, 1993, soon after it was is insufficient to meet their daily needs and give them a respectable established in the aftermath of the Mumbai bomb life in their sunset years. On the contrary, some people plan care- blasts. The report that was made public in August 1995 in Parliament, was limited to just 11 fully and start saving in a retirement fund on a regular basis. Also, pages. The rest of the pages that were never made there are people who save, though not enough and their sav- public are as relevant today as they were on the ings are eroded due to various conditions. Due to improvements day they were brought into existence. in the healthcare system, an individual can live upto 15-20 years The report had stated that there was a “defi- after retirement. Nevertheless, several studies show that peo- nite” nexus between Dawood and a very big ple nearing their retirement are not suitably prepared for it. Congress leader of Maharashtra and had named It is a general belief that the quality of life post-retirement a former Chief Minister (CM). Another input that is a part of the annexures of the report, showed depends on the decisions taken by an individual pre-retirement. how two tranches of `5 crore each were given by Gone are the days when a Government job meant security in Dawood in 1992 to a relative of a CM who later the form of a lifelong pension after one’s retirement. Now, pen- became a politician, too. A former top Intelligence sion for Government employees is directly proportional to their Bureau (IB) officer said: “Gujarat-based leaders contributions to the Provident Fund (PF) account. It is general- were prominently mentioned in the annexures. If ly considered that a decent retirement income is between 70- the Home Minister decides to summon these 110 per cent of the current income. annexures — if he has not seen them till now — he will find familiar names in them. Every leader for the first time that an official mainly confined to “normal smug- level where the agencies of the State comes and makes statements on Dawood and report clearly brought out that gling without any links to terrorist and the Central enforcement agen- Mirchi. The real test of intent is whether they have crime syndicates had developed sig- elements.” The current strength of cies like Customs and excise and the the guts to take action on the basis of the find- nificant muscle and money power the agency’s offices abroad would Income-Tax Department would be ings of the Vohra Committee report that are and they were virtually running a not permit to enlarge its field of required to take effective action. encompassed in the annexures.” THE MODI parallel Government and pushing activities. If, however, there is evi- In case where a crime syndicate The recent events in Maharashtra have estab- GOVERNMENT the State apparatus into irrele- dence to suggest that these organ- has graduated to big business, it lished the fact that the country has learnt noth- HAS THE vance. This is a frightening admis- isations have links with Intelligence would be necessary to conduct ing from criminalisation of the system even when ADVANTAGE sion to make for an official commit- agencies of other countries, partic- detailed investigations into its assets, the report warned of the consequences of polit- OF BEING A tee. But it does not state how the sit- ularly Pakistan, and that they are both movable and immovable. ical, bureaucratic, criminal syndication so long ago. MAJORITY uation has to be dealt with and how being used or are likely to be used Law and order being a State All the subsequent Governments have convenient- GOVERNMENT, criminalisation of politics and by such countries for destabilising subject, the central agencies have ly ignored the decay and left the citizens helpless. SO THE Government can be overcome and our economy, it would become the their task cut out. On the basis of The recent happenings in Maharashtra, where the COMPULSION eliminated. All that it suggests is the R&AWs responsibility to monitor the extensive experience gained by Home Minister, Police Commissioner and cops setting up of a nodal agency which their activities. our Intelligence, investigative and are accused of extortion and daring to threaten OF COALITION will provide one place where the ‘Crime Syndicate’, a r e p o r t o n enforcement agencies, it is apparent India’s most famous industrialist, is an eye- POLITICS IS NOT Intelligence relating to the activities the nexus between the Mumbai that mafia organisations have estab- However, this is an area where most people fall short. Only opener for all. This leads to the big question of THERE TO of crime syndicates can be gathered police and the Mumbai under- lished themselves in various parts a small proportion of individuals are able to amass assets twice what is left for the common man on the street to PREVENT by different agencies. world was prepared by the CBI in of the country and developed sig- the value of their current income. And this is the cause of con- safeguard from such people? IT FROM Sadly, the Maharashtra 1986. It would be useful to institute nificant muscle and money power. cern as the inflationary burden and rising healthcare costs eat The Vohra Committee report and after: The TAKING Government is run and controlled a fresh study by the CBI, on the They have established linkages with into retirement savings. More often than not, the human tenden- report highlighted the manifold dimensions of the HARSH by the mafia. Even the Vohra basis of what has happened in Government functionaries, politi- cy of procrastination translates into savings that are too little, malaise of criminalisation of politics. The demand AND DECISIVE Committee report tabled in Maharashtra recently. cal leaders and others to be able to ACTION ON too late. Researches have shown that factors like income and for money for party funds to contest elections Parliament focused on the Memon The CBI has reported that all operate with impunity. And various paved the way for political corruption and the SYNDICATED brothers and Dawood Ibrahim’s over India, crimes syndicates have State Governments tend to take gender have an impact on retirement planning. The higher an scourge of black money. Political corruption acts CRIME powerful network and their syner- become a law unto themselves. advantage of the constitutional pro- individual’s income more is the likelihood of saving for retire- as the foster mother of administrative corruption gies with then ruling establish- Even in the smaller towns and rural prietary to patronise the syndicat- ment. Similarly, men have been known to actively engage in sav- as graft has the tendency to percolate and ments. This could not have hap- areas, musclemen have become the ed corruption. ing and investment planning as compared to women. become ubiquitous. When an outcry was raised pened without these elements hav- order of the day. Hired assassins It is a shame for a mature Financial planning is a determinant of financial literacy — by some public men about the menace of corrup- ing been protected by the func- have become a part of these organ- democracy to have political leaders having a wide knowledge about financial instruments and relat- tion and its immensity, they were sought to be tionaries of the Government depart- isations. The nexus between the and police officers who resort to silenced on the ground that corruption prevails ed issues and clarity about the retirement goals. These findings ments concerned, especially criminal gangs, police, bureaucra- extortion and State Governments in all countries. The fact that the extent of cor- Customs, the Income-Tax cy and politicians has come out that shield the culprits in courts to can be applied to customise retirement investment plans to suit ruption in our country was much larger was sim- Department, the police force and clearly in various parts of the coun- meet their political objectives. individual needs based on age, gender, financial literacy and the ply brushed under the carpet. As things stand others. try. Unless the high and mighty are expectations about post-retirement life. As it is evident, “one- today, corruption has befouled the entire politi- Accordingly, R&AW monitors The Yogi Adityanath exposed and shamed, this menace size-fits-all” type of programmes will be failures as they do not cal and administrative apparatus of the country. the activities of certain organisa- Government in Uttar Pradesh (UP) is unlikely to vanish from the sys- provide any tailored solutions based on personality traits, finan- The committee’s report on the criminalisation tions abroad only insofar as they and the Nitish Kumar Government tem. The Modi Government has the cial and investment knowledge and unique retirement goals. of politics in India has been variously described relate to their involvement with in Bihar have used the might of the advantage of being a majority as “a damp squib”, because it did not reveal any narco-terrorist elements and smug- State to control the mess left behind Government, so the compulsion of Retirement investment plans would be quite different for young The writer is Editor, specific names of politicians but only stated in a Opinion Express. The gling of arms, ammunition and by the Mulayam-Mayawati combi- coalition politics is not there to pre- investors with a long-term future perspective as compared to general manner what was already widely known views expressed explosives into the country. It does nation in UP and Lalu in Bihar. It vent it from taking harsh and deci- middle-aged investors with a shorter investment horizon. and talked about for several years. At the same are personal. not monitor the activities of crim- has been suggested that the menace sive action on syndicated crime. It Retirement planning is much more than just ensuring finan- time, it let the “cat out of the bag” because it was inal elements abroad which are has first to be tackled at the local is time for it to do so. cial security. It also promotes a sense of satisfaction and helps a person adjust with retired life in a positive way. It also reduces anxiety levels and encourages people to retire early. Even though POINTCOUNTERPOINT the benefits of retirement planning are numerous, there is still a lack of precise motivation to secure financial and non-financial EVEN TODAY THEY’RE BUSY CAMPAIGNING. PEOPLE PRIME MINISTER MODI ADDRESSED THE NATION...BUT well-being by the people. The factors that predict human behav- iour skewing towards retirement planning can help organisations ARE CRYING FOR HELP, SEEKING OXYGEN, BEDS, AND SADLY WHEN THERE OUGHT TO BE NO POLITICS, THE identify people who are at risk and develop effective and cus- YOU’RE GOING TO RALLIES AND LAUGHING! CONGRESS PARTY IS INDULGING IN POLITICS. tomised methods to motivate them to start retirement planning. —CONGRESS LEADER —BJP SPOKESPERSON After all, retirement is the biggest coffee-break. PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA SAMBIT PATRA (The writer is Associate Professor at Amity University, Noida. The views expressed are personal.) Innovation is key to climate-proofing infrastructure Building capacity by leveraging system, technological and financing innovations can better protect the public and critical economic assets nfrastructure is intrinsic to twined through the cyber weak or redundant policies and across the world, with need- infrastructure financing by devel- Founder-Member of Mission every aspect of our lives. domain. Climate-proofing crit- non-scientific assumptions are based adaptations for local vari- oping economies like Peru, Chile, Innovation and launched the IHowever, we tend to consid- ical and expensive infrastructur- among the biggest challenges to ables such as geographic features, Columbia and Mexico, are CDRI at the 2019 UN Climate er it only as discrete assets such al assets needs two urgent building DRI/CRI. This is espe- national priorities, and econom- focused on risk transfer and Action Summit. At home, the as roads and buildings, as actions. First, countries must cially the case in developing ic and operational capacities. risk retention for high frequen- landmark Science, Technology, opposed to collective sets of sys- invest in innovation driven by nations, which are also the most The Coalition for Disaster cy/high impact events. These and Innovation Policy and tems and services that must emerging technologies to lower vulnerable to climate risk. Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) bonds are expensive-sometimes national missions like Start-up function in continuous syn- cost, increase resilience, and Integrating progressive adminis- should partner with its financing costing twice the pay-outs and do India aim to develop scientific ABINASH SHUVA chrony to provide us with food, MOHANTY RAHA improve infrastructure manage- trative frameworks that cater counterparts like the Coalition of not cater to low frequency/low temperament and creativity, and water, accommodation, energy, ment. Second, they must stan- specifically to resilient infra- Climate Resilient Investment impact events, which need foster a spirit of “infra-preneur- transportation, telecommunica- dardise innovations so that they structural systems with nation- (CCRI) and the World Bank to affordable, accessible and ship.” tions, governance, and security. can be deployed at scale across al economic and infrastructure institute a Unified Innovation localised financing. This renewed focus on inno- Disruptions to these infrastruc- geographies with minimal cus- policies, and improving State risks such as extreme climate CRI Index (UI-CRI Index) com- Financial innovations that vation provides the perfect back- tural systems can have devastat- tomisation and cost differences. capacity to predict and respond events, heat and water stresses, prising a uniform set of parame- integrate physical climate risks drop for greater research and ing consequences. A recent glac- System, technological, and to adverse climate events, will crop loss, vector-borne diseases ters to transparently measure (PCRs) into investment decision- investment in disaster and cli- ier burst took dozens of lives and financing innovations for disas- lead to concerted responses by and biodiversity collapse. innovations on a standardised making will help reduce the cost mate resilience in India, which is damaged two hydropower pro- ter-resilient infrastructure (DRI), Governments and communi- High-tech DRI/CRI innova- scale. With the support of the of financing and increase the estimated to have suffered loss- jects in Uttarakhand, while a rare including climate-resilient infra- ties. System innovations could tions are leveraging rapidly- Sendai Framework for Disaster deployment of such instruments. es of almost $80 billion due to Polar vortex in Texas took large structure (CRI) are gaining trac- enhance the monitoring and evolving new technologies such Risk Reduction 2015-2030, such Tailor-made Public-Private extreme climate events in the last swathes of the energy grids tion. Several countries have evaluation of global, national and as big data, augmented-reality, an index could rapidly democra- Partnership (PPP) models to two decades. Investing in offline for days, stranding citizens ongoing programmes in tradi- sub-national policies and actions. remote imaging, drones and tise DRI/CRI innovations and finance DRI/CRI projects could DRI/CRI and related services without electricity, water and Mohanty is programme tional R&D centres as well as in The Council on Energy, unmanned aerial vehicles, nan- encourage private sector partic- offer effective risk transfer mech- and building capacity by leverag- heat. lead and Raha, head, start-ups owned by digital-savvy Environment and Water otechnology, Internet of Things ipation and financing. anisms through sovereign guar- ing system, technological and Not only our banks, airports New Initiatives, “infra-preneurs” leveraging cut- (CEEW) and its partners are (IoT) and Industry 4.0. They Developing innovative risk antees while providing access to financing innovations can better and transport infrastructure are the Council on Energy, ting-edge technologies. developing a Climate Risk Atlas should be standardised to glob- financing instruments for a global investment pool. protect not just the public, but Environment and Water. networked but increasingly ener- The views expressed System innovations can help for India at a 25-km granular res- al norms to allow efficient inte- DRI/CRI is another pressing On the global stage, India also the economic assets critical gy, education, security, health and are personal. better predict and prepare for olution to better identify, assess grations with existing and forth- need. Current options such as has proactively embraced multi- to national growth and develop- protective assets are also inter- adverse climate events. Missing, and project chronic and acute coming infrastructural systems catastrophe bonds used for lateral co-innovation as a ment. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 Money 08 Oxygen reallocation to impact Asian shares slide as virus small business in some sectors PNS n MUMBAI

Reallocating oxygen for med- casts shadow over recovery ical purposes to take care of the rising COVID cases will have PNS n BANGKOK Apple fell 1.3% as part of a an adverse impact on small broad slide in technology businesses in some sectors, Shares skidded in Asia on companies. Banks also domestic rating agency Crisil Wednesday after Wall Street accounted for a big share of said on Wednesday. closed lower for a second the selling, which came as It said the "hiccup" seems straight day, led by drops in bond yields fell, reversing temporary for now, and it is technology companies and course after moving higher on unlikely to impact the credit banks. Monday. quality of the affected business- Worsening coronavirus out- Investors have turned es. breaks in Asia have cast a defensive, favoring utilities, The impact will be greater shadow over prospects for a real estate stocks and a mix of for companies in Maharashtra, rebound from the pandemic. companies that make con- New Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya revenues of small and mid- and merchant sales. On-site is Tokyo's Nikkei 225 fell more sumer staples like food and Pradesh and Gujarat, where sized companies into metal through captive plants for than 2% and other bench- household products. General medical oxygen demand has fabrication, automotive com- process-driven industries marks also declined. Mills rose 1.6% and Clorox increased multiple times due to ponents, shipbreaking, paper, (including the nine sectors On Tuesday, the S&P added 3%. The market has high COVID-19 caseloads, the and engineering," its director exempted by the government), 500 gave back 0.7%, pulling the been swaying between gains agency added. Gautam Shahi said. which account for 75-80 per index further below the record and record highs to pullbacks The central government has These sectors typically do cent of oxygen manufactured high it set on Friday. Small- as investors weigh solid eco- barred industrial use of oxygen not have captive oxygen plants in India, the rating agency said. company stocks, which have nomic growth against the risks except in nine designated sec- and source their requirement The balance 20-25 per cent been beating the rest of the still posed by the pandemic. tors from Thursday onwards to through merchant suppliers is supplied through merchant market in recent months, fell travel restrictions, quarantine Shanghai Composite index el, which in turn is clouding the That push and pull will likely divert the available stocks for for operations such as welding, sales (called liquid oxygen) more than other sectors. requirements and a dimming ended flat at 3,472.93. outlook for oil and fuel prices, continue as vaccine distribu- life-saving medicinal use. cutting, cleaning and chemical through cryogenic tanks and Asian governments are of nightlife. “Global stocks are still he said. tion rolls on and various Demand for medical oxygen processes, he added. cylinders, it said, adding the scrambling to secure supplies The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo plumbing the lows after On Wednesday the industries reopen. “Overall, is estimated to have rocketed Setting up an air-separa- healthcare sector consumes of COVID-19 vaccines after gave up just over 2.0% to renewed virus concerns S&P 500 closed at we're going to have some five-fold in the second week of tion plant or importing oxygen only 10 per cent of merchant seeing infection numbers surge 28,508.55 while Hong Kong's spooked markets overnight," 4,134.94. The Dow Jones volatility in the market this April versus pre-pandemic lev- is not a viable option because sales. in recent weeks. The rising Hang Seng declined 1.7% to Stephen Innes of Axi said in a Industrial Average lost 0.8% to year, but everything to me els as COVID-19 infections it requires significant lead time Its associate director Sushant caseloads are straining medical 28,655.76. In Seoul, the Kospi commentary. 33,821.30. After shedding an looks fairly rosy for the next took off, Crisil Ratings said. and involves relatively prohib- Sarode said the disruption in systems from Japan to India lost 1.5% to 3,171.66, while Worsening outbreaks in early gain, the technology- six months or so,” said Sylvia "The disruption in the sup- itive costs, the agency said. oxygen supplies for industrial and leading to a restoration of Sydney's S&P/ASX 200 India and Thailand have also heavy Nasdaq slid 0.9%, to Jablonski, chief investment ply of oxygen for industrial use Oxygen is consumed by use will last for six to eight pandemic precautions such as shed 0.3% to 6,997.50. The cast a pall on a recovery in trav- 13,786.27. officer at Defiance ETFs. would temporarily impact the industry in two ways – on-site weeks as of now.

