First India-Ahmedabad Edition-09 June 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

22°C - 37°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

4,07,511 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 3,169 DEATHS 88,529 CASES

71,49,272 CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 289 DEATHS 33,229 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 194

7,473 DEATHS

DELHI 874 DEATHS 29,943 CASES

CAUTIOUS EXIT

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INDIA

2,65,828

CONFIRMED CASES

GUJARAT

1,280 DEATHS

RAJASTHAN 246 DEATHS 10,876 CASES

20,574

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 283 DEATHS 10,947 CASES

As Unlock 1.0 rolled out across the country from Monday, many temples and religious places reopened doors to devotees and malls, hotels and restaurants too resumed operations with precautions. But only a few braved the coronavirus scare to venture out. While Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu, decided to keep malls and places of worship shut, Rajasthan threw open its malls & hotels but kept places of worship out from unlock.

A worker wearing a face shield sprays disinfectant at Golden Temple while devotees stand in queue while maintaining social distancing, in Amritsar, on Monday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Door-to-door survey in 10 states to rein in Corona

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, J&K & Madhya Pradesh told to focus on survey & prompt testing New Delhi: In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Union Health Ministry on Monday asked officials of 45 municipalities and municipal corporations across 38 districts in 10 states to focus on house-tohouse surveys and prompt testing to contain the infection.

The 38 districts are from Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan along with senior officers of the Health Ministry held a highlevel review meeting, via video conference,

NEW ZEALAND IS CORONAVIRUS FREE!

with the district collectors, municipal commissioners, superintendent of district hospitals and

principals of medical colleges from 45 municipal corporations.

During the meeting,

Sudan directed all states to make a “district-wise prospective plan” for the coming months.

Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced that the lockdown in the state will be extended till June 30 while Mizoram CM Zoramthanga re-imposed total lockdown in his state for two weeks starting from Monday midnight.

The Health Secretary also directed the states to involve the elected representatives in the rural areas for cooperating with the district health authorities for confidence building and timely accessing of available health services. Turn on P6

Don’t make MNREGA a BJP versus Cong issue, says Sonia New Delhi: Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for using the UPA era flagship scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to benefit the poor during lockdown while the BJP had earlier derided it for years.

In an article written for a national daily, The Indian Express, Sonia Gandhi stated, the Modi

government has grudgingly come around to the significance of the programme. “My plea to the government is, this is a time of national crisis, not a time to play politics. This is not a BJP versus Congress issue.

You have a powerful mechanism at hand, please use it to help the people of India in their time of need,” she added.

Turn on P6

BJP WORKERS PROVIDED FOOD TO OVER 11 CRORE PEOPLE DURING PANDEMIC: SHAH New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that BJP workers have provided one time meal to more than 11 crore people during the coronavirus pandemic. The Home Minister attended the virtual Odisha Jan Samvad Rally at the BJP headquarters here. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present. Shah said, “Crore of BJP workers provided one-time meal to more than 11 crore people. I want to thank BJP president JP Naddaji and all party workers. Seeing a party worker helping migrants in this crisis makes me proud.” P6

Cong to send sequestered Guj MLAs back to work Gargi Raval Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar: It looks like the Congress party is done playing defence in Gujarat. It now appears to be moving to a position on the offence, with sequestered MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) expected to be sent back to work in their respective constituencies in a day or two.

The party had hitherto been worried about its lawmakers being poached by its biggest rival, the Bharatiya Party (BJP) ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls slated for June 19. As a result, as of Monday, 22 Congress MLAs from the state were holed up in Rajasthan, with several more hidden away in Rajkot and Anand.

More on P2

With 998 deaths as of Monday, A’bad city inches closer to 1K mark 24 HOURS: 477 CASES, 31 DEAD, 321 DISCHARGED TOTAL: 20,574 CASES, 1,280 DEAD, 13,964 DISCHARGED First India Bureau Gandhinagar: A day after the district reported a total of 1,015 fatalities, the death toll in Ahmedabad city touched 998, according to data available on the Ahmedabad Municipal Corpora-

tion website.

The state has reported more than 450 cases every day since the beginning of the month, and this number is unlikely to fall in the coming days, with an increasing number of cases being reported from Tier-II

and Tier-III towns and rural areas.

Two more front-line have warriors succumbed to COVID-19.

Ahmedabad city’s traffic constable Mukesh Somabhai died on Monday while being treated for the disease. He was first admitted on May 22 and discharged on May 30, but was readmitted to SVP Hospital on June 06. His brother, also a policeman, died last week after contracting the disease in the line of duty. The second death

was of Gandhinagar Police E-Branch’s Junior Clerk Hiren Prajapati.

As on Monday morning, 2,905 of Ahmedabad city’s 13,904 cases remain active. As many as 10,001 patients were discharged and 998 have died.

Rural Ahmedabad reported 26 cases: seven from Dholka, six each Daskroi and Dhandhuka, five from Bavla and two from Sanand.

Two patients have died in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the Manekchand company located near Vadodara city has been shut down after an employee tested positive. The District Health Department has instructed all employees to get tested.

Similarly, in Chhota Udepur district, the Naswadi Branch of Bank of Baroda has been shut after a staffer positive.

The other 10 employees are now home-quarantined. The branch will remain closed for seven days.

Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

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CONG QUIT MOVE PERSONAL NO ONE JOINED BJP: PARTY HONCHO State VP of ruling party refutes ‘buying’ allegations, praises Modi’s efforts on one-year completion of second term in office

—FILE PHOTO

Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: The state vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IK Jadeja on Monday clarified that the recent resignation of three Congress MLAs ‘was their personal decision and has nothing to do with the BJP.’ Jadeja responded to a question asked by First India in an online press conference.

When asked about the allegations of buying Congress MLAs levied on the BJP, ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, Jadeja clearly stated, “We have neither ‘bought’ any MLA nor has anyone joined our party. Those who have tendered their resignations have done so due to personal reasons, as is their prerogative. We have a democratic system, which gives every person the freedom to resign from a post.

They should stop blaming the BJP for this. We have always maintained that we will win all three seats of the Rajya Sabha.”

Gargi Raval Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar: It looks like the Congress party is done playing defence in Gujarat. It now appears to be moving to a position on the offence, with sequestered MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) expected to be sent back to work in their respective constituencies in a day or two.

The party had hitherto been worried about its lawmakers being poached by its biggest rival, the Bharatiya Party (BJP) ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls slated for June 19.

As a result, as of Monday, 22 Congress MLAs from the state were holed up in Rajasthan, with several more hidden away in Rajkot and Anand.

There had been rumours that the Congress was planning to

A screenshot from Monday’s online press conference.

TWe have neither ‘bought’ any MLA nor has anyone joined our party. Those who have tendered their resignations have done so due to personal reasons, as is their prerogative. We have a democratic system, which gives every person the freedom to resign from a post. They should stop blaming the BJP for this. We have always maintained that we will win all three seats of the Rajya Sabha.

—IK Jadeja, BJP state vice president

The online conference was jointly addressed by Jadeja and Gujarat BJP general secretary Shabdasharan Brahmabhatt. The main objective of the conference was to highlight the work done by the Modi

government in the past six years and the party’s agenda for the future.

The BJP has also planned a month-long program on successful completion of the first year of the second term.

“WhatsApp groups will

be created in every booth across the state which will not only help strengthen the party but, also help us fight the ongoing pandemic.”

Jadeja added.

“Four virtual rallies in four zones of the state have also been planned. The rally which was scheduled under the leadership of national BJP president JP Nadda has been postponed. The other three rallies will be held under the leadership of Nitin Gadhkari, Prakash Javdekar and Dharmendra Pradhan.

Every MLA has also been asked to conduct sammelans with people in their area via video conferencing,” he announced. “ From June 15-18, an important program has been organized where two BJP workers will conduct door-to-door visits in every booth of the state and distribute leaflets highlighting the one year completion (second term) of the Modi government.

They will also distribute masks and sanitizers wherever required,” Jadeja said.

BJP workers voice concern on SM about ‘imported leaders’ First India Bureau Morbi: They may not be commenting on the party’s policy of importing leaders and candidates from other parties out loud, but workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party are far from silent.

Many have taken to social media to express their dissent. Interestingly, these messages are not directly targeted at the party but at individual leaders.

For instance, two days after Congress MLA from Morbi Brijesh Merja resigned from the party and the Assembly, BJP workers in Morbi are making their support for local leaders from their own party.

Bharat Barot, a supporter of three-term MLA from Morbi Kantilal Amrutiya shared a poster of Amrutiya with the slogan “Kaho Dilse Kantilal Firse” (roughly, “Say it from

SOCIAL MEDIA

the heart, bring Kantilal back”). This post has started receiving support from Kantilal’s other supporters as well, with Mayank Devmurai commenting, “Khali nathi namno, Kano chhe kamno (He is a very good person and helpful to others).

These aren’t just messages of support for BJP candidates.

“Hope you will not become an obstacle for

others. If you try to block the way, be assured that you will lose,” posted local industrialist, president of Morbi’s Kadva Patidar Samaj, and BJP leader Arvind Baraiya.

While the post does not name any specific person, the message is loud and clear to those planning to join the BJP so as to contest the by-election on the BJP symbol.

