First India-Ahmedabad Edition-01 December 2020

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AHMEDABAD l TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 7

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, the fifth largest metropolitan city area in the country, will go to polls today. The polling will begin at 7 am and close at 6 pm and will be held using traditional ballot papers.

PM MODI’S DEV DEEPAWALI IN KASHI

Left: Kedar Ghat decorated with earthen lamps on the occasion of ‘Dev Deepawali’ festival, in Varanasi on Monday.

Top: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in Dev Deepawali festival, in Varanasi on Monday.

—PHOTOS BY PTI

Scrap farm laws or will rethink ties with NDA: Beniwal

Hanuman Beniwal

First India Bureau New Delhi: Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal’s Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, that partnered with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019, on Monday told Home Minister Amit Shah that his party would reconsider its partnership with the BJP if the Centre did not withdraw the three farm laws.

Beniwal also demanded that the Centre implement the recommendations of the Swaminath Commission and hold dialogue with farmers in Delhi in the right spirit.

Turn to P6

condition for talks: Oppn using tricks to oppose Farmers’ ‘Free our men at Burari’ AGRI REFORMS: PM MODI Varanasi: Tearing into the opposition over the protests against the new agri-marketing laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said those who have a history of deceit were playing tricks again on farmers. The attack comes when thousands of farmers are gathered at the entry points of the national capital, seeking the repeal of the three laws.

“The farmers are being deceived on these historic agriculture reform laws by the same people who have misled them for decades,” he said, in an apparent reference to parties which are now in the opposition but not directly naming them.

The prime minister was addressing a public meeting in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, where he spent several hours.

He dedicated to the nation the six-laning of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Monday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present on this occasion.

—PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi: It has been over four days since farmers from Haryana and Punjab started a protest march against the three farm laws introduced by the central government in September. Delhi and surrounding areas have witnessed violent clashes between the agitating farmers and police as the former was initially denied entry into the national capital.

Upon being allowed

by Delhi Police to carry out peaceful demonstrations and maintain law and order, the farmers have been camping at the Singhu (Delhi-Haryana) border and the Tikri border for the past three days. The police had also offered the Sant Nirankari ground for the farmers to continue their agitation.

Addressing a press conference at Singhu border, the farm union leaders said they have not received any call from the union government to hold talks. “ We will appear for discus-

A large number of farmers protest against the farm laws, at Singhu Border in New Delhi on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

MEDICAL CAMP AT SINGHU BORDER DUE TO COVID In view of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in the country which has infected over 9.4 million people, a medical check up camp has been set up at the Singhu Border where the farmers are continuing with their protests against the three farm laws. “We should conduct Covid-19 test here.

If there’s any possibility of a super spreader, the disease might spread to other people which will be disastrous,” a doctor told ANI.

a 73-km highway to Allahabad at the cost of Rs 2,447 crore, took part in televised prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, reviewed the temple corridor project and took a ride along the ghats on a cruise boat.

As dusk fell, he witness the spectacle of Dev Deepawali in which rows of lamps were lit

on the river bank. In another speech that followed, Modi skipped any reference to the farmer’s protest but took a dig at dynastic politics. He said for some the family’s legacy mattered more than the country’s heritage.

In his first address, he strongly defended the farm laws which de-

regulate the sale of crops but have also triggered apprehensions that the minimum support price (MSP) system is being dismantled.

He reiterated that farmers who wanted to follow the old system of trading referring to the mandis’ where they can get the MSP are still free to do so. Turn to P6

sion with government after they freed our farmers sitting at Burari ground. Butta Singh has only received phone call from Home

Minister Amit Shah,” the leaders said at the press conference.

Delhi Police placed concrete barriers Turn to P6

Even in pandemic, economic growth is uninterrupted: Shah

PM’s all-party meet on Dec 4 over Corona

India looking to be self reliant in vaccine production

Birla appoints Utpal Kumar as LS Secy Gen

New Delhi: India is looking to be self-reliant in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccine as the world races to develop a vaccine against the disease.

While at least five pharmaceutical companies of India are engaged in vaccine development, Serum Institute in Pune has been chosen for mass production of Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford -Astra Zeneca. A total of 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by Department of Biotechnology so far at both academia and industry and as on date, five vaccine candidates are in the human trials stage.

A PMO release said the government has initiated a robust COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and delivery ecosystem to meet the demand.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appointed Retired IAS Utpal Kumar Singh as the new Secretary General of the Lok Sabha for a period of one year and Lok Sabha Secretariat in the rank and status of Cabinet Secretary with effect from December 1. Singh will succeed Snehlata Shrivastava. Singh earlier served as Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Associated with the management of World Bank projects during his 34-year service, the former 1986-batch Uttarakhand cadre officer has served in both central & state govts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated two flyovers in Ahmedabad on Monday via video conference First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Inaugurating two flyovers in Ahmedabad via video conferencing on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the development was a step towards creating the nation’s second major road that would be devoid of any junctions.

Once all 11 flyovers planned for the SarkhejGandhinagar (SG) Highway are functional, the commute between Ahmedabad and the state capital would

Union Home Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurates various developmental projects in Gujarat via VC in New Delhi on Monday.

be halved to 20 minutes.

The two new flyovers-one at Sanand Crossroads and the other at Pakvan Crossroads-have been constructed at a cost of Rs71 crore.

During his address, Shah assured the state that the Central government would stand strong in support of Gujarat and its people.

“COVID-19 has affected the world’s economy, but Gujarat’s economy

is healthy and will soon bounce back to the prepandemic growth rate,” he said.

Pointing out that electricity consumption in the state has returned to the level seen in February, he said this indicated that industrial activities are returning to normal, thus increasing industrial production and employment, said the Home Minister.

Turn to P6

New Delhi: The Union government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic situation on December 4, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to interact with floor leaders of various parties from both houses of parliament, official sources said on Monday.

The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry is coordinating the meeting and has extended invitation to all parties, they said. Floor leaders of all parties from Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha have been invited for the meeting, which will be held virtually on Friday from 10.30 am onwards and PM will chair it.

This will be the second all-party meeting called by the government to Turn to P6

It said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been personally monitoring the progress of vaccine development in India.

He visited facilities of Zydus in Ahmedabad, Serum Institute in Pune and Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Prime Minister held a virtual review of the progress of indigenous vaccine development undertaken by Gennova Biopharma of Pune and Biological E and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in Hy-

derabad today.

PM Modi asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. He also suggested that they should take extra efforts to inform people in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy. Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed.

—ANI

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

02

‘DON’T BE LIKE YOUR OFFICERS’ Arjun Modhwadia challenges govt to stop misleading people, reveal real nCoV data First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Congress leader Arujn Modhwadia has questioned the state government’s motivations in keeping data on the human cost of the ongoing pandemic. This comes barely a day after MLA Imran Khedawala called officer in charge of Ahmedabad’s COVID-19 efforts Rajiv Gupta “dictatorial”

for refusing to share the “real” number of cases and deaths caused by the novel coronavirus in the state.

A former president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress, Modhwadia has challenged the state government to stop misleading people and has demanded that it reveal the real picture of COVID-19.

In a scathing indictment of the BJP-

Arujn Modhwadia

Container shortage hobbles ceramic industry in Morbi Many units have export orders, but have no way of sending their products across Morbi: The local ceramic industry here sees an average of Rs20-30 crores worth of exports on a daily basis. However, it is currently unable to meet global orders-which have seen a considerable rise since lockdown was lifted--due to a shortage of containers to ship products.

“Our hands are tied,” Morbi Ceramics Association (Wall tiles Division) President Nilesh Jetpariya told First India, “Post lock-

Chavda, Dhanani likely to retain positions for the foreseeable future Ahmedabad: The Congress party’s plan to announce its list of new office bearers has been put on hold after the death of veteran leader Ahmed Patel. The announcement was due in the first week of December.

down, the industry has seen a massive jump in demand. However, we are now unable to meet export orders since we do not have enough containers. If the industry is provided enough containers to dispatch products, daily exports could go as high as Rs35 crore.”

As of now, 500 containers are loaded from units in and around Morbi.

There are 800 ceramic units in the area, with about 20 new units being added each year. In 2019,

Morbi’s ceramics industry exported products to 163 countries. In the last calendar year, the sector’s annual turnover was Rs45,000 crore, with Rs12,000 crore products being exported and a total production of 55,000 cubic metres.

In 2018, the ceramic industry here produced 2.32 million tonnes. However, this fiscal, production dropped to just 16,300 tonnes from April to July--a whopping 76% fall from the same period last fiscal. Fur-

ther, exports for the April-July period this fiscal were recorded at $357 million, according to a report published by a care rating agency.

However, since lockdown was lifted, export windows have reopened and the demand has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, though, imports at the Kandla and Mundra ports have dropped by 30%, leading to a reduction in container inflow. This has resulted in a shortfall in the number of

positive cases are still the same. This means actual figures are being hidden,” he asserted.

Modhwadia also said, “Even if we talk only about Ahmedabad, in ICU wards of private hospitals, only 30 of the total 440 beds without ventilators are vacant, while of the 210 beds with ventilators, only 14 are vacant. According to government records, only 82 patients are on ventilators.

“The city used to show 300 new cases a day back when the state conducted just 4,000-5,000 cases a day.

Now, while testing has shown a manifold increase, there is no information as to how many of the tests being conducted are actually Rapid Antigen Tests.

The government is also hiding fatality figures.

Going by data from crematoriums and graveyards, the death toll seems to be eight to times higher than what the state says,” Modhwadia added.

Further, he said the government should not follow the path of officials, since it is the government that has to answer to the people, even if the officials do not.

Cong will take time to re-form organization

First India Bureau

There are 800 ceramic units in the area, with about 20 new units being added each year.

First India Bureau

run government, he demanded that the state stop following the example of its officers in the matter of “hiding cases”.

“Only 14 of the 210 private-quota ventilators in Ahmedabad’s private hospitals are available. Yet, the government says that only 86 patients across the state are on ventilator support,” he said.

Modhwadia said that, based on data released by the Indian Council of Medical Research, Gujarat is the second worst-hit state after Bihar. “The state is doing more tests than before but the

Patel usually had the the final say in the deciding appointments to any post or position in the state unit. As a result, local party leaders had prepared a list of possible appointees with an eye towards the upcoming local body elections and had been waiting for Patel’s final approval.

This means that party chief Amit Chavda and Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Paresh Dhanani--who had both tendered their resignations after the by-poll debacle--might have another chance.

“Their resignation

will not be accepted at this time. So, it is likely that they will keep their posts even after the central leadership appoints a new party president here,” a source within the Congress told First India.

“Both Chavda and Dhanani were appointed by Rahul Gandhi, former president of the party. So, they are likely to be retained. The new state unit will be formed only in late January,” added the source.

It is to be noted that the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee was dissolved more than a year ago.

—FILE PHOTO

containers available to the industry, Jetpariya said.

He also said the issue can easily be solved if the Central government’s shipping ministry chips in to sign an MOU with container lines such as 2M Alliance of MSC and Mersk and Concord, to increase supply of containers at a cheap rate.

Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya was not available for comment, despite several efforts

by First India.

The body of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee was dissolved more than a year ago.

NO MORE TEARS: ONION SOWING DOUBLES IN A WEEK Promise of good output allays fears of continued shortage First India Bureau Bhavnagar: Onion sowing in Bhavnagar district has grown exponentially over the course of a week, with the area under the crop almost doubling from 4,300 hectares to 8,000 hectares.

Across the state, farmers have now sown onion crops in a total of

about 21,500 hectares.

Bhavnagar, which traditionally contributes about 37% of the state’s onion crop, looks set to maintain its pole position this season as well.

So far, farmers in Bhavnagar have sown crops across 39,100 hectares, with 19,100 hectares being sown just this past week.

Even wheat cultivation has been encourag-

A field of onions.

—FILE PHOTO

ing this Rabi season, with the grain having been sown on 9,100 hectares. Chana has been sown across 5,900 hectares, vegetables, across 1,900 hectares, and fodder is being cultivated on 7,700 hectares.

The Bhavnagar’s agriculture department had been hoping that the ample quantity of water available to farmers for irrigation would result in good sowing district.

While Bhavnagar has seen cereals being cultivated on 6,000 hectares

and, in Junagadh, they are being sown on 4,400 hectares, Bharuch leads the state with cereals being cultivated on 37,800 hectares of agricultural land.

In 2019-20, onion was cultivated across 57,260 hectares and the total production was 14,22,262 metric tonnes. Yet, the state has been witnessing a steep rise in the price of onions since September, which is now likely to fall once the Rabi crop comes to market.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

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11K litre O2 tank to help Civil Hosp breathe easier

The new addition will increase the hospital’s oxygen capacity to 31,000 litres First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Civil Hospital campus in Ahmedabad’s Asarwa area houses Asia’s biggest general hospital and a 1,200-bed facility dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19. The recent spurt in the cases of Sars-CoV-2 infection, has brought a proportionate increase in the demand for medical oxygen. To meet this demand and to ensure that no patient dies because of an oxygen shortage, the state is installing another oxygen tank, which will increase the capacity to 31,000 litres.

At present, the hospital’s oxygen demand is being met by a 20,000-litre tank installed on the premises. An oxygen tanker is connected with the installed tank at all times to ensure that there is no shortage of oxygen. The cancer hospital, located on the same campus, has its own oxygen 2,800-li-

The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital houses a 12,000-bed COVID-19 facility.

PATIENT DIES DESPITE 2 -VE REPORTS

tre tank.

Since the Diwali weekend, the state has seen a substantial in-

20 die as Gujarat sees 1,502 new nCoV cases

crease in the number of cases being reported on a daily basis. Many of these new patients have

—FILE PHOTO

been arriving at the hospital in a serious condition. As a result, the demand for oxygen support has also risen.

Currently, the state’s demand for oxygen is about 225 tonnes per day--almost as high as the 240 tonnes per day in September, when the number of cases was at its highest. Interestingly, the demand for oxygen had dropped to 135 tonnes per day at the start of October.

Wait for Pal-Umra bridge over after 4 yrs

03

14 doctors test +ve for nCoV in govt-run hosps

First India Bureau Surat: With the municipal corporation all set to take possession of the land, the long wait for the Pal-Umra Bridge is finally over after four years.

Around 95% of the bridge work has been completed; the remaining 5% of the work was on hold as the land on the approach was unavailable to the civic body. The owner of the land had brought the matter to the high court.

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said that in 2018, the civic body asked landowners to hand over the land but only 10 did so The remaining went to court, which gave them a deadline of November 29 to hand over their land to the SMC.

The medical superintendent of SVP Hospital, Dr ST Malhan has contracted COVID-19. —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: As many as 14 doctors at government-run hospitals in Ahmedabad have tested COVID-19 positive as the number of cases continue to climb in the city. The administration has decided to take precautionary measures by adding more hospital facilities to manage the increasing number of patients, sources said.

Seven doctors from SVP hospital and sev-

Before Diwali, 90 doctors had been infected, three of whom lost their lives

en doctors from Sola Civil Hospital tested positive for COVID-19. In SVP hospital, medical superintendent ST Malhan, hospital superintendent Bhavesh Dave and five medical students were infected with the virus.

It should be noted that more than 90 doc-

tors had been infected before Diwali, three of whom had succumbed to the virus.

Many cases have also been registered in LG Hospital and the hospital was closed for five days.

“Two doctors have been infected again.

Even in private hospitals, the doctors and paramedical staff have been infected with the virus. In all, more than 20 doctors have been infected just after the Diwali festival,” said a senior officer in AMC.

No fees, no online education: Pvt schools

FAITH ACROSS LINES —FILE PHOTO

A worker disinfects an ambulance which is being used as a hearse.

The issue of school fees has been a thorny topic ever since schools were closed due to the pandemic.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: While 1,410 COVID-1 patients were discharged on Monday, Gujarat added another 1,502 new cases of Sars-CoV-2 infection, taking the total tally to 2,09,780 cases.

Twenty fresh fatalities took the death toll to 3,989. Of these, 13 deaths occurred in Ahmedabad, while Surat reported two deaths, and Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Morbi, Rajkot, and Vadodara each lost one COVID-19 victim.

Ahmedabad district witnessed 302 new cases of infection in a 24-hour span, while Surat had 266, Vadodara had 187, Rajkot had 140,

1,502 cases, 20 fatalities take state tally to 2,09,780 cases, toll to 3,989

With Dev Diwali and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti falling on the same day, the Sikh and Hindu faithful were seen thronging the Gurudwara Gobind Dham (above and left), and Laldarwaja Bhadra Temple (below) in Ahmedabad on Monday. While kirtans and worship were the order of the day at the Gurudwara, the temple saw bhajans being sung and pujas being performed inside, even as hundreds of devotees waited outside as they sought the blessings of Maa Ambe. --PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

Mehsana saw 70, Gandhinagar saw 59, Kutch had 33 and Mehsana district added 31 cases.

The state’s ‘recovery rate’ inched forward by 0.01% to reach 90.96% on Monday, according to data provided by the state’s health department, which added that 65,876 tests were carried out through the day.

A local councillor in Ahmedabad’s Chandkheda, Rajshree Kesri told the media that her society has more than 30 cases, but the state has only reported 12.

Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: In a major decision, the Self-Financed School Management Association has announced that it will suspend online classes from December 15 for students whose parents have not paid the fees for the academic year.

Even after the state government instructed schools to cut annual school fees by 25% for 2020-21, a large number of parents are “intentionally” delaying payments.

Speaking to First India, association president Bharat Gajipara said, “Major schools in Gujarat face the issue

of fees not paid by the parents despite students attending regular online classes. In most cases, it is the affluent parents who have not paid fees.

“Schools have repeatedly asked parents to come forward and represent their matter in case there are any financial issues. Yet there are parents who have turned a blind eye to the issue. So, instead of solving the problem at school level, the association has decided unanimously to discontinue online education for students whose parents have not approached school authorities if they have not paid school fees,” he added.

BRAKES ON

Pandemic delays work on state’s biggest urban forest by 6 months Wild Valley Biodiversity Park, being built by the SMC on 6,00,000 square metres of land at Althan, is expected to house 1.2 lakh native trees and 50,000 shrubs

First India Bureau Surat: Work on the six lakh square metre biodiversity park, which began back in 2018, has fallen by the wayside due to the effects of the novel coronavirus, according to sources in the Surat Municipal Corporation. It will now take another six months to get completed.

The project aims to revitalize the city’s stormwater drains.

The pilot project has been completed and the DPR has been sent to the two-member team of observers, this person said. The observers will now go over the DPR and discuss it with the relevant departments before approving any grants for the park.

The project aims to rejuvenate the existing wasteland of Kankara Khaadi, which runs

from across the National Highway towards the west of Surat and on to south Surat, and create Gujarat’s largest “urban forest”.

The first phase of the Khaadi development project started with the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) 2, under which walls and embankments were constructed from rubble and RCC on both sides of the Khaadi.

The embankments were also made motorable for light vehicles.

One-way stormwater flood gates were constructed as well. The long-term plan is to set up Wild Valley Biodiversity Park, which will house more than 1.2 lakh native trees and 50,000 shrubs, and give city-dwellers the feeling of being in a forest while never leaving the diamond city.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

FARMERS REJECT PM’s ASSURANCE ON NEW AGRI LEGISLATION

HOW TO SELECT BEST PERFORMING MUTUAL FUNDS?

D

evelopment being his main plank, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-lane, 73-km Varanasi-Prayagraj National Highway in his constituency to improve connectivity in the entire eastern Uttar Pradesh. The widened section of NH 19 has been built with an outlay of Rs. 2,447 crore and is expected to reduce the travel time between the two cities by about one hour. The prime minister was in Kashi, believed to be Lord Shiva’s abode, for a mega development push and to review the progress of the Rs 600-crore Kashi Vishwanath Extension and Beautification project. The infra projects are part of prime minister’s ambitious plan of developing Varanasi on the lines of Kyoto.

Although Ganga is not yet pollution-free, the famous ghats of Varanasi have become cleaner and more picturesque. The development, the PM said, will boost tourism to the city. This is his first visit to the city during the pandemic.

In line with his initiative to make India aatmnirbhar (self-reliant), the prime minister pitched for local products as he asked the crowd to complete his slogan “vocal for” by adding “local” and told them that the preference for local products during Diwali should be made a daily affair.

The thrust of the prime minister’s address, however, was the farmers’ agitation. Insisting that the farmers should have access to the bigger markets, he said “reforms have given agriculturists new options and legal protection”. He asked if the farmers should not get freedom to sell his produce directly to those who give them better prices and facilities.

He attacked the Opposition for “cheating farmers” in the name of loan waivers and minimum support price and fertilisers.

While reminding farmers that his government kept its promise of giving them 1.5 times more MSP as per the M.S. Swaminathan’s report, he said “The farmers are being misled on these historic reforms by the people who have misled them for decades.

The prime minister did not appear agreeable to the agitating farmers demand for repeal of the new agri-marketing legislation. He charged the Opposition for creating apprehensions in the minds of the people and instigating protests over “what has not happened, or was never going to happen”. Farmers doubted the government’s intentions because of the lies being fed to them and assured the farming community of clearing all their doubts.

But the farmers have refused to budge. The All-India Kisan Sangharsh Co-ordination Committee called the PM’s statement an “insult” to their hopes of their concerns being addressed by the government. In farmers’ view the legislation is about “freedom to the corporate, opportunities to the corporate and income for the corporate”. Farmers reiterated that no political party was behind their agitation as they braved the winter chill.

W

hile zeroing in on a mutual fund as an investment opportunity, various measures can come into play. Some of the widely known measures assess the mutual fund performance based on risk assumed and returns generated. A more comprehensive way to analyze both the factors simultaneously is to look at the fund’s risk-adjusted returns.

RETURN MEASURES

1. Historical Performance: The most important yardstick that lets an investor shortlist a mutual fund is its historical performance. While historical returns do not guarantee future performance, the returns do indicate the fund’s appeal and competence when compared with other funds within the same category.

2. Attribution Analysis: Attribution analysis is a detailed process of understanding whether the fund’s return adheres to the fund philosophy and is directly influenced by the fund manager’s strategy. Attribution analysis is understanding the source of returns, which can be one of the three: Allocation to sectors, Specific stock selection, and/or an interaction of the two.

RISK MEASURES

The most common forms of styles are growth investing and value investing.

Growth investing is focused on stocks to gain momentum in the near-term owing to aboveaverage growth in earnings.

1. Standard Deviation: Standard Deviation (SD) is a measure of risk that measures the deviation of returns from the mean returns. SD of the mutual fund lets the investor understand the expected volatility in the fund’s returns. For example, if a fund has an SD of 5 percent and an expected return of 15 percent, the actual returns may vary between 10 percent and 20 percent.

2. R-Squared (R2): R-squared is a statistical measure of the percentage of fund’s returns that can be explained by the movements in the fund’s benchmark. R-squared determines the similarity between the fund and the fund’s benchmark.

R-squared can be used by investors to:

Create a well-diversified portfolio of mutual funds by reducing the repetition of exposure to sectors. n Review existing funds for any style drift toward that of the benchmark. An actively-managed is supposed to outperform the benchmark and not mimic the performance of the benchmark. Therefore, if the R2 measure is high, it means the returns of a fund are highly correlated to that of the benchmark essentially reducing the fund’s ability to create alpha.

3. Up and Down-market capture: Up-market and down-market captures are to mutual funds what a beta is to stock. Market captures measure the fund’s sensitivity to index or benchmark movements. A higher up-market ratio and a lower down-market ratio makes a fund attractive. The higher the ratio, the more the outperformance of the fund.

an adverse movement in the mutual fund value.

n

RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS

Risk-adjusted returns incorporate the theory of risk-return trade-off in that a higher degree of risk demands higher returns. Riskadjusted returns use a measure of volatility to specify the risk undertaken. Popular risk-adjusted return metrics are: 1. Sharpe Ratio: Sharpe Ratio measures the excess return generated by the fund for every

SOME OF WIDELY KNOWN MEASURES ASSESS THE MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE BASED ON RISK ASSUMED AND RETURNS GENERATED. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE WAY TO ANALYZE BOTH THE FACTORS SIMULTANEOUSLY IS TO LOOK AT THE FUND’S RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS

additional unit of risk. Excess return is defined as the fund’s return over the risk-free rate of return. The unit of risk is the standard deviation. The higher the Sharpe ratio, the greater the fund performance.

2. Sortino Ratio: Sortino ratio is similar to the Sharpe ratio in that the Sortino ratio also is a relative measure and uses excess return as one of its inputs. The key difference is that the Sharpe ratio uses the total volatility as a measure of risk whereas the Sortino ratio uses downside deviation as a measure of risk. A higher Sortino ratio is favorable and signifies a lower probability of

What Ails Corporate Governance in India?

M

ost businesses perish not because of strong competition or adverse macroeconomic conditions but because of cracks within.

One such failing is weak corporate governance. For publicly listed companies, this often translates to controlling shareholders or “promoters” pursuing policies and practices in their own interests at the expense of minority shareholders. It turns out that companies with such promoters are at greater risk of crises and near-death moments in bad economic cycles. Those companies with better governance, where promoters act responsibly in the interests of shareholders, tend to do better during adversity.

In fact, savvy investors now treat good corporate governance as an intangible asset.

This can be best seen in

04

India’s banking sector. In general, private sector banks have practiced better governance than stateowned ones. Consequently, their financial and operating metrics also tell a story of profitable growth with less asset quality issues than their public sector peers. No wonder that private sector banks trade at a higher valuation than public sector ones.

Higher valuation puts these banks into a virtuous growth cycle. They are able to raise capital cheaply with less dilution. This reinforces their already high return ratios, which in turn continue to support a higher valuation. This selfperpetuating cycle has led to long-term compounding of shareholder returns.

State-owned peers have fared much worse.

Despite a large number of state-owned banks, the

majority of credit growth in India is led by private sector banks. In fact, stateowned banks are struggling and the government is forced to merge them to ensure their survival. The success of well-run private banks demonstrates how good governance can lower a company’s cost of capital.

That is not all. The resulting higher valuation also gives such companies immense pricing power in corporate transactions and

talent management, widening their economic moat.

MULTIPLE ISSUES India boasts of the oldest stock exchange in Asia, which is also the region’s largest. However, corporate governance in India still lags behind many other places like Singapore or Taiwan. India must understand that good corporate governance is the foundation of a lasting business. It builds investor confidence

and has other benefits. India is short of capital and needs to earn investors’ trust. Without an infusion of capital, the Indian economy will fail to thrive.

There are multiple issues that plague corporate governance in India. First is the lack of accountability among controlling shareholders. For example, promoters get away with appointing their friends, exemployees and businessschool classmates as independent directors with no one raising an eyebrow.

Often, statutory auditors are given only one-year extensions to pressurize them to “comply” with management demands. Compliant auditors tend to persist for too long, developing far-toocozy relationships with the very people they are supposed to keep an eye on.

With no strong checks and balances, promoters are in

effect incentivized to take advantage of minority shareholders.

Second is the slow and selective enforcement by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the country’s market regulator. Cases against the management’s missteps take years to resolve.

SEBI generally hands out warnings or mild punishments. This could be because SEBI does not have enough resources to deal with a large number of cases, or it could be a lack of authority or competence. In certain cases, promoters are extremely powerful and politically connected. Given that regulators are political appointees, it is far from easy for them to ignore pressure from politicians, remain impartial, punish the powerful and deliver justice.

FAIROBSERVER.COM

FUND-SPECIFIC FACTORS n

n

n

Style Analysis and Drift: Style analysis involves determining the investment style of the fund manager. Investment styles can be of varied types and depend upon the market capitalization and valuation of the stocks. The most common forms of styles are growth investing and value investing.

Growth investing is focused on stocks to gain momentum in the near-term owing to above-average growth in earnings. On the other hand, value investing is focused on stocks that are undervalued relative to their fundamentals and required the fund manager to be invested for a longer-term.

Turnover Ratio: The turnover ratio is an indicator of how often a fund manager buys and replaces securities for a fund.

Turnover ratio is the number of securities replaced expressed as a percentage of the total number of stocks that the fund invests in. The turnover ratio is typically high for actively managed funds and low for index funds.

Total Expense Ratio: TER includes management fees, administrative fees, brokerage costs, and legal costs. The expense ratio reduces the net return available to an investor.

Top

TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Today, on the auspicious occasion of Prakash Parv, sought blessings by praying at Shri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of all.

Prakash Javadekar @PrakashJavdekar Do not misunderstand the Farm Law. Punjab farmers sold more paddy in the market on #MSP than last year. MSP is also alive and market is alive and government procurement is also happening.

Spiritual SPEAK

“In whom there is no sympathy for living beings: know him as an outcast.”

—Buddha

Vol 2 Issue No. 7 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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Rahul, Priyanka urge people to join ‘Speak Up for Farmers’ campaign

05

AI pilots seek ‘urgent meet’ with Puri over wage cuts

RAISING THE ISSUE, PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA ALLEGED THAT THE INTERESTS OF FARMERS WERE IGNORED IN NEW AGRICULTURAL LAWS New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday urged people to join the “Speak Up for Farmers” campaign, amid farmers’ protests against the Central government’s new farm laws.

“Modi government tortured farmers- first they brought in black laws and then used fo rc e / l at h i - ch a r g e d farmers. But they forgot that when farmers raise their voice then it resonates across the country.

Join us through the #SpeakUpForFarmers campaign against the exploitation of our brother farmers,” read Rahul’s tweet Raising the issue, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the interests of farmers were ignored in new agricultural laws.

Farmers have been protesting at various places in Delhi and Haryana and have rejected the central government’s offer to hold talks on December 3 saying that imposing conditions for starting a dialogue is an insult to them.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the Centre is ready for talks with farmers’ unions on December 3.

—ANI

‘Farmers should talk to Centre to clear confusion’

RAGA URGES CONG WORKERS TO PROVIDE FOOD, HELP TO PROTESTING FARMERS

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra @priyankagandhi “Name is farm law, but only billionaire friends get all the benefit. How can farm laws be made without consulting the farmers? How can farmers’ benefits be ignored? The government has to listen to farmers.

Come, let us raise our voice in support of the farmers together.”

New Delhi: Slamming the Central government over the new farm laws, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, appealed to his party workers to provide food and help to farmers protesting against the new laws.

He asked why are farmers protesting if these “reforms” are in their interest. Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader said that farmers have come to Delhi in the cold against the “black” agricultural laws, leaving their homes and fields. “The farmers of the country have come to Delhi in the cold against the black agricultural laws, leaving their homes and fields. With

2G SPECTRUM SCAM CASE

New bench to hear CBI appeal against acquittal on December 1 New Delhi: A different bench of the Delhi High Court will hear on December 1 an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the acquittal of all accused including former telecom minister A Raja in the 2G spectrum scam case.

A single-judge bench of Justice Yogesh Khanna will now hear the matter on December 1, as the case was transferred to him since Justice Brijesh Sethi, who was hearing the appeal so far, is set to retire on November 30.

Last week, Justice Sethi has rejected several petitions of acquitted accused against

sanctions granted by the Central government for CBI to file an appeal against their acquittal.

The High Court had also rejected the plea of individuals stating that CBI had filed the appeal against their acquittal without placing on record the mandatory approval by the Central government.

Justice Sethi released

BABA AMTE’S GRANDDAUGHTER SHEETAL AMTE DIES BY SUICIDE Mumbai: Sheetal AmteKarajgi, the granddaughter of social worker Baba Amte, allegedly died by suicide after a family feud in Maharashtra’s Warora.

39-year-old Sheetal Amte was a doctor as well as the CEO of the Maharogi Seva Samiti (MSS), a social service organisation founded by her grandfather Baba Amte. She allegedly took

her life after a long-drawn public feud with her family over the running of the organisation. On Monday, Sheetal Amte was found dead in Anandwan at her residence in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district. While police have yet to confirm the cause of death, local reports have suggested that she injected herself with a lethal dose.

the appeals against 2G verdict from his board as he is set to retire on November 30. The appeals will now be listed before another Judge on December 1, he had said.The court has also said the 2018 amendments in the Prevention of Corruption Act would not apply to crimes committed prior to the amendment. —ANI

RAHUL MEETING LEADERS OF POLL BOUND STATES

whom do you stand in the battle of truth and untruth annadata farmer or PM’s capitalist friend? #SpeakUpForFarmers,” he tweeted.

He also tweeted a video in which he urged Congress workers to stand by farmers.

The country’s strength is —ANI farmers.

New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has become proactive in the party activities these days by participating in important meetings for poll preparedness in the states going for elections next year. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to meet virtually with senior leaders of Assam and Tamil Nadu units of the party on Monday.

Patna: While farmers in the country are on the roads, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that t h e y should talk to the Centre to sort out the confusion over the new agri bills.

Farmers mainly from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are on the roads against the farm bills passed in Parliament.

Kumar was speaking at the inauguration of Patna’s longest 12.5 km Digha-AIIMS Patna elevated road on Monday.

“The Central government is repeatedly asking them to talk. There is no question of procurement being affected due to these bills. In Bihar, we removed the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMC) in 2006 soon after I took over as CM of Bihar. Since then, we are doing procurement of Kharif and Rabi grains by ensuring MSP to farmers. They can sell their produce anywhere in the country.”

New Delhi: Two pilots’ unions on Monday wrote to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri seeking an urgent meeting with him to discuss the “indefinite and unilateral” salary deductions faced by the pilots of Air India.

The two unions -- the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association and the Indian Pilots’ Guild -- wrote a letter to Puri informing him that workers of Air India, Air India Express and Alliance Air pilots are facing wage cut of up to 70 per cent and sought his immediate intervention.

“The frontline workers of Air India, Air India Express and Alliance Air pilots continue to be shackled with an indefinite and unilateral wage cut of up to 70 per cent while the indifferent company top management contributes a namesake 10 per cent,” the letter said.

It said the unions, through their representations and meetings, had shown how Air In-

dia management’s costcutting is mala fide and disproportionate and asked why barbaric austerity measures apply only to Air India pilots.

“Sir, you have expressed confidence that air travel would reach pre-COVID levels by the end of the year. In our meetings in the month of September 2020, you had given us an assurance to look into our grievances positively,” the letter said.

“Kindly note that while the other airlines are rolling back the austerity pay cuts for their pilots, the wage cut for Air India pilots further increased from October.

This is completely divorced from market reality and equally unfair to pilots of Air India and its subsidiaries,” it added. The unions, in their letter, also said the airline’s top management has let the pilots down tremendously and that they have expressed their displeasure and are extremely troubled by this unwarranted ordeal.

—ANI

Vice President chairs meeting of SCO council New Delhi: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday chaired the 19th meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) council of heads of government.

According to the spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, “India is privileged to be chairing the 19th Session SCO Council of Heads of Government in the virtual mode today and has proposed several new initiatives to give a momentum to the trade, economic and cultural agenda of the organisation.”While chairing a virtual meeting Naidu said, “India has bravely fought global pandemic and has shown remarkable resilience in fighting the virus as well as ensuring economic stability. India

KARNATAKA LOCAL BODY POLLS TO BE HELD IN 2 PHASES Bengaluru: Local body elections will be held in two phases on December 22 and 27 in the state.

According to the Karnataka State Election Commission, the counting of votes will take place on December 30. Speaking on the announcement of poll dates, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar said: “Karnataka Congress filed a petition before the High Court. We wanted this election to be held. They were trying to postpone the elections. The High Court was in favour of the elections.”

has kept its COVID19 death rate at the lowest level in world. India’s efforts have found global recognition.”It is the first time that summitlevel meeting is being held under India’s chairmanship since the country gained fullmembership of organisation.

On June 9 2017, India

and Pakistan officially joined SCO as full members.

Condemning crossborder terrorism, the VP said, “The most important challenge faced by us is terrorism; particularly cross-border terrorism...India condemns terrorism in all its manifestations. We are particularly con-

WILL DECIDE SOON ON POSSIBLE ENTRY TO POLITICS: RAJINIKANTH Chennai: After meeting with district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram, megastar Rajinikanth on Monday said that he will take a decision as soon as possible regarding his entry into politics. “In today’s meeting district secretaries and we exchanged views. They assured to support me in whatever decision I take. I will take a decision as soon as possible,” Actor

Rajinikanth told reporters in Chennai. Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth greeted supporters after a meeting with district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram at Raghavendra Hall in the city on Monday. He left his residence in Chennai to hold a meeting with the district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram at Raghavendra hall.

cerned about states that leverage terrorism as an instrument of their state policy.”Discussing about the relationships between the country and SCO region Naidu said, “Relations between India and SCO region have flourished uninterrupted for thousands of years. By 2025, India’s GDP is expected to reach 5 trillion. It will be youngest nation with an average age of 29 years.””During the chairmanship of our tenure, we’ve proposed to create a special working group on start-ups and innovations. India has created robust dynamic environment for start-ups. India made an offer to annually host special working group for start-ups,” he said.

—ANI

V-P RECEIVES TWO ACTION TAKEN REPORTS FROM PARL PANEL New Delhi: Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday received two action taken reports from Jairam Ramesh, Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change.”Chairman Rajya Sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu received two action taken reports from Jairam Ramesh, Chairman of the Departmentrelated Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology and Environment, Forest and Climate Change,” Vice President of India, the official account of the Vice President, tweeted.

EXPANSION OF MP CABINET IS CM’S PREROGATIVE: SCINDIA Bhopal: Ahead of his meeting with MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that there will be no discussion on the expansion of state Cabinet with him. “I am meeting with the Chief Minister on issues of development and schemes related to it. There will be no discussion on the expansion of the state Cabinet. It is the Chief Minister’s discretion,” Scindia told reporters here. BJP registered a crucial victory in the fiercely contested Madhya Pradesh by-polls winning on 19 seats.

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Gap between recoveries and active cases increasing: Health ministry New Delhi: A total of 45,333 new COVID-19 recoveries has been registered across the country in a span of 24 hours as against 38,772 new infections reported during the same period, leading to a net reduction of 6,561 cases from the active caseload, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. The total recoveries have surged to 88,47,600.

“The gap between COVID-19 recoveries and active cases, that is steadily increasing, presently stands at 84,00,648 i.e 19.8 times the active cases,” the ministry said. The contraction of India’s active COVID-19 caseload to 4,46,952 comprises just 4.74 per cent of the to-

No ambulance service cost in WB soon Kolkata: To help save lives of road accident victims by taking them to nearby hospitals as quickly as possible, the West Bengal government will soon start a free-ambulance service, a senior official of the state health department said. Starting with at least 150 ambulances, the government is setting up a detailed map of the accident prone zones & the nearby hospitals.

This service will primarily work on GPS system as government will have to bear a cost of around Rs 30 crore.—PTI

Health workers to receive vaccination on priority

—FILE PHOTO

tal coronavirus infections reported so far in the country. “The difference in new recoveries outnumbering new cases of COVID-19 has also improved the national recovery rate to 93.81 per cent as on date,” the ministry said, adding that India’s coronavirus case fatality rate has further dipped to 1.45 per cent. India is one of the countries with the low-

est deaths per million population globally (99.4 at present), the ministry said. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh have reported the highest decline in active cases in the past one month, while Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana & Rajasthan are reporting a rise in active caseload, it underscored. —PTI

would receive Covid vaccination on priority basis. The Covin App, developed by the central government, is a key part of India’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout plan.

30 cr to be vaccinated by August 2021, says govt Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that up to 30 crore Indians would be inoculated against COVID-19

by August 2021 as per central government’s plans. However, he reiterated the need to follow appropriate

protocols. “In the first 3-4 months of 2021, there is a possibility to provide vaccine and by July-August, we have a plan to provide vaccines to around 25-30 crore people as we are preparing accordingly,” Mr Vardhan said.

IMD issues red alert in Kerala & Tamil Nadu as cyclonic storm brewing over Bay of Bengal Thiruvananthapuram: A ‘red alert’ has been issued in Kerala’s southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, and ‘orange alert’ in Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts till Thursday owing to predictions of inclement weather conditions.

Kerala has also banned all fishing activities starting Monday midnight.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority action follows development of a low pressure area over south Anda-

—FILE PHOTO

man Sea and adjoining areas of south-east Bay of Bengal that is likely to concentrate into a depression in the next 36 hours.

Less than a week after the landfall of Cy-

‘Tiger state’ Madhya Pradesh lost 290 big cats in 19 years: Official Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has lost 290 tigers over the last 19 years but the central Indian state still has more than 675 tigers, including 125 cubs, in the designated reserves and in the wild, a top Forest department official said on Monday.

Claiming that the population of tigers has actually “gone up”, he said Madhya Pradesh will continue to remain the “tiger state of India”. The official said only 5% of the deaths of big cats had occurred due to poaching or in

The Union Health Ministry has asked states and Union Territories to upload data of health care workers on its application Covid-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (COVIN) who

—FILE PHOTO

man-animal conflicts.

Most of the deaths of the tigers occurred either in territorial fights or due to natural causes, he added. “Madhya Pradesh has lost 290 tigers so far since 2002,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild-

life) Alok Kumar said.

However, there are 550 big cats in tiger reserves in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna and Sanjay Gandhi reserve and in the wild, he said, adding that there are 125 cubs in the parks. —PTI

prompt action is not taken since farmers and the youth formed the core support base of his party.

In a video message earlier, Beniwal said the RLP had protested the three farm laws through social media and on the streets. “Today, I have written to Shah that if the laws aren’t withdrawn, then we will reconsider our alliance with NDA,” he said.

“We are with the farmers and if required will march to Delhi. The PM and Shah should hold dialogue with farmers, and provide space to hold dharna in

the capital. If any kind of ill-treatment is done with the farmers, then the farmers of the entire country will be on streets to gherao Delhi,” he said.—With Agency inputs

clone Nivar, the southern part of India will once again experience heavy rainfall this week due to a depression forming over the Bay of Bengal and it is likely to intensify further into a

Child friendly police station set up in Pune Pune: A “child-friendly” police station set up in accordance with guidelines laid down by the National Commissioner for Protection of Child Rights was launched in Pune on Monday. It has come up in the premises of the Lashkar police station and is aimed at giving children in conflict with law as well as minor victims a friendly environment, officials said. Pune police have worked with Hope for Children Foundation to set up this. —PTI

deep depression and bring widespread rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and south coastal Andhra Pradesh from December 1, the India Meteorological Department said. —PTI

Delhi govt new RT-PCR test price at ` 800 New Delhi: The Arvind Kejriwal government on Monday ordered all private laboratories to reduce the price of RTPCR tests in the national capital to Rs 800 from Rs 2,400.

Ajay Maken @ajaymaken Although, the Rajasthan government set the rates of Covid test Rs 1200 on September 14. It was still Rs 2400 in Delhi.

This is the heights of corruption and this man @ArvindKejriwal claims that he is here to remove corruption.

Amitabh Jain appointed as new chief secy Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government on Monday appointed Amitabh Jain as the state’s chief secretary in place of Rajendra Prasad Mandal who retired from service.

Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, was currently additional chief secretary (finance) along with additional charge of water resources department. The state government also issued fresh postings for 13 other bureaucrats, including 11 IAS officers. —PTI

Naidu, and 13 TDP MLAs suspended Amaravati: As many as 13 Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLAs, including party’s floor leader N Chandrababu Naidu, were suspended for one day from the Andhra Pradesh Assembly after they created a ruckus during a discussion on help to farmers worst affected

by Cyclone Nivar. After being suspended from the House, the legislators led by Naidu sat on the steps outside the Assembly in protest against the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government. “Telugu Des-

am National Party president Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu sat at the entrance of the AP Assembly in protest against the AP Government’s apathy towards thousands of farmers who have lost their everything due to #CycloneNivar,” TDP said in a tweet. TDP MLAs and MLCs organised a protest rally near the Andhra Pradesh assembly on the first day of the session, demanding immediate compensation to the farmers adversely affected by Nivar cyclone. —ANI

the MSP system. He also paid tributes to fallen soldiers, indirectly referring to Pakistan and China.—Agencies

announced they will Gherao Delhi by blocking three highways which connect the national capital to Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram. Security had been beefed up on the Burari ground with police adding that basic are being provided to farmers who are currently protesting on the ground.

06

POWER Gallery KEY ARMY POSTINGS LIKELY EARLY NEXT YEAR

Some more transfers and postings at the level of GOCs are likely to be effected early next year.

WILL SWAGAT DAS MOVE FROM IB ?

Grapevine has it that Special Director in the IB Swagat Das is either moving to some other CPO or returning to the parent Chhattisgarh cadre as DGP. He is 1987 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

EXTENDED TENURE OF ABHAY KUMAR SINGH ENDS ON DEC 3

The extended deputation tenure of Abhay Kumar Singh working as Private Secretary to the Minister for Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology and Communications is coming to an end on December 3, 2020. He is a 2004 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre.

WHO IS SCUTTLING THE CP SYSTEM IN UP ?

If sources are to be believed, an attempt is being made to scuttle the Commissioner of Police system in UP which was introduced in Lucknow and Noida in January this year. Some retired IPS officers termed it an attempt to weaken the Yogi government in the state. They blamed the bureaucracy behind this game.

SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH TO JOIN AS DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL SERVICES ON DEC 3

Sushil Kumar Singh will be taking over the charge as Director in the Department of Financial Services on December 3, 2020. He is a 2006 batch IDAS officer.

DY ELECTION COMMISSIONER, SUDEEP JAIN TO RETURN TO PARENT CADRE IN DEC !

The central deputation tenure of Sudeep Jain working as Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, is coming to an end on December 21, 2020. Jain, who is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, was granted six-month extension in June, 2020.

SC COLLEGIUM YET TO CLEAR TRANSFER OF HC JUDGES !

Supreme Court Collegium, yet to clear the transfer of about 16 High Court Judges, is expected to meet in December.

MURLI DHAR EMPANELLED TO HOLD DIG LEVEL POST

Murli Dhar has been empanelled to hold DIG and equivalent level post at the Centre. He is a 2005 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre.

MS. ROLI KHARE RELIEVED TO JOIN AS DIRECTOR, HEALTH

Ms. Roli Khare has been relieved to join as Director in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, on deputation basis. She is an IRS-IT officer.

RUCHIKA KATYAL SHIFTED TO GOA

Ms. Ruchika Katyal has been shifted from GNCTD to Goa. She is a 2013 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

RAJ CADRE IPS AKSHAY MISHRA EMPANELLED TO DG POST

With only five months left for his retirement, 1987 batch IPS officer from Rajasthan cadre - Akshay Mishra - was empanelled on Monday for positions at par with the rank of Director General. Overall, fifteen IPS officers were empanelled on Monday of which Mishra is one. Currently posted on deputation as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, Mishra will now be eligible for the post of DG if any vacancy appears in any branch.

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 Scrap farm...

The Jat leader’s threat to consider exiting the NDA is seen to indicate the discomfort within the regional party over the protests that erupted against the three farm laws enacted by the BJPled coalition at the Centre that change the way India’s farmers do business by creating free markets, as opposed to a network of decades-old, government-controlled agricultural markets.

In a string of tweets that he followed up with a letter to Amit Shah, Beniwal said his party would be forced to reconsider its alliance if

Oppn using...

But the three laws gave them new options to sell for more, he said. He said whenever new laws are enacted questions are bound to be asked.

But presently a new trend is being seen in the country. The protests are based on creating doubts through misinformation, Modi said.

We must remember that those doing so are

the ones who had for decades deceived farmers, he claimed. The MSP used to be declared but very little procurement was done on it, he claimed. Farmers have faced deceit on MSP, loan waiver schemes, urea and productivity for a long time in the past, he said.

He claimed that it is because of this long history of deceit that farmers are again wary as they are seeing the new move in the same manner. He asked why his government would spend so much to modernise the mandis if it planned to dismantle

Farmers’ condition... and enhanced security at the Ghazipur-UP border as the number of protesting farmers swelled there while thousands more stayed put at the Delhi-Haryana border for the fifth day Monday to protest against the Centre’s agricultural reform laws.

But the farmers refused this offer and asked for Ramlila Maidan instead and further

‘Even in...

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that infrastructure development in cities is making the state a model state.

At the top of the list in terms of Foreign Direct

Investment (FDI), Gujarat attracts 52% of the nation’s FDI, he said.

PM’s all-party... discuss the COVID-19 situation since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The first meeting was held on April 20 amid a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.

The top brass of the government including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah besides Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi will also attend the meeting,

they said.

The government is likely to brief the parliamentarians about various steps it has taken to deal with the pandemic and may also touch upon the advances being made in vaccine development and distribution.

The floor leaders of different parties include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O’ Brien of the Trinamool Congress, Midhun Reddy and Vijayasai Reddy of the YSR Congress among others. —PTI

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

07

WHO ARE THE MEN HOPING TO

Kiran Bowry

T

he decision of who will follow Angela Merkel to become Germany’s next chancellor is still up in the air. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party conference to elect a new leader has been postponed until January next year. Merkel’s approval ratings have skyrocketed during the pandemic.

Recent polls show that 72% of Germans are either satisfied or very satisfied with her performance. The last time Merkel enjoyed such high popularity was in January 2015, shortly before the refugee crisis, which saw her approval ratings plummet. The refugee crisis divided German society and eroded trust in democratic institutions and the political class.

Recovery from this, at least during Merkel’s tenure, appeared unlikely. But it seems another crisis was needed to reignite the love between the German public and the chancellor, a relationship that is entering its 16th—and final—year.

Since Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer announced her intention to resign as party leader in February this year, three potential successors have been waiting in the wings. They will find it hard to live up to Merkel’s qualities that endeared her not only to the German, but also the global, public. Merkel’s unagitated, unpretentious and clear-headed governing style that proved particularly effective during the pandemic threatens to overshadow the three men itching to succeed her.

SUCCEED ANGELA MERKEL?

The delay of the CDU conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new dimension to the party’s leadership race.

Merkel’s unagitated, unpretentious and clear-headed governing style that proved particularly effective during the pandemic threatens to overshadow the three men itching to succeed her.

FRIEDRICH MERZ

ARMIN LASCHET

MERKEL’S ANTITHESIS

MERKEL’S MAN

L

eading the polls among the three candidates is Friedrich Merz, a lawyer and former supervisory board chairman of the asset managing firm Blackrock. He comes from the economically liberal and conservative wing of the CDU, endorsing less state regulation of the economy. In 2000, before Merkel ousted him as CDU whip in Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, Merz demanded a so-called “German leading culture” as a counterweight to the model of multiculturalism. Even today, he proposes cuts to social benefits for immigrants. Furthermore, he set off controversial intra-party debates during CDU regional conferences in 2018 by questioning the individual right to asylum.

His appeal: Despite losing to Annegret Kramp-Kar renbauer in his first attempt to become the CDU leader in 2018, Merz is a popular figure among party members and has a devout group of supporters. He is a good speaker and can draw large crowds. Merz comes across as authentic and a straight talker.

Furthermore, he embodies the times of the

1990s and the early 2000s, when the world seemed less complicated. That could give him an advantage, especially among older male voters.

His Achilles heel: Merz is an old foe of Angela Merkel and hasn’t occupied political office for almost 18 years.

Hence, he cannot count on much support among senior party figures in the CDU, which is vital to securing the leadership. He recently underlined his intra-party role as a divisive lone warrior by stating that the cancellation of the conference on December 4 was the latest part of a concerted effort to prevent him from becoming party leader.

How he has fared during the pandemic: Without a government position and after catching COVID-19 in March, Merz struggled to get much public attention during the first few months of the pandemic. That has not changed despite his attempts to initiate a debate about the post-coronavirus economic recovery. Only his recent accusations around the delay of the party conference caught attention, probably not to his advantage.

M

Armin Laschett

—Photo by Olaf Kosinsky

Norbert Röttgen

—Photo by Raimond Spekking

R

CDU members after Friedrich Merz, 53% of the membership regards Markus Söder as the candidate with the highest chances of winning a general election.

Söder’s rising popularity is nothing short of unexpected. In his younger years, Söder came across as an overambitious agitator and a vain self-promoter.

But he has masterfully used the COVID-19 crisis as a stage to demonstrate a statesmanlike demeanour with a supposedly firm grip on things.

Remarkably, above-average coronavirus case numbers and failures in Bavarian

ia, make him a favourite to win the leadership.

His Achilles heel: Laschet’s attributes of being a unifier and striking moderate tones has its flipside.

He is not a charismatic leader who can capture people’s hearts, which might be a disadvantage in the final weeks of the leadership race.

How he has fared during the pandemic: As head of a state government, the COVID-19 crisis was a chance for Laschet to get an advantage over his competitors. He failed to seize it. In his attempt to take a more lighthearted approach to the virus, Laschet exuded nervousness. It came across as a desperate attempt to distinguish himself from his adversary, the Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, who implemented more rigorous measures to fight the pandemic. But with time, as people become weary of constraints, his strategy might come to fruition.

NORBERT RÖTTGEN MERKEL’S SMARTEST

Friedrich Merz

—Photo by Olaf Kosinsky

Markus Söder

—Photo by FABRIZIO BENSCH/POOL/AFP

WHAT ABOUT MARKUS SÖDER? egardless of how the leadership race unfolds, Markus Söder, the party leader of the CDU’s Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), is touted as Germany’s next chancellor. Most Germans would prefer him over the three candidates running for the CDU’s party leadership.

According to opinion polls, 37% of the German electorate would choose Söder as chancellor over potential competitors from the Greens and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Despite being the second choice among

erz’s closest rival, Armin Laschet, is the minister-president of Germany’s most populous state of North-Rhine Westphalia. He represents a continuation of Merkel’s policies and is known for defending her controversial stance on refugees and migration policy. Concerning national issues, Laschet tends to strike a moderate rather than conservative tone. Nonetheless, he has shown to be capable of appealing to the conservative wing of the party by buckling down on crime in his home state.

His appeal: Laschet is a candidate for cosmopolitan, left-leaning swing voters. Also, he has an ace up his sleeve: Laschet has teamed up with Health Minister Jens Spahn, whose conservative profile appeals to voters in rural Germany. This double ticket, which speaks to a broad voter base, and the support of the largest and influential CDU state association from North-Rhine Westphal-

testing centres have not affected his high approval ratings. But Söder himself has remained tight-lipped about his ambitions.

When asked whether he rules out running for chancellor, he typically replies with the phrase, “My place is in Bavaria.” Until now, this noncommittal strategy has proved to be shrewd.

While the three candidates might wear themselves out in petty skirmishes, he can enhance his idealized self-image of the caring and resolute Bavarian chief minister.

Nevertheless, his opportunity to run for

chancellor is dependent on the outcome of the leadership race. An equally ambitious fighter, Friedrich Merz would hardly give the chancellorship a miss if elected party leader.

Only a victory for Laschet or a surprise candidacy of his running mate, Jens Spahn, would open a clear window of opportunity for Söder.

The delay of the party conference has added a new dimension to the race. It has given candidates in public offices like Laschet and Söder more time and opportunity to shine. In contrast, other candidates,

particularly Friedrich Merz, are scrambling for the limelight. That has led to resentment as Merz sees the delayed party conference as a plot to thwart his chances. He might have a case.

The longer Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer remains party leader, the more she can pull strings toward a more favourable outcome. It is an open secret that she, as well as Angela Merkel, would prefer Laschet over Merz. Also, Kramp-Kar renbauer warned against possible surprise candidacies to avoid a “ruinous competition”. Rumours suggest that Jens Spahn,

who is increasingly popular among CDU members as well as voters, could enter the race.

As the infighting in the party commences, the CDU should not forget why the leadership race is taking in the first place. The CDU is at a crossroads and under severe pressure from the right. As the pandemic continues to create problems for Angela Merkel’s government, her party has to decide whether it wants to win back conservative voters from the farright Alternative for Germany party or stay on a liberal course set

by Merkel.

N

orbert Röttgen, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, represents the left-wing of the CDU. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, he instigated the phasing out of Germany’s nuclear power as federal environment minister.

He also favours a yet unprecedented coalition between the CDU and the Greens on a national level. Regarding foreign policy, he demands a more decisive and self-assured role for Germany in international affairs.

His appeal: As a former member of Merkel’s cabinet, Röttgen was referred to as “Muttis Klügster”— Mother’s Smartest. His

strength is a profound knowledge of policy, coupled with rhetorical skills that allow him to come across thoughtful and precise.

His Achilles heel: Röttgen has no noteworthy supporter group within the party and is having trouble distinguishing himself from the other two candidates. On the one hand, his policies resemble Laschet’s too closely while also not appealing to conservative party members. He is the clear outsider in the race.

How he has fared during the pandemic: Not very well. Without inhabiting any political office, Röttgen was hardly visible during the pandemic.

SOURCE: FAIROBSERVER.COM

There is a difference between doing things quickly and with haste! One is a habit which will have good results and the other may lead to problems.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

14,69,495 63,320,727 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 47,151 DEATHS 18,23,896 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 7,761 DEATHS 5,43,888 CASES

INDIA

08

GUJARAT

1,37,648 94,62,727 3,989 2,09,780 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,778 DEATHS 8,84,897 CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 9,174 DEATHS 5,70,374 CASES

‘3 docs held in Rajkot fire made villains, but big fish slip by!’

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,312 DEATHS 2,68,063 CASES

Guj laggard in Covid vaccine cold chain infra, others better

—FILE PHOTO

CONGRESS SAYS GOVT SHIELDING OFFICIALS FOR LACK OF FIRE SAFETY AT HOSPITAL Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: The Rajkot Police on Monday evening arrested 3 doctors in Friday’s fire at a Covid-19 hospital here, even as the action raised the hackles of the Opposition Congress which alleged that they were being “singled out” though investigations revealed gaping holes in the fire safety system there.

Dr Prakash Modha, chairman Gokul Life Care Pvt Ltd, which runs the Uday Shivanand hospital, Dr. Vishal Modha and Dr Tejas Karmata, consultant intensivist, were arrested. A case was also lodged against Dr.Tejas Motivaras and Dr.Digvijaysinh Jadeja. The fire claimed 5 lives.

Senior Congress leader and reputed neurosurgeon Dr Hemang Vasavada has asserted that the doctors, who have been charged with culpable homicide in the fire, have been made

BJP Rajsamand MLA Kiran Maheshwari dies at 59

First India Bureau Gurugram: Senior BJP leader and MLA from Rajsamand Kiran Maheshwari, who had tested positive for coronavirus, died at a hospital in Gurgram. She was 59.

Maheshwari, a threetime MLA from Rajsamand and also a former MP, was undergoing treatment at Medanta hospital for the past few days. She passed away late Sunday night.

She is the second MLA in Rajasthan who has died due to Covid-19.

Last month, Congress MLA from Sahara constituency (Bhilwara) Kailash Trivedi had succumbed to the virus.

Maheshwari’s funeral will be conducted on Tuesday, the BJP said.

PM Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda, Lok sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Assembly Speaker CP Joshi and several other leaders condoled her death.

NEW CHAIRMAN

First India Bureau

Huge fire at Uday Shivanand Covid-19 Hospital in Rajkot claimed 5 lives on Friday.

“soft targets” by the police -- and by implication the State Government.

On Sunday, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) made a startling disclosure that there was no emergency exit at the hospital, no ventilation in the ICU, sanitizer was found in excess quantity, only 4 feet staircase was there for movement, there were no fire sign boards or

any reflectors for emergency exit, the ICU door was just 3 feet 4 inch broad.

Besides this, the medical staff was not provided training of fire fighting and emergency rescue by hospital authorities and fire extinguisher was not used for want of training, the hospital had no evacuation plan, no automatic sprinkler facility and

—FILE PHOTO

guidelines of NBC & NABH had been flouted.

“Why are only the doctors targeted, when there were glaring loopholes in the fire safety system? Why was the fire NOC issued or permission granted by the Collector? The authorities should be equally held responsible along with the company that supplied the ventilors,” Vasavada asserted. He

asked why didn’t the SIT wait for the FSL and power department reports.

“I am also surprised that the Indian Medical Association is silent.

This only shows IMA is in the hands of BJP doctors,” Vasavda alleged.

The State Government has also set up a separate judicial commission, besides the SIT of Rajkot police.

New Delhi: Even as various States have begun preparations for distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and submitted their requirements to the Centre, Gujarat has been found to be lagging behind several States in its cold chain management.

Officials have indicated that every State has its own weak areas, but Gujarat may need to expand its cold chain infrastructure. Its vaccine storage capacity, along with in-line and deep freezers, can service only 25 lakh to 30 lakh beneficiaries annually. Experts say this

is woefully short.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has said the vaccine will be distributed in four stages: Beginning with frontline health workers; then the police, sanitation workers and other agency workers; then people aged above 50; and then “seriously ill” people.

With around 2,200 cold chain points for storing and distributing the vaccine, Gujarat is lagging behind states such as Karnataka (2,855) and Maharashtra (3,150). However, it is ahead of Bihar (674), a relatively smaller State.

Anish Sinha, immunisation expert and faculty at the Indian Insti-

tute of Public Health, said, “We do not anticipate a big problem in states like Bihar and Jharkhand but Gujarat may have to either expand the cold storage capacity a bit or defer the timeline by a couple of months for administering the vaccine.”

Unlike Bihar and Jharkhand, which have primary health centres at block level that serve populations of 100,000200,000, states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have primary health care centres even for populations of 30,0 00, making cold storage available for remote populations.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha reaches Varanasi on a private visit

Good news for Surat diamantaires, they can now courier gems abroad

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Varanasi. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha arrived in Varanasi on a private visit on Monday. The LG attended a wedding function of his friend Suresh Singh where he reached at around 11 am after his special flight landed at the Babatpur airport here.

What stood out though during his visit was the fact that he coincidently met two local BJP leaders MLA Vara-

Surat: A long-unfulfilled demand of jewellers in Surat to permit them to use courier services for exports of diamonds and jewellery has finally been granted by the Union Finance Ministry.ww The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) had demanded that the Central Government should grant them permission to use courier services for small-scale export of diamonds and jewellery to expedite sup-

nasi Pindra Dr Avdhesh Singh and MLC Yashwant Singh. Sinha will attend some more functions on Tuesday.

On the flip-side, it is a matter of discus-

sion in the political spectrum that even though PM Modi and CM Yogi’s programmes were made public, LG’s arrival had got no ears at all.

—FILE PHOTO

plies and help cut overheads.

The permission has been given by the government under Electronic Declaration and Processing Section 2010, with various terms and conditions.

It has been projected that this will increase the profit margins for small unit owners. This is likely to immensely benefit the small-scale players of diamond and jewellery business. Earlier, businessmen used

to send jewellery and diamonds through cargo, which is costlier than courier service.

The local businessmen are pleased with this decision as it will not only decrease the transport costs but also the time consumed. The long waits for customs clearance will be eliminated now. Earlier the exporters used to pay 65 to 100 US dollars for exporting diamond-studded jewellery to the European and US markets, while it cost 3.5 to 5 US dollars sending the same parcel via China.

BIG CRACKDOWN

ACB uncovers illegal assets of `41 cr in 11 months First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Exploding the myth that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) often picked the lower level staffers and glossed over serious corruption by senior officials, the Gujarat ACB has registered cases of possessing disproportionate assets (DA) against 29 State employees in the last 11 months.

Among these employees, 3 are class-1 officers, 8 class-2 officers,

while the rest 18 are class-3 employees, according to an official release issued on Monday.

The cumulative market value of the alleged DA, including land and residential properties, is estimated at Rs 40.47 crore, the ACB said, adding that it has launched a special drive to unearth benami and ill-gotten properties.

Eight of the accused were earlier employed with now-defunct Gujarat Land Development

Corporation, the release said.

Other accused were attached with departments of Urban Development, Revenue, Panchayat, Irrigation, PWD, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Police, Education, Forest and Environment, Health, and Mines and Minerals, it said.

They were booked under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions

Act, the release said.

Meanwhile, the ACB on Monday booked one Kalubhai Ram, a retired class-3 engineer of state Irrigation department, for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs 1.38 crore, which are 97.71 per cent more than his known sources of income.

Ram, who retired a few years back, had deposited Rs 22 lakh in his bank accounts during his service between 2005 and 2013, said the release.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD, TUESDAY DECEMBER 1, 2020

BeingShe

Universe 2020 City First shares a few glimpses of the finale of an international beauty pageant, ‘BeingShe Universe 2020’, that took place in the United Arab Emirates recently!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

A

n international beauty pageant, BeingShe Universe 2020 was organised in the United Arab Emirates recently, and it was a big hit.

Founded by Aparna Bajpai, it is an international platform to inspire, initiate, innovate and ignite, encourages women to define themselves, and unleash their potential to live their dreams. BeingShe Universe is an international fashion and talent show for women of all age groups and nationalities.

In this, all women were eligible to participate and compete. What this means for changing a standard in the beauty industry is that change starts with the contestants. The event focussed on having a body type that the participant feels comfortable in and proud of, and not fitting a certain mold. There was no sort of height or weight requirement to enter this show.

Participating in this competition calls for courage, and this means stepping out of

Show Director Lokesh Sharma with the participants of ‘BeingShe Universe 2020’

one’s comfort zone. “We get exposed and get to dig deep and search for our potential, discovering who we are and what we are capable of in the process,” said Aparna.

This pageant offered a lot of benefits to the finalists, like a high profile individual photoshoot, international networking opportunities, CSR initiatives, diamond and luxury gift hampers, assured Netflix and Bollywood projects, advertisement shoots and endorsements, interviews on various platforms, and much more.

Lokesh Sharma, the show director stated, “It was extremely amazing being a part of this pageant. Everything was very well organised, and all the safety protocols were followed.”

The trophy holders during the pageant are as mentioned: 1. B e i n g S h e Universe 2020 Winner – Lorevie Rexie Carrascal 2. BeingShe Universe 2020 1st Runner Up – Dima Alhaj 3. BeingShe Universe 2020 2nd Runner Up – Rebecca Lilley & Nasiha Siraj 4. BeingShe Universe Elite 2020 – Gulnaz Khan

5. BeingShe Universe Elite 2020 1st Runner Up – Deepika Sekhon 6. BeingShe Universe Elite 2020 2nd Runner Up – Nadiya Albishchenko 7. BeingShe Universe 2020 Brand Ambassador – Marina Savic 8. BeingShe Universe 2020 Best Talent – Alessandra Gomez Gutierrez.

09

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

FEVER: A FRIEND BEATEN BADLY ‘DOCTOR WITH A DIFFERENCE’

DR RAMAWTAR SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

I

While you should plan the eradication of pathogens from your body you, instead of that, are putting unnecessary efforts to bring down your raised body temperature which is actually a

FA CE OF TH ED AY

t pains me immensely when people come to me and say that they have taken paracetamol for a fever just as low as 99.5 or many times every lower. Surprisingly, many medical and paramedical professionals also suggest this medicine even when the rise in body temperature is minuscule. I strongly advocate widespread public knowledge about fever.

Fever, in itself, is not a disease. It is your body’s response to some invading bacterium or virus. The culprit is the pathogen, not the fever.

friend of yours who is trying to help your body to eradicate the pathogenic onslaught.

Studies indicate that higher body temperature activates human immune cells to produce more antibodies

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

which travel faster to infected areas and eradicate the pathogen. You must have noticed that your pulse rate goes higher whenever you have a fever. It is because the body defense wants to circulate more and more blood so that higher and higher numbers of the antibodies can reach all over the body at a faster rate and eradicate the invading pathogens. This highly sophisticated system is your immune system.

So, whenever you have a fever, don’t take any feverreducing drug at least during the first few hours. Allow your body temperature to climb higher and higher till it reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit before you plan to ingest a fever-lowering medicine. This sharp rise in body temperature activates the rapid generation of white cells and antibodies which try to eradicate the invading pathogen.

ARIES

TAURUS

Doing up the house is likely to give immense fulfillment to some homemakers. Don’t think twice in taking outside help. Your initiative will help mend fences with someone you were not in talking terms. You can join your friends or family in undertaking a trip.

You will spend the day in being grateful for all that you have. An ancestral property is likely to come in your name. Luck favours you on the academic front. Career wise, you are likely to fare well as per the expectations of your seniors. You will need to get a hang of things.

Should we use paracetamol to control fever?

I

personally would not like to use paracetamol or any anti-fever medicine if the patient cooperates, I would like to allow the fever to run its natural course and would use its behavior pattern to make a provisional diagnosis of the underlying pathology and then try to cure the cause of fever. Once the cause of fever is controlled and cured, the body temperature will come to normal by itself without any damage to the patient’s body systems. Painkillers and anti-fever medicines aren’t that safe as they are perceived to be, they should be used as infrequently as is possible.

The better way to bring down body temperature is by sponging with lukewarm or tap water. The water-soaked sponge or hand towels shouldn’t be placed on the forehead as is the common practice. Your forehead doesn’t have any large blood vessel running under its skin and any feeling of coldness will be elusive. Place the sponges on the neck and front sides of both elbows where major blood vessels are placed. Remember, you have to bring down blood temperature, not the skin temperature. Avoid using ice water or very cold water- it is uncomfortable to the patient, contracts blood vessels, thereby, reducing blood supply and evaporates slowly hence, causing a delay in bringing down the temperature.

Finally, I’ve seen people and doctors under immense panic during this Covid-19 pandemic and gulping down paracetamol with temperatures as low as 99 F. Such a habit actually prolongs your sickness and may even threaten your life as it interferes with the onset of your immune response. Learn to trust your body and its innate strength to survive. The best you can do is to rest and have nutritious food to strengthen your body and in most instances, you shall be the natural winner.

Medicines, used judiciously, are of significant help but the final saviour is your own immune system and inherent self-healing system of the body. Fever is a friend who appears at the time of some crisis, understand the reason for its arrival, not beat it down with medicines.

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

Taking your own decisions at work will be in your interest. If you are a working mother, you may find it difficult to balance home and office as of now, but this will be a temporary phase. A property deal is likely to be sealed, as you are able to complete all the formalities.

Money from an unexpected source may delight you, so keep your fingers crossed!

Academic front looks promising. Some of you are set to enjoy a trip out of town. Setting up a new house is on the cards for some.

Money well spent may give you inner satisfaction.

Good earning promises to keep you in an upbeat mood today. Worries regarding a health issue are likely to disappear, as you make quick recovery. Do not misunderstand the motives of someone trying to help you. Enjoy togetherness with your partner.

SAGITTARIUS Your effort to keep in touch with everyone will come in for appreciation by all on the social front. Don’t disclose information regarding property to anyone. A good turn done to someone is likely to be returned with interest.

Luck favours you today both personally and professionally.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KOMPAL KAPOOR, Influencer

I would like to bring one interesting thing to your notice. The human brain is fully equipped to control the rise of body temperature caused by infection from getting higher than 105 or 106.

For the body to get damaged the body temperature needs to reach 108 but these circumstances are rare and exceptional. It is very uncommon to detect body temperature above 104F. Fever is the first indicator that tells you that there is something wrong with your body. It is, thus, a warning messenger.

Your body needs to rest when it is sick. Fever forces you to take much-needed rest. This helps you recover early.

A warm body is always a stronger body.

Fever is an important guide to the progression of the disease. If fever starts subsiding without the use of paracetamol or a related drug, that means the infection is coming under control and chances of the patient recovering early are very high.

AUG 24 - SEP 23

10

Initiatives taken on the social front are likely to be appreciated. Some of you may want to opt for a break from the monotonous routine.

This is the best time to forge your own path, as there are opportunities galore. You remain on a safe wicket on the financial front.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

You make all the right moves on the social front and manage to retain your popularity. A property may finally come into your name, as the paperwork is slated to get over soon.

Bank balance of the salaried will remain in a healthy state, despite rising costs.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

A fun time is foreseen for those planning to invite people over to their place.

Good command over a particular subject may find you amongst the top positions. You are likely to discharge all your domestic responsibilities to the satisfaction of all. A good beginning will be made.

An excellent time is foreseen for those taking a break from the daily grind. A match-making process may get underway for the eligible. You will find yourself much more active on the social front and will make efforts to remain in touch with all. You will be able to buy property.

A change in lifestyle will help some come back in shape. Success is foreseen for those playing the stocks. Intelligent application on even unfamiliar territory on the academic front will keep your flag flying high. A windfall can be expected on the property front.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Someone’s advice may prove of immense help to those aspiring to study abroad. You will succeed in asserting your authority on the social front by having your way. A property issue gets resolved amicably. You are likely to enjoy an outing with family today. You will manage expenses.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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65 YEARS YOUNG

Udit Narayan

U

dit Narayan, an iconic Bollywood Playback Singer celebrates his 65th birthday today, 1 December. He has been a part of the industry for about 40 years and has sung in various other languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Nepali, Bhojpuri, and Bengali. He made a mark in the industry in the year 1988 with the movie ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, where he had sung the song ‘Papa Kehte Hai’, which was his notable performance. Since then, he has put a smile on everyone’s face with his singing, and we wish he continues to do so. City First wishes him a very happy and joyful birthday! —City First

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

11

VIRTUAL DANCE PARTY I

t seems like the craze for Dynamite isn’t stopping anytime soon as Jennifer Lopez has been added to the list of celebrities who can’t get enough of BTS’ Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single. After dropping her new track titled In the Morning, JLo proceeded to have a virtual dance party on Instagram with her family, including her fiance Alex Rodriguez, her twins Emme and Max Muñiz, 12, and Alex’s daughters Natasha, 16, and Ella Rodriguez, 12.

—Agency

Deepika Padukone

BEST WISHES

D

And it begins... ...still from her live

Jennifer Lopez

eepika Padukone congratulated Bellatrix Aerospace, the startup she has invested in, for National Award win, on Monday.

It was a while ago that Deepika Padukone invested in Indian Space Tech Startup, Bellatrix Aerospace.

The Bengaluru based startup has been working on path breaking technology and innovation in the space industry; technology that is not only cost effective but also eco-friendly.

They have also been

working closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and building technology that is at par with global standards.

Padukone took to social media, shared the news and wrote, “Congratulations to @ BellatrixAero on winning the National Award! I am truly humbled and honoured to be able to play a small part in India’s contribution to global space technology and innovation as an investor and well wisher. #JaiHind.”

—ANI

Shweta Aggarwal and Aditya Narayan

GUSHING ON ROBERT

T

he pre-wedding festivities of Aditya Narayan and Shweta Aggarwal began on Monday. The duo has been together for over a decade ever since they worked together in Vikram Bhatt’s Shaapit in 2010 and are finally ready to take their relationship to the next level. Aditya Narayan shared a picture with his about-to-bewife Shweta Aggarwal and the couple indeed looks like made for each other.

He captioned the image as, “ShwetakishaAdi.” Aditya had announced to the world about his marriage in a special way. Taking to his Instagram account and sharing a picture with the love of his life, he penned an adorable note and this is what he had to write- “We are getting married! I am the luckiest man alive to have found Shweta, my soulmate, 11 years ago & we are finally tying the knot in December.” — Agency

T

enet is just a few days away from finally releasing in India as the Christopher Nolan directorial was amongst the highlyawaited Hollywood movies of 2020. Starring John David Washington as the main protagonist, Tenet is jam-packed with star power including our very own Dimple

Elizabeth Debicki

Kapadia, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki and Kenneth Branagh amongst others. When Debicki was asked what it was like to be a part of Tenet’s ensemble, the 30-year-old actress was all praises for her castmates.

About Branagh, who plays Elizabeth’s character Kat’s husband Andrei Sator, The Night Manager star gushed, “It was an honour to act opposite Kenneth Branagh playing his wife.”

— Agency

Halsey on Grammy

BAFTA’s Ambassador

W

hile Grammys 2021 will be airing only next year, the prestigious award ceremony is already under the scanner for its various snubs during the nominations reveal. The biggest shockers included The

Weeknd’s After Hours and even Halsey’s Manic being snubbed. While The Weeknd detailed how the Grammys are “corrupt,” Drake backed the Blinding Lights singer up by sharing how the award show “may no longer matter.”

Questioning Grammys’ credibility (whilst choosing her words carefully

Still from ‘Shameless’

THE OSCAR RACE

S

ayani Gupta-starrer Shameless is the official Indian entry in the Live Action Short Film category at the Oscars. Writer-director Keith Gomes’s 15-minute black comedy beat Vidya Balan’s Natkhat in the Oscars entry race.

Writer-director Keith Gomes’ short film titled ‘Shameless’ that released in April 2019 is this year’s entry from India at the 93rd Oscars in the ‘Live Action Short Film’ category. It was picked from a list of five films that included Natkhat, Sound proof, Safar and Trapped. With a versatile cast comprising of Sayani Gupta, Hussain Dalal and Rishabh Kapoor, the film’s narrative dives into the theme of loss of human spirit due to technology, while it also attempts to raise relevant questions on the issues of entitlement, humanity and empathy toward the migrant class.

—Agency

after considerable thought), on Instagram Stories, and addressing a lot of people’s “extended sympathy and apology” due to her zero Grammys 2021 nominations, Halsey stated how the award ceremony is an “elusive process.”

— Agency

Halsey AR Rahman

T

he Oscar and Grammy-winning Indian composer AR Rahman has been roped in as ambassador of the BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards) Breakthrough initiative in India. “I am happy to be working with BAFTA to discover some of the amazing talent that India has to offer in film, games and television,” Rahman said. “This is a unique opportunity for promising artistes to be supported by a world-renowned organisation, to not only make connections with other talented creatives across the world but to be mentored by BAFTA-winners and nominees. I am looking forward to seeing the brilliant talent chosen from India to be showcased on a global stage,” he added.

— Agency

‘APNE 2’ T

Sunny, Dharmendra and Bobby Deol

he Deol family, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol, on Monday, announced the sequel to their much-loved family-drama ‘Apne.’

‘Apne 2,’ will see three generations of the Deol family working together on screen for the first time as it stars legendary actor Dharmendra Deol, his actor sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and grand-son Karan Deol. The announcement was made on social media by both Sunny and Bobby Deol with a brief motion poster. Directed by Anil Sharma, the second installment of the film will be produced by Deepak Mukut.

The film will go on floors in March 2021 and will release around Diwali 2021.

—ANI

Sayani Gupta

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

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS!

MEET & GREET

—FILE PHOTO

CMD Jagdeesh Chandra and Director Virendra Choudhary congratulated the team on the 7th anniversary of First India News and also thanked them for their hard work and excellent teamwork in these pandemic times.

Jagdeesh Chandra cuts the celebratory cake flanked by the First India team at the channel office on Monday afternoon on successful completion of 7 years of First India News on 30 November.

Jagdeesh Chandra with (from left) Nimisha Mishra, Aruna Beniwal and Yogesh Mishra during a courtesy visit by them at his residence on Monday.

RAYS, AASHA KI EK KIRAN KARISHMA GWALANI karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

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ometimes it just takes a small ray of hope for you to experience the start of a change. Rays Aasha Ki Ek Kiran is an NGO that cares for children who were born with the human immunovirus (HIV). On the occasion of World AID Day, today, City First in an exclusive interview with Rays Co-Founder Gurinder Virk talks about the wonders of small ideas.

On being asked about the idea behind this NGO, Founder Rashmi Dickinson

Capt. Gurinder Virk

and Co-Founder Gurinder Virk, shared, “On one of our visits to the orphanage, we saw a kid getting rejected for being HIV positive and that’s when we decided to open an orphanage for children who were born with HIV. RAYS was created in January 2010 to address this issue.

They started home with 3 children and presently they

FASHION MEETS CUTENESS

Anup Kumavat

Vanya Sharma

CITY FIRST

having fun.

A fancy dress competition was held for the participants of the Digital Baal Mela on Monday, where children from age 6 to 14 participated to showcase their splendid talent. The theme of the fancy dress was based on spreading awareness about Corona.

The digital fair will go on till 14 December, and the winners of every category will be announced on 25 December. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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ooking at the current scenario, since the schools have been shifted online and the children have nowhere to go to, an idea of a digital fair was worked upon. The ‘Digital Baal Mela’ by LIC, which started a few days back, focuses on bring out the raw talents of children, so they can be as creative as they want, and spend their quarantine time

shelter 21 girls and 30 boys.

“We provide them with all the support needed for a healthy and happy life: education, medical aid, balanced meals, regular exercise and lots of love!

At home, they are also taught dance, music, art, craft, yoga, English and other extracurricular activities by our volunteers,” Gurinder

shared while talking about the daily lives of kids.

“We have a counsellor who talks to children from time to time. Besides, we make sure we create a positive environment and relationship with children so they don’t hesitate before coming to us with their problems,” he said.

On being asked how they have been coping up with the children during Corona, “Due to the pandemic, children are attending online classes as of now. We also organise a few workshops for them to utilise this time in a better way,” the Founder said.

On being asked about the World AIDS Day, he said, “From then to now, we have seen a lot of positive changes in the society, but a lot more has to be done.”

While talking about the future plans for these children, he said, “We don’t let the children leave when they are 18.

We wait till they grow interest in any particular field, we send them to develop those skills and help them with the placements so that they can stand on their own feet.”

RAJASTHAN ROUTES OF REVIVAL CITY FIRST

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film on Rajasthan by Autocar India – ‘Rajasthan Routes of Revival’ is available for viewing on the Autocar India YouTube channel. This film has been shot especially for Rajasthan Tourism. It was the brainchild of MLA from Deeg-Kumher, Vishvendra Singh during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. It was also telecast on ETNOW on Sunday.

The creative travel film encompasses some of the most scenic locations, luxurious ho-

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

RAJ: While innocence can’t be bought with a fortune, the sparkle in a child’s eyes doesn’t come with status. When Kiran got down from the car to hand over a bag of chips to a random ragpicker’s daughter Reshma living on the footpath, she was instantly captivated with her untouched purity amidst the ruthless materialistic world. The pink girls then shook hands, blew kisses and twirled into a short cute dance before parting ways only to —PHOTO BY MOHD FAHAD meet again, in the Pink City.

RAJ: The Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association’s Facebook Live program series on Sunday organised a poetry recital by Jaipur-based young poet Pragya Bajaj. She first recited the poem ‘Generation’, dedicated to his late grandfather, in which the tender feelings of the two generations’ relationship were presented with great condolences.

From left: Vishvendra Singh, Hormazd Sorabjee, Sachin Pilot, Renuka Kriplani and Anirudh Bharatpur

tels and delicious eateries of Rajasthan. It follows a route from the heavenly city of Udaipur to the spiritual Ajmer to the wilderness of Sawai Madhopur and finally con-

cludes in the Pink City. The film project showcases an entirely new way to travel keeping in mind the circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

SISTER-DUO AWARDED

CITY FIRST

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atika and Richa, from Cauldron Sisters, won the prestigious ‘India’s Home Chefs and Bakers Award 2020’. It was conceived by the Food Blogger Association of India (FBAI) and Vikhroli Cucina powered

by Godrej.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including

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Ratika and Richa, Cauldron Sisters

Kunal Vijaykar, Rocky Mohan, Rashmi Uday Singh, Karen Anand, Chef Varun Inamdar, Chef Rakhi Vaswani, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Ameeta Agnihotri, Chef Ananya Banerjee, and Pritha Sen. Best 20 have were awarded nationally, out of more than 200 nominations. Following all the safety protocols, the award ceremony was held online. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

RAJ: Foreign tourists were seen enjoying in a religious fair in —PHOTO BY ANAND SHARMA Pushkar on Monday morning.

GUJ: On the occasion of Dev Diwali, citizens were seen performing ‘Havan Yagna’ puja against coronavirus at Amraiwadi area of Ahmedabad city on Monday morning. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

JAIRANGAM THEATRE FESTIVAL The ninth edition of the Jairangam Theatre Festival will take place from 5 to 27 December. Along with over 100 events, 4 plays will be performed online every day from morning to evening and will keep the viewers entertained, with interesting scripts.

RAJ: On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti on Monday, Raja park Gurudwara was seen illuminated with elaborate lights. —PHOTO BY NAIM KHAN

GUJ: The Joint Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad IPS Ajay Chaudhry gave his COVID-19 test during the ongoing testing drive for Ahmedabad city Police on Monday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SIND