First India-Ahmedabad Edition-21 June 2021

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW

AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021 l Pages 12 l 3.00

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 205

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Kashmir’s Mustaqbil:

DELIMITATION EXERCISE OR STATEHOOD? PM Narendra Modi’s meeting on June 24 with the political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir is about delimitation exercise, which started in new Union Territory ahead of assembly polls, say government sources

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting on June 24 with the political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir is about the delimitation exercise, which has started in the new Union Territory ahead of the assembly elections, sources said today, brushing off speculation about a restoration of statehood. Though the government has promised that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time, that time has not come yet.

The meeting is an attempt by the Centre to seek political validation of the administrative exercise which started in the first week of June, they said.

The sources also conceded that while the issue of restoring statehood can be discussed, any such step will require sanction of parliament.

There is also no question of restoring the special status which was granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution, they added.

For now, the Centre is ready to begin the assembly election process for which the delimitation exercise has to be completed first.

Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top security officials had met in the national capital on Friday to discuss various issues related to the union territory with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials.

The highly-placed sources conceded that while the issue of restoring statehood can be discussed, any such step will require sanction of parliament

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GUPKAR ALLIANCE: Both Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah have already confimed getting informal invite for the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 24.

NSA AJIT DOVAL ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ONGOING POLITICAL PROCESS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR New Delhi: Having played a role in handling the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been working behind the ongoing political process in the Union Territory. The NSA has been working all along for pushing this political process in the union territory which used to be a state prior to August 2019 when Article 370 was removed, government sources said.

CONG: GRANT FULL STATEHOOD, CONDUCT ELECTIONS IN J&K

MEHBOOBA TO DECIDE ON PDP PARTICIPATION IN ALL-PARTY MEET

NATIONAL CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DECISION TODAY

Srinagar: The political affairs committee (PAC) -- the highest decision making body of the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday authorised party president Mehbooba Mufti to take a call on the invitation of the Centre to mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir for talks. The decision was taken after a two-hour-long meeting of the PAC which was chaired

by Ms Mufti at her ‘’Fairview’’ residence in Gupkar area of the city.

New Delhi: Ahead of PM’s meeting with leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress on Sunday said that restoring full statehood and conduct of elections is a way forward to restore democracy. CWC resolution on August 6, 2019 had also demanded the same.

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah will discuss with his senior colleagues and a decision to attend an all-party meeting of Jammu and Kashmir’s leaders in New Delhi next week will be declared by Monday.

Can’t pay `4 L ex gratia to covid victims’ kin due to fin constraints: Centre tells SC New Delhi: Citing financial constraints and other factors, the Central government has informed the Supreme Court in an affidavit that ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakhs cannot be paid to the family members of those who died due to COVID-19.

The Supreme Court, earlier on May 24 had issued a notice to the Centre, on hearing petitions seeking direction to the concerned authorities to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakhs to the family members of those who have succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) letter in view of Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

CORONA CATASTROPHE INDIA

58,226 new cases

OVER 29.10 CRORE VACCINE DOSES PROVIDED TO STATES AND UTS New Delhi: More than 29.10 crore (29,10,54,050) vaccine doses have been provided to States ad Union Territories so far by the central government (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, the Union Health Ministry said. The total consumption, including wastages, is 26,04,19,412 doses, as per data available. More than 3.06 crore (3,06,34,638) COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

Chirag to lead roadshow across Bihar on father’s birth anniversary New Delhi: Amid the ongoing tussle for control of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Chirag Paswan on Sunday said he would hold a roadshow across Bihar on the occasion of his father’s birth anniversary next month.

“My father’s birth anniversary falls on July 5.

My father and my uncle are not with me anymore. So, we’ve decided to take out an ‘Aashirvaad Yatra’ from July 5 from Hajipur.

The yatra will pass through all districts of Bihar. We need more love and blessings from the people,” Chirag was quoted as saying by ANI.

NEW HAPPENINGS

Shah to inaugurate flyovers in Guj today, choice of offline exams for Class XII students First India Bureau

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

—FILE PHOTO

Gandhinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Gujarat for a twoday visit on Monday.

He will inaugurate flyovers in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and also visit COVID-19 vaccination centres on the trip. Meanwhile, the state education board has granted

CM Rupani approves Rs797 crore lift irrigation scheme in Valsad district, set to benefit Kaprada and Dharampur talukas regular students of Class XII the option of appearing for offline examinations, if they are dissatisfied with the results.

Exams dates will be

announced soon.

As per Class XII board results preparation formula, 50% of the marks scored by students in the Class X final results will be

counted, along with 25% each of Class XI and XII internal test results.

However, if any student is dissatisfied with the results, he/ she will have to submit results to the state board within 15 days from the date of results announcement.

They will be allowed to appear for offline examinations.

Turn to P6

1,571

new fatalities GUJARAT

185

new cases

04

new fatalities

CRUCIAL READ PM TO ADDRESS YOGA DAY EVENT @ 6.30 AM TODAY New Delhi: PM Modi will on Monday morning address a programme to mark International Yoga Day whose theme this year is ‘Yoga For Wellness’. “Around 6.30 am, will be addressing Yoga Day event,” he tweeted.

RAHUL’S JIBE: PHD IN TAX RECOVERY

New Delhi: Taking a jibe at the centre for continued increase in fuel prices, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed it a “PhD in tax recovery”. Gandhi tweeted his remark by sharing an article on fuel.

GOVT: COVID DEATH NUMBER MAY RISE New Delhi: Centre, in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 3,85,000 deaths, a number which is likely to increase further.

ASSAM: 2-CHILD NORM FOR GOVT BENEFITS ANNOUNCED Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the gradual implementation of the two-child policy for availing government benefits in Assam. However, tea garden workers and members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities have been exempted from its purview. As per reports, Uttar Pradesh government is also gearing up to bring policy on similar norms.

WTC FINAL DAY-3: IND 217, NZ 101/2

R Ashwin, Virat Kohli and others celebrate dismissal of New Zealand’s opener Tom Latham in Southampton.

WANT TO CONTEST ALONE, GO FOR IT: RAUT TO CONG Mumbai: Days after Maharashtra Congress indicated that the party will contest the next Assembly polls alone, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said that those who want to contest the polls on their own can do so.

NEWS AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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EXECUTED DEVLPMT WORK IN SURAT’S CHORYASI: MLA PATEL

ONLY VISIBILITY IS NOT ENOUGH, LEADERS NEED TO DELIVER ON PROMISES, FEEL LOCAL RESIDENTS

MLA REPORT CARD

BJP state unit prez CR Patil and MLA Zankhana Patel at the Surat airport development review meeting.

First India Bureau Surat: One of the largest constituencies in the state, Choryasi of Surat district has always been a challenge for elected representatives. Dominated prominently by the Koli Patel community, reaching out to the constituents has not been made easy by its vast geographical area. However, after assuming the MLA seat from the constituency Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first-term MLA Zakhana Patel told First India that in her threeand-a-half year term as the people’s representative, she has commissioned and undertaken several projects looking out for her constituents’ interests.

Elaborating on the challenges faced during her tenure, Patel said, “It is the largest constituency that covers 10 wards of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and also

Sachin GIDC

2017 GUJ ASSEMBLY RESULTS

Map of Choryasi constituency in Surat.

villages falling under the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA) or Hazira Notified Area Authority.

Two big industrial areas such as Sachin and Hazira are part of the constituency. As the constituency is diverse, so are the issues.

I have tried to address them as much as I could.”

Patel also enlisted a few important projects executed from 2017 till date, such as a hospital that will be built in the industrial zone of Haz-

ira area. “Earlier, the state government was set to allot two acres of land for this project.

But now, it will be allocating five acres of land for the hospital.

Similarly, a school is also coming up in the Sachin GIDC, which will benefit the families of industrial workers living in the vicinity of the GIDC estate.

Work on roads has also begun in remote areas, which had been pending for the past several years,” she said.

As the constituency

Members of Bhimpor group gram panchayat campaigning for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Candidate

Party

Votes polled

Zankhana Patel

BJP

1,73,882

Yogesh Patel

INC

63,063

Year of election

Winning party

1962, 1967, 1975, 1985

INC

1972

NCO

1990

Yuva Vikas Party

1995,1998, 2002, 2007 & 2012 BJP

Largest constituency with 4,63,836 voters and 441 polling booths SURAT AREAS UNDER THE CONSTITUENCY Khajod, Bamroli, Bhimpor, Vadod, Jiav, Sonari, Budia, Gabheni, Bhimrad, Abhava, Sultanabad, Sarsana, Bharthana Vesu, Dumas, Gaviyar, Vesu, Magdalla, Un, Dindoli, Godadra, Parwat, Pal, Palanpor, Kansad, Umber, Talangpor, Sachin, Pardi Kande, Kharvasa, Bhanodra, Saniyakande, Hazira, Sunvali, Bhatpor,Mora, Limla, Kavas, Bhatha, Ichhapor, Rajgari and Bhatlai.

is spread over kilometers of area in the eastern and western parts

and on both sides of the Tapi riverbank, it is not easy to keep up

Patel at the Mora Suvali primary health centre (PHC).

MLA Patel with Surat mayor visiting Dumas village to review aftermath of Cyclone Tauktae.

with the voters, she added. However, MLA Patel can be found working away at her office, for specific hours over the week.

“Despite best efforts, visiting villages in the Hazira area is more or less event-based.

Though lakhs of crores of rupees are invested in large industrial units, youngsters with engineering degrees, diplomas are unemployed in the area. The big companies are not implementing the state government’s labour

laws and granting 80% jobs to locals,” complained Manish Patel from Bhatlai village.

Infrastructure in villages is in bad shape.

Roads get washed away every monsoon and are neither repaired nor resurfaced for eight months a year, alleged Manish.

Talking about the development witnessed in Surat district, Bhimpor-Dumas resident Umesh Patel said, “Even as Surat city has charted new heights of development, coastal

belt villages are still in bad shape, despite the fact that they have been merged with the SMC since 2004. For instance, if Bhimpor village receives showers for an hour or two, waterlogging is a very common problem for residents. If anyone falls sick, they have to travel over 15 kilometres to the city in order to receive medical assistance.”

With the political climate leaning towards the BJP as of now, Umesh stated, “Unfortunately, people living in this belt are wedded to the BJP and its ideologies.

Therefore, even if our representatives, whether they are corporators, MLAs or MPs do not visit or address the issues faced by villagers, people will continue to vote for the ruling party. As far as MLA Zankhana Patel is concerned, she belongs to the Koli Patel community, and it cannot let her down.”

Dumas Beach.

LOP DHANANI HOSTS LUNCH, CONGRESS LEADERS RELISH AND TALK POLLS First India Bureau

Leader of opposition Paresh Dhanani. —FILE PHOTO

Ahmedabad: Amidst rumours of infighting within the Congress party camp flying around and its state leaders being criticized for a leadership crisis, senior party members gathered at leader of opposition in the Guja-

rat assembly Paresh Dhanani’s residence for lunch last week.

Commenting on the meeting that took place in his Gandhinagar home, Dhanani confirmed that he invited MLAs and leaders of the party over to discuss the roadmap for the upcoming 2022 state

assembly elections.

“Being the host, I presented a traditional Gujarati lunch to my guests. There was undhiyu, keri no ras (mango pulp), paneer sabzi, dal (lentils), bhat (rice), puri, rotli, bhakhri and chhaas.

The spread was prepared keeping in mind

the different tastes of the guests,” he said.

Interestingly, the keri no ras served was made from the mangoes sourced from Dhanani’s own farm, and was enjoyed by all leaders.

Former Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Arjun Modh-

wadia, who is known to have a strict diet, opted to consume just rice.

According to sources, Modhwadia prefers to have a simple meal, prepared by his own cook.

Talking about his good habits, the veteran leader stated, “That day, I had acidity is-

sues. I had only rice because I am choosy about what I eat. I had a good time with all the leaders.”

The lunch was also partaken by senior party leaders namely Bharatsinh Solanki, Deepak Babaria, Tushar Chaudhary, among others.

GUJARAT

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

Vapi man arrested in MP in Valsad’s first case under anti–love jihad law

10 held after cow vigilante killed by cattle traffickers

2nd such complaint under Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act First India Bureau Vapi/Vadodara: Police have arrested a 23-year-old resident of Valsad district from Madhya Pradesh under the newly-notified Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2021, which penalises forcible or fraudulent religious conversion through marriage, an official said on Sunday. This is the second case under the socalled anti–love jihad law since it came into effect on June 15.

Meanwhile, the family of Samir Qureshi— the main accused in the first such complaint filed in Vadodara—have fled the city. Along with Samir, his father Abdul Qureshi, relatives Fari-

V’DARA UPDATE

da Qureshi, Ruksar Qureshi, and associates Altaf Chauhan, Maher and Naushad Shaikh were also named in the complaint.

The accused in the Valsad case, Imran Ansari, allegedly kid-

napped a 19-year-old woman from his neighbourhood in Vapi city with the intention of marrying her after forcing her to convert her religion, the official said.

The accused was also

Squally weather likely to accompany rains this week

booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her for marriage), 376 (2) (rape), and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation), Vapi town police

station’s inspector BJ Sarvaiya said.

The woman’s mother filed a missing person’s complaint on June 10, following which police teams launched a probe and zeroed-in on the accused, Valsad District

Superintendent of Police Rajdeepsinh Zala in a press statement.

Through technical surveillance and checking of CCTV footage, it was found the victim was with the man at Indore in Madhya Pradesh. A team from here, with the help of MP police, managed to bring the woman back to Vapi, Zala said.

“The victim, in her statement to police, said the accused lured her into a relationship and started compelling her to marry him. The accused also threatened to kill her brother if she failed to comply.

The accused is already married, but was still pressuring the victim for marriage and religious conversion,” he added.

SUNDAY CRICKET RETURNS

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state has been seeing widespread rains over the past week, with several parts of the state—from north to South and Central Gujarat and most parts of Saurashtra and Kutch—even seeing flood-like conditions.

The India Meteorological Department in its weather bulletin has mentioned that squally weather is very likely to prevail along and off the coasts of north and south Gujarat, due to the active monsoon conditions.

“Wind speeds could increase up to 40-50 kmph from the southwesterly to the westerly direction along and off north and south Gujarat coasts. Gusty winds may temporarily reach speeds of about 60 kmph. The sea will bring rough waves from the south-westerly to westerly direc-

With monuments open to tourists after ages, young area residents were seen enjoying their customary game of cricket, at the Sarkej Roza in Ahmedabad on Sunday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI Rain clouds loomed large over Ahmedabad on Sunday evening.

tion. Fishermen have been advised not to venture in the sea from June 21 to June 24,” the bulletin said.

For the state, IMD has predicted light to moderate rains under two conditions. There is a cyclonic circulation over south Gujarat and its neighbourhood between 3.1km and 5.8km above the mean sea level, tilting southwestwards with height.

Meanwhile, there is another system, a western

disturbance persisting as a trough in the midand upper-tropospheric westerlies with its axis at 5.8km above mean sea level.

Ahmedabad saw cloudy skies and constant drizzles throughout the day.

A total of 144 talukas in the state received rainfall from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Among these, Mahemdavad in Kheda district received 121mm of rainfall, the highest for the day.

The police with the arrested men.

First India Bureau Valsad: Police have arrested 10 people for allegedly killing a cow vigilante after he was crushed to death by a tempo illegally transporting cattle on the Valsad-Mumbai highway near Bamkhadi bridge in Valsad district, officials said.

The accused persons were part of an interstate network in which cattle from villages in Valsad were purchased and transported illegally to neighbouring Maharashtra, police said.

The incident took place on June 17, on D h a r a m p u r - Va l s a d road, when the victim, Hardik Kansara (29), a self-styled cow vigilante, tried to stop the cattleladen vehicle, the Valsad police said in a release issued on Sunday.

The victim and his associates tried to stop the vehicle by blocking a road. In the process, the tempo ran over Kansara, who died on the spot, the police said.

An FIR was subsequently lodged at Dungri police station and 10 people, including the

tempo owner, driver, and others involved in the illegal transportation of cattle, were arrested from different places on Saturday night.

The accused have been identified as Asgar Ansari, Javed Sheikh, Jamil Sheikh, Khalil Sheikh (all from Bhiwandi in Maharashtra), and Ansar Sheikh, Hasan Ali, Ali Murad Jamal, Dharmesh Ahir, Kamlesh Ahir, and Jayesh Ahir (from Valsad district), it said.

The tempo driver, Haji Akram, had fled leaving behind his vehicle, from which 11 animals were rescued, the police said. On Sunday, the police added that Akram’s body had been fished out of a nearby river, into which he had apparently jumped to evade the authorities.

After the arrest, the accused told the authorities that they had clear instructions from the person who had hired their vehicles to transport the cattle to mow down anyone who attempted to stop their vehicles. They were just following instructions, they told the police.

Minor rescued as 3-storey building collapses First India Bureau Surat: A 13-year-old girl was rescued unscathed from a threestorey building which collapsed due to rain in the city’s Golwad area on Sunday. Three other persons were injured and sent to the hospital for further treatment.

A primary investiga-

One woman later went back inside to collect some valuables.

tion revealed that the civic body had sent multiple notices to the residents of the building, which is more than 20 years old.

The persistent rain in recent days caused the building to collapse—an incident that caused wide-spread panic. In addition to the fire and emergency services, the mayor also arrived at the

scene of the accident.

Fire department officials stated that most people rushed out of their homes when the building collapsed, except for the 13-year-old.

In a separate incident, a three-year-old was taken to a hospital in Udhna for treatment, after part of a slab of a residential building collapsed, injuring her.

STEADY IMPROVEMENT

Guj increases focus on jabs as daily jump falls below 200 First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Gujarat’s COVID-19 tally rose to 8,22,334 after 185 cases were reported on Sunday, the first time the daily jump has fallen to less than 200 in 2021, while four deaths during the day took the toll to 10,032, an official said.

A total of 651 people were discharged from hospitals, taking the recovery count to 8,06,193, which is 98.04% of the tally, leaving the state with 6,109 active cases, of which 142 are in critical condition, he said.

“Surat recorded 40 new cases, Ahmedabad 38, Vadodara 21, Junagadh 15, and Rajkot 10,

among others.

Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Devbhumi Dwarka and Bhavnagar recorded one death each,” he said.

