First India-Ahmedabad Edition-07 June 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

25°C - 40°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

4,00,054 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 2,969 DEATHS 82,968 CASES

69,17,663 CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 254 DEATHS 30,172 CASES

TAMING

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 192

6,946 DEATHS

DELHI 761 DEATHS 27,654 CASES

INDIA

2,46,394

CONFIRMED CASES

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GUJARAT

1,219 DEATHS

RAJASTHAN 231 DEATHS 10,337 CASES

19,617

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 268 DEATHS 10,103 CASES

THE

DRAGON

High altitude face-offs between China & India have been dominating the spotlight since long, with India taking a tougher line on security, while maintaining that India does not want to hurt any country’s pride, neither can it tolerate if a country wants to hurt ours!

India wants China to return to the status quo and remove its troops, structures, tents from the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. —PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi: The meeting between military commanders of India and China to discuss and resolve the standoff in Eastern Ladakh, was held on Saturday where India sought a return to the “status quo as of April” in eastern Ladakh, sources said.

They said Indian delegation is on its way back to Leh after holding talks in Moldo on the Chinese side of LAC. “Talks between military commanders of India and China in Moldo on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control are over.

The Indian delegation led by 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh is returning to Leh,” a source said.

The delegation will brief the top Army brass including Army Chief Gen MM Naravane and the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen YK Joshi about the talks.

The Directorate General of Military Operations at Army Headquarters here will also brief the Ministry of External Affairs and other concerned government officials about the discussions.

Turn on P6

New global coalition to counter China This includes lawmakers of US, Germany, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Sweden & Norway

Chinese President Xi Jinping

A

group of senior lawmakers from eight democracies including the U.S. have launched a new cross-parliamentary alliance to help counter what they say is the threat China’s growing influence poses to global trade, security and human rights.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which launched Friday, comes as the US struggles to muster a cohesive alliance to take on China’s growing economic and diplomatic clout and as it leads foreign governments in condemning Beijing’s move to impose national security

legislation on Hong Kong that threatens the city’s autonomy.

The group said it aims to “construct appropriate and coordinated responses, and to help craft a proactive and strategic approach on issues related to the People’s Republic of China.” U.S. Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democrat Bob Menendez, former Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani, European Parliament foreign affairs committee member Miriam Lexmann and prominent U.K. Conservative lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith are all co-chairs of the newly launched group.

2,46,454 CASES! INDIA BEATS SPAIN

New Delhi: India surpassed Spain’s tally to become the fifth worsthit nation by COVID-19, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

As of now, the total number of confirmed cases in India stands at 2,46,454 as opposed to Spain’s figures of 240,978. Earlier today, India had registering a record single-day spike of 9,887 cases, overtaking Italy’s tally of number of confirmed cases.

India’s death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 6,946, with a record increase of 297 deaths in the last

Passengers walk past a graffiti as they arrive at Howrah station from New Delhi via special train on Saturday.

Migrants were given essential items: Centre A priest wraps bells by clothes at Hanuman Mandir in New Delhi as religious places will open from June 8, on Saturday.

24 hours till Saturday 8 am. The country has registered over 10,353 cases for the third day in a row.

Maharashtra is the worst-affected state in India with 82,968 cases and is followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi.

New Delhi: The Central government has submitted before the Supreme Court that migrant labourers, who were found walking to their homes, were shifted to the nearest railway stations and essential items including food, water, medicines and clothes were provided to them whenever

and wherever needed.

The Central government, in a detailed affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday, said that with the support of NHAI, they facilitated the shifting of migrant workers, who were found walking on roads, by providing them requisite transport to the Turn on P6

IIT-HYD’BAD TEST KIT CAN DELIVER RESULTS IN 20 MIN

RAJYA SABHA ELECTIONS: AFTER THREE RESIGNATIONS, CONGRESS MOVES ITS MLAS IN GUJARAT TO RESORTS Ahmedabad: Rattled by resignations of three MLAs ahead of the June 19 Rajya Sabha polls, the Congress in Gujarat on Saturday shifted several of its legislators to resorts and bungalows near their constituencies to thwart any “poaching” bid, a party leader said. Several MLAs from north Gujarat were shifted to a resort near Ambaji in Banaskantha district, those from south and Central Gujarat were moved to private bungalows in Anand, Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said, adding that MLAs from Saurashtra region were shifted to a resort in Rajkot. They were asked by party high command to arrive in resorts in Anand, Ambaji, and Rajkot after completing their work on Saturday.

They will arrive in these resorts on basis of zone-wise location of their constituencies. P2

New Delhi: A team of researchers at IIT, Hyderabad claims to have developed a first-of-its kind COVID-19 test kit that can deliver results within 20 minutes.

The researchers claimed that the alternative test method is not based on the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. Kit has been developed at a cost of Rs 550.

UNLOCK 1.0 BRINGS 470 CASES AND 30 DEATHS PER DAY 24 HOURS: 498 CASES, 29 DEAD, 313 DISCHARGED TOTAL: 19,617 CASES, 1,219 DEAD, 13,324 DISCHARGED First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The state is not doing well under Unlock 1.0.

There have been 2,823 cases and 181 in the past six days, meaning Gujarat has seen an average of 470 new cases and 30 deaths on a daily basis since

the relaxations were put in place.

Ahmedabad accounted for 63% of the state’s new cases and 83% of its deaths under Unlock 1.0, with 1,787 cases and 152 fatalities. As of Saturday, the city’s death toll has touched 994.

The state government

may boast of a very high discharge rate.

However, given that not all discharged patients are cases of recovery, the discharge policy is merely a tool to keep the number of active cases low. Still, there are 5,074 active cases in the state, with 61 patients on ventilators.

In the past 24 hours, the state has tested 5,695 samples. This is 295 fewer than it did on Friday.

Ahmedabad rural reported 29 new cases: 10 from Dholka, eight from

Since Unlock 1.0 began on June 1, Ahmedabad residents seem to have forgotten all about staying indoors and other safety norms.

—FILE PHOTO

Sanand, six from Bavla, four from Daskroi and one from Viramgam.

With this, rural Ahmedabad’s total cases are now 356. One death was reported on Saturday.

The situation in Surat seems to be worsening, with 93 cases emerging in the past 24 hours. Of these, 77 were from the city and 16 from rural areas. According to the Surat Municipal Corporation, the city now has a total of 2,035 cases, while rural areas have 166.

Those tested positive include doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and ward boys from the New Civil Hospital as well as super-spreaders such as vegetable vendors, and the manager of a corporate firm.

Meanwhile, BJP Councillor Geeta Rabari has sparked controversy after four guests who attended her birthday party tested positive. City authorities are now trying to trace contact persons.

Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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02

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,976,513 BRAZIL 651,980 RUSSIA 458,689 SPAIN 288,390 UK 284,868 ITALY 234,801 GERMANY 185,580 IRAN 169,425 TURKEY 168,340 FRANCE 153,055

111,716 35,211 5,725 27,135 40,465 33,846 8,767 8,209 4,648 29,111

USA

Bharatsinh Solanki

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO

WITH TRAITORS WITHIN THE CONGRESS,

LAST UPDATED: JUNE 6, 2020, 11:30 PM

IN GUJARAT

BJP GAINS A LOT

DISTRICT

Ahmedabad: When two grasshoppers fight to the death, it is the crow who gets to feast: this African proverb should have been a warning to the Congress party in Gujarat. Instead, the alleged internal conflicts in the grand old party led to perceived benefits its main rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With the recent resignations of Congress MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly), the BJP could very well get readymade Patel leaders, which could benefit the party in the upcoming local elections.

Understandably, this has landed the Congress in hot water, since only one of its two nominees--Shaktisinh Gohil and Bharatsinh Solanki--is now likely to find a spot in the Rajya Sabha, in the election on June 19.

A highly placed source within the state Congress unit told First India that the roots of the infighting can be traced back to Solanki’s ambition.

“Solanki had wanted to contest the election and wanted a Rajya Sabha seat. The party leadership in New Delhi had put forth Rajiv Shukla’s name as a

The Congress party has not been in power in the state for 24 years. So it is foolish for defectors to say their work is being affected. All the Congresspeople are aware that they have to walk against the wind.

—Jayrajsinh Parmar, GPCC spokesperson

nominee for the Rajya Sabha polls. This was leaked to the press ahead of time, clearing the path for Bharatsinh Solanki to be officially named as the party’s second candidate,” this person said on the condition of anonymity since they are not authorized to speak to the press on

the issue.

“Solanki was ready to leave the party with his supporters unless he got what he wanted. Back in November, he had displayed a show of strength when he celebrated his birthday at a private party plot in Ahmedabad with thousands of supporters. His idea was clear. He had failed to win

the assembly election, so the only way ahead was to secure a nomination to the Raja Sabha,” this person added.

“A group of people had threatened to resign if Solanki was not given a ticket. In fact, Pravin Maru who resigned in March was from the Solanki camp,” the source also

said. Officially, however, the Congress party insists that all is well.

“There are no groups in the party. Those who have left have done so for personal reasons, since they were under some pressure or the other,” said Jayrajsinh Parmar, spokesperson, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC).

“The Congress has not been in power in the state for 24 years.

So it is foolish for defectors to say their work is being affected.

All the Congresspeople are aware that they have to walk against the wind,” he added.

Cong ‘resorts’ to hiding away its MLAs ahead of RS polls Gandhinagar: The Congress seems to be making it a habit to sequester its MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) at resorts ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, a practise that began in 2017. When the election for four seats was announced for March 26, the party took its lawmakers to Jaipur after five of them defected. Then came the COVID-19 out-

break, which delayed the polls. Now that the election has been rescheduled for June 19-and three more MLAs have jumped ship--the party has once again sent its MLAs to resorts.

The logic behind the move is unclear since the damage has already been done.

The latest round of resignations has more or less ensured that

From Right: Rajendrasinh Parmar, Amit Chavda and Arjun Modhvadia on their return from Jaipur on March 24.

—FILE PHOTO

the party will not achieve its goal of winning two of the four empty seats in the upper house of Parliament.

“Frankly, there are no chances of winning the second seat now. Yet, MLAs in four different groups have been asked to stay. Of which two groups have been taken to resorts: one in Rajkot and the other in Anand,” said a party

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

13967 994 VADODARA 1258 43 SURAT 2034 84 RAJKOT 128 3 BHAVNAGAR 138 10 ANAND 106 11 BHARUCH 52 3 GANDHINAGAR 419 14 PATAN 98 7 PANCHMAHAL 99 10 BANASKANTHA 136 5 NARMADA 23 0 CHOTA UDEPUR 37 0 KUTCH 88 4 MEHSANA 153 6 BOTAD 60 2 DAHOD 45 0 PORBANDAR 12 2 JAMNAGAR 61 3 MORBI 4 0 SABARKANTHA 112 3 ARAVALLI 120 7 MAHISAGAR 116 2 KHEDA 86 4 GIR SOMNATH 47 0 VALSAD 53 2 TAPI 6 0 NAVSARI 31 1 DANG 4 0 SURENDRANAGAR 44 2 DWARKA 15 0 JUNAGADH 31 2 AMRELI 14 1 OTHER STATES 24 0 TOTAL 19617 1219 AHMEDABAD

Seeds of discord sown by RS candidate Bharatsinh Solanki and his ambition, say insiders Gargi Raval

+326 +164 +197 +1 +204 +72 +4 +75 — —

source, adding, “It is important to keep the MLAs together.”

