First India-Ahmedabad Edition-07 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

26°C - 34°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,38,552 1,16,54,557 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 9,026 DEATHS 2,11,987 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 1,571 DEATHS 1,14,978 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 222

INDIA

20,174 7,19,448 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 3,115 DEATHS 1,00,823 CASES

1,961 DEATHS

36,858

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 461 DEATHS 20,688 CASES

New expat bill may force 8L Indians out of Kuwait Kuwait: The legal and legislative committee of Kuwait’s National Assembly has approved the draft expat quota bill which could result in 8 lakh Indians leaving the country.

The National Assembly’s legal and legislative committee has determined that the draft expat quota bill is constitutional, Gulf News reported citing local media report. The Bill, according to which Indians should not exceed 15 per cent of the population, is to be transferred to the respective committee so that a comprehensive plan is created.

The outlet reported that ‘this could result in 800,000 Indians leaving Kuwait, as the Indian

China started pulling back troops and dismantling tents and structures on Monday, from the standoff points in the Galwan area. The move comes after NSA Ajit Doval held a video call with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi, on Sunday. Both sides agreed that it was necessary to “ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC.”

Doval knocks some sense into China l NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang agree on expeditious disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh l The standoff began 60 days ago with violent faceoff at the Pangong Tso bank l Chinese troops have reportedly

pulled back a kilometre from the clash site, creating a buffer zone between the two armies

China criticises US drills in S China Sea

community constitutes the largest expat community in Kuwait, totalling 1.45 million’.

Of the 4.3 million population of Kuwait, expats account for 3 million.

The anti-expat rhetoric have spiked since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with lawmakers and governmental officials call for reducing the number of foreigners in Kuwait.

Turn on P6

INDIA’S COVID-19 TALLY CROSSES 7 LAKH MARK New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 tally neared the 7 lakh mark with 7,19,448 cases after 24,248 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

There are 2,59,046 active cases in the country while 4,40,099 patients have been cured or discharged. While one patient has migrated. 472 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in the country due to COVID-19, taking the number of patients succumbing to the deadly virus to 20,173. As per the Health Ministry, Maharashtra continues to be the most impacted state from the infection with 2,06,619 cases and 8,822 fatalities due to the virus. Tamil Nadu in second place has a total of 1,11,151 cases and 1,510 fatalities.

BIAS IN LISTING OF CASES

NSA Ajit Doval spoke to Chinese FM Wang Yi a day before India and China showed first sign of de-escalation in Galwan, Ladakh.

—FILE PHOTO

ing Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring.

The Chinese military on Monday began withdrawing troops from Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring.

The MEA said both

Varsities to hold final yr exams by Sept end New Delhi: Final-year examinations in universities will have to be conducted by September-end, HRD Ministry announced on Monday, deferring the schedule from July in view of a spike in COVID-19 cases.

However, students unable to appear in final-year exams in September will get another chance and universities will conduct special exams “as and when feasible”, accord-

GUJARAT

UTTAR PRADESH 809 DEATHS 28,636 CASES

CHINA WITHDRAWS TROOPS

New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic conversation on Sunday during which they agreed on disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the earliest, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Doval and Wang are special representatives for border talks between the two countries. In a statement, the MEA described the talks as “frank and in-depth exchange of views” and said they agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC “expeditiously”.

The troops of India and China are engaged in an eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh includ-

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

ing to a revised guidelines issued by the UGC. The decision by HRD Ministry came following a nod from MHA to conduct exams as per the SOP approved by it.

The announcement has put to rest speculations that the exams for finalyear students may be cancelled.

The students having backlog will compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline Turn on P6

sides agreed that it was necessary to “ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity.”

“In this regard they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously.

The two sides should also ensure a phased Turn on P6

Beijing: China on Monday accused the US of flexing its military muscles in the South China Sea by conducting joint exercises with two US aircraft carrier groups in the strategic waterway.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the exercises were performed total-

ly out of ulterior motives and undermined stability in the area.

Against such a backdrop, the US deliberately dispatched massive forces to conduct large-scale military exercises in the relevant waters of the South China Sea to flex its military muscle,” Zhao said at a daily briefing.

Turn on P6

SC dismisses plea, fines lawyer for wasting time New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday imposed a fine of Rs 100 on lawyer Reepak Kansal and dismissed his petition seeking directions to the apex court’s Secretary-General, Registrar, and officers to not give preference to cases filed by influential lawyers and petitioners.

The order was pronounced by SC over a

phone call. The top court asked the petitioner that he being a member of the bar, should not make such allegation against the registry. “We are imposing a minimum cost of Rs100 on you,” SC said in its judgment.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra had on June 19 reserved its order Turn on P6

MONSOON FURY

Saurashtra inundated, Guj likely to receive heavy rains Dwarka breaks 87-year-old record, gets 276 mm rainfall; NDRF deployed by govt for rescue missions Masuma Bharmal Jariwala & Gargi Raval Gandhinagar: The state was gripped in torrential downpour as some parts of the Saurashtra region were flooded on Monday.

With a well-marked low-pressure area over Kutch and its sur-

rounding areas, an associated cyclonic circulation now extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level tilting southwards with height.

According to the weatherman, there is a monsoon trough at mean sea level which is currently passing through the centre of a

The collapsed bridge over Sabdi River in Keshod taluka of Junagadh district

well-marked low-pressure area over Saurashtra. Another offshore

trough at mean sea level persists from the Gujarat coast to North Kera-

la which is likely to facilitate heavy showers in the state over the next two days.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), few cities in the state received more than 10 inches of rainfall in 12 hours on Sunday.

The town of Jam Khambhaliya in the district of Devbhoomi Dwarka received 19 inches of rainfall in just 20 hours and recorded 460mm rainfall on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dwarka

broke an 87-year-old record of highest rainfall in the region on Monday.

Jayanta Sarkar of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, “The highest rainfall to be recorded in Dwarka in a day was 273.8 mm on July 17, 1933. It was hit by a downpour of 275.8 mm which is the new record for the district.”

Rains also wrecked havoc with flood-like situations occurring in a few areas of the Saurashtra region. Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

02

DADAGIRI: BJP TOP BRASS BROWBEATS TALUKAS,

WORKERS OVER CHOICE OF CANDIDATES

District committees asked to help ensure victories, former MLAs within party toe the party line Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: Electing officials in a democracy is a longdrawn process which takes into consideration the will of its people. But, it seems that the democratic process does not hold much merit with political parties, wherein the top leaders choose the candidates to run in elections. On these lines, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state leaders have already selected candidates for the impending State Legislative

Assembly by-elections. The whole procedure of selection does not include any say of the taluka or district party committees. Further, if any party worker even plans to contest elections, they are silenced and asked to toe the party line.

The BJP state core committee had gathered on June 29 and appointed two in-charges for each of the eight assembly seats in the fray

Former MLA Satish Patel

—FILE PHOTO

BJP workers at a party meeting in Amreli district.

for by-elections. It was publicly stated that they will guide local committees for the byelections and there was anticipation of discussion and selection of a panel of candidates among party committees. But, as per party sources no such exercise took place.

A district committee member wishing anonymity told First India that, two newly appointed in-charges vis-

ited him and informed him that selecting the candidate to run in elections was the state unit’s prerogative.

And that they had to ensure victory for the candidate contesting on the party ticket.

He added, “They inquired about the party vote share in 2017 Assembly elections and the 2019 parliament polls. The in-charges also inquired about each polling booth and their agents, how active

the taluka and district committee was and which programme had the district committee organized last.”

Valsad district Committee General Secretary Mahendrabhai Chaudhary told First India, “The party has decided to field former Congress MLA Jitubhai Chaudhary from the Kaprada constituency, a decision which was accepted by the district committee.”

Even former MLAs,

who were keen to contest the by-election, had started to consult party workers and taking meetings are now toeing the party line. A fiveterm MLA from the Morbi constituency Kantilal Amrutiya told First India, “The party has decided to field Brijesh Merja as its candidate for the Morbi seat and I will continue my work for the party.”

Interestingly, on the

Cong gears up to select bypoll candidates First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state unit of the Congress party has initiated the selection process of candidates for the impending byelections of the eight Assembly seats, which were necessitated after eight of its MLAs tendered their resignations.

Party leaders have already held several meetings with locals at the constituencies in the fray.

The party has appointed in-charges for by-polls that are likely to be held in the final week of September this year. The eight constituencies up for by-election include Abdasa (Kutch district), Limbdi (Surendranagar district), Morbi, Dhari (Amreli district), Dangs, Kaprada (Valsad district), Karjan (Vadodara district)

Darshan Desai Surat: Powerful South Gujarat BJP MP CR Patil on Monday prevailed upon Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, through Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, to reverse his order of closing down all the textile markets in the city till July 13.

The city’s key textile industry, which has reported over 250 corona positive cases during Unlock 1.0, was about to be ordered shut after the Surat Municipal Corporation officials, along with a police team, sealed five textile

and Gadhada (Botad district).

It seems like the party may field more Patidar leaders and women candidates in the by-elections this time. For the Abdasa seat, the party is likely to favour a Patidar leader or an existing member of the state unit, among which

Kishorsinh Jadeja, Ramesh Dholu, Visanji Pachani, and Iqbal Mandra’s names are said to be in the running.

When it comes to Dhari, former MLA Virji Thummar’s daughter and active youth Congress leader Jenny Thummar and Surash Kotadia

are likely to get tickets.

Since Dangs falls in the tribal belt of the state, tribal leader Suryakant Gavit or Mukesh Patel, member of panchayat are among top contenders. Senior Congress leader Haresh Patel and Vasant Patel, son of former MLA Bar-

jur Patel are being considered for the Kaprada seat.

For the Limbdi seat, party leader Bhagirathsinh Zala and former panchayat president Kalpana Makwana are in the running to contest in the by-elections.

