First India-Ahmedabad Edition-10 September 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

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ALERT

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AHMEDABAD l THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 285

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

9,04,641 2,78,87,722 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 27,407 DEATHS 9,43,772 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 8,093 DEATHS 4,80,524 CASES

INDIA

GUJARAT

74,613 44,33,708 3,152 1,08,295 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 6,808 DEATHS 4,21,730 CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 4,638 DEATHS 2,01,174 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,178 DEATHS 95,736 CASES

LAC CONTINUES

TO SIMMER Will retaliate if China tries to cross the red line: India

rials and logistics items to the area.

Currently, of the 50,000 Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, 5,000 to 7,000 soldiers are stationed in South Pangong. The distance between soldiers on Finger 4 is a “few hundred meters.”

“The situation is tense,” an official in New Delhi said, adding that Indian and Chinese troops were squaring off in close proximity in at least four locations south of the Pangong Tso lake that both lay claim to. “Both are on their own sides of the LAC,” the official said, referring to the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border. Turn to P6

New Delhi: India will retaliate if its defences on heights are breached, said sources on Wednesday, after repeated Chinese provocations at the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border with China. “Nowhere are we under-prepared presently,” top government sources said.

The Chinese, the officials said, will “try to do something to regain lost ground”, and their action is “being controlled by their top, not local exuberant commanders”.

“Why the Chinese are opening so many fronts, we don’t understand,” sources said. The Indian Army has put barbed

wire on the Indian positions. “If Chinese try to cross it’ll be crossing a red-line,” sources said.

The Indian Army is now dominating the heights on Chinese deployment on Finger 4, which is located on the north bank of the Pangong lake, sources said.

Meanwhile, amid the heightened border tension, PLA is strengthening its presence in Finger area north of Pangong lake, reports said on Wednesday. It is being said that besides increasing the number of soldiers in the area, the Chinese army is arming its men with stick-machetes and also bringing in more mate-

Pawar meets Uddhav to talk BMC action

Like my home, your ego too will be destroyed: Kangana to Uddhav

HAL’s indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter has completed hot & high altitude trial in the Himalayas it took off from Leh & demonstrated its hot & high hover performance at Daulat Beg Oldie and also demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier alltitude. Meanwhile, IAF will formally induct the Rafale aircraft on Thursday at Air Force Station in Ambala. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly will be the chief guests for the event. —PHOTO BY ANI

India, Oz, France hold talks against backdrop of China hostility New Delhi: India, Australia and France on Wednesday held talks for the first time under a trilateral framework with focus on enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region that has

been witnessing increasing Chinese military assertiveness.

The virtual meeting was co-chaired by foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, secretary-general in French ministry for

Actor’s house demolished by BMC before Mumbai HC stay Mumbai: The demolition move targeting actor Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday morning has divided Maharashtra’s ruling coalition, with the Shiv Sena drawing disapproval from ally Sharad Pawar.

The NCP chief met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and another Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Raut, to discuss what he apparently believes was a massive overreaction by the BMC. The meeting is said to have lasted for about 45 minutes.

Turn to P6

Mumbai: Actor Kangana Ranaut landed here on Wednesday from Himachal Pradesh, angry and caustic as she took on the Shiv Sena, called her home Ram mandir , referred to Bullywood’ and described herself as the daughter of Chhatrapati Shivaji in a series of tweets and a video.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday stayed the demolition process initiated by the BMC and sought to know why did the city civic body enter the property when the

BMC officials carry out demolition at Kangana’s office in Mumbai on Wednesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

owner was not present.

The BMC began demolition work shortly after 11 am on Wednesday. A BMC team reached the bungalow at Pali Hill in Bandra with bulldozer and excavators and demolished alterations

made sans the civic body’s approval. Before the demolition work on Wednesday, the BMC posted a second notice outside her bungalow, informing her of the action being taken by the civic body, an official told PTI.

Kangana then moved the Bombay High Court, challenging the notice issued by the Mumbai civic body for “illegal construction” at her bungalow and sought a stay on the demolition process.

Turn to P6

Europe and foreign affairs Fran ois Delattre and secretary in Australian department of foreign affairs Frances Adamson.

“The focus of the dialogue was on enhancing cooperation

in the Indo-Pacific Region,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

It said the “outcomeoriented” meeting was held with the objective of building on the strong bilateral ties

that the three countries share with each other and synergise their respective strengths to ensure a peaceful, secure, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region.

Turn to P6

EPFO TO PAY 8.5% DCGI notice INTEREST FOR FY20 to SII for not pausing trial Oxford vaccine

New Delhi: The Drugs Regulator General of India (DCGI) has issued a show-cause notice to pharma giant Serum Institute of India (SII) asking for an explanation as to why the ongoing clinical trial of Covishield vaccine candidate has not been suspended till doubts about patient safety are cleared.

The drug regulator’s move comes after AstraZeneca, which is developing the vaccine candidate against COVID-19 with researchers of Oxford University, paused its trial as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness. The clinical trial has been put on hold across countries where Turn to P6

New Delhi: Retirement fund body EPFO on Wednesday decided to credit a part of 8.5 per cent interest on employees provident fund (EPF) for 2019-20 into the account of its around 6 crore subscribers. The decision to provide 8.15 per cent interest now on EPF has been taken at the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) trustees meet held on Wednesday, a source told PTI. The remaining 0.35

per cent rate of interest on EPF for 2019-20 would be credited into the subscribers account in December this year, the source further said.

The EPFO had earlier planned to liquidate some of its investment in exchange traded funds to meet the deficit for providing 8.5 per cent interest for the last fiscal.

However, it could not do so because of the choppy market conditions amid lockdown induced by COVID-19.

Turn to P6

60-70% nCov deaths were due to comorbidities: DyCM Nitin Patel 24 hours: 1,329 cases, 16 deaths Total: 1,08,295 cases, 3,152 deaths Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: The state government seems to have gone on the defensive after local media reported that the number of bodies being buried or cremated in keeping with COVID-19 protocols far outweigh the numbers provided by the state’s health department.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who is also the state’s health minister, on Wednesday said that 60-70% of deceased COVID-19 patients died due to comorbid conditions.

Meanwhile, BJP state unit president CR Patil is being treated at Apollo Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

On Wednesday, a re-

COVID-19 testing in Ahmedabad’s Kalupur Railway Station.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

gional news channel aired data received from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and other districts, which indicated a huge gap between data released by local authorities and information from graveyards and cremation grounds on the number of bodies buried or cremated in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines.

Khambhalia MLA Vikram Madam, who on Wednesday visited a cre-

matorium in Jamnagar city has alleged that as many as 126 bodies have been cremated according to COVID-19 guidelines in that one crematorium alone over the past six months. However, state data shows a total of 28 COVID-19 deaths for Jamnagar district, as on September 07.

In response, Deputy CM Patel clarified that the state has received special permission to segregate deaths caused only due to the virus and

those caused by comorbidities. He claims that 60-70%deaths are due to comorbidities and hence are not reflected state government data.

However, his argument did not seem convincing, especially since the state health bulletin on Wednesday also showed just two deaths in Rajkot, even as local media reported 30 deaths in Rajkot, not counting patients from neighbouring districts.

Turn to P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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THE ACQUISITION WAS ANNOUNCED AFTER FARMERS LAMENTED THE CRASH IN PRICES Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: The state Civil Supplies Minister Jayesh Radadiya on Wednesday announced that the government will procure groundnut from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs1,055 for 20 kilogram. The purchase will be made through Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (GSCSCL) and Gujarat State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (GUJCOMASOL).

According to the state’s agriculture data, farmers have cultivated agriculture products on 85.11 lakh hectares of land in the monsoon season this year. The yield of the groundnut cultivation has been recorded as 134% higher than 2019.

Preparations for its procurement had already been commenced by the GSCSCL and GUJCOMASOL last week, in anticipation

STATE TO PROCURE GROUNDNUT AT MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE OF `1.5K

of the state’s move to acquire the groundnut harvest.

Owing to early cultivation this season, harvest too has be-

gun early with farmers starting sale of their yield from Sep-

tember 05. Over 100 bags (each bag weighing 50 kg) arrived at

Govt calls farmers meet, invites outrage from all quarters Events are slated to be held at three locations in Surat; Cong and farmers oppose the move First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Despite the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state, the state government plans to hold gatherings at three different locations in Surat district under the ‘Saat Pagla Khedut Kalyan Yojana’ programme.

Farmers have been directed to remain present for the events at a time when the district has been consistently recording the highest number of novel coronavirus cases.

One of the locations where an event has been scheduled for is the town of Kamrej, which has crossed more than 1,000 cases. Both the farmers and leaders of the opposition party Congress have criticized the move of the government.

