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` *LATE CITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 169 HYDERABAD, TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2020; PAGES 12 3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

HEROINE YET TO BE FINALISED FOR MAHESH'S NEXT { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com CM KCR imposes heavy salary cuts l CM, ministers, MLAs, MLCs take 75% pay cut l For others, salary cuts range from 60 pc to 10 pc TRULY L VENKAT RAM REDDY n HYDERABAD SPEAKING Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday decided to impose heavy salary cuts at all levels Corona crisis has in the government for this brought the month to tide over the present financial crisis on account of best in Modi Coronavirus lockdown. The Chief Minister took the decision after reviewing the financial condition of the gov- 2 ernment with senior officials at Pragathi Bhavan. In the meeting, it was felt that, "The Coronavirus is adversely impacting the State’s economic TS to go for overdraft to pay salaries condition. In this background, the state government has to act he state government, that had been strict in observing Residents exercise on their balconies following fitness trainers in Nantes as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with caution and foresight”. Tfiscal discipline and had carefully avoided going for overdraft (OD) spread in France, After the high-level review from the Reserve Bank of (RBI) all these years, has been meeting, decisions were taken pushed into a situation now where it is forced to go for OD for the on payment of various salaries. first time to tide away the present financial crisis. Thanks to The monthly salary bill of the countrywide lockdown on account of Coronavirus this month, the #DildarCM state government stands at near- revenue earnings of the state government took a severe beating. Quarantined kin of Corona ly Rs 3,500 crore. State government relies on earnings mainly from excise, GST, VAT, KCR wins The government is expected property registration, transport departments etc.. However, all these to save nearly Rs 2,000 crore collections have ground to a halt due to the lockdown. Chief Minister with the pay cuts. These cuts K Chandrasekhar Rao too revealed the dire financial condition of his patient dies of ‘heart stroke' hearts amid will be on the gross pay, and not government while addressing a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan the basic pay. on Sunday when he said that the government suffered a loss of Rs l Tense moments as family members, authorities fight over body Corona crisis 12,000 crore this month on account of the lockdown. n 2 PNS HYDERABAD The salary cuts will be PV KONDAL RAO ed Covid-19 positive and had as follows: n been isolated for treatment. Chief Minister K Mizoram CM n The Chief Minister, mem- Corporation Chairpersons, of their salary, or in other The family members of the Chandrasekhar Rao’s fervent asks Modi, Shah bers of the State Cabinet, representatives of Local Bodies words, a 75 per cent cut. There were tense moments in deceased were also among appeal to migrant workers to MLCs, MLAs, State will take home only 25 per cent 2 Nizamabad town on Monday those quarantined. The isolat- stay home on Sunday has to check racial morning with tempers run- ed person has history of trav- drawn the attention of the slur on ning high as a quarantined rel- el to Delhi for a religious pro- nation. With the failed model ative of a Covid-19 positive gramme and all those who had of others states, several citi- Northeast Postpone patient allegedly died of 'heart met him were subsequently zens and bigwigs, and also people TS govt confirms six stroke' after his family mem- quarantined. Parliamentarians wanted Class X exams, bers were advised to shift him Seeing the entire family other states to take a stand to an advanced centre in quarantined, the elder one, like KCR. deaths to Corona orders HC Hyderabad for treatment. who hails from Nizamabad, Even BJP leaders and 5 PNS n HYDERABAD and in Nizamabad and also PNS n HYDERABAD Matters got exacerbated complained about heart pain. Parliamentarians are praising Gadwal over the last few days. when the authorities stepped to do with the sudden demise He was initially brought to the the Telangana CM. In a frightening development, Special teams, monitored by Taking into consideration in and prevented the bereaved of the head of their family, district hospital. The doctors Union minister Giriraj the Telangana state Medical the district Collectors have the orders issued by the family members from taking police and health officials tried there advised the family to shift Singh, sharing a video, said, and Health Department on identified the people who National Disaster possession of the body of the to prevent the family from tak- him to Hyderabad for treat- “Chief Minister of Telangana Monday reported six deaths came in contact with the Management Authority to deceased. ing possession of the dead ment. Meanwhile, the elderly is winning hearts in the midst due to Coronavirus. deceased, and they have been extend the lockdown till April The 62-year-old person who body. There was a scuffle person succumbed, official of crisis. Thank you In a statement, the Medical shifted to various hospitals. 14, 2020, the Telangana High allegedly died of stroke was between the family members source said. Telangana CM”. and Health Department said They are being tested and Court on Monday directed among those quarantined, and the authorities for a brief The authorities initially pre- Dr Sanjeev Balyan, that the deceased were among treated. the State Government to including family members of period. Finally, the body was vented the family from taking Minister of State Animal those who had attended a The state Government has postpone all exams in subject the person who had tested handed over to the family away the body from the hos- Husbandry appreciated the religious prayer meeting from requested all the people who papers of the Class X sched- Covid-19 positive. Although members. pital. Later, as the family way KCR reassured the pub- March 13 to 15 at the Markaz participated in the religious uled to be held from March the family members claimed Enquiries revealed that the obtained clearance, the body lic on migrant labour. in Nizamuddin area of Delhi. prayer meeting in Delhi to 31,2020 to April 6, 2020 till that coronavirus had nothing deceased person's relative test- was handed over to them. 2 Some of those who attend- inform the officials concerned the situation normalises. ed the prayer meeting were as the area is deemed an infec- A division bench of the from Telangana and were tion hotspot. The government High Court comprising infected. While there is no would conduct tests and offer Justice MS Ramachandra Rao official announcement on the treatment to those how require and Justice K. Laxman passed Telangana now victim of Infodemic number of people who attend- it free of cost. these orders while dealing ed the meeting, it was con- In a late night announce- with a filed by city based PNS n HYDERABAD firmed that the virus claimed ment from Telangana CMO, activist M. Bala Krishna urg- Ways to curb Infodemic - Digital Media Wing, Telangana Govt the life of six of them. While the government also asked ing the HC to issue directions Increasing reports of misinfor- n n n Ind-Ra cuts two patients died in the people to alert the authorities for the postponement of the mation and false news creating Do not forward Never forward any When in doubt Gandhi Hospital, one each they come across any such Class X examinations. confusion among the people any information or n Be information/ post to citizens should check economic passed away in Apollo and people. who rely extensively on social post purported to others without 2 responsible while with official social growth forecast Global Hospitals in Hyderabad media for information, instead be of patients sharing information verifying its media accounts, 2 of the conventional print and infected by the you receive on Digital authenticity websites of the for India to electronic media. Spreading Coronavirus Media platforms to n Admins of Digital Government or the 3.6 pc of fake news, misinformation n and rumours has become so Sharing such others. Exercise Media platforms like news published and India still in local transmission stage prevalent that it has taken dis- information may restraint WhatsApp and legal telecast by PNS n NEW DELHI actions taken, preparedness developed nations having astrous proportions on the violate the privacy of action will be taken if any mainstream print and 8 and updates on COVID-19, lesser population than us lines of a pandemic, not only the individual(s). This is of the member(s) of the Group electronic media Reiterating that COVID-19 is Joint Secretary in the have seen multiple increase," for the Telangana government not just unethical but illegal spread fake news respectively still in the local transmission Ministry of Health Lav he said. but across the world, with stage in India, the Health Agarwal said 92 new cases Agarwal attributed the even World Health Ministry on Monday said it and four deaths due to coro- slow pace of rise in cases in Organisation (WHO) terming people continue to circulate 62 people from , “they are not giving heed to took 12 days for cases of navirus have been reported India to people's participa- this phenomenon an messages stating that a major- Hyderabad, with age and house government’s request to stay TODAY infection to rise from 100 to in India since Sunday, taking tion in strictly following the ‘Infodemic’. ity of those infected are numbers are also being sent. home”. It’s important to note ALMANAC 1,000 and that the rate of total cases to 1,071 and the social distancing guidelines For instance, despite Chief Muslims. However, the message fails to this part of the message is also Month & Paksham: increase has been slower number of deaths to 29. and the collective preemptive Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao One of the messages reads, mention that these are names an assumption and not backed than some of the developed "It took 12 days for cases to actions taken by the Centre asking the people to avoid “Of the 62 people who tested of suspected cases. The mes- by any official data. Phalguna & Krishna Paksha countries. Addressing the rise from 100 to 1,000 in our in tandem with state govern- bringing in religion when talk- positive in Telangana, 58 are sage wants the reader to circu- Panchangam: daily press briefing on the country, whereas seven other ments. ing about the Coronavirus, Muslims”. Random names of late the list among Muslims as 2 Tithi: Saptami: 03:49 am (Next Day) Nakshatram: Mrigashirsha: 06:44 pm Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start any important work) Tipplers throng Erragadda with withdrawal symptoms Rahukalam: 03:22 pm – 04:54 pm Don't hound kin of Yamagandam: n 09:17 am – 10:48 am PNS HYDERABAD Across the state, with severe withdrawal symp- week. He was found in a pool Varjyam: toms are slitting their wrists. of blood, lying on the road in 03:23 am – 05:02 am the condition of the coronavirus patients for ‘byte' Gulika: 12:20 pm - 01:51 pm Due to strict enforcement of They are not able to control Chintalbasti area. The police habitual drinkers is n Good Time: lockdown in the state in gen- their insatiable urge to get shifted him to hospital for PNS CHENNAI kin of patients by even "fol- (to start any important eral and closure of wine shops stated to pitiable; tipsy as the officials are strict- treatment. lowing the ambulances in work) and bars in particular, has led at some places, ly enforcing the lockdown and Kistaiah of Masaipet in The broadcast media and which positive patients were Amritakalam: 09:24 am - 11:06 am to habitual drinkers making a they are exhibiting closure of wine shops. Veldurti mandal hanged him- press should follow self-reg- taken," in some instances. Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:55 am – 12:44 pm beeline for the Government A 38-year-old Mogulaiah of self in his house, unable to ulation in reporting COVID- Though the government Hospital at Erragadda as they abnormal behaviour Torumamidi village of come to terms with sobriety. 19 cases and not hound either has all along been sharing HYDERABAD are unable to cope with the while at other , who could A person belonging to the patients or their kin for information related to coro- WEATHER withdrawal pangs. places, some are not find liquor for the past Bodhan in Nizamabad dis- 'information' as it is against navirus cases to the media, These people, who had been even attempting to eight days, caught hold of a live trict, Sayyad Ejaz, has been medical ethics, a senior pub- some from the fraternity were Forecast: Clear unable to procure a bottle of end their lives electricity transformer in behaving eccentrically as he lic health official said here on trying to contact relatives Temp: 37/23 liquor for the past eight days Srinagar Colony and suc- could not get toddy. Find it Monday. and doctors to "get finer Humidity: 43% are now in distress. cumbed to severe injuries he hard to go without alcohol, he As the number of positive details, including how the Sunrise: 06.11 Because of the lockdown, no Across the state, the condi- abnormal behaviour while at sustained in the process. stabbed himself with a kitchen cases in Tamil Nadu climbed patients contracted illness, Sunset: 06.29 other shops except the provi- tion of the habitual drinkers is other places, some are even A person here tried to slit his knife. He was rushed to the to 67, the official regretted how the infected felt or about Current Weather Conditions sional stores are not being stated to pitiable; at some attempting to end their lives. In throat with a blade as he could government hospital in that some journalists were the condition of others in the Updated March 30, 2020 5:00 PM allowed to remain open. places, they are exhibiting still other places, the people not get tipsy over the past one Bodhan. trying to get bytes from the family," the official said. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 hyderabad 02

hen difficulties sur- round us, large- Whearted people extend a helping hand. Their Corona crisis has brought the best in Modi presence increases our confi- dence. light up with happiness when have made it clear 20 nations. Importantly, was used. He built the Bhuj While Prime Minister he announced that the coun- In response to a call given by the PM, that the globe the whole world is city, which faced total destruc- Narendra Modi was address- try will win the war against needs Modi’s observing how India tion, as the most modern city. ing a video conference recent- Coronavirus in a few days. industrialists, wealthy people, film leadership at TRULY will tackle the pan- He got 6.6 lakh bank ly, the head of a media organ- He is connecting with the stars and general public are coming this hour. SPEAKING demic. accounts opened in the affect- isation, reflecting people’s people and VIPs directly as if forward to donate to a fund created When Modi In fact, such crises ed five districts and lent nec- mood, said “Since, you are at he is a public servant and not suggested the G- are not new to Modi. essary financial support. The the helm at a time the coun- the head of the government. solely to tackle Coronavirus 20 nations holding When the nation faces crises, Modi model implemented in try is passing through the He is speaking to the heads of video conference to discuss leadership qualities come to Gujarat became an example current difficult phase, we media and appealing to them March 22. Based on the suc- the heads of other countries. ways and means to face the the fore. Modi is aware of this for other states to follow. feel very confident.” to infuse confidence among cess of the curfew, he On one hand Modi is building Coronavirus, the member fact. Because of Modi’s develop- This head of a media organ- the people. He is speaking announced a 21-day lock- up rapport with representa- nations agreed to the idea in Those familiar with his ment programmes imple- isation reflected the senti- with people infected by down on the country. tives of various communities unison. style of functioning, know mented in the state, for the ments of the crores of Indians. Coronavirus patients and also The entire country in the country, with his Scott Morrison lauded that he is an expert in convert- past two decades BJP is able to At a time the Coronavirus is the nurses treating them day responded to Modi’s call. The Cabinet colleagues, officials, Y SATYA KUMAR efforts of Modi cutting across ing crises into opportunities. form popular government in playing havoc with the world, and night to boost their people discuss among them- army commanders, medical BJP National Secretary the nations’ borders to unite In 2001, when he was the Gujarat. Even the President of Modi is infusing confidence morale. He speaks to at least selves on the loss of not professionals, and Corona countries in their fight against Gujarat CM, the state was China and Donald Trump among the people as a father, 200 persons each day. observing the lockdown infected persons and taking Corona and pledged his sup- rocked by a severe earthquake could not infuse the confi- as a mother, as a brother indi- In response to a call given through social media and decisions holding discussions with President of China. He is port to the efforts of Modi. that flattened 12 lakh homes. dence that Modi has infused cating that the country would by the PM, industrialists, share suggestions. Reviewing and on the other he is devel- holding discussions with The next meeting of the G- Modi, within six months, among the people of India, overcome the crisis at any cost. wealthy people, film stars and the lockdown after one week oping good rapport with heads of countries of over 130 20 nations to be held in Delhi built six-lakh quake resistant among the people of their Crores of people who are general public are coming elapsed, it is evidently clear heads of other nations. Coronavirus-affected nations. with Modi in the chair will houses. The affected area was country. languishing in their homes forward to donate to a fund that we have put our best foot He took initiative in In fact, heads of other reflect the crucial role India rebuilt by 4,000 engineers and Modi has not only won our across the nation, feel confi- created solely to tackle forward in Modi’s war against addressing the SAARC heads nations are looking towards will play at international level. 27,000 masons who worked hearts but also is to bridge in dent when Modi appears on Coronavirus. Coronavirus. of nations through video con- Modi for support. US The French Ambassador to day and night. the leadership vacuum creat- TV addressing them. He tested the people’s con- Modi has set an example ference and constituted a President Donald Trump, India said that the all nations For the first time in the his- ed globally. Lending him They pay rapt attention to fidence and asked them to not only for the people of the Common Good Fund. At the British PM Boris Johnson, are observing the proactive tory of India, quake resistant every support heart and soul the PM’s address. Their faces observe Janata Curfew on country to emulate but also for same time, Modi also spoke Australian PM Scott Morrison role India is playing in the G- house-building technology is a historic necessity before us. #DildarCM KCR Nehru, Nizam and wins hearts Villages impose fine amid... Indian classical music! Continued from Page 1 BJP MP Pratap Simha also PNS n NEW DELHI annexing it into the Indian tweeted that other Chief Union. Rana hails Nehru's Ministers must learn from on lockdown violators During the Hyderabad integra- statesmanship saying his view KCR. Karuna Gopal who has tion crisis, Jawaharlal Nehru that there should be continu- been extremely critical of PV KONDAL RAO threw a reception for the ity with change played a pivotal TRS government in a tweet n WARANGAL Though some Nizam but found it difficult to role in the peaceful transition said, “I appreciate CM KCR villagers in keep him engaged in a conver- to democracy in Nepal. for fully supporting our PM As the novel Coronavirus is and sation before a Nepalese Such political safe landings Narendra Modi during these taking a toll on the people, bureaucrat came to his rescue. are rare in history and difficult terrible times. He has aligned some villagers in the districts have Nehru failed in his attempts to to make, he adds. Nehru and with lockdown decision and across the state are strictly erected fencings take, what he felt, good care of his vision is the topic of this has done remarkable work implementing lockdown by and put in place the dour Nizam and finally issue of the magazine, which with his highly efficient guarding their boundaries. boulders, some turned up to Bijay Shamsher has articles by the likes of econ- administration. Arvind Come what may, the villagers have gone to the Jang Bahadur Rana, the then omist Bibek Debroy, journal- Kejriwal, please learn” . are not allowing outsiders Nepalese ambassador to India, mutual trust and understand- ist Harish Khare, writer-TV Social media came in sup- into their villages. Though extent of imposing for help. ing, writes Rana, a descendant producer Jad Adams and Sri port of KCR who was given some villagers have erected fines on those who After racking his brains, my of Nepal's Rana dynasty, and Lankan writer Daya the tag of #DildarCM. fencings and put in place violate lockdown father came up with Indian chairman of Rastriya Dissanayake, among others. It may be mentioned boulders, some have gone to rules classical music as the subject Prajatantra Party (United). With his exposure to inter- here that KCR appealed in the extent of imposing fines late rules, he will be quarantined Debba in district said. for a tete-a-tete and managed The erstwhile Hyderabad national politics, insights into Hindi to migrant workers in on those who violate lock- outside the village and they Speaking over phone with 'The to engage the Nizam in a live- state was annexed to the Indian the future, radical ideas in the the state to stay put and down rules. would be punished, the Pioneer', the tribal leader said ly conversation for almost an Union on September 17, 1948. context of the time and his assured them of food sup- The sarpanches of the respec- announcements mentioned. their clan is taking stringent these fines are imposed on the hour, says Bijay Rana's politi- India's first Home Minister phenomenal mass appeal, plies and calling them tive villages are imposing hefty The imposition of penalties measures to prevent the spread youths in particular. Similarly, in cian son Pashupati Shamsher Sardar Patel requested Mir Nehru was the foremost leader 'state development partners’. penalty on those who are leav- is being strictly implemented in of the virus in their locality. We on the Jang Bahadur Rana. Pashupati Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII, of the freedom struggle and This outreach of KCR ing the village without a valid all the rural Telangana dis- are even guiding the immigrant Wardhannapet belt some tribal Rana mentions this anecdote the last Nizam of the princely well-suited to interpret his garnered praise from all reason. Especially, in Jagtial tricts. Especially in the interiors workers in our locality to stay thandas are taking precautions as recounted by Sardar Bhim state of Hyderabad, to join country's gloom and aspira- over. Actors like Sonu Sood, district, the sarpanches of 17 vil- and remote corners of the rural back here and providing food to and implementing their own Bahadur Pandey, the then India, but he refused and tions, says magazine's editor- Priya Anand, producer lages have openly announced Telangana districts, the inhab- them during the lockdown form of 'Chitkas' by tagging Nepalese Deputy Chief of instead declared Hyderabad as in-chief Bhaskar Roy. Shobu Yarlagadda praised over public announcement sys- itants feel a violator would period, he added. camphor turmeric bands. They Mission in New Delhi, in the an independent nation on India's success as a democ- the CM for the assurances tems that the persons unheed- bring virus into their locality. "If In the districts like feel that these bands would pre- latest