First India-Ahmedabad Edition-07 December 2020

AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

P5 OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW

WEST BENGAL GOVT DISTANCING ITSELF FROM RULE OF LAW: DHANKHAR 17°C - 34°C

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 13

227 FALL SICK IN ANDHRA, OFFICIALS SUSPECT WATER CONTAMINATION

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FARMERS’ AGITATION GETS POLITICAL COLOUR!

Cong, TRS, AAP, DMK join hands to embarrass Modi GRASSROOTS Kavita Pant New Delhi: As the farmer agitation intensified with a call for nationwide strike (Bharat Bandh) on December 8, by farmer unions which have been protesting on Delhi’s borders for 11 days, the Opposition too rallied behind them announcing to join in their protest to put pressure on Centre for repealing the farm laws.

In what may be called as a move to embarrass PM Narendra Modi, the Congress, TRS, DMK, AAP, RJD, SP, the newlyminted People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration in J&K, and a collection of Left outfits come together.

Meanwhile, Actor Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam stated that it will take part in the ongoing protest.

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PAWAR TO MEET PREZ ON DEC 9 Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind on December 9 over the ongoing farmers’ protest against agrarian laws, the party said here on Sunday. NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the former Union agriculture minister will apprise Kovind of the situation in the country in the backdrop of the protest. The meeting comes on the day of the next round of talks between the farmers’ representatives and the Centre after the previous round ended inconclusively on Saturday. NCP had staged a walk-out in Rajya Sabha when the three farm bills were introduced in September.

VIJENDER TO RETURN KHEL RATNA OVER FARMERS’ ISSUE A man fumigates at Singhu Border where farmers stage a protest against farm law, in New Delhi on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

BENIWAL’S RLP LENDS SUPPORT TO FARMERS, THREATENS TO EXIT NDA COALITION The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, on Sunday extended its support to the farmers’ agitation. RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal in a video message posted on Twitter said that he will also take a call on its support to NDA after December 9 if the government does not solve problems faced by the farmers.

Vijender Singh, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said on Sunday that he will return his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award if the demands of the protesting farmers at the Delhi border aren’t fulfilled. Singh, who is from Haryana, is the latest in the line of sportsmen, artistes and activists from across the country—majorly from the key protesting states of Punjab and Haryana—to have thrown their weight behind the “Delhi Chalo” protest, which entered its 11th day on Sunday.

GEHLOT to back farmers’ bandh Rahul Gandhi has been an ardent supporter of farmers says the Rajasthan Chief Minister Kartikey Dev Singh

Jaipur: Ahead of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called out by farmer organizations on 8th December against the new agri laws passed by the central government, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Sunday, assured that the Congress supports ‘Bharat bandh’ on favor of the farmers.

Taking to micro blogging site Twitter, Gehlot said that former party chief Rahul Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Gandhi

Agra Metro: PM to 17 volunteers given Russia’s Has the Guptavirtually inaugurate Sputnik V vaccine in Pune Khedawala conflict taken a new twist? construction works AMC’s OSD in charge of COVID-19

First India Bureau New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the construction of the Agra Metro Rail Project (AMRP) on December 7 at 11.30 am through video conference.

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries will also attend the event that will be held at 15 Battalion PAC parade ground in

Agra. Agra Metro project comprises two corridors with a total length of 29.4 km and connects major tourist attractions like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra with railway stations and bus stands.

PM had, on March 8 last year, inaugurated the Agra Metro project along with the commencement of commercial operations of Lucknow Metro on the entire 23 km long NorthSouth corridor from CCS Airport to Munshipulia.

—ANI

Pune: A total of 17 volunteers have been administered Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine at a Pune hospital as part of the human clinical trials, doctors said on Sunday. Sputnik V vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

As per reports, India has purchased 100 million doses of the candidate from Russia.

“17 healthy volunteers were administered Sputnik V vaccine in the last three days as part of human trials,” Dr SK Raut, Head of Clinical Research Department of Noble Hospital, said. The inoculation process began on Thursday, he added.The selection of volunteers was done as per laiddown norms as they need to be healthy. —PTI

AMARINDER SEEKS PRIORITY VAX FOR PUNJAB FROM PM

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, seeking priority allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine on account of its higher mortality rate than other states.

PFIZER SEEKS EMERGENCY VAX USE NOD IN INDIA

QUEEN TO BE AMONG FIRST TO GET VAX IN UK

New Delhi: Pfizer India has become the first pharmaceutical firm to approach the Drugs Controller General of India seeking an emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine in the country. It is to be noted that Pfizer India’s parent company Pfizer has already got emergency-use clearance in the UK and Bahrain.

Queen Elizabeth, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, are expected to be among the first to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, whose first consignment has arrived in the UK and is set to be administered first to those above the age of 80 from Tuesday.

Leading figures such as the Queen taking vaccine is expected to help overcome anxieties.

efforts has gone on leave, but is it really because of a backache?

MLA Imran Khedawala

ACS Rajiv Gupta

First India Bureau

cords state that Gupta has taken leave due to back pain. However, sources in Gandhinagar say he was reprimanded by Deputy Chief Minister and Gujarat’s Health Minister Nitin Patel for his attitude. “Patel scolded him for acting too bossy, even before elected representatives,” one person who is familiar with the issue told First India.

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Ahmedabad: Barely two days after MLA Imran Khedawala wrote to state Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi asking for a privilege motion against him, Rajiv Gupta--the Officer on Special Duty appointed to lead the city’s efforts to curb COVID-19--has taken some time off from work. Official re-

has been an ardent supporter of farmers and every Congress worker stands with him.

“Congress party supports Bharat bandh in favour of farmers on 8th December. Turn to P6

Muslim clerics back CM Yogi’s new law Vishal Srivastav Lucknow: The goodness of the newly framed law against forceful conversions in Uttar Pradesh is now gradually seeping into the Muslim community.

On a brighter note on Sunday, a number of senior Muslim clerics called for supporting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s move against the forceful religious conversions.

The clerics have come out in full support of Yogi government’s call to put an end to forceful marriages in the name of religion and have issued directives to Qazis to not solemnise marriages that do not have consent from either of the family members of the bride and groom-to-be.

Turn to P6

In Yogi’s regime, Hindu-Muslim bury hatchet in Ayodhya Both communities refrain from any show of strength on Sunday, on occasion of Babri anniversary Vishal Srivastav Lucknow: Sunday was ‘just another day’ in Ayodhya. The Hindus and the Muslims went out for their routine chores just like they would, on any given day.

On a chilly morning, the Pundit Tea stall near the Ram Janmabhoomi had a veteran Muslim discussing with

a Hindu seer about the upcoming Ram Temple and how lavish it was going to be. The two have been knowing each other for quite some time now and would have tea together at the shop.

This isn’t just a oneoff incident in Ayodhya rather Hindus and the Muslims, seemed to have moved away from

THE VERDICT On Nov 9, 2019, the Supreme Court had ordered the Government of India to create a trust to build the Ram Mandir temple and form a Board of Trustees within three months. The disputed land is to be owned by the Government of India and subsequently transferred to the Trust after its formation. The Court ordered the entire disputed land of area of 2.77 acres to be allocated for the construction of a temple while an alternative piece of land of area of 5 acres be allocated to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque at a suitable place within Ayodhya. The Court ruled that the 2010 Allahabad High Court’s decision, division of the disputed land was incorrect.

the tainted past.

“Kya rakha hai saab in baaton mein, sab bhai hi to hain

hamare,”said the Abdul Raees who too was present at the tea stall.

Though there was

quite a huge deployment of security forces including the paramilitary forces but there

seemed no need for it at all, especially to the locals. “What has happened, has happened,

we move on,”said Ramdhari Singh who works at a nearby grocery store.

On Sunday, it was the 28th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid that fell approximately four months after PM Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for Ram Temple after Supreme Court verdict.

Members of both communities also decided to refrain from observing any kind of event to mark the anniversary.

Previously, Muslims used to observe the day as “Yaume-Gham” (day of sorrow) by displaying black flags.

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

02

What does the ACB complaint against Dr Malhotra mean?

The Anti-Corruption Board.

Left to right: Kalol MLA Baldevji Thakor, Rajya Sabha member Ami Yajnik, Senior leader Arjun Modhvadia, Gujarat in-charge Rajiv Satav, senior leader Bharatsinh Solanki, GPCC president Amit Chavda, Bhiloda MLA Anil Joshiyara, and working president Hardik Patel.

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

CONGRESS STAGES PROTEST

in support of farmers in G’nagar Event saw participation from state party leaders First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The state unit of the Congress staged a protest in Gandhinagar to extend its support to agitating farmers in Delhi. The opposition party said it firmly believes that the three Agriculture Acts brought by the BJP-led NDA government are against farmers’ interests and will break the spine of farmers.

The protest, held at Satyagrah Chhavni in Gandhinagar, was led

by Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Chavda and state in-charge Ra-

Left to right: Gandhinagar MLA CJ Chavda, Rajya Sabha member Ami Yajnik, and Senior leader Arjun Modhvadia addressing the gathering, Gujarat in-charge Rajiv Satav, senior leader Bharatsinh Solanki, GPCC president Amit Chavda and Bhiloda MLA Anil Joshiyara.

jiv Satav, and attended by senior leaders, party MLAs and MPs. Addressing the gathering, Satav said that the Centre’s decision to pass all three bills “like Hitler ran his regime”.

He added, “These laws are not going to benefit farmers. They

will, however, benefit big players and corporate houses that have interests in contract farming and in commodities trading.”

Former Union Minister and former GPCC president Bharatsinh Solanki--who has returned to active politics

after spending two months in the hospital with COVID-19--also participated in the protest.

“The biggest loss will be to our marginal farmers, who will be left with no other option but to become farm labourers. To protect the interest of

Congress party workers joined the protest in support of farmers.

such small and marginal farmers, the Congress has come out to oppose these laws,” Solanki said.

“One of these laws talks of giving farmers a free hand to trade commodities across the state and even outside the state, but that will only benefit big farm-

ers, as small farmers don’t have the deep pockets required to store and transport their products to far distances. So, where is the question of an inclusive agriculture policy?” asked former leader of the opposition and former GPCC president Arjun Modhvadia.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, several concerns have been raised regarding the handling of the pandemic in both the city and the state. The city’s Anti-Corruption Bureau filed a case against a private doctor who was found to be acting on behalf of a public health officer.