Surat-based Con-

—FILE PHOTO

A farmer in his field.

gress leader Darshan Naik chastised the government for organizing such events rather than focusing on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. “The government wakes up from its deep slumber only when elections are imminent. Now, they are conducting

meetings and public gatherings under the guise of government schemes. For the ‘Saat Pagla Khedut Kalyan Yojana’ event, more than 600 farmers are slated to gather at three locations,” he said.

As per reports, the Surat district panchay-

at’s general assembly has not convened since March 5, owing to the COVID-19 crisis, due to which several developmental projects have been stalled.

But, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government seems to be eager to please farmers and has pro-

ceeded to flout COVID-19 protocols, added Naik.

“The itinerary of the gathering mentions that social distancing will be maintained by all those present. But, if the event is all about helping farmers then the government can directly deposit money into the bank accounts of farmers. I feel that would be a more prudent step than gathering them in one place and risking spread of infection,” asserted Naik.

The Congress leader also stated that since all religious, social and cultural functions have been permitted with limited numbers of people in attendance then, there is little need for such government events where the gathering will run into hundreds.

the Rajkot cooperative market yard, and farmers fetched

a price of Rs950 for 20 kilogram of groundnut.

But,

when the market opened on Monday, prices dropped and farmers could barely fetch Rs800 with the price sinking even lower to Rs700-750 per 20 kg on Tuesday.

The crash in groundnut prices in the past 48 hours prompted farmers to lament their plight to the government. According to them, only a few farmers managed to sell their harvest at prices more than Rs900 for 20 kilogram. Most of the farmers were compelled to sell their crop at the lowest price.

Last year, the state had started procuring over 8 lakh tonnes of groundnut at a price of Rs1,018 per 20 kg, and had hoped to make the acquisition from 145 centres across the state. The process commenced on November 1, 2019, but had to be discontinued due to unseasonal rainfall. In 2018, the state procured 4.5 lakh tones of groundnut.

Four-member committee to look into SSG Hospital fire First India Bureau Vadodara: District Collector Shalini Agarwal has constituted a four-member committee to inquire into the fire at the COVID-19 ICU ward in the city’s Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital on Tuesday evening. The decision came after CCTV footage and reports indicated that Dhaman-1 ventilator could have been responsible for the fire.

The inquiry committee will be headed by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sudhir Patel, and will include two doctors as well as Executive Engineer BJ Desai. Constituted under the Disaster Management Act, the committee is expected to submit its report at the earliest.

Earlier on Wednesday, hospital superintendent Dr Ranjan Aiyer admitted that the fire, in which no one was hurt, had been caused by short circuit in a ventilator. He

Vadodara Collector Shalini Agrawal monitoring the situation at SSG Hospital on Tuesday evening.

had also said that a Dhaman ventilator had been completely gutted, but called it “premature” to blame the Dhaman 1 for the incident.

Addressing the media, Dr Aiyer stated, “The fire broke out because of a short circuit in a ventilator, but luckily the entire staff had participated in a mock drill just last week so everyone knew what to do. Patients were efficiently

shifted out of the ward immediately, fire extinguishers worked successfully, and that is the reason there were no injuries or fatalities. With regards to the cause of the fire, it is premature to blame the Dhaman ventilator.”

Dr Aiyer also stated that he was confident that all patients would be shifted back to the ICU ward by Wednesday evening.

FOR THE PEOPLE

Chief Minister Rupani dedicates 200-bed nCov facility in Rajkot  To introduce Bill in Assembly to make registering documents simple, transparent and efficient First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel dedicated a 200-bed COVID-19 facility on the campus of the civil hospital in Rajkot city on Wednesday. They also dedicated a high-end radiotherapy machine for the Saurashtra Cancer and Research

Institute.

During the online dedication, Rupani said that the state has, by and large, been successful in controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus with the help of people and doctors.

“Gujarat has established itself as a role model in fighting COVID-19,” he said.

Patel, who is also the state’s health minister, said the 200-bed hospi-

5-DAY ASSEMBLY SESSION TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 21

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

tal was set up within a week to meet the needs of Rajkot as well as that of the Saurashtra region. The new machine at the cancer institute

—FILE PHOTO

will benefit many people from Saurashtra.

Now, they do not need to travel as far as Ahmedabad for treatment, he said.

In addition, Rupani will introduce the Gujarat Amendment Bill 7/2020 in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly,

to introduce the necessary amendments in the Registration Act of 1908 with the aim of making document registration

simple, transparent and efficient.

A citizen in Gujarat can now upload and register his/her documents online without seeking the help of a lawyer or a document writer. An online draft will be made available, meaning citizens no longer need to shell out additional fees to get their documents written. It will also save time.

Earlier, the land mafia was known to use fictional Power of Attorney documents to grab land. One proposed amendment to the Act makes it necessary for the person

registering a piece of land to submit necessary proofs claiming ownership rights. For agricultural land, he/ she will need to produce document 7/12, while city survey land will require a property card.

The amendments will cover the sale, lease, or transfer of land belonging to the state or Central government, as well as Centre-state ventures. The authorized person will be required to present approval from the concerned officer while registering the property online.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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Inaction on wildlife lands state in soup High Court asked govt, forest dept for responses following the filing of a PIL petition demanding action on wildlife management plan Haresh Jhala Ahmedabad: The state high court on Wednesday issued notices to the state government and Gujarat Forest Department asking them to file their responses about the planning and execution of the state’s Wildlife Management Plan before the next hearing. The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the Wildlife Management Plan.

Petitioner DM Naik and others have filed the petition through advocate AS Timbalia with a prayer for the high court’s direction to the state about taking appropriate action for coming up with a wildlife management plan on a priority basis.

Naik, who is also a retired IFS officer and former Chief WildLife Warden of the state, stated in his submission, “There is a wildlife advisory body established in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act but, it does not have any power to

SAFE HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE

istered remarkable results in maintaining sanctuaries and national parks, and also boosting wildlife numbers.

It added, “Nature nourishes all life. It does not differentiate between wildlife and civil life. It is just that humans have dominat-

ed all other kinds of life because of obvious differences and termed all other life to be recognized as wildlife.”

Moreover, there is no detailed wildlife policy declared by the state and no efforts have been put in to bring this deficiency to the public’s attention. This ignorance about the state’s wildlife management system has had a negative effect on the actions of the state forest department.

Therefore, people are under the impression that the government seeks to protect wildlife at the cost of their welfare.

SMC turns focus on hotspot Athwa zone First India Bureau Surat: The city’s Athwa zone has seen a spurt in cases of COVID-19 since the implementation of Unlock 3. It now has 2,823 cases, making it the second worst-hit zone after Katargam. As a result, city authorities are now turning their focus to Athwa.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) said that the zone has been divided into three parts—Panas to Citylight, Vesu, and Althan

Surat Municipal Corporation.

to Bhatar—to better tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Doctors and healthcare personnel have been assigned their du-

—FILE PHOTO

ties according to the new divisions.

SMC officials say the residents of the posh Athwa zone have been lax in following COV-

ID-19 protocols. On Tuesday, SMC officials collected Rs19,000 in fines from 26 people for not wearing masks.

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani appealed to people living in Athwa zone to follow guidelines and get tested at the first sign of SarsCoV-2 infection.

“If you have elders at home and you go outside for work I request you to take appropriate precautions as elders are more likely to get infected,” he also said.

Govt, NGO come together to ensure better care for orphans First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat on Wednesday signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with an NGO dedicated to the holistic development of children without parental care and those at the risk of abandonment.

Under the MoUs, SOS Children’s Villages of India will share knowledge, good practices, and technical expertise in designing and implementing state-run Kinship Care through capacity building for caregivers of 125 children, who have lost parental care in and around Bhuj.

The government

SOS Children’s Villages of India will share technical expertise on state-run kinship care programmes for 125 kids. —FILE PHOTO

had invited the NGO to share its technical expertise for the effective and impactful implementation of the state’s Palak MataPita Yojana welfare scheme for orphaned children.

The MoUs were signed by Manoj Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Sudar-

Fires in Ahmedabad, Surat leave two injured, property damaged First India Bureau Ahmedabad/Surat: After a fire broke out at a sanitizer manufacturing unit in Moraiya industrial area of Ahmedabad district on Wednesday, it took the local fire department four hours to douse the blaze.

Two people sustained injuries in the incident at Armed Formation Limited, stated an official.

Addressing the media, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Chief Fire Officer MF Dastoor said that the fire broke out at around 4 pm in the evening. Nine fire ten-

Two workers injured in sanitizer unit blaze, while two girls rescued in Surat fire

A fire at a Moraiya sanitizer unit took four hours to douse.

ders rushed to Moraiya, accompanied by firefighters of private pharmaceutical companies Cadila and Zydus.

He added, “Since the company manufactured sanitizer, we assumed it must have alcohol in stock, which was con-

firmed after flash fires kept erupting every few minutes. The entire structure of the building has iron fabrication so the top half caved in.

As there was no person either from the company’s administrative or management depart-

ment present at the site, we did not know exactly where the alcohol was kept. The entire first floor of the unit has been gutted.”

Meanwhile, a fire was also reported at the four-storey Canal Walk Shoppers commercial complex in Vesu area of Surat on Wednesday.

The local fire brigade brought the blaze under control and managed to save two girls trapped inside the complex.

—FILE PHOTO

Asiatic lions, in the Gir sanctuary.

advise the government.

Even the state forest department seems to be taking the board for granted.”

The petitioners are of the view that it was only through planned wildlife management efforts that the Gujarat Forest Department reg-

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shan Suchi, Secretary-General, SOS Children’s Villages of India.

Suchi said, “The ability to create solutions that are scalable and effective will be extremely helpful in this partnership. We have partnerships other state governments too and now to be chosen as a technical partner and nodal agency for the Department of

Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat’s kinship care and aftercare programmes only strengthens our commitment towards the ‘no child left alone’ goal.” When children have no one to care for them, their relatives may extend parental care.

Aggarwal said, “I welcome this partnership with SOS Children’s Villages of India towards securing the future of children and youth who need care and guidance by looking after their overall welfare, development, and economic independence. The Government of Gujarat has no doubt that we have the best partners for this responsibility.”

WEAR A HELMET, OR ELSE...

Day 1 of a mega safety drive in Ahmedabad saw the city’s traffic police personnel come down heavily on motorists found travelling without helmets and masks on Wednesday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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ALOK GUPTA THE WRITER IS PRESIDENT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS THE ESTATE AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, CENTRAL ZONE ONE

R

It is a stark fact that the real estate prices have fallen sharply amidst the Corona crisis. Owing to the lockdown crisis, the situation has so become that the property rates are changing with almost every deal in an area. Thus, the government, at least for a period of one year, should keep the circle rates system in abeyance and accept the agreement value only, as the fair market value or the circle rate

eal Estate is one of the most stressed-out industries in this time of Corona crisis. Although the real estate industry in India is expected to grow more than 30% in the next ten years yet there is not enough government support to the industry. There are some vague premonitions and presumptions which need to be dumped and a corrective, constructive and conclusive package or policy needs to be framed for the industry.

The governments have no business to be in business. Corona crisis has crippled all but, the real estate industry the most. Some of the states issued a hasty guideline to the landlords to postpone the charging of rents by three months. Although none of the government guidelines suggested waiving off the rent yet most of the tenants presented it to be so to pressurise the landlords to waive off the rent for some months or at least avail some discounts from them. Eventually, it turned out to be one of the biggest state-sponsored chaos for the industry. Such a guideline promotes lawlessness and prompts the parties concerned not to abide by the agreement, legally signed and registered by them.

The Honourable Delhi High Court decision dated 21st May 2020 in RC. REV. 447/2017 clearly states “… In the realm of contracts, the respective rights and obligations of the parties would be determined by the terms and conditions of the contract itself …”. Shouldn’t thus the state abstain from interfering in the agreements legally signed by two parties and issue guidelines cautiously?

Revise the circle rates. It is a stark fact that the real estate prices have fallen sharply amidst the Corona crisis. Owing to the lockdown crisis, the situation has so become that the property rates are changing with almost every deal in an area. Thus, the government, at least for a period of one year, should keep the circle rates system in abeyance and accept the agreement value only, as the fair market value or the circle rate.

Abolish the double taxation. Some of the lawmakers wasted no time in stating that

CORONA CRISIS, REAL ESTATE AND THE GOVERNMENT

the builders, in this time of Corona crisis, should sell their properties at whatever price they get. The comment was very pessimistic and detrimental to the growth of the industry at large. But, even if we accept this point of view as it is, can a builder really do so without the revision of the circle rates? As per section 56(2)(x) of the income tax act, anyone buying any property for less than the market value is liable for income tax on the difference between the purchase price and the circle rate of the property. The seller, as per section 54 of the income tax act, is taxed as usual considering the agreement value or the circle rate whichever is higher. So, despite selling a property at a lower price the seller is obliged to pay the tax at a higher value. The buyer is also liable to pay the stamp duty on the circle rate value rather than the actual purchase value. Income tax is governed by the centre while the stamp duty payments are governed by the states. Hence, if just the state governments keep in abeyance the circle rates system and accept the agreement value only, as the fair market value, the central

MOST OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES, TAX STRUCTURES, DUTIES, AND LEVIES IN THIS INDUSTRY ARE DESIGNED, KEEPING ONLY THE ENDUSERS IN MIND. LIKE ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY TOO NEEDS INVESTORS’ MONEY FOR ITS GROWTH. THE INVESTORS MAKING SOME MONEY AFTER REMAINING INVESTED FOR SOME TIME IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY

government would not be required to amend the income tax act.

Long Term Capital Gains ( LTCG ) Tax. If a residential property is sold and the seller re-invests the taxable income in another residential property, he is eligible for income tax exemption on the said amount. The said exemption should be extended to all sorts of properties whether residential, commercial, industrial, land or warehouse, etc. So, to say, if taxable income out of any property sold is re-invested in any property, the same should be exempted from tax.

REITs ( Real Estate Investment Trusts ). The con-

cept has not yet picked up in India. More measures are required to develop and popularise this concept. Sellers should be allowed to invest their Long Term Capital Gains ( LTCG ) in REITs to save tax on the same. Hitherto, this liability is allowed to be set off only against the purchase of a new residential property or investment up to Rs. 50.00 lakhs in some specified bonds. Also, the said limit of Rs. 50.00 lakhs be revised to allow the seller to invest the entire taxable amount in such bonds. Furthermore, the investment into bonds can be made only within six months from the sale of the property, delay beyond six months forfeits this option.

Such an investment period should also be co-linked with the period allowed to invest the taxable amount in another property as per section 54 of the income tax act.

Investors strengthen the industry. Most of the government policies, tax structures, duties, and levies in this industry are designed, keeping only the end-users in mind. Like any other industry, the real estate industry too needs investors’ money for its growth. The investors making some money after remaining invested for some time is good for the economy.

Brokers drive market growth. A broker is the catalyst in a deal and hence in the growth of the market. Almost none of the parties can conclude a deal without a broker.

Despite this, none of the policies is framed for him and the real estate broking industry at large. As per my analysis, on a conservative estimate, the real estate broking alone is an Rs. 18,000 crores industry in India and there are over 5,00,000 Real Estate Brokers across India but, sadly there is not even one specific law safeguarding this profession.

Rationalisation of Stamp

A radically inclusive makeover for education

T

he coronavirus has shuttered schools for more than one billion children around the world. Because the vast majority have been unable to make the transition to online education, school closures have widened the pre-existing gap between how much rich children and poor children learn.

The challenges are greatest in the poorest countries.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, about one in ten students have a computer at home, and more than half live in households without electricity. Unreliable Internet connections, limited access to mobile devices, and high costs put e-learning further out of reach.

Even before COVID-19, developing countries were facing a serious education crisis. Today, 53% of children in low- and middle-income

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countries cannot read or understand a simple story by age ten. In the poorest countries, this figure is as high as 80%. As school closures drag on, this crisis risks becoming a catastrophe.

Existing disparities will worsen as the pandemic weakens economies. Many developing countries will post negative growth rates in 2020 for the first time in over two decades. COVID-19 could push as many as 100 million more people into extreme poverty, increasing the risk that children will be put to work instead of being allowed to continue their studies. The economic shock could force 24 million children out of school forever, and will have long-term effects even on those who return. The World Bank estimates that the learning already lost as a result of five months of school closures will cost this generation $10

trillion in lifetime earnings.

Girls are especially vulnerable. When Sierra Leone’s schools closed for eight months in 2014-15 to stop the spread of Ebola, girls experienced higher dropout rates as a result of teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Over the next decade, as many as 13 million more girls could be forced

into early marriage by struggling parents.

Because pandemic-related school closures could be long-lasting or recurrent, policymakers must radically rethink how to deliver education so that all children are learning. Without major steps to put the most marginalized children at the center of our education systems, the world risks

losing an entire generation to illiteracy, ignorance, and dependence.

To ensure that the poorest girls have the same educational opportunities as the richest boys, governments must waive school fees, provide meals, and cover expenses to enable the lowestincome families to keep their children in school.

Children in rural areas, es-

pecially girls, need transport to get to their classrooms safely. Pregnant girls and young mothers need options that will allow them to return to school and continue their education. And teachers need training and support to enable all their students to learn.

Although governments are facing the deepest economic recession in recent memory, they should remember that an educated population will most likely be their most valuable resource as their countries recover from the pandemic and confront future challenges. In July, a coalition of international and local organizations launched the #SaveOurFuture campaign to highlight how damage to education systems will hinder progress toward all 17 Sustainable Development Goals..

Duty. Stamp duty on the sale of properties is one of the major revenue earners for the states in India but, charging the same irrationally in a situation where the industry is fighting for its lost sheen is being harsh. Such duties should be revised to be brought down to a maximum of 2% of the property value.

Levying such duties through a backdoor by way of any cess or surcharge or inflating the property prices should be completely done away with.

In the resale of properties, the stamp duty should be charged only on the incremental sale value. That means the buyers should be asked to pay the stamp duty after giving a rebate of the duty which has already been paid on the previous sale agreements.

Rationalisation of GST. At the rates of 12% and 18% on the sale and rentals respectively of commercial properties, GSTs are too high.

The same should be brought down to 6% and 12% respectively and MSMEs ( Micro Small & Medium Enterprises ) and the start-ups should be exempt from paying the GST. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp 3 pairs of special train services starting 12th September on Puri-Ahmedabad, PuriGandhidham,Puri-Okha routes in addition to the Shramik specials & special trains already under operation will further ensure safe transport of people travelling to re-join work in different states.

Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor PM is right. Why should we be the only ones to suffer senseless propaganda thrust into our living rooms daily? Let the rest of the world witness the catastrophe that is the Indian media. Our national image has never been worse than today;this will seal it.

Spiritual SPEAK

To refrain from selfish acts is one kind of renunciation, called sannyasa; to renounce the fruit of action is another, called tyaga. —Bhagavad Gita

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

Vol 1 Issue No. 285 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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INDIA AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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SVANIDHI SAMVAAD: PM MODI INTERACTS WITH STREET VENDORS FROM MP

STOP USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES, URGES MODI New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the beneficiaries of PM Street Vendors’ Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme from Madhya Pradesh and stressed on the use earthen pitchers instead of single-use plastic bottles for drinking water.

He interacted virtually with street vendor Chaganlal and his wife from Sanver in Indore district, Gwalior’s Archana Sharma and vegetable vendor Dalchand in Raisen district.

PM Modi advised Chaganlal how to enhance his business by asking customers to return the pipe used in making broomsticks to reduce the cost of making a broomstick.

The PM advised him to use an earthen pitcher instead of a single-use plastic bottle for drinking water to save the environment. PM Modi also asked him about the Ujjwala Yojna and how it benefited his family. Interacting with Gwalior’s Archana Sharma, PM asked whether she would serve him ‘tikki’ that she sells at her joint. —PTI

PM TO LAUNCH PM MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA TODAY

PM Narendra Modi addresses during ‘Svanidhi Samvaad’ with street vendors from MP through video conferencing, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

New Delhi: PM Modi will launch the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, along with the e-Gopala App, today.

PMMSY is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector the e-Gopala App is a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers.

‘PM SVANidhi making small biz Atmanirbhar’ New Delhi: Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the PM SVANidhi scheme aimed to benefit street vendors across the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the scheme is making small businesses selfdependent.

Shah expressed his views after the Prime Minister held ‘Svanidhi Samvaad’ with street vendors from Madhya Pradesh earlier in the day.

“PM SVANidhi is making small businesses ‘Atmanirbhar’ and playing a key role in the realisation of a new India.”

“Development of India is incumbent upon the development of every citizen and PM Modi is committed to empow-

er all sections of society. The PM SVANidhi scheme, which aims to empower the street vendors, is a result of his farsightedness and sensitivity towards the welfare of the poor,” Shah said in a series of tweets.

The Minister said that the PM SVANidhi scheme is serving crores of poor people by reviving their means of livelihood during COVID-19 pandemic.

—Agencies

Silver Lake to invest ` 7,500Cr in Reliance Retail ventures Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (“Reliance Industries”) and Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (“RRVL”) announced that Silver Lake will invest `7,500 crore into RRVL, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. This investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of `4.21 lakh crore. Silver Lake’s investment will translate into a 1.75% equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis.

Commenting on the transaction with Silver Lake, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries, said, “I am delighted to extend our relationship with Silver Lake to our transformational efforts of building an inclusive partnership with millions of small merchants while providing value to Indian consumers across the country in the Indian retail sector.

We believe technology will be key to bringing the much-needed transformation in this sector so that various constituents of the retail ecosystem can collaborate to build inclusive growth platforms. Sil-

TECHNOLOGY WILL BE KEY IN TRANSFORMING THE SECTOR: AMBANI “I am delighted to extend our relationship with Silver Lake to our transformational efforts of building an inclusive partnership with millions of small merchants while providing value to Indian consumers across the country in the Indian retail sector.

We believe technology will be key to bringing the much-needed transformation in this sector.” ver Lake will be an invaluable partner in implementing our vision for Indian Retail.”

Commenting on the investment, Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, said, “We are pleased to deepen our relationship with Reliance with this investment. Mukesh Ambani and his team at Reliance have created an outstanding world lead-

Thank PM for ‘PM Modi’s lockdown a Nearly 90,000 new prioritising needs of ‘disaster plan,’ says RaGa cases take India’s COVID-19 UPDATE

tally past 4.3 mn

New Delhi: India on Wednesday recorded 89,706 new cases of the coronavirus disease in the last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 43,70,129, according to Union health ministry dashboard on Wednesday. The number of fatalities rose by 1,115, according to the health ministry data, to reach 73,890.

The number of active cases went up further, with 13,697 recorded in

the last 24 hours. The total number of active cases stand at 8,97,394.

The number of active cases will soon cross the nine lakh mark. The more worrying situation is that half of these cases are in just three states - Maharashtra, Andhra & Karnataka.

The number has now increased to 14,273 daily active cases. At this rate, India will see a million active cases by next week. —Agencies

New Delhi: Upping his attack against the Centre, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Wednesday said the sudden imposition of the 21-day lockdown to contain the coronavirus was a “disaster plan” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and proved to be a “death sentence for the unorganised sector”.

“When you (central government) imposed a lockdown without any notice, it was a blow to the poor daily wage earners of the country,” he said. “The poor, those in small and medium businesses, are daily wage earners.

They eat with what they earn each day. When you announced a lockdown without a notice, you attacked them. PM said the fight will be for 21 days, the backbone of the unorganised sector broke in 21 days,” Gandhi said.—Agencies

Odisha: Pradhan Vaishali

RAHUL GANDHI @RAHULGANDHI Due to Modi Govt’s gross mismanagement of Covid 1. India’s total cases world’s 2nd highest.

2. India’s weekend tally higher than US & Brazil put together. 3. On Sunday, India’s share was 40% of total cases worldwide. 4. No flattening of curve.

Stay safe everyone.

NEED TO SUPPORT YOUTH IN THEIR FIGHT FOR EMPLOYMENT: PRIYANKA New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said youth are raising their voice over stalled recruitments, examination dates, and new jobs, as she underlined need for supporting their “fight” for employment.

The youth of this country want to make their voice heard, Priyanka tweeted using hashtag ‘’9 baje 9-minute yuvaon ki baat’’ and ‘’stop privatization save govt job’’.

06

New Delhi: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal for announcing special trains for the migrant workers to return to their workplaces.

The Ministry of Railways has initiated three pairs of special train services starting from September 12. These trains will run on PuriAhmedabad, Puri-Gandhidham, Puri-Okha routes. Pradhan, in a tweet, said, “Thanks PM Narendra Modi ji for prioritising the needs of Odisha and Piyush Goyal for acceding to my request of running additional trains from Odisha for the convenience of migrant

Odias wanting to travel back to their places of livelihood, including Ahmedabad and Surat.”

“3 pairs of special train services starting Sept 12 on PuriAhmedabad, Puri-Gandhidham, Puri-Okha routes in addition to Shramik specials and special trains already under operation will further ensure safe transport of people travelling to re-join work in different states,” he tweeted.

er in retail and technology through their courageous vision, commitment to societal benefits, innovation excellence and relentless execution. The success of JioMart in such a short time span, especially while India, along with the rest of the world, battles the COVID-19 pandemic, is truly unprecedented, and the most exciting growth phase has just begun.”

Sensex drops 171 pts; Nifty below 11,300 Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex tumbled 171 points on Wednesday, tracking losses in index heavyweights HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Infosys amid weak cues from Asian peers.

After slumping 430.09 points during the day, the 30-share BSE index recovered some lost ground and ended 171.43 points lower at 38,193.92.

