First India-Ahmedabad Edition-01 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 337

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HOME MINISTER AMIT SHAH TO BEGIN TWO-DAY VISIT TO WEST BENGAL FROM 5 NOV AHEAD OF 2021 POLLS

KAMAL NATH MOVES SUPREME COURT CHALLENGING EC’S ORDER REVOKING HIS ‘STAR CAMPAIGNER’ STATUS

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

Govt-Gurjar consensus on 14 points, but Bainsla says protest on today Jaipur: A delegation of Gurjar leaders held talks with the government here on Saturday reaching a consensus on 14 points on reservation demands amid the proposed agitation call given by the Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti from Sunday.

Gurjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, however, skipped the meeting held at secretariat. Both the sides reached a consensus on 14 points after which Gurjar leader Himmat Singh said that the talks ended on positive note and the agreement would satisfy the community and it would not require to revive the agitation. But Vijay Bainsla rejected the agreement.

He said, “Gurjar society does not accept the agreement. We will gather in Pilupura at 10 am tomorrow. If the government has asked for 7 days time, then Gurjars will sit on the track for 7 days”.

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RAJ TO BULLDOZE CENTRE’S

FARM LAWS FROM 3 SIDES Dhariwal places three bills on the floor of Vidhan Sabha

Bills bar sale & purchase of wheat or paddy below MSP

New Delhi: After a 3-day long drama played between New Delhi and Jaipur, finally Gehlot govt failed to secure a 3month extension for it’s outgoing Chief Secretary Rajeeva Swarup. Surprisingly even after two wellmeaning calls of CM Ashok Gehlot to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same issue, Central government did not

Rajeeva Swarup

accede to the state government’s request.

The reasons... the role of a powerful Union minster from Ra-

 Movie legend Sean Connery, who shot to international stardom as the suave, sexy and sophisticated British agent James Bond died aged 90.

Vidhan Sabha session in motion on Saturday. (Right) Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in attendance.

entire state as a market for selling agriculture produce to “protect” its farmers from the Centre’s farm laws.

On the first day of the Assembly session, Rajasthan’s Parliamentary Affairs Min-

jasthan and also a section of Rajasthan IAS lobby, which was working against Rajeeva’s extension from day one. In fact, Centre’s decision has also served a serious jolt to the credibility and effectivity of the state government vis-à-vis the Central Government. Now, Usha Sharma and Veenu Gupta are the front runners in the race for the new CS but you certainly can’t ignore the ‘dark horse’ Niranjan Arya.

All forces questioning Pulwama exposed: PM Kevadia (Narmada): Addressing the country on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Divas, which marks the 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday urged people “not to play into the hands” of those who questioned the sacrifice of the soldiers in Pulwama.

Two days after Pakistan’s Science and Technology minister Fawad Chaudhary said in the

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters after he arrived from Kevadia via India’s first seaplane, at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on Saturday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Pakistan national assembly that “our success in Pulwama, is a success of this nation under the

VOTING FOR SECOND PHASE OF RAJ CIVIC POLLS TODAY

SEAN ‘JAMES BOND’ CONNERY NO MORE

CM GEHLOT HAD TWEETED ON OCTOBER 20

FINALLY, RAJ CS RAJEEVA DOESN’T GET EXTENSION!

Aditi Nagar

AU G 1 9 3 0 — O C T 2 0 2 0

3-7 years of jail, fine for harassment of farmers

Yogesh Sharma/ Kashiram Chaudhary Jaipur: Following in the footsteps of Punjab, the Congress government in Rajasthan introduced three bills in the state Assembly to counter the Centre’s new farm laws cleared by the Parliament last month.

Earlier this month, the Punjab Assembly passed four new state farm Bills, including three amendment Bills, striking down key provisions of the Centre’s laws, and barring the sale and purchase of wheat or paddy below the MSP. The Chhattisgarh assembly also approved the Chhattisgarh Krishi Upaj Mandi (Amendment) Bill 2020 that declared the

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leadership of Imran Khan”, Modi said divisive forces have been exposed. Turn to P6, More on P2

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INC under the leadership of Smt #SoniaGandhi ji& #RahulGandhi ji stands absolutely with our ‘annadatas’ and will continue to oppose the anti-farmer laws passed

by NDA Govt. Today Congress Govt in #Punjab has passed Bills against these laws & #Rajasthan will follow soon.

 The makers of James Bond films confirmed the news on Twitter, “Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90. He was the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen in Dr. No in 1962”.  Tall with a throaty voice to match a sometimes crusty personality, Connery won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a tough cop in The Untouchables.

ister Shanti Dhariwal introduced the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions and Rajasthan Amendment) Bill 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price

Assurance and Farm Services (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill 2020 and the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation and Rajasthan Amendment) Bill 2020.

Yogi’s love jihad warning: ‘Your Ram Naam Satya will begin if you don’t mend ways’

In Dubai: Ishan Kishan, pacers shine as Mumbai thrash Delhi

Jaunpur: Referring to the Allahabad High Court’s remark that conversion “just for the purpose of marriage” was unacceptable, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday said his government was working to bring a strict law to curb incidents of “love jihad”.

Addressing a rally in Jaunpur for the upcoming bye-elections, Adityanath, whose government has been facing intense pressure over a string of rape incidents, said, “Allahabad High Court said religious conversion isn’t necessary for marriage. Govt will also work to curb ‘love-jihad’, we’ll make a law.”

Issuing a warning against “love jihad”, Adityanath said, “I warn those who conceal identity and play with our sisters’ respect. If you don’t mend your ways your ‘Ram naam satya’ (chant associated with Hindu funerals) journey will begin.”

he second phase of voting for three municipal corporations of Jaipur Greater, Jodhpur South and Kota South will take place on Sunday. More than 19 lakh voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,287 candidates for ward councilor.

 Connery was raised in near poverty in the slums of Edinburgh and worked as a coffin polisher, milkman and lifeguard before his bodybuilding hobby helped launch an acting career that made him one of the world’s biggest stars.

Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians celebrate their win over Delhi Capitals during IPL in Dubai on Saturday.

Dubai: Mumbai Indians thrashed Delhi Capitals by nine wickets in a one-sided affair at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

After the bowlers restricted a strong Delhi batting lineup to a paltry total of 110 for nine in 20 overs, Ishan Kishan smashed a half-century to help Mumbai register an easy win over Delhi.

It was Delhi’s third consecutive loss in this tournament.

Anrich Nortje was the only Delhi bowler who managed to pick up a wicket, as he cleaned up Quinton de Kock

MI’s Jasprit Bumrah celebrates fall of Marcus Stoinis wicket.

with a back of length delivery.

Kishan kept going from the other end and finished the game with a huge hit over deep midwicket as MI chased down the target with over five overs to spare.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Wriddhiman Saha (39 of 32) plays a shot against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah on Saturday. SRH (121/5) defeat RCB by 5 wickets.

—PHOTOS BY PTI

NEWS AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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MAIDEN VOYAGE

PM dedicates seaplane service to the public First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nation’s first-ever seaplane service and water aerodrome at 11.55 am on Saturday, when he arrived at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati River Front from Kevadia on its maiden flight. The trip took just 50 minutes.

Modi began the maiden voyage of the twinengine plane from pond3 close to Sardar Sarovar Dam after taking part in the Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 145th birth anniversary.

Before boarding the plane, Modi spent some time at the water aerodrome at the pond and took details about the service and the aircraft from the crew as well as officials.

After his arrival in Ahmedabad, Modi unveiled a plaque announcing the launch of the service from Saturday. He then stayed at the River Front for about 45 minutes before departing for New Delhi from the Ahmedabad Airport, ending his twoday visit to the state.

For the safety of the Prime Minister, city police commissioner Sanjay Srivastava had earlier issued a notification banning remote-

INAUGURATION MARKED THE CULMINATION OF HIS TWO-DAY VISIT TO GUJARAT

PM Modi inaugurated the Seaplane Service and the Water Aerodrome in the presence of dignitaries including Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Vijay Rupani, MoS (Home) Pradipsinh Jadeja, and Ahmedabad Mayor Bijal Patel. Area residents had lined up outside the River Front to watch the newly launched seaplane touch down for the first time on the waters of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

based flying equipment, including drones. The area was closed to walk-

ers and joggers as well.

In addition, a total of four boats patrolled the

Sabarmati for one and a half hours ahead of and during the Prime Min-

ister’s visit.

Vehicles stopped on

were some

Campaigning to end at 3 pm today

routes in the area and traffic was also diverted. Roads on

both sides of the River Front remained closed--as were the

stretches from RTO circle to Vadaj circle, and from Vadaj Cemetery to Ambedkar Bridge--from 10 am to 2 pm.

As is becoming the norm during visits of any dignitaries, slum houses in the vicinity were covered with curtains, to hide them from view. There were eight bird-scare cannons mounted on either side of the River Front to ensure that the seaplane was not hit by errant birds.

The newly inaugurated Water Aerodrome at the Sabarmati River Front in Ahmedabad is the first of a series being planned to bring lastmile connectivity to the state.

Seaplanes have the ability to land and takeoff from water thus offering access to areas that do not have landing strips or runways. Thus they can help in connecting the geographies/regions that have challenges owing to topography and bring the remotest parts of India into the mainstream aviation network without the high cost of building airports and runways. These smaller fixed-wing aeroplanes can land on water bodies like lakes, backwaters and dams, gravel, and grass, thus offering easy access to numerous tourist spots as well.

Each voter will be given disposable hand gloves for Tuesday’s by-elections

Will use MLA pay for public work: Morbi Cong candidate

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Gandhinagar: With official campaigning for Tuesday’s state Assembly by-elections set to end at 3 pm on Sunday, politicians will likely spend Monday making last-minute appeals for votes via door-to-door visits and social media.

Both major political parties have been campaigning hard for the past few weeks and have publicly claimed to be confident that their efforts will bear fruit.

However, the fight for the eight vacant seats in Gujarat’s Legislative Assembly could well come down to the wire.

The Congress and the Bharatiya are both well aware of this, as evidenced by the 30 star campaigners each side roped in to help garner

CM Vijay Rupani and BJP state president CR Patil at a rally in Dhari on Saturday.

votes. It isn’t just politicians who will be on their toes come Tuesday.

With the election being held under the shadow of the novel coronavirus, the Election Commission too is not ready to take any chances. It has allocated between 2 lakh and 2.5 lakh disposa-

ble gloves for voters in each constituency, to ensure that polling booths do not become a hotspot of viral transmission. Voters will receive the gloves as they reach the polling stations, which will also have hand sanitizers. Interestingly, voters will only

be given one glove each--for their right hand--since their left hand will bear the mark of having voted.

In addition, the EC has allotted some 5,000 rubber gloves and equal numbers of transparent face shields are distributed for the protection of polling staff in

each constituency.

Meanwhile, campaigning for Brijesh Merja, the BJP’s Morbi candidate, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel stated that no one is unhappy or disappointed by the ticket allocation. He went to the extent of stating that party’s old guard and four-time MLA Kanti Amrutia too is happy to be working to get Merja elected.

BJP state unit president CR Patil and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were also on the campaign trail on Saturday.

Addressing the public meeting in Dhari, Rupani remembered Sardar Patel on his 145th birth anniversary and said that Junagadh and Hyderabad were only part of India today because of the legendary leader’s vision.

Ahmedabad: In what could be seen as a desperate effort to garner votes in the state Assembly by-election slated to be held on Tuesday, Jayantilal Patel—the Congress candidate from Morbi—on Saturday promised to use his salary as an MLA for public works, if he were elected.

Patel—the richest candidate contesting the upcoming by-election, with declared assets amounting to Rs10.92 crore--has left no stone unturned in his quest for the Assembly seat.

The commerce graduate and businessman has been meeting people and participating in door-to-door campaigns from Day One of his nomination.

Since this is a by-election, whoever wins will

Jayantilal Patel, Congress candidate from Morbi

still only have 22 months in office before the next Assembly election in 2022.

“After becoming MLA, I will use all 22 months’ salary—an estimated Rs24 lakh-for the people of Morbi. This is my promise to the citizens,” he said on Saturday.

Patel has a stake in three ceramic factories.

Yet, the ceramic industry association has announced its “unconditional support” for former Congress MLA Brijesh Merja, who is contesting the seat on a BJP ticket.

Only time will tell if the voters buy this election promise, given the close fight for the Morbi Assembly seat between Patel and Merja.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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ACS (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar to hold additional charge of Home Dept First India Bureau Gandhinagar: With Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sangeeta Singh retiring from office on Saturday, the state has given additional charge of the Home department to Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), the second seniormost IAS officer of the state. The order came in the form of a notification from the General Administration Department. Singh has been appointed Gujarat’s vigilance commissioner.

General precedent is

—FILE PHOTO

Pankaj Kumar.

that the second seniormost IAS officer holds the Home portfolio.

However, this time, the

state government is being cautious in appointing the prime posting.

So, rather than ap-

pointing a regular ACS Home, the state has decided to give Kumar additional charge for the

—FILE PHOTO

Sangeeta Singh.

time being.

Singh, an IAS officer of the 1986 batch, was appointed as Addition-

al Chief Secretary (Home) in September 2019. Prior to that, she had held the charge of

ACS (GAD) for 18 months. When she was transferred as ACS (Home), she had taken

charge from Kumar, to whom she is now handing over the reins.

Kumar has been ACS (Revenue) since June 2017 and has previously served in the Chief Minister’s Office as Secretary to the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The state government through a separate order has appointed retiring IAS officer Sangeeta Singh as vigilance commissioner of the state—a post which has previously been held by IAS officer and former Chief Secretary Manjula Subramaniam and former ACS (Home) Ashok Narayan.

paramour arrested Seaplane connectivity likely for Woman, for killing her toddler son more tourist attractions, soon First India Bureau

These aircraft do not require particularly deep, long or wide stretches of water to land and take off Ahmedabad: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a flight connecting the Statue of Unity with Ahmedabad, there is a good chance that other tourism spots could be connected by flights. The state Tourism Department currently in talks with domestic flight service operators to work out the viability of air connectivity.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet Ltd, on Saturday said that since seaplanes do not require

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Haresh Jhala

SpiceJet says it has received 1,500 inquiries for the Ahmedabad-Kevadia sector in 24 hours.

particularly deep, long or wide water bodies, they can be used to connect the state’s many tourism spots that are close to water bodies with major cities having water bodies either passing through them or lo-

cated nearby.

He added, “The tourism department is also working on some proposals. Once these are firmed up, we will study the viability and will explore any and all possibilities.”

After connecting Ahmedabad and Kevadia via the newly launched seaplane service, SpiceJet is now looking to connect Surat with Kevadia.

The company has stated that it has received

40% of COVID-19 deaths were of patients above the age of 50 years

1,500 inquiries for the Ahmedabad-Kevadia flight in just 24 hours. “If such a rush continues it will be successful in a very short period,” the official said.

He has also clarified that while 30-40% passengers will benefit under the Udan scheme, which promises tickets on the Ahmedabad-Kevadia route for Rs1,500, the majority of tickets will follow the usual laws of demand and supply.

While the operator has currently planned four daily trips for the Ahmedabad-Kevadia sector, it could double the number of daily trips at a later stage.

Palanpur: Banaskantha District Police have arrested a woman and her paramour in connection with the murder of her 18-month-old son. The baby’s father was the woman’s husband.

According to the Tharad Police Station officer, “Police personnel arrested Manjula and her paramour Uda Majirana on Friday, based on a complaint filed by Bharat Thakor, Manjula’s husband.”

The First Information Report says that the complainant, his wife Manjula and their baby boy Ravi had gone to Bukana village to perform a puja on Wednesday and returned to Charada village late that evening.

Tharad Police with accused Uda Majirana and Manjula.

After reaching home, Manjula fled with Uda Majirana and took Ravi with her.

After attempts to look for his wife and son failed, Bharat had been at the home of his inlaws, when community leaders brought Manjula and baby’s corpse to them.

The complaint further states that Manjula told

her family members that she had gone and Uda had gone to his house after leaving Charada village. However, Ravi soon started crying. Unable to quieten him--and worried that his crying would give away her presence to the neighbours--Manjula held the boy’s nose shut and Uda strangled him, leading to the child’s death.

MARCHING IN UNITY

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Five more patients died on Saturday, taking the number of total COVID-19 deaths in the state to 3,719. As many as 1,511 (40%) of the patients who have succumbed to the virus since March were aged 50 years or older. At the other end of the spectrum, eight deaths have been of patients aged 20 years or younger.

In the past 24 hours,

935 cases, five fatalities take state tally to 1,72,944 cases, toll to 3,719

A man sprays disinfectant at a crematorium.

the state has conducted 51,754 tests, of which 935 came back positive for COVID-19. With this there are 13,106 active cases in the state with 59 patients are on ventilators. Of the five

—FILE PHOTO

patients who died on Saturday, two were from Ahmedabad, while Surat, Patan and Rajkot each recorded one death.

The highest number (227) of cases were re-

ported in Surat. There are now 1,658 active cases in the district, Cases also emerged in Ahmedabad (178), Vadodara (119), Rajkot (68), Gandhinagar (40), Mehsana (29), Jamnagar and Junagadh (28 each), Bharuch (18) and Amreli and Kheda (16 each).

Ahmedabad City Police personnel take part in a parade to mark Ekta Divas on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel birth Anniversary, during an event flagged off by Mos (Home) Pradipsinh Jadeja, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Sanjay Srivastava and Mayor Bijal Patel on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

RMC wins Green Champion Award for affordable housing project Key features of the green housing movement include cavity walls, openable windows and ventilation shafts

GOING FORWARD



First India Bureau Rajkot: Adding another feather to its cap, Rajkot Municipal Corporation on Saturday received the 7th Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Champions award for leading the Green Affordable Housing Movement. The city

made its mark by involving green affordable housing projects made under various government schemes.

Some of the features include cavity walls, openable windows, and ventilation shafts by incorporating green building principals including solar system and rain water harvest-

The award was announced during a virtual meeting.

ing. These changes in building design ensure that house temperatures stay at 30-31 degrees Celsius.

So far, 25,000 houses have been built by RMC under the affordable housing projects and 10,000 such houses are in progress under 14 affordable housing projects.

The award has been given under the ‘ government organisation leading the green affordable housing movement in ‘India’ category.

The efforts of the green building concept was initiated under the leadership of Mayor Beena Acharya, Standing Committee Chairman Uday Kangad, RMC Commissioner Udit Agarwal and the entire technical team headed under the leadership of city engineer (special) Alpana Mitra.

Plans are being made to incorporate this green concept in the construction of new schools and libraries.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

RAJASTHAN DECIDES TO HAVE OWN FARM LAWS

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olitics over agriculture reforms initiated by the NDA government at the Centre continues. To negate the impact of legislations enacted by the Centre in the state Punjab assembly unanimously passed four farm bills. It is now the turn of another Congress-ruled state--- Rajasthan---to come up with its set of laws to protect the interests of farmers. The Essential Commodities (Special Provisions and Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation and Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2020 were tabled by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Punjab was, in a way, forced to bring in the legislation after violent protests by farmers who felt aggrieved over what they perceived as a sell-off of their interests to corporate players. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated assertions that the interests of farmers won’t be compromised, farmers fear that the Central legislation would gradually do away with minimum support price of their produce. Keeping this in mind, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services (Rajasthan Amendment) provides that “…no Farming Agreement for the sale or purchase of a crop shall be valid unless the price paid for such agricultural produce is equal to, or greater than, the prevailing Minimum Support Prices announced by the Central Government.”

Rajasthan’s move is in keeping with the Congress party’s stand on the issue. But like Punjab’s legislations the bills tabled by Rajasthan will also lead to a conflict between Centre and the state.

MAHATHIR’S TWEET SPARKS UPROAR K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

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ADITYANATH WARNS LOVE JIHADIS WITH DEATH

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ove jihad is back on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Yogi Adityanath’s agenda.

Following Allahabad High Court’s observation that conversion “just for the purpose of marriage” is unacceptable.

What Adityanath said in a by-election rally was in keeping with his stance witnessed during the 2014 and 2017 elections. He was not the chief minister of India’s most populous state then and was said to have been done to polarise voters. That is why his warning to “those who conceal identity and play with our sisters’ respect, if you don’t mend your ways your ‘Ram Naam Satya’ journey will begin, is worrisome. Ram Naam Satya is an invocation made during the final journey of Hindus. In other words, he warned them of death.

The judgment per se was on a case of a Muslim woman who had converted to Hinduism to marry a Hindu as per Hindu rituals. The court relied on other similar judgments to dismiss the writ petition. The chief minister, however, looked at the other side of the high court’s order and talked of a new law to curb love jihad. Reportedly, UP had 11 cases of alleged forced conversions after Hindu girls were lured into marriage in Kanpur in AugustSeptember. A special investigation team was constituted to look into all aspects of the allegations.

While there may be some instances of forced conversions, there are inter-faith marriages happening as well. Hindutva forces view conversions through allurements and deceit as a larger Muslim conspiracy.

Dr Mahathir Mohammad is currently in the news. A teacher in France had his throat slit by an 18-yearold Chechen boy. The killer was angered by the teacher showing a caricature of Prophet Muhammad.

Dr. Mahathir in a lengthy statement justified the act of the Chechen youth

met former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad of Malaysia several times in various parts of the world.

In his first term as Prime Minister, he was at the helm for twenty-two uninterrupted years.

For the next several years he was out of office but not out of public mind. From time to time he made the powers that be uncomfortable. Out of nowhere, at the age of ninetytwo, he became Prime Minister for the second time- the oldest head of government in the world. He is now out of the office and in his mid-nineties, still active in politics, stirring the political waters.

In November 1989 the Commonwealth Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Mahathir presided.

As was customary the conference was opened by Queen Elizabeth. She had no other role to play, except holding a reception the leaders of delegations, most of whom were Vice-Presidents, Presidents, and Prime Ministers.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had decided to attend, but at the last minute, he decided not to. Dr Mahathir was deeply disappointed. I was at the time number two in our delegation.

The Prime Minister had decided not to take External Affairs Minister PV Narasimha Rao with him. He was needed in Delhi as elections to the Lok Sabha were due in December.

It, hence fell to me to become the leader of the Indian delegation. This was very unusual.

Normally at NAM and Commonwealth summits Ministers of State are almost invisible.

Dr. Mahathir asked me to meet him. I should telephone Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to tell him that leaders were missing him and wished their disappointment be conveyed to him. I called Rajiv Gandhi, he said he could not leave Delhi as he

was fully occupied with preparing for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. I pleaded with him to reconsider but to no avail. Dr Mahathir was put out. However at the dinner held the day before the conference was to close, the Malaysian Prime Minister approached me, “Minister, call Rajiv and tell him from me that he need come only for a couple of hours on the closing day, make his statement and return to Delhi.” If I remember he himself called Rajiv Gandhi.

Rajiv Gandhi rang me saying, “I am sending PV convey my regrets to Mahathir” “Sir, why don’t you call Dr Mahathir and tell him why you cannot come and that you were sending the External Affairs Minister”. He agreed. He called Mahathir. PV arrived but was cold-shouldered by Dr Mahathir. For Mahathir Kuala Lumpur Summit was of great significance. Pakistan was to be re-admitted to Commonwealth after over fifteen years.

Miss Benazir Bhutto had already arrived in Kuala Lumpur. It was her father who had pulled out of the Common-

SINCE YOU HAVE BLAMED ALL MUSLIMS AND THE MUSLIMS RELIGION FOR WHAT WAS DONE BY ONE ANGRY PERSON, THE MUSLIMS HAVE A RIGHT TO PUNISH THE FRENCH

wealth, when Bangladesh was admitted.

After all these years I do continue to feel, the Rajiv Gandhi should have attended the Kuala Lumpur Summit at least for half a day.

Dr. Mahathir Mohammad is currently in the news. A teacher in France had his throat slit by an 18-year-old Chechen boy.

The killer was angered by the teacher showing a caricature of Prophet Muhammad. Dr. Mahathir in a lengthy state-

Antitrust alone won’t fix the innovation problem

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he US Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Google may be the first salvo in a forthcoming barrage of antitrust actions directed at Big Tech. Curbing these companies’ power is one of those rare issues that receives bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.

Though the Google lawsuit focuses narrowly on “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices in the search and search advertising markets,” a lengthy report released recently by the US House Antitrust Subcommittee lists several other issues on policymakers’ radar. In addition to Google’s dominant role in digital advertising and its alleged practice of steering users to search results beneficial to itself, US lawmakers are eyeing Facebook’s overwhelming con

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trol of social media, Amazon’s mounting command of retail markets, and potential privacy violations by all the major platforms.

But Big Tech’s most pernicious effects on economic growth and consumer welfare may stem less from “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” than from its role in directing technological change more broadly.

It is worth remembering that we could always be directing our time, resources, and attention differently in the development and deployment of technology. We can keep investing in technologies that help managers, engineers, and skilled professionals, or we could instead push for technologies that empower lowerskilled workers. We can deploy our current know-how to improve coal-powered energy generation, or we could direct our attention to

cleaner energy sources such as solar or wind. We can steer research in artificial intelligence toward the automation of work and improved facial recognition and surveillance, or we could use the same underlying technologies to augment human productivity and bolster secure private communication and fact-

based, manipulation-free political discourse.

Several factors will determine which alternatives receive the most attention from researchers and businesses. The size of the market for new technologies naturally weighs heavily on those making investment decisions within profit-driven corporations. But

the needs, business models, and vision of companies spearheading technological innovation may be even more important determinants of broader trends.

When Microsoft dominated the PC market with its Windows operating system in the 1990s, it had no incentive to invest in alternative operating systems or

in products that would not integrate well with Windows. Likewise, today’s Silicon Valley giants are unlikely to push for technologies that will cannibalize their profits, just as oil companies were never going to be the first-movers on green energy that competes directly with fossil fuels. Not surprisingly, when companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Netflix step up to demonstrate technological leadership, they do so in areas that are compatible with their own interests and business models.

Moreover, each of these companies is driven not just by its current revenue sources and product portfolios but also by its broader vision. Each company’s executive team brings its own approach, idiosyncrasies, and preoccupations to the innovation process.

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

ment justified the act of the Chechen youth. I quote a portion of Dr. Mahathir statement: “Macron (President of France) is not showing that he is civilized. He is very primitive in blaming the religion of Islam and Muslims for the killing of the insulting school teacher. It is not in keeping with the teachings of Islam... “The French in the course of their history have killed millions of people. Many were Muslims.

“Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the Massacres of the past. But by and large, the Muslims have not applied the “eye for an eye law” Muslims don’t. The French shouldn’t. Instead, the French should teach their people to respect other people’s feelings.

“Since you have blamed all Muslims and the Muslims religion for what was done by one angry person, the Muslims have a right to punish the French......”

All one can say is that the 94-year-old doctor seems to be losing it.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Congratulations to Tashi Gyalson ji & Tsering Angchuk ji of @ BJP4Ladakh on being elected as new Chairman and Dy Chairman of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Historic result of elections reflect Ladakh’s unwavering trust in BJP and Hon PM @narendramodi’s leadership.

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @DrRPNishank Under Hon’ble PM Shri @ narendramodi ji’s leadership, #NEP2020 incorporates multilingualism from a formative age. The policy avoids the pedagogical structure of learning & promotes education in a fun & creative manner.

Spiritual SPEAK

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.

—Buddha

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THE REMAINING 172 ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES WILL GO FOR POLLS ON NOV 3 AND 7

NADDA TAKES SWIPE @ TEJASHWI’S PROMISE Sonpur : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday took a swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over his 10 lakh government jobs promise in the run up to the Bihar Assembly polls.

“They say they will give 10 lakh jobs. We say that we will give 19 lakh job opportunities in Bihar. In Atmanirbhar Bihar, the people of Bihar will not do jobs, they will offer jobs.

That is the kind of development we will bring,” Nadda said addressing a public gathering in Sonpur. He said that a medical college is coming up in Chhapra and it will lead to the opening up of around 500 medical stores, 10 diagnostic centres and at least 4-5 coaching institutes. “We know how to create employment.

It’s not like you come into power and give 10 lakh jobs,” he said.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had, in his manifesto, promised to give 10 lakh government jobs in the state if he comes to power.

‘Tejashwi’s guru RaGa should apologise to country over Pulwama’

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses a public rally in Sonpur on Saturday. —PHOTO BY ANI

Nadda also took a jibe at the RJD’s election symbol asking a cheering crowd whether it want LEDs or lanterns.

“When I was the Health Minister and Narendra Modi ji was the Prime Minister. In four years, we gave 11 medical colleges to Bihar. We worked on construction of roads and highways and electrification of railway tracks,” Nadda said.

“The BJP government spent over Rs 3,000

MHA declares names for ‘Union Home Min’s Special Ops Medal’ New Delhi : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday announced the names of officers to be conferred with the ‘Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal’ for the year 2020. As per the MHA’s list, 15 officers from Delhi will be awarded the medals for two special operations which were carried out on January 1, 2020, and July 18, 2019.

Apart from these, six officers from Karnataka, for operations between December 21, 2019, to January 20, 2020, five from Gujarat (January 8, 2020) and five from Tamil Nadu for operations between December 29 last year and January 20, 2020, will also be conferred with the award. Eight personnel from Kerala will be awarded with the

THE HONOUR

medal for operations in August 2019.

The award, as per the Under Secretary to the Government, DK Ghosh, will be published shortly in the Gazette of India by the MHA. —ANI

PREZ, HM, PM EXTEND WISHES TO PEOPLE ON VALMIKI JAYANTI New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, V-P M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other political leaders extended greetings to people on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti on Saturday. President Kovind greeted citizens on the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, saying through his work, he pre-

sented the ideals of social harmony, justice and goodwill. Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on Valmiki Jayanti. PM Modi extended best wishes to people on Valmiki Jayanti and said Maharishi Valmiki’s ideal ideas based on social harmony, equality and justice will always inspire countrymen.

crores on the welfare of farmers, Rs 1,000 crores on education, Rs 600 crores on health.

Around Rs 1,200 crores are being spent on Chapra medical college, which will be a worldclass and state of the art establishment,” he added.

The BJP chief also highlighted that Rs 54,000 crores were spent on construction of highways, Rs 13,000 cr for roads, Rs 2,700 cr on airports in Bihar. —ANI

Patna: Taking a jibe at leader Mahagathbandan chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, Union Minister Nithyanand Rai on Saturday said that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader should ask his “political guru” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the country over the remarks made on Pulwama attack.

“Pakistan accepted the responsibility of

Nityanand Rai

Pulwama attack, I want to ask Tejashwi Yadav that when will his political guru Rahul Gan-

dhi apologise to the country for his remarks,” he said.

“What should I say about the Congress party and Rahul babu.

They became Pakistan advocates (Vakil). Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry said yesterday that “we did the Pulwama, Imran Khan did the Pulwama. Their minister is saying so in an answer in their National Assembly,” Nadda had said.

—ANI

‘Won’t be surprised if Tejashwi becomes CM’ Pune : Asserting that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is creating a substantial challenge against the ruling NDA in the Bihar Assembly Elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said he will not be surprised if Tejashwi Yadav becomes the Chief Minister of Bihar.

“Today, we see in the Bihar election that a

youngster who has nobody’s support, whose family members are in jail and agencies like the CBI and the Income Tax are behind him is creating a challenge for others. If Tejaswi Yadav becomes Chief Minister tomorrow, I won’t be surprised because these are the public sentiments,” Raut said addressing

mediapersons here.

When asked about the EC giving a pass to the BJP’s Covid-19 vaccine promise in Bihar polls, he said the ECI is a branch of the BJP now and nothing else can be expected from it. “One can not expect anything else from them. I believe it was a clear violation,” the Shiv Sena leader said.

Sanjay Raut

‘Nitish Kumar’s credibility is completely destroyed’

Patna : Mahagathbandan’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has lost his credibility and the JDU-BJP alliance is all set to lose this election.

“Nitish Kumar’s credibility is completely destroyed. After the first phase of polling, there is a clear message to the country that election can be fought on issues. BJP and Nitish Kumar will not come back to power,” Tejashwi said.

Earlier in the day, RJD leader hit out at CM Nitish Kumar, alleging that his gover nment was involved in over 60 scams of over Rs 30,000 crore. As proof of his claim, Tejashwi shared a video of PM Narendra Modi listing over 30 scams linked to state government.

— Agencies

Shah to begin 2-day visit to WB ED arrests man under PMLA in ahead of 2021 Assembly polls `750 cr loan fraud

New Delhi : Ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) leader Amit Shah will be on a twoday visit to the state from November 5 to take stock of the party’s organisational matters.

According to party sources, Shah will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal on November 5 and 6.

The Union Home Minister was earlier scheduled to visit West Bengal on the occasion of Durga puja but the trip was cancelled.

During his two-day visit, Shah will be meeting party state leaders, reviewing poll preparations, looking into organisational matters and also discussing the party’s strategy for the upcoming Assembly polls. Dhankhar has been at loggerheads with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over several issues.Banerjee had earlier accused Dhankhar

THE SCHEDULE

No change of BJP guard in West Bengal, says Kailash Vijayvargiya Kolkata : BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said party will fight the coming assembly polls in Bengal with Dilip Ghosh as its president and refuted media reports of his removal.There were reports that Ghosh might be removed of running a “parallel administration” in the state.

A few days ago, BJP’s West Bengal unit witnessed a major organi-

SUMARIWALLA ELECTED AFI CHIEF FOR THIRD TERM Gurugram: Incumbent Adille Sumariwalla was elected unopposed as Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president for his third term while legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George was made senior vice-president during its Annual General Body Meet. Ravinder Chaudhary, who has served AFI for a long time was elected unopposed as secretary. There was no contest for other posts also, with only one candidate for all of them. Sandeep Mehta, who had filed papers for secretary’s post, had withdrawn his name.

from post as the central leadership is not happy with inner squabbling in state BJP. “The reports are sational change, as incumbent state general secretary (org) Subrata Chattopadhyay was removed and his deputy Amitava Chakraborty

not only baseless but also misleading and politically motivated.

I want to categorically say that West Bengal BJP will fight the assembly election with Dilip Ghosh as its state president. There is no question of replacing him,” Vijayvargiya told.

—PTI was elevated to the post by the central leadership. Earlier this year, Shah had addressed a virtual rally for West Bengal.

—PTI

MUM: WOMAN KILLED, TWO HURT AS PART OF CRANE COLLAPSES Mumbai : A 26-year-old woman was crushed to death and two others injured when a trolley of a speeding crane got separated and collapsed near a bus-stop in the western suburb of Andheri, police said. The accident took place at around 6 am near Gundavali bus stop on Western Express Highway, after the driver of the

crane, which was heading towards Dadar from Jogeshwari, lost control, an official said. The trolley of the crane got separated and hit Chandivali resident Falguni Patel and two others, and also damaged an autorickshaw and a Metro rail pillar nearby, the official said. An FIR has been registered in the case against the driver.

New Delhi : The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a person in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged Rs 750 crore bank loan fraud committed by misusing credit facilities, the central probe agency said on Saturday.

It said Sai Chandrasekhar was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Friday following which a local court here sent him to seven days ED custody.

The money laundering case against Chandrasekhar pertains to a probe initiated by the agency against Virkaran Awasty, Vinod Sirohi and KPMG India Pvt Ltd, it said in a statement.

The PMLA case was filed against them after studying an FIR registered by the economic offences wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police on the basis of a complaint received from Hassad Netherlands BV.

Hassad Netherlands BV, a subsidiary of Hassad Food Company, was “induced” by Virkaran Awasty and Ritika Awasty, Directors of Bush Foods Overseas Pvt Ltd, to part with funds amounting to USD 120 million (about Rs 750 crore) by misrepresenting the level of stocks/inventory, ED alleged.

On the basis of such misrepresentations, the accused persons induced Hassad Netherlands BV to provide corporate guarantee for outstanding amount of Rs 714 crore. “Credit facilities were availed by Bush Foods Overseas Pvt Ltd on the basis of non-existent stocks and inventory,” ED claimed.

MAN HELD FOR RAPE BID ON 4-YEAR-OLD IN UP’S HAMIRPUR Hamirpur : A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a four-year-old girl here, police said. According to Kotwali SHO Vikramjeet Singh, the girl’s father alleged that Ramkaran, who runs a motorcycle repair shop, took his daughter to a secluded place and tried to rape her.As locals rushed to the spot on hearing her cries, the accused, who was in an inebriated condition, fled, Singh said. The accused was arrested on Saturday and the girl was sent to a government hospital for a medical examination.

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Leaders pay homage to Sardar Patel New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, VicePresident M Venkaiah Naidu and Union HM Amit Shah paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary on Saturday. LG Anil Baijal also paid tribute to Sardar Patel.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi and LS Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to India’s first deputy PM Patel on his birth anniversary also paid tribute to Sardar Patel.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “A humble tribute to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the pioneer of national unity and integrity, on his birth anniversary.”

“Salute to Sardar Patel Ji, an iron man who lives in the heart of every Indian. After uniting India scattered in hundreds of princely states after independence. India will never forget his steadfast

The extension of the ‘yagya’ (mission) of reclaiming our cultural heritage at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh this year was started by Patel by ordering the reconstruction of the Somnath temple in Gujarat.

I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity, security of nation & also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen.

I solemnly resolve to make contribution to ensure security of India.

Prime Minister,

Home Minister,

Narendra Modi

Amit Shah

145th Jayanti: Floral tributes paid to Iron Man of India in Parl Amit Shah pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 145th birth anniversary, at Patel Chowk in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu are also seen.

leadership, dedication and contribution,” Shah tweeted.

“Tributes on the birth anniversary of

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, his tireless hard work ensured integrity of the country,” LS Speaker tweeted. —ANI

Kamal Nath goes to top court against EC’s decision New Delhi: Former MP CM Kamal Nath has approached the SC challenging the EC’s decision to remove him as a “star campaigner” ahead of the by-elections in the state next week.

The powerful election body had said the 73-year-old leader’s star campaigner status was being revoked for “repeated violation of model code of conduct” and for “complete disre-

MODI IN GUJARAT

Kamal Nath

gard” of warnings to him. Kamal Nath, being a leader of a political party, had repeatedly “breached ethical and dignified behaviour”, the commission said in

its order.

If the former CM does campaign, the cost of everything else will be from the candidate’s limited poll expenses.

Challenging the order, Kamal Nath told the court, “It is right of the party to nominate a person as a star campaigner and the EC cannot interfere with the party decision. The decision is breach of fundamental right of expression, movement.”

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Secretary-General Snehlata Shrivastava and Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh on Saturday paid floral tributes at the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Central Hall

of Parliament House on the occasion of his 145th birth anniversary. Among others who paid tributes to Sardar Patel included officers and members of staff of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Sec-

retariats.

The portrait of Patel was unveiled by the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on 23 April, 1958.

I am surprised at Nath’s behaviour, says Jyotiraditya

‘Chouhan played tricks to unseat Cong in MP’

Kevadia: BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that people of the state would make former CM Kamal Nath apologise for his comments on a woman leader, on November 3 when the MP bypolls are set to be held.

“I am surprised at Nath’s behaviour. Despite EC action and former Congress president asking him to apologise, he refuses to do so,” BJP leader added.

Rajgarh : Senior Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday said MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan played tricks to get back to power after dislodging the Kamal Nath dispensation in March.

Addressing a bypoll rally in Biaora, Pilot said the people had voted for the Congress in the 2018 MP Assembly polls after 15 years of BJP rule.

“However, the threetime CM (Chouhan)

Sachin Pilot, Kamal Nath and Acharya Pramod Krishnan.

was dissatisfied, played tricks and made a backdoor entry to power,” Pilot said without elaborating. Meanwhile, Vijayvargiya said Pilot was leveling baseless allegations.

06

India’s posture and approach at borders have changed : Modi

PM Modi greets after addressing on occasion of birth anniversary of Patel, day also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Kevadia.

Kevadia: Indian soldiers have the power to give a befitting reply to those eyeing the land of the country, said PM Narendra Modi on Saturday, adding that today India is fully prepared to protect its territorial integrity, sovereignty and honour.

“India’s posture and approach at its borders have changed. Our brave soldiers are fully equipped and prepared to give a befitting reply to those who put their evil eyes on us. Security apparatus and infrastructure along our borders are stronger than ever!” PM said.

“The way some forces have openly come in support of terrorism is a global concern for world peace and humanity. It is more imperative now than ever that all nations, governments and sects must unite to defeat all forces that aid and abet terrorism,” he added.

“Today, Kashmir has moved on a new path of development. Whether it is the restoration of peace in the NE, today the country is establishing new dimensions of

PM Modi’s advice to Civil Service probationers Kevadia: PM Modi on Saturday urged the civil services probationers to fulfil their huge responsibilities in the next two decades when the country will be celebrating its 100th year of Independence.

He then urged them to switch to goods produced in the country.

—ANI unity,” PM added.

He also said all countries need to unite, no one can benefit from terrorism and violence.

“Many new sites like Jungle Safari Park, Ekta Mall, Children’s Nutrition Park, Arogya Van have been launched here in Kevadia. In the coming time, on the banks of ‘Maa Narmada’, not only India but this place is going to make its place on the tourism map of the whole world,” PM Narendra Modi added. —ANI

Priyanka Gandhi E-hearing must spread to prevent US amends 2+2 transcript, Vadra pays tribute inequality in dispensing justice: CJI days after protest by MEA to Indira Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi arrives to pays tribute to her grandmother and former PM Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary at Shakti Sthal.

New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to her grandmother and former PM Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal on her 36th death anniversary. Indira Gandhi served as the first and

only woman PM of India from January 1966 to March 1977, again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She was shot dead by two of her own bodyguards at her official residence.

—ANI

Rahul Gandhi remembers Indira Gandhi

Narendra Modi pays tribute to Indira Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid tribute to his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 36th death anniversary. “Asato ma sadgamaya. Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya. Mrtyor ma amrtam gamaya. From the false to truth. From darkness to light. From death to life. Thank you Dadi for showing me what it means to live these words,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted along with a picture of Indira Gandhi.

—ANI

New Delhi: PM Modi today paid tribute to former PM Indira Gandhi on her 36th death anniversary.

The then PM was assassinated by her bodyguards in Delhi in 1984. “Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her death anniversary,” PM Modi tweeted. The PM had paid tribute to Indira Gandhi in his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann ki Baat’ last Sunday as well.”On the 31st of October we lost former PM of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi,” he said.

Nagpur : Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde Saturday described the pandemic-induced digitisation of justice dispensation as an irreversible change that needs to be further expanded to cover the entire country to remove the inequalities that it has unintentionally thrown up due to its current limited coverage.

He was speaking before a select audience after inaugurating the country’s first “e-resource centre” at the Judicial Officers’

Training Institute here.

“After the onset of pandemic, hearing cases physically had become dangerous. So, we got down and chalked out plan for e-hearing and managed to continue the functioning of SC. I am very proud to say that we have been able to contend the court’s functioning and maintain the rule of law,” Justice Bobde said. He added, that “technology, dependence of justice delivery is here to stay. But this had also unintentionally created inequality

Min Gangwar’s wife, 6 family members test +ve

Orthodox priest shot at outside church in France

Bareilly: India on Saturday reported 48,268 Covid-19 cases, taking its tally to 81,37,119, while 551 deaths pushed the toll to 1,21,641, according to data from the Union Health Ministry.

This is the first time that the fatality rate has dropped to 1.5 per cent, the health ministry said. Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar on Saturday informed that his wife, six other family members have tested positive for novel coronavirus. The 71-year-old minister too underwent test and his report came negative.

Lyon: French police say a Greek Orthodox priest was shot Saturday outside his church in the city of Lyon, and police are hunting for the assailant.

The priest is in a local hospital with lifethreatening injuries after being hit in the abdomen, a police official said.

The attacker was alone and fired from a hunting rifle, said the official, who was not authorized to be publicly named.

Police locked down the neighbourhood around the church and warned the public on

CJI Sharad Bobde

between those who can access justice and those who can’t. We have heard about some lawyers being forced to sell vegetables. So, it is necessary that e-hearing be made available everywhere. Removing inequalities should be our next emphasis.”

Twitter to stay away.

The reason for the attack is unclear. It comes two days after an Islamic extremist knife attack at a Catholic church in the French city of Nice that killed three people, amid tensions over the publication of caricatures mocking the Muslim Prophet Muhammad.

New Delhi: Days after a protest by the Indian government, the U.S. State Department agreed to amend its version of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s comments at the “2+2” Indo-U.S. meeting on October 27. According to the original U.S. version, released by both the State Department and the US Department of Defense, Singh was quoted as saying that India is challenged by “reckless aggression on our northern borders”, in

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a press statement, in New Delhi on Oct 27, 2020.

what appeared to be the first reference by an Indian official, in talks with another country, to what the government

has so far maintained was a “bilateral issue” with China at the LAC. However, officials dismissed speculations.

were not part of this grief. They were the ones questioning the attack and making accusations. They were searching for their own gains and political opportunity in that time of grief.”

Without referring to any political party, PM said he “silently endured” the allegations because it was not the time to indulge in spats.

“The country will not forget those distasteful comments and accusations during the Pulwama attack. I silently endured the allegations, but I had a deep wound in my heart for my brave soldiers who had laid down their lives.

But today, there has been news from the neighbouring country, which has exposed these divisive forces who questioned the Pulwama soldiers,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, PM also said that India had been suffering terrorism, losing “brave soldiers, innocent citizens” to terror violence.

“India has always given a firm reply to terrorism. India has always been an advocate of peace. India is a feeling, which makes humans come alive due to its diversity. But many forces dislike our unity, want to turn our diversity into our weaknesses.

FROM PG 1 Headline: All forces...

He also said India’s perspective at the borders has now changed, and the country is equipped to give a fitting reply to intruders.

Speaking after the Ekta Parade at the Statue of Unity, where paramilitary forces showcased their skills, PM Modi said, “While I was watching the Ekta Diwas parade by the paramilitary forces, images of the Pulwama attack crossed my mind. The slain soldiers were also from paramilitary forces. The entire country had plunged into grief and mourning. But there were some who

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07

Safe!

Should your child go out and play with friends?

Or does social distancing mean an end to their playtime? Parents are wrestling with what their children can and can’t do now

I

n some Australian states, kids have been back on slides, swings and monkey bars for months. But in Victoria, many families are only now getting back to playgrounds, after they were closed for much of the second lockdown.

With lots of kids running around, and parents looking on, how can you ensure your trip to the playground is COVID-safe for you, your children and others? A good place to start is to understand how COVID-19 spreads, and what you can do to interrupt it.

Droplets big and small According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main way SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spreads is by droplet transmission.

Droplets containing virus particles are released from the mouth or nose when someone who is infectious coughs, sneezes, laughs, talks or even breathes. The more vigorous the activity, the greater the volume of droplets and spread (so, for example, laughing releases more droplets than breathing).

Larger droplets fall to the ground relatively quickly and within a short distance of where they were released.

But you can inhale them if you’re standing close to an infected person.

Smaller droplets, or aerosols, can travel further and hang around for longer in the air. Scientists are still working to understand the importance of this form of transmission — commonly termed airborne transmission — in the spread of COVID-19.

Another possible route of transmission is contact with contaminated surfaces. This happens when infectious droplets fall onto surfaces, or contaminated hands touch surfaces.

If an uninfected person touches the contaminated surface and then touches their face or food, they may ingest virus particles and become infected.

A recent laboratory study found SARS-CoV-2 particles can remain both detectable and viable (able to cause infection) on surfaces for many days, particularly if the surfaces are smooth, such as metal or plastic. As with airborne transmission, scientists are still figuring out how common this mode of transmission is for COVID-19.

Playgrounds are outdoors, so that’s a plus The good news about playgrounds is they’re generally outdoors in parks. The risk of inhaling infect i o u s droplets i s

reduced because the large volume of air has a dilution effect, compared with being in a confined space indoors with other people. Outdoor breezes can also disperse particles.

The temperature also appears to influence the risk. Warmer temperatures have been shown to reduce the viability of SARSCoV-2 more quick-

ly than cooler temperatures, while sunlight may also help inactivate the virus. In Australia, of course, we’re now heading into the warmer and sunnier summer period. On the other side of the coin, public playground equipment may not be cleaned regularly. So there could be some risk of transmission via contaminated surfaces.

And while warmer weather and particularly being outdoors may protect us to a degree, as with anything during the pandemic, a small level of risk remains. While younger children may not understand or follow instructions well about keeping away from other children or touching their face, fortunately, they appear to have a lower risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19, and of developing severe disease if they are infected.

The focus with young children should be on frequent hand hygiene and preventing physical contact with nonfamily members as

much as possible.

With little COVID-19 transmission in Australia now, and most playgrounds being outdoors, a trip to the playground is fairly low-risk, and we know physical activity carries many benefits for children and adults alike. But we can all do our part to minimise any risk of transmission.

10 TIPS TO STAY COVID-SAFE AT THE PLAYGROUND

1

Check the restrictions and requirements in your state around mask wearing, how far you can travel, and the number of people permitted in a space before heading to a playground.

2

Don’t go to the playground if you or your child is sick or has any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sniffles, upset tummy).

3

Keep your distance (at least 1.5 metres) from anyone not in your household. While it’s tempting to socialise with other parents, avoid congregating closely with others.

4

Take disinfectant wipes or wet wipes with you and wipe down areas little hands frequently touch (such as swing chains) before your kids use the equipment, particularly if they’re too young to understand instructions.

5

Take hand sanitiser with you (minimum 60% alcohol). Ensure your children sanitise their hands before getting on the equipment, after playing, before eating and before leaving the playground. Supervise young children when they use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Parents should regularly sanitise too.

6

Avoid using shared taps or water fountains; instead, bring bottled drinks. Frequently touched surfaces such as taps are more likely to be contaminated.

7 8 9 10

Remind children to avoid touching their face while using the play equipment.

Avoid physical contact between your kids and other kids in the area.

Avoid sharing toys with other children. If you bring toys, make sure they’re washable.

Use the playground outside of peak use periods to reduce the amount of contact with others.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

One lesson that I have learnt over the years is that one should give everything one has to succeed in every venture. Never make the mistake of making half hearted efforts for a small project, do your utmost best always!

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

T

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

TAMIL NADU 11,122 DEATHS 7,24,522 CASES

Kumar and therefore the party strategists have started working on plan ‘B’, that is Nitish will not be chief minister of Bihar even if NDA wins.

However, the saffron does not want to sideline Nitish Kumar now because it knows that winning the general election in 2024 in Bihar is not easy without his support. The party sources said that Nitish will surely become a union minister irrespective of the result of Bihar election and he may get important portfolio like railways so that he does not part ways with NDA again.

“MAHARAJ” MISSES “SPECIAL” TREATMENT e may be making all efforts for the campaigning of his

H

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,168 DEATHS 8,23,412 CASES

and Digvijay Singh used to be less than Scindia’s picture but the case is not the same now when he is in BJP. In BJP’s posters and banners, he is one among several leaders whose pictures of equal size are there. Even in some posters, his face is missing. Sources said that Congress is giving a tough fight to BJP in the bypolls but Shivraj needs mere nine seats to save his government and BJP will easily get this number.

Jytoraditya Scindia

It is believed that Scindia still has a good repo with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and his main problem is Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh. Since the game of politics has unforeseen opportunities, what happens next is not known to anyone.

95-YR YOUNG RSS ashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completed 95 years last week, but it looks like it is getting younger as it grows up. The organisation never looked so young as it looks today.

It can be said that RSS, which came into being in 1925, is passing from its golden period.

RSS was founded in 1925 on Dussehra by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a former Congressman, in Nagpur.

R

Today, the Sangh has become one of the largest voluntary organizations in the world with more than 8 million members. The number RSS ‘Shakhas’ has also crossed 60,000 in the country and abroad.

Also, the number of its affiliates is 30 and of which Vidya Bharati runs more than 14,000 schools across the country while more than 25,000 schools are run under Saraswati Shishu Mandir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is one of the old Pracharaks of the Sangh. In the recent organizational reshuffle of the BJP, Sangh pracharak and party’s organization general secretary BL Santosh is believed to have played a crucial role. Looking at the possibility of assembly elec-

CONGRESS PROTESTS FOR FARMERS’ RIGHTS IN A’BAD, SURAT & RAJKOT Opposition party also paid tribute to Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi



First India Bureau

The Surat protest was held at Chawkbazar on Saturday.

In addition, the Ahmedabad city Congress wrote to Prime Minister Narendra

Modi seeking his intervention in issues such as water, roads and drainage. Notably,

the letter states that the seaplane is not a basic need.

The city Con-

gress units in Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot also observed a “Farmers’ Rights Day” on Saturday.

In Ahmedabad, Congress leader Pankaj Vaghela said, “We had asked permission for two days to protest and demonstrate, but as the PM was in the city, we got only two hours’ permission.”

In Rajkot, the slogan, “Hai re Bhajap” rent the air as party leaders including Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, All India Congress Committee general secretary Rajiv Satav and Rajkot city congress president Ashok

Danger staged a dharna at the city’s Trikon Baug Chowk to protest the new farm laws that allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

Meanwhile, in Surat, the Gandhi Statue in Chawkbazar witnessed a satyagraha and a fast by Congress leaders. Pappan Togadia, Leader of the Opposition with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) said, “Farmers are saddened by the three new farm bills. The BJP government is not thinking of the welfare of farmers.

These laws are only helpful for industrialists, and should be withdrawn.”

SWEET TREATS

Chandi Padvo staple gets a luxury twist in Surat Local shop launches special mithai called ‘Gold Ghari’ at `9,000 Per Kg



Surat: With Gujarat preparing to celebrate Chandi Padvo on Sunday, a shop in Surat’s Bhagal area has added a new twist to the ever popular local sweet, Ghari. The newly launched ‘Gold Ghari’ will cost Rs9,000 per kg against the normal Ghari, which costs Rs660-820 per kg.

The owner of the

shop, who identified himself as Rohan, said the sweet is healthy as gold is considered to be beneficial according to Ayurveda.

He also said, “It has been three days since its launch. Demand is a little below expectation as the market is sluggish. We hope it will get good response in the coming days.”

The steeply priced novelty item has seen a sluggish demand since its launch.

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,907 DEATHS 1,96,993 CASES

tions and political situation in West Bengal, the cadre of RSS had become active in advance and perhaps that is why it is not so easy for people outside the Sangh to stay in the BJP.

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

loyal candidates in Madhya Pradesh assembly bypolls, but Jytoraditya Scindia is somewhere feeling a little disappointed by finding not that prominent place in posters and banners as compared to the importance which he used to get when he was in Congress party.

Popularly known as Maharaj, Scindia used to enjoy a good importance in posters and banners where his picture used to be equal to that of Rahul Gandhi. Even the picture size of senior leaders like K a m a Nath

DEATHS

DELHI 6,511 DEATHS 3,86,706 CASES

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

PM Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

Ahmedabad/Surat/ Rajkot: On the occasion of the 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the 36th death anniversary of Indira Gandhi, the Congress party paid homage to both leaders.

Alongside that, the party also held protests against the hardships being faced by the people amid unemployment and slowdown.

GUJARAT

11,97,454 4,61,77,676 1,22,071 81,79,250 3,719 1,72,944

MAHARASHTRA 43,911 DEATHS 16,78,406 CASES

WAVE OF CHANGE IN BIHAR here is no permanent friend or permanent enemy, only permanent interest.

This is the game of politics which can be seen in Bihar elections where chief minister Nitish Kumar who parted ways with BJP when Narendra Modi was declared PM candidate is now happily sharing the stage with Modi.

In 2010, Nitish Kumar used to say when there is Sushil Modi, there is no need for any other Modi in Bihar. He even cancelled a dinner for NDA just because Narendra Modi was also scheduled to attend it and now it is the same Nitish Kumar, the Sushasan Babu, who is with Modi in rallies.

On the other hand, BJP somewhere feels that it is not that easy for NDA to spread its wings in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish

INDIA

08

The traditional Surti sweetmeat is made using of chana dal, ghee and dry fruits like almonds and pistachios.

It is served with a mixture of sev, ganthiya, fried poha, boondi and papdi called “bhusu”.

The tradition of Surat consuming Ghari and bhushu on the last full moon day in the Hindu calendar is around three centuries old. Surtis are known for consuming 100 tonnes of Ghari on —PHOTO BY ANI Chandi Padvo. —ANI

INSIDERS DAMAGING CONGRESS! s it mere coincidence or something else that one or the other Congress leader creates controversy by his statement during an important election. This time, during the Bihar elections, the Congress leader is none other than P Chidambaram who has demanded restoration of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The demand is in sharp contrast with Hindu sentiments, which may go wrong for the Congress party. The Congress leader might be playing in the hands of the saffron party because CBI, ED and IB have some of his important files.

It is not a new thing when a Congress leader has made an uncalled

I

for statement during crucial elections. Mani Shankar Aiyar and Jairam Ramesh too had made controversial statements during 2014 general elections.

...AND FINALLY f the BJP loses Bihar election, it can have a direct impact on the West Bengal elections too because in the last election, BJP had won seats in the areas of West Bengal which are close to Bihar. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has already left the BJP with a demand for the formation of separate Gorkhaland, making it difficult for BJP to win seats in Darjeeling. And if BJP faces defeat in Bihar and West Bengal, it would have a direct adverse impact on UP elections in 2022.

I

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

P Chidambaram

15-year-old held for raping his 9-year-old cousin

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In the third case of minor girls being sexually assaulted by their cousins in the past two weeks, police in Jamnagar arrested a 15-year-old boy for the rape of his nine-year-old cousin. Disturbingly, this is the seventh case of rape registered in the district in the past one month.

The incident came to light when the girl’s parents came home on Friday afternoon, to find her crying profusely.

According to the police complaint filed at the Lalpur Police Station on Friday night, the boy rape occurred in the victim’s house, while

she was alone earlier that day. He then fled when the girl recounted her ordeal to the family.

After the complaint was filed, the police sent the girl to a hospital for a medical check-up and treatment. The boy was picked up later that night and tested for COVID-19.

The next morning, after his test had come back negative for the viral disease, the boy was arrested and produced before a Juvenile Court on Saturday evening.

Police sources told First India that the accused will be sent to the Child Protection Home (Observation Home) in Rajkot, where he will remain until the end of the rape trial.

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09

AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2020

WORLD AT HER FEET As the former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrates her 47th birthday today, we give you a few insights about her personal and professional life, and how she’s still the ‘beauty queen’ of many hearts!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

A

ishwarya Rai Bachchan, the former Miss World and the beauty queen of the country turns 47 today.

She is one of the top Indian actresses who has had the most successful career in the Bollywood industry and is one of the most popular and influential celebrities. Since the time she was crowned ‘Miss World’, she has been winning the hearts of the people and her beauty has no bounds.

I personally love her style, confidence and the way she carries herself.

It’s funny to think that I was not even born when she was crowned, and she STILL remains to be one of the most beautiful and charming women in the country. Having received the Padma Shri and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres among various other renowned awards, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has proved herself at every phase of her life.

From acing it in the Tollywood industry initially, to making her way

into Bollywood, and being one of the first ones from India to be featured in films internationally, Aishwarya has proved her capabilities.

From seeing her bold side in action films to seeing her soft side in romcoms, she has shown the world how versatile she is.

Aishwarya made her presence in the Hollywood industry with ‘The Pink Pan-

ther 2’ in 2009, and that is exactly when people knew she has made it big worldwide.

Being bold and confident, Aishwarya also gives out major ‘sanskari’ vibes as she has shown her values, whether at home or outside- if you have seen the viral video of her touching her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan’s feet during an award ceremony, you know exactly what I’m talking about. That is exactly when this woman won my heart.

It’s been 26 years since Aishwarya is in the industry, and there is not one time when I haven’t been amazed by her looks- especially when she gracefully owns the ramp at Cannes Film Festival each year. I wish I could name some of the movies where she has absolutely nailed it, but the list can go on and on- she has done a fabulous job in every film.

City First wishes the beauty queen a very happy birthday, and a long life ahead!

ETC AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

The accent remains on secrets, hidden treasures, sexual temptations, large finances, and lifestyle and medical decisions. Relationships start to turn to normal and you begin to get answers to questions you might have posed weeks ago. Sunday is for money and shopping. Mon. daytime is lucky. Tuesday is a bit deceptive, let yourself drift toward home and family Wednesday afternoon through Friday. Wednesday is fortunate, Thursday’s mixed, and Friday is difficult.

Saturday is for romance and surprises.

Relationships are still the main menu. Being diplomatic and cooperative is the path to success.

Your workplace and coworkers are pleasant, even affectionate. You are on top Sunday, filled with energy and charm.Monday is truly favoured but be a little careful Tuesday. Wednesday afternoon through Friday brings errands, paperwork, A nice stretch of Thurs. daytime helps you contact people or organizations that can benefit you. Not the best time to chase love, though.Be home or in the neighbourhood Saturday.

The emphasis remains on work, machinery and health. Protect the latter by eating and dressing sensibly. Lie low, rest and contemplate Sunday.

Monday’s best — a conversation or contact could spell love. Chase an ambitious goal Tuesday.

Wednesday is a bit of a dud unless you start really early. Chase money Wed. afternoon through Friday.

Shop, reconnect with clients, advertise your wares, etc Errands, communications, casual friends, short trips and paperwork filled Saturday.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 Relationships are still in a bit of a holding pattern, but that will only last two more weeks. Sunday highlights secrets and sexual temptations, large finances, commitments and consequences. Monday to late lunch time Wed. brings the profound thoughts mentioned above. F Tuesday gets a little confusing or deceptive – watch your diet in terms of digestion. Be ambitious Wednesday afternoon through Friday. Your career, prestige relations, status and reputation are featured.

Hopes and wishes might come through Saturday.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23 Creative surges and risk-taking urges can both pay off an exciting ways. Beauty and pleasure are yours for the asking. Sunday is for fun, popularity and social joys. But withdraw to quietude and contemplation Monday to lunchtime Wednesday. Monday is fortunate, however, Tuesday/Wednesday are not so simple.

Tuesday might puzzle you about an ethical, legal, travel or love question. Thursday is good for almost anything. Pursue money, shopping, and similar interests Saturday.

VIRGO

LEO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 The accent remains on your home, family, roots, garden, nature, stomach and soul. Be ambitious Sunday, Monday is best, filled with affectionate words and soft glances. Tuesday is a wee bit deceptive, and might steer you away from intimate success. Wednesday’s successes occur before dawn.

Your workplace environment and coworkers are pleasant. Withdraw from the rat race Wed. afternoon through Friday. Rest, ponder and plan. Be spiritual and charitable. Saturday you shine like a star – welcome the admiration and attention.

10

NOVEMBER 1 TO NOVEMBER 7

FOR EMMA STONE THE YEAR AHEAD SHOULD BE SATISFYING AND BALANCED OVERALL. SHE WILL BE COMFORTABLE DEMAND AND PERSONALLY POPULAR, AND ABLE TO ACHIEVE A DECENT BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND PLAY; PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE. FOR THE MOST PART, SHE WILL BE ON TOP OF HER GAME THIS YEAR, HER SELF-CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE WILL REWARD HER!

Exercise your curiosity, ask questions everywhere.

Sunday is mellow, wise and softly loving. Be ambitious Monday to late lunchtime Wednesday. Monday is best, it could provide you with a good career/income approach or situation. You can succeed Tues. in career matters if you work alone: relationships will interfere with success. To succeed Wed. you will need to get up before dawn PST. Happiness embraces you Wednesday p.m. through Friday. Retreat Saturday, Lie low, rest and contemplate. It’s a good day to plan the future, especially this evening.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 Your energy, charisma, clout and effectiveness are at a yearly high, Scorpio. Sunday is for relationships.

Life’s mysterious, subterranean forces float closer to the surface Monday to lunchtime Wednesday.

Tuesday is not the best for romance. Real love looks strong, especially Thursday. Saturday brings practical ambitions, prestige and reputation concerns. The affectionate and lively evening time will begin. The outlook for a relationship is dicey to mid afternoon, but as the evening comes so do good feelings.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Start forming plans for the future and seek advice in spiritual, emotional and practical areas. Tackle chores, but steer clear of shopping or spending in any way before noon. Monday is superb. On Tuesday, domestic matters might interfere with an anticipated cooperative project. Not much Wednesday. This afternoon through Friday highlights mysteries, secrets, large finances such as investments and debts, sexual temptations, and medical and lifestyle choices.

Saturday lifts you out of the darkness.

Your popularity rises in November. Sunday is for love, beauty, pleasure and self-expression. Monday is superb. Communications could go a little haywire Tuesday. If you want to get anything solid accomplished Wednesday, you better start before dawn PST.Relocation themes, fresh horizons and new opportunities as well as relationships face you Wed. afternoon through Friday. You will get into a gentle, understanding view of the whole world. Saturday is sexy, but can also be disruptive before late afternoon.

November emphasizes ambition, career, prestige relations and worldly standing. Be home or in the neighbourhood Sunday. Romance fills Monday through lunchtime Wednesday. Monday is superb, a great time to chase love, Tuesday/Wednesday or not so promising. Tuesday might bring a monetary barrier.

Tackle chores Wed. afternoon through Friday. Best period: Thursday daytime. Relationships burst onto the scene Saturday. This can be a little disjunct or stressful before mid afternoon.

November is filled with gentle, understanding love.

Errands, communications and short trips, paperwork and curiosity fill Sunday. Monday daytime is sweet and affectionate . Tuesday is simply domestic, and Wed. is a dud unless you start very early. Passion strikes Wed. afternoon through Friday. Romance, creative self-expression, a risky gamble, beauty, pleasure and happy children . So be alert, grab your chances where you can, and don’t worry if something doesn’t work.

Saturday starts a “working weekend.”

NOV 23 - DEC 22

DEC 23 - JAN 20

PISCES

ETC AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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11

Sunny Leone

S

unny Leone, who is currently enjoying her time with husband Daniel Weber and kids Noah, Asher, and Nisha in Los Angeles, shared a post on

RASHMI ROCKET

BABY

Taapsee Pannu

ecently, Taapsee Pannu had wrapped up the shoot for her upcoming movie Haseen Dilruba. The actress shared a BTS picture with co-star Vikrant Massey and director Vinil Mathew on social media while announcing the same. A few weeks earlier, the Pink star had also confirmed that her next movie Rashmi Rocket will go on floors this November. Her first look from the same has already been revealed on social media thereby sending the movie buffs into a frenzy. Taapsee Pannu has treated her fans with a BTS picture of Rashmi Rocket. Yes, you heard it right. Talking about the same, she writes, “And new chapter ka prologue is set! Look trial.” —Agency

SPOTTED!

Scarlett Johansson & Colin Jost

TIGERS

S

carlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s romance may have surprised everyone in the beginning but the couple has been together for quite some time and even left us mesmerised with their red carpet appearances and declarations of love during interviews. However, Johansson and Jost have some amazing news as it was recently revealed that the couple got married. The happy news wasn’t confirmed by the newlyweds but Meals on Wheels America, who took to their Instagram page to reveal some details about the intimate ceremony. Sharing a Staten Island Ferry photo with the quirky caption, “We’re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony with their immediate family and loved ones” —ANI

Team ‘Bhoot Police‘

E

Kriti Sanon’s post

ver since Pavan Kriplani has roped in the stellar cast of Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam and Jacqueline Fernandez for this upcoming directorial ‘Bhoot Police’, the fans have been quite excited about this project. After all, this will be the first time that the Nawab of Pataudi will be seen sharing the

screen space with Arjun, Jacqueline and Yami. To note, the first schedule of the movie will be shot in Himachal Pradhes’s Dalhousie town. And while the team of Bhoot Police is gearing up for the shoot, the star cast along with producers Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri were spotted leaving for Dalhousie on Saturday.

—Agency

geous picture, Sunny wrote, “Almost time to come home!! Quarantine alone with family until I’m on a plane!! Not going near anyone! Just one last stop to smell the roses.”

—Agency

JUST MARRIED

Halloween

K

riti Sanon has been making the most of her time amid the ongoing pandemic. Recently, she took a trip down memory lane and shared several photos with her pet dog on social media to celebrate its birthday. Taking to her Instagram, Kriti shared throwback photos with her furball and left everyone in awe. In one of the photos, Kriti could be seen cuddling the cute dog in her arms and planting a kiss on its face.

—Agency

shared a sun-kissed picture of herself amid rose plants. In the picture, she can be seen donning a blue coloured top paired with beige pants. And she looks stunning as usual.

While sharing the gor-

R

BUZZZ

Pawsomest

her Instagram handle to announce that she is flying back to Mumbai soon.

The actress jetted off to the US in June amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Recently, Sunny took to the social media and

...her post

K

im Kardashian may have just won Halloween already! On Thursday night, the 40-year-old reality star took to her Instagram Story to share a ton of pics of her family getting ready for a party – and their costumes are Tiger Kingthemed! For her costume, Kim dressed as Carole Baskin, wearing a long, blonde wig with a flower crown and leopard-print outfit.

Kim shared the pictures on her social media, with the caption: “Carole Baskin, Joe Exotic and our tigers #Halloween2020.”

—Agency

HALLOWEENBOO

Kim Kardashian

ENERGETIC MAKHANA MIX NAMKEEN

VRTIKA JAIN

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

INGREDIENTS: Lotus Seeds ( Makhana ) - 2 Cup Dry Coconut ( Cut In Laccha Form ) - 1 Cup Potatoes - 2 Peanuts - 1 CWup Almonds - 1/2 Cup Cashew Nuts - 1/2 Cup Raisins - 1/4 Cup Sago Pearls ( Sabu Dana) 1/2 Cup Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 TSP

Oil - For Frying Sendha Salt - According To Taste MuskMelon Seeds - 1/2 Cup

METHOD: Take Potatoes - Wash, Peel, Grate and wipe them using a cotton cloth.

Preheat the oil to fry the potato laccha.

Put the potato laccha in the heated oil and fry them.

Fry until they are light brown.

Take them out once they are brown.

Strain them so the extra oil is strained.

Take Sago Pearls and add one teaspoon of water and

mix.

Mix them again for some time.

Fry the Sago Pearls.

10. Once fried keep them aside.

Fry the Almonds, Cashew and Coconuts slightly.

Roast the MuskMelon Seeds and Lotus Seeds ( Makhana ) in one tablespoon oil.

Now fry the peanuts properly.

Now mix all the roasted and fried ingredients and add raisins in them.

Now add all the spices (black pepper powder, sendha Namak.)

Mix it all Properly.

Neha Dhupia’s insta post

I

t is no secret that our Bollywood celebrities loveparties. Be it any occasion or festivities, they celebrate it with full fervour. Since today everyone is celebrating Halloween 2020, how can Bollywood stars miss out on the fun. Neha Dhupia, who shared beautiful pictures and videos ofher little daughter Mehr. In the photos, Mehr can be seen dressed as a witch.Alongside the picture, Neha wrote, “Witch” one would you chose ...#trickor #treat ... #happyhalloween .... thank you Inni “boo”for this @ sakpataudi.” The Chup Chup Ke actress’ post proves that her little doll Mehr and Soha Ali Khan’s daughter Inaaya are best buddies. Soha’s little munchkin gifted a smiling cat face to Mehr. Angad Bedi too shared pictures wherein Mehr can be seen decorating homemade pumpkin.

—Agency

CITY BUZZ AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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KARISHMA GWALANI

Karishma.gwalani @firstindia.co.in

T

he Picture Box Glam Fest was inaugurated on Saturday with the lighting of the lamp and a talk show where famous bloggers of Jaipur city came together to give an awareness message on how to celebrate festivals with safety.

Influencer Surbhi, Aisha, Akshara, Nancy, Hershika, and Way Juhi moderated the talk show, while Influencer Prival, Supruza, Ankita, Sanskriti, and Ipsha gave the safety message to the people of Jaipur.

On the occasion, organisers shared that the picture box Glam Fest has set up more than 40 sets.

On the last day of the two-day event, today, the famous photographers of Rajasthan Studio, models along with the famous designers is going to be seen on these fashion sets.

The Chief Guest on the occasion will be Jagdeesh Chandra and Chief of Honor Satyanarayana Sharma.

PICTURE BOX

Journalism: Challenges

and Opportunities K.G. Suresh

Jagdish Upasane CITY FIRST

A

Leadership We b i n a r Series was held at Manipal University, Jaipur (MUJ) where Chairman, Prasar Bharati, Recruitment Board, Jagdish Upasane talked on the topic ‘Journalism - Challenges and Opportunities’. The programme was moderated

by Director, Journalism and Mass Communication Department, Prof.

Amitabh Srivastava. HC Director, School of Au-

tomobiles and Mechatronics, Prof. Shiva Prasad welcomed the guests and spoke briefly about the University.

Jagdish Upasane said that we are a Xerox copy of western thought. He said that there was a time when the editor used to publish news despite not conforming to the policy of the news owner, but now it is not so. He also emphasized that running a digital portal is still a loss. Even though people are watching content, it is still a challenge to monetize it. Vice-Chancellor, Makhan Lal Chaturvedi National Journalism and Communication University, Professor K.G. Suresh also presented his views during the programme.

He said that, the platforms of journalism, which have a revenue generation extension are running better, and this is the harsh truth. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WORLD VEGAN DAY

12

REMEMBERING!

Robert Vadra

...his post

On the death anniversary of Lt. Indira Gandhi on Saturday, Robert Vadra took to Twitter to share a picture of her.

—Vaishali

TWEETED! Images captured during the event.

Vaibhav Gehlot

DURING THE DAY!

ALL SET TO OPEN UP

UP: Under the leadership of National Secretary, AICC, Vivek Bansal, a Kisan Panchayat was organised in the village Adhaun of Dhanipur, Kol Vidhan Sabha constituency, Aligarh on Friday. On the occasion, a signature campaign was held to protest against the black legislation of Agriculture Bills passed by the Central Government.

Tent City-Kutch

Comprising 350 tents, the Tent City has been set up to host guests near the White Rann of Kutch, one of the most breathtaking locations in Gujarat CITY FIRST, GUJARAT

S

till in two minds about the Diwali break? Here’s your chance to celebrate Diwali and the New Year in the midst of an unending expanse of white. The ‘Tent City-Kutch’ in the White Rann of Kutch will open to welcome guests from 12 November, i.e. just two days before Diwali.

The Tent City-Kutch offers a unique chance to visit one of the most beautiful and breath-taking locations in Gujarat – the White Rann of Kutch. Spread over 7,500 sq. km, the White Rann is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.

“The Tent City-Kutch is spread over 5 lakh sq mt and will open for guests from 12 November to 28 February. It

comprises more than 350 tents, which have been set up at Dhordo village near the White Rann,” said Bhavik Sheth, Finance and Operation Manager, Lallooji & Sons.

The Tent City-Kutch comprises air-conditioned and nonair-conditioned tents. The guests have a number of affordable package options to choose from. Around 35,000 guests get a first-hand experience of the amazing hospitality of the Tent City-Kutch every year, while more than 5 lakh visitors from as many as 20 countries have visited the White Rann over the years. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of measures have been put in place in vehicles and throughout the area of the Tent City-Kutch to ensure the safety of guests. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

An online International Drawing Competition on the topic of ‘My Buddy Nature’ is going to be organised by Veena Vatika on 19 November. The winning contestants will be awarded the medals and certificates, as well as their paintings, will be exhibited on the YouTube channel and Facebook page of Veena Vatika.

RAJ: Jaipur based entrepreneur and producer Mohsin Khan was felicitated by ‘Youth Icon of Rajasthan Award’ at Rajasthan Fashion Awards 2020 season 4 which was held in Jaipur. Mohsin has received this award for his excellent work into the entrepreneurship field.

GUJ: An artist was seen giving final touches for Diwali Decoration for the upcoming Diwali Festival at Khokhra area in Ahmedabad city on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

BUZZ

C

elebrated every year on 1 November, World Vegan Day raises awareness about animal rights and advocates the widespread adoption of a vegan lifestyle. The day was created in 1994 by British animal rights activist, Louise Wallis, as a way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ‘The Vegan Society’ in the United Kingdom. It is celebrated around the world as a time to recognise how far the vegan movement has come, reflect on our successes, and to highlight how accessible and beneficial a vegan lifestyle is.

RAJ: The Virtual Diwali Social hosted

by CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing is going to organise a Pre-Diwali Bash for All-India Real Estate Developers on 1 November, today, where real-estate stakeholders from across the country will come together to welcome the festivities. The evening will witness Bollywood trivia followed by an open mic of poetry, singing, storytelling, and other talents.

GUJ: Gujarat’s First organic Super Market, Nature’s Palette Store is open in Ahmedabad city.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJ: Members of Gujarat Congress party paid floral tribute to the Statue of Ex Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her Death Anniversary at Laldarwaja in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI