First India-Ahmedabad Edition-10 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

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‘LOCAL FOR DIWALI’: PM MODI’S FERVENT APPEAL TO PEOPLE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS IN FESTIVE SEASON

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 346

INDIA PERFORMED BETTER THAN ANY OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN WORLD: HEALTH MINISTER DR HARSH VARDHAN

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD 17°C - 34°C

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WHO WILL EAT BIHAR KA LADDOO?

Workers prepare sweets ahead of the counting day for the Bihar Assembly elections 2020 in Patna, on Monday.

TITLE CLASH OF THE CAPITALS

IPL Final: Delhi Capitals are gunning for their maiden title, while Mumbai Indians are seeking a 5th crown.

Dubai: As the COVID-19 ravaged 2020 counts down to an end, the IPL, delayed, deferred and distanced by coronavirus, also is on a countback towards culmination, as the 60th match of IPL 2020, the final, puts India’s economic capital’s Mumbai Indians against title aspirants the national capital’s Delhi Capitals when the two sides meet up at

Patna: The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for the counting of votes on Tuesday for the Bihar Assembly poll as the state awaits results of a closely-fought polls. EC said it has set up a total of 55 counting centres, housing 414 halls, spread across all 38 districts of the state. All exit polls had predicted Mahagathbandhan governmont with RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav at the helm. So will Nitish Kumar be able to prove poll pandits wrong? Along with Bihar, the bypolls verdict in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will also be out.

the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Several things are different -- for one, the final is being played on a Tuesday instead of a Sunday. Then, the teams are in their restrictive bio-bubbles and no one barring the team members and franchise owners are there to witness the goings-on. The other new thing is the Delhi Capitals are one match away from

being somewhere they have never been -- the IPL winners’ podium. As for Mumbai Indians, things are a little different too.

They have the chance to beat their “evennumber” year jinx. MI have won in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, making them oddyear champions. The only even year they made it to the final was in 2010, when they went down to Chennai Super Kings.

C-vaccine 90% effective Mufti: Will hold

in phase 3 trial: Pfizer Pfizer, BioNTech SE found no serious safety concerns and

expect to seek US emergency use authorisation later this month New York: Pfizer Inc on Monday said its experimental vaccine was more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on initial data from a large study, a major victory in the fight against a pandemic that has killed over 1 million people, roiled the world’s economy and upended daily life.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE are the first drugmakers to show successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine. The companies said they have so far found no serious safety concerns and expect to seek U.S. emergency use authorization later this month.

If authorized, the number of vaccine doses will initially be limited. Many questions

also remain including how long the vaccine will provide protection.

However the news provides hope that other vaccines in development against the novel coronavirus may also prove effective.

“Today is a great day for science and humanity,” Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. “We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time

when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen.”

Pfizer expects to seek broad US emergency use authorisation of the vaccine for people aged 16 to 85. To do so, it will need to have collected two months of safety data on around half of the study’s roughly 44,000 participants, expected in late November.

Turn to P6

Raj mayoral elections: Tricolour and flag Cong, BJP corner each of J&K together other over ‘horse trading’ Srinagar: Days after creating controversy with her remark that she will not hold the national flag, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asserted that she will hold the tricolour and the flag of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir together, saying as an MLA she had reaffirmed her faith in the J-K Constitution and the sovereignty and integrity of India as both are inseparable.

“I have taken an oath of the J&K Constitution when I became the MLA for the first time and I affirm my faith to the Constitution of J-K and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India – both of which are interlinked. J-K flag and Indian flag, I will hold both these flags together,” the former J&K chief minister told re-

Yogesh Sharma

Mehbooba Mufti

porters at the end of her five-day visit to Jammu – her first after release from over one-year-long detention under the Pubic Safety Act (PSA).

Mufti had last month said that she was not interested in contesting elections or holding the national flag till the constitutional changes enforced on August 5 last year were rolled back, sparking protests in Jammu.

Jaipur: On the eve of voting for the Mayors of both the municipal corporations of Jaipur, Congress corporator Dashrath Singh exploded an audio clip bomb alleging horse trading by Ajay Yadav, husband of BJP Mayor candidate Kusum Yadav for Heritage Jaipur municipal corporation. Dashrath Singh came out of the camping at Jaibagh palace on Delhi road and went to the ACB HQ to register his complaint regarding the horse trading. Along with his report he also submitted two audio recordings to the ACB. On Monday Dashrath Singh released a video in which he alleged that the BJP was resorting to horse trading and trying to buy non-BJP corporators through money and muscle power so that

MAYOR POLLS FOR 6 MUNICIPAL CORPS IN THREE CITIES TODAY Jaipur: Ward councillors elected last week will vote on Tuesday to choose mayors for six municipal corporations in three cities in Rajasthan. According to the State Election Commission, voting will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on November 10 and counting of votes will be done immediately after polling. Similarly, polls to elect deputy mayors of these corporations will be held on November 11. Thirteen candidates are in the race to become mayors for the corporations, including Jaipur. The candidates have filed 16 nominations in Jaipur Greater, Jaipur Heritage, Jodhpur North, Jodhpur South, Kota North and Kota South civic bodies. Jodhpur South has three candidates, while the remaining five municipal corporations have two candidates each.

cross voting against Congress Mayor candidate could be conspired. He said the Congress had isolated its 55 corporators to save them from poaching. Dashrath Singh claiming the source of the audio clip to be a party worker further gave details of the audio clip contents. He said the audio clip mentions en-

ticing non-BJP corporators with promises of 25-25 each along with promises of making chairman of committees, allotting vehicles and getting more developmental works done in their wards. It is being assumed that 25-25 means an offer of Rs 25 lakh for each corporator.

Turn to P6

A close contest or cakewalk? Guj by-election results today First India analyses the fate of the BJP and the Congress in battle for Assembly seats Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: The verdict on the state legislative assembly byelections for eight constituencies will soon be declared. Counting of votes will commence today with the mandate of the voters sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). According to the assessment of political analysts, the bypolls may seem like a close contest between

the two major political players- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress- but the overall result may favour the ruling party. Out of a total 18,75, 032 voters, around 11,39,163 people cast their votes. Even though both political parties have made claims to outperform each other, the candidates in fray are keeping their fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Vadodara District Collector Shalini Agrawal, District Superintendent of Police Sudhir Desai, election officers taking stock of situation at the Polytechnic College counting station, where the counting of votes for Karjan assembly will take place

A few media outlets had conducted exit polls of the eight seats up for by-elections, and according to their evaluation, the BJP will register wins in seven constituencies with one going to the opposition party.

Two local regional news channels had also conducted a survey which agreed on BJP landing the majority number of seats. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani seemed confident of the party’s win in the bypolls, as in one of his interviews he stated, “Whatever the result, it will be profitable for the BJP, because only Congress candidates had been elected to them

all in the 2017 general elections.”

Political analyst Dilip Gohil’s assessment states that issues faced by citizens notwithstanding, all that was talked about during campaigning was turncoats betraying the voters’ mandate and not developmental projects. In Gadhada, fielding ‘outsider’ candidates too was an issue for voters.

“There is no doubt that caste-based voting still exists in our nation.

And it will be reflected in the results as well.”

Citing the example of Congress candidate for the Limbdi seat, Gohil

added, “Take for instance, the calculation Congress made while choosing a candidate for Limbdi. They selected a Kathi Darbar candidate Chetan Khachar hoping that it would help them woo Kathi Darbar voters in Gadhada and Amreli seats too.”

Talking about voters accepting ‘gifts’ from political parties or candidates in exchange for votes, analyst Janak Purohit said, “In byelections, bribery is nothing new. If one neglects to bribe voters, with liquor, money, even community food (kitchen) or other presents, Turn to P6

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

GMC RECEIVES ROBOT

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DyCM Nitin Patel at the unveiling of the robot in Gandhinagar on Monday.

to clean underground sewers First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Going tech savvy, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) on Monday received a robot that can clean underground sewers.

It was unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel for a

new initiative that has been launched to prevent the untimely death of underground sewer cleaning personnel in the state. With this grant, Gandhinagar became the second city in Gujarat to clean a sewer manhole with the aid of a robot.

The state government has started using ‘Bandikut’ robots to clean underground sewer manholes sparing the lives of workers who immerse themselves into the sewerage to do their jobs.

The major draw of the robot is that it can go up to 24 feet deep

The ‘Bandikut’ can go 24 feet deep to perform sanitation work without endangering lives of workers

in the gutter and perform sanitation work.

The computer-operated robot will be operated by trained personnel sitting outside the manhole being cleaned.

“If the robot is successful, then after detailed study, it will be provided to other mu-

nicipalities and corporations, which will benefit from the initiative,” said Patel, adding that the Gujarat government had provided several tools free of cost to municipal corporations in the state to carry out the cleanliness campaign.

The Bandikut robot

developed by the Sabarmati Gas Company was granted by the company to the drainage department of Gandhinagar city under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The robot can detect mud, swamp, stone and dispose of it.

LESS POLLUTION

CR Patil appoints 39 prez of Guj got 384 CNG stations in district and city committees past two years, will add 164 Names of BJP state office bearers likely to be announced soon

First India Bureau

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani commissioning 164 CNG stations in the state on Monday.

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: In a bid to curb pollution, the state government has developed 542 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in the past 23 years. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani applauded the efforts of the state in establishing 384 CNG stations in the past two years. He also commissioned another 164 stations in the state by handing over a Letter of Intent (LoI) via video conferencing on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Rupani said, “With increasing use of

Aimed at reducing dependency on LPG, new stations for CNG have been set up across the state CNG, not only pollution but carbon emissions will decrease, making the environment better.

There are over 2,300 CNG stations across the country, of which, 690 are in Gujarat. We account for over 30% of all CNG stations in India and in the coming year we plan to get that number up to 900.”

He added, “It is good that people are switching over to CNG and PNG. Our dependency on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and reduce burden on roads. When the CNG scheme was launched two years ago, the target was to set up 300 stations in the state, but now we

have added over 384 stations.”

The chief minister also asked the Gujarat Gas Limited and Sabarmati Gas Limited to chalk out a plan for infrastructure and capacity building.

Meanwhile, in the first nine months of the current financial year, developmental work with an investment of Rs13,000 crore has taken place.

The state started the Girnar Ropeway, RoPax ferry service connecting Ghogha-Hazira, Digital Seva Setu and other projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gandhinagar: A day before the counting of votes for state legislative assembly byelections begin, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit announced the names of presidents for 39 districts and city committees.

This move by the ruling party is indicative of the party’s expectation of a favourable outcome in the by-elections and the anticipation of civic and panchayat polls.

Although the party state unit president CR Patil has preferred not to reinstate any district president in their post for another term, Kutch’s Keshubhai Patel was an exception.

The district presidents for Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot city committees were announced, but

CR Patil

Ahmedabad city president has not been named yet. As per the traditional practice of the party, it will be announced later.

Patil has also tried to ensure caste equa-

tions are maintained while selecting the right candidate for the post. The district presidents for Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar and Gandhinagar are Dr Vinod Shah,

Kamlesh Mirani, Niranjan Janjmera, Ramesh Mungra and Ruchir Bhatt respectively.

The Other Backward Class (OBC), tribal and Dalit communities have also received representation. In Patidar-dominated district of Amreli, Kaushik Vekaria was appointed as its district president. With Dalit and OBC dominion in Botad, Bhikhubhai Vaghela has been appointed at the helm. And Khimabhai Ahir was put in charge of Devbhumi Dwarka district.

Rajkot BJP workers congratulate Kamlesh Mirani on his appointment as the party district president.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

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`3.3 cr in gold & cash looted at gunpoint in Ankleshwar Daylight robbery at loan provider caught on CCTV, cops suspect inside job First India Bureau Bharuch: Four guntoting robbers stole more than Rs3 crore in cash and gold jewellery from the Ankleshwar office of private financial firm India Infoline Ltd (IIFL) on Monday morning. Police suspect the looters had help from inside the company, as the looters were well aware about who had the keys to the locker and what locker password was. They expect a breakthrough in the case soon.

According to the complaint lodged with the Ankleshwar city police by IIFL branch manager Dharmendra Padhiyar, four persons entered the branch around 9 am, bearing

HUNT IS ON

Police personnel speak to IIFL employees during their investigation.

arms. One threatened everyone in the office and the pushed staff in one room. Another held a gun to the complainant, while a third pointed his weapon at the female staff.

“They asked for the locker room key and threatened to kill us if

Daily cases drop to triple digits again

—FILE PHOTO

The state claims to have achieved a recovery rate of 91.15%.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Gujarat has again seen a drop in the number of new COVID-19 cases. Interestingly, the development comes just two days after First India reported that COVID-19 cases in the state had risen after a petition was filed in the High Court to quash the delay in the local body elections.

After November 5, the state recorded daily jumps of more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19. However, in the last 24 hours ending on Monday at 5 pm, the state has recorded 993 new cases, taking the total number of cases to

993 cases, 5 fatalities take state tally to 1,81,629 cases and death toll to 3,768 1,81,629 since March.

Five deaths were reported in the past 24 hours—two each in Ahmedabad and Rajkot and one in Mehsana— taking the state’s total death toll to 3,768.

The highest number of cases (189) were reported in Surat, followed by Ahmedabad (183), Vadodara (129) and Rajkot (90).

There are now 12,313 active cases in the state, with 64 patients on ventilator support.

we did not comply. Under pressure, I called the Mumbai office to get the one-time password without which the locker’s main door cannot be opened,” Padhiyar said in his complaint, adding that everyone had been tied up.

The robbers walked

off with 282 packets of gold jewellery, valued at Rs3,29,65,476 as well as Rs1,79,809 in cash, and about Rs40,000 worth of the mobile phones. In all, Padhiyar estimates that the total amount lost in Monday’s robbery is just over Rs3.32 crore.

Padhiyar told the police that his office had given customers loans amounting to Rs1,97,68,818 against their gold jewellery.

While the robbery was caught on CCTV camera, the police are still hunting for the perpetrators.

03

LRD Jawan shoots himself fatally with service weapon First India Bureau Morbi: Police are investigating whether the death of a Lok Rakshak Dal Jawan who was fatally shot in the head on Sunday night by his service weapon was an accident or a suicide. The deceased, Anil Dabhi (28) had been posted at the Morbi headquarters while on election duty and was in possession of weapons from the government armoury.

Police sources told First India that Dabhi had been part of the security detail for the Election Observer in Morbi, and was hence issued a service weapon by the government.

He had visited his natal village of Sapkada in Halvad taluka on Sunday. He is believed to have pulled the trigger at around 10.30 pm, while alone in his room. On hearing the gunshot, family members rushed to his room to find his body lying in

Halvad police are investigating the case.

—FILE PHOTO

TRAGEDY

a pool of blood. They rushed him to the Halvad Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Halvad Police was immediately informed about the incident. Police Inspector PM Dekavadia, Deputy Superintendent of Police Radhika Bharai and Dis-

trict Superintendent of Police SR Odedara rushed to the village.

The case is being investigated by Police Inspector Dekavadia.

The jawan had gotten married just two years ago, and is survived by his widow, parents, and a younger brother.

It’s our occupation: Youth caught with `12L stolen gold First India Bureau Surat: In an unusual case, a 26-year-old man who was arrested by the Crime Branch on Saturday admitted to the police that he had been robbing people of their valuables since he was 16 years old.

Amar Singh, who is also known as Ramsinh Rajput, told the cops that “everyone” in his village of Jawal village in Rajasthan’s Sirohi taluka was

also guilty of similar crimes.

Police sources told First India that they had recovered gold jewellery worth Rs12 lakh, Rs4.15 lakh in cash, seven cell phones and several internet dongles—all cumulatively worth Rs16.64 lakh— when they nabbed Singh and Jagdish Lohar.

Not just Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat, the self-claimed “gang”—which also includes one Bhera Ram—also admitted to

Crime Branch officials and the two accused.

108 GVK EMRI served more than 7 lakh people in pandemic First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The 108 Emergency Management Service implemented various important action plans during the pandemic to serve the citizens with better pre-hospital care and by shifting patients to hospital without impacting its ability to carry out its usual emergency services.

The service reviewed the COVID-19 situation on a time-to-time basis and accordingly deployed dedicated ambulances to serve the COVID-19 cases with appropriate precautions against the virus.

Since March, 108 Emergency Services has served 7,18,659 beneficiaries and shifted 1,11,349 COVID-19 suspected patients to hospitals.

Now, the service is also prepared for a surge in emergencies during Diwali. Jashvant Prajapati, COO, GVK EMRI, Gujarat, said, “We wish that the holidays are safe for all of us, but in case of emergency, please remember that we now have 629 road ambulances and two boat ambulances, and are prepared to meet any surge in demand.”

pulling off heists in Rajasthan and Karnataka.

“I have been accused of 37 major crimes,” Singh reportedly told Crime Branch officials, adding, “Everyone in my village engages in robbery and theft. It is our occupation.”

He told the police that he began stealing 10 years ago, after being influenced by others in his village.

Police sources say they were not aware of some of the other cases against the accused.

“It is unfortunate that the accused was lured to a life of crime at a time when he was too young to know better,” one official said, asking that he not be named.

Bhera Ram was arrested for the theft Rs90,000 in Surat’s Mahidharpur area, and has also been accused of robbing 1kg of gold in Bengaluru in 2019.

Ramsinh Rajput is wanted in cases related to theft, robbery, loot, murder and kidnapping, among others.

NO BANG, NO BUCK

With customers few and far between, a shopkeeper at a cracker shop in Ahmedabad passes the time on his phone —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

IN MEMORIAM

Spanish-born ‘Savaya Gujarati’ Father Vallés dies at the age of 95 CM Rupani pays tribute to priest who wrote dozens of books in Gujarati and on Mathematics after the nonagenarian passed away in Madrid First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Carlos González Vallés—better known by his pen name of Father Vallés and the sobriquet ‘Savaya Gujarati’— passed away on Monday in Madrid, Spain, at the age of 95.

On hearing of his death, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in his con-

dolence message said, “Although Fr Vallés was not a Gujarati by birth, he ‘made a name for himself in Gujarati language literature through his writing. The world of Gujarati literature has suffered a great loss due to his death.”

The Spanish-born Jesuit priest, who came to India in 1949, had— over the years—indeed

became not only an Indian but a Gujarati at heart, winning Gujarati literature’s highest award, the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, in addition to others including the coveted Kumar Gold Medal.

He began to learn the Gujarati language when he was appointed to teach Mathematics at the then-new St Xavier’s

Fr Carlos González Vallés, 1925-2020.

College in Ahmedabad.

He would spend the next 22 years teaching mathematics in Gujarati, often coining new Gujarati terms for mathematical concepts.

In addition to his writing on Mathematics, Fr Vallés published about 78 books of essays in the Gujarati language, including, Sadachar, Vyakti Ghadtar, Lagnasagar, Gandhiji ne Navi Pedhi, Parvotsav, Murli, Atmkathana Tukda and Shabdlok. In his writing, Fr Vallés contributed a new style—one which

used short sentences and a conversational style— to Gujarati writing.

During his time at St Xavier’s College, he spent about a decade living in the by-lanes of the walled city among middle-class families as their guest, never staying in one house for more than a few days.

The prolific author also published 24 books in English and 42 in Spanish, many of which have been translated into other European languages, as well as Chinese.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

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04

IN-DEPTH

HIGH DECIBEL ANCHORS FACE HC’S SCRUTINY

F

or far too long electronic media has been hounding politicians, celebrities, and officials as self-appointed custodians of societal norms. Acting as judge and jury they have rubbed many a reputation unto dust with zero accountability. All for television rating points, based on which advertisement rates are fixed. Higher viewership converts into higher ad rates, which means more revenue. As news got submerged in the din created by anchors yelling at high decibels, basic principles of journalism became a casualty. Nothing illustrates this better than the coverage of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in which some TV channels pronounced Rhea Chakraborty guilty and shred the reputation of Mumbai police into tatters. Even after a clean chit by the CBI and AIIMS, the channels persisted with their alleged calumny against the entire film industry.

Four industry associations and 34 leading production houses filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a restraint order against Republic TV and Times Now for their alleged “irresponsible, derogatory and defamatory” remarks against the Hindi film industry. Petitioners’ counsel, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar said they start with Sushant Singh Rajput and proceed as if we have links with Pakistan and ISI. The court issuing notices to the media houses asked them to ensure that no defamatory content is displayed on their channels or uploaded on their social media sites. Justice Rajiv Shakhdher asked the counsels of the two sides to suggest ways that could change the way reporting is being done.

“There needs to be some toning down,” the judge said. Will the court eventually bell the cat?

LIVING WITH

UNCERTAINTY

REKHA KUMAR The writer is a personal development trainer working with corporate sector and SME segment

C

“

AIR POLLUTION: NO FIREWORKS THIS DIWALI

W

ith an upsurge in Covid-19 cases and air pollution turning worse in Delhi and several other cities across the country, the National Green Tribunal has clamped down on fireworks in Delhi and adjoining areas from November 9 to November 30.

Violation of the order will result in imprisonment of 1.5 to six years. The sudden order of ban caught vendors of firecrackers unawares as they had already paid for licences to put up stalls and also for fire-crackers. All their investments in these difficult times will now go waste as they stare at a dark Diwali. There is also the argument of firecracker manufacturers going bust due to such bans.

It is undeniable that Covid-19 cases are rising.

Delhi is witnessing around 7,000 Covid cases daily.

Its air quality is in the “severe” zone. Indian Medical Association attributes at least 17 percent of Delhi’s new Covid cases to air pollution since October. As firecrackers will increase the pollution level, the fear of a further rise in Covid cases led the NGT to impose the ban.

The ban has sparked a debate on the timing of the ban order which has hurt traders hard and why a major Hindu festival was being targeted when industry and auto vehicles were equally responsible for air pollution. There’s nothing new in the argument, just as fire-crackers have been blamed for air pollution on Diwali for the past several years.

Delhi, Rajasthan, Sikkim, West Bengal had already banned the sale-purchase of firecrackers on Diwali much before NGT’s order on Monday. Mumbai too has restricted the use of fireworks.

Another threatening sense of uncertainty is the arrival of sudden illnesses.

Just when we are adjusting to one set of circumstances, we may be confronted with altered or more difficult ones. The unpredictable nature of many illnesses and treatments lead to exhaustion and gives the feeling of helplessness

ertainly!” “Guaranteed!” We hear such expressions many times.

In our daily life, there is not much that we can be sure of.

Life is so unpredictable. Uncertainty is synonymous with doubt, which often interferes with decision making. Doubt and uncertainty seem to be a part of our life.

Today, people are afraid due to a variety of reasons. Multitudes are no longer able to care for themselves because of advanced age. Many are wasting away with incurable diseases.

Families are struggling to make ends meet. War or any calamity can wipe out a whole lifetime of effort.

Sudden death by an accident, or a disaster or a crime seems to lurk around every corner, ready to put an end to everything we hold dear. It can make life suddenly seem empty and aimless. Such fear and anxiety, along with numerous personal conflicts and disappointments have made our times uncertain.

Life is filled with the unexpected. We cannot always be sure of the way things will turn out. An injury can slow us down or over-confidence can result in preventing us to put forth our best efforts. Some with extraordinary skill, instead of enjoying

others’ favours, by some quirk of circumstances, may fall into disrepute and spend their lives in obscurity.

Everyone desires security and happiness but no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Faced with life’s uncertainties, what can we do to make the best of the circumstances?

Many devote their whole time to get ahead. They work hard to acquire things, usually money, to make themselves secure. In the process, they sacrifice their health and are unable to enjoy the things they earned.

Some even have a hard time sleeping at night.

A wrong decision, misguided investment, a dispute, or a swindle can wipe out acquired wealth instantly and change life overnight. Just knowing that anything can happen at any time is a disturbing feeling.

Another threatening sense of uncertainty is the arrival of sudden illnesses. Just when we are adjusting to one set of circumstances, we may be confronted with altered or more difficult ones. The unpredictable nature of many illnesses and treatments lead to exhaustion and gives the feeling of helplessness.

Fear of losing control may also cause worry. If a person values independence, he may cringe at the thought of becoming dependent on others. This growing loss of control triggers feelings of anger and loneliness.

Extreme pleasure increases life’s uncertainties and can lead

In situations like the pandemic, which has disrupted routines and destroyed our best-laid plans, we need to learn to live with ambiguity.

Knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security

to drug addiction, alcoholism, and a host of other social ills.

Family connections, social position, intelligence, and good health may provide a degree of security, but we cannot be sure of how life unfolds the next moment. Having a realistic view of life and a proper attitude towards change helps in coping with the unexpected.

A broad field of interest can be a real asset in coping with life’s uncertainties. A person with many interests is less likely to experience a shattering of all his dreams. Usually, not everything turns out bad at the same time. Something worthwhile always remains.

In situations like the pandemic, which has disrupted routines and destroyed our best-laid plans, we need to

THE DEMOCRATS’ FOUR-YEAR REPRIEVE

A

s Joe Biden eked out a victory in the US presidential election after a few suspenseful days, observers of American democracy were left scratching their heads.

Buoyed by polls, many expected a landslide for the Democrats, with the party capturing not only the White House but also the Senate. How did Donald Trump manage to retain the support of so many Americans – receiving an even larger number of votes than four years ago – despite his blatant lies, evident corruption, and disastrous handling of the pandemic?

The importance of this question goes beyond American politics. Center-left parties everywhere are trying to revive their electoral fortunes against right-wing populists. Even though Biden is temperamentally a

centrist, the Democratic party platform has moved considerably to the left – at least by American standards. A decisive Democratic victory would have been a significant boost to the moderate left’s spirits: perhaps all it takes to win is to combine progressive economic policies with attachment to democratic values and basic human decency.

The debate is already on about how Democrats could have done better. Unfortunately, their narrow victory does not yield easy lessons. American politics revolves around two axes: culture and economics. On both sets of issues, we can find those who fault Democrats for going too far and those who fault them for not going far enough.

The culture wars pit the country’s socially conservative, predominantly white regions against metropoli-

tan areas where so-called “woke” attitudes have risen to predominance. On one side we have family values, opposition to abortion, and gun rights. On the other, we have LGBT rights, social justice, and opposition to “systemic racism.”

Many who voted for Trump viewed Democrats’ support for this year’s street

protests against police brutality as condoning violence and tarring the nation as a whole with the broad brush of racism. While Biden was careful to speak against violence, the Democrats became susceptible to charges of moral grandstanding and denigrating the values of the heartland. For others, continued support for

Trump merely confirms how entrenched racism and bigotry are, and the Democratic Party’s urgent need to fight them.

In terms of economics, many observers, including some centrist Democrats, believe the party turned off conservative voters by moving too far to the left.

True to form, Republicans

fanned the fears of high taxes, job-killing environmental policies, and socialized medicine. In both major US political parties, the quintessential American myth of the lone entrepreneur who does best when government does the least is still alive and well.

On the other side of the argument, progressives argue that Biden campaigned on proposals that were hardly radical by the standards of other developed countries. He was, after all, determined to frame the election as a referendum on Trump, not as a test of support for an alternative agenda. Perhaps Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, with their greater emphasis on jobs, economic security, and redistribution, were more in tune with the aspirations of most Americans.

learn to live with ambiguity.

Knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.

We cannot ignore these uncertainties as if they do not exist. Accepting reality helps us to move forward rather than remain paralyzed by fear. Since change is inevitable, it is wise not to attach undue importance to any sorrow, happiness, or possessions. Nothing has any permanence. The world is like a stage, quickly changing from one scene to another.

Even when everything seems to be out of control, we can still control what we pay attention to. We can shun habits that can ruin our well-being. We can learn to take up a mental journey by turning to people who have travelled the same road before us and learn from them how to tap into the resources that are within our reach.

Reaching out to supportive friends, sticking to a structured routine, and refusing to dwell obsessively on problems can balance our view towards uncertainty. The more one thinks about the bad things that might happen, the more likely they seem, and the harder it is to take up the challenges with creativity. We can focus on the silver linings in the dark clouds.

When everything is uncertain, knowing what we mean to others and having a sense of purpose can keep us grounded.

It makes us realize, ‘how am I using my life?’

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Indian festivals are a celebration of nature and culture together.

Earthen diyas, handcrafted decorative items, local sweets and savouries add traditional flavour to festivities, are eco-friendly and inclusive. #Local4Diwali Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @ DrRPNishank Jan Andolan for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour Do not dispose used masks in the open.

Not only will it lead to pollution but it will also put other people at the risk of #COVID-19. Be responsible & dispose used masks safely! #Unite2FightCorona

Spiritual SPEAK

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

—Buddha

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

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PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of Varanasi development projects He also interacted with project beneficiaries during the event New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects for Varanasi, including those related to agriculture, tourism and infrastructure.

The total cost implication of these projects is Rs 614 crore, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister also interacted with some of the beneficiaries of these projects during the event through video conferencing.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present on the occasion.

The projects inaugurated include up-gradation of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital Ramnagar, sewerage related works, infrastructure facilities for protection and conservation of cows, a housing complex for players in Sampurnanand Stadium, multipurpose seed storehouse and Sarnath Light and Sound show.

During the event, the

Varanasi via video conferencing, he said buying local products will not only strengthen local identity but will also brighten up Diwali for those who make them.

Extending festival greetings to the people, he said, “You are seeing today that along with vocal for local, the mantra of local for Diwali is resonating everywhere.”

—ANI

Swami Vivekananda’s statue to be unveiled

PM also laid foundation stone for projects including the redevelopment of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Khidkiya Ghat, barracks for PAC police force, and development of tourist places.

—PTI

It would be good if india learns something from Trump’s defeat: Shiv Sena

Buy local products this Diwali: Modi to people New Delhi: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a fervent appeal to people to promote ‘’local for Diwali’’ big time and buy local products this festival season, saying it will give a new boost to the economy. While inaugurating and laying the foundation of various projects worth 614 crore for his Lok Sabha constituency

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates various projects in Varanasi through VC.

05

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Jawaharlal Nehru University through video-conferencing on November 12, according to JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will

— PHOTO BY ANI

NARENDRA MODI @narendramodi Hearty congratulations to the residents of Uttarakhand on the state's foundation day. Leading on the path of progress, this state which is full of natural wealth and natural beauty, continues to touch new heights of development.

unveil (through video-conference) the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda installed in the university campus on November 12, at 6:30 pm. The unveiling of the statue will be preceded by a programme on Swami Vivekananda,” the VC said in an official statement on Sunday.

Sanjay Raut

Mumbai: It would be good if India learns something from US President Donald Trump’s defeat, said Shiv Sena on Monday while comparing the US Presidential election scenario with Bihar Assembly polls.

Shiv Sena, through party mouthpiece Saamana, said, “President Trump never deserved the position of head of the state. The American public rectified the mistake made about the same Trump in just four years. He could not fulfil even a single promise. If we can learn anything from Trump’s defeat, it would be good.”

The unemployment epidemic in America is more than that of COVID-19. However, instead of finding a solution, Trump kept giving importance to the mock-

VIEWPOINT

ery of absurdities, vagrants and political chanting, the party stated.

“The power has already changed in America. The incumbency in Bihar is at the bottom.

In Bihar assembly polls, NDA led by Nitish Kumar is clearly losing.

There is no alternative in state except us -- people have to do the work of removing the leaders from this illusion.

IN THE COURTYARD

Actor Arjun Rampal to appear before NCB on November 11 New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Monday summoned actor Arjun Rampal to appear before the agency on November 11 hours after conducting raids at his premises in Mumbai, news agency ANI reported.

This comes a day after film producer Firoz Nadiawala’s house was raided by the agency in connection with a drugs case on Sunday and his wife Shabana Saeed was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) act after 10 grams of marijuana was found at their residence. The producer was also summoned by the agency and his wife remanded to judicial custody till November 23. The agency is probing the use of drugs in Bollywood. Four others

Arjun Rampal

were arrested along with Saeed on Sunday for allegedly being drug peddlers and suppliers.

Earlier, the NCB had arrested Agisilaos Demetriades, brother of Rampal’s girlfriend Gabriella. Reports suggest Agisilaos was a part of a drug syndicate linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

NCB believes Agisilaos was in touch with drug suppliers who were said to have connections to Sushant’s girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, who was arrested on Sept 9 .

15TH FINANCE COMMISSION SUBMITS REPORT FOR 2021-26 TO PRESIDENT New Delhi: The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XVFC), led by Chairman NK Singh, submitted its report for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 to the President of India, a government statement said here on Monday.

Members of the Commission, Ajay Narayan Jha, Prof Anoop Singh, Dr Ashok Lahiri and Dr

Ramesh Chand along with Secretary to the Commission, Arvind Mehta accompanied the Chairman to submit the report, titled “Finance Commission in Covid Times”, to the President. The Commission was mandated to give its recommendation for five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, by October 30, 2020.

BJP leader's PIL in SC against Ex- K’taka min’s son held Suggest ways to improve son joins notification on in drugs case from Goa reporting: HC to news channels JKNPP in Western Ghats Bengaluru: The CenNew Delhi: Delhi High “irresponsible, derogaJammu Court issued summons- tory and defamatory” New Delhi: A petition tral Crime Branch pohas been filed in SC challenging the October 2018 draft notification by the Ministry of Environment, to the demarcation of 56,825 sq km as the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The petition, filed by NGO Karshaka Shabdam, said that through October 2018 draft notification -- the area of over 50,000 sq km has been demarcated as Western Ghats ESA. —ANI

lice of Bengaluru has arrested Darshan Lamani, the son of senior Congress leader and former minister of textiles and Muzrai department, Rudrappa Lamani, from Goa in a drug case. Recently the police had arrested another person named Sujay for buying 500 grams of hydro-ganja on the darknet using bitcoins.

However, two other accused in the case, Hemant and Suneesh had

managed to escape. The police traced them to Goa where the accused were allegedly being sheltered by Darshan Lamani. A CCB team went to Goa and arrested all the three and their role in the drug racket is being probed.

J&KPC moves Supreme Court for early hearing of PILs against abrogation of Art 370 Srinagar: The J&K People’s Conference on Monday said it has filed a plea in the Supreme Court to seek early hearing of a batch of petitions against the Centre’s August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Arti-

cle 370 of the Constitution and reorganise the erstwhile state.

The party said it has made out a very strong prima facie case and the issues raised are under consideration of a Constitution Bench of the

TANISHQ WITHDRAWS ANOTHER DIWALI AD AFTER TWITTER FIRE Mumbai: Jewellery maker, Tanishq comes under fire again this festive season, this time for a call-to-action that urged consumers not to burst firecrackers. The new ad featuring Sayani Gupta, Neena Gupta, Alaya Furniturewala, and Nimrat Kaur for its Ekatvam (oneness) collection has become new scapegoat for online trolls, not long after the brand received backlash for its digital film depicting a scene from an inter-faith family.

The line did not go down well with many, as the hashtag #BoycottTanishq is trending on Twitter.

apex court.

“J&K People’s Conference moves SC, seeks early hearing of a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of J&K,” party tweeted on its official handle.

es to various media channels, including Times Now and Republic TV, on a petition filed by four Bollywood associations and 34 producers, and asked these outlets to come up with a “reasonable solution” for improvement in standards of news reporting.

The petitioners have sought a restraint on news channels from making or publishing what they dubbed as

Doordarshan era was much better, says SC New Delhi: The Delhi High Court asked news channels as to what needs to be done to improve the current standards of news reportage, while remarking that people are “scared of the Fourth Estate and that Doordarshan era was much better”.

“People are scared

SENSEX, NIFTY SOAR TO LIFETIME HIGHS ON GAINS IN BANK STOCKS Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex surged 704 points to end at its all-time high on Monday amid a rally in global markets following Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential election After touching its lifetime intra-day peak of 42,645.33, the 30-share BSE index ended 704.37 points or 1.68 per cent

remarks against Hindi film industry and its members.

Justice Rajiv Shakdhar sought the responses from media channels and posting the matter for further hearing on December 14.

While the court was hearing the matter through VC, petitioners’ counsel Rajiv Nayar submitted that “This is the course of this defamation complaint,” he said.

—ANI

higher at 42,597.43 -- its record closing high. The broader NSE Nifty too scaled a fresh intra-day peak of 12,474.05. It ended at a lifetime high of 12,461.05, up 197.50 points or 1.61 per cent.

IndusInd Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, surging around 5 per cent, followed by Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank.

about the Fourth Estate. Even if the issue regarding privacy of public figures is diluted, you (news channels) cannot drag their personal lives into public domain,” said Justice Rajiv Shakdhar. “Blackand-white Doordarshan era was much better, I feel.” the court added.

Jammu: A BJP leader's son on Monday joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party here, a party statement said.

Vinod Kumar, son of former BJP MLA from Chenani Dina Nath, joined the JKNPP along with hundreds of his supporters, the party said.

Welcoming Kumar into the party fold, JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh said that those who were swayed by the grandiloquent promises and seductive slogans had seen through the real face of the saffron par ty and were desperately waiting to teach BJP a lifetime lesson.

—PTI

NAMAZ AT MATHURA TEMPLE: SADHVI SEEKS PROBE IN MATTER Budaun: Right-wing leader Sadhvi Prachi asked the government to conduct a probe into offering of namaz at a Mathura temple and said she wanted to perform a "havan" in Jama Masjid.

In a provocative reaction to recent offering of namaz at Mathura's Nand Baba temple, she said if Muslims wanted to offer prayers in lap of Lord Hanuman, they should install the deity in their mosques. Police had booked four members of a Delhi-based organisation, Khudai Khidmatgar, after a video clip surfaced on social media.

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‘India performed better than any big developed country’

‘Whole country worked together by following the same strategy’ New Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a virtual meeting with Health Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal to review the COVID-19 situation.

“The whole country worked together by following the same strategy together. We have seen a lot of phases in this journey of 10 months. The first case was reported in Kerala followed by various other developments,” said Dr Harsh Vardhan while interacting with the Health Ministers.

“The entire country followed the bold manner in which the lockdown was imposed under the leadership of PM Modi.

Later, the unlock process was also implemented effectively.

When we analyse the

ACTIVE CASES HAS COME DOWN

performance of our country, it seems India has performed better than any of the big developed countries in the world,” he added.

“There was a surge in cases one or two months back. India’s active cas-

Delhi’s air quality remains ‘severe’ for the 5th day New Delhi: The national capital’s air quality remained “severe” for the fifth consecutive day on Monday, with calm wind speed exacerbating the effect of stubble burning.

V K Soni, the head of the India Meteorological Department’s environment research centre, said a major improvement in DelhiNCR’s air quality was highly unlikely in the coming days.

“The air quality is likely to be recorded in the upper end of the ‘’very poor’’ category on Diwali if we discount firecrackers emissions.

If people burst crack-

NCB summons Firoz, POWER Gallery wife undergoes medical examination

TWO VACANCIES OF MEMBER IN CBIC

At present there are two vacancies of Member in the CBIC. Who will make it ? It will only be known early next year.

BUREAUCRACY BE OVERHAULED IN BIHAR?

‘Indian demand for COVID-19 drug remdesivir rising sharply’

ers, pollution levels can increase to ‘’severe’’ to ‘’severe plus’’ category (emergency),” he said.

The NGT on Monday imposed a total ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the NCR from November 9 midnight to November 30 midnight, saying “celebration by crackers is for happiness and not to celebrate deaths and diseases”.

An official said the newly-constituted Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas is likely to hold a review meeting on Monday considering the situation.

People at India Gate lawns, amid hazy weather conditions, in New Delhi, Sunday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

es used to hover around one lakh. Now the number of active cases has come down. Out of the five lakh active cases in India currently, many people are on the road to recovery,” said Dr Vardhan.

Bengaluru: Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness. Remdesivir was developed by US drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc, which cut its 2020 revenue forecast last month, citing lower-than-expected demand and difficulty in predicting sales of the treatment. Cipla is among several firms licensed to make and sell generic versions in developing nations.

Cipla’s version, Cipremi, was commercially launched in July and costs just above $50 per 100 mg vial.

06

The post election scenario in Bihar is bound to completely change the bureaucracy if RJD comes to power, as per Exit polls predictions. According to sources, more than one dozen senior IAS officers will be changed. Now the question is who will replace them ?

LALU WILL DECIDE ABOUT APPOINTMENT OF BUREAUCRATS? Firoz Nadiadwala and Shabana Saeed.

Mumbai: The NCB has summoned veteran Bollywood filmmaker Firoz Nadiadwala in connection with the arrest of his wife Shabana Saeed and seizure of drugs from her, officials said here on Monday.

Shabana underwent a medical checkup at a government hospital before the NCB produces her in a designated court later this afternoon, even as Bollywood was stunned by the developments.

Firoz Nadiadwala, who was not at home on

Sunday when the NCB raided his premises, has been called for investigations after the agency seized drugs worth Rs 3.59 lakh from his home, other locations and from at least four drug peddlers.

The NCB swooped on Firoz Nadiadwala’s Juhu home and other locations to recover 717.1 gm ganja, 74.1 gm charas and 95.1 gm MD (commercial quantity), besides another 10 gm of ganja from a peddler Wahid A. Kadir Shaikh, alias Sultan.

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate model of antisatellite missile

FESTIVE VIBES

Though Lalu Prasad Yadav is in jail, it is he who will decide about the appointment and postings of IAS and IPS officers of Bihar if RJD forms the new govt.

BIHAR CS AND DGP TO GO IN NEW REGIME?

It is widely believed that Bihar DGP S K Singhal and Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar will be changed in the Mahagathbandhan Government.

WHO WILL BE CS OF BIHAR?

In the new regime, it is said, either 1984 batch IAS officer Ravi Kant or 1987 batch IAS officer Amir Subhani will be appointed new Chief Secretary of Bihar. A 1987 batch IAS officer Subhani is also empanelled as Secretary in the GoI and presently working in the cadre. Ravi Kant is on central deputation.

WILL DR GANGAWAR BE CALLED BACK?

Dr Dharmendra S Gangawar likely to be called back to Bihar if Tejaswi Yadav becomes the Chief Minister. He is a 1988 batch IAS officer and presently posted as Spl. Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Sources said he will be posted in the CMO. WILL BISHT BE DGP OF BIHAR ?

Dinesh Singh Bisht is said to be a likely candidate for the hot seat of the DGP of Bihar. A 1987 batch IPS officer Bisht will retire in November 2021.

WILL DGP OF BIHAR BE A SURPRISE PICK?

Rajnath Singh

ception. The Congress is part of the alliance and we are fighting the DDC (district development council) elections together,” he said.

Abdullah’s comment came a day after the Congress said it would field candidates of its own for the DDC election, which will take place between November 28 and December 22.

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a model of the anti-satellite missile system, which is seen as a symbol of national technological advancement, at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters in the national capital today.

Earlier, DRDO had successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test ‘Mission Shakti’ from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha on March 27, 2019. A DRDO-developed A-SAT Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode.

The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters.

is noteworthy that Ajay Yadav, Akbar and both corporators Sheram and Rohit come from Kishanpole area. According to the contents of this audio clip, an offer of Rs 2.5 crore to each corporator along with a tender with BVG company and three times the normal commission in the word tenders was tossed up.

On the other hand Ajay Yadav denied the allegations of horse trading and said that the voice in the audio clip was not his. He called the whole episode a Congress conspiracy and said that he

was ready for any investigation and if needed would also give his voice sample.

A look at Heritage Jaipur municipal corporation results shows 47 corporators for Congress and 42 corporators of BJP along with 11 independents while 51 corporators are required to form the board. Congress claims the support of 55 corporators including independents which were paraded on Sunday. It has fielded ward number 43 winner Munesh Gurjar as its Mayor candidate while BJP has ward number 74

Visitors at Har Ki Pauri ahead of the upcoming festival of Diwali, in Ayodhya. —PHOTO BY PTI

‘Congress part of Gupkar Alliance, will fight polls’ Srinagar: The Congress is a member of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) - an alliance of mainstream political parties in J&K fighting to restore special status - and will contest district-level elections as part of the group, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said Sunday.

Abdullah, who is also the PAGD’s Presi-

Farooq Abdullah

dent, stressed: “We are fighting the elections together.”

“Where have they separated?

There should be no miscon-

Sources associated with Bihar said that if RJD forms the govt, DGP may be a surprise pick. That too will be decided by Lalu Yadav.

CHHATTISGARH CHIEF SECRETARY UNLIKELY TO GET EXTENSION

After the denial of extension in service to Rajasthan Chief Secretary Rajiv Swarup, it seems certain that Chief Secretary of another Congress ruled state Chhattisgarh R P Mandal will also not get extension on November 30.

KAMAL NAYAN CHOUBEY LIKELY TO JOIN CENTRAL DEPUTATION AT DGP LEVEL

Kamal Nayan Choubey is expected to join central deputation at DGP level. He is a 1986 batch IPS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

SUMAN BALA SAHOO LIKELY TO JOIN CENTRAL DEPUTATION AT DGP LEVEL

Suman Bala Sahoo is expected to join central deputation at DGP level. She is a 1986 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre.

SANJAY SRIVASTAVA APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN, BBMB

Sanjay Srivastava, Chief Engineer, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has been appointed as Chairman, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 C-vaccine 90%...

“I’m near ecstatic,” Bill Gruber, one of Pfizer’s top vaccine scientists, said in an interview.

“This is a great day for public health and for the potential to get us all out of the circumstances we’re now in.”

Pfizer said the interim analysis was conducted after 94 participants in the trial developed COVID-19, examining how many of them received the vaccine versus a placebo.

The company did not break down exactly how many of those who fell ill received the vaccine. Still, over 90% ef-

fectiveness implies that no more than 8 of the 94 people who caught COVID-19 had been given the vaccine, which was administered in two shots about three weeks apart.

The efficacy rate is well above the 50% effectiveness required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a coronavirus vaccine.

To confirm its efficacy rate, Pfizer said it will continue the trial until there are 164 COVID-19 cases among participants. Given the recent spike in U.S. infection rates, that number could be reached by

early December, Gruber said.

The data have yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal. Pfizer said it would do so once it has results from the entire trial.

Pfizer and BioNTech have a $1.95 billion contract with the U.S. government to deliver 100 million vaccine doses beginning this year.

They have also reached supply agreements with the European Union, the UK, Canada and Japan.

To save time, the companies began manufacturing the vaccine before they knew whether

it would be effective.

They now expect to produce up to 50 million doses or enough vaccine to protect 25 million people this year.

Pfizer said it expects to produce up to 1.3 billion doses of the vaccine in 2021.

Raj mayoral...

Meanwhile one of the audio clips allegedly has a recording of corporator Kusum Yadav’s husband Ajay Yadav with corporator Akbar where Ajay Yadav gives the responsibility of dealing with corporator Sheram and Rohit Chavadiya to Akbar. It

winner Kusum Yadav as its mayor candidate.

Out of 150 municipal wards in Jaipur Greater municipal corporation 76 are required to form the board. BJP with 88 corporators seems comfortable to get its Mayor candidate elected and form the board. Congress has 49 corporators and there are 13 independent corporators in Jaipur Greater. Winner from ward number 87 Dr Soumya Gurjar is the Mayor candidate for the BJP while ward number 93 winner Divya Singh is the Congress candidate.

A close... especially to those belonging to the lower strata of the society, they do not exercise their right to vote.”

It remains to be seen whether the voters have accepted the former Congress MLAs who resigned from their posts earlier this year or they will reject them en masse. If they do show them the door, it will send a strong message to political parties and leaders about betraying the sanctity of people’s mandate. But, if the voters let in all six turncoats again.

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Milking it

M

aking ecoconscious choices at the shops can be tricky when we’re presented with so many options, espe-

ny plant-based milk, be it made from beans, nuts or seeds, has a lighter impact than dairy when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the use of water and land. All available studies, including systematic reviews, categorically point this out.

A 2018 study estimates dairy to be around three times more greenhouse gas emission-intensive than plant-based milks.

In the case of cow’s milk, its global warming potential — measured as kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per litre of milk — varies between 1.14 in Australia and New Zealand to 2.50

in Africa. Compare this to the global warming potential of plant-based milks, which, on average, is just 0.42 for almond and coconut milk and 0.75 for soy milk.

What’s more, dairy generally requires nine times more land than any of the plant-based alternatives. Every litre of cow’s milk uses 8.9 square metres per year, compared to 0.8 for oat, 0.7 for soy, 0.5 for almond and 0.3 for rice milk.

Water use is similarly higher for cow’s milk: 628 litres of water for every litre of dairy, compared to 371 for almond, 270 for rice, 48 for oat and 28 for soy milk.

Dairy generally requires nine times more land than plantbased alternatives. —AAP IMAGE/DAN PELED

W

e can produce plantbased milk from almost any grains, but rice and oat are proving popular. However, they require more land compared with nut milks.

RICE Rice milk has a big water footprint. More notably, it’s associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to the other plantbased options because m e t h a n e - p ro d u c i n g

bacteria develop in the rice paddies.

In some cases, rice milk may contain unacceptable levels of arsenic. And applying fertilisers can pollute nearby waterways.

OAT Oat milk has been becoming increasingly popular around the world because of its overall environmental benefits. But similar to soy, the bulk of oat pro-

MILKS FROM NUTS

M

ilk can be made from almost any nuts, but almond, hazelnut and coconut are proving popular. Not only do nut milks generally require smaller land areas, the trees they grow on absorb carbon and, at the end of their life, produce useful woody biomass.

Still, there are vast differences in the geographical conditions where various nut trees are grown.

DAIRY HAS THE BIGGEST ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT, BY FAR

A

We compared dairy, nut, soy, hemp and grain ‘milks’ to see which is best for the environment

MILKS FROM LEGUMES

cially when it comes to milk. Should we buy plant-based milk, or dairy? We’ve looked at the evidence to help you choose.

07

Industrial hemp growing in a field. —AP

S

oy milk has been used for millennia in China and has already an established presence in the West, but the hemp alternative is relatively new.

All legumes are nitrogen fixing. This means the bacteria in plant tissue produce nitrogen, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for fertilisers. Legumes are also water-efficient, particularly when compared with

almonds and dairy.

HEMP The environmental benefits of hemp milk make it a game-changer.

Its seeds are processed for oil and milk, but the plant itself is very versatile — all its parts can be used as construction material, textile fibres, pulp and paper or hempbased plastics.

Its roots grow deep, which improves the soil structure and reduces

the presence of fungi.

It’s also resistant to diseases, and it produces a lot of shade, which supresses the growth of weeds. This, in turn, cuts down the need for herbicides and pesticides.

Hemp requires more water than soy, but less than almond and dairy.

Despite being one of the oldest crops used, particularly in Europe, hemp is produced in very low quantities.

SOY Soy milk has a very good environmental performance in terms of water, global warming potential and land-use.

The US and Brazil are the biggest suppliers of soybeans, and the plant is very versatile when it comes to its commercial uses, with a large share of the beans used as livestock feed.

However, a major environmental concern is the need to clear and

convert large swathes of native vegetation to grow soybeans. An overall reduction in the demand for meat and animal-based foods

MILKS FROM GRAINS

Oat milk has been becoming increasingly popular around the world because of its overall environmental benefits.

duction is used for livestock feed and any reduction in the demand

for animal-based foods would decrease the pressure on this plant.

could potentially decrease the need to produce large amounts of soybeans for animal feed, but we’re yet to witness such changes.

Hazelnuts, and other nuts, grow on trees which require smaller land areas. —SHUTTERSTOCK

mand for coconut milk is likely to put further pressure on the environment and wildlife, and deepen these conflicts.

COCONUT Generally, the environmental performance of coconut milk is good – coconut trees use small amounts of water and absorb carbon dioxide.

Yet as coconuts are grown only in tropical areas, the industrial production of this milk can destroy wildlife habitat.

Increasing global de-

in areas with higher rainfall around the Black Sea, Southern Europe and in North America, demanding much less water than almond trees.

Hazelnut milk is already commercially available and although its demand and production are rising, the cultivation of the bush trees is not yet subjected to intensive largescale operations.

HAZELNUT Hazelnut is a better option for the environment as the trees are cross-pollinated by wind which carries airborne dry pollen between neighbouring plants, not bees.

Hazelnuts also grow

ALMOND

C

alifornia is the largest producer of almond milk in the world, followed by Australia.

Compared to other plant-based milk options, its water use is much higher and largely depends on freshwater irrigation.

One kernel of California almond requires 12 litres of water, which raises questions about the industrial production of these nuts in waterscarce areas.

However the biggest environmental concern with almond production in the US

Almond milk has been gaining traction in India as well.

is the high mortality of bees, used for tree cross-pollination.

This might be because the bees are exposed to pesticides, including glyphosate, and the intensive industrial agriculture which drastically transforms nature’s fragile ecosystems.

In Australia, where almond orchards are smaller-scale and less industrialised, beekeepers do not experience such problems.

Still, millions of bees are needed, and fires, drought, floods, smoke and heat damage can threaten their health.

THE FINAL MESSAGE: DIVERSIFY YOUR CHOICES Most often oats are grown as a monocultures--a practice that depletes the soil’s fertility, limits the diversity of insects and increases the risk of diseases and pest infection.

Oats are also typically grown with glyphosatebased pesticides, which tarnishes its environmental credentials because it can cause glyphosate-resistant plant, animal and insect pathogens to proliferate.

rganic versions of O all these plant-based milks are better for the

environment because they use, for example, fewer chemical fertilisers, they’re free from pesticides and herbicides, and they put less pressure on the soils. Any additives, be it fortifiers, such as calcium or vitamins, flavours or additional ingredients, such as sugar, coffee or chocolate, should be taken

into account separately.

Packaging is also very important to consider.

Packaging contributes 45% of the global warming potential of California’s almond milk. And it’s worth keeping in mind that wasting milk has a much bigger environmental footprint, and questions the ethics of how humans exploit the animal world.

If, as a consumer you are trying to reduce the SOURCE: THECONVERSATION.COM

environmental footprint of the milk you drink, the first message is you should avoid dairy and replace it with plant-based options.

The second message is it’s better to diversify the plant-based milks we use. Shifting to only one option, even if it’s the most environmentally friendly one for the time being, means the market demand may potentially become overexploited.

Happiness is a simple thing if you really think- Don’t let short term concerns ruin your life and don’t let long term concerns ruin your day.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

GUJARAT

1,265,353 5,09,68,941 1,26,994 85,85,331 3,768 1,81,670 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 45,240 DEATHS 17,19,858 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 11,362 DEATHS 7,46,079 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,410 DEATHS 8,48,850 CASES

In a petition in Gujarat HC, student says hopes of many aspirants may have been dashed —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

DEATHS

DELHI 7,060 DEATHS 4,43,552 CASES

Aspiring medico alleges major goof-up in Guj NEET results

Ahmedabad: An aspiring medical student has made serious allegations and pointed to goof-ups in the result of the National Eligibilitycum-Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Test Agency in a petition seeking to quash and set it aside, asserting that it could have dashed the hopes of many like him.

In response to the petition, the Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the Central Government, National Test Agency and the dean of B J Medical College, Ahmedabad.

Student Jayveersinh Gohil, who completed his XIIth studies with 84% marks, and appeared in the NEET conducted by the NTA in September, has pleaded to the court to quash

08

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,998 DEATHS 2,13,169 CASES

Shah to discuss border development with sarpanches in Kutch

GRAVE INJUSTICE?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

First India Bureau and set aside action taken by the NTA, Union Human Resources Development Ministry and dean of the B J Medical College.

He has alleged a major goof-up in preparing the merit list, pointing out the stark contradictions in the actual scores and those mentioned on the merit list. At one place in his

petition, he has even submitted papers to claim that there was “over-writing” on his hand-writing.

Citing his example, the petitioner has stated, “According to the answer keys published by NTA, he is supposed to get 692 out of 720. But, the respondent has only given him 354 marks out of 720. Which

shows a huge difference in the marks expected by the petitioner.” The NTA, constituted under the Union HRD Ministry, conducts the NEET. Giving more details, Gohil says there were 180 Optical Mark Reader (OMR) questions and 4 marks for each question. Five marks were deducted for each unattended question.

Petitioner’s claim is his 174 answers were correct, therefore he is supposed to get 692 marks.

Trying to substantiate his charges, the petitioner student gives the example of the 2 questions (only two) that he did not attempt to answer but the results claim that he had attended to them.

Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to spend Diwali with his family in Ahmedabad, while he will also undertake an official tour to Kutch.

He is scheduled to be in Kutch on November 12 as part of the Kutch Ranotsav and will take part in an event organised in

Dhordo. Shah will visit the various stalls set up at Dhordo as part of the Kutch Ranotsav and also throw open several programmes.

Between 11 am and 2 pm, Amit Shah will meet sarpanches of 105 border villages of Kutch, Banaskantha and Patan districts. He will also address a meeting of the sarpanches

as well as the officials of these districts.

The Home Minister is likely to discuss with the sarpanches the allocation of funds under the Border Area Development Plan and also inquire about their problems.

He will also meet with officials of the Border Security Force. He will have lunch at Dhordo before flying to Delhi.

Booked for violating Disturbed Yet another factory 3 senior A’bad IPS officers catches fire in A’bad test positive for Covid-19 Areas Act, man moves HC First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Vadodara: A Parsi man, Feroze Contractor, has filed an anticipatory bail application before the Gujarat High Court to avoid arrest in connection with an FIR lodged against him with JP Road Police Station on August 30.

He is accused of suppressing his religious identity during the sale of his property falling in an area covered under the Disturbed Areas Act in Vadodara. The property was sold to a Muslim man.

Feroze Contractor was booked for forgery, violation of Disturbed Areas Act and criminal breach of trust.

A h m e d a b a d : Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Sanjay Srivastava has rejoined work after being down with Chikungunya even as 3 other IPS officers in the city have tested positive for Covid-19.

Earlier, the spouse of 2 IPS officers had tested positive for the disease.

Commissioner Sanjay Srivastava was admitted to a private hospital with a lung infection and later was diagnosed as suffering from Chikungunya.

After a week of medical leave, he rejoined the office on Monday.

Special Branch Additional CP Prem Vir Sin-

One more industrial fire in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat High Court.

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Under the Act, buyers and sellers must seek permission from the district collector before entering into a sale deed or agreement in these communally sensitive areas.

Contractor has been accused of having hidden the information that he was selling his prop-

erty to a Muslim in the application that he submitted before the district collectorate seeking permission to sell the prosperity under the Disturbed Area Act. He also gave his wrong address in the application before the authorities, it is alleged.

Ahmedabad: After the devastating fire at the Pirana chemical factory, yet another firm Sky Ink at Fortune Estate on Kathwada-Singerwa Road in the city caught fire. As many as 10 teams of the fire

department reached the spot and were battling with the flames.

Fire Department sources said there were no immediate reports of injuries or severe damage.

The fire was reported in the surrounding area also.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Sanjay Srivastava (right) rejoins office after chikungunya bout.

—FILE PHOTO

gh has tested positive after his wife contracted the virus. Joint CP (Traffic) Mayanksinh Chavda was found to be infected after his wife.

Both Singh and Chavda are on medical leave.

DCP Zone 6 of Ahmedabad city Ashok Muniya has

also contracted the infection. He had only recently returned to Gujarat after completing his training at the National Police Academy. Two months ago, the ACP and DCP of SOG, as well as DCP Cyber Cell, went on medical leave.

ADVERSITY BREEDS INNOVATION

Rajkot Railway Division turns crises into big freight opportunity Its single day freight revenue was Rs 9.6 cr on Nov 7, while October earnings broke 8-yr record with Rs 93 cr Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: The Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown disrupted and dismantled every institution, including the entire government machinery. But the Rajkot Railway division took the crisis in

its stride, to re-invent itself.

With zero passenger traffic, the railway division went about strengthening its business development unit like a corporate body.

The result? Its single day freight revenues touched a whopping Rs.9.60 crore

on November 7 and its October revenue of Rs 92.26 crore was a recordbreaking best in the past 8 years.

Speaking exclusively to First India, Divisional Railway Manager of Rajkot Division Parmeshwar Funkwal said, “Now there is a single window system for freight customers taken care by officers from 5 disciplines, including op-

Rajkot Railway Division converted the crisis to a business opportunity.

—FILE PHOTO

erations, commercial, mechanical, engineering and finance.”

He went on, “Railways have always been a greener and far more economical mode of transportation. We restructured ourselves and started reaching out to freight customers like never before by arranging customer meets, both for existing and potential customers.” This is besides individual approaches.

“We have become more vocal with a focused approach,” he said.

On November 7, 63,146 metric tonne of goods were loaded on a single day in 21 racks, each comprising 50 to 55 wagons, carrying petroleum, coal, fertilizer, cement and other commodities.

“During the lockdown, we focussed completely on freight traffic.

Our efforts started yield-

ing results from September. Though major business suffered between April and July, we expected to cross 10.5 million tonne and this is 10% more than last year,” Funkwal beamed.

Ease-of-doing business helped the division load new products like industrial salt from Morbi district and refined coal from Reliance solid cargo setting in Jamnagar.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2020

WINTER

GLOW

To all the gorgeous girls and women out there, don’t let the winter season dull your shine with dryness. City First gives you a few tips and tricks to keep up with the glow, all day every day!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

F

or some people, the winter season is the best one out of all, and for some people, it is one of the most gloomy seasons. But for everyone, it is that one season that makes the skin super dry, itchy and rough, and takes away the glow; well, this is exactly what we are going to talk about.

Irrespective of what season it is, taking care of the skin can never be taken for granted. Winter is one such season, when the skin demands a lot of care and protection and taking care of it is all in your hands.

City First brings you a few tips and tricks to maintain that gorgeous glow on your face throughout the winter season, and make you look as flawless as ever.

HYDRATE YOURSELF

The first and foremost thing you need to do, in order to make your skin glow is to drink a lot of water. Hydrating yourself is one of the most important things to do, no matter what the season is.

But your skin demands this during the winters, so as to make it glow from within.

AVOID BOILING HOT WATER

While bathing, make sure to opt for luke-

warm water- not boiling hot water. Lukewarm water avoids the removal of protective oils from the skin and maintains the glow.

APPLY MOISTURIZER

Going a day without using moisturizer during winters is like punishing your skin. Moisturizer prevents the skin from dryness, and it is advisable to apply it not just once, but several times a day.

HYDRATING FACE MASKS

There are a lot of face masks available everywhere, which you can opt for. These masks provide all the necessary nutri-

ents that your skin needs.

But make sure to apply it only for 10 minutes.

AVOID THE HARSH SUNLIGHT

Winter sun is one of the main reasons why the skin gets damaged- it literally p o k e s through the skin and makes rips it apart. Avoid moving out in the sun as much as you can, to maintain the glow.

09

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

10

CITY FIRST

D

An Engaging Book

Released On COVID 19 Dr Pallavi Prakash

A must-read for entire present and future generations to re-emphasize the belief that human civilization has defeated extinction several times in the past and emerged stronger every time!! So will it again!

This book is also a strong tool for data reference for generations to come. Besides this, the wealth of knowledge in this book is going to make all readers more evolved and mentally strong individuals!

Dr Pallavi Prakash has been conferred with various national and international awards for her remarkable work in the field of literature and filmmaking. ‘The History of World Pandemics and COVID 19’ is a breakthrough book, which spreads positivity in these testing times.

FA CE OF TH ED AY

r Pallavi Prakash who is a wellknown Author, Filmmaker, International Motivational Speaker & Clinical Psychologist has come up with her 4th book- ‘The History of World Pandemics and COVID 19; which is one of the most informative non-fiction books which provide valuable and comprehensive information on all the Pandemics that has hit human civilization since ages.

The newly released book is an engaging and most informative read on world pandemics with COVID 19 in focus. It is available on all online platforms and leading bookstores of India for purchase.

‘The History of World Pandemics and COVID 19’ showcases the timeline of all the world’s pandemics since last 2,500 years and various changes which followed therein, be is social, medicinal, demographical or political. It not only provides a kaleidoscope of the same but also highlights how the world rode the tide and survived all these deadly diseases.

The world has seen a hoard of deadly diseases, which have challenged the very existence of human civilizations several times.

Every time the struggle of infections, pandemics, starvation and despair have been the same but the enemy has been new. From the period of first major plague pandemic (541A.D), also known as the ‘Plague of Justinian’ till the present new world viruses, the human spirit has not only been facing these deadly diseases but also came out of them with flying colours. The silver lining is; human civilization has overcome every pandemic and irrespective of the challenges; life goes on.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Becoming a confidante of someone important cannot be ruled out for some.

Something included in your diet is likely to have a positive effect on your overall health. A glib talker may try to confuse you so be aware. You will get the motivation to push yourself to new limits.

Money loaned may take some more time to be returned. You will need to keep your priorities right on the professional front. Joining health conscious people in daily workouts is likely to keep you fit and energetic. Someone on the home can irritate you and spoil your mood.

Window shopping is all that you can do in order to conserve money. You are likely to swim with the tide on the professional or academic front. Indulging in excesses may prove bad for health. Issue regarding an ancestral property is likely to be settled amicably.

Repayment of a loan may force you to make adjustments. Changes happening on the professional front can have you worried, but will turn out favourable.

More interest is required on the health front. Steps taken on the property are likely to complete goal.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

It is best to make some lifestyle changes to save money rather than become monetarily tight. You will manage to pick up the threads from where you left on the professional front. Much happiness is foreseen on the home. A trip with friends will not only be exciting, but refreshing too.

You will need to follow the directions in letter and spirit in discharging a task.

Some of you can face a medical problem on the health front, but it will be nothing serious. Family will prove to be a pillar of support for those facing something important.

You may feel financially secure.

Money is hard to come by for everyone, so contribute your share if someone is spending on you. A lot of activity is foreseen on the work front and you will be right in the midst of it. Some issues that seem unlikely to get resolved on the family front will begin to move towards a solution.

It is best to take the opinion of others before you put in your money. A household remedy may come in handy for those suffering from body aches and pains.

Something that you wanted to get done on the home front is likely to be initiated now, with extra efforts.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Keeping a close tab on spending will leave you with much to splurge later. You may take some time in bouncing back on the work front. No problems are foreseen on health and financial fronts. You manage to play your cards well and avoid getting involved in a contentious issue.

You can become concerned about a recent heavy expenditure incurred on something that you just couldn’t help. Something important may be entrusted to you at work today. You may take up some activity or sport just to keep trim and slim.

Good news may greet you.

You may spend on something not previously catered for. You can struggle to keep pace on the work front. Condition of those ailing is set to improve by leaps and bounds and get them firmly on the road to good health.

Students will be able to keep pace on the academic front and perform well.

Financially you may need to be more secure than you are now. There is a need to come up with something original, if you are in a creative field.

You will be motivated to get back into shape and may join a gym. Those thinking of selling a property will be able to get buyers with deep pockets.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ANICKA SHYRINN, Content Creator

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

11

WHAT HAPPENED IN

BUDAPEST? I

n what was a simple throwaway line in The Avengers is now amongst the most discussed theories amid the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) fans. Now, for some good news that will leave MCU fans majorly excited! As confirmed by Scarlett Johansson herself in Marvel’s Black Widow: The Official Movie Special Book, the highly-awaited MCU movie Black Widow will reveal what Natasha and Clint’s Budapest Budapest mission was all about.

“We all agreed that we had to find out what happened in Budapest. That started out as this throwaway line which Joss Whedon threw into Marvel’s The Avengers as a funny moment between Hawkeye and Black Widow,” Johansson recalled.

—Agency

Scarlett Johansson

51 YEARS IN BOLLYWOOD

A

Taapsee Pannu’s post

Rashmi Rocket

A

ll geared up to start the race in a track and field, actor Taapsee Pannu who is shooting for her upcoming sports-drama ‘Rashmi Rocket’, shared an intriguing glimpse from the film. She posted a

picture to Instagram in which she is seen standing amid a sprinter’s track as she is all pumped up to start the race. Taapsee captioned the post as, “”Let’s do this!#RashmiRocket. (along with a runner emoji).”

—ANI

Amitabh Bachchan’s post

mitabh Bachchan, who has recently completed 51 years in Bollywood, shared a unique artwork made by a fan to commemorate the ‘Don’ star’s major contribution in the Indian cinema.

Bachchan, who is hosting the quiz show, shared a beautiful moment from the sets of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 12’ to thank his fan for an amazing artwork, a tribute to Bach-

chan on completing 51 years in the film industry. “... No .... that be not a painting .. that be ‘rangoli’ made by the yonder gentleman to commemorate my 51 years in the Industry .. please read the date at the bottom of the ‘rangoli’ it’s 7 Nov 1969 , and the name Saat Hindustani .. the date of my first film release !!

Presented to me on the 7th of Nov 2020 !”- the actor tweeted.

—ANI

HEARTWARMING BIRTHDAY WISH

Harshvardhan Kapoor

V HAPPILY MARRIED

eteran actor Anil Kapoor on Monday extended warm birthday wishes to son Harshvardhan Kapoor and penned a heart-warming note terming him ‘friend and confidant.’ He wrote, “Happy Birthday@HarshKapoor_!!

You’re my friend, confidant and my go to person for so many things (including shoes of course)!.” “You are everything you need to be and can become anything you wish to be... So proud of you Harsh! Love you always,” he added.

—ANI

M

atthew Broderick is talking about his married life with star Sarah Jessica Parker. The 58-year-old actor got candid about his over two-decade-long marriage to Sarah Jessica Parker during an interview on Quarantined with Bruce on Radio Andy with SiriusXM’s Bruce Bozzi.

During the chat, he was asked about any tips or secrets to his 23year marriage.

“I don’t know. I keep reading communication and she’s my best friend. Uh, any cliché you want? I don’t know the secret at all, but I, you know, but I’m very grateful and I love her and, it’s amazing,” he said. “I mean, I can’t believe that it’s been that long,” he said.—Agency

CELEBRATING

‘SHANTIPRIYA’

F

arah Khan Kunder directorial ‘Om Shanti Om’, which was released in 2007, has completed 13 years on Monday.

With this, actor Deepika Padukone also celebrated 13 years of her debut in Bollywood as the diva marked her entry in films on November 9, 2007 with ‘Om Shanti Om’.

Padukone had a double role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om’ - Shantipriya and Sandhya aka Sandy after her reincarnation. To celebrate the same, Padukone changed her Twitter display picture to her character ‘Shantipriya’ in ‘Om Shanti Om’.

She also switched her DP with Shah Rukh from the song ‘Dhoom Taana’.

—ANI

SUNSHINE

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica

ANNOUNCED SEPARATION Z

Gigi Hadid’s post

C

Deepika Padukone

Christina Anstead

hristina Anstead and her estranged husband, Ant Anstead recently hammered out details of their divorce two months after announcing their separation.

The Flip or Flop star, 37, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split, according to court documents. Christina and the former Wheeler

Dealers host, 41, are seeking joint legal and physical custody of their 14-month-old son Hudson amid their divorce.

The pair is not requesting spousal support and are each paying their own attorney’s fees. In September, Christina, 37, and Ant had called it quits after less than two years of marriage.

“Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate,” Christina said.

—Agency

ayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have had an incredible two months since the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, in September. Taking to Instagram Stories, Gigi shared the cutest first selfie with baby ZiGi and our hearts can’t handle how adorable the mother-daughter duo look as well as the close-knit bond they already share. In photo, baby momma is seen cleverly hiding her daughter’s face by holding her in the burping position as Hadid quipped, “She burps sunshine.” while baby Zigi was kept cozy.

—Agency

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

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

—FILE PHOTO

DOCTOR WITH A

DIFFERENCE

Health Minister Dr Raghu Sharma and his wife Veera Sharma’s 31st wedding anniversary was on 9 November, Monday. Raghu Sharma is in Bihar on party work and spent the day working. He thanked all those who greeted him on this special day.

ACHHPALI BAATAN

CITY FIRST

A

Rajasthani language ghazal collection ‘Achhpali Baatan’, written by young writer Mohan Puri was virtually launched during Aakhar series on Sunday. An initiative by Prabha Khaitan Foundation in association with Grassroot Media Foundation, Aakhar aims to promote Rajasthani Language, Arts and Culture. Supported by Shree Cement, the virtual book launch was held digitally on Aakhar Rajasthan’s Fa-

cebook page.

This was the first book launch held on the platform of Aakhar. Chaired

by Dr Sharda Krishan, the virtual book launch was done in the presence of Rajasthani Critic and Writer Dr Gajadan Charan and Jitendera Nirmohi. Sharing about developing interest in reading and writing since childhood, Mohan Puri shared that his inclination towards reading began with books like Champak, Nandan and gradually he started writing too. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

T

he Coronavirus pandemic has caused panic and frenzy among us all. People are looking for answers and trying to find solace in the arms of medicines, vitamins and antibiotics. At a time like this, it is important to hear from experienced doctors to allay the fear of ill-advised patients.

Dr Ramawtar Sharma shared his practical approach to COVID-19 with First India. His views on the current practice of medicine especially for the ongoing pandemic are most refreshing and ‘against the flow’ to normal ideologies.

Talking about the panic surrounding the virus, Dr Sharma said, “There is no need to be so scared of COVID-19.

When any virus is newly introduced in the environment it spreads very quickly. As time

Dr Ramawtar Sharma

passes, our body develops immunity to the virus. If we observe closely, we will see that COVID is not so widely spread in villages, rural areas, among street vendors, etc. In fact, it is spreading more among the affluent classes. This is mainly because they are constantly in their homes and not exposed to nature. Our bodies are weak due to lack of exercise, Vitamin D, weak

muscles and slow blood circulation.”

Our bodies have more bacteria cells than human cells. They are essential for life sustenance. Our bodies need not be completely isolated from the virus.

This will help keep our immunities active. We must follow the basic safety and hygiene precautions, not go overboard and completely seclude ourselves in our homes, he said.

Talking about medical companies promoting certain medicines, he said that expensive vitamin supplements are sold in the market but one should be sourcing vitamins from their diet. The stomach also has a nervous system that knows how much vitamins and minerals it needs to absorb from the food. Many people are consuming Zinc through supplements these days when it can be easily obtained from vegetables, grains and

lentils. Excess of any medicine or vitamin can be harmful and cause other side effects.

Apart from Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12, there is no need to consume any other supplements.

Most people are worried about how well the medicines are working on our bodies. Nobody realizes that the cocktail of medicines being prescribed nowadays can also harm our bodies.

One should not be dreaming of a healthy body only through medicines.

“Your body is your sole protector. You need to trust your body. It can cure the majority of ailments. For those of us who work all day, there is a need to dedicate our evenings to our health, hobbies, reading good books and let our bodies unwind. You can also plant a small vegetable garden and obtain your dietary requirements from Nature”, he said. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

12

NOTABLE

achievement CITY FIRST

J

ECRC University Prof. Jagdev Singh has been named among top 2% scientists globally in the subject-wise analysis conducted by a team of scientists at Stanford University USA which was led by Dr John PA Ioannidis. The analyses used citations from Scopus with data assessing scientists for career-long citation impact up until the end of 2019 and for citation impact during the single calendar year.

Stanford University scientists have created a database of over Prof.Jagdev 100,000 top sci- Singh entists of the world based on standardized citation indicators such as information on citations, H-index, co-authorship, and a composite indicator. All of these scientists were classified into 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields. For analyses of the citations and the composite indicators, SCOPUS data provided by Elsevier was used with data freeze as on May 6, 2020.

Vice-Chairman JECRC University, Arpit Agrawal congratulated Prof.

Jagdev Singh for bringing laurels to the university and appreciated the efforts put in for research publications which led to this notable achievement. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

BUZZ

GOOD DEED

A

blood donation camp was organised by the Creature Foundation in the Pink City on Sunday, for children suffering from Thalassemia cancer. It was a joint association of Creature Foundation and Rotary Club North, Jaipur. The chief organiser of the event was Ram Agarwal, CMD of Sundaram Group, Kota. In the blood camp, 50 units of blood were collected.

Chief Coordinator Vibhuti Singh stated that this blood donation camp will be organised every month for the children.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

HAPPY B’DAY! —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

RAJ: The Jaipur branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India organised an awareness program with cycle rally on Sunday. Chief Guest on the occasion was Pradeep Mohan Sharma, DCP West, Jaipur and CA R C Sharma Jaipur.

RAJ: A grade 12 IB student, Rishabh Somani of Navrachana International School, Vadodara is a volunteer with an NGO called Lagni Foundation. He is working for a project called ‘Plate of Joy’. He took a responsibility to create a crowdfunding campaign, ‘Plate of Joy’, on ImpactGuru.com to support the underprivileged and disabled senior citizens in Vadodara with their daily meals.

GUJ: A patient was seen with the doctor who treated her 95% damaged lungs in Asarva Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJ: A jewellery brand, Alite Ornatto, owned

by Niti Mehta is known for having a stylish collection of classic jewellery in Ahmedabad. The recent Polki Bridal Exhibition offered

by Alite Ornatto has an array of crafted necklaces, earrings, bangles, cocktail jewellery which would fit the taste of every jewellery lover in Ahmedabad.

RAJ: A national-level beauty pageant, ‘The Queen of India’ is going to be organised in Jaipur coming February.

The poster launch of which was held on Tuesday at a hotel on Sikar Road, where President International Marwari Federation Rajasthan; Former VKI, President, Jagdish Somani; Rajasthani Singer, Seema Mishra; National President, Phula Brigade, C.P. Saini; Bollywood designer, Sanjay Sharma; Bollywood choreographer, Gaurav Yogi and Budhprakash Sharma were present.

IAS Tina Dabi (from top), IAS Amit Yadav and IPS Sachin Mittal celebrated their birthdays on 9 November, Monday. We wish them all the best!