First India-Ahmedabad Edition-19 September 2020

AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

IPL BEGINS TODAY

SANS FANS & FANFARE!

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 294

 Much-awaited IPL Tournament will begin today, almost 6 months after its scheduled start due to coronavirus.  World’s richest cricket league will be all about cricket as opening ceremony will not take place due to pandemic. And Cheerleaders won’t be present to lend extra glamour!

The IPL 2020 opener will begin at 7:30 pm IST and 6 pm local time.

Live stream of MI vs CSK match on Disney+ Hotstar (VIP or Premium plans)

In opener, defending champions MI will lock horns with CSK at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabhi in an empty stadium.

LIVE TELECAST: Star Sports 1 HD/SD, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD/SD channels.

—PIC TWEETED BY JAY SHAH, SECRETARY, BCCI

LS RECONVENES AFTER RUCKUS

Thakur apologises for remarks on Gandhi family

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: As Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 6 pm, MoS Finance Anurag Thakur apologised saying his aim was not to hurt anybody’s sentiments through his words. “I am pained if my words hurt anybody,” he said.

Lok Sabha was adjourned till 6 pm after Opposition was irked and demanded apology from Thakur over his remarks on Gandhi Family. While opposition leaders such as Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticised the PM CARES fund during the discussion on The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, Thakur accused Gandhi family of ‘cheating’ public by pooling public money through creation of various funds under different names.

Congress demanded an apology from Thakur & staged a walkout.

Speaker Om Birla sternly asked Turn to P6

I am pained if my words hurt anybody Anurag Thakur, MoS Finance

OM BIRLA SAVES THE DAY New Delhi: The Lower House has resumed proceedings at 6 pm, and Speaker Om Birla addressed the MPs and appealed to them to maintain decorum. He added that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to set an example for people. He also asked MoS Anurag Thakur to apologise for the remarks that had caused the ruckus. Later, defence minister Rajnath Singh praised Speaker Birla for having resolved the differences.

THE TRIGGER

While defending the PM CARES fund, MoS Thakur said, “From the high court to Supreme Court, all courts have validated PM CARES fund. Even children have contributed to it from their piggy banks.

Nehru had set up a fund that has not been registered to date. You (Congress) only made a trust for the Turn to P6

PM to farmers: Farm bills bring freedom New Delhi: In a forceful defence of the farm sector reform bills, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that they have brought “freedom” to farmers and given them a “protection shield”, as he accused the opposition of standing with middlemen and “misleading” peasants by “lying” to them.

With opposition parties dubbing the three bills, passed by Lok Sabha and now to be tabled in Rajya Sabha, as “anti-farmers” and the BJP ally Shiromani Akali Dal quitting his government to protest them, Modi refuted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

their criticism, describing these proposed laws as “historic” and stating that they will unshackle farmers by allowing them to sell their produce anywhere at a better price.

Speaking at the vir-

tual launch of several rail projects in Bihar, Modi chose to speak at length on these bills, which have sparked protests by farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana, and sought to assuage Turn to P6

Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: A day after First India reported that hospitals have been facing a labour crunch, the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College in Rajkot--which is associated with the Rajkot Civil Hospital has called all its 1st- and 2nd-year students back

to the college to report for hospital duty.

The issued circular mentioned asks students staying in Rajkot to be present at 11am on Friday; those staying in other districts of the state must reach the college by September 19 and students from outside Gujarat must reach

by September 21.

“The circular men-

Srinagar: The Army has found “prima facie” evidence its troops “exceeded” powers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) during an encounter in Kashmir’s Shopian district in which three men were killed in July this year and has initiated disciplinary proceedings, officials said on Friday.

On July 18, the Army claimed three militants were killed in Amshipura village in the higher reaches of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Committed to ethical conduct during antimilitancy operations, the Army initiated an inquiry Turn to P6

‘Pvt Rlys to be allowed Paytm back on Play to set their own fares’ Store after Google rap New Delhi: India will allow private companies to set passenger fares once they start operating train services, a move aimed at luring investors, as PM Narendra Modi opens up one of the oldest networks in Asia.

“Private players have been given the freedom to fix fares in their own way,” VK Yadav, chair-

man of India’s Railway Board said. But, “airconditioned buses and planes also operate on those routes, and they have to keep that in mind before setting fares.” Railway fares are politically sensitive in India and a chunk of the nation’s poor depend on the sprawling network for their transportation.

New Delhi: Hours after being pulled off by Google from its Play Store for allegedly violating its policy repeatedly, the digital payments major Paytm App on Friday was back on the Play Store. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Paytm said, “Update: And we’re back!”

“The app was blocked

Now, 1st-, 2nd-year medical students to turn asst docs Rajkot’s PDU Medical College directs students to report for duty to stave off personnel shortage

Troops violated AFSPA rules in Shopian: Army

—FILE PHOTO

tioned that the order follows a directive from the principal secretary (health). It also stated that the students will not treat patients independently, but will only act as assistants,” said a source in the medical college.

First India reported the statewide scarcity of doctors and paramedical staff on Friday.

With the PDU circular coming just a day later, COVID-19 infections in the city seem to have increased to the point where students are

needed to fill the gaps in labour.

Dr Chandresh Jardosh, president of the Gujarat chapter of the Indian Medical Association, confirmed to First India that the state is struggling at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and a manpower shortage.

“The government is not taking the right steps. There are longpending vacancies for doctors in the state.

This is not new.

Turn to P6

for violation of play policies - a clarification of our policy was released earlier today ahead of the IPL tournament,” Google said.

Sonia, Rahul expected to return to India on Sept 22 First India Bureau New Delhi: Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, who is in the United States, for a routine medical check-up along with her son Rahul, since Sept 12, is expected to return to India on September 22.

Her medical check-up was overdue and was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, said sources..

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

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

02

UNJHA APMC TUG OF

WAR CONTINUES Former chairman Naran Patel demands independent inquiry into alleged embezzlement Haresh Jhala Mehsana: The Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Unjha is caught up in a political tug of war, with former chairman Naranbhai Patel demanding an independent inquiry into allegations that sitting chairman Dinesh Patel and other directors embezzled cess money. His demand comes a day after the management committee--which is headed

count, with the remaining 97% being siphoned off by Chairman Dinesh Patel and two other directors.

Saumil alleges that the scam is cumulatively worth around Rs17 crore. The standard practice is to issue one receipt against which the trade deal amounts were collected and another for each cess amount. The accountant claims that this has not been happening and that the unaccounted-for

by the chairman--set up an inquiry committee on Thursday.

Naranbhai, who is also a former MLA from Unjha, has written to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an independent investigation into the allegations.

Saumil Patel, an accountant with the APMC in Unjha, has alleged that only 3% of the cess collected on each trade deal in the market goes into the committee’s ac-

cash is collected at the end of the day by a person employed by Dinesh Patel.

APMC chairman Dinesh Patel refuted the allegations but added that a threedirector committee has been constituted to inquire into them.

In addition, he countered the allegations by accusing the accountant Saumil Patel of coming up with these claims only after he was questioned about having installed a camera in the account’s collec-

tion branch without the permission of the management committee.

Director Raju Patel has also called them baseless allegations and defended the chairman and the management committee. Raju Patel also claimed that transparent management and administration has led to an increase in income for the APMC even in bad times and that Saumil Patel’s allegations are politically motivated.

Question hour is dropped due to HC asks, ‘Why is state not exercising nCoV: MoS Parliamentary Affairs its vast powers to fix school-fee issue?’

GOOD QUESTION

 Five-day Monsoon Session will look at 20 Bills and keep time for ‘urgent questions’

 State had approached the court asking that it direct self-financed schools to cut fees

First India Bureau

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In a jolt to the state government, the High Court of Gujarat on Friday not only refused to intervene on the issue of school fees but also asked the state to make a decision and not drag the court into the matter.

The government had approached the court with a prayer to direct the management of selffinanced schools to agree to concessions in fees. The state had submitted that it could not reach an amicable solution with the management and, according to the high court order, could not issue a fresh notification either.

When the matter

—FILE PHOTO

Gujarat High Court.

came up for hearing, the court questioned the intentions of the state government, and asked: “Why is the state not exercising its vast powers?

Why is the state not invoking the Disaster Management Act and Pandemic Act against the school management? Why do you want the court to intervene, can’t you make decisions independently? You have to make decisions independently.”

Appearing for the government, Advocate

General Kamal Trivedi submitted that the state had approached the court since the school management had continued to disagree with the government’s terms.

During the previous hearing, the association in its reply had submitted that schools had not hiked fees for the current academic year, in keeping with the government’s suggestion, but that the state’s discount formula is not viable.

“The management is ready to give a dis-

count of 10%-100%, but on a case-to-case basis. It cannot be implemented across the board,” the association had said.

The state’s organization of parents of school students, Gujarat Vali Mandal, had also moved a petition pleading that the court hear them since they are directly affected by the decision taken by either side. During the hearing, at one point, the school management association had agreed to give concessions at some fixed rate.

Gandhinagar: The Monsoon Session of the Gujarat State Assembly will proceed without question hour but the House will take urgent questions for debate.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Pradipsinh Jadeja said the state government had suggested that the question hour be dropped from the upcoming Assembly Session as officers are busy fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the media on Friday, Jadeja said that the five-day Assembly schedule was discussed in detail during the Business Advisory meeting, including which Bill would be taken up on which day

—FILE PHOTO

Gujarat State Assembly.

for discussion in the House. He added that Speaker Rajendra Trivedi had agreed to drop question hour as suggested by the state cabinet.

The Monsoon Session will look at 20 Bills that would affect people of the state, including the introduction of the Gujarat Goonda Act, Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, amendments to the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) and reforms in the land rev-

enue records.

