First India-Ahmedabad Edition-21 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 354

SEBI PETITIONS SUPREME COURT TO DIRECT SAHARA’S SUBRATA ROY TO PAY `62,600 CR OR CANCEL HIS PAROLE IF HE DOESN’T YIELD

CBI HAS BECOME LIKE A ‘PAN SHOP’ UNDER THE BJP GOVT AT THE CENTRE, SAYS MAHA MINISTER ASLAM SHAIKH

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CHHATH DEVOTION DEFIES CORONA CURSE

Devotees gather at the bank of Ganga River to perform rituals on the occasion of Chhath Puja, in Patna. (Right) Women offering prayers to the Sun God in Kolkata on Friday.

—PHOTOS BY PTI

All eyes on Amit ‘Asthmatic’ Sonia moves PM REVIEWS SECURITY Shah’s visit to out of Delhi to Goa with WITH FORCES’ TOP BRASS Chennai today Rahul to avoid pollution Terrorists were planning “something big” on the 26/11 KILLING OF FOUR JeM TERRORISTS

Mumbai terror attack anniversary, say govt sources

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a review meeting with top security brass in the wake of the killing of four JeM terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and asserted that security forces have thwarted their efforts to wreak “major havoc and destruction”.

Government sources said that the terrorists were planning “something big” on the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

In his tweets following the meeting, Modi said, “Neutralising of 4 terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed and the presence of large cache of weapons and explosives with them indicate that their efforts to wreak major havoc and destruction have once again been thwarted.” Turn to P6

Our security forces have once again displayed utmost bravery and professionalism. Thanks to their alertness, they have defeated a nefarious plot to target grassroots level democratic exercises in J&K.

MODI’S VACCINATION STRATEGY New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a meeting to review India’s strategy for Covid-19 vaccination and its subsequent delivery and distribution. Important issues related to the progress of vaccine development, regulatory approvals and procurement were also discussed.

Various issues, including the prioritisation of population groups, reaching out to healthcare workers, cold-chain infrastructure augmentation, adding vaccinators and tech platform for vaccine roll-out were also discussed in the meeting, PM Modi said.

CRUCIAL MEETINGS Amit Shah is expected hold crucial meetings with Tamilnadu BJP leaders about their preparations for the forthcoming elections and what alliance to be stitched A grand reception is being planned by BJP to welcome Amit Shah tomorrow from Chennai airport. The state BJP unit is looking for highprofile people who can be inducted into the party in his presence.

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Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi arrive at Goa Airport on Friday.

AFTER SIBAL’S REMARKS, SONIA NAMES 4 ‘DISSENTERS’ TO PANELS

New Delhi: Ward co New Delhi: Days after Kapil Sibal’s comments about the Congress’ decline sparked another bout of infighting, party chief Sonia Gandhi has included four members of the dissenting camp in three committees set up to keep her informed on matters relating to national security, foreign affairs and the economy. Announced Friday, just before Ms Gandhi leaves for Goa to escape Delhi pollution, the appointments are being seen as a move to ward off further public embarrassment - such as that caused by Mr Sibal’s interview to the Indian Express or the letter by 23 leaders challenging the Gandhi family’s control. The committee on economic affairs includes former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The second committee (on foreign affairs) has both Anand Sharma and Shashi Tharoor, and Ghulam Nabi Azad and Veerappa Moily have been named to the third.

Night curfew in three other cities from tonight: DyCM Marriages to proceed with police permission, CA exams, some essential services unaffected First India Bureau

Ambala: Haryana health minister, 67-year-old and a diabetic, Anil Vij was administered a trial dose of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin on Friday. He attended office two hours after vaccination. “It is a matter of pride for every Indian that Bharat Biotech is coming up with an indigenous vaccine for Covid-19. I volunteered to become one of the participants for the third phase trial so that people shed their fears and come forward to volunteer,” said Vij.

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah’s visit to Chennai on Friday is the talk of the town.

With Assembly elections in Tamilnadu round-the-corner, Amit Shah’s visit assumes greater significance.

As per schedule, the Union Minister will declare open Thervoy Kandigai reservoir (Chennai’s fifth reservoir) and also lay the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects.

After his official engagements, Amit Shah is expected hold crucial meetings with Tamilnadu BJP leaders about their preparations for the forthcoming elections and what alliance to be stitched. He may discuss with them about the constituencies where the party is confident of winning.

New Delhi/Panaji: Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Friday reached Panaji along with his son Rahul Gandhi after doctors advised her to shift out of Delhi for a few days to avoid the heavy pollution in the national capital in view of her chronic chest infection.

Sonia Gandhi has been under heavy medication pursuant to her discharge from hospital in August, and doctors are concerned about her consistent chest infection, which has not gone on account of Delhi’s pollution, the sources said.

The air pollution in Delhi has aggravated her asthma and her chest condition, and she has been advised by doctors to briefly shift out from here, they said.

She is going at a time when demands for introspection over the Bihar election loss are being raised by a section of party leaders, Turn to P6

Gandhinagar: Barely 24 hours after a 57hour curfew was announced in Ahmedabad, the state government has decided to institute curfew in Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot from 9pm to 6am as well. The order will be in effect until further notice in all four cities.

However, there are several exemptions, according to Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who announced the decision.

Candidates appearing for Chartered Accountancy exams will be allowed to reach exam centers with valid admission cards.

Ankit Talati, central council member of the Indian Chartered Accountant Institute stated in a press release that candidates appearing for chartered accountancy examinations over the weekend, will be will be allowed to travel to their exam centres even during curfew in Ahmedabad.

Candidates will have to show an exam admis-

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Anil Vij gets covaxin shot

Narendra Modi @narendramodi

Aditi Nagar

PUSHBACK Earlier in the day, event organizers in Ahmedabad had raised objections to the idea of cancelling weddings planned for Sunday. Sachin Pandya, one of the city’s leading event management consultants, had said, “There are hardly eight to nine auspicious days for weddings until May. The first such muhurat occurs on Sunday, so about 1,500-1,600 couples had planned to tie the knot that day. The curfew will put their plans at stake.” He added that invitees to these events should also be allowed to attended, on the basis of their invitation cards.

An aerial view of CTM area in Ahmedabad after curfew was imposed in the city on Friday night.

sion card to the police on demand.

In addition, the roughly 1,500-1,600 weddings scheduled to be held this Sunday can go ahead, with permission from local police authorities.

There had been some

concerns from wedding planners and event managers in Ahmedabad that investments worth crores of rupees and thousands of jobs would have been lost had weddings not been allowed to proceed as planned.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Sanjay Srivastava issued a curfew notification effective from Friday 9 pm to Monday 6 am, about a day after Officer on Special Duty for Ahmedabad Rajiv Gupta announced a

57-hours curfew in the city. Srivastava’s notification states that anyone violating the notification will face punitive action under the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

While the notification is in effect in areas

under the commissionerate, services such as petrol and CNG stations, telecommunication, and taxies and radio cabs have been exempted.

Further, shops selling milk and medicines will be allowed to remain open.

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NEWS

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QUESTIONABLE ACTION?

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

EXPERTS DOUBT LEGALITY OF AMC CURFEW

The road near Jhansi Ki Rani statue wore a deserted look during the Janta Curfew imposed in the city a few months ago. —FILE PHOTO

Many hailed the order as “misleading and downright unconstitutional” by citing that the civic body did not possess power to enforce it Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Thursday enforced a curfew in the city to curb the spread of COVID-19 among citizens after case numbers surged post Diwali. The order was issued by Officer on Special Duty Rajiv Gupta, who has been deputed to take charge of the pandemic by the state g ove r n m e n t .

Ahmedabad will remain under complete curfew over the weekends and from 9 pm to 6 am during weekdays. However, the

WHAT DOES THE CURFEW ENTAIL? curfew is enforced by the power of the collector and the police comA missioner. In addition to Section 144 (which bars gathering of four or more people in public), all essential services will also remain shut. Aside

Officer on Special Duty Rajiv Gupta, who issued the order.

order does not mention any legal provisions for the imposition of the curfew by the civic body, and that has been questioned by legal experts.

Several doubts have been cast on the legality of the order and experts

from emergency services such as hospitals, banks, ATMs, grocery stores, vegetable and fruit markets and dairy parlours, all businesses have been instructed to stay closed. Only local administration and police personnel will be allowed to commute on roads. Once the curfew is implemented, the district administration is exempt from action.

dismissed the order as “misleading and unconstitutional.”