Gowda: Waiver of duty Covid shaves off one-fifth Ratan Tata MONEY MATTERS on Remdesivir will help Capex of ONGC in FY21 invests in DCB bank acquires equity stake PNS n NEW DELHI Mailit PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI in Techfino Capital Private Ltd The government's decision to CB Bank Limited waive off customs duty on Oil and gas producer ONGC Veteran industrialist Dannounced on antiviral drug Remdesivir spent about one-fifth less than Ratan Tata has invested Wednesday that it has would help in augmenting its budget Capex in 2020-21 in Mailit, a technology- acquired a minority the supply of the medicine in fiscal after COVID-19 related driven mailroom man- equity stake the wake of soaring COVID- restrictions delayed projects agement and logistics ofapproximately nine 19 cases in the country, but fuel marketers such as company. per cent in Bengaluru- Chemicals and Fertilisers IOC exceeded targeted capital While the financial based non-banking Minister Sadanand Gowda spending, a government report details of the investment inancial company said on Wednesday. showed. were not disclosed, fTechfino Capital The government on Oil and Natural Gas Mailit said it plans to Private Limited (TCPL). Tuesday waived off all customs Corporation (ONGC) had launch 500 mailrooms Techfino provides duty on imported Remdesivir domestic availability of budgeted Rs 32,502 crore of across India in addition customised consumer loans in educationand healthcare sectors, and injections and the drug's active Remdesivir injection," Gowda capital spending in the fiscal to establishing fully is present in key metros and tier II cities across India, the private pharmaceutical ingredients said in a tweet. from April 2020 to March mechanised warehouse sector bank said in a statement. Financial details of the (API) in order to boost sup- The minister had earlier 2021 but ended up spending and distribution centres transaction were not disclosed. "The funds raised will be used in plies. asked the state governments to only Rs 26,441 crore, accord- in the next five years. enhancement of currenttech stack apart from on-lending to There is already a ban on take strict action against any- ing to the report of the oil min- His strategy focuses customers," the statementadded. the export of the Remdesivir one found indulged in black istry's Petroleum Planning and Oil and gas exploration and ply chains. on building India's first injection from the country. marketing or hoarding of Analysis Cell (PPAC). production projects typically ONGC's overseas arm OVL digitally IL&MS plat- "Considering the immediate Remdesivir. A company official said the involve the supply of equip- too had a lower capital spend- form bringing much- requirement on the recom- Black marketing, hoarding lower than targeted Capex was ment from overseas suppliers. ing of Rs 5,351 crore in 2020- needed consolidation, Tata Steel receives blockchain- mendation of the Department of Remdesivir is being strict- because of project implemen- Also, some facilities like rigs 21 fiscal as compared to the enhanced efficiency and of Pharmaceuticals, the ly monitored and state govern- tations getting delayed follow- are operated by foreign crews. targeted Rs 7,235 crore. visibility to a fragment- enabled transaction from UAE Department of Revenue has ments have been advised to ing the disruption caused to Lockdowns in several parts But, other downstream ed market place, a state- reduced customs duty on take strict action against those the supply chain and labour of the world, including India, companies exceeded their cap- ment said on ata Steel on #Remdesivir and its API/KSM. indulging in such malprac- movement by COVID restric- restricted the movement of ital spending targets by a wide Wednesday. TWednesday said This step will further augment tices, he had tweeted. tions. labour as well as disrupted sup- margin. it has received a "blockchain- enabled transaction", a GE to supply 42 global first for the Private life insurers’ new Den Networks not to steel industry, from a UAE-based firm wind turbines to for a steel export proceed with composite order. However, premium income grows 8 pc CleanMax the steel maker did PNS n NEW DELHI not disclose the PNS n MUMBAI scheme of arrangement size of the transaction. "Tata Steel and HSBC successfully GE Renewable Energy on executed a blockchain enabled transaction, a global first for the Contrary to expectations, pri- Wednesday said it will PNS n NEW DELHI steel industry. This transaction was executed on Contour's vate sector life insurers logged supply 42 units of onshore blockchain platform," a statement said. The live trade finance in a stellar 40 per cent new pre- wind turbines for wind Den Networks on Wednesday transaction involved the export of steel by Tata Steel, India to mium growth in the fourth hybrid projects totaling a said it has decided not to pro- Universal Tube & Plastic Industries, UAE, the statement added. quarter of FY21, driven by a capacity of 110 MW to ceed with the composite still higher 90 per cent growth CleanMax, a renewable scheme of arrangement in in March, according to an energy company. which TV18 Broadcast, industry analysis. "These wind farms will Hathway Cable & Datacom India records 22 IPOs worth The better-than-expected contribute significantly to and Den Networks were to Q4 growth has helped the India's commitment to merge into Network18 Media Exchange of India Limited industry, except LIC, log in an harness the majority of its & Investments. (NSE) for their no-objection over $2.5 bn in Jan-March 8 per cent annual growth in the electricity from renewable "Considering that more letter. ndia witnessed 22 initial just concluded financial year, sources meeting its target than a year has passed from The company said it had Ipublic offers worth over according to an analysis by of 175 GW of renewable the time the board considered also disclosed in its quarterly USD 2.5 billion in the first Kotak Securities. It attributed individual annual premium The overall good numbers energy by 2022," a state- the scheme, the board of the financial results for the quar- three months of 2021 amid low base effect for the better- equivalent (APE) growth of 90 were driven by SBI Life, HDFC ment said. company has decided not to ters ended June 30, 2020 and "high momentum" in the than-expected show in the per cent in March due to low Life, Bajaj Allianz Life and Tata According to the state- proceed with the arrangement September 30, 2020, that the country's capital markets and March quarter and also for the base, translating into a 40 per AIA Life, which delivered 13 ment the GE's 2.7-132 envisaged in the scheme," Den stock exchanges had returned the trend is likely to stay bull- month. cent growth in Q4 and a full 8 per cent, 12 per cent, 11 per wind turbine is well suit- Networks said in a regulatory the scheme stating that the ish in the current quarter The brokerage also expects per cent for FY21, said the cent and 17 per cent two-year ed to meet the needs of filing. company may apply to the also, according to a report. the low base effect to help report. It, however, added that individual APE growth, customers due to its effi- Den Networks said the stock exchanges once the Leading consultancy EY companies log in better num- the two-year individual APE respectively, while ICICI ciency in capitalizing on shareholders are aware that the scheme is in compliance with India's IPO (Initial Public bers for the next few months. growth was a modest 6 per Prudential Life and Max Life India's low wind speeds. scheme was filed with both SEBI circulars/ SEBI Offer) report released on Wednesday showed that consumer prod- Life insurers reported stellar cent for the year. were flat. BSE and National Stock Regulations. ucts and retail, diversified industrial products, automotive and trans- portation were the most active sectors in terms of the number of IPOs in the 2021 first quarter. The IPOs include both in the main as well as SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) markets. "With a robust Q1, IPO market likely to stay bullish in Q2 2021," it said, adding that Raintree, ADB arm, Discoms’ overdues fall to Rs 74K cr in Mar India ranks ninth globally in terms of the number of IPOs Year-To- PNS n NEW DELHI 2021, after PFC and REC Date (YTD) 2021. began releasing second tranche others invest $ 4.9 The outstanding overdues of of disbursements under DIS- power distribution utilities fell COM liquidity package in by over Rs 15,118 crore to Rs February end this year, showed Fundraising via bonds climbs 74,510 crore in March this year, the data available on PRAAP- mn in Smart Joules as compared to the preceding TI portal. 14% to Rs 7.72 lakh cr in ’21 PNS n MUMBAI The money raised will be month, mainly due to the PFC Consulting Ltd is an utilised to strengthen the ener- release of the second tranche of arm of State-run Power isted firms mopped up Rs 7.72 lakh crore through issuance of Energy efficiency company gy management team, liquidity infusion package, Finance Corporation (PFC), Lbonds on private placement basis in 2020-21, an increase of 14 Smart Joules has raised USD enhance digital technology according to PFC Consulting which maintains the PRAAP- per cent from the preceding fiscal, supported by low interest rate and 4.9 million (about Rs 36.75 platform, expand presence Ltd data. TI portal (Payment Ratification surplus liquidity in the system. This also marks the highest level of crore) in funding from a clutch across hospitals and scale its The overdue amount stood And Analysis in Power pro- fund raising through such a route in a financial year. Going forward, of investors, including cooling-as-a-service offering at Rs 89,628 crore in February. curement for bringing sustainability of growth trend mainly depends upon trajectory of cost Raintree Family Office. for commercial buildings, the The power producers give Transparency in Invoicing of of funds and incremental liquidity in the system, Binod Modi, head - Other investors who partic- statement added. 