First India-Ahmedabad Edition-03 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 36°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,21,372 1,09,18,629 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 8,178 DEATHS 1,86,626 CASES

TAMIL NADU 1,321 DEATHS 98,392 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 218

INDIA

18,225 6,26,651 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 2,864 DEATHS 92,175 CASES

INDIA TO BUY

MIG-29 & SUKHOIS 33 FRONTLINE

12 SU-30

21 MIG-29

59 MIG-29

fighter jets procurement approved fighter jets from Russia has also been approved.

The nod for the two came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian president Vladmir Putin on Thursday. Putin reiterated his commitment to “further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in all spheres,” an Indian foreign ministry statement said.

MKI aircraft to be bought from HAL that are existing will also be upgraded The ministry has also approved procurement of 248 ASTRA beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile systems. The missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft and has all weather day and night capability, the officials said. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Defence Ac-

On fast track! Private trains likely to chug by April 2023 New Delhi: Private train operations in the country will begin by April 2023, and the ticket fares in these trains will be competitive with airfares on similar routes, the Railways said Thursday.

Addressing a press conference online, Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav said that private players in passenger train operations will mean a quantum jump in technology and coaches that run at higher speeds.

The improvement in technology will also mean that the coaches that now require mainte-

nance after running 4,000 km, will need maintenance after every 40,000km, that is either once or twice a month, he said.

Train sets have to be brought by private operators and maintained

1,888 DEATHS

33,999

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 430 DEATHS 18,662 CASES

‘Expect prompt restoration of peace in border’ India-China will continue meetings both at military and diplomatic level

POWER PLAY

New Delhi: In the midst of India’s tense border standoff with China, the Defence Ministry on Thursday approved procurement of 33 frontline fighter jets, a number of missile systems and other military hardware at a cost of Rs 38,900 crore to bolster the combat capability of the armed forces, officials said.

They said 21 MiG-29 fighter jets will be procured from Russia while 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft will be bought from State-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). A separate proposal to upgrade existing 59 MiG-29 aircraft

GUJARAT

UTTAR PRADESH 735 DEATHS 24,825 CASES

IN THE MIDST OF MILITARY STANDOFF WITH CHINA, INDIA APPROVES PURCHASE OF FIGHTER JETS, MISSILE SYSTEMS, WEAPONS WORTH `38,900 CR

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by them. Private train operations are likely to begin by April 2023, all coaches will be procured under Make in India policy. Fares in private trains will be competitive Turn on P6

quisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence ministry on procurement. The DAC also approved acquisition of Pinaka missile systems as well as procurement of long range land attack missile systems having a firing range of 1000 KM. In a press release, the ministry referred to the “current situation and the need to strengthen the armed forces for the defence of our borders” while talking about the decisions of the DAC. Turn on P6

IPL 2020 may go overseas, toss-up between UAE & SL New Delhi: The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is in all probability headed to foreign shores with UAE and Sri Lanka in the race to host the 2020 edition of the cash-rich league. Final announcement is expected soon as BCCI is still awaiting an official decision on the fate of the T20 World Cup which was to be held in Australia in October-November.

“We are yet to decide on the venue but in all probability it is going outside this year. The condition in India doesn’t look suited, BCCI official said.

MODI, PUTIN VOW TO STRENGTHEN TIES Army convoy moving towards eastern Ladakh from Leh on Tuesday.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the coronavirus crisis on Thursday and resolved to strengthen Indo-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of post-COVID world.

During a telephonic conversation, the two leaders agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral contacts and consultations, leading to the annual bilateral summit to be held in India later this year. Modi conveyed his keenness to welcome Putin in India for the bilateral summit.

New Delhi: Meetings will continue with China at military and diplomatic levels to resolve border issues to mutual satisfaction said India on Thursday while hoping that Beijing will sincerely follow up and ensure expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in border areas as per bilateral agreements.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Leh has been rescheduled. Singh along with Army Chief Gen MM Naravane was scheduled to visit Leh on Friday to review the security situation in Eastern Ladakh, in view of Chinese aggression along the LAC. During a virtual week-

Postal ballot for voters above 65, patients under quarantine New Delhi: Government has extended the postal ballot facility to electors above 65 years of age and COVID-19 positive patients who are under home or institutional quarantine.

The changes have come about months before assembly elections in Bihar, which are likely to take place later this year. According to a notification by the Law and Justice Ministry, the Centre after consulting the ECI made rules to further amend the Conduction of Election Rules, 1961.

The notification said

that in the rule 27A, clause (aa) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961, after the words “or persons with disability” occurring at the end, the words, letter and figures “or the

COVID-19 suspect or affected persons” shall be inserted.

In clause (e), for the figures and word “80 years”, the figures and word “65 years” shall be substituted.

—ANI

CHINA ON APP BAN

ly briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that India and China have been having discussions through established diplomatic and military channels to address the Turn on P6

Transgenders may be enlisted as combat officers soon!

New Delhi: Transgenders can soon aspire to lead combat troops in central paramilitary forces as the government is mulling allowing them take the annual UPSC exam for recruitment as officers in these forces deployed across the country for various internal security duties, officials said on Thursday.

Sources in security establishment said with central government notifying Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in December last year it is Turn on P6

STERLING BIOTECH CASE

ED grills Ahmed Patel while Asthana angle being ignored: Adhir Dr. Anita New Delhi: Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for grilling party treasurer Ahmed Patel, who has been interrogated for the third time on Thursday for links with promoters of Sterling Biotech.

The Congress leader levelled an allegation that Sterling Biotech promoters have links with Rakesh Asthana, an IPS officer.

Chowdhury alleged, “Modi ji’s most trusted man Mr Rakesh Asthana, IPS, has been implicated as a recipient of bribe money which has been exposed in Sandersara diary. I am flagging the attention

of Narendra Modi Ji but Congress party’s leader Ahmed Patel Ji has been grilled for 3 consecutive days by ED to unearth the nexus between Patel Ji and notorious Sandesara case.”

A team of Enforcement Directorate (ED

arrived at Patel’s residence for the third time

Ahmed Patel, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Rakesh Asthana

on Thursday, in less than a week to question him in connection with its probe into multicrore bank fraud case by the Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech.

In a statement after the questioning session, Ahmed Patel asserted that, “All this is being done to tarnish my image.” He

said, “During three days of interrogation, they (ED) asked me 128 questions, I replied to all of them.

These questions were only in the nature of allegations.”

The ED had earlier questioned Patel on June 27 and June 30 for several hours under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The Rajya Sabha MP has been facing the question-

ing calmly, laughingly calling the ED officials a ‘slow train’ for dragging out the questioning while continuing to raise his voice against the fuel hike and Indo- China standoff.

A team of financial probe agency officials arrived at the 23, Mother Teresa Crescent Road here on Thursday morning to record Patel’s statement once again.

—With input from PTI

NEWS

02

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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COVID CHECK

SHAH HOLDS MEET TO ‘CURE’ DELHI Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday held a meeting with the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital and its adjoining areas, located in the two neighbouring states.

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have seen a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, leading to the Home Minister stepping in to handle the situation and improve the health infrastructure.

Shah reviewed the COVID-19 situation in Delhi-NCR with the three chief ministers, a home ministry official said.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan was also present in the meeting.

The NCR comprises districts belonging to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The prominent ones being Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad (both Uttar Pradesh) and Gurgaon, Faridabad (both in Haryana).

Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi -- Yogi Adityanath, Manohar Lal Khattar and Arvind Kejriwal respectively -- attended the meeting through video-conference.

The novel coronavirus has infected 89,000 people in Delhi and killed 2,803 as on Wednesday.

UNION HOME MINISTER CHAIRS MEETING AND DISCUSSES MEASURES WITH CMs OF HARYANA, UP, DELHI TO MANAGE CRISIS, UPGRADE MEDICAL INFRA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting via video conference with UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, to review the COVID19 situation, in New Delhi on Thursday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the coronavirus tally has reached 24,056 cases and 718 deaths.

In the NCR district of Gautam Buddh Nagar, 2,362 COVID-19 cases have been detected positive and 22 people have lost their lives so far.

In Ghaziabad, so far 851 people have been infected by the coronavirus and 56 have died.

A total of 14,941 COVID-19 cases were detected in Haryana and the

virus so far has claimed 240 lives in the state.

Gurgaon and Faridabad have reported 92 and 80 fatalities, respectively. The two districts put together account for over 9,300 infections.

Restrictions imposed earlier on the free movement of people between Delhi and NCR became a major issue during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister on Thursday had asked of-

ficials to stay alert on the movement of people in NCR districts to check the spread of COVID-19.

"By remaining alert in NCR districts (of UP), the spread of COVID-19 can be checked. There should be alertness on movement in these districts," a statement quoted the CM as telling senior officials during a meeting with them.

On June 18, at a

meeting, the home minister had said a common strategy should be framed for Delhi and NCR to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and added that the suburbs like Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad can't be separated from the national capital in this battle.

The home minister swung into action to handle the coronavirus situation in the national capital since early last

SURAT MAY SHUT PAN-MASALA SHOPS IF SPIKE CONTINUES Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: With Surat reporting triple-digit case numbers for the third straight day, city authorities are seriously considering shutting down pan-masala shops in areas that are reporting high numbers.

The development comes even as a leading pharmaceutical company in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli has shut down its unit after 14 employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

As on Thursday, there are 7,510 active cases, of which 68 are on ventilators.

In the past 24 hours, the state has tested the highest 7425 samples.

Considering the severity of the situation in Surat, the state government has decided to add 600 beds at the dedicated COVID-19 hospital. It will add 180 ICU beds for the benefit of critical patients. Yet, patients with little or no symptoms will be advised

24 HOURS 681 CASES, 19 DEAD, 563 DISCHARGED TOTAL 33,999 CASES, 1,888 DEAD, 24,601 DISCHARGED

A medical worker takes a nasal swab from a woman in Ahmedabad. —PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

to home-quarantine.

