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 names. “As court reporters, we  
  
  are allowed to see the names of the parties in every decision on  "   #!   line up for last rites. Goa’s 

  #' the Swiss Supreme Court,” he coronavirus caseload rose to explained to news portal News     he horror at the Goa 1,32,585 after 2,455 patients &&
   Laundry. TMedical College and tested positive for the infection Another international P     Hospital (GMCH), the State’s on Friday. ( )   investigative portal Global largest Covid-19 facility con- According to a resident Investigative Review (GIR) on       tinued as oxygen shortage doctor of GMCH wards, pres- #!   Friday reported in detail about killed 13 more Covid-19 sure in the central pipeline the Swiss court’s direction to      patients in the dark hours started falling around 1 am on n more troubles for the debt- banks to disclose the details of (between 1 am and 6 am) of Thursday, and three patients in Iridden industrialist Anil bank accounts of Anil Ambani       Friday, taking the tally to 75 in his ward succumbed to the Ambani, Swiss Federal Court and their family. According to the last four days. fluctuations, despite their has agreed to share information operated by Anil Ambani. Swiss media reports, earlier an As per the State attempts to revive with the Indian authorities According to Gotham City, Indian whistle-blower Government statistics, 26 them. about the bank accounts of the court’s order came on April approached the Swiss courts patients died at the GMCH “Relatives called us franti- him, his wife Tina Ambani, and 29. The newspaper confirmed seeking Anil Ambani family’s during the wee hours of cally saying patients were gasp- their two children Jai Anmol, from the registrar’s office that bank accounts. Later the Indian Tuesday, followed by 21 on ing for breath and their satu- and Jai Anshul, according to the order directed to banks Government too filed the peti-  Wednesday, 15 on Thursday, ration levels (SPO2) had the Swiss media. named Anil, Tina, Jai Anmol, tion, they said. and 13 on Friday (total 75). dropped to 40-50,” the resident Swiss newspaper Gotham and Jai Anshul Ambanis, Recently, in a case filed by  #! #   & Even as hospitals in Goa doctor said, adding, on the City on May 12 reported that though the order available in Chinese banking consortium, " "  see a surge in Covid-19 cases, night of Wednesday-Thursday,    Indian Finance Ministry’s the public domain shows only Anil Ambani deposed in a #' ')*+  the scenes at crematoriums in there was a drop in oxygen Foreign Tax and Research A, B, C, D due to privacy issues. London court that he has no  !!

! the coastal State are equally pressure at least five to six Division filed a petition in the Gotham City’s reporter money and is living with broth- #!   $%& '  !! grim as bodies continue to times.    Swiss Federal Court for getting Francois Pilet reported that er Mukesh Ambani’s  ! ' & details of the bank accounts the court registrar’s office help. ' !()  * !+ , ' #!     -!' .! ' / 
" # #

!#!  %. hen the first Covid-19    %!    Wwaves swept through the #  ! # # ##$ country last year, Goa !! , ,! -! ith a drastic fall in the remained largely unaffected. Of #!   cosis, is a serious but rare fungal infection #' ')*+ 01 ' Warrival of domestic and course, tourism, the main caused by a group of molds called -!'      international tourists due to source of livelihood, took a t appears that Covid-19 is not the only mucormycetes. These molds live throughout ')0 2 3 !' Covid-19, Goa tourism has serious hit, but Goans were able affected places in India in calamity that India may have to deal with the environment. When someone breathes in  
  )/ taken a big knock. to keep both infection and terms of positivity rate. Only Iin the coming days. There are people who these spores, infection in the sinus or lung can ' '* !
3 The State’s restaurants, Footfall in casinos is paltry, and fatality at the low end of the Rajasthan and Sikkim are are still trying to deal with the chaos, destruc- occur. It primarily affects people who have ' '() ) / pubs and beaches are deserted phones of car/bike rental com- scale on a national ahead of Goa’s positivity rate of tion and death that the second wave of Covid- health problems or take medicines that lower  
/0
'5%6 due to the imposition of night panies have fallen silent. basis. around 40-50 per cent over the 19 has brought. The next punch comes to hit the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. * ') . curfew, ban on international Top officials said visitors The Goans threw caution week. the country is black fungus or mucormycosis. It is affecting Covid patients more because of flights, curtailed domestic from other States are not com- into the sea and celebrated Goa now has a fatality rate The rising number of black fungus patients, prolonged administration of steroids and sub- -!.  "! /  . flights, restriction on visitors ing as the Government has Christmas and New Year as if of 1.5 per cent which is much especially in Maharashtra where 111 patients, sequent immunocompromised state.   -&   # and an unrelenting spike in made it mandatory to carry a corona were a long forgotten higher than the national aver- all Covid-19 survivors, are undergoing treat- Dr Monalisa Sahu, Consultant Infectious %01123#' ')*+ 1- Covid-19 cases and negative Covid-19 test report tale of horror. Few wore masks age of 1.2 per cent, and for ment according to the Brihanmumbai Diseases, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad -!' !)
!'  #578!/& deaths. or a vaccination for visitors or took any precaution as they every 100 confirmed cases, 25 Municipal Corporation, is a cause of worry. shares dos and don’ts to follow to prevent * '  Nearly 2,100 of the total from other States. Over two drank and danced and kept are currently infected. Mucormycosis, also referred to as zygomy- black fungus. '!**'3   '! registered 3,500 hotels have dozen film and TV serial mak- alive the spirit of Goa. The situation is so grim /!3!'!3/ 3 downed their shutters, 5-star ers and their units that moved But the recklessness of the that Goa’s total death count ( R( '!) 9# !& hotels have slashed their rates from Mumbai and Chennai past few months has now come more than doubled from 964 to //)  '.'! by nearly 50-60 with a meagre recently shifted their shootings to haunt Goans. The State with 1,937 in just three weeks.  #*('/ 3'  ') !(  O()( '* *)'
/3 ) occupancy rate of 5-10 per to Goa, now returning back as just around 1.5 million popu- Nearly ten per cent of the cur- *)/ - ) * &3! ' 3
)(
 )   !!! /! cent, which is a drastic drop the shooting for permission lation sparsely scattered settled rent casualties are those who )!) (  ' )    !' ( '!**')(& from a high of 80 per cent has been withdrawn due to a along the Arabian Sea has were suffocated to death for 3'(!*  '!3  O  **! )!')! //)  '. occupancy in March this year. spike in Covid cases. emerged as one of the worst want of oxygen. /* &  !  )&(/  3
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    traditional one. This cremato- Tto be serious on identifica- small count increased to ' ! rium has been designated for tion of black fungus disease as hundreds and now it is estimat-   3)*  '  he India Meteorological it has spread panic among ed that thousands of bodies were   0
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!(B !)())B()  -!* &! ()! ' Friday predicted formation of Covid patients across the coun- sand across the State and the river *5') !(*'4' )!& )!' *) E/)  '! ! aking note of the ris- a low pressure area in atmos- try. highlighting the devastation 4167814 4*82)9 :' ' 3/ ! /!'/!'!((! * ing number of bodies phere over the Bay of Bengal Following the detection of corona has unleashed on the +11'9+07') +;7+107'9 / )!/!)!)
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)!) T 78 7*' 7<'07+;= 98>78< and pressure on the Satya which can develop into a trop- black fungus symptoms in a rural parts of the State. The peo-   '!  ')/!'&
'(( Nagar crematorium, ical cyclonic storm (cyclogen- Covid patient in Bhubaneswar, ple living along the rivers like the  *+;8/8<:+78/>'<':<0) !3'() ' '/!*!(''! ' 12>8<1>84+4 Bhubaneswar Municipal esis) next week between May the State Government on Ganga and the Yamuna recount *0
'') !( 3)'!'.')/ 3) ' /( 
! Commissioner (BMC) 21 and 27. Friday formed a seven-member that not a day passes when they    3) '! /!* & ' Sanjay Kumar Singh on IMD sources said that the medical expert committee to do not come across 10-12 bod-  
'!(/ )( 1 )! !' 3) Friday visited the upcoming cremation of deceased Covid- ECMWF and NCEP GFS mod- suggest guidelines for the ies floating in the river. )!))  crematorium site at Patia to 19 patients. els are indicating likely forma- patients and further analysis of “If you take the full stretch  )       ' !@! ((!
 take stock of the construction Meanwhile, the lone elec- tion of a low pressure system the cases. of the Ganga which is around    works. tric burner at Satya Nagar that over the Bay of Bengal during The committee would be 1,100 kms, then thousands of */)!)   (&)'( He instructed the officials had been lying defunct since the period headed by the SCB bodies have been found in last !5!35 0
'5%6 /) &  
!()  to make the new crematorium August last week, has been “NCEP GFS is showing its Microbiology Department fortnight either floating or )!3! )!)&    3?:'  /!0
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' ready for operation from May repaired and is in use. The bur- intensification and cyclogene- HoD with medicine, ENT and buried in the sands across the )*!( !' ')&)!) *!'  (!
 25 to help city residents per- den on the crematorium has sis over east central and adjoin- chest experts as two main rivers,” Sanjay Dutta, 8:58;</) &* ! 3(5 /! /( /'3!  form the last rites of their increased due to the restrictions ing northeast Bay of Bengal members. a volunteer of Bondhu Mahal )!)%;5=:< ')/0
' /( /! *!'/  /)  '! !  ! deceased ones without prob- on funeral at the Puri towards the latter part of week,” The Government also Samiti, a philanthropic organ-  0 /)!) ! ( ! )!) lem. Swargadwar. the IMD said. There is also a asked medical college hospitals isation, said. The organisation 3! ' /( !()   /( 3('   3')' The Commissioner said In a similar development, ‘Low’ probability (1% to 33%) to form expert teams at their is helping Covid positive peo- +')  '!()    (' )' the Patia crematorium is an a crematorium at Bharatpur existing for cyclogenesis over levels and let the Government ple and their family members  ) /)!) !(), *  *!)1& 
3*!(  !  
) &* )  ' LPG crematorium, which would become operational in a east central and adjoining know about black fungus and even cremating unwanted  /*! / would greatly help in cremation couple of days. northeast Bay of Bengal. patients, if any. bodies, he said in Kanpur. >5%:'  /!')/ *!)1')  
 /"&&  & 
  P    !       !  P" BHUBANESWAR: State cap- ital city Bhubaneswar on Friday O&+& 2&&  said there is no comparison of recorded 988 new positive the sacrifices of the farmers for 
   cases, with which its total tally &++
&  " the country and the society. rose to 59,163. Out of the new %3 3,%P Patnaik reiterated his com- cases, 822 were local contacts mitment for the wellbeing of  !"  Information and Public Sundargarh with 882, Cuttack and 166 were reported from the farmers. "Farmers in my Relations Department 719, Sambalpur 677, Angul quarantine centres. #!  1 E1  State, stay well. May their $
  "%"& said. 532, Bargarh 507, Mayurbhanj The local contacts includ- income increase and his fami- &!& & '(')* And on the day, the State 480, Puri 469, Balangir 461, ed 51 cases from Old Town, 50 hile congratulating farm- ly prosper! I will continue to   &+ %& " ++ registered a record 22 Covid Jharsuguda 413, Bhadrak 412, from Patia, 49 from Nayapalli, Wers on the eve of agrari- work for them,” he said. deaths, with which the total toll Nabarangpur 362, Ganjam 387, 23 from Rasulgarh, 21 from an festival Akshaya Tritiya to be “As we are passing through ,!  '('-. surged to 2,273. Angul district Baleswar 340, Nayagarh 301, Saheed Nagar and 55 each observed on Saturday, Chief a difficult period of Covid-19’s recorded three deaths, Khordha Jagatsinghpur 259, Koraput from Shastri Nagar, Unit-3 and Minister Naveen Patnaik on second wave, the Government #!  1 E1  four including two from 246, Boudh 228, Kalahandi Unit-9. Friday announced transfer of has announced lockdown, but Bhubaneswar, two each from 210, Keonjhar 208, Nuapada Currently, the active cases Rs 920 crore to the accounts of there is no lockdown for agri- he State reported an all- Kalhandi, Kendrapada, 204, Rayagada 187, Subarnapur in the city stood at 11,418. 42 lakh farmers in the State cultural operation. Farmers Ttime high of 12,390 Covid- Rayagada and Sundargarh and 178, Kendrapada 137 and On Friday, two cases of under the Kalia Yojana for can start cultivation taking 19 positive cases in all 30 dis- one each in Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri 103. death were reported in the Kharif season 2021. care of Covid guidelines," he tricts and the State pool on Boudh, Cuttack, Balangir and Besides, 352 cases were city. Till now, 289 persons have Patnaik hoped that with said. Friday, with which the total Kandhamal. reported from the State pool. succumbed to the disease. the Kalia Yojana help, all small, Patnaik wished that this tally increased to 58,8,687. As for the new positive Currently, the active cases On the day, 777 persons marginal and landless farmers Patnaik said the Kalia helped alleviate the debt bur- year would be good for the Of new cases, 6,938 were cases, Khordha district once in the State stood at 1,04,016 recovered, taking the total would utilise the amount for scheme is the best in the coun- den of farmers, he said. farmers’ all-round develop- from quarantine centres and again registered the day’s max- and the cumulative samples recoveries to 47,435 in the agriculture and to revive their try and it has brought smiles in He described the farmers ment with favourable climate 5,452 local contacts, the imum at 2,201 followed by tested were 1,07,69,312. city. PNS life and livelihoods. the faces of farmers. It has also as “our pride and glory” and conditions and bumper crops. #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. &  )' 

      !!$") # 
 $     !!  !%*    %&$  #!  1 E1   5 %& and medical advice 6&% 7 as per the World veryday, the country’s air-  ( health Eports are transporting med- &%& 6P &%
6 Organisation’s ical essentials and equipment (WHO) guidelines. across the nation to strength- #!  1 E1  ment said. #!  1 E1  With many en the fight against Covid-19. Appointments already children getting The Biju Patnaik International day after the Centre booked online for the second ith many children getting affected during the Airport (BPIA) in Aincreased the time inter- dose are not being cancelled Waffected by Covid-19, all second wave of the Bhubaneswar and its stake- val between two doses of by COWIN. Beneficiaries those above two years have pandemic, the holders have also been playing Covishield vaccine to 12-16 may be advised through suit- been advised to wear masks. Odisha an active role by facilitating weeks from 6-8 weeks, the able IEC that they should The Indian Academy of Department of seamless transportation of Odisha Government on reschedule their appoint- Paediatrics has advised for use Health &Family medical equipment and mate- Friday announced that the ments. However, if a pre- of masks by children before Welfare has rials 24×7. 3,500 pieces of 10 litre seamless appropriate behaviour and revised gap would be fol- booked beneficiary chooses stepping out of their houses and advised the A total 669 boxes (20.53 cylinders and 1,520 pieces of maintain staggered timing to lowed in the State with effec- to take the second dose of the parents are asked to ensure it. Department of MT) of Covid vaccines have 46.7 litre seamless cylinders are minimise crowding. To create tive from May 14 midnight. vaccine even if the time Newer symptoms such as Women & Child been transported through var- in pipeline and the consign- awareness regarding Covid The Health and Family interval is less than 84 days, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach Development to ious airlines till May 9 through ment is expected within a week appropriate behaviour, ensur- Welfare Department has the COWIN system would pain, etc., in addition to the ear- issue a fresh advi- the Biju Patnaik Airport. To from foreign countries. ing safety of passengers, the air- written a letter to all district allow vaccination of such lier symptoms of cold, cough, sory while includ- overcome the oxygen crisis of Besides, the Bhubaneswar port is also displaying instruc- Collectors, Municipal beneficiaries, the letter stat- fever, loss of smell and taste, ing several impor- the country, a total of 156 airport is also following all the tions through several elec- Commissioners, Chief ed. poor feeding in infants and any tant points. emptyoxygen tankers, 526 oxy- Covid-19 related guidelines tronic and permanent displays District Medical Officers The department further other medically-indicated con- ACS, Health & Family second wave of Covid. gen concentrators and140 oxy- and protocols as per the at the terminal. (CDMOs) and Public Health stressed that as the load of ditions in children, pregnant Welfare Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra has pointed out gen cylinders were transport- instructions of Central and The airport has also organ- Officers (PHOs) to ensure beneficiaries due for the sec- and lactating women and ado- Mohapatra has issued the that the Union Ministry of ed by 75 Indian Air Force air- State Governments to ensure a ised Covid vaccination camp this. ond dose of the vaccine at the lescents may be considered for directive in this regard while Health & family Welfare has crafts like C17, C130J, AN 32 safe journey for passengers. for employees of AAI and Accordingly, no online district level would be min- suspecting Covid-19. advising the Principal Secretary issued a protocol of manage- from April 23 to May 11. The airport staffers are other stakeholders in collabo- or on-site appointment imal, priority would be given Persons belonging to any of Department of Women and ment of Covid-19 for the pae- As many as 41 pieces of making continuous requests ration and with support from would be allowed for the to vaccinate the first-dose age including children having Children to incorporate the diatric age group, which is oxygen concentrators were to all the passengers, stake- the Government of Odisha, second dose of Covishield if Covishield beneficiaries such any symptoms of Covid-19 above advisory in view of chil- needed to be adopted and transported through various holders, visitors, employees taking all safety measures into the gap period is less than 84 as frontline workers and peo- must go for testing, isolation dren being affected due to the implemented. airlines also. Transportation of etc. to always follow Covid consideration. days (12 weeks), the depart- ple aged 45 years and above. R O*  +P      &  P @! &  ! '
!**' "!& "  &  6& hood opportunities for every in charting India’s aluminum concern that despite its rele- mine auctioned. dream, geologist and former vance and recognition as one 3H +  &+ &,6  Odisha can take a cue Executive Director, Nalco, and of the 12 champion industries, &3,%& 3&,  from the success stories of ex-advisor, Ministry of Mines no metallurgical grade baux-   # #!  1 E1  #!  1 E1  mineral-rich developing RC Mohanty said, “Per capi- ite mines has been successfully 
 "6" countries like Guinea in West ta consumption of aluminum auctioned in the last six years s Odisha is reeling under a he authorities of the "&
 " Africa or even developed in India is about 2.5 kg, com- since the inception of MMDR Apeak Covid-19 crisis, the TNandankanan Zoological countries like Australia. Their pared to the world average of Act 2015. Planned new State Government’s decision to Park (NZP) and the State 5  &+  concerted efforts to unlock about 11 kg and China’s 24 kg, investment of over Rs 50,000 allow home delivery of IMFL Botanical Garden on the city !& their mineral power saw large- while many developing coun- crore in the aluminum sector and country liquor is absolute- outskirts have further extend- 9())) 6 scale economic development tries have already reached 8 has been put on hold due to ly anti-people as it would fur- ed the closure of the two facil- and global dominance in the kg. Our ambitious economic this bureaucratic chokehold. ther escalate the Covid prob- ities in view of the surging world’s supply chain. growth would surely increase For India to achieve its man- lem, said Milita Odisha Nisha Covid-19 cases. #!  1 E1  Successful auction of bauxite this to 7 kg to 8 kg., matching ufacturing vision, a rapid Nibarana Abhijan (MONNA) “Closure of Nandankanan mines will further attract huge other developing nations. This growth inm bauxite produc- president Padma Charan Nayak Zoo and State Botanical disha alone has the investments in the State will push aluminum require- tion from the current 20-22 in a Press release on Friday. Garden has been extended Opotential for multi-fold wherein fresh investments of ment from present levels of 4 million tonnes to 72 million Nayak said, "The Odisha until further orders as a pre- growth in bauxite production over Rs 2 lakh crore are envis- million tonnes to 12 million tonnes per year is needed to Government is facing a her- cautionary measure against the from current 12-13 million aged in aluminum sector to tonnes per annum, which will meet the growing domestic culean task to arrange required deadly virus,” said the Deputy tonnes to over 50 million meet the growing demand. require an increase in bauxite requirement. number of vaccines for its cit- Director of the zoo on Friday. tonnes per annum to meet the This will ensure optimum mining from current levels of The catalyser in this #!  1 E1  Government and directed the izens. So far, a major portion of Earlier, the authorities had domestic bauxite requirement utilisation of domestic natur- 24 million tonnes to at least 72 growth trajectory will be how officials to prepare an action the population has not received closed the zoo and the botan- of the nation and curb al resource, saving precious million tonnes.” India taps its vast deposits of enior IAS officer Dr Krishan plan accordingly. jabs. People are adopting all ical garden for visitors with imports. foreign exchange, generate The import of bauxite, bauxite. Despite one of the SKumar has taken charge of Known for his tech-savvy measures to boost the immu- effect from May 1 till May 15. The State can also auction huge local employment one of India’s most abundant world’s largest deposits, the the CMD of the Odisha approach, Dr Kumar advised to nity level of their family mem- During the closure period, abundant bauxite reserves opportunities and yield rich ores, has caused an estimated possible key to fast-track Industrial Infrastructure send any complaints to him by bers. Now, the Government's sanitisation drive will be car- which have the potential to socio-economic dividends for forex loss of over 571 million India’s development is being Development Corporation email so that it would have his move to make liquor home ried out at the zoo to prevent garner Rs 5,000 crore for the the State. Highlighting dollars in the last six years ignored, as auxite mining is (IDCO). Dr Kumar harped on personal attention and facilitate delivery will make the situation transmission of the virus. exchequer and 10,000 liveli- Odisha’s bauxite importance alone. It is a matter of great yet to be prioritized. the 5T charter of the State early resolution. worse”. Q   #$  && *% $ .(%  $    
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  $  #!  1 E1  BMC Covid care   24x7 Helpline #!  1 E1  power supply in oxygen units. utting technology to use for “1929”, operat- " ,
  published as a Gazette notifi- The company has devel- Pbetter Covid management ing from Smart cation. With this, the Xavier he National Aluminium oped infrastructure in the 200- and quick transfer of patients City office, the &, "  &% University has been renamed as TCompany Limited (Nalco) bed Covid Hospital in to the dedicated Covid BMC allocates " & %5+ XIM University. is now supporting the 70-bed Nabarangpur apart from run- Hospitals (DCHs) and Covid an available bed The university authorities Covid Centre at the Saheed ning the two exclusive Covid Care Centres (CCCs), the in one of the "&/7,+  said they are deeply thankful to Laxman Naik Medical College, Centres at its hospitals at Angul Bhubaneswar Municipal hospitals or 
( "7 the Governor, the Chief Koraput, to make it fully oper- and Damanjodi. Corporation (BMC) has start- CCCs. An Minister, the MLAs and the ational. Besides, it is also sup- Nalco CMD Sridhar Patra ed GPS tracking of the emer- ambulance is  (  people of Odisha along with all porting the 66-bed Covid said, “As a responsible corpo- gency vehicles. alerted to pick &% 55+ 7 stakeholders for healthcare facility at the ESI rate citizen, Nalco collective has While the authorities have the patient from this. Hospital, Banarpal, Angul by always stood with the people of a fleet of 64 ambulances under his/her resi- %"& This renaming also helps in bearing the cost of the total Odisha in difficult times.” the Covid management pro- dence. These ambulances are three each are with the three The rest 34 ambulances are integrating both campuses of operation and maintenance of To strengthen the vaccina- gramme, 40 has already now fitted with onboard GPS respective BMC administrative at the Capital Hospital under a #!  1 E1  the university into a single the facility. The company tion drive in the State, the become GPS-enabled and the units for real time tracking. zones. This number will be Central Ambulance Control legal entity with a shared struc- would provide a safety net to Nalco has provided a refriger- rest would be fitted with the This provides an estimated increased by seven in each Room. It is coordinated by an n March 2021, the Xavier ture, process, and procedure for the people residing in Angul ated truck having a capacity tracking devices very soon. time of arrival of the ambu- zone making availability of 10 OAS officer. The other sup- IUniversity, Odisha better governance and admin- and Koraput districts, where its 25,70,000 vaccine doses for The Bhubaneswar Smart City lance to the patient’s residence ambulances at each porting staffs include an (Amendment) Bill 2021 was istration of the university. operating units are located. safe transportation of vaccines Ltd (BSCL) is looking after the just like one knows the location zone. AYUSH doctor, an ASO and a passed in the State Assembly Students will get more career Furthermore, the Nalco has across the State. It has also technological up-gradation of a taxi when he books In fact, presently there is an DEO for the coordination renaming the Xavier University prospects all over the world also consented to strengthen extended support to the State part of the ambulances. through various Apps on ORS officer, an ASO and a activities. The supporting staffs as ‘XIM University’. This Bill with the XIM brand name cer- the supply of oxygen by pro- Health Department for pro- When a patient is referred mobile phones providing taxi DEO to coordinate the ambu- work in three shifts for the has now received the consent of tificate, said a university release viding DG sets to the State curement of a ventilator ambu- for shifting to a DCH or a CCC rental services. lance availability at the zone ambulances at the Capital the Governor and has been on Friday. Government for uninterrupted lances at a cost of Rs 1.16 crore. after due tele-consultation at Out of the 64 ambulances, level. Hospital.  $$!)" !!& #")"$%"!

!"!  ! biggest fear among locals is grounds are running out of 1974. It also aims for promo- liable to be punished with its ambit. In the famous case serve river Ganga and So, on the legal front, that these bodies can be eaten space. Funeral pyres are being tion for restoration of water imprisonment of three of Narmada Bachao Andolan Yamuna.” despite numerous legislations ecently, shocking news by stray dogs and birds which lit in car parking lots and bodies. For better implemen- months or with a fine of Rs Vs. The Union of India, Similarly, in Lalit Miglani at State and central level, Rhave been reported from will further spread corona along pavements. Charging tation of the Act, the Central 500 or with both. [2000] 10 S.C.C. 664, the vs State Of Uttarakhand, 2017 civic bodies seem to be help- north to south corners of the virus. Now, instead of taking high amount of fees by the Pollution Control Board and Apart from this, under Supreme Court, held that the SCC OnLine Utt 392, the less to check dumping bodies country about the dumping of action on people causing ambulance drivers and short- the State Pollution Control the Wildlife Protection Act of right to clean water is a fun- court stated that “Rivers and into the river polluting the life human bodies, affected with these malafide acts, the State age of beds in the hospitals are Board have been established 1972, robust protection is damental right under Article Lakes have intrinsic right not existing under river, and Covid-19, into the rivers. In authorities are playing blame a common sight. Images of by the Central and the State accorded only to river stretch- 21 of the Indian Constitution. to be polluted. Polluting and existing laws seem to be inad- the second wave of the pan- game against each other. people scrambling for funer- Governments. Under the Act, es passing through national Over the past few years, damaging the rivers, lakes, equate. demic, people are dying in Moving to the west, act of als and burials have flooded the board has the power to parks and sanctuaries. Some courts in India came out with water bodies, will be legally Thus, it is much expected large numbers in villages and dumping bodies in Narmada the world media. More than encourage and conduct States though do have provi- several orders declaring rivers equivalent to harming, hurt- to take immediate action on people out of fear are not river is reported in Gujarat 250,000 people have died so research and investigation sions in their revenue laws or and lakes as entities granting ing and causing injury to the issue of dumping bodies helping one another. In such and in Madhya Pradesh also. far in the pandemic that with a view of promoting, the rules to protect rivers, them rights equivalent to a person. They have a right to and take appropriate legal a scenario, they are dumping During the Spanish Flu in began more than a year ago. prevention of contamination Sections 29 and 35(6) of the living person. In Salim v. exist, persist, maintain, sus- measures for prohibiting the their dead into the rivers. 1918, India witnessed similar Poverty is one reason for the of water in a significant man- Wildlife Protection Act pro- State of Uttarakhand, (2017) tain and regenerate their own same. It is suggested that Bodies were spotted by scenes of bodies floating inthe bodies flowing in the Ganges ner and also to advise the hibit the destruction of SCC OnLine Utt 367 para 19, vital ecology system. The increased police patrolling the villagers in the Ganga and river Narmada. That pan- because it costs a lot to burn Central Government for the wildlife, including aquatic the High Court declared that rivers are not just water bod- activities will definitely help Yamuna rivers in Bihar and demic had killed around bodies. Also, the civic nature matters relating to environ- habitat and vegetation, and “the Rivers Ganga and ies. These are scientifically to ensure further bodies are Uttar Pradesh, the States 13.88 million people in India. of humans has been a major mental issues and for the pre- the diversion of the flow of a Yamuna, all their tributaries, and biologically living”. not dumped in the river. where we perform thousands In south, the garbage concern. For that a mass- vention and control of water water body into or outside streams, every natural water These orders may not be Formation of a Judicial of rituals near rivers and we dumping activities in river scale awareness campaign is pollution. such areas. flowing with flow continu- able to immediately control Committee is much needed to worship them for their have been a major issue required to curb the menace. The second major central These prime legislations ously or intermittently of the destruction or exploita- inquire about the collapsed sacredness. On May 11, sev- reported in recent times. The major specific legis- legislation is the Indian Penal derive their power from the these rivers, are declared as tion of rivers but they could health infrastructure system eral bodies wrapped in plas- These kinds of incidents lation which provides for the Code, 1860 where Section Constitution of India, 1950 juristic/legal persons/living transform the legislative in the country. tic bags were seen floating in are showing that the condi- prevention of water pollu- 277 lays down the provision where Article 21, 48 and 51 entities having the status of a approach to nature and Gazipur and Hamirpur dis- tion of health infrastructure tion and to take care and to punish person who com- (g) are given a liberal inter- legal person with all corre- reduce the current domina- (The writer is Assistant tricts of Uttar Pradesh. in India has not been changed maintain the water bodies is mits an offence of fouling of pretation by the judiciary to sponding rights, duties and tion of developmental pro- Professor, School of Law, KIIT Similar cases were found in much since colonial era. the Water Prevention and a public reservoir or a public include the right to clean liabilities of a living person in jects over the protection of University, Bhubaneswar. Bihar’s Buxar district. The Crematoriums and burial Control of Pollution Act, spring voluntarily. He shall be water and environment under order to preserve and con- nature, Views are personal)

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 #  !" . 4 JAJPUR: A 43-year-old man #!  E   #!   5 was arrested on Friday on the  # E charge of raping a 45-year-old s many as 33 students of #!  #H married woman on Thursday Atwo Ashram Schools in he Child night at a village under the Bari Khariar block of Nuapada TProtection n Thursday, a State level police station in Jajpur district have tested positive for Unit here on Oteam of BJP visited the district. Covid-19. Wednesday Covid Hospital situated at The woman had gone out As per reports, 22 stu- foiled a child Ranki in Keonjhar and of her house to attend to dents of the Kaunya Bal marriage at inquired about the death of 12 nature's call when she was Niketan at Gadramunda and Parichagaon area Covid patients on May 5. allegedly raped by 11 of the Nava Prabhat under Gumma The team included State Bichitrananda Rout. On Ashram School have been block of Gajapati spokespersons Satyabrata Friday, the woman filed an FIR found infected with the virus. district. Panda, Dillip Mohanty, State in the police station that she They all have been kept in iso- On a tip-off, executive member Murli was raped by the accused. lation separately in the a team of officials Manohar Sharma, Keonjhar removal of the manager in- (PMKKY). The DMF is head- Acting on the FIR, police premises of the and Sakhi mem- district president Sabuja charge of the hospital was a ed by the District Magistrate. arrested the accused, said Bari schools. bers raided the Anshuman Mahanta and State proof of it. They collected The team alleged that the May police station IIC Ajay Kumar District Collector Swadha spot and rescued executive member Radhakanta information from the victims’ 5 incident was a mass killing Jena. Dev Singh said special a minor girl. Mahanta. The team also families, some eyewitnesses caused by human fault. The Police booked the accused arrangements have been made They verified the inquired about various aspects and hospital authorities. It’s team concluded that there was under Section 376 (rape) of to provide treatment to the age from the relating to the cause of the learned that a young man who widespread manipulation of IPC. The woman was taken to children. birth certificate death. They also inquired about made a video of the death of funds, mismanagement and the Government hospital at Nuapada district, which of the victim girl and found it and penalties involved in child Badtya, CWC chairman the death of another patient corona patients viral was negligence by of the hospital Bari, where doctors conducted has been categorised under to be below the marriageable marriage. Pramod Kumar Roul, member who died on the same day detained by the police. leading to death of 12 persons. her medical examination. The Red Zone in the second wave age of 18 years. Those present on the occa- Alaka Sahu, lCDS supervisor before reaching the hospital. The hospital has been built The team lodged a com- accused was produced in court. of the pandemic, reported They sensitized the vil- sion include Bhagyalaxmi Rajeswari Patra, Prava from The team learned that the from the DMF fund under the plaint with the police against The court rejected his bail 204 positive cases on lagers against child marriage. Nayak, member of child pro- Childline, besides Anganwadi district administration was try- Prime Minister’s Mineral the District Magistrate and the application and remanded him Friday. They discussed various laws tection unit Jayaprakash workers and ASHAs. ing to hide facts. The hurried Khanija Kalyana Yojana hospital authorities. to jail custody. PNS #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. &  )<

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 7 The petitioners also cited and oxygen trains are contin- State Government and the Meghalaya who has set up a the Central Government encounter. team (SIT) to conduct the %65% the Pt Parmanand Katara case, uously dispatching oxygen Centre were at loggerheads business model for organic demanding release of 18,000 The NIA had re-registered investigation into over 100 3% 7 " wherein the apex court had cylinders amid the Covid cri- over various issues, including farming, PM Modi said as arrears to each eligible farmer the case on March 29 in 2018 corpses, found floating in the held that the right to dignity sis. But there are a number of verified data of farmers. many as 10,000 Farmer from the State. under various Sections of the Ganga river in Bihar’s Buxar, 
  & &  and fair treatment under people who are involved in As part of this scheme, the Producer Organisation (FPO) The scheme, launched in IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act and Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur 7 , Article 21 of the Constitution, hoarding of oxygen. States Government is working were being set up in the coun- 2019, was a National and Unlawful Activities and Unnao districts, amid the was not only available to a per- should take strict action against towards encouraging farmers to try and small farmers were also Democratic Alliance (NDA) (Prevention) Act and took over ongoing second wave of Covid- 66 son during lifetime, but also to such people,” Modi said. take up alternative forms of getting associated with them. flagship project that aimed at the investigation. 19 pandemic. the body after death. Despite the acute shortage farming such as organic farm- “Your confidence in what you providing financial support to During the NIA investiga- The plea, filed by lawyers tion of the holy river, Ganga, The plea also alleged that of concentrated oxygen in var- ing. These crop require less do makes your model a sought- the farmers of the country. tion, it was revealed that Pradeep Yadav and Vishal by such indecent act either of in the present case, the state ious states, several people have investment. They are good for after one,” the PM told the Under the scheme, 6,000 is Siromani was involved in the Thakre, urged the top court to individuals or of authorities,” has also failed to monitor the been caught hoarding the sup- health and for the soil too. It farmer. Talking to a farmer transferred to the beneficiaries’ conspiracy for the attack on the issue direction the State the petition said. crematoriums, which exorbi- ply of the life-saving gas. also sells for a higher amount,” from Meghalaya who has set up bank accounts per year. This road opening party of Assam Government cconcerned to The petitioners emphasised tantly charged people for last Meanwhile, the Prime he said. All farmers, especially a business model for organic amount is paid in quarterly Rifles. Based on the evidence, he conduct post-mortem of the that the recovery of decom- rites during the pandemic. Minister also warned the peo- from Punjab, are satisfied with farming, PM Modi said as installments of 2,000 each. was charge-sheeted while dead bodies. posed bodies from the river is The petitioners have ple residing in villages to be the scheme. I have seen many many as 10,000 Farmer Until now, 1.15 lakh crore has absconding. Further, he was “The act of the states is a matter of serious concern, claimed that the state govern- very alert and follow all Covid- videos of farmers expressing Producer Organisation (FPO) been transferred to farmer declared a proclaimed offender inhuman as they failed to pro- noting that the river was a ments, till date have not taken 19 measures without fail to their satisfaction on social were being set up in the coun- families under the scheme, a and a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh vide facilities for decent bur- source of water for many areas, any effective measure to puri- avoid the spread of the deadly media,” PM Modi said. try and small farmers were also Government release issued on was announced for information ial/cremation of dead bodies and if these bodies were of fy the water, and this was a vio- disease. The PM also interacted getting associated with them. Thursday claimed. leading to his apprehension. and to keep a check on pollu- Covid-19 patients, then there is lation of Article 21. Modi appealed to the vil- lagers as well as those united with Gram Panchayats to " 7%! 5
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 report comes negative, and administer the vaccine”. for viral polyprotein slab pro- #!   Pathanamthitta, 15 May - very likely to intensify into a “People’s participation is teolytic processing. Malappuram, Kozhikode, cyclonic storm during the next essential to defeat Covid-19,” #!   2 potential than Remdesivir with possible anti-SARS-CoV- “Based on docking score, he onset of southwest Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod. 24 hours and is also expected Modi said. and other investigational 2 activity for further clinical pharmacodynamic and phar- Tmonsoon over Kerala is Follow guidelines issued by to intensify further during the The cumulative number t a time when people are drugs,” said the scientists from evaluation. With the shortage macokinetic parameters, com- likely to be on May 31, a day @KeralaSDMA.” subsequent 24 hours. Tauktae of Covid-19 vaccine doses Adesperately hankering for Biochemical Sciences of Remdesivir, the combina- binations of Daclatasvir, before the normal date of June “This year, the onset of the is likely to move north north- administered in the country is Remdesivir injections, paying Division, CSIR-National tion can be used to save the Elbasvir, Indinavir, Ledipasvir, 1, with a model error of ± 4 southwest monsoon over eastwards initially for some nearly 18 crore (17.93 Crore, exorbitant prices in black mar- Chemical Laboratory, India lives of severe Covid-19 Paritaprevir, and Rilpivirine days. As a well-marked low Kerala is likely to be on 31st more time and then move said the Union Health ket too, a team of Indian sci- Academy of Scientific and patients. were analysed further. Our pressure area over May with a model error of north-north westwards and Ministry’s latest report received entists have found a combina- Innovative Research (AcSIR), “Drug repurposing has analysis suggested Sofosbuvir Lakshadweep area & adjoining plus/minus 4 days,” the IMD reach the Gujarat coast by on Friday morning. tion of easily available drug— Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma been utilized as the most pre- in combination with southeast Arabian sea is all set said. In the Indian monsoon May 18 morning. The depres- It said that the Covid-19 Sofosbuvir in combination with Post Graduate Institute of ferred therapeutic intervention Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir as to develop into a cyclonic region, initial monsoon rains sion over Lakshadweep area vaccination drive has success- Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir as Medical Sciences, and INTOX for Covid-19 mitigation due to potential therapeutic agents storm along the west coast in are experienced over south has moved north-north-east- fully completed 118 days better drug than Remdesivir Private Limited, Pune who its necessity and feasibility. To for SARS-CoV-2,” it added. the next 24 hours. According Andaman Sea and the mon- wards with a speed of about 19 wherein 17.89 Crore doses and potential therapeutic worked on the efficacy of prioritize the therapeutic The team said that the to the India Meteorological soon winds then advance kmph and is now centred over have been administered to the agents for the coronavirus. drug repurposing for treating regime against COVID-19, we findings provide a scientific Department (IMD), Tauktae, north-westwards across the Lakshadweep about 30 km identified beneficiaries through They had investigated 61 Covid-19. used 61 antiviral drugs and rationale for applying (meaning gecko (named by Bay of Bengal. south southwest of Amini Divi, collaborative efforts of all states antiviral drugs and found that “Our analysis suggested their combinations,” said the Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir in Myanmar) once formed, is The normal onset date of 320 km west-southwest of and UTs. India is the fastest unlike Remdesivir whose route Sofosbuvir in combination paper. combination with Sofosbuvir likely to intensify into a ‘very the monsoon over Kerala is Kannur (Kerala), 1120 km country globally to reach the 17 of administration is intra- with Ledipasvir and Selected molecules were for Covid-19 management. severe cyclonic storm’ with June 1. Earlier the IMD has south southeast of Veraval crore target in 114 days. USA venous, Daclatasvir and Daclatasvir as potential ther- subjected to virtual screening “Recent initial clinical trial wind speed of 150 to 160 stated that monsoon is likely (Gujarat) at about 11.30 am on took 115 days and China took Ledipasvir, are orally adminis- apeutic agents for SARS-CoV- against — human angiotensin- data from Iran with Ledipasvir kmph gusting to 175 kmph on to make its onset over the May 14. 119 days to administer the tered. Combinations of 2. The combined score sug- converting enzyme 2 receptor- and Daclatasvir in combination May 17. This will be the first Indian subcontinent at its nor- After the cyclonic warning same amount of doses. Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir with gests that these combinations binding domain (hACE-2) with Sofosbuvir against Covid- cyclone of this year. mal date of June 1. the National Disaster Response Sofosbuvir are clinically have superior anti-SARS-CoV- which serves as an anchor for 19 are encouraging. Based on The red alert has been The IMD’s operational Force has deployed several approved, said the scientists in 2 potential than Remdesivir virus attachment and entry, our analysis and available pre- sounded in Kerala for several forecasts of the date of mon- teams on ground. At least 24 #    a study published in the and other investigational SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent clinical and clinical data, we districts for Friday and soon onset over Kerala during teams are pre-deployed and 29 Current Science journal. drugs,” they said. RNA polymerase (RdRp) recommend prioritization and Saturday. Kerala Chief the past 16 years (2005-2020) teams are on standby for “The combined score sug- They said the present responsible for viral RNA aggressive perusal of clinical Minister tweeted, “Red Alert! were proved to be correct Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, ' gests that these combinations work provides a rationale- replication, and SARS-CoV-2 evaluation of these drug com- 14 May - except in 2015. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, have superior anti-SARS-CoV- based approach to select drugs main protease (MPro) needed binations,” it further said. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, According to the IMD, it is NDRF DG, SN Pradhan said.   !   %  %  #$        ?&66 ,55+ +/+  ' ' $ 6 $  
 
  6& "&5+ 3 ;, #!       $     n accordance with instruc- Itions from President Kassym-   $    %    
  Jomart Tokayev and guided by #!   the principles of strategic part- #!   Ministry of Culture; Mayank nership between the two states, #!   Tewari for the same post in the ome June and supply of the Kazakhstan Government n a major bureaucratic Department of Defence; Nazli CCovid-19 vaccines is like- has provided humanitarian he Congress on Friday Ireshuffle, 20 civil servants Jafri Shayin in the Ministry of ly to increase sharply, helping assistance to India during this Traised concern over the were on Friday appointed to Defence (Finance); Indira India get close to 300 crore serious epidemiological situa- spiralling violence in the joint secretary-level posts. Murthy in the Ministry of doses in the seven-month peri- tion of Covid-19. Palestinian territories and A 2002 batch Indian Earth Sciences; Bhuvnesh od ending December, govern- The first of the two Kazakh Israel and urged an immediate Administrative Service (IAS) Kumar in the Ministry of ment officials said on Friday aircraft with the cargo landed at cessation of hostilities. officer, D. Senthil Pandiyan, was Electronics and Information even as it announced of sup- the Indira Gandhi International In a statement, Congress appointed as Joint Secretary in Technology; and Patibandla #!   plying nearly 192 lakh Covid- Airport in New Delhi in the leader Anand Sharma said the Ministry of AYUSH for a Ashok Babu in the Department 19 vaccines to the states and the States as well as private hospi- The ministry said 4,40,706 morning on May 14 with the that the spiralling violence in tenure of five years, replacing of Health and Family Welfare. ommerce and industry Union Territories (UTs) in the tals in the month of May 2021. beneficiaries in the age group second one expected to arrive East Jerusalem, Gaza and Indian Forest Service (IFS) Manisha Sinha, Ashish Cminister Piyush Goyal on next fortnight from May 16 to A total of 17,92,98,584 vac- of 18-44 years have received several hours later. Israel, coinciding with the fes- officer Roshan Jaggi, a 1988- Vachhan and Sandhya Bhullar Friday had a virtual meeting 31, 2021. This will include cine doses have been adminis- their first dose of COVID vac- This humanitarian aid, tival of Eid, is distressing and batch J&K cadre officer. were appointed as Joint with United States Trade 162.5 lakh of Covishield and tered through 26,02,435 ses- cine in the last 24 hours and weighing around 40 tons, a matter of grave concern for Nirupama Kotru, a 1992 Secretaries in the Department Representative (USTR) 29.49 lakh of Covaxin. sions, according to the provi- cumulatively 39,26,334 across includes medical masks, respi- the world. batch Indian Revenue Service of Economic Affairs. Katherine Chi Tai. Estimates chalked out by sional report till 7 am. These 32 states and UTs since the start rators, protective suits and He also said that the (IRS) officer, was appointed as Jeetendra Singh has been The meeting focused on officials suggested that the ten- include 96,18,127 healthcare of phase-3 of vaccination drive. portable artificial lung ventila- Palestinian peoples’ right to Joint Secretary and Financial appointed as Joint Secretary in increasing vaccine availability tative supply figures in May (8.8 workers (HCWs) who have More than 20 lakh vacci- tion devices from Kazakh man- pray at Al Asqa mosque with- Advisor in the Ministry of Coal the Department of Heavy in an inclusive and equitable crore doses) could almost dou- taken the first dose and nation doses were administered ufacturers in the healthcare out any restriction must always for an overall tenure of five Industry; Sumant Singh in the manner to combat the Global ble by June (15.81 crore doses) 66,04,549 HCWs who have in a span of 24 hours. As on sector. This aid was officially be respected and not violated. years in place of Reena Sinha Department of Home Affairs; pandemic caused by Covid-19. and quadruple by August (36.6 taken the second dose, Day-118 of the vaccination handed over at the airport by “The orchestrated inci- Puri, a 1987-batch IRS officer. Sanjiv Shankar in the Ministry The proposal of India on crore doses). In December 1,43,22,390 FLWs who have drive (May 13), 20,27,162 vac- Ambassador of Kazakhstan to dents in Jerusalem were out- Bhaskar Verma, a 1995- of Information and waiver of certain TRIPS provi- alone, 65 crore doses might be received the first dose, cine doses were given. Across India Nurlan Zhalgasbayev to rageous and triggered tensions batch Indian Civil Accounts Broadcasting; Manoj Kumar sions to increase global vaccine available, over a seven-fold 81,16,153 FLWs who have 18,624 sessions, 10,34,304 ben- Director, Eurasian Department and violence,” he said. Service (ICAS) officer, has been in the Department of production in order to take on jump from the May numbers, received the second dose and eficiaries were vaccinated for of the Ministry of External Noting that people of both appointed as the Member Investment and Public Asset the challenge of vaccinating the they said. 39,26,334 beneficiaries in the the first dose and 9,92,858 Affairs, Bandaru Wilsonbabu. Palestine and Israel “have a Secretary, National Monuments Management; and Sonmoni poorest of the poor and save Meanwhile, officials from 18-45 years age group who beneficiaries received their sec- On May 4, President right to live with dignity in a Authority (NMA), Ministry of Borah in the Department of lives was also discussed. the Union Health Ministry said have taken the first dose. ond dose of vaccine. Tokayev, in a telegram to Prime secure environment, Sharma Culture, for five years replacing Land Resources. Goyal thanked the USTR that Union Health Minister Besides, 5,66,09,783 and The Ministry also said that Minister Narendra Modi, said that the escalation of con- Navneet Soni. Indian Ordnance Factories for the US announcing its sup- Harsh Vardhan will hold a 85,39,763 beneficiaries aged a national tracking platform expressed “deep solidarity with flict, air attacks on Gaza and The Appointments Service (IOFS) officer Veena port for India’s proposal. meeting with Health Ministers 45 to 60 years have been will be established soon to the Indian nation over the dev- the rocket attacks by Hamas Committee of the Cabinet, Tamta Bhatia has been appoint- The minister mentioned of four states for Covid-19 vac- administered the first and sec- determine the impact of the astating Covid-19 surge in this have resulted in tragic loss of chaired by Prime Minister ed as the Additional Central the supply chains for the vac- cination and management on ond dose respectively, while jabs against CovidD-19 and the country”, and on May 7, innocent human lives, espe- Narendra Modi, approved the Provident Fund Commissioner cine manufacturers must be May 15. In addition, a total 5,42,42,792 and 1,73,18,693 breakthrough infections that instructed his government to cially the children and elderly appointments that include the (HQ), EPFO, under the kept open and unbridled as the quantum of more than 4.39 beneficiaries of more than 60 are likely to occur among those provide and dispatch the nec- and also injuries to many civil- names of Lily Pandeya for the Ministry of Labour and entire world is in dire need of crore doses was also available years old have taken the first with complete and partial essary assistance to the Indian ians. Joint Secretary’s post in the Employment. vaccines. for direct procurement by the and second dose. immunisation. authorities. &  )9 #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121.

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       # !(& (0( !$ !#$  #H#  menting agencies are being set- ment of 2,000 to more than 7.5 tled and unsettled, quota for lakh eligible farmers on Friday. # $#  E1 #!   E BSF troops had also neutral- ontinuing to drop letter West Bengal is being down- In an open letter to the farmers ized a Pak Hexacopter in Cbombs on the PMO one wardly revised and further the Chief Minister said that the aharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) pres- day after the Armies of Samba/Kathua area and after the other, Bengal Chief downwardly revised every day,” first installment of the PM- Mident Nana Patole on Friday created a sensation in the AIndia and Pakistan recovered a huge quantity of Minister Mamata Banerjee on adding there was lack of clarity Kisan fund was in fact a result of State political circles by alleging that during the previous exchanged packets of sweets Arms/Ammunition & explo- Friday wrote to Prime Minister about whether the her continuous fight to get the Devendra Fadnavis Government telephones of several lead- and demonstrated that the sives. According to a state- Narendra Modi wondering why State would get the remaining central funds for Bengal farmers. ers belonging to the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and BJP, and bonhomie was prevailing ment released by the BSF the Centre was not living up to plants. The Prime Minister on also some IAS and IPS officers, between 2016 and 2017 were along the Line of Control as spokesman in Jammu, "As per its promises on corona specific The Prime Minister’s Office Friday released the eighth install- tapped. not a single incident of cease- input, on 14 May 2021, troops equipment. had earlier approved allocation ment of over 20,000 crore to Talking to media persons here, Patole charged that he fire violation was reported of BSF carried out a search The Chief Minister wrote of funds from PM-CARES for more than 9.5 crore farmers. had received information from a private television channel since February 24, the Indian operation in the general area another letter to the Prime installation of 551 PSA plants in About 41 lakh Bengal farmers that his telephone was being tapped between 2016 and 2017 border guards deployed along of Samba sector. At about Minister requesting him to be across the country. Out of these had applied for the when the BJP-led saffron alliance Government ruled the state. the International border on 12.15 hrs, BSF troops recov- evenhanded in allotting PSA Bengal was to get 70. scheme. “In the name of busting a narcotics gang, the phones of Friday claimed they have ered a wrapped item with a plants (Pressure Swing Mamata further wrote in In an open letter to farmers, mine as well as Amzad Khan were tapped during the recovered a consignment of yellow colour polythene bag in Adsorption) plants — needed to her letter requesting the Prime Banerjee said “You all were sup- Devendra FadnavisGovernment using false names. I urge arms and ammunition a field. The wrapped packet generate oxygen — to the States, Minister “to kindly get the pri- posed to get 18,000, but have the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to conduct a dropped by a Pakistani drone contained 01 AK -47, 01 particularly Bengal. orities, implementing agencies, received a very small amount. high-level inquiry into the phone tapping indulged in by the in the Samba sector. The arms Pistol, 01 Mag, 15 rounds of 9 Complaining that the Centre and quota fixed, justly, fairly and Even this sum would not have previous BJP-led Government and bring the culprits behind consignment was dropped mm, 01 wooden frame (used had promised 70 such plants for quickly” as “our own supple- been transferred had we not it to book,” Patole said. approximately 250 metres to attach payload with drone) Bengal whereas it had only been mentary PSA-installation plans fought for it. We will continue The MPCC president also alleged that apart from his inside the Indian territory. & wrapping allotted four in the first phase, by State agencies... are getting this fight till you get the entire phones, the phones of Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and BP lead- BSF officials also claimed material". Banerjee wrote, “We were told disturbed because of the indeci- allocation.” ers, and also some IAS and IPS officers were also being the consignment was recov- BSFspokesman said, "IG we shall get 70 PSA plants, now siveness at Delhi.” Her Trinamool Congress tapped. “In my case, the previous BJP government tried to ered from the same area where BSF Jammu N S Jamwal con- we are told that we shall get four Pandemic issues apart, the also hit out at the Centre for link me to drug trafficking gangs and also project in an objec- BSF had earlier detected a gratulated the alert BSF troops in the first phase with no clari- Chief Minister also hit out at the releasing only 2,000 for each tionable manner. While tapping my telephone, the people cross border tunnel in the for this big achievement which ty on the remaining plants.” Centre for making unnecessary farmers whereas the Prime involved were using a fake name and address”. month of November 2020. again foiled the nefarious This is her fifth letter to the delay over the transfer of PM Minister had promised Rs 18,000 Patole demanded to know if requisite permission was The tunnel was used by the motive of Pakistan and said Prime Minister in the past two Kisan Sanman Nidhi funds to after the elections. “The PM taken from the authorities concerned before tapping my tele- Pak rangers to push armed intruder was also shot dead by that BSF is ever alert and vig- weeks. the Bengal farmers. spoke of 18,000 and here he has phone. “What was the purpose of tapping my telephone? terrorists inside the Indian ter- the BSF troops in the same ilant on International Border She also complained in her Mamata attacked the Prime given only 2,000… where is the Keeping an individual under surveillance without requisite ritory. area on May 5. 24x7 to thwart away the nefar- letter, as to how “…Priorities are Minister on a day when the rest?” asked senior party MP permission is an offence and invasion into the privacy of the Recently a Pakistani Last year on June 20, 2020 ious designs of Pakistan". being fixed and re-fixed, imple- Centre transferred its first install- Saugato Roy. individual concerned,” the Congress leader said. )  *+',-,   &!! "37 "!&   '.*#   !" !)"#"$268"  Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh on Pradesh and the recovery rate Friday recorded 15,747 fresh stands at 86.8 per cent, Prasad   #   E faced by them without mincing cination. Covid-19 cases that took the said. words, so that Centre can opti- According to the analysis infection count to 15,96,628, Among the fresh deaths, a n the wake of the grim mally step in to assist them". of Covid mortality in J&K UT while 312 more fatalities pushed maximum of 21 were reported ICovid-19 situation in Jammu On ground zero the Union between 15 Apr-12 May, the the death toll to 16,958, officials from the state capital Lucknow, & Kashmir, the Central Territory administration is rac- twitter handle of NHM said,1- said. 20 from Kanpur, 16 from Government has rushed a team ing against time to recruit doc- 93% of Covid +ve critical cases In the past 13 days, the Bahraich, 15 from Meerut, 14 of experts to study the reasons tors, nurses and other para- who died in this period were number of active cases in the from Chandauli, 13 from behind high mortality rate. medics to utilise their services unvaccinated, 7% were partially state has come down by over Jhansi, 12 from Varanasi, 10 The region has witnessed in the overall management of vaccinated. 1.17 lakh. On April 30, there each from Gautam Buddh more than 800 deaths in the last Covid-19 patients. "46% of deaths occurred were about 3.10 lakh active Nagar, Hardoi and Mathura, a one month. The positivity rate Meanwhile, there was no within 3 days of testing +ve cases and the number current- health bulletin issued here said. is also hovering around 10 let up in the increasing num- thus indicating that they were ly stands at 1,93,815, said Among the fresh cases, percent while the active posi- ber of deaths. On Friday 60 well into late stages of infection Additional Chief Secretary, 1,464 were reported from tive cases stood at over more patients succumbed to before they got tested". Health, Amit Mohan Prasad. Meerut, 900 from Lucknow, 718 52,000. the virus while 3027 new patients not to remain in As many as 1,57,257 from Gautam Buddh Nagar, MoS PMO Dr Jitendra cases were detected taking the a denial mode NHM advocat- patients are in home isolation, 587 from Varanasi, 567 from Singh, who is regularly track- tally of active positive cases to ed the need for early testing so he said.While the state report- Gorakhpur, it said. So far, over ing the Covid-19 management 52,001. The positivity rate that treatment could start early. ed 15,747 fresh cases the pre- 4.41 crore samples have been efforts on Friday tweeted," dropped down marginally to Referring to self medica- vious day, 26,174 Covid-19 tested for COVID-19 in the Central team of experts deput- 9.59 across J&K. tion as another reason behind patients recovered from the state, including more than 2.63 ed to visit GMC and other The National Health the high mortality rate, NHM disease. So far, 13,85,855 lakh tested on Wednesday, he health institutions in Jammu in Mission, UT of J&k Friday data revealed, "49.37% of total patients have recovered in Uttar said. PTI 7     . %  $
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0    .  8 96 view of COVID surge. Local released some statistics in deaths were those who arrived authorities are advised to order to spread awareness just <=3 days before in the hos- #
    
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frankly point out constraints about the importance of vac- pital". !)!'  #  #H0 34, 694 new persons with Covid-19  #  0  er measures the Government takes to con- 95 :,8  ! while 93 patients succumbed to the trol the transmission and spread of the ==&:%> ince the nine-day long total lock pandemic. amil Nadu is all set to extend the lock pandemic in the State. Sdown in Kerala which is in force The Test Positivity Rate in the Tdown period with more stringent The leaders of all political parties who ) &6?'  since May 9 has failed to bring down State as on Friday was 26.41. measures as all measures to check the took part in the deliberations assured the !  # 4  the number of Covid-19 patients, the The Chief Minister asked the transmission of Covid-19 have come a Government that they would not hold any Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh administration has decided to extend people in the State to be extra cau- cropper. There is no worthwhile change in public meetings or demonstrations any- # $#  E1 With 62 fresh deaths, the reported more than 20,000 the lockdown to May 23. tious as the India Meteorological the number of daily cases reported across where in the State till the pandemic sub- Covid-19 toll in Mumbai fresh cases of coronavirus for The lock down declared on May Department has warned of heavy the State as the second wave is causing sides. A high power committee was con- n some relief to the health increased from 14,040 to the fourth consecutive day on 7 was for nine days which would downpours, rains and high sea waves havoc everywhere. stituted with medical professionals, poli- Iauthorities in Maharashtra, 14,102, while the infected cases Friday, while 19,177 patients have ended on May 16. along the Kerala coast as a conse- On Friday, the pandemic claimed 288 cy makers and leaders of various political the daily Covid-19 deaths went up by a relatively low 1660 had recovered and another 96 The move th extend the lock- quence of the low pressure developed lives across the State while 31, 892 new per- parties to chalk out ways and means to dropped to 695 in the State on to trigger a jump in the infec- succumbed to the down was announced by Chief in the Arabian Sea in the West Coast. sons were diagnosed with Covid-19. The control the spread of Covid-19. Friday, while the infections tions from 6,83,185 to infection. Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his The failure of the administration Directorate of Public Health and In a camaraderie which is quite came down to 39,923 . 6,84,845. The latest bulletin said daily press briefing on Friday. to accommodate Covid-19 patients Preventive Medicine said in its release that unusual in Tamil Nadu, the political lead- A day after daily deaths The situation in Pune 22,018 positive cases turned out Vijayan said that the total lock in First Line Treatment Centres there were 1.95 lakh active Covid-19 ers authorised the Chief Minister to take jumped from 816 to 850 and improved a bit as the “active from 89,087 tests in the 24 down would be in force till May 23. came out in the open in southern patients in the State undergoing treatment decisions which he feels apt and suitable the infections dropped from cases”, which had come below hours ending 9 am today, tak- Four districts have been brought Kerala as nearly 50 patients afflict- in various hospitals. to check the Covid-19. 46,781 to 42,582, Maharashtra one lakh mark early this week, ing the infection count to under triple lock down measures. ed with the pandemic set up a tem- More than 1.53 lakh persons were sub- Meanwhile, Sterlite Copper, owned by logged 695 deaths and 39,923 improved once again as the 13,88,803. These are the districts of porary shed along the paddy fields jected to RT-PCR tests on Friday. The the Vedanta Group, has started despatch- new cases. “active cases” dropped from The number of active Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, in Thiruvalla as covid shelter. death toll in Tamil Nadu till date crossed ing tanker trucks filled with medical With 695 new deaths, the 1,01,181 to 96,028. cases increased to 2,03,787 Thrissur and Malappuram. The deci- An embarrassed administration the 17,000 on Friday. A meeting convened oxygen to various government owned hos- total number of deaths in the Nagpur with 40496 active after a total of 11,75,843 recov- sion to have triple lock down in these hushed up the issue by shifting the by Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi pitals in the State. A company represen- state climbed from 78,857 to cases stood second in the state, eries and 9,173 deaths. districts was in the backdrop of patients to the nearest FLTC but not Stalin which was attended among others tative said that from May 15, the plant at 79,552. Similarly, with 39,923 followed by Mumbai (35,843), The overall infection pos- unabated hike in the number of before many people were seen run- by legislature party leaders of all political Thoothukudi would be able to produce 35 new infections, the total num- Thane (31,526), Ahmednagar itivity rate climbed to 7.81 per Covid-19 cases. ning helter-skelter in this predomi- parties with representation in the House tonne medical grade oxygen per day and ber of cases climbed from (27,573), Satara (21,927), cent after 1.77 crore tests while On Friday, the State diagnosed nantly rural area. decided unanimously to support whatev- this would be gradually hiked. 52,69,292 to 53.09,215. Solapur (21,232), Nashik the case fatality rate remained As 53,249 patients were (18923), Beed (18806), stable at 0.66 per cent. discharged from the hospitals Chandrapur (15,701), Jalgaon The recovery rate was  &(      1
 
 across the State after full recov- (11,193), Latur (10237), 84.6 per cent and the active ery, the total number of people Aurangabad (8716), Jalna case ratio was about 15 per discharged from the hospitals (7072), Parbhani (7060), cent. 
0 ;   !0.     ( since the second week of March Osmanabad (6453) and East Godavari district last year went up from Buldhana (6090). reported the highest 3,432 fresh   # #     
  46,54,731 to 47,07,980. The Of the 3,06,02, 140 samples cases in 24 hours, followed by recovery rate in the state went sent to various laboratories Chittoor 2,708, Anantapuramu uducherry Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai *   !  up from 88.34 per cent to across the state so far, 53,09,215 2,213 and Visakhapatnam PSoundarajan has said steps were underway to 88.68 per cent. have tested positive (17.35 per 2,200. increase the number of beds for Covid patients in The total “active cases” in cent) for Covid-19 until Friday. While Srikakulam report- Karaikal district of the Union Territory. Aizawl: The total lockdown imposed in the state dropped from 5,33,294 Currently, 34, 82, 425 peo- ed the lowest 695 and Speaking to reporters after holding a review Aizawl and other district headquarters from to 5,19,254. The fatality rate in ple are in home quarantine Vizianagaram 899, seven other meeting here with the District Collector Arjun May 10 has been extended for another 7 days the state stood static at 1.5 per while 28,312 people are in districts added between 1,000 Sharma, the Lieutenant Governor said consider- to flatten the Covid-19 transmission curve. cent. institutional quarantine. and 1,800 new cases each. PTI ing the rise in the number of Covid cases in The government order issued on Friday Karaikal, the Government has taken steps to said that the existing complete lockdown, increase the number of beds in hospitals. which was scheduled to be lifted on May 17  
      $  %    In addition, privatemedical colleges have been (4 am) has been extended till 4 am of May -(  8 96 asked to raise the bed capacity and appoint more 24. doctors, she said. Stating that the district has ade- "As Covid-19 positive cases continue to quate supply of oxygen, she thanked the fishermen surge inspite of the stringent measures taken, %  ! 
     who donated 40 oxygen cylinders in their boats for the competent authority has decided to con- the benefit of patients in the government Karaikal tinue with the total lockdown with an antic- hospital. ipation of flattening the curve of the disease 
 
 34
The Lieutanant Governor pointed out that it transmission thereby preventing probable had been observed that late referrals for treatment overburdening of healthcare facilities," the Guwahati: Assam Forest official release stated. at hospitals were often the reason for Covid deaths order said. Minister Parimal Suklabaidya Suklabaidya, who assessed and askd the people to seek proper medical atten- The second corona wave continues to on Friday visited Bamuni Pahar the situation at Bamuni Pahar tion in the early stage itself. trouble the northeastern State. Mizoram on in Nagaon district, where 18 in Kothiatuli forest range along She said the district administration would con- Friday reported 201 Covid-19 cases, pushing elephants died a day ago pre- with top officials, said "no vis- sider increasing the number of Covid care centres the state's tally to 8,377. sumably due to lightning, and ible sign of any struggle" was and alternative medicine centres. When her atten- A total of 90 people were discharged in ordered an inquiry into the found at the site and an initial tion was drawn to volunteers who are involved in the state during the day. incident. probe into the incident sug- burying the Covid victims in the district, the The number of active cases now stands A panel, headed by Deputy gested that the pachyderms Lieutenant Governor said she would initiate an at 2,060, while 6,294 people have recovered Conservator of Forest K K were struck by lightning. inquiry as to why government staff were not from the infection. At least 23 people have Deori with seven veterinarians The exact cause of death, involved in the activity and why it had been entire- succumbed to the infection in Mizoram so far. as members, has been institut- however, will be clear following ly left to volunteers. The Government order said that people resid- ed to carry out the inquiry, and the arrival of the post mortem She appealed to the people to cooperate with ing in the state capital and other district head- file a preliminary report with- report, and submission of the government by staying indoors and thereby stop quarters/towns shall strictly confine to in three days and a detailed details by the committee, the the spread of Covid. Health Secretary Arun and indoors and not venture outside without per- account in the next 15 days, an Minister said. PTI other officials were present at the review meeting. mission. PTI  &   O:%      O*(9:%4 8 96 #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. )@

2  2 / )3.)B' *! F !  (! .)B' *!B % 781$96 %$&  #  6   <& !"  #=   !""  """" !")"   )# ! 563137::  )56.(78     .                           ( #                          ;               !O /*)   (/!'!  /                #                       !) !*/! )!& ' ' ' )            1       <=                      . . he latest available esti-              89        mates of the number of              people, mostly school- girls, killed in three  7>>(     #       ?  blastsT in front of a co-education-           al school in Kabul on May 8, vary            from at least 60 (BBC) to over 85              ( (CNN). The figure may rise fur- ther by the time this column is              7== published. The diabolical intent         ;       to kill as many as possible is clear  / :      "  / : from the fact that a car bomb was          first detonated and two impro- vised explosive devices followed   / .          as the girls rushed out of the             school in panic.         Two questions arise. Who is +           behind this ghastly crime? What are its implications? As to the <=       #            first, no one has claimed respon-                     sibility. The Afghan        # 1  .  .      Government has blamed the       7=        3  5    Taliban, which has denied +  +                   involvement and condemned the strike. This leaves one with other terrorist organisations it against the future availability billion dollars per year to  3  @  )   !  S A         ( the Islamic State, which has faces. Its commando and spe- of effective air support, which fund the ANDSF. How much        #             staged terror attack in Kabul and cial forces units have been has played an important role and what form of assistance    B=     B=B7    #      elsewhere in Afghanistan and particularly successful. in many of the ANA’s success- will Washington provide               7==     #  which retains its ability to strike Against this, the harsh fact ful operations. According to Afghanistan after the with- despite losing a great deal of ter- is that the Taliban have one estimate, 80 to 90 per cent drawal of its troops?        C           ritory over the months. expanded their control over of the air support to it is now Clearly, the military out-       .              The Taliban are the more huge tracts of Afghanistan’s provided by the fledgling come in Afghanistan hangs in    89(                likely culprits. There is no rea- countryside and some cities, Afghan Air Force (AAF). the balance. So does the fate of             #        , .  son why one should believe besides inflicting a number of The AAF, however, has Afghanistan. All indications are them, particularly when the heavy defeats on the Afghan been supported by the massive that the Taliban have every             B=B7   7>> May 8 blasts have to be seen in troops. At least some of the     H air power of the US. Also, intention to re-impose the                        the background of the surge in reverses the latter suffered the international contractors, now medieval, authoritarian theo-                 # " ( their attacks and terror strikes beginning of 2020 are attrib- H#  H- doing the bulk of the mainte- cratic system that had reduced    )     , ;   / following President Joe Biden’s utable to the Trump admin-       nance work on its planes and Afghanistan to a cleric-admin- announcement that all istration’s atrocious policies. helicopters, will depart with istered prison. As Ahmed American troops will leave These included asking the  0#- I  the American troops. This Rashid wrote in Taliban: Islam, Afghanistan by September 11. Government forces early in 05>%7 01 will seriously affect its opera- Oil and the New Great Game in 034 They know they will not win an 2020 to go on the defensive in tional capabilities. This under- Central Asia, edicts of the election and they do not believe the interest of its peace nego- %666 H&  lines the importance of contin- Taliban’s Department of in democracy. They want to tiations with the Taliban, and ued American aid. On July 7, Promotion of Virtue and control Afghanistan by force and arm-twisting it into agreeing   1   2012, Hillary Clinton, then US Prevention of Vice “had establish the Sharia rule. to the Taliban demand of 0 J Secretary of State, announced changed the lifestyles of Kabul’s Will they be able to do it? releasing 5,000 of their fight- in Kabul that President Obama once easy-going population What will happen if they do? ers in Afghan jails as a pre-  HH I had designated Afghanistan as and forced Afghan women to The answer to the first would condition for talks. Many of  H  I  a major non-NATO ally of the disappear from public view”. depend on the fighting qualities the released fighters have US. The questions are: How India needs to watch out. of the Afghan National Security gone back to combat despite 1J  55 much and of what kind? As the diversion to Kandahar and Defence Forces (ANDSF), the Taliban’s promise that H   Apart from military hard- of the Indian Airlines hijacked the support they continue to they would not do so. ware, there is a need for Flight IC-814 in December receive from the US and its The Taliban, however,   # 55 1 . funds. Countering a blend of 1999 showed, the Taliban were NATO allies. As to the first, began gaining ground even insurgency and terrorism is a actively promoting terrorism despite serious problems of before the Trump H  very expressive business. The against it by Jaish-e- desertion and unwillingness to Administration’s policies and 0H  H 0J US has provided over $86 bil- Mohammed and Lashkar-e- enlist, the Afghan National pressures hampered the lion as security assistance to Taiba. Do we have a coherent Army (ANA), the land warfare ANDSF’s operations. Also, H  Afghanistan between finan- policy to meet the challenge? arm of the ANDSF, has emerged while the capabilities of the 0 IQ cial years 2002 and 2019. (The author is Consulting a battle-hardened force capable Afghan troops have improved, Since 2014, it has been pro- Editor, The Pioneer. The views of confronting the Taliban and a big question mark hangs viding between five and six expressed are personal.) 69<&   $   $ %   =( 96  :     : SOUNDBITE

         Sir — An oxygen crisis in the Goa Medical !/! (  6   
 
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!.           ( CK Subbu | Goa H!&  '(          ( COVID test. Have all other fevers lost of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar.       ground to Corona? If all other fevers are Given the size of the two States, the den- )3!.  +                /      @(
! Sir — The recrudescence of COVID-19 in treated like COVID, the fatalities are bound sity of population, the abysmal healthcare                        the form of the second wave has claimed to occur due to wrong diagnosis and infrastructure and the manner in which the *! ' '(!B          4 #      many lives since mid-March 2021. Cold, wrong administration of medicines. virus could quickly transmit in these /!              )  *         cough, breathlessness and fever have been Whether malaria, typhoid and flu have regions, this fear was legitimate. There was ). not at all revisited after Corona first broke never any cogent explanation as to why this              )56.(78  # experienced from time immemorial. Cold <+>G'7'< triggers fever and cough triggers breathless- out in March 2020, the other normal ail- was the case, but this did not deter specu-    , P#             )   ness if curative measures are not taken in ments are still very much a reality. This lative, and clearly misplaced, theories about K!''   6Q  , P1  !               time; it is a known fact. aspect must be looked into by the the innate immunity of those in rural India. Government, scientists and doctors. The tragic sight of the bodies floating R3! ) 0H         79  Q             Fever appears in many forms like flu, !/!'. V malaria, typhoid, encephalitis (brain fever), KV Seetharamaiah | Hassan in the Ganga confirms that the numbers of                    ( reported COVID fatalities are much high- !.H!/) monkey fever, and so on. The said fevers 9*                    have not given an undertaking that they         er than the official figures. Sir —This refers to the news report, ‘Dozens N Sadhasiva Reddy | Bengaluru  / !  /!    S               ( ( would not appear since Corona has been *3.      )     , P: / .    : appearing on a grand scale. But since of bodies found buried in sand near Ganga Corona made an appearance, we have in Unnao’, May 14. When COVID-19 first     ( ; >78<      ;   S          Q hardly heard of the fevers experienced ear- hit India, the biggest fear among both the )'77'<4786+8;''81 K ' ! ( #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. )-

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hile ushering in the era of the biological revolution one can- not fail to notice that one of the 853199 : biggest ironies in biology is that Wmicrobes, which are the oldest self-replicat-        )     .  (                ing organisms on earth and which were # among the last to be discovered, have large-           )56.    ( ly been ignored. This is evident from the pre-                   sent crisis of the Coronavirus, which has        ?    2  1 devastated half of the world and has brought %                ( it almost to the brink of disaster, partly                    ( because of the late discovery of microbes and                  techniques of genome sequencing.    .     .         (  The lack of attention to micro-organisms is largely due to our observational bias. We                tend to ignore what we cannot see. This pre-          ) "       disposition allowed us to make great                 progress in astronomy observing visible                 ( objects billions of miles away from us, long         "        before we could appreciate the role of bac- #                 teria and viruses on this planet. Life on earth            "     ( is much more than there are plants. Our inherent knowledge gaps about viruses &     1  ?    (     microorganisms have brought us to the pre-                   sent-day crisis. Hence, biological revolution is inevitable. The following facts expose us to the ongo- ing revolutionary and unprecedented bio-   logical research and its unique opportuni- -     ties. HE 1E changed as we train our thinking. ative poles. It conducts the electric Starting with a large volume of Microbes have evolved into a complex  HJ-  Thoughts and minds’ energy direct- current. It can go as long as all the the red blood cells, he separated nanomachine even capable of splitting  0H-  ly influence how the physical brain electrons get transferred. Thus, a the cell membrane from the rest of water via energy from the sun, billions of H   controls the body’s physiology. battery is an energy transportation its content. Next, he carefully iso- years ahead, than terrestrial plants. There is HEH- Mental ‘energy’ can activate or device. When the battery is dis- lated Rh protein from other pre- only one existing prokaryotic type of bac-    .H inhibit the cells’ function to produce charged, we use electricity to charge. sent proteins. We all need fresh teria capable of producing oxygen without H-    0 proteins. Dr Angela Belcher, materials water to survive but it is only five the sun — the cyano bacteria. We have yet    Biologists in collaboration with scientist at MIT, is evolving virus- per cent of the total water volume                ( to discover its mechanism. biochemists, biophysicists are work- es into variants that could organize of the earth. Most of it is in ice If one happens to look to the list of noble  H . 0& ing hard to cutting-edge research on non-biological materials such as sheets and the soil.        "      # ( laureates in the last decade one cannot fail   most of the areas of the burning gallium arsenide and silicon for Hence, water purification is                to notice that most of the noble prizes even E - 0  H  issues to meet the demands of the semiconductors. Her experiment critical for human survival. This                 for physics and chemistry have gone for their 0  0 -H growing population that consumes gave her confidence to build new discovery will use cell proteins of         "        study on solving the biological riddle. E E . more and more transportable forms tools to build batteries. She found the cell membrane to purify water.         (       Several aspects of the mystery of biology are   0H  J of stored energy. Scientists are that metals and metal oxides We now know the whole family of     +             ( still to be unravelled. Dr Siddhartha  E0 turning to alternative sources of worked particularly well. Viruses do aquaporin found in virtually all Mukherjee of New York University observed  H H-  renewable energy like solar, hydro, not have cell walls or any structur- organisms on earth. A particular                    that though cancer research started earlier wind and tide. But our energy al elements. It is a protein capsule amino acid occupies a particular              7=    01  than space travel, cancer is still an uncon- HE -J  needs are still not being met because with DNA / RNA. She found that pattern of location and pattern.     +              ( querable ‘emperor of maladies’. It is no sur- of their intermittent supply and viruses-building elements could be Contrary to the theory by a        prise that MIT, an institution known for time difference between their pro- used to make electrodes that can famous economist, Thomas Robert ;      .)2      !#($)! ( engineering and technology has changed its duction and demand. The alterna- open a door to clean and efficient, Malthus, the world would be                      ( focus to molecular biology and some of its tive renewable energies are getting new way for making batteries. Her engulfed by war, famine and pesti-      "           ( faculty members have even won noble cheaper, better all the time. next step is a virus-based state of art lence, but the convergence of biol- prizes for their research on cell biology. However, we are yet to find a way battery, but could this battery take ogy and engineering is giving us                ( Dr Bruce H Lipton of Wisconsin to store these energies ineffective, the form of a dashboard, seat cover, great hope that we can avoid the           "      ( University and subsequently at Stanford cheap, reliable ways, without much door panel? Nobody knows. gloomy future. How to bring   1             ( University, USA, in his ground-breaking creation of waste. Until recently, it was undisput- together researchers from the fields           D       work, has discovered how cell mechanisms If biologists can devise a bat- ed that cell membrane itself is a of science for a collaborative effort                .     receive and process information in the cell tery that allows overcoming inter- medium for exchange of water in bioengineering by encouraging                7887    ( through the critical cell membrane. The cell mittency problems inherent in from cells and outside. Dr Peter national investment in fundamen-     A$% EA  $   %F   1 membrane through its receptor and integral solar, wind, and other renewable Agre, molecular biologist at John tal research that motivates scientists protein that serves as an antenna sends sig- sources, we could use clean and Hopkin’s Institute, in 1980 while to work in interdisciplinary areas.                        nals from the outside environment. The The writer is an abundant sources to meet all our purifying Rh protein from red For all this to happen we must                  implication of this research will radically advisor to Amity energy needs. blood cell membranes to identify it have convergence-minded policies        "          change our understanding of life. It shows School of Natural The battery converts chemical made a discovery that the mem- and international collaboration in #                 ( that genes and DNA are controlled by sig- Resources and energy to electrical energy by mov- brane has Rh protein that works as the field of biology, where scientists                   # nals from outside through the cell mem- Sustainable ing electrons from one metal to a gate and alters a particular sub- and technologists can work on a brane. This research in cell biology and Development, Uttar another. Electrons are tiny negative- stance vehicle with a pass to allow platform to defer the sixth mass       D               Pradesh. The views  (                quantum physics is being hailed as a break- ly charged particles. The copper- entry into the cell. These proteins extinction of Holocene or through showing that behaviour can be expressed are personal. zinc plates form positive and neg- are known as aquaporins. Anthropocene.           $            =G    7===                   S          POINTCOUNTERPOINT            ?"      (                 (                 !  "  ! & #- @! .!& # & !  #     #! .                      $"# ! - #$#$  !  % #  &  !?   !  -      ?    "          !#!-&  #  @ $ .. #$? #"!$ -&   .  %$!?       (          L ! #$!! !# L -%                             !    ##   ! #$#@ "   #!$  "  !" "&  !  $  "               E        