45 days to power distribution generators). strategy at Reliance Securities said. Companies listed on BSE and ipated in the round included Founded by Arjun P Gupta, utilities (discoms) to pay bills The PRAAPTI portal was NSE garnered a total of Rs 7.72 lakh crore through issuance of ADB Ventures (the Asian Ujjal Majumdar and Sidhartha for electricity supply. After launched in May 2018, to bring bonds in the just concluded financial year, much higher than Rs 6.75 Development Bank's venture Gupta, Smart Joules elimi- that, the outstanding dues utilities would get loans at sion package was increased to in transparency in power pur- lakh crore raised in 2019-20. In 2018-19, listed entities raised Rs arm), Sangam Ventures, Max nates energy waste in power become overdue and genera- economical rates from Power Rs 1.2 lakh crore and further chase transactions between 6.1 lakh crore, Rs 5.99 lakh crore in 2017-18 and Rs 6.4 lakh crore I Limited, cKinetics intensive industries through tors charge penal interest on Finance Corporation (PFC) to Rs 1.35 lakh crore. Under generators and discoms. It cap- in 2016-17. However, debt raised through such a route stood as low Accelerator, Saket Burman proprietary technology and a that in most cases. and REC Ltd. the liquidity package, the PFC tures monthly invoicing data as Rs 1.18 lakh crore in 2007-08. Harsh Jain Co-founder and COO from Dabur family and six unique business model that In May 2020, the govern- This was a government ini- and REC together have dis- from power generators, which Groww said that one reason behind companies choosing this route other marquee angels from allows it to guarantee between ment announced Rs 90,000 tiative to help generation com- bursed Rs 78,855 crore so far. is uploaded from time to time is that the interest cost on bond issuance is relatively low. In addi- India and the US, an official 10-30 per cent energy savings crore liquidity infusion for panies (gencos) to remain Overdues of discoms on it by the power generators tion, banks and NBFCs have also been hesitant to issue large loans statement said. to its clients. discoms under which these afloat. Later, the liquidity infu- reduced significantly in March themselves. to corporates on account of rising NPAs, he added. 9

Vijayawada Thursday April 22, 2021 what’s brewing? BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE Taapsee glad she stayed on Twitter, despite toxicity aapsee Pannu took to Twitter to appre- REFRESHING COCKTAILS ciate Twitterati as her timeline is filled s the country goes back into T with people extend- lockdown, beat the blues and HOW TO MAKE: ing support as India the summer heat by sipping GORDON’S’ fights the second A on some delicious home- As prep, chill your melt. wave of Covid-19 pandemic. G&T glass, the tonicand Top with more ice to Taapsee tweeted that she made cocktails. One would the gin far ahead of keep the carbonation doesn’t regret being on think, summer is all about sunshine, tan WHAT YOU NEED: time. In your chilled strong, avoid over dilut- Twitter even after it being lines, tall drinks, and if you’re lucky, a glass, pour in 60ml of ing your drink with “one of the most toxic plat- vacation or two, but as we stay home to ¬Gordon’s London Dry -60ml Gordon’s London Dry mixer and to reduce the forms of social media”. stay safe, keep the spirits high by Fever-Tree Tonic —150-180ml Gin. melt. Finish pouring in “There was something in ¬ Top up with ice, until your tonic water as me that made me stay here experimenting at your home bar. ¬Bitters — 2 dashes ice peaks through the desired. inspite of being one of the Diageo India’s DIY cocktail recipes, ¬Mosambi Wheel, Sage leaves glass like a mini iceberg. Dress with2-3 dashes most toxic platforms of social by Brand Ambassador Meghana Balaji, garnish Ice: Cubed Ice Start to pour in 180ml of of bitters, and garnish media. help you pick from your favourite tipple, ¬Glassware: Copa style glass- cold tonic water, you will with a mosambi wheel Seeing the timeline filled ware notice the ice starts to and sage leaves. with support being asked and whether its Gin, Vodka, Scotch or a selfless/agenda free help Baileys! A perfect way to enjoy a sun- being offered makes me downer is with a classic cocktail by believe in the power of intu- your side. ition once again. Beautiful (sic),” Taapee wrote. BAILEY’S ON ICE As many states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar ANDALUSIAN SUMMER WITH Pradesh and Delhi are report- and helping one another find to her and other celebrities to TANQUERAY LONDON DRY WHAT YOU NEED: ing a surge in coronavirus beds as many hospitals in the extend help to people who and shortage of oxygen and country have run out of bed need it. medicines, many Twitter for infected patients in the Last year when the pan- WHAT YOU NEED: ¬Baileys — 60ml ¬Crushed Ice users have been sharing col- second wave of the pandemic. demic had hit India for the ¬Tanqueray London Dry — 45ml ¬Coffee Dusting lated resource banks of deal- Just as the actor tweeted fist time, many celebrities had Chamomile Honey — 20ml ers, NGO’s, hospitals in their about the ongoing situation donated generously for PM ¬ ¬Dark Roast Espresso (optional) — 30ml region. and how people have come CARES fund and ¬Fresh Orange Juice — 20ml ¬Glassware: An old-fashioned glass Many users have also been forward to support the needy, Maharashtra Chief Minister’s ¬Lime Juice — 15ml offering food for the needy some Twitter users appealed Relief Fund. ¬Soda to Top Up ¬Orange Wheel HOW TO MAKE: ¬Glassware: Copa De Balon, Wine Glass Fill to the top of the glass melting too quickly. with crushed ice. Espresso fans could also Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke to Allow the glass to cool pour in 30ml dark roast HOW TO MAKE: and pour in the 60ml of espresso for that bitter Bailey’s on top. note. Secret Invasion Take highball, add 60ml Tanqueray Fill further with more Dust with instant coffee. enter Marvel universe with ? London Dry, and all other ingredients crushed ice to keep it from Enjoy. If things work out with until lime juice. Emilia, this would be her foray Top up with ice, until ice peaks KETEL MULE into the Marvel Cinematic through the glass, stir and cool your Universe (MCU). Emilia is drink down. WHAT YOU NEED: known for playing Daenerys Place your orange wedge against the Targaryen, one of the headlin- glass for a clean garnish look. ¬Ketel One Vodka — 45 ml ers of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Add more ice and then top up ever ¬Ginger Ale —100 ml The news about Emilia join- so slightly with crisp soda. ¬Lime Wedges ing Secret Invasion comes days Dress with2-3 dashes of bitters if you Mint after it was reported that like! ¬ Oscar-winning British star ¬Julienned Ginger Olivia Colman has also been ¬Glassware: Mule Mug approached for the Marvel series. Other speculated cast HOW TO MAKE: members include Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn and Lightly muddle a couple of ginger Kingsley Ben-Adir. juliennes in your mule mug, Secret Invasion is touted to Juice half a lime, follow the events of Captain Add 45 ml Ketel One, top with ice Marvel movie bringing focus until ice peaks through the mug ans are awaiting the Marvel Studios’ upcoming on Samuel L Jackson’s secret Top with crisp, fresh, superbly cold official announce- original series Secret Invasion agent Nick Fury and a shape- ginger ale ment on Emilia for Disney Plus. According to shifting alien race known as Agitate a sprig of mint on the back F Clarke joining Secret Variety, Game of Thrones star the Skrulls. Actor Ben of your hand. Garnish with more lime Invasion cast. Emilia Clarke is in the final Mendelsohn will reprise his wedges, said mint and ginger juli- A lot is happening rounds of negotiations to join role of the Skrull Talos from ennes. on the pre-production tables of its ensemble cast. Captain Marvel. FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Thursday April 22, 2021

At times, kids in India have to choose between education and art. Since most parents can afford only the former, some students give up on exploring art. A 10th-grader, GET SET along with 17