“It is sad to see people leaving like this, for money or for any other aspirations,” he also said. He added that the groups have been made keeping in mind the leaders. “Some leaders have their own followers and have hence been tasked with keeping their flock together,” he said.

SAMPLE RECEIVED SAMPLE NEGATIVE

26 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29

2,45,606 2,25,989

UNDER EXAMINATION

0

BJP weaning away Congress men, but Screen shot: Shah to saffron camp unhappy with imports address Bihar online First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The state leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may be pleased with themselves for getting three Congress MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) to resign, thus clearing the path for the party’s three candidates to the Rajya Sabha, but there could be dissent brewing among the rank and file. Many workers at the district and taluka level see the new additions as unwelcome competition for them within the party.

A BJP leader from Vadodara told First India, “It is becoming fashionable in the

party to import leaders and impose them on us. Those attached to the party ideology who have worked selflessly for decades are feeling hurt that they weren’t even taken into confidence for fear that the information might be leaked.

However, as disciplined soldiers of the party, we can’t raise our voices.” This person asked not to be named for fear of blowback and because they are not authorized to speak to the press on the issue.

Another leader from

Ahmedabad, who is now inactive after working for the party for almost 25 years, said this was not the same he was associated with and worked for. “Then, party workers were everything for the party.

These days, they are just stepping stones and fillers for public meetings. The new generation of leaders think that winning elections is the party’s only motive, and hence believe they can do anything.

Back-stabbing workers and compromising the party’s ideology has become par for the course,” this person said.

Both these people point out that the BJP

does not seem to have learnt from the fiasco that was the 2017 assembly election, where seven candidates imported from the Congress were defeated by voters. In the 2019 by-elections, the party lost the Radhanpur and Bayad seats in a similar fashion. It is not just the voters who have rejected the theory of importing and winning seats. Even party workers have shown their anger by not working for imported candidates. However, party leaders continue to turn a blind eye to the ground reality and pain of party workers.

New Delhi: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the people of Bihar through an online event on Sunday in what is being seen as the launch of the party’s campaign for the assembly polls later this year.

The saffron party is pulling out all the stops to ensure the success of this ‘virtual rally’ since the COVID-19 outbreak has ruled out any big political gathering.

Sunday’s event is part of the BJP’s extended campaign highlighting the achieve-

ments of the Modi government after it completed the first year of its second term on May 30. However, Shah is expected to dwell in length over the assembly polls slated for OctoberNovember in which

his party is in alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party.

Bihar BJP leaders have said the party has made arrangements for its workers and the masses to hear Shah’s address at most of the more than 72,000 booths in the state.

—PTI

Amit Shah

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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Viral news: Is it trough in A’bad and crest in Surat?

Getting tested remains a challenge amid outbreak First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The struggle to get tested for COVID-19 in the city is real for everyone showcasing symptoms. Joining the list of people trying to undergo the SarsCoV-2 test was a media professional in the broadcast medium, who struggled to get her grandparents tested for the virus.

Her name has not been disclosed due to protect her privacy..

After her grandparents developed COVID-19 symptoms, the news anchor contacted the 104 helpline number and was asked to wait for 48 hours before testing. It was only after she contacted Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana that a 104 helpline team came to her residence and administered medication to her grandparents.

Since, two members of the family had developed COVID-19 symptoms, it was necessary for everyone to under-

Increased sample testing in diamond city might explain unprecedented surge in cases Haresh Jhala

ODD CALL

Gandhinagar: With a sudden rise in positive cases in Surat and a flatter curve in Ahmedabad, one might get the impression that the former might be heading towards a worse health crisis, while the latter might be recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak. But, that is just barely scratching the surface. First India dug a little deeper.

Throughout May, Surat averaged 30-40 cases a day, while Ahmedabad averaged between 260 and 300. So, the big question is why was there a surge in cases in Surat?

Ever since Unlock 1.0 was enforced, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has implemented a new strategy under which private clinics and nursing home doctors have been asked to update patients through a mobile app. If a person

Residents of Gulbai Tekra in Ahmedabad on Friday night unilaterally removed the barricades that are meant to mark the area as a containment zone.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

has COVID-19 symptoms, the doctor recommends taking a test, and if that person does not approach SMC health department, the physicians share the patient’s details on the app. Then, an SMC team reaches out to the patient and conducts COVID-19 test.

This strategy has increased the daily sample testing quota of Surat.

CM fast-tracks SoU rail, 7-star hotels First India Bureau

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani stated, “After Unlock 1.0, people have started taking things lightly and have given up practising social distancing and wearing face masks. The inflow of people with travel histories too has increased in the city and that is why the numbers have increased from an

average of 35 cases to 80 to 90 per day. If people do not adhere to guidelines, the numbers may increase rapidly.”

Whereas, in Ahmedabad, as per state health department data an average of 1,200 to 1,600 samples are being tested daily, the ground reality is different. First India received a number of complaints

from citizens claiming that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) health team was not responding to calls for sample testing.

The lack of sample testing, coupled with an average of 260-300 cases daily for the entire month, it seems that the local civic body in Ahmedabad has not been revealing details.

MONSOON PITFALLS

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

SAFE BHOG

Gandhinagar:In a review of development work in the state, the government evaluated progress reports of 7-star hotel projects at Gandhinagar railway station and rail connectivity at the Statue of Unity.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ordered a year-long extension of the submission of caste and income certificates of youngsters under the Socio-Economic Backward Class. Now, the youths may submit their documents until March 31, 2021.

The state, in collaboration with the central government, has embarked on a project to connect the Statue of Unity with the Railways network.

Currently, tracks are being laid down for the project and the construction of the railway platform at Kevadiya is also underway. On Saturday, CM Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel reviewed the pro-

Testing is nowhere near the required numbers.

go testing.

“My family was turned away by a private laboratory, which said that it could only collect samples after a patient had been admitted to a hospital for eight hours,” said the anchor.

She added, “It was only after we contacted AMC for help that the 104 team reached our home in an hour. They too just gave medicines but were of no help with COVID-19 testing. When we approached private hospitals, we were asked to stay for eight hours and pay the admission fees first. The process to get tested for COVID-19 has

One good shower on Friday evening, and a road in South Bopal is reduced to a puddle on Saturday.

Three workers in a critical condition as boiler explodes in paper mill in Surat’s Olpad taluka First India Bureau Surat: A blast occurred in the boiler at Rama Paper Mill in Barbodhan village of Olpad taluka on Saturday. As many as five workers were burnt when the boiler exploded.

Three of the five in-

jured were in critical condition and have been shifted to BAPS Pramukh Swami Hospital in Surat for further treatment. The blaze at the paper mill was brought under control by the local fire brigade.

The reason for the blast remains unknown but has created a chaotic

atmosphere in the surrounding area of the mill. According to reports, the fire spread quickly and five workers present inside the mill suffered burn injuries. On receiving information about the boiler blast, the fire brigade immediately dispatched the fire trucks.

The fire brigade put out the blaze and rescued the workers.

—FILE PHOTO

been made so complicated that people are afraid to go to hospitals.”

Elaborating further on the issue, this person stated, “It is fortunate that we have a few contacts which helped our family get the required treatment for our loved ones. And even then, we had to struggle a bit.”

She added: “I shudder to think what people without any contacts have been doing to protect their near and dear ones.

There is no single procedure in place for receiving treatment or testing for the virus.”

Direct state, AMC to reopen VS Hosp: Cong MLA to CJ First India Bureau

ject’s progress. The government has acquired land from 32 villages including 14 in Vadodara and 18 in Narmada districts.

Meanwhile, the construction of a 7-star hotel at the Gandhinagar railway station is in full swing. The chief minister has instructed that work on the project be finished at the earliest.

Another project to promote usage of biodiesel produced from used edible oil has also been sanctioned by the government. The state government has so far contributed 5,11,341 kilograms of burned edible oil for the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative.

03

Ahmedabad: With almost all government and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hospitals occupied with COVID-19, patients with other illnesses are finding it difficult to receive medical assistance.

In order to draw the attention of authorities to their plight, Congress MLA from Dariyapur Gyasuddin Shaikh has written to Chief Justice Vikram Nath of the Gujarat High Court and pleaded that the state and local civic body AMC activate VS Hospital to treat patients with other diseases.

Shaikh shed light on the difficulties people with other illnesses are encountering while seeking treatment for their ailments. Due to the ongoing crisis, all government or corporation hospitals have been deployed towards treating COVID-19 patients.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“VS Hospital has 500 beds with 22 ventilators, 108 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and three operations theatres apart from other medical equipment such as CT scan machine, an MRI and sonography machines.

Yet, the AMC is not making it operational. So, the court should direct the state and AMC to make it functional. It. All AMC needs to do is hire staff on a contract basis to run the hospital. It can save the lives of patients suffering from other diseases,” he wrote.

PLAYING THE GAME

Soft-spoken Brijesh Merja looking for long-term political benefit 

After resigning from the Congress yet again, the leader has joined the BJP and will be looking to create a strong Patidar base in his new home party

Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: The Congress party should have realized on March 11 that change was afoot. However, it missed a hint of the growing relationship between former Congress leader Brijesh Merja and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During the question hour at the Legislative Assembly session, Merja had posed a question regarding

the development at Rann Sarovar. Surprisingly, the question was permitted by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and answered

by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

The Rann Sarovar project was conceived by Odhavji Patel, a big name in the world of quartz clocks and electronic gadgets. Since Merja is very close to Patel’s family, he has even served as a liaison between the company and

the government. Merja had raised the Rann Sarovar question in the Assembly solely to get everything on record of the floor of the House. The state too was keen on the project and had even constituted a committee to study its viability.

Brijesh Merja

There are very few people who are aware that Merja was a government employee around 35 years ago. It was in the early 1990s that Merja bid adieu to his government job and joined active politics.

Interestingly, this is

not the first time Merja has resigned from the Congress party. In 2014, he had resigned from the opposition party and later joined BJP. He returned to Congress in 2015-16 and got elected to the state assembly on a Congress ticket in

SARKARI BABU Merja joined active politics in the early 1990s. Very few people know that he was a government employee 35 years ago. He was personal assistant to Congress party’s one-time stalwart from Rajkot district, the late Vallabhbhai Patel.

