www.thehansindia.com VOL. 10 | NO. 294 | MONDAY 10 MAY 2021 | HYDERABAD | PAGES 12 | `5.

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Simultaneously published from Hyderabad | Warangal | Tirupati | Amaravati | Visakhapatnam | Khammam | Kurnool | Delhi

WINDOWS

IFTAR (MON)
SAHER (TUE)
RAMZAN
TIMINGS
06:40 PM
04:28 AM
FUTURE WAVES 4,03,738
FRESH CASES
Constant threat of new mutants growing


 








TIMISM
RLD OF OP
BLINDS WO N BE FOUG
HT,
S MYTHS, ‘COVID CA ED NOT PANIC’
FEAR FUEL INFECTE
D NE to suggest
to the

symptom
people is
affected
not to get
please do

mildest of
panicky.
D AMEEN most
Another

Take even Covid survivor

VIJAYWADA t sugges-
importan has for
in any tion Nazeer who
getting a bed
THESE daysbecome a herculean Covid patients
hospital is home, stay safe and have insurance

seriously:
and to speak
policy is

While we anticipate a third

ely she acted task. Stay the sake
our sake andmask and hospital

Appropriate W
test, immediat treatment she re- please for wear to the
ent and
with immediatealso suggests to be of your family distancing. Pro- managem on the
She gives social get- get clarity by the
 "$ $ covered. if the RT PCRdo not maintain and prevent
 " ##  $ ) $ cautious even "Please tect yourself by Covid-19 is the fee collected pay-

ith the second wave of the

#

second wave much worse than the can be stopped if prescribed guide-
Report. be a and
 #'"# #' # a Negative The report might ting infected of S K Nazeer, hospital by the
VASAVI KALERU  " $"# be misled. be in- Baat’
‘Mann Ki private employee
of ment madecompa-
$"  but you could please ld
HYDERABAD  ( $" + negative 52-year-o village near Vi- insurance avoid
recov- fected. If found positive,, office, i treatment
to
'# *$" neighbors Gollapud the
Latha, a Covid d inform yourcollege whoever
it es with nies for
K Madhu from Hyderaba  # " jayawada. experienc for the . proto-
ered Teacherher Covid battle de- $ "$  % school or merit
There is no is no Sharing his ex- and joined confusion
Follow treatment
India, Nazeer derabad The biggest problem calm, be self-
while sharing es that even the $"3# ( might concern. hiding it. There The Hans overcame
how he and sup-
.
treatment to get a bed cols, stay and that
tails emphasiz must be   ( in denial or to the infection," plained t in Covid
is confident boost
of Treatmen
+
mildest of
symptom  +" %  # stigma attached ve of loss Covid-19. by the doctors, hos- than getting
treat- will help
“Trust symptoms Irrespecti fret over 54 $ your immunity

Covid-19 pandemic rav- first one that began in early 2020 lines about precautions, surveil-
taken seriously. act im- #  '$"%'# she added. do not port given members ment. The
failure  +' $  10 to
are mild and e,” taste or appetite for a and family
pital staff most importan t
in   $ levels. Take and
even if they
without negligenc  $ $#
 ,+- will continue of the adminis- 56 '"# "#$  #- 12 hours rest s
fatigue. It be patient. You will is what is says Nazeer. tration on
this
mediately
#+ $#  - while but get your energy lev- such times was '$"%'#  $#- take nutritiou

wave, we cannot say when

Latha asserted.will know that you to was a mismatch front #' eggs,
"Your heart by analysing your ("- $" $ need time for self- He said there figures claim evi- - !' "'$# +' ) food like sup-
not the timeshe adds. clear and
are infected there will be hell #,- '-  %'- - els, this is panic, in what the
official
reality. While
dent though $  "+ +'" $ milk, liquid tea
,
and creating what can be ground 
pity or and the said that there not   
symptoms within cautioning + -    Finally, suggestingto home, she he en-
they may he plements and
lot of instincts catch hold " ## official statistics accept it,  #$"- ##'"# morning take dry
of health, immedi-  "" - #  "# confined
done being clean up your room, were beds
available, in Vi-
evening and
to take care and act " Covid hospitalsno bed felt. ," be back
of that moment neglect. “Donot '%(%# $ says to read, favorite series, pray, quired in come and you willsaid.

aging the country and and peaked in the last quarter of that lance, containment, treatment and
 found that Having fruits
never like fever, $ watch your help others if you and
Later, he
con- after faster, he
ately but symptoms ) $ +' 2  $ and as much
jayawada
d out of hospital Nazeer on your feet
act lazy, your sneeze, cough, fa- meditate
rest and sleep was available. in Hyderaba getting cured, would like
throat ache, diar- can. Grab it will help your body cousin
tacted his got a bed in SLG all that he
headache, said that s

behaviour,
Youngsterbe
bodyache, i- as you can she reminds and luckily ly in Hy-
tigue, conjunctiv the Lastly, in Bachupal
rashes and tell you to didn't neglect in heal faster. to be callous
rhea, skin
urged to
Hospital
which cause she that she observed criminal
that it is the infection to any-
tis are alarms said. Isolate
yourself added.
crisis, Latha symptoms she has not observed and pass on all educated, please
act,” Latha you experience any
the moment away from this Covid-19 as teacher in a pri-
She is working a.
her. Though
, headache
and
one. You are
cautious.
caution
Strictly stay in Yousufgud but bodyache instincts were be calm, yet
#
symptom. place whenever you vate school within two her a  '$  ""$# ("'#

concerns being raised about a pos- year before the tally hit a trough in testing are followed.
sneeze, her to go for
others at first symptoms and go Latha recoveredinfection. She &$' $ $
$
strongly conveying $ 
feel you haveand follow doctors of catching possible be-

exactly it will come or how

weeks $

mind
only )'
for checkup and that's the best says that
was

He did not his dad!

ns yourself in M M FAROOQUI
suggestio
can do to
thing you HYDERABAD
especially
the citizens
“I appeal to ,

life for
to take precautions un-
youngsters avoid loitering
Covid

risking his
wear facemasks, maintain social

sible third wave, experts caution the first quarter of 2021. "If we take strong measures, the
survivors’
on roads,
necessarily
avoid gathering.” per-
distance and
respect for
 # '" please change
your
/
'"  (" (1 Youngsters,
you will not
contract the
)
doctors grow )  $ ception that “The
 +- ) wave is stronger.affecting
RANI DEVALLA 57.  ) $#  -0 virus. This
was mostly
 + previous wave this second wave is
3' "$ " VISAKHAPA
TNAM
#' (" but
%( % ##"$#$ ( #'"((". the elderly,
and people
of all age
 $"# $ ("'#3 social distancing more severe, virus, says
P

vaccination
   $ AT a time whenoneself have be- that groups are
contracting
felt that he
he was glad who like many

that the next wave could be less se- Several experts believe that a ca- third wave may not happen in all
and isolating Kasireddy Vi-

severe it will be. But if

MEGHNA N Being a diabetic,
ATH accord- Gautham,
HYDERABAD
$ )
Tel-
a saying in
THERE is
Narayano
ugu, “Vaidyo means that a
$
Harihi,” (that, be seen as a
doctor should Narayana).
$+ 
form of Lord pandemic
During
this
%
badly shaken the
which had salute
need to
world, we being ren-
great servicesdoctors and
dered by
the
are risking
nurses. They are proving
and
their lives nothing short
days in a government
that they are“This has been
 '
% saw how patients
of almighty. e,” says
 physically.
experienc
my
36.
Dharma Rao The Hans In-
Talking to
while the
dia, he said given grief to
demic has lost their near
many who
the efforts
and dear one’s, and para med-
the medical helped in sav-
ical staff has and thereby
lives
ing many mortality rate
reduced thethere is no pre-
though still to t at the
scribed drug
. -
BRAVEHEARTS
The second wave has
swept all of us with unimag-
inable devastation. While
the media across various
platforms is reeling figures
that make even a healthy
person sick, The Hans India
looks at a cross-section of af-
fected people from all walks
of life who won over coron-
avirus. The special page cap-
tures the spirit of hope and
gratitude. All of them bow
their heads to the selfless
service by the medical fra-
ternity. They consider that
it's a rebirth for them. They
transformed from philo-
sophical to practical.
Q4 results, Covid
will weigh on mkts
S upported by the RBI's liq-
uidity measures for
Covid-hit sectors, hopes of
containment of Corona
through vaccination, rally in
commodities and positive
global cues including Biden's
decision to waive intellectual
property rights on vaccines;
markets rallied for the second
consecutive week. The Sensex
climbed 424.11 points to
49,206.47 and the nifty was
up 192.05 points at 14,823.15.
Observers expect broader
markets to continue ongoing
relative outperformance for
some more weeks. FIIs have
net sold more than Rs 5,000
crore worth of shares in May
so far in the cash segment, in
addition to Rs 12,039 crore of
selling in April. Experts feel
the outflow could continue if
the situation deteriorates fur-
ther which ultimately pres-
surises the economy. P9
Sadiq Khan wins
second term as
London Mayor
London: Sadiq Khan has been
re-elected as Mayor of London for
a second term after beating his
closest rival with a vote share of
55.2 per cent versus 44.8 per cent
in an election that was closer than
expected. Labour Party candidate
Khan, 51, defeated his Conserva-
tive Party rival, Shaun Bailey, after
winning a total of 1,206,034 votes
as against 977,601 when both first
and second preference votes from
Thursday's mayoral election were
fully counted overnight on Satur-
day. The Pakistani-origin former
Labour member of Parliament
was the first Muslim mayor of a
European capital city when he
was first elected in 2016. The
mayoral poll was due last year but
was postponed by a year at the
peak of the coronavirus pandemic
in 2020. "I am deeply humbled by
the trust Londoners have placed
in me to continue leading the
greatest city on earth," said Khan.
come the norm, back to customised platter was fit  # 
did not step his meals were the
jaya Kumar hospital and instead enough and '
father personally ingly in the rotis
serve his for laden with being young
tested positivestayed was often after his complete re- (" (157
when he apri- will not con- #  #%(-
Kumar of rice. Even cashew nuts, bit
Covid-19. Vijaya d father tract the  - 
87-year-ol in the covery, almonds,
oranges and
a little
with his a virus. “I was
Ramulu Joseph cots, apples, mutton has become I 
Kasireddy a week only to realise or healthy, and
of chicken daily diet. With his )$ %+
hospital for too contracted the don’t know
the he father has
completely part of his in Germany
and

-
vere if people keep following Covid- sual approach that followed the places or indeed anywhere at all. It
later that the symptoms glad that his how I got
in-
“When tested for from the infection. daughter settledVijaya Kumar says I al-  #'#$#
virus. I got myself recovered fight against son in Taiwan,not lose confidence
fected,
cropped up, which showed posi- But his personal a week-long ways thought
that he did undergoing treat-
the infection I got admitted into included
the virus the ICU. “I was there was is our that I will
not proved me
I was while he but the virus
tive as expected. struggle at for 18 days. General “Our confidence Come be affected, spent nine
Icon hospital. Initially,
my oxy- ment. Covid-19. said. Gautham
KIMS ward. Since in the hospital Khanna and pul- win over wrong,” he hospital and
to weapon to never lose )"
P2
given a normal I was shifted Ravi
physician Phanindra monitored we should survivor. "#%
both
what may, are suffering
gen levels dropped,
care unit (ICU)
a few t They the Covid  
When you
monologis intervals. hope,” assertsdischarged from the  
an intensive recollects. at periodical by interacting war-
('$" mentally and and you see others,
people keep following
he me After getting Covid
days later,” April 28, the $ ( #'"((" are in a hospital ho
d civil engineer gave me confidencet my stay in the in io
appropriate behaviour and a large through of the first wave could be a depends on much how effectively
hospital on his family’s support
The 57-year-ol his father being m -
with me throughoutoo were of im- rior says that attention made him
incl din
pan- says that despitefor the virus, he hospital. Nurses 24/7 assis-
and doctors’ the infection.
tested positive him alone in the mense help,
providing is com-
recover from
main shields
leave
could not knew I was inviting their service
of tance and he explains.
hospital. “I no other choice,” he mendable,
”
risk but I had he says, he feels
-
reasons. Today,
-
portion of the population is vacci- possible reason for the pandemic guidance is implemented at the lo-
- -
. - .
-
.
. - -
nated. raising its head again, though others cal level in the states, districts and
Covid-appropriate
against all According to the Union Health
Ministry data released on Sunday
morning, India recorded 4,03,738
are also putting the blame on the
new mutants and variants of the
virus being more virulent. K Vijay
cities everywhere," he said.
According to experts, in a few
months when the immunity people
behaviour in coming
mutants, fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24
hours, pushing the country's cumu-
Raghavan, Principal Scientific Ad-
viser, had said on Wednesday last
have developed naturally or with
the help of vaccination fades, the
months and we are able to
says lative tally to 2,22,96,414, while the week that the third wave was in- virus strikes again and the only vaccinate a large number
death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with evitable and it was necessary to be thing that can stop the virus from
4,092 daily deaths. There has been prepared for new waves, but clari- bouncing back is how people are of people, the third wave
experts a sharp surge in infections over the
past couple of months, making the
fied two days later that the "insidi-
ous asymptomatic transmission"
guarding themselves.
Continued on Page 7 could be less severe
States have enough TS to recruit 50K MBBS Delhi extends
lockdown
vaccine stock: Centre
grads for fight against Covid till May 17
NEW DELHI
Over 72 L Covid vaccine doses
THE ongoing lockdown in
still available with States, UTs CM orders appointment of paramedical staff on temporary basis Delhi will be extended for
another week up to May 17
NEW DELHI HANS NEWS SERVICE
cine supplied as they have not
reconciled the vaccine they HYDERABAD
forward and strengthen the
hands of the government in
morning and Metro train
services will be halted dur-
MORE than 72 lakh Covid-19
vaccine doses are still avail-
able with States and Union
have supplied to the armed
forces," the ministry said.
Furthermore, more than 46
In view of the steep spike
in Covid-19 cases across
the fight against the pan-
demic.
It was also decided that
ing the period, Chief Min-
ister Arvind Kejriwal said
on Sunday.
Territories, while over 46 lakh lakh (46,61,960) vaccine the state and the tremen- the super speciality hospi- He said although Covid-
doses will be received by them doses will be received in ad- dous pressure on the med- tal in Warangal and Adil- 19 cases have come down in
within the next three ical infrastructure like doc- abad districts be inaugu- the last few days, but any
days, the Union tors and other medical and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao reviewing Covid situation at rated immediately. He slackness would squander
Health Ministry said paramedical staff, the State Pragathi Bhavan in Hyderabad on Sunday further directed the Fi- the gains achieved so far in
on Sunday. government on Sunday is- nance department to re- the current wave of the pan-
The Government
of India has so far
sued notification for the
appointment of doctors, PM pats CM for ideas lease Rs 8 crore 250-bed
super speciality hospital
demic. The Delhi govern-
ment had been forced to
provided more than nurses and other staff on constructed in the prem- impose lockdown amid a
17.56 crore vaccine
doses (17,56,20,810)
temporary basis.
Chief Minister K Chan-
A fter the review meeting,
Prime Minister Naren-
dra Modi spoke to the CM
the good suggestions,”
Modi told KCR. The CM had
urged the PM to supply
ises of MGM hospital in
Warangal. Similarly, he an-
steep rise in Covid-19 cases
on April 20. Although, the
to states and union drashekar Rao, who re- KCR over phone. The PM in- more oxygen and nounced the release of Rs cases have come down and
territories free-of- viewed the situation, di- formed the CM that Union Remdesivir injections to 20 crore for the 250-bed positivity rate has reduced
cost. Of this, the total con- dition by States and UTs rected the Health Health Minister Harsh Vard- the state. The PM posi- super speciality hospital from the high of 35 per cent
sumption, including wastages, within the next three days, it department to rope in han had briefed him about tively responded to the RIMS in Adilabad. on April 26 to around 23 per
is 16,83,78,796 doses (as per said. Vaccination forms an 50,000 doctors who had the suggestions given by CM’s request and also KCR emphasised on the cent now, but strictness is
data available at 8 am today). integral component of the completed their MBBS and the CM. “Your suggestions assured that immediate need to appoint 366 med- needed, he said.
"More than 72 lakh Covid vac- five-point strategy of the gov- appoint them on tempo- are good and we will imple- action would be taken in ical staff for RIMS and 363
cine doses (72,42,014) are still ernment of India of contain- rary basis. They would be ment them. I thank you for this regard. for Warangal super special-
available with states and UTs ment and management of given a respectable salary ity hospital. The Chief ‘Out of control’
to be administered. States the pandemic (including and preference in future asked the officials to ap- footing. He appealed to the Minister also reviewed the
with negative balance are Test, Track, Treat and Covid- appointments as govern- point pharmacists and lab doctors who had com- availability of oxygen, beds Chinese rocket
showing more consumption appropriate Behaviour), the ment doctors, the Chief technicians and other pleted their MBBS and and Remdesivir injections.
(including wastage) than vac- ministry said. Minister said. He also paramedical staff on war other medical staff to come Continued on Page 7
falls into
Indian Ocean
‘Heinous crime
by Centre to
SpaceX launches 60 Starlink BEIJInG: A 100-foot-tall,
22-metric-tonne Chinese
export vaccines’ satellites in record 10th liftoff rocket re-entered the Earth
and has come down over the
Indian Ocean near the Mal-
SAN FRANCISCO ing attempt, the company said dives. The "out-of-control"
in a statement. The rocket's Chinese long March 5B
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on once pristine exterior was al- rocket "re-entered over the
Sunday launched 60 Starlink most black, charred by its Arabian Peninsula at ap-
internet satellites into orbit many trips to orbit and back. proximately 10:15 p.m. EDT
early and then stuck a landing "First time a Falcon rocket (around 7.45 am India time
at sea to cap a record 10th booster will reach double dig- on Sunday)," according to
nEW DElHI: Delhi flight for the company's its in flights," SpaceX CEO Elon US Space Command that
Deputy Chief Minister reusable booster. Musk wrote on Twitter on Sat- was tracking the rocket.
Manish Sisodia Sun- The veteran Falcon 9 rocket urday before launch. It was, however, still un-
day attacked the Cen- blasted off before dawn from The successful liftoff marked known if the debris im-
tre over the export of Space Launch Complex 40 here the second time SpaceX pacted land or water.
coronavirus vaccines, at Cape Canaveral Space Force launched one of its 229-foot- The agency's official
saying a large number Station at 2:42 a.m. EDT (06.42 tall (70 meters) workhorse Fal- Twitter account tweeted:
of lives could have GMT), marking the company's con 9 rockets within the same "Everyone else following
been saved in India if 14th launch of the year. It was week, each carrying a full the #longMarch5B re-en-
the doses were given also one for the record books stack of 60 flat-paneled Star- try can relax. The rocket
to people in the as the flight was this particular link broadband satellites, is down."
country first. P8 booster's 10th launch and land- space.com reported. The long March 5B
rocket that launched the
first chunk of Beijing's new
India’s situation nothing short of heartbreaking: Kamala Harris
space station could not be
maneuvered or controlled.
Tiangong-1, China's first
prototype space station
WASHINGTON event hosted by the State De- dent added. In her address, launched in 2011, was an-
partment's Bureau of South At the beginning of the she also acknowledged dias- other massive object that
In an address to the Indian and Central Asian Affairs pandemic, when our pora groups like Indiaspora uncontrollably reentered in
diaspora in the US, Vice-Pres- (SCA) on Friday. "The surge and the American India 2018 but mostly broke up in
ident Kamala Harris of Covid-19 infections and hospital beds were Foundation that "have built the atmosphere over the
lamented over the deteriorat- deaths in India is nothing stretched, India sent bridges between the US and South Pacific Ocean.
ing Covid-19 situation India,
saying it was "nothing short
short of heartbreaking. To
those of you who have lost
assistance. And today, we India". "And this past year,
you have provided vital con-
The "out-of-control" Chi-
nese long March 5B rocket
of heartbreaking". loved ones, I send my deepest are determined to help India tributions to Covid-19 relief will likely splash down in
"Generations of my family condolences. As soon as the in its hour of need efforts." Harris' remarks the ocean on Saturday, ac-
come from India. My mother dire nature of the situation come as India is battling the cording to a report in The
(Shyamala Gopalan) was became apparent, our admin- were delivering relief on the to send. We have delivered hour of need.” "We do this as devastating second wave of Verge.
born and raised in India. And istration took action. On ground.” "Already, we have doses of Remdesivir to treat friends of India, as members the pandemic that have trig- In an earlier statement,
I have family members who Monday, April 26, President delivered refillable oxygen Covid patients.” “At the be- of the Asian Quad, and as part gered record number of new the US Space Command had
live in India today. The wel- Joe Biden spoke with the cylinders, with more to come. ginning of the pandemic, of the global community. I be- Covid-19 cases and deaths, said that "its exact entry
fare of India is critically im- Prime Minister (narendra We have delivered oxygen when our hospital beds were lieve that if we continue to leading to a shortage in oxy- point into the Earth's at-
portant to the US," Harris Modi) to offer our support. concentrators, with more to stretched, India sent assis- work together, across nations gen supplies across the coun- mosphere cannot be pin-
said in her pre-recorded mes- By Friday, April 30, US mili- come. We have delivered n95 tance. And today, we are de- and sectors, we will all get try, including in the national pointed until within hours
sage played at a diaspora tary members and civilians masks, and have more ready termined to help India in its through this," the Vice Presi- capital of new Delhi. of its reentry".
 HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

