First India-Ahmedabad Edition-08 August 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

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ALERT AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

7,20,242 1,93,95,730 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 17,092 DEATHS 4,90,262 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 4,690 DEATHS 2,85,024 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 254

INDIA

42,564 20,86,506 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 4,082 DEATHS 1,42,723 CASES

GUJARAT

2,606 DEATHS

KARNATAKA 2,998 DEATHS 1,64,924 CASES

TWIN TRAGEDY STRIKES

68,885

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 767 DEATHS 50,157 CASES

A landslide in the early hours of Friday and a plane crash at night leaves Kerala in shock as several lives lost

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY Rescue operation underway after an Air India Express Vande Bharat flight with passengers on board en route from Dubai skidded off the runway while landing, at Karippur in Kozhikode, Friday.

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Rescue operations underway to retrieve bodies from under debris in Kerala’s Idduki district on Friday after a massive landslide in the area.

—PHOTO BY ANI

20 dead including pilots as plane breaks 15 killed, 50 trapped after into 2 while landing @ Kozhikode runway landslide in Idukki dist New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: At least 20 people were killed after an Air India Express plane with 190 on board from Dubai skidded off the runway and broke in two while landing at Kerala’s Kozhikode on Friday amid heavy rain at 7:40 pm, the police said.

Among those killed were the two pilots of Flight IX 1344, authorities said. Four people are still stuck inside, the Kerala Police chief said. Most on board have been evacuated and at least 50 injured, including 15 in serious condition, have been

taken to hospital, authorities said.

There were 174 passengers, 10 Infants, two pilots and four cabin crew members on board the aircraft.

PM Modi spoke to Kerala CM P Vijayan over the phone about the plane accident at Kozhikode airport. PM promised all assistance from the Centre. “Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala. I have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations,” HM Amit Shah tweeted.

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EX-IAF PILOT DEEPAK VASANT SATHE; CO-PILOT KUMAR KILLED IN CRASH Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe and First Officer Akhilesh Kumar, the pilot and co-pilot of the ill-fated Air Deepak V Sathe India Express flight died in the accident. Capt Sathe was an ace fighter pilot and alumni of the National Defence Academy and had clocked most of his flying hours on MiGs and was a Sword of Honour from the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. The deaths were confirmed by the Kozhikode District Collector Sree Ram Sambasivarao.

Centre directs Gujarat to adopt ways to reduce Corona mortality New Delhi: The Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Friday directed the governments of four states -Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, to analyse the factors driving the high COVID-19 mortality and devise ways and means to reduce the mortality. Apart from the higher case mortality, these states account for 17 per cent of India’s active cases, high daily new cases, low tests per million, and high confirmation percentage.

In a high-level virtual meeting, Bhushan advised state administrations to adhere to measures suggested by central advisories and

RAHUL GANDHI @RAHULGANDHI Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

AHMED PATEL @AHMEDPATEL Extremely anguished to hear about the crash landing of the Air India aircraft in Kozhikode I appeal to central & state authorities to provide all necessary assistance Our prayers and thoughts are with the passengers and their families

Thiruvananthapuram: The death toll in Idukki landslide has risen to 15, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday while announcing ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to kin of the deceased.

Rescuers retrieved at least 15 bodies and struggled to free around 50 others feared trapped under debris in Kerala’s Idduki district on Friday after torrential rains triggered a massive landslide in the area, officials said. CM said that the state govt has sought the help of the Air Force but adverse weather condition is not conducive for airlifting people.

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Haresh Jhala

gavi, Bengaluru urban, Kalaburagi and Udupi in Karnataka; Chennai, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Theni, Thiruvallur, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin and Virudhnagar in Tamil Nadu; and Hyderabad and MedchalMalkajgiri in Telangana respectively.

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AMIT SHAH @AMITSHAH Condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their lives in Rajamalai, Idukki(Kerala) due to landslide.

Have spoken to DG NDRF, their team has reached the spot to provide all possible assistance to the administration with the rescue work. May injured recover soon.

CM Rupani announces policy aimed at making Gujarat Aatmanirbhar In new industrial policy, state govt courageously delinks incentives from SGST

guidelines to prevent and reduce mortality due to coronavirus infection.

According to the health ministry, 16 districts in these four states are reporting maximum virus fatalities. It includes -- Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat; Bela-

NARENDRA MODI @NARENDRAMODI Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected.

Gandhinagar: The state government has taken few bold steps in Industrial Policy 2020, where it delinks incentives from SGST, offers government land on lease to put up industrial units, shifts focus from the traditional manufacturing sector to start-ups, the knowledge-based sec-

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

tor, renewable energy and the services sector. The state will decide on whether or not to host next year’s Vibrant Gujarat summit only after the current

health crisis comes under control.

Announcing the new policy, Chief Minister Vijay Rupan and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said that the state

is offering up to 12% of fixed capital investment, in the form of capital subsidies, to large industries to set up manufacturing operations in the state.

With this, the incentive amount will now be more predictable and transparent, and thus help industries to make fast decisions.

In order to attract foreign investment, Rupani said, the state government and its officers have opened dialogue with several countries. So far, it has had four meetings with Japan, three with the US, and one each with Germany and Eng-

land. The state plans to lease government land for 50 years to enable the setting up of these units. Industrialists will have to pay 6% of the market rate as rent. The state will also help to mortgage government land, to help industries to borrow from banks.

The annual average outlay for the new Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 is expected to be up to Rs8,000 crore. Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 has been formed to further consolidate the momentum put in place by older policies and enhance the current growth rate. Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

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A closer look

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INDUSTRIAL POLICY 2020 BOLSTERING MSMES  Medium, small and micro enter-

prises (MSMEs) will be eligible for capital subsidies of up to 25% of the eligible loan amount up to Rs35 lakh. Additionally, if the eligible fixed capital investment is above Rs10 crore, the unit will be eligible for an additional capital subsidy up to Rs10 lakhs.

 MSMEs will be eligible for interest

subsidies of up to 7% of interest levied on term loans up to Rs35 lakhs per annum for a period up to seven years.

 1% additional interest subsidy will

be given to SC/ST entrepreneurs, physically challenged entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs and start-ups in the manufacturing sector.

 1% additional interest subsidy will

be given to young entrepreneurs

below the age of 35 years on the date of sanction of loan.  Interest subsidies of up to 7%

up to Rs35 lakh per annum for a period of up to seven years will be given to service sector MSMEs in the state including those engaged in financial services, healthcare services, audio-visual services, construction-related engineering services and environmental services.

 For the first time, the state will

provide support of up to 65% of the cost of acquiring foreign patented technologies; maximum support up to Rs50 lakh.

Announcing the new Industrial Policy 2020 on Friday, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said that the state is looking towards new technology, generation next, and the renewable energy sector over the next five years. Gujarat already attracts huge investment and generates employment thanks to past policies, they said, adding that the new investments would lead to even greater employment opportunities in the state.

First India brings you a closer look at some of the salient points: STATE-WISE INVESTMENT: Gujarat attracted a 240% increase in FDI investments in fiscal 2019-20

 Also for the first time, the state

will bear 75% of stall rents up to Rs2 lakh for exhibitions in India and @60% of stalls rent up to Rs5 lakh for exhibitions outside India,

DELINKING INCENTIVES FROM SGST  Gujarat is the first state to take the

bold decision to de-link incentives from SGST (State Goods and Service Tax). Large industries will be given up to 12% of the fixed capital investment, in the form of capital subsidies, towards setting up manufacturing operations in the state. This benefit will be given over a period of 10 years subject to an annual ceiling of Rs40 crore.

 For units where the eligible cash

subsidy cannot be disbursed within the 10-year period due to the annual ceiling of Rs40 crore,

20 lakh to up to Rs 30 lakh.

 Sustenance allowance has been

increased from Rs10,000 per month for one year to Rs20,000 per month per start-up for one year & Rs25,000 per month per start-up for one year for startups having at least one woman co-founder.

State has received 51% of the nation’s total Industrial Entrepreneurship Memorandums (IEM) in 2019.

The proposed investment is around $49 billion-a 333% growth from the previous year.

 In cases where the eligible cash

subsidy cannot be disbursed within 20 years due to the annual ceiling, the total entitlement of cash subsidy will be disbursed in equal instalments of 20 years without any ceiling.

 New industries will continue to get

an exemption from electricity duty for five years.

SUPPORT FOR START-UPs  Seed support increased from Rs

IEM INVESTMENT

the eligibility period will be extended by an additional 10 years.

However, the annual Rs40 crore ceiling will remain in place.

 A separate fund shall be created

under Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL) for mid-level Pre-Series A funding of start-ups.

Besides this, the start-ups will get an additional 1% interest subsidy, i.e., up to 9% on term loans.

international recognized acceleration programmes.  Soft-skill assistance: Funding of

up to Rs1 lakh per start-up for training specific to “managerial training, soft skills, marketing skills, fundraising (and) finance,” on a reimbursement basis.

 Mentoring assistance of Rs1

lakh per start-up will be given to recognized nodal institutes (maximum Rs15 lakh per annum per institute).

 Additional grant of up to Rs10

lakh for start-ups with significant impact on society.

 Additional fiscal support up to

Rs3 lakh per start-up will be provided to enrol for national/

UPS & DOWNS

Covid ke side effects: Ganesh pandal, immersion banned CM, Dy CM kick off construction work on Bhadbhut barrage 

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The state government on Friday decided to prohibit the Ambaji padyatra, Ganesh pandals and Ganesh immersion. It said that the decision came on the back of requests from various organizations to prohibit all sorts of padyatras and Ganesh pandals, and also as a way to curb the spread

of the novel coronavirus.

Making the announcement, Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja stated that all religious gatherings and fairs--including Ambaji fair on Bhadarvi Poonam, Tajiya Julus, Ramapir fair, Ganesh pandals and immersion during Ganesh Chaturthi--are banned.

