New Delhi, March 21

The Delhi government on Saturday said the novel coronavirus was causing “terrible financial stress” to the poor and announced that those receiving ration from fair-price shops would get 50 per cent extra for next month.

During his first-ever digital-only press conference, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal doubled the pension for widows, differently abled and elderly for this month.

Urging people to stay indoors, Kejriwal said the government had not imposed a lockdown in Delhi for now, but would have to do it if the need arises in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

“We are extremely concerned about daily wagers, labourers who have been hit hard over the coronavirus crisis; don’t want anyone to go hungry,” he said, adding that lunch and dinner would be provided for homeless in night shelters.

The Chief Minister said restrictions due to COVID-19 were causing terrible financial stress to the poor.

“Seventy-two lakh people in Delhi get ration from fair-price shops. Ration per person is being increased by 50 per cent. It will be provided free,” Kejriwal said.

The government has doubled the pension for widows, differently abled and the elderly for this month, he said, adding that would benefit 8.5-lakh beneficiaries.

“The government has also reduced the size of social, religious and political gatherings to not more than five people,” Kejriwal said. “It has not imposed a lockdown in Delhi for now, but will have to do it if the need arises.” Considering some people may have to travel due to an emergency, 50 per cent of the buses will ply on roads in Delhi during the ‘Janata curfew’ on Sunday, he said.

The Chief Minister urged the elderly to stay indoors, and skip morning and evening walks for time being as “they are the most vulnerable group and need special care”.

He announced that the goods and services tax would be waived to make it more affordable for those who needed to be quarantined and were opting for the paid hotel facility.

New Delhi: With approximately 1.4 million personnel, the Indian Army has become the world’s largest ground force, pulling ahead of China, which cut down its strength by half and is instead focusing on its navy, air force and technology.

According to the Defence of Japan 2019 report, released late last year, China has the third largest ground force in the world following India and North Korea, with approximately 9,80,000 personnel.

The Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) was always regarded as the largest army in the world with an approximate strength of two million soldiers.

India, which has been keenly watching the PLA’s modernisation, is just in the initial stages of building a leaner and modern technology-enabled force as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

However, while China has been working on a massive modernisation of its force, India’s modernisation plans for its large personnel-driven force have been stalled by a cash crunch and a constantly increasing pension.

The Indian Army has so far carried out four transformation studies and is working on trimming its force by about 1.5 lakh personnel, which could take a minimum of five years.

Also read: The 3 major reforms for Indian Army restructuring and what they will mean for the force

China’s head start

Chinese president Xi Jinping had in 2015 announced the downsizing of the PLA to make the force leaner and reliant on modern warfare.

The unprecedented reform began in November that year during which the focus shifted to technology for cyber and space and futuristic weapons besides giving a greater emphasis on building up the PLA’s Navy and the Air Force.

“Since 1985, China has continuously sought to modernize its military by curtailing the number of personnel and streamlining organizations and systems through reforms, including those currently being implemented, in order to improve operational capabilities … China has rapidly modernized its missile forces in recent years,” the Japanese military document said.

Also read: PLA SSF: Why China will be ahead of everyone in future cyber, space or information warfare

PLA ground forces cut by half

In January 2020, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported that China had cut the size of its land-based PLA by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an “unprecedented” strategic shift designed to transform its army into a comprehensive modern force.

The report indicated that the four other branches of the PLA — the navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force, which is responsible for areas such as cyberwarfare — together make up more than half of the Chinese military, overtaking the army, which has traditionally been the dominant unit of the PLA, the South China Morning Post reported.

Shanghai-based military analyst Ni Lexiong was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the overhaul marked a significant strategic shift from having a homeland-based defensive force to one with the capacity to allow Beijing to flex its muscles beyond its national borders and to protect its interests overseas.

“He explained that modern warfare puts a greater emphasis on superiority in areas such as the air, space and cyberspace — further reducing the importance of the ground force,” the report said.

India’s military has been in the process of operationalising cyber and space commands for several years now. It also lags behind in incorporating future weapons while China and other countries such as US and Russia are way ahead.

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, March 21

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced a comprehensive relief package for the 1.65 crore daily wagers, small businesses, MNREGA beneficiaries as well as the old age, disability and widow pension holders to tide over their loss of livelihood due to the Covid-19.

CM Yogi said each of them would be given free ration for a month that includes 20 kg of wheat and 15 kg of rice. The 80,000 PDS shops across the state would distribute the free ration under the supervision of a nodal officer.

The relief measures are based on the recommendations of the three-member committee set up after the Cabinet meeting on March 17 to provide a subsistence wage to daily wagers during this period by suggesting ways to help the most marginalised.

The committee headed by the Finance Minister included the agriculture and labour ministers. It was expected to submit its report within three days.

CM Yogi said the roughly 20.23 lakh construction labourers registered with the Department of Labor would be paid a subsistence wage of Rs 1,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Additionally, the same subsistence wage would be paid to the 15 lakh persons doing odd jobs identified in a statewide survey. They are cart pullers, rickshaw drivers, kiosk owners, and small businesses impacted by the closure of markets.

CM Yogi said orders have been issued to pay all pending wages to the MNREGA beneficiaries before the end of March. The 83.83 lakh beneficiaries of the old age, disability, and widow pension would also be paid their April-May pension in advance to help them face the crisis.

According to the Chief Minister, if any person in either a rural or urban area is still left out from the safety net he or she should go through the district administration to demand the Rs 1,000 subsistence wage.

Appealing to the people to remain calm and abstain from stocking things more than required, Yogi assured of adequate food supplies, medicines, sanitisers, masks and other essential items in the state.

Entry of Outsiders banned at Ram Mela

Lucknow: In view of the growing menace of Covid-19, the Uttar Pradesh Government has banned the entry of outside pilgrims at the annual Ram Mela in Ayodhya beginning March 25. The Ayodhya district administration on Saturday issued an advisory preventing outsider pilgrim from entering the holy city until April 2. Ayodhya district magistrate Anuj Ojha said pilgrims entering the district would be stopped at the border. TNS

New Delhi: The Indian military has banned all non-essential foreign travel for its personnel as part of precautionary measures amid the global coronavirus outbreak.

Defence sources told ThePrint that an order to this effect has been issued for all three Services – Army, Air Force and Navy. It will remain in place until further orders are issued upon reviewing the situation.

This means that all study or project-related tours abroad are to be put off unless extremely necessary.

Sources also said that all Indian military personnel abroad have been asked to take adequate precautionary measures, avoid any public gatherings, and follow the policy laid down by the respective Indian embassies.

“In the military, especially the Army, it is all about community living. Large groups stay, eat and work together and hence the spread of the coronavirus is a threat,” a source said.

Besides the Army, which was the first to come out with a set of guidelines to its personnel, the IAF and the Navy too have issued orders now.

While the IAF has a limited team abroad currently, including the personnel who are in France for training under the Rafale fighter jet programme, the Navy has several personnel out in the international waters who could make port calls.

Navy sources said that a health advisory has been issued to all ships moving in international waters.

Earlier this month, the Navy was forced to postpone its largest-ever multilateral naval exercise, Milan, involving over 30 countries due to the coronavirus threat.

Services at the forefront

While the military is taking precautions, it’s at the forefront of India’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak.

The three Services have set up quarantine facilities at multiple locations across the country that can take in thousands of civilians if needed. The forces are in the process of identifying more sites to set up such facilities, said the sources.

In a first, a medical team, consisting of mostly military doctors, reached Maldives Friday as part of India’s bid to help its neighbours in setting up quarantine camps and treatment of coronavirus.

Kolkata: In order to check non-essential social gatherings that may spread Covid, West Bengal government on Saturday ordered closure of all restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, amusement parks, museums and zoos in the state from Sunday. A home department notification stated the order would remain in force till March 31. It stated that in case of a social gathering, held under exceptional circumstances, it must be very small in size so that social distance could be ensured. TNS

AIMIM: Memorials can’t protect people

Aurangabad: AIMIM’s Maharashtra unit head MP Imtiyaz Jaleel said memorials could not protect people in times of a pandemic which was why it was important to build hospitals instead. Funds allotted for constructing memorials should be utilised for building hospitals, he stressed. Taking to Twitter, Jaleel said, “No smarak (memorial) of any leader would protect you in times like these! Hospitals will! That’s why I am opposing memorial building and instead asking for hospitals to be made with that money (sic).” PTI

Washington, March 21

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and praised India’s COVID-19 initiative for SAARC countries, the Pentagon said.

The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored their commitment to close communication during this period in order to maintain momentum on initiatives that reinforced their comprehensive global partnership, the Pentagon said in a readout of the call.

“During the call, the two leaders also discussed bilateral defence priorities, including the ongoing regional cooperation and initiatives to enhance military-to-military engagement and defence trade,” it said.

Esper expressed his appreciation for India’s leadership in coordinating COVID-19-related relief efforts among South Asian countries and conveyed his intent to visit India at the earliest opportunity, the Pentagon said.

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Esper had postponed his scheduled travel to India this month.

He has been roped in by President Donald Trump to combat the coronavirus that has so far infected more than 13,000 Americans and claimed 230 lives. PTI

New Delhi, March 22

The total number of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India has reached 315 on Sunday, including the foreign nationals.

As of 10.45 pm, on Saturday, out of the 315 cases, 22 were discharged and cured of the virus across the country, the Union Health Ministry said.

While the updated state-wise list is yet to be uploaded, the Ministry said four coronavirus related deaths have been reported in the country so far.

“The total number of confirmed cases so far in the country as on March 21 at 10:45 pm, including foreign nationals was 315,” the Ministry said. — IANS

The Prime Minister had in his address to the nation asked people to stay off the roads and public places during the Janta Curfew, which will be in place for 14 hours from 7am to 9pm on Sunday.

Government and private organisations have announced stopping their services to follow a Janta Curfew on Sunday in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the people of the country to stay at home for a day.

The Prime Minister had in his address to the nation asked people to stay off the roads and public places during the Janta Curfew, which will be in place for 14 hours from 7am to 9pm on Sunday.

“Today, I am seeking one more support from every citizen. It is Janta Curfew – a curfew for the people and imposed by people themselves,” PM Modi had said.

Essential services like police, media, medical services etc will not come under the purview of the curfew.

Also read: For PM’s ‘Janata Curfew’, iconic Chandni Chowk, CP shops to down shutters

Here is what government and private organisations are doing:

* The Indian Railways has said it will not operate any passenger train from any railway station in the country from midnight on Saturday to 10pm on Sunday.

* Mail and express trains will also stop services from 4am on Sunday, the transporter has said. All intercity trains will also remain cancelled till 10pm on Sunday.

* All suburban train services in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Secunderabad will be reduced to a bare minimum as well.

* Budget airline GoAir has announced to voluntarily suspend all flights on Sunday when Janta curfew will be in force.

“GoAir will protect all the PNRs dated 22 March 2020 in view of the Janta curfew for a period of one year under the Protect Your PNR scheme. Passengers can contact GoAir at any time over the next one year to redeem their ticket on any GoAir flight on any date with no charges being levied,” it added.

* Indigo, India’s largest flight carrier, has said it will operate only 60% of its domestic flights on Sunday.

* Air Vistara also announced it will be curtailing its domestic operations on Sunday when Janta Curfew’ would be in force. “Vistara will operate on a reduced network on Sunday, 22 March on account of Janta curfew. Passengers who have been affected by cancellations will be contacted soon,” the airline’s spokesperson said.

* The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of its services in the national capital on Sunday, for the first time in 18 years, keeping in mind the ‘Janta Curfew’.

* Delhi’s transport minister Kailash Gahlot said there are no plans to shut down public bus services yet.

Also read: Modi is right to prepare India for a deeper crisis, writes Barkha Dutt

* Mobile app-based cab aggregator services such as Uber and Ola are encouraging drivers to stay off-road on Sunday. The app services will, however, be functional for anyone who needs to avail of cabs in an emergency situation.

* More than 95,000 auto-rickshaw drivers have also extended their support to the PM’s call. Rajendra Soni, general secretary of Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh, said all drivers, irrespective of political affiliation, have decided to cooperate with the government.

* Nearly 15 lakh traders in the national capital will be downing shutters on Sunday. While all markets, both retail and wholesale, will remain shut Sunday, some will extend this curfew for three days—from March 21 to March 23—as a voluntary measure in a bid to contain the community spread of the virus.

* The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) will suspend Aqua Line services and the city bus service on Sunday in the wake of Janta Curfew.

* Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani has said no government buses will ply on Sunday during the Janta Curfew announced by Prime Minister Modi. State transport buses, those being operated under the BRTS mechanism, as well as city buses will be off the roads in the state on Sunday, the CM said.

* The Tamil Nadu government has also said government bus and Metro rail services in the state will be suspended on Sunday in view of ‘’Janta Curfew’’. Private transport operators and owners of mini-buses too have been asked to extend support and not operate their vehicles on that day.

* Operations of Lucknow Metro will also be suspended on Sunday.

* Most private establishments and some public services will be shut across Bengaluru and the rest of Karnataka on Sunday. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), that provides inner-city services, said they would operate with limited capacity and based on demand. All pubs, bars, malls and theatres, among other places, will remain closed.

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Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 21

District administrations of Jalandhar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Bathinda, and Nawanshahr have ordered lockdowns over the next few days on Saturday, as coronavirus cases in Punjab spikes to 13.

Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma and Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar announced that the lockdown would begin at 7 am on Sunday to midnight of Wednesday.

“Only one person from a family would be allowed to move out for availing the essential services,” the officials said.

All commercial establishments except those that sell essentials remain shut,

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Sunday happens to be the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed the public to join what he called a “janata curfew” from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday. Only emergency service vehicles will be allowed on roads both within and outside city limits.

Similar lockdown orders came from Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Bathinda and Nawanshahr. The lockdown will be effective in Patiala until March 24 and in Bathinda until March 27.

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Patiala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kumar Amit advised the public against paying heed to rumours, especially those on social media.

The development comes as Punjab’s coronavirus cases rose to 13 on Saturday, with 10 more cases being added in a single day.

Seven people associated with a deceased coronavirus victim in Nawanshahr tested positive. Three people also tested positive in Mohali, taking Mohali’s tally to four.

Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd)

THE call of the Prime Minister to have a thank you ‘din session’ on March 22 is long overdue for the millions who have been slogging, and still have a tough task ahead. While this is certainly for the medics, nurses, public transport operators, home delivery personnel, sanitation workers et al, one can well add a few more who have been doing seva quietly — coronavirus or not. So, when I clap this Sunday, I would also be expressing gratitude for a few more, whom many Indians do not know much about.

Medical services and staff are always caregivers, but spare a thought for personnel of the Army Medical Corps who are in the frontline with the Army — in the very trenches where the adversary trains his fire. On the Siachen Glacier, they serve for months, though the other soldiers are compulsorily brought out after three months. Ever heard of any media coverage for them while the others are in the limelight? Similarly, popping flash bulbs focus on Air Force pilots in their flying overalls, but behind every Siachen helicopter rescue covered in the media, or giving backup to every fighter sortie, are the hardworking technical personnel. They are up on duty in the dark, getting the aircraft ready for the first sortie to take off at the crack of dawn — in the blistering heat of Jaisalmer, or the numbing cold at Siachen Base Camp, day in and day out! Hats off to you guys — what would we pilots have done without you? Our lives have always been in your hands, and you have delivered every time!

And slogging out — absolutely unheralded — are the logisticians. They work from their offices, warehouses, forward logistics bases and in the langars of the infantry platoons on the frontline, aircrew rooms and messes in forward air bases and ships on the high seas. What would the war fighter have done, but for the hot mug of tea and the simple puri-aloo dished out with such love! And let’s not forget, they provision the armament too — so, here’s to all the logisticians for the great job they are doing!

And then, a logistician of a different class — the wife back home, without whom nothing can happen. We menfolk are up and away, without a care for the myriad issues and problems of running the house — the schooling of kids, their falling sick, looking after aged parents and in-laws, and so many more, but still sending you off and receiving you with a smile on your return home. That’s a dedication and love for which one wonders whether any Sunday ‘din session’ would do justice.

So, friends, let the clapping of hands and banging of utensils this Sunday convey our gratitude to the coronavirus warriors; let it also be heard at the Sia La post on Siachen, at the Campbell naval base deep down in the Andamans, and at the IAF’s advanced airstrip at Mechuka in our far East.