2017. Now, the political leader has resigned from Congress ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

Sources say Merja is not someone who would leave a party without any political and other benefits waiting for him on the other side. Since he belongs to the Patel community he is invaluable to the BJP, which depends on Patel votes during elections. Plus, he can also help BJP get other Patidars in the Congress to jump ship.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

TOP GENERALS MEET, NO WORD YET ON LAC

RACISM RAMPANT IN TRUMP’S AMERICA! WHAT IS NEEDED URGENTLY IS DRASTIC REFORM OF THE US POLICE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS, UNFORTUNATELY, IS UNLIKELY IN NEAR FUTURE

T

op military commanders of India and China met at the Border Personnel Meeting Point in Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh to resolve the stand-off at the north bank of Pangong Tso where the People’s Liberation Army is understood to have altered the status quo. The 135km Pangong Tso, which means ‘conclave lake’, is the main site of dispute.

Saturday’s talks were preceded by Indian and Chinese envoys joining a video call between diplomats of the border working mechanism on Friday. They stressed that the two sides should “handle their differences through peaceful discussion and not allow them to become disputes”.

Prior to these efforts, 12 rounds of meetings held between local commanders of the two armies and three rounds of major-general level talks had failed to end the eyeball to eyeball confrontation.

Nothing is known about the outcome of talks between Lt-General Harjinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding of Leh-based 14 Corps, and China’s Commander of the Tibet Military District.

The Indian Army spokesman is reported to have said, “Indian and Chinese officials continue to remain engaged through the established military and diplomatic channels to address the current situation in the India-China border areas.”

Both China and India have repeatedly said that they will resolve differences through peaceful means and respect each other’s concerns.

The two countries differ in their understanding of where the LAC passes through Pangong Tso Lake. India controls the 45-km stretch of Pangong Tso. There are eight spurs jutting out of an eastern extension of Karakoram Range which is in contention. India maintains that LAC passes through Finger 8 but it has not had active control beyond Finger 4. The present theatre is on Finger 2.

The stand-off began in early May when the Chinese enhanced their military presence along the LAC after a skirmish early last month. The Chinese have deployed about 2500 troops in Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley, ramped up their weaponry, and improved the infrastructure. One report said that the Chinese have built a five km metal road on the Indian side of LAC. The tough posturing by the Chinese is said to have been triggered by India building a road in the Finger area around the Pangong Lake and another road in the Galwan Valley to connect Darbuk-Daulat Beg Oldie road. All these constructions were taking place on the Indian side of the LAC. The Finger area road is considered to be of strategic importance.

The Indian side was said to have pressed for the status quo ante in Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra. As the infrastructure improvement is happening on the Indian side of the border, India wants China to stop its opposition to the construction.

The confrontation is unlikely to end soon.

Some more rounds of talks are expected. The question is will China back off ?

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

H

66% of Americans do not approve of Trump’s mishandling of the grave situation America is confronted with. Even big business houses like General Motors have spoken against what happened in Minneapolis.

istory is being made in the USA following the gruesome murder of a black man, George Floyd by a brutal police officer in Minneapolis.

Black and white protesters have been peacefully marching in cities across the United States. The murder was caught on TV for nine minutes the oversized rabidly racist police officer dug his knee into the neck of George Floyd who kept wailing, “I can’t breathe”. The other three police officers stood and watched.

President Trump has called peaceful protesters, leftist terrorists. Even the retired senior army generals have condemned the President’s racist mind-set.

Such insensitivity, such indifference on so vital and disturbing murder is unprecedented in recent times. 66% of Americans do not approve of Trump’s mishandling of the grave situation America is confronted with. Even big business houses like General Motors have spoken against what happened in Minneapolis.

Only one Republican senator has criticised President Trump who has vowed to ensure her defeat in the elections in November. Racism at all levels is rampant in Trump’s America.

Mercifully the media, particularly CNN have been unsparing in its condemnation of the President. This is not only a race issue, but it is also a humanitarian one.

The main culprit is in jail accused of murder. He will probably and rightly spend the rest of his life there. The other three accomplices too have been arrested. What is needed urgently is the drastic reform of the US Police establishment. This, unfortunately, is unlikely in the near future.

Fifty-five years ago on this

My dear Natwar,

W

hat an agreeable idea, and may I be here in 1964 the more fully to appreciate it. It would be excellent to include, with a covering word, my words about Gandhiji for I don’t think they are widely known. This I did.

I give a couple of portions from his speech. “But although neither grief nor pity is in place this evening, we may well entertain a feeling of awe and a sense of our own smallness. When news came to me last week, I realized intensely how small I was, how small those around me were, how impotent and circumscribed are the lives of most of us spiritually, and how in comparison with that mature goodness the so-called great men of our age are no more than blustering schoolboys…..then think anew of the career and character of Mahatma Gandhi, and a feeling of awe will return with a salutary shock… Though he impinged on events and influenced politics, he stood outside time, and drew strength thence….”

The Tribute book appeared on 1st January 1964. It was reviewed in nearly 75 papers and magazines all over the USA Most carried my photo with Forster (Produced below).

“The Wall Street Journal,” wrote, “Few men of the West, none of them statesman, or in what CP Snow cells the corridors of power can have had as much praises and of such a kind from the East….”

Ved Marwah was three years junior to me in St. Stephen’s College.

We had been friends ever since. He was an outstanding IPS officer, a respected Governor. He passed away in Goa on Friday the 5th, at the age of eighty-seven.

My condolences to Kamala, his wife, and the family.

day, EM Forster died at the age of ninety-one. Appraised by any standard of reference, I would without the least hesitation include him in the list of

the greatest novelists of the 20th century. His, “A Passage to India” published in 1924, still has huge sales.

I met him at Cambridge in

Companies must defend digital rights in the COVID-19 era

T

he COVID-19 crisis has highlighted – and intensified – our dependence on digital technologies, with social-distancing rules forcing people to take their work, education, and personal relationships fully online. But, as governments enact sweeping emergency measures, including to combat disinformation and trace the contacts of infected people, the crisis has also created a serious threat to digital freedom.

For nearly a decade, digital freedom has been declining globally, largely owing to the proliferation of mass surveillance and the manipulation of political discourse. The pandemic could accelerate this process, as it gives governments a compelling justifi

04

cation for forcing companies within their jurisdiction to control content and hand over data.

To be sure, tech companies have a role to play in ensuring that people receive accurate information, especially during the current “infodemic.” And widespread contact tracing, such as through Bluetooth-enabled apps, may help countries to reopen their economies more safely – a possibility that even some staunch civil libertarians recognize.

But controlling content and handing user data over to governments is a slippery slope to censorship and surveillance, including of journalists and human-rights defenders.

These are grave violations of civil liberties, and tech companies should beware of blindly acceding to gov-

ernment demands that might facilitate them.

Yet pushing back against such demands is not easy, and disputes between the private and public sectors over data sharing have often been contentious. That is why, in 2008, the Global Network Initiative (GNI), whose board I chair, developed a set of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Privacy.

Every two years, companies participating in the GNI are independently assessed on their progress in implementing the Principles. The latest assessments of 11 tech and telecom companies, though carried out before the pandemic, provide valuable lessons for companies attempting to navigate new pressures – well-intended or otherwise – from governments.

The first lesson is that Benjamin Franklin’s dictum that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true for human rights as it is for human health (or fire safety, which is what Franklin had in mind).

While nobody can predict the future, companies can employ due diligence to identify censorship and surveillance risks and avert or mitigate them. Nokia’s process for evaluating equipment sales and Microsoft’s inclusion of lawyers in its business groups to support it on protecting users’ rights exemplify this approach.

Second, increasing transparency is always worthwhile, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

For example, gag orders often prohibit companies from disclosing informa-

tion about national security requests. But the GNI’s assessments show that companies can push back, such as by challenging such orders in court, fighting laws that enable governments to obscure their surveillance activities, and increasing transparency in their own reporting.

The third lesson is that companies can do more to keep communication networks accessible. Restricting such networks threatens emergency services, limits access to vital public-health information, and blocks the provision of life-saving telemedicine, making it a particularly dangerous policy during a pandemic. Yet government-ordered network disruptions are becoming increasingly common.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

1952. His impact on my character and intellect was among the great blessings of my life. It was from my friendship with him that I learned the value of personal relations. Let me quote from his essay, What I believe. “One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life, and it is, therefore, essential that they should not let one down. They often do. The moral of which is that I must be as reliable as possible, and this I try to be…..”

It was from him that I first heard the names of Mulk Raj Anand, RK Narayan, Raja Rao, and Ahmed Ali. All became my life long friends. In the summer of 1963, Raja Rao met me in New York at the home of Santha Rama Rao, at the time the best known Indian author in the United States. Raja Rao suggested a book of tributes by Indian writers be published on Forster’s 85th birthday which fell on 1.1.1964. Who to include beside the three of us. We agreed on Mulk Raj Anand, Ahmed Ali, and Narayan Menon. I was asked to edit the book. Who would publish the book? I approached Forster’s American publishers, Harcourt Brace, and Ivanovich. I informed Forster. He wrote back on May 1, 1963 (See inset) THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda Saddened to know about the demise of Former Governor of Manipur, Mizoram and Jharkhand Shri Ved Marwah Ji. Being an IPS Officer, his contribution towards public life and unwavering courage will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti Ravi Shankar Prasad @rsprasad The @narendramodi govt introduced Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana where each village having at least 100 households is covered by one rural postal life insurance policy. In past 1yr, 24,992villages have been covered till march2020 as against 4,851villages till march2019. #1YearofModi2

Spiritual SPEAK

What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.

—Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 192 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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Pradhan, Sitharaman to be inducted in BJP Parl Board Vaishali

New Delhi: To the general public, it would appear that in the current situation, BJP is being run by two men - Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. But those who have in-depth knowledge of the party workings, know that it is the parliamentary board which is the supreme body in the saffron party, when it comes to framing its policies and strategies. And with four seats lying vacant on the body, rejig of or-

ganisational setup on cards and plenty of candidates to choose from, the saffron party’s leaders have their work cut out.

With the demise of party’s stalwart leaders like Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Anand Kumar, there are three seats that are lying vacant.

Furthermore, with senior leader Venkaiyah Naidu being appointed as the VicePresident, in all, four seats are vacant. The prime name being

floated for the prestigious position is of union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, who is known to be a trusted lieutenant of both Modi and Shah. It is said that Pradhan carried out Modi’s mandate to the hilt, without deviating from the ‘storyline’ given to him to work on.

Interestingly, several political analysts believe that in Modi’s second consecutive victory, lies the fruits of Ujjawala scheme that directly

benefitted nearly seven crore women, a substantial number. As union minister, Pradhan has even performed well, securing the country’s en-

ergy interests and it is this performance oriented working style that has made Pradhan rise up under Modi.

To every coin there is

‘WILL ACCEPT KHALISTAN IF GOVERNMENT OFFERS IT’

a flip side too and with Pradhan, the flip side is his not being recognised as a mass leader. The BJP had contested previous assembly election in Odisha under an overall ‘tutelage’ of Pradhan, however, it failed miserably to make any dent in BJD’s fort. This is probably the biggest aspect that can go against Pradhan and since he is a two time Rajya Sabha MP with consecutive nominations, he does not have that good a hold on the voters.

But the fact that the

HC notice to govt on convict Ravi Kapoor’s parole appeal

The statement was made by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Sing while addressing media on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Operation Blue Star Amritsar: Raking up the issue of Khalistana separate state for Sikhs, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Saturday said if the government offers it, the community will accept it.

The Jathedar of Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhs) was talking to the media here on the 36th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, which was carried out in 1984 to flush out heavilyarmed terrorists holed up in the Golden Temple. Asked if the demand for Khalistan was justified, Singh said, “If we get it, then what else do we need?”

“If the Government of India offers us, then we will accept it,” he noted.

“Which Sikh in the world does not want it?”

Singh added.

A nearly deserted view of the Golden temple on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, during the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown in Amritsar on Saturday.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gobind Singh Longowal also endorsed the views of the Akal Takht Jathedar and said if Khalistan is given to the community, it would be acceptable to Sikhs.

To a question on proKhalistan slogans raised at the Golden Temple complex, Harpreet Singh said, “There was nothing wrong in it. But they should have done it after the conclusion of the religious programme

which was in progress at the Akal Takht.”

Earlier in the day, pro-Khalistan slogans were raised in the premises of the Golden Temple here to mark the 36th anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

Around one hundred

Sikh activists led by Imaan Singh Mann, son of President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann, raised pro-Khalistan slogans at Akal Takht in the premises of the Golden Temple on Saturday. —PTI

New Delhi: Delhi HC has issued notice to Delhi government on a plea filed by Ravi Kapoor, a convict in Jigisha Ghose murder case, seeking parole for a period of eight weeks on medical grounds.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani asked Delhi government to file a status report on Kapoor’s plea and listed the matter for further hearing on June 15.

Advocate Ashutosh Kaushik, appearing for Kapoor, told the court that the petitioner is suffering from a life-threatening disease, A medical status report of Kapoor dated May 2 has also been submitted before the court. —ANI

party deemed it fit to get Pradhan into the RS twice in a row denotes his necessity in the party’s political sphere.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary board could also see a new entrant in Nirmala Sitharaman taking over the mantle left by Sushma Swaraj. With BJP hoping to make inroads & establish itself in Southern India as well, Sitharaman could be given a chance since she could then voice her ideas and

suggestions in a much more prolific manner.

Notably, there is no female member in the parliamentary board.

There could be a surprise entry in the form of RS MP Bhupedra Yadav, who is known to be close to Amit Shah and could be appointed as Secretary of the board. Word is that party leader Ram Madhav could also be given a place in the board as Sangh’s representative, however, some political observers feel it would not be so.

Sisodia writes to HRD Ministry on reopening schools New Delhi: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has written to Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokharyal ‘Nishank’ supporting the ministry in its initiative to plan the reopening of schools with reasonable guidelines.

According to an official statement on Saturday, Sisodia in his letter said that as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had pointed out that we need to learn to live with the coronavirus and added that reopening of schools with reasonable precautions is a step in the right direction. This comes as the Union HRD Ministry is preparing elaborate guidelines to be followed by schools and universities when they reopen. Educational institutes have been closed since the lockdown was first imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“First of all we need to assure every child, irre-

CITING REPORT

spective of age and social class that they are important to us and all of them have equal right to physical and intellectual space of their respective schools. The clamour of online teaching or older children coming to school first and not the younger ones should be put to rest.” —ANI

‘Unlock doesn’t mean freedom’ Hosps can’t turn away ‘4,286 Shramik Special trains Lucknow: “Unlock doesn’t mean freedom,” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday and instructed officials to ensure that not more than five persons gather in public places and social distancing norms are strictly adhered to.

The Centre had on May 30 said ‘Unlock-1’ will be initiated in the country from June 8 under which the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown effectuated on March 25 will be relaxed to a great extent, including

corona suspects: Kejri have ferried 58L migrants’

Yogi Adityanath inaugurates 28 sub-stations of UP Power Transmission Corporation Limited through vc in Lucknow.

opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places, even as strict restrictions will remain in place till June 30 in the country’s worst-hit areas. Chair-

RAILWAY MINISTER PIYUSH GOYAL’S MOTHER PASSES AWAY Mumbai: Senior BJP leader Chandrakanta Goyal, mother of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, died at her residence here due to old age. She died late on Friday night.

Piyush Goyal shared the news of her death on Twitter. In a tweet, he said his mother dedicated her entire life towards the service of people and

inspired others to do the same.BJP leader and former Maharashtra minister Vinod Tawde said that she was cremated on Saturday morning.Chandrakanta Goyal was a corporator in Mumbai for one term after the Emergency.

Later, she represented the BJP from the Matunga Assembly constituency in Mumbai for three terms.

ing a meeting of senior officials, the CM emphasised on breaking the chain of virus transmission and said, “Unlock does not mean freedom.” —Agencies

New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal warned private hospitals and said those indulging in black-marketing of beds for COVID-19 patients, will not be spared.

“I am not saying all private hospitals are bad, many are doing great work. Some hospitals are denying admission to COVID-19 patients, seeking exorbitant amount as the fee. I am warning them, if they think they will be able to do black-

TWO COPS SUCCUMB TO COVID-19 IN MAHARASHTRA Mumbai: Two personnel from Maharashtra Police succumbed to COVID-19, while no personnel tested positive in the last 24 hours.The death toll of police officials stands at 33 in the state. A total of 2,561 police personnel have tested positive for the virus till now, with more than 80,000 confirmed cases in the state. As per the data shared by the Maharashtra Police, 1,23,105 offences have been registered under Section 188 of IPC since March 23. Notably, the COVID-19 lockdown was implemented in the country from March 25.

marketing of beds using the influence of their political connections, you will not be spared,” the CM said. A media personnel would be appointed at private hospitals to ensure no one is denied entry, he added. —ANI

New Delhi: Over 58 lakh migrants have been taken to their destinations by 4,286 Shramik special trains till now, said Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav.

Yadav said, “We started Shramik Special trains from May1, Till now 4,286 trains have been run and more than 58 lakh people have travelled so far,” he said. the main objective behind running trains was to help labourers,

JYOTIRADITYA SCINDIA REMOVES BJP FROM TWITTER Bhopal: BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia recently created a flutter after media reported that he has removed ‘BJP’ from his Twitter profile.

However, later it emerged that Scindia never mentioned ‘BJP’ in his Twitter profile. A report pointed to the missing details from Scindia’s profile, triggering speculations

about his next move.The timing was significant as it came just a day after former minister Balendu Shukla returned to Congress. Scindia’s supporter Krishna Rathore trashed the rumours, saying there has been no change in the bio of the politician and have called the rumour mongering a Congress conspiracy.

Migrants take refuge in a school while waiting for transport in Delhi.

who are our brothers and sisters, reach their destinations. “I have been seeing in past 3-4 days that the demand for trains, which was

250 per day, is declining slowly. It first came down to 170 trains, then to 137 & in last two days, 32 & 24 trains were run,” he added. —ANI

SABARIMALA TEMPLE SET TO REOPEN FROM JUNE 14 Thiruvananthapuram: The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is set to reopen from June 14 for devotees for monthly pooja and festival.The temple will be open for the five-day monthly rituals in the Malayalam month of Midhunom that begins on June 15. From June 19-28 is the Sabarimala festival A virtual queue system has been put in place in which 200 people will be allowed to register within an hour, Devasom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said.To avoid crowding, only 50 devotees will be allowed to be present in temple.

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BJP snubs LJP, says Nitish is NDA’s face for Bihar polls

Patna: The BJP has rejected Lok Janshakti Party national president Chirag Paswan’s proposal of backing the saffron party even if it opts for a change of face in Bihar assembly polls and reiterated that the elections will be contested only under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar only.

The BJP’s Bihar incharge Bhupendra Yadav and another party functionary BL Santosh sent out that message at a virtual meeting of the party’s state leaders and workers late Friday evening.

“Former national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already made an announcement in this regard that Nitish Kumar will be the face of NDA in Bihar. The BJP stands by it. Nitishji will be our face

and forthcoming elections will be contested on the policies and achievements of both Centre and the state,” said Yadav, passing the message to both party cadres and alliance partners that there should be no confusion on this count.

Shah had declared in late 2019 that Nitish Kumar will lead the alliance in the next assembly elections.

The party cadres, grass root workers

were all instructed to keep this fact in mind and work for the alliance in tandem.

The BJP leader’s announcement comes at the backdrop of an interview given by the LJP president to a news agency in which he mooted the idea of backing the BJP, if it opts for a change of face in the Bihar assembly polls scheduled later this year.

Paswan had recently expressed his dissatis-

Has Dawood died of COVID-19?

Rumours swirl on social media New Delhi: Even as rumours swirled that the one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, Dawood Ibrahim, has tested positive for COVID-19, his brother has claimed that both the top don and his wife do not have the coronavirus.

It was reported earlier that Dawood and his wife were admitted to the Army Hospital in Karachi after they tested positive for COVID-19.

However, his brother Anees Ibrahim said that neither Dawood nor any

‘No word yet from Saudi govt on Haj’ Jalna: Amid uncertainty brought about by the novel coronavirus outbreak worldwide, those pilgrims who desire to cancel their Haj journey for 2020 would be given a 100 per cent refund, Haj Committee of India Chief Executive Officer Masood Ahmed Khan said on Saturday.

Khan said, “There is little chance of Haj 2020 taking place. Even those who do not apply for cancellation will get full refund.” —PTI

HE’S FINE SAYS BRO

his family members have tested positive for COVID-19. His staff was sent to quarantine, it was reported earlier.

Meanwhile, another,

POWER Gallery IS SS DESHWAL SET FOR REGULAR POSTING AS DG BSF?

Whispers have it that S S Deshwal holding additional charge of DG, BSF could get regularised in the post amid the Indo-China deadlock in Ladakh, where Govt may not be too keen to change the command immediately.

Amul Twitter handle briefly blocked, restored New Delhi/ Ahmedabad: The Twitter account of Amul was briefly blocked, sparking public outrage, but the social networking and microblogging firm on Saturday said the account was restricted after being caught in the platform’s security processes.

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) - which makes Amul brand of food products - found its Twitter account blocked on June 4 evening. The account was restored on June 5.

Some sought to link

Amarnath Yatra to commence on July 21 Srinagar: Managing body of Amarnath Yatra affairs, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) stated that the annual Yatra will be of 15 days and commence from July 21 to August 3 this year.

Officials of SASB said that the “Pratham Puj” for the Yatra was held on Friday. SASB officials said that the pilgrims will be crosschecked for the virus

before they are allowed to undertake the Yatra on entry into Jammu and Kashmir.

“All pilgrims will be surely crosschecked for the Covid-19 virus before they enter into Jammu and Kashmir for Yatra purpose”, officials said.

All the pilgrims will have to register themselves online for the Yatra except the Sadhus.

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of actively destroying the country’s economy by refusing to provide c a s h support to people a n d small and medium enterprises as he termed the Modi regime “Demon 2.0”.

He shared a news report on Twitter on the impact the coronavirus pandemic would have on the economy and the state of affairs

mil Nadu; some parts of Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh; entire southwest Bay of Bengal; some more parts of central and northeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of northeast India during next 23 days.”

Due to western disturbances, there is a possibility of thundershowers over western Himalayan regions. A low-pressure area is likely to develop over the east-central Bay of Bengal around June 8.

PRIYANKA TWITTER VADRA: UP DY CM Dy CM of UP Keshav Prasad Maurya said.

“I do not take her seriously.... We have already named her ‘Priyanka Twitter Vadra’.

She only tweets for 2-3 days & media remains busy and social media shows her as a prominent national leader,” Maurya was quoted as saying by PTI. of the MSME sector in the country. Gandhi has called for an immediate provision of

the blockage to Amul advertising for use of its Make in India product and boycott Chinese products. Amul had posted ‘Exit the Dragon’ tweet on June 3 afternoon and its account went down on June 4 evening.

Amul Managing Director RS Sodhi said “Our Twitter account was blocked on the night of June 4 and restored on June 5 morning when we again took up the process of reactivation with Twitter. We have asked Twitter why it blocked our account.

We are waiting for the reply,” he said. —PTI

Govt wants credit flow at lower interest rate: Thakur

to give cash support to people and MSMEs. This is Demon 2.0,” he tweeted. —PTI

ed five positive cases-from the same family--in Shivrajpur village of Jasdan taluka. They had all travelled to Ahmedabad. With this, the district’s rural areas have 42 positive cases.

Chinese People’s Liberation Army, to address the ongoing tussle in Eastern Ladakh between the two countries over the heavy military build-up by the PLA along the LAC there.

The two sides have held close to a dozen rounds of talks since the first week of May when the Chinese sent over 5,000 troops along the LAC. India and China have been locked in a dispute over the heavy military build-up by PLA where they have brought in more than 5,000 troops along the Eastern Ladakh sector. —Agencies

Migrants were... nearest railway station.

The affidavit said that the Union of India whenever necessary is providing the migrant workers with food, drinking water, medicines, clothes, slippers, etc., free of cost depending upon their requirements.

The present affidavit is in continuation of the affidavit filed by the Central government in a suo moto matter taken up by the Supreme Court over the plight of migrant workers amid the ongoing coronavirus-induced lockdown across the country.

It said that state gov-

New Delhi: Stressing on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi to stand for a cause even if being oppressed, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed UP government over the arrest of UP party chief Ajay Kumar Lallu for serving the people. “Gandhiji taught us that oppressors will stop you from doing good work. But one should stick to his karma and follow the path of truth. UP Congress President Ajay Lallu was jailed for serving. We are opposing this repression through Seva Satyagraha.”

MIB has overhauled the entire PIB PR team of MHA and strengthened it with new officers. Nitin D Wakankar, DG, BoC, has been posted as new DG M&C in MHA. Raaj Kumar posted as ADG, M&C, MHA, Praveen Kavi also joins MHA as Dy Director and Amandeep Yadav posted as Asstt Director(M&C), MHA. They are all IIS officers.

28 PERCENT PENDENCY OF CASES IN COURTS IS ONE TO THREE YEAR OLD

There are 28% cases in courts which fall in the category of cases pending for one to three years as per the data from the National Judicial Data Grind (NJDG) on the pendency of cases in India.

UTTARAKHAND HC CJ JUSTICE RAMESH RANGANATHAN RETIRING ON JULY 27

Justice Ramesh Ranganathan, Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court is retiring on July 27, 2020.

VEDANTAM GIRI POSTED TO MINISTRY OF CULTURE UPON RETURNING FROM DEPUTATION,

Vedantam Giri has been appointed to the Ministry of Culture. He is a CSS officer.

NOVEL ROY APPOINTED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY, CBDT

Novel Roy has been appointed as Deputy Secretary, (Inv. V) Division, CBDT on deputation basis.

He is an IRS-IT officer.

WILL CHAIRMAN, UP PSC CONTINUE?

Uncertainty prevails over the continuance of Dr Prabhat Kumar, Chairman, UP PSC. It is because the Allahabad HC has refused to vacate stay on the selection of 69,000 Basic Teachers. The Court also refused to allow the correction of the error. Though the state govt has filed SLP in this regard, now the Court’s decision will decide the future course.

V Ramesh, CGM, BSNL has been appointed as Director (Enterprise) in BSNL.

Rs 10,000 to the poor “Government is actively destroying our economy by refusing

PRIYANKA RAPS UP GOVT FOR NOT RELEASING STATE CONGRESS CHIEF

COMPLETE OVER HAULING OF MHA PR TEAM

RAMESH APPOINTED DIRECTOR IN BSNL

Kolkata: The government is negotiating with banks to give loans to small businesses at a lower interest rate of around 7.5-8%, MoS for Finance & Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur said. He was interacting with MCCI members on a webinar where he heard the irabout overcoming the COVID-19 induced crisis on the economy and human lives. Adequate and cheaper credit is the mainline demand of the industry in these difficult times.

Regarding schemes of the government where it provides 100 % guarantee, Thakur expects that banks should not delay in disbursing funds. He said that his “ministry is negotiating with the banks to give loans at lower interest rate of around 7.5 to 8 per cent of interest”, according to an MCCI release.

Demon 2.0: RaGa attacks NDA govt

‘Monsoon advances towards south-west’ New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the southwest monsoon, which officially set in Kerala on June 1, is likely to advance into some more parts of south-interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and most parts of Bay of Bengal on Saturday.

“Conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement of Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Karnataka, entire Ta-

rather more sinister rumour took over social media, with some sources claiming that Dawood had died of COVID-19 in Pakistan.

faction with the Bihar CM’s handling of migrant crisis. He minced no words in saying that the crisis could have been handled better and there was “perceptible anger among migrant workers from Bihar who are stuck in far-off places.”

“If they (BJP) want to go ahead with Nitish Kumar ji, we are with them, if they want to have a change of mind... whatever decision the BJP takes, we will support,” Paswan said.

The Bihar BJP incharge, Yadav, made it clear to all party cadres that they should not bother about who will be contesting how many seats. “Whatever seats one gets, NDA will fight unitedly. Prepare for all 243 seats,” he said and asked party workers to treat June 7 virtual rally of Amit Shah as a ‘bugle’ for election. —Agencies

06

MEMBER, ENGINEERING IN RAILWAY BOARD TO RETIRE THIS MONTH

Vishwesh Chaube, Member - Engineering in Railway Board, is scheduled to retire in June this year. He a 1980 bach IRSE officer. He took over the charge of the post in November 2018. He is the last serving officer of his batch.

RAHUL SHRIVASTAVA APPOINTED AMBASSADOR TO ROMANIA

Rahul Shrivastava , presently posted as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Romania.

He is an IFS officer of the 1999 batch.

THREE IAS OFFICERS GET NEW ASSIGNMENTS IN MADHYA PRADESH

Ajay Singh Gangwar has been appointed as Secretary, Urban Development & Housing, while Pankaj Raag was given additional charge of Special Commissioner (Coordination), Madhya Pradesh Bhawan, New Delhi and Dinesh Jain is Collector, Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh.

A M NAIK GETS FRESH TERM AS NON EXEC CHAIRMAN L&T FROM OCT

A M Naik has been re-appointed as a Non-Executive Chairman of Larsen & Toubro Ltd for a period of three years with effect from October 1, 2020 and upto September 30, 2023.

FROM PG 1 Unlock 1.0...

On Saturday, 20 districts reported 498 cases. Worryingly, Gandhinagar has 20 cases, and Valsad, Rajkot, Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha and Kutch have each reported more than five cases.

Meanwhile, in Vadodara city, four employees of Reliance Fresh have tested positive, creating panic in the Waghodia area. The city health team is now tracking contact persons. The Vadodara local press release reports that three patients died on Saturday; the state release reports only one death.

Rajkot rural has report-

Taming the...

The talks between Indian and Chinese military commanders began today at around 11.30 am in Moldo, almost two hours behind the earlier schedule.

Lt Gen Harinder Singh met his Chinese equivalent Maj Gen Liu Lin, who is the commander of South Xinjiang Military Region of

ernments and railways provide food and water free of cost. Till June 1, railways served 1.63 crore meals and over 2.10 crores packaged drinking water bottles, apart from services provided by respective state governments, it said.

The affidavit said that the Central government, state governments, all frontline workers, and the entire nation have responded to and dealt with this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic on a war footing taking care of every aspect of life.

The Supreme Court was fully satisfied the way the Centre has acted

and discharged its obligations in the best interest of every citizen most scientifically and based on the collective decisions taken by the executive at the Centre and state level in consultation and advice of the experts in each field, the Central government said in its affidavit.

The apex court had on Friday proposed a period of 15 days for the states to transport stranded migrant workers back to their home states and reserved its order for June 9 on the suo motu plea over the plight of migrant labourers.—ANI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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07

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN HAS BEEN TOUGH ON MANY RELATIONSHIPS. BUT NEGOTIATING THE TRANSITION BACK TO “NORMAL” AS RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE TO LIFT COULD ALSO BE A CHALLENGE FOR COUPLES

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ife in lockdown has been tough on many relationships. But negotiating the transition back to “normal” as restrictions continue to lift could also be a challenge for couples.

So what are some of the key factors that affect how relationships fare during such times? To answer this, I’m going to draw on an important model in relationship science called the vulnerability stress adaptation model.

3 IMPORTANT FACTORS s its name sugA gests, the model proposes three broad

factors that affect relationship outcomes: vulnerabilities, stressors and adaptions. z Vulnerabilities are any kind of factor that makes it harder for a person to maintain enduring and satisfying relationships. Vulnerabilities can include mental health issues, personality traits (such as neuroticism), past bad relationships, addiction, and the like. z Stressors are challenging life events and experiences external to the relationship, but which put a strain on maintaining a lasting and satisfying bond. These can include financial hardship, work stress, and difficult relationships with

extended family or friends. z Adaptations reflect the skills and capabilities couples possess to effectively deal with and adapt to challenging circumstances.

Adaptations can include a couple’s sense of fun or humour, constructive ways of handling conflict and solving problems, and supporting one another.

Stressors and vulnerabilities increase negative relationship behaviours (such as criticism and insensitivity), and in turn increase negative relationship outcomes (dissatisfaction and relationship breakdown).

On the other hand, adaptations buffer the effects of stress and reduce the risk of relationship dissatisfaction and breakdown. social distancing Ttheherules enforced during pandemic have seen

WHAT’S THE IDEAL? eople in loving Prelationships and supportive are

likely to cope more effectively with the enforcement and relaxation of social distancing guidelines (and other challenges, whether related to the pandemic or not).

These are typically couples who constructively deal with conflict by working together towards solving

issues, take on each others’ perspectives, and respond sensitively when the other is feeling stressed.

That’s not to say these couples never argue and don’t sometimes get frustrated with one another. But their adaptive ways of communicating and supporting each other mean these couples are likely to fare better.

FRAMING THIS MODEL AROUND COVID-19

couples spending long periods of time together, often in close quarters.

Accounts from across the world show us not all couples have adjusted well. China reported an increase in the number of married couples filing for divorce. Worryingly, incidents of domestic abuse may also have increased.

Lengthy periods of close contact may have acted as a stressor which intensified negative relationship behaviours and dissatisfaction, particularly for people with existing personal vulnerabilities.

The changes associated with social distancing rules, such as working from home and supervising home schooling, are additional stressors. These too are likely to have exac-

THERE’S HELP IF YOU NEED IT

RETURN TO NORMAL WON’T BE THE ANSWER nfortunately, for U some couples, the easing of restrictions may intensify relationship conflicts and dissatisfaction.

For example, if one person has health anxieties and the other is highly impulsive, they may hold very different

ome couples may S benefit from relationship education programs

that teach communication skills and how to manage conflict constructively.

For couples that require more intensive support, couple therapy can be effective.

These options are available online.

As well as working on the relationship itself, the alleviation of stressors can help a relationship.

Studies have found

that for couples and families experiencing stressors such as economic hardship or housing instability, providing them with financial aid, jobseeker programs and affordable housing can improve relationship satisfaction and reduce family breakdown to a similar extent as relationship education or counselling.

Hopefully, some of the measures the government has put in place, such as

JobKeeper, have reduced stress for couples.

The easing of social distancing restrictions may also significantly reduce stress in some couples, shrinking “relationship cracks” that emerged during lockdown.

You may need to address these cracks if they resurface, but reductions in coronavirus-related stressors may well see transient relationship problems disappear.

erbated personal vulnerabilities and destructive relationship behaviours for some couples.

Some vulnerable couples may be able to keep their relationship stable, provided that the stress of social isolation and other COVID-19-related stressors remain low, or that supports are in place to minimise stress.

However, these same couples may encounter problems if stressors increase (for example, one partner suddenly loses their job) or supports are removed (such as from friends or family).

Similarly, high-functioning couples may cope well with the challenges of social restriction and other COVID-19 hardships. But, if the stressors become too great, they’re likely to experience declines in relationship satisfaction.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

attitudes on how to navigate situations such as social gatherings.

These differences are likely to create conflict that may increase dissatisfaction and relationship difficulties, particularly if both members of the couple typically

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

respond to conflict in destructive ways.

So the easing of social restrictions may not have the same outcome for all.

It depends in part on a couple’s existing vulnerabilities and their way of handling conflict and supporting one another.

DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

There is a difference between inconvenience and problem. The issue is that very few of us understand the difference which is the reason for major stress in life.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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WHY IS ‘MAHARAJ’ SO ANNOYED? he long awaited extension of the union cabinet has been put on the back burner under the garb of Corona and this is the issue that has annoyed Jyotiraditya Scindia who has recently joined the BJP from Congress party. Such is his ‘heartburn’ that he has not given BJP’s profile a place in his twitter bio.

This raises a question: Is he again on his rebellious mode? Sources reveal that for the past few days, Scindia has been looking to speak with the Prime Minister, and so he has called up the PMO thrice informing that he wants to speak with the PM but due to PM’s busy schedule he did not come on line. However, word is that PMO has sent a message to Scindia to speak with Amit Shah on this issue. It is said that when Scindia called up Shah, he was asked to speak with BJP President JP Nadda. So when Scindia spoke with Nadda, a simplistic Nadda heard his entire issue and tried to pacify him as well but it

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FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

is said that Scindia apparently got stuck on the point as to when will he be appointed minister in the union cabinet. The erstwhile royal was then informed that since the work for BJP organisational rejig is ongoing, and since the Prime Minister himself is involved day and night in the fight against Corona, how then can the cabinet expansion be though of ? It is not known what Scindia is thinking of now.

ARE RAHUL AND AMIT SHAH ON SAME PEDESTAL FOR SCINDIA? yotiraditya Scindia is an old Congress leader and hence he has not coloured himself properly in BJP’s saffron. Since he has studied abroad, hence in his thoughts and behaviour, one can easily witness the stamp of western civilization. Till the time he was in Congress, he was regarded as Rahul’s faithful and after Rahul was appointed Party President, he would still address the Gandhi-scion with his first name, Ra-

J

Narendra Modi

Amit Shah

Jyotiraditya Scindia

Sanjay Singh

hul and even Rahul Gandhi also never felt bad. Now that he has joined BJP, Scindia continues to call the saffron leaders with their first name. Just imagine if any BJP leader address Shah and Nadda by first name - Amit and JP how will the BJP workers digest that? Since the culture in Sangh and BJP do not permit usage of first name for senior leaders, so if Jyotiraditya wants to remain in BJP he will have to learn to play the BJP’s band.

AAP IN BIHAR ELECTIONS he Aam Aadmi Party has once against started its efforts to spread its power in states other than Delhi.

The party has been trying to lure Navjot Singh Sidhu who is miffed with Congress and the AAP can project Sidhu as its CM face in the next Punjab Assembly elections. As of now, efforts are on to bring Sidhu into the party fold. Moreover, the party is also taking Bihar elections with utmost

seriousness. AAP’s Bihar Incharge Sanjay Singh is Rajya Sabha MP. Although he is native of Sultanpur of Uttar Pradesh. but his political style goes down well with people from Bihar. Hence, during the Corona crisis, AAP has worked tremendously to for the migrant labourers from Bihar. Sanjay Singh gave his 34 coupons of air travel for Bihari labourers. Along with this, he has appealed the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs that if

everyone takes a united step, then 26,860 migrant labourers can be sent back to their natives states. Till now, Singh has sent labourers to Bihar, UP and Madhya Pradesh in 32 buses while AAP has helped more than 1.5 lakh labourers from Bihar by ferrying them in trains. Hence the AAP has decided that the Bihar election will be fought on ‘Delhi governance model’ versus Bihar’s ‘Sushasan Model’. AAP Bihar spokesperson Chandrabhush-

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71% of urban workers lost jobs during lockdown: Survey In Gujarat, about seven out of 10 (71%) workers lost their employment First India Bureau Ahemdabad: The COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 24 have taken a heavy toll on the economy; particularly, on the vulnerable informal and migrant workers and their families. A study by the Centre for Sustainable Employment has found that 66% of workers have lost their employment during the lockdown.

If looked at data specific to urban and rural spaces separately, the study said that 80% of the workers have lost their employment in urban areas. In rural areas, it adds up to 56%.

If we further look into the state-wise data, in Gujarat, about seven out of 10 (71%) workers lost their employment. Urban workers are more

Migrant labourers sit along the road side during Coronavirus-induced lockdown.

severely affected with nine out of 10 losing their employment during the lockdown. Meanwhile, 96% of regular salaried workers in urban areas lost their jobs.

Nearly nine in 10 farmers were not able to sell their produce at full prices and seven in 10 households did not

an has claimed that while in Delhi people pay Rs 70 bill for using 201 unit electricity, in Bihar they have to shell out Rs 1,540. AAP wants to project its successful models of education, health and transport in Bihar too and has prepared an army of 20,000 to 30,000 individuals in each assembly constituency. It has been observed that Muslims in Bihar are quickly turning towards AAP.

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

have enough money for a week’s worth of essentials. The situation is worse in urban areas (89%). To cope with the decrease in earnings, 95% of urban households reported reducing their food intake during the lockdown, while 85% of the vulnerable households received

—FILE PHOTO

ration. However, 66% of urban households did not receive any cash transfer compared to 51% of rural households.

The results of the study also show that the percentage of the female workforce is much more affected than the male workforce. In urban areas,

82% of female workers have lost their casual jobs as against 80% male workers.

Since the lockdown, 77% of households are consuming less food than before. This rate is high in urban areas with 83%; in rural areas, it is 73%. In total, 77% of the vulnerable households have received ration and 49% households have received cash transfer.

Though the survey is still underway, these sets of data were collected between April 13, and May 20 at different times in various states. The survey measured levels of employment and earnings since the lockdown was imposed and compared them to the situation prevailing in February. It has included self-employed, casual, and regular wage/salaried workers.

Guj religious places to open from Monday First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani holds video conference meeting with district officials and representatives of religious organization, permits them to re-open temple for visitors from June 8.

He emphasized that no utsav or mahotsav celebrations will be permitted during months of June and July due to the pandemic.

This decision came after the central government had given permission to re-open religious places with effect from June 8, and recently released standard operating procedures for the same. Several religious organizations have decided not to re-open for visitors in the wake of Covid-19 situation.

Bajrangdas Bapa Ashram has decided to cancel the public event on the occasion of Guru Purnima Mahotsav on July 5.

‘A’bad, 2 other cities in community transmission stage’ First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The former chief of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), N.K. Ganguly has clearly issued a warning that many cities have entered the community transmission stage and now the people have to take precautions even as they step out to earn their living.

“Delhi, where over a thousand coronavirus cases are popping up daily, after witnessing an onslaught of the

Covid-19 pandemic for so many days, has entered into Stage 3 or community transmission stage”, said Ganguly. “ In fact, many cities (Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad), which have a high volume of Covid-19 cases, are in the community transmission stage, otherwise how would one justify hundreds of cases every day”, he added.

Referring to the relaxation of restrictions as a positive move, Ganguly said the authorities had to have relaxed

A man being tested of COVID-19 in Ahmedabad. —FILE PHOTO

the lockdown and opened up economic activities, as people have to earn a living and also

fight this virus.

“For how long could you squeeze the economic activity? But, we

have to take precautions to protect ourselves from the viral infection... Soon cases will come down,” he added. Delhi government is already facing the heat for not testing asymptomatic people in the city. Ganguly added that it is difficult to test everybody, and people showing severe symptoms should be prioritised. According to the Health Ministry, Delhi has so far recorded a total of 26,334 cases and 708 deaths.

Queried on whether Delhi has moved into

the community transmission stage or Stage 3 of Covid-19, Vinod Paul, Chairman of the Empowered Group 1, said, “Within three or four days we will come out with a serological study and it will establish the factual situation about Delhi.”

Delhi’s positivity rate last week was 25.7 per cent, but several districts in the national capital have reported figures above 38 per cent. Delhi has over 160 containment zones at present.

BJP WORKING ON SUDARSHAN’S VISION t such opportune time when RSS’s hopes are on the rise, it is celebrating its ideology shaper KS Sudarshan’s birthday with utmost frolic. Although Sudarshan’s birthday falls on June 18, however, the Sangh is following the birthday on June 6 according to the Hindu calender. Sudarshan has always been a proponent of swadeshi model for development and throughout his life, he stood against the ‘Western Model and Economic Development’. In his tenure, Sangh’s frontal organisation Swadeshi

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08

Jagaran Manch also reached great heights.

Considered to be staunch anti-globalisation supporter, it was Sudarshan who gave the motto of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He also laid stress on development of North-East and advocated for the Citizenship Amendment Law. So this time, when PM Modi spoke during his ‘Man Ki Baat’ on radio, he also stressed on being ‘Atmanirbhar’. PM clarified that he wants to take manufacturing hub to villages and now wants to open employment opportunities in rural areas. PM’s mention is also important since he believes that those migrant labourers who have reached home, now they will not have to go out in search of work as they will find work near their villages.

The Migration Commission has also started working on PM’s idea, the Commission which is going to be given shape in the days to come.

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

Two youth held for shooting thana interiors on Tik Tok

First India Bureau Vadodara: Two persons were arrested on Saturday in Gujarat for allegedly shooting a video of the interiors of a police station on Tik Tok in a dramatic way before uploading, said a police officer. Salman Pathan and Arif Sheikh were held by the police on April 16 for violating lockdown rules.

Both were booked under section 269 and 270 of the IPC for negligent, and malignant act which is likely to spread infection of the prevailing disease which could be dangerous to others

life.

In the video, one of the accused is seen putting on his shoes sitting on a staircase inside the Sayaji Gunj Police Station, they further made it look filmy by adding a police siren to the clip, this they did before walking out of the main gate, following their release on bail on the same day, said Sub Inspector SG Solanki. They were immediately arrested once it came to the notice of a Police Official.

The duo have been booked under section 66 (E) of the Information Technology Act for violating privacy by recording without consent.

@ahmedpatel

The situation in Delhi-NCR is very worrying.

Hospitals are refusing to admit patients, the government does not want Asymptomatic cases to be tested and citizens do not know what to do. The state government should work and communicate clearly.

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09

AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2020

There is something about this whimsical uni-sexual piece of cloth that makes one feel fashionable and chic, City First carves out the world of scarves for its readers

L’ ÉCHARPE KARISHMA GWALANI karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

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carves are one accessory that many people consider to be more for fashion than for warmth as such.

Although scarves do have the ability to bring some life to an otherwise dull outfit, they actually offer so much more to those who wear them.

A skilfully knotted or draped scarf will not only add the right zest and spark to your outfit but also do its bit to protect you from the elements.

There are a few points to consider before you go shopping.

Budget your scarf buying because they are available in every fabric from the hand woven khadi to the finest silk. Buy a cloth which drapes well and is easy for you to tie. Initially go in for a bright printed one and one sober plain to mix and match with most of your outfits. Watch a couple of videos on a few styles to tie and carry and VOILA! City First got in touch with a few of its readers to know about their scarf styles!

Richa Bhargava from Jaipur said, “Scarves are helpful in nature as they protect us from scorching heat of bright Sun in the afternoons.

They save us from the Sun while also giving a stylish gorgeous look. Tanning is the worst thing that one would surely like to avoid. Hide behind the scarf and you play a safe game,” while Ekta Soni from Jodhpur stated, “Investing in good scarves is a must.

It is not only your fashion accessory nowadays but also your face and skin guard. It is wonderful what a colorful piece of fabric can do to your outfit styling and for your health,”. Juhi Choksi from Ahmadabad shared “Scarves are my best friends, be it summer, monsoon or the winter. With so many changes in the weather through-

out the year, I keep one scarf handy at all times. It is also an extremely dynamic accessory which adds a little something to my entire ensemble. It helps me unleash my inner designer and use my creativity to wear it in different ways.”

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

10

TEACHING IN NY DURING COVID-19 MAHIMA HADA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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on” small spiel. My basic could view and take at any response is – you are work- time, without having to log ing from home (his office into a video conferencing had already moved to 50% technology like zoom. Why? weekly rotations), our Because NY apartments are daughter is home (her not really built for everyone school had closed due to a to be in them together, workkid’s parent’s exposure to a diagnosed COVID-19 case).

How in the name of heaven ABOUT THE will I teach a 2hr class and conduct a 1.5hr meeting AUTHOR from this tiny apartment Prof Mahima Hada with both of you here?

(PhD, Penn State) is Associate I stop by the Apple Professor of Marketing and the Store on my way to Director of Marketing Analytics work and it is E-M-P-TPrograms at Baruch College, Y. Three days ago, it had been jam-packed. The City University of cheaper version I want is New York. not available… apparently Professors have been stopping by at a constant rate the last couple of days. Ah well. The salespersons and I conduct a contact-less transaction, and bow to each other with our hands on our hearts to say “thank you.” I feel bemused.

I attend my meeting, teach my online class, water my plants in my office so that they will get through for a month. Position them so that they get enough sunlight but not too much that it will evaporate the water.

A month, I thought. It will be at least a month until I come back here, and my hardy succulents have survived a month before (during my long trips to India).

I haven’t entered my office since. The week after Mar 13, Baruch reported students, professors, the upper echelons, being diagnosed with COVID-19.

One by one, the college’s buildings were shut for disinfection.

On Mar 22 NY’s Governor Cuomo issued the “NY on Pause” order, and the college’s buildings were closed.

To everyone. Recommendation was that we conduct the new online classes as asynchronously as possible – that is, create content and assignments that students

FA CE OF TH ED AY

arch 9: The emails started rolling in.

“Do we actually have class tomorrow?” “Are you moving your class online?” “I live with my aging grandparents; I will not be able to come to class tomorrow”.

My response to all my students, was standard: “The class will be following CUNY’s guidelines. Therefore, we have class tomorrow.”

Mar 10: My class had 50% attendance. The faculty was abuzz with conversations on possible next steps.

That very evening we received an official email from the University: “whoever wants to move their class online can do so”. It was still optional: We still had to notify our Dept Heads that we intended to do so. I wondered if I could eke through another class next week in which I cover Customer Lifetime Value, with an inclass working exercise (Yes, I was still worrying about in-class exercises!).

It turned out that it wasn’t going to be an option at all.

Mar 11: The Governor of New York closed down all in-person classes in NY. Several emails fly through the day, we get clear instructions by the evening: “there will be no on-campus classes starting tomorrow”. We got an “instructional recess” to prepare for moving online until Mar 18. Scramble time! No classes, but the college was open. The college staying open was important for students – Baruch’s 15,000+ undergraduate students do not come from affluent backgrounds, many of them needed access to the computer labs to complete the now-online courses or access to the library that rents out laptops to students.

Mar 13: I have a faculty meeting, and an online class to teach so I decide to go into office, stop by the Apple Store in WTC and pick up an iPad Pro to help in this move to teach online. My husband gives me a “why are you going into the City with this COVID stuff going

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ing together. They are built with the assumption in mind that people will spend 70-80% of their time outside the Apt: “You have a conference call? Cool, I’ll just pop into the café opposite and work from there for a bit.”

Add to that issues with overloaded WiFis, kids at home, and the fact that family income determines these factors, it was important that everyone be able to access the online class.

Equitably.

So, I created online content, posted it on the

cracks? When they miss one quiz, one assignment, and no one follows up with them. They get a bad grade on the project, and there is no chance to improve it.

Slowly students see their grade slipping and decide that its’ not worth it. I had another worry; NYC had become the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. Hospitals were overwhelmed, bodies were being stacked in refrigerated trucks as morgues ran out of space. I have students whose parents are “essential workers”, and they would be out working. I have students who themselves work in retail, and were working additional hours in a store at this time.

What were these students dealing with? Did they need help in their course? Were they okay?

How do I make sure that they don’t slip through the cracks, while at the same time not add further stress to their life by making attendance on Zoom mandatory?

Fortunately, one of the biggest assignments of my class is for students to work in groups to build a marketing plan. I learnt early that students will do nothing if it doesn’t have a graded part associated to it, so the marketing plan is split into three deliverable, a mix of written assignments and a

final presentation. And the second written assignment was due then. To give feedback to students, I scheduled 10 mins with each group on zoom, during the regular class time (with a bit of overflow). It’s hard to see which of the 55 students have not logged into zoom for a class; it very easy to see which of the 5 students in a group have not logged in for this meeting. I was able to give students feedback on their projects, and check in with all of them: are they okay? That one student in your group who didn’t join in: is he/she okay? When did you last connect?

And that became the modus operandi for my course: one week of asynchronous videos, and the other week of regular meetings with groups on their marketing plans.

I have learnt so much in this process! And I have really valued the 10-min meetings with them, and frankly, think that the continuous feedback has resulted in better marketing plans than my standard course.

Even when we go back to regular classes (who knows when!), I intend to keep conducting these 10 min meetings with groups on Zoom, improving their marketing plans, and providing support to my students in whichever way I can.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Try to find a balance between your very valid needs for comfort or inactivity and the need to tend to chores. While you can feel a little restless this morning, you’re in great shape for catching up with someone or a special interest.

Conversations can be heartwarming.

The day is a good one for pursuing personal interests and learning. There can be very nurturing, supportive teaching and learning moments today. You can very much enjoy sharing ideas and developing rich new ideas. You’re likely to feel more spirited and liberated.

There is terrific energy for money and business strategy as the day advances. You could come up with rich ideas about how to take care of business. You’re in a good position to get into deeper touch with your desires, needs, and wants. A good day overall.

There can be a tendency to overreach with your projects, pleasures, relationships, and comforts. It’s best to remind yourself that having more of something will not necessarily make you happier. It’s an excellent time to pursue a special interest.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Today has strong potential for productive thinking or conversations. It’s a little easier than usual to articulate your feelings. Words exchanged now might stand out as comforting or helpful for healing. You want to straighten things out and take care of details now.

You might contend with some restlessness or insatiability early today, and it’s best not to overdo or overstate as a means to overcome boredom. Today’s energies are strong for helpful and nurturing conversations. You’re getting your message across warmly.

You’re in the mood to lay low, relax, and enjoy familiar faces and places.

Escaping from the hustle and bustle would be ideal. It can also be a strong day for nurturing a business, learning about health methods and techniques, and communicating with associates.

While you may be feeling very optimistic, try not to take on too many commitments. Chances run high you’ll find a lot of interesting things to engage your mind. The day might be busier than you’d like, but also a great time for creative ideas and warm, hopeful exchanges.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Avoid over-committing and stretching yourself too thin.

Today is good for feelings of validation and these can come through loved ones. A good day for conversations and ideas as long as you work around restlessness and over-reaching. There can be a notable sharing of helpful ideas and support.

A good way to approach your day is to feed your desire for knowledge, variety, and activity.

Communication, particularly with a partner, can be helpful, fertile, and even healing today. You’re in fine shape for set-ups such as counseling or teaching and learning situations.

You may be inclined to overindulge or procrastinate otherwise, however, and it’s not the best time to schedule work or activities that require attention to detail. It may be wise to tame your expectations of others, as people may be taking you on a bit of a roller coaster ride, intentionally or not.

There can be some tendency to overstate or promise too much, even unintentionally. Today can bring a wonderful teaching moment, and you can have a meaningful or helpful conversation or thinking session. Others appreciate you for your unique insight.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

UNNATI MALHARKAR, Content Creator

class website, and was available on Zoom during class times for students to check in with me, ask Qs, chat, whatever. And hardly anyone showed up. And just a few emailed with Qs on the new assignments.

Two weeks passed, and it was just those same students checking in, asking Qs, clarifying….

This is worrying – its very easy for students to slip through the cracks even in normal times, but especially in these times. How do students slip through the

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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Joining Hands

Celebrating

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ngelina Jolie has recently joined the fight against racial discrimination and come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Angelina’s announcement comes a week later George Floyd’s death that resulted in the nationwide protests against racial unjust. Angelina Jolie has donated USD 200,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in order to support their work to fight for racial justice and equal rights for all Americans.

“Rights don’t belong to any one group to give to another. Discrimination and impunity cannot be tolerated, explained away or justified. I hope we can come together as Americans to address the deep structural wrongs in our society,” Angelina Jolie said in her statement. “I stand with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in their fight for racial equality, social justice, and their call for urgent legislative reform,” she added.

Angelina Jolie celebrated her 45th birthday a day ago but her mind was constantly on G e o r g e Floyd.

—Agency

THE DAY! Salman’s insta post

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n the World Environment Day, Salman Khan posted a video of him and his friends cleaning the premises of his Panvel farmhouse.

In the post, Salman is seen sweeping off leaves on the wet pavement at his farmhouse. While the camera is focused on Salman, we can see his friends and staff members cleaning the road with him. The actor’s rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur also makes an appearance in the video.

Salman shared the clip and wrote, “#SwachhBharat #WorldEnvironmentDay.” —Agency

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

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TOUGH DECISIONS

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ollywood actress Sunny Leone who’s currently staying in Los Angeles, now wishes to come back to Mumbai, as she misses India. She flew to the US earlier last month thinking the situation amid COVID-19 would be better there and she would be safer with her family.

Sunny is currently residing in Los Angeles with husband Daniel Weber, his mom, and the three kids Nisha, Noah, and Asher Weber.

It is known to all that her love for India is huge. In a recent interview, when Sunny was asked about her plans to come back to India, she revealed that she did not want to leave Mumbai and was really sad to do so. She further added that their plan to return to India will be based on when international flights will be resuming. She said they will be coming back to Mumbai as soon as they can fly back. During the interview, Sunny talked about the reasons behind the tough decision, she mentioned that because of the pandemic it was important for the couple along with the kids to be around husband Daniel.

—Agency

Lulia Vantur

ALL HEART for Anushka!

O

ne couple which has really bonded during the Lock Down is Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Virat was all hearts for Anushka’s new pic from their Mumbai home.

“We have been in lockdown for more than two months now. Though this time in quarantine has detached many of us from the outside world, it has helped us discover new nooks and corners of our house everyday.”

For the first time, ever since her stardom status, Anushka has time on her hands and is now enjoying this time in self-isolation. She has found time to go around her home and re-discover it.

Earlier, she shared a picture of herself, telling fans that she knows all the the sunlight spots of her house.

Now, the actress has shared another gorgeous picture of herself stating the same. She wrote, “I told you I knew all the sunlight spots. (sic).” In the picture, Anushka looks pretty wearing workout clothes suggesting that the pic was clicked right after her exercise schedule. Anushka is seen wearing a workout outfit. By the looks of it, she got the picture clicked right after a workout session. Virat Kohli, commented on picture with heart emoji.

—Agency her insta post...

Angeline Jolie

Sunny Leone

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

TRES LECHES CAKE RECIPE

OPERATION ‘Spread Happiness’

B

ollywood actor Sonu Sood has funded another chartered flight to help fly over 170 migrant workers to Dehradun in Uttrakhand from the city, in an aircraft operated by budget airline AirAsia India. The Airbus A320 flight with 173 migrants onboard left from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji MahaSonu Sood raj International Airport (CSMIA) at around 1.57 pm, an AirAsia India spokesperson said.

“As another charter plane takes flight today, our efforts to help migrant workers stranded in various parts of the country have only grown stronger.” “Most of them have never had the opportunity to experience air travel, and the smiles on their faces brings me a lot of joy as they take flight to reach home to their families,” said Sood. —Agency

WHAT IS TRES LECHES CAKE?

Tres Leches is a popular authentic Mexican cake. The syrup is made of tres leches (which means three kinds of milk). You poke holes into the cake before pouring over the syrup so every bite is decadently moist.

INGREDIENTS

Prep Time: Cook Time: Resting Time: Total Time:

30 minutes 30 minutes 1 hour 2 hours

INSTRUCTIONS 

How to Make Tres Leches Cake Base: Preheat the oven to 170 C and butter a 9x13 casserole pan. Set up three mixing bowls.



In a large bowl, sift together 1 cup flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Separate egg whites and yolks into the other two bowls.

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Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on high speed, until yolks are a pale yellow.

Stir in 1/3 cup milk and 2 tsp vanilla.



With clean and dry egg beaters, beat whites on high speed until soft peaks form. With the mixer on, add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat on high speed until whites are stiff but not dry. Pour egg yolk mixture over the flour mixture and use a spatula to blend together. Gently fold in egg white mixture until just combined. Pour batter into prepared casserole and bake 30-35 minutes. When the cake has cooled, pierce all over with a fork and slowly drizzle on the 3-milks mixture. Let rest 30 minutes then top with whipped cream and berries.

SYRUP



1/2 cup allpurpose flour



1 cup evaporated milk



1/2 tsp baking powder



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Pinch of salt

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4 eggs (large)

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (2/3 of a 14 oz can)

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1 cup sugar divided into 3/4 and 1/4 cups

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1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

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2 tsp vanilla extract

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1/2 cup whole milk

FROSTING 

2 cups heavy whipping cream

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2 Tbsp granulated sugar

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To Make the Whipped Cream Frosting: Pour 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream and 2 Tbsp sugar into a large chilled mixing bowl and beat on high speed 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until thick, whipped and spreadable. Spread over the cake with a spatula.

Sumeet Kumar Sumeet Kumar is the owner of TIF Kitchen Cafe & Restaurant at Civil Lines. He has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, across the world. TIF has an exclusive affordable menu, ranging with cuisines from the Middle East, Italy and Mexico, and imports herbs and spices to maintain the taste.

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

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020

END GAME! C

arry Minati is back after a long hiatus and it was worth the wait for all his fans.

The Indian YouTuber has released his rap song ‘ Ya l g a a r ’ thereby hitting back at

those who targeted him. Popular Indian YouTuber Carry Minati has been grabbing headlines for some time and all of us know the reason behind the same. Carry aka Ajay Nager had shared a roast video titled YouTube vs TikTok that instantly went viral. However, the video was

taken down by the streaming giant after claiming that it has violated YouTube’s terms of service.

This was followed by many other controversies that included people lashing out at the YouTuber for targeting certain sections of society.

Now, after a long wait,

Carry Minati is back and this time it’s not a roast video but a rap song titled ‘Yalgaar.’ He begins the video with his iconic dialogue ‘Toh Kaise Hai Aap Log.’ Post that he begins the pouring out his emotions in the form of a rap song.

—Agency

12

I feel Tik-Tok and YouTube, if used correctly, are more or less equal. The content that Carry Minati posts, targets certain section of a society.

While a few may feel that the content is funny, it is equally controversial.

—SHIPRA MAHESHWARI Unlike the other videos of Carry Minati, the new ‘Yalgaar’ video is not a roast but a rap with a story line that narrates his side of the story, which was much needed after the wrong Youtube did to him by removing his video of ‘Youtube vs Tiktok: The End’.

—NIKHIL KUMAR

(L-R) Youtuber, Carry Minati, Tiktoker Sana Khan, Tiktoker Nagma Mirajkar, Youtuber Prajakta Koli and Youtuber Shirley Setia

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Rajasthan: Vaibhav and his daughter Kashvini Gehlot planted a tree sapling on World Environment Day at Sawai Madhopur. Vaibhav also appealed to all to take care of the environment.

Maharashtra: Amidst the semi-lockdown across the country, Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis distributed ration kits for the needy people.

Rajasthan: The National Human Rights Protection Institute, awarded Rajasthan Police Transport Nagar, Sub Inspector Prahlada Sharma, along with other officers with the medal and citation for their services during the lockdown.

Rajasthan: During the fight against the ongoing pandemic, Maharishi Badri Pharmaceuticals distributed immunity booster Feverol - 99 tablets and syrup to more than 20,000 people, in various areas of Jaipur city, by the Director Sanjay Jalandhara, Dr Trilok Goyal and Dr Nirmal Jain.

HAPPY B’DAY!

Rajasthan: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Kusum Yadav planted trees in the surrounding area of Kali Khana, Jagannath Puri. During the occasion, Akshay Yadav, Vishnu Yadav, Gulab Chand Yadav, Sunita Yadav, Hemlata Yadav, Ramavatar Sharma, Lakshmi Sharma, Sushila Kumawat, Bunty Kumawat, Reena Gupta, Bittu Kumawat, and Vinod Sharma were also present.

IAS Vikas Sitaramji Bhale (top), IPS Binita Thakur and IPS Puja Awana celebrated their birthdays on 6 June, Saturday. We wish them all the best!

Rajasthan: Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, organised a training workshop on collecting corona samples for lab technicians, where more than 50 medical lab technicians from different states participated.

During the program, GMCH CEO Pratim Tamboli, HOD of the Department of Microbiology, Dr A.S. Dalal, Medical Superintendent Dr Narendra Mogra, GM Medical Services Dr Tarun Vyas, Assistant Professor of Department of Microbiology, and Dr Upasana Bhumbla were present.

Rajasthan: Executive Director of Jaipur National University, Dr Preeti Bakshi was awarded the ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ by All India Human Rights (AISO 9001-2015 certified organization), for her contribution in combating COVID-19 and caring for the people affected by the pandemic.

Rajasthan: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the High Court Employees Union organised a program, in which, the environment was discussed along with the basic pillars of the environment. President of the High Court Employees Union, Ritu Raj Sharma, shared that during the discussion, a resolution was also taken to make the environment clean and green.

Rajasthan: A 15-day digital workshop festival, ‘Fiesta Online’, organised by Rajasthan Studio, hosted its first session with StyleSkool Director and renowned Celebrity stylist, Abhimanyu Singh Tomar, on Saturday. In the workshop themed ‘Fashion 101’, the participants learned the basics of the fashion industry and explored the various genres in the field that can be explored for a successful fashion career. During the session, Abhimanyu also introduced two professional models who were groomed and mentored by him and are now making it big in the fashion world. The last segment of the workshop enlightened the participants on the fashion industry in the post-COVID 19 times and how it will be like a restart for the businesses in fashion.

Rajasthan: In an ongoing series on Facebook, initiated by Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association (RPWA) every Sunday, Film writer Ramkumar Singh is going to share his views on the current scenario of films in the Bollywood, today at 12 noon.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, a webinar was organised by CREDAI Rajasthan Women Wing on Saturday, with an aim to spread awareness regarding the basics of home gardening and summer planting. Founder, CEO Edible Routes, Kapil Mandawewala, addressed the webinar as a guest speaker along with the Anushka Jain, as a moderator for the event. The webinar was a great platform for beginners who wanted to explore organic food and plantation.