Changing strategy from defence to offence, Cong to send sequestered MLAs back to work It appears that the Cong has gotten over its fear that more MLAs might leave the party, and is sending them to their constituencies

Paresh Dhanani, Arjun Modhvadia and Hardik Patel along with other MLAs are seen having a conversation while secluded at Neel’s City Resort in Rajkot.

—FILE PHOTO

take all 65 of its remaining MLAs to Rajasthan to keep them out of BJP reach.

However, it now appears that the party has gotten over its fear that more MLAs

might resign, thus crushing its dream of filling two more seats in the upper house of

Parliament.

“At present, the MLAs are being kept in different groups.

TWO MLAS GO HOME Two of the Congress MLAs sent to a resort in Abu Road ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections have returned home due to personal reasons. The MLAs have been put up at the Wild Winds resort at Abu Road, in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district. As per reports, all MLAs stayed inside the resort on Monday with the exception of Gulab Singh, who came to the gate of the resort. But, on spotting mediapersons stationed there, promptly went back inside.

At present, the MLAs are being kept in different groups.This may strengthen individual factions within the party.

The high command has asked lawmakers to go to their respective constituencies and start work. They will be called for a meeting a few days ahead of the election day.

—Paresh Dhanani, Leader of the Opposition This may strengthen individual factions within the party. The high command has

asked lawmakers to go to their respective constituencies and start work. They will

Baraiya’s many supporters have liked the comment and have even shared it. One Raj Arvadiya in his support commented, “Uncle, Roke Usko Thoke” (roughly, “Uncle, knock down anyone who tries to stop you”).

Alpesh Kagathara in a comment said, “We need such a person as MLA.” More than 196 persons have liked or commented on the above two leaders’ posts.

First India was among the first to report murmurings of dissent within the BJP rank and file. Now, the internal murmurings have grown to public posts on social media.

Tomorrow, these might be voiced out loud both within the party and even on the street when elections are announced if the party high command undermines its workers and grassroots-level leaders. be called for a meeting a few days ahead of the election day,” a highly placed source in the Congress party’s state unit told First India.Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Paresh Dhanani said that MLAs will be with the people as is required during this health emergency.

“Gujarat is among the worst-hit states in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At this time, as public leaders, we have to be with the people. We are raising their issues and giving voice to people’s grievances through the ‘Bolshe Gujarat’ program me,” he said, adding, “We don’t want to blame anyone, we are focusing on our aim to bring a solution to people’s issue.” He was in Rajkot on Monday and will return to Gandhinagar in a day or two.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

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Back on track: 75 SVP hosp staff join work after pay nod

On Monday, the third-party contract employees had protested against a cut in salary Ahmedabad: As many as 75 contract workers at the city-run SVP (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) Hospital went on strike on Monday, to protest a cut in their salary by third-party employers Updater Services Pvt. Ltd (UDS).

Protesters said those in the Rs35,000 bracket only received Rs22,000 salary and those who were supposed to receive Rs20,000 only got Rs14,000 after the outsourcing company decided to cut their pay to offset the cost of protective gear.

However, the protest only lasted a few hours, with protesters resuming work once they received a written assurance from the thirdparty employer that workers would be paid their dues in full. In addition, they will also receive hazard pay of

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

First India Bureau

UNEASY CALM

AMC officials said the strike did not hit hospital operations as the protestors were off duty staff.

Rs250 a day, as previously promised.

“We aren’t even going home, and are working with full dedication while putting our lives at risk during this health crisis.

Despite this, we are not being paid our dues. Those whose salary is Rs35,000 have received Rs22,000 and those whose salary is

workers’ salaries were delayed. The contractors should be blacklisted by the civic body.

Such irregularities can’t be tolerated,” said MLA Imran Khedawala.

Sources say Officer on Special Duty at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Rajiv Gupta has decided to ask UDS to the contract workers a bonus of

Rs20,000 received Rs14,000,” one of the striking paramedical staff told First India earlier in the day.

A solution came after intervention from SVP Hospital CEO Ramyakumar Bhatt, who asked the contractors for a written assurance that all employees would be paid in full.

“Last month, the

20% of one month’s salary.

Sources also say UDS had informed its employees that their salaries were cut to offset expenditure on PPE kits, masks, etc. One staffer said the company had also promised them Rs250 per day for COVID-19 duty. This has not been paid either, the protesters said.

Class X State Board Exam results out today First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) announced that the Class X board exam results will be declared today. Students who appeared for their examinations in March 2020 can view their results on the official website of the board www. gseb.org. The hard copy of mark-sheets will be issued to students in 10-15 days.

MM Pathan, deputy chairman of GSHSEB told the media that over 10.86 lakh students took the Class X board exams in this academic year and their results will be released at 8 am. Students and their parents can view the results on the board’s website.

He also added, “The mark-sheets of students will be handed over to the students by the District Education Officers of respective districts 10-15 days later. All COVID-19 protocol guidelines will be strict-

Students appearing for their exams.

The DEOs will hand over the mark-sheets to the students in 10-15 days. All safety precautions will be taken.

—MM Pathan,

Deputy chairman, GSHSEB

ly followed for the distribution.”

In academic year 2018-19, over 8,28,944 students had registered for the examination, of which, 8,22,823 students had appeared for them.

But, only 5,51,023 students were successful in clearing the exams.

State allots govt land to local CM orders inquiry into Rajkot civic bodies for infra projects wall collapse that killed two First India Bureau

Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday approved the allotment of government land to local civic bodies for projects such as residential schemes under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojna and Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojna, bus depots and power substations.

As part of CM Rupani’s decisions taken to get Gujarat’s economy back on track, the government handed over 50,875 square metres of government land to the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) for the construction of residential schemes for the economically backward and poor. SMC has been allotted land

DEVELOPMENT

CM Vijay Rupani

as it plans to develop residential schemes as per the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model at five locations.

The state also allocated Rs32.99 crore to the corporation to develop other infrastructure projects. SMC will be developing a sewage plant at Un and a sewage treatment plant at Bamroli. The corporation also plans to construct roads connecting

new areas on the outskirts of the city.

Similarly, 4,900 square metres of land will be used to set up a 66 KV substation in Navsari district. And, a 220 KV substation will be established in the Aravalli district for which over 45,000 square metres of land will be given to state subsidiary Gujarat Energy Transmission Company (GETCO).

First India Bureau Rajkot: Two people died after a slab of wall of an overbridge near Aji Dam Chowkdi collapsed on Monday afternoon. The bridge was built by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in 2006.

The two deceased have been identified as Bhupat Miyatra (25) and Vijay Virada (25).

The incident took place when they were passing through the accident spot on their respective two-wheeler vehicles on a service road near the overbridge. Both victims died on the spot.

Condemning the incident, Gujarat Chief minister Vijay Rupani has ordered the Rajkot

CONSEQUENCES

The wall of the overbridge near Aji Dam Chowkdi collapsed.

district collectorate to conduct an inquiry into the incident. It has been learnt that the NHAI has constituted a technical inquiry into the matter which will be undertaken by professors of the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat.

Talking to First In-

dia, NHAI Rajkot project head Ajay Thakore said, “Our structural engineer will conduct an inspection of the incident to unearth the cause of the collapse.”

However, Thakore said that he was unaware of any updates from the CMO regarding the investigation by

the team from SVNIT in Surat.

Miyatra worked with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation on a contractual basis, while Virada worked at a factory in GIDC. The overbridge connects Rajkot to Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad and Gondal.

Akhbarnagar underpass was shut after water rose to 2.5m.

—PHOTOS BY NANDAN DAVE

Valinath Chowk in Memnagar.

Paldi road.

A LITTLE RAIN LEAVES A LOT OF CITY WATERLOGGED First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Many parts of the city were waterlogged with trees uprooted after just two hours of rainfall on Monday.

The maximum rainfall was recorded in

Gota area which received 74mm rain in two hours. The downpour caused the wall of a house near Mangalmurti Apartments in Naranpura area to collapse. No one was injured.

After a partly cloudy

weather throughout the day, it rained from 4 pm until 6 pm which left areas of Vejalpur, Bodakdev, Naranpura, Satellite, Naroda, Ranip, Gota and Odhav waterlogged. A stretch of road from Shivranjani Crossroad till Is-

con Crossroad was also submerged in water.

City authorities shut the Akhbarnagar underpass after it flooded. According to a press release of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the city re-

ceived 30mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until 6pm.

Bhavanagar received 83mm rainfall in two hours —the maximum recorded in the state on Monday. So, far 103 talukas of Gujarat have received rainfall.

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Shivranjani Crossroads.

—FILE PHOTO

Meanwhile, State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama on Monday announced that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has decided to provide financial aid to students for higher education and research purposes.

Chudasama also stated that students pursuing PhD doctorates in government recognized universities or its affiliated colleges will be entitled for the Scheme of Developing High Quality Research. The state government has selected 753 students, who will receive Rs3.38 crore in financial aid for research.

How come no relaxations in school fees, asks Congress First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The academic sessions in schools and colleges may take a while to resume due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but virtual classes have already been started by various educational institutions. But, just like every year, the parents of school children have been asked to pay hefty fees, without any relaxations. Interestingly, schools are also charging transportation fee for the students, which is bizarre since the facility is not being used by the students.

Chief spokesperson of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Manish Doshi said, “If children are not going to school to study then why are the parents being asked to pay fees for different activities by schools?”

He added, “There are school authorities that have decided to collect the full tuition fee for the academic year of 2020-21, despite only conducting virtual classes. This move has burdened parents with additional gadgets and accessories needed to attend online classes,” asserted Doshi.

He further stated, “None of the schools will start functioning until September or even a couple of months after that, but, the parents are being forced to pay the full fee. I request and urge school managements and eminent trustees of schools and the state Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama to look into the issue at the earliest.”

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

DELHI’S DOUBTFUL MEANS TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS

D

elhi and Mumbai are two of India’s Covid-19 hotspots causing concern to the Union government. That these two states are ruled by the opposition parties makes dealing with the pandemic tougher than what it already is. As Delhi seeks a daily surge in its COVID cases - there was a spike of over 1007 cases taking its tally to 29,943 - Arvind Kejriwal government’s order stopping some private laboratories from conducting Covid-19 tests has been questioned not only for its motive but also impracticality. The intention, to put it bluntly, was to conceal the actual number.

Besides accusing the Kejriwal government of flouting Centre’s guidelines, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also doubted the motive for Delhi’s order.

“The labs are being threatened. There is no need to hide numbers as the need is to actively look for infected people. Whether you place them in-home quarantine, in COVID care centres or health centres depends on their condition; but you definitely cannot leave them undiagnosed and untreated as they will then be roaming around freely, then get sick and report to the hospital late. Not to mention how many others they would have infected,” the minister was quoted as saying.

But why would the Delhi government keep private laboratories away from doing Covid-19 tests? To avoid the proverbial axe from falling on their necks, doctors and in-charges in government hospitals and laboratories have to follow the “orders from above” down to a T. That, sadly, is a familiar practice in government hospitals, laboratories, and even offices. Results of Covid-19 tests done in a Sarkari lab or hospital may, therefore, not reflect the true extent of the spread of the virus.

Private labs being comparatively free from government interference are more likely to give the true picture.

The Union health minister’s accusation against the Delhi government could apply to other states which could be concealing the real Covid-19 cases and fatalities to project the image of being an achiever though at a huge cost. As it is, at 12,714 tests per million Delhi’s figures are woefully low and suggest the need for involvement of private labs in the process. Not that India numbers are any better. There is a substantial improvement in the number of tests from 32 per million in March to 3582 per million on June 7 but they are not enough. According to a conservative estimate, India should be carrying out at least 45 lakh tests every day to secure its people from Covid-19 onslaught.

If what Harsh Vardhan says is true then the number of Covid-19 positive cases and consequent deaths in Delhi and elsewhere will have to be accepted with a pinch of salt.

It is a war against the novel coronavirus and casualties cannot be treated as an official secret. That we have a rickety health infrastructure is no secret.

KALAT, BALOCHISTAN AND PAKISTAN DR SANJEEV CHOPRA The author is an IAS & Director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Mussoorie and Honorary Curator, Valley of Words: Literature and Arts Festival, Dehradun

I

Interestingly, in 1946 MA Jinnah as the Legal advisor to the Khan of Kalat had submitted a Memorandum to the Cabinet Mission stating that geographically, Kalat did not fall within the territorial limits of India. In any case, Kalat declared its independence on the 12th August, and the Government of Kalat State Act was passed by both Darul- Awam (House of People) and Dar –ul -Umra (House of Nobility)

n the third and concluding part of the series, we take up the most difficult, and still, contested accession of Kalat, Las Bela, Makran and Kharan( all Baloch states to Pakistan, for together they account nearly half the geographical area of Pakistan.

The process of accession and the continuing quest for an independent Balochistan has, in the words of Tilak Deveshar made it a continuing conundrum for Pakistan!

From the smoothest accession of Hunza and Nagar, we move to the most difficult and still contested accession of Kalat, the largest princely state to become part of Pakistan in 1948, almost a year after the Transfer of Power to the Dominions of India and Pakistan. Having been part of the Mughal Empire for a brief period and situated on the periphery of the British Indian Empire, Kalat had few direct links with the government in Calcutta from a hundred years, and though Delhi was closer, a sense of detachment from Indian affairs had gradually developed in the state.

And vice versa. Ahmed Yar Khan, the Khan of Kalat from September 1933 was concerned, first, to consolidate his existing position… secondly, to convert that position of relative superiority into one of absolute supremacy. These aims, together with the recognition of Kalat as a non-Indian state and the retrocession of the leased areas after the lapse of paramountcy, were the major concerns of his reign.

It may also be noted that in terms of its political structure the Khanate of Kalat was the most peculiar of the Indian princely states. With a 19-gun salute, the Khan of Kalat was in second place in the princely table. However, the applicability of the term ‘prince,’

for the Khan of Kalat was tenuous as the head of a Brahui and Baloch confederacy, he only enjoyed the powers delegated to him by the tribal leaders.

Meanwhile, the first stirrings of Baloch Nationalism were felt from 1929 when the urban bourgeoisie, educated youth, and nationalist-minded members of the clergy and tribal aristocracy got together and brought out the Baloch manifesto under the title Faryad –e- Balochistan, and this was published in the Lahore publication Hamdard. From 1935, it was called the Kalat State National party whose aim was to create a constitutional Khanate of Kalat with independent Treaty relations with London, much like Nepal, Butane and Sikkim. Their leaders were closer to the leadership of the INC, especially Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. It should also be mentioned here that the Khan of Kalat never

IN THE WORDS OF MARTIN AXMANN, ‘THE DEATH OF THE STATE WAS THE BIRTH OF THE NATION. THE BALOCH LOST THEIR NATIONAL HOMELAND AND TURNED INTO A MARGINAL ETHNOLINGUISTIC MINORITY OF PAKISTAN

joined the Chamber of Princes in Delhi. He always maintained that Kalat was not part of British India, as Kalat was clubbed with Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim and dealt with, not by the Political, but the External Affairs Department.

Interestingly, in 1946 M.A. Jinnah as the Legal advisor to the Khan of Kalat had

Explaining the pandemic performance differential

W

hat counts as sustainable economic growth?

Several credible indices are on offer, from those produced by the United Nations and the World Bank to reports from privatesector firms such as KPMG and think tanks like the Legatum Institute. Most of these are similar to the reports that I oversaw during my tenure as head of research and chief economist at Goldman Sachs.

Starting in the 2000s, my department developed a Growth Environment Score for around 180 countries, based on around 15 different variables, from inflation and investment rates to technological adoption, educational attainment, and rule of law. The last GES was compiled in 2014. But looking back now, one finds that the coun

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tries that were higher up the ranking in the past are now reporting the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates.

The top three performers from the 2014 GES report, for example, were Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, followed by Norway, the Netherlands, Qatar, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Australia.

By and large, these countries stand out for having outperformed most others in responding to COVID-19.

If there is one exception, it is the Netherlands, which has not coped as well as one might have expected.

Likewise, among the more populous Western countries that make up the G7, Germany had a notably higher GES than the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, and it has also fared far better than those countries these past few months. And among the

so-called BRIC countries, China, which quickly moved to flatten and bend down its epidemic curve, had a higher GES than Brazil, Russia, and India.

What is striking about these observations is that the GES index didn’t directly consider national health systems. So, while the strong correlation with pandemic-era performance could simply be a coincidence, a more likely con-

clusion is that the sustainable-growth metrics we used have a strong bearing on the quality of a country’s health system.

For example, technological adoption has proven to be a critical determinant in rolling out fast and effective COVID-19 testing, tracking, and contact tracing protocols. During the early years of compiling the GES, I remember initially being surprised at

how high South Korea ranked in the technology component of the index.

But I soon realized that this was a key factor driving the country’s inclusive growth more broadly.

There are important lessons, here, particularly for policymakers who are now devising plans to rebuild their economies. Obviously, many countries need to catch up to the digital revolution and build more resilience into their health systems. My own country, the UK, seems to be learning this lesson the hard way.

One hopes that the Department of Health and Public Health England (or whatever might replace it) recognize the need for more effective and widely available diagnostics and other technologies.

More broadly, when policymakers look to their infrastructure needs, they

should ask themselves which is more important, grandiose projects like rail systems and new buildings, or less “sexy” investments like broadband and education. After all, the COVID-19 lockdowns may already have changed certain features of our work and lifestyles for good.

There will probably be more telecommuting in the post-pandemic economy, less densely populated urban areas, and so forth.

While we will still need fully modernized transportation systems, we will also need more ways to make opportunities available to people wherever they are.

Otherwise, most countries’ economic performance will remain fragmented and cyclically vulnerable, falling far short of what it could otherwise be.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

submitted a Memorandum to the Cabinet Mission stating that geographically, Kalat did not fall within the territorial limits of India.

In any case, Kalat declared its independence on the 12th August, and the Government of Kalat State Act was passed by both Dar-ulAwam (House of People) and Dar –ul -Umra (House of Nobility).

What then explains the volteface on the part of Jinnah? The answer comes from Narendra Singh Sarila’s book ‘The Shadow of the Great Game: the untold story of India’s partition ‘in which he has quoted British documents to show how Britain wanted to bolster Pakistan’s position in this very strategic border with Persia. Thus the UK High Commissioner to the new Dominion was now advising Jinnah against making any agreement with Kalat which would give it international status.

The Khan was however unaware of the change in British thinking and got the shock of this life when he saw the complete transformation in Jinnah’s tone and tenor when he called on him in Karachi in October 1947.

He was no longer a friend, nor Kalat’s lawyer, but a hard-nosed Governor-General who demanded immediate accession. Pakistan first got the feudatories of Kalat: Lasbella, Kharan, and Makran to sign the Instrument of Accession on March 18, 1948, which deprived Kalat of half its territory and access to the sea, and by the end of the month, the troops of Maj. Gen Mohammed Akbar Khan occupied Kalat and escorted the Khan to Karachi, where he signed the Instrument of Accession, without the approval of the Baloch legislature and the Sardars.

The epitaph for Kalat had been written. In the words of Martin Axmann, ‘The death of the state was the birth of the nation. The Baloch lost their national homeland and turned into a marginal ethnolinguistic minority of Pakistan.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp PMUY has made women self-reliant and has contributed in their social and economic upliftment. Clean cooking fuel initiative under the Modi govt. has safeguarded the health of more than 8 crore of our poor mothers and sisters. #SashaktNari Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan Happy to announce that a special #COVID19 collaboration has been put into place, following the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Bilateral Summit held recently between Hon’ble PM Mr Narendra Modi & Hon’ble PM of Australia Mr Scott Morrison.

Spiritual SPEAK

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. —Buddha

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RAHUL TAKES A DIG AT SHAH

‘EVERYONE KNOWS STATUS OF INDIA’S BORDERS’ New Delhi: Seemingly taking a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that after the US and Israel, India is the only other country that could protect its borders, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday used Mirza Ghalib’s verse and said that ‘everyone knows the status of India’s borders but Amit Shah can stay happy in an imaginary world’.

Rahul tweeted in Hindi: “Sabko maaloom hai ‘Seema’ ki haqiqat lekin, Dil ke khush rakhne ko, ‘Shah-Yad’ ye khyaal achha hai.” It roughly translates to ‘everybody knows the border’s reality but to keep oneself happy, Shah’s thought is good’.

Speaking at his first virtual rally, held in view of the Bihar elections scheduled for later this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that India’s defence policy has gained widespread recognition and acceptance.

“India’s defence policy has gained global acceptance. The whole

SANJAY JHA QUESTIONS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP

India’s defence policy has gained global acceptance. The whole world agrees that after USA and Israel if there is any other country that is able to protect its borders, it is India.

—Rahul Gandhi, Cong Leader world agrees that after USA and Israel if there is any other country that is able to protect its borders, it is India,” he said.

“There was a time when anybody used to enter our borders, beheaded our soldiers and Delhi’s darbar remained unaffected. Uri and Pulwama happened during our time,

it was the Modi and BJP govt, we did surgical strikes and airstrike,” he added.

Over the last few days, India & China have been locked in a dispute over heavy military build-up by the PLA,where they have brought in more than 5,000 troops along the Eastern Ladakh sector. —ANI

New Delhi: Even as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is trying to corner Centre on issues related to policies and actions during COVID-19 pandemic, party spokesperson Sanjay Jha has raised questions over internal functioning of the party.

However, other party leaders were quick to contradict his views. The Congress spokesperson said the claim that Congress has an internal robust mechanism was “not correct” and “it doesn’’t listen to its members”.

Contradicting Jha, Senior spokesperson Ajay Maken said, “There is no dearth of internal discussion in the party and I have been able to put forth my view whenever i wanted to.” —ANI

Kejri unwell, may go for covid-19 test New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had developed a fever and has a sore throat since Sunday and may take a test for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Tuesday, a spokesperson of his party said. He has isolated himself, the AAP spokesperson said. “He had consulted a doctor over the phone and plans to get himself tested tomorrow if symptoms don’t subside,” the spokesperson added.

‘Global economy to witness worst recession since WWII’ Washington: The global economy, which has plunged into a severe contraction, will shrink by 5.2% this year due to the massive shock of the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown measures to contain it, the World Bank said on Monday.

The COVID-19 recession is the first since 1870 to be triggered solely by a pandemic, World Bank President David Malpass said in his foreword to the latest edition of the Global Economic Prospect report released on Monday.

“The speed and depth with which it has struck, suggests the

New Delhi: Amid efforts to address the ongoing issues in Eastern Ladakh, the Chinese Army has increased the activities of its helicopters on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Chinese chopper activity has gone up significantly in the last seven to eight days on their side of the LAC. The reason may be to provide assistance to its troops deployed on various locations along the LAC,

New Delhi: The SC sought the Centre and NDMA’s reply on a plea by an NGO alleging sudden rise in children trafficking cases during the COVID-19 lockdown in the country.

A bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and Hrisheksh Roy, in a hearing through video conferencing, sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on the issue and indicated that it may appoint an “experts committee” to look into the child trafficking issue. —PTI

Maulana Saad yet to be probed in Markaz case New Delhi: Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad is the only person yet to be questioned in the Nizamuddin Markaz case, as all other accused named have been questioned and their statements recorded, the Delhi Police said Monday.

The police stated that they have not yet ques-

YES BANK CASE

ED searches five offices of Cox & Kings in Mumbai Mumbai: Five offices of alleged loan defaulter travel firm Cox and Kings in Mumbai were searched by teams of ED in connection with the Yes Bank scam case.

According to sources in the ED, Cox and Kings is one of the defaulters on the radar of the economic offences watchdog in the Yes Bank

‘CHARDHAM YATRA NOT ALLOWED FOR PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE STATE Dehradun: The DGP of Uttarakhand Ashok Kumar said that the Chardham Yatra has not yet been opened for people from outside the state. “The guidelines are awaited from the state government to allow people from outside the state to visit - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri,” Ashok Kumar said. “Peo-

tioned Saad, the organizer of a religious event wherein thousands of people from India and 41 foreign countries gathered amid the COIVD-19 outbreak despite social distancing norms in place.

A case has been regis-

ple from outside the state are requested to wait to visit the aforementioned pilgrimage centres till the state issues guidelines in that respect,” he added.

The DG added that malls, hotels and restaurants will not open in Dehradun’s municipal area. They will be opened in other areas of Uttarakhand except for containment zones.

scam case.

Cox and Kings was one of the biggest borrowers of Yes Bank with an approximate exposure of Rs 2,285cr. ED filed a charge sheet in connection with the Yes Bank scam case against the bank’s ex-COO Rana Kapoor, his wife and daughters before a special PMLA court in Mumbai. —ANI

tered against Saad and five other members of the Tablighi Jamaat for organising the cong re g ation amid the lockdown.

Maulana Saad, Dr Zeeshan, Mufti Shehzad, M Saifi, Younus, Mohammad Salman

and Mohammed Ashraf have been named in the FIR. The case against them has been registered under stringent sections for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They have also been booked for violation of the Epidemic Act and Disaster Management Act on March 31. —Agencies

SUNANDA PUSHKAR MURDER CASE

HC issues notice to Delhi Police on Tharoor’s plea New Delhi: Delhi HC issued notice to Delhi police on Shashi Tharoor’s plea seeking direction to write to Twitter India to preserve the social media account of his deceased wife Sunanda Pushkar during the pendency of the trial into her death.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has moved the court to preserve the Twitter account of Sunanda Pushkar, sub-

DELHI HIT BY ANOTHER LOWINTENSITY EARTHQUAKE New Delhi: The national capital on Monday was jolted by an earthquake with an epicentre at Gurugram, Haryana. This is the ninth time in two months that Delhi has been hit by a quake. “An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 on the Richter Scale hit 13km WNW of Gurugram, Haryana at 1 pm today,” said National Centre for Seismology. Tremors were felt across Delhi and in Noida as well. On June 7, an earthquake measuring 1.3 on the Richter Scale had hit 23 km south of southeast of Rohtak district in Haryana.

possibility of a sluggish recovery that may require policymakers to consider additional interventions,” he said.

World Bank Prospects Group Director Ayhan Kose said that COVID-19 recession is singular in many respects & is likely to be the deepest one in ad-

vanced economies since the World War-II & the first output contraction in developing economies in at least past six decades. The share of economies in recession will be more than 90%, even higher than proportion of about 85 % of countries in recession, it added. —PTI

China chopper activities go up along LAC

sources said here. The Chinese chopper fleet operating there includes both the Mi-17s and their local medium-lift choppers, sources said.

In the last few months, China has been exten-

IN THE COURTYARD

Centre’s reply sought on plea alleging rise in child trafficking

05

mitting that the account details were of utmost importance.

The plea claimed that there were threat of the account and tweets getting deleted.

For a fair trial, police should preserve material, it added. —ANI

SC notice to J&K govt over detention of Saifuddin Soz New Delhi: The SC issued a notice to J&K government on a plea filed by the wife of former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz seeking the release of her husband who has been under house arrest since August 2019.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra sought response from Jammu and Kashmir government and posted the matter for hearing in the second week of July. Challenging detention order passed by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Mumtazunnisa Soz had filed habeas corpus petition in the apex court for the production of her husband before the court. The petition, was filed through advocate Sunil Fernandes. —ANI

GAIRSAIN DECLARED SUMMER CAPITAL OF UTTARAKHAND Dehradun: Gairsain in Chamoli district was declared as the summer capital of Uttarakhand on Monday. A notification in this regard was issued

by CS Utpal Kumar Singh after Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent to the move. Expressing happiness on Gairsain being formally declared the summer capital of

U’khand, Pradesh BJP V-P Devendra Bhasin said by doing so the party has fulfilled a major promise made in its poll manifesto. “Governor has granted her assent to declaring Gairsain the summer capital of Uttarakhand.

It fulfills CM Trivendra Singh Rawat’s announcement about Gairsain in Vidhan Sabha.”

sively using choppers to fly around Indian locations in the Eastern Ladakh sector including the Galwan area.

In the Galwan area, their choppers had even come above our locations

and hovered over a road construction site there on one occasion recently, the sources said.

Sources said Chinese have been frequently doing air space violations using their choppers and have been carrying out patrols near the Indian locations on the LAC. Last month, IAF was forced to rush its fighter jet patrols in Ladakh after Chinese military choppers were found to be flying close to the LAC. —ANI

Cong’s Kharge files nomination for RS polls from K’taka

Sr Cong leader M Mallikarjuna Kharge with KPCC President DK Shivakumar, LoP Siddaramaiah at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru: Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge filed his nomination as the party’’s candidate for the June 19 Rajya Sabha polls from Karnataka.

The former union minister filed his nomination in the presence of KPCC president D K Shivakumar, the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah and other senior party leaders at the office of Legislative Assembly Secretary M K Vishalakshi, who is the returning officer for the polls. —PTI

HD DEVE GOWDA

J-K: CONGRESS SARPANCH SHOT DEAD BY TERRORISTS Anantnag: Unidentified terrorists fired upon Congress Sarpanch at Lokbawan, Anantnag who later on succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Congress Sarpanch, Ajay Pandit was shot at by terrorists at main road Lokbhawan in Anantnag district, as per information provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. “Today at about 6 pm, some unknown terrorists fired upon one Congress Sarpanch identified as Ajay Pandit at Lokbawan, Anantnag who later on succumbed to his injuries at a hospital,” said J&K Police.

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‘BJP fed over 11cr people in pandemic’

Home Minister Amit Shah addresses an ‘Odisha Jan-Samvad Rally’ through vc, at BJP HQs in New Delhi.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Monika K Mohta is new Ambassador to Switzerland

Monika Kapil Mohta

New Delhi: Diplomat Monika Kapil Mohta has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Switzerland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday.

Presently, Mohta, an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1985 batch, is India’s Ambassador to Sweden.

“She is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” said the MEA. Mohta has served as the Ambassador of India to Poland and Lithuania

from July 2011 to January 2015. Prior to that, she served as the Director of The Nehru Centre and Minister (Culture) at the High Commission of India to the United Kingdom from 2006 to 2011. In the MEA, she has served in many different positions including Addl Secretary/Joint Secretary (Southern Division), Director (Pakistan), Director (Gulf), Director (External Publicity) and Deputy Spokesperson, Director (UN). —ANI

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that BJP workers have provided one time meal to more than 11 crore people during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Minister attended the virtual Odisha Jan Samvad Rally at the BJP headquarters here. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present. Shah said, “Crore of BJP workers provided one-time meal to more than 11 crore people. I want to thank BJP president JP Naddaji and all party workers.

Seeing a party worker

J&K: 4 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces Srinagar: Four terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in Pinjora area of Shopian district of J&K on Monday morning, police said.

Security forces had launched a cordon-andsearch operation after receiving specific information about presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon a search party of the forces, who retaliated.

After the operation ended, the bodies of the terrorists were later recovered and arms and ammunition were also recovered. Pinjora is around 12kms from Reban village.

A joint operation of army, CRPF and police was launched early in the morning after a tip off about the presence of terrorists at Reban village. The militants were killed after a 12 hour encounter. —PTI

“We do Jan Samvad to understand people’s problem. We give our account of work to the people. Coronavirus is a challege for humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also advised for social distancing but it can never become a distance between the people and BJP.” —Amit Shah, Home Minister

helping migrants in this crisis makes me proud. I wholeheartedly congratulate the party president, his team and all the party workers for this.”

He said that BJP is not in politics just to get power. “We do Jan Samvad to understand

L-G overrules AAP govt’s order to reserve hospitals for Delhiites New Delhi: Lt Governor Anil Baijal has overruled the AAP government’s order to reserve Delhi government-run and private hospitals in the national capital for Delhiites.

The lieutenant governor is also the Chairman of Delhi Disaster Management Authority.

The move may trigger a confrontation between the AAP dispensation and the LG office.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Ram temple work to begin from Wednesday Ayodhya: The work on the much-awaited Ram temple in Ayodhya will begin from Wednesday after an elaborate ‘Rudra Abhishek’ ceremony. The ceremony will be attended by a limited number of persons and will be held at the Kuber Tila temple. In view of corona crisis, a grand ‘bhumi pujan’ has been put off for now. —PTI

CDS briefs Singh on Ladakh situation New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs on Monday to review stand-off situation at LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Singh was also briefed about deliberations that took place during the meet of military commanders of both the countries on June 6.

people’s problem. We give our account of work to the people. Coronavirus is a challege for humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also advised for social distancing but it can never become a distance between the people and BJP.”

“Led by National President JP Nadda, we are now getting in touch with people via virtual rallies. I feel that this tradition started by Naddaji is going to show to the world that even in pandemic a party can establish Jan Samvaad through virtual rally with people,” Shah said.

He also said that when pandemic happened, many migrants wanted to meet their relatives. Camps were set up by governments and arrangements were made for people to stay there. All the governments did good work, he further said. —ANI

“The meeting with Defence Minister was called for an assessment on the talks & future strategy as the army

prepares for a long haul,” a source said.

During the meeting, a plan is being drawn out to deal with issues that

continue to be a cause of concern for India. General Bipin Rawat briefed Singh about the further course of action.

India’s External Affairs Ministry stated that India and China have agreed to “peacefully resolve” the standoff situation in Ladakh in accordance with various bilateral agreements. —PTI

Surat Civil Hospital.

One of three liquor smugglers arrested

by Bhavnagar police has tested positive.

He had travelled from Delhi to Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar.

stant attention included active house-to-house survey for timely detection; augmentation of the survey teams; efficient ambulance management; efficient triaging of patients at the hospitals and bed management; clinical management of the hospitalised cases through rotational 24x7 teams to ensure reduction in the fatality rates they were also advised to ensure that the testing results were returned by the labs in time for ensuring early identification and timely treatment,” Sudan said.

She directed the

states to take in the containment zones for case management and buffer zones surveillance activities and promotion of COVID appropriate behaviour and reminded to activate the fever clinics for detection of SARI/ILI cases in the buffer zones.

In terms of infrastructure and human resource management for containment of COVID-19, the Health Ministry said proper planning for health infrastructure should be taken up, adequate number of surveillance teams should be provided and a system should

Anil Baijal

had announced that the hospitals run by the Delhi government and private entities will

only treat Delhi residents during the coronavirus crisis.

He had cited the report of a panel which stated that Delhi will need 15,000 beds by the end of June and if people of other states are allowed to get treatment, all beds here will be occupied within just three days. The panel had been appointed by government to guide it on healthcare infrastructure augmentation in Delhi. —PTI

‘Elephant may have accidentally consumed cracker-filled fruit’ New Delhi: The pregnant elephant, who died in Kerala’s Palakkad last month triggering widespread outrage, may have accidentally eaten a cracker-stuffed fruit, the Union ministry of environment has said.

The 15-year-old elephant died after chewing on a pineapple stuffed with crackers, according to initial reports, but later an autopsy conducted on her found it was a coconut, and the injuries she suffered were at least two weeks old.

“Primary investigations revealed, the elephant may have accidentally consumed in such fruit. Ministry is in constant touch with Kerala Govt & has sent them detailed advisory for immediate arrest of culprits & stringent action against any erring official that led to ele-

06

POWER Gallery WHO WILL BE NEXT TAMIL NADU CHIEF SECRETARY?

Since Chief Secretary of TamilNadu, K Shanmugam has been given three months’ extension in service w.e.f. Aug 1, talks have already started about his successor. Now tie is said to be between 1985 batch IAS officer, Dr Rajeev Ranjan and 1986 batch IAS officer, Hans Raj Verma. The first choice of the Government - 1987 batch IAS officer Dr TV Somanathan, is unlikely to return from the central government.

KHANNA TO BE CHIEF SECRETARY OF PUNJAB?

Viswajeet Khanna is likely to succeed Karan Avtar Singh in August as Chief Secretary of Punjab. He is a 1987 batch IAS officer. Name of KBS Sidhu is also doing the rounds.

NOW ANOTHER GOPALAKRISHNAN IN PMO

There was one 1979 batch IAS officer of MP Cadre R Gopalakrishnan in the PMO of Manmohan Singh. He was the branchild of number of flagship initiatives of the UPA Government. And now one 1991 batch IAS officer of TamilNadu cadre, S Gopalakrishnan has been posted in the PMO of Narendra Modi.

RISHI KUMAR SHUKLA IS SENIORMOST SERVING IPS OFFICER

It is said that CBI Chief Rishi Kumar Shukla is the senior-most serving IPS officer in the country. He is a 1983 batch IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.

LOYALTY AND HARD WORK PAYS IN MODI GOVERNMENT

Plum Foreign postings of two PMO officials, Rajeev Topno and Brajendra Navnit, is an indication that loyal, efficient and hard working officials are rewarded in Modi government.

TENURE OF TRAI CHAIRMAN ENDS IN OCTOBER

Tenure of TRAI Chairman, RS Sharma is coming to an end on October 1. Advertisement has already been issued.

WILL NAGESHWAR RAO RETIRE?

Former acting Chief of the CBI, M Nageshwar Rao is scheduled to superannuate on July 31.Will the 1986 batch IPS officer of Odisha cadre retire?

SPECIAL DIRECTOR IB VERMA TO RETIRE THIS MONTH END

Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, Ashok Kumar Verma is superannuating on June 30. He is 1986 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

NIKUNJ SRIVASTAVA TO RETURN TO MADHYA PRADESH

Nikunj Srivastava is returning to the parent Madhya Pradesh cadre in first week of July after completion of central deputation tenure. He is a 1998 batch IAS officer.

SHRIKANT MADHAV TO SUCCEED SANJIV SINGH AS CHAIRMAN, IOCL ON JULY 1 phant’s death,” the ministry has said.

It also noted locals illegally plant explosivefilled fruits to repel wild boars from entering plantation farms.

“As of now, one person has been arrested & efforts are on to nab more individuals who may have participated in this illegal & utterly inhuman act. The @WCCBHQ has also been directed to act on this matter with utmost sense of urgency,” the ministry posted. —PTI

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Director (Refineries), IOCL, will be taking over the charge as Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on July 1, 2020. He will succeed incumbent Sanjiv Singh retiring this month.

SUNIL BHAGWAT CHAUDHARI RELIEVED TO JOIN AS DY SECY, ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

Sunil Bhagwat Chaudhari has been relieved to join as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs. He is a 2008 batch ICAS officer.

MADHYA PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION GETS TWO NEW MEMBERS

Dr Raman Singh Sikarwar, retired IPS officer& Dr Devendra Singh Markam, Medical officer have been appointed as Members of Madhya PradeshPublic Service Commission (MP PSC).

FROM PG 1 With 998...

A deputy engineer with the Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company in Bharuch has also been infected.

He has a travel history of Ahmedabad.

On Monday, the Vadodara Health team tested 171 samples, of which 35 were positive.

Surat has reported 47 cases: 42 from the city and five from rural areas. On Monday, 16 cases were reported from Katargam, which is turning out to be a hotspot. The other cases came from six zones.

In the past week, five doctors have tested positive for COVID-19 at the

Door-to-door...

She further discussed main issues such as widespread coronavirus infection in densely populated urban areas; the importance of house-to-house surveys; prompt testing followed by isolation and clinical management of cases and containment strategies.

“Areas that need con-

be put in place for bed availability management.

It added that Centres of Excellence can provide hand-holding for medical professionals and senior officers should be deployed for hospitals to offer help to citizens to find health services as per their need. —ANI

Don’t make...

The MGNREGA, 2005, is a shining example of a radical and rational systemic change. It is radical because it transferred power to the poorest of the poor and enabled them to escape

hunger and deprivation, the article read.

It is rational because it puts money directly in the hands of those who need it most. It has proved its worth in the years it has been in existence, even enduring six years of a hostile government.

A government that sought to denigrate it, undermine it, has come to reluctantly rely on it.

Along with the Public Distribution System put in place by an earlier Congress government, it is the mainstay for our poorest and most vulnerable citizens in preventing star-

vation and destitution wherever implemented in letter and spirit, especially in today’s COVID-19 crisis, it added. Let us not forget that the notification of the MGNREGA in September 2005 as an Act of Parliament came about because of a people’s movement after years of struggle by civil society, Sonia Gandhi stated in the article.

The Congress party listened to their voices and to those of the people. It became a commitment in our 2004 manifesto and those of us who pressed hardest for it are proud that the

UPA government implemented it as soon as feasible, she added.

The idea was simple: Any citizen in rural India now had the legal right to demand work and was guaranteed 100 days of work with minimum wages provided by the government.

And it proved its worth very quickly -- a grassroots, demanddriven, Right to Work programme, unprecedented in its scale and architecture, focused on poverty alleviation. Millions have been saved from hunger and worse in the 15 years since its inception. —ANI

To make dreams into reality one needs consistency and hard work.

Keep on working hard consistently and all your dreams will come true.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

RAJYA-RAJNEETI: NCP in Guj has no choice but Congress

Maha alliance and whip by Sharad Pawar only reason to support Cong in RS elections says Jayant Patel First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections have really heated up the political scene across India, especially in Gujarat. The latest salvo by Jayant Patel against Congress that the only reason NCP will vote for Congress is that they have an alliance with them in Maharashtra.

In a recent interview to a TV channel, Patel, who until recently been an MLA for NCP in Gujarat is now also the NCP state president as on June 3, lashed out Gujarat Congress leadership and said, “These MLAs have no loyalty, they will sell themselves for a few crore rupees. This is what they have done this time too. They have not been able to keep their MLAs to-

These MLAs have no loyalty, they will sell themselves for a few crore rupees.

This is what they have done this time too. They have not been able to keep their MLAs together and that is why they are doing resort politics again.

—Jayant Patel Paresh Dhanani, Shaktisinh Gohil and Amit Chavda.

gether and that is why they are doing resort politics again.”

The fate of the three seats for Rajya Sabha for BJP is the hot topic of discussion in the power corridors of Gujarat. With eight Congress MLA’s resigning, the BJP leaders feel that they have enough

numbers to win the three seats but four more sure votes are needed to be comfortable secure, hence the reason that both BJP and Congress are courting NCP and BTP votes.

The story is not over as according to Jayant Patel, there

08

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—FILE PHOTO

may be more resignations and also crossvoting. The voting is to be held on 19 June and Patel fears that as many MLA’s are not in the control of their party, Congress might just see some more resignations. It is to be noted that though Patel did say

NCP State Prez

he knows a few Congress MLA’s who will definitely cross vote, he did disclose any name and he clarified at the same that all his MLA’s will vote, under duress, for Congress as they have been issued a whip by Sharad Pawar himself.

Estimation exercise of lions held in Gir Forest First India Bureau Ahmedabad: An estimation of the number of lions in Gujarat’s Gir Wildlife Sanctuary has been done for internal use of data by the forest department as the fiveyear census scheduled in May was postponed due to the coronavirusenforced lockdown, an official said.

The data is unlikely to be shared in public domain. The estimation exercise was held on the full moon intervening night of June 5-6, a forest official said.

The last census held in 2015 reported 523 lions in the Gir sanctuary area, which is the only abode of Asiatic lions.

“This estimation is neither a formal nor informal count of lions.

We ask our staff to keep a watch and note down the number of lions in their beat. This is routine work. This is like a standard operating procedure which we follow every full moon night,” Principal Chief Conser-

—FILE PHOTO

vator of Forests Shyamal Tikadar told PTI. He refused to share findings of the exercise, which sources said involved 300-odd beat guards as well as sarpanchs of villages surrounding the Gir sanctuary.

D T Vasavada, chief conservator of forest, Junagadh Range, of which Gir forest is a part, said the estimation exercise was completed by Saturday.

He, however, said the release of its findings was a policy decision to be taken by the state government.

Vasavada also said that a full-fledged lion census could not be done this year due to the lockdown.

“The lion census,

done once every five years, is carried out in an extensive manner, with the participation of members of the National Board of Wildlife, large number of central and state government employees, wildlife lovers and NGOs. But, due to the lockdown we cannot call them and a fullfledged census cannot be carried out now,” he said.

Summer is the ideal time for lion census, another official said.

Asked when the census will be conducted, Vasavada said it cannot be held this year and has been postponed.

“Now, it is up to the government to fix the next date for census, he said.

Guj researcher gets `23.8L 6 suffer burn injuries as boiler pipe bursts in Surat from Facebook for bug alert —FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

Surat: Boiler pipe bursts in Surat firm, 6 suffer burn injuries, three of them are serious in ICU. Six workers suffered burn injuries on Monday after a pipe from the boiler burst open and released hot water at a fabric dyeing

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: “Indian ethical hackers and security researchers are now creating headlines in the world over with their unmatched skills,” says Bipin Jitiya, an Ahmedabad based cyber security researcher who won Rs 23.8 lakh (31500 USD) from Facebook for identifying a bug in its social networking platform and a thirdparty business intelligence portal. He identified the web security in the internal blind Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), which built tools from Micro Strategy, that performed custom data collection ,he reported the bug to the Micro Strategy’s security team, who acknowledged it.

Jitiya works on Facebook because of its reputation with best security features in place,

Chemical Factory Yashashvi Rasayan Pvt Ltd in Dahej.

factory in Palsana in Gujarat’s Surat, officials said.

“Early Monday morning, we admitted six workers who suffered burn injuries due to a blast in a pipe attached to a boiler”, Mukesh Rana, medical officer of Sanjeevani Hospital said.

Viveklene Industries

Manager, said the workers were sleeping near the pipe and got scalded by hot water when it burst.

NGT slaps a fine of Rs25 crore for blast at chemical Factory Yashashvi Rasayan Pvt Ltd in Dahej, Bharuch District Gujarat. This is the second incident in June.

—FILE PHOTO

TECH SAVVY CREATES HEADLINES

and has identified bugs in their systems in the past too, If an attacker gets the internal IP addresses of the network, it is much easier for him/her to target systems in the internal network,” explained Jitiya.

Jitiya plans to stay in India and work as a security researcher for Indian firms.

Last month, a 27-year-old Indian security researcher Bhavuk Jain earned Rs 75.5 lakh from Apple for discovering a now patched Zero Day vulnerability. ‘‘Ethical Hacking” as a profession for tech- savvies, is a great help for reputed sites to identify security glitch.

HOMEWARD BOUND

@ahmedpatel

INS Shardul is ray of hope to the fishermen stuck due to COVID 19 and wanting to return home to India. Under the third phase of the Vande Bharat Mission launched by Govt. Of India as part of Operation Samudra Setu, 200 fishermen from Gujarat boarded at Shahid Bahonar port in Bandar Abbas, to return to Porbandar.

Wishing @ArvindKejriwal a very speedy recovery

WATER WHEEL TO THE RESCUE!

WHEEL POWER: NGO MOVE ‘HYDRATES’ BANASKANTHA First India Bureau Banaskantha: Gujarat based non-profit organization Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch has introduced ‘water wheels’ in a village of Banaskantha district as part of water management and easing the burden of rural women who have to walk with ‘pots’ (bedu) of water on their head to fulfil the daily needs of their

family.

Mittal Patel, member of Development and Welfare Board for Denotified Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities of Govt. of India and Founder - Trustee of VSSM said, such water wheels are used widely in African countries and they are very popular there.

Water wheels have been in use in Madhya Pradesh and now Rajasthan has also started this project in

Women with the Water Wheels.

—FILE PHOTO

some villages. 25 such water wheels have been now introduced in Gujarat and distributed among nomadic Bharthari tribe women in village Dhana of Banaskantha district.

Each water wheel costs around Rs. 2500 with top grade plastic to weather the rugged village roads as it is rolled to the destination.

Gujarat is facing a massive water crisis and the scarcity is par-

ticularly acute in the Saurashtra region, Kutch, North Gujarat and parts of tribal pockets in central and South Gujarat.

More than 20 districts are severely affected as towns and villages hardly get water twice a week.

In more than 500 villages in 14 districts, drinking water is being supplied through tankers; the number will only rise in days to come.

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09

AHMEDABAD, TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2020

TWO OF A KIND

EARRINGS ARE A UNISEXUAL PIECE OF JEWELLERY AND ARE WORN ACROSS DIFFERENT CULTURES AND IN A HUGE VARIETY OF STYLES. TAKE A LOOK HERE!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

E

arrings are one of the most common jewellery accessory worn by almost all age groups, class and community.

Ear piercing is a definite ritual in the East and most of us have worn the ‘neem ka tinka’ followed by the small gold ‘baali’ which remained till one started secondary classes. All of us like to experiment with our look by changing various earrings, and catching up with the trends. A small change from ‘jhumkas’ to ‘bold contemporary jewellery’ can make one look modern rather than traditional, in a jiffy.

There are so many types of earrings that one can choose from, like the studs, hoops, danglers, statement earrings, clip-on / non-pierced earrings, and so much more- the list could just go on and on. City First talks to a few of its

readers on the ‘swinging world of earrings and their preferences’. Kritika Arora from Jaipur said, “Accessories add an exclamation mark to the outfit. I’m more inclined towards Indian wear, but western earrings are so versatile, that they go extremely well with Indian wear as well. So, try and give a modern Indian outfit a western touch, with fancy earrings and fall in love with your look.”

“Western earrings match with all kinds of outfits and one is spoiled for choice when it comes to them. For instance, diamond studs are very popular. Also, hoop earrings go really well with kurtis and formals too. I love them because they look classic yet not too jazzy,” mentioned Shadab Nasir from Ahmedabad.

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

10

TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T COOK DURING THE LOCKDOWN

self in a lockdown took me almost a day and the time invested to prepare was of two regular lunches. Unfortunately, the pooris were a flop, and the rest of the things that were prepared alongside were recycled and fed to him with different names like aloo ki sabzi, Kairi ka Panna, and mini kachori. It was as unjoyfully consumed as prepared. For me, it was a lot of effort gone in vain to prepare something available in abundance otherwise in every corner of Indian streets. Meanwhile, my husband announced three more feeds from people who had accomplished the task.

Being unable to do a task that the whole world could so effortlessly start to make me feel both insecure and ashamed.

After this incident I found myself engaging in painful comparisons with other women who seem to be cooking better than me. I got sucked in the loop of “scroll and compare” for no reason and I felt deeply irritated about this idiosyncrasy. I wanted to shout out loud “Yes, I see you, my social culinary friends, I am jealous of you and perceive you as a threat! The crux of the matter here was my ego. It was not being not able to prove myself at a place where everybody else can.

The whole incident gave me a thought to ponder about my own social media postings that were mostly about my travel, writing, parenting and reading. Perhaps it can be horrifically irritating to many of my friends who were able to barely get through the

SHALBHA SARDA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

T

on social media. Besides the corona statistics posting a picture of food became everyone’s new thing, they chose to focus on, obsess over, and spiral about!

I am mostly immune to food jealousy on social media until people started to make paani puris from scratch. The paani poori virus seemed to be much stronger than the Dalagona coffee virus and its picture flooded the statuses and stories in no time. Now my significant other who rarely asked me to delve into cooking adventure couldn’t resist and dragged me into the competition.

Collecting the ingredient it-

FA CE OF TH ED AY

he lockdown is easing off and many women including myself have started to worry. Before the world changed we were the queens of Zomato and Swiggy. Cooking wasn’t something that had ever excited us and even when the entire world was posting pictures of Michelin 3 star meals prepared at home our statuses remained quo. Needless to say, we will have to face the world without a single post of food on social media.

This particular pandemic was unique in its way. Staying indoors and looking inwards was a hugely speculated propaganda.

And when people looked inwards some found painters, yogis, writers but a majority found a chef within. Not only way more people were capable of cooking fancy meals for themselves but a significant number who barely managed daal roti otherwise started to get influenced by their culinary friends. Soon my secret-chef friends that were lurking sleepily in the shadows came out of the woodwork. They cooked Thai, Lebanese, Mexican, and even bread from scratch.

Before the food was being fed there was often an elaborate and perfect plate display of the meal

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Some of you can expect the promotion at work and for the others work security is guaranteed.

You have started following a discipline routine and this will keep you healthy. Office related tensions will ease down and thing will go in your favour.

You need a change in your diet to make you feel more energetic and healthy. You are in search of financial security and you will get it no matter what the current situations are.

People at work idiocies you for your hard work and professionalism, keep motivating others.

A good day for business and liaison work. You must do all you can to conserve money for the future. You will overcome any discomfort in health and personal issues. You must start trusting others and help them In growing by giving them responsibilities on work front.

You have lot of money in your account to keep you going in future. On professional front this is the time when you need someone’s support for sustainability therefore don’t let go of any help that you can get. Do not take your health for granted specially during these times.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You have a good money in account to start something new so without wasting anytime just keep forging ahead. You must work out everyday for a fit body and mind. Your strategies on business front will bring good profits and no matter how tough the time is, you will only grow.

You have a great health and this is not gifted rather you have worked very hard to get here. Today you can expect an excellent news related to your finances. People appreciate your sincerity and talks good about you even behind your back. You will get close to a friend.

You must not refrain from bargaining as doing so can help you to save a lot.

Efforts never go in waste therefore keep improving and challenging yourself on your fitness regime. Your seniors consider to you to be very important for the company therefore live up to the image.

You may have to showcase your skills in front of many people ( even if digitally ) to succeed in Your endeavours. You have a high level of physical fitness and your challenge yourself everyday to become the best version of yourself. A younger child in family will make you proud.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You are a free bird and you do as you please. You can expect a raise in salary but having a job at these times is also something you must be grateful for. On professional front, you have a promising career ahead of you. And elder in family may come to your rescue, at the time of need.

Money is flowing into your life right now to boost your financial stability, all you need to do is it to invest and save it in the beat way for future benefits. You kids obey you and they value your opinions and suggestions.

A new diet regime can prove to be extremely helpful.

You are famous in your social circle and it is because of the nature of reaching out people. You are someone who hold the hands for both the good and the bad time. On professional work, you may find yourself under burden of work. You love self-improvements.

You are going to make profits in everything today.

You have a budget and you never mess with it and this quality is what made you rich. Health is wealth therefore eat good and keep focusing on getting good results as far as health of concerned.

You will acquire the impossible.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KRITIKA KHURANA, Blogger

day with other things going on in their life.

Deep down I think we’re all a little insecure. And with talks of enlightenment and reinventing during this lockdown we became desperate to prove it to the world that we are very much on our way. Consequently, we started posting pictures of reading, painting, singing, meditating, and exercising. We had to introduce our newly invented self to the world! But cooking here was a clear winner because it wasn’t an optional activity, to begin with. Moreover, with restaurants and delivery options closed, we had to tweak the meals. And while we are at it some work on the presentation and we are all Insta- set!

Instagram doesn’t let us question the details nor does it show the non-glamorous side of the story. All appears to be all fair and square within that frame.

We all might have different priorities and we chose different ways of showing our self-improved version. As much as I support all my friends on their journey of becoming both influencers on social media and aatmanirbhar in daily life, the ones who are not doing the particular trending activity should not take it too personally. More likely than not you must have found your social passion elsewhere.

There must be numerous posts from your account already to testify it and there are billions of not cooking people you have the viewership of. The world is large enough for everyone after all!

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

11

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY O

... her post

n ‘National Cancer Survivor Day’, writer-director and cancer survivor, Tahira Kashyap has penned a powerful poem titled ‘Scars’ to encourage cancer survivors to proudly show off their scars, which represent ‘indomitable spirit that can’t be crushed by any fright’.

Kashyap has always been vocal about her fight against cancer and has stood as a strong personality inspiring all the brave souls fighting a battle with cancer. On Sunday, the diva shared her poem on Instagram that sends out the message of

never to hide one’s scars, for it shows the strength, the fight, the power one hold during the battle.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife shared a video with the backdrop of her one widely lauded picture, flaunting her scars and read out her poem as the voiceover.

“Some scars are deep, some within, some are seen while some are hidden. The thing about scars is, it reminds you of the past, the moments of suffering that you thought would forever last,” she read out the poem.

She noted that there are more to these scars, for it talks about the

“fight, resilience, and your invincible power.”

Through her poem, Kashyap, motivated people to show and flaunt their scars, which she dubbed as the “badge of honour...your prize.”

“So hear me one last time, fall in love with your self, all with dust, scar, and grime. For that’s what makes you, You, faulty, imperfect, blemished but all true!” the writer concluded.

Many of her fans and actors including Dia Mirza, Yami Gautam, and others showered love and appreciation for her poetry.

Tahira was diagnosed with early signs of breast

cancer in September, 2018 and since then has been significantly putting all her efforts to spread awareness and laud those who have been bravely battling the disease.

—ANI

Tahira Kashyap

‘THALAIVI’ TO RELEASE FIRST

Battle against

SYSTEM

L

ike many other celebrities, Jennifer Aniston has also come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and has donated USD 1 million to several Racial Justice Charities after George Floyd’s death. The ‘Murder Mystery’ actress has stood against police brutality and racial injustice ever since the protests started raging across US after George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis.

As per reports, Jennifer Aniston has quietly donated to several charity organisations including Colors Of Change. A source told the portal that the actress has spread out her charitable donations to several “worthy organizations” dedicated to the battle against systemic racism and discrimination. She has advanced almost USD 1 Million to different charities for the same purpose.

Time and again, Jennifer Aniston has also expressed her disappointment over racial injustice on social media as well.

—Agency

Javed Akhtar

PROUD SON

A

Poster of the film

T

Kangana Ranaut

erming all news reports claiming Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Thalaivi’ to premiere on OTT platforms as “false,” film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Monday said that the film will get a theatrical release first.

The film critic took to social media to put an end to speculations of the online release of the film which is the biopic of the political stalwart J Jayalalithaa. “IMPORTANT...

News that #Thalaivi - #Jayalalithaa biopic - will premiere on #OTT is FALSE...

Will release in theatres first...

Digital release to follow *after* theatrical release... #Thalaivi

stars #KanganaRanaut,” tweeted Adarsh.

News articles stating the film being sold to online video streaming platforms Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have been doing rounds for a couple of days.

‘Thalaivi’ is being helmed by AL Vijay and has been written by ‘Baahubali’ and ‘Manikarnika’ writer KV Vijayendra Prasad and ‘The Dirty Picture’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbai’ writer Rajat Arora.

The movie was scheduled to hit theatres on June 26, 2020, but would not be able to see the light of the day owing to the shuttering of movie halls due to coronavirus outbreak in the country.

—ANI

ctor-director Farhan Akhtar is proud of his poet father Javed Akhtar becoming the first Indian to bag the Richard Dawkins Award.

The ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ actor took to Instagram to post his father’s picture and penned a note in the caption. “Congratulations pa.. for being the first Indian to receive the Richard Dawkins Award for critical thinking and advancing humanist values,” Farhan wrote in the caption.

“You absolutely and unequivocally deserve it. So so proud,” his caption further read. Bollywood writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has become the first Indian to win the award, which is named after English evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. It has been presented since 2003. The veteran lyricist and screenwriter also has five National Awards for Best Lyricist to his name as well as the Sahitya Akademi Award.

—ANI

Farhan Akhtar

DISCUSSING SOCIAL THEME

K

Jennifer Aniston

... her post

ourtney Kardashian said she wanted to be a better mother and teach her kids about racism, white privilege and black history. Amid civil unrest that has flared in the US cities after the death of George Floyd, the Keeping up With The Kardashian star shared a lengthy Instagram post discussing her responsibility as a mother and educate her children about racial issues. The mother of three -Mason (10), Penelope (7) and Reign (5) – said she wants to learn more and openly discuss the social theme with her kids.

In the post, the 41-year-old shared a picture with her eldest son Mason and wrote, “As a mother, there is a natural instinct to protect my children from anything that might make them feel sad or unsafe. The pain and suffering inflicted by racism is not a thing of the past and I bare the responsibility to speak with my kids honestly and often about it, even when the truth is uncomfortable.” She also stated she wants her kids to comfortably address this issue with her.

—Agency

Kourtney Kardashian

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 | TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

12

CORONA KE SAATH HI HAI JEENA: A FEW PICTURES OF MALLS IN THE CITY TODAY! —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

SAFETY FIRST!

FACEBOOK POST!

HAPPY B’DAY!

The Fashion Connect Season 7 by First India will take place once everything is normal, and City First brings to you what a few members of the team have to say about it!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

O

nce the global pandemic starts to settle down and there is a green signal from the government, The Fashion Connect Season 7 by First India will take place with all the necessary precautions. The set-up will be done keeping social distancing in mind, and designer masks will be provided to everyone who would be a part of the event. Since the show was cancelled about just a week before the national lockdown, everything has been kept prepared, and there’s just that one signal that awaits the most happening fashion show in Rajasthan.

City First got in touch with a few of them from the team of The Fashion Connect Season 7’, and this is what they have to say:

I still feel I am dreaming. Never knew something like this would happen to all of us. We postponed the show only a week before its date, and I think it was a very wise step to take. I’m lucky, I have a great team. We are one family, one big team, and the kind of trust and faith people have in us is overwhelming. We will take a call at the end of June, as to when we are planning the Season 7.

—RISHI MIGLANI, Brand Ambassador

Fashion Connect is really close to my heart, and I don’t consider it like just another show I would do on a regular basis. I really hope everything comes back to normal, and I’ve just been planning during this duration on what new and amazing things could be introduced in the coming season of Fashion Connect!

—LOKESH SHARMA, Show Director

We have always been guided by the idea of making every moment precious. On the business front, we had been doing a lot of R&D work, developing new jewellery designs and preparing ourselves for the changing market scenario that would follow post this lockdown. We are focusing on ‘online retail’ as of now, as we think this is the way forward.

—NEERU, LALIT AND SUMAN, House of 64 Facets I believe this pandemic has been a major set back for the designers.

Honestly, it has taught us a lot. I have never been so relaxed and stress-free with no pressure on my mind whatsoever. I have spent some amazing time with the family, but further, the work issues have to be dealt with a lot of commitment and dedication.

—HANEET SINGH, Fashion Designer

IAS Dr Saumya Jha celebrated her birthday on 8 June, Monday. We wish her all the best!

Vaibhav Gehlot

For Better Future!

CITY FIRST

I

t is said that the strong foundation of the country is formed by education. To illustrate this saying, Pankaj Mishra, a lecturer in physics at Jaipur’s government school Manak Chowk, is teaching the government school students

with passion and diligence. He has actively motivated his students for their betterment.

As a result of Mishra’s efforts, 3 students got full marks (100%) in the board examination in physics last year, while 45 students scored more than 75%, 12 students got more than 90%,

and 5 students got 95% marks. Furthering his initiative, Mishra started a YouTube channel with over 3,400 subscribers during the lockdown to teach the students free of cost.

The students are also showing interest and actively participating in online classes. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AHM! This is the hazardous time that we all go through it. In this scenario, we are supporting needy people with money, food, etc. And we are in contact regularly with our employees and workers for asking them their problems. We are also planning on how to overcome the problems of our workers in the future.

—AYUSH & SHIVANI SONI, Fashion Designers

GUJARAT: A new experiment has recently been launched by doctors at Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, to help people stay mentally healthy.

Patients are being encouraged to try their hands at doing the Garba, a traditional dance, in order to heal better.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

UTTAR PRADESH: On the instructions of Priyanka Gandhi, National General Secretary, AICC, a ‘Seva Satyagraha’ program is being conducted all over Uttar Pradesh, for the release of President of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Ajay Kumar Lallu. During this campaign, National Secretary, AICC, Vivek Bansal, along with party workers organised a mass signature campaign at Dharampur Courtyard on Maris Road, Aligarh, where they addressed the people present on the occasion and encouraged them to sign.

RAJASTHAN: As a part of Jawahar Kala Kendra’s (JKK) ongoing ‘Online Learning – Children’s Summer Festival, art enthusiasts enjoyed a visual arts session on ‘Watercolour Painting’ by artist, Ram Jaiswal.

The session was aimed at artists of all skill levels who wished to explore and learn the various techniques of water colouring. Following this, a visual art online learning session was held on ‘Pichhwai’ by artist, Dinesh Soni.

RAJASTHAN: Amidst the lockdown across the country, the public kitchen ran by the Sanjay Colony Development Committee concluded its 70 days journey of providing food to poor and helpless people. During the program, Cabinet Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyavas, MLA Rafiq Khan, Acharya Balmukundacharya of Hatoj Dham, Chairman of High Court Bar President Mahendra Shandilya and Dr Sunil Sharma honoured Jaipur City District Congress Committee General Secretary, Alok Pareek with an award for his noble cause.