Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 Published From *Late City Vol. 2 Issue 173 NATION 4 MONEY 6 SPECIAL 7 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable MORE CLARITY NEEDED ON HUMOUR BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH RS SPENDS 28% TIME ON BHUBANESWAR MAKING LAWS, 40% ON DEBATES REOPENING OF SHOPS: RAI KARO NA! RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD DESTINY’S CHILD: FROM VIJAYAWADA, SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 POULTRY TO POLITICS

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www.dailypioneer.com 20 STUDENTS ON WAY TO TS FIRST CLEAN AND DISINFECT, THEN 6 WENT TO SALON FOR HAIRCUT IN CENTRAL TEAM: WB GOVT NOT HELD IN NANDED, QUARANTINED OPEN SHOPS, ADVISES KERALA CM MP VILLAGE, TEST COVID-19 +VE PROVIDING LOGISTICAL SUPPORT olice on Saturday intercepted a road tanker carrying 20 students in erala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday advised all shops and ix people who went to a salon for haircut and a shave were later found to be central team on a visit to West Bengal to assess the COVID-19 situation on PNanded in Maharashtra, an official said. These students were travelling to Kestablishments that have now been allowed to open that they should first Sinfected with the novel coronavirus at a village in Madhya Pradesh, officials ASaturday flagged non-cooperation on the part of the state government over their native state Telangana despite the coronavirus-induced lockdown, he clean and disinfect the place before opening them to the public. Vijayan's said. The entire village has been sealed by the police. According to reports, the providing logistical support and other relevant information. In a letter to Chief said, adding that they all were sent to the civil hospital in Nanded where they response came after he chaired the daily Covid-19 round-up barber at the salon in village Bargaon in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone Secretary Rajiva Sinha, the inter-ministerial central team led by senior will be placed under quarantine. The students had already covered a distance meeting today. Responding to the new Central guidelines that district used the same cloth to shave and cut hair of the six bureaucrat Apurba Chandra, also sought to know details about of about 165 kms from Jalna in Marathwada region by hiding inside the came late last night, the Chief Minister said whenever the state customers. A man from the village who works at a hotel in Indore steps taken by the Mamata Banerjee-led dispensation to empty water supply tanker before the police intercepted comes out with its order, "there will be no ambiguity, though the recently came home and got a haircut on April 5. He was later identify and quarantine those who returned from the the vehicle, he said. "These students were Central guidelines are very clear". "My suggestion is maybe on found to be infected with COVID-19, chief medical and health Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin area. stuck in Jalna, where they wanted to the first and second day, all such shops and their vicinity officer of Khargone Dr Divyesh Verma said. Later, the samples of Chandra said the team it is yet to receive a response from do some agriculture-related course, should be cleaned and disinfectant. Once that's done, it 12 more men who went to the same salon on the same day the state government to the letters it has written to Sinha due to the lockdown," he added. would be best to restart normal business," said Vijayan. were sent for testing. since its arrival in the city on Monday. Frontline health workers among new Covid-19 cases PNS n VIJAYAWADA

Frontline workers engaged in the battle against the spread of Srikakulam’s three positive Covid-19, including doctors were among the fresh cases of Chandan Yatra, the virus reported from cases laced with mystery Akshaya Tritiya fes- Andhra Pradesh on SUMIT ONKA Saturday, where overall 171 n tivals to take place 814 discharged VISAKHAPATNAM number crossed the In a worrisome development on Saturday, inside Jagannath 1,000-mark. active 1,016 cases Srikakulam district reported three Coronavirus temple premises Two fatalities were Number of positive cases, even as the announced end to the reported, taking the toll positive cases lockdown, May 3, is inching closer. to 31. AP's overall posi- On top of it, it is puzzling to learn that three infected tive cases of coronavirus 31 deaths women are the family members of a Delhi returnee engineer 4 stood at 1,016 on Saturday. who was tested negative for Covid-19. The engineer works with In Kurnool, two doctors Delhi Metro Rail and had come to Srikakulam on March 19 and Govt gives new colour to working in the government was under home quarantine in Patapatnam mandal. As the man general hospital and a wanted to return to Delhi, officials there directed him to obtain a fitness police sub-inspector certificate with Covid-19 test confirming negative. Hence, he underwent (SI) in Vijayawada city TreuNat testing in Srikakulam a couple of days ago. And, as his primary report showed row over YSRCP hues tested positive for the positive, the samples of the three women family members were also tested. In n deadly virus, official consecutive lab test results, his report came negative, but his three family members PNS VIJAYAWADA buildings in the state. According to the guidelines sources said. tested positive. Hence, it remains a mystery on how the three women contracted the According to sources, the vil- issues, which incidentally Further, in virus and raises question over the test results. Following a rap by the AP High lage Panchayat offices will be haven’t been made public, the Vijayawada, a police 3 Court, the YSRCP government painted in shades of white, State government has opted for sub-inspector and 60 on Saturday began the process blue and green along with these four colours that reflect personnel were placed under to give a new colour to the con- brown (soil colour). It may be the rural culture. quarantine. biomedical Government officials, right es for over a month now, mon- troversy over government office remembered that the YSRCP Brown refers to the soil, the A scare was triggered in the engineer working from the Special Chief itoring the Corona manage- buildings being painted in the party colours are white, blue green to the dairy crops, the State Covid Command Control there tested positive on Secretary (Health) have been ment measures across the state. ruling party colours in the and green. One of the criticisms blue to the blue revolution and Centre in Vijayawada after a Friday. functioning from this premis- 3 state. faced by YS Jaganmohan Reddy the white to the milk revolution. Faced with intense criticism, after he took over as Chief There shall be no party symbols Formulate a both from the Opposition and Minister of AP was the paint- on the government offices as national plan for the civil society at large over the ing of government officers in per the guidelines. Cow vigilantes decision to paint State office the YSRCP colours. Many peo- It can be noted that three of handling coron- AP has lowest percentage of buildings in YSRCP colours, the ple even moved the High Court the four colours suggested by avirus crisis: booked for government is believed to have in this regard. the government are in the already prepared the new Subsequently, the High YSRCP flag. Against this back- Congress to govt harassing duo guidelines on how to paint Court ordered removal of the drop, there seems to be a pos- cases, says Jawahar Reddy public offices and issued direc- colours that resemble the sibility that the controversy for buying beef tives on the colours to YSRCP party flag from gov- over the colours may not see an PNS n VIJAYAWADA department are providing Panchayat offices and other ernment offices. end so soon. 5 advanced treatment for the PNS n HYDERABAD The rate of Covid-19 positive Covid-19 cases. cases in Andhra Pradesh is In this regard, the officials The day praises were being only 1.66 per cent of the will use 1.900 Pulse heaped on the Rachakonda LOCKDOWN EFFECT 61,266 tests conducted, which Oximeters in all Covid hos- Police for serenading a is way less than the country’s pitals to help monitor oxygen teacher on her birthday based average (4.23 percent) and levels of the patients. “People on a request from her NRI Cases in Telangana lower compared to other who are experiencing breath- son, a video in which a mob States like Maharashtra (7.16 lessness or are short-of-breath of cow vigilantes waylaid two percent), Madhya Pradesh (7 are advised to seek medical Muslim men returning home continue to dip percent). help by calling 104 helpline after buying beef went viral. PNS n HYDERABAD try. Hyderabad, as a district, The State has recruited and the samples will be The video drew sharp crit- contributes to around 55.9 per 1,170 medical personnel taken at the doorstep. With icism from all quarters as the In more signs that the lockdown cent of the total cases in exclusively for COVID-19 early detection, fatalities can police conveniently turned a is having an effect, Telangana Telangana. The number of cases cases. be reduced,” Jawahar Reddy blind eye to the mob and only state reported a decline in the in Telangana account to 2.7 per Speaking to the media here said. booked cases on the duo for number of Covid-19 positive cent of the total cases in the on Saturday, Special Chief KS Jawahar Reddy said that violating lockdown rules. cases for the second con- country. Of the 990 positive Secretary Medical and Health the officials of the health 3 3 secutive day on cases, 658 are active patients. Complete Saturday. The state 990990 On Saturday, 16 recorded seven total cases patients were first phase of Mansukh discusses persons testing today active discharged, biz continuity plan positive in the 7 cases 658 cases taking the Nadu-Nedu by Kirana shop owner in Hyd tests Covid positive last 24 hours, recovered number of peo- with maritime deaths taking the cases ple cured to 307. industry PNS n HYDERABAD Sources from test results, local customers who frequent the total number Though the number of June-end: CM Uppal said that the police sealed the kirana shop. of infections in 307 25 infections have kept rising PNS n VIJAYAWADA A kirana shop owner from shop is located in shop shut, shifted "We have identified as many TS to 990. through the lockdown, experts Ramanthapur tested positive Sriramanapuram his son, wife and as 15 customers so far and have Of the seven positive cases, believe the situation is not Chief Minister YS 6 for Coronavirus on Saturday, Colony of brother to asked them to get checked six are from Hyderabad and one alarming as previously predict- Jaganmohan Reddy on raising serious concerns about Ramanthapur. Ramanthapur and go for self quarantine. We from Warangal Urban. ed and appears to be under con- Saturday asked officials of the the potential spread among the "The man went quarantine cen- are working on checking oth- This drop in the number of trol in India as compared to the Education Department to TODAY residents of the locality. straight to Gandhi tres for isolation ers as well. We do not know positive cases was despite the US and several other western complete the first phase of Sources said that 15 cus- Hospital after expe- and checks" sources how the shopkeeper got infect- NITI Aayog categorising nations where cases have sky- Nadu-Nedu works in govern- ALMANAC tomers have so far been iden- riencing symptoms and said. ed yet" police said. Hyderabad among the top five rocketed and the death toll is ment schools by June-end. Month & Paksham: tified and sent to quarantine did not go through the Uppal police said that districts with the highest load of mounting. Chairing a review meeting Kartik and Shukla Paksha centres. police. Upon learning about his they are trying to identify the 3 Covid-19 patients in the coun- on the Nadu-Nadu pro- Panchangam 3 gramme in the School Tithi : Tritiya: 01:22 pm Education Department here, Nakshatram: Rohini: 10:56 pm the Chief Minister stated that Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start a major chunk of the tender- any important work) ing process for infrastructure Two brothers sell land to help lockdown victims has been finalised. The Chief Rahukalam: 04:57 pm – 06:31 pm Yamagandam: 12:13 pm – 01:48 pm Minister instructed the offi- PNS n HYDERABAD poverty. We survived because of cials to speed up the works and Varjyam: 02:16 pm – 04:00 We were brought up in poverty. We survived because of the pm, 07:00 pm – 06:36 am the support of people of all com- complete them by June-end. Gulika: 03:22 pm - 04:57 pm Two businessmen brothers in support of people of all communities and religions. We have munities and religions. We have He stressed the need to main- Good Time: (to start any Karnataka's Kolar district have signed the society agreement bond and handed it over to our signed the society agreement tain quality in the works taken important work) shown that large-heartedness friend who purchased our site and gave the money bond and handed it over to our up as part of the programme. Amritakalam: 07:28 pm – 09:12 pm has no limits when it comes to — TAJAMMUL PASHA & MUZAMMIL PASHA friend who purchased our site The officials showed Jagan helping people in need. and gave the money," the siblings the samples of uniforms, belts Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:48 am – 12:39 pm The siblings, identified as said. Once the lockdown ends and bags that would be dis- Tajammul Pasha and Muzammil They then set up a tent next religious bias," said Tajammul and the land registrar's office tributed to students. Three VIJAYAWADA Pasha, have sold their land for to their house and started a Pasha, visibly emotional. opens, the remaining steps to pairs of uniforms, notebooks, WEATHER Rs 25 lakh to help people in need community kitchen to make The Pasha brothers are into transfer the land will be com- textbooks, shoes, and socks Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms amid the lockdown over the food for labourers and homeless banana cultivation and real pleted, they said. would be given to the students Temp: 38/28 Covid-19 pandemic. people. "Our parents died early. estate. Tajammul was five and So far the two brothers have at the beginning of the acad- Humidity: 59% The brothers, on seeing daily When we shifted to our mater- Muzammil three when they supplied food grain, oil, sugar emic year. Sunrise: 05:52 am wage labourers and their fami- nal grandmother's place at lost their parents. They had to and other essentials to over The CM asked the officials Sunset: 06:34 pm lies in Kolar suffer during the Kolar, people from communi- move from Chickbalapur to 3,000 families. They have also to maintain the quality of the Current Weather Conditions lockdown, decided to sell their essentials and food grain for a The brothers also bought oil ties, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims Kollar, where their grandmoth- given hand sanitisers and masks material that would be given Updated April 25, 2020 5:00 PM land and use the money to buy large number of poor people. and cereals with the money. helped us survive without any er lived. "We were brought up in to the poor. to the students. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 vijayawada 02 States must set theit house in order before blaming centre The exit strategy has to be step-motherly treatment. The last few decades have three per cent to five per cent carefully crafted to strike a bal- They can order tighter but not looser Telangana Chief Minister K. witnessed unrestricted distri- and to go in for ‘helicopter ance between disease control Chandrashekhar Rao, during bution of doles like television money’ to improve money ‘ALL AND and re-railing the economy on restrictions than those recommended by a debate in the Assembly, sets, money for marriages and circulation in the system. one hand and restoration of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Telangana, for mocked at the very thought of financial benefits to priests Admittedly, States are run- SUNDRY’ jobs and ensuring food secu- instance, extended the lockdown till May 7 wearing face masks. West against just food subsidies ning short of money. The rity to millions of daily-wagers and even tightened restrictions on Bengal gave a free hand to earlier. lockdown has worsened the and migrant labour. The re- non-essential shops to open. It didn’t stop at that. Jagan situation. The revenue loss of f any State government opening of shops selling even vehicular movement after April 23 while UP Chief Minister Yogi is planning to spend hun- States due to liquor ban alone imagines that it can act at non-essential items in specif- Kerala chose to relax them Adityanath shifted the Ram dreds of crores on shifting the is a whopping Rs 700 crore a Iwill after the Centre’s dilut- ic areas from April 25 is a step Lalla idol at Ayodhya amid the capital to Vizag, KCR on build- day while income from levies ed lockdown ends on May 3, in that direction. lockdown. Kerala almost ing a new Secretariat and on petroleum products has it will surely come to grief as In the war against Ministry of Home Affairs. rise in cases on April 24. restarted restaurants and Assembly while Tamil Nadu’s fallen drastically. the grave challenge posed by Coronavirus, the Centre’s role Telangana, for instance, Before these happen, polit- S NAGESH KUMAR opened bookshops and bar- Secretariat complex was con- The inevitability of an eco- the Coronavirus pandemic is is to strategise, lay down guide- extended the lockdown till ical parties and some Chief Former Resident Editor, bershops until the Home verted into a super speciality nomic crisis is clearly visible far from over. lines, provide funding, supply May 7 and even tightened Ministers have begun blaming The Hindu Ministry intervened. hospital. with the GDP growth rate for Experts are recommending equipment like ventilators, restrictions on vehicular the Centre for throwing AP Chief Minister Y. S. When profligacy becomes a 2020-21 projected to fall to 0.8 lockdown of at least ten weeks PPEs, masks and gloves, give movement after April 23 while migrant labour to the wolves, Jaganmohan Reddy was part of State policy and idio- per cent. In the long run, sci- to break the transmission scientific inputs and hand- Kerala chose to relax them. neglecting the MSME sector Ministry’s orders. adamant about holding elec- syncratic plans a matter of entists are predicting a second chain and flatten the curve of hold States. It is for the States The next 2-3 weeks are cru- and being miserly in its stim- Federalism is vital in a tions to the local bodies amid pride, how far are they justified or even a third wave of the new cases. Wuhan in China to enforce the lockdown, cial because government ulus package. Trinamool democracy, more so in a polit- the pandemic. He even sacked in accusing the Centre for pandemic. States have to brace was locked down for 76 days ensure social distancing and expects the doubling rate to Congress supremo Mamata ically, culturally and geograph- State Election Commissioner being niggardly? for this eventuality by practic- while a majority of the affect- contact tracing, put in place improve from the present 10 Banerjee is engaged in a run- ically diverse country like for refusing to oblige. His Telangana started its jour- ing severe measures they ed countries in Europe infrastructure like hospitals, days and the curve to flatten ning battle with the Centre for India. However, it cannot party MP Prabhakar Reddy ney with a huge revenue sur- promise in the budget, acting imposed stay-at-home orders ICU beds and mobilise doctors from May 16 onwards if the undermining the concept of become a licence for regional took out a tractor rally in plus but is now imploring the swiftly to revive agriculture between 35 to 50 days against and paramedics. existing restrictions remain federalism by deputing an satraps of any party, BJP Nellore. YSRC MLA RK Roja Reserve Bank of India to raise and industry and sympathet- 40 days in India. They can order tighter but in place. Hopefully, this should inter-ministerial team to West included, to initially trivialise had women showering flower the limit of Fiscal ically towards the poor. The lockdown is expected to not looser restrictions than not turn out to be a tall claim Bengal to probe its poor com- the threat of Coronavirus and petals at her before she inau- Responsibility and Budget Finger-pointing will serve be extended beyond May 3. those recommended by the considering the six per cent pliance with the Home later accuse the Centre of gurated a borewell in Nagari. Management (FRBM) from no purpose. SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS ON CORONA Former SEC’s letter creates ripples n PNS VIJAYAWADA Ramesh Kumar’s personal secretary Police keep tabs The former SEC’s letter to the Sambasiva Murthy claimed to have Centre has been creating rip- drafted the letter and put it on ples among political circles as the CID’s probe into the origin computer desk top using pen drive. of letter has taken several The letter was sent to the Centre by on rumour mongers twists and turns. Ramesh Kumar through his WhatsApp The CID Director General, PNS n VIJAYAWADA n The DGP said that the Dadi alleges Sunil Kumar, sought to know government has released how the letter appearing in the ter and put it on computer desk looking into the Vijayasai’s Director-General of Police Rs 2.89 crore for providing Naidu’s role media can be regarded as Ramesh Kumar top using pen drive. The let- allegation that the letter was Gautam D Sawang warned Personal Protective something confidential. ter was sent to the Centre by created outside the office of the rumour-mongers, who are behind The probe veered round the ter addressed to the CID by Ramesh Kumar through his SEC. The CID officials are spreading fake messages to Equipment (PPE) kits to all genuinity of the letter purport- Vijayasai Reddy and its con- WhatsApp. questioning why the confi- create panic among people, of the police officers ex-SEC’s letter ed to be written by Ramesh tents. The probe has now focussed dential letter has been deleted. stringent action against them. n Kumar, the former SEC; what Ramesh Kumar’s personal on deletion of the file in the It may be recalled that Ramesh In all, 28,000 people in the n He said that police officers State have travel history PNS VIJAYAWADA is the truth behind the propa- secretary Sambasiva Murthy laptop and destroying the pen Kumar admitted to sending the would keep a close watch on ganda about the letter, the let- claimed to have drafted the let- drive. The officers are also letter to the Centre. the circulation of news on from abroad and 1,185 YSRCP State general secretary social media platforms and returned to the State after Dadi Veerabhadra Rao sees other websites and will verify attending a religious the role of TDP chief N the facts. congregation at Markaz in Chandrababu Naidu behind Power Grid The Director-General of Gautam D Sawang Delhi's Nizamuddin. All the letter addressed to the ‘Depute special team to Police thanked Chief Minister these people were kept Centre by former SEC contributes YS Jaganmohan Reddy for ment for extending compensa- under quarantine in the Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar announcing Rs 50 lakh ex tion on such a huge scale to the State alleging threat to his life. gratia to the family members kin of the deceased. Addressing the media here on Kurnool to rein in Corona’ Rs 9.55 lakh of assistant sub-inspector The DGP said that the gov- were kept under quarantine in Saturday, he charged Naidu PNS n KURNOOL n PNS n VIJAYAWADA (ASI), who breathed his last ernment has released Rs 2.89 the State, he added. with plotting to cause hurdles People of the district are while discharging his duty on crore for providing Personal Speaking about the lock- to relocating the capital to Jana Sena president Pawan living in a fear psychosis, Power Grid Corporation of April 17. He hails from Parigi Protective Equipment (PPE) down implementation in the Visakhapatnam. He said that Kalyan on Saturday urged the Pawan Kalyan said adding India has contributed Rs 9.55 village in Anantapur district. kits to all the police officers. He State, he said that it is strictly he would write to Chief State government to depute that his only demand is to lakh to the Krishna district Addressing a press confer- added that 28,000 people in the enforced in all the Red and Minister YS Jaganmohan special team to Kurnool to rein take steps to boost the administration for purchasing ence here on Saturday, the State have travel history from Orange Zones in the State. He Reddy urging the State govern- in the Coronavirus in the dis- morale of people 6,500 N95 masks. DGP said that Chief Minister abroad and 1,185 people added that permissions were ment to file a revision petition trict. n V Ram Prasad, senior gen- YS Jaganmohan Reddy has returned to the State after granted to carry out all the on the Supreme Court’s orders The total number of Covid- The government was eral manager of Vijayawada sent a cheque for Rs 50 lakh to attending a religious meeting operations related to agricul- prohibiting the State govern- 19 cases in Kurnool crossed urged to provide sub-station of Power Grid, the family of the deceased. at Markaz in Delhi's ture and agro-based industries ment from filling teacher posts 200 and several have died due equipment and other handed over the contribution Sawang praised the govern- Nizamuddin. All these people in the State. in Agency areas with STs. to the virus. Therefore, he facilities to medical staff, to District Collector Md appealed to the government to Pawan Kalyan police and sanitation Imtiaz. DMHO Dr I Ramesh pay attention on the district workers who have been and others were present on the and take steps to bring down to take steps to boost the risking their lives occasion. 24 discharged the virus cases on a war-foot- morale of people. Doctors, nurses and hospi- Fears of Indian students ing basis. The government was urged tal staff are working round- from Kurnool He clarified, in a statement, to provide equipment and apprehended. the-clock in the frontline that the Jana Sena has no other facilities to medical staff, Pawan said, besides local against the Covid-19 outbreak, in one day stranded abroad allayed interest in pricking holes what- police and sanitation workers Jana Sena leaders, the BJP risking their lives, Ram Prasad ever the government does, its who have been risking their leader Byreddy Rajasekhar said. The amount for the pur- PNS n KURNOOL PNS n VIJAYAWADA added “There are high chances only concern is public health. lives. Reddy sent letters to him chase of N95 masks will help Many Indian that the USA, the UK and People of the district are liv- If the government did not expressing concern over the to protect the first responders, In all, 24 cured from Educational institutions across students, who Canada might stop migrants ing in a fear psychosis, he said wake up even now, the situa- spread of Coronavirus in health care providers and pro- Coronavirus were discharged the world shut their operations were stranded in from China, the country where adding that his only demand is tion would go out of hand, he Kurnool district. vide health care facilities. from Viswabharati Hospital for the past few months due to the pandemic Covid-19 orig- on Saturday taking the total the Covid-19 pandemic. Many the United States, inated.” number of persons dis- Indian students, who were the UK and Finally, he called upon peo- charged so far to 31, giving stranded in the US, the UK Canada, are ple to maintain social distanc- respite to authorities. and Canada, are in distress fac- in distress facing ing and hygiene to contain the VCCI distributes essentials to the poor District Collector Veera ing hardships and loss of insti- spread of Corona. n Pandian told the media that tutional time. In this backdrop, hardships and loss He stated: “Wash hands PNS VIJAYAWADA It is becoming very difficult for daily vive as they have been deprived the discharge of 24 persons on institutions are taking compre- of institutional frequently using a disinfectant of work; therefore, the VCCI, a single day infused a lot of hensive measures like teaching and avoid touching face, eyes, Brahmin Corporation wage workers to survive as they have along with businessmen, is dis- confidence among people and online and providing virtual time nose and mouth. Wear a mask Chairman Malladi Vishnu on been deprived of work tributing essentials to them in the district administration. learning platforms. while moving out. Follow the Saturday distributed rice to the Red Zone areas. VCCI general Besides the Collector, State Speaking to The Pioneer, institutes should offer emo- social distancing. Improve the poor in Red Zones in the city secretary ASLN Varaprasad, Covid special officer Ajay Aravind Arasavilli, Founder tional support to distressed immunity by taking lemon here on Saturday. (VCCI) led by its president K in the city. He appealed to treasurer Vakkalagadda Jain and Kurnool MLA Hafiz Chairman of Exella Education students, which is essential at water, buttermilk, ginger and Speaking on the occasion, he Vidhyadhar Rao for coming donors to come forward volun- Srikanth, members E Khan distributed Rs 2,000 to Group, said: “Online classes this point of time.” milk laced with turmeric. lauded the service of forward to provide rice and tarily and donate to the poor. Damodhar, A Subba Rao, K each of the discharged and have come to the rescue of Quoting some good news Let's hope the Corona ends Vijayawada Chamber of essential kits to 2,500 poor It is becoming very difficult Ramakrishna and others were also fruit kits. Indian students besides foreign for Indian students, Aravind soon.” Commerce and Industry families staying in Red Zones for daily wage workers to sur- present on the occasion. Maha Mantra Parayana Ludhiana family stranded in Ajmer since 1 month PNS n JAIPUR plete chaos here. We are staying to be narrated in Sanskrit Stuck inside the hall of a hotel in the in a hall here, and depression, PNS n TIRUMALA now being telecast daily for Thirty-four members of a holy city of Rajasthan, all they want anxiety and loneliness are killing one hour between 7 am and Ludhiana-based family, who are now is to return to their homes in us as no one knows for how long The Maha Mantra Parayana 8 am with Telugu narrative for stranded in Ajmer since one we will have to stay here." will be henceforth narrated in Sanskrit slokas by Dharmagiri month following the clamping of Ludhiana. Fed up of the daily blues, this "I request Punjab Chief Tamil and Kannada on principal KSS Avadhani. the nationwide lockdown to family is now pleading the State Minister Amarinder Singh and SVBC. With increasing glob- On popular demand from fight the Covid-19 pandemic, government to permit them to go back Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok al viewership for the live tele- devotees of other States, the have seen it all - poverty, hunger, Gehlot to look into the issue," cast of Yogavashiatyam- TTD has now decided for domestic violence, communal to their native place at the earliest Sanju said, adding that the fam- Dhanwantari Maha Mantra telecast of parayanams with harmony, philanthropy and ily had come to pray for boost- Parayanam on SVBC since narrative in Tamil and brotherhood. amount in our accounts.” rice every day," Sanju said. ing their business avenues in the April 10, the TTD owned Kannada every day between Stuck inside the hall of a "But now, that money, too, has Narrating her tale of misery, long run, but is stuck in the wake channel has now come up 3 pm and 4 pm and repeat hotel in the holy city of been exhausted. Hotel JC Palace Sanju's aunt Manto Devi said, of this unseen calamity. with yet another innovative telecast again at night Rajasthan, all they want now is has provided us free lodging "My husband, whom I had Meanwhile, Syed Salman idea of narrating the essence between 10.30 pm and 11.30 to return to their homes in while the Chishti Foundation has forced to come with me, has Chishty, hereditary custodian, of these mantras in Sanskrit pm in Tamil and Kannada Ludhiana. Fed up of the daily this lockdown period. But now time to offer prayers on March been providing us food thrice a assaulted me several times, blam- Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and and Tamil also. channels of SVBC. Eminent blues, this family is now plead- we just want to go home," said 21. Our return tickets were day free of cost. We are thank- ing me for bringing him here. I Chairman, Chishty Foundation, Yogavashistyam and scholars Acharya Chakravarti ing the State government to Sanju, one of the members of the booked for March 24, however, ful to them for all their help. But had requested him to come made a humble appeal to Dhanvanthri Maha Mantra Raghavan will render Tamil permit them to go back to their family. all trains were cancelled in the now we want to go back. It's been along to offer prayers, however, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot parayanam is being rendered narrative while Dr L Pavan native place at the earliest. "Our group comprises 10 wake of the lockdown. We over a month now. We have kids, now each day I am being subject- and the CMO to coordinate the under the aegis of Dharmagiri Kumar will present Kannada "Irrespective of caste and women, an equal number of arranged for money by request- two infants and 12 children ed to his abuses. Our kids are return of the pilgrims staying at Veda Vijnana Peetham and is narrative. creed, we have seen help pour- men and 14 kids. We came to the ing our family members in ranging from 3 years to 12 years, refusing to eat what is being different hotels and guest hous- ing in from all quarters during Ajmer Sharif Dargah for the first Ludhiana to deposit some who are finding it tough to eat served to them. There is com- es around the Dargah.

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App to keep track of medicine Uma demands imposition of sales launched YSR Telemedicine to be PNS n AMARAVATI Health Emergency in State

The Medical and Health PNS n VIJAYAWADA Department on Saturday At a time the launched 'Covid Pharma', a permanent programme Former minister Devineni Coronavirus is in its mobile application to keep Umamaheswara Rao on virulent form in the n track of people purchasing PNS VIJAYAWADA n Village Clinics would play Saturday pointed out that 12 dis- State, Chief Minister medicines over-the-counter a crucial role in tackling tricts out of 13 slipped into Red YS Jaganmohan (OTC) for cough, cold and YSR Telemedicine will con- Zone and demanded that the Reddy is preoccupi- fever from medical stores tinue on a permanent basis the situation, the Chief Centre impose Health Minister said ed with Naadu- Nedu, across the State. even as Village Clinics con- Emergency in the State. reverse tendering, Using the app, the respective tinue to have immense utili- n Jagan emphasised that At a time the Coronavirus is black boards and pharmacies will have to take the ty in times of health emer- the health department in its virulent form in the State, chalk-pieces. Former details of persons, including gencies in the State. Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan their mobile numbers, making This was the outcome of a should be well equipped Reddy is preoccupied with minister Devineni OTC purchase of medicines for review meeting chaired by with necessary Naadu- Nedu, reverse tendering, Umamaheswara Rao common ailments, and report Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan infrastructure to tackle black boards and chalk-pieces. letters addressed to the CM. The attributed increase in it to the government. Reddy here on Saturday, where such disasters He attributed increase in Corona PM has been asking people to Corona cases to "In the prevailing scenario, officials said that Andhra n cases to delay in announcing the download Arogyasetu applica- delay in announcing this will help us in easily trac- Pradesh continues to be ahead The CM made it clear Corona test results. tion, but the CM is not giving the Corona test ing persons with any likely of other States in conducting that norms laid down by He said that he pointed out publicity to it, he observed. results symptoms of Coronavirus," the Covid-19 tests. the Centre should be earlier that community transmis- What explanation does the Commissioner of Health The Chief Minister was strictly followed sion is going on in the State. He State government offers to the Katamaneni Bhaskar said. Even informed that AP stands ahead said that there was no answer to question of how 61 cases sur- opinion of parents on their those buying those medicines of other states by a huge mar- the question how 72 persons test- faced within 24 hours? Whether choice of medium of education. with a prescription should be gin, conducting an average of ed positive for the virus demand- TruNat, VTM, RTPC testing to To hold local body elections, SSC reported. The medical shops 1,147 tests per million popula- Union Minister all praise for AP ing the State government’s reply. diagnose virus are going on or exams have been postponed association gave their consent tion and has conducted 61,266 The YSRCP leaders are not not, he said demanding answer causing tension to parents and to collect details of persons tests so far. receiving suggestions, he said. from Jagan. students. The government is making such purchases and Jagan instructed officials to The situation in Vijayawada led Furthermore, whether the not revealing what its plan of share with the health depart- appoint a special officer for govt initiatives during lockdown to curfew like scenario. The rapid test kits are being used or action is. ment for better monitoring, he Srikakulam district to mon- frontline warriors are working suspended or being used full Furthermore, he said that said. Meanwhile, the State gov- itor the situation as cases PNS n VIJAYAWADA this regard. He lauded Chief aegis of his ministry. The risking their lives, but the State scale, he queried. The govern- farmers of Amaravati Capital ernment has recruited 1,174 were reported from there. Minister YS Jaganmohan minister took stock of govern- government is lackadaisical in ment should declare Corona Development Region were dri- doctors on a temporary basis About 6,928 tests were con- The novel initiatives taken by Reddy for initiating a host of ment schemes meant for the approach, he said. deaths at various places and also ven to the streets. He demand- for a year to meet the emer- ducted in the State on Friday, the Andhra Pradesh govern- measures to ensure that the welfare of the rural poor and In stead of resolving the cri- how many tests were carried out ed that the WHO, Central team gency requirements in view of officials said. ment to deal with the rural poor are not deprived of State governments’ initiatives sis in the State, the CM is resort- in each district, he said. of officials tour AP and inform the Coronavirus pandemic. While creating awareness Coronavirus pandemic con- their livelihood during the for their livelihood. ed to playing video games, he At a time, the situation is grim, public what is happening in the on the 14410 toll-free num- tinue to receive appreciation lockdown. Minister for Rural said. There was no response to the government is busy seeking State. ber of the YSR Telemedicine from many quarters across the The Union minister held a Development Peddireddy programme, Jagan asked offi- country. video-conference with Rural Ramachandra Reddy said that Kirana shop cials to strengthen it further Union Minister for Rural Development Ministers of all the government was disburs- as it should be a permanent Development Narendra Singh the States to review the ing Rs 1,000 to all the eligible ‘Declare Health Emergency in 4 districts’ owner... programme and prescribed Tomar is the latest to com- progress of various schemes persons among the poorer medicines should be deliv- mend the State government in being implemented under the sections. PNS n VIJAYAWADA notices on other party lead- ment should make an Continued from Page 1 ered to patients. ers. He said there are a few announcement that local During times of such pan- BJP State unit Vice-President errors in the health bulletin body elections will not be However, sources said that demic, Village Clinics would districts besides intensifying Agriculture Minister Kurasala tion works in municipalities Vishnuvardhan Reddy alleged released by the government held for six months. He found the man had met his relatives play a crucial role in tackling the measures at Covid Hospital Kannababu said there was and action would be taken that the State government and highlighted the case of fault with the State govern- in Nagole earlier and efforts are the situation, the Chief in Kurnool. good a response to Janata based on the feedback. had failed miserably to con- Kurnool doctor, who was ment for not implementing on to trace and isolate them as Minister said. He emphasised The Chief Minister made it Bazaars. Ministers Alla Nani, Botsa tain the spread of Covid–19. announced negative first, and the guidelines of the Central well. A GHMC team was that the health department clear that guidelines laid down Municipal Administration Satyanarayana, Kurasala He expressed concern over 70 later positive. government to contain the deputed into service to take up should be well equipped with by the Central government Minister Botsa Satyanarayana Kannababu, Chief Secretary per cent of cases are being He said that the govern- virus. The government sanitation works in the colony necessary infrastructure to should be strictly followed said feedback is being collect- Neelam Sawhney, Special identified in Kurnool, Guntur, ment should send ministers should accord permission to and to reassure the residents tackle such disasters. Jagan while ensuring the social dis- ed from public in regard to Chief Secretary Jawahar Chittoor and Krishna. He concerned to their con- a few hospitals to treat emer- not to worry. Efforts have been instructed officials to set up tancing and allow operations of Covid-19 preventive mea- Reddy were among those pre- suggested that health emer- stituency to monitor the sit- gency cases, he said. launched to trace the infection. testing labs in the remaining the agriculture sector. sures in corporations, sanita- sent at the review meeting. gency be declared in those uation. Due to the negli- He further stated that the four districts and deploy spe- gence of ruling party leaders, government should provide cial teams. the number of cases in the insurance of Rs 50 lakh to Speaking on the occasion, State has been increased and frontline journos working he pointed out that the gov- criminal cases should be filed during the Covid-19 lock- Vellampalli warns of action ernment failed to prevent the against them. down. He recalled that cases virus from community spread Problems of farmers were registered against media in these places and said that should be solved by provid- agencies for reporting facts on against lockdown violators the ruling party MLAs and ing monitory assistance of Rs Covid-19 and demanded a ministers are violating the 25,000 per acre, he demand- concrete action to contain the n PNS VIJAYAWADA Endowments Minister lockdown norms and serving ed and added that the govern- spread of the virus. People violating lockdown Velampalli Srinivas rules will not be spared and expressed concern stern action will be taken over 24 persons being against them, warned Minister transmitted with AP has lowest for Endowments Velampalli Covid–19 virus from Cow vigilantes booked... Srinivas. one single person in percentage of Speaking at a review here on Continued from Page 1 is that? Did he kill someone or Saturday, he expressed concern Krishna Lanka area. cases, says what?” over 24 persons being trans- He said that the After drawing flak for their In the viral video, the lathi mitted with Covid–19 virus negligence of one Rainfall brings respite action, a day later, the Ghatkesar wielding vigilantes were clearly from one single person in person resulted in 24 Jawahar Reddy police registered a case against a seen on the verge of attacking the Krishna Lanka area. He said suffering from the Continued from Page 1 group of 10 persons for abusing brothers. Comments were heard that the negligence of one per- dreadful virus from lockdown blues the duo under Sections 188, wherein the mob were inciting son resulted in 24 suffering “With the recent recruit- 341,339 and 504 r/w 145 of the each other to attack Hafiz, who from the dreadful virus. Ramzan. Brahmin PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM According to the IMD, rainfall ment notification, the State Indian Penal Code. is forced to open the bag and The person, who was not Corporation Chairman Municipal Commissioner activity is likely to increase Government recruited According to the police, Abdul show them the contents of the identified by officials, reported- Malladi Vishnu said that peo- Prasanna Venkatesh said that Heavy rain accompanied by over Andhra Pradesh and 1,170 medical staff especial- Hafiz, along with his cousin bag. ly arranged a gambling den at his ple are gathering in huge num- pulses, cooking oil, black gram thunderstorms lashed the State Telangana from April 25 for ly for Covid cases, and Yakub, was on Friday returning Two policemen arrived at the place resulting in 24 persons bers for essential commodities; and other commodities, which with Visakhapatnam recording the subsequent four days. deployed them to the vari- to their home in Begumpet from scene to intervene, but only testing positive. Likewise, therefore, it would be better if would last for one month highest 8 cm rainfall. Both Thunderstorms, hailstorms, ous districts based on the Bhongir and had some beef with acted against the brothers by women and children at Karmika essential commodities are sup- worth Rs 1,000 would be sup- Coastal Andhra and lightning, gusty winds and severity of the pandemic sit- them. On their way back, they whisking them away and not dis- Nagar played a game in their plied at their doorstep, he sug- plied to people with the money Rayalaseema regions wit- heavy rainfall are also likely uation. In addition to this, were stopped by a group of per- persing the mob. The visuals house, which resulted in the gested. being distributed by the gov- nessed rainfall. over these regions during this as many as 22,600 people sons at Edulabad village in show one of them beating Haziz's spread of the virus in that area. He said that dialysis patients ernment. This facility is being With people lockeddown at period. including NCC, NSS, phar- Ghatkesar. cousin with a lathi, reportedly to The minister visited the and others should be provid- extended to 14,000 families in their homes due to the pan- Moreover, a low pressure macists, the general public A video shot by one of the per- punish him for violating the areas in Krishna Lanka and ed with necessary medical Red Zone areas in the city. demic with the temperature area is likely to develop over have come forward and reg- petrators was uploaded on twit- lockdown rules. The video ends Karmika Nagar, which were facilities and added that ESI Commissioner of Police rising and the humidity, too, south Andaman Sea and istered for voluntary ser- ter by Amjedullah Khan of the with the cops taking away Hafiz announced as Red Zone areas hospital authorities are refer- Dwaraka Tirumala Rao the evening rain on Saturday adjoining southeast Bay of vices. We are extremely Majlis Bachao Tehreek, asking and his cousin on bikes. on Friday, and instructed offi- ring the cases to Guntur warned that the Coronavirus has cooled down the weather Bengal around April 30. It is overwhelmed and thankful the police why then men with The Ghatkesar police cials not to spare anyone, who General Hospital. would wreak havoc in the city drastically. Power was discon- likely to become more marked for this huge response from lathis were not asked to leave booked Hafiz, for violating the did not follow the lockdown In turn, Collector Md Imtiaz if the citizens did not follow the nected for an hour and some over the same region subse- the public,” he said. since they too were violating the lockdown rules and travelling procedure particularly in Red said that dialysis patients lockdown norms. Referring telecom tower also suffered quently. Initially it is likely to He stated that the govern- lockdown. beyond the permitted 3 km to Zone areas. would be provided facilities in to cases reported in damage. move north-northwestward ment was focusing on The video shows a group of buy essentials. His vehicle has The minister thanked the private hospitals. Another dial- Krishnalanka, Karmika Nagar, The pre-monsoon rain, and then north-northeastward extensive testing, where AP men with lathis threatening the also been seized but no action Muslim brethren for cooperat- ysis facility would be started at Khuddus Nagar, he said that which takes place from March towards Myanmar-southeast stands first in the country brothers. A person among the was taken against the mob ing with the administration in the government dental hospi- people did not maintain social to May, has witnessed a dry Bangladesh coasts during sub- with an average of 1,147 mob pointed to the gunny bag on until the next day following observing the holy month of tal soon, he said. distancing in these areas. spell except a few drizzles. sequent 3-4 days. tests per million people. Hafiz's scooter and asked “What social media outrage. Frontline health workers among new Covid-19 cases Cases in Telangana continue to dip Continued from Page 1 3 each. Anantapur 34, West Godavari Continued from Page 1 19, the Centre has said there is He said the picture the gov- AP is now second to Tamil 30, YSR Kadapa 27, East no spike in fever and pneumo- ernment has presented is the real Five other colleagues of the Srikakulam’s three positive Nadu in number of Covid-19 Godavari 25 and three cases The month-long lockdown nia cases, no flooding of ICUs picture of Covid-19 in the coun- biomedical engineer, however cases but top in the number of each from Visakhapatnam and has been immensely beneficial with patients and that other try largely, and there is no under- tested negative for the virus. deaths (31) in south India, Srikakulam. for India and prevented a US or data-sets indicate there is noth- current to conclude that the viral These staffers were attached cases laced with mystery with the former reporting The AP government has Europe-like situation from mate- ing to suggest a large-scale spread infection is unchecked and that to the AP Medical Services and Continued from Page 1 drop of three positive cases, 1,755 cases and 22 deaths as of sounded a high alert in rialising in the country, some of viral infection in the country. it has spread. "There is nothing Infrastructure Development Srikakulam police department Friday. Kurnool, Guntur, Chittoor and experts say. They say that impor- V.K. Paul, Chairman of this sort in the country,” Dr Corporation. Following a directive from has decided to implement lock- According to official sources, Krishna districts in the state as tantly, the lockdown has given Empowered Group 1, said: "The Paul said. The latest government bul- Srikakulam Collector J.Nivas, down rules strictly in the entire the state is at the bottom these districts have been wit- India 30 day to prepare health utilisation of PM Jan Arogya Dr Paul said only a minor letin said 26 patients were dis- nearly 70 persons are suspect- Patapatnam mandal which is among five southern states in nessing a surge in Covid-19 services and other support ser- Package (PM-JAY) indicates, as refinement could be made in the charged from hospitals after ed to have come in contact with also very close to the neigh- terms of recovery rate with 16.8 positive cases day by day. The vices to face the onslaught (of the also other data-sets say, there is picture that "we have projected". recovery. the man over the last one bouring Odisha State. per cent. positive cases in all these four virus) even if it was to come in nothing of this sort. Our routine "The disease is under control Significantly, the north month and have been sent to Meanwhile, the district While Kerala is on top with districts contribute to about 66 the ensuing days. Telangana has surveillance of pneumonia and and it is limited, and the effort by coastal district of Srikakulam a quarantine facility. According administration confirmed that 73.6 per cent recovery, Tamil percent of the total cases been consistently seeing a decline high fever shows that there is no the government, including the also joined the list on Saturday, to sources, his mother-in-law is 1,422 people out of 1,445 for- Nadu comes next with 49.3 per reported across the state till in the number of cases, despite spike as such. Nobody has heard major decision of lockdown, has registering its first three cases a vegetable seller and continued eign returnees had tested neg- cent. AP still has 814 "active" now. Hyderabad (and also Kurnool about ICUs being flooded with helped effectively to bring the out- after remaining free of the her business till the lockdown ative. They also completed 28 coronavirus cases after the dis- Officials urged the public and Guntur in AP) featuring in patients and long queues being break under control. We are infection all these days. rules came into force on March days of quarantine. The district charge of 171 patients and staying in Red Zones to confine 27 high case load districts in the formed outside hospitals. A ready to move on to the next stage The district did not report a 24. Officials said that they administration collected 4,439 death of 31. themselves home. They were country. study was done on drug utilisa- in our fight against Covid-19,” he single case of Covid-19 till have begun contact tracing of samples and 3,280 were con- Between Friday and also asked to strictly follow NITI Aayog chairman tion whether the consumption of said. Reacting to the testing strat- Friday, sources added. the persons whom they had firmed as negative. The results Saturday, 6,928 samples were lockdown rules and other pre- Amitabh Kant said, “The 27 high medicines, in connection with egy, Dr Paul said: "We have had After Kurnool and Guntur come in contact with between of as many as 1,159 samples are tested the highest per day ventive measures like social case load districts of India where fever and cough, has increased a nuanced approach for testing in districts, Krishna is now fast March 19 and 24. In the back- awaited. count so far while the aggregate distancing and using face the battle against Coronavirus is But even this did not happen.” our country, the testing strategy becoming the pandemic's number of tests till date was masks. The government will being fought through contact The response came on a query has evolved in accordance with hotbed in the state as 25 fresh 61,266. take care of all the essentials tracing, testing, isolation and on the testing capacity of the the changing situation. If the sit- cases were registered in the last Incidentally, the two dis- affected by Covid-19, yet. As per the bulletin the active like food, medicines for the treatment. We must win in these country, where over 5 lakh tests uation demands, we will modify 24 hours. tricts registered one new Anantapur registered five cases in the state are 814, of public staying in these red districts. Our ability to complete- have already been done for and recalibrate our testing strat- There was no let up in Covid-19 death each, the bul- fresh cases in the last 24 hours, which Kurnool reported 259, zones. Gram volunteers will ly flatten the curve depends on Covid-19. Dr Paul said that egy. We have enough testing as Corona spread in Kurnool as letin said. followed by Kadapa and SPS followed by Guntur 178, help to deliver essentials to the our rapid success in these dis- after a the testing was scaled up, per the existing situation. We have 14 more cases were added, tak- Vizianagaram is now the Nellore with four each and East Krishna 90 and SPS Nellore 63, public in these Red Zones, at tricts.” Allaying fears over "We have not seen an increase in already put in all efforts to ing the total to 275. only district in AP not to be Godavari and Guntur districts Chittoor 62, Prakasam 40, their doorstep. unchecked spread of the Covid- the proportion of positive cases". increase our testing capacity.”. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 nation 04 Rajya Sabha spends 28% time on SHORT READS making laws, 40% on debates PNS n NEW DELHI making of laws for the country, This trend analysis which includes 24.05 pc of the The Rajya Sabha spends 40 per was undertaken time spent on consideration Central team suggests cent of its functional time on after RS Chairman and passing of the government strict implementation deliberating issues of public M Venkaiah Naidu bills and 3.52 pc on Private importance, 32 per cent on Members' Bills. of lockdown in Bengal ensuring accountability of the sought to know During the period executive and 28 per cent in details of time the survey was undertaken, the Kerala govt hospital KOLKATA: A central team visit- making laws, a survey has House spent 3,429 hours on ing north Bengal to assess the revealed. spent by the House consideration and passing of COVID-19 situation wrote to the The first-of-its-kind analysis on its three funct- Government Bills and 489 West Bengal government on deploys robot to serve Saturday, suggesting stricter conducted by the Rajya Sabha ions — the legi- hours on Private Members' implementation of lockdown Secretariat also reveals that Bills. slative, oversight there. Two central teams are the Upper House functioned The time spent on and deliberative COVID-19 patients visiting the state — one in Kol- for 340 hours per year. Government Bills ranged from kata and the other at Siliguri in PNS n KOCHI During 1978-2018, the 10.87 pc of the total time in Ernakulam district public rela- north Bengal. In a letter to Chief House clocks 77 per cent pro- 2015 to 40.09 pc in 2002. tions department said in a release. Secretary Rajiva Sinha, the cen- ductivity and 23 per cent loss for the 41-year period since President's Address, The Zero Hour and Special However, this has touched a A government hospital in The robot is developed by ASI- tral team in north Bengal, led by of time, the survey reveals. 1978 for which required data is General Discussion on the Mentions took about 10 pc of record high of 45.90 pc during Ernakulam here has deployed a MOV robotics, a company work- senior bureaucrat Vineet Joshi, The analysis on utilisation of available. Budgets, Short duration discus- the time of the House. the historic 250th Session of robot to serve food and medicines ing under maker village of Kerala said more field officers are time during the sessions by the This trend analysis was sions, Zero Hour and Special The Oversight function of Rajya Sabha in winter last year, to coronavirus patients with an start-up mission. "Dispensing required to monitor and provide Rajya Sabha revealed that the undertaken after Rajya Sabha Mentions, Discussion on work- the House is ensured through when a record 15 Bills were aim to reduce risk of infections for food, medicine, collecting the feedback about the effectiveness House spends 40.20 per cent of Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu ing of Ministries etc. Questions (time share of 14.19 passed with the House spend- doctors and health workers. trash used by the patients, per- of various measures undertaken its functional time on deliber- sought to know details of time While the general discussion pc), Calling Attention Notices ing 49.08 hours out of the total Malayalam star Mohanlal's forming disinfection, enable by the government. "As an ating various issues of public spent by the House on its on the Budgets took a share of (7.11 pc), Statements of session time of 107.05 hours Viswasanthi Foundation donat- video call between the doctor and immediate measure, it is importance, followed by 32.22 three functions — the legisla- 7.08 pc of the total functional Ministers on various issues during this landmark session. ed the autonomous robot to the patients etc are the main respon- suggested that stricter pc in ensuring the accountabil- tive, oversight and deliberative. time of Rajya Sabha during (6.33 pc), Private Members' During 1978-2018, COVID-19 ward of the Ernaku- sibilities of the robot", the release implementation of lockdown is ity of the executive and 27.57 The deliberative functions of 1978-2018, the share of discus- Resolutions (3.16 pc), Half an Rajya Sabha held 3,022 sittings lam government medical college said. The purpose of this project absolutely necessary to avoid pc in making laws. Rajya Sabha include taking up sion on the Motion of Thanks Hour Discussions (1.25 pc), the and transacted business for a hospital. The robot named is to limit the interaction between any further outbreak. A larger This pattern of time use by issues of public importance and comes to 4.36 pc while 3.93 pc survey reveals. total of 13,946 hours as against ‘KARMI-Bot' will be used to COVID-19 patients and health number of field officers are the Upper House is an outcome concerns under various instru- of the time was spent dis- In an indication of the broad the total available time of assist patients at the medical col- workers as well as to address the required to monitor and provide of the analysis undertaken by ments like discussion on the cussing the functioning of var- trend, Rajya Sabha spent 27.57 18,132 hours averaging 6 work- lege's COVID-19 isolation ward shortage of PPE kits by minimiz- feedback about the effectiveness the Rajya Sabha Secretariat Motion of Thanks to the ious Ministries. pc of its functional time on ing hours per sitting. from Saturday onwards,the ing its use, it said. of various measures undertaken by the government," Joshi said in his letter to the CS. J-K govt revokes Plasma therapy trials for corona 200 shanties gutted in major fire 3-hour wait for 70 PSA of 28 people COVID patients outside PNS n SRINAGAR patients begin in Karnataka in Nashik slum; no casualty Saifai University The Jammu and Kashmir ETAWAH (UP): A group of 70 PNS n BENGALURU government has revoked the PNS n NASHIK COVID patients shifted from stringent Public Safety Act Agra had to wait for close to The Karnataka government (PSA) against 28 people Over 200 shanties were gutted in three hours outside a govern- on Saturday commenced con- lodged in jails within and out- a major fire that broke out at a ment hospital here, and they valescent plasma therapy clin- side the Union territory, offi- slum in Bhadrakali area of moved around on a road out- ical trials for 'severe' coron- cials said on Saturday. Nashik in Maharashtra on side the campus before being avirus patients in the state. In A prominent name to fig- Saturday, police said. allowed in, police said on Satur- a tweet, Medical Education ure in the list is Mohammad The fire erupted around 9.30 day. The Saifai Medical Univer- Minister K Sudhakar said, Yasin Khan, head of the am in Bheemwadi slum area. sity authorities have blamed the "Happy to announce the com- Kashmir Traders and There was no report of any loss Thursday morning incident on a mencement of Clinical Trials Manufacturing Federation of life in the incident, police said. “communication gap” with the for Plasma Therapy that holds (KTMF) and the Kashmir However, some fire bridge Agra administration. Police said great promise to treat severe- Economic Alliance (KEA), personnel suffered minor the patients were brought to the ly infected #COVID19 they added. injuries during the firefighting Saifai facility from Agra on patients. Hundreds of people, operation, a police official said. Thursday around 04.00 am, but Health Min @sriramulubjp including mainstream lead- "Over 200 shanties were they had to wait on the road & I initiated this significant Convalescent Plasma Therapy from COVID-19 have been ers, were detained and gutted in the blaze. The fire roads in city are barricaded due sonnel in the rescue operation. outside the campus before the step at Victoria Hospital today was only for patients who are appealed to come forward as booked under the PSA after spread quickly after some LPG to the coronavirus lockdown, the "Although no loss of life was police facilitated their entry. morning." critical, in intensive care units donors, as anti-bodies of cured August 5 last year when the cylinders exploded. The entire vehicles took some time to reach reported in the mishap, some fire Circle Officer Chandrapal Singh The Minister, who is also or on ventilator. patients will be used to treat Centre revoked the special area was enveloped in thick the spot. The fire was brought brigade personnel suffered said the patients were brought leading government efforts Donors have also come for- critically ill under this therapy. status of the erstwhile state black smoke for some time," under control within three minor injuries," the official said. in three ambulances and a bus, against COVID-19 in ward for this, he had said. According to last update, of Jammu and Kashmir and the official said. hours," he said. Police said that the affected and waited for three hours Bengaluru and is in charge of According to officials, five COVID-19 patients are in bifurcate it into Union ter- "Around 20 fire tenders were Local residents helped the families from the slum have been outside the campus. He said the state war room had said patients who have recovered ICU in the state. ritories. rushed to the spot. As several police and the fire brigade per- shifted to a civic-run school. some locals informed the police that the coronavirus-infected patients had got off the vehicles and were moving around on a HC gives 2 weeks to 5 Small-scale shops can open, road outside the hospital. Special court rejects DSGMC schools to pay says Kerala Chief Secretary Teltumbde's interim PNS n THIRUVANANTHAPURAM bail plea salary arrears of teachers MUMBAI: A special court here PNS n NEW DELHI Kerala Chief Secretary Tom on Saturday remanded activist Jose on Saturday said the Anand Teltumbde to judicial The Delhi High Court has small-scale shops in the state custody in the Elgar Parishad- granted two weeks' time to five can be opened in accordance Maoist link case and rejected his schools run by the Delhi Sikh with the Centre's order on eas- plea for temporary bail, which Gurdwara Management ing of lockdown protocol. UP seer demands he sought in view of the COVID- Committee (DSGMC) to pay In a late night order on 19 outbreak. The National salary arrears to its teachers, Friday, the Home Ministry Investigation Agency had arre- some of whom have not been said neighbourhood and opening of Badrinath sted the Dalit scholar on April paid since December last year. standalone shops, including 14 after he surrendered before it A bench of justices Vipin those in residential complex- PNS n MATHURA open on April 30, but the date following the Supreme Court's Sanghi and Sangita Dhingra es, in urban areas have been nas been postponed to May 15 directives. Teltumbde, the Sehgal said "there can be no jus- the affected teachers. allowed to open during the is no exemption in hotspots," tancing must be implemented A seer in Uttar Pradesh's due the coronavirus pandemic. grandson-in-law of Dalit icon Dr tification for non-payment of With the direction, the ongoing lockdown but those in Jose told reporters. properly and use of masks are Mathura city on Saturday "At a time when the country B R Ambedkar, was produced salaries" when fees were being court listed the matter for the markets continue to Chief Secretary also said a must. demanded that the Uttarakhand is facing COVID-19 crisis, every before special NIA court judge A charged from the students. May 11, when the schools remain shut till May 3. the Centre has issued a detailed Already, vegetable and government revoke its decision effort should be made to please T Wankehede, who remanded The schools had contended will have to show that they The order also said malls order on what kind of shops shops, mobile shops, medical of postponing the opening of the the deity," Dwarka Sharda him to judicial custody. The that the salaries could not be have complied with the order. continue to remain shut but can be opened. Small-scale shops, bakeries, take-way and Badrinath shrine and said Peethadheeshwar Jagatguru activist then sought temporary paid as fee arrears from stu- The order came on appeals markets in rural areas can textile shops, fancy shops and parcel service including home "changing the auspicious date Shankaracharya Swaroopanand bail citing the COVID-19 pande- dents had accumulated. filed by the teachers of the five open. "Essential commodity other establishments under delivery from hotels are means inviting wrath of the Saraswati said. mic. In his bail application, The bench rejected the con- schools located at Fateh Nagar, shops and grocery stores can Shops andEstablishment Act opened in the state. In rural deity". "Change in opening date of Teltumbde said he was suffering tention and granted the schools Tilak Nagar, Nanak Piao, be opened. But jewellery shops can be opened. areas, all shops, except those in The portals of the Badrinath Badrinath shrine virtually means from respiratory problems and two weeks' time to "positively Hargobind Enclave and India and such establishments can- However, state government shopping malls, are allowed to temple in the Garhwal inviting wrath of the deity," he was at risk of contracting the clear and pay all the arrears" to Gate here. not be opened. However, there has informed that social dis- open. Himalayas were scheduled to added. deadly infection while in prison. Prison inmates across JK manufacture Chandan Yatra, Akshaya Tritiya festivals to face masks; target 1 lakh masks take place inside Jagannath temple premises PNS n JAMMU PNS n BHUBANESWAR Nischalananda Saraswati on Hundreds of inmates in prisons On the possibility of Friday night, Deb said. across Jammu and Kashmir The annual "Chandan Yatra" holding the "According to the advice of have volunteered and joined and "Akshaya Tritiya" festivals of Jagannath Yatra as Guruji (Shankaracharya), it has efforts to fight the coronavirus Lord Jagannath will be held per schedule on been decided to conduct both pandemic with mass produc- inside the temple premises in Akshaya Tritiya and the tion of face masks in jail premis- Puri on Sunday, but the rituals June 23, Deb said a Chandan Yatra on the temple es, officials said on Saturday. will be performed by the priests decision in this premises. The Guruji said the tra- They said the prisoners and servitors and no devotees regard will be taken dition of the temple should be started manufacturing the high will be allowed in due to the lock- after May 3. The maintained and the centuries-old quality polypropylene masks down imposed to curb the spread rituals cannot stop," Deb told last month after the prisons of coronavirus, the temple man- extended nation- reporters. department's proposal got the agement committee head said on wide lockdown is He had earlier said the temple nod of the Lt Governor G C Saturday. slated to end on administration will not under- Murmu administration which Jammu divisions is going on in market ahead of the nation- The two festivals are consid- Singha Deb, who heads the tem- old religious event plunged into May 3 take any activities outside the has called for universal usage full swing under the watch and wide lockdown which came ered important because they ple management board, said. uncertainty following the temple premises in view of the of face covers to contain the guidance of the concerned Jail into effect on March 24. mark the beginning of the prepa- On the possibility of holding COVID-19 outbreak. ongoing shutdown. spread of the contagious dis- Superintendents and we are "The DG prisons took the rations for the world famous the Jagannath Yatra as per sched- Akshaya Tritiya, which heralds "It is the longest festival of Lord Apart from Deb, members of ease in the Union Territory. targeting to produce one lakh matter to the government. Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's ule on June 23, Deb said a deci- the beginning of the construction Jagannath that is held for 42 days the Jagannath Temple Manage- Jammu and Kashmir has masks by the month end," a Experts in the drug controller pilgrimage city. sion in this regard will be taken of chariots for the annual yatra, in two phases," Bhaskar Mishra, ment Committee, including recorded six coronavirus deaths senior official told PTI. department were also con- The Shree Jagannath temple of after May 3. The extended is held at the "Rath Khala" out- a researcher on the Jagannath Shree Jagannath Temple so far – four in the Valley and He said the Director sulted before the commence- Puri is dedicated to Lord nationwide lockdown is slated to side the temple, while the temple culture, said. Administration (SJTA) chief one each in Udhampur and General of Prisons, V K Singh, ment of the work which saw Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. end on May 3. Chandan Yatra is organised in a The decision to organise the administrator Krishan Kumar, Baramulla districts with near- responded positively to the the inmates manufacturing "The rituals will be performed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tank in Puri. "During the festivals inside the temple premis- the district collector and super- ly 450 others infected in the proposal of the prisoners who over 1,000 masks on an aver- by selected priests and servitors held discussions with Prime Chandan Yatra or 'sandalwood es was taken during the temple intendent of police (SP) of Puri, union territory. came forward to lend their ser- age daily despite facing short- but devotees will not be allowed Minister Narendra Modi on voyage' of Lord Jagannath, managing committee's meeting met the Shankaracharya to seek "The mask-making inside vices after hearing about the age of cloth in the early stages," to enter the temple premises," Friday over organising the Rath images of the deity are floated on with Govardhan Peeth his advice on how to conduct the the jails in both Kashmir and shortage of masks in the open the official said. Gajapati Maharaj of Puri Divya Yatra this year, as the centuries- a boat in a sacred tank in Puri. Shankaracharya Swami rituals amid the lockdown. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 nation 05 SHORT READS Standalone shops of garments, mobiles Central teams assess COVID-19 situation allowed to open during lockdown in Ahmedabad, Surat PNS n NEW DELHI tory" will be allowed to func- Union Home Secre- tion, the order said. Neighbourhood and stand- tary Ajay Bhalla said In a statement on Saturday, Lt guv stresses on alone shops, including those in the Friday night the home ministry said the selling garments, mobile order that "all shops, order implies that in rural social distancing to phones, hardware and sta- including neighbour- areas, all shops, except those in fight COVID-19 tionery items have been shopping malls are allowed to allowed to open but those hood shops and sta- open. JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir located in market places, malls ndalone shops, shops In urban areas, all stand- Lt Governor G C Murmu on and COVID-19 hotspot and in residential comple- alone shops, neighbourhood Saturday greeted the people on containment zones, will contin- xes, within the limits shops and shops in residential the commencement of the holy n ue to remain shut till May 3. of municipal corporat- complexes are allowed to open. PNS AHMEDABAD cially serious". month of Ramzan and hoped In rural areas, all shops, Shops in markets and mar- Till Friday evening, that this auspicious period except those in single and ions and municipali- ket complexes and shopping Separate central teams visited Ahmedabad district reported would be a harbinger of peace, multi-brand shopping malls, ties, registered under malls are not allowed to open. Ahmedabad and Surat cities in 1,821 coronavirus positive cases, amity, brotherhood, progress, are allowed to open. the the Shops and "It is clarified that sale by e- Gujarat on Saturday to take stock while the number of such and prosperity in the Union While allowing these shops commerce companies will con- of the COVID-19 situation in patients in Surat district is 462. Territory. In a message, Murmu Establishment Act of to open, a move seen as a relief the respective State tinue to be permitted for essen- these two districts, officials said. As many as 83 patients have died said the holy month of Ramzan to people who have been under tial goods only," the order said The teams held talks with in Ahmedabad, while 14 others is a period dedicated to fasting, lockdown since March 24, the allowed to open as these ren- ing the lockdown. and UT" will be and also added that sale of senior officials, including collec- succumbed to the infection in service, and prayers and it government order issued on der services and do not fall The ministry also said shops allowed to open liquor and other items contin- tors, civic chiefs, police commis- Surat district. underscores the values of Friday night said that the shops under the shop category. located in registered markets during the lockdown ues to be prohibited as speci- sioners in Ahmedabad and "The central teams held dis- austerity, patience, tolerance will be functioning with 50 per Amending its April 15 order, located outside the municipal fied in the national directives Surat, they said. cussions with senior officials of and self-restraint which are cent of workforce and after Union Home Secretary Ajay corporations and municipali- for COVID-19 management. Both the inter-ministerial the local administrations in the imperative in practicing social adhering strictly to precau- Bhalla said in the Friday night ties can open after following respective State/UT, including The ministry said that liquor central teams (IMCT) are head- two hotspot cities on issues like distancing and mitigating the tions which include social dis- order that "all shops, including the drill of social distancing shops in residential complex- shops were given licence under ed by Additional Secretary-level rising cases of coronavirus and spread of coronavirus infection. tancing and wearing of masks. neighbourhood shops and stand- and wearing of masks but with es and market complexes, the Excise Act of the states and officers. implementation of lockdown "This holy month of Ramzan The Union Home Ministry alone shops, shops in residential 50 per cent of strength. except shops in multi-brand the establishments thrown The visit comes a day after the measures," official sources said. will bind us all together and also said malls, liquor and ciga- complexes, within the limits of However, single and multi- and single brand malls, outside open from Saturday were cov- Ministry of Home Affairs The Surat team held talks spread peace, harmony, and rette shops, sale of non-essential municipal corporations and brands shall continue to the limits of municipal corpo- ered under the Shops and (MHA) said that the coronavirus with state Chief Secretary Anil brotherhood in the Union items through e-commerce plat- municipalities, registered under remain closed in these areas rations and municipalities, with Establishment Act of the states. situation in Ahmedabad, Surat, Mukim through video-confer- territory and our nation," he forms continue to remain shut. the the Shops and Establishment also. "All shops registered 50 per cent strength of work- Sale of cigarettes, gutka are Thane (Maharashtra), ence, during which they dis- said. Restaurants, hair salons and Act of the respective State and under the the Shops and ers with wearing of masks and continue to be prohibited dur- Hyderabad (Telangana) and cussed the condition of migrant barber shops will not be UT" will be allowed to open dur- Establishment Act of the social distancing being manda- ing the lockdown. Chennai (Tamil Nadu) is "espe- workers stuck in Surat. Cong seeks Goa CM's apology on reduction in culture dept spend Tripura announces Formulate a national plan PANAJI: The Congress on austerity measures to President's secretary Sanjay Kothari is new CVC Saturday demanded an apology n from Goa Chief Minister reduce expenditure for handling coronavirus PNS NEW DELHI entire process needs to be Pramod Sawant on his scrapped in its entirety, a de- n statement that the state PNS AGARTALA Sanjay Kothari, the secretary to novo process needs to be insti- government would slash crisis: Congress to govt the president, was on Saturday tuted, a fresh search committee budgetary allocation for the Art In view of the economic appointed the Central Vigilance needs to be constituted which is n and Culture department to help crisis due to the COVID-19 PNS NEW DELHI Commissioner, according to a not conflicted. Applications the economy in view of the outbreak, the Tripura govern- Rashtrapati Bhavan commu- need to be invited afresh," he COVID-19 crisis. "Sawant must ment has announced a series The Congress on Saturday nique. had said. immediately withdraw his of austerity measures to urged the government to for- The post of the chief of the Without naming anyone, statement and apologise to the reduce its expenditure and mulate a national plan for Central Vigilance Commission Tewari had said that a man who artists' community of Goa. It is focused on optimum utilisa- handling the coronavirus cri- (CVC), the country's anti-cor- is not an applicant and whose unfortunate that the chief tion of the central schemes to sis under the Disaster ruption watchdog, was lying candidature was not considered minister did not utter a word ease burden on the state Management Act. vacant since June last year after Minister Narendra Modi among Kothari's appointment to the by the search committee beyond about the hard times faced by exchequer. Senior Congress leader Kapil K V Chowdary completed his others. top post of the probity watchdog the applicants and who is not various artists in Goa after the "All government office Sibal said at a press conference tenure. The name of Kothari was rec- now may further escalate a war shortlisted is cleared for appoint- lockdown was announced (on expenses and other contingent via video-conferencing that it "At a ceremony held today at ommended by a high-level of words between the ruling ment as next Central Vigilance March 24). "All the programs, budget expenditure would is time the government should 1030 hrs at Rashtrapati Bhavan, selection panel headed by the party and opposition Congress. Commissioner. dramas, concerts, weddings etc have to be reduced by a min- rethink on lockdown mea- Sanjay Kothari was sworn in as prime minister in February. Reacting on his appointment, He had also pointed out that got cancelled which has imum of 15 percent," it said. sures as the country cannot the Central Vigilance Commi- The move was then opposed by Congress spokesperson Manish one of the applicants and short- rendered thousands of artists All departments were also have the "lockdown of people ssioner," the communique said. Congress that had termed the Tewari had in February listed persons by the search jobless. The future of artists is asked to make "optimum util- and lockout of the economy". Sibal alleged that bureau- Kothari, 63, made and sub- process adopted for the appoint- demanded initiation of a fresh committee was a members of bleak as no one knows when isation" of contingent budgets He also called upon the crats, who do not have any scribed the oath of his office ment of the Central Vigilance process for appointing the the panel. Kothari, a 1978-batch this pandemic will come to an of different centrally- spon- judiciary to evolve a policy to idea about ground realities, before the president, it said. The Commissioner "illegal, unlawful Central Vigilance Commissio- IAS officer of Haryana cadre, end," said Goa Pradesh sored welfare schemes so that ensure that the justice delivery were formulating policy for swearing-in ceremony was and unconstitutional" and ner by inviting applications retired in June 2016 as secretary, Congress Committee no pressure comes on the state system is considered an essen- the government during the attended by Vice President M demanded immediate scrap- again. the Department of Personnel spokesman Siddhanath Buyao. government. tial service during such crisis. lockdown. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime ping of the decision. "What we demand is that the and Training.

Journalist among 15 new cases in K'taka Five of family found One-day-old baby treated ENTIRE DELHI NOT A HOTSPOT BENGALURU: A journalist is among the 15 new coronavirus Delhi health minister on cases reported in Karnataka, dead in a house in UP taking the total number of for rare congenital anomaly infections to 489, the state n government said on Saturday. PNS JAMMU lockdown relaxations "Fifteen new positive cases n have been reported from last Doctors at Pathankot Military PNS NEW DELHI evening till this noon...Till date Hospital in Punjab had to 489 COVID-19 positive cases treat a one-day-old baby with Delhi Health Minister Satyendar have been confirmed. This rare congenital anomaly of Jain on Saturday said there are includes 18 deaths and 153 intestines without a pediatri- 92 coronavirus hotspots in the discharges," the department cian as they could not arrange national capital but the entire city said in its mid-day situation one due to the lockdown, a is not a hotspot. update. Medical Education defense spokesperson said on Jain was replying to a query Minister K Sudhakar, who is Saturday. on whether the Delhi govern- also leading the government's The baby, born out of a cae- ment was considering easing the efforts against COVID-19 in PNS n ETAH (UP) Aarush (8), another child. sarian section last week, was curbs enforced to contain the Bengaluru and is in charge of Their bodies were found in one suspected to have spread of novel coronavirus. the state war room, in a tweet Bodies of five members of a room. The body of the Hirschsprung's Disease, Surgical specialist of ation on a newborn has been Delhi Chief Minister Arvind confirmed that one journalist family were found in a house woman's father-in-law 75-year- Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Pathankot Military Hospital performed at a zonal hospital Kejriwal had earlier this week from Bengaluru had tested in Singar Nagar locality here old Rajeshwar Pachauri was Col Devender Anand said in a Major Adil Abdul Kalam per- with no pediatric surgeon, said the lockdown will contin- positive. "#COVID19 Update: on Saturday, police said. found in the second floor of the statement. formed the intricate and chal- pediatric anesthesiologist or ue as usual in the national cap- The health minister also From 5 pm, 24th April till 12 On receiving information house, a police official said. He said a prompt diagnosis lenging operation of opening neonatologist. ital and no relaxation of prohi- said the rate at which coron- noon today A total of 489 that the body of a woman, He said there were injury was made but the condition of up the abdomen of the new "The operation was per- bitions will be allowed before a avirus cases are doubling in cases, 15 positives, 18 deaths Divya (37) was lying in the marks on the neck of the the baby was critical and he born baby who was on a ven- formed in emergency which review meeting of experts on Delhi has now slowed down to & 153 discharges. Positive house of her in-law, police woman while sulphas tablets was not fit for transfer to the tilator, Lt Col Anand said. even if delayed by a few min- April 27. 13 days, from lesser number of cases: 15 Bangalore Urban 6 rushed to the spot to find four and a bottle of disinfectant nearest pediatric surgery cen- He said this was for utes could have resulted in "There are 92 coronavirus days earlier. Delhi has so far wit- Belagavi 06 Mandya 01 more bodies. were found near other bodies. tre of the Armed Forces, the first time in the Armed exacerbation of multi organ hotspots in Delhi. The entire dis- nessed 2,514 coronavirus cases. Chikkaballapura 01 Dakshin The other deceased are Further investigation is on, Chandimandir, due to the Forces Medical Services failure, leading to death," the trict or the entire city is not (a These include 138 people diag- Kannada 01," he tweeted. Divya's sister Bulbul (27), son police said. coronavirus lockdown. wherein such an intricate oper- statement said. hotspot)," he said. nosed with COVID-19, he said. A girl without a jaw, her father with a back HC grants interim bail to retired injury wait outside AIIMS for lockdown to end BSF officer in case under SC/ST Act PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI enough for us to sustain for The father- around 15 days. But we are A retired BSF officer, who During meal distribution every daughter duo stuck here for so long and have feared of being vulnerable to day, Sneha Kumari hopes that the came to the run out of money. We can't coronavirus in jail due to his volunteers will dole out khichdi national capital even return to our country," age and existing ailments, has rather than any other dish. The said Kishore, who worked for an been granted interim bail for 45 semi-solid rice and lentil stew is from Nepal's NGO in Nepal. days by the Delhi High Court the only food she can swallow Parsa district in Unable to travel back to their in a case of allegedly making without having to chew, for the February for country because of restrictions in casteist remarks to a neighbour comfort of her dislocated jaw. people's movement, they now over a property dispute. "My jaw hurts due to which I Kumari's jaw live in a tent outside the hospi- Justice Brijesh Sethi, who can't eat food. Because of the surgery at the tal and depend on food distrib- conducted the hearing through pain, I only prefer something premier medical uted by the Delhi government, video-conferencing, granted ropolitan magistrate, if not senior citizen, sought the relief light like juice," said the 16-year- police and NGOs. the relief to the 65-year-old required in any other case," the on the ground that the dispute old who has been staying in a tent institution Kumari feels lucky on the man on furnishing a personal court said. between the parties was civil in outside the All India Institute of days when khichdi is on the bond of Rs 15,000. The man was accused in a nature and the allegations Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here they had replaced with metal Kishore, 39, himself cannot country after the Janta Curfew on menu as otherwise she has to stay "Considering the above facts case lodged at the Najafgarh against the petitioner were along with her father since the plates. walk without support from a March 22. We spoke to the doc- hungry. "If I try to eat dal-rice, my and circumstances of this case police station for offences false. They said earlier in 2006, lockdown began. "In February 2018, we came to stick due to a backbone injury for tors and they said nothing can be jaw hurts because of the effort and in the interest of justice, under the provisions of SC/ST similar allegations were lev- The father-daughter duo came Delhi after the Cancer Hospital which he underwent surgery in done about my daughter's con- made to chew," she said. while exercising the inherent Act and criminal trespass and elled against the petitioner. to the national capital from in Nepal referred my daughter to Nepal around four years ago. dition till the lockdown is in Not having any idea about if powers under section 482, criminal intimidation under The lawyers for the petition- Nepal's Parsa district in February AIIMS. The doctors here took Kumari's surgery, initially place," Kishore said. and when his daughter's surgery CrPC, the petitioner is grant- the Indian Penal Code (IPC). er said their client was 65 for Kumari's jaw surgery at the out the jawbone and placed a scheduled for February 25, was The metal plates in Kumari's will take place, Kishore longs to ed interim bail for a period of The casteist remarks were years of age and suffering premier medical institution. metal plate. They said that after postponed several times, finally jaw have now dislocated. In return home. "When the lock- 45 days. He be released on bail allegedly made during a fight from hypertension, and he be There was a tumour in her jaw one year, they will take a bone being rescheduled for March need of an urgent surgery, she is down will be removed, I will ask forthwith on furnishing a per- over an ongoing property dis- released on interim bail in view which doctors at the AIIMS from her leg and place it in her 24. mostly under enormous pain. someone in Nepal to put some sonal bond in the sum of Rs pute between the neighbours. of the COVID-19 pandemic as surgically removed two years ago jaw," said Nand Kishore, "But the Prime Minister "I had Rs 15,000 when I left money in my account so that we 15,000 to the satisfaction of the Advocates M K Ghosh and it was difficult to maintain along with her jawbone, which Kumari's father. imposed a lockdown in the Nepal and thought it would be can go back," he said. jail superintendent/duty met- Tina Garg, representing the social distancing in jail. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 money 06

CAPSULE Restoration 4G services in More clarity needed on J&K, demand rights groups