Leader of the Opposition Paresh Dhanani said the Opposition bench tried its best to convince the Speaker as well as the state government to include question hour. “We even suggested that the government extend the length of the Session from five days to 15 days, and increase the number of working hours daily so that key issues related to the public can be discussed. However, the state government chose not to entertain

our request,” he said, adding, “We want to talk about issues such as the plight of farmers, the pandemic, unemployment and the manpower shortage at government-run hospitals, but the state has ignored these serious problems that are affecting a large section of society.”

He also said that the Opposition wanted a whole day to be dedicated to discussing crop damage caused by rain, but that the government disagreed.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

32 KIDS RESCUED FROM LIFE AS FORCED CHILD LABOURERS A'bad's biggest child-trafficking case might be small part of national network

ONLY THE LATEST

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Thirtytwo children were rescued in one of the biggest cases of child trafficking to have emerged from Ahmedabad, on Friday. The state’s Central Investigative Department (CID) and nongovernmental organizations working for child rights carried out a joint operation around 4.30 am on Friday, and released the children—all in the age group of 15-17 years—who had been brought from Bihar on the Nizamabad Express train to become child labourers in Gujarat.

It is believed that the children were sent across state lines in the company of a broker by destitute family members and relatives, to earn a living.

The children were taken to Kalupur police station and a case of

03

Former CM Keshubhai Patel tests +ve for nCov State witnesses single-day jump of more than 1,400 for the first time; Guj total tally now at 1,20,498 cases First India Bureau

The children, all in the 15-17 age group, had arrived in Ahmedabad from Bihar on the overnight Nizamabad Express. It is believed they were sent to earn a living by destitute family members.

child trafficking may be registered, a representative of the NGO told First India.

The authorities also suspect that these rescued kids might just be the tip of a nation-wide iceberg.

“Desperate families are packing off young children to states such as Gujarat, which have

been hit by labour shortages in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown—all for a few rupees,” representatives of the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan and CID (Railways) said.

After having received information that the children were to reach

Gender bias concern in organ donation: IKDRC

Ahmedabad on the overnight train, CID (Railways) arranged a watch with various NGOs and carried out the operation at Kalupur railway station.

Friday’s incident comes just nine months after Rajasthan Police raided a house in Surat along with 80 NGO employees and released 134

children between the ages of 10 and 16, who were working in a sari manufacturing business.

Similarly, in July 2019, cops had rescued 17 children and busted a ring of child traffickers who had been kidnapping children and forcing them to beg and commit petty crimes.

Gandhinagar: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel (92) has been put under home isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has assured Keshubhai’s son that the best possible care would be provided to his father.

Keshubhai’s personal assistant Sheetal Pandya also tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, the state witnessed a record single-day jump of 1,410 COVID-19 cases on Friday. According to the health department bulletin, the state conducted 69,077 tests in the past 24 hours and witnessed 16 fatalities re-

The state tested 69,077 samples on Friday.

lated to the novel coronavirus including three each from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat cities.

With this, the state has now seen a total of 1,20,498 cases and 3,289 deaths.

The state bulletin says there are currently 16,108 active cases, with 98 patients on ventilator support. However, going by the list of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in private hospitals, Ahmedabad alone has 1,733 active patients of

—FILE PHOTO

which 108 patients are on ventilator support and 214 patients are on oxygen support.

According to the state’s data, Surat city had 176 new cases, Ahmedabad city saw 152, and rural Surat had 110, while Jamnagar city reported 104 fresh cases and Rajkot city had 98 cases in the last 24 hours.

The situation is turning serious in Vadodara, where BJP MLA Jitu Sukhadia has accused the administration of hiding data.

Two detained with hashish worth `2.4L

OUTRAGE SPARKED

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Gender disparity has been identified as the biggest social concern in identifying barriers in organ transplantation in India, a study conducted by the Institute of Kidney Diseases & Research Centre (IKDRC) has revealed.

The study titled ‘Gender Equality in Transplantation—Why are donors predominantly women and recipients men?’ has confirmed that women are at a disadvantageous position when it comes to organ transplantation.

The study found out that in cases of donors’ relation as a spouse in living-renal kidney transplants (LRKT) 90% are female while only 10% are male.

When it comes to donors as parents, 70% are female and 30% are male. Similarly, the trend continues in grandparents, too, with 75% female and 25% male. The trend is reversed when children

Surat: Local police on Friday nabbed two persons, identified as Jigar Dholakiya and Parth Tejani, for their involvement in selling hashish under the cover of online trading in Katargam area.

Police seized 2.379kg of the illegal narcotic worth Rs2.38 lakh from the two men, who have since confessed to their crime.

As per the police reports, Constable Ravirajsinh Ghansyamsinh received a tip-off about the sale of hashish, which he then reported to Inspector BD Gohil.

A team of cops made a trap and nabbed the accused from Shop-2, Vimalnath apartment in Paras society in Surat’s Katargam.

In their statement, the two accused are said to have rented the shop to start online trading but then switched to hashish. They had reportedly been calculating their profit and the stock they had cleared so far.

IKDRC.

—FILE PHOTO Members of Mustufa Raja Academy protested against Charlie Hebdo in Ahmedabad’s Gomtipur area on Friday, after the French magazine republished caricatures of Prophet Mohammed as the trial of alleged accomplices of the 2015 shooting at its offices, which killed 12 people, began in Paris.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

VAST DIFFERENCES

donate organs for LRKT where boys accounted for 60% of donated organs and girls accounted for 40%. When data among siblings is analysed, female and male donors donated in equal proportions.

“This anomaly stems from the popular social belief that a male is the sole breadwinner of a

family. And if the blood group matches, the entire family expects the wife to donate organs,” said Dr Vineet Mishra, Director, IKDRC-ITS, adding, “We can reduce misuse by having strong laws but to correct social biases we need to have a sustained campaign on gender sensitization.”

Man files complaint against wife who ‘drinks, threatens to kill’ him regularly First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Maninagar police station has registered a case in which a woman has been accused of beating her husband while in an inebriated condition. She allegedly also tortured his parents and regularly

threatens to kill him.

The complainant said that he discovered his wife’s drinking problem shortly after they got married, in 2018. Since then, he claims that the woman has created problems both at home and at work, where she would visit him and get into quarrels.

Recently, when his parents had COVID-19, his wife—who lives by herself a floor above her in-laws—did not allow him to visit them or help them. She also did not allow him to aid them in getting treated.

The complaint also says that whenever the man tried to say any-

thing to her, she calls the women’s helpline and gives fake evidence. She also allegedly demanded dowry from him.

“She lives in my house and tortures my parents and me mentally and physically but gets away with it using pro-women laws,” the complaint also said.

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

Amazon launches Gujarat’s first all-women delivery station Station in Kadi will be completely managed and run by women First India News Ahmedabad: Amazon India has launched an all-women delivery station in Kadi—its second such station in the country.

The new delivery station will be operated by a service partner, but will be completely managed and run by women across managerial and delivery associate roles,

the e-retailer said in a statement on Thursday, adding that the decision is part of the company’s efforts to mobilize more women in the workforce.

The Kadi station is the second such in the country, coming four years after the company launched its first allwomen delivery station in Chennai, back in 2016. The women associates will deliver pack-

Packages trundle down a conveyor belt at an Amazon delivery station.

—FILE PHOTO

ages within a 2-5km radius of the station.

“We have created more than 6,000 opportunities for women across our network where they continue to thrive and excel. The launch of the first allwomen delivery station in Gujarat is a testament to our commitment to providing women with safe and fulfilling opportunities and we look forward to helping more women across communities attain financial independence

in life”, said Prakash Rochlani, Director, Last Mile Operations, Amazon India.

“I feel grateful for the opportunity that Amazon India has provided me. There aren’t many women delivery associates in my locality, and I feel proud that I can step out every day and deliver smiles to the customers in my community. I am glad that I can financially support my family now. My husband says that I am an inspiration to my daughters”, says

Jayshreeben Patel, a woman associate in the all-women delivery station.

In its statement, Amazon India highlighted the measures it has taken to ensure a safe workplace for women by creating awareness and building various feedback mechanisms to address concerns through open dialogues, including a helpline number created for associates to dial in for any support or help needed during the day.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

IGNITE THE HUNGER

IN-DEPTH

AKALIS CHANGE TUNE ON FARM SECTOR BILLS

T

he Lok Sabha has passed three agriculture bills to replace ordinances issued earlier.

Unmindful of widespread protests by farmers and Harsimrat Kaur Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal, a coalition partner, resigning over the “anti-farmer” legislations, the National Democratic Alliance government led by the BJP pressed ahead with the bills. The anger is directed against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance which the Akalis say will hurt the interests of the peasantry in Punjab, where agriculture is the mainstay of the state’s economy and which is known as the country’s food bowl. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, hailed the passage of bills as a “historic moment” for the agriculture sector.

The big-ticket reforms are meant for barrier-free trade, modernization of supply chains, and unrestricted access to markets. Farmers fear that the bills will lead to Minimum Support Price (MSP) being scrapped. They also fear that the bills will lead to big monopolies which will be worse than the present cartels. Prime Minister Modi has dismissed these fears. “I want to assure my brothers that MSP and government purchase will continue. These bills, in the true sense, are meant to empower the farmers,” he tweeted, adding that farmers were being misled.

Not long ago the Akalis not only did not find anything wrong with the ordinances but even defended them. Given the extent of anger among the farmers Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Akali Dal president, may think it wise to change the tune.

SADHGURU, ISHA FOUNDATION

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service

T

THE ‘DISPENSABLE’ COVID WARRIORS

F

irst, there was thaali and taali to boost the morale of frontline corona warriors, mainly doctors, and paramedics. Then the jantaa was told to light candles, torches, and earthen lamps in their honour. That the entire exercise was nothing more than gimmickry became clear when the government told the House that it has no record of the number of doctors dying on the line of duty. Before that, the government had shamelessly admitted to not having any idea of how many migrant workers died due to the sudden imposition of lockdown. In the case of migrant workers, the government found a soft target in the media as it put the onus for the mass exodus on fake news.

In both cases, the Centre washed its hands off saying that healthcare staff and the migrants were state subjects. All that the Union Health Ministry had to do was to depute a junior level officer call up the Indian Medical Association which would have given the numbers pronto. After the Centre disowning doctors and other healthcare staff, the IMA said that 382 doctors have so far lost their lives so far 2238 were infected with the virus.

The IMA is rightly pained at the government abandoning the real heroes in its fight against the pandemic. “To feign that this information doesn’t merit the attention of the nation is abominable,” the doctors’ body said in a strongly-worded statement. “It appears that they are dispensable,” the statement said.

It seems that for the government fooling the people by falsely boosting their morale is what matters.

The longing for knowing will not happen unless there is hunger for knowing. You know, there are mothers who beat their children because they do not eat well.

They carry the child around all the time, and when the child does not want to eat, they start forcing them

here are so many things that one can do in this world – you can walk, you can swim, you can dance, gossip, love, drink, do drugs. And yet, for ages, why is it that human beings have longed for something beyond? When they got too busy with their survival, for some time they rested this longing. But the moment their stomach was full, once again they started.

If this body was indestructible, this longing to know something of the beyond would not have risen because then you would think this body is the ultimate.

You may not always be conscious of your mortality, but at the slightest provocation you become conscious of it. Somebody you love went out and did not come back at the appointed time. You start worrying, “What happened, what happened?”

This fear arises because you are thinking, “Did something go wrong?” You think of injury, pain, disease – all these things are just stepping stones to the last one – “Did he fall dead somewhere.” “What could have happened?” is just a reminder.

Somewhere you know that you can be terminated.

“I am a full-fledged life here, knowing so many things, alive, with so many thoughts, so many emotions, so many ideas, so much capability, but one day it is going to go Poofff,” this is something that human nature is unwilling to accept. There are all kinds of arguments.

Some people say there is something more; others say there is nothing more, you are just a mass of cells and one day you will disintegrate.

Some people say you will land up in the lap of God, and that is where you came from.

There are all kinds of stories and arguments.

Though people have argued for a thousand years or more, no one has been able to come to a conclusion; unless you have a single-track mind where you do not want to look at anything else, then you have an answer.

But if you have more than one track in your mind, you will not have an answer. You will only have more questions. The more arguments you get into with somebody, the more questions – and not answers – will pop up in your head.

People have propounded every kind of answer they could think of, but it has not solved anything because this is a trick solution. If you want these kinds of solutions, there are many. The question is, are you simply in search of solace, where you need someone to tell you, “Everything will be okay, there is a party waiting on the other side,” or have you become insane and cannot live without knowing?

The longing for knowing will not happen unless there is hunger for knowing. You know, there are mothers who beat their children because they do

YOU MAY NOT ALWAYS BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR MORTALITY, BUT AT THE SLIGHTEST PROVOCATION YOU BECOME CONSCIOUS OF IT. SOMEBODY YOU LOVE WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK AT THE APPOINTED TIME

not eat well. They carry the child around all the time, and when the child does not want to eat, they start forcing them.

Many such mothers approach me complaining, “Sadhguru, my child is not eating, I am afraid.” I tell them, “Just leave him with me, he will eat.” Because we will make him run, we will make him walk, we will make him play, we will make him climb. After that, whatever food is given to him, he will gobble up!

If you want to eat well, you do not need encouragement or coaxing, you need hunger. If you want to know,

The post-pandemic recovery’s missing link T

rust will be key to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and recession.

Yet over the past ten years, people’s trust in governments, public and private institutions, and one another has declined across many of the advanced economies. As is typical in periods of deep uncertainty, the price of gold has skyrocketed in recent months.

Today’s rock-bottom confidence should come as no surprise. The current crisis is not only globe-spanning and unprecedented in many ways, but also highly ambiguous. While the public-health emergency has escalated and triggered a collapse in the real economy, financial markets have boomed. As with the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has de

04

cisively weakened public confidence in expertise.

Conspiracy theories and political rhetoric rejecting science have proliferated.

But if the public does not trust the recommendations of scientists and financial experts, the crisis will be prolonged.

Trust can prevail, but only if we start working toward a new economic and institutional paradigm.

And that means addressing head-on the public’s growing skepticism toward most major institutions – from central banks and international financial organizations to the World Health Organization and academia – not to mention Big Tech.

These doubts are no longer concentrated just among populists and people on the margins of society. In the United States, 30% believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus

was created in a laboratory, and 35% say they would refuse a COVID-19 vaccine.

At the same time, policymakers now question how far fiscal and monetary policy can and should go in underwriting the economy.

Since being relaunched in March, the US Federal Reserve’s quantitative-easing program has purchased assets at a rate of $2 billion per hour. What are the

downstream effects of such a policy? And how much longer can Wall Street defy gravity while Main Street is in free fall?

Never before has so much money been made available to so many so quickly. In the space of just a few months, we have already gone far beyond the post-2008 playbook. Mobilizing financial resources (both quantitatively and qualitatively) on

an unprecedented scale has demonstrated the sheer power of finance to protect or reorient entire economies. Yet by highlighting the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, it has also invited political challenges.

This can last only as long as there is still sufficient trust in the system. If the public’s confidence in central banks were suddenly to evaporate, the financial system would collapse. And if enough people suddenly refused to continue tolerating the continuing enrichment of the few while the many are being impoverished, liberal democracy, too, would be in peril.

Similar warnings can be issued with respect to the sciences. Never before the pandemic have research and data-sharing occurred at such a rapid pace. Never

before have so many people from so many countries come together to pursue the same goal: the development of a safe and effective vaccine. This mass mobilization is exciting to behold, but also is worrying in the current climate.

In the immediate term, the growing distrust of medical experts threatens to reduce the efficacy of vaccination against COVID-19. The recent reversal on whether hydroxychloroquine should be used to treat COVID patients (it should not) left many members of the public with even less trust in their leaders. And reports that US President Donald Trump’s administration has been interfering with the work of public-health agencies has made such doubts justified in some cases.

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

you must know the pain of ignorance, not somebody’s lecture or grand words. If the pain of not knowing is burning within you, you will know. If you are hungry, you will find something edible.

Aren’t all creatures on this planet finding their food somehow? Where you think there is nothing, they are finding something. In the middle of the desert, they are finding something because they are hungry. People have always tried to kill your hunger with false food, with their own ideas which give solace for a certain period of time and only slow you down. It does not matter for how long you slow down, when the moment of death comes, suddenly you know that you know nothing about life or death.

So if you have passed storytelling if you have passed entertainment – I am not saying you should not enjoy those things, but you know the limitations of those things – then it is time for a genuine spiritual process.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Impetus to Make in India: Govt under PM @NarendraModi ji revises Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017. Along with reciprocity in procurement, this will also facilitate greater participation of suppliers with local content.

Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor My objections to the introduction of the Taxation Amendment Bill. It was on my (& others’) objections relating to #PMCARES that MoS Anurag Thakur was supposed to reply. Instead he inflicted a political diatribe on the House which has led to disruption of its work.

Spiritual SPEAK

Whatever is not yours: let go of it. Your letting go of it will be for your long-term happiness & benefit.

—Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 294 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

To Receive Free Newspaper PDF Daily Whatsapp: http://bit.ly/whatsappahm

Telegram: https://t.me/firstindiaahmedabad Click the above link� & subscribe us on your preferred platform.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

05

‘Railways shaped as per new India’s aspirations’ “The pace of work on the project was slow earlier, but picked up speed only after 2014,” claimed PM Modi during the VC

New Delhi: Inaugurating the 1.9-km Kosi Rail Mahasetu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that his government had in the last six years made efforts to shape the Indian Railways as per the aspirations of a new India and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

“The Vande Bharat initiative of the government is also a symbol of modernity and self-reliance, and the ‘Made in India’ trains are becoming a part of the rail network,” he said after inaugurating the mega bridge and other rail projects in

PM Narendra Modi addresses during the dedication of Kosi Rail Mega Bridge to the nation and inaugurates new rail lines & electrification projects in Bihar via VC in New Delhi on Friday.

Bihar through videoconference.

“These projects worth almost Rs 3,000 crore will not just strengthen Bihar’s rail network, but also strengthen West Bengal and eastern India’s rail connectivity. I congratulate everyone,” Modi said.

He claimed the pace of work on the project was slow earlier, but picked up speed only after 2014. A Railway Ministry statement said that it was a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connecting to the northeast. The Min-

PARLIAMENT’s MONSOON SESSION

BILLS TO REDUCE SALARY OF MPs, MINISTERS GETS RS NOD New Delhi: The bills to reduce salaries, allowances of Members of Parliament, and Ministers by 30 percent was passed unanimously in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Earlier, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Pralhad Joshi had moved the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the Rajya Sabha. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs said that he was moving the Bill on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

While MPs from Congress, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and other parties wholeheartedly supported the bill, they asked the Centre to restore the MPLADS Funds at the earliest.

‘TELL IN ADVANCE IF A MIN IS ABSENT FOR TABLING PAPERS’

They (BJP government) are also ending co-operatives by making changes in the Banking Regulation Act. All these four anti-farmer ordinances should be seen in totality. These ordinances should be opposed. —Digvijaya Singh, Congress leader

RS TAKES UP HOMOEOPATHY CENTRAL COUNCIL BILL New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan moved a motion to take up Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in RS. “Central Council of Homeopathy failed in its responsibility.It did not cooperate with government in carrying out its duties,” said Vardhan.

Notably, CPI(M) MP KK Ragesh has registered his protest against the “ordinance raj”.

New Delhi: LS Speaker Om Birla asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to inform him in advance if a Union minister remains absent, despite his/ her name being mentioned in the agenda for tabling papers in the House. The directive came after he called Union MoS for Food Processing Industries Rameswar Teli’s name for tabling certain papers in the House.

NAIDU ASKS RS MEMBERS TO ADHERE TO SAFETY NORMS New Delhi: RS Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu during the session, said, “No member is expected to come to Table office when House is in session... Members are requested not to go to other member’s seat and bend and whisper in their ears... Please avoid. If you have something to communicate send slips. It is not allowed in examination halls but is allowed here,” Naidu said, prompting laughter in the House.

—ANI

FDI limit in defence via automatic route raised to 74% New Delhi: Foreign firms can directly invest up to 74% in the defence sector, the government said, raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap from 49% through the automatic route. However, foreign investments will be subject to scrutiny on grounds of national security and the government will have the right to review any investment that has a bearing on the coun-

try’s security, said a statement on Thursday.

Currently, 100% overseas investments are permitted in the defence industry, 49 % is allowed under the automatic route but beyond that, government approval is required.

But now, “FDI up to 74% under automatic route shall be permitted for companies seeking new industrial licences,” says the Department for Promo-

PAK VIOLATES CEASEFIRE IN BANDIPORA, FIRES ALONG LOC Bandipora: Pakistan on Friday, initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kanzalwan area of Gurez sector in the Bandipora district, the Chinar Corps informed.

The Chinar Corps further informed that the ceasefire violation took place in the morning with Pakistan firing mortars and other

weapons.The Indian Army gave a befitting response.

On Thursday, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in the Mankote sector in Poonch district. There were no reports of any casualties so far, informed the officers while providing details on the issue.

Currently, 100% overseas investments are permitted in defence.

tion of Industry and Internal Trade.

Fresh foreign invest-

ment of up to 49% in a company not seeking a new industrial licence

SENSEX DROPS 134 PTS; FINANCIAL STOCKS DRAG Mumbai: Domestic equity benchmark Sensex ended 134 points lower on Friday, dragged by losses in financial stocks amid mixed global cues. After swinging 564.69 points during the day, the 30-share BSE index settled 134.03 points or 0.34 % lower at 38,845.82. The NSE Nifty fell 11.15 points or 0.10 % to finish at 11,504.95.

HDFC Bank was the top loser in Sensex pack, shedding over 2 per cent. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, M&M, NTPC, Tech Mahindra, Sun Pharma and PowerGrid were among the gainers.

or which already has government approval for FDI in defence will also need to be cleared.

The company has to declare to the defence ministry any change in equity g pattern or transfer of stake by the existing investor to the new foreign investor for FDI of up to 49%, within 30 days of change.

These companies will need govt’s sanction for raising foreign investment beyond 49%.

istry said that the 1.9 km bridge, sanctioned by the Centre during 2003-04, was constructed at a cost of Rs 516 crore.

The Saharsa-Asanpur Kupha demo trains from Supaul station were flagged off during the day. A regular train service will benefit the people in Supaul, Arariya and Saharsa districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi, and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal were also present on the occasion.

New Delhi: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Mahinda Rajapaksa telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed their strong desire and commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the two neighbouring countries. “The President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa called Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier today to convey warm wishes on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s birthday,” PMO said in a statement.

“Both Sri Lankan leaders expressed their strong desire and commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the neighbouring countries.

They expressed appreciation for the continued bilateral cooperation including in the joint fight against COVID pandemic,” the statement added.

—Agencies

‘Those opposing farm bills,

speaking middlemen’s language’ New Delhi: Nadda while launching a special edition of ‘Kamal Sandesh’ magazine, said, “First, peasants were in slavery. Prime Minister Modi gave a call to liberate farmers.

This Bill gives them the freedom to chose whether the farmer sells his crop in mandi or sells it in any corner of the country.”

He reiterated that both systems of selling agricultural produce under the Agriculture produce market committee & the MSP from the Centre will continue to exist. In a strong charge, Nadda alleged that those who stand with middlemen are ob-

JP Nadda during the release Kamal Sandesh Special edition on the occasion of PM Modi’s 70th Birthday (Sep 17) at BJP National HQ, in New Delhi on Friday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

jecting to these bills.

“Those opposing it are speaking the language of middlemen and not of farmers,” he remarked.

“Congress had said in its manifesto that we will bring the farmers out from

SC quashes PIL on no freedom of speech on sub judice matters New Delhi: The SC refused to entertain a PIL, seeking a declaration that there shall be no freedom of speech and expression with respect to sub judice matters and final orders and judgments passed by the courts, except to the extent of fair and true reporting. A Bench headed by CJI SA Bobde while refusing to entertain the plea, asked the petitioner, Dr Subhash Vijayan, to withdraw the plea as the court cannot pass such orders. Vijayan withdrew the plea thereafter.

The petitioner told the Bench that Judges cannot defend themselves against attacks.

DUBAI SUSPENDS AI EXP FLIGHTS TILL OCT 2 FOR FLOUTING NORMS New Delhi: The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air India Express flights till October 2 for allegedly bringing passengers with Covid-positive certificates twice during last couple of weeks, senior government officials said.As per the UAE government rules, each passenger travelling from India need to bring

SRI LANKAN PREZ, PM CALL MODI TO STRENGTHEN TIES

original Covid-negative certificate from RT-PCR test done 96 hours prior to the journey. “A passenger, who had a Covid-positive certificate dated Sept 2, travelled on Air India Express’ Jaipur-Dubai flight on September 4.

A similar incident had happened with an other Dubai flight previously,” the officials said.

“Judges are not politicians,” he said.

“Doing otherwise, would bring disrepute to judiciary, and shake people’s confidence in the system. If anyone has any grievance, he has the right to move the courts through appropriate proceedings.

Ranting out in the media is neither good for the system nor is the solution to the grievances of the aggrieved,” he said in the plea. —ANI

APMC, the Essential Commodities Act has rusted, we will change it. Modi ji has shown the way today by doing it,” Nadda added.

PM Modi, too, called out the opposition & called their arguments a “blatant lie”.

Prez accepts Badal’s resignation New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind accepted the resignation of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who resigned from the Union Council of Ministers last evening.

Furthermore, the President has directed Narendra Singh Tomar to take the additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

“The President of India, as advised by the PM, has accepted the resignation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution,” said a release from Rashtrapati Bhavan. —ANI

NOW, BABRI MASJID DEMOLITION CASE SHOULD END: ANSARI Ayodhya: Iqbal Ansari, who was one of the litigants in the Ayodhya land dispute case, said that the dispute for the Babri Masjid has ended long before with the Supreme Court ordering the construction of the Ram temple. “The demolition of Babri Masjid happened 28 years ago, some of the accused are alive while some are no more.

Every time a date is announced for hearing the questions regarding its outcome resurface. We had urged the court to end this matter because such a long time has passed,” he said.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

Country has been reporting a very high level of daily recoveries of more than 70,000 for the past 11 days

‘Top 5 states with high active caseload report high level of recoveries too’ New Delhi: The top five states with a high number of active COVID-19 cases - Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh - are also the ones that are reporting a high level of recoveries, the health ministry said on Friday.

With a record 87,472 patients having recuperated or having been discharged from home or facility-supervised care and hospitals in a span of 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 recoveries has surged to 41,12,551 in the country, taking the recovery rate to 78.86 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.63 per cent, it added.

The country has been consistently reporting a very high level of daily recoveries of more than 70,000 for the past 11 days, the ministry said.

“Recovered cases of coronavirus infection are 4.04 times the number of active cases as recoveries outnumber the latter by 30,94,797,”it highlighted.

“The top five states with high active caseload of COVID-19 are

DELHI SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED

A healthcare worker takes a swab from a man for a rapid antigen test in Ahmedabad.

OVER 60 PC ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES IN 5 STATES

‘Domestic air travel figures returning to pre-COVID levels’

New Delhi: Union Health Ministry on Friday said that 60 per cent of the country’s active cases are concentrated across five worst-hit States. It also said that there are 13 States and UTs that have less than 5,000 active cases of COVID-19.

“Around 60 per cent of the Active Cases are concentrated in only five most states,” the Ministry tweeted.

New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said domestic civil aviation operations are continuing smoothly and the number of domestic travellers is moving towards preCOVID figures.

He said that over 9.1 million passengers have flown since flight operations resumed on May 25.

Financial frauds have seen a spike: Ajit Doval Thiruvananthapuram: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday said the Centre is coming up with National Cyber-Security Strategy 2020 which envisions a safe, secure, trusted, resilient and vibrant cyberspace for India’s prosperity.

Delivering the keynote address via video conferencing at the two-day virtual cyber conference, ‘Cocon 2020’, he said that government is striving hard to protect the country’s cyberspace.

Doval said the world is passing through a traumatizing experience of COVID-19. He said it has medical and health dimension that presents formidable challenges and it has an impact on the economy, the system

Ajit Doval

of governance, industry, business, education and international landscape and informational technology.

He said that there was a 500 per cent increase in cybercrimes during COVID-19 due to “limited awareness and poor cyber hygiene” among people.

“Financial frauds

have seen an exponential increase due to greater dependence on digital platforms. Phishing campaigns through COVID-19 related themes targeting government, defence and critical infrastructure surged during this period. Malicious domains and websites to the tune of 5,000 were registered in a short span of time.

We witnessed attacks on the account of Indian govt officials and websites using spear-phishing as a vector and COVID-19 themes, “he said.

He said that in India progress made through digital and e-governance has helped to ensure that “we would carry out the business of the government, economic activity and social interactions”.

“Domestic civil aviation operations continue smoothly.

With 1,16,398 passengers on 17 Sept 2020, we are slowly moving towards pre-COVID figures,” Hardeep Singh Puri said.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation said the total number of flyers on September 17 was 1,16,398.

