G Plus Vol 7 Issue 24

@guwahatiplus | /c/gplusguwahati www.guwahatiplus.com

Volume 07 | Issue 24 Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020 Price `10

INSIDE

Why is utilization of relief funds not accountable/transparent?

Assam Police plays good Samaritans during lockdown: Distributes ration, food to the destitute

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Coronavirus impact: Final nail in the coffin of Assam tourism industry

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Most Guwahatians scoff at

Modi’s ‘Light Candle’ call amidst lockdown G Plus News @guwahatiplus

Coronavirus

20 test positive, 488 people from Assam traced Saumya Mishra @saumyamishra03

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ith the passing of days, new COVID-19 cases are being identified and reported in Assam as the number of positive cases has now gone up to 20.

In Assam, the first case was reported on March 31 wherein the patient had a travel history to Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin in Old Delhi and then to Guwahati and later on to his place of residence in Karimganj.

As soon as the news broke out, the imminent exponential rise in cases took place and 20 coronavirus positive cases were registered across the state of Assam till 5 PM of April 3, 2020; all are currently under medical supervision.

It is to be mentioned that Delhi’s Nizamuddin basti area showed a hike in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. The Delhi police also cordoned off the area on Monday, March 30, as per reports.

A religious congregation was held here where over 1,500 people from across the country and Asia had come to take part.

It is believed that some people contracted the virus here.

State health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked all people from Assam who might have attended the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi, to immediately voluntarily report themselves to the nearest government hospital.

He added that altogether 547 people from Assam were present in and around the area where the religious congregation was taking place in Delhi.

On April 2, the minister said that a total of 488 people from Assam who attended the Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi have been traced, and 361 samples have been collected till now.

He added that samples have been given for COVID-19 testing; till now 20 positive cases have been found for COVID-19 in Assam. Sarma mentioned that altogether 951 tests have been conducted for coronavirus in the state.

“Tracing work going on for people who were in touch with suspected Covid-19 positive people. Our aim is to minimise the impact of the Nizamuddin congregation,” said Sarma.

Full Story PG - 02

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rime Minister Narendra Modi's call to light candles on Sunday, 9 pm, to fight the darkness of coronavirus drew instantaneous reactions from many Guwahatians. The PM was labelled as not being practical and instead melodramatic when everyone expected that he would address some serious concerns given the present emergency-like situation prevailing in the country.

City-based social activist and senior journalist Manjit Mahanta talking to G Plus said, “It is very disappointing that a Prime Minister would do such nautanki when the nation expected him to address some serious concerns with his 9 am video recorded speech.”

Mahanta further added that the Prime Minister should have explained what exactly the plans are for fighting the dreaded Covid-19 disease. Modi should have announced some packages for the poor and announcements for many other schemes were expected from him, the journalist expressed.

Not only the activists and general public but even his party members expressed disappointment.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member talking to G Plus understandably under conditions of anonymity said, “Even I am shocked at how a Prime Minister can say such a thing during this time of emergency.”

Modi’s speech also drew instant reactions from opposition in the country.

"Listened to the Pradhan Showman.

Nothing about how to ease people's pain,

Disappointing that a Prime Minister would do such nautanki,” senior journalist Manjit Mahanta their burdens, their financial anxieties. No vision of the future or sharing the issues he is weighing in deciding about the post-lockdown. Just a feelgood moment curated by India's Photo-Op Prime Minister!" tweeted Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

"Get real," raged Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, calling for a fiscal package to protect poor workers and a stop to "gagging real press."

Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram, in a series of tweets, called for steps to boost growth and said "serious thought to ideas and measures" was as important as symbolism.

Talking about the general public, a die-hard fan of Narendra Modi, Guwahati based

businessman Kedar Nath said, “I woke up early and even woke my children up to watch the PM’s speech. My children started making fun of me after his speech as they were questioning me how lighting candles could fight the coronavirus.”

At this point in time, the Prime Minister of the country has clearly failed to ease the people’s agony during the emergency situation which the country is facing.

This is the second collective gesture that PM Modi has called for since his March 22 Janata Curfew, when millions came out onto their balconies, doorsteps and windows and clapped and clanged utensils to applaud those at the frontline in the fight against coronavirus, like doctors, nurses and civic staff.

BJP leader BL Santhosh slammed the criticism, saying PM Modi was "instilling confidence and hand-holding countrymen" like a guardian.

"Usual suspects are disappointed by PM's message.

They want facts, figures and new policies. They are the same people who can't manage the single kid they have or the pet without a maid. He has to manage a country of 130 crore people and most disruptive liberal ecosystem," Mr Santhosh tweeted.

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Cover Story Snippets

Government extends validity of driving licenses, fitness certificates

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Coronavirus: 20 test positive, 488 people from Assam traced from page 01

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mid the 21-day lock-down owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the central government, on March 30, announced that it will extend the validity of certain documents including driving licenses, vehicle fitness certificates, permits and registrations that have expired since February 1, till June 30.

The enforcement authorities are further advised to treat such documents as valid till 30th June 2020.

In a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways it stated, "“The Government has provided for the availability of the essential goods and production thereof and has allowed vehicles for the transport of such goods/ cargo. It has come to the notice of the Government that citizens are facing difficulties in renewal of validity of various documents related to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 due to complete lockdown in the country and closure of Government Transport offices.”

Furthermore, the government has also announced that citizens can access the ‘non-use clause facility’ provided by VAHAN platform online for the suspension of tax liability.

HBS expresses gratitude to Sarathi 104 staff

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ssam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his gratitude to the staff of the 'Sarathi 104' helpline for their tremendous contribution and effort to fight against Covid-19.

Taking to Twitter Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Sarathi 104 our helpline number, having an intake capacity of 6,000 calls per day has crossed all barriers and has attended to more than 9,000 calls up to 10 pm today and still ticking.”

“My gratitude to all the dedicated staff of 104,” he added.

It is to be mentioned that the staff of Sarathi 104 are not only giving health advice to the people in the wake of Coroanavirus outbreak but has also played a very important role in tracing out the attendees of Nizamuddin Markaz who returned to Assam.

162 ICU beds exclusively for COVID-19 patients in GMCH In its efforts to combat coronavirus in Assam, the state government has readied 162 ICU beds with ventilators exclusively for COVID-19 patients at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH).

“Before this, in GMCH, there were 60 ICU beds but now we have 33 new ICU beds,” said Sarma.

He added that a new superspeciality building of GMCH will be inaugurated soon. It has been constructed at a cost of Rs 10.13 crores by the PWD. With the inauguration of the new building, GMCH will have more than 200 ICU beds with ventilators, which will be completed before Bihu, said the minister.

He added that the state is prepared to fight the deadly virus with 11,000 PPE kits and more than 1 lakh N95 kits available. He also applauded all the staff in the medical hospitals for taking good care of all the COVID-19 patients.

Assam enters critical stage, govt says we are prepared

State health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Assam has entered a critical situation now with the number of COVID-19 patients increasing.

“But we are prepared to some extent given the preparation of the last 15 days,” informed Sarma.

He urged the people of Assam to maintain social distancing and remain in lockdown due to the prevailing situations. He added that the state is well prepared

Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (in blue) speaking to the quarantined patients at Sarusajai Stadium | G Plus Photo to tackle the situation and the preparations done in the past weeks will help contain cases for now.

Further, releasing the names of all positive patients of Covid-19 in Assam, the minister urged people who came in contact with either of the patients to come forward and get tested for the virus.

"All patients are undergoing treatment. They will be tested every five days and if the tests come negative, they will be released," informed Sarma.

He added that the names of the patients have been released so that people who have been in direct contact with them can come forward for testing at their nearest centre.

Once people are cured, they can return to their normal life and need not be socially

distanced, he said.

Additionally, the helpline number 104 saw an exponential increase in the number of calls received with people enquiring about queries related to the virus.

The health minister tweeted on April 2: “Sarathi 104 our helpline number, having an intake capacity of 6000 calls per day has crossed all barriers and has attended to more than 9000 calls up to 10 pm today and still ticking. My gratitude to all the dedicated staff of 104.”

70 people quarantined at Sarusajai Stadium

A total of 70 people from Nalbari and Jagiroad were placed in quarantine at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on April 2.

These were mainly family members of attendees of the

Nizamuddin Markaz congregation in Delhi and needed to be urgently quarantined to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

According to reports, 47 people from Nalbari have been sent to Sarusajai by Swahid Mukunda Kakati Civil Hosptial.

Meanwhile, 23 people from Jagiroad were also placed in quarantine at Sarusajai Stadium.

Additionally, four more people Assam who at currently in Delhi and had attended the religious congregation have also tested COVID-19 positive.

The state health minister said on April 2 that all states have been directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be prepared for the coronavirus crisis till Diwali.

Sarma was addressing a press briefing at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH).

• Number of COVID-19 positive cases has risen to 20 in Assam • In Assam, the first case was reported on March 31, the patient had a travel history of Delhi • Over the next few days, the number increased and patients are under medical supervision • 547 people from Assam were present in and around the Nizamuddin markaz in Delhi • 162 ICU beds have been readied for COVID-19 patients at GMCH • The health minister said Assam has entered a critical stage • Govt says they are prepared to tackle the cases • 70 people have been quarantined at Sarusajai Stadium to prevent the spread of virus

Governance

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

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Why is utilization of relief funds not accountable/transparent?

G Plus News @guwahatiplus

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henever there is a disaster in the state or the country, funds are collected as relief from all corners.

But a discomforting issue that remains is that the utilization of these funds is never made public. There might exist a process of accountability which the government might have put into place but the general public is unaware of the same and feels that the relief funds are not accountable.

As the number of Covid-19 patients and those affected by the lockdown continues to increase in Assam and India, state and central ministers are requesting for donations from the public.

Many concerned citizens and corporate houses are donating liberally, but here again the public expects that the state and the central governments should make the utilisation of the relief funds public, if not monthly at least quarterly or yearly.

City-based activist and senior journalist Manjit Mahanta talking to G Plus said, “The government should make the utilisation of the relief funds public and as of now I have never seen any transparency.”

Similarly, a former Guwahati Municipal Corporation BJP councillor, talking to G Plus, expressed that it is the responsibility of the government to inform the public about all donations and where the money was used.

Along with Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, in Assam there is Assam Arogya Nidhi and at the Centre there is Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) to receive money for combating special disasters like Covid-19.

The Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) was created on 28th March 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic in India. The fund will be used for combating, containment and relief efforts against the coronavirus outbreak and similar pandemiclike situations in the future. The Prime Minister is the chairman of the trust. Other members include the defence, home and finance ministers.

Any contribution made to the PM CARES Fund before 30th June would qualify for a

tax exemption under Income Tax Act, 1961. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs announced that contributions to the PM CARES fund would be counted as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility with additional CSR being offset in subsequent years.

The PM CARES fund is different from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), which was created in 1948 and has been used by the government of India ever since, for example, during the 2013 north India floods, the 2015 south India floods and the 2019 Kerala floods.

Now the question arises: Are not these CM relief funds and PM relief funds accountable?

An RTI was filed in the state’s chief minister’s office in 2018 seeking details of the funds received by the CM relief account since 2016 and the utilisation of the funds. The office, in its reply to the RTI, said that such information is not available with the chief minister’s office.

Former chief secretary of Assam, HN Das, talking to G Plus, said that such information should be made public and the chief minister’s office is expected to furnish the details whenever asked for.

Another retired bureaucrat who has worked in Assam government’s finance and information departments, talking to G Plus under condition of anonymity said, “The receiving of the funds in the CM and PM relief funds is subject to audit but what is not transparent is that to whom such funds will be given to.” He explained that the PM and CM relief funds are a pool of funds collected from various donations which can be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India but it totally depends on the PM or the CM to utilise the funds as per their own will. They can help a cancer patient or a bomb blast victim or in any other ways for disaster reliefs but this process is not transparent, said the bureaucrat.

He further explained that this time the PM CARES Fund has been created only for the Covid19 pandemic and the funds are also subject to audit.

Talking about RTIs, the retired IAS officer said that CM and PM relief funds are under the purview of RTI and if details are not furnished the information seeker can approach the court.

The PM CARES Funds for Covid-19 is drawing criticism from the opposition and

activists.

Following the creation of the fund opposition members raised queries as to why a separate fund was needed, when it was registered, under which act and why it did not contain any members of civil society or opposition as part of the trust.

“The PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) has an unspent balance of Rs 3,800 crores (as of December 16, 2019). Why couldn’t Covid-19 donations go to PMNRF? Why was PM CARES created? Why are PM & 3 ministers members of this trust without any opposition or civil society leaders?” questioned Congress leader Shashi Tharror.

Many activists have tweeted against the PM CARES fund.

A tweet of an activist, Saket Gokhale questioned, “Why did PM-CARES accept foreign donations for 2 days and then backtrack?

Why was IT Act section 80(G) amended if donations to PM-CARES were already eligible for tax exemption?

Why have Govt.

PSUs been made to contribute to PMCARES? PM-CARES is PURE organised theft.”

No doubt that the state and the central governments are being lauded for their initiatives to combat Covid-19, but if possible the government should make the spends from the relief funds public for better understanding of the citizens. n

CM Sarbananda Sonowal receiving a donation from the Governor’s office towards CM’s Relief Fund

4 City

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

IIT-G developing breakthrough machinery to aid COVID-19 battle in Assam Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

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ver since the COVID-19 outbreak, various academic, technical and medical organisations across the globe have been researching on the development of vaccines and various other essential machineries and instruments required to tackle the virus.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, a leading technical education institution of the country has been working upfront to fight the deadly virus since the beginning of the year.

After much research, the faculty members and students of many departments of IIT-Guwahati have come up with various technologies to support the country in these times of crisis.

IIT Guwahati researchers developing vaccine for coronavirus

To start with, a group of researchers led by Professor Sachin Kumar, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, are working to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

According to reports, researchers are exploring possibilities to “clone the immunogenic proteins of SARS-CoV-2 to be used as diagnostics and possible vaccine candidates.�

However the institute clarified, "It is just a proof of

concept and the work requires a thorough validation in cell culture and animal model before coming to any conclusion."

Earlier, this group of researchers had also developed

recombinant vaccines against Japanese encephalitis and classical swine fever virus.

Produces hand sanitizer

Various departments of the prestigious institution have also developed hand sanitizers to be circulated amongst staff, students and visitors. They are also in the process of preparing around 5,000 sanitizer bottles for the GMCH and the Assam government.

Prototype of Faceshield

On 25th March, the institute tweeted about the development of a prototype of a Faceshield as per the guidelines of the World Health Organisation that could be used along with other personal protective equipments by the frontline workers. The prototype was developed by the Department of Design under the guidance of Dr Supradip Das. Reportedly, the faculties of IITG have plans to prepare around 100 pieces of the 3D printed full face shielding mask that also includes a headgear which can be scaled up.

Testing machine for real-time screening of COVID-19

Faculty members of IIT-G have developed a machine to detect the novel coronavirus.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, apart from detecting the COVID-19, can also detect other complicated viruses.

Reportedly, the institute has provided two such PCR machines to Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) which are being installed for live screening of patients.

The said machine has the capacity to analyse 1,000 samples if run for 12 hours continuously. Thus by screening

An IIT student loading a drone developed by the institute with a spray can 2,000 samples in 24 hours, it will help ramp up the screening process immensely.

It has been patented by the institute and is ready for commercialization.

OFET sensors for diagnosis of coronavirus

Further, portable organic field-effect transistor (OFET) sensors have also been developed by the institute that can also be integrated for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

The OFET sensors are being checked at a company for the detection of bacteria and can be utilized for the detection of viral RNA of coronavirus infected patients.

Drone to spray disinfectant to fight pandemic

In a recent development, the students of the institute have developed a drone with an automated sprayer to sanitise large areas including roads, parks and footpaths.

Reportedly, the drone can accomplish the work of around 20 workers, and can complete a person's one and a half days’ labour in 15 minutes.

'Racerfly', a start-up of

student groups has approached the Assam government as well as Uttarakhand government to integrate their sprayer system into the disinfection work undertaken by these governments.

Anant Mittal, a civil engineering student of the institute claimed that the sprayer system can be deployed and operated by just one person from any particular spot over a mobile application.

"The roads and areas can be selected on Google Maps and the drone can be automated to perform the task within a signal range of 3 kms. A single drone can cover more than 1.2 hectare in one flight and more than 70 hectares in a day," he added. Further 2 to 4 litres of disinfectant could be sprayed per minute and can be filled twice for one charge.

"The drone will help in sanitizing large areas by just one person spraying and monitoring using a mobile app, hence eliminating the need for more cleaners who use manual spraying disinfectant.

This will help in following social distancing guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight COVID-19. The drone which is crash proof, is equipped to adjust itself to terrain height and avoid

obstacles," Mittal said.

These drones can be used to record videos as well.

Reportedly, once permission is granted by the government, the department can make 15 drones in the next 15-20 days and 50 by the end of the month.

Robot-based drug and food carrying unit

The Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering are developing two robots that can be deployed in the isolation wards of coronavirus treatment centres. While one will be used for the delivery of food and medicine to patients, the other will be specifically useful in the collection of toxic and contagious waste collection from the isolation wards.

The effort is made to curb the spread of COVID-19 by minimising human intervention.

IIT-Guwahati is also setting up an advanced research centre (BLS-III/IV laboratory) for the analysis of the virus.

TG Sitharama, Director of IIT-G, informed that the centre, when finished, would be a state-of-the-art facility in the entire northeast for diagnosis of different infectious diseases in the early stages of infection and their subsequent prevention.

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Business

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Guwahati-based entrepreneurs create app to encourage social distancing Saumya Mishra @saumyamishra03

Guwahati-based entrepreneurs have created an app to encourage social distancing Oxyfind intends to make OPDs in hospitals no-crowd zones Hospitals can be vulnerable places and can lead to overcrowding

social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Given the low doctor-patient ratio in the country, hospitals and clinics always have a long bee-line of patients making them vulnerable especially given the current situation,” said Mazumdar.

Talking about the workings of the app, Mazumdar informed that a unique QR code is provided to all clinics and hospitals to enable patients to book appointments through the app.

“The patients can simply scan the QR code and request for the doctor’s appointment through the app. Once the appointment is confirmed and a slot is assigned to the patient, they can track the

appointment live through their phone and need not crowd at the waiting areas in the hospitals,” informed Mazumdar adding that maximum crowd which is seen at the hospitals is made up of people who are waiting for their turn to see the doctor.

But with Oxyfind, the patients can sit at their homes and track the ongoing appointments of a particular doctor of a hospital in real time and can directly reach the hospital when it is time for their appointment.

The makers of the app mentioned that currently over 40 clinics and hospitals from Assam and other places have already registered through the app.

The application is a product of a bootstrapped company called Oxyfind, which is a healthtech start-up based in Guwahati. It was founded by the three young engineers Mazumdar, Biswas and Das. Explaining their revenue model, the creators of Oxyfind said, “Our pricing is clear and transparent. We charge only Re 1 per appointment created via Oxyfind from the clinic or Rs 499, whichever is higher.”

Talking about the future plans for the app, the developers informed that they intend to add a feature in the application wherein

The app developers the patients would be able to upload their past medical history and records, making it easier for them to share the same with their doctors.

This would help in maintaining a digital database for each patient and would also enable the doctors to pre-diagnose a patient, saving time.

The developers thought of preventing large patient gatherings in hospitals The patients can track their appointment live Each hospital is given a unique QR code which can be scanned by patients Over 40 clinics and hospitals have already registered through the app

Published by Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Assam

Janasanyog No. 52/20

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hree Guwahati-based entrepreneurs have created an app in a bid to encourage social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The app is called Oxyfind and was created with an intention to make the registration desks and OPDs in hospitals a no-crowd zone.

“During this coronavirus outbreak, it is of prime importance to maintain social distancing everywhere. But it is very difficult to maintain social distance in hospitals since they always remain crowded with patients seeking appointments and with those waiting for their turn, sometimes for hours together,” co-founder of the app, Pankaj Mazumdar told G Plus.

He added that being essential services, hospitals cannot even shut down. So, he along with his co-founders Bapan Biswas and Nabajyoti Das, decided to think of a solution to prevent large gatherings of patients in hospitals.

Currently, they are offering the application free of cost. “We feel it is the need of the hour to extend any possible help in promoting

6 In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Assam Police plays good Samaritans during lockdown: Distributes ration, food to the destitute Moved by the plight of the destitute people and stray animals during the nation-wide lockdown, Assam Police has been providing them with shelter and food on their own initiative.

Nehal Jain @NehalJain96

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midst the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Assam Police has taken up various initiatives to help the poor and needy people of the state by means of serving ration, cooked food and medicines.

While the police have been enforcing the lockdown using its iron hand, they truly have been empathizing with a golden heart.

With the enforcement of the 21-day long lockdown, many people were left stranded both inside and outside the state of Assam. In a noble initiative, Assam Police decided to help these people by all means possible.

Distributing dry rations and vegetables amongst the vulnerable families affected by the lockdown, helping private organizations, NGOs and individuals in distributing cooked meals, ensuring the well-being of abandoned animals by feeding them, providing shelter to the homeless and medicine to the elderly are some of the steps taken by the police personnel of the state.

“During the days of lockdown, we are trying to reiterate our pledge to continue serving the nation and its people with unflinching commitment.

Many individuals, NGOs, restaurants, apartments, private organizations and individuals have come forward to help us serve the needy during these difficult times and we are really thankful for their support. Assam police shall continue to serve its people,” expressed Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Director General of Police, Assam, speaking to G Plus.

He added that a helpline number has been issued via which thousands of complaints have been received of people stranded outside the state, homeless people without food, medicine shortage in villages, etc and thus IH Borah of Special Branch has been assigned as nodal officer to tackle the situation and help people.

Assam Police had released

a set of helpline numbers on March 29, 2020 in order to extend help to all the people of Assam state, who are stuck in emergencies within Assam or outside.

On April 1 (Day 7 of lockdown and Assam police’s relief drive), the police personnel distributed essentials and food to needy families in various parts of Guwahati in association

A police personnel distributing rations in a rural area of Assam

with: Samahar Natya Gosthee and Padatik Nari Samaj in Bhootnath, Scouts and Guides, Signature Estate Welfare Association and Sadhumargi Organisation at Lichubagan, Royal Global Group at Children’s Home NGO and along with Scouts and Guides and Signature Estate Welfare at Bamunimaidan.

Similar distribution drives have been conducted across the state to help the needy in the time of lockdown due to coronavirus.

Food packets have been distributed to stranded truck drivers in Basistha area, Guwahati railway station, as well as attendees at GMCH. Additionally, dry ration has been distributed in villages near Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Barpeta, Jorhat and other parts of the state.

In a unique initiative, Hojai Police facilitated door-to-door delivery of vegetables in all seven police station areas with public-private model.

In another appreciable initiative, an old woman (Mariom Nesa) found on March 30, 2020

by Bijni PS was reunited with her son Rabiul Islam at a village in Sontoli area under Boko PS. Islam informed the police that she had been missing for over a year.

Speaking to G Plus about the efforts of Assam police in helping the poor, nodal officer IH Borah said, "Police is not only enforcing lockdown by working round the clock but is also helping the citizens. We

“During the days of lockdown, we are trying to reiterate our pledge to continue serving the nation and its people with unflinching commitment. Assam police shall continue to serve its people,” expressed Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Director General of Police, Assam.

are delivering ration and food to people at their doorstep.

Medicine is also being delivered at doorstep to old aged people.

The cops will continue to work tirelessly to help the needy.”

Assam Police has also been taking efforts to ensure the wellbeing of abandoned animals.

Police personnel, along with IHRO and other NGOs have been feeding dogs and cattle in

various parts of Guwahati.

“Many individuals and NGOs such as The Paw Foundation and Youth for Humanity have come forward to help the stray animals. They have been generous in providing the animals with one time meal.

Pedigree has also provided food packets for dogs to the police and we are feeding the same to the stray animals,” informed nodal officer IH Borah.

He added that the police have not received fund or ration from the state government yet. The relief drives are being conducted with the help of the citizens of the state who have come forward to help the needy survive the coronavirus outbreak by staying healthy. Additionally, police officers are also helping the poor in their own personal capacity.

“Police personnel have personally visited many households to deliver food and medicine to people who contacted us for help. In many circumstances, we have also paid from our own pockets to help those in need,” he said.

Such initiatives by the Assam police have been widely applauded by the people.

In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

7

‘Trust me any day when I say essential commodities are available for three months,’ Kumar Sanjay Krishna Assam Chief Secretary lays all speculations to rest; food amply available in state for 3 months Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

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ssam Industries Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, at a meeting in Patshala on March 31 last, said that the state currently has a week’s supply of food available.

He added that problems might arise in the supply chain in the coming days. This was reported by a leading daily of the state.

It has also been reported from many areas of the city, especially from Kalapahar, that stocks of essential items have run out of stores and these have not been replenished with new supplies.

Prices of many essential items like rice, atta, maida, dal have also soared given the non-availability of products or due to a break in the supply chain.

Shivam Agarwal, a shop owner of the Bharalumukh area said, “Essential commodities are available as of now. But the prices of most items had to be increased as the wholesale owners are charging us more.”

When asked about the production date or packaging of these newly high priced goods, he mentioned that no new packaging or production have been supplied till date, but given the speculated

shortage/lack of supply, manywholesalers are charging more as people are panic-buying.

It has to be mentioned that many flour mills and other such production houses have not yet resumed operations even after the government had exempted them from the lockdown. Further, as reported, although a few have been operating, the production lines do not have enough labour to cater to the current requirements.

When G Plus tried to enquire with the Food & Civil Supplies Department, the higher officials refrained from answering any question.

However, the Chief Secretary to the government of Assam, Kumar Sanjay Krishna, has assured once again that the state has enough food to last three months.

This was in reiteration of his earlier statement at a press conference that was called by him on March 25.

Talking exclusively to G Plus, Kumar Sanjay Krishna said, "Trust me any day when I say essential commodities are available for three months."

When informed about speculations of shortages he said that the essential goods need to be properly defined by the public at this hour of crisis. "We are trying to assess the requirements in grocery shops and will do the

Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna (C) addressing the media in presence DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta (L) needful. Some difficulties will be there but everyone should be happy even if he (or she) does not get his (or her) choice (of items)," he added.

Further, he mentioned that the Additional CS of Food and Civil Supplies has been told to assess the requirements in shops and ensure replenishment urgently.

Meghalaya govt orders home delivery of liquor on health grounds

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he Meghalaya government has issued an order in which it will make home delivery of liquor on health grounds.

In the order, the deputy secretary to the Meghalaya government said, “The Meghalaya government has approved home delivery of liquor on health grounds strictly against medical prescriptions issued by the registered medical practitioner.”

“Bonded warehouses may be allowed to sell and provide home delivery of liquor as a special case with immediate effect up to 14th April, 2020 (midnight) until further orders to customers who are 21 years old

and above," the statement further added.

It is to be mentioned that the customer can log in and upload the medical prescription for the delivery of liquor to his residence from the bonded warehouse, in the respective district and the warehouse in turn, obtain the approval of the officer in the charge of excise, bonded warehouse and delivers the liquor to the customer on request upon payment of all dues.

The warehouses have also been allowed to charge a maximum of Rs 100 as delivery fee for 15 kilometres or less and Rs 200 for more than 15 kilometre distance. The letter clarifies that it is a temporary provision.

However, the supply of meat and fish are to be kept on hold for sometime. "Meat and fish will remain out of reach for some time," said the Chief Secretary.

Urging the people of Assam to follow the lockdown strictly, Krishna informed that the government is putting in every effort to provide the

necessities and essentials.

However, expectation might fall short given the exceptional circumstances.

He requested the people to be content with whatever they have and remain happy. "This time will pass and patience with social distancing is needed now," he added.

8 City

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Guwahatians come forward to help needy during coronavirus lockdown From serving food to the poor and feeding street animals to donating masks, sanitizers and huge amounts of money for coronavirus relief, people from all walks of life have come forward to help fight the pandemic.

Nehal Jain @NehalJain96

W

ith India being on a 21day lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus, many people have been left stranded.

In Guwahati, several NGOs, individuals and businesses are pitching in to help the citizens and government through various initiatives with the hope that humanity would survive these dreadful times of the coronavirus onslaught.

From distributing food to providing masks and sanitizers to contributing funds, many Guwahatians have come forward in the fight against the virus.

For instance, Makhan Bhog, a city-based restaurant has been serving approximately 1,500 people every day with healthy food prepared at their kitchen.

"Our aim is to feed the needy during these times of crisis. We shall continue feeding them until the lockdown lasts," Dhruv Arya, the owner of Makhan Bhog told G Plus.

Similarly, a beverage company, Naucera, has provided food packets to 75 families in various villages of Assam. These food packets contain 5 kg rice, 2 kg dal, 2 kg potato and 1 litre mustard oil.

"Most of our employees are from villages near Guwahati. I made a budget and asked them to help the needy in their respective areas and so they did. I urge other companies to also take up similar steps," Vipal Jain of Naucera stated.

In another noble gesture, freshly baked pizzas were distributed to affected families and people in need in Guwahati on March 30.

This initiative was taken up by Pizza Hut located at Dona Planet in ABC, Guwahati.

Guwahati's religious communities, too, have jumped into the national battle against the coronavirus.

In the beginning of the lockdown, the Digambar Jain community had donated an amount of Rs 5 lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Mahavir Jain, the President of Shri Digambar Jain Panchayat also met with chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal to discuss the impact of Covid-19 in Assam and assured that the Jain community would serve the state

during this difficult time.

Similarly, the Burha Jame Masjid Committee offered a helping hand to the state government by donating Rs 1 lakh to Assam Arogya Nidhi fund for the fight against Covid-19.

The cheque was handed over to the health minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking to G Plus, Secretary of Burha Masjid, Nijamul Houque said, "We are happy that entire nation has stood up to fight against this virus but at the same time we are disappointed that even after repeated instruction from the government we are getting news of people gathering in mosques to offer Namaz."

"This is the time to educate people of the community to stay safe and healthy at home," he added.

Other communities like Sikh and Agarwal communities have been helping in the fight against coronavirus by feeding the poor during the lockdown period.

The Khalsa Centre North East has been serving Langar to thousands of homeless and needy people each day with support from the district administration.

On similar lines, the Marwari Sammelan Guwahati Sakha and Agarwal Sabha helped a hunger relief drive at AT Road on Monday, March 30. With help from Pan Bazar police, the community distributed rice and dal to 180 poor families of daily labourers.

Approximately 600 persons benefited from the same.

Additionally, people of Guwahati have donated generously to the coronavirus relief fund.

Private companies like Royal Group, Gurukul Grammar and Vinayak Logistics among others have also come forward and made huge contributions to the fund.

Speaking exclusively to G Plus, Chairman of Royal Group AK Pansari said, "This global pandemic is threatening human existence and we at Royal Group understand that the private sector have an important part to play in it. As such, we ensure a contribution of Rs 1 crore to the state government."

The Assam police have also taken up such initiatives. Along with the district administration, they have been helping citizens have of Guwahati serve the poor.

Other restaurants, private companies, religious communities, educational

Volunteers distributing food to the need in the city during the lockdown | G Plus Photo institutes, NGOs and individuals have also taken up similar steps during the lockdown to feed the elderly, the poor as well as the street animals.

Apart from serving the destitute, Guwahatians have also come forward to serve the street animals during these tough times.

As humans went into a lockdown, street animals were left without food to eat. However, a few non-profitable organisations and other individuals have come forward to their rescue.

One such trust is The Paw Foundation Trust which has been feeding stray animals ever since the lockdown was declared.

Indira Emma, Managing Trustee of The Paw Foundation, speaking to G Plus said, “The foundation is one year old, so we are not eligible for any government funds. But, we have received permission from the deputy commissioner to feed the street animals in Kamrup Metropolitan District during the lockdown.”

Hundreds of volunteers have come forward to help the foundation and have been issued identification passes.

Emma informed that many people have come forward to donate for the cause. Hundreds of kilograms of rice, dal and other dog food are being donated by Guwahatians. The foundation has established cooking provisions at certain locations across the city.

Another organization, Youth for

Guwahati, has been feeding the poor as well as street animals.

Ashish Goel of Youth for Humanity said, “We are feeding poor people in Odalbakra area.

We are also feeding street animals in Ganeshguri and Kahilipara with the permission of the DC.” It is to be mentioned that apart from the NGOs, many individuals have also been seen feeding the strays of their localities across the city. However, given the huge number of street animals across Guwahati more donations and help are being sought by the organizations working for the cause.

Homeless men treated and moved to shelter by locals On a footpath of Itabhata in Dhirenpara area of Guwahati, a homeless man lay quietly, flies fawning over his injured arm.

Near him, lay another man on the same footpath, both hungry and scarcely moving.

When asked by the locals who first spotted them on March 24, the homeless men informed that they originally hailed from Patna and were left stranded due to the lockdown.

The locals fed them for five days before noticing that the first man needed medical attention.

"He had a plaster on his left arm.

It was half torn, the injury seemed grievous and always had flies

sitting on it," said Sahid Ahmed, a resident of the area.

He added that the residents of Dhirenpara contributed funds for his treatment, called the ambulance and got him treated at GMCH. "He underwent a minor operation and is currently recovering," Ahmed stated.

The locals further decided to take care of the second homeless man. With help from the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) Biswajit Pegu, they arranged for the man to be treated at GMCH and thereafter transferred to a shelter home.

As the government of India has imposed a 21-day lockdown to curtail the spread of coronavirus, lakhs of people from across the country were left with no alternative but to walk home on foot or stay wherever they were with limited resources.

Most have no money and no food to eat.

In this time of need, people of Guwahati have opened their hearts, and along with the district administration are doing their bit to help make their arduous journey a little easier.

Meanwhile, Assam Police along with other NGO's around Guwahati has provided shelter to many of the homeless people who live under the city's flyovers and on the footpaths. Yet, Guwahati continues to see a lot of them living with the same distress at this time of the crisis.

In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

9

Police excesses continue on bona fide traders in their challenge to enforce lockdown Nehal Jain @NehalJain96

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hese are challenging times for everyone in the society in the current countrywide lockdown.

More so for the police force that has been entrusted with implementing the lockdown and in the city, the police have done a reasonable job in maintaining peace, harmony and social sanity. However, sporadic incidents of police excesses have surfaced and one such incident occurred on March 27 last.

Anil Jain, a resident of Fancy Bazar, owns a ration shop in Azara area of Guwahati.

The government of India has put ration and grocery items under exempted list of commodities over the 21-day lockdown period. Such shops have been allowed to remain open till 6 PM daily.

Anil Jain took his trade license along with other relevant documents and went to open his shop on March 27.

"In the morning, when I went to open the shop, there was no problem. I was stopped by the police a couple of times but on furnishing my documents, I was allowed to go. Everything went on smoothly at the shop as customers maintained social distance. While returning home at around 2 PM, I was stopped by the police near Jalukbari police station. They disregarded my trade license, GST certificate and other documents that proved me as a bona fide trader and slapped me a hefty fine of Rs 2,000 to let me go," expressed Anil Jain.

Jain was accompanied by his son and two of his employees and they were travelling by a four wheeler. They were charged under Section 179 of the Motor Vehicle Act, according to the challan.

Section 179 of MV Act applies when a person disobeys orders or creates obstruction and refusal of information which was asked for by the authorities and under these conditions the person is liable to penalty with fine up to Rs. 500/- or with imprisonment up to 1 month.

So, the maximum fine that could be charged to Anil Jain under Section 179 was actually Rs 500.

"The police wasn't ready to listen to us. They were threatening us with lathi charge and said they would keep my car if I failed to oblige," Jain told G Plus.

It should be noted that Jain paid the fine of Rs 2000 to the police. But, as an aftermath, he hasn't opened his shop since the incident took place while the residents of Azara keep calling him for basic amenities.

Speaking to G Plus regarding the incident, IPS Nilesh Sawakare, DCP (West) said, "If the fine has exceeded the mandate of the law, we will take up the matter and strict action will be taken against the concerned officer."

He further added that instructions have been given to all police personnel starting from the top to grassroots not to use physical force on citizens as this lockdown is for the safety of the people and the law doesn't allow for such excessive action.

Similar instances have come to

A recent image of police using lathi force to implement the lockdown | G Plus Photo light from other parts of the city and state as well.

As India began its threeweek lockdown on Wednesday, dramatic photos and videos started to surface showcasing police using extreme force against violators of the coronavirus lockdown.

In the footages, the liberally baton-wielding cops wearing surgical masks can be seen beating those breaking the rules. From using bamboo sticks to beat the offenders to punishing them into doing situps or rolling on the floor, the police was seen taking extreme

Assam scribe killed in road mishap in Guwahati

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n an unfortunate incident, a journalist died in a road accident at Radhachura Road of Sundarpur in Guwahati on March 30.

The deceased has been identified as Dimpi Kashyap.

According to reports, the accident took place when Dimpi Kashyap, aged around 22 working with a private web portal was returning home from office and rammed into a light post at Sundarpur.

The young journalist was on her scooty with a fellow colleague Arup Morang who was also seriously injured in the accident. He is undergoing treatment in Gate Hospital in the city.

steps to enforce the lockdown.

One such footage was from TRP Road (Galla Patty) in Fancy Bazaar area of Guwahati. In the short video, the police was seen forcing violators of the lockdown to roll on the road instead of walking. This particular video was

widely circulated by individuals living in the area as well as by various media houses.

For these actions, the police have been both criticized for being harsh and praised for risking their lives to do their job during these tough times.

10 In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Stranded migrant workers from Assam provided shelter at Karnataka plantation Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

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M Narendra Modi announced a sudden national lockdown of 21 days on the night of 24th March.

The order took effect from the very next morning. As businesses, agricultural work, constructions and other offices faced a sudden closure the livelihoods of a vast number of migrant workers became uncertain.

People who have migrated to far off cities make their living with daily wages and mostly take shelter in the very places they work. They were suddenly rendered homeless and foodless.

There are an estimated 100 million internal migrants in the country. And as per the government's Economic survey of 2016-17, internal migrants make up about 20 percent of the country’s workforce.

A survey of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization shows that these migrant workers contribute an estimated 10 percent of India's economic output. Yet most of them don’t even have any savings to bank on during these days of lockdown.

Thousands of these immigrants were seen walking along the interstate highways, having packed what little they have of their pots, pans, blankets and most with small children and the elderly, in

an effort to reach back to their native places.

In their failed attempts many have lost their lives and many left devastated beaten up by police personnel in the latter's attempt to prevent mass gathering.

In these uncertain and tragic circumstances there is also a section of society that has come forward to help the needy and the poor. One such person is retired Captain GR Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan.

The retired captain of the Indian Army has hosted around 30 migrant labourers from Assam in his family plantation in Karnataka during this period of extended lockdown.

Talking to G Plus Capt Gopinath said, “I have a coconut plantation and a farm and many people have been working here for many years. Amongst them are fifteen labourers working permanently who have migrated from Assam.

Many workers also come in during the harvest season.

So, there are also fifteen such workers from Assam.”

A total of 30 migrant workers from Assam, who have actually immigrated to the state of Assam years back but have travelled further to Karnataka for work are now being hosted by the Captain during these times of crisis.

“We are strictly following the lockdown, so they are

Representative Image of migrant workers not working currently. But as they have nowhere to work or go in this lockdown period I have let them to stay at my farm, providing them food and shelter. I have provided them the needful and they are also collecting fruits and vegetables for themselves from the farm and nearby jungles. I don’t want to leave them as at these times they will have nowhere to go,” he added.

Captain Gopinath continued, “I am trying to make their life a little comfortable and believe

that by keeping them here I am following the norms of social distancing given that my farm is in a remote area and these labourers do not have to struggle to go back home.”

Many incidents of people opening their hearts and homes for the needy, be it hosting foreign nationals or providing food for the poorer sections as well as the animals, have been recorded not just in Guwahati but across the country. While many people of Assam are stranded in

different far off places, away from home and family, stories of selflessness of people like Captain Gopinath are highly reassuring.

It has to be mentioned that there are many people from Assam who are employed as daily wage workers, home guards, securities personnel, office boys etc at minimum wages in different states of India who are stranded there during the lockdown without assurance of proper food and shelter.

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

Sunny

Sunny

Sunny

Mostly Sunny

Isolated T-Storms

Mostly Sunny

35°19° C

35°20° C

36°21° C

35°21° C

32°20° C

32°20° C

SATURDAY

Sunny

35°19° C

In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

11

As number of cases increase, localities in Guwahati shutdown lanes Saumya Mishra @saumyamishra03

Several apartments/ localities in Guwahati have closed their gates for casual roaming around Residents of Santipur are only allowing emergency services in their area The first positive case of coronavirus in Assam reportedly has a travel history of being in different parts of Guwahati Similar initiatives have been taken by many localities Localities in Kalapahar and Athgaon too, are only allowing emergency and essential services In Dhirenpara, residents are shunning members form the minority community

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midst the scare of having more COVID-19 infected people in the localities, several apartment complexes and localities in Guwahati have decided to close their gates for casual roaming around.

According to reports, the residents of Santipur in Guwahati have closed the gates and are only allowing emergency services in their area.

It is to be mentioned that earlier on March 31, a 52-year-old man was detected as the first positive case of coronavirus in Assam who reportedly has a travel history of being in different parts of Guwahati.

The patient went to Delhi via Guwahati on March 5. He stayed at a hotel and visited the Jama Majid. He also came into contact with people near Nizammudin Dargah. The patient returned to Guwahati on March 10 and stayed in Athgoan area on March 11. He then left by the Rajdhani Express to reach Badarpur on March 13, as per Dr. Babul Kumar Bezbaruah, Principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

The patient’s condition is said to be stable currently.

In the subsequent days, several more coronavirus positive cases were reported from Assam, and all the patients had been in and around the Nizamuddin area in Delhi when the religious congregation was taking place, state health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had informed.

Further, many localities and apartments of the city have taken

A lane in Santipur that has been shut down by the locals to enforce the lockdown | G Plus Photo up similar initiatives.

“In my apartment, the residents have installed a tap at the entrance.

So, every resident who enters the apartment complex, has to first wash their hands properly. Even the regular milk man is not being allowed inside the gate,” a resident of Athgaon told G Plus.

Another resident of Kalapahar said that the gates of her residential complex, too, remain closed at all times. Here, too, only emergency and essential services are being allowed to operate.

On the other hand, the news

Akhil Gogoi arrested again

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ssam’s peasant organisation, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader, Akhil Gogoi has been rearrested by the Chabua police in upper Assam.

It is to be mentioned that the KMSS leader was granted bail in the case (no 290/19) of the Chabua police station in Dibrugarh district but the hearing of another case (no 289/19) of the same police station is still pending and the hearing for this case will be held in April.

Meanwhile, a team of Dibrugarh police reached Sivasagar and rearrested Akhil as soon as he was released.

The peasant leader alleged that his arrest is illegal as the police arrested him without an arrest warrant.

of members from the minority community who are testing COVID-19 positive in Assam after attending the religious congregation in Delhi, has led to locals shutting their localities to those belonging to the Muslim community. One such area in Guwahati is Dhirenpara.

“Since Dhirenpara locality is predominantly dominated by members of the minority community, it is being seen here that people are shutting their lanes and gates of apartments to members of the Muslim

community,” said a resident. He added that people are feeling scared of contracting the virus and have basically begun stigmatization of members of the minority community.

In Dhirenpara in places like Bhaskar Nagar, one can see that residents have blocked by-lanes and roads leading up to their residential localities using makeshift material including bamboo sticks and large woods and leaves.

They have also put up notices prohibiting people from entering their societies, informed locals.

12 Business

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Coronavirus impact: Final nail in the coffin of Assam tourism industry Losses of hundreds of crores due to various crises since December; chances of easy revival unlikely Indrani Phukan, Public Relations Manager of Hotel Vivanta Guwahati informed that the hotel has been completely shut from business given the lockdown Barasha Das @Barasha_mi2

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ssam Tourism, an industry that has immense potential has mostly been left unexplored. In recent years the industry had seen some steady and significant growth finally, only to be paralyzed by the various crises of the times.

Since December 2019, the tourism sector of Assam has seen a steady decline. As per reports the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act that brought the state to a complete halt not only shut tourism operations for about a month but also portrayed Assam as an unsafe destination to the world, thus spurring the decline of tourists.

The industry lost around Rs. 1,000 crores during the months of December-January.

Ranjeet Das, President of the Tour Operators’ Association of Assam said, “We started to pick up pace during February but the agitations in Meghalaya further degenerated us.”

“Now the lockdown due to coronavirus has rendered the final nail in the coffin,” he added.

It has to be mentioned that the pandemic has completely shut the tourism business not only in the state but across the world.

G Plus spoke to a few significant stakeholders of the industry to take stock of the current situation and its impact on the numerous people attached to it.

Nirmalya Choudhury, Executive Director of Jungle Travels India Pvt Ltd said, “The industry is shattered. All stakeholders are worried if it’s even going to pick up in six months’ time, or will we even survive the coming 6 months.

This is the peak season to travel to the northeast but we do not have any way to continue business.”

The tourism sector has manifold implications involved.

Many companies and households are directly and indirectly involved in the business.

Choudhury continues, “Tourism works in such a way that every company that provides us business expects the best in return. So the tour

operators also upgrade their vehicles and other amenities regularly. There are many companies in the state as well as northeast who have invested heavily in buying vehicles for tourists. Now how do they pay EMIs for these? Similarly, hotels are also incurring losses. Many have invested in upgrading but are not able to pay back their loans now.”

It has to be mentioned that the salaries of most of the staff members could not be paid due to complete closure of operations.

“How do we pay salary to the staff? We might be able to for a month or two but not for 6 months without any business coming in. We might probably be looking at a huge number of layoffs,” added Choudhury.

As per estimates provided there are around three lakh families directly dependent on the tourism business. The number increases to around five lakhs if the indirect dependants are also calculated.

“In case of revenue, the loss can be estimated between Rs 200 to 300 crores including all stakeholders,” informed Ranjeet Das. Given the recent boom in the tourist activities of the state many people have joined the sector in the last two years.

These businesses include small hotels, restaurants, home stays, adventure tourism and others.

For example, there are around 500 safari vehicles in Kaziranga National Park, 20 in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and 150 in Manas National Park. There are many such families dependent on safaries across the different wildlife sanctuaries in Assam.

It has also to be mentioned that most of these have also taken various loans, EMIs of which have to be paid regularly.

Das informed that many start ups and entrepreneurs have been completely crushed and chances of their revival are low. The owners have become highly demotivated.

Arijit Purkayastha of Koyeli Tours and Travels said, “The complete losses cannot be fathomed as yet. There are many people involved including staff, drivers, guides and others. And not just due to the lockdown, we have been incurring losses since December. Many reservations

File photo of tourists enjoying elephant rides at Pobitora Rhino Sanctuary| G Plus Photo were cancelled but we are not yet able to return the money as the hotels that we have already booked have not refunded as per their own norms. After such incidents we might expect Indian nationals to come back but foreign tourists cannot be expected so easily.”

“Tourism will take a long time to revive and the test right now is how to survive till then. We can hope by October-November situations might improve but it is unlikely after this pandemic,” informed Choudhury of Jungle Travels.

Ranjeet Das further added, “This will also have repercussions on the employment sector. There are 16 colleges and universities in Assam offering various courses on tourism. But how are we to offer the students jobs? The effects will be very long term. “ “The chain of involvement is not limited. Lately we have also encouraged students to learn tourism guidance, bird watching, river dolphin spotting etc to guide the travellers. From tourists travelling to Sualkuchi, Hajo, etc, the Assam silk industry had been benefited. Tourists have also shown interest towards Assamese jewellery, and cane and bamboo products that they take as souvenirs. As such all these industries are also linked to tourism. So it’s very difficult

to weigh the losses altogether,” added Purkayastha.

It has also to be mentioned that of the many number of hotels in Assam, many smaller ones are also operating in buildings taken on rent. Owners of such hotels are worried that given the complete lockdown and the scare of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst people they might have to shut businesses for a long time. As such owners of many hotels are expecting the government to provide relief funds so that rents and salaries of staffs could be paid off.

Earlier, due to the Coronavirus scare, wildlife spots and parks in the state as well as hotels and resorts in Kaziranga had been ordered to close operations even before the national lockdown was announced.

Indrani Phukan, Public Relations Manager of Hotel Vivanta Guwahati informed that the hotel has been completely shut from business given the lockdown.

Varun Vohra of Hotel Palacio said, “We are completely closed and all our employees have been asked to take leave.

Only a few residing in the employees’ quarters at the hotel are currently maintaining the building. But we have no guest as of now, neither are we accepting any bookings.”

Talking about losses, he informed that the hotel had seen a 75 percent decline in revenue in the month of March and similar losses or more are expected in the coming months.

It has to be brought to notice of the readers that the Kerala government had announced a financial package of Rs 20,000 crores to deal with the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak in the state. Reportedly, a substantial amount of the package has also been dedicated to the tourism industry and hospitality industry. As such the stakeholders of the tourism industry of Assam has also requested the state government to provide relief for them.

Arijit Purkayastha said, “We request the government to give us six to nine months of financial relief. We should be given soft loans to pay the salaries of our staff. I am not asking for grants but loans at minimum interest rates that we will return at the earliest possible.”

Ranjeet Das, “Assam has incurred multiple blows in a very short span of time. The season this time has completely been washed out. I don’t think travel plans of the people will be revived anytime soon. Unless we get some boosting packages from the government it will be very difficult to sustain.”

City

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

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Staying at home not as painful as arranging for provisions, opine Guwahatians Atiqul Habib @guwahatiplus

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s the world keeps up its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, staying at home for Guwahatians is not that painful even though picking up provisions is becoming a matter of increasing concern.

While the state government is doing a lot of permutations and combinations to ensure that the citizens keep maintaining safe "social distancing", all such attempts are tending to go haywire as per ground reports.

Recently, the Assam government deployed vegetable vans in about 66 localities but

The logistics to get food from the market to the plate is being increasingly affected and point to longer-term problems

this also seems to have gone in vain as the move was unable to fulfil the basic consumption needs of Guwahatians.

G Plus tried to reach the masses of Guwahati via social media to understand the difficulties that the citizens are going through in this crisis and it turned out to be far more concerning than initially envisaged.

“I live in Nabin Nagar. AIDC was designated as a vending spot but there were no reports of mobile vans coming to the location. We are not getting any help from the government in this area. Also, the vegetable vendors are too far apart and we have also heard that they are charging heavily. The grocery stores are charging higher prices on potatoes etc,” said Shibani Dutta, a resident of Guwahati.

It may be mentioned that although the administration along with the food department is keeping a vigil on the prices, unscrupulous traders within the city are using this crisis as a profiteering opportunity by charging twice the price taking advantage of the artificial

unavailability.

For example, peas are being sold at Rs 120/kg whereas pairs of lemons are coming for Rs. 40 and a 2 kilo cabbage is pieced at Rs 100.

“Like any other market goers even for Guwahatians it’s a customary rule to check the vegetables before buying but now with govt intervention, we are forced to buy even rotten vegetables,” said another resident.

Although the Centre along with the state government is leaving no stones unturned to fight this epidemic crisis the goal of social distancing can only be achieved if essentials commodities can be home delivered rather than making customers queue up at mobile vegetable stores.

The concern of the majority of the citizens is with the timings of the mobile van services as the state government has failed to notify the same to the people thereby leaving them stranded for the entire day. Also, the vegetables available are also limited which is creating a tough situation for patients who have to follow a strict diet.

Panic buying in Guwahati leads to surge in vegetable prices With the state being placed under the 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19, rising vegetable prices is impacting consumers' kitchen budget.

It may be mentioned here that the state government has permitted just one person from every household to step out of their homes to buy essentials.

Though the concerns of citizens are not unwarranted, their flocking to markets may have diluted the whole point of a lockdown in the first place.

People were seen crowding outside several markets, hence violating the cause of social distancing.

Consequently, vegetable prices increased fourfold in markets in the city. This is despite abundant stocks being available in these markets, according to sources.

Meanwhile, data compiled by the Union Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs show that potato prices jumped by 26 per cent to trade at Rs 37 a kg as compared to Rs 29 a kg about a week ago. Potato has become costlier by 60 per cent in the last

People queueing up for provisions at a city grocery store during the lockdown | G Plus Photo one month. Prices of onion and tomato, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, have risen by 8 per cent and 25 per cent to trade currently at Rs 40 a kg and Rs 34 a kg, respectively. Similarly, additives like coriander leaves have become costlier in retail to trade at Rs 20 a bundle today as against Rs 10 a bundle about a week ago.

It is learnt that the prices of onions are skyrocketing yet again. Buyers are worried that the vendors may block the stock to further hike the prices.

Speaking to G Plus a local vendor said, “Prices of only a few vegetables have gone up. Fresh stocks arrived on Wednesday, and it will be adequate for a day or two. Beyond that, it will be difficult to say what the situation will be if fresh truckloads of vegetables do not arrive from other districts.”

Unlike rice or pulses, vegetables cannot be stocked.

Hence, it is imperative that the state government along with the government of other states act to remove any hurdles in transport of vegetables, or the people will suffer amid the Cononavirus crisis.

Govt’s restriction of provisioning meat, poultry products taken lightly by unscrupulous traders Although the Assam

government has put a hold on provisioning meat and poultry products in the markets of Assam, reportedly many unscrupulous traders are minting money with the sale of red meat and other non-vegetarian items.

The blame needs to be equally divided between the citizens of Guwahati and the traders.

Reportedly, red meat is being

sold and distributed in several parts of the city, wherein people gather in large numbers in the early hours to buy the same, hence making a mockery of “social distancing.”

Meanwhile, in other districts people are selling off their farm fishes and poultry products in makeshift shops set behind their houses.

14 G Talk E

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Who dirtied our clean slate?

uddenly, this week, it is a different scenario for Assam. And it all started on March 31 with a frantic tweet by health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, requesting for voluntary disclosure and reporting of all the Nizamuddin Markaz attendees who had returned to Assam. Swiftly, Assam’s Coronavirus positive cases rose from 1 to 5 and now to 20 and are still counting.

For the moment, I am only concerned about Assam’s clean slate being badly scratched a bit late when the same could have been forewarned. While the Delhi government had, on March 13, issued orders banning assembly of more than 200 people for any kind of “sports activity or seminars,” it would be ridiculous to consider that it had no idea of the Tablighi Jamaat congregation that was taking place at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the first Corona positive case that was detected from that congregation was as early as 17th March; MHA got inkling of it on 18th March, by its own admission. The case was of an Indonesian who had travelled to Telengana.

Now if that was not an early enough warning, it remains unclear what took

the MHA four whole days to draw up the first list of around 800 foreigners who had congregated at the Markaz. That makes it the 21st of March. Further, with all the concentration on making the 22nd March Janata Curfew a success, vital testing took a backseat with the first tests at the Nizamuddin Markaz being conducted as late as 26th March – a whole week pitifully lost.

Assam, in the meanwhile, continued to maintain zero cases, but by the time our health minister received the requisite information about Markaz attendees being back in Assam and urgently tweeted his appeal, the state’s Covid-19 scenario was already skewed. 1 case to the current 20 cases took no time to surface; the indignation of the Assamese public could only be pitied!

So, who was at fault in New Delhi that Assam finds itself in this situation? Was it Arvind Kejriwal’s Delhi government who committed this sin of omission by keeping silent about the congregation for reasons best known to him? Or was it a sample of inefficiency of the Home Ministry led by the politically astute Amit Shah whose basic intelligence in this regard can be easily questioned?

Who?

The PM’s magic

I

am truly in awe of our PM. His magnetic personality has some amazing traits and most admirable is his ability to galvanize his countrymen with whatever he wants us to do. At times, he gives sufficient notice – days in fact.

Sample this: Women's Day social media initiative, we got 5 days to prepare for it. We got 4 days to prepare to bang our utensils. Today, PM gave us 2 days so we can light candles from our balconies this coming Sunday night. Further, he gave us 12 hours’ notice to wake up early enough to watch the video in which he would be ordering us to light candles and burn our phone flashlights.

But what I like best about our PM is the advance notice he gives us when it comes to life-altering situations: Demonetization: 4 hours! 21day countrywide lockdown: yes, a massive 4 hours again! Dhyan se sun liya…

And this is not everything about why I like our PM. I like his fans too; they have earned an endearing sobriquet: Bhakts!

Seen their attempts to find logic in the “light candle call”? No? This candle lighting is apparently about activating energy from all the planets to save life on earth. Like 5th April means 5+4 = 9, 9 pm, for 9 minutes. So mathematically, 3 multiplied by 9 = 27 and further 2+7 = 9 which resembles 9 planets. On Sunday, with our candles and flashlights burning, the power of the nine planets will be generated

by Navgruha Aradhana which will appease the nine planets to save our lives here on Earth. That Pluto is scientifically no longer a planet is besides the point here!

Yes, I love our PM for his originality, his imagination and I still love to listen to him. What a dramatic drawl he has nowadays! Looking forward to his next address to the nation…

Swapnil Bharali (Editor) @swapnilbharali

Read the newspaper without any fear

A

couple of days ago, there was a discussion on my timeline when I asked if everyone was getting their daily newspapers during the lockdown. In response, there were almost thirty friends who said they hadn’t received their newspapers. Some said they had stopped their subscriptions

O p inion Tinat Atifa Masood

incident” of a person contracting COVID-19 from the surface of a “print newspaper, print magazine, print letter or print package.”

WhatsApp and other social media platforms were agog with discussions on the spread of COVID-19 through newsprint.

Some people, for the sake of safety, resorted to reading the news online to avert the possibilities of a virus attack.

INMA received a lot of queries

However, though Dr. Naresh Trehan, one of the prominent physicians of India, said that

and hence decided to conduct a survey taking the help of four sources: World Health Organisation, Journal of Hospital Inspection, National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases (NIH) and John Innes Centre.

These sources reiterated that a person may get coronavirus by touching anything that has the virus on it but it is not the “main way the virus spreads.”

The result says that the coronavirus lasts the longest on smooth non-porous surfaces like plastic and stainless steel.

On cardboard, the virus loses its potency after 24 hours. A newspaper is far more porous than cardboard and hence the period of the virus being likely to survive on it is even lesser.

Earl J Wilkinson added that newspaper was the “safest because of the stability of ink and paper processes.” And even if the virus is left on surfaces, it keeps losing its ability to be an infectious agent.

there is no evidence as yet of COVID-19 being transmitted through newspapers, yet he strongly recommended washing hands after reading the papers for the sake of precaution.

People might consider wearing gloves to read the newspaper and then dispose them off later in the dustbin.

So, during these extremely trying times, the best thing would be to wash your hands whenever necessary, not to be near someone suspected of being a COVID-19 patient, not shake hands or hug anyone, refrain from touching the face, eyes, nose and mouth and, on an urgent basis report, to the nearest police station any suspected COVID-19 cases.

We are all in this together and it’s our bounden duty to flatten the curve by staying at home and completely distancing ourselves socially, till we are absolutely sure that the storm has blown over.

Earl J Wilkinson added that newspaper was the “safest because of the stability of ink and paper processes.” And even if the virus is left on surfaces, it keeps losing its ability to be an infectious agent.

while others advised me to stay away from newspapers till this virulent condition of the Coronavirus prevalence is over.

They had every reason to fear even the newspaper since the virus is spreading its tentacles in all possible directions. We were at a loss as what to touch and what not to touch; whether eating some vegetables or liquids or spices could avoid the process of being sucked into a vortex by the virus. In a way, after reading the different views, I was feeling somewhat blessed that I wasn’t getting to touch the newspaper. I guess we could go to any extent to save ourselves.

However, with a little bit of research I found that the newspaper, with its porous surface does not carry the virus.

Earl J Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the International News Media Association (INMA) wrote in his blog that there never has been a “documented

rThe inefficacious quarantine ink

Letter to the Editor

The Guwahati airport, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI), had been screening and stamping indelible ink on every domestic passenger at the airport. It was decided to stamp the back of the palm on the left hand of every passenger which would tell the last day of their home quarantine.

After international passengers, even domestic passengers were asked to stay under home quarantine for 14 days due to coronavirus.

The ink which the airport authorities were supposed to use was the ink that is used during the election as a proof of having voted.

Stamping people’s hands where others can see would help others around them to give them notice to send them home if they go out in public.

However, Priya (name changed), a domestic passenger said, “I came back from Bangalore on Tuesday morning and I was home quarantined stamped at Guwahati Airport yesterday. But the ink faded within a few hours.”

She added, “On washing my hand, the ink faded.”

Muskaan Agarwal, Guwahati

In Focus

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

15

Mosquito menace hits Guwahati W

ith the onset of the warmer months, mosquito menace has also hit Guwahati - adding to the residents’ woes.

Many people have complained from different localities of the city about the sudden surge in number of mosquitoes in their respective areas over the past few days.

A resident of Bharalumukh, Rajiv Didwania told G Plus, “The mosquitoes in my area are increasing day by day. A pond is located just opposite our building. I live on the fifth floor and we see uncountable mosquitoes here every day.”

He further expressed concern over the fact that amidst the lockdown, the authorities must take necessary measures to ensure that vector-borne diseases do not take place in Guwahati.

The peak transmission season for various vector-borne diseases including Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Malaria and Dengue begins in April and goes up to November.

Another resident of Athgaon said that she too has been facing trouble due to the rise in number of mosquitoes over the past week.

It is to be mentioned that in

Representative Image 2019, Assam recorded a total of 2,307 cases of malaria. Further, the state saw 167 cases of dengue, 2,652 positive cases for acute encephalitis syndrome and 642 cases for JE in 2019, as

per the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

On the other hand, officials of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) informed G Plus that they undertake

fogging on a continuous basis to check the breeding of mosquitoes throughout the year.

“We will undertake fogging soon in the city in the coming

weeks,” said a GMC official.

Guwahatians took to the social media handles of G Plus and shared their thoughts on the growing number of mosquitoes in the city.

Joanna Mahjebeen said, “GMC should seriously start some spraying activities to counter the mosquito menace.

Once dengue and JE cases start, the government will face real problems.”

Narendra Sharma said, “GMCH’s post-mortem wing and sewage water treatments plant area is getting worse. It needs immediate action.”

Another resident Nitul Lahkar said, “Yes, mosquitoes have become a serious menace for Satgaon locality also. I urge GMC officials to carry out fogging drive at least two days a week in each and every bylane.

Subhajit Sen said, “Yes there is a sudden surge of mosquitoes in the city since the last few days. I stay in Rehabari and have been facing the mosquito menace miserably. But the fogging done every year is not sufficient to control the breeding. It should be done every week in all the areas for 4-5 months.

GMC is still sleeping but never forgets to collect tax.”

Can Assam consider easing itself from the nationwide lockdown?

This question cropped up through some speculative news that floated around on local media. G Plus followers respond.

Shaswati Phukan

Satya Pratim Kakati

Shyeda Rubina Ahmed

Taralim Basistha

After the Markaz case, I guess we need more than 21 days lock down. 216 people from Assam attended the event in Delhi. And I don’t know how many of them reported voluntarily. This is going to create a big blunder and I’m quite sure that many cases will be reported in Assam in the coming times.

Everything was going fine until now. We need to be ready to see the worst.

Lockdown cannot by any means be eased for this state as well as country.

This lockdown should continue for the next 3 months at least. But like all other states Assam should also provide all the essential goods including fish, meat and chicken. Items of basic necessity are not available now while it has been just a week. Everything needs to be well planned though no doubt Himanta Biswa Sarma is doing his best till now. But food supplies should be taken in consideration and distribution should be done as soon as possible.

Joydeep Purkayastha

I am against any relaxation of the lockdown in Assam. This will invite catastrophic consequences. Government should reconsider. If we see the current scenario of India, the situation is not good and everyday cases are increasing. And with the Nizamuddin case, it’s quite evident how badly Assam is going to be hit now. They have ruined everything and have put everybody’s life in danger. There is no choice other than extending this lockdown. This will be the best decision by the government.

The Nizamuddin idiots must be fined with at least 6 months of their family earnings. This is a deliberate plan to cause panic and havoc nationwide.

This case must be brought to the knowledge of ICJ ASAP. And all of them must be kept under check for trying to spread pandemic terrorism. Assam Government should be very strict against these people and taking this into consideration the lockdown should not be eased at all.

Lockdown needs to be continued for the entire month of April. Our lives are more important than the economic considerations of the state government. No one has any right to put our lives at risk or danger. Our government is doing its best for the people and it would be nice if the lockdown is extended. People need to cooperate and stay in their respective homes. A lot of cases are coming of people not following the guidelines given by the government which will impact us. Strict action should also be taken against those people.

16 International

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Group of spring breakers charter plane to Mexico, bring home Coronavirus Chayanika Das @cdchayanika95

Bunch of 20-year-olds from Texas test positive for COVID-19 44 out of 70 students from University of Texas at Austin test positive after returning from Mexico The students went against the government directive and had gone for their spring break to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico In a blunt message to the students, Texas House Speaker asks them to “Grow up” They are now in isolation and the Department of State Health Services has been alerted Dozens of passengers from the chartered flight are being monitored India’s ‘Tablighi Jamaat’ has been identified as a ‘virus hotspot’ Police are on a hunt to find the rest of the preachers and everyone who has been in contact with the positive patients

A

s the Coronavirus pandemic has made several countries worldwide go on a lockdown, dozens of spring breakers from Texas chartered a plane to Mexico for spring break and returned with coronavirus. Experts, health officials and the government have been constantly giving health advisories and have

urged everyone to remain indoors and avoid large gatherings. This group of 20-year-olds decided to go against the government and has now created a panic in the state.

Around 70 individuals from University of Texas at Austin went against the advice of White House officials who asked people to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 and nonessential air travel. Not caring about the aftermath, they went ahead to enjoy their spring break in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. According to a report in CNN, a university spokesperson said that around 44 of them have been tested positive of Coronavirus. The students have now been kept in isolation and the Department of State Health Services has been alerted.

The report also suggests that Texas House Speaker, Dennis Bonnen had a blunt message for the students. In his message, he asked the students to get over themselves and to "Grow up."

He blamed the students for being irresponsible and said that whether they "think this is an issue or not, it is" and “whether you think if it could affect you are not, it does.”

Austin Public Health Department monitors passengers It has also been reported that some of the students who went on the trip had taken commercial flights home, the Austin Public Health Department said. They also said that dozens of passengers from the chartered flight are being monitored.

"The virus often hides in the healthy and is given to those who are at grave risk of being hospitalized or dying," AustinTravis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said in a statement. "While younger people have less risk for complications, they are not immune from severe illness and death from COVID-19," he added.

University spokesman J.B. Bird said that the university is working closely with Austin Public Health to assist in contact tracing. He emphasised on how the incident is a reminder of the vital importance of taking seriously the warnings of public health authorities on the

Internet photo of a Spring Break vacarion at Cancun, Mexico risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading it to others.

University president Gregory L. Fenves urged students to practice good judgment during this crisis and highlighted how their actions can affect others. "(It) is our responsibility to follow local, state and national public health orders, and use good judgment during this crisis," Fenves said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our conduct and the decisions we make have direct ramifications on our own health and the health of everyone in our city and beyond. We must do everything we can to limit the spread of this virus - the consequences of reckless actions at this time could not be clearer," he added.

Tablighi Jamaat preachers test positive of COVID-19 A similar incident had taken place in India recently where a group of Tablighi Jamaat preachers attended a meet at the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz (Headquarters), the Banglewali Masjid in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, between 8-10 March.

Now, around 400 cases of COVID-19 have been found whose epidemiological linkage can be traced to this cluster,

the Health Ministry official said on April 2. "Through contact tracing in different states, we have found 400 Coronavirus cases, whose epidemiological linkage can be traced to the Tablighi Jamaat cluster," Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare told the media.

"Till now, maximum cases of 173 were found in Tamil Nadu. 11 cases in Rajasthan, 9 cases from Andaman and Nicobar, 47 cases in Delhi, 2 cases in Puducherry, 22 cases in Jammu and Kashmir, 33 cases in Telangana, 67 cases in Andhra and 16 cases in Assam.

We are doing additional testing and more cases are likely to emerge," he added.

The numbers are expected to increase since test results of 8,000 more followers and people who came in contact with the COVID-19 positive patients are still awaited.

The police on Wednesday sealed and sanitised the Jamaat building. Residents of that area have been advised to stock up and lock themselves up in their houses until the area is completely sanitised.

Police on a hunt The government has identified the Tablighi Jamaat

as a ‘virus hotspot’ and immediately sealed the area.

In Telangana, nine people have died of the disease in linkage to the meet and more than 700 who had attended the meet have been quarantined.

Around 1,500 people from Tamil Nadu had attended the event in Delhi. 658 have been identified so far of which 190 have tested positive. In Karnataka, out of 1,500 people, 190 have tested positive and 250 have been quarantined.

In West Bengal, 54 have been traced and quarantined out of 100 who attended the congregation. Out of 569 people in Uttar Pradesh, 500 have been identified and are now in isolation.

In Assam and Andhra Pradesh, where the number of untraced persons is much higher, quarantine efforts are underway.

According to a report in The Times of India, police in different states have roped in specialised units such as the anti-terrorism squads, but surveillance methods are being used. Reports also suggest that the police are tracking phones, SIM locations and conducting door-to-door searches in various parts of the country.

Trotter

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

17

Man uses drone to deliver toilet 5-yr-old boy begs roll to sister brother for 'old man'

W

ith countries across the world imposing lockdowns and citizens selfisolating to contain the spread of coronavirus, people are coming up with more and more creative ways to avoid direct human contact. One such person is Pete Farmer from Northamptonshire, UK, who used a drone to deliver a roll of toilet paper to his sister recently.

According to a daily, Farmer lives only two streets away from his sister and sent the roll over to her via a drone as a joke.

The 48-year-old, who works for Morrisons distribution centre, said that he used his drone to deliver toilet paper to his sister "for a laugh".

A video he shared shows the

drone flying away to its destination with the toilet paper roll attached to it. The video comes amid reports of panic buying as people in different countries, including UK, Australia and USA, began stocking up toilet paper, leaving supermarket shelves empty.

"There is no shortage of toilet rolls or food, the warehouse is full and we are working long hours sending out supplies to the stores 24/7," said Farmer.

"There really is no need to panic buy, stock is plentiful."

He explained that his sister

haircut to parents’ amusement

asked for a toilet roll after his night shift and he sent it via a drone. "I sent it for a laugh and thought it was funny to send it over that way."

This is not the first time drones have come in handy during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Recently, a man in Brooklyn sent over a message to a woman on a neighbouring rooftop using his drone.

(Source: ndtv)

Uttar Pradesh man calls COVID-19 helpline for samosas

I

n the middle of a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up an emergency helpline to aid in the supply of medicines and other essentials.

However, when one man began to call the COVID-19 helpline asking for samosas, authorities decided to deliver the snack to him - along with a tough lesson.

A tweet by Rampur District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar Singh that is currently going viral online reveals what happened when the man, even after being warned, continued to call the helpline demanding

samosas - he was made to clean drains as part of his punishment.

"After warnings, we had to deliver samosas to him," wrote the Rampur District Magistrate in Hindi from his official Twitter handle.

"For troubling the control room with non-essential needs, the man was also made to clean drains," he revealed, sharing a photo which shows the man at work with a broom in hand.

The tweet has collected nearly 20,000 'likes' on the microblogging platform, along with many replies praising the unique step.

(Source: ndtv)

Policeman wears coronavirus helmet to warn people to stay home

A

police officer in India has taken a new approach to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rajesh Babu donned a helmet made to look like the virus to frighten people when they saw him out on patrol.

The country is on a 21-day lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus. Rajesh was pictured in Chennai today, where he pulled over motorists and tried to make them aware of the importance of staying home.

He told Asian News International: “We take all the steps but still people come out on the streets. Therefore, this

corona helmet is one of the steps we are taking to ensure that people are aware of the seriousness of the police. The helmet is an attempt to do something different. When I wear this, the thought of coronavirus comes into the minds of the commuters. Especially, the children react strongly after seeing this and want to be taken home.” According to ANI, local

artist Gowtham customised a helmet using paper and gave it to him to wear.

(Source: metro.co.uk)

A

five-year-old was left looking wise beyond his years, after he begged his seven-year-old brother to give him an "old man"

haircut.

George Moores' dad, Kevin, 38, had left his clippers on charge upstairs. The youngster soon found them and decided it was time for a new look.

George then managed to convince his brother Harry to shave a big bald spot on the top of his head.

The inspiration behind the haircut, you ask? A man he'd spotted on “You've Been Framed.”

Kevin said when they came downstairs the pair of them were laughing so much.

And it was clear why, he said: "I looked over and saw this massive bald patch on top of George's head."

"My missus Rebekah had to go to work and I was left with George who was begging me to make him look like an 'old man'.

"I didn't know what he meant but You've Been Framed was on the TV at the time and he pointed at an elderly gentleman on there with thinned hair on top and said he wanted that."

And instead of leaving his son with a half shaved head, he agreed to finish the job. "I found it so funny but that's what he wanted so I did the rest of his head for him with the clippers like he

wanted and the result has just been brilliant".

George is now sporting a shaved head - with longer hair around the back and sides.

After Kevin did all he could to fix the disastrous haircut, they FaceTimed his mum.

And whilst most parents would

be devastated by the damage the mischievous duo caused, George's parents found the whole ordeal hilarious.

He said: "Neither of us can stop laughing and we FaceTimed his mum at work and she was just crying with laughter on the phone.

"George loves it, exactly what he was after and he's dead chuffed."

(Source: mirror.co.uk)

18 International

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Coronavirus outbreak: US records highest single day deaths, surpasses China Chayanika Das @cdchayanika95

US death toll topped 5,000 late Wednesday US records highest single day deaths, 884 died in 24 hours US has the third highest death toll in the world after Italy and Spain US scientist Anthony Fauci prediction says that the novel coronavirus could claim 100,000 to 200,000 lives Six-week-old infant died of complications related to COVID-19 President Donald Trump admitted that the US government’s emergency stockpile of protective equipment is nearly exhausted Trump doubts the official figures of China on the Coronavirus outbreak

T

he death toll of the United States from Covid-19 has topped 5,000 late Wednesday, according to data collected by the Johns Hopkins University. It recorded 884 new deaths in just 24 hours, highest in a day. The death toll of the US so far is lower than that of Italy and Spain but has surpassed China, where the virus was first detected. This means, the US has the third highest death toll in the world after Italy and Spain.

With a total of 2, 15,417 cases, the US lead in the world. Globally, 9, 38,000 have been diagnosed of the diseases and around 1,94,400 have recovered. Around 47,200 people have died of the disease worldwide.

On April 1, President Donald Trump, said, "We're going to have a couple of weeks, starting pretty much now, but especially a few days from now, that are going to be horrific." On March 29, US scientist Anthony Fauci issued a cautious prediction that the novel coronavirus could claim 100,000 to 200,000 lives in the country.

At the launch of a report on the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world faces the most challenging crisis since World War II, confronting a pandemic threatening people in every country, one that will bring a recession "that probably has no parallel in the recent past."

doubts coutries China’s home and limiting exposure to of Coronavirus of different types of equipment Graphic representation outbreak in the Trump most affected

US records youngest death from Coronavirus

A six-week-old infant died of complications related to COVID-19, the youngest recorded deaths from the virus in the US, the governor of the US state of Connecticut said.

On April 1, Governor Ned Lamont tweeted that the newborn was "brought unresponsive to a hospital last week and could not be revived. Testing confirmed last night that the newborn was COVID-19 positive."

"This is absolutely heartbreaking. We believe this is one of the youngest lives lost anywhere due to complications relating to COVID-19," he tweeted.

New York has been particularly hard hit by Covid-19. Residents of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey are among the millions of Americans ordered to strictly stay home.

"This is a virus that attacks our most fragile without mercy," Lamont tweeted. "This also stresses the importance of staying

other people. Your life and the lives of others could literally depend on it," Lamont added.

President Donald Trump admits US stockpile of protective equipment nearly exhausted

Majority of the Americans are blaming President Donald Trump’s administration for the current crisis and lack of central planning.

Recently, Trump admitted that the US government’s emergency stockpile of protective equipment is nearly exhausted. “It is, because we’re sending it directly to hospitals. We don’t want it to come to the stockpile because then we have to take it, after it arrives, and bring it to various states and hospitals," Trump said on Wednesday.

“We’ve asked states where they have large manufacturers

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to use those local factories, those local plants and have it made directly, ship it right into the hospitals,” he added.

Trump said that the US government is shipping equipment in and now has around 10,000 ventilators. He further went on to say that national guards have been authorized to move equipment into hospitals whenever required.

On 28 March, the White House said that The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had shipped or delivered 11.6m N95 respirators, 26m surgical masks, 5.2m face shields, 4.3m surgical gowns, 22m gloves, and 8,100 ventilators.

Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, complained that FEMA contributes to a bidding war between states for ventilators.

Other state governors and city mayors complained of lack of test kits, masks and ventilators.

Have a story to tell? Be a Citizen Journalist Get in touch with us, Contact/WhatsApp

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COVID-19 death count At a press conference, Trump said that he doubts the official figures of China on the Coronavirus outbreak. "How do we know" if they are accurate, Trump asked. "Their numbers seem to be a little bit on the light side."

According to data by Johns Hopkins University, China has reported 82,361 confirmed cases and 3,316 deaths as of Wednesday.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse called Beijing's numbers as "garbage propaganda."

"The claim that the United States has more coronavirus deaths than China is false," Sasse said in a statement.

"Without commenting on any classified information, this much is painfully obvious: The Chinese Communist Party has lied, is lying, and will continue to lie about coronavirus to protect the regime," he added.

Feature

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Corona scare subdues April Fools’ Day pranks I n the midst of the increasingly catastrophic Novel Corona virus ( COVID-19) engulfing the entire world with morbid death scare corresponding with number of deaths increasing in geometrical progression, it is in the fitness of things that April Fools’ Day, 2020, has witnessed unprecedented low key observance in the entire world. The centuries old characteristic ecstasy and pranks associated with the day have been conspicuously absent this year.

April Fool’s Day is celebrated

The author writes about the comic significance of April Fools Day, reminiscences on some memorable pranks and how its observance this year has taken a backseat due to the Coronavirus pandemic

across the world when people play practical jokes, pranks and hoaxes on each other, in good humour devoid of any malice. It is one of the most light-hearted days of the year when humour reigns supreme and in abundance.

The origin of the celebration of the day is uncertain. Among the numerous explanations given by historians and social scientists about the origin of the popular celebration, the most accepted one has been given by Prof Baskin, the eminent historian, of Boston University. The day is also described as ‘All Fools’ Day.’ According to Prof Baskin, the practice began during the reign of Roman king, Constantine.

A group of court jesters and fools had told the emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. All present in the court had burst out in laughter hearing the remarks.

The emperor too mockingly offered to relinquish his throne for one day in response to the comments. Kugel, one of the court jesters, was made the emperor for one day which incidentally fell on the first day of April. To quote Professor Baskin, “Kugel had passed an

edict calling for absurdity on the day. And from that day onwards, in keeping with the edict, the custom became an annual event.”

Irrespective of the lack of unanimity of opinion about the origin of the April Fools’ Day, the fact remains that the entire world has been celebrating the day with fun and frolic since time immemorial. William Hazlitt, the famous thinker puts it, “Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps.”

One of the all time best April fool pranks dates back to 1st April, 1878 when the famous New York Times had published the breaking news that Thomas Alva Edison had invented a machine that could transform soil into cereal and water into wine. It needs no reiteration that after Thomas Edison had invented the phonograph in 1877, people across the world became admirers of the genius. Therefore, the news of invention of the machine was widely believed. While the thinkers attributed that the invention leading to transformation of soil into cereal would go a long way in reducing hunger from the world, the connoisseurs of wine were understandably ecstatic.

The newspaper, however, issued a clarification the following day that they had taken their esteemed readers for a ride on the All Fools’ Day. On 1st April, 1975, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) had announced that the country would soon be converting to “metric time.” Under the new system, there would be 100 seconds to a minute, 100 minutes to the hour and one day would comprise 20 hours. The news had made the Australians flabbergasted. The radio station started receiving numerous phone calls. Several callers, being stunned by the news, had even lambasted the radio station to explain how they would convert their newly purchased expensive digital clocks to the ‘metric time’? The radio station, after 12 noon, had reminded all the puzzled listeners that the practical joke was made in keeping with the customary practice of merrymaking.

Sri Lankan cricketers have unusually long names.

The full name of Chaminda Vaas, the legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler is Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas. The ICC wittily tweeted on 1st April, 2005 that

“all cricketers will need to have a maximum full-name limit of 255 characters to be eligible to play!”

Sir Winston Churchill, once wishing the best on April Fools’ Day, had remarked pungently, “The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right at times!”

A Swedish technical expert announced on television that “Stretching a stocking over a TV set would turn the ‘black and white’ to colour TV

otherwise take place.

Google, famous for making pranks and innovative jokes on 1st April since 2003, has sought to take a break this year in view of the Corona Virus pandemic afflicting mankind.

In an emotional message, Google declared, “Our highest goal right now is to be helpful to people, so let’s save the jokes for next April.”

Much to the chagrin of his countless admirers around the world, Roger Federer had

19

Gautam Ganguly announced retirement from professional tennis on 1st April, 2020. Initially, everyone thought that it was a typical 1st April prank by the maestro.

Subsequent confirmation of the retirement was tantamount to inflicting the deadliest blow to his millions of connoisseurs by the tennis legend on All Fools’ Day.

Representative Image sets.” Thousands of people ran about cutting up their stockings and taping them to their TVs. They realized later on that the date 1st April 1962.

Closer home, a rollicking joke had swept the euphoric Indians on 1st April, 2011 following Team India’s entry into the final defeating Pakistan in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup. The joke went that Ms Mamta Bannerjee and Ms Mayawati, two of the powerful lady politicians of the country, had threatened MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, that if Team India failed to win the world they would start running on the streets of New Delhi nonstop till the government of India and BCCI take action against the errant players.

The threat had shaken MSD, the captain cool. A nervous MSD appealed to the players to put extra effort to prevent the most ghastly, ugly and disgraceful sight that would

20 Fun Horoscope of the week

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020 These predictions are based on the month of birth, and are about an individual’s work environment, parents and extended family.

Jayashree Bose Certified Feng Shui, Chinese astrology, date selection consultant & author, www.facebook.com/geoprinciples

4th and 7th April will be great days for you to schedule your important meetings and/or share your ideas with your seniors. On 6th April you need to be wary of dealing with the opposite gender. 9th and 10th April you could have a disagreement with your senior or work associate.

9th April avoid scheduling important meetings. Other days will be good for you.

Not a great week ahead. 8th April schedule your important meetings on this day, alternatively you could connect with your workmates or your seniors over Sunday lunch or dinner on 5th April.

9th and 10th April you could have disagreements with your senior or work associate, avoid any confrontations.

Don’t make any promises on 10th April.

Use 4th April to connect with your boss and share your ideas, for good results host your meeting on this day. 5th April will be a slow day.

9th April avoid hosting any meetings, there will be unnecessary delays. 8th April you could feel others are ungrateful, remember it is just a feeling.

You could have issues with your seniors or your extended family on 7th and 9th April. 7th April avoid trusting anyone with your secrets, they are bound to betray you. 9th April you could have a fall out with someone at work. 10th April will be an ideal day for you to host all your important meetings.

4th April you could have issues with your seniors and your parents. 6th April you could be betrayed by someone in your work environment. 7th April be careful of your words and action as you will create your own problems. Don’t over plan for 9th April, there will be last minute changes.

It will be a mixed week for you. 4th April will be great day for you to share your ideas with your seniors and build a relationship with them. On 5th April you could feel your seniors and/or your parents are ungrateful, they don’t appreciate you. Avoid hosting any meetings especially with your seniors on 9th April, things will not go as planned.

A mixed week for you. 5th and 10th April will be great days for you to share your ideas with your seniors or simply just connect with them. 6th April you could have issues with your seniors and/or parents. 9th April be careful of your words and actions, you will create your own problems. 4th April you could be betrayed by someone at work and emotionally hurt by your family.

You will have a better than average week. 4th April you could have issues with your seniors and your parents. 6th and 8th April will be great days for you to build a rapport with your seniors and people at work, host your important meetings on these dates.4th April avoid making any promises, you will have to live up to them.

A great week for you. 6th, 7th and 8th April you will be able to achieve a lot at work, these will be ideal days for you to share your plans and/or schedule important meetings. 5th April you could have issues with your seniors and your parents. Avoid hosting any important meetings on 9th April, there will be last minute changes.

4th 7th and 8th April will be a great day for you to build your relationship with your seniors and people at work. Host your important meetings on this day.

6th April you could have a disagreement with your senior or work associate, not a day to schedule important meetings. 9th April you will face delays and obstacles.

Watch yourself on 4th, 7th and 10th April, avoid making any promises or getting into a confrontation.

7th April you could have a disagreement with your senior or workassociate. Share your ideas with your seniors or generally build a relationship with people at work on 5th and 6th April, host your important meetings on these dates.

You will have an amazing week ahead. 5th and 6th April are ideal days for you to mingle with your seniors and people at work and build your network.

Host yourmeetings on these dates and maybe a Sunday brunch/coffee on the 5th. 8th April you could have a disagreement with your senior or work associate.

Sudoku

8 89

11 2

5 77 6 3 9 29 8 44 1 73 4 1 53

4

56 5 4 1

9 8 1 89 7 44 7 8 9 6 75 87 62 9 9 1 2 7 6 3 18

Daily DailySudoku: Sudoku:Fri Fri3-Apr-2020 27-Mar-2020

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

9 5 22 41 1

medium easy

last week solution 99 54 88 11 22 75 41 97 63 37 16 29 18 89 92 73 77 41 64 56 56 23 35 62 35 18 57 44 44 96 23 85 81 62 79 38

32 3 4 52 77 6 4 5 83 38 75 8 29 44 4 7 2 6 15 98 5 3 91 22

66 91 15 53

38 89 1 47 89 74 23 9 7 18 66 29 1 2 6 75 93 87 57 6 9 34 51 42

Daily DailySudoku: Sudoku:Fri Fri3-Apr-2020 27-Mar-2020

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

curio-city

Dilbert By Scott Adams

1. The first flight of an airplane by the Wright brothers

Dr. Soubhadra Chakrabarty This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

2. It’s the sea or water equivalent of the T-Rex dinosaur.

6. What are these masks called and why?

3. The Great Barrier Reef

5. Which popular Christmas tradition was started by Queen Victoria and his consort Prince Albert in the mid 19th century?

4. He was the first Ranji captain and also the first person

4. Rupert Francis Kettle holds which unique record in the history of cricket in Assam ?

plural noun British Slang. biographical data, personal reminiscences, or the like: He could exhausted; very tired never keep the personalia out of his essays.

to score a first class century, representing Assam

3. What extends from the Cape York Peninsula in the North to Bundaberg in the south and is 2,300 kms long?

[ pur-suh-ney-lee-uh, -neyl-yuh ]

adjective [nak-erd]

5. The Christmas tree

2. What is a Mosasaur?

personalia

6. N95 MASKS, as they can prevent entry of upto 95% of

1. Which uplifting event occurred for the first time on December 17th,1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina?

Word of the week Word knackered of the week

airborne particles when worn properly.

curio-city

medium easy

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ http://www.dailysudoku.com/

News This Week

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

A quick round up of the news that mattered during the past week

1

MIB launches dedicated Twitter handle for Covid-10 news

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on March 31 initiated a dedicated Twitter handle for sharing news and updates about the novel coronavirus. The account is named #IndiaFightsCorona and uses the handle @ CovidnewsbyMIB. In its first tweet, the handle has shared the helpline numbers for information on the pandemic. The tweet reads, “Dear citizens, We should not get “infodemic’’ while fighting against #CoronaOutbreak. It is important to be updated with correct information on #COVID19.Follow @COVIDNewsbyMIB for authentic information and all updates on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).” The tweet also carried a photo with the government’s helpline number written on it.

2

TikTok donated Rs 100 crores for medical help to fight Covid-19 in India

TikTok has donated Rs 100 crores for medical equipment in India to fight against the spread of coronavirus. A statement from TikTok said, “The Government has been making concerted efforts to contain the spread of the virus and through this donation, we want to contribute towards this effort. With support from the Union Ministry of Textile, this essential gear, which meets the prescribed standards and guidelines, is being handed over to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.” Additionally, our contribution also covers local/State-level medical workers, as we have donated 2 lakh masks, to Delhi and Maharashtra governments, the statement further said.

3

PM Modi’s mother donates Rs 25,000 from her savings to PMCARES

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Heeraben Modi has donated Rs 25,000 from her savings to the PM-CARES fund to fight Coronavirus. PM-CARES is an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mobilize funds for the fight against COVID-19. The fund is called the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund or PM-CARES Fund.

The chairman of the trust is Prime Minister Modi and other members include the Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Home Minister.

4

New dates announced for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which was postponed last week due to concerns around coronavirus pandemic have been rescheduled from July 23 to August 8, 2021. The new schedule was agreed upon in a telephone conference between IOC President Thomas Bach, Tokyo 2020 President Mori Yoshiro and other officials, the IOC said in a statement.

It is to be mentioned that the Olympics were originally scheduled to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020, however, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed to postpone the games owing to Coronavirus outbreak worldwide.

5

LPG cannot be booked before 15 days of delivery

The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest oil marketing company, said that now LPG can be booked only at a difference of 15 days. It is to be mentioned that till now there was no time limit on bookings by customers.

However, customers’ panic while booking for refills creates unnecessary pressure on the system. Meanwhile, Indian Oil Chairman Sanjeev Singh, in a short video, assured that there is no shortage of LPG in the country.

6

21

MHA writes to states, UTs to take measures to stop fake news, panic among people

The Supreme Court of India, while hearing to a writ petition, took serious note of the panic created by fake news leading to mass movement of migrant labourers.

This has led to untold suffering to these people, the Court observed. Following up on the Court’s observations, Secretary, Union Ministry for Home Affairs (MHA), Ajay Kumar Bhalla has written to all states/UTs to take effective measures to fight fake news. It has been communicated that the Government of India is creating a web-portal for people to verify facts and unverified news promptly. States/UTs have been requested to create a similar mechanism at their level for issues relating to them.

7

Indian Railways to convert 20000 coaches into quarantine facilities

Indian Railways has decided to modify/convert 20,000 coaches into isolation quarters to accommodate the treatment of COVID-19 patients. It is to be mentioned that five zonal railways have already prepared prototypes for the quarantine/isolation coaches in which only Non-AC ICF sleeper coaches are being planned to be utilized for conversion into quarantine/ isolation facilities.

“These modified 20,000 coaches can accommodate up to 3.2 lakh possible beds for isolation needs. Work on modification of 5,000 coaches, which are to be converted initially into quarantine/isolation coaches, has already started. These 5,000 coaches would be having the capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 beds. One coach is expected to have 16 beds for isolation,” the Railways said in a statement.

8

Hardeep Puri: International flights may resume from April 15

9

Karnataka CM to donate 1 year’s salary for Covid-19

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri on March 2 said that the government would like to ensure that international flights are resumed on a case by case basis after the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown.

Pradeep Kharola, secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, said “The ministry is proceeding on the understanding that the lockdown is in place till April 15. There is no directive from the ministry about the contingency planning of airlines. But, as an eternal optimist, I am hoping that on April 15, flights can at least start, if not all, then in a calibrated manner. But that is a decision that we still need to talk.” He also mentioned that airlines are open to start advance bookings as per their own discretion and contingency plan.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on April 1 announced that he will donate his one year’s salary towards the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

It is to be mentioned that his monthly salary is fixed at Rs 50,000. Taking to his twitter the minister shared a video along with a tweet which read, “It is a very difficult time that we are all going through. And it is important that we fight this epidemic together.

Personally, I am donating my one year’s salary to the #CMRF Covid19. I request you all to contribute, however small, and help #Karnataka fight #Corona.

Thank you”

10

Karnataka Govt to provide free milk to poor during lockdown

The Karnataka government will provide free milk to the poor during the coronavirus lockdown till April 14. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on March 1 in a press briefing said, “We have decided to supply milk free of cost to the poor till April 14. The district administrations have been entrusted with making arrangements for it.” However according to reports this is most likely due to the excess milk that is being produced in the state, which milk producers have to dispose off or it will go to waste.

22 Lifestyle

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

Tensions in the house due to bad Vaastu

T

here are certain Vaastu defects which cause a lot of tension in the household.

So, one must take precautions whenever these defects arise.

When the Northeast corner is cut off, it may bring check in progress, and money and loss of offspring.

The northeast corner should not be rounded.

It will hamper progress.

Pyramids can offset this defect.

The master bedroom should not be in the northeast corner. It may cause mental or physical disability.

Toilet in the east causes tensions for the family members.

Land Worship

Houses which do not receive sunlight have stagnation of energy and there is tension besides ill health. In such cases, openings should be made to allow sunlight to fall or mirrors should be used to reflect sunlight into the house.

Kitchen in the northeast causes mental tensions besides heavy expenses.

Help of Guru Yantra, Agni Yantra and pyramids should be taken.

Staircase in the northeast causes monetary and health problems leading to mental agony. Pyramids and black Tulsi plants should be used.

Defects in the southwest can bring troubles for

the master of the house which in turn affects all the members.

There should not be a puja room at southwest.

Clutter and unused old items in the house stagnate the energy and causes tensions. They should be thrown out/sold off.

The Bhoomi Puja or the land worship is highly recommended by Vaastu pundits before starting construction.There are specific rituals for this. The land should be installed at an auspicious time, during an auspicious constellation.

Mondays and Thursdays are auspicious days for such rituals. An expert should be consulted to determine the time of installation. It is generally available in the Panjika or the almanac. If you have any doubt, an astrologer or pandit should be consulted.

The northeast corner of the land is used to perform the Bhoomi puja. While starting construction of the house, the

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah

Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

northeastern foundation is used for this purpose. Before starting the rituals, the puja area should be cleared and cleaned. Dirt, stones, holes in the ground, and trash should be removed.

Thorny bushes should also be uprooted and removed. The Bhoomi Puja ceremony for the house should only be done during the Uttarayan period, when the sun is in the northern hemisphere, and when the days are longer than the nights, i.e. from June 21 to December 20.

Caution: The northeast of the plot is very important for the children and their growth. The Bhoomi puja ceremony should not be done if a woman in the household is more than seven months pregnant. The digging of the northeast may affect the unborn child.

Respiratory system diseases and home remedies Sohini Chakraborty Chatterjee

R

espiratory system is the system which is necessary for our breathing and many other vital purposes. This system consists of many organs including lungs. As our living entirely depends on this system, we must know about the common illnesses of this system and how to manage that.

1. Asthma

Asthma is defined as a common, chronic respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing due to inflammation of the airways. Usually, asthma starts in childhood years and progresses into adulthood. It is triggered by allergies, infections, pollution.

Symptoms include: • Dry cough • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Persistently inflamed airways • Occasional spasm

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a broad term that encompasses several respiratory illnesses that cause breathlessness, or the inability to exhale normally. Generally the cause of the disease is genetic.

People usually experience symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath Normally cough up sputum (mucus from the lungs), especially in the morning Over time, the airways in the lungs become inflamed and thicken, making it harder to get rid of waste carbon dioxide

3. Bronchitis (Acute and chronic)

Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD emphasized by a chronic cough. It may occur due to viral or bacterial infections and smoking also plays a factor. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually clears up, but chronic bronchitis is persistent and never completely goes away.

Usually symptoms are similar with that of COPD: • Cough • Wheezing • Difficulty in breathing • Low fever and chill • Feeling of tightness in the chest • Sore throat • Body aches • Breathlessness • Headache • Blocked nose and sinuses Since chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD, it’s treated the same way. People can also develop acute bronchitis, which is not a long-term disease but rather an infectious problem. It develops from a viral or bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics.

Taking 2 spoonful of honey may bring relief of cough symptoms.

4. Emphysema Emphysema is a serious respiratory disease, which is another form of COPD. The most common cause is smoking.

Apart from that exposure to dust, chemical, viral infections during childhood may also be the contributing factors.Cigarette smoke damages the air sacs in the lungs to a point where they can no longer repair themselves.

The symptoms include: • Shortness of breath • Frequent lung infection • A lot of mucus • Wheezing • Reduced appetite • Weight loss • Fatigue Blue-tinged lips or fingernail beds, or cyanosis, due to a lack of oxygen Anxiety and depression Sleep problems Morning headaches due to a lack of oxygen, when breathing at night is difficult Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones Trouble exhaling air from their lungs Respiratory failure and the need for extra oxygen to meet breathing needs

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common lung disease caused by an infection in the air sacs in the lungs. The infections can be bacterial, viral

or fungal. Most people can recover in one to three weeks, but for certain people, pneumonia can be extremely serious and even lifethreatening.

Symptoms include: • Cough • Fever • Shaking chills • Shortness of breath (mild to severe) • Fever • Chills vDehydration • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Malaise • Clammy skin sweating • Fast breathing • Shallow breathing • Shortness of breath, or wheezing • Coughing or fast heart rate

The possible way how corona virus damages respiratory system

The coronavirus damages both the wall and lining cells of the alveolus as well as the capillaries.

The debris that accumulates

because of all of that damage lines the wall of the alveolus.

Eventually, the wall of the alveolus gets thicker than it should be.The thicker this wall gets, the harder it is to transfer oxygen, the more we feel short of breath, and the more and more we start moving towards severe illness.

Home Remedies There are certain home remedies to prevent lung problems and to reduce ailments to some extent: 1. Quit smoking 2. Doing breathing exercise and aquatic exercises 3. Maintaining ideal weight 4. Try to be in fresh air 5. Avoiding allergy inducing elements like dust, pollution, pollen and sensitizing foods 6. Intake of antioxidant rich foods 7. Coffee is supposed to relief ailment 8. Consumption of luke warm water 9. A combination of luke warm water, honey, turmeric may be helpful 10. Ginger decoction mixed with basil (tulsi leaves) and turmeric 11. Tea with cardamom and cloves(masala chai) 12. Inhalation of eucalyptus oil 13. Reducing stress

In The News

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

23

Lockdown: Odisha man falls prey to fake online liquor delivery, duped of Rs 19,000 Chayanika Das @cdchayanika95

T

he Coronavirus outbreak has made many countries go into a lockdown.

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a country wide lockdown for 21 days. This brought panic among the citizens and people immediately rushed to the stores to stock up on essentials. In his announcement, PM Modi had mentioned that essentials would be available amidst the lockdown but what many were concerned about was liquor. An incident took place in Odisha where a bank manager got duped of an amount of Rs 19,000 after placing an online order for liquor on March 31.

While many have stocked up on liquor along with essentials, many could not and are now having a tough time hunting for it. In such times, one tends to fall for online fraudsters. The incident took place in Bhubaneshwar, capital of

Odisha. According to reports, a banker was surfing the internet when he found a website that claimed that it extends online delivery of liquor in the city.

The bank manager who was desperate to get his alcohol placed an order for a beer bottle which cost him Rs 260.

Immediately, he received a phone call about his order being placed. The caller then said that in order to get his alcohol delivered he has to click on a forwarded bar code.

The banker did not waste much time and clicked on the bar code and the next thing he knew, Rs 19,000 got debited from his account. He tried calling back on the number but it was “untraceable.” Soon after

Amidst lockdown, Odisha man gets duped of Rs 19,000 after falling prey to fraudsters Bank manager from Bhubaneshwar came across a website that claimed to deliver alcohol He placed an online order for a beer which cost him Rs 260 He was asked to click on a bar code to get his order delivered

Representative Image being duped, the bank manager lodged an online complaint with the deputy commissioner of police, informing about the incident.

Reports suggest that the police have initiated an investigation into the case and have urged people to remain alert and not fall for such fraudsters.

Coronavirus Pandemic: World Bank approves $1 Billion aid to India Chayanika Das @cdchayanika95

T

he Coronavirus outbreak has caused chaos worldwide.

With the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients every day, most countries are now running short of resources and equipment. Doctors have been complaining of not having proper protection to test the patients and lack of equipment. In order to combat the Coronavirus pandemic, the World Bank, on March 3, approved $1 billion emergency financing for India.

To help countries deal with the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Washington-based development lender approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months.

India has confirmed 2,301 cases so far and has recorded 56 deaths,

the Union health ministry said on Friday last. In the last 24 hours, India has reported 336 cases. In order to help India prevent, detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its public health preparedness the World Bank approved the amount.

This will cover all states and union territories across India and address the needs of infected people, at-risk populations, medical and emergency personnel

and service providers, medical and testing facilities, and national and animal health agencies.

“The project will immediately enable the Government of India (GOI) to scaleup efforts to limit human-to-human transmission, including reducing local transmission of cases and containing the epidemic from progressing further. In parallel, interventions to strengthen the health system will be rolled out to improve the country’s capacity to respond to the COVID-19 epidemic and be better prepared to respond to emerging disease outbreaks, including transmission between humans and animals,” a World Bank statement said on Friday.

The amount will be utilized in the procurement of testing

kits, setting up of new isolation wards -including turning hospital beds into intensive care unit beds - infection prevention and control, and purchase of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and medicines, particularly for district hospitals and designated infectious disease hospitals.

World Bank President David Malpass said, “We are working to strengthen developing nations' ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and shorten the time to economic and social recovery."

"The poorest and most vulnerable countries will likely be hit the hardest, and our teams around the world remain focused on country-level and regional solutions to address the ongoing crisis,” he added.

India will be the largest beneficiary of the first wave of programs with USD 1 billion, followed by Pakistan with USD 200 million and Afghanistan with a little over USD 100 million.

Man follows instructions and the next thing he knows is Rs 19,000 gets debited from his account The bank manager lodges a police complaint

In order to combat the Coronavirus outbreak, Work bank has approved $1 Billion emergency financing for India The lender approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months This will cover all states and Union Territories across India and address The amount will be utilised in the procurement of testing kits, setting up of new isolation wards, purchase equipment etc India will be the largest beneficiary of the first wave of programs

24 Catching Up

| Apr 04 - Apr 10, 2020

PIC OF THE

Most shared story of the week

WEEK

#VIDEO | IIT-Guwahati students develop drone to spray disinfectants in large areas. Watch video report!

1.3 K

464

@guwahatiplus @guwahatiplus

“Desuffocating” Nature | Photo: Surajit Sharma

Fancy or ‘Phansi’ Bazaar One of the major commercial hubs of the city, located in the heart of the city, Fancy Bazar attracts thousands everyday with its fancy designer wear and colourfully decorated shops. The name ‘Fancy’ itself as it is popularly known today reminds one of elaborate eye catching items and latest designer

costumes and glamour.

However, the market’s actual name is ‘Phansi Bazaar’. The word Phansi, meaning hanging, comes after the hanging of convicts in the Old Central Jail during the British era.

The area from the Gurudwara Sahib (known as Sikh Mandir) till the Old Jail was a village for police personnel, called Fauzdaripatti during the Mughal times.

And the area from the jail itself up to the Brahmaputra River bank was a business hub occupied by the Marwari businessmen. Even before the Mughals established a police station in the area of the Old Jail, the place was used to keep and rear captive elephants for the Ahom kingdom.

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