First India-Ahmedabad Edition-06 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

PM NARENDRA MODI WRITES LETTER TO PEOPLE OF BIHAR, SAYS NEED NITISH KUMAR’S GOVT FOR DEVELOPMENT OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD 17°C - 34°C

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 342

INSULT TO PERSON BELONGING TO SC/ST WITHIN FOUR WALLS WITH NO WITNESSES NOT OFFENCE: SC www.firstindia.co.in | www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia | instagram.com/thefirstindia

THE LION IS BACK IN ACTION!

Union Home Minister Amit Shah after paying tribute to freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Bankura district.

BENGALI PLATTER Union Home Minister Amit Shah being served Bengali food at the residence of tribal BJP worker during his two-day visit to West Bengal, in Bankura district on Thursday.

—PHOTOS BY PTI

Amit Shah up & kicking on 2021 Bengal campaign trail

Nitish’s last poll or not? Explication post declaration

Mohd Fahad & Aditi Nagar Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after making several rounds to the hospital while getting infected by corona and defeating it in due course, is now hail and hearty and back to business with a bang making first visit to next year’s fierce street battle of Bengal.

Shah, who is on twoday visit to the State, had set a target of wining on 200 assembly seats. The importance of the visit can also be gauged from the fact that Shah chose to visit Bengal and not Bihar, which is currently voting for next government.

Shah said that the death knell of the Trinamool Congress government had been sounded.

Shah alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal had started an unprecedented oppression on BJP workers. Turn to P6

I see huge anger among people against Mamata government and hope that things will change when the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal —Amit Shah

Union Home Minister

LUNCH AT TRIBAL BJP MAN’S HOME Bankura: Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday had lunch at the house of a tribal BJP worker in Chaturdihi village in Bankura district. Sitting on the floor of Vibhishana Hansda’s house, Shah had rice, roti, dal, ‘patol bhaja’ (pointed gourd fry), ‘shukto’ (mixed veg stew which is slightly bitter), ‘aluposto’ (potato in poppy seed paste), and ‘papad’.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

MAMATA ASKS SHAH TO MAINTAIN DIGNITY IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday took exception to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to uproot her government. “I also know Hindi. If I say the same words… uproot and throw away, will you feel good,” she asked. While the Chief Minister did not refer to Shah, her remarks were clearly aimed at the Minister, who said earlier in the day “death knell of the Mamata Banerjee government has been sounded”. Banerjee urged Shah to maintain dignity in political discourse. She said that nobody should cross the ‘Lakshman rekha’.

There were concerted attempts to defame West Bengal. “West Bengal has a special sense of pride.

If some outsiders come and target our sense of pride, we will not accept it.” Targeting the BJP, she stated that in the name of protests, one particular party had regularly violated the laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic and had spread the infection.

Patna: Nitish Kumar, in a stunning announcement while wrapping up his Bihar campaign, announced at a rally today that this was his last election. Shortly afterwards, sources close to him clarified that he meant the last meeting of this election.

The Bihar Chief Minister was campaigning for a candidate of his Janata Dal United in Purnia when he said: “This is the last day of election. The day after this election will end and this is my last election. Ant bhala to sab bhala (All’s well that ends well).”

As the comments set fire to retirement speculation, Nitish Kumar’s party men denied accusations that he had pulled a desperate stunt for votes.

Turn to P6

Home Minister Amit Shah at the residence of tribal BJP worker Vibhishana Hansda on Thursday.

As Biden reaches finish line, Trump says “stop the count” Washington: Democrat Joe Biden was pushing closer to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to carry the White House, securing victories in the “blue wall” battlegrounds of Wisconsin and Michigan and narrowing President Donald Trump’s path. With just a handful of states still up for grabs, Trump tried to press his case in court in some key swing states. It was unclear if any of his campaign’s legal maneuvering over balloting would succeed in shifting

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Taking cognizance of the boiler blast incident at the Piplaj-Pirana factory on Wednesday, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings into the matter. The hearing of the case has been scheduled for November 11.

A day after the incident that killed 12 peo-

ple, several government agencies reached the spot for further investigation. The factory owner Hitesh Sutaria was also detained by Narol police and taken in for questioning. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) collected evidence from the blast site on Thursday morning, in order to ascertain the cause of the incident. The materials

Officers of Ahmedabad Fire Emergency Services (AEFS) conducting rescue operations on site —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

the race in his favor. Two days after Election Day, neither candidate had amassed the votes needed to win the White House. But Biden’s victo-

ries in the Great Lakes states left him at 264, meaning he was one battleground state away — any would do — from becoming president-elect.

EC had to add ‘safe election’ while conducting polls in pandemic: CEC New Delhi: Addressing the delegates and two international bodies, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Thursday stated that while conducting Bihar Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had to add a major facet called “safe election”.

NGT files suo motu in Piplaj boiler blast case Factory owner detained by police, FSL collects evidence from the site

A protester is taken into custody near Union Square in Manhattan.

on the site were so heated that plastic bags used to collect them melted. The team later arranged for glass bottles to take samples.

The bodies recovered from the spot were sent to VS Hospital for post-mortem.

Family members of the deceased resisted the autopsy of their relatives and demanded that a First Investigation Report (FIR) be filed against those guilty and they receive compensation of Rs20 lakh.

Turn to P6

CEC Sunil Arora addressing the delegates on Thursday.

“We had to add a major facet of a safe election this time. This year (due to the pandemic) the task was more challenging. Our officers went to Bihar for preview meetings. Then Commission went to Bihar and had a nonvirtual meeting Turn to P6

JHARKHAND WITHDRAWS GENERAL CONSENT TO CBI Ranchi: Jharkhand on Thursday withdrew the general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases in the state. The central agency will now require the approval of the Hemant Soren government to launch a probe that falls within the boundaries of state.

“The powers vested on CBI were given dated 19th February 1996 by the erstwhile then Bihar

Govt to CBI. The governments of West Bengal, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and earlier Mizoram had recently withdrawn the general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a kind of blanket nod for the agency to probe scheduled offences specified in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DPSE) Act, 1946,” an order from Jharkhand government said.

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

02

CHINESE DEMAND

pushes up price of groundnut oil by `90 per 10kg First India Bureau Rajkot: China’s import trend is influencing domestic groundnut oil prices.

Domestic prices, which had fallen sharply a fortnight ago after a drop in imports, have now witnessed a turnaround on Thursday in keeping with a rise in exports to China.

Domestic consumption has had little impact on the prices.

The past week has brought considerable volatility in groundnut oil prices. Having fallen by Rs75-100 per 10kg just last week, prices were pushed up by as much as Rs90 in one day following an increase in heavy demand from China, said Pradeep Khetani of Ankur oil.

Khetani added that it will be difficult to predict market trends in the commodity as Chi-

na does not disclose its long-term buying position. However, as long as its import of peanuts and groundnut oil continue, the domestic market price will continue to see an upward trend, he also said.

At this time, domestic consumers will be less affected

because they have not yet begun to procure their annual stocks. Even oil mills are not operating at their full capacity, said an oil miller who asked that he not be named since he was not authorized by his union to speak to the press.

Prices had dropped by `75-100 per 10kg last week after the crop began to flood market yards in large quantities

—FILE PHOTO

A worker carries a tin of groundnut oil at a shop selling edible oil.

This person added that the price of groundnut oil is unlikely to skyrocket. “Despite rumours that some people have started in order to create fear in the minds of consumers, there will not massive changes in the cost of groundnut oil. There will be mar-

Trucks bearing groundnut crop outside the Bedi market yard in Rajkot.

NEW NORMAL

Schools & colleges to reopen post Diwali, says Guj Education Minister Chudasama Grades IX to XII and colleges to resume academic session first; SOPs to be issued

TO THE RESCUE

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: After staying shut for months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and colleges in the state may finally be allowed to conduct classes on campus post Diwali. State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama hinted at the possibility post a cabinet meeting where members discussed the reopening of edu-

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Gujarat Education Minister.

cational institutions.

In order to follow through, the government will be issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

within the next two to three days.

Chudasama stated that students of grades IX to XII and colleges will resume campus

—FILE PHOTO

classes. The final call on resumption of the academic year for other grades will be taken based on the feedback from the initial phase.

ginal ups and downs, but it will more or less remain within the range of consumers’ purchasing capacity,” he told First India.

He also added that the market is also still awaiting high-grade quality groundnut.

“The moment good quality peanuts flood

The consulting committees on the matter include four members of the Rajya Sabha including Narhari Amin, Abhay Bhardwaj, Rami-

laben Bara and Shaktisinh Gohil.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday distributed Rs2.32 crore of financial aid to over 9,836 workers. He also inaugurated a Labour Welfare Centre in Vadodara, which has been developed with an investment of Rs4.59 crore.

The CM also dedicated three mobile vans and mobile apps that will help workers receive health and medical services. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Indian Oil Corporation had donated Rs35 lakh for this initiative.

Compensation of Rs1 lakh was also granted by CM Rupani to families of workers who died in an accident.

Moreover, around 1,708 workers received Rs33.30 lakh financial aid to purchase bicycles.

—FILE PHOTO

the market, millers will start picking up stock and once that oil is put in the market, consumers will start buying it,” he added.

Wholesale traders have ruled out any impact of a bumper crop on the prices of groundnut oil.

A trader from the Rajkot market yard said all markets are flooded with groundnut, with hundreds of trucks lined up outside.

Kishor Viradiya, of the Saurashtra Oil Mills Association, also said that groundnut oil prices are unlikely to fall because of the bumper crop.