It took Surat 84 days to see its first 100 deaths. Now, 100 deaths have occurred in just 18 days. On Thursday, three more doctors in the city tested positive. COVID-19 has also spread to cloth merchants, a caterer, and a super-

market employee.

Surat city’s Ambica Niketan temple will remain shut from Friday until the situation comes under control.

Meanwhile, Rajkot too reported its highest number of overnight deaths with four fatalities. The city had only witnessed a few cases

for the duration of the lockdown, but has been reporting more cases in the recent past.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday took a third meeting with expert doctors to address the current health crisis. The state government has constituted a task force of ex-

perts to find short-, medium- and long-term strategies for public health.

Sun Pharma’s plant in Dadra & Nagar Haveli has been shut down after 14 employees tested positive for SarsCoV-2. The other employees have been asked to self-quarantine.

In Vadodara, there are 579 active cases, with 115 patients on oxygen and 31 on ventilators. Although the local authority has disclosed the death of five patients, the state health department states only two deaths from Vadodara. Padra is turning into a hotspot in Vadodara district with 123 cases being reported so far.

Although the numbers are falling in Ahmedabad, all is not well in the city. A Vastrapur police inspector and a constable have tested positive. As per the state health department, there 202 new cases from the city limit and nine from rural Ahmedabad. Nine persons died in the past 24 hours in Ahmedabad.

month after criticism in different quarters of the Delhi government's handling of the COVID-19 situation, with complaints of nonavailability of beds in hospitals for patients and difficulty in getting the tests done in laboratories.

The home minister has been leading from the front after taking charge of Delhi's fight against the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Home

Minister Amit Shah emphasised on increasing testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate. “During the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised on adoption of more testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate.

These kits can be provided by GoI to UP and Haryana. Focus

on early hospitalization to reduce mortality rates,” the MHA said. According to the MHA, Shah also emphasised on extensive use of Aarogya Setu and Itihaas App to help in mapping of COVID in NCR. The MHA said that Uttar Pradesh and Haryana can avail AIIMSTelemedicine consultation through which patients will get advice from experts. (with agency input)

Cong to appoint new LoP next session?

Gargi Raval

Ahmedabad: Despite dissolving the organization over a year and a half ago, the Congress party does not seem to be in the mood to form a new one yet.

There are even speculations that the state president and leader of the opposition of the party may see a change. According to reports, there are reports that the current leader of opposition Paresh Dhanani may be replaced soon.

After suffering a sobering loss in the 2019 General Elections, many of the posts in the party were scrapped and several post holders tendered their resignations.

But, only presidents of cities and the state remained active until new appointments are conducted. However, the party has neglected to do that so far.

“The formation of city Congress and appointments of other posts in the state cadre was to be announced in January 2020. Since COVID-19

Leader of opposition Paresh Dhanani.

hit, things have remained at a standstill,” said a Congress leader.

Even during the time when a change was about to take place in the party, current state party president Amit Chavda and LoP Dhanani were retained. “When there was discussion of a change of guard in the state, Chavda and Dhanani were asked to stay. Both of them were appointed when Rahul Gandhi was the president of the Indian National Congress (INC). And, because they are both believed to be young politicians chosen by Gandhi they were not re-

—FILE PHOTO

placed,” said the source.

Taking into consideration the current state of affairs of the Congress, Dhanani and Chavda failed to keep the flock together, with eight MLAs leaving the party ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. This cost the party another seat in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

Now, after the turn of events, every state may see a change in leadership soon.

“There may be a change in the party formation soon. The state will, in all likelihood, have a new leader of the opposition,” added the source.

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03

Give all state depts video conf facilities: HC The interim order to the government was passed by Justice SH Vora after Minerals department admitted to not having the provision Haresh Jhala Ahmedabad: The state high court on Thursday called out the state government for not giving its mineral department with video conference facility for virtual hearing of appeals. The court then asked the government to ensure that the facility is made available to the department at the earliest.

Justice SH Vora in an interim order in a civil petition observed,

“While hearing the petition, the court finds that the government departments are not in a position to hear proceedings through video conferencing. Thus, the parties are put into grave hardship and inconvenience for want of such facilities.”

The order further stated, “It is hoped that the government will look into the matter and do the required exercise to issue necessary instructions to hear the proceedings through video con-

NOW, CONSTABLES CAN INVESTIGATE

AMC needs direction from state, Centre: Amul Bhatt First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The standing committee chairman of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Amul Bhatt on Thursday stated that the officials and employees of the local civic body can only move to their original office after receiving direction from the central and state government.

The opposition party’s claim that the post holders in the AMC were mere puppets and not people with sound mind, controlled by the ruling party.

“Bhatt admitted that they are just puppets and they do whatever is asked of them. They cannot

AMC Standing Committee Chairman Amul Bhatt. —FILE PHOTO

take a call regarding any issue on their own,” said Dinesh Sharma, leader of the opposition, AMC. Moreover, Jamalpur MLA and councillor Imran Khedawala said that the BJP-run local civic body had failed to control dog menace in the city, which had only grown after the

PATIENT WAIT

—FILE PHOTO

Gujarat High Court.

lockdown had been put in place.

“During the lockdown period, incidents of dog bites rose and over 27,000 incidents were reported. The organizations roped in by the AMC for dog sterilization worked on it only on paper, not in reality,” asserted Khedawala.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

Loaders wait for kits distributed by Dr Nitin Sumant Shah, Chairman of Heart Foundation and Research Institute, at the Ahmedabad Railway Station on Thursday.

Rajkot: An explosive batsman on the field with a wicked bowling technique and swift fielding responses, Ravindra Jadeja or Jaddu as he fondly known in cricketing circles, has been named Wisden Cricket Monthly’s India’s Most Valuable Player in Test Cricket in the 21st Century.

With an MVP rating of 97.3, Jadeja, who hails from the Saurashtra region of the state, has played in 49 Tests since making his debut in 2012, scoring 1,869

runs, including one century. He has also picked up 213 Test wickets.

Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association hailed Jadeja’s honour and extended his congratulations to him.

“Ravindra has phenomenal talent and is one of the most

reliable cricketers in all formats of the game. He is amazing with not only as a bowler or batsman ball, but is also a very quick fielder,” he said.

“Jadeja has been the game changer on several occasions in international as well as domestic cricket,” he added.

Ravindra Jadeja

receipt of the written submission of the petitioner. Even the petitioner has been directed to make a written submission within two weeks.

Petitioner Ajitsinh Jadeja had applied for the lease of the mineral

1 held after negligent riding kills LRD jawan

Students of A’bad University to have option of online classes till end of year

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad University (AU) has offered its students the option to attend classes of the monsoon semester online until December 2020, even if the campus reopens earlier.

At a time when academic institutions are facing a dilemma regarding academic activities, Pankaj Chandra, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmedabad University has decided to allow the university’s students to take classes online until the end of the year.

The decision follows

Vadodara: The city police have arrested one Khushwant Singh Dhotra for negligence and causing the death of a Lokrakshak Dal Jawan.

Fatehgunj police intercepted the Dhotra for being out in violation of the 9pm curfew. A senior police officer on duty asked the LRD jawan to take Dhotra and the two-wheeler he had been riding to the police station and initiate action against him.

However, Dhotra, who continued to ride, rode so rashly that the jawan, who was riding pillion, fell off when the twowheeler went over a speed-breaker. Solanki sustained a head injury. Rather than taking the injured man to a hospital, Dhotra fled the scene.

Area residents found the jawan on the road and rushed him to the Sayaji Hospital, where he succumbed to his head injury. Based on CCTV footage, the police have arrested Dhotra and lodged a case against him for negligence and rash driving causing death. The accused’s father practises law.

‘Jaddu’ is India’s most valuable Test player in the 21st century Masuma Bharmal Jariwala

ferencing, so that citizens are not put into trouble and hardship.”

The court directed the appellate authority to hear and decide the appeal as early as possible, but not later than four weeks from the date of

bentonite in the Mandvi Taluka of Kutch district in 2003. The lease was rejected by the district collector since the land sought fell under the reserve land bank of the forest department. This decision was challenged by the petitioner before the appellate authority in 2004. The flying squad of the appellate authority referred back the appeal to the collector in 2014 for a fresh opinion.

The said reference was rejected by the district collector again in 2019.

The left-arm bowler has so far scored three triple centuries, eight centuries and 11 half centuries in Ranji cricket. He scored his maiden international Test century in his own backyard at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium against the West Indies in 2018.

His best bowling stats in an inning of a Test match has been capturing seven wickets and conceding 48 runs. The flamboyant all-rounder has been bestowed with the honour based exclusively on CricViz’s market-leading analytics.

First India Bureau

We have put this in place as students who enter university this year will face unprecedented circumstances and deserve special consideration.

—Pankaj Chandra, Ahmedabad University.

stringent plans and operating procedures to ensure student safety during the new academic year. The date for resumption of the monsoon semester on campus remains uncertain and the university plans

—FILE PHOTO

to ask students to report to the campus only when it is deemed safe for them to do so.

Chandra said, “We have decided that if any student feels uncomfortable to report to campus even after it reopens, we

Vice-Chancellor, Ahmedabad University

will provide them with the facility to study online. We have put this measure in place as students who enter university this year will face unprecedented circumstances and deserve special consideration.”

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

PRIVATE TRAINS COMING SOON, BUT FOR WHOM?

WHAT HAS SCINDIA GAINED

BY LEAVING CONGRESS? NK SINGH

T

he privatisation of railways began tentatively with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation operating LucknowDelhi Tejas Expresss which, incidentally, had nothing significant to offer by way of experience. Now the government is in the process of giving divestment a final shape to end its monopoly and reduce its control over trains, tracks and manpower.

Eyeing an investment of Rs 30,000 crore, the railway ministry intends to allow private entities to operate passenger trains. The objective is to introduce modern technology rolling stock, reduced transit time, boost employment, improve safety and provide world class experience.

The ministry described it as the first initiative of private investment for running passenger trains in Indian rail network. It has invited Request for Qualifications to operate 109 (origin-destination) pairs of trains with 16 coaches each. They have been formed into 12 clusters across the rail network. Private players will choose their technology and decide fares but railways will keep time-tabling and safety.

Last year the railways had mooted privatisation of 50 railway stations for development on the lines of airports. As a next step the railways could think of privatising tracks to minimise its ownership in the behemoth.

Train travel is different from flying in India as the former caters to the masses while classes prefer the more affordable railways.

Privatisation of stations, trains and catering could make travel unaffordable for the common man. As in the case of private airlines, accountability of private train and station operators will be almost zero.

It will be a difficult phase for railway workers who have been opposing the decision suggested by the Bibek Debroy Committee in 1915 for fear of losing their status of being a Central government employee. In a situation like the pandemic, they would stand to lose their jobs or face salary cuts as has been the case with private airlines staff.

The government would do well to look at the history of British Rail, which owned and operated nearly all of the country’s railways before being totally divested in 1993. The infrastructure (signalling, track and stations) was hived off as “Railtrack”. Franchises were then awarded to private companies to operate trains.

The separation of infrastructure and operations was described as a “fateful decision”—perhaps even more important than privatisation itself. Railtrack has since been nationalised and rebranded as National Rail in 2000.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the move. “Rail is the only lifeline of the poor and the government is taking away from them.

Snatch whatever you want to, but remember people of the country will give a befitting reply,” he tweeted.

Admittedly, railways has been in the red for long but that does not mean leaving the common man at the mercy of a few capitalists.

The writer is a senior journalist, based in Madhya Pradesh

A

The BJP leadership had to make compromises while conceding to the Scindia group’s demands when it formed a proper ministry on Thursday. Its 107 MLAs could get only 23 ministerial berths. To accommodate the Scindia group, a reluctant Chouhan had to exclude several veterans from the ministry, causing huge resentment

lmost overnight, Jyotiraditya Scindia has become a power to reckon with in Madhya Pradesh politics.

With no party securing an absolute majority in the 2018 assembly election, he and his group of 22 followers are in a position to make or mar any government.

Using that bargaining clout, the Scindia group has become adept in cornering disproportionate share in power in every Government that it is part of.

The group commended the loyalty of only 19 MLAs in the 114-member Congress Legislature Party when Kamal Nath Government came to power in December 2018. Yet it managed to get as many as 6 ministerial berths in the 29-strong cabinet!

The group pulled off an even better performance after it crossed over to the BJP side. In the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, it has managed to corner 14 berths in the 34-member ministry – almost 40 percent share!

More significantly, none of these 14 ministers are MLAs at present, having resigned from the house to pull down the Nath government.

The BJP leadership had to make compromises while conceding to the Scindia group’s demands when it formed a proper ministry on Thursday. Its 107 MLAs could get only 23 ministerial berths. To accommodate the Scindia group, a reluctant Chouhan had to exclude several veterans from the ministry, causing huge resentment.

Such was Scindia’s bargaining power and pulls and pressures from different factions in the ruling party, that formation of a proper cabinet was delayed for almost 100 days after Chouhan took over as chief minister on March 23 last. A visibly disappointed Chouhan said: “Whenever there is a churn, nectar is produced, but Shiv has to drink poison.”

Ever since Jyotiraditya Scindia revolted against Congress and pulled down its govern-

ment in Madhya Pradesh in a surprise coup, observers are wondering why he did it? What did he gain from it? As former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh said, “we had never imagined that he will do such a thing.”

Scindia was ranked among the top Congress leaders of the country and a close associate of former party president Rahul Gandhi. Remember Gandhi winking at him in Lok Sabha after that famous jhappi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi! After Scindia’s departure, a shocked Gandhi exclaimed, “Only Scindia could walk into my house at any time.”

A scion of the Gwalior’s former ruling family, Jyotiraditya left his job with Merrill Lynch to join politics after the tragic death of his father, Madhavrao Scindia, in an air crash. He was a Congress MP from 2002 to 2019. He was a minister from 2007 to 2014, until the Congress government was in power. He was later made a general secretary of the party.

The former investment banker started feeling frustrated ever since the Congress leadership bypassed his claim for chief ministership of Madhya Pradesh in 2018. With the party out of power in New Delhi since 2014 – and no likelihood of making a comeback in near future – the former investment banker’s career as a politician seemed bleak.

In his home state of Madhya Pradesh, he started feeling iso-

What did Scindia gain? Power. After all, that is what politics is all about. Exactly one year after losing his Lok Sabha seat, he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, with the prospect of a berth in the Modi cabinet

lated as Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh closed ranks against him. Nath’s no-nonsense and abrasive manner, and refusal to share more power, made him feel increasingly uncomfortable.

And then came the final ignominy. In 2019 he lost the Lok Sabha election to an unknown BJP candidate, KP Yadav, who happened to be one of his former cronies who would famously run to open his car doors and get snubbed for trying to get too close to get a selfie! It shattered the myth of Scindias being invisible on their home turf. Never before a Scindia had lost the election in Gwalior Chambal region.

When elections to Rajya Sabha were announced, he was not sure of getting a nomination

The story behind East Asia’s mask culture I

n East Asia, face masks are accessories akin to hats and scarves, a civilian, not a medical accessory.

People wear them for a variety of reasons: the smog, the cold, the sun, hay fever, unruly acne or to send a message usually transmitted via earbuds in North America: Don’t talk to me unless absolutely necessary.

This perspective stems from both the region’s population density, history with communicable diseases and cultural similarities shared between its countries. It also helps explain why East Asian diaspora communities began wearing face masks long before the practice became commonplace or required by law around the globe.

In East Asia, where population density tends to be

04

high, the risk of contagion is generally understood by the population to be higher as well. In metropolitan areas where the majority of the workforce travels by public transportation rather than personal vehicles, commuters guard against the constant possibility of falling sick. People begin wearing masks whenever there are reports of a seasonal spike and stop doing so once the rates of infection have gone down.

The 2002-03 SARS contagion and the 2009 H1N1 outbreak also help explain the public’s receptivity to masks. Countries in East Asia had faced mask shortages during both crises, which prompted families to keep medical and cloth masks at home as part of their first-aid kit.

Beyond disease prevention, masks are also worn

widely in East Asia for cultural and everyday sanitary reasons. Some people wear masks to hide skin problems or to block out the sun. Scooter commuters wear masks to protect themselves against car exhausts. Street vendors wear masks while preparing food. And healthy elders often wear masks when they go for a routine

medical check-up to avoid catching an actual disease due to their weakened immune system.

Given these historical, cultural and practical reasons behind wearing masks, the practice is widespread and does not incite alarm. When an individual in East Asia wears a mask in public, he or she is not automatically presumed

sick. There is much less stigma attached to masks.

Outside of East Asia, however, this mentality does not exist in mainstream culture. In Europe and North America, there are two groups of professionals who regularly wear masks: doctors and housekeeping staff. In the first group, masks are associated with contact with sick individuals, and in the second, masks enforce a uniform, nameless identity. Other reasons for wearing frontal face coverings are based in religion or the desire to conceal identity, all of which also attract stigma.

These reasons explain why the general public outside of East Asia was initially reluctant to wear face masks. In the US in particular, individuals resisting wearing a mask cite infringements on personal

freedom. Many public officials refuse to wear masks even when it is not their turn to speak in a televised press conference as they see wearing a mask as a vote of no confidence in containment measures rather than adherence to good practice.

Those who make a point to wear masks during news updates acknowledge that people are not used to seeing faces being covered.

Wearing masks has become accepted in East Asia because the region has seen and adapted itself to contagion on multiple occasions, and East Asians have carried this acceptance with them as they spread around the world. Their early reaction has regrettably not spread to mainstream society, but perhaps after COVID-19, it will..

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.FAIROBSERVER.COM

from the Congress, which preferred Digvijaya over him to fill up the vacancy. Scindia started feeling like fish out of water.

Exactly nine months after his defeat in the Lok Sabha election he crossed over to the BJP. What did Scindia gain?

Power. After all, that is what politics is all about. Exactly one year after losing his Lok Sabha seat, he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, with the prospect of a berth in the Modi cabinet. Every second supporter of his is a minister in the Madhya Pradesh government.

Now he does not have to deal with Kamal Nath who would call him “Jyoti”. CM Chouhan, who had publicly mocked his ancestors siding with the British in 1857, addresses him as ‘Shrimant’, an honorific for royalty. He is back in the Lutyen Delhi bungalow he had to vacate after losing his membership of Lok Sabha.

But his biggest challenge comes in September, when byelections to 24 assembly seats, including the 22 caused by resignations of Congress MLAs, are due.

Many established BJP leaders, already feeling sidelined after Thursday’s ministry formation, are afraid of newcomers encroaching upon their turf. They may try to sabotage the chances of the Scindia faction, for it is an uneasy marriage of convenience.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Harsimrat Kaur Badal @HarsimratBadal_ Indians wholeheartedly welcome PM @narendramodi ji’s announcement to extend free ration to 80cr ppl (5 kg wheat/rice & 1 kg chana per month) till Nov 20. This decision will go a long way in helping economically weaker sections during a time of #pandemic.

Mallikarjun Kharge @kharge Had the privilege of addressing close to 20 lakh @INCKarnataka cadres across 16000 locations during @ DKShivakumar’s charge taking ceremony. I am sure his team & he will ensure that Congress is back on the saddle in the state. My best wishes to him & the entire team.

Spiritual SPEAK

Everything has been accomplished in this very life by those whose mind is set in equality. —Bhagvad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 218 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: Jagdeesh Chandra, responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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INDIAN ARMY KILLS TWO PAK SOLDIERS ALONG LOC IN POONCH PAK INITIATED UNPROVED FIRING WITH SMALL ARMS IN QASBA, KERNI AND SHAHPUR SECTORS AT ABOUT 9.30 AM ON THURSDAY New Delhi: At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a retaliatory fire on Thursday after Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan initiated unproved firing with small arms in Qasba, Kerni and Shahpur sectors at about 9.30 am.

Following this, the Indian Army retaliated against the Pakistan Army posts in the Rakh Chakri area. This resulted in the death of two Pakistani soldiers of 10 BALUCH. Rattled by the effective Indian firing that led to the destruction of few bunkers and casualties, Pakistan Foreign Ministry is working on lodging protest with Indias High Commission in Pakistan.

Earlier on June 30, Pakistani troops opened

unprovoked fire towards Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in violation of a ceasefire agreement, an army official said.

At about 9.30 a.m. today Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Shahpur and Kirni sectors of Poonch district. Indian army retaliated befittingly.

COLONEL DEVENDER ANAND

Nepal Houses prorogued, Oli refuses to yield New Delhi: Nepal was in turmoil after PM KP Sharma Oli, refusing to yield to party pressure to step down, got both Houses of Parliament prorogued without consulting their presiding officers to ward off threats to his continuance in office.

The move angered his Maoist partners led by former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ who met President Bidhya Devi Bhandari

KP Sharma Oli

to protest Oli’s ‘unconstitutional’ action and its instant endorsement by her.

Prachanda and Oli are co-chairpersons of

the ruling Nepal Communist Party. A crucial meeting of the party central committee has been deferred till Saturday as efforts are being made to keep the party intact.

Under fire for his remark that India was plotting with a section of Nepal’s political leadership to topple his government, Oli was said to be toying with the idea of promulgating an ordinance to ef-

PULWAMA ATTACK: ONE MORE HELD Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday, arrested one more accused, named Mohd Iqbal Rather, in connection with Pulwama attack case in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed in an IED blast on February 14, 2019. Mohd Iqbal Rather, 25, is a resident of Futlipura, Charar-e-Shareef, Budgam, J&K, read a statement.

Rather had facilitated the movement of Muhammad Umar Farooq, the JeM terrorist & a key conspirator, after he infiltrated into the Indian territory in Jammu region in April 2018, from the National Highway near International border to South Kashmir. Umar Farooq, along with others, had assembled the IED used in the attack.

05

‘Privatising trains will take away lifeline of poor’ operations on 109 pairs of routes through 151 modern trains.

The national transporter on Wednesday said that it plans to allow private entities to operate passenger trains and the project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore.

The objective of the initiative is to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world class travel experience to passengers, the Railway Ministry said.

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, sharpened his attack on the Narendra Modi government over its moves to allow private firms to run passenger trains.

He said government was taking away the lifeline of the country from the poor, and the people will give a befitting reply.

“Rail is the only lifeline of the poor and the government is taking it away from them. Snatch whatever you want to.

But remember -- the people of the country will give a befitting reply,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet attaching a news report.

His remarks came a day after the Indian Railways announced a major push for the private entities in the Indian Railways. The Railways have invited the request for qualifications for private participation for passenger train

—Agencies

26 killed by lightning strikes in Bihar

fect a change in law that would allow him to explore the possibility of splitting the ruling NCP. He could stitch a new coalition, possibly with the Opposition Nepali Congress under Sher Bahadur Deuba, to remain in power.

NCP spokesperson & former Dy PM Narayan Kaji Shrestha acknowledged that party was going through a deep crisis and efforts were on to keep the unity.

Patna: Twenty-six people were killed after being struck by lightning across Bihar on Thursday, officials said.

More than 100 people have died due to lightning strikes in the state in the last one week, they added.

According to the state disaster management depart-

ment, the casualties were reported from eight districts -- Patna, Samastipur, East Champaran, West Champaran, Sheohar, Katihar, Madhepura and Purnea.

Samastipur accounted for highest number of seven deaths. Expressing grief over the latest fatalities, Chief Min-

ister Nitish Kumar ordered a payment of Rs four lakh as ex gratia to next of kin of each deceased.

He also appealed to people to remain ‘alert & stay indoors’ as far as possible during the bad weather, besides following the advisories issued by the disaster management department.

MP Cabinet expansion: Scindia Rlys achieve 100% ‘Set up industries in Tier-II, camp wins big as 11 get berth punctuality for 1st time III cities rather than metros’ Anirudh Tiwari Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, held the first cabinet meeting in Bhopal after 28 Ministers were inducted into his Cabinet on Thursday morning. Notably, this is the second cabinet expansion since Chouhan returned to helm state affairs on March 23. The new ministers were administered the oath of office by Governor Anandiben Patel at the Raj Bhawan in Bhopal

in the presence of CM Shivraj and party’ Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The Gwalior-Chambal region has been overtly represented with 11 ministers inducted from the region.

Sixteen of the 24 MP assembly seats where byelections are due are from this region.

Of the 22 Congress MLAs who joined BJP, a total of 14 have been inducted as ministers. Of these, 10 are cabinet ministers and four are MoS. Nearly half the

HUL’S FAIR & LOVELY TO NOW BE CALLED ‘GLOW & LOVELY’ Mumbai: Fast-moving consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s (HUL’s) flagship skin care brand for women Fair & Lovely will now be known as Glow & Lovely. “Over the next few months, Glow & Lovely will be on shelves and future innovations will deliver on this new proposition,” the company said. Men’s

range will be called Glow & Handsome. HUL said next step in evolution of its skin care portfolio is to have a more inclusive vision of positive beauty. “We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive & want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty,” said HUL Chairman and MD Sanjiv Mehta.

Chouhan Cabinet is from a Congress background. A total of 11 ministers owe allegiance to former Congress veteran Jyotiraditya Scindia. He has been successful in driving a hard bargain with the BJP. While in the Congress he had six loyalists as ministers in the Kamal Nath cabinet, in Chouhan’s cabinet, he has 11. A number of prominent faces that were part of the previous Chouhan Cabinet were dropped to accommodate Scindia group.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways on Thursday, announced that 100 percent punctuality rate has been achieved “with all trains being on time”.

“For the first time ever in the history of Indian Railways, 100 per cent punctuality of trains has been achieved, with all trains being on time,” the Ministry of Railways tweeted on Thursday. “The previous best was 99.54 per cent on 23.06.2020 with one train getting delayed,” it further said.

Union Railway Min-

NOMINATIONS FOR PADMA AWARDS-2021 OPEN TILL SEPT 15 New Delhi: The MHA on Thursday informed that nominations for Padma Awards-2021 are open till September 15. “Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2021 have started from 1st May 2020. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September 2020,” said a press release from the MHA. The nominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online only on the Padma Awards portal https://padmaawards.gov.in.

ister, Piyush Goyal, expressing happiness at the achievement of the Railways, said in a tweet: “Trains in the Fast Lane: Enhancing services to unprecedented levels, Indian Railways made history on 1st July 2020 by achieving 100% punctuality rate.”

—ANI

Nagpur: Inaugurating the New Global Innovation Park Facility at Manesar, Gurugram via VC, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged companies to focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities rather than the metros for setting up new industries.

Speaking after the inauguration, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said,”Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have reached their saturation in industrialisation. You can

ASI MONUMENTS TO BE REOPENED FOR PUBLIC FROM JULY 6: PATEL New Delhi: All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6, the Union Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said on Thursday.

Earlier in June, the culture ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place.

As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the ASI were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis.The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities.

Nitin Gadkari

go to tier-II/tier-III cities, where skilled manpower is already available, where we need the centralisation of industry for employment potential”. “We have got skilled manpower with technical knowledge in those places. We have socially, eco-

nomically, educationally backward areas where the government emphasis is on giving more employment potential. So if you start in those areas, then we can think of giving you maximum support for that,” he said. “It fills me with immense pride & pleasure when I see Indian origin companies setting their eyes for global success. This is the concept of PM’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Conversion of knowledge into wealth is the future of the country,” he said.

—ANI

‘OVER RS 24,500 CRORES DISTRIBUTED TO MIFS, RRBS’ New Delhi: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that over `24,500 crores have been distributed to Corporate Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Micro Finance Institutions under special liquidity facility by the NABARD. “A big liquidity relief to small and marginal labourers and a stride towards making farmers Atmanirbhar where around `24586.87 crore has been disbursed to cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks and MFI under `30000 crore special liquidity facility by NABARD as on 30 June,” he tweeted.

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91L tests conducted in India: Govt India has fought very strongly against COVID-19 & has succeeded in it,” said Health Min Dr Vardhan New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that around 91 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted across India so far and soon this figure will touch the one-crore mark.

“We have done around 91 lakh tests in the country. Soon this figure is going to reach one crore.

All these statistics prove in themselves that India has fought very strongly in the fight against COVID-19 and has succeeded in it,” said Dr Vardhan.

“The people of the country need not panic, the number of cases is six lakhs in a country of 135 crore people. Out of these 6 lakh people, 3 lakh 60 thousand people have recovered and gone home. Most of the patients are in a position to recover and go home.

The death rate is the lowest in the world at 2.94

Corona recovery rate reaches 59.52% New Delhi: A total of 11,881 COVID-19 patients have been cured during the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative figure to 3,59,859, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

This further takes the recovery rate to 59.52 per cent. As on date, there are 1,32,912 recovered cases more than the active COVID-19 cases.

Presently, there are 2,26,947 active cases and all are under medical supervision. —ANI

Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan

Health workers wearing PPE kits screen residents during a free medical checkup camp at a containment zone in Mumbai.

per cent,” he added.

The recovery rate has reached almost 60 per cent and our doubling rate has reached 21-22 days, the Minister said.

“Today, we are testing on such a large scale.

Yesterday, we conducted about 2 lakh 30 thou-

195 lakh N-95 masks have been distributed.

“From the very first day, we have made all the preparations to upgrade our infrastructure. Even now, the country is not fully utilising the preparations we have made. If we

calculate our COVID Hospitals, COVID Health Centres, and COVID Care Centers, then more than 1.3 million beds are still available,” he added.

He stated that despite this, we are also preparing for the future. —ANI

Delhi gets India’s first ‘Plasma Bank’ New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday inaugurated country’s first ‘Plasma Bank’, via video conference, and urged people to come forward and donate plasma.

“If you have recovered from COVID-19 and your age is between 18 and 60 and your weight is above 50 kg, then you may donate plasma for COVID-19 patients.

However, women who have given birth or the persons with comorbidities, are not eligible to donate plasma,” the CM said.

‘Tough to hold CA exams due to rise in Corona cases’ New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) told SC that there may be some difficulties in conducting the CA exams as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justices Dinesh Maheshwari & Sanjiv Khanna was hearing a PIL filed by Anubha Shrivastava Sahai, President of India Wide Parents

sand tests in the country. The journey started with a laboratory, today we have developed 1,065 laboratories in the country,” he added.

He added that 118 lakh PPE kits have been distributed to the people of the country while

I shall be inaugurating the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020’ along with my cabinet colleague HRD Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank Ji today, via video conferencing. Minister of State, RD, Sanjay Dhotre Ji will also be present on the occasion. Visualised

by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the #DrugDiscoveryHackathon 2020’ is a unique approach to identify COVID-19 drug.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visits the Plasma Bank at ILBS Hospital in New Delhi on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

He added that people with unstable sugar, hypertension, cancer survivors, and people with chronic liver, kidney, and heart problems cannot donate plasma.

“So far, people were finding it difficult to get plasma. This ‘Plasma Bank’ will only be successful if people come forward to donate plasma,” he said.

“If you are eligible and willing to donate plasma, then you may call us at 1031 or you can WhatsApp us at 8800007722. Our doctors will then get in touch with you to further confirm your eligibility,” he added.

“The Plasma Bank is being set up at ILBS Hospital. Once you reach here, basic tests will be conducted and later your plasma will be taken. Till the time vaccine is developed, plasma therapy will be helpful & there will be a decline in deaths due to COVID-19,” he said. —ANI

Amit Shah stresses on more testing

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday said that during the meeting with Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi over COVID-19 situation on Thursday, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised on increasing testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate.

“During the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised on adoption of more testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate.

These kits can be provided by GoI to UP and Haryana. Focus on early hospitalization to reduce mortality rates,” the MHA said. —ANI

With 19,148 cases, India’s tally crosses 6L mark New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 tally breached the 6 lakh cases mark with 19,148 new coronavirus cases being reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Health Ministry.

The total cases now stand at 6,04,641 of which there are 2,26,947 active cases while 3,59,860 patients have been cured/discharged. 434 deaths have been reported in last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 deaths in the country to 17,834. —ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

Please deport us: Foreign Jamaatis to SC

Association. The petitioner sought more examination centres, a stay on ‘opt-out’ scheme, and a better precautions from Corona, for around 3.46 lakh CA students, who are scheduled to appear in May cycle exams, to be conducted by ICAI between July 29 to August 16.

The ICAI today sought adjournment of the case, to which, the apex court agreed and fixed the matter for further hearing to July 10. —ANI

New Delhi: Foreign nationals who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area in March have requested the Supreme Court that they should be deported to their home countries.

A plea has been filed in SC by 34 foreign nationals who have challenged revocation of their visas and blacklisting by the central government. The attendees, through their counsel CU Singh, said that normal course of action for visa violation is deportation.

10,730 crore, the officials said. In the statement, the ministry said capital procurement worth around Rs 38,900 crore was approved by the DAC. “While acquisition of Pinaka missile systems will enable raising additional regiments over and above the ones already inducted, addition of long range land attack missile systems having a firing range of 1000 KM to the existing arsenal will bolster the attack capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force,” the ministry said.

‘Expect prompt... situation along LAC in India-China border areas and said the senior commanders of two sides have met on June 6, 22 and 30. He said diplomatic engagements were also continuing in parallel and last week on June 24 a meeting of WMCC on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was also held. “Both sides have emphasised the need for an expeditious, phased and stepwise de-escalation as a priority. This is in keeping with the Agreement between External Affairs Ministers and his

“Please deport us to our home countries. We came here before any restrictions (imposed due to Covid-19). If we have not committed anything grave, the Centre can consider deporting us,” the foreign na-

tionals argued.

Blacklisting would mean we should not be allowed to return to India but we can be deported, the petitioners further said.

The central government submitted an af-

Chinese counterpart during their conversation on June 17 that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and that both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of June 6 sincerely,” he said. —ANI

Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng said that China has not taken any restrictive measures against Indian products and services.

“First of all, I want to clarify that China has not taken any restrictive and discriminatory measures against Indian products and services, he said, according to the transcript posted on the ministry’s website.

India’s relevant practices violate relevant World Trade Organization rules,” Gao said.

fidavit stating that individual orders have been issued against each of the foreign nationals cancelling their visas.

As per the affidavit, visas of 2,679 foreign nationals have been cancelled and they will be allowed to go home only when legal process under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) are complete.

The affidavit also said that 227 foreign nationals left India before a lookout notice could be issued against them.

The matter has been adjourned till July 10.

06

POWER Gallery WHO WILL BE NEW CEO OF SANSAD TV?

After the merger of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha TV, who will be new CEO ? Indications are that an IAS officer suggested by the I&B Ministry may be appointed to the post.

MANU SHRIVASTAVA TO BE CHAIRMAN OF SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION ?

Name of Manu Shrivastava is doing the rounds for the post of Chairman Solar Corporation of India. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

INTER- CADRE DEPUTATION TENURE OF DR POOJA PANDEY EXTENDED

The inter- cadre deputation tenure of Dr Pooja Pandey from Assam-Meghalaya cadre to Uttar Pradesh, has been extended for a period of one year beyond July 4, 2020. She is a 2008 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

INTER- CADRE DEPUTATION TENURE OF CHANDRA SHEKHAR EXTENDED

The inter- cadre deputation tenure of Chandra Shekhar from Jharkhand to Bihar, has been extended for a period of two years beyond July 2, 2020. He is a 2008 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

AMIT GHAWATE RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Amit Ghawate, who was deputed to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) eight months ago, has been repatriated to his parent cadre. He is an IRS-IT officer.

VIPIN KUMAR GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF KVS

Vipin Kumar, JS, MHRD has been given temporary charge of Kendriya Vidhyalaya Sangathan (KVC). He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre. It is said that the fast changing development took place around 10.00 pm last night.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF SUDEEP JAIN EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Sudeep Jain working as Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, has been extended for a period of six months beyond June 21, 2020.

SN MISHRA PROMOTED TO CHIEF SECRETARY GRADE IN MP

SN Mishra has been promoted to the grade of Chief Secretary with upgrading his post as ACS, Home in Madhya Pradesh. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

ARUNA MOHAN RAO PROMOTED TO DGP GRADE IN MP

Aruna Mohan Rao has been promoted to the grade of Director General of Police (DGP) with upgrading her post as DGP, Rail in Madhya Pradesh. She is a 1987 batch IPS officer of MP cadre.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF RAMCHANDRA MEENA EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Ramchandra Meena working as Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy has been extended for a period of two years beyond July 1, 2020. He is an IRS-IT officer BALLA SWAMY APPOINTED CMO, THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO.

The New India Assurance Company Ltd has appointed Balla Swamy as Chief Marketing Officer of the company in w.e.f July 1, 2020.

THREE IAS OFFICERS GET NEW POSTINGS IN MP

Sanskriti Jain has been appointed as CEO, Alirajpur Zilla Panchayat, while Basant Kurre has been given an additional charge of NRI department and Dr. Sonawane Saurabh Sanjay is posted as SDO Revenue at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh.

FROM PG 1 Power Play...

The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks.

The proposals approved by the DAC also included procurement of Pinaka ammunition, software defined radios for the Army and BMP armament upgrades.

The procurement of 21 MiG-29 and upgrade of the existing fleet of MiG-29 is estimated to cost the government Rs 7,418 crore while purchase of 12 new Su30 MKI from HAL will be made at a cost of Rs

China on...

Responding to reports that both countries are strengthening import regulations and suppressing each other’s export goods amid the tense border situation and its impact on China’s foreign trade enterprises exports to India,

On fast... and prices on other

modes of transport like airlines, buses will have to be kept in mind, he said. He also said that the introduction of private players would also mean that trains will be available on demand and that passenger waitlist will decrease.

Yadav said that the private operators will also pay fixed haulage charges for path, stations, access to railway infrastructure and charges for electricity consumed. It will also share revenue with Indian Rawailys through competitive bidding.

The private entity

has to ensure 95 per cent punctuality and record not more than one failure per lakh kilometre of travel.

“If any performance indicators are not met by private players in passenger train operations they will be penalised, said Yadav.

“Through this the common man will get better trains, better technology and at low cost. The Indian Railways will continue to run 95 per cent of the trains, he said. —PTI

Transgenders may... now essential to provide transgenders a

“level playing field” in all avenues and services including combat policing. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also sought timebound “comments”, in favour or against, from the five paramilitary or CAPFs so that the UPSC can be intimated whether or not to include the transgender category in the soon-tobe published notification for this year’s CAPFs (ACs) exam.

The AC is the entry-level officer rank in the five CAPFS of the CRPF) BSF, CISF, ITBP and the Sashastra Seema Bal SSB. —PTI

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COVID-19 creates food

WASTE MOUNTAINS G

luts of food left to rot as a consequence of coronavirus aren’t just wasteful – they’re also likely to damage the environment.

Mountains of produce, including eggs, milk and onions, are going to waste as the COVID-19 pandemic shutters restaurants, restricts transport, limits what workers are able to do and disrupts supply chains.

And as that food decays, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Fresh milk and eggs have been dumped, and some ripe crops reploughed back into fields, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

While consumer demand for some supermarket items has risen as a result of lockdowns, it’s unlikely to offset steep declines elsewhere, such in restaurants and school and workplace canteens.

METHANE ON THE RISE Not only is this a tragic waste of food at a time when many are going hungry, it is also an environmental hazard and could contribute to global warming. Landfill gas Aerobic 100

Phase I

Araerobic Phase II

Phase IV Methanogonic, Steady

80 70 60

Ca

rbo n

50

Dioxide

50-55% 45-50%

30 20 10 0

rog yd

en

Me t ha

ne

40

H

Gas Composition (Percentage by Volume)

90

Phase III Mothanogenic, Unsteady

Nitro gen Time After Placement

2-5%

– roughly half methane and half carbon dioxide (CO2) – is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 28 to 36 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“Many export-oriented producers produce volumes far too large for output to be absorbed in local markets, and thus organic waste levels have mounted substantially,” says Robert Hamwey, Economic Affairs Officer at UN agency UNCTAD . “Because this waste is left to decay, levels of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas, from decaying produce are expected to rise sharply in the crisis and immediate post-crisis months.”

Dumping food was already a problem before the crisis. In America alone, $218 billion is spent growing, processing, transporting and disposing of food that is never eaten, estimates ReFED, a collection of business, non-profit and government leaders committed to reducing food waste.

That’s equivalent to around 1.3% of GDP. Since the pandemic took hold, farmers are dumping 14 million litres of milk each day because of disrupted supply routes, estimates Dairy Farmers of America. A chicken processor was forced to destroy 750,000 unhatched eggs a week, according to the New York Times, which also cited an onion farmer letting most of his harvest decompose because he couldn’t distribute or store them.

FOOD PRICES COLLAPSING The excess has also seen prices collapse.

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 162.5 points in May 2020, down 3.1 points from April and reaching the lowest monthly average since December 2018. The gauge has dropped for four consecutive months, and the latest decline reflects falling values of all the food commodities – dairy, meat, cereal, vegetable – except sugar, which rose

FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

for the first time in three months.

All this while the pandemic is exacerbating other global food trends.

“This year, some 49 million extra people may fall into extreme poverty due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said António Guterres,

Secretary-General of the UN. “The number of people who are acutely food or nutrition insecure will rapidly expand. Even in countries with abundant food, we see risks of disruptions in the food supply chain.”

The World Economic Forum has launched its Great Reset initiative, which urgently calls for global stakeholders to cooperate in managing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. It calls on policymakers to put the environment at the heart of plans to rebuild as we emerge from the pandemic.

HORRIFIC WAKE-UP CALL The Covid-19 crisis and worsening climate chaos require far more public-sector direction and coordination of something as central to human survival as food.

Amid the current supply-chain breakdown, as news spread of gargantuan food waste, some farmers and caravans of volunteers have helped deliver food directly from the farms to people in need – a truly heroic gift.

But this vital act, feeding people in need and averting massive food waste, can’t be left to random acts of kindness. Why aren’t federal, state, and local governments setting up food distribution networks, employing laid-off truckers, warehouse workers, and others? Why not create a Green New Deal for food that creates jobs and boosts communities’ ability to feed themselves in these increasingly volatile times?

The food supply breakdowns spurred by the coronavirus pandemic are a horrific wake-up call to revamp today’s anarchic corporate food system and start replacing it with a publicly coordinated system that supports small and mid-sized farmers producing diverse organic crops for local and regional markets. Not only can we afford to create such a system, we cannot afford not to make this urgent shift.

n SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM n CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI n DESIGN: SITARAM SHARMA

Mountains of food, including eggs, milk and onions, are going to waste. Shuttered restaurants, cafés and canteens have led to a drop in demand. Excess food rots to create methane, a potent greenhouse gas

07

2ND FRONT

Don’t run away from trouble.

Trouble creates a capacity to handle it.

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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Many more died in A’bad of ailments other than Covid Over 10,700 deaths were reported at crematoriums & graveyards in April, May Shishir Awasthi

SCARY NUMBERS

Ahmedabad: A’bad has emerged as a worrying Covid-19 hotspot in Gujarat and the country, but if comparisons between official data and death numbers at crematoriums and burial grounds are anything to go by, many more people may have succumbed to several other diseases during the last three months.

Officials and government doctors say, pleading anonymity, that many patients suffering from other diseases as well as Covid-19 were either unable to reach hospitals in time because of the extended phases of lockdown or were too scared of the pandemic to go to any hospital.

Officially, over 1,400 people have succumbed to the deadly virus in Ahmedabad with more than 20,000 confirmed cases. But this may not be the entire figure, if numbers culled from 24 Hindu crematoriums and four of the largest Muslim

Ahmedabad: The City Civil and Sessions Court (POCSO) on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail application of an accused person who has tested positive for coronavirus, observing that the charges against him are of serious nature.

The Special designated POCSO Court rejected the anticipatory bail application of Irfan Shaikh, 22, who has been accused of eloping with a minor girl.

A criminal complaint was lodged against Shaikh by a minor girl’s parents with the Madhupura police station, stating that he had eloped with

A’bad shops to stop sale of Chinese mobile phones First India Bureau Ahmedabad: With antiChina sentiments growing all over, the shopkeepers in Ahmedabad’s largest mobile phone market said they have decided not to sell Chinese gadgets and urged Indian companies to manufacture good quality and affordable devices to provide an alternative.

The multi-storey Murtimant Complex on Relief Road, which has over 50 retail as well as wholesale shops selling mobile phones and accessories worth lakhs of rupees every day. The decision was taken after the Galwan valley stand-off.

Ahmedabad shops have decided to stop selling Chinese mobile phones and gadgets.

“We have decided to boycott Chinese items.

In the coming days, we will permanently remove the signboards of the Chinese mobile phone brands. Since we have already stocked China-made devices, we will sell them in the next one month and then buy only Indian or South Ko-

rean goods,” said Rakesh Mehta, a shop owner.

Another shopkeeper said that no one is interested in selling Chinese goods if traders get such devices from Indian manufacturers.

“Simultaneously, it is a fact that Chinese goods are a lot cheaper,”said a wholesale trader.

Doctors at a government hospital taking out the body of a Covid-19 patient in Ahmedabad.

graveyards in the city are taken into account.

They have reported 3,558 deaths in April and 7,150 deaths in May — a spike compared to 2,784 and 2,706 deaths reported by them in April and May last year, respectively. As against this, the State Government data for Ahmedabad district, including the city, shows 839 deaths because of Covid-19 during April and May this year.

Jayanti Ravi, the

POCSO court rejects bail plea of corona-hit First India Bureau

08

their minor daughter on June 4. Police had invoked Section 364 of IPC and sections of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Within two days, the couple was traced and Shaikh arrested. According to the Supreme Court guidelines, he was put through a corona test that tested positive.

So police had admitted him for treatment, while he moved the anticipatory bail application. By then, families of both sides had struck a compromise but since it is a POCSO case the only legal option for them is to move the high court for quashing of the First Information Report (FIR).

health secretary of Gujarat state, however said she wasn’t aware of any significant rise in deaths in the city of more than 5.6 million people.

“We have collected the data related to actual births and deaths registered across the state and it is not showing such a big deviation,” she told Reuters when asked about the spike.

Dr Mona Desai, president of the Ahmedabad Medical Association that represents over

9,000 doctors, said some of those who died may have been Covid-19 positive.

But more fatalities were likely to have occurred because patients did not seek timely treatment fearing they might become infected by the virus, she said.

“Many patients went to hospital only when their condition deteriorated, but then it was too late to do anything,” Desai said.

Doctors also said that a closure of some pri-

vate health facilities during a weeks-long lockdown that began in late March made it difficult for many patients to seek treatment.

Data from the Hindu crematoriums in Ahmedabad shows that the number of bodies cremated rose by 19% in April and 145% in May compared to the same months last year, with the first half of June also registering a marked increase. (with inputs from Reuters)

CATCHING THEM YOUNG!

A teacher of Zaverchand Meghani Primary School Nathabhai Chavda has gifted earthen piggy banks to children to inculcate habbit of saving in them.

COPS ARREST FOUR FOR TRYING Dubai NRG facilitates return of 700 Gujaratis TO IMMOLATE THEMSELVES First India Bureau

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The Gandhinagar police on Thursday arrested four people when they attempted to immolate themselves in front of the State Geology Department here. They were expressing their anger and frustration over rampant illegal mining in and around Vallabhpura village and no action was being taken by the State Government to prevent it.

The state capital’s Deputy Superintendent of Police M K Rana told media persons that four people, identified as Jashvant Solanki, Pravin Solan-

Police detained four people for trying to immolate themselves in Gandhinagar on Thursday.

ki, Ratna Machi and Kodarsinh Thakor, were arrested for attempting self- immolation in front of the State Geology Department at the Udhyog Bhavan.

Jashvant Solanki alleged that

since 2013 illegal mining was going on at the grazing land (gauchar land) in the village. He and other villagers took up the matter with the district collector and other officers frequently and re-

quested to take action against those carrying out illegal mining.

“But no one either stopped the illegal mining or took action against those involved in it,” he said. They had even complained to the state geology head in writing, but to no avail.

Solanki said since their representations at all levels were not yielding any results, they decided to immolate themselves before the head office and had come down all the way from central Gujarat to Gandhinagar for this.

But before they could implement their decision, the police arrested them.

Ahmedabad: A Gujarati businessman in the UAE has helped more than 700 people return to Gujarat during the Covid pandemic. The efforts of Bharat Joshi, who settled in Dubai 16 years ago, have complemented the Central Government’s Vande Bharat programme.

The programme facilitates the homecoming of Indians stranded abroad because of the pandemic. Joshi, 44, has till date arranged four chartered flights to ferry people back to Gujarat.

He and his friends, Kunjan Pansuriya,

Bharat Joshi

Dharamdev Thakore and Pratap Kuchhadiya, are also helping people register with Indian embassies in the UAE for Vande Bharat flights.

Using a travel agency, Joshi booked four chartered flights to Ahmedabad from the UAE. Two flights, on June 18 and June 23, brought back 175 passengers each from Ras Al Khaimah.

NEW CONTROVERSY?

HC puts brakes on GST’s anti-profiteering probe powers 

Court has ordered that GST’s antiprofiteering investigations should not go beyond products under probe

Darshan Desai A h m e d a b a d : T h re e years of GST roll-out notwithstanding, a new issue has arisen after a recent Gujarat High Court ruling that the GST Department’s anti-profiteering investigations should be restricted only to products in question and not the entire list of products sold by the company.

While this may have put questions over the powers of

the anti-profiteering system under the GST framework, the high court directive would come as a major relief for the industry that had been raising issues of corruption during investigations.

The issue has been created with the ruling of the high court that, “The respondents are directed not to inquire as far as products other than the complained products are concerned.”

BIG RELIEF

Gujarat High Court.

The current system of anti-profiteering investigations allows the authorities to take suo moto cognizance to initiate investigation for not just the complained products but other products also, which are being sold by the same brand.

It now seems that the Centre will have to step in to provide clarity on whether anti-profiteering authorities have the rights to investigate all products apart

from the one under the complaint sold by the same brand or company or not.

The Gujarat High Court was hearing a case of Sapphire Foods India, a franchisee of Yum Brand operating KFC & Pizza Hut stores, where it was alleged, following a complaint from a customer that benefit of tax rate reduction from 18 per cent to 5 per cent had not been passed on by the franchisee on certain products.

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09

AHMEDABAD, FRIDAY JULY 3, 2020

DIE FOR DENIM City First brings to you the history of denim, the styles and enduring fashion statement that it makes, plus a few tips and tricks to make it last for a really long time, making it look like it’s still brand new! look to whatever it is used in.

The style ‘denim-on-denim’ is always a big hit, but there is something you need to keep in mind if you’re going for this stylemake sure both the types of denim aren’t of the matching texture/colour; make sure you vary the colour of both the pieces.

Owning a denim item in your closet is an absolute must, and taking care of it is extremely essential. City First brings you a few tips on how you can take of anything you have in a denim fabric, and it would look as new as ever.

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

D

enim, which is also known as the ‘Fashion Garment’ has been in trend ever since it came into existence, which was during the 18th century. It was later hyped in the 19th century, when Levi Strauss, a German-born American businessman founded the first company to manufacture blue jeans. Denim has made its place in the fashion industry not just as jeans, but also as shorts, jackets, shirts, skirts, dungaree, hats, jeggings, cloth face masks, dresses, belts, handbags, and so much more.

With different uses comes different textures.

There are various types

of denim fabrics, like raw denim, stretch denim, crushed denim, acid-wash denim, poly denim and many more, that eventually gives a different

n

Make sure to wash it in cold water- It helps in maintaining the colour and makes it look brand new after every wash.

n

Let it dry naturally- Using dryers to dry off pieces of denim is a bad idea; they are natural enemies of the fabric. Let them dry naturally.

n

Don’t wash the fabric too often: Washing it often will just end in giving the fabric a faded look. Make sure to wash it once every 10 wears, so as to maintain the colour, as well as maintain the fit.

n

Avoid ironing: In case there are any creases, make sure not to iron it. The creases will go away naturally once you wear the item.

n

Store them properly: Make sure to place them in your wardrobe, tucked in a hanger. That is how you can ensure a good life of denim.

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

10

365 Days: Why The Netflix Movie Is So Controversial Netflix’s erotic drama 356 Days presents the story of a woman falling for the Mafia boss who kidnapped her — here’s why it’s so controversial!

N

not. The experience left the young man to take over the “family business” — and obsessed with the beautiful face he saw moments before the attack. When he finally “finds” the woman, Laura, he kidnaps her for a year so that she’ll fall in love with him.

365 Days is a guilty pleasure romance movie filled with unbelievable events, unintentionally hilarious dialogue, and very little actual plot; however, the narrative issues aren’t the reason why the film has attracted controversy. Rather, the movie’s depiction of Massimo’s treatment of

FA CE OF TH ED AY

etflix’s erotic thriller 365 Days (365 DNI) has proven to be a controversial movie for the streaming platform. The feature film is based on a Polish novel by cosmetologistturned-author Blanka Lipi ski, who reportedly wrote her own novel series inspired by the success of 50 Shades of Grey. Netflix’s 365 Days adapts the first novel in the series, introducing audiences to the problematic relationship between Laura Biel and Massimo Torricelli. The movie became available on Netflix in June 2020.

Directed by Barbara Białow s and Tomasz Mandes, 365 Days is a too hot to handle film offering softcore thrills for audiences.

The story centers around Laura, a tough executive with a weak heart and a lame boyfriend. She is kidnapped during a birthday trip in Sicily by Mafia boss Massimo, who has been fixated on her for the last five years: after noticing her on a beach, he and his father were both shot. Massimo survived, but his father did

Laura — and her response to that treatment — have lead some reviewers to condemn the movie for glorifying domestic abuse and perpetuating rape culture.

365 Days tries to present titillating scenes that far too often cross the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Massimo is more than a dominant alpha male: he is actively a predator. Not only does Massio kidnap Laura, but he frequently abuses her — both emotionally and physically. He infantilizes her, orders her around, and — despite his frequent claims of not being a monster, and

that he won’t touch her unless she says yes — repeatedly gropes, caresses, and generally manhandles Laura without her consent. As Hedy Phillips notes in Popsugar, the gender dynamic this movie celebrates is deeply troubling: “The more TV shows and movies run with abusive relationships, the more it normalizes them, and the more people think it’s OK not just to abuse others but to stay in abusive relationships.”

These interactions are by their very nature not consensual because Laura is being held against her will.

What is perhaps most disturbing about 365 Days is the manner by which the movie frames Massimo’s at times horrifying actions as sexually thrilling, implicitly excusing his abuse by suggesting that Laura really wants it, and/or deserves his treatment. In one scene — which accidentally echoes Matt Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior —

Source: https://screenrant.com/365-days-dni-netflix-movie-controversial-why/

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Amenability makes you very likeable in your circle.

Home makers will make their spouse feel special and will cater to their every need.

You will accomplish something that seemed impossible to achieve at first. You always make healthy choices of food.

Apportion of unexpected profits amongst the investors must be done by you with utmost honestly.

Your efficiency and accuracy in business has taken you to the heights where people can only dream to reach. These days you are trying your best to complete office work.

Splurging should be avoided at the current moment. You can expect some rich clients contacting you for the services that your business provide and if you get successful in impressing them they will turn into your permanent clientele list.

Meticulous approach in business will be quite beneficial for you. Your business partners will give full cooperation in making the business stand again and there may be challenges but remember you will get back to the same position and success zone where you were before.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Perspiration is important for you so spend moderate time at home in exercising and getting that stubborn fat out of the body, these are the time when its very important to remain fit.

You will see an improvement in earnings and this will motivate you to work harder.

Voluptuary displays fascinates you but now is the time to take your mind away and focus on new avenues in life. Be prompt in delivering your best in office as now is the time you need to work harder than ever before. You benefit from someone else’s fate.

Arrears will find their way back and you will take a sigh of relief. You need patience in your professional life and also remember one thing very clearly that is to not expect from everyone or rather no one. Take initiatives to help those in need as that brings joy.

Plunging into property business will be an outstanding idea in long terms and it will fill your pockets with money in coming times.

Deliver your best in office work and if not now, you will be definitely rewarded in the future. Parents’ company makes you happy.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Litigation in business shall be avoided for your own good. In long term your positivity will bring lot os happiness on family front. Bachelors may feel eager to get married with their lover, must not wait and should go ahead with your gut feeling. You will come closer to realising your dreams.

Tranquility is all you want but your kids and spouse are in mood for some fun today. You walk on righteous path and make sure to not let even other go astray. People love you for your honesty and straight forwardness. You will see progress, healthwise.

Mulish behaviour won’t be entertained at home so keep yourself in check. You may see withdrawal symptoms if you trying to get rid of any kind of addiction and once you over come it, you will be really happy. You have harmony at home and nothing can shake it away.

Demurring nature isn’t a problem until or unless your professional life demands otherwise. Today is a very good day to make money, incase if you have a shop try and get there early as you will be surprised by the number of the customers.

Shifting residence can be delayed.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ABHISHALI SANGRAL, Model

Massimo locks Laura in a room with him and refuses to let her leave, despite her repeated pleas. He then wrestles her onto a bed, ties her up spread eagle so that he has “access” to her, molests her, then forces her to watch him receive oral sex from another woman. In another scene, after Laura rejects his sexual advances in the shower and turns to leave, Massimo grabs her roughly by the neck and pulls her violently towards him; the non-diegetic music suggests the act is exciting, but the image would be more suited to a horror film.

Unfortunately, despite it’s 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, 365 Days became one of Netflix’s most-watched properties shortly after its release.

Hopefully, many audiences see through the movie’s cheap thrills and recognize the toxic nature of Laura and Massimo’s relationship — otherwise, audiences can expect more stories like this in the future.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

DOBARA

Bell Bottom

POOCHO!

J

with Akshay

ust a few days back, Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor were snapped together at the office of Pooja entertainment and on Thursday, the official announcement regarding the film Bell Bottom came in.

Vaani Kapoor took to social media to share the news with everyone that she will be headlining ‘Bell Bottom’ with Akshay Kumar. Taking to social media, Vaani shared pho-

T

hrough a powerful campaign #DobaraPoocho, actor Deepika Padukone on Tuesday urged people to be a little more attentive towards their loved ones and repeatedly inquire about their life struggles and mental health issues.

The 34-year-old actor, who is known for her mental health foundation - The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLF) - took to Instagram to post a video that preaches checking up on close ones suffering from depression and other ailments. The video features four separate stories wherein a close friend or a family member of the person suffering from depression is seen constantly asking the patient to speak up and discuss their problems.

The hashtag of ‘Dobara Poocho’ stresses at urging people to repeat inquiring about the mental well being of the person despite the person’s assurance of being fit and fine. It also throws light on the fact that most people struggling through such issues do not come out due to the stigma around the issue.

In the caption of the post, Padukone is seen re-stressing on the need to be more sensitive towards the emotional needs of the close ones of an individual. “#DobaraPoocho Now more than ever we need to be sensitive and support the emotional needs of those around us...#DobaraPoocho #MentalHealthMatters,” the ‘Chhapaak’ actor wrote.

—Agency

NEPOTISM TO

For good!

L

TROLLING

N

epotism has been prevailing in Bollywood ever since the news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely demise. It has been a hot topic of discussion and everyone is brimming with an opinion about the same. However, Saif Ali Khan recently shocked the netizens by calling himself a victim of nepotism. In a recent webinar, he stated, Saif Ali Khan “There is inequality in India that needs to be explored. Nepotism, favouritism and camps are different subjects.

Even I have been a victim of nepotism but nobody speaks of that. I’m happy to see more people from film institutes come to the forefront.”

‘Jawani Janeman’ actor’s comment about the N word didn’t go well with the netizens and he paved the way for memers to troll him. On his comment a user wrote, “Saif Ali Khan, son of actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, says that he has been a victim of nepotism. I think I have seen everything now. Ab to maut aajae, gham nahin.” In fact, netizens even called him out over winning National Award for his romantic comedy Hum Tum against Shah Rukh for Swades. —Agency

SURPRISED TENNIS FANS

K

Lili Reinhart

ate Middleton surprised Wimbledon fans with a heartwarming tribute after the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to Coronavirus. The Duchess of Cambridge recorded a special video to mark what would have been the opening day of the two-week-long tennis tournament, Wimbledon 2020. Tennis fan Kate, who has attended the tournament most years since becoming a royal, provided a moving voice over for the footage, which was shared on the official Wimbledon Twitter account, paying tribute to the fans and reminding that the Championship will make a triumphant return when the time is ‘right’.

The Duchess says, ‘350 days, 14 hours and 12 minutes between the Kate Middleton last ball hit and when the next was meant to be. Over the years your support has shaped this historic event. No matter the time of day or the names on the scoreboard, you have always been there, come rain or shine. This year sadly though things are very different, but we will bide our time until we sit on the edge of our seats again and celebrate again. So, when the time is right and we open the gates, we will be back again.’ The Duchess watched Andy Murray won the men’s final in 2013 and 2016. —Agency

...her post

tos with Akshay and also expressed how excited she was for the film. Bell Bottom is an espionage thriller from the 80s era that stars Akshay and Vaani.

Taking to Instagram, Vaani announced that she will be seen in Bell Bottom with Akshay.

Not just this, Vaani also expressed her excitement to be a part of this project with Akshay. She wrote, “Super Super Thrilled & Excited for this one !!

Teaming up with the one & only Sir Can’t wait. Let’s get this started.”

Vaani expressed how excited she was about the film.

—Agency

Deepika Padukone

ili Reinhart has apologised for sharing a topless picture of herself as a misguided effort to seek justice for Breonna Taylor. The 23-year-old actress tweeted that she was sorry if she offended people with her now-deleted Instagram post. “I’ve always tried to use my platform for good. And speak up about things that are important to me,” she wrote in one tweet, emphasizing that she had good intentions. “I also can admit when I make a mistake.” The ‘Riverdale’ star’s apology comes after she shared a photograph of herself barefaced and seemingly bare-naked on her Instagram on Monday, alongside the caption: “Now that my sideboob has gotten your attention, Breonna Taylor’s murderers have not been arrested. Demand justice.”

—Agency

11

Vaani Kapoor

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

12

FASCINATING CREATURE SPEAKUPS

I had my fair share of difficulties in riding scooty because I am a short heightened person but the sense of freedom while riding that beauty was worth those difficulties. Cut to today, I still love riding scooty more than any other vehicle mainly because of its flexibility of parking it anywhere or because of its time-saving nature in comparison to its counterparts.

—NIKITA RAMCHANDANI

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

S

he fascinates me. She seems to be a creature from another planet almost. Fearless, she seems to forge her path, a creature of the skies. She is seen often, comes in many hues, shades and forms but the basics remain the same.

Yes, I am talking about the ‘girl on the scooter’. She is certainly fearless, moves about sans helmet usually, with hair flowing behind her and on her face which she will try to remove with one hand, carelessly, while in motion.

She is not too fond of traffic rules, in eight cases out of ten the ‘men in uniform’ do not stop her. Not that I blame them, I mean who would want to spend a half-hour trying to handle a crying

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

girl. Yes, the tears which might have some connection to a certain water animal flow fast and furious. Tears have two effects on the ‘men in uniform’, they either melt the hearts or scare them. Either way, it’s easier to wish a problem away then handle it head-on. And if somebody is cruel enough to stop her and take due legal action, out comes the cell phone. The hapless brother or boyfriend is called away from his classes or work to ‘handle’ it. So, free from she moves on.

They sometimes fly in groups too. She is quite fond of riding in the centre of the road talking to another one of her species. Now, I am sure they are discussing the solution to Corona pandemic but please there are some brainless humans like us on the road too who cannot fathom the problems of t h e world a n d j u s t want to reach from point A to point B, pref-

erably in one piece. Because God forbid if one of them falls in front of your vehicle even if you did not touch her, you are a goner. Let it be that the reason was that there was a strong wind and she had to handle the dupatta flying behind, who cares? We can bleed to death on the road and nobody will even come to throw a band-aid but let ‘her’ fall and there will be a crowd. Five boys will help her up, three will dust her clothes, two will pick up her things, one will lovingly straighten her scooter and all of them will give you dirty looks. Things might get ugly if you don’t look contrite enough and try to read the law that she was coming from the wrong side or you had given the indicator or she just turned without any notice. These are all very inconsequential things and nothing to do with her rules, so keep quiet.

So, the fascination continues, from far. I keep my eyes peeled on the road as if I am in enemy territory.

Any better suggestions?

—Inputs from Rajasthan & Gujarat

When I first shifted to Jaipur, it was not easy travelling in buses and other local transportation; but I never had an option for the first 3 years. Then I finally got a scooty and became independent in every way. Moving anywhere in Jaipur became easy and I felt a lot better. I managed so much on my own only because of having a two-wheeler.

—ISHA BHATIA It’s an experience to drive your vehicle, be it a scooty or car. It’s not just about driving a scooty, but a sense of independence. In a city like Ahmedabad, if you’re stuck in traffic, it takes hours to move with a big vehicle; but with scooty, it’s easier and saves time. I’ve been driving for the last 12 years, and I love it.

—ASHKA SHAH Earlier I used to take cabs or autos. But after starting driving my Scooty, I realised what I was missing and in a city like Ahmedabad, where commuting takes hours due to the traffic, scooty made my life easy and saved a lot of time.

—AMISHA JOSHI

WHAT’S HAPPENING! —FILE PHOTO

Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal with wife Kesar Devi and daughter Dr Banarasi Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal’s birthday falls on Thursday as per his marksheet, though he celebrates it on 19 November which he shares with his daughter, Dr Banarsi. His family which has been at his bedside at Medanta hospital, Gurugram throughout his illness, prayed for him and thanked all the people who greeted him on this day. Dr Banarsi informed that he is steadily getting better. His well-wishers celebrated the with grace and simplicity by feeding cows and birds as they prayed for his quick and complete recovery and early return to Rajasthan.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Doctor’s Day, Geetanjali Medical College And Hospital, Udaipur organised a celebration program, where all the doctors were honoured

by GMCH CEO, Pratim Tamboli. In the context of Doctor’s Day, the CEO of GMCH said that every year we congratulate the doctors but on this Doctor’s Day, we want to salute all the doctors of the world because they are our only saviours in time of this pandemic.

RAJASTHAN: Under the Rotary District 3054 Team Commit, Virtual Installation Ceremony was organised by Rotary Club, on Wednesday, where the new District Governor of Rotary District 3054, Rajesh Aggarwal and his team took the oath via video conferencing, along with setting a target of planting 1.5 lakh saplings.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Doctor’s Day, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur and Gurdwara Sachkhand Durbar, Sikh Colony, Udaipur, inaugurated the Geetanjali Charitable dispensary. The purpose of this dispensary will be to provide treatment to patients of OPD and generic medicines to the needy people.

RAJASTHAN: An online Rakhi and Lifestyle exhibition ‘Aarunya 2020’ organised by the Indian Circle of Moms is going to be held on 6 July.

On the 3rd anniversary of GST, The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) organised an e-GST Day Celebration on Tuesday. The commemoration began in the presence of the Chief Guest, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, where he appreciated all the initiatives taken by the ICSI during the lockdown for the growth and development of its members and students.