others, has been Students of the school Ronit Almeida would be teaching music to. working towards for HR 3.0 helping kids in management. India learn The need for cost-cutting or expansion or providing better music. Ronit Emerging services has propelled these changes. Recent research shows Almeida talks to technologies organisations that successfully TOUCHING LIVES adopt sophisticated HR technol- The Pioneer's have brought ogy tools outperform those that do not. Since many companies RACHEL have automated their basic HR about a administration, these organisa- tions have actually determined DAMMALA change in HR the use of technology to trans- form their HR practices and about his cause, goals from market their HR brand. how he manages THROUGH MUSIC Key challenges of talent acquisition merely to do it, and strong music program and those these keyboards have been pro- their school,” he says of his plan. Finding the right talent when who wouldn’t have had an oppor- cured, I will personally mentor “Ideally, I’d have loved to come you have a huge skilling gap in more. tunity to learn otherwise,” Ronit and tutor these kids in classical down to India to teach them, but getting the country is one of the biggest tells us. piano, and I aim to invest one the Covid scare has made that a challenges in these unprecedent- 16-year-old Indian ori- The 10th grader, since then, hour per week for the next 2 far dream,” says he. processes in ed times. It is pivotal that HR gin, living in has been collecting money to be years to prepare them until they Ronit is like any other kid, with team is using the right technolo- Singapore, was always able to afford keyboards for these reach at least grade 2 piano level his chores, tests, and assignments place to a gy in order to streamline the A aware of the ‘privi- children, so he could begin teach- proficiency. The keyboards will every day. He will be giving his whole process of managing the leges’ he grew up with ing them. Ronit will soon com- be purchased in May and the 10th boards in the coming week, various job vacancies and — having food on his plete his grade 8 in piano and lessons will and they will last two months. more broad- spreading out the right messag- table, having a bed to sleep on, grade 5 in music theory, which begin How does he manage his exams, ing. and a roof over his head. Ronit will equip him to be a licensed music, and this cause? Pat comes based goal — An advanced HRMS helps to Almeida knew he always wanted trainer. You’re mistaken if you his reply, “I manage well. I con- manage all the vacancies at one to give back to the country his think it’s Ronit or his parents sider myself a diligent student platform. It has been observed parents came from, and was alone who had to tread this beau- and I’m always prepared in driving value that mastering the art of balanc- looking for ways to help society. tiful path. A total of 17 people advance, I can say I’m good at ing efficiency and quick deci- That’s when he decided in came together until now, to sup- time management. I make from talent sion making from HR is can December 2020 that he would port Ronit’s lovely cause. While time for studies, home, music, being a big change in the teach young children in India some chose to donate anony- and all other things I’m pas- process of talent hunting and something that he loves and is mously, most others like Ronit’s keen to learn music as sionate about.” acquisitions. Decision-making passionate about. friends and family members and they have a passion for it. I He attributes the success of n this digital era, needs data but managing and “I have been playing the piano other strangers like Kiran, are saw their keen interest in his campaign to social media when advanced tech- using this data needs to be effi- since I was 4, and that’s some- rooting for the cause. music and its ability to for the 17 supporters he’s won nology like Artificial cient to be effective. thing I have been passionate Talking about the students in transform their lives for a for the cause and is all praise and I Intelligence and Role of HR during the cur- about since then. When I felt the India, Ronit shares, “I got to better future. They were all so grateful for others who have been Machine Learning rent crisis scenario need to give back to the less priv- speak to the students about the enthusiastic and are eager for the supporting him morally and has been transform- ileged, I began thinking of ways initiative via zoom call. I identi- course to start soonest, I can’t encouraging him through it all. “I ing each and every industry in HR is now adopting new ways to help people and make a differ- fied 12 music enthusiasts, all of wait for the classes to start.” Ronit in hope that using my expertise in our country, how can Human to operate and support every ence. Finally, my mom, through whom come from underprivi- awaits a few more donations, early June. I music, I will be able to help these Resource Management (HRM) new decision the company is her contacts, got in touch with a leged backgrounds and do not which he hopes to get within will also help them conduct a children follow their passion for be left behind? Even HR is going taking to reduce the effect of the school in India so I could teach have any avenues to learn music another 2-3 weeks, before he series of concerts where they will music and develop through play- through a new wave, which is pandemic. The new role of HR students who do not have a very on their own but are extremely could teach these kids. “Once be performing to raise funds for ing the piano,” he concludes. called HR 3.0. Through HR is to become more agile, adapt- technology, the complex HR able, and augmenting. HRM processes like recruitment, per- must aim at achieving competi- formance management, employ- tiveness in the field of HR by ee engagement, payroll among providing constant education others have been simplified and and training programs for the can be performed in just a click. personal and professional devel- Emerging technologies have opment of the employees of the completely revolutionised the organisation. It has been seen HR goals from merely getting that the companies have under- processes in place to a more stood the importance of effec- broad-based goal — driving tive recruiting and realised that Back to value from talent. without technological support, it With the current technology cannot be done. in the place, popular American The HR people are now mak- worldwide management con- ing use of the various job portals sulting firm McKinsey and that are available online to look Company has suggested that for the best candidates for the nearly 56 percent of their hiring position. The complete recruit- to retiring tasks have been auto- ing process has become easy and mated using the technologies effective with the use of technol- available including the HR soft- ogy. as many people come to childhood ware. The HR’s role has also know of the offer and hence been expanded and more increases the probability of hir- K RAMYA SREE his own age – Ishaan, Neha, about. During the lockdowns emphasis has been put on pro- ing efficient employees. Shreya, and Arjun. There’s a last year, spending so much ductivity and employee engage- Employers can present all neces- circus in town, but when the time at home, I ran out of ment. Gone are the days when sary information related to the I Club and the group visits the circus, events things to do. I thought I would HR was a person, now it has job, careers, and personal devel- Circus, a tale of a take a strange turn. They get give writing a try once again. I become a portal. Shifting to opment of each employee on group of curious tangled up in a series of rob- was a huge fan of Enid Blyton’s SAAS based HRM softwares has portals online. This is a great P friends who will beries and begin to suspect that books as a child, especially the provided the firms to have uni- promotional tool for the organi- leave no stone someone from the circus is Five Find-Outers series. I versal access to HR services sation. unturned to solve responsible. The children form thought of writing a mystery even when you're remote work- (The writer, Vicky Jain, is the their first case, is all set to a Private Investigators (PI) story with five children, along ing, dramatically changing the Founder of uKnowva, Mobile entertain you! Akshay Club to investigate the rob- the lines of Enid Blyton’s series, practice of human resource Enabled HR Software) Chowdhry, a seasoned profes- beries, and are determined to but set in an Indian context. I sional, in his maiden novel solve their first case. Will they would write a chapter at a time gives us amazing insights into be able to uncover the perpe- and get my wife and parents to the lives of a few curious chil- trators? Will their efforts prove read it. They felt that it was dren who are seeking cama- successful? The book takes the coming out well, and I was raderie and then find a pur- readers on a fast-paced mystery encouraged to keep writing. In pose. In this case, the purpose track that keeps the young October last year, I completed is to solve a mystery. The story readers engaged with several the book and then began the follows the journey of a boy twists and turns. process of critical review, edit- who has recently moved to a Akshay, who was born in ing and publishing. The book new town. There he makes new Calcutta and studied in released in February this year, friends, and they visit a circus Hyderabad, sharing with us on and I have been getting fantas- in the town. Events then take a what inspired him to pen this tic feedback from kids and their routines a bit. “As a child, we be the fact that many children strange turn and they find book, says, “I am an avid reader parents who have read the book played everything — cricket, nowadays are missing out on themselves tangled in a series and have been fond of writing so far!” football, tennis, hopscotch, four this camaraderie with their of robberies. Extremely deter- since my childhood days. I used Akshay says he spent most of corners, hide and seek, with friends. They are so involved in mined to find the culprits, they to participate in various cre- his childhood in Hyderabad, great gusto! My book draws various routines and classes form the PI (Private ative writing competitions and where there were so were so inspiration from those days, that they do not get time to Investigators) Club to investi- contribute to our school maga- many children around to play and the sheer amount of time really enjoy the outdoors. And gate the robberies. zine. Once I moved out of with, unlike the current genera- we spent with each other dur- then, they have their smart- Nikhil and his family have school, like happens to so many tion kids who are all into their ing the summer vacations. We phones! I hope this book just moved to Dehradun, a of us, you get occupied with mobile phones. He hopes his would be loitering about the inspires children to spend more small valley town in India. In higher studies, work, and fami- book inspires children to spend whole day either playing or time playing with friends out- Dehradun, Nikhil meets a ly life and lose touch with more time playing with friends looking for something to do. I doors and get out of the set group of children, roughly of something you are passionate outdoors and get out of the set am struck by what appears to routines a bit.” VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | APRIL 22, 2021 CAPTAIN’S CALL 11

THE GAME PLAN OF HAVING WILLIAMSON THERE IS TO ANCHOR THE GAME AND HE ROTATES STRIKE SO WELL. HE JUST KNOWS HIS ROLE AND GAME PLAN — DAVID WARNER

LIVE FROM TODAY VS 7:30PM IST STAR SPORTS 1 NETWORK

SCOREBOARD boundarymeter PUNJAB KINGS (120-10) 4s 412 KL Rahul c Jadhav b Bhuvneshwar 4 SUN RISES Mayank Agarwal c Rashid b Khaleel 22 Chris Gayle lbw b Rashid 15 6s 176 Nicholas Pooran run out (Warner) 0 IN CHENNAI Deepak Hooda lbw b Abhishek 13 Moises Henriques st Bairstow b Abhishek 14 PLAYER RUNS Khaleel, Bairstow guide Shahrukh Khan c Abhishek b Khaleel 22 1. Shikhar Dhawan (DC) 231 Fabian Allen c Warner b Khaleel 6 2. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) 176 Orange Army to maiden Murugan Ashwin c Bairstow b Kaul 9 Mohammed Shami run out (V Shankar/Bairstow) 3 3. Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 173 win of 2021 season Arshdeep Singh not out 1 PLAYER WKTS Extras (b 9, lb 0, w 1, nb 1, p 0) 11 Harshal Patel (RCB) PTI n CHENNAI Total (10 wkts, 19.4 Overs) 120 1. 9 Fall of Wickets: 15-1 (Rahul, 3.1), 39-2 (Mayank 2. Avesh Khan (DC) 8 acer Khaleel Ahmed led an impres- Agarwal, 6.6), 39-3 (Pooran, 7.1), 47-4 (Gayle, 8.4), 3. Rahul Chahar (MI) 8 sive bowling effort before Jonny 63-5 (Deepak Hooda, 11.3), 82-6 (Henriques, 13.4), PBairstow smashed an unbeaten 101-7 (Fabian Allen, 16.4), 110-8 (Shahrukh, 18.1), MOST SIXES fifty as Sunrisers Hyderabad snapped 114-9 (M Ashwin, 19.1), 120-10 (Shami, 19.4) 1. Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 10 their three-match losing streak with a Bowling 2. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) 8 convincing nine-wicket win over Punjab Abhishek Sharma 4-0-24-2 Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-0-16-1 3. Deepak Hooda (PBKS) 8 Wednesday. Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-21-3 Asked to bowl first, Sunrisers S Kaul 3.4-0-27-1 SUMMER SLAM Hyderabad’s pace-spin duo of Khaleel Vijay Shankar 1-0-6-0 (3/21) and Abhishek Sharma (2/24) did Rashid Khan bulk of the damage to bundle out Punjab 4-0-17-1 MOTION PICTURE Kings for a below-par 120 in 19.4 overs. SUNRISERS HYDERABAD (121-1) Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar David Warner c Mayank b Allen 37 (1/16), star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Jonny Bairstow not out 63 Khan (1/17) and Siddarth Kaul (1/27) also Kane Williamson not out 16 picked up a wicket each as Punjab never Extras (b 0, lb 1, w 4, nb 0, p 0) 5 gained momentum. Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul shake hands with Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Kane Williamson at the end of IPL match @IPL Total (1 wkts, 18.4 Overs) 121 Chasing the total, SRH openers Did not bat: Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Jonny Bairstow (63) and David Warner Sharma, Kedar Jadhav, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar (37) pummelled Punjab into submission, Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul adding 73 runs off 60 balls to set the foun- Fall of Wickets: 73-1 (David Warner, 10.1) dation. Chepauk wicket is shocking: Warner Bowling Bairstow and Kane Williamson (16) Mohammed Shami 2-0-16-0 then knocked off the remaining runs as PTI n CHENNAI as they chased down a for them.” but at the end of the day, we SRH romped home with 8 balls to spare. small target of 120 to snap The Chepauk track has are grateful to go out there Fabian Allen 4-0-22-1 Bairstow and Warner smashed five unrisers Hyderabad cap- their three-match losing hosted a lot of cricket in and play on these wickets Arshdeep Singh 3.4-0-31-0 boundaries and two sixes during their 50- Stain David Warner on streak. recent months with India because it's very challeng- Moises Henriques 1-0-7-0 run stand in the powerplay, while Punjab Wednesday termed the Warner criticised the taking on England in two ing for them, they don’t Murugan Ashwin 4-0-22-0 had managed nine fours and two maxi- Chepauk pitch as “shock- wicket but shied away from Test matches in February, have any rest. We have to be Deepak Hooda 4-0-22-0 Delhi Capitals pacer Avesh Khan gets an autograph on his mums in their entire innings. ing” after his side finally blaming the curators. followed by the initial leg of professionals and adapt.” jersey from MI skipper Rohit Sharma @DelhiCapitals After Warner’s exit, Bairstow found scripted a successful run “To be honest, it’s the ongoing IPL. The Australian also quoteunquote an able ally in Williamson, who was play- chase in four matches for shocking,” Warner said in a “It’s not their (cura- revealed that seamer T MORE FIT TO JOIN MI'S BIO BUBBLE ing his first match of the season, as they their first win of the IPL virtual press conference tors) fault that the wicket is Natarajan has not played ABSOLUTELY OVER THE MOON Former India wicket-keeper and Mumbai Indians' talent added an unbeaten 48 runs to help SRH season. after his team’s win. like this. You had the the last two games for SRH scout Kiran More has recovered from Covid-19 and is log their first win of the season. Sunrisers have lost “It looks horrible on Indian Test series against due to a knee injury. TO GET SRH OVER THE LINE. fit to join team's bio-bubble, MI said on Wednesday. Earlier, Shahrukh Khan (22) and three matches on the trot at TV but you have to give England and the same “He obviously has a BEEN REALLY CLOSE IN MOST The 58-year-old More is also the wicket-keeping Mayank Agarawal (22) were the top scor- the MA Chidambaram credit to the curators. They thing in Australia we had a sore knee. Given the cir- consultant for the five-time champions. ers for Punjab Kings, who came into the Stadium track, which has have had a lot of cricket lot of games on the same cumstances in these bub- OF THE GAMES, AND HAVEN'T match after two losses. the reputation of aiding here so it’s very very diffi- pitches, so the curators bles, if he goes and gets a GOT THROUGH. PROBABLY ROHIT FINED `12 LAKH In an innings when clearing the the spinners. The venue has cult for them to get this have got a very difficult scan, he obviously has to sit Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was fined `12 boundary seemed to be a tall task, Khan witnessed many batting wicket up and about. Since job,” Warner said. out for seven days and get THROUGH CARELESSNESS TO lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during the IPL managed two sixes, while Agarwal, who collapses this season. I’ve started playing in “As players, we know back into quarantine, so we BE HONEST. game against Delhi Capitals in Chennai on Tuesday. was dropped on 0 in the very first over On Wednesday, SRH, Chennai it’s always been what we have to do, there are just monitoring at the by Rashid, hit two fours. however, had the last laugh there but it’s very difficult are no excuses. It’s not ideal moment,” Warner said. Jonny Bairstow, SRH batsman SUNDAR LOOK TO CARRY MOMENTUM India and RCB off-spinner Washington Sundar said he will carry forward the confidence and self-belief he gained while playing Test cricket into the ongoing IPL. SCOREBOARD “We played against two top quality sides — Australia BATTLE ROYAL and England. Performing against them and winning CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (220-3) Faf takes CSK to 220 games against them gave me a lot of confidence and Ruturaj Gaikwad c Cummins b Chakravarthy 64 RCB hope to maintain winning run against crisis-hit Rajasthan PTI n MUMBAI self belief. So that confidence I will definitely take it Faf du Plessis not out 95 forward and also the momentum throughout the IPL VENUE: WANKHEDE STADIUM, MUMBAI Moeen Ali st Karthik b Narine 25 and the games to come,” he said. KEY PLAYERS af du Plessis blazed his way to MS Dhoni c Morgan b Russell 17 a masterclass 95 not out after GLENN MAXWELL F Ravindra Jadeja not out 6 HEAD TO HEAD his opening partner Ruturaj ‘ENJOYED RO & POLLARD’S WICKET’ Man in form Maxi has shown what Extras (b 0, lb 0, w 10, nb 3, p 0) 13 Delhi Capitals spinner Amit Mishra, who picked up a Matches 23 Gaikwad’s impressive 64 as he can do when is on song and he Chennai Super Kings posted a Total (3 wkts, 20 Overs) 220 match-winning four-wicket haul against Mumbai will look to carry on that good run Royal Challengers Bangalore 10 big total of 220 for 3 against Did not bat: Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Sam Indians, said he particularly enjoyed dismissing Rajasthan Royals 10 Kolkata Knight Riders here at Curran, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi, Deepak Chahar opposition skipper Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard. Fall of Wickets: 115-1 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 12.2), 165- “The wickets of Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard were JOS BUTTLER No result 03 Wankhede stadium on Wednesday. 