Also on Friday, Chief Minister Vijay

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel launching the Bhadbhut project.

Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel kicked off con-

struction work on the Bhadbhut Yojana. The bridge dam coming up

on the Narmada river at a cost of Rs5,300 crore will reduce the

distance between Surat and Bharuch, and stop Narmada water from flowing into the sea.

This barrage will create a reservoir of potable water, with a capacity of around 599 million cubic metres. This reservoir will meet the water requirement of Bharuch Taluka, Industrial Units of Dahej, and other GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) estates in Ankleshwar and Bharuch.

It will also reduce the distance between Dahej

and Hazira. Currently, the route between the two places covers national and state highways and takes hours to complete. Once the Bhadbhut barrage is completed, the distance between the two will be reduced to just 18km.

The tender for this project, which will cover a length of 1.663km on the Narmada river, was recently awarded to Dilip Buildcon, who is expected to complete construction in the next 48 months and

maintain it for 10 years.

In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project, which is also expected to help curb the salinity ingress in the Narmada river bank. The salinity ingress has reached up to 70km in recent times, and usually occurs due to high tide in the Gulf of Cambay.

The nearest barrages have been constructed 125km downstream at the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

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HC issues notices to ECI, CEO on bypolls for 8 Guj Assembly seats

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More rainy days ahead for state

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Asks them to file their replies by August 19, when the matter will be heard next First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The High Court of Gujarat on Friday issued notices to the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer in connection with byelections for eight Assembly seats. Both have been asked to file their replies before August 19, when the matter is kept for hearing.

The notices were issued after the court heard the submission of the petitioner and the state. The petitioner had opposed the bypoll on the grounds that voting at this time could further the spread of novel coronavirus.

The court is hearing a public interest litigation filed by citizen Farsubhai Goklani, in which has sought the High

CORE ISSUE

—FILE PHOTO

Gujarat High Court.

Court’s intervention. In his petition, he informed the court that he had written a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state, requesting him to defer elections, but had not received any response from the Election

Commission of India.

So, the petitioner was left with no other option but to approach the High court, he submitted.

The petitioner’s submission is that, when he drafted the petition on July 07, the state had witnessed 37,550 posi-

tive COVID-19 cases and 1,977 persons had lost their lives. Even after two long months of complete lockdown, the state had not been successful in breaking the chain and spread of the novel coronavirus, the petition said, adding, “On

the contrary there is a spike in the cases, in the state as well as in the nation, because of which some states have reimposed the lockdown.”

It continued: “If byelections are held for the eight Assembly seats, as many as

18,71,612 voters will be exercising their rights to elect their representative at 2,494 polling stations. There are all possibilities that people with mild symptoms may visit polling booths and exercise their right, thus triggering a further spread of the virus.”

The High Court has not granted permission for the Rath Yatra, Union Home Ministry has prohibited religious congregations and any social gatherings beyond 50 persons in view of the health crisis. In addition, a nighttime curfew is also in place as a precautionary measure.

Considering all these facts, the court in the larger interest of the public should direct the Election Commission of India to defer by-elections of eight seats, the petition stated.

A man runs towards shelter during a downpour in Ahmedabad on Friday.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: There’s more rain coming, thanks to two systems over the state, the India Meteorological Department has said.

The cyclonic circulation over Kutch emerged into the northeast Arabian Sea and a low-pressure area has formed over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining coastal areas of Kutch and south Pakistan. An associated cyclonic circulation, extending up to

5.8km above mean sea level, is likely to become more marked and move westwards.

The trough from the cyclonic circulation over Kutch to Gangetic West Bengal now runs from cyclonic circulation associated with the low-pressure area over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining coastal areas to Gangetic West Bengal across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand between 2.1km and 4.5km above mean sea level.

Shrey Hospital fire: Death certificates No fire NOCs at state-run claim victims died ‘due to COVID-19’ G’nagar, Sola Civil Hospitals First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Local police have all but given Shrey Hospital a clean chit, even though reports are still pending from the fire department and the directorate of forensic sciences (DFS). In addition, documents acquired from the crematorium where the last rites of the victims of Thursday’s fire were held cites COVID-19 as the cause of death.

Ravindra Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 1, said, “The DFS and fire reports are yet to come but we have not found any indication of negligence. So no cases have been registered against hospital authorities.”

He also stated that the hospital had applied for its fire extinguishers to be refilled in March—a month before they were set to expire.

While the officer’s statement indicates that the hospital might be out of trouble for

Police personnel sit outside Shrey Hospital on Friday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

JUST 95 SURAT HOSPITALS CERTIFIED SAFE BY FIRE DEPARTMENT, SMC SAYS First India Bureau Surat: The fire department of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has claimed that only 95 hospitals have been given fire safety nonobjection certificates (NOCs). The rest either never got NOCs or are operating on expired certificates.

On Friday, SMC sealed three hospitals found violating fire

safety norms after cancelling their COVID-19 designations. Another nine issued notice.

The SMC had initially launched its safety drive after the Takshashila fire tragedy of 2019. Then, too, only 95 hospitals managed to acquire fire NOCs. It is to be noted that Surat city has a population of 55 lakh.

Chief Fire Officer Basant Parikh says, “There are only 95

hospitals in the city which were found to be actively following fire safety norms in the city. Earlier, we had asked private hospitals in the city to come forward to get certified. We also sent reminder notices for NOC renewal. The owners and management should understand the necessity for safety and should voluntarily come forward to get NOC.”

now, it turns the focus onto the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and onto whether or not it even asked for documents such as the NOC at the time of signing the MOU when it designated the hospital a COVID-19 facility.

“We are getting documents from the trustees,” said Patel.

This development has raised hackles in the Congress party.

Leader of the opposition in the AMC, Dinesh Sharma said, “Those who died have been certified as victims of COVID-19 and not as burn victims. If they had applied for the NOC, then why did it take so long for the AMC to respond. Also, why did the AMC not check all the aspects (of the hospital) while signing the MOU? Let the DFS report decide who was negligent: the hospital or the AMC. Past experience shows that the BJP is always in the mood to save the culprit.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Forget private hospitals, even government-run hospitals in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar do not meet fire-safety norms. The civil hospitals in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad’s Sola area, as well as LG Hospital in Maninagar are all operating without a no-objection certificate from the fire department. The only saving grace is that these hospitals have multiple entry and exit points. On the back foot, fire department officials said that the NOCs were awaiting a few formalities and will be issued to the hospitals soon.

In the past 24 hours, the state has reported 1,074 fresh cases and 22 deaths, while 1,370 patients have been discharged. With this, the state’s tally has reached 68,885 and its death toll is not at 2,606.

In the past 24 hours, Surat recorded 231 cases—the highest in the

The new building of LG Hospital is missing even fire extinguishers.

+VE PATIENT RUNS AWAY

state—of which 183 were in the city and 48 were in rural areas.

Ahmedabad had 153 cases, Vadodara, 110, Rajkot, 90, Jamnagar, 52, Junagadh, 46, Mehsana, 43, Bhavnagar, 38 and Kutch, 24.

There are 1,140 active cases in Vadodara.

In Surat, 271 patients are being treated in the civil hospital and 140 are being treated in SMIM-

1,074 cases and 22 fatalities, take nCov tally to 68,885, with a death toll of 2,606 ER. Meanwhile, a team from the civic body there has been accused of charging Rs450 for a rapid antigen test. The mayor has promised to look into the matter.

GREEN ZONE

Concerns raised over Environment Assessment Impact 2020 draft The draft notification proposes post-facto approval for projects and the abolition of public consultation for many projects

—FILE PHOTO



First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Environmentalists have opposing the state’s draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020, on the grounds that the notification “takes away citizens’ right to planning.” These con-

cerns were raised during an online meeting of the stakeholders on Friday, during which activists raised doubts about the validity of the notification.

The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020, which proposes

Mere weeks after industries resumed operations after the lockdown, the Sabarmati is polluted again.

post-facto approval for projects and the abolition of public consultation for many projects is being rejected by these environmentalists, who are asking the public to send their views and opinions to the ministry.

They see the new draft EIA as a danger to the citizens’ right to planning and instead demanded a credible policy in sync with the latest scientific understanding of the environment in the light of local carrying capacity and climate change.

Environmentalist Rohit Prajapati said, “This draft has very good jargon, but it has nothing to do with saving or protecting the environment.

The document opens the doors for more industries without any prior checks or assessment.”

The draft notification is expected to replace the 2006 EIA notification, which regulates the environment clearance given by the national government for projects such as dams, mining, thermal power plants, infrastructure projects

like highways, ports, airports, and big construction projects. The draft has exempted linear projects like roads, pipelines, and highways from any environmental assessment.

Another environmentalist, Mahesh Pandya said that it has a list of business/industries which are not exempted from any environmentrelated assessment. “The very first name on that list is pottery businesses.

Now, which pottery business causes harm to the environment?” he asked.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

WHAT IS NEXT ON THE HINDUTVA OUTFITS’ AGENDA?

T

he digging of foundation for Ram temple in Ayodhya will begin next week. In about three years the temple domes will touch the skies. It would be naïve to think that once the temple construction is finally over it will pacify Hindus against seeking obliteration of symbols of Mughal invasion, particularly those in Kashi and Mathura. A popular slogan after Babri mosque’s demolition was, “Ayodhya toh jhaanki hai, Kashi, Mathura baaki hai (Ayodhya is only a trailer, Kashi and Mathura are still there.)” The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has now reiterated the demand that the flag of Sanatan Dharma should be hoisted in Kashi and Mathura also for which the Akhara Parishad would do everything possible, remaining within the Constitution.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which spearheaded the Ram Janmbhoomi movement and often raised the demand for the “liberation” of Kashi and Mathura shrines which co-exist alongside mosques, softened its stance after the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict. “We are not looking at any other agenda,” a senior functionary of the outfit said.

Standing in the way of a Ram templelike movement for the liberation of Kashi and Mathura shrines is the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991. According to this Act, the nature of all religious places will continue to be as it was in 1947. The Babri Masjid was kept out of the Act’s ambit. In December last year, soon after the SC verdict, BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a direction to the Law Ministry to amend the 1991 Act, specifically section 4, which he said was “offensive and ultra vires” of his “fundamental rights” to freedom of worship. He also asked the Centre to acquire land for “renovation” of Kashi and Mathura shrines.

In June this year, a Hindu outfit Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit filed a PIL before the Supreme Court arguing that the “impugned Act has barred the right and remedy against encroachment made on the religious property of Hindus exercising might of power by followers of another faith”. More than the court it is within the government’s jurisdiction to amend the legislation. Given its brute majority, the BJP-led government can, if it so desires, amend the Act. Uniform Civil Code, removal of “secularism” from the Constitution’s Preamble and renaming of the country as Bharat--- are still pending. A petition was filed in SC in July seeking deletion of words “socialist” and “secular” from the Preamble. As an MP Yogi Adityanath had moved a Bill to rename India. A PIL seeking an amendment to Article 1 which deals with the name is pending before SC. BJP and RSS are in no hurry. Kashi, Mathura, and all other issues will remain on the slow burner until an opportune moment between now and the next election in 2024.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY ‘RULES’ IN YOGA? SADHGURU, ISHA FOUNDATION Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service

I

There are manmade laws that regulate different aspects of society so that it functions smoothly. For instance, in India, you are supposed to drive on the left side of the street.

Similarly, there are many arrangements that regulate society

’m in the Hatha Yoga teacher training. Here, we are looking at every detail...how to sit properly, what to eat, even how to breathe. Where is the line between making yourself joyful and making yourself miserable by trying to follow these new regulations?

First of all, these are not new, and they are definitely not regulations. In Indian culture, there have never been teachings. God cannot give commandments to Indians, because they will ask too many questions. We have a long tradition of questioning everything.

Here, God himself came and even selected whom to speak to.

In spite of that, there were endless questions. You know how many questions Arjuna asked Krishna! It was not possible for Krishna to give Arjuna a commandment. He kept trying to convince him, but Arjuna was full of questions. In Indian culture, we refer to that which governs life as dharma. Unfortunately, today people commonly misunderstand dharma as religion, but dharma means law – not a philosophy, belief system, or religion.

THE LAWS OF EXISTENCE There are man-made laws that regulate different aspects of society so that it functions smoothly. For instance, in India, you are supposed to drive on the left side of the street.

Similarly, there are many arrangements that regulate society. But even before there were manmade laws, life happened smoothly. For that to happen, there must be fundamental laws governing it.

To give an example – if you walk into the jungle, you may not be able to figure out its flaws, but the jungle has existed for millions of years. For it to last so long without annihilating itself, there must be some laws governing it. In this

culture, people paid attention to what these laws are that govern the universe, our inner nature, and the process of creation. People figured this out not by imagination or belief but by sheer observation.

All physical aspects of life have a geometric basis. If you understand the geometry of something, you will know how to use it to its optimum. Every other creature on the planet figured out the geometry of their body and how to use it to the fullest extent. Only human beings are paying attention to everything except themselves.

So the instructions in Isha Hatha Yoga are not new. If you pay attention to the geometry of your body, you will sit and stand so that your body functions with maximum impact.

The efficiency of physical existence depends on your understanding of its geometry.

AN EFFICIENT LIFE Efficiency is not just about doing one particular thing well.

Once you have come as a human being, you have come with intelligence to access the full depth and dimension of being human. To bring human life to its fruition and above all to bring that level of sensitivity where you can experience every dimension of being human

ALL PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF LIFE HAVE A GEOMETRIC BASIS. IF YOU UNDERSTAND THE GEOMETRY OF SOMETHING, YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO USE IT TO ITS OPTIMUM

– if your diet, posture, or mindset does not allow this to happen, I would say this is an inefficient life. Doing the right things is not about morality or social approval. Doing the right things is about producing maximum results in one’s life.

It once happened, two cars crashed into each other. One was driven by a doctor, the other by a lawyer. After the crash, they crawled out of the cars. The lawyer pulled out a bottle of whiskey from his car and said, “This needs celebration. We had a major crash and both of us are not injured!” He handed over the bottle. The doctor was a little shaken by the accident, so he took a big swig and gave the bottle back to the lawyer. The law-

Beirut: Vital, historic centre of a complex city

T

he centre of Beirut has suffered devastation following an explosion which has destroyed the port, caused massive damage to the Lebanese capital and resulted in numerous deaths.

The blast, in the early evening of August 4, has been reported as having the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake – and is believed to have been fuelled by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the port.

While post-civil war Lebanon’s economy, infrastructure and basic services are already on their knees due to an unprecedented economic crisis, widespread public protest about believed government corruption and recently the COVID-19 pandemic, another

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portion of Lebanon’s crucial national infrastructure now lies in ruins. The port of Beirut handles 60% of Lebanon’s imports as well as the storage of its food and medical reserves.

The history of a port at Beirut stretches back to as far as the 15th century BC. In the 20th century, Beirut became a key seaport serving the oil trade and related passenger and cargo movements in the Levant and the Gulf.

The port has played a key role in Beirut’s history and stands at the centre of the city, surrounded by some of its most important neighbourhoods.

DIVIDED PAST From 1975 until 1990, Lebanon endured a vicious and prolonged civil war. Beirut became the site where sec-

tarian tensions and regional geopolitics became part of urban space. It resulted in profound divisions and changes in the geography of the city. In September 1975, a few months into the civil war, the centre of Beirut became the core of militia fighting.

During the war the city was partitioned by a

“Green Line” which split Beirut into an eastern and western sector. Demographic redistributions took place: people moved from one side of the city to the other along sectarian and political lines, with Christians settling mainly to the east and Muslims mainly to the west of the line.

The Green Line gradually progressed from the southern suburbs to the west gate of the harbour. In 1981 the New York Times reported that the port was one of the only places in the city where the Green Line could be crossed.

In the post-war era, the port of Beirut has expanded into a major

regional hub seaport. It recently called for tenders for an international bid to manage a container terminal, to the east of where the explosion took place, and has experienced a significant increase in its vessel capacity.

The port of Beirut also stands close to the dense residential areas of Gemmayzeh, Geitawi and the upmarket urban pockets of Sursock and Tabaris, separated only by a motorway.

East of the port, and directly adjacent, are the neighbourhoods of Mar Mikhail and Karantina – the Ottoman quarantine station which marked the point of arrival and settlement for successive waves of refugees, including from Armenia in the 1920s and Palestine from the 1940s.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM

yer put it back in the car. The doctor asked, “Are you not drinking?” The lawyer said, “Oh yes, after the police are gone.”

Sometimes, tricks do work.

But if you do these things on a regular basis, life will know what to do with you. If you are not in alignment with the laws that govern life, you will invariably get mauled by the process of life. For most people, life is crushing them from inside. Because of friction within yourself, there is pain and suffering, misery, madness – call it what you want. The amount of friction determines how long your face will become over time. If there is no friction, your face will be smiling.

All the possibilities that human beings have opened up are because of a certain framework of laws that nature functions by. If you are in tune with these laws, your system will function with the least amount of friction. If you do not know how to align your system, at least you must lubricate it with Grace. Even if you have a beautiful machine, without the necessary lubricants, it will make ugly noises. This is where Grace comes in. Your machine is still not properly aligned, but Grace will free it from friction.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan To bring synergy & collaboration in the area of food safety & nutrition, an #MoU has been signed today between @CSIR_IND & @fssaiindia, that will facilitate collaborative research & information dissemination in this space.

Prakash Javadekar @PrakashJavdekar Dr Kalam used to say - ‘The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise.

Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.’ Changes in the education policy is a major way to provide the nation better students, professionals & better human being.

Spiritual SPEAK

When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.

—Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 254 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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HANDLOOM DAY

MODI URGES PEOPLE TO BE ‘VOCAL FOR HANDMADE’ The National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7 to honour the handloom weavers in the country and also highlight India’s handloom industry New Delhi: On National Handloom Day on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted those associated with the handloom and handicrafts sector and urged people to strengthen efforts towards a self-reliant India.

The National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7 to honour the handloom weavers in the country and also highlight India’s handloom industry. The day seeks to focus on the contribution of handlooms to the socio-economic development of the country and also increase the income of weavers.

“On National Handloom Day, we salute all those associated with our vibrant handloom and handicrafts sector.

They have made commendable efforts to preserve the indigenous crafts of our nation. Let us all be #Vocal4Handmade and strengthen efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani also took to the microblogging site & said, “National Handloom Day instituted on 7th

NARENDRA MODI @NARENDRAMODI On National Handloom Day, we salute all those associated with our vibrant handloom and handicrafts sector. They have made commendable efforts to preserve the indigenous crafts of our nation. Let us all be #Vocal4Handmade and strengthen efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

On National Handloom Day, PM Modi urged people to strengthen efforts towards a self-reliant India.

PM TO INAUGURATE RASHTRIYA SWACHHATA KENDRA TODAY New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha, in New Delhi on Saturday, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office informed. Meanwhile, according to an official satement, the PM will inaugurate the submarine Optical Fibre Cable connecting Chennai & Port Blair on August 10 through video conferencing.According to a release by PMO, the submarine cable will also connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island, and Rangat.

August 2015 is a tribute to Swadeshi movement which was launched on the same date in 1905.

Our ancestors fought for

‘Swaraj’, let us contribute towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and support #Vocal4Handmade.”

The Union govern-

Punjab CM meets family of victims, hikes ex-gratia to ` 5L

Amarinder Singh asked DGP to book those directly involved.

be spared. A special prosecutor has been appointed and an investigation into the matter is underway,” said the Chief Minister while speaking to media.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh directed the DGP to book those directly involved in hooch trag-

UP CM OFFERS RAMAYANA TO ARMY CHIEF AS AYODHYA’S ‘PRASAD’ Lucknow: The Army Chief called on the Uttar Pradesh at his residence on Friday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane a Ramayana, Hanuman Chalisa and a coin to as Ayodhya’s ‘prasad’ (holy offering). On the other hand, Army Chief presented a memento to Chief

‘Vocal for local’ to boost morale of handloom sector, says Shah New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Vocal for local’ will surely boost the morale of the handloom sector.

Taking to twitter, he said “PM@Narendra Modi in 2005 declared 7th Aug as #NationalHandloomDay to bring them into mainstream of India’s development”.

Noting that the Modi government is committed to the holistic development of the weaver community, he said that for the first time since 2014, true skills of the hardworking weavers are being nurtured and they are being given due their credit.

“Let us all pledge to

AMIT SHAH @AMITSHAH Let us all pledge to support #Vocal4Handmade to help realize PM NarendraModi’s dream of self-reliant India.

support #Vocal4Handmade to help realize PM NarendraModi’s dream of self-reliant India, the Home Minister further said in his tweet message.

The Home Minister was tested COVID-19 positive on August 2 and has been admitted to a hospital on the advice of doctors.

—Agencies

IN THE COURTYARD

HOOCH TRAGEDY

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday increased the exgratia amount for the next to the kin of the deceased in the hooch tragedy to Rs 5 lakhs from Rs 2 lakhs.

“Ex-gratia relief has been increased from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs for each of the victim’s next of kin,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said that the death toll in the hooch tragedy has risen to 121.

Earlier on Friday, the Punjab CM met the family members of Hooch tragedy victims. He assured that those found guilty would be punished.

“All those found guilty will be punished.

Not a single person will

05

Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took part in the ‘bhoomi pujan’ at Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya. Besides, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat among several others were present at the ceremony in Ayodhya.

edy under Section 302 of IPC. Promising justice for the victims of the case, which he termed as the biggest tragedy of recent times, the C M also mooted enhancement of punishment for spurious/illicit liquor manufacturing & smuggling under the Excise Act. —ANI

ment had declared this day as the National Handloom Day in July 2015 with the objective of generating awareness

—FILE PHOTO

about the importance of handloom industry in socio-economic development of the country.

The day was chosen to c o m m e m o r a t e Swadeshi movement which was launched on this day in 1905 in Calcutta Town Hall to protest against partition of Bengal by British Raj. The movement had aimed at reviving domestic products & production processes.

‘Bihar will change ‘disha & dasha’ of India’ New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi ‘virtually’ sounded the bugle for upcoming assembly elections in Bihar by launching a stinging attack on CM Nitish Kumar and his government for their failure in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic & flood situation in the state. Stating that Bihar has been the harbinger of change as Mahatma Gandhi launched his first Satyagraha from Champaran, he said the state even in the coming days will show the way and change the “disha (direction) and dasha (fate)” of the country.

RAHUL GANDHI @ RAHULGANDHI RBI reveals the real ‘Mood of the Nation’: People’s confidence at all time low.

Fear and insecurity at all time high.

Expect more bad news on the economy and jobs front.

‘PRIYANKA NOT VISITING SHIMLA’ New Delhi: Cong Gen Secy Priyanka Gandhi’s office said that news of her visiting Shimla is ‘incorrect.’ Her office was responding to news reports that Priyanka Gandhi along with her family have sought permission to visit her Shimla home near the President Retreat for a few weeks.

PROF PRADEEP KUMAR JOSHI APPOINTED AS UPSC CHAIRMAN New Delhi: Educationist Professor Pradeep Kumar Joshi was appointed as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), that conducts the civil services examination to select India’s bureaucrats and diplomats. He will succeed Arvind Saxena who completes his term as UPSC chairman on Friday. Joshi, who was the chairman of both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commissions, joined the UPSC as member in May 2015. His tenure as the chairman of the UPSC will be till May 12, 2021.

SC to hear after two weeks ED’s plea against bail to Shivinder Mohan Singh New Delhi: The SC adjourned for two weeks hearing on Enforcement Directorate’s plea against the bail granted to former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh in the Religare Finvest money laundering case.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra adjourned the matter for two weeks after Singh’s counsel

‘Restore 4G net in J&K’ New Delhi: The Centre submitted before SC that the directions issued by the apex court for the review of restoration of 4G internet services in J&K are being complied with.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central government, submitted that the directions issued by the Supreme Court that a committee be created have been followed.

—ANI

KERALA NUN RAPE CASE

Court grants bail to Bishop Franco Mulakkal Kottayam: A Kottayam court granted bail to Bishop Franco Mulakkal on a fresh bail bond in connection with the nun rape case after he appeared before the court.

Additional District Court Judge G Gopakumar granted Mulakkal bail on fresh sureties. The court also recalled the nonbailable warrant issued against him and

cancelled the proceedings against the old sureties and listed the matter for further hearing on August 13.

He was directed to remain in state till the next hearing.

—ANI

Pilatus deal: ED searches at 14 places New Delhi: The ED is conducting searches at 14 locations within India in connection with its probe into the 2009 deal worth Rs 2,893 crore for the supply of 75 Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft, officials said. Top ED

MINOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM SHIFTED TO NEUROSURGERY ICU New Delhi: The minor girl, who was the victim of sexual assault in Delhi’s Paschim Vihar and was admitted to AIIMS, has been shifted to the neurosurgery ICU, AIIMS sources said.

The victim is on ventilator and at present her blood platelet count is low. She may undergo neurosurgery when the

sought adjournment in the case. Last week, the bench had issued

notice to Singh and ordered status quo on his release.

Despite the Delhi HC’s order, Singh has not been released from custody as he has not secured bail in another case lodged against him by Delhi Police.

HC had on July 23 granted bail to Singh in money laundering case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at RFL. —ANI

count improves, sources said. “The 12-year-old girl admitted to AIIMS after alleged sexual assault in Paschim Vihar is in a critical state and has been shifted to the neurosurgery ICU. She’s on a ventilator and her platelet count is low. She may undergo neurosurgery after platelet count improves,” said sources.

officials said that the searches were going on at locations linked to Sanjay Bhandari and other accused in the case registered under Prevention of Money Laundering Act. These locations included 12 in Delhi,

one in Haryana’s Gurugram and one in Gujarat’s Surat.

ED registered a money laundering case against Bhandari, officials of Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft Ltd and others.

—Agencies

COPS RECOVER AK-47 RIFLES FROM TERRORIST HIDEOUT Poonch: On the basis of specific intelligence inputs, Army Jammu &Kashmir Police recovered two AK-47 rifles and two magazines from a terrorist hideout in Poonch district of J&K, 16 Corps of the Indian Army said. “On the input about a terrorist hideout, a joint team of Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation in Shashitar Forest in Poonch district, busted a hideout and recovered a cache of arms which included AK-47 rifles and magazines,” the 16 Corps said.

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06

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT DEATH ED REJECTED RHEA’S REQUEST TO POSTPONE RECORDING, MONEY LAUNDERING CASE

CHAKRABORTY ACCUSED OF ABETTING SUICIDE Mumbai: Actor Rhea Chakraborty, accused of abetting suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, appeared before the ED on Friday in connection with the money laundering case lodged by it.

The 28-year-old arrived at the agency’s office, accompanied by her brother Showik.

Her business manager who also worked for Rajput, Shruti Modi, also appeared before the agency soon after as she too was summoned.

The statements of Chakraborty and Modi were recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.

Rajput’s friend and roommate Siddharth Pithani has also been called by the ED to appear on Saturday in connection with this money laundering case that stems from a complaint filed by the actor’s father with the Bihar Police in connection with his death, they said. The IT professional, stated to be living with Rajput for about an year, had ear-

No culprits should be spared, Niraj Kumar Patna: “Actor Rhea Chakraborty should not run away from probe if she is innocent. We are demanding an unbiased investigation into the case.

No culprits should be spared,” Niraj Kumar Singh Babloo, BJP MLA who is also Rajput’s relative. The ED had asked the late actor’s friend Siddharth Pithani to appear before the agency on August 8. The agency had lier recorded his statement with the Mumbai Police.

“In view of the fact that the ED has informed that the request to postpone her attendance is rejected,” her advocate Satish Maneshinde said.

The agency is expected to question Chakraborty, who stated in her petition to the court that she was in a live-in relationship with Rajput, possible business dealings and

the developments that took place over the last few years between them and record her statement under the PMLA. It is expected that the ED’s line of questioning would revolve around Chakraborty’s income & investments.

The ED has also summoned Chakraborty’s CA Ritesh Shah for questioning. Singh alleged that Rs 15 cr was siphoned off from Rajput’s bank account in one year. —ANI

Sensex: Indian equity ends the day in green

6 civilians injured, Pak violates ceasefire

Mumbai: Sensex ends flat at 38,041 after choppy trade; Nifty stays above 11,200; Mindspace REIT gains 10% on debut, Lupin plunges 6% RIL, Asian Paints lead gains; HCL top drag as 17 of 30 Sensex stocks end the day in the green.

The Indian equity reversed losses from the morning to end the day in green on Friday supported by financials especially Bajaj twins and HDFC Bank.

Asian Paints and Bajaj

Kupwara : Pakistan on Friday violated ceasefire for the second time by resorting to firing through small arms and automatic weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) in Machhal sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army said.

In the day, six civilians were injured after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Kupwara by firing mortars. —ANI

New Delhi: The SC on Friday dismissed a PIL seeking a probe by CBI or NIA into the death of Sushant Singh. “Who are you. You are a stranger who is unnecessarily interfering in the case.

The victim’s father is pursuing the case. We are dismissing your petition,” a bench of the apex court, headed by

Showik Chakraborty, brother of Rhea, arrives at ED’s office in connection with money laundering case, in Mumbai.

CJI SA Bobde said. The apex court was hearing a petition filed by DD Dubey seeking a CBI probe into the death of the actor. Adv Gen Tush-

ar Mehta, the senior law officer of the Central govt, submitted before the SC that the FIR registered in Patna has already been transferred to the CBI for investigation. Adv Jha, appearing for the petitioner, had sought a CBI probe into the case, “don’t argue like this and make absurd statements”. —ANI

of Rhea over the latter’s properties, sources said. The agency has registered a case against six accused including Bollywood actor Chakraborty and others in connection with Rajput’s death.

Meanwhile, for actor’s death Bihar govt filed affidavit in SC for transfer petition by Rhea ‘misconceived, not maintainable’

GOVT PRESENTS BOMBAY HC AFFADAVIT TO ADJOURNS FOR APEX COURT AUGUST 21 Patna: Bihar govt stated in its affidavit before the Apex court that Rhea, has not mentioned substantiate bias except the general and bald allegation that the complaint has been lost due to influence of the informant of the case. In the absence of any substantiated bias, merely on the apprehension of bias cannot be a ground for proceedings. —ANI

Mumbai: The Bombay HC adjourned for Aug 21 a PIL seeking a probe by CBI into Sushant’s death. A division bench of CJ Dipankar Datta & Justice AS Gadkari adjourned the matter awaiting the SC order. The apex court is likely to hear the matter before Aug 18. Acc to Mumbai Police, 56 people statements have been recorded yet. —ANI

Health Ministry, ICMR, AIIMS proposes ‘National Clinical Registry for Covid 19’

it before the original bench comprising of Justice AA Sayed & Anuja Prabhudesai.

TRAI citing a regula-

tory vacuum released a fresh directive on 24 July, it asked broadcasters must publish details including MRP/ month of channels and MRP/ month of bouquets of channels, the composition of bouquets and also amended reference offer (RIO).

es thrust sectors into core sectors--where Gujarat already has a strong manufacturing base and has potential to accelerate further on a global scale--and sunrise sectors--ones which have a significant potential for technological advancement and can contribute to sustainable economic development.

The state government claims that the policy incorporates most of the suggestions indicated by the industry at large, keeping in mind global and national manufacturing trends and sectors.

20 dead...

The flight was part of the Vande Bharat programme that has been bringing back Indians from abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“The visibility was 2,000 metre due to heavy rain, after landing Runway 10, continue running to the end of the runway and fall down in the valley and aircraft broke down in two pieces,” Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials said. Television images from the site showed part of the fuselage of the Boeing

737 jet ripped apart with debris strewn all over.The incident took place amid very heavy rainfall in the area around 7:40 pm. Emergency services personnel were seen working in the dark and spraying the wreckage with water.According to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24, the aircraft circled the airport several times and made two attempts to land.The Kozhikode airport is one of Kerala’s most prominent international terminals and handles a significant number of flights from abroad.

fin were the Nifty50 top gainers, surging nearly 5%. —ANI

Mumbai: Earlier ED had rejected her request to postpone recording her statement till Supreme Court hearing. Meanwhile, the ED has summoned Shruti Modi, former business manager of Sushant Singh Rajput, asking her to appear before the agency today. The ED earlier interrogated Samuel Miranda, an associate

SC dismissed PIL seeking a probe

by CBI or NIA into actors death

New Delhi: The Union health ministry, ICMR & AIIMS have proposed a National Clinical Registry for COVID-19.

To this ICMR on Thursday wrote to hospitals and institutions identified as Covid-Hospitals. “There is a pressing need for collection of systematic data on clinical signs & symptoms, laboratory investigations, management protocols, clinical course of COVID-19 disease, disease spectrum and outcomes of patients. Such data will serve as an invaluable tool for formulating appropriate patient management strategies, predicting disease severity, patient outcomes etc,” ICMR said. It further said, the NCRC will aim at collecting evidence-based clinical data. ICMR invites a letter of intent from dedicated COVID Health Centres under the project to establish “National Clinical Registry of COVID-19”.

NTO 2.0 hearing postponed, TRAI assures no action yet Kolkata: The uncertainty regarding the implementation of NTO 2.0 prevails, as the broadcasters petition against TRAI move to make them comply with the order by 10 August, went unheard on Friday. Sources said, the bench has not passed any order but has listed

on July 31 registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the case after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed

by KK Singh, the late actor’s father, against Chakraborty in Bihar on July 28. The Special Team of the CBI that is probing high profile cases of Vijay Mallya and AgustaWestland cases will now investigate Sushant’s case. —ANI

RHEA ‘MISCONCEIVED NOT MAINTABLE’, BIHAR GOVT

‘Modi govt is missing’, Gandhi New Delhi: Rahul Gan-

SI TO PROVIDE COVID-19 DOSE @ 225 New Delhi: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has decided to provide $150 million in at-risk funds towards helping the Serum Institute of India rapidly manufacture the Covid-19 vaccines developed by the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca and Novavax. As part of this new agreement, SII will be responsible for delivering up to 100 million doses of the vaccines priced at $3 (around Rs 225) a dose for India and lowand middle-income countries. The collaboration, which involves GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, will provide SII with “upfront capital” through the Foundation’s Strategic Investment

Funds. This is expected to help the Pune-headquartered vaccine maker increase its manufacturing capacity to produce either or both vaccines “at scale” for distribution. Once they receive regulatory approvals and WHO prequalification, the doses are expected to be produced “as early as the first half of 2021”, according to SII. The distribution will be done through the COVAX mechanism.

COVAX, co-led by GAVI, as well as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO, aims to discourage bilateral agreements for Covid-19 vaccines and instead improve equitable access. —Agencies

dhi has accused the Modi govt. of being ‘missing’ as the country’s coronavirus tally crosses the 20lakh mark. Congress leader attacked the Centre on Friday over the rising coronavirus cases in India, saying the country’s Covid-19 tally has crossed the 20lakh mark and the Narendra Modi government is “missing”. India’s Covid-19 tally breached the 20-lakh mark, while the number of recoveries surged to 13.70 lakh.

“The 20 lakh-mark has been crossed, the Modi govt is missing,” Gandhi said in a tweet. Gandhi has been critical of the govt’s handling of the pandemic. —ANI

FROM PG 1 CM Rupani...

“Focused efforts have been made to support jobs, add value across sectors, adopt of state-of-the-art technology, increase productivity with Industry 4.0 manufacturing, an innovation-driven ecosystem with a focus on research and development so as to propel us further towards an Aatmanirbhar Gujarat. This will enable the shaping of a Modern Gujarat that spearheads the vision of a Modern India,” Rupani said.

The policy categoriz-

15 killed,...

The state government will bear the expense of treatment of those injured due to the landslide,” Vijayan said. “Adverse weather condition is slowing down the operations to rescue people affected by landslide in Rajamala, Idukki.

The state govt has sought the help of Air Force but adverse weather condition is not conducive for airlifting people,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over deaths due to landslide in Kerala’s Idukki and announced ex-gratia of

Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of deceased.

“Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected,” Modi tweeted. Heavy rains in Kerala have triggered floods and landslides which have wreaked havoc in the region over the past few days. —ANI

Centre directs...

“The districts were advised to ensure that the advisories, guidelines and clinical treatment protocols issued by the Health Ministry are adopted and effectively implemented to reduce the mortality among COVID-19 patients and other preventable deaths among all sections of the people, particularly those with co-morbidities, pregnant women, the elderly and children,” said the health ministry official.

“States were advised to ensure optimum capacity utilization of

testing labs, increase tests per million population and reduce confirmation percentage, in addition to ensuring timely availability of ambulances with target zero refusal,” the official further said.

“States were also advised to analyze availability and need for projected beds and oxygen, and plan in a timely manner. States and district administration have also been advised to ensure good infection prevention and control practices to control infection in the healthcare workers,” said the official.

—ANI

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07

Dating‘A pp’ocalypse?

Services like Tinder and Hinge are no longer shiny new toys, and some users are starting to find them more frustrating than fun

THE RISE OF DATING APP FATIGUE

“A

pocalypse” seems like a bit much. I thought that last fall when Vanity Fair titled Nancy Jo Sales’s article on dating apps “Tinder and the Dawn of the ‘Dating Apocalypse’” and I thought it again this month when Hinge, another dating app, advertised its relaunch with a site called “thedatingapocalypse.com,” borrowing the phrase from Sales’s article, which apparently caused the company shame and was partially responsible for their effort to become, as they put it, a “relationship app”.

Despite the difficulties of modern dating, if there is an imminent apocalypse, I believe it will be spurred by something else. I don’t believe technology has distracted us from real human connection. I don’t believe hookup culture has infected our brains and turned us into soulless sex-hungry swipe monsters. And yet. It doesn’t do to

YAY FOR HOOK UPS, NAY FOR COMMITMENT

pretend that dating in the app era hasn’t changed.

The gay dating app Grindr launched in 2009. Tinder arrived in 2012, and nipping at its heels came other imitators and twists on the format, like Hinge (connects you with friends of friends), Bumble (women have to message first), and others. Older online dating sites like OKCupid now have apps as well. In 2016, dating apps are old news, just an increasingly normal way to look for love and sex. The question is not if they work, because they obviously can, but how well do they work? Are they effective and enjoyable to use? Are people able to use them to get what they want? Of course, results can vary depending on what it is people want—to hook up or have casual sex, to date casually, or to date as a way of actively looking for a relationship.

FADING NOVELTY

I

have a theory that this exhaustion is making dating apps worse at performing their function. When the apps were new, people were excited, and actively using them. Swiping “yes” on someone didn’t inspire the same excited queasiness that asking someone out in person does, but there was a fraction of that feeling when a match or a message popped up.

Each person felt like a real possibility, rather than an abstrac-

tion.

The first Tinder date I ever went on, in 2014, became a sixmonth relationship. After that, my luck went downhill. In late 2014 and early 2015, I went on a handful of decent dates, some that led to more dates, some that didn’t—which is about what I feel it’s reasonable to expect from dating services.

But in the past year or so, I’ve felt the gears slowly winding down, like a toy on the dregs of

its batteries. I feel less motivated to message people, I get fewer messages from others than I used to, and the exchanges I do have tend to fizzle out before they become dates. The whole endeavor seems tired.

“I’m going to project a really bleak theory on you,” Fetters says. “What if everyone who was going to find a happy relationship on a dating app already did? Maybe everyone who’s on Tinder now are like

“I

have had lots of luck hooking up, so if that’s the criteria I would say it’s certainly served its purpose,” says Brian, a 44-year-old gay man who works in fashion retail in New York City. “I have not had luck with dating or finding relationships.”

“I think the way I’ve used it has made it a pretty good experience for the most part,” says Will Owen, a 24-year-old gay man who works at a marketing agency in New York City. “I haven’t been looking for a serious relationship in my early 20s. It’s great to just talk to people and meet up with people.”

“I have a boyfriend right now whom I met on Tinder,” says Frannie Steinlage, a 34-year-old healthcare consultant in Denver. But “it really is sifting through a lot of crap to be able to find somebody.”

Sales’s article focused heavily on the negative effects of easy, on-

the last people at the party trying to go home with someone.”

Now that the shine of novelty has worn off these apps, they aren’t fun or exciting anymore. They’ve become a normalized part of dating. There’s a sense that if you’re single, and you don’t want to be, you need to do something to change that. If you just sit on your butt and wait to see if life delivers you love, then you have no right to complain.

But then, if you get tired of the apps, or have a bad experience on them, it creates this ambivalence—should you stop doing this thing that makes you unhappy or keep trying in the hopes it might yield something someday? This tension may lead to people walking a middle path—lingering on the apps while not actively using them much. I can feel myself half-assing it sometimes, for just this reason.

Larry Lawal, a 27-year-old male software developer in says he used to meet up with women from the apps for dinner or drinks several times a month, but now, “I kinda use it now just for entertainment when I’m bored or standing in

lines. I go in with zero expectations. I noticed a huge shift in my intentions.”

Lawal remembers the exact moment it switched for him. At the end of 2014, he took a road trip with his friend from Birmingham, Alabama to St. Petersburg, Florida to go to a college bowl game. “Every city or every stop the entire way, I would just swipe.” He had no intention of meeting up

with these people, since he and his friend were literally just passing through. And he realized, he says, that “the idea of being one swipe away from a potential mate kind of lowers the meaning of potential interaction.”

Hinge, originally, was a swiping app very similar to Tinder except that it only offered you people who were connected to you through Facebook friends. But the company’s own research, combined with the Vanity Fair article convinced the CEO, Justin

SOURCE: JULIE BECK, THE ATLANTIC

DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

demand sex that hookup culture prizes and dating apps readily provide. And while no one is denying the existence of fuckboys, I hear far more complaints from people who are trying to find relationships, or looking to casually date, who just find that it’s not working, or that it’s much harder than they expected.

“I think the whole selling point with dating apps is ‘Oh, it’s so easy to find someone,’ and now that I’ve tried it, I’ve realized that’s actually not the case at all,” says my friend Ashley Fetters, a 26-yeareditor at GQ in New York City.

The easiest way to meet people turns out to be a really labor-intensive and uncertain way of getting relationships. While the possibilities seem exciting at first, the effort, attention, patience, and resilience it requires can leave people frustrated and exhausted.

McLeod, that they needed to change.

Dating hasn’t become an apocalypse, it’s just become another way modern life can make people feel overworked.

When the actual apocalypse eventually comes, perhaps it will be easier to recognize love when it’s looking at us over the rat carcasses we’re roasting on a spit over a trash can fire, when many of our options have been killed off by plagues or zombie hordes, for then no time we’re given will feel like a waste. Until then, there’s always Tinder.

Optimism allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow.

2ND FRONT Gujarat has lessons to learn from Beirut —Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

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The blast in Lebanon has raised concerns about chemical industry-heavy States like Gujarat’s handling of such chemicals Shishir Awasthi Ahmedabad: The huge explosion of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in Lebanon capital Beirut may look geographically far away, but scratch the surface and Gujarat, with a large number of hazardous chemical industries, may well be waiting for a big tragedy to happen.

According to a research by eminent environment magazine Down To Earth, the cause of at least three recent accidents was negligence. It refers to a recent explosion at an industrial estate in Gujarat’s Dahej and two

Raids on MLA son’s gas agency, 3 held refilling cylinders First India Bureau Vadodara: Vadodara Special Operation Group on Friday raided an LPG agency owned by the son of BJP’s sitting MLA from Sayajiganj Jitendra Sukhadia and arrested three employees while illegally refilling gas cylinders.

This is the second time that employees of the Happy Home Gas Service run by Hiren Sukhadia, the legislator’s son, were arrested for allegedly illegal activity.

Earlier in September last, the Civil Supplies Department had arrested two staffers illegally refilling cylinders.

An official said the Special Operation Group had received a tip-off of illegal gas cylinders being refilled in Jalaramnagar of Karelibaug area.

The SOG team then carried out a search and found three employees refilling gas cylinders. The team found a weighing machine, refilling pipe and other equipment used for refilling.

The SOG team arrested Jignesh Mali, Hemant Mali and Vipul Bharvad in this connection.

gas leaks in chemical and pharma factories in Visakhapatnam. The research also stressed that several other accidents go unnoticed.

In fact, it says the Beirut explosion has raised concerns over India’s use of the chemical compound and the policy mechanisms that regulate such use. And all States, including the leading ones like Gujarat, with a concentration of chemical and pharmaceutical industry fall in this category.

India imports around 3 lakh tonne ammonium nitrate every year. A small portion of this is used to make explosives

PREVENTIVE ACTION?

Gujarat has hundreds of hazardous chemical industries which have been witnessing accidents because of negligence.

for mines, while the rest is used by fertiliser units.

There were, however, re-

ports of theft of the chemical in the past for illegal mining.

Ammonium nitrate does not typically detonate on its own and re-

quires another ignition source. Experts, however, point out that even a

CM Rupani’s hometown Rajkot is now the latest Covid-19 worry

Depressed youth kills two women, a girl in A’bad district

First India Bureau Rajkot: With the increasing number of Covid -19 positive cases in Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s hometown Rajkot, Gujarat’s Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi visited the city the third time on Friday.

Rajkot reported a total of 1628 positive cases with 743 active cases on Friday. Jayanti Ravi stated that currently Rajkot was showing a rising trend similar to the situation which was in Ahmedabad and Surat earlier but would

State Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi made her third visit to Rajkot to oversee Covid-19 work.

gradually stabilise.

She said various efforts had been initiated to bring down the graph of cases. These include making intensive use of Dhanvantari and San-

jeevani Raths for doorto-door visits to identify primary symptoms. Increasing the number of tests by almost four times, stress on plasma donors and seeking

help from additional ayurvedic doctors.

Jayanti Ravi told reporters that as many as 340 medical teams were currently active in the entire Rajkot district.

Rajkot has now reported the highest positivity rate of 18% and extensive efforts are being made to strengthen the health activities in the district to reduce the rate to 7 % and below.

The Health Department is also gearing up for the forthcoming Janmashtami festival, which is celebrated in a big way in the city.

ROBOT NURSES ARE HERE!

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday deployed 3 Robot Nurses at Smimer Hospital to serve the patients at the Covid-19 ward. The demonstration of the robot nurses was held in the presence of Surat Mayor Dr. Jagdish Patel, SMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani and GIDC MD M.Thennarasan.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Frustrated over losing his job, a youth vented his anger at innocent people on Friday evening when he killed two women and a 7-year-old girl of a family in Keliya Vasna village in the Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district.

Local residents caught him and handed him over to police.

According to Dholka police, one Raju Patel went violent and killed two women, Jashodaben and Sumitraben, and a 7-year-old girl Jiya with a scythe. Deceased Sumitraben’s husband Vijay Patel, who works at a factory in Changodar, was not at home.

As the women screamed for help, the neighbours rushed towards Jayesh Patel’s residence when Raju was seen running out of the house and with a blood-stained scythe in his hand. He was soon caught and handed over to the police. Locals said Raju was depressed as he had lost his job after the lockdown.

small amount can be dangerous.

Early reports blamed the Beirut blast on negligence while storing the chemical and welding activity near the storage site caused the explosion. The ammonium nitrate stored in the warehouse was confiscated from a cargo ship in 2014.

The question of whether India is prepared to deal with the storage, handling, transport and manufacture of ammonium nitrate, thus, crops up. The country’s emergency preparedness around any potential accidents involving the chemical compound

is another concern.

A string of industrial accidents occurred after the lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was lifted.

The DTH has pointed out that the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, for the regulation of the chemical rules are comprehensive but “the biggest problem with the rules, however, are the lack of a deterrence mechanism or any penal provision.”

A string of industrial accidents occurred after the lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was lifted.

No move to name Surat airport after Morarji: Centre

Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has urged PM Narendra Modi to name Surat airport after late PM Morarji Desai.

First India Bureau New Delhi: Days after Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to name the Surat International Airport after the late Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Morarji Desai, the Union Civil Ministry has stated that there is no such proposal from the State Government as of now.

Replying to Swamy’s letter to the PM, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep S Puri stated that appropriate action on naming and renaming of airports could be taken after a resolution proposing the same was passed in the State Assembly.

Puri stated, “As a practice, the request for naming and renaming of airports are considered based on recommendations of the respective State Government supported by a resolution in the State Legislative Assembly.”

“No such proposal has been received from the Government of Gujarat so far. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will take appropriate action, as and when a proposal is received from the State Government in this regard,” he added.

Surat was the Lok Sabha constituency of the 7th Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who has been an MP from here for 5 terms. He belonged to Valsad in South Gujarat.

COMPASSIONATE MANAGEMENT

Two A’bad schools insure entire staff against Covid-19 pandemic Udgam and Zebar schools took health and life insurance cover for their 700-member staff on individual basis



First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Even as private schools are up in arms against the Gujarat Government over the fees for the lockdown period and parents are finding it difficult to pay up while also educating their children, two prestigious private schools

in Ahmedabad seem to have taken the situation in their stride.

Udgam School for Children and Zebar School for Children, both affiliated to the CBSE, have secured all their teaching and non-teaching staff under complete health insurance, including

—File Photo

Covid-19 treatment.

The insurance cover is only one among a few initiatives taken by the school managements.

“Privately-held schools in Gujarat are facing multiple challenges. Recently the schools were pushed back with the State Government’s recent GR against levying tuition fees till the classes resume normally. But despite the limited funds and lower collection, we demonstrated our responsibility towards

our staff members who are ensuring that no student is deprived of education,” Manan Choksi, Executive Director of Udgam and Zebar said.

He said the schools’ management had covered 700 teaching and non-teaching staff of both the schools with a health insurance of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 10 lakh life insurance on an individual basis.

This, when several schools went on a costcutting spree like salary cuts, delay in disbursement of salary, laying

off, and freezing new recruitment, among other things.

He said unlike several schools, Udgam and Zebar have been paying 100 per cent salary to all the teaching and even non-teaching staff since the first nationwide lockdown.

He said Udgam and Zebar management had anticipated that many parents would not be able to pay the fees and “so we had provided a relaxation to the parents to pay the fees in monthly instalments.”

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09

AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2020

BOLLYWOOD’S CROWNING

GLORIES City First gives its readers a few tips and tricks on how to keep your hair healthy and also appreciates the beautiful and healthy hair of the lovely divas of the Bollywood industry!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

S

omething that has always been admired for centuries is beautiful hair. Every woman longs for soft, silky and beautiful hair and tries

their best to maintain them in the best way possible. If we notice, all the Bollywood actresses have exceptionally beautiful hair. Do you know how? Well, all of them follow an extremely healthy diet and take good care of their hair.

Bollywood divas like Deepika Padukone, Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Bipasha Basu, Jacqueline Fernandez, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Kareena Kapoor Khan among others are known for perfectly gorgeous hair in the industry. Out of

everyone, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia is wellknown for thick and healthy hair, which eventually were carried to her daughter Twinkle Khanna.

If you wish to have hair as beautiful as these divas, City First has a few secret tips for you.

1

Make sure to wash your hair regularly- This ensures that the scalp is free of dirt and excess oil and eventually keeps it healthier.

2

Condition properly- While conditioning, make sure to not go all the way up to the scalp. This might result in an extremely dry scalp; so just apply it from the mid-length to the bottom of the hair.

3

Let your hair dry naturally- Using a hairdryer will end up making the hair really frizzy and dry; try to avoid any artificial means and let the hair dry naturally.

4

Trim them regularlySplit ends are one of the main reasons why you go through major hair fall; trimming them regularly will keep them healthy for a very long time.

5

Oil Your Hair- Weather change can result in major dryness and hair fall, so it is necessary to oil your hair at least 2 times a week to give it proper nutrients in order to keep them healthy.

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

10

THE MESSIAH

IN COVID GURMAN SINGH

(2005), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Dabangg (2010, Dookudu (2011), Shootout at Wadala (2013), Happy New Year (2014), Kung Fu Yoga (2017) and Simmba (2018).

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

F

rom reel-life villain to real-life superhero, Actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood have helped several people. He emerged as a hero in the lives of migrant workers and helped them go back to their homes amid the Novel Coronavirus lockdown.

He has provided food and other essential items to the needy, arranged for special buses, and also funded the air tickets of migrants so that they could return to their homes he has extended a helping hand to many. Several people are constantly reaching out to the actor on Twitter as well and Sood makes it a point to reply to as many as possible.

The knight-in-shining-armor, who appeared like a god-sent angel to those in crisis, not only did Sood rescued countless migrants stuck thousands of kilometers away from their homes, but he also played the role of a good Samaritan on multiple occasions. Be it gifting a tractor to a poor Andhra family plowing their fields manually, helping a techie selling vegetable land a job, or helping warrior Aaji - the skillful stunt woman from Pune open her training school. Corona Fighter King’ Sonu Sood is also worshiped in Bhubaneswar - a video was posted on Twitter where people were paying their homage. On the professional front, Sonu Sood is an Indian film actor and producer who acts predominantly in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Punjabi films.

In 2009, he received the Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Award for Best Villain and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor Telugu for his work in the Telugu blockbuster Arundhati. In 2010, he garnered the Apsara Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role and the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for the Bollywood blockbuster Dabangg. In 2012, he received the SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for Julayi. He is best known for roles in blockbuster films such as Yuva (2004), Athadu (2005), Aashiq Banaya Aapne

Sonu Sood

FA CE OF TH ED AY

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You lover may ask many questions about future so be very honest while answering those. Your financial problems will end and some saviour will play a very important role in making that happen.A friends will help on academic front so keep improving and don’t get stuck.

You try to be very active on everyday basis, an outstanding thing to do.

Some of you may join family business and will take it to the next level. Consistency is needed on the academic front and you will be surprised by the results. Ignorance on work front shall be avoided.

You may find your dream partner but take it slow in the beginning and give yourself time to understand him/her before deciding your future. You will get in touch with someone who can help you on academic front. Business will thrive and you will gain that you have lost.

You will finally make up your mind about your field of career and you will get complete support from everywhere. Distancing from the family is not a solution to your problems rather sit with them and discuss, in the end they are the only ones who can help you.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Apply for jobs keeping in mind your eligibility as its very important to have realistic expectations. Good results on academic front will bring you in limelight on family front. You are very hard working and that shows in your day today life as well. Be the ray of hope in someone life.

You are a great friend and people like to stay in touch with you for the same reason. Explain things in detail if you need to, on professional front. Money is in the air even at these trials time but you need to know ways to catch it. You will financially support your sibling.

Your spouse will bring stars to the ground for you, thats the kind of value you hold in his/her life. Any ailment or sickness will get better so there is nothing to worry. You will invest lot of your time in polishing your skills on academic front. You will allot a time to your hobbies.

Luck will for sure favour the ones looking for the scholarship but you need to work hard for it. You will help someone in getting to their destination. Some of you will be totally engrossed in building business plans which may work in this pandemic. Health will be fine.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

As one ages it gets obvious to feel a bit lonely and if your parents are feeling the same than all you have to do is to comfort them and make them believe that they have you no matter what. Money is what you need to survive this pandemic so concentrate on searching for ways to earn it.

You are craving to go back to the life before but life is another name for changes and you will get accustomed to this as well. On career front a lot of percentage is required from your end. You will be entrusted with an important task at work, it may require a lot of efforts, it will pay you.

Positivity is set to enter your life therefore say goodbye to the old sulking days. Make the best of an opportunity on the academic front and remember the potential lies within you. Delaying may seem the right thing to do but the other party may not feel the same when it comes to your business.

You partner may demand your attention, make sure to not neglect their needs.

Its the time for you to regain your lost ground on professional front. Reduction of cost is a must need action for your business seeing the current times but that shouldn’t depress you.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

MOON, Anchor

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

11

‘LET’S LEND OUR SUPPORT TO WEAVERS AND ARTISANS’ P riyanka Chopra Jonas on Friday treated her fans to a picture of herself donning an Indian handloom saree to mark the National Handloom Day. The ‘Baywatch’ actor, who is currently staying with her singer husband Nick Jonas in America, took to Twitter to share a picture of herself wearing a lemon-coloured handwoven saree. She further went on to urge people to lend support to the local Indian weavers and artisans of the textile industry by using more Indian handloom products.

“Indian handlooms are known to be unique and a work of craftsmanship. Let’s lend

National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to recognise the contributions of the handloom weavers of the country.

August 7 was chosen as National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi Move-

... her post

our support to the weavers and artisans of the textile industry. #NationalHandloomDay #Vocal4Handmade@smritiirani @ TexMinIndia @MadhuryaGallery,” he wrote in the caption.

ment which was launched on this day in 1905 in the Calcutta Town hall to protest against the partition of Bengal by the British Government.

—ANI Priyanka Chopra Jonas

BEAUTIFUL

Love Interest A

lmost a week after joining hands with actor Ayushmann Khurrana for an upcoming untitled romantic flick, filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor has signed in 'Befikre' actor Vaani Kapoor as Khurrana's love interest in the film.

"I thought Vaani was fabulous in Befikre. She's beautiful and a very committed actor. I am looking forward to having her and Ayushmann on set. I believe their combo will be electrifying," said Abhishek.

The 'Befikre' actor further said that she has always been inspired by Abhishek and wanted to work with him for a long time.

"It's a lovely heart-rendering film. I have always wanted to work with Abhishek Kapoor, being so inspired by his films this feels like an amazing opportunity to be part of his vision," said Vaani.

"Ayushman is one of the most talented actors of our generation and I'm only thrilled about our first film together to be this beautiful love story," she added.

—ANI

Vaani Kapoor

DEPRESSED MICHELLE SRK in and as

F

ormer First Lady Michelle Obama just opened up about her mental health in a new episode on her podcast, admitting that she’s suffering from lowgrade depression as a result of quarantine.

The 56-year-old got candid with her fans about what she’s personally been going through.

“There have been periods throughout this quarantine where I just have felt too low. I’ve

PATHAN

gone through those emotional highs and lows that I think everybody feels where you just don’t feel yourself,” she shared.

“Sometimes, there’s been a week or so where I had to surrender to that and not be so hard on myself… It is unusual and it is a direct result of just being out of the body, out of mind. Spiritually, these are not fulfilling times.”

Michelle went on, explaining that some of her depression is due to the social unrest in the country.

—Agency

Michelle Obama

W

Shah Rukh Khan

hat is Shah Rukh Khan up-to is among the most asked questions in the last two years, since the release of his 2018 film, Zero. According to sources, the actor is teaming up with Siddharth Anand, in his upcoming film titled 'Pathan'.

“It’s a massy title which sees SRK play the most heroic character of his career. The actor has been on the hunt to do an action film for a while now and Siddharth Anand offered him exactly what he was looking for. The character is rooted, earthy, larger-thanlife, it’s heroic, it’s stylish and has the swag to pull off the big scale action,” a source said. “Just like SRK played the titular role of Don and Raees, likewise, this time around, it’s time to play a Pathan. Watch out, it’s Shah Rukh Khan in and as Pathan.”

The sources also revealed that Deepika Padukone has also come on board to play the female lead in the film and her character will have the action undertones.

—Agency

GIVING ‘TRUE’

A SIBLING

A

fter months of speculation, reports are stating that Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are back together and moving towards having another baby. Multiple sources who are close to the couple shared “Khloé is hopeful that Tristan has changed for good and will continue to grow and be the great and loyal partner that he has been throughout their time together during the [coronavirus] quarantine.”

Isolating at home in Los Angeles with Kardashian, 36, and their 2-year-old daughter, True, amid the COVID-19 pandemic has helped bring out a different side of Thompson, 29, who cheated on the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star with multiple women in the past.

“The fact that Tristan hasn’t been working or been able to hang out with his friends and other athletes who have previously been a negative influence on him like he used to have been great for their relationship,” the source explains.

“But when things do go back to normal, who knows what will happen?”

—Agency Khloe Kardashian

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

TREE MAN OF INDIA

able; the polluted scum is disappeared. This happened because for the last two months lockdown when human activity is restricted. If we take the lessons of this corona period our life will become healthy.

We have to become companions, not conquerors of nature.

Vishnu Lamba toured 22 states and searched the families of more than 56 freedom revolutionaries. He planted the saplings at the birth and sacrifice places of martyrs. Vishnu introduced the families of martyrs to the then President of India Pranab Mukherjee, the then Chief Minister Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje, etc. and made them aware about their problems. By organizing hundreds of programs in honor of these great revolutionary families of India, he gave the message of love for the nation. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

T

QUE...

QUEen Q1) I am 25 years old and my parents are forcing me to get married as soon as possible even during this pandemic. Under so much pressure, what is the best way to choose a life partner so quickly?

Ans. It is a difficult question, how to choose a life partner that too under a time constraint. If you are ready for marriage then a pandemic is as good a time as any and maybe even better, with fewer guests and a sober meaningful wedding.

My only advice is don’t rush into it. Start meeting the suitable boys as per your parents’ desire but take your time. Follow the same schedule as you would otherwise, meet the boy, chat, talk and go out on a date or two, and if you like him and take some more time to be sure. Meet him, connect on video chat, get to know him as much as possible, and importantly judge your comfort zone, and also trust your instincts.

Meet his family too and observe the interactions between them, you can learn a lot. Remember It is your entire life, don’t rush! All the Best!

Q2) I am 21 and physically disabled. I’m depressed and do not want to live anymore.

What should I do?

Ans. My dear child, things must very difficult for you I am sure but be strong and keep the faith. Why don’t you join some activity especially for the physically disadvantaged, you could feel motivated when you see how people with the same/more issues are tackling life, and also it will help you make friends.

You can also start preparing for some competitive exams as there is a reservation for the physically challenged.

Read and watch motivating movies and biographies. Read up on new innovations and technological advancements for the handicapped, can more be done for you? The global world is at your doorstep, carve out a world online and let your mind and brain be the ‘you’, don’t allow your physical body to trap and limit you!

Have any questions? Mail them to quequeenfirstindia@gmail.com; don’t worry, your name will not be disclosed!

he ‘Tree-Man of India’ Vishnu Lamba celebrates the environment day every day. He has gifted 5.0 million trees across the country without the support of the government. He has planted 26 lakh trees with public participation, saved 13 lakh trees from being cut down, and distributed 11 lakh trees free of cost. The name ‘Tree Man of India’ was given by former President Pranab Mukherjee. A new environmental protection revolution

Vishnu Lamba

has started due to his untiring efforts.

According to President, Shree Kalptaru Sansthan, Vishnu Lamba, Corona period

has given an important message to the society that we should follow nature because of unrestricted exploitation of natural invites destruction

LET THE LIGHT COME IN 1

and disaster. The disease like Corona is spread by going against nature. Today the Ganga is becoming clean, the water of Jamuna has become drink-

how we can work wonders in your space, we suggest you take a look at some of the tricks we’ve used over time to overcome the lighting issues.

2 3

MEGHA SETHI

H

ere at Sethi Interior, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with long-term solutions to help you make up for poor lighting everywhere in your home.

We believe, with the right kind of lighting tricks, you can fix an awkwardly proportioned room, make a small room look large, and vice versa. If you want to learn

Megha Sethi

We suggest opting for Dimmer Switches, they can help increase the number of effects that can be achieved with the same light.

If you want to make a narrow space look wider and bigger, you may want to focus attention on a feature on one of the end walls, such as highlighting a window with a piece of art using heavy spotlight, while using even, but less intense, lighting on other walls in the room.

You can add life and colours to your space without paint, by using a spotlight that is fitted with a vibrant coloured filter. For instance, yellow depicts happiness and promotes feelings of well-being; blue depicts calmness, peace and soothing environment; red is often used to depict energy, power and determination; green is mellifluous, which depicts nature and warmth; white and purple can be used to reflect calm or excitement, depending on the shade.

12

FACEBOOK POST!

Question mark on safety

R

obert Vadra on Friday took to Facebook and shared a creative saying ‘STOP RAPE’, with context to the case that took place in Delhi’s Paschim Vihar on Tuesday. He wrote, “A 13-year-old girl is battling for her life at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital, after she was brutally attacked, allegedly with a sharp object after being sexually assaulted by an unknown person, in Outer Delhi’s Paschim Vihar on Tuesday 4 August evening.

The accused is still at large. Safety for girls in the national capital is again a question. The government needs to take significant steps to

ensure this incident is not repeated, and to catch the accused. A strict judgment is imperative.” —Vaishali

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It was the birthday of Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Principal Chief Commissioner CGST & CX Mumbai Zone on 7 August, Friday. He celebrated it with his family in a simple manner, due to the ongoing Corona pandemic.

GRATEFUL! Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division issued orders restoring with immediate effect the right of multiple entry lifelong visa facility granted for any purpose in April 2005 to persons registered as OCI cardholders and holding passports of USA, UK, Germany and France and any other country with ‘air bubble’ scheme, i.e., bilateral air travel arrangements have been worked out by the Government of India. Prem Bhandari who has been working towards this for a long time thanked Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS

DURING THE DAY!

LIFE SAVED

ONCE AGAIN CITY FIRST

E

ven during the Corona pandemic, necessary medical treatment is given continuously at Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital Udaipur, keeping in mind the safety medical rules. A 70-year-old patient of Neemuch was successfully operated by nephrologist Dr Suraj Gupta and ICU Incharge Dr Sanjay Paliwal.

The kidneys of the patients were affected badly due to diabetes and hypertension. Creatinine is a metabolic substance that breaks down and converts into creatinine while helping the diet to convert into energy. A local doctor asked the patient to get tested for creatinine and referred him to GMCH where he was admitted to ICU for 4 days, dialysis was given periodically for 2 months resulting in gradual returning to normal and becoming dialysis free by proper treatment. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Still during the event CITY FIRST

G

lobal Pravasi Teej Celebration was organised by Rajasthan Foundation on Friday where every Rajasthani was in the colour of Teej from every corner of the world England, UK, Australia, Egypt, Canada, Netherlands, North America, Dubai, etc. Rajasthan Foundation Commissioner Dhiraj Srivastava was also present in the program.

In the program, Singer Deepshikha Jain and Madhu Bhat of Rajasthan gave their musical performance which was enjoyed by the audience through Zoom and Facebook.

The program was moderated

by Anshu Harsh.

The program was organised with the support of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), Doctors of

Dhiraj and Chitra Srivastava

Rajasthan International (DORI), Rajasthan Association of Canada, Association of Australian Rajasthani, Maheshwari Mahasabha UK, Rajput Association Australia, Rajasthan Associations of Kenya, Europe, Germany, Uganda, BPG and UK; also Jain Vishva Bharati, London Social Group, Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria Australia, Rajasthan Association of Scotland, Rajasthani Association of New South Wales. Representatives of all these associations were present in the program. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

GUJARAT: Star cast of the upcoming Gujarati film ‘Chello Cardiogram’ (Last cardiogram) pose for pictures during a press meeting held in Ahmedabad on Friday. It is a Gujarati film based on an emotional love story and the cast and crew took all the precautionary measures against the coronavirus during the shooting in different villages of the state.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

HAPPY B’DAY!

IPS Ajay Pal Lamba celebrated his birthday on 7 August, Friday. We wish him all the best!

RAJASTHAN: The Director of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh (MSMS) II Museum, Dr Rima Hooja informed that to celebrate the forthcoming Independence Day, a special discount of 50% will be given on the entry tickets to MSMS Museum located at the City Palace in Jaipur.