“The entire order has raised several questions related to legality.

The notification does not mention any Act under which the curfew has been imposed or by whose power,” said

Asim Pandya, president of the Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association.

He further stated that mention of the legal order under which the curfew has been imposed must be included in the notification, for clarity of

exercising powers.

Pandya added that the letter must underline the legal statutes, laws and ordinances as mentioned under the Epidemic Disea ses Act, so that the local body has delegated powers to exercise.

Advocate and activist

Shamshad Pathan termed the curfew “illegal and unconstitutional.” “The curfew can be imposed only by the District Magistrate or the Police Commissioner, under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). While the Epidemic Diseases Act advocates for a lockdown, it cannot be imposed by a state or local body. A lockdown can be declared by the Union of India,” Pathan told First India.

Pathan further added that a curfew can be imposed in a particular part of the city. “The latest Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the cen-

The curfew can be imposed only by the District Magistrate or the Police Commissioner, under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

While the Epidemic Diseases Act advocates for a lockdown, it cannot be imposed by a state or local body. A lockdown can be declared by the Union of India.

—Shamshad Pathan, Advocate/Activist tral government does not give permission to enforce lockdown to the state government.

The order by Gupta does not mention the word lockdown but curfew. And even if it is a curfew, then he does not have the power to issue an order

for it. It must come from the police commissioner and that too for a particular area or pockets in the city. The commissioner possesses power to mark an area as a containment zone under the Epidemic Diseases Act,” he remarked.

THE PRICE OF NEGLIGENCE First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: A curfew was imposed in Ahmedabad by civic body Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) late on Thursday evening, in order to break the chain of COVID-19 infection. It was announced that the city would remain under complete curfew on weekends and from 9 pm to 6 am on weekdays. However, still reeling from the sudden nationwide lockdown enforced earlier this year, Amdavadis rushed to markets, grocery stores to stock up on essentials after hearing of the curfew. Paying no heed to social distancing, people violated the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) brazenly, thereby killing the main objective behind the imposition of curfew.

Even after Chief Minister Vijay Rupani cleared the air about the state government’s intentions about not extending the curfew or

enforcing a lockdown, people took to the streets and stocked up on essentials.

Commenting on the state’s decision to impose complete curfew over the weekend, Dr Chandresh Jardosh, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Gujarat Chapter, said, “Day or night curfew will hardly leave any impact on the transmission of the virus, it may drop a maximum of 10 to 15%. However, much more can be achieved by the strict implementation of the COVID-19 SOP and adherence by citizens. The state prohibited Navratri celebrations this year, similarly, it should have prohibited gatherings in public, but the government lowered its guard and people followed suit. The current situation is a result of lapses on part of the government and carelessness of citizens.”

“There is no doubt that people do not want a curfew or lockdown imposed. But, if they want to avoid

Diwali lapse by govt and carelessness of citizens has caused nCoV spike, strict adherence to protocol needed

People thronged the market at Jamalpur to buy vegetables ahead of the curfew imposition in Ahmedabad on Friday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

such imposition on their rights then they have to be more careful, and avoid venturing outside unless necessary. They will have to abide by the SOP,” asserted Dr Jardosh.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Dr Jay Dhirwani, president of IMA, Rajkot Chapter, stated, “Had people not taken the pandemic lightly during Diwali weekend, the spread of COVID-19 infection would have remained in check. Blaming the government for all that is happening is unfair since it is doing what it can to curtail the virus. The rise in cases was seen after people celebrated Diwali and now the only solution left to curb transmission is the COVID-19 protocol. Citizens must wear face masks, use hand sanitizers to stay safe. We cannot take this viral pandemic lightly.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of people reached bus stops and violated social distancing norms to travel out of the city due to the curfew on Friday.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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Fire NOC mandatory for chemical godowns Report by committee investigating the Piplaj-Pirana blast seeks action against illegal businesses, ensure adherence to fire safety protocols First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The high-powered committee constituted by the state government has recommended that it be made mandatory for chemical godown owners to have No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their local fire departments. It also urged the state to prohibit establishment of chemical godowns in residential areas.

The committee had been commissioned to investigate the boiler blast at Sahil Enter-

prise, a chemical godown on the Piplaj-Pirana Road on November 4, and took the lives of 12 workers.

Committee members included Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Chairman Sanjiv Kumar and Additional Chief Secretary (Labour and Employment) Vipul Mittra.

The committee stated that the labour and employment department and GPCB had instructed their teams to conduct a field survey of illegal godowns that stored and traded chemicals. This was followed by action against those

—FILE PHOTO

CRACKDOWN

The fatal explosion was followed by a fire, which engulfed the chemicals stored on the premises.

running unauthorized businesses.

Post the incident at Sahil Enterprise, state and local authorities conducted inspections at over 1,564 units and godowns. GPCB issued notices to 116 units, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) to 12 units, various municipal corporations served notices to 266 units while Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and notified area authorities issued notices to 26 units. A total of 46 such units were sealed.

The committee also

recommended that no production activities be permitted at chemical godowns and that energy companies should grant power connections to chemical godowns only after they produce a copy of the fire safety NOC. In addition, the committee found that Hetal Sutaria, the owner of Sahil Enterprise, had been storing and producing chemicals at the rented godown. It is possible that volatile materials stored there may have reacted, and caused the blast occurred and the ensuing fire.

Buses to, from A’bad suspended nCoV cases cross 1.4K for 1st time in 2 months but trains, flights will operate First India Bureau

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI People thronged the Gita Mandir terminus seeking a way out of the city before curfew began on Friday.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Due to the complete curfew in the city this weekend, local public transportation services have been disrupted. Since restriction of movement in order to curb COVID-19 transmission is the primary objective of the curfew; all bus services connecting Ahmedabad to other places as well as Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), Bus Rapid

Transit System (BRTS) have been suspended. But, railway and air services have remained unaffected.

The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) on Friday announced that all buses connecting to Ahmedabad, or passing through the city have either been discontinued till Monday morning or rerouted to pass through rural areas off the SP Ring Road or district roads. Around 300 trips post 6 pm on Friday until 6 am on Mon-

day have been affected by the curfew.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has postponed competitive exams scheduled for November 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29. New dates of exams will be announced soon.

The BJP has also postponed its ‘chintan’ meeting scheduled for November 21-22.

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) sect will be closing all its temples in Ahmedabad.

AMC shuts flower market in Jamalpur First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Given just a day between the announcement of the 57-hour curfew and its commencement, panicked Amdavadis headed out in droves to stock on vegetables and other essentials, leading to extreme crowding in major markets including the one at Jamalpur.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation responded by taking action against stores and markets, including the flower market that abuts the Jamalpur vegetable market.

The team from the local civic body also shut the D-Mart store near Shivran-

jani Crossroads after 25 people tested positive there.

The civic body had decided to test everyone seen without a mask. Those who tested negative were fined Rs1,000 and those positive for COVID-19 were sent to the hospital.

In the past two days, the AMC has shut the famous Aunty’s Panipuri shop near Kankaria due to excessive crowds gathering there, and a Burger King outlet near Wide Angle on SG Highway for seating more than the permitted number of customers.

Notably, none of these measures were in place before or even during the Diwali festival.

Ahmedabad: Friday brought 1,420 new cases of COVID-19, meaning Gujarat crossed the 1,400mark after a gap of two months. With this, the state has now seen 1,94,402 cases so far.

Seven new fatalities— three in Ahmedabad, two in Surat, and one each in Rajkot and Patan—took the death toll to 3,837.

Ahmedabad topped the list with 327 new cases. As a result, sources say, rather than taking patients from Ahmedabad to the cityrun SVP Hospital, the 108 emergency services are now taking them directly to hospitals which have available beds.

These include a 175-bed facility in Karamsad, 50bed ones in Kalol and Kheda and a 100-bed facility in Gandhinagar, which have been reserved for patients referred by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

DIVINE INTERVENTION?

Jalaram Bapa’s devotees walk to pray for safety Rajkot: On the 221st birth anniversary of Gujarati saint Jalaram Bapa, around 90 devotees travelled the distance from Gabheni village in Surat to his shrine located at Virpur in Rajkot, on foot. Another group comprising 45 people cycled from Surat, to pay their respects to the saint and pray for everyone’s safety from the ongoing

The 89-person group includes 28 women.

