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MONEY 8INDIA INITIATES PROBE AGAINST

‘DUMPING OF FIBRE BOARDS’

ANALYSIS 7NEW ANTI-VIRUS

WEAPONS GIVE HOPE

SPORTS 12CAN NEVER THINK OF LEAVING RCB: KOHLI

HYDERABAD, SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2020; PAGES 12 `3

www.dailypioneer.com

n They will also focus on issueslike the supply of

essentialcommodities,social distancing inmovement of peopleoutside their homes and others

MICROBIOLOGIST IS FIRST IN LINE FOROXFORD’S COVID-19 VACCINE TRIAL

With the sighting of the crescent moon soon after dusk on Thursday,Muslims across India ushered in the Holy Month of Ramzan. While

Taraveeh, the additional night prayers began from Thursday itself, Muslims willfast for the entire month, from the break of dawn to dusk from Friday. Unlike inthe past, this year's Ramzan is different from the past, alongwith the rest of the world struggling due to the globallockdown to contain the spread of the extremelycontagious Covid-19. This year, the zakat, the obligatorycharity equalling 2.5 per cent of the earnings of the moreprivileged Muslims, will go to those suffering from thesevere economic hardships arising out of the lockdown.

NASA DEVELOPS HIGH-PRESSUREVENTILATOR TO FIGHT COVID-19 NASA engineers have developed a new, easy-to-build high-pressure

ventilator tailored specifically to treat COVID-19 patients. The device,called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally), passeda critical test this week at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, anepicentre of COVID-19 in the US, NASA said. VITAL isdesigned to treat patients with milder symptoms, therebykeeping country's limited supply of traditional ventilatorsavailable for patients with more severe COVID-19symptoms, it said. "We specialise in spacecraft, notmedical-device manufacturing," said Michael Watkins,Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Amicrobiologist has become the first human to be injected for the humantrial phase of a vaccine in the UK against the novel coronavirus being

developed by a group of scientists at the University of Oxford. ElisaGranato is the first volunteer in an initial group of 800 to bepart of the ground-breaking trial, which is hoped will be theanswer for immunisation against the deadly virus and helpwith the easing of lockdown measures in place to curb itsrapid transmission. "I'm a scientist, so I wanted to try tosupport the scientific process wherever I can," Granatotold the BBC as she was injected in Oxford, where the trialbegan this week.

CRESCENT MOON SIGHTED, MUSLIMSSTART RAMZAN WITH A PRAYER

Current Weather ConditionsUpdated April 24, 2020 5:00 PM

ALMANACTODAY

Month & Paksham:Vishakha & Shukla PakshaPanchangamTithi : Dwitiya: 11:51 amNakshatram: kritika: 08:57 pmTime to Avoid: (Bad time to start

any important work)Rahukalam: 09:05 am – 10:39 amYamagandam: 01:48 pm – 03:22 pmVarjyam: 07:48 am -09:33 amGulika: 05:57 am - 07:31 amGood Time: (to start any important work)

Amritakalam: 06:20 pm – 08:05 pmAbhijit Muhurtham: 11:48 am – 12:39 pm

HYDERABADWEATHERForecast: Mostly sunnyTemp: 41/28Humidity: 49%Sunrise: 05:53 amSunset: 06:34 pm

Self-reliance alesson from pandemic, ‘DoGaz Ki Doori' keymantra: PM Modi

5

Sri Lanka to seek$ 400 mn financial facilityfrom RBI

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RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469Established 1864Published From

HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOWBHOPAL RAIPUR

CHANDIGARH BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA

*LATE CITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 194*Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

2

AP battlingCOVID-19 withrobust systems

‘SITUATION SERIOUS'PNS n NEW DELHI

The novel coronavirus situationis "especially serious" inAhmedabad, Surat, Thane,Hyderabad and Chennai whichare considered among majorhotspots districts or emerginghotspots districts across thecountry.

The Ministry of HomeAffairs made the announce-ment following reports receivedfrom various departments atcentral and state level."Situationespecially serious in majorhotspot districts or emerginghotspots like Amhedabad andSuraj (Gujarat); Thane(Maharashtra); Hyderabad(Telangana); and Chennai(Tamil Nadu)."

The central government,meanwhile, has set up five moreinter-ministerial central teams(IMCTs), led by the AdditionalSecretary level officers, to mon-itor implementation of lock-down, supply of essential goodsand other related issues in thesecities. The teams will make on-spot assessment of the situation,issue necessary directions tostate authorities for its redres-sal and submit their report tothe Central government in thelarger interest of the generalpublic.

in Ahmedabad, Surat, Thane, Hyd, Chennai

PNS n NEW DELHI

The Union Home Ministryhas sent four new intermin-isterial teams to monitorthe COVID-19 situation inGujarat, Telangana andTamil Nadu, officials saidFriday.

These teams, headed byAdditional Secretary-levelofficers, will visitAhmedabad, Surat (inGujarat), Hyderabad(Telangana) and Chennai(Tamil Nadu), HomeMinistry Joint SecretaryPunya Salila Srivastava told apress conference here.

These central teams will bein addition to six alreadyconstituted, she said.

Centre sends 4interministerialteams to Telangana

NEW DELHI: Indiaregistered 1,752 newcoronavirus cases on Friday, inits biggest single-day spikesince the beginning of thepandemic, taking the total to23,452. The number of deathsreached 723 with 37 morepeople dying from COVID-19,the Health Ministry said. Earlierin the day, the government said

that a total of 4,748 people haverecovered from COVID-19 inIndia so far, taking the share ofrecovered patients to 20.57 percent of the total active cases.

India's doubling rate ofcoronavirus cases has alsoimproved to 10 days, from 7.5days reported earlier this week,the centre said, suggesting thatthe lockdown enforced since last

month to check the spread ofthe highly contagious disease isa success. It also said that thereare 80 districts now where nonew cases have been reportedin the last 14 days, suggestingthe chain of transmission hasbeen broken. "Till date, there are80 districts in the country thathave reported no new cases inthe last 14 days.

NEWDELHI: The government said on Fridaythe nationwide lockdown announced byPrime Minister Narendra Modi was atimely step, without which there wouldhave been an estimated one lakh

COVID-19 cases in India by now. In apress briefing, officials said the virusoutbreak is under control in the countryand credited a robust surveillance networkalong with implementation of the lockdownand other containment measures for it.

Ahmedabad

SuratThane

Hyderabad

Chennai

Biggest single day spike in India, 1,752 new cases in 24 hrs

COVID-19outbreak undercontrol: Govt

n MHA made theannouncement

following reportsreceived from

variousdepartments at

central and statelevel

n Centre sets up five more inter-ministerialcentral teams to monitor implementation oflockdown and other related issues in these cities

n The teams will makeon-spot assessment of

the situation, issuenecessary directions to

stateauthorities

n The IMCTs will focustheir assessment on thecompliance andimplementation oflockdown measures asper guidelines

PNS n HYDERABAD

Covid-19 survivors,upon theirdischarge from the GandhiHospital, are hailing the hospi-tal doctors and the amenitiesprovided there.

A survivor from Warangalsaid, "Dr Rajarao took care ofus as if we are his own children.We felt like he is Rajinikanth.We got breakfast, chai, biscuit,lunch, eggs, dry fruits, fruits,evening chai, dinner. No prob-lem at all. Thanks to the gov-ernment and KCR sir".

Patients at Gandhi Hospitalare served plate of idli, bread,jam, coffee, tea, a mix of all dry

fruits, including almonds,cashew, dates, eggs and chick-en curry for those who prefer

non-vegetarian and sambar,daal for those who prefer veg-etarian food.

Another survivor said, "Wewere provided very good food.

Kishan Reddy says KCR’s ‘helicopter money’ impractical PNS n HYDERABAD

The 'helicopter money' pro-posal mooted by TelanganaChief MinisterKChandrasekhar Rao to theCentre, as a wayfor assistingstates to help them overcomefinancial crisis occasioned bythe lockdown since March 24,has found no takers.

None of the states has sup-ported KCR's proposal so far.The Centre and the ReserveBank of India too are learnt tobe not in favour of the heli-copter money plan as theyfear that itwould create moreproblems for Indian economythan what it could solve. It isfelt in some circles that itcould trigger a collapse of theeconomy as there are chancesfor people losing faith in thenation's currency, with someswitching to foreigncurrenciesas a hedge.Nor are the Centreand RBI considering quanti-

tative easing policy suggestedby KCR.

Union Minister of State forHome Affairs G Kishan Reddyon Friday indicatedthe Centre'sstand against helicopter moneysayingthat KCR's proposal wasnot practical. No other state hasmade such a proposal so far.KCR's plan did not evokemuch support even frome-conomists, businessmen orindustry bodies.

No more discounts on medicines even in chain storesPNS n HYDERABAD

Gone are the days of substan-tial discounts at chain medicalstores and big pharmacies.Amidst the Covid-19-inducedlockdown, getting medicinesat reasonable prices has becomedifficult. Some of the perkswhich customers were availingprior to lockdown have beennullified.

Many of the medical chainstores were previously offeringdiscount on pharma purchases.

Citizens now complain that,at a time when their salarieshave been cut, the increasingcosts of medical items and

drugs are taking a heavy toll onhome budget.

K Priyanka, who visitedMedplus store in Tirumalgiri,

was taken aback as they did notoffer discounts. She said, "Theperson at the store informed methat discount rates are revisednow because of lockdown rules.Upon purchasing medicinesfor Rs 500, you'll get a 10 per-cent discount. No discountsare provided under the Rs 500bill unlike earlier."

Another Narendra Singh,who visited Apollo Pharmacy,said, "I bought this diaperspack for around Rs 800/- andnow after lockdown they are

selling on MRP Rs1,199 with nodiscount. I don't expect thisfrom big chains."

A lot of parents even com-plained online over removingdiscount offers during coronacrisis. Some users complainthat even accumulated dis-counts are not allowed to beenchased.

Muralidhar P said, "AChandanagar pharmacy centreis not allowing me to encash theaccumulated discount points.

PNS n HYDERABAD

The coronavirus pandemicmay have taken the zing out ofRamzan festivities for many;yet, with most of Covid-19patients in Gandhi Hospitalbeing Muslims, the stateHealth Department has alteredtheir menu to suit those fast-ing. These patients will getchicken biryani, mutton curry

and dates to boost immunityin the holy month of fasting.

The Health Department hasprepared a food chart toensure that the Muslim com-munity gets balanced, nutri-tious food for sehri (pre-dawnmeal) and iftar (post-duskmeal), so that they do not faceany issues during the course oftreatment.

Special menu for Rozadar patients

13 new cases inTelanganaHYDERABAD: Telangana reported13 fresh cases of Covid-19 onFriday, taking the total number ofcases to 983. In all, 29patientswere discharged on Friday andcumulatively 219 people havebeen cured and discharged.There are 663 active cases in thestate. Health Minister EtelaRajender said that seven patientsare being supplied oxygen. Themaximum cases are fromSuryapet, Gadwal, GHMC andVikarabad. He said, "based ontrends, the numbers of cases aredeclining and discharges arelikely to increase further.

Hospitalauthorities took

very good care ofus. Doctors camefrom time to time

to check on us.Cleanliness is very

good. The food provided was good.We were given idly, upma, bondafor breakfast, eggs, dry fruits andfruits were also provided to eat.They kept cleaning also from timeto time to keep the premises clean.

Our SP andDMHO have

given us all thefacilities. Wewere brought in

ambulance andnow they're taking us

back in ambulance where we willbe dropped to our doors. Peoplewere there with us throughout andthey took very good care of us.

We weregiven

very goodtreatment,many

thanks toTS

government, KCR sir.Doctors took very goodcare of us. Food is goodand it came on time. Wewere treated very well andhave no complaints

VIKARABAD SURVIVOR WARANGAL SURVIVOR

NIRMAL SURVIVOR

TS Covid-19 surviors hail doctor as‘Rajinikanth’ and amenities ‘Jabardasth’

KTR envisions fourrevolutions in TSPNS n SIDDIPET

Godavari waters reachedSiddipet on Friday, afterTelangana Ministers KTRamarao and T Harish Raoreleased the waters into theRanganayaka Sagar reservoir,located at Chandlapur, follow-ing special pujas at theRanganayaka Swamy templethere.

The official programmewas simple in view of thelockdown due to coronavirus

outbreak.The ministers later inaugu-

rated the pump at the pump-house in the tunnel.

The Ministers and MPKotha Prabhakar Reddy,MLAs S Ramalinga Reddy,Satheesh, Yadagiri Reddy,MLCs Farooq Hussain,Venkateshwarlu, CollectorVenkatarama Reddy,Irrigation Department offi-cials performed 'Jalaharathi' atthe water lift system.

ICMR teams toconduct randomtests in 3 TS districts PNS n HYDERABAD

The Indian Council ofMedical Research (ICMR)has decided to conductran-dom testing in three districtsof Telangana.

This is part of ICMR'sdecision to study 82 districtsin 25 statesacross the countryto understand the spread ofthe coronavirus throughran-domised testing.

In Telangana, the ICMRhas so far identified two dis-tricts viz, Kamareddy andNalgonda to conduct randomtesting.

A lot of medical chains wereoffering discount onpharma purchases. Citizenscomplain that when theirsalaries are being cut,increasing costs of medicalitems and drugs is terrible.

}IMPROMPTU TRIPSARE THE MOST

MEMORABLE: ADAH

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Global shares extended losses Friday as hopes faded for a quickturnaround for the global coronavirus pandemic. France's CAC 40

dropped 1.9% in early trading to 4,368.03, while Germany'sDAX fell 1.8% to 10,321.87. Britain's FTSE 100 shed 1.5%to 5,741.36. U.S. shares were poised for losses, with thefuture for the Dow industrials down 0.3% at 23,272.50. Thefuture contract for the S&P 500 lost 0.4% to 2,771.12.Investor sentiment was again fragile as attention shiftedto the economic damage the world is likely to sufferbecause of the pandemic, says Prakash Sakpal andNicholas Mapa, economists at ING.

GLOBAL SHARES FALL AS WALL STRALLY FIZZLES AMID VIRUS FEARS

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HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020 hyderabad 02

Four months back, none ofus had an inkling thatsomething like severe

acute respiratory syndrome -corona virus -2 (SARS-CoV-2)would engulf the world andthreaten the lives and liveli-hoods of billions of peoplewith an infection calledCOVID-19.

While the World HealthOrganization (WHO) hasbeen coordinating the globalresponseand the Governmentof India has been leading thenational efforts, the final out-come of the battle against thepandemic will depend on thestrategic and operational effec-tiveness of the state and localgovernments.

Effective management ofany epidemic requires aresilient, responsive, and effi-cient public health system.The public health system inAndhra Pradeshhas beentoned up the government of YSJagan Mohan Reddy throughlegislative, policy and institu-tional reforms. The quintes-sence of this is the Arogya Sri

scheme, whichhas beenexpanded to ensure qualityhealth care to all citizens andreduce out-of-pocket expendi-ture.

Thanks to one village secre-tariat for 2,000 families inrural areas and one ward sec-retariat for 4,000 families inurban areas,there is an effec-tive grassroots-level gover-nance system today that cov-ers 14.3 households in thestate.

The Andhra Pradesh gov-ernment started screening,tracking and monitoring allinternational arrivals atVisakhapatnam airport as earlyas February 24. As soon as thefirst COVID-19 case was con-firmed in the state on March12, 14.3 million householdswere screened with the help ofvolunteers and secretariat staff.This enabled identification ofaround 27,000 persons who

returned after internationaltravel and more than 83,000 oftheir contacts.

Soon after declaration ofCOVID-19 as 'national disaster'on March 14, an empoweredmanagement system was estab-lished under the leadership ofthe Chief Minister. Similarly,district, constituency, and PHCtask forces were set up with dis-trict collector as the team leader.Toll-free numbers - 104 and1902 - have been workinground the clock providing med-ical assistance, information andcitizen support.

After reviewing the situationon March 22, the Chief Ministerdeclared lockdown until March31, which has since beenextended until May 03 througha national notification.

Andhra Pradesh has estab-lished a unique surveillancesystem involving 2,61,216 vol-unteers, 44,960 ASHAs and22,254 ANMs. They helpdetect and report the earliestsymptoms of COVID-19 usinga web-based geo-referencedapplication. Slum areas arecovered by atwo-tier surveil-lance and monitoring system.

The state government hasestablished COVID-19 carecentres across the state in 339buildings with 73,919 beds toensu.ctive isolation of patientswith mild symptoms, asympto-matic vectors and their contactswithout the necessary where-withal for home quarantine.

Twenty-three governmenthospitals and fifty-four private

hospitals have been repur-posed as district COVID-19hospitals with 23,442 non-ICU beds, 1,867 ICU beds, and700 ventilators to treat patientswith moderate to severe symp-toms. Four state-leveladvanced care COVID-19 hos-pitals have been established --at Vizag, Vijayawada, Nelloreand Tirupati -- equipped with444 ICU beds, 1,680 non-ICUbeds and 444 ventilators formanaging severe and critical-ly ill patients, especially thosewith co-morbidity. Anotheradvanced care hospital is beingestablished in Kurnool.

Trained health professionalshave been deployed in allfacilities. Testing capacity hasbeen increased from 120 to6,500 a day over the past fourweeks. All health facilities areequipped with required N-95masks, personal protectionequipment, medicines, etc.

Procurement systems havebeen streamlined. Funding isthrough green channel.

The state government hasbeen providing a package offive kilos of rice and one kilo-gram of dal to 1.3 crore fami-lies among marginalized sec-tions, along with a cash grantof Rs1,000 per family. This isin addition to the social secu-rity pension of Rs 2,250 toevery senior citizen, widow,persons with chronic diseases,disability, etc every month.

Camps have been setup formigrant laborers, homeless,beggars, etc., with all essentialservices overseen by twosenior officers. Similar care isbeing taken of those fromAndhra Pradesh stranded indifferent parts of the country.

MGNREGS works haveresumed in green zones.Farmers are being supportedthrough government inter-

vention in market, facilitatedsale in local, national andinternational markets, andresumption of processingactivities.

Measures have been takento ensure delivery of essentialservices to all citizens.Decentralised distribution ofvegetables, fruits and otheressential commodities is beingdone through ward-levelRythu Bazars and pushcartvendors as well as online chan-nels in urban areas.

Apart from battling thevirus,striking a balancebetween ensuring essential ser-vices to residentsand ensuringappropriate care for thoseinfected by COVID-19 is crit-ical for positive outcomes.Andhra Pradesh is well-pre-pared to face the war, howev-er protracted and vicious it maybe, with its scalable resources.

—Dr PV RameshInternational Development

Professional(Views expressed are

personal)

They help detect and report the earliestsymptoms of COVID-19 using a web-based geo-referenced application. Slumareas are covered by atwo-tiersurveillance and monitoring system.

DR PV RAMESHAdditional Chief Secretary to

Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh

AP battling COVID-19 with robust systems

Corona panic grips people in TSPV KONDAL RAOn WARANGAL

The novel Coronavirus is tak-ing a toll on the people acrossthe globe. In India, the num-ber of Corona positive caseshas crossed 23,000 mark andclaimed the lives of over 700people. With each passing day,the rise in number of positivecases is sending shivers downthe spine of people. Especially,people in the rural areas are ontheir toes and are taking nochances to venture out of theirresidences.

In Telangana, people in andaround the containment zonesin the districts across the stateare feeling a bit scared andthere seems to be some sort ofdiscomfort in their responseafter thirty days of lockdownand identification of more 'RedZones'. On Thursday, anuneasy calmness prevailed inthe tri-cities (Warangal,Kazipet and Hanamkonda)with a drastic decline in thegeneral movement of people onthe streets.

During the first phase of thelockdown, there were panicbuyers everywhere for about aweek. There were two-wheel-er riders stepping out, and

especially the youths, espe-cially after April 14, roamedaround the cities as if the lock-down has come to an end.

With the rural Telanganadistricts witnessing a slump inthe number of Corona positivecases, the people, especially inrural areas thought that theiragony has come to an end.However, since Tuesday night,especially after the announce-ment of the Chief Minister KChandrashekhar Rao to extendthe lockdown period till May7 with no relaxations, the ruralTelangana residents were foundalmost in a discomfort mood.

This correspondent inquiredwith the police officials in

Madikonda and asked whetherthere was any increase in themovement of people in the sec-ond phase of the lockdown.The police personnel stationedat the checkpost said that thevehicular movement duringthe past 48 hours has sudden-ly decreased and even theyouths were not venturing out.

The residents of Purigutta,where a young girl was testedpositive, are on high alert andare taking no chances. "Wehoped that with the decrease innumber of positive cases, thegovernment might announcesome relaxations. However,there seems to be no change.The rise in number of cases

outside our state is triggeringsome sort of fear," saidVenkateshwar Rao of theParimala Colony, the adjoiningpart of Purigutta Colony. Theresidents of Julaiwada,Mandibazar and Rangampetare almost spending sleeplessnights due to Corona fear.

The situation in the villageslike Veldanda of Jangaon dis-trict and in the areas coveringBhupalpally has almost nor-malised as the quarantine peri-od of that region has conclud-ed. A report from Nalgondarevealed that in Suryapet, theepicenter of positive cases inthe erstwhile Nalgonda district,the normal life came to a halt

with the residents taking nochances to step out of theirhomes. The youths belongingto the district hope that the sit-uation will return to normal-cy soon. This part has nowbeen declared 'Red Zone'. Thedistrict administration has putthe police and medical person-nel on high alert with theMinister Jagadish Reddy,Collector Vinay Krishna Reddyspearheading the machineryand watching the develop-ments round the clock.