Ahmedabad has acquired more than a hundred private hospitals across the city with 50% reservation of government quota and paying to the hospitals, where patients get free treatment.

CIMS hospital on Saturday raised evidence of misconduct against Dr Naresh Malhotra, a medical practitioner at a private hospital. He was allegedly found working on behalf of deputy health officer Arvind Patel. Malhotra allegedly demanded a 10% commission to clear CIMS hospital bills worth Rs1.5 crore.

Dinesh Sharma, former leader of the opposition, raised many questions about the requisition of private hospitals. “The Congress

—FILE PHOTO

party is pressing for the use of government infrastructure to treat COVID-19 patients.

However, our demands have been ignored. All we are saying is that government facilities are better equipped,” asserted Sharma.

Congress has been claiming that there is a scam in private hospitals requisition, and that has been proved by the ACB. The scam is well managed by BJP and officers,” alleged Sharma.

According to an AMC official, “In this case, the alleged AMC doctor was not seeking money for himself. He and many other health officers are under extreme pressure from deputy municipal commissioner CR Kharsan for these kind of activities.”

Meanwhile, before the case was reported

by ACB, municipal commissioner Mukesh Kumar had asked the vigilance department to conduct an audit of bills and expenditure related to COVID-19. Kumar, who had a bitter experience with the road scam of 2017, will not tolerate any more such scams during his tenure.

Collateral damage won’t keep Guj farmers CM dedicates `241 cr from extending support to brethren in Delhi drinking water projects First India Bureau

Himmatnagar: As farmers in north India continue to oppose the three agriculture acts implemented by the Central Government, the sector in Gujarat has been hit as well.

With state borders closed at many places, horticulture exports are bearing the brunt of the strike. However, even this economic hit has not persuaded farmers here to draw back; on the contrary, more farmers are supporting the strike.

Vadali taluka of Sabarkantha district is a hub of butter bean production. While Kesarganj and Bhandval lead in butter beans, Kanjeli, Kothan, Bhajpura and Chulla are close behind in terms of production.

About 200 farmers in Kesarganj have been growing only butter beans for the past 15-20 years, with each farmer booking a monthly profit of Rs4 lakh-Rs5 lakh from sales both within Gujarat and exports to other states, especially Delhi.

However, the strike, coupled with the closing of all national highways connecting to Delhi, has now affected the export of butter beans to Delhi from Gujarat.

As a result, stocks of

He reiterated the state’s commitment to meeting the water needs of every man, woman & child First India Bureau

Gujarat produced 1,32,29,700 metric tonnes of vegetables in 2019-2020.

the commodity are now piling up in Gujarat’s villages, risking wastage and rot. Further, prices have crashed from Rs800-1,000 per 20 kg to Rs120-180 for the same quantity, Haresh Patel, a farmer from Kesarganj told First India.

However, Patel adds that farmers like him are willing to bear major losses for one season, if it means longterm benefits for all farmers. Daily-earnings in the village has plummeted from Rs5-8 lakh to Rs1-2 lakh. Yet, Patel and like-minded farmers are determined to join the national bandh call given by the 35 farmers union.

—FILE PHOTO

STATE FARMERS ANNOUNCE NEW UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION AS ‘COMMON PLATFORM’

T

he state’s farmers have decided to form an umbrella organization Gujarat Khedut Sangharsh Samiti (GKSS), to serve as a common platform for farmer’s issues. The announcement followed a meeting in support of farmer’s rights and in opposition to the Farmer’s Bills, organized by Jayeshbhai Patel of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj and Dahyabhai Gajra of the Gujarat Kisan Sabha in Ahmedabad on Sunday. GKSS has announced its support for the bandh call given for Tuesday.

Members present at Sunday’s meeting felt that this Bill/Ordinance will affect not just farmers but also small businesses and the working class for the following reasons. In addition, GKSS announced that the following: Satyagrah Chhavni in Gandhinagar The Bill would end up encourage after seeking relevant and required hoarding and finally impact permissions on December 11. consumers in a serious way.

The bandh called for Tuesday would be supported in full force by GKSS. Protests would be held all over Gujarat by various member organizations on December 10.

A Kisan Sansad would be held at

GKSS will send farmers to join the protest in Delhi from December 12.

A short and succinct Patrika would be made by GKSS to inform the farmers about the contents of the Bill/Ordinance.

Palanpur: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Sunday dedicated four group water-supply projects at Dhanera taluka in Banaskantha district. These projects have been completed at an investment of Rs241 crore.

While addressing the gathering, Rupani said that these projects will serve drinking water to 119 villages and cover a population of 3.91 lakh in Dhanera, Deesa and Dantiwada talukas.

The state is also planning to lay a pipeline from Dharoi dam to meet the drinking water requirement of villages in Danta and Palanpur talukas, for which the state has allocated Rs71 crore.

Once the project is completed, it will cover the water needs of 151 villages. Another

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at Sunday’s event in Dhanera taluka.

Rs500 crore project is underway which, once completed, will carry water from the Narmada river to 156 villages in Deesa and Lakheni talukas.

The state government is committed to provide drinking water at the doorstep of people. For this, it plans to lay down pipelines for tap water in each village. “No one will be left out and once the project is completed neither women nor men will have to walk to fetch drinking water,” Rupani said.

Later in the day, the

chief minister also laid down the foundation stone for the Navada-Chavand bulk water pipeline at an event in Amreli. When completed, this project-slated to cost Rs644 crore--will meet the drinking water needs of 36 towns and 1,298 villages, a government press release said.

Rupani said that even during the pandemic, the state government has continued its development work. Works worth Rs17,000 crore have taken place across the state in the past four to five months.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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Another blaze in A’bad: No casualties but 20 shops gutted First India Bureau Ahmedabad: It was a wretched Sunday morning for at least 20 shop owners in Bapunagar, as a gas cylinder explosion gutted their shops— yet another blaze in a city that has been grappling to ensure that fire safet norms are followed correctly. Although the shop

owners sustained huge financial losses, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

According to reports, all the stores on the ground, first and second floors at Shyamshikhar complex were gutted in the fire.

The shops that caught fire included mobile phone repair shops, mobile shops, a jewel-

The blaze is believed to have been caused by a kettle that caught on fire in a tea shop.

Man accused of killing cousin commits suicide

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

lery store and an electronic items showroom.

Babulal Patel, an eye witness and a security guard working in the complex, said that the fire broke out at around 7 am. He says the incident took place after a kettle caught fire in a tea stall in the complex.

Around 15 fire fighters were called in to douse

the fire. The fire was doused after two hours.

Many shop owners in the complex were angry after BJP MLA Vallabhbbhai Kakadi said that the fire was an accident and it was nothing serious, sources said. An angry shop owner, on condition of anonymity, alleged that the MLA either owns the complex either partially or wholly.

Special squad set up to keep an eye on mask violators

Rajkot hosp fire toll at 6 after another victim dies

Bharat Pithia was a schoolteacher in Naswadi town in Chhota Udepur district

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Surat: In an effort to sensitize people to the threat of COVID-19, the state transport department of Valsad has deployed a special squad to ensure that individuals wear masks in public. The team on Sunday surveyed and intercepted those who were not wearing masks in public. They did not however fine them for their first offence, an official said.

The team was set up to make people aware about the importance of wearing masks in public, said an official.

The move is being made as an added step to attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The squad checked all bus passengers travelling into the city, officials said, adding that ticket conductors have also been instructed to encourage passengers to wear masks.

Rajkot: Nine days after five people died due to the fire in Rajkot’s Uday Shivanand Hospital, one more victim died early on Sunday morning.

With this, the death toll of the hospital has gone up to six. The survivors from the blaze had been shifted to Gokul hospital.

The fire that broke out at the Uday Shivanand hospital in the wee hours of November 27th had left three patients charred to death. Two more had died on their way to Gokul hospital.

Another patient, Thavarbhai Maheshwari was critically injured and shifted to Gokul hospital, where he died on Sunday morning.

The deceased is a native of Gandhidham and had been admitted to Uday Shivanand hospital for COVID-19 treatment.

The accident was of such serious nature that

Vadodara: A teacher accused of murdering a school principal and injuring his family members, has committed suicide by jumping into well. On Sunday, Chhota Udepur police fished out his dead body and sent it for a postmortem.

Bharat Pithia, a teacher with a school in Naswadi town of Chhota Udepur district had been accused of stabbing his cousin, Meraman Pithia, and injuring Meraman’s wife and daughter and fleeing the scene. Chhota Udepur police had launched an investigation on Saturday.

On Sunday, on receiving information that a body was floating in an abandoned well in Haripura village, police personnel went to the site accompanied by a rescue team and fished out the corpse. The body

Naswadi police preparing to fish out the teacher’s body.

BACKGROUND

was later identified as that of Bharat Pithia, the accused in the principal’s murder.

According to the com-

plaint lodged at the Naswadi police station by Meramen’s wife Kajalben, Bharat—who lived across the road from the

IN MEMORIUM

principal’s family—had stormed into the house on Saturday morning.

He first stabbed Kajalben and her daughter, after which he had stabbed Meraman numerous times. All three were rushed to Primary Health Center, where the doctor had declared Meraman brought dead from his considerable number of stab wounds. .

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Haresh Jhala

Rajkot’s Uday Shivanand Hospital.

—FILE PHOTO

NEGLIGENCE

the state government first constituted an inquiry led by an IAS officer, then assigned the inquiry to a retired High Court judge under the Inquiry Commission Act. It had also announced compensation of Rs4 lakh to the families of each of the victims. Further, the Supreme Court took suo motu action in the inci-

dent and had asked for a report from the state government.

The Rajkot Police Commissioner had also constituted a Special Investigation Team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Five doctors were arrested, but the VIP treatment they received at the police station sparked controversy.

Jump in new nCov cases down to 1,455 First India Bureau

People paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 64th Death Anniversary, at Sarangpur crossroad, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Ahmedabad: After constantly reporting more than 1,500 cases every day for the past few days, Gujarat reported 1,455 cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, according to the daily bulletin issued by the state government’s health department.

With this, Gujarat has seen 2,18,788 cases of COVID-19 infection since March.

On Sunday, the state recorded 17 new deaths, with Ahmedabad accounting for the maximum (10). Surat witnessed three deaths,

1,455 cases, 17 fatalities take state tally to 2,18,788 cases, toll to 4,081

—FILE PHOTO

while Amreli, Botad, Rajkot, and Vadodara each had one. The state has now lost 4,081 people to COVID-19.