PNS n NEW DELHI The restriction of high-speed platforms to access life-saving BoB announces reopening of shops: RAI internet access has also imped- information provided by the Over 40 global rights groups, ed the work of human rights World Health Organisation ex-gratia, health part of a campaign #KeepItOn, defenders, journalists and (WHO) and other public cover for biz PNS n NEW DELHI said in a statement. on Friday demanded the other actors working in the health experts. While extending support to restoration of 4G services in region," the letter said. "Access to accurate informa- correspondents The Retailers Association of the government's efforts to Jammu and Kashmir, saying The coalition of these tion is indispensable in tack- New Delhi: State-owned Bank India (RAI) on Saturday said open up the retail sector, the the absence of high-speed groups which opposes internet ling the spread of COVID-19 of Baroda on Saturday said it the government's order to industry body further said, internet is hampering works of shutdown in any part of the and it must, therefore, be the will provide an ex-gratia allow reopening of neigh- "We at RAI are willing to doctors, journalists and others world said that the access to priority of every government. payment of Rs 10 lakh to the bourhood and standalone work with the government to amid the COVID-19 lock- information and the free-flow The internet is also playing a next of kin of business shops needs more clarity for make this process of opening down. of communications, includ- crucial role during the pan- correspondents (BCs) in case easier implementation, saying retail easier without com- In an open letter signed by ing for the media, is more cru- demic in allowing people to of loss of life due to COVID-19. it is open to interpretation as promising on social distanc- organisations like Access Now, cial than ever in the wake of carry out important activities It will also provide health terms like "market complex- ing norms." Committee to Protect the COVID-19 outbreak, while they avoid public spaces insurance cover of Rs 60,000 es" are not easily understood. RAI also reiterated its Journalists, Internet Without which continues to claim thou- since gathering facilitates the to the BCs. The bank has taken The retail industry body demand to open up all chan- Borders, Human Rights sands of lives spread of the virus," it said. steps for BCs' financial security, said keeping in mind the nels of retail to help both con- Watch, it is said that the globally, The total number of coron- in terms of ex-gratia payment of current environment and sumers and businesses during absence of 4G internet especially avirus cases in Jammu and Rs 10 lakh to the nominee in lessons learnt by opening up the lockdown. has particularly hin- given the Kashmir has risen to 454. case of loss of life due to of essential retail through "Keeping in mind the cur- dered the work of health novelty of While 57 cases are from the COVID-19, and health insurance the lockout, "we would rec- rent environment and lessons professionals who are the virus Jammu division, 397 are from facility of Rs 60,000 to each ommend that the govern- learnt by opening up of essen- on the front-lines com- and lack of a the Kashmir division, accord- active BC, it said in a statement. ment open up all channels of tial retail through the lockout, bating this global pan- vaccine. ing to officials. There are 340 Bank of Baroda said to ensure retail on a date that it feels we would recommend that demic. It said that the peo- active COVID-19 cases in maintenance of hygiene and safe with the social distancing The govt allowed opening of standalone the government open up all "Doctors in Jammu and ple are relying on the Jammu and Kashmir. A total of safety, it is also providing norms clearly defined" while channels of retail on a date Kashmir are struggling to internet and digital 109 patients have recovered additional support in tranches also asking for malls to be shops, including those located in that it feels safe with the access important informa- communi- and five have died due to to keep the BC points sanitised allowed to open. residential complexes social distancing norms clear- tion, often waiting hours cation coronavirus, they added. and clean through sanitisers, The government on Friday ly defined. Local authorities to download and access disinfectants, use of masks and night allowed opening of can ensure strict implemen- information such as People are relying on the other measures. In the first neighbourhood and stand- However, the order, signed closed till May 3. tation and action," it said. guidelines for inten- internet and digital tranche, Rs 2,000 was provided alone shops, including those by Union Home Secretary "We feel the current circu- Malls should also be sive care manage- communication to each active and functional BC located in residential com- Ajay Bhalla, made it clear that lar is open to interpretation allowed to open as they are ment of the platforms to access life- in the month of April 2020. plexes within municipal shops in market places, multi- and needs more clarity for professionally run and would virus and best areas, but at a 50 per cent brand and single-brand malls easier implementation - terms be able to control the envi- practices rec- saving information strength and after taking nec- located in municipality areas like market complexes are ronment for safety and social ommended by provided by the World essary precautions. shall continue to remain not easily understood," RAI distancing, RAI said. the WHO. Health Organisation

HDFC acquires 6.43 pc stake in Reliance Mansukh discusses biz JK Cement Pulses Capital receives nod Auto factories to reopen industry body New Delhi: Mortgage lender continuity plan with HDFC on Saturday said it has to commence IPGA donates acquired 6.43 per cent stake in with virus safeguards debt-trapped Reliance Capital by invoking pledged shares. maritime industry operations PNS n MEXICO CITY Rs 21 lakh These shares were acquired pursuant to invocation of PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI The Mexican government said PNS n NEW DELHI pledge by security trustee on Friday it plans to reopen auto- behalf of the corporation, Union Minister of State for JK Cement on Saturday said motive factories in conjunction India Pulses and Grains which was pledged against a Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya it has received permission with the United States and Association (IPGA) said it has loan given by the lender in its on Friday discussed business from authorities to com- Canada. decided to contribute Rs 21 normal course of business, continuity plans with represen- mence operations at its man- The Foreign Relations lakh to the PM-CARES Fund HDFC Ltd said in a regulatory tatives of the maritime indus- ufacturing facilities in Department said in a state- to support the fight against the filing. Following this, the try. The objective of the inter- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh ment that the details of the coronavirus outbreak. "IPGA company acquired 25.27 crore action, via video-conferencing, and Haryana along with its plan would be released in the has decided to contribute a sum shares of Rs 10 each, it said, was to discuss and prepare for new project site at Gujarat. coming days. The department of Rs 21 lakh to the PM- adding that the total value of dealing with the post-lock- Operations have partially said health safeguards would CARES Fund which is in addi- these shares are Rs 252 crore. down challenges with business resumed or are being be in place to prevent the tion to the various amounts It further said the requisite continuity strategies, the resumed after initiating all spread of the new coronavirus, The Foreign Relations Department said contributed by their mem- disclosure had already been Ministry of Shipping said in a ply chain issues and movement necessary safety measures which caused Mexico to order bers," the association said in a made on March 27, and since statement. of cargo and trucks, and for workmen and employees, the closure of non-essential in a statement that the details of the statement. the shares have now been "Industry leaders appreciat- requested policy interventions. as stipulated by government plants several weeks ago. plan would be released in coming days IPGA is also supporting the credited to the account of the ed the proactive and timely They also made suggestions for authorities, JK Cement said “The Mexican government frontline fighters as well as the Corporation, the disclosure interventions of the Ministry of increasing the coastal shipping in a regulatory filing. will be emphatic about health migrant workers and needy was being made once again. Shipping in this critical time and raising India's share in The company has put in protection and will ensure that ees at the facilities have staged where, but we don't all stay at families stuck in containment and ensuring smooth running global shipbuilding, it said. place requisite safety mea- the reopening will be orderly, walkouts and protests because home for fear we are going to zones. The association will be of the ports. They also lauded Mandaviya assured the sures for workers and gradual and cautious,” the of fears over the coronavirus. get in a car accident,” Landau providing a total of 6,000 ration many reliefs and extensions industry leaders that the Indian employees at the plants and statement said. Christopher Landau, the wrote. “The destruction of the bags for this cause. Each bag of Franklin Templeton granted to the industry which ports are ready in full capacity offices as per the guidelines The announcement came U.S. ambassador to Mexico, economy is also a health ration will contain 5 kgs of rice, inter-alia included not charging to start operations as usual but to prevent spread of COVID- three days after the U.S. gov- launched a Twitter campaign threat.” Ellen Lord, U.S. under- 5 kgs of atta, 2 kgs of dal, 1 litre Mutual Fund any port charges, demurrages, there are a few challenges due 19 and shall comply with all ernment launched a campaign Tuesday urging efforts to keep secretary of defense for acqui- of cooking oil, 1 kg of sugar and penalties for the lockdown to COVID-19, which will be the directions issued by to get Mexico to reopen plants, supply chains intact. sition and sustainment, had 1 kg of salt. IPGA Chairman shutting six period as it has proven to be solved with policy decisions and authorities from time to time, suggesting the supply chain of He expressed concern about voiced similar concerns Jitu Bheda said, "Supporting the great relief for the industries at their sincere implementation, it added. the North American free trade virus lockdowns damaging the Monday in Washington. police personnel of Navi schemes large," the statement said. the statement said. zone could be permanently flow of parts and goods that “We are seeing impacts on the Mumbai is our way of express- PNS n NEW DELHI The interaction provided a It added that the minister affected if they didn't resume feed businesses in the United industrial base by several pock- ing our gratitude to them for quick overview of the COVID- requested the industry leaders production. States, Mexico and Canada ets of closure internationally. the tireless efforts taken by Franklin Templeton Mutual 19 situation in the maritime to convert this COVID-19 cri- Mexico's border assembly and warned that “if we do not Particularly of note is Mexico, them to ensure that the APMC Fund's decision to wind up sector, it added. sis into opportunity by charting plants are key to the U.S. sup- coordinate our response, these where we have a group of com- (Agriculture Produce six debt schemes is a matter The industry leaders high- out new strategies in the mar- ply chain, including defense chains can evaporate.” panies that are impacting many Marketing Committee) contin- of "grave concern" to lighted the challenges like sup- itime sector. contractors, and more employ- “There are risks every- of our major primes,” she said. ues to function every day." investors, mutual fund indus- try and financial markets, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Natco Pharma gets Saturday, urging the govern- Second French court orders Amazon Deficit to reach $3.7 trillion in ment to act promptly to EIR from USFDA resolve the issue. In an unprecedented to better protect workers for TS facility economic decline, says CBO move, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has voluntari- PNS n PARIS staff. PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n WASHINGTON President Barack Obama's first ly decided to wind up its six Amazon argued that it was year in office. The CBO said debt schemes citing redemp- Amazon is keeping all of its too complicated to separate out Drug firm Natco Pharma on A recession caused by the lawmakers eventually will be tion pressure and lack of French warehouses closed for its activities, and appealed. Saturday said it has received coronavirus pandemic and a forced to tackle the govern- liquidity in bond markets the time being, after an appeals The appeals court upheld the establishment inspection government spending spree ment's chronic financial woes, due to the coronavirus pan- court upheld a ruling saying the overall requirement for report (EIR) from the US on testing, health care and aid if for no other reason than the demic. company hadn't done enough Amazon to work out new safe- health regulator for its Kothur to businesses and households looming insolvency of Social This is the first instance to protect workers from the ty measures. But it also expand- facility in Telangana. The will nearly quadruple the fed- explode after four coronavirus Security and Medicare. when a fund house is shut- coronavirus. global attention, as worldwide ed the products Amazon is United States Food and Drug eral budget deficit to USD 3.7 response bills passed by The report is full of gloomy ting its schemes because of Unions in France and demand for Amazon's services allowed to sell, adding electron- Administration (USFDA) had trillion, the Congressional Congress and signed by economic news, predicting a the coronavirus-related situ- beyond welcomed Friday's rul- soars because confined con- ics, office and pet supplies. conducted pre-approval Budget Office said Friday. President Donald Trump devastating hit to the economy ation. "Franklin Templeton ing by the appeals court in sumers can no longer shop in The original ruling only per- inspection at the company's Among the legacies of the promise to pile more than this quarter at an annualized Mutual Fund's decision to Versailles as a comeuppance for stores. mitted sales of food and med- drug formulations facility in outbreak, a CBO report says, USD 2 trillion onto the USD rate of decline of 40 per cent, wind up six debt schemes is the online behemoth, and Amazon temporarily shut all ical and cleaning supplies. Kothur village during the peri- is a pile of trillions of dollars 24.6 trillion national debt in accompanied by a 14 per cent a matter of grave concern to expressed hope that negotia- its French distribution centres The appeals court also od from March 2 to 6, 2020, of debt, amassed by a political just the remaining six months unemployment rate. the investors, mutual fund tions with Amazon manage- last week, after a lower court reduced the potential fines Natco Pharma said in a filing system that has proved inca- of the current fiscal year, Coronavirus-related federal debt industry and the financial ment on new safety measures ordered it to stop selling non- Amazon faces for future viola- to the BSE. The EIR signifies pable of taking even small according to the report. and deficit figures are pointing markets," Chidambaram said can start next week. essential goods while it works tions, from 1 million euros per successful closure of inspection steps to constrain this problem. That's more than double to government red ink unparal- in a statement. The standoff has drawn out new safety measures with infraction to 100,000 euros. by the regulator, it added. The 2020 budget deficit will the deficit record set during leled since World War II. Pvt dairies urges TN to allow At least $9.7 bn in state bailouts for Air France n PNS PARIS The airline's largest single shareholder, partial op during lockdown The French and Dutch govern- is not currently considering ments announced at least 9 bil- nationalizing Air France PNS n CHENNAI requested the government to lion euros (USD 9.7 billion) in grant permission to allow retail bailout money to rescue Air Private diaries operating in shops to remain open "for sale France and KLM, which are al airline," French Finance ernment will provide between Tamil Nadu on Saturday of milk for two hours during fighting for survival as most of Minister Bruno Le Maire said 2 and 4 billion euros (USD requested the state govern- the complete lockdown". their planes are grounded by on TF1 television Friday. 2.16-4.32 billion) to help flag ment to allow them to sell milk Though the dairy compa- virus lockdowns around the He said the government, the carrier KLM survive the devas- for two hours during the four- nies can supply the milk to world. airline's largest single share- tating impact on its operations day complete lockdown which shops, they would not be avail- The partner airlines had holder, is not currently consid- of the coronavirus crisis. would come into effect from able to public as the shops been negotiating for weeks ering nationalizing Air France. He said the money would tomorrow. would be closed due to com- with their respective govern- In exchange for the bailout, likely be in the form of guaran- Aimed at preventing the plete lockdown, the companies ments, as carriers worldwide Le Maire said the government tees and loans to the carrier. He spread of COVID-19, the gov- said in a press release. are collapsing or seeking gov- would set conditions of prof- said the government was com- ernment of Tamil Nadu on "If dairy companies are not ernment bailouts. The past itability and more environ- ing to KLM's rescue “because of Friday announced complete able to sell they would not be several weeks of travel restric- traffic to be down more than 90 from the French state and a 4- mentally sustainable, less pol- the vital importance that this lockdown for four days in five Tiruppur from Sunday. able to procure milk which tions have upended the entire per cent in the coming months. billion-euro bank loan guaran- luting policies. business, combined with districts-- Chennai, Major private diaries oper- would have an impact on industry, and Air France and With no clear end to the cri- teed by the state, the airline said In the Netherlands, Dutch (Amsterdam airport) Schiphol, Coimbatore, Madurai and ating in the state- Thirumala, farmers who are dependent on KLM said earlier this month sis in sight, Air France will get in a statement. Finance Minister Wopke has for the Dutch economy and three days in Salem and Jersey, Heritage and Dodla- sourcing...," they said. that they expect their joint 3 billion euros in direct loans “We have to save our nation- Hoekstra announced the gov- employment.” VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 special 07

HUMOUR KARO NA! From the jokes on easy-to-make recipes to DIY masks, the lockdown is making us do a lot of things which includes learning the art of laughing the blues away. With social media full of humour around COVID-19, some memes will leave you in splits while others are of a bitter taste. MUSBA HASHMI tells you more

our phone beeps tion “Dalgona Aaloo”. The post gar- and there’s a mes- nered a lot of attention from people. sage on the family Few days later, I posted a photo of WhatsApp group. Nose and burnt rice with a caption “Choco Mouth are declared as private Lava Rice — the experimental dish”. Yparts till further orders. Keep them covered trig- It too received some hilarious reactions in public. A moment later, another message ger to from family and friends. I’m glad that pops in with a video tutorial of how to make these my posts are bringing a smile on peo- ice soup during lockdown. Take a glass of water memes was ple’s face during this stressful time. My job in a pan, stir it, now add five-six ice cubes and lockdown, which is to make kids laugh with the kind of scripts I mix them together. Your ice soup is ready to must was a result of write but I am fortunate that I can utilise this serve. also be mind- the pandemic. creativity to make people of all age have a good Laughing on COVID-19 jokes all day is our ful of what Now people laugh,” Pandey says. guilty pleasure. But from where does this information we are left with no All this is fine but then some memes go over- humour comes from? Does it appear out of thin consume and option but to deal board and end up insulting a person or coun- air? The fact of the matter is that humans have whether it comes with it on a lighter try. Making fun is alright but then it should not learnt the art of laughing all the worries away. from a valid source, note. It is the con- cross the line where it ends up spreading a false- Be it a deadly virus that is affecting people all before levitating it stant frustration that is hood about someone. There have been some over the globe or a nationwide lockdown or even through various chan- coming out in the form good memes also but gradually it is ending up the falling economy, we can just laugh it away. nels,” she advises. of this humour. It is not only going extreme with targeting communities or Kartik Verma, a 22-year-old sound produc- YouTuber Harsh Beniwal, who recently relieving but it also gives a sense of satisfaction countries. Problem lies in the fact that some peo- tion student, who is actively coming up with posted a video pertaining to the current lock- that all is not lost. We still have to something to ple with vested interests are using such memes jokes and videos tells you that it is a matter of down scenarios — Bhai, Behen And Lockdown laugh about and that way we can just laugh all to spread the misconception. creativity and a way to help those in distress. says that he just followed the trend. our worries away,” Sharma tells you. The need is to understand that not every- “There is so much of negativity around us these The 18-minute long video begins with a It is the teens who are taking the lockdown body with access to social media is educated days. Switch on the TV and what one see is head- light-hearted narration on how the earth is reju- seriously and taking a dig on their parents. “In enough to take it lightly. Some memes though lines flashing of so many deaths related to venating itself after years of suffering manmade an unsettling reversal of my teenage years, I am are really targeted to educate people and this is COVID-19 and the rising cases. This is dis- chaos and goes on to talk about the brother-sis- now yelling at my parents for going out,” says one being used by authorities to bring home the turbing. We, young adults can infact find a way ter banters during the lockdown. The hilarious frustrated teen. importance of steps that the Government is tak- to relax and chat with our friends but our par- video strikes the right chord in the hearts of the Amit Pandey, senior scriptwriter at Cosmos ing. One such instance is when helpline depart- ents and grandparents, they are exposed to the audience who is more or less going through the Maya, who writes scripts for cartoon shows likes ment of Uttar Pradesh Police, Call 112, posted negativity all day. It affects them. These videos same situation, with siblings not in a habit of Selfie with Bajrangi, Tik Tak Tail and Eena Meena a meme “Dur se dekha toh...phir main paas gaya are just a way of helping them having a good staying 24/7 together without fighting. MEMES AND JOKES ARE Deeka which airs on major channels including hi nahi. Aakhir physical distancing chal rahi hai laugh and erasing all the distressing news for “Memes and jokes are all fine until they are Disney and Cartoon Network, who is actively bhai. Unlike the ‘in your face’ memes, such atleast sometime,” he tells you. not hurting the sentiments of others. I am enjoy- ALL FINE UNTIL THEY posting jokes around coronavirus lately tells you responsible ones also leave the readers in splits Such has been the frenzy for these jokes, that ing all these funny forwards in the frazzled sce- ARE NOT HURTING THE that it is just a matter of spending and utilising and are a glaring example of how making some- people of all age are taking to social media to nario. It helps in reducing tension and have a time during the ongoing lockdown. one laugh can be informative and be used to share their kind of jokes. It is the only thing after good laugh. So is the case with my video that SENTIMENTS OF OTHERS. “As we all are stuck inside our house fol- spread positive messages. cooking that is keeping them busy and giving talks about what happens when a brother and lowing the COVID-19 lockdown protocols, A case in point is the memes related to DIY good dose of laughter. One such joke that is sister are left homebound during the lockdown. I AM ENJOYING ALL everyone is finding their own way to utilise or masks. People are going to such lengths and have doing rounds is: “Tera nash jaye China, teri wajah In one of the scenes, I ask my sister for her choli THESE FUNNY pass their time during this crisis. While many made the process so bizarre — masks made of se bar ki jagah vim bar aur scotch ki jagah scotch because I want to make TikTok videos, while she of us are busy cooking, painting, writing and bra cups and sanitary napkins — that at times brite haathon mein aa gayi hai.” is on call with her boss wearing my blazer. I tell FORWARDS IN THE doing other stuffs; social media has turned out it becomes difficult to differentiate who is seri- It only shows how distressed people have her: Mera blazer kisse puch kar pehna, tere baap FRAZZLED SCENARIO. IT to be a good supporting platform for everyone ous and who is not. become with having to do ghar ka kaam aur ka hai kya, utar isey,” Beniwal tells you, whose during this tough time. People are enjoying var- Another one that can sit well for some while office ka kaam all day. favourite meme is: Time Traveller: Which year HELPS IN REDUCING ious social media challenges like stands out as offensive for others: “Coronavirus Dr Sneha Karamani, consultant psychiatrist, is this? Me: 2020. Time Traveller: Oh! First year TENSION AND HAVE A #Saree_Challenge, #Quarantine_Look, won’t last long because it was made in China.” Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune says that of quarantine. Me: Eeee, what! No_Makeup challenge, #Me_at_20 challenge, To add to the list: “When someone sneezes humour is nothing but a way discovered to deal Pulkit Sharma, clinical pyshologist and GOOD LAUGH. SO IS THE memes have emerged as the winner during this at a Chinese airport...Warp to the grave- with anxiety and stress. author of When The Soul Heals tells you CASE WITH MY VIDEO time brining a smile to everyone’s face. I am also yard?OK...No.” “Humour helps us deal with tragic times and that he himself has come across certain videos enjoying posting memes unlike never before and The not so common query now is whether stress in a lighter, healthier way. It helps over- and jokes that deals such a heavy subject with THAT TALKS ABOUT friends are loving them,” he says. it is right to poke fun at a pandemic that is claim- come psychological anxiety and is a mature ego an extremely light approach and it is a healthy WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A Pandey was always good with passing witty ing lives worldwide and sees no stopping. defence mechanism. We have seen a lot of trend unless it is spreading rumours. “Humour comments and this was just the right time to However, turning to comedy is what humans have humorous WhatsApp and social media memes is a healthy defence mechanism psychology. BROTHER AND SISTER showcase his skills. “I was always good with pass- been doing since the historical era. being forwarded in this pandemic and there is When you laugh, you are able to turn your eyes ARE LEFT HOMEBOUND ing witty comments and one-liners since child- Humour can relieve anxiety; it can also stoke a lot of creativity around it. These are times of away from the grim reality for sometime. hood (as my friends used to say) and now being racial tensions or spread misinformation. So, the existential crises, and one definitely needs a dash Biologically speaking, when you laugh certain DURING THE LOCKDOWN a scriptwriter of comedy cartoon shows, it is eas- answer isn’t simple. But until and unless, these of humour,” she says. neurotransmitters are secreted that can uplift — HARSH BENIWAL, ier for me to create these funny posts. I am just memes stick to the purpose — that of enter- Sadly, there are a lot of negative, unauthentic your mood instantly. In fact it also boost your keeping up with the trends of social media. I am taining people without hurting the sentiments of pieces of information streaming around. One immunity. At the end of the day, we have to look YOUTUBER getting more responses on my such posts as com- anyone — and is all in good spirits, we can enjoy needs to be cautious not to spread fake news and for something that can make us laugh. It is a nat- pared to others. For example, I saw everyone a few without letting them get on our heads. negativity. “While sharing information available ural way for people to cope with reality,” he says. making Dalgona Coffee at home and posting the Now, one for everyone that sits well in the to us is a way of staying connected with our sig- It is out of constant frustration and anxiety photos on Facebook. One day, while I was peel- current scenario. “Dear Tummy, kya tumhein alag nificant others and the world around us, it serves that people have started to joke about the issue. ing potatoes, the idea strike my mind and I post- se samjhana padega, lockdown mein bahar our need for validation to a certain extent. We “First trigger was definitely coronavirus. Second ed the photo of a half-peeled potato with the cap- nahin nikalna hai.” FOR A LIGHTER MOOD