The candidate for Morbi will, in all likeli-

hood, be a Patidar. Contenders for the constituency include Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Manoj Panara and panchayat president Kishor Chikhalia.

Karjan may see either former MLA Chandu Dabhi or Nila Upadhyay battling it out in the by-polls.

very next day of Merja’s resignation, there were banners and posters right in Amrutiya’s village and in Morbi opposing Merja.

A member of the BJP since 1995 and also former MLA from the Karjan constituency Satish Patel said, “I have worked with total dedication and commitment for the party, even when the Karjan seat was reserved for Scheduled Caste/ Tribes.

Now, the party has decided to give a ticket to

turncoat Akshay Patel, but I will work for the party without any reservations. I have even convinced my followers and fellow workers to contribute their bit for the party.”

After Akshay Patel resigned as Congress MLA, Satish Patel had called two meetings. He was joined by Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava for one of the meetings.

But now, he is also falling in line and starting work for the chosen candidate.

Former MLA Kantilal Amrutiya

PM: Mookerjee gave strength to millions New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, on his birth anniversary and said that his thoughts and ideals give strength to millions across the country. “I bow to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Jayanti. A devout patriot, he made exemplary contributions towards India’s development. He m a d e courageous efforts to further

India’s unity. His thoughts and ideals give strength to millions across the nation,” PM Modi tweeted.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also paid tribute to Mookerjee and said that he sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of India.

Mookerjee was born on July 6, 1901, in Kolkata. He was a prominent Indian politician, barrister and academician and served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet.—ANI

Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani addressing party workers in Abdasa last month.

CR PATIL DIALS CM RUPANI, GETS SURAT TEXTILE MARKETS RE-OPENED markets on the Ring Road after finding nine cases.

Infuriated by this, textile traders in these markets sought the intervention of CR Patil, who won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with a record margin of over 7 lakh votes from Navsari, which was more than that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Patil immediately

BJP MP CR Patil

called the municipal officials and ordered them to reopen the markets and close shops in only those wings of the market where cases had been reported. The SMC had to re-open the markets.

The sealed complexes include the busiest Surat Textile Market, JJ Textile Market, Millennium Market and Raghukul Market, which have thou-

sands of shops selling synthetic sarees and dress materials.

Speaking to First India, CR Patil pointed out, “There are around 27,385 shops in the textile markets providing direct or indirect jobs to around 1.5 lakh people. Now, SMC wanted to shut all shops since 9 people were found Covid positive in recent days.

A team of police, along with SMC per-

sonnel, were deployed to forcefully shut down the shops.”

The Navsari MP went on, “I also got requests from some shop owners. After this, I had a talk with the Chief Minister and asked SMC to barricade the areas, which are suspected.

Sealing the entire area does not prove anything, it will only hit people more.”

“We have asked the SMC to cordon off the areas, which are prone to the infection or from where the suspects were found and the rest of the markets should be opened,” Patil asserted.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

03

State gets committees for bio-medical waste Govt health department sets up one committee each at state and district level for management of COVID-19 medical refuse Gandhinagar: In a surprise move, the state health department on July 1 issued a circular notifying the constitution of a state-level advisory committee for biomedical waste management and also a district-level monitoring committee for bio-medical waste management.

According to the circular, the state-level advisory committee will

be chaired by state Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Jayanti Ravi, whereas the district-level monitoring committee will be headed by the district collector.

The state-level committee will have 12 members other than the chairman which will include experts from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Indian Medical Association (state pres-

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

Haresh Jhala

Medical waste dump on the premises of Civil Hospital (Sola), A’bad.

ident), and also a managerial level employee of bio-medical waste incineration or any other representative of common bio-medical

HC grants conditional bail to RTI activist murder convicts First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state high court on Monday granted conditional bail of four days to former Member of Parliament (MP) Dinu Bogha Solanki, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for involvement in the murder of Right to Information (RTI) activist Amit Jethwa. The exBJP lawmaker had filed a bail plea to attend the funeral rituals of his elder sister.

A high court division bench comprising Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice NV Anjaria granted bail to Solanki.

In its order dated July 3, the court directed the Sabarmati Jail authorities to test both Solanki

Slain RTI activist Amit Jethwa

and his nephew Shiva for COVID-19. It also stated that they should only be allowed out on bail if they test negative. Solanki has been granted a bail of four days and his nephew received two days.

They were also asked to post two bonds of one lakh rupees each as surety for the bail. Both Solanki and his nephew have been instructed to

return to Sabarmati Jail by Thursday evening and Tuesday afternoon. They have also been directed not to contact any of the witnesses of the prosecution or the victim.

The court has also asked Junagadh police to provide police protection to the Jethwa’s family for the duration of their bail.

VIRTUAL MEET AND GREET

A staffer facilitates a video call between a novel coronavirus positive patient and their family member at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Monday. —PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

waste treatment facility will be member of the committee.

The objective of this committee will be to ensure the disposal of bio-

Gandhinagar: Owing to a sudden surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, Surat’s tally of new cases has reached 1,181 in a span of six days, taking the toll of cases in the city to 5,894. Despite the rapid transmission of infection, the New Civil Hospital continues to be run by an in-charge superintendent.

In order to tackle the escalating situation in the diamond city, the state government appointed retired superintendent Dr Mahesh Vadhel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the hospital.

New Civil Hospital in Surat.

Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani on Monday appealed to the citizens living in Katargam, Varachha-A & B and Rander zone areas to take more precautions, which recently saw a rise in the number of cases. Surat-based Congress

party’s spokesperson Naishadh Desai tested positive for Sars-CoV-2 and has been under home isolation.

In the past 24 hours, the state tested 6,349 samples and as of Monday it reported 8,573 active cases. Out of which, 69 are on ventilator support and 8,504

mittee will be to ensure the allocation of adequate funds for the management of biomedical waste. Apart from that, the procurement of waste and also treatment equipment would also fall under the responsibilities of the committee. The district-level committee will monitor bio-medical waste management in the district and also advise the GPCB on the implementation of biomedical management guidelines.

ICMR GUIDELINES FOR WASTE MGMT 





Make VS Hosp fully operational: Man to HC

Alpesh Thakor writes to CM Rupani for pay grade appeal on teachers’ behalf

First India Bureau

Gandhinagar: As part of an ongoing agitation by primary teachers of government schools, a virtual movement demanding the restoration of their pay scale was launched by over 65,000 educators on Monday.

These teachers have found a supporter in BJP leader and former MLA Alpesh Thakor, who has written a letter to the State Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and requested him to look into the issue to dispense justice

Ahmedabad: The husband of a pregnant COVID-19 positive woman who died because of delay in care at VS Hospital has approached the state high court with an appeal to direct local civic body Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to make the hospital fully operational.

Abdullakhan Rahimkhan Pathan has moved a civil application before the high court with a prayer to club it with the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on novel coronavirus.

His submission was that his wife Rozminabanu breathed her last on June 22 with two unborn babies in her womb, due to sheer negligence on part of doctors at VS Hospital. He claimed that the doctors took 45 minutes to recommend a transfer to LG Hospital.

The petitioner complained that since his wife had COVID-19, two hospitals had refused to treat her. And since VS Hospital was not taking on surgeries or admissions, he lost his wife and two unborn babies.

As nCov cases rise, OSD appointed for New Civil Hospital in Surat First India Bureau

medical waste as per the bio-medical waste (management and handling) rules underlined by the Ministry of Health Research in 2016 with an amendment in 2018. Although the circular clearly states to implement the rules of 2016, the committee should have been constituted in March to monitor and implement the guidelines for correct disposal of COVID-19 bio-medical waste.

One of the roles of the state advisory com-

are in stable condition.

Further, Dahod DDO Rachit Raj also tested positive for Covid-19.

According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), there are 3,153 active cases in the city with a death toll of 1,447 patients. The active cases were reported from the West Zone (606), North West Zone (479), South West Zone (467) and East Zone (463), with the rest of the four zones accounting for the remaining cases.

Former Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela successfully beat COVID-19 and has been discharged from the hospital in Ahmedabad.

First India Bureau

Teachers at a protest in Gandhinagar.

to them.

In his letter, Thakor has drawn the attention of the CM to the plight of teachers, who stand to lose over Rs8,000-Rs10,000 in income. He stated that

—FILE PHOTO

teachers played a very important role in building the future of the state as well as the society.

The former MLA also pointed out the extra duties per-

formed by teachers apart from teaching.

He termed the lowering of their pay scale as unjust and asked the top brass to restore it to Rs4,200 without putting forth any conditions.

According to a circular of the state finance department, the pay grade of teachers who started teaching from 2010 onwards will be reduced from Rs4,200 to Rs2,800.

Teachers across the state have been posting their grievances on social media and appeal for the reversal of this order.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

IN-DEPTH

UGC OUGHT TO HASTEN EXAM GUIDELINES

Judiciary should strike a balance vis-a-vis rights of accused & victim

I

n the midst of controversy over Indian Council of Medical Research trying to hasten the process of vaccine development, India overtook Russia to become the third worst-hit country by Covid-19.

With close to 700,000 cases against the communist country’s tally of 673, 564, India is now behind US and Brazil after a record spike of nearly 25,000 new cases. It now has 19,289 fatalities against Russia’s 10, 027.

The only glimmer of hope lies in the recovery rate which is almost 61 per cent. Maharashtra continued to lead the table in India with southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana kept adding cases at a pace faster than the country’s growth rate. Not that Delhi is faring any better with nearly 100,000 cases.

The high recovery rate doesn’t mean that governments are lowering guards yet. As state after state mobilise resources to save lives, many of them are cancelling university examinations to prevent the pandemic from spreading among the youth. Rajasthan became the latest state to cancel all university examinations for the academic year 2019-20. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said in a tweet that the government has decided “not to hold graduate and post-graduate examination in all universities and technical institutions” for the current academic year. The government said that the students will be promoted to the next class and their marks will be decided according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Human Resource and Development.

Punjab government also cancelled all examinations but left the universities with the option of holding planned online examinations. Earlier, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana had announced cancellation of examinations in their respective states. Lucknow University has also cancelled its exams scheduled to begin from July 7. Some of Maharashtra’s students are in a state of flux, while others will have no exams.

Like in Rajasthan, students in other states too will be promoted and their marks determined as per MHRD guidelines which are yet to be finalised. The marking system could leave lot of deserving students sulking and the undeserving ones happy. More worrying is the idea of having a generation of ‘promoted’ students in the country.

The delay in finalisation of guidelines for the conduct of exams by a special committee appointed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is at the root of the problem. It led to speculation among students that the exams will be put off. The committee chairman RC Kuhad has said that it will be a few more days before the guidelines are submitted to the UGC. This sluggish approach of the committee on an issue concerning the fate of thousands of students is lamentable. The government would do well to hasten this process instead of raising “unrealistic hopes” for a Covid-19 vaccine.

JUSTICE SHIV KUMAR SHARMA Former Judge Rajasthan High Court and Ex-Member of Law Commission of India

A In the SLP along with other legal questions, the force of the arguments may be used on the question of custodial interrogation. In our country sexual offences are increasing day by day. Now It is on the judiciary to strike the balance. The culprits, these days are intelligent enough with the invention of the internet. They are well versed in new techniques for committing offences

nticipatory bail was granted

by Karnataka High Court to a 27-year-old man against whom FIR was lodged under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code for committing rape on a woman.

Justice Krishna S. Dikshit took serious note of the uncommon fact that the women, after being ravished, had conveniently gone to sleep.

The Judge while granting bail to the accused, also considered the fact that the victim had gone to the office in the odd hours and she enjoyed drinks with the accused.

Anticipatory bail is granted under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by the Sessions Court/High Court, issuing directions to the concerned Police station to release the accused on bail in the event of his/ her arrest. The peculiarity of this section is that the accused is not required to appear in court when the matter is taken up. The material that is considered by the court is the case diary of a police station

where the FIR is lodged.

Based on half-cooked material of the case diary, the court considers the plea of the accused.

It appears that Karnataka High Court, based on facts before it, prima facile was of the view that the victim was a consenting party.

Since full facts are not before me I refrain myself from making any comment on the order passed by Karnataka High court but if the matter would have been before me I would have asked the prosecution following questions: z Whether the investigation was

conducted from the angle that the drinks had matter which could cause unconsciousness? z Whether the glass from which the victim allegedly sipped the drink, was examined by FSL (forensic science laboratory)? z Whether the offence of rape was committed before taking drinks or afterward? z What was the relationship between the accused and the victim? Whether the victim was a staffer in the office of the accused? z Whether custodial interrogation was necessary for extracting the truth? z What was the status of the accused?

THE JUDGE WHILE GRANTING BAIL TO THE ACCUSED, ALSO CONSIDERED THE FACT THAT THE VICTIM HAD GONE TO THE OFFICE IN THE ODD HOURS AND SHE ENJOYED DRINKS WITH THE ACCUSED

After considering the answer to these questions it could be very well inferred the fact situation. The sleep of the victim could be the effect of intoxication.

The State of Karnataka in the facts of the case is required to file SLP (Special Leave Petition ) in the Supreme Court. assailing the order.

In the SLP along with other legal questions, the force of the arguments may be used on the question of custodial interrogation. In our country sexual offences are increasing day by day. Now It

Trump is playing peekaboo with the pandemic

I

f the United States had quick-thinking and efficient leadership, the pandemic would have infected about 100,000 people and killed only a couple thousand. That’s the experience of South Korea, times seven to account for the difference in population.

If the United States had overwhelmed but reasonably sensible leadership, the coronavirus pandemic would have racked up somewhere near a million infections at this point and killed about 36,000 people.

That’s what would have happened here if we’d had a German-style response.

Instead, as of the beginning of July, the infection rate in the United States is a world-leading 2.7 million and the death toll has topped 128,000. There are countries with worse death rates per

04

million people, but, with a couple of exceptions, they’re either small (like Belgium) or presided over by leaders (like Boris Johnson in the UK) as idiotic as ours. That is tragic enough.

But now comes Act Two. If the United States had practically any administrative team other than the Trump-Pence clown show, it would have at least flattened the curve at this point, no matter how many infections and deaths had occurred during the first wave of the outbreak. Americans would then be cautiously enjoying their summers, bracing for a second wave of infections that most epidemiologists have predicted for the fall.

Instead, while Europe and much of Asia are tracking down and containing small pockets of infection that reach at most into three digits, the United States is dealing with its highest daily

number of infections yet — over 50,000 a day.

Remember those early statistics about how many more tests South Korea was conducting per day compared to what the United States was doing in a week? We are currently suffering the consequences of that disparity.

Every day, the United States is now adding three times the number of infections that South Korea has had during its entire outbreak.

The Trump administration’s response to the threat of a second wave is, why wait?

Donald Trump doesn’t like masks. He has refused to wear them. He has ignored the advice of health officials, members of his administration and his congressional enablers.

Trump is such an outlier on the mask issue that even Dick Cheney has consented to being photographed wearing facial protection.

Astonishingly, the president said, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, that some people are wearing masks “to signal disapproval of him.” To the extent that people associate Trump with death itself or are wearing masks so that they can live long enough to vote the Grim Reaper out of office, the president is right.

The pandemic in America has indeed become all about Trump: his appalling inepti-

tude and sociopathic cruelty.

Trump not only went ahead with the rally last month, he seemed to do everything possible to ensure that it would be a public health hazard. His advance team had eight people who tested positive with the disease. His organizers removed stickers from seats that were designed to maintain a modicum of distance between audience members. In the end, the 6,000 people who showed up were all crowded together like sardine superspreaders.

Most followed their leader by not wearing masks. Tulsa subsequently experienced a new uptick in COVID-19 cases, though it’s not clear how many can be traced back to the rally.

That’s because Oklahoma has an inadequate contact tracing system.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.FAIROBSERVER.COM

is on the judiciary to strike the balance. The culprits, these days are intelligent enough with the invention of the internet. They are well versed in new techniques for committing offences.

What is argued on behalf of the accused may be thoroughly considered by the court but the rights of the victim may also be looked into. It is well settled that one can not have sex even with a woman of easy virtue without her consent.

Having forcefully sex even with wife by her husband without her consent amounts to the offence of rape.

The accused persists in enjoying whiskey which is gulped by her in large quantity and she lost sense. Taking advantage of the situation the accused commits sexual intercourse with her, the act of the accused is also an offence of rape.

The sleep of the victim was the aftereffect of a heavy dose of liquor gulped by her on being persisted by the accused.

In the SLP it may be stated that this possibility can not be ruled out that the accused made a sketch to have sex with the victim and thereafter filled colours in the sketch. She was requested to reach his office as she was urgently required. When she reached, she was offered liquor and she was persuaded till the last moment until she agreed to consume liquor. She was treated nicely and when she lost senses rape was committed on her.

In Alwar (Rajasthan) a foreigner woman agreed to have sex with a young man but with a condition that he will use a condom before sex.

The young man failed to abide by the condition and had sex with the woman.

Even though the woman consented to have se but it was treated conditional consent and the case under Section 376 of Indian Penal Code was registered against the young man for committing offence of rape and he was arrested.

In the eyes of the judiciary, the accused and the victim both stand on equal pedestals, and the judiciary is required to strike the balance between the two.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Rahul Gandhi belongs to that glorious dynastic tradition where as far as defence is concerned, committees don’t matter, only commissions do. Congress has many deserving members who understand parliamentary matters but one dynasty will never let such leaders grow. Really sad.

Anand Sharma @AnandSharmaINC Reports of Chinese troops withdrawal from Galwan Valley is a positive development.

Disengagement and de - escalation on LAC is a priority. India must insist for pullback in Pangong Tso. There is need for eternal vigil.

Spiritual SPEAK

They live in wisdom who see themselves in all and all in them, who have renounced every selfish desire and sensecraving tormenting the heart.

—Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 222 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

To Receive Free Newspaper PDF Daily Whatsapp: http://bit.ly/whatsappahm

Telegram: https://t.me/firstindiaahmedabad Click the above link� & subscribe us on your preferred platform.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

05

‘RaGa continues to demoralise the nation’

He belongs to that glorious tradition where as far as defence is concerned, committees doesn’t matter, only commissions do, Nadda tweeted New Delhi: BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday, said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has not attended a single meeting of the Standing Committee on Defence, however, he continues to demoralise the nation and question the valour of the armed forces.

“Rahul Gandhi does not attend a single meeting of Standing Committee on Defence.

But sadly, he continues to demoralise the nation, question the valour of our armed forces and do everything that a responsible opposition leader should not do,” Nadda tweeted.

“Rahul Gandhi belongs to that glorious dynastic tradition where as far as defence is concerned, committees don't matter, only commissions do. Congress has many deserving members who un-

‘Govt failures to be studied at Harvard’

BJP National President JP Nadda pays tribute to Bharatiya Jan Sangh leaders Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay on the occasion of former’s birth anniversary, at BJP HQs.

He (Rahul Gandhi) does not do any work and just keeps on agitating. A person full of negativity will see everything as negative.

He is always complaining. They (Congress) fail to see all that is being done in the field of agriculture, sports, for women’s rights and business —Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs

derstand parliamentary matters but one dynasty will never let such leaders grow. Re-

ally sad,” Nadda added.

Rahul Gandhi had on Friday said that the voices of “patriotic

Ladakhis” must be heard and ignoring them would cost India “dearly”. —ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

Bhima Koregaon Case: SC sets aside HC order on NIA’s plea New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Delhi High Court order seeking records of judicial proceedings before special courts in Delhi and Mumbai in connection with the transfer of activist Gautam Navlakha to Mumbai in Bhima Koregaon case.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said that Delhi High Court should not have entertained interim bail plea of Navlakha

in Bhima Koregaon case as the case comes within the jurisdiction of Bombay High Court.

The bench also expunged adverse remarks made for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by a single-judge bench of Delhi High Court, while allowing the plea.

Appearing for the NIA, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the Delhi High Court had passed an “unprecedented”

NIA files charge sheet against Davinder Singh Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against suspended deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh for his association with terrorist groups in Kashmir valley, officials said Monday.

Singh was arrested in January this year for providing safe passage to terrorists Naveed Babu, Rafi Ahmed Rath-

er and Irfan Shafi Mir. Earlier last month, a Delhi court had granted bail to Davinder Singh after the Delhi police failed to file charge sheet against him during the statutory period of 90 days in a conspiracy case.

The Delhi police’s special cell had filed a case against Singh, for alleged criminal conspiracy and activities against the interest of the country. —ANI

LAST DATE FOR AADHAAR-PAN LINKING EXTENDS TO MAR 31, 2021 New Delhi: The government extended the last date for linking Aadhaar and PAN to March 31 next year. The decision was taken keeping the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting difficulties in mind. “Understanding and keeping in mind the times that we are in, we have extended deadlines.

PAN - AADHAAR linking

can be done till 31st March, 2021. We do hope this helps you plan things better,” the (IT) Department tweeted. Earlier, in another big relief to tax assessees, the IT Department had extended the last date of payment of self-assessment tax, in case of tax liability upto Rs 1 lakh till November 30, 2020.

order for “house custody” for Navlakha and he was given protection while in house custody.

At the time of the surrender, Delhi was under lockdown after which Navlakha moved his plea in Delhi HC, said Mehta adding that a request was later made for a production warrant from the Bombay HC & special judge on judicial side in Bombay passed the order. —ANI

‘PAK OFFICIALS WERE USING HIM TO GET SENSITIVE INFO’ New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Monday said that Davinder Singh was in touch with certain officials of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi through secure social media platforms. The NIA chargesheet said that Singh was being groomed by the Pakistani officials for the purpose of obtaining sensitive information.

JAMIA VIOLENCE

Delhi HC to hear final arguments on July 13 New Delhi: The Delhi HC on Monday said that it will hear on July 13 the final arguments on a batch of petitions related to the Jamia violence, which took place in December last year.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan said that it will hear final hearing on these petitions on July 13 and asked to place before it a consolidated list of issues, to be considered by the court.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for one of the petitioners, also agreed to delete some objectionable portions form rejoinder after SG Tushar Mehta raised objections and court intervened.

“Why personal allegations against any xyz...

Everyone was arguing so nicely...” Chief Justice Patel said asking to delete the objectionable content pointed out

by Mehta. “We appreciate the stand taken by senior advocate Colin Gonsalves,” the bench said after Gonsalves agreed to delete certain portions from the rejoinders. —ANI

SUSHANT SINGH CASE: DIR BHANSALI RECORDS STATEMENT Mumbai: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali arrived at Bandra police station on Monday to join investigations in the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Bhansali has been summoned by the Bandra police to record his statement and will be questioned regarding the films he had offered to the late actor, which didn’t materialise. Bhansali arrived at the police station at around 12:30 pm and was accompanied by his lawyer and a few of his staffers. Over 29 persons have recorded their statements until now.

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again targeted the Narendra Modi government, calling its demonetisation policy and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) failures. He also said that these policies along with the government’s failure in handling of the coronavirus situation will be studied by the Harvard Business School.

“Future HBS case studies on failure: 1.

Covid19. 2. Demonetisation. 3. GST implementation,” Gandhi said on Twitter.

He also attached a clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation, superimposing a graph which shows the number of Covid-19 cases rising in the country and India reaching the third spot globally.

‘Credit to armed forces for Chinese army retreat’

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government over the Covid-19 situation in the country, comparing its policies with those of the western countries. He has also held a series of talks with public intellectuals and business leaders where Gandhi accused the government of centralising the power. He also talked about the migrant workers and the poor people who were hurt the most by the Covid-19 lockdown. —ANI

New Delhi: In wake of reports that Chinese Army has retreated two km behind the LAC, the Congress, which has been questioning the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Chinese transgressions, on Monday credited the armed forces for the development.

“We know that the PLA can''t withstand the Indian forces, so they have retreated but the Prime Minister has to reply to tough questions,” part spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference here on Monday.

The PM should himself come forward and tell what is the truth though in the all-party

World Bank, India sign $750 million programme for MSMEs New Delhi: The World Bank signed a 750 million dollar (about Rs 5,600 crore) agreement with the government for MSME Emergency Response Programme to support the increased flow of finance into the hands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

The programme will address immediate liquidity and credit needs

of nearly 15 lakh viable MSMEs to help them withstand the impact of the current shock and protect millions of jobs.

This is the first step among a broader set of

reforms that are needed to propel the MSME sector over time. The agreement was signed

by Sameer Kumar Khare, Addl Secy at Dept of Economic Affairs, on behalf of government & Junaid Ahmad, Country Director (India) on behalf of World Bank. Khare said that the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the MSME sector leading to loss of livelihoods and jobs. —ANI

It's not important that Rahul Gandhi attended a meeting or not but the important thing is the questions that Rahul Gandhi is asking on Chinese transgressions.

—Pawan Khera,

Congress spokesperson

meeting, he had said that no Indian territory has been occupied, he said. —Agencies

Sensex jumps 466 pts on global cues Mumbai: Equity indices traded with a positive bias throughout Monday’s session amid a strong rally in all major sectors. At the closing bell, the BSE S&P Sensex was up by 466 pts or 1.29% at 36,487 while the Nifty 50 edged higher by 156 points Nifty pharma slipped by 0.6% but all other sectoral indices at NSE were in the green with Nifty auto gaining by 2.8 per cent. —Agencies

KANPUR SHOOTOUT

Bounty increased on Vikas Dubey to `2.5 lakh, posters put up at toll plazas Kanpur: The Office of UP DGP announced on Monday, that bounty on the arrest of the main accused of Kanpur encounter case, Vikas Dubey, has been increased to Rs 2.5 lakhs.

Vikas Dubey is the main accused in Kanpur encounter case in which eight police per-

sonnel lost their lives.

Currently, a search operation is underway for Dubey in Kanpur encounter case, in which a group of assailants allegedly opened fire on a police team which had gone to arrest him. Eight policemen were killed in the incident.—ANI

3 MORE COPS SUSPENDED

KIREN RIJIJU GREETS DALAI LAMA ON HIS 85TH BIRTHDAY New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday conveyed his greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 85th birthday and said his values and ideals are the guiding light towards love and peace for entire humanity. “On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His

Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life. His values and ideals are the guiding light towards love, peace and compassion for entire humanity,” Rijiju tweeted.

The minister also posted his picture with the Dalai Lama where the latter is holding his hand.

UP GOVT FALSELY PROPAGATING THAT CRIME IS OVER: PRIYANKA New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that UP accounts for one-third of the total crimes against Dalits. Taking to Twitter, Congress leader slammed Adityanath government for falsely propagating that there is no crime in the state and said that crime against women in UP increased by 21% from 2016 to 2018.

“UP accounts for one-third of the total crimes against Dalits. Crime against women in UP increased by 21% from 2016 to 2018. Surprisingly, instead of fixing accountability on crimes, the UP government kept falsely propagating crime is over”, she tweeted. —ANI

MP CHIEF MINISTER CHOUHAN CALLS ON VICE- PRESIDENT New Delhi: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday called on V-P M Venkaiah Naidu here.

Chouhan, who had recently inducted 28 ministers in his council of ministers, has been meeting the central leadership of BJP. Though there has been no official comment, the issue of allocation of portfolios to newly-inducted ministers has been the focus of the meets. “Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, CM of Madhya Pradesh called on the VicePresident, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi today,” Vice -President’’s Secretariat tweeted.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

WITH DELHI’S RECOVERY RATE AT 72 PC, NO NEED TO PANIC: KEJRI New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that despite Delhi's COVID-19 cases having almost reached the 1-lakh mark, people must not panic as the recovery rate in the national capital now stands at 72 per cent.

“The number of COVID-19 cases have almost reached the one lakh mark in Delhi. However, there is no need to be intimidated by the number one lakh as almost 72,000 people have also recovered from the virus,” said the Delhi Chief Minister. He further said that Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate now stands at 72 per cent which “is pretty big because it signifies that even though people are testing positive, they are recovering as well”.

“Close to 20,000-24,000 samples are being tested in the national capital on a daily basis,” he added.

The national capital's COVID-19 cases are also nearing the 1-lakh mark with 99,444 coronavirus cases and 3,067 deaths, according to the Union Health ministry. —ANI

POWER Gallery 2008 BATCH IFS OFFICER UMESH KUMAR QUITS

A 2008 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) AGMUT cadre officer, Umesh Kumar has resigned from the service with effect from July 31, 2020.

HOME QUARANTINE

Ram Rahim made accused in theft of Sikh holy scriptures

Arvind Kejriwal & Manish Sisodia felicitate patients after recovery at a hospital in New Delhi.

200 ICU beds available in Delhi Hospital New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the number of ICU beds at Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital has been increased from 45 to 200 to treat coronavirus patients.

Kejriwal and Dy CM Manish Sisodia paid a visit to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in order to review COVID19 preparedness. “Delhi government's Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality

I urge all those who are eligible to come forward and donate plasma. There is no need to worry as it will neither cause any pain nor any weakness. We have set up the plasma bank at the ILBS which is a nonCOVID hospital. Those donating plasma are doing selfless service to society.

—Arvind Kejriwal, CM, Delhi

Hospital is playing an important role in the fight against COVID-19.

The staff of this hospital is working day and night.

Around 1,000 patients have been discharged.

The capacity of ICU beds has been increased from 45 beds to 200 beds in lim-

ited time and resources.

We have asked the hospital authorities to increase it to 500 in the coming times,” he said. —ANI

NATIONAL POSITIVE RATE AT 6.73%

OVER 10 MILLION TESTS DONE: ICMR

New Delhi: The coordinated efforts of Centre & state govts to effectively manage COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced COVID-19 positive rate in the country. The national coronavirus positive rate stands at 6.73 per cent, as per the MoHFW on June 6. Further, the tests conducted per million population in the country is at 6,859. The Centre has emphasised on increasing testing, prompt contact tracing and timely clinical management of the cases.

New Delhi: India has conducted over 10 million (1 crore) tests to diagnose COVID-19 so far, officials from the ICMR said, as the cases of coronavirus rose up to 6,97,413 in the country. In the past 24 hours, about 1,80,596 samples were tested on July 5 in the country with a total of 1,00,04,101 samples have been tested till date. A senior ICMR official said, “In the last 14 days, average tests were 2.15 lakh and in last five days 1 million tests have been conducted respectively.”

06

Chandigarh: In a major development in a five-year-old theft of the Sikh holy scriptures in Punjab, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) made controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two of his disciples, an accused in the case. He was named as a conspirator in the crime, a senior police official told.

The SIT, led by DIG, Jalandhar Range, Ranbir Singh Khatra, had arrested seven Dera Sacha Sauda followers from Faridkot district for stealing a “bir” of Guru Granth Sahib from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala village in June 2015. The case was registered in Faridkot. Among the arrested accused, five were sent to judicial custody by a Faridkot court on Monday.

In 2015, two people were killed in police firing and several others injured in violent clashes during protests against incidents of sacrilege of holy book at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura towns.

IPS OFFICER SUDHEER KUMAR REDDY GOES ON INTER CADRE DEPUTATION TO AP

An inter cadre deputation of Sudheer Kumar Reddy, from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh, has been approved for an initial period of three years.

He is a 2010 batch IPS officer.

SS SANDHU UNLIKELY TO BE NEW CHIEF SECRETARY OF UTTARKHAND?

The name of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was being bandied around as next Chief Secretary of Uttarkhand in August after the superannuation of incumbent Utpal Kumar Singh in July. The extension to present posting as Chairman, National Highways Authority of India, reduces the possibility for the same.

WILL UTTARAKHAND CHIEF SECRETARY GET EXTENSION?

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh is expected to get six months extension in service beginning August 1. He is a 1986 batch IAS officer. If no extension, 1987 batch IAS officer Om Prakash may be appointed Chief Secretary.

AJAY PRAKASH SAWHNEY TO BE NEW CHIEF SECRETARY OF ANDHRA PRADESH?

In all probability, 1984 batch IAS officer Ajay Prakash Sawhney will succeed Nilam Sawhney in September as Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.

Nilam Sawhney has been given a three months’ extension from July 1.

DEEPAK KUMAR GETS SECOND EXTENSION AS CHIEF SECRETARY, BIHAR

The Government of India has extended the term of Deepak Kumar for yet another six months till February 28, 2021. Kumar who belongs to a 1984 batch is presently Chief Secretary of Bihar.

C0J VENUGOPAL CONTINUES AS CHIEF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER, ODISHA BHAWAN

C J Venugopal will remain holding an additional charge of Chief Resident Commissioner of Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi. He is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

‘NHAI to rank highways to Nepal’s ruling party No proposal to merge CBDT, ensure high quality roads’ meet deferred again CBIC, says Centre New Delhi: To improve highways, a ranking system will be introduced based on performance audit of roads, NHAI said on Monday.

NHAI has been mandated the task to develop, maintain and manage National Highways, the arterial roads of the country, for inter-state movement of passengers and goods.

“In its effort to improve the quality of roads, NHAI has decided to undertake performance assessment and ranking of the highways in the country,” NHAI said in a statement.

The assessment audit and ranking of NHs are

aimed to take corrective recourse, wherever needed, to improve the quality and provide higher level of service to highway commuters, it said.

The assessment parameters are based on different international practices and studies for bench-marking

highway performances in Indian context.

“The criteria for the assessment have been broadly categorised in three main heads: Highway Efficiency (45 per cent), Highway Safety (35 per cent) and User Services (20 per cent),” it said.

Kathmandu: Nepal”s ruling communist party”s crucial Standing Committee meeting to decide PM K P Sharma Oli”s future has been postponed until Wednesday, according to sources. The reason for the postponement was not immediately known.

On Saturday as well, the meeting was postponed for Monday as the top leaders of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) required more time to forge an understanding on the outstanding issues.

The crucial meeting of the NCPâ ™s 45-member Standing Committee, the most powerful body of

government deployed the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams for rescue operations in Kutch, Rajkot and Surat on Monday.

The IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall in Saurashtra, Kutch and some parts of South and Central Gujarat over the next three days.

revisited its earlier guidelines related to university examinations.”

The minister said it has been formulated “in view of the safety, career progression and placements of the students and their larger interests, after consulting” the home ministry and the health ministry. —PTI

had asked during the last hearing, to which, Kansal had replied, his writ petition seeking One Nation One Ration Card was not listed.

Kansal had said that many influential ad popular lawyers cases are listed, but his and other not influential lawyers’ cases were not being listed. —ANI

SC dismisses... after hearing arguments from petitioner-advocate Reepak Kansal and other respective parties in the matter.

“Why you have raised this issue?” the bench

Doval knocks... and stepwise de-escalation in the India-China border areas,” the MEA said.

It said Doval and Wang re-affirmed that both sides should strictly respect and ob-

In its effort to improve the quality of roads, NHAI has decided to undertake performance assessment ranking of highways.

—Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister

the party, was scheduled to be held on Monday.

Top NCP leaders, including former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, have demanded PM Oli”s resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were “neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate.” —PTI

New Delhi: The government is not considering any proposal to merge the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the Union Finance Ministry said on Monday.

The Centre refuted as “baseless and unverified” a media report which claimed that the Union government is considering a proposal to merge the CBDT and CBIC. As per the Ministry of Finance, a leading newspaper published a news item which stated that the Government is considering such a proposal.

serve the LAC and should not take any “unilateral action” to alter the status quo and work together to avoid any incident in the future that could disturb peace and tranquillity in border areas.

Meanwhile, in the first sign of de-escalation of tension in eastern Ladakh, the Chinese Army has removed tents and started to withdraw its troops from Galwan Valley as decided during high-level talks between the two militaries, government sources said on Monday.

China’s People’s Liberation Army was seen

removing tents and structures at patrolling point 14, the sources said, adding rearward movement of vehicles of Chinese troops was seen in the general area of Galwan and Gogra Hot Springs.

They said disengagement of Chinese troops in the area has begun as per decisions arrived at during the Corps Commander-level talks.

The sources said there was clear sign of withdrawal of structures and troops from the patrolling point 14 in Galwan Valley and that they are likely to move back more than a

KP Sharma Oli.

FINANCE MINISTRY’S TAKE

“This news item is factually incorrect as the Government has no proposal to merge the two Boards created under the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963,” the Ministry said.

It added that the article

was published “without due verification of facts from the authorities of Ministry of Finance. The merger had been recommended by TARC earlier, but it was not accepted by the government, Ministry said. —ANI

kilometre in the area.

region. Five other governments claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately 5 trillion in goods are shipped every year.

FROM PG 1 Saurashtra inundated...

A bridge, estimated to have been constructed in 1991, collapsed on the Bamnasa Padodar Road over Sabdi River in Keshod taluka of Junagadh district. Vehicle movement has been stopped and no casualties have been reported.

The highest rainfall in Rajkot district was recorded in the Padadhari taluka which received 172 mm showers followed by Rajkot city, which recorded 119 mm of rainfall.

To help with relief efforts and curtail the situation early, the state

Varsities to... (pen and paper) online blended (online and offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability,” according to the UGC guidelines. Union HRD Minsiter Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ tweeted, “The UGC has

China criticises...

The US Navy said over the weekend that the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan along with their accompanying vessels and aircraft conducted exercises designed to maximize air defense capabilities, and extend the reach of long-range precision maritime strikes from carrier-based aircraft in a rapidly evolving area of operations.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea and routinely objects to any action by the U.S. military in the

New expat...

According to latest data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 49,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country.

The report stated that ‘last month, Kuwait’s prime minister, Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, proposed decreasing the number of expats from 70 per cent to 30 per cent of the population’. —ANI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

07

How Asia’s

CLOTHING FACTORIES

P

ASIA’S BIG SHIFT China was already the largest PPE exporter before the pandemic, providing almost half of the world supply of face masks, protective gowns, gloves and goggles in 2018. In the first two months of 2020, China’s PPE exports dipped by about 15% as its own demand for these products rose sharply, with the government preventing some consignments from leaving the country.

However, from March, Chinese PPE exports rebounded as

the virus spread West. China was able to meet these orders with help from many garment manufacturers, in a bid to answer mounting calls from other countries for tighter quality control of PPE. Elsewhere, Sri Lanka has secured a significant niche in the PPE supply chain, having won at least US$500 million in orders during the crisis. Notably, lingerie manufacturer MAS Holdings advertised a move into PPE production using its trademark slogan, “Change is Courage”.

Malaysia has enjoyed a massive rise in rubber gloves exports. With as much as 65% of all medical gloves made in the country, the US embassy tweeted in March that “the world relies on Malaysia”. The country has also seen numerous garment businesses moving into PPE. Meanwhile, India is now the second largest PPE producer after China, having only started making this equipment earlier in the year. India was manufacturing 450,000 PPE suits a day in May, and aiming to hit two million by the end of June.

While Indian production has so far only targeted the domestic market, the government has just announced it will soon allow the export of five million PPE suits a month.

Bangalore is producing 50% of India’s PPE kits, thanks to a garment centre dominated by the Gokaldas empire, which employs thousands of women.

Production has also risen massively in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu state, normally a T-shirt

centre. Over 600 Indian companies are now lab-certified for PPE, including top garment and textile exporters Alok Industries, JCT Phagwara, Gokaldas Exports and Aditya Birla.

With a population of well over a billion, and around 37,000 public health facilities, India needs a staggering quantity of PPE as the pandemic worsens.

As it emerges from a tough lockdown that still threatens an economic crisis, the country should arguably make PPE for all workers in sectors that need to reopen, such as agriculture.

This would get the economy moving, while employing even more people in PPE production.

Yet producing billions of PPE kits may be unviable – even the fast-fashion supply chain can only churn things out so fast.

There are also serious issues about environmental waste and disposable equipment, both in India and around the world.

Beyond Asia, the PPE supply chain has also extended to garment factories in countries such as Kenya and Madagascar.

This is being supported by the World Bank, again with a view to sustaining employment.

JOBS AND ABUSES On the positive side, this shift into PPE has protected and created jobs. In India, where global buyers like H&M continue cancelling orders and labour protests roll on, PPE production may mean re-employing at least some of the hundreds of thousands of garment workers who joined the exodus of migrant labour leaving cities early in the pandemic. In Sri Lanka, PPE is potentially providing a livelihood for 300,000 workers.

On the other hand, there’s so much pressure to keep up with orders that it is possible that many factories are running sweatshop conditions and other abusive practices carried over from their usual operations.

The PPE supply chain was already known for labour abuses.

For instance, recent evidence indicated the use of child labour in surgical instruments production in Pakistan. In Malaysia, there are media reports of Nepali migrant workers in rubber glove factories being subjected to severe abuse.

switched to

MAKING PPE High street chains in the UK and elsewhere could have immediately paid their garment suppliers to make PPE rather than clothes, but did not. Many simply cancelled millions of orders, which ended up putting thousands of Asian workers out on the streets. Many garment workers didn’t even receive monthly wages due to them. This was despite global campaigning by trade unions, such as those in Bangladesh

In China, recent findings suggest the widespread use of Uighur forced labour in numerous sectors, potentially including PPE. During lockdown in India, some states have suspended existing legislation, making it possible for factories to use forced labour. Others have passed legislation extending the working day from eight to 12 hours. At the same time, it is worth pointing out that some countries such as Sri Lanka are known to impose more rigorous standards on their factories.

More generally, garment workers worldwide may not ac-

tually have access to the PPE equipment they make. They deserve to be included in the list of key workers in responding to the pandemic. We tend to think of the key workers helping us as only being in our own country, but this is clearly mistaken.

As such, we should be particularly concerned about labour abuses, and do whatever we can to oppose them. Those who are saving our lives should not themselves live their lives under threat. These workers, who were the backbone of the global economy, are now stitching its safety net.

n SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION n CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI n DESIGN: SITARAM SHARMA

ersonal protective equipment has arguably become the most sought-after commodity in the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of this equipment. This has created an opportunity for garment factories across Asia, which have lots of spare capacity because their clothing is in much less demand than usual.

High street chains in the UK and elsewhere could have immediately paid their garment suppliers to make PPE rather than clothes, but did not. Many simply cancelled millions of orders, which ended up putting thousands of Asian workers out on the streets. Many garment workers didn’t even receive monthly wages due to them. This was despite global campaigning by trade unions, such as those in Bangladesh.

Only a few western brands such as Barbour eventually started converting their supply chains to make PPE. In most cases, Asian manufacturers just took their own initiative.

Competition is necessary, it brings out the best in the product and the people, just ensure it is healthy.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

08

Guj distributed only 1% grains to migrants Latest Central Govt data shows Guj, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu distributed 1% of grains under Atmanirbhar package Shishir Awasthi New Delhi/ Ahmedabad: Why did lakhs of migrants workers start walking out of Gujarat in a huff during the four phases of lockdown?

The answer has come from none other than the Central Government, which says Gujarat distributed only one per cent of the foodgrains supplied to the States under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Looking at the latest data from the Union

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, released last week, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan stated that the poor performance of most states is a matter of concern.

The data shows that only 13% of the 8 lakh metric tonnes of free food grains allocated for returning migrant workers under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package has actually reached the migrants during May and June.

As many as 26 states lifted their full quota.

But, some states like Gujarat, Andhra

TALL CLAIMS!

Hungry migrant workers were reduced to an almost hand-to-mouth situation during the lockdown.

Pradesh and Tamil Nadu did not distribute even 1% of the food

grains, according to the official data.

The government

Municipal Corporation orders all diamond units shut for a week

First India Bureau

Surat: Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani on Monday directed all the diamond units and markets to remain shut till July 13, after hundreds of Covid-19 cases were reported from this key industry of the city since Unlock 1.0.

The decision was taken after a significant number of diamond polishers and unit owners tested positive.

Since Unlock 1.0, some 600 diamond polishers have tested positive.

The officials of the

Surat Municipal Corporation informed that most cases among diamond polishers were reported from Katargam zone and Varachha areas.

“We have found that no proper guidelines

are followed in the diamond markets and factories. Permission to resume operations will be given to these units if they follow the civic body’s Covid-19 guidelines and standard operating procedures,”

FIRE AT INDIAN BANK ATM REDUCES `10 LAKH TO ASHES

Pani said.

But as of now, the diamond industry has been ordered closed completely till July 13. A decision on reopening would depend on how the coronavirus situation evolves during the week.

Surat has been reporting 200 plus cases since June 29, and has overtaken Ahmedabad in its daily Covid-19 case count. Till now, nearly 600 diamond workers and their kin have tested positive in Surat that has a caseload of nearly 6,000 and this is the second highest after Ahmedabad.

be distributed free to all migrants, when there was widespread

Adani signs pact with Kalpataru

RAMBHAI’S POSTCARD A DAY TO PLANT TREES

Ahmedabad: Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL) said on Monday that it has signed definitive agreements with Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) for acquiring Alipurduar Transmission Ltd in a manner consistent with a transmission service agreement and applicable consents.

The enterprise value for the project is Rs 1,286 crore. The acquisition is expected to be completed in a few months after all necessary regulatory approvals and other consents.

First India Bureau

Himmatnagar: Rambhai Charan, a 62-yearold retired primary school teacher in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district, has single handedly planted more than 5 lakh trees in his village.

And he goes about inspiring other people to follow his lead, using rather unique tools — letters and postcards.

“I got into the habit of writing a letter every day to my closest friends and relatives, and I continue to do so till today. At the end of each letter I would sign

GOD’S GIFT A baby without foodpipe survives on dadi’s love. Dr Anirudh Shah, a city-based pediatric surgeon, said that Umar, the son of a fruit seller from Kheda, was born with a rare condi tion – oesophageal atresia and duodenal atresia.

“Having one of these conditions is unusual but presence of both is rare,” he said.

An ATM booth caught fire in the CTM area of A’bad on Monday.

ing to fire brigade officials. The firefighters from the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade responded immediately to the massive blaze but could not prevent the damage. One firefighting vehicle was dispatched to the site

not all. A rapid survey, done by the Centre for Labour Research (CLRA), Habitat Forum (Inhaf), Mashal and Sociology Department of Savitribai Phule University, Pune, in April and May 1, found that only 35 per cent of the migrants in Gujarat got any help from the government.

It was also found that most of the foodgrains was provided to them by the NGOs. What is more, the survey learnt that as many as 92% of the labourers had not been paid any salaries for the lockdown period.

had announced that 5 kg of food grains and 1 kg of pulses would

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A freak fire at an ATM of the Indian Bank in Ahmedabad’s CTM area reduced as much as Rs 10 lakh to ashes on Monday morning. The massive fire, which took place at the ATM located in Jashodanagar, consumed two cash dispensing machines as well as a passbook printer located in the room outside the bank. Bank officials put the total damage at Rs 16 lakh, accord-

criticism of the lack of government help for them.

Of the 8 crore migrant workers who should have benefited from the programme, only 2.13 crore got the promised subsistence package.

The states lifted 80% of the 8 lakh metric tonnes of food grains allocated under the programme, but distributed only 1.07 metric tonnes till June 30. Rajasthan was the best performer, having distributed about 95% of its allocation, followed by Karnataka.

As for Gujarat, this is

and it brought the blaze under control, preventing the fire from spreading to the bank branch as well, which is located right next to the ATM. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, according to officials.

This man writes a letter everyday inspiring people to plant at least one sapling.

off by praying for their good health, requesting them to save water, and requesting them to plant one tree,” says Rambhai.

Rambhai’s habit of signing letters with those three sentences started in 1985 after he attended a talk.

“The same day, I purchased a postcard for 15 paise and wrote the first letter to my sister. I signed it with those three lines. And I continued the practice,” says Rambhai.

He also started sending the letters to strangers.

Satav to continue as AICC in-charge of Guj First India Bureau New Delhi: Even as speculations are rife that the Gujarat Congress may face the upcoming assembly byelections under a new AICC in-charge, highly placed party sources in New Delhi have asserted that Rajeev Satav would continue and there is no question of any change.

Satav is being reportedly blamed among Congress circles in the State for being unable to check the

exodus of eight MLAs in favour of the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

“He will continue to be the in-charge,” a highly placed source told First India.He was appointed AICC general secretary in charge of Gujarat affairs months ahead of the 2017 assembly elections. The party fought the polls then under the overall supervision of senior leader Ashok Gehlot, who later became the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

UNIQUE INITIATIVE

Innovation: New Surat hospital to have cardboard beds 

This innovative concept has been recognised by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as one of the top 10 innovations during the COVID-19 crisis

First India Bureau Surat: With the sudden surge in coronavirus cases in the diamond city, a newly-created 182-bed hospital by BJP’s Majura MLA Harsh Sanghavi and his friends will have specially-made cardboard beds in it.

A video from Surat on the social media shows a team from the Atal Samvedana Covid-19 Care Hospital assembling 182 beds made of cardboard.

Sanghavi, also the national vice-president of BJP Yuva Morcha (BJYM), who set up the facility at SMC’s Community hall in Althan area, shared a video of the team assembling the bed. “These lightweight, reusable and eco-friendly beds are coated with waterproof material,” he says.

The easy to assemble low-cost beds are made with high strength corrugated board which is convenient to transport and put together in

GREEN BEDS

Upcoming Covid hospital in Surat will have cardboard made strong beds.

barely five minutes.

According to researches, this concept of corrugated cardboard bed is more relevant during Covid-19 mainly for its disposability factor. Cardboard surfaces can stay infected only for 24 hours whereas they stay a little longer on plastic and metal surfaces, three and seven days, respectively.

This innovative concept has been recognised by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as

one of the top 10 innovations during the COVID-19 crisis.

According to reports, 50,000 beds are in use in India today across 30 cities and over 100 facilities. The manufacturer has received inquiries for them across the world – from Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

Gujarat witnessed a new high of 735 coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, with the tally reaching 36,858 positive cases.

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

09

AHMEDABAD, TUESDAY JULY 7, 2020

MUSKURAAHAT

CITY FIRST TAKE A LOOK INTO THE TYPES OF SMILES TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND EMPHASIZE ON THEIR DISTINCTIVE FEATURES TO UNDERSTAND WHAT ‘THAT’ SMILE MEANT

KARISHMA GWALANI

karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

T

here are days when you are in no mood to smile and yet the situation requires you to present a smiling face. Or someone cracks a not-so-amusing joke and expects if not your laugh, at least a smile. The soulless smile that you then flash is the forced smile. While your lips try to look happy and smiling, your eyes betray it.

However, there are various types of smiles- a lot more than just a fake or genuine one. All look pretty much the same, but the context, the personality, cultural norms and small changes in the physical appearance of the grin gives it a distinct meaning.

TIGHT LIPS SMILE

A tight-lipped smile is used for masking true emotions and can be an expression of fear, shyness, anger or restraining of thoughts and attitude.

HALF SMILE

Half smile is one of the more confusing expressions we have - simply because it’s so ambiguous in its appearanceit’s asymmetric.

OPEN MOUTH SMILE

Surprisingly, the big open mouth smile is also a fake.

But it has a certain magic, especially in photographs as it instils the appearance of joy and carefree attitude.

FAKE SMILE

This smile lacks eye involvement and suggests that the person is feigning true happiness. When people tell us to “smile for the camera,” odds are that we engage in a fake smile.

SEDUCTIVE AND FLIRTATIOUS SMILE

When people try to be seductive, they typically display positive affect, a slight smile that accompanies di-

rect eye contact, with a slow glance away, but still holding the smile.

SARCASTIC SMILE

This smile suggests a positive emotion, but the eyes often give it away: There is a look of disdain. Sometimes, a sarcastic smile can look crooked, demonstrating the conflicting emotions of amusement and dislike. The expression is obvious and gives clear sarcastic signals.

WIDE SMILE

This type of smile, if genuine, should always extend to the eyes which squint in response to the flexing of muscles.

In fact, the act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. Whichever the smile you choose, just remember that each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain, so keep smiling!

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

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

10

GLOW: A riotous portrayal of women’s wrestling Community’s Alison Brie stars in this smart, grimy, ludicrous dramedy set against the weird, Spandex-heavy backdrop of 80s grappling!

W

front as the episodes go on.

And there are so many surprises. Rhonda, the quirky British girl with the familiar face, turns out to be singer Kate Nash in a brilliant break-out role. She is at once dazzling and a total natural.

There are so many magnificent women in this cast, all of whom had to learn

A breastfeeding woman looks like we do, half hanging out of her bra with a bag of peas over the bleeding nipple her son’s just bitten.

The fat women are fat, not just a tad over a size 10. They say and do things that women on TV usually don’t.

Ruth looks as if she is being cut from the auditions when her friend Debbie (Nurse Jackie’s Betty Gilpin)

FA CE OF TH ED AY

hen has TV ever depicted women of every shape and hue throwing off all vanity and slamming each other into the floor with abandon? Never. Or, at least, rarely. Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch’s brilliant new show about a bunch of misfit women in 1985 Los Angeles joining forces (and I mean forces) to make a pilot for a TV show, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (or GLOW), is a fictionalised account of the true story behind an 80s wrestling franchise.

Dreadful alcoholic misogynist director Sam Silvia (terrific standup Marc Maron) puts out the call for “unconventional” women to attend a mystery audition in an out-of-town gym.

Among them is Mad Men and Community’s Alison Brie as serious actor Ruth Wilder. She is at a low ebb when she arrives to find all the other women who can’t get cast in 80s Hollywood sitting on benches, unsure what they are doing there.

The women in this are real – not Hollywood “real”.

arrives, screaming blue murder and accusing her of sleeping with her husband. It should be an “oh, come on” moment but every time this show pulls a similar setpiece, I find myself whooping American-style rather than booing. “Is this real?” asks one of the girls as the two women scrap. “Who cares?” replies another, summing up both wrestling and

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

the essence of this show. Brie and co are grabbing my hand, pulling me through the ropes and I’m going with it, grinning like a giddy fool.

The two women are forced to work together just as their friendship unspools, director Sam has a past that is about to catch up with him, and the other women take it in turns to ease their way to the

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Highbrow critics is what you must be prepared for when it comes to your business related speculation. Today may be a wake up call for you. Love your life and be happy no matter what. Be grateful for what you have. Make sure to express your love towards your parents.

Travesting anyone by making false stories is not who you are and do not forget that. Save money and save as much as you can, this money will be of big help in future and you will be proud of yourself that you decided to sacrifice your few desires in the fast for amazing future.

Risible entertainment fascinates you and you will indulge in it more than usual as of now to divert your mind from something else. You are a great friend and without expecting much from someone you always tend to give. You will be in a cheerful mood today.

Inducing positivity is what you must focus on doing right now as far as your business is concerned.

Where there is hope, everything is possible. Good work speaks for itself therefore let your performance speak and don’t waste time in proving your worth by talking.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Buoyant temper is what you are known for and people love to be around you. No one can beat you in financial management but at the same time you like to spend a lot on accessories and clothes. You can start a new business but you must be mentally prepared for the hard work.

Quibbling in professional life is not a good thing to do so keep that in check.

Today everyone will ask for you for something or the other, basically you will be more in demand than usual. You can become a good teacher as you like to educate people about things and you also love kids.

Exemplary behaviour on professional front will be rewarded in near future.

Keep away from people who are not very clear with sides.

Don’t be confused about your future just take a leap of faith. God is going to bless you with a beautiful life partner.

Sartorial fashion is a very prominent part of your personality. Gains from parents is indicated. You are a champion in turning things in your favour. You can easily manipulate people. Stand by the side of people who are right even if some people around you don’t agree.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

YAttainment of goals is possible and you will surprise many around you.

You are motivated to try something new in life. Some of you are very enthusiastic about your career even amidst the pandemic, in a way its a good thing as you should always be optimistic and hopeful.

Gyrating with happiness even if its not a big thing is what makes you special.

You light up the room with your mere presence. Seeing the current situation there can be delays in your plans of abroad education.

You may invest in some business which involves some kind of metal.

Accuracy in tallying your accounts is must so try to be focused while doing the same. You are your parents’ pillar of strength and they are very lucky to have you in life. You have an active lifestyle and people derive motivation from you. You will give some inspirational lecture to your kid.

Uncanny personality will walk into your life and will make your life heaven. You will help an office subordinate when other will refuse to support him/her. There are chances that you may switch your field for monetary gains. Your spouse can handle domestic matters better.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

VAISHALI SONI, Model

hardcore wrestling moves to make the fake look “realfake” and not “body-doubled fake”.

Sydelle Noel as ex-film star Cherry Bang has quiet power and a nice line in putdowns. When spoilt rich kid Melrose (Jackie Tohn) winds her up, she chokes her with a “sleeper hold” until she passes out. “That’s lunch,” she deadpans and leaves the ring.

The one thing the awful, bourbon-soaked director gives the women (while having his cake, naturally) is an opportunity to express themselves on screen in an unselfconscious, powerful way. Yes, the TV pilot is funded by a giddy rich boy with a Malibu beach house and a robot butler, but it’s the women who take charge. I haven’t seen a US show as smart, grimy, snappy and ludicrous in a long time. It is everything I want right now with a big, lurid cherry on top. If GLOW isn’t the best fun you have in front of a screen this year, I’ll give you 10 bucks.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

11

EMBRACING PARENTHOOD G

Gigi Hadid

igi Hadid started 2020 on a good note as the 25-year-old supermodel and Zayn Malik will soon be embracing parenthood.

While Gigi is due in September, it is reported that the young couple will be having a baby girl. During a recent Instagram Live, when a fan asked Hadid as to how she doesn’t have a tummy during her pregnancy, Gigi has quipped, “This angle and the really baggy jumpsuit make for an optical illusion.” When a British publication posted an article about the Live claiming that the model has been disguising her baby bump, Hadid clapped back at them in a series of tweets. “Disguise ....? I said in a baggy jumpsuit the front and side views are visually different stories- not that was intentional or I was trying to hide anything. Will be proud and happy to share “insight” when I feel like it, thanks,” Gigi tweeted and added, “For now I am proudly experiencing and sharing this time with my family and loved ones.”

—Agency

CALLING OUT PEOPLE

...her post

S

inger and actress Hilary Duff is calling out people on irresponsible behaviour amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff is fed up with people who are not following social distancing practices and who are not wearing a mask while in

public. The 32-year-old actress witnessed a crowded house party where no one was wearing masks while she was driving around Los Angeles with her husband Matthew Koma and daughter Banks on the Fourth of July. Hilary took to Instagram to share her annoyance, “We took two walks today. Took a family nap.

Took a drive. Drove by a raging house party on Mulholland. A**holes. No masks (of course). Girls in bathing

LOVE POURS IN FOR RS!

suits and Louboutins waiting to get in like a line at a club,” the Younger star wrote.

She added, “California is in bad shape (in so many ways) but doesn’t everyone think we all want to go out freely and travel and enjoy summer. It r e a l l y seems like Americans just don’t care about each other… somehow this pandemic has turned into a political stance between parties…that’s a headscratcher for me.”

—Agency

A

s Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh rang in his 35th birthday on Monday, the film fraternity extended their wishes on social media. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor on Monday put out a heart-warming post on Twitter for the birthday boy.

Sharing an adorable throwback video hugging Ranveer, actor Bhumi Pednekar shared an adorable wish for the birthday boy on her Instagram story. “Happy birthday, Ranveer Singh.” “Kya bolti public, Ranveer Singh, you’re all heart and bahut hard,” she added.

Celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra shared a throwback video of Ranveer on Instagram, wherein the actor is seen gracing the ramp. Along with the video, he noted, “The #oneandonly #charming # l o v i n g #styleinfluencer #fabulous supremely talented birthday boy @ranveersingh ...#happybirthday #love #ranveersingh”.

—ANI

Hilary Duff

PROGRESSIVE MOVE

A

kshay Kumar on Monday lauded the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs to recruit transgender officers in the assistant commandant ranks in the Indian Paramilitary force.

Terming the move as a “progressive” one, Kumar shared a tweet by the IPS officer Dipanshu Kabra and said that he hopes that other profession too open the doors to the community. “Brilliant news! Now that’s a progressive move by the government in the right direction. I hope rest of the occupations in the country follow suit,” he tweeted.

“Historic move towards #Equality. Officials of @BSF_India, @CRPFIndia & @ DGSSB told @HMOIndia that they will recruit transgenders to the Officer Cadre Posts of Assistant Commandments.

This will deliver a very positive message to the society and strengthen our Social Fabric,” Kabra tweeted. Kumar is currently gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Bell Bottom’ which is all set to go on the floors in August this year. —ANI

Akshay Kumar

Ranveer Singh

BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR BROTHER

S

Shraddha Kapoor

haring a n adorable picture with her brother from the childhood, actor Shraddha Kapoor on Monday sent birthday wishes to brother Siddhanth Kapoor with a

priceless throwback picture.

The ‘Street Dancer 3D’ star posted the picture on Instagram where she is seen with her brother as they both look into the camera.

The picture captures the utter innocence of the brother-sister duo. Along with the lovely picture, the ‘Stree’ actor penned the unique birthday wish, “Today is a

VERY special day! It’s my brothers birthday!!! My bringer of joy, silliness, strength, my conscience keeper and major TP partner, Happy Birthday Bhaiya!!! I love you mostest @ siddhanthkapoor.”

The picture hit more than 40,000 followers including Varun Dhawan’s like. On seeing the post,

brother Siddhanth showered love on sister and commented, “Love you, btw your straight face in this photo is just EPIC.” Her ‘Baaghi’ co-star Tiger Shroff, too extended the birthday wishes and wrote in comments, “Happy birthday bully @siddhanthkapoor have an amazing year.”

—ANI

...her post

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

12

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

—FILE PHOTOS

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS —FILE PHOTO

CITY FIRST

S Vaibhav greets his mother Sunita Gehlot on her birthday

unita Gehlot’s birthday was on Monday, July 6 and she spent the day much as she does all her days, following a daily schedule of prayers, household management, quality time with her family and taking care of her husband, CM Ashok Gehlot. Vaibhav Gehlot visited her early in the morning on Monday to greet her on this special day.

Sunita Gehlot gracefully received greetings from

Ashok and Sunita Gehlot with Sonia, Vaibhav, Himanshi and Kashwini

Jai Bholenath!

CITY FIRST RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT

T

he monsoon is here and so is the holy month of Saavan which usually starts with serpentine queues at the temples devoted to Lord Shiva. With the Covid-19 scare, the places of worship are still closed and many a devotee is feeling berefit without the chance to feast the eyes on the face of the beloved God. The devoted also fast and do puja during this month with certain rituals.

According to Hindu customs, Sawan is the fifth month in the religion’s lunar calendar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend says that Lord drank poison in the Samudra Manthan, to save the world.

Mythology says that Goddess Parvati barred the venom from entering his body, by holding his neck.

Which is why his neck turned blue.

His devotees thus offer him water from river Ganga, to help him heal.

During the whole month, devotees fast on Mondays and even during the month.

With the doors of the temples shut, City first talks to a few devotees to know how they are managing the ritualistic puja during Unlock-2. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Sunita Gehlot

Sunita and Ashok Gehlot

PAYING TRIBUTE!

Holding Hands CITY FIRST

U

tkrisht Development Impact Bond (UDIB) is one of the very rare projects who support private small healthcare organisations in improving the quality of overall services being provided by the facilities with special focus to maternal and child health services. UDIB is being implemented in Rajasthan by The Palladium Group teaming with Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT) and Population Services International since 2018, wherein around 400 Pvt. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

GUJARAT: MP CR Paatil paid tribute to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at a function held at Udha Vidhan Sabha on the occasion of his 119th birth Anniversary.

FIGHT AGAINST CHINA

SPEAKUPS

Since we cannot go to temples to worship, we are worshiping a small Shiva Linga at home. We started fasting every Monday and would do regular worship of Shivling at home early in the morning and also in the evening.

We will also wash Shiva Linga properly and apply Vibhuti and Bhasma, and pronounce ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ a few times.

—RIMA SINGH

her family and well-wishers. She did not celebrate the day taking into account the present situation in the nation, instead, she did a special puja praying for the well being of the soldiers on the border and for her beloved state and country to be free from corona soon.

Foodgrains were distributed to the needy as well as fodder given to the cows

by Congress cadre in Jaipur and Jodhpur as a gesture of respect and care for Sunita Gehlot. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

According to the legends mentioned in Hindu Vedas and Puranas, the holy month of Sawan is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva for success, marriage, and prosperity. Sawan Month is considered very auspicious. As during COVID-19, going to the temple was not safe, I celebrated it at home with all the rituals. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this sacred Shravan Month.

—SHUBHRA KALLANI

CITY FIRST, USA

What I believe is one’s faith in God should be eternal and unconventional, it doesn’t matter if you pray to a statue or an image in mind.

What matters is your dedication and belief in the God. One can create temporary Shiv Linga at home for the month of Sawan to fulfil the traditions and rituals. Let’s fight COVID-19 together by keeping social distancing so that we can enjoy the same vibes as soon as possible.

—AKSHAY PARASHAR

O

n the eve of Guru Purnima – OCIG-23 (Oppose China Imperialism Group 23) was launched by Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA Prem Bhandari, who is also the Founding Director of OCIG23 with founding member Rajendra Bafna, Sanjay Jain (Nigeria), Hanwant Singh (London) Deepinder Singh, Pritam Shah, Rajiv Bhambri, Deepak Ujjwal, Ashok Pandey, Natisha Bishnoi, Sonesh Bala and Alok Kumar.

China strongly believes in the border dis-

pute, encroachment, invasion with all their 23 neighbour countries. In these many years, no one came and stood against China.

This is the very firsttime Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi came face to face and gave a befitting re-

ply to China. On another end, United States President Donald Trump also raised a big concern with China for doing all wrong against the world as well as the USA. OCIG-23 stared with likeminded country members and the community together to make China accountable for disturbing neighboring countries and the world. OCGI 23 founding director Prem Bhandari gave a strong message that all 23 countries come together and show the dis-

pleasure on July 12th, 2020 at 10 AM EST via webinar. He said, “We will have prominent speakers DR Mehta Padma Bhushan, Maj. General BK Sharma (Retd.) and Ambassador (Retd.) Gautam Bambawale.”

Prem Bhandari also said this is their first webinar and once the city will allow the protest in a big number, they will bring all our community and protest at UN. Founding Director urged the community to join the hand and fight against China. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

RAJASTHAN: On the first Monday of Saavan, youth Congress leader, Sagar Sharma visited the religious city of Pushkar and participated in the ritualistic puja of the 108 Shiv Lings made by sand artist Ajay Rawat at Sand Dune point on Motisar road.

RAJASTHAN: JECRC supported students with entrepreneurial interests by ensuring they have adequate information and knowledge to approach various government agencies for funding, prototyping ideas, refinement of technologies, and getting ready for the market. It has cultivated innovation through infrastructural support, enabling, through the years, an ecosystem where entrepreneurs have been flourishing. JECRC University has funded its entrepreneurial ideas for an amount of 16 Lakhs rupees.

RAJASTHAN: Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghathan launched the ‘Seedgging Run’ campaign in the state on Monday. NYKS state director Dr Bhuvnesh Jain said that the main aim behind the initiative is to utilize maximum seeds and get maximum plantation during the rainy season. The campaign was launched in Kota on Monday. The campaign has been launched under NYKS’s ‘Clean Village- Green Village’ program.