He explains, “We are yet to see the usual level of consumption of oil.

However, groundnut prices have fallen a little since farmers need money on hand before Diwali, but this has little impact on domestic prices.”

Kamla Chavda is new AMC Leader of Opposition

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: After the resignation of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Leader of Opposition (LoP) Dinesh Sharma, the state unit of the Congress party has appointed Behrampura Dalit councillor Kamla Chavda to the post. Usually the term of a leader of opposition is five years but, with the term of the civic body coming to an end in mid-December, Chavda is likely to serve in the position only until then.

The announcement of Chavda’s appointment has ruffled feathers among Sharma’s supporters, who will be protesting the move across all wards of the city today. According to them, higher authorities were pressurized into removing Sharma from his post by two senior MLAs.

Kamla Chavda, AMC’s new LoP

On the other hand, Chavda’s supporters are insisting that she be granted the post of Ahmedabad’s mayor if Congress wins the upcoming local civic body elections, or stay in her position as LoP for a term of five years.

Notably, a Muslim councillor held the LoP position from 2010 to 2015 followed by a Hindu councillor.

Currently, there are 47 Congress councillors in the local civic body, of which 11 belong to the Dalit community and 18 are Muslims.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

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‘Fraud guru’ raped a disciple 12 times in 5 years, police say Prashant Upadhyay is already in remand in connection with other criminal cases, including rape First India Bureau Vadodara: “Fraud guru” Prashant Upadhyay is in more trouble after a police investigation revealed that he raped a disciple a dozen times over a five-year period. In addition, he is said to have taped the encounters and sent a memory card containing the incriminating video to his victim’s parents to blackmail them.

Upadhyay is already in judicial custody in connection with cases filed against him in the recent past.

The new information was revealed by his close aide Disha John, who has been arrested for her involvement in the rape case filed last week. In addition to Upadhyay, the complaint also names an-

Self-style ‘spiritual guru’ Prashant Upadhyay and his aide Disha John.

other of his associates, Unnati Joshi.

John, alias, Seema told the police that she had sent a minor girl to Upadhyay’s bedroom.

She also claimed to have been tortured and harassed by the “guru” over the course of the 12 years she was associated with him. Howev-

er, rather than raising any alarms, Seema is believed to have groomed other girls for the self-styled godman.

The police have seized her laptop and mobile and have sent them to the Directorate of Forensic Sciences for further analysis.

In her rape com-

plaint, Upadhyay’s former disciple has alleged that she was raped 12 times at the Dayanand Park Ashram between 2013 and 2017, and that Disha John Unnati Joshi were involved as well.

She also said that Upadhyay had recorded the intimate rela-

tions and later sent the memory card to her parents. He was blackmailing her and her parents, she added.

Police are still searching for the original video source and are also investigating whether Upadhyay might have recorded his relations with other women.

03

POCSO court sentences rapist to 10 years in jail First India Bureau Vadodara: A special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court on Thursday convicted Rakesh Vasava of raping a 17-yearold girl. He has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and also slapped with a fine of Rs10,000, which is to be paid to the victim as compensation.

According to the case registered by the victim’s mother in 2015, Vasava kidnapped her daughter having lured her with the promise of marriage, took her to various places including Pavagadh and Gondal and raped her on multiple occasions.

The girl also had Vasava’s baby, which

died within a few months.

During the trial in this case, which was conducted through video conference, public prosecutor PC Patel submitted medical evidence, circumstantial evidence and the victim’s statement before the court.

With medical reports, prosecution was successful in convincing the court

that the accused had committed the crime.

Prosecution demanded the maximum quantum of punishment for the accused.

The POCSO court found accused Vasava guilty and convicted him to 10 years rigorous imprisonment. It also directed him to pay a fine of Rs10,000, which will then be paid as compensation to the victim.

New nCoV cases remain in Cops find skeleton of man missing for 5 years triple digits, but only just First India Bureau

Surat: Pandesara police solved a five-yearold missing person case on Thursday, when it recovered his skeleton from a wall in his relatives’ house in the city’s Ashapuri area.

Police sources told First India that the accused, Raju Bihari is wanted in as many as

30 cases under the Prohibition Act, in addition to the murder of

Earthen diyas light up job chances for Surti women COVID-19 testing drive at the Kalupur police station.

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The number of COVID-19 cases in Gujarat increased to 1,77,598 on Thursday with the state witnessing an addition of 990 cases, according to the state health department’s daily bulletin. With seven COVID-19 patients dying, the death toll rose to 3,747, it said.

Daily recoveries continued to outnumber new cases in the state, with 1,055 patients getting discharged on Wednesday, taking the

990 cases, seven fatalities take state tally to 1,77,598 cases, toll to 3,747 number of recovered cases to 1,61,525. With this, the state’s recovery rate further improved to 90.95%.

With 51,546 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the total number of samples tested for Sars-CoV-2 infection has now risen to 63,13,668.

Surat reported the highest number (217) of new cases on Thursday,

—FILE PHOTO

followed by Ahmedabad with 173, Vadodara with 115 and Rajkot with 94.

Cases also emerged in Mehsana (44), Gandhinagar (37), Banaskantha (35), Patan (29), Jamnagar and Surendranagar (23 each), Narmada (22), Junagadh (20), Sabarkantha (17), Morbi (16), Kutch (13), Aravalli (11), Bhavnagar and Panchmahal (10 each), Amreli, Anand and Bharuch (9 each), Dahod (8), Chhota Udepur, Kheda and Tapi (7 each), Gir Somnath (6), Devbhumi Dwarka (5), Navsari (4), and Porbandar and Botad (1 each).

his relative, who has been identified as Krishna, who went

missing five years ago.

The cops raided the home of Bihari, with assistance from the Mamlatdar, after receiving a tip-off that a body was buried in one of its walls.

Bihari is currently absconding. He had been arrested by the Bharuch police some time ago for a previous offence and had been sent to jail. However, he

was later given bail. He jumped bail and has not been heard from since then.

The skeleton has been handed over to the New Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Krishna’s family members also reached the spot when they received the information. The police are investigating the case further.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER CAVE-IN

First India Bureau Surat: In order to provide employment to women seeking jobs, Surat-based organization ‘Metro Sakhi Mahila Mandal’ has started an initiative through which women can make and sell earthen diyas for the upcoming Diwali festival. Around 50,000 diyas have been created and decorated, which will also be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath.

One of its members, Rupal Shah said, “We

had planned to provide work to women who needed jobs. So, we came up with the idea of making diyas since they are in huge demand this year. These diyas will also be sent as presents to PM Modi and UP CM Adityanath.”

Traffic had to be diverted in Ahmedabad’s old city area after part of a road caved in near the historic Jamalpur gate on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

FOR THE FUTURE

3 Amdavadis participate in G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Event saw young entrepreneurs from G20 nations come together to discuss and debate, and to explore new ideas & avenues First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In a matter of pride for Ahmedabad, three members of Young Indians from the city participated in the prestigious G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA), which sees participation of young entrepreneurs from across

the G20 countries.

Rohan Shah, Founder & CEO of Hedweeg Innovations, Dhruv Patel, Managing Director, Diamond Textile Mills, and Nayan Jain, Director, Shri Navkar Metals Ltd, took part in the two-day virtual event.

The event saw young entrepreneurs from G20 nations come on one platform to discuss and

The official communiqué presented at the end of the virtual Saudi Summit has been signed by leaders and is ready to be shared with G20 leadership.

debate, and to explore new ideas and avenues.

“We came across mind-stirring observations on how because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire thought process of doing business has changed, what are the key areas that will matter most in the days to come,” said Dhruv Patel.

The G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance 2020 also saw a series of panel discussions & presentations by noted

global speakers who shared their expertise and learning on three major topics—Entrepreneurial Disruption, Social & Environmental Aspects, and Entrepreneurship and Economy during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Entrepreneurs also discussed their businesses and opportunities during the bilateral meetings with delegations from G20 countries, which were held side by side with the summit.

At the end of GEA 2020, a communique was issued for main G20 leaders and their governments who are going to meet on November 21-22 for the G20 Summit. The recommendations include meaningfully addressing trade barriers, support skills training & entrepreneurial education, promote economic and social resilience through digitalization, and work towards a sustainable economy of tomorrow.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

INDIAN PHARMA IS BEING SQUEEZED

THE ALPHABETS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY DR GS SANDHU

THE AUTHOR IS A RETIRED IAS, RAJASTHAN

W

I

ndia’s pharmaceutical industry is renowned for selling medicines to the world at reasonable prices, especially developing countries.

This has helped Africa in its fight against HIV/Aids, for instance. Such endeavours have earned India a reputation as the “pharmacy of the world”.

Now, the advantages that have enabled India to play this role are in danger of being eroded. Not only would this be bad news for India’s economy, but it could also make it harder for developing countries to access the medicines they need – threatening the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the process.

India is the world leader in generic medicines, which contain the same ingredients as the originator version, and go on the market after the original patent has expired. India’s top pharma firms include Cipla, Aurobindo Pharma, Lupin, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

One challenge is coming from China, which has increasingly been exporting active pharmaceutical ingredients in recent years.

Indian companies have managed to turn this into an opportunity by using these ingredients to supply medicines at reasonable prices while reducing their production costs and R&D spend.

But China is also expanding into drug formulations. By our calculations, China’s global share of formulations exports trebled from 0.4% in 2009 to 1.2% in 2018, while India’s doubled over the same period from 1.5% to 3.6%. Remarkably, 36% of China’s exports are to the EU and North America, where regulations are the most stringent, compared to 19% in 2009. Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” policy has identified pharmaceuticals as one of its strategic industries.

China’s rising share of formulations has been aided by improved standards that appear to be making the world less apprehensive about Chinese medicine quality. Notably, the China Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines in 2013 to make generic medicines bioequivalent to the originals, and in 2016, the government made them mandatory.

Chinese pharma has also placed much emphasis on using AI and genetics for developing new drugs. This enables firms like XtaIPi to identify thousands of molecules which c Another challenge to India is wealthy countries protecting their pharma industries to ensure drug security. In August, President Trump issued an executive order that called for the elimination of drug imports, both as active ingredients and formulations. France and Germany look to be heading in a similar direction.

Some economists point to a K-shaped recovery as was also seen during the 2008 crisis. It implies a bifurcated growth across sectors, industries, and different classes -the wealthy and the poor- leading to the widening of the gap between the two. The upper leg of ‘K’ represents big corporates, wealthy people (haves) whose businesses have gained while the downward leg represents the poorer sections (have nots) who have lost their businesses and jobs

hich alphabet best describes the state of economic recovery.

There is a choice available out of ‘V’,’U’,’ W’,’L’, and ‘K’ alphabets. Let us first understand what each of these alphabets stands for.

‘V’-represents sharp downslide followed by a quick recovery. Here the recession is relatively brief.

‘U’-indicates a sharp dip which is prolonged and thereafter followed by recovery. The recession is comparatively longer.

‘W’-shows a sharp downturn, then recovery, again a downturn and then recovery. It is the result of an inherently volatile economic climate.

‘L’- the downturn continues for a very long period of a bad time with hardly any recovery during that period.

An example is the Great Depression of the 1930s.

‘K’- in this while a small part of the population recovers and prospers very quickly, the rest of it goes deeper into poverty increasing the inequalities.

An important point here is whether any single alphabet can fully depict the condition of the economy. And whether a realistic assessment can be made at this stage when things are still unfolding. According to Kristalina Georgieva, MD of the IMF, “the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis would be long, uneven and uncertain. And prone to setbacks.” The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will cost the world economy $28 trillion in lost output over the next five years.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF K-SHAPED RECOVERY Some economists point to a Kshaped recovery as was also seen during the 2008 crisis. It implies a bifurcated growth across sectors, industries, and different classes -the wealthy and the poor- leading to the widening of the gap between the

two. The upper leg of ‘K’ represents big corporates, wealthy people (haves) whose businesses have gained while the downward leg represents the poorer sections (have nots) who have lost their businesses and jobs.

It was during the first debate between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden (on 29th September 2020) that the term K–shaped recovery came into the limelight. While Trump spoke of a V-shaped recovery in the US economy, Biden called it K-shaped recovery. It seems Donald Trump had the stock market in mind while Biden referred to the broader economy.

If we look at various sectors they are showing different trends and it’s an evolving situation. The spike in the stock market is at stark variance with the rest of the economy and is more in the nature of a ‘K’ shaped recovery. Its rise is mostly on the strength of the technology-related large corporates whose wealth has grown the most-companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Google-these four companies together made $28 billion in one quarter. The pharma and medical equipment industry has also made significant gains. Individuals like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg added a whopping $640 billion during this pandemic. Between April and July, total billionaire wealth increased by 27.5%, up from $8 trillion. Globally, total billionaire wealth reached a record $10.2 trillion as on July 2020 – surpassing the previous peak of $8.9 trillion in 2017, as

THE SPIKE IN THE STOCK MARKET IS AT STARK VARIANCE WITH THE REST OF THE ECONOMY AND IS MORE IN THE NATURE OF A ‘K’ SHAPED RECOVERY

per a report by UBS, a Swiss bank. The number of billionaires has also hit a new high of 2,189, up from 2,158 in 2017.

India’s billionaires too reported a rise in their combined net worth by more than a third during the first four months of the year i.e. between April and July. The IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2020 named 828 richest individuals across 111 cities having a wealth of Rs 1,000 crore or more as on August 31, 2020. The cumulative wealth of these 828 individuals stood at $823 billion (Rs 60.59 lakh crore), a large part of which was due to the rise in the stock market. This is equivalent to one-third of India’s GDP and more than the combined GDP of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bhutan. The government of India has been projecting a ‘V’ shaped recovery in the economy. The months of SeptemberOctober, 2020 do show an upturn in the recovery in GST eway bills- revenues surpassed Rs 1.05 lakh crore in October,

WHY TRUMP CRIES ELECTORAL FRAUD

U

S President Donald Trump, perhaps unsurprisingly, has alleged fraud in the November 3 presidential election, without offering what anyone would consider real evidence, other than the fact that votes for his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, keep turning up in states where Trump initially led in the count. The president has already announced that he intends to take the election to the US Supreme Court, despite the fact that at the time of his statement, millions of votes in numerous states were still to be counted.

Yet Trump’s fraud claims could be part of a psychological strategy, deftly executed by a master manipulator. If so, the president may be paving the way to persuading large numbers of Americans to reject the

04

legitimacy of his defeat.

A unique scientific study conducted the day before and the morning of the 2016 US presidential election, probing attitude changes in 1,000 US votingage adults, found that exposure to conspiratorial rhetoric about election interference produced a profound psychological effect.

In particular, it led to significantly heightened negative emotions (anxiety and anger), and also undermined support for democratic institutions.

The study, recently published in the academic journal Research & Politics, found that those exposed to conspiracy theories regarding election-rigging were less willing to accept the results of an election, and became less inclined to concede the outcome when the result threatened their partisan

goals. Its authors, Bethany Albertson and Kimberly Guiler of the University of Texas at Austin, argue that vote-rigging allegations strike at the very foundations of democracy. For example, they may render the public doubtful as to whether non-violent transfers of national authority should

follow from a rigged vote.

Moreover, the study contends that political conspiracy theories may have ominous, extensive, and longlasting consequences, such as reducing political participation, trust in government, confidence in elections, and faith in democracy. Vote-rigging stories

immediately after an election also can profoundly affect voters’ mental state.

Besides becoming angrier and more anxious, voters in the study also reacted with increased sadness and disgust, and both Democrats and Republicans reported feeling less enthusiastic and less hopeful.

The authors suggest that the deep emotional and psychological effects they uncovered might also reflect the fact that people were on edge on election day, in a way that made both groups of partisans receptive to conspiratorial rhetoric.

They conclude that Americans are vulnerable to being affected significantly by election-rigging allegations.

Throughout his presidency and the two election campaigns he has now waged, Trump has time and again demonstrated a better feel for his electorate’s mental state than the US intelligentsia and chattering classes have. The latter groups might dismiss Trump’s fraud allegations as merely the childish reactions of a sore loser, but there is a psychological method to his seemingly mad claims.

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

up 10% from a year ago, and the highest recorded since February 2020; increase in consumption of electricity, petrol, diesel, cement, steel, and automobiles. It is difficult to say how much of this improvement is due to pent-up demand and the festive season and how much of it is normal to demand sustainability over a longer period. Private Consumption is the prime driver of the Indian economy with about a 60 percent share in GDP. Bogged down by job losses, pay cuts, and dwindling business income, private consumption has been limited to only ‘essential consumption’. Several sectors like travel and tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and education are still languishing.

Without a strong demand stimulus, an overall ‘V’-shaped recovery seems very difficult. An area of concern is the retail inflation which has risen to an eight-month high of 7.34% with food inflation at 10.68%.

Along with this the high unemployment remains a key challenge for the government. According to HSBC Global Research. “Consumption is up while investment is down, manufacturing is up while services are down, the formal sector is gaining market share at the cost of the informal sector’ Thus in the near-term, the overall recovery looks more like a ‘U’ and a ‘K’ rather than a ‘V’. We need to wait for some more time before giving our final verdict in this regard.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Hon PM Shri @narendramodiji delivered an incisive address at the Virtual Global Investor Roundtable.

Transformative economic reforms since 2014 has replaced Red Tape with Red Carpet for investors in India. #AatmNirbharBharat will make India a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Ravi Shankar Prasad @rsprasad Today @narendramodi Govt has taken a major reform initiative to liberalize the regulatory regime for “Other Service Provider”. This will boost the IT/ ITeS/ BPO industry and create a friendly regime for Work from Home in India.

Spiritual SPEAK

When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky. —Buddha

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05

PM MODI IN A LETTER FOR PEOPLE OF BIHAR

‘DEVELOPMENT LONE FOCUS IN ASSEMBLY POLLS’ I am confident that power of double engine will take the state on new heights of development,” the PM said in the letter

Congress, allies questioning EVM show they have accepted defeat: Chirag Paswan

Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released a letter for the people of Bihar, where elections are being held, and listed the milestones achieved under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led

by Nitish Kumar.

The Prime Minister also said that the issue of development is of paramount importance in Bihar in this election.

“It’s a matter of pride for all of us that development has been the focus in Assembly elec-

tions this time,” PM Modi said in the letter.

He also said that Bihar has witnessed development under the NDA government and presented its report card too. “Peole believe that only NDA government can keep the momentum of development going in Bihar.”

The prime minister then urged the people to vote for NDA candidates and make Nitish Kumar the winner because “I need Nitish Kumar’s government so development doesn’t stall.”

PM Modi also listed the work done by the NDA government in the last five years.

“I am confident that power of double engine will take the state on new heights of development,” he added.

The letter released days before the third and final phase of election in Bihar. The votign is scheduled to take place on November 7 and the results will be declared on November 10. The campaigning for the third phase ended on Thursday evening. —Agencies

Patna: Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan on Thursday said questions being raised by Congress and Mahagathbandhan over the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) show that they have accepted their defeat in the ensuing Bihar Assembly polls and termed it as a good sign for BJP-LJP. Paswan’s remark came in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comment that “EVM is not EVM, but MVM— Modi Voting Machine”.

“Whenever Congress and Mahagathbandan raise questions on EVM then it is a good sign that they have accepted defeat. They never questioned EVM when they formed the government and never discussed it in the Vidhan Sabha. This is a good sign for BJP-LJP as the Opposition has accept-

‘Nitish will bow before Tejashwi after Nov 10’

Chirag Paswan

ed defeat and are now looking for excuses,” he told ANI. The LJP has fielded candidates in over 130 constituencies, mostly against the Janata Dal (United) in the election to 243-member Bihar Assembly. Paswan has been claiming that his party will form the government with BJP after the polls.

Reacting to a senior BJP leader’s reported comment that the LJP chief is in the election field with mace in the form of toys, the Pas-

wan scion said, “I have no issues with any BJP leader because I believe it might be their voice (BJP) but the thought is from JDU specially Nitish Kumar.”

“I have no issues and I am not angry with the statement. On 10 Nov it will prove who is real Hanuman. At last, this hanuman will make the BJP government in Bihar after 10 November,” he added.

Bihar has made its mind that they want a corruption-free government, he said. —ANI

New Delhi/Patna: Nitish Kumar will stand “with hands folded and head bowed” before Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition alliance’s chief ministerial candidate, once Bihar election results are declared on November 10, the LJP’s Chirag Paswan said hitting out at the CM over his “greed for power”.

“The same Prime Minister whom you (Nitish Kumar) were never tired of arguing with or criticising... today you are happy to share a stage with him and bow before him as he asks for votes for you? This shows

your greed for power and the chief minister’s post. After November 10 you will be bowing before Tejashwi Yadav,” Chirag Paswan said.

Paswan was referring to ideological contradictions between Nitish Kumar and BJP on CAA and Article 370. “This lust for power is not going to leave him.

So, what we may witness, after results are out, is Nitish standing before Tejashwi Yadav, just like he is doing now before PM Modi. If needs be, he will go to Ranchi & seek blessings of Lalu Yadav with bowed head &folded hands.” —PTI

IN THE COURTYARD ‘Management of Kartarpur given to Loan moratorium: SC defers hearing to Nov 18 MONEY LAUNDERING CASE ED raid at Bineesh ISI is unfortunate’ Kodiyeri’s residence New Delhi: It is unfortunate that the Pakistan Cabinet has handed over the management of the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to an ISI organisation Evacuee Trust Property Board, Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee President Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday.

“It’s unfortunate that Pakistan cabinet has handed over Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur’s management to an ISI organisation ETPB from Pakistan Gurudwara Committee, which is a Sikh organisation. A non-Sikh body will now control the historic Gurudwara,” Sirsa said. This comes as Pakistan government transferred the management of the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC), a body run by the minority Sikh Community, to the administrative control of the

Manjinder Sirsa

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP), a nonSikh body.

India objected to Pakistan’s “unilateral decision” to transfer the management of Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara to a non-Sikh body, stating that it is highly condemnable and is against the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

In a statement, the MEA called upon Pakistan government to reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive the Sikh minority community the right to manage affairs of the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.—ANI

KEJRI URGES DELHIITES TO AVOID BURSTING CRACKERS THIS DIWALI New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urged residents of national capital to refrain from bursting firecrackers this Diwali and implored them to join him in Lakshmi pujan. The AAP chief said that with the air quality severely affected in Delhi and bursting crackers would only add to pollution amid COVID-19.

“We are making different

arrangements for Diwali.

On Diwali, November 14 from 7:39 pm onwards the 2 crore people of Delhi will do Lakshmi puja together.

I, along with my ministers, will start Lakshmi puja on which will be telecasted live by some channels. I urge all people to turn on your televisions and sit down with your family to conduct Lakshmi Pujan.”

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred hearing on the petitions seeking an extension of loan moratorium and waiver of interest on interest on term loans during the six-month COVID-19 moratorium period.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan deferred the hearing to November 18, Wednesday, after the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Venkatraman sought ad-

KERALA GOLD SMUGGLING

M Sivasankar

journment in the hearing, stating that the Solicitor General (SG), Tushar Mehta, was arguing in Central Vista case in another bench.

“We defer the hearing.

We will hear the case

on November 18,” Justice Bhushan said.

The top court was hearing petitions, including two filed by Gajendra Sharma and his lawyer Vishal Tiwari, seeking to waive off in-

terest on interest and appropriate directions in the loan moratorium, granted as a relief owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Resolution and restructuring plan of government is impractical and selective. It is not going to benefit common borrowers.

Banks are not following and granting restructuring,” Tiwari told the apex court.

The apex court asked the RBI to argue on the next date of hearing, November 18.—ANI

Court extends ED custody of M Sivasankar by 6 days Kochi: A Principal Sessions Court in Kochi extended the ED custody of M Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary of the Kerala CMO, for six days in connection with Kerala gold smuggling case.

During the hearing, the counsel ap-

DELHI-AMRITSAR NH BLOCKED TO PROTEST FARM LAWS Amritsar: Several farmer organisations in Punjab have declared a nationwide protest against the farm laws by blocking the Delhi Amritsar highway from 12 pm to 4 pm on Thursday, according to the Kisaan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. “Farmers organisations will block highways from 12 pm to 4 pm today against Centre’s farm laws. The protest will take place in around 46 places today and will bring a monumental change in the country,” Sarwan Singh Pandayer, General Secretary, Kisaan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee told ANI.

pearing for ED submitted that agency was able to collect materials evidencing the active role of Sivasankar in the offences committed.

“The Whatsapp chats between Swapna Suresh and Sivasankar extracted from the seized mo-

bile handsets revealed that Sivasankar was sharing confidential government information pertaining to Life Mission projects and KFON projects with Suresh for purpose of sharing to Unitac Builders and Developers Limited. —ANI

INDECENT REMARKS ISSUE: HC SETS CONDITION WHILE GRANTING BAIL Allahabad: The Allahabad HC has granted bail to a man accused of making objectionable remarks online against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the condition that he keeps off social media for two years. Justice Siddharth passed the order Monday on a bail application by Akhilanand, who was

booked in Deoria for allegedly making objectionable remarks on social media against Adityanath and other public figures.

While granting bail, judge ordered, “Applicant will not use social media for a period of two years or till conclusion of trial before the trial court, whichever is earlier” & was asked to furnish sureties.

lasts for over 25 hrs

Family said that they were denied permission to meet lawyers.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the residence of Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, lasted for more than 25 hours with officials leaving the house on Thursday morning.

Dramatic scenes unfolded here in front of the house, with the relatives of Bineesh protesting in front of the house alleging that the wife, two-and-a-halfyear-old child and wife’s mother are not being allowed to meet anyone.

They also filed a com-

plaint with Kerala Child Rights Commission, after which the chairman reached the house and served a notice to ED officials. The complaint of the relatives alleged that the child was locked inside the house and was prevented from meeting relatives.

Speaking to media after raid, wife of Bineesh & her mother alleged that a credit card in name of Anoop Mohammed, an accused in drug trafficking was listed among items seized, which was not from the house.—ANI

MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES, TO REOPEN FROM NOVEMBER 10 New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture announced that museums, art galleries and exhibitions under it would reopen from November 10 and issued guidelines for preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. “While the museums, exhibitions and art galleries under Ministry of Culture would be reopened from 10 November, 2020, onwards, others can be reopened as per convenience and in tune with relevant state, city, local laws, rules and regulations and unlock guidelines in force,” the ministry said in a statement.

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Will end love jihad in K’taka : BS Yediy urappa Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday said the government will take strong measures to put an end to religious conversion in the name of “love jihad.” “In recent days there are media reports about religious conversion in the name of love jihad in Karnataka. I have discussed this with officials before coming here. What other states have done or not done is a different matter, but in Karnataka we will have to put an end to it,” Yediyurappa said.

Addressing the BJP state executive meeting in Mangaluru, he said, his government was mulling taking strong steps against such activities.

“Young girls of the state are being lured in the name of love and money and are being converted to other reli-

BS Yediyurappa

SEVERE AND SWIFT PUNISHMENT

gions, we have considered it seriously. After thorough review, we will take a strong measure,” he added.

Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday had said the government was considering a law against religious

No interim relief for Arnab, want to hear matter in detail: HC

Arnab Goswami after hearing in Alibaug court on Wednesday midnight.

Mumbai: No interim relief will be given to Republic TV promoter Arnab Goswami in connection with his arrest in a 2018 abetment to suicide case concerning an architect and his mother, the Bombay High Court said on Thursday evening.

Saying it wanted to hear the matter “in detail”, the two-member bench denied Goswami’s request for interim bail and set the next hearing for 3 PM Friday.

Today’s order means Goswami will have to stay in jail for at least another day.

Arnab Goswami had filed a habeas corpus petition after his “illegal” arrest on Wednesday, seeking the court to quash the case against him and revoke

his arrest; this was after the case closed by earlier governments was re-opened following appeals from architect Anvay Naik’s family.

Today senior lawyers Harish Salve and Abad Ponda argued that the re-opening of the case and Goswami’s arrest were both “illegal” as neither had the sanction of a court or magistrate.

Salve, appearing for Goswami, argued there were several cases against the journalist by virtue of his profession and asked: “Please release this man as an ad-interim measure and hear the case in detail later. Will heavens fall in Maharashtra if he is released on interim bail?”.

conversion for the sake of marriage.

BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi too in a tweet had recently said that on lines of Allahabad High Court’s order, Karnataka will enact a law banning religious conversions for the sake of marriage.

OPEC & India to work closely for mutual benefit New Delhi: India brings to OPEC Secretariat a partnership that comes with a longterm advantage of demand, a market that is clearly growing faster than any other energy market. OPEC and India will continue working closely for mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

SG Barkindo appreciated the visionary leadership of PM Modi, the high bar set by India on addressing issues of climate change and also conveyed OPEC Secretariat’s keenness to become a partner in India’s energy transition.

‘Delhi may soon become ‘Corona Capital’ of India’ New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has expressed displeasure over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital and observed that the city could soon become the “corona capital of the country”.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said the Delhi government has gone completely haywire on the pandemic.

The bench said the AAP government took the health of citizens for a ride and it will deal with it separately.

The high court said the Delhi government made many claims that they are topping charts in testing but the number of cases have overshot.

“The city could soon become Corona capital of the country. Thanks to the number of cases shooting up,” the bench said and added We are going to take it very seriously.

India determined to protect its territorial integrity: Rajnath New Delhi: India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of “unilateralism and aggression”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today, as the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh enters the seventh month.

The Defence Minister also said that India attaches importance to peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and is committed to respect various agreements inked for maintenance of peace along the borders.

“However, India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression,” he said, in an address at a virtual seminar organised by the National Defence College.

Rajnath Singh highlighted that India is a

06

POWER Gallery KAUN BANEGA ISRO CHAIRMAN ?

P Kunhikrishnan, Distinguished Scientist of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) who has been given apex scale is to be groomed as next Chairman of the ISRO. He is number three in the organization.

ORDERS OF AMIT JAIN AS MEMBER, CBDT SOON

Orders of the appointment of Amit Jain as Member of the CBDT are expected to be issued in a week or two. He is 1985 batch IRS (IT) officer.

Rajnath Singh

peace-loving country and it believes that differences should not become disputes.

The standoff between India and China began on May 6 and has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row.

However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

The eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China is likely to take place tomorrow.

INAUGURATING MATI KALA BOARD

NO IAS OFFICER OUTSIDE DELHI POSTED AS ADDITIONAL SECRETARY

In bureaucratic circles, it is the talking point that no empanelled IAS officer outside Delhi was given posting as Additional Secretary in the Government of India.

SATYENDRA GARG RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has returned to his parent cadre on completion of central deputation. He is a 1987 batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre.

MHA SEEKS SERVICES OF ALL INDIA SERVICE OFFICERS ON DEPUTATION TO UT J&K, LADAKH

The Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written the letters to the Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCA) seeking the services of All Indian Service officers on deputation to UT, J&K and UT Ladakh. The services of officers belonging to Central Civil Services of IRPS, IRTS, RPF, ICAS, IDAS, IDES, IOFS, IPoS, ICFS, IFS, IA&AS, ICLS, IIS, IRS, IC&CE, Indian Trade Service have been sought by the Ministry.

WILL MAHARASHTRA CHIEF SECRETARY QUIT EARLY ?

Will Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar quit prior to his retirement ? 1984 batch IAS officer is likely to quit in January.

SANJAY KUMAR TO BE RERA CHAIRMAN IN MAHARASHTRA ?

Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar is expected to succeed Gautam Chatterjee as new RERA Chairman in Maharashtra early next year. He is 1984 batch IAS officer.

MS MANISHA SINHA EMPANELLED AS JOINT SECRETARY IN GOI

Additional Chief Secretary Navneet Sehgal, MSME & Investment Promotion Sidharth Nath Singh, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Mati Arts Board Dr Dharmaveer Prajapati inaugurated the Mati Kala Board in Lucknow.

UGC releases guidelines for phased reopening of colleges New Delhi: The UGC on Thursday released guidelines advising higher education institutions, outside containment zones, to reopen in phases, starting first with research, masters and final-year undergraduate students. However, the number of students attending classes on campus, at a given time, should not be more than

half the total student strength, the guidelines state.

Higher institutions and schools across the country are closed since March 16, on the orders of the union govt, to break the chains of COVID-19.

Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed state governments to decide on phased reopening after

October 15. The Punjab govt, for instance, has announced the reopening of universities and colleges after Diwali, from November 16.

Residential campuses will be allowed to operate hostels “where it is necessary”, but sharing of rooms has been forbidden.

“Symptomatic students should not be permitted to stay in the hostels.

A clip shared widely on social media had the Chief Minister announcing to the BJP, “Rahein ya mitti mein mil jayenge, aap logon ke saath koi samjhauta nahin hoga (whether I survive or not, a partnership with you is out of the question). That chapter is closed.” Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar’s contemporary who has been his ally and rival both, tweeted the video with the comment: “Check out his dialogue! Have you seen a man with less morals and principles?”

EC had to... with the representatives of political parties, with district machinery, senior officials and others too,” Arora said.

As per the data available so far, the percentage of voter turnout in Bihar Assembly elections (till the second phase) is higher compared to that of the 2015 Assembly election and the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

He mentioned that although elections conducted before pandemic had words like robust, free and fair, however amid pandemic “the word virtual is a new ad-

dition to the vocabulary of elections.”

Almost 60 countries postponed their election due to the COVID-19 scenario, however, later they started holding them. “We had to create 33 thousand more polling stations in order to bring down the number of voters from 1,500 to 1000. It meant much more manpower and arrangements. Other steps such as facilities like 80 plus citizens being able to vote from their homes were also initiated,” he said.

The ECI chief expressed his gratitude toward the security forc-

PIF INVESTS Rs 9,555 CRORE IN RRVL Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited and Reliance Retail Ventures Limited announced that PIF will invest 9,555 crore (approximately $1.3 billion) for an equity stake of 2.04% into RRVL, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries.

This investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of 4.587 lakh crore (approximately $62.4 billion).

Ms Manisha Sinha has been empanelled for holding the Joint Secretary and equivalent posts in Government of India. She is a 1992 batch officer of Indian Postal Service.

ANJANI KUMAR RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Anjani Kumar, Secretary, National Institute of Open Schooling Under the Department of School Education and Literacy, has been given premat ure repatriation to his parent cadre. He is a 1989 batch IB (E)S officer.

TWO IAS OFFICERS GET NEW JOBS IN J&K

Dr Pawan Kotwal has been posted as Inspector General of Registration, J&K. Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary, Home Department, will hold the additional charge of Principal Secretary, Revenue Department and Financial Commissioner, Revenue, J&K. MINOR RESHUFFLE OF IAS OFFICERS IN DELHI GOVT

As many as five IAS officers have been given new assignments in Delhi Government. Accordingly, Amit Singla has been appointed as CEO, DUSIB. By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 Amit Shah...

“With the kind of the cycle of oppression that has been unleashed particularly on the BJP workers by the Mamata Banerjee government, I can say with certainty that the death knell for it has been sounded. In the times to come, the BJP will form the government here with a two-thirds majority,” he told journalists in Bankura.

Shah started his visit to Bankura by garlanding a statue of Birsa Munda. He said that the benefits of Central schemes were not reaching the State people, in-

cluding the Adivasi population.

There was a key strategic reason behind Amit Shah’s decision to visit Bankura - a region that has been a victim of backwardness in the state besides being a Maoist-infested area.

Another reason is that Bankura has a BJP MP whereas Midnapore, which was initially chosen for the visit, does not.

Nitish’s last...

Nitish Kumar’s critics pointed out that he was known for his flips on similar grand declarations in the past.

es “for staying up to the occasion.”

The Election Commission of India is organising an International Virtual Election Visitors Programme 2020 (IEVP) for foreign Election Management Bodies (EMBs)/Organisations from November 5-7 2020, in the context of the ongoing Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections.

NGT files...

Meanwhile, the state government directed the Labour and Employment Department to issue a letter to all civic bodies to submit a com-

prehensive report on unauthorized constructions by November 13. It specifically asked the AMC to check the legality of warehouses and take action in accordance with the law in cases of unauthorized construction. The state also asked the Ahmedabad collector HM Vora to handle the coordination for payment of compensation amount to the kin of the people killed and injured in the fire incident.

The govt has resolved to conduct a survey and identify unauthorized warehouses where haz-

ardous chemicals are being stored.

Talking about the incident, Gautam Parmar, Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) Sector 2, said, “A blast took place at a company called Sahil Enterprise where two to three chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and ethanol-methanol were used to make catalysts.”

The cause of death of all the deceased have been classified as accidental deaths. After registering all the documentary evidence and the FSL report, an official case will be lodged by the police.

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07

EVEN IF BIDEN HAS A LIKELY WIN, HE FACES THE TOUGH TASK OF LEADING A DEEPLY DIVIDED NATION WITH MILLIONS OF VOTERS CONVINCED HE’D STOLEN THE PRESIDENCY

FAR FROM A

HOME RUN —PHOTO BY LYNNE SLADKY/AP

L

et’s assume Joe Biden narrowly wins the electoral college, and the Trump team lodges a series of court challenges to overturn results in Michigan and Pennsylvania, possibly elsewhere.

The cases may drag on for the rest of the year.

Trump has already sent out a fundraising appeal for money to “FIGHT BACK”, and has signalled he will pursue appeals all the way to the Supreme Court.

The cases will revolve around the acceptance of late ballots—that is, votes that arrive after last Tuesday, November 3, even if they are postmarked earlier. Each state has its own requirements for accepting mail-in votes, and the Trump lawyers will explore every possible objection.

There is a conservative majority on the US Supreme Court, but this does not guarantee Trump would win appeals. When the

Ballots are sorted prior to election day in Florida, where 20 years ago the result came down to a decision by the US Supreme Court.

court last decided an election, after the “hanging chads” dispute that delivered Florida to George W. Bush in 2000, it divided on partisan lines.

But judges are conscious of their historical legacy and they will

act cautiously.

If Trump is appealing results in several states, it is unlikely all appeals will succeed.

So let’s assume that, after a month of disputed returns, Biden is able to muster the bare minimum of 270

electoral college votes and Congress ratifies his election in January. On January 20 2021 he would become the 46th president of the United States.

Biden would immediately face a bitterly divided country, with

millions of voters convinced he’d stolen the presidency. The Democrats’ almost certain failure to capture the Senate means he would struggle to win support for most of the key legislation he has promised.

At this point, we need speculative fiction rather than political science to predict what might happen next. If congressional Republicans adopt a policy of total resistance to the Biden presidency, he will struggle even to appoint a cabinet, as all positions need to be ratified by the Senate.

Over the past four years, the Republican Party has become essentially the party of Donald Trump, and those senators who have retained their seats will feel even more indebted to him.

Biden’s central pitch was that he could heal divisions and bring Americans together again. It was his persona as a political veteran who had the capacity for empathy and working across party lines that persuaded the Democrats to rally behind him.

But for Biden to succeed in healing the country, there needed to be an undisputed win for the Democrats across the board, which would allow a

new administration to quickly take control.

Biden is far less well equipped to govern a country where millions of people will not see him as their legitimate president.

On ABC television, Leigh Sales expressed her amazement that in a country torn apart by a major epidemic, economic distress and racial discord, the incumbent president could remain seriously competitive. The Democrats had assumed the impressive increase in turnout would work in their favour and they won swings in some areas of the country, especially in suburbia.

But Trump also increased his vote among some groups the Democrats had taken for granted, such as Hispanics in Florida and to a lesser extent Texas. Trump was able to energise millions of first-time voters and, against expectations, won a majority of white women. These are rough estimates based on available exit polling data.

In retrospect, the

Democrats badly misjudged the mood of the country, thinking people would vote for a grandfather figure who promised safety.

Against Trump, Biden seemed doddery and a relic of Washington politics, even though he is only four years older.

African-Americans remain the most loyal Democratic voters, so it is surprising many young black men, facing ongoing police brutality and unemployment, were not motivated to turn out to vote for Biden.

Trump appears an aberration to those of us who expect politicians to exhibit a certain degree of civility and a willingness to compromise. But the past decade has seen the rise of macho autocrats, men such as Duterte in the Philippines, Bolsonaro in Brazil, Orban in Hungary.

If we accept the United States is less exceptional than it likes to believe, it is not so surprising that so many might be drawn to Trump.

—PHOTO BY CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS

—PHOTO BY MARK MAKELA/GETTY IMAGES

Protesters demonstrate against then President-elect Donald Trump outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 2016.

President Donald Trump greets supporters at the rally kicking off his re-election bid in Orlando, Florida, on June 18, 2019.

Intelligence is not the sole right of the educated. I have known many a so-called illiterate possessing a supreme intelligence. Education hones intelligence but does not own it.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

08

GUJARAT

1,234,788 4,87,17,577 1,24,861 83,96,629 3,747 1,77,598 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 44,665 DEATHS 17,03,444 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 11,244 DEATHS 7,34,429 CASES

DEATHS

KARNATAKA 11,281 DEATHS 8,35,773 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 6,769 DEATHS 4,16,653 CASES

‘Men preferred over women in tax inspector recruitments’

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,955 DEATHS 2,05,800 CASES

AMC slaps `22 crore tax recovery notice on airport

Guj HC issues notice to State and GPSC on petition by women aspirants for the post First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the State Government and Gujarat Public Service Commission seeking their reply to a petition filed by aspiring women candidates challenging the recruitment process for the post of Tax Inspectors, stating that it violated resevation norms of the State.

Prapti Mehta and 3 other woman candidates have challenged the recruitment process for the post of State’s tax inspectors. The petitioners have made a startling submission in the high court that the State Government has given appointments to male candidates on the quota reserved for women. All women petitioners are from the general category.

They have further submitted that the ini-

Surat Civil Hosp lab technician kills herself

Ramiksha Patel

First India Bureau Surat: A 45-year-old employee of the New Civil Hospital allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her staff quarter, leaving a suicide note alleging harassment by her senior.

She worked as a laboratory technician at the pathology department.

Ramiksha Patel hailed from Mehsana.

She killed herself on Wednesday noon when she came home for lunch. She was working on a contractual basis and was under severe work pressure. She was denied leave she had sought and her application to Gandhinagar was also not granted.

Dr Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Dean of New Civil Hospital said every department head had the authority to grant leave to their subordinates but she never approached him.

—FILE PHOTO

Ahmedabad airport.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has shot off a notice to the Ahmedabad Airport Authority for recovery of property tax of over Rs 22 crore.

The AMC has initiated the recovery after learning about the change of management. On September 25, the Airport Authority of India had issued a circular stating that the management of the SVPI Airport was being handed over to Adani

Gujarat High Court

tial advertisement was for 200 seats and later it was increased to 424. Of these, 140 posts were reserved for women candidates under 33 per cent reservation for them.

The petitioners pointed out that they had cleared the written main examinations and had received marks from 150 to 151.5. Against this, cut off score for the general category of women candidates was 155.75.

MORE PILS IN HIGH COURT

The petitioners have strongly contended that they are eligible for recruitment under the general resolution of

August 1, 2018, which was later quashed by the High Court September 2, 2020.

The State Govern-

ment has discriminated against the petitioners by not including them in the final selection list. The State Government has taken into consideration the resolution of August 1, 2018, for as many as 35 other recruitment processes and it can’t make an exception for them.

The petitioner women have pleaded before the Gujarat High Court to quash and set aside the State public service commission’s action.

Ahmedabad International Airport Limited.

The AMC notice states that since the airport is being handed over on a public private partnership (PPP) mode, building service charges of Rs 22.56 crore are still outstanding for the year 2020-21.

“You are requested to pay the unpaid service charges (property tax) before handing over the management to Adani Airports or to get us a letter of undertaking from the party that they

will clear the dues and pay it to AMC as soon as possible,” the AMC stated in the notice.

Last year, the Airport Authority made a payment of Rs 60 lakh out of the dues of more than Rs 21 crore.

The civic body wrote to the Airport Authority last year also for the tax recovery.

Official sources said a majority of the top defaulters of the AMC were government entities, including the Kalupur railway station and other railway properties.

GUJ ACB BOOKS 3 COPS, 2 AFTER BJP, GUJ CONGRESS HQ MIDDLEMEN IN BRIBE CASES STAFF TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB), Gujarat, has booked a head constable and constable of Mahemdavad police station, besides a middle man, in a bribe case.

Head constable Narayanbhai Bharwad and constable Alabhai Jethabhai Rabari are still at large after the case filed against them while Kirtan Suthar, a middleman, has been nabbed.

A person, who was facing a betting and gambling case at the Mahemdavad police station, was released on bail after paying Rs 1.50

First India Bureau

lakh. The accused policemen had demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 to submit a favourable case in the court to ensure release of the items seized from them.

In another case on Wednesday, the ACB had booked a head constable Kiritsinh Natwarsinh Jhala of Wankaner city police station

in Morbi district along with another accused Pravin Khodabhai Babhva in a bribe case.

The accused constable had demanded Rs. 1 lakh bribe and settled for Rs 75,000. While the middleman was arrested while receiving the first tranche of Rs. 50,000, the cop was still absconding.

Ahmedabad: At least 6 employees at the Ahmedabad Congress office have tested positive for Covid-19, over a month after the staff at BJP’s headquarters Shri Kamalam had also reported a surge in corona cases.

Those who have come in contact with the employees were asked to test themselves by the seniors. Among those who tested positive at the Congress HQ Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Paldi are, Office Superintendent Raju Kusumgar, 2 people in his office and

Congress HQ in Ahmedabad.

3 in the accounts department.

This is being attributed to an increase in the visitors at the party

—FILE PHOTO

office due to the November 3 by-polls for 8 assembly seats in the state, while the local body elections were

also due.

Meanwhile, the AMC has initiated testing of shop owners, including farsan sellers, across the city in view of the upcoming Diwali festival. A special drive is being conducted at the sweet shops, which are likely to see a rush of people for the festival.

Earlier, shop-keepers were found to be superspreaders of the virus.

The civic body is targeting shops in major bazaars and sweet and farsan shop owners, besides jewellery shop owners and grocers to check the spread of the virus.

MORBI COLLECTIVE!

‘Atmanirbhar alliance’ to counter Dragon’s mosquito swatters Entrepreneurs have come together to mass-manufacture swatters to restrict Chinese imports First India Bureau Morbi : A group of 150 small and medium manufacturers have come together to launch “Morbi Clock Manufacturers Alliance” to manufacture an import substitute of ‘electric mosquito swatter’ that is being im-

ported from China.

The launch of the alliance is aimed at countering the Chinese onslaught under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan after the IndiaChina face-off.

At least 25 million swatters, valued at Rs 300 crore, are imported from China every year.

A group of entrepre-

Manufacturers have formed a group to counter Chinese products in Morbi.

—FILE PHOTO

neurs in Morbi formed an alliance of sorts to meet the rising demand for swatters in India.

“The swatters will be manufactured by small and medium industries in Morbi,” Jaysukh Patel, managing director of Ajanta Group of Companies, said.

“There are 35,000 workers in these industries in Morbi out of which 70% are women. Making the swatters here will

provide additional employment to 10,000-12,000 people, including women,” he added.

Entrepreneur Alice Jaisukh Balodia said about 50 lakh mosquito swatters will be manufactured every day.

“The swatters will first meet domestic demand and then will also be exported,” she added.

India is looking to export these swatters to Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

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09

AHMEDABAD, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Sanjeev Kumar was just 48 when he died on 6 November, 1985. A point of irony that the actor who played an ‘old man’ in so many films, never really got old. City First remembers Harihar Jethalal Jariwala nee’ Sanjeev Kumar on his death anniversary!

VERSATILITYThy Name is Sanjeev ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

I

t was Angoor that drew me to Sanjeev Kumar. I watched the movie twice in one go and fell in love with this self-deprecating actor and his wonderful comic timing and wry humour. As I meandered into a Sanjeev-ani journey, I found him increasingly difficult to decipher.

He was not a typical Hindi film hero but his acting prowess ensured a fan following,then and even now. He was everyone’s hero bringing a unique flair to every role.

A bachelor and a complete foodie, Sanjeev Kumar was the stuff of folklore in his heydays.

It is difficult for me to actually

list my favourite movies of Sanjeev Kumar. Angoor tops it but Anamika and Manchali are also a must watch in the romance genre, Aandhi and Mausam still woo the serious watcher, the adept handling of the mature roles is exemplary.

For the present generation, he lives on as the Thakur, the grief-stricken revenge seeking incapacitated Thakur of Sholay is still a hero for generations of Indians and for me too. Sanjeev brought dignity to the role, that remains with us decades later. The sauve businessman of Trishul is also a memorable role! One of my favourite movies is Koshish, I loved the sensitive movie with Jaya which so long ago, handled physically handicapped people, beautifully.

I actually enjoyed Pati, Patni aur Woh too going around singing ‘Thande thande paani se nahana chahiye’ for weeks!

Remember Shatranj ke Khiladi? Wonderful and decadent! His confidence was so immense that he never mind-

ed playing non-glamorous roles and broke the unspoken rule many a time.

I found a languid grace in Sanjeev Kumar, he brought a charm to the roles he played merging himself and losing himself in his characters much much before it became fashionable.

When he left us so early… the loss was definitely Bollywoods’.

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

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

PEARL MILLETS:

A NEGLECTED GEM DEVYANI SINGH

Ayurveda, Nutrition and Holistic Wellness Advocate Instagram: @devyanirathore

D

FA CE OF TH ED AY

o you find yourself looking for ways to loose weight? Improve your digestion?

Increase energy?

Or even look for foods that control blood sugar levels and improve heart health? Then Pearl Millets or Bajra is your answer. With the added benefit of cancer preventing phytonutrients, Millets truly are a gem worth preserving.

The Green Revolution of the 60’s was a great success and changed the country’s status from a food-deficient economy to one of the world’s leading agricultural nations. Rice cultivation doubled and wheat cultivation tripled not leaving much room for Millets.

Prior to this movement millets formed 40% of the total cultivated grains in India. This was the time of modernization and national policies had a keen focus

on standardization. Millets were considered coarse, rough grains and were rejected to adopt a refined diet. It is important to note that millets are 3 to 5 times more nutritious than rice and wheat. Coinciding with this rejection was the fall in nutrients like vitamin-A, protein, iron and iodine primarily in women and children leading to malnutrition.

Today, nutrition from “super food” sources like Quinoa and Kale, usually sourced from across the globe, has become the latest health fad. We have lost faith in anything that is regional, native or readily available at a fraction of the cost. All of these factors have contributed to Millets quite literally loosing their ground in cultivated land as well as shelf space. So why must we

shift our gaze back to this ancient crop? What makes it a nutritional gem?

Well for starters, Bajra is a great source of fiber, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and folic acid. Hence providing a number of health benefits.  Its Low Glycemic Index

helps control Diabetes

health and reduces cholesterol  Not only is it easy to

digest but it is also a good source of fiber which aids digestion and relieves constipation  Being gluten free, it is a

healthy option for people with celiac diseases or gluten intolerance  It helps control and com-

bat Anemia

ing of fullness after eating Bajra leads to weight loss

 Phytonutrients prevent cancer and tumors

 The thermogenic effect of

 It alleviates Asthma

 It improves cardiovascular

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

 Bajra is also a beauty food

as it reduces pigmentation,

A power packed snack with a longer shelf life, enjoy these crackers with a nut butter, yogurt dip, hummus or simply with Chai. Double the recipe and send to your loved ones to make Diwali gifting healthy and homemade.

deeply nourishes skin cells and controls frizzy static winter hair  Millets are droughtresistant and require fewer external inputs such are fertilizers and pesticides.

They are dual-purpose crops - used as food and fodder hence finding preference among farmers once again as ‘smart crops’.

 ¾ cup whole-wheat Flour

 Theses strong reasons

 ¼ cup chopped Methi

have led to the coining of terms like “Miracle Grains” or “Crops of the Future” a true super food. It is no wonder that the year 2023 will be observed as the ‘International year of Millets’.

INGREDIENTS  ¼ cup fine Bajra Flour  ¼ cup fine Jowar Flour  ¼ cup Ragi Flour

leaves

 ½ cup lightly roasted seeds (sesame, flax, pumpkin seeds)  Seasoning of salt, pepper and red chilli powder to taste  5 tablespoons ghee  Water, as required

METHOD  Pre-heat the oven to 180 Degrees Celsius  Combine all the dry ingredients including all flours, Methi, seeds and seasonings in a mixing bowl  Gradually add the ghee to combine dry ingredients. Begin kneading the dough by adding little water at a time till it is firm and soft. Leave the dough covered at room temperature for 30 minutes  Roll out the dough to the thickness of your liking and cut into desired shapes with a cookie cutter  Bake for 15 minutes or until edges turn light brown. Increase the baking time if your crackers are thick. Cool completely on a wire rack and then store in an airtight container

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

The money loaned to someone will be promptly returned. Those feeling under the weather will begin to show quick recovery. There is a strong possibility of a guest arriving at your doorstep and brightening your day. Travelling light is advised in these times.

Monetary help from an unexpected source can be expected by some. You succeed in having things done your way at work by being assertive. Spouse may have something to tell you, so give a sympathetic ear. Something concerning property will work out.

Those seeking a raise or promotion will not be disappointed but do not over expect. Health remains good, despite your lethargy in shaking a leg. Excellent opportunity on the job front is about to come your way, so don’t let it slip by. Your stars look bright, so get ready.

You will be able to increase your bank balance through profitable ventures. Taking things in your hands rather than relying on others, will prove advantageous in achieving total fitness. A drive round the countryside is possible and may provide a welcome break from the routine.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You remain financially stable. On the work front, you will be efficient enough not to leave anything for the next day. Joining a gym or adopting an exercise regime will help you in diverting your mind from negative thoughts. You can expect total support of the family.

You will be much more careful in your spending than before and will work towards strengthening the financial front. You will be allowed more freedom than you expected in negotiating a deal. Healthy options may be adopted by some. Property and wealth may come to you.

You stand to gain a substantial amount in a venture that shows signs of succeeding. You can be choosy with regard to a professional assignment. Health benefits of an initiative become apparent now. You are likely to give your best and enjoy the returns on the academic front.

Money invested in some lucrative schemes can start giving good returns.

Someone at office may help you out in completing a task.

Your steely resolve will help you remain in shape. Day seems favourable for some of the builders and property dealers.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Success on the academic front is assured, but will require concerted efforts.

Selling or buying property is on the cards. A comfortable journey is envisaged for those who need to travel for something urgent inspite of covid situation. You can find a grouchy family elder in a lighter mood today.

Property through inheritance is possible for some. You can go ahead with a project on the academic front that requires extra efforts. Your initiative on the social front will be much appreciated. A family issue worrying you for long will be resolved amicably.

Good understanding within the team will help you to complete a project without major glitches. Financial front remains stable. You are likely to get rid of a medical problem nagging you. A beautiful evening with family is on the cards. Spouse or lover appears most supportive.

Those searching for suitable accommodation will get lucky. You are likely to excel on the academic front. A treat by a friend can come as a surprise to you. Problems confronting you on the home front will disappear. Remaining consistent in your performance at work.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ANAM DARBAR, Content Creator

Multi Millet and Seed Crackers

 Increased satiety or feel-

Bajra keeps the body warm

10

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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Suniel Shetty’s post

Birthday Wishes

B

ollywood actor Athiya Shetty celebrated her 28th birthday on Thursday, and received a lot of love and wishes from all across. But the best wish came from her daddy dearest Suniel Shetty, who wished his ‘baby’ with a stunning black and white picture and a heartfelt note.

“TIA .... where my LIFE begins and LOVE never ends .... happy birthday my baby ... I thank life everyday for giving me the gift of YOU,” his caption read.

—Agency

instagram.com/thefirstindia

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

11

American

VOTER Y

olanda Hadid recently became a first time American voter! Yolanda’s daughter and supermodel Bella Hadid took to her Instagram on Election Day, Tuesday to reveal that her mom voted for the first time since becoming an American citizen. “Took my mama to vote for the first time today!!! She became an American citizen just recently and this year she was so determined to get out and vote. I am so proud of her!!! Wearing our best Blues!!!!!” the 24-year-old model wrote, along with photos of she and Yolanda at their polling station while wearing masks.

If you didn’t know, Yolanda was born and raised in the Netherlands. After modelling for several years across Europe, she moved to the United States in 1994, where she met now ex-husband Mohamed Hadid.

They then had three kids.

—Agency

Nick and Priyanka Chopra Jonas

KC IN USA

P

riyanka Chopra Jonas celebrated the festival of Karwa Chauth with her singer husband Nick Jonas in California.

The actor took to Instagram to share two pictures from her Karwa Chauth celebrations from her US home with

Nick. “Happy Karwa Chauth to everyone celebrating. I love you Nick Jonas,” she captioned the post.

Nick also shared a post on his Instagram profile and wrote: “Happy Karwa Chauth everyone. Blessed to have my beautiful wife home.”

—ANI

ENGAGED! Bella Hadid; (inset) Her post Athiya Shetty

GANAPATH

A

ctor Tiger Shroff on Thursday treated his fans to the first look of his upcoming action flick ‘Ganapath.’

The ‘Baaghi’, actor took to social media to share a short teaser motion poster giving a glimpse of the ‘Ganapath’ world.

“This film is different for me from the rest of the films I’ve done till date because of the character I play. After multiple conversations with Vikas and Jackky, the script and scale look promising,” Shroff said.

“I am really looking forward to this one. This will be my first time working with Jackky and Vikas and it will be hugely exciting to collaborate with them,” added Shroff. —ANI

Poster of the film

Zaid Darbar and Gauahar Khan

A

Erika Jayne

ENDING THE MARRIAGE

A

fter 21 years of marriage, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne is filing for divorce from her husband Tom Girardi. The star said: “After much consideration, I have decided to end my marriage to Tom Girardi. This is not a step taken lightly or easily. I have great love and respect for Tom and for our years and the lives we built together. It is my absolute wish to proceed through this process with respect and with the privacy that both Tom and I deserved. I request others to give us that privacy as well,” she added.

—Agency

fter Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh’s grand wedding, another couple is set to walk down the aisle now. It’s Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar.

The couple has been dating each other for quite some time now and have finally made it official by announcing their engagement.

SUPPORT

FROM FAMILY

VOICED THEIR SUPPORT

T

he US elections this year has seen the highest participation this year despite the coronavirus pandemic looming large. A host of Hollywood celebrities are responsible for urging their fans and citizens to vote and have openly voiced their support.

One such personality is Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. As per latest report, Meghan has become the first modern royal to cast her vote in elections. As is protocol, members of the royal family are expected to stay neutral and not participate in UK’s elections.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who have now moved to the US, are eligible to participate and Meghan made sure to make her vote count.

—Agency Meghan Markle

The newly engaged couple was posing with some balloons and one of them had the text “She said yes” printed on it. The couple was flashing the brightest grin. Needless to say, this has added on to the rumours of Gauahar and Zaid’s wedding. The couple will, reportedly, tie the knot on December 25 this year.

—Agency

Kris and Kendall Jenner

K

endall Jenner came under fire over the weekend as she hosted a very large gathering in celebration of her 25th birthday. Many Keeping Up With The Kardashians fans called the model out on the behaviour and now her mom, Kris Jenner, is responding to it all.

Speaking with Andy Cohen on his SiriusXM show, Kris revealed that everyone in attendance at the party was rapid tested for coronavirus while waiting in line to get into it. “We are very lucky to work in an industry where we get tested once or twice a week,” Kris shared.

“I just got tested again. I was tested on Friday. I got because of the network rules while we are filming as you know, so that’s very strict.”

—Agency

CITY BUZZ www.firstindia.co.in I

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

12

CELEBRATING LOVE

City First shares some glimpses of Karwa Chauth from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh which was celebrated on 4 November Wednesday!

UP: Jayalakshmi with her husband DY. CM Dr Dinesh Sharma.

GUJ: Shikha Gupta.

UP: Malini Awasthi with her husband ACS Avnish Awasthi.

RAJ: Group of ladies celebrating Karwa Chauth.

GUJ: Ritu Rathi

RAJ: WCD Minister Mamta Bhupesh with her husband Dr Bhupesh Bairwa.

The beauty of Anthea W

RAJ: As the festive season starts, Creature Foundation distributed ration to the needy, under the ration distribution program ‘Happiness Deepavali Basket’ on Thursday.

MAP OUR RAJASTHAN

Shreya Bhandari

lousness in the quest for excellence. Each flower is handcrafted, and every selection is a result of unwavering artistic passion and our appetite for perfection.

Our artwork is pre-

O

n Thursday, ‘MapOurRajasthan Competition’ was launched on the Facebook page of Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) during the ‘Digital Mapping of Monuments of Rajasthan’ programme. The competition is being organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, JKK and Design Cohort in collaboration with India Lost & Found (ILF). It Dr BD Kalla aims to build the heritage map of Rajasthan through a crowd-creative campaign.

Minister of Art and Culture, Dr Mugdha Sinha BD Kalla said that monuments cannot only be limited to forts and palaces, common people have also built many monuments.

Amit Pasricha Secretary, Department of Art and Culture, and Director General, JKK, Mugdha Sinha said that this initiative aims to gather the people in these difficult times of the coronavirus and use technology very effectively in art and archaeology. Various architects, historians, photographers, storytellers, among others also shared their support for this initiative through video messages.

—City First

dominantly based on the fact that flowers are the most nuanced form of gifting and expressing love and affection. Each piece is carefully selected, tastefully arranged and beautifully packaged to create an exquisite box of

Jagdeesh Chandra greeted Abhay Singh of First India News on his birthday on Tuesday, at his residence.

Epilepsy diagnosis camp

HAPPY B’DAY!

No Crackers This Diwali CITY FIRST

T IAS (UP) Anuj Kumar Jha, IAS (UP) Anurag Patel and IFS Devendra Pratap Jagawat (RAJ) celebrated their birthdays on 5 November, Thursday. We wish them all the best!

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

eternal memories for you and your loved ones.

A pioneer in DECO CLAY CRAFT, she is one of the few certified DECO CLAY artists in India. Having completed 3 levels of intensive course from Deco Clay Academy (Malaysia & Japan), Shreya has curated her own range of artefacts that are symbolic to festivals and occasions of India and the world. Shreya spearheads the Designing in the company where she is supported by a team of women from local NGO’s. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

ith a Masters Degree in Human Resource and experience in Asia Pacific regions, Shreya Bhandari’s creative mind and passion in the field of Art & Design took over the professional career. After 5 years of her professional career, she decided to pursue her passion, which laid the foundation of Anthea – her maiden business venture.

Anthea is a unique mix of talent, audacity and meticu-

UP: Addl. Comm Lucknow Dr Alka Verma with her husband Sec LDA Pawan Gangwar.

he senior doctors in Jaipur are requesting people to refrain from bursting crackers, keeping the coronavirus crisis in mind. All the doctors unanimously supported CM Ashok Gehlot’s decision to ban firecrackers and appreciated his agile move.

Several specialist doctors gathered together in the ‘No Crackers This Diwali’ discussion

organised by Mystic Brains to talk about the problems firecrackers can create for patients along with the harmful impacts of the coronavirus. They expressed their concerns over the pollution and further spreading of the disease.

The discussion was attended by a panel of distinguished medical professionals like Dr Anshul Mittal, Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Dr Jaspreet Thakkar, Dr Sad-

hna Arya, Dr Gunjan Jain, Dr Kanav Jain, Dr Sanjay Arya, Dr Namita Jain and Dr Nisha Mangal.

In the event, the founder and director of Mystic Brains, Vikram Sharma said that the people of Jaipur should not burst crackers with the concern for the health of their family and citizens during the coronavirus pandemic. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

A

free epilepsy diagnosis camp was organised under Care Research Foundation on Tuesday in Ratannagar district, Churu, where free medicines were distributed with a consultation to 480 patients.

Chief Bureau Physician Dr R. K. Sureka shared that on the occasion of National Epilepsy Day, on 17 November, epilepsy patients were distributed masks and an exhibition was also organised, in which fratricides spread about epilepsy disease were cleared and the diagnosis and treatment of dis-

eases were explained.

He further added that the epileptic patient should not burn onions, on the arrival of seizures. One should not put water in the mouth, rather, they should loose their clothes and lie on one side.

He told that epilepsy disease is neither the effect of untouchability nor the effect of the upper air, whereas it is a disease of the brain. On this occasion, a knowledgable book was distributed to the patients regarding the disease. Doctors in this camp Jaisingh, Dr Gauri, Dr Sarin, Prakash Sureka, Taju Khan and Manoj Aadi collaborated for successful completion of the deed. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

GUJ: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Health Department Workers visit doorto-door to take the survey of ill people and check on them in times of COVID, at the Raikhad area on Thursday.

GUJ: Sardar Bridge illuminated with colourful lighting for attraction near the Sea Plane Service, behind the NID RiverFront in Ahmedabad on Thursday. —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

RAJ: Looking at the upcoming tourism, Jaipur Metro is going to start its ‘Jaipur Metro Art Gallery’ at the ‘Choti Chaupar Metro Station’ in the Pink City from today.

This art gallery of international standards is for the tourists who would come down to Jaipur from across the globe.