A release said 1,96,382 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Sunday, taking the total count of beneficiaries so far in Gujarat to 2,20,68,302.

The state government has also announced a special “Tika Utsav” (vaccination drive) beginning Monday, a statement from Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s office said. Under this drive, those in the age group of 18-44 years will not have to pre-register to get inoculated but can simply walk in for on-the-spot registration. The state

People get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a mosque in Ahmedabad’s Juhapura on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

has also increased the number of vaccination booths in Gujarat to 5,000.

“The vaccine is the only infallible weapon in the fight against COVID-19,” Rupani said, “Our goal is to ensure the safety of as many people as possible, even as experts are looking at the possibility of a third wave of infections.”

The Tika Utsav is slated to begin at 9 am on Monday in the presence of ministers, leaders, dignitaries at 1,025 vaccination centres in 33 districts and eight municipal areas. Rupani will participate in the Utsav at the Primary Health Centre at Sector-8 in Gandhinagar.

COVID-19 UPDATE

TOTAL CASES

CASES IN A DAY

TOTAL DEATHS

DEATHS IN A DAY

RECOVERED

RECOVERED

8,06,193

651

8,22,344 10,032 TOTAL

A’BAD V’DARA

04

IN A DAY

6,109

ACTIVE CASES

SURAT

185

40 38 21

10 JUNAGADH 15 GIR SOMNATH 08 RAJKOT

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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Why should developing countries put up with bullying from Big Pharmas? flow of vaccines to developing countries. Similar is the case in some other countries also. In India, too, the supply of Pfizer vaccines is held up due to a lack of consensus on the nature of indemnity to be granted to the company.

DR G S SANDHU

IAS retd, Rajasthan. He retired as Secretary to Government of India.

He also worked as Joint Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India ,New Delhi

A Bullying of developing countries by multinational pharma companies is nothing new-this gets pronounced whenever there is a crisis.

About twenty years ago, when the HIV/AIDS crisis swept the world, a new patented antiretroviral triple-drug cocktail was launched.

bout 11 billion vaccine doses are needed to quickly inoculate 70 percent of the planet, but as on 15 June,2021 about 2.45 billion have been administered. While 85 percent doses have gone to high and upper-middle income countries, only 0.8 % of doses have gone to the low-income countries.

Bullying of developing countries by multinational pharma companies is nothing new-this gets pronounced whenever there is a crisis.

About twenty years ago, when the HIV/AIDS crisis swept the world, a new patented antiretroviral tripledrug cocktail was launched.

It cost about $12,000 per person per year, and most people in developing countries, particularly Africa (the worst affected region), could not afford it. Out of sheer desperation, the South African Government passed a law to issue a compulsory licence to local companies to manufacture and import generics of this patented drug. This caused much furore in the developed world, and Big Pharma could not stomach it. As many as 39 of these companies approached the Courts in South Africa and stalled the new law’s implementation (even though the TRIPs agreement allows such flexibilities). The matter soon became a major international issue. Ultimate-

TRAVAILS OF A NUN SEEKING JUSTICE

ly WTO members adopted the Doha Declaration in 2001, which reiterated the right of member states to invoke flexibilities in the TRIPs agreement during health emergencies. After that, some companies were allowed to make generics, though with conditionalities. One such company was Cipla from India, which did a splendid job supplying the three-in-one cocktail drug for just $1 per person per day. More than 75 million people are believed to have been infected by the worldwide outbreak of HIV/Aids, and about 35 million were killed over four decades. It is difficult to imagine the fatalities had companies like Cipla not come forward to make drugs affordable and accessible to most people.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has once again put the low-income countries in a desperate position. As a result, Big Pharma is trying to take advantage of this situation. Companies like Pfizer are accused of ‘high-level bullying’ by some Latin American countries to supply Covid-19 vaccines. (as per Bureau of Investigative Journalism published in partnership with STAT).

Latin America has been hit very hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the John Hopkins University, Brazil has the third-highest number of cases worldwide and the world’s second-largest number of deaths. Therefore, access to safe and effective vaccines is critical for turning the tide of the Covid-19 crisis in the region.

In the absence of any local

S

trange are the ways of the Vatican when it comes to dealing with complaints of sexual abuse by priests. Earlier this month Pope Francis released a new set of church laws to criminalize sexual abuse of children and adults by priests. The new law states that priests who engage in sexual acts with anyone can be defrocked if they “used force, threats or abuse of his authority” to engage in sexual acts. The same Vatican has, however, is unwilling to support Sister Lucy Kalappura who has stood by another nun allegedly raped by bishop of Jallandhar Franco Mulakkal. Mulakkal is accused of raping a nun 13 times between 2014 and16 at

WHY INDEMNIFY? The coronavirus vaccines have been manufactured in record time. The process was stepped up and completed in less than a year as the world faced a never-seen-before crisis. As per World Health Organization (WHO), some liability protection may be warranted, but how can negligence, fraud, or mismanagement be indemnified. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has declared that ‘the world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure” due to the stark inequity in access to Covid-19 vaccines.

However, there is a much greater responsibility on the technology holders and the wealthy nations.

Attitudes must change in the larger interest of saving humanity, and this should happen sooner rather than later in the spirit of one borderless world. production, these countries are importing vaccines from Russia, China and the USA. Negotiating with Pfizer for the supply of its vaccines was a nightmare for these countries. First, Argentina approved the Pfizer vaccine and dealt with the company for its supply. There was an agreement to indemnify the company/its employees for any civil/criminal suits or damages due to some reaction to the vaccine. After Argentina passed a law in Parliament to this effect, Pfizer raised another demand. It also wanted indemnity even for its negligence if it causes any harm to any person. And on top of it, Pfizer asked the Government to pledge some of the sovereign assets with the company to compensate for any damage or loss caused. This was too much for the Government to agree, and it withdrew from further negotiations. The Brazilian Government, too, had to face a similar situation. Such irrational demands impede the

Sister Lucy challenged her expulsion from the order but the Vatican has confirmed it. Her final appeal against her expulsion was dismissed recently. She has been asked by the superiorgeneral of the congregation to vacate the convent a convent in Kottayam. Sister Lucy was sacked in 2019 for expressing solidarity with her colleagues demanding Bishop Mulakkal’s arrest.

Sister Lucy challenged her expulsion from the order but the Vatican has confirmed it.

WHO CAN REIGN IN THESE COMPANIES? The one country which has sway over Big Pharma is the USA. There are two reasons for this. First, the mRNA technology being used by these companies is the result of years of research by the National Institute of Health(NIH), and the US government holds the patent for the NIH’s spike protein technique used by both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Secondly, the US has given huge advances to these companies, particularly Moderna and Pfizer ( $1.8 billion), to purchase vaccines during 2021.

Instead of playing with the sovereignty of developing countries by making undue demands, Big Pharma should realise that the virus knows no boundaries. If people in these countries are not vaccinated quickly, new variants of the virus can develop and spread to other countries.

Therefore, it is paramount to ramp up supplies and produce vaccines for equitable distribution to all parts of the world.

The two initiatives of WHO- the COVAX facility for pooling vaccines and supplying to about 100 low and lower-middle-income countries; and C-TAP to help establish a tech hub to train selected manufacturers in developing countries to increase vaccines worldwide be fully supported by developed countries and Big pharma. It helps in containing the virus, which protects everybody, including the USA and others.

Her final appeal against her expulsion was dismissed recently. She has been asked by the superior-general of the congregation to vacate the convent failing which she will be considered a “trespasser”. Sister Lucy intends to dig her heels in.

The Vatican did defrock Mulakkal but why is it firm on punishing a nun who was only supporting the cause of nuns against the bishop’s alleged dark deeds?

The Vatican has been getting numerous complaints of sexual abuse of both children and adults. The new law criminalizing such acts is aimed at stemming the rot.

But if nuns are not allowed to take a stand against rape by a high priest like bishop, the law should be re-examined.

04

IN-DEPTH

EASING OF COVID CURBS NEEDS EXTRA CAUTION

E

asing of Covid-19 restrictions has begun.

Crowds have begun thronging market places. Fear of the lethal second wave of Covid-19 has been taken over by the stronger sentiment of bringing life back to normal. Those who have only read of Covid-19 patients’ agony or saw footage of bodies floating in the Ganga, do not fully comprehend the sufferings of those infected by the virus. Nor are they able to empathise with kin of those who lost the battle to the deadly virus.

Such people believe that if the virus spared them the second time it will not attack them now.

How naïve they are!

Experts have been warning of a third Covid wave. If our conduct remains as reckless as it has been on the first two days, then the third wave will hit us sooner than the predicted six to eight weeks. Responsible behaviour is the need of the hour, not only to save further deaths but also livelihoods.

SPIRITUAL SPEAK You are what you believe in, You become that which you believe you can become —Bhagavad Gita

TOP TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp

Urban farmer—is an organic manure promoted by @nafedindia. Made out of press mud, the manure will enhance soil health as well as benefit farmers by reducing cost of inputs. This will greatly compliment Hon’ble PM @narendramodi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.

Randeep Singh Surjewala @rssurjewala

Does Modi Govt even feel the pain & suffering?No money for compensation to #COVID19 victim families but ₹20,000 CR are being spent on Central Vista & a palace for PM. And where are the ₹3,89,662 CR collected in the year 2020-21 from the loot in prices of Petrol-Diesel?

Vol 2 l Issue No. 205 l RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, ChangodarBavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist.

Ahmedabad. Published at D/302 3rd Floor Plot No. 35 Titanium Square, Scheme No. 2, Thaltej Taluka, Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad. Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act l

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

05

NADDA LAUDS MODI GOVT FOR MULTIPLE ACHIEVEMENTS New Delhi: Abrogation of Article 370, Ram Temple development in Ayodha and implementation of Citizenship Modification Act have been among the many many achievements that have been listed by Bharatiya Janata Get together JP Nadda

Those want to contest alone, let them do it: Raut’s jibe at Cong Mumbai: Days after Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole indicated that the party will contest the next Assembly polls alone and not as partners of Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that his party has fought political battles on its own. He added that those who want to contest the polls on their own can do so.

Stating that alliances are formed in view of elections but political battles are fought independently, Raut stressed that be it Maharashtra’s prestige or the party’s existence, the

Sanjay Raut

party will fight for both. Speaking to reporters, Raut said, “It was the party’s 55th foundation day yesterday. CM & our party chief told the people who are speaking of contesting elections alone in Maharashtra, that if they do that what will we do? Will we keep sitting? Those who want to contest, let them do it.”

(BJP) President JP Nadda on Sunday in his handle to senior occasion leaders on the event of party-led authorities finishing seven years on the Centre.

Resolving the Bodo battle and applauding numerous public welfare measures of the Narendra Modi authorities, amid the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, have been

One of the most vibrant and dynamic governance and policy mantra has been given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government and that is ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

—JP Nadda, BJP President on the core of BJP chief ’s handle.

Whereas addressing BJP leaders, together with occasion dominat-

ed state chief ministers and cupboard ministers, Nadda mentioned that in the course of the preliminary days,

Article 370 was a roadblock on the trail of improvement for the individuals of JammuKashmir and Ladakh.

“Our inspiration and one who sacrificed his life for India’s integration and stood fearlessly for the abrogation of Article 370, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, had pointed this out. He had warned the then Prime Minis-

ter, Jawaharlal Nehru, on the hostile results of the Article and the way it will give rise to separatism, however Pandit Nehru refused to just accept it. From the times of Jana Sangh and onwards, because the founding of BJP, we stood agency on the demand for the removing of Article 370 and continued our wrestle in opposi-

tion to it,” Nadda reportedly informed the leaders in a digital handle organised by the occasion coaching division.

He additionally listed the developmental duties undertaken within the UTs. Nadda reportedly additionally praised the Central authorities for abolishing Triple Talaq.

—ANI

Amid Cabinet rejig talks, PM meets Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, others New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top strategists of his government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for well over three hours on Sunday to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats vis a vis the government and the party for the future.

Among the issues discussed, sources stated, were probable cabinet placements, forthcoming assembly polls, dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the party’s strategy in taking on the opposition in the forthcoming Parliament session.

Sources said that among the leaders present at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg were Union Home

UP IN MIND

T

Senior Congress leader S Siddaramaiah, KPCC President DK Shivakumar and party MLAs during a meeting.

—FILE PHOTO

Tension erupts after Cong MLA’s remark PM Narendra Modi

Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

BJP president JP Na-

dda and national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh were also present in the meeting.

Sources stated that the Prime Minister discussed most issues in detail with the senior leadership of the government and party and asked for better synergy between both. —ANI

Bengaluru: With Karnataka Assembly elections less than two years away, Congress MLA and a loyalist of senior Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah, Zameer Ahmad on Sunday created a stir after he termed Siddaramaiah as the ‘future Chief Minister of Karnataka’.

According to party sources, ever since DK Shivakumar took oath as the Karnataka Congress president, there

have been conflicts within the party over who will be the party’s chief ministerial candidate, with cadres and MLAs divided between the DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah camps.

The differences between the two camps are now out in the open, but the party high command has advised everyone to focus on the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election instead of the chief minister’s post, sources said. —ANI

INDIA AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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OVER 3,85,000 DIED

DUE TO COVID-19

“This number which is likely to increase further,” the Centre in its affidavit said

New Delhi: The Central government, in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 3,85,000 deaths, a number which is likely to increase further.

The Centre filed the affidavit before the Supreme Court while responding to the notice issued by the Apex Court on petitions filed by lawyers, Reepak Kansal and Gaurav Bansal, seeking immediate, necessary, effective and appropriate direc-

A woman wearing white protective gear grieves after seeing the body of her husband.

Chirag chairs meet, seeks rights on LJP symbol from EC

Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan addresses during the National Executive meeting, in New Delhi on Sunday.

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing feud in the party, Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan has written to the Election Commission seeking rights on the party symbol, sources said.

Chirag Paswan also held a meeting of the party’s working committee in Delhi.

This comes after the LJP faction led by Pashupati Kumar Paras dissolved the national, state executives and committees of different cells.

At the beginning of the meeting, Paswan administered the oath of the party constitution to the members who attended the

executive meeting to protect the party.

As per sources, both Chirag Paswan and newly-elected LJP national president Pashupati Kumar Paras have written to the Election Commission over the right on the party symbol. Sources further informed that Chirag has claimed that most of the party members were present at the meeting called by him, while only 10 members are in support of the LJP faction led by Paras.

Earlier on Saturday, the LJP faction dissolved the national, state executives and committees of different cells.

tions and orders to the concerned authorities, including the Central Government, to pay financial help or ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh, as laid down by the Central government in its statut to the family members of the deceased, who succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 3,85,000 deaths, a number which is likely to increase further,” the Centre in its affidavit said. The Centre said that it exceeded the number of deaths in any other natural disaster in the past, in the country. “These deaths have affected families from all classes. The Government is fully conscious of the need to provide them the necessary help and support. However, it is not correct to state that such support could be provided only through exgratia assistance,” the Centre said.

After Madhya Pradesh, green fungus case found in Punjab Jalandhar: Punjab on Saturday reported its first case of green fungus from Jalandhar, becoming the second state after Madhya Pradesh to record the infection.

According to the District Epidemiologist at Civil Hospital, Dr Paramvir Singh, this is the first confirmed case of green fungus in Punjab.

“The patient is around 60-years in age, suffered from the COVID-19 infection. He is under observation.

20 per cent rise in intake of antidepressants New Delhi: Mental health experts have observed an overall 20 per cent rise in antidepressant intake among people since the second COVID-19 wave devastated the country.

Data shows that the sale of antidepressants in July 2020 with a whooping Rs 196.9 crores. In October 2020, it further rose to Rs 210.7 crore and reached its peak in April 2021 at a record of Rs 217.9 Cr.

Bengal Police under the OBC-A quota, BJP West Bengal Co-incharge Amit Malviya tweeted, “This is the

 Haryana extends

lockdown till June 28

 Covid vax in China

cross 1bn mark

 In major milestone,

Andhra vaccinates over a million people in a day

 Not enough doses,

Bengal to inoculate only priority groups from Monday

list of those provisionally selected for the post of Sub Inspector in WB Police under the OBC-A quota! Mamata Banerjee has not just sliced an egalitarian faith in castes but also denied OBCs their fair share of reservation and representation, which is their right.”

Malviya claimed that out of 170 groups listed in the OBC category, 112 are Muslims. —ANI

This loot in the name of Ram is ‘Ramdroh’ New Delhi: After second land deal in Ayodhya surfaced, the Congress was quick to attack the government for allowing such loot and profiteering and termed it a “Ramdroh” and those involved “chandajeevi.”

Addressing a press conference on the issue on Sunday, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala said, “The

There was another case before, but it was unconfirmed,” Dr Singh told ANI. The epidemiologist further said, “The person diagnosed with green fungus has the same symptoms as the Black fungus.” “We

HIGHLIGHTS

Mamata denied Hindu’s OBCs of fair share of quota: BJP New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) The BJP on Sunday alleged that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has denied Hindu’s Other Backward Classes (OBCs) communities of their fair share of reservation and representation by over representing Muslims in it. Sharing a list of provisionally selected candidates for the post of Sub Inspectors in West

responsibility lies on the Supreme Court on whose orders the trust has been constituted and the Prime Minister, to audit the whole process of land purchase and money given by devotees.” —ANI

 BCCI donates 10

crore for Indian Olympic-bound athletes’ preparations

 Congress leader Nav

Prabhat said Tirath Rawat is not an MLA and must be elected before Sept 9 to hold on to his post. But a bypoll cannot be held since only nine months are left for term to end.

Vadra slams Centre for management New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra on Sunday hit out at the Centre alleging that by allowing state and panchayat elections to be held, it had allowed Covid-19 cases to spike and that the Centre had exported six million vaccines abroad.

Vadra in a Facebook post said, “Vaccinations are most important for every citizen of our country. Questions were asked by BJP spokespersons and Ministers, ‘Why I hadn’t taken the vaccine and why do Rahul, Priyanka have no faith in Indian vaccines’. They must get their facts correct.

Rahul Gandhi had contracted coronavirus while campaigning for the polls he had to wait and Priyanka already vaccinated, he noted.

—ANI

Case against journalist who accused Ram Temple Trust member of land grab Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh police have invoked a massive 15 sections of the Indian Penal Code and three sections of the IT Act against a journalist and two others in Bijnor district over an alleged land grab case.

The case was filed on a complaint by the brother of Champat Rai -- the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and secretary of the Ram Temple Trust -- who has been facing questions over the contro-

versial land deals in Ayodhya. The Bijnor police chief has given Rai and his brothers a ‘clean chit’ based on what he called a prime facie inquiry. The FIR names journalist Vineet Narain and two others -- Alka Lahoti and Rajnish. All three are accused of conspiring to make false allegations against Rai and in the process, hurting the sentiments of crores of Hindus across the country.

EPFO adds 12.76 lakh net new subscribers in April, an increase of 13.73 pc New Delhi: Net new enrolments with retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) increased by 13.73 per cent to 12.76 lakh in April from 11.22 lakh in March this year, according to payroll data released on Sunday. The Ministry of Labour and Employment in a release said that despite the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, April 2021 registered an in-

crease of 13.73 percent net subscribers addition as compared to the previous month during which around 11.22 lakh net subscribers were added to the payroll.

However, Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar had approached the High Court that gave the decision in favour of him. Following this, Kanagaraj had immediately stepped down within a few days. —ANI

06

Delhi govt launches one-year diploma course in Meditation, Yoga Sciences New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday launched a one-year diploma course in 'Meditation and Yoga Sciences', in which around 450 candidates have enrolled themselves.

Addressing the press conference, Kejriwal said, "Delhi government is launching a one-year diploma course in 'Meditation and Yoga Sciences' wherein around 450 candidates have enrolled themselves. From October 1, these instructors will train people in different parts of Delhi free of cost."

do not need to panic but we should take precautions,” he added.

Earlier on June 14, a 34-year-old patient has been airlifted from Indore to Mumbai being detected with a green fungus infection. —ANI

VACCINATION DRIVE FOR THOSE GOING ABROAD Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan on Sunday said vaccination for students, those going abroad for studies or work, and sportspersons bound for Tokyo Olympics would start here from June 22 at the city’s central college premises.

CRUCIAL READ TOURISM MINISTRY TO LAUNCH ‘INCAR DINING’, FOOD WILL BE SERVED Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism is set to launch a novel “In-Car Dining” facility that will serve food to travellers inside their vehicles, in a move that aims to revive eating out culture, that had taken a hit during the Covid-19 outbreak. Considering the need to minimize the health risks while eating in public spaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

GURUGRAM MALL, EATERIES OFFER DISCOUNTS TO VACCINATED Gurugram: With cases of coronavirus dipping, the Haryana government has allowed relaxations in lockdown restrictions permitting markets and shopping malls to open. Owners of malls and restaurants are offering discounts and freebies to people who have taken the vaccine, in a move to encourage vaccinations. A Gurugram mall has rolled-out special offers for vaccinated people.

BADAL TO APPEAR BEFORE SIT IN 2015 POLICE FIRING CASE Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday informed that former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 22 in connection with the Kotkapura police firing case. Badal was scheduled to appear before the SIT on June 16 but the probe agency had rescheduled his questioning.

GOVT OPEN TO MORE MEASURES TO BOOST ECONOMY: CEA New Delhi: The government is open to coming out with more measures to boost the economy which has been hit by the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, says Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) K V Subramanian. He, however, added that the demand for a fresh stimulus package has to be considered against the backdrop of budget.

ROTATIONAL MINISTERIAL BERTHS FOR BJP MLAS IN PUDUCHERRY Puducherry: The Bhartiya Janata Party in Puducherry has decided to give ministerial berths to its MLAs on rotational basis for a year after party MLA John Kumar’s supporters picketed the state committee office for non-inclusion in the cabinet. On Saturday, a group of supporters of John Kumar had laid siege to the BJP Puducherry state committee office after the party leadership denied him a ministerial berth as he was booked by the Income Tax department for evading tax of more than Rs 750 crore.

FROM PG 1 Shah to...

Also, the state government, in principle, approved a Rs797 crore multipurpose lift irrigation scheme for the tribal belt in Valsad district, that will benefit talukas such as Dharampur and Kaprada.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani reiterated his commitment towards eliminating water shortage faced by people belonging to the tribal community living in hilly areas of forest regions and encouraged them to achieve economic

prosperity by farming more crops.

He gave permission to a proposed action plan to provide water to villages of DharampurKaprada by lifting water from the Damanganga Reservoir Project and pouring it into the main canal, thereby increasing its discharge.

Under this lift irrigation scheme, a total of 163 km-long pipeline network will help irrigate around 19,000 acre of land in 24 villages of remote tribal areas in Kaprada taluka and approximate-

ly 13,450 acre of land in 13 villages of Dharampur taluka.

As per the possible outline of this lift irrigation project, it shall cross three major rivers of Valsad district namely Kolak, Par and Taan rivers.

On these rivers, there are approximately nine large check dams and about seven small check dams on its tributaries, which will be filled with water through the pipeline.

With these rivers being revived, over 1,730 acre of land will be able to receive the benefits of irrigation.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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07

COMPETITION HEATS UP IN MELTING ARCTIC, & THE US ISN’T PREPARED TO COUNTER RUSSIA Russia has been beefing up its Arctic icebreaker fleet to take advantage of the changing climate.

—LEV FEDOSEYEV\TASS VIA GETTY IMAGES

ROCKFORD WEITZ Professor of Practice & Director, Fletcher Maritime Studies Program, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

F

AN ICEBREAKER SOLUTION

or decades, the frozen Arctic was little more than a footnote in global economic competition, but that’s changing as its ice melts with the warming climate.

Russia is now attempting to claim more of the Arctic seabed for its territory. It has been rebuilding Cold War-era Arctic military bases and recently announced plans to test its Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed torpedo in the Arctic. In Greenland, the recent election ushered in a new pro-independence government that opposes foreign rare earth metal mining as its ice sheet recedes – including projects counted on by China and the US to power technology.

The Arctic region has been warming at least twice as fast as the planet as a whole. With the sea ice now thinner and disappearing sooner in the spring, several countries have had their eyes on the Arctic, both for access to valuable natural resources, including the fossil fuels whose use is now driving global warming, and as a shorter route for commercial ships. A tanker carrying liquefied natural gas from northern Russia to China tested that shorter route this past winter, traversing the normally frozen Northern Sea Route in February for the first time with the help of an icebreaker. The route cut the shipping time by nearly half.

Russia has been building up its icebreaker fleet for years for these and other purposes. The US, meanwhile, is playing catch-up. While Russia has access to more than 40 of these ships today, the US Coast Guard has two, one of them well past its intended service life.

As an expert in maritime trade and Arctic geopolitics, I have been following the increasing activity and geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. They underscore the need for fresh thinking on US Arctic policy to address emerging competition in the region.

One way to add to the icebreaker fleet would be to have allies jointly procure and operate icebreakers, while each still builds up its own fleet.

For example, the Biden administration could collaborate with NATO allies to create a partnership modeled on NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability of C-17 airplanes. The airlift program, started in 2008, operates three large transport planes that its 12 member nations can use to quickly transport troops and equipment.

A similar program for icebreakers could operate a fleet under NATO – perhaps starting with icebreakers contributed by NATO countries, such as Canada, or partner countries, such as Finland.

Like the Strategic Airlift Capability, each member country would purchase a percentage of the shared fleet’s operating hours based on their overall contributions to the program.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a step toward more of this kind of collaboration on June 9, 2021, with plans to establish a new Center for Arctic Security Studies, the sixth Department of Defense Regional Center. The centers focus on research, communications, and collaboration with partners.

USING THE LAW OF THE SEA Another strategy that could boost US influence in the Arctic, buffer looming conflicts, and help clarify seabed claims would be for the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Law of the Sea took effect in 1994 and established rules for how the oceans and ocean resources are used and shared. That includes determining how countries can claim parts of the seabed. The US initially objected over a section that limited deep seabed mining, but that section was amended to alleviate some of those concerns. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all urged the Senate to ratify it, but that still has not happened.

Ratification would give the US a stronger international legal position in contested waters. It also would enable the US to claim more than 386,000 square miles – an area twice the size of California – of Arctic seabed along its extended continental shelf and fend off any other country’s overlapping claims to that area.

Without ratification, the US will be forced to rely on customary international law to pursue any maritime claims, which weakens its international legal position in contested waters, including the Arctic and the South China Sea.

PROBLEM WITH AMERICA’S ICEBREAKER FLEET America’s aging icebreaker fleet has been a persistent topic of frustration in Washington.

Congress put off investing in new icebreakers for decades in the face of more pressing demands. Now, the lack of polar-class icebreakers undermines America’s ability to operate in the Arctic region, including responding to disasters as shipping and mineral exploration increase.

It might sound counterintuitive, but diminishing sea ice can make the region more dangerous – breakaway ice floes pose risks both to ships and to oil platforms, and the opening waters are expected to attract both more shipping and more mineral exploration. The US Geological Survey estimates that about 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas and 13% of undiscovered oil may be in the Arctic.

The US Coast Guard has just two icebreakers to manage this changing environment.

The Polar Star, a heavy icebreaker that can break through ice up to 21 feet thick, was commissioned in 1976.

It is usually posted to Antarctica in the winter, but it was sent to the Arctic this year to provide a US presence. The crew on the aging ship has had to fight fires and deal with power outages and equipment breaks – all while in some of the most inhospitable and remote locations on Earth.

The second icebreaker, the smaller Healy, commissioned in 2000, suffered a fire on board in August 2020 and cancelled all Arctic operations.

Congress has authorized construction of three more heavy icebreakers at a total cost of around US$2.6 billion and has funded two of them so far, but they take years to produce. A shipyard in Mississippi expects to deliver the first by 2024.

Russia recently opened a large liquefied natural gas plant on the Kara Sea, above the Arctic Circle.

—MIKHAIL SVETLOV/GETTY IMAGES

The Polar Star icebreaker is 45 years old and in need of replacement. —MARIANA O’LEARY/US COAST GUARD

Engineers aboard the Polar Star fix a saltwater pump while in the Bering Sea on Jan. 28, 2021.

—CYNTHIA OLDHAM/US COAST GUARD

SOURCE: THECONVERSATION.COM

RELYING ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION The Arctic has generally been a region of international cooperation. The Arctic Council, an international body, has kept eight countries with sovereignty over land in the region focused on the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem, the well-being of its Indigenous peoples, and emergency prevention and response.

Over the past few years, however, “near-Arctic” countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Britain and many European Union members, have become more engaged, and Russia has become more active.

With the rising tensions and expanding interest in the region, the era of cooperative engagement has started to recede with the melting sea ice.

Life teaches us many lessons through pain also, focus on the lesson and not the suffering, to grow.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, First India

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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Gujarat worst performer among States with high school dropout rate Latest NFHS says out of 96.4% male students at primary level, only 45% reach higher secondary in Gujarat First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The recently released National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) has found that a large number of students in rural India are dropping out from school each year and Gujarat is the worst performer, while Kerala is the best.

In Gujarat, out of about 96.4% male students enrolled in schools at the primary level only about 45% make it to the higher secondary level. In the case of female students, about 97.3% join at the primary level but only 29.2% are left by the time they reach the higher secondary.

The number of girls drops to drops to 85.9% when they are between 11 and 13 years of age

States

Male Student Female student enrollment At HS enrollment at HS level compared to level as compared to Primary enrollment Primary enrollment

Kerala

90.80%

Maharashrtra 74.70%

Remarks

93.6 %

1

66.90%

3

Telengana 76.7 70% Andhra Pradesh

70.2

58.60%

2

Average

Karnataka 68.60% 62.70% Average Bihar

69.20% 60.40% Average

West Bengal

58.60%

65.20%

Bottom ranked 3rd

58%

60.60%

Bottom ranked 2nd

Assam

Gujarat 45% 29.2

and further to 53.7% when they turn 14 and 15. Finally, 29.2% girls reach the higher secondary level.

As against this, in rural Kerala, 99.5% of male students between the ages of 16 and 17 get themselves

enrolled in schools and about 90.8% reach the higher secondary level. Among girls, about 99.4% are enrolled at the primary level and 93.6% reach the higher secondary level.

In another BJP-ruled

state of Assam too, only about 58% male students reach the higher secondary stage while the number is 60.6% for female students.

West Bengal and Maharashtra are also among the poor per-

Bottom ranked 1 lowest in all indices formers, though they are relatively better off than Gujarat and Assam. In rural West Bengal, 98% male students below the age of 10 years are enrolled in schools but the number drops to 79% for those between the

ages of 14 and 15.

During the ages of 16 and 17 years, the rate further drops to 58.6%, implying that 42% of the students are not being enrolled in higher secondary sections.

Among female students this rate at 65.2%, indicating that about 35% of female students are abandoning their studies every year and are not being enrolled in the higher secondary level.

In Maharashtra, 97.6% students are enrolled in the primary level while 74.7% reach the higher secondary stage; in case of female students the rate is 66.9%.

Besides Kerala, most Southern states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are comparately better performers.

08

Crime Branch cracks infant’s murder, arrests her mother First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Four months after a garbage van found an infant’s body wrapped in a plastic bag near Kochrab Ashram, the Ahmedabad Detection Crime Branch has found the baby girl was killed by her mother and arrested her.

A garbage collection team had informed the police on Feburary 13 about the body and the Ellisbridge police registered a murder case against unidentified person. They took help from the Crime Branch to crack the case.

Crime Branch Police Inspector J N Chavda and his team scanned CCTV footage of February 13, 14 and 16 and earlier days. They checked the list of pregnant women under treatment in private health facilities.

The clue was available from the case details

of a pregnant woman, Shivani, undergoing treatment at a medical camp run by Kutchi Jain Community in Paldi area. On February 13, Shivani delivered a baby girl. Since her husband did not want a girl, she strangulated her to death before he returned from duty in the morning. She packed the baby girl in a plastic bag and dumped it in a nearby garbage bin.

The Crime branch arrested her late Saturday evening. She hails from Uttar Pradesh and married to a man from Lakshmipura, who worked in Ahmedabad as a security guard. She had extramarital relations before she joined him in Ahmedabad.

Her husband suspected that though Shivani had conceived it was not through him and they used to fight often.

Fearing that he may not accept the baby, she killed her.

Youth’s cross-dressed pic 7 Surat areas declared accident ‘black spots’ on Insta, moves police First India Bureau

Surat: The Road Safety Council has declared 7 “black spots” in Surat and 16 in the district for frequent accidents. These areas witnessed 66 accidents between 2017 and 2019 in which 43 people died. The highest number of accidents occurred at Magdalla ONGC Bridge, Khajod, Abhava and Udhna areas.

Frequent accidents

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A youth from an Ahmedabad district village has lodged a criminal complaint with the rural cyber police station alleging that someone with a malafide intention has posted his morphed cross-dressed picture on Instagram.

The 20-year-old man from Kuha village of Daskroi taluka was surfing Instagram on May 14 when he found his morphed picture being tagged to him. It was his face with the body of someone else wearing woman’s undergarments.

When he inquired with the person who had posted his photo, he was abusive. He had also tagged such photos to the youth’s friends through a fake ID. The victim’s father is a farmer and his brother helps him out.

In his police complaint

—FILE PHOTO

with the rural cyber police station, he has requested that the person be identified and arrested. The case is registered under the information and technology law.

Police said the person who posted the morphed photos would be tracked down through technical surveillance. But it is not yet clear if the photos were to harass him or extract money.

This is not the first

within a radius of 100 to 200 meters on the same spot as well as more than 3 fatalities and over 10 serious accidents in the last 3 or 5 years are called “black spots.”

RTO in-charge Hardik Patel said plans were afoot to reduce the number of accidents at the black spots.

So far licenses of 406 people were suspended in five months, 102 in January, 106 in March, 60

ONGC Magdalla Bridge in Surat.

in April and 34 in May. It was decided to launch active surveil-

—FILE PHOTO

lance of speeding drivers on the Airport-Dumas Road and to track

Surat cops nab man with MD drugs worth ` 1.56 lakh

WALK DOWN THE SABARMATI

such complaint where people are being harassed or being blackmailed like this. Social media is used to trap males and females who are blackmailed to extort money.

Fake Facebook accounts of even IAS and IPS officers and public representatives are opened and using such accounts criminals have started seeking financial help and are cheating people.

A man taking a brisk walk at the Sabarmati Riverfront near seaplane service station on a foggy Sunday morning in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

YOGA SHOWS THE WAY!

Yoga helped Covid-19 patients at IKDRC recover faster Yoga-based breathing techniques for Covid-19 patients helped reduce reduce stress and anxiety First India Bureau Ahmedabad: ‘Covid Rehabilitation Protocol’ based on Yoga and pranayam breathing techniques implemented by Institute of Kidney Diseases & Research Centre (IKDRC) helped Covid-19 patients recover sooner coupled with lesser number of hospitalization days, an empirical

study by the institute said.

Breathing techniques based on Yoga and pranayam for Covid-19 patients and hospital staff on Covid duty since May 2020 reduced stress and anxiety and reinforced overall well-being of the patients.

“Conscious breathing rejuvenates circulatory and respiratory systems which in turn

—FILE PHOTO

Covid-19 patients performing Yoga.

ensure better delivery of nutrition and medication to areas under infection,” explained Dr Viral Trivedi, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology

at the institute.

He said breathing techniques based on yoga showed extremely good results in patients who were admitted to the hospital since last

year with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms.

“Covid duty was taxing on the physical and psychological state of our staff which was contained through deep

breathing and yoga that relaxes the mind and helps release neurotransmitters”, said Dr. Trivedi.

As per an estimate, humans involuntarily

overloaded trucks spilling coal on the road. It damages the eyes of bike riders. Also, action would be taken against those driving at high speeds on ONGC Bridge and Dumas Road.

Pandesara Batliboi Circle, Siddharth Nagar T Point Chokdi, Jahangirpura Dabholi Bridge, Magadalla ONGC Bridge, Abhava Chokdi, Gabhani Chokdi and Budia Chokdi are new hotspots.

take 25,000 breaths a day that roughly translate into only 30% of lung capacity. Still, it leaves a huge scope for improving lung capacity. But a conscious inhale and exhale breaths make a difference in regulating the nervous and immune systems.

“We saved hundreds of liters of oxygen due to ‘Covid Rehabilitation protocol’ and brought down hospitalization by at least two days among moderately infected covid patients,” said Dr Vineet Mishra, Director-IKDRC-ITS.

First India Bureau Surat: The Mahidharpura Police on Sunday arrested a man at Surat central bus station with 15.58 gm MD drugs worth Rs 1.56 lakh, which he had procured from Borivali in Mumbai.

He was suspected to be a thief until the police found that he was a drugpeddler identified as Amin Khan Sahir Khan Pathan through his Aadhar and PAN cards.

He is from Puna area and works as a carpenter in a private company. He bought drugs from a rickshaw puller in Borivali for himself.

The police were looking for a thief there and saw a youth hurrying away. They apprehended Pathan and recovered the narcotic from the back pocket of his trousers.

Amin Khan arrested.

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KARISHMA GWALANI

Karishma.gwalani @firstindia.co.in

Y

oga is the dance of every cell with the music of every breath that creates inner serenity and harmony.

International Yoga Day 2021 will be observed on June 21 this year to highlight the importance of Yoga and the pivotal role it plays in rejuvenating our mind and the body, leading to a healthier lifestyle.

YOGA IN THE CONTEMPORARY ERA International Yoga Day 2021 theme is ‘Yoga for well-being’. All the world is passing through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard for people to remain mentally and physically fit and healthy. People are suffering from anxiety and depression even if the lockdown is getting softer in some parts of the world. Despite that the lockdown gets lighter, it is risky to go outside and take part in group activities. Social distancing and a strong body immune system are the only available cures that we should em-

YOGA FOR

Well Being AS WE CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2021 ON JUNE 21, TODAY, CITY FIRST REVISITS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOGA IN THE CONTEMPORARY ERA! brace. International Day of Yoga 2021 theme focuses on telling people to stay motivated at home and adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise and yoga. Exercise helps us to stay optimistic and yoga helps us to explore new ideas to spend time and earn money without going outside. Thus venue of this Yoga Day is our home. Let’s appreciate the theme 2021 of International Yoga Day and practice yoga at home until this curse of COVID-19 leaves us.

09

ETC AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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Foster, Adopt, Love MARIAM ABUHAIDERI thepersianladki@gmail.com

LIBRA

MAR 21 - APR 20

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

TAURUS

SCORPIO

A family event may keep you entertained.

You are likely to benefit from a property related matter. Students would need to work upon time management skills to stay abreast with the competition.

This is the time to muster all your resources on the work front.

A piece of immovable property can come to you through a will or gift. You will put in the required efforts on the professional or academic front to reap rich rewards. Cupid’s arrow is likely to find its mark and bring romance into your life.

You worry too much, learn to relax.

A piece of immovable property can come to you through a will or gift. You will put in the required efforts on the professional or academic front to reap rich rewards.

Cupid’s arrow is likely to find its mark and bring romance into your life. You worry too much, take time to ease out.

APR 21 - MAY 20

I

cared for at home. Young motherless pups and kittens and many birds would get a new lease on life you help nurture them. Shelters do not have round-the-clock care or facilities where very young ones or those with disabilities can heal. Become the reason these animals can live and get stronger to move with their life. And did I tell you yet, that most first fosters become adopters? Oops, I spilt the beans. But yes, fostering is also a good first step if you are new to adoptions.

Plus many of us may not be open to being permanent parent. I hope then you can open your home and heart temporarily for these beautiful creatures of God. Moving on to the part where you welcome a new furry family member. This should be a unanimous decision of everyone in the household. You don’t want the animal to feel unwelcomed. Even decisions to bring home an inanimate object takes a lot of thought, then why not extend this benefit to a living being who will be the life of your house? Take your time, consult, read, and then when you are absolutely sure, bring home a pet. Returning animals once you adopt them is not regarded very favourably and is also detrimental to the emotional wellbeing of the animal.

Be sure you get a complete picture of what owning a pet entails. It is always best to make an informed decision that neither the adoption coordinator nor you will regret.

For once let’s put the animal and its sentience at the forefront.

When I say Adopt, I do not mean that you adopt only breed dogs. I do get a lot of inquiries from people who ask about the dog’s breed. And then they get blessed by a lecture from me.

P.S.: I don’t think any species or breed is superior. I only believe that each dog has a habitat that is conducive for its wellbeing and we ought to respect that and not take them out of that habitat. Can you be counted to do that?

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

Family support will be crucial against those who are trying to tarnish your image on the social front. Initiative taken on the property front is likely to benefit.

Love is likely to knock at your door, so be prompt to respond. Focus on health will become your priority.

A family event may keep you entertained.

You are likely to benefit from a property related matter. Students would need to work upon time management skills to stay abreast with the competition. This is the time to muster all your resources for tackling something complicated.

CANCER

CAPRICORN

Not much is likely to be achieved on a business trip, but it may open new opportunities. Devoting some time for physical fitness is indicated for some and will help keep them fit. Those planning to move houses will manage to find a suitable one.

Not much is likely to be achieved on a business trip, but it may open new opportunities. Devoting some time for physical fitness is indicated for some and will help keep them fit. Those planning to move houses will manage to find a suitable one.

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

them. This prevents animals from going into shock, depression, and getting into road accidents. If you do this, you are in my eyes a true animal lover because your compassion knows that buying animals is wrong and feeds into the community overpopulation problem that leads to other issues.

For instance, as an animal activist, I know well how people treat animals in their colonies. The cruelty the animals and their caretakers have to face is heartbreaking. As a human, I am ashamed to see my fellow beings claim ownership of this earth and witness the extent of their intolerance towards other creatures. And to add to this that they have this twisted idea that a foreign breed dog is superior is mindboggling.

The above narrative is the reason why I want you to give adoption and fostering some serious thought. If you can’t keep an animal permanently due to your current situation, consider fostering. Many shelters have animals that can have a chance at life if they are

You will manage to remain regular in your fitness schedule.

Guidance of your near and dear ones will prove a great help. This is a good time to sell an asset as you are likely to get a good price for it.

Those preparing for competitive exams are likely to find the going easy.

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

DEC 23 - JAN 20

LEO

AQUARIUS

You are likely to resolve to come back in shape and start an exercise regimen. Family will be supportive and look after your needs. Some of you are likely to join a group to resolve difficulties on the academic front.

Someone you are working closely with may attract you.

You are likely to resolve to come back in shape and start an exercise regimen.

Family will be supportive and look after your needs. Some of you are likely to join a group to resolve difficulties on the academic front. Someone you are working closely with may attract you.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

VIRGO

PISCES

Life will surprise you in a beautiful way. Monetary condition is set to improve as money comes to you from various sources. Your confidence is likely to win the day for you. Something is likely to happen on the academic front which may go in your favour.

Family support will be crucial against those who are trying to tarnish your image on the social front.

Initiative taken on the property front is likely to benefit.

Love is likely to knock at your door, so be prompt to respond. Focus on health will become your priority.

AUG 24 - SEP 23

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

FEB20 - MARCH 20

FA CE OF TH ED AY

despise breeders and all those who think there is nothing wrong with “buying” an animal. Yes, I do! Now so more than ever and not on one count but many.

I hate them because I see huskies and Saint Bernards in the scorching heat of Rajasthan. I can’t stand the conditions in which the animals are bred and sold. I can’t fathom how human trafficking counts as a human rights violation and selling exotic animals does not? It breaks my heart to see dogs of the Indian breed being considered inferior to foreign breed when in fact they are the most suited to the Indian environs. I despise this mentality of only owning a ‘breedwala ‘dog/ cat.

And it all starts with breeders and traffickers who make the exotic so readily available.

Yes, it starts at the supply. And while there are laws to keep this in check, the implementation of this law is close to nil.

As a result, illegal feeding at the cost of the animals’ wellbeing is being practised all over the country. And we have all seen instances where people who buy them to “fit into high society” do not really care about how the animal feels. I can give you this in writing over half of them are abandoned when they develop an illness or mature to old age.

The reality is grim.

I want to change that. I really think with more and more people becoming aware of how detrimental it is to keep a foreign breed dog-like the genetically modified Pug, or the Tibetan terrier, or other similar breeds of dogs- my goal is turning to reality real soon.

And it starts with you, the reader of this piece.

One way to show you are a real animal lover is to adopt. A lesser-known way is to foster and the only other way that tops these two is to love unconditionally. Even if you can’t welcome an animal home due to restrictions imposed by your family or your residence owner, take care of free-roaming animals by feeding them, ensuring they have clean drinking water. And helping them find medical aid when they need it. Here’s my version of Eat. Pray. Love.

Many local shelters have animals that have either been rescued from the streets, confiscated from incapable owners, or abandoned by “fake” animal lovers. Instead of providing a financial incentive to breeders who force breed animals, support your local shelter by taking home one of their animals. You can always donate a small amount to

ARIES

10

Saurabbh Sachdeva

PRIYA MITTAL, Model

ETC AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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11

PALANHAARE – LAGAAN

AAS PAAS HAI KHUDA - ANJAANA ANJAANI

KUCH KARIYE KUCH KARIYE – CHAK DE INDIA

RUK JAANA NAHIN TU KAHIN HAAR KE – IMTIHAAN

SAATHI HAATH BADHANA – NAYA DAUR

Chanda Mein Tumhe To Bhare Ho Chaandni, Sooraj Mein Ujaala Tumhe Se Yeh Gagan Hai Magan, Tumhe To Diye Ho Isse Taare Bhagwan, Yeh Jeevan Tumhe Na Sanwaaroge To Kya Koi Sanwaare O Paalanhaare, Nirgun Aur Nyaare...

to khud tere khyaabon ke rang mein tu apne jahan ko bhi rang de ke chalta hoon main tere sang mein ho shaam bhi to kya, jab hoga andhera tab paayega dar mera us dar pe phir hogi teri subah...

Humkara aaj bhar ley, das bara bar kar ley Rehna naa yar pichhe, kitna bhee koyee khinche Tas hai naa mas hai jee, jid hai toh jid hai jee Pisna yu hee, pisna yu hee patthar yeh Koyee toh chal jidd phadiye, too bedarayiye ya mariye...

suuraj dekh ruk gayaa hai tere aage jhuk gayaa hai jab kabhii aise koii mastaanaa nikale hai apanii dhun me.n diivaanaa shaam suhaanii ban jaate hai.n din i.ntazaar ke o raahii, o raahii...

Apana sukh bhi ek hai saathi apana duhkh bhi ek Apani mnjil sach ki mnjil, apana rasta nek Ek se ek mile to katara ban jaata hai dariya Ek se ek mile to jarra ban jaata hai sehara Ek se ek mile to raai ban sakati hai parabat Ek se ek mile to insaan bas men kar le kismet...

Zindagi

Ek Geet Hai… Sangeet Hai…

AASHAYEIN – IQBAL Ud jaye leke khushi, apne sang tujhko vahaan, jannat se mulakat ho, puri ho teri har dua, aashayein khile dil ki, ummedein hase dil ki, ab mushkil nahi kuch bhi, nahi kuch bhi aashayein khile dil ki...

YEH HOSLA – DOR Raah Pe Kante Bikhre agar, Uspe to phir bhi chalna hi hai, Shaam Chhupale Suraj magar, Raat ko ek din Dhalna hi hai, Rut ye tal jayegi, Himmat rang layegi...

“Music is the moonlight in the gloomy night of life…”

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

PHIR SE UD CHALA- ROCKSTAR Phir dhuaa-dhuaa tan har badli chali aati hai chhoone, Par koi badli kabhi kai karde tan geela ye bhi naa ho, Kissi manzar par main rukka nahin Kabhi khud se bhi main mila nahin, Ye gilla to hai, main khafa nahin...

EK DIN BIK JAYEGA- DHARAM KARAM Anhoni path mein kaante laakh bichaaye...Honi to phir bhi bichhda yaar milaye, Anhoni path mein kaante laakh bichaaye...Honi to phir bhi bichhda yaar milaye

ZINDAGI KAISI HAI PAHELI-ANAND Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli, Kabhi dekho man nahi jaage Pichhe pichhe sapano ke bhaage Ek din sapano kaa raahi Chalaa jaae sapano ke aage kahaan Zindagi

T

oday, as people across try to find solace as they stumble through the wilderness of pain, grief and loss, for most of us music comes as a cool breeze which soothes the spirit and heart.

I don’t know anyone who does not like music, I thought deeply but could not find a person in my life, who did not like music. Maybe someone like this had come into my life…but I doubt it and it is no wonder they did not stay.

For most of us, Music is a friend we fall back upon when happy, tired, sad, lonely or just when we have a spare moment. We all have a LIST for different moods, special songs which remind us of a love longed for and lost, a moment gained, a memory of unbridled joy and of course the moods! A list for every mood for every moment is part of a music lovers’ life!

I grew up in an age when we made lists of songs and went to get cassettes recorded at special shops and became adept in spooling the tape which un-winded with unerring regularity, form those days to CD’s and now to have each and every song at the click on my phone – I am in music heaven!

Today I bring you some of the songs which give me hope and solace and calm the mind in these stormy times!

“Jab Yeh Tanha Dil Ghabraya, Humne Dil Ko Yeh Samjhaya, Dil Aakhir Tu Kyun Rota Hai, Duniya Mein Yunhi Hota Hai, Yeh Jo Gehre Sannate Hain, Waqt Ne Sabko Hi Baatey Hain, Thoda Ghum Hai Sabka Kissa, Thodi Dhoop Hai Sabka Hissa, Aankh Teri Bekaar Hi Nam Hai, Har Pal Ek Naya Mausam Hai.”

CITY

STAY MASKED

GET VACCINATED

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

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Yash with his father Atal Saini

Our personal Superheroes!

Vivek Gupta with children Kashika and Soham

Sumit Bhola with his son Rehansh

Neha with her father Ram Kishore Dusad

Vatsla and Samarth with their father Bhagwan Ramani

Hitansh and Devina with their father Vineet Dhanani

12

CELEBRATIONS!

To the men, we look up to, no matter how much we grow...City First brings to you a few glimpses from the Fathers’ Day celebration on Saturday!

BS Haldar with his son Shaan

BUZZ

Nishka with her father Nitin and grandfather Prahlad Modi

Ishanee and Sachin Sharma celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with simplicity and joy in togetherness on Sunday.

They spent the day in natural beauty and Director News TV9, Hemant Sharma and Veena Sharma, Ishanee’s parents showered them with blessings.

Ishanee and Sachin Sharma

Ishanee with parents, Veena and Hemant Sharma

A family moment of joy

International Calendar Shoot- Season 3

EVENTS!

CITY FIRST

On the occasion of World Father’s Day, Hemendra Surana and Hemant Surana remembered their late father IPS S M Surana who in his lifetime had helped many needy persons as well as gifted one cottage ward in SMS Hospital Jaipur for the retired employees, free of cost. A great visionary, his legacy has been carried forward by his sons.

P

utting behind the Covid-19 blues, Event curator Sanjeev Jain, who’s also an Investment Banker and Director of Ace Advisors India, a company that deals in Investment abroad, international business expansion, all set for its third edition of calendar shoot event titled – INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR SHOOT SEASON-3 Dubai UAE, Tycoon Magazines - Media and promotion partner. The shoot will be supported by Filmfare Middle East alongside the benign guidance of Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Filmfare ME. Models would be shot in the best of the locations desert, beaches, Yacht, Burj Khalifa, Luxury Cars and more. A lifetime experience of its own, the shoot will be accompanied by a stay at a fourstar hotel, all Hi Fashion wardrobe along with professional and seasoned shoot crew. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

World Sickle Cell Day, observed annually on June 19, aims to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at a national and global level. SCD, an inherited blood disorder that poses a major health burden in India. Dr Anil Khatri, Member of Managing Committee, Indian Red Cross Society and Member of Thalassemia Jagruti Organisation, Ahmedabad said, “Sickle Cell Disease prevalence is significant in Gujarat, skewed towards the tribal populations.

Raising awareness and enabling patient education is necessary to facilitate timely diagnosis & treatment and also better management of severe pain episodes or crises.”

Representational picture

The importance of Yoga CITY FIRST

Wedding industries are going through a difficult phase in this difficult period of Corona.

The government has provided many relaxations and reliefs to the business world in the guidelines issued at present Modified 2.0. Association of Event Entrepreneurs presented an appeal to the Chief Minister to let 200 people attend wedding ceremonies.

The subcommittee of Indian Psychiatric Society Young Psychiatric organised a National webinar on the theme ‘How to get your article published’. Committee Chairperson Dr Anita Gautam welcomed faculty members and participants and briefed them about the upcoming series of webinars on Clinical /Practical Guidance for young psychiatrists.

On the occasion of Ganga Dashami, Mahant Mahendra Kumar Panda anointed the Ganga Mata temple with Panchamrit and fruit juice and decorated the temple with flowers. Due to the ongoing epidemic coronavirus, social distancing was followed, common people were barred from entering the temple and the seven tableaux of Ganga Mata were well organised.

W

ith the launch of ‘Digital Bal Mela 2021’ Season 2, a creative platform sponsored by Future Society and LIC, this platform is giving a new dimension to children’s art. Through this platform, where children are getting to learn a lot, then they are also becoming famous throughout the country with their thoughts. This platform of Digital Children’s Fair started on June 15 is giving children a chance to learn something new every day, till yesterday the ministers and MLAs of Rajasthan had communicated with the children, now the level of this platform

During the virtual session, ‘Digital Bal Mela’

is reaching for higher stakes.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, a special program was organised on the platform of DBM. The Yoga session was hosted by Aadi Jain of Pratapgarh featuring yoga trainer Divya Shekhawat, who elaborated on the means of balancing and harmonizing our body, mind and emotions. 12-year-old Harshul Lungiani of Delhi, one of the participants at DBM looks forward to the session along with all the other participants. He never skips yoga for a day and it brings him peace of mind.

Children also learned many exercises from the resource person. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the children in Ajmer showed their enthusiasm as they performed various asanas.

BUZZ RAWAT MISHTHAN BHANDAR

The inventor of Kachori ‘Mawa & Pyaz’ are introducing a new outlet today, entitled, Rawat Mishthan Bhandar. RMB is an outlet that is going to bring delicious sweets and mouth-watering local dishes such as pyaaz kachoris and samosas for the people of Pink City.

TREE PLANTATION DRIVE

Rajasthan Khadi Gramodyog Sanstha Sangh with an aim of planting 1000 plants are conducting a Tree Plantation Drive today. Ministers Dr BD Kalla, Parsadi Lal Meena and Sukhramji Vishnoi will be present at the event. The story of Gandhi will also be displayed during the programme.