issue of The Equator Line August 15, 1947. racy could be entirely ascribed he made. ing the words of the govern- we take our own precautions Wanaparthy in the vent them from the virus. Local magazine. A military operation was to Nehru's visionary leadership ment during the lockdown properly, we would overcome Mahabubnagar region, a similar legislator Aroori Ramesh has also Pandit Nehru, it goes with- launched in 1948 and the of this inchoate land for 17 period would be fined. If the the threat of pandemic spurt," sort of imposition of penalties prescribed this band by tying out saying, was duly grateful. Indian armed forces invaded long years after independence, TS govt same person continues to vio- Vattem Narayana of Thudum was evident in the rural parts and process to the inhabitants. This was a measure of their the Nizam-ruled princely state, he adds. confirms six... Tipplers throng Erragadda Continued from Page 1 CM KCR imposes heavy... Telangana now Continued from Page 1 Earlier in the day, the gov- with withdrawal... ernment had said that 13 n Likewise, there will TS to go for overdraft to pay salaries patients were discharged on Continued from Page 1 be 60 per cent salary cut Continued from Page 1 victim of Infodemic Monday, six others had tested During the past for IAS, IPS, IFS and Continued from Page 1 Section 10 of Telangana positive for the deadly virus. A In a similar incident, Natti other such Central The CM also hinted at stringent austerity measures to overcome the Epidemic Diseases (COVID- state government official Mangamma of Chegunta in two days, at least Services Officers. For all financial crisis like delaying salaries for staff, payment of salaries in In another instance, a doc- 19) Regulations, 2020 states reported the second case of lost her men- 15 persons other category of instalments, stoppage of salaries for MLAs/ MLCs etc. For the first time, ument was created with that no information related to the CM also talked about the possibility of going for OD to mobilise Rs death on Monday. tal balance and fell down at her approached employees, there will meticulous care to make it COVID-19 shall be dissemi- As of March 30, the num- house and died of the resultant be 50 per cent salary 10,000 crore from RBI to meet expenses such as salaries, pensions, appear to be official. This nated on social media without Malkajgiri district welfare schemes and other operational costs. KKCR had never faced such ber of active cases in Telangana injuries. cut. document stated that liquor ascertaining the facts and headquarters n a dire financial situation since the formation of state in Telangana. Though dropped to 61, even though six A resident of For Class IV, out- the state government faced a crisis when the Centre announced shops will remain open from obtaining prior clearance from new cases were confirmed, of Bachchurajpalli village in hospital with sourcing and contract demonetisation in 2016 due to disruption of financial transactions, it was 2 pm to 5.30 pm. competent authorities. which two are from mandal Kistaiah alcohol withdrawal employees, there will able to overcome the crisis within three months. But the present crisis Apart from this, a deluge of It further states that any Karimnagar. While 14 patients (40) ran away from home be 10 per cent cut. misinformation, fake news or person indulging in spreading symptoms n that arose due to lockdown of not only state, but also the country and the were discharged. After multi- when everyone was asleep For all categories of world, has become a major cause for concern for the state government just plain rumours are being of unauthenticated informa- ple tests were conducted post- and committed suicide by pensioners, there will be because there is no clarity over when the situation would return to spread with respect to tion will be booked under var- treatment, 13 patients tested jumping into the village tank. people will shiver severely 50 per cent cut. Coronavirus. ious provisions of law. n normalcy. The government which used to earn nearly Rs 30 crore per day negative. The discharged During the past two days, at and the phenomenon is called For the Class IV from property registrations failed to earn even Rs 3 crore this month. Some of the popular fake The instructions read, patients would have to be least 15 persons approached the alcohol withdrawal symp- retired employees, Though the state government can avail ways and means advances from news instances include “con- “Spreading fake news/ misin- under home quarantine for Malkajgiri district headquar- toms. Afterwards they are there will be 10 per the RBI to mobilise funds, the finance department has stated this would versation between an Apollo formation/ rumours in times another 14 days as a precau- ters hospital with alcohol with- likely to develop convulsions. cent cut. not be enough to meet the financial commitments and it needs OD from doctor and a reporter”, “voice of national disasters may tionary measure. The state drawal symptoms. Their fam- In advanced stage, the n For employees of all the RBI to pay salaries of employees and meet day-to-day expenses. clip of JD Lakshminarayana”, attract imprisonment up to government meanwhile has ily members complain of patient behaves eccentrically Public Sector Ways and Means Advances are intended to provide a cushion to the states Russia leaving 500 lions on one year along with fine under strengthened surveillance, eccentric behaviour as the and show tendency to commit Undertakings, institu- to carry on with their essential activities and normal financial operations. road, Dr.Gupta’s solution for Section 54 of the Disaster contact tracing and contain- patients have to go sans liquor. suicide and injuring others. tions that are receiving The RBI, as the banker to the state governments, provides financial Coronavirus, emergency Management Act, 2005”. ment measures against the Dr Asha Mounika of the People with severe withdraw- government grants, like accommodation to states to tide over temporary mismatches in the cash announcement by Dr.Naresh, Such act of spreading fake possible spread of disease. hospital says that the habitu- al symptoms should take med- government employees flow of their receipts and payments. When advances to the state UNESCO asking people to news is also a punishable In total 77 persons have al drinkers behave eccentrical- ical consultation immediately and retirees, will have to governments exceed WMA limits, an OD facility is provided. The RBI wear masks, Medicine for offence under Section 505 of been infected with ly not able to adjust to the non- as the delay could lead to their forgo a part of their charges 7.5 per cent interest for WMA and 2 per cent more for OD. Covid-19, etc”. Indian Penal Code under the Coronavirus as of Monday. availability of liquor. Some death, the doctor said. salary for this month. On Monday Digital Media ground that they will cause wing of Telangana govern- fear or alarm to the public and ment released instructions for induce them to commit an citizens and the media in the offence against the State or backdrop of Coronavirus against the public Classical musicians unite for online concert series! crisis. tranquillity. PNS n NEW DELHI him. It will also be my tribute A brainchild of Durga Jasraj and her to him, Bhatt, who plays Hoping that classical music mohan veena, said. can bring positivity and cheer Art and Artistes, the series started on Bhatt said he was to perform in times of coronavirus lock- at Royal Festival Hall in Postpone Class X exams... down, Indian classical musi- the day of Janta curfew on March 22 and London on March 22 and had Continued from Page 1 indefinitely postponing all the cians have come together for an will continue till the lockdown on April 14 a show in San Diego, US. But subject papers exams till the online concert series, "Utsaah the shows had to be cancelled The division bench heard situation normalised in the #spreadinghappiness". A brain- due to the coronavirus spread. arguments of counsel for the state. child of Durga Jasraj and her post it on social media but Mohan Bhatt, who is a part of "I am doing 'riyaaz' (rehearsal) petitioner K. Pavan Kumar He also submitted a memo Art and Artistes, the series lockdown announcement led musical web series, will a pay with the help of mobile apps as and D. Sudarshan and also before the division bench started on the day of Janta cur- to a change in plans. "It took us tribute to his guru Pandit Ravi I don't have saaj, sangat' counsel for the state govern- informing it about the deci- few on March 22 and will con- a few days to break that men- Shankar through his concert. (instruments and company). ment through video mode. sion. tinue till the lockdown on tal barrier to make use of fea- "There's nothing better than Now we get tabla, taanpura Arguing the case on behalf The division bench took the April 14. tures available on Instagram our music to spread hope, and swarmandal on app of the state government, advo- decision into consideration The one of its kind series, Live chat where I interview the positivity and cheer. Our clas- though it cannot give the feel- cate General of the state BS and issued the orders postpon- brings 21 different artistes to Pandit Jasraj ji, you trust the It may be a drop in the ocean artiste of the day, followed by sical music has the power to ing of sangat'. But at least it is Prasad told the division bench ing all the remaining exams. perform live from their homes. power of music and you realise but we are happy that we could a live performance on my FB, purify soul. I will perform on helping in these trying times. that the director of the govern- It also asked the state gov- "Every situation in life offers an music can heal and spread do it, Durga said. she added. April 7 which is also the 100th I hope this shall pass soon. ment examinations, follow- ernment to notify the resched- opportunity and in this case, I happiness. It is our attempt to Durga said initially they had Grammy award-winner birth anniversary of my guru It is the worst time for musi- ing the decision of the Union uled dates of the exams once felt the need to serve people just do that through Indian planned a small set up where Hindustani classical instru- Pandit Ravi Shankar. I will cians across the world, he government to impose a 21 the situation normalised in the sincerely. If you are born to music until normalcy returns. they would shoot the video and mentalist Pandit Vishwa focus on the Ragas created by added. day lockdown, issued orders state.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 25, 2020 hyderabad 03 RIME Many hotels in city turn CORNER Police go above and beyond EIGHT ARRESTED FOR ATTACKING into quarantine centres to help the stranded workers n POLICE PNS HYDERABAD DAVE BENNETT SILVERY 20 migrant Coolie families he Sanath Nagar Police on n HYDERABAD from Bihar in RTC Colony, Amid coronavirus outbreak in TMonday arrested eight Moulali by the SHO of the country, now hotels are persons who had attacked After the state's Chief Minister, Malkajgiri P.S. Dry ration and turning into quarantine cen- police personnel here Sanath K Chandrasekhar Rao, assured lunch was given to 10 migrant tres. To make this possible, Nagar. The incident occurred migrants workers employed coolie families from Odisha in healthcare providers, bankers when patrol duty officials as a in Telangana of adequate help RL Nagar, Nagaram by the and hospitality players have part of Covid-19 security were and requested them not to go SHO of Keesara Police. come together as part of Project attacked by a group of back, the police officials served Lunch was provided to 150 Stay I where in I stands for youngsters near Allapur on nearly 3,000 migrant labourers workers with the help of doc- Isolation. As a part of the plan, Saturday night. The arrested with food and shelter to scores tors at Chengicherla and to 200 5,000 hotel rooms will be persons have been identified as of migrants set on walk back to daily workers with the help of pooled in from hotel chains workers in small business their homes. the Mayor of such as Lemon Tree, Ginger establishments of the same Rachakonda Commissioner Municipal Corporation. and Oyo at discounted rates. locality. According to the Police, of Police Mahesh Bhagwat Essential commodities were Zomato will provide food youngsters had gathered on the along with the Apanna distributed to the poor and 1 delivery services to those stay- phases basis further assess- road and the police, including Hastham Foundation, Lions quintal of rice, dal and sugar ing in these rooms. The model ment. As part of phase the admin SI Venkateshwarlu, club, and Shiv Kumar, ACP The was given to Grace child care is envisaged to have a combi- Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint 1,600 rooms are constable Naveen Kumar and Kushaiguda, provided meals to Commissioner Anjani Kumar has said home with the help of donors nation of self-paying and CSR Managing Director, Apollo being launched other staff had asked them to 500 labourers from Bihar, that the police are making all efforts to in Bhongir Town. The funded customers. Hospitals Group said, "Many disperse in view of the , Karnataka, Ibrahimpatnam police provid- Spearheaded by Apollo families in India have 4-5 which will be lockdown. The youngsters then Mahabubnagar and Kurnool at ensure that no person goes hungry ed breakfast and lunch to daily Hospitals Group, the initiative members and most of them scaled up to 5,000 picked up an argument and Jawaharnagar. during the lockdown workers with the help of called Project Stay-I is being share the same facilities and toi- rooms attacked the police. Due to the As many as 49 migrant donors. Food packets were financially supported by SBI, lets, this fails the purpose of assault, constable Naveen workers who were set out to distributed to laborers in Hindustan Unilever and self-isolation if one the family Kumar suffered a fracture and walk 850 kilometres from who belong to various states. hotel in Nagole. Nandanavanam of Meerpet. Deutsch Bank. The initiative members is at high risk of work with state governments sustained internal injuries when Rahmat Nagar to Rampur in Rice and Dal packets were Grocery items, vegetables At Balapur, 600 lunch packets ensures that people who don't Covid-19. Especially since the and private institutions to prob- he was attacked with a stick. Uttar Pradesh, were stopped at distributed to 700 migrant and soaps were distributed to were distributed at Bismillah need hospital beds are not virus is as asymptomatic for the lem solve and assist in the fight Kushaiguda and offered shel- workers with the help of Sri tiles workers from Maharaj colony and 300 lunch packets using the scarce resource if they first week. There will also be a against Covid-19. Our part- E-CIGARETTES, ter at the training centre of Jwala Prayoga Central Trust in Gunj, UP working in a pressure distributed at Babanager with are not critically sick, thus rise in the number of individ- nership with Apollo Hospitals Ankuram. Nacharam area to 300 migrant cooker company at Rampally the help of donors. Rice and dal reducing the burden on hospi- uals requiring to be quaran- has been developed to ensure HOOKAH WORTH Sunpreet Singh, DCP LB workers in Uppal area and 550 by the SHO of Ghatkesar. A was distributed to more than tals providing acute care. tined due to contact with we utilise capacity where possi- RS 8L SEIZED Nagar and Jayaram, ACP migrant workers in LB Nagar sub inspector of the Mothkur 120 poor people at As part of phase 1,600 rooms Covid-19 patients." ble to create highly sanitised pay The South Zone Team of the Vanasthalipuram distributed limits. Lunch was arranged Police distributed essential Veerabhadranagar and are being launched which will Commenting on the develop- per use quarantine facilities Commissioner's Task Force 120 lunch packets at for 250 workers from commodities to 32 needy peo- Hayathnagar with the help of be scaled up to 5,000 rooms ment, Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of under the guidance and super- along with Bhavani Nagar Peddamberpet to truck drivers Rajasthan and Bihar at Sujatha ple. Dry ration was provided to local business men. across other cities in successive Oyo Rooms said, "We want to vision of medical professionals." police conducted a joint operation in which two persons were apprehended with e- cigarettes and hookah on ICICI, BharatPe rolls Lack of PPE gear Monday. Officials said that a godown was raided which had e-cigarettes, hookah pots, Cops act tough against violators out insurance cover n different types of hookah PNS HYDERABAD forces junior docs flavours and foreign cigarettes were stored in the limits of The Malkajgiri Police arrested Bhavani Nagar Police Station. for shopkeepers two persons who were found to boycott duties The duo had procured the stock selling essential commodities and were selling it illegally. PNS n HYDERABAD at higher prices and looting the PNS n HYDERABAD public. Junior doctors Merchant payment BharatPe The apprehended persons Helpless Junior Doctors called on the DME T-Hub has partnered with ICICI were identified as Dharma Association (JUDA) stated Lombard to roll out 'Covid-19 Ram and Rakam Bheemudu. that they would stage a silent on March 23, 2020 announces protection insurance cover' Police said that they were protest on Tuesday due to and were assured for shopkeepers. Amid the The insurance is found selling kirana items on lack of protective gear. of adequate Covid-19 contagious pandemic, this pol- higher prices during a raid and T-JUDA came to know that icy on a diagnosis of Covid-19 available on the violated the rules imposed by a 3-year-old baby was tested supply of PPE gear challenge (+ve) will pay 100 per cent of BharatPe app and to the government during the positive for Covid-19, 4 days the sum insured, irrespective cover lakhs of lockdown. A case under sec- after the admission in Niloufer PNS n HYDERABAD of hospitalisation expenses. tion 188 of the IPC and section hospital ward, many PGs and hospital. The new product is a step for- merchants digitally 7 of the Essential Commodities As many as 38 violation cases and 39 even faculty members were Dr Vishnu said, "This is a T-Hub and Q City on Monday ward in BharatPe's endeavour over the next Act was registered against black marketing cases have been exposed with the patient due situation where we don't want announced the launch of in introducing industry-first few days Mahalaxmi Kirana and to non provision of proper protest, so we won't boycott COVID-19 Innovation initiatives for shopkeepers. It General stores and Vinayaka booked in Cyberabad Commissionerate. PPE and protective gear our duties. We will come to Challenge with a target of is also a 'first of its kind' Kirana store. Of these 59 cases, 77 persons have including N-95 masks. respective departments but empowering students to con- sachet product by ICICI Ashneer Grover, CEO of "As many as 29 violation been found violating the regulations According to Dr. KUN will not attend duties. This is duct research to develop Lombard that will cover mer- BharatPe said, "Merchants' cases, 130 e-petty cases have Vishnu, as many as 25 people the case in most of the potential solutions to contain chants. well-being is our immediate been booked in the including PGs, nurses and Telangana government hospi- the spread of the deadly coro- The health cover is priced focus, and as Coronavirus turns Commissionerate. Of these sons have been verified on quarantined, said the sanitation staff were exposed tals. we are very much ready navirus. The Centre for affordably at a premium start- into a pandemic, we have 159 cases, 191 persons have March 28. Of these 3 are posi- Cyberabad Police, adding that to the patient and many PGs to serve this country and peo- Cellular & Molecular Biology ing at nominal amount of ? designed a unique insurance been found violating the reg- tive cases and 1,850 are home 828 passports have been seized are witnessing mild symp- ple in period but provide us (CCMB), is the knowledge 199 and provides a sum cover with ICICI Lombard to ulations," said Mahesh quarantined," said Bhagwat. So so far and handed over to dis- toms. He said that throat basic protective gear." partner for this program while insured for ? 25,000 and value- provide financial support to Bhagwat, Commissioner of far, 1,065 passports have been trict authorities. swabs were collected for 13 The other requests include, Emerging Technologies Wing, added benefits such as Health merchants. Shopkeepers will Police, Rachakonda. As many seized under the Rachakonda As many as 38 violation cases PGs and sent for diagnosis, providing accommodation in ITE&C Dept, Government of Assistance and CHAT/Virtual get 100% of the opted Sum as 13 two wheelers, a three Commissionerate and handed and 39 black marketing cases and those PGs were sent for nearby hostels for isolation Telangana, will help T-Hub in assistance, tele consultation Insured as a lump sum in the wheeler and a four wheeler over to district authorities. have been booked in Cyberabad home quarantine. ward duty doctors, to provide curating problem statements and ambulance assistance, as event of the first diagnosis were seized during checking, Across the Cyberabad Commissionerate. Of these 59 Junior doctors called on transportation for health care for the challenge. T-Hub, part of the offering. The itself. The insurance is available added the officer. Commissionerate, out of a total cases, 77 persons have been the Directorate of Medical providers, to supply & see being the epicentre of an unique benefit covers across on the BharatPe app and we "Pertaining to the enforce- of 3,635 suspect persons, 2,264 found violating the regulations. Education on March 23, 2020 every high risk health care innovation ecosystem, is tak- the age group of 18 to 65 years. hope to cover lakhs of our mer- ment work during the lock- persons have been verified upto In all 177 two wheelers, 23 three and were assured of adequate professional is given prophy- ing up measures to be relevant On the introduction of the chants digitally over the next down period, out of a total of March 30. Of these 12 are pos- wheelers and 31 four wheelers supply of protective gears. But laxis as per ICMR guidelines to all its stakeholders. new Covid-19 insurance, few days." 2163 suspect persons, 1957 per- itive cases and 2,136 are home have been seized. till date no proper supply has and To constitute a team of been reported and in the PGs to look after supply of meantime, unfortunate inci- PPEs and protective gear as TMREIS postpones dent happened at Niloufer volunteers. Mankind Pharma pledges Rs 51 crore for relief fund PNS n HYDERABAD protective equipment (PPE) Mankind Pharma and Medicines to the colleges’ admissions With growing number of will be donating Government hospitals treating PNS n HYDERABAD Covid-19 cases in India, ventilators, coronavirus patients. Mankind Pharma, joins the Coronavirus cases in India Secretary of Telangana fight by donating Rs 51 crore personal protective crossed 1,000, as the Indian Minorities Residential to CM relief fund to manage equipment (PPE) government unveiled a Rs 1.7 Educational Institutions this disaster. Mankind will be and medicines lakh crore stimulus to help Society B Shafiullah, IFS on donating ventilators, personal those hit by the 21-day lock- Monday stated that, in view of protective equipment (PPE) down. Mankind Pharma has the lockdown in the state in and medicines to the states mates by Johns Hopkins recently released a campaign the backdrop of Covid-19, reporting maximum number University, Center for Disease 2020, while the availability is 'thanks for being my family' the entrance tests for admis- of positive cases. Dynamics, Economics and between 30,000 and 50,000. that wishes well being of doc- sion in Intermediate I year in were scheduled to be held on Mankind Pharma will work Policy, and Princeton Mankind Pharma, which is a tors, nurses, other medical TMR Junior Colleges and April 12, 18 and 20, 2020 towards the betterment of pub- University; the demand for leading pharmaceutical com- staff and pharmacists involved admissions for Class V to stands postponed and the lic welfare in this these times ventilators in India is expect- pany has come forward to in treating patients and risking VIII in TMR Schools for the revised dates shall be of distress. According to esti- ed to surge to 1 million by July donate ventilators, Personal their own life. academic year 2020-21 which announced later. ‘Bag valve mask is the need of the hour' Special camps to stop exodus Director of IIT-Hyderabad calls for alternatives to ventilators of stranded migrant labourers n n PNS HYDERABAD The professors note that while ‘bag PNS HYDERABAD Indian Institute of Technology valve mask' are currently hand-powered Following an assurance of Hyderabad director Prof. BS and therefore not suitable for humane treatment of migrant Murty has called upon on the workers to Telangana, whom Central government to consid- continuous use as a ventilator, it would the Chief Minister described as er adopting 'bag valve mask' as be easy to design a similar device development partners, the an alternative to meet any powered by an electrical source municipal and police officials surge in demand for ventila- have identified at least 5,000 tors, both in India and other migrant workers proceeding to countries, to treat Covid-19 could be made portable, and than that of the inadequate their native places by foot, res- patients. therefore adopted in villages number of 60,000 conven- cued them and sent to assis- While the conventional ven- and other areas without a tional machines mentioned tance camps. tilators are expensive, hard to power supply and be inexpen- above. The cost is so low that On the directions from the produce, and not portable, sive enough to manufacture in it can be considered a single- Chief Minister K director of IIT Hyderabad bulk. use device that will be given Chandrasekhar Rao, proof measures to ensure municipal corporations lined Prof. BS Murty and Elaborating on the advan- over to single patient, and Municipal Administration migrant labourers stay at their up along the national and Department of Mechanical have every quality that is while 'bag valve mask' are tages of this system, the never used again." Department with the assis- places of living. The municipal state highways have been and Aerospace Engineering required in this crisis. They are currently hand-powered and Professors said, "Our esti- They concluded that, tance of the police and under and police officials have been accommodating them in gov- Prof. V Eswaran highlight most common of these devices therefore not suitable for con- mate of the cost is that it can "Therefore, the total number the supervision of Minister KT taking steps in coordination so ernment buildings and func- that 'bag valve masks' are is the bag valve mask, often tinuous use as a ventilator, it be manufactured for less than of ventilators would barely be Rama Rao, made special as not to leave their current tion halls. The police and small devices, which are used called by the propriety name would be easy to design a sim- Rs 5,000, or one-hundredth 1 lakh devices - at a time when arrangements in municipalities place of living. The govern- municipal officials have been to deliver breathing support in of 'ambu bag,' that is used for ilar device powered by an the cost of a conventional millions of machines may be and municipal corporations for ment has been providing them sending those who set up on emergency situations that are resuscitation in emergency electrical source, which could machine. The cost of manu- needed. We cannot depend of their survival in the state till food through Annapurna can- food to their native places and inexpensive, easy to produce, situations. be a car battery, apart from the facturing 6 million of these the conventional ventilators the normalcy was restored. teens and assistance camps. send them to the assistance and portable - which therefore The professors note that conventional power supply. It devices will be probably less for a solution to this crisis." The government took fool- The municipalities and camps. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 hyderabad 04 TS to come up with ‘Rice Policy' Leaders throw ‘social KCR’s decision comes after a high-level review meeting with rice millers on paddy cultivation distancing' rule to the wind

PNS n HYDERABAD produced can be made into rice variety of rice people in K VENKATESHWARLU and sell it without any prob- other r states 'eat? Varieties n HYDERABAD Chief Minister K lem," the CM said. of Paddy should be cultivat- Chandrashekhar Rao declared "There are 2,200 rice mills all ed based on this study. Such Ignoring the lockdown, people that a 'Comprehensive over the state. These mills can varieties of Paddy should be are coming out of their resi- Telangana State Paddy' and mill one crore tonnes of rice made into rice and supply to dences in large numbers citing 'Rice Policy' would be pre- per year. In the past, these mills people in the state and other one or the other reason. Not pared keeping in view of could not get the paddy to their states and countries. just that, they are thronging increase in the paddy yield in capacity. Even to mill 20 to 30 n Due to the present markets, shops and are not fol- the State. The Chief Minister lakh tonnes used to be a diffi- Corona problem, Hamalis lowing 'social distancing', the has instructed the officials cult task. Now the situation has working in the rice mills move strictly advised by doc- concerned to formulate the changed. There is supply of have gone back to their tors to keep the novel policy after consulting with the Paddy in abundance. There is home state of Bihar. The Coronavirus at bay. rice millers and other stake- 24 hour uninterrupted power government will make Even Prime Minister holders. He also announced supply. Rice mills should take arrangements to get them Narendra Modi, Chief troubles due to lockdown, is a that the government would advantage of the situation and back. Minister K Chandrashekhar welcome act. However, the Not only, the stand by the rice millers and KCR said the draft Paddy Policy will be mill more rice. The rice mills n The government will also Rao and others have strictly local leaders and cadres are Congress and BJP make them stake holders in the discussed in the State Cabinet and it should operate to their opti- consider allocating sites in advised the people to follow gathering in large numbers to State's development and mum level to mill rice for the the Industrial estates in the 'social distancing'. However, assist the leaders. The leaders, leaders, the ruling progress. He said the draft would be discussed in the Legislature purpose of consumption with- State for the setting up of throwing rules to the wind, however, are ignoring social TRS party leaders Paddy Policy will be discussed before it is accepted as the policy in the state, to supply to the FCI rice mills. Rice Mills will be along with the people, now distancing come what may. too violated social in the State Cabinet and it and to export to other States. recognised as food process- politicians too joined the band- The party local leaders are try- would be discussed in the There is a need to have more ing units and necessary con- wagon. ing their best to attract the distancing rules Legislature before it is accept- Secretary Gampa Nagender, tonnes of Paddy. This time dur- new mills. From the govern- cessions and encouragement The politicians are coming attention of their leader during ed as the policy. Mohan Reddy, leaders ing the Monsoon, Paddy will ment side we will do every- will be given. out of their residences to help these philanthropic acts. The Chief Minister held a Chandrapal, Bocchu Bhaskar, be cultivated in 55 to 60 Lakh thing to run the rice mills in an n There is a need to increase the poor, who were affected On Monday, not only the Uttam Kumar Reddy partici- high-level review meeting here Prabhakar Rao, Thota Sampath acres. Under Kaleswaram pro- effective way and to put them the Godowns in the State. with the lockdown. With polit- Congress and BJP leaders, but pated in a programme where on Monday at Pragati Bhavan Kumar, Kanthaiah, Yadagiri ject along Paddy can be culti- in profits. The Rice Mills in Before formation of the State ical leaders coming to the res- also the ruling TRS leaders' essential commodities were on paddy cultivation, Paddy and others participated. vated in more than 35 Lakh Telangana should become stake there were only 4 Lakh cue of the poor, the local lead- philanthropic works almost distributed to the poor. yield, Preparation of rice and "There is a lot of difference acres. Next year Paddy will be holders in the State's develop- tonnes capacity of godowns ers and cadres too are joining violated the social distancing A doctor from Gandhi exports, and the policy to be between the situation that pre- cultivated in at least 70 Lakh ment and progress," the CM in the region. We have in large numbers to attract the rule as suggested by Prime Hospital on condition of pursued and other related vailed during the united AP acres. Telangana State will cul- urged. increased their capacity to 22 attention of their leaders. Minister Narendra Modi and anonymity said that it is unad- issues. Agriculture Minister S and now. Construction of tivate every year 2.25 crore Lakh tonnes. This should be However, some leaders are Chief Minister K visable act. "The doctors are Niranjan Reddy, Civil Supplies major projects like the tonnes of Paddy. Telangana Key takeaways increased to 40 Lakh tonnes. seriously taking steps to main- Chandrasekhar Rao. Not only risking their lives to tackle the Minister Gangula Kamalakar, Kaleswaram, completion of State is becoming the 'Rice n Henceforth, there will not n To set up Godowns in tain 'social distancing'. the Prime Minister and Chief spread of Corononavirus. Chief Secretary Somesh the on-going projects, revival of Bowl of India'. Under these cir- be any harassment from the Rice Mills, the government It all started with Chief Minister, the doctors too However, the leaders, who are Kumar, DGP Mahender Reddy, tanks under Mission Kakatiya, cumstances, procuring the officials to the rice millers. should extend all support. Minister K Chandrashekhar advised the people to be care- supposed to be pioneers to the Principal Secretary 24-hour free power to farmers, paddy and sending it to the The government will make n Identify places where Rice Rao asking the public repre- ful and asked the people not to people, are themselves violat- (Agriculture) B Janardhan farmers are getting water in mills to make rice and selling changes in the policy so that Mills are in large numbers sentatives to help the people come out for at least two ing the social distancing rule Reddy, Civil Supplies abundance. This led to increase it will become a hard task. For there is no need to have so and set up Railway Sliding's. who were affected because of weeks particularly from March intentionally or unintentional- Corporation Chairman in paddy cultivation in the this, the exiting policy or many permissions n The government is consid- lockdown. However, the 29 to April 7. However, the ly. The leaders should distrib- Mareddy Srinivas Reddy, State. For this Rabi season, method is not useful. There is n Rice millers should have ering increasing capacity of Congress leaders too came leaders are not bothered it ute the essential commodities Commissioner Satyanarayana Paddy is cultivated in 40 Lakh a need to implement a a proper marketing strategy. Rice Mills from 70 HP to out on to the roads on Monday seems. At Gudimalkapur, local to the needy at their door step Reddy, State Rice Millers acres. There is a possibility of Comprehensive Paddy and What variety of rice people 150 HP under the LT to help the poor. No doubt, leaders gathered in huge num- instead of posing for photos or Association President, getting more than one Crore Rice Policy so that the Paddy in the State prefer and what Category. helping poor, who are facing bers when TPCC president N publicity," he said. Donations Good pour in for ‘Taking steps to bring down prices of meat’ samaritans join PNS n HYDERABAD cow sheds and speak to those hands to fight CMRF who manage the sheds in the Minister for Animal city and find out their prob- Corona PNS n HYDERABAD Husbandry Talasani Srinivas lems including the fodder PNS n NEW DELHI Yadav on Monday attributed shortage. Talasani asked them Several organisations have the increase in prices of meat to find out whether the cow From delivering food to the contributed large donations to to non supply of goats and sheds access mobile veteri- elderly to taking medicines to the Chief Minister's Relief sheep on account of lockdown. nary clinics' services or not. the sick, from fighting fake Fund to support the state gov- The Minister assured the peo- He directed fisheries com- news on the Internet to help- ernment's measures to prevent ple to bring their prices under missioner Suvarna to take steps ing people with their groceries, the spread of Coronavirus. control by ensuring supply of so that fishermen would be groups across the country have Chairman Parthasarathi goats and sheep and clearing able to catch fish in various joined hands to identify willing Reddy and Director Ratnakar hurdles for their sale. water bodies and sell them. If people to create an army of vol- Farmers prefer Reddy of Hetero Drugs has Convening an emergency fishermen want to go to other unteers who will take the fight donated Rs 5 crore for the review meeting here on districts to catch fish and bring against coronavirus to the CMRF and handed over the Monday in the wake of com- them here for sale, they will be streets. cheque to the Chief Minister. plaints over non-supply of A special drive would be conducted on given permission, he clarified. Bhopal-based Vipin Tripathi, health over crop The Pharma major also meat and chicken and fish in meat shops to take action against the To a question by poultry an engineering dropout, had AVINASH DEEPAK PULI handed over medicines such various markets on Sunday, the traders selling meat at exorbitant rates, breeders' association vice-pres- launched his own startup in n MAHBUBNAGAR Though the govt as Hydroxychloroquine, Minister asked the people not ident Harshvardhan, the 2017 of providing video content is offering several Ritnovir, Lopinavir,and to worry and said that the gov- said Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav Minister asked GHMC chief for students. With the coron- The daily routine of farmers in Oseltamavir worth Rs 5 crore ernment had accorded permis- veterinary officer Abdul Vakil avirus outbreak, Tripathi has rural areas in the five districts incentives to the to the Health Minister Eatala sion to transport essential com- to ensure that the waste gener- now found a novel way to redi- of Mahbubnagar and three farmers for their Rajender. Another Pharma modities, milk, fruits, eggs take action against the traders DGP seeking permission to ated at chicken shops is cleared rect his database of 25 lakh stu- districts of Nalgonda are gross- Company, Suven Pharma and others. selling meat at exorbitant rates. transport sheep and goats so from time to time. dent towards volunteering to ly affected as the threat of produce, the kin of donated Rs 1 crore. Chairman Similarly, people can sell He assured to constitute dis- that the DGP will direct the SPs The poultry sector suffered fight the contagion. spurt in Coronavirus looms ryots are Venkat Jasti handed over the goats and sheep either to the trict-level coordination com- of all districts to allow the because of the malicious pro- My website now opens with large in their respective places. preventing their cheque to Chief Minister. K. state capital or to the district mittees with Animal transportation and sale of paganda undertaken by some a form where willing students Especially in Mahabubnagar Paparao of Telangana Motor headquarters towns or to other Husbandry, Fisheries, Police sheep and goats without any vested interests, he said adding can fill up their names, their district, the agriculture activ- family heads from Vehicles Inspectors towns and cities since permis- and Transport Department hurdles. that the poultry sector is recov- cities and the area of work that ity, which assumed a major continuing farm Association handed over a sion would be given to them to officials. He asked Anita On a compliant, the Minister ering following some special they want to volunteer in. We boost after the commissioning cheque for Rs 1.5 crore to the do so. A special drive would Rajendra, animal husbandry asked the officials of Animal measures taken up the Chief are calling it the 'CT Care' pro- of several irrigation schemes, activities Chief Minister. be conducted on meat shops to secretary, to write a letter to the Husbandry Department to visit Minister. gram. the farmers have stopped con- tinuing their farm operations and other parts too, the farm- at a crucial time in the paddy ers fear the threat of a spurt in fields. the cases of Coronavirus. Even as the government is In Yadagirigutta, the entire Cong comes to the rescue of needy taking necessary measures pilgrim centre wore a desert- and offering several incentives ed look as the devotees and PNS n . However, the TPCC chief to the farmers for their pro- visitors kept aloof from offer- instructed the party workers to duce, the family members in ing prayers in the temple Telangana Pradesh Congress take all precautions while dis- Control Room at several localities are prevent- town. In Bhongir, the textile Committee president N Uttam tributing food and other items. ing their family heads from and hotel businesses have Kumar Reddy on Monday He said social distancing and continuing farm activities. come to a standstill and here appealed the Congress workers hygiene should be maintained Gandhi Bhavan The Maize crop at the har- too, the farming activity in all across the State to help those all the time. PNS n HYDERABAD vesting stage is left unattend- the rural parts is grossly affected due to lockdown. The TPCC chief demanded ed in several parts and though affected. The fogging and Speaking to media persons that the government to supply Telangana Congress has set up the farmers are trying to go to sanitisation activity in the after participating in food and promised free rice and finan- a control room at Gandhi take a look at their crop, the and Nalgonda dis- vegetable distribution pro- sons. He appealed all the lead- cial assistance on immediate Bhavan on Monday to extend family members are keen on tricts is thoroughly undertak- gramme conducted by ers and workers to identify the basis. He slammed the govern- help to the poor who were fac- FREE MEAL DISTRIBUTION keeping their family heads en as per the guidance of the Congress leaders in affected persons and extend all ment for not extending any ing troubles due to lockdown. health intact and preferring Minister Jagadish Reddy and Gudimalkapur, Tolichowki and necessary help individually help to the poor even after one TPCC president N Uttam health at the cost of crop this the legislators of the rural other areas on Monday, Uttam and collectively. week of lockdown. He said Kumar Reddy, after inaugurat- Caring and serving time. segments are keenly under- said that many Congress lead- Uttam also announced that lakhs of daily wage earners, ing the control room, said that In the revenue Mandals like taking in the operations such ers and workers were actively the party would set up a migrant workers and other the party had set up the con- Kosgi and Kodangal, this as fogging and cleaning the taking part in relief pro- Control Room at party head- poorer sections have lost their trol room to extend all neces- for the poor aspect is thoroughly observed localities. grammes by providing food, quarters Gandhi Bhavan to livelihood due to lockdown sary help to the poor, who are and in the revenue Mandals (With inputs from Bakka vegetables and other essential monitor the relief operations and the authorities were yet to facing problems due to lock- PNS n NIZAMABAD like Waddepalli, Nagarkurnool Tennyson from Nalgonda) items among the needy per- being carried out across the come to their rescue. down. The free meals The free meals programme at programme was govern- launched by ment hospitals launched by HELPING HAND former MP K Kavitha for the former MP K NIRDPR guides GPs on Corona benefit of patients' attendants Kavitha in has come as a sigh of relief to Nizamabad PNS n HYDERABAD nomic background. the people of Nizamabad. Free Emphasising the need for food is being served to the National Institute of Rural local self-governments to rise poor people, students, home- free meals scheme also came Development and Panchayati up to the occasion, Dr. WR less and destitues. Owing to to a halt. Raj (NIRDPR) is all set to Reddy IAS, Director General, the 21-day nationwide lock- The matter was brought to launch awareness initiatives NIRDPR, said "As part of the down to prevent the spread of the attention of Kavitha, to help Gram Panchayats (GPs) constitutional mandate, the coronavirus, all hotels, food who discussed the issue with across India to monitor Panchayats are familiar with courts are currently shut the Nizamabad district col- migrants returning from the the preparation of Gram across the Nizamabad dis- lector Narayana Reddy. cities. These initiatives are Panchayat Development Plans trict. Later, adequate measures aimed at helping migrants and (GPDP). The Gram Panchayat Along with patients' atten- were taken to ensure sanita- ensure that they are adequate- Development Plans has been dants, Kavitha extended the tion and social distancing in ly screened for Covid-19 infec- an important element of 'low free meals scheme to poor the queue lines at the free tion, and quarantined where cost' or 'no cost' development people, so that they do not food centres. necessary. initiatives which have trans- have to walk for miles in Two years ago, when she Another major objective of Communication) material for tives issued by the Union formed many Panchayats into search for food, as all the visited the Nizamabad this initiative is to support awareness campaigns against Health Ministry and respec- progressive developed islands food courts will remain shut Government General Gram Panchayats and other Covid-19. tive State Health across the country. The pre- till 14 April. On the day of Hospital (GGH) as Member Panchayati Raj Institutions The material would create Departments. In addition, sent crisis of Covid-19 can be Janatha Curfew, thousands of of Parliament, patients and (PRIs) functionaries to take awareness about safety mea- these initiatives are also tackled by such measures poor people, patients' atten- their attendants bought the care of the citizens in their sures such as regular washing geared towards ensuring that using sheer imagination and Rajya Sabha member J Santosh Kumar gives away a cheque of Rs dants, daily wage workers in food issue to the notice of communities by providing IEC of hands, maintaining social no person goes hungry, irre- passionate leadership of the 25,000 to ‘Serve Needy’, an NGO, in the city on Monday Nizamabad had to undergo Kavitha, which led to start of (Information, Education and distancing and other direc- spective of their socio-eco- Gram Panchayats." adverse circumstances as the free meals scheme. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS Auto manufacturers asked CAPFs seek live WhatsApp location from troops on leave to make ventilators: Min PNS n NEW DELHI The paramilitary forces have PNS n NEW DELHI The health ministry directed that 'live location' of all Ola Cabs gives 500 officers and jawans allowed to vehicles to transport The Centre has asked automo- also informed that 11 work from home or on leave bile manufacturers to use their domestic producers should be obtained daily to pre- doctors facilities to make ventilators to vent the spread of COVID-19 BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy boost the country's capacity of of PPE coveralls after two positive cases were Chief Minister C N Ashwath such machines in view of a have qualified so far reported among them, officials Narayan on Monday said Ola spike in COVID-19 cases in said on Monday. Cabs has agreed to give 500 the country. and orders for 21 Border guarding force Indo- vehicles to the government for It also said that the Defence lakh coveralls have Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) transporting doctors and for Research and Development has taken a lead and directed all other COVID-19 related Organisation (DRDO) will been placed. These team heads a few days back to activities. "Olacabs has agreed to begin manufacturing 20,000 are supplying 6,000- undertake this exercise daily been asked to check the give 500 OLA vehicles for N-95 masks per day from the 7,000 pieces per day and submit a compliance report WhatsApp live location provid- All supervisory #Covid_19 related activities in next week. twice to the headquarters in ed by their subordinates with the officers have been Karnataka. These vehicles will According to the health and are expected to Delhi at 10 am and 4 pm. house addresses furnished by be used by the government for ministry, over 14,000 existing go up to 15,000 In a directive accessed by them in official records, he said. asked to check commute by doctors and Covid ventilators are earmarked for PTI, the force has ordered that He said while no such case of the WhatsApp live 19 related activities. Greatly COVID-19 patients in various pieces per day by a senior officer designated for the violation has been detected till location provided appreciated move by @olacabs hospitals in the country, while mid-April. task should every morning give now but the intelligence and vig- and its CEO @bhash ! there are 11.95 lakh N-95 a call to all personnel allowed to ilance arms of these about 10 by their #IndiaFightsCorona," Ashwath masks in stock. 'work from home' or on leave lakh personnel strong forces subordinates with Narayan tweeted. Announcing An additional 5 lakh masks Besides, the ministry has Two domestic manufactur- will be distributed on Monday. and subsequently ask them to have reported that misuse of offi- the house lockdown aimed at fighting the were distributed during the last asked the Bharat Electronics ers are producing 50,000 N-95 "Orders for 10 lakh PPE kits send their 'live location' over the cial ID card, uniform or govern- spread of coronavirus, two days and 1.40 lakh will be Limited (BEL), a public sector masks per day. This is expect- have been placed through latest WhatApp group especial- ment-issued vehicle by force addresses Karnataka government on distributed on Monday, it said. undertaking under the ed to go up to 1 lakh per day @MEAIndia on a #Singapore ly created for this purpose. personnel to visit their homes or furnished by them March 23 had said, Ola, Uber, The ministry said 3.34 lakh Ministry of Defence, to man- within next week, it said. based platform and supplies are "This is aimed to check that family members during the leave in official records, taxis, autorickshaws and other personal protection equipment ufacture 30,000 ventilators in The health ministry also to commence soon," the min- none of the personnel misuse period can take place, and hence hired services shall not be (PPE) coveralls are available the next two months in collab- informed that 11 domestic istry said on Twitter. their leaves and stay at homes. checks need to be deployed. he said. permitted for passenger transport except for procuring with hospitals in the country oration with local manufactur- producers of PPE coveralls It added that one more This is important as it will not "The snoop wings indicated essential commodities and and another 3 lakh donated ers. have qualified so far and orders domestic manufacturer was only help in strict enforcement that the police forces manning collect this WhatsApp-based medical emergencies. coveralls will be received from Among the private players, for 21 lakh coveralls have been qualified on Monday and is of the ongoing lockdown check posts in the city and at bor- data on a daily basis, he added. abroad by April 4. Agva Healthcare, Noida has placed. These are supplying being given orders for 5 lakh declared by the government but ders may not strictly check offi- The paramilitary forces com- "Automobile manufactur- been given an order to manu- 6,000-7,000 pieces per day and PPE coveralls. also save the vital manpower of cial force vehicles or allow those prising the ITBP, Central Reserve Mumbai: 2 held with ers have been asked to man- facture 10,000 ventilators with- are expected to go up to 15,000 The number of COVID-19 these fighting forces from con- in uniform or carrying ID cards. Police Force (CRPF), Border 9.8k sanitiser bottles ufacture ventilators and they in a month. Their supplies are pieces per day by mid-April. cases climbed to 1071 across tracting coronavirus," a top Some erring personnel can mis- Security Force (BSF), Central are working towards this expected to commence in the It further said that 10,000 the country, while the death Central Armed Police Force use this authority," the comman- Industrial Security Force (CISF) worth Rs 10.28L end," the health ministry second week of April, the min- PPE coveralls donated by Red toll rose to 29, according to the (CAPF) commander said. der said. and the Sashastra Seema Bal MUMBAI: Two men were said in a tweet. istry said in another tweet. Cross have been received and Union Health Ministry. All supervisory officers have All CAPFs have been asked to (SSB) are also known as CAPFs. arrested with 9,800 sanitiser bottles worth Rs 10.28 lakh from Charkop area of Kandivali suburb in north Mumbai, police said on Monday. Jagdish K'taka govt gets tough on Mizoram CM asks Modi, Bhamaniya and Rajesh Chowdhary had hoarded the sanitiser bottles and were educational institutions Shah to check racial slur profiteering due to the rise in their demand following the PNS n BENGALURU tion process for the academic novel coronavirus outbreak, an I'm making it clear, year 2020-21 till further orders. on Northeast people official said. "They have been Karnataka government has any institution The Minister also asked arrested under Essential warned private educational violating the said schools that have sent in circu- PNS n AIZAWL Commodities Act," said Senior institutions of legal action if lars to parents asking pay- Inspector Vitthal Shinde of they do not postpone the government order will be ment for fees to withdraw Mizoram Chief Minister Charkop police station. Centre extends dates for admission process and collec- held accountable under the them and keep them suspend- Zoramthanga has urged Prime tion of fees for the next acad- Education Act, including ed till the next government Minister Narendra Modi and emic year, in the wake of the order or else face legal conse- Union Home minister Amit Darul Uloon offers its lockdown to fight COVID-19. cancellation of recognition quences, including a criminal Shah to check alleged inci- buildings to serve as completing employees' "It has been reported that of school or educational case. dents of attack and racial dis- isolation ward some of the private education- institution Also, Kumar declared that crimination against people of al institutions are demanding the ongoing leave/work from the Northeast in some states ALIGARH: Vice Chancellor annual appraisal process parents to pay fees for the next — SURESH KUMAR, home for teachers in the wake where they are mistaken for Mufti Abdul Qasim Nomani of academic year in the month of of lockdown has been extend- Chinese after the coronavirus Deoband-based Durul Uloom Education Minister PNS n NEW DELHI completed by May 30 and the April or May. ed till April 11. outbreak. on Monday offered to hand submission of self-appraisal to Schools have been fixing "For teachers of primary He attached a video with his Amit Shah ji to look into the over one of the buildings of the The Central government on reporting officer by June 30, the deadlines," Primary and "I'm making it clear, any and high schools of Karnataka tweet showing some Naga stu- matter," he said in the tweet. theological school to the UP Monday extended the dates order said. This measure is a Secondary Education Minister institution violating the said given leave till March 31 and dents being prevented from Zoramthanga also tagged government to serve as an for initiation and completion of one-time relaxation only, it Suresh Kumar said in a video government order will be held asked to work from home, the entering a grocery store in fellow chief ministers of isolation ward for COVID-19 its employees' annual perfor- added. released to the media. accountable under the leave has been extended till Mysuru. "I am pained, shocked Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland patients. The Durul Uloom's Mohtmim (V-C) has written to mance appraisal reports The disclosure of the APAR In view of COVID-19 and Education Act, including can- April 11, in view of the lock- and in my worst awe seeing this and Arunachal Pradesh-- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (APARs) due to coronavirus of the officer reported upon lockdown that is in place, the cellation of recognition of down declared by the Prime video. When has humanity Conrad Sangma, Sarbananda Yogi Adityanath making this pandemic, according to a should be done by September education department issued a school or educational institu- Minister," he said. stooped so low," the chief min- Sonowal, Neiphiu Rio and offer, a spokespersons said. Personnel Ministry order. A 10 and by October 10 (in cases curricularstating that admis- tion," he said. "During this period, I ister said in his tweet. Pema Khandu. The head of the Deoband revised target date for comple- where there is accepting author- sion process and collection of "Also, a criminal case under request all the teachers to act He urged the prime minister Meghalaya chief minister school has said the Darul tion of APARs for Group A, B ity), the ministry said. The fees for 2020-21, including section 3 of the Epidemic upon the schedule of pro- and the home minister to look Sangma said he had spoken to Koran building of the school is and C officers of central civil entire process should be com- paymentof fees by students Diseases Act of 1897, also grammes given by the depart- into the matter and take imme- Mysuru MP Pratap Simha who located adjacent to the main services has been issued. pleted by December 31, 2020 continuing in same school, CrPC can be booked," he said, ment and work from home, diate action against those informed him that an FIR has highway and if the government According to the revised "after which APAR will be shall be postponedtill the next and requested all private edu- and fully prepare yourselves for responsible for such acts. been lodged and two people finds it appropriate. the schedule, the distribution of finally taken on record", the governmentorder, the Minister cational institutions to post- the coming academic year," he "I kindly request Shri have also been arrested in con- spokesman said. blank APAR forms needs to be ministry said. noted. pone admission and fee collec- added. Narendra Modi ji and Shri nection with the incident. Prison inmates in UP's get Lockdown: 500 Nepalese 2,506 people home quarantined order of 6,000 masks labourers stranded in Dharchula PNS n MIRZAPUR (UP) in Assam's Kamrup district They started with PNS n PITHORAGARH PNS n RANGIA Inmates of a prison here are two sewing working hard to deliver around machines, Over 500 Nepalese labourers A total of 2,506 people of differ- 6,000 masks ordered by district returning home from different ent age groups have been advised officials in view of the deadly previously used to parts of India have been strand- home quarantine in lower coronavirus outbreak that has train them in ed in Dharchula in Uttarakhand Assam's Kamrup district adjoin- led to a huge spike in the tailoring, and with the Nepal government ing capital city Guwahati in the demand of personal protective distributed the shutting its doors on them in an wake of the coronavirus out- equipment. masks among all effort to combat coronavirus. break, officials said. According to the district The Nepal government No COVID-19 positive case prison officials, 14 prisoners the inmates, Jail extended the ban on entry of has been reported in Assam so are sewing around 800 masks Superintendent said people from across the borders far, an official said on Monday. daily. They started with two for another 10 days from According to district Joint sewing machines, previously the product, District Magistrate Monday as a measure to contain district administration providing from different parts of India, Director Health Dr N S Tishya, used to train them in tailoring, Sushil Kumar Patel provided five the spread of coronavirus. for food, sub-divisional magis- including Delhi, in the hope of 381 people under the jurisdiction and distributed the masks sewing machines and placed an The ban was initially to be in trate (SDM) S K Shukla said, crossing over smoothly into of Rangia Block Public Health A total of 159 beds have been tuality, the health official said. among all the inmates, Jail order of 4,000 masks. The order force from March 23 to 29. adding that if they continue to their country via Dharchula, he Centre (BPHC), 322 under kept ready in five model hospi- Meanwhile, the district Superintendent Anil Rai said on would be ready in a couple of The stranded Nepalese work- gather like this, the situation may said. They gathered in Dharchula Kamalapur BPHC and 122 tals in Kamrup district, includ- administration has taken all Monday. Presently there are days, Rai said, adding the super- ers have been kept temporarily become difficult. They are daily after words spread that labour- under Bihdia BPHC have been ing 20 beds at Rangia Railway measures to ensure that the around 600 prisoners in the jail. intendent of police has also in the shed of a cremation wage labourers from Nepal who ers were being despatched to home quarantined. Polyclinic, in case of any even- lockdown protocol is followed. Impressed by the quality of provided a sewing machine. ground in Dharchula with the gathered here after the lockdown Nepal through the route. Dead man's sample tests covid-19 UP Shia Waqf C'garh CM asks PM for special Board waives package for lockdown-affected +ve; MP toll reaches 3 off rentals for PNS n INDORE and complained of chest pain PNS n RAIPUR Baghel requested the PM to said an official. and discomfort during admis- 3 months approve a special package for The lockdown, in force in the Samples of a 38-year-old man sion to the hospital. At first PNS n LUCKNOW Chhattisgarh Chief Minister such people, and suggested in country since Wednesday, and who died in Ujjain three days ago glance, he looked like a heart Bhupesh Baghel has urged the letter that Rs 1000 be trans- the resultant shut down of pub- came out positive for coronavirus patient," Gawli said. The Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Prime Minister Narendra Modi ferred per month in the lic transport has left several lakh on Monday, an official said. The deceased was a resident Waqf Board has decided to to allocate a special relief pack- accounts of MGNREGS labour- migrant workers in the lurch, With this, the death toll due to of Amber Colony in Ujjain, the waive off rentals of all its prop- age for labourers under MGN- ers and workers from unorga- many of them making the jour- coronavirus has gone up to state public relations depart- erty for three months starting REGS, in organized and unor- nized sector for the next three ney from major cities to their three in Madhya Pradesh. ment said in a release. His blood March 1 in the wake of the ganized sectors and Jan Dhan months. native villages by foot. Earlier, a 65-year-old man and swab samples were sent for coronavirus epidemic. "The account holders to help them Similarly, an amount of Rs Chhattisgarh currently has from Indore and a woman from testing as he had virus-like symp- Board has directed its CEO to tide over the financial crunch 750 should be transferred into seven COVID-19 patients. Ujjain died of coronavirus here. toms. He visited the state's waive off rentals of all its prop- due to the lockdown in force for Jan Dhan Yojna accounts per Fortunately, as of now, no "We got a report from a lab of Gawli said. The man died on Neemuch district, located close erties for three months and the coronavirus outbreak. month for the next three deaths have been reported from Indore-based Government March 27 night. He was admit- to border adjoining Rajasthan, communicate the decision to all In a letter to the PM on ers engaged in Mahatma months, his letter said. the infection in the state, the CM Mahatma Gandhi Memorial ted to Madhav Nagar Hospital of five days before he fell ill. He the concerned with immediate Sunday, Baghel hailed the relief Gandhi Employment Guarantee He also advised that the said in the letter. Doctors and Medical College on Monday Ujjain in a critical condition and came in contact with some peo- effect," Chairman Board, package announced by the Scheme (MGNREGS) and Centre bear the amount of medical personnel from AIIMS morning that the 38-year-old died after an hour of undergo- ple of Rajasthan at a party there. Wasim Rizvi, told reporters Centre on March 26. workers from unorganized sec- provident fund contributions of Raipur and Health department man had coronavirus infection," ing treatment. After his return to Ujjain, he was here on Monday. He also However, a major part of the tors all over the country are the workers in the organized are working tirelessly and mon- Ujjain's Chief Medical and "According to doctors, the down with fever, cold and cough, appealed to all to provide food population, like landless labour- severely affected. sector for next three months, itoring the situation, he said. Health Officer Dr Anusuiya man had high blood pressure the release said. to at least two poor families. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 06 www.dailypioneer.com op nion facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Indian solutions Home grown test-kits and geo-fencing of COVID-19 Politics in Corona exodus suspects show why we need to prioritise the sciences, R&D f indeed, as Plato famously said, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” then the The reverse migration of daily wagers has made a mockery of the Prime Minister’s ICoronavirus pandemic has certainly brought out Indian innovation at its best. To begin with, call for a 21-day lockdown. What prompted this humanitarian crisis? a team at IIT-Bombay and professional and experienced members among the alumni recently developed an app for mobiles called ‘Corontine,’ which would help the authorities keep track of potential or suspected asymp- tomatic carriers of COVID-19 if they were to leave their quarantine zone. This has been done by creating what the techies are calling a “geo- SANDHYA fence” to keep tabs on people who had travelled abroad since February-end and JAIN had been advised home quarantine for a minimum of 14 days to see if they devel- here is a strange coincidence, if op symptoms. The self-quarantine was not just for those who travelled abroad, not synergy, between some but also for the people they came in contact with after returning, including friends Twitter handles calling for the national Government to deal and relatives. Asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 have been a cause of con- with the Coronavirus health cern for the medical community globally and in India, too. Particularly as there crisis,T even though the Union Government have been several cases in the country where people escaped quarantine and enjoys a staggering majority, and the sud- den exodus of thousands of casual labour mingled with the masses, irresponsibly increasing the potential risk of commu- from jhuggi clusters across Delhi on nity transmission of the contagion. Then there was Minal Bhosale, a virologist Saturday, March 28. This made a mockery from Pune, who with the help of her team created the first Indian testing kit for of the 21-day national lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra the virus, just a day before she gave birth to a baby girl. The test was delivered Modi on March 24 and potentially exposed in a record time of just six weeks and the first batch has now hit the markets, these fleeing families and those they making for a quick and affordable option. The engineering teams based at the would meet at the end of their journey to the virus, should any among them be silent automaker Mahindra and Mahindra’s Mumbai and Nashik manufacturing plants carriers of the deadly disease. developed an Ambu bag ventilator in 48 hours that will cost just `7,500. This Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indigenously-developed bag valve mask is a self-inflating device that is typical- could have used the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to rein in migrants from the ly used to help patients with breathing problems and will be an answer to India’s beginning. The Lt Governor and collectors worry over the shortage of ventilators for Coronavirus patients. Now, the Defence of the capital’s 11 districts are also culpa- Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is trying to develop “multi-patient ble for not realising the developments brewing under their watch and total inac- ventilators”, wherein several patients can be supported by a single ventilator to tion when exodus began from their respec- meet the huge demand if the Covid-19 outbreak goes out of control as India has tive areas. A new Lt Governor will revive only 40,000 ventilators as of now. confidence in the city’s shaken populace. This goes to show that when push comes to a shove, in times of crisis, the The Prime Minister, however, took control of the situation with Sunday morn- Indian spirit and mind kick into overdrive to find answers to questions which ing’s Mann ki Baat, where he warned that puzzle the world even today. All around the world, Indian minds are revered and those violating the lockdown are “playing Minister Yogi Adityanath by Uttar Pradesh. From there, offices and construction activ- are often even found at high-ranking positions in the fields of science and dis- with their own lives” and that a complete surprise. they got a ride on a tractor trol- ities going as soon as possible lockdown was the only solution in the glob- However, he had to order ley, ate at a gurdwara and will give the economy a jolt covery at the most prestigious institutions. This also points out to the lack of al pandemic. He regretted the discrimina- 1,000 buses to pick up the hoped to get Government from which it would struggle to research and innovation facilities and incentives at home. The most brilliant of tion against medical personnel, who are homeward-bound and ordered transport to reach their village. recover. It is pertinent that the Indian minds usually flourish the most once they have been recognised by for- risking their lives to save others at this crit- a 14-day quarantine of about FAILURE TO Hundreds more have been Centre had announced a slew ical time and applauded all those provid- one lakh people who had spotted walking towards of incentives for the small and eign institutions, which value their ideas more than the Indian ones. It is no mys- ing essential services. entered the State in the last RESUME ECONOMIC Ghaziabad and Gautam medium manufacturing sector, tery that the Indian education system does not leave much breathing room for Simultaneously, the National Executive three days. This means some ACTIVITY AND GET Buddha Nagar, adjoining Delhi. just prior to the lockdown. This innovation and critical thinking. The education system needs to be overhauled Committee of the Disaster Management began coming from Thursday. The Chief Ministers of sector is a large source of Act, 2005, under Section 10(2)(1) direct- All district magistrates FACTORIES, SHOPS, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have employment and needs to get to promote critical thinking and innovation in various fields instead of the basic ed all State and Union Territory were given details (names, OFFICES AND expressed anger at the Delhi on its feet fast. level of education and knowledge, which is forced upon students. In the absence Governments to keep migrants, who left addresses and phone numbers) Government for facilitating Can there be any other rea- of a higher education system that is application-based and which encourages their current domiciles to return to their of the new arrivals and 60,000 CONSTRUCTION this huge movement of people son for nudging labour from home towns, in mandatory quarantine at panchayats were asked to share ACTIVITIES GOING across the country in defiance Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to quit breakthrough ventures, we