The Hindu Newspaper (Delhi) - 20-05-2021

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P r i n t e d at . Ch e n n a i . Co i m b ato r e . Be n g a lu ru . Hy d e r a b a d . M a d u r a i . No i da . V i s a k h a pat n a m . Th i ru va n a n t h a p u r a m . Ko c h i . V i j ayawa da . M a n g a lu ru . Ti ru c h i r a pa l l i . Ko l k ata . Hu b b a l l i . M o h a l i . M a l a p p u r a m . M u m b a i . Ti ru pat i . lu c k n ow . c u t tac k . pat n a
NEARBY
26 bodies recovered from barge COVID19 affected should
off Mumbai, 49 remain missing defer shots by 3 months Ministry recommends vaccination for nursing mothers
Modi conducts aerial survey of cyclonehit areas in Gujarat; announces ex gratia Special Correspondent
Rajasthan govt. declares NEW DELHI
mucormycosis epidemic
JAIPUR
Dinakar Peri
NEW DELHI Storm likely in Vaccination should be de
Amid the increasing instances
of mucormycosis or black
Twentysix bodies have been
recovered and 49 are still Bay of Bengal ferred by three months after
recovery in individuals hav
fungus, the Rajasthan missing from Barge P305, ing lab test proven SARS2
government on Wednesday which sank 35 nautical miles A low pressure area — a COVID19 illness, said the
declared it an epidemic and a (NM) off the Mumbai coast precursor to cyclonic storm Health Ministry in a state
notifiable disease. It will be due to cyclone Tauktae. — is likely to form in the ment issued on Wednesday.
mandatory for the health “As of now, 186 crew eastern Bay of Bengal and COVID19 patients who
facilities to report every case members of accommodation the Northern Andaman Sea have been given antiSARS
of the disease in the State.
barge P305 and two from by May 22, the IMD said on CoV2 monoclonal antibo
NEWS A PAGE 10 tug ‘Varapradha’ have been Wednesday. “It is very dies or convalescent plasma
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
rescued by naval ships and likely to intensify into a should also defer vaccina
Conspiracy behind NRC aircraft,” a Navy spokesper cyclonic storm during tion by three months from
reverification plea: AIUDF son said on Wednesday. subsequent 72 hours and the date of discharge from
GUWAHATI
INS Kochi, which entered reach Odisha and West the hospital. The Ministry al Battle continues: A health worker administering vaccine
A key member of the the Mumbai harbour in the Bengal coast by May 26,” it so recommended COVID19 to a youth in Bhopal on Wednesday. A.M. FARUQUI *
Opposition grand alliance day to disembark 125 survi Harrowing ordeal: People rescued by the Navy walking out said . A page 8 vaccination for all nursing
in Assam has sniffed a vors and mortal remains of of INS Kochi in Mumbai on Wednesday. EMMANUAL YOGINI * DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD mothers. second dose after clinical re vaccination. The matter of
conspiracy behind the move four crew members, was im The Ministry said it had covery from COVID19. vaccination of pregnant wo
for the reverification of the mediately sailed out in the continuing with the search district in Gujarat on Mon criticised Mr. Modi for not accepted the recommenda men was under discussion
National Register of Citizens. evening again to continue and rescue operations. day night after barrelling conducting the aerial survey tions of the National Expert Blood donation and further deliberation by
The AIUDF has also slammed the search effort, the spokes Three construction barg along the west coast, left a in Maharashtra, also hit by Group on Vaccine Adminis “Persons with any other se the National Technical Advi
State NRC Coordinator Hitesh person said. INS Kolkata is es of Afcons, working on a trail of devastation. the cyclone. tration for COVID19 (NEG rious general illness requir sory Group on Immuniza
Dev Sarma for exceeding scheduled to enter the Mum project of the ONGC, and Prime Minister Narendra Mr. Modi announced an VAC). “These recommenda ing hospitalisation or ICU tion (NTAGI).
his authority in filing an bai harbour to disembark one drilling rig of the ONGC Modi, who conducted an ae ex gratia of ₹ 2 lakh for the tions have been based on the care should also wait for 48 “The Health Ministry has
interlocutory application in the survivors rescued from deployed for exploration rial survey of areas hit by the kin of those killed due to the evolving situation of the CO weeks before getting the CO written to States and UTs to
the Supreme Court. barge P305 and ‘Varaprad purpose in Bombay High off cyclone in Gujarat, on Wed cyclone in all affected States. VID19 pandemic and VID19 vaccine,’’ it noted. Al direct the concerned offi
NEWS A PAGE 10 ha’ as well as the mortal re the coast of Mumbai, were nesday approved an assis Immediate financial assis emerging global scientific so an individual could do cials to take note of these re
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
mains of 18 crew members, impacted by cyclone Tauk tance of ₹1,000 crore for tance for the other affected evidence and experience,” it nate blood after 14 days of commendations and under
he added. tae, which hit the Arabian “immediate relief activities” States would be given after stated. either receipt of COVID19 take necessary action for
The names of those res Sea off the coast of Mumbai in the State, a release said. the respective State govern It recommended that in vaccine or testing RTPCR their effective implementa
cued have been conveyed to on May 17. According to the Gujarat go ments shared assessment of dividuals who have received negative, if suffering from tion. States have also been
the Oil and Natural gas Cor vernment, 46 persons lost the damage with the Centre, at least the first dose of the COVID19. advised to undertake train
poration (ONGC) and Af Assistance for Gujarat their lives in cyclonerelated a Press Information Bureau vaccine and got the infection There was no require ing of the vaccination staff at
cons. Naval ships INS Teg, The cyclone, which made incidents in the State. release said. before the completion of the ment for screening of the all levels,’’ said the release.
Betwa, Beas, P8I aircraft landfall between Diu and The Nationalist Congress dosing schedule should also vaccine recipients by Rapid
and Seaking helicopters are Una town of GirSomnath Party and the Shiv Sena have CONTINUED ON A PAGE 8 defer by three months the Antigen Test (RAT) prior to COVID-19 REPORTS A PAGE 10
COVID19 cases found Delhi CM not speaking

in a third of villages: U.P. for India: Jaishankar
‘Efforts on to protect unaffected areas’ Row over remark on Singapore variant
Omar Rashid infection does not reach Kallol Bhattacherjee
Lucknow there,” he said. NEW DELHI
Thirtytwo per cent of villag The State, meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
es in Uttar Pradesh have re continued to see a drop in Kejriwal does not “speak for
ported positive cases of CO fresh cases — it recorded India”, External Affairs Mi
VID19, a senior State official 7,336 new cases on Wednes nister S. Jaishankar declared
said on Wednesday. day — but the daily death on Wednesday after Singa
So far, 28,742 villages in count continued to linger pore’s Foreign Minister Vi
the State reported positive over 280. U.P. recorded 282 vian Balakrishnan objected
cases during a testing drive new deaths, according to to Mr. Kejriwal’s claim that a
in 89,512 villages, said Amit the State Health Depart highly infectious variant of S. Jaishankar
Mohan Prasad, Additional ment. The State’s focus on COVID19 affecting children
Chief Secretary, Health. rural areas coincides with came from Singapore. “relating to assertions” from
There was no COVID19 in the discovery of floating bo High Commissioner of Mr. Kejriwal. Mr. Jaishan
68% of these villages, said dies, suspected by many to Singapore Simon Wong kar’s comment came after
the official, implying that be of COVID19 victims but praised the Indian response Singapore summoned the
cases were in the remaining still officially unverified, in but maintained that Singa Indian envoy to protest Mr.
32%. “Sixtyeight per cent of the Ganga and other rivers. pore “reserves” the right to Kejriwal’s remarks.
our villages are still safe. It is implement the country’s
our effort to ensure that the TESTING GETS FOCUS A PAGE 10 online misinformation law CONTINUED ON A PAGE 8
Scrap new privacy policy, In Kerala, CPI(M) finalises Tejashwi’s residence turns mini hospital
Centre tells WhatsApp portfolios of Ministers RJD leader makes
Govt. seeks response from firm in 7 days Pinarayi to meet Governor today arrangements
Yuthika Bhargava changes and the manner of Special Correspondent
for 50 beds
NEW DELHI introducing these changes Thiruvananthapuram
The government of India has “undermine the sacrosanct The Communist Party of In Amarnath Tewary
Patna
sent a notice to WhatsApp values of informational pri dia (Marxist) State secreta
asking it to withdraw the vacy, data security and user riat has reportedly finalised Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
controversial update to its choice for Indian users and the allocation of Cabinet leader Tejashwi Yadav on
privacy policy and sought a harms the rights and inter portfolios to Ministerdesig Wednesday said he had con
response from the company ests of Indian citizens.” nates in Kerala. verted his official residence
within seven days. It has also “In fulfilment of its sove CPI(M) insiders were skit into a COVID19 care centre,
warned the Facebook reign responsibility to pro tish about revealing the de with 50 beds for patients
owned firm that the failure tect the rights and interests tails of portfolio allocation. and all necessary medical
to give a satisfactory res of Indian citizens, the Go However, two (LDF) leaders Veena George is likely to get equipment.
ponse may result in steps “in vernment of India will con gave the media an inkling of Health Ministry, handled by Mr. Yadav, who is the
consonance with law”. sider various options availa the confabulations behind K.K. Shailaja in the last term. Leader of the Opposition in Urgent care: The COVID19 facility set up by Tejashwi Yadav at his official residence in Patna. *
ANI
The Ministry of Electron ble to it under laws in India. closed doors at the AKG the State Assembly, has set
ics and IT (MeitY), in the May The government has given Centre here on Wednesday. about future Ministers is rife up the centre at his 1 Polo He said that he had been areas. I want to visit those vernment has made all the
18 notice, has told WhatsApp seven days’ time to What K. Krishnankutty of the in the media. Road residence in Patna in writing to the government areas and hospitals to assess necessary arrangements to
that deferring the May 15 im sApp to respond to his notice Janata Dal (Secular) said he Notably, Veena George his personal capacity. “But I for the past four years but the initiatives taken by my face the pandemic, Tejashwi
plementation deadline does and if no satisfactory res would get the Power was touted as the successor cannot run the centre as it is had not received a response party for COVID19 pa is seeking permission to
not absolve it from “respect ponse is received, necessary portfolio. to former Health Minister a government bungalow,” he from it. “But being a respon tients,” he said in the letter. come to the State. I want to
ing the values of informa steps in consonance with law Indian National League K.K. Shailaja. said in a video message. sible Opposition leader, I ask him with whose permis
tional privacy, data security will be taken,” the source legislator Ahammad Devar By some accounts, DYFI “I urge the State govern want to give my government Drama, says JD(U) sion he went to Delhi that he
and user choice for Indian said. kovil said his party had set national president P.A. Mu ment to take over my official bungalow to the govern However, Janata Dal (U) is seeking permission to
users,” a Ministry source The government had ear tled for the Ports and Mu hammad Riyaz is likely to residence where I’ve provid ment. I urge the government leader Suheli Mehta said, come back.” Mr. Yadav has
said. The Ministry highlight lier this year also written to seum, Zoo and Archaeology land the Tourism and Public ed all facilities of beds, oxy to let me know if it needs “Tejashwi Yadav is indulging been in New Delhi for the
ed how the new policy vio Will Cathcart, CEO of the in department. Works Ministry. He is Mr. Vi gen cylinders, medicines, any other required help in drama.” past few days.
lated several provisions of stant messaging firm, asking jayan’s soninlaw. free food and all medical from us,” he added. Bharatiya Janata Party Bihar, on May 18, record
Indian laws, the source said. that proposed changes to the Guessing game Higher and General Edu equipment for COVID19 pa Earlier, on May 18, Mr. Ya leader and party spokesper ed 111 COVID19 fatalities, the
When contacted, a What privacy policy be with The responsibilities of the 12 cation departments could tients, to convert into isola dav had written to Chief Mi son Nikhil Anand said, highest in a single day. The
sApp spokesperson said, drawn, expressing “grave CPI(M) Ministerdesignates go to R. Bindu and V. Sivan tion wards or quarantine nister Nitish Kumar, seeking “Leader of the Opposition State’s death toll due to CO
“We reaffirm what we said concerns” over the implica remained largely in the kutty, respectively. Ms. Bin centres as people are not his permission to visit hospi Tejashwi Yadav wants to do VID19 has gone up to 4,039,
before that this update does tions of the choice and the realm of conjecture. Chief du is the wife of CPI(M) act getting beds, medicines or tals. “For the last few weeks, politics while sitting in Delhi with a total of 6,64,115 posi
not impact the privacy of autonomy of Indian citizens. Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ing secretary A. other necessary help in go my party MLAs and leaders to hog the limelight. He has tive cases. The number of
personal messages for In the latest missive to the had said he would make a Vijayaraghavan. Both Minis vernment hospitals,” Mr. Ya were undertaking initiatives neither seriousness over CO active cases in the State, so
anyone.” U.S.headquartered firm, statement only after meet terdesignates are former dav said in the video, with to arrange beds, oxygen cy VID, nor does he have a pos far, is 64,698, with an
The MeitY notice directs MeitY has reiterated the is ing Governor Arif Muham Mayors. photographs of the arrange linders and lifesaving drugs itive mindset. When eve 89.65% recovery rate. So far,
WhatsApp to withdraw its sue of discriminatory treat mad Khan on Thursday. ments made at his resi to handle the rising cases of rything in Bihar is under 93.1 lakh people have been
Privacy Policy 2021 as the ment of Indian users. Nevertheless, speculation CONTINUED ON A PAGE 8 dence. COVID19 in their respective control and the State go vaccinated in Bihar.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
2 DELHI
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

THE HINDU
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CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
CITY 3
Rain lashes city under Tents, food at

Politicians, bureaucrats find it
Timings
DELHI
THURSDAY, MAY. 20
farmers’ stir
RISE 05:29 SET 19:08
‘weak’ Tauktae impact site damaged

difficult to accept failure: HC
RISE 12:35 SET 01:21
FRIDAY, MAY. 21
RISE 05:28 SET 19:09
RISE 13:37 SET 01:58 Day temperature 16°C below normal Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI
SATURDAY, MAY. 22
RISE 05:28 SET 19:09 Special Correspondent Protesting farmers at the Court expresses concern over risks faced by district court judicial officers
RISE 14:39 SET 02:33 NEW DELHI borders asked the govern
Incessant showers lashed ment to initiate talks as Staff Reporter respect to the health facili court’s direction.
the Capital on Wednesday rain damaged their tents New Delhi ties in view of the ongoing To this, the Bench react
under the influence of the and food on Wednesday. The Delhi High Court on COVID19 pandemic. ed, “That has not delivered.
remnant of the extremely “Since this morning, Wednesday said politicians They are here because it
severe cyclonic Storm heavy rains are causing a and bureaucrats find it very Facilities an eyewash didn’t bring about any satis
“Tauktae” which is over east great deal of disruption difficult to accept their fai Senior advocate Dayan factory results. It is very diffi
Rajasthan interacting with a and losses in the protest lure and inability as it is not Krishnan, representing the cult for bureaucracy and pol
western disturbance that sites at Delhi borders, in in their veins, while express association, said that the fa itical leaders to accept their
lies as a cyclonic circulation A cyclist protects himself the ongoing farmers' move ing concerns over the condi cilities on ground for judicial failure or inability”.
over Jammu & Kashmir. with a cloth during rain on ment. It has been a chaotic tion of District Court’s judi officers are an eyewash. The
The meteorological de Wednesday. R.V. MOORTHY *
situation with regard to cial officers who are at risk of association asked for crea Front-line workers
partment, in its bulletin, food and accommodation, contracting COVID19 owing tion of a districtwise attach The High Court has ordered
said moderate rainfall/ thun The rain reduced temper due to the rains. Roads and to the nature of duties. ment of hospitals for judicial the Delhi government to
dershower that Delhi is ex atures drastically, with the several parts of the protest A Bench of Justice Vipin not the case of subordinate officers and appointment of come up with a status report
periencing is “very likely” to maximum settling at 23.8 sites have been filled up Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet judiciary...You should take a centralised nodal officer to on the issue by May 26, the
decrease from May 20. degrees Celsius, which is 16 with rainwater,” Samyukt Singh said that three judicial steps for good reason. We assist the judicial officer next date of hearing.
The IMD said that Delhi degrees cooler than normal Kisan Morcha (SKM) said in officers have already died af don’t have to thrust... If ad when help is sought. The court also noted the
received moderate rainfall for this time of the season. a statement. ter contracting the virus in ministration is satisfied that The association said that submissions of senior advo
on Wednesday with Safdar The minimum tempera The SKM said that farm the Capital. The Bench asked judicial officers are discharg 852 judicial officers and staff cate Rahul Mehra, represent
jung, which is the official ture was 21.4 degrees Celsi ers have been managing in the government whether the ing frontline duties, you can have already been infected ing Delhi government, that
0 weather station of the Capi
tal, receiving 31.3 mm of
us, five notches below nor
mal. While the city received
extreme situations and will
continue to do so. “Don't
judicial officers in the subor
dinate courts could be treat
record in your order and
provide facilities,” the High
with the virus.
During the hearing, Delhi
the government will decide
on declaring judicial officers
DISCLAIMER: Readers are requested to
verify and make appropriate enquiries to
satisfy themselves about the veracity of rainfall till 5.30 p.m. the entire average rainfall test the patience of farm ed akin to frontline workers. Court told the city government standing coun as “frontline workers”.
an advertisement before responding to
any published in this newspaper. THG Weather stations at Pa for the season in a day, the ers: Initiate talks and ac “In Supreme Court and government. sel Santosh Kumar Tripathi Mr. Mehra also said that
PUBLISHING PVT LTD., the Publisher &
Owner of this newspaper, does not vouch lam, Ayanagar and Lodhi lockdown ensured that cept the demands, or face High Court, we hold consti The court was hearing a submitted the facilities for the association may also sub
for the authenticity of any advertisement
or advertiser or for any of the advertiser’s Road received 27.8, 25.1 and there were no major water intensified social boy tutional positions. Our pro plea filed by the Delhi Judi judicial officers have been mit their representation to
products and/or services. In no event can
the Owner, Publisher, Printer, Editor, Dir 30.4 mm respectively. logging complaints or jams. cotts,” they added. tocols are different but that is cial Officers Association with put in place as per the the Delhi Chief Secretary.
ector/s, Employees of this newspaper/
company be held responsible/liable in
any manner whatsoever for any claims
and/or damages for advertisements in
this newspaper.
Kalra quizzed about faulty oxygen concentrators 4 held for duping people Black fungus:
HC asks Delhi,
Man arrested Crime Branch seizes two phones allegedly used by accused to contact customers on pretext of giving aid Centre about
for selling They are members of a Biharbased gang
STAFF REPORTER tion he had taken when rested on Monday. He was ing oxygen concentrators,”
drug stock
donated O2 NEW DELHI
The Delhi police on Wednes
buyers raised questions over
the quality of oxygen con
on the run for over a week
since the seizure of more
the sources said.
As part of the investiga STAFF REPORTER need of oxygen cylinder,
concentrators day took Navneet Kalra, ar
rested for alleged hoarding
centrators, did he initiated
any refund. He remained re
than 500 oxygen concentra
tors from Khan Chacha,
tion, the Crime Branch took
Mr. Kalra to three restau
NEW DELHI
The Delhi police have arrest

contacted one Sachin after
getting his number from so
Staff Reporter
New Delhi
and black marketing of oxy luctant to answers these Town Hall, and Nega & Ju rants in Delhi in connection ed four members of a Nalan cial media. Sachin offered The Delhi High Court on
Staff Reporter gen concentrators, to the questions,” said a police of restaurants owned by him. with the case on Tuesday. dabased gang in Bihar for him two cylinders for Wednesday directed the
NEW DELHI farmhouse in Gurugram ficer. “The Crime Branch team An officer said Mr. Kalra allegedly duping people on ₹23,950. The complainant Centre and Delhi govern
A 47yearold man has been where he was hiding while The Crime Branch has probing the case has seized was taken to Khan Chacha, the pretext of providing oxy did not receive the cylinders ment to respond to the is
arrested for allegedly sell evading arrest. The police al seized two mobile phones two cell phones from Kalra Townhall, and Nege Ju res gen cylinders, concentra even after transferring mo sue of shortage of medicine
ing oxygen concentrators, so questioned him about the from the businessman, which have been sent to the taurants from where the tors etc. across the country, ney through ewallet, offi used for treating black fun
which his Indian friends in poor quality of oxygen con sources said on Wednesday. Forensic Science Laboratory concentrators were reco officials said on Wednesday. cials said. gus, which is affecting peo
China had sent as charity, centrators that was supplied Mr. Kalra was nabbed for further examination. He vered. He was also taken for The accused have been “During investigation, it ple recovering from
at high prices. to customers by him. from Gurugram on Sunday has used these phone to ap the mandatory medical ex identified as Deepak (21), was found that the money COVID19.
Deputy Commissioner “We asked them what ac night and was formally ar proach customers while sell amination, the police said. Pankaj (26), Sarvan (35) and was transferred to a bank A Bench of Justice Vipin
of Police (Outer) Parvinder Mithlesh (36). account in Mumbai. Later, Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet
Singh said that the accused The accused have cheat the accused were zeroed in Singh asked the govern
has been identified as Har
minder Singh, resident of
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
AntiModi ed more than 300 people in
the name of COVID aid. The
Nalanda. A raid was con
ducted and Mithlesh was ap
ment to explain by Thurs
day the details of the stock
Tilak Nagar. One last rite posters: AAP police have seized three prehended. On his instance, of the medicine and if there
The police said that an bank accounts where tran three other accused were was any bottleneck in its
information was received
about a person indulging in leader joins saction of over ₹1.30 crore
was done.
then arrested,” Additional
Commissioner of Police
distribution.
Advocate Rakesh Malho
selling of oxygen concen
trators which were actually investigation Over 500 cheating cases
have been registered and in
(Crime) Shibesh Singh said.
Probe revealed that they
tra, who has filed a petition
on the management of CO
meant for charity. vestigation is being done by are the members of Chhote VID19 pandemic in the
According to the infor STAFF REPORTER district Cyber units, CyPAD Chaudhary gang operating Capital, raised the issue of
mation, he was to come NEW DELHI and Crime Branch. from Nalanda in Bihar. shortage of medicine Am
near a hotel in Paschim Vi Aam Aadmi Party Sitapuri On one such case, the Chaudhary has been operat photericin B which is used
har. The police said that a Councillor Praveen Kumar complainant, who was in ing the gang for 23 years. for treating Mucormycosis
trap was laid. A head con has joined the investigation (black fungus).
stable posed as customer into posters that were past Senior advocate Rahul
to whom the accused
asked for ₹1 lakh for the
machine. The accused was
ed across the city critical of
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and the COVID19
Court notice to Centre on Mehra, representing the
Delhi government, admit
ted that there is a shortage
then arrested.
During interrogation,
vaccination drive.
The development comes plea against clinical trials of the medicine and the
State has requisitioned the
the accused allegedly told days after Delhi Police ar drug from the Centre.
the police that he is in the rested 25 people for alleg ‘It may hurt health of 218 age group’ The court asked both the
business of fabrics and has edly pasting them on walls governments to get details
friends in China who had during the lockdown. Soibam Rocky Singh The plea argued that the by Thursday, when the
sent oxygen concentrators “While patrolling and New Delhi clinical trial on Covaxin on court hears the case again.
to him to donate them to enforcing the lockdown, The Delhi High Court on minors will in all likelihood
needy individuals and or the police noticed walls in Wednesday issued notice to have adverse affect on their
ganisations. However, he several areas defaced by the Centre on a petition chal health, both mental and
gave only 16 in charity and posters. On questioning, lenging the permission given physical. “These children
kept six for selling purpos the accused said AAP presi by the Drugs Controller Gen might even lose their life,”
es. “He wanted to make up dent of ward 47, Arvind eral of India to Bharat Bio the plea said.
for losses incurred by him Relatives of a COVID19 victim collect firewood for performing the last rites at the Ghazipur Gautam was behind it in tech for conducting the It pointed out that the
in his own business,” Mr. cremation ground on Wednesday. R.V. MOORTHY * Mangolpuri. He is abscond phase II/III clinical trial of its term ‘volunteer’ cannot be
Singh said. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ing,” the police tweeted. Covaxin COVID19 vaccine used for these minor chil
on the 218 age group. dren between the age of 2 to
A Bench of Chief Justice 18 as they cannot compre
JNU seeks alumni help to Restaurants FIR against restaurant D.N. Patel and Justice Jyoti
Singh gave the order on a pe
hend the consequences of
such clinical trials.
appeal to tition filed by advocate San In order for a person to
set up COVID care centre stakeholders after customers fall ill jeev Kumar against the May
13 order of the Centre grant
become a subject matter of
clinical trial, his or her con
ing permission to conduct sent is a prerequisite. The
It plans to upgrade its health centre The eatery also violated curfew norms the phase II/III clinical trial volunteer is also required to
Special Correspondent of Covaxin on 525 healthy enter into a contract with the
Special Correspondent NEW DELHI STAFF REPORTER plaint despite request to volunteers in the age group institute carrying the clinical
NEW DELHI The National Restaurant NEW DELHI make a written complaint so of 218 years. trial on various issues.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Association of India (NRAI) An FIR was registered as to act against the restau
ViceChancellor M. Jagadesh has written to all promi against a restuarant in north rant, but she did not want
Kumar on Wednesday asked
its alumni to donate one
nent mall owners, and an
open letter to other lan
Delhi’s Sadar Bazar after
complaints were received
any action, he said.
According to police, on Compensation
day’s salary or larger
amounts to the university
dlords, suggesting imme
diate measures to be taken
that many people who had
food at the eatery allegedly
Monday, a few more com
plainants came forward with announced is
for upgradation of its health
centre to a COVID care There is an urgent need to
in order to prevent ‘instant
death’ of businesses.
suffered stomach infection.
The eatery joint also violat
allegations that they had suf
fered stomach problem after paltry: Cong.
centre. upgrade the existing health The association said that ed curfew guidelines, the having food items from AL
The Delhi High Court had infrastructure of the collective efforts of all sta police said on Wednesday. Chand Foods. Special Correspondent
asked the university to start campus, the VC said. keholders are once again On May 16, the police re “The restaurant has been NEW DELHI
a COVID care centre with required to prevent fresh ceived a call from a woman booked under Section 188 The Delhi Congress on
availability of oxygen after and faculty members dur round of business mortali who alleged that she suf (disobedience to order duly Wednesday said it was a
the JNUSU and JNUTA ap ing the COVID19 pandemic. ties and job losses in the fered a stomach infection af promulgated by public ser travesty of justice that the
proached it saying that the In a letter to the alumni, sector. ter eating momos from “AL vant) of the IPC for violating Delhi government has of
administration had not res he said, “As scientists have NRAI president Anurag Chand Food” situated in Sa curfew guidelines,” the se fered a “paltry” sum of
ponded to proposals sent by warned that this pandemic Katriar stressed on the im dar Bazar. nior officer said. ₹50,000 as exgratia to fa
them to start a facility after a is going to continue for portance of moving to a re When a police team milies in which a member
number of students, teach some time to come, there is venue share model with reached the spot, they found No MLC report had died of COVID.
ers fell ill and needed such an urgent need to upgrade landlords. that “AL Chand foods” at Na Action has also been taken Delhi Congress chief Ch.
facilities. the existing health infras While resource crunch wab Road was open and pe against the restaurant under Anil Kumar and former
The ViceChancellor said tructure of the campus. JNU was at the core of our pro ople were getting fast food relevant sections of the Del DPCC president Subhash
that JNU makes an appeal to plans to upgrade the cur blems during phase one items, including momos and hi Police Act for violation of Chopra demanded that a
the alumni to contribute to rent infrastructure of our and forced significant mor chowmein violating social licence. Till now, four com sum of ₹4 lakh should be
“JNU Alumni Endowment health centre and develop a talities, the second wave distancing, a senior police plaints have been received paid as exgratia to every
Fund” and help their alma wellequipped COVID heath may actually hurt us more officer said. without any (MLC) medico COVID death along with
mater to achieve its objec centre which requires a con in the long term due to low When the woman was legal case report, the police ₹10,000 monthly pension
tive to provide good health siderable amount of finan and subdued consumer contacted over phone, she said, adding further inquiry to families who lost their
care to its students, staffers cial support.” sentiments, he said. did not wish to file a com is under way. breadwinners.
Published by N. Ravi at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002 and Printed by S. Ramanujam at HT Media Ltd. Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, U.P. 201306, on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD., Chennai-600002. Group Editorial Officer: Krishna Prasad. Editor: Suresh Nambath (Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act).
Regd. DL(ND)-11/6110/2006-07-08 RNI No. UPENG/2012/49940 ISSN 0971 - 751X Vol. 11 No. 119
● ● ● ●
CM A ND-NDE
YK
4 CITY DELHI

THE HINDU
‘CM is the sole

reason for
6th sero survey stopped
due to virus surge: official
Surge weakening, but getting a Don’t reduce
RTPCR
oxygen crisis’
Special Correspondent
New Delhi
Govt. has not commented on issue
Staff Reporter The government has not
free COVID19 test still difficult testing: LG
New Delhi
The Delhi BJP on Wednesday New Delhi officially commented on Some centres in Delhi not taking samples, others are putting a limit on testing Lieutenant Governor Anil
accused Chief Minister Ar The sixth serological sur the survey not being com Baijal on Wednesday
vind Kejriwal of being the vey, which was started in pleted. Nikhil M Babu ing centres. stressed that RTPCR testing
sole reason for the oxygen April, has not yet been com New Delhi At Kasturba Hospital near in the Capital should not be
crisis in the Capital. pleted and was stopped Stopped after 6-7 days The COVID19 situation in Jama Masjid, healthcare reduced like rapid antigen
Delhi BJP president Adesh due to the surge in CO The sample collection was Delhi is improving, but get workers at the testing coun testing, which had de
Gupta alleged that the oxy VID19 cases, a Delhi go scheduled to go on till April ting a free COVID19 test is ter said they do only 15 RT creased as a result of lock
gen distribution policy of vernment official said. 25 and 28,000 samples still a difficult task for many PCR tests a day. “We conduct down. He also emphasised
the Delhi government was were to be collected. as some government testing only 15 RTPCR a day, but we that the guard should not be
faulty right from the begin “The government col centres are not conducting do rapid antigen testing. We lowered in the fight against
ning, which led to people lected about 11,000 sam tests. Hence, people are sit here till noon. So far, five the pandemic and measures
losing their dear ones. ples and it was stopped af queuing up at some function people have been tested,” a and preparedness to deal
North East Delhi MP Ma The survey, which is ter sixseven days as the al centres as early as 5 a.m. to health worker at the counter with any eventuality should
noj Tiwari alleged that the done to understand how COVID situation was really get a test. The window for said. be undertaken.
Centre allocated oxygen in much percentage of the bad. A decision has to be ta testing too is small — from 9 People waiting for RT-PCR test at a centre in Jahangirpuri on “Yesterday [Tuesday] I The LG reviewed the
line with the Delhi govern population has developed ken on whether to continue a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
*
came here and filled the management of COVID19
ment’s demand but it neith antibodies against the vi the survey or to declare the At Gautampuri Awas in form. After that, I reached situation in the Capital with
er had tankers nor other ar rus, was started by the Del results of the collected sam Sarita Vihar, 30 people lined person in the queue. Soti, who earns ₹15,000 a the testing window around Chief Minister Arvind Kejri
rangements to store it. hi government on April 12. ples,” the official said. up outside the government Soti Paswan, who works as month. 12.30 p.m., but they said test wal, Deputy CM Manish Si
run testing centre at around 8 a cook at a restaurant, said he Around 9 a.m., there were ing slots were over and asked sodia, municipal corpora
a.m. on Wednesday. had gone to his village in Bi nine people waiting outside me to come the next day,” tion Commissioners and
har and needed test result be the gate of Nehru Homoeo said Bahadur Paswan, who senior officers of Delhi Pol
Less crowd fore joining work. “Others pathic Medical College in De lives in Chandni Chowk. ice, where he expressed sa
PUBLIC NOTICE
“We came here around 5 a.m. who work with me and got fence Colony, which has a Inderpal Singh, who is in tisfaction at the improve
Earlier, there was testing in tested here said I will have to COVID19 testing centre. charge of the government ment in the overall
Badarpur, but now it is not come at 5 a.m. to get the to Some were waiting for more dispensary at Suiwalan in Old situation.
PUBLIC NOTICE functioning. I had tested pos ken. I walked from the place than half an hour and the Delhi, said: “We are doing According to sources, Mr.
itive and now I have come to where I am staying with a testing has yet to start. At Old tests, but there is no crowd Baijal told to ensure that dis
get tested again after my re friend, who also wants to Delhi, government dispen here. Due to the lockdown tributors and retailers of
covery. Compared to the last take a test. It is drizzling and saries in Gali Guliyan and Du and Ramzan, a few people drugs and equipment relat
time, the crowd is less,” said we have been sitting outside jana House were not con have been coming for tests al ed to COVID are made to
Chetram Singh (48), a CISF the gate. There is no tent or ducting tests, though their so. But still, we are testing mandatorily display their
personnel, who was the first any other facility,” said Mr. names are on the list of test around 3040 people a day.” stocks and prices.
Call for walkin

registrations
CM discusses measures to prevent third wave
Special Correspondent beds and oxygen allocation tyendar Jain were also pre ment of medicine was also
PUBLIC NOTICE
for nonration New Delhi
Chief Minister Arvind Kejri
as well as the creation of a
Special Task Force to protect
sent in the meeting along
with officials of the Delhi go
discussed. A committee com
prising officials will be
cardholders wal on Wednesday convened
a meeting with officials to re
children from the third wave.
He also directed the offi
vernment.
The third wave, the go
formed to overlook the avail
ability of medicines, oxygen
view the current COVID sit cials to work on the advance vernment stated, may re and beds, the government
Staff Reporter uation in Delhi and to delib preparation of sufficient oxy quire Delhi to be prepared stated. A Special Task Force
NEW DELHI erate on measures to prevent gen tankers and ensure the with 40,000 oxygen beds, comprising pediatricians, ex
Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Ab the third wave of the pan proper functioning of oxygen and the government is pre perts and senior IAS officers
hiyaan (DRRAA) wrote to demic. plants for an optimum sup paring to install 10,000 ICU will also be constituted as a
Chief Minister Arvind Kejri The government stated ply of oxygen to hospitals. beds. part of government’s efforts
wal on Wednesday de that Mr. Kejriwal prioritised Nodal Minister Manish Si Along with beds and oxy to protect children from the
manding the setting up of the increase in the number of sodia and Health Minister Sa gen management, manage third wave, it stated.
help desks and facilitating
walkin registrations for
OBITUARY &
nonration cardholders,
who require foodgrains. It BJP doing cheap politics over Kejriwal’s Vaccine stock
REMEMBRANCE also said that there should
low, says govt.;
DEATH
be decentralised distribu
tion points across the city statement on ‘Singapore strain’: Sisodia new cases dip
so that people can reach
MRS. VEDAVALLI Sarangapani, 86
years, w/o A.R.Sarangapani, ex Hin-
di teacher St.Joseph school, Chen-
easily.
Highlighting issues to be
Staff Reporter
New Delhi
ronavirus in Singapore is said
to be very dangerous for chil
cerned about the chances of a
third wave or how our chil below 4,000
galpattu and NSN School, taken into consideration Deputy Chief Minister Manish dren. It could reach India in dren will have to face the
Chromepet, attained Acharyan thiru-
vadi on 19.05.21. Contact − while formulating the Sisodia on Wednesday alleged the form of a third wave,” Mr. brunt of it,” he said. Staff Reporter
9176236783 scheme to distribute grains that the BJP is doing “cheap Kejriwal had said in a tweet Mr. Sisodia said that the New Delhi
among nonration cardhol politics” over Chief Minister on Tuesday. Centre needs to prioritise Delhi reported 3,846 new
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES ders, the DRRAA in its let Arvind Kejriwal’s statement “Today, our doctors and children first, instead of play COVID19 cases over the
ter said: “The government on COVID19 situation in Sin scientists are warning the na ing politics and fixing its im past 24 hours, taking the
must set up help desks in gapore. Mr. Sisodia said that tion against the new strain age abroad. tally to 14,06,719, accord
low income areas and at the actual issue is the danger that has emerged in Singa Health Minister Satyendar ing to a health bulletin re
distribution points to facili to children. “But the BJP is pore. Even the Supreme Jain told reporters that there leased by the Delhi govern
tate registration. To pre worried about its image in Court has mentioned that the is a “different strain” of the vi ment on Wednesday. This
vent delay in providing ra Singapore and not worried next wave will adversely im rus in Singapore, when asked is the lowest number of
tion, walkin registration about our children,” he said. pact children. But our Central about the Chief Minister’s daily new cases in nearly
must be allowed.” “The new form of novel co government is least con statement on Tuesday. 45 days. The last time new
cases were less than this
was on April 5, when 3,548
Plea to treat ration dealers cases were reported.

A total of 235 deaths
were also reported in a sin
as frontline workers gle day, pushing the toll to
22,346. Also, 66,573 tests
were done in the same pe
Staff Reporter sential workers. riod and the test positivity
New Delhi The petition moved by rate (TPR) was 5.78%. The
The Delhi High Court on the Delhi Ration Dealers’ last time the TPR was less
Wednesday sought response Union and some fair price than this was on April 6,
of the AAP government on a shop owners said, “All the when it was 4.93%. The
plea seeking to consider ra benefits of frontline work TPR was 36.2% on April 22,
tion dealers under the pu ers should also be given to but since then, it has
blic distribution system as them [ration dealers], in stayed below it. A decrease
frontline workers. cluding but not limited to in in positivity is a good sign,
A Bench of Chief Justice surance in case of death and as per experts. TPR should
D.N. Patel and Justice Jyoti coverage of medical be ideally below 5%.
Singh asked the Delhi go expenses.” Of the total cases,
vernment’s response to the “In addition, the supply 13,39,326 people have re
plea which has contended of essential items like masks covered and there are now
that since ration dealers and sanitisers should also be 45,047 active cases.
have public dealing on a day provided to them to perform Out of the total 24,305
today basis, they should be their duties properly,” the beds, 44.9% were free as
considered as frontline es petition has said. on Wednesday evening.
Treatment expense
In a related development,
Health Minister Satyendar
Jain said the Delhi govern
ment will bear all treat
mentrelated expenses of
Amit Gupta, a doctor who
works at a Delhi govern
ment hospital and has
been undergoing treat
ment for COVID19 at a
private hospital.
Centres may close

Vaccination for 1844 age
group will be halted two
days from now as Covish
ield stock will last only for
two days and Covaxin
stock is already over, said
AAP leader Atishi.
“Will have to temporari
ly shut down nearly 350
centres administering Cov
ishield to 1844 age group
after two days from now.
For those above 45 and
healthcare, frontline work
ers, Covaxin stock is left for
one day and Covishield
stock for 3 days,” she said.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
SOUTH 5
IN BRIEF
My focus is COVID19, not Jaggi: Minister Weather Watch
Rainfall, temperature & air quality in select metros yesterday
Thiagarajan says appropriate Ministers tion. It is not my official res

ponsibility and hence not my
will deal with the issues as they see fit intent, to focus on investiga
tion and prosecution of Jaggi
Special Correspondent jan said the appropriate Mi Vasudev,” he further said.
P.C. Chacko expects Chennai nisters and departments “The evidence in my pos
exodus from Congress
KOCHI
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister would deal with the issues as session (some public and
An exodus of a large number P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan they see fit. “As a colleague some not) which I will share
of disillusioned Congress on Wednesday said he would and teammate, I will of with all relevant authorities
workers to the Nationalist focus on COVID19 related course offer inputs and sup (as just a dutiful citizen), con
Congress Party may happen work instead of commenting port as requested by them,” vinces me beyond all proba
in the coming weeks, party any further on Isha Founda he added. ble doubt that Jaggi Vasudev
Kerala president-elect P.C. tion founder Jaggi Vasudev Mr. Thiagarajan said since has repeatedly, consistently
Chacko has said. The and the demand to “priva most of the substantive significant contributions to “This spurred me to re and continuously violated
Congress has failed to fight tise” control of Hindu tem things worth saying have al these temples, are very clear search the issue further, and multiple laws and statutes,”
the BJP. The NCP will try to ples. ready been covered in recent that the government must re I became aware of many oth he claimed.
unite all Opposition parties Against the backdrop of interactions, he had “decid tain administration, while er potential violations,” he Under the rule of law, he
and put up a fight against the his media interviews, where ed to decline all press inte most of the warriors for priv explained. said, the relevant authorities
BJP, he said. he answered questions that ractions till the end of the atising the temples have ne However, prosecuting the in India and the United
Temperature Data: IMD, Pollution Data: CPCB, Map: INSAT/IMD (Taken at 18.00 Hrs)
were brought up on the top month, to better focus on my gligible contribution, if any audit finding was not his States must conduct their in
‘Restrict numbers for Forecast for Thursday: Heavy/very heavy rainfall likely at isol-
ics ‘Privatise HR&CE tem COVID19 related work.” at all.” highest personal priority dependent investigations,
swearing-in ceremony’ ated places over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
ples’ and Jaggi Vasudev “vio The Minister, whose an Mr. Thiagarajan said he among many other responsi without interference from Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Thunder-
KOCHI
lations”, he said, “I must cestors were involved in con first became aware of Jaggi bilities in his public service, anyone, including himself. storm with lightning/gusty wind likely at isolated places over
A Division Bench of the Kerala
state neither of these is rele struction and renovation of Vasudev and Isha Founda he said. “I will make no comments Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, coastal
High Court led by the Chief
Justice on Wednesday asked
vant to my portfolio, and many temples currently un tion as a member of the 15th “Though I may have men related to Isha Foundation Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
the State government to therefore I have no intention der the Hindu Religious and Legislative Assembly of Ta tioned the violations in pu founder Jaggi Vasudev until city rain max min city rain max min
of diluting my focus.” Charitable Endowments mil Nadu’s Public Accounts blic statements, I certainly any new information or Agartala............. 0.3....36.2....26.9 Kozhikode.................. 14....32.0....24.6
restrict the number of Ahmedabad ......... 14....31.7....22.2 Kurnool ....................... —....38.6....28.2
persons attending the In a fourpage statement (HR&CE) department, said: Committee, where he came do not have any personal further new development Aizawl................ 0.3....27.6....18.3 Lucknow................... 9.2....28.6....22.2
swearing-in ceremony of the to the media, Mr. Thiagara “...people like us, who made across an audit paragraph. agenda to take further ac come to light,” he said. Allahabad........... 5.3....29.4....23.9 Madurai ....................... —....40.4....26.6
Bengaluru ............. —....33.4....21.6 Mangaluru ................ 5.6....28.8....24.0
new Left Democratic Front Bhopal ............... 2.1....35.2....24.4 Mumbai ....................... 6....32.7....24.4
government, to avoid the Bhubaneswar......... —....39.0....28.5 Mysuru ........................ —....33.0....21.0
spread of COVID-19.
Probe under way into

explosion at CPO’s house
₹1,111 cr. package for farmers, Contempt proceedings Chandigarh ........... —....27.8....25.1
Chennai ................ —....37.7....28.6
Coimbatore ........... —....34.9....25.1
Dehradun ........... 0.4....25.3....22.6
New Delhi ................... 2....23.8....21.4
Patna ....................... 0.4....32.4....23.0
Port Blair.................. 0.5....33.1....25.6
Puducherry .................. —....35.7....27.0
KOZHIKODE
The police have launched a unorganised sector workers against CID officials Gangtok ................ 6....20.0....16.7
Goa.................. 10.1....30.5....25.7
Guwahati .............. 5....33.2....23.0
Pune............................ —....32.4....24.7
Raipur ......................... —....39.6....29.0
Ranchi ......................... 2....34.4....22.6
comprehensive investigation Hubballi ................ —....28.0....23.0 Shillong....................... 7....25.9....18.0
into an explosion which took MP’s medical exam not done, says HC Hyderabad ......... 0.1....37.0....22.0
Imphal .................. 5....27.3....19.5
Shimla......................... —....20.5....17.2
Srinagar....................... —....24.6....12.8
place at the house of a senior
Civil Police Officer (CPO) at Karnataka CM chairs meeting with his Cabinet colleagues Staff Reporter MP was produced, ordered
Jaipur .............. 38.5....23.4....20.4
Kochi .................... 1....32.2....25.6
Thiruvananthapuram....... 18....32.1....24.8
Tiruchi...................... 0.4....39.3....26.6
Vadakara in Kozhikode district
VIJAYAWADA that he be examined physi Kohima ................. 2....26.0....14.0 Vijayawada .................. —....38.2....28.2
Kolkata .............. 0.2....36.4....26.1 Visakhapatnam ............. —....37.0....28.2
on Tuesday. Though no one Special Correspondent tion workers registered with A Division Bench of the And cally in Ramesh Hospital
(Rainfall data in mm; temperature in Celsius)
sustained serious injuries in
BENGALURU the Karnataka Building and hra Pradesh High Court and the Government Gener
Pollutants in the air you are breathing Yesterday
the incident, the house was The Karnataka government Other Constructions Work comprising Justices C. Pra al Hospital, Guntur. This or
CITIES SO2 NO2 CO PM2.5 PM10 CODE
damaged in the powerful has announced a ₹1,111.82 ers Welfare Board would get veen Kumar and K. Lalitha der was passed under Sec Ahmedabad..... 21 .33 40 ..... — .....— ....—
explosion of two LPG crore package to provide re ₹3,000 each. on Wednesday ordered that tion 54 of the Cr.P.C. When Bengaluru ....... ..7 .60 28 ....12 ...38 ....* In observation made at 4.00
p.m., Charkhi Dadri, Haryana
cylinders. lief to workers in the unor Barbers, dhobis, hamalis, contempt proceedings be the matter came up for Chennai .......... 16 ...3 .7 ......9 .158 ....* recorded an overall air
Delhi .............. ..1 .24 22 ....40 .245 ....* quality index (AQI) score of
ganised sectors and farmers rag pickers, potterymakers, initiated against the Addi hearing in the High Court on Hyderabad ...... ..— .74 17 ....14 ...23 ....* 136 indicating a moderate
Telangana Public Service impacted by the monthlong incense stick makers, gold tional DirectorGeneral of Wednesday, the Judges said Kolkata ........... 10 .19 18 ....43 ...52 ....* level of pollution. In
panel gets new team Lucknow ......... ..9 .39 72 ....88 .107 ....* contrast, Damoh, Madhya
lockdown owing to the spike smiths, mechanics, black Police and the CID’s Manga there has been a contempt Pradesh recorded a healthy
HYDERABAD Mumbai .......... ..8 ...7 73 ....42 ...91 ....* AQI score of 19
in COVID19 cases. smiths, domestic workers, lagiri Station House Officer of their order dated May 15. Pune............... ..6 .12 56 ....36 ...48 ....*
The government has
appointed a new team for the
Chief Minister B.S. Yediy and cobblers would get a re for not sending Narsapuram Additional Advocate Gen Visakhapatnam 14 .40 36 ....23 ...52 ....*
Telangana State Public urappa chaired a meeting B.S. Yediyurappa lief of ₹2,000 each and MP K. Raghu Ramakrishna eral P. Sudhakar Reddy told Air Quality Code: * Poor * Moderate * Good (Readings indicate average AQI)
Service Commission with with his Cabinet colleagues about 3.5 lakh workers Raju to Ramesh Hospital for the court that the order co SO2: Sulphur Dioxide. Short-term exposure can harm the respiratory system,
making breathing difficult. It can affect visibility by reacting with other air
senior IAS officer B. on Wednesday. announced was ₹10,000 per would benefit, announced a checkup on May 17, even py was received only at 11 particles to form haze and stain culturally important objects such as statues
Janardhan Reddy as the Lockdown is in force in hectare to each farmer grow the Chief Minister. when the Supreme Court p.m. and that Mr. Raju could and monuments.
Chairman and seven other Karnataka till May 24, bar ing flowers, fruits and veget Street vendors selling was hearing the Special not be sent for an examina NO2: Nitrogen Dioxide. Aggravates respiratory illness, causes haze to form by
reacting with other air particles, causes acid rain, pollutes coastal waters.
members. Dr. Reddy is ring a small window to buy ables. fruits and vegetables would Leave Petition filed by him tion at that time since the CO: Carbon monoxide. High concentration in air reduces oxygen supply to
presently serving as the essentials. A decision on ex A compensation of be paid ₹2,000 each. The for bail. jail authorities would not al critical organs like the heart and brain. At very high levels, it can cause
Principal Secretary, tending the lockdown furth ₹3,000 each would be given Chief Minister declared peo According to official low it. Besides, the Supreme dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and even death.
PM2.5 & PM10: Particulate matter pollution can cause irritation of the eyes,
Agriculture. As of now the er would be taken on May to licensed and registered ple supplying LPG cylinders, sources, on May 15, the VI Court had started hearing nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, reduced
TSPSC was functioning with 23, the Chief Minister said. drivers of autorickshaw, teachers and electricity line additional junior civil judge the matter on May 17 and lung function, irregular heartbeat, asthma attacks, heart attacks and premature
just one member. Among the compensation maxicab and taxi. Construc men as frontline workers. in Guntur, before whom the passed its order. death in people with heart or lung disease
NORTH & EAST

Nonagenarians spread positivity Haryana Deputy CM Cyclone weakens over

cautions against Tauktae southern Rajasthan
amid COVID19 gloom in Assam ‘Highspeed wind likely to sweep State’ Heavy rain lashes several districts
Special correspondent Mohammed Iqbal Several areas in Udaipur
They enthuse healthcare workers with quick recovery and vaccine promotion Chandigarh JAIPUR city faced power cuts dur
The Haryana Deputy Chief Cyclone Tauktae weakened ing the nightlong rains.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Bhakatgaon village in Go Minister Dushyant Chautala into a depression over Udai Water was flowing from
GUWAHATI laghat district became the on Wednesday cautioned pur district in southern Ra Swaroop Sagar lake into the
Two nonagenarians 230 km ‘poster boy’ of the vaccina people to remain vigilant ov jasthan on Wednesday after town, while other lakes
apart have become the tem tion drive by the local auth er the next 48 hours as the causing heavy rain in sever such as Pichhola, Fateh Sa
plate of positivity for health orities. cyclonic storm Tauktae was al regions of the State. gar and Udai Sagar were full
care and frontline workers approaching the State. Incessant rain, accompa to the brim.
for overcoming the COVID19 Appeal to villagers Mr. Chautala said that ac nied by gusty winds, threw
gloom in Assam. “Apart from ambling in con cording to the India Meteor Dushyant Chautala. * normal life out of gear in Trees uprooted
On May 18, Snehalata Dut fidently, he appealed to the ological Department, the Dungarpur, Jalore, Sirohi A large number of trees fell
ta went home after recover villagers to get themselves storm was moving towards trict,” he said at a press con and Banswara districts ad under the impact of high
ing from COVID19 at a Covid vaccinated as a preventive Haryana via Gujarat and Ra ference here. joining Gujarat. speed winds in Udaipur
Care Centre (CCC) in Tinsu step,” a healthcare official at jasthan, and wind speed The rainfall also oc and Mount Abu.
kia district’s Mohkhuli Model Deepson Das *
Snehalata Dutta the Kamarbandha Ali public could reach 50 kms per hour Crop procurement curred in some parts of Jai The Meteorological Of
Hospital, about 5 km from health centre said. in most districts of the State Mr. Chautala added that pur division, bringing down fice here said the cyclonic
Tinsukia town. ity when we referred her to a not make it, but the nurses Superstitions and a social from Wednesday afternoon from June 1, the government the temperature and mak storm would weaken gra
She had no comorbidities bigger hospital because of and medical staff did that ex mediadriven theory that to Thursday evening. procurement of sunflower ing the atmosphere plea dually into a wellmarked
but was very weak due to a her condition,” subdivision tra bit to help her recover. vaccines cause infertility “The Deputy Commis crop will commence in the sant for the people con low pressure area during its
persistent cough and fever al medical and health officer Her determination worked have made many in the sioners of all the districts State, for which 7 mandis fined to their homes movement towards central
when she was wheeled in Chandralekha Saikia told too,” Ms. Saikia said, adding northeast sceptical about have been instructed to con have been earmarked. because of the COVID19 re and southeastern Rajas
about a fortnight ago from The Hindu. that her positivity appeared taking the vaccine. duct regular monitoring in He said that during the lated restrictions. The State than during the next 12
her village, Bisphtuia. Ms. Dutta referred to the to have rubbed off on the Assam on Tuesday record this matter. Instructions ongoing Rabi marketing sea Disaster Response Force hours.
“She could not eat and Mohkhuli centre as “our hos healthcare workers as well ed 5,835 fresh cases and 73 have been given to make ar son, the government agen (SDRF) teams were de The State government
had trouble remembering, pital,” as most villagers in the as other patients. deaths, down from 6,394 rangements in order to en cies have so far procured ployed in the areas where has put the police force on
but was adamant about stay vicinity do. A few days before, 98 cases and 92 deaths on Mon sure that there is no loss of 85,30,000 metric tonnes of the cyclone was expected alert to deal with any emer
ing put in the Mohkhuli facil “We thought she might yearold Deepson Das of day. life and property in any dis wheat. to make an impact. gency situation.
Popular Kolkata club turns itself into COVID19 hospital Congress seeks compensation
Equipped to handle even patients whose oxygen level has dropped below 70, says Atalanta secretary
Bishwanath Ghosh walk away from the facility. “We are possibly the first
for families of virus victims
Kolkata She tested positive on May club in the whole of India, It accuses Haryana government of mishandling situation
Shanti Sardar, 29, is lying on 10. and not just Kolkata, to turn
a bed at the very spot where It was her brother — a san into a critical care unit and special correspondent sparent survey be carried gures and the actual
she comes with her family itation worker — who sug not just an isolation centre,” Chandigarh out to identify the affected deaths,” he said.
every autumn to join the gested that she immediately said Rajeev Hariharan, gen The Congress leaders in Ha families. Haryana Congress presi
crowds in admiring the idols isolate herself and got admit eral secretary of the club. ryana have hit out at the rul dent Kumari Selja said the vi
of Goddess Durga and her ted to this new ‘hospital’ ing BJPJJP government in ‘Conduct fair survey’ rus is spreading rapidly
children. She’s sharing this that had opened that very Medical attention the State, accusing it of ‘mis “Families, who have no sur among the people of Harya
familiar space with eight day. Fortunately for Ms. Sar “We have four nurses and handling’ the ongoing situa viving earning members, na, especially in rural areas,
strangers, all of whom have dar, who works as a domes two ayahs attending to the tion in the wake of COVID19 should be given a pension of yet the government is not
tested positive for COVID19 tic help in several homes in patients round the clock. A pandemic and demanded fi ₹5,000 per month and chil paying any attention to
and are, at the moment, un south Kolkata, she found a doctor visits us every day. nancial assistance to the fa dren of such families should wards increasing testing in
dergoing treatment in this Kolkata’s Atalanta Club turns into a COVID-19 hospital. place in this ninebed facili We are equipped to handle milies of those who have lost be provided free education. the rural areas.
makeshift hospital. *
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ty, which is the popular, even those patients whose their family members. We also have to be mindful “Coronavirus has been
“I miss my two children. 1965built Atalanta Club. oxygen saturation has Former Chief Minister that this assistance will wreaking havoc in villages
One of them is 11 and the They should be releasing me He doesn’t seem to have a fa Atalanta is the typical dropped to below 70; we and Leader of Opposition reach affected families only for more than a month. Peo
other seven. I have never in a day or two,” she said. mily because nobody ever neighbourhood club, which have 15 oxygen cylinders at Bhupinder Singh Hooda has when the government con ple in rural areas are neither
lived without them this long. “When not feeling too enquires about him or in normal times holds Durga the moment, and we have sought financial assistance ducts the survey in a fair and getting medicines nor treat
I specially missed them yes tired, I keep myself busy brings him anything,” said Puja and various other cultu been stocking cylinders for of ₹5 lakh each to the fami transparent manner. It is not ment. The actual number of
terday [Tuesday] — my birth with Facebook and What Ms. Sardar, who lives in a ral events, and which has 30 years now, for use in cas lies who lost their members hidden from anyone that deaths is many times more
day. Otherwise the stay in sApp, or talk to the dadu [el slum in Kolkata’s Golf Gar now turned into a full es of emergency,” Mr. Harih during the pandemic. He de there is a big difference bet than official figures,” she
this place has been fine. derly man] on the next bed. den area, barely a 10minute fledged COVID19 facility. aran said. manded a detailed and tran ween the government fi said.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
6 EDITORIAL DELHI

THE HINDU
Interpretations which impede a just social order

The Maratha reservation case also shows that divesting States of the power to determine backwardness hits federalism
tion in excess of 50% would lead to are so deemed under Article 342A of State government to frame lists
an exception overriding a rule. for the purposes of this of their own. Any other interpreta
Flashing lights But a sevenjudge Bench, in Constitution”. tion of the term “Central List”
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
State of Kerala vs N.M. Thomas would only impinge on the plain
(1975), laid this theory to rest. Term and interpretations meaning of the term. On the other
As inflation threatens economy’s consumptive There, the Court held that a pro In interpreting these changes, a hand, if one were to concede that
capacity, cash transfers can boost demand Suhrith Parthasarathy gramme of reservation was inhe majority on the Bench concluded two interpretations to the amend
T
he RBI’s latest monthly bulletin has just con rent in the Constitution’s basic that the Constitution had now ments were plausible, then one
firmed what many economists and anecdotal evi guarantee of equal treatment, and created a structure for determina would have thought that the Court
O
dence have been pointing to — a sharp backslide n May 5, the Supreme Court that affirmative action by the state tion of other backward classes would have adopted the interpre
of India declared as uncon was compelled by an objective of identical to that in place for the tation that allows for a more equit
in economic momentum. In an article on the State of
stitutional a Maharashtra attaining substantive equality. the Centre, and by regional com preparation of the lists of Sche able division of power between
the Economy, RBI officials including Deputy Governor law which provided for reserva With that, the rule requiring that missions at the level of the State duled Castes and Scheduled the central and State govern
Michael Debabrata Patra have flagged the ‘demand tion to the Maratha community in reservations stay under 50% ought governments. As a result, back Tribes. The verdict, which was ments.
shock’ inflicted by the ferocious second wave of the CO education and public employment to have been deemed incongru ward communities that were kept controlled predominantly by Jus If the majority’s interpretation
VID19 pandemic. Specifically, they have cited the loss in the State. Four judges of the ous. But when the Court sat as a out of the central list were entitled tice S. Ravindra Bhat’s opinion, re of the 102nd Amendment is cor
of mobility, impact on discretionary spending and in fivejudge Bench wrote separate ninejudge Bench in Indra Sawh to reservation at least for those lied on the plain meaning of Arti rect, then the changes altogether
crease in unemployment as clear signs that demand is opinions, from which three prim ney vs Union of India (1992) it sus posts and seats under the control cles 342A and 366(26C). But it dispossess States from exercising a
ary findings emanated. tained a paradox. The majority on of the State government. For ex overlooked, at least, two essential timehonoured authority. But yet
in the doldrums. Several highfrequency indicators for
First, the Court held that the the Bench ruled, on the one hand, ample, 25 different groups cate factors: first, the term “Central the amendment, in the Court’s be
April have captured the reversal in momentum. GST e Maratha community did not con that N.M. Thomas was correct in gorised as backward in Tamil Na List” — which is used in Article lief, did not violate the Constitu
way bills, an indicator of the health of domestic trade, stitute a socially and educationally seeing reservations as embedded du do not find place in the central 342A — has always been under tion’s basic structure. This was be
contracted 17.5% monthonmonth, while automobile backward class. Second, the judg in a constitutional vision of sub list (https://bit.ly/3ot6x7c) . stood in contradistinction to the cause, according to the majority,
fuel consumption, commercial vehicle sales and dom es discovered that the law was in stantive equality, and, on the oth This division in power, which term “state list”, in that it refers to the alterations neither took away
estic air passenger traffic all shrank from the preceding breach of a rule previously set by er hand, that reservation made in gave States autonomy to classify the categorisation of groups as “the very essence of federalism”
month. And the previously relatively unscathed rural the Court disallowing reservations excess of 50%, barring exceptional groups as backward, stood in con backward for the purposes of re nor denuded the States of their ef
made in excess of 50% of the total circumstances, was harmful to trast to the lists of Scheduled servation to posts and seats under fective power to legislate. But it is
economy too saw demand begin to dry up as new infec
available positions. Third — and on that very vision. As the lawyer Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In the Union government’s control. hard to see how divesting states of
tions spread wider and deeper into the countryside, a this finding, two judges on the Gautam Bhatia has pointed out, the case of those lists, right from Second, when State governments a power this critical, to classify
trend reflected in a 33.5% contraction in the dispatches Bench dissented — the Court held this is an incompatible position. the Constitution’s inception, the objected to the 102nd Amendment groups as backward, entitling ma
of two wheelers and a palpable weakening in demand that State governments had no in Yet, efforts to have the verdict in power to prepare them vested on the ground that their power ny communities to protection un
for tractors. Also, unemployment, which hit a four dependent power to declare a Indra Sawhney reconsidered have solely with the Union government. was being divested, the Union Mi der Articles 15(4) and 16(4), can be
month high of 8% in April as per a survey by the Centre group as a backward class. The lat failed. The upshot: a mathematical But the Supreme Court has now nister of Social Justice and Empo seen as anything but offensive to
for Monitoring Indian Economy, was at 9.5% on May 18 ter two findings run sharply ath formula with no basis in the Con held that this distinction no longer werment, Thaawarchand Gehlot, the “essence” of federalism. The
wart values of equality and feder stitution’s text is retained, even as holds good. assuaged their concerns and changes, as interpreted by the
based on a 30day moving average. Crucially, rural un
alism, which the Court has long the Court pays symbolic obeisance The 102nd Amendment (2018), pointed out that the proposed Court, are by no means superfi
employment captured by the moving average has risen regarded — in rhetoric if nothing to the ideals of substantive equali which forms the basis for the changes did no such thing. The cial; they directly impede the abil
to 8.6%, and this at a time when the pandemic’s grip else — as integral to India’s democ ty. Court’s ruling, granted constitu “right to include or remove in the ity of States to secure a just social
and higher spending on health are likely to be pushing racy. tional status to the National Com States List…will remain as it is and order.
up precarity among households in the hinterland. Court stand on listings mission for Backward Classes. In it will not be violated in any man The Union government has al
Looking ahead, the critical risk to the economy even Not from the Constitution These limitations are made worse addition, it introduced Article ner,” he said in Parliament. ready filed a petition to review the
as it tries to recover from the last fiscal year’s crippling The idea that reservations ought to by the Court’s present ruling on 342A, through which it stipulated It is an acceptable proposition judgment insofar as it limits the
be restricted to 50% does not stem the power of State governments to that the President of India may, af of constitutional interpretation to power of State governments.
contraction is posed by the speed at which the virus
from the Constitution. The text of declare groups as backward. Until ter consultation with the State go hold that external aids, such as Should the Court refuse the plea, it
continues to spread in the country. With the pace of Articles 16(4) and 15(4) which con now, the central government and vernment, notify groups of per parliamentary debates, are useful is imperative that Parliament
vaccinations having slowed nationwide, more so in ru fer power on the government to each of the State governments pro sons within such a State who are only when the plain meaning of a amends the Constitution and
ral and semirural areas, the agriculture sector is likely make reservations contains no duced separate lists declaring deemed to be socially and educa provision is unclear. However, grants to States an express power
to face challenges in the coming months when sowing such limitation. Originally, howev communities as socially and edu tionally backward. Any such “Cen here, the term “Central List” in Ar to determine backwardness. Any
for the kharif crop will need to be done. The reports on er, these clauses were seen by the cationally backward. Following tral List”, the clause clarified, ticle 342A (unlike Articles 341 and other result will offend the deli
the infections and deaths linked to the disease from the Supreme Court as exceptions to a the Supreme Court’s judgment in could only be altered by Parlia 342, which concern the prepara cate balance at the heart of Indian
villages and towns portray a grim picture and it is hard broad rule of formal equality that Indra Sawhney, the determination ment. Article 366(26C) was also tion of a list of Scheduled Castes federalism.
was thought to be envisioned by of backward classes was made by added, and “socially and educa and Scheduled Tribes respective
to see rural demand for anything other than the barest
the Constitution. To that end, the the National Commission for the tionally backward classes” was de ly) shows that, if anything, the Suhrith Parthasarathy is an advocate
of essentials including food and medicines reviving any Court held that to allow reserva Backward Classes, at the level of fined as “such backward classes as Constitution recognises the power practising at the Madras High Court
time soon. Add to this the rising cost of transport fuels,
and the sharp increases in commodity prices, cutting
across agricultural and industrial rawmaterials seg
ments and one sees ‘a worsening of domestic cost con
ditions’ as the RBI officials warn. Accelerating inflation
A collage of laws that leaves the worker out in the cold
threatens the economy’s overall consumptive capacity The universalisation of social security remains an unfulfilled aspiration in the new code on social security
and policy makers need to be wary of the real danger of The SS Code 2020 merges exist should conceptualise a basic struc shall be payable to eligible em
stagflation. The shrinking fiscal space notwithstanding, ing social security laws and at ture, which if successful, should ployees by every shop or establish
authorities need to spend more on an expedited nation tempts to include informal work be adopted by States after neces ment in which 10 or more em
wide vaccine rollout and must seriously consider di ers within the ambit of social sary customisation. Without such ployees are employed, or were
rect cash transfers to boost demand. security administration. However, a basic structure, implications of employed, on any day of the pre
SANDEEP SAXENA
an examination of the code reveals this code would be too varied ceding 12 months.
Santosh Mehrotra & that universalisation of social se across States to be administered. But although payment of gratui
Fresh start Kingshuk Sarkar curity remains an unfulfilled aspi
ration.
Providing holistic social securi
ty cover for the unorganised work
ty was expanded in the new Code,
it still remains inaccessible for a
The Left must guard against the concentration The SS Code 2020 amalgamates force in a simple and effective vast majority of informal workers.
A
of power in the hands of CM Pinarayi Vijayan s COVID19 destroys lives and rationalises the provisions of ambit of any social security even manner is something lost in the
and livelihoods, an unpre eight existing central labour laws. after 13 years. The absence of defi CentreState labyrinth and juris Lost opportunity
B
y choosing 17 fresh faces in the new Council of Mi pared government has ren Of these acts, employees provi nite and unambiguous provisions dictional or institutional overlap. The provision of social security
nisters of 21, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in dered lowpaid, informal workers, dent fund, employees state insu in the present code would further The unorganised workforce is all could be used to formalise the
Kerala is trying to signal a continuing willingness who constitute 91% of the work rance (ESI), maternity benefit, gra complicate achievement of univer encompassing, minus the minus workforce to a certain extent. Em
to evolve as a responsive political organisation. Barring force, totally hapless, pushing tuity are entirely for organised sal registration. cule regular workers of organised ployers could have been made to
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPI(M) has not them further into poverty. Ima sector workers. This has remained Also, experience shows that sectors. This identity should be own up to the responsibility of
gine if these same informal work so even in the new scheme of there is an awful lack of awareness primal and all unorganised work providing social security to their
nominated any of its Ministers from the previous term.
ers had social security (including things. For employees’ state insu among informal workers regard ers should have basic social secur workers. The state has a responsi
All four Ministers of the CPI are new. Eight Ministers are free basic curative care in public rance, the existing employee ing social security schemes. On ity coverage, irrespective of labour bility but the primary responsibili
first time MLAs, as is the Speaker nominee, M.B. Ra clinics and hospitals, the elderly threshold has been withdrawn line registration places a further market classifications. ty still lies with employers since
jesh. The composition of the Council broadly reflects had old age pensions, the dying and now the central government challenge as most informal work The code fails to undertake they are taking advantage of work
the State’s social diversity; and there are three women, had death/disability insurance or can extend ESI benefits to any or ers lack digital literacy and con such inclusion in a meaningful ers’ productivity.
the highest in history. The CPI(M) has reconfigured its life insurance). Imagine also that ganisation irrespective of the num nectivity (already demonstrated way. Financial constraints are there
social base in Kerala, at significant cost to the Congress, they had at least a minimum in ber of workers employed therein. by a similar registration require for the state too; but all the code
come guarantee, which prevented However, there are areas of ambi ment for COVID19 vaccines under Key benefits does is to state that it will design
and it is reinforcing those trends through the selection
them from falling into debt; debt is guity and overlapping too. CoWIN, the government app). In Maternity benefit: Under the SS schemes for informal workers as
of Ministers. Veena George and Saji Cherian are being currently exploding among the formal workers also find it difficult Code, the provision of maternity and when it deems fit. In the end,
rewarded for leading a shift of Christian voters in Cen poor as their incomes collapsed. Hurdles for informal workers to furnish all documentary papers benefit has not been made univer this code remains a collage of ex
tral Travancore to the party. A judicious mix of youth However, is the Code going to pro required as part of the registration sal. Maternity benefit is presently isting pieces of legislation without
and experience, the Council is an attempt at messaging Gaps in the code vide universal social security to process. Most informal workers applicable for establishments em that interweaving thread of inte
to the electorate a fresh resolve of the LDF, particularly India’s Parliament in September the 91% workers in the informal are footloose casual workers (26% ploying 10 workers or more. The gration. It has promise but cannot
the CPI(M). But the exclusion of K.K. Shailaja, who has 2020 passed a Social Security sector? It proposes that both the of all workers) and selfemployed definition of ‘Establishment’ in the meet those expectations. At a time
been in the spotlight for her role as Health Minister, has Code (SS Code 2020; https:// central and State governments will (46% of all). They move from one proposed code did not include the when India chairs a BRICS meet
bit.ly/3bVsU0f ). Does this law formulate schemes for unorgan place to another in search of liveli unorganised sector. ing in Delhi (preparatory to a Sum
set off criticism against the CPI(M) from many quarters,
even attempt to provide these, let ised workers. The legal framework hoods. Furnishing proof of liveli Hence, women engaged in the mit) that is focused on issues of la
including its own support base. After having won with a alone guarantee them? That is as proposed in the Code and hood and income details in the ab unorganised sector would remain bour, especially informality, it fails
huge margin, she was expected to provide continuity to what we examine here. We shall Rules, implies that the basic onus sence of tangible outside the purview of maternity to even recognise that India is age
the State’s fight against the pandemic. Her exclusion set aside the issue of free basic cu lies on informal workers register employeremployee relations is benefit. This obsession with ing without social security, and
does seem like changing horses midstream. K.N. Bala rative health care, since the SS ing as beneficiaries. Registration is very difficult. Such requirements thresholds of the number of work the demographic dividend of the
gopal and P. Rajeev have proven their mettle as parlia Code does not have that in its a prerequisite for universal cover deter informal workers from com ers employed was the bane of ear young workforce that could sup
mentarians and in the organisation. P.A. Muhammad scope. Fair enough, but has the age. To avail social security, an in pleting the registration and they lier labour laws too. port the ageing ends in 15 years.
Government of India ensured that formal worker must register her continue to remain outside the so Employees Provident Fund: This is a dreadful failure on the
Riyas happens to be Mr. Vijayan’s soninlaw, and R. Bin
at least in a year of a nationwide self on the specified online portal cial security ambit. The SS Code maintains that the part of the state in a time of dire
du the wife of CPI(M) Acting State Secretary A. Vijaya pandemic, the health Budget for to be developed by the central go Employees’ Provident Fund crisis for the nation.
raghavan. Both merit inclusion in their own right. FY 202122 is higher than the path vernment. InterState cooperation must Scheme will remain applicable, as
The crowd of 500 expected at the swearingin cere etic just over 1% of GDP that it has Similar provisions are already Further, as unorganised workers before, to every establishment in Santosh Mehrotra is the editor of ‘Reviving
mony today is, however, bad optics, in the midst of a been for decades (making all past there in existing social security are spread across the length and which 20 or more employees are Jobs: An Agenda for Growth’ (2020) and
pandemic which remains untamed in the State that is in central/State governments compli schemes run by State govern breadth of India, interState arran employed. Thus, for informal sec Visiting Professor, Centre for
lockdown. The new government has more challenges — cit)? If we leave out the allocation ments under the Unorganized gement and cooperation becomes tor workers, access to employees’ Development, University of Bath, U.K.
for the COVID19 vaccine (still Workers’ Social Security Act, imperative. The code does not provident fund remains unfulfilled Kingshuk Sarkar is an independent
a cyclone rained misery in the coastal areas this week,
mostly unused), then the FY22 2008. Still, a large number of in provide for such eventualities. too in the new code. researcher and labour administrator with
and fears of floods loom along with the monsoon health Budget is actually lower. formal workers are outside the Ideally, the central government Payment of gratuity: Gratuity the Government of West Bengal
clouds. The State’s finances are in a shambles. The CPI
(M) had replaced 22 sitting MLAs who had finished two
terms with new candidates in the election. Several se
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to [email protected] must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
nior leaders were already benched by this criterion. To read more letters
The party subsequently decided to nominate only fresh Kerala cabinet Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, country. In fact, Raul Castro people in a different ‘development’ that the online, scan the QR code
faces to the Council by way of reiterating the primacy of There has been much in the Cabinet. On the face had been a member of the capacity. Ultimately, it is Centre would like to
chatter about the non of it, this comparison is party earlier to Fidel important to note that it is present to us but there is a of remodelling this legacy
the organisation over individuals. Ironically, the choic
inclusion in the new Kerala unjust. Mr. Riyas had been Castro. Now, in Ms. the collective decision of glaring dichotomy between of Indian democracy is an
es also raise valid concerns of the increasing concentra cabinet of K.K. Shailaja, a party worker and leader Shailaja’s case, she has said the party. the government’s short attempt at erasing history
tion of power in the hands of Mr. Vijayan. In a Council former Kerala Health for long and it would have gracefully that she goes by N.G.R. Prasad, sighted effort to maintain as well as an instance of the
packed with newcomers, the CM will command such Minister, who has done been unjust to not consider the party’s decision. Her Chennai the facade of ‘development’ destruction of heritage. It is
authority that an open discussion on any topic could be commendable work during him on his own merit. new role as chief whip of versus the crucial need of gross financial wastage too.
difficult. Given his complete sway over the party and the COVID19 period and In Cuba, after Fidel Castro the LDF party in the Cost of redevelopment ensuring the welfare of its R. Sivakumar,
also secured a massive demitted office on account Assembly is an At a time when the health citizens. The entire process Chennai
the government, the onus is on him to empower the Mi
majority in the recent of his health, his brother acknowledgement of her care structure in the
nisters. Officials whom he trusted put him and the par corrections & clarifications:
Assembly elections. Her Raul Castro was asked to good work. That apart, the country has been hit hard,
ty in a spot many times during the first term. By restor In a Sports page report titled “Received death threats after 2011
noninclusion has been step in. None could take leadership might have spending crores of money World Cup exit: du Plessis” (May 19, 2021), the reference in the
ing political consultations, including within the CPI(M), juxtaposed with the exception as it was on his thought that she could be on the Central Vista project opening paragraph to the 2011 World Cup semifinal should be
and keeping the bureaucracy disciplined, Mr. Vijayan inclusion of P.A. own track record that he utilised for party work, seems vulgar. The project corrected to read as 2011 World Cup quarterfinal.
could make his second term better than the first. Muhammad Riyas, who is came to succeed his which is equally has led many to question The Readers’ Editor’s office can be contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300;
the soninlaw of Chief brother and lead the challenging, and serve the the definition of E-mail:[email protected]
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
OPED 7
The basics of an effective vaccine policy A thaw in IndiaPakistan

Prioritising groups, addressing hesitancy and rethinking the distribution plan is the way forward trade relations?
George Thomas tion in every tranche. This should be
Gagandeep Kang worked out using data and the basis Latest data give a reason to push for revival of dialogue
Jayaprakash Muliyil of the decision should be made pu
blic. Opaque decisionmaking leads dia and Pakistan is that while India imposed
Over a year after the SARSCoV2 to a loss of trust in governance and a 200% import duty and no ban on export,
struck the world, it is now clear that social discord. Pakistan banned both export and import.
the virus is not going away any time Hence, Indian trade data are likely to reflect
soon and breaking the chain of trans Access to all trends better. Not only has trade been re
mission seems unlikely. The best pol Leaving the vaccination policy to corded in the first eleven months of the fi
icy against COVID19, thus, appears market forces is neither ethical nor Nisha Taneja & Samridhi Bimal nancial year 202021, but a sizeable number
to be to ensure that the infection is practical. Allowing all adults to ac of items have been traded between the two
mild in most people, and that in cess the vaccine at the same time in countries. During 202021 (AprilFebruary),
those in whom the disease might be troduces ethical distortions, which The rejection by the Pakistan government of the recorded bilateral trade was $280 mil
more severe, it can be pushed to no humane society should face. the recent proposal made to it by the Eco lion, of which India’s exports to Pakistan
wards a milder form by vaccination. Those with the resources to get vacci nomic Coordination Committee (ECC) to im were $278 million and imports were $2 mil
Therefore, it is important to vacci nated early are the least vulnerable port sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from In lion. Nearly 77% of India’s exports com
nate as many people as possible. because they also have the ability to dia was disappointing, but at the same time prised vaccines, pharmaceutical products
Unfortunately, the number of vac protect themselves. indicative of a possibility of resumption of and products of chemical and allied indus
cine doses available is limited at pre Attempts to make vaccination trade relations between the two countries. tries. Interestingly, despite the trade ban, su
sent. Technicalities of vaccine pro more accessible through technology, In 2019, India and Pakistan undertook trade gar was already being exported to Pakistan
duction make it likely that as is being done with the CoWIN restrictive measures against each other, and was the second most important item, ac
indigenous manufacturers will re app, are failing at the moment. Many which were perhaps the most severe in sev counting for 15% of India’s total exports.
quire three to six months from now States have declared that they will eral decades. After the Pulwama terror at Dates were the most important item being
to increase capacity significantly. bear the cost for all their citizens, but tack in Kashmir in February 2019 and cross imported from Pakistan, accounting for 31%
The whole virion vaccine from the this is a decision that they should not border air strikes, India withdrew the Most of total imports, followed by ethyl alcohol,
National Institute of Virology, Pune, have been forced to make; the ap Favoured Nation (MFN) status of Pakistan which accounted for 17% of total imports.
currently being manufactured by proach also does not address the di and imposed a customs duty hike of 200%
Bharat Biotech, is produced in facili lemma of who will get the vaccine on imports. Later, when India revoked the Significant costs
ties where biological safety require and in which order, given the very li autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan While the overall value of trade with Pakis
ments are essential and will take time mited supply. suspended bilateral trade. tan may not be significant, the number of
to be upscaled. A huge undertaking: People waiting in queue to get a shot of COVID-19 vaccine Governments are elected to repre Despite the trade ban setback, the Indo items traded certainly is. A closer look at the
The mRNA vaccine technology is in Bengaluru on Wednesday. AP *
sent the will of the people. In a civil Pak history suggests that there are reasons trade data reveals that India exported 357
new. Though the Moderna vaccine ised society, when a lifesaving re for having cautious optimism towards reviv products (at HS6 digit level classification) to
does not have intellectual property tancy should not distract us from the most to the economy? This is a stark source is in short supply, the ing the trade dialogue. Even though trade Pakistan and imported 25 products from the
constraints and Gennova is making goal of inoculating as many people as and perhaps unpalatable way to deli government must take it upon itself curbs have been applied several times in the country. This is despite the complete ban on
its own mRNA vaccine based on quickly as possible. The speed with neate the choice, but it is a factual to both enhance the supply and for past, such measures have been reversed to trade by Pakistan on both exports and im
science from HDT in the United which the vaccines were developed, position. Should we first vaccinate mulate a policy to allocate the re create a trade enhancing environment. Most ports. Thus, even under restrictive trade
States, it is unrealistic to expect In the introduction of new technology, the elderly who are at high risk of se source. In India, the Centre should notable is the protocol on resumption of conditions, there are interdependencies bet
dian manufacturers to be able to em reports of a few serious adverse rious illness and death, or should we desist from being opaque in its deci trade in 1974 after a hiatus of nine years fol ween India and Pakistan.
brace this new technology without events, the decision of certain vaccinate the working population so sions, abdicating its responsibility, lowing the IndiaPakistan war in 1965. The The trade measures impacted several im
handholding through the process. wealthy countries to halt using the that we can open workplaces and re transferring expenses to State go two countries agreed to trade in a list of portant domestic and export industries,
AstraZeneca shot due to concerns ov vive the economy? Wealthy coun vernments, and allowing market items, including essential agricultural com even though the volume of trade was small at
Difficult choices er blood clots and because they had tries with small populations went forces to decide on vaccine access for modities, which could stabilise domestic $2.56 billion in 201819. Governments of both
Import of vaccines in quantities that other vaccines, contributed to with the first option, but India must a substantial part of the population. prices and take care of seasonal shortages countries need to recognise that there are
can make a difference will be possi doubts about the safety of vaccines design a vaccine policy carefully be Given our current circumstances, and food security in the home country. Both significant costs of noncooperation. Restric
ble perhaps from August, when in India. cause breaking the chain of transmis the State governments are struggling countries worked on positive lists for some tions also shift trade to informal channels,
wealthy nations would have made But it is now clear that vaccines sion is not an option currently. Re to find a way forward amid the years, which expanded over the years. which have functioned for decades and are a
substantial progress in the immuni are highly effective and the risks are peated lockdowns do not break the scramble for vaccines. There are ma We can see parallels emerging in the cur ready option for traders from both coun
sation of their populations. extremely low. Indeed, vaccines are chain of transmission of the infec ny options for distribution, and as a rent context. Within a month of suspending tries. Initiating a positive list for trade is the
India is thus faced with the un the only way that we can stay ahead tion. They only slow the spread of society, we ought to make decisions bilateral trade with India, the Pakistan go right move towards normalisation. The re
pleasant reality of having to decide of the virus. It is, hence, important to the virus for a period, and when they that are based on science and fair vernment lifted the ban on the import of cent data provide an indicative list of pro
the priority in which it is going to draw in behavioural scientists to ad are lifted, as they must be, the virus ness. The logical basis of the decision medicines and raw material from India to av ducts that can be included. Business organi
vaccinate its population, i.e., the or dress vaccine hesitancy and ensure surfaces again. should be explained. ert any crises and ensure that there is no sations and chambers of commerce can play
der in which the different groups that the population is covered. shortage of essential drugs. A year and a half an important role in creating a strong lobby
should be vaccinated. However, it Transparent decisionmaking Dr. George Thomas is the former editor of later, there is a demand for the inclusion of that could build momentum in opening
can take comfort in the fact that all Careful planning The ethical and humane choice The Indian Journal of Medical Ethics; Dr. three more items, namely sugar, cotton and channels and influence the shaping of the In
countries were forced to make this Should we vaccinate the most vulner would be to vaccinate the most vul Gagandeep Kang is Professor Wellcome Trust yarn. A deeper examination of the trade diaPakistan trade policy.
decision, and nowhere in the world able, i.e., those who are most likely nerable first. If this is impractical, Research Laboratory at the Christian measures and data indicate that there is
has it been possible to vaccinate the to succumb to the disease if they get then the choice would be to vacci Medical College, Vellore; Dr. Jayaprakash more concrete evidence of trade between Nisha Taneja is Professor at the Indian Council for
entire population at one go. infected, or should we vaccinate the nate some combination of the elderly Muliyil is former Principal of the Christian the two countries even after the imposition Research on International Economic Relations, New
The experience of vaccine hesi population which contributes the vulnerable and the working popula Medical College, Vellore of restrictions. A key difference between In Delhi. Samridhi Bimal is an Independent Consultant
Overstepping the norm

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Centre’s blanket decision to provide security
cover to 77 MLAs raises a slew of questions FIFTY YEARS AGO MAY 20, 1971
M.P. Nathanael more so the MLAs. In the absence of Cut in group premium insurance
the Central government’s decision to
The recent order by the Union Minis deploy CAPFs, the West Bengal go [CHANDIGARH, May 19] The Life Insurance
try of Home Affairs (MHA) for provid vernment should have shouldered Corporation has decided to reduce the pre
ing security cover to 77 MLAs of the the responsibility. But by deploying mium on group insurance by 25 to 30 per
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who central forces, the Centre has sent a cent from June 1 this year, its Chairman, Mr.
were elected earlier this month after clear signal that it does not rely upon T.A. Pai, told a news conference here today.
the West Bengal Assembly poll is not the State government to provide fool He said the idea was to make group insu
only unprecedented but appears pol proof security to the BJP MLAs. This rance “as attractive as possible”. But he
itically motivated. It is rare for such a is hardly a healthy sign for Centre made it clear that premium on individual life
blanket order for deployment of forc State relations. policies would not be lowered.
es to protect individuals to be issued. The Central government’s distrust Mr. Pai said the L.I.C. was also studying
While 16 of these MLAs already have of officers who are considered close the possibility of introducing a group war
security cover of different levels, 61 to a State’s ruling dispensation does risk insurance scheme for the defence forc
of them will now be under the Xcate not bode well for police officers es. The scheme would cover personnel of
gory umbrella. across the country. On the State go the three arms of the defence forces, the Ar
In practice, decisions to provide vernments devolves the onerous res my, Air Force and Navy. The Government
security to persons under threat is ta ponsibility of maintaining law and or would have to underwrite the scheme, he
ken by a committee in the MHA, der at all costs and it is their sacred said.
which comprises officials from the duty to protect every MLA, irrespec CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
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Ministry, the Intelligence Bureau, tive of political affiliation. Cover for substandard lives
Delhi Police and senior officials of the The number of protected persons DATA POINT Mr. Pai also said he was suggesting to the Go
Central Armed Police Forces, that is, has increased in recent years to such vernment to create a development fund for
the Central Reserve Police Force an extent that in 2019, as many as L.I.C. to undertake insurance of substandard
(CRPF), the Central Industrial Securi 66,043 police and CAPF personnel lives. He said it was a “social obligation” of
ty Force (CISF), the IndoTibetan Bor were deployed to protect 19,467 Mi the State, of which L.I.C. was an instrument,
der Police (ITBP) and the National Se nisters, Members of Parliament, to insure people who were classified as
curity Guard (NSG). While the judges and bureaucrats, against the “risks” in insurance parlance.
Intelligence Bureau prepares the list sanctioned strength of 43,556 per
of persons under threat and the de sonnel, as per the Data on Police Or
gree of threat, the committee decides ganisations. The Prime Minister has a A HUNDRED YEARS AGO MAY 2O, 1921
on the force to be deployed depend strength of over 3,000 CAPF person
ing upon the place where the person nel on deputation to Special Protec Portsmouth match
is located. The deployment is done tion Group (SPG) under the SPG Act,
after the recommendations of the protecting him round the clock. [London, May 16] Notts best Surrev by 7
committee are approved by the com Constant deployment of CAPF per wickets. Warwick beat Derby by 8 wickets.
petent authority. In these meetings, sonnel on protection duties impacts The match between Australians and the
the threat perception of each of the their training schedule. After the in navy, army and R.A.F. was resumed today
person to be secured is discussed one itial eightweek training for VIP pro at Portsmouth in sunny weather before a
by one and not collectively for any tection, the personnel have to under crowd of six thousand spectators. The pitch
group as such. go a twoweek refresher training was in very good condition. The Australians
periodically to hone their skills. were dismissed for 395, having scored 345
A State subject To curb the tendency of demand for 5 wickets on the previous day. The Ser
That the decision to deploy CAPF ing security personnel around them vices declared their innings closed with the
personnel for the 77 MLAs might selves, leaders and prominent per score at 260 for the loss of 9 wickets. Captain
have stemmed from political motiva sons should be asked to bear the Fowlers ’65 was top score for the Services
tion can be inferred from the fact that expenditure, as is being done for an side. At the close of play the Australians in
the threat perception for each of the industrialist who pays ₹16 lakh per their second innings have scored 5 runs for 1
persons was not discussed. month for the security cover provid wicket.
In the past, such deployment of ed to him. Similarly, Members of Par [London, May 17] Weather was brilliant and
central forces for the protection of in liament and leaders with criminal re the pitch in good condition when the match
dividuals was done in Punjab and in cords should be charged a fee for the was resumed at Portsmouth today. The Aus
Jammu and Kashmir, when these re security personnel deployed to pro tralians made 203 for 5 wickets and declared
gions were rocked by unrest. Since tect them. Pellew made 56. The Services were all dis
militants tried to sabotage the pro Having security cover has now be missed for 140. Blount making 50 Gregory
cess of elections, poll candidates come a status symbol and the grow captured 7 wickets for 52. The Australians
were generally targeted. The Central ing clamour by people for personnel thus won by 193 runs.
government, therefore, took blanket to escort them will be curbed to a Gloucester beat Somerset by 11 runs.
decisions to provide security to every large extent if they are made to pay Essex beat Worcester by 132.
candidate till the elections got over. for the security. Middlesex beat Sussex by 153.
Law and order being a State sub Leicester beat Northans by 134.
ject, West Bengal is dutybound to M.P. Nathanael is a retired Inspector-General Laucashire drew with Yorkshire.
protect every citizen of the State, of Police, CRPF (Reuters news agency)
CM A ND-NDE
YK
8 NEWS DELHI

THE HINDU
FROM PAGE ONE

NGOs can open Delhi accounts till June 30 Tarun Tejpal
verdict put off
26 bodies recovered 10 of them have petitioned Delhi High Court seeking a longer extension of 6 months till May 21
from barge off Mumbai Vijaita Singh Ministry seeking an exten will not be able to receive sure smooth transition to the Sonam Saigal
New Delhi sion as their funds were any fresh funds. amended FCRA regime” the Mumbai
Commodore Manoj Jha, tions off the Gujarat coast, The Union Home Ministry blocked due to various admi At least five NGOs moved Central government, under The Mapusa District and
who is overseeing the effort the Navy has diverted INS on Tuesday extended the nistrative lapses on the part the Delhi and Gauhati High section 50 of the FCRA, 2010 Sessions Court in Goa on
for the last two days off the Talwar to join the other deadline for nongovern of the bank and the Ministry. Courts, arguing that even was making an amendment Wednesday adjourned the
Mumbai coast, said, “Opera three naval ships searching mental organisations (NGOs) The SBI, in a press release though they had applied to to allow NGOs to open an ac verdict in the 2013 sexual
tions can be challenging but for the missing crew of to activate accounts with the on May 17, said that “out of open FCRA accounts at the count with the SBI up to June harassment case against
our work is to ensure that Barge P305, off Mumbai. State Bank of India main the total 22,598 active FCRA bank before March 31, admi 30 or earlier. “After that journalist Tarun Tejpal to
we prepare for contingency. According to the Coast branch in Delhi (NDMB), a [Foreign Contribution Regu nistrative delays on the part date, they shall not be eligi May 21 because of a power
We’ve been able to save Guard, Sagar Bhushan, with compulsory requirement to lation Act] associations, of the SBI and the Ministry ble to receive foreign contri outage in the State follow
another 300 lives at sea. 101 personnel onboard, re receive foreign funds, from 17,611 entities (NGOs and As severely restricted their ac bution in any other account ing Cyclone Tauktae.
Two other vessels were in ported the loss of all eight March 31 to June 30. sociations) approached SBI tivities, including providing other than the FCRA account On May 12, the court
distress, they were about to anchors 63 NM North West However, 10 NGOs peti for opening of FCRA COVID19 related relief and opened in the NDMB,” the postponed the ruling to
abandon ship and we as of Mumbai and was adrift tioned the Delhi High Court accounts.” paying urgent salaries of order said. May 19 due to a shortage of
sured them support.” while barge SS3, with 202 the same day, seeking a lon March 31, the accounts could staff. staff following the pandem
The rescue operations personnel on board, was ger extension of six months Bank’s claim not be operated as a form Registration relief ic. Advocate Shrikant Shi
were continuing and naval adrift 58 NM West of the ci and seeking the court’s inter The bank claimed that it had sent by the SBI making the HC directive The MHA has also given a re vade representing Mr. Tej
ships and aircraft were at ty. The Coast Guard has di vention in operationalising opened accounts of 78% of NGO eligible to receive fo Last week, the Delhi High lief up to September 30 to pal told The Hindu, “There
work. “Not only the Navy, verted several ships to join their foreign contribution the applicants. “The rest of reign funds was yet to be Court asked the MHA to con the NGOs whose registration is no electricity due to the
Coast Guard and ONGC the Navy and the ONGC in accounts. the accounts shall also be in authorised by the FCRA divi sider if the deadline can be was expiring between Sep cyclone for two days and
ships are working. It is a the rescue efforts. The Ministry granted the itiated once their pending sion of the Ministry. extended in view of the tember 29, 2020May the hearing is adjourned to
joint operation. Others are extension, a day before the documentation formalities According to the amend pandemic. 31,2021. The NGOs had to ap May 21.”
also helping us,” Commo Ex gratia announced petition is to be heard by the are completed,” it said. ed provisions of the FCRA The Ministry issued an or ply for renewal of certificates Mr. Tejpal is accused of
dore Jha pointed out. Mr. Modi announced an ex court on Thursday. An NGO functionary, ho enacted in September 2020, der on May 18, where it said or registration by May 31, raping his colleague in the
Referring to the relief ef gratia of ₹ 2 lakh for the kin The 10 NGOs are part of a wever, said that even though NGOs were asked to open ac that “keeping in view the exi which has now been extend elevator of a fivestar hotel.
forts under way 1520 NM of those killed due to the cy group of 490 NGOs that had documents were submitted counts with the NDMB by gencies arising out of the CO ed to September 30, the Mi He was arrested on Novem
South East of the Pipavav clone in all affected States. made a representation to the to the bank much before March 31, failing which they VID19 situation and to en nistry said in an order. ber 30, 2013.
Port off the coast of Gujarat, The announcement was
the Navy spokesperson as made after Mr. Modi held a
New storm likely in Bay of Bengal ‘PM-CARES must disclose

serted that Support Station review meeting in Ahmeda
3 and drill ship Sagar Bhush bad with Gujarat Chief Mi
an were now being safely nister Vijay Rupani and top
towed back to Mumbai by
ONGC support vessels.
officials to assess the
damage. details of COVID-19 care’
“Food and water to the Gujarat will get additional Low pressure area Cyclone deaths:
300odd crew members of assistance after an intermi
is likely to form by Plea in SC on lapses in management
these vessels were also pro
vided by the naval helicop
nisterial team, which will vi
sit soon, submits its assess May 22, says IMD ‘ONGC must be Legal Correspondent
ters from Mumbai earlier in
the day,” he stated.
ment, a Press Information
Bureau release said. Jacob Koshy punished’ NEW DELHI
A plea has been filed in the

NEW DELHI
On completion of opera (With inputs from PTI) Supreme Court to direct the
Staff reporter
Though Cyclone Tauktae is Mumbai
Prime Minister’s Citizen As
yet to entirely abate, a new sistance and Relief in Emer
Nawab Malik, Maharashtra
Delhi CM does not speak storm may be in the works,
this time, however, in the
Bay of Bengal. The India Me
Minister, on Wednesday
criticised the ONGC for not
gency Situations Fund (PM
CARES Fund) to disclose the
money it has allocated so far
for India: Jaishankar tereological Department
said in a statement on Wed
paying heed to the warnings
on Cyclone Tauktae.It
should have evacuated all
for COVID19 care.
Activist Saket Gokhale
nesday that a “low pressure said PMCARES should pro
“Singapore and India have was satisfied with “crystal area” — a precursor to a cy the workers from the duce details of its mechan Covid19 pandemic,” Mr.
On safe terrain: Naval personnel aboard INS Kochi help a man barges, he said.
been solid partners in the clear” response from the clonic storm — was likely to from the barge P305 in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday. AFP *
ism to monitor the progress Gokhale pointed out.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
fight against COVID19. Ap Government of India. “In form in the eastern Bay and of the various projects it had “Since its inception, the
preciate Singapore’s role as Singapore, we have Protec the Northern Andaman Sea tures. However, the IMD has push to the monsoon over make landfall in Gujarat in allocated money for. PMCARES Fund has collect
logistics hub and oxygen tion from Online Falsehoods by May 22. “It is very likely to also forecast the arrival of the Andaman Sea. However 130 years, brought signifi ed monetary contributions
supplier. Their gesture of & Manipulation Act (POF gradually intensify into a cy the monsoon over Kerala on it’s early to say what specific cant rain and caused consid ‘Important stakeholder’ from India as well as over
deploying military aircraft MA) to mitigate misinforma clonic storm during the sub May 31 and that is premised trajectory [the nascent cy erable infrastructure dam Mr. Gokhale urged the court seas which includes salary
to help us speaks of our ex tion and we reserve the sequent 72 hours and reach on the monsoon’s arrival ov clone] it will take and how age in several coastal States. to make PMCARES a party contributions by employees
ceptional relationship. Ho right to invoke POFMA relat the Odisha and West Bengal er the South Andaman Sea strong it is likely to become. The current cyclone, were it in its suo motu case on CO and members of several Go
wever, irresponsible com ing to assertions made by coast by May 26,” according by May 21. Only after a few days, when to fully form, will be called VID19 management and vernment of India Ministries
ments from those who the CM of Delhi. However, to the statement. M. Mohapatra, Director there is more confidence, Yaas, a name proposed by lapses. The application said and PSUs,” he said.
should know better can we are satisfied with the Go There are relatively more General, India Meteorologi can we say if it will obstruct Oman. Last May, Cyclone the fund has been, since the The application listed a
damage longstanding part vernment of India's clarifica cyclonic storms in May and cal Department (IMD), told or aid the monsoon onset,” Amphan in the Bay of Bengal first national lockdown, an series of announcements
nerships. So, let me clarify — tion,” Mr. Wong said. November, particularly in The Hindu that the forma he said. ravaged West Bengal as a “important stakeholder in said to be made by the fund,
the Delhi CM does not speak In a rather unusual diplo the Bay of Bengal — coincid tion of a low pressure at this ‘super cyclonic storm’, the the procurement and fund including an allocation on
for India,” said Mr. Jaishan matic gesture, the Ministry ing with the arrival and exit time would be favourable for Significant rain most powerful in the IMD’s ing of essential supplies and May 13 last year of “₹3,000
kar after Singapore sum of External Affairs (MEA) an of the monsoon — than in the the monsoon onset. “This Cyclone Tauktae, the first ex intensity measuring scale. services for the Covid19 crore for COVID19, of which
moned the Indian envoy to nounced that the Indian rest of the year because of strengthens the crossequa tremely severe cyclonic This year, the IMD has fore pandemic”. ₹2,000 crore will be ear
protest Mr. Kejriwal’s re High Commissioner was elevated ocean tempera torial flow and would give a storm in the Arabian Sea to cast a ‘normal monsoon.’ “The PMCARES Fund, marked for the purchase of
marks. summoned by the Singa according to the press re ventilators, ₹1,000 crore for
Mr. Jaishankar’s com pore government on Wed lease announcing its consti care of migrant labourers
‘No patient has died due to oxygen shortage’

ment was appreciated by Si nesday “to convey strong tution, was set up primarily and ₹100 crore to support
mon Wong, High Commis objection to the Delhi CM’s keeping in mind the current vaccine development”.
sioner of Singapore, who tweet on the ‘Singapore var
maintained that Singapore iant’.
of oxygen.” tents, there are cancer pa tilators have been received.
Send Stan Swamy for
Mumbai The court said it would tients and those with heart,
No patient has died because hold nodal officers responsi liver, kidney ailments who Helplines appreciated
CPI(M) finalises of oxygen shortage, the Mah
arashtra government told
ble if they failed to supply ox
ygen. If such a situation
may need oxygen and they
too should be provided for,
The High Court appreciated
the work done by authorities checkup: Bombay HC
portfolios in Kerala the Aurangabad Bench of the
Bombay High Court on
Wednesday.
arose, nodal officers would
be held liable for action, the
court remarked.
the court noted.
The Bench has been con
tinuously hearing a bunch of
on the efforts to publicise
the helpline numbers for
ambulances and the arran
Special correspondent
Mumbai
mittee must consist of one
neurophysician, ear, nose
An LDF member said the CPI(M) State secretariat A Division Bench of Justic suo motu public interest liti gements made for the vehi The Bombay High Court on and throat specialist, gener
next government would members K.N. Balagopal es Ravindra Ghuge and B.U. ‘Create buffer stock’ gations on the shortage of cles to reach rural areas so Wednesday directed the su al surgeon, general physi
have a Scheduled Caste/ and P. Rajeev for Finance Debadwar said COVID19 pa The court directed the medicines, oxygen, ventila that the poorest of poor are perintendent of the Taloja cian and any other doctor
Scheduled Tribe communi and Industries and Law, res tients are coming to hospi Centre in collaboration with tors and beds due to the on attended to. central jail to take Father required to examine him.
ty member as Devaswom pectively. tals in a critical condition the State to prepare a buffer going pandemic. In the last hearing, the Stan Swamy to JJ Hospital A division Bench of justic
Minister, after a hiatus of 40 An LDF source said Roshy and the demand for oxygen stock of oxygen. The loca The court said that it had Bench had ordered that no for a checkup on Thursday. es S.J. Kathawalla and S.P.
years. He said M.K. Krish Augustine of the Kerala Con has grown multiple times. tion of emergency stock come to its notice that venti politician, Minister or peo It also directed the Dean of Tavade said if the jail has the
nan of the CPI(M) had last gress (M) could get the Wa Advocate Rahul Chitnis, should be decentralised so it lators from some suppliers ple’s representative should the hospital to form a com facility of video conferenc
held the post in 1981. By ter Resources Ministry. At appearing for the State, said, is made available immediate were of inferior quality. It hold public functions till the mittee to examine him and ing, a virtual meeting shall
most accounts, the CPI(M) the same time, Nationalist “No patient in the State has ly, the court suggested. asked the State to apprise lockdown restrictions are submit a report on May 21. be arranged to produce him
had chosen the party’s Cen Congress Party leader A.K. died only for the nonsupply Other than COVID19 pa the court on how many ven eased. The court said the com before the court on May 21.
tral Committee member K. Saseendran has purportedly
Radhakrishnan for the post. settled for the Forest depart
The former Speaker may al
so hold the Parliamentary
Affairs portfolio.
ment portfolio.
The other names doing
the rounds are V.N. Vasavan
Webinar on challenges CBI books
IFFCO chief,
DD International to 6 UNESCO
heritage sites
CPI(M) members men
tioned central committee
(Cooperation and Registra
tion), Saji Cherian (Fisheries for entrepreneurship exIPL MD present ‘India story’ added in India
member M.V. Govindan as and Culture) and V. Abdu
potential Minister for Excise
and Local Bodies. The party
Rahman (Minority Welfare
and NonResident Keralite
in the new normal SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
It plans to build a global presence Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI NEW DELHI
had purportedly earmarked Affairs).
Part of SRM Virtual Conclave 2021 The CBI has booked the Special Correspondent Six sites, including the
managing director and New Delhi Ganga ghats in Varanasi,
Staff Reporter
BJP MP accuses Sunni Waqf CHENNAI
SRM Institute of Science and

chief executive officer of
Indian Farmers Fertiliser
Cooperative Limited (IFF
State broadcaster Doordar
shan is planning to set up a
new channel DD Interna
temples of Kancheepuram
and the Satpura Tiger Re
serve in Madhya Pradesh,
Board of grabbing land Technology (SRMIST) in as
sociation with The Hindu
CO), then managing direc
tor of Indian Potash Limit
tional to “project India’s
point of view” to the world.
have been added to India’s
tentative list of UNESCO
Group will host a webinar ed (IPL) and eight others, Doordarshan floated an world heritage sites, Cul
Press Trust of India struction was illegal and be on ‘Challenges for Entrepre including their sons, for al Expression of Interest (EOI) ture Minister Prahlad Singh
Lucknow ing demolished on court neurship in the New Nor leged import of fertilizers seeking applications for Doordarshan floated an EOI Patel said on Wednesday.
BJP’s Barabanki MP Upen orders. mal’ on May 22 at 5 p.m. part of the webinar. The dis and raw materials at highly consultancy service to pro seeking applications for Mr. Patel said six of the
dra Rawat wrote to Uttar “I request the Chief Mi The webinar is a part of cussion will be moderated inflated rates. vide a detailed project re consultancy services. nine sites submitted by the
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi nister to probe the illegal the 15part SRM Virtual Con by Yashasvini Rajeshwar, “Searches have been port for establishing the Archaeological Survey of
Adityanath on Wednesday, grabbing of land by the Sun clave for Career Guidance Founder and CEO of Auxo conducted on the premises channel. global and domestic India had been accepted by
supporting the demolition ni Waqf Board and take 2021 series that spotlights Hub. of the accused persons at As per the EOI document, significance. UNESCO for inclusion in
of a mosque in the district strict action against those science, engineering and To register for the FREE 12 locations in Delhi, Guru the idea is to “build a global Officials said it was felt the tentative list, which is a
and accusing the Sunni found guilty,” Mr. Rawat technology courses and webinar, visit http://bit.ly/ gram, Mumbai and other presence for Doordarshan that India’s perspective was requirement before the fi
Waqf Board of grabbing go wrote. Speaking to PTI, he their relevance to the 2020s SRMTHE8 or scan the QR places,” said a CBI official. and to establish an interna getting lost in the noise. The nal nomination of any site.
vernment land. questioned the Waqf Board workplace. Code. The main accused in the tional voice for India”. EOI also mentions that the The recentlyincluded
“The Waqf Board has stand that if the mosque was Hari Krishnan Nair, co case are U.S. Awasthi, the channel will specifically tell proposals are the Maratha
grabbed government land in 100yearold, why was it re founder at Great Learning; current managing director International criticism “the India story to a global military architecture in
the name of mosques and gistered in 2018. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Exec and CEO of IFFCO, and Pra This comes against the back audience”. Doordarshan’s Maharashtra, the Hire Ben
got them registered illegal Waqf Board chairman Zu utive VicePresident at AI vinder Singh Gahlaut, then drop of growing criticism in global outreach is primarily gal megalithic site in Karna
ly,” Mr. Rawat said, demand fur Farooqui, meanwhile, SECT Group; and Dr. managing director of IPL. the international media through bilateral distribu taka and BhedaghatLame
ing a probe in the matter. said the board was ready for Ananth Kumar, Assistant The agency has regis about the Narendra Modi tion arrangement with se taghat of Narmada Valley
The Barabanki adminis any probe in this matter. Professor (Management) tered the case based on the government’'s handling of lect broadcasters in other in Madhya Pradesh. The six
tration had on Monday Asked about the Ram Sanehi and Executive Secretary references from the Chem the pandemic. The EOI says countries apart from live proposals were included in
night pulled down the mos Ghat mosque, he said it was (CET) VicePresident at SRM icals and Fertilizers Minis the channel will present In streaming through Prasar the list on April 13, accord
que in the Ram Sanehi Ghat registered in 1968 as a reli Innovation and Incubation try, Department of dia’s point of view on con Bharati’s global digital plat ing to the UNESCO World
tehsil, claiming that the con gious place. Center (SIIC) will speak as a Fertilisers. temporary issues of both form. Heritage Centre.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
NEWS 9
Plea in SC for
President’s Narada hearing inconclusive, AAP blows hot and cold
Rule in Bengal
Legal Correspondent
NEW DELHI
four leaders remain in custody about its political course Opposition members unsure of its stand on various issues
A lawyer has asked the Su Police file case against the CBI; agency files plea to move matter out of Bengal
preme Court to “direct” Sobhana K. Nair
the Centre to advise Presi Shiv Sahay Singh ing the four leaders arrested
dent’s Rule in West Bengal Kolkata by the CBI and SolicitorGen On Monday, the Aam Aadmi
on the ground of failure of The hearing at the Calcutta eral Tushar Mehta appearing Party’s official Twitter ac
the constitutional machin High Court in connection for the agency. count listed out the Muslim
ery, following reports with the Narada case re Mr. Singhvi raised ques majority countries to which
about postpoll murders of mained inconclusive on tions on the manner in Indianmade vaccines had
BJP workers and wanton Wednesday and will conti which the stay order on the been sent by the Narendra
destruction of property al nue on Thursday. bail was granted to the four Modi government as part of
legedly by ruling Trina The development implies accused, stating that no the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ pro
mool Congress “goons”. that the four heavyweight court could give an order gramme. Pakistan was top
Advocate Ghanshyam political leaders — Ministers cancelling bail without not on the list, and the party Not taking a stand: The AAP confronts the BJP on some
Upadhyay said the apex Subrata Mukherjee and Fir ice to the accused. On Mon said Mr. Modi sought votes issues, but does not question it on Hindutva . PTI *
court should “direct/re had Hakim, MLA Madan Mi On duty: Police personnel at the High Court premises during day, a special court had from Indians but sent vac
quest” the West Bengal Go tra and former Minister So the hearing of the Narada case in Kolkata on Wednesday. PTI * granted bail to the accused, cines abroad. acted against BJP leaders ac Capital Territory of Delhi
vernor to give a detailed re van Chatterjee — who were which was stayed by the Two hours later, seeing cused in the same case. (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
port on the “law and order arrested by the Central Bu The case was filed at the Ga the case out of West Bengal High Court. the adverse reaction, an ad Since last December, The AAP was among the
situation in the State of reau of Investigation (CBI) on riahat police station in the ci and also made Chief Minister Acting Chief Justice raised ditional list of countries was there has been at least three parties that supported the
West Bengal and failure of Monday, will have to the ty for violation of the restric Mamata Banerjee, Law Mi questions about the pre posted. Pakistan is not joint Opposition statements government on August 5,
constitutional machinery spend Wednesday night in tions imposed during the nister Moloy Ghatak and Tri sence of Chief Minister Ma among the 95 countries list on farmers’ agitation and 2019, when Parliament
in the State”. judicial custody. pandemic while arresting namool Congress MP Kalyan mata Banerjee for six hours ed on the Ministry of Exter the mismanagement of the passed the J&K Reorganisa
The petition also urged Three of the four arrested, one of the accused. The CBI, Banerjee party to the case. at the CBI office. In res nal Affairs website that re pandemic by the govern tion Bill, while the Congress,
the apex court to direct the except Minister Firhad Ha along with personnel from The hearing in the Calcut ponse, Mr. Singhvi said it ceived the vaccines. ment. The AAP was not a sig the Left, the Dravida Munne
West Bengal government to kim, were admitted to the the Central forces, had ta High Court before a Divi was a “Gandhian protest”. Pakistan got the vaccines natory to any of these. tra Kazhagam (DMK) and the
immediately transfer the Staterun SSKM Hospital. picked up all the accused on sion Bench of Acting Chief Mr. Mehta said the develop through COVAX — an initia A section of the Opposi Samajwadi Party (SP),
“killing” of 16 “perceived” In another development, Monday morning from their Justice Rajesh Bindal and Jus ments outside the CBI office tive aimed at equitable ac tion holds the Congress pri among other Opposition
BJP workers to a Special In the Kolkata police filed a respective residences. tice Arijit Banerjee conti on Monday were attempts to cess to COVID19 vaccines. marily responsible for keep parties, staunchly opposed
vestigation Team (SIT) for case against CBI personnel The CBI on Wednesday al nued for over two hours, “frustrate justice”. AAP national spokesper ing the AAP out. it. In the morning, the AAP,
an investigation monitored under Section 51(B) of the so filed a transfer petition to with senior counsel Abhish The case will come up for son Raghav Chaddha was “The Congress is allergic which has three members in
by the Supreme Court. Disaster Management Act. move the matter involving ek Manu Singhvi represent hearing on Thursday . sent a set of questions, in towards the AAP,” an Oppo the Upper House, trooped
cluding on the reasons for inside the well with the rest
the said tweet, but there has NEWS ANALYSIS of the Opposition protesting
Shift Babu
to private
Centre raises subsidy on DAP ‘Should have
aligned with
been no reply.
But the message had al
ready been sent out — the in sition leader said. Sources
against the legislation. But
within a few hours, they did
a somersault. Party conve
sinuation that the Modi go said on the issue of the pan nor and Delhi Chief Minister
hospital: HC fertilizers; no hike for farmers Trinamool’ vernment was too friendly
towards Muslim countries.
The AAP has taken a leaf out
demic, the AAP was ap
proached, but it was reluc
tant to participate.
Arvind Kejriwal tweeted,
“We support the govern
ment on its decisions on
Staff reporter Press Trust of India of the BJP’s book on Pakis It is unclear whether it is J&K.”
Mumbai Move follows a review meeting on fertilizer prices by PM Bengaluru tan. Linking Pakistan to Op the AAP’s reluctance or the The AAP voted in favour
The Bombay High Court on Senior Congress leader M. position politics is a familiar Congress’s reservation that of the government.
Wednesday directed the Special Correspondent ₹2,400, the government Veerappa Moily on Wed trope of BJP politics, but the is keeping the AAP from be Congress general secre
shifting of Hany Babu, ac NEW DELHI said. With the existing subsi nesday said his party AAP has been trying to use it ing a signatory to these joint tary Ajay Maken, who has
cused in the Bhima Kore The Central government has dy, the price would have to should have struck an al against it. letters, but what is clear is faced the AAP in Delhi, said
gaon caste violence case, enhanced the subsidy on di be pegged at ₹1,900 per bag, liance with Mamata Baner Arvind Kejriwal had cha the reluctance of the AAP to the AAP led by Mr. Kejriwal
to the Breach Candy Hospi ammonium phosphate, or but it has been retained at jee’s Trinamool Congress racterised the Citizenship question the BJP on Hindut did not have any ideology —
tal for treatment of his un DAP fertilizers, in order to ₹1,200 per bag. in the West Bengal elec (Amendment) Act as a mea va issues. political or otherwise. “We
diagnosed eye infection af retain the selling price for In April, India’s largest tion, even as he expressed sure to help Pakistanis at the On Monday, when the rest have seen them swing from
ter his family agreed to foot farmers at the current level fertilizer producer, IFFCO, anguish over “ad hocism” cost of Indians. of the Opposition was criti extreme political left to ex
the bill. of ₹1,200 per bag, following had announced a 58.33% in the grand old outfit. cising the “highhanded treme right. Having started
The direction came after a review meeting on fertiliz hike in DAP prices, but later The former Union Minis Selective issues ness” of the Narendra Modi as crusaders against corrup
doctors at the GT Hospital, er prices chaired by Prime said farmers would continue ter also sought action The AAP, while confronting government for the CBI ac tion, over the years, there
where Mr. Babu was admit Minister Narendra Modi on Farmers harvesting wheat to get old stocks at existing against West Bengal Pra the BJP on selective issues, tion against Trinamool lead are numerous examples of
ted on testing positive for Wednesday. crop in a field in Jammu prices and the hiked prices desh Congress Committee has also chosen to remain ers in the Narada case, the the AAP shielding the cor
COVID19, said they did not The move, which entails earlier this month. PTI *
were “only tentative”. President Adhir Ranjan aloof from other Opposition AAP was silent. Mr. Kejriwal rupt,” he said.
have an MRI machine to raising the subsidy from “The PM stressed that Chowdhury for the poll de parties on issues that they did not make any public “Several questions have
test the ophthalmic artery. ₹500 per bag to ₹1,200 per ment said. While interna farmers should get fertilizers bacle in the State, describ jointly raised. There was no comment. been raised about the ideo
A Division Bench was bag of DAP, will raise India’s tional prices of phosphoric at old rates despite the inter ing him as a “weak leader”. word from it on the arrest of In March, the entire Op logical and political position
hearing a plea filed by Jen annual fertilizer subsidy bill acid and ammonia used for national rise in prices,” the Mr. Moily cited the Trinamool Congress Minis position had rallied behind of the AAP; it is for the AAP
ny Rowena, wife of Mr. Ba of about ₹80,000 crore by producing DAP have gone official statement said, call wrong selection of an al ters in a corruption case by the AAP against the Modi go to clarify where it stands,”
bu, urging the court to ₹14,775 crore as subsidy in up by 60%70%, the actual ing this an unprecedented liance for the “wipeout” in the Central Bureau of Inves vernment for bringing in the CPI general secretary D. Raja
grant him medical bail. the Kharif season, a state price of a DAP bag is now subsidy hike. the State. tigation (CBI), which has not Government of National said.
‘BJP raising fake toolkit Gadkari wins Uddhav praise on COVID fight Class 12 exams
necessary, says
issue to divert attention’ teacher in SC
Minister had to take back his word on licensing domestic vaccine manufacturers to produce vaccines
Trying to divert from its failures: Cong. Nistula Hebbar this crucial time, it will be in company source raw mate Legal Correspondent
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT document that called for NEW DELHI strumental in saving pre rials for the same. The first NEW DELHI
NEW DELHI “destroying the Prime Mi The BJP and the Opposition cious lives. On behalf of the batch of injections are sup A Keralabased Mathemat
The Congress on Wednes nister’s image”. parties and the Centre and citizens of the state, I hearti posed to be out in 10 days ics teacher has opposed in
day accused the BJP of try “The apparent forgery various State governments ly thank him for his swift ac time. the Supreme Court a peti
ing to raise a “fake toolkit” and its use to divert agenda may be at daggers drawn tion.” Close aides of Mr. Gadkari tion filed by an advocate to
issue to divert attention and agenda setting has been with regard to the handling This was appreciated by said the local administration cancel the Class 12 exami
from the “failures” of the exposed. I understand that of the pandemic, but Roads Maharashtra Chief Minister has been cooperative with nations due to COVID19.
Narendra Modi government Dr. Sambit Patra will have to and Highways Minister Nitin Uddhav Thackeray, too. As regard to his initiatives to in Idukki resident Tony Jo
in handling the second wave go to jail and he is jittery be Gadkari has managed to find Nagpur scrambled around crease capacities in Nagpur, seph, who teaches Mathe
of COVID19. It claimed that cause of that... And this me synergy with the Maharash for medical resources like whether for hospital beds, matics for Class 12, said stu
the basic data of a docu tadata nonsense that he is tra Vikas Aghadi (MVA)led the rest of the country, State Remdisivir injections and dents had been preparing
ment related to the Central doing, we clearly said yes government in Maharashtra. administration and officials now Amphotericin B. “It is for the examinations since
Vista project was “forged” terday that the Central Vista realised that Mr. Gadkari an unusual occurrence that December. Instead of can
as the Congress toolkit on document is our docu NEWS ANALYSIS could be the leverage they we are getting the same cellation, the Central
COVID19. ment,” Mr. Surjewala said, Taking samples: A health worker collecting samples for needed at the national level. cooperation as the ruling al Board of Secondary Educa
Addressing an online adding that the metadata of Mr. Gadkari has been testing in Nagpur on Wednesday. PTI * liance MLAs,” said a source. tion (CBSE) and the Coun
press conference, Randeep a real document cannot be proactive in Nagpur, home New scourge This could also be because cil for the Indian School
Surjewala, the party’s chief used to justify a forged of his Lok Sabha constituen VID19 vaccines to boost sup secured 300 ventilators for So it was that as a new the other big leader in Vi Certificate Examinations
spokesperson, rubbished document. cy and one that was the site ply in India without realising Maharashtra. scourge, black fungus, or darbha and an MLA from should either postpone or
BJP spokesperson Sambit On Tuesday, the Congress of a major upsurge in CO that it had in fact been done Mr. Gadkari said in a Mucormycosis, hit COVID19 Nagpur is former Chief Mi hold it online. Mr. Joseph,
Patra’s claim that metadata party had filed an email VID19 cases in the massive by the Government of India, tweet: “I had called the Chief patients, the injection re nister Devendra Fadnavis, represented by advocate
— data containing basic in complaint with the Delhi second wave that has hit In his point was well taken. Minister of Andhra Pradesh quired to treat it, Amphoter who has been scathing in his Jose Abraham, said the se
formation such as author, police naming BJP president dia. Whatever the reason, While State governments and requested him to pro icin B, has been in very short criticism of the MVA govern cond wave was already on
creation date, file size — had J.P. Nadda, Union Minister Mr. Gadkari’s interventions scrambled for oxygen as cas vide support to Maharashtra supply. Mr. Gadkari got the ment’s handling of the CO a downward curve. “The
clearly proven that a person Smriti Irani, Mr. Patra and have been well received. es and demand for the med which is facing a grim situa State drug authority clea VID19 crisis. Class 12 exam is careerde
working in the All India Con party organising secretary While he has had to clarify ical oxygen went up, Mr. tion due to COVID19. Acting rance for Genetic Life Amid the politics sur fining... Admission to high
gress Committee (AICC) Re B.L. Santish for sharing “a that he advocated licensing Gadkari’s emergency call to swiftly on the request, the Sciences, a Wardhabased rounding the handling of the er education institutions
search Department was be forged and fake document” domestic vaccine manufac Andhra Pradesh Chief Minis AP government sent 300 company, to produce the in pandemic, the Nagpur mo hinges on the result of this
hind the controversial on social media platforms. turers to produce antiCO ter Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy ventilators to the state. At jection, and also helped the del has stood out. exam,” Mr. Joseph argued.
2,67,115 fresh COVID-19

cases, 3,666 deaths
Special Correspondent and Nicobar Islands and
CHENNAI Lakshadweep. The data are
India recorded 2,67,115 new sourced from the respective
COVID19 cases and 3,666 States’ health bulletins.
new deaths till 9.30 p.m. on As many as 20,08,296
Wednesday. The country samples were tested on
has reported 2,57,62,461 Tuesday (the results for
cases and 2,86,946 deaths. which were made available
Tamil Nadu reported on Wednesday), which is
34,875 new infections, fol around 1.39 lakh more tests
lowed by Karnataka (34,281) than on Monday. India’s av
and Maharashtra (34,031). erage daily test positivity
Maharashtra recorded 594 rate (positive cases identi
new casualties on the day, fied for every 100 tests) con
followed by Karnataka (468) tinues to decline. It was
and Tamil Nadu (365). 22.7% on May 9 and reduced
The figures do not in to 16.9% as on May 19. Only
clude cases and deaths from 13.12 lakh vaccine doses
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, were administered in the 24
Tripura, Arunachal Pra hours ending 7 a.m. on
desh, Ladakh, Andaman Wednesday.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
10 NEWS DELHI

THE HINDU
IN BRIEF
U.P. govt. to focus on We will allow
doorstep jabs:
Vaccination drive in J&K
sluggish despite protests
Conspiracy
behind NRC
Bombay HC
testing in rural areas Special Correspondent
Mumbai
There is a severe shortage of doses
Peerzada Ashiq According to the Health
reverification
plea: AIUDF
Health Minister flags 20 lakh medicine The Bombay High Court on Srinagar department, the UT re SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Wednesday told the Bri The pace of COVID19 vacci ceived a fresh consignment
spike in smaller States kits distributed hanmumbai Municipal nation drive remained slug of Covishield vaccine on
GUWAHATI
A key member of the Con
NEW DELHI
Smaller States are showing in three days Corporation that if the gish in J&K on Wednesday, Tuesday. Contrary to the gressled Opposition
an upward trend in new Centre did not permit even as the Union Territory claims, the inoculation pace grand alliance in Assam
COVID19 cases and there is a Omar Rashid doortodoor vaccination, administration had pro of less than 10,000 persons has sniffed a conspiracy
need to be cautious about Lucknow the court would grant the mised to resume it on “a war is on the lower side in J&K behind the move for the
this, said Health Minister The focus of the Uttar Pra civic body permission to footing” from May 19 follow that saw as many as 50,000 reverification of the Na
Harsh Vardhan on desh government is on test do so. ing severe shortage for over doses administered per day tional Register of Citizens
Wednesday. He was ing for fresh COVID19 cases A Division Bench of a week in the hospitals, es in April. (NRC).
interacting with Health in rural areas of the State to Chief Justice Dipankar Dat pecially in the Kashmir Kashmir Divisional Com The All India United De
Ministers and Principal arrest the spread of the virus ta and Justice G.S. Kulkarni valley. missioner Pandurang K. mocratic Front (AIUDF)
Secretaries/ Additional Chief in the villages, said Amit Mo was hearing a public inter According to the official Pole had said that the go has also slammed State
Secretaries of West Bengal han Prasad, Additional Chief est litigation petition filed data, a total of 7,611 doses vernment has placed an or NRC Coordinator Hitesh
and the eight States of the Secretary, Health. by two citybased lawyers were administered to eligi der of 1.2 crore doses. “Ef Dev Sarma for exceeding
northeastern region. He said The State government for vaccination at home for ble persons above the age of forts are being made to get his authority in filing an in
the government aimed to tested 2.99 lakh samples in those above 75, bedridden 45 years in the entire UT. the remaining population in terlocutory application in
provide COVID19 vaccines to the last 24 hours, its highest or wheelchairbound. “Out of these, 7,055 were ad the 45 above age group vac the Supreme Court seek
all adults by end of the year.
singleday figure. The Chief Justice asked ministered in the Jammu di cinated in the coming days,” ing “complete, compre
Mr. Prasad stated that the counsel appearing for the vision and 556 in the Kash Mr. Pole added. hensive and timebound
Transgender community recovery rate in the State BMC, “We are only trying mir division,” the officials The UT administration is reverification” of the NRC.
to get financial aid had gone up to 91.4% while to understand what is the said. under fire from the political “How can a State go
NEW DELHI the active cases had been re reason behind not having parties as well as locals for vernment officer file an
The Social Justice Ministry duced to 1.23 lakh. while, said that it was carry vered 16 bodies floating in doortodoor vaccination? No jabs given failing to ramp up the vacci application when the Su
would give transgender About 20 lakh medicine ing out 24hour patrols of the river in Ghazipur, 11 in We will grant you permis In summer capital Srinagar nation drive. There are preme Court had rejected
persons a onetime financial kits had been distributed the rivers to prevent people Ballia, eight in Chandauli, se sion. Do not wait for the 252 jabs were given, while growing protests from the similar review petitions of
assistance of ₹1,500 at a time across districts in the last from disposing bodies in ven in Varanasi and one Centre’s permission and go not even a single person was locals. “I am a longterm dia the Central and State go
that livelihoods have been three days, he said. them. each in Kanpur and to the aid of elderly,” the inoculated in winter capital betic and hypertensive pa vernments in 2019,” AI
affected due to the COVID19 The U.P. police, mean So far, police have reco Hamirpur. court said. Jammu. The official figures tient. I am waiting for my se UDF general secretary Md.
pandemic, Department of show that Kashmir divi cond dose. I am visiting the Aminul Islam told journal
Social Justice secretary R. sion’s Kulgam, Pulwama, Hazratbal health centre for ists on Tuesday.
Subrahmanyam said on
Wednesday. Social Justice
Minister Thawarchand Gehlot
added in a tweet that the
U.P. counters claim on teachers’ deaths Kupwara and Bandipora dis
tricts too failed to inoculate
any eligible person on
10 days now,” said Nazir
Khan, 78, of Kanitar.
National Conference
“We want to know the
reason behind the latest
move, whether or not the
“immediate subsistence
Wednesday. leader and Member of Par Centre and the Assam go
assistance” to trans persons Union said 1,621 Satya Prakash, Underse
cretary of the Basic Educa
union earlier this week re
leased a list of 1,621 teachers
awaited, the SEC told the
court on May 7.
The sluggish vaccination liament from Anantnag vernments were aware of
comes a day after the UT ad Hassnain Masoodi also ex ,” Mr. Islam said.
would be given through
direct benefit transfer, for
who were on tion Department, Uttar Pra and staff of the Basic Educa Reacting to the claim of ministration promised to pressed concern over the He also found a flaw in
which beneficiaries can polling duty died desh, said on Tuesday that
so far District Magistrates
tion Department who alleg
edly died of COVID19 after
only three deaths, Dinesh
Chandra Sharma, president
start the vaccination drive unavailability of the doses. Mr. Sarma’s claim that the
register with the National on “a war footing” from “The Anantnag district ad published citizens’ list was
Institute of Social Defence. Omar Rashid had provided the State Elec being assigned duty in the of the Uttar Pradesh Prath Wednesday as it drew flak ministration needs to en a “draft” NRC.
Lucknow tion Commission a list of on panchayat polls and control mik Shikshak Sangh, said the from the political parties sure adequate supply,” he “How can he say that
233 Assam prisoners test The Uttar Pradesh govern ly three confirmed deaths of rooms for the pandemic. government statement was and locals for acute added. when the Supreme Court,
positive for COVID19 ment has said that only three teachers. The SEC recently in “insensitive, irresponsible shortage. J&K main regional par the Registrar General of
GUWAHATI teachers died of COVID19 The State government’s formed the Allahabad High and far from reality”. The Jammu division has ties, including the NC, the India and the Union Home
The sudden detection of while on duty during the re statement stands in stark Court that 77 polling officers “We won’t let them kill managed to inoculate Peoples Democratic Party, Ministry have already
COVID19 infections among cently concluded panchayat contrast to the claim made and agents in 28 districts had the rights of the children of 87.84% of the population the Peoples Conference and made it clear that the NRC
105 inmates of the Dibrugarh poll, dismissing the figure of by the Uttar Pradesh Prath died while on duty as polling the teachers who died. We above 45 years compared to the J&K Apni Party, have al published in August 2019
and Sivasagar jails in eastern over 1,600 deaths claimed mik Shikshak Sangh, a union in the panchayat polls. Data will fight for their families at 61.20% in the Kashmir so demanded speeding up is the final document,” he
Assam has taken the current by teacher unions. for primary teachers. The from other districts was all levels,” he said. division. the process of vaccination. said.
positive count among
prisoners to 233. Officials said
there were 128 cases across
16 of Assam’s 31 jails till May
17, including six facilities that
Mumbai gets three bids Rajasthan govt. declares NHRC flags lack of cover
also serve as detention
for supply of Sputnik V for doctors on contract
centres for declared
foreigners. “But 54 prisoners
in Dibrugarh Central Jail and
51 in the Sivasagar jail tested It hopes to procure other vaccines too
mucormycosis an epidemic It asks Centre, Delhi govt. to respond
positive over the past couple
of days, after some 400 of
Sonam Saigal State has more than 100 black fungus disease patients Special Correspondent ish Chandra Hospital, Delhi,
them were tested,” Inspector
Mumbai New Delhi who was admitted to the
General of Prisons Barnali The Brihanmumbai Munici Special Correspondent The National Human Rights ICU of Medanta Hospital in
Sarma told The Hindu. pal Corporation (BMC) has JAIPUR Commission (NHRC) on Gurugram for COVID19
received three bids for three Amid the increasing instanc Wednesday asked the Union treatment. The NHRC said
Rajasthan MLA dies of crore doses of the Russian es of mucormycosis or black Health Ministry and the Del the complainant in the mat
COVID19 infection vaccine for COVID19, Sput fungus, which is primarily hi government to “consider ter said Dr. Gupta could not
JAIPUR nik V, civic body Commis affecting people recovering providing adequate medical get a bed in the hospital he
Gautam Lal Meena, Bharatiya sioner Iqbal Singh Chahal from COVID19, the Rajas care and financial protec worked at and did not get
Janata Party MLA from said. than government on Wed tion” to contractual medical any financial support from
Dhariawad in Rajasthan's Talking to The Hindu, Mr. The Brihanmumbai nesday declared it an epi and paramedical staff en the government on the
Pratapgarh district, died of Chahal said, “We got three Municipal Corporation had demic and a notifiable gaged in COVID19 care. grounds that he was en
COVID19 infection on proposals on Tuesday, but invited bids on May 12. disease. It will be mandatory The NHRC issued notices gaged on contract.
Wednesday. He was admitted we still extended the date till for the health facilities to re to the Health and Family
to Maharana Bhupal May 25. Now we have three crore COVID19 vaccine dos port every case of the dis Welfare Secretary and the Serious issue
Government Hospital in bids of one crore Sputnik V es, which was extended till ease in the State. Chief Secretary of Delhi ask “The Commission has ob
Udaipur on May 16 and was doses each.” May 18. The State has at present ing them to submit reports served that it is a serious is
put on ventilator support
This comes a day after the One of the conditions in more than 100 black fungus within two weeks, an NHRC sue if the contractual doc
when his condition
BMC received three incom the bid said, “Companies patients, for whom a special statement said. The NHRC tors/resident doctors and
deteriorated rapidly over the
plete proposals from three sharing land borders with ward has been established at On watch: Once a disease is declared notifiable, it is said the governments paramedical staff of the Del
last two days. Mr. Meena, 55,
was elected an MLA thrice
firms. The first dose of Sput India will not be admitted the Sawai Man Singh Go mandatory for hospitals to report every case. G. RAMAKRISHNA * should consider getting hi government and other
from Dhariawad in 2003, nik V was given in Hydera and the firm will have to vernment Hospital here. medical insurance for the Central government hospi
2013 and 2018. He was earlier bad last week and around provide its own storage More of these cases are be coordinated” treatment liquid medical oxygen cylin contractual healthcare tals are not getting life care
the Pradhan of Dhariawad three lakh doses are be space and equipment if it re ing reported from Jaipur, along with the treatment for ders or oxygen concentra workers so they can get medical facilities when they
Panchayat Samiti. He was lieved to be delivered in In quires anything different Jodhpur, Sirohi and Kota COVID19. The notification tors. The State government treatment in private hospi fall ill during their service to
actively looking after the dia. The price of one dose of from what is available.” districts. was issued under the Rajas has also given instructions for tals. save lives of the people dur
arrangements for treatment Sputnik V has been fixed at Apart from Sputnik V, the Principal Health Secre than Epidemic Act, 2020. procurement of oxygen con The NHRC also asked ing such a pandemic situa
of patients during the ₹995. municipal corporation is tary Akhil Arora said the de Mucormycosis appears as centrators of good quality them to provide financial tion. Presently, the country
pandemic in his tribal On May 12, the BMC is trying to get Moderna, Pfiz claration of mucormycosis a side effect among CO and ensure strict compliance support to Dr. Amit Gupta, a is already facing huge crisis
dominated constituency and sued an expression of inter er, and Johnson and John as an epidemic would en VID19 patients who are put with safety measures while senior resident in paedia of medical facilities and los
extending relief to the poor. est for purchase of one son. sure its “integrated and on oxygen support through using them. trics at Satyavadi Raja Har ing lives too,” it said.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Display keystrokes of genius.

SCAN TO PLAY SUDOKU FAITH
+ 13252 Type your answers into our online grids:
@ https://qrgo.page.link/jjpTn Lord Krishna’s leela
(set by Lightning)
16 In a separate place like below (7) Devaki was the daughter of Devaka. Devaka was the younger
19 Wear pants again to compensate? (7) brother of King Ugrasena, and Kamsa was the son of the lat
21 Compel guard leaving Vatican City church (6) ter. Kamsa was very fond of his cousin Devaki, and when De
23 Let loose panther on monument in Greece (9)
vaki married Vasudeva, Kamsa decided to drive them in the
royal chariot to their palace. But as the chariot was on the
25 One learning it could dilate (5)
way to Vasudeva’s palace, a voice was heard that warned
26 It illuminates honorable man joining institute in America (6) that the eighth child of Devaki would kill Kamsa.
27 Rebellion in state growing (8) Why did the Lord arrange for such an announcement to
28 Mislead the Spanish chap to go around (6) be made? When He took the Rama avatara, Ravana had no
29 Are gents revolting to separate? (8) warning of what was in store for him, although poet Kalidasa
gives a hint. Kalidasa says that the moment Rama was born
■ DOWN in Ayodhya, Ravana’s crown dropped from his head. But
1 Apostle (saint) dwindles away (6) even Kalidasa says nothing of any explicit warning to Rava
2 This action could result in a draw (9) na. The Krishna avatara was exceptional in this sense, said
3 One agreement is perfect (5) V.S. Karunakarachariar, in a discourse. Even before Krishna
4 Can’t a research showcase a star? (7) was born, what He was going to do was spoken about. Was
this not a leela of Krishna? To be killed suddenly is far prefer
6 Announce new reduction (9)
able to knowing that danger awaits, but not knowing when it
7 Segment of globe lifted with daggers (5)
will strike. Kamsa had to undergo the torment of not know
8 Music perhaps — one’s attempt with skill and imagination (8) Solution to puzzle 13251 Solution to yesterday’s Sudoku ing when and how Krishna was going to kill him. Krishna
11 It shines in American city for the most part (4) wanted to show the world that he who rejected Him and hat
15 Ground dry enough for racer (9) ed Him would suffer the agony of Kamsa. Killing Kamsa was
■ ACROSS 17 Last month, on extended play, one disrupting century with guile (9) no big deal for Krishna, for Kamsa was not such a great op
1 Biased aspirant at fault (8) 18 Suggested to poke around cause (8)
ponent. Ravana was the recipient of many boons. Hiranya
5 I am returning to gobble top third of snack with drink (6) kashipu was mighty, and Madhu and Kaitabha were all
20 Croon without fluctuation (4)
9 Mockery aside, left to go to dirty place (8) strong. And the Lord had destroyed them all. Comparative
21 Dismiss artistic work on celestial body (7) ly, Kamsa was not a difficult person to vanquish, Kooratazh
10 Road prop two engineers replaced for all to see (6)
12 The Spanish doctor moving ahead — very bright one (5) 22 At first patient leaves with fit of shivering — it could be deadly (6) van points this out. And yet, why do we celebrate every
13 Move rector with his persuasive speeches (9) 24 Right — please exit more than one countryside (5) deed of Krishna the way we do? It is because of Krishna’s
14 Light source oddly placed on stairs with oxygen, perhaps? (6) 25 Former chief of community (5) style of doing things. Daring his enemy, giving him hints of
his death, and then crushing him — that was Krishna’s leela.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
SHOWCASE 11
Power of art ONGOING CAMPAIGNS

(Clockwise from
right) Artworks by DIVERSIFY PHOTOS: By a team of BIPOC visual artistes. ₹4,500 for
Devangana Dash; one print. Funds go to Adivasi Lives Matter, Hemkunt Foundation,
by The Big Fat Bao; Indian Red Cross Society, Khaana Chahiye, Last Wildernness
postcards by Foundation, Goonj and Creative Dignity.
Shreya CHENNAI PHOTO BIENNALE: Limited edition work by over 60
Parasrampuria and photographers. ₹5,000 for one print. Funds go to Khalsa Aid and
team; Devangana; Protsahan.
and a photograph
donated by Avani ODE TO INDIA: Homage to the country by Indiaborn artists. Funds go
Rai to Chennai to Mission Oxygen.
Photo Biennale
*
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
THE BIG FAT BAO: A3 size portraits of Dalit icons. ₹1,350 for one.
Funds go to Swabhiman Society.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
tions, and keeping a regular ac against a fortress of mattresses —

count of the money flowing in, there is serenity to the postcards.
can be challenging for a first tim Meanwhile Anjali Chandrashekar
er. Platforms such as Mutual Aid and Nidhi Singh Rathore from the
India help. US, aiming to get the Indian dias
The website curates a list of ur pora around the world to contri
gent COVID19 relief campaigns, bute to Mission Oxygen, say their
Sweta Akundi verified inhouse. “They were theme revolved around an Ode to
highlighting organisations/indivi India. They write, “it is a collec
A couple of weeks ago, as Arsh duals doing onground relief tion that represented what artists
meen Baveja was rewatching work with the affected groups outside India were missing — the
Rang De Basanti, the 2006 Hindi and communities at the grass small moments of joy, calm, and
film by Rakesh Omprakash Meh roots areas that often get oversha strength of their motherland,
ra, she struck upon a wild idea. dowed. Their research was a key India.”
She let AR Rahman’s sound force, as their team of volunteers Artist MS, who goes by the
track wash over her, as she paint is constantly vetting the cam name The Big Fat Bao, says,
ed away her feelings — 10 songs, paigns and identifying under “There is a lot of artwork out
Canvassing
10 digital artworks. Put up for sale funded spaces,” says Devangana. there focussing on the pandemic,
on her Instagram, the prints have the lack of governance and so on,
brought in around ₹36,000 so far, Happy themes in a sad world but I wanted to give people things
all of which she is diverting to the In Jaipur, Shreya Parasrampuria, they could remember other than
support
Migrant Workers Solidarity Net along with five other artists, is al this chaos.”
work. so encouraging others to donate a She is donating her sales to the
“Rang De Basanti resonated minimum of ₹1,500 to any of Mu Swabhiman Society and The Blue
with me, given the scale of the cri tual Aid’s featured campaigns, to Dawn, both working towards sup
sis we have at hand right now, and get a set of six postcards. The porting the Dalit community in
the mismanagement by the Go theme for these postcards is ‘soli accessing healthcare. Her art
vernment. We are stuck in a situa tude’, interpreted by each of work then, features icons such as
tion where we only have each oth them in their own styles. “All of us BR Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule
er to help,” says the 25yearold jabi sold out immediately. find catharsis in drawing alone, and tribal activist Kuni Sikaka.
from Delhi. “A Raghu Rai photo could sell and have done so a lot over the “Savitri mai was one of the key
Arshmeen’s contribution to for a minimum of ₹50,000 to up past year,” says Shreya. figures in handling the 1897
COVID19 relief is a drop in the to ₹2 lakh depending on the print From a girl staring at a fish plague in Pune,” she says, adding
ocean of fundraising campaigns size and the work. But here, you bowl in the warm yellow glow “It is a reminder for us to stay
being led by Indian artists at an are getting it for just ₹5,000, plus of her room, to one leaning strong and help each other out.”
individual level. Prints — both dig your money is going towards a Buy a limited edition Raghu Rai, postcards of women in
ital and physical — of visual art are good cause. That is the main at
being used as incentive for traction, I think,” says Gayatri.
solitude, and portraits by Indian artistes — and help
buyers, who can obtain them af The other draw is the limited donate to fundraising campaigns for COVID-19 relief
ter showing proof of donation to a nature of the prints. “When the
charity. Alternatively, they can artistes donate their work to the
send money directly to artists, CPB, we are allowed to print only es its value, which will help them ₹11 lakh in five days.
who then pass it on to the organ three of them. This is generally next time they professionally ap “I started the campaign by
isations they have partnered work that has not been a part of a proach a gallery with their work.” uploading one of my own art
with. sale before, so the value of the So far, Photo Solidarity has over works to sense the engagement
In just three days since the work goes up because it is limit 60 photographers on board. on Instagram, which turned out
launch of Photo Solidarity, Chen ed,” she says. to be decent. I knew I won’t be
nai Photo Biennale has raised ₹3.6 Big names aside, CPB is also Young guns blazing able to gather concrete funds suf
lakh to be split equally between partnering with many young and It was a collaboration of a similar ficient to make any difference,
Khalsa Aid, providing medical re upcoming photographers, to off scale that artist Devangana Dash alone. This needs community
sources, and Protsahan India er a variety of prints. While the pulled together in the beginning work to be done well, and com
Foundation, which takes care of funds go completely towards the of May. “If the world wasn’t burn passion brings people together,”
children who have lost their pa charities and the printing cost, ing right now, I would truly call it says Devangana.
rents to the pandemic. It was there may be another incentive the collaboration of my dreams!” Most of the artists, including
made possible, believes director for the young artistes. “I have not quips Devangana. Within the first Devangana, had no prior expe
of education at CPB, Gayatri Nair, iced that many of the people in 24 hours of her fundraiser, she rience in fundraising. Finding a
because works by photographers terested are art buyers, gallerists found support from 26 of her ar verified campaign or organisation
such as Raghu Rai, Ronny Sen, and collectors. When they buy a tist friends; the colourful mix of to donate to, while at the same
Kannagi Khanna and Suresh Pun young artist’s work, that increas styles, voices and palettes raised time amplifying the call for dona
and trials to understand the ar

tisans’ challenges, they decided
to move forward with a plat
Venba, a narrative cooking game with South Indian cuisine and immigrants
form that could bridge the gap at its centre, has players discussing love and identity
between these potters and po
The diaspora taste test

tential markets.
The team first identifies
crafts and art forms that are
struggling, then reaches out to
clusters that practise those art
forms. “Generally, in India, art Gowri S cate these dishes to people who
forms are practised in clusters. are not of Indian origin — like
We go on onground surveys to Fluffy white paniyarams, steam Sam to draw it — a lot more refe
these communities to identify ing biryani, grated coconut and rences are needed,” he adds.
and map their problems,” ex an incomplete recipe chart with However, the biggest chal
plains Rohan. instructions to grind rice, flit bet lenge is the realisation that peo
He adds, “The basic frame ween the scenes to a foottapping ple of Indian origin are likely to
Mr Potter heads
work we identified was to folk rhythm. A woman is at the find the gameplay easy, because
create a direct market linkage, centre of it all, meticulously the ingredients and recipes are
be it through websites like Ama chopping, grinding and frying. familiar.
to the e-market
zon or our own website. The The 40second, animated short Venba is now at its “polishing
next step was to introduce gives a glimpse into the dayto stage” and is expected to reach
them to logistics and good pack day of a family of three — a couple the market by the winter of 2021
aging.” and their child. Food is almost a or early 2022. However, those
Rivaayat, an initiative by three 19-year- Terracotta’s fragility makes character, here. who wish to preorder the game
packaging a major component
olds, aims to bridge the gap between of a successful business model.
The short, which has already
grabbed eyeballs on social me
A piece of home Stills from the
game SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
*
can do so by wishlisting it on the
gaming platform, Steam.
traditional artisans and the online market So far, Rivaayat is working dia, is the teaser of a narrative “It was supposed to be a hob
with 17 terracotta artisans in Ha cooking game, Venba, that has from Indonesia. Together, they by game. We did not expect the
Gowri S Delhi. “When we were in the ryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. South Indian cuisine at its centre. developed the concept in Janu level of reception we are getting!”
first year, we came across a lot Products have been listed in ov Revolving around an Indian fami ary 2020. While Abhi is the de says Abhi. After the trailer was re
Twenty twoyearold Ghan of artisans near our college who er 20 online platforms, apart ly based in Toronto, it weaves a signer and programmer, Sam is leased, patrons from across the
shyam Prajapati from Moliya, used to sell pots on the road. from their own website. tale of love, loss and identity. The responsible for the visual charac world, especially North America,
Alwar in Rajasthan, laid his Later, in an article we read The trio and its team of 20 two to three hourslong game ter of the game, as art director. seem to have taken note. The
hands on clay for the first time more about Kumar Colony in have now expanded to baskets play takes one through incom “In a game, you can’t just tell a duo wants to bring Venba to PC
when he was all of eight. Uttam Nagar and tried to under woven using water hyacinth. plete or damaged recipes that story, you need something to and all three major consoles.
His elder brother, father and stand the craft better. There are The little known craft uses wa need to be solved like a puzzle, play with. The game has a series “But bringing it to those plat
grandfather are all traditional about 600 potter families in Ut ter reeds that aggravate water where the player is expected to of days and each day happens at forms (Like PS5 or Nintendo
terracotta potters. Day after tam Nagar and that is where we pollution to make utility bas guess the steps. the 1980s,” says Abhi, adding, different points in their lifetime. Switch) requires deals and part
day, while the women in the fa started,” says Tania Agarwal, kets. “By employing a cluster of Originally from Chennai, 27 “There is a lot of media about im So, I thought it would be interest nerships with those companies
mily prepare the sand for each one of the codirectors of Ri 35 women in Uttarakhand, and yearold Abhi, the creator of Ven migrants: the line most of them ing if we tell the story of what which we are in the midst of right
pot, Ghanshyam and crew lend vaayat, which kicked off as an keeping in mind the environ ba, moved to Toronto when he pursue is about kids and how happened each day, through now,” Abhi says.
it shape and girth. initiative in November, 2019. mental hazards the raw mate was 12. Despite migrating as a hard it is for them to handle two food. No matter what happens, A career in games has always
When public exhibitions, Along with Tania, Rohan Kohli rial poses, we are promoting child, he never felt assimilated to cultures. But I always thought the whether there is a fight or not in been Abhi’s plan. After graduat
which were steady sources of and Akshit Gupta lead the this art form,” adds Tania. the Canadian culture, and often more interesting story is that of the family, the kitchen is still on,” ing from the University of Toron
income, came to a sudden halt team. The works can be purchased feels his Chennai roots are stron parents. As they come to this adds Abhi. to, he started working in a mobile
owing to the pandemic, Ghan After many surveys, visits from rivaayathome.com ger. “I very much see myself country and grow, they grow But focussing on food, espe games studio as a programmer,
shyam and his family were hit more rooted in Chennai. I grew farther apart from their kids. I cially South Indian cuisine, does in downtown Toronto. “We make
by a slump. up strongly connected to that have seen some parents who find come with its own set of challeng Venba on the weekend and the
But now, everything from culture and would visit often. I it really difficult to interact with es. “For any given recipe, there nights after my day job,” he adds.
water pots to decorative tea sets Changing can also speak in Tamil very easi their own children due to the le are thousands of variations. So I For Sam and Abhi, Venba will
that adorn his collection are landscape ly,” he says over a Zoom call. But vel of cultural differences.” need to do a lot of research, pre always remain as something they
shipped across the globe thanks (Above) having said that, he adds that Which, sometimes, he states, production almost, before I final created for themselves. “But, we
to three 19yearolds and their Members of the Venba is not entirely even makes them regret their de ise on a recipe,” says Abhi. The do hope that people would come
start up, Rivaayat. team with a autobiographical. cision to move. recipes concentrate on making for the cooking and stay for the
It all began with a social en terracotta “The story we see here was Abhi wanted to focus on this everything from scratch; for in story!” concludes Abhi.
trepreneurship project that potter; (right)
more inspired by the families aspect of immigration in Venba. stance, the game talks about how
three friends had to lead, as the final product
that I see around me, that came This sentiment was also shared rice flour is prepared for diffe For details, visit
*
SPECIAL
part of their curriculum at Sri here [Toronto] much earlier, in by Sam Elakana, his colleague rent dishes. “When I communi venbagame.com
ARRANGEMENT
Ram College of Commerce in
CM A ND-NDE
YK
12 SHOWCASE DELHI THE HINDU

PRIYADARSHINI PAITANDY come a good way to relax and re

duce anxiety,” says Yogesh.
Every morning, Paroma Verma Additionally, with screen time
fills the heavy silence of lock at an alltime high, screen fatigue
down with voices from has become common and people
audiobooks. are proactively exploring audio
Last week it was Meryl content and turning to audio
Streep narrating Charlotte’s books, offers Shailesh. Plus, it is
Web, today it is Pene Her more inclusive as it makes it ea
man Smith reading out A sier on those with dyslexia or
Obama
Cosy Christmas in Corn- reading difficulties to enjoy
wall — stirring up festive literature.
winter feels bang in the
middle of the Delhi sum Regional reigns
mer. On Monday it will While Shailesh sees an increase
read me
probably be Benedict in the Hindispeaking audience
Cumberbatch reading lapping up their growing selec
Sherlock Holmes. tion of Hindi content that fea
“I am used to having tures top authors such as Devdutt
breakfast with my parents. Patnaik, Amish Tripathi; chefs
my
But because of the pandem such as Sanjeev Kapur; and tele
ic we are stuck in different ci vision personalities like Neelesh Meals to heal A chef at work in his hotel kitchen preparing food
ties. Having these voices for Mishra, Yogesh notices a sharp to be delivered to medical staff at Government hospitals
company takes away the misery rise in consumption of regional * SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
of starting the day in an empty content especially in Marathi, Ta
World Central Kitchen kicks off across
bedtime
house and eating by myself,” says mil and Malayalam. “There is a
the 36yearold. sizeable number of young adults
There are many like her. who consume regional content seven States in India, linking chefs with
Ever since the pandemicin
duced lockdown came into effect
via OTT or television but still
struggle when it comes to read
Government hospitals to provide free,
last March, the concentrated lis ing a book in a regional language. healthy meals for the medical fraternity
story
tening of audiobooks that usually That’s where audiobooks come
Doctor, your
took place during morning and into the picture,” he says.
evening commutes began to Spiralling demands for region
spread across the day. People al language content has led Story
now listen to them while cook tel to come up with Select, a new
ing, exercising or simply relax subscription plan starting today
ing, says Shailesh Sawlani, coun
try head, Audible India.
“Night time in particular re
mains popular, with people want
ing to listen to a book before they
(May 20). “Customers can access
unlimited audiobooks and e
books in 11 regional languages in
cluding Hindi, Marathi, Urdu,
Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telu
lunch is ready
turn in for the day,” he observes. Audiobooks are having gu, Assamese, Gujarati, Odia and Prabalika M Borah started with 250 meals per day
(Audible’s subscription is priced Kannada at ₹149 per month,” he at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital,
at ₹199 where the member gets
their moment in the sun, says. The influential World Central serving roti, rice, dal, vegeta
one credit to tune into a book.) drawing celebrity In terms of what rules con Kitchen (WCK) has joined forc bles, fruits, juice and a sweet.
Rahul Dixit, sales director of sumption across genres, Yogesh es with chef Sanjeev Kapoor in “As word spread, we started
Harper Collins India, says he fin
authors and providing says, in English personal deve India to serve freshly prepared getting calls from other small
ished listening to Like a Monk by screenfree lopment, business and biogra meals to hospital staff working er hospitals to provide food for
Jay Shetty while washing vessels. phies rule the roost. In regional around the clock in seven ci their staff. Soon, we were pro
“I didn’t realise I was doing
entertainment that fills languages, classics and thrillers ties across the country. viding healthy and balanced
chores,” he says. Harper Collins, the silence while you do are most popular, while there is Activating initially in Mum meals to most of the hospital,
a USbased publishing house got an increasing consumption of bai, a local team of chefs pre for free.” Chef Kapoor says the
into audiobook territory around
your chores crime and romance across all lan pared vegetable makhanwala hotels and team of chefs were
seven years back. guages. with coriander rice for their thankful for the initiative as it
In 2018, the trend caught on in To match the voracious listen first day of service. made them feel helpful in the
India, says Rahul adding that In er’s appetite, platforms are con A statement from WCK says, crisis. This year he joined
dia has always been a promising stantly creating original content, “Meals were delivered to sever hands with Indian Hotels Com
market. “Look at our history, a Powerful voices across languages and categories. al hospitals in two shifts, one pany Limited (IHCL), which is
panditji would preach and every The idea is to also delight the cus “These are written exclusively to for the day staff and another the Taj Hotels group and Taj
body would sit around and listen. tomer with the story format, says be made into audio, unlike the for the night crew. We also pro flight kitchen.
So India was a natural market for Rahul. The voice, style, intona books, which makes the narra vided frontline medical staff Ian Dubier, area director,
audio,” he adds. tion of the person reading out the tion much more interesting and with juice — the area is swelter Hyderabad and Taj Santacruz
Even though print sales are book adds to the experience. Sto gripping,” says Yogesh. ing and workers are wearing Mumbai says the company
way ahead, he says digital sales ries with diverse characters may A recent and positive trend to full PPE, so dehydration is a started serving meals and host
amount to 5% of the overall con also have as many people reading this effect is the interest shown major concern.” ing the medical fraternity last
sumption. “In terms of audio, the them out. There are big names by authors in writing exclusive An organisation founded in year, at the beginning of this
global revenue of publishers has such as Barack Obama who reads audio content. The progressive 2010 by the SpanishAmerican pandemic. He adds, “Since
significantly gone up. In India, aloud his own memoir A Pro- list includes Anita Nair, Shobha Chef José Andrés and his wife then we have been expanding
the revenue has doubled.” mised Land on Audible. A host of De, Ravinder Singh and Nikita Patricia, the World Central our outreach.”
Readers too have grown three celebrities such as Anupam Kher, Singh. Kitchen aims to use food to Buoyed by the project in
times in number and India is not Konkona Sen Sharma, Prakash Ravinder Singh, sees a de empower communities and Mumbai, Chef Kapoor says,
an exception. Harper Collins In Raj, Rahul Bose, Soha Ali Khan, mand for audio and short con strengthen economies. Over “José Andrés is a friend and
dia, which publishes 250 print and Annu Aggarwal have also Listen to me (Clockwise from tent that is around 45 minutes to time, they also learned that when I told him we want to ex
books in a year, has so far lent their voice to recording, us above) A professional gets his an hour. Keeping that in mind, food can be a powerful tool to tend the meals to other cities,
brought out 50 in audiobook for ing their skills to make the story chores done while listening to an over the last year, he worked on heal communities in times of he brought in WCK.”
mat and, in the future, plans to come alive. audiobook; author Ravinder Singh half a dozen stories for Stoytel crisis. WCK teams are current Although restaurants, home
make more new titles available si This novelty factor of having a in theprocess of writing; and Soha that were released in the audio ly preparing more than 10,000 chefs and volunteers have
multaneously in audio, ebook wellknown personality reading Ali Khan lends her voice to a book format first and then were adapt nourishing meals every day. been working towards helping
and print format. out bedtime stories, or a daily *
AUDIBLE, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ed into ebooks. Around the same Across the seven Indian cities feed the staff and patients at
Yogesh Dashrath, country AND STORYTEL time, he too started listening to they are currently working hospitals, continuity is a chal
manager Storytel India, provides books, more of non fiction. with (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, lenge at Government hospitals
additional figures. (Headquar As an author, Ravinder wants Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, where the numbers are large.
tered in Sweden, this northern dose of inspiration, is a bonus for readers to consume his books in Kolkata, and Chicalim), WCK WCK, with its sheer manpow
Europebased entity launched in this segment. every available form. “I can states that they have served er, infrastructure and exper
India in 2017). “Globally it is esti “The handsfree nature adds adapt,” he says, adding, “I think more than 50,000 meals to tise at high volume cooking,
mated that the audiobook market to the appeal as one does not of myself as a content curator. It’s frontline healthcare workers helps local teams ramp up. Its
is approximately $4 billion in TRENDING NOW have to set aside time for it. You a good thing that more formats so far. relief team will soon start work
2020. And it is expected to grow can discover a new story on the are coming up for my content.” in Chennai. IHCL’s airline ca
TAMIL: Ponniyin Selvan,
to $20 billion in the next 10 go,” adds Yogesh, who has not He believes that in the audio for How it began in India tering brand — TajSats has the
Mogamul
years,” he says. iced more people signing up for mat, the writer has the narrator’s During the 2020 lockdowns, manpower and the resources
Yogesh is bullish about the fu ENGLISH: The Power of Your trials with them. “Storytel has voice to play with and convey to chef Sanjeev Kapoor realised to hygienically cook and pack a
ture. “At present, the trade book Subconscious Mind; How to seen a doubling of subscrip the reader. he needed to find ways to keep huge number of meals every
market (exclusive educational tit Talk to Anybody, Anytime, tions,” he says. “[In the future] I imagine there his kitchen and staff motivat day, says Dubier. He adds, “In
les) in India is estimated to be Anywhere; Ikigai With people stuck within the will be books with theatrical mus ed, despite the challenges of Hyderabad, we are delivering
anywhere from $500 million to HINDI: Mrtyunjay, Sudha confines of four walls and with ic and drama in the background,” the pandemic. He was also de around 1,400 meals everyday
$750 million. And if we imagine Murthy (Storytel original) more time in hand, the last year says Ravinder adding, “The only termined to find a way to serve (lunch and dinner) from Taj
that even if 10% of the users also has been about catching up on negative from a reader’s perspec the medical fraternity. Falaknuma Palace and are very
get used to audiobooks, we are MARATHI Yugandhar, books that they missed out on ov tive is I cannot mark a brilliant “Chefs I spoke to were more grateful to be associated with
looking for audio to add 10%20% Chhava Prakaran er the years. line (as one would in a physical than willing to help,” he says Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and the
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
to the industry,” he explains. “Listening to books has be book).” over a call from Mumbai. They WCK.”
THE GUARDIAN QUICK CROSSWORD-13413 To play The Guardian

Quick Crossword,
The Hindu Cryptic
crossword, Sudoku &
Srinivasa Ramanujam Paper trail the original full newspaper of The
other puzzles online, Vijay Statesman of August 15, 1947, which
scan the QR code.
We made Dalgona coffee, baked ba Shekhar he got after making several visits to
nana bread, played board games, with his the newspaper’s office in Kolkata.
person (3,3) and even picked up the old habit of collection
13 Alfred the Great’s
reading again. But for 46yearold *
MIRA In search of cheer
brother and predecessor, SHEKHAR
Chennai resident Vijay Shekhar, the Vijay has kept aside clippings from
d. 871 — the elder (anag)
(8)
lockdown meant something diffe the COVID19 coverage in various
15 Conical (anag) — brief rent — it presented an opportunity newspapers: He subscribes to four.
and to the point (7) to add more structure to his three “For most people, they become
16 Unpleasantly damp decade long hobby of collecting scrap after a few days. I derive value
and sticky (6) newspaper clippings of important from that scrap.”
18 Find oneself events across the world. The 46yearold prefers clippings
eventually (3,2) While bigger libraries and institu from newspapers that are accessible
20 Spicy Mexican sauce tions devote a large space for this to him; the only exception to that
(5) kind of archival exercise, Vijay is do was when India won the cricket
21 Warning cry by a ing it at a much smaller scale: his en World Cup in 2011. He then asked
golfer (4) tire collection fits into a big suitcase. many of his friends across the coun
“The past year gave me a chance to try to send him coverage of the tri
revisit many old news items. Look This week, Vijay Shekhar will complete 30 years umph in the newspapers.
The solution will ing at such clippings, which I have of his passionate hobby: storing newspaper Whenever he gets free time, he
appear on collected over the years, and remi opens up his collection to either re
■ Across 22 Possessed (5) May 27, 2021. niscing about ‘Ohsothisishowit clippings of major world events call old incidents or add newer in
1 Worst — as good as can 23 Risktaker (7) Solution No. 13412 happened’ gave me the ultimate sertions. “However, there is one
History
be (4) 24 Exciting adventure (8) kick,” says the communications small problem in that: 60% of my
3 Probably (1,4,3) 25 Glorify (4) professional. spaper vendor around the corner collection is primarily sad news,
9 Food fish (3,4) ■ Down
and I quickly bought a copy. I felt it while 40% is what can be termed as
10 Small medicine bottle 1 Large place of worship
Past perfect was important to preserve that.” happy ones,” says Vijay. Despite the
(5) (8)
in a
It all began in 1991 when Vijay, then Since then, Vijay took it upon rush of COVID19related updates
11 Faithful (5) 2 Frightening (5)
12 Be a sign of (6) 4 Socially deprived (13) a 16yearold, was jogging in Jam himself to cut and keep aside re coming his way, Vijay is looking for
14 Force the person 5 Come to maturity (5) shedpur. “It was a normal day in ports of many important world ward to seeing his big suitcase being
May but people seemed unusually events. So far he has culled over 300 filled with more cheerful entries.
suitcase
responsible to explain 6 Chinese dog similar to a
what happened (4,2,7) Pekingese (43) quiet. I overheard someone saying, clippings, apart from entire special “My collection depends on how the
17 Stress on a syllable (6) 7 Christmas (4) in Bengali, ‘Rajiv Gandhi has been newspaper copies and magazines, world shapes up. I hope to see a
19 Gangway (5) 8 Thoroughly unreliable ‘shot’ in Madras’. There was a new but the one he treasures the most is happier world.”
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
WORLD 13
Biden seeks ‘significant deescalation’ U.S. to work with COVAX to

In call with Israeli PM, U.S. President backs ceasefire; Russia warns against further civilian casualties allocate 80 mn vaccine doses
Israel accuses China state
Agence France-Presse
Reuters
Gaza City
India is expected to receive a significant share of them
U.S. President Joe Biden told
Israel’s Prime Minister Ben TV of ‘antiSemitism’ Sriram Lakshman
Washington
ships,” Ms. Psaki said.
While India could theoret
jamin Netanyahu that he ex The U.S. will work with the ical use some of the vaccines
pects “significant deescala Agence France-Presse The presenter said COVID19 Vaccine Global Ac it will produce as part of a
tion” on Wednesday in the Beijing “powerful lobbies” of Jews cess (COVAX) programme as Quad (India, the U.S., Aus
military confrontation with The Israeli Embassy in in the U.S. were responsible well as its partners to decide tralia and Japan) plan to sup
the Palestinians, amid in Beijing has accused China’s for shaping U.S.’s position how to allocate the 80 mil ply at least 1 billion doses of
tense efforts to reach a state broadcaster of “blatant on the West Asia crisis and lion doses of vaccine it is to the IndoPacific by the
ceasefire. antiSemitism”. that “Jews dominate sending to other countries end of 2022, the actual deci
Deafening air strikes and A presenter on CGTN on finance, media and over the next six weeks. In Gayle Smith sions will be taken based on
rocket fire once more shook Tuesday mentioned several Internet”. The Israeli dia, which is currently the ground conditions at the
Gaza in the conflict that has, elements of antiSemitic Embassy said it was global epicentre of the pan VAX as “an absolutely criti time, as per Ms. Smith. Bio
since May 10, claimed 219 conspiracy theories while “appalled to see blatant demic, is expected to receive cal and the central platform” logical E, a Telenganabased
Palestinian lives according to discussing the U.S. support antiSemitism in an official a significant share of these for vaccine allocation. pharmaceutical company, is
the Gaza Health Ministry and Finding solace: Children playing at a UN-run school that for Israel. Chinese media outlet”. vaccines, but administration White House Press Secre collaborating with Johnson
killed 12 people in Israel ac houses many displaced Palestinian families in Gaza City. *
AFP DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD officials have not released tary Jen Psaki, on Tuesday, & Johnson to produce the
cording to Israeli police. actual numbers. said vaccine allocation deci Janssen COVID19 vaccine
“The President conveyed efforts intensified to stem the gaged right now in forceful Israel was evaluating been under Israeli blockade “We’re looking at how we sions would be made based under the Quad plan.
to the Prime Minister that he bloodshed, Germany said its deterrence,” he told foreign whether its objective of de for nearly 15 years. can get maximum coverage, on ‘equity’, in response to a “Given the timeline for
expected a significant dees top diplomat was heading to envoys. “But I have to say we grading Hamas’ capabilities Meanwhile, Israel fired ar because, I think, as all of you question on whether India that production, I think its
calation today on the path to Israel for talks on Thursday. don’t rule out anything.” had been achieved, the mili tillery at targets in Lebanon would agree, that demand would be a recipient of the dispensation will depend to
a ceasefire,” the White House Mr. Netanyahu earlier on tary source said, and after four rockets were exists everywhere,” Gayle vaccines. The U.S. has de a great extent on the state of
said after a fourth phone call Wednesday issued a tough Ceasefire possibility “whether Hamas under launched towards Israel Smith, the U.S.’s Coordinator ployed around $100 million play around the world with
in a little over a week. threat against the Gaza But an Israeli military offi stands the message” that its from Lebanese territory on for Global COVID Response in assistance to India during vaccine coverage. That time
The Russian Foreign Mi Strip’s Islamist rulers Hamas, cial, speaking on condition rocket barrages towards Is Wednesday, the Israeli mili and Health Security, said on this current wave of the line is fairly extended. So, I
nistry said it warned the Is who Israel says has fired of anonymity, said in a sepa rael cannot recur. tary said, and a source said a briefing call with reporters pandemic. think, while in principle
raeli Ambassador on Wed around 3,700 rockets at Is rate briefing that Israel was Warplanes hit Gaza City Hezbollah was not involved. on Wednesday. “We’re con those vaccine doses are
nesday that “actions that rael since May 10. assessing at what stage it again in the predawn hours, It was the third incident of sulting closely with COVAX, Transparent manner available for internal use,
lead to a further increase in “You can either conquer may stop its military cam as the Israeli military kept rocket fire from Lebanon which, as you know, is the “We, of course, will be mak but also for export to the rest
civilian casualties in Gaza them, and that’s always an paign. “We are looking at targeting militant leaders since hostilities between Is largest vaccine delivery plat ing decisions based on equi of the world, the final alloca
were unacceptable”, accord open possibility, or you can when is the right moment for and infrastructure in the rael and Palestinian militants form in the world and that is ty, based on ensuring we are tion or plan for that will de
ing to Reuters. As diplomatic deter them, and we are en a ceasefire,” said the source. crowded enclave which has in Gaza flared up. focused on, in particular, — we are providing these pend on what conditions
low income and lowmiddle vaccines in a transparent we’re facing at the time
income countries and with manner with the global com they’re available, ” Ms.
Putin, Xi hail ties at launch of EU to reopen borders to our partners ,” she said.
Ms. Smith referred to CO
munity through COVAX and
also through direct relation
Smith said in response to a
question from The Hindu.
work on nuclear plants in China fully vaccinated travellers

Seven nations in its current ‘green list’
U.S. to waive sanctions on firm
Russia is helping build Tianwan and Xudabao power projects
Agence France-Presse 2028 and that Russia and
Agence France-Presse
Brussels
EU member states agreed

Diplomats said that, un
der the new rules, travellers
who could demonstrate that
behind Russia’s Nord Stream 2
Moscow China are prepared to furth on Wednesday to reopen they had received the re
Russian President Vladimir er develop nuclear power the bloc’s borders to travell quired number of doses of Germany hails the lifting of curbs against company, its CEO
Putin and his Chinese coun plants through joint ers who have been fully vac an EUapproved vaccine
terpart Xi Jinping on Wed construction. cinated against the corona could enter the bloc. Reuters U.S. national interest to Stream 2 pipeline but felt it
nesday hailed close ties bet “We can say that Russian virus, sources said. In addition, the number Washington waive the sanctions, the was important to send a sig
ween their countries as they Chinese relations have Meeting in Brussels, di of cases per 1,00,000 peo The U.S. government will source said. nal about its commitment to
launched via videoconfe reached the highest level in plomats also agreed to in ple that a country could re waive sanctions on the com ties with Germany, which
rence work on Russianbuilt history,” Mr. Putin said. crease the level of new cases gister over two weeks and pany behind Russia’s Nord Rebuilding ties were badly damaged under
nuclear power plants in Mr. Xi called nuclear ener a country can hit before be still be considered for the Stream 2 pipeline to Europe German Foreign Minister former President Donald
China. gy a “strategic priority for ing declared unsafe — a mea green list will rise from 25 to and its Chief Executive, a Heiko Maas said the admi Trump, the source said.
The heads of state initiat Vladimir Putin cooperation” between the sure that would open up tra 75. This would still exclude Washington source familiar nistration had waived the Russia’s state energy com
ed work on pouring con two countries, according to vel into the 27member bloc nonvaccinated travellers with the plans and Germa sanctions on those two par pany Gazprom and its west
crete into new units of the joint project,” the Kremlin a readout published by the from more places. from much of the world, but ny’s Foreign Minister said on ties but also imposed sanc ern partners are racing to
Tianwan and Xudabao nu cited Mr. Putin as saying. Chinese Foreign Ministry. The recommendations could allow travel from, for Wednesday. tions on Russian entities and finish the line to take Rus
clear power plants. Describing the nuclear Mr. Xi called for a “more will be adopted by EU Minis example, Britain, which is A U.S. State Department ships linked to Nord Stream sian gas to Europe via Ger
Built jointly with Russia, reactors as “powerful” and equitable, balanced, inclu ters on Friday, they said. welladvanced in its vaccina report to be delivered to 2. “We see this as a construc many, under the Baltic Sea.
the Tianwan plant has been “modern”, the Russian lead sive, open and shared global Since March 2020, non tion campaign. Congress as early as Wed tive step, which we are hap The project, now about 95%
operating since 2007, while er said that they “meet all sa energy governance system,” essential travel into the EU The current green list has nesday concludes that Nord py to further discuss with complete, would bypass Uk
the Xudabao station is still fety requirements and the adding that Beijing and Mos has been banned, apart seven countries: Australia, Stream 2 AG and CEO Mat our partners in Washing raine, depriving it of lucra
under construction. highest environmental cow should “play a construc from a small number of Israel, New Zealand, Rwan thias Warnig, an ally of Rus ton,” Mr. Maas said. tive transit fees and poten
“Russian and Chinese standards”. tive role in achieving global countries deemed safe be da, Singapore, South Korea, sian President Vladimir Pu The administration under tially undermining its
specialists are implementing He said that the new units sustainable development cause of low COVID19 Thailand, plus China if Beij tin, engaged in sanctionable Democratic President Joe Bi struggle against Russian
a truly landmark flagship will be functional by 2026 goals.” cases. ing agrees to reciprocate. activity but that it was in the den still opposed the Nord aggression.
Sri Lanka to shut its borders for 10 days

It bars all arrivals from tomorrow in the face of a deadly third wave of COVID19
Meera Srinivasan motion Bureau. nation drive in phases, be
COLOMBO The decision to bar entry ginning in January, with the
Sri Lanka’s borders will be to international travellers Indiadonated 5,00,000 dos
closed for all arrivals for ten comes as a blow to the go es of Covishield vaccines. Sri
days beginning May 21, the vernment’s efforts to revive Lanka placed an order for
Civil Aviation Authority said the tourism industry from Ja more vaccines with the Se
on Wednesday, while offi nuary this year, following a rum Institute, but its arrival
cials reported a record sin relative drop in case num has been delayed amid the
gleday high of 3,051 COVID A health worker inoculating bers. significant rise in cases with
19 cases. a woman in Colombo on in India since.
Home to about 21 million May 16. AFP *
Tourism hit The Russian Sputnik and
people, Sri Lanka is witness The Sri Lanka Tourism Deve China’s Sinopharm vaccines
ing a raging third wave of the in the region during the first lopment Authority said over are currently being adminis
pandemic, with health auth wave — has rapidly risen in 4,000 tourists visited the tered by Sri Lankan health
orities reporting over 2,000 the last few weeks, reaching country in April, with In authorities and the military,
cases a day over the last 1,015 on Tuesday. More than dians topping the list of ar who are tasked with manag
week, prompting the govern 1,50,000 cases have been re rivals. However, early May, ing the pandemic. China on
ment to impose travel res ported since the pandemic the government barred In Wednesday said it will do
trictions, including lock struck last year, of which dian tourists, citing the surge nate a further 5,00,000 of Si
downs. nearly 30,000 are currently in cases in India. nopharm vaccines to help
The country’s death toll — active, according to data pu Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has Sri Lanka “build the Great
which was among the lowest blished by the Health Pro been carrying out its vacci Wall of vaccines”.
Trump Organization China protests U.S. Navy

faces criminal probe passage via Taiwan Strait
ExPresident calls it political witchhunt Committed to open IndoPacific: U.S.
Agence France-Presse insurance fraud through ci Associated Press national law allows,” the Na
New York vil proceedings. Beijing vy said in a statement.
The Trump Organization is “We are now actively in China on Wednesday prot While the strait is in inter
being investigated in a “cri vestigating the Trump Or ested the latest passage by a national waters, China
minal capacity”, the New ganization in a criminal ca U.S. Navy ship through the claims selfgoverning Tai
York state attorney general’s pacity, along with the Taiwan Strait, calling it a wan as its own territory and
office said on Tuesday, as Manhattan DA,” said Fabien provocation that under regards the U.S. Navy’s pre
prosecutors advance their Levy, spokesman of New mined peace and stability in sence in the area as a show
probe into former President York AG’s office. the region. of support for the island’s
Donald Trump’s business The district attorney’s in The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet democratic government.
dealings. vestigation initially focused said that the guided missile In a statement, spokes
Mr. Trump denies wrong on hush payments made to destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur person for the Eastern Thea
doing, and has described a two women who allege they conducted a routine Taiwan ter Command Col. Zhang
parallel criminal investiga had affairs with Mr. Trump, Strait transit on Tuesday in Chunhui said the U.S. ac
tion by Manhattan’s district but had expanded to allega accordance with interna tions were “sending wrong
attorney as “a continuation tions of tax evasion, and in tional law. The passage “de signals to the ‘Taiwan inde
of the greatest political surance and bank fraud. monstrates the U.S. commit pendence’ forces, deliber
witch hunt.” The organization is the ment to a free and open ately disrupting and sabo
New York attorney gener holding company for hun IndoPacific.” taging the regional situation
al Letitia James has other dreds of Trump entities, “The United States mili and endangering peace and
wise been investigating alle ranging from hotels to golf tary will continue to fly, sail, stability across the Taiwan
gations of bank fraud and courses. and operate anywhere inter Strait.”
CM A ND-NDE
YK
14 BUSINESS DELHI

THE HINDU
market watch
19-05-2021
Sensex dddddddddddddddddddddd 49,902 ddddddddd -0.58%
% CHANGE
‘Low confidence plus high fuel, FinMin grants ‘infrastructure’
status for convention centres
US Dollar dddddddddddddddddddd 73.18 ddddddddddddd -0.17
health costs to hurt demand’

Gold ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd 47,853 ddddddddddddddd0.04
Brent oil ddddddddddddddddddddd 66.38 ddddddddddddd -4.03
NIFTY 50
PRICE CHANGE Tag to ease bank financing for such projects
Adani Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 772.40. . . . . . . . -3.50
Asian Paints. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2815.85. . . . . . . . -5.95
ICRA says slackening in activity due to second wave overshadows base effect
Axis Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 716.80. . . . . . . . . 5.15 Vikas Dhoot nancing from banks, said ex
Bajaj Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 4095.95. . . . . . . 28.75 Special Correspondent ICRA noted, adding that this NEW DELHI perts. However, restrictions
Bajaj Finserv. . . . . . . . . . .. 11215.15. . . -181.65 NEW DELHI trend has continued so far in The Finance Ministry has on size may be a dampener.
Bajaj Finance . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 5631.20. . . . . . -57.55
Bharti Airtel . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 528.20. . . . . . . . -8.15 The pandemic’s second May, with restrictions granted ‘Infrastructure’ sta “India doesn’t have large
BPCL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 446.45. . . . . . . . -2.00 wave will dent consumer spreading to more States. tus for exhibition and con convention centres or single
Britannia Ind . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3534.40. . . . . . . . . 8.95 sentiment even as high “In our view, the sharply vention centres, a move that halls with capacities to hold
Cipla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 903.95. . . . . . . 19.55
Coal India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 151.85. . . . . . . . . 5.40 healthcare expenses and re higher daily infections in the is expected to ease bank fi 7,000 to 10,000 people, un
Divis Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 4039.65. . . . . . . 15.70 tail fuel prices will squeeze second wave of COVID19 in nancing for such projects. like countries like Thailand
Dr Reddys Lab . . . . . . . .. . . . 5237.80. . . . . . . 22.35
disposable incomes and con India will have a prolonged ‘ExhibitioncumConven that is a major global MICE
Eicher Motors. . . . . . . . .. . . . 2564.70. . . . . . . . -7.15
Grasim Ind . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1389.70. . . . . . . . -2.70 sumers, rating agency ICRA negative impact on consum tion Centre is included in the destination,” said Abhaya
HCL Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 931.40. . . . . . . . -0.20 warned in a note on er sentiment. Harmonised Master List of Agarwal, partner, infrastruc
HDFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2459.85. . . . . . -43.00
HDFC Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1458.20. . . . . . -18.50
Wednesday. In addition, the substan Infrastructure subsectors ture practice at EY India.
HDFC Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 666.15. . . . . . . . -0.55 While the low base of tial healthcare expenses re by insertion of a new item in Becoming a MICE (Meet
Hero MotoCorp . . . . . .. . . . 2915.00. . . . . . . . . 8.05 April 2020, which saw very Half empty: Momentum in eway bills, fuel demand and lated to the COVID19 treat the category of Social and bined. As of now, the major ings, Incentives, Conferenc
Hindalco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 403.30. . . . . . . . . 1.20
Hind Unilever . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2359.75. . . . . . -14.50
tepid economic activity, had vehicle registrations all slowed in April. SUDHAKARA JAIN
* ment, along with high retail Commercial Infrastructure,’ projects under way in the es and Exhibitions) destina
ICICI Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 625.45. . . . . . . . -7.75 propped up several econom prices of fuels, are likely to the Department of Econom sector are backed by the go tion can generate significant
IndusInd Bank . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 967.00. . . . . . . . -7.55 ic indicators this April, ICRA quency indicators for April is such as GST eway bills, fuel squeeze disposable incomes ic Affairs said. vernment – the International revenue with several global
Infosys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1337.00. . . . . . . . -3.00
Indian OilCorp . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 107.20. . . . . . . . . 1.65
said that there is a persistent limited, as eight of the 13 consumption and vehicle re in the urban as well as rural However, the benefits ExhibitioncumConvention firms active in India but it
ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 207.75. . . . . . . . -2.30 slackening in activity due to nonfinancial indicators in gistrations displayed a slow areas,” Ms. Nayar said. With would only be available for Centres at Dwarka and Pra will take time to become a
JSW Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 705.85. . . . . . -11.60 the second wave that over April 2021 remained below ing sequential momentum in pentup demand satiated projects with a minimum gati Maidan in the capital. preferred destination.
Kotak Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1730.55. . . . . . -24.55
L&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1403.45. . . . . . -13.85
shadows the base effect. their preCovid (April 2019) April 2021, reflecting the rise during the festive season in builtup floor area of The infrastructure tag Last August, the govern
M&M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 784.80. . . . . . -12.90 “The optimism generated levels,” Aditi Nayar, the rat in COVID19 cases, and im 2020, demand for many va 1,00,000 sq. m. of exclusive does not involve significant ment had granted infrastruc
Maruti Suzuki . . . . . . . . .. . . . 6775.90. . . . . . -35.20 by this trend of high growth ing agency’s chief econo position of restrictions in va rieties of consumer durables exhibition space or conven tax breaks but would help ture status to affordable ren
Nestle India Ltd. . . . .. 17449.35. . . . . 268.75
NTPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 111.95. . . . . . . . -0.15 rates in several highfre mist, said. Many indicators rious parts of the country, may be low, ICRA reckoned. tion space or both com such projects get easier fi tal housing projects.
ONGC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 114.90. . . . . . . . -1.20
PowerGrid Corp . . . . .. . . . . . 233.75. . . . . . . . . 0.65
Reliance Ind . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1997.05. . . . . . . . . 9.10
SBI Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 978.05. . . . . . . . . 9.60
State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 384.40. . . . . . . . . 2.15
Shree Cement . . . . . . . .. 27532.70. . . . . . . 58.00 IOC turns a Q4 net of ₹8,781 cr. Das tells PSBs
to implement
‘Taxpayers can withdraw Royal Enfield
to recall about
GST refund applications’
Sun Pharma . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 703.40. . . . . . . 12.60
Tata Consumer
Products Ltd. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 653.20. . . . . . . . . 0.20
Tata Motors . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 314.45. . . . . . -18.00
Higher refining margins help oil refiner to post a profit RBI measures 2.37 lakh bikes
Tata Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1164.25. . . . . . -15.75
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3082.00. . . . . . . . -6.80 PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Without inventory gains, Department of Revenue tweaks norms
Tech Mahindra . . . . . . .. . . . . . 977.65. . . . . . . . . 6.90 NEW DELHI GRM for the JanuaryMarch PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Special Correspondent
Titan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1521.15. . . . . . -18.10
Indian Oil Corporation quarter stood at $2.51 per MUMBAI Vikas Dhoot NEW DELHI
UltraTech Cement . .. . . . 6561.20. . . . . . -91.80
UPL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 782.15. . . . . . . 12.75 (IOC), the nation’s biggest oil barrel. Mr. Vaidya said the RBI Governor Shaktikanta NEW DELHI Royal Enfield said it will re
Wipro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 511.65. . . . . . . . . 3.60 firm, on Wednesday report company earned a record Das on Wednesday asked The Department of Revenue call about 2.37 lakh Classic,
ed a betterthanexpected net profit of ₹21,836 crore in Stateowned banks to has tweaked the Central Bullet and Meteor motor
EXCHANGE RATES net profit of ₹8,781.3 crore in the fiscal ended March 31. quickly implement mea GST rules to enable tax cycles following a defect in
Indicative direct rates in rupees a unit the March quarter, helped The second wave of coro sures announced by the payers withdraw refund ap the ignition coil that can
except yen at 4 p.m. on May 19
CURRENCY TT BUY TT SELL
by a surge in refining mar navirus infections has dis central bank recently in plications and exclude the lead to misfiring, reduced
US Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 72.96. . . . . . . 73.28 gins as higher crude prices rupted fuel demand but not the ‘right earnest,’ and to time period involved bet performance and in rare
Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 89.00. . . . . . . 89.39 boosted inventory value. to the extent seen in April continue focusing on steps ween filing of such applica cases, a short circuit.
British Pound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.24. . . . 103.69 Standalone net profit was June last year, he said. to enhance the resilience tions and any deficiency The move would impact
Japanese Yen (100) . .. . 66.74. . . . . . . 67.04
Chinese Yuan . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 11.33. . . . . . . 11.38 ₹8,781.3 crore, or ₹9.56 a booked when raw material “Demand destruction is of their balance sheets. found in the applications Meteor units manufac
Swiss Franc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 80.85. . . . . . . 81.25 share, compared with a loss (crude) prices rise by the not to that extent,” he said, Earlier this month, the from the relevant deadlines. the Central Board of Indi tured and sold between
Singapore Dollar . . . . . . .. . 54.74. . . . . . . 54.99 of ₹5,185.3 crore in the same time a company processes adding that petrol and diesel Governor had announced In a notification issued on rect Taxes and Customs has December 2020 and April
Canadian Dollar . . . . . . . . .. . 60.36. . . . . . . 60.63
Malaysian Ringitt . . . . . .. . 17.62. . . . . . . 17.72 period a year earlier, IOC oil into fuel. Losses are sales have fallen 1520% a slew of measures, includ Tuesday, the department al rationalised the refund pro 2021, and the Classic and
Source:Indian Bank
Chairman S.M. Vaidya said. booked when the reverse while ATF demand conti ing termliquidity facility of so laid out specific formats visions,” said Abhishek Jain, Bullet bikes made and sold
The rise in profitability happens. Brent crude prices nued to be half of the pre ₹50,000 crore to ease ac for officers assessing refund tax partner, EY. between January and
was due to higher inventory jumped about 23% during COVID19 levels. The board cess to emergency health requests to withhold the re “A few changes such as April. “These motorcycles
gain and petrochemical mar the March quarter. has declared a final dividend services, to further im lease of such claimed re the option to withdraw re will undergo replacement
IN BRIEF gin in the fourth quarter of IOC earned $10.6 on turn of ₹1.50 per equity share. prove lending to MSME funds, requiring them to fund application filed by the of the defective part, if re
202021 fiscal, he said. ing every barrel of crude oil Mr. Vaidya said IOC is tar sector, restructuring of place on record the perso assessee were awaited and quired,” it said.
The company had report into fuel compared with a geting capital spending of loans and rationalisation of nal hearing in the matter advocated by the industry The recall would include
ed a loss in JanuaryMarch negative gross refining mar ₹28,847 crore in FY22 com compliance with KYC, in and detailed reasons for players for a long time,” Mr. bikes sold in India, Thai
2020 owing to inventory gin (GRM), or loss, of $9.64 pared with ₹27,194 crorethe wake of the second wave of holding back refunds. Jain said, terming this a tax land, Indonesia, Australia,
losses. Inventory gains are per barrel, he said. previous year. the COVID19 pandemic. “With this amendment, payerfriendly measure. New Zealand and Malaysia.
Kotak fund buys ₹715cr.

stake in HKR Roadways
NCLAT rejects Adani Green to acquire
Thiru Arooran
SB Energy in $3.5 bn deal
MUMBAI
Kotak Special Situations Fund
(KSSF) said it had acquired a
74% stake in HKR Roadways,
exCMD’s plea
a nonperforming asset, for
SoftBank, Bharti to exit power firm
₹715 crore. The consideration
CHENNAI Special Correspondent
paid for HKR, an SPV owned
by a consortium led by the The National Company MUMBAI
Gayatri Group, includes Law Appellate Tribunal Adani Green Energy Ltd.
onetime settlement for (NCLAT), Chennai has re (AGEL) has agreed to ac
funding debt with all the jected a plea by R.V. Tyaga quire 100% interest in SB
lenders, KSSF said. PTI rajan, former CMD of Thiru Energy India from SoftBank
Arooran Sugars Ltd. Group (80%) and Bharti
BDR Pharma ties up with against liquidation orders. Group (20%) at an enter
Eli Lilly for COVID drug In April, the National prise valuation of $3.5 bil
HYDERABAD Company Law Tribunal lion for the renewables firm.
BDR Pharma has entered into (NCLT), Chennai, had or “SB Energy India has a to Gautam Adani
a royaltyfree, limited and dered liquidation after len tal renewable portfolio of
nonexclusive voluntary
ders did not find any viable 4,954 MW spread across another step towards the vi
licensing agreement with Eli
plan for revival. four States in India,” said sion we stated in January
Lilly and Company for the
In 2019, NCLT had or AGEL. “The transaction 2020... to become the
production and distribution
of Baricitinib, a repurposed
dered insolvency proceed marks the largest acquisi world’s largest solar player
drug to treat COVID19. The ings against the firm in a tion in the renewable ener by 2025 and the world’s lar
pact would increase the case filed by State Bank of gy sector in India.” gest renewable firm by
availability of Baricitinib in India for alleged default of The portfolio comprises 2030,” said Gautam Adani,
India, BDR Pharma said. The ₹149.36 crore. 84% solar capacity, 9% chairman, Adani Group.
company has applied for The NCLAT cited a Su windsolar hybrid and 7% “We believe now is the
restricted emergency use preme Court verdict that wind. On completion, AGEL right time to bring in the
approval with the Drugs stated commercial wisdom will achieve a total renewa Adani Group to help drive
Controller General of India of the committee of credi ble capacity of 24.3 GW and the next phase of SB Energy
for Baricitinib for COVID19. tors is not to be interfered an operating renewable ca India’s growth,” said Ma
with except in exceptional pacity of 4.9 GW. sayoshi Son, chairman and
Aknamed acquires circumstances. “This acquisition is CEO, SoftBank Group Corp.
Vardhman for $40 mn
BENGALURU
Akna Medical (Aknamed), a
techenabled supply chain
platform for the healthcare
Assam tea gardens hit by ‘DHFL lenders
sector, has acquired can mull offer
Vardhman Health Specialties
(Vardhman), a specialty
COVID19, bad weather by Wadhawan’
products provider to
hospitals in therapeutic areas Crop loss estimated at 60 million kg PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
of oncology, immunotherapy
RAHUL KARMAKAR MUMBAI
and virology for $40 million.
The acquisition of Vardhman
GUWAHATI <
> More than 500
employees are out The National Company
is the third inorganic move The double whammy of CO of action due to Law Tribunal (NCLT) on
by Aknamed Group in the last VID19 infection among Wednesday directed the
COVID infection
12 months and with this, the plantation workers and administrator of DHFL to
firm will have an annualised droughtlike conditions has dens losing 78 million kg of present the settlement off
revenue of $200 million. rendered an estimated crop tea leaves, Tea Board of In er of the nonbanking fi
loss of 60 million kilograms dia data showed. Tea estates nancial company’s ousted
Ola Group appoints to tea estates in Assam. have largely been exempted promoter Kapil Wadhawan
Rakesh Bhardwaj as CIO “Spells of premonsoon from severe curbs this time, before the creditors for
BENGALURU showers have made planters but a few estates have been their consideration.
Mobility player Ola heave a sigh of relief, but the hamstrung by more than The tribunal, in an oral
appointed Rakesh Bhardwaj damage has already been 500 employees out of action order, has asked the RBI
as group chief information done,” the North Eastern due to COVID19 infection. appointed administrator of
officer (CIO). In this role, Mr.
Tea Association (NETA) and “This has been an un Dewan Housing Finance
Bhardwaj would provide
Bharatiya Cha Parishad usual year so far for the As Ltd (DHFL) to present the
strategic direction to the
(BCP) said following a sur sam tea industry in terms of settlement plan to the
group’s IT initiatives covering
information systems, tools,
vey across plantations. productivity,” NETA advisor Committee of Creditors
security, IT infrastructure and Bidyananda Barkakoty said. (CoC). In 2020, Mr. Wadha
assets across the company’s Second year of loss “Extreme weather fluc wan had made his settle
global operations and This is the second succes tuations, both in terms of ment offer to the CoC that
businesses, Ola said. Prior to sive year of massive crop temperature and rainfall, was rejected by the len
this, he served as global CIO loss. The lockdown last year have impacted the growth ders. DHFL had gone bank
for Cognizant, CIO for GE saw most of Assam’s 803 of tea leaves severely,” BCP rupt with more than
Healthcare and CIO for GE major estates and more advisor Mrigendra Jalan ₹90,000 crore in debt to
Aviation and Transportation. than 1.70 lakh small tea gar said. various lenders.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
DELHI
SPORT 15
‘It is not only about skills but also mental toughness’ Four players, including
India pacer Jhulan Goswami dwells on the challenges of switching from white-ball to red-ball cricket
Veda, lose contracts
CRICKET
And I want to thank the BCCI Richa the only
officials for this initiative.
addition to the
WRIDDHAAYAN Your thoughts on Ramesh
BHATTACHARYYA Powar’s return as head coach 19-member list
Kolkata and W.V. Raman’s exit? SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
What does it take to play a I would like to congratulate MUMBAI
Test match, and that too in Ramesh and we are looking
Veda Krishnamurthy is
England, after seven years? forward to working with
among four players who
Ask Jhulan Goswami and she him.
have been omitted from the
will stress on the importance It was a great experience list of centrally contracted
of mindset. to work with Raman but I am players for 202021.
The veteran fast bowler is not going to compare. He While announcing the
excited yet nervous to hold has worked hard on us and Richa. *
FILE PHOTO
women cricketers’ annual
the red ball in the fickle En he taught us a lot of things contracts on Wednesday,
glish weather after such a from his coaching expe and Radha Yadav, along
the Board of Control for
long gap. rience over the years. I want with swashbuckling opener
Cricket in India (BCCI) in
to wish him well for his Shafali Verma — have been
The Indian women’s formed that the list has been
future. rewarded for their excellent
cricket team will start with a pruned from 22 to 19.
show with a promotion
oneoff Test in Bristol from How is the team going to Besides Veda, who was in from Grade C to B.
June 16 followed by three prepare in the UK? Will there Grade C last year, Ekta Bisht The contracts list:
ODIs and as many T20Is. be warm-up games? (Grade B), Anuja Patil and D. Grade A (₹50 lakh): Harman
In a chat with Sportstar, Practice and preparation de Hemlatha (both Grade C) preet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana,
Jhulan shares her thoughts Rare opportunity: The Indian players are glad to play a Test match after a long time, says Jhulan Goswami. *
FILE PHOTO pends on the COVID proto have also been excluded Poonam Yadav.
on the skills needed to excel cols that one needs to follow from the list of contracted Grade B (₹30 lakh): Mithali
against England, the return Even in the domestic tourna It is not only about skills You may not get a wicket in a by ball and session by ses today. We really don’t know cricketers. The only addi Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Deepti
of Ramesh Powar as head ments, there is no redball but also mental toughness. session but there will be ses sion. When we played the where the pandemic is going tion to the list is teenager Ri Sharma, Punam Raut, Rajesh
coach and the lessons learnt cricket as such. After a long You have to stay strong in sions where you can bag last Test match in 2014, there to take us eventually. cha Ghosh, who impressed wari Gayakwad, Shafali Verma,
from W.V. Raman. Excerpts: time, the whole team will be your mind because you need three in one go. So you have were many debuts. during last year’s World Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey,
There are lots of restric
switching from whiteball to thinking powers to analyse to be alert, switch off and Taniya Bhatia, Jemimah
How prepared are you to I am looking forward to tions but as professional ath Twenty20, in Grade C.
Rodrigues.
bowl longer spells? It seems redball. the game situation in diffe switch on accordingly as you more debuts this time as letes, we have to prepare Grade C (₹10 lakh): Mansi
very challenging with no Test It all depends on how our rent sessions. won’t be able to concentrate well. The players are glad mentally so that we can Promoted Joshi, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja
cricket for the girls in the bodies react after being on The youngsters may lack that for the whole span of the that we are getting to play a adapt under any circum Three players — the spin duo Vastrakar, Harleen Deol, Priya
past seven years... the field for 90 overs. temperament... game. You have to take ball Test match after a long time. stances. of Rajeshwari Gayakwad Punia, Richa Ghosh.
T20 World Cup and IPL on SGM agenda Kohli’s Australia to host Bach offers
contribution extra medical
BCCI set to discuss upcoming season, scheduling issues on May 29
Amol Karhadkar Council (ICC) is likely to push The SGM will likely for gland and Australia cricke
for Sravanthi Afghanistan help during
MUMBAI the BCCI to move the tourna malise the backup plan ters immediately after T20 Special Correspondent Agence France-Presse istan cricket team is one of the Games
In a bid to chart out contin ment to the United Arab Emi should ICC members decline World Cup final in Novem HYDERABAD Sydney the most uplifting in interna
gency plans for the T20 rates, already shortlisted as a to travel to India for the ber; abandoning the edition Virat Kohli donated ₹6.77 Australia’s cricketers will tional sport,” added Hock
World Cup and the Indian backup venue. tournament. and revising the contract lakhs to former India wo play their firstever Test ley.
Premier League, the BCCI With the ICC set to finalise with the broadcaster and men’s cricketer K.S. Sra against Afghanistan in Ho Earlier, CA said it was
has convened a Special Gen the venue and fixtures for the IPL conundrum other stakeholders. vanthi Naidu, who is strug bart later this year ahead of hopeful England’s band of
eral Meeting (SGM) of its affi marquee event during its an The SGM may also authorise It is also understood that gling to raise funds to get hosting the Ashes against En vociferous travelling fans
liates on May 29. nual conference in June, The the officebearers to decide the BCCI may propose bilat her mother K.S. Suman gland, officials announced would be allowed to travel
The singlepoint agenda of Hindu understands that the the fate of IPL14, suspended eral T20I series against South treated for COVID19. on Wednesday. for the Ashes series, which
the virtual meeting, as per BCCI hierarchy, with secre after 29 of the 60 matches Africa (as part of the FTP) Kohli’s gesture was in “We are also incredibly ex concludes in Perth in Janu
the notice circulated among tary Jay Shah leading from were completed. and Sri Lanka in UAE in Sep response to the tweet cited to welcome Afghanis ary, but that depended on
Board members on Tuesday the front, feels members tember as the last leg of prep tagged to him by N. Vidya tan to our shores for a histor government COVID19 res
With the international ca
night, is a “discussion on the should be taken into confi aration for the T20 World Yadav, former BCCI South ic first Test match against trictions over arrivals and
lendar hardly having any
upcoming cricket season in dence ahead of the Cup, should the window for Zone convenor (women’s Australia,” said Cricket Aus quarantine.
breathing room, the SGM is
view of the pandemic conference. IPL be deemed unrealistic. cricket) and sister of N. tralia’s interim CEO Nick Australia’s fixtures (2021/22):
likely to be presented with
situation”. “Since there is no resolu options: staging IPL in the With the focus on resche Shivlal Yadav, seeking help Hockley. The Test will be Oneoff Test vs Afghanistan: Bach... in a virtual address
to Sravanthi. played at Hobart’s Blund Nov. 27Dec. 1: Blundstone on Wednesday. REUTERS
India is scheduled to stage tion listed in the agenda, so UAE in September, sand duling the IPL, the domestic *
stone Arena from November Arena, Hobart

the T20 World Cup in Octob mething that is a convention wiched between India’s tour season may be left in limbo “I was amazed. Such a
27, with Australia then facing The Ashes vs England: Dec. 8 Associated Press
erNovember. But after the for any SGM, in all likeli of England and the T20 yet again. Some of the State great gesture from such a
England at Brisbane’s Gabba 12: 1st Test: Brisbane; Dec. 16 TOKYO
forced postponement of the hood, the officebearers will World Cup; hosting it in En associations may seek clarity, great cricketer,” Vidya told 20: 2nd Test: Adelaide (day/
IPL because of breaches in be authorised to take lastmi gland in September after the since the apex council in The Sportstar. “I am also ground in the first Test of the Confronted in Japan with
night); Dec. 2630: 3rd Test:
the biosecure bubbles amid a nute decisions on behalf of conclusion of the Test series, April had discussed the pos grateful to India fielding fivematch Ashes series be Melbourne; Jan. 59, 2022: some of the strongest medi
surge in cases in the country, the Board,” said a seasoned a remote possibility; playing sibility of starting the domes coach R. Sridhar who men ginning on December 8. 4th Test: Sydney; Jan. 1418: calcommunity opposition
the International Cricket State association official. it in the UAE without En tic season in September. tioned it to Kohli.” “The story of the Afghan 5th Test: Perth. yet to the Tokyo Olympics,
IOC president Thomas Bach
on Wednesday offered to
Asia Cup T20 Bowlers have ‘cleared the air’ have added medical per
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
sonnel available to help out

tournament ...and the journey starts when the games open in
called off with Bancroft, says Paine just over nine weeks.
Bach, speaking remotely
at the opening of three days
of meetings between the In
Agence France-Presse Press Trust of India that Test match,” the Test ternational Olympic Com
Colombo
Hobart skipper was quoted as saying mittee and local organisers,
The Asia Cup Twenty20 Cameron Bancroft has by Sydney Morning Herald. said the help would come
cricket tournament due to “cleared the air” with the from various national
be held in Sri Lanka in June Australian bowlers after In fine mood Olympic committees and
has been called off because creating a flutter by hinting “Their mood was fine, I be available in the Olympic
of the worsening coronavi that all of them were aware think they’ve spoken to village and sports venues.
rus crisis in the region, a of the 2018 balltampering (Bancroft), cleared the air In his 12minute address,
top organiser said on Wed plot in South Africa, Austra and I think everyone’s look Bach attempted to assure
nesday. The tournament lia Test skipper Tim Paine ing forward to moving on. the Japanese public and
was already held over from said on Wednesday, “look Tim Paine. *
AFP We’re all grown men and athletes coming to Tokyo
last year in Pakistan ing forward to moving on”. those guys have made con that the IOC will hold “safe
“Due to the prevailing The 2018 scandal was Town Test against South tact with each other and and secure” Olympics in
situation, it will not be pos once again in the spotlight Africa, was sorted it out,” Paine added. the midst of the pandemic.
sible to play the tourna after Bancroft recently stat “selfexplanatory.” Bancroft has since then Bach appeared to be res
ment in June this year,” Sri Mumbai, here we come: Englandbound players Mithali Raj, R. Ashwin, Mayank Agarwal ed that whether the Austra “I think they’re frustrated backtracked on his claim, in ponding to one of the stron
Lanka Cricket chief execu and Washington Sundar winging their way to quarantine in Mumbai on Wednesday. The teams lian bowlers knew of the that it keeps popping up but forming CA’s integrity unit gest demands so far to call
tive Ashley de Silva said. He will fly out to the United Kingdom from there. TWITTER/BCCI * plan to use a sandpaper on I think that’s part and parcel that he has no “significant off the postponed Olym
said the Asian Cricket CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC the ball during the Cape for everyone who played in new information” to share. pics.
Council would soon make
a formal announcement.
Ruud meets
Olympics medal is our biggest goal: Satwiksairaj Blues exact revenge over the Foxes
Koepfer in Rudiger and Jorginho score for Chelsea in its 2-1 victory
Feels Chirag and <
> Glad we made it to
the Olympics before keep a place in next season’s about the outcome once Ru
last eight he are much the second wave PREMIER LEAGUE Champions League in their diger bundled home a cor
better players now disrupted the BWF Agence France-Presse own hands. ner two minutes into the se
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE calendar London cond half.
GENEVA BADMINTON Satwik
Chelsea avenged its FA Cup
Kante injured Wesley Fofana’s foul on Ti
Casper Ruud believes he However, victory came at a mo Werner was initially gi
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM pionship, where we were in a final defeat by Leicester to
has the weapons to reach cost for the Blues as N’Golo ven as a freekick outside the
HYDERABAD dilemma whether to adapt move above the Foxes into
the second week of Roland Kante limped off injured in box, but on review Dean was
India’s leading doubles shut the new strategy or not and third in the Premier League
Garros and maybe help the first half just 11 days be told to point to the penalty
tler R. Satwiksairaj was back were a confused lot in the with a 21 win in front of
transform him into a “rock fore they face Manchester Ci spot.
for training on Tuesday with crucial phases of the match 8,000 fans at Stamford
star” in his native Norway. ty in the Champions League Jorginho coolly sent Kasp
his partner Chirag Shetty, af es,” he said. Bridge on Tuesday.
Ruud is the third seed at final. er Schmeichel the wrong
ter a weeklong break, as Antonio Rudiger and Jor Victory away to Aston Vil
the Geneva Open and has a Useful sessions way and for 10 minutes,
part of the preparations for ginho, from the penalty la on Sunday will guarantee
good shot at winning his Chelsea looked to be
the Tokyo Olympics later this “It takes time to get used to it spot, scored the goals for Chelsea a topfour finish.
secondever title, with top cruising.
year. and this is where the last Thomas Tuchel’s men to
seed and 20time Grand There was little doubt However, Leicester set up
“Our biggest and imme three months training is so
Slam champion Roger Fe a nervy finale when Wilfred
diate target is to win an Optimistic: Having had the best of training after a long time, helpful to us,” he said, ad
derer already eliminated. Ndidi robbed Mateo Kovacic
Olympics medal now. And, Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty are an upbeat pair. FILE PHOTO * ding that the sessions with
Ruud beat Tennys Sand and teed up Iheanacho to
we are really working hard to sports psychologist Divya
gren 75, 62 on Wednesday slot home his 19th goal of the
realise this goal,” he said. “We have had the best of one of the three Super Series Jain have been very useful.
to set up a quarterfinal season.
training after a long time which were cancelled be “Glad that we made it to
with Germany's Dominik The results:
Same intensity with no breaks and thanks to cause of the pandemic to test the Olympics before the se
Koepfer, who first knocked Premier League: Brighton 3
Despite the uncertainty Boe’s emphasis on the im our skills and how far we are cond wave of the pandemic
out seventh seed Benoit (Trossard 50, Webster 72, Burn
about the Games being held portance of scoring points good in adapting the new disrupted the BWF calendar.
Paire and veteran Felicia 76) bt Manchester City 2 (Gun
on schedule now, Satwik and with strong defence and not techniques being taught by “But, I feel sorry for those
no Lopez in the dogan 2, Foden 48); Chelsea 2
Chirag have decided to train just with an attacking game, Boe,” he said. who could have made the
roundof16. (Rudiger 47, Jorginho 66pen)
with the same intensity as we feel we are much better “Well, we want to avoid cut even if only they had ta
The results (roundof16): bt Leicester 1 (Iheanacho 76);
Casper Ruud bt Tennys Sand they have been doing this for players now,” said Satwik in the kind of confusion we ken part in one of the three Manchester United 1 (Cavani 15)
gren 75, 62; Dominik Koepf the last three months under a chat with The Hindu. have had in the European Majors which were can drew with Fulham 1 (Bryan 76);
er bt Feliciano Lopez 75, 67 the guidance of doubles “It would have been great circuit, including the Swiss celled,” the Arjuna Awardee Making no mistake: Jorginho scores Chelsea’s second goal Southampton 0 lost to Leeds 2
(1), 63. coach Mathias Boe. if we were to play in at least and the All England cham said. from the spot. REUTERS
*
(Bamford 73, Roberts 90).
CM A ND-NDE
YK
16 SPORT DELHI

THE HINDU
IN BRIEF
Asian championship crucial: Mary Kom Prasanta Mohapatra
Champion boxer wants to assess herself before the Olympic Games
passes away
Mohapatra had lost his
Press Trust of India dren were not well, we had CRICKET father, eminent sculptor
NEW DELHI to manage that and it comes and Rajya Sabha member
It’s a tournament she has with its own set of anxieties. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Raghunath Mohapatra, due
Kolesnikov lowers his Then, the camp in Delhi was KOLKATA to COVID19 11 days ago.
dominated for years but the
own world record again called off because of CO
Asian Boxing Championship Former Odisha Ranji Tro Mohapatra, who made
BUDAPEST
this time is more than just a VID19,” she said. “Someth phy player and Board of his debut against Bihar in
For the second consecutive
medalwinning opportunity ing or the other kept affect Control for Cricket in India 1990, scored 2196 runs at
day, Russian swimmer
Kliment Kolesnikov improved for M.C. Mary Kom, who is ing the training. The Asian (BCCI) match referee Pra 30.08 in 45 FirstClass
his own world record in the “desperate for competition” Championship is important santa Mohapatra passed matches. He also played in
50-meter backstroke. The before the Olympics. because I get to compete and away in Bhubaneswar on the Duleep and Deodhar
20-year-old Kolesnikov Mary Kom (51kg) has one there is nothing better than a Wednesday, tweeted the Trophy.
clocked 23.80 seconds to win silver and a staggering five good competition to help in Odisha Cricket Association As a matchreferee, he
the gold medal at the gold medals from her seven preparations.” (OCA). Mohapatra, 47, suc regularly supervised BCCI
European Championships on appearances at the continen cumbed to COVID19related matches at different venues
Tuesday. AP tal showpiece. Beneficial complications. in the last few years.
The sixtime world cham The few days of training have
EU Parliament to take pion can’t wait to land in Du been beneficial, according to
down illegal streaming
BRUSSELS
European legislators adopted
bai for the upcoming edi
tion, which starts on May 24
because all she wants right
the pugilist. “I feel confident
about my body. I will give my
best, whether it would be
Annika Kannan loses
a proposal on Wednesday to
combat online piracy of live
sporting events that includes
now is a “good slugfest”.
“I have been so eager to
enough to get a medal is so
mething that only time will tamely in doubles
compete, there has hardly tell," said Mary Kom.
the option to block illegal
been any training because of All four Tokyobound wo second set to force the de
broadcasts within half an
the pandemic and I need this men boxers — Mary Kom, INDIANS ABROAD cider, but failed to capitalise
hour. AP
desperately to assess myself Simranjit Kaur (60kg), Lovli on a 75 lead in the super tie
before the Olympics,” the 38 na Borgohain (69kg) and Sports Bureau break to lose five points in a
Platja D’Aro (Spain) row and the match.
yearold said from Pune, Pooja Rani (75kg) — will be in
where she has been training action. From the men’s Annika Kannan and Nora The results:
for the past few days. Olympicsbound group, Ayala Serra of Spain were Singles (qualifying third and
“It has not been easy. I Amit Panghal (52kg), Vikas beaten 60, 62 by Isabelle final round): Andreea Amalia
was at home after coming Krishan (69kg) and Ashish Haverlag and Suzan Lamens Rosca (Rou) bt Riya Bhatia 7-5,
6-2; Andreea Priscariu (Rou) bt
back from the tournament in Chaudhary (75kg) will fight it Geared up: Mary Kom feels there is nothing better than a good competition to help in in the prequarterfinals of
Karman Kaur Thandi 6-3, 5-7,
Spain (in March). My chil out along with seven others. preparations. FILE PHOTO
* the $25,000 ITF women’s [10-7].
tennis tournament here. Doubles (prequarterfinals):
Norris signs contract In the third and final
extension with McLaren Isabelle Haverlag & Suzan La-
Skipper Chhetri makes a return to the squad

qualifying round of singles, mens (Ned) bt Nora Ayala Serra
WOKING (UK)
Karman Kaur fough back (Esp) & Annika Kannan 6-0,
Lando Norris signed a multi-
from being down 35 in the 6-2.
year contract extension with
McLaren on Wednesday that
will keep the 21-year-old Indian team leaves for joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha
driver with the Formula One
team for the immediate
future. The British team’s
FOOTBALL
25 and 29, Chhetri is set to
feature in the forthcoming
ger Udanta Singh, Brandon
Fernandes, Pronoy Halder
Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Rahul
Bheke, Narender Gehlot, Chin-
Akhil Rabindra inches
statement didn’t specify the
length of the extension, Press Trust of India
games.
As per the health parame
and Abdul Sahal also return
to the national team setup.
glensana Singh, Sandesh Jhin-
gan, Adil Khan, Akash Mishra,
Subhashish Bose.
closer to contract
noting only that it includes NEW DELHI ters required to travel to Qa
‘2022 and beyond’. “My Captain Sunil Chhetri made tar, all the players and staff Three goalkeepers Midfielders: Udanta Singh, Press Trust of India with 14 others from across
Brandon Fernandes, Liston Co- Bengaluru the world.
commitment to McLaren is a return after recovering will carry with them negative Head coach Igor Stimac opt
clear: my goal is to win races laco, Rowllin Borges, Glan Mar-
from COVID19 as a 28mem results from the RTPCR CO ed for three goalkeepers GT4 racer Akhil Rabindra The British luxury sport
tins, Anirudh Thapa, Pronoy
and become Formula 1 world ber Indian football squad VID19 tests conducted dur even as Subhasish Roy on Wednesday made it to scar manufacturer made the
Halder, Suresh Singh, Laleng-
champion and I want to do leaves for Doha on Wednes ing the last 48 hours. Chowdhury missed out. the coveted list of the Aston announcement on
mawia Ralte, Abdul Sahal, Yasir
that with this team,” Norris day for the three matches of Prior to their departure, Martin Racing Driver Acade Wednesday.
India, fourth in Group E Mohammad, Lallianzuala
said. AP the joint 2022 World Cup all of them were serving qua my for the third time in a Akhil currently drives an
with three points, is already Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Ashique
and 2023 Asian Cup rantine in the national capi out of contention for a World Kuruniyan. row for the 2021 class. Aston Martin Vantage GT4
Former CAB official Qualifiers. tal since May 15. Akhil, who is currently for AGS Events Racing team.
Naskar passes away Cup berth but it is still in the Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Sunil
The team will have a prep reckoning for the 2023 Asian Chhetri, Manvir Singh. competing for AGS Events He will be racing the second
KOLKATA
aratory camp inside a bio Lone new face Cup in China. India’s fixtures: Racing team at the Euro round of the 2021 season at
Surajit Naskar, who served as
bubble in Doha before its Sunil Chhetri. * FILE PHOTO FC Goa midfielder Glan Mar The squad: June 3: Vs. Qatar (10.30 p.m. pean GT4 Championships, the European GT4 Cham
an assistant secretary of the
Cricket Association of Bengal first match on June 3 against tins is the lone face to make it Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh IST); June 7: Vs. Bangladesh is the only Asian to have pionships from May 2830.
(CAB) between 2010 and host Qatar. ternational friendlies against to the squad for the first Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Dhee- (7.30 p.m.); June 15: Vs. Af- made it to the prestigious The race will be hosted at
2012, passed away on After missing the two in Oman and the UAE on March time, while the likes of win raj Singh. ghanistan (7.30 p.m.). AMR driving academy along the Paul Ricard circuit.
Tuesday, according to a CAB
statement.
Bergkamp and Ramkumar training in Barcelona

Lampard in PL He’s determined to make the coming weeks count
Hall of Fame TENNIS
ANI
LONDON Kamesh Srinivasan
Arsenal’s iconic Dutchman NEW DELHI
Dennis Bergkamp and It has been a season of fluc
Chelsea great Frank Lam tuating fortunes for Ramku
pard have become the lat mar Ramanthan, but he is
est players to be inducted determined to make the
into the Premier League coming weeks count.
Hall of Fame. “Am training in Barcelona
The duo joins Thierry for the French Open,” said
Henry, Alan Shearer, Eric the 26yearold, ranked 215
Cantona, and Roy Keane in in the world, as against his
the elite list. career best of 111 in 2018.
Bergkamp, who won
three league titles, scored Tough time
87 goals in 315 appearances Grounded by a COVIID19 Ready for the challenge: Ramkumar, who has recovered from
for the Gunners. positive test in Portugal, as COVID-19, hopes to make an impression at French Open. ATP *
The forward’s direct in the season was hotting up,

volvement in 181 Premier Ramkumar stayed away who did very well to qualify son for Ramkumar, as he
League goals for Arsenal is from the circuit for six weeks for the main event in the had travelled for three Chal
second only to the 249 of to recover from the virus. Croatian Challenger on re lengers in Turkey, apart
Henry. As if isolation was not bad turn to the circuit. from Doha, Singapore and
Lampard, also a three enough in a foreign country, He and Sriram Balaji had Kazakhstan for many tour
time champion with Chel Ramkumar also had to en nearly a dozen match naments, including the qual
sea, scored 177 goals dur dure the emotional crisis of points, but lost in the pre ifying event of the Australian
ing his time at West Ham his dad being treated for the quarterfinals of the doubles. Open.
United, Chelsea and Man virus in an hospital back “They just could not con “I will give my best in the
chester City, the most by home in Chennai. vert those match points,” coming weeks,” said Ramku
any midfielder in the com “Dad went through a said Ramkumar’s father, Ra mar quite focused on his
petition’s history. tough time,” recalled Ram manathan, who watched the training rather than trying
kumar, quite relieved that he match on ATP’s web stream more events before the
Longrange goals was physically and mentally ing. He also felt Ramkumar’s French Open.
Renowned for his stunning strong to beat the virus. opponent was too good in For sure, Ramkumar is
longrange goals, Lampard “I have also totally reco the singles main draw. hungry and ready to do well
holds the PL record for the vered, by God’s grace. I had as the Grand Slams come
most scored from outside two good matches in Zagreb Busy season around in Paris and Wimble
the penalty area, with 41. last week,” said Ramkumar, Of course, it was a busy sea don.
Tatum on fire as Celtics stun Wizards

Redhot Indiana Pacers stings Charlotte Hornets
tics advanced to a first round day’s early playin game. ed into a 4024 lead by the
NBA PLAY-INS playoff series against the se end of the first quarter.
cond seeded Brooklyn Nets. Dominant By halftime the Pacers
Agence France-Presse The Wizards will now host Oshae Brissett scored 23 had opened up a 24point
Los Angeles the Indiana Pacers on Thurs points and Doug McDermott cushion to effectively kill the
Jayson Tatum erupted for 50 day, with the winner of that added 21 as the Pacers got off contest against a strangely
points, including a perfect 17 game facing a first round to a fast start and never subdued Hornets lineup.
of 17 from the freethrow playoff series against the Phi eased up in a comprehensive The NBA used a playin
line, as Boston Celtics ladelphia 76ers, the top seed wiretowire victory in tournament for the playoffs
booked its place in the from the Eastern Indianapolis. this season after deploying
playoffs on Tuesday with a Conference. Only one win had separat the format last year when
118100 win over the Wash Bradley Beal led the Wi ed the ninthplaced Pacers the pandemicdisrupted
ington Wizards as the NBA’s zards’ scoring with 22 points from the 10thranked Hor campaign was completed in
playin tournament got un while Westbrook finished nets during the regular sea the Orlando bubble in
der way. with 20 points. son which wrapped up on Florida.
Tatum produced a virtuo In another match, Indiana Sunday. The results: Boston Celtics bt
so performance to outshine looked red hot in a 144117 However a gulf in class Washington Wizards 118-100;
Wizards tripledouble king blowout to eliminate the soon became apparent on Indiana Pacers bt Charlotte
Russell Westbrook as the Cel Charlotte Hornets in Tues Tuesday as the Pacers sprint Hornets 144-117.
CM A ND-NDE
YK

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follow us: thursday, may 20, 2021 Delhi

COVID­19 cases found Delhi CM not speaking

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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tions, and keeping a regular ac­ against a fortress of mattresses —

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sonnel available to help out

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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