t was national technology experts leading the fight of rationale domain experts in police could have been better been blessed with one of the day on May 11 (the day is against pandemic. It may not policy making and governance. utilized for enforcing other largest vaccine manufactur- Icelebrated to mark 1998 be an exaggeration if one India still is governed by Covid appropriate protocols.If ing sites in the world, along Pokharan nuclear tests) and assumes India’s second wave bureaucrats, who by training a few scientists, epidemiolo- with a home grown vaccine. It the irony is Indian science has COVID battle is being fought are generalists with no special gists, doctors had been perma- therefore cuts a very sorry managed to break an atom in courts, national and local domain knowledge for han- nently co opted in a steering figure when despite all the and unleash its power but an administrative offices. Each dling new world challenges committee for Covid man- wealth and a team to push atomic size virus seems insur- 436(99):; one in their desperation or and therefore solutions. agement in national and State India to the next lever of mountable. The statement compulsion to make the right Political leaders of any hue governments (if not local) the growth, only about 10 per could well be turned around- announcement is giving a would always cater to their permanent tag of India facing cent of the population has to, in this battle of humans’ vs siloed decision, often over- constituencies and come up worst Covid wave in the world been vaccinated while a size- virus, policy makers ignored reaching each other’s territo- with the most populist could have been avoided. able chunk of India, even science. ry, therefore creating an schemes, which may or may Finally, the truth no mat- inmost impacted districts of A month into one the unwarranted bottleneck at a not impact lives and liveli- ter however harsh or shaming Delhi and Mumbai,are battling darkest periods of modern critical time. Examples have hoods in the long term. An if told honestly and with com- it for ajab in the arm. The cur- Indian history things look tat- been quoted of differences at the mohalla level. Tossing a gain brownie points before the example, free food distribution, passion, always benefits the rent vaccine distribution pol- tered and dishevelled with between Delhi and Mumbai few social media posts with unconnected and potentially while at a humanitarian level orator. The government has icy of the government is citizens in queues even for per- and will continue to be a case glossy pictures of infrastruc- dangerous parties during a cri- it is a noble move yet ensuring been avoiding queries on vac- opaque and needs clarity along forming last rites of their lov- study for any future pandem- ture fail to impress when a per- sis situation. It is shocking to a continuous supply of govern- cination supply and distribu- with an almost daily update on ing. Early celebrations, polit- ic management, but what it son urgently needs to breathe. see central,state, local admin- ment subsidized ration is the tion. All domain experts have the pipeline for next few ical compulsions of a democ- showed was any governance Running to courts to intervene istrations if not judiciary, cre- only long-term solution. If the been suggesting vaccination months. Estimates suggest ratic society, vibrant regional has to start right at the colony is allowing the judiciary to ating opposing guidelines for ‘one nation one ration card’ being the only long-term solu- nearly one per cent of the India sensitivities,one can attribute cluster level. The biggest walk into executive’s core Covid management or trying had been operationalised in tion for protecting a large population would be willing to a ton of reasons to the current (The writer is a bunch of caregivers/adminis- responsibilities while present- to control surge with delays. major parts of India, along chunk of population and pay for vaccines. Government level of pandemic devasta- policy analyst. trators/counsellors are right in ing a united face to any calami- Second, it is important for with various schemes for avoiding mass graves. The must prioritise COVID3 man- tion, yet what is lacking is The views expressed the neighborhood and there- ty/war or crisis is one of the those at the top to understand migrants and those out of the government had nearly eight agement by securing nearly 1.5 sound backing and knowl- are personal.) fore healthcare and civic infra- basic rules of public adminis- that the pandemic is a blunt social net, tons of public sec- months to be prepared for the billion vaccines for India in the edge of a science-led bunch of structure has to be upgraded tration. One does not start to reminder of the gross neglect tor human resources such as current onslaught and has next few months. #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. +% )A      & * !  !) !!  "& ! ; 6
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   I L 0 J&I L   * !  alestinians grabbed their Pchildren and belongings and      #   E fled neighborhoods on the out- skirts of Gaza City on Friday as "!(!  P Sharma Oli, heading a Israel unleashed a heavy barrage Kminority Government, was of tank fire and airstrikes, killing    E  sworn in as Nepal’s Prime a family of 6 in their home. Minister on Friday, four days Israel said it was clearing a net- srael’s Army says a soldier after the embattled leader lost work of militant tunnels ahead Ihas shot and killed a a crucial vote of confidence in of a possible ground invasion. Palestinian who tried to ram Parliament. Israel has massed troops his car into a military post in President Bidya Devi along the border and called up the occupied West Bank, then Bhandari administered the 9,000 reservists as fighting got out and attempted to stab oath of office and secrecy to Oli intensifies with the Islamic the soldier. as the prime minister at a militant group Hamas, which The incident took place scaled-down ceremony at Shital controls the Gaza Strip. on Friday north of the city of Niwas, the presidential palace. Palestinian militants have fired Ramallah in the occupied The 69-year-old Chairman some 1,800 rockets, and the West Bank. The Palestinian of the Communist Party of Israeli military has launched health ministry confirmed Nepal-(Unified more than 600 airstrikes, top- the death, but no other details Marxist–Leninist) was reap- pling at least three high-rise were immediately available. pointed as prime minister by apartment buildings, and has Rights groups have com- the president in his capacity as During the oath-taking COVID-19 pandemic in the shelled some areas with tanks plained about past shootings leader of the largest political ceremony, Prime Minister Oli country. stationed near the frontier. of Palestinians by the Israeli party in Nepal’s House of and Deputy Prime Minister Vice President Nanda As Israel and Hamas *$  $
 
      %      9  $        $ military under questionable Representatives. Ishwar Pokharel did not men- Bahadur Pun and Supreme plunged closer to all-out war       $$ %6 $( < !  .& 8 * circumstances. Oli will head a minority tion the word God though Court Chief Justice Cholendra despite international efforts at a government as he does not President Bhandari had men- Shumsher Rana were among cease-fire, communal violence in out an intense barrage on the wife and four children, aged 7 enjoy a majority in Parliament tioned it. the distinguished personali- Israel erupted for a fourth night. northern end of the Gaza Strip. and under, were killed after an   
     after losing the vote of confi- “I will take oath in the ties who attended the ceremo- Jewish and Arab mobs clashed In the darkness, Houda Israeli warplane reduced their dence on Monday. He was name of the country and the ny. in the flashpoint town of Lod, Ouda and her extended fami- four-story apartment building 1
      reappointed to the post on people,” Oli said, while There are 22 ministers and even after Israel dispatched ly ran frantically inside their to rubble in the neighboring Thursday night as the President Bhandari had men- three ministers of state in the additional security forces. home in the town of Beit town of Beit Lahia, residents Jerusalem: The number of six other Palestinians were Opposition parties failed to tioned “God, country and the new Cabinet. The Gaza Health Ministry Hanoun, trying to find shelter said. Four strikes hit the build- Palestinians killed in the West killed by Israeli army fire in the secure majority seats in people.” Oli previously served as says the toll from the fighting as the earth shook for two and ing at 11 p.m., just before the Bank has risen to seven. The occupied West Bank. The Parliament to form a new gov- All the Ministers and min- prime minister from October has risen to 119 killed, includ- half hours, Ouda recalled. family was going to sleep, Israeli army says one was killed health ministry said five were ernment. isters of state from the old 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016 and ing 31 children and 19 women, “We even did not dare to Rafat’s brother Fadi said. The after attempting to stab a sol- killed in stone-throwing clash- Oli will now have to take a Cabinet have been included in again from February 15, 2018 with 830 wounded. The Hamas look from the window to know building’s owner and his wife dier. Palestinian health officials es with Israeli forces in sever- vote of confidence at the House the new Cabinet. to May 13, 2021. and Islamic Jihad militant what is being hit,” she said. were also killed. confirmed that death and said al locations. AP within 30 days, failing which, Pradeep Gyawali has been Earlier, the President had groups have confirmed 20 When daylight came, she saw an attempt to form a govern- reappointed as Foreign asked the Opposition parties to deaths in their ranks, though the swath of destruction out- ment under Article 76 (5) of Minister while Ram Bahadur come up with the support of Israel says that number is much side: streets cratered, buildings !  "&! !") the Constitution would be ini- Thapa and Bishnu Poudyal majority lawmakers to form a higher. Seven people have been crushed, their facades torn off, tiated by the President. were appointed as ministers for new government by 9 pm on killed in Israel, including a 6- an olive tree burned bare, dust 
"$  The ministers of Oli’s Home and Finance. The oath- Thursday after Oli lost the year-old boy and a soldier. and powered concrete covering Cabinet were also sworn in taking ceremony was kept brief vote of confidence in the House Before dawn Friday, Israeli everything. R!4&!! during the ceremony. keeping in mind the raging on Monday. tanks and warplanes carried Rafat Tanani, his pregnant 

   1   :  >&    9   #  !!  )# " !  %&  R      hancellor Angela Merkel’s Cspokesman says Germany  $ #!      !  won’t tolerate anti-Semitic    # arranged prayers in phases at  -!  !! demonstrations amid tensions the Baitul Mokarram Mosque, +4:8; 1!!) !! Bangkok: The United Nations’ in the Middle East. housands of Muslims led where devotees maintained !( /!' &'( "!?&%"% # !6: special envoy on Myanmar Anti-Israel protests in sev- Tby activists from an distancing to avoid spreading ' /)! 
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Biden is scheduled to meet but it appears to be a ran- ing to contain it,” he said. In a letter published in the “Today is a great day for Friday with six immigrants somware attack by interna- The health service said journal ‘Science’, the experts America,” President Joe Biden who benefited from the pro- tional criminals,” Varadkar said. appointments for coronavirus from world leading universities said Thursday during a Rose gramme. “The problem could run vaccinations were not affected. such as Harvard, Stanford and Garden address heralding the The Oval Office meeting through the weekend and into Varadkar said emergency ser- MIT said knowing how Covid- new guidance, an event where comes as Biden looks to press next week, unfortunately.” vices, ambulance services, GP 19 emerged is critical for he and his staff went without Congress to pass legislation Ransomware attacks are systems and pharmacy sys- informing global strategies to masks. codifying the Deferred Action typically carried out by crimi- tems also were unaffected, but mitigate the risk of future out- Hours earlier in the Oval for Childhood Arrivals pro- nal hackers who scramble data, said there would be “major breaks. Office, where Biden was meet- gramme that then-President paralysing victims’ networks, problems” for radiology ser- They caution that hypothe- ing with vaccinated Republican Barack Obama instituted by and demand a large payment to vices, radiation oncology, elec- ses about both natural and lawmakers, he led the group in executive action in 2012, pro- decrypt it. Varadkar called the tive surgeries and obstetrics laboratory spillovers must be removing their masks viding limited protections for attack “very serious.” and gynaecology appoint- taken seriously until there is when the guidance was immigrants brought to the US “It’s coming at a time when ments. sufficient data. PTI announced. illegally as children. #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121.  )> 3   &  0+"!.&"5A>B5%   !"#$ = )  69>6% % & $!(#)* (/ -$ + " $&  ##)        ndia’s exports in April   E1 swung between gains and loss- ndia on Friday expressed Ijumped nearly three-fold to es during the session, before Ihope for an early decision in USD 30.63 billion from USD he BSE Sensex eked out finally finishing 41.75 points or the WTO on a proposal of 10.36 billion in the same month Tmarginal gains on Friday 0.09 per cent higher at India and South Africa for a last year, according to govern- after two sessions of deep 48,732.55. However, the broad- temporary waiver of certain ment data released on Friday. declines as investors scooped er NSE Nifty slipped 18.70 intellectual property rights pro- Imports too rose to USD up Asian Paints, RIL and points or 0.13 per cent to visions in the TRIPS agreement 45.72 billion last month as FMCG stocks amid a rebound- 14,677.80. Asian Paints was the to deal with the Covid-19 pan- against USD 17.12 billion in ing trend in overseas markets. top performer among the demic. April 2020, the data showed. A recovering rupee also Sensex components, rallying In October 2020, India Trade deficit widened to propped up the market, though 8.51 per cent, after the compa- and South Africa submitted a USD 15.10 billion as against the COVID-19 situation and ny on Wednesday reported an proposal suggesting a waiver into effect in January 1995. It “I am hopeful that in an USD 6.76 billion in April 2020. pace of vaccination weighed on 81.13 per cent jump in consol- for all World Trade is a multilateral agreement on early timeframe, some decision Exports in April last year investor sentiment, traders said. idated net profit to Rs 869.89 Organization (WTO) mem- intellectual property (IP) rights will be reached at the WTO...I had plunged by a record 60.28 The BSE benchmark crore for the March quarter. bers on the implementation of such as copyright, industrial am hopeful that an early out- per cent due to the Covid-19 certain provisions of the TRIPS designs, patents and protection come will be achieved on this,” pandemic induced lockdown. cent. growth in April include gems Agreement in relation to the of undisclosed information or he told reporters. In March this year, exports Oil imports stood at USD and jewellery, jute, carpet, *  "#  ! prevention, containment or trade secrets. The move would help in grew by 60.29 per cent to USD 10.8 billion as compared to handicrafts, leather, electronic treatment of Covid-19. Commerce Secretary Anup scaling up the production of 34.45 billion. USD 4.66 billion in the corre- goods, oil meals, cashew, engi-  !85 ( The agreement on Trade- Wadhawan said the proposal vaccines and other essential Due to the low base effect, sponding month last year. neering, petroleum products, 6,B=!$ Related Aspects of Intellectual had received support from sev- products to deal with the coro- exports in April 2021 record- Major export commodities marine products and chemi- /8$.=6&!%$ Property Rights or TRIPS came eral countries. navirus, he added. ed a growth rate of 195.72 per which have recorded positive cals. .&!965 *  ( E New Delhi:Gold rose by 146 C !)"C"0* "+!$!&% .
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respective states. In Mumbai, petrol now comes for around 98.65 a litre and diesel for 90.11 a litre according to a price notifica- tion from oil marketing com- panies    Petrol prices in some states including Rajasthan, Madhya eliance Jio on Friday said it Pradesh and in some places in Ris working with Reliance #!   Maharastra have breached the Foundation to provide 300 free 100 per litre mark while pre- #!   Assets Council (BACC) mem- minutes of outgoing calls per aintaining its rising trend, mium petrol has been hovering bers, the stakeholders said that month, which amounts to 10 Mfuel prices increased above that level for some time tressing that India needs consultation and dissemination minutes per day, for the entire again on Friday just after a day now. Ssmart and sensible crypto of information between the period of the pandemic. of pause with state-owned fuel Fuel prices have now regulation, leading cryptocur- government and the industry The scheme will be avail- retailers hiking rates of petrol increased on four of the last five rency players in the country on participants is crucial to deter- able to JioPhone users who and diesel by 29 paisa and 34 days rising continuously from Friday urged the government mining the most appropriate have not been able to recharge paisa per litre respectively in Monday to Wednesday, paus- against the ban and sought regulatory framework and sup- due to the ongoing pandemic, the national capital. ing on Thursday and again ris- engagement to build consensus porting innovation. “There are the company said in a state- In Delhi, petrol now costs ing on Friday. Prior to holding on crypto regulation. over 1.5 crore Indians holding ment. 92.34 per litre and diesel is back auto fuel prices on The government earlier over Rs 1,500 crore worth Reliance Jio is the first priced at 82.95 per litre up Saturday and Sunday, its pump indicated that it would take a crypto-assets. India is no longer company to announce free talk from yesterday’s level of Rs rates had also increased sharply ‘calibrated approach’ towards a niche market, but a rapidly time for users in the second 92.05 and 82.61 a litre respec- on previous four days as well. digital assets and formulating growing finance market. wave of pandemic wherein tively in the national Capital. Petrol prices have a Bill on cryptocurrencies. A Despite the growth in crypto many states have imposed lock- Across the country as well increased by 1.79 a litre Delhi final decision is yet to be taken. adoption, India is behind in downs or lockdown-like the petrol and diesel prices in May in the eight increases so At a webinar organised by terms of both regulations as restrictions as a desperate mea- increased on Friday but its far. Similarly, diesel prices have the Internet and Mobile well as number of successful sure to restrict the spread of the quantum varied depending on risen by  2.22 per litre in cap- Association of India (IAMAI) crypto startups,” said Nischal virus. the level of local levies in ital this month. and its Blockchain and Crypto Shetty, CEO WazirX. J1 *!*!/ 0!) ( /!!)
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8.45 am: I wake up with a trators, cylinders and refillers, ven- group in the city, Manasa R, point- that we were unable to help save her,” jolt and reach out for my tilator beds, other life-saving medi- ed out at how suppliers seemed to he shared. phone and open a cines like the Tocilizumab and even have run out of stock in most sce- On her second day as a volunteer, WhatsApp group I’ve meals for those who stayed alone and narios, due to which the meaning of Aeshal came across a request on one pinned on top these days. couldn’t cook. The demands for ‘a verified contact’ changed each day. of the groups she was part of for an My immediate concern is if Mr ICU home setup followed soon after She said, “From hospitals to officials, oxygen cylinder in Lucknow. She said, Pathak had found a ventilator bed when people realised how hospitals they stopped attending the calls “I sent a few leads and went to sleep for his mother in North Delhi, a were now too crowded, understaffed when the cases surged. The lines with guilt and fear within. I woke up request that came in late last night. and unequipped. We started prepar- were either busy or unavailable or to see that the patient had found the I had sent two verified leads, post ing lists of verified contacts for the they’d hang up. Out of 200 calls, two cylinder and was relieved to hear this. which I slept, guiltily. To my heart’s respective needs and put them out as would respond only in the negative. That was the first time when I was relief, the 33-year-old man had a consolidated information.” The most unique challenge was the really motivated to help out as many met his requirement through the Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, who process of verification. After we people as I can during these tough contact. I scroll further and the task has been closely and endlessly work- added a supplier’s contact to the times and I made sure I dedicated for the day seems ready. My friend’s ing with over 500 volunteers, during database, who could help us find an myself to it also given the obligation father, Mr Ramnarayan in the second wave to arrange required oxygen cylinder, the supplier would one feels after coming across a Bengaluru, has been prescribed supplies for COVID-19 patients, later run out of stock and stop request.” Tocilizumab and his daughter is said that an extremely dire situation answering calls. And we had to start While there were stories of vic- frantically searching for the medi- like this demands every one of us to finding new suppliers from a tory and demise coming in, there cine as the hospital has run out of act responsibly. He said that the cur- scratch.” were also certain cases where the supplies. rent struggle of finding oxygen sup- Aeshal Fatima, class 12th stu- already broken-down healthcare sys- 9.00 am: In another group, plies reminded him of his grand- dent and Delhi-based volunteer, tem meant that non-Covid patients a request lands for oxygen mother’s demise in 2003 due to the part of nine such groups on had a tough time getting relief. Abu concentrator in Delhi and unavailability of oxygen support in WhatsApp, pointed towards the shared, “In one of the most unusual I tweet it right away, men- time. “It had stayed with me,” he non-functioning of Google spread- cases during those days, we came tioning between asterisks added, “and that’s how I started from sheets, which had been circulated across a case of my friend’s house that ‘the patient is just 27’ and one WhatsApp group to another and majorly around social media. “No help’s daughter, who had fallen from also, forwarding the message to because of my good following on matter how many times I updated the stairs and suffered a severe injury other groups. I am looking for Twitter, I would amplify SOS calls the sheet with a verified lead, the on head. Due to the unavailability of leads for the respective cases by and tag several accounts which contact soon would go out of reach beds in hospitals, they were struggling cross-messaging and shifting tomorrow morning, my mind is still could be connected to the cases. or the resources they had available to find a doctor and a bed for her. It between social media platforms. not at ease. That’s how it grew after people per- got exhausted since hospitals were took seven hospitals that night, all at 2.00 pm: While I have Next day, 11.00 am: The sonally started reaching out to me running out of oxygen on an hourly different places, to get tests and MRI received 10 contacts for concentrator has been and I could help out more people basis,” said she. scans done. She was finally admitted the concentrator, my call delivered without any has- from places like Jodhpur, areas of While finding the supplies was to the eighth hospital.” log indicates 38 other calls sle. The 27-year-old Jharkhand, UP and Jammu. In the a major issue, their reasonability and On the other hand, there are also already made in a hunt for patient’s family is thankful. initial days, we used to get more than affordability became a concern soon stories of resilience, faith and patience the Tocilizumab. I dial the 10 con- I shed a tear of relief! My focus is 300-500 requests a day, which were after. Pointing towards the challenge which passed the test of time and tacts and much to my disappoint- back on finding more sources for the different from those 1,000s we that unfolded — unreasonable prices emerged. Manasa shared how her ment, only one gives hope. Tocilizumab while 20 other requests received on WhatsApp groups.” of oxygen cylinders or concentrators cousin was unable to find a bed for 5.30 pm: I have lost track of pile up in my notifications box. due to the high demand, she said, her younger brother for over eight the number of calls I have 3.00 pm: I learn that Mr DEPLETING RESOURCES, COM- “This is the worst thing someone days, “the longest a case took to close,” made today, perhaps 60- Ramnarayan will never MON CHALLENGES AND could do to the one who’s already due to which she began losing hope. 70. I even memorise a need Tocilizumab, or any timeline with few variations became from home. He got himself tested for EVOLVING STRATEGIES suffering. And the sadder part is that “I cried in relief when a combination few numbers now which other medicine now. The the routine for many people along COVID-19. Even though the reports While the information was in such a life-and-death situation, of luck, perseverance and a person- are being shared over and over again search is over. A hope has with juggling WFH. While the were negative, the symptoms were being verified and shared through one has no choice but to give in, no al contact” of the family worked in but to no avail. I have found two been killed. Another pyre is demands for resources may have less- evident. Medical experts alerted him personal handles and social media matter the cost.” helping the patient. When she shared leads for the Tocilizumab. While one being set up. I don’t know the man ened with the falling number of cases to stay at home since they felt it could toolkits, due to the rising number of the story with other volunteers in the says it will be available tomorrow but the grief of his death consumes this month, the incidents which the be the new mutant spreading in cases and demands, they soon fell HAUNTING STORIES OF VIC- group, who were not involved in the evening, the other requires full me, leaves me agitated and helpless volunteers share haunt them and give India, which wasn’t being detected by short. Abu added, “After a few TORY AND DEMISE case, they listened patiently, celebrat- payment before delivery. Leaving like never before. Was an advance a detailed insight into the insides of the RTPCR tests though the symp- hours of creating a list of available It was 2 am when Kaul received ed with her as though the patient was this decision on the patient’s fami- and a hefty payment for a medicine a relief group formed due to the toms turn out to be more severe. resources, they would exhaust and a request from Bengaluru for a 26- one of their own. “Well, everything ly, I pass on a verified lead for the more important than a life? necessity that emerged out of the cur- He shared, “I started searching hence, would be of no use to peo- year-old girl, whose parents were is significant — a person being concentrator to the Delhi patient. 3.30 pm: I feel like quitting rent pandemic. for resources for my team as a few of ple whom it reached by the end of unable to find a hospital bed. Kaul saved, a person dying, a person not 8.45 pm: I have failed to but another request for an their family members had severe the day. This became one of the and his team started working on the receiving the resources on time, a per- arrange the medicine for oxygen bed in the city THE BEGINNING symptoms. And soon, social media major challenges and hence, we case right away, got the girl admit- son actually managing to find a the Bengaluru man makes me recollect my For Abu Sufiyan, founder of and our group was flooded with started to mention the date and time ted to a hospital, however, to their resource. We, as volunteers, although, despite making desperate thoughts, which do not Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein, it requests from people in the capital when a resource was verified for use disappointment, the girl passed are quite careful about our boundaries calls. I am exhausted and agree on giving up on anoth- began when some symptoms start- who were looking for COVID and a disclaimer for its limited away the same night at 4.30. “One of with patients and their kin, in a time begin to imagine and feel pity er life battling hard. ed to show among a few of his team resources desperately. There were availability.” the volunteers, closely associated like this, we are all invested in each for the plight of his daughter. While As the second wave racked every members in early April, who were SOS calls for hospital beds, plasma, Chennai-based independent with the case, broke down and of them in some way or the other,” she the concentrator will be delivered by nerve of the country in April, this then asked to quarantine and work Remdesivir, oxygen support, concen- journalist and part of a volunteer couldn’t come to terms with the fact added.

im Jong Un has a decision The two-hour special delves akul Preet Singh is a self- Kto make: Maintain his bru- 3%    into the complex family Rmade actor. In a little    tal family legacy or become a dynamics of the Kim dynasty over seven years since her legitimate leader, a dilemma at the heart of North Korea’s Bollywood debut in the 2014   ') ' /!!'31'& that could ultimately destroy history and operations, and film Yaariyan, she has worked the Kim dynasty. As North      
! C! offers key insight on his school her way through the uphill #E  I  ((5 /! Korea faces a critical cross- !(#(EO*  '*!'! '  ' days in Europe, the failed task of dealing with the tag of )!
! /'*/!!  roads, North Korea: Inside The Hanoi summit and North an outsider, and is today one Mind Of A Dictator chronicles '!#! O)! /! ' Korea’s growing arsenal of of the busiest actors in the Grandson, co-starring Arjun In Bollywood, many con- the life and reign of Kim Jong nuclear weapons. Hindi film industry. Kapoor. She also has Mayday sider the 2019 comedy hit De Un as the young and unpre- The special also takes a She attributes her suc- coming up with Amitabh De Pyaar De, co-starring dictable leader attempts to deep dive into the psychology cess to her ability to not be Bachchan and the film’s actor- Devgn and Tabu, her coming- turn around his nation’s for- and history of the elusive cowed down or be scared of director Ajay Devgn. In of-age role. She has also been tunes. supreme leader in order to bet- losing stardom. “I am not the Attack, she shares screen seen in Marjaavan and The film features never- ter understand his all-encom- kind of person who lives in space with John Abraham. Aiyaari. before-seen interviews that passing dynastic power and fear. I came with nothing and She also has Thank God with Ask her what is important shed new light on the duality struggle to keep a grip on con- I always see the brighter side. Ajay Devgn and Sidharth — script or the character — of Kim Jong Un, both his trol while navigating an uncer- I got an opportunity to live Malhotra, Kamal Rakul replies that she believes capacity for ruthlessness and a tain future. From his isolated my dream and here I am. Haasan’s Indian 2 and the in the theory of “permutation softer side nostalgic for his childhood to the fleeting free- Ultimately it boils down Ayushmann Khurrana- and combination.” youth. For the first time in an dom he experienced in his to when people start starrer Doctor G in the “Sometimes you choose a extended global television teenage years to his attempts at appreciating your works. film because you love the interview, one of the assassins diplomacy under the pressure work. That one “There is so much story and you want to be a part of Kim Jong Un’s half-brother, of crippling sanctions, the smile that you love from the audience of the message promoted by Siti Aisyah, tells her extraordi- series pulls back the curtain on bring on some- and the con- the film or the entire premise nary full story. Also, in a world a dictator torn between the old one’s face or stant of the film itself. And then exclusive, João Micaelo, Kim’s ways he grew up with and the when they come thought is there are times when you go by former childhood classmate, encroaching modern world. and say ‘we to just your character and the script. speaks publicly for the first The film takes viewers on loved that film of keep work- The rest of the times, it time about visiting Kim in the following: - An interview with Lee a journey through Kim Jong yours’. That is ing in differ- depends on the director and North Korea. It also tracks the - A rare interview with Young Guk, a bodyguard to Un’s past and present to under- what we all work ent settings other actors involved with the game-changing rise of Kim’s Kim Dong Chul, the longest- Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim stand the man and the myth for, after all,” with the hope to project. It is subjective to each sister, Kim Yo Jung, to his held American in North Korea, Jong Il, who spent significant who holds North Korea’s she said. entertain,” she prospective film,” she said. right-hand woman and voice who was imprisoned for spy- time with Kim Jong Un as a uncertain future in his hands. At 30, added. Talking about Sardar Ka of the regime, maintaining ing for the CIA. child. North Korea: Inside The Mind Rakul is high- Rakul made Grandson slated for release on order using fear and violence - The story of Kim Jong To understand Kim’s lead- Of A Dictator is produced for ly sought-after her acting debut May 18 on Netflix, Rakul while her brother reinvents Un’s aunt and uncle who cared ership decisions over the past National Geographic by 72 in Bollywood, in the 2009 explained what made her himself as a modern leader. for him as a teenager before three years, including his Films. Mark Raphael and and has a Kannada film choose this project, “It was the First-hand testimonies, escaping to the United States. encounters with President David Glover are executive long list of Gilli, and her pure emotion of the film that intimate archival footage and - US Ambassador John Donald Trump and his plans producers for 72 Films and films lined Telugu debut in made this a no brainer. While rare interviews paint an in- Bolton’s critiques of Trump’s for the “hermit kingdom,” Carolyn Payne is executive up for Keratam the I cannot tell you all about it for depth portrait of a fractured negotiations with North Korea experts, journalists and gov- producer for National release same year. A year obvious reasons, the story country. Key moments that at the summit in Hanoi, insight ernment officials unravel the Geographic. over the later, she made her depicts a grandson who is give a fresh perspective on the on the breakdown in peace inner workings of his mind (It premieres today at 9 pm next few months. Currently, Tamil debut in willing to go to any extent to notorious dictator and his talks and Kim’s subsequent and his tumultuous past as he as a part of SPOTLIGHT on she awaits the release of the Thadaiyara fulfill his grandmother’s wish.” family’s dynasty also include wrath. works to determine his legacy. National Geographic.) OTT film Sardar Ka Thaakka. L6*# #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121. ** 477"   " 7

 7

BEHIND THE O7  $    $4  P SONGS )! 1  #1   ''/!) ! )!  #<<< "     /5 !'    ! !! # 3) / !'!C)   ) ('!)!/    ) "!" !  ! ! !!"& " $ t’s almost a year since the world witnessed actor IAbhishek Banerjee delivering a splendid per- %"&)$")) $"& !> formance in the crime-thriller series Paatal Lok. Having starred in comic roles prior to the pro- 04 11 ject, Abhishek showed the fans how versatile he could be when taking on roles in another genre. here is always an untold story     He has now shared his experience from the time behind every song. While some >6  when he was shooting for the eponymous series. Tof those stories do come to fore ?*=,.@ “Sudip (Sharma) sir went to watch Stree in in some way or the other, most of them My second all-time favourite song is theatre one day and he called me the next day say- remain a secret behind the scenes, well Aaj Socha To Aansoo Bhar Aaye by Lata ing that he wanted me to try for the character away from the spotlight. Singer Mangeshkar, and composed by Madan Vishal Tyagi (Hathoda Tyagi). He said, ‘He saw Sunidhi Chauhan, who recently Mohan ji. Each time I hear that song, I a maniac in my eyes’. It was a shocker as I didn’t released her latest single Ye Ranjishein get transported to another place. I can’t expect that. I stared at myself in the mirror look- after almost two decades, shares some help but get lost in Lata ji’s voice ing for the maniac in me. Initially, I didn’t find unknown trivia about five of her and the emotions she O the role exciting, Tyagi didn’t have many dia- favourite songs. brought to life in that logues, even the screen time was less compared song. While I am not a    &++ to other characters! I was half-hearted about  >6 sad person, I haven’t  7&
, B attempting the audition plus I was the casting  ?*===@ had anything to be  P & & 56B director too so didn’t want to be in an embarrass- Not many people know this but I sad about in a long ing situation where I get to hear the news of my had no voice to sing this song in the stu- while, I cannot help " +% &% " own rejection from the the team,” he said. dio on the day of the recording. Just but relate to this song +6(  2, &/ “However, Karnesh (Sharma) sir and Sudip three days before the scheduled record- so much. My eyes   & 5+&6 " sir were both convinced that I could do a good ing, I had lost my voice and my doc- start welling up as job with it. They were not liking the other options tor told me if I really wanted to make soon as I hear Lata ji’s  %P &  I presented to them for Hathoda’s role! Finally use of this opportunity, I would have voice in this song. 6 3&6/ after a long internal duel, I gathered courage and to keep my mouth shut right up to the 7P gave the audition. I gave it my all but still was ner- moment when I have the microphone   vous when I finally sent them the test. Next morn- in front of me at the studio. “If you  >6 ing Karnesh sir called, I picked it up anxiously. speak at all during the next three days, ?#$$#@ I was told that they really like my audition and you will lose your voice. If you really There is no way I could ever forget I am on board for the part. Phew! That was such want it that bad, you better keep mum. this song; obviously because of its com- a relief. But it was only the beginning of a diffi- Sing straight on the mic, on the day of position. Much gratitude to MM on the mic, somehow nailed it. I zillion times already but that feeling ing while singing this track in the stu- cult yet beautiful journey.” the recording,” he said. I was crushed Keeravani sir who gave me this beauti- couldn’t believe I had managed to sing never wanes... dio. I tried to not make it too obvious The series went on to receive a lot of praise to hear that, especially since I am some- ful song. A little story behind this song that mukhda in one breath. It is one because I knew that if I stopped singing as it opened to strong critical acclaim. Abhishek, one who believes in practising and is that the mukhda was to be sung in one memory which stands out, it really was  >6 I would start crying. It was really tough for his portrayal of Hathoda Tyagi, also received rehearsing almost to the point of breath and I couldn’t help but wonder a crazy time.  ?#$$+@ keeping my emotions in check while a lot of appreciation. His role in the series truly exhaustion. However, for a change, I whether it would be physically possible I have to mention Le Chale here. singing this one. And mind you, this helped him break free of the comedy persona followed my doctor’s instructions and for me to do so because it had too many  >6 When Viveck Philip, who composed was before I got know about the con- onscreen. went with his gut feeling. I was really lines. But Keeravani sir wanted it to be ?#$$=@ this song, and (Onir) Anirban, who is text of this song in the film. It was pure- His recently released anthology film, Ajeeb scared, couldn’t imagine what I would in one breath and he said that he knew Rehna Tu is my all time favourite the director of the film, approached me ly magical, what that melody was Daastaans, was again a successful outing. With sound like with a bad throat. Eventually I could do this. He told me that he by AR Rahman sir and Prasoon Joshi. to sing this song, right off the bat I was doing to me. Those notes were driving each new project, he keeps proving his mettle. He it all turned out for the best. My doc- believed in me and I should just take my They have created a masterpiece. The in love with it. I was head over heels for me crazy and I could feel myself chok- now has five projects in line with quite a few more tor’s instincts were spot on and my time to practise as much as I need. I took melody and the lyrics, it just takes me the melody. Let me share a story ing again and again. Nobody knows in developing stages. Abhishek will next be seen voice was back to its usual element and about 45 minutes to an hour, maybe to a place where I don’t want to come behind this song, which not many, in this, not even Anirban or Viveck... Well in Rashmi Rocket, Bhediya, Aankh Micholi, we successfully recorded the song. more. I lost track of time but when I got back from. And I must have heard it a fact, nobody knows. I was kind of chok- I think they will get to know this now. Dostana 2 and Helmet.

bominable is a computer- what you see at the movies. The Aanimated adventure film scenes I saw a lot of were Everest < R  
  which follows a teenage girl   
 and Yi’s escape from the city, and named Yi, who encounters a the blueberry sequence. I ctor Divyanka Tripathi, who is cur- young Yeti on the roof of her tracked those two from the Arently shooting in Cape Town for the apartment building in Shanghai.  "0C! ! !&  &"%  beginning and it was exciting for stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke She names him Everest and me to see how they were animat- Khiladi 11, says that it was tough leav- embarks on an epic quest to "  ! D%  " )"! "$>04 11 ed. ing her husband, actor Vivek Dahiya, at reunite the magical creature home. with his family at the highest You’re usually on your own in “This is the first time after our mar- point on earth along with her I don’t know if he was quite the the recording booth. What sort riage in 2016 that Vivek and I would be mischievous friends Jin and basketball aficionado that he of challenge was that as an by ourselves for an extended period of Peng (played by Albert Tsai). became. actor? time. We have gotten emotional many But the trio of friends will have It was definitely very differ- times. Last week, we had been preparing to stay one-step ahead of What is it about the Yeti ent than what I am used to. A lot ourselves for the day when I would leave Burnish, a wealthy man intent creatures that we’re so obsessed of times in the recording ses- for Cape Town. Leaving him and going on capturing a Yeti, and zoolo- with? sions, we would do a certain line makes me very sad,” she said. gist Dr Zara to help Everest get I think it’s just part of our several times, changing the The actor also added that the fami- home. Actor Albert Tsai shares obsession with mythical crea- nuance, and then we’d move on ly members of all contestants were reluc- about his experience of working tures. We love the unknown, and to the next one. It had a sequen- tant in letting them travel overseas on the film and more. Excerpts: what we haven’t confirmed or tial approach, and we could amidst the pandemic. “During these discovered yet. Also, what’s real- play around with it a lot more. uncertain times, it’s understandably How did you get involved? ly exciting is, we bring a differ- Jill was so collaborative, along tough for family members to let us go. As soon as I read the script ent version of the Yeti into the with the whole team, and noth- In all honesty, I think they are the biggest and the character description of film, as opposed to sticking to ing had been set in stone yet, so Khatron Ke Khiladi,” Divyanka said. Peng, I just fell in love with him, the normal depiction, which is we were able to ad lib a bit and However, a part of her was overjoyed so I decided to audition for the more gorilla-like, abominable improv here and there. The few at being given a chance to engage with role. I was really excited to be snowman who is mean and recording sessions we did do something adventurous again. part of a film that was portray- scary. We bring a cuter, more together as a cast were a lot of “I am excited that I am going to do ing Chinese culture, with a innocent version. He’s got these fun, too, because that was more something that was long due. Before modern Chinese family, which powers, which aren’t normally like traditional acting. coming to Mumbai, I used to get a lot of we haven’t had, ever, really. The part of the Yeti mythology, so it’s chances to participate in adventurous last major film was Mulan, What did you want to bring really fun. Jill [Culton] said she You’re a big fan of animated activities. I used to participate in a lot of which was about ancient times. to the role? wanted to base Everest off of her film. Any favorites? adventure camps when I was a kid. I used I did try to really infuse experience with her dogs, which I really love The Lion King. to be away from home for 10-day or 50 How did animator and direc- some of my personality into is why he sort of has dog-like I think that was the first animat- day-camps, so I was in the habit of stay- tor Jill Culton pitch Peng to Peng. A lot of his body language qualities. But he also has his ed movie I watched, so it was ing alone. And in the 15 years since I you? and movements were sort of own emotions and he’s quite special for me. And it was a lit- came to Mumbai, I have never had a Just that he’s a fun-loving, inspired by what I did in the intelligent. tle like Abominable, since it chance to travel and be by myself so I energetic kid. He is always recording booth because they was nature-focused. A favorite have not touched that aspect of my per- intended to be the younger had a camera on us when we Was it fascinating to DreamWorks movie of mine? I sonality in a long while. But I have to say character and almost comic were recording the audio, just to see the film come to love Shrek and Kung Fu Panda that the next few weeks would be some- relief, but with more depth than see what we would do. Being a life step by step? too, those were really funny. what bittersweet as I have to stay away shows we work on ourselves at home.” that. He is also the optimistic TV actor, I did the movements That was one of from Vivek to make use of an eagerly “These times are a reminder that one of the group. He’s always along with the lines, which was my favorite parts of You’re a producer these days, awaited opportunity,” she added. more than work, life is important. I would playing, and when other people natural for me and that they this entire experi- what prompted that? On the deadly second wave of urge everyone to follow social distanc- are about to give up, he really imported onto Peng. ence. It was fascinat- I’ve always been fascinated COVID-19, Divyanka expressed, “It is a ing norms and to stay safe. During this wants to continue the journey. ing for me to see how by what happens behind the tough time for the industry, but it is not time, mental health is important, and it He has a ton of fun on this Did Peng change at all as the a scene could go from scenes and how a team of cast, just limited to our industry. Across pro- is important to stay in touch with your adventure with Everest. Peng is film evolved? basic storyboards writers, producers and directors fessions, just about everyone is going loved ones at all times. Those of us who the only one, along with Everest, He stayed more consistent and sketches to ani- put together a TV show, so I’ve through a tough time. But it is a bit easy are lucky to not be affected by the pan- who seems to be taking this through the various stages of mation and layout. always wanted to get into that for us actors, since we are no strangers demic, we should try to be healthy men- journey more like a vacation. production. I feel like he was It started out as very side of things. I’ve been trying to to this lifestyle. When we are working, tally and keep indulging in activities at When the others are consider- always going to be the younger rough 3D animation do that, and it’s where I see our schedules are erratic, we work rig- home to keep ourselves engaged,” she ing the next step, he’s over there member of the group, the and it got finer and finer, myself in the future. orously and for extended hours. But signed off. having a thumb war with comedic heart. I think there with lighting and effects (The film premieres on May when we don’t have work, like, between L6*# Everest. were slight personality changes... and all that, until finally it’s 16 at 9 pm on Sony PIX.) 5 *' #$%&'(%!%*$!+%, -%, ./0121.

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! / didn’t ever intend to use it as an all that can get on your nerves. that one out. The Indian fans has received conflicting results in two in quarantine after one of his two tests !()-!' &C%:3/! excuse for their home Test Just said that was one of the have been slamming me on coronavirus tests, prolonging his isolation. came positive. H*)& ) * (!3' * series defeat in January. things that probably distracted social media. They say that I’m Saha, who has been named in India’s “My quarantine period is still not ! $;:&:::( !) (/! A day after receiving online me and took my eye of the ball making excuses again but it’s all squad for the World Test Championship over. Out of the two tests done, 1 was neg- I 3)! **'. flak from Indian fans for his at times.” good fun,” Paine said. final and the subsequent Test series ative and other one came as positive. “side show” comments on The 36-year-old Paine had “I certainly wasn’t making against England, is hoping to join the Otherwise I am doing much better. BILES RETURNING TO COMPETITION Indian team, Paine clarified said that his team was distract- any excuses. I was asked about squad’s bio-bubble in Mumbai on May 25. Requesting everyone not to spread mis- ## ! ((H*)( ) himself while chatting with things, and one of those was ed by the Indian team’s “nig- some of the challenges of the His inclusion is subject to fitness. leading stories/information without whole ) *1!! Adam Gilchrist in a podcast. talking about the challenges of gling” during the epoch-mak- summer, and I said that was “Hussey has returned with negative context,” the wicketkeeper-batsman post- )*/!/!! %> “I was asked a number of playing against India. One of ing Test series early this year one of them for me,” he added. RT-PCR results and has recovered well. ed on Twitter. PTI  E0 ). *%   Bond played major role in shaping Bumrah’s career

  E1  he used to operate,” the India pacer said. Bumrah, who has so far played 19 ndia’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said Tests, said that Bond assisted him a lot in Ithat former New Zealand speedster broadening his horizon which in turn Shane Bond, who is currently the bowling helped him blossom as a cricketer. coach of Mumbai Indians, has played a “When I met him over here, it was a major role in shaping his career. good experience. He helped me a lot to The Mumbai Indians fast bowler, open my mind to different things that I who will lead India’s attack in the upcom- could try on the cricket field. So that was ing World Test Championship final against very good and that relationship has only New Zealand, expressed his views in a gotten better each and every year,” added 3 % 8     % video shared by his IPL franchise. the Gujarat pacer. %  &    “I always try to talk to him even when Bond, on his part, termed Bumrah as . 
+&    8 * I am not here and with the Indian team. the best death bowler in the world. So, it’s been a good journey, and hopeful- Seasoned New Zealand left-arm pacer ly, every year I keep learning something Trent Boult also had words of praise for new and try to add new things to my bowl- his compatriot, saying that Bond was a ing. “tremendous thinker of the game and a “He has played a major role in that. It’s pretty good tactician.” been a great relationship so far, and hope- “He has been here for a long time, he fully, this continues for many many years knows what he is doing and he puts in a to come,” Bumrah said. lot of work into making sure that the He said he was always fascinated by bowlers are well equipped and have got how Bond bowled in his playing days and enough information to make some deci- tries speaking to the MI bowling coach in 2015. As a child, I had seen him bowl sions on the day. Yeah, really enjoy work- even when he is on India duty. and was always very fascinated by how he ing with him,” said Boult, who has played “I met him (Bond) for the first time used to bowl for New Zealand, and how 71 Tests. 8
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R  Granada: Real Madrid kept the pressure on Atletico Madrid by thrashing Granada 4-1 on Thursday to reduce the gap to two points at the top of La Liga, with two games left to play. A draw or defeat for Real Madrid would have given Atletico the chance to win the title on Sunday by beating Osasuna but goals from Modric, and Real fail to win away at Rodrygo, Alvaro Odriozola and Athletic Bilbao. Benzema secured a comfortable Even third-placed Barcelona victory at Los Carmenes. are still in the running but they ( 
 
 ! Atletico could still be need an incredible swing of crowned champions this week- results if they are to overturn a B 
   end if they overcome Osasuna four-point deficit. AFP

.  1   The England winger could have claimed a hat-trick late on C!  """" adon Sancho and Erling after rounding Leipzig goal- JBraut Haaland both netted keeper Peter Gulacsi, but failed twice on Thursday as Borussia to get his shot away. .   0  Marcus Rashford’s strike set up a Dortmund won the German Spain midfielder Dani grandstand finish, but Mohamed Salah Cup with an emphatic 4-1 win Olmo pulled a goal back for iverpool kept their chances of a place secured a vital win in the final minute as over RB Leipzig to spoil Julian Leipzig, before Haaland Lin next season’s Champions League in Liverpool moved up to fifth in the table. Nagelsmann’s hopes of leaving grabbed his second in the their own hands with a thrilling 4-2 vic- “We are still in the game, still in the with a title. dying stages despite slipping as tory over Manchester United at Old race. That is all we could do tonight,” said Dortmund turned on the he connected. Trafford on Thursday. Klopp. style at Olympic Stadium, Dortmund lifted the Jurgen Klopp’s men still need to win “It was necessary. Without this result converting all of their three German Cup for the fifth time their remaining three games over the next we don’t have to talk about it.” first-half shots on target to in the club’s history. 10 days to guarantee their place in the The clash between English football’s sweep Leipzig aside as Sancho “It’s unbelievable, I am Champions League for a fifth consecu- two most successful clubs had been netted twice either side of a proud of the morale the team tive season, but cleared the biggest hur- postponed 11 days ago as United fans superb Haaland goal. has shown in the last few dle in their path with a first victory away stormed the pitch and clashed with “I am very happy that I weeks,” said captain Marco to United since 2014. police amid protests against the club’s could score two goals and set Reus as Dortmund have also Roberto Firmino scored twice either owners. up one for Haaland,” Sancho recently got back into the side of half-time after Diogo Jota can- A peaceful protest took place before told ARD. Champions League places. celled out Bruno Fernandes’s early open- kick-off as supporters again voiced their er for the home side. anger at the Glazer family.