will always remain plagued by mediocrity. The onset the nearest shelter for 14 days as per stan- responsibility for the quaran- of the nationwide lockdown the capital? It is difficult to say of the Coronavirus is something which brought out the best in our scientists dard health protocol. It asked landlords not tine. Uttar Pradesh has also sent AS SOON AS and without any warning to the but some have observed that in and innovators at home. With one of the youngest populations of the world, if to press for rents for a month. It was later nodal officers to 12 States to respective States. Clearly, at all the turmoil, the alleged ille- that Kejriwal appealed to all migrant help people from Uttar POSSIBLE WILL this time, there is no need for gal migrants from Bangladesh nurtured correctly and effectively, we understandably have the potential to become labourers to remain in their current domi- Pradesh, who have business or GIVE THE ECONOMY competitive activism or politics — both Bangladeshis and a superpower but the need of the hour is innovation in the field of science. The ciles and not risk catching the infection or employment there. but a coordination between Rohingyas — stayed put. They Government needs to back the sciences to encourage critical thinking and pro- spreading it further. He promised to In Delhi, the national and A JOLT FROM States to save lives. did not express anxiety about ensure rations and began thermal temper- international media had a field WHICH IT WOULD The first objective would jobs or food and shelter during mote research as very few of our premier educational institutions take part or ature checks at the bus stand but Bharatiya day; usual suspects interviewed be to disrupt the Bihar admin- the crisis; nor did they have an are quoted in global studies. As the recent crisis has shown, what we consign Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra said poor and hungry people walk- STRUGGLE TO istration with an abrupt inva- urge to go home. Some as social sectors in national budgets, namely health and education, need to be the buses must stop plying and people must ing home in the absence of RECOVER. IT IS sion of thousands of families, kind Samaritans were taking accorded a much higher priority. At the same time, amid all talk of immunity, be given rations at home. transport, taking care not to ask who would immediately need care of them. Such mass movement of people from why they were moving around PERTINENT THAT food, shelter and Coronavirus Whatever the reasons for our Ayurvedic sciences can be revived to inculcate a holistic health culture. India all parts of the city requires meticulous during a nationwide lockdown. THE CENTRE HAD screening, even quarantine. the reverse migration, it has has overcome problems before and it surely will do so again when everyone planning and execution. The Centre must Al Jazeera spoke with painter Lack of preparedness on this increased the urgency for the works together and puts human life above everything else. In the end, the bat- fix responsibility for the DTC ferrying peo- Ram Bhajan Nisar, who set off ANNOUNCED score would embarrass the National Population Register ple all over the city when the service is on foot with his wife, two chil- INCENTIVES FOR Nitish Kumar Government in (NPR) in order to track migra- tle is ours to fight; nobody else will do it for us. restricted to staff of essential services at dren and 11 others from Delhi an election year. tion and job opportunities fixed hours in the morning and evening. to Gorakhpur village on the THE SMALL AND If we destroy the efficacy of across the country, which is By the time thousands of people had col- Nepal border, 650 km away. He MEDIUM SECTORS the 21-day lockdown, the vital for future economic lected at the Anand Vihar bus stand, it was admitted that an overnight bus Prime Minister would have no planning. Looking for positives too late to send them back to their clusters. took the family from the bor- choice but to extend it further. (The author is a senior Many had already been dumped at the der overpass area on Saturday Failure to resume economic journalist. Views expressed are Maybe India should look at this period as an Uttar Pradesh border, catching Chief up to Shahjahanpur district, activity and get factories, shops, personal.) enforced de-addiction time hile Kerala might have the most num- S O U N D BITE ber of confirmed cases of the Everyone needs to be My life was so messed up. I I appreciate the initiative India I am pained and shocked SARS-CoV-2 virus strain that has put ready for the impact of the was with certain type of peo- has taken to set up an emer- seeing videos of alleged W Coronavirus outbreak on ple from whom only death gency fund and an electronic incidents of attack and racial the entire nation under a lockdown mode, the country’s economy as could have saved me. All of platform to exchange informa- discrimination on the people there has only been one confirmed death due business activities have this happened at the time tion, knowledge and expertise of the North-east. PM Modi to respiratory illness associated with the virus come to a standstill. when I was only a teenager. to tackle the spread of Covid-19. must take immediate action. at the time of writing. However, according to NCP chief Actor Spiritual leader Mizoram CM a news story, ever since the lockdown came —Sharad Pawar —Kangana Ranaut —Dalai Lama —Zoramthanga into effect, seven people have reportedly com- mitted suicide due to the non-availability of alcohol in this State. This led to Kerala Chief L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR Minister Pinarayi Vijayan allowing the sale of Deploy the military Many of these labourers may limited alcohol to those people having withdrawal syndrome though they must Can India make a difference? turn out to be “super spreaders” provide a doctor’s prescription. One wonders how those, who want liquor in of the virus much like South the State, will find the doctors to issue them prescriptions when the medical Sir — The Government has made ar-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was the chief Korea’s “Patient 31,” who unknow- fraternity itself is overwhelmed treating Coronavirus patients. Moreover, it is it clear that it has no plans to guest for this year’s Republic day function. Soon after, ingly caused the rapid rise in cases. extend the 21-day lockdown to an excited President of America, Donald Trump, vis- There’s a possibility that these questionable if a medical practitioner is allowed to prescribe alcohol as a med- slow the spread of Coronavirus. Fited India to greet the cheering crowds in the company workers may have taken the infec- icine to treat de-addiction. It is not just Kerala, alcohol shops are shut down But the fact remains that in spite of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Right- tion to rural India. Chain reaction across the country with only some people lucky enough to have stocked up of the national lockdown, the wingers in India clapped for the electoral victory of Boris may trigger the spread of the virus number of COVID-19 cases in Johnson in Britain and celebrated the fall of the Labour to the community stage, which before the nation went into complete lockdown. The situation is similar else- the country is going up on a daily leader Jeremy Corbyn. It was clear that rich nations were will be perilous for India. To where, too, with paan and cigarette shops shut in most places. Once a flour- basis. The numbers may yet be in the firm grip of the Right-wing. When the Novel ensure its prevention, the migrants ishing trade for recreational purposes, the sale of addictive drugs is also in tiny compared with those in the Coronavirus was spreading rapidly in Wuhan and Hubei should be thoroughly screened at US, Italy and Spain but health provinces in China, the dreaded pandemic was dismissed the places of arrival and put to lockdown with other vice trades equally badly hit. But not getting your daily experts have warned that India, as that country’s problem and viewed as its nemesis. people living in these nations. quarantine in public hospitals at dose of whatever your vice is should not be an opportunity to mope or moan. the world’s second most populous Bolsonaro dismissed it as media “hysteria” and called the With the insentient apostles of cow urine as the ther- their native place by the State Whether it is not having your daily pack of smokes or two pegs of whisky, nation, faces a tidal wave of illness “a little flu.” Even when COVID-19 cases appeared apy to fight the dreaded virus, India, too, was in the dan- Governments. infections if tough steps are not to be surging, he brazenly remarked, “I’m sorry, some peo- ger of embracing the calamity. It is to the credit of Prime Umang Srivastava maybe people with an addiction should use the coming couple of weeks con- taken. In the light of this, it is ple will die, they will die, that’s life” and “you can’t stop Minister Modi that he chose to walk away from stupid talks Agra structively and try and wean themselves off them. One would not make an essential that the lockdown be a car factory because of traffic deaths.” Exhibiting crass and announced a national lockdown. The financial pack- argument to quit but attempts must be made to reduce consumption. It should enforced with military precision insensitivity and lack of “basic human empathy,” Trump age that followed was timely and needed. Modi has now Help the workers to prevent the pandemic from responded wryly, “Take the lives of the old and the weak: shown willingness to work with other States as well. not become the case that the day the lockdown ends, everybody rushes to entering Stage-III. I want the money.” COVID-19 has become a nightmare However, little is known about the preparedness in the cow the liquor store to get themselves some beer. In a bid to stop the commu- in the US with more than one lakh infected and thousands belt. The war against Corona is still not won but the coun- Sir — Despite the Prime This newspaper understands that some individuals would have built up a nity transmission of the virus, the dead. The UK Government made an incredible announce- try and its 1.3 billion population can ill-afford to lose it. Minister’s appeal to the business Government has ordered the community to not retrench physical addiction to drugs or alcohol. Such people must be helped in such ment that it would not encourage social distancing and Haridasan Rajan sealing of all State and district would not impose lockdown. We can only pray for the Kozhikode employees, many labourers have times but the system, just like that for being out in public, must not be abused. borders in an attempt to prevent been left in the lurch. Their And that is for the addictive substances available legally; the illegal drugs must the exodus of migrant workers plight calls for urgent comprehen- from the cities to the villages. This and shelter, the task ahead for Flight of labour Central and State levels, cannot sive action. It’s the Government’s be flushed out of India. Now with the borders closed and flights effectively banned, is welcome but this move should them is not easy. Lakhs and lakhs be ignored. If the relief measures duty to mitigate their sufferings. the inflow of such harmful substances has come to an end. Of course, this have come immediately after the of workers will have to be quar- announced now were on display Juhi Singh will not stay the case forever. The moment things open up, people will go back declaration of the lockdown. antined. The paramilitary forces Sir — The migration of workers at the time of the lockdown, Via email to their old ways. But even then, consuming a bit less may not be a bad thing Now that the State Governments and the Army must be deployed. from big cities to the villages was labourers may have stayed put. have started acting by reaching MC Joshi unexpected. The tragic failure of That a humanitarian crisis could Send your feedback to: for all involved. If people can take this time to quit, all the better. out to the workers with food, aid Lucknow the administration, both at the unfold isn’t a distant possibility. [email protected] HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com 07 FIRSTCOLUMN analysis Good to bury POINTCOUNTERPOINT I REQUEST CELEBRITIES TO STOP BOMBARDING US WITH EXERCISING, NOT PUTTING UP VIDEOS, IS MORE ABOUT the hatchet WORKOUT VIDEOS. YOU ARE PRIVILEGED. BUT WE HAVE HOW YOU FEEL. IT REALLY KEEPS RANVEER AND ME MAJOR CONCERNS DURING THIS PANDEMIC. GOING AT THIS TIME. IT GETS US THROUGH THE DAY. A new beginning seems to have been made with —CHOREOGRAPHER —ACTOR the conditional release of Begum Zia by the Bangladeshi Govt due to the COVID-19 outbreak FARAH KHAN DEEPIKA PADUKONE Desperation and deprivation JOYEETA BHATTACHARJEE Amid the prevailing lockdown, the afflictions of migrant labourers are being compounded he COVID-19 outbreak has brought nearly the whole world to a standstill and its impact on geopolitics has grabbed world- during their long trek home and some are being beaten up and tortured by police Twide attention. However, very little consideration has been given to the impact of the pandemic on a country’s internal politics. Amid all the gloom and doom, Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia or perhaps the world, where the spread of the pandemic has had a positive impact on the nation’s politics. The rivalry between the two major political parties of Bangladesh is legendary and the fact that the ruling Awami League (AL) and the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have no love lost for each other, or even a common meeting ground, is no secret. However, a few days ago, keeping aside political rivalry, the ruling AL Government released the ailing Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the BNP and two-time former Prime Minister from SIMI BALWANT ARJUN prison on humanitarian grounds. The leader was freed for six months MEHTA MEHTA KUMAR to allow her to undergo urgent medical treatment. f the pitiful sight of a father walking with his ten- Zia was serving a five-year prison term following her convic- month-old infant on his shoulders, for over 100 tion in a case of financial misappropriation related to a charitable Ikm in this heat to reach his hometown, does not organisation named after her husband and former military dictator shake us, then it raises serious doubts about human- General Ziaur Rahman. The release of Begum Zia was welcomed ity and its future. If the death of a 38-year-old work- by the people of the country and raised new hopes for a transfor- er after walking for 200 km and the predicament of mation of the country’s bickering politics from one that is more issue- tens of thousands of jobless, shelterless, hungry, thirsty based. Begum Zia is 74-years-old and is suffering from multiple chron- and helpless migrant workers yearning to return to ic ailments like diabetes and arthritis. The BNP had been claiming their villages amid the rapidly proliferating that her health was deteriorating and had been stressing on the urgency Coronavirus outbreak and the resultant countrywide lockdown, does not receive our empathy, then for her release for treatment. Earlier, her bail petition was denied and humanity’s opportunism is well-established. the BNP’s plea to the Government for her release was also over- Amid the prevailing threat of the contagion, the looked. Now, presumably, the spread of the Coronavirus has sig- afflictions of the voiceless poor are being compound- nificantly changed the AL Government’s approach on the issue and ed and some are being beaten up, tortured, made to Begum Zia was released after completing half of her sentence, i.e. do sit-ups, locked up in overcrowded makeshift pris- two-and-a-half-years. ons, while others are being punished through other Analysing the Government’s motive behind the decision to free “innovative” ideas of violence, by those who are sup- the incarcerated leader, political observers of the country opine that posed to protect the people, the police. considering her advanced age, Begum Zia belonged to the most vul- If the authorities have become thankless to the nerable group of people who could be affected by the Coronavirus extent that they have forgotten the contribution of informal workers towards the growth of the econ- and the Government wanted to avoid any unpleasant situation con- omy, here are some insights: India’s labour market cerning her. Like other countries, the Coronavirus has spread in is dominated by informal employment and consti- Bangladesh, too. There have been 49 confirmed cases and five peo- tutes 90 per cent of the total workers involved. Out ple have already died. The huge influx of expatriates from various of the total 47.1 crore workers in 2017-18, the num- nations has increased the risk factor for the country, hence, the ber of informal workers stood at 42.4 crore. They con- IN LIGHT OF THE that led to the generation of such an idea the shutting down of their sources of ponent of Shelter for Urban Homeless Government’s concern. However, there are conditions attached to tributed almost 50 per cent to the national income WORSENING is further amplified by hiring big private employment, seem to have been forgotten. (SUH) to meet the decent space and shel- Begum Zia’s release and restriction has been put on her travel abroad. as per a Confederation of Indian Industries’ report. SITUATION DUE consultants as project monitoring units, As the country is bracing for an eco- ter requirements along with catering to the Given the strict border controls put in place by most nations after The rise in urbanisation is a consequence of TO COVID-19, having a “corporate-style target achieve- nomic bloodbath with loss of millions of shelter needs of women, children, the the outbreak of the pandemic and banning of foreigners’ entry in a demographic explosion and poverty-induced rural- INFORMATION ment attitude.” Further, the inconsiderate jobs and scramble for food and water for elderly, persons with disabilities; commu- desperate bid to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, such restric- urban migration. As per the estimates of the AND approach of the authorities during times survival and the impending scorching nity kitchens; medical help; in-kind assis- Economic Survey, 2017, the magnitude of inter-State of economic slowdown, when the migrant summer, these migrant workers would be tance through public distribution systems, tions by Dhaka hardly make any major difference. COMMUNICATION migration in India was 90 lakh annually between TECHNOLOGY workers are the hardest hit, is evident from the hardest hit once the infection starts to water and toilets. This must be developed Begum Zia will be confined to her residence in Dhaka and will 2011 to 2016, while total internal migration was about the meagre increase in the budgetary allo- spread among them. The poverty and suf- with service-level benchmarking standards be treated by Bangladeshi doctors. Given that social distancing is AND RESEARCH 13.9 core. If this trend continues, the total number AND DATA cation for DAY-NULM vis-à-vis the flag- fering of all those dependent upon them to combat pandemics like COVID-19. This being considered as the most optimal preventive measure against of migrants would be around 21.1 crore by 2020-end. ship schemes of the Ministry of Housing will increase due to the lack of a source of is not a daunting task and only requires the spread of the contagion, her presence in the country is no cause Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar are the two biggest ANALYTICS MUST and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It was income. Plus, home isolation will be dif- passion and keenness of the authorities. for worry for the AL Government as her party and supporters can- source States, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh, BE HARNESSED. `750 crore (in 2019-20) and was raised by ficult to attain as large families live in small, In light of the worsening situation due not derive any mileage out of it in these times of lockdowns. Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and IT MUST BE MADE only six per cent to `795 crore in 2020-21. closely-packed houses in areas of high pop- to COVID-19, information and commu- The release of Begum Zia, however, raised some scepticism the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On the TO WORK IN The deep-seated contentions in DAY- ulation density. This will add to the bur- nication technology (ICT) and research about her party’s astuteness in leveraging the situation to rise again other hand, the main destination States are Delhi, TANDEM WITH NULM do not stop here. Several private den of the already inept public healthcare and data analytics must be harnessed and politically. Most Bangladeshis are hoping that amid the current sit- Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh THE players and NGOs have been roped in to system and ultimately impact the private made to work in tandem with the and Kerala. GOVERNMENT ON carry out different implementation func- and the public sector and hit their bottom- Government on a war footing to ensure uation and its criticality globally and nationally, the political parties Most workers had migrated in search of liveli- tions for which they have tendered huge lines and profits. that comprehensive efforts being under- of the country will not precipitate any political crisis or unrest and A WAR FOOTING hood and were involved in low-paying informal work TO ENSURE sums of money. The irony is that these Some of the immediate steps for con- taken to test, trace, treat and combat the act responsibly. Any effort by the BNP to capitalise on the situation in urban destinations in sectors such as construc- agencies are bearing the brunt of corrup- taining the spread of Coronavirus and sav- pandemic reach all sections of society, will be closely watched by the common man as well as the COMPREHENSIVE tion, hospitality, textiles, manufacturing, trans- EFFORTS BEING tion in the bureaucratic system leading to ing the lives of informal workers are as fol- including the vulnerable and poor migrant Government to prevent any untoward situation in these critical times. portation, services and domestic work. Lacking any deferred payments for months and years lows. The administration must work with workers. This approach will go a long way Apart from helping in the Government’s concerted fight against social or income security, they are not only exploit- UNDERTAKEN TO even after fulfilling their work assignments various State Governments to arrange dis- in ushering in BR Ambedkar’s egalitarian the pandemic, political stability will also contribute in strengthening ed, ignored and disrespected by their employers but TEST, TRACE, punctually. The complacency in the trict-wise special sanitised trains and ethos in the country, upon which the the country’s relationship with its neighbours, especially India, with also by the political class, as they hardly translate into TREAT AND approach of the various projects sanctioned buses to send the workers to their respec- Constitution of India rests. which it shares two-thirds of its border. More often than not, the votes. With their livelihood threatened by the lock- COMBAT THE under DDU-NULM has remained with- tive homes. These means of transport must To conclude, as the predictability of life bilateral relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been a vic- down and future uncertainties, no wonder they are PANDEMIC REACH out any independent third-party monitor- be equipped with non-perishable food is increasingly being compromised, the vir- forced to tread the long road to their hometowns and ing and evaluation. items and water for the passengers. tuous unity of a decisive leadership, mass tim of the rivalry between the two political parties. It has been used ALL SECTIONS OF villages on foot. Given that the Government did its best A pre-boarding health check-up must cooperation and mutual trust will win the by the two political parties to criticise each other. Normally, Indo- THE SOCIETY, At this moment of crisis, coupled with their INCLUDING THE to arrange special flights across the globe be done and those showing any COVID- fight against the Coronavirus and flatten Bangla ties are perceived to be at their best during the AL’s rule, nev- enforced alienation from the cities, they might not to bring back well-heeled citizens, it is 19 symptoms must be prohibited from the curve in India. It is high time that edu- ertheless, India has always maintained a cordial working relation- VULNERABLE AND even know if they are also Coronavirus vectors. It POOR MIGRANT unfortunate that it has turned a blind eye travelling and referred to the nearest cated Indians, those at the helm of the ship with the BNP regime, too. But it is always a tightrope walk for can only be hoped that amid the thousands walk- to the plight of the migrant workers. This Government hospital. Government, the private sector and civil the mandarins in the Ministry of External Affairs. Political stability in ing alone or with families, children or lining up at WORKERS only represents the deep-rooted systemic If the transport cannot be organised, society organisations show some sensitiv- Bangladesh is also a cherished dream of India as it enhances the shelters and bus stations, with no practical scope for contempt and neglect of the vulnerable and decent accommodation with food, water ity and generosity and arrange for a safe well-being of the people of the country as this adds to the region- social distancing, there is no one in the crowd who the poor. and sanitation must be arranged. The transit and compulsory 14-day quarantine al prosperity and security. is infected. If it is otherwise, India would become the Though a delayed announcement, hotels, guest houses, stadiums, expo cen- of migrant labourers in their respective Humanity is passing through the biggest challenge of the cen- new epicentre of the outbreak in no time at all, thanks there is no denying that the nationwide tres and so on must be made available. At States. Testing times like these and the tury and the fight against COVID-19 demands cooperation of all. Hope, to our inept healthcare system and infrastructure. lockdown is the need of the hour. However, present, nobody is using them anyways. brewing humanitarian crisis will either Add to this forced exodus the fact that the Deen the decision should have been accompa- Devise and implement an immediate solidify the trust of the people in the the political parties in Bangladesh will join hands in fighting this cri- Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-(DAY-NULM), which nied with a well-crafted draft strategy for monetary compensation plan through cash Government or establish the narrative that sis and create a new history that will contribute in enhancing the could come to the rescue of these workers, suffers each and every section of this diverse coun- and direct incentives for the circular and the latter exists not for them but just to use safety and prosperity of their nation. This will also enhance from several inherent challenges. For instance, for try. Unfortunately, as time unfolded, there seasonal migrant workers who have lost them. Bangladesh’s global image as the world has started taking notice the last 18 months the Government has been mulling was no such strategy. However, while their jobs. This must be done on an urgent (Simi Mehta is CEO and Editorial of it due to its improved and growing economy. over the idea of outsourcing the upkeep of the liveli- ordering everyone to stay at home during basis by at least tripling the budgetary allo- Director, Balwant Mehta is Co-Founder and (The writer is Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. hood mission to corporates and philanthropic the lockdown period, the homeless and cation of DDU-NULM and immediate Visiting Senior Fellow and Arjun Kumar is Views expressed are personal) institutions. This implicit failure of the Government those who would be rendered homeless by transfers. Expand the DDU-NULM com- Director, IMPRI) Employ high-tech for climate change adaptation To combat the impact of global warming, it is vital to improve innovation in providing support for new technologies in the water sector, in devising innovative instruments for enhancing groundwater storage and ensuring active participation of various stakeholders, including the private sector snowfall during winters. Each of States showing a decrease in annual is 240 m3 in the Sabarmati basin in always a sustainable option. In that for the adaptation to climate change strong impetus, which has the poten- these phenomena influences the rainfall are Uttar Pradesh (UP), western India. case, enhancing the groundwater impacts. The entire spectrum of tial to provide sustainable water water resources on Earth. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and The impact of climate change on storage should be a viable option. adaptation technologies in the water sources at the local level. This tech- Glaciers form an integral part of Karnataka, while West Bengal, India’s water resources presents a Interestingly, technologies play a sector in India needs to focus on nology also saves groundwater India’s water resource system. Over Gujarat and Bihar are showing an major challenge for the success of significant role in minimising water these “three Rs”. To reduce the resources. Also, for the success of 9,000 glaciers are the sources of major increasing trend in annual rainfall. Government schemes like Jal Jeevan variability to climate change impacts. wastage of water, the efficiency of programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Indian rivers like the Indus, the UP, the most populous State of Mission and achievement of the The UN recognises that technologies water usage needs to be improved — the focus should be on conservation Ganga and the Brahmaputra and India, is now receiving reduced rain- United Nation’s (UN’s) Sustainable for adaptation could be either in the especially in the agriculture sector and utilisation of “green water”, thousands of their tributaries. fall in all seasons while Bihar and Development Goals of ensuring uni- “hard” form, involving materials or (water use efficiency in this sector is which is the precipitation that is Meltwater from glaciers sustains West Bengal, two of the most versal access to safe drinking water. equipment, or in the “soft” form, like about 38 per cent), which is the absorbed by soil and plants and sub- SYAMAL SHRESTH river flows during the summer and densely-populated States of the coun- Changes in precipitation will have a diverse forms of knowledge, new biggest consumer of water. Changes sequently returned to the atmosphere SARKAR TAYAL ensures year-round water availabil- try are receiving increased rainfall in significant influence on the design of insurance schemes or crop rotation in cropping patterns, crop rotation as through plant transpiration. ity in these river basins. With increas- almost all the seasons. hydrological structures, flood and patterns. well as efficient drip and sprinkler For climate change adaptations, he disastrous effects of human- ing temperature, enhanced melting Although India has 1.91 drought management and urban Also, for efficient adaptation to technologies, need to be adopted on it is essential to improve innovation induced climate change are of glaciers has been recorded and km3/year of total freshwater planning and development. India’s climate change, a combination of a much wider scale than the present. in providing support for new tech- Tnow a reality. Across the world, over the last four decades they have resources, it ranks 132 in per capita agrarian economy, which relies heav- technologies is required — “tradi- Rather than trying to transfer water nologies in the water sector, in there is an effort to maintain global been reduced by 0.2–0.7 per cent water availability in the world. The ily on the monsoon and available tional”, like conventional methods of from distant sources, the focus devising new instruments for warming below 2°C over the centu- annually. per capita annual availability at 1,545 water for production, is particular- water conservation; “modern”, like should be to exploit local resources enhancing groundwater storage, ry relative to pre-industrial level. The According to the Indian cubic metres is touching the water- ly vulnerable to the projected climate drip and sprinkler irrigation systems; by harvesting rain or stormwater and financing water sector projects and impacts of climate change on water Meteorological Department (IMD), stressed benchmark in India. changes. as well as “high” technologies like treat wastewater locally, using “green ensuring active participation of var- are predicted to be many: Extended the normal rainfall pattern in the The spatial and temporal distri- For mitigating the impact of cli- remote sensing and Geographical infrastructure” such as sand filters ious stakeholders including the pri- summer season causing less rainy country has changed from 1951- bution of water resources is highly mate change on water vulnerability, Information System. and wetlands. vate sector. days, late onset of the monsoon sea- 2010. There is an increase in total uneven with per capita water the storage of water in many forms The “three Rs” — reduce, reuse Similarly, technologies like “Air (Sarkar is distinguished fellow, son, intense precipitation, the recur- rainfall in western and eastern India resource availability varying from is highly desirable. India’s per capi- and recycle — concept still holds to Water”, condensing atmospheric Water Resources and Tayal is senior ring occurrence of drought and while it has decreased in States in basin to basin. In the Brahmaputra ta water storage capacity is one of the tremendous opportunities not just moisture to provide drinking quali- fellow, Water Resources Division, flash floods, glacier melts and heavy central and northern India. Major river basin, it is 17,000 m3, while it lowest in the world. It is also not for ensuring water security but also ty water, need to be provided the TERI) HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 money 08

CAPSULE Lido Learning Ind-Ra cuts economic growth raises $3 mn from Paytm execand forecast for India to 3.6 pc Picus Capital PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n MUMBAI Fitch Solutions Ed-tech platform Lido Domestic credit rating agency Learning on Monday said it India Ratings (Ind-Ra) on cuts India GDP has raised USD 3 million World shares Monday cut its FY21 growth from Rocket Internet founder extend losses as forecast to 3.6 per cent amid growth forecast Alex Samwer-backed Picus coronavirus-related worries. Capital and Paytm President ‘Chase large toll surges It has assumed that a full or to 4.6% for FY21 Madhur Deora, among others. BANGKOK: World markets partial lockdown will contin- PNS n NEW DELHI The Mumbai-based company started the week with fresh ue till end of April and eco- had previously raised USD 3 losses as countries reported nomic activities will be grad- Fitch Solutions on Monday million in November last year taxpayers for dues’ surging numbers of infections ually restored only after May. slashed its estimate for India's led by investors like Ronnie from the coronavirus that are The report comes amid a GDP growth in the fiscal start- Screwvala, Ananth PNS n NEW DELHI forcing shutdowns of travel crippling impact on econom- ing April 1 to 4.6 per cent due Narayanan, Vikrampati Message came and business in many regions. ic activity due to the three- Ind-Ra said it expects India to clock a to weaker private consumption Singhania and others. A three-month extension in after FM Shares fell in London, Paris week lockdown till April 14 2.3 per cent growth for the June and contraction in investment "Lido Learning is actively deadlines for tax payment and announcing 3 and Tokyo but surged 7 per which is expected to only amid coronavirus outbreak, disrupting the K-12 market. filing of returns notwithstand- cent in Australia after the aggravate the difficulties quarter, down from its expectation of a costing economies around the Considering the current glob- ing, the Income-Tax months extension government promised more around growth that were exist- 4.7 per cent gross domestic product globe. The growth estimate al pandemic, learning online Department has asked field in the deadline for recession-fighting stimulus. ing before the pandemic. Some (GDP) expansion in March quarter for 2020-21 fiscal (April 2020 has become the need of the formations to contact large filing of income “We want to keep the engine watchers are also estimating for to March 2021) compares with hour. This is pulling the taxpayers over phone or email of our economy running a contraction of the economy a 4.9 per cent forecast in the Indian market towards adopt- to follow up on pending col- tax returns through this crisis," Prime in the June quarter. tion sectors and a rise in the investors has led to a huge out- current 2019-20 that ends on ing online tutorials much lections. Rakesh Gupta, Minister Scott Morrison told Ind-Ra said it expects India work load of the healthcare flow of capital and the rupee Tuesday. faster than initially expected Commissioner of Income Tax Tax Business Application) reporters in Canberra. His to clock a 2.3 per cent growth sector. has come under intense pres- "At Fitch Solutions, we are and is a huge tailwind (Coordination & Systems), platform is not available to the unprecedented $130 billion for the June quarter, down Small businesses have begun sure, it said, pointing that revising India's FY2020/21 enabling us to become a dom- Central Board of Direct Tax officers for discharging statu- package includes wage from its expectation of a 4.7 per to witness cash flow disrup- wealth erosion would impact (April–March) real GDP inant category creator within (CBDT), last week asked field tory functions, it is still possi- subsidies of up to USD 1,500 cent gross domestic product tions. the consumption levels. growth forecast to 4.6 per cent, a short span of time," Lido formations to submit a daily ble to follow up the pending per two weeks to businesses (GDP) expansion in March However, some of the ser- Additionally, disruption in from 5.4 per cent previously, Learning founder and CEO report on follow-ups on pend- collection matters by contact- to keep workers on the job. quarter. vices sectors such as financial harvesting the maturing Rabi which reflects our view for a Sahil Sheth said in a statement. ing tax collections from large ing large taxpayers telephon- US futures yoyo'd throughout The agency said the initial services, information technol- or winter crop and inability of slowdown from our Lido Learning provides live, taxpayers. ically/electronically," Gupta Asia's day but turned lower. and visible impact of the spread ogy and IT-enabled services agricultural markets to timely FY2019/20's estimate of 4.9 interactive tutoring sessions to While most tax officers wrote. The message came The future for the S&P 500 fell of the COVID-19 pandemic on have greater flexibility in oper- procure them could be a blow per cent," the rating agency students and parents that push working from home in view of within days of Finance 0.6 per cent. the economy has been the dis- ations and they have quickly to the farmers' income and said. It said despite the Rs 1.7 learning outcomes through a the lockdown announced to Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ruption in the production of readjusted and/or are readjust- rural demand, it warned. lakh crore economic package 6:1 student-teacher ratio, fron- check the spread of Covid-19, announcing three months select manufacturing sectors ing their operations by allow- Stopping of construction announced last year, private tier technologies, and per- it is possible to continue work- extension in the deadline for due to the breakdown of sup- ing employees to work from activities will accelerate the consumption growth would sonalised content. It is ing in today's connected filing of income tax returns as ply chain, near-collapse of the home, it said. problems of the real estate come under strong headwinds expanding from metros to world, the message to officials well as payment of delayed tourism, hospitality and avia- A changed outlook of sector which is still struggling over the coming months. Tier II and Tier III cities. said. "While the ITBA (Income advanced tax.

Bank of Baroda cuts STPI staff repo-linked lending ‘Don't see major impact on March Isuzu defers rate by 75 bps donate one-day launch of BS-VI NEW DELHI: State-run Bank of salary to PM- Baroda (BoB) on Monday said quarter biz due to coronavirus’ it has slashed the repo-linked CARES Fund vehicles to 2nd lending rate by 0.75 per cent, PNS n NEW DELHI bringing down the interest rate PNS n NEW DELHI quarter of 2020-21 on personal, retail and MSME HCL Technologies on Monday PNS n NEW DELHI loans with effect from March said it is not expecting any sig- State-owned Software 28. "Bank of Baroda, India's nificant impact on business in Technology Parks of India Japanese utility vehicle man- second largest public sector March quarter on account of (STPI) on Monday said its ufacturer Isuzu on Monday lender, has reduced its Baroda the coronavirus outbreak, and employees will donate one- said it has pushed the launch Repo Linked Lending Rate that booking during the peri- day salary to the PM- of BS-VI compliant vehicles (BRLLR) by 75 basis points od has largely been "on track" CARES Fund in the wake in India to the later part of with effect from March 28, with significant part of closures of COVID-19 pandemic. Data reporting to be in second quarter of 2020-21 2020," it said in a statement. happening in January. As of now, it has collect- due to coronavirus pandem- The BRLLR linked to RBI repo HCL Tech said it had ed Rs 15.48 lakh as contri- ic. Isuzu Motors India said rate is revised downwards in invoked `Business Continuity bution from all its employ- line with moratorium that owing to the prevailing line with the reduction on Plan' and `Risk Management ees, a statement said. COVID-19 pandemic and Reserve Bank of India's repo Framework' quite early to min- STPI, which has a head- resultant inconvenience it rate from 5.15 per cent to 4.40 imise the impact on its count of 980 in India, said guidelines: Transunion has been causing people, the per cent, it said. The BRLLR employees and clients, and HCL Tech said it had invoked `Business its employees are voluntar- company has realigned its for all new floating rate loans added that its exposure to the ily donating their one-day PNS n MUMBAI with our member banks and plans to introduce its BS VI for all personal loans and retail more-impacted verticals is "not Continuity Plan' and `Risk Management salary to support the fight credit institutions to define the models. loans of all asset classes and significant". Framework' quite early to minimise the against the deadly coron- Credit information company data reporting framework "A firmer date will be floating rate loans to MSMEs, "While the impact on this avirus. Transunion Cibil on Monday basis (after) the announce- announced closer to the time shall be 7.25 per cent effective quarter's numbers is yet to be impact on its employees and clients The number of deaths assured borrowers that data ments made by the RBI of launch," the company from March 28, 2020, the quantified, we don't expect it around the world linked to reporting will be aligned to Governor, so that during the said.India will adopt the state-owned lender said. to be significant. Our exposure recurring product revenues, last several years are helping us the new coronavirus has RBI's moratorium announce- moratorium period there is no stricter BS-VI emission to the more impacted verticals managed services and discre- to minimise the short-term touched nearly 34,000. In ment and there will not be any adverse impact on the credit norm from April 1, transi- are not significant. Booking tionary spend-led profession- impact and to be adequately India, the tally of con- dent to credit histories as a histories and CIBIL Score of tioning from BS-IV. The during this quarter has large- al services, and that its expo- prepared for the medium term, firmed coronavirus cases result of it. borrowers," the company said Supreme Court had last ly been on track as significant sure to verticals like Oil and if it gets worse. has crossed the 1,000- The move came after the in a statement. week allowed sales of 10 per part of closures happened in Gas, Travel and Hospitality, "We are also confident our mark. STPI has also urged RBI announcement of a 3- The RBI announcement cent of BS-IV stocks for 10 January," HCL Tech said in a High-End Retail is in single business model will help us to the IT/ITes industry to month moratorium for servic- came as a relief to the borrow- days after the ongoing lock- Taiwan seeks statement on the likely impact digit. emerge stronger in the longer refrain from terminating ing all the term loans as a mea- ers and affirmed commitment down is over across the formation of WTO on business. "We recognise our invest- term as it has been built for their employees, including sure to contain the economic to provide a comprehensive country except Delhi-NCR. The company said its busi- ments in risk management resilience during tough times," casual and outsourced staff, fallout due to the lockdown to picture of each person so they Meanwhile, Isuzu Motors dispute panel ness model is a healthy mix of systems and processes over the it said. and ensure that they are contain coronavirus spread. can be reliably and safely rep- India said it has extended war- NEW DELHI: Taiwan has treated as 'on duty' during "We would work closely resented in the marketplace. ranty on its existing vehicles. sought establishment of a their period of absence to dispute panel by the World enable timely disbursal of Trade Organization in a case NIA to provide wages/ salaries to them at against India's import duties this critical moment. Australian PM announces 130 bn on certain information and Rs 50 lakh It also called on the com- communication technology panies to undertake social (ICT) products, including coverage and community welfare dollars package to support wages mobile phones. Separate PNS n NEW DELHI measures and augment the customs territory of Taiwan, efforts of the government PNS n MELBOURNE deep. We are living in unprece- Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu State-owned New India in tackling the crisis. dented times.The jobkeeper had filed a case against India, Assurance has agreed to provide "Indian IT industry has Australian Prime Minister subsidy will be worth 1,500 September last year, over insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to brought many laurels to the Scott Morrison on Monday dollars a fortnight and paid to imposition of import duties by about 22 lakh health care nation and today it stands announced a 130 billion dol- employers to pay their employ- India on certain ICT products, providers, who are on the front- resilient to COVID-19 cri- lar package to support the ees," Morrison told reporters in including telephones for line of battle against coronavirus. sis by ensuring business wages of up to 6 million citi- Canberra. cellular networks; machines "As announced by Finance continuity to clients. We at zens in the country affected by Australia has so far record- for reception, conversion and Minister Smt @nsitharaman on STPI are committed to the coronavirus outbreak that ed 18 deaths and reported transmission or regeneration March 26, @NewIndAssurance extend our support to the has claimed the lives of 18 peo- over 4,000 infections, health of voice, images or other data; BSE Brokers' Forum has issued detailed guidelines for nation to fight this pan- ple and infected over 4,000 authorities said. and parts of telephone sets, providing insurance cover of Rs demic. Each and every across the nation. On Sunday, Prime Minister alleging breach of global trade 50 lakh per person for 22.12 lakh employee of STPI will The package will see the ee to help struggling busi- Morrison further tightened norms. praises mkt participants health care providers across the donate its one-day salary," government pay wage subsi- nesses keep people in work, the measures of social distanc- country," a tweet by the Finance STPI Director General dies of 1,500 Australian dollars The Age reported. ing and urged people over 70s for smooth functioning Ministry said. Omkar Rai said. every two weeks per employ- "Now is the time to dig to remain at home.

PNS n NEW DELHI The capital BSE Brokers' Forum on Tea industry seeks support from Centre Monday lauded the efforts of market market participants as they community, PNS n NEW DELHI Merger: RBI brave the risk of their health among others In view of the and the inconvenience of trav- have risen to The tea industry has sought a production loss changes SLBC el, amid the nationwide lock- financial package from the and disruption in down, to ensure smooth func- the occasion Centre to tide over the coron- convenors tioning of the country's capi- avirus crisis as production in value chain due to PNS n MUMBAI tal markets. the gardens came to a halt in the lockdown, the The Indian capital markets the brokers' forum said in a the wake of the ongoing 21-day sector is facing a The Reserve Bank on Monday have been declared a service statement. nationwide lockdown, an offi- proposed to change the con- essential to the economy and The markets are such that cial said on Monday. severe cash flow venors of State Level Bankers' exempted from the nationwide 100 per cent work from home The Consultative problem Committee (SLBC) in view of lockdown prescribed by the may not be possible. The Committee of Plantation the merger of 10 public sector government to control the essential executives on daily Associations (CCPA), the banks into 4 with effect from COVID19 pandemic. basis brave the risk of their largest body of tea producers in related obligations, CCPA ers' accounts for three months". the industry in this period of along with interests to prevent April 1. With the mega merg- The markets continue to health and the inconvenience the country,wrote a letter to the chairman Vivek Goenka said in The financial requirement crisis. Whatever representa- the companies from defaults. er, 6 public sector banks will remain open and function as of travel in curfew conditions Union commerce ministry, the letter on Sunday. for tea workers of West Bengal tion is sent to us, we will for- It also sought interest sub- cease to exist from April 1, usual. to ensure that the capital mar- seeking a relief package for the "We appeal for a financial and Assam will be around Rs ward them with the request for vention at a rate of 3 per cent necessitating changes in the The capital market commu- ket is able to serve all the sector which is "passing package from the government 1,100 crore, the planters' body taking further action. on all working capital and convenorship. The convenor- nity, including the regulator, national and international through an acute financial cri- to ride over the crisis and help said, adding that it sought "We are not sure how long term loans. ship of merged banks will be the market infrastructure insti- investors associated with it. sis" in the last five years. secure employment of around "subsidisation of employers' the lockdown will continue. The CCPA has also request- transferred to anchor banks. tutions such as stock “We are proud of this com- In view of the production 1.2 million workers engaged in portion of PF contribution for Ultimately, all representations ed the Centre to provide assis- The government on March exchanges, depositories, clear- munity and express our sin- loss during peak season and this sector," it said. three months, which will have will have to go the finance min- tance under various govern- 4 notified the amalgamation ing corporations and various cere gratitude and appreciation disruption in value chain due The CCPA sought the gov- a financial impact of Rs 145 istry for its approval." ment schemes such as MNRE- scheme as part of its consoli- intermediaries like stock-bro- for each and every one of to the lockdown, the sector is ernment's intervention to sup- crore". The industry body also GA, Pradhan Mantri Garib dation plan to create bigger kers, depository participants them,” Bombay Stock facing a severe cash flow prob- port the wage payments Tea Board deputy Chairman pleaded with the government Kalyan Yojana and free gas and stronger banks in the and mutual funds among oth- Exchange Brokers' Forum lem, impeding its ability to through "direct transfer of Rs Arun Kumar Ray said, "We are for granting a moratorium for cylinders under PM Ujjwala public sector. ers have risen to the occasion, Chairman Uttam Bagri said. cope with wage and other 1,000 per week into the work- fully aware of the problems of one year on all loan repayment programme. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Tuesday March 31, 2020

t’s quite uncommon to watch a days to cover 11,000 miles across the USA. female motorcyclist riding on From being a part of a Women’s rally organ- the roads. So turning around to ised by Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Mahila give her a second look happens Mandal who attempted to have their I only naturally to most people. name in the Limca Book of records to set- Hyderabad’s Kota Sarvani and ting her sight onto the pathway to the BIKES NO Jai Bharathi get these looks a lot. Mekong and being felicitated with the Kota Sarvani, honoured the Youngest Hybiz Television Leadership award, Woman Rider of Telangana by Bharathi has made it to the top of her Metropolitan Sessions Judge T Rajani, is a league. notable female motor racer from the city. She figured that her passion in life was With her husband being her constant sup- bike riding right during her college days. port, she works hard day-in and day-out After her graduation, she participated in to give her best at the sport. numerous bike riding competitions and LONGER Her having married recently hasn’t explored her capacity with motorbikes. It affected her career a bit, she says. If any- was in 2013 when Bharati launched the thing, her husband has only been more local chapter of ‘Bikerni’, an association of supportive than ever. “After marriage, I now female bikers in India. She also launched have a travel partner for life, who tags along another social initiative called MOWO, a with me for all the biking events across the non-profit organisation that aims to use country,” Sarvani says. She is proof that a mobility as a skill for women empower- woman can get married and still roll up her ment and safety. sleeves to empower others with sheer deter- Jai Bharathi believes that these power BOY'S TOYS mination. machine vehicles are no longer only a boy's It was in 2017, when Sarvani, all of 17, toy. This all-terrain riding woman talks received her first Himalayan Bullet from about how the riding scene in India has her father, a passionate biker himself. “My evolved - from having over ten woman bik- Gone are the father and brother would go on long rides ers who changed the face of the bikers' and I would be so envious. I was made to community to them racing on tracks with days when men edit their travel vlogs to upload them on packed rage. “My being conferred with the our YouTube channel which ignited the Vishishta Mahila Puruskaram by the gov- dominated the passion towards bike riding in me,” she says ernment of Telangana is proof that women on how it all started. “One day, he finally are equally esteemed with honour and sport of allowed me to ride to Goa for a biking event badges in comparison to other countries. and that’s how my journey as a female The only thing we lack is sufficient riding motorbiking. We motorcyclist began. My dad has always gear designed exclusively for women,” she shown immense confidence in me that I explains. now have female am no less than a man,” she adds. A symbol of women empowerment, this Since then, Sarvani has participated in architect-turned-motorcyclist believes that off-road track racing, been to places like the motorbiking community represents a racers who are Goa, Hampi, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, fine quality that is to watch out for. “The Vizag, etc., all on her bike. Her Biking com- fact that I can hop onto my motorcycle and carving a career munity is her second family, she says. “We ride through the lush greens on the coun- share the same kind of passion and have tryside, lose myself into the beauty of nature out of motor each other’s backs always.” for hours is worth every mile,” Bharathi But nothing came easy to this student of narrates. racing for Tourism. She was laughed at, and mocked While she took onto the long road trail- by random strangers on the road. “I find ing across the world, Bharathi was a little themselves. it extremely saddening when women disappointed for not making it to the demean and pull down other women. I Yellowstone national park due to early SHIKHA turned a deaf ear and continued to find cre- snowfall. Covering such large distances dence and authority from my self-esteem. doesn’t come easy, says this rider as she DUGGAL But I feel empowered when the biking gears explains the challenges she faces while on are on and other women look up to me for an expedition. “Sometimes when we are on speaks to two inspiration,” Sarvani tells us. our menstrual cycle, riding through freez- “From being the only woman from both ing weather with crosswinds makes it com- such ‘Bikernis' the Telugu states I have ridden more than plicated for us women. There was anoth- 1,00,000 kms across seven countries. I feel er instance where a youngster ran out of it’s important that I share my experiences cash and the ATMs around weren’t func- from the city with viewers. I recently penned down my tioning. I shared a few of my dollars. We experience of ‘Road to Mekong’ both in also face issues concerning funds. Some about the biking English and Telugu,” informs Jai Bharathi, sponsors back out at the last moment,” she another biker from the city. shares. scenario in the The proud owner of two Royal Enfield All said and done, she is also surround- 500 cc motorcycles, Bharathi put India on ed by some appreciative and kind gentle- state and more the global map of women bikers after tak- men who keep encouraging her to enjoy ing up the challenging expedition of 34 every bit of motorbike riding.

LOCKDOWN: TELEVISION SHOWS BEAR THE BRUNT With shootings being called off as a result of the nationwide lockdown, the Telugu television industry is left with no choice but to stop airing their regular programmes. They are now Police take ith the increasing Speaking to The Pioneer, number of positive filmmaker Hema Reddy says, looking for alternatives to fill the gaps cases of Coronavirus “Kadapa police officials everyday in both the approached me to work on the W Telugu states, the short film. The film shows the the ‘short’ state governments are request- disaster that can take shape due ing people to adhere to the to mass gatherings at vegetable lockdown to control the pan- markets and various places. It demic. While most people are explains the importance of film route staying indoors, some are flout- social distancing.” he number of positive cases of from the production houses. Mostly, every system on what shows to air. “Star Maa, has ing norms, inviting police KKN Anburajan, superin- COVID-19 in the country has serial has a back up for a week or 10 days. started a polling system where we gave an action. tendent of police, Kadapa says, already crossed 1,000. Experts Earlier, there were longer backups. Due to option to our audience to choose their Kadapa District Police are To combat this, the Kadapa “The novel Coronavirus is in say that the lockdown is likely to severe competition these days, a backup for favourite from some of the high rated shows, District Police struck upon the the second stage in India right be extended for a couple of weeks. longer than 10 days is almost impossible.” which includes Big Boss too. Based on the doing their bit to create idea of making a short film to now. We need to be careful to T After Prime Minister Narendra But what happens once all the backups are polling result, we will air the shows that get awareness among people create awareness among people prevent it. As the virus can stay Modi imposed a nationwide lockdown from exhausted? While some channels plan to re- maximum audiences’ votes,” said a source on the importance of the lock- alive in the air and the surface March 25 to April 14 to prevent further spread run daily serials, some plan to air iconic from Star Maa. about the importance of down and what happens if you of various materials for hours, of the virus, there have been no shootings for movies and re-telecast shows that audience We also reached out to a few small screen don’t adhere to it. With the help we are requesting people to be the past week. Sources say that if shootings want based on a polling system. actors to find out what they think about the lockdown to of filmmaker Hema Reddy, careful when they leave homes doesn’t resume within another week, chan- When contacted Zee Telugu about what ongoing pandemic and what they expect the who is known for films on var- to shop for essentials. Section nels are likely to stop airing the shows after they have in offering during these tough times, channels to do. D Siddhardha of Ganga prevent the spread ious social issues, the Kadapa 144 section has been imposed the first week of April due to lack of regular they said, “Unprecedented times call for Manga fame says that films are most likely to police made a short film that in Kadapa. We will book peo- content. unprecedented measures. We strive to provide be aired in place of these serials. “They may of the Coronavirus, shows seizure of vehicles, peo- ple under sections 188, 269, Television actor Nanda Kishore says, “As of viewers with wholesome entertainment for the also telecast some special shows like the albeit through a ple being arrested for ventur- 270, 271 and 1897 epidemic act now, we have no offi- entire family, ranging from a re-run of the Ugadhi Utsavam along with movies,” he ing out without proper reasons if they come out for reasons cial informa- most-popular original shows like Muddha adds. short film, reports and more, as a result of non- other than emergency needs.” tion Mandaram, Gundamma Katha, to sea- Pavaan Sai, lead actor of Mudda Mandaram adherence to the lockdown. He also informs that people soned shows like Mudda Pappu Avakai, serial says that there could be re-runs of these V SATEESH REDDY who arrived in the country Ms Subbalakshmi, Nanna Kuchi, serials. He shares, “I think backup content of from any foreign country in the What’s Up Panimanishi, and also all serials would be exhausted by April 10. So past month must list their Ramya Krishna-starrer Queen from re-runs of the best episodes could be telecast- details in the House a popular OTT. Ensuring non- ed. I also think that playing the intro songs Quarantine application. He stop entertainment from across of the serials for every episode could also save adds, “It is very important to genres catering to every fam- five minutes, so that will be tried too.” track people coming from ily member to drive away Television actress Meghna Lokesh says, “I other nations. We are guiding lockdown blues, we are pre- don’t have much information on what’s these people to fill in these senting dedicated block- going to happen next. I’ve come to my home- forms so it will help us check busters of comedy, drama, town in Karnataka on March 19 and there the spread which will benefit romance to give you the have been no shootings since then. The pro- them and others. Only one best of the best content in duction department will make the final call.” from every family is allowed to the absence of the regular And it’s not just serials, but other game and come out for groceries and they content.” talk shows too, are likely to be aired if the lock- have to reach their homes the On the other hand, Star down continues beyond the second week of instant they’re done shopping Maa has started a polling April. for what they need.” 10

Hyderabad Tuesday March 31, 2020 what’s brewing? inger-songwriter John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year, is in critical condition COVID-19: with symptoms of coronavirus. The 73-year-old singer’s family shared S the news via his Twitter account on Sunday, reports variety.com. JOHN PRINE “After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalised on Thursday (March 26),” said the statement from the Prine family. “He was intubated Saturday evening, and contin- IN CRITICAL ues to receive care, but his situation is critical. This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we want- CONDITION ed to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you,” the post read further. Members of the music community and celebrities immediately reacted to the news on social media. “Sending our love to each of y’all. Hoping for the best,” tweeted Jason Isbell. “Sending every positive thought I have left your way, John,” wrote Seth Meyers. “Get well soon John!” posted Mark Hamill. Brandi Carlile wrote: “Come on handsome Johnny. We need you here just a little while longer. You’ve given us all so much and you are so loved. I’m praying for you and Fiona tonight and every day until Kartik Aaryan, Anushka this is over.” Prine's wife and manager, Fiona Whelan Prine, had previously been reported to be diagnosed with coron- Sharma, Virat contribute avirus. The news of her contracting the disease was made public via Instagram post on March 19, she said her husband had been tested but results were “indeterminate”. The couple was said to be quaran- to PM-Cares fund tined apart from one another at home at that point Prineis one of the most celebrated songwriters of ollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has contributed Rs 1 crore to the past 50 years, and has continued to tour and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s PM-Cares fund in support record recently. He fought off cancer in the late 1990s of the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. and again in the early 2010s. “It is the absolute need of the hour to rise togeth- er as a nation. Whatever I am, whatever money I B have earned, is only because of the people of India; and for us I am contributing Rs 1 crore to the PM-Cares fund. I urge all my fellow Indians also to help as much as On Friday, Diffie became the first possible,” the actor wrote on Instagram on Monday morn- country star to go public with a coron- ing. avirus diagnosis. “I am under the care Actor Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband Virat Country music of medical professionals and currently Kohli have announced their contribution to Prime receiving treatment. My family and I are Minister Narendra Modi’s PM-CARES fund an initiative asking for privacy at this time. We want to provide relief during the coronavirus pandemic. The to remind the public and all my fans to couple has jointly donated Rs 3 crore, as per industry icon Joe be vigilant, cautious and careful during sources. this pandemic,” read a statement attrib- Anushka wrote on Instagram, “Virat and I are pledg- uted to him. ing our support towards PM-CARES Fund & the Chief Diffie dies of Diffie, a member of the Grand Minister’s Relief Fund (Maharashtra). Our hearts are Ole Opry for 25 years, is a household breaking looking at the suffering of so many & we hope name to any country fan who came of our contribution, in some way, helps easing the pain coronavirus age listening to the format in the 1990s. of our fellow citizens #IndiaFightsCorona.” A k s h ay Some of his hits include Home, If Kumar was the first Bollywood celebrity to donate the devil danced, Third rock from the to the government’s fund in the hour of crisis. He sun, Pickup man and Bigger than the donated Rs 25 crore on Saturday. Beatles. Following Akshay Kumar’s footsteps, other B- After the news of his death, fans Towners like Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, began posting a song that went to No. singer Guru Randhawa, Shilpa Shetty 3 in 1993, but became his most revived Kundra, rapper Badshah, Maniesh Paul, Kriti song upon his passing — “Prop me up Sanon and others have also donated for the beside the jukebox (If I die)”. cause. South stars have also donated. He won a Grammy for Best Salman Khan on the other hand decid- Country Collaboration when he and ed to donate to support the 2,500-odd others joined Marty Stuart for the daily wage workers of the film industry rammy-winning country Sunday afternoon, reports variety.com. song Same old train. Diffie’s final release who are left with no source of income music legend Joe Diffie has “Grammy-winning country music with Sony Nashville, A Night owing to the complete lockdown. died from complications legend Joe Diffie passed away today, to Remember, was in 2001. He Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus related to the coronavirus. Sunday, March 29, from complications recorded a subsequent album for Broken affected people has reportedly crossed He was 61. of coronavirus (COVID-19),” the state- Bow (2004’s Tough as Nails) and anoth- 1,050 in India and the death toll stands at G The news of his demise ment read, adding, “His family respects er for the roots label Rounder (2010’s 29 till now. was shared by his spokesperson on their privacy at this time.” Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album).

FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. 11

Hyderabad Tuesday March 31, 2020 tollywood Chiru, Nag, Varun, Sai Tej come together for song on Coronavirus egastar Chiranjeevi, who has been at the fore- front when it M comes to donat- ing money for daily-wage employees of the industry and to governments of Telugu states to fight Covid-19 outbreak, has shot for a video song which rais- es the awareness on the pandem- ic. The three-minute song, com- posed by Koti, also features the Megastar’s best friend from the industry Nagarjuna and his nephews Varun Tej and Sai Tej. Filmed at their respective homes in Hyderabad, the lyrics begin with “let’s fight this virus, let’s kill this virus …” as the celebs talk about the importance of washing your hands with soaps and sani- tisers and asking people with symptoms to isolate themselves. It also talks about the need to kill the virus by fighting together. The music video, which has already amassed 44,000 views on YouTube in less than 24 hours, is an initia- THE MUSIC VIDEO, WHICH HAS ALREADY tive of Corona Crisis Charity (CCC), which was formed by AMASSED 44,000 VIEWS ON YOUTUBE IN LESS Chiranjeevi himself last week- THAN 24 HOURS, IS AN INITIATIVE OF CORONA end. Chiru has also invited his fans to participate by shooting their CRISIS CHARITY (CCC), WHICH WAS FORMED BY own video and sending it across CHIRANJEEVI LAST WEEKEND to [email protected]. Heroine yet to be finalised for Mahesh's next ecently, there was buzz that Keerthy Suresh has been finalised to play the female lead in Mahesh Babu’s next with Parasuram. But a source close to the unit dismissed the news, say- R ing that the director has not initi- ated casting yet. The source adds, “Parasuram is still fine- tuning the script and the film will go to floors only mostly in June. So the question of the makers roping in Keerthy doesn’t arise as of now. Also, the country is in a lockdown, right? The director has some leading ladies in his thoughts but he will take a call only after con- sulting Mahesh and Namrata.” The untitled film, a joint production ven- ture between Mythri Movie Makers, 14 Reels Plus and GMB Entertainment, will be a love story laced with family emotions, plenty of humour and action. “In short it will be a sig- nature Parasuram film but with Mahesh headlining, expect it to be a whiff of fresh air. The roman- tic portions have come out very well and the actor’s fans will be in for a treat to CCC gets see lover boy Mahesh after a long time,” con- cludes the more donations Love Story Vishnu's smart move source. fter donating Rs 3 goes to ith producers choosing to play the waiting game as far as announcing the crore to PMRF aha new dates of their summer releases, actor-producer Manchu Vishnu has decid- and Rs 50 lakh tarting off by acquir- ed to pit his ambitious film, Mosagallu, on June 6. Being made in Telugu, each to CMRF of ing medium budget Hindi and English simultaneously, the actor has decided to release the both Telugu states movies like Arjun W Telugu version first. The English version will open in July. Significant A last week to fight Suravaram, Choosi part of the film’s shooting has been wrapped up except for some indoor Covid-19 outbreak, Prabhas S Choodangaane and portions involving an IT office set-up. The film’s team is planning to wrap up has shown his big heart once Savaari among oth- them as soon as the lockdown is lifted. “A week or a 10-day schedule will call it again. On Monday, the ers, the management of aha app a wrap for the entire shoot. Vishnu is sure that some other films will open on superstar announced a con- is now looking at anticipated June 6th as most releases have been postponed because of the lockdown but tribution of Rs 50 lakh to movies to add more subscribers he wanted to be the first to announce his film’s release date first,” said a source. Corona Crisis Charity, and give a stiff competition to Mosagallu, co-starring Kajal Aggarwal, Ruhani Sharma, Naveen Chandra, which aims at distributing other streaming giants in the Navdeep and Suniel Shetty, is inspired by Rs 2,800 crore heist, which led to money and food essentials market. To this end, we’ve reliably tremors in the entire IT world in Mumbai some eight years ago. Directed to daily wage employees of learnt that Allu Aravind, one of by Jeffrey Gee Chin, it is a joint production venture between Via Mar the film industry who have the promoters of the app, has got Entertainment, AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory. been hit hard because of the streaming rights of Sekhar the lockdown. Actor Nani Kammula’s Love Story, a roman- donated Rs 30 lakh, while tic musical drama which traces Sushanth assured a sum of the journey of a young boy and Rs 2 lakh. Prabhas’ good a girl from their village to city to friends Pramod and chase their dreams. Vamsi announced sum of Chips in a source, “Team aha Rs 10 lakh, while stylish was quite keen on Love Story as star Allu Arjun declared it is Sekhar Kammula’s next after to donate Rs 20 lakh. the blockbuster Fidaa and fea- Actors Vennela Kishore tures the fresh pair of Naga and Brahmaji pledged Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. The donations to the tune of Rs promotional materials of the 2 lakh and Rs 75,000 for film released so far have only CCC respectively, while increased buzz around it. In this director Satish Vegesna will regard, the team was particular be sending a cheque of Rs about bagging the streaming 50,000 to Telugu Film rights. After a lot of hectic par- Director's Trust. Producer leys with the film’s producers, K Rambabu announced Rs 1 they’ve sealed the deal recently.” lakh as his donation. The source further adds that The contributions on Monday Aravind has also decided to follows the likes of Nagarjuna, stream his upcoming productions Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Jr on aha from henceforth. “Akhil- NTR, Ravi Teja, Ram Charan, starrer Most Eligible Bachelor Varun Tej, Sai Tej, Vishwak Sen, will be the first big-ticket Geetha Karthikeya and Lavanya Tripathi project that will be streaming on donating generously for CCC the app a month after its release,” over the weekend. the source informs. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MARCH 31, 2020 sport 12 Tokyo Olympics to open July 23 next year AFP n TOKYO IOA ask NSFs he Tokyo Olympics will to start planning World athletics c’ship moving to 2022 begin on July 23 next AFP n LONDON to that end we are now work- Tyear, organisers said on NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic ing with the organisers of the Monday, after the coronavirus Association (IOA) on he 2021 world athletics World Athletics forced the historic decision to Monday asked all the nation- Tchampionships in Eugene, Championships in Oregon on postpone the Games until 2021. al sports federations to chalk Oregon will be shifted to 2022 new dates in 2022 for our The announcement comes out training programmes to to accommodate the re- World Athletics less than a week after the organ- prepare their athletes for the arranged Tokyo Olympics, Championships.” isers were forced to delay the 2021 Tokyo Games. World Athletics said on World Athletics said they Games under heavy pressure “All Olympic sports NSFs Monday. were also “in discussions” from athletes and sports feder- (National Sports Federations) The announcement came with the Commonwealth ations as the global outbreak are requested to please start immediately after Olympics Games Federation, the organ- worsened. their draft planning structure organisers said the 2020 Tokyo isers of the Commonwealth “The Olympics will be held for preparation for Tokyo Games will now take place on Games that are currently Olympics postponement from July 23 to August 8, 2021. 2021 and for Paris 2024,” July 23-August 8, 2021. scheduled to be held In the The Paralympics will be held IOA president Narinder Batra That means the world ath- English city of Birmingham on from August 24 to September 5,” said in a release. letics championships that were July 27-August 7, 2022. rekindles Dipa’s hopes Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori Soon after the new dates scheduled to take place in The athletics federation PTI n NEW DELHI So it gives me more time to told reporters. were announced, IOA secre- Eugene on August 6-15, 2021, said it was also talking to the recover and prepare for the two Only hours earlier, Mori had tary general Rajeev Mehta can no longer be held on organisers of the 2022 he postponement of Tokyo events,” she added. said he expected a decision Tokyo Olympic President Yoshiro Mori, right, talks with Honorary President Fujio said, “Indian Olympic those dates. European Athletics TOlympics has come as a ray Karmakar hoped the extra from the International Olympic Mitarai upon his arrival at Tokyo 2020 Executive Board Meeting on Monday AP Association along with the “We support the new 2021 Championships, which are of hope for injury-ravaged time to get back to form will Committee (IOC) during the preparations, selection and qual- to the international sports cal- NSFs welcome and support dates for the Tokyo 2020 due to take place in Munich Indian gymnast Dipa come in handy for her. course of the week. ification of athletes,” he added. endar, the body said. the new dates for the Tokyo Olympic Games announced on August 11-21. Karmakar, who is preparing for “I will give my best to But on Monday evening, he In a statement, the IOC said There was some specula- 2020 Olympic Games, which today by the Japanese organ- There has been no deci- another shot at qualification return to form and hopefully I said an emergency teleconfer- the new dates would give health tion that Japanese organisers will be held from 23 July to 8 isers and the IOC,” World sion yet whether to postpone after a niggling knee problem can do well and qualify,” said ence had been held with the IOC authorities and organisers “the could take advantage of the August, 2021.” PTI Athletics said in a statement. this year’s European champi- hampered her earlier bid to the 26-year-old, the first Indian and the date finalised. maximum time to deal with the blank canvas to shift the Games “This gives our athletes onships, slated for Paris make the cut. female gymnast to compete in “We agreed that the timing constantly changing landscape to spring, avoiding the heat of marathon has been moved to the time they need to get between August 26-30. Karmakar, who finished the Olympics. of the event will be in summer and the disruption caused by the the Tokyo summer that had Sapporo, a city some 800 kilo- back into training and compe- Track and field is the tra- fourth at the 2016 Rio Karmakar’s long-time as originally planned, consider- COVID-19 pandemic.” been their main concern before metres to the north of Tokyo tition. ditional centrepiece of the Olympics, has been struggling coach Bishweshwar Nandi also ing the coronavirus... and a cer- The decision would also coronavirus struck. where the weather is cooler “Everyone needs to be Olympic Games and the with injuries ever since she said this postponement has tain amount of time needed for cause “minimum” disruption Due to the heat, the even at the height of summer. flexible and compromise and Commonwealth Games. underwent a surgery to treat an renewed Karmakar’s hopes. Anterior Cruciate ligament “She is fit now. She has (ACL) injury in 2017. ACL is completely recovered from the a key ligament that stabilises injury but in gymnastics, you Asia Cup isn’t a possibility: BCCI official the knee joints. have to slowly start the process Her comeback in 2018 was of training and Dipa had start- Wimbledon to be cancelled this week n LONDON: The vice-president of president Bernard Giudicelli for IANS NEW DELHI of the year in Australia. short-lived as the knee troubled ed her basic practice late last the German tennis federation his handling of the rescheduling “Though it doesn’t seem right to be talking her again at the Artistic month when this coronavirus has predicted that Wimbledon of Roland Garros, the claycourt he coronavirus outbreak has not only about cricket schedules as of now, we can safe- Gymnastics World Cup in outbreak happened,” the will be cancelled on Wednesday Grand Slam. Tbrought the world to a standstill, it has also ly assume that Asia Cup isn’t a possibility. Baku last year. She was forced Dronacharya awardee said. and slammed the French Tennis “What president Bernard created a scenario where the fate of sporting “The sports organisation are hit deeply and to withdraw from the Doha “She will be back to her Federation for moving the Giudicelli did is a disgrace, for ten- activities in the next six months hangs in bal- there will be some tough measures once some World Cup as well and failed to best in 3-4 months and since French Open to the autumn. nis and for France,” Hordorff said. ance. While the 2020 Olympic has already been semblance of normalcy returns. There are lia- recover in time for the World there are still two events left, we Dirk Hordorff told French The controversial switch postponed and the start of IPL-13 suspended, bilities and difficulties that the Board faces and Artistic Gymnastics can take another shot at the sports daily L’ E q u i p e that he organisers have already post- leaves the French Open starting the 2020 Asia Cup is also likely to be given a skip it will be a new kind of a challenge to deal with Championship in October, Olympics. See, in gymnastics, expects Wimbledon, scheduled poned their tournament and a week after the US Open finish- this year. them,” the official said. 2019. injuries happen a lot but I’m for June 29-July 12, to be moved it to start on September es, if that event retains its orig- Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that Host association Pakistan Cricket Board also “There were eight World hopeful that she will take it as scrapped due to the coron- 20, instead of May 24. inal slot in New York. gauging from how things stand at present, it is confirmed that there isn’t much information to cups but now there are only a challenge. avirus pandemic. “You could reorganise “The way they did it, tennis almost safe to say that this edition of the Asia be given with regards to the status of the tour- two left, which were supposed “She will need two Silver or “This is not a rumour, they Roland Garros for September or would be dead if we all behaved Cup might not see the light of day. In fact, the nament which was to be played in September. to happen in March but got one Gold and a Silver in the will announce that they are October, but not Wimbledon, like that. I’m sure it was a polit- tournament had greater significance this year as “We cannot throw light on when the next postponed to June due to coro- two tournaments. We will not cancelling Wimbledon,” he said. the grass would be too damp,” ical move with elections coming it would be the perfect training ground for the Asian Cricket Council meeting will take place navirus outbreak,” Karmakar leave any stone unturned and In a move that surprised the Hordorff said. up (in December). He’s pan- Asian team going into the World T20 which is and on decisions around the Asia Cup and its said. “Given the situation they I hope she will be able to per- tennis world, French Open Hordorff hit out at FFT icked.” AFP still scheduled to be played as per plan at the end fate,” the PCB official said. perhaps will happen next year. form.” Shafali needs to up Tendulkar was an all condition batsman: Warne PTI n MELBOURNE conditions, it is a real toss-up While Lara played 131 Tests and Australia scoring 10927 runs, includ- between Tendulkar and Lara, but I scored 11,953 runs with an average ing 32 centuries & 50 fifties. pin great Shane Warne on would just choose Tendulkar.” of 52.88. In 299 ODIs he accumulat- About his team, Warne said: “I the game, say experts SMonday picked his fierce rival “If we have to chase 400 runs on ed 10,405 runs. am only picking players that I played PTI n NEW DELHI the girls four years elder to her and in Sachin Tendulkar as the batsman to the last day, I would definitely pick When asked about his former with, that is why David Warner is not six months’ times, she was practising bat in any conditions and called his Lara,” added the leg-spinner who captain Waugh, who is known for his going to be a part of the side, he is ith her big-hitting prowess, a rar- with the U-14 boys. She never felt out former skipper Steve Waugh a match ended his illustrious career with 708 solid temperament and dogged one of the greatest Aussie openers.” Wity in women’s cricket, 16-year- of place,” recollected Ashwani, a for- saver rather than a match-winner. Test wickets. approach to batting, Warne said he Warne’s team comprised old Shafali Verma was bound to suc- mer-first class cricketer from Haryana. One of the greatest spinners to “There were these two guys, then was someone who could bail the Matthew Hayden and Michael Slater ceed at the highest level. “Fast forward it to now, she trains have played the game, Warne was there was daylight and after that, the team out of a precarious situation. as openers, followed by Ricky However, a lot of improvement is with the fellow academy cricketers engaged in an Instagram live session rest of the batsmen came.” “Steve was more of a match saver Ponting, Mark Waugh, Border and needed for her to sustain the sensa- (like Ashish Hooda) who have played with his fans. Tendulkar played a world record than a match-winner,” Warner said Steve. He chose Adam Gilchrist as tional six-month run she has enjoyed Ranji Trophy,” he said. When the discussion turned to 200 Tests and amassed 15,921 runs about Waugh whom he included in the wicketkeeper with Glenn since making her India debut, feel her Verma idolises the great Sachin the best batsman in his time, the 50- with an average 53.78 while in 463 his all-time Australian Test XI to be McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Bruce coach Ashwani Kumar and former Tendulkar and Ashwani feels that is year-old Warne said, “If I have to ODIs, he tallied 18,426 runs at led by Allan Border. Reid as the fast bowlers and Tim May India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra, people one reason why she developed a pen- choose any batsman to bat in any 44.83. Waugh played 168 Tests for as the spinner. who have tracked her nascent career chant for playing with a straight bat. closely. Asked if he anticipated Verma Verma was 15 when she received becoming a household name at such her maiden national call-up last a young age, the coach said: “I will be Dhoni was focused on Afridi, not Sehwag, redefined September and thereafter, the attention honest here. I did not have an idea she got as a teenage sensation was about women’s cricket. I had just seen getting ready for IPL: Balaji expected. her play for Haryana and I got an idea IANS n NEW DELHI In her, India got a much-needed that she was meant for bigger things. opening in Test cricket: Akram power-hitter at the top and less than “Before she left for the World Cup, he outbreak of the coronavirus saw LAHORE: Former Pakistan cap- Shahid Afridi on tour but a few six months later, she was in Australia, I was not sure how she would handle Tthe Chennai Super Kings training tain Wasim Akram believes it selectors were against it. He told playing a pivotal role in ensuring the the pressure of a big event but she camp being called off and skipper MS was Shahid Afridi and not me ‘You should definitely take team’s maiden entry into the final of exceeded my expectations and did well Dhoni returning home from Chennai. But Virender Sehwag who rede- him, he will win a one-two Test the T20 World Cup. throughout. Having said that, it is just CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji fined the concept of opening matches and make him open “The women’s team probables a start for her and she knows that.” said that the former India skipper looked the batting in Test cricket. the batting’,” said the former had a camp at NCA in June-July and Former India captain Shantha very intense during his training sessions “In Test cricket, Sehwag left-arm pacer. I was part of it as the wicket-keeping Rangaswamy too is mightily impressed even though he was making a return to came later but in 1999-2000 “I generally discussed a lot and fielding coach. After seeing Shafali by Verma’s showing in Australia but competitive cricket post a sabbatical. Shahid Afridi changed the with Imran and his sugges- Olivier Giroud kisses FIFA World Cup trophy FIFA comfortably bat against Jhulan also picked out the areas of improve- “Dhoni was looking good, fit. He mindset of opening in Test tions always came in handy,” Goswami (senior India pacer) in the ment in her game, mainly her fitness. focused on training just like he always cricket. Even if I was the bowler, he added. nets, I was convinced that she would Both Ashwani and Ratra also feel does and was as normal as he has always I would know that I can get him “What a knock it was on Benzema deepens be playing for India soon. And that is that Verma needs to improve her agili- been. He trained like the way he did last out but also know that he can that Chennai track. Afridi what happened,” Ratra, who played six ty, which would make her a better run- year or 2 years ago. There is nothing that hit me for boundaries. He used used to dance down the track France rift by ridiculing Tests and 12 ODIs said. ner between the wickets and a much changes when it comes to his to hit lose deliveries for sixes at and hit (Anil) Kumble and Besides Ratra, Verma’s stroke- improved fielder. preparation. His will,” said Akram while chatting (Suni) Joshi for sixes,” Akram play in the practice session also “She only got back a couple of routine, his with Afridi on YouTube. said recalling the 141-run go-kart’ Giroud impressed India coach W V Raman. weeks ago and the lockdown hap- mindset, Many in the cricket frater- toured India in 1999-2000 knock played by Afridi in the AFP n PARIS “Even he was of the opinion that pened. When things are back to nor- everything is nity, including the likes of where the swashbuckling all- Chennai Test. she could go on to become a very mal, I would be talking to her about the same,” David Warner, believe that it rounder made his name as a Afridi, however, could not eal Madrid’s Karim Benzema has mocked important player for India,” recalled the importance of rotating the strike Balaji told india- was Sehwag who started for Test batsman. establish himself as a regular RFrance striker Olivier Giroud by likening Ratra. frequently and not just hitting the big today.in. bowlers having a difficult Afridi scored his maiden Test player as he managed to himself to a Formula One car and Giroud a It is only fair to say that if it was shots. She also needs “Dhoni was time at start of a Test match. Test century in the first Test at play just 27 Tests for Pakistan go-kart. not for Verma’s flying starts, India to work on reduc- focussed on getting Akram revealed that Chennai to help Pakistan take and scored just five hundreds. Benzema has not played for France since would have struggled to reach the final ing the number of ready for the IPL. He Afridi, who made his debut as a 1-0 lead in the series which Sehwag, on the other 2015 and watched from afar as Giroud spear- of the T20 World Cup as the big stars dot balls,” said is that kind of a per- an opener in Test cricket visitors went on to win 2-1. hand, represented India in headed the team’s World Cup triumph in of the team failed to make an impres- Ashwani. son who always takes against Australia in 1998, was “I called Imran Khan 104 Test matches and scored Russia two years ago. With over 500 appear- sion. Her only failure came in the final, it one moment at a not supposed to be a part of before the tour selection. I told 23 centuries, including 2 ances for Real Madrid and in his 11th season leaving her in tears. time.” that Pakistan side which him ‘skipper I want to take triple hundreds. IANS with the Spanish giants, no questions remain The Rohtak-born, who loves to over Benzema’s playing skills. play in the V, gained a plethora of Asked about the Chelsea forward during fans around the world with her a question and answer session on Instagram six-hitting ability in the tourna- on Sunday night, Benzema said: “You can’t ment, especially the one that confuse a Formula One car with a go-kart, and flies over the bowler’s head. Liverpool deserve to be champions: Gundogan I’m being kind. I know I’m a Formula One car... There were also constant but MANCHESTER: Liverpool should end of June. “It works because he’s there, that’s it. It’s pre-mature comparisons be awarded the Premier League Gundogan conceded that not going to be spectacular. (Antoine) with the legendary Virender title if the season cannot be com- Premier League chiefs were faced Griezmann and (Kylian) Mbappe get seen Sehwag. pleted due to the coronavirus with a difficult choice. more while he rolls his sleeves up and does the Seeing Verma take the pandemic, says Manchester City “There are different opin- dirty work. best of the bowlers to the midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. ions,” he said. “For clubs who have “But does everyone like his game? I don’t cleaners in Australia was Jurgen Klopp’s men were a had a very good season, it obvious- know.” hardly a surpise for her tantalising two wins away from ly wouldn’t be nice if it was can- During the 2016 and 2017 seasons ahead coach Ashwani Kumar, their first league crown since 1990 celled now. of up Russia 2018, Giroud scored 16 goals for who runs the Shri Ram when the season was suspended “On the other hand, for clubs France in 24 games. Narain Cricket Club in earlier this month. who aren’t doing as well and are He also played every match at the World Rohtak. The shutdown is currently Klopp’s side deserved the title. could resume training at the end maybe in the relegation places, an Cup and although he failed to find the target “When she came due to last until April 30. Premier “It would be OK for me,” he of April. abandonment would obviously in Russia, his team came home with the tro- to me first as a little League chiefs are due to meet on said. “As a sportsman you have to “Honestly, I can’t imagine suit them.” phy. France coach Didier Deschamps has side- kid (11), I taught her Friday, with no indications of be fair.” (that happening) and also, I don’t Cancellation would have a lined Benzema since a legal case in 2015. the basic stance and when football will resume. The 29-year-old German know how realistic it is,” he said. knock-on effect on the second-tier Benzema has scored 19 goals in 32 after few days, she was Gundogan, whose side trail international, who has won the UEFA president Aleksander English Championship, with both appearances for Real Madrid this season while comfortable hitting the Liverpool by 25 points, told Premier League title with City for Ceferin on Saturday said that the Leeds United and West Brom Giroud has largely been a back-up player for big strokes. Then she German broadcaster ZDF that if the past two seasons, said it was 2019/20 campaign could be “lost” occupying the two automatic pro- Chelsea, despite a decent run of form in started training with the season could not be finished, unlikely that he and his teammates if it could not be restarted by the motion places. AFP February.