In similar movement, NSE Nifty settled 39.35 points or 0.35 per cent down at 11,278.

SBI was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding over 4 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finserv.

On the other hand, Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Sun Pharma and Asian Paints were among the gainers.

FROM PG 1 60-70% nCov...

In the past 24 hours, the state government has conducted 75,936 tests, which have resulted in 1,329 new cases of COVID-19. There are now 16,328 active cases in the state, with 94 patients on ventilator support.

Sixteen patients died in the past 24 hours--four each from Ahmedabad and Surat, two each from Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Vadodara, and one each from Mahisagar and Surendranagar.

Again, Surat had the highest (266) number of cases, with 174 cases emerging in the city and 92 emerging in rural ar-

eas. Ahmedabad reported 171 new cases on Wednesday. As a result, the local civic body declared 28 new micro-containment zones. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has also issued notice to 59 hospitals to procure fire noobjection certificates within seven days or face action. Other cases in the state came from Rajkot (154), Vadodara (126), Jamnagar (113), Morbi (30), and Amreli and Panchmahal (29 each).

LAC continues...

At a forward position near the Rezang La mountain pass, Indian

and Chinese troops were only around 200 metres apart, another official in New Delhi said. Both officials declined to be named. —Agencies

porters, Pawar said the move by the BMC, which is controlled by the Shiv Sena, had ended up giving the actor “unnecessary publicity”. —ANI

India, Oz...

The MEA said the three sides agreed to hold the dialogue on an annual basis. It said the three sides discussed economic and geo-strategic challenges and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic responses to the crisis.

Like my...

Earlier, Kangana was met with black flags and slogans from protesting Shiv Sena workers as she arrived at Mumbai Airport. But there was support too from workers of the RPI (A) and Karni Sena, who also gathered at the airport.

In a series of posts earlier in the day, Ranaut said there has been no “illegal construction” in her house.

Pawar meets...

Earlier, speaking to re-

“... also government has banned any demolitions in Covid till September 30, Bullywood watch now this is what Fascism looks like #DeathOfDemocracy #KanganaRanaut,” the actor tweeted. In another post, she wrote, “I am never wrong and my enemies prove again and again this is why my Mumbai is POK now #deathofdemocracy”.

The BJP on Wednesday lashed out at the Shiv Sena-led MVA dispensation over razing of “illegal alterations” at the bungalow of actress Kangana Ranaut by the

Mumbai civic body, terming the development “vendetta politics” and a kind of “government-sponsored terror” in the state.

Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis said the state of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has not seen such a “timid and antidemocracy” government till now.

He accused the state government of stifling voices of those holding a different view. —PTI

Oxford vaccine... it was being conducted - USA, UK, Brazil and

South Africa. Referring to reports of AstraZeneca halting the trials in the UK, Serum Institute of India (SII), which is conducting the trials in India, said the UK trials have been paused for further review.

“We can’t comment much on the UK trials but they have been paused for further review and they hope to restart soon. As far as Indian trials are concerned, it is continuing and we have faced no issues at all,” it said.

“In view of the above Drugs Controller General of India and Central Licensing Authority

hereby give you an opportunity to show cause as provided under rule 30 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019 - why the permission granted to you on August 2 shall not be suspended till patient safety is established,” said the notice, a copy of which is with ANI. —ANI

EPFO to...

The EPFO’s apex decision making body Central Board of Trustees (CBT) will meet again in December and take a call on crediting remaining 0.35 per cent interest into subscribers account.

—ANI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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With ‘vaccine nationalism’ increasingly becoming a concern, several international organisations have put their diplomatic weight behind the COVID-19 Global Access (COVAX) initiative. This encourages countries to sign up to a deal that is designed to make 2 billion doses of vaccines available by the end of 2021

W

ithin days of COVID-19 being declared an international public health emergency on January 30, multiple groups of scientists began working on a vaccine. At the same time, governments began working on back-room deals to lock in their access to these vaccines ahead of anyone else. With “vaccine nationalism” increasingly becoming a concern, several international organisations (including the World Health Organization) have put their diplomatic weight behind the COVID-19 Global Access (COVAX) initiative.

This encourages countries to sign up to a deal that is designed to make 2 billion doses of vaccines available by the end of 2021.

So far, 172 countries, including Australia, have signed up to the initiative; they must now make that commitment binding

by September 18 and start paying into a fund to support vaccine research by October 9.

There are a couple notable exceptions.

Last week, the United States opted out of the plan, seeking instead to go it alone. Russia, too, has decided against joining, and China has yet to commit.

This means some of the world’s largest countries have refused to participate, weakening the collective aims of the COVAX initiative by buying up vaccine stock.

‘VACCINE NATIONALISM’ COULD DOOM PLAN FOR

COVID-19 VACCINE

T WHY VACCINE HOARDING IS A CONCERN

V

accine nationalism is when governments sign agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to supply their own populations with vaccines ahead of them becoming available for other countries. Though we expect governments to make these arrangements to protect their citizens, the downside is it creates supply problems that leave poorer countries without access to life-saving vaccines. Because no one knows which vaccine will be effective, some wealthy countries are hedging their bets by buying up vast quantities of multiple vaccines, before scientists have completed clinical trials and proven the vaccines to be safe or effective. In total, wealthy countries have already signed deals to secure 3.7 billion doses from western drug-makers, according to a report last week. To date, the United Kingdom has been the worst offender, with a recent estimate showing it has pre-ordered enough vaccine for five doses per person. The government has also announced plans to sign additional agreements with manufacturers to lock in even more supplies. Last week, Canada also signed deals with two companies to secure a guaranteed 88 million doses, enough for every citizen to be vaccinated at least twice.

IS COVAX THE ‘FASTEST WAY’ TO END THE PANDEMIC?

T

07

he WHO has made a push to get all countries to support the COVAX initiative, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressing it is Certainly, COVAX is a step in the right direction. The initiative effectively creates the world’s largest advance market commitment for vaccines, outstripping any deals countries make independently. Low-income countries that have signed up to the plan will also gain access to safe and affordable vaccines they might otherwise be prevented from accessing for years. While the WHO and its main partners — the global vaccine alliance GAVI and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations — are certainly to be congratulated for launching this initiative, it is not the cure-all some are claiming it to be, for several reasons.

THE PROBLEMS WITH A GLOBAL VACCINE BANK

he first challenge is that COVAX does not prevent countries signing their own independent deals with manufacturers, as the UK, Canada and recently Australia have done.

This could place additional strain on what are expected to be already limited supplies. These deals are expected to further drive up prices, potentially making them even more unaffordable for many poorer countries.

While some manufacturers have pledged to make the vaccines available on a notfor-profit basis, others have not. A second problem is the commitment for 2 billion doses by the end of 2021 is far too small, given most of the vaccines currently in Phase 3 clinical trials require up to two or three doses to confer immunity. When divided among all the countries that

have signed up to COVAX, it means each country will receive a very small supply. As a result, this could encourage governments to seek out additional independent deals to meet the demands of their populations. A third issue is that while COVAX is wisely not putting all its eggs in one basket — it is supporting nine vaccines in development and evaluating another nine for possible support — the 2 billion doses will likely be sourced from multiple manufacturers. As a result, some governments may not be happy with the vaccine they are allocated under the plan, particularly if one vaccine appears to be more effective than another or is produced by a country they don’t trust. This could lead to disagreements and vaccines sitting unused while the politics are sorted out.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

WHAT THE ABSENCE OF THE US MEANS

P

resident Donald Trump’s decision to not join COVAX is potentially one of the most serious, as it has implications for the US and the world.

By refusing to join COVAX, the US has intentionally excluded itself from a raft of promising vaccines that are still under development. That is a particularly risky strategy, especially if the current US vaccine candidates are shown to be less effective than others. While this could be rectified by Trump arranging separate deals with COVAX-supported vaccine developers to gain access, it would likely prove a very costly exercise that would also see the US having to wait until other countries’ vaccine orders are filled.

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

Appearance is important if you are in a profession where it matters how people see you.

People will judge from appearance not your reality.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

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MONSOON FURY: Excess rain spells doom for paddy crop

WITH RAIN WATERS STAGNATING IN FIELDS, RS 100-CR CROPS DAMAGED Shishir Awasthi Surat: After the adverse Covid-19 impact on all sectors, the vagaries of nature are playing truant with the farmers in South Gujarat.

They are facing huge losses as excess rainfall in the region this year led to floodwaters stagnating in farmlands in several districts. The paddy crop has suffered badly, according to state farmers’ bodies.

Farmers in the South Gujarat region are staring at losses of more than `100 crore, according to Jayesh Patel, president of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj.

The farmers bodies from south Gujarat have appealed to the State Government for financial aid to tide over the losses.

According to Patel, “Paddy and sugarcane are the two main crops of south Gujarat. The total paddy crop is estimated at approximately ` 500 crore.” He

Waterlogging in fields have ruined crops worth over Rs 100 crore in South Gujarat.

informed that due to excessive rain, water was stagnating in the fields and this was not good for the crops.

According to the Gujarat Khedut Samaj’s estimates, “This has caused a loss of around 20 to 25 per cent of the total production, which would amount to approximately `100 crore to `125 crore.”

According to Tanay Desai, a farmer from Surat district,

GOVT HELP NEEDED

due to the accumulation of water in his paddy field, he faced an approximate loss of `30,000 to `35,000.

Floating jetty for water aerodrome on way to Guj First India Bureau New Delhi: An innovative concrete floating jetty, which will be a part of the water aerodromes being made in Gujarat, is on its way to Ahmedabad. The water aerodromes are being made on Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad and Narmada river near the Statue of Unity.

Announcing this, Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said the seaplane project would be a reality soon.

“The seaplane project will provide faster and hassle-free travel option to long, treacherous and hilly regions of

“We demand that the government conducts a survey of losses and provides assistance to the af-

Surat man nabbed with 7 cartridges at Delhi airport First India Bureau

Statue of Unity.

the country. Till now, 16 seaplane routes have been identified under the UDAN scheme,” he said.

Mandaviya said the Sabarmati and Narmada River-Statue of Unity seaplane route will save time and boost tourism, as it provides a bird’s view of the Narmada Valley and the Statue of Unity.

The officials were instructed to come up

—FILE PHOTO

with an Indian model of the waterdrome after a thorough study of the infrastructure in countries like the US, Canada, the Maldives and Australia.

After detailed deliberations, Mandaviya directed Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to join hands to commence the seaplane operation by October.

fected farmers,” Desai said.

According to the IMD, the Central India region comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, Chhattisgarh and Odisha had received 61% above normal rains in August. Official sources also said that paddy cultivation was a notch below normal level of 39.7 million hectare, but they believed this would be most likely covered this week with near-normal rainfall.

Several parts of Gujarat received incessant rainfall this monsoon, leading to floodlike situations and over 12 rain-related deaths have been reported.

Earlier in September, three districts of Bharuch, Narmada and Vadodara received very heavy rain and over 9,000 people had to be shifted after the water level of the Narmada river rose dangerously.

New Delhi: A 41-year-old man from Surat was arrested after seven cartridges were found in his hand baggage during a security check at Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here.

Police said Rajesh Kalathiya from Surat worked as a labour contractor and was travelling from Delhi to Ahmedabad.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Rajeev Ranjan said five live and two empty cartridges

were recovered from the passenger during pre-embarkation security check at IGI’s T-3 by the Central Industrial Security Force on Tuesday.

“During questioning, he produced his arms licence and asserted that the ammunition recovered from his hand baggage actually belongs to his licensed weapon and he was not conscious about the presence of rounds in his bag,” he said.

He has been booked under the Arms Act since his arms license is valid only in Gujarat.

08

HC physical hearings may be put off after 17 Covid cases First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Less than a week before the Gujarat High Court is scheduled to begin physical hearings, at least 17 of its employees have been found infected by coronavirus during the last two days.

This was found during tests of the employees being conducted ahead of the high court restarting physical hearings from September 14, after months of video hearings following the Covid-19 spread.

It had been decided to open the courts in a phased manner begin-

Gujarat High Court.

ning with three to four courts. However, sources believe that with as many as 17 employees testing positive the physical hearings may not resume in a hurry.

Chief Justice Vikram Nath had announced that courts of one division bench and three to four single judge bench-

es would resume physical hearing in the first phase of opening up.

It might be recalled that the entire Gujarat High Court premises was put under micro-containment zone after as many as 8 employees had tested positive for the deadly virus in July.

ACB arrests Vadodara PSI accepting bribe of `10,000 First India Bureau Vadodara : The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), Gujarat, has nabbed a Police Sub-Inspector in Vadodara for seeking and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The complainant in this case had submitted an application in Wadi police station of Vadodara city against a person for occupying his factory land.

The other person who

PSI Rahul Parmar in ACB trap

had allegedly blocked the complainant’s factory land had filed a crossapplication under the Prevention of SC/ST

Atrocities Act against the original complainant. Police were probing into these two applications. The bribe accused PSI Rahul Natvarbhai Parmar (28) had initially demanded Rs 50,000 from the original complainant to ‘settle’ the case, before agreeing to Rs. 10,000. The ACB was summoned by the complainant and the PSI was caught accepting the bribe.

Jewellery firm in CBI net for duping Bank of Baroda First India Bureau Vadodara: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged an FIR against a Vadodara-based jewellery firm and its director for allegedly cheating the Bank of Baroda to the tune of Rs 173.63 crore.

The CBI lodged the FIR on Tuesday against Shree Mukt Jewellers Baroda Private Limited, its promoter-cumdirector Harsh Soni and unknown persons. Soni is absconding.

In its complaint to the CBI, the Bank of Baroda accused the company, its director and others of “criminal conspiracy, criminal misconduct, cheating, forgery and diversion of public funds.”

—FILE PHOTO

The company was into the traditional gold and jewellery business in Vadodara and was sanctioned a Letter of Credit, cash credit and term loan facilities by the bank in 2013.

“But, it failed to repay the dues and the account became a non-performing asset in February 2016 and was declared a wilful defaulter in 2018.

The outstanding balance as on March 31, 2019, is Rs 173.63 crore,”

the FIR said.

Suspecting fraud, the bank conducted a forensic audit and learnt that “all the three suppliers with whom the company entered into transactions of buying gold and ornaments are related to each other”, it said. An internal investigation by the bank revealed that two of these suppliers had common directors while two were registered on the same address.

EYE-OPENER!

As life ‘unlocks’, eye donations pick up in diamond city In three post-lockdown months from June to August, Surat reported 226 eye donations

EYE DONATION DATA OF SURAT DISTRICT



First India Bureau Surat: Like everything else, the Covidimposed lockdown brought eye donations to a complete stop from March to May this year in the Surat district that tops the country in this. But with the lifting of the restrictions, eye donations have picked up

in the diamond city.

As many as 226 eye donations took place between June and August in Surat city and district, while 26 persons benefited from eye transplants. (See Table) Dr Praful Shiroya of Lok Drashti Eye Bank told First India, “Surat tops in eye donation. During the lockdown, not a single

cornea donation was made. But during June to August, 138 eye donations took place in our bank.

However, we are accepting donors only from non-containment areas.”

“Now the public mindset is also changing and they are coming forward to donate eyes,” he added.

Eye donations have started again with enthusiasm in Surat.

“The Eye Bank has received about 6,500 eye donations in the last five years. This year due to

the pandemic the donations have decreased.

We frequently campaign for donations and so far

3 lakh people have pledged to do so,” said Dr. Dinesh Patel of Lok Drashti Eye Bank.

Dr Rushi Mathur, the ophthalmologist at the Old Civil Hospital, informed that, “In the last 5 years, 8,951 eye donations were made in Surat city and district and 785 individuals benefited from the transplants.

This year, after lockdown, 226 eye donations and 26 transplants took place.”

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09

AHMEDABAD, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

. . .

N O O H A AWAR ! t i f o d u o r p d n a

This Throwback Thursday, City First frolics in a Chaplainesque mode twirling into the world of crime, passion, love, social and reformist themes with Awara, an iconic film!

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

I

fell in love with Rita (Nargis) when she sang passionately, oozing sexuality, “Dam bhar jo udhar moonh phere” when I saw the song in Chitrahaar, the DD music show of yesteryears and that brought me to the movie Awara.

Rita was even more in the movie, a passionate lover, a lawyer who stands up publicly for the man she loves and her principles.

My father-in-law told me that he watched the movie for 20 times straight and when he went to see it the 21st time, it had been removed from the movie hall and he was not the only one such was the power of this edgy movie which depicted the harsh reality of urban post-independence India. Raj Kapoor’s tribute to Charlie Chaplin as the cute tramp, set not just the Indian screens on fire but also spread to Russia, China and the entire Middle-East.

There are many aspects that make Awara a memorable film not just the powerful script which brings to the fore the ancient debate between the impact heredity and environment on an individual, the charming tramp,

the unique Ziegfield like dream sequence, the brooding passionate on-screen chemistry between Nargis and Raj, one of the finest performances by K N Singh but also the socialist theme which runs through the movie like a fine thread colouring everything with the helplessness of the vagabond.

It is charming to see the connect between reel and real in the movie with Prithviraj Kapoor, the judge as Raj Kapoor’s father and Shashi Kapoor as younger Raj. Raj Kapoor gave a different perspective to the word Awara, changing it forever, making it acceptable.

The movie moves with unassuming ease across crime, melodrama and romance.

The climax wrings the heart out for all of us.

I love the scene where Raj talks to the stray dog listing their similarities and his anger at the passer by who knocks against them and mouths obscenities.

As always, it is the photo of his childhood friend, the young girl Nargis which draws him back from the brink of committing a horrible crime.

“Tum acche ho, bure ho, nirdosh ho, apradhi ho, jo bhi ho …tum mere ho – the promise by Nargis at the end of the heart rending emotional love scene is perfect; from the barren environment to

the wind and Nargis is the perfect lover accepting her ‘awara’ as he is and guiding him to be better, reach to his potential.

If Raj Kapoor was Awara… then Nargis was the soul of Awara!

Note: Smoking is injurious to health.

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AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

10

In defence of Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ashok Sharma is a journalist with over three decades’ experience as a senior editor in prominent newspapers in Hong Kong, UAE and India.

ASHOK SHARMA

D

FA CE OF TH ED AY

avid Herbert Lawrence’s 135th birth anniversary falls on September 11, 2020. The dust of years has settled on the eventful life of DH Lawrence (DHL) who changed the face of literature through his bold writing. He is regarded today as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. It’s hard to imagine what a controversy his book Lady Chatterley’s Lover (LCL) caused in the late 1920s when it was declared obscene and banned in many countries.

The line of thinking on what was called obscene in the early part of the century was reflected in Britain’s prosecutor Mervyn Griffith Jones question to the jury --“Is it a book you would like wish your wife and servants to read?” It was only in 1960 that the ban placed upon LCL was removed in London. The court censored ‘narrow-mindedness’ in banning the book saying ‘such a work cannot be prosecuted under the ‘Obscene Publication Act.’ In the US the ban on book was overturned in 1959 when US Federal District Judge Frederick van Pelt Bryan ruled, “At this stage in the development of our society, this major English novel does not exceed the outer limits of tolerance.”

In India, Lady Chatterley’s

Lover was dragged to the court in 1965 and stripped bare on the question of obscenity. The court adjudged the novel as obscene. 60 years after western countries decided that LCL was not obscene and lifted the ban on it, and almost 90

years after the death of its author, the book continues to be banned in India. The book, however, is easily available in India in its unexpurgated version.

LCL caused a storm of protest, for it dealt with sex between a lady and a man not her

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

husband, in a frank and open manner. The idea of a noblewoman cheating on her husband and finding satisfaction with a lower-class yob was truly gross. But since then time has changed and with it values of life, especially with regard to sex, love and matrimony. What

Lawrence’s teacher at the Nottingham University, and the daughter of Baron Von Richtofen. Frieda divorced her husband and moved with her three children to live with Lawrence. Lady Chatterley is no other than this Frieda.

Legal opinion is at variance on the definition of obscenity...

It is felt that the courts cannot measure a work of art and should not venture into giving verdicts on obscenity issues.

Former US Supreme Court judge Samuel Hofstadter has crystallized the inappropriateness of courts venturing into obscenity issues by remarking “…the courts possess no special expertise. Obscenity is not intrinsically a constitutional question, hence it cannot be decided, but must be dismissed at the base.”

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You have job in your hand which others only dreamt of. You treat your parents like God and their words are your command. Your approach towards love life need to change and you must become more flexible.

Untidy clothes in room of any apartment gives you more stress.

You miss someone from the past who is no more around. You don’t open up to people easily and once you do than you do it completely.

Lover seems to be in demanding mood in a loving way. Big confusing problems are nothing to you because you are a mentally sorted person.

Look at the larger picture of life and the current situation will appear very small. Your spouse may not agree with you on everything but ultimately you manage to make them dance on your tunes such is your convincing power. Complication of your work are out standing.

You have a different way of looking at life much different from others. Once again in life you will try you childhood hobbies and you may make a career out of it. You never cease to amaze your spouse. Sweets are your weakness and you can spend to any extent for it.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You are interested in multiple business field and you may try your hands in many and also succeed.

Your ways are different than other that doesn’t make you superior or inferior instead thats what makes you, you. Perplexed by situations and then thinking too deep about it.

Your efforts in making someone’s career will not go in vain. You pray everyday without fail and you have deep faith. You trust people easily sometimes and thats not a good thing. You should not given up on your dreams no matter whats you age, start living and its never too late.

You have many talents but the best one is to something related to your creativity. You rule people’s heart and always manage to get undeviated appreciations. If you think you need to work harder on academic front than simply work hard. You’ll be happy today.

You are soon going to be a parent and you must already start taking responsibility. You can always create fun wherever you are, its inside you not outside. You are blessed to be in a job which gives you all the comfort. Donate a part of your salary if possible.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You love harmony in family and to maintain it you can go to any extent. You are loyal to your family and friends, something that is missing these days in the world outside. Your capability to romancing your partner is outstanding. Being full of energy all the time plays a very important role.

You will start buying things which were only a dream in the past, you will really experience a better life with improved standard. You always welcome people with open arms and thats how your house was always full of people but pandemic changed it all and sometimes it really bothers you.

Overstraining because of pity issues will only affect your health so become a bit carefree. You love to serve people in any way you can and you never cease to amaze people. You are expecting some emotional from someone not so emotional. Your financial worries will cease to exists.

You can invent something big in life and help the world. You are master of your own choice and nothing can influence you. Your lover’s mood will not effect you and you will do what you need to. Anger when directed in a good direction can help otherwise it could be dangerous.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

AISHA AHMED, Actress

was dubbed as ‘obscene’ in England and the rest of the world in the early part of this century is dismissed as ‘narrow- mindedness’.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover makes no compromise nor does it tolerate pretense and absolutes. When we enter the world of Lady Chatterley’s Lover we come across Sir Clifford Chatterley (symbol of a the degenerate post war world) of Wragby Hall, his dissatisfied wife Connie (symbol of feminine consciousness that rejects what is sterile and devitalised and goes for a new life), and the gamekeeper Oliver Mellors (symbol of ‘natural’ man who holds within him the possibility of renewed vitality) of Wragby Wood.

“She is ripping – she’s the finest women I’ve met – you must above all things meet her…but she’s splendid, she really is”.

Lawrence wrote these words to his friend Garnett. And this ‘splendid’ woman who inspired Lawrence so ecstatically was Frieda, the wife of

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

11

KUWTK

ENDS! T

he popular series Keeping Up With the Kardashians has been entertaining the audience for more than a decade. However, this iconic series is officially going to come to an end soon. Yes, you heard it right. The KardashianJenner family has already announced it on September 9. The 19th season of the series will return on 17th September. This will be followed by the 20th season in 2021 that will be the final one.

The family has also shared this piece of news on social media.

Here’s how the announcement reads as can be seen on Kim Kardashian’s Instagram handle, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians. After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes, and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years.”

—Agency

Cast of ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’

‘It’s entirely my loss’

Gone too soon

A

fter ace cinematographer PC Sreeram said that he had to reject a film as it had actor Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, the actor responded and said that it was “entirely” her loss.

The ‘Queen’ actor responded to PC Sreeram’s tweet and said, “I missed the opportunity to work with a legend like you sir, it’s entirely my loss.” She went on to wish the best to the ‘Padman’ cinematographer and said that she is glad that he took the “right call.”

“I don’t know what exactly made you uneasy about me but I am glad you

Late Sravani Kondalpalli

S

ravani Kondapalli, a Telugu television actress committed suicide and was found hanging in her flat in Hyderabad on the night of 8 September. She was just 26 and her family has filed a complaint against Devaraj for harassment,

with whom she got acquainted on TikTok. Her brother stated, “My sister told me that she is under pressure as he was blackmailing her. She said that she has a shooting to attend, but she soon took this extreme decision.”

—Agency

took the right call, wish you all the best,” she tweeted.

Taking to Twitter, the ‘Padman’ cinematographer had earlier in the day stated that he felt “uneasy” to work in a film with Kangana in the lead.

“Had to reject a film as it had Kangana Ranaut as the lead. Deep down I felt uneasy and explained my stand to the makers and they were understanding,” he tweeted. “Some times its only abt what feels right. Wishing them all the best,” he added.

The statement of the ‘Cheeni Kum’ cinematographer comes amid the ongoing Twitter war between

the ‘Queen’ actor and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, which followed after the actor said she felt unsafe in Mumbai and said the city seems like “Pakistan occupied Kashmir” to her.

The 33-year-old actor has been making headlines with her bold statements and revelations about the Hindi film industry after actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai residence in June.

Ranaut has been demanding justice for the late Bollywood actor and has been calling for the eradication of what she terms as “nepotism” in the film industry.

— ANI

Showing off her baby bump

E

mma Roberts is putting her baby bump on display!

The 29-year-old Scream Queens actress posed for a cute photo in a bathing suit on Monday over Labour Day weekend after confirming that she and boyfriend Garrett Hedlund are expecting their first child.

The photo features the actress wearing a dark floral swimsuit with a pair of

Ahead of Time

red sunglasses, along with a “Happy Labour Day” image.

In case you missed it, on 30 August, Emma revealed that she was pregnant with her first child, sharing on Instagram: “Me…and my two favourite guys” Emma wrote in her announcement along with a few photos showing off her baby bump at the end of August, also marking the first time Emma shared photos with Garrett on her social media.

—Agency

Emma Roberts’s post

Kangana Ranaut Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan in ‘Salaam Namaste’

‘Bell Bottom’, with

A

s the cult-classic ‘Salaam Namaste’ clocked 15 years on Wednesday, its filmmaker Siddharth Anand opened how his unconventional romantic comedy is often hailed as a way ahead of its time.

Talking about the theme of the film, the 37-year-old director said: “I think Salaam Namaste was dealing with an issue, which was taboo or not spoken

Siddharth Anand

about but very much prevalent whether in India or with Indians outside. It felt like it’s ahead of its time, but the thing is that there was no deliberate attempt to do something that is scandalous or trying to do something different.”

—ANI

LOVE

Vaani Kapoor writing a message on the ‘Bell Bottom’

M

egastar Akshay Kumar who rings in his 53rd birthday with the cast and crew of his upcoming espionage thriller ‘Bell Bottom’ in Scotland has received a special gift on his birthday--’A bell-bottom full of love.’

The unit of Bellbottom, shooting in Scotland hit upon a novel idea to celebrate the ‘Namaste London’

Team of ‘Bell Bottom’

stars’ 53rd birthday. The special gift offered by the whole unit of the film was a pair of dark blue bell-bottom pants - signed by the entire unit of ‘Bellbottom’. The pair of trousers, packed with birthday messages of love and

warmth scribbled all over was the first birthday gift of the day received by Akshay.

According to a source in the unit, it was film producer Deepshikha Deshmukh’s idea to create this invaluable gift for the actor. And just so

that Akshay does not get wind of the surprise, all prep-work for the same was done be-

fore and after shooting hours and it was finally total teamwork that created the perfect Bell Bottom.

The entire team poured in their love in the form lovely messages marked on the pair of dark blue pair of Bell Bottom, which included some Shayaris, and anecdotes in Hindi a n d M a r athi.

—ANI Akshay Kumar

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

It’s all about the ‘GRACE’

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

12

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

AKANKSHA BHALLA FROM THE PINK CITY IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CITY FIRST ABOUT THE NEW MUSIC VIDEO SHE HAS BEEN FEATURED IN

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

RAJASTHAN: This temple is popularly known as Khajuraho of Hadoti and Mini Khajuraho of Rajasthan. A budget of about five crores was received for the preservation of this temple of Khajuraho category in Madhya Pradesh, but many times the work is stopped due to the financial approval. The people of the area believe that if the renovation is done, then the number of tourists can increase here. Due to the apathetic attitude of the administration, the stones are now falling from this monument, shedding tears at their plight. Crafts and rare idols are being stolen from the hands of socialists. If it is not rectified soon, its existence will be in crisis.

L

oving what you do is the best way to enjoy life.

Akanksha Bhalla, a renowned model and actress from Jaipur has been reaching heights since the time she entered the field of modeling.

Recently, she was featured in the music video by Elegant Eye Production, ‘Inaayat’, with Sahil Hansrajani, which is sung

by Aakanksha Sharma and Swarat Chakraborty, and directed by Rihaan and his team.

‘Inaayat’ is about the love story of a youth couple. The protagonist’s sister helps her get a makeover so that the guy she likes falls in love with her, which he eventually does.

In an exclusive interview

RAJASTHAN: An initiative, ‘Computers for Convicts’ was started by 4 students of Jaishree Periwal International School, under which they handed over 10 Desktops to B L Soni, and DGP Jails.

4 students of Grade XII, Kartikeya Singh, Kritika Shrivastava, Nirbhay Narang, and Samyak Jain have taken this initiative, said it was an attempt to aid the rehabilitation of prisoners and provide them with a fairer second chance.

Through a crowdfunding campaign, the students raised money to develop an IT lab on the premises of Jaipur Central Jail, equipped with 10 desktops for the prisoners.

BTS of ‘Inaayat’

with City First, Akanksha shared a few details about the song. “I said yes to the music video as soon as I heard the script, as I found it to be really relevant. It reflects the reality of the youth today,” shared Akanksha.

She added, “We completed the shooting of the video in two days, the locations being Arya College and a Farmhouse in the city. The experience was great and the video has received an amazing response from the audience in just one week.”

Akanksha has a few more projects lined up for the future and will be soon shifting to Mumbai to pursue her career in acting.

The Vivekananda Yoga University in Los Angeles - the world’s first yoga university outside India has commenced classes virtually. Offering programs that combine scientific principles and modern research approaches to the ancient Indian practice of yoga, VaYU was jointly launched in June by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs P P Chaudhary as part of the 6th international Yoga Day commemoration. A total of 30 students have enrolled in the Online MS (Yoga) Program and the virtual classes commenced in August.

Akanksha Bhalla

VOCAL FOR LOCAL

LEARN2READ

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) began its online learning classes ‘Beejakshara’. On the first day of the programme on Tuesday, viewers learned the intricate ‘Art of Calligraphy’ in English and Hindi script by calligraphy artist, Harishankar Balothia.

CITY FIRST

S

hut down of all the schools and with it, the traditional way of teaching due to the pandemic has adversely impacted and hit the education system hard, around the world.

Varshika Jain faced this first hand when her son struggled to catch up and learn the very basics that any kid his age should know. This made her realize how important it is for kids to keep up with their studies and not fall a year behind. She felt it was important especially for the little ones because early education is what builds a strong foundation and prepares them for success in life ahead. This gave birth to Learn2Read.

Keeping this the focus she started teaching kids online and guided them how to read and write fluently and efficiently with the right spelling and pronunciations and keep them up to date as per their age.

With her 12+ years of experience in teaching kids from kindergarten to primary levels, she understood the importance of how to teach and what to teach depending on every child’s level of understanding and grasping. Currently, with a team of 8 teachers, Learn2Read has been teaching 100+ kids how to read and write in fun and interactive live online classes. They have kids not just from India but from around the world.

Sita Charan

RWW New

GUJARAT: An Ahmedabadi girl portrays the spirit of Garba preparation with the mask on, along with the message, “Korona Hare Ga Navratri Garba Khelaiya Khele Ga.”

PRESIDENT CITY FIRST

S

Rivaan, one of Varshika’s students

Varshika says that her vision is to not just to build a solid and strong foundation for lifelong learning but also to create employment for educated women who want to work but cannot go out due to the current situation or have always had the willingness to work but

Varshika Jain

could not because of various restrictions and reasons. She wants to empower women at home who have the willingness, the capability to teach and make little kids learn and with this make a positive difference to this world. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ocial worker, Sita Charan was recently appointed as the Zonal President of Rajasthan Women’s Wing by the Charan Gadhavi International Foundation, outlining social efforts and achievements made for her upliftment of women, empowerment of women and protection of their rights in the society. Sita Charan has been associated with various reputed social organizations for the last several years, as well as women and the Charan are playing their special role for the upliftment of society.

Currently, the women’s organization of the Charan society is establishing new achievements for society by performing various social and progressive works under your leadership. It is known that your husband Prof. Hakam Dan holds the post of Vice-Chancellor of the Bikaner Technical University and is active in various social activities.

On this occasion, newly appointed President Sita Charan said that ensuring women’s interests in society, but fighting for their rights will be their priority. They intend that by incorporating the backward women of society into the mainstream of society, they can be made ready to contribute to the development of society. Unless the women of any society are progressive, society cannot be progressive. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

GUJARAT: A Van Mahotsav program was organised by Vivekanand Nagar Police Station Ahmedabad on Tuesday, where 500 plants were planted by the police force and civilians of Vivekanand Nagar. The program was organised by PSI RB Rana and anchored by Hardik Bhatt Advocate.

HAPPY B’DAY!

IAS Haulianlal Guite celebrated his birthday on 9 September, Wednesday. We wish him all the best!

GUJARAT: People enjoying their evening snacks at Old Manek Chowk, Night Snacks Market in Ahmedabad. Only some shops are allowed to open by following all the safety precautions against Corona Virus.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI