First India-Ahmedabad Edition-19 November 2020

TWITTER REGRETS LADAKH GAFFE

MUM COPS SUMMON KANGANA, SISTER

New Delhi: Twitter has apologised in writing to a key parliamentary panel for wrongly showing Ladakh in China and has promised to correct the error by monthend, committee’s chairperson Meenakshi Lekhi said.

Actor Kangana Ranaut and sister Rangoli have been asked to appear before Mumbai Police on Nov 23 and 24 over their “objectionable comments” on social media aimed at spreading communal tension.

AHMEDABAD l THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW 19°C - 32°C

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 352

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11 DEAD, 16 INJURED

India AS TRUCKS COLLIDE IN VADODARA celebrates Indira

Vadodara: At least 11 people died and 16 others were injured when a mini-truck in which they were travelling rammed into another truck on the outskirts of Gujarat’s Vadodara city early Wednesday morning, police said.

The accident took place at Waghodia circle near the city around 2.45 am when the victims were heading towards Pavagadh in Panchmahal district, Vadodara Deputy Commissioner of Police Karanraj Vaghela said.

“At least 11 persons, including five women, died in the accident.

The mini-truck, carrying around 25 people, rammed into a truck trailer from behind,” Vadodara Police Commissioner R B Brahmbhatt said.

Turn to P6

MILITANTS LOB GRENADE AT SECURITYMEN IN PULWAMA, 12 CIVILIANS HURT Pulwama: At least twelve civilians were injured in a grenade attack by militants on a team of security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police said.

The militants lobbed a grenade at the security forces which missed the intended target and exploded on the road, news agency PTI reported, quoting a police official.

The incident took place in the Kakapora area of Pulwama, a police official said. Twelve civilians sustained splinter injuries in the explosion, Turn to P6

Narendra Modi @narendramodi Saddened by the accident in Vadodara. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Praying that the injured recover soon. The administration is providing all possible assistance at the site of the accident.

Amit Shah @AmitShah Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Vadodara, Gujarat. Have spoken to the local administration they are providing all possible assistance. Condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover at the earliest.

Mangled remains of a mini-truck after it rammed into another truck, on the outskirts of Vadodara on Wednesday.

4 DIE IN ANOTHER MISHAP Surendranagar: Four members of a family were killed and one injured after their car rammed into a tree on the side of a state highway in Gujarat’’s Surendranagar district on Wednesday morning.

Ashok Gehlot @ashokgehlot51 Saddened by the loss of lives in a road accident in Vadodara, Gujarat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

May they remain strong in this difficult time.

Prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.

Some called it “foolhardy”: CEC Arora on Bihar polls amid covid New Delhi (PTI): When the Election Commission began preparing for the Bihar assembly election amid the coronavirus pandemic, some felt it was being “fool-hardy”, but the safe and successful conduct of the massive democratic exercise has given us appreciation, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Wednesday.

Arora also said he is confident that the poll body will be able to hold the next set of assembly polls on time and the internal exercise for those is already underway.

Elections are due in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry in May-June next year.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora

He said the EC was made to feel like it had done a “dussahas” (misadventure) by holding the Bihar election amid the pandemic, but it was “a leap of faith and not a leap in the dark” for everyone in the Commission.

“When you use the

Tie-ups on mind: Amit Shah to visit Chennai on Nov 21 New Delhi: Amid visible signs of friction with the ruling AIADMK and speculations of a possible BJP tieup with MK Alagiri (brother of DMK president MK Stalin) for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, all eyes are on Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Chennai on November 21.

The news is already spicing up political drama in the state as it prepares for first Assembly elections after the passing away of political stalwarts — AIADMK’s J Jayalalithaa and DMK’s M Karunanidhi. Though both sides are silent on the matter, there are talks of a possible one-onone meeting between

Rahul Gandhi @RahulGandhi The news of Vadodara accident is very sad. My condolences to the families of the deceased. It is hoped that the government-administration will leave no stone unturned in the relief work. It is an appeal to the Congressmen to extend all possible help.

term leap of faith, you don’t use it as some kind of a dramatic dialogue. A lot of preparation had undergone behind it. In any election, we work as hard as required. But in this kind of elections amid COVID-19, this became a more herculean and

challenging task,” Arora told news agency PTI in an interview.

Asked whether the Commission has proved those questioning the decision to hold polls wrong, Arora said he won’t say that.

“It is for the media, people of the country, voters, all relevant stakeholders to say that. For me to say that we have proved them wrong would be a bit churlish,” he said.

Recently, Arora had said there were “extreme cynics” who made “doomsday predictions”, but had not named them.

On Wednesday, he said, “They (cynics) did not do it on record.

Turn to P6

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, the first and the only woman Prime Minister of India, was born on November 19 in 1917 in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). Today, we celebrate her 103rd birth anniversary.

VACANT OR NOT?

AMDAVADIS PANIC OVER NCOV HOSP BEDS, AMC SAYS ALL IS WELL Officer on Special Duty Rajiv Gupta clears the air after social media is flooded with posts on rapid surge in cases First India Bureau

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Shah and Alagiri.

While Alagiri has been looking for avenues to resurrect his political career after being sidelined by Stalin, the BJP too is looking for suitable partners to realise its expansion dreams in the southern state. Reports suggest that Alagiri is preparing to launch a political outfit called “Kalaignar

DMK” or “KDMK”.

While rivals dismiss Alagiri as “inconsequential” and the BJP as a “political lightweight”, observers say for the saffron party which has no major political base in Tamil Nadu, any “help” will be welcome.

Besides, superstar Rajinikanth continues to be elusive Turn to P6

Ahmedabad: The lack of authentic information regarding the COVID-19 situation in the state has invoked mistrust of the state government among citizens. Therefore, when reports of inadequate beds at COVID-19 hospitals started doing the rounds on social media platforms and regional broadcast channels on Wednesday, people readily believed that the bed occupancy in city hospitals had increased over the festive weekend, leaving no scope

for more patients. Local civic body Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) claimed that over 405 beds were vacant at private hospitals designated as COVID-19 centres (including AMC and private quota) on Wednesday morning.

But, there was a sense of panic among denizens after messages on social media warned them of low bed availability in hospitals. In response to the wave of trepidation, a statement clarifying the situation was put out by Officer on Special Duty Rajiv Gupta, who has been de-

AMC claimed that over 405 beds were vacant at private hospitals designated as COVID-19 centres (including AMC and private quota) on Wednesday morning.

—FILE PHOTO

puted to take charge of COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts by the state.

According to the press release, over 40% beds were stated to be vacant in the city at government-run as well as pri-

vate hospitals.

Gupta claimed that there were 501 unoccupied beds at private hospitals while over 2,347 beds were vacant at government-run hospitals. The press release

also stated that there were a total of 7,279 beds at hospitals designated for COVID-19 patients including government-run (7) and private (76) ones.

Turn to P6

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AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS CONSIDERING

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Most markets were extremely crowded in the run-up to the festive weekend.

—FILE PHOTO

VOLUNTARY LOCKDOWN A DECISION ON THE ISSUE LIKELY WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS

First India Bureau

down voluntarily, to break the chain of infection. A final decision on the issue is expected to be made within the next 24 hours.

Jayendra Tanna, president of the Gujarat Traders Association, told the media that office bearers of

Ahmedabad: The spike in the number of COVID-19 cases since Diwali has people worried that the virus may spread further. As a result, the traders across the state are considering going into lock-

various associations and chambers of commerce have been in talks about the current situation. They are concerned that if trade is resumed on Labh Pancham, following the customary five-day break, the number of COVID-19 cases could rise further. He added

AMC CRACKS DOWN Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s health team has started cracking down on tea stalls, pan and tobacco shops and also restaurants for not maintaining social distancing. Several such establishments were forced to down shutters in the eastern part of the city. A popular burger joint on SG Highway was also shut down since it had more than the permitted 50% of customers and was not maintaining social distancing.

STATE TO HOST TWO-DAY NATIONAL

CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY AT KEVADIA First India Bureau

engage in discussions on how to strengthen coordination between the three important pillars of democracy. The convention will be attended

by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu (also the VicePresident) or Deputy

erations have already agreed to shut down trade in their cities.

Sources said that various clothes merchant associations, automobile spare parts associations, electronic goods trader associations are also discussing instituting a lock-

down in Ahmedabad.

In addition, office bearers of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) are in talks with various traders associations in Jamnagar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, Bhavnagar and other towns as well.

Rupani condoles loss of lives in V’dara accident

The event will be inaugurated

by President Ram Nath Kovind; several high-profile dignitaries set to attend

Gandhinagar: A twoday national conference on ‘Harmonious Coordination between Legislative, Executive and Judiciary’ is set to be held at Kevadia on November 25 and 26.

The event is being jointly organized by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and the state government.

Touted to be a highsecurity gathering, it will be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi told First India that the conference has been planned to

that the biggest decision would be how long this voluntary lockdown would be in place.

Tanna also said that former presidents of the Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and office bearers of the Jamnagar Traders’ Fed-

Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh. Around 31 legislative assembly speakers from across the nation are also expected to participate in the conference.

Trivedi added that the Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde and other high court

chief justices will be joining the discussion at the convention too.

Representing the Executive wing of democracy, chief secretaries from various states are likely to attend as well.

All guests are expected to start arriving at

Kevadia on November 24 and the conference will be inaugurated on the morning of November 25 by President Kovind.

Various subject experts and dignitaries are expected to deliver lectures at the convention and help achieve the aim of the conference. The twoday event will culminate on November 26 when it will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing.

Several guests will be staying back on November 27 for a visit to the Statue of Unity, various parks, among other attractions in the Kevadia Development Authority Area.

Vadodara/Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a collision between two trucks at the Waghodia Crossing Highway in Vadodara.

At least 11 people died in the accident in the wee hours of Wednesday, Ranjan Ayyer, Superintendent, Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital said. As many as 17 people who sustained injuries in the accident have been admitted to a hospital. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to provide immediate help to the victims.

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a road accident near Vadodara. Instructed officials to do needful. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest. I pray for the departed souls. Om Shanti,” Rupani tweeted.

—ANI

Police officials visit the injured people.

A frontal view of the ill-fated truck after its collision with a tractor in Vadodara on Wednesday.

The luggage of the injured people kept inside the crushed truck.

—PHOTOS BY ANI

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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200 doctors go on strike at GCS Hosp, demand fee waiver

Another 10 ambulances added to 108 emergency services COVID-19 fleet to tackle rise in cases First India Bureau Ahmedabad: More than 200 doctors at the GCS Hospital of the city went on strike amid rising COVID-19 cases post the Diwali weekend, on Wednesday. They demanded a fee waiver for their current academic year from the authorities during their demonstration.

One of the agitating residents said, “We demand that student doctors receive a 6-month fee waiver which must be followed as long as we are allocated to stay on COVID-19 duty. I approached the hospital management with this issue several times but it remained unresolved.”

The doctor added, “We are aware that going on strike in the midst of a pandemic, that too when cases are surging, is not the best solution. But, it is necessary for us to get this out in the open since we want our demand to be fulfilled.”

Meanwhile, there has been a rise in the number of calls made by 108 ambulance services in

03

Fire at Surat hosp, no casualties First India Bureau Surat: Barely two months after the Shrey Hospital fire claimed eight lives in Ahmedabad, a fire broke out in the private Tristar Hospital in the Athwa Lines area here on Wednesday afternoon.

Nobody was injured in the incident as patients were evacuated, a fire department official said. At least 16 patients were shifted to other hospitals as smoke spread on the first floor, the official said.

The blaze erupted on the ground floor of the four-storey building around 2.30 pm. The fire seemed to have started in the hospital’s server room, said

16 patients were rescued by the fire department.

Anil Goklani, chairman of the standing committee of the Surat Municipal Corporation. Nobody was injured in the incident, he added.

It is believed that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit.

The fire brigade contained the fire within an hour. However, the

intensity of the smoke coming out of the hospital building caused panic among doctors, patients and their relatives. People in the vicinity reported breathing difficulties as well.

Additional chief fire officer Basant Pareek said efforts to bring the blaze under control were underway.

THE NEW NORMAL?

Junior and resident doctors of GCS Hospital demonstrating at the hospital premises on Wednesday.

the city. To meet the increasing need, 10 more units have been added to the existing fleet exclusively for COVID-19 patients. Currently, there are 20 COVID-19 ambu-

lances functioning under the 108 emergency services in Ahmedabad.

Jashvant Prajapati, COO of 108 GVK emergency services said, “There was an issue of

delay in hospitalization of COVID-19 patients at AMC-run Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital recently. Ambulances were being asked to wait for 15 to 60

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

minutes outside the hospital premises against the average hospitalization time of 1012 minutes. But, with the addition to the fleet, it will be resolved.”

Children were seen taking advantage of the attractions around Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake on Wednesday, oblivious to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Overnight leap: 94 patients Youth arrested for admitted to pvt nCoV hosps outraging modesty First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Daily jump rises, Guj sees 1,281 more COVID-19 cases First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Satellite Police have arrested a 25-year-old youth for outraging a woman’s modesty barely half a kilometre away from the police station on Tuesday night.

According to the criminal complaint lodged by victim Canasino Feera, the accused accosted her on her way back from work near Revti apartment close to Ramdevnagar Square and rubbed his hands on her thigh. He then tried to flee but she sought help from passersby, who then caught the accused.

The police were then called and the accused, who has been identified as Vitthal Rathod, was arrested on the spot.

Feera, a native of Na-

Gandhinagar: Wednesday brought 156 more cases of COVID-19 than on Tuesday, with Gujarat witnessing 1,281 fresh cases of novel coronavirus infection. With this, the state has seen a total of 1,91,642 cases of the disease since March.

There were eight new deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the state’s total death toll to 3823 so far. Five of these deaths were reported in Ahmedabad, two, in Surat, and one in Patan.

After a gap of about a week, Surat again had more cases than Ahmedabad. The former reported 223 cases, while the latter saw 220 new cases emerge in the past 24 hours.

There were eight new

Ahmedabad: The novel coronavirus has the city firmly in its grasp.

Ahmedabad’s private hospitals admitted as many as 94 new COVID-19 patients overnight. This is in addition to the large number admitted to government-run hospitals and COVIDcare centres.

According to experts, this rise in the number of COVID-19 cases is due to mass gatherings at markets ahead of Diwali. They say the spike is likely to continue in the coming days.

According to the data provided by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, there were 288 beds vacant under the AMC quota

The rise is being attributed to pre-Diwali shopping sprees. —FILE PHOTO

and 211 beds in the private quota in AMCdesignated COVID-19 hospitals as of 7 pm on Tuesday evening. The vacant space filled quickly. By 10 am on Wednesday, there were 236 beds vacant under the AMC quota and 169 beds in the private quota.

As per information available on the web-

site of the Ahmedabad Hospital and Nursing Home Association, the civic body has requisitioned a total of 2,256 beds, which are available in 72 private hospitals across the city.

Of these, 175 beds are equipped with ventilators—only 16 beds of these were vacant during the day time on Wednesday.

Vitthal Rathod

galand, works as a therapist in a private spa.

She and her Gujarati fiance live in a rented flat near Ramdevnagar square.

The complainant told the police that she was walking back from work when the incident occurred.

Rathod has been booked under the IPC (Indian Penal Code) sections for outraging the woman’s modesty.

During questioning, he told the police that he was also a resident of Ramdevnagar Square.

Testing for COVID-19 in Ahmedabad. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

1,281 cases, eight fatalities take state tally to 1,91,642 cases, toll to 3,823 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the state’s total death toll to 3823 so far. Five of these deaths were reported in Ahmedabad, two, in Surat, and one in Patan.

Rajkot saw 161 new

cases, Vadodara had 142, Banaskantha had 65, Gandhinagar had 59, Mehsana had 45, Patan had 42, and Dahod had 35. The government claims to achieve a 91.50% discharge rate, which the department calls the recovery rate.

At present, there are 4,89,222 persons under quarantine. Just 86 of these are in institutional facilities, the rest are under home quarantine.

NOT A GOOD IDEA

AMA recommends that the state postpone reopening of schools lll

The Gujarat government allowed resumption of the academic session at schools for Classes IX, X and XII from Nov 23

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: After a rise was witnessed in the number of COVID-19 cases post the Diwali weekend, members of the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) have urged the state government to postpone reopening of schools on November 23. It recommended that the state revisit the matter after evaluating the escalation in nCoV cases until December.

AMA member Dr Vasant Patel suggested, “Over the past few days, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases. At this juncture, in my professional medical opinion, it is not advisable that students be allowed to gather at schools. The government should wait for one more week before taking a call on reopening schools.”

Dr Patel echoed the concern of fellow association members, as was evident post the conclusion of a recent

Schools have been shut since March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

—FILE PHOTO

meeting conducted in the city. Several AMA members expressed concern about rising numbers of novel coronavirus cases and agreed that the second phase had indeed hit the state.

The recommendation of AMA underlines that the state review the COVID-19 situation in the last week of November. If the numbers are lower only then should it allow resumption of the academic session for grades IX, X and XII in

the first or second week of December.

A week ago, on the eve of Diwali, the state government announced its decision to reopen schools from November 23. It also issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for schools and made it mandatory for students to produce permission slips signed by their parents in order to attend classes on school campuses.

Students will be able to sit for classes on an odd-even rotational basis.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY

IN-DEPTH

A SHIFT TOWARDS AMERICAN BLOCK?

FLIP-FLOPS WILL COST CONGRESS DEAR

S

truggling to set its own house in order, the Congress Party finds itself cornered by the Bharatiya Janata Party on key issues. Unable to take a stand and then stick to it, the party has to do a flip flop.

Take Gupkar, for instance. On August 4, 2019, the Congress signed a resolution passed by the political parties of Jammu and Kashmir at the Gupkar residence of Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president. But when the group met again in October this year to give the alliance a formal shape the Congress, a signatory, was a notable absentee. The party apparently wasn’t quite sure of the fallout of its stand.

The announcement of elections for the District Development Council polls in the state followed.

All the political parties decided to jointly contest the polls under the banner of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). Congress insisted on fielding three candidates before being cornered by the BJP for siding with parties that refuse to hold the tricolor and plan to go global with the Kashmir issue. The BJP asked the Congress to clarify its stand on Article 370 and the Gupkar alliance. Unsure of whether it should side with J&K leaders the party caved in. After taking part in the meeting last week, Congress issued a statement denying having attended any meeting or being part of the PAGD. Days of tight-rope walking are over for Congress. It has to take the BJP head-on even if it meant participating in the DDC polls and not let the BJP have a free run.

BRIG VIJAY SAGAR DHEMAN The writer is a leading defence and strategic expert, prolific writer, national TV news Commentator, and internationally accredited life coach

T

ARTICLE 32 IS SAVIOUR OF PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

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rticle 32 of the Constitution of India is a fundamental right which confers the Right to Constitutional Remedies and is meant to protect other fundamental rights like right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, life and personal liberty guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution. If any of these rights are violated a citizen can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 and seek redress. Chief Justice of India, Justice SA Bobde’s observation that the court is “trying to discourage” individuals from filing petitions under Article 32 has caused a flutter as it would amount to depriving the people of an important shield against misuse of power by the State. Dr BR Ambedkar himself underlined the importance of Article 32 when he said in the Constituent Assembly that this Article was “the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it” and that it was “one of the greatest safeguards that can be provided for the safety and security of the individual”.

It is this safeguard which has come under a cloud after Chief Justice SA Bobde’s observation made during the hearing in Malyalam journalist Siddique Kappan’s case. Kappan was arrested along with three others by the Uttar Pradesh police while they were on their way to Hathras on October 5.

Kappan has been incarcerated ever since with no relief from courts.

Given the authoritarian governments and the politicised police individual’s fundamental rights are constantly under threat. The only hope for the people is the SC. If it starts discouraging petitions under Article 32, then God alone can save us.

The only thing that matters is ‘Nations Self Interests’. PostWWII, the world was a bipolar entity, wherein we had two superpowers and the entire world was firmly in grip of two superpowers.

Few nations practised NonAlignment under the banner led by India.

Nevertheless, India did go in for alliances with the United States or USSR as per the requirement of the time. Post disintegration of the USSR, the world saw only one superpower.

hird edition of 2+2 dialogue between India and the United States took place in New Delhi on Oct 27, 2020. During the meet various security and economic issues were reviewed from the prevailing security situation in Eastern Ladakh to Indo Pacific, economic terrorism vigorously being pursued by China, imperialistic hegemonistic overture being persisted by China world over with its ambitious flagship ‘BRI/OBOR’. Many other issues concerning intimate co-operation between India and the United States in the field of Satellite intelligence, geospatial data exchange, nuclear scenario, defence technology transfer and logistic sharing arrangements etc were also part of the discussion. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) was signed between the two largest democracies of the world during the meeting. This, in conjunction with earlier Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMMCSA), Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), provides for a very strong alliance between India and the United States as regards the military security in South Asia and Indo Pacific.

This is to ensure the territorial integrity of the incumbent nations in South Asia and democratic use of sea lines of communications on the high seas in Indo-Pacific for the entire world.

The above meet and increasing proximity between the two nations (wherein the Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper, the two principal secretaries had to physically fly in, despite the presidential elections the United States less than seven days away and stringent virtual measures dictated by the COVID crisis) demonstrated heightened sensitivity towards the Chinese belligerence. It is also a manifestation of the foreign policy trends in vogue across the world to

tame the imperialism unleashed

by China by way of economic debt traps. This issue has also raised the hackles amongst the opposition ranks regarding possible shift being demonstrated

by Modi Govt from old cliques of Non Alignment to alignment with the United States. Now the question is “Is that so?” Though every opposition in a democratic setup has the inherent right to question the Govt yet can the opposition justify the rant especially when the Indian Armed Forces are facing China eyeball to eyeball? Is it a direct insinuation to lower the morale of armed forces who are defending the territorial integrity of the nation while being ready to sacrifice their lives? Can opposition justify the rant and the timings of this attack?

The diplomatic activity today, has undergone a world of change and it has evolved as a doctrine of ‘No Permanent Enemies and No Permanent Friends’. The only thing that matters is ‘Nations Self Interests’. Post WWII, the world was a bipolar entity, wherein we had two superpowers and the entire world was firmly in grip of two superpowers. Few nations practised NonAlignment under the banner led

by India. Nevertheless, India did go in for alliances with the United States or USSR as per the requirement of the time. Post disintegration of the USSR, the world saw only one superpower.

This remained till the advent of China on the world stage as a potential superpower wherein it

INDIA HAS ALSO BEEN ABLE TO WIN BACK SOME OF THE SAARC COUNTRIES BY WAY OF BIMSTEC WHEN THEY STILL HAVE MILITARY ALLIANCES WITH CHINA

started threatening the gullible nations and went in for its BRI/ OBOR project to tame the comity of nations economically and militarily. During this period, the trend was to have bilateral to multilateral alliances as per the specific needs of the respective nations. In the process, the reality of today is that a nation has to go in for multiple alliances with different countries with specific self-interest. In the bargain, the foreign policy experts have to do a tight rope walking diplomatically, as the scenario lends to a nation being in alliance with another nation/nations on a specific issue and yet be against the same nation/nations on another global issue.

In this regards India has done extremely well by ensuring to secure the friendly ties with the ‘All-Weather Friend’ Russia retaining its military defence cooperation. This has been carefully worked out while being in an emerging strategic alliance with the United States and other NATO countries. India has also been able to win back some

Where do we stand with the Pfizer vaccine?

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n Monday, November 9, BioNTech, a biotech company owned by a TurkishGerman couple, Dr. Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci, together with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer shared some promising news in the wake of the intense race toward eradicating COVID-19. The preliminary but potentially conclusive results of the trial of the mRNA vaccine against the novel coronavirus have sparked flickers of hope around the world. If successful, this will be the world’s first-ever mRNA vaccine. Out of 11 vaccines currently in late-stage trials, only one other company, Moderna, is developing mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, announcing on November 16 that its vaccine also comes with a 94.5% efficacy rate.

04

Pfizer and BioNTech in a short press release announced that they have conducted a trial on 43,500 volunteers across the US, Argentina, Brazil and Germany, injecting them with two doses of the candidate vaccine at three-week intervals. They presented an analysis of data collected from 94 volunteers who posed as confirmed COVID-19 cases. The ensuing trial, administered just seven days after the second dose, found that the vaccination was effective in more than 90% of volunteers in preventing COVID-19 symptoms and transmission.

WILL IT WORK? This small group of vaccinated volunteers did not develop any serious side effects. Although almost half of the volunteers in this study were elderly, no

data was provided on the efficacy rate among older people, the seriously sick and the highly vulnerable.

As of November 8, the trial had enrolled 42% global and 30% US volunteers with racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

It is not known if this vaccine will work in ethnically different populations that are not part of the

trial, and no one can tell how long the immunity might last. More will be revealed about these issues once Pfizer and BioNTech have published their Phase 3 trial data in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

For this vaccine to be authorized, in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, companies need to wait for

at least two more months to see if any safety or adverse issues are observed in at least half the trial subjects two months after the last injection. While this vaccine offers huge promise, experts caution that, similar to the flu jab, the firstgeneration COVID-19 vaccine may not be completely protective.

The biggest stumbling block in the success of mRNA vaccine is proper temperature storage, transport, delivery and continuous temperature monitoring as the vaccine needs to be consistently maintained at around -70˚C or -80˚C. Deviation from these storage requirements reduces both shelf life and efficacy. Such absolute requirements of maintaining a cold chain for the vaccine pose a real challenge in countries with intense heat or poor infra-

structure.

Pfizer is currently working on the stability of this vaccine along with other storage and handling issues as well as developing packaging and innovative logistical solutions for various locations around the globe. For example, Pfizer has developed a dry-ice based container in which vaccines can be stored for up to 10-15 days. These containers can be used for transit purposes as well.

Alternatively, countries are required to set separate centralized hubs or vaccination centers equipped with ultra-cold freezers where vaccinations can be performed. Success of protein-based vaccines from other ongoing trials will be beneficial to countries with large populations and poor infrastructure.

of the SAARC countries by way of BIMSTEC when they still have military alliances with China. Similarly, there is a security alliance afoot with ASEAN countries despite China being a member of ASEAN. The geopolitical situation also dictates that India accepts the observer status in SCO and refuses alliance in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). All this has happened in the background of a military standoff with China on LAC. India still has not declared China as the enemy overtly in diplomatic circles, as is evident from the statements of RM Raj Nath Singh and EAM S Jaishanker during 2+2 Dialogue at New Delhi. The traditional think tanks in India clamouring for subjugation against China have been rooted out and progressive intelligentsia is busy overtime to carry out ‘SWOT’ analysis, ‘DIME’ analysis and to suggest political, diplomatic, economic, cyberspace, and military recommendations to Govt of India for containing China on LAC and protecting India’s ‘Sea Lines of Communications’ and other maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. Notwithstanding the fact that any contemporary nation-state has to work out its diplomatic common denominator carefully in this labyrinth of complex strategic nuances based on ‘selfinterests’. It appears India is doing its homework fairly well.

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TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Our vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not only about fulfilling domestic requirement but also to make India a global manufacturing hub. Policy certainty backed with cost-efficiency will ensure value out of our natural resources will be realised optimally with sustainability.

Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan Attended an insightful Ministerial Meeting of @GPCoalition on ‘HIV Prevention 2021-2025, Taking Stock, Planning The Future’. At the meeting hosted via VC by @ UNAIDS & @UNFPA today, we reviewed the success of various global & national programs while planning the way forward.

Spiritual SPEAK

Your own self is your master; who else could be? With yourself well controlled, you gain a master very hard to find.

—Buddha

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PM MODI SPEAKS TO JOE BIDEN ON

PANDEMIC COOPERATION, INDO PACIFIC New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to United States Presidentelect Joe Biden on the phone to congratulate him, reiterating the country’s firm commitment to the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed shared priorities.

“Spoke to US President-elect Joe Biden on phone to congratulate him. We reiterated our firm commitment to the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed our shared priorities and concerns--COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region,” PM Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister, in the following tweet, also conveyed warm congratulations to VicePresident-elect Kamala Harris.

“Her success is a matter of great pride

RaGa slams Centre, claims unemployment, inflation rate high

Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday continued his attack on the Central government and claimed that inflation was never so high, nor was unemployment.

Taking to Twitter, he said that the public morale is crumbling and social justice is being crushed daily.

“Banks are in trouble and GDP too. Inflation was never so high, nor was unemployment.

Public morale is crumbling and social justice is being crushed daily.

Development or destruction?” he tweeted.

Over the past few months, the Congress leader has been targeting the Centre on various issues, including the handling of the coronavirus crisis, economic conditions in the country and unemployment, among others and alleged that the government was not doing enough to resolve these issues. —ANI

WB Polls: Cong, Left to jointly organise events

—PHOTO BY ANI

PM NARENDRA MODI TO INAUGURATE BENGALURU TECH SUMMIT TODAY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

and inspiration for members of the vibrant Indian-American community, who are a tremendous source of strength for Indo-US relations,” he added.

After Biden’s electoral victory was announced, PM Modi had

United States President-elect Joe Biden

congratulated him and had said he looked forward to working closely with the US leader once again to take relations between two countries to greater heights. He had said that Biden’s contribution to strengthening Indo-US

relations as Vice President “was critical and invaluable”.

The Prime Minister had expressed confidence that vibrant India-US ties will get stronger with the support and leadership of Kamala Harris. —ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bengaluru Tech Summit, 2020 at 11 am on November 19 via video conferencing, officials said on Wednesday.

The Bengaluru Tech Summit, organised by the Government of Karnataka along with Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Karnataka government’s Vision Group on Information Technology, Biotechnology & StartUp, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, is scheduled

to take place from November 19 to 21.

The summit will see the participation of Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Swiss Confederation Vice President Guy Parmelin, and many other prominent international figures.

Apart from them, thought leaders, industry captains, technocrats, researchers, innovators, investors, policy-makers and educators from India and around the world will also be participating in the summit.

The summit will deliberate on the key challenges emerging in the post-pandemic.

—ANI

Javadekar taunts at Cong over stand on RCEP New Delhi: Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress party over its leaders stand on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“Internal contradiction and confusion in senior leadership in Congress on critical issues exposed on yet another issue - RCEP.

While yesterday @ AnandSharmaINC termed India’s decision of not joining RCEP as unfortunate, @Jairam_ Ramesh on the other hand endorsed India’s exit from RCEP,” Javadekar said in a tweet.

Congress leader Anand Sharma in a tweet on Tuesday said, “India’s decision of not joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is unfortu-

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar

nate and ill advised.”

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “On Oct 21 2019 I had described India’s imminent membership of RCEP as 3rd jhatka for economy after demonetisation & botched GST. A year later the position @INCIndia took then in demanding that the PM not drag India into an unfair RCEP, as was being planned, stands vindicated.” —ANI

Left trade unions called for a Bharat bandh on November 26 while all left wings stage a rally to support the bandh, in Kolkata.

Kolkata: Ahead of the West Benal Assembly elections, the Congress party and Left parties will jointly organise programmes in every block of the districts in the state from November 23 onwards. This was decided in the “CongressLeft Alliance Meeting”, which was held on Tuesday at Kranti Press.

“The main discussion of the meeting was how to maximise the projection of CongressLeft Alliance. The chemistry of the alliance is potent and this should be carried deep down into every booth in Bengal to give the people of Bengal an alternative option from TMC and BJP and the alliance is confident that it will be a game changer in Bengal,” said WB PCC. “It has been unanimously decided that Congress and Left shall jointly organise programmes in every block from 23rd November onwards and all pre-announced programmes of Congress and Left will continue before that,” it added.

BJP’S TOP FORCE IN BENGAL FOR UNBIASED REPORT New Delhi: BJP has sent its top office-bearers to tour WB submit a ground report on the strategy needed to usurp power from the Mamata Banerjee government in the 2021 Assembly polls.

The tours of top office bearers have been finalised after a decision by the party that BJP President JP Nadda and Union HM Amit Shah will visit the state regularly till the Assembly polls.

Nadda, BL Santhosh have given the task to the leaders to understand the issues within the state unit.

This is being done in an attempt to send out a message that the Central party leadership is hearing their grievances. Leaders have been asked to compile a detailed report, as per various regions of state, during their tour.

—ANI

Sibal hits back at Shah for ESPIONAGE CASE Maha Guv moves SC against SC adjourns Gupkar remark interest waiver Court dismisses default bail plea of New Delhi: Congress contempt proceedings Kapil Sibal on New Delhi: Maharashcase to Nov 19 Journo Rajeev, arrested under OSA leader Wednesday lashed out tra Governor Bhagat IN THE COURTYARD

Singh Koshyari has moved the Supreme Court challenging a notice issue by the Uttarakhand High Court on a plea for initiating a contempt proceeding against him. The plea had sought contempt proceedings for his failure to follow order to pay the market rent for a government bungalow.

The accommodation was allocated to him as a former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.

Koshyari in his petition, filed through advocates Ardhendhu Mauli Prasad and Pravesh Thakur, sought stay on the high court order.

KANGANA, SISTER SUMMONED BY MUMBAI POLICE ON NOV 23-24 Mumbai: Actor Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel have been summoned by the police, asking them to appear before Bandra Police on November 23-24 over “objectionable comments on social media to spread communal tension between 2 groups.”

Kangana has been summoned on November 23

05

and Rangoli on November 24. On October 17, a local court in Mumbai’s Bandra has issued directions for the registration of an FIR against Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel for allegedly spreading communal hatred. Case has been registered under Section 124 A, 153-A, 295-A of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Bhagat Singh Koshyari

The plea cited Article 361 of the Constitution which provides protection to President and Governors from any such proceedings. The plea argued that the market rent was exorbitant and was arrived at without any rational ground. Senior advocate Aman Sinha will argue the matter for the Governor before court.

New Delhi: The SC on Wednesday adjourned the hearing for tomorrow on the petitions seeking direction for waiving of interest on loan during the moratorium period introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic times.

Justice Ashok Bhushan adjourned the matter for today in the matter.

The Central government, in its affidavit filed on October 25, had stated that the interest waiver scheme can be availed by borrowers in specified loan accounts for a period from March 1 to August 31, 2020. —ANI

TWITTER APOLOGISES FOR HURTING INDIAN SENTIMENTS New Delhi: Social media giant Twitter has apologised in writing to a key parliamentary panel for wrongly showing Ladakh in China and has promised to correct the error by the month-end, the committee’s chairperson Meenakshi Lekhi said on Wednesday. Twitter’s deposition has come in form of an affidavit signed by Damien Karien, Chief Privacy Officer of Twitter Inc, for wrong geo-tagging of India’s map. Twitter has now given us a written apology on an affidavit for Ladakh being shown in China,” Lekhi said.

New Delhi: A Delhi court has dismissed the default bail plea by journalist Rajeev Sharma, accused of espionage under the Official Secrets Act. He was arrested along with a Chinese national and one other accused in September by Delhi Police for allegedly passing sensitive information to Chinese intelligence.

Metropolitan Magistrate Vasundhara Chhaunkar on November 16, while rejecting the plea stated that, “considering the nature of extensive investigation required in such

Journalist Rajeev Sharma

serious offences, court has no hesitation in holding that the right of default bail has not yet accrued in favour of the accused as the punishment under Section 3 of the Official Secret Act will squarely be covered

by Section 167 (2)(a)(i)

‘I’M CERTAIN INDIA WILL BECOME SELF-RELIANT IN EVERY SECTOR’ Haridwar: Extending support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call to promote “Atmanirbharta” by going vocal for local, Yoga guru Ramdev has said he is certain India will soon become self-reliant in every sector. “For the first time since Independence, the country has a Prime Minister whose personal-

ity reflects Swadeshi, Yoga, nationalism and self-reliance. Modi ji is an ideal for self-reliant India and an inspiration for us. It is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be vocal for local and make local global.

We will all work to realise that dream,” Ramdev said in a video message on Tuesday. —ANI

where the maximum period of custody will be 90 days and not 60 days.”

The application of Rajeev Sharma was moved by his counsels, senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala and advocates Aditya Singh and Akshat Goel. Sharma through this default bail application claimed police did not file the chargesheet in specific time frame.

The documents, which were allegedly seized from the petitioner are general documents and nothing relating to the Official Secret Act. —ANI

at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his “Gupkar gang” remark and asked him if BJPPeople’s Democratic Alliance (PDP) alliance was done to “bring back terror” in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Shah alleges: Congress wants to take ‘J&K back to the era of terror and turmoil’ when in talk with other parties in the upcoming District Development Council elections. Amitji was BJP -PDP alliance to “bring back terror in J&K” ? Which gang were you then part of ?” Sibal tweeted.—ANI

FOUR-DAY CELEBRATIONS OF CHHATH PUJA BEGINS Muzaffarpur: The four-day celebrations of Chhath Puja have begun in Bihar with the traditional Nahay Khay ceremony. The devotees in Muzaffarpur gathered on the banks of rivers in the state.

In Bihar, the authorities have made elaborate arrangements at various Sun temples. This year, the festival is being celebrated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and many devotees said that they prayed to Chhathi Maiyya to keep everyone safe from the virus. Chhath Puja will conclude on Saturday after paying oblation to the rising Sun.

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ICMR issued SoP on plasma therapy, advised states to desist from indiscriminate use

‘Indiscriminate use of CPT in covid patients not advisable’ New Delhi: The Country’s top medical research body, ICMR on Wednesday said that indiscriminate use of Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) should be avoided as it does not reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients. The apex medical research body issued SoP on plasma therapy and advised states to desist from its indiscriminate use.

“ICMR conducted an open-label phase II multicentre randomised controlled trial in India across 39 public and private hospitals on use of convalescent plasma in the management of cases with moderate COVID-19 disease (PLACID Trial). It was concluded that, CPT did not lead to reduction in progression to severe COVID19 or all cause mortality in the group that received CPT as compared to the group that did not receive CPT,” said the ICMR. “PLACID is world’s largest prag-

Troops in Ladakh get upgraded facilities New Delhi: The Indian Army has established upgraded living facilities for troops deployed in Eastern Ladakh, a sector that receives up to 40 feet of snow after November every year and where temperatures fall up to negative 30-40 degrees.

Eastern Ladakh has also been in news for the past few months in connection with the ongoing military faceoff with Chinese troops along the LoAC. “In order to ensure operational efficiency of troops deployed in winters, Indian Army has completed establishment of habitat facilities for all troops deployed in the sector,” an Indian Army statement said on Wednesday.

Anil Vij, Volunteers For COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

A Covid-19 testing kiosk in New Delhi.

LESS THAN 50K CASES FOR 11TH DAY

I

matic trial on CPT conducted in 464 moderately ill laboratory confirmed Covid affected adults in

real-world setting wherein no benefit of use of CPT could be established,” it said.—ANI

Chandigarh: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij today said he had offered himself as a volunteer for an anti-COVID-19 vaccine trial that is set to begin in his state soon. Mr Vij, who is also the state’s health and science and technology minister, made the announcement today on Twitter.

Bharat Biotech on Monday announced the commencement of Phase III trials of COVAXIN, involving 26,000 volunteers across India.

The trials will be conducted in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and will be the largest clinical trial conducted for a COVID-19 vaccine in India, according to ANI. The trial has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India.

COVAXIN has been

Anil Vij

evaluated in about 1,000 subjects in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, with promising safety and immunogenicity data.

In Haryana, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences in Rohtak and ESIC hospital in Faridabad have been identified among those sites across India where trials will be conducted, as per Bharat Biotech’s statement. India has recorded 38,617 fresh COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours.

didn’t see him during elections in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, or Gujarat,” Mr Chowdhury told reporters on Tuesday.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal had, in an interview with a leading daily newspaper, advocated the need for introspection within the party, referring to the results of the Bihar state elections and the Madhya

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Pradesh by-polls.

“Had Kapil Sibal gone to Bihar and MP, he could have proven that what he is saying is correct and that he strengthened the position of Congress. Mere talk will achieve nothing. Speaking without doing anything doesn’t mean introspection,” Mr Chowdhury said.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had targeted

Manish Sisodia

No intention of imposing lockdown in Delhi: Sisodia New Delhi: Delhi government has no intention of imposing a lockdown as it believes that it is not a solution in the fight against COVID-19, said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday.

The comments came in wake of speculation of a reimposition of lockdown in the national capital amid a spike in the number of coronavirus cases and the daily number of deaths due to it. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi stands at 4,95,598 including 42,004 active cases, 4,45,782 recoveries and 7,812 deaths. “Delhi government has no intentions of imposing a lockdown. We believe lockdown is not a solution in fight against covid.

Sibal saying the former union minister should not have mentioned the party’s “internal issue in the media” and added that “this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country”.

In his interview, Mr Sibal had said that he was forced to go public with his views as there was no dialogue or effort by the party’s leadership”.

Nadda’s VC with BJP Constitution essential in building state in-charges today new India: Minister Rajnath Singh New Delhi: BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda is scheduled to hold a meeting with all the newly-appointed state in-charges of the party, on November 19, via VC. This comes ahead of Nadda’s tour of the country to strengthen the organisation with an aim to begin preparing for 2024 general elections. Last week, Nadda announced work allocation among the new party’s national office-bear-

Jagat Prakash Nadda

ers with party vice president Radha Mohan Singh appointed in-charge of the crucial state of UP and party general secretary CT Ravi of TN, Maha, Goa. —ANI

New Delhi: Asserting that the Constitution is essential in building ‘New India’, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that it teaches discipline and unity in diversity.

“Constitution teaches discipline and unity in diversity. Liberty, equality, social harmony and goodwill are its foundation. Preamble’s first word, ‘We’, says a lot in itself. We’ve to understand it and make others

Rajnath Singh

understand too. It is essential in building ‘New India,” the Defence Minister said while addressing the inauguration of ‘Constitution Day Youth Club Activities’ organ-

POWER Gallery ALLAHABAD HC GETS 28 JUDGES

Conflict in Cong:Adhir Ranjan hits out at Sibal Kolkata: Hitting out at Kapil Sibal for his remarks over the Congress’s dismal performance in the Bihar polls and by-elections, party leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has said that “mere talk will achieve nothing”.

“Kapil Sibal spoke about this even earlier.

He seems to be very concerned about the Congress and the need for introspection. But we

ised by NCC in partnership with youth organisations to make youth aware of the basic tenets of Indian Constitution. “I wish, we, the people of New India to get together, move forward in the upliftment of society and nation, and achieve success,” he added.

Indian Constitution is one of the factors for which our democracy is known worldwide, he said. —ANI

As many as 28 Additional Judges were on Tuesday promoted as Judges in the Allahabad High Court.

They are: Prakash Padia, Alok Mathur, Pankaj Bhatia, Saurabh Lavania, Vivek Varma and others.

IPS OFFICER DECLARED ABSCONDER IN UP

Manilal Patidar, IPS officer, has been declared an absconder by the Prayagraj Court.

V S YADAV IS NEW DGP OF TRIPURA

V S Yadav is the new DGP of Tripura. He is 1987 batch IPS officer of Tripura cadre.

ROLI KHARE APPOINTED DIRECTOR, DEPT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Ms Roli Khare has been appointed as Director in the Department of Health and Family Welfare on Central Deputation for a period of five years.

SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH APPOINTED DIRECTOR, DEPT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sushil Kumar Singh has been appointed as Director in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, on deputation for a period of five years.

A P DAS JOSHI EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

A P Das Joshi has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

NIRAJ VERMA EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Niraj Verma has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

SK SINHA EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Samir Kumar Sinha has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

SANJAY LOHIYA EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Sanjay Lohiya has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

ATISH CHANDRA EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Atish Chandra has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level.

M K PINGUA EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Manoj Kumar Pingua has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

RAJESH AGARWAL EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Rajesh Agarwal has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Manipur cadre.

PIYUSH GOYAL EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Piyush Goyalhas been empanelled to Additional Secretary level.

S K SARANGI EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Santosh Kumar Sarangi has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

ALOK SHEKHAR EMPANELLED TO AS LEVEL

Alok Shekhar has been empanelled to Additional Secretary level. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre.

4 IAS OFFICERS GET NEW JOBS IN MAHARASHTRA

The Maharashtra Government has reshuffled four senior IAS officers.

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 Amdavadis panic...

According to the web portal of Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, there are 72 private hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 patients in the city.

Further, AMC also faced backlash on social media after it changed its pattern of information issuance.

Earlier, the civic body used to mention AMC as well as private hospital quota of hospitals separately but, from Wednesday evening onwards, it started sharing the total bed vacancy number

at hospitals in sync with Gupta’s release.

The press release issued by Gupta also made an exaggerated claim that over 3,000 health teams were conducting door-to-door surveys and covering 1.8 lakh homes every day. It went on to state that since June, the entire population of Ahmedabad has been screened for novel coronavirus over 18 times. In reality, there are several households that have been covered by the civic body even once.

11 dead...

The injured persons

were rushed to a civil hospital, Vaghela said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a road accident near Vadodara. Instructed officials to do needful.

May those who have been injured recover at the earliest. I pray for the departed souls. Om Shanti,” Rupani tweeted.

The victims, all from Varachha area of Surat city, were heading towards Pavagadh, a famous religious place

in Panchmahal located near Vadodara, Vaghela said.

Some families from Varachha in Surat had hired the mini-truck to visit temples at Pavagadh, Vadtal and Dakor (in Kheda), he said.

An investigation was underway to find out the cause of the accident, he said

Tie-ups on... and friction with the AIADMK is widening over the “Vetrivel Yatra”.

A recent meeting between RSS ideologue Gurumurthy and Rajinikanth had drawn

much interest.

The “Vel Yatra” is an attempt by the BJP to consolidate Hindu votes in the state where its vote share dropped from 5.56 per cent in 2014 to 3.66 per cent in 2019.

militants lob... the official said, adding they were taken to a nearby hospital.

The area has been cordoned off and a hunt launched to nab the attackers, the official said. Earlier this week, at least four civilians, including a seven-year-old boy, died in “unprovoked

06

ceasefire violation” by Pakistan along the Line of Control in North Kashmir. Four soldiers and BSF jawan also lost their lives in the firing and at least “six to eight” Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory fire.

Some called...

But there are ways in which you keep getting vibes of fool-hardy thing.”

The CEC did not respond to a question on allegations levelled by the opposition on the count of postal ballot saying the state chief

electoral officer has already held a press conference giving a pointby-point reply.

“Speaking orders were issued by returning officers (on complaints at counting centres),” he said.

“This time, a major component as added to it -- it should also be a safe election. Safe for the electors, safe for the polling officials, safe for all concerned.

Maybe proving is not the right nuance. Yes, Election Commission can rise to any challenge and it did rise up to the challenge of COVID-19,” he added.

President, VP, PM, Goa CM condole demise of ex-Goa Guv Mridula Sinha New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the demise of senior BJP leader and former Goa governor Mridula Sinha and said she was a proficient writer who had made extensive contributions to the world of literature and culture. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, BJP president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah also paid their tributes to Sinha who died at the age of 77 in the national capital.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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MANNERS MAKETH MAN? A BRIEF HISTORY OF US PRESIDENTS SNUBBING THEIR SUCCESSORS—AND WHY THE COUNTRY’S FOUNDERS FAVOURED CIVILITY INSTEAD

President Donald Trump, left, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, right, speaking during the first presidential debate with moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News, centre, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western University.

MAURIZIO VALSANIA Professor of American History, Università Di Torino

I

t’s beyond dispute: Donald Trump won’t go down in history as a model of civility. Examples of his bad manners abound. When he gave his first inaugural

speech, the president craftily avoided any nod to his defeated opponent, Hillary Clinton, or to the other half of the electorate.

Then he started embarrassing foreign leaders during official trips. “Time after time, diplomatic niceties fell by the wayside as the president contradicted and undermined his hosts,” the Associated

Press reported in mid2019.

Most likely, he will not congratulate President-elect Joe Biden— or he will do it, eventually, but begrudgingly.

It’s also possible that he will not attend the inaugural ceremony in January.

Trump is not alone in his transgressions of civility. In reality, the shredding of eti-

quette by politicians and public officials, including presidents, has long been a feature of American politics. Ungraciousness is bipartisan: The public has not forgotten House Speaker Nancy Pelosi literally shredding, in full public view, the text of President Trump’s State of the Union speech.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up what appeared to be a copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech on Feb. 4, 2020.

—PHOTO BY XINHUA/LIU JIE VIA GETTY IMAGES

RIPPING OFF THE TOUPEE

A

merican politicians have long treated one another with disrespect.

Trump shunning the president-elect may seem extreme today, but in 1801, at the presidential inauguration ceremony of Thomas Jefferson, the outgoing president, John Adams, was nowhere to be seen—he was not even invited. For his part, Adams had appointed to high office several anti-Jeffersonian men. And he had done that just before leaving office.

Jefferson, in turn, did not attend the funeral of George Washington on December 18, 1799, and in 1829 John Quincy Adams— another one-term-only president, like his father—stayed clear of Andrew Jackson’s inauguration.

In the years before the Civil War, breaches in etiquette took a dramatic turn. On May 22, 1856, US Rep. Preston Brooks of South Carolina, a Democrat, beat Republican Sen. Charles Sumner with a walking cane. The

scene took place on the floor of the US Senate.

Brooks was “outraged” by an anti-slavery speech Sumner had given a few days earlier. He stopped short of killing his enemy only because the cane unexpectedly broke.

The floor of the US House of Representatives held ominous scenes as well. On February 06, 1858, at nearly 2 am, as members were discussing the admission of the Kansas Territory into the Union, South Carolina Democrat Laurence

Keitt and Pennsylvania Republican Galusha Grow exchanged volleys of insults, arguing over whether Kansas would be a free or a slave state.

They switched to blows. More than 30 representatives jumped into the fight, leading to a brawl. The situation defused after Wisconsin Republicans John Potter and Cadwallader Washburn ripped the toupee from the head of William Barksdale, a Democrat from Mississippi.

FOUNDERS KNEW INCIVILITY’S RISK

N

o matter the occasional jeers and laughs; when political leaders treat each other with disrespect, the nation suffers.

Civility is neither frivolous nor a matter of private behaviour only. As economist Friedrich Hayek said, civility is a “method of collaboration which requires agreement only on means and not on ends.” The lack of civility, obviously, decreases the chances of finding solutions to urgent common problems.

The founders, perhaps better than any other generation, were acutely aware of the political risk of incivility. Washington, Adams, Jefferson and the others knew history by heart.

They looked back at the tyrants and all the reckless commanders of the past, like Attila or Caligula. They knew that brash leaders such as these could, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, burst asunder “all the ligaments of duty and affection.”

And they looked forward, with anxiety, to the moment when a new barbarism would come back in full swing. Ominous signs were already looming. On May 30, 1806, Andrew Jackson killed Charles Dickinson, an attorney who had accused him, of all things, of cheating on a horse race bet.

This event did not put a stop to Jackson’s career. He was a brawler and a committed duellist. He snapped easi-

ly and showed no respect for his opponents. But “Old Hickory,” as he was known, kept gaining national notoriety.

President Jackson is Trump’s favourite leader—although the two have very little in common. Just like Trump, however, Jackson represents a straightforward, lowbrow style of unapologetic and ungraceful leadership. Jackson bore exactly those personal attributes which left the founders aghast: “His passions are terrible,” Thomas Jefferson said about Jackson in an 1824 interview.

The founders were passing through the short-lived age of re-

finement, politeness and civilization.

From the 1750s to the early 1800s, American leaders set for themselves an ambitious goal. They wanted to trigger an anthropological revolution and promote a new type of individual—polite, civilized, kind and collaborative.

A modern nation, for them, relied on politicians who talked a certain way (with a lower voice), dressed a certain way (with less aristocratic pomp) and were able to forestall any boorish posturing.

In this respect, history has proven the founders’ expectations misplaced.

These men, slave owners although they

were, valued civility as at once liberating for the subject, and as an effective strategy of survival for the community at large.

But “the free cultivation of Letters,” as George Washington hoped, “the unbounded extension of Commerce, the progressive refinement of Manners, the growing liberality of sentiment,” did not come about.

Joe Biden, once president, will not reverse the course of history. He cannot restore an age of refinement and politeness.

He is not the vaccine.

But in the eyes of many, he can be at least an antidote against Trump’s lack of grace.

Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president. Thomas Jefferson said, ‘His passions are terrible.’

—ENGRAVING BY JB LONGACRE/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION

Be it science or spirituality, both agree on one thing - Breath is the bridge which connects the body to life and further, life to consciousness.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

UTTAR PRADESH 7,441 DEATHS 5,16,616 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,578 DEATHS 8,65,931 CASES

Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s data shows major portions of State’s tribal belt lacks tap water Shishir Awasthi

DRY TAPS

Most tribal areas in Gujarat have no tap water.

nections. And a major chunk of these are in the eastern and South Gujarat tribal belt.

As many as 10.43 lakh of the total 17.90 lakh households in

Valsad and Tapi in South Gujarat and Dahod, Chhota Udepur and Panchmahals districts are without functional tap connections.

Only 92,560 out of 2.32 lakh rural households

of Chhota Udepur have tap connectivity, while only 49.08% of total 3.56 lakh rural households in Panchmahals have a basic tap.

However, Gujarat Water Supply Minis-

ter Kunvarji Bavaliya said the pipeline work “was left incomplete in some villages either due to technical reasons faced during pipeline work or due to

flawed survey conducted during initiation of the project.”

“In order to provide water facilities to such villages, we will modify present government projects and roll out new projects if necessary”, Bavaliya had responded.

Of the total 18,191 villages in Gujarat only 7,907 villages have 100% functional household tap connectivity. The five districts of Porbandar, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Botad and Anand have complete functional household tap connectivity.

In the current financial year, 8.69 lakh rural households of Gujarat have been equipped with functional tap connectivity.

Crime Branch nabs Cong leader’s ‘No adverse impact after filling nephew for displaying fake pistol of SSP reservoir’ First India Bureau

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Shekhawat addresses meeting.

New Delhi: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday held a meeting of the Narmada Control Authority which was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his Gujarat counterpart Vijay Rupani.

Union Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar and Water Resources Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were also present at the meeting, Shekhawat said.

He said issues were discussed as per the 2017 Supreme Court guideline.

The discussions included the impact of accelerated filling of the Sardar Saro-

var reservoir, whether there is an adverse impact due to its filing and the land submerged due to its backwaters.

Shekhawat said resolutions were passed in the meeting and the Supreme Court will be apprised about it.

Asserting that there was no adverse impact due to filing of the reservoir, he said a study on land submerged due to the backwaters said less land has been submerged due to it than what was originally estimated.

The Narmada Control Authority has the Union Jal Shakti minister, Union Environment and Forests minister and chief ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as its members.

Ahmedabad: The Detection of Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested 2 youngsters for violating public order. One of them, Sahil Bharwad, who is the nephew of Congress leader Rambhai Bharwad, had displayed a fake pistol in public a few days ago while he was driving on the SG Highway. The video of this incident went viral on social media.

Based on footage ac-

Sahil Bharwad

quired from the CCTV camera installed at the Pakwan Square, the

DEATHS

DELHI 7,943 DEATHS 5,03,084 CASES

TAP WATER FOR ALL? 17.9 LAKH RURAL HOUSES DON’T HAVE ONE

First India Bureau

GUJARAT

1,349,116 5,62,38,005 1,31,614 89,57,876 3,823 1,91,642

MAHARASHTRA 46,202 DEATHS 17,57,520 CASES

Ahmedabad: Notwithstanding the Gujarat Government’s claims that a majority of the rural areas would soon have tapped water connections, over 17.90 lakh rural households in the State do not have one.

There are less than 70% households with functional tap connections in nearly 24% of villages. And this data is from nowhere else but the Jal Jeevan Mission, an initiative of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.

It says 4,456 of total 18,191 villages in Gujarat have less than 70% household functional tap con-

08

Crime Branch identified the car registration number and

tracked down Sahil Bharwad, a resident of Makarba area.

During primary interrogation, Sahil admitted before the police that he did show off a pistol, but it was a replica and not a real pistol. He said it was a cigarette lighter but designed like a pistol.

He had procured it from his friend Hardev Vala, a resident of Prahladnagar area.

Police have registered a case under the arms act and arrested both Sahil and Hardev.

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,101 DEATHS 2,32,358 CASES

SC notices in pleas challenging Jaishankar’s election to RS

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

First India Bureau New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices in a batch of plea challenging the election of External Affairs Minister Subhramanyam Jaishankar Krishnaswamy to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

The petitions have also raised the issue of the Election Commission’s power on the issuance of separate notifications for holding by-polls for casual and regular vacancies in Rajya Sabha.

The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde issued a notice returnable on 8 December which is a non-miscellaneous day for the hearing of the cases.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve being the arguing counsel for Jaishankar accepted the notice.

The court observed in its order, “Waive service on the respondents-Caveators since Ms. Swarupama Chaturvedi, learned counsel, is

appearing on behalf of those respondents Caveators. Reply affidavit, if any, be filed by the respondents in the meantime.”

Chaturvedi is the advocate on record appearing on behalf of Jaishankar.

The bench also comprising Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramas ubramania while issuing notice to all the other respondents, condoned the delay in filing of the plea.

Congress leader Gaurav Hemantbhai Pandya is one of the petitioners in the case.

Earlier, the top court had said that it would like to give an authoritative pronouncement on the issue of Election Commission’s power on the issuance of separate notifications for holding bypolls for regular and casual elections to fill vacancies in Rajya Sabha.

The pleas pertained to 2019 Rajya Sabha by-poll on two seats from Gujarat and both seats were won by BJP candidates.

CORONA SCARE

Ahmedabad faces its ‘third Covid peak’: IMA IMA, Ahmedabad, President Dr Mona Desai warned that the pandemic was peaking again and most hospital beds were full First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Stating that Ahmedabad city was witnessing its third peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Mona Desai of Ahmedabad Medical Association on Wednesday said Covid beds in private and government-run hospitals were nearly full and the phase of waiting period for admission to hospitals has begun again.

She said the first peak in cases was witnessed in July, the second was in August-September period and this is the third peak.

Dr Desai said beds attached with ventilators were not vacant and even oxygen attached beds were occupied. Besides this, there are three-four times more patients under treatment in home isolation.

She said there were

Covid hospital beds no longer empty in the city.

many families in which all 3-4 members were infected, though the infections in most cases were not severe. “Fever stays for 4 to 5 days in the body and reduced

oxygen saturation has also been seen among patients,” she added.

She said the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)run SVP hospital also

—FILE PHOTO

has a large number of patients. The Civil Hospital is also witnessing heavy rush from patients from small centres and locations outside the city.

Dr Desai said spread of viral infection was usually more during the winters, while “we had Diwali festival with rush in market. Then the people venture out without wearing masks and without maintaining social distancing.”

She further said that if the situation remains the same, not a single bed will be available for covid patients next week.

Dr. Bharat Gadhvi, president of Ahmedabad Hospital and Nursing Home Association, said 90-95% private hospital beds were occupied.

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09

AHMEDABAD, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

This Throwback Thursday, on Zeenat Aman’s 69th birthday, City First celebrates with the bold and beautiful star by featuring one of her most powerful portrayal of Rupa for Satyam Shivam Sundaram!

Bold & Beautiful ZEENAT ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

Z

eenat Aman singing Satya hi shiv hai Shiv hi sundar hai, one of the most beautiful renditions in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar, defined sexuality and upped the ante forever, even for a Raj Kapoor heroine.

I remember watching the song, awestruck and open-mouthed as a scantily dressed scarred Rupa/Zeenat washes the Shivlinga with the love and passion of Meera! SSS was about Zeenat, she got the role by dressing up scar make up and all and wooing Raj Kapoor with her determination. Zeenat was looking to break her mould of the sexy westernised heroine that she had perfected.

As a child, SSS had no deeper meanings for me, it was just a movie with an unbelievable storyline which stretched the imagination and a heroine who was confident and bindaas about going around semi-nude! The deeper meanings that MAYBE Raj Kapoor wanted about truth and beauty, representation and reality, duality of body and soul etc were in no way understood by me then or now for that matter.

But it was Zeenat’s film through and through. Satyam Shivam Sundaram remains a movie about the sensuous grace, beauty, daring bare-bodied gorgeousness of Zeenat Aman.

Zeenat has always had gumption, look at her role in Insaaf ka Tarazu- her role raised questions about the dress of a woman inviting rape, questions swept under the carpet at the time. She was the first to celebrate unapologetic western boldness to Indian cinema like in Qurbani and Heera Panna.

Her roles smacked of feminism and breaking the norm as she played a wife in an extramarital relationship in Dhund, a woman who aborted her child to fulfil her dreams in Ajnabee and even a sex worker in Manoranjan . I loved her as she sang Dum maro dum and of course the forever popular love song Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko.

She is part of the immortality of Khaike paan benaras wala with Bachchan with whom she gave a string of hits.

“Let them come to see Zeenat’s tits, they will go out forgetting her body and remember the film,” Raj Kapoor.

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AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

10

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO

KNOW ABOUT OLIVE OIL 1

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL (EVOO): It is the best oil extracted from freshly picked olives extracted mechanically without any chemical treatment & under controlled conditions. It is priced over Rs. 1000/- kg in Indian markets.

2 3

OLIVE OIL: It is the refined version, chemically treated, costs above Rs 600 - 700/- kg. It’ is second best to EVOO with loss of some properties during refining.

DR RAMAWTAR SHARMA

T

FA CE OF TH ED AY

here is no perfect oil but a combination of olive oil, sesame, mustard, canola oils can go a long way in achieving good health & prevention of diseases. Olive oil is highly rich in MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) especially oleic acid and is superstar nutrition because it plays a significant role in immunity boost, reduction in incidents of heart attacks, lowering of bad cholesterol, slowing cellular aging, lowering of blood pressure, helping reduce belly fat, reducing cancer risks, activating pancreas for better digestion, preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes and possibly reducing the risk of gallstones.

Olive oil available in the market is of mainly three types.

POMACE OIL: It is extracted from olive pulp, costs over Rs 275 - 500/kg. It is cheaper but loses many very useful properties and is basically recommended for non-edible uses. Once you are aware of the differences between the various types of olive oils, you can plan to buy the selected type.

Buying olive oil is like buying red wine as it requires some practical knowledge. Olive oil is best stored at 14 degrees C in a dark place to retain its goodness. you should pick up a bottle stored at dimly lit corner of store & it should be tinted or tinned. Avoid transparent bottles stored in strong light. The bottle will have the name of regions like Italy or Spain, will have the process of manufacture: “cold-pressed or refined”, batch, lot & code number. Avoid oil that is 2 years

past its harvest date, available in a transparent bottle and is NOT darker in colour.

Buy in small quantity so that it keeps well & is consumed within use-before date.

Finally, we should know how to use olive oil in Indian cooking. Olive oil is stable, EVOO more so but buying a high quality, expensive oil & heating it is a poor decision as heating destroys its good qualities. It is most sensible to eat it cold or heated gently over a short period, it is not advisable for deep frying where canola or mustard oil should be used. Use in the following ways. Steam the vegetables like spinach, lady’s fingers & beans then saute lightly with seasoning and EVOO. Chana, rajma, moong and even a pulao can be made in olive oil. Boil rajma or chana, and add onion, garlic and c o n d i m e n t s, then finish with olive oil & garnishing.

Crank up the flavour of soup, salad, or pasta by drizzling with olive oil.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

A lot of activity is foreseen on the work front and you will be right in the midst of it. Some issues that seem unlikely to get resolved on the family front will begin to move towards a solution. Good options will be found by those searching for property that fits their pocket.

A household remedy may come in handy for those suffering from body aches and pains. Something that you wanted to get done on the home front is likely to be initiated now. You may begin to work towards mending fences in a property dispute. Prayers of those looking for love.

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

You can struggle to keep pace on the work front.

Condition of those ailing is set to improve by leaps and bounds and get them firmly on the road to good health. A suitable matrimonial match for someone eligible in the family can be expected.

Students will be able to keep pace.

There is a need to come up with something original, if you are in a creative field.

You will be motivated to get back into shape and may even join a gym. Those thinking of selling a property will be able to get buyers with deep pockets. You are likely to leave your competitors, way behind.

Something included in your diet is likely to have a positive effect on your overall health. A glib talker may try to confuse you so be aware.

Disturbances at home will need to be curtailed to retain a peaceful environment. You will get the motivation to push yourself.

SAGITTARIUS Indulging in excesses may prove bad for health. Issue regarding an ancestral property is likely to be settled amicably. Those trying to study will get the right environment at home without much effort. Even though you feel bad about someone trying to undermine your position.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KRITIKA KHURANA, Content Creator

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAR 21 - APR 20

AUG 24 - SEP 23

You may take some time in bouncing back on the work front. No problems are foreseen on health and financial fronts. You manage to play your cards well and avoid getting involved in a contentious issue at home. Getting serious about someone cannot be ruled out.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Something important may be entrusted to you at work today. You may take up some activity or sport just to keep trim and slim. Good news may greet you on the family front as a suitable match is found for the eligible. There is a good chance of falling in love with someone.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

More interest is required on the health front. Family life will cruise along smoothly as you resolve to remain positive under all circumstances. Steps taken on the property front are likely to bring you nearer your goal. You will enjoy your day with your lover.

Much happiness is foreseen on the home front. A trip with friends will not only be exciting, but refreshing too.

This is a good time to finalise property as stars are poised favourably. Those pursuing higher studies are likely to make their mark on the academic front.

You will fall in love today.

Some of you can face a medical problem on the health front, but it will be nothing serious. Family will prove to be a pillar of support for those facing something important.

You may feel financially secure, but take a reality check before arriving at any conclusion.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Joining health conscious people in daily workouts is likely to keep you fit and energetic. Someone on the home front can irritate you and spoil your mood. You may become instrumental in getting a property issue settled amicably. Marriage may be on the minds of the eligible.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

JLO

11

RED NOTICE

Coping Up Ayushmann in the video

ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST KIDS

A

head of the World Children's Day that falls on November 20, actor Ayushmann Khurrana on Wednesday raised his voice against child violence and took a pledge to end it.

The 'Article 15' actor who is also a UNICEF celebrity advocate, took to Instagram to share a video of himself where he is seen talking about how the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult phase for children. "As we know that COVID-19 has not been easy for anyone and especially children making them more vulnerable to violence. We can prevent it by being aware and by protecting those around us," he said.

—ANI

P

op icon Jennifer Lopez recently opened up about the struggles she faced amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and how she kept up. In a recent interview, the actress and singer opened up about how she coped with the pandemic. When asked about how she’s been doing throughout the pandemic, Lopez replied: “You know, it’s not easy. And during this pandemic, I think everybody had a moment when they were depressed or they were scared about what was going to happen.”

She continued: “I had a lot of moments where I felt really bad, my kids too, everybody in the house. It’s more important on the days that you feel bad that you get up and do something. Do a little workout at home, do something that’s going to make you feel good. Cook something you like, lift yourself up, keep going.”

—Agency

Nick, the

COACH

M

Nick Jonas

usical s h o w ' T h e Voice' on Tuesday (local time) announced the comeback of Nick Jonas as a coach to Season 20, next year.

According to The People, the 28-year-old singer will be replacing Gwen Stefani as the fourth coach of 'The Voice' Season 20 and will judge the show with John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Disclosing the news, the official page of the singing show, shared a rib-tickling teaser clip on the social media pages. They wrote, "Nick is back!" with red alert emoticons and pinned the tweet to the top.

—ANI

Dwayne’s post

A

nnouncing the official wrap of his upcoming Netflix film ‘Red Notice’, former wrestler and American actor Dwayne Johnson on Tuesday (local time) gave a sneak peek of his role from the film.

The ‘Baywatch,’ actor took to Instagram to share a picture of himself, and

Tom & Jerry

ARE BACK Jennifer Lopez

Jug Jug Jeeyo

T

wo days after they kickstarted shooting for their upcoming film 'Jug Jug Jeeyo,' actors Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani on Wednesday unveiled their first look from the film.

Kiara posted the first look on her social media and wrote, "#JUGJUGGJEEYO, Happy Husband, Happy Life!" in the caption, Varun wrote, "#JUGJUGGJEEYO Happy Wife Happy Life! 2021."

The film is also Neetu Kapoor's comeback film and her stars her opposite Anil Kapoor.

Produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, the film is being directed by Raj Mehta.

—ANI

real-world setting.

The film sees Chloe Grace Moretz starring as an event planner hired by a hotel to organise a wedding function, but she is also expected to get rid of a mouse - Jerry - from his recent residence which is within the building’s walls. The new film has been written by Kevin Costello and is based in Joseph Barbera and William Hanna’s classic ‘Tom and Jerry.’

—ANI

Vicky’s post

A

T

aapsee Pannu who is currently shooting for her upcoming film 'Rashmi Rocket' on Wednesday shared a behind the scene picture from the shoot riding a bike.

The 33-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the picture and also revealed that she was fined right before the picture was clicked for riding the bike without a helmet. The picture captures the 'Pink,' actor riding the bike from her back as she was decked in denim from head to toe.

"Just before I was fined for no helmet. #BikeLove #RashmiRocket #ShootThrills," she wrote in the caption.

—ANI

W

a r n e r Bros. Pictures has recently unveiled the trailer of the upcoming ‘Tom and Jerry’ movie which is scheduled for a 2021 theatrical premiere.

According to Variety, the titular characters are animated in similar styles like the original television show, and the film diverges from tradition with live actors and a

‘All The BEST’

Taapsee FINED

Taapsee’s post

his co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot from the film sets and also revealed about their characters from the film. The three actors are also known for portraying the roles of superheroes and using the same, Johnson drew a comparison of the roles that the trio portrayed in ‘Red Notice.’

—ANI

Kiara Advani and Varun Dhawan

ctor Vicky Kaushal on Wednesday headed back to the film sets and resumed work after a hiatus of several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike,’ actor took to Instagram to share two pictures of himself from the film sets, one of which sees him with a script in his hand.

“Shubh aarambh (good beginnings),” he wrote in the caption hinting that he has kickstarted shooting for a new project. The pictures see the ‘Masaan,’ actor in a clean-shaven look with a beaming smile on his face.

—ANI

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CITY FIRST

O

n the occasion of the UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Traffic Police Jaipur, Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, Mohan Foundation and Jaipur Citizen Forum and Neuro Trauma Society Rajasthan along with bereaved family members paid a soulful tribute to those who had succumbed to road accidents. With full adherence of Covid-19 protocol, the event was organized at Yaadgar Jaipur Police Head Quarter in the presence of a small number of guests. A candle was lit by the Chief Guest and all present offered ‘shradhanjali’ by holding lit up diyas in their hands. Not many words were spoken but a silent pledge was taken to Remember, Support and

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

12

World Day of Remembrance

Act to reduce accidents on the roads by all present as the real tribute to the memory of lives lost on the roads.

Right before the event at Yaadgar, Muskaan Volunteers conducted an OnRoad Campaign under the supervision of Traffic Police holding placards with safety messages at the Ajmeri Gate crossing. The campaign will continue for two more days at other busy crossings of the city.

DCP Traffic Jaipur Adarsh Sidhu said, ‘The real tribute to the families of the victims would be to make a resolution to ‘Remember, Support and Act,’ to reduce road accidents by being good citizens.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Rajeev Arora with Mridul and Shantanu Bhasin from Muskan paid a tribute.

The World Day of Remembrance is observed in more than 100 countries all over the world. Muskaan

foundation has been organizing massive outreach programs on this day for four years in the past and in this

Additional Commissioner of Police, II, Law and Order of Rajasthan, Rahul Prakash, DCP Traffic Adarsh Sidhu and Nisha Sidhu paid homage.

fifth year, the event is being done online due to the pandemic. The multiple online programs by Muskaan in-

DIGITAL BAAL MELA

clude messages from senior government officials of stakeholder departments, School principals and

WHAT’S HAPPENING! International Men’s Day is commemorated across the world to celebrate significant contributions by the male population to society and to spread awareness about the issues that men face. It is celebrated on 19 November every year.

CITY FIRST

I

Renowned journalist Sanjeev Srivastava celebrated his birthday with his family members on 18 November Wednesday. We wish him all the best!

n order to spread awareness about the worldwide Coronavirus, LIC organised an online fest for children in Rajasthan, ‘Digital Baal Mela’. Dr BD Kalla launched the website of ‘Digital Baal Mela’ on 14 November, and his grandson Raghav Kalla was the first one to register.

Talking about the initiative, Dr BD Kalla said, “It is a platform for the children in the state to divert them from the ongoing pandemic. Such programs are very important for the mental and physical development of children at such difficult times across the country.” He also appealed to children from across the state to participate in large

RAJ: Siddharth Kaushik hosted a Diwali house party, to celebrate the festival of lights with his family and friends.

Seen here with him are Arnav, Saksham, Tribhuvan, and Akshay amongst others.

Dr BD Kalla with Priya Sharma of the Baal Mela team.

numbers, urging them to show their talent in competitions and to be vigilant and called for a battle in awareness of Corona. The theme of this fest has been set as ‘Awareness of Corona’. Therefore, giving the message related to win-

ning the battle with Corona in the competition and increasing awareness is mandatory. Children can participate in their favourite competition according to their talent and make a video and send their entry online according to the category of the competition.

GUJ: A family lights crackers as they celebrate New Year at Paldi area in Ahmedabad city on Wednesday evening.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Look out for Miss Rajasthan NEHAL NAYAR

O

Aruna Beniwal, Mansi Bainada, Simran Sharma, Mitali Kaur and Kanchan Khatana

ne of Rajasthan’s oldest beauty pageant, Miss Rajasthan are on the lookout for ‘Miss Rajasthan 2020’. Yogesh and Nimisha Mishra, founders of Miss Rajasthan kickstarted the online auditions during the lockdown, keeping in mind the corona pandemic.

More than 5,700 girls sent in their entries and over 4,500 video-calling auditions took place during the past few months.

Out of these a total of 180 girls have been shortlist-

ed for the interview round to be held today, tomorrow and the day after, that is, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at Hote Grand Uniara, Jaipur.

The judging panel will consist of Chaperone Queen Simran Sharma, Chaperones Kanchan Khatana and Aruna Beniwal, and Buddy Chaperones Mitali Kaur and Mansi Bainada. The interesting part about these auditions is that they will be shot like a reality showsomething that is happening for the first time. nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

films, TV and theatre personalities besides campaigns on the roads. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

NEW DELHI: GMR-led Delhi International Airport Limited on Wednesday announced that it has become Asia Pacific’s first Level 4+ (Transition) accredited airport under ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation program. The announcement was made by ACI on Tuesday, during the ACI EUROPE Annual Assembly & Congress.

SPOTTED! —PHOTOS BY MUKESH KIRADOO

Actors Vishal Singh and Shrishty Rode visited the Jhalana Leopard Reserve on Wednesday with Kunal Gangwal. They also visited the interpretation centre and met the Ranger, Janeshwar Choudhary, and appreciated the governments’ effort to manage such a beautiful park in the heart of Jaipur.

Actors Rajnish Duggal and Pooja Bisht were spotted in Jaipur on Wednesday, as they reached the city to shoot for their upcoming web series. The shooting will take place in Kota. Rajnish celebrates his birthday today, and a mini celebration took place on Wednesday.

Dispelling the COVID gloom, hundreds of students from across India, Bangladesh and the Middle East participated in the Insitute for Career Studies’ (ICS) International Painting Competition 2020. The event attracted a response of over 525 entries from over 125 schools with the theme, John Keats’ ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever’.