2 (Moeen Ali, 16.3), 201-3 (MS Dhoni, 18.6) special for me because they have been game changers In absence of Archer and Stokes, LAST YEAR’S MATCHES First, it was Gaikwad who Bowling for MI for many years. I always go for wickets in every match that I play,” said the 38-year-old. Buttler’s role as a senior pro is more Royal Challengers Bangalore returned to form after a string of Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-27-1 important now than it was before poor outings in his first three Pat Cummins 4-0-58-0 defeated Rajasthan Royals by 8 matches with a composed 42-ball Sunil Narine 4-0-34-1 POINTS TABLE wickets in Abu Dhabi knock that set it up for CSK after Prasidh Krishna 4-0-49-0 PTI n MUMBAI KKR opted to field. Andre Russell 2-0-27-1 P W L NRR PTS Royal Challengers Bangalore Faf du Plessis attempts to hit a six @IPL Kamlesh Nagarkoti 2-0-25-0 Gaikwad played the role of 1 6 ff to the best possible start with three wins beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 aggressor, smashing four sixes off just 26 balls. RCB 3 3 0 +0.750 Oon the trot, a confident Royal Challengers wickets in Dubai and four boundaries, while his CSK scored 76 runs in the CSK finished it off in style with 2 DC 4 3 1 +0.426 6 Bangalore will hope to keep the juggernaut rolling senior South African partner du final five overs with the South Ravindra Jadeja hitting Cummins for a when they take on Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Plessis gave the youngster the African at his attacking best in six as Nitish Rana palmed it over the mid- 3 CSK 3 2 1 +1.194 4 Stadium on Thursday. backup as the duo produced the final five overs. wicket boundary that summed up the 4 MI 4 2 2 +0.187 4 Both sides have endured contrasting cam- CSK’s best start of the season He smashed Andre Russell plight of KKR. paigns so far. While RCB head in to the game after 51 with an opening stand of 115. for three successive boundaries MS Dhoni promoted himself to No 5 SRH 4 1 3 -0.228 2 three morale-boosting victories. Royals have Du Plessis came on his own and raced to 90s with a six off Pat 4 and finally broke his jinx against Sunil 6 KKR 3 1 2 -0.633 2 managed to win only one of their three fixtures Virat Kohli who scored 5949 runs after Gaikwad’s departure in the Cummins in the final over in his Narine, hitting his first boundary after 64 7 2 and Sanju Samson & his men will be eyeing a sec- at an average of 37.89 in 187 13th over as he added 50 runs 60-ball knock which was studded balls against the mystery spinner en route RR 3 1 2 -0.719 ond win. with Moeen Ali (25 off 12 balls) with four sixes and nine fours. to a eight-ball 17. 8 PBKS 4 1 3 -0.824 2 The Royals have struggled to perform as a innings of 195 matches, needs cohesive batting unit. While Samson led the team 51 runs to become the first to within touching distance of victory with his sen- batsman to complete 6000 runs sational century against Punjab Kings, it was the shortpasses Bayern on brink South African duo of David Miller and Chris in the history of IPL Atletico, Italian, PL clubs Morris that pulled off a win against the Delhi PAK WIN 1ST T20 of 9th straight title Capitals. HARARE: Pakistan held on to win the first T20 Munich: Bayern Munich can be Against CSK, Jos Buttler looked dangerous but against Zimbabwe by managing to defend a crowned Bundesliga champions the other batsmen failed to provide any valuable 1 modest total of 149-7. Zimbabwe only got withdraw from Super League this weekend after taking a 10 contributions. For the former champions to do 138-7 in reply after Usman Qadir's 3-29 point lead at the top of the table well, the side must click as a batting unit with thwarted the home team. AFP n MADRID Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, with a 2-0 win at home to Samson and the Englishman playing key roles. Tottenham as well as Inter all pulled out. Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday The Royals bowling unit has been under- Sanju Samson who made 119 off 8 INDIAN BOXERS IN FINAL tletico Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Italy’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and night. whelming to say the least, apart from the game 63 balls with 12 fours and seven NEW DELHI: Eight Indian boxers, including AMilan became the latest clubs to pull Juventus on Wednesday followed all six Bayern seized control at the against Delhi Capitals, the bowlers have leaked sixes against Punjab Kings in seven women, stormed into the finals of the out of the European Super League on English clubs as well as Atletico Madrid Allianz Arena with early goals by runs. Mumbai is the only centurion in youth world championships in Kielce. Apart Wednesday, with the project on the brink in giving up on the European Super Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting In the absence of Jofra Archer, more will be from the eight finalists, three others settled of collapse. League project while continuing to push and Joshua Kimmich after sec- expected out of the likes of Chris Morris and this IPL for Bronze medals. Only Real Madrid and Barcelona offi- for a change in world football. ond-placed RB Leipzig had ear- Bangladesh speedster Mustafizur Rahman. Faisel Features cially remain, after England’s ‘Big Six’ Italian champions Juventus, whose lier suffered a shock defeat at rel- For RCB, Ab de Villiers and new- INDIA-GBR MATCHES POSTPONED teams were the first to withdraw from the president Andrea Agnelli was one of the egation-threatened Cologne. recruit Glenn Maxwell have been the dle order. LAUSANNE: The FIH Hockey Pro League hugely controversial competition. driving forces behind the project, said the With just four games to go, standout players with the willow. While Kohli has got decent starts in a cou- matches between India and Great Britain, “The Atletico Madrid Board of withdrawal of most of the 12 founding club world champions Bayern the South African continues to deliv- ple of games but the talismanic skipper scheduled for May 8-9 in London, were Directors, meeting this Wednesday morn- teams made the project unworkable. will be guaranteed a ninth er season after season, the Australian will be itching to play a big innings. postponed following the UK Government's ing, has decided to formally communicate “(Juventus) believes that at present German league title in a row all-rounder is proving to be a Young Devdutt Padikkal, who decision to add India to the travel ‘red list'. to the Super League and the rest of the there are limited chances that the project with a win at Mainz on valuable addition to the mid- impressed everyone last season, has founding clubs its decision not to finally be completed in the form originally con- Saturday. also looked rusty and is yet to perform SCHALKE RELEGATED formalize its adherence to the project,” the ceived,” the Turin club said. “I told the team to his full potential. The RCB bowling BERLIN: Bottom side Schalke 04 was Spanish side said in a statement. They added that they “convinced of before the game, that relegated after 30 consecutive years in the

department has been impressive T “Atletico Madrid made the decision the soundness of the project’s sport, com- we could take a huge with pacers Bundesliga and almost exactly ten years since last Monday to join this project in mercial and legal premises (and) remains step towards the title, R reaching the Champions League's semi-finals. response to circumstances that no longer committed to pursuing the creation of which we have done. O A 1-0 loss at Arminia Bielefeld confirmed a exist today. long-term value for the Company and We want to P fourth relegation in Schalke's history. “For the club, harmony is essential the entire football industry.” now also S between all the groups that make up the Like Juventus, AC Milan did win in ENG REMOVE NAT’L SELECTOR rojiblanco family, especially our fans. not formally withdraw but said Mainz,” R LONDON: Chris Silverwood, head coach of the Atletico are one of three La Liga out- they were bowing to a backlash said

E England cricket men's team, is to have overall fits involved in the breakaway tournament, from fans around the world. Bayern responsibility for squad selection with national with Real Madrid and their president While Chinese-owned coach H selector Ed Smith's role abolished, the England Florentino Perez at the heart of the pro- Inter Milan confirmed they Hansi T and Wales Cricket Board announced on ject. But the new league looks dead in the were “no longer part of the Flick.

O Tuesday night. Agencies water after Manchester City, Chelsea, Super League project”. AFP 12

Vijayawada Thursday April 22, 2021 tollywood Sudheer Babu COVID IMPACT: T-TOWN is a film director BIGGIES DEFER DATES he second wave of VIRATA PARVAM REPUBLIC that this film too will be post- Covid has struck and poned as it is being made on a the business of film high budget. the exhibition has T been once again AKHANDA: affected all over India, just when it looked like it was opening up. The situation is disappointing, particularly down South. More than Bollywood, which got back Instead, the makers are looking to releasing films cautiously, the at a June release. The film also superstars of the South had features Ram Charan and Pooja already dived headlong into the Hegde. game. Vijay’s Master and Ravi Teja’s Krack opened even before PUSHPA the pandemic had died down and done big business. Pawan Kalyan’s Vakeel Saab opened to good numbers, too. On cue, sev- This Balakrishna movie is set eral top stars were enthused to for release on May 28. Directed lining up big projects over the Sai Dharam Tej and by Boyapati Srinu, this is the next months. Aishwarya Rajesh are currently third movie in this director-hero However, after the Telugu This Rana Daggubati and Sai working together for an upcom- combination, after Simha and Film Chamber of Commerce Pallavi film was scheduled to hit ing social drama Republic. The Legend, both of which were box- announced strict curbs on the theatres on April 30. makers of the film have already office hits. The movie, which shooting on Tuesday evening, However, the makers announced announced that Republic will hit also stars Sayyeshaa and Pragya apprehension is already on that due to Covid, the release has screens on June 4. But now Jaiswal, is bankrolled by among people in the Telugu film been postponed. The period according to the latest report, Dwaraka Creations. Recently, trade about the immediate fate The film’s first look of the Allu drama is directed by Venu the Sai Dharam Tej starrer may Balayya was spotted shooting the of big-screen business. Arjun already broke records Udugala. be postponed due to increasing climax in Vikarabad forest. “No big film is releasing now, online upon being launched Covid-19 cases. Insiders say, this film too might anyway, since producers are wor- recently. The film was slated to LOVE STORY be delayed. ried about footfall. Even Vakeel release on August 13 but as per NARAPPA: Saab footfall reduced from certain reports, the film could KHILADI: Monday,” Abhishek Nama of the also see a December release. No Telugu Film Chamber of official confirmation has been Commerce had said. given so far. The theatres association on Tuesday decided to shut down TUCK JAGADISH theatres for some time until the situation settles down. Indeed, with the threat of lockdown looming large, many udheer Babu is currently Ammayi Gurinchi Meeku Cheppali, upcoming big-ticket films are shooting for his upcom- a romantic drama. either officially being postponed, ing film Aa Ammayi The Sudheer Babu and Krithi or makers are contemplating the S Gurinchi Meeku Cheppali Shetty-starrer is jointly backed by B idea to do so. (AAGMC) helmed by Mahendra Babu and Kiran While many films have started Mohan Krishna Ballapalli under the banner of going back and forth with their This Ravi Teja starrer was Indraganti, which is progressing at Gajulapalle Sudheer Babu presenta- release date owing to the present scheduled to release on May 28, a brisk pace. tion whereas the film has the music uncertainty, here is a list of some The movie was supposed to clashing with Akhanda. Also This is the third time the actor is by Vivek Sagar. of the most-awaited Telugu films hit the screens on May 14. starring Meenakshi Chaudhary collaborating with Mohan Krishna While PG Vinda has been roped that have been postponed: Starring Venkatesh and and Dimple Hayathi in the lead after Sammohanam and investiga- in to handle the cinematography, Starring Naga Chaitanya and Priyamani, Narappa is the roles, the movie is directed by tive thriller drama V. The film has Marthand K Venkatesh is taking ACHARYA The Nani-starrer, directed by Sai Pallavi, the much-anticipated remake of the Tamil movie Ramesh Varma and bankrolled Uppena girl Krithi Shetty as the care of the editing department. Shiva Nirvana, was scheduled to film was expected to hit theatres Asuran. A revenge drama, the by Pen Studios. However, with leading lady. Apart from this, Sudheer Babu Although there is no official hit theatres on April 23. on April 16. However, the movie is directed by Srikanth Ramesh Varma testing positive According to sources, Sudheer has wrapped up the talkie part of confirmation, according to However, the makers announced Sekhar Kammula directorial has Addala and bankrolled by Suresh for Covid, it is to be seen if the Babu, for the first time will be play- the upcoming drama Sridevi Soda reports the Chiranjeevi-starrer the delay without giving any new now been postponed and a new Productions. film will hit screens on the said ing the role of a film director in Aa Center. might not release on May 13. date. date hasn’t been announced yet. However, it is being heard date or will it postpone. Chiru announces PRABHAS GOES free vaccination for cine workers

into self-quarantine egastar Covid second wave, the Chiranjeevi, Corona Crisis Charity is ctor Prabhas had The actor is currently entire Radhe Shyam team one of the back to helping cine to undergo self- doing three projects — has undergone self-isolation founders of workers. Eligible cine isolation as the Radhe Shyam, Adipurush, as well. With the sudden M Corona Crisis workers including film A personal makeup and Salaar. spike in Covid cases, Charity (CCC), journalists and crew artist of the actor Radhe Shyam’s last sched- several films’ an organisation estab- members aged over 45 has tested Covid positive. ule was about to start. A shootings have lished to help Telugu cine can get themselves vacci- As a precautionary mea- song and few scenes were come workers during the nated for free of cost. sure, Prabhas has gone supposed to be shot in this under a Coronavirus pandemic Chiranjeevi took to his under home quarantine, say schedule. big halt announced free Covid-19 Twitter and shared a sources. We’ve also learned that the for now. vaccination drive for the video, in which he is seen cinema workers in associ- saying that the Corona ation with Apollo 24/7. Crisis Charity, in collabo- Last year, Megastar-led ration with Apollo charitable organisation Hospitals, is going to Corona Crisis Charity carry out Covid-19 free lent a helping hand by vaccination drive. He providing monthly essen- requested everyone to get Producer CN Rao tials to the cine workers. vaccinated against the And now due to the deadly virus. succumbs to Covid come as a shocker to indus- try bigwigs and others, who conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family. CN Rao has distributed noted films like Maa Sirimalle, Ammanannalekunte, Brahmanandam Drama Company in Telugu. Not only in Telugu, but even in Tamil he has distributed films like Uraga. CN Rao has also been actively involved in other cinema activities and has served as a member of the Working Committee of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and was also a member of the Executive Committee of the X Film Federation of India. CN Rao was also the Joint Secretary of the Telugu Film Producers Council. Tollywood industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor. Amid rising covid cases, ollywood producer and Rao has passed away after many film shoots have come distributor Chitti battling with fatal novel to a halt and big flicks too T Nageswara Rao alia CN Coronavirus. The news has have been postponed.