First India-Ahmedabad Edition-08 May 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

27°C - 43°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,273,406 SPAIN 256,855 ITALY 215,858 UK 206,715 RUSSIA 177,160 GERMANY 168,912 TURKEY 133,721 BRAZIL 127,655 IRAN 103,135 CHINA 82,885 CANADA 64,817 BELGIUM 51,420

75,826 26,070 29,958 30,615 1,625 7,336 3,584 8,609 6,486 4,633 4,404 8,415

+1027 +213 +274 +539 +88 +61 +64 +21 +68 +4 +172 +76

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: MAY 7, 2020, 11:00 PM

IN GUJARAT DISTRICT

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

AHMEDABAD VADODARA SURAT RAJKOT BHAVNAGAR ANAND BHARUCH GANDHINAGAR PATAN PANCHMANHAL BANASKANTHA NARMADA CHOTA UDEPUR KUTCH MAHESANA BOTAD DAHOD PORBANDAR JAMNAGAR MORBI SABARKANTHA ARAVALLI MAHISAGAR KHEDA GIR SOMNATH VALSAD TAPI NAVSARI DANG SURENDRANAGAR

4991 440 799 64 83 76 31 88 24 51 67 12 14 7 42 48 19 3 9 1 10 47 42 20 3 6 2 8 2 1 4 2 1 7013

321 31 37 1 5 6 2 5 1 3 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 425

DWARKA JUNAGADH RAJASTHAN TOTAL

SAMPLES TESTED NEGATIVE CASES UNDER EXAMINATION

0

INDIA

2,68,281 38,77,085 1,837 54,539

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS USA

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 162

WORLD

DEATHS

23 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29

1,00553 93,540

CONFIRMED CASES

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DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

425

GUJARAT

DEATHS

7,013

CONFIRMED CASES

NIGHTMARE ON VIZAG STREETS Gas leak from Vizag chemical plant kills 11, affects 1,000; Tragedy strikes at Wednesday midnight as plant was about to open after 40 days of nation-wide Corona lockdown Visakhapatnam/New Rs1 Cr relief Delhi: Gas leaked from a PM, Shah hold meeting chemical plant in Vito kin of sakhapatnam in the wee hours of Thursday and with NDMA officials people killed quickly spread to villages in a five-kilometre radius, killing at least 11 people and impacting about 1,000, many collapsing to the ground as they tried to escape the toxic vapours.

Hours after the styrene gas leak around 2.30 am from the multinational L G Polymers Plant at RR Venkatapuram village near here, scores of people could be seen lying unconscious on sidewalks, near ditches and on the road, raising fears of a major industrial disaster.

Among the dead was a child and two people who fell into a borewell while fleeing the vapours from the plant, getting ready to reopen after the lockdown.

Turn on P6

A woman tries to wake up a child as another one looks helplessly, awaiting help, after gas leakage at a village in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

—ANI PHOTO

Ashok Gehlot @ashokgehlot51 Shocked to know about the terrible #VizagGasLeak tragedy. My condolences to the bereaved families, who have lost their loved ones. May God give them strength to bear this loss. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. #vishakhapatnam #AndhraPradesh

1st flight carrying stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi lands at Kochi Kochi: The first Air India Express flight carrying Indian citizens from Abu Dhabi landed at the airport in Kochi on Thursday night as India launched its biggest ever repatriation exercise in its history to bring back its nationals stranded abroad amid the international travel lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Air India Express flight IX 452 with 177 pas-

sengers and four infants landed at the Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at 10.09 pm, an airline spokesman said.

Another Air India Ex-

press flight IX 344 with 177 passengers and five infants from Dubai is expected to land at the Kozhikode Interantional Airport later, he said. The evacuated citizens will be sent to the quarantine facilities set up by the administration in their respective districts, Kerala government officials said.

On Monday, the Indian government announced plans Turn on P6

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) officials on Thursday in wake of the gas leak in Visakhapatnam.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah were also present in the meeting called by the PM. Earlier, Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the aftermath of the Visakhapatnam gas leakage mishap and assured all help and

TIME TO REFLECT

PM Modi chairing a meeting of NDMA.

support to the state.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister regarding the mishap.

The CM informed him about the rescue operations being undertaken at the accident site.

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Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday announced an ex- gratia payment of Rs one crore each to the kin of those killed in the styrene gas leak incident at LG Polymers Limited near here.

The chief minister announced a committee to probe into the mishap and also said the government would talk to the LG Polymers management seeking job for the kin of the deceased in any of its businesses.

Speaking to reporters after conducting a review meeting, Reddy also announced Rs 10 lakh each Turn on P6

A full moon rises above the lighthouse, at Mamallapuram in Chengalpattu district on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha on Thursday. As we all are in isolation at home due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, this is an opportunity to reflect upon the teachings of Lord Buddha and enjoy the small things that life has given us!

—PHOTO BY PTI

CLIMATE CHANGE

IMD forecast now has areas in PoK New Delhi: The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre has started including cities under Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in its forecasts, a departure from its earlier format, officials said on Thursday.

The IMD has started including Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, which are parts of PoK, under the Jammu and Kashmir meteorological sub-division since May 5, Turn on P6

COVID-19 LIKELY TO PEAK IN JUNE-JULY: AIIMS DIRECTOR New Delhi: As per the modelling data and the way India’s COVID-19 cases are increasing, it is likely that peak can come in June and July, said AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Thursday. India’s cases reached 54,539, including 1,837 deaths on Thursday, said Health Ministry. P5

SBI HOME LOAN EMIs TO FALL AS BANK CUTS MCLR New Delhi: State Bank of India on Thursday announced a reduction in MCLR or marginal cost of funds-based lending rate by 15 basis points across all tenors. With this EMIs on eligible home loans (linked to MCLR) will get cheaper by approximately Rs255 for a 30-year-loan of Rs25 lakh, SBI said.

Gujarat getting bad to worse with 7,013 positive cases, 425 deaths 388 new corona positive cases, 29 deaths reported during last 24 hours First India News Gandhinagar: As many as 388 more people have tested positive for coronavirus and 29 patients died in Gujarat during the last 24 hours, even as the State Government on Thursday claimed to have tested more than one lakh cas-

es so far.

With this, Gujarat has reported 7,013 positive cases and 425 deaths in 67 days.

According to the State Government, till date a total 1,00,553 samples have been tested and 1,709 patients, including 209 during the last 24 hours, have re-

Critical care experts Dr Tushar Patel, Dr Jigar Mehta, Dr Gopal Raval and Dr Amrish paid a visit to COVID -19 hospital in Ahmedabad. They are providing guidance to hospital medicos on the path of treatment.

covered and been discharged.

Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), now overseeing the Health Department, said so far 3,153 patients were registered at the dedicated Covid-19 hospital in Ahmedabad, 1,619 of whom were positive and 800 were under examination at the hospital.

An official press release also said a positive case from Rajasthan is also being treated in the state hospital.

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT BLUNDER A corona patient under treatment was shown as dead in the health report. A corona patient from Adalaj, Versinh Vansfodiya, is under treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute.

But the state health department has shown him as dead. His report came on April 30 and was hospitalized the very next day and is still under treatment.

STRICTER LOCKDOWN, MORE CASES  Usmanpura Underbridge in Ahmedabad has been closed.  Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation writes to hand over LD Engi-

neering College hostels.  Two more PG students in Civil Hospital campus and an SRP jawan have been infected.

NEWS AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

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02

CENTRE PULLS UP GUJARAT OVER CORONA AMID RUMOUR MILLS OF LEADERSHIP CHANGE Union Home Minister Amit Shah had pulled up Deputy Name of Union Minister of State Mansukh Mandaviya Chief Minister Nitin Patel over the phone this week has already begun doing the rounds

Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: With fingers already being pointed at the Gujarat Government over its alleged inept handling of the corona crisis and the control of government’s ‘Corona War’ being given to Chief Principal Secretary K. Kailashnathan, popularly known as KK in bureaucratic circles and the Chief Secretary Anil Mukim. In fact, this duo, along with a team of five seasoned bureaucrats, will have a day to day close watch on all Corona developments in Gujarat, and specially at Ahmedabad.

According to sources, an incensed Central Government is learnt to have reprimanded Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who also keeps the Health portfolio, while it has begun to keep a closer watch on the State. It is probably due to the sorry state of affairs, that New Delhi has decided to handle the reins of this War on Corona to a workaholic and experienced group of bureaucrats. The move came after the Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) submitted its report to the central government.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra, has self quarantine and he is likely to get deputation in Dehli before he re-

covers.

This comes amid fresh speculations about a possible change of guard in Gujarat, especially with reports that Union Minister of State for Shipping, Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya had been summoned by the BJP high command to discuss the State affairs.

Mandaviya’s name was doing the rounds as a replacement for Chief Minister Vijay Rupani even between November and February, though things had then, been settled. Albeit, Mandaviya has flatly denied any leadership change in the State with him being at the focal point. He has also tweeted this.

What has added grist to the rumour mill is that the Chief Minister has been busy quickly clearing key government files while the health crisis firms up its grip over the State.

This often usually happens when a minister is preparing for his exit.

H o w e v e r, according to a reliable input, a decision to effect a

Amit and Sonal Shah became proud grandparents to a second granddaughter on Thursday. Their son Jay Shah and daughter-in-law Rishita were blessed with a baby girl at Ahmedabad, their second child after Rudri, who is the apple of her grandfather’s eye.

change of leadership in Gujarat has yet not been taken by top leadership in new Delhi.

But now, it has become a matter of concern for

the BJP Government at the Centre that the corona virus has defied the extended lockdown and is getting worse by the day. With nearly 7,013 positive cases and 425 deaths, Covid-19 just refuses to relent.

Highly placed sources in Gandhinagar told First India that Union Home Minister Amit Shah

had pulled up Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel over the phone this week, after first taking a detailed feedback of the scenario. He was apparently conveyed that the Centre was miffed at the way corona cases are increasing and the death toll mounting.

Reliable sources stated that the BJP high command is also piqued that a “wrong message” has been going for some time that the State is run more by bu-

reaucrats and less by the ruling dispensation that has little control over the situation. This was also conveyed to the deputy chief minister, who is otherwise known to be very vocal and comes up with media reactions at the smallest instance but has gone completely silent during the last one month.

Sources also told First India that the minister has been warned to tackle the situation in a timebound manner and not force the high command to take a firm position.

Even within Gujarat BJP, there are murmurs against the present team and many leaders complain in private that the party’s image is being sullied because of “poor handling” of the crisis. Some of them have even spoken their heart out to the top leadership.

So, in the present scenario, the next week may be crucial for any political development at Gandhi Nagar.

City gears for siege with 1,600 more beds hosp dedicated for COVID-19 patients Hospital beds set aside for serious cases even as AMC issues notices to clinics that remain shut First India News Ahmedabad: The local administration is digging in its heels and preparing for a long-haul fight against SarsCoV-2. A day after it set aside 1,000 beds for patients of COVID-19, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has dedicated another 600 beds across eight private hospitals for those who will test positive in the com-

ing days.

In a sign that the administration is possibly more worried than it is letting on, it announced that these beds will not be allocated willy-nilly.

Patients with mild all symptoms would be sent to COVID-Care Centres (CCCs) at 60 designated three-star hotels—where around 3,000 beds have been reserved for COVID-19— to be supervised by phy-

sicians. Asymptomatic patients will be asked to self isolate at home, as long as they have access to a separate room and toilet.

In addition, Officer on Special Duty Rajiv Gupta, who is in charge of the AMC’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, and Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar have issued notices to 228 clinics and hospitals to keep their units operational. However, medical personnel including doctors and clinicians above the age of 65 have been exempted from

LONG WAIT FOR TESTS

Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) and Officer and Special duty for Ahmedabad Rajeev Gupta. —FILE PHOTO

keeping their clinics and hospitals operational.

Further, two meetings were conducted with the deputy municipal commissioners—one in the afternoon and another in the evening—to seek a progress report and prepare for the next

day’s tasks.

As many as 1,405 super spreaders—vendors and shop owners—were screened on Thursday using thermal guns. This testing was conducted in two rounds held 10 minutes apart, and sam-

ples of suspected patients are being sent for laboratory testing.

Vegetable vendors who have been cleared will be issued passes with their photographs and will be able to resume business soon.

Meanwhile, 1,000 students from abroad are expected to arrive in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and overseeing health) Pankaj Kumar said that a plan is being worked out to conduct health check-ups and to quarantine them as needed.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

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New Ahmedabad team gets seven days to clamp down on corona IAS officers Kumar & Gupta plan to proceed with COVID-19 testing after conducting a health survey of citizens Ahmedabad: With corona virus slipping out of hands in its prized city of Ahmedabad, a panic-stricken State Government has given a tight one-week deadline to the two-day old team of ACS Rajiv Gupta and in-charge Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar to arrest the spread of the pandemic.

With commissioner Vijay Nehra homequarantined for 14 days, the task is cut out for the new team that has been brought in at the most difficult phase of the disease.

While Gupta and Mukesh Kumar took the first decision -though unpleasant to many -- to close down even the grocery and vegetable shops, they are going about the job

‘All bridges shut from 7 pm to 7 am’

Shivanand Jha

First India News Gandhinagar: All bridges across the Sabarmati river will be shut from 7 pm to 7 am, with only emergency, medical and administrative personnel being allowed to cross, Director-General of Police Shivanand Jha said on Thursday. The step is being taken to minimize contact between people in the containment area and those on the other side.

State police have arrested three more persons for assaulting police personnel. With this, 61 persons have been arrested and jailed under the Prevention of AntiSocial Activities Act. In the past 24 hours, 4,496 persons have been arrested in connection with 3,583 cases of violation of public orders, quarantine norms and the Disaster Management Act.

WELFARE DRIVE

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Gargi Raval

Officers of the Border Security Force (BSF), Gujarat police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) work in tandem to enforce the lockdown in a cluster quarantine area near Teen Darwaza in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

methodically and in a targeted manner.

They have begun to seek actual ground reports to form an independent judgment. Besides focusing on super spreaders, as reflected in their decision to shut grocery and vegetable shops, several

teams have been drafted to conduct a survey on various age groups, especially senior citizens and pregnant women.

On Thursday, civic teams visited the hotspots and asked people about the screening and testing process.

“Pregnant women are being surveyed and they have been asked whether their corona virus test had been done at all. Other than that, inquiries are being made about the overall health of the families,” said a senior AMC official.

“All these have to be done in two to three days. Then other areas will be screened. As the new team sanctioned in the city has been asked to give and show performance in seven days. Actually, the very first step which impacted the total population

Minor rape victim gets HC nod for abortion First India News Ahmedabad: The state high court on Wednesday granted permission for medical termination of a 24-week pregnancy of a minor rape victim suffering from novel coronavirus. The court also ordered DNA preservation of the foetus as evidence for the criminal trial.

A minor rape victim with help from her parents had moved a petition before the high court pleading grant of permission to terminate a 24-week pregnancy. The victim, who was

FINAL CHECK

raped by her brother-inlaw, stated that she was suffering from COVID-19 and that the pregnancy was a trauma for her. A complaint against the rape perpetrator has been lodged at Isanpur police station.

When the matter came for hearing before single bench judge VB Mayani, he sought the medical report of the

HC loses three staffers in two days, one to corona First India News Ahmedabad: The state high court lost three of its staffers in two days, when a female staff member died from novel coronavirus infection and two others succumbed to their respective illnesses.

According to high court sources, a female staffer, who was a resident of South Bopal, and working with the criminal branch of the court, was infected with Sars-

Cov-2. She was undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, where she succumbed to the virus infection. The woman’s husband too was infected and is currently receiving treatment at the COVID-19 dedicated hospital.

The other staffers included section officer with the administration department VG Brahmbhatt, who passed away due to a brain stroke and KH Dwivedi with the decree department who died of a heart attack.

minor’s pregnancy and inquired about the risk to the petitioner. The medical professional in attendance informed the judge that termination of pregnancy at 24 weeks was highly risky.

He also pointed out the fact that the victim was a COVID-19 patient, which made the termination all the more risky.

After going through the medical reports and advice, the judge instructed the petitioner’s advocate to inform the petitioner and her parents about the risk involved in medical termination. It was only after the petitioner’s parents gave consent that the high court passed the order for medical termination.

The court also ordered authorities at Civil Hospital to provide the minor with the best possible medical assistance for novel coronavirus and post-pregnancy termination care.

of the city has been taken too late. However, testing of all populations is necessary,” added the officer.

The officers are going strategically forward with their plan.

“They have launched their mission very tactfully. They are collecting data from the survey and then based on that testing will start,” he further said.

Simultaneously with the two IAS officials taking over, the number of cases in Ahmedabad has gone down -- from 336 on Tuesday to 275 till Thursday evening.

“Though the cases were marginally low, it has nothing to do with the new team. If the survey and tests are done in the right earnest, the cases could increase further,” asserted the source.

No pass to sneak away from city Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: Call it a lapse in the system, but many people with homes in other districts of the state have managed to leave the city and reach their destinations without any official passes or verification.

On Monday, a 38-yearold man left Ahmedabad with his wife and father-in-law and entered Rajkot without any verification. When the family reached their residence, their arrival was opposed by neighbours, following which, they relocated to a farm at Mahika. Two days later, the man tested positive for novel coronavirus and 68 people living near the family’s residence had be put under quarantine.

In another instance, five ladies and three kids came to Jamnagar from Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. They were stopped at Dhrol and sent to Samras Hostel. “They had official

Police officers collect challan from citizens venturing out from their homes unnecessarily amid the lockdown on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

First India News

Police dispersing the crowd in Sachin area of Surat.

of people took to the streets and started to open the barricades put up by police. When a small team of policemen stationed at a checkpoint in the area, they threw stones and

vandalized a police vehicle in the process.

As the situation worsened, back-up force from across the city arrived on the spot and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd

gathered and control the situation.

The police later detained 30 to 40 people for the incident and kept them in custody overnight. None of the police personnel were injured in the incident and the area was cordoned off by the peacekeepers after the incident.

According to reports, the people under home quarantine in the area charged at the police because they were bored and wanted to roam outside for a while.

NOT ENOUGH CAUTION

Low sample testing in CM’s native Rajkot & Gandhinagar Haresh Jhala Ahmedabad: In times of a serious health crisis as COVID-19, sample testing of citizens should ideally be attributed paramount importance. But, it appears that the state government has been falling short on that account lately. According to data released by the state, the number of samples tested per positive case, the numbers fall short in Chief Minister Vijay Ru-

pani’s karmabhoomi Gandhinagar and his native city of Rajkot. It seems that districts with fewer number of novel coronavirus cases have tested more samples per positive case than Gandhinagar or Rajkot.

Going by the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of testing samples per million cases, top officials including state health secretary, district collectors, and even municipal commissioners have

NUMBERS GAME

Medical worker taking a nasal swab for COVID-19 testing in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

been proudly stating their numbers. But, they have failed to mention

the numbers of tests being conducted per positive case detected.

As per the data released on the state health department’s co-

passes for only three women and children, and not the other two,” said an official. Three women from the group have tested positive for COVID-19, which might endanger Jamnagar’s green zone status.

First India spoke to a COVID-19 positive patient who left Ahmedabad to travel to Rajkot on May 4. “I did not have any passes but nobody asked me to produce any verification. I was stopped at Green Chowk in Rajkot but, since my wife was pregnant they allowed us to go. I tried to submit an online application but could not despite repeated attempts. So, we decided to leave without passes and also managed to reach home,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rajkot Collectorate in a statement on Thursday discontinued the issuance of passes to people seeking to travel to and from Ahmedabad and Rajkot.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Surat police attacked by miffed citizens Surat: In yet another attack on city police, residents of Sachin area went on a rampage and attacked police personnel on Wednesday night.

As per reports, the people responsible for the incident were under home quarantine, who wished to break the quarantine seal.

With many COVID-19 positive cases in the area, police had barricaded the road leading into the area. A crowd

03

rona tracker gujcovid19.gujarat.gov.in website, the state capital Gandhinagar has 83 confirmed cases as of May 6, against 2,467 samples that have been collected. This means that for every positive case, 30 samples were tested. Similarly, with 62 positive cases, the number of samples collected in Rajkot stand at 2,746, which means that per positive case 44 samples were tested.

Taking a look at the

districts least affected

by COVID-19, Amreli district has zero positive cases and yet it has tested 1,171 samples.

Jamnagar has five positive cases, but it has so far tested 2,526 samples, meaning per positive case 505 samples have been tested.

Interestingly, Gandhinagar, which falls under the red zone, has not tested enough samples as compared to districts in orange and green zones.

Migrants depart, Cong leaders held First India News Surat: The Railway Police arrested four people, including Surat City Congress President Babu Raika, for violating lockdown norms and the Epidemic Diseases Act. They had been attempting to see off migrant workers on a train bound for Uttar Pradesh.

The incident comes just a few days after All India National Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi announced that her party would bear the cost of sending needy migrants home. On Thursday, after giving the collector a list of 1,200 workers returning to UP, city Congress leaders went to the railway station to bid the migrants goodbye. There, they got into an altercation with police personnel.

Raika said, “We are Corona warriors. We had come to Surat railway station to put the workers onto the train.

No one broke the law.

We had operated within the ambit of the law,” he said. All four have been released on bail.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

TRAGEDY STRIKES VIZAG, REVIVES BHOPAL FEARS

WELCOME TO NEW WORLD AFTER LOCKDOWN DR AJAY DATA

R

emember the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 when methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide plant-killing over 10,000 people and left lakhs with gas-related disorders?

In a grim reminder of that chemical disaster, leaked gas from a chemical plant in RR Venkatapuram village of Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam killed 11 and left at least 25 people critical and on the ventilator. Around 200 people are reported to have been hospitalized. The leaked gas, Styrene, from South Korean company LG Polymers saw unsuspecting people slumping to the ground, children holding each other as their mother struggled to breathe, others coughed, gasped for breath and complained of rashes within a three-kilometre radius.

About 800 people were shifted from ground zero to safer places.

The parent company has said that it will investigate the cause of the leak which occurred when workers were to restart the plant after the long lockdown. An FIR has been lodged against LG Polymers.

The government has ordered an inquiry but initial inquiry put the blame on “technical glitch” in the plant’s refrigeration unit. MG Reddy, Industry minister of Andhra Pradesh, said that the company will have to explain the protocols which were followed or not followed.

Styrene, an alkaline benzene compound, which is used to make synthetic rubber and resin, has no antidote and no definite medicine for reversing its effects, said Delhi AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria.

Thankfully, it is not universally fatal like the methyl isocyanate but if inhaled in high levels it can cause breathlessness and respiratory distress. According to Dr Guleria, supportive treatment is the only way to deal with the affected persons.

Chemicals and water were being sprayed to contain the impact of the gas and the situation was soon brought under control. The special chemical being sprayed is called PTBC and is made only in Gujarat’s Vapi town. Gujarat government agreed to send it after a request from Andhra Pradesh.

National Disaster Relief Force has been deployed at the site and would be stationed there till the leak is completely plugged.

The gas leak could not have come at a worse time as Andhra Pradesh’s Covid-19 cases are inching close to 1,100. Naturally, there is a clamour for the plant’s closure just as there was a demand for the arrest of Union Carbide’s American bosses. Leading the chorus for the plant’s closure is former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who also demanded a thorough inquiry into the accident. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), which owes allegiance to the Congress Party also demanded the closure of LG Polymer.

The plant, one can say with some certainty, will be closed only till the pendency of inquiry but families will mourn their dead for long and the tragedy will continue to haunt.

The writer is the founder & CEO - Data Ingenious Global Limited

I

If your company doesn’t have a designated ops services manager or department, this is the best time for operational leadership to review and update all the training documents, job aids, checklists, and processes that are likely in need of an update. If those tools are not in place, this is a great time to build these tools

n India, there various kinds of businesses and nature that employ millions of people. That’s the backbone of our entire ecosystem. If aviation does not work, Hotels, Restaurants, Food, Taxi, Petrol pumps, Malls, Shopping, Events and all kind of business gets a huge hit. It’s a connected world and we are in the complicated mash.

While mother earth is into reset mode, we all need to find new ways and enter into a new world, take a pause, and reset many important things in life.

Build your company’s digital infrastructure now Making any type of capital expenditure is counterintuitive during a lockdown period where cash flow is king, but this is an investment that can be remarkably inexpensive and will have a significant impact on your company’s ability to compete over the next 18–24 months. Take this time of inactivity to build the mobile app, built remote customer interaction, easy IT tools for each and every employee to work anytime anywhere, and create marketing collateral so on the first day of reactivation after lockdown or during a lockdown, you may be more efficient.

Incorporate safety protocols Improve your safety protocols and standards with the available state government or GOI guidance. The top changes to safety practices will include the regular deployment of face masks, face shields, social distancing marks in office, to ensure correct levels of distancing between visiting customers, sufficient spacing between employee workspace to ensure 5-7 ft gap, and increased usage of disinfectant on high touch areas of your office.

Accommodate new consumer needs Assess to your websites, products, apps must be more intuitive and user friendly than before.

The need of the hour is to make

the payroll and the operating expenses of the business begin to generate, many of our businesses will go through the highest-risk period of this crisis.

yourself accessible in many other ways than before. Face to face connect will be mostly possible virtually, not through large events, global meetings, networking events, etc.

Assess to your websites, products, apps must be more intuitive and user friendly than before.

The need of the hour is to make yourself accessible in many other ways than before

Plan online marketing and presentations Almost everyone must learn how to present and market online. These new business models need to be launched with a promotional program the same way as any other business. We have many Video meeting platforms like Zoom, Video meet, Google Meet, etc. Now they can be in touch with their family, friends, and individual customers without meeting them on a regular basis.

Operations document for new world If your company doesn’t have a designated ops services manager or department, this is the best time for operational leadership to review and update all the training documents, job aids, checklists, and processes that are likely in need of an update. If those tools are not in place, this is a great time to build these tools. While every day right now is a challenge, due to the level of uncertainty and stress created by the pandemic, your team will be glad

this essential work was done when operations do a resume.

Forecasts for 25, 50, and 75 percent of previously forecasted numbers The zero revenue or nominal revenue lockdown period we’re currently in will prove to be much easier to understand than what all of our companies are entering into as the economy comes back to life. Almost everyone including Travel companies, hotels, and manufacturing units has seen Zero sales.

As staff is brought back onto

Building food security during the pandemic

E

very year, some nine million people worldwide – equivalent to the population of Austria – die of hunger or hunger-related diseases.

That is tragic enough, but COVID-19’s disruption of food supply chains risks doubling this number in 2020.

This is the hidden cost of the coronavirus pandemic, and it will fall on the poorest and most vulnerable. To prevent these avoidable deaths, we must first recognize that Africa, South Asia, and other poorer regions cannot go into lockdown or seek to contain the disease by mimicking measures adopted in the West. Instead, they must find their own way to balance the risks of the virus with the risks to liveli

04

hoods and lives arising from attempts to defeat it.

Above all, however, the international community must act now to keep food supply chains operating.

Otherwise, for the poorest parts of the world, the unintended consequences of the cure will be worse than the disease.

The United Nations World Food Programme has identified 26 countries that are most at risk from increased food insecurity because of the COVID-19 crisis, with Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Mozambique among the most vulnerable in Africa. In these three countries alone, the WFP estimates that 56 million people (out of a combined population of about 334 million) were already chronically food insecure.

In addition, of the 1.5 billion children worldwide

COVID-19 is affecting farming and food availability in markets, as inputs remain scarce and vital agrochemicals are delayed in ports

who are currently out of school because of the pandemic, 350 million depend on school meals to avoid going hungry.

COVID-19 is presenting poorer countries with four main food-security challenges.

For starters, households have less income to buy increasingly expensive food.

Per capita output in Sub-

Saharan Africa is set to contract by more than 4% in 2020 owing to the pandemic, while remittances from Africans working abroad are plummeting – by 80% at one payment company in the United Kingdom. And a household survey in Bangladesh shows that the poor have already seen their incomes drop by a staggering 70%; almost half are now reducing their food consumption as a result.

Second, transporting food has become more time-consuming and costlier. Global shipping activity dropped by 25% in the first quarter of 2020, while the cost of sending cargo across the Pacific Ocean tripled in March alone. And new hygiene and social-distancing measures are delaying goods clear-

ance and delivery.

Third, the pandemic is disrupting the global supply of agricultural products. Farmers in India have been asked by the Indian Council of Agricultural Researchto postpone their wheat harvest until after the lockdown, while countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia are restricting rice exports. This directly affects Africa, which imports $4.5 billion worth of rice each year.

In addition, food is becoming more expensive as poorer countries struggle to secure foreign currency to pay for imports. For example, rice prices in Nigeria increased by 30% in the last week of March, partly because of a steep decline in export revenue following the global oil-price collapse.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

Profit in times of Corona I have several people asking me how the economy is going to fare in the rest of 2020. It’s dangerous. There is no other way I can put it. It’s not the time to mince words. I believe the IT industry is blessed to be in a position to Work From Home (WFH) and can tide over this Tsunami. But not all businesses will have that advantage.

But there’s the other side of the story. You have to take care of your family and team first.

If, in this year, you can do that, keep them safe from any harm, consider it your profit.

Communicate with your team There’s likely a hesitancy to establish a routine level of communication with your employees as the uncertainty of the crisis continues but we cannot leave people out of the loop. Phone calls are better than emails. Write down your bullet points, start video meetings, and commit to routine communication. Your employees will never forget it.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Ahmed Patel @ahmedpatel In light of today’s industrial accident in AP, I would urge the Central govt to reject MP govt’s proposal to dilute safety norms in small factories. Safeguarding human lives,particularly of the poor & the vulnerable,has to be at the soul of any policy Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Distressed to learn about the gas leak incident at LG Polymers industry in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh this morning. The situation is being monitored closely and all assistance is being provided. I pray for the safety and well-being of people in Vizag.

Spiritual SPEAK

Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

—Corinthians 5:17

Vol 1 Issue No. 162 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

INDIA AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

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VIZAG GAS LEAK

Dr PK Mishra directed to send teams of experts on-site and also measures for relief

Principal Secy holds high-level meet New Delhi: Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr PK Mishra, held a high-level review meeting over Vizag gas leak and directed to send teams of experts on-site and also measures for relief.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, and officials of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NDRF, Director, AIIMS and other medical experts. Ten people have been killed in the mishap. While 800 people have been hospitalised. Styrene gas leakage had occurred at LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village in Visakhapatnam. —ANI

Plea in NGT seeks judicial probe

AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy meets victims of gas leak tragedy at King George hospital in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

The Chief Minister has also announced Rs 1 crore exgratia to the families of the deceased.

—PHOTO BY PTI

NHRC NOTICE TO ANDHRA GOVT Saddened by the news of gas leak in a plant near Visakhapatnam which has claimed several lives. My condolences to the families of the victims.

I pray for the recovery of the injured and the safety of all.

Deeply distressed by the loss of lives due to gas leak from chemical plant of a private company in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

My condolences to bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those taken ill.

—Ram Nath Kovind

—M Venkaiah Naidu

President

Vice-President

Deeply pained to hear about the tragic gas leak in Visakhapatnam. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, I pray for the well being of all. I urge party workers to provide all possible relief in coordination with the administration, following all health protocols.

—JP Nadda, BJP National President I’m shocked to hear about the Vizag gas leak. I urge our Congress workers and leaders in the area to provide all necessary support and assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery.

There has been a heart wrenching incident of gas leak from a plant in Visakhapatnam.

There are a large number of casualties.

Hope the government will get the situation under control soon.

My condolences to the loved ones of the dead. I pray to God for the well being of all the injured.

—Rahul Gandhi

—Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,

Congress Leader

CORONA UPDATE

Congress Gen Secy

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Andhra Pradesh government & Centre over the gas leak incident in Vizag. The human rights body in a statement said that it has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about the death of eight persons and over five thousand others falling sick due to leakage of styrene gas in Vizag.

Vizag Gas Leak ‘disturbing’: Amit Shah speaks to NDMA New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah responding to the Vizag gas leakage said that the incident is “disturbing.” Shah stated that he has spoken to the NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) officials and concerned authorities.

“We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapat-

The incident in Vizag is disturbing.

Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam.

—Amit Shah @AmitShah nam,” he added.

Minutes before Shah’s tweet, PM Modi

said that he has spoken to the officials of MHA and NDMA. —ANI

Indian Navy rush in to help tragedy victims New Delhi: Indian Navy teams with about 50 breathing sets and associated portable air compressor rushed to help villagers affected by the gas leak near the LG Polymers Industry in Vizag during the wee hours of Thursday.

The Indian Navy has provided five Portable Multifeed Oxygen Manifolds sets to the King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam in

Navy gives Portable Multifeed Oxygen Manifolds sets for patients.

Andhra Pradesh to help the medical administration in tendering the

villagers affected due to gas leak.

The force said, “Na-

val teams with breathing sets and two ambulances are assisting the State Disaster Response team at the villages affected by gas leak near LG Polymers”.

“Technical Teams from the Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam are at King George Hospital to assist in quick installation to provide Oxygen to a large number of patients a top naval officer said. —ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

Court issues production warrant against J&K’s Davinder Singh New Delhi: A Delhi court issued production warrant against J&K Police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested while ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu highway earlier this year.

Special judge MK Nagpal directed the authorities of Hira Nagar Jail in Kashmir, where the officer is currently lodged, to produce him before the court here on May 18, said Davinder’s advocate Prashant Prakash. The judge also issued production warrants against three other accused persons arrested in the case. The order was passed after Tihar jail authorities informed the judge that accused could not be

CASE SO FAR

brought before the court since they were lodged in a J-K jail.

Davinder Singh, a DSP, was suspended in January this year.

CASE AGAINST SHANTIKUNJ CHIEF IN NEW DELHI New Delhi: A case has been filed at Vivek Vihar police station here against Gayatri Pariwar and Shantikunj Haridwar Chief Pranav Pandya and his wife.

The victim, a native of Chhattigarh and currently staying in Delhi, in the “Zero” FIR, has accused the Pandya couple of harassment while Pandya termed the accusation as baseless.

While talking to media in Haridwar on Wednesday, Pandya said, “The allegations are baseless and all is being done as per plot.

We will prove the charges wrong at the appropriate time.”

According to the FIR lodged at Vivek Vihar police station in Delhi on May 5, 2020,

“Pranav Pandya started harassing the victim soon after she started working in Shantikunj kitchen in 2010. When she told others about it, they threatened her and asked her to stay quite.”

She was harassed till 2014 after which she went to her home.

When she tried to file a complaint against the accused, they threatened her over the phone. The victim has demanded a CBI probe into the matter. According to statement of victim, she has been staying in Delhi since March 22 due to lockdown. In the FIR, the victim mentioned that she has also sent a complaint to the National Commission for Women via email on April 7.

Currently, there are 35,902 active cases while 15,266 patients have been cured, said AIIMS Director, Dr Randeep Guleria

‘COVID-19 is likely to peak in June-July’

Health workers escort a suspected COVID-19 patient as he boards an ambulance in New Delhi.

New Delhi: As per the modeling data and the way India’s COVID-19 cases are increasing, it is likely that peak can come in June and July, said AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Thursday.

“According to modeling data and the way our cases are increasing, it is likely that peak

New Delhi: A petition was moved in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking directions for a judicial probe into the Visakhapatnam gas leak incident, in which at least eight people have lost their lives.

The petition, moved

by NGO CWEL Foundation founder Banu Bansal through advocate Gaurav Bansal, sought directions to constitute a high-level committee headed by a retired Justice and officers not below rank of Jt Secy to prove the gas leakage incident. —ANI

05

can come in June and July. But there are many variables. With time only, we will know how much they are effective and the effect of extending the lockdown,” said Dr Guleria.

India’s count of COVID-19 cases reached 52,952, including 1,783 deaths on Thursday, according to the Union

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Currently, there are 35,902 active cases while 15,266 patients have been cured or discharged and one is migrated.

Maharashtra has the highest number of cases -- 16,758 -- followed by Gujarat 6,625 cases and Delhi 5,532 cases. —ANI

2 BSF PERSONNEL DIE, 41 NEW CASES New Delhi: Two Border Security Force personnel have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection while the force has reported 41 new cases of infection, a senior official said on Thursday. The total number of infections or active cases in the 2.5 lakh personnel strong force now stand at 193 now.

CLINICAL TRIALS of AYUSH medicines on health workers New Delhi: The clinical trials of AYUSH medicines on health workers and those working in COVID-19 high-risk areas have begun today, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said. “Today is a very important day, as a historical work has begun in India. The clinical trials of AYUSH medicines like Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu,

Guduchi Pippali, Ayush-64 on health workers and those working in high-risk areas has begun,” Dr

Harsh Vardhan said.

An app called ‘Sanjeevani’ has also been launched to collect information from 50 lakh people about the usage of medicines advised by AYUSH to boost immunity, he said. “If you take into account the deaths due to the disease in India, then we are better than even the top 20 big countries in the world, he said. —ANI

AUSSIES’ DEMAND FOR PANDEMIC PROBE New delhi: Australia’s High Commissioner-designate to India Barry O’Farrell explained why his country was seeking a probe into origins of pandemic & a revamp of WHO. “Clearly, not everybody likes the idea but we need to strengthen our global institutions to seek transparency,” said Farrell.

NRDC’s Indian compendium to fight corona New Delhi: The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has prepared a ‘Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19 (Tracing, Testing and Treating)’.

This concise but detailed compendium will serve as a ready-reference for the policymakers, entrepreneurs,

startups, MSMEs, research scholars, scientists, and others in the country. The compen-

dium has 200 COVID-19 related Indian technologies, ongoing research activities, technologies

available for commercialisation, along with initiatives taken by the Government. Several

technologies compiled are those which have been approved by the ICMR. Categorised under 3Ts i.e ‘Tracking, Testing and Treating’, Most of these technologies are ‘proof-of-concept’ tested and can help entrepreneurs take the product to market faster. Dr H Purushotham, CMD, NRDC, said. —ANI

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They are nobody: CDS on Hiz Chief killing It was the Armed Forces’ priority to neutralise the terrorist leadership, said the General Bipin Rawat New Delhi: New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Thursday, heaped praised on the security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police for killing Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo. The slain Hizbul commander was eliminated in Kashmir’s Beighpora area of Awantipora on Wednesday.

The Chief of Defence Staff asserted that the priority of the armed forces is to neutralise the terrorist leadership as it helps in slowing down the recruitment process of

Creating more than a life size image of a terrorist is somehow propagating them into developing rambo kind of image. More we stay away from them & highlight their negativity, more we’ll not create their ramboistic image.

—Gen Bipin Rawat, CDS

the terrorist groups.

In an attempt to motivate the armed forces personnel to go all out against the terrorists, CDS Rawat said, “They (terrorists) are not ‘Rambo’, they are nobody.”

Commenting on the killing of the Hizbul chief, CDS Rawat said,

“Creating more than a life-size image of a terrorist is somehow propagating them into developing a Rambo kind of image. More we stay away from them and actually we highlight their negativities more, then we will not create such ‘ramboistic’ im-

age of these terrorist leaders.”

“They are just terrorists, trying to create mayhem, not allowing normalcy to return to Kashmir. We shouldn’t give any weightage to the terrorist leadership,” he added Hizb’s top man had

managed to escape the dragent for eight long years, but the 35-year-old maths teacher turned terrorist was gunned down in an encounter, which lasted for 5 hours.

He had a Rs 12 lakh bounty on his head.

Naikoo, who was graded as A++ (top terrorist), masterminded the revival of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir.

He was accused of killing civilians after branding them as police/security forces’ informers. He was also involved in the attacks on security forces, including policemen. —ANI

64 TERRORISTS KILLED SINCE JAN Srinagar: A total of 64 terrorists, including three top terrorist commanders -- Qari Yasir of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Burhan Koka of the Ansar Gazwat ul Hind (AGH) and Riyaz Naikoo of the Hizbul Mujahideen -- have been killed in 27 anti-terror operations conducted by the security forces since January this year.

Vijay Kumar, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir said this at a press conference in Srinagar. —ANI

MP: State level police MHRD’s modifications in PMRF Scheme JEE-ADVANCED EXAM ON AUGUST 23 help desk constituted AnirudhTiwari Bhopal: On the instructions of Home , Public Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Narottam Mishra, a state-level police help-desk has been set up at Police Headquarters, Bhopal.

Dr Mishra further informed that as per the decision taken in a meeting held with senior officers at Police Headquarters, a police help-desk has been formed. This desk will solve the problems of the families of the deceased cops. The responsibility has been assigned to Assistant Inspector General (Personnel)Prashant Khare and Dy SP (Welfare) Mahendra Rai. The families of the deceased

Dr Narottam Mishra

policemen will no longer have to face unnecessary trouble in resolving their problems. The families will be able to contact Khare over phone on his number, 94253 43017. Rai’s telephone number, 7999 122166 or at the police headquarters in Bhopal at the given telephone numbers, 0755-2440037, 2501105, 2443315 to inform them about their problems, which would be resolved quickly.

New Delhi: Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Thursday announced that, to boost research in the country various amendments have been carried out in Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme.

He said that after the amendments, now for the students from any recognised institute/ university (other than

T

IISc/ IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIEST/CF IIITs), the requirement of GATE Score is reduced

to 650 from 750 apart from minimum CGPA of 8 or equivalent.

The Minister also in-

Ranchi: Braj Pahan lives in Khunti district of Jharkhand. Over 70 years of age, but he is fully fit because of a disciplined and restrained lifestyle. Since the outbreak of the Novel corana virus infection, he is even more conscious & strictly adheres to all instructions issued by the state government.

Similarly, the villagers at Parha village of Mahuadand in Latehr, strictly adhere to the physical distance while having food. Due to the ongoing lockdown, the State Government has provided daily two meals for the same, but there is no emergency at these tribal dominated rural centres. Everything is

formed that now there will be two channels of entries, one direct entry and lateral entry. —ANI

STRANDED INDIANS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES THANK GOVT

Chandigarh/Shimla: Former Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, has been booked in connection with a 29-year-old youth ‘abduction’ case. A case of kidnapping, wrongful confinement, criminal conspiracy under the IPC was registered against Saini in Mohali town on the complaint of Balwant Singh Multani’’s brother. —Agencies

Abu Dhabi: The stranded Indians in the UAE who are flying to India today by flights arranged by the Indian Embassy expressed gratitude and relief for being given an opportunity of returning to home.

The Indian government had decided to repatriate its citizens in two special flights from the UAE to India on May 7. —Agencies

Babita K Singh

The impact of global pandemic Covid-19 is negligible in the tribal community. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is continuously in touch with the officers of tribal affairs in the States. We are also constantly taking stock of the situation. The Ministry is also considering a proposal to give 20percent grant of its flagship schemes to the States ad hoc. The grant will be spent on tackling corona infections, improving health facilities and providing livelihood.

—Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs

according to the instruction as a disciplined approach is seen from food making to distribution.

The community members themselves follow strict compliance of social distancing while eating together.

It is not only in the tribal community of Jharkhand, but all over

the country. The impact of Covid-19 global epidemic is negligible in the tribal community of India. This is due to self-discipline, restraint and environment friendly lifestyle. Interestingly, the tribal community is also insulated from the effects of this disease. Unlike the

emergency to buy liquor in metros, the tribal community across the country is strictly implementing the directive issued by the Government to prevent corona virus infection. It also gives us a lesson.

Jharkhand has a tribal population of about 27% of the total popula-

lakh hand gloves were used at the hospital.

Dedicated Covid-19 hospital in Ahmedabad and Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute’s total 1,700 beds are reserved for corona patients, 300 of which are reserved for critical care units.

The State Government requested critical care experts Dr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Jigar Mehta, Dr. Gopal Raval and Dr. Amrish to visit Covid -19 hospital in Ahmedabad and they have started giving their

guidance and path of treatment to civil hospital medicos.

treatment on ventilator support and Rs 25,000 to those who took treatment as out-patients after developing health complications due to inhalation of the styrene vapour. —ANI

tion. There is also a sizeable population of tribals in capital city Ranchi, other than remote areas. With the announcement of lockdown in their settlements, the movement of people living there, has been banned. On the entry point of the colony, the ‘no-entry’ board has been put up using bamboo sticks. “There is a complete ban on the move”, says Ravi Munda of the Tunkitoli of Ranchi, adding, “There is also a ban on meat.

Earlier also, we strictly followed the rules on the spread of any kind of disease in the village or habitation. The youth keeps a vigil that nobody visits the colony and nobody ventures out from here.”

POWER Gallery ADDL SECRETARIES POSTING LIKELY THIS WEEK?

More than one dozen officers , who have been empanelled as Addl Secretaries in GoI, are likely to get posting this week or next week. Many posts of Addl Secretaries, like Vice- Chairman, DDA, DG, ESIC, DG, ASI, are lying vacant.

RAJU BHARGAVA TO RETURN TO GUJARAT IG CRPF

Raju Bhargava is returning to the parent cadre, Gujarat, after completion of central deputation tenure. He is a 1995 batch IPS officer.

RAJIV GUPTA TO CONTROL COVID-19 ACTIVITIES IN AHEMDABAD

Rajiv Gupta, who is considered to be a performer, has been chosen to control Covid-19 activities in Ahemdabad. He is a 1986 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

AKS NAIR SELECTED FOR DEPUTATION TO NIA

Anil Kumar S Nair, presently posted as ASC/ RPF, Solapur, Central Railways, has been selected for deputation to NIA as Additional SP. BANKERS WONDERING OVER TWO YEARS’ EXTENSION TO PART-TIME PSB DIRECTORS

The banking circles are wondering why the Govt had been recently providing approvals for extending tenure of part-time non-official Directors in public sector banks by as many as two years. The Govt had also extended the tenure of part-time Directors of Banks Board Bureau by two years.

PUNJAB EX-DGP BOOKED IN 29-YEAR-OLD ‘ABDUCTION’ CASE

‘Tribal community is untouched by Corona’

06

‘Highways worth `15L cr in next 2 yrs’ New Delhi: New Delhi: The government is planning to build highways worth Rs 15 lakh crore in the next two years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday. The road transport, highways and MSME minister also said that the auto scrapping policy is likely to be finalised soon.

In a video conference with the members of SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) Institute over impact of COVID-19 on the automobile sector, the minister suggested to focus on enhancing liquidity in business, as ups and downs are common. —PTI

AJIT KUMAR SRIVASTAV TO TAKE OVER AS DIRECTOR (DB), BEML ON JUNE 1

Ajit Kumar Srivastav, CGM, BEML, will be taking over as Director (Defence Business), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) on June 1, 2020.

He will succeed RH Muralidhara retiring in May this year.

DIRECTOR TCIL GIVEN ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF CMD

Rajiv Gupta, Director (Project), TCIL, has been given the additional charge of CMD of TCIL till May 31, 2020.

DR RICHA PANDEY GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS IN MEA

Dr Richa Pandey has been assigned an additional charge of Controller of Accounts, Ministry of External Affairs. She is an ICAS officer.

BHASKAR VERMA APPOINTED AS CCA, CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Bhaskar Verma has been appointed as Chief Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. He is a 1995 batch ICAS officer.

PRAVEEN NANDWANA APPOINTED AS CCA IN CGA OFFICE

Praveen Nandwana has been appointed as Chief Controller of Accounts, Office of Controller General of Accounts. He is a 1995 batch ICAS officer.

TWO IRS(C&CE) OFFICERS PROMOTED

Chief Commissioners IRS(C&CE) officers- Ajay Ganesh Ubale and Pramod Kumar - have been promoted as Chief Commissioners/DG. Both officers belong to 1988 batch.

14 IRPFS OFFICERS GRANTED HA GRADE ON NFU BASIS

A total of 14 IRPFS officers of the 1989 batch, have been promoted to Higher Administrative Grade on a Non Functional Upgradation basis.

They are- Sanjay Sankirtyanan, SC Parhi, Sunil K Singh, RK Malik, SN Pandey, Ravindra Verma, Atul Kumar Srivastav, Raja Ram, BB Mishra, RS Chauhan, Birendra Kumar, S Mayank, AN Sinha and GM Eswara Rao.

FROM PG 1 Gujarat getting...

In the past 24 hours, 295 cases have come from Ahmedabad, taking the total number of Covid-19 patients to 4,991. With 23 deaths, the toll of Ahmedabad is now 321. So far, 886 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

In the last one month, 65,000 Personal Preventive Equipment (PPE) kits were used and as many as 3,000 to 4,000 PPE kits are being used daily. Some 6.5 lakh N-95 masks and 1.25

1st flight... to begin a phased repatriation of its citizens stranded abroad from May 7. The government also said that Air India will operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back around 15,000 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

Rs1 Cr... to those undergoing

PM, Shah...

He assured the Prime Minister that the situation is under control and medical treatment is being provided to the victims. Earlier, Director-General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had told ANI that over

800 people had been taken to hospital in the relief operations. —ANI

IMD forecast... said Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the Regional Meteorological Department that gives forecast for the northwest meteorological division of the IMD. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said they have been mentioning areas under PoK under its daily weather bulletin ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in

the two union territories August last year.

However, officials said it’s now being mentioned explicitly under the Jammu and Kashmir subdivision.

Nightmare on...

As rescue officers and police personnel rushed to take people to hospital and revive them, many people could be seen gasping for breath as they staggered their way to safety, dazed and disoriented. Some tried to walk but fell to the ground and fainted.

The death toll from the accident could go up with at least 20 people on ventilator support.

Besides, 246 people with health complications are undergoing treatment at Visakhapatnam’s King George Hospital, police said. About 800 people in ground zero, RR Venkatapuram village in Gopalapatnam, were evacuated and most needed only first aid.

Cries for help broke the silence of the night and many people fell unconscious in their

sleep, a villager said.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also expressed their distress and condoled the loss of lives. Addressing a joint press conference in Delhi in the afternoon NDRF & NDMA officials said 11 people died and 1,000 were exposed ,to the gas. NDRF DG SN Pradhan said leakage from the factory had been reduced to minimal but NDRF personnel would be at the spot till it is totally plugged. —PTI

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EVEN AS MANY RAJASTHANIS IN ME ARE IN DILEMMA TO FIGHT OR TAKE FLIGHT, HONG KONGERS STUCK IN INDIA CRY FOUL

ASHOK SHARMA Senior Journalist

E

xceptional times call for exceptional action.

In many ways, there has been a ‘response like no other’ to Covid19 from Indian government in general and Rajasthan government in particular. Even as the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry announced that 64 flights will be operated from May 7 to May 13 to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that this has to be done keeping in mind the fact that they "don't get inconvenienced and their families are not under any risk". Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was quick not to downplay the big reform required for State governments even as he understands that pandemics don’t respect borders, and that NRIs caught in Covid crisis abroad need to be evacuated. CM Gehlot said, “Arrangements should be made for the migrants of Rajasthan coming from abroad when they arrive here.

Government of India should allow NRI workers to return from foreign countries only when it is confirmed

MASKED AND STANDING APART, NRIs TIPTOE TO RETURN HOME

Shoppers are seen observing social distancing and mask norms at a mall in Dubai.

that they are Covid negative.

Echoing Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s senti-

ment, the Congress lashed out at the Centre for its decision to ‘impose excessive

costs’ on NRIs flying in special flights from the Covid affected countries, calling it an

‘LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EVACUATION PLAN’

A

shok Purohit, a senior journalist at Muscat Daily, who is also from Rajasthan, said, “There are thousands of expats in Oman who are looking forward to the evacuation plan from the government. Thousands have registered but there is a sense of disappointment that only two flights have been initially planned for Oman. Priority is being given to medical emergency cases, pregnant women, workers in distress, senior citizens as well as to other people who are stranded in difficult situations.” Quoting an official statement by P. Kumaran Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Ashok Purohit said, “The Embassy is in the process of contacting the short-listed people for each flight directly through email/telephone.” The first Air India flight will take off from Muscat to Kochi on May 9 and the second to Chennai on May 12 taking a total of 450 passengers in the first phase.

Mehre Alam, Deputy Editor of the Qatar Tribune newspaper says, “There is no sense of panic or a rush to head back home among Indian expatriates here in Qatar, very much like workers from other countries, as they know their interest and well-being is ensured in the host country. Also, in cases of emergency, they know they are going to get the seats on the special

‘inhumane’ act.”

Even as the community groups in the Mideast expressed con-

cerns about the swelling number of people wanting to go back to India, First India

asked stranded Rajasthanis and others in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Hong Kong and Beijing

about the evacuation plan, and why some choose not to queue up for home-bound flights.

Imran Khan, a lawyer based in Dubai, who hails from Sikar in Rajasthan said: “200,000 Indian citizens registered online wish to be evacuated but with the limited number of planes only a few thousand people will be taken first.” Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor said, priority will be given to workers in distress, elderly people, urgent medical cases, pregnant women as well as to other people who are stranded in difficult situations.” The Indian Consulate in Dubai appealing on Twitter for ‘patience and cooperation’ as India undertakes the ‘massive task of repatriation’ said “It will take time for all the people to be accommodat ed on these flights.”

Dubai based Harshit Solanki, an engineer, who hails from Rajasthan said, “Indian government's operation of evacuation is surely a life saver for many Indians stuck abroad, especially the blue-collar workers. While some are forced by their circumstances to leave, there are some who still wish to stay back here. Yes, we wish to stay back as we still see a light of hope at the end of the tunnel.”

‘TOUCHED AND IMPRESSED BY THE LOCAL CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES’

A

bhishek G Bhaya, International Editor, CGTN, Beijing said, “Expat Indians who stayed back in China decided to do so for various reasons.

Some couldn’t leave because of professional commitments. Others made a conscious choice as they were satisfied by the efficient measures the authorities took to contain the virus. As an expat living in China, I was rather touched and impressed by how the local civilian authorities reached out to everyone including expats like me and ensured that our security and basic necessities will be ensured. About Hong Kong residents stuck in India, what is needed is proper communica-

THE NEW NORMAL: Sanlintun shopping district in Beijing. The capital of China started inching back to normalcy in April. —IMAGE: ABHISHEK G BHAYA FROM BEIJING

tion and coordination between the Hong Kong authorities and Indian govt to ensure that the interest of Hong Kongers stranded in India are protected and they are evacuated at the earliest. Consul Ajith John Joshua, from the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong, said in a recent statement, “Some foreign governments have requested the government of India for permission to arrange special flights to bring back their nationals from India. If the govt of Hong Kong sends a similar proposal to the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong, we will process the proposal for obtaining necessary approvals from the government of India.”

‘MEDICAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG IS BETTER THAN IN INDIA’ Indian expat workers queue up for free Covid19 test in Dubai on Wednesday.

flights heading home.

There is also this feeling that this difficult time will pass.”

News that the Indian government has taken up massive operation to evacuate NRIs from different countries, and reflection that Hong Kong government had brought back Hong Kong residents stranded in Hubei province, Japan, Peru, and Morocco in the recent past, have raised eyebrows among some 3,000 Hong Kong residents stuck in different parts of India who are asking China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government (HKSAR), "The

only question is why HKSAR not seriously taking evacuation operation of stranded Hong Kongers in India.

It's not that far from here." There are around 3,000 permanent residents of Hong Kong stranded in India.

While the stranded Hong Kong residents and nationals remain hopeful that help will arrive soon, many of them can’t help but feel like they are an afterthought. They say: We are not a small group of people, it’s just shocking to see the inaction by our government. We can only hope that this will be rectified as soon as possible.

F

ormer president of the India Association, Hong Kong, Mohan Chugani, who has been attempting to help those stranded in India said, “I don’t believe it takes this long to organise.

So many other countries have managed to get their residents out of India already. People would rather get infected in Hong Kong than in India to be honest, as the medical service in Hong Kong is many times better than in India.”

“We’re not just talking about Hong Kong residents but also people with Hong Kong passports. The question remains, why was it so easy to bring back residents from Wuhan or anywhere else?

Every other government is doing it for their citizens,” a source in Rajasthani Samaj of Hong Kong said.

Around 3,000 permanent

A govt official hands out leaflets to foreign workers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, to remind them of distancing & mask norms.

resident of Hong Kong are stranded in India. Shobana Vaswani, who is one of them, said, “I had come to visit my relatives in Rajasthan, I came to Mumbai for a short

visit, now I am neither in Hong Kong nor in Rajasthan.

We started reaching out (to the Hong Kong government) at the end of March. There has been no committed re-

sponse. She said they keep telling her the ‘exact same thing’ which is to “Call 1868 -- an emergency hotline for Hong Kong residents -- and to be patient.”

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

At the end of the day, all that matters is courage. Success is not final and neither is failure. One can only keep striving.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

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GUJARAT SENDING ODHISA LABOURERS SANS TESTING

High Court orders nobody should be dispatched without pre-Covid-19 examination First India News Bhubaneswar: The dust raised over charging of tickets from migrants leaving by special trains to their native places has yet to subside and a new controversy has erupted with the Odisha Government asserting that Gujarat is dispatching workers without any corona tests.

Simultaneously, the Odisha High Court has responded to a PIL and ordered that no worker should be sent without conducting the tests.

Hearing a PIL filed by petitioner Narayan Chandra Jena, the Odisha High Court directed that the State Government should ensure that all the migrants who are in queue to come to Odisha should be tested negative of COVID-19 before boarding the conveyance. The court directed that they must undergo RT-PCR tests first before their entry to the state.

SUPER SPREADERS?

Migrants undergo thermal screening after arriving in Odisha.

Expressing concern over the sudden spike in corona positive cases in Odisha with the return of migrants, Health Minister Naba Kishore Das on Thursday stated that four per cent of the 1,000 samples collected from Surat returnees has tested positive for COVID-19.

The minister has sent an immediate request to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan for pre-

Kutch border put on alert after Army inputs

testing of the natives intending to return to the State at the place of their departure.

“The SOP issued by the Centre has stressed pre-screening, but it is of no use. Today, I urged the Union Minister to make pre-testing mandatory. If Odisha natives are sent to the state only after they receive a ‘go ahead’ certificate from the district authorities concerned, it will help the state to fight

COVID-19 more effectively,” he said.

So far, 32 Surat returnees have tested positive for the virus in the state. The highest 21 are from Ganjam, four each from Mayurbhanj and Jagatsinghpur, two from Balasore and one from Cuttack’s Tigiria. According to estimates, there are a whopping seven lakh Oriya workers in Gujarat.

Meanwhile, Ashwani Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Vijiay Rupani, stated that over 80,000 migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha were sent their native places in 67 special trains till Wednesday night. “We will be shifting around 1.20 lakh migrants by Thursday night in 34 trains,” he said. Five of these trains, each carrying 1,200 passengers, left for Odisha.

Not corona, parasite kills 23 lions in Gir First India News

Military Intelligence has issued a terror alert on Kutch border.

First India News Kutch: Security has been beefed up along the border district of Kutch following an intelligence input from the Indian Army about possible infiltration from Pakistani agents in the country through the sea route.

According to sources in the Indian intelligence agencies based in Kutch, the last two days have seen a lot of movement on the Pakistan creek border with Kutch. The Pak Marine Security

Agency and the Pak Rangers were spotted at two watchtowers at the Radhapir post in Pakistan, in front of the Sir Creek border in Kutch.

This follows a special anti-terror operation launched by the Indian Army in Kashmir and a commander-level militant was shot down, infiltrating using the cold border of Kutch. With such specific input from Military Intelligence (MI), special caution is being exercised on the Kutch border, agency sources said.

Junagadh: Gujarat may be grappling with corona, but the Gir forests have been plagued by another disease. As many as 23 lions in Gir, the only abode of the Asiatic lions, have died in last three months due to a disease caused

by Babesia, a protozoan parasite.

Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Junagadh, DT Vasavada on Thursday said the 23 lions have died in the eastern Gir forests and most of these deaths were due to Babesia.

Majority of the deaths were reported from the Tulsishyam and Jasadhar ranges of the forest in Amreli district. “As this disease is caused by a protozoa, it is not contagious,” he said.

Vasavada added that around 18 other

Psychologists against lockdown!

A young woman walked long distance from Surat to Indore on her way to UP with her kid in tow.

Indore: The government has extended the lockdown across the country, while it is also operating special trains to send stranded migrants back home but there are many who did not wait for the State agencies to move. They started their journey home walking, irrespective of the distances.

Here is this woman with a trolley bag in one hand and a ninemonth-old son in the other, who legged out

Neutraliser for Vizag victims from Vapi Ahmedabad: A specialised chemical called PTBC, made only in Vapi town of Gujarat, will be sent to Visakhapatnam on an urgent basis to help in neutralising the effects of gas leak at a polymer plant there, officials said. A major leak from a chemical plant of LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours of Thursday impacted villages within a fivekm radius, leaving eight people dead and scores of citizens complaining of breathlessness, nausea and other problems.

Para-tertiary butyl catechol or PTBC is currently being used in Vi-

Gujarat has sent special chemical neutraliser for the victims.

sakhapatnam to neutralise the effect of the gas leak, said Ashwani Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. “This chemical, used for reducing the effects of gas in the air after a leak, is manufactured only in Vapi. The Andhra Pradesh government requested Gujarat to facilitate airlifting it,” he said. —PTI

‘We don’t want to die here’, say Kashmiris First India News Ahmedabad: Over 22 PhD and postdoctoral students from Jammu and Kashmir, including seven females, are stranded at the Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar (CUG), awaiting a response

from the union territory’s administration.

“There are around four cases within one-km radius of our hostel and it is too risky to even step out to buy essentials. We get some food from the rediwalas outside because the hos-

tel mess is shut but we are scared. We don’t want to die here,” said Ishfaq Majid, a PhD student at CUG. They have been constantly writing emails to the J&K authorities and dialling helpline numbers, but in vain.

FROLICKING IN LOCKDOWN!

Asiatic lions afflicted by new disease.

lions suffering from this disease were under treatment in the Jasadhar animal care center. Of these, six fully recovered, ones including five lionesses, were released in the Tulsishyam range on Wednesday last night.

Notably, in 2018, over two dozen lions had died due to a virus caused canine distemper disease in the

Dalkhaniya range of the east Gir forests.

The five yearly Lion Census conducted last time in May 2015 had estimated the population of Asiatic lions in and around Gir forest at 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). Of them there were 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs. The Gir forest was then spread across 1,800 sq km area.

Children seen playing in a cluster quarantine locality in Panch Kuva area of the walled city in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

She trekked 1,000 km from Surat to Indore First India News

@ahmedpatel Extremely saddened by the loss of life due to the gas leak in Visakhapatnam. Our prayers are with those who have been exposed to the gas & we hope all possible medical help is being given to them.Important to also fix responsibility for this industrial disaster.

First India News Rajkot: Seven professors of psychology from Rajkot have dashed off a worried letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to make alternative arrangements to the lockdown, claiming that people in the State are increasingly losing their patience after the extended shutdown.

The professors made this recommendation after counselling as many as 45,000 people during the lockdown.

They have appealed to the Chief Minister in a letter to make an alternative plan other than the lockdown, while also expressing concern over the corona spread. The academicians have stated that the situation is all the more difficult for addicts. They stated in the letter that, “Addiction is a mental illness that affects health, but the effects of not being able to satiate the addiction can be devastating. As long as people have faith in the government, the necessary restraint can only worsen their mental state.”

08

GRUELLING JOURNEY

some 1,000 km from Surat to Indore.

She had neither any money nor milk to feed the baby, according to Ajay Gupta, a member of All India Movement Seva Samiti. On seeing her situation, the Seva

Samiti team made arrangements for food and water for her. After learning about her story, we informed the police who arranged for her transportation to Kanpur.

The woman’s in-

laws lived in Indore, while she belonged to Prayagraj (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh and she wanted to reach there. The policemen were quite helpful and made all arrangements for her to go to Kanpur, from where she would manage to reach Prayagraj.

Ajay Gupta and his Seva Samiti team, who helped the woman, provide water to migrants on the Indore bypass highway.

26 Cadila Pharma staffers test positive First India News Ahmedabad: Twentysix employees of Cadila Pharmaceuticals worked at its Dholka plant in Ahmedabad district have tested positive for coronavirus, officials informed on Thursday.

District Development Officer Arun Mahesh Babu said following this, 95 employees of that unit, who may have come in contact with the infected personnel, have been put under home quarantine. The

unit and the entire Dholka town have been sanitised, he added.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued here on Thursday, Cadila Pharmaceuticals confirmed the reports and said the manufacturing unit has been shut and sanitation process has been initiated. “Recently, 26 employees from our Dholka facility tested positive for Covid-19. Following this, we have closed our operations” the company’s statement read.

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09

AHMEDABAD, FRIDAY MAY 8, 2020

‘PURPLE ZONE MERE WALA ZONE’ KARISHMA GWALANI

karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

I

A chromatic mixture between the fiery red and profound calm blue, purple is considered to be the balance between these two primary colours. Nature doesn’t have many purple representatives, and if found, are rare and delicate

f purple is your favourite colour then allow me to tell you something about you and your favourite colour.

One is that you have made an overall good choice, it combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. And you can colour your room purple, which is not something that people who have black as their favourite colour should attempt.

Your colour can have calming effects over the mind and nerves, it can be uplifting and can trigger creativity. It is the colour of imagination and spirituality, so go ahead, choose the shade because it comes in a huge multitude of shades too. It occurs rarely in nature too and is often said to have sacred meaning, flowers like lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet are considered delicate and precious.

It is THE colour

of Royalty and nobility. Purple represents luxury, power, and ambition and wealth. Authority figures adore this bold hue because it embodies strength, prestige, and ability. It’s also commonly found in political spheres. When attempting to flex their muscles, people often turn to the colour purple. From kings and lords to emperors and superiors, anyone in power is fond of purple. It has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits,

calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity.

Purple helps align oneself with the whole of the universe. Different shades, tints, and hues of purple have different meanings. Light purple hues represent feminine energy and delicacy, as well as romantic and nostalgic feelings. Dark purple hues

evoke feelings of gloom, sadness, and frustration. Bright purple hues suggest riches and royalty.

Too much purple brings out qualities of irritability, impatience, and arrogance. Too little purple brings out feelings of powerlessness, negativity, and apathy, so the perfect balance is necessary.

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JK JAJOO

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

I

FA CE OF TH ED AY

call it a learning experience because under stress and pressure our latent abilities come to the forefront to help us face every difficult situation with a lot of grit and determination, not only to the best of our abilities, but also giving us strength, to surpass our own limitations. My learning experience amidst this storm of Corona Virus began. I was contemplating as to how, when and where, ‘I COULD HELP THE CITIZENS OF JAIPUR’ and soon the first opportunity came as a call, from SMS Hospital, after which there was no looking back.

Immediately, I got in touch with Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Principal and Dr Randhir Singh Rao, Deputy Superintendent, SMS Hospital and the first step towards the mission, of lending support to people, in difficult times began. It’s rightly said that where there is a will there is a way.

My innercore wanted to help our corona warriors like the doctors, the nurses, the paramedical staff and the patients and then came the unending biggest help from JCF where I am a convenor Programme and trustee too. I spoke to JCF Trustees led by the Chairman Mr Rajeev Arora and all the trustees wholeheartedly decided to raise funds and support this program till whenever needed. I cannot thank Mr. Rajeev Arora enough who took the first lead and initiative in donating INR 5Lakhs for this noble cause which was followed by all the trustees and members of JCF. After discussion, with the leading Doctors of SMS, we learnt that the doctors could not move out for the reason that they were taking care of of the Covid patients, and here, our support system became active.

In the initial stage, I was working alone, morning till night, of course with the support of my family; Neeta, Mudita, Mohit, Siya & Swara, who have always been my big strength.

We started with the supplies of coffee/tea/drinking water to Doctors confined to hospital which was

the Main Hub. The next two days we went from pillar to post, looking for machines for coffee/tea and Mechanics for setting them up. Finally we could get the required material but no one was willing to take a chance to help us. With great difficulty, we managed to get two machines and then two more were added. Here is, when our Jagriti team came into functioning, the back office, as always, a big support with Jitendra,Girdhari and Gopal, became the back bone of our DRIVE and got into ACTION. We started collecting things from the closed shops (taking Special permission to get them open) and supplying the same to the Hospital. Here I would mention a very special thanks to Respected Additional Chief Secretary Home Mr. Rajeeva Swarup and Honourable Collector of Jaipur Mr. Joga Ram who helped us getting permissions. Each day began by getting daily demand from SMS and running around the whole day, trying to procure materials for about thousand people (including covid 19 hospital staff and patients) from wherever possible, which was not always a very easy task, may be because of the prevailing ‘Virus’ not everyone came forward to help which was, but natural. Then the request came for food packets for the hospital staff, quarantined in the hospital, for days and days, fighting their own battles, of not being able to visit their families.

We were committed & we decided to supply them with the biscuits, muffins, Poha, Uppma and fruits.

The question coming up in everyone’s mind would be why upma, poha and muffins..pl think about these warriors 24/7 continuously for 15days in quarantine in covid 19 wards, even they needed food other than normal which they could eat at any hour whenever required not depending on anyone else at any odd hour.

Also 100 PPE sets were sent to SMS Hospital again with the financial help of JCF. Dr Rekha Singh, Superintendant “Jaipuria Hospital”, another hospital where 110 Covid patients are being treated also requested us to supply food packets, etc as in SMS which is being met daily.

Then came a request from few Police Stations for masks and Hand Sanitizers

which was fulfilled by us.

Since then, this has become our daily routine, which begins at dawn and goes late into the night till all the demands for day have been met within the guidelines issued by the Government. Our forerunners being Jagriti team members Deepak Saxena, Sandeep Mathur, Jitender, Girdhari and Gopal working since the day of lockdown became totally responsible for collection and distribution. Gradually, people started joining us.

We had requirement of food packets for roadside workers where Mr Devendra Khandelwal, (JCF) came forward. My heartfelt gratitude to him.We are distributing 500 food packets per day since last 45 days.

We now also have the support of Marie Clarie, BVG foundation Netherlands, to meet the demand for complete Rashan supplies for the 225 families of Balika Sadan students for one month. No words to express my sincere thanks to them too.

As SMS Hospital was facing shortage of PPE kits.

SBI Life Insurance came as a great support. Jagriti is fortunate to get their support for this noble cause of supplying PPE kits (570).

Thanks a lot to Mr. Aseem Mishra Regional Director SBI Life Insurance and his complete team.

Support to Ajmer and Beawer is being given by London based Maheshwari Foundation led by Mr Sudhir Maheshwari & Mrs Sangeeta Maheshwari for supplying dry ration for 1300 families for a month. I thank them both from the core of my heart for their great support. I am sure in coming days their advise and support will be a great value. I would like to thank Mr.Vinod Ajmera and Mr.Ravi Toshniwal for their support and blessings. I would also like to thank my Ajmer Jagriti members especially to Dr. Namrata Sarda and Mr. Kamlesh Rawat.

I am really fortunate; to always have a big support in the form of JAGRITI family, where every member is whole heartedly committed in giving their best in all times of need. This is a very tough time for all of us and together with deep rooted passion for society, I strongly believe volumes of work can be done. I again say Together WE CAN, AND TOGETHER WE WILL.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

10

TOGETHER WE CAN!

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Have patience, you will get into many business ventures and you will make progress stay rest assured.

This is the time to focus on health, set a daily routine and excise everyday. You may feel unwanted but have faith this feeling will disappear very soon.

You will get an excellent opportunity on professional front, yes even during this trial times.

Working from home can prove a bit tiresome and may effect your health so make sure to eat energy giving food. You may need the money that you gave as a loan to someone close.

You may have rightly predicted the outcome of an investment and this quality can really benefit you. You many have to wait for sometime before someone decided to finance your project. Your partner will fulfil all your emotional needs in order to cheer you up.

Your spending habit will change for good. Don’t get into office politics just do you work religiously and ear your living, these are trial times and even must do their best to sustain, Newly married couple are lucky to spend this time together, use this time to strengthen your bond.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Keep paying your outstanding dues if you can, so that you can relax in future. Don’t poke your nose in anyone’s matter so that you are not held responsible for anything.

Those of you who are no feeling well just eat food that will strengthen your immunity as it will help you a lot.

Those on the quest of getting desired body must have an exercise regime as you will not find any time better than this. Own your mistakes if you have made any, it will only build your image. You will do a lot of charity work and this quality will help you win many hearts.

You will get surprisingly good returns from an investment that you made in the past and forgot about. You can expect a job offer or an appointment letter, don’t doubt your fate. All the ailment will disappear and there will be no more pain. Have confidence.

Times are tough but it doesn’t mean that it will always be the same, you time will come when you will fly high and higher than anyone around. You are blessed with good intuition and use it for the right things. Your spouse will feel very happy around you.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Hours spent on something will not go waste therefore don’t loose patience till the very end. You will earn what you deserve and the only thing you must focus on is kind of work you do.You worry a lot about things that are not in your hand, change this habit as it is self destructing.

You will be handling some prestigious projects and make sure to nail it, even if you are working from home. You are financially secure for now but you must find more avenues to increase your earning or atlas to maintain the flow. Your friend will keep his/her word.

You may be in the need of loan but this is not the time to expect anything like that rather focus on spirituality and you may find a way out that you never expected and something that will cost you nothing really. A candle light dinner is what you can do right now to make your partner feel special.

There will be many opportunities in future for now focus on enhancing your skills. You must have a balanced diet and you must work out regularly if you want to reach your desired goal. You will get lots of appreciation for your sincerity from the near and dear ones.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

RITIKA AMRU, Influencer

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

DEALING WITH TROLLS!

Portraying Strength!

S

p e a k i n g about the portrayal of women in her films, actor Bhumi Pednekar on Thursday said that the way she represents women on screen through her roles is very important for her.

“For me, how I represent women on screen is very important.

Cinema has the power to influence people and I do feel that through our portrayal of women, we can push the messaging of equality, of independence,” the ‘Toilet’ actor said.

“I have looked out for such characters and play them with all my heart of screen. I have been fortunate to have got these characters that have made a

... her Instagram post

S

onakshi Sinha was trolled for being ‘dumb’ by netizens for failing to answer a question related to Ramayan a while ago.

In a recent live interaction with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spiritual leader advised her to let the trolls be.

It all happened in 2019 when Sonakshi appeared on the Amitabh Bachchan-hosted quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. She was asked for whom did Hanuman bring Sanjeeva-

ni Booti in the Ramayan and couldn’t give the answer instantly.

The trolling began soon after. “Names of few people from #SonakshiSinha’s family: Shatrughan (Dad), Luv (Brother), Kush (Brother), Ram (Uncle), Lakshman (Uncle), Bharat (Uncle), name of her father’s residence: RAMAYANA. Now watch this video to know why #YoSonakshiSoDumb is trending,” a person had tweeted following the episode.

Nearly five months after the incident, Sonakshi is still trolled for

the incident. In a recent live interaction with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, she shared the details of the incident.

“I participated with a contestant. A question was asked on Sanjeevani Booti, and for a moment, both Ruma (the contestant) and I went blank.

Honestly, it was a bit embarrassing since we have grown up reading and watching Ramayan.

But it was really long ago,” the actress recalled. She said it’s disheartening that people still troll her over ‘one honest mistake’. —IANS

Sonakshi Sinha

REAL WILL RANBIR & DEEPIKA REUNITE? TOMBOY R K eira Knightley says she was a real tomboy while growing up, adding that she never liked watching ballet as a kid. The actress feels that made the experience of doing the film ‘The Nutcracker And The Four Realms’ special.

“I saw it when my mum took me to see it when I was three and I was absolutely terrified and I hid under the seat.”

Knightley said. —IANS

anbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have gone on to collaborate in commercially successful or critically acclaimed movies like Bachna Ae Haseeno, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Tamasha. And now, according to media reports, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone may soon collaborate again for a film that will be helmed by none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The film is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious period and musical drama titled Baiju Bawra. Re-

11

mark and stood out,” she added.

Speaking about the roles that she has been given in her career, the ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ actor thanked her filmmakers to choose her for the fiery roles.

“I thank my visionary filmmakers who chose to tell stories of these magnificent women to the people of my country. It has been an honour to be a part of their cinema and bring such courageous, fantastic, confident women on screen,” she said. Pednekar said that through her films, she intends to make people realise how equality is yet to be achieved in society.

“My journey in cinema has just begun.

I will continue to strive to find more such women whose stories I want to tell on screen.”

—ANI

Bhansali now wants to create magic on-screen with the hit pair of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. However, reportedly neither Ranbir Kapoor nor Deepika Padukone has given a heads up for the project and talks are still on for the same.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone

portedly Sanjay Leela Bhansali wishes to rope in Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone for

the remake of 1952 critically acclaimed film. According to media reports, Sanjay Leela

WON’T RETIRE!

S

upermodel Naomi Campbell hates the term retire, and says that she will continue to work till the time she wants. “I don’t like the word ‘retire’. If I don’t wanna do it anymore, I just won’t do it. But I’m never gonna say that. I’m someone who’s extremely active. I like to be active and I think I’m always going to be active,” she said.

Campell will turn 50 on 22 May, and she says she feel blessed to reach the age.

“Frankly, if I am here on May 22, in isolation, I’m blessed. I wanna get everything out of what

Keira Knightley

we’re supposed to get out of this. I’m no saint, or whatever, but I wanna be still enough to catch this wave,” she said. She has decided to simplify her life after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

—IANS

Naomi Campbell

Bhumi Pednekar

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

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

—PHOTO BY NAIM KHAN

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—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

HAWA MAHAL, JAIPUR

KALUPUR-PANCHKUVA STRETCH, AHMEDABAD

- PHOTO BY

THAT SURPRISING

CITY FIRST AHMEDABAD

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MOMENT ... with Parmish Verma

Jaipur girl Ankita Sharma gets featured in a Punjabi song by Parmish Verma!

Ankita Sharma

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

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armish Verma, a very well renowned Punjabi Singer released his new song ‘Aam Jahe Munde’ a few days back; as it was normal to his other

fans that he has released a new song, it came as a surprise to Ankita Sharma, a Motivational Speaker, an Influencer and a runner-up at Miss India Wheel Chair 2017-2018, from the Pink City. Yes, she had made an appearance in the song. To know more about this, City First got in touch with her, and she said, “I was at a music concert in Jaipur, where Parmish Verma was performing. After waiving to him in mid-concert, he called

me on-to the stage and sang a song for me. It was a magical moment, and I still cannot forget it.”

Ankita became paraplegic back in 2009, and now has the main aim to make every person understand that suffering is a way of life, and in one way or another, you have to accept it and move on with it. Continuing the conversation, she mentioned, “I was extremely

happy after that day, and I was all over social media. A few days back, he had released a song, which featured me being with him, at that very moment on the stage, and honestly, I had no idea about it.”

Ankita believes that she needs to change the social perception of people with disabilities. Everyone has a right to feel beautiful and to do what they like.

WHAT’S HAPPENING! Rajasthan: Mahesh and Kaushal Joshi completed 32 years of marriage on Thursday. They spent the day with their family in simplicity without any celebration, in the wake of the Corona crisis. It was also the 64th death anniversary of the late mother of Mahesh Joshi, he lost her at the tender age of two and was brought up in the loving care of his elder sister and brother. Today, as he has achieved political glory and heights, he gives all credit to his family. In politics, his inspiration is CM Ashok Gehlot, whom he visited on Thursday, to seek his blessings on the special day.

HAPPY B’DAY!

RCA Vice-President Amin Pathan celebrated his birthday on 7 May, Thursday. We wish him all the best!

n Ahmedabadbased organization Utkarsh Healthcare Foundation India, which has been working towards the betterment of health and education facilities for women and children, distributed more than 5 lakh chocolates among children and the needy during the lockdown.

“Children are the ones who suffer the most during such times. Our purpose was to spread cheer and that is why we decided to distribute chocolates and cheese wafer packets.

We have distributed over 5 lakh chocolates and 10 lakh cheese wafer packets among children in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, so far,” says Kusum Vyas Kaul, one of members of the organization.

The backbone of the massive project was India Food Banking Network, which is supported by various FMCG companies such as Britannia, Nestle, and Mondelez.

To acknowledge the

All for smiling

CHILDREN

efforts of doctors and healthcare workers, working tirelessly in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the foundation has also

started the distribution of protein milkshake and cookies at various hospitals in Ahmedabad. cityfirstgujarat@gmail.com

THE GREAT INITIATIVE VAIBHAV GEHLOT @VaibhavGehlot80 Lord Buddha’s teachings of compassion, tolerance and kindness are extremely relevant in the present times. Let us follow his principles and help needy people in society.

Rajasthan: RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima on Thursday.

Rajasthan: Girish Rathore with his parents Dharmendra Rathore and Hansa Kanwar on his 21st birthday on Thursday. He celebrated it with his family at home and also donated food grains to the needy on the occasion.

Rajasthan: Vagima Jain, granddaughter of Anil Lodha turned one year old on Thursday. Her family celebrated her birthday, in lockdown with love and gratefulness for this bundle of joy. Seen here with her are her great grandmother Bimla Lodha, parents Utkarsh and Bharti and bua Prachi.

CITY FIRST

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CP Adarsh Nagar Pushpendra Singh and his team from Rajasthan police force have made it a habit of extending help on a regular basis apart from their duty as police. They go around any 1 colony daily, reaching out to people who need something from

medicines, grocery or any other daily need and fulfil the need. This initiative has been greatly appreciated by the people and Pushpendra Singh says it gives them a feeling of satisfaction that they are not only safeguarding the people in these times of Corona but also building a harmonious and trustful relationship. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in