Cases also emerged in Surat (246), Vadodara (155), Rajkot (137), Gandhinagar (86), Banaskantha (64), Mehsana (52), Patan (49), Mahisagar (27) and Morbi (24).

There are currently 13,050 active cases in the

First India Bureau

Large complements of police personnel were seen across Ahmedabad as the city began its 57-hour curfew aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 after cases exploded again following the Diwali festival.

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been visiting this place every year for the past 12 years to commemorate Jalaram Bapa’s birth anniversary, which has fallen on November 21 this year. We started our journey on November 7 and reached Virpur on November 19.

There are a total of 89 people in the group this year and that includes 28 women. We always celebrate Diwali on our way to Virpur and reach there by

1,420 cases, seven fatalities take state tally to 1,94,402 cases, toll to 3,837

state. However, it is unclear how many of these are on ventilator support. The state says 92, while the Ahmedabad Hospital and Nursing Homes Association says there are 156 patients in Ahmedabad alone on ventilators.

Meanwhile, the AMC has relisted Tapan Hospital as a designated private COVID-19 hospital, after having delisted it on finding several irregularities there.

Docs to report for duty or face action

57-HOUR CURFEW BEGINS IN AHMEDABAD

Masuma Bharmal Jariwala

People line up to get tested for COVID-19 in Ahmedabad. The state 67,901 tested samples in 24 hours. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Labh Pancham,” said Paresh Patel, who runs the CK Patel Group in memory of his father, who was an ardent devotee of Jalaram Bapa.

“Any person can join us. We make all the arrangements for food and water and it lasts throughout the trip.

This year, we have come with a special prayer and that is to save people from novel coronavirus and make our society free of the ongoing pandemic,” he added.

Each year, around 150 people walk from Surat to Virpur on Jalaram Bapa Jayanti.

However, due to COVID-19, the strength has decreased. “There are people who travel all the way from London to participate in this yatra every year but they were unable to join us this time due to the health crisis. Also, all participants of the yatra underwent a COVID-19 test before proceeding on the trip,” he stated.

Gandhinagar: Doctors who have signed bonds with the state government have been ordered to report to the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner for duty within the next 48 hours or face punitive action in accordance with the Epidemic Diseases Act. Just five of the 925 Bachelors of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery doctors to whom the notification from Health Commissioner Jai Prakash Shivhare applies are from Ahmedabad. The highest number (253) are from Dahod district,

while 163 hail from Chhota Udepur, 49, from Kutch and 33 from Banaskantha.

The order indicates that the state does not have adequate doctors to handle the rising tide of COVID-19 cases. Earlier, Dr Bharat Gadhvi, President, Ahmedabad Hospital and Nursing Homes Association, had told the media that 95% of beds at the 72 hospitals where COVID-19 patients are being treated are occupied. Private hospitals alone are treating 2,536 patients, 156 of which are on ventilator support. Only 32 beds with ventilator facilities were available as on Friday morning.

The state needs all hands on deck as urgently as possible. —FILE PHOTO

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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BENGAL AND VIOLENCE DIFFICULT TO SEPARATE

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iolence has been the hallmark of West Bengal politics from the days of the Naxalite movement, also known as peasant revolt of 1967. It only exacerbated under the Communist government of Jyoti Basu neither doing much for the peasantry, nor for Bengal’s development. Mohalla- level groups of toughies controlled all activity and trade unions made it difficult for industry to survive.

The temperamental Mamata Banerjee entered the scene riding on the Ma, Manush and Maati slogan.

Nandigram violence, controversy over Singur, allotment of land to Tata Motors at Singur, power cuts helped. Killings, both political and communal, continued even after she became chief minister of the state. So much so that the Bharatiya Janata Party is entering the poll fray on the twin planks of political killings under Mamata Banerjee’s government and the rise of Islamism in the state.

Six persons dying in a plastic factory blast in Malda, which the BJP claims was a bomb-making unit, gave the party the ammo to enhance its firepower before the assembly elections. The party is now demanding a probe by the National Investigation Agency while Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar asked Mamata Banerjee to contain illegal bombmaking. Mamata joined the slugfest with the remark that the issue should not be politicised.

When elections are closed at hand, every death, every blast will get politicized. Even if a BJP hoodlum is involved in violence, the blame will be put at TMC’s door. The effort from all sides should be to eschew violence. With the BJP desperate to win Bengal, and the TMC on the defensive, a bitter tussle is on the cards.

DEFINITELY ORGASMIC,

BUT NOT SEXUAL 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

COVID-19 WORRIES JOLT DELHI INTO ACTION

he human mechanism is a composite of the physical body – an accumulation of food consumed, the mental body – the software and memory part that makes individuals function in specific ways, and the energy body – the fundamental upon which these two are housed. What is beyond this is non-physical.

The compulsive and cyclical nature of the body and mind render themselves a barrier for higher possibilities. Tantra is to go beyond, so that compulsiveness of the body and mind does not keep us trapped in our limitations. Tantra essentially means “technique” or “technology.” Tantra is about learning to use the body, not as oneself, but as a stepping-stone to deliver this Being to the highest possible dimension.

ven as there are encouraging reports on the development of Covid-19 vaccine, the virus continues to cause concern in India.

After a surge in fresh cases, Delhi had to cut down on number of invitees at weddings and other gatherings from 200 to 50, enhance fine for not wearing masks from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 and launch a house-to-house survey for new cases. People, especially the elderly, have been advised to stay indoors. These steps have been initiated after the Delhi High Court pulled up the Aam Aadmi Party government for not imposing timely curbs even after seeing the situation turning bad since November 1.

Situation in the national capital has also been found worrying by Dr. V.K. Paul of Niti Ayog.

Delhi is not alone in dealing with the Covid crisis. Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh re-introduced night curfew in some of the affected cities in view of the rising cases of new infections. After Ahmedabad, night curfew was imposed in Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. Night curfew will be in force in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ratlam and Vidisha cities of Madhya Pradesh.

Under the circumstances, the BJP’s move to politicise the Chhath festival against the AAP government with an eye on Bihari votes was highly condemnable. The party backed out after the high court dismissed a petition seeking permission for Chhath puja. Now it is the turn of the Congress to be critical of the hefty Rs 2000 fine for not wearing a mask. Neither BJP nor the Congress thought it fit to rise above politics to fight the pandemic.

BLOWING FROM THE TOP Tantra is not about unbridled sexuality, as assumed by many. Sexuality is a fundamental instinct instilled in our bodies to ensure the species perpetuates itself.

This is a basic requirement.

At the same time, one must know the limitations beyond which it will not carry us. It is only on recognising the limitations and the longing to touch other dimensions enters, that Yoga and Tantra become relevant.

Unlike sexuality, which tends to find release at the lower level of the energy system, Tantra is about building our energies to the fountain-head of the uppermost dimension of the energy system, so that one’s energies spill from the top. Of the different energy manifestations in the body – referred to as the 114 chakras – spilling from the top three is considered the highest. If you have to build up to this, every basic instinct, including the sexual in-

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Tantra is not about unbridled sexuality, as assumed by many. Sexuality is a fundamental instinct instilled in our bodies to ensure the species perpetuates itself.

This is a basic requirement. At the same time, one must know the limitations beyond which it will not carry us.

It is only on recognising the limitations and the longing to touch other dimensions enters, that Yoga and Tantra become relevant

stinct, emotions, intellect, and survival process must be used to build and hype the energy system. The intention is to deploy all instincts for which a certain amount of energy is dedicated in the body. If one goes into an actual sexual act, the build-up and the purpose of it will be lost.

Sexual needs can be fulfilled by forming relationships for that purpose, either within or outside the fold. But using the spiritual process to fulfill sexual compulsions is reprehensible and irresponsible. It can lead to various levels of loss because the tantric process is not only used for the individual’s spiritual growth, but also to create an energetic space to support other possibilities that bring wellbeing to many.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HUFF AND PUFF The Guru-shishya relationship is to deliver the shishya to a higher dimension of consciousness, not trap one into the compulsive nature of sexuality. Above all, this sacred relationship is defi-

SEXUAL NEEDS CAN BE FULFILLED BY FORMING RELATIONSHIPS FOR THAT PURPOSE, EITHER WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE FOLD. BUT USING THE SPIRITUAL PROCESS TO FULFILL SEXUAL COMPULSIONS IS REPREHENSIBLE AND IRRESPONSIBLE

nitely orgasmic, but not sexual. I am talking about upgrading your technology.

You don’t have to huff and puff to get into an orgasmic state. If you sit with your eyes closed, you can drip with orgasms in every cell of your body. Those who have failed to achieve an orgasmic state of existence will associate an ecstatic state with sexuality because that’s probably the highest level of experience they have known.

Virus evolution could undermine a COVID-19 vaccine!

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he first drug against HIV brought dying patients back from the brink.

But as excited doctors raced to get the miracle drug to new patients, the miracle melted away. In each and every patient, the drug only worked only for a while.

It turned out the drug was very good at killing the virus, but the virus was even better at evolving resistance to the drug. A spontaneous mutation in the virus’ genetic material prevented the drug from doing its work, and so the mutant viruses were able to replicate wildly despite the drug, making the patients sick again. It took another decade before scientists found evolutionproof therapies.

Could the same thing happen to a COVID-19 vaccine? Could a vaccine that is l

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velop because the microbes that cause those diseases evolve so fast. In agricultural settings, animal vaccines are frequently undermined by viral evolution.

Depending on how the COVID-19 virus evolves, the vaccines could become less effective. Volanthevist/Getty Images

safe and effective in initial trials go on to fail because the virus evolves its way out of trouble? As evolutionary microbiologists who have studied a poultry virus that has evolved resistance to two different vaccines, we know such an outcome is possible. We also think we know what it takes to stop it. COVID-19 vaccines could fail – but if they have certain properties, they won’t.

HISTORY OF VACCINE RESISTANCE For the most part, humanity has been lucky: Most human vaccines have not been undermined by microbial evolution.

For instance, the smallpox virus was eradicated because it never found a way to evolve around the smallpox vaccine, and no strain of the measles virus has ever arisen that can beat the immunity triggered by

the measles vaccine.

But there is one exception. A bacterium that causes pneumonia managed to evolve resistance against a vaccine. Developing and replacing that vaccine with another was expensive and time-consuming, with seven years between the initial emergence of resistant strains and the licensing of the new vaccine.

There haven’t been other failures for human vac-

cines yet, but there are hints that viruses, bacteria and parasites can evolve or are evolving in response to vaccination. Escape mutants that are able to evade vaccine-induced immunity are regularly seen in the microbes that cause hepatitis B and pertussis.

For such human diseases as malaria, trypanosomiasis, influenza and AIDS, vaccines have been hard or impossible to de-

WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE? If SARS-CoV-2 evolves in response to a COVID vaccine, there are several directions it could take. The most obvious is what happens with the flu virus. Immunity works when antibodies or immune cells bind to molecules on the surface of the virus. If mutations in those molecules on the surface of the virus change, antibodies can’t grab on to them as tightly and the virus is able to escape. This process explains

why the seasonal flu vaccine needs updating each year. If this happens, a COVID vaccine would need frequent updating.

But evolution might head off in other directions. It would be better for human health, for example, if the virus evolves a stealth mode, perhaps by reproducing slowly or hiding in organs where immunity is less active. Many pathogens that cause barely noticeable chronic infections have taken this tack.

They avoid detection because they do not cause acute disease.

A more dangerous avenue would be if the virus evolved a way to replicate more quickly than the immunity generated by the vaccine. Another strategy would be for the virus to target the immune system and dampen vaccine-induced immunity.

People always try to take recourse in the Krishna-Gopi relationship. As the legend goes, Krishna gave an orgasmic experience to 16,000 women simultaneously. This cannot happen with sexual union. A shishya can establish a very intimate relationship with a Guru. Intimacy is generally understood only as two bodies touching. The body is not intimate enough for one who is on the spiritual path.

The physical body is an accumulation from outside, so in the Tantric and Yogic systems, the body is never considered an intimate part of you. Only when energies meet and mingle and a Guru’s energies overwhelm and override the shishya’s energies, it leads to an orgasmic experience – a union, but not of the sexual kind.

If all you want is to do a meditation or spiritual practice, you don’t really need a Guru. The Guru is here essentially to overwhelm you with nameless ecstasies.

Tantra is a technology of liberation, not enslavement.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp I congratulate @OilIndiaLimited on this momentous occasion.

With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahanadi basin will emerge as an established and important hydrocarbon reserve in the oil map of India. I wish @ OilIndiaLimited all the success in their exploration efforts.

Prakash Javadekar @PrakashJavdekar A good Shoutout for conservation.

We are giving a big push to e-vehicles. The demand for EVs is growing and the prices are being slashed and we are also providing for more battery charging infrastructure. Battery swapping policy has also been adopted.

Spiritual SPEAK

Valour, glory, firmness, skill, generosity, steadiness in battle and ability to rule - these constitute the duty of a soldier.

They flow from his own nature.” —Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 l Issue No. 354 l 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-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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INDIA AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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Dr Manmohan Singh will head all the 3 committees Sonia Gandhi sets up panel on Economic, Foreign Affairs, Security New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday constituted three internal committees to “consider and discuss issues and policies related to Economic Affairs, Foreign Affairs and National Security”. Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will head all the three committees.

“Congress President has constituted three committees to consider and discuss issues and policies related to the stated subjects and keep her informed,” AICC stated in a press release.

The Committee on Economic Affairs consists of, Dr Manmohan Singh, former finance minister P Chidambaram, former leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh and former union minister Jairam Ramesh in the capacity of Convenor.

The Committee on Foreign Affairs consists of, Dr Manmohan Singh, former union ministers Anand Shar-

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, leader Rahul Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh.

‘BJP’S PERFORMANCE DECLINING’

ma, Shashi Tharoor, Dr Salman Khurshid in the capacity of Convenor

and Saptagiri Ulka. The Committee on National Security consists of - Dr

—FILE PHOTO

Manmohan Singh, former union minister Veerappa Moily, Leader of Opposition in RS Ghulam Nabi, V Vaithilingam and Vincent H Pala in the capacity of Convenor.

It is worth mentioning that 23 Congress leaders wrote a letter to Sonia Gandhi in August this year demanding sweeping changes in the party. They had said that reluctance to address issues was because the Congress Working Committee was “a nominated body”. —ANI

ED files ECIR in fake TRP scam, police probe will be under scrutiny

Airlines, airports gearing up to distribute Covid vaccines New Delhi: As some of the coronavirus vaccine trials across the world are in their final stages, Indian airports and airlines have geared up to to handle the distribution of temperature-sensitive vaccines in the country.

Delhi’s IGIA, GMR Hyderabad airport’s cargo are set to play a pivotal role in the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines as they are equipped with the stateof-the-art time and temperature-sensitive distribution system.

The emphasis has been laid on quick and efficient transportation and delivery of vaccines whenever they

HARYANA SCHOOLS SHUT TILL NOV 30

are available.

GMR Hyderabad airport said the terminal is equipped with various temperatures rang-

ing from -20 to +25 degree Celsius with stateof-the-art equipment and cool containers to cater to product-specific requirements. An official of SpiceJet said the airline is fully prepared and ready to handle the Covid vaccine.

The airline spokesperson said the airline has extensive experience in the past and already carries blood samples, which require temperature-controlled environment.

“The service is suitable for sensitive drugs, vaccines and blood samples in world-class active RKN, RAP containers.” Spice jet official said. —ANI

Mumbai: ED has filed a money laundering complaint in the alleged TRP rigging scam that is being investigated by Mumbai police, official sources said on Friday.

They said the central probe agency has filed the enforcement case information report (ECIR) that is equivalent to a police FIR. The ED complaint was filed after studying a Mumbai Police FIR that was registered in October.

Officials of the news channels and others named in the police FIR will soon be summoned by the ED for questioning and recording of their statements, they said.

The fake TRP scam came to light when ratings BARC filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group. Police had alleged that some channels were paying bribes to boost TRP fraudulently to increase advertising revenue. —PTI

Sensex jumps 282 pts, Nifty ends above 12,850 Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex surged 282 points on Friday, tracking gains in HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank and Bajaj Finance amid positive cues from global markets and sustained foreign fund inflows.

After a highly volatile session, the 30-share BSE index ended 282.29 points or 0.65 per cent higher at 43,882.25. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose 87.35 points or 0.68 per cent to 12,859.05.

Bajaj Finserv was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying over 9 per cent, followed by Titan, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Bank, Bharti Airtel, Nestle India and NTPC. On the other hand, Reliance Industries, IndusInd, Sun Pharma, Axis Bank, ONGC and HUL were among laggards. “The BSE Sensex is closing higher by about 1 per cent in Diwali week,” said Sanjeev Zarbade, VP PCG Research, Kotak Securities. “With the end of earnings season, focus will shift to economic recovery, market valuations,” he added.

rorists were killed and two policemen injured in a gunbattle in Nagrota on Thursday after a truck carrying newly infiltrated militants was intercepted, police had said. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, Mukesh Singh, had said after the encounter that the terrorists had come to execute a “big plan” which has now been foiled.

All eyes...

Ahead of Amit Shah’s arrival, the AIADMK convened a meeting of its senior leaders to discuss poll-related issues today. Buzz is that the

AIADMK and the BJP are to hold preliminary alliance talks and discuss seat-sharing and hence the visit of Shah is crucial for NDA alliance in Tamilnadu.

‘Asthmatic’ Sonia... including some of those who had written a letter to her seeking an organisational overhaul.

Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on July 30 evening. Later on September 12, she went abroad for a few days for her routine medical check-up, and Rahul Gandhi had accompanied her during

the visit.

The two leaders had also missed the Monsoon session of Parliament which was held under special conditions during the pandemic from September 14 to 23.

The Congress president had shifted to Goa for some time in January last year where her pictures of cycling had gone viral on social media.

Night curfew...

Funerary processions and passengers travelling to and from railway stations or the airport will be exempted as well.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

Advance air operations with MiG 29Ks from Vikramaditya of IN with navies of Australia, Japan and US in Arabian Sea as part of phase 2.

—PHOTO BY ANI

CBI has become ‘pan shop’ under BJP government: Maha Minister Mumbai: Maharashtra Fisheries and Textiles Minister, Aslam Sheikh, today welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this week on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) jurisdiction, saying the probe agency had become like a “pan shop” under the BJP government at the Centre.

“Under the BJP government, the CBI has become like a ‘paan patti ki dukaan’. It goes anywhere and books anyone, particularly in non-BJP ruled states. It

Aslam Sheikh

took action against chief ministers and ministers. We welcome the court’s ruling,” Mr Sheikh.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the CBI cannot step into an investigation with-

Delhi HC notice to CBI on Maneka’s plea challenging trial court’s order

Maneka Gandhi

ter for further hearing on February 8, 2021.

Gandhi, in her plea, said that the trial court’s order, dated February 4, directed

the CBI to again conduct further investigation despite further investigation already having been conducted and completed, without indicating pointers for investigation.

The court further illegally directed the CBI to place the matter before the sanctioning authority for the purpose of grant of sanction against her, she stated.

SC allows journalist Siddique Kappan’s Adv to meet him in jail New Delhi: The SC on Friday allowed journalist Siddique Kappan’s lawyer to meet him in the jail to ensure his signature on the ‘vakalatnama’ to facilitate his bail in the case. A bench of the Apex Court, head-

FROM PG 1 PM reviews...

Hailing the security forces, he said they have once again displayed utmost bravery and professionalism.

“Thanks to their alertness, they have defeated a nefarious plot to target grassroots level democratic exercises in Jammu and Kashmir,” the prime minister added. In the review meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, foreign secretary and top intelligence officials were present as Modi took stock of the situation.

Four suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad ter-

MALABAR EXERCISE 2020

IN THE COURTYARD

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to CBI on BJP leader Maneka Gandhi’s plea, challenging a trial court order rejecting closure report and directing the investigating agency to further probe a corruption case against her.

Justice Yogesh Khanna asked the CBI to file a reply on the plea and listed the mat-

had earlier in the day stated that the curfew in Ahmedabad would not extend beyond the weekend. He had also ruled out the chances of lockdown being enforced in Ahmedabad or anywhere else in the state.

He did, however, accept that there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.

In addition, the municipal commissioners of Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot had stated earlier in the day that the situation is not enough to warrant curfew in their respective cities, but that they would take a call at the appropriate time.

06

ed by CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde, allowed Kapil Sibal, to meet the accused Kappan, who arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

The CJI, leading the bench of the Apex Court, said, as there is no objection

to advocate, approaching the accused in question for his alleged offence, for getting his signature in the ‘vakalatnama’ in the case, so the court allows the lawyer to meet accused in jail. —ANI

out the consent of state governments and the Centre cannot extend the agency’s jurisdiction to any state without permission either.

Justices AM Khanwilkar and BR Gavai referred to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act that regulates India’s premier investigative agency.

“As per law, state consent is a must and Centre cannot extend CBI jurisdiction without the state’s consent. The law is in tune with federal structure of the constitution,” bench said.

Court extends judicial custody of Sharjeel, Khalid till Nov 23 New Delhi: A Delhi Court on Friday extended the judicial custody of JNU scholar Umar Khalid and research scholar Sharjeel Imam, accused in the Delhi riots case, till November 23. Both the accused, arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities Act, were produced before Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat through video conferencing at the end of their judicial remand.

The case against the duo pertains to a ‘conspiracy’ to incite the riots, which had left 53 people dead and 748 injured. In the case filed against Khalid, the police had claimed that the communal violence was a premeditated conspiracy allegedly hatched by Khalid.

DMK chief MK Stalin’s son arrested briefly Chennai: DMK youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for a brief period after he launched his party’s poll campaign ‘Vidiyalai Noki Stalin Kural’ ahead of next year’s Assembly election in Tamil Nadu. He was released an hour after his arrest.

The Thirukkuvalai police said Udhayanidhi, son of DMK chief MK Stalin, did not seek permission to hold the meeting and hence he

was arrested alongside other DMK cadres for violating Covid-19 norms.

Udhyanidhi was in Nagapattinam district’s Thirukkuvalai, the birthplace of the former chief minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, to launch the poll campaign, which will cover all 234 assembly constituencies. The campaign, which is scheduled for 75 days, is aimed at highlighting the alleged admin-

istrative lapses by the ruling AIADMK government.

The court disposed of this petition on September 7. The state was directed to grant them protection if any threat was perceived to the man and the girl. However, the judge made it clear “that this order shall not be taken to protect the petitioners (man and the girl) from legal action for violation of law, if any, committed by them”.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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07

The ‘Now Normal’ As the pandemic rages on, we need to talk about the ‘now normal’—not the ‘new normal’— and how to make it work OMAR SALEM

A

t the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated lockdowns, it seemed like things would never wholly go back to how they were.

We discovered that people could work efficiently from home without being monitored in the office. Students, some of whom had previously moved across the world to attend university, could learn effectively via online classes. Zoom calls with friends and family have turned out to not be that bad an idea.

People hypothesized that after the pandemic was over, there would be a “new normal.” This would include not only greater use of technology and remote working, but improvements in the inequalities and unfairness that was exposed by the coronavirus. For example, as a result of a consensus that care workers, who are often on low incomes, deserve better recompense for the service they do for the elderly and society. The pandemic has disproportionally impacted women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and those in insecure jobs. It was hoped that the “new normal” might remedy some of the longstanding structural reasons for why these groups have fared particularly badly in the pandemic.

More generally, it was hoped that the “new nor-

mal” could herald a kinder society more focused on wellbeing than wealth.

At the outset of the crisis, we were told that it could last a long time. However, only in the last few months has it really begun to hit home that we are in this for the long haul. Many countries that had emerged from lockdowns are now shutting down again, at least partially. Of course, the impact of the pandemic is very different around the world. Many East Asian countries have seemingly overcome it, while the US, Europe, Brazil and India continue to be ravaged by it.

In countries where people are still suffering from COVID-19—the disease caused by the novel coronavirus—the “new normal” is very distant. More pressing is how we accommodate to living with the coronavirus and the associated restrictions for the coming period. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that coronavirus restrictions could last a further six months.

PREPARING FOR THE “NOW NORMAL”

This is a practically and emotionally challenging task, yet the extent and success with which society has already adapted to the coronavirus are impressive. We now need a more concerted and focused effort to build on this start.

This will mean making our “now normal” not just doable but sustainable. We need to ask ourselves whether we can sustain new ways of doing things not just for a few weeks, but many months.

SO, HOW DO WE MAKE THE “NOW NORMAL” WORK?

First, we need to hone the tools, techniques and skills needed in the “now normal.” This could include, for example, new habits about checking in with colleagues when working remotely to replace the informal interactions of the offices, new ways for col-

leagues to socialize online and restructuring distancelearning courses to make them work better. These are just a few examples of where new ways of doing things are needed among a plethora of areas where we need to adjust to the “now normal.” Many

of these approaches were already tried and tested in certain settings before the pandemic. The task now is to roll these out across society.

Governments, businesses, NGOs, the media and academia need to play an active role in

developing new ways of operating and thriving during the pandemic. This will require the sharing of knowledge and ideas, as well as all of us adopting an inquisitive and creative mindset to meet the challenges that the crisis is throwing at us.

A second aspect of the adjustment to the “now normal” is dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic. Government intervention that sticks a band-aid on problems will not suffice when sustained support for the economy and jobs over a prolonged period is needed. At the same time, we need to think about how we can create new jobs to replace those being lost and support workers to transfer between these. There is a

role for government here in strategically charting a course not only to support the old economy but to build a new one—now.

Finally, we need to make sure public services adapt to deal with the “now normal.” This should include directly combating the pandemic but also ensuring that, for example, the public continues to get sufficient access to all types of health care—from cancer treatment to physiotherapy. Schools clearly face a huge challenge to ensure that children receive a good education in a way that is safe for them and society more widely. Certain public services, such as mental health services, given the impact of the coronavirus on mental wellbeing, will need to be beefed up. While the public sector faces huge challenges from the pandemic, an effective response to the coronavirus during the “now normal” is also an opportunity to strengthen the legitimacy of the state as the only body that can guarantee support when society is faced with challenges of the scale of the current crisis.

There are more questions than answers about the “now normal.” Yet many of these can be approached in a systematic and scientific way. In May 1932, during the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt—who was running for president at the time—called for “bold, persistent experimentation.”

We need a similar mindset and approach to shape the “now normal.” While we are likely to be in this situation for quite some time, we have the power to define and make the best of it.

Source: fairobserver

With time I have realised that the best way to be happy is to spread happiness - you want to feel warm, donate a blanket to the needy.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 7,500 DEATHS 5,21,941 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 11,621 DEATHS 8,69,561CASES

Top environment body says Centre’s all-is-well claim at Alang shipbreaking yard is an eyewash First India Bureau

FLOUTING LAWS

Concerns have been raised over pollution at Alang ship-breaking yard.

ganotins. Also, most of the sampling locations were too remote to represent areas impacted by ship-breaking activities.

The organisation is opposing the expansion of ship

breaking yards in Alang by adding more area of the inter-tidal zone for the purpose of breaking old ships on the beach. “The beaching method is the least environment

friendly and has the highest pollution potential,” the CAT stated.

The report found high levels of heavy metals in the sediment analysis. In addition to the alarmingly high

levels of heavy metals, the environment ministry’s report had also found mercury levels in the water samples to be exceeding standards.

With respect to impact on marine biodiversity, the report used data from 1997-2007 and 2007-2008 as a baseline to evaluate the results of the 2020 study.

The report failed to assess the impact from the toxic substances on marine biodiversity and the impact on fish catch from traditional fishing activities.

Besides all these, the Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has brought out a study on the alarming working conditions of the workers at Alang, stating that there had been very little improvements in the shipbreaking yards on this count. It also presents several breaches of the national legal framework.

FLIGHT TO FREEDOM

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A local court in Ahmedabad granted bail to a history-sheeter who was previously involved in 8 incidents of theft in different areas of the city.

He was granted bail in a 2019 case lodged at the Karanj Police Station.

Granting bail, the court observed that Baloch’s name was not mentioned in the FIR and was arrested only on basis of a statement given by witnesses. He was asked to pay Rs 15,000 with the trial court as a security deposit and directed not to leave Gujarat without the court’s due permission. He was also asked to submit his passport within 7 days.

The court informed that a chargesheet has been filed and “if the accused is not granted bail, it will lead to a pretrial conviction.”

Thus Baloch and the co-accused were granted bail.

DEATHS

DELHI 8,159 DEATHS 5,17,238 CASES

‘Environment Ministry turning blind eye to alarming pollution at Alang’

A’bad historysheeter gets bail after 8 theft crimes

GUJARAT

1,371,243 5,75,90,350 1,32,716 90,47,058 3,837 1,94,402

MAHARASHTRA 46,511 DEATHS 17,68,695 CASES

Mumbai: The Conversation Action Trust, the prestigious organisation working for environment, has expressed its surprise at a recent report of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) that is trying to sync with the Central Government’s plans to expand Asia’s largest Alang ship-breaking yard.

The CAT has stated that the July 2020 report on the yard missed out on several key parameters that are specific to ship recycling and breaking activities.

These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and or-

08

Common Cranes flying over Sabarmati river near Vasna Barrage on early winter morning in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,130 DEATHS 2,37,669 CASES

Guj Cong says a confused govt has imposed curfew on the people

GPCC President Amit Chavda

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Congress has come down heavily on the State Government for abruptly announcing a 57hour curfew in Ahmedabad after first stoutly denying any possibility of a lockdown, stating that a “confused dispensation” has been playing with the lives of people.

Asserting that the government had been changing every decision after speaking to the contrary, Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda asserted that the “government is confused.”

Chavda told First India, “Right from the beginning of the pandemic, the State Government has not been serious about Covid-19.

They organized the Namaste Trump event and intentionally spread the virus in

every nook and cranny of the State.” He called the government “anti-people.”

“The tragedy is that there is no coordination between government departments and the government has no control over the officers. The awareness should have been created before Diwali, but at that time the system was in deep slumber,” Chavda went on.

Congress state working president Hardik Patel said the government had failed in managing the Covid crisis. “The people are being harassed. Every decision they took, lockdown, curfew, unlock, and then curfew, they never informed the people well in time.

We welcome government decisions taken for the larger benefit, but knee-jerk announcements are leaving people in distress,” he said.

CORONA SCARE!

Covid Surge: Guj High Court suspends work on Nov 23, 24 The decision has been taken in the wake of post-Diwali spike in coronavirus cases in the State First India Bureau Ahmedabad: With the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in the State, especially in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat High Court has decided to suspend its judicial functioning for two days on November 23 and 24.

A circular issued by the Gujarat High Court stated that the matters

that were listed for hearing on Monday and Tuesday would now be heard on November 25 and November 26.

Earlier, the advocates chambers on the Gujarat High Court premises were opened according to the odd-even formula. Later on November 7, following the Bar Council’s request, the court allowed the chambers to be completely

Gujarat High Court

opened from November 23 onwards, after Diwali vacation.

The Gujarat High Court’s administrative work was suspended for a limited time in the last few months as several employees of different departments, including three sitting judges, had tested positive for the deadly virus. The administrative work has been suspended thrice in the last 8 months, despite the sanitization of court premises.

On October 26, the Gujarat High Court had

announced live streaming of its hearings through YouTube as an experiment. It was the first high court of the country to live-stream its video hearings. Almost all matters are heard through video conferences.

The High Court circular stated that the decision of physical hearings will be taken in a meeting on December 20. A tentative date of January 4, 2021, was announced, but it may change as per the court’s directions.

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09

AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2020

IFWL goes Virtual City First shares a few glimpses of India Fashion Week London, which opted to go virtual this year, keeping in mind the current global pandemic!

Lokesh and Bani with other team members

different lighter fabrics such as Dutch & hammered satin.”

While talking about the new step, Manny Singh said, “We received great response previously and we wanted to keep our community here updated with new Trends and collections.”

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

R

enowned fashion shows India Fashion Week London decided to go virtual this year, and it was extra-ordinary. It is one of its kind international fashion events, and this year it was conceptualized and executed in New Delhi, India, and went live a few days back. It was organised by Platinum Group of Companies, an event company, and the virtual edition was conceptualized and executed by FashMob and Show Director Lokesh Sharma. The showcasing designer was Bani Pasaricha, where she showcased her recent collection ‘The Pharaoh’s ‘.

“I have been regularly showcasing at India Fashion Week London and this year also we wanted to continue the trend. That’s when Lokesh, Manny and I decided we

Manny Singh, Founder, India Fashion Week London

will go virtual this season and have an exclusive showcase. The collection is an amalgamation of fabric’s that gives royal, larger than life looks but yet it’s easy to wear and comfortable,” said Bani.

She added, “The collection is named as ‘Pharaoh’s’, and is really close to my heart as it inspires women in general and shows how since ancient era Egyptian empresses handled power authority in a graceful way. The ensembles have lots of handpainted designs along with exquisite embroidery and we have used

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Deepak’s Corner Amidst the chaotic events at Cannes, the world’s largest film festival, Paulo Coelho lays bare the fallacies of the human soul and shows how downright materialistic our generation has become!

DEEPAK

deepaklifemusings@gmail.com

I

skills he learnt as a young soldier fighting wars for his country. With his unlimited wealth and precision skills, he kills one young girl, a Braron, an aspiring actress and a Director.

Each and every character has been worked upon diligently and made into something more than just a name to be obliviated from memory. Jasmine, Gabriela, Savoy, even the pathologist are all such ordinary people stuck in something extraordinary and out of their own reach. The tale narrates the tension within and between the characters in a 24hour period.

Ironically, the insanity of all the senseless killings makes Igor realise that, after all, he doesn’t want his wife back. The plot exemplifies the dishonesty and false ideals by killing for the non-existent passion. His love is nothing but an expression of his egomania. In a high profile party, he finally meets Ewa and Hamid and kills them both. As he is walking out, he ‘saves’ an aspiring young model by giv-

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

Paulo Coelho

ing her lift and dropping her back safely to her apartmentback to her lady love! This young raw model of 19 years is mature enough to understand and reject the hollow world of glamour. She tells her partner- “The person who made me realise this was a man, a foreigner, whom I met tonight at the party, when I was lost in the crowd. He said, ‘We’re surrounded by people who are full of certainties, glories and conquests. But they cannot enjoy. They’re all at the peak of their careers and the inevitable descent frightens them.

They’ve conquered worlds and now fear of change terrifies them. They are caught in the vicious cyclic trap of same parties, same people, same talks. Insecurities have replaced passion’.”

Paulo Coelho’s, ‘The Winner Stands Alone’, is the most graphic and revealing portrait of our era’s pathology. All are infected in some way, by the ‘rich and famous’ syndrome. Exhilarating & titillating, this book achieves so much in limited time and words.

It leaves us thinking a n d questioni n g t h e values of the world that we are actually living in.

ARIES

TAURUS

Your desire for an exciting time on the social front is likely to be fulfilled today.

Those looking for buying a house can get a good bargain.

Appreciation is in store for some homemakers. A professional victory is yours if you play your cards well.

You are likely to enjoy good health.

Getting into a favourable situation on the academic front is possible. Good luck promises to brighten your day. Some positive changes can be expected on the home front. This seems a good day for job seekers.

New avenues for earning open up as you get more determined.

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

Excellent opportunities may knock at your door.

Professionals will be able to give their best in a new situation. Financially, this day may prove lucky for you, so go ask for the raise that is keeping you on tenterhooks. Don’t take any chances with your health today.

Your performance at work will be commendable. Your own happiness is in your hands today. Spouse may need her space, respect that. This is a favourable day for completing pending jobs. Financially, no problems are foreseen. It is best to avoid outside food.

You may wait for someone’s invitation for a trip. Your professionalism in handling problem areas will be appreciated. Tenant troubles are foreseen for some house owners.

You will find family life more than fulfilling. A senior is likely to put in a good word for you to the higher ups.

SAGITTARIUS You will have to be more focussed on the academic front. You may get busy organising something on the social front. You may need to put your ideas into action, if you want to prove yourself. A party may be thrown in your honour at work. Your good performance is likely to be noticed.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

KRITIKA GOEL, YOUTUBER

10

THE WINNER STANDS ALONE: Paulo Coelho

The story revolves around Igor, a psychopathic Russian executive, who comes to Cannes in search of his wife Ewa and her new husband, Hamid. Igor messages Ewa that he will simply go on killing innocent people unless she decides to meet him. And kill, he does. He has rare intensity and cold intelligence. He uses the

FA CE OF TH ED AY

gor Malev’s wife Ewa, leaves him for another man. He cannot accept it. Never recovers.

‘The Winner Stands Alone’ is a remarkable story by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. It was first published in 2008 under the Portuguese title ‘O Vencedor Esta So’. The novel is based on the Cannes Film Festival. He explores the completely shallow lifestyle of the ‘Superclass’, the dwindling, botox-fed, rich people who are sucked into the unending vortex of glitz, glamour and extravaganza. Truth can be so hollow and distorted.

Amidst the chaotic events at the world’s largest film festival, Coelho lays bare the fallacies of the human soul and shows how downright materialistic our generation has become.

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Excess in food and drinks can get you out of action.

A new deal is likely to come through and give you a taste of success. Those fond of travelling may get their chance soon.

This is the time when you enjoy yourself with a new group of friends or colleagues.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

A family youngster is likely to do you proud. A business trip is indicated and will achieve much.

Your strategy to promote yourself on the professional front will bear fruits.

You may need to speed up things on the academic front to remain ahead.

Something special awaits you.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You will manage to achieve what you had aimed for on the academic front. A celebration can find you in your element today. Praise and honour are likely to greet you in something that you have managed to achieve. You will be a pillar of strength to a friend or associate.

Good performance on the academic front will help enhance your reputation at work. Some favourable developments on the social front are foreseen. Buying new furniture or a major appliance is possible. With good networking, a prized posting can be yours A healthy phase of life begins.

You are likely to take up someone’s cause and earn appreciation from all quarters on the social front. Remaining on the good side of those who matter on the academic front will help you achieve. Good tidings of your well wishers will keep you going on the professional front.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Success is foretold on the academic front. Your reputation is likely to boost your image on the social front. On the work front, you will manage to keep your superiors in good humour. This is an excellent day to spend time with family. Good planning will see you complete task.

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, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

11

Woman of the Year B

Helen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

LEGEND! H elen Anne Richardson Khan, popularly known as Helen cele-

brates her 82nd birthday today, 21 November. She is an Indian film actress and dancer who is best

known for her work in Bollywood films. She has received two Filmfare awards and has appeared in over 700 filmsa legend for sure.

City First wishes her a very happy birthday!

Honest version

S

e l e n a Gomez has been a big advocate for mental health as she’s been through her rough patches from time to time. Moreover, for the 28-year-old artist, her music has always been extremely personal and unabashed, as evidenced by her 2020 album, Rare. Specifically, it was her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single Lose You To Love, in which Selenators were treated with a raw, honest version of Selena’s like never before.

While being interviewed by her mother Mandy Teefey, Selena confessed that none of what she’s doing now would have stemmed from her prior mindset and that her best stuff is happening right now.

—Agency

illboard recently announced that they will be hono u r i n g some major women this year! It was announced that Cardi B has been named Woman of the Year at the 2020 Billboard’s Women in Music event, which will take place on Thursday, December 10th. After the news went live, the WAP singer received a lot of backlash on social media, as she’s only released one song in 2020 –WAP alongside Megan Thee Stallion.

Soon after, clap back q u e e n Cardi B took to social media

Preity Zinta

22 YEARS DOWN

P

reity Zinta on Friday marked 22 years of her superhit flick ‘Soldier’, by sharing a video of the title track of the song featuring her and co-star Bobby Deol.

She wrote, “Remembering Soldier my super Hot & super Cool movie. So many things

to be grateful for. My warm clothes for starters. It was freezing cold & so windy when we were shooting. On the other side poor Bobby was feeling so cold and shivering I’m also grateful that my first feature as a lead had an unbelievable soundtrack Thank you @Ramesh-

Taurani #AbbasMustan and the entire cast and crew for the fun we had in Australia, New Zealand & Rajasthan. I love you @ iambobbydeol. You are the bestest @tips #Soldier #Memories #Music #Fun #Frozen #Fabulous #Ting #22yearsofSoldier” —ANI

‘Monster’ collaboration

M

en of popstars S h a w n Mendes and Justin Bieber have just witnessed something great! The two Canadian singers, who probably featured last on any collaboration list, have finally made it happen and fans are going gaga. Shawn and Justin have come together for ‘Monster’ and the duo have belted out a track that is quite en-

...still from ‘Monster’ track

joyable. Given their history, since Shawn once dated Justin’s wife Hai-

ley Bieber, many doubted if they would ever collaborate.

—Agency

Anupam Kher’s post

DOWN

memory lane

M

onths after the demise of late actor Rishi Kapoor, senior actor Anupam Kher on Friday remembered him with thorwback pictures.

He wrote, “Dearest @neetu54!!

Meeting you last night in Chandigarh without #RishiJi triggered off so many memories of us together in New York. Our shared tears made the bond of those moments stronger.

These pics are a reminder of how #ChintuJi had a larger than life persona. I am so happy that you are working. You have made him the happiest person by doing so. We, your friends are always there for you. Remember “There are some relationships which are like a pause button on a tape recorder.

They always start from where you left them!” Love and prayers . #Memories #Pics #ChintuJi @riteishd @geneliad.” —ANI

...her post

REHEARSING FOR ‘DHAAKAD’

K

angana Ranaut on Friday shared with her fans a glimpse of her action rehearsals for her upcoming film ‘Dhaakad’, and also revealed that she was multi-tasking as she was also shooting for ‘Thalaivi’, side by side. She took to Instagram to share pictures from her action rehearsals for her film ‘Dhaakad’ with her action directors Jason Ng and Brett Chan.

“Don’t like to multitask, but in these times one needs to go back to the beginning in those days I worked like a horse, so along with filming Thalaivi I started action rehearsals with @jasonngstunts / @bchanworld for Dhakaad as well, also lovely to see my charming director @razylivingtheblues,” she wrote in the caption.

—ANI

Back Together

W

Selena Gomez

to shut down those who criticised her recent win of Billboard’s Woman Of The Year award.

In a video posted to Instagram, Cardi listed the impact the song has had since its release back in August.

“For you crybabies, that’s like ‘what? she only got one song’ – yeah I got that song, bitch,” she said. “You know? The one that sold the most, the one that streamed the most. The one that had republicans on Fox News crying about it.” she said.

—Agency

ill Smith and Janet Hurbert have reconciled differences after their longstanding fight! The two reunited during HBO Max’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special for the first time in 27 years after Janet left her role as Will Smith Aunt Viv on the hit sitcom. If you didn’t know, Janet played Aunt Viv during the first three seasons of Fresh Prince. She left the show in 1993 citing “creative differences” and was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid.

—Agency Cardi B

Kangana Ranaut

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

DIGITAL BAAL MELA

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

LAUNCHED!

Jagdeesh Chandra launched the poster of ‘The Vartika Show’ with Vartika Jain at his residence on Friday. It is an online cooking event, where the participants have to send videos of their recipes, for the respective categories.

Vasudev Devnani Gauri Maheshwari

S

enior BJP leader and former Education Minister Vasudev Devnani expressed happiness over the ‘Digital Baal Mela’ initiative by LIC and said that it is a big opportunity for the children of Rajasthan. He stated, “I am

happy to see the innovation like state-run Digital Baal Mela, in difficult times like Corona. This will be very beneficial for the talent of children.” He also appealed to children from across the state to participate in large numbers in the online fair.

—City First

G

auri Maheshwari, the youngest online calligraphy coach and motivator of Jaipur, has recently enrolled herself in the India Book of Records as the ‘Youngest Online Calligraphy Coach’. Talking about ‘Digital Baal Mela’, she

feels that it is very important for the children to participate in this event, so as to bring out their creative side. She feels that if the children are getting such a big platform just by sitting at home, they should not let go of it.

—City First

12

DURING THE DAY!

WHY I LOVE COOKING Manoj Edwin Uncle Nibolson’s

Sons of the Soil

J

ust like the leap of the players in the game, the sport of Kabaddi has transformed into the second-mostwatched sporting league in India.

Known to regale viewers with sporting documentaries of leading sporting teams around the world, Amazon Prime Video unveiled the teaser of their upcoming Amazon Original show Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers. The show is set to stream this December 4, the original series offers a fascinating insight and awe-inspiring journey of the Pro Kabaddi League team, owned by Abhishek Bachchan in the tournament’s seventh season.

—City First

W

hen I was a kid my Father showed me how to select the ingredients for a good and healthy meal, especially for the non-vegetarian cuisines. I started cooking at a very early age. During my school days, I loved to cook for my family. Now, I practice new recipes and taste the prepared food. Different curries are my speciality. So somehow it was clear from the moment I learned to cook that I will always continue experimenting with it.

Manoj Edwin

I especially love to cook Kebabs, Biryanis and Curries and that too on a wood fire or a Sigri.

I don’t prefer cooking on the Gas. Cooking is fun, you can do it with friends and it’s like a project without pressure. I am not a chef but I am confident to serve any authentic preparation.

Seeing how different veggies, meat and spices combine to give that gorgeous flavour, makes you happy. You will enjoy every bit of the cooking process, starting from chopping to garnishing in the end.

When others enjoy what you have cooked and given your comments about the food, you feel overjoyed, proud and accomplished.

Not everyone in this world loves to cook. However, those who love cooking are truly lucky, as well as their families. It is a great experience that makes you happy and makes others happy as well.

RAJ: Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage Mayor Munesh Gurjar and Councilor Uttam Sharma of Ward No. 49, met the residents of the area. During their visit, the issues like cleaning, lighting systems among others were discussed.

GUJ: Vendors near Bhadra Fort closed shops for the weekend after a complete curfew was imposed in Ahmedabad by local authorities.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

VIRTUAL JAIRANGAM

CITY FIRST

O

wing to the pandemic, Theatre Festival Jai Rangam is going to take place online this year. This is the ninth year of Jai Rangam Festival but the event has been hampered due to the pandemic.

However, the organisers of Jai Rangam aspired to continue the festival and decided to make it happen virtually this year. Festival Founder Deepak Gera informed that during the Festival, a variety of online ac-

tivities would be organised from morning to evening on every Sunday from 5 to 27 December. These activities can be watched on the official website of Jai Rangam.

More than 40 Workshops and Master Classes would be organised as a part of the festival, where big Theatre Artists like Makarand Deshpande, Sunil Shan Bagh, Atul Satya Kaushik, Atul Kumar, Rajit Kapoor, Ranjeet Kapoor, Fajah Jalali and Anuroopa would be provid-

ing tips for art of Theatre.

One needs to get registered online with a fee of 300 rupees to participate in each of the workshops.

Jai Rangam has also initiated its virtual opening with the yearly photo contest Khushbu - E - Rajasthan, which is being organised with the support of Jaipur photography Club.

Entries to participate in the contest are started on the official website of Jai Rangam.

The exhibition would be organised in December.

BUZZ

UP: Devotees were seen performing rituals of Chhath puja festival at Laxman Mela ground on the bank of river Gomti in Lucknow on Friday.

RAJ: Rotary club Jaipur citizen is going to organise ‘Kavi sammelan’ on 22 November, Sunday from 8.30 to 10 pm on the Facebook page of Rotary club Jaipur citizen.

EMR’20 travels to Kota

Yogesh and Nimisha Mishra with Mansi, Simran, Kanchan and the participants of the pageant Surbhi, Aashi, Almas, Tashu, Jaya, Shaivya, Gaurav, Ayush, Deepa, Neelima, Sonaxi and Daisy CITY FIRST

K

ota is all set to add another flying feather to its culturally beautiful cap when the girls from all over the city come and strive to be the best in glamour and beauty. Elite Miss Rajasthan 2020, a re-

nowned beauty pageant of Rajasthan is currently hosting its seventh season, and the Kota auditions will begin today. Previously, this hunt for talent had visited Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur to look for the ideal contestants for

the pageant.

Elite Miss Rajasthan 2020 Kota Director, Ayush Vijay mentioned, “As the pageant has begun battling with a global pandemic, we are focusing greatly on safety and sanitation. Complying with the government

orders, we have placed a bio-secure bubble at the audition location and taken complete care of sanitation and ‘no mask no entry’ policy. All the contestants will only be allowed in the audition hall when they carry masks and sanitizers.” cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

THE SEARCH CONTINUES...

CITY FIRST

T

he second-phase auditions of Rajasthan’s oldest beauty pageant, Miss Rajasthan 2020 took place at Hotel Grand Uniara on Friday. The interview round of the beauty

pageant included 60 girls, who came in from various parts of the state.

The pageant that is organised every year by Yogesh and Nimisha Mishra from Fusion Group, followed all the necessary safety

protocols, keeping in mind the safety of each and everyone present there.

Talking about the event, Yogesh Mishra stated, “This season is going to be bigger and better than the rest, following all

the safety measures, of course. It is going to be the first time when a beauty pageant is going to be presented as a reality show. A total of 28 contestants will be selected, and all of them are going to get great exposure. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in