First India-Ahmedabad Edition-04 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 340

FIRST SNOW FALL

OF SEASON

Tourists visit the Atal Tunnel after fresh snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti.

—PHOTO BY PTI

ASHOCK TO BJP’S 54.44 per cent cast their vote STATE LEADERSHIP! BIHAR 2ND PHASE POLLING

MASTERMIND GEHLOT’S STRATEGY ENSURES CONG’S WIN DELVING MAJOR BLOW TO OPPOSITION

Kartikey Dev Singh Jaipur: In political parlance, they say that a smart leader is one who can gauge the tide even before the current becomes turbulent, and succesfully turns the odds in his favour thus.

One look at the Municipal body result would be enough to tell that the political stalwart of Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot not only perfectly gauged the ‘waters’ ahead of the local body polls, but also devised successful strategy to counter threat posed by the BJP. It was Gehlot and his trusted lieutenant, LSG minister Shanti Dhariwal who devised bifurcating the three most important local bodies of Jaipur, Jodpur and Kota. Furthermore, increasing the number of wards also ensured that Congress candidates would have to target lower number of voters, a point where Congress always fares well.

And the results of the six local bodies on Tuesday proved once again that Gehlot is a mastermind when it comes to

Celebrations galore as Congress party registers thumping victory.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

BJP LEADERSHIP’S ABJECT FAILURE BJP’s comparatively poor performance at Jaipur Kota and Jodhpur also indicate the failure of the pesent state leaership of BJP which mainly focuses on Gulab chand Katriya, Satish Poonia, Rajendra Rathore and Chandrashekhar. In Vasundhara’s Raje’s absence, where she refrained from campaigning, is one important pointer to again review and judge whether the BJP can stay afloat without Raje.

One important factor for BJP’s drubbing at Kota is that in absence of Om Birla, after his taking over the charge of Lok Sabha speaker, there is no other versatile and popular BJP leaer left behind in Kota to take on the Congress. winning elections. The Congress party went on the register thumping victory in 3 out of the six boards and such has been its performance that the party has been able to form a board in

Jaipur first time since 1994, the year when the formal formation of Jaipur Municipal Corporation was announced. The state capital was divided in Jaipur Heritage and

Jaipur Greater wherein Congress is in the driving seat in Jaipur Heritage and is all set to form its board with independents. However, in Jaipur (Greater) BJP has fared well. Turn to P6

Bihar: Over 53 per cent of the total 2.85 crore electors in 94 constituencies of Bihar exercised their franchise till 5 pm in the second phase of voting on Tuesday, according to Election Commission data. The estimated overall turnout at 6 PM is 53.51 per cent (provisional), the poll panel data said. Prominent personalities including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi, Tejashwi Yadav, and LJP president Chirag Paswan cast their votes in their respective polling

Punjab CM to lead ‘dharna’ at Rajghat New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced that he will lead a relay ‘dharna’ of Congress MLAs at the Rajghat on Wednesday morning to highlight the state’s “power crisis and critical essential supplies” situation amid the Centre’s alleged adamant refusal to allow movement of goods trains due to farmers’ agitation. The Chief Minister said that Punjab had run out of coal, Turn to P6

HIGH POLLING IN BYPOLLS

Bhopal/Lucknow/Ahmedabad: Moderate to high polling was recorded on Tuesday in by-elections to 54 assembly constituencies in 10 states despite the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 68 percent turnout in 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh where the results will decide the fate of the seven-monthold BJP government. Stray incidents of clashes between Congress and BJP workers were reported in MP and one person was injured in firing in Morena district, according to officials in the state. Turn to P6

booths in the morning.

Polling began at 7 am, but the time for its conclusion has been extended by one hour till 6 pm to facilitate COVID-19 patients and those with

CBI, ED to grill Chidu, Karti for another month New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday (3 November) granted time till 2 December to the CBI and ED to obtain report on Letters Rogatory form the UK and Singapore in connection to their ongoing probe in the AircelMaxis case against former Union Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti.

Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the request for more time after Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, appearing for

STATE ASSEMBLY BYPOLL

58.14% voter turn for voting, four complaints were filed Results for the eight vacant seats will be counted on Nov 10 First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Weeks of preparations came to a head on Tuesday when voters in eight constituencies--Abdasa, Dhari, Limbdi, Karjan, Kaprada, Gadda, Dang, Morbi-cast their ballots for the vacant seats in the Gujarat state As-

sembly. Coming as it did amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the by-election was held with extensive safety procedures in place.

According to initial estimates from the election commission, the state saw a turnout of 58.14% to choose their representatives from the 81 candidates who con-

People line up to cast their vote in Tuesday’s state Assembly byelection.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

tested the bypoll. Votes are slated to be counted on November 10.

While there were no reports of major violence or clashes, a video doing the rounds on social media showed workers-allegedly from the ruling party--offering voters in the Por-Itla pocket of Karjan cash in exchange for pressing the lotus button.

Following the release of this video, the Con-

symptoms of the disease to exercise their franchise during the final hour. The process, however, concluded early in Maoist-hit areas.

Turn to P6

gress made sensational allegations against the Gujarat BJP. Later, the Election Commission ordered an inquiry into the video.

While the district collector has asked for a detailed report in the case, the Karjan police have registered a case against three people and two so far. They have recovered Rs57,000 in cash and a vehicle from the three people.

Turn to P6

the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforement Directorate, informed that the LRs have been sent to the countries but no reply has yet been received.

The matter, which is at the stage of taking cognizance, is adjourned for 2 December.

Turn to P6

‘MODI CARES FOR MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS’

Araria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing an election rally in Forbesganj here on Tuesday, said that he wins elections because he cares about mother and daughters of the country. “People question why Prime Minister Modi wins elections.

He wins because he cares about mothers and daughters of the country.

Turn to P6

BJP MLA seeks police action against Bachchan Mumbai: A BJP MLA in Maharashtra on November 3 approached the police seeking action against actor Amitabh Bachchan and makers of TV show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 12’ for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

Abhimanyu Pawar, BJP legislator from Ausa in Latur district, in a complaint to Latur SP Nikhil Pingle said action should be taken against Mr. Bachchan Turn to P6

Expedite decision on Rajiv killer’s plea: SC to TN Guv New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed unhappiness over the Tamil Nadu Governor for not taking a decision for over two years on the remission plea of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao asked the Tamil Nadu government to request the State Governor to expedite his decision on the State’s recommenda-

tions for the remission of sentence of the convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

“We don’t want to exercise our jurisdiction, but we are not happy with how this recommendation Turn to P6

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AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

02

GUJ BY-ELECTIONS

Congress alleges Code of Conduct violation

by BJP in Morbi

— PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

THANK YOU VOTERS! Rupani and Patil happy with bypoll turnout — FILE PHOTO

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Bharatiya Janata Party state unit chief CR Patil.

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: As citizens turned up to choose their people’s representatives for the eight constituencies up for by-elections on Tuesday, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit chief CR Patil expressed gratitude towards them.

More than nine lakh voters were eligible to vote for their candidates this by-election.

The turnout for state assembly bypolls was 58.80%, around five percent more than 53% tally for six assembly seats last year.

CM Rupani praised citizens for voting fearlessly. “The people have put their trust in the state and central government’s performance

VOTE AN INSPIRATION!

N

othing receives priority over the democratic process of electing a people’s representative in the government.

This was proven true by several voters who showed up at polling booths across the state on Tuesday to cast their votes for the state assembly by-elections.

A bride-to-be Jagruti Makwana voted before her wedding ceremony that was set to take place in

without getting influenced by negative campaigns to discredit it.

Voters came out in good numbers to choose their winning candidate and

the afternoon. She travelled to the polling booth in her bridal ensemble and cast her vote.

Chandubhai Akhiyani lost his wife in an accident and cremated her on Tuesday morning.

Chandubhai did not let his grief come in the way of his electoral duties and he reached a polling station to vote along with his family.

Several senior exercise their right to vote,” he stated.

Lauding the work of his party workers, BJP state unit president CR Patil said, “The high

citizens also did not shy away from voting in the bypolls.

95-year-old named Diwaliben and 97-year-old Laljibhai voted for their representative in Dhari. In Morbi, 85-year-old Valiben Bhimani reached a polling station to exercise her right to vote.

Also, 105-year-old Jorubhai and 99-year-old Rajkunvarba gave their vote in Gadhada constituency. turnout means that our (BJP) workers have toiled very hard to reach out to each and every voter and ensure that they cast their

votes this by-election.”

The CM and Patil both also praised the election commission for taking all precautions to ensure that voters stay safe while casting their votes during the by-election. All voters were equipped with disposable gloves, while polling staffers were given PPE kits to wear.