Gadwal, the epicenter oferstwhile Mahbubnagar districtis also witnessing similaruneasy situation. Though theagriculture activity and har-vesting of crops was undertak-en as per the schedule alongwith the other parts of the state,the occurrence of more positivecases in this district is ultimate-ly creating panic among theresidents. The charity activi-ties in all the districts haveslowed down and there is a talkthat these activities wouldcome to a standstill if the lock-down is extended to a maxi-mum period.

(With inputs from AvinashDeepak, Bakka Tennyson and

Ramakrishna Perala)

Especially,people in therural areas in thedistricts acrossthe state are ontheir toes andare taking no chances toventure out oftheir residences

TS has prospered underKCR rule, says ErrabelliPNS n HYDERABAD

Minister for Panchayat RajErrabelli Dayakar Rao onFriday congratulatedsarpanches, ward membersand people of Adivarampetavillage of Ramagiri mandal ofPeddapalli district, Nustulapurof Timmapur LMD mandal ofKarimnagar district andGangaram village of Katarammandal of Bhupalapalli districton the occasion of the villageswinning Nanaji DeshmukhGaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar,Child-friendly GramPanchayat Award and GramPanchayat Development Planaward respectively.

The awards wereannounced by the Centre onthe occasion of PanchayatiRaj Day celebrations. Theawards not only reflect themeritorious style of function-

ing of the three villages butalso stand as testimony toChief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao's admin-istration in the state. TheMinister thanked the ChiefMinister for helping the grampanchayats put up the bestever performance.

Several measures initiatedby the state governmentstrengthened the gram pan-chayats, he said adding thatthe three panchayats set anexample for other villages toemulate. Deriving inspirationfrom the three villages, the rest

of the village panchayatsshould improve their perfor-mance. The Minister visu-alised the people's partnershipfor more development of thevillages. Moreover, theMinister called for greatercoordination among the offi-cials and elected people's rep-resentatives. Later, he con-veyed his greetings to thepeople of the state on the occa-sion of the Panchayati RajDay on Friday. As part of thethree-tier system of thePanchayat Raj, the villages areincluded in the first tier, hesaid adding that the villagesplay crucial role in country'sdevelopment. The villages con-stitute the first socio-econom-ic and political training insti-tutes. The Chief Minister is tak-ing many more steps to devel-op villages and to strengthenthem.

Continued from page 1

Around 200dischargesshould happen at once, butthe test results are not prop-er. We don't know for howlong we need to test as clear-ly the incubation period is not14 days but some 20days. InKarimnagar after 28days aperson tested positive". Onelab technician in Gadwal test-ed positive for coronavirus.There are several families inthe hospital seeking to staytogether; so, the authoritieshave put them together. Etelasaid that the Telangana hasgot permission for plasmatherapy. He said, "We had adiscussion with the HealthMinister and pointed aboutthe delay in plasma therapy.So, he said that since wewaited long, it is deemedapproval." Etela sought importduty and GST exemption forPPE kits and ventilators.


The third district isyet to beidentified.

This random sampling willhelp judge the extent of spread,and if thenumber of positivesis negligible, it would indicatethat the state isnot in Stage 3,which is community transmis-sion. According to ICMR, thesample size per district will be400 tests. The survey can becompleted within a day with10 teams per district.

The survey will be doneusing Rapid Antibody Testkits. A mobile apphas beendeveloped for this purpose bythe National InformaticsCentre. The app will be usedfor data entry by teams con-

ducting the survey, withana-lytical support provided byICMR. Those surveyed willhave to be over 18 years oldin the sampledhouseholds.The team willvisit the randomly selectedhouseholds and briefthemabout the survey, afterobtaining verbal consent onbasic demographicdetails,exposure history to lab-con-firmed COVID-19 cases,symptomssuggestive ofCOVID-19 in the precedingmonth and clinical history.Forthe test, 3 to 4 drops of cap-illary blood will be collected.

A team of ICMR scientistsvisited Nalgonda on Friday tochalk out anaction plan forconducing random testing.


According to the tentativemenu prepared by the hospi-tal authorities, fasting Muslimswould get roti, plain rice, daland vegetable curry for sehri,which would be served ataround 3.30 am. On alternatedays, they would get mutton orchicken curry along with roti,plain rice and vegetable curryfor sehri.

After iftar prayers, Muslimpatients would be servedkhichdi or flavoured oil rice(bagara rice) or vegetablebiryani along with tomatochutney and chicken fry. Onalternate days, they would beserved chicken biryani, plainrice, vegetable curry, dal andeggs. A health care assistant

from Gandhi Hospital said,"Because Ramzan is coming,we are creating a menu onwhat all could be provided. At6.30 we are planning to givedry fruits, 7.30 roti, rice, bagararice, dalcha, each variety onone day. We are planning thisfor the Ramzan season. At12am in night we will give teaand in morning 3:30am we willprovide food - roti, dal, rice,curd and egg. Around 4am, wewill provide tea. We will give4 water bottles".

For other Covid-19 patientstoo, the hospital authoritieshave been following a healthydiet chart. Starting with a plateof idli, bread and jam forbreakfast, they are served rice,sambar, dal and curd regular-ly. For non-vegetarians, eggs

and chicken curry are alsogiven once a day. All patientsare served a diet that includesa mix of all dry fruits includ-ing almonds, cashews anddates. Health MinisterEtelaRajender said, "Factually,there is a protocol for thekind of energy the patientshould have, the kind of foodwe should give. Even that pro-tocol we set aside, as most ofthe patients are asymptomaticand the prescribed diet won'tbe enough for them, so we aregiving food above and beyond.Daily variety of tiffin is given,11am we give chai, lunch withegg is being served at 1pm,around 4-5pm dryfruits, and at7 we given dinner with eggs.We can't give biryani, it is hos-pital."


KCR had written to PrimeMinister Narendra Modi onApril 11 requesting'helicoptermoney' to rescue states fromfinancial crisis.He suggestedthat RBI should fund the fightagainst the coronavirusbyprinting money and givingit to the states (instead of peo-ple at large under normalhelicopter money option).

Recent advocates of printingmoney include Adair Turner,former chairman ofthe UK'sFinancial Services Authority,and Jordi Gali, theSpanisheconomist.

In any case, KCR was notthe first one to propose heli-copter money in India.In 2019,Piyush Goyal, who was actingfinance minister inthe firstspell of Modi-led NDA gov-

ernment expressed himselffavouringprinting of currencyas a way of deficit financing,citing the exampleof the US.

The Centre had ruled outPiyush's proposal then, mak-ing its stand clearagainst heli-copter money.

Apparently, the CentreandRBI are of the view that print-ing money to finance deficit-increases inflation and that anattempt to extract more outputin an under-performing econ-omy is loaded with huge risks.

History shows that no coun-try has achieved desired resultsby printing money.Economistssay one of the primary risksassociated with helicopter-money is that thepolicy maylead to a significant currencydevaluation in theinternation-al foreign exchange markets.


Of the 11 empoweredgroups formed to suggest mea-sures to ramp up healthcare,put the economy back ontrack and reduce misery ofpeople once the lockdown islifted, chairman ofEmpowered Group One andNiti Ayog member V K Paulsaid according to their analy-sis, lockdown has been effec-tive in slowing the rate atwhich COVID-19 cases isdoubling in India, and it nowstands at 10 days.

"If we go back to March 21,the cases were doubling inaround three days. An impor-tant turn came on March 23after the Janata Curfew hadhappened. The directionchanged and the doubling rateincreased to five. By then, wehad already put in place trav-el restrictions and had creat-

ed an environment of socialdistancing. "There were somedisturbances in between andwe went back a little. Butfrom April 6, the doublingtime started improving," hesaid. Paul also said the bigdecision of imposing thenationwide lockdown taken bythe prime minister has "provedto be very timely and benefi-cial", as shown by the changein the growth trajectory ofIndia's COVID-19 cases.

"The curve has begun to flat-ten. Had we not taken the deci-sion of clamping the nation-wide lockdown, we would havehad around 1 lakh COVID-19cases by now, as per a reason-able estimate. Now, the out-break is under control," theEmpowered Group One chair-man said. Officials, however,said these projections are basedon the growth pattern at a par-ticular time.

COVID-19 outbreak undercontrol: Govt


I tried to contact them tocomplain online, but the mailbounced back." Since it is dis-count rate, even companies arenot answerable to anyone.They haven't increased theprice on MRP. However, it isalways the end user who has tobear the brunt. Another citizenC Deepika said, "Medical shopsare giving only 10% discountand stopped giving 20% dis-count on purchase of medi-cines. At this time of crisis, fordiabetics and others, we shouldget medicines for less price asmiddle-class people and self-employed persons do not haveproper income source."

No morediscounts...

13 new cases inTelangana Kishan Reddy

says KCR’s...

ICMR teams to....

Special Menu for Rozdar... Centre sends 4 interministerialteams to TelanganaContinued from page 1

The ministry had sent thesix previous teams toMaharashtra, MadhyaPradesh, Rajasthan and WestBengal to review the imple-mentation of the lockdownmeasures after the assessmentof ground situation in identi-fied select districts.

Two of these teams havebeen sent to West Bengal --one to Kolkata, Howrah,North 24 Parganas, EastMedinipur; and the other toJalpaiguri, Darjeeling andKalimpong.

The teams comprise publichealth specialists and officersof the NDMA, whose exper-tise can be leveraged by the

state government for man-agement of the COVID-19pandemic.

The teams were deputedunder the authority conferredon the Central governmentunder Section 35 of theDisaster Management Act,2005 which states that "thecentral government shall takeall such measures as it deemsnecessary or expedient for thepurpose of DisasterManagement". The six teamswhich were earlier sent haveshared their observations andfindings with the state govern-ments, she said. The teamsent to Indore has reportedthat there are 171 containmentzones in the city, of which 20are critical.

TS Covidsurviors haildoctor as...Continued from page 1

We were given breakfast,lunch, snack, dinner; I daresay, we had more and betterfood than we would've had athome during this lockdown.We are very happy to hearthat even the timings of foodare being changed duringRamzan to cater to Muslimswho keep roza. It is a greatrespect being shown by thegovt by catering to needs ofevery individual."The HealthDepartment has released aseries of videos of Covid sur-vivors, all males, sharing theirexperience of availing med-ical and other services pro-vided at Gandhi Hospital.

‘Situation serious’ in Ahmedabad, Surat...Continued from page 1

The IMCTs will also focuson the implementation of andcompliance with the lockdownmeasures as per the guidelines,supply of essential goods andother related issues.

The committees have beenconstituted by the central gov-ernment in exercise of the

powers conferred under theDisaster Management Act2005.The IMCTs will focustheir assessment on the com-pliance and implementation oflockdown measures as perguidelines and they will alsofocus on issues like the supplyof essential commodities,social distancing in movementof people outside their homes,

preparedness of the healthinfrastructure, hospital facili-ty and sample statistics in theDistrict, safety of health pro-fessionals, availability of testkits, PPEs, masks and othersafety equipment, and condi-tions of the relief camps forlabour and poor people. PrimeMinister on April 14 extendedlockdown for another 19 days.


RIMEORNERC

25-year-oldcommits suicide

A25-year-old man committedsuicide at his residence in

Moinabad on Friday morningafter his father reprimanded himfor wanting to step out at nightduring lockdown. According tothe police, the deceased wasidentified as Uppari Sai, aresident of Valiyamangalamvillage in Moinabad. "His father,Uppari Chennaiah, warned himand reprimanded him when hewanted to step out and meet hisfriends during late night hourson Thursday night. On Fridaymorning, he was found hangingin his residence," the police said.The Moinabad Police thenbooked a case under section 174(suspicious death) of CrPC andshifted the dead body to agovernment hospital in Chevellafor postmortem examination.

History sheeterfound murdered

Ahistory sheeter with casesregistered all over Telangana

was found murdered, with hishead severed from the body inSiddipet on Friday. The deceasedwas identified as Ambati YellamGoud (40). He is survived by hiswife, a son and daughter. Goudhas 20 cases registered againsthim for supplying counterfeitcurrency, property and bodilyoffences in the both the Telugustates and Karnataka. Police saidthat Goud was involved in morecases. According to the SiddipetRural Police, the incidentoccurred on Wednesday night onthe outskirts of Ramancha villagein Siddipet while Goud wasreturning home after a gambling.Goud’s body was found with thehead separated and multipledeep injuries on the legs andchest. Villagers passing by in themorning noticed the decapitatedbody and informed the policewho identified it as that ofGoud’s. The Police said that thiswas not the first attempt onGoud’s life. An attempt to murderon Goud took place two yearsago in Siddipet during broaddaylight. According to sources,inter gang fallout is said to havebeen the motive for the attack.Venkat’s gang members, led byVenkat, are said to have carriedout the murder. Soon after themurder, Venkat allegedlysurrendered before the police, aclaim that the police deny.

Post lockdown, brace fornew rules at Hyd airportPNS n HYDERABAD

GMR-led HyderabadInternational Airport is all setto make social distancing anew normal at the airportonce it opens for passengerspost government orders. Theairport is following the govern-ment's directions ever since thenationwide lockdown wasimposed on March 25. Thislockdown included restric-tions on commercial flightoperations, except on thoseoperations dealing with evac-uation/relief passenger flightsand cargo flights handlingessentials and medical sup-plies.

GHIAL is maximising itsefforts towards emerging fromthe global pandemic. It hastaken several measures to sani-tise the terminals buildingsand ensure strict complianceof social distancing norms bythe passengers and staff tominimise human contact inthe post-lockdown days.

GHIAL management is con-stantly engaging with allstakeholders who are the keypartners of the airport(Airport Health Organization(APHO), Airlines, CISF,Customs, Immigration,Ground Handlers, Security,Concessionaires, ServicePartners, among others) tostrategise and work in collab-

oration to provide a safe andsanitised environment for thepassengers at the airport. Thisis aligned to the GHIAL'sobjective of "One Family, OneMission" infusing a sense ofcommon commitment to safepassenger experience.

To encourage compliancewith social distancing normsat the airport, GHIAL is mak-ing changes to the queuingarrangements at the kerb side(city side), check-in halls,security check areas and

boarding gates, with socialdistancing markers/reminders.The designated airport staffwill monitor for the strictadherence and sensitisation

to any passengers as well.Passengers would be advised

to wear masks and maintainsocial distancing at all times inall areas of the airport. Visuallyimpactful information dis-plays and signage at variousplaces to guide the passengersregarding new measures andprocesses. For instance, sig-nage has been placed at vari-ous stand points and staggeredseating arrangement with dif-ferent markers has been posi-tioned on alternate chairs tomaintain gap.

Also, deep sanitisation andfumigation of the entire air-port building, which spreadsout across 7 levels and around

an area of 1,27,000 sq meter isbeing conducted zone wisedaily. A team over 100 profes-sionals has been deployed tocarry out frequent disinfectiondrive on regular frequency.Regular sanitisation of highcontact surfaces, such as desks,chairs, elevators, railings,CUSS, trolleys, handles, trays,baggage belts, etc. inside theterminals is being carried outand will continue when theairport reopens. Apart fromthese, the daily frequency ofsanitisation of each washroomwill be enhanced.

Sensor-based automatichand sanitizer dispensingmachines are being strategical-ly placed across the terminalbuilding for use by passengersand airport staff inside the ter-minal. GHIAL is the only air-port in the country thatalready has an advantage ofpaperless e-boarding facilityfor several years for all domes-tic travellers. This robust con-tact-less boarding is a safemode of airport travel for pas-sengers.

In order to avoid close con-tact and crowding at the coun-ters, passengers will be encour-aged to check-in at home oruse self-service facilities suchas self-check-in facility, self-bagtag facility, etc. The airport alsoplans to install UV machines tosanitise checked baggage.

GHIAL has taken several measures tosanitise the terminals and ensure strictcompliance of social distancing norms

PNS n HYDERABAD

With holy month ofRamadan all set to beginfrom Saturday or Sunday,various departments inHyderabad are geared up toensure uninterrupted elec-tricity and water supply topeople, especially in Muslim-majority areas.

Unlike in the past when thegovernments used to makelarge-scale arrangements forcongregational prayers andfor 'iftar' or breaking of fastand smooth flow of traffic tofacilitate almost round-the-clock shopping, this time thearrangements are limited tosupply of power and water inview of the ongoing lock-down. Religious scholars ofall schools of thought havealready appealed to Muslimsnot to gather at mosques forprayers or 'iftar' in view of thelockdown to check the spreadof Coronavirus. They urgedthe community to offer all theprayers at homes.

With shopping of essentialsallowed only during day timeand nothing except groceries,vegetables and fruits beingsold, the police this timeneed not make specialarrangements for flow ofvehicular traffic in the oldcity, the centre of the month-long festivities.

The Telangana State WaqfBoard (TSWB) directed theElectricity Department toensure uninterrupted sup-ply, especially at the time of'sahar' (pre-dawn meals forfasting) and 'iftar'. TSWBchairman MohammedSaleem asked the officials toensure immediate replace-ment of faulty electric trans-

formers.The chairman held a meet-

ing with the religious leadersand civic officials to discussthe arrangements. HyderabadMetro Water Supply andSewerage Board(HMWS&SB) was asked toensure adequate water supplyin view of Ramadan and thesummer. The department wasdirected to supply waterthrough tankers in areaswhich lack proper supplylines.

Greater Hyderabad

Municipal Corporat ion(GHMC) of f icials weredirected to make arrange-ments for regular garbageclearance and the sanitation.Meanwhile, the UnitedMuslim Front, an umbrella ofMuslim groups, has appealedto the Muslim community tofollow the lockdown normsand offer prayers at home. Italso urged the people to avoidhosting 'iftar' parties orattending them. Similarly,they were appealed not togather for 'sahar'.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Chief Minister KChandrashekhar Rao greet-ed people on the occasion ofbeginning of holy month ofRamzan. "May this auspi-cious month further the spir-

it of harmony, happiness,and brotherhood in our soci-ety," the Chief Minister saidin a statement. The ChiefMinister also urged the peo-ple to stay home and offertheir prayers during the holymonth of Ramzan.

Chief Minister greets people

Infection rate in Telangana not low enough for pool testingPNS n HYDERABAD

Telangana has not taken uprapid testing, but is open to pooltesting that has its own limita-tions. A senior official saidthat pool testing would betaken up in areas when thereare large number of negatives.

Official sources indicate thatthe infection rate in most areasis around 7percent inTelangana. So, samples arebeing taken from areas wherethe infection rate is between 2and 3percent. For, if the infec-tion rate is more than 4percent,pool testing is not advisable.

The Indian Council ofMedical Research(ICMR), in itsadvisory,has recommendedpooltesting only in low-preva-lence areas i.e. where Covid-19prevalence is less than 5%.Pool testing reduces the num-ber of test kits used, and there-fore, increases testing capacity.

In pool testing, multipleswab samples are collectedfrom people who may havebeen exposed to the SARS-Cov2 virus. These are mixedand tested using one real-timepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kit. If this pool testsnegative, then the entire group

is Covid-19 negative. If the bulksample tests positive, it indicatesthat at least one person in themix has Covid-19. ICMR advi-sory states that not more thanfive samples can be pooled.

Speaking to The PioneerMinister EtelaRajender said,"Once the number of casesreduce further, we will com-mence pool testing. We areclearly equipped for any kind oftesting and taking up testing onlarge scale." It may be men-tioned here that in theAndaman and Nicobar Islands,Uttar Pradesh and Haryanapool testing is in vogue.

PNS n HYDERABAD

KTR Colony, Balaji Hills andIndiramma Houses (Phase - 3)have been temporarilydeclared as containment zones,after a 6-month-old baby test-ed positive for coronavirus inNizampet. Samples of the par-ents of the infected baby havebeen collected by the GandhiHospital crew for further tests.The parents have been quaran-tined for 14 days.

Nizampet MunicipalCorporation officials are thor-oughly enquiring about theprimary and secondary con-tacts of the baby and her par-ents in Indiramma HousesPhase - 3 located nearShivalayam, Nizampet,Bachupally, Medchal -Malkajgiri.

In all containment zones,containment activities aretaken up after barricading theentire area, as per the guide-l ines issued by theGovernment. All roads tothe locality are closed, withjust one common entry andexit point to the zone.

Residents in the zones areconfined to their houses. Onenodal officer is appointed

for the convenience of thepublic in theseareas.Pamphlets are distributed toall residents with contactnumbers to meet their essen-tial needs. Vendors are alsoappointed for supplyingessential commodities, veg-etables and milk. The GHMChas appointed one employeeto attend the household callsfor home delivery.

Meanwhile, the GreaterHyderabad MunicipalCorporation Control roomreceived 515 calls on Friday,three of which pertained tosuspected corona cases. In all,753 calls were received for foodrequirement from 25 contain-ment zones. Accordingly,21,730 food packets were deliv-ered by Annapurana Mobilevehicles.

