LOCKDOWN 4.0

                         The projection of "normalcy on ground" will be the focus on Lockdown 4.0, which comes into effect from May 18. According to media reports, senior home ministry official stated that one of the first areas where relaxation will be allowed wherever possible, is public transport -- on ground and the skies. The boundaries will be based on the states' blueprint -- sought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week -- and how compatible it is with the situation on the ground. The pointer to the ground situation, they said, will be data crunched by the home ministry. Officials also indicated that one of the key demands of the states -- having the power to define their hotspots -- may be granted. Local buses will start plying with limited capacity in non-hotspot zones". Autos and taxis will also be allowed, with restrictions on the number of passengers. Interstate travel may also be opened up but only for those with travel passes. Maharashtra, which has the maximum number of cases and a proportional amount of people in quarantine, is planning to extend the lockdown. States which have suggested opening up many sectors include Andhra Pradesh Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat and Delhi.  Of these Kerala, with its stellar record of containing the virus, has the brightest prospect of getting most of its wishlist.