FEAR FUELS MYTHS, BLINDS WORLD OF OPTIMISM

Take even mildest of symptom
seriously: Covid survivor
VASAVI KALERU
HYDERABAD
K Madhu Latha, a Covid recov-
ered Teacher from Hyderabad
while sharing her Covid battle de-
tails emphasizes that even the
mildest of symptom must be
taken seriously. “Trust symptoms
even if they are mild and act im-
mediately without negligence,”
Latha asserted.
"Your heart will know that you
are infected by analysing your
symptoms and there will be hell
lot of instincts within cautioning
to take care of health, catch hold
of that moment and act immedi-
ately but never neglect. “Donot
act lazy, your symptoms like fever,
throat ache, sneeze, cough, fa-
tigue, bodyache, headache, diar-
rhea, skin rashes and conjunctivi-
tis are alarms which tell you to
act,” Latha said. Isolate yourself
the moment you experience any
symptom. Strictly stay away from
others at first place whenever you
feel you have symptoms and go
for checkup and follow doctors
suggestions and that's the best
thing you can do to yourself in
Covid
survivors’
respect for
doctors grow
l 'Support from family
and doctors motivation
helped beat the virus'
MEGHNA NATH
HYDERABAD
THERE is a saying in Tel-
ugu, “Vaidyo Narayano
Harihi,” (that, means that a
doctor should be seen as a
form of Lord Narayana).
During this pandemic
which had badly shaken the
world, we need to salute the
great services being ren-
dered by the doctors and
nurses. They are risking
their lives and are proving
that they are nothing short
of almighty. “This has been
my experience,” says
Dharma Rao 36.
Talking to The Hans In-
dia, he said while the pan-
demic has given grief to
many who lost their near
and dear one’s, the efforts of
the medical and para med-
ical staff has helped in sav-
ing many lives and thereby
reduced the mortality rate
though still there is no pre-
scribed drug to treat the
virus. Rao said his journey
through the pandemic
taught him that one should
never take any health issue
lightly. It also taught me
that one should not lower
the guard. He said the
COVID-19 has taught him
how to look at problems
from a positive angle and
develop self-confidence.
These are the two main
weapons to defeat Corona
virus.
He said initially he was
hesitant and despite suffer-
ing from fever for three days
he did not get tested. But as
Sharing some important
measures she said to watch
on parameters such as
l Have a thermometer and
pulse oximeter handy
l Start medication as per
doctor's advice
l Keep hydrating and having
small nutritious meals
Do not acts lazy,
symptoms like
fever, throat ache,
sneeze, cough, fatigue,
bodyache, headache,
diarrhea, skin rashes
and conjunctivitis are alarms
which tell you to act
— Latha
this Covid-19 crisis, Latha added. cause she didn't neglect the
She is working as teacher in a pri- symptoms that she observed in
vate school in Yousufguda. her. Though she has not observed
Latha recovered within two but bodyache, headache and
weeks of catching infection. She sneeze, her instincts were
says that was only possible be- strongly conveying her to go for a
He did not mind
risking his life for his dad!
RANI DEVALLA
VISAKHAPATNAM
AT a time when social distancing
and isolating oneself have be-
come the norm, Kasireddy Vi-
jaya Kumar did not step back to
serve his father personally
when he tested positive for
Covid-19. Vijaya Kumar stayed
with his 87-year-old father
Kasireddy Ramulu Joseph in the
hospital for a week only to realise
later that he too contracted the
virus. “When the symptoms
cropped up, I got myself tested for glad that his father has completely
the infection which showed posi- recovered from the infection.
tive as expected. I got admitted into But his personal fight against
KIMS Icon hospital. Initially, I was the virus included a week-long
given a normal ward. Since my oxy- struggle at the ICU. “I was there
gen levels dropped, I was shifted to in the hospital for 18 days. General
an intensive care unit (ICU) a few physician Ravi Khanna and pul-
days later,” he recollects. monologist Phanindra monitored
The 57-year-old civil engineer me at periodical intervals. They
says that despite his father being gave me confidence by interacting
tested positive for the virus, he with me throughout my stay in the
could not leave him alone in the hospital. Nurses too were of im-
hospital. “I knew I was inviting mense help, providing 24/7 assis-
risk but I had no other choice,” he tance and their service is com-
reasons. Today, he says, he feels mendable,” he explains.
Avoid attending functions to the extent possible
HANS NEWS SERVICE the first wave struck India. She
CHITTOOR never had any health issues till
she contracted the novel Coro-
Please be careful, avoid attend- navirus.
ing functions to the extent pos- According to her she had at-
sible, Stay Home Stay Safe and tended a wedding of her col-
never lower the guard, says P league a few days ago in Tiru-
Madhuri, an IT Professional pati and spent about two days
who had recently recovered with her friends. But soon after
from Covid-19. returning home, she developed
Madhuri is employed in an IT fever, cold and cough and also
company in Bengaluru and has had breathing trouble.
been working from home since She got tested in Government
test, immediately she acted and
with immediate treatment she re-
covered. She also suggests to be
cautious even if the RT PCR gives
a Negative Report. "Please do not
be misled. The report might be
negative but you could be in-
fected. If found positive, please
inform your neighbors, office,
school or college whoever it
might concern. There is no merit
in denial or hiding it. There is no
stigma attached to the infection,"
she added. Irrespective of loss of
taste or appetite do not fret over
fatigue. It will continue for a
while but be patient. You will
need time to get your energy lev-
els, this is not the time for self-
pity or creating panic, she adds.
Finally, suggesting what can be
done being confined to home, she
says to read, clean up your room,
watch your favorite series, pray,
meditate and help others if you
can. Grab rest and sleep as much
as you can it will help your body
heal faster. Lastly, she reminds
that it is criminal to be callous
and pass on the infection to any-
one. You are all educated, please
be calm, yet cautious.
“Our confidence is our
weapon to win over Covid-
19. Come what may, we
should never lose hope,”
asserts the Covid survivor.
Being a diabetic, he was glad that
his meals were customised accord-
ingly in the hospital and the platter
was often laden with rotis instead
of rice. Even after his complete re-
covery, almonds, cashew nuts, apri-
cots, apples, oranges and a little bit
of chicken or mutton has become a
part of his daily diet. With his
daughter settled in Germany and
son in Taiwan, Vijaya Kumar says
that he did not lose confidence
while he was undergoing treat-
ment. “Our confidence is our
weapon to win over Covid-19. Come
what may, we should never lose
hope,” asserts the Covid survivor.
After getting discharged from the
hospital on April 28, the Covid war-
rior says that his family’s support
and doctors’ attention made him
recover from the infection.
hospital and when doctors told
her she was positive and admit-
ted her in the hospital. She in-
formed her parents not to
worry about her health . She
stayed for three days in the hos-
pital and came back to con-
tinue the treatment as per the
instructions of the doctors. She
felt there was no need to stay
at the hospital amidst the Covid
patients since her condition had
shown improvement. Madhuri
‘COVID CAN BE FOUGHT,
INFECTED NEED NOT PANIC’
D AMEEN
VIJAYWADA
THESE days getting a bed in any
to suggest to the
affected people is
please do not to get
panicky.
hospital is become a herculean Another most
task. Stay home, stay safe and important sugges-
please for our sake and the sake tion Nazeer has for
of your family wear mask and Covid patients who
maintain social distancing. Pro- have insurance
tect yourself and prevent get- policy is to speak
ting infected by Covid-19 is the to the hospital
‘Mann Ki Baat’ of S K Nazeer, a management and
52-year-old private employee of get clarity on the
Gollapudi village near Vi- fee collected by the
jayawada. hospital and pay-
Sharing his experiences with ment made by the
The Hans India, Nazeer ex- insurance compa-
plained how he overcame derabad and joined for the nies for the treatment to avoid
Covid-19. Treatment and sup- treatment. The biggest problem confusion.
port given by the doctors, hos- in Covid is to get a bed Follow treatment proto-
pital staff and family members than getting treat- cols, stay calm, be self-
is what is most important in ment. The failure Only confident and that
such times says Nazeer. of the adminis- if you take 10 to will help boost
He said there was a mismatch tration on this 12 hours rest and eat your immunity
in what the official figures claim front was nutritious food like eggs, levels. Take 10 to
and the ground reality. While clear and evi- milk, liquid supplements, 12 hours rest and
official statistics said that there dent though take nutritious
were beds available, he en- they may not tea and dry fruits you will food like eggs,
quired in Covid hospitals in Vi- accept it, he be back on your feet milk, liquid sup-
jayawada and found that no bed felt. faster, assures plements, tea
was available. Later, he con- Having come Nazeer morning and
tacted his cousin in Hyderabad out of hospital after evening and take dry
and luckily got a bed in SLG getting cured, Nazeer fruits and you will be back
Hospital in Bachupally in Hy- said that all that he would like on your feet faster, he said.
Youngsters
urged to be
caution
Gautam regrets his
attitude that the virus
would not affect him
M M FAROOQUI
HYDERABAD
“I appeal to the citizens especially
youngsters to take precautions,
wear facemasks, avoid loitering un-
necessarily on roads, maintain social
distance and avoid gathering.”
Youngsters, please change your per-
ception that you will not contract the
virus. This wave is stronger. “The
previous wave was mostly affecting
the elderly, but this second wave is
more severe, and people of all age
groups are contracting virus, says P
Gautham, who like many felt that he
was fit
enough and The simple
being young funda to win
will not con- over Covid-19
tract the is be positive,
virus. “I was be bold, eat
healthy, and I healthy food
don’t know with timely
how I got in-
medication,
fected, I al-
he suggests
ways thought
that I will not
A volunteer of NGO Helping Hand Foundation presenting a flower be affected, but the virus proved me
to Covid survivor wrong,” he said. Gautham spent nine
days in a government hospital and
saw how patients are suffering both
mentally and physically. When you
are in a hospital and you see others,
including some who are in serious
said she was in home isolation itation, and other such prac-
condition due to certain complica-
tions, your confidence levels dip. It
becomes difficult to chase away the
negative feelings. The best way is to
and got confined to her room tices can help in preventing have faith in yourself, the doctors
and did not allow her parents , Covid-19 and in case affected it and most important, keep yourself
brothers, friends or well wish- helps in speedy recovery of the away from social media and please
ers to meet her. Timely med- patient. do not browse the internet lest you
ication and nutritious food and Wearing face masks, keeping get depressed.
her immense faith that she physical distance and using san- The simple funda to win over
would test negative soon helped itizers are the most significant Covid-19 is be positive, be bold, eat
her in speedy recovery. weapons to fight against Covid- healthy food with timely medication.
Madhuri appealed to people 19 battle and also urges affected And most important is to salute the
never to lower the guard, make people particularly the young to doctors and all the medical and para
mild exercises part of lifestyle , donate plasma. She said she was medical staff who are risking their
do some yoga , read books, med- also ready to donate plasma. lives to save our lives, says Gautam.

‘I salute health staff’, 2nd wave

condition was deteriorat-
ing, he got tested and got ad-
mitted in General chest
hospital. He said by that

Covid patient after being cured

time the infection had
spread to lungs and his spir-
its started dipping. He
thought he would not sur-
vive. But the counselling
given by the doctors, the
support of his family made
him realise that he was not
at the end stage of his life.
As his confidence levels
started improving, his
health also started improv-
ing. He said the blessings of
the almighty and the
yeomen services of the doc-
tors have made him win
over the virus.
After recovering from the deadly virus, the recovered patient offers support and hope for those currently infected
MOHAMMED HUSSAIN
HYDERABAD
“I escaped from the clutches of
death and the entire credit for this
goes to the team of doctors and all
other medical and para medical
staff who motivated me to see that
I regain my self-confidence. I came
out happily only because of them
and their support. I Salute the real
front-line warriors, said Sai Kumar
(37) a resident of West Maredpally.
Before the pandemic, `Kumar
said he was diagnosed to be having
respiratory problems and con-
tracting COVID-19 only made it
worse. What started as cold, wet
cough, and fever, turned out to be
Corona positive. He said he was
scared and was worried as to what
would happen to his family mem-
bers, says Sai Kumar
After being treated for 12 days
in the hospital he was fully recov-
ered and was asked to go home, he
cried and was very much thankful
to the doctors, nursing staff, as he
was one among Covid warriors and
became the survivor. While he was
leaving the hospital, medical staff
and patient care coordinators
from Helping Hand Foundation
(HHF) felicitated him, and this
gesture moved him a lot. He said
his experience of fighting Corona
has made him feel that he should
do something to support the af-
fected people as thanksgiving ex-
ercise. He said he would offer sup-
port for those who are under
treatment and take awareness
campaign on the need to follow
health protocols by those who are
safe but vulnerable to get infected.
Cover your face from nose to chin
instead of embracing the virus, he
adds.

Historic Tipu Khan
bridge to be restored
MOHAMMED HUSSAIN
GOLCONDA
TiPU Khan Bridge constructed
by nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur in
1910 at Langer Houz is now in
the lists of preservation and
restoration of heritage struc-
tures in and around Hyderabad.
The bridge marks and spans
the 'Sangam' of two rivers 'Musi'
and 'Eisa'. nawab built the
bridge from his earnings for
public utility. it is still being
used by automobiles and pedes-
trians.
The heritage structure has
been neglected for years, which
lead to illegal dumping of
garbage underneath the bridge,
with little concern for the struc-
ture, has upset the family of Tipu
Khan who has demanded imme-
diate action in the matter, urging
the authorities to preserve and
safeguard the bridge.
Speaking to The Hans india,
Wajahat A Khan, great-grandson
of nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur
said, “The Tipu Khan bridge
constructed by my great grand-
father nawab Tipu Khan, a high
ranking noble during the reign
of Asaf Jah Vi in the year 1910
Probe Chevella
MP Ranjith
Reddy’s
business: BJP
HANS NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD
BJP Telangana State chief
spokesperson K Krishna
Saagar Rao demanded an
enquiry into Chevella MP
Ranjith Reddy's busi-
nesses and his association
with former Health Min-
ister Etela Rajender's
land grabbing and illegally
occupied assigned lands
of poor Dalits and back-
ward classes.
in a statement here on
Sunday, he alleged that
it's a known fact that MP
Ranjit Reddy is a partner
of Etela Rajender for a
long time and has been
closely associated with all
his dealings. "There are
mainstream media re-
ports today of possible
wrong-doing of Chevella
MP Ranjith Reddy in con-
nivance with Etela Rajen-
der, who is now facing
multiple charges of land
grabbing, occupying as-
signed lands of the poor
and even criminal con-
spiracy," he added. BJP
demands that Chief Min-
ister K Chandrasekhara
Rao should constitute a
high-level enquiry com-
mission with a sitting
High Court judge on all
those ministers and
MLA's in his government
and party, who are facing
serious allegations of cor-
ruption, encroachment,
violation of land regula-
tions and land grabbing.
AD is neither illuminated nor
maintained. it is fuming to see
that the government have not
even given Tipu khan any recog-
nition for the marvel.”
Wajahat demanded the con-
cerned authorities to take up the
preservation works of Tipu
Khan Bridge, which is one of the
strongest bridges in the city.
Centre releases `273 cr to RLBs in TS
HANS NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD
Union Minister of State for
Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy
on Sunday said that the Centre
has released Rs 273 crore grant
to the Rural Local Bodies
Uppal to have 200 bedded
Covid care centre
HANS NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD
WiTH Covid-19 patients unable
to pay huge amounts for isola-
tion facility, Gemini Edibles and
Fats india Pvt Ltd (GEF india),
as a part of their Corporate So-
cial Responsibility (CSR) has
partnered with Seva Bharathi
and has set up a free Covid home
However, in a bid to improve
and restore heritage structures
in and around Hyderabad, with
historic bridges at several places
losing their charm across the
city, the Principal Secretary of
Municipal Administration and
Urban Development (MA&UD)
and Municipal Commissioner of
Hyderabad Metropolitan Devel-
(RLBs). “The finance ministry
has released Rs 8,923 crore to
the panchayats in 25 states and
Rs 273 crore have been released
to the RLBs in Telangana,” he
explained. The funds were re-
leased as the first installment of
the untied grants for the years
isolation centre, which will
serve as medical care and reha-
bilitation facility round the
clock to support the patients in
need.
A 200 bedded isolation center
at RVK Schook in Uppal is for
asymptomatic patients or with
mild symptoms.
Speaking about the initiative,
P Chandra Shekhara Reddy Vice
l Bridge marks 'Sangam'
of Musi and Eisa rivers
l Officials preparing
estimation for taking up
complete restoration of
the bridge
opment Authority (HMDA)
Arvind Kumar promised to soon
take up repair works of the
bridge along with estimation.
2021-22. The release of the
grant advanced because of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
“And the amount can be
utilised by the Rural Local Bod-
ies, among other things, to take
steps to fight the pandemic,”
Kishan Reddy said .
President, Sales and Marketing,
Freedom Healthy Cooking oils
said, “We are pleased to partner
with Seva Bharathi to help set
up an equipped isolation center
for Covid-19 patients and set up
additional infrastructure for the
patients. With this isolation
centre we hope to provide care
to the pandemic-stricken peo-
ple."
Want to know how Covid
affects your lungs?
MEGHNA NATH
HYDERABAD
CoRnAViRUS initially impacts
the lungs and to boost the lungs,
Covid positive patients should
do breathing exercises, should
take steam inhalation regularly
,wear mask and social distancing
is a must, says Dr D naresh Pul-
monologist , Government Gen-
eral and Chest Hospital in an ex-
clusive interview with The Hans
india.
It is witnessed that many people
who tested covid positive have re-
ported problem with the respira-
tory track? Why it is
so? How to handle
breathlessness at
home?
Covid is small
minute form and
easily spread by
fomites and
aerosols via respira-
tory system and
damages the lungs.
This is the reason
why Covid initially
impacts on respiratory track . To
handle breathlessness, monitor
oxygen levels two-three times a
day. if oxygen levels drops below
95 per cent, it indicates mild to
moderate pneumonia. After
checking the levels and then
take a six-minute walk and again
the person should re-monitor
the oxygen levels. if it drops
more than 4 per cent than what
it was before walking, then im-
mediately consult a doctor.
What are the organs most af-
fected by Covid 19. Many patients
are effected with various lung re-
lated diseases like bronchitis and
pneumonia. What should be
done to strengthen the lungs?
Covid infects the almost every
organ in the human body after
entering into blood circulating
system, mainly the lungs by the
damaging the cells in the respi-
Mother's Day celebrations held grandly in the house of RR Foundation chief patron 91-year-old Khursheed Begum
at Jubilee Hills on Sunday
3rd Oxygen Express dispatched
with five empty tankers
HANS NEWS SERVICE
SECUNDERABAD
THE third oxygen Express
started from the South Central
Railway on Sunday from Sanath-
nagar new Goods Complex. The
oxygen Express
containing five
tankers is pro-
ceeding to MBMB
siding (M/s. Tata
Steel BSL Ltd.,)
Angul in odisha,
where the empty
tankers will be
filled with Liquid
Medical oxygen.
As part of this
initiative, SCR has
earlier moved two
empty oxygen Ex-
presses to Angul and now the
third one has moved with the
empty oxygen Express at the re-
quest of the State Government of
Telangana. The Zone had proac-
tively identified the Station capa-
ble of handling the oxygen Ex-
press in the twin cities area.
immediately, on receipt of the re-
HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021
Dr D Naresh Pulmonologist
ratory epithe-
lium. Patients
with co -mor-
bidities or com-
promised lung
functions are at
a higher risk of
contracting
covid pneumo-
nia and bron-
chitis . The
covid positive
patients who have problem with
the respiratory track should do
breathing exercises, inflating a
balloon or air pillows is also rec-
ommended and try to be iso-
lated, wear double or triple
mask and try to maintain social
distancing and follow breathing
exercises, regular steam inhala-
tion is also safe. Patients with
chronic illness should get vacci-
nated against CoViD,6 - 8 weeks
after they recover.
Can the covid virus cause long
term damage to the lungs even
mild/moderate covid -19 patients
? What modification should be
done to breathe better in this con-
dition?
it is witnessed that Covid
causes severe lung damage to
iCU recovered patients but
there are only few cases of
mild/moderate symptom covid
patients have reported severe
quest from the State Government,
the originating station as well the
Green Corridor to move the oxy-
gen Express was mapped till the
destination station, said senior of-
ficer, SCR.
Gajanan Mallya, General Man-
ager, SCR advised the officials to
continue taking proactive steps in
case of any request for further
oxygen Express movement over
the Zone. He also instructed all
the Divisions to give utmost pri-
ority to run these trains and con-
tinuously monitor the movement
of oxygen Express over the Zone.
3
fatigue of respiratory
muscles and weakness. it
can be managed with
chest physiotherapy,
yoga and breathing exer-
cises.
Most of the people after
post covid had complained
about various health is-
sues? What are causing
these issues?
Post covid symptoms
also called as long covid
symptoms these are se-
vere weakness, breath-
lessness, myalgia, heart
stroke, Alzheimer’s dis-
ease and Guillain barre
syndrome. Mainly these symp-
toms are caused by severe dam-
aged by covid infection by for-
mation of micro clots formation
in lungs , heart vessels and brain
tissues. These clots formation
will damage the lungs with scar-
ring formation, clots in heart
and cause heart stroke and
causes the alzemers and GB syn-
drome. Sometime clots circulate
into muscular skeletal system
causes severe weakness
It is seen in few cases that get re-
infected , why is it so, what are its
causes, what are the preventive
measures ?
now new strains have come
and these strains are escaping
from human antibodies and
causing re- infections, sometime
covid antibodies disappear early
in our body. This also could
cause the re infection. if new
strain is strong it will cause se-
vere damage. Main protection
that should be taken by a person
who has recovered from covid is
that he should wear mask, try to
avoid mass gathering, try to in-
clude protein rich foods in diet
and post covid patients should
take multivitamins tablets as
prescribed by their physician.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, and Wear
Masks please.
CM KCR
extend
Mother's day
greetings
HANS NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD
on the eve of interna-
tional Mothers’ Day
Chief Minister K Chan-
drashekhar Rao has ex-
tend wishes and greet-
ings to mothers in the
State.
in a statement here
on Sunday, he said, "in
the entire nature
Mother’s love is pure
and great. We learn
good qualities like pa-
tience, love, compas-
sion, sacrifice from the
mothers.”
He said that for any-
one’s progress and
achievements in life,
mothers play an essen-
tial role. Several welfare
programmes have been
launched by the State
government for women
and mothers, he added.
4 HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

SIO connects 3K Covid patients Significant jump

with healthcare facilities
M M FAROOQUI
CHATTA BAZAR
To help all the Covid patients
across the State who are running
pillar to post to find oxygen, beds,
and other healthcare facilities
Students Islamic organisation of
India (SIo) Telangana zone
launched a helpline exclusively
for Telangana. The ‘Covid Relief
Task Force’ with over 1000 vol-
unteers spread across the State,
who are working round the clock
to ensure that Covid patients get
oxygen, bed, plasma, medicines,
and other help they need it be-
fore it is too late.
The helpline ‘Covid Relief
Task Force’ have been launched
within a week of being set-up, the
team has fielded around 5000 re-
quests and had provided verified
information about resource
providers to around 3000 pa-
tients. “Moreover, online doctor
telecommunication being pro-
vided for mild Covid patients,
with 154 doctors team as per
their time slots. A control room
has been set up at SIo’s head-
quarters in Chatta Bazar near
Purani Haveli to coordinate the
entire effort,” said Dr Talha
Faiyazuddin, President SIo
Telangana.
The patients and their atten-
dants convey their requirements
through dedicated 24×7 helpline
numbers and social media, while
the volunteers map resources
across the state and also verify
the public information about the
availability of healthcare facili-
ties. The patients are then con-
nected to the relevant resource
providers.
SIo launched a helpline num-
ber 7303373374 to assist the peo-
ple in providing leads of hospital
beds availability and any medica-
tions, leads for getting oxygen
cylinders and their refilling. SIo
began the exercise last week with
two 24×7 helpline numbers.
Within days district-level volun- while the remaining requests
teer teams were set up to help pertained to medicines such as
people across the length and Remdesivir and Tozilizumab.”
breadth of the state. “So far we “The second wave has badly
have received about 5000 calls hit India, and in this situation of
and about 200 calls for doctor dire need, we got an the over-
consultations which are directed whelming response from our
to 154 registered young doctors. student's youth, and SIo have re-
The work is expected to increase, ceived over 1000 registrations
and we invite more volunteers,” for volunteering, for fieldwork as
said Dr Talha Faiyazuddin. well as desk support.”
over 40 per cent of the re- Dr Talha further said, “These
quests received by the task force are the times in which any help
on central helplines are for oxy- will be of great benefit to people
gen, while around 30% are for and hope. And I’m proud that the
hospital beds. More than 20% of young cadre of SIo Telangana is
callers sought plasma donations, at the forefront in this task.”
Pleas to impose
restrictions in
micro-containment
zones
UDAY PULLURI
HYDERABAD
in Covid recoveries
ESA BIN ABDUL REHMAN
RAJENDRANAGAR
ClInICS and dispensaries in the
city besides vicinities are wit-
nessing the slightest dip in the
footfall as the covid-19 positive
patients are now recovering fast
in-home isolation while most of
the people approaching the
health care facilities are only to
treat their seasonal complica-
tions like fever, flu, and body
pain.
The health experts are at-
tributing the dip in the positive
cases to peoples’ consciousness
and preventive measures to
ward off the contagion.
“People afraid of the prevail-
ing covid-19 catastrophe in the cise, and home isolation besides
country became more cautious l Consciousness and sanitization are the best reme-
and are taking prophylactic pre- preventive measures ward dies to fend off the contagion,”
ventive measures to fend off the off the contagion She said, adding that “People are
contagion. This behaviour is having full access to health care
helping in breaking the speed of l Early detection and facilities in Rajendranagar
swelling positive cases. The precautions are the only which carries 12 Basti
more people take precautions way to stay healthy Dawakhanas, 1 Primary Public
the less positive cases will get re- Health Centre, 3 Upper Primary
ported,” observed Dr Mujtaba Health Centres, and one Com-
Ali Hashmi, Chairman Dr caution, and appropriate behav- munity Health Centre.”
Hashmi’s Unani Medicine ob- iour speak more effectively in “The number of positive cases
servation and Research Founda- dealing with the contagion,” as- has dropped in recent weeks as
tion Hyderabad. serted Dr Hashmi. much of the patients are recov-
Dr Hashmi, who is performing Affirming the same, the ering fast. As far as the patients
clinical trials on Broad-Spec- Deputy DM&Ho Rangareddy are getting proper precautions,
trum Antiviral Prophylactic District Dr Srujana, who is also diet, and medication there would
Medicine (BSAPM-UnAnI), a Programme officer for Mater- be no serious concern to the
further said, “Early detection of nal Health (PoHCH) in Rajen- health. In the last month, 47 out
the virus in the patient holds 90 dranagar, said, “The positive of 58 patients got recovered after
per cent chances of recovery cases are little bit falling owing spending time in isolation or
while in the later stage the to the precautions people are home quarantine while the re-
chances of recovery drop down taking these days to fend off the maining are gradually recuper-
to 50 per cent.”
As far as home isolation is
infection. Already the ratio of af-
fected people here is not more
ating. This week is seen as a pe-
riod of convalescence as most of
concerned, he said, it has noth- than 15 to 20 percent and most the covid-19 patients are recov-
ing to do with the virus treat-
ment. It only arrests the spread
of the people are recovering in
home isolation and are getting
ered,” said, Dr Mohd Zameerud-
din, who is practicing at Maxpoly
of the contagion to other family timely treatment.” Clinic, Kings Colony, Shastripu-
members. “Early detection, pre- “Medication, breathing exer- ram.

In wake of the surging Covid-19 cases public de-

manded the authorities to impose strict restric-
tions in view of Covid-19. Three nabbed for black Man knocket
Recently, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Cor- down by
Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali along with TS Wakf Board Chairman Mohammed Saleem,
poration (GHMC) identified 63 micro-contain- marketing Remdesivir injections car, dies
MLAs Kausar Mohiuddin (Karwan) and Jaffer Hussain Meraj (Nampally) flags of free Ramzan gift packs
ment zones in its jurisdiction but had neither
barricaded the zone nor was any no movement HANS NEWS SERVICE Raju to get them the injections MADHAPUR
vehicle at Haj House in Nampally
restrictions imposed in these containment zones HYDERABAD and promised him commission.
identified in different parts of the city, following As per their plan they got the in- IN a gruesome incident, a person

150 new beds for Covid-19 which people appeal the authorities to put re-
strictions to stop the spread of the virus. “Even
though these containment zones have to be bar-
THE Central Zone Task Force on
Sunday nabbed three persons for
black marketing
jections and were to sell it to a
needy person. But their move-
died on spot after being hit by a
fast moving Jaguar car on Satur-
day night at Madhapur-Hitech city

patients in SD Hospital ricaded immediately the authorities have not im-

MOHSIN ALI
HYDERABAD
In wake of a surge in Covid-
19 cases, Sarojini Devi Eye
Hospital is being converted
in Covid-19 hospital with
250 new beds for patients,
out which 150 beds will be
available exclusively for
Covid patients. While 100
more are to be set up in com-
ing weeks. The hospital
served as an isolation centre
last year as well; however, it
is the first time that it is go-
ing to treat Covid Patients.
Director Medical Education
has deputed 12 Doctors here
including pulmonologists for
treatment while the sup-
porting staff will be from the
same hospital.
The State is going through
a crunch of beds in the sec-
ond wave of Coronavirus to
meet the demand the Health
Department has decided to
arrange more beds to accom-
modate Covid patients. The
government has recently an-
nounced that the bed count
in the State will be taken to
60,000 soon. In a week beds
in hospitals like nizam In-
stitute of Medical Sciences
(200), Sarojini Devi (200),
Chest hospital (50), Gandhi
(200), TIMs (200). Further
Covid beds in hospitals like
Golconda (100), Malakpet
(100), Vanasthalipuram
(100), Ameerpet (50) will
also be increased.
“Almost all the beds in the
hospital are equipped with
oxygen while ten beds are
arranged for normal pa-
tients. There is no ventilator
bed right now it may be in-
stalled in the next phase”,
Said Dr V Rajalingam, Super-
intendent of Sarojini Devi
Eye Hospital.
The Telangana Govern-
ment is focusing on increas-
ing oxygen beds. It has an-
nounced that all 10,000 beds
in government hospitals will
turn into oxygen beds to
serve Covid patients. Mean-
while, Chief Secretary
Somesh Kumar is regularly
visiting the hospitals and in-
specting the ongoing works.
posed any restrictions in these areas where the
cases were being reported high,” said T Dinesh,
Resident of Alwal.
Health officials were closely monitoring the
corona positive patients and the Entomology
wing of GHMC were spraying the Sodium
Hypochlorite in all the containment zones fre-
quently to curb the virus, said an GHMC official.
Even the fever surveys are in progress and the
team was conducting the survey door-to-door
and is giving the Covid kits to those who detected
fever, the official added.
“It would be better if the State government
would revise the timings of night curfew instead
of 9pm the curfew should begin at least from
5pm to curb the spread of the virus,” said J Kar-
teek, Resident of Malkajgiri.
However most of the neighboring states have
already imposed lockdown whereas Telangana
has only imposed curfew, he added.
However GHMC and non-governmental or-
ganizations have already set up isolation centers
for Covid patients in different parts of the city
by turning up educational institutions, hotels
and banquet halls into isolation centers and these
centres are increasing in the city day-by-day.
Remdesivir injec-
tions and seized five
injections from their
possession. The ac-
cused were identified
as Praveen Kumar,
Raju and Rejender.
According to po-
lice, the accused trio
are friends and stay in
same locality. The ac-
cused Praveen and
Rajender lost their
jobs last year due to
lockdown and were
unable to make their
ends meet. So, they
observed that there is
a huge demand for
Remdesivir injec-
tions and hatched a
conspiracy to buy them from Raju
as he was working in Jyothi Med-
icals and sell it to needy cus-
tomers at higher rates.
According to their plan the duo
Praveen and Rajender convinced
ments were tipped off to the po-
lice and upon receiving the infor-
mation, the task force raided the
spot and apprehended them while
handling them to nallakunta PS
for further booking of cases.
flyover. According to police, the
incident happened when the per-
son was crossing the street, a fast
moving car driver did not slow
down upon noticing the person, in-
stead he went onto hit him and
fled from the scene of offence by
leaving the car behind. The details
of victim are yet to be confirmed,
but in the preliminary investigation
it is known that the car was com-
ing from KPHB and proceeding to-
wards Hitech City. Apart from it,
the car driver was earlier involved
in the offences of overspeeding
and it has four challans of Rs. 4375
on it and it is registered on the
name of Saurabh Gupta. We have
sent the details of the car to RTA
and formed special teams to nab
the culprit and the deceased body
was sent to post mortem at Osma-
nia mortuary. Once the investiga-
tion is completed, appropriate
cases will be booked against the
person and action will be initiated,
said the police.

SALE OF HALEEM EXTENDED TILL JUNE

MOHAMMED HUSSAIN
HYDERABAD
FoR the two consecutive years
Haleem sale have been cou-
pled with the surge Covid-19
cases, following tremendous
loss to the business. With
night curfew in force several
Haleem traders have not been
able to serve Haleem to its
lovers. Following this, few
Irani hotels of Hyderabad have
announced an extension of
Haleem for one more month
and have also reduced the
price.
one of the most popular
Haleem serving hotels in the
city, Café 555 at Masab Tank
on Sunday decided to sell
Haleem till June 13, 2021. This
hotel has also introduced the
drive of Haleem from after-
noon till 8 pm. Few other ho-
tels like Madina Hotel, Al Ka-
reem, Urban Grill, and SB
Haleem have also extended
last date of sale.
Haleem have always been
the most awaited dish of the
year as Hyderabadi’s wait to
taste the delicacy every year in
Ramzan. Until 2019, after the
completion of 30 days all ho-
tels and restaurants stop the
sale of Haleem but considering
losses hotels have decided to
l Haleem sale had been
poorly affected
l Due to night curfew in
force several Haleem
traders are unable to
serve the delicacy
l Traders reduce price
of the delicacy
l Dish being served
through food delivery
apps
extend the days.
Ali Reza Managing Director
of Café 555 said, “The impor-
tance of immunity has invaded
our minds since the start of
the pandemic, Haleem has the
spices, herbs, meat, desi ghee
all mixed form a proper con-
coction which not only boosts
immunity but also gives your
body the right amount of pro-
teins, vitamins, carbohydrates,
and fats. It is a complete pro-
tein-rich dish."
“The legacy of preparing
this lip-smacking dish dates to
1952, when Haji Abbas Hasemi
who served his lip-smacking
Haleem preparation to then
nizam of Hyderabad H.E.H
Mir osman Ali Pasha, who
loved Haleem made by him,”
shared Ali.
“Every year a large number
of workers and chefs use to get
a job at Haleem making
kitchens but from past two
years only a few of the workers
are being hired as the owner
cannot pay enough salary for
them,” said a Haleem chef at
Al Kareem Hotel in King Koti.
Moreover, considering the
pandemic situation, the
Haleem rates have been re-
duced earlier the price was Rs.
250 and now the rate has been
reduced to Rs 200 for a single
pack.
HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021 TELANGANA 5

Covid-19: Municipal
LAWYER COUPLE’S MURDER
Police issue notices to Putta Shailaja
HANS NEWS SERVICE
PEDDAPALLI

WITh the changes that took

place across the State politics in
the past few days, the advocate
couple’s - Gattu Vaman Rao and
PV Nagamani - murder case is
taking new turns in Peddapalli
district.
on Sunday, the police issued
notices to Putta Shailaja, wife of
Putta Madhukar and Manthani
municipal chairperson, asking
her to attend for interrogation at
Ramangundam police Commis-
sionerate regarding advocate
couple’s murder case.
Advocate Vaman Rao father
Kishan Rao lodged a complaint
with the police alleging the hand
of Putta Madhu and his wife in
the murder case of his son and
daughter-in-law. he also in-
formed that he will provide some
more details of the murder.
Meanwhile, drastic changes
Advocate couple Vaman Rao and PV Nagamani
were taking place in the police
department with the land issue
of former Minister Eatala Rajen-
dar and Peddapalli ZP chairman
Putta Madhu arrest in Manthani.
The government issued notices
to the police officials of Man-
thani, Dharmapuri, Jammikunta
rural and Jammikunta town
along with the police inspectors
of huzurabad division.
Political leaders were suspect-
ing that the police officials, who
got posting with the references
of Eatala Rajender and Putta
Madhu, were receiving transfer
notices. At a time when the police
brought Putta Madhu to Rama-
gundam after arresting him at
Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh
and inquiring his involvement in
the advocate couple’s murder
case, the transfer of police offi-
cials creating buzz among vari-
ous sections of people in the old
Karimnagar district.
polls and its aftermath
ADEPU MAHENDER
WARANGAL
ALAS, the folly of holding polls
to the Greater Warangal Munic-
ipal Corporation (GWMC) in the
midst of Covid-19 rage is turning
out to be a sort of disaster for
those, who were associated with
the electioneering. Aftermath the
municipal polls, Warangal wit-
nessed a steep curve in the num-
ber of coronavirus cases.
“Majority of the new cases re-
ported in the last fortnight or so
was due to electioneering.
Those, who tested Covid-19 pos-
itive, have none to blame but to
curse themselves. Take any poll
rally; at least half of the partici-
pants seldom took care of

MLA lays foundation for

Covid-19 protocol. Either they
were without masks or they
moved in bunches without car-
ing for physical distancing,” a

check dam construction

HANS NEWS SERVICE
MIRYALGUDA (NALGONDA)
MLA Nallamotu Bhaskar Rao on
Sunday laid foundation for the con-
struction of check dam on Paleru
Vagu under Bommakal gram pan-
chayat in Madgulapally mandal of
Miryalaguda constituency. Speak-
ing on the occasion, he said con-
struction of a check dam on Paleru
Vagu is a permanent solution to the
irrigation problems of this region.
Rs3.96 crore were sanctioned
through the Irrigation Department
MLA N Bhaskar Rao laying foundation for
the construction of check dam on Paleru
Vagu at Bommakal village on Sunday
for check dam construction in the
interest of the farmers, he in-
formed.
‘As many as 700 acres of agricul-
ture land would be brought under
cultivation and water table in and
around Bommakallu, Bheemana-
pally and Cherla Gudem villages
will increase after the completion
of the proposed check dam.’ MLC
Narsireddy, sarpanches Maruti
Venkat Reddy, Karunakar Reddy,
MPP Pokala Srividya, ZPTC
Saidulu, Rythu Bandhu Samithi
president Miryala Madhusudan,
PACS chairman Jerripotula Ra-
mulu Goud, ZP co-option member
Mosin Ali, Palutla Babaiah and oth-
ers were present on the occasion.
medical officer in Warangal Ur-
ban District told The hans In-
dia, pointing to the big spike in
pandemic cases.
The corona misery was not
just confined to the politicos,
but it also engulfed the officials
engaged in the election duty as
well. on the eve of polls (April
30), Municipal Commissioner
Pamela Satpathy tested positive.
“Imagine the kind of workload
– from delimitation process of
Divisions to the counting of
votes, this in addition to the reg-
ular duties at a time when
Covid-19 was spreading its ten-
tacles – the administration had
faced,” lamented a GWMC offi-
For representational purpose only
cial, who don’t want to be iden-
tified by his name.
on the other hand, tens of
workers irrespective of their
party affiliation engaged in poll
campaigns in each Division are
currently under home isolation
or quarantine. In fact, eight Cor-
porator-elects didn’t attend the
oath taking ceremony as they
tested positive for Covid-19. They
took oath of office through a
video conference.
Some of the ruling party work-
ers, who campaigned to their
might in the elections, allege that
there was no help from the lead-
ers even though they were in dire
straits after contracting Covid-
19.
JWALA, an NGo working
against corruption, founder
Sunkari Prashanth said, “With-
out working on the repercus-
sions, the government went with
the elections to the urban local
bodies (ULBs). As a result, there
was a phenomenal spurt in the
number of coronavirus cases in
Warangal and Khammam. Imag-
ine the intensity of the campaign
where as many as 502 candidates
are part of it. Literally, the num-
ber of coronavirus cases multi-
plied compared to the days be-
fore the poll notification.”
What it had gained with this
election was arbitrary, but the
government put itself in a grave
situation. The State-run MGM
hospital, which is now Covid-19
special, is already overburdened
with Covid-19 patients. The pri-
vate hospitals are making a for-
tune fleecing the patients. A gov-
ernment in its right mind would
have dealt the issue much better,
he said.

11 staff of
Bhadradri
temple test
Covid positive
HANS NEWS SERVICE
BHADRACHALAM

SoME of the temple staff

and a few journalists
were tested corona posi-
tive indicating the rapid BC Welfare Minister Gangula Kamalakar distributing Ramzan festival gifts to Muslims at a programme at Karimnagar
spread of Covid second Collectorate’s auditorium on Sunday
Chief Whip D Vinay Bhaskar distributing clothes to Muslims at a programme in wave in Bhadrachalam.

Gangula distributes
Hanamkonda on Sunday As many as 11 mem-
bers of the temple staff
‘State focused on Muslims welfare’ got positive on Saturday.
Among them, three were
HANS NEWS SERVICE

Ramzan gift packets

HANAMKONDA
ThE K Chandrashekar Rao gov-
ernment set an example in minor-
ity welfare, Chief Whip D Vinay
Bhaskar said, distributing clothes
to Muslims to celebrate holy
Ramzan later this month. In a pro-
gramme at Ambedkar Bhavan in
hanamkonda on Sunday, he said
the government had allocated
6,500 gift hampers for the Mus-
lims in Warangal West Assembly
constituency. The constituency
has around 35 masjids and they
each get 150 gift hampers for dis-
tribution to poor Muslims. he said
that KCR is the only Chief Minis-
ter in the country, who gives equal
importance to all festivals irre-
spective of religion. “In Warangal
Urban district, the government
has set up six minority residential
schools and three colleges. In all,
there are 252 minority residential
schools and 38 minority colleges
in Telangana,” Vinay said, stating
that KCR government was com-
mitted for the upliftment of mi-
norities. he reeled out govern-
ment’s schemes such Shadi
Mubarak, scholarships on par with
the SC/ST communities etc. The
government was also committed
to restore the Muslim religious
places that are in dilapidated state,
he added. he appealed to Muslims
to celebrate the Ramzan by adher-
ing to the guidelines of Covid-19.
priests and the remain-
ing eight were office and
technical staff.
Temple Executive offi-
cer B Sivaji took all pre-
cautions in the temple.
Speaking to the media
here on Sunday, the Eo
informed that they have
introduced shift system
in the temple office as
more number of office
staff were infecting with
the virus. Stating that
darshan timings were
also changed, he said the
new timings – from 6 am
to 1 pm - will be imple-
mented from Monday
(May 10).
HANS NEWS SERVICE
KARIMNAGAR
ThE main aim of the State gov-
ernment is to look after the welfare
of all sections of people, stated BC
Welfare and Civil Supplies Minis-
ter Gangula Kamalakar.
Minister Kamalakar distributed
Ramzan gift packets to Muslims at
a programme at the Collectorate
auditorium in Karimnagar on Sun-
day. he conveyed Ramzan festival
wishes to the Muslims on this oc-
casion. he appealed to them to fol-
low Covid guidelines issued by the
government and to participate in
the prayers on the festival day
keeping in view of the rapid spread
of coronavirus in the district.
After the formation of separate
Telangana, the State government
has been treating all religions
equally by offering gifts to hindus,
Muslims and Christians on
Dasara, Ramzan and Christmas, he
reminded. After the formation of
Telangana, Chief Minister K Chan-
drashekar Rao has been distribut-
ing gifts to poor Muslims on
Ramzan festival.
out of the 4,000 gift packets al-
lotted to the district, 400 packets
were sent to Kothapalli municipal-
ity, 300 to Kothapalli mandal, 300
to Karimnagar rural area and
3,000 gift packets were sent to
Karimnagar urban, the Minister
informed.
Additional Collector Shyam
Prasad Lal, Minority Welfare offi-
cer Madhusudhan, Revenue Divi-
sion officer Anand Kumar and
Mandal Parishad presidents along
with others were present.

Who is killing those who have Market yards filled

with paddy grains
in Palamuru
just defeated Covid?
HANS NEWS SERVICE medical personnel. Because tem, which cures one of Covid
HANS NEWS SERVICE
MAHBUBNAGAR

MARKET yards across the erstwhile Mah-

HYDERABAD
Who is killing hundreds of
those who have just defeated
Covid? "It's black fungus", was
the answer abuzz among the
medical circles.
Going by the discussions in
the medical circles, the post-
mortem report of Rohit Sar-
dana, a senior scribe who re-
portedly died fighting Covid,
reported that his death was due
to black fungus.
The disease called Mucormy-
cosis in medical parlance can be
fatal. It catches on to those who
have been on oxygen support for
five days or more. So, the oxygen
which gives you life, actually be-
comes your death sentence.
Mucormycosis, simply known
as black fungus, develops in the
nasal tract due to poor quality of
water used, through which the
piped oxygen in hospitals passes
to make it hydrated oxygen be-
fore it reaches the patient's nos-
trils. It's very much like the fun-
gus which develops on bread due
It's a black fungus disease
called Mucormycosis
Doctors call for including
black fungus check in
Covid protocol
to moisture if kept for a long
time.
It starts from the nostril, trav-
els towards the eye and then to-
wards the brain. This paralyses
the nerves it travels through. So,
first, it’s the eye that loses vision
very swiftly and permanently. If
not prevented, then, it enters
the brain and then it's a matter
of a day or two before the person
gets paralysed, has multiple or-
gan failure or sudden heart at-
tack and death.
Following these develop-
ments, the doctors looking at
this new development were of
the view that those on oxygen
support in a hospital, it's crucial
to keep looking around the nos-
trils for any black pigmentation.
Even if they notice even the
smallest dot, it should be
brought to the notice of the
anti-fungal vaccination should
start immediately because this is
the only treatment of the dis-
ease. Call an eye surgeon or spe-
cialist at once on a video call and
show him or share a pic.
The treatment for it was to
administer an injection dosage
of 5ml per kilogram weight of a
person. For example, if a person
is 60 kg, it should be 300 ml, and
if more, up to 80 kg, 400 ml.
however, this has to be done un-
der the medical supervisions,
the doctors opine.
That apart, the oxygen supply
also needs to be sanitised imme-
diately. "While only distilled wa-
ter should be used for hydrating
oxygen, in all hospitals. how-
ever, allegations were doing
round that due to callousness,
negligence or ignorance, tap wa-
ter or any other water available
around is used by the paramed-
ical staff. Also, the container for
the water for hydrating the oxy-
gen is seldom cleaned leading to
the concentration of viruses and
bacteria in the piped supply sys-
temporarily, but, kills him with
the deadly "black fungus". Doc-
tors warn that if tap water or
even purified/boiled water is
used in the humidifier, over
some time, there'll be deposits
of impurities, including micro-
metals, minerals/salts which
make things worse. Sometimes,
even many senior doctors re-
portedly tend to overlook this
crucial aspect of the life-giving
oxygen supply.
In some of the cases have
come to light by the time the
black pigmentation was noticed
by family members at home, it's
already too late and even doc-
tors are helpless. The most un-
fortunate part is the complete
lack of awareness about this
contamination in oxygen supply
and about the deadly disease it-
self.
Now, the doctors say that
checking for black fungus on pa-
tients on oxygen support should
be made an essential part of the
Covid protocol to save precious
lives.
bubnagar district were filled with heaps of
paddy grains, as farmers are continuously
bringing their produce to major paddy pro-
curement centers in Mahbubnagar, Wana-
parthy, Nagarkurnool, Jadcherla, De-
varkadra, Bhootpur, Gadwal and Narayanpet
mandals in the region.
District Agriculture Officer Sucharita said
that during Rabi Season paddy was culti-
vated in more than 5.77 lakh acres and it
was estimated to get more than 10.04 lakh
tons of yield across Palamuru region. This is
possible because of adequate water supply,
as rains in the last season were also very
good and moreover lakes and tanks were al-
ready filled up to the brim with Krishna River
water from Kalwakurthy and Palamuru
Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation projects, she
noted.
So far the marketing authorities in the dis-
trict have procured about 1.25 lakh tones of
paddy. However, as all major market yards
in the urban areas were filled up, district
procurement authorities have decided to
procure paddy directly from villages and set
up procurement centers in the villages.
As the farmers are continuously brining
paddy to the market yards and procurement
centers, paddy procurement process is ex-
pected to last entire May month.
6 EDIT HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

Our rulers must accept failures, take corrective measures

L eADING international medical journal The Lancet
on Saturday called upon the Modi-led government
to “own up to its mistakes, provide responsible leader-
ship and implement a public health response that has
science at its heart to contain Covid”.
In its editorial, The Lancet said India squandered its
early successes in controlling Covid-19 and till April,
the government’s Task Force had not met in months.
It observed government’s attempts to stifle criticism
inexcusable. even before the 2nd wave, government
declared it was Covid ‘endgame’. Its actions falsely sug-
gested that India had reached herd immunity and de-
spite warnings, it allowed huge political rallies, events.
It said even before the second wave began in early
March, Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan declared
that the country was in the “endgame” of the pandemic.
The BJP has been trying to duck and rubbish such ob-
servations saying that Lancet being a scientific maga-
zine should restrict itself to matters related to research
etc and not talk on political lines. The most unfortunate
thing is that our political executive refuses to accept
the truth though they are aware of it. Ask any volunteer
on the roads of Delhi or for that matter in any State, he
would come out with stories on how people were suffer-
ing while the governments keep patting their own back.
Undoubtedly, the political strategist Prashant
Kishore was right when he, in an interview, said that
India was passing through a stage where the all gov-
ernments want psychological dominance. They don’t
stop at seeking votes as it used to be in the past. They
want to control the mind space of the people. They al-
lege that nothing happened in the country till they came
to power. The parties that had come to power particu-
larly in the last six and half years have shifted their
focus from effective governance to taking control of
everything.
He is right as we are seeing that there is growing
sense of intolerance by every government. If someone
tries to revolt or even question, all-out efforts are made
to suppress the voice. The tendency is ‘listen to what
we say, clap at what we say and do or get slapped.’
For any political party, the leaders and cadre should
be the eyes and ears of the government. They should
be allowed to give feedback on real ground level situa-
tion. But that never happens. They keep praising every-
thing the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister says.
They present a picture as if everything was fine and
people were enjoying Ram Rajya. Not just the rank and
file of the ruling party but the officials also generally
paint a rosy picture instead of telling the political bosses
about where corrective action needs to be taken.
It is really a matter of regret the Chief Ministers or
Prime Minister hold meetings with officials and min-
isters, but the fact is none of them is an expert on the
pandemic. They look at the situation more from eco-
nomic angle. even opposition parties are not holding
discussions with experts to come up with reports and
suggestions for the government. It is a different matter
whether the government accepts it or not. They should
do their duty and put the findings in public domain
and let people judge who is doing what and whether
the ruling parties are moving in proper direction or
not.
Multiplexes face
single screen fate
Maharashtra which till recently has seen cases reach
a peak has shown the way on how to mobilise public
support to fight the pandemic. It has roped in Reliance
Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Indus-
tries Limited (RIL). The RIL
Had undertaken certain initiatives to battle COVID-
19 in Mumbai in coordination with the Maharashtra
F ilm and television production has come to a halt again due to the
second lockdown. The production sector will bounce back soon
as the things are back to normal, and so will most of the film-related
government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corpora- sectors albeit with bruises. But what happens to the multiplex cinema
tion (BMC). Hospitals with RF will manage 875 beds properties that sprang up like wild mushrooms all over the country?
for coronavirus patients in the city. Where there is a Now that is a tough situation there. The first multiplex at Saket,
will there is a way. Hope governments will wake up at Delhi, came up in 1997, owned by the PVR group. The 20th century
least now. was nearing its end, and the 21st century promised to be the era of
multiplexes. Not only the big corporate houses, investors and even
foreign companies entered this exhibition trade. There was no bases
or logic in the build-up to the multiplex rise.

Need for targeted lockdowns

This unchecked growth of the multiplexes was becoming a burden
on the exhibition trade. Instead of catering to the captive movie watch-
ers in one locality, around which the cinema was built, the multiplexes
in many places came up in close proximity of each other vying for the
same local viewer and thereby creating a competition for each other.
In fact, having four to five and, in many cases, even many more

W
THE WAY AHEAD e are
caught
between
the devil and the
deep blue sea in re-
spect of imposition
of lockdowns. Ac-
cording to a paper
published by the
Frankfurt School
Dr Bharat of Finance, not im-
Jhunjhunwala posing a lockdown
leads to higher
numbers of deaths which, in turn, leads
to lower economic growth. On the other
hand, imposition of lockdown leads to a
direct reduction of economic activity and
lower economic growth even though
some improvement takes place after a
time. According to Financial Firm Jef-
fries, three State of the United States,
namely, Arizona, Texas and Utah, did not
impose lockdowns. The result was
greater spread of Covid and the economy
of these States was more impacted neg-
atively than other States. In other words,
economy is not better if lockdown is not
imposed. This same study describes the
different trajectories of two Scandina-
vian countries Sweden and Denmark.
Lockdown was not imposed in Sweden
and people were encouraged to follow
social distancing and wearing of masks
voluntarily. Lockdown was imposed in
Denmark. It was found that the rate of
death in Sweden was five times higher
than in Denmark. This underscores the
fact that lockdowns are necessary. Two
papers published by the University of
Oxford and Wiley Clinical Practice, both
said that late imposition of lockdown in
United Kingdom led to higher death rate
and a negative impact on the economy.
These studies indicate that lockdowns
have necessarily to be imposed. Not im-
posing lockdown may seem to help econ-
omy by not prohibiting economic activity
immediately but that does not save the
economy because then the higher death
rate soon impacts the economy.
We have to understand the recommen-
dation of the World Health Organization
to avoid imposing lockdowns in this
background. David Nabarro of WHO has
said that lockdowns are very harsh on
the poor and should therefore be im-
posed only as a last resort. He has also
said that the poor are left without food
which leads them to breaking the lock-
downs. That leads to greater spread of
the virus and makes the lockdown un-
successful for rich and poor alike. We
have seen how the huge movement of mi-
grant labour in the first lockdown had
taken place and added to the infections.
It is clear that imposition and non-im-
position of lockdown—both have a neg-
ative impact on the economy. The way
out is to impose a lockdown but fine tune
it to reduce the economic hardship. The
economist Today has suggested that con-
struction workers could be required to
stay within the boundaries to reduce pos-
sibility of infection. The same could be
done for manufacturing industries and
software parks. Another suggestion is to
segregate workers in two groups and
place them in alternate shifts so that, in
case infection takes place, it affects only
one-half of the workers and production
does not totally come to a standstill.
It is also necessary to determine on
which activities to impose and on which
activities not to impose a lockdown.
economists calculate the costs and ben-
efits of various projects. The costs and
benefits of locking down various activi-
ties can be calculated separately. For ex-
ample, the costs and benefits of lockdown
in a school, bus travel, rail travel, inter-
national travel, restaurants, cinema halls,
street corner markets and manufactur-
ing activities can be calculated sepa-
rately. Those activities that have high
costs and low benefits can be locked
down while others can be allowed. For
example, cinema halls may have a high
cost because large numbers of people are
confined in a closed space but the bene-
fits may be nominal since they add very
little to the economic activity. Such ac-
tivities can be locked down. While
schools that create long term economic
value may be allowed to open.
With certain activities there can be
multiple scenarios. For schools, for ex-
ample, the costs and benefits can be cal-
culated in following scenarios: (1) com-
plete lockdown; (2) complete lockdown
with e-learning; (3) no lockdown with ag-
gressive testing and tracing; and (4) no
lockdown without testing ad tracing. This
calculation can then be done separately
for primary, secondary and higher educa-
tion. It can further be done for residential
and non-residential schools. It may appear
cumbersome to make these calculations.
But given that the Covid pandemic shows
no signs of abating, it is necessary to assess
these multiple options and implement the
best among them. Such fine tuning would
encourage the institutions to move to
Covid-resistant models. For example,
schools may move towards the e-learning
It is clear that imposition and non-
imposition of lockdown—both have a
negative impact on the economy. The way
out is to impose a lockdown but fine tune it
to reduce the economic hardship
and residential models so that they can
operate despite the lockdowns outside.
A paper in the Wiley Clinical Practice
journal has emphasized that lockdowns
are more likely to succeed if the people are
taken into confidence rather than mainly
imposed from the top. I recall that last year
towards the beginning of the pandemic,
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo used
to hold one hour long press briefing every
day and informed people of the true state
of the pandemic and the facilities that he
was trying to arrange. I believe that had a
great impact on compliance by the public.
even I sitting in India was impressed. On
the other hand, even during the strict lock-
down last April, the ministers in Uttarak-
hand were nowhere to be seen and officials
were issuing passes to one and sundry. The
holding of public meetings and family
functions without social distancing in the
presence of leaders sends and exactly op-
posite message. A daily press briefing by
our Minister of Health would help clear a
lot of misinformation that may be circu-
lating. I recall that Lal Bahadur Shastri
had asked the people of the country to fast
one day a week to save food grains. I was
only 15 years old at that time and was en-
couraged to follow the advice.
David Navarro of WHO has empha-
sized that the economic impact of lock-
downs is severe and disproportionate on
the poor. The poor find themselves
locked down without food. The only way
they can possibly survive is by breaking
the lockdown and undertaking their
petty income earning activities. There-
fore, a study by Harvard University has
said that direct cash transfers to poor
must be made while imposing strict lock-
downs. A paper published by the scholars
of the London School of economics has
said that helping small industries and af-
fected people to manage through the
pandemic by giving loans may not work.
The borrowers will be burdened by debt
and, in the absence of quick revival of
economic activity, will not be able to re-
pay the debt. That may necessitate write-
offs and further impose costs on the
economy.
We need to shift gears. More nuanced
lockdowns are needed along with cash
transfers to get out of the pandemic.
(The author is formerly Professor of
Economics at IIM, Bengaluru)
screens in a single property was creating competition for itself. But
to have as many as 15 screens within a kilometre was unviable and
made no business sense. The multiple screens became a norm. Mum-
bai's Link Road in Andheri is one example. To beat that is the bunching
of as many as 40 screens on Pune's Magarpatta area. At least two prop-
erties have more than 10 screens! It was each to his own and there
was no control over this growth. As the existing chains went on adding
to their screens, a lot many independent entrepreneurs who made
money in other businesses started investing in multiplex properties.
One of the reasons for the early multiplex rush was the favourable
sops available to them from the governments in the form of tax holi-
days and such. While this led to the growth of multiplex screens, on
the flip side it caused the downfall of the business of single screens.
Single screens had no such benefits like the multiplex properties.
Too add to that, the novelty of the multiplex experience was a lure for
the moviegoer. The single screen had no chance in hell against such
odds. The dice were loaded against them for even while the powers
that be helped promote the business of multiplexes, nothing was done
to make sure the single screens survived, too.
Multiplex cinema had not only driven the single screens out of busi-
ness, it had also driven away the masses -- the compulsive moviegoers
-- who had to catch a new film on its opening day, preferably, the first
show. The admission rates were out of their reach.
Watching cinema at a multiplex had a snob value now. everything
about it was pricy, from popcorn to colas. But, even among multiplex
cinemas, a sort of apartheid was created. Like, one or two screens in a
cinema property were given special tags and, hence, higher admission
rates. And there were those who would not be seen taking in a movie
in any other screen but the costliest one! Then there were cinemas
where the last one or two rows of back seats were priced doubly from
rest of the rows. These were meant for college students and other
couples to indulge, watching the movie playing on the screen being of
least interest to them! Now, couples do indulge but to charge and
make it convenient for them is not a very pleasant business practice!
There was a multiplex and there was a multiplex. Soon, they were
being graded by the audience as well. The ones with high ticket rates,
located in upmarket areas, and, most of all, managed by a big-name
reputed chain scored over others. even a local cabbie would suggest
the big brand to you if you were in another city.
Another factor that worked against the multiplexes, unlike the
single screen cinemas, was that they milched a big star film to the last
drop in shortest of periods. Multiple shows at enhanced admission
rates were played together in all the neighbouring cinemas accounting
for anything like 60 to 75 screenings per day. To their peril, there were
few takers for a film after the opening weekend! How many big bill
films released a year, 10 at best?
Compare this to the single screen era. There was this system of a
main cinema, which would be located at the centre of a city and a lim-
ited number of cinemas (say, 18 to 20) spread over rest of the city and
its suburbs, to cater to the local population around it. That way, every
cinema house had its regular and loyal audience. And all cinemas ran
just four shows per day. That gave a film longer run and steady box of-
fice.
So, what has happened to these single screen cinemas that boasted
of the glory of screening many memorable films? Most of them are
lying in ruins as dead properties. Some have gulped their pride and
converted into storage depots or parking lots while those still standing
are looking for an alternate use of premise. Also, some are stuck in
family property disputes.
The renowned cinematographer Hemant Chaturvedi, who has shot
films like "Company", "Maqbool", "Kurbaan", "Ishqzaade", "Ungli"
and "Brothers" among others, has embarked on a mission to record
the past glory and the present status of single screens spread over the
country. He has been visiting and shooting pictures of these cinema
houses with the intent to publish a book.

LETTERS
some sort of tug of war between the CM and LG on sev-
eral small and irrelevant issues all the time. At times
the issue became so serious, as to evaluate powers rested
with each other, to assess true powers between these
Conversion of Calvary temple into ‘two power centres’, and as a result the relevant and
routine activities of the Delhi administration that often
Covid care centre inspiring got delayed, to be put on the backburner to consterna-
Hemant has been posting the pictures on the social media of some
of the cinemas he covered. To say the least, it is sad to see the pathetic
state of these structures in ruination with vintage projectors, film
reels, posters and other paraphernalia lying all over, nothing to say of
the decor and the fixtures that saw better days in their prime.
Are the multiplex properties going the same way as the single
screens?

W e in India need more good Samaritans and patriots

like Bro. Satish, who converted his Calvary temple,
one of the biggest in this part of the world, into a Covid
isolation centre, to give free treatment to patients from
under privileged class. ( Kavitha inaugurates Covid iso-
lation centres at Calvary temple, THI, 9 May). It is quite
heartening that there are many such noble souls and
NGOs who are coming forward to save our Covid affected
fellow citizens with great compassion and kindness. even
during the first wave, it was philanthropists who fed the
migrant labourers walking back to distant homes. Taking
cue, all big churches, corporate schools, temples,
mosques, function halls, huge buildings like Gandhi
Bhavan, NTR Bhavan,Telangana Bhavan, BJP Bhavan
etc ,should be converted into free Covid isolation centres
in the city with all the facilities, so that 2nd and 3rd waves
can be tackled effectively. There is no use in criticising
the governments of inaction. The society and people
should come forward to save the humanity from Covid
19.
P.H.Hema Sagar, Old Alwal, Secunderabad
Laureus for Rafael Nadal
awards were breakthrough of the year award in 2006,
Sportsman of the year award in 2011 and Comeback of
the Year Award in 2014. This is his 4th award overall. He
has also been nominated four other times but was edged
out by worthy awardees including Usain Bolt. Kudos
Rafa.
C.K Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
Why is Delhi govt stripped of its
tion of the general public, in the perpetual power tussle.
And the author prudently said that there can be no
swords in a scabbard that is impossible for a CM with a
bloated ego.
Another vital and unmistakable aspect is the tendency
of AAP to side with elements that are inimical to the
Centre in their overall design of anti-nationalism, be it
anti-CAA agitation that virtually blocked an entire
stretch of a road in Delhi despite meaningful clarifica-
tion and true intentions behind the move that were sin-
cerely expressed by the Centre, and on the issue or the
irrational farmers agitation on the stretch of the high-
way connecting Punjab, Haryana and Delhi in spite of
well-meaning motive to revamp the agricultural sector
in the country – and the AAP was hand-in-glove with
such anti-social and anti-national elements that was
not expected of a democratically elected government
in the country. It must be understood that the admin-
istration of Delhi will not have its hands tied as a result
of the Amendment, in carrying out all legitimate, day
to day people-friendly and routine administrative ac-
tivities in the Union Territory of Delhi without any kind
of interference or hindrance by the LG. The lingering
doubt of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is clarified once
Looking at how things stand now, let alone growth, the very survival
seems impossible for a lot of them. To add to their problems is the
boom of OTT platforms. The release of the major film, Salman Khan's
"Radhe" on Zeeplex this week, can set a trend that can mean a deathly
blow to the multiplex business. (The next big film, "Sooryavanshi",
is expected to follow the OTT route with the probable release date of
August 15).
The best in business have exhausted their reserves, are deep into
new debts of borrowings from the open market. Monthly outgoing
vary from Rs 35 crore to 45 crore. This has not only caused depletion
of reserves but also led to liquidating personal stakes to raise monies
to keep the properties business ready.
Cinepolis, a late entrant in the Indian exhibition trade, is said to
have called it quits in the international exhibition trade. And to think
that the group, with highest number of best maintained screens in-
ternationally, did not believe in any property smaller than 10 screens.
Carnival cinemas has not been able to stick to its commitments to
the landlords. e Square cinemas, has palmed of all but two of their
49 screens, the two which they owned are given on long lease. Then
there is the biggest North India based SRS Cinema chain with 56
screens in 20 properties across 15 cities, it was in the offing even be-
fore the lockdown loomed. The story is the same with all such prop-
erties.
The borrowings and the rentals weigh heavily on multiplex prop-

T He eagerly awaited Laureus Sportsman of the Year

Award goes to the sportsman who best demonstrates
supreme athletic performance and achievement during
the year. The 2021 award has rightly gone to tennis great
Rafael Nadal who won his 20th Grand Slam title. Nadal
representative power?
T HIS refers to write up by Fatima Hasan on the need
to introduce the Government of National Capital
of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021 that got assent from
and for all, on the needless power equation that has
been irking him so long as to who is bigger and powerful
erties as most such cinemas are located in malls, almost all rented
properties face tough times ahead. If the situation does not change
– the CM or LG -- stands clarified with no scope for sim-
ilar doubts arising in his mind on the issue.
S Lakshmi, Hyderabad
soon, the exhibition trade may be in the news for wrong reasons, like
litigations.

edged past all the competitors to win his 2nd Sportsman the President of India to come into effect from 27th (Vinod Mirani is a veteran film writer and box office analyst.
of the Year Award and 4th overall. His earlier three April 2021. electorate of Delhi constantly witnessed The views expressed are personal)
thehansreader@gmail.com
hydeRabad monday 10 may 2021
High-level probe ordered
into Mamillapalli explosion
HANS NEWS SERVICE
AMARAVATI
MINISTER for Mines, Pan-
chayat Raj and Rural Develop-
ment Peddireddi Ramachan-
dra Reddy on Sunday ordered
for a high-level inquiry into
the blasting mishap in the
limestone mines at Mamilla-
palli village in Kalasapadu
mandal in Kadapa district. The
probe was entrusted to the
committee of the officials of
five departments. It may be re-
called that 10 labourers work-
ing in the mine died in an ex-
plosion on Saturday morning.
Addressing the media at the
Secretariat here, the Minister
said that the officials of Min-
ing, Revenue, Police, Mines
Safety and Explosives depart-
ments would conduct the in-
quiry and the committee
Amara Raja resumes
production following
High Court orders
HANS NEWS SERVICE
TIRUPATI
FOLLOWING the AP High
Court orders, Amara Raja Bat-
teries Limited (ARBL) has re-
sumed operations at its plants
at Nunegundlapalli and
Karkambadi in Chittoor district
on May 8. The AP High Court
granted an interim suspension
of the orders passed by Andhra
Pradesh Pollution Control
Board (APPCB) which issued
orders for the closure of the two
plants on the ground of viola-
tion of pollution control guide-
lines.
In a release here on Sunday,
ARBL said it would focus on the
best-in-class systems and
processes for environmental,
safety and health practices and
the company would continue to
engage closely with APPCB to
resolve any potential issues.
Yanamala slams YSRCP govt for
filing false case against Naidu
HANS NEWS SERVICE
MANGALAGIRI
FORMER Minister and TDP polit-
buro member Yanamala Ramakr-
ishnudu on Sunday slammed the
YSRCP government for filing 'false
cases' against TDP chief N Chan-
drababu Naidu with the ulterior
motive of diverting public atten-
tion from its failure to control the
Covid-19 second wave.
Yanamala strongly objected to
filing a case against Naidu when
the TDP chief alerted the govern-
ment on the origin of the dreaded
N440K virus in the Kurnool dis-
trict. Instead of taking remedial
measures based on these remarks,
the ruling YSRCP began its usual
politics of vengeance by filing a
false once again against the former
Chief Minister. In a statement
here, the TDP leader asserted that
the mistakes made by the Jagan
Rationalise oxygen usage
in private hospitals: JC
TIRUPATI
JOINT Collector (Development) V
Veerabrahmam underlined the impor-
tance of controlling wastage in oxy-
gen usage in private hospi-
tals by keeping regular
monitoring. Apart from
oxygen cylinders, they
should make use of oxygen
concentrators, he said.
Reviewing the oxygen
usage situation in private
hospitals with their repre-
sentatives at the RDO of-
fice here on Sunday, he Joint Collector (Development) V Veerabrahmam
reviewing the oxygen usage at private hospitals in
said that the Collector has
Tirupati on Sunday
been seriously focussing
on oxygen wastage. By keeping a spe-
cial watch on the oxygen usage at
SVIMS and Ruia hospitals, the
wastage is being prevented in a
planned manner.
Private hospitals also should take
care of this aspect. They should also
monitor the patient status for every
two hours and shift those, who are
not required oxygen support. They
l The inquiry panel
consists of officials
from five departments
l Govt announces
Rs 10 lakh ex gratia
to the kin of each
of the deceased
l Compensation of
Rs 5 lakh each to be paid
to those seriously injured Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy
would submit its report in five the ex gratia to the families of
days. Peddireddi said that Rs deceased would be paid by the
10 lakh ex gratia to the fami- lease holder as per the com-
lies of deceased and Rs 5 lakh pensation act. The Minister
to the seriously injured per- said that all precautions would
sons would be paid from the be taken to ensure that such
District Mineral Foundation mishaps do not occur in future
Trust. and the lease-holders would be
He said that the preliminary given necessary warning and
report pinpointed at the neg- direction not to violate the
ligence of the lease holder and lease rights.
Oppn parties flay Modi, Jagan for
dilly-dallying on Covid-19
HANS NEWS SERVICE
VIJAYAWADA
l Confident of meeting all THE Opposition parties includ-
its supply commitments ing TDP, Congress, CPI and CPM
l Points out that it has in a virtual meeting on Sunday
coordinated by Andhra Pradesh
always been giving
highest priority to Congress Committee president
Dr S Sailajanath came down
protection of heavily on the administration of
environment and health Narendra Modi and YS Jagan
and safety of its Mohan Reddy for dilly-dallying
workforce over the fast spreading Covid19
in the country and the State.
The company is confident of CPM leader P Madhu, CPI
meeting all its supply commit- leaders K Ramakrishna, Mup-
ments and assures all its stake- palla Nageswara Rao and Satya-
holders that the temporary narayana Murthy, TDP leaders K
disruption caused during the Atchannaidu, Nimmala Ra-
last few days will not have any manaidu and K Pattabhiram and
material impact on its opera- Congress working president Dr
tions or order book, the release N Tulasi Reddy participated in
said adding that as a responsi- the virtual meeting.
ble corporate citizen, ABRL The Opposition leaders said
has always placed highest pri- that the governments at the Cen-
ority on the environment and tre and the State which are sup-
to the health and safety of its posed to take the pandemic seri-
workforce. ously and implement right steps
l Points out that Naidu has only alerted
the govt on N-440K variant
l Says it is unfortunate that CM Jagan is giving top priority
to political victimisation rather than initiating measures to
protect people’s lives
l Expressing concern over the steep rise in Covid cases,
the ex-Minister says people are paying a heavy price due
to the negligent attitude of the Chief Minister
Reddy regime have become a only to the political victimisation
curse for people now during this of the TDP leaders rather than the
devastating spread of infections. safety of the people's lives. The fil-
The people were paying a heavy ing of a criminal case against
price because of the Chief Minis- Naidu would only expose the fac-
ter's inefficiency and negligent at- tion mindset of Jagan Reddy. The
titude. The medical experts have CCMB conducted studies on the
been sounding advance alarms on new virus. Over 50 medical organ-
the intensity of the second wave isations published reports on the
but Chief Minister Jagan Reddy N440K variant, he pointed out.
turned a deaf ear to all such cau- The TDP leader recalled as to
tionary advice. Yanamala termed how the Telangana High Court has
it as unfortunate that the Chief alerted their State government to
Minister was giving top priority take advance measures since the
TS to recruit
50K MBBS
grads for fight
have to submit oxygen audit report
everyday to the authorities. Oxygen
against Covid
supply should be stopped when pa- Continued from P1
tients go to the washroom and while The officials informed him
taking food. Keeping in view the fu- that there was no shortage of oxy-
gen and Remdesivir injections as
well as other medicines in the
state. KCR said that Remdesivir
should be supplied to private hos-
pitals as well and asked the offi-
cials to take measures in that di-
rection. He later spoke to Union
Health Minister Harsha Vardhan
and urged the Centre to allocate
more doses of vaccine. According
to the CMO, the Chief Minister
suggested that the fast spreaders
should be identified and vacci-
ture demand, the hospitals should try nated on a priority basis. He told
to make use of oxygen concentrators. the Union Minister that the Cen-
Joint Collector (Welfare) N Ra- tre should consider bringing cab
jasekhar, RDO V Kanaka Narasa drivers, conductors, boys supply-
Reddy, district oxygen nodal officer ing LPG gas cylinders and such
and DIC General Manager Prathap workers and categorise them as
Reddy, Aarogyasri Coordinator Dr Bal- special category and vaccinate
anjaneyulu, drug inspector Keerthana them. The same facility should
and others were present during the be extended to the states as well,
review. he said.
NEWS
AP logs
22,164 cases, 92
deaths in 24 hrs
active cases rise
to over 1.9 lakh
Amaravati: Over 1.05 lakh sample
tests turned out 22,164 fresh cases of
coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh on
Sunday, taking the gross to 12,87,603.
In the 24 hours ending 9 am on Sun-
day, 18,832 patients had also recov-
ered from the infection while 92 oth-
ers succumbed in the State,
according to the latest bulletin. The
gross recoveries went up to 10,88,264
and toll to 8,707, the bulletin said. The
number of active cases rose to
1,90,632. East Godavari district re-
ported 2,844 fresh cases, followed by
Visakhapatnam with 2,206, Chittoor
(2,169), Guntur (2,099) and Anantapur
(2,039) in 24 hours. Six districts re-
ported between 1,200 and 1,800 new
cases each while two more added
close to a 1,000 each. Guntur district
reported 12 fresh Covid-19 fatalities,
followed by Vizianagaram (11),
Visakhapatnam (10), East Godavari
(nine), Anantapur and West Godavari
(eight each).
l Demand that all the people should be vaccinated
free of cost
l State govt should coordinate with pharma companies
and take measures to increase oxygen production
l Corona patients should be given a monthly allowance
of Rs 10,000 for six months
l Ask CM Jagan to convene an all-party meeting
to discuss on coronavirus
to mitigate the suffering of peo-
ple, are dilly-dallying over the is-
sue with meaningless assurances.
“Particularly the State govern-
ment is whiling away time with
Deevenas, Bharosas and cable
wires,” they pointed out.
The administration should
take into consideration only one
issue that is saving the lives of
people, they said.
They said that the pricing of
vaccination is three types, which
is atrocious and the Central gov-
ernment totally forgot the uni-
versal vaccination policy. Naren-
dra Modi refuses to change his
new virus was striking terror in
Andhra Pradesh. The AP govern-
ment should explain whether it
was ready to slap cases on the na-
tional media organisations and the
scientists for sounding alert on
N440K? The Jagan Reddy regime
was not even caring about the
Supreme Court orders on allowing
the people to express their con-
cerns freely on the infections.
Yanamala deplored that several
patients were dying due to lack of
beds, oxygen and medicines in
Anantapur, Hindupur and in
Vizianagaram. The government is
yet to learn any lessons. No steps
were being taken though Remde-
sivir injections were being sold in
black market at Rs 50,000. The
Chief Minister should wake up
from his deep slumber and start
creating hope in the Covid-hit
people. Or else, the YSRCP would
have to pay a heavy price.
Continued from P1
FUTURE WAVES
"Early this year, as the new
cases receded, people started
interacting as if there was no
virus. The immunity had al-
ready started declining. They
organised mass gatherings,
they stopped wearing masks,
giving the opportunity to the
virus to strike again," said Dr
Anurag Agarwal, director, In-
stitute of Genomics and Inte-
gral Biology, New Delhi.
"While we anticipate a third
wave, we cannot say when ex-
actly it will come or how se-
vere it will be. But if people
keep following COVID-appro-
priate behaviour in coming
months and we are able to vac-
cinate a large number of peo-
ple, the third wave could be
less severe," Dr Agarwal added.
While the sudden surge in
the number of cases during
the second wave has led to
panic among people, what is
adding to their fear is the con-
stant threat of new mutants of
the virus and how these mu-
e-passes to be issued from today in AP
DGP Gautam Sawang
l
points out that
lockdown is being
implemented in the
State between
12 noon and 6 am
to contain Covid-19
l Appeals to people to
strictly follow Covid
protocols
HANS NEWS SERVICE
VIJAYAWADA
DIRECTOR General of Police D
Gautam Sawang said e passes
(curfew passes) will be distrib-
uted to the people from Monday
onwards in the State to attend
the emergency cases in view of
the Covid curfew being imple-
mented in the State from 12 noon
to 6 am.
He said the lockdown is being
implemented to contain the
Covid cases in the State. DGP vis-
ited some areas in Vijayawada on
Sunday to assess the implemen-
attitude though the whole world
is criticising him.
The leaders said that though
there was five months gap be-
tween the first wave and the sec-
ond wave, the governments’ lack-
adaisical attitude resulted in the
present situation. The govern-
ments could not build even oxy-
gen plants for people, they lam-
basted. Both Modi and Jagan are
interested in elections but not in
saving the lives of people. In this
backdrop, the leaders put for-
ward some demands.
All the people should be vacci-
nated free of cost by releasing ad-
Naidu strongly condemns murder
of TDP activist at Nidjur
HANS NEWS SERVICE
MANGALAGIRI
TDP national President and
former Chief Minister N Chan-
drababu Naidu on Sunday crit-
icised the Jagan Mohan Reddy
government for working with
an 'ulterior agenda to elimi-
nate' the TDP activists for
questioning the unchecked cor-
ruption under the current
regime.
Naidu strongly condemned
the cold-blooded murder of
TDP activist Srinivasulu at
Nidjur in the Kurnool district.
How could he be murdered just
for not extending support in
the local body elections?
Murderous attacks were con-
tinuing on the backward
classes since they were contin-
uing their unfailing support to
the Telugu Desam Party (TDP),
Naidu said.
In a statement here, the TDP
tants could potentially harm
them. Some experts, however,
believe that mutations are a
common phenomenon, and
the mutations do not gener-
ally affect the prevention,
treatment, or vaccination.
Every virus, while replicating
in the host's body, mutates.
The virus is a prolific multi-
plier, but its replication is er-
ror-prone and so every copy it
makes of itself may not be its
exact replica. "Any change,
minor or major, that occurs in
its structure is known as a mu-
tation. A virus undergoes hun-
dreds and thousands of such
mutations," said Dr Saumitra
Das, Director, National Insti-
tute of Biomedical Genomics
(NIBMG ), Kalyani, and pro-
fessor, Indian Institute of Sci-
ence, Bangalore.
Experts also said that every
mutation cannot be a cause of
concern and genome sequenc-
ing of a virus is done to keep a
track of any mutation that can
make a virus more dangerous.
dGP Gautham Sawang, Commissioner of Police b Srinivasulu and other officers
inspecting the curfew in Vijayawada on Sunday
tation of curfew in the city. Later,
briefing the media, Sawang said
police department would take
stern action against the people
who violate curfew rules.
He made it clear that there is
no permission for political meet-
ings and public meetings in the
State. He once again appealed to
the people to follow Covid pro-
tocols and use double masks in
public places. Sawang said Sec-
tion-144 will be in force till fur-
equate funds. The State govern-
ment should take action to in-
crease oxygen production by co-
ordinating with pharma
companies. The oxygen produced
in the State should be used for
the people of the State before ex-
porting to other places. The gov-
ernment should concentrate on
curtailing the spread of coron-
avirus.
The corona patients should be
given monthly allowance of Rs
10,000 for six months. The fami-
lies of corona victims should be
paid an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh.
Likewise, the families of frontline
warriors should be paid Rs 50
lakh. The journalists should be
included in the frontline war-
riors. The leaders appealed to the
Central government to consider
nation-wide lockout in view of
the spreading of the virus.
They demanded that Chief
Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy
convene an all-party meeting to
discuss the Covid-19 issue.
l Lambasts the Jagan’s government for working with
an 'ulterior agenda to eliminate' the TDP activists for
questioning the unchecked corruption under
the current regime
l Says BCs are being attacked as they are
continuing their unfailing support to the TDP
l Laments over the State turning into
a hub of violence and political murders
chief deplored that in the past
two years of the Jagan Reddy
rule, false cases were filed
against the TDP leaders for
questioning the illegal activi-
ties and large-scale corruption
of the ruling party leaders. The
police were making arrests of
TDP leaders based on false
cases. On the other hand, the
TDP activists were being tar-
geted and eliminated for ob-
jecting to the YSRCP leaders'
corruption in the villages.
Naidu expressed concern
that the State has turned into
"What concerns us is whether a
mutation is making it more
transmissible, or virulent;
whether a mutation has the po-
tential to make the existing
medicines or vaccines ineffec-
tive against the virus. If so, the
mutant is classified as a variant
of concern (VoC)," said Dr Das.
Mutations shown so far in
the novel coronavirus have
not warranted any change in
the required treatment or vac-
cines, but experts believe it is
technologically possible to
tweak the medicine or a vac-
cine quickly to fight a mutant
that poses a threat to their ef-
ficacy.
"But in the case of Covid-19,
since its spread has been so
rapid, it is not giving our sci-
entists enough time to iden-
tify all the mutants. And so,
the role of Covid-appropriate
behaviour is as critical as ever
in controlling its spread," said
Dr Arun Sharma, a community
medicine expert and director
of NIIRNCD (ICMR), Jodh-
7
ther orders to be given by the
State government. He has ap-
pealed to the people to utilise 104
and 108 services to attend the
emergency cases.
He said people must take
permission to conduct the aus-
picious events like marriages.
He appealed to the people not
to believe the fake news and
fake information circulated in
social media on Covid cases
and related news.
NHAI to set up
42 oxygen
plants in AP
HANS NEWS SERVICE
AMARAVATI
COMMISSIONER of Health De-
partment Katamneni Bhaskar
said here on Sunday that the Na-
tional Highways Authority of In-
dia (NHAI) has agreed to set up
42 oxygen plants in the State.
He said in a statement that the
NHAI had already started exe-
cuting work on four sites initially
one each at Amalapuram in East
Godavari, Madanapalle in Chit-
toor district, Tadepalligudem in
West Godavari district and
Hindupur in Anantapur district.
He said that Amalapuram
plant and Madanapalle plant
would be with a capacity of
5000 litres per minute
(LPM), while Tadepalligudem
plant and Hindupur plant
would have a capacity of 1000
LPM. The commissioner said
that the sites and the vendors
were finalised for the remain-
ing 38 sites.
a hub of violence and political
murders. While the people
were suffering a lot because of
the coronavirus infections, the
Chief Minister was instigating
and encouraging his party lead-
ers to perpetrate vendetta pol-
itics. The TDP chief asserted
that the TDP would stand by
the family members of Sriniva-
sulu in this hour of loss and
pain. The YSRCP would bite
the dust in future if it did not
learn lessons to stop the ongo-
ing violence and vengeance
politics, he said.
pur.
He said a virus mutant can
escape the body's immunity
and undo the efforts to devel-
oping an effective vaccine or
medicine against it, but
chances of it escaping the
shield called Covid-appropri-
ate behaviour are low. "A
three-ply mask, frequent hand
washing or sanitising, main-
taining physical distance,
avoiding crowd, especially in-
doors, are still most effective
in controlling the spread of
Covid-19 virus," Dr Sharma
added.
He said any virus starts a
chain of transmission by in-
fecting the most vulnerable
population and it keeps infect-
ing till the time everyone sus-
ceptible is infected and then it
starts dying out. "We treat the
patients with antiviral drugs,
and we protect the population
through vaccination. These
measures help us break the
virus's chain of transmission,"
he added.
8 NATION HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

Mamata urges PM to waive taxes on medical equipment, drugs

Astonished to see Health Ministry’s extreme lethargy in combating crisis: IMA
KOLKATA to consider exemption of these from customs these items would be unable to offset taxes paid the IMA Saturday said it is “astonished to see
duty, SGST, CGST, IGST," she said in the letter. on their inputs and input services and would the extreme lethargy” of the ministry.

w
est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, requesting
him to waive all forms of taxes and customs duty
on equipment and drugs being used to fight the
COVID-19 pandemic. Banerjee also urged Modi
to strengthen health infrastructure and augment
supplies of equipment, medicines and oxygen
for treatment of coronavirus-positive patients.
"A large number of organisations, individuals
and benevolent agencies have come forward to
donate oxygen concentrators, cylinders, con-
tainers and COVID-related drugs. "Many of the
donors have approached the state government
"As the rate structure falls under the purview of pass these on to the end consumers by increasing "IMA demands the health ministry to wake
the central government, I would request that their price." she explained. earlier, leading in- up from its slumber and respond to mitigate the
these items may be exempted from GST/customs ternational medical journal The Lancet called growing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
duty and other such duties and taxes to help re- upon the Modi-led government to “own up to IMA is astonished to see the extreme lethargy
move supply constraints of the above-mentioned its mistakes, provide responsible leadership and and inappropriate actions from the ministry of
life-saving drugs and equipment and contribute implement a public health response that has sci- health in combating the agonising crisis born
towards effective management of the COVID ence at its heart to contain Covid”. As coron- out of the devastating second wave of COVID-
pandemic," Banerjee said. avirus infections continue to spiral out of control 19 pandemic," the IMA said in a statement.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in India, in a strongly worded statement, the In- As coronavirus infections continue to spiral
that a 5 per cent tax on vaccines and 12 per cent dian Medical Association (IMA) said that the out of control in India, in a strongly worded
on medicines and oxygen concentrators was nec- union health ministry should "wake up" and statement, the Indian Medical Association
essary to keep costs low. make serious efforts to contain the spread of the (IMA) said that the union health ministry
"If full exemption from GST (Goods and Serv- virus. Accusing the health ministry of not taking should "wake up" and make serious efforts to
ices Tax) were given, the domestic producers of appropriate action to deal with the current crisis, contain the spread of the virus.

WINDOWS
CRPF DIG under
probe for abuse
NEW DELHI: An enquiry was initi-
ated on Sunday against a Deputy In-
spector General (DIG) of the Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for al-
legedly misbehaving with a lady
doctor of the force deputed in Bi-
har's Muzaffarpur.
The enquiry was set up after the
victim lodged a complaint against
Surinder Prasad, the DIG Range
Muzaffarpur in Bihar, on Sunday
morning with concerned officials in
the CRPF. In her complaint, the lady
doctor complained that the DIG
"made repeated phone calls late in
the night followed by inappropriate
advances at her place of stay in
drunken state".
In a joint operation, Army and police
recovered 19 grenades in Phagla,
Pooch district on Sunday
19 grenades
recovered
JAMMU: Security forces recovered
19 grenades on Sunday in the
Poonch district of Jammu and Kash-
mir.Police said security forces in-
cluding local police and 16
Rashtriya Rifles launched a search
operation in Phaglain Surankote
area of Poonch district after receiv-
ing specific intelligence reports.
"Security forces recovered 19
grenades which were hidden inside
a natural cave. The recovery of
these grenades has prevented the
militants from using these for dis-
ruptive activities", police said.
‘Heinous crime by Centre to export vaccines’
Delhi got 499 MT O2 against 700 MT; 23 patients go ‘missing’ from Hindu Rao Hospital
NEW DELHI
DeLhI Deputy Chief Minister Manish
Sisodia Sunday attacked the Centre over
the export of coronavirus vaccines, saying
a large number of lives could have been
saved in India if the doses were given to peo-
ple in the country first. "It's a heinous crime
committed by the Central government to
sell vaccines to other countries only for its
image management at a time when people
were dying in our own country," he told an
online briefing. Citing a newspaper report,
Sisodia said the Centre sold coronavirus
vaccines to 93 countries of which 60 per-
cent had Covid-19 under control, and also
where there was no threat of loss of life due
to the virus. A large number of youths in
the country perished in second wave of the
pandemic, he said, adding their lives could
have been saved if the vaccines were given
to them instead of exporting the doses.
Sisodia has ordered an inquiry into the
incident of 23 COVID-19 patients going
"missing" from the North Delhi Municipal
Corporation-run hindu Rao hospital, offi-
cial sources said on Sunday. Sisodia has
asked the health department to conduct an
inquiry into the matter and submit a report
by Monday evening, they said. The corpo-
ration's mayor, Jai Prakash, had on Satur-
day said that at least 23 COVID-19 patients
left the hospital between April 19 and May
6 without informing the medical facility.
Sisodia said it is very shocking that a large
number of COVID-19 patients have gone
"missing" from the hospital, a source said.
Delhi received just 499 metric tonnes of
oxygen on May 8 against the average supply
of 700 MT ordered by the Supreme Court,
AAP MLA Raghav Chadha said on Sunday.
Around 80 medical personnel and a sur-
geon at Delhi's Saroj Super Speciality hos-
pital have tested positive for the coron-
avirus over the last month. Dr AK Rawat,
the surgeon who was vaccinated, died on
Saturday. he was 58. Over the last week,
the city got an average of 533 MT oxygen
daily, which is 76 percent of the quantity di-
rected by the SC. India will approximately
get 361 million doses of Russia's vaccine
Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 which
can be innocualte an estimated 36 crore In-
dians, officials coordinating the entire vac-
cine measure in the country claimed.
India reported 4,03,738
new cases, 3,86,444
discharges, and 4,092
deaths in the last 24 hours
Deserted view of Shimla Railway Station during curfew in Shimla on Sunday
36 cr Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by Mar 2022
India sees over 4,000 Covid deaths for 2nd day
Curfew in entire
J&K till May 17
SRINAGAR: Corona curfew was extended
on Sunday for the entire Jammu and
Kashmir for seven more days up to May
17. Authorities said the ongoing corona
curfew which would end at 7 a.m. on
Monday has been extended by another
week till 7 a.m. next Monday. "The ex-
tended lockdown shall remain effective
in all the 20 districts of J&K," officials
said. J&K has been reporting an alarming
number of new Covid cases and deaths
with each passing day.
On Saturday, 4,788 new cases and 60
deaths were recorded in the union terri-
tory. Reporting 60 Covid-related deaths
in a single day is the highest number
since the beginning of the ongoing pan-
demic.
Marriage events
banned in Bhopal
BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh govern-
ment has imposed a complete ban on
holding marriage functions in Bhopal till
May 17. This is one of the several meas-
ures taken by the state government to
control the spread of coronavirus infec-
tions in the state.
The district administration has urged the
general public not to hold such events in
May this year.
Bhopal District Magistrate, Avinash La-
vania, has issued orders to extend
'Corona curfew' in the district till May 17
as well as prohibited permission for al-
lowing marriage events. The state gov-
ernment has banned marriage cere-
monies across Madhya Pradesh in May
this year to control Covid-19 infections.
‘Villages left to
the mercy of God’
NEW DELHI: Amid surge of Covid cases in
the rural areas, Congress leader Rahul
Gandhi on Sunday hit out at the Naren-
dra Modi-led Central government for not
tackling the situation.
"Shehron ke baad ab gaon bhi par-
matma-nirbhar (After cities, villages also
left to the mercy of God," he said in a
tweet, attaching an image of an Hindi
caption reading "Covid-19: Mahamari ki
dusri lahar ab gaaon mein barpa rahi hai
kehr (Covid-19: The second wave of the
pandemic now overwhelming villages)".
Gandhi had earlier tweeted the coun-
try doesn't need a new house for the PM
but oxygen, attaching photos of people
in line for the life-saving gas, and work
on the Central Vista.
Coimbatore
hospitals stop
admission fearing
Oxygen shortage
CheNNAI: Many of the hospitals in
Coimbatore are turning away patients
with breathing difficulties as they are
expecting a shortage of Oxygen even
as these hospitals have beds with Oxy-
gen supply at present.
A doctor with a leading hospital in
Coimbatore while speaking to IANS
said, "we are not admitting new pa-
tients as we fear that the Oxygen we
have at present may not be sufficient
for our existing patients. we are in-
deed facing a crisis and have to get a
huge supply of oxygen and to add ex-
tra beds to tide over this."
however, relatives of patients have
found that there were ample beds
with Oxygen available in these hospi-
tals on Saturday night.
Ramanarayanan, brother of a pa-
tient who was turned away by a hos-
pital in Coimbatore said that there are
a good number of beds available but
hospitals are turning away patients.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader
Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday urged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to im-
mediately convene an all-party meet-
ing to collectively forge a holistic blue-
print to tackle the COVID pandemic.
In a letter to the prime minister, he
alleged that the union government
seems to have abdicated its duties to-
wards the people and the situation re-
quires a collective and consensual ef-
fort. he also sent his set of six
suggestions to tackle the crisis due to
the pandemic and said the Prime
Minister's Office alone cannot handle
it. "I request you to convene an all
party meeting to collectively forge a
holistic blueprint to tackle the pan-
demic. This would be a good oppor-
tunity for us to meaningfully reflect
on, and implement the recommenda-
tions of experts and activists, whose
advice has unfortunately been ig-
nored so far," he told the prime min-
ister. Kharge said he is writing to con-
vey his deep concern and a sense of
anguish regarding the unprecedented
crisis the nation faces.

Himanta Biswa Sarma The swearing in of the new ministry

to be next Assam CM
GuwAhATI: North east Demo-
cratic Alliance (NeDA) convenor
himanta Biswa Sarma is all set to
become Assam's next Chief Minis-
ter after being elected unanimously
as the leader of the BJP Legislature
Party and subsequently as the NDA
Legislature Party on Sunday, cen-
tral observer and union Agricul-
tural Minister Narendra Singh
Tomar said.
ending speculations on who
would occupy the top post as both
Sarma and outgoing chief minister
Sarbananda Sonowal were con-
tenders, the powerful NeDA con-
venor was elected as the legislature
party leader, a week after the ruling
alliance won the assembly elections
with a clear majority for the second
successive term. Sources said
Sarma was likely to meet Governor
Jagadish Mukhi on Sunday evening
to stake claim for the formation of
the next government.
The swearing in of the new min-
istry was likely to be held on Mon-
day at the Srimanta Sankardeva
Kalakshetra.
Sarmas name was proposed by
the outgoing Chief Minister Sar-
bananda Sonowal and seconded by
BJP state party president and Pat-
acharkuchi MLA Ranjeet Kumar
Dass and newly elected haflong
MLA Nandita Garlosa.
is likely to be held on Monday at the
Seizure of 7 kg uranium:
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra NIA takes over probe
MUMBAI
The National Investigation Agency
has taken over the probe into the
recovery of natural uranium in
Mumbai. A fresh case was regis-
tered in this regard by the anti-ter-
ror agency in pursuance of an order
from the Ministry of home Affairs.
According to the NIA's
spokesperson, the case has been
registered under Section 24(1)(a) of
the Atomic energy Act, 1962.
Maharashtra Anti Terrorism
Squad arrested two men on May 5
BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma (left) who is set to be the next chief minister of Assam is greeted by outgoing chief in possession of the radioactive
minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati on Sunday metal. A total of 7.1 kg of natural ura-
nium worth Rs 21.3 crore was seized
from the duo identified as Jigar
Jayesh Pandya (27) and Abu Tahir
Afzal Choudhary (31).
A case was initially lodged against
the two at the ATS Kalachowki po-
lice station.
According to officials, Pandya and
Tahir had been trying to sell off the
uranium online for Rs 25 crore. The
Maharashtra ATS sent a dummy
customer and secured a sample of
the substance.
Tests run on the sample by ex-
perts at the Bhabha Atomic Re-
search Centre confirmed that the
substance was natural uranium.

TN’s new Health Min Subramanian is a marathon runner

I
mmediate imposition of a statewide lock-
down to curb the Covid spread; 12,500
oxygen-supported beds being put to-
gether; Remdesivir to be sold in five more dis-
tricts and triaging patients in the hospitals to
ensure the ones in immediate need of medical
attention are prioritised — these are some of
the measures undertaken by the newly ap-
pointed health Minister of Tamil Nadu MA
Subramanian.
Subramanian was allocated the health de-
partment after the Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin was sworn
in as the new Chief Minister of the state.
helming the department at such a crucial
juncture, the 61-year-old is being expected to
turn things around for the state and by running a four-hour-and-eight-minute long marathons in just three years. All these ac-
strengthen the government's fight against the marathon on his terrace during the lockdown complishments were attained after Subraman-
pandemic. that was announced last year. he said that ian survived a horrific car accident in 2004
In a tragic turn of events, Subramanian lost since he was a regular at running marathons, while traveling with his friends. he had suf-
his son, Anbazhagan, during the first wave of he could not stay idle after the parks and play- fered a skull injury and broken his knee bone.
the coronavirus pandemic. his 35-year-old son grounds in the city were shut and thus turned The doctors had even told him that he could
was specially-abled and had recovered from his terrace into a running track. never walk again, however, he beat the odds
the disease after battling with it for ten days The minister had run his first marathon at stacked against him with resilience and went
in October. Soon after, he developed lung com- Auroville in 2014 and finished it in a mere two onto clinch multiple records.
plications and died at the hospital. Subraman- and half hours whereas the majority of the It is being said that a leader who under-
ian has several feathers to his achievement runners took three hours. Since then he has stands the importance of and values fitness as
cap. he has served as the Mayor of Chennai been participating in marathons and has run well as knows the grief of losing a loved one
for five years from 2006 till 2011. A fitness en- over 100 marathons till now, reported The will be empathetic to the distress calls of thou-
thusiast, he is a marathon runner and has a Bridge. Reports mention that he was felici- sands in the state. Subramanian is believed to
number of records to his credit. tated with an honorary doctorate by the world lead in giving a proper direction to the health-
he even entered the Asia Book of Records Records university for completion of 50 care management in Tamil Nadu.
 It's not whether
you're right or
wrong that's
HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021
important, but
how much money you
make when you're right
and how much you lose Stocks.MFs.Bonds.Commodities
when you're wrong
– George Soros

Fincare files for

`1,330-cr IPO
New Delhi: Digital lender Fincare
Q4 results, Covid will weigh on mkts
Small Finance Bank has filed prelimi-
nary papers with capital market regula- Global cues also play key role; Lockdowns will adversely impact GST collections
tor Sebi to raise Rs 1,330 crore through
an initial share-sale.The initial public CHERUKURI KUTUMBA RAO of the RBi Governor announcing various invested for present in frontline metal sivir and Thymosin Alpha for Covid-
offer (iPO) comprises fresh issue of eq- measures as support to the economy and MARKET counters like Tata Steel, JSw Steel, 19 patients. Scope for defined pro-

uity share of the bank worth Rs 330
crore and an offer for sale aggregating
up to Rs 1,000 crore by promoter Fin-
care Business Services limited, accord-
ing to the Draft Red herring Prospectus
(DRhP).This offer includes a reserva-
tion for subscription by employees.
The bank would utilise net proceeds
from the fresh issue towards augment-
ing its Tier-1 capital base to meet future
capital requirements. Further, a small
portion of the proceeds will be used to-
wards meeting the expenses in relation
to the offer.Under the terms of the RBi
final approval and the small finance
bank (SFB) licensing guidelines, the
lender is required to list its equity
shares on the stock exchanges within a
period of three years from reaching a
net worth of Rs 500 crore.
The Bengaluru-based MFi-turned
small finance bank started operations in
July 2017. Before converting into a
small finance bank, Fincare Small Fi-
nance Bank largely conducted business
from two entities - Disha Microfin fo-
cused on the western region and the
south-focused Future Financial Serv-
ices.On May 3, Motilal Oswal Private
equity (Pe) announced that it has
picked up a minority stake in Fincare
Small Finance Bank through a second-
ary acquisition worth around Rs 185
crore ($ 25 million).
The investment was through india
Business excellence Fund-iii, a fund
managed and advised by Motilal
Pe.iCiCi Securities, Axis Capital, iiFl
Securities, SBi Capital Markets and
Ambit Private limited have been ap-
pointed as merchant bankers to advise
the SFB on the iPO.
The equity shares of the lender will be
listed on BSe and NSe.
S
upported by the RBi's liquidity
measures for Covid-hit sectors,
hopes of containment of Corona
through vaccination, rally in commodities
and positive global cues including Biden's
decision to waive intellectual property
rights on vaccines; markets rallied for
the second consecutive week. The Sensex
climbed 424.11 points to 49,206.47 and
the Nifty was up 192.05 points at 14,823.15.
Observers expect broader markets to
continue ongoing relative outperfor-
mance for some more weeks. Fiis have
net sold more than Rs 5,000 crore worth
of shares in May so far in the cash seg-
ment, in addition to Rs 12,039 crore of
selling in April. experts feel the outflow
could continue if the situation deterio-
rates further which ultimately pressurises
the economy.
On the economic front, April month’s
manufacturing and service PMi data
came at 55.5 and 54. The numbers were
higher than the market expectations due
to a rise in export order in manufacturing
and new order in service industry led to
expansion in both the business activities.
The April GST collection reflected the
same outperformance as it soared to
record Rs1.41 lakhs crore, showing the
economic resilience.however, economy
observers expect that the ongoing re-
strictions in several Stateswould affect
the indirect taxes collection negatively
which result in lower revenues in the
upcoming months.
Due to continued rise in the Covid
daily cases which surged above 4 lakh,
the lockdown period in many states
stretched further. Though there was no
major impact of Covid second wave on
markets yet, the news of strict lockdown
in several states may deteriorate the sen-
timent ahead. Midweek announcement
a liquidity facility of 50,000 crore to the
healthcare industry was received posi-
tively by the markets.
Key companies like Apollo Tyres,
Asian Paints, escorts, lupin, UPl,
Vedanta, Cipla, Dr Reddy's labora-
tories, Tata Power, larsen & Toubro
and Voltas will release quarterly
earnings next week. Many recently
listed companies like happiest
Minds Technologies, Polycab
india, Rossari Biotech and
Macrotech Developers will also come
out with their numbers. Near trend in
the market will be dictated by develop-
ments in Covid spread, Q4 earnings and
global cues. Coming week is a holiday-
shortened one with market closed for
Ramzan id on 13th.
Heard on the street
when everyone around you seems to
be getting rich quick, it’s hard to control
your fear of missing out. But buying
assets just because they’re hot is a good
way to get burned. Buy low, sell high. is
any investing advice more universal—
or more universally ignored? That mar-
ket axiom was made for times like these,
when stocks are hovering near all-time
highs, digital currencies are heading to
the moon and commodity prices are
surging. Yet, when several stocks seem
to be breaking records every day, your
emotions naturally prompt you to buy
high, not to sell.
even the world’s greatest investors
find selling harder than buying. Peter
lynch, former manager of the Fidelity
Magellan fund, has said his “greatest
mistakes” were selling at the wrong time.
That’s largely because of the unbearable
feeling of FOMO, fear of missing out.
Sell a winner too soon, and you have to
KHABREIN
watch from the sidelines as it continues
to soar. The most you could have lost
from keeping it is 100 per cent, but the
gains you can miss out on by selling too
soon are unlimited. it hurts not to buy
an asset that goes on to become a huge
winner. But it stings far worse to sell
one. That’s an active decision, easier to
imagine undoing.
Futures & options / sector watch
Stock specific action spurred brisk vol-
umes in the derivative segment. Despite
negative news flow of Corona, Nifty
bounced back from lower levels and
moved towards 15000 level during the
week ended. On the option front, the
maximum Put open interest was seen at
14,500 followed by 14,600 and 14,800
strikes while maximum Call open interest
was seen at 15,200 followed by 15,000
and 15,100 strikes. Call writing was seen
at 15,200, 14,800 and 15,400 strikes with
Call unwinding at 14,700 and 14,600
strikes, while Put writing was seen at
14,800 then 14,500 strikes.
Analysts fear that if commodities con-
tinue to trade higher, inflation concerns
may strengthen further fuelling debate
about how long central banks can con-
tinue with loose monetary policies. Stay
Vedanta and hindalco. however, in- tocol drugs such as Azithromycin,
vestors are cautioned that it will be a
roller coaster ride from these higher
Doxycycline, hydroxychloroquin and
Tocilizumab.
levels. impact of partial lockdowns 3. The company has identified several
and sluggish sales have begun showing peptides which has great market po-
impact on automobile companies. Book tential in segments like immunity
profits on bulges. look out for stock spe- (Thymosin Alpha),Cosmetic derma-
cific opportunities in pharma and FMCG. tology (Botulinum toxin) Pain man-
Stock futures looking good are Adani agement(Botulinum Toxin) ,Fertility
Ports, Aarti inds, iOC, NMDC, PNB, SBi (Recombinant products) and several
life, Tata Steel and Zee entertainment. others products in the critical care
Stock futures looking weak are Bajaj segment. Several of these products
Auto, Cipla, SRF, Tata Consumer and would be first time launches and would
Powergrid. be taken through proper clinicals trials
to get a market authorization in india
Stock picks and other countries identified.
Gufic Biosciences Limited is engaged Buy between Rs140-150 for momen-
in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, tum medium term target of Rs225.
medicinal chemicals and botanical prod- Keep stop loss at Rs125. Risk / Reward
ucts.The company has been known and ratio is 1:4.
respected for innovative and high quality Indian Sucrose Limited engages in the
pharmaceutical and herbal products manufacturing and refining of sugar. The
along with a wide range of Active Phar- Company has two segments: manufac-
maceutical ingredients (APis). turing of white crystal sugar and cogen-
it is one of the largest manufacturers eration of power. The company's main
of lyophilized injections in india and products are sugar, molasses and bagasse.
have a fully automated lyophilization The company's plant is located in
plant. its lyophilized product includes hoshiarpur district of Punjab
Antibiotic, Antifungal, Cardiac, infertility,
Antiviral and proton-pump inhibitor seg- Why we are recommending
ments. The company is now augmenting 1. high ethanol capacity. Company mov-
its global focus by deepening its presence ing aggressively into sanitizer segment.
in the priority markets of india, Germany, 2. Present Market Capitalisation is less
Switzerland, South Africa, Russia, europe than 10 per cent of total sales.
and key countries within the emerging 3. Benefitting from higher sugar prices
market territories. and changes in government policies.
Buy around Rs29 for medium term
Why we are recommending target of Rs43. in the event of strong
1. lyophilisation as a concept will con- correction in market keep stop loss at
tinue to grow globally as the process Rs26. Risk / Reward ratio is 1:5.
has benefits to improve quality and
shelf life of injectable drugs. (The author is a stock market
2. Scope for increase in specific Anti- expert. He is former vice
Viral drugs like Famcyclovir, Remde- chairman of AP Planning Board)

Benefits of investing in REITs Focus on midcaps for next few weeks

THOVITIBRAHMACHARY will out-perform in
near future. Apart
Allocation in REITs should be in-line with the risk appetite, timelines and cash
flow requirements of the investor while not exceeding 20% of the portfolio T he out-performance of the
broader market keeps the
market with positive momentum
from these, the phar-
ma/ healthcare,
chemicals, sugar, and
and yet enjoy the benefits of returns out to generate income while the plifies the transaction. The listing and alive. even though agri-commodity sec-
through rental income. remaining (up to 20 per cent) can on the exchange, however, is the majority ofStates are tors are looking
K Naresh Kumar All ReiTs are governed by the be held in the form of stocks, mandatory as per the SeBi regu- under lockdown, the mar- NIFTY good.The Relative
Securities exchange Board of india bonds, cash or under-construction lations. The sale of these instru- ket discounted the Covid The leading indicator, the week- Rotation Graphs (RRG), which

A n old adage says, “land doesn’t

grow, so invest in it” and hence
indians have invested in real estate
for generations but it does need
large lump-sums to acquire good
chunk of land/ property. The tra-
ditional structure of lending and
borrowing restricts capital to be
raised, deployed and distributed
easily, dependent heavily on the
conventional channels to execute
projects in real estate. while resi-
dential properties are the first
choice among many investors, some
veer into commercial spaces like
that of shops and office spaces but
do need huge initial investments,
not reachable for all.
A Real estate investment Trust
(ReiT) is an entity that finances,
owns and operates real assets to
generate cash flows or income to
the investors in these vehicles. They
could simply be compared as a mu-
tual funds investing in real estate,
allowing the investors to pool capital
to earn income from real estate
without having to directly trade,
finance any properties by them-
selves. This excludes the various
exercises of identification, valuation,
negotiation, buy or finance and
maintain, while enjoying the returns
from transacting in these assets.
investors could comfortably gain
exposure to real estate without hav-
ing to go through all these hurdles
(SeBi) that offers a framework on
registration and regulation of ReiTs
in india. Operationally, they seem
like that of the MF where the pooled
capital is invested in list-
ed entities, ReiTs collect
money from retail and
institutional investors
to transact in real estate
assets like commercial
spaces (shopping malls)
and office spaces to gen-
erate regular rental in-
come. Another popular
offering is the mortgage
ReiTs which partici-
pates in securitised loans
where the interest re-
ceived on these loans translates to
an income.
The biggest advantage of ReiTs
is the professional management
like that of the MF, allowing right
valuations of the assets, better ne-
gotiation of lease rentals, etc. to
the table. This also economises the
asset acquisition costs while making
transaction seamless for the in-
vestor unlike directly dealing in
physical property. This provides
for much needed diversification for
the investors in a very simple and
convenient manner.
SeBi has directed the ReiTs to
at least have 80 per cent of invest-
ments made into commercial
properties that could be rented
commercial assets.
These are designed to distribute
nearly 90 per cent of their earnings
in the form of dividends to the
ReiT investors. This provides for
an enhanced and assured higher
income yields. The new regulations
allow for a pass-through status
making them tax efficient. when
ReiTs receive rentals and is dis-
tributed to its shareholder, it will
be treated as pass-through flow
and not taxed.
The financialisation of an oth-
erwise cumbersome asset investing
brings in ease of investment while
also providing for a longer term
cashflows for the investors. The
very nature of the leases being long
term provides a predictable income
for a longer period. with the se-
curitisation of hard assets and list-
ing on the exchanges allows, sim-
ments attracts capital gains and
over time as the trend catches up
in this avenue, these instruments
become highly liquid.
The biggest challenge
ReiTs in india is the very
attractive feature of dis-
tribution of income. with
majority portion of its in-
come is distributed, it re-
stricts the ability to rein-
vest and hence become
impediments to future
growth. The other detri-
mental factor is the pre-
vailing low rental yields.
Of course, they are still
in nascent stages of op-
eration in india and are subject to
risk of regulatory changes like that
of the introduction of 10 per cent
tax on dividends at the source of
distribution. The global experi-
ence has shown that the extensive
debt on their balance sheet could
be prone to economic shocks and
thus end up in losses. Allocation
to these should be in-line with
the risk appetite, timelines and
cash flow requirements of the in-
vestor while not exceeding 20 per
cent of the portfolio.
(The author is a co-founder of
“Wealocity”, a wealth
management firm and could be
reached at knk@wealocity.com)
impact. The Nifty benchmark in-
dex reclaimed 14800 and closed
at 14823 with 192.05 points or
1.31 per cent. The BSe Sensex up
by 0.9 per cent.
The indian stock market's con-
solidation continued for the 53rd
day in a downward channel. After
several failed attempts to break
the support and resistances, it
once again reached the near re-
sistance area at the weekend. it
formed an evening star Doji candle
on Friday, which indicates inde-
cisiveness. And open and close be-
low the 14760 levels on Monday
is a negative sign for the market,
as per the Japanese candlestick
studies. it exactly closed at the re-
sistance area. it formed a similar
candle on 8th April, which is also
at the 14880-resistance area.
in simple terms, there is no sig-
nificant weakness technically. it
may have indecisiveness, and we
need a bearish confirmation signal.
in fact, Nifty traded mostly within
the last week's range. The weekly
range reduced to 447 from 623
points last week. it is still below
the rising channel support, which
is acting as a resistance. At the
same time, on a daily chart, it still
within the falling channel. On a
bull case scenario, Nifty has to
break 14880-15044 zone of resist-
ance decisively to turn bullish bias.
ly RSi is at 60.84. it has formed a
higher low at 55.68. watch this
level for the next two to four weeks.
So long as Nifty trades above this
level, the market will either be
neutral or bullish. On a daily chart,
the negative divergence still pres-
ent, a look for 56.61 - 58 zone will
be crucial. A close above this zone
and price breaking above 15044
is a very big positive for the mar-
ket.The benchmark indices show-
ing the sluggishness of the past
three months. in comparison, the
developed market is hitting the
new highs, our market, after a 100
per cent gain in just 11 months,
consolidating within five-seven
per cent. For this small coun-
tertrend consolidating, it is con-
suming more time.
The seasonality charts also show
the out-performance of midcaps
in the month of May for 60 per
cent of the time in the last 15 years.
it’s out-performance was mainly
in April, 80 per cent which already
witnessed. The other sector looking
great in the current is consump-
tion. historically, this sector's out-
performance comes in March, May
and June months. So, these two
are bright spots for the next few
weeks. within the consumption,
the worst hit in the current situa-
tion is discretionary spending.
household essentials or FMCG
shows the sector rotation, the 11
weeks data (since 16th Feb top),
also shows the Pharma, FMCG,
iT are in the improving quadrant
as they are moving towards the
leading quadrant. Avoid BFSi,
Auto and Realty for now. The
benchmark index has a history,
topping cycle in the Jan-Mar quar-
ter. in the last 21 years, 16 tops
occurred during the January-
March quarter. The current top
made at 15431 is on 16th February,
it seems the topping cycle history
is repeating. At the same time, the
doubling factor is also haunting
the market now. historically,
whenever the benchmark index
rose by 100 per cent from the bot-
tom, it corrected 20 per cent.
even as the trend follower, so
the Nifty is making lower tops and
lower bottoms, it’s not wise to in-
vest by looking at benchmark. The
14880-15050 zone of resistance
tested several times in the recent
past and failed. if Nifty falls below
the 14200-269 zone of support,
all historical evidence will recon-
firm the Jan-March topping cycle.
hence, focus on the broader mar-
ket, particularly, midcaps for the
next few weeks.
(The author is a financial
journalist and technical analyst.
He can be reached at
tbchary@gmail.com)

Nifty in consolidation range with positive bias

clined to 20 level, which is the
ES
DERIVATIV lowest level for volatility since
mid-April. Sustainability of current
OUTLOOK Open interest concentration and
levels may infuse fresh uptrend
in the broader markets in the com-
India VIX declines to 20 level; FIIs net sellers in F&O TRADING it is also a psychological level. On ing sessions. As suggested earlier,
DASARI SREENIVASA RAO index futures, buyers in stock futures and index Product Contracts Turnover (Rs/cr) Premium (Rs/cr)
the technical front, below 14,700 one should be cautious if it starts
NSE / As on May 7, 2021

options; Eid-Ul-Fitr holiday on Thursday level, we could witness further moving higher once again.

T he resistance level remained
at 16,000 strike for a consec-
utive second week, while support
level moved up by 500 points to
14,500 strike. holiday-shortened
week (eid-Ul-Fitr on Thursday)
may witness Nifty moving in a
continued consolidation range.
The highest Call Oi is seen at
16,000 strike followed by
15,000/15,100/ 15,300/ 15,000/
15,300 strikes.
14,800/15,100/15,200/15,400
strikes recorded reasonable addi-
tion of Call Oi. Coming to the Put
side, the 14,500 strike has the high-
est Put base followed by 14000/
14,600/ 14800/14700 strikes. Other
strikes 13800/
14800/14500/114200 strikes wit-
nessed considerable build-up of
Put Oi.
The options data holds that the
Nifty still has the highest Call base
at 15,000 Call strike for the coming
weekly settlement. Since mid-
March, the Nifty was unable to
close above these levels. however,
gradual writing at OTM Put of
14,600 and 14,800 strikes suggest
limited downsides. Till these levels
are held, there is a high probability
that the Nifty could move towards
15,200 in the coming sessions.
Dhirender Singh Bisht, senior
research analyst (derivatives) at
SMC Global Securities ltd, said:
“highest Call concentration shift-
ed from 15,000 strike to 15,200
strike and some Put writing was
seen at 14,500 level, where highest
concentration can be seen. highest
Open interest band for current
week is at 15,200 to 14,500
levels.Despite making lows below
14500 in the early part of the week,
the NSe Nifty witnessed renewed
buying support and rebounded
strongly above the 14800 strike.
Metals outshone the rest of the
sectors in terms of performance
as the metal index moved up al-
most 10 per cent last week. At the
Index Futures 2,53,985
Stock Futures 8,80,684
Index Options 1,86,66,508
Stock Options 20,31,456
F&O Total 2,18,32,633
same time, midcap, small cap in-
dices also moved up nearly 1.5 per
cent each.”
“in the week gone by, some
rally was seen in Nifty despite
negative news flows about Corona
spread. NSe Nifty bounced back
from lower levels and moved to-
wards 15,000 level. in the past
week also some correction was
seen from this level. Metal and
commodities stocks showed some
strength in the market whereas
23,977.10 -- selling pressure and it may persist “The implied Volatility of Calls
71,540.85 -- and drag Nifty towards 14,500 closed at 20.98 per cent, while
17,81,668.63 17,321.81 zone whereas on upside, the 15,000 that for Put options closed at 21.17
1,71,848.69 4,506.06 level plays as resistance in up- per cent. The Nifty ViX for the
20,49,035.27 16,767.12 coming week.” week closed at 22.04 per cent.
Sectorally, apart from metals, Put-Call Ratio of Oi for the week
profit booking was seen in PSU the rest of the sectors have re- closed at 1.47 and this indicates
Bank,” added Bisht. mained largely range bound to more Put writing than Calls,” re-
For the week ended May 7, 2021, positive. For the Nifty to move marked Bisht.
BSe Sensex closed at 49,206.47 above 15000, the banking index in the F&O space, Fiis sold
points, a net recovery of 424.11 has to lead from front. Analysts Rs5,408 crore index futures,
points or 0.86 per cent, as against predict that after a round of con- bought Rs2,386 crore stock futures
48,782.36 points. NSe Nifty too solidation it is well poised for a and Rs8,636 crore index options.
recouped by 192.05 points or 1.31 further up move. They expect-
per cent and closed at 14,823.15 banking space to resume its out- Bank Nifty
points from 14,631.10 points. performance once it closes above The NSe’s banking index Bank
Bisht forecasts: “in upcoming 34000. however, technology space Nifty closed at 32,904.50 points,
week, the 15,000 will play a crucial is likely to underperform. a net gain of 122.70 points or 0.37
resistance, which has substantial Volatility in the markets de- per cent from 32,781.80 points.
 Æ HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

TWEET PATROL
MADHURI DIXIT NENE
@MADHURIDIXIT
I have learnt so much from aai& I
continue to do so every single day
Family (woman, girl)#MothersDay

Education beyond textbooks

TEJAL SINHA

G
uruQ is a digital tutoring
platform that was born
out of the desire to cater
to the individual needs of every
child-their learning styles and IQ.
The student-teacher ratio in
schools makes it impossible to
give students individual atten-
tion.
Minal believes that school ed-
ucation is incomplete by itself,
and is in an extreme need to be
supplemented, else students are
the ones who suffer and lose out.
Students will only be equipped to
succeed when learning is cus-
tomized to their own style.
Therefore, the key ingredient of
quality tuition is the tutors. Gu-
ruQ is forever on the lookout for
enthusiastic, experienced, and
qualified tutors with the right ap-
titude and attitude. Tutors un-
dergo a stringent multi-level vet-
ting process (including verifying
their knowledge, qualifications,
experience, skills, teaching tech-
niques & background) and only
the best tutors are inducted into
the GuruQ community.
They are also trained to use the
GuruQ digital platform and tutor
dashboard to simplify their lives,
teach & manage their students ef-
ficiently. Through the dashboard,
they can manage their schedules,
classes & students and create &
send notes, assignments, tests,
and exams.
With the GuruQ platform, stu-
dents are given different ways
to find tutors as per their exact
requirements. Since students
today are pressed for time, we
help them save it by providing
tuition completely at their con-
venience. Students can person-
alize their tuition classes with
respect to the mode of class (of-
fline or online), type of class (in-
dividual or group), and budget.
They can select a tutor and book
classes at short notice and/or
even book them with selected
tutors by the hour for special
needs such as revision and exam
preparation. Even parents can
keep track of their child’s
progress online and seek feed-
back when they want to.
Elaborating more on what in-
spired Minal to start GuruQ, she
shares, “ It was launched in the
year 2017. While pursuing a de-
gree in Business Administra-
tion overseas, I realized
that there was such a
sharp contrast between
the quality of education
being offered there ver-
sus that which was being to the way education is imparted in India.
offered in India. In the
US, there was a predomi-
nant use of the digital
platform and innovative
teaching methodologies.
However, it was disheartening
to note that educators in India
are not well-equipped or well-
versed in the latest teaching
methods. Education in India is
still rigid, text bookish, and will
serve no good use to students
who will step into their profes-
sional lives in the near future.
Technology is rapidly trans-
forming jobs and students in In-
dia will lose out as they are not
being trained to be technologi-
cally savvy or to think outside
the classroom. I therefore,
wanted to bring the change in
India or at least try to do so.”
At GuruQ, students gain a
firm understanding of subjects
where every doubt is cleared
and every concept is explained
in detail. A tech-driven educa-
tion that goes beyond the text-
book will allow our students to
compete globally and succeed.
Minal
Anand, the Founder
and Chief Executive Officer
at GuruQ, a unique and
integrated digital tutoring platform
that promises to bring high-quality
standards and new age methodologies
She has previously taught several
underprivileged school students and it
is this very experience that armed
her with the required knowledge
to pursue the idea of starting
her own
venture
Minal
shares, “Initially students were
unsure of how to use the highly
interactive and friendly dash-
board simply because they did
not have a firm understanding
of technology but with time and
guidance by our team, they were
able to pick up on how to do so.
To date, we have parents and
students who will call up our
helpline and ask for booking of
tuition classes over a call instead
of using the dashboard to book
which shows how most are ad-
verse to change and cling on to
the familiar even though it
might be outdated. Further, we
take daily updates on their busi-
ness operations. Since we are a
digital learning platform, we are
connecting the concerns of our
tutors and any students through
our robust feedback mecha-
nism. We had built it even be-
fore we were hit by the pan-
demic. We have consistently
improvised and improved our
back-end technical
processes. With the pan-
demic, the pace of work has
changed. But we are recali-
brating our business opera-
tions to ensure we do our job.
We are also flexible with those
employees who still prefer to
work from home due to their
constraints.”
The pandemic impact on
education sector
The impact of the pandemic is
observed in every sector around
the world. The education sectors
of India as well as the world are
badly affected by this. It has en-
forced the worldwide lockdown
creating a very bad effect on the
students' life. Around 32 crore
learners stopped to move schools
or colleges, all educational activ-
ities halted in India. The out-
break of COVID-19 has advised
us that change is inevitable. It has
worked as a catalyst for educa-
tional institutions to grow and
opt for platforms and techniques,
which have not been used before.
The education sector has been
fighting to survive the crises with
“While a big hue
and cry is made
about using AI,
the on-ground
reality is that the
masses are still
ill-equipped to
use it. We have
learned lessons
in collaboration
and consistent
communication
to keep in touch
with the team.”
– Minal Anand
a different approach and digitiz-
ing the challenges to wash away
the threat of the pandemic.
“GuruQ aims to provide an al-
ternative coaching option to stu-
dents and claims to maintain the
same level of classroom engage-
ment in its online classes. It is
also re-adjusting the teaching
methods to suit students’ unique
needs. GuruQ is leveraging tech-
nology and has trained its teach-
ers to use the tutor dashboard to
teach and manage their students
efficiently. Through the dash-
board, they can manage their
schedules, classes, and students
as well as create and send notes,
assignments, tests, and exams,”
ends Minal.
Breathing exercises to
strengthen your respiratory
system during Covid-19
JYOTI DABAS
W these exercises
hile Covid-19 cases
continuing to
surge, we need to
be even more vigilant, while
staying at home and keeping
ourselves healthy and fit.
While eating right and exer-
cising ensures our bodies and
minds stay fit, it is also im-
portant to strengthen our
respiratory system – as that
is also severely affected by
the virus.
Breathing exercises are a
great way to develop the
lungs as they improve lung
muscles, clear out any secre-
tion and increase the capac-
ity by supplying an adequate
amount of oxygen. There are
several other benefits to
these exercises as well! It also
helps us stay calmer, and de-
stress especially in these un-
precedented times we are liv-
ing in.
To get started, here are five
breathing exercises you can
do at any time of the day and
in any comfortable space.
Deep breathing with increasing
counts: breath-in and breath-out
This is one of the easiest
and most important exer-
cises. It helps in strengthen-
ing our lungs and improving
blood flow, immunity and
eliminating stress and anxi-
ety.
Steps:
• Sit down in a relaxed posi-
tion, take a deep breath
and count your inhalation
If performed daily,
will help in
developing a
stronger
respiratory system
which can help
our body to fight
any possible
infection
ing jacks and climbing stair-
case.
Anulom-vilom
More commonly known as
alternate nostril breathing, it
is a prevalent Pranayama and
has been spoken about in the
Hatha Yoga literature. This
exercise helps clear out the
nasal passage and improves
respiratory muscle strength.
It is advised that Anulom-
vilom should be practiced on
an empty stomach ideally in
the morning or in the
evening after a long meal gap.
Steps:
• Sit on a chair or on the
ground cross legged, in a
meditation position
• With your right thumb,
close your right nostril and
inhale through the left
nostril. Release your right
nostril and with your mid-
dle and ring finger, close
your left nostril exhaling
through the right nostril.

Secrets to look stylish everyday NEWS ROUNDUP and exhalation. Ideally,

your inhalation and exha-
lation counts should be the
• Inhale through the right
nostril, then release the
fingers, closing the right
Have you ever wondered about
the secrets that fashionable
things to remember to be stylish
everyday is to wear the appropri-
Anushka Sharma thanks same.
• With each breath increase
nostril and exhaling
through the left nostril.
women keep to themselves?
Would you love to be counted as
ate inner-wear. It is because it
has a big impact on the final look.
healthcare, frontline workers the count to inhale and ex-
hale for as long as comfort-
• Continue the slow breath-
ing through alternate nos-
one of them? Well, then you are in
luck because this post will take
For instance, using light color in-
ner-wear for light tops is a thumb
for ‘working tirelessly’ able. Practise from 2 to 5
minutes duration.
trils and focus on the
breath.

you through some tips that will
help you look stylish every day.
Keep occasion in mind
If you really observe the most
stylish women around, then you
will realise that they are dressed
according to the occasion. Their
look is appropriate and polished
keeping in mind the dress code of
a company or an organisation. In
case, you are in doubt, ask some-
one about the dress code so that
you dress accordingly. Always
keep in mind the occasion and
you’ll never go wrong.
Appropriate inner-wear
One of the most important
rule that must be followed. In
case, you want to tuck your
tummy in, you can wear shape
wear in an appropriate manner;
else the result won’t be very lady
like!
Select the perfect accessories
When it comes to accessories,
sometimes we all get a little over-
board because we love to show
off what we have. When acces-
sorising, always take off the last
thing you put on. This piece of
advice goes to prove that too
much is not always too good. Al-
ways keep in mind that the acces-
sories should compliment your
outfit.
A
ctress Anushka Sharma took to Instagram, on Sunday, to
thank all the healthcare and frontline workers for their dedi- Diaphragmatic breathing
cated efforts as India fights the second wave of the deadly Also known as belly
Covid-19. breathing, or abdominal
She posted a video with pictures of doctors, policemen and am- breathing, this particular ex-
bulances and wrote, "Thank You, A huge shoutout to all the front- ercise has various benefits
liners working tirelessly day and night putting their lives at risk to such as managing irritable
save ours. India stands by you." She captioned the video as, "We'd bowel syndrome, depression,
like to say a big thank you to all our healthcare and frontline work- anxiety and insomnia. Nor-
ers, their dedication is truly inspiring. You continue to risk your mally people get in the habit
lives for the nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful to you. of breathing without fully
You are the real heroes, for Virat and I, and for the nation. Thank utilizing the lower part of
you once again." their lungs. With this breath-
The couple recently announced a fundraiser, #InThisTogether, ing technique, you con-
to help people cope with the Covid crises in the country. They do- sciously practise filling in
nated Rs 2 crore for this initiative. lungs to their maximum ca-
pacity and increasing oxygen
uptake.
Steps:
• Lie flat on the floor or sit in
a comfortable position and
relax your shoulders
• Put one hand below your
• Practice this for 10 min-
utes for benefits to start ac-
cruing
Bhramari
Derived from Sanskrit,
brahmari literally means a
bee. It is a humming exercise,
which increases nitric oxide
in the body and acts as va-
sodilators; helps with easier
blood flow through the ves-
sels and prevents muscles
from tightening.
Steps:
• Sit on a chair or on the
ground cross legged, in a
meditation position
• Close your ears using your
thumb and place your mid-
dle and ring fingers lightly
at the inner corner of your
eyes. Rest your index fin-

MOTHER OCEAN DAY chest and just above your

stomach (this is where
your diaphragm sits).
• Take a deep breath in by
ger above your eyebrows
and little finger where it
rests on your cheeks.
• Take a deep breathe in and

W ater is essential to
human life. In fact, it
is essential to all of the
expanding your diaphragm
or stomach and exhale
slowly.
while exhaling make a soft
humming sound similar to
‘hmmmmm’, throughout
forms of life known to hu- the entire exhalation. In-
mankind in general, as Cardiovascular exercise hale again and while exhal-
there are no known species The benefit of any cardio- ing make the humming
that can survive without it. vascular exercises is that it sound.
Though marine biolo- increases your heart rate • Practice for 10 minutes for
gists are unsure just how which forces the respiratory benefits to start accruing.
many kinds of creatures re- system to become more effi- These exercises won’t help
side in our planet’s 5 cient and eventually in- prevent COVID, however, if
oceans, it is estimated that creases the amount of oxygen performed daily, they will help
about one-quarter of all of you take with each breath. in developing a stronger respi-
the Earth’s species do. Not This allows for your lungs to ratory system which can help
to mention how very im- improve capacity and func- our body to fight any possible
portant the oceans are to tion better. Here are some of infection. Having said that, if
our civilizationfor thousands of years, braving their waters has been one of the bravest the most common cardiovas- you or your family members
feats a human being could accomplish, one that often led to amazing discoveries and the cular exercises that you can have any pre-existing health
general increase of our knowledge of the planet we inhabit. For all of these reasons and do from the comfort of your conditions or are feeling any
many, many more, Mother Ocean Day is a long-overdue celebration of our oceans in all of home: are brisk walking, spot discomfort, please do consult
their majesty and peril. jogging, jumping rope, jump- with your doctor.
 P O T P O U R R I HYDERABAD MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

My Journey to showbiz
was full of hardships:
Eesha Agarwal
town, firstly people don’t approve
the idea of going into showbiz, so
it’s a big challenge itself. But
somehow I convinced my par-
ents by proving myself. And soon
after completing studies, I
reached Mumbai and started
looking out for auditions.”
How did you entered into showbiz?
I completed my MBA from
Symbiosis and Diploma in Di-
dactic Health and Nutrition. I
have even done event manage-
ment from NIEM in Pune. I
started my career by partici-
pating in pageants. After that,
I started getting roles from
south modeling. Since child-
hood I wanted to become an
ASKARI JAFFER actor, I always wanted to be in
front of the camera, was also
inclined to singing, dancing
Do you believe in the insider-
outsider debate?
If you talk about
the earlier times,
then it was evident
Jaan Kumar Sanu and Aagaaz
that an outsider
has really less
chances as com-
Entertainment releases new single
pared to insiders.
But with the ad-
vent of OTT,
‘Maa’ on eve of mother’s day
J
slowly and aan Kumar Sanu Dehrahun. months more than the world
steadily comes with his new On sharing his working ex- so she should be above all’.
things are single ‘Maa’ on occa- perience with Aagaaz Enter- This song is a sweet humble
changing. sion of Mother’s Day under tainment and Neeraj Tiwari tribute to every mother out
Now there the banner of Aagaaz Enter- Jaan says, “It was amazing as there who has done their bit
is room for tainment. The song is pro- usual as I have had the good and raised their kids with lot of
everyone. duced by Neeraj Tiwari and di- fortune of working with Aa- hardworking, sacrifice, com-
rected by Aman Nautiyal. gaaz and Neeraj Dada earlier promise.This is just a small
What are your future Music is composed and given as well for ‘Tu Sandeli’ and ‘Be humble tribute from me and
projects? by Rahul and Anjan. Female Intehaan Sa’. ‘Maa’ is a very Aagaaz Enter-
I have two Marathi vocal is given by Rita Bhat- special track because it was the tainment.”
movies lined up, one is tacherjee (Jaan’s mother) and concept of mother and so

A
ctress Eesha Agarwal
who has been seen in
movies like “Kahin Hai
Mera Pyaar”, and “Thittivasal”
talks about her journey. She
shares about her incident of
casting couch and advices new
comers.
Talking about her journey she
says, “The journey to entertain-
ment has not been a rosy road. It
was full of hardships. Coming
from a small town of Lantur and
trying to make a name in Mum-
bai is not a small challenge. As
when you come from a small
and doing drama. “Zol Zaal” and the other Shailey and lyrics by Ashish singing a song together has not
is “Back to school”. Upadhyay who is deputy com- been explored a much. It was
Do you have any dream role? missioner of unique and the recording was
I am more in- GST in pretty difficult due to Covid.
terested in ex- We recorded the song in
perimenting with Kolkata with the composer
roles. So there is and made the most out of it.”
no dream role. As On sharing his joy of
I am still in a singing with his mother for the
growing stage so first time he states, “It was my
I don’t want to Mom’s first time with the mike
stick to a so it’s very special for me. It’s
particular genre dedicated to all the mothers
or role, rather I everywhere. As I have shared
want to experi- the quote, ‘Just remember,
ment a lot. your mother knows you 9

Big B returns to Huma Qureshi’s

TV with ‘KBC 13’
M egastar Amitabh Bachchan will return to
the small screen with “Kaun Banega
Crorepati” season 13.
The promos of the upcoming season were
released and the actor can be seen as saying,
“Kabhi Socha Hai, ki
aapki aur aapke
sapno ke beech ka
fasla kitna haia...
teen aksharo kaa.
Koshish.” The an-
nouncements
were posted from
the official social
media handles of the
channel as well. The par-
ticipants will be selected digitally. Big B will
ask one question every night on the channel
and people can send their replies. Participants
who answer correctly will be shortlisted. This
will be followed by an online audition and an
interview. Big B has been associated with the
show for 11 seasons, while actor Shah Rukh
Khan hosted season 3. The first episode of the
show was telecast in 2000. The show will air
on Sony Entertainment Television.
‘Maharani’ to
premiere on May 28
A ctress Huma Qureshi took to social media
to share the trailer of her upcoming web
series Maharani. The series will start stream-
ing from May 28. The actress says that the
character is special to her as it helped her ex-
plore herself as an artist. “It’s not often that
one gets to play a character where you tra-
verse in extremes as an artist. Rani Bharti,
has been one such role that got me to ex-
plore things that I have never done before
and yet made her look extremely
grounded and relatable,” she says. The
actress is confident that the audience
will like the series. “Her’s is a journey of
rarity and grit which will surely strike a
chord with the audience. I'm super ex-
cited and can't wait for the show to
launch soon.” The show’s story re-
volves around how the current Chief
Minister disrupts the state’s politi-
cal machinery. It has been di-
Actress Kamakshi Bhaskarla posing along with haleem lovers at launch of microwaveable box by Cafe rected by Karan Sharma and also
555 for haleem takeaway at Cafe 555 Restaurant at Masab Tank in Hyderabad. Cafe 555 restaurant features features Sohum Shah,
extended haleem availability datedate till 13th June, 2021. Amit Sial and Vineet Kumar.
The series will stream on
SonyLIV.

Doctor-turned-filmmaker
is winning laurels in US
D r Lakshmi Devy, a doctor by profession
has always been passionate about act-
ing and filmmaking and her dreams have
come true after she won the prestigious
Gold Remy award for direction at the 54th
World Houston International Film festival
for her movie, “When the Music Changes.”
It is to be noted that other famous win-
ners of the Gold Remy awards are the peo-
ple from global film industry including
Spielberg, Lucas, Ang Lee, The Coen broth-
ers, Ridley Scott and several famous direc-
tors of Hollywood. Worldfest is one of
the oldest and largest film and video
competitions in the world.
Dr Lakshmi Devy said, “This has
been a great honour for a filmmaker
like me and I am proud to represent
my Indian roots in this manner.”
Lakshmi shuttles between
US and Chennai and after the
lockdown and mounting Covid
cases she has preferred to stay
back in India and is currently
in discussions with several
Hollywood production compa-
nies for her new venture.
She has a production house in
New York, FiDi talkies which has
produced “When the Music
Changes” and Hollywood actor and
director, John Turturro is the execu-
tive producer for this project.
On her new ventures, the doctor turned
filmmaker said, "I am speaking to several
big names in the global film industry how-
ever, I am bound by certain contracts in not
revealing the names of these companies. Once we sign
the agreement, I will definitely inform you on the pro-
duction companies.” Her movie, “When the Music
Sudha Kongara narrates
a story to Prabhas?
Changes”, which is scripted, directed and produced by
her, has her playing the role of the protagonist. The
movie is based on the Indian rape scenario as studies
point out that in every 16 minutes a girl is raped in the
country. Lakshmi while speaking on the movie said,
“The movie speaks on the rape in India and that it is
not the woman who is raped loses the honour, instead
R ebel star Prabhas, who gained popularity with Rajamouli’s celluloid “Bahubali” is now
busy with continuous shoots. His “Radhe Shyam” co-starring “Pooja Hegde” is ready to
release. His film “Adipurush” with Om Raut is under production stage. Now, the latest buzz
it is the man who loses it because of the dastardly act.” is acclaimed female film-
The medical doctor also said that she is planning to maker Sudha Kongara
do several charity shows across the globe including a who impressed one and
movie on the current medical emergency after the emer- all with “Aakasame Nee
gence of Covid and how humanity has to stay together Haaddura” starring
to overcome this pandemic which is taking away the Suriya has narrated a
precious lives of many in the most unfortunate of con- story to Prabhas.
ditions. Sudha met with Prab-
She was the screenwriter for the national award win- has recently and narrated
ning actor Bobby Sinha, Mirchi Shiva movie “Masala a social drama subject to
Padam”, which is the story of how tough it is to make a the latter. Sources say
hot movie. The film has won major accolades across that Prabhas liked the
Tamil Nadu. Lakshmi also played the role of a protago- idea and asked Sudha to
nist in the movie. This medical doctor also had done a come up with the final
short film, “Daro Mat” made in both Tamil and Hindi. draft. Prabhas will take
It was critically acclaimed in many international film the final decision on the
festivals across the world and is now released on project after listening
YouTube with over 3.5 million views. Sudha’s bound script.
Tim Van Petten, Ten Time Emmy award nominated That said, Prabhas will
director, Edie Falco, Emmy award winning Hollywood be busy at least till 2023.
actress, Aida Turturro, two time Emmy award nomi- He has allotted all of 2022
nated actress were all praises for the movie made by Dr to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi
Lakshmi Devy. “As I said earlier, I am now finalizing the thriller. So, a potential
scripts for a couple of movies which will definitely have collaboration with Sudha
renowned production houses and I have to keep my fin- Kongara will materialize
gers crossed for now as I am not permitted to speak on only after 2023.
them now,” says Dr Lakshmi Devy.
12 SPORTS AMARAVATI MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

‘IPL suspension shows game’s vulnerability, T20 WC could be postponed or shifted’

NEW DELHI
aUstraLIan great Ian chappell feels
the suspension of IPL is a reminder of
cricket's vulnerability and does not rule
out the cOVID-19 pandemic forcing a
postponement or shifting of the upcom-
ing t20 World cup from India.
the 2021 edition of the lucrative t20
league was suspended earlier this week
after four players -- sunrisers hyder-
abad batsman Wriddhiman saha, Delhi
capitals spinner amit Mishra and
KKr's Varun chakravarthy and
sandeep Warrier -- tested positive for
cOVID-19 in the bio-bubble.
"the suspension of the 2021 IPL
tournament because of surging covid
infections and deaths among the public,
and a number of participants testing
positive, was a reminder of the game's
vulnerability," chappell wrote in his
column for 'esPncricinfo'.
India, which is grappling with a dev-
astating second wave of the pandemic
with cases rising by over 4 lakh every-
day, is scheduled to host the t20 World
cup in October-november.
"In the current disastrous climate,
the suspension of the IPL could also
produce a precedent. It may lead to the
World t20 event, programmed for In-
dia later in the year, either being post-
poned or moved." chappell recalled a
few incidents that led to the disruption
of the game in the past.
"In the past, tours have been aborted
and matches abandoned for a variety of
reasons. Many of these involved back
stories, some of which were tragic and
others amusing." the 77-year-old rec-
ollected how poor weather during the
1970-71 Boxing Day test between hosts
australian and england led to the first
ever One-Day International.
"In 1970-71 the McG Boxing Day test
between australia and england was
abandoned without a ball being bowled
after heavy rain ruined any chance of a
competitive match.
"that led to the first ever ODI being
played in lieu of the test in an effort to
recoup some of the lost revenue. the
match was agreed between officials of
both countries without the players be-
ing consulted, and this angered many
in the england camp.
"It was yet another arrow in the play-
ers' quiver in the build-up to the World
series cricket (Wsc) revolution in
1977-78. Wsc is portrayed as an aus-
tralian uprising but that belies the fact
that more than 50 players from many
different countries were among the
original signees."
the former australia skipper also
wrote about the time when Pakistan
players forfeited a test in 2006 against
england over ball-tampering allega-
tions.
"In 2006 the fourth test between
england and Pakistan came to a prema-
ture end with much recrimination. Pak-
istan forfeited the match after refusing
to take the field when the team was ac-
cused of ball-tampering and penalised
five runs.
"Despite cricket employing more
sheriffs than you'd find in the old
american Wild West, the Pakistan cap-
tain, Inzamam-ul-haq, could not be
coaxed into taking his team back onto
the field. after a lengthy delay the
match was awarded to england on a
forfeit," he said.
"In a disgraceful attempt at
compromise, the Icc subse-
quently declared the match a
draw in 2008. "however, in-
tegrity finally won out in 2009
when the decision was reversed
at the behest of the Mcc, who
quite rightly claimed that to not
uphold the laws set a dangerous
precedent," chappell said. (PtI)

Covid Protocol Breach at AFC Cup City lose 2-1 to

Bumrah can take Chelsea, made to
Bengaluru FC asked to 400 Test scalps,
he’s ‘so different’
wait for Premier
League crown
than any bowler I’ve
‘leave immediately’
LONDON

seen: Ambrose Manchester city will have

Group D matches postponed; ATK Mohun Bagan report two positive cases
MALE/NEW DELHI
It was a chaotic sunday for Indian
football as Bengaluru Fc was asked to
leave Male for violating cOVID-19
safety protocols ahead of their aFc
cup play-off against eagles Fc, while
all Group D fixtures in the same event
stood postponed hours after atK Mo-
hun Bagan reported two positive cases.
the asian Football confederation did
not give any reason for postponing the
matches but it is understood that the
deadly resurgence of covid-19 in many
asian countries is behind the decision.
It all started with Bengaluru Fc's
play-off match against eagles Fc,
scheduled here on May 11, being left
in doubt after the host country's sports
minister asked the IsL side to leave
citing breach of covid-19 protocols.
the exact nature of the violation by
BFc, which is captained by India skip-
per sunil chhetri, was not specified
but sports minister ahmed Mahloof
termed it as "unacceptable". the sen-
timent was echoed by BFc owner
Parth Jindal, who apologised and
promised strict action against the er-
rant players and support staff.
"Unacceptable behavior from @ben-
galurufc breaching the strict guidelines
from hPa (health Protection agency)
& @theafcdotcom. the club should
leave Flag of Maldives immediately as
we can't entertain this act," Mahloof
tweeted from his official handle.
"We have informed FaM that we
cannot hold the match, and asked
them to make arrangements for
@bengalurufc's departure. We will be
in further correspondence with aFc
through @MaldivesFa to postpone the
group stage."
the minister's tweets came after re-
ports emerged that some players of the
side were seen roaming Male's streets
in violation of the quarantine protocol.
also, two atK Mohun Bagan players -
- Prabir Das and sK sahil -- tested pos-
itive for cOVID-19, hours before their
group matches in Maldives were post-
poned by the continental football gov-
erning body.
"Participating clubs who have trav-
elled to Maldives will be required to
arrange for their return home while
adhering to the cOVID-19 health and
travel protocols put in place by the
country," the aFc said in a statement.
"at the same time, the aFc is in con-
tact with all other participating clubs
and officials who have not entered the
Maldives to cancel their travel
arrangements." the other two teams
in Group D are Bashundhara Kings of
Bangladesh and Maziya sports &
recreation of Maldives. "the aFc cup
(south) Group stage matches are now
postponed until further notice with
more information to be announced in
due course," the aFc said.
atK Mohun Bagan were to open
their campaign on May 14 against the
winner of tuesday's play-off between
Bengaluru Fc and club eagles. Mal-
dives' sports minister asked BFc to
leave after, along with other reports,
channel nine Maldives posted a photo
of BFc's australian import erik Paar-
talu walking on a street in Male.
Jindal apologised for the "inexcus-
able behaviour of three foreign play-
ers/staff" and promised strictest ac-
tion against them. the BFc had been
granted special permission to be in
Male despite the ban on tourists from
India because of a cOVID-19 surge
there. the players and staff were re-
quired to be confined to their hotel at
all times except when going for train-
ing and the matches.
apologising for the behaviour of his
players, Jindal said he will ensure such
events do not happen in future. "On
behalf of @bengalurufc I am ex-
tremely sorry for the inexcusable be-
haviour of three of our foreign play-
ers/staff while in Male - the strictest
action will be taken against these play-
ers/staff," he tweeted. "We have let
@aFccup down and can only say that
this will never happen again."
Maldives was the host for the play-
off match and all the Group D matches
as aFc wanted single venues in view
of the pandemic. "We honoured the
commitment we gave a few months
back even with the surge in cases &
pressure from the public," Mahloof
said in another tweet.
the atK Mohun Bagan positive
cases came to light after all the team
members underwent covid-19 tests at
a private hospital in Kolkata on May
7. Under the aFc protocols, competing
players have to produce covid-19 neg-
ative reports two days before depar-
ture from their home base.
"Yes, Prabir Das and sahil have tested
positive and so they will be left out. all
others have negative results," a source
in the atKMB team told PtI on con-
ditions of anonymity. atKMB were
scheduled to leave for Maldives on
Monday but that plan stands cancelled
after the aFc's announcement. (PtI)
NEW DELHI
West Indies fast bowling great curtly am-
brose says Indian pace spearhead Jasprit
Bumrah is "so different" from all other
bowlers he has seen and has the potential to
reach the 400 wicket milestone in tests if
he manages to stay fit. ambrose, who took
405 wickets in 98 tests at an outstanding
average of 20.99, said from the current In-
dian lot, Bumrah has impressed him the
most.
"India's got a few good fast bowlers. I'm a
big fan of Jasprit Bumrah. he's so different
than any bowler I have seen. he's so effective
and I'm looking forward to him doing really
well," ambrose said on 'the curtly & Kar-
ishma show' on Youtube.
asked if the the 27-year old can scalp 400
wickets in the longest format of the game,
ambrose said, "he is as long as he can remain
healthy, fit and play long enough. he can
seam the ball, swing the ball and bowl
great yorkers."
"he's got a lot in
his arsenal. so as
long as he can re-
main on the park
for a long period of
time, I'm sure he can
get up there," ambrose
added.
Bumrah, who made his
test debut in 2018, has
snapped 83 wickets in just 19
tests at an impressive average
of 22.10, quickly becoming a vital cog in the
Indian team's scheme of things. ambrose,
who along with compatriot courtney Walsh
made the most lethal opening bowling pairs
of all time, feels the the Indian speedster,
with his short run up, puts a little more strain
on his body.
"You know in terms of fast bowling, it's
generally about rhythm. so, you need to
build a good rhythm before you can deliver.
"Bumrah has got a very short run up. he
walks most of the way and maybe one or two
or three little jogs before delivery. so, it sim-
ply means he may be putting a little more
strain on his body but if he can remain strong
enough, I think he'll be ok.
"It's just about him staying strong to ac-
company that short run up. If he can do that,
he'll go the distance," ambrose added.
India is set to take on new Zealand in the
inaugural World test c’ship final from June
18 to 22 in southampton next month and
ambrose feels a good opening partnership
will be crucial for Virat Kohli's
men.
"It will be very impor-
tant that the opening bats-
man lay the foundation be-
cause if you lose 1-2 wickets
pretty early you exposes captain
(Virat) Kohli and the others guys in
the middle order. "so if you get a solid
platform from the openers I am sure it
will make life a lot easier for the middle
order and the team can put up a good
total," ambrose added. (PtI)
to wait at least 24 hours before
they are crowned Premier
League champions for this sea-
son after they lost 2-1 at home
to chelsea on saturday evening.
a win for Pep Guardiola's
men would have assured the ti-
tle, but now they need Man-
chester United to lose away to
aston Villa on sunday to con-
firm their crown after losing to
their fellow champions League
finalists at the etihad stadium
Xinhua reports.
Guardiola made plenty of
changes to the side that beat
Paris saint Germain on tues-
day but saw his side take the
lead through raheem sterling
on the stroke of halftime.
It should have been game
over moments later when city
was awarded a penalty, but Kun
aguero tried to score a chipped
'Panenka' style penalty only for
chelsea keeper eduoard
Mendy to stand tall and make
an easy save.chelsea improved
drastically after the break with
hakim Ziyech taking advan-
tage of good work by christian
Pulisic to level with his left
foot.
Marcos alonso put down a
marker for the champions
League final with a finish into
the top corner of the net after
excellent work from timo
Werner.

Sabalenka beats
world No.1 Barty,
Strongly believe
wins Madrid Open we’ve best medal
MADRID

ARYNA Sabalenka
turned the tables
on world No.1 Ash-
leigh Barty to win
the Madrid Open title.
Sabalenka, one of the biggest
hitters on tour, powered her way
through the final in three games
for a 6-0 3-6 6-4 triumph and a
10th career title on Saturday, DPA
reports. Two weeks ago, Barty
came from a set down to defeat
Sabalenka in the final of the WTA
event in Stuttgart, and it looked
as if history would repeat itself
on Saturday when the Australian
assumed the momentum going
into the deciding set here.
Barty had not lost a match on
red clay for nearly two years
since before she won her maiden
grand slam title at Roland Garros
in 2019. She had no answer to the
power of her 23-year-old Belaru-
sian opponent in the first set
here, though, as Sabalenka pro-
duced the shots that have seen
her tipped as a future slam cham-
pion for several years.
chance in Tokyo
Olympics, says
Manpreet
BENGALURU
the Indian men's hockey team is clocking
long hours in the sun to be ready for the
heat and humidity that awaits them in
tokyo during this year's Olympics, says
skipper Manpreet singh who is confident
that his team will peak at just the right time.
India have won eight Olympic gold
medals in the past, but their last top finish
came way back in 1980 Moscow Games.
"We strongly believe we have the best
chance to win a medal at the Olympics and
this belief is keeping everyone motivated
and optimistic," Manpreet said on the oc-
casion of the 75-day countdown for the
tokyo Olympics which opens on July 23.
"Our training has been planned in such
a manner that we peak at the right time
and also we are clocking long hours in the
sun to get our bodies acclimatised to the
hot conditions in tokyo."
the skipper, however, said that the
postponement of FIh Pro League
matches against Germany and spain due
to coronavirus has been a big setback for
the team. "When the FIh Pro League
matches against Germany and spain too
were postponed, we were extremely dis-
appointed because those matches would
have certainly helped in our preparations.
"But we understand these are really un-
precedented times, and there are travel
restrictions in place," Manpreet said.
Meanwhile, Indian women's hockey
team captain rani rampal is relieved that
all seven players, who had tested positive
for cOVID-19 recently, will resume train-
ing from next week after recovering from
the deadly virus.
rani and six other players, including
savita Punia, sharmila Devi, rajani,
navjot Kaur, navneet Kaur and sushila
had tested positive for the virus upon
their arrival here for the national camp
after a 10-day break. (PtI)

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