Songs to be strictly avoided However, some WHO Queen Elizabeth has survived... For the Pun lovers in the current circumstances complied songs can be l Lag ja gale ki phir ye hasin raat freely sung THE PLAGUE, Smallpox, Malaria, WWII, joining the EU, Britain leaving the EU, THIS LOCK-DOWN is getting comfort. I asked the lamp but The toilet looked a bit flushed the chair told me to table it, (strictly forbidden) l Teri duniya se hoke mazboor Korean War, Vietnam War, Making of Land Apollo 1-17, Independence of countries in old and frankly I've had she couldn't shed any new and didn’t offer an opinion. and the table remarked I l Bahon mein chale aao (no chala (absolutely safe) Rover and Range Rover, The Concord, The Asia and Africa, 14 British Prime Ministers, enough. I've discussed the light on the situation. The The wall didn't say a word didn't have a leg to stand on. question at all) l Teri galion me na rakkenge retirement of the Concord, Nazi rule in Charles and Diana, Charles and Camilla, matter over a cup of coffee vacuum cleaner was rather either, just gave me a blank When I told the table to break l Tum pass aye yun muchkuraye kadam ...March ke baad (that Germany, Destruction of Berlin, Partition of Andrew and Fergie, Harry and Megan, 14 with the kitchen sink, and we rude and told me to suck it stare. The door knob was a leg, the mirror said that my (are you nuts) should be the spirit) Berlin, Unifications of Berlin, Creation of American Presidents, 7 Saudi Kings, 48 both agree that the up. The threshold was no more forthcoming — told me comment reflected poorly on l Musafir hoon yaaron, ... mujhe l Chahunga mai tujhe sanjh Israel, Sending poor Palestinians into Italian Prime Ministers, 9 UN Secretary- experience is draining. I better it suggested I get over to get a firm grip on the my thinking. However, in the chalte jana hay (aren’t you savere, lekin awaz main na diaspora, Tripartite invasion of Egypt in Generals, 3rd, 4th, and 5th French didn't mention anything to it. The carpet advised me to situation and move on. The end, the iron straightened reading Government’s dunga (within model code of 1956, 1967 Arab-Israeli War, October 1973 Republics, Mad Cow Disease, The Internet, the washing machine as she sweep my feelings under the front door declared I was things out. She said instructions? Just lock down) conduct) War, West-East Cold War, Iran-Iraq War, Apple TV, Netflix, Wi-Fi, Covid, puts the wrong spin on rug. But the fan was more unhinged and so the curtains everything will be fine, no l Hold me now touch me now l Chup gaya koi re dur se First Gulf War, Fall of Saddam Hussein, Fall Only because she rarely leaves her palace. everything. Same with the upbeat and thought that the told me to.... you guessed it situation is too pressing for (suicidal) pukarke (your real well wisher) and disintegration of Soviet Union Britain So, stay at home. fridge. He only gives cold crisis would soon blow over. — pull myself together. Then long anyway! sunday magazine NO WHERE CAN MAN FIND A QUIETER OR MORE tarot 8 UNTROUBLED RETREAT THAN IN HIS OWN SOUL — MARCUS AURELIUS Vijayawada, April 26, 2020

YOUR WEEK AHEAD MADHU KOTIYA

ARIES March 21-April 19 LEO July 23-Aug 22 SAGITTARIUS Nov 22-Dec 21 This week you will prioritise needs of the others in the This week you may need a medical examination to clear You are likely to spend time in spiritual pursuits to find family over your health. This is a wake-up call for those some niggling doubts and lead a stress-free life. You are peace and inner calm. Follow meditation, yoga, and following an imbalanced diet. Poor levels of vitamins likely to face some confusion, that will make you feel low. Pranayam to bring balance and gather strength to face and protein will make you feel tired and irritable. During This is the time to lift yourself up and change the way you issues emerging out of the ongoing pandemic. You will this pandemic, you must take care and eat healthy to perceive life. Be honest with yourself and decide what be able to find solutions to most issues of life. Don’t be increase metabolism. Professionally, those who have best action should be taken to rise up to the challenges in a hurry for any work. Give time to pamper yourself. lost their jobs or are looking for one will get a good that you are facing. Career-wise, this week is good. You The divine connect will show you the right path. offer that will test their skill and potential. This will be a will be appreciated for your sincere and hard work. With Professionally, you are not happy and feel demotivated very demanding job. Believe in yourself. As the job an extended lockdown, your hope for some relief in due to the work from home scenario. You want to scenario gets tighter and companies go on a financial matters has come crashing. Relax and follow a interact with people to keep up your morale. Virtually retrenchment drive, those who are still working will be strict household budget. Do not indulge in unnecessary connect with those who understand and can advise you saddled with far more responsibilities. At a personal shopping. Relationship wise, this week you will be for your good. Things are not so good on the relationship level, you will have concern for others and people passionate and energetic. You will charm your love with front. Your partner will have a long list of accusations. Sit around you will be grateful, and reciprocate well. your dazzling personality. and discuss. Things will get better with communication.

Lucky number 11 Lucky number 20 Lucky number 13 Lucky colour White Lucky colour Indigo Lucky colour Blue Lucky day Monday Lucky day Tuesday Lucky day Thursday

TAURUS April 20-May 20 VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 22 CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 19 This week take your time to identify hidden issues in You will feel great about yourself. Overall health remains The week will pan out just as you had planned, bringing your subconscious that are preventing you from seeing good for you. This week is a period of great productivity. joy. Time and finance, both require your attention and the reality. Some of you may seek emotional support You will have a sense of fullness and confidence about control. Your health, wealth and happiness are co-related. from a female to settle emotional troubles that seem to you that will make you feel that you have finally found It is recommended that you learn some stress-free be affecting you. Meditation is beneficial at this time. your niche. This could be the changing point in your life. techniques to keep you healthy. Take time out for a walk Don’t be disappointed about not getting things done as Avoid getting stuck or aggressive about the things that inside the house or on your terrace. Career-wise, you this would spoil your day or maybe week. On the career are not working in your favour, as that could hold you need to ease your expectations. This is a very tough time front, investing your time in attending a webinar or any back. Choose a middle path to live life in its fullest. On for some businesses, therefore, make decisions basis the online skill development class will be favourable. Due to the career front, you will face opposition. Your colleagues current situation. You need to sit down with a financial lockdown, you are not able to interact with many people, might not agree with your thinking. Aggression is planner and figure out exactly what your needs are and online platforms will help you virtually connect with foreseen. You need to understand the psyche of others plan your finances accordingly. On the personal front, people. This week, relationship needs your attention and before you react. On the personal front, you will use your you are likely to feel a tight leash around you. There is a a clearer communication. Express yourself before it is charm to attract people. Be careful as a complication is lack of understanding and feelings towards each other. too late. indicated in your relationship. Married couples need to communicate openly.

Lucky number 9 Lucky number 12 Lucky number 6 Lucky colour Orange Lucky colour Golden Lucky colour Pink Lucky day Saturday Lucky day Sunday Lucky day Friday

GEMINI May 21-June 20 LIBRA Sep 23-Oct 22 AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You will feel recharged with energy and stamina. Your You will be very social this week. This week could see you This is a good week for your emotional and physical self-confidence will prove to be your greatest shifting the balance in your life from work towards more well-being. Your positive approach to things will be of achievement that will help you regain an inner sense of social activities. This will improve your health and give you great help. Those who are waiting on test results direction. Be grateful for all the blessings that surround more energy. This way you will find yourself making an regarding your health may relax and know that the you at this time. This week you will reflect positive effort to be of help to your family as well as society. news will be good. You are likely to enter new realms influence and will prove to be a motivator for others. Pandemic brings harsh times. You may feel a little in your spiritual exploration. You will turn to Career-wise, you may hit a roadblock and feel confused, torn or split about what is happening on the homemade remedies for cure. Those in the retail and e- stagnated in your present job. The current scenario is career front. Try not to get overworked about it. Your commerce business, this week will be the most fruitful. not bright and this could demoralise you. Those in modest approach and shift into a different Some of you are taking work from home as leisure. Be business will face financial constraints. Prioritise your track/department would be helpful. This is the time to careful as this may boomerang. Don’t take work for expenses, create a household budget and avoid define yourself. Do not bother yourself with other people’s granted. On the personal front, you may be involved in unnecessary shopping. This will help you now as well perspective. Lockdown has brought people into isolation a serious conflict. Feelings of helplessness and lack of as in the long run. On the personal front, your maturity but you need to end the isolation of your mind. Try and understanding are indicated. The situation may ease will play an important role at home. talk to your spouse and relieve yourself of the stress. with the support of a close family member.

Lucky number 22 Lucky number 3 Lucky number 19 Lucky colour Red Lucky colour Peach Lucky colour Sky Blue Lucky day Wednesday Lucky day Wednesday Lucky day Friday

CANCER June 21-July 22 SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 21 PISCES Feb 19-March 20 When it comes to following a healthy diet, you make With the virus creating so much chaos, you need to This week you will be highly charged, focused and goal- the same mistakes — neglect. Pay extra attention to count your blessings and enjoy the good things that life oriented. You are fairly clear on your hopes and dreams your diet, and exercise for good health. On the career has to offer. Whatever you do, keep it simple and enjoy and what you should do to get there. Your enthusiasm front, it is time to take a stand and make some tough the moment. Stay safe, indoors and enjoy a good meal and charisma will impress others. You are optimistic choices. You need to be straight-forward in your with the family. Some of you would like to stay close to about your future. Therefore, your overall health will communication and to the point. This will bring a nature therefore, will spend time gardening. Females will remain good. Due to this testing time, a lot of people are satisfactory change and improvement to a specific be sensitive and nurturing, and make life meaningful. put on unpaid leave. You are trying your best to be in matter in life. You will find happiness and Professionally, good times are indicated. Moneywise, the your senior’s good books. Your determination and accomplishment. It is time to implement important week is satisfactory and your generosity will earn you ambition will make you move forward. Remember that pending decisions that have the potential to change goodwill. Overall, it is an extremely good period in your you’ll need to use both your intellect and your heart to be the rhythm of life for the better. On the personal front, career and you should take full advantage of it. Do not successful. On the personal front, it is advised not to let you carry a forceful energy within you. You are likely indulge in gossip as it might hurt your image. On the small issues blow out of proportion in your mind. Beware to be diplomatic and get the things done in your personal front, you will find emotional stability. This is that there is someone who does not want your favour. the time to enjoy your relationships. relationship to grow and is working against you.

Lucky number 18 Lucky number 21 Lucky number 10 Lucky colour Green Lucky colour Magenta Lucky colour Brown Lucky day Friday Lucky day Wednesday Lucky day Tuesday Madhu Kotiya is a tarot card reader, spiritual healer, and Founder, MShezaim Institute of Tarot and Divination. Contact details: [email protected], www.indiatarot.com, M: 9873283331

ASTROTURF BHARAT BHUSHAN PADMADEO Detoxify your mind get cut off from the outer world, but The question now is: How to declut- o continue from where we left in way, lot of negative and inconsequential thought impressions lying at the subcon- ter the mind of all its limiting influences. the previous issue, let me now thoughts do also keep intruding the scious level come into full play, making Again, lie down on a hard surface over Trelate a story believed to be associ- mind-space. They can be attributed to you restive. As time passes by, mind will your back. Close the eyes. Inhale deep ated with Lord Buddha. For, it will two factors. First, memory impressions settle down, and you may feel relaxed and then exhale slowly. Focus your explain the rationale behind the simple of unpleasant experiences one would and at peace. attention on the breath cycle — in process suggested for relaxing the mind. have had in the past. Second, many wild Once the mind settles down, you are breath and outbreath in running cycle. Buddha was travelling with his disciples thoughts unmindfully arising in course ready to move on to the next stage and Once again you will be flooded with when he felt thirsty. So, he camped and of daydreaming one often gets into. get further empowered. You then need thoughts. As you watch them, you may then asked a disciple to fetch water from They are comparable to mud at the bot- to declutter your mind of all the unwar- find definite patterns emerging that may a nearby water stream. As the disciple tom of the water stream getting stirred ranted thought impressions lying at still throw light on your habit tendencies. was approaching the stream, he saw an up. These unwarranted thoughts vitiate at deeper layers of mind. These imprints, Becoming aware thus, you could resolve animal crossing it. Evidently, the mud your thought process so much that you coming as they may as Karmic carry them through fresh educative inputs. underneath the stream got stirred up, lose your sense of reasons and order, over from the past birth, precondition Better seek guidance from an enlight- and so water did not remain worth con- which doesn’t allow space to objectively your mind one way or the other. That ened Guru, who may help you get over sumption. How could he offer his guru pursue your thoughts. As you let lose varies from person-to-person, according the limiting influences faster. Following dirty water to drink? So, the disciple did your mind, and remain disengaged from as individual specific experiences one cleansing of mind, you may be able to not collect water. Later, when Buddha the thoughts cruising your mind, over a would have had, which defines the look at issues in hand free from any lim- asked for water, the disciple informed period of time, unwanted thoughts go unique character of every being, each itations whatsoever. That may facilitate him that water was dirty. Buddha then out of reckoning. It is just as the mud manifesting varying desire trends, habits looking at things in the right perspective said: “The mud would have settled down settles down when the water stream is and attitudes. Seen in practical terms, in due, to pick up the right lead. by now. So, go again.” This time, though allowed free flow for a while. As the the first place, these memory imprints Consequently, you may be able to sail the mud had largely settled down, water mind settles down, fresh space becomes serving as defining principle of mind through life with relative ease and com- was yet not clean. So, he again returned available to process your thoughts objec- hold the key to how you conduct in day fort. empty handed. It was during his third tively, in turn enabling you to pick up to life — good or bad. Second, it limits The issue continues... visit that he could fetch clean water, the right lead. Mind, thus, gets trained your scope of vision to a narrow window The writer is an astrologer, vastu consultant when the mud had finally settled. to maintain its sense of order. Taste of frame through which you look at the and spiritual counsellor. Write to him at Remember, mind can be compared the pudding is in eating. Pursue the world view. Consequently, you often fail G-1102, Bharat Nagar, New Friends Colony, to a running water stream. Instead of process regularly. Initially, it may not be to look at issues in hand in the right per- New Delhi-1110 025 water, thoughts keep continuously flow- easy to bear with thoughts flooding your spective due, and with obvious conse- Tel: 91-111-449848475/9818037273 ing through the mind-space. On the mind space. As you close your eyes, you quences. Email: [email protected]

TEAM AGENDA DESK > NAVNEET MENDIRATTA, CONSULTING EDITOR | H LAYOUT AND DESIGN > SATISH CHANDRA JAKHMOLA, SENIOR EDITOR (CREATIVE) Now you can write to us at [email protected] sunday magazine Vijayawada, April 26, 2020

Happiness is not something that just comes to you. It’s an active process — Kate Hudson

FROM THE INSIDE Being a quiet observer Ramzan delicacies to try at home It is only when in physical form Since Ramzan will be a quiet affair this year, that a spirit can fructify its 10 11we will bring to you recipes of all the karma — positive and negative delicacies to satiate your festive cravings