Each polling booth was also supplied with sanitizers for voters and maintenance of social distancing was encouraged.

Furthermore, responding to the allegations made by the Congress party, Patil termed them ‘baseless’ and implied that fear of losing all eight seats had driven the opposition party to circulating ‘fake’ videos of voters being bribed.

BJP ENGAGED IN MALPRACTICE FOR VOTES: GPCC CHIEF CHAVDA First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: In yet another attack on the modus operandi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress party alleged that the ruling party engaged in malpractice to gain power in the eight constituencies up for the state assembly bypolls.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Chavda on Tuesday stated that the BJP indulged in horse-trading which was why the need for by-elections arose.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Chavda.

“They (the BJP) assured villagers that they would get rid of a

judicial case for them.

In fact, during polling a few electoral officials

were acting like BJP’s ‘agents’ and trying to influence voters across eight constituencies,” asserted Chavda.

He added, “In Karjan, voters were given cash and asked to vote for the ruling party.

Similarly, in Morbi, a few BJP workers were seen distributing leaflets to the voters, which is a breach of the Code of Conduct.

Moreover, despite the culmination of campaigning in the town on Monday, the Chief Minister’s wife was seen promoting the BJP in Morbi.”

The GPCC president

was all praises for voters who showed up at polling booths to cast their vote. “The high voting turnout is the repercussion of BJP’s fractured policy. The voters came out of their homes without any fear despite getting several threats from the ruling party,” he said.

Meanwhile, Congress has written a letter to the state high court Chief Justice Vikram Nath regarding the assurance granted by a ruling party MLA about getting rid of a judicial case.

A voter undergoes thermal screening at a polling booth in Morbi.

First India Bureau Morbi: Several violations were reported on polling day of the state legislative assembly by-elections on Tuesday.

Members of Morbi Congress alleged that workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were distributing party leaflets near a polling station, which paused voting for some time.

In a video that was popularly shared on social media, a BJP MLA can be seen explaining voters on how to vote for the ruling party. Moreover, leaflets were also distributed near polling booths in the town.

Upon hearing of the violation, Congress instigated uproar at the Boys High School polling station. But, voting was resumed by electoral officials shortly afterwards.

Talking about the incident, the polling station officer said, “We were not aware of

Congress candidate from Morbi Jayantilal Patel cast his vote.

Voting was halted at a polling booth after workers were seen distributing leaflets to people this (distribution of leaflets). Congress is directly attacking the BJP and insisting that it had all been perpetrated by the ruling party.”

A total of 2,71,464 voters were expected to cast their votes in the Morbi bypoll. Im-

portantly, a convoy of health workers and police along with more than 2,300 polling staffers has been deployed in the town.

Meanwhile, the opposition party also accused Anjali Rupani, the wife of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, of campaigning with BJP workers in Morbi.

Congress has demanded that the violation of code of conduct by the CM’s wife be met with strict action.

SARITA GAYAKWAD votes for the first time First India Bureau Dang: Sarita Gayakwad, the state’s first Asian Games gold medal-winning athlete, exercised her right to vote for the first time when she voted for the state legislative assembly byelections in the Dang district on Tuesday.

Hailing from the tribal community, the 26-year-old sprinter was recently appointed to the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the state government.

Owing to a hectic schedule of athletic training, tournaments, national camps, Sarita had missed every single opportunity to vote previously. After turning 18 in 2012, Sarita could not vote in the state assembly general elections, or in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha general elections.

Due to a packed sport-

Indian sprinter Sarita Gayakwad shows her marked finger after casting her vote or state by-polls elections, in Surendarnagar on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

The gold medal-winning athlete participated in the by-election electoral process in Dang district on Tuesday ing schedule, Sarita was constantly travelling abroad for training and had to forego casting her vote in elections.

After finally voting

for the first time, the sprinter expressed her elation, “I am happy that I exercised my right to vote for the first time. I hope that all pending issues plaguing the citizens will be resolved and that this by-election will bring growth and development to the Dang district,” she said.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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‘Fall in demand for meds, oxygen could mean nCoV situation improving’

03

Gujarat witnesses 90.78% discharge rate in nCoV cases

Food and Drugs Commissioner Dr HG Koshia says pandemic isn’t yet under control but development is promising

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The COVID-19 pandemic may not be under control yet the situation is comparatively better than it was a few months ago, according to the Dr HG Koshia, the Commissioner at Gujarat’s Food and Drug Control Administration, based on the consumption of medicine and oxygen.

Dr Koshia said, “The demand for medical oxygen had touched 240 MT (metric tonnes) per day in September. By the end of October, consumption of medical oxygen had dropped to 135 MT per day, mean-

FAR TO GO

Dr HG Koshia, the Commissioner at Gujarat’s Food and Drug Control Administration.

“The demand for Remdesivir injection was 1.80 lakh in the open market in September.

That has also dropped to 83,000 lakh injections

ing consumption has dropped by 100 MT.” He further added that the demand for medication used to treat COVID-19 has also fallen.

in October. In government-run hospitals, the consumption of Remdesivir has fallen from 40,000 injections in September to 30,000 in Octo-

ber,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Koshia also said that the consumption of favipiravir 200 mg tablets dropped from 26 lakh in Septem-

ber to four lakh tablets in October and favipiravir 400 mg tablets, from six lakh in September to 2.8 lakh in October.

Even as he commented on the fall in demand of oxygen and medication, Dr Koshia also clarified that the COVID-19 pandemic is not totally under control, and is far from being eradicated from the state. “The COVID-19 pandemic still does exist and the spread of infection is very much there. So, people should not be careless. On the contrary, people need to be more cautious at this point. The more care people take, quicker the spread will reduce,” he said.

RAPE-ACCUSED CONGRESS COUNCILLOR ABSCONDING First India Bureau Himmatnagar: Police in Sabarkantha are hunting for Congress councillor Raju Shah, a day after a rape complaint was filed against him, alleging that he exploited his victim for seven years.

In her rape complaint, filed on Monday, a woman from Talod

town of Sabarkantha district has stated that she had come into contact with Congress councillor Raju Shah about seven and a half years ago. He had started a physical relationship with the woman after having promised to marry her. The complaint says that the Shah took advantage of the victim and raped

Talod police station, where the case complaint was filed.

FOR THEIR HUSBANDS

Women in Ahmedabad’s Satellite Road area get mehndi (henna) applied on their hands as they prepare for a day of fasting for their husbands, on the occasion of Karva Chauth, on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Pvt hosp turns tables on patient for ‘false allegations, complaint’ Case had been filed at consumer court accusing the hosp of overcharging 

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Rubbishing claims that it overcharged a patient, the privately run Asian Bariatrics has instead counter alleged that the patient has failed to pay her hospital bills.

The cheques issued by the Sonavane family have bounced, the hospital’s management said, adding that its medical team is solely responsible for Kalpanaben Sonavane’s recovery.

Asian Bariatrics hospital, Ahmedabad.

Hospital’s advocate Parv Gupta said, “Kalpanaben was transferred from Hridaya Covid Care Centre where her health had deteriorated. She was diagnosed with atypical Pneumonia with COVID-19 and was suf-

—FILE PHOTO

fering from respiratory distress and required NIV support. She has made baseless allegations against the staff of the hospital which treated and took care of her with utmost dedication. She remained in the ICU for a consid-

erable long time. It is because of consistent and persistent efforts and care of the hospital staff that today she’s walking fit and healthy.”

Gupta also insisted that Asian Bariatrics charged Kalpanaben as per Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation guidelines, and said, “It has been over a month since she has been discharged from the hospital and the hospital still hasn’t gotten complete payment. The cheques given by her have bounced, leaving no remedy but to initiate legal proceedings against Kalpanaben Sonavane,” added the advocate.

her a number of times.

He even did “marry” her in a temple with a mangalsutra but this was not legalized.

When she became pregnant due to the forced sexual relations, the complaint says, Shah compelled her to terminate the pregnancy.

Sabarkantha Deputy Superintendent of Police S Suryavanshi told

the media that the victim disclosed the offence on Monday. The case has been handed over to the women’s police station, where the Sub Inspector is investigating the case.

On Tuesday evening, Talod police told First India that they are looking for the accused. The women’s police station officer could not be reached for comment.

Discharged patients leave Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital. —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 954 new cases of SarsCoV-2 infection, bringing the total number of cases of COVID-19 in the state up to 1,75,633 since the first cases were reported in March. In keeping with its recent narrative, the state’s health department claims to have achieved a discharge rate of 90.78%.