“On September 17,

Sushant case: NCB detains four persons, seizes drugs

Mumbai: The NCB, probing drugs angle in the actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case, on Friday detained four persons and seized 928 gm charas and cash.

The anti-drug agency seized nearly 500 gm of ganja from the other three suspects who were detained separately, he said. A team of the NCB Mumbai unit detained one of the suspects from Versova after acting on specific information provided

by Ankush Arenja, an accused arrested by the agency earlier, on drugs peddlers, he said.

over 1.16 lakh passengers took to the skies; nearly 1.17 lakh passenger arrivals took place; 1,383 flight departures took place; 1,376 flight arrivals took place. A total of 2,759 flight movements took place across the country on Thursday and the footfalls were over 2.33 lakh footfalls at the airports,” an official release stated.

also the ones which are presently reporting a high level of recoveries,” the ministry said.

It said 59.8 per cent of the active cases are being reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. These states have also accounted for 59.3 per cent of the total recoveries and 90 per cent of the new recoveries are reported from 16 states and Union territories, the ministry said.

Maharashtra (19,522) has accounted for 22.31 per cent of the new recoveries, Andhra Pradesh 12.24 per cent, Karnataka 8.3 per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.31 per cent and Chhattisgarh (six per cent).

Together, these states account for 55.1 per cent of the new recoveries, the ministry said. “The continuous streak of very high level of recoveries is a testimony of the effective clinical management and treatment protocols issued by the Union government, which have been updated from time to time with the emergence of new evidence,”it said.

Chinese apps TikTok, WeChat to be banned in US from Sunday Washington: The US on Friday ordered a ban on downloads of popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok and use of the messaging and payment platform WeChat, saying they threaten national security.

The move, to be implemented Sunday, comes amid rising USChina tensions and efforts by the Trump administration to engineer a sale of TikTok to American investors.

“The Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the US,”Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

The initiative would

06

POWER Gallery TENURE OF PANKAJ SARAN AS DEPUTY NSA EXTENDED

The tenure of Pankaj Saran as Deputy National Security Advisor (Deputy NSA) has been extended for a period of one year beyond September 3, 2020 on contract basis. He is a 1982 batch IFS officer.

JUSTICE NK SINGH NAMED ACTING CJ OF GUWAHATI HC

Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh has been appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court. He will assume charge with effect from September 21, after incumbent Ajai Lamba retires. A notification in this regard was issued on Wednesday.

MS JUHI MUKHERJEE APPOINTED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY, ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

Ms Juhi Mukherjee has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs.

She is a 2007 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

RAI MAHIMAPAT RAY APPOINTED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY, ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

Rai Mahimapat Ray has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs.

He is a 2011 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

ANAND KUMAR APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD CLASSES

Anand Kumar has been appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Backward Classes. He is a 1984 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre.

MS S APARNA APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, PHARMACEUTICALS

Ms S Aparna has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals. She is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

RAGHVENDRA SINGH APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, CULTURE

Raghvendra Singh has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Culture on contract basis for a period of one year. Raghvendra Singh, who belongs to a 1983 batch retired IAS officer of West Bengal cadre, will continue holding the charge of CEO, Development of Museums and Cultural Spaces.

SHIV NARAIN RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Shiv Narain, Director, NATGRID, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre in order to avail of the benefit of promotion. He is a 1991 batch ITS officer.

MANISH CHAUHAN APPOINTED AS NEXT AMBASSADOR TO PORTUGAL

Manish Chauhan presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Portugal. He is a 1994 IFS officer.

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

ban WeChat, an app with massive use among Chinese speakers, and TikTok from the online marketplaces. But while WeChat will effectively be shut down from Sunday in the US, existing TikTok user will be able to continue using the app until November 12 -- when it would also face a full ban on its US operations.

But the Commerce Department said if national security concerns over TikTok were resolved before then, the order may be lifted.

Centre amends Public Procurement Order 2017 First India Bureau New Delhi: In a bid to promote to Make in India, the govt has amended the Public Procurement Order, 2017 enabling nodal Ministries/ Departments to notify higher minimum local content requirement for Class-I and Class-II local suppliers which was earlier fixed at 50

per cent and 20 per cent respectively, according to a release by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

All administrative Ministries/Departments whose procurement exceeds Rs 1,000 crore per annum shall notify their procurement projections for the next 5 years on their respective website.

three men from Rajouri who worked as labourers in Shopian had also filed a police complaint.

In a brief statement, the Army said the Shopian operation contravened the dos and don’ts of the Chief of Army Staff approved by the Supreme Court.

“The inquiry has brought out certain prima facie evidence indicating that during the operation, powers vested under the AFSPA 1990 were exceeded and the Do’s and Don’ts of Chief of Army Staff as approved by the Supreme Court have been contravened. “Conse-

quently, the competent disciplinary authority has directed to initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Army Act against those found prima-facie answerable,” the statement said.

It is not immediately clear how many Army men are being proceeded against.

The evidence collected indicates the three unidentified terrorists killed in Amshipura were Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrar who hailed from Rajouri.

Their DNA report is awaited.

—Agencies

FROM PG 1 Now, 1st-,...

When the novel coronavirus first hit the state hard, the government announced walk-in interviews.

However, they offer peanuts in remuneration and that too on an 11-month contract,” he said, adding, that if the government is really serious about the betterment of the people, it should heed the advice of the medical fraternity.

“Even during the pandemic, all calls have been taken by political leaders and officers, which is not the correct way to do things. This is a medi-

cal emergency, so they should let the professionals handle it. Falling short of hands, they’ve now asked students to join duty.

These students are not trained, but are still under training--a fact that a few officers and political leaders seem incapable of understanding,” he asserted.

Thakur apologises...

Opposition members to keep their masks on, saying, “If anyone plays with safety then they will be named and thrown out of the house.”

The Speaker, forced to

adjourn the Lok Sabha, called an informal meeting of floor leaders to resolve the chaos. When the members returned to the House, more chaos led to another adjournment. —Agencies

The trigger... benefit of the Gandhi family. You made Sonia Gandhi its chairman. It should be probed,” said Anurag Thakur.

“Nehru ji ordered the creation of Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund in 1948 like a royal order but its registration has not been done even till today. How did it get FCRA clearance?”

Thakur asked.

This irked the Opposition and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury lashed out at Thakur calling him chhokra (boy) from Himachal, demanding apology for maligning Nehru-Gandhi family.

PM to... concerns of the farming community by assuring them the government procurement of their produce will continue and so will the minimum support price (MSP). “This misinformation is now being spread that the government will not give MSP

benefits to farmers.

Manufactured claims are being made the government will no longer purchase wheat, rice and other grains. This is a blatant lie aimed at deceiving farmers,” Modi said.

In the 21st century, these bills are the need of the country, he said, adding that farmers will no longer remain in shackles and sell his produce wherever they want.

Launching a blistering attack on the Congress without naming the party, Modi said those who ruled the country for decades are

“deceiving and misleading” farmers by spreading misleading and “lying” to them on the provisions of these bills, which seek to replace ordinances brought in by the Centre. —PTI

Troops violated... after social media reports indicated the three men were from Rajouri district in Jammu and had gone missing at Amshipura, said Col Rajesh Kalia, the defence spokesperson in Srinagar.

The probe was completed in a record four weeks.

The families of the

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

07

EXPERTS AGREE THAT THE LEGACY OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WILL BE WITH US FOR YEARS, EVEN AFTER THE IMMEDIATE THREAT HAS PASSED. THE WAY WE LIVE MAY HAVE CHANGED, PERHAPS FOR EVER, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE IMPACT ON OUR PLANET?

WHAT COVID-19 MEANS FOR THE

E

xperts agree that the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for years, even after the immediate threat has passed. The way we live may have changed, perhaps forever, but what about the impact on our planet? Here are 7 perspectives on what’s happening – and what we can do about it.

COVID-19 MAY HAVE CUT AIR POLLUTION BUT WE HAVEN’T BEATEN CLIMATE CHANGE

PLANET

MILLIONS MORE PEOPLE WILL BE DRIVEN INTO POVERTY The World Bank says as many as 100 million extra people could be pushed into extreme poverty by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy.

That’s 100 million people forced to live on less than $1.90 a day. Shrinking global GDP risks reversing recent progress in reducing the numbers of the world’s poorest people. A total of half a billion people could be pushed into poverty by COVID-19, according to Oxfam.

Of the 176 million people the World Bank expects to be pushed into poverty with an income below $3.20 a day, two-thirds are in South Asia.

Only a robust global recovery will reverse this trend, it says.

THE FOOD WASTE PROBLEM HAS BEEN MADE WORSE

At the height of the pandemic, many people took heart from the drop in air pollution resulting from global lockdowns. The reduction in economic activity took us back to daily levels last seen in 2006. But concentrations of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere are still rising. Larissa Basso, a postdoctoral fellow at Stockholm University, says that’s because CO2 molecules can persist in the atmosphere for up to 200 years.

And, regardless, she says the drop in emissions will only be temporary unless we address the root causes by changing the way we live. The International Energy Agency has called for a global investment of $1 trillion to accelerate the move to zero-carbon energy. Its plan would create 9 million jobs a year, reduce emissions by 4.5 billion tonnes globally and deliver a sustainable recovery.

Mountains of food have been thrown away because the pandemic has closed restaurants, shops and takeaway food outlets. And, with much of the waste dumped in landfills, methane levels could rise as a result. Methane is 20 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas and is thought to have been responsible for approaching a fifth of historic global warming. It makes up at least half of all emissions from landfills. The World Economic Forum initiative ‘The Great Reset’ calls for urgent action to manage the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, including food waste at a time of rising global poverty. “We must invest in the future and transform our food systems to build a more inclusive and sustainable world,” the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said recently.

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS ARE ON THE RISE TOO

‘BUILDING BACK BETTER’ MUST PUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND FAIRNESS FIRST

Plastic has played a vital role in keeping us safe and treating people suffering from COVID-19 – think masks and plastic cups.

But some experts say it’s being used so much that we are storing up a plastics crisis for the future. The pandemic threatens to stall or even reverse progress to reduce global plastic waste, says Jacob Duer, President, and CEO, Alliance to End Plastic Waste. In the UK, illegal dumping of trash has risen 300% during the crisis.

In Thailand, the Environment Institute blames soaring home food deliveries for increasing levels of plastic waste from about 1,500 tonnes a day to about 6,000 tonnes. Duer urges companies and governments to work together to reduce plastic use and improve waste management.

IKEA may be best known around the world for its flat-pack furniture.

But Per Heggenes, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, wants us all to collectively work to build something bigger – a better world for future generations. Writing for the World Economic Forum, Heggenes set out a five-point programme for a fairer and more sustainable post-COVID world: protect the planet; renewable energy for all; a changed relationship to food; dignified work and entrepreneurship; and leave no one behind.

“Challenging situations can bring out the best in people. Solidarity, unprecedented collaboration and new ways of thinking can help us emerge stronger and smarter from this pandemic,” Heggenes says.

IMMUNIZATION HAS BEEN SET BACK BY THE PANDEMIC

LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT COULD HELP PREVENT FUTURE PANDEMICS

While the world has been focused on fighting coronavirus, deadly diseases have not gone away. But efforts to combat them by immunization have taken a back seat to combatting COVID-19, and the results could be serious unless inoculations pick up the pace. UNICEF estimates that 80 million children under the age of one could go unvaccinated due to the disruption of immunization programmes. “Immunization is one of the most powerful and fundamental disease prevention tools in the history of public health,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization Director-General.

“Disruption to immunization programmes from the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to unwind decades of progress against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles,” he adds. UNICEF agrees: “As we recover from COVID-19, our aim should not be to just make up lost ground, but to break through the long stagnation that has held us back for the last decade.”

Protecting nature is the key to avoiding future pandemics, scientists believe. Writing in a guest article for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, four leading biodiversity experts lay the blame for the current crisis at the door of humanity. Warning that 1.7 million viruses, known to infect humans, exist in mammals and water birds, they say deforestation, intensive farming, mining and development, coupled with the exploitation of wild species have created a “perfect storm” for the spillover of diseases from wildlife to people. But if we are the problem we can also be the solution. "We can build back better and emerge from the current crisis stronger and more resilient than ever – but to do so means choosing policies and actions that protect nature – so that nature can help to protect us," they say.

SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

11. Sometimes, it’s best to keep silent. Not every argument deserves a counter, be silent, nobody can refute the argument of silence.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

9,53,563 3,05,81,390 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 31,791 DEATHS 11,67,496 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 86,85 DEATHS 5,30,908 CASES

INDIA

DEATHS

KARNATAKA 7,808 DEATHS 5,02,982 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

Shishir Awasthi

HUGE CRISIS

than Jaisukh Gajera, president of Surat Ratnakalakar Sangh (diamond artisans association).

The Covid-19 disaster has come as a double whammy for India’s $23 billion diamond industry, over 80% of which sits in Surat. It was already passing through a global recession

Three held with charas worth `7.69L in Kutch First India Bureau Bhuj: Three men were on Friday arrested in Kutch district and 5 kg of charas, part of dumped contraband that is regularly washing ashore along the coast, was recovered from them, the police said.

One of the accused had found 5 packets of charas a month ago along the coast near Jakhau, said inspector A R Zala of the Special Operations Group, Kutch-West Police.

The charas found with them on Friday was worth Rs 7.69 lakh

in international markets, he said.

The accused were identified as Ramji Koli, a resident of Abdasa, Naresh Shah, a resident of Gandhidham and Praful Bariya from Mundra.

The Coast Guard, Border Security Force, local police and Customs have recovered over 1,000 packets of charas on the Kutch coast in the last one year.

Drug traffickers are suspected to have dumped this huge cache of drugs into the Arabian Sea to evade arrest.

when the coronavirus struck -- and with Surat cutting and polishing 90% of rough diamonds sold in the world.

The industry was hoping to see some possibility of revival with the lockdown being lifted in June, but this lasted hardly a week after nearly 200 diamond workers tested positive

—FILE PHOTO

for the virus and the administration shut down the industry. Many migrants who migrated had returned to Surat, but left again in droves.

Again, some units opened in July but not the majority of nearly 5,000 small and medium scale units. According to Ramesh Zilariya, the president of the Dia-

Guj IAS officer S Aparna gets central posting First India Bureau New Delhi: On her return from the post of Executive Director of the World Bank, senior Gujarat cadre bureaucrat S Aparna has been appointed as the Secretary to the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Union Ministry for Chemicals and Fertilisers.

She comes in place of PD Vaghela, who retires on September 30. A 1988 batch IAS officer, S Aparna was the Principal Secretary to Chief Minis-

Senior bureaucrat S Aparna.

ter Vijay Rupani when she was appointed to the World Bank in 2017 for a tenure of 3 years. As ED of the World Bank, she represented the constituencies of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

DEATHS

DELHI 4,907 DEATHS 2,38,828 CASES

Revival looks bleak for Surat that cuts 90% of all diamonds in the world

As many as 16 diamond workers have committed suicide in Surat.

GUJARAT

85,625 53,05,475 3,289 1,20,498

COVID CRISIS: THE FATAL CUT OFF LIFE IN SHINE FACTORY Surat: Darshan Chaudhary and Bhupendrasinh Dharmendrasinh had quite a few similarities, in life and in death. Both were 20, both came from Saurashtra because agriculture wasn’t sufficient to earn a livelihood, both were diamond polishers in Surat, both committed suicide during the first phase of the Covid-infused lockdown.

But Darshan and Bhupendrasinh are not isolated cases, except that they lost patience and their resources by May when it was still a month to the lifting of the lockdown.

There are at least 14 others in the world’s diamond capital who killed themselves owing to the severe financial crisis. The last -- so far -- to end his life this month was none other

08

mond Workers Union, the industry was facing recession for more than 2 years.

Many small polishing units had already shut and the medium or big units had cut the staff drastically.

He claimed many workers received a fraction of their salary or nothing at all for four months.

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,308 DEATHS 1,11,290 CASES

Woman delivers baby on street, thanks to 108 staff First India Bureau Surat: In an unusual combination of human compassion and government staff ’s commitment to duty, a poor street woman delivered a baby under streetlights in the wee hours of Friday in Surat.

It so happened that a youth passing by the Causeway in Rander noticed a woman screaming in severe labour pain on a footpath.

Concerned over the state of the woman, he immediately called 108 State Government ambulance service.

Within minutes, the ambulance van arrived. They realised there was no time to either carry her on a stretcher on the vehicle or to move her to a hospital.

The paramedical staff, Bhadresh Baraiya, and the driver immediately

108 Ambulance staff help woman deliver baby on the street in Surat.

blessed.

We have been given training to handle such situations. I am so happy with myself; I am feeling

—Bhadresh Baraiya, 108 Ambulance paramedical staff

lifted the woman and took her under a streetlight. Baraiya assisted the woman to give birth to a baby on the road.

He said, “She and the baby were profusely bleeding. So, we took them to the Civil Hospital and got them admitted.

They were in good health.”

Quite satisfied by performing his duty with dedication and compassion, Baraiya said, “We have been given training to handle such situations.

I am so happy with myself, feeling blessed.”

IIT-Gn offers overnight Pak marines capture stay to JEE examinees 56 Guj fishermen First India Bureau Gandhinagar: With an aim to provide logistical support to candidates appearing for the JEE Advanced exam in the current pandemic situation, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-GN) is offering them and an accompanying parent limited overnight accommodation on its campus.

According to an official statement, the JEE Advanced candidates, who have their centres in the Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad region and would like to stay overnight on the IIT-GN campus, could register them-

selves on https://www. iitgn.ac.in/jeeaes.

Talking about this special arrangement, Prof Sudhir Jain, Director, IIT-GN said, “At this time, it is certainly challenging for the candidates and their guardians whose JEE Advanced exam centres are far away from their current residence and they must be worried to find a safe accommodation.”

“IIT-GN aspires to be a sensitive institution.

Providing on-campus overnight accommodation to such candidates is our modest effort to give relief to some of the anxious candidates and their parents,” he added.

First India Bureau New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday said it had arrested 56 Indian fishermen for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters and started their interrogations. The fishermen were on 10 boats, all of which have been seized, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency said in a statement.

“The apprehended crew members seem to be fishermen. However, they will further be interrogated by the security organs concerned to establish their exact identity and intent for operating in our wa-

Pakistan marine police nab 56 Indian fishermen. —FILE PHOTO

ters,” it said.

“Furthermore, our adversary is always looking forward to carving out space for [a] false flag operation, and its possibility in the maritime domain cannot be ruled out,” the statement further said.

Boats are reportedly from Coastal Gujarat’s Porbandar and Veraval.

COUNTERCLAIMS!

Gujarat insists `3,200 3,200 cr lockdown wages paid to workers Labour & Employment Dept claims due financial aid was given to construction labourers First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Notwithstanding the refutal of its claims by the labour organisations and its concurrence by the Building and Other Construction Workers Board officials, the Gujarat Labour and Employment Department has asserted that it has indeed paid financial

assistance of Rs. 1000 to 6.38 lakh construction workers.

The construction workers’ board Member-Secretary, BM Prajapati, told First India on Wednesday evening that “Nearly 2 lakh workers were left out (of the Rs 1,000 financial assistance package during the lockdown) because they didn’t upload their documents.”

He added that a majority of workers had already been included in the CM’s package to 64 lakh poor people.

This was in response to the allegation by the Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan that nearly 2 lakh construction workers, who are members of the Board, have still not been paid Rs 1,000 though Rs 250

YOU READ IT FIRST IN FIRST INDIA (SEPTEMBER 17, 2020)

crore had been withdrawn from the Board’s fund.

The Board’s Mem-

ber-Secretary has not denied this.

However, in a statement here on Friday,

ACS (Labour and Employment) Vipul Mittra asserted that Rs 1,000 was transferred to the

bank accounts of 6.38 lakh construction workers through the Public Financial Management System as a part of the Mukhya Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.

Pointing out the State Labour and Employment Department had pulled out all stops in helping the labourers in distress, Vipul Mittra said nearly Rs 3,200 crore in wages were paid to workers in the entire unorganized sector during the lockdown.

Our officials reached out to thousands of factories, commercial establishments, and shops through phone, Email, WhatsApp, and SMS, and asked them to pay wages in full and on time to their workers. We also launched helplines where workers could register their wage-related complaints.

—-Vipul Mittra,

ACS (Labour & Employment)

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

09

AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

TOO WELL

A towel is something we don’t even think about but should! City First brings you some tips on how to buy, use and maintain this companion of cleanliness!

COMPANION OF CLEANLINESS NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

T

owels are one of the most essential parts of our day to day lives. Going out for a run, take a towel along; need to wipe something, wipe it with a towel; have an amazing beach day planned ahead? Don’t forget your towel- you will need it to sit on the sit, or even wiping the sand and water out of your body once you’re done with the quick dip; have a spaday planned with your girls? Take your towel.

Talking about towels and considering the current scenario, it is extremely important to make sure you and your

family members have separate towels- for everything!

Not just during the COVID time, but otherwise too, sharing towels isn’t hygienic at all.

While buying a towel, make sure it’s soft, once pressed against your skin.

There are people with extremely sensitive skin, and towels with a harsh texture might result in rashes. So always make sure to go for the ones with a softer texture.

There are so many types of towels that are available.

1. Bath Towels 2. Hand Towels 3. Hair Towels 4. Face Towel 5. Kitchen Towel 6. Beach Towel 7. Gym Towel 8. Pet Towel Maintaining these towels is extremely essential for all the hygienic reasons. Always make sure to wash your towels every three to four days and air-dry them, so as to maintain them for a longer period of time. As far as coloured towels are concerned,

make sure to wash them with colour-safe bleach and warm water. Don’t use a lot of detergents- they tend to take away the entire essence of a good towel. Make sure to let your towel completely dry, so as to avoid any germs and viruses. And yes, last but not the least, keep changing them regularly.

HOLLYWOOD

FA CE OF TH ED AY

SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

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

GURMAN SINGH cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

A

ctor and producer Brad Pitt made his big-screen debut in the 1989 horror film Cutting Class, then he played a teen track star in Sandy Tung’s Across the Tracks, but it was a well-timed bit part in a controversial Hollywood film that pushed him into the glare of instant stardom. Pitt’s performance as a renegade, sugartongued hitchhiker who gets picked up by the two title characters in Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise (1991) grabbed universal attention despite only a few minu t e s ’ worth of screen time.

Pitt’s combination of charming bad boy charisma and sensual playfulness — particularly in a fiery love scene with Geena Davis—made him a genuine sex symbol and his role in 1994’s Legends of the Fall helped secured his place as a Hollywood staple. A twotime winner of People maga-

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

10

zine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” title, Pitt also proved willing to take on grittier roles for features like Seven (1995) and Fight Club (1999). He began earning more serious award consideration for performances in Babel (2006), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Inglourious Basterds (2009), and Moneyball (2011), winning his first Oscar in the best picture category as a producer for 12 Years a Slave (2013).

Along with later works like The Big Short (2015), Allied (2016) and his Oscarwinning role in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019), Pitt is known for his high-profile relationships with actresses Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.

As a public figure, Pitt has been cited as one of the most influential and powerful people in the American entertainment industry. For a number of years, he was cited as the world’s most attractive man by various media outlets, and his personal life is the subject of wide publicity. From 2000 to 2005, he was married to actress Jennifer Aniston, and in 2014 he married actress Angelina Jolie; they legally separated in 2019.

Now, Brad’s relationship with his much-younger model girlfriend Nicole Poturalski has been much-discussed lately and reportedly Brad’s ex-wife Angelina Jolie is furious about the fling.

In addition to his Academy Awards, he has also been awarded Primetime Emmy Award as a producer under his production company, Plan B Entertainment.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You have some serious responsibilities on work front so prioritise work today before anything at all. Sometimes you are very serious and something you are very funny, thats makes people confused sometimes. A mariner’s life fascinates many of you.

You respect self made people and you have many ideals. You love to talk to family, friends and relatives every now and then because you are very social. You have a tendency of not forgetting what wrong someone did in the past. Loyal nature makes you so so different from all others.

You have to talk to your lover and sort your matters out or just leave and never look back. Growth is very important in life and if you are not growing in one field then you need to change your field, remember only the highest risk takers become the most successful ones.

You are very persuasive when you want something.

Facing difficulties is what brave people do so go ahead and face it all, trust yourself in the end you will stand victorious.

Don’t approach people only when you are in trouble, keep in touch even in the happy times.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Your management skills will come to test at home.

Your strength is your positivity which cannot be effected by anything. You don’t get close to people easily and when you do then you give your all to them. You are desperate for your lover. Stop complaining and start doing.

Mood swings are possible today or spend more time with yourself. A particular subject in studies fascinates you a lot and you may do higher studies in the same subject or may even become a renewed personality because of research in the same field.

You are very proud of your spouse of how well he/she is doing in life. You are satisfied with the person you married to and count it as one of your biggest blessings in life. You thank God everyday for the life you have. Display of power and luxury is becoming a must thing.

You don’t waste time in doing things that you know you have to anyways do.

Right time is when you are ready, never forget that. Taking shortcuts in life doesn’t always go well. Try, try and try one day you will succeed, just don’t give up. Stop crying over petty issues.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Fun is in store if you are planning to lighten up your mood. You may not be very good in studies but there must be sometime in which no one can beat you. Clear your mind of all negative thoughts and start living with a fresh outlook. A unique skill in some field will make you a famous.

You sometimes get tired from your responsibilities but still you never complain. You are a gem person and your spouse knows that and thats why he/she stays with you always inspite of minor behavioural issues. A hotheaded personality is liked by no one.

You rather spend time with your family than some friends. You sometimes get obsessive with house related matters, just calm down and trust God. You can also need a helping hand so never hesitate from asking. You need an opportunity to rise and than world will watch what you are capable of.

Your lover is very sincere and serious about you so do not play with his/her emotions. When you are studying then you are just studying and when you are playing, you just enjoy. Your sole competition is you yourself and thats just wow. You are reason behind many people’s smile.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

SHREYA SINGH, Stylist

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

11

... her post

Sunny Leone

Cryptic note about ‘WORLD DRAMA’

A

... her post

fter Urmila Matondkar asked Kangana Ranaut to name the Bollywood stars who she thinks are part of the drug cartel and consume drugs, Kangana Ranaut hit back at Urmila Matondkar and called her a ‘soft porn actress’ who is ‘not known for her acting’.

Later, while justifying her statement for calling her ‘porn star’, the ‘Queen’ actress mentioned Sunny Leone in a tweet as she wrote, “Liberal brigade once virtually lynched a renowned writer in to silence for saying people like Sunny Leone should not be our role models, Sunny is accepted by the industry and

Wishes from PM Modi

entire India as an artist, suddenly fake feminists equating being a porn star to something derogatory.”

On Friday, Sunny Leone, who is currently in the USA, took to social media to share a selfie and alongside the photo.

She shared a cryptic note wherein she talked about catching up on world drama.

Also, she penned a note that read, “It’s funny how the people that know the least about you always have the most to say.” Post the Kangana and Urmila controversy, while several Bollywood actors sided with the ‘Rangeela’ actress, however, Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel went on to slam Urmila Matondkar by making a

reference to Sunny Leone as she wrote, “Someone who is proud to be sex symbol taking constant digs at much younger girl whose hard earned house was demolished now feeling hurt to be called a soft porn star this is the same mafia who hails Sunny leone, why being a porn star is derogatory now suddenly?”

—Agency

Jayeshbhai JORDAAR

A

A

day after PM Modi responded to cricketer Virat Kohli’s birthday message by congratulating him and his actor wife Anushka Sharma for their pregnancy, Anushka on Friday responded and thanked the Prime Minister.

Virat Kohli had on Thursday wished the Prime Minister on his 70th birthday on Twitter to which, Modi replied by congratulating him and Anushka. “Thank you @imVkohli!

I would also like to congratulate @AnushkaSharma and you. I am sure you will be amazing parents!” replied the Prime Minister.

Anushka responded to the OM’s congratulatory message and wished him good health always. ‘Thank you sir for your lovely wish!

Hope you had a great birthday! Wishing you good health always,” tweeted Anushka Sharma. The celebrity couple earlier last month broke the internet when they announced that they are expecting a baby.

—ANI

ctor Ranveer Singh was recently seen at the Yash Raj Films studio, for the dubbing for his upcoming film ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’.

“Ranveer is starting to dub for the film and that’s why he was at YRF. His work schedule is back to normal and he is absolutely fine to shoot and work in the pandemic because it is the new normal now,” a trade source said. The source further revealed that the film, for which the shoot wrapped up earlier this year will be releasing in the theatres.

“Jayeshbhai Jordaar is going to release in theatres, no doubt about that.

So, the makers are keeping the film ready to release. They will assess the best time to release the film, given the pandemic and make further plans to market and release this really special film. Ranveer will wrap his entire dubbing work on Jayeshbhai now,” said the source.

—ANI

Blackpink Girl Group

WANT TO BE A PART OF A MOVEMENT

A

fter waiting for more than a year and a half, BLACKPINK’s are treated kindly with a three-part comeback from the quartet. This included How You Like That as well as their epic collaboration with Selena Gomez for Ice Cream. The final comeback step will see

the South Korean girl group drop their first studio album BLACKPINK: The Album next month BLACKPINK has also collaborated with Lady Gaga for Sour Candy and Dua Lipa for Kiss and Makeup. In an interview the new momma was asked about possible collaborations to

which she confessed that she would be up for it, depending on the song more than the artist. Perry stated that she would welcome it if the song is amazing and authentic as she doesn’t want to be a part of “a trend.” Rather, she wants to be a part of “a movement.”

—Agency

Ranveer Singh

LOST IN TRANSITION KAVITA CHAUHAN cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

T Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

he film Dolly Kitty aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, chronicles the quiet transgression of two cousins (women), who through their complicated love-hate equation, enable each other to find freedom.

Kajal (Bhumi Pednekar)

wanting to live an independent life, comes to Noida to stay with her cousin Dolly (Konkani Sen Sharma)while searching for a job. On the face of it, Dolly has the perfect family set up with her husband and two kids, but it is all superficial. Both characters struggle to find their own freedom.

Director Alankrita Shrivastava’s film makes a strong point on gender roles, societal norms and moral judgments. But the storyline is going to mislead the audi-

DOLLY KITTY AUR WOH CHAMAKTE SITARE DIRECTOR Alankrita Shrivastava CAST & CREW Konkona Sen Sharma, Bhumi Pednekar, Aamir Bashir, Amol Parashar, Vikrant Massey, Kubbra Sait, Karan Kundra RATING:

ence about the concept of toxic patriarchy and women empowerment.

The acting of all the actors is not up to the mark. In spite of having big actors there is no character in the film which can be thoroughly enjoyed. The screenplay is also not great. You will miss nothing if you skip this film.

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

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

12

HELPING DISTRESSED ARTISANS CITY FIRST

D

QUE...

QUEen Q1. I have been single all my life; the ones I like, I don’t really see a future with them, so I don’t take things forward. I’m worried about being single forever. Why can’t I meet anyone?

Ans. Why are you worried? I would be better able to answer this question if I knew how old you are but still, if you are in your late 20’s and early 30’s, which is the usual time for worrying as most friends are getting hitched up, my advice is not to worry. Maybe, if you interacted with people focusing on the present rather than not taking things forward because you don t see a future with them, it might be better. Enjoy the present, don’t be too judgemental and please don’t worry.

Send positive vibes out there and it will come back. I think for now just BE with the ones you like and see how things develop.

Q2. I hate studying; I find it boring and often just gaze out of the windows from my room while the online classes are on. My mom has warned me that if I carry on like this, I’ll end up with no qualifications and get a dead-end job.

I’m worried about this situation. Is there anything I can do to improve the situation?

Ans. Do you hate studying per se or a particular subject or these online classes? Introspect a little on what exactly is it that you don’t like.

More important, think deeply about what is it that you like and can you make a living out of it? I can understand your mother’s worries but at the same time, I trust that when you will find what you like to do, you will excel at it. But do remember, basic educational qualifications and a minimum grade are necessary. We don’t want you to discover that you like painting and then realise that the college you want won’t take you because you did not get the minimum grades in school!! So, for now, find what you like, excel at it and what you don’t like- we can always get a good grade in that too by studying scientifically and rote learning. All the best!

Have any questions?

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

uring an online session on Friday, President FLO, Jahnabi Phookan, along with FICCI FLO and Governing Body Members launched the FLO - Creative Dignity Initiative to support and promote distressed artisans, which was inaugurated by National Vice President, BJP and Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje.

Chairperson FLO Jaipur, Wandana Parnami strongly supported the cause and said, “It is our duty to preserve the traditional ancient handicrafts of India, and believing in One FLO motto I feel all the 17 chapters of FICCI FLO will do their best to help to empower women artisans. This portal will provide a national platform to the tradi-

(From left) Wandana Parnami, Vasundhara Raje, Neeta Boochra and Jahnabi Phookan during the session

tional hardworking Artisan and also an amalgamation of traditional style with trends and technology.”

The event began with a graceful welcome address

by Past National President FICCI FLO and Founder chairperson FICCI FLO Jaipur, Pune and Indore chapters Neeta Boochra.

The launch of the FLO Creative Dignity Initiative will restore the lives and livelihood of distressed artisans. For this

Vasundhara Raje

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Abhishek Bhagotia, Chief Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Govt of Rajasthan, celebrated his birthday with simplicity with his family on 18 September, Friday. We wish him all the best!

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

FICCI FLO joined hands with the Creative dignity initiative headed by Latika Khosla. Focusing on sustainability, empowering women artisans, building rehabilitation and rejuvenation for distressed artisans especially in these pandemic times to encourage the handloom industry to grow and flourish is a great step forward.

Vasudhara Raje acknowledged the power of creativity and tradition that flows in eve-

HBD PM: Jaipur Foot O CITY FIRST

n the occasion of the 70th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari sent him the birthday wishes. After a discussion with the founder and Chief Patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Dr DR Mehta, Bhandari said that a Divyang Camp will be organized as soon as it is safe amid the pandemic. He said that an inaugural function will also take place in Vadnagar, Modi’s birthplace, and the camp is likely to come up in Mehsana or Ahmedabad. He added that they are very much grateful to the PM as from

On 14 April 2016 BMVSS and Jaipur Foot commemorated a camp on the 125th birth anniversary of Baba Sab Bhim Ram Ambedkar at MHOW Indore, MP. Honorable Prime Minister with DR Mehta, Thavar Chand Gehlot, PremBhandari and a Divyang who was treated during the camp.

the last 6 years with his blessings and with the support of the Indian Government and the Foreign Ministry BMVSS (Jaipur Foot) are able to help more than 6000 differently-abled people in 12 countries through 13 camps.

Bhandari also praised Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and said he was of great help as high commissioner of Bangladesh when BMVSS organised free artificial limb fitment camp, and when he became the Indian ambassador to the USA, he sup-

One-Stop Solution

GUJARAT: Major General VK Sharma, Sena Medal, took over as the Commanding General Officer of the Golden Katar Division of the Indian Army on Friday. The General Officer took over the command from Major General Dinesh Shrivastava in Ahmedabad on Friday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJARAT: Leading Feature Films, Ad Films, and Corporate Filmmaker Magnet Media started the production of their upcoming film ‘Dhummas’ on Friday in Ahmedabad. Gujarati Films have created a huge fan following in recent times and the upcoming urban Gujarat movie ‘Dhummas’ is also expected to set new records.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

ry state of India in its own way whether it is khadi, block prints, bandhani, lehriya, etc.

Apart from the handloom industry she also emphasized girl child education which can become a powerful tool of transformation. She also acknowledged that women at all levels all backgrounds, need to break the glass ceiling at her level to achieve success and move ahead to become champions of change.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

New Zealand based revolutionary product Zoono Sanitizer (Z-71) is a surface-based disinfectant also re-engineered to use as a water-based solution as well and it is ‘Ready-to-use’. This is an antipathogenic solution that protects the surface for 30 days after applying it for just one time. This is a nanotechnology broad-spectrum disinfectant that kills the Coronavirus and other microbes continuously by bonding with the surface and puncturing the cells without poisoning.

A 360-degree solution that works on hard surfaces and fabrics, and it is non-toxic, nonleaching, non-allergenic, food-

During the session

CITY FIRST

safe, alcohol-free, environment friendly and above all certified by reputed institutions and universities across the globe.

It is being used Pan India by Hospitals, Laboratories, Hotels, Industries, Residential areas, and now even the airlines have started using it inside the aircraft. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

et’s Talk series on Friday organised the second part of the discussion on Child Abuse with the speakers Karuna Yadav, Principal Kapil Gyan Peeth and Sangeeta Agrawal. The speakers threw the light on how to educate the children about ‘Child Abuse’ and how to prevent it.

Karuna Yadav said, “Whenever chil-

dren grow up, they have to be explained.

We need to teach them about good touch and bad touch.”

To this, Sangeeta Aggarwal added, “Many times children are unable to talk about abuse and their behavior changes at that time parents have to speak with them with love so that children can pour their hearts out.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ENHANCING RURAL PROSPERITY CITY FIRST

S NEW DELHI: The result of the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) was declared on Thursday, in New Delhi. 77.24 % of candidates were declared successful. The second exam will be conducted on 21 November. The first exam was held in the Nation and in Dubai on 29 and 31 August.

ported in organising the historic Jaipur Foot seminar in Capitol Hill Washington. He added, in 2018 after completing 50 years of Jaipur Foot and BMVSS, they were able to organize a 7-day long exhibition and a seminar in the United Nations with the blessings of PM. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

PREVENT CHILD ABUSE

for COVID-19 A L CITY FIRST

Prem Bhandari giving a memento to the PM.

tate Bank of India, Jaipur and NABARD, Jaipur join hands to collaborate towards the holistic development of Rural Rajasthan by way of providing banking support during the next 5 years.

Both of them have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance rural prosperity through the emergence of institutional lending and ongo-

Jaideep Srivastava and Amitava Chatterjee

ing development initiatives of NABARD and SBI. The objective of the memorandum is to provide benefits to farmers/ FPOs/ JLGs/ SHGs/ Artisan/ Agri-preneurs/ Agri Start-ups, etc., in the state of Rajasthan under the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative of GOI. Chief General Manager of SBI (Local Head Office, Jaipur) Amitava Chatterjee and Chief General Manager of NABARD (Rajasthan Region) Jaideep Srivastava, signed the MoU. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in