Man showsrespect to Covidwarrior wife PNS n HYDERABAD

A man from Dilsuknagarwashed the feet of his wife,who is a sub inspector, andexpressed gratitude towardsher work by rewarding herwith a shawl at their home.The Police Department isworking so hard duringthese times of distress, wehave to support and appre-ciate their efforts, said the SIof Chaitanyapuri, Sandhya'shusband. "She has beenworking relentlessly with-out getting proper food andrest. I felt incredibly proud ofher work and the familymembers are in full supportof the city police staff fortheir work. We will fight andwin this together," he said.

Expressing her happiness,Sandhya said, "I'm happy thatI'm doing my part as a pub-lic servant during the presentsituation. With the help ofsuch strong family supportand public awareness, weshall surely survive this.".

Cop wins hearts by surprising woman on her b'day NAVEEN KUMAR n HYDERABAD

Kutty Hadassa Paul, a retiredteacher who lives in Sainikpuri,was certainly in for a surprisewhen the police officials decid-ed to pay her a visit. In a kindgesture, the Neredmet Policedecided to celebrate her birth-day after her son, Alfred AsherPaul Talluri, who is residing inthe US, reached out to theMalkajgiri DCP.

“In this pandemic situation,I apologise at the outset formaking this request but it’s mymother's 60th birthday today 24April for which I was original-ly planning on giving her a sur-prise visit to make it extra spe-cial for her, but due to the cur-rent situation with theCoronavirus, lockdowns, Iwould not be able to travel. Asmy mother lives alone, I waslooking to see if I could request

your department to send a rep-resentative to personally wishher on behalf of my family, mybrother's family and uncle'sand aunt's in the USA. Mymother loves surprises and I amsure it would make her day. Iwould be ever grateful if youcould honor my special requestin the current circumstances”wrote Alfred Asher Paul Talluri,who resides in Denver,

Colorado, USA, in a letter toDCP Malkajgiri, Rakshita KMurthy IPS.

Soon, the DCP requestedNeredmet Inspector ANarasimha Swamy to pay avisit and celebrate her birthday.She was having a quiet day athome sans the celebration whenshe received a call from theInspector Swamy who asked forher address and told her about

her birthday. “I was taken aback. I didn't

know what to say and asked himto tell me the reason first beforeI give out my address. It was onlyafter he mentioned about myson and the request to thePolice Department, I gave myaddress. What followed was noless than a miracle as I did notexpect any of this during thepresent situation. The police vancame and I went out wearinggloves and masks to see MrSwamy with a speaker and amic, who then sang me akaraoke birthday song andhanded me pomegranates, myfavourite,” she told this corre-spondent, adding that this

would be the most memorablebirthday for her. “I was notexpecting to do anything likethis ever. This was new to me aswell and we are happy to helpour community during such dif-ficult times,” the inspector said.She thanked the entire PoliceDepartment and said that likedoctors, police personnel, thepress was doing a marvelous jobduring the pandemic. MalkajgiriResidents Welfare Associationpresident BT Srinivasan saidthese gestures not only happensin abroad but do in India as well.Alfred Asher Paul Talluri alsothanked the Police for acceptinghis request and surprising hermother on her birthday.

KTR Colony, Balaji Hillscontainment zones now

Govt ready to increaseAnnapurna centres: CSPNS n HYDERABAD

Chief Secretary SomeshKumar along with thePrincipal Secretary ArvindKumar and GHMCCommissioner Lokesh Kumaron Friday visited Tolichowkiand inspected the arrange-ments made at theAnnapurna canteen towardsassured food supply to theneedy.

Speaking on the occasion,Somesh Kumar said that asper the directions of the ChiefMinister K ChandrashekharRao, 300 Annapurna centresin the city are providing mealsto two lakh people daily.

The government is ready toincrease the number of cen-tres if there is such a requestfrom any quarter. Public cancontact 040-21111111 orthrough mobile App for anysuggestion or grievance. Theidea is to ensure that nobodyin the state should sufferfrom hunger. He also saidthat the Annapurna centreswhich were earlier being

opened at 12 noon are nowbeing opened from 10.30 amin view of the present condi-tions. Similarly, the centresare serving food in theevening from 5pm onwards.

Mobile vehicles in everycircle with sufficient food isalso kept ready to providemeals to all the needy.Somesh Kumar expressed sat-isfaction at the functioning ofthe canteens and said that heis constantly monitoring thefunctioning of Annapurnacanteens with the PrincipalSecretary MunicipalAdministration ArvindKumar and GHMCCommissioner LokeshKumar.

Neighbours askdoc’s relativesto quarantinePNS n HYDERABAD

The relatives of a doctorwere allegedly asked to quar-antine after the doctor visit-ed to the former’s place.Once the neighbours got toknow that Snigdha had vis-ited her relatives place, theyasked the entire family toquarantine.

This issue was brought tothe notice of Minister EtelaRajender who condemnedthe incident. “We will takeserious action against anyonewho mets out ill-treatment todoctors. We will create a spe-cial jail ward in Gandhi hos-pital if any patient misbe-haves with our hospital staff”.In another incident, a doctorwas not allowed to take herclothes from her brother’shome. Sources pointed thatCovid doctor was apparent-ly not allowed into her broth-er's apartment to take her lug-gage.

Fraudster held for job scamPNS n HYDERABAD

The SOT Malkajgiri zonearrested a fraudster forcheating people on the pre-text of offering jobs inMNCs. The arrested wasidentif ied as BhukyaManikanta, 26, a resident ofBanjara Nagar, Thorrurmandal of MahbubabadDistrict. Posing as the chiefHR Manager of GenpactHyderabad, Manikantaposted job advertisementson Quikr.com. It is saidthat over 100 job aspirantsemailed their resumes to theemail expecting a call fromGenpact.

Etela rejectsAkbar Owaisi'sclaimsPNS n HYDERABAD

Health Minister EtelaRajender reacting toAkbaruddin Owaisi’s claims ofdearth of amenities in Gandhihospital said, “If they visit thehospital, they will know thekind of facilities we are provid-ing”. Etela appealed to publicto not believe in the rumourspeddled by some pshycos andsadist on social media.

“Some psychos have a dif-ferent thought process.Gandhi hospital is a newbuilding with all amenities.Some photos from some-where is being brought andshared. A letter by some per-son stating that there arelacking of amenities, on this,responsible leaders and per-sons reacting is unfortunateand lamenting the govern-ment is unfortunate,” he said.

MIM MLA said, “Gandhihospital is being made face ofCovid-19 hospital. But thepeople there have many com-plaints that doctors are notchecking the patients, aboutfood, medicines not given reg-ularly and about cleanliness.People are stating that jail isbetter than Gandhi Hospital”.

He also said that the toiletsare in deplorable condition. “Ifone person dies, the familiesare not coming forward to takethe body. In such situation,when our sanitation workersare scared, I personally spoketo professionals who are work-ing in Sulabh complexes andhired 20 of them to clean thetoilets,” said Etela.

300 Annapurnacentres in the cityare providingmeals to two lakhpeople daily, saidCS Somesh Kumar

In all containmentzones,containmentactivities aretaken up afterbarricading theentire area

Rachakonda Police adoptorphanages, old age homesPNS n HYDERABAD

Old age homes, orphanagesand homes for specially-abled persons areabodes for theinmates and placeswhich need specialattention duringtimes of crisis. Thesehomes mostly dependon the services of GoodSamaritans. During thislockdown, neither such per-sons are able to serve them forvarious reasons nor is themanagement in a position toventure out to manage things.

Following this, theRachakonda Police commis-sioner, Mahesh Bhagwat decid-ed to adopt these homes onbehalf of Rachakonda PoliceCommissionerate. SunpreetSingh, DCP LB Nagar andRakshita Murthy DCPMalkajgiri have verified andfurnished the list of homes in

their respective zones whichare in dire need of ration, med-icines and safety equipment.

The requirement ofeach of the homes isassessed by the con-

cerned SHO and fur-nished to theC ommiss ioner ' soffice. The CitizenVolunteer Cell of the

C o m m i s s i o n e r ' soffice, manages the pro-

curement and distribution offood, ration and other reliefmaterial then maps the donorsto the homes and ensures thatall that is necessary is suppliedto them. Mahesh Bhagwathimself has also distributedgroceries at Matrudevobhavaold age home, Ruchita charita-ble trust, Bharati MemorialFoundation and personallyensuring that their needs arefulfilled.

The commissioner said thatso far, 41 orphanages, old age

homes and homes for the spe-cially abled housing nearly1,630 inmates have beenadopted. Thirthy homes havebeen supplied with groceriesand medicines as required.Eleven homes are awaitingdonors and will soon be sup-plied with the requisite mate-rial.

NGOs like RK Math,Freemasons, firms likeGenpact, individuals likeBrigadier Agarwal, MaheshwarReddy, Jasper, Dr Nandini,Kaushik, Hanumantha Raohave come forward to joinhands with Rachakonda Policein arranging these supplies.

The commissioner said thatduring the lockdown period,the Rachakonda Police wouldmeet the requirements of thesehomes and appreciated themanagements of the homes formanaging and looking after theinmates well even during thelockdown period.

Obliging a request from a youth livingin the US, the police extendedbirthday greetings to his mother

All set for low-keyRamadan festivities

This time thearrangementsare limited tosupply of powerand water inview of theongoinglockdown


PNS n HYDERABAD

Despite a lower yield this year,the mango farmers in bothAndhra Pradesh andTelangana are facing toughtime in marketing the producedue to ongoing lockdown. Themango growers in both theTelugu states are staring at loss-es due to lack of adequatetransport facility and closure ofseveral markets in towns.

While the governments,especially in Telangana, havecome to the rescue of paddyand maize farmers by decidingto purchase their entire pro-duce, the horticulture farmersare not getting much support."Farmers growing producewith short shelf life badly needthe support. Fruits like bananaand mangoes can't be storedlike other produce. If not trans-ported and sold in time, thefarmers will suffer huge losses,"said V. Naveen Kumar, whosemobile app NaPanta providesa host of free services to farm-ers in both the Telugu states.

The closure of Gaddianarammarket on the outskirts of

Hyderabad added to the woesof mango farmers. Authoritiesshut the market for mangoesfrom Thursday as they werefinding it difficult to ensuresocial distancing to check thespread of coronavirus.

On an average, 100-200tonnes of mangoes are brought

to the market daily duringApril and it reaches the peak of1,000 tonnes in May. However,farmers from both the statesbrought 1,600 tonnes of man-goes to the market onWednesday, the last day of thetransactions at the market.

Lack of clarity on whether

the market will be shifted toanother place has causedunease among the farmers.Farmers' leaders say manygrowers are not getting trucksto bring their produce to thecity. Transport to other statesand even from one district tothe other district has becomedifficult.

The closure of the marketaround the peak of the seasonhas dealt a huge blow to thefarmers. Though agriculture isexempted from the lockdown,not many trucks are beingoperated either due to coron-avirus scare or because of therestrictions.

At Kothapet, another majorfruit market in Hyderabad,mango arrival has come downby about 30 per cent duringApril compared to the lastyear. It is from markets inHyderabad that the mangoesare transported to Delhi,Mumbai, Jaipur and otherplaces in the country. However,traders are worried due tolack of transport facilities inview of the restrictions oninter-state borders.

Mango ryots in Telangana,Andhra fearful of losses

Farmers are staring at losses due tolack of adequate transport facility andclosure of several markets

Godavari water releasedinto Ranganayaka SagarContinued from Page 1

The RanganayakaSagar was constructedwith an outlay ofRs.3,300 crores across2,300 acres with 3TMCFT capacity. Withthe reservoir, about1,14,000 acres of ayacutwill get water inSiddipet, RajannaSircilla districts.

Speaking on the occa-sion, KTR congratulat-ed Harish Rao for striv-ing to construct theKaleshwaram project."We are fortunate thatthe memorable projectis being inauguratedfrom our hands. HarishRao played a pivotalrole in achieving onecore cultivation goal.Six constituencieswould get water perma-nently with theRanganayaka Sagarreservoir. 'MethukuSeema' has to become adistrict of feeding

Telangana. We will seefour revolutions infuture. 'Green revolu-tion' would come inTelangana. 'Blue revolu-tion' came with thedevelopment ofFisheries in the state.Farmers would bring'White revolution' withmilk. 'Pink revolution'would come with grow-ing of sheep. Industrieswould come to Siddipetdistrict. IT, Agro,Tourism and otherindustries would cometo the district. KCR'sdream is to fill 46,000tanks and lakes.Everyone has strive torealize the dream ofCM", he said.

Bringing rail my nextgoal: Harish

Harish Rao said thatbringing water toSiddipet has been hisdream for decades. TheState showed a path tothe nation in the con-struction of projects. "I

thank everyone whobecame part of theproject. Not a singleacre of Medak gotwater in the unitedAndhra Pradesh. NowSiddipet farmers havegot the luck of doingagriculture based oncanal. These waterswould be livelihood forthe farmers now. Thesewaters will change thelives of the people.Water is main for thedevelopment of fish-eries, milk industry,tourism and industries.I will clear the debt ofSiddipet people bybringing rai l toSiddipet soon.Ranganayaka Sagarproject was construct-ed without submerginga single house", he said.

Later, Harish andKTR felicitated theworkers who hadworked for theRanganayaka Sagar pro-ject.

DEDUCTION IN PENSION

HC asks govt to file counter affidavitPNS n HYDERABAD

The Telangana High Court onFriday directed state governmentto file a counter affidavit inPublic Interest Litigation (PIL)filed challenging the decision tohave 50 per cent cut in pension

amount to the pensioners for themonth of March. A division benchof the HC comprising of the ChiefJustice of the state Justice RSChauhan and Justice A AbhishekReddy refused to pass any interimorder in the case. It gave threeweeks time to the state governmentto file the counter affidavit.

The court had converted a let-ter written by senior Advocate ofthe HC S Satyam Reddy into a PILon the issue. In his letter, he toldthe Chief Justice that the GO MSNo. 27 issued by the state govern-ment on March 30, 2020 to deferthe salaries of its employees wascompletely illegal. He also told thehigh court that the pay andallowances of a government ser-vant can neither be deferred nornot paid except as a measure of

punishment. He said that the payand allowances of the governmentemployees were protected underthe fundamental rules .

‘File additional counter’The Telangana High Court

on Friday directed the stategovernment to file additionalcounter affidavit informing itabout the increase in policeforce in hospitals and the rankof the police

officers who are providingsecurity to the healthcare staffinvolved in the treatment of

the Covid-19 patients and sus-pects. A division bench of theHigh Court comprising of theChief Justice of the state JusticeRaghavendra Singh Chauhanand Justice A Abhishek Reddypassed the orders after perus-ing the contents of the counteraffidavit filed by the state gov-ernment on the issue of theattacks on doctors and medicals taf f involved in t reat ingCovid-19 affected patients.

It later posted the matter totwo weeks later for furtherhearing.

'Inform about availability ofother device'

Dealing with Public InterestLitigation filed seeking installationof disinfection tunnels in publicplaces like rythu bazaars, markets,court buildings and public officesand hospitals, the Telangana HighCourt directed the advocate gen-eral of the state to inform aboutthe availability of any other deviceother than the above tunnelswhich can be put to use.

The division bench passed theorders while dealing with a takenup Public Interest Litigation (PIL).A city based advocate G RonaldRaju wrote a letter to the ChiefJustice of the state on the issue andsaid that absence of the disinfec-tant tunnels, which cost just Rs 1lakh, at all kinds of public placesincluding rythu bazars might leadto the spread of the virus. Heurged the HC to issue orders toinstall the tunnels by taking helpfrom NGOs and philanthropists.The division bench lateradjourned the matter by twoweeks.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Bharatiya Janata Party'sTelangana unit president BandiSanjay on Friday sat on a day-long fast over farmers' issues atthe party office here. BandiSanjay, who is also an MP fromKarimnagar, demanded thatthe state government addressthe problems faced by thefarmers.

He urged the govern-ment to come to farm-ers' rescue by ensur-ing payment of theMSP for their pro-duce. He alleged thatthe farmers are in dis-tress as they are not beingpaid the MSP. The BJP leadersaid Indira Kranti Patham(IKP) paddy procurement cen-tres lack basic amenities, caus-

ing severe hardships tofarmers. He allegedthat officials them-selves have becomemiddlemen. "If the

ministers visit the vil-lages they will know the

situation on the ground," hetold reporters.

The BJP leader said thefarmers in Sircilla set afirepaddy as they were not getting

MSP for it. He alleged thatcases are being booked onfarmers though they abide bythe lockdown norms whilestaging the protest. WhileSanjay and a couple of otherleaders are observing the fastat the BJP state headquarters,other leaders are staging theprotest at their respective res-idences in view of the lock-down.

PNS n HYDERABAD

AIMIM chief AsaduddinOwaisi demanded thatthe NDA govern-ment to providerelief to migrantlabourers who arebadly affected dur-ing the lockdownand wanted state gov-ernments to makearrangements for them to go totheir native places after it ends.He also demanded that theNDA government spell out itsplan over the view that manyjobs would be lost post lock-down.

"The first thing after lock-down comes to an end should

be, it is the responsibility ofevery state government

to make arrangementfor those migrantlabourers who wantto go to their village,town. They are anx-

ious," he said onThursday night, in an

online address on the occa-sion of Ramzan.

He alleged that the lock-down was announced in anunplanned manner withoutproviding relief to migrantlabourers from states, includ-ing Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West

Bengal and Jharkhand. Suchmigrant labourers are sufferinga lot now, he said.

He claimed 77 million foodgrains was present in thegodowns of the FoodCorporation of India (FCI)and wanted rice to be distrib-uted among the poor migrantlabourers. Citing his informa-tion that an official in Banarasissued an order that workersfrom Telangana who are work-ing in the city are being sentback, he wanted to know whymigrant labourers from UttarPradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand andBengal working in Hyderabadcannot be sent to their villages.

Owaisi demands relief for migrant labourers

PNSnHYDERABAD

Congress MP fromMalkajgiri A Revanth Reddyon Friday lodged a com-plaint with Lok SabhaSpeaker Om Birla againstRepublic TV Chief EditorArnab Goswami alleging thatthe latter had made deroga-tory comments against AICCchief and Rae Bareli MPSonia Gandhi. In his com-plaint, Revanth said thatArnab passed demeaning andderogatory comments onSonia Gandhi on the eveningof April 21 on a live debateaired on Republic TV.

Revanth said that SoniaGandhi is not only an MP butalso the parliamentary partyleader and president of INC,the grand old party thatstruggled and fought for theindependence of the nation.

Revanth seeksaction againstArnab Goswami

PNS n HYDERABAD

Roads and Buildings MinisterVemula Prashant Reddy onFriday threatened to file crim-inal cases against the ricemillers if they are found cheat-ing the farmers in the name ofempty grains or moisture con-tent. He even said that the gov-ernment would go to theextent of cancelling theirlicences.

Reviewing the measures torein in the Coronavirus withdistrict collector and otherofficials here, the Ministerappreciated the measures beinginitiated by the elected people'srepresentatives and bureau-crats to rein in the virus.

A total of 12 persons testedpositive for the virus, of whichfive have been discharged andthe rest of the seven patients

are undergoing treatment, offi-cials told the Minister.

Asking the people to bearwith the government andobserve lockdown strictly tillMay 7, he called the officials toensure that the IKP groupsmake cloth masks. The masksshould be bought and thensupplied to villagers at therate of two for each villager.

Salesmen at the medicalshops, provisional stores andmeat shops should wear gloveswithout fail, the Minister saidasking the authorities to bookcases against them if they didnot wear gloves. He asked thepeople coming out of theirhomes to wear masks withoutfail.

Those who purchase essen-tial commodities in provision-al stores s hould also wear themasks, he said.

Vemula Prashantwarns rice millers

TPCC chief slams KCR for notdelivering promised relief packagePNSnHYDERABAD

Telangana PradeshCongress Committee(TPCC) president NUttam Kumar Reddystrongly criticised ChiefMinister KChandrashekhar Rao fornot delivering thepromised relief packagefor those affected due tolockdown in view ofCoronavirus pandemic.

Uttam was addressing apress conference atNalgonda on Friday after areview meeting with theDistrict Collector and SPon the Coronavirus mea-sures taken in the district.He enquired about theCoronavirus relief mea-sures and the status ofprocurement of agricul-

ture produce. He also lodgea criminal complaintagainst the Republic TVand its head ArnabGoswami for his highlyobjectionable, derogatoryand defamatory remarksagainst Congress presidentSonia Gandhi and urgedthe District SP to registera criminal case against

him. Speaking on the occa-

sion, Uttam said it washighly unfortunate thateven after one month ChiefMinister did not ensurethat the relief announce-ments from the State andCentral Governments werenot honoured to all sectionsof the society who were

affected due to lockdown.He said that Chief Minister,on March 22, hadannounced that 12 kg riceper person and Rs 1,500 perfamily assistance would begiven to all White RationCard holders in the State.Even after one month, hesaid not all the beneficiariesgot the promised rice andcash assistance.

Further, he alleged thatthe quality of rice beingsupplied to poor was sub-standard. He said nearly 80per cent people who hadreceived the ration rice aredisposing it off for otherpurposes in some way andbuying fine rice for con-sumption. He demandedthat the State Governmentsupply good quality rice tothe poor.

Guv reviews onlineconduct of classesPNS n HYDERABAD

Governor TamilisaiSoundararajan on Fridayreviewed the conduct of onlineclasses with registrars of allState Universities via videoconference.

The Registrars' haveinformed that all universitiesare conducting online classesand about 70 per cent studentsare attending these classes andthe remaining students couldnot able to attend due to con-nectivity problems as they areliving in rural and remote

areas. Around 80 per cent ofthe syllabus for PG studentsand 70 per cent UG syllabushave been completed. TheGovernor requested the NSSstudents and programmers toactively participate in volun-tary services to help providesuccor to the needy poor peo-ple. While appreciating theuniversity authorities for con-ducting online classes, theGovernor advised the studentsto concentrate on studies andto download Aarogya SetuApp to keep abreast of theCovid- 19 advisories.

Niranjanrejects BJP'sclaims onprocurementPNSnHYDERABAD

Agriculture Minister SNiranjan Reddy on Fridaytook pot shots at the BJP overthe procurement process. TheAgriculture Minister askedthe saffron party leaders toclarify on the procurementprocess going on in the BJP-ruled states.

Refuting the BJP leaders'allegations on procurement ofcrops, the Minister said thatthe lightning and thunders arenot limited to Telangana aloneand the BJP leaders did nothave the clarity which thefarmers have.

The state government pro-posed to set up over 7,077 pro-curement centres for paddyand 1,027 for maize taking intoconsideration the crops har-vested in 12,500 villages. Ofthem, 5,187 paddy procure-ment centres and 923 maizeprocurement centres havebeen set up. Depending on theprogress of crops harvested thenumber of procurement cen-tres will increase, he said.

Come to rescue of farmers: Bandi

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020 nation 05SHORT READS

Pondy CM, Ministersand MLAs testnegative for COVID-19PUDUCHERRY: Territorial ChiefMinister V Narayanasamy,assembly Speaker V PSivakolundhu and Ministers,who underwent tests for COVID-19 at the special camp on theAssembly premises, have testednegative. The results werereceived on Friday. Director ofHealth and Family WelfareServices here S Mohan Kumartold reporters that all thelegislators and also Members ofParliament from here also testednegative. In all, 21 MLAsunderwent the test as some ofthe legislators were away inoutlying regions of Karaikal andMahe. The tests were conductedafter the Chief Minister andothers wanted to undergo theexaminiation since they havebeen moving about in severalpockets and hence for a clearhealth status, the tests wereconducted at their will, theDirector said. The team usedRTPCR equipment for the pur-pose, he said. A team of doctorsof the Indira Gandhi Govern-ment Medical College Hospital, adesignated testing centre andCOVID-19 hospital, collected thesamples at the camp held in thecommittee hall on the premisesof the Assembly.

7 police personnel in Coimbatore test positive

Elderly couple founddead inside theirhouse in DelhiNEW DELHI: An elderly couplewas found dead on Fridayinside their house in southwestDelhi's Chhawla area, policesaid. The deceased wereidentified as Raj Singh (61) andhis wife Omwati (58), residentsof Durga Vihar, they said.Police said they receivedinformation about the incidenton Friday at 11.15 am. Thebodies of both the victims werelying on the bed inside theirroom. Cut marks were alsofound on their faces, a seniorpolice officer said. The exactcause of death will beascertained after the post-mortem, the officer said.Victims' son Satish (37) andtheir daughter-in-law Kavita(35) were inside the house andthey both are suspects, theofficer said, adding that a caseis being registered.

COIMBATORE: Seven policepersonnel, including fourwomen, tested positive forCOVID-19 here on Friday,following which the Podanurpolice station to which theywere attached has been closed,city police commissioner SumitSaran said. All of them wereadmitted to a privatehospital,he said. The policestation would remain closed fora few days and be disinfectedand function temporarily from amarriage hall, he said. Theywere part of a group of 75personnel manning 10containment zones in the cityand had taken the tests onThursday, he said. The familymembers of all the seven policepersonnel have been quaran-tined, the Commissioner said.

Bring back studentsstranded abroad, inKota: CongressPNS n MUMBAI

Senior Congress leaderPrithviraj Chavan on Fridayasked Maharashtra ChiefMinister Uddhav Thackeray tomake arrangements to bringback students stranded over-seas and also state pupils stuckin Kota town of Rajasthan dueto the coronavirus-enforcedlockdown.

In a letter to the ChiefMinister, Chavan said out ofaround 50,000 Indian stu-dents stranded abroad, 5,000-7,000 are from Maharashtra.

He said Thackeray shouldcontact the Centre for theirsafe passage back home.

Many studentsfrom thestate, who had gone to KotainRajasthan to study for compet-itive examinations, are strand-ed there, Chavan said andadded that Maharashtrashould follow Uttar Pradesh inbringing them back.

"About 2,000 students(stuck in Kota) are fromMaharashtra. Special busesneed to be sent to get themback. Uttar Pradesh ChiefMinister Yogi Adityanath hadsent 250 buses to bring back7,500 students from his state,"Chavan said.

Chavan saiddistribution ofnewspapers should be startedso that people get accuratenews about the coronaviruspandemic.

Cable companies should beasked to lower their tariffs forthe next three months, theCongress leader said.

Also, telecom companiesshould be asked to lower tar-iffs of WiFi which has becomean essential service with peo-ple staying home and exten-sively using the wireless net-working technology, the for-mer chief minister said.

2,000 students(stuck in Kota) arefrom Maharashtra.

Special buses need to besent to get them back. UttarPradesh Chief Minister YogiAdityanath had sent 250buses to bring back 7,500students from his state

— PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN,Senior CCongress lleader

Railways transport camel milk from Rajasthanto Odisha for autistic kid with food allergyPNS n BHUBANESWAR

In a humanitarian gesture dur-ing the nationwide COVID-19induced lockdown, the railwaystransported camel milk fromFalna in Rajasthan to Odisha fora three-and-half-year-old boyin Berhampur who is sufferingfrom autism and food allergy.

The milk was transported intwo days by parcel express viaDelhi and Howrah and thendelivered to the autistic childsfamily member at BhubaneswarRailway station on Thursdayevening, a railway official said onFriday.

The total cost of the trans-portation of the rare milk wasmerely Rs 125 for package weigh-ing about 20 kg, he said, addingthat the entire arrangement wasmade by SETU, a voluntary ini-tiative launched by IRTS (IndianRailway Traffic Service)Probationers. Delivery of thecamel milk in time through the

initiative was of immense help tothe boy, said the childs uncle,Chandan Kumar Acharya, whoreceived the milk, carefully trans-ported in a frozen container, atBhubaneswar station.

"We are extremely thankful forthe help rendered by railwayauthorities through SETU initia-tive during the ongoing lock-down as camel milk is essentialfor my nephew because of the

disorder he suffers from," he said.The initiative adopted by the

railways aims at ensuring asteady supply of essentials acrossthe country during the ongoinglockdown enforced to contain thespread of coronavirus.

"It is a voluntary initiative ofIRTS officers, with about 30probationers and a handful ofyoung officers," an official of EastCoast Railway (ECoR) said.

"The ongoing lockdown hasdisrupted the supply chainsacross the country. The objectiveis to facilitate the movement ofgoods through Indian RailwaysParcel Trains, from literally anystation to any station," a railwaystatement said.

The common man cannotnavigate through the maze ofmodes and thousands of contactnumbers to move his goods. It

said SETU, a Unified Helplineand Twitter handle was set up tofacilitate the movement of goodsusing all available modes oftransport. All anyone had to dowas just call and SETU willwork out the movement.

Without transgressing anyrules and regulations in force,SETU acts as a bridge - AnInformation Bridge. The teamgathers the requirements andpasses to the appropriate author-ity who could immediately act onthat information.

SETU has gone beyond rail-ways and collaborated withNDRF, district administration,institutional bodies and evenstart-ups to ensure last mileconnectivity, said an official.

In 8 days, the 24x7 Helpline,manned by IRTS Probationers,received over 1,400 calls andrequests on Twitter. It connect-ed more than 100 locations andcatered to diverse needs acrossthe country.

"It is a voluntaryinitiative of IRTSofficers, withabout 30probationers anda handful ofyoung officers,"an official of EastCoast Railway(ECoR) said

PNS n BENGALURU

Five people among those arrest-ed for the violence let loose onhealth workers in Padarayana-pura here last week have test-ed positive in a jail and conse-quently shifted to a hospital,Karnataka Deputy CM Dr C NAshwath Narayan said on Fri-day. As the development trig-gered protests by JDS in Rama-nagara, which hitherto remai-ned a green zone with noCovid -19 cases, and a threat ofa 'massive' agitation by formerchief minister H D Kumara-swamy, the government shift-ed other 121 people lodged inthe prison to the Hajj bhavanhere later during the day.

Delhi airport to enforce rigoroussocial-distancing normsPNS n NEW DELHI

The Delhi airport will ensurestrict adherence to social-dis-tancing norms once passengerflights resume, with deploymentof additional queue-managers,extra check-in area seats and useof coloured-tape and markers tomaintain queue-gap, its operatorDIAL said on Friday.

The GMR group-led DIALsaid it will continue to regular-ly sanitize the "high-contact sur-faces" like chairs, elevators; closewashrooms for cleaning everyhour, install auto-dispensingsanitizers and encourage passen-gers to use self-check-in facility.

India has been under a lock-down since March 25 to curb thespread of Covid-19. Con-

sequently, all passenger flightshave been suspended for thisperiod. To encourage complianceto social-distancing norms at theairport, the Delhi InternationalAirport Limited (DIAL) said itwill deploy additional queue-managers at kerb side (city side),check-in halls, security check

areas and boarding gates, withsocial-distancing markers.

"Signage in coloured tapehave been placed at variousstand points and staggered seat-ing arrangement with differentmarkers have been positioned onalternate chairs to maintain gap,"the DIAL said in a statement.

PNS n NOIDA (UP)

A roti-machine that makes 1,000pieces of the flat-bread everyhour has ensured that the needyhere do not go hungry duringthe COVID-19-inducedlockdown, officials said.

Installed at a communitykitchen in Bhangel village, themachine helps the facility,operated by the Noida Authorityin Uttar Pradesh, produce15,000 rotis in a day, they said.

The machine is operated intwo shifts, once in the morningand then in the evening, and itchurns out equal-sized, roundand fluffy rotis, which are thenserved in meal packets meant

for the needy, the officials said. According to the officials, the

machine, installed last week, issaving time in preparation anddistribution of meal packets,amid rising demand for foodfrom marginalised sections ofsociety.

It is an automated process

and the machine makes a lotmore rotis than what would havebeen made manually, they said.

The nationwide lockdownrestricts the movement of peopleto break the chain oftransmission of COVID-19 and itwas imposed by the governmentfrom March 25 to April 14 andthen extended to May 3.

In Noida, thousands ofmigrant workers and dailywagers got stranded or were leftjobless as factories and businessestablishments shut operationsdue to the lockdown.

They were left at the mercy ofthe government and privateorganisations for meals, rationand financial support.

PNS n FATEHPUR (UP)

When the lockdown and fearof coronavirus is keeping evenrelatives away from the funer-als of their loved ones, a socialworker here has stepped upefforts to give the dead a dig-nified sendoff.

A truck turned into a hearseis at the centre of the effort byAshok Tapasvi, who makes hismoney through organic farm-ing.

“Tapasvi Seva Rath” is justa phone call away when a bodyneeds to be carried to the cre-mation ground. If there are notenough relatives around, thevolunteers also lend their

shoulders to the bier."The spread of coronavirus,

imposition of the lockdownand social distancing normshave created fear in the mindsof people. And this hasemerged as a problem in fam-ilies where a death has takenplace,” Tapasvi said.

Tapasvi started the service –offered free to the poor and forRs 2,100 for those who wish tocontribute – in memory of hisdead father four months back.Besides, the “rath” or “chariot”for the dead, he also runs ambu-lances. After the nationwidelockdown against coronavirus,the calls for the “rath” haveincreased.

PNS n LUCKNOW

The Uttar Pradesh governmentwill bring back labourersstranded in other states becauseof the coronavirus-forced lockdown,Chief Minister YogiAdityanath said onFriday, and directedofficials to preparean action plan inthis regard.

At a review meetingwith senior officers here,Adityananth asked them toprepare a list of people stuck inother states and have complet-ed 14-day quarantine there sothat they can return home in aphased manner.

"Uttar Pradesh will bringback its labourers stuck inother states. The labourers whohave completed 14-day quaran-tine there should be brought

back in a phased man-ner," an official release

quoted the chiefminister as saying.

"The labourers,after being broughtup to UP border by

the states concernedafter screening and test-

ing, will be sent to their vil-lages. But first, they will be keptin quarantine in their districtsfor 14 days. For this, arrange-ments should be made and theplaces should be sanitised," thechief minister said.

Stranded labourers will be brought home: UP CM

Social worker provides'rath' for final journey

War of words between TMC, rlys over9 RPF personnel testing positivePNS n NEW DELHI

A war of words has eruptedbetween the TMC and the rail-ways over nine RPF personneltesting positive for coronavirusin West Bengal, with the rulingparty in the state questioninghow the infected men travelledduring the nationwide lock-down imposed to contain thespread of the deadly disease.

The personnel were part of a28-member Railway ProtectionForce (RPF) contingent from theKharagpur division of the SouthEastern Railway (SER), whichhad returned to the state fromDelhi with a consignment ofarms and ammunition aboard aparcel express train on April 14,the railways said.

After a constable, who waspart of the contingent, developedcoronavirus-like symptoms, hisswab was tested at a governmentfacility in West Bengal onThursday and the results werepositive.

Raising concerns over thedevelopment, TrinamoolCongress (TMC) MP DerekO'Brien tweeted, saying,"Getting disturbing news. 9#RPF personnel test + for#Covid19 in Bengal. 6 inKharagpur, 1 each Mecheda/Uluberia. They all came toKolkata from Delhi on 14 Aprilby train. Why were positivepatients traveling during #lock-down? WHO SENT THEM ?Screening? How many peopledid they met (sic)?"

Responding to the tweet by

O'Brien, who is the nationalspokesperson of the MamataBanerjee-led party, the railwayssaid there was no violation of theguidelines issued for COVID-19management by the Centre orany state government, whileadding that the RPF contingenthad not come in contact withany members of the public.

It further stated that the con-tingent left Kharagpur forAnand Vihar on March 19 bytrain to collect ammunition forthe RPF of the SER and reachedits destination the next day.

IIT-Ropar researchersdevelop remote device todetect COVID-19 symptomsPNS n CHANDIGARH

IIT researchers say they havedeveloped a remote-controlleddevice to detect COVID-19symptoms by mapping the bodytemperature, offering health-care personnel a safer alternativeto hand-held devices.

The Infrared Vision Systemmonitors the infrared radiationemanating from the humanface to decide whether the per-son has fever or not. It has thedecision-making capability todetect suspects based on the rel-ative body temperature, whichmakes the screening process atrailway stations, airports, busstands, cinema halls and malls

risk-free, the researchers at IIT-Ropar say. The device takes aninfrared image of the face anddecides within two secondswhether the person is a suspectcase or healthy. The image cap-tured during the screening canbe uploaded to the processingunit without wire, they say.

PNS n NEW DELHI

The AYUSH ministry onFriday invited short-termresearch proposals to evaluaterole of indigenous alternativemedicine system in preventionand clinical management ofCOVID-19. Hospitals andinstitutions involved in themanagement of coronaviruscases have been invited to par-ticipate in this scheme whichfalls under the extramuralresearch category. "As of nowAYUSH systems are not allo-wed to treat COVID-19 patie-nts and the reason is that thereis no evidence to support thatAYUSH has a solution. Thus,this is an important step in thisdirection," a senior official said.

5 arrested forattack onhealth workers

AYUSH role intreating COVID-19evaluated

Lockdown: Machine makes 1,000rotis an hour for needy in Noida

Self-reliance a lesson from pandemic,‘Do Gaz Ki Doori' key mantra: PM ModiPNS n NEW DELHI

Applauding people for theirgrit in fighting the COVID-19outbreak, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Friday saidthe biggest lesson the pandem-ic has taught India is to becomeself-reliant and complimentedrural India for defining socialdistancing in simpler words,'Do Gaz Ki Doori', to makepeople understand its impor-tance.

Modi said skills and knowl-edge of people are put to testduring the time of a crisis, butIndia's villages have displayedthe best of their efforts to fightthe pandemic.

"With its simple mantra ofDo Gaz Ki Doori (maintainingdistance of two yards), ruralIndia has described social dis-tancing in simple words, vil-lages have showcased the bestof their principles, traditionalvalues to fight coronavirus,"Modi, who had covered his facewith a 'gamcha' while interact-ing with gram panchayat mem-bers via video conference, said.

The prime minister wasinteracting with gram panchay-at heads and members to markPanchayati Raj Divas on Friday.The programme was earlierslated to be held in Jhansi,Uttar Pradesh but was held bya video bridge following thecoronavirus-induced lockdown.

Modi said the pandemic has

thrown up new challengeswhich the country never facedbefore, but it also made peoplelearn new things.

"The biggest messageCOVID-19 has given, thebiggest lesson it has taught is tobecome self-reliant," Modi said,underlining that it is nowimperative that villages alsobecome self-reliant for theirbasic needs.

Every gram sabha, everyblock and every district needsto be self-reliant for its basicneeds, he added.

Applauding people forobserving lockdown rules, theprime minister said it isbecause of them, the entireworld today is talking abouthow India has responded to theCOVID-19 outbreak.

"COVID-19 is a huge crisisfor the world but people of

India have shown grit in thisfight. We are fighting this andwe are moving ahead withnew ideas to tackle the virus,"the prime minister asserted.

Despite limited resourcesamid the coronavirus crisis, cit-izens are taking on this chal-lenge instead of succumbing todifficulties, he pointed out.

Heads and members of grampanchayats from across thecountry shared their experi-ences in handling the crisis andconveyed to the prime minis-ter that people are religiouslyfollowing the lockdown.

During the interaction, agram panchyat member ofJammu and Kashmir said amidthis crisis respect and suspectfor the people should go inhand to ensure that spread ofthe virus is checked.

Modi also told them

COVID-19 is a unique virus, itdoesn't enter homes of thepeople on its own, "it is youwho can bring it home then itspares no one."

He asked a gram panchayatrepresentative from Cachar inAssam whether people of thestate were angry as Bihu festi-val could not be celebrated dueto lockdown. The representa-tive said people understoodthat the decision was taken inlarger good. A gram panchay-at head from near Pune inMaharashtra gave a similarreply when the prime ministerasked whether people wereunhappy with him.

In his concluding remarks,the prime minister stressedthat there was need to ensurethat people get correct infor-mation and are not swayed byrumours and misinformation.

"We have to get people out ofevery kind of misunderstand-ing. Correct informationshould reach every family ... Iam confident that all of you willdefinitely defeat coronaviruswith your collective efforts andyour determination," he said.

He said well-cooked foodshould be consumed. He alsosaid certain spices and home-made 'kadha' (an Ayurvedichome remedy) are good todevelop immunity. He stressedthat a body with strong immu-nity can help remain strongand healthy.

Modi said, "Coronaviruspandemic has really changedthe way we work." He said ear-lier such programmes wereheld where people used tomeet in person. But now eventsare being held via video con-ference, he said.

While urging people tomaintain personal hygiene bywashing hands regularly andcovering the face with home-made masks like 'gamcha', healso pitched for downloadingthe Arogya Setu application formobiles. "It is like your bodyguard," he said.

The government had onApril 2 launched the mobileapp to help people assess them-selves the risk of getting infect-ed with coronavirus and alertauthorities if they have come inclose contact with a personinfected with the deadly virus.

"The biggest mess-age COVID-19 hasgiven, the biggestlesson it has taughtis to become self-reliant," Modi said,underlining that it isnow imperative thatvillages also be-come self-reliant fortheir basic needs

Security doctrines and threat percep-tions are constantly evolving and itinvariably takes a deliberate or aninadvertent incident/accident towiden the scope of the full spectrum

of possible security threats. Beyond the con-ventional and nuclear dimensions of “threat”perceptions, to which most militaries are con-versant with, the nature of threat angulari-ties is increasingly veering towards the“unconventional” or the “asymmetric” realm.The commonly understood dimensions ofthe asymmetric threat-entailed phenomenon,like slow-bleed insurgency, chemical warfare,cyberwarfare or even economic permuta-tions, act like sanctions.

By definition, asymmetric warfare is “abroad and unpredictable spectrum of mili-tary, paramilitary and information operations,conducted by nations, organisations, individ-uals or by indigenous or surrogate forcesunder their control. It specifically targets theweaknesses and vulnerabilities within anenemy Government or the armed forces.” Inthe same light, the debilitating COVID-19 cri-sis and its impacts are getting posited as a pos-sible “asymmetric” security mutation; thoughthis is still in the realm of unverified specu-lation.

The ragtag militia of the Yemeni Houthirebels had made a mockery of convention-al weaponry when the American Patriot mis-sile system, procured for almost $6 billion,failed miserably against modified civilian-made drones (these could have cost $15,000each), which flew through 500 km of landand attacked the world’s largest oil process-ing facility in Saudi Arabia. The state-of-the-art defence “shield” was hopelessly piercedby a substantially lower technology assem-blage that was deployed as an unconvention-al tactic against the combined might of amuch larger Saudi military, which wasbacked by the US’ wherewithal.

Just a month ago, the powerful nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS TheodoreRoosevelt, was leading a deadly flotilla of heav-ily armed warships under the nose of theChinese waters. Today, that $20 billion bat-tle platform, packed with up to 90 fighter air-craft, helicopters, missiles and weaponry, hasembarrassingly “run aground” and suc-cumbed hopelessly to what the Commander-in-Chief of the US military, Donald Trump,calls the “Chinese virus.” Even though the the-ory of a bioweapon has been dialled downby the Pentagon’s top General, Mark Milley,who stated that the preponderant “weight ofevidence” pointed towards “natural” originsas opposed to laboratory manufactured,nonetheless, a new threat dimension hasunmistakably emerged. This needs to beaccounted for in the national security calcu-lus.

The concept of a “dirty bomb” or radi-ological dispersal device (RDD), which aimsto contaminate the area with radioactivematerial, has existed for long. However, acrude rendition of the same, using biologi-

cal elements (bioterrorism), willhaunt the security experts goingforward. The usage of biologi-cal warfare entailing infectiousagents like viruses and bacteriaamong others, which comeunder the Biological WeaponsConvention (BWC) andChemical Weapons Convention(CWC), is explicitly prohibited.The deployment of the same istantamount to war crimes.

By its nature, biologicalagents (like in the case ofCoronavirus) are transmittedfrom person to person andaerosolised respiratory droplets.Hence, they are uncontrollable toa restricted population. However,the deliberate or unintentional“escape” of its “weaponable” ele-ments cannot be ruled out as thatis subject to human handling,intentions and infrastructuralcontrols.

Weaponisation of biologicalelements is an established factwith the US, the Soviet Union,the UK, France, Japan and Chinaamong others. They have estab-lished dedicated facilities andresearch centres to undertake thesame. Be it plague, tularemia,vaccinia viruses, brucellosis orencephalomyelitis — all havebeen successfully weaponisedunder these covert programmes.However, given its inherently“evil” nature and uncontrolledspread, almost 182 countrieshave ratified a ban on biologicalweapons. Though some, likeChina, are suspected to have per-sisted with the research anddevelopment on it.

Among the foremostresearch institutions in Chinathat are involved in the pro-gramme is the Wuhan Institute

of Virology, the epicentre of theCoronavirus. However, giventhe considered view of most apo-litical and functional experts onthis subject, as also the “cost”China paid to Coronavirus, itseems highly unlikely to be adeliberate case of deployment ofa biological weapon.

The real fear is more fromthe domain of reckless terrorism,wherein relative affordability,undetectability and ease to“spread” mechanism of a poten-tial bioweapon could make itescape the current levels of secu-rity and safety protocols in exist-ing laboratories and researchcentres. While access to allsophisticated elements and deliv-ery systems may still be a chal-lenge for rogue elements, a crud-er contraption of bacteria-based(example anthrax) weapon canbe assembled with regular labo-ratory equipment and materials.Terror organisations like the AlQaeda and the Islamic State(IS) are known to have partak-en interest in the related sphereof ricin and cyanide attacks. Buta possible assembly of a “dirtybioweapon”, given the estab-lished havoc achieved by theCoronavirus, can trigger mali-cious interest in the domain.

Governments will have toreview their security-relatedbudgetary allocations in linewith the evolving threats. TheTrump administration had badlyundermined itself by slashingfunds and headcount towardsthe Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), part ofwhich was team-based withChina overlooking global healththreats. The US administration’sobvious disinterest had led to a

domino effect of ill-preparationof the medical infrastructure,reaction and administration incontaining the Coronavirus cri-sis.

Countering this new threatwill necessitate the conjoining ofvarious military and non-mili-tary specialists to jointly addressthe technical, scientific and oper-ational counters.

The Chinese have a robustintermingling of civil-militarycompetencies. The recenttakeover of the Wuhan Instituteof Virology by Maj GeneralChen Wei of the People’sLiberation Army (PLA) isindicative of the same. Chen isamong the foremost specialists ingenetic engineering vaccinesand comes with a reputation asthe “terminator of Ebola” afterleading a team to create acounter-vaccine to the fatal virus.However, Governments mustimmediately enforce strictrestraints against “dual usage” ofchemicals, materials and equip-ment to deter a do-it-yourselfattempt to create a “dirtybioweapon” by any rogue ele-ment. It was the free availabilityof “dual utility” technology thatincubated the Yemeni-Houthidrone contraptions to outsmartthe top-of-the-line defence shieldin Saudi deserts. The sight of ahopelessly impoverished andanchored USS TheodoreRoosevelt was another grimreminder of the latest mutationin security threats.

(The writer, a military veter-an, is a former Lt Governor ofAndaman & Nicobar Islands)

The German football league, the Bundesliga, ismulling to restart matches on May 9, albeitbehind closed doors. The American National

Football League (for American “Football”) is plan-ning to conduct its annual draft online for the firsttime. Cricket bosses, too, are actually discussinga point that was brought up by former Australianfast bowler Jason Gillespie regarding shining a ball.Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar himselfmade it clear that he revelled in the full-throated

chants that accompanied his stay at the crease and that this is one reason whythe very idea of sport inside an empty stadium is disappointing. Without anyactual games taking place on the ground, the world of tennis has been rockedwith the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal promoting a combined men’sand women’s global tennis body. Other sports, too, have taken time during thelockdown to contemplate their future. While by their very nature, racquet sportsare socially distanced, possibly with the exception of squash, sports such asfootball are having serious debate about their future.

And then there is that small issue about spectators. Modern sports is all abouthaving tens of thousands of fans in the stadium. The fans bring with them notonly substantial gate revenues but also add atmosphere and colour to the match.Thisis why “home” games are considered such an advantage for the host team, withthe crowd often playing the role of the twelfth man. Indeed, sports associationsoften punish teams for infringements such as racial abuse by forcing them toplay games behind closed doors, thus depriving them of both revenue and sup-port. But now, in a post-COVID world, all games will, perhaps, be played behindclosed doors or maybe with very few fans being allowed. It is almost impossi-ble to predict how that will impact the psychology of the athletes. Test cricketersmight be used to playing in front of empty stadia but how will Team India copeplaying a one-dayer at an empty Eden Gardens? Or for that matter, how will teamslike Manchester United and Arsenal play with an empty stadium? These cathe-drals of sport, like real religious sites, are huge and organised. They could becomea vector of this viral outbreak just like organised religion. It may be months beforelarge audiences are allowed at these venues again. And even though games canbe played behind closed doors, officials will have to find a way to ensure play-ers are kept extra safe, particularly for contact sports. It would be interesting tosee if the Bundesliga experiment goes ahead and what will come out of that.This might determine if organised sports can restart across the world.

We have completed a month of the lock-down and India Inc is bleeding. Andwhile we have been able to rush

essentials for a while given existing stocks, thecessation of production and breakage in thelogistics chain mean that consumer goods aregoing to be in short supply now. Nearly 43 percent of the 157 units owned by FMCG majorsare in the Coronavirus red zones inMaharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh,Uttarakhand and West Bengal. This includesthe likes of Colgate, ITC, Britannia, Nestle, Daburand Bajaj Consumer. Apart from being short

of labour due to the shutdown and the exodus of migrants, the other issues theyare facing range from sourcing of raw material, movement of products and sup-ply chain disruptions due to the forced closure of factories of suppliers and MSMEsthe FMCG majors depend upon. According to global research firm Kantar, 12major cities in the country are witnessing the closure of a whopping 76 per centof micro and small businesses while another 60 per cent of the businesses areuncertain about their financial health going forward. This is not unique to us. Inthe UK, large firms are coming across more supply chain issues than those insmaller companies. US firms, too, are finding it difficult to substitute productsfrom other countries for the missing inputs from China. Even though some fac-tories have opened up as part of the Centre’s graded lockdown exit strategy,they are facing a manpower problem as most of their workers have gone backto their villages/towns and those who are in the vicinity are scared to come backfor fear of contracting the “big city” virus. So this means that India is looking ata massive consumer goods shortage in the near future even after the lockdownis lifted. In order to avoid this scenario, FMCG majors are requesting the Governmentto allow companies in hotspots that have not had any Coronavirus cases amongtheir staff to be allowed to function. In return they are promising to adopt andimplement all safety protocols and screening measures, including social distanc-ing norms. However, for the Government it is a catch-22 situation. On the onehand, it has to look at the demands of the economy, India Inc and the consumersand on the other, it has to weigh in the risks associated with opening up as allapproaches to easing the lockdown carry risks of infection spikes. Sure the lock-down has given it some time to prepare healthcare facilities for an expected surgeand helped map the trajectory and extent of the disease.

So, the big question in front of the Government now is how to minimise therisk of an exponential spike in Coronavirus cases, which current data might notreveal, while allowing business as usual? As of now, the Government has dis-tinguished three zones, green, orange and red, with the green zones being theones with no new cases reported in 28 days. Orange zones are those with afew cases and reds are, of course, the clusters. The Government wants to openup the green zones first but India is discovering to its horror that a majority ofits cases are asymptomatic. Maharashtra has 83 per cent of such cases andDelhi over 25 per cent. So if green zones are opened and anything between 25-83 per cent people are asymptomatic carriers, infections will spike. In such asituation, the most effective, minimal-risk approach could be to create infection-free worker pools or “green worker pools.” This would include people who havealready been infected by the Coronavirus and have recovered, thus having someimmunity to it. This would mean they don’t have to live on the factory premis-es as they have immunity, thus solving the major problem of housing that mostindustries have to comply with. Besides, they can travel through any of the threezones. Thus by repeated testing, antibody and pool testing and creating this “greenpool” of workers, we will be able to start up our economy. The other option beforeus is to rely on the “herd immunity” method and take our chances as the work-force of the country consists of the youth who will be able to fend off the worsteffects of the virus and take the economy out of the red zone it is in now. Somethingthat Sweden is doing. But this is a big gamble and for the time being we needdiscipline by way of distancing and following restrictions if we are to capitaliseon the little gains we have made.

An exit strategy

Pursuit of selflessness

Sir — It is encouraging that indi-viduals and civil society groupshave been doing their bit by pro-viding ration/cooked food to thehave-nots, destitute and labour-ers who are out of livelihood dueto the spread of Coronavirus. Butwhy do they need to advertise thiskindness to the world throughsocial media?

Self-promotion following anyact of kindness robs the grace andbeauty behind the noble deed ofthe individual. Hadn’t LordBuddha treated a half-eatenmango, offered by an old femalebeggar, as the “greatest gift” byrejecting the treasures offered bythe royal and rich merchants? Thebeggar had offered him her onlypossession — the half-eatenmango, thereby giving the mes-sage that the worth of any contri-bution should not be judged by itsface value but through the sacri-fice rendered by the contributor.In this hour of crisis, we shouldcome forward to render assistancein whatever way possible. But let’sbe a bit selfless and perform ourhumanitarian work silently.

Kajal ChatterjeeKolkata

Address other issues

Sir — The plight of the strandedmigrant workers across the coun-try gives us enough idea about thewidespread human rights viola-

tions of the helpless people. Fromthe very beginning when thelockdown was imposed, migrantworkers were asked not to moveanywhere. But nobody took theresponsibility to provide themwith food and shelter.

Consequently, we have witnessedthe pathetic death of a 12-year-oldgirl who died after walking forthree days from Telangana toreach her home in Chhattisgarh.

Now the question runningthrough everybody’s mind is:

What will claim more lives —COVID-19 or starvation orunemployment and the conse-quent diseases such as depressionand mental illness among others?The National Human RightsCommission (NHRC) must opena 24X 7 help centre that can pro-vide assistance and guidance tothe people and, thus, protect thehuman rights of suffering people.

Tapas Kumar RayKolkata

Seize the opportunity

Sir — The nationwide lockdownimposed due to the spread ofCOVID-19 can be a blessing indisguise for India if we can boostour manufacturing industry.Goods manufactured in India areconsidered better than China’s inthe international market. This isthe time to strike at the iron as theinternational community is look-ing for an alternative source.India can grab the opportunity asit has a big labour force and thebest brains in the world.

Shashank Via email

P A P E R W I T H P A S S I O N

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op nionHYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020

06

An asymmetric threat

BHOPINDER SINGH

The havoc wrought by the spread of Coronavirus has raised concerns over bioweaponsbut the real fear is more from the domain of reckless terrorists accessing them

The game (cricket) willrestart after we overcomethis challenge but I feel that element [of fear] willstay somewhere in the back of the mind.

Cricketer—Sachin Tendulkar

The thing is I want to be as realas possible and be dressed inwhat makes me comfortable. Itgets to me that people arelooking at what I’m wearing allthe time and scrutinising it.

Actor—Kareena Kapoor

Science is never national, itserves mankind. When med-ication or a vaccine is found,tested, released and is readyfor use, it must be madeavailable all around the world.

German Chancellor—Angela Merkel

S O U N D B I T E

L E T T E R S T O TT H E E D I T O R

Protect the frontline warriors

Iwelcome the Ordinance passed by the Governmentmaking any act of violence against medical staff a cog-nisable and non-bailable offence. The Centre has made

it clear that there will be zero tolerance for any such inci-dents of violence. Such a step was necessary in viewof the attacks on doctors in the recent past. My sug-gestion to the lawmakers is, all frontline workers shouldalso be included under the ambit of this Ordinance —say, the municipal workers, the policemen or the health-care officials, who are all out in the field to wage a waragainst the pandemic, risking their lives.

The greatest enemy we face these days is the onewe can’t even see. Those who cross the enemy lines with-out hesitation deserve to be respected. Our country owesthem a great debt. India is dealing with problems suchas economic slowdown, increasing domestic violenceand stranded migrants among other issues. But amongthose, the lynching of a sadhu in Palghar and the racistprejudices against people from the North-east are dis-graceful. People with Mongoloid features have been fac-ing racial taunts and public humiliation and are beingdenied entry to some public places accessible to oth-ers. This is unacceptable. We need to realise that theyare Indians, too. India is known for the harmonious rela-

tions it shares with communities. We should take thetradition forward. COVID-19 has shaken the entire world.Being the second-most populated country, we can’t affordlocal, political or communal flare-ups at the moment.This is highly condemnable and inhuman. The fire of hatewill ultimately destroy everyone. We, as a society, mustlearn to respect the law and live in harmony with eachother. The Government, too, should ensure justice.

Ravi Teja Kathuripalli Hyderabad

THE USADMINISTRATION’S

DISINTEREST HADLED TO A DOMINO

EFFECT OF ILL-PREPARATIONOF THE MEDICAL

INFRASTRUCTURE,REACTION AND

ADMINISTRATIONIN CONTAINING

THE CORONACRISIS.

COUNTERING THISNEW THREAT WILLNECESSITATE THE

CONJOINING OFVARIOUS

MILITARY AND NON-MILITARY

SPECIALISTS TOJOINTLY ADDRESS

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Post-pandemic sport

The Government must comeout of its lakshman rekhaand take bold decisions, not incremental measures. A substantial stimulus is a must.

WB Finance Minister —Amit Mitra

With supply chains running dry, the Government must plan alife after lockdown relying on a battery of green pool workers

Cricket and other sports are working on how to reducecontact. Soon, spectator-less sport may become a reality

The eternal City of Joy

WHEN WE SHOULD BE TACKLING COVID-19 TOGETHERTHE BJP IS SPREADING THE VIRUS OF COMMUNALISM.

THIS SHOULD WORRY EVERY INDIAN. —CONGRESS PRESIDENT

SONIA GANDHI

WE ARE NOT CREATING COMMUNAL DIVISIONS. WEARE UNITEDLY FIGHTING COVID-19. THEY MUSTNOT INDULGE IN SMALL POLITICS.—UNION MINISTERPRAKASH JAVADEKAR

Bengalis and fish and how can this classical odeto joy fall apart? No way! Bengalis and mishti(sweets). How can they ever be brutally sep-

arated, even in a nationwide lockdown, even whilediabetes is itself an epidemic in Bengal, especiallyKolkata?

Indeed, it’s like saying how can the average mid-dle class Bengali bhodrolok (genteel folk) survivewithout his daily dose of Boroline, Digene/Gelusiland Ananda Bazaar Patrika, to use a hackneyedcliché once again. But, clichés, despite being repet-itive, are life-affirming too. They tell you that theworld has not changed and what Bengal thinks today,India thinks tomorrow. Not even Kerala, though theylove Bengal out there, I tell you.

Starting the working day for a working Bengaliis a precious ritual. Going out with a jhola (bag) tothe fish market early morning is a favourite daily one.Haggling is an eternal joy. A thin fish curry withblack cumin and rice and the whole day is made.Only jhaal moori at lunch time might break this dailyfulfillment.

It is fulfilling truly and nourishing, too. And thefood has nothing to do with calories hereafter. Oftenit is kachori (crispy savoury snack) in the morningfrom the nearest Sharma loochir dukaan, oftenstuffed with motor shooti (green peas) and a thinpotato curry. As it is phoochka in the night, espe-cially for women.

So, at least, two things have not changed in theeternally outgoing “City of Joy”, where “ghore-baire”is a beautiful obsession and a routine dilemma. One,the fish markets are open in many places. And I amtold by reliable sources that the mishti shops, nowopen from 12 noon to four in the evening, mightget a four hour additional bonus.

If Kolkata is the microcosm of the unfinishedpainting of the Bengali canvas, it seemingly hatesthe lockdown. Who does not? The urge to go outis as tangible as the crowd in the fish markets, evennow, which are reportedly not so sanitised or fol-lowing the highest of health standards. And, yet, thedeath toll is just about seven. How come?

And that, too, is a kind of hidden and expressedcontroversy. Unlike, surprisingly, in Uttar Pradesh(UP), (where the graph might seem to be flatten-ing like Kerala, where they have literally blocked thevirus now, especially in Thrissur, Kottayam andIdukki). There is a lack of testing, health infrastruc-ture, poor safety condition of doctors, nurses andhealth workers, abysmal hospitals in UP, too, but apartially totalitarian regime calls the disciplinaryshots. Nobody even knows what the tens of thou-sands of workers are going through in the smalltowns or the rural hinterland of UP, or, if the dead-ly virus is spreading out there.

However, in Kolkata, or Bengal, the graph onthe death toll, as much as selective or mass testingis too low. Sources say that Chief Minister MamataBanerjee has been efficient, on the spot, on the dot,and she started early, even though not as early asPinarayi Vijayan in Kerala. That she has no faith inthe Central laboratories with their “bureaucraticparaphernalia”, not in the unfulfilled promises of helpfrom Delhi. For long, her Government has com-plained of lack of testing kits and medical equipmentfor doctors and nurses, saying that Delhi simplyseemed too reluctant or late in response.

It is no wonder then that the Union HomeMinistry sending a Central team to Bengal, amongother States, to make “on-the-spot assessments” onthe COVID-19 crisis has not gone down well with

the fiercely independent leader. In hercharacteristic manner, Mamata has strong-ly protested against this unilateral movewhich goes against the federal spirit, evenas the graph in Bengal just cannot be com-pared to the serious situation in manyother States.

In a letter to Prime Minister NarendraModi, the Chief Minister has reiteratedthat the Inter-Ministerial Central Team’s(IMCT) visit to several districts — Kolkata,Howrah, 24 Parganas North, MedinipurEast, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling— amounted to a “unilateral action” byModi and Union Home Minister AmitShah.

“I am sure you will kindly agree thatsuch unilateral action on the part of theCentral Government is not desirable at all,especially in the backdrop when bothCentral and State Governments are work-ing together relentlessly round-the-clockto contain the COVID-19 crisis,” Mamatasaid in the letter.

Meanwhile, the the Calcutta HighCourt last week asked the West BengalGovernment to go on a “war footing onthe COVID-19 tests” and that it should fol-low the Indian Council of MedicalResearch (ICMR and World HealthOrganisation (WHO) guidelines.

Till now, in this entire process,Mamata’s total focus has been on the pres-tigious Calcutta Medical College and otherState and private institutions, for medicalcare. Besides, she has been fast in her cri-sis management. A stadium in Howrahwas converted into a fully-equipped hos-pital with 1,000 beds. A private high-risebuilding in post-modern Rajarhaat wasturned into another makeshift hospital.Private hospitals were asked to cooperate.And the lockdown, sensitively done, wasfully implemented.

There was no migrant workers’ cri-

sis in Kolkata, in the industrial areas, orin the rest of Bengal, which has beenpeaceful unlike the Hindi heartland. Sheannounced quickly that no one will gohungry till September. There was no massmigration nor starvation on the streets andslums. Food rations were given and isbeing given, to all those who seek it witha ration card, for free and with dignity.Those who don’t have ration cards or offi-cial documents can also avail of it with atemporary slip. Cooked food is being givento those who can’t cook food. Even policestations are being organised to cook foodand distribute to people who are goinghungry.

An activist, who works in the red lightarea in Kolkata, told this reporter that notone among the 10,000 residents in the areais going hungry. Those who can’t cook arebeing given cooked food. Even in poor vil-lages of Purulia, Midnapore and so on, theproblem of hunger has been taken care ofwith local official networks. “No one isreally going hungry in Kolkata andBengal, that I can assure you,” he said andhe is no Mamata supporter.

There are reports of hunger stalkingin the eternally-starving tea gardens ofNorth Bengal, which have seen starkunemployment, destitution and starvationdeaths in the past. Civil society initiativesare desperately working on the ground anda lot of food distribution is happeningthrough the Trinamool Congress local net-works. “It’s a difficult and tragic situationout here. The problem is not only peren-nial out here, it is kind of become inten-sified after the lockdown,” said a JadavpurUniversity student from Cooch Behar onthe border of Bangladesh, where the“chitmahals”, too, are facing longstandingproblems.

“Chitmahals” are villages which livedin a twilight zone after Partition in East

Pakistan and India and later after the for-mation of Bangladesh. They were citizensof no man’s land and had no rights, noidentity, no citizenship of any country.Recently, many of them have gone over toBangladesh and others have been allocat-ed to India, though the borderlines are thinand blurring. And, yet, their economic andsocial condition remains abysmal.

There have been recent reports of newhotspots of the epidemic in Kolkata,including in the slums. Kolkata, Howrah,East Medinipur and the North 24 Parganashave been declared sensitive zones. Eightdistricts have been declared as possiblehotspots: Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Hooghly,Nadia, West Burdwan, West Medinipur,the South 24 Parganas and Darjeeling.New areas are being marked.

Meanwhile, civil society groups, espe-cially students, have been working on theground with great commitment. Students,research scholars and the alumni ofJadavpur University, for instance, are dis-tributing sanitisers, rations and cookedfood, which they themselves cook in thecampus. They distribute it all over Kolkata,to cops, health workers, doctors, shop-keepers, vegetable vendors and slums.

“We are short of money, almostalways. The alumni is helping. But we needmore help,” said a research scholar.

However, life is like this only, as thestory goes. Kolkata and Bengal are observ-ing the lockdown with discipline andpatience. The Government is in control.And while Rabindra Sangeet (music)and Western music still floats in thebylanes, people are waiting for a new lifeafter the lockdown ends.

Tomaar holo shuru, aamar holoshaara, (it’s your beginning, it’s myend...) as the eternally beautiful RobiThakur song goes.

(The writer is a senior journalist)

There was no migrant workers’ crisis in Kolkata, in the industrial areas, or in the rest ofBengal, which has been peaceful unlike the Hindi heartland

analysis 07F I R S T C O L U M N

Challenges todigital ecosystems

MOHIT CHAWDHRY

A bottom-up approach would ensure that thebenefits of digitisation are enjoyed by all,

particularly by those who need them the most

AMIT SENGUPTA

AN ACTIVIST WHOWORKS IN THE

RED LIGHT AREAIN KOLKATA TOLD

THIS REPORTERTHAT NOT ONE

AMONG THE10,000 RESIDENTS

IN THE AREA ISGOING HUNGRY.

THOSE WHO CAN’TCOOK ARE BEING

GIVEN COOKEDFOOD. EVEN IN

POOR VILLAGESOF PURULIA,

MIDNAPORE ANDSO ON, THE

PROBLEM OFHUNGER HAS

BEEN TAKEN CAREOF WITH LOCAL

OFFICIALNETWORKS. ‘NO

ONE IS REALLYGOING HUNGRY IN

KOLKATA ANDBENGAL, THAT I

CAN ASSURE YOU,’HE SAID AND HE IS

NO MAMATASUPPORTER

As India looks to adopt the maxim of “minimum government andmaximum governance”, the role of digital ecosystems has becomeparamount. Such an ecosystem usually comprises an intercon-

nected or interdependent group of people, things and enterprises whichshare a standardised platform and seek to achieve a beneficial purpose.They possess immense potential in increasing efficiency, reducing leak-ages and ensuring on time delivery of services. Starting with digitisa-tion of documents and automation of processes, the scope of digitisa-tion in India has now expended to end-to-end delivery of services andthe creation of unified Government portals. The Government is now seek-ing a transition to National Open Digital Ecosystems (NODEs), whichare “open and secure digital delivery platforms, anchored by transpar-ent governance mechanisms, which enable a community of partnersto unlock innovative solutions, to transform societal outcomes.”

In a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) con-sultation White paper, which sets out the broad principles that wouldgovern the functioning of NODEs, the creation of digital ecosystems isdescribed as the third paradigm in the evolution of GovTech. Examplesof GovTech 3.0 include the United Payment Interface and Goods andServices Tax Network. The key objectives of an ecosystem approachinclude the need to optimise service delivery, integrate data across depart-ments and ministries, create inter-operable and modular platforms andinclude the private sector by allowing them to build solutions on top ofGovernment architecture. Achieving these objectives involves open deliv-ery systems, governance, regulations and a community of innovatorsand users. The White paper captures factors that would contribute tothe creation of successful NODEs but certain challenges remain unad-dressed.

Success in the digital provision of services is dependent on manyunderlying factors, including digital literacy, education and access to sta-ble and fast telecommunication services. The development of digital infra-structure also determines the ability of users to effectively benefit fromdigital services. Furthermore, digital ecosystems should be guided byfactors of availability, accessibility, affordability, value and trust. Thesefactors are important as disparities in access and availability exist acrossmultiple dimensions. For example, urban Indians are more likely to havemobile connections and internet than individuals in rural India. Womenare 28 per cent less likely than men to own a mobile phone and areonly half as likely to use the internet. Other factors such as age and socio-economic status also determine how easy it is to access such services.

In this setting, undertaking large-scale digitisation of services with-out bridging these digital divides could result in services not being deliv-ered to those who are most in need of them, thereby increasing exist-ing inequalities. Other concerns relate to the cybersecurity and data pri-vacy architecture required to engender trust in users and thereby pro-mote uptake of such services. India is yet to adopt a comprehensivelegislation on the same. Given the prevalence of denial of service anddistributed denial of services attacks as well as ransomware and mal-ware in the last few years, it is crucial to have in place regulations pro-viding for rapid response and coordination in case of an attack, contin-uous threat assessment and analysis and regular updating of databas-es pertaining to viruses and other threats. Another cybersecurity chal-lenge is ensuring end-to-end protection of data throughout the wholeecosystem. While channels and databases used by the Government fortransmission and storage are usually secure, other players in the ecosys-tem may not possess the requisite expertise or security to prevent andrespond to breaches. The breach of Aadhar database is a case in point.

The White paper also mentions its use of data registries, compris-ing both personal and community information/records. It is, therefore,imperative, that regulations governing the NODE take into account pro-visions of the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which will determinethe regulatory landscape of protection of personal data. A committeeto regulate Non-Personal Data has been set up by the MeitY. The panel’srecommendations will be instructive in determining how data providedby communities can be used in digital ecosystem operation.

It is also unclear how data autonomy can be ensured across sucha broad spectrum of participants as India does not have a universal iden-tifier which can be used to authenticate an individual and enable provi-sion of services without leakages. While Aadhar is nearly ubiquitous, itsuffers from lacunae in the form of ghost beneficiaries and identity fraud.Second, creating a consent framework that is easy to use, available onmultiple platforms (including over SMS and IVRS) while still allowing agranular degree of control is a significant challenge.

The push to creation of digital ecosystems is a welcome step asit can prove to be an effective tool in overcoming governance deficitand improving quality of life for individuals. However, it is essential toadapt such ecosystems to the peculiarities of India. A bottom-up andinclusive approach would ensure that the benefits of digitisation are enjoyedby everyone and particularly by those who need them the most.

(The writer is a Research Associate with the Esya Centre)

The Coronavirus has brought theworld to a standstill and doctorsand scientists are working over-

time to develop vaccines/drugs andnew treatment strategies to curepatients. Two such potential treatmentand testing procedures which havecome to light are Convalescent Plasma(CP) therapy and Rapid DiagnosticTesting (RDT).

In order to understand CP it isessential to grasp the concept of anti-gen-antibody. If any thief tries tocome inside your house, your defencemechanism will kick in and you willeither stop him or he will be success-ful in robbing you. However, in theprocess of defending the house, there

is bound to be some damage to it.Then, you will call the police in orderto get the thief arrested. In the long-term you will get a burglar alarm sys-tem or CCTV camera installed. Thiswill burglar-proof your house.

Now, apply this allegory to thehuman body. The thief is the Antigenand your response is what the bodydoes to these Antigens with the aid ofantibodies. There are various types ofantibodies, like IgM, IgG, IgE, IgA, IgD.Your initial response is similar to theIgM which is the first antibody torespond to any antigen. The long-termmeasures you have taken is IgG and thecollateral damage to your house is akinto inflammation that manifests asfever, swelling, redness and pain.

Just like you don’t react adverselyto everyone who enters the house, thesame way your body does not reactadversely to self-Antigens. But if youspot the same thief you become vigi-lant and try to take evasive actionbefore he harms your home further.The body reacts in the same way to anyAntigen that has already been con-tained by it by producing anti-bodies.

If the Antigen is re-introduced into thebody, its response is intensified. Thisis why if you have chicken pox once,you don’t get it again. This principle isused in creating an “active” vaccine,where a small quantity of infection(Antigen) is introduced into the bodyso that antibodies are produced andprovide protection to the individualagainst the infection.

However, there is also a “passive”type of vaccine under which pre-pre-pared antibodies are given to a person.However, the immunity acquired bythis vaccine is not life-long and oncethese antibodies given from outside areused up, they no longer provide pro-tection. Since the antibodies were notproduced by the body originally, thenumber of antibodies in the body is notadequate to neutralise any antigenwhich enters it in the future. This is thereason people need to get tetanus injec-tions repeatedly. The CP therapy is aprocess in which the antibodies fromthe plasma (the largest part of blood,which when separated from the bloodis a light yellow liquid) of a recoveredpatient of COVID-19 is transferred to

a patient who has an activeCoronavirus infection, with chances ofit worsening. This is a type of passiveimmunity only, in which a patient bat-tling the infection is assisted by some-one. CP therapy had been previouslyused for SARS and influenza and hasshown positive results. However, theresults of CP therapy in Coronavirusare variable and still evolving. Trialsconducted on 10 COVID-19 patientsgiven CP therapy in China showed pos-itive results. A task force created byKerala has got permission from theIndian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) to conduct further research onit. The ICMR is also not planning toconduct it for all patients but select onesand this will not be a treatment per sebut a clinical trial. However, if approvedand successful, it will be scaled up toa treatment.

The antibodies are proteins formedby B-Lymphocytes and they are part ofHumoral Immunity. There is anothersystem called Cell-Mediated Immunity,in which major work is done by TLymphocytes. However, CP therapyrequires further research (it has been

approved by the US FDA) and alsorequires monitoring while transfusionof the plasma into another patient asthere can be life-threatening reac-tions. Hence, careful monitoring anda due call needs to be taken by doctorsand the researchers on the use of CPtherapy. RDT has become a veryimportant strategy to contain thespread of the Coronavirus. In this, con-firmatory testing is by RT-PCR (reversetranscriptase Polymerase ChainReaction) in which absolute confirma-tion is provided as the presence of RNAof the virus is demonstrated in thenasopharyngeal and oropharyngealswabs. However, this is costly and time-consuming and hence there is need fordevelopment of RDTs. These RDTswork in two ways. One is the demon-stration of the protein (antigen) of thevirus from the respiratory tract of theindividual and second is demonstrationof antibodies in the blood of the per-son suspected to be infected by theCoronavirus.

In the first type there are special-ly made paper strips on which antibod-ies to the Coronavirus are affixed and

this is enclosed in a plastic casing. So,if a person’s respiratory tract sample hasthe antigen of the Coronavirus thenthere will be a detectable signal in 30minutes. These antigens, which aredetected are only expressed when thevirus is replicating i.e it is in the activestage of infection. However, these fac-tors depend on many other factors. TheWorld Health Organisation (WHO)says, “How well the tests work dependson several factors, including the timefrom onset of illness, the concentrationof virus in the specimen, the quality ofthe specimen collected from a person,how it is processed and the precise for-mulation of the reagents in the test kits.”Based on experience with antigen-based RDTs for other respiratory dis-eases such as influenza, in whichaffected patients have comparableconcentrations of influenza virus in res-piratory samples as seen in COVID-19,the sensitivity of these tests might beexpected to vary from 34 per cent to80 per cent. These then will show “falsenegative” results which mean that theindividual is positive to COVID-19 butis not detected due to the above rea-

sons. There may also be “false positive”results as the antibodies on the paperstrips may attach to the antigen ofanother common influenza viruswhich gives us the common cold.

The second type includes demon-strating (by detectable signals) antibod-ies to the Coronavirus antigen in theblood sample of an individual suspect-ed to have COVID-19. However, theissue with this technique is that thepatient may develop antibody responsea few weeks after the onset of symp-toms, i.e in recovery phase whenchances of clinical intervention wouldhave passed. Further, the WHO statesthat, “The strength of antibodyresponse depends on several factors,including age, nutritional status, sever-ity of disease and certain medicationsor infections like HIV that suppress theimmune system.”

However, the ICMR has developeda protocol to use these rapid tests andapproved kits. Only time will tell if itis the right strategy.

(The writer is a doctor-turned-CivilServant. Working as an Indian RailwayTraffic Service officer)

New anti-virus weapons give hopeAs the world looks for answers to fight the pandemic, two potential treatment and testing procedures which have come to

light are Convalescent Plasma therapy and Rapid Diagnostic Testing

SAGAR CHAHAR

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com

POINTCOUNTERPOINT

PNS n NEW DELHI

India has initiated a probe intoan alleged dumping of fibreboards, used in furnitureindustry, from Vietnam,Malaysia, Thailand, andIndonesia following complaintby domestic manufacturers.

Greenply Industries,Greenpanel Industries andCentury Plyboards have filedapplication before the com-merce ministry's probing armDGTR for anti-dumping inves-tigation on imports of "plainmedium density fibre boardhaving thickness less than 6mm" imported from these fourcountries.

The applicants have allegeddumping of the board fromthese countries and requestedfor imposition of the anti-dumping duties on theimports.

The Directorate General ofTrade Remedies (DGTR) in anotification has said that onthe basis of prima facie evi-dence submitted by the appli-cants, "the authority, hereby,initiates an investigation".

In the probe, the directoratewill determine the existence,degree and effect of any allegeddumping in respect of the

product under considerationfrom the four nations.

If it would found that thereis a dumping and it is impact-ing the domestic manufactur-ers, it will recommend theamount of anti-dumping duty,which if levied, would be ade-quate to remove the injury tothe domestic industry.

While the DGTR recom-mends the duty, the financeministry imposes the same.

The period of investigationis from January- December2019 (12 months). It wouldalso look into the data of April

2016-19 period.The product under consid-

eration is a composite woodproduct made out of woodwaste fibres. It is widely usedfor partitions, modular furni-ture, and cabinets.

In international trade par-lance, dumping happens whena country or a firm exports anitem at a price lower than theprice of that product in itsdomestic market.

Dumping impacts price ofthat product in the importingcountry, hitting margins andprofits of manufacturing firms.

According to global tradenorms, a country is allowed toimpose tariffs on such dumpedproducts to provide a level-p l a y i n gfield todomest icmanufac-turers.

HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020 money 08

CAPSULE

HMI givesessentials worthover Rs 9 crore toDelhi, Haryana, TNNew Delhi: Hyundai MotorIndia (HMI) on Friday said ithas provided personalprotective equipment (PPE)kits, masks, sanitisers and dryration worth more than Rs 9crore to the governments ofDelhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu andMaharashtra as part of itscontribution to fight COVID-19.The company said it has alsodonated incinerators tohospitals in Tamil Nadu for safedisposal of medical waste.Hyundai Motor India ManagingDirector and CEO SS Kim said,“Being a longstanding partnerin India's growth over twodecades, we stand united withgovernment of India throughthese trying times and offerassurance of our utmostcommitment.

New Delhi: Bioplus Healthcareon Friday said it has launchedhand sanitiser under itsSterloMax brand to fight againstthe COVID-19 pandemic. Therub-in-hand disinfectant isavailable in two variants,SterloMax I with 75 per centisopropyl alcohol and SterloMaxE80 with 80 per cent ethanol asper WHO recommendedformula, the company said in astatement. SterloMax is alreadyavailable through Flipkart andShopClues and will also beavailable on Amazon by the endof the month, while it can alsobe purchased via BigBasket inBengaluru, it added.

PNS n BENGALURU

The Indian Space ResearchOrganisation has invited pro-posals for development ofindigenous technologies for sus-tained Indian human space pro-gramme and space exploration.

The Directorate of HumanSpace Programme of the city-headquartered ISRO has soughtproposals for 18 tentative tech-nology development areas.

India's first manned missionto space 'Gaganyaan' is plannedaround 2022. Four Indian AirForce fighter pilots are current-ly under training in Moscowand are likely to be potentialcandidates for the mission.

July 15 has been fixed as thelast date for submission of pro-

posals in 18 areas which includeradiation hazards characterisa-tion and mitigation techniques,space food and related technolo-

gies, human robotic interfaces,environmental control and lifesupport systems, human psy-chology for long term missions

and simulated gravity technolo-gies.

"Proposals are solicited fromnational research/academicinstitutions for developingaffordable and indigenous cut-ting edge technologies forhuman survival in low earthorbits and beyond for spaceexploration," the Directoratesaid in its Announcement ofOpportunity (AO). The prin-cipal investigator of the pro-posal should provide necessarydetails and usage of technolo-

gy or solution for human spaceprogram which can bridge thegap in terms of affordabilityand indigenisation, also capa-bility of developing a spacequalified payload or solution,the AO said.

ISRO shall constitute aSelection Committee forscrutiny the proposals, it said,adding the screening of theproposals will be based on sci-entific benefits, relevance,technical content and feasibil-ity perspective.

PNS n COLOMBO

Sri Lanka is set to enter into anagreement with the ReserveBank of India for a currencyswap worth USD 400 millionto boost the foreign reservesand ensure the financial stabil-ity of the country which isbadly hit by the COVID-19pandemic, a top minister hassaid.

The Cabinet has approved aproposal made by PrimeMinister Mahinda Rajapaksaas the Finance Minister toenter into an agreement withthe RBI for the financing facil-ity to meet short-term interna-tional liquidity requirements,Co-Cabinet spokesmanInformation andCommunication MinisterBandula Gunawardena said.

Sri Lanka will enter into theagreement with the RBI for aBilateral Currency SwapArrangement worth USD 400million, Gunawardena said,adding the facility from theRBI is aimed at boosting theisland nation's foreign reserves.

Sri Lanka has placed criticaleconomic measures to savethe resources hit badly by the

COVID-19 pandemic whichhas infected 373 persons in thecountry and the death tollreached 7.

Addressing the Cabinetmedia briefing yesterday,Gunawardena said the Cabinetmeeting chaired by PresidentGotabaya Rajapaksa paid spe-cial attention to the control ofthe coronavirus pandemic, its

success and the distribution ofgoods and relief to the people.

The minister pointed outthat the whole world is nowexperiencing the economiccollapse since World War IIresulted from the COVID-19outbreak and a single countryalone cannot find a solution tothe crisis.

So the Cabinet of Ministershas approved this proposal inorder to ensure the financialstability of the country,Gunawardena said.

The country has orderedimports restrictions to pre-vent non-essential imports.

This is in view of the localrupee falling to its historicallow against the US dollar. Therupee now hovers over 195 tothe dollar gaining somewhatfrom being down to 200 mark.

The government has alsoannounced talks with AsianDevelopment Bank andChina's Asian InfrastructureInvestment Bank. A USD 300million budgetary support isanticipated from the ADB,officials said.

The announcement for get-ting the USD 400 millionfinancial facility from India

came as the rating agency,Fitch on Wednesday warnedSri Lanka to reform its soft-pegand block the ability of itsdomestic operations depart-ment to inject large volumes ofcash below the ceiling policyrate to stop monetary instabil-ity.

Last month, during a videoconference of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi along withleaders and representativesfrom SAARC nations, SriLankan President GotabayaRajapaksa said, "Our economyhas taken a severe blow due tothe coronavirus, particularly intourism... Our exports are alsoadversely affected."

Tourism is the third-largestearner of foreign exchange inSri Lanka. The decline intourist arrivals has hit theisland nation's tourism indus-try in a big way. Largely owingto the COVID-19 pandemic,the World Bank recently fore-cast Sri Lankan economy tocontract by 3 per cent this yearas against a 2.4 per cent esti-mated growth last year, whilstthe IMF predicted the globaleconomy to contract by 3 percent as well.

Human space: ISRO invites proposalsThe Directorate of Human SpaceProgramme of the city- headquarteredISRO has sought proposals for 18tentative technology development areas

Covid-19: BioplusHealthcare launcheshand sanitiser underSterloMax brand

Sri Lanka to seek $ 400 mn financial facility from RBI

Sri Lanka willenter into theagreement withthe RBI for aBilateralCurrency SwapArrangementworth $400 mn

PNS n MUMBAI

Equity benchmark Sensex tum-bled 536 points on Friday, ledby a selloff in financial and ITstocks as global marketsslumped on mounting eco-nomic pressure of coronavirus-led lockdowns with no respitein sight.

Further, in a blow to domes-tic market sentiment, FranklinTempleton Mutual Fundannounced winding up of sixdebt schemes due to redemp-tion pressure and lack of liquid-ity in bond markets amid theCOVID-19 crisis.

Many retail investors andhigh net worth individuals(HNIs) who invested in theseschemes as part of their fixed-income asset allocation will behit as the money will beblocked with no clear timelinefor recoveries, experts said.

The 30-share BSE Sensexsettled 535.86 points or 1.68 percent down at 31,327.22, whilethe NSE Nifty declined 159.50points, or 1.71 per cent, to9,154.40.

Bajaj Finance was the toplaggard in the Sensex pack,dropping over 9 per cent, fol-lowed by Axis Bank, IndusIndBank, HDFC, ICICI Bank and

M&M.Reliance Industries, howev-

er, capped the losses by rally-ing over 3 per cent.

Sun Pharma, HeroMotoCorp, L&T, PowerGridand Bajaj Auto were alsoamong the gainers.

Market went into selloffmode as winding up of a fewdebt schemes by FranklinTempleton added to the sellingpressure witnessed in banksand NBFC stocks, said experts.

According to SanjeevZarbade, VP PCG Research,Kotak Securities, marketsacross the globe remainedvolatile as the wait for a cred-ible breakthrough in medicineto remedy the COVID-19 pan-

demic remained elusive.Weak macroeconomic data

in most countries and rout inoil prices also hit investor sen-timent, he noted.

Bourses in Shanghai, HongKong, Tokyo and Seoul endedwith heavy losses, while thosein Europe were also trading sig-nificantly lower in early deals.

Global oil benchmark Brentcrude futures slipped 0.38 percent to USD 21.25 per barrel.

On the currency front, therupee depreciated 40 paise toprovisionally settle at 76.46against the US dollar.

The death toll due to thepandemic rose to 718 in India,while the number of casesclimbed to 23,077.

India initiates probe against‘dumping of fibre boards’

Sensex slumps 536 pts;financial stocks lead fall

Co-working spaceoperators form IndianWorkspace AssociationPNS n NEW DELHI

Faced with liquidity crisis andloss of business due to thenationwide lockdown, thecountry's top co-working spaceoperators have come togetherto form an association to chalkout strategies to deal withimmediate cash-flow chal-lenges and future roadmap.

The industry body namedIndian Workspace Association(IWA) will represent the prob-lems faced by the industry tothe government as well asother stakeholders.

The co-working segmenthas been growing at a rapidpace over the past few years.The operators take space onlease from realty firms or land-lords and then sub-lease totheir clients which are startups,freelancers and corporates.

However, following the lock-down, these players are facinga huge liquidity crisis as manyof their clients have shownreluctance in paying rents andsome of them even cancellingagreements.

"Co-working and flexibleworkspace providers acrossthe country have come togeth-

er to form the IndianWorkspace Association, thatwill be the de-facto voice of theworkspace industry in India,"the industry body said in astatement.

Although the associationhas been formed to representand protect the wider interestsof the industry as a whole, theIWA's immediate goal is todefine protocols and practicesfor the industry to address theongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The association would planstrategies for the way forwardin a post-coronavirus world, itsaid.

IWA will represent majori-ty of companies in the co-working and flexible work-space segment.

‘NBFCs, MFIs to see Rs50-60k cr funding gapon lack of moratorium’

Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) TheRBI may have to open directliquidity window for smallNBFCs and MFIs as banksrefuse to offer moratorium tothem on one hand, and gave amuted response to the firstTLTRO auction, aggravatingtheir funding gap to Rs 50,000-60,000 crore, according to areport.

Small and medium shadowbanks and micro-lenders needa direct refinance from finan-cial institutions or the RBIshould open direct refinancewindow for them, AcuiteRatings said, a day after theapex bank said the first TLTROauction of Rs 25,000crore saw a tepidresponse frombanks, which putin bids for justhalf the amount -- only Rs 12,850crore.

"We believe theliquidity concerns ofNBFCs (non-bank financialcompanies) and MFIs (micro-finance institutions) have aggra-vated and a quick response isthe need of the hour. The fund-ing gap is estimated to further

increase to Rs 50,000-60,000crore," the agency said in areport.

The estimate is based on theanalysis of "the top 11 retailNBFCs which may find thefunding gap of Rs 10,000-20,000 crore in Q1. Without themoratorium or partial morato-rium from banks, the fundinggap will increase further to Rs15,000-25,000 crore in Q1.Clearly, the gap for the sectorincluding MFIs in Q1 will bemuch higher at Rs 50,000-60,000 crore based on broadestimates".

While the Reserve Bank ofIndia has provided a three-

month moratorium to allborrowers, including

NBFCs and MFIs forMarch-May, it isincreasingly clear thatall banks are not likelyto grant such a morato-

rium for their NBFC orMFI borrowers.

Further, a 50 per centresponse to the first tranche ofbids TLTRO 2.0 indicates thatbanks are hesitant to take freshexposures to the sector, partic-ularly to small and mid-sizedNBFCs, including MFIs now.

Amfi assures investors after FranklinTempleton MF shuts six schemesPNS n NEW DELHI

Industry body Amfi on Fridayassured investors that majorityof fixed income mutual fundsassets are invested in superiorcredit quality securities andsuch schemes have appropriateliquidity to ensure normal oper-ations.

The statement by the indus-try body came after FranklinTempleton Mutual Fund volun-tarily decided to wind up its sixdebt schemes citing redemptionpressure and lack of liquidity inbond markets due to coron-avirus pandemic.

This is the first instancewhen a fund house is shuttingits schemes because of coron-avirus related pandemic.

The industry body, in a state-ment, has strongly recommend-ed that investors should contin-ue to focus on their investment

goals, consult their financialadvisor and not get side-trackedby an isolated event in a fewschemes of one fund company.“We expect fixed income fundsacross entire mutual fundindustry to continue their nor-mal operation without anymaterial impact," it added.

The action taken by the par-ticular AMC is limited to the sixspecific credit risk fixed incomeschemes managed by the saidAsset Management Company(AMC) due to the illiquidity oftheir portfolios, the Associationof Mutual Funds in India(Amfi) said.

11.56 lakh newmembers join ESICscheme in FebPNS n NEW DELHI

Around 11.56 lakh newmembers joined the ESIC-run social security scheme inFebruary 2020 against 12.19lakh members in the previ-ous month, according to thepayroll data of the Employees'State Insurance Corporation(ESIC).

The data was part of areport released by theNational Statistical Office(NSO) on Friday.

The report said grossenrolments of new sub-scribers with ESIC were 1.49crore during 2018-19.

It also showed that duringthe period from September2017 to February 2020,around 3.75 crore new sub-scribers joined the ESICscheme.

The NSO report is basedon the payroll data of newsubscribers of various socialsecurity schemes run byESIC, retirement fund bodyEPFO and pension fund reg-ulator PFRDA. It has beenreleasing such data of thesebodies since April 2018, cov-ering a period starting fromSeptember 2017.

L&T'sconstruction armbags contract forEasternPNS n NEW DELHI

Infrastructure major Larsen& Toubro (L&T) on Fridaysaid its construction arm inconsortium with Japan'sKyosan ElectricManufacturing company hasbagged a 'significant' orderfrom the Dedicated FreightCorridor Corporation ofIndia (DFCCIL).

Though the company didnot specify the exact value ofthe contract, as per its spec-ification a significant contractranges between Rs 1,000crore to Rs 5,000 crore.

PNS n MUMBAI

The rupee depreciated by 40paise to settle at 76.46 (provi-sional) against the US dollaron Friday, tracking weakdomestic equities and astrengthening greenback over-seas.

Forex traders said marketsentiment weakened after apotential antiviral drug forcoronavirus reportedly failedits first trial.

The rupee opened lower at76.30 at the interbank forexmarket and then fell further to76.47 and finally closed at76.46, down 40 paise over itslast close.

The rupee had settled at76.06 against the US dollar on

Thursday.The dollar index, which

gauges the greenback'sstrength against a basket of sixcurrencies, advanced by 0.31per cent to 100.74.

Market participants are con-cerned that the sharp rise in

coronavirus cases could weighon the global as well as domes-tic economy.

The number of coronaviruscases around the world hascrossed 27 lakh. In India, over23,000 cases have been report-ed so far.

Granules India gets USFDA nodfor bladder treatment capsulePNS n NEW DELHI

Drug firm Granules India onFriday said it has receivedapproval from the US healthregulator for generic TrospiumChloride extended-release cap-sules used for the treatment ofoveractive bladder.

"The USFDA has approvedthe abbreviated new drugapplication filed by GranulesPharmaceuticals, Inc, a whol-ly owned foreign subsidiary ofGranules India Ltd, forTrospium Chloride extended-release capsules, 60 mg," thecompany said in a regulatoryfiling. The product is generic

version of Allergan Inc'sSanctura XR capsules in thesame strength, it added.

"We are pleased to announceapproval of this niche, limitedcompetition product, which isa nice addition to our growingproduct portfolio in the USmarket.” GranulesPharmaceuticals Inc EDPriyanka Chigurupati said.

According to IQVIA Health,Trospium Chloride extended-release capsules, 60 mg had USsales of approximately USD 25million MAT for the mostrecent twelve months endingin February 2020, GranulesIndia said. The product isindicated for the treatment ofoveractive bladder (OAB) withsymptoms of urge urinaryincontinence, urgency, andurinary frequency, it added.

The company now has a totalof 26 abbreviated new drugapplication (ANDA) approvalsfrom USFDA (24 final approvalsand 2 tentative approvals),Granules India said.

Rupee slips 40 paise to settle at 76.46

The period ofprobe is from Jan-December 2019(12 months). Itwould also lookinto the data ofApril 2016-19period

he first thingthat one tells avisitor whiledescribingHyderabad ispossibly the cul-

ture, the laid back attitudeof the city’s inhabitants andthe food. But ask anyHyderabadi and he/she willsurely say that the city ismuch more than that.Having been born andbrought up here, BrigadierPR Sangam has seenHyderabad change in frontof his own eyes, for betteror for worse.

“I am a pakkaHyderabadi,” says BrigadierSangam, who was born inHyderabad and has been

living in the city sincethe 1950s.

Speakingof his par-

ents and roots he said, “Mygrandfather was theTehsildar of Nallakuntaduring the Nizam rule. Soour date with Hyderabadgoes that far back. We wereoriginally from NorthKarnataka and Kannada isour mother tongue.”

Reminiscing the time hejoined the Indian Army hesaid, “I joined the NDAwhen I turned 16 and wastrained in Khadakwasla.Later, I underwent trainingin Indian Military Academyin Dehradun before beingcommissioned onDecember 22, 1974 when I

turned 20.”He said that since 2011,

he hasn’t moved anywhereand is happy to callHyderabad his home. Headds, “I have been fortu-nate to have been posted inHyderabad a few timesduring my career. Once asinstructor in the college ofair warfare near Paradegrounds and another whenI commanded theBatticaloa Brigade inBolarum cantonment fortwo years. Thereafter Isuperannuated from theCollege of DefenceManagement (CDM) inSainikpuri.”

He points out that he haslived inNarayanguda,Kacheguda andBaghLingampally

in the mid-1950s.Reminiscing about hisschooldays, the Brigadiersays, “My childhood wasfull of fun and frolic.”

“As kids we used to playin Imli Bagh; it was a hugeopen ground. We wouldpluck tamarinds. There wasa huge fence to keep tres-passers out, but we used tosneak in without the secu-rity spotting. I can neverforget the fun we used tohave then,” the Brigadieradds.

One of his fondest mem-ories, he recalls, is of visit-ing Kiran gutta (now

Karmanghat) Hanumantemple on Saturdays. “Itwasn’t so much for bhaktias it was for the coconutprasadam. Those wereprobably my best memo-ries,” he says.

Change is inevitable andBrigadier Sangam was noexception. He was forced toleave the city after beingselected for NDA and wentto Khadakvasala beforebeing commissioned as theSecond Lieutenant.

For someone, whoaccording to his ownwords, has been “postedacross the length andbreadth of the country,” set-tling in Hyderabad was ano-brainer. “My transfer

took me everywhere for agood 50 years. I may haveleft Hyderabad, butHyderabad never left me.

There is bonhomie here,and in general, the peoplehere are helpful and friend-ly,” he says.

Citing an oft-heardexample, the Brigadier says,“When you ask someonefor directions in the city,they don’t just show youthe way, but take you there.This is not experiencedanywhere else in the coun-try.”

He believes that this isbecause of the cultureprevalent in the city sincethe time of the Nizams.“Hyderabad is like Ganga-Yamuna. It has the royalty

of the Nizams intertwinedwith the rich cultural acad-emic heritage of SouthIndia on one hand, and themakings of a developed cityon the other. This is a fineoutcome of Tehzeeb (cul-ture), Tamiz (respect) andTalim (education) that isingrained into us,”Brigadier Sangam says.

While developmentbrings with it its own set of

issues, Brigadier Sangamsays that there are positivestoo. “When I used to landin Begumpet airport earlier,I used to find it difficult tofind a mode of transport toreach home. However, now,with metro and otherdevelopments, it is easy togo anywhere, whenever onewishes.”

Speaking about theCoronavirus pandemic, hesays that is genuinelyunprecedented. “I salute thepeople who are serving uson the frontline and ensur-ing we are safe at home,”the Brigadier says.

The Brigadier adds,“Having faced blizzards for72 hours straight duringmy time in Antarctica, Ibelieve that it was a lot sim-pler and easier than fight-ing the virus.”

On a lighter vein, he saysthat as a Hyderabadi, hefinds it difficult to sit athome and do nothing.“Hyderabadis are passion-ate moviegoers and oneswho like roaming around.When relatives come tovisit, they are generally baf-fled by the number of peo-ple on the road at any giventime of the day. This is ourlifestyle.”

Speaking of the changeshe has seen over the pastseven decades, BrigadierSangam says, “We had dou-ble-decker buses, which areno longer found, and thewhole city was very quietand serene. People had aneasy-go-lucky attitudetowards life. But in thelast decade or so, it hasbecome a high techmetropolis and an IT hub.This has changed the cul-tural picture of Hyderabad.

During the early days it wasa city inhabited only bysouth Indians and locals.But now, it’s a global citywith a national outlook.”

But if there’s one thingthat makes him happy isthat the homely, welcom-ing nature hasn’t changeda bit, despite all thechanges the city hasundergone. He is alsohappy with the way gov-ernments have handledand taken care of themonuments. “The QutbShahi tombs were in avery bad shape, but havebeen restored. I feel thatrestoration is taking placeand it is essential to linkour present with our pastand our culture,”Brigadier Sangamsigns off.

T

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SaturdayApril 25, 2020

The Ramzan season has begun and the Muslim

fraternity is observing the holy month by praying at

homes and making the lockdown a success. The

Pioneer's V SATEESH REDDY speaks with a few

of our Muslim brothers on how they're dealing with

changes in their festival this year

he holy month ofRamzan has begunand this is the timefor the Muslim fra-ternity to indulge inprayers, donations,

iftars, and other activities forthe wellness of people all overthe world. Every year, Muslimsinvite their friends, irrespectiveof caste and creed, for Iftar par-ties to show oneness. Due to theCorona crisis, this is going to bea tough year for them. Islamicseminary Jamia Nizamia andothers have already issued afatwa advising people to followall prayers at home.

The Hyderabadi Haleem isknown all around the globe forits unique flavors. This year, theHyderabad Haleem MakersAssociation announced thatthere will be no Haleem andBiryani due to the lockdown.

Shakir Ali, a private employ-ee says, “We have never expect-ed that a situation such as thiswould ever come. But we haveall now decided to do ourprayers at home this year. Wepray five times a day every day.The prayers start before sunrise.We observe fasting from sunriseto sunset.After the sun-set, we followIftar. This

year there will be no invitationsto friends for dinners. Ramzanis also all about donations.People donate some amountfrom their earnings. It’s allabout sharing our happinesswith people.”

Shaik Salauddin, president ofFour Wheeler Driver’sAssociation, Telangana says, “Atpresent, the world is fighting toget rid of the coronavirus. Indiadid well by imposing lockdownearlier than most other countries.Our community has instructedus to offer prayers at home dur-ing the Ramzan month. Thelockdown affected manyMuslims financially. During theRamzan season, we go shoppingwith the family. No meetingswith friends and no Alai Balaithis year to maintain social dis-tancing. Especially children agedeight-years start fasting for thefirst time and observe our tradi-tions, it will be a quiet start for

them this year. Ihope things willbecome normal

soon.”Shaik

Jafreen, cap-tain, IndianDeaf TennisTeam shares,“Everyyear,

we indulge in prayers anddonations in the Ramzan sea-son. This year, there is no possi-bility to meet people and giftthem. We are planning todonate groceries to the needythis year. We have alreadyinformed all of our people thatthere will be no gatherings thisyear to control the virus’ spread.Doctors, police, and others areputting their lives at risk to saveothers and we must follow theirorders.”

Model Sadiq says, “Ramzan isall about celebrating and shar-ing happiness with people.During the holy month, weinvite our friends for Iftar par-ties. We donate some amountfrom our earnings. We are fol-lowing the rules and offeringprayers at home. Our country isdoing well to control the virus’spread and I’m hoping to seethings turn by May. We havebeen in lockdown for a monthnow and need to continue it fora couple more weeks to eradi-cate the virus.”

Although tough, the Muslimfraternity is setting a perfectexample by being law-abidingcitizens and observing the Holymonth inpeace andcalm at home.

T

Spreading HAPPINESS

by being HOME

Every year, we indulge inprayers and donations in theRamzan season. This year,there is no possibility to meetpeople and gift them. We areplanning to donate groceriesto the needy this year. We havealready informed all of ourpeople that there will be nogatherings this year to controlthe virus’ spread.

SHAIK JAFREENINDIAN DEAF TENNIS TEAM

At present, the world is fightingto get rid of the Coronavirus.

India did well by imposinglockdown earlier than most other

countries. Our community hasinstructed us to offer prayers at

home during the Ramzan month.The lockdown affected many

Muslims financially. Nomeetings with friends and no

Alai Balai this year to maintainsocial distancing.

SHAIK SALAUDDINPRESIDENT OF FOUR WHEELER

DRIVER’S ASSOCIATION, TELANGANA

We have never expected that asituation such as this wouldever come. But we have allnow decided to do our prayersat home this year. This yearthere will be no invitations tofriends for dinners. Ramzan isalso all about donations. It’s allabout sharing our happinesswith people.

SHAKIR ALIPRIVATE EMPLOYEE

Ramzan is all aboutcelebrating and sharing

happiness with people. Duringthe holy month, we invite our

friends for Iftar parties. Wedonate some amount from ourearnings. We are following the

rules and offering prayers athome. Our country is doing

well to control the virus’spread and I’m hoping to see

things turn by May. MODEL SADIQ

Hyderabad is many things formany people. But whatmillennials feel pales in

comparison to what people whohave experienced life in theNizam’s rule feel. For them,

Hyderabad is more anemotion than a city.

Brigadier PR Sangamis one such persons

who opens up onhis emotions, his

memories andlove for all

things aboutHyderabad with

K RAMYA SREE

Hyderabad is likeGanga-Yamuna. It hasthe royalty of theNizams intertwinedwith the rich culturalacademic heritage ofSouth India on onehand, and the makingsof a developed city onthe other. This is a fineoutcome of Tehzeeb(culture), Tamiz(respect) and Talim(education) that isingrained into us.

— BRIGADIER PR SANGAM

BONHOMIE, helping naturesymbolise HYDERABADIS

10

Hyderabad Saturday April 25 2020 what’s brewing

FUN

Rules

ARCHIE

GARFIELD

SUDOKU

REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

GINGER MEGGS

NANCY

CALVIN AND HOBBES

l Each row and column cancontain each number (1 to 9)exactly once.

l The sum of all numbers inany row or column mustequal 45.

Yesterday’s solution

Add a dash of liquor to

GOOD OLD FAVOURITES

month into thelockdown and wewon’t be surprisedif your boredexperimentingwith cocktails,

amateur bartending and your

favourite spirit.How about getting back to

basics and creating simplehome-made favourites. DiageoIndia recently collaboratedwith Pooja Dhingra, one ofIndia’s top pastry chefs, to

bring you simple recipeswhich with just enough liquorto hit the spot. BaileysOriginal Irish Cream takessimplicity a notch higher,bringing together differentflavours for plain pleasure.

A

o 60 ml Baileys OriginalIrish Cream

o 120 ml instant coffeeo (Brew 1 tsp instant

coffee in 150 ml of hotwater and allow to chill)

o 30 ml Cold milko 1 Tsp Sugaro Method: Add all the

ingredients into a tallglass, add ice, stir wellBA

ILEY

S CO

LD C

OFFE

EBY

KHU

SHNA

Z RA

GHIN

A -

DIAG

EO B

RAND

AMBA

SSAD

OR W

EST o 60 ml Baileys

Original Irish Creamo 45ml South Indian

Filter coffeedecoction

o 30 ml Whole milkhot

o Add Sugar to likingo Method: Together

with the filter coffeedecoction mix wholemilk and BaileysIrish Original Cream

o Garnish: NutmegpowderBA

ILEY

S FI

LTER

COF

FEE

BY K

HUSH

NAZ

RAGH

INA

-DI

AGEO

BRA

NDAM

BASS

ADOR

WES

T

What you need:o 300g Milk

o 150g Dark Chocolateo 60ml Baileys

How to make:o Heat Milk and Baileys

over a saucepan onmedium heat.

o Bring the liquid tosimmer and take it

off the heat.o Take chopped Dark

chocolate in a bowland pour the liquidover the chocolate.

o Let it sit for 2 minsand whisk wellBA

ILEY

S HO

TCH

OCOL

ATE

reci

pe c

reat

ed b

yPo

oja

Dhin

gra

ith restrictions onlarge-scale, publicgatherings set tocontinue as a pre-cautionary mea-sure to contain

the spread of coronaviruseven after the lockdown islifted, popular writerVakkantham Vamsi has sethis sights on digital medi-um. He believes his seconddirectorial — with Ravi Teja

mostly — stares ata delay

because “the actor needs tocomplete his on-sets filmfirst and then there are othercommitments.” “I’m certainthat new films will take timeto start. I’m sensing cinemahalls too will not open untilDasara. So instead of wast-ing time, I would want tosee the possibility of explor-ing digital medium, whosefuture looks to be extremelybright. If I take up a show,30-40 people will get work. Ican finish a season before Iroll with my feature. I candirect it or be the showrun-ner,” he tells us in an exclu-sive conversation.

He admits to beapproached by streaming

platforms to offer con-

tent. “I have a written a lotof content in the past 20months. I believe some ofmy ideas are better off to bemade into series than films.I’m ready to take OTTplunge. The digital platformgives you more scope to playwith your ideas and you canshine more as a writer. Infact, it was after watchingBreaking Bad that I firstcontemplated writing forOTT platforms. The showdrove me mad. Ditto wasthe case with Game ofThrones. After completingit, my initial reaction was, ‘Isit necessary to still makefilms?’ The fact that OTTsubscriptions are on the risedue to lockdown should

auger well for Telugu writ-ers,” he states.

As of now, Vamsi is notwriting much because hisfamily is taking his time.“I’m spending a lot of quali-ty time with my children.I’m getting to write very lit-tle but no complaints. I’mnot even watching shows. Iwas recently suggested towatch Special Ops but Icould only complete anepisode of it. My kids havetaken over my home the-atre,” he chuckles, addingthat his wife is teaching himsome basics of cooking. “Sheis showing me how to makesweets. In another week or10 days, I will be whip outmy own dish for sure.”

11

tollywoodHyderabad Saturday April 25 2020

VakkanthamHe believes hissecond directorial— with Ravi Tejamostly — stares ata delay because“the actor needs tocomplete his on-sets film first andthen there are othercommitments”,finds NAGARAJGOUD

ith theatres shutting down because of lockdown,many small films are looking at streaming platformsfor a release and bail out of paying interests forfinances. We’ve already informed you that NaveenChandra-starrer Bhanumati Ramakrishna will bedropping on Disney-Hotstar later this month. Now,

it’s the turn of another small film — Amrutha Ramam — to get a directOTT release on Zee5 this month-end. Suresh Babu was attached to dis-

tribute it under his esteemed Suresh Productions but after the lockdown,the scenario has changed completely.

Film’s director Kontaddi Surendhar tells us, “I believe theatres willremains closed for another six months, post which there will be a doubt

whether they will attract the patronage of people like previously. Small filmsalways had the problem of lack of footfalls and now after Covid-19, the situationwill only get worse. I want to show the film to viewers and web is facilitating mewith that opportunity. Plus, when you get the money back that you’ve investedon the film, OTT platform is a right option. If I want to release the film in the-atres, I will have to bear an additional expenditure of Rs 50 lakhs and the ques-tion of audience flocking to theatres looms large, right? Yes,there is concern that my film is not opening in cinemahalls but given the circumstances, I think this is thebest move.”

Featuring new faces Amitha Ranganath andRam Mittakanti, Amrutha Ramam traces theunconditional love of the female lead. Set inAustralia, it is a production venture of SNReddy. — NG

W

Amrutham Ramamto get a directOTT release

Exhibition sectorstands to losemore: Suresh Babu

eading producerSuresh Babu ishopeful thatbanks andfinanciers willsupport produc-

ers as the industry goesthrough a dark phase.Speaking to a TV channelrecently, he said theexhibition sec-tor, which isundergo-ing meta-mor-phosisovertime,standsto losethemostbecauseof Covid-19 outbreak.“We’ve put aproposal to govern-ments of both Telugu statesto waive off electricity billsto a certain degree. We areexpected to get a positive

nod from them,” the pro-ducer, who holds multipletheatres across the twoTelugu states, mentioned.

Stating that all the pro-ducers are interacting onvideo calls regularly, heexpressed confidence thataudience will return to cin-

ema halls once they feelsafe. “It might take

a year but theywill definitely

come backin hordes.Once thevaccine isdiscov-ered forthe virus,things

will getsmoother.

The theatri-cal experience

is getting betterwith each passing year

and the audience wouldwant to watch films on bigscreen for sure,” he pointedout.

L

Abhishek Agarwal’sgenerous gesture

to Hyd police

Impromptu trips are themost memorable: Adah

elugu-Hindiactress AdahSharma feels thebest trips in lifeare the ones thataren’t planned.

“I truly believe that thebest trips in life are the onesthat aren’t planned. Theimpromptu ones withoutmonths of planning, nomaps, no itinerary but withyour close-knit group of

friends are the ones whichare the most memorable,”Adah said.

She is thrilled about herweb show, The Holiday,which streams on MX Player.The show promises to takethe audience through “one ofthe most memorable bache-lorette trips that Patrick,Armaan and Kabir” playedby Priyank Sharma, AashimGulati, and Veer Rajwant

Singh throw for their bestfriend and bride-to-be,Mehak, played by Adah.

Talking about the show,she said, “The Holiday is allabout fun and brings out theemotions of true friendship. Idon’t think anyone haswatched a bachelorettebefore where a girl goes with3 of her best friends whohappen to be boys. Now,since no one can go for aHoliday for a while, we’ll takethem with us on ourHoliday!”

T Adah's new show,The Holiday, is allabout fun and bringsout the emotions oftrue friendship

fter donating groceries, sanitizersand masks to needy and police forcealong with Nikhil, Sree Vishnu andSundeep Kishan earlier, producerAbhishek Agarwal has now donated

high-end and high quality personal protec-tion equipment (PPE) kits to Hyderabadpolice. He met Hyderabad police commis-sioner Sri Anjani Kumar at his office in

Basheer Bagh on Thursday in this regard andhanded over PPE kits — designed in khakicolour — for the police. Currently, Abhishekis jointly producing Nikhil-starrer Karthikeya2, Raja Raja Chora with Sree Vishnu andSundeep Kishan-starrer A1 Express alongwith People Media Factory. He will also be aproduction partner on Goodachari 2, TheKashmir Files and Abdul Kalam biopic.

A

W

wants to exploreDIGITAL SPACE

sport 12HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | APRIL 25, 2020

PTI n NEW DELHI

The love and loyalty of thefans will never let himleave Royal Challengers

Bangalore till the time he is play-ing IPL, skipper Virat Kohli saidon Friday.

RCB have reached the IPLfinal thrice but have not gone onto win the trophy.

During a live session onInstagram with former SouthAfrican captain and RCB team-mate AB de Villiers, Kohli saidwinning the tournamentremains the goal but he wouldnot leave the team irrespectiveof the results.

“It has been such an amaz-ing journey. It is always going tobe our dream, winning the IPLtogether. There is no scenariowhere I could think of leavingthe team ever.

“You can feel emotionalabout the season not going wellbut till the time I am playing IPL,I am never leaving this team.The fans, their loyalty has beenamazing,” said the India skipper.

Responding to Kohli’s feel-ings towards RCB, De Villierstoo acknowledged the support offans over the past nine years.Kohli, on the other hand, hasbeen with RCB since 2008.

“Same for me. I never wantto leave RCB but to do that I gotto keep scoring runs. I am notthe captain you see,” said theSouth African in jest.

Both recalled their earlydays in international cricketand their growth as cricketers

and friends.Kohli said at times, the

youngsters coming in have toomuch regard for the “system”and he wants to see them breakthe norm.

“I want to see youngsterscoming in scoring 500-600runs. I want people to break thenorm. Sometimes I feel peoplehave too much regard for thesystem in sport. When youbreak the shackles, you dosomething special.”

Kohli also acknowledgedcontribution of Mark Boucher,

Gary Kirsten and DuncanFletcher early on in his interna-tional career.

“Gary always gave me pos-itive feedback. Boucher toldme in 2008 to improve my gameagainst the short ball. He hadthe vision. Then Fletcher, he hada keen eye for the game. Somany people who have con-tributed (to my growth),” saidKohli.

De Villiers picked the 119 atWankhede in the 2015 seriesdecider as his best knock againstIndia. Kohli picked the 119 he

scored in Johannesburg Test in2013.

“I was always really moti-vated to win the series after 2-2 . I was incredibly motivated todo something special,” deVilliers said.

They also picked their com-bined South Africa and IndiaODI team. It included SachinTendulkar, Rohit Sharma, ViratKohli, Ab de Villiers, JacquesKallis, M S Dhoni (captain),Yuvraj Singh, YuzvendraChahal, Dale Steyn, JaspritBumrah and Kagiso Rabada.

PTI n NEW DELHI

Sunrisers Hyderbad captainDavid Warner believes his

side’s death bowling is “proba-bly the best” in the IndianPremier League.

The 2016 champions boastof a fine combination of pacersand spinners with India’sBhuvneshwar Kumar andAfghan leg-spinner RashidKhan being the prominentnames.

“We’ve got a verygood squad. One of thebest things about oursquad is we have greatdepths in our bowling,”Warner said in anInstagram Live ses-sion with Sunrisersteammate JonnyBairstow.

“We havegot got goodupfront swingbowling and ourdeath bowling isprobably the bestin the competition,”he added.

While Warnerhas been in theside since 2014,Bairstow joinedthe Sunrisers lastseason. Theyshared somebrilliant open-ing partner-ships includinga 185 stand

against the Royal ChallengersBangalore.

Asked about what theyliked most about batting witheach other, both said runningbetween the wickets was amajor contributing factor intheir successful partnership.

“I love running betweenwickets and I think our energyrunning between the wickets isoutstanding,” Warner said.

“I know how fast your abil-ity and game awareness is. It’s

one of my favourite thingsto do and a strong point forus,” he added.

While Warner scored692 runs from 12 games,

Bairstow notched up445 runs from 10

matches last sea-son.

“Yes defi-nitely there isan understand-

ing between us.We can bothgauge if it’s 2

runs we don’thave to look, it’s

just touch and go,”Bairstow said.

“And that startedreally early on, wewere getting twoswhen we had noright to get them.You put pressure onopposition like thatand then it easesoff pressure on us,”

the wicketkeeper added.

PTI n MUMBAI

Coming back after injury is achallenge but the road could

be smooth if teammates are sup-portive, feels senior India pacerBhuvneshwar Kumar.

Bhuvneshwar's career hasbeen riddled with injuries andthe last one was a surgery forsports hernia and he was set tocome back during South AfricaODIs which got cancelled.

Prior to that, he had suf-fered a groin injury during tourof West Indies last year.

“You always need supportfrom the management and theteam and (I’m) lucky to havesupport from the management,”Bhubaneswar, who has played21 Tests and 114 ODIs apartfrom 43 T20s, told SunrisersHyderabad teammate DavidWarner during an Instagram

chat.Playing three formats as a

fast bowler makes it difficult attimes to maintain peak fitness.

“It is very difficult being afast bowler especially when youplay all the three formats. It getsdifficult at times. Injury is some-thing which is always associat-ed with fast bowler,” he said.

The difficult part is to getback the pre-injury rhythm.

“But what’s more difficult isto come back with the samerhythm that you were in. Andespecially in India there are somany players, so many first classteams and so many talentedplayers, they are always in lineto play.

“So when you comeback,you have things in mind like youhave to be in rhythm like whatwere you in (earlier), so it getsdifficult,” he elaborated.

IANS n CHENNAI

Former Chennai Super Kingsteammates Suresh Raina and

Ravichandran Ashwin spoke atlength about what sets ChennaiSuper Kings apart from otherfranchises in the Indian PremierLeague. With no cricket beingplayed due to coronavirus pan-demic, former and current play-ers are engaging with fans onsocial media to keep themselvesentertained.

Raina joined Ashwin for aLive video chat session on pop-ular social media platformInstagram and the duo spokeabout various things duringtheir time together at CSK.

The Chennai-based fran-chise is one of the most success-ful teams in the history of thecash-rich league. Apart from

winning the title three times,they have also entered the play-offs in every edition of the tour-nament thay they have partici-pated in.

Ashwin feels the presence ofskipper Mahendra Singh Dhonitakes a lot of pressure away fromthe other players while Rainaclaimed the the franchise treatsevery player like family and that

has helped them play consisten-cy over the years.

“At CSK most of the pres-sure is taken way by the presenceof Mahi bhai and because of thevictories that we had... the one-ness of the team,” Ashwin said.

“The franchise also looksafter each and every aspect of theplayer. They also look after theirfamilies... that is what I felt when

we came back after two yearsand won the title. Our familieswere there, kids were playing.You know how things are... weplay a lot of matches and travela lot and the presence of kidshelp us remain calm,” Rainachipped in.

Over the years, CSK havedrawn flak from pundits andsocial media for focussing toomuch on older players in theauction but Ashwin believesexperience is what wins youmatches in the shortest format.

“Initially people talkedabout how T20 is a young man’ssport. But over the years I havefelt it can be dealt only by expe-rienced people. People whohave the experience of playingfor years are the one’s who havebeen delivering for years,”Ashwin said.

PTI n LONDON

The Indian women team’stour of England, starting

June 25, has been postponedtemporarily as ECB on Fridaysuspended all forms of profes-sional cricket in the countryuntil atleast July 1 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Indian women were sup-posed to play four ODIs and twoT20Is during their short two-week trip that would have endedon July 9.

India were supposed to playT20Is at Taunton and Bristolapart from four ODIs inWorcester, Chelmsford,Canterbury and Hove.

International cricket, featur-

ing England men’s and women’steams, will look to be scheduledfrom July until the end ofSeptember, with the West IndiesTest Series and the wholewomen’s series against India(Vitality IT20s and RoyalLondon ODIs) both movingfrom their original slots.

Can never think of leaving RCB: KohliVirat, AB to auctioncricketing gearsNEW DELHI: India skipperVirat Kohli and former SouthAfrica batsman AB de Villierswill auction their cricketinggears, including the bats withwhich they scored hundredsfor Royal ChallengersBangalore during an IPLmatch in 2016, to raise fundsfor the fight against Covid-19pandemic.

The items to be auc-tioned also include theirrespective gloves and shirtsfrom that particular gamewhere both of them hadscored centuries to powerRCB to a challenging 248 forthree against Gujarat Lions.

RCB had won the matchby 144 runs.

“We had a few niceknocks together. There is aparticular one in 2016 IPLagainst Gujarat Lions. I got129 and you also got 100right at the end, that doesn’thappen always when twobatters get 100s. It is a specialmemory for me,” De Villierssaid during an InstagramLive chat.

“I was thinking how wecan make a difference, that’swhy I told you to get hold ofthat bat from that game andI still got that shirt from thatgame, which I got you signed,

I also signed my shirt. So Igot my shirt and my bat, Igonna get hold of your bat,my bat, your gloves, mygloves. That’s quite a bigpackage.

“The plan is to get it onan online auction platform(bidorbuy.Co.Za). It could bea nice collector's item. Weboth can share a picture ofthat game. People can goand bid and all the proceedscan go for the Covid-19 causeboth in India and SouthAfrica, particularly, for thecause of getting meals onpeople’s table. We can makeit 50-50 and support thecause in memory of thatday.”

RCB skipper Kohli, whohad scored 109 in that match,said he would give away any-thing for the cause.

“It sounds amazing. Thefact that you want to share apart of it with India whereyou have a massive fan, Ithink it is quite special, it isan amazing gesture fromyou,” he said.

“I don’t think I will beable to score that many runsin a single season. I have keptmost of the things from thatseason. For this cause I willgive anything away.” PTI

SRH has the best deathbowling in IPL: Warner

Lucky to have support from teammanagement: Bhuvi after injuryIndian women’s tour

of England postponedExperience wins you matches in shortest format: Ashwin

11,000 deaths: Ravaged US nursinghomes plead for more testing PNS n NEW YORK

After two months and morethan 11,000 deaths that havemade the nation's nursinghomes some of the most terri-fying places to be during thecoronavirus crisis, most ofthem still don't have access toenough tests to help controloutbreaks among their frail,elderly residents.

Neither the federal govern-ment nor the leader in nursinghome deaths, New York, hasmandated testing for all resi-dents and staff.

An industry group says onlyabout a third of the 15,000nursing homes in the US haveready access to tests that canhelp isolate the sick and stopthe spread. And homes that domanage to get a hold of testsoften rely on luck and contacts.

It just shows that the longerthat states lapse in universaltesting of all residents andstaff, we're going to see thesekinds of stories for a very longtime, said Brian Lee of theadvocacy group Families for

Better Care.Once it's in, there's no stop-

ping it and by the time you'reaware with testing, too manypeople have it. And bodieskeep piling up.

That became clear in some of

the nation's biggest nursinghome outbreaks. After a homein Brooklyn reported 55 coro-navirus deaths last week, itsCEO acknowledged it wasbased entirely on symptoms

and educated guesses the deadhad COVID-19 because theywere unable to actually test anyof the residents or staff.

At a nursing home in subur-ban Richmond, Virginia, thathas so far seen 49 deaths, themedical director said testing ofall residents was delayed near-ly two weeks because of ashortage of testing suppliesand bureaucratic requirements.By the time they did, the spreadwas out of control, with 92 res-idents positive.

Mark Parkinson, CEO ofthe American Health CareAssociation, which representslong-term care facilities, saysonly a very small percentage ofresidents and staff have beentested because the federal andstate governments have notmade nursing homes the toppriority.

It just shows thatthe longer thatstates lapse inuniversal testingof all residentsand staff, we'regoing to see thesekinds of stories fora very long time,said Brian Lee ofthe advocacygroup Families forBetter Care.

Virus pushes US unemploymenttoward highest since Depression AP n NEW YORK

Unemployment in the US isswelling to levels last seen dur-ing the Great Depression of the1930s, with 1 in 6 Americanworkers thrown out of a job bythe coronavirus, according tonew data released Thursday.

In response to the deepeningeconomic crisis, the Housepassed a nearly USD 500 billionspending package to help buck-led businesses and hospitals.

More than 4.4 million laid-off Americans applied forunemployment benefits lastweek, the government report-ed. In all, roughly 26 millionpeople the population of the 10biggest US cities combinedhave now filed for jobless aid infive weeks, an epic collapse thathas raised the stakes in thedebate over how and when to

ease the shutdowns of factoriesand other businesses.

In the hardest-hit corner ofthe US, evidence emerged thatperhaps 2.7 million New Yorkstate residents have been infect-ed by the virus 10 times the

number confirmed by lab tests.A small, preliminary

statewide survey of around3,000 people found that near-ly 14 per cen had antibodiesshowing they had been infect-ed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Sangha Swayamsevaks in US carry out largest relief workPNS n WASHINGTON

Over 1,500 members of theHindu Swayamsevak Sangha inthe US are carrying out one ofthe largest ever relief operationsin the country and raisingfunds for those badly hit by theraging coronavirus pandemic.

Leading this effort is SewaInternational, a part of theSangha Parivar in the US, thathas so far raised more thanUSD 500,000 in the past sever-al weeks as part of the reliefwork in as many as 28 states inthe country.

"Sangha Swayamsevaks havebeen engaged in COVID-19relief work in the US. It is theSangha tradition to help localcommunities in the situations

of distress, Vikas Deshpande,the joint communication direc-tor, Hindu SwayamsevakSangha, a US-based non-prof-it body that seeks inspirationfrom RSS in India, told PTI.

At least 869,376 coronaviruscases, including over 49,900deaths, have been recorded inthe United States, according toJohns Hopkins University

Despande said the Hindu

Swayamsevak Sangha wouldcontinue the relief work in thecoming time depending onthe intensity of the crisis.

"As the community is grow-ing, we are having more capac-ity to help the local communi-ty in the US, Deshpande said.

In the efforts led by SewaInternational, more than 200Indian Americans and otherUS organisations have agreed

to work and co-ordinate theircoronavirus relief work.

All the COVID-19 reliefwork is being carried out bymore than 2,500 volunteersfrom other organisations.

Sewa International, whichseeks to raise USD 3.5 millionto carry out its COVID-19relief work among others, isrunning as many as eighthelplines.

It has also launched anonline Plasma registry, onwhich 60 donors have regis-tered.

BAPS SwaminarayanSanstha, a prominent spiritu-al body, has commended SewaInternational for its visionand execution for all the reliefefforts undertaken by it dur-ing the coronavirus pandem-ic.

"The work being done bySewa International is critical tothe well being of so many in theAmerican community as wellas the Hindu communities.And indeed, in times like thiswe become one community,said ShaitanyamurtidassSwami, who is from BAPSSwaminarayan Sanstha.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, aprominent spiritual body, hascommended Sewa International for itsvision and execution for all the reliefefforts undertaken by it during thecoronavirus pandemic.

Angst as India marks1 month of lockdown PNS n NEW DELHI

It has been a month. Of lifeslowing to a crawl, of goingback to the basics, of recalibrat-ing equations with family,friends and colleagues andwaking up, as if from a dream,to the vast inequalities andcommonalities that underlieIndian society.

On the evening of March 24,Prime Minister Narendra Modiannounced that the entirecountry would go under lock-down from midnight to stemthe spread of coronavirus. Inthe days since, 1.3 billion

Indians, wealthy and poor, inthe heartland and in distantcorners, have faced up to thefear of a pandemic spreadingacross the globe.

No one was spared the anx-iety of a coronavirus forcedlockdown, extended till May 3,that kept most of India behindclosed doors, not corporatebiggies in gilded mansions,not the middle class insidetheir homes and not part-timedomestic workers in claustro-phobic tenements.

That was the equaliser, butthe inequalities also hit homealmost immediately.

world

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