The state has been testing upwards of 50,000 samples on a daily basis for the past few days, and Tuesday was no different, with 52,739 samples being tested in the last 24 hours. With this, the state has now tested a total of 62,10,550 samples.

Four people--two in Ahmedabad, one in Surat and one in Banaskantha--succumbed to the

954 cases, four fatalities take state tally to 1,75,633 cases, toll to 3,734 virus on Tuesday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 3,734.

There are now 12,451 active cases, with 61 patients on ventilator support. The highest number of cases reported on Tuesday came from Surat, with 198, followed by Ahmedabad with 166 and Vadodara with 108.

As many as 71 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 at the Modasa sub-jail of Aravalli district after rapid antigen tests were administered to the prisoners.

Prison officials and the district administration have shifted the inmates to Watarak and Modasa Kovid Hospitals for treatment.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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BRIG VETERAN ANIL GUPTA The author is a Jammu based veteran, political commentator, columnist, security and strategic analyst

D

The abrogation of Article 370 is unconstitutional and arbitrary.

The reality is that the said article was abrogated by a 2/3rd majority in both houses of the Parliament which represents 135 crore Indians. 100% members who supported the Bill were not exclusively members of the ruling party BJP but belonged to other parties as well since BJP had only 300 members but 370 votes were needed for the Bill to be passed. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has already rejected an application to intervene in the implementation of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019

r Farooq Abdullah and his other colleagues are busy spreading certain myths and lies in order to regain the lost sympathies of the people. It is being done in the hope that repeated lies may convince the people of their innocence and help revive their sagging political relevance in the changed environment in Kashmir. A perception is being created of them being victimised. The seven valley based political parties have stitched an alliance called Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (referred to as the Alliance herein after). If these myths and lies are not busted in time they may turn into beliefs. Therefore, an effort is being made in subsequent paras to present the truth to the people.

Myth#1. Farooq & Co claim that the people of Muslim majority J&K decided to join secular India instead of Muslim Pakistan. The reality is that as per India Independence Act 1947, the authority to decide the future of his princely state was vested in the ruler/head of the state and the people of the friendly state had no choice in the matter. Accordingly, Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the then ruler of the state exercised his option in favour of India by signing the Instrument of Accession on 26th October 1947, being celebrated as the Accession Day across the UTs of JK and Ladakh.

Myth#2. The abrogation of Article 370 is unconstitutional and arbitrary. The reality is that the said article was abrogated by a 2/3rd majority in both houses of the Parliament which represents 135 crore Indians. 100% members who supported the Bill were not exclusively members of the ruling party BJP but belonged to other parties as well since BJP had only 300 members but 370 votes were needed for the Bill to be passed. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has already rejected an application to intervene in the implementation of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019.

Myth#3. Articles 370 and 35A will be restored if Congress returns to power. The reality is that Congress has maintained an ambivalent stand on the issue through

THE MYTHS AND LIES BEING SPREAD BY GUPKARIS

conflicting statements by its leader at the national and Pradesh level. Despite open challenge to Congress to announce that they would reverse the decision Congress has failed to do so and not made any commitment.

Myth#4. BJP is a communal party and promotes divisive politics. Nothing can be farther from the truth. These leaders have always fought elections on the plea of safeguarding the interests of Muslims by terming BJP as a Hindu party. They are responsible castigating the Hindu minority as “belonging to just 2.5 districts.”

Myth#5. There will be no one to carry the Tiranga if 370 is abrogated. The national tricolour flies proudly atop all buildings and offices in Jammu & Kashmir. There was overwhelming participation of the people during Independence Day celebrations this year despite the fear of Covid. Flag hoisting, cultural programmes, games and sports activities were organised with gusto across the Valley including remote villages. Very recently, hundreds of Kashmiri youth marched across the Gupkar

ARTICLES 370 AND 35A WILL BE RESTORED IF CONGRESS RETURNS TO POWER. THE REALITY IS THAT CONGRESS HAS MAINTAINED AN AMBIVALENT STAND ON THE ISSUE THROUGH CONFLICTING STATEMENTS BY ITS LEADER AT THE NATIONAL AND PRADESH LEVEL. DESPITE OPEN CHALLENGE TO CONGRESS TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY WOULD REVERSE THE DECISION CONGRESS HAS FAILED TO DO SO AND NOT MADE ANY COMMITMENT

Road, where most of these leaders reside, carrying Tiranga and shouting anti-Pakistan slogans on their way to the nearby office of UN to mark the Black Day, the day Pakistan Army backed by raiders attacked the princely state for its forcible annexation. The inhuman atrocities committed by the Pakis form a gory chapter in the state’s history for which Pakistan can never be forgiven.

Lie#1. “The alliance is not anti-national.” Without digging into their past but going just by their recent utterances let the people decide for themselves if they are antinational or not. The President of the alliance is on record to have said in an interview with an on-line portal

that “Kashmiris don’t feel that they are Indians” and invited the Chinese. A few days later he gave another pro-China seditious statement. He not only gave legitimacy to the Chinese incursions in Ladakh but went further to say that 370 will be restored with Chinese help.

Lie#2. “The alliance is not religion specific.” A mere glance at the list of office bearers of the alliance from top to bottom will puncture this lie by itself. Not once but for the third time the alliance has not included any nonMuslim. There is no signatory from Jammu region and neither any office bearer has been chosen from the region.

Undoubtedly, the alliance is not only religion but region

specific as well.

Lie#3. “The alliance is fighting for the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.” Jammu and Kashmir never had a special status. Neither the Constitution of India nor any official legal document of the Government of India uses the term “Special Status” with reference to J&K. Then where is the question of its restoration? Article 370 was a temporary provision which gave special powers but no status. These special powers were co-terminus with Article 370. Farooq has himself admitted that we are fighting for “our rights.”

Lie#4. “Our aim is to ensure rights of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are restored.” The alliance as brought out earlier does not represent Jammu or Ladakh.

Ladakh is over joyed by becoming a UT, their long pending demand. They have just voted for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. They are least interested in status quo. The local units of NC and PDP have been disbanded moment Ladakh was declared as a UT. As regards Jammu is concerned, the public sentiments are overwhelm-

WHY THE BOOKER PRIZE IS PROBLEMATIC

T

his year’s Booker prize shortlist offers the most diverse lineup ever with four female and two male writers, four of who are people of colour. But while the diversity of 2020 shortlists for the best original novel is to be commended, the majority of the publishers of Booker-winning novels are still based in London.

This reflects that the concentration of power in the United Kingdom publishing is still in the English capital. As such, non-English British writers published outside London are perennially disadvantaged by Booker’s selection criteria.

And as it stands, of the 30 times the prize has been awarded to UK-based authors, it has only once gone to a Scottish author: James Kelman’s How Late it Was How Late, in 1994. It went

04

once to a Welsh author – Bernice Rubens for The Elected Member in 1970 – while Anna Burns became the first winner from Northern Ireland in 2018 for Milkman. Three nonEnglish, but UK-based winners, all of which were published by London presses.

The Booker is steeped in Britain’s colonial history, having originally been set up as an award for British and Commonwealth writers writing in the English language and published in the UK and Ireland.

The literary prize opened up its entry criteria in 2013 to allow submissions from writers born outside of Britain, its Commonwealth and its former colonies. This is a move that continues to rankle some prominent British authors with concerns US writers are dominating the line-up. All but one of the

writers on the 2020 shortlist, are from the US or hold joint US citizenship.

Prior to this, the makeup of Booker winners was overwhelmingly male (67%), privately-educated (62%), and one-third of win-

ners had attended Oxford or Cambridge University. No wonder, then, that Julian Barnes, former judge and winner of the prize, described it as “posh bingo”.

As with any literary prize, the Booker’s submis-

sion criteria has always influenced the kind of novels that are shortlisted. Its submission guidelines, which do not allow entries from publishers who do not publish at least two literary fiction titles a year,

have created an unbalanced system.

And since a rule change in 2013, the prize is now weighted even more towards publishers with a history of having books longlisted for the prize – who are able to submit up to four entries. This change was said to be in the interest of fairness and to better “represent the levels of publishing the different sized houses do”. But many feel the changes work in favour of the bigger publishers.

The prize also often illustrates a disconnect between the publishing industry and the reading public. This gulf could be behind the surging popularity of the Guardian’s Not the Booker prize, a reader-nominated, deliberately tongue-in-cheek, rejoinder to the Booker’s perceived pomposity.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

ingly against Kashmiri hegemony. They have not forgotten the discrimination they suffered at the hands of these leaders. They are in no mood to give up their newly acquired freedom. There are no takers for status quo. However, there is a growing demand in Jammu for a separate statehood. The public sentiments are against any truck with these leaders and they do not want at any cost to be ruled by them again.

A few stark realities stare at the Alliance which it is refusing to recognise. One Nation, One Constitution and One Flag is an accepted norm in J&K. Hence there is no space left for sub-nationalism now.

They have to either amalgamate with the rest of the nation or join the separatist foldThese days the Kashmiris particularly the youth which forms the majority are led by a single “A” (ASPIRATIONS).

They are least interested in their power politics. The Alliance needs to accept these realities and lead the Kashmiris in realising their aspirations rather than plunging them back into the dark past.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @DrRPNishank Happy to share that in #lockdown period over 100 resources were developed to create awareness among kids!With the educational resources on #EkBharatShreshthaBharat we aim to educate students about the culture, traditions and practices of different states & UTs. K C Venugopal @kcvenugopalmp The govt’s idea of fixing the financial sector - that they ruined - is to charge people for withdrawing or depositing their own money. Once again the people of India must suffer for the BJP govt’s incompetence.

Spiritual SPEAK

Everything is cyclic in the world. If you become successful, start giving back to the work. —Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 340 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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INDIA AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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Modi also mocked the Opposition & said the people of Bihar have rejected their ‘gundaraj’

‘Allies of jungle raj don’t want chants of Bharat Mata & Jai Shree Ram’

Saharsa: In a veiled attack at Congress and RJD, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that allies of “jungle raj” in Bihar have a problem with chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram”.

Addressing a rally here, he said that Bihar has left behind the darkness of insecurity and anarchy and added that poor were denied the right to vote during ‘jungle raj’. “Those who ran ‘jungle raj’ in Bihar and their allies want that you don’t raise ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans. Think about it.

There are people who get feverish just by saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Allies of jungle raj want slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ should not be raised,” the PM said and later ended his speech with the ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan.

“Allies of jungle raj in Bihar have problem with Bharat Mata. One group says you should not raise the Bharat Mata ki Jai slogan and the other group experiences headaches due to the slogan. Now, these people who are against Bharat Mata have come to seek votes. There is a need to give a befitting answer to such people in this election,” he added.

Modi to chair Global Investor Roundtable New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday chair a virtual global investor roundtable that will provide an opportunity to leading global investors and Indian business leaders to engage and deliberate with senior policy makers on how to further accelerate the growth of international investments in the country.

The Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) is an exclusive dialogue between leading global institutional investors, Indian business leaders and the highest decision makers from the government of India and financial market regulators, the statement said.

People know PM Modi, Nitish looted Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the supporters during an election rally for Bihar Assembly Polls, in Saharsa on Tuesday.

PM MADE AN APPEAL TO PEOPLE

Katihar: Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged they have “looted” Bihar, and claimed that people have decided to vote them out of power. Addressing a poll rally here, the former Congress president criticised the NDA government over demonetisation, migrant crisis, GST, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the three new farm laws.

He said neither Modi

Phle matdaan, fir Jalpaan : Nadda New Delhi: BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday urged the people of Bihar to exercise their vote in the second phase of the state assembly polls to ensure their public participation in the biggest festival of democracy by following all COVID-19 protocols.

“Phle matdaan, fir Jalpaan (voting first, then refreshment).

The people of Bihar are going to vote in the second phase for their bright future today.

Appeal to all voters to ensure their public

participation in this ‘mahaparva’ of democracy by following COVID-19 rules,” the BJP chief tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).

Polling began at 7 am on 94 assembly seats across 17 districts in the second phase of Bihar polls this morning with precautionary measures against COVID-19 in place.

Rahul Gandhi

nor Kumar did anything to help migrant labourers when they were walking thousands of kilometres to return homes during the coronavirus lockdown.

Every single vote given to NDA will take Bihar on the path of development.

But one wrong vote of yours will again push Bihar towards Jungle Raj. Be both careful and cautious, again choose NDA in Bihar.

Bihar has become ‘Lalumay’: Tej Pratap Yadav Hasanpur: In phase two of the Bihar polls, RJD leader and son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap on Tuesday said Bihar has become ‘Lalumay’ and everyone looks up to him with respect.

“Everyone in Bihar and especially people of Hasanpur are ‘Lalumay’ and everyone is with Lalu Yadav and they look up to him with respect. I will win with a margin of 50,000 from Hasanpur,” said Tej Pratap.

Tej Pratap asked the voters to be fearless. “I want to tell the public that they should cast their vote fearlessly,” he added.

—Sushil Modi, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister

Tribute to TN Krishnan

Shah expresses grief over demise of violinist Krishnan New Delhi: Expressing grief over the demise of TN Krishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid tribute to the notest violinist, stating that “he captured the imagination of several generations with his breathtaking compositions”.

“Saddened on the passing away of Violin maestro Shri TN Krishnan ji. As a gifted musician, TN Krishnan ji captured the imagination of several generations with his breathtaking compositions.

My deepest condolences are with this family and followers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” Shah tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too condoled the demise of Krishnan, who passed away in Chennai at the age of 92.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi conveyed condolences to Krishnan’s family and noted that his demise has left a “big void in the world of music”.

Krishnan, who breathed his last on Monday evening, was born on October 6, 1926, in Kerala and later settled in Chennai. He also received many awards like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Sangeetha Kalanidhi.

IN THE COURTYARD

HC adjourns hearing on Mehul Choksi’s plea New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday listed on November 20 hearing on a petition filed by businessman and diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is an accused in the PNB scam case, against Netflix’s documentary titled “Bad Boy Billionaires”.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan said that it will hear the matter on Nov 20.

The court was hearing Choksi’s petition against the order of a single-judge bench dismissing his plea seeking pre-screening of the documentary.

In the last hearing Choksi’s advocate Vijay Aggarwal had asked if Netflix is permitted to violate an individual’s fundamental rights. Aggarwal had also asked whether Netflix’s claim to remain unregulated and being beyond the jurisdiction of writ courts in India is legal.

Senior advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Dayan Krishnan, appearing for Netflix, had argued that the appellant is not entitled to any relief, as he is not a Citizen of India, as he has forsaken his citizenship, and therefore, not entitled to the protection of any fundamental right.

demic ...the voter turnout in the first phase has been exceptionally good.

to Railways decision not to ply goods trains even after the farmers eased their blockade to allow such movement.

As the crisis resulted in complete shutdown of all power plants as well as curtailment of agricultural and vegetables supplies, the CM said, he had decided to hold a “symbolic relay dharna” at the memorial to the Father of the Nation to bring the state’s grim situation to the Centre’s notice.

Rajiv challenges Centre’s decision against him New Delhi: Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetable director Rajiv Agarwal, who had been acquitted in the 2G spectrum allocation case, on Monday, urged the Delhi High Court to issue a direction to the Centre to bring on record the documents containing the process to be followed before taking a decision to file an appeal. Arguing for Rajiv Agarwal, his advocate Vijay Aggarwal told Justice Brijesh Sethi that it is important to see whether the action of the executive is within the parameters of the law and that the decision passes the test of reasonableness.

Extension Of Loan Moratorium

SC defers to Nov 5 hearing on pleas New Delhi: The SC on Tuesday deferred to November 5 hearing on the pleas seeking an extension of the loan moratorium and waiver of interest on term loans during the six-month moratorium period.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan deferred the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought adjournment citing he had to appear before another bench in connection with the hearing of petitions challenging the Central Vista construction project.

“We defer the hearing. We will hear the

06

case day after tomorrow, (November, 5),” Justice Bhushan said.

The petitioners also agreed to the argument of Mehta for deferment.

The top court was hearing petitions, including two filed by one Gajendra Sharma lawyer Vishal Tiwari, seeking the waiving of interest on interest and other appropriate directions in the loan moratorium, granted as a relief.

Amit Shah

BJP’s Mission Bengal in Shah’s visit New Delhi: The BJP seems to have moved on to its next goal -- Bengal.

Among those in the ruling party investing in that state early is union Home Minister Amit Shah. Amit Shah, who has kept away from the heat and dust of the Bihar campaign, is set to visit Bengal on Thursday and Friday.

Sources say the Home Minister will largely focus on fixing the organisational structure of the BJP in West Bengal ahead of the assembly elections next year.

Akhtar files complaint against Ranaut New Delhi: Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar on Tuesday filed a criminal complaint against actor Kangana Ranaut in a local court for allegedly making defamatory and baseless comments against him in television interviews.

According to the Mumbai Mirror report, Akhtar filed the complaint before the Andheri Metropolitan Magistrate, seeking action against Ranaut under the relevant provisions of the IPC for defamation. As per the complaint, Ranuat had recently made certain baseless comments on Akhtar which has caused damage to the reputation of the veteran poet-lyricist.

FROM PG 1 Ashock to...

Notably, during his last tenure, Gehlot had introduced the formale of direct election of mayor in three cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota wherein Congress candidates won the mayoral polls with thumping majrity even if the board did not go to the party’s kitty. Moreover, in Kota, Dhariwal has ensured Congress’s board in Kota North . In Jodhpur, Congress has formed a board in North while the South has voted for BJP’s board.

Bihar 2nd...

A voter turnout of

55.69% was recorded in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls held on October 28, the Election Commission said in its provisional data.

High polling...

Elsewhere, polling was by and large peaceful as voters, wearing masks and gloves, queued up at polling booths where election staff in PPE suits assisted them during the first pan-India electoral exercise in the pandemic.

“The electoral exercise going on in the country is by far the largest exercise in the world amid the pan-

‘Modi cares...

This is why mothers continue to bless Modi,” the PM said.

Stating that it is time to fulfill more aspirations of people in Bihar, he said: “In the last decade, every house in Bihar got electricity and gas connections. Now, from 2021 to 2030, it is time to fulfill more aspirations of the people of Bihar.”

Punjab CM... urea and DAP and other essential supplies due

CBI, ED...

Letters Rogatory is a formal communication in writing sent by the

Court in which action is pending to a foreign court requesting judicial assistance.

BJP MLA... and Sony Entertainment Television over a question asked during Friday’s Karamveer special episode.

The episode had social activist Bezwada Wilson and actor Anup Soni in the hot seat opposite Mr. Bachchan, who asked the following question for the level of 6.40 lakh: “On 25th December 1927, Dr B R Ambedkar and his followers burned copies of which scripture?” The

options to the question were: “(A) Vishnu Purana (B) Bhagavad Gita, (C) Rigved and (D) Manusmriti.”

58.14% voter...

The candidate also gave the police a statement.

The Congress party has filed four formal complaints with regards to violations in the model code of conduct.

In the first, the Congress has alleged that Anjaliben Rupani, wife of CM Vijay Rupani, was campaigning for the BJP in the Morbi assembly constituency at 2pm.

In the second, which came after the video from Karjan at 9 am, the Congress submitted a written representation to the Returning Officer to take action alleging that the BJP had distributed cash for votes. Vadodara District Election Officer Shalini Agarwal has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

In their third complaint, the Congress lodged a complaint with the Returning Officer alleging that Congress booth agent Altaf Rangraj had repeatedly left the booth and called the DYSP police station offi-

cer into booth No198 of Karjan constituency without any reason.

The fourth complaint, of bogus polling in Ghedi village of Limbdi, came at noon when the Congress lodged a complaint with the Presiding Officer and Deputy Collector.

Expedite decision... has been pending for two years. Tell us what the law and cases are which can allow us to do it. We want the Governor to pass orders,” the bench observed when it was informed that matter is still pending before Governor.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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TRUMP TRUDEAU

The escalator’s political meaning has shifted over the years—but it’s never gone away, and candidates on both the right and the left love to invoke it

TO

the escalator is a favourite symbol of political campaigns

I

n June 2015, Donald Trump rode an escalator into the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City to announce his candidacy for president—an escalator ride that quickly became famous.

Politico called it “the escalator ride that changed America,” and

The Guardian spoke of “the surreal day Trump kicked off his bid for president” with a “golden escalator ride.”

The escalator has long been a symbol of social mobility, of the ease with which Americans have been able to rise to the top of the social and economic hierarchy. For this rea-

son, it has featured in a range of recent political campaigns.

For decades the escalator has been a ready symbol in debates over economic inequality and globalization. For many it captures how the economy used to work, how it no longer seems to work and how it might work

07

again. The escalator’s political meaning has shifted over the years—but it’s never gone away, and candidates on both the right and the left love to invoke it.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU’S ASCENSION

SOURCE: CONVERSATION

I

n my work on the cultural history of the escalator, I have been struck by its persistent use in recent years.

During Justin Trudeau’s 2015 campaign to become prime minister of Canada, a television ad featured the candidate climbing an escalator the wrong way. Trudeau remains in place until he reverses the escalator’s direction and uses it to propel himself upward.

For Trudeau’s Liberal Party, the escalator served as a metaphor for how upward mobility had languished under the Conservative government of Stephen Harper.

The ad symbolically replaced the 18th-century economist Adam Smith’s metaphor of an “invisible hand”— coined to describe the way that prices seem to rise and fall of their own accord in a capitalist economy—with an escalator. Trudeau’s liberal politics, his campaign promised, were like a “master switch” capable of redirecting the escalator’s flow.

For Trudeau’s leftist

critics in the opposition New Democratic Party, though, the escalator ad symbolized everything that was wrong with Trudeau’s politics, because it asked voters to trust that globalization and corporate welfare would bring wealth and social mobility. “Stop the Escalator” became a progressive rallying cry of the 2015 campaign.

Donald Trump’s television series “The Apprentice” was likewise obsessed with the politics of social mobility.

At the end of each episode, contestants were sent either “up to the suite—or down to the street.” To be important is to have access to the corporate boardroom and the penthouse.

For Trump, riding the escalator is a symbol of social mobility and power. In “The Art of the Deal,” Trump boasts about how expensive it was to install.

The fact that Trump rode down the escalator, rather than up it—as if he were condescending to come down, rather than inviting us to come up—turned the symbol on its head.

CRITICISM OF GLOBALIZATION

Why escalators

T

he political right around the world has often targeted the escalator. The objection is precisely to its accessibility—that anyone can ride it.

In 2014, during the United Kingdom’s Brexit referendum over whether to leave the European Union, the populist UK Independence Party (UKIP) ran an advertisement depicting an escalator built over the White Cliffs of Dover. The slogan read: “No Border, No Control.”

The word “control” here suggests not only an unprotected border, but a broader sense of social disorder, symbolized by the way that the escalator, a mechanical contraption, is depicted invading a pastoral landscape.

When Trump announced his presidential run after riding down the escalator into the lobby, he focused on issues of mobility and borders. He complained, infamously, that Mexico was sending America its rapists and drug dealers—that the United States had entered an era in which working-class Americans were stuck in place while migrants, terrorists and drug dealers had become mobile.

Implicitly, Trump in 2015 questioned whether America’s engine of social mobility was working for the “right” people.

T

he escalator has become such a powerful and pervasive symbol in both politics and speech perhaps precisely because it is a machine.

It operates mechanically, “on its own accord” and without human input, making it a ready symbol for undemocratic, technocratic policymaking that occurs without input from the general public.

Trudeau was unfazed by these associations. But the growing popularity of the escalator, as a symbol, on the political right reflects a growing cynicism about democratic governance.

Pro-Brexit Advertisement for the UK Independence Party (2014).

UKIP Escalator Advertisement (2015).

ESCALATION VERSUS DE-ESCALATION

T

Donald Trump rides an escalator to announce his candidacy for the US presidency at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015, in New York City.

he escalator has shaped political rhetoric more generally. When we refer to the way a conflict escalates, we are using a metaphor that originated with the escalator.

The term is of incredibly recent origin.

It first emerged in the 1920s as a verb for riding an escalator. And it took on its present meaning only in 1959, in the context of the Cold War. To “escalate” in the context of the Cold War was to take the conflict to the next

level. It was not to commit a single act of retaliation but to initiate a new sustained level of violence. “Escalation theory” was intended to slow conflict, to avert an immediate turn toward nuclear war among the global superpowers.

Since then, however, “escalation” has mostly served to rationalize never-ending, low-level forms of conflict. Violence, in this way, is ratcheted up and down, escalated and de-escalated, but it never ceases.

Modern American

politics is characterized by unending escalation. One can cite the wars in Vietnam and, now, Afghanistan. There’s the partisan rhetoric and political brinkmanship over Senate procedures and Supreme Court appointments.

There’s police violence.

Much of the public debate around these issues is preoccupied with finding “de-escalation” strategies— ways to slow America’s seemingly uncontrollable cycle of conflict and violence.

Love manifests itself in many ways. But of all the ways a Mother’s love is the most consistent and true.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

GUJARAT

1,215,106 4,75,80,602 1,23,579 83,10,665 3,734 1,75,633 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 44,248 DEATHS 16,92,693 CASES

TAMIL NADU 11,214 DEATHS 7,31,942 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,247 DEATHS 8,32,396 CASES

Dalit leader Martin Macwan says most Dalit girls in villages face abuse; many contemplate suicide

Shishir Awasthi

DEATHS

DELHI 6,652 DEATHS 4,03,096 CASES

SABKA SAATH? 80% rural Dalit girls face sexual abuse in Guj Ahmedabad: Notwithstanding the claims of successive Gujarat governments of uplifting the lot of all classes of people, veteran Dalit rights leader Martin Macwan has asserted that a majority of Dalit girls in the rural areas have experienced sexual violence or harassment.

Macwan has claimed that between 75 and 80% girls, who come to the Dalit Shakti Kendra (DSK) he had founded 20 years ago near Ahmedabad to offer alternative training options to manual scavenging and other castebased occupations, have experienced sexual abuse.

He was speaking at a webinar organised by the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi, on Tuesday.

Macwan said there

08

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,936 DEATHS 2,02,220 CASES

Guj High Court orders man to hand over infant’s custody to forlorn wife

WHITHER RESERVATION?

—FILE PHOTO

Gujarat High Court.

First India Bureau

Maximum Dalit girls suffer sexual exploitation.

were more instances of girls experiencing sexual abuse in their villages when go for defecating in the open.

What is alarming is that many of these girls had considered ending their life because of such abuse. Citing an instance, he said, “During a session I asked if anyone of them had ever thought of com-

mitting a suicide. To my utter surprise, almost 90% of them raised their hands, which speaks volumes about the trauma that youth go through.”

Claiming that “our schools have failed to fight the trauma Dalit children, especially girls, undergo,” Macwan said there was a need to “capture the impact of

—FILE PHOTO

caste and gender prejudices in the minds of young people, and investigate social reasons as to why suicide rates have doubled in the last decade.”

Macwan expressed his shock as to why those at “the very top of the power structure” failed to condemn the manner in which the Hathras victim’s family was treated even after

the gangrape incident on September 14 and her subsequent death a fortnight later.

“Her body was forcefully burnt by the power wielders knowing fully well how to destroy crucial evidence,” he said, and added this was in contrast to “the right of respectful burial given to convicts of the heinous crime as that of Nirbhaya.”

Ahmedabad: In a compassionate judgment, the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday directed a man to hand over his 7-month-old baby’s custody to the mother, in presence of Lunawada judge before November 6.

The order was in response to a plea from mother Divyakumari Bhatt and the State Government.

She had prayed for her child’s custody on 2 grounds: First, it

was just a 7-month-old kid and needed mother’s care; and Two, her husband had hidden it from her that this was his second marriage.

After the court was satisfied with her plea, a division bench of Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Nirzar Desai directed that the man hand over custody of the infant to the mother.

Earlier, the court had rejected the petition on the grounds that the father’s cus-

tody of the child could not be said to be illegal. So the petitioner had moved another petition citing the child’s age.

She said she had married Kevalkumar Bhatt in 2018 and in the beginning of this year she had delivered a baby boy Avyansh. Soon after her delivery, she was thrown out of the family. Her husband’s family kept custody of Avyansh and thought he needed a mother at this age.

Crime Branch nabs Naidu NDDB chief elected to Court refuses bail to accused board of International in Tocilizumab injection racket gang notorious for 40 thefts Dairy Federation First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has nabbed the notorious Naidu Gang wanted for over 40 thefts in the famous Kumbh Mela, besides several more.

The gang is notorious for its modus operandi in which it distracts potential victims by providing them with helpful information on the road.

Police said the gang used to throw oil on cars and leave behind Rs 10 notes. It would then distract car owners by telling them that there was a leak in the vehicle or they had lost

First India Bureau

Crime Branch nabbed Naidu gang on Tuesday.

Rs10.

When the driver would get out to check the claims they would make away with whatever was in the car. A team of the Crime Branch had been on the lookout for the gang for some

time. Head constable Dhirajkumar and Mehulkumar got a tipoff that the gang is likely to come near the Bus Stand at Kalupur Railway Station. Four members of the gang were arrested.

Anand: National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman Dilip Rath has been unanimously elected to the board of International Dairy Federation (IDF) during the General Assembly of IDF held on Monday.

On his election, Rath said, “I see my election to the IDF Board as an opportunity to bring along valuable insights from the Indian dairy experience and foster synergies between dairying nations.”

He called this a privilege to represent the

First India Bureau

world’s largest milk producing nation and contribute to promoting sustainable goals of dairying and also meet the UN Sustainable Goals.

Rath is associated with IDF for the last 10 years as Member-Secretary of Indian National Committee and as a member of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policy and Economics.

He has participated in National Committee Secretaries’ meetings as well as General Assembly on several occasions and was also a speaker at the Leaders’ Forum Panel at Rotterdam Summit in 2016.

Ahmedabad: A local court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of a 22-year-old accused, Harsh Thakor, in the fake Tocilizumab injection racket in Gujarat.

The court observed that the accused had put people’s lives at risk by supplying fake Tocilizumab injections. Earlier, the accused used to work at a medical store and had knowledge about the injection.

He used to change the boxes of steroid injections to sell them as Tocilizumab injections and would tell his customers that he got the

injections from government hospitals. The accused supplied the fake injections with an intention of financial gain, the court observed.

The accused used to erase the name of the original medicine on the box and change the wrapper of steroid in-

jections and used to rename the box as, Tocilizumab Actemra, with the help of an editing software.

Then, he used to send its pictures to people claiming that these were Tocilizumab injections and also sold steroid injections without a permit.

OF HUMAN COMPASSION

RMC’s campaign to check beggars, but with alternatives RMC, city police and social security dept campaign plans to turn beggars to vocational activities

Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: With an aim to check begging in the city, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in association with the city police, and departments of Social Security and Child Protection, will run a week-long campaign from Wednesday to look for beggars and help them switch to vocational activities.

A meeting in this re-

gard was held under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Udit Agarwal on Tuesday.

“We have observed that begging activity has increased over the past few months,” Agarwal told First India.

He added that the prime focus of the campaign would be to look into the antecedents of these people and find out why they were into begging.

“Once they are identified we will first con-

RMC launches drive to check begging.

—FILE PHOTO

duct their health camps and guide them towards adopting alternative paths of livelihood. But, if they fail to understand and resort to begging again, law will take its own course,” he said.

While the administration has no exact number of beggars in the city, there are fixed points especially at prime locations where beggars are invariably found.

“We have received

many complaints from the locals on increasing begging and the need to find a permanent solution. For those who do not have a place to live, they will be given shelter in ‘Ren Baseras’ and the others will be guided on vocational activities,” Agarwal said.

He said 4 teams had been formed to run the campaign from Wednesday in four zones of the city.

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AHMEDABAD, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2020

THE MOON SIGHTING PICTURE IS A MUST, WITH THE PERFECT LOOK OF MEHENDI, WELL DECORATED THALI AND THE TRADITIONAL JAALIALL FALLING TOGETHER WITH DEVOTION AND PRAYERS OF A LONGEVITY FOR THE BELOVED.

THE BEST LOOK TO SHOW OFF THE LEHENGA. JUST FIND A STOOL, PROP UP YOUR FOOT, GET HUBBY DARLING TO ADJUST THE LEHENGA AND DUPATTA FALL, THROW BACK YOUR SHOULDERS AND SHOOT A DEMURE LOOK.

arvachauth

OOK DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO FLASH THE FLESH AND TAKE THE PIC WITH YOUR BACKLESS CHOLI TO WOO YOUR BETTER HALF? JUST FIND A QUIET STREET AND TURN AROUND AND SMILE … WHOO!

THIS POSE WORKS BEST IN PROFILE, YOU CAN DECIDE TO GO SIMPLE WITH THIS INDOWESTERN LOOK BUT FLAUNT THE JEWELLERY AND SET OFF THE MUTED COLLAR WITH THE HEAVY CHAINS.

THE FESTIVE SEASON HAS STARTED AND EVEN THE LOOMING DARKNESS OF THE PANDEMIC CANNOT DIM THE SPARKLE OF THE DIYAS WHICH WILL BE LIT ACROSS INDIA IN THE COMING WEEKS. AS KARVACHAUTH KICKSTARTS THE FESTIVITIES, CITY FIRST BRINGS YOU THE BEST POSES TO ENTHRALL YOUR FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THESE PICTURES...

CHOOSE A NICE HIGH BACKED CHAIR, DECK UP WITH YOUR CHOICEST JEWELS, AFTER ALL IT IS KARVACHAUTH AND PICK OUT THE HEAVY BROCADE FOR THIS PERFECT PIC OF A LIFETIME. KEEP THE HAIR AND MAKE UP SIMPLE- FOCUS ON THE SAREE AND JEWELLERY FOR THIS ONE. THE FOREVER PERFECT POSE- JUST ENSURE THAT THE BACKGROUND IS PLAIN WHEN YOU ARE THE HOTTEST FLOWER IN THE GARDEN. THE TUMBLING HAIR WITH THE KUMKUM ON FOREHEAD WILL SET THE MOOD!

YOU CAN TAKE A DIYA PIC, THE GLOWING DEEPAK ADDS THE GLOW OF ROMANTIC LOVE TO YOUR FACE AND YOUR BELOVED WILL FALL IN LOVE ...AGAIN AS HE CLICKS!

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AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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My best worst film: Pink Flamingos :

‘One of the most vile, stupid and repulsive films ever made’?

STUART RICHARDS

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

I

Lochary) and Connie Marble (Mink Stole), who kidnap women, imprison and forcefully impregnate them, and sell their babies to lesbian couples.

Variety’s first review is now famous, calling it “one of the most vile, stupid and repulsive films ever made.”

BANNED FOR INDECENCY It wasn’t just the critics who were unimpressed.

When distributors tried to bring the film to Australia in 1976, it was banned for “indecency”.

A cut version was given an R rating and released that year theatrically.

The film’s full version was eventually granted an X18+ rating, for pornographic, non-simulated sexual activity, restricting sale and hire of the film to the ACT and some regions of the NT. In 1997, for a 25th an-

FA CE OF TH ED AY

n a new series, our writers explore their best worst film.

They’ll tell you what the critics got wrong – and why it’s time to give these movies another chance.

While some may know John Waters through his family friendly Hairspray (1988) – adapted into a stage musical in 2002 and back to the screen in 2007 – many know him as the Prince of Puke, the King of Bad Taste or the Pope of Trash.

Perhaps his most notorious film is the exploitation comedy Pink Flamingos (1972), the first in his “Trash Trilogy”, which also includes Female Trouble (1974) and Desperate Living (1977).

Pink Flamingos is emblematic of Waters’ camp aesthetic, juxtaposing grotesque subject matter against pastel colours, kitsch props and bubblegum pop music.

Waters’ muse Divine is Babs Johnson, the “filthiest person alive.”

She lives with her mother Edie (Edith Massey), who dresses as a baby, sits in a crib and screams for eggs; her ghoulish lover Cotton (Mary Vivian Pearce); and her son Crackers (Danny Mills), who, in a particularly gruesome moment, has sex with a woman while a live chicken is crushed to death between their two bodies.

But Babs’ title of “filthiest person alive” is at stake, and she must rival Raymond (David

niversary cinematic rerelease, the uncut film was again refused. The classification board said films could receive an R rating when sexual activity was “realistically simulated” – but not when it was “the real thing”.

Films with unsimulated sexual activity, such as Catherine Breillat’s Romance (1999) and John Cameron Mitchell’s Shortbus (2006) have since been awarded R18+ classification, allowing the category to include them.

But the full version of Pink Flamingos maintains an X18+ rating.

Even the National Film and Sound Archive’s 2017 screenings of banned films showed a cut version rated R18+.

STUPID? NO: IT WAS GROUNDBREAKING Despite this reception, Pink Flamingos is now heralded as ground-

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

breaking. It shaped the boundaries of bad taste and gross out humour.

There are several shocking scenes in the film. One sees Divine and Crackers break into the Marbles’ home where, after licking all the furniture, Divine fellates her son. Another sees a shot of a man flexing his prolapsed anus so it looks like it’s miming the words to

der and family. Confronting perceptions of “good taste”, Pink Flamingos attacked an elitist culture that excluded

many communities, such as queer folk and punks.

Source: https://theconversation. com/profiles/stuart-richards-9983

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Taking recourse to dire measures in a relationship is not warranted at this point in time rather give it some more time. Things are bound to turn favourable. Your analytical abilities and professional bent of mind are to get you noticed at work.

You remain judicious in spending.

Find time for someone who is insistent on meeting you. Compensation due to you may get delayed because of covid situation . You receive a lot of encouragement from your well-wishers in your present occupation. Be careful of your rivals, and don’t instigate them.

Making things work that have been given up by others can get you noticed, so start thinking in this direction. You will manage your finances well. Don’t indulge in rumour mongering, as you simply gain nothing. You can be given thumbs up for going ahead.

Money will not be a constraint in achieving what you have set out for.

A bad property deal may put you in a bind, so read the fine print before proceeding ahead.

Changes made by you at workplace may not be appreciated by all.

Remain guarded on academic front.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Your initiative to completing all given tasks will be noticed by those who matters. Enhancement in salary or previous arrears will boost your finances. Following a diet fad will help you remain in shape. Your professional approach to the issues at hand will help in expediting them.

You may surprise everyone by asserting a bit more than usual to make your point. This will help in restoring your self-confidence. You will be most efficient today on the work front. There seems no problem on the monetary front. Scoring well on the academic front is indicated.

Wrong decisions may become a bane and get you on the back foot. Don’t ignore sane advice. Trying to earn big time may remain a dream, if you don’t work towards achieving it. Those feeling out of sorts for some time are likely to make a quick recovery, with some efforts.

You will need to go out of your way to woo the golden hen. On the academic front ,you are likely to bounce back with full gusto.

An important responsibilty at work will help in proving your mettle and is likely to do your career good. Save money for the rainy day.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

It may not be a good idea to thrust something on someone, when you know it will be difficult for him or her to discharge. Today, nearness to your lover will prove most comforting.

Some relief is foreseen for those under debt. Chance of a new job may come your way.

Today despite networking, something desired on the academic front may remain out of reach. You may not get the benefit of doubt in a workplace slip-up. A peaceful home environment may remain elusive.

Tensions regarding money cannot be ruled out at home but this won’t last.

You do well by not antagonising someone who is all for you. Good opportunities are likely to materialise on the academic front.

Giving up health products and switching to a normal balanced diet will be right. Those thinking of buying property will need to be discerning.

You are likely to have a time of your life, exploring new locales. Getting involved in whatever you are doing will get you into the picture quickly. Delving into things that don’t concern you will be appreciated by people. A show or exhibition is likely to get you some good business.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KRITIKA KHURANA, Blogger

“Surfin’ Bird”.

But perhaps the most notorious is where, in the final scene, Divine eats dog faeces to the song “How Much is the Doggy in the Window?”.

Just how much can you stomach when watching something disgusting?

The characters in Pink Flamingos challenge normative ideas around sexuality, gen-

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

A

merican model Chrissy Teigen paid tribute to her late son, Jack after she suffered a pregnancy loss.

Teigen had revealed that she had suffered a pregnancy loss while expecting her third child with husband John Legend. The couple took a break and now, it seems that Teigen and Legend are attempting to return to normalcy,

AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Inked! as they recently headed out on a ‘date night,’ as the former model said in a short video shared to Twitter.

Alongside the six-second clip, the star wrote: “I have gotten used to my naturally frowny mouth. It’s kind of wild how much I laugh and

‘HASEEN DILRUBA’

smile and how it’s still frowny, no matter what lol.”

With Teigen’s wrist turned up, a new tattoo was visible just below her hand. “Jack,” the ink simply read.

—Agency

V

P

Kriti Sanon

Akshay Kumar

‘Bachchan Pandey’

Vikrant Massey

ikrant Massey took to Instagram and shared a throwback boomerang video of himself with Gillani Sharukh. The actor revealed that they had wrapped up Vinil Mathew’s mystery thriller flick Haseen Dilruba. In the video, Massey has donned a white outfit with a pair of spectacles. He is visible hugging Gillani Sharukh, who has donned a casual black t-shirt.

He caption the post as, “Yeh hai @gillanishahrukh. Humne aaj hamaari film #haseendillruba wrap ki. Yeh yahaan hote to aise hi inhe chipak jaata. Aaj yeh yahaan nahi hai, soch post share kar dun.”

—Agency

LOST THE CASE

irates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has lost the libel case against British tabloid The Sun on Monday, November 2. The actor had sued the international publication after the tabloid described him as a “wife beater.” A judge of the London High Court dismissed the claim by the actor for compensation at the end of the case. The judge also ruled that the allegations against the Hollywood actor were “substantially true”. It is reported that the ruling could severely impact Depp’s reputation and career.

Judge Andrew Nicol accepted Amber Heard’s claims of the actor violently assaulting her on various occasions during their five-year relationship. The judge said that he has found the assault allegations of Heard against Depp “have been proved to

11

URGING FANS TO VOTE

Johnny Depp

the civil standard.”

The judge added, “It follows that this claim is dismissed.”

—Agency Chrissy Teigen

31 YEARS STRONG

A

s ‘Parinda’ completed 31 years on Tuesday, actor Madhuri Dixit Nene shared her experience of working in ‘The Most Powerful Film Ever Made.’ Taking it to Twitter, the ‘Dhak Dhak’ famed actor said she had a thrilling experience while playing the character of Paro in the film. “#31YearsOfParinda. Playing ‘Paro’ in #Parinda was a thrilling experience.

The tagline of the film rightly justifies it “The Most Powerful Film Ever Made”. I also did a death scene for the first time. Wonderful memories with the amazing cast & crew makes this one very special,” she wrote along with the poster of the film.

—ANI

A

ctors Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon will kickstart shooting for their upcoming actioncomedy ‘Bachchan Pandey’ in Jaisalmer in January 2021.

Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the update on Twitter on Tuesday. The film critic further shared that the shoot for the film will continue till March 2021 in the city of Jaisalmer.

“AKSHAY KUMAR- KRITI SANON... #AkshayKumar and #KritiSanon to kickstart shoot for action-comedy #BachchanPandey in #Jaisalmer in Jan 2021...

Shoot will continue till March 2021,” he tweeted.

“One more actress will be signed soon...

Directed by #FarhadSamji...

Produced by #SajidNadiadwala,” the tweet further read.

—ANI

Taylor Swift

W

ith only a day left to vote in the US, several international stars have been showing their stan for President and urging fans to vote. Several celebrities took to their social media accounts on Monday to reveal that they have voted for Biden as president. Taylor Swift shared a video on Twitter to reveal her support. “Allow me to be the one-millionth person to remind you that tomorrow is your last chance to make your voice heard and your vote count, so if you haven’t voted yet, please do,” she says in the clip shared online which ended with an artwork of Biden and US Vice President candidate Kamala Harris.

—Agency

TYING A KNOT?

CARDI BOFFSET

A

merican rapper Cardi B has reportedly called off her divorce from Offset. The ‘WAP’ rapper filed documents Monday in Georgia to dismiss the divorce ‘without prejudice.’ She originally filed for divorce in September. At the time, the 27-year-old Grammy winner shared she was seeking to legally part ways from the Migos emcee, because they were having heated arguments as of late. “I wanted to let y’all know I have shed not one tear,” Cardi told her fans in an Instagram Live video. In the video, she spoke to her followers candidly and admitted she has cried over her husband’s past cheating scandals, but was adamant that previous or current infidelity was not a factor in her decision to separate.

—Agency

Zaid Darbar and Gauhar Khan

G

Cardi B

Madhuri Dixit Nene; (inset) Her post

auhar Khan and Zaid Darbar are planning to tie a knot of Christmas Eve, that is 25 December this year. Earlier it was reported that the couple would be tying the knot on 22 November, but Gauhar denied this fact.

A source close to Gauhar stated that the families have shortlisted 25 December as the date, and due to the pandemic, they would have a private and intimate ceremony with just close friends and family in attendance.

—Agency

CITY BUZZ www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

KARISHMA GWALANI

Karishma.gwalani @firstindia.co.in

K

arva Chauth is a festival where Hindu women especially from North India, observe a whole day fast from sunrise till sunset for the wellbeing and longevity of their husband’s life. For the ceremony of breaking fast and pooja, women dress up in ethnic attire and one of the most common choices for it is a red saree. While traditions still rule the day with an array of rituals and a peek at the much-awaited moon, the wardrobe factor has drastically modified the look and feel of the occasion. It is a day when you get to showcase your dressy-glam Indian version, with all sorts of experimenting fabulousness beyond the traditional red saree ensemble. And this year is no exception; however, with the pandemic on our heads, there could be a few changes in the overall look.

City First talked to a few people from Rajasthan and Gujarat, to know their Karwa Chauth look this year.

Karwa Chauth is all about revelling in a good mood and nothing makes women feel better than dressing well while doing something special for their husbands. It is always a great idea to slip into a lehenga for karwa

KARVA CHAUTH 2020!

Chauth. I purchased a red lehenga with golden work on it as red is a symbol of love and golden is a symbol of prosperity. I am wearing a red mask along that completes my look which stays traditional yet a stylish statement. Be it clothes, jewellery or make-up, everything adds to the feel-good factor on this day.

—VIDHI PARASWANI

AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

Amidst Covid 19, people are demanding simple cotton lehengas and sarees which has no handwork, easy to maintain and easy to carry. They are demanding a couple of twinning dresses too. Not to forget, matching dress masks have now become a compulsion.

—RACHNA KHANDELWAL, Designer

Karwa Chauth is one of my favourite festivals. One reason being it is a Festival of love and others that you can get ready as much as you want. Considering this pandemic, I ordered everything online that too in advance, and kept all things in isolation for a week. I bought a new pink suit and jewellery with a matching facemask. I and my sister in law are helping each other in mehndi and makeup. We are going to do pooja with social distancing in our society in small groups.

—PUJA MISHRA

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted Shweta Mishra of First India News on her birthday on Tuesday, at his residence.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

RAJ: Sarwar Municipality in Ajmer organized a marathon for awareness under the Corona Mass Movement. Congress Youth leader Sagar Sharma flagged off the race. This marathon was organised to motivate common people to wear masks and maintain social distance. It took place from Link Road, Chaman Chauraha to Municipality. On this occasion, everyone was administered a mask and an oath of protection from the coronavirus. —M IMRAN TAK

RAJ: Ladies from the Pink City were spotted at various locations, in order to shop for the occasion of Karwa Chauth on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY NAIM KHAN

UNIQUE DIY CITY FIRST

T SUPPORTING NEEDY FAMILIES

CITY FIRST

M

anaging director of Sundaram Group, Ram Gopal Agarwal gave a check of Rs 11,000 to the Government of Rajasthan on the occasion of his birthday. Along with this, he distributed ration through the Kota Collector, Ujjwal Rathore, to needy families on Tuesday. He distributed 5000 packets of food and 5000 packets of Sundaram flour to the needy people.

CITY FIRST

R

ajasthan Police started an online initiative ‘AAWAJ’ to make youth legally aware of several crimes and its consequences. The program was conducted online on Tuesday, in the joint aegis of Rajasthan Police and Subodh Public School, through which youngsters were given complete information about all kinds of laws related to them and how to avoid crime and

On the occasion, Ram Aggarwal shared that he would continue to support the event till Diwali and also assured that he would cooperate with the Creature Foundation in various social activities. They have decided to distribute 2000 kits of flour, semolina, maida and khichdi to 2000 poor families of Jaipur. He further shared that he is going to organise a blood donation camp with the Creature Foundation at Raja Park, Jaipur on 8 November. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

o illuminate Diwali with environmentfriendly self-made decorations that also teaches some lessons of Mathematics, the Centre for Creative Learning (CCL) at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has launched a ‘20-20 lamps’ series. As a part of this video series, which was launched on the day of Dussehra and would continue for 20 days up to Diwali, every day the CCL

Youth-kiAAWAJ ASP Seema Hingonia

12

team would release a video on its YouTube channel on how to make a new paper lamp that is based on one of the Mathematical concepts.

This offering from CCL, IITGN originated during one of the episodes of the immensely popular 3030 STEM program, a live Sunday weekly YouTube series to make Mathematics and Science engaging by creating a sense of wonder from everyday life. 3030 STEM has attracted around 4 lakh registered users with more than 15 lakh views.

Sharing the idea behind this initiative, Prof Manish Jain, Associate Teaching Professor, IITGN said, “In these difficult times, ‘20-20 Lamps’ is a great way for the whole family to sit together and get creative. These lamps serve the dual purpose of learning and family bonding. The math behind them is interesting, and the material required to make it is minimal, only a chart paper and glue.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

criminals. Attempts were made to develop a sense of respect for women so that sexual offences with women could be minimized and youth crimes.

The program was started

by ADG Civil Rights and legal information was shared by the Additional SP Seema Hingonia at Police Head Quarter, Jaipur. The main objective of the program is to protect women and girls, as well as to keep the boys away from crime. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

GUJ: Joint Police Commissioner Ajay Chaudhary checking the suspected vehicles, to make the city more safe and secure ahead of the Diwali festival in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJ: Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, young innovators of Ahmedabad, Param Gutka and Yash Shah, have developed a unique technological solution to fight the COVID-19 virus and germs.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

AUDITIONS ALERT!

HAPPY B’DAY!

A

n audition to cast for upcoming short films and music albums of Gathjod Films and Entertainment is being organized on 6 November, Friday. The audition will be from 12 to 4 pm at Lakshmi Niwas Hotel, Jaipur.

In this audition, celebrities from the fashion and Bollywood world will participate as jury members, like actress Deepti Saini, Akbar Khan, Miss Rajasthan Karishma Hada, Arpana Bajpai, Gaurav Gaur, Neena Gupta, Dr Shikha Tiwari, and many more.

—City First

IFS Shailaja Deval celebrated her birthday on 3 November, Tuesday. We wish her all the best!