This crisis, like most that we have been through, will eventually end. But, can we learn from this crisis to collaborate as a world and solve Global Warming? questions SONU SHIVDASANI, as he shares some lessons and learning from his award-winning sustainable tourism project in Soneva Fushi, Maldives have been fortunate enough to have give an insight into what we can achieve when experienced many crises during my we collaborate. lifetime. My choice of the word ‘fortu- In a post COVID-19 world, consumers will nate’ is deliberate. The Chinese word be more conscious of the impact that they will for Crisis is two characters: ‘danger’ have on both nature and the communities andI ‘opportunity’. According to Lao Tzu, the which they visit. The example of the Costa Chinese writer and philosopher, ‘Good for- Brava in the 1970s will never be allowed to tune has its roots in disaster’. And, over the happen again, not just by the Government, but years, I have come to understand these words by the visitors themselves. and have realised that these crises are oppor- I have to specifically mention air travel tunities to learn, grow and develop. which, while it is a big part of an individual’s Certainly, we have no control over the hand ecological footprint, is a very small contributor that we are dealt, but we have total control on to greenhouse gases and its contribution is less how we play it. I have realised that if we con- than the negative impact of the beef and dairy sider a crisis in a positive way, we can always industry. find an opportunity to learn and develop and Since my diagnosis of cancer and the make our lives more enriching as a result. changes to my lifestyle that I adopted, our resorts have also followed suit and adapted their menus. Our chefs have, as one of their key performance indicators, the reduction of sugar, dairy, white flour, beef in our menus. Beef con- SUSTAINABLE TOURISM sumption has reduced by 75%. Dairy consump- tion has reduced considerably as well. It is our goal to bring the consumption of these two ingredients almost to zero. Apart from being good for our guests’ health, this approach has also been very good for the environment. After the built environment, the dairy and beef envi- ronment are the next biggest contributor to greenhouse gases. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, animal agriculture and the associated deforestation is responsible for more than 18 ‘GOOD FORTUNE percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and is expected to increase 80% by 2050. This dwarfs air travel, which is at 2% to 3%, and transporta- tion as a whole, which is at about 8% of global greenhouse gases. HAS ITS ROOTS IN DISASTER’ We have adopted this approach and made it central to our core purpose. The private sec- CLIMATE CRISIS: THE CRISIS THAT WILL ONLY tor has a huge role to play in the solutions GET WORSE agenda and it would be valuable if all corpora- While the current global health emergency tions looked back to the history books and will end, unfortunately, this hopeful scenario remembered that having a purpose should be will not be the case with global warming. It is central to their mandate — and that this contri- an ongoing situation which will affect each and bution should be measured and valued as every one of us. And it highlights our intercon- robustly as any financial returns. nectedness. Climate experts believe that we are near a NATURAL INSPIRATION tipping point of no return. Some believe we At Soneva, we have always used nature as an have already passed it. We already have 400 inspiration for our innovation. I have long been parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere. a fan of the biologist and author Janine Benyus Even if we reduced our carbon emissions con- who describes innovations inspired by nature in siderably and followed the targets established in her book Biomimicry. For example, Leonardo Paris in 2016, we will still hit 500 parts per mil- Da Vinci imagined the first helicopter by closely lion. observing the behaviour of the Hummingbird. It Even if we were to slam on the brakes and was Leonardo’s drawings that helped Igor turn around, we would not be able to because Sikorsky in his invention of the first helicopter. nature itself would continue the global warm- So, the helicopter is the result of biomimicry. ing process as a result of feedback loops, such It is my hope that in a post-COVID-19 era, as methane escaping from below the Arctic and Maldives from all over the globe, this commit- their water purchase. So, they are financially we will become more sensitive to nature’s inno- the Antarctic, less reflection from glaciers that ment is somewhat complicated so our response better off. As I write, Soneva Namoona water vations. We will try to work in harmony with have disappeared, warmer seas emitting CO2 to our social and environmental responsibilities has sold the equivalent of, and avoided 60,000 nature rather than try to battle it. It’s my opin- rather than absorbing them and so on. is as much global as it is local. Let me explain: plastic bottles. ion that this terrible virus came about because The warming planet has already killed Twelve years ago, I noticed a huge number we ignored nature’s laws. more people today than the current global pan- of plastic water bottles washed up on our COLLABORATIONS AND INNOVATIONS Let me share with you a recent success at demic that has brought us under siege: In 2003, beaches at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. We In February 2020, we celebrated another Soneva Fushi which exemplifies this point. In the European heatwave killed as many as 2,000 decided not to point fingers at those who were Maldives’ first: Maalhos became the first island the middle of last year at Soneva Fushi, we set a people a day and 35,000 Europeans died. In allowing their water bottles to spoil our oceans in the country to end the practice of burning its target to become the first island in the Maldives 2010, 55,000 people died during a Russian as we were still serving bottled water in our garbage in open bonfires. This was made possi- to be completely mosquito free. We decided to heatwave in which 700 people in Moscow died resort and were therefore still part of the prob- ble by the opening of the island’s Eco Centro trap mosquitoes by studying their habits and every day because of the heat. In 2016, during lem. So we took the decision to stop offering waste to wealth centre, funded by Soneva and creating a natural trap. We have installed 500 the heatwave that besieged the Middle East, branded bottle water, and instead serve filtered, modelled on Soneva Fushi’s own Eco Centro. buckets throughout the island. In each bucket temperatures in Iraq broke 100°F (37.7°C) in mineralised, alkalised, and bottled-on-site The Maalhos Eco Centro is a waste-processing is a little swab that mimics human sweat and May, 110°F (43.3°C) in June, and 120°F water in reusable glass bottles. Today, all the facility that sorts all the waste into different the smell of lactic acid. We then mix sugar and (48.8°C) in July. Temperatures seldom dropped revenues from our water sales go to the Soneva types such as plastic, glass, tin and wood. It baking soda and create a pump system to gen- below 100°F, and only at night. We survive in a Foundation to fund the work of charities such compacts, crushes, and chips it where possible, erate CO2. So, these traps smell and breathe very fragile ecosystem that we are undermin- as Water Charity and Thirst Aid, and more and sends it off the island for recycling. Later in like a human being. The mosquitoes are lured ing. Our actions to date have already caused recently, Soneva Namoona. 2020, we hope to open Eco Centros on into the net and then cannot escape. more death, misery and disaster than COVID- Soneva Namoona, which we launched in Dharavandhoo, Kihadhoo. It is encouraging to We started this initiative in June 2019 and 19 ever will. 2019, aims to solve a problem that has bedev- see that many of the major hotel companies ended our contract with Rentokil, our pest- This pandemic will end but the important illed the Maldives for a generation: how to have now started to take the path that Soneva control operator. No more spraying. Instead we question is whether the bond we have with the properly dispose of waste. Presently, island did back in 2008 and eliminate the single use of would use only these buckets. In the first days way we live and our daily reality has been suffi- communities burn their garbage in toxic, open plastic in their properties including, most of implementing this, our 500 buckets caught ciently broken, and whether we can attach our- bonfires; meanwhile significant amounts of importantly, plastic water bottles. about 9,000 mosquitoes a day, on average 20 selves to a new reality and a new way of doing waste, especially single-use plastics, washes up Another result, following the 2013 Soneva mosquitoes per bucket. The catch on the island things; or if we will just go back to our old on the beaches, litters the jungle, and smothers Symposium, was Soneva Fushi’s establishment now has reduced to low double digits. We have ways. the coral reefs. Soneva Namoona is a partner- THE CURRENT GLOBAL of a ‘Learn To Swim’ programme with our two mosquitoes on the island, the Aedes and ship between Soneva Fushi, the three nearby PANDEMIC HAS neighbouring island Eydhafushi. It is remark- the Culex. The Culex is nearly extinct and we A BREAK WITH THE PAST Baa Atoll Island communities of Maalhos, HIGHLIGHTED HOW able that many children in our island nation, hope that the Aedes will soon follow. It is my It is so important, in the midst of this cur- Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo, and interna- INTERCONNECTED WE the Maldives, do not swim. A fear of the water hope that this will be a perfect example of how, rent crisis, that we take this opportunity to tional NGO Common Seas. The partnership is compounded by a nationwide waste problem by closely following and understanding the change our values, our priorities, and impor- seeks to provide a blueprint for all Maldivian ARE, AND HOW that sees local island beaches used as a dump- laws of nature, and innovating around it, we tantly, how we live our lives. So, how would this islands on how they can cleanly and effectively IMPORTANT IT IS THAT ing ground for household waste. By teaching can find effective solutions. new reality look? Let me share our Soneva manage their waste, reduce the use of single- AS HUMANITY ON children to swim, we hope that they will learn The current global pandemic has highlight- experience with you. use plastics, and inspire a love for the natural to love their ocean, and when they love it, they ed how interconnected we are, and how impor- At Soneva, our core purpose is engaging environment. (Recycle, Reduce, and Inspire). PLANET EARTH, WE will protect it. We are now looking to scale this tant it is that as humanity on planet earth, we and imaginative “Slow Life”. So, being sustain- In the middle of 2019, we achieved a first, BREAK THROUGH OUR programme to offer intensive swimming pro- break through our national boundaries and able is part of our DNA, and we strive to limit we installed the first glass water bottling centre NATIONAL BOUNDARIES grammes across the Atoll, partnering with collaborate together in order to preserve life on the negative environmental impact of our activ- on a regional island. Traditionally, the water AND COLLABORATE other resorts, local and national NGOs, envi- earth as we know it. ities — something which is both difficult as consumed in restaurants, guest houses and ronmental awareness groups and government If we do not change, and just go back to well as critical for a company which operates generally by the public on islands is from plas- TOGETHER IN ORDER ministries. Supported by filmmaker and business as usual after this crisis, it will be a resorts in remote places of pristine, natural tic bottles from the water bottling company in TO PRESERVE LIFE ON National Geographic adventurer Jon sad, lost opportunity. And, all the suffering that beauty. Male, the capital of the Maldives. Soneva EARTH AS WE KNOW IT Bowermaster, who made a documentary film of we have been through over these past months We may not always meet our own high Namoona Water filters and mineralises the the swimming programme, we aim to develop will have been for nothing. standards, but we are very clear about our desalinated island water and then places it in a model of environmental inspiration and edu- The writer is the CEO and Joint Creative responsibilities as custodians of the communi- sterilised glass water bottles. When the bottles cation that can be applied around the world. Director of Soneva ties we operate in. Since our guests fly to the are returned, the user achieves a 20% saving on These examples of Symposium initiatives sunday magazine MEDITATION CAN HELP US EMBRACE OUR WORRIES, OUR FEAR, OUR ANGER; AND spirituality 10 THAT IS VERY HEALING — THICH NHAT HANH Vijayawada, April 26, 2020

HIDDENSOULS BEING AN OBSERVER INSIDE OUT PRAMOD PATHAK It is only when in physical form that a spirit can fructify its karma, positive and The lockdown negative, exhausting all that is stored in its karmashaya, says HINGORI syndrome ing the conscious mind from succumb- ing to the easy path of seeing vritti as a separate complete reality or as some- thing generated from within or taking ownership of the same. Nirodha is a state of being, that one must condition themselves to absorb into the very fibre of their conscious thinking, and not just practice for a few minutes every day. Every time you think of a new string of thoughts, con- sciously remind yourself, these are just passing through your chitta. They are not permanent, not yours. Repeat this thought in your mind consciously with every string of thoughts, whether neg- or the first time in their life people are experiencing this ative or positive. kind of a situation. We learnt that movement is life. We It is only when in physical form Fnow realise that staying put is life. And this is for the that a spirit can fructify its karma, both whole world. Super powers with their guns and bombs appear positive and negative, exhausting all clueless to the wrath of a tiny biological entity visible only that is stored in its karmashaya. The with an electronic microscope. Human Intelligence and ultimate goal of every spirit (even if you Artificial Intelligence never appeared so helpless. There is don’t know it) is to attain mukti/mok- anxiety and fear all around as the questions what next or who sha and to exhaust the constant cycle next send a chill down the spines of entire humanity. of birth, death and re-birth, eventual- Naturally, every body is stressed. Those who are inside worry ly becoming one with the supreme con- when this will end. Those who are outside dread being so. sciousness. To move towards this A life style aberration of this magnitude was beyond imag- objective, one must ensure that while ination of all. As the rich worry how long would their stocks stored samskaras from past lives fruc- last, the poor wonder where the next meal will come from. tify, no new karma is added to the kar- And to make things worse social media sites are poisoning mashaya. And for this, the practice of minds with scary scenarios. Coping with anxieties and nirodha needs to be developed and thanatophobia of this scale is a tall order. More so because preferably mastered. even in these times there are some who are offering magic Each individual possesses an solutions for a fee. But that is human nature. However, the motions: love, hate, anger, can be expressed is a vritti. Vrittis row, physical and psychological pain aatma within. The aatma is energy, important issue is not letting fear and anxiety worsen the elation, pain, fear and an include correct perception, imagina- and suffering can come to an end with- which is in fact, part of the universal plight. Here are some tips, and free, like all good things of endless list of sensations tion, sleep, memories, acceptable out seeking to alter the physical reali- energy. To evolve spiritually, it is this nature. First and foremost, there is need to reassure your- that wash over you given the knowledge or even wrong knowledge ty, without changing the situation one energy and one’s aura that must grow. self even if you are not sure. Indulge in some kind of auto- situation. They seem to have or misunderstanding for that matter. is facing. Nothing is altered except the As it grows, the intention is to connect suggestion. The bad thing about good things is that they come Ea life of their own in our minds, with And vritti is transient — one moment understanding of it, which undergoes to the core aatma within us, creating to an end. But the good thing about bad things is that they a form so large they engulf us in our it is there, perceivable, and the next a tremendous transformation. complete harmony of energy at every also come to an end. The trick lies in engaging the mind pos- entirety. We welcome the embrace of moment it vanishes, replaced by anoth- Vritti originates in the chitta as a level. When the mind identifies with itively. Remember, an empty mind is a devil’s workshop. The some emotions, while with some oth- er ripple; some moments being longer reaction an action to the happenings vrittis, the ego sense takes ownership best antidotes for the adversities as well as the viruses are ers we seem to be locked in a choke- than others. in your surroundings. These happen- of the thoughts and everything they are Faith and hope. Faith in God and hope that he listens. And hold. At a physical level, these emotions The relation between chitta and ings are like the wind that creates the about. These thought waves cause us he does. But to only who have faith. Don’t believe so that are the work of hormones and neuro- vritti is most beautifully understood waves out of water in the ocean. They to identify with the mind and ego sense you may have faith. Have faith so that you may believe. All transmitters, but what truly is their ori- through an analogy of chitta with the EMOTIONS ARE A either ebb away just as they come or which are the delusionary aspect of our other things follow from this. Even the most die-hard votary gin? What brings emotions and ocean and vritti with waves. Chitta is sometimes are replaced by a new set self-identification, maya. They hide of the verifiability principle of science cannot deny that faith thoughts into our minds? Could we reality and the whole truth, the vast TRAIT OF THE of vrittis. You must understand that from us our true reality, the aatma, and and motivation alter situations. Particularly this kind of a possibly free ourselves from the choke- ocean. Vritti is a disturbance or wave reaction to a vritti passing through the superimpose on the consciousness of situation where medical science has little clue and is relying hold of negative emotions? Hold on to in this whole truth, but in its substance PHYSICAL REALM, chitta leaves an imprint of that vritti in the aatma leading us to a sustained on para scientific ways to fight a pathogen that can be dealt these thoughts for a while. it is still water. We give form to vritti, OF HUMANS, IN your karmashaya (an ethereal hard delusion. In the inability to practice with toilet soap. After seven decades of a world level agency To fully grasp the answer to those make it an object, think of it as a real- drive so to say), which stores memo- nirodha, one invests energy into each dedicated to health. So there is little else we can do except questions, one must understand the ity, a whole entity, whereas in truth it FLESH AND BONE. IN ries of each lifetime, amounting to your passing vritti, depleting your aura as it relying on healing powers of faith. If the answer to the virus concept of Chitta, Vritti and Nirodha. is nothing but a transient disturbance ORDER FOR THE karmic balance. In the bargain, a passes. Vritti, if you allow it, creates dis- is immunity, we must know that fear and anxiety lowers Chitta is the mind in its totality — at in the chitta, which itself remains fleeting thought becomes yours and cord and conflict between the aatma immunity, while faith and hope strengthens it. But at the same the conscious, subconscious and unchanged and whole. Vritti has no SOUL TO EVOLVE becomes a credit or debit in your and the physical self, disrupting the time some physical exercise is also needed to boost the unconscious level; the individual mind separate existence. It is, at its core, HOWEVER, IT MUST karmic record. A person having under- synergy. Instead of growing your aura, immune system. So engaging in aerobics for half an hour as well as the ethereal mind. In other defined by the chitta and not the other stood the concept of nirodha will you begin to lose energy. The intellec- may do a lot of good. Health is wealth and we now realise words, the word chitta means the mind way around. When you are sad, it is not RISE ABOVE THE begin to observe thoughts and emo- tual mind reflects the vrittis as they pass why. But physical and mental resilience go together. The idea (in a holistic sense). That is, not just our that the chitta expresses and is defined PHYSICAL tions entering his mind from the through the chitta. of Psychoneuroimmunology is now fairly accepted. And all physical mind (that perceives the by sadness, sadness is only a ripple that point of view of a third person, a dis- “Emotions are a symbol of human- this is not coming from actors who are looking for some time world around us through our senses), passes through the chitta, a passing sad EXISTENCE AND ITS passionate, detached spectator. He ity” — nothing could be more accurate pass and engagement themselves or some modern day sor- but also the mind of the ethereal or thought. Intellect alone may not be TRAITS does not try to control his vritti, does than this widely established cliché. cerer who tries to find commerce in everything. This is spirit body, as well as our intuitive fac- enough to understand what chitta is. not suppress it or eliminate it or Emotions are a trait of the physical research based opinion. And some genuine one. Though these ulty (that is available to our innermost It cannot grasp the infinite, as the intel- encourage it. He is an unmoved, unaf- realm, of humans, in flesh and bone. days people researching in computer viruses are talking about level of consciousness). Thus, chitta is lect is only a part of the whole. It can fected, silent, non-participative spec- In order for the soul to evolve howev- biological viruses. But, that not withstanding, the times are an infinite ocean, undivided, impossi- only produce vritti. tator, merely observing as waves enter er, it must rise above the physical exis- tough and we will have to acquire toughness of the mind, ble to define by a single parameter. Nirodha is the practice of under- and leave his chitta. This must not be tence and its traits. The fuel to propel the body and the soul also. For the soul then, do some good Vrittis are ripples or disturbances standing the true nature and relation confused with not having thoughts or this ascent is nirodha. without posting on Instagram. in the form of thoughts or emotions in between chitta and vritti, their oneness evading emotions in their entirety. It The writer is the author of Hingori Sutras Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed the ocean that is chitta. Anything that at the core. It is the knowledge that sor- is in fact the phenomenon of preclud- series of spiritual books public speaker. He can be reached at [email protected] Meditate to ease stress Why do we need God? Stress can reduce immunity, making you more prone to the virus. Meditation and Whether we accept it or not, we need God now more than at any other chanting mantras can help boost immunity, says ACHARYA PRAVEEN CHAUHAN time. Only God knows the Big Picture, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI s this a question anymore? Has this his is the time, when people are prac- virus not brought the world to its ticing social isolation which is said to Iknees? What has happened to the Tbe helpful for preventing the virus. rich and powerful? They have gone into However, it is necessary to understand that hiding, afraid that they maybe strick- constant worry about your financial condi- en by the dangerous Corona. The rich tion and staying away from your loved ones are learning to exist without their ret- may take a toll on your emotional health inue of help; they are beginning to real- thereby leading to depression that may be ize that they are quite helpless really. harmful for your immunity system. If you This feeling is a recent realisation, practice meditation and chant mantras you but the facts are all in support of the real- will be able to keep away the virus by mak- ity of us, souls, being small and help- ing your body stronger. less. Can we stop troubles from com- Covid-19 pandemic has already taken ing like this virus? Several countries over the world at a massive scale. In such a have taken the unprecedented step of condition it is said that a strong immune locking down. Still, there is spread of the system can help to avoid the virus. A strong diseases though limited due to internal immune system can be of help in prevent- mixing. Social distancing has been new bodies; we are no longer what we ed and hopeless. When people ignore ing the illness caused due to virus and pre- recommended in several other coun- thought we were. Lastly, many of us can- God, sacrifice, doing good to others, etc. venting the serious complications. Studies tries, but it is not that effective. Likewise, not even relax — a simple activity with- go out of fashion. People indulge in have shown that meditation can help cure we cannot control events, for example out taking alcohol, which harms in so sense gratification, some unlimitedly. illnesses. Thus, if you have a strong immune fires in Australia and USA, which many ways. And the result is degradation of the soci- system, you will eventually be able to fight improving how your body functions. thought, learning, perception and emotion. raged out of control earlier. Because, too Whether we accept this stark fact ety. God is needed to correct this dan- the virus too. It causes improved cognitive Mantra is a specific combination of syl- Chanting mantras can have an effect on us many factors are beyond the control of or not, we need God now more than at gerous situation. A society is law abid- functioning and reduced physical problems. lables and is based heavily on the science of from the vibrations they send out, affecting human beings. Then, we are unable to any other time. Only He can bail us out. ing when there is enforcement of laws. Your immune system is not responsible Naad. These sounds or vibrations tune, qui- brain patterns. The brain uses certain fluids obtain desired results. Wouldn’t we want We need God’s guidance because He Similarly, God is required to make peo- for the physical functioning to ward off the eten and focus the mind. These specific to transmit messages. Reciting mantras and vaccine and medication for this virus? only knows the Big Picture, that is the ple aware that the principle of diseases but also to enhance the thoughts combinations of syllables, words and practicing meditation activate these fluids But we are unable to do that at least for entirety of the situation. Otherwise, we karmaphala will be enforced. Similarly, and moods. Furthermore, it is responsible rhythms hold great power in their sound in a positive way. Thus, we can use mantras now. are likely to make costly mistakes act- God is needed to escape crippling pun- for transmitting the thoughts to your cells. current to create and elevate consciousness. to heal the body, mind and emotional state, On the subtle level, we are unable ing in panic. Personally, I seek God’s ishment by taking. His shelter; He Hence, it is very necessary to transmit the These sound vibrations that infiltrate every and also to attract or create prosperity, suc- to gain sleep as desired, especially guidance and help every time a new makes it manageable/tolerable. right signals. We have no control over our cell of human being and let the mind deli- cess, love and positivity. Studies have shown deep or sound sleep. Even the length of problem appears. Believe me, God Have you ever wondered about life, but we do have a control over how we quesce. Reciting a mantra produces an actu- that practicing meditation can be helpful for the sleep is out of our control. Sleep is guides and helps because this is the exalted devotees like Shankaracharya respond to situations. Mantras and medita- al physical vibration, which corresponds to boosting your physical functioning. a small matter, peace is bigger. How Cosmic Design. How else can small writing so glowingly about God? The tion is the best option to ease the function- both a specific spiritual energy frequency Improved physical functioning is a result of many of us are really peaceful? Not a big souls exist well. Holistically speaking, we answer is: God responded to them. This ing of your immune system and to treat it. and a state of consciousness. These vibra- improved immunity system. percentage. We are unable to stop wor- cannot survive well without God’s must have really surprised them in the Reciting mantras and Meditation, an tions bring about positive changes in the If you are feeling stressed and anxious ries, fears, etc from overpowering us. active help. We need God’s intervention beginning, i.e. God — the omnipotent age-old spiritual practice, always remained immunity system and strengthen it. owing to everything going around you late- These cripple the mankind; people suf- more than we can imagine. bothering to pay attention to them. It shrouded in the realms of awe and marvel, Modern neuroscience is now beginning ly, it is time that you turn to mantras and fer helplessly. Why are there so many The present situation has played is no wonder that they spoke so high- and was perceived miraculous in effect if to discover the relationship between the meditation to calm your mind. Mantras and mental diseases? We lose our near and havoc with our moods. Mostly, the ly about God; they were simply over- practiced. Chanting mantras forms a part of way mantras are chanted and the impact on meditation can be a great boost for your dear ones helplessly. Can you imagine mode of darkness is reigning supreme, come by emotions towards the munif- many religious rituals, and diverse spiritual the functioning of the mind. When we psychological and immunity buildup there- the lifelong pain of a couple, who lost which causes fears, lamentation, depres- icent Lord. I am beginning to get a taste traditions consider chanting mantras as a chant a mantra, the frontal lobes of our by helping you cope up in the stressful envi- their two children in a tsunami? We are sion, etc. The other two modes, that is of same. This will explain why I keep route to spiritual and worldly development. brain ‘light up’ and the nerve endings fire ronment. so small and helpless that we cannot goodness and passion are taking back on writing about our need to seek God. Meditation on the other hand is aimed at up. There is increased flow of oxygen and The writer is a Delhi-based Astrologer and can be stop ourselves from aging and then we seats. With God in the picture, they get Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached relaxing your body. Meditation is aimed at blood. Frontal lobes are responsible for reached at [email protected] die. Our identities change as we get into boost and we are no longer so defeat- at [email protected] sunday magazine COME RAMZAN, THE CITY HAS OVER A THOUSAND BIG AND SMALL OUTLETS MAKING HALEEM AND OTHER DELICACIES. THIS YEAR HOWEVER, SINCE THE FESTIVITIES WOULD BE A QUIET AFFAIR, food 11 WE WILL BRING TO YOU RECIPES OF ALL THE AFOREMENTIONED DELICACIES TO SATIATE YOUR FESTIVE CRAVINGS Vijayawada, April 26, 2020

Ramadan this year begins at the end of this week. Ramadan 2020 will be a different experience for all our Muslim brothers and sisters. With the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown being extended in Telangana, Hyderabad will see no iftars, prayers at mosques, and more Ramzan importantly, the haleem. They are adapting to the changes laid down by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. There seems to be a wave of disappointment among the Hyderabadis but worry not, we're here to cheer you up a little. DELICACIES The Pioneer brings you five home-made delicacies of this auspicious festival of Ramadan by a Hyderabadi Muslim gourmet- Rameez Siddiqui! TO TRY AT Here is a list of top five Ramadan delicacies that you must try at home: HOME HYDERABADI HALEEM Rameez tells us that RECIPE o Ginger-garlic paste: powder: 1/2 tsp 1 tbsp every year in the o What do you need? o Yellow chilli powder: o Ghee: 1/2 cup o Lapsi (daliya) soaked 2 tsp bustling city of (raw): 30 gm o Cinnamon stick: 1 o Rose water: 2-3 ml o Mutton leg Hyderabad, there are o Clove: 4 o Cashew nut: 20 gm (boneless): 150 gm more than a thousand o Green cardamom: 3 o Mint leaves: 1/2 o Black pepper pd to bunch furnaces preparing o Bay leaves: 2 taste o 1 gm of saffron o Rose petals: 1/2 gm Haleem. A major o Curd: 1 1/2 cup water in 30 ml of crowd puller, it is a o Few strings of khus o Coriander whole: 2 warm milk ki jhad fine whisk of meat tsp o 2 cups of stock o Onion: 120 gm o and wheat. Topping Javitri elaichi o Salt to taste the list of the best- cooked meals during HOW TO MAKE? then add lapsi becomes tender. Ramadan, Haleem is (soaked in water). o Add curd, yellow o Pour in 2 cups chilli, black pepper, known for its o In a handi pour stock, make a cashew nut paste , deliciously tendered ghee, add sliced bouquet garni with rose water ,saffron mutton ingredients. onion and sauté till cinnamon stick, rose water, salt to taste translucent and add petal, coriander and cook till mutton For vegetarians, there ginger garlic paste. seed, cloves, green is cooked. o is the veg. Haleem and Fry half a cup of cardamom, bay o Serve hot for seafood lovers, onions and keep leave, khus ki jhad with chopped aside for garnishing. and put it in the mint leaves, there's fish Haleem as o Add mutton leg handi and cover coriander chop, well. boneless cut into 1/2 with a lid and cashew nut fry, cm cubes and sauté cook on a medium onion fry and dollop for a minute and flame till mutton of ghee.

WHAT DO YOU NEED? SHEER-KHORMA o Mince meat: 300 gms. o Flour: 2 cups. Celebrations of Ramzan HOW TO MAKE: o Butter: 150 gms. begins with this special o Heat milk in a saucepan. o Salt to taste. o Lime dessert called Sheer- Let the milk come to a juice: 1 tbsp. o Onion: 1 Khorma. This vermicelli boil. Lower the flame and o Ginger garlic paste: 1/2 tsp cookery served with simmer for 8-10 minutes o Oil as required. o Turmeric: 1/4 abundant milk and till the milk slightly tsp. o Green chilli: 3 o Coriander garnished with roasted thickens. nuts and dry fruits is made powder: 1/2 tsp. o Garam masala: 1/4 tsp. o Add the roasted with copious amounts of o Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp. o Mint leaves: seviyan and sugar ghee. Prepared in large 1/2 bunch. o Coriander leaves: 1/2 bunch. to the milk and quantities of milk, it’s the simmer till the HOW TO MAKE: definitive sweet that is seviyan are o In a bowl, add flour, butter, salt, lime juice and prepared every Ramzan, cooked and Lukhmi/ required water, make it into a stiff dough and marking the end of this have become rest it for few minutes. holy month. Here is the soft for about luqmi o recipe for you: For the stuffing heat oil in a pan and add 8-10 chopped onions, salt, ginger garlic paste, cook WHAT DO YOU NEED? minutes on An elegant starter this till raw flavour is gone. o 500 ml milk or 2 cups a low flame. from the kitchens o Add turmeric, chopped green chilli, coriander full fat organic milk of Nizams, Luqmi o Add the powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, mint o Ghee: 1 tbsp whole dry is the Indian leaves, chopped coriander, saute it for a minute version of o Sugar as required fruit mixture then add mince meat, do not add any water, and Shepherd's Pie. o Broken seviyan (whole cook it dry until kheema is completely cooked. cardamom Made with thin wheat vermicelli): ½ cup o Transfer this into a plate and let it cool. powder. envelopes of paper o Cashews chopped: 7 to 8 filled with minced o Take the dough and roll it into a rectangle o Switch off the meat, it’s then fried shape. Apply butter on the sheet and sprinkle o Almonds sliced: 8 to 9 fire and stir. to perfection. Also the dry flour, and fold like a envelope. o Unsalted pistachios o Check the taste served as an o Take the sheet and place it in the tray, cover it sliced: 8 to 9 and add more appetizer, Lukhmi with a wet cloth and rest it in the fridge for 20 o Dates seedless, chopped: sugar if required. is derived from the minutes. Repeat the same twice. 8 to 9 o Serve the sheer expression o Roll the dough into rectangle shape and cut o Green cardamoms, khurma hot, warm or ‘Luqma,' meaning them into squares and put in spoonful of crushed to a powder in a chilled. a tiny bite. This mixture, then apply the water on edges and mortar-pestle: 4 cuisine is rich in its o You can also garnish it seal the edges pressing together. o essence and served Chironji: ½ or 1 tbsp with saffron strands or o Take the fork and make fancy shape on it. in its finest o Golden raisins: 1 tbsp rose petals or dry fruits or traditional styles. o Deep fry in the hot oil and serve hot. o Rose water: ½ to 1 tsp powdered cardamom. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 26, 2020 12

A successful entrepreneur in the poultry industry, G Ranjith Reddy, speaks to THE PIONEER about his political foray. In a conversation with Naveena Ghanate, the MP says that how he joined veterinary sciences, studied masters, forayed into the poultry business with initial capital of Rs 5 lakh that now has a turnover of Rs 1,500 crore before he joined politics was all ‘Destiny’.

in the country. About two years back, Goldman Sachs took over. When Goldman Naughty Child Sachs came to buy my company, I never knew am the third of four children — an who they were. I literally said, ‘Did I tell you elder sister and three brothers. I was that I am going to sell the company?’. Then I considered quite naughty as a child, came to know about them after looking them my other siblings were always top- up online. I pers in class but I used to get 3rd or 4th rank. I was always discarded in the family and used to say that I Coronavirus is worse might go back to my village and take up agri- than bird flu culture since I was no topper. I use to run errands and life was comfortable. I used to Coronavirus losses are much higher than justify my ranks saying that it was not my luck bird flu. I really thought that industry is going that I was getting third or fourth rank but to the dogs. When bird flu broke, we were because the first ranker in my class was a flying to Atlanta in the USA. We were in nerd. I never felt bad that I was getting 3 or Dubai when we heard the news. All of us 4th rank. I used to be quite active in sports. began calculating our assets and all ur bal- With partner Tirupathi Reddy ance sheets were in red. All of us were feel- Six children at home ing depressed. Poultry business is such— Counting was like cricket both profits and losses are huge. We are landlords in our village. Till Class Major things happen and we survive, but match X, I studied in St. Paul’s High School in small matters end up in huge losses. We went there for counting, I thought I Warangal. My father is Raji Reddy and moth- Innumerable number of times, I felt that I will win from first round but for 19 rounds er Chandrakala. My father did not want to Sidharth,Manju,Mounika, Tirupathi Reddy , Ranjith Reddy ,Seetha Aaryan ,Pooja and Rajesh (left to right) was in the wrong business. I was behind. Before counting itself continue in agriculture, so he moved to Poultry About 20 days back, we were giving away Vishweshwar Reddy said he was going to win, Warangal after rebelling against his father and Rajendranagar. I thought I will pursue med- bird for free but today there is so much and he asked me how I was confident of vic- bagged a government job. Because my icine in first year again but having seen life through intern demand. When we couldn’t sell birds, we tory. I asked him the same question saying grandfather didn’t like my father moving to were burying them and because of this in Hyderabad in hostel, I got deviated. Back I started my job in poultry sector in my last that when there is a TRS wave, how is that Warangal, my father forced himself to bring in Warangal, I was staying with family and Coronavirus, we lost Rs 1 crore every day for he would win. But I was all frustrated till the his younger brother, to pursue medicine. My year of PG. My partner Tirupathi Reddy – he almost 25-30 days. There is shortage now it was strict. In hostel I was like a bird com- was dropout in final year and had six month 19th round. End of 20th round, votes from mother’s younger brother also used to stay ing out of its nest and thoroughly enjoyed the because we buried the birds. Now there is the Muslim belt were counted and I began with us. He ensured that both the brothers backlog. He joined poultry sector at a salary demand and people feel that we are making time. Academics-wise it was easy as it was of Rs 2,500. One day, I went to pick him up, leading. It was a tough fight, it was like crick- get good education and even paid donations. semester system, I would study one day before money, but no one understands the losses we et 20-20. It was like one over of cricket which It was a house of six children. My father soon his boss was make. KCR supported the poultry industry the exam. Veterinary college were best days also changes the outcome of the match. Once realised that the Government job was not and we had horse riding. I represented the in a big way. votes from the Muslim belt were counted, I enough to pay for the good education he state three times at the national Republic got a lead of 2,100. wanted us to have . So he started taking up Day parade. There were no girls in the vet- KCR, KTR used to visit public works contract. We are always unit- erinary sciences, had some good time Power of politician is huge ed and bonded very well. Even now, we talk while horse riding. Till 1990, I used to Wife was very my home I was in a daze when I entered Parliament to each other almost every day. regularly ride horses. Now in my con- to take my oath. Where did I start, where did stituency there is a polo club, which I Eatala Rajender and I were Father and brother supportive good friends due to our interests I come to? I was one among 542, it is defi- want to join, I hope to do so next month. nitely a high. Being a politician, it is a way got married in 1992 and my wife Sita always in poultry sector. I was active decided career from 2004 in TRS. I was consul- to help the needy. In India, the clout of a Wanted to be teacher I supported me in everything. I was settled in poultry tant doctor to Eatala’s poultry politician is huge, if we have intention to help I was topper in Class X and in intermediate people. People who come with minor needs I got the highest marks. I was very good at Maths All of my classmates were interest- industry. All the four of us, Tirupathi Reddy, his wife, my business. We canvassed for him in his election, so from that time and aspirations — politicians can definite- and applied for MPC. But my father and broth- ed in bagging a government job. I wife and I would sit and discuss. They were very ly help them. Because I am new to politics, er reached the college and changed the appli- never wanted to go back to village as I have access to KCR through supportive of us in our profession. We never discussed Rajender. KCR sir, KTR, Harish I come with clean heart, and officials con- cation to Bi.PC. They did so because my elder a veterinary doctor and maybe I was cerned also follow up on my request. brother was already in the engineering stream. only one of the 80 stu- business much with wives. They never objected, they used to come to my house with I had an argument that day, but there was no dents who didn’t were happy. In 1993 my daughter was born and she Rajender for closed door meet- Friendly father way out as my sister couldn’t get into her join govern- was busy taking care of child. My daughter and his ings. I was with him when KCR My daughter Pooja and son-in-law Dr first became the Chief Minister of MBBS and my father was not in posi- ment service. Rajesh Reddy started new business, they are tion to pay donation. My elder broth- I picked daughter were classmates from nursery till Telangana. We were with him when engineering and are good friends. taking care of the business. I was very emo- er did his engineering from REC Physiology in the counting of votes was taking tional during my daughter’s wedding. While Warangal and was later selected my Masters as They are now married. place. When we travel from the farm- I was eager to get her married, on the big day, in the police department. The I wanted to be house to city, we talk about poultry. The I felt sad that she was leaving us. I and my only day I felt bad about study- a teacher. At day he was sworn in as CM, KCR said brothers and my partner Tirupathi Reddy, ing medicine was when none that time, no he would take up the poultry industry in all of us initially had one girl child each and of the three toppers from one had there. big way and make it No. 1. The three of we decided that we all will have only one Government Junior College, picked child. But as years passed we began feeling including me, could make it. Physiology for us went out for dinner during which he Wanted to contest from offered me a job. But I had 3 months to com- a void. My elder brother said the money all I missed my MBBS seat by their Masters Malkajgiri three have is enough to have one child. The one mark so the next option for over 20 plete my PG. He offered me Rs 2,500 as salary. That really motivated me to join him. In rest of us went ahead with one more child was Veterinary science. years. I the first I never thought I enter politics. When I after a gap of 7-8 years. Everybody had a son. to do so from Masters you get a stipend of Rs 2,000, the sold my company to Goldman Sachs, I was Horse riding at additional Rs 2,500 was quite alluring. I have My son Aryan was born in 2002. He is pur- Hyderabad. wondering if I should join politics and real suing Bachelors in Business Management Incidentally, I joined settled in poultry industry and in 4-5 years, estate. I, my partner and my family — all of hostel made a good name for myself. Tirupathi from Bloomington. I am not a strict father the poultry business us sat and discussed the future. Initially they but friendly one. I got into Agriculture due to my partner Reddy, who joined the government sector, and had reservations but seeing my interest, University in Tirupathi Reddy I thought about starting a hatchery on small everyone backed me. I asked my scale. The boss asked me to stay back, seniors if I could contest for the because it was dicey business. He even asked Lok Sabha and no candidate was me to work one day in a week with same finalised for the Malkajgiri salary. In 1996 we started S.R. Hatcheries Pvt. seat. But bosses called me and Ltd asked me to contest from Chevella. When I was given the Never knew of B-Form I was shivering. When Chevella ticket was given, Goldman Sachs I never imagined I would win since Everything went my way, the way we Konda started our business. We started with Vishweshwar 8,000 broiler breeders and now we are Reddy has a among top 5-10 in the country. In com- strong base panies where I worked, they are very there. Out of small. When I was president of Poultry seven Association, I used to sit on dais as Assembly con- president and my previous MDs stituencies, six were in the audience, it was weird. It was hard work that really are with TRS, so I always fetched us success. We used to work for more than 14 hours. After believed that starting the hatchery, we have the party will grown from strength to strength, help me get elect- but after reaching a ceiling of Rs ed. I thought it was 4-5 lakhs we were unable to easy for me to win, expand. that was the mood. We then forayed into the But on day of feed business. We have counting, I got to With CM K Chandrashekar Rao become the top feed sellers know the process.

FITNESS REGIME: I work out at least 5 THING THAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE IN days in a week. YOURSELF: I would want some more discipline. ARE YOU RELIGIOUS: Yes FAVOURITE MOVIE: all hit movies – all BIGGEST STRENGTH: My family and Mahesh Babu and Prabhas movie friends FAVOURITE SONG: Amitabh Bachchan WHAT IRRITATES YOU THE and Chiranjeevi songs MOS: anything that goes against my will. QUICK FAVOURITE SPORTS: I play cricket, table tennis, badminton – badminton FAVOURITE FOOD: Chicken BYTES and eggs PREFERRED HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Australia and New Zealand FAVOURITE COLOUR:Earlier, it was red and now I like pastel colours WEAKNESS: being emotional ARE YOU AN EMOTIONAL PERSON: Very WHAT IMPRESSES: sincerity. I don’t like emotional people lying. LAST TIME YOU WERE EMOTIONAL: SERIES CURRENTLY WATCHING : Money During my daughter’s wedding. Heist Horse riding during republic day parade