Ahmedabad also re-

ported the highest number (306) of daily cases, while new cases also emerged in Surat (235), Vadodara (184), Rajkot (164), Kheda and

Mehsana (56 each), Gandhinagar (53), Panchmahal (36) and Patan (33) among others. There are currently 14,695 active cases in Gujarat, with 87 on ventilators.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association has extended its support to CIMS hospital, which filed a complaint in the Anti-Corruption Bureau against two doctors.

WHOLESOME DEVELOPMENT

Face-lift: Nagichana has home toilets, tap water & CCTV cameras Sarpanch builds on President Kalam’s message to bridge rural-urban divide First India Bureau Junagadh: At a time when many villages lack proper infrastructure, Nagichana in Junagadh district has grown in to a model village, even winning the Aadarsh village award for 2019 from Prime Minister

Narendra Modi. All streets are lit with LED lights, CCTV cameras make streetss safe and every house has a home toilet.

This sea change is the result of the efforts of one man: Sarpanch Masribhai Pithia.

Following in the foot-

steps of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who advocated the need to minimize the ruralurban divide, Pithia’s first priority was to construct a primary school building on par with anything the best private schools had to offer.

Like Kalam, Pithia believes that bridging the urban-rural divide will help villagers stay in their villages since they will not have to migrate for the sake of ur-

The new panchayat office in Nagichana.

ban infrastructure and thus will not be a burden on urban infrastructure.

Pithia received tremendous support from school principal Dilil Nandainiya and the villagers.

DEveloped across two acres of land, the four-storey school building cost Rs75 lakh. The school, which has already seen 100% enrolment, has nine classrooms and a computer labratory. A

local resident Jagdish Pithia donated five computers to the school, and the school’s teachers have also come together to pay for another two.

The sarpanch and villagers have even developed a model to ensure that the school, which has facilities for students up to Class XII, gets an annual income of Rs60,000.

Nagichana has a population of 3,257.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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04

COVID MANAGEMENT OF UP GOVERNMENT: A LESSON TO LEARN VISHAL SRIVASTAV BUREAU CHIEF FIRST INDIA, LUCKNOW

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UP Medical Supplies Corporation ensured that procurement did not become a barrier to covid response efforts. Indeed, it was due to clear command lines and uncluttered instructions that helped build up a strong health ecosystem that could deal with such a medical emergency with consummate ease. As of now, all 75 districts of the state have at least one or more Level-2 Covid hospitals having provisions of ICU beds

he Covid management endeavour of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the Uttar Pradesh government to receive huge international recognition in the form of high praise by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The global health body has showered praise on Uttar Pradesh Government for its COVID-19 management strategy that helped in getting control over the coronavirus pandemic.

TEAM-11: In a novel initiative, later to be emulated by other states, the CM set up a Team-11 comprised of 11 senior officers, to review the measures taken by the government in the management of Covid. Each officer was given a specific task to be carried out by him in coordination with other officers. CM used to take meetings of Team-11 on a daily basis.

The prompt monitoring in such a manner helped the state control the spread of Corona better than any other state in the country. The officers/team was keeping in view the issues public was likely to face because of Covid restrictions. For example in the Agriculture sector, it was for the government to ensure hasslefree harvesting and in the Industrial sector, it was to be looked into that allimportant industries like those dealing with medicines, medical equipment’s were run without any difficulty.

Similarly, attention was paid to those units which were dealing with essential commodities. As a pro-active protective measure, the CM had sealed the inter-state and international borders of the state even before the countrywide Lockdown was imposed. In order to mobilise the required funds to supplement health services, the UP government created the ‘COVID Care Fund’. Bed capacity in the COVID hospitals was increased.

These steps were instrumental in keeping as low as 1.3 percent lockdown after Janta Curfew. The Janta Cur-

few was imposed countrywide on the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 22. The PM had termed it as the best preventive measure. Moving ahead in this direction, UP Chief Minister was the first to announce a three-day Lockdown but not before ensuring that the citizens get all necessary items during this period.

The Centre declared a nationwide lockdown from midnight of March 24. During this also, the state government catered to all the needs of the people ensuring they do not have to move out from their houses. The government arranged a doorstep delivery mechanism for this. Emphasis on testing COVID sample testing is the only way to identify a Corona-infected person.

Initially, Uttar Pradesh did not have sufficient testing facilities. Imagine, the state had only one testing lab and the testing capacity of just 60 on March 22.

It was all about how you muster and marshal your available resources. The result is evident by the fact that there are over 234 labs in the state including 131 government labs that conduct testing of about 1.75 lakh samples every day. Uttar Pradesh has already set a record of having conducted a total of over 1.30 crore tests. The state government was prompt to engage itself in an expeditious purchase of equipments like PPE kits, High Flow Nasal Canula (HFNC), Ventilators, Oxygen cylinders to provide ICU care.

The training to doctors and paramedics, which had started early in March itself, was also intensified. Contact tracing Uttar Pradesh government’s strategy about contact tracing of the Covid patients, which also won the WHO recognition’, came handy in controlling the menace and established as an effective preventive measure. An aggressive contact tracing strategy using Rapid response teams and ensuring testing for almost every identified close contacts of Covid positive patient came across as a defining tool in the whole Covid management process. Thousands of surveillance teams were formed to conduct surveys of the houses, acquaintances, and contacts of the patients.

In fact, an unprecedented surveillance effort to identify Influenza-Like Illness(ILI)/ Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) patients using multiple rounds of the house to house visit by frontline workers was afoot to identify potential threat perception in terms of Covid. he problem was the absence of exclusive Covid hospitals. Again, the challenge was accepted and now the state of UP has a total of 674 Covid hospitals inclusive of 571 Level One Covid Hospitals, 77 Level Two Covid hospitals, and 26 Level Three Hospitals. The total availability of beds in these hospitals has been increased to 1.57 lakh no mean achievement considering that the population size of 24 crores is being catered to and this number was zero in March.

UP Medical Supplies Corporation ensured that procurement did not become a barrier to covid response efforts. Indeed, it was due to clear command lines and uncluttered instructions that helped build up a strong health ecosystem that could deal with such a medical emergency with consummate ease. As of now, all 75 districts of the state have at least one or more Level-2 Covid hospitals having provisions of ICU beds.

ICCC Identifying the sturdy mechanism of monitoring is the need of the hour, the UP CM directed to set up the Integrated Control and Com-

mand Centre (ICCC) at the office of the Relief Commissioner at state headquarters.

The similar ICCCs were also established at every district headquarter to be manned by the concerned District Magistrate and Chief Medical Officer (CMO). ICCC became the focal point of Covid management from contact tracing, ensuring home visits by the health team for patients who were put in home isolation to ensuring testing for all eligible persons. Besides, the continuous dialogue with Covid patients was maintained through the CM helpline, all patients were given a call to know their wellbeing and any issue faced at the hospital level. Apart from these, the streamlined ambulance services, the introduction of online OPD services, telemedicine, and tele-consultation facilities were the other logistics employed by the government during Covid management.

Yogi government’s decision to hire trains to bring the migrants was yet another master stroke. As many as 1660 trains were run to bring in migrants from various places. The condition of the migrant who returned from various places of the country was also pitiable. The government started by ensuring basics like food and water to migrants. The community kitchens were opened which catered to migrant labourers and destitute persons. About 6.75 crore food packets were

distributed to them during the Lockdown period.

The returnee migrants, who were sent to home quarantine, after a proper medical check-up, were given ration kits with a 30-day ration. As a rare goodwill gesture, every migrant being sent home was given sustenance allowance of Rs one thousand each along with the ration kit. This helped them go through the initial uncertainty of relocating themselves. In addition to this, about 53 lakh construction labourers, street vendors, carriage pullers, and daily wagers of rural areas were also given rupees one thousand each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The employers were persuaded to pay wages of the Lockdown period. The employers heard the government’s appeal and paid the wages to more than 5 million employees totaling more than Rs 2000 crore.

The ICCCs set up in every district became the ‘nerve centre’ of Covid response management. Manned by qualified Doctors, Administrators, Call Centre Operators 24X7 \ Every needy is being taken care of The government started distributing free food grains in April, irrespective of the place from where the ration card was issued to the beneficiary. The government paid a two-month pension in advance to as many as 86,71,781 beneficiaries under the scheme of old age pension, destitute pension, Divyang pension, and pension for

Trump’s idea of ‘war in space’ would be a catastrophe

I

n 2019, United States President Donald Trump declared “space is the new war-fighting domain”. This followed the creation of the US Space Force and a commitment to “American dominance” in outer space.

Other space-faring nations, and those who fear the acceleration of an arms race in space, were greatly concerned. At the latest meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, states noted with alarm that “preventing conflicts in outer space and preserving outer space for peaceful purposes” is more necessary than ever.

The election of Joe Biden as the next US president and Kamala Harris as vice-president suggests there is cause for hope. The

future of space may look more like the recent launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission to the International Space Station.

Onboard were US and Japanese astronauts, who joined Russian and US crew already living aboard the ISS. As the Falcon 9 rocket soared into space, the collaborative, cooperative, and commercial nature of space was once again clear for all to see.

COOPERATION, NOT CONFRONTATION The incoming Biden-Harris administration appears more interested in international cooperation, and much more cognisant of the challenges of climate change, pandemics and other global issues. A carefully calibrated space policy can do much to address “terrestrial” challenges, while still allowing for many positive

space activities.

Since 1967, human activity in space has been guided by the universally accepted principles embedded in the Outer Space Treaty. This has ensured we have had no military conflict in space, and re-

quired the exploration and use of space “for the benefit and in the interests of all countries”.

Any alternative vision of the future of space is dreadful to consider. Rhetoric about the inevitability of “war in space” makes

such conflict more likely and risks a “tragedy of the commons” in space.

Any space war would have no clear winner. In a complex, globally shared arena such as space, it is important that states abide by accepted rules and es-

tablished practices.

The US has great scientific and technological advantages and a robust and competitive commercial space sector. Instead of seeking dominance, it can better serve the world (and itself) by focusing its leadership on harnessing space for the benefit of all humankind.

In a promising sign, Biden and Harris’s NASA review team is composed of an outstanding group of space scientists as well as a former astronaut.

The current administration re-established the National Space Council, which is chaired by the vice president, and this has reinvigorated American investment and leadership in space exploration. This includes an ambitious plan to return to the Moon under the terms of the Artemis Accords.

lepers. Also, in the month of June, the pension was paid under PM Poor Welfare Scheme Package. 35818 Gram Sewaks were paid a total of 225.39 crores during the Lockdown. More than 17,64 lakh MNREGS labourers were given jobs in 53487 Gram Panchayats, as much as 4508. 25 crore honorarium was paid to them by creating 22.90 crore man-days. Incidentally, UP tops in the country on this count as well. Jobs to all The government made MNREGS job cards for returnee migrants and also of those who desired to work in the villages. It was ensured that they get work close to their homes.

The skill mapping of about 40 lakh labourers was done so that they get jobs according to their skill set.

A labour employment commission was set up for the social and economic security of labourers. Over 8 lakh MSME units were made functional where over 51 lakh labourers are employed. Rs 10744 crore of the loan was distributed among 4.35 lakh industrial units under Atmanirbhar Yojana. In addition to this, over 5.81 lakh new units were started and the loan worth over Rs 15541 crore was distributed under Atmanirbhar Yojana and over 25 lakh jobs were created.

The loans worth Rs 2447 crore were distributed online to 98743 units on a single day on May 14, 2020. The government came up with a new StartUp Policy to motivate youth towards self-employment. About 50,000 persons are expected to get direct and one lakh persons, indirect employment from this. During the on-going Unlockdown phases, things are being tried and are being streamlined.

Low death rate and high recovery rate The death rate due to Covid has come down to 1.3 while the recovery rate has shot up too close to 90 percent.

In fact, the ultimate recognition to the Yogi government came from none other than the Prime Minister himself.

“The vast preparations made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister saved at least 85,000lives, something unthinkable before 2017”- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s deft handling of Corona crisis on June 26,2020.

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Indore Municipal Corporation also came up with a presentation on setting up of waste-to-energy plants. Happy to share that IMC has consistently eliminated garbage dumps, ensured 100% household-waste segregation and converted waste to usable products, like compost and fuel.

Adhir Chowdhury @adhirrcinc Request you not to make it a prestige issue Sh @narendramodi Ji. The Govt must bow to the supreme will & aspirations of the people and accordingly repeal the Farmer’s law at the earliest, as the livelihood of millions of farmers is at stake #FarmerProtest

Spiritual SPEAK

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

—Proverbs 16:16

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

Vol 2 Issue No. 13 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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FARMERS’ PROTEST DAY 11

DELHI TRAFFIC REMAINS AFFECTED

DUE TO CLOSED BORDERS

05

‘Bengal govt distancing itself from rule of law’

THE TRAFFIC POLICE SAID JHATIKARA BORDER IS OPEN ONLY FOR TWO-WHEELER TRAFFIC New Delhi: As the ongoing farmers’ agitation entered the eleventh day, the traffic movement remained affected in the national capital region on Sunday morning with multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states still closed for commuters.

Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday appealed to citizens to take alternative routes as along with Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders, Tikri, and Jharoda borders are closed for all kinds of traffic movement. NH 44 is also closed from both sides.

The traffic police said Jhatikara border is open only for twowheeler traffic, while the Badusarai border is open only for light motor vehicles like cars and two-wheelers.

Commuters coming from Haryana are advised to take alternate routes via Safiabad, Saboli, NH8/Bhopra/ Apsara borders/ Peripheral expressway. —ANI

‘I STAND WITH BJP&FARMERS; GOVT THINKS OF FARMERS’ BETTERMENT’

Children play cricket on a blocked Highway where farmers are protesting against the newly passed farm bills at New Delhi - Gazipur border near Delhi on Sunday. —PHOTO BY ANI

SHARAD PAWAR THREATENS LUDHIANA VILLAGE PREPARES CENTRE TO RESOLVE ISSUE SOON SWEETS, SNACKS FOR FARMERS Mumbai: NCP chief and former Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar accused that the Centre passed the agricultural laws in haste and warned that if the situation is not resolved soon more farmers from across the country will join the protest. “Farmers from Punjab and Haryana are the main producers of wheat and paddy, and they are protesting. If the situation is not resolved soon, we will see farmers from across the country joining them, “ Pawar said. —ANI

Modi govt will take J&K’s dev to new heights, says min Jammu: Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday asked militants to leave guns and pick up a pen as the Narendra Modi government is committed to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of development.

However, he warned those who did not shun the path of violence to get prepared to be wiped “all-out”.

“J-K is the crown of India and our government is sincere to take the development in the region to the top as well.

We will ensure electricity, water and better roads and no load shedding and darkness which is the hallmark of Congress and Gupkar gang,” Hussain, who is the BJP national spokesperson, told reporters here.

The former Union minister, who has been camping in Kashmir valley for the last 15 days in connection with the ongoing District De-

“J&K is the crown of India,” Shahnawaz Hussain also added.

GUPKAR GANG NEVER LET YOU VOTE: SAYS UNION MINISTER SMRITI IRANI Srinagar/New Delhi: Union minister Smriti Irani has accused the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration of not extending voting powers to refugees from Pakistan, who have pride in the Indian flag.

“When the Gupkar gang had power, they never gave the right to vote to the refugees. But PM Modi understood that the families who chose Hindustan over Pakistan should get the right to go and vote,” said Ms Irani, one of the star speakers of the BJP for the DDC local body elections. —ANI velopment Council elections, reached Jammu on Sunday morning.

“PM Narendra Modi wants a pen in the hands of local youth Leave the gun and pick

PALGHAR MAN KILLS FATHER DURING FIGHT WITH WIFE Palghar: A man was arrested in tribal- dominated Jawhar in Palghar district for allegedly killing his 65-year-old father with a sickle after a dispute, police said on Sunday. Accused Sunil Potinda was arguing with his wife in their home in Zap village in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday and his

father Shivram tried to mediate, a police official said while informing about the incident. “An enraged Sunil picked up a sickle and hit his father, killing him on the spot.

The accused was arrested on Friday and has been charged with murder,” the police officer added while saying further probe in the case is underway.

up the pen as anyone indulging in terrorism will face (operation) all out,” he said, lauding security agencies for busting a plan of terrorists. —PTI

Ludhiana: In a small village of Punjab’s Ludhiana, Baddowal, local villagers are busy filling up packets with sweets and snacks prepared from pure desi ghee to be delivered to agitating farmers sitting on the borders of Delhi. “We plan to send a total of 300 kilograms of Khoya pinnis (laddoos) and namkeen matthis prepared in pure desi ghee by families in Baddowal village,” Lakhbir Singh Badwal of the Namdhari Sangat said. —ANI

Many leaders took money from me: Saradha boss Kolkata: Saradha ponzi scam prime accused Sudipta Sen has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, alleging that several influential people, including prominent political leaders, have taken “financial advantages” from him.

In his letter, a copy of which is with the PTI, Sen, who is still undergoing trial in the multicrore ponzi scam case, requested the CBI and the state police to initiate action against all those who have taken money from him.

“Respected sir and respected madam, I, Sri Sudipta Sen, owner and director of Saradha Group of companies, want to say that there are many influential persons have taken huge financial advantage from me. No action has been taken.” —PTI

‘POLLS TO URBAN LOCAL BODIES IN MP LIKELY IN JAN’ Sagar: Elections to the urban local bodies in Madhya Pradesh are likely to be held next month, state minister Bhupendra Singh said on Sunday. A notification for the urban bodies’ polls is expected to be issued by the end of December, he told reporters. “These elections are likely to take place in January next year. Mayors of the urban bodies will be elected directly by the people as the government has already brought an ordinance in this regard,” the Minister for Urban Development and Housing said.

Chandigarh: Amidst the ongoing farmers’ protest against the farm laws, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Gurdaspur Sunny Deol on Sunday said that he stands with his party and with farmers.

He also said that the central government always thinks of the betterment of farmers.

Taking to Twitter, Deol posted a picture of his statement on the ongoing farmers’ protest.

“I request the whole world that it is matter between our farmers and the government.

Do not come between them, because both will find a way after discussions. I know that many people want to take benefits from it and are creating problems. They are not thinking of farmers.

They may have their own agenda,” he said.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar

Kolkata: West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday alleged that the TMC government has distanced itself from rule of law and the soul of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is getting deeply hurt.

“I am deeply disturbed, concerned, worried and pained. The governance in the state of West Bengal is getting away from the path of the Constitution. It is distancing itself from rule of law. The soul of B R Ambedkar is deeply hurt,” Dhankhar said at a programme held to pay homage to Ambedkar on his death anniversary.

“High time @ MamataOfficial to ensure governance in accordance with constitu-

tion and render police & administration “politically neutral”. CS & DGP @WBPolice non responsive stance ignoring lawful accountability, letter & spirit of constitution is fraught with serious consequences,” Dhankhar tweeter later in the day.

TMC Lok Sabha member and spokesperson Saugata Roy reacted by saying that Dhankhar is not following ethics.

“He cannot make such statements in public every day. If he has anything to say about the government he can write to the chief minister or call her up.

What he is doing is not right. There is nothing wrong with law and order in Bengal. The governor cannot see the reality,” said Roy.

IN ALL ITS GLORY...

Villagers ride past a mustard farm on the outskirts of Amritsar on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

FIR OVER DEMONSTRATION IN PROHIBITED AREA

Arrest me if you can: Tejashwi to Nitish Patna: RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav has hit out at the Nitish Kumar government, daring it to arrest him for protesting in support of farmers’ demands to repeal the centre’s three contentious laws. A case has been filed against Yadav and 18 other leaders from

Tejashwi Yadav

DRI SEIZES GOLD WORTH RS 2.25CR FROM BIHAR; ONE ARRESTED Patna: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized over 4 kg of smuggled gold bars, valued at Rs 2.25 crore, from a Delhi-bound train at Patna station and arrested one person in this connection, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, DRI sleuths conducted a search operation in a coach of DibrugarhDelhi special train on

Friday and recovered 26 gold bars, he said. “The person, a resident of Sangli district of Maharashtra, was arrested as he could not provide any valid document for gold biscuits seized from his possession,” the official said. During interrogation, he revealed that gold bars were smuggled from Myanmar, he said.

various constituents of the Grand Alliance-led Opposition in Bihar for protesting without permission amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Reacting to the charges, Bihar LoP Tejashwi Yadav called his allyturned-foe, CM Nitish Kumar, a ‘coward.’ “The

government of Bihar, led by a cowardly CM, has lodged an FIR against us for raising voice of farmers. If you have any real power, then arrest us. If you do not, I will surrender myself. I am ready to be hanged for farmers,” Yadav tweeted. —PTI

12 NAXALS SURRENDER TO POLICE IN VISAKHAPATNAM Visakhapatnam: Twelve active Naxals surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Police in Chintapalle area of Visakhapatnam district during PLGA week. The Naxal members surrendered before Chintapalle ASP Vidhya Sagar Naidu and belonged to villages of Pathrudigunta of the Galikonda area, Panasalabanda, Akuluru, and Ramagadda. Naidu said, “The militia have become vexed with the barbaric acts of Maoists such as branding people as informers and killing them based on mere speculation.”

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Over 227 fall sick in AP, water contamination suspected

The number of people falling sick with this illness is increasing in Eluru and around 140 persons were admitted and discharged since last night.

New Delhi: A suspected incident of water contamination is believed to be the reason behind falling ill of at least 227 persons in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

However, officials are not ruling out viral encephalitis. The incident happened in Eluru town; to be specific in four societies of Ashok Nagar and Arundhatipet. Water contamination was reported from

these two areas just 10 days back. Those taken ill include even children as young as just four years old, reports said.

“The number of people falling sick in Eluru is increasing. Around 140 persons were admitted and discharged since last night till this morning. Their symptoms include nausea and fainting. The reason for this sudden increase is not yet known,” Eluru Government Hospital

MYSTERY ILLNESS

superintendent Dr Mohan told ANI. About 100 additional beds have been made available at

the government facility in a precautionary measure. Blood samples of those fallen ill have been collected to find the reason behind the illness, said District Collector R Muthyala Raju, according to sources. A door-to-door survey is being done to check for water contamination in affected areas, he said. Teams of doctors from Vijayawada are on their way to Eluru to help the medi-

cal teams there and to probe the case of illness, according to Health Minister Kali Krishna Srinivas.

A medical officer said the patients had suddenly started vomiting and complained of burning sensation in eyes while some even fainted. Some of them were brought to the Eluru hospital in critical condition but are all now safe, he said, according to the report.

NEW CASES START TO FADE Total COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 4,09,689, according to health ministry New Delhi: The ministry said that the present active caseload comprises 4.26% of the total positive cases, and new recoveries have led to a net decline of 6,393 in the total active cases, the ministry said in a statement.

“India’s total active caseload has dropped below 4.10 lakh (4,09,689) today. This is the lowest after 136 days. The total active cases were 4,11,133, on July 22,” it said. The ministry said that for the past eight days, the daily new recoveries recorded in the country have been more than

Veteran actress Vijayashanthi quits Cong, to join BJP today

Hyderabad: Veteran actress Vijayashanthi has quit the Congress & will join BJP on Monday. She is expected to meet Home Minister Amit Shah after joining the BJP in New Delhi.

Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar has reportedly left for Delhi from Hyderabad.

Vijayashanthi had first joined the BJP in 1998 and was made the secretary of BJP's Women's Wing. During the Telangana separate statehood movement, she worked closely with TRS chief KCR.

AIRCRAFT FOR VACCINE DELIVERY

Healthcare workers in protective gear coming out from an ambulance as they leave after collecting swab samples.

the daily cases.

India recorded more recoveries than the new COVID-19 cases for the last nine days, the active coronavirus caseload dropped to 4.03 lakh (4,03,248) on

Sunday, the lowest in 138 days, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As many as 482 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Ten

PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his death anniversary on Sunday.

states/UTs account for 79.05 per cent of the new deaths. As many as 7,924 people have succumbed to the infection.

Maharashtra saw a maximum, 95, casual-

ties. Delhi and West Bengal follow with 77 and 49 deaths respectively.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

Kushwaha-Nitish meeting

‘CAA LIKELY TO triggers reunion buzz BE IMPLEMENTED FROM JANUARY’ Barasat: Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Saturday said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is likely to be implemented from January next year as the Centre and the saffron party are keen to grant citizenship to the large refugee population in West Bengal. The BJP national general secretary accused the TMC government of not being sympathetic to the cause of the refugees. “We are hopeful that the process of granting citizenship to refugees under the CAA will begin from January next year,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the party’s ‘’Aar Noy Anyay’’

(no more injustice) campaign in North 24 Parganas district.

“The Centre has passed the CAA with the honest intention of granting citizenship to persecuted refugees coming to our country from neighbouring nations,” he added. Reacting to Mr Vijayvargiya’s comment, senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim said that the BJP is trying to fool the people of West Bengal.

Patna: Amid buzz that former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may join hands again, following their recent meeting here four days ago, the RLSP chief on Sunday downplayed the speculations as "premature guesswork".

Kushwaha said he had a cordial meeting with Kumar earlier in the week but denied

hammering out a deal for the homecoming.

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of a reunion in future.

Political circles had indicated that Kushwaha may merge his Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) with the ruling Janata Dal (United), and he would subsequently be inducted into the state cabinet as a member of the legislative council.

Committed to fulfilling Ambedkar’s dreams: PM New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his death anniversary & said his thoughts & ideals continue to give strength to millions. “Remembering the great Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation,” PM Modi tweeted. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a Dalit icon, passed away in 1956.

Yellow alert avalanche warning in higher reaches of J&K: DMA

AMIT SHAH, JP NADDA PAY TRIBUTES TO BR AMBEDKAR

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah & BJP President JP Nadda paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar.

"Tributes to Baba Saheb. He gave a futureoriented and inclusive Constitution to the country & paved the way for progress, pros-

perity & equality in the country," Home Minister said. While Nadda said, "The nation will remain indebted to Babasaheb who played important role in showing the way of social harmony and social reform in the country," Nadda said.

Terrorists attack joint party of Police, CRPF in Srinagar

Srinagar: A yellow alert avalanche warning has been issued for higher reaches of several districts in Jammu and Kashmir by National Disaster Management Authority (DMA).

These districts include Rajouri, Ramban, Kishtwar, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora &

Ganderbal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain and snow over the region for the next few days. “Under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance, scattered to fairly widespread precipitation very likely over Jammu and Kashmir, from De-

cember 7 to 9. Isolated heavy rain/snow also very likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad on December 8,” the IMD tweeted. On November 9, 5 passengers were rescued by Border Roads Organisation after a snow avalanche hit Zojila Pass.

Srinagar: One Police personnel and a civilian were injured on Sunday after terrorists attacked a joint party of Police and CRPF at Sazgaripora, Hawal here in Srinagar.

The area has been cordoned off to nab the terrorists and both the injured were shifted to hospital. “Terrorists

fired indiscriminately upon a police party at Sazgaripora #Hawal in which 01 police personnel Farooq Ahmad Chopan and 01 civilian Muneer Ahmad got injured.

Both the injured were shifted to hospital. The area has been cordoned off,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

officially improves,” the person remarked.

Interestingly, after Gupta went on leave, K Kailashnathan on Saturday met with Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar at the River Front office for more than an hour.

ered. Both the sides have now agreed to meet again on December 9.

The joint forum of trade unions that has supported the farmers’ stir includes Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) and Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC).

signature campaign, kisan and tractor rally.

He has been an ardent supporter of the farmers of country and every Congress worker stands with him in taking this cause of farmers to every corner of the nation,” he tweeted.

Gehlot then mounted scathing attack on the NDA and its policies, saying, “Due to the way the NDA government works, today farmers from all over the country have come on the roads and announced Bharat Bandh. The Modi government has blown all constitutional customs and democrat-

ic methods. Dialogue is most important in a democracy, but the new government did not talk to the state governments and farmer organizations on the new agricultural laws.”

He even questioned the role of Governor and President in the entire issue. “When the central government will not listen to the public in peaceful demonstrations, will not communicate with the opposition and national farmer organizations, the Governor will not send bills passed by opposition party governments to the President and the

President will not give time to meet CM of opposition party government, then how will the public express their feelings to the central government?”

FROM PG 1 Has the...

This was even before Gupta’s spat with Khedawala became public knowledge, this person added.

The person also said that there have been rumours in the power corridors of Gandhinagar that Gupta was likely to be asked to go on leave, just like former municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra did a few days before he was replaced

by Mukesh Kumar.

“Many of his actions were unreasonable and this did not go unnoticed. He even announced curfew without talking with the po-

lice department, thus forcing the deputy chief minister and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to issue a clarification,” the person further explained.

In addition, despite his tall claims that the COVID-19 situation was under control in Ahmedabad, more and more private hospitals have been requisitioned, including some outside city limits.

“Gupta was given the charge to control things.

Even in April-May, when the city had more than 350 cases on average every day, the administration did not

need more hospitals.

Now, the additional private hospitals are making a hole in the government’s pocket with no improvement in the health crisis,” the person also said.

Yet, Gupta’s position seems safe for now--at least until the term of the AMC’s elected wing ends.

“If there is an administrator for the city in absence of an elected wing, a senior officer-like the Chief Secretary--will take charge, and Gupta will have to leave. However, he is trying hard to retain his post until the pandemic

Farmers’ agitation...

To resolve the stand-off, an option to convene a special Parliament session is being considered, senior government source said. “It is not ruled out, but no decision has been taken,” the source said to a question if a special session was being consid-

Grassroots Gehlot...

As we know Rahul ji has been raising the voice of farmers through his

Muslim clerics...

The senior clergymen of the Islamic faith have issued a set of instructions to be followed by Qazis when officiating Muslim marriages. The Imam of Jama Masjid Subhaniya Takiya Kawaldah, Maulana Jahangir Ahmed Azizi, has said that Qazis should make inquiries about the prospective bride and groom.

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07

We need to worry about what’s happening on the largest island in the world

GREENLAND JONATHAN BAMBER PROFESSOR OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

G

reenland is the largest island in the world and on it rests the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere.

If all that ice melted, the sea would rise by more than seven metres.

But that’s not going to happen is it? Well not any time soon, but understanding how much of the ice sheet might melt over the coming century is a critical and urgent question that scientists are trying to tackle using sophisticated numerical models of how the ice sheet interacts with the rest of the climate system. The problem is that the models aren’t that good at reproducing recent observations and are limited by our poor knowledge of the detailed topography of the subglacial terrain and fjords, which the ice flows over and in to.

One way around this problem is to see how the ice sheet responded to changes in climate in the past and compare that with model projections for the future for similar changes in temperature. That is exact-

S

o what does that tell us about the future behaviour of the ice sheet? In 2013, a modelling study

by Faezeh Nick and colleagues also looked at the same “big three” glaciers (Jakobshavn Isbrae in the west of the island and Helheim and Kangerlussuaq in the east) and projected how they would respond in

is melting

If we continue along the current trajectory of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the Greenland ice sheet is very likely to start melting at rates that we haven’t seen for at least 130,000 years.

An island at the mouth of Upernavik Glacier on the northwest coast of Greenland, photographed during the September 2016 field campaign of Oceans Melting Greenland. Until 1950, this glacier had one outlet, or terminus, to the ocean. Now, it has melted and retreated up its fjord so far that it has several different termini. In this image, one terminus is at the upper left and another hidden by the rock wall at upper centre.

—NASA/JPL-Caltech

Greenland’s glaciers contain around 8% of the world’s freshwater.

—Jonathan Bamber, Author provided

Greenland is home to the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. If all that ice melted, the sea would rise by more than 7 metres.

different future climate scenarios. The most extreme of these scenarios is called RCP8.5 and assumes that economic growth will continue unabated through the 21st century, resulting in a global mean warming of about 3.7˚C above today’s temperatures (about 4.8˚C above pre-industrial or since 1850).

This scenario has sometimes been referred to as Business As Usual (BAU) and there is an active debate among climate researchers regarding how plausible RCP8.5 is. It’s interesting to note, however, that, according to a recent study from a group of US scientists it may be the most appropri-

Melting As Usual ate scenario up to at least 2050. Because of something called polar amplification the Arctic will likely heat up by more than double the global average, with the climate models indicating around 8.3˚C warming over Greenland in the most extreme

scenario, RCP8.5.

Despite this dramatic and terrifying hike in temperature Faezeh’s modelling study projected that the “big three” would contribute between 9 and 15 mm to sea level rise by 2100, only slightly more than what we

obtained from a 1.5˚C warming over the 20th century. How can that be? Our conclusion is that the models are at fault, even including the latest and most sophisticated available which are being used to assess how the whole ice sheet will respond to the next century of climate change. These models appear to have

a relatively weak link between climate change and ice melt, when our results suggest it is much stronger. Projections based on these models are therefore likely to under-predict how much the ice sheet will be affected. Other lines of evidence support this conclusion.

What does all of that mean? If we do con-

Greenland’s melting ice sheet has passed the point of no return

ly what colleagues and I did in a new study now published in the journal Nature Communications.

We looked at the three largest glaciers in Greenland and used historical aerial photographs combined with measurements scientists had taken directly over the years, to reconstruct how the volume of these glaciers had changed over the period 1880 to 2012. The approach is founded on the idea that the past can help inform the future, not just in science but in all aspects of life.

But just like other “classes” of history, the climate and the Earth system in future won’t be a carbon copy of the past. Nonetheless, if we figure out exactly how sensitive the ice sheet has been to temperature changes over the past century, that can provide a useful guide to how it will respond over the next century.

We found that the three largest glaciers were responsible for 8.1mm of sea level rise, about 15% of the whole ice sheet’s contribution. Over the period of our study the sea globally has risen by around 20cm, about the height of an A5 booklet, and of that, about a finger’s width is entirely thanks to ice melting from those three Greenland glaciers.

tinue along that very scary RCP8.5 trajectory of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the Greenland ice sheet is very likely to start melting at rates that we haven’t seen for at least 130,000 years, with dire consequences for sea level and the many millions of people who live in low lying coastal zones.

SOURCE: THECONVERSATION.COM

Remember, plans are good but you will only be remembered for what you did not what you planned.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

08

GUJARAT

1,538,550 6,71,37,639 1,40,590 96,76,801 4,081 2,18,788 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 47,734 DEATHS 18,52,266 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 7,924 DEATHS 5,54,944 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,856 DEATHS 8,93,006 CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 9,643 DEATHS 5,92,250 CASES

‘COVID-19 CRISIS PAVES WAY FOR RISE IN CHILD TRAFFICKING’

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,429 DEATHS 2,80,585 CASES

NEW DESTINATION!

Kailash Satyarthi’s NGO rescued 1,600 children from traffickers during 8 Covid months One of the biggest worries during the lockdown was the fact that the financial crisis of families will lead them to take loans unethically. This eventually increased the vulnerability of children and their families of being lured by traffickers with the promise of a better livelihood opportunity.

Shishir Awasthi New Delhi: The Covidinduced lockdown not only destroyed livelihoods of lakhs of poor people but also gave way to increased trafficking of children.

Expressing concern, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan said it had rescued over 1,600 children from “situations of exploitation” during the past 8 months.

“One of the biggest worries during the lockdown was the fact that the financial crisis of families will lead them to take loans unethically.

This eventually increased the vulnerability of children and their families of being lured by traffickers with the promise of a better livelihood opportunity,” Dhananjay Tingal, an executive director at BBA, said.

Thirteen-year-old Rajesh was one of the

—Dhananjay Tingal,

1,675 children rescued by them. He was trafficked from his village in Bihar to work in a garment factory in Gandhinagar in Gujarat, where he toiled for 12 hours a day, and stayed in a tiny room that he shared with six others like him.

Though they were promised payment, they were never given the promised amount. Be-

sides this, they just got half a day to rest every week and were under tremendous pressure to meet production targets.

Rajesh landed up in Gujarat and became a victim of trafficking after his parents, farm labourers, lost their jobs.

Moreover, his parents had taken a loan of Rs 20,000 before the lockdown to fix the roof of their house, but being

—FILE PHOTO

Executive Director, Bachpan Bachao Andolan

unemployed they were unable to repay.

It was getting difficult for Rajesh’s parents to feed a family of 11 and traffickers exploited the situation and for Rs 20,000, he was taken to Gujarat to work. He was rescued in July.

The story of Saad Khan,14, is no different.

There were 3 earning members in his family, but the pandemic in-

duced poverty forced Khan to search for work.

He and his family were lured by a trafficker, who gave them an advance of Rs 5,000 and promised work for Khan.

An advance by any trafficker often leads to bonded labour.

Khan was rescued in September while being transported to work at a bangle making factory in Jaipur.

Young girl commits suicide after engagement breaks up

A’bad teenager rescued from Pak abductors

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Surat: A girl studying in the final year of Bachelors of Commerce committed suicide by hanging herself at her residence on Sunday afternoon in Adajan area. From her suicide note, it seems that she was suffering from depression for some days.

Vishwa Patel’s suicide note states, “I don’t know why, but I am committing suicide, no one is responsible for my extreme step.” She was studying at the DRB College in the Vesu area.

Police officers said from the primary information it appeared that

Ahmedabad: In another instance of lawlessness in Pakistan, a case has been registered against 6 persons for allegedly abducting a 12-year-old girl from Ahmedabad in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and later forcing her to get married to a 45-yearold man.

Though the girl was recovered by police officials, the accused fled, police said. A local court had also chided the investigation officer for mentioning the wrong age of the victim as 17.

Meanwhile, the fa-

—FILE PHOTO

the girl’s engagement was recently broken from the boy’s side, after which she was in depression. Even family members were not aware of any other reason that might be troubling the young girl.

Forensic experts and police are investigating

the case. But primarily, the case has been registered as an accidental death. If some suspicious elements are found during the investigation, the police will lodge an FIR under the Indian Penal Code and start a fresh investigation in the case.

ther of the victim has appealed to higher authorities seeking action against the accused, and also complained of non-cooperation from the police department.

Earlier in November, a case of child marriage had surfaced in the Thul town of Sindh’s Sukkur despite a law outlawing such marriages put in place.

Prior to that, a 13-year-old Christian girl named Arzoo Raja was forcibly abducted allegedly by Ali Azhar, a 44-yearold man in Karachi, was converted to Islam and later married to her abductor.

Vadla Village, located some 20 km from Ahmedabad’s famous Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary, is a new home for winged guests, as thousands of Demoiselle Cranes, Brahminy ducks and other exotic bird species have arrived with the start of winter. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

HC, lower courts to be closed today in homage to judge

Retired RMO, a Covid duty volunteer, dies in harness

First India Bureau

Gujarat High Court

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court and subordinate courts in the state will remain closed on Monday on account of the death of Justice G R Udhwani, a High Court notification said on Sunday.

Justice Udhwani (59), the sitting High Court judge, tested positive for Covid-19 on November 19 and died at a private hospital here on Saturday.

The high court in a notification said a holiday is declared

—FILE PHOTO

on Monday in the Gujarat HC and subordinate courts as well as their offices in the state on account of the sad demise of Justice G R Udhwani.

A full court reference via video conference will also be held at the HC on Monday to offer him tributes.

Justice Udhwani, who hailed from Ahmedabad, was elevated as additional judge of the high court on November 12, 2012 and was confirmed as a permanent judge on July 10, 2014.

Surat: A retired resident medical officer (RMO) of the Old Civil Hospital died when he was on a self-inspired duty to attend to Covid-19 patients. He had retired 15 years ago.

Dr Mohan Gamit, 76, was deployed at the SMIMER hospital. He had volunteered to work for a Corona patient, stating that it gave him satisfaction to work for the needy. “If I die working for them, it will be worth it,” he would say.

He felt this urge after his cousin was hospitalized with Covid-19 and died. Gamit had been feeling guilty that he could not save his cousin despite being a doctor. On Friday he suddenly started vomiting.

He was taken to the New Civil Hospital where he was declared dead.

NEW HORIZONS

Amazon rules the roost in IIM-A’s 2nd cluster placements With firms like Amazon, Cloudtail, eShakti, Flipkart, Grofers and Prione, there were new recruiters like Walmart Global Tech and Purplle.com First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Amazon has emerged the top recruiter in the second cluster of the Summer Placement process for the PGP class of 2022 at IIM Ahmedabad that

saw participation of firms across 7 cohorts.

They included advertising & media, consumer electronics, consumer goods & durables, consumer services, conglomerates, retail B2B & B2C and pharma-health

care.

Of over 40 firms that participated, Amazon emerged the top recruiter overall with 14 offers.

Consumer goods & durables firms included regular recruiters like AB InBev, Asian Paints, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Dabur, HUL, ITC, Kimberly Clark, Mondelez, Nestle, P&G, Puma, Reckitt Benckiser, and Wipro Consumer Care amongst others. HUL

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, placements saw new entrants this time.

—FILE PHOTO

was the top recruiter here with 13 offers.

The consumer services cohort saw participation of regular recruiters like Tata Sky and Airtel. Airtel was the top recruiter in the Consumer Services cohort with 5 offers.In the consumer electronics cohort, firms like Samsung Electronics and Lenovo participated. Samsung Electronics made the highest number of offers in the

consumer electronics cohort.

The conglomerates cohort saw great participation from recruiters like Adani, Aditya Birla Group, Bajaj Group, JSW, Mahindra Group, RPG Group and TAS. Top recruiter in the Conglomerates cohort was TAS with 7 offers.

In the Retail B2B & B2C space, the institute had firms like Amazon, Cloudtail, eShakti, Flip-

kart, Grofers, and Prione. New recruiters in this cohort included Walmart Global Tech and Purplle.com. In the Pharma health care cohort, firms like Indigene, Stryker and Dr. Reddy’s participated.

New recruiters in this cohort included Cipla, Philips and Bayer.

The third cluster will be conducted on Monday.

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09

AHMEDABAD, MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2020

LEHENGA WITH TADKA

When it comes to Indian attire, you really cannot go wrong with a well-fitted lehenga; however, there are many ways to accentuate the beauty of your desi twopiece. I, for one, am dying to see ladies take their lehengas to the next level by carrying it in some smart and sassy way!

MITALI DUSAD

mitalidusad01@gmail.com

L

ehenga is not just a dashing ethnic outfit but also a versatile one and how one carries it is a whole different thing! Wearing the same type of lehenga can be pretty monotonous and boring. It’s quite easy to make your lehenga look unique and trendy in any event if you have an idea on all the possible ways you can carry it.

For bridal reception and parties, pairing lehenga with a crop top will stand out. If you like a comfy look, then teaming up a long jacket with a lehenga skirt can make you feel relaxed. If you simply down to earth and don’t want the ostentations that come with lehenga, then pair a simple plain skirt with a brocade blouse.

As you can see, the options are endless, City First brings you some amazing ways you

can carry your lehenga so that the attire adds more grace to your beauty!

Crop Top and Lehenga Skirt: Pairing a crop top or a long-sleeved jacket with the lehenga skirt is a beautiful type of fusion wear. You can ditch the blouse and the choli, and simply pair the lehenga skirt with a long slit top. This way you can give a new look to the typical lehenga and also wear the attire to a simple party.

Lehenga With a Belt: Using a belt along with lehenga is a perfect fusion style. This way you will not only look unique from the rest of the crowd but also your waist will look slimmer. This style is even coveted by many Bollywood celebs. Always choose shimmery belts as they complement the gorgeous attire.

Lehenga and Saree Hybrid: Lehengas and sarees are two traditional outfits and mixing them will produce gorgeous attire. You can wear your lehenga and then drape the dupatta like the ‘pallu’ of the saree. This saree-lehenga crossover would make you look unique and gorgeous.

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

10

BAND, BAAJA, BAARAT! AND... HAATHI MARIAM ABUHAIDERI thepersianladki@gmail.com

I

FA CE OF TH ED AY

t is wedding season; the pandemic hasn’t dampened the wedding spirit.

Neither should the absence of an animal.

Many bloggers create content about outfits, decor, and food. They often ignore some valuable advice, including that of engagement of animals in the baaraat. Well, not this blogger!

I love Indian weddings, and I look forward to attending them whenever I get a chance. The band baaja and baaraat, all sound so much fun! I have been part of many such baaraats, but each time I am also left saddened and disappointed. Given the subjects I have been writing about, you may have guessed correctly by now; that it is the part where the groom rides an animal (either a horse or an elephant) in

the baaraat that bothers me.

Since tradition is often cited as the reason we do what we do, I am sure there must be some reference to the link between riding an animal and lifelong happy marriage. Me being me, I decided to dig in deeper and find references to such rules in religion that is often what guides us. I hate to be the one breaking this to prospective grooms: Nowhere does it say that the groom must ride an animal in his baaraat!

Nowhere does it say the elephant brings good fortune to a marriage; nowhere does it say that a horse should endure loud music and gunshots; nowhere does riding an animal in a baaraat imply stature.

Yet our beloved grooms do it.

And they have every right to fulfill their childhood dream just as every woman does! And this is where the problem is. It isn’t education or financial stature. It isn’t caste or creed that determines our tradition. Grooms educated in the finest of educational institutions ride animals in their baaraat; grooms from

the middle class and less educated families also ride animals.

Royalty and commoners ride animals in their baaraat. It has nothing to do with formal education. And yet it has everything to do with an education rooted in ethos and compassion. It has everything to do with attitude.

The problem is the men are put in charge of planning the wedding and they walk in front of the groom and the animal. If the men walked alongside the

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

animal they would witness the tears and the pain the animal has to endure. It is not a pretty sight. It will break even the strongest men with a heart.

If you must have an animal at the wedding, I suggest you do something different. Different makes the wedding memorable and talked about! Here are a few things to consider.

The comfort of the animal: For one any animal working in a different environment

ARIES

TAURUS

Good health will keep you energetic the whole day today. You are likely to continue your exercise routine to stay in good health.

Moneywise, you will have enough to pay off a loan. Your sixth sense will prevent you from making a mistake at work.

Good financial management will help save money for spending on other major requirements.

You are likely to enjoy someone’s company today. A family member is likely to prove a great help around the house. Taking someone close seriously is important.

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

Financial worries become a thing of the past as a monetary issue is decided in your favour.

Unnecessarily worrying about health will serve no purpose. Nothing much may happen at work today, but you will need to be around. A fun time with family is foreseen.

An exciting time during a get together is envisaged.

You are likely to overspend on things which you don’t exactly need. Avoid junk food for the sake of health, as those not heeding may suffer the consequences.

Spouse may desire a change on the home front, so help him or her out.

Some of you may be gearing up to enter a new field on the professional front. Timely and correct decision will help you in saving a lot of money. Health drinks may not provide what they promise. Family appears responsive and eager to cater to your needs.

SAGITTARIUS Monetary condition will start showing signs of improvement. A business proposal presented by someone may seem exciting, but needs to be examined thoroughly. Health remains good, as you manage to regulate your diet well. You are likely to plan something with the family today.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

PRAJAKTA KOLI, YouTuber

should be entirely comfortable with the situation they are in.

Making sure they have an area that is their own, are kept away from unfamiliar or potentially threatening items such as bright lights or loud noises, and ensuring that your guests understand appropriate behavior around the animals is important.

Handle the handlers: Know where your animal is coming from and give their handlers special instructions. Most working animals are not treated well and the earnings from them do not benefit them. You must try to avoid supporting such owners.

Instead, spend some time with the animal owner and handler and ensure they understand that it is important for you that the animal be treated well.

Support an animal charity: You can have a designated area for your guests to interact with animals. Invite a local charity to bring in their animals. Ensure they have a comfortable spot and food. This encourages adoptions and compassion. And it also satisfactorily fulfills your dream.

AUG 24 - SEP 23

A conscious effort on your part will help boost earning. Good connections will help you further your interests on the professional front, but don’t bank too much on them.

Spouse may line up something special for you today. You can volunteer to accompany someone.

Friends, talk your friend out of it: The bride and the groom’s friends could try to talk him out of it. Of course this can only happen if they themselves understand the sentience factor of animals. I am hoping someone near and dear to the groom can be persuasive enough to talk him out of it.

If friends fail, you could always reach out me: Yes that is right, I can be quite convincing.

I may even get you to donate to an animal charity! Heck, I might even talk you into adopting an animal.

And better yet, here’s a suggestion to grooms this wedding season and many more to come.

Ditch the haathi and the ghoda.

Opt for a classy ride instead.

How about a Mercedes or an antique ride instead? I would also endorse a convertible!

After all, why must something auspicious as a new relationship begin with pain for another living being? If my groom insists on riding an animal at our wedding, I will divorce him even before we are married!

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Your good performance and hard work will make it easy for you to enter the promotion zone. A financial crunch being experienced by some will soon be over. Those not feeling too healthy may have to embark on the road to fitness. You will arrange a get together for close ones.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Go in for any important financial transactions today. You will manage to overcome temptations to retain good health. You will be able to tackle distractions and interruptions at work. A job on the home front will be possible, as you have the money now.

Career planning may be on the top of your mind. You may enroll in fitness training just to get back in shape.

Learn to value money, as splurging seems to be your second nature. Some of you may take the initiative to make the home front aesthetically pleasing. A property issue is likely to be resolved.

New opportunity to make money is likely to be seized by some. Health remains good, as you remain regular in workouts. This is a good day that will find you doing well professionally. Family may have high expectations from you, so don’t disappoint.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Good monetary decisions are likely to keep you financially secure. Those choosing a career must consult those already in the field.

Your calculations can go awry on the work front and put you in a spot. You may start an exercise regimen to counter workplace stress.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

11

Girls Like Me

GIRL GANG

Black Eyes Peas

T

he Black Eyed Peas and Shakira recently released a new music video for their collaborative single, Girl Like Me, that pays tribute to Latin women. “I want a girl like Shakira/Esa Latina está rica/I want a familia chica Que sepa vivir y que viva la vida,” In their respective verses, Taboo shouts out the highlights of Shakira’s career, “Your hips don’t lie, they rock me” — and Apl.de.pl referenc-

Alia Bhatt’s post

W

ith COVID-19 induced lockdown restrictions being eased, actor Alia Bhatt is chilling with her girlfriends - and their mothers too! The 27-year-old actor on Sunday took to Instagram and posted a picture with her ‘special’ girl gang. The capture features Alia Bhatt with her sister Shaheen Bhatt and close friends Anushka Ranjan, Akanksha Ranjan, fashion designer Masaba Gupta and their mothers Soni Razdan (Alia’s mother), Anu Ranjan (Akanksha and Anushka’s mother), and actor Neena Gupta (Masaba’s mother).

—Agency

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN’S TENET

WONDER WOMAN 1984

P

riyanka Chopra Jonas is back to filming for multiple projects across the globe and has currently made London her home. Taking to social media, Priyanka gave a shoutout to Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 1984 ahead of release. For the unversed, Warner Bros. Confirmed global release dates for Patty Jenkins’ directorial and announced that the ninth instalment in the DC Extended Universe will release in theatres and HBO Max simultaneously, according to Variety.

Sharing a fierce poster of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman avatar, Priyanka was all praise Priyanka’s post as she wrote, “She is a phenomenon! Just like the woman playing her!

Get it @gal_gadot! This looks amazing! #wonderwoman1984.” Gal Gadot was thrilled by PC’s wishes as she reposted the same on her Instagram Story with heart emojis.

—Agency

Poster of ‘Tenet’

Gal Gadot

es both Tejano icon Selena and Brazilian pop star Anitta. In the music video, the Peas rap around various largerthan-life set pieces, while Shakira dances and shows off her skateboarding skills.

Girl Like Me was featured on the Black Eyed Peas’ latest album Translation, released this past June. In August, the group performed at this year’s socially distanced MTV Video Music Awards.

—Agency

Shakira

Russo’s plans for Extraction No birthday

T

enet movie review: Christopher Nolan’s latest science-fiction epic is the sort of head-scratcher that feels like it’s talking down to its audience, not worth the many months of wait. You should be instantly suspicious of anyone who claims to have understood Tenet after having watched it just once. Heck, you should doubt their every word even if they say they’ve seen it thrice. Enigmatic to a fault and exhaustingly dense, Christopher Nolan’s latest sci-fi spectacle leaves you with the unshakable feeling that you walked into the screening 15 minutes late. Like the director’s previous smash hits — Inception, and to a lesser degree, Interstellar, Tenet demands repeat viewings, but crucially, doesn’t encourage them.

— Agency

Q

Stills from ‘Extraction’

RESPONDING TO TREATMENT

uickly after its release in April, Extraction became Netflix’s mostwatched original movie ever, and a sequel was promptly greenlit. Now, cowriter and producer Joe Russo, best known for directing the third and fourth Avengers movies with his brother Anthony, has given an update about Extraction 2.

In a virtual appearance at the CCXP, the Brazilian Comic-Con, he said that they intend on kicking off production on the film around the fall of 2021. “Chris is a busy guy so we have to figure out his schedule, but that’s the intent at the moment,” he said.

—Agency

SARA TURNS POET

S

ara Ali Khan has been channeling her inner poet on Instagram for a while now, and her penchant for the same continues even in her latest post. But this time, she also established fitness goals as she shared a workout video with fans that would give them the encouragement to hit the gym. Sharing her workout video, this is what the actor had to say- “When in doubt, You must workout. Push-ups and crunches, don’t lose count.”

— Agency

Rahul Roy

Sara Ali Khan

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

B

ollywood actor Rahul Roy, who suffered a brain stroke last week, is recovering. The 52-year-old actor, who is currently hospitalised, has reportedly started walking and is also doing physio exercises. “Rahul has started eating. He is on a light diet to begin with. There is a small clot that is still there. It will be dissolved with thinners. Of course, the entire process will take time but so far so good,” the actor’s friend, producer Ashwani Kumar, told sources.

— Agency

celebration

Shekhar Suman

S

hekhar Suman on Saturday revealed he will not celebrate his birthday on December 7, today, in honour of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

“I’m not celebrating my bday on the 7th dec. That’s the least I can do for Sushant. There is no mood for any revelry or excitement. Instead I will pray that his culprits are caught soon and this case is given a closure. #StayUnited4SSR,” Shekhar tweeted. Earlier this week, the actor had tweeted saying he is expecting a miracle to happen in the ongoing investigation of Sushant’s death case. —Agency

A

ctress Diana Penty is pretty sure about what she will not wear on her wedding day. She also gave a hint of where she would like her destination wedding to be held.

“Wedding outfits are absolutely stunning and gorgeous, but they are also so heavy. I have made a mental note to never wear something too heavy. It is definitely going to be something light, easy and comfortable. Comfort for me is everything because only then can I have a good time. I don’t want to be tugging at my outfit and, by the end of it, feel my body hurt because of how heavy it is! I really don’t want to be in that position!” Diana said.

—Agency

Diana Penty

Late Sushant Singh Rajput

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An appeal for Humanity!

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

12

MEET & GREET!

MITALI DUSAD

N

avin B Chawla was Chief Election Commissioner of India from April 2009 to July 2010. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Darshan Trust, based in Jaipur, which he started when he was an IAS officer.

In an interview with City First, he spoke about the objectives of the society and the challenges faced.

“The Trust educates about 50 very young hearing-impaired children from disadvantaged families. About 50 youth, who are completely hearing disabled, are taught computer skills.

Thereafter every effort is made to obtain employment for them”, said Naveen Chawla.

When asked Navin B Chawla

Jagdeesh Chandra with Rajeev Baradia and Vinod Baradia, during a courtesy meet at his residence on Sunday afternoon.

Darshan NGO

about the main objectives of the Trust, he mentioned about running a s c h o o l (Non-Formal education) for young Hearing-Impaired Children and to prepare dis-

abled youth for interrelated jobs.

He further added. “Since 2008, Darshan opened its doors to young hearing-impaired children. There no other such facility for such children. We provide them with hearing aids in each ear. The cost of the hearing aid is up to Rs26,000/- per ear. These have been donated by the generosity of Starkey Labo-

ratories free of charge. All facilities for these young children are provided without any charges.

Presently, there are 86 students in 10 classes (Playgroup, I std to IX std) With 11 special educators. We follow the Rajasthan State Board of Education. The last Board exam where 5 of our students appeared all were declared passed and one girl cleared

with 65% marks.”

He further appealed to the people to come up and help these children as due to pandemic, their classes are being held online and the students do not have access to technology. So people who have spare laptops, mobile phones or tablets in working condition can come up to help the hearing impaired children fulfil their dreams. mitalidusad01@gmail.com

Miraculous Recovery!

EVENTS!

RAJ: Rakhkosh Foundation in association with Inaya Foundation, Jaipur and Ma Bharti foundation, Chomu organised a blood donation camp in The Little Kids school Govindgarh on Sunday. 51 units of blood was donated. The Chief Guest on this occasion DYSP of Chomu tehsil, Sandeep Sarswat appreciated this effort by all and gave away mugs, t-shirts and mementoes to the blood donors.

Shubh Karan Arha with son CD Arha

S

hubh Karan Arha, the father of CD Arha, IAS, had a fever, running nose and breathing discomfort towards the end of October and the family decided to have a covid test done.

On October 24, he was tested positive. Dr Arvind Singh Palawat of SMS immediately put him on covid treatment and at the behest of family request, he agreed to home isolation and care. A very strict protocol was followed and under the personal supervision of Dr Palawat treatment was commenced. On November 2, Shubh Karan Arha was retested, the family prayers and Dr Palawat’s meticulous care were rewarded and the report was negative. In the history of medical science, this was one of

the rarest cases where a patient contracted covid when he is over 100 years and accomplished full recovery. Dr Arvind Palawat said that the 102-year-old Shubhkaran Arha has defeated Corona simply due to his willpower and he has in fact given a very strong message to all the aged people that if we take proper treatment, maintain strong willpower and at the same time take care of our nutrition then even at an advanced age we can defeat Corona and it cannot harm us. Arha Sahab opted to stay at home and it was a learning experience for me also to treat him that where everybody is so scared of this pandemic his positive thinking and willpower are a source of inspiration.

—City First

Social activist helps Indians

A

prominent social activist, Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari, requested the Indian authorities to initiate measures such as granting emergency visas on departure to help Indian-origin families travel to their homeland for health or other emergencies amid the Covid-19 pandemic. He has written to the Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, as well as the Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola and Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Bhandari said in the letter that there should be more clarity in the information that edu-

Prem Bhandari

cates travellers on visa eligibility and required travel modalities.

In the letter, he suggested that all airlines flying into India under the air-bubble arrangement should proactively verify that travellers with foreign passports have eligible visas at the time they book their tickets.

—City First

Jairangam Theatre festival CITY FIRST

C

o-partnered with 3M dot Band and Ministry of Culture-Government of India, on the second day of Fringes Jai Rangam Festival, five plays were performed

on Sunday. Being a weekend, a great number of audiences got entertained with these spectacular performances.

The second day of the Theatre Festival opened with Morning Raga at 9 a.m. Vedi Sinha from Delhi

played numerous compositions on Iktara, along with sharing the story of its origin and development.

Several workshops and masterclasses were conducted as well, where Gurleen Judge | Sauti Chakravarti | Ajit Rai

RAJ: After successful completion of auditions in various cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, Elite Miss Rajasthan moved towards its next step, Personal interview round on Saturday.

Show director Gaurav Gaur informed that the top 31 finalists will be announced on December 14 while the finale will take place on 20 December at Samskara Resort, Jaipur.

| Ramanjit Kaur and Punit Krishna shared their worthwhile experiences. Two plays would be performed today at 9 p.m., Crossing Tali Kota directed by V. Bala Krishnan and Bernali Mehdi’s plays would be performed at the same time.

MAYO’S GOLDEN JUBILEE Divyanshi Soni

Digital Baal Mela Alumni of ‘70 batch

CITY FIRST

D

igital Baal Mela witnesses peak from Rajasthan to North East. 1-yearold Swastika Sharma from Guwahati, Divyanshi Soni from Bhilwara, Prisha Solanki from Maharashtra and Navya Sharma from Churu sent their entries in the Fancy Dress Competition. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

RAJ: Beautiful glimpse of Chhapan Bhog at Radha Govind Temple —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA in Jhotwara on Saturday.

T Prisha Solanki

he batch of 1970 of Mayo College celebrated its 50th anniversary of passing out virtually on Saturday. Owing to the pandemic, it was not possible for them to meet physically at the customary annual day of the well known Ajmer based school, since it had been cancelled. The batch members joined from all parts of the globe.

Deftly moderated by Deepum Bhatia, who was also the mainstay, the 2-hour virtual event began with remembering the 10 members of their batch who had passed away in the last 50 years. Pradeep Bhatnagar spoke about them and also welcomed the members of their family, who had also joined the event.

GUJ: After a recent fire in Civil Hospital, Asarwa area in Rajkot District of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, members of fire audit committee visited inside the city’s main Government Covid-19 hospital to check the fire safety and equipment. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

HAPPY B’DAY!

Vanya Sharma

Swastika Sharma

Phool Singh, Vasundhara Raje’s man Friday and a hard core loyalist celebrated his birthday on Sunday.

RAJ: Hindi album Iqrar Ho Chuka and Rajasthan film Tiko Leno Dikri poster were released at the Golden Inn, Jaipur on Sunday.

Director SP Nibawat’s film Kabaddi’s entire shooting was done in Jaipur. The film has received several awards.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA