First India-Ahmedabad Edition-21 September 2020

AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

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RS PASSES 2 CRUCIAL FARM BILLS AMIDST HUGE RUCKUS

Rule book torn, mikes damaged as Opposition, which lacked the numbers to block the bills, demanded bills be sent to a select committee for further discussion

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha on Sunday passed two key farm bills amid a bedlam as Opposition members charged towards the podium of the presiding officer, flung the rule book at him, tore official papers and heckled him over their demand for a division of vote.

The Upper House, which witnessed a brief adjournment due to the pandemonium, passed by voice vote the Farmer’s Produce Turn to P6

NAIDU MAY TAKE ACTION AGAINST ROWDY MPs

TMC MP Derek O’Brien entered the well and showed the House rule book to RS Dy Chairman Harivansh Singh, during discussion on agriculture Bills on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

AMIT SHAH @AMITSHAH The passage of two important bills related to agriculture in Parliament today shows @NarendraModi ji unwavering determination to strengthen our farmers and the overall development of the agricultural sector. This is the beginning of an unprecedented era of development in India’s agricultural sector.

RAHUL GANDHI @RAHULGANDHI The farmers grow gold from land, but the arrogance of the Modi government is making farmers shed tears of blood. Democracy has been shamed by the manner in which the government passed death warrants against farmers in the form of two farm bills in Rajya Sabha. Modi ji is making farmers ‘slaves’ of capitalists, the country will not allow this to succeed #KisanVirodhi NarendraModi

AHMED PATEL @AHMEDPATEL If Babasaheb Ambedkar was alive he would have hung his head in shame seeing what tactics BJP used today -in an Independent India-to forcefully pass bills pertaining to farmers Only a heartless & anti farmer Govt like the colonial British can do this #KisanVirodhi NarendraModi More on P8

India occupies 6 major new hills near Ladakh LAC New Delhi: In the last three weeks, the Indian Army has occupied six new major hill features on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the ongoing conflict with the Chinese Army in the Eastern Ladakh sector.

“The Indian Army has occupied six new heights between August 29 and the second week of September. The new hill features being occupied by our troops include the Magar hill, Gurung Hill, Recehen La, Rezang La, Mokhpari and the dominating height over Chinese positions near Finger 4,” top government sources told ANI. These hill features were lying dormant and the Indian Army had occupied them before the Chi-

An army convoy carrying military material on its way to Ladakh amid border tension with China on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

nese Army which was eyeing to sit on the dominating heights and now our troops have an edge over the adversary in those areas, they said.

Meanwhile, India and China are scheduled to hold a Corps Commander-level talks at Moldo, on the Chinese side of LAC on

P6

Monday, on the border standoff. This will be the sixth such talks on the issue.

An official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is likely to be part of Indian delegation. This is the first time that an MEA official will be present in this meeting, people aware Turn to P6

New Delhi: Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu is likely to take action against those Members of Parliament who created ruckus in the Upper House over agriculture bills. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, Congress MP Ripun Bora, AAP MP Sanjay Singh and DMK MP Tiruchi Siva were seen making attempts to snatch the podium mike of Dy Chairman Harivansh, raised slogans against the chair, and tore papers.

NOTICE OF NO-CONFIDENCE AGAINST RS DY CHAIRMAN New Delhi: Twelve Opposition parties Sunday gave a notice for a no-confidence motion against RS Deputy Chairman Harivansh over the manner in which two farm Bills were passed in the Upper House after he overruled their pleas for an adjournment of the proceedings. Apart from this around 100 Opposition MPs have also filed a no-confidence motion against him. They termed it is a murder of democracy.

‘BASELESS’ TWEETS KASHYAP AFTER PAYAL GHOSH SAYS #METOO New Delhi: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, on Sunday, denied all sexual assault allegations levelled against him by actress Payal Ghosh and tweeted: “All I want to say is all allegations are baseless.” Payal Ghosh, who has worked in films like Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi and Prayanam, has recently accused the 48-year-old filmmaker of forcing himself on her in an interview with ABN Telugu. However, Anurag Kashyap dismissed the allegations in a series of tweets and described them as “an attempt to silence” him.

Ghosh took to Twitter and wrote, “@anuragkashyap72 has forced himself on me and extremely badly.

Turn to P6

Watershed moment in history of Indian agriculture: Modi New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratultaed farmers, stating that the passing of the farm bills in the parliament was a “watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture”.

In a series of tweets, PM said that the passage of bills will liberate farmers from decades of various constraints and bullying by middlemen.

“A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture!

Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture

sector as well as empower crores of farmers,” he tweeted.

“For decades, the Indian farmer was bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. The bills passed

by Parliament liberate the farmers from such adversities. These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double the income of farmers and ensure Turn to P6

SUPER OVER SINKS MAYANK’S HEROICS Delhi Capitals players celebrate after defeating Kings XI Punjab in the super over during the cricket match of IPL 2020, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday.

SPEED NEWS STRONGLY CONDEMN AGGRESSION TOWARDS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: RAJNATH SINGH New Delhi: Government on Sunday said it strongly condemned the “aggressive and violent behaviour” by opposition members towards RS vice-chairman during the debate to pass the two farm bills in the House. Addressing a press conference along with Prakash Javadekar, Prahlad Joshi, Piyush Goyal, Thawar Chand Gehlot and Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “Whatever happened was against parliamentary dignity. Such an incident has never happened in the history of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. It is all the more unfortunate that this happened in RS, which is known as house of elders.”

Guj Assembly meets under Covid-19 shadow, likely to be stormy Five MLAs test nCov positive on eve of five-day monsoon session; 20 bills to be taken up First India Bureau Gandhinagar: At least 5 legislators tested positive for the coronavirus and would not be able to attend the five-day monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly, which begins on Monday, under the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As decided in the meetings of the Business Advisory Committee of the House, there would be no Question Hour but the session could witness stormy scenes over several thorny issues.

Four of the 5 MLAs who tested positive were from the Congress and 1 from BJP.

Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani undergoing COVID-19 test.

Oblivious to all this, BJP’s maverick Waghodia MLA Madhu Srivastava caused embarrassment for the party by violating all protocol by dancing with his supporters in a temple on Saturday evening (see page 8).

On Sunday, the Congress party’s 46 MLAs took the corona test, of whom Virji Thummar, Punabhai Gamit and Nathabhai Patel tested positive, along with BJP’s Kanubhai Patel.

The BJP’s 80 MLAs took the test. Congress par-

ty’s 12 other MLAs got tested in their respective districts and submitted reports.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Pradipsinh Jadeja said that., “On the first day of the Assembly session, the government will present its report on the work done to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.”

As many as 20 bills are likely to be tabled in the House during the five-day session.

Though there is no

Question Hour, the assembly might witness uproarious scenes over a few issues. Ruling BJP leaders say that since there will be scattered seating arrangement to maintain social distancing norms, the Opposition may get little success in showing its strength to corner the government.

On the first day, condolence resolutions would be moved to pay homage to former President Pranab Mukherjee Turn to P6

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

02

TALES FROM THE ROAD...

With the restrictions on movement across cities, districts and states no longer enforced in the state, the flow of traffic on highways has slowly returned to normal. Aided by relatively clear skies, First India photojournalist Hanif Sindhi took to the highway connecting the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan on Sunday, to capture the scenes of the road. As trucks rolled by carrying their load, local jeep taxis were seen idling on the side of a stretch on the highway waiting to be filled with passengers.

Travelling long distances, a truck demanded the ministrations of its caretakers, by breaking down on National Highway (NH) 8. A glorious sunset against a cloudy sky spoke of an impending downpour.

SAYS BEIJING BANAS DAIRY POLLS: WHO WILL GPCC SPYING ON TOP LEADERS BE THE VICTOR OF B’KANTHA?

l The GPCC THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS WILL PITCH INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN SHANKAR CHAUDHARY chief spokesperson called for canAGAINST VETERAN LEADER MAVJI DESAI; VOTING TO BE CONDUCTED ON OCT 19 dairy politics, Desai too bat Patel and Haribhai cellation of MoUs Haresh Jhala has changed sides and Chaudhary will be supwill no longer be sup- porting Desai from be- with China-based Palanpur: The state porting Shankar Chaud- hind the curtains,” said organizations high court had directed hary in the upcoming Ranjitsinh Hadiyol, vetthe Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (Banas Dairy) to follow the August 25 general resolution of the state dairy cooperative department. In response, the election officer of the Banas Dairy has announced the election dates for its board. According to the notification issued, voting will take place for 16 seats on the management committee of the dairy on October 19, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 20.

With this move, a war has been initiated in the Banaskantha district as the political future of the region lies at stake.

The polls will not only see Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) battling it out but, with internal disputes plaguing the lat-

Banas Dairy plant in Palanpur.

—FILE PHOTO

Mavji Desai

Shankar Chaudhary

ter, it remains to be seen which group will come out on top. As the incumbent chairman of the Banas Dairy, Shankar Chaudhary has accumulated several foes within his own party -the BJP. His opponents include former chairman Parthi Bhatol, former Union Minister of State for

Home Affairs Haribhai Chaudhary, and sitting MP from Banaskantha Parbat Patel.

Former Congress MLA and veteran cooperative leader Mavji Desai, who is also the current vice-chairman of Banas Dairy, had been in Chaudhary’s camp until recently. But according to sources privy to state

polls. As per reports, the election will, in all likelihood, not be a cake walk for Chaudhary.

Sources said that in 2017, Shankar Chaudhary had lost the state assembly election from Radhanpur constituency and that dairy co-operative politics played a huge role in his defeat. A veteran leader from his constituency had financed his opponent in the election due to a political vendetta.

“There is no doubt that Chaudhary has increased his influence among co-operative societies during his term as chairman, but it does not necessarily mean that the upcoming polls will be smooth sailing for the veteran politician. With Desai gunning for the top spot at the dairy, Par-

eran journalist from the district.

He added, “Mavjibhai is unhappy with Shankarbhai, because the latter had delayed the Deesa APMC elections. It miffed Desai who felt that Chaudhary was looking to bring in dairy politics to the APMC circuit too.”

Furthermore, in order to gain full control of the Banas Dairy, Chaudhary also has plans to shift the dairy headquarters to Radhanpur, where his opponents have little political influence. If the dairy’s headquarters is indeed shifted to Radhanpur, it would boost Chaudhary’s political influence in the constituency, which he represented in the state assembly elections in 2002 and 2007.

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: In a shocking revelation, the chief spokesperson of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Manish Doshi revealed that a Chinabased company had been spying on top Indian leaders. On Sunday, Doshi said that Shenzhen Infotech, which had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government in 2017, had been involved in surveillance of thousands of leaders across the country.

The MoU signed by the state government with Shenzhen was for the development of Dholera Smart City. Doshi has demanded cancellation

Manish Doshi, GPCC spokesperson

of the MoU with the Chinese company.

“Why does the BJP love Chinese ‘spying’ companies so much?

The BJP government in Gujarat has always laid out the red carpet for Chinese companies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China five times when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and four times after becoming the PM of the nation,” stated Doshi.

Underlining the relationship of PM Modi with Chinese organizations, Doshi also added that when the PM was state chief minister, he signed more than 30 MoUs in 2011 for vari-

ous amenities including the Metro Rail, Bullet train project, housing projects, among other ventures.

“In 2017, the Rupani government announced MoUs worth Rs37,500 crore with various Chinese companies to develop Dholera Sir, that included Shenzhen too.

But, so far no action has been taken to implement the project on the ground. The same thing was repeated in 2019, when MoUs worth Rs10,500 crore were signed, but no investment or employment opportunities were created. Such MoUs which never got off the ground, should be cancelled,” asserted Doshi.

A STEP BACKWARDS

Educationists slam govt’s GSHSEB move to lower member numbers l State edu minister Chudasama will table the amendment bill in the House today First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The move to lower the number of parent and teacher representatives on the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has received criticism from educationists in the state. Education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama had an-

nounced the amendment of the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) Bill 2020 in the State Legislative Assembly on Saturday.

With increasing numbers of stakeholders in the state, academic experts feel that the GSHSEB should have increased the number of representatives on the board. With bureau-

crats solely in charge of the board, the representatives of parents, teachers will no longer have a well-represented say in the education programme of the state.

Priyavadan Korat, an Ahmedabad-based educationist expressed surprise at the state’s actions.

“With numbers of schools rising steadily, their representatives on the board should have also increased, but the state is going the other way.

I feel that the state has failed to strike a balance, when it comes to adequate representa-

GSHSEB headquarters in Gandhinagar.

tion of each category of members,” he remarked.

Agreeing with the sentiment, Saurashtra University’s education department dean Dr Nidat Barot also criticized the amendment. “Now, the board will be controlled by the bureau-

—FILE PHOTO

crats. With just one parent representative on the board, students will have no voice. This decision is not at all in the interest of education,” said Barot.

The state assembly monsoon session that commences today will culminate in five days

after tabling 20 bills.

One of them is the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary (Amendment) Bill 2020 proposed by Chudasama. According to the state education minister, the motive behind the amendment is to reduce the expenditure incurred by the state.

Currently, the board has 59 members, and each time a meeting is called, the board becomes liable to pay travel allowance (TA) and dearness allowance (DA) to its members.

Also, due to the number of people on the board, there is delay in the de-

cision-making process.

He also added, “The Gujarat state board is the only one that has 59 members, whereas in other states, the maximum number of members range from 11 to 26 people. If our board has lower numbers of members, it will only facilitate faster decision-making processes.”

Of the total 59 members on the board, 26 members are elected every three years. With the amendment, the state government is looking to lower the strength of the board to 24 members, which will

be inducted after an election every three years.

The number of GSHSEB representatives will be lowered to nine members, the school principals and teacher representatives will also be reduced to one each.

The four representatives of school managements will be cut down to one and parent representatives will also be limited to just one member. All Class-I officers seats will also be cut down to nine members, with universities also scoring just one seat at the table. Even MLAs will be down from five to two members.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

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03

The body of Pritesh Patel was found in a parking lot; it marks the second police suicide in 8 months

POLICE INSPECTOR ENDS LIFE IN STATE SECRETARIAT COMPLEX First India Bureau

Gandhinagar: In a shocking incident, a police inspector posted at the state secretariat in Gandhinagar, committed suicide by discharging his service weapon on Saturday night.

The body of Deputy Inspector Pritesh Patel was recovered from his vehicle in the parking area opposite to block number 02.

Deputy Superintendent of Police MK Rana told the media that Patel had committed suicide by firing a shot from his service revolver. The police have not recovered a suicide note so far and the reason behind the extreme step remains unknown.

Rana added, “A complaint has been lodged and an investigation has been ini-

WORRYING

Reason for the suicide has not been ascertained yet.

GARAGE OWNER HANGS SELF IN SURAT, BLAMES MONEYLENDERS Surat: A man allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling at his residence in Dindoli locality of Surat on Sunday. According to a note, Parsottambhai Bhardwaj, who was the owner of a garage, was being harassed by two moneylenders in

State to continue its tryst with rains

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Ahmedabad was lashed with a spell of heavy showers on Sunday.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The weather forecast for the next four days indicates scattered showers in Saurashtra, Kutch and South Gujarat regions of the state.

In the last 24 hours, over 134 talukas received rainfall with the highest number of four inches recorded in Tapi’s Uchhal and Dang’s Subir. The state has recorded 129% of rainfall so far. In the past four days, apart from the Saurashtra-Kutch region, South Gujarat has received rainfall on all days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain/thun-

dershowers are very likely at isolated places in the districts of Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Surat, Dang, Valsad, Navsari, Dwarka, Junagadh, Amreli, Surendranagar, Jamnagar and Kutch. Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli are also likely to receive spells of rain.

Meanwhile, the Ukai Dam is only one and a half feet away from reaching an alarming level of 345 feet due to rainfall in the upper stream. At 10 am on Sunday, the dam had reached 96.6% of its water capacity. The surface level touched 343.59 feet and an alert to release up to 1.75 lakh cusecs of water was also issued by authorities.

the city. The deceased’s son has lodged a police complaint against the moneylenders.

Parsottambhai named the moneylenders Dinesh Rabari and Ramesh Rabari as the reason for the extreme step in his suicide note, which

also described how he had been harassed by them. The garage owner had borrowed a sum of Rs41,000 on interest from them and had paid back Rs81,000. However, he was allegedly forced to pay Rs2 lakh

by Dinesh and Ramesh.

Parshottambhai’s son

has lodged an official complaint at a city police station against the moneylenders for abetting his father’s suicide. He claims that he ended his life after facing repeated harassment by Dinesh and Ramesh. The police have initiated an investigation of the case.

LOW ADMISSIONS FORCE ENGINEERING COLLEGES IN STATE TO SHUT DOWN First India Bureau Ahmedabad: With the COVID-19 pandemic plunging a spanner in the works of the academic sessions of schools and colleges, it does not come as a surprise that several engineering colleges have applied for closure this year. From long queues of students wanting admissions to engineering

courses, the reality today is different from before. According to sources, many colleges have been planning to shut shop after not receiving an adequate number of student admissions this year.

Several colleges in the state have applied to Gujarat Technological University (GTU) for permission to shut down operations. GTU Vice-

NARROW ESCAPE

Chancellor Naveen Seth said that students’ inclination towards Electrical and Civil Engineering, Power Electric and Fabrication Technology has decreased. Students are opting for cyber and information technology engineering courses.

Therefore, admissions to other branches of engineering have witnessed a downfall this year.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

The Ahmedabad Fire Department attended to a fire on the seventh floor of the Shitiratna apartment building near Panchvati on CG Road on Sunday evening. Two people were rescued by fire personnel and no casualties were reported in the incident.

tiated by Sector -07 police station officers. The body has also been sent for an autopsy.”

According to Patel’s family members, the inspector had left for a regular shift that day and there was no indication of him being in any stress or pressure.

When he did not return home till after sunset, they started calling him on his mobile phone, to no avail.

When they reached the state secretariat looking for him, his body was discovered in the car.

It must be noted that this suicide is the second suicide of a police officer posted at the state secretariat in the past eight months. Eight months ago, a police officer had committed suicide at his residence in Sector 30.

Surat Crime Branch busts gang of 5 for ATM card cloning First India Bureau Surat: An interstate ATM card cloning racket was busted by the Surat Crime Branch on Sunday when officials nabbed five members of a gang at a Pandesara locality in the city.

Police recovered cash and valuables worth Rs3.37 lakh from the gang. The gang members have been identified as Bittukumar Navinsingh Bhumihar (25) Himanshu Shekhar alias Chhotu Ramanangsingh Bhumihar (22), Murarikumar Vijayapand (26), Rituraj Singh alias Bittu Niraj Singh Bhumihar (21) and Sonukumar Singh Bipin Singh Bhumihar (19).

The Crime Branch

had been investigating thefts of cash being withdrawn from accounts of people across the city.

During primary interrogation, members of the card cloning gang confessed to their crimes and elaborated about their operation. They targeted people who would visit Axis Bank ATM kiosks located in localities such as Dindoli, Udhna, Limbayat, Sachin, Sachin GIDC, Pandesara for cash withdrawal. As per reports, they would plant a chip into the card reader of ATM machines to copy card data by fitting a skimmer device in it, as well as, remembering the PIN or last four digits of the ATM card of the person that withdrew cash from any particular ATM kiosk.

A’bad records highest 161 cases after 2 months First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The COVID-19 curve that seemed to be flattening in Ahmedabad city during the last 2 months saw a jump to 161 cases on Sunday, even as the Ahmedabad Medical Association and First India have reported frequently during the last 20 that the virus is likely to be on the prowl again.

The State conducted 60,687 tests during the last 24 hours with 1,407 of them reporting positive. As on Sunday evening, there were 16,240 active cases with 92 patients being on ventilators and 16,418 stable.

Seventeen patients died, of which 5 were from Surat, followed by 4 in Ahmedabad, 3 each in Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar and 1 each in Junagadh and Rajkot. As has become a veritable daily norm, the local vernacular dailies reported 21 deaths in Rajkot.

Ahmedabad city lost

A COVID-19 testing camp near Lal Darwaza in Ahmedabad.

yet another corona warrior with Naroda Police Station’s Sub-Inspector AN Bhatt losing his battle against the virus.

As for new cases, the highest 283 were from Surat, including 181 from the city and 102 from rural areas, while Ahmedabad had 182 cases,of which 161 were from the city and 22 from rural areas. The others are, Rajkot (164), Vadodara (146), Jamnagar (129), Mehsana (53), Bhavnagar (50), Gandhinagar (44), Junagadh (37), Kutch (35),

Panchmahal (29), Banaskantha (27), Amreli (24), and Bharuch and Patan 22 each.

On Saturday, Rajkot Civil hospital conducted a third autopsy on a COVID-19 victim. The virus has the local administration on tenterhooks in Rajkot, with the authorities having deployed many Dhanvantri and Sanjivani Raths. The drivers went on a flash strike due to salary issues and resumed work after they were promised the matter would be settled.

FOR THEIR HEALTH

Asarwa Civil Hospital establishes geriatric ward for the elderly It will cater to patients above 70 years of age with an objective to lower the mortality rate and provide top-notch care

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Keeping in mind the safety and welfare of elderly patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Civil Hospital, Asarwa has set up a separate geriatric ward for patients above the age of 70 years.

The idea behind the move is to ensure that elderly patients receive the best possible medical facilities and treatment, right from primary care to emergency

cases, all in one place.

For instance, patients of coronary artery disease over 70 years of age require special treatment and care. The primary need for treatment of such patients is more sensitive as compared to others. They are also more susceptible to novel coronavirus virus.

“A geriatric ward has been established at Civil Hospital and a separate patient attendant has been appointed for all patients admitted to the

ward. The attendant will take care of the basic needs of patients such as bathing, toilet facilities, feeding, keep-

ing them hydrated and changing diapers. The nursing staff appointed to this ward will only include nurses experi-

enced in caring for adult patients,” said Dr JP Modi, medical superintendent of the hospital.

He added, “Patients

over 70 years of age need counselling for allopathy as well as other treatments. Gauging their response to the counselling, sometimes psychiatric treatment is also recommended by the counsellor appointed by the hospital. The ward will also be equipped with walkers for patients to ease their movement. All government guidelines have been adhered to while setting up a system to provide special care to elderly patients.”

A high mortality rate has been witnessed among geriatric patients in the state and this ward is part of efforts made to curtail the numbers. Currently, 48 of 375 patients undergoing treatment at the 1200-bed COVID-19 hospital have been shifted to the geriatric ward.

The new ward can cater to up to 60 patients at a time. “We also plan to set up more wards for geriatric patients as per requirement in the near future,” said Dr Modi.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

RUCKUS IN HOUSE AS RS CLEARS FARM BILLS

W

hat the Opposition called a murder of democracy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed as “A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament.” The two divergent responses were to the passage of three farm bills in the Rajya Sabha which witnessed chaotic scenes on Sunday.

Protests by farmers, doubts expressed by the RSS affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh over the continuation of minimum support price regime under the new legislations, and resignation by the lone Akali Dal minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal did not move Prime Minister Modi. Such was his hurry that he did not even consider it wise to send the bills, passed amid the pandemonium, to a select committee for a review. The farmers and the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh’s fear that MSP will be a casualty can’t be dismissed out of hand despite the prime minister reiterating, “I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain. Government procurement will continue.

We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generation.” With doubts having been created by the RSS affiliate which said that the bills will complicate the lives of farmers, only time will tell if the farmers’ interests have been compromised.

The Opposition claimed that the government did not have numbers and what happened was “sabotage of the Constitution”. The Opposition has now moved a no-trust motion against the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh for not allowing division of votes.

A

UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: WILL IT WORK FOR INDIA? GARIMA ARORA The writer is a fourth-year law student from OP Jindal Global University

T

he monsoon session of the Parliament brings back the debate on the possible implementation of a uniform civil code in India. The Centre has told the Parliament that it is committed to bringing Uniform Civil Code but requires wider consultations.

WHAT IS A UNIFORM CIVIL CODE? Article 44 of the Constitution of India mentions that “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.”

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is an attempt to supplant personal laws, which apply throughout the domain of India. India is one of the most diverse nations in the world where different religions coexist. The idea of implementing UCC is to try and put into place a common set of laws relating to marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and other such familyrelated rules to govern the people belonging to different religious communities.

JOURNALIST ‘SPY’ IN POLICE NET

s India and China stood face-to-face in Ladakh the Delhi Police claimed that Rajeev Sharma, a journalist, strategic affairs analyst, and author had passed on sensitive information like Indian troop deployment along the border to Chinese intelligence officers. He has been arrested for violating the Official Secrets Act, a colonial-era law. A 30-year-old Chinese woman Qing Shi and her Nepalese accomplice Sher Singh alias Raj Bohra have also been arrested. A huge amount of cash was transferred through the hawala route to the 61-year-old journalist allegedly in lieu of information he passed on to the Chinese. According to a newspaper report Sharma, who wrote for a Chinese government’s mouthpiece the Global Times, was invited to China for an interview by a Chinese intelligence agent. Police said that the journalist had visited Maldives and Laos to meet his Chinese contacts. He was also said to have been associated with the Vivekanand International Foundation, a right-wing think tank.

This is not the first time that a journalist has been arrested for passing information to an enemy country. During the cold war days, the Communist bloc was alleged to have recruited several journalists in different countries, including India. Recently Iran arrested Jason Rezaian, an Iranian-American who was the Tehran bureau chief of the Washington Post.

The religious outlook maintains that UCC is divisive and can lead to social unrest. It annihilates the fundamental concept of Indian secularism.

Article 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution read together; protect the free practice and profession of religion and also acts done in pursuance of the religion like rituals, ceremonies, and modes of worship

BACKGROUND The issue of establishing a uniform civil code dates back to the colonial times when the British tried and failed to put in order an umbrella legislation to cover the different personal laws of different communities. In independent India, our first Prime Minister Nehru wanted to implement a uniform code but could only include it as a Directive Principle of State Policy. In 2019, BJP put the idea of establishing such a code in its general election manifesto and has been determined to fulfill this goal.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF UCC? The supporters of UCC often argue that it promotes secularism in its true sense, as under such a code a Hindu,

Muslim, Sikh, Christian, will be governed by the same set of common laws. It is believed that this will integrate India as it was before Independence.

Another argument made in favour is that it will end the vote bank politics that prevails in India, as it will apply uniformly to the majorities as well as minorities.

It is also believed that it will allow India to shift towards gender neutral laws from laws framed with a rather patriarchal mindset.

DOES INDIA REALLY NEED A UNIFORM CIVIL CODE? There are various perspectives that contend that the time is yet to ripe for India to be ready for such a change.

The religious outlook maintains that UCC is divisive and can lead to social unrest. It annihilates the fundamental concept of Indian secularism. Article 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution read together; protect the free practice and profession of religion and also acts done in pursuance of the religion like rituals, ceremonies, and modes of worship. This fundamental right is often invoked by the minority communities while attempting to safeguard their monopoly in the realm of personal laws. It can be seen as a restriction on the people who wish to abide by their personal laws and individual religious beliefs. It could also result in the loss of one’s religious identity. Most Indians find a sense of

THE SUPPORTERS OF UCC OFTEN ARGUE THAT IT PROMOTES SECULARISM IN ITS TRUE SENSE, AS UNDER SUCH A CODE A HINDU, MUSLIM, SIKH, CHRISTIAN, WILL BE GOVERNED

BY THE SAME SET OF COMMON LAWS

identity in the customs guided by their religious laws.

Though the feminist voice feels that this may be a solution to break free from the age-old patriarchal practices, it could be another way to enforce it even more. A large number of personal laws are discriminatory towards women. It was only recently that the Hindu personal law on inheritance gave equal rights of inheritance to women. The ban on ‘Triple Talaq’ is another such example which earlier allowed a Muslim man to divorce his wife by simply pronouncing the word ‘talaq’

How poverty reduction can survive deglobalization

T

he COVID-19 pandemic seems to have curtailed globalization in ways that the current US administration could scarcely have dreamed up even a year ago. But, viewed in a broader context, this year’s retreat from globalization is merely the latest chapter in an ongoing process that has left the developing world increasingly pessimistic about pursuing exportdriven growth as a path out of poverty.

Before COVID-19 arrived, the latest World Bank estimates showed that the share of the world’s population living in extreme poverty (less than $1.90 per day in 2011 dollars) had declined from 36% in 1990 to 10% in 2015.

But the pandemic has since threatened to reverse some

04

of this progress; and even without the current crisis, poverty would have remained an important challenge in many parts of the world, not least Sub-Saharan Africa.

Advanced economies – particularly the United States and the United Kingdom – have increasingly been turning inward, restricting trade, undermining multilateralism, and closing their borders to immigrants. And it is exceedingly unlikely that these trends will be reversed any time soon.

Nonetheless, even if global trade is no longer the primary engine of growth, developing countries have other means for reducing poverty at their disposal. One option is to promote regional integration, deepening cross-border ties with neighboring countries at a similar stage

of development. Although regional partnerships cannot provide the same purchasing power as high-income markets did in the past, they can still form a large enough market to achieve economies of scale. As was the case with the early European Economic Community (the precursor to the European Union), developing countries’ economic similarities can be transformed

from an impediment to an advantage.

But regional integration will require a change in mindset. Developing countries must show a greater willingness to collaborate with neighbors whom they have traditionally seen as competitors. They will have to invest in infrastructure to link markets both within and across countries. And they will need to develop new institutions

and trade agreements to sustain a stable system.

Another option for developing countries is to focus more on their own domestic markets to offset lost international demand.

This approach comes more easily to countries with large populations. India, for example, could certainly drive stronger growth within its own borders, provided that it adopts the right policies. Such a model would still rely heavily on trade, but it would be trade across regions within India rather than with the rest of the world.

To be sure, in a country where most people live at subsistence level, a large population does not automatically generate enough demand for growth to take off. But for countries that have a sizeable middle class with enough purchasing power to buy industrial

goods or tradeable services produced domestically, there is ample opportunity to spur growth and sustainable poverty reduction.

Less populous countries, however, tend not to have large enough domestic markets to support growth in the absence of external trade. Especially in their case, it is more important than ever that policymakers emphasize measures to ensure equality. Many developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, exhibit staggering inequalities. Usually, a small cohort of the ultrarich controls the country’s natural resources while millions live in poverty. In the absence of trade, the only way to create and support a middle class in such countries is through the redistribution of resources from the rich.

thrice. In Christian law, women found it difficult to get a divorce, as until 2001 mutual consent was not a ground for the same.

The political perspective talks about the chance of tyranny of the Hindu majority. It is believed that the UCC will end up favouring and catering only Hindus and defy the faith of the Non-Hindu population. Any attack on religious laws is seen as an attack on the rights of the minorities by the minorities.

It is also recommended that religion-wise amendments should take place first as various personal laws lack uniformity within themselves. For example, Muslims are the secondlargest community in India and have different personal laws for different sects. It is difficult to codify them together lest aim a uniform code for all religions.

The tribal communities are of the opinion that such an act would cause unease to the culture and beliefs that have been in place since time immemorial.

The personal and social life of such communities is quite distinct from the rest of the people in the country and hence they do not favour a uniform civil code.

The idea of having a Uniform Civil Code, though appealing is still far-fetched. It is an issue that needs a lot of deliberation and participation of the people.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp There cannot be more conclusive evidence on why Bengal has become a fertile land for political violence.

The unruly behaviour in Rajya Sabha, today, by a distinguished member of the house is shocking and condemnable beyond words.

Mukul Wasnik @MukulWasnik The total disregard of rules of procedure in Rajya Sabha in passing Farm Bills will be recorded as a Black Day in our parliamentary history. The voice of the opposition cannot be throttled. It is high time for all those who value democracy to come out to register their protest.

Spiritual SPEAK

You should perform your duty with a view to guide people and for universal welfare. —Bhagavad Gita

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

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PARLIAMENT’S MONSOON SESSION OPPOSITION UP IN ARMS AGAINST AGRI BILLS

REACH OUT TO FARMERS: RAJNATH TO BJP MPs

05

Let us strive to make J&K a ‘Firdaus’ on earth: Prez Kovind

The MPs were given this instruction at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister New Delhi: The BJP has decided to reach out to the farmers and agrarian community regarding two agriculture bills, passed by Rajya Sabha on Sunday.

With a majority of Opposition parties trying to create a negative environment over the recently passed Bills, the BJP leadership has instructed its MPs to connect with the masses and apprise them of the farmer welfare measures in the new legislation and to tell them that they would be able to free themselves from middlemen.

The MPs were given this instruction at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 permits the electronic trading of farmers’ produce and allows the setting up transaction platforms for facilitating direct online buying and selling of farm products. —ANI

‘SAD TOOK ‘U-TURN’ ON AGRICULTURE SECTOR’ Ludhiana: Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister BB Ashu on Sunday took a dig at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for taking a “U-turn” on the agriculture sector reforms Bills, adding that their MPs should oppose the Bills in Rajya Sabha and put a united front. He accused Akali Dal of changing their position on the Bills after “realising the seriousness of the matter.” “I salute the power of farmers that made Akali Dal take U-turn and stand in their support. They were advocating ordinances but today they have realised the seriousness of the matter.

Their MPs should oppose the Bills in RS. The party wants to ensure that the message is clearly given to the masses that the new laws would help the agriculture sector and all employed in it, said Rajnath Singh during the meet.

CENTRE MUST RECONSIDER: KC VENUGOPAL New Delhi: Congress MP KC Venugopal on Sunday asked the centre to reconsider the two agriculture sector bills and alleged that its motive is to give a push to the corporate sector.”It is very clear that this government’s motive is to destroy our farmers and help the corporate sector. Our party has decided to oppose the Agriculture Bills.

The government has to reconsider the bills, at least they should have sent it to select committee,” he said. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moved bills related to agriculture sector in the Rajya Sabha.

‘OPPN MISLEADING FARMERS POLITICAL GAIN’ Ambala: Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Sunday said that the Opposition parties have misled farmers for their political gain with respect to the Bills on agriculture sector reforms. “Opposition parties have misled farmers for their own political gains.

These Bills are in favour of farmers. The PM has assured farmers of MSP. Farmers will be able to freely trade their produce anywhere,” Vij told ANI. When asked about farmers’ protests and blocking of roads, the Haryana Minister said, “During this pandemic, blocking roads in protest is not correct, it is like creating a hindrance.”

New Delhi: My dream is to see Jammu and Kashmir emerge as a center of knowledge, enterprise, innovation and skill development, said President Ram Nath Kovind while addressing a conference on the implementation of the National Education Policy in the Union Territory.

The President addressed the Conference through a video message which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, ViceChancellors of Universities and Principals of Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir as well as other stakeholders in Srinagar on Sunday. According to an official release, President Kovind said that determined efforts should be made to make this para-

dise a hub of knowledge, innovation and learning by implementing NEP in letter and spirit.

He said that these steps would make Jammu and Kashmir once again a “Firdaus on the earth, a bright jewel on the crown of Mother India” as it was referred to in the medieval age.

Talking about the rich heritage in the field of education inherited by J&K, Kovind said that it has been a center of literature and learning since time immemorial. Citing examples of Kalhana’s Rajtarangini & Mahayana Buddhism, the tenets of which were popular in Kashmir, he opined that the history of India’s cultural traditions would remain incomplete without considering them. —ANI

Lt Guv Manoj Sinha inaugurates T20 ‘Why govt running away from Police Premier League in Srinagar providing legal obligation for MSP’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the T20 Police Premier League cricket tournament at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.

The tournament is being organised by Jammu and Kashmir police and in this competition, a total of 16 teams of district Srinagar are participating. The theme of this tournament is “Play for Peace”. While giving his speech, Manoj Sinha hailed the steps taken by the police de-

Manoj Sinha playing cricket during the inauguration the T20 Police Premier League cricket tournament at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

partment and he also emphasized how young talent can be promoted

through this effort.

According to Director General of JK Police

Dilbagh Singh, the main purpose of organising this cricket tournament is to provide a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills.

“We have been always looking to hold positive activities, because of COVID-19, we were not able to hold positive activities, but after relaxation of COVID protocols, we tried to bring some good news to Srinagar, we organised a cricket tournament for 16 teams & it will be played in T20 format,” Singh said. —ANI

BJP MPs protest over law & order in WB New Delhi: Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) MPs on Sunday staged a protest in the Parliament over the current law and order situation in West Bengal.

West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh and party MP Locket Chatterjee participated in the protest.

During the protest, MPs raised slogans like, “Save

PIL IN SC SEEKING UNIFORM GROUND OF SUCCESSION, INHERITANCE New Delhi: A PIL has been filed in SC seeking removal of anomalies in the ground of succession and inheritance and make them gender-neutral, religion-neutral, and uniform for all citizens.

The plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay stated, “Uniformity in succession & inheritance is not only necessary

to secure gender justice, gender equality & dignity of women but also essential to promote fraternity, unity and national integration, but, Centre has not taken any steps in this regard till date. So, a blatant form of discrimination that is prejudice in succession & inheritance based on gender & religion is continuing.”

Bengal, Save Democracy”, “Stop the killing of BJP workers in West Bengal”, and “Reject TMC, Save Bengal”. Holding placards in their hands, the lawmakers raised slogans -“No more atrocities of TMC”, “Justice for BJP martyrs”, “Stop Islamic Terrorism”, and “Stop Political Terrorism”.

CUSTOMS DUTY ON ‘OPEN CELL’ FROM OCTOBER 1: MIN SOURCES New Delhi: The customs duty at the rate of 5 per cent shall apply on Open Cell, a key component for television manufacturing, from October 1, 2020, as the customs duty exemption given to Open Cell for a period of one year will end on September 30. This exemption was given a year ago to the industry as it had sought time to build domestic capacity for Open Cell, said a Finance Ministry source while responding to a query whether television sets are going to cost more from coming October as panel duty sop ends.

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala questioned the government as to who will give minimum support price (MSP) to 15.50 crore farmers for their produce.

While citing a media report, Surjewala in a tweet in Hindi said, “Three anti farmers black laws will be passed in the Rajya Sabha today by the Central government.’ Surjewala then mentioned three questions stating, “Who will give MSP to 15.50 crore farmers for their produce and how.”

“Why the government is running away from providing legal obligation for MSP. Who will take a guarantee of MSP outside ‘Mandi’,” he said. As the Centre has been trying to allay concerns of farmers that MSP will remain intact & slammed the Opposition for misleading farmers for their political gain .—ANI

CHIDAMBARAM SPEAK

RANDEEP SINGH SURJEWALA @RSSURJEWALA Three anti farmers black laws will be passed in the Rajya Sabha today by the Central government.’

Surjewala then mentioned three questions stating, “Who will give MSP to 15.50 crore farmers for their produce and how.

WILL NOT SIGN ON DEATH WARRANT OF FARMERS: CONG New Delhi: Opposition parties led by Congress criticised the farm bills tabled in Rajya Sabha, saying they will not sign on “death warrant” of farmers.

Initiating the discussion on these two bills, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa described the proposed laws as “ill-conceived and ill-timed” and said his party “completely rejects” them. He said the bills are against land owners across the country, especially those of Punjab, Haryana and western UP.”We will not sign on death warrants of farmers”, he said.

ASSEMBLY PANEL’S SUMMONS FOR FB TO APPEAR ON WEDNESDAY New Delhi: Delhi Assembly’s “Peace & Harmony” committee has issued a fresh & “final” summons to Facebook India, to appear before it on Wednesday, over allegations of “deliberate inaction on the part of social media platform to apply hate speech rules”. This comes days after Facebook India executives, including MD Ajit

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram targeted Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, saying, “Agriculture Minister says that the government will guarantee that the farmer will get MSP. Private trade takes place even today. The price paid to the farmer is invariably less than MSP. If the Agriculture Minister can magically ensure MSP, why has he not done that so far?” Chidambaram tweeted.

Mohan, snubbed a call to appear, citing, in a written response, that they had already appeared before a parliamentary panel and, therefore, Delhi Assembly should withdraw summons. Any defiance to subsequent notice for appearance shall be deemed to be an act of breach of constitutionally-guaranteed privileges.

FRAMED IN A FALSE CASE: ARRESTED JOURNALIST SHARMA New Delhi: Freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma, who was recently arrested by Delhi Police under the Official Secrets Act has approached the court seeking bail stated that he is being framed in a false case and has not committed any offence. Patiala House Court to hear the bail plea on Tuesday moved by his Lawyer Senior Advocate Dr Adish C Aggarwala, which stated that Rajeev Sharma was taken into custody by Special Cell, Janakpuri on September 14. According to Delhi Police, Rajeev Sharma was recently arrested by Special Cell.

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06

COVID recoveries continue to rise, cross 43L According to the government, at least 94,612 people have recovered from the coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours

More than 12 lakh tests conducted in 24 hours: Centre

A health worker wearing a PPE kit distributes tea to COVID patients at CWG COVID care center, in New Delhi on Sunday.

New Delhi: India has reported high COVID recoveries of over 43 lakh (43,03,043) till September 20. According to the government, at least 94,612 people have recovered from the coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours, resulting in the Recovery Rate touching 79.68 per cent.

"At least 60 per cent of the new recovered cases are being reported from five states.i.e.

Maharashtra, Karnata-

ka Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra continues to lead with more than 23,000 new cases of recovered patients. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh both have contributed more than 10,000 to the singleday recoveries," the health ministry further informed. A total of 92,605 new confirmed cases (active cases) have been reported in the last 24 hours in the

CAPF PERSONNEL COVID CASES

country, taking the cumulative cases to over 54 lakh so far.

The Central government also informed that about 52 per cent of the new cases (active cases) are concentrated in five states, however, these are also the states contributing maximum to the new recoveries.

"Maharashtra contributed more than 20,000 (22.16 per cent) to the new cases. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

both have contributed more than 8,000."

To date, 86752 people have died to the coronavirus infection and at least 1,133 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours. According to the government, about 37 per cent of deaths reported on Saturday were from Maharashtra with 425 deaths followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh with 114 and 84 deaths, respectively. —ANI

New Delhi: For the first time, India conducted over 12 lakhs COVID-19 tests in 24 hours, amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

Higher testing forms an integral part of 'chase the virus' strategy which aims to catch every missing person to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. The ministry said that India has crossed a crucial milestone in the fight against COVID-19. In a landmark achievement, for the first time, a record number of more than 12 lakh COVID tests (12,06,806) have been conducted in a single day, while the cumulative tests have crossed 6.36 crore (6,36,61,060).

According to the Central government, India has performed remarkably on fulfilling the World Health Organisation's advice of 140 tests/day/million popu-

lation. The country's Tests Per Million (TPM) have been boosted to 46,131. The WHO advised this strategy in its Guidance Note on "Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19".

The health ministry further informed that about 35 States and union territories have crossed the advised number of tests.

"This strongly demonstrates an exponential increase in COVID-19 testing infrastructure in the country.

From conducting merely 10,000 tests per day on 8th April, the daily average has crossed 12 lakhs today. The last one crore tests were conducted in merely 9 days," said the health ministry.

According to the government, higher testing leads to early identification of positive cases, timely and effective treatment.

—ANI

3 mths posting at dist hosp must for PG med students GST compensation: 21 states New Delhi: The Board of Governors in supersession of Medical Council of India has framed fresh rules for all postgraduate students pursuing MD/MS in broad specialities in all medical colleges or institutions shall undergo a compulsory residential rotation of three months in district hospitals or district

health system as a part of the course curriculum. "Such rotation shall take place in the 3rd or 4th or 5th semester of the postgraduate programme. This rotation shall be termed as 'District Residency Programme' (DRP) will be implemented with the PG (broad speciality) batch joining in 20202021. And the postgrad-

uate medical student undergoing training shall be termed as a 'District Resident'," read the notification.

The main objectives of DRP would be to expose the PG students to district health system and involve them in health care services being provided for learning while serving; to acquaint them with the

Red alerts for 8 dists in Kerala Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains lashed various parts of Kerala, after IMD on Sunday issued a red alert for eight districts of the state--Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, M a l a p p u r a m , Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Meanwhile, orange alerts have been issued for five districts-- Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.

Thiruvananthapuram is also likely to receive good rainfall.

A tree got uprooted on NH 66 at Kasaragod, following heavy rainfall in the region in Kochi on Sunday.

"Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls very

likely over Kerala, Karnataka and Konkan & Goa during 19 to 22 September," IMD said. —ANI

Issues like how the heavy rains caused extensive damage in Navsari and Pakistan Marines apprehending 45 crew members along with 8 fishing boats.

This issue has been raised by Congress MLAs Punjabhai Vansh and Babubhai Vaja.

On day one, bills and ordinances to be tabled in the House include salary pay cuts of MLAs, ministers and the Speaker, which has been opposed by the Congress, GST (amendment) bill and resolutions to be tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and Minister of State for

Parliamentary Affairs Pradipsinh Jadeja to take note of the hard work of corona warriors and thank them.

planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment of outcomes of the national health programmes at the district level; to orient them to promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services being provided by various categories of healthcare professionals under the umbrella of National Health Mis-

sion. For the purpose of this programme, the district health hospital should be at least 100 bedded hospital with medical facilities.

The clinical responsibilities assigned to the district residents would include serving in outpatient, inpatient, casualty and other areas, and encompass night duties.

—ANI

prefer borrowing option 1

New Delhi: A Special Court here granted bail to the former Director, Company Secretary, CFO, and others of Bhushan Power and Steel Private Limited (BPSL), who are accused in connection with a multi-crore money laundering case pertaining to an alleged bank loan fraud.

The Court on Saturday granted bail to the 23 accused in the matter. Special CBI Judge Arun

Bhardwaj, while granting bail imposed conditions that no accused shall leave the country without the permission of the Court “....Considering the entirety of circumstances, this Court is of the opinion that ends of justice require that all the accused be granted bail subject to their furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds for a sum of Rs1 Lakh each,” the Court said. —ANI

New Delhi: On the issue of Goods and Services Tax compensation, at least 21 States/Union Territories till date have preferred to opt for borrowing option 1 proposed by the GST Council to meet their compensation shortfall, said the Finance Ministry sources on Sunday.

The States/UTs are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Manipur, the only state which had earlier opted for option 2, later preferred to change it to option 1, sources said. A few more states are, also, to submit their preference regarding borrowing options in a

Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. The bills have already been passed

by Lok Sabha and will now go to the President for his assent before they are notified as laws.

Trouble started when the sitting of the House was extended beyond the scheduled time to allow passage of the bills. Opposition members, who felt such a move should be resorted to only by consensus, rushed into the Well, shouting slogans against the government and accusing it of being anti-farmer.

This forced Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to cut short his reply and Deputy Chairman Harivansh took up the approval of the bills.

Four opposition sponsored motions to send the two bills to a House panel for greater scrutiny were negated by voice vote, but the Congress, TMC, CPM and DMK members sought a division of vote on the issue.

As Harivansh overruled them saying division of votes can take place only when members are on their seat, TMC leader Derek O’Brien charged to-

wards the podium, thrusting the rule book into the face of the Deputy Chairman.

House marshals thwarted the move as also blocking a book that was flung towards Harivansh. An attempt was also made to pulls microphones away from the chair but the marshals physically stopped that from happening.

As the first bill got voice approval of the House and motions for sending it to a select committee were rejected, at least two members tried to climb on the table of Rajya Sabha officers but were pulled

Delhi court grants bail to 23 in money laundering case

day or two. However, some of them like Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal are yet to respond to the GST Council proposal to decide their options.

The Finance Ministry sources acknowledge that the GST Council with full presence of states and UTs needs, as per the GST Act, only 20 States to pass any resolution, in case voting is required on any issue.

Also, it is clear from the present situation, that if the other states do not submit their options be-

fore the due GST Council meeting on October 5, 2020, then they will have to wait till June 2022 to get their compensation dues subject to the condition that the GST Council extends the cess collection period beyond 2022.

On August 27, 2020, the GST Council in its 41st meeting had decided to give its member states two borrowing options to meet their compensation shortfall and a response time of seven working days from the formal receipt of the detailed proposal on options by email. —ANI

down. Both the bills were passed by voice vote and amendments moved by the opposition parties rejected.

‘Baseless’ tweets @PMOIndia@narendramodiji, kindly take action and let the country see the demon behind this creative guy. I am aware that it can harm me and my security is at risk. Pls, help!”

Following the tweet

by Payal, ‘Queen’ actor Kangana Ranaut came out in her support and tweeted. “Every voice matters #MeToo #ArrestAnuragKashyap.”

Meanwhile, Ghosh will file an FIR against Kashyap at Oshiwara Police Station, Advocate Nitin Satpute said on Sunday. —ANI

FROM PG 1 Guj Assembly... and other former members of the House. Besides some major bills, the House is scheduled to take up urgent questions.

On the top is Congress MLA Kantibhai Kharadi’s question on recent development in which shelter home trustees had released cattle on highways, demanding that the government should fund Gaushalas as donations had dried up. Though the government announced to release Rs 25 per head of cattle, the announcement came late and that could trigger heated discussions.

India occupies of the developments said. Sources said the foiling of Chinese Army’s attempts in occupying the heights led to the firing of bullets in the air on at least three occasions from the northern bank of Pangong to the southern bank of the lake. —ANI RS passes Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the

Watershed moment greater prosperity for them,” he said in another tweet.

Prime Minister further called the passage of bills a welcoming step, which will let the farmers have easier access to futuristic technology.

“Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of the latest technology that assists the industrious farmers,” he said. —ANI

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DRUG ABUSE SHOULD BE TREATED AS A HEALTH AND SOCIAL ISSUE

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

07

TOXIC CANDY

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a type of benzodiazepine medication often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but is also used recreationally by young people. When ingested in a toxic amount – which varies by age and weight – it can lead to coma, slow and ineffective breathing and even death. As manufacturing of illicit substances evolves, so does the appearance, content and strength of those substances. Alprazolam pills pressed to look like SweeTARTS and other candies have been found in Canadian communities. A “sweet tart” or “xanie tart” varies in its potency and may contain other substances including fentanyl and heroin. If impulsively ingested by a youth who is not accustomed to the drug, the results could be life-altering.

A SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Consider the impact of police officers offering people the chance to turn over any illicit substances without consequence, regardless of previous charges or any existing legal conditions requiring them to refrain from substances. This practice may avoid accidental overdoses and reduce the risk of medical complications while youth are in the custody of police, sheriffs or correctional officers, most of whom do not have the training, tools or time needed to treat a person experiencing an overdose. It may also decrease the risk of accidental overdose when released from custody, should they be remanded into forced sobriety. This change in practice could help address the stigma around substance use, which is a barrier to seeking help.

Analysing substances handed over could provide life-saving information and increase the likelihood of apprehending those who manufacture and traffic these substances. Given the recognition that substance misuse is a health and social issue, not a criminal issue, we hope that police officers will use their discretion and offer a safer choice for youth. Like the Good Samaritan law that ensures people will not be criminalised for making sure another receives proper medical attention, such a practice would only be useful if those affected know about it. Letting people know they will not be charged for their personal substances will take time, communication and acceptance of the best practice research on substance use disorders.

WHY ARE POLICE STILL CHARGING PEOPLE FOR POSSESSION OF SUBSTANCES FOR PERSONAL USE UNDER THE CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT?

T

he stories are similar: before they were searched by police, young people swallowed whatever substance they had on them for personal use, to avoid “catching” additional charges.

Each of us has heard them repeatedly while working with youth. This impulsive ingestion has significant ramifications for youth, families and communities. It is particularly dangerous for youth, who may not have built up enough tolerance for the substance, or are unaware of what they have actually purchased. These youth often have already taken another drug before they encounter police, and mixing more than one substance, or taking more of the same substance, is known to lead to worse outcomes in youth.

This leads us to ask: why are police still charging people for possession of substances for personal use under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act? In Canada in 2018, more than 6,300 youth were arrested or had interactions with police for drug possession.

A HEALTH ISSUE

Since its inception, the Nova Scotia Legal Aid youth office has assisted youth with simple possession charges, contrary to s.4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, in the past two years, no youth legal aid lawyer has had this charge go beyond the preliminary stages of court proceedings. Federal Crown attorneys have exercised their discretion to withdraw or refer simple possession charges to restorative justice programs. As criminal charges can be dismissed if a youth completes restorative justice, they avoid the stigmatisation that may come with a youth court record.

Updates to the Public Prosecution Services of Canada deskbook appear to reflect a crystallisation of this conventional practice and recognise that simply possessing and using substances ought to be dealt with through the health system, and not the criminal justice system.

Unfortunately, as long as police can arrest a youth and lay the charge of simple possession, the health risks we have each seen in social work, the emergency room and legal aid will remain unchanged.

The risk of being handcuffed by a police officer, being charged or the thought of being obliged to appear in a courtroom can be extremely consequential to a teen.

Most young people have very little insight into the workings of the justice system. It is likely they will assume that being found with a substance like Xanax will land them in a locked facility. They may already be under the influence of a substance when they realise they are at risk of a police officer finding it in their possession. This clouds their judgement in an already stressful situation and further increases the risk that they will consume an unsafe amount of a substance to get rid of it, potentially leading to serious harm or death.

A 2018 policy brief on decriminalisation by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction examines how other countries approach possession and connection back to supportive health programs. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police supports the decriminalisation of personal, illicit drug possession, and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada is taking steps to decrease the likelihood of conviction for personal, illicit drug possession. Until further decriminalisation efforts can be made, what can be done now?

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

We cannot change the seasons, the wind or the sun but we can change ourselves to accept, learn, adapt and move on.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

9,63,953 3,11,56,826 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 36,671 DEATHS 12,08,642 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 8,811 DEATHS 5,41,993 CASES

INDIA

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 8,023 DEATHS 5,19,537 CASES

Gujarat BJP MLA Madhu Srivastava from Vadodara district danced at a temple in the city with many others without a mask and threw social distancing norms to the winds.

hubali, and corona can’t defeat me.”

BJP leaders, pleading anonymity, admitted that Srivastava’s behaviour was embarrassing for the ruling party, especially as it came days after Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil flouted all norms and led massive rallies of party

Woman calls cops after son’s friend demands sex for help First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A 21-yearold man, who agreed to arrange money for the mother of a friend but sought physical gratification in return, has the police pursuing him.

The 39-year-old woman was desperately trying to organise financial help for her ailing husband. Among others, she sought help from Kaushal, who said he could organise the money but only if she satisfied his physical desires.

The incident occurred in Ahmedabad’s Jivraj Park area. After discussing the issue

Vejalpur police chowki where the complaint was lodged.

—FILE PHOTO

with her family, the woman approached the Vejalpur police. The police have registered a complaint and started investigating.

The woman lives in an apartment on Jivraj Park-Vejalpur Road

with her husband and two children—a 21-yearold son and a 3-year-old daughter. Her husband works in a courier company. However, he was ill for a few days and the family needed money for his treatment.

The woman first approached her relatives for help, but they turned her down. She also sought financial help from her son’s friends, but failed. On September 17, she called Kaushal, who lives in Ambawadi. When she asked for money for her husband’s treatment, he agreed but in return for sexual favours from her.

workers in Saurashtra and North Gujarat in August.

Later, Paatil contracted the deadly virus, along with Rajya Sabha MP Abhay Bhardwaj, Cabinet minister Jayesh Radadiya, State BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya and at least 130 of the party workers who joined his rallies.

DEATHS

DELHI 4,982 DEATHS 2,46,711 CASES

Madhu Srivastava says masks not needed in temples, embarrasses his party

Shishir Awasthi

mitted gatherings. He said this was his Saturday ritual for the last 45 years. “Masks are not needed in temples,” he told reporters.

Srivastava, who is an MLA from Waghodia, recently recovered from Covid-19 and had released a video from the hospital that he is a “Ba-

GUJARAT

87,896 54,83,663 1,322 1,23,337

BJP MLA throws mask to the winds, dances in temple Vadodara: Days after the Gujarat High Court came down heavily on politicians for flouting social distancing norms and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani volunteered a Covid-19 test with “Test is Best” slogan to contain the pandemic, yet another BJP leader and legislator threw all norms to the winds.

And the maverick BJP MLA Madhu Srivastava from Vadodara, who sang and danced to bhajans in a temple in the city without mask and following social distancing norms along with many others on Saturday evening, had no qualms over it.

He said it was his private gathering at the public temple in Gajrawadi and very few people were there and added that the government had per-

08

The Opposition and the media cried foul but no action was taken by the State Government, even as the Congress pointed to strict action being taken against ordinary citizens for not wearing masks.

The Gujarat Government has already received considerable flak for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Even the Gujarat High Court has not spared it from its strictures.

In a recent order, the court of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice JB Pardiwala observed, “The political leaders of the State are expected to lead their masses and not by themselves flouting the norms.

The flouting of the norms by the political leaders would set a bad example for the people at large, and the same may prompt the people to defy the norms.”

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,336 DEATHS 1,14,989 CASES

Gujjus take to stock trading via cell phones in a big way First India Bureau Ahmedabad: From lifestyle to work style, the Covid-19 crisis has changed everything.

Small wonder then that retail investors used their mobile phones to flock the equity markets when they sat home during the extended lockdown.

And who else but the Gujarati investor would be well ahead in this, given that at least 1 out of every 4 of them is a stock market player.

Investors have found that the smartphone is even better since it enables customers to have real-time access to key developments related to trading and investments.

“The lockdown witnessed a remarkable shift in trading activity from desktop to mobile devices, as the need for ease-of-convenience increased when multitasking at home,” FYERS CEO and co-founder Tejas Khoday said.

The growing demand for mobile-based trading

—FILE PHOTO

Trading through mobiles.

is majorly among millenials, who are also firsttime investors, he added.

Jaideep Arora, CEO of Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said that online trading activity had seen a 47% increase in number of customers during January-July 2020 as compared with the yearago period. There was a 91% jump in the number of orders placed via the Sharekhan app, he added.

Ravi Kumar, co-founder and CEO, Upstox said modern technology has made mobile apps extremely intuitive and

user-friendly, driving the surge in mobile trading.

From analysing the market to viewing charts and placing trades, everything can be done with a few taps on a smartphone, making it easier to trade on the go, he added.

Currently, over 85% of Upstox customers carry out daily trades on smartphones.

In the April-August period, 83% of orders placed through Upstox mobile app were from tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Nashik, Surat, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Jaipur.

SMC asks staff to wear LOCKED IN CLOSET, 2 KIDS masks after complaint SUFFOCATE TO DEATH First India Bureau

First India Bureau Surat: An aware citizen has forced the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to issue a directive to its staff for strict implementation of the protocol to wear masks.

The directive came after a citizen made an online complaint with pictures and video evidence of the civic staff not wearing masks on duty.

The complainant also demanded that the staff should pay the penalty of Rs 1,000 for not putting

Surat Municipal Corporation

on the masks, as was being collected from ordinary citizens.

“After receiving the complaint and seeing the video and pictures, the staff have been strictly warned to wear the mask,” an SMC official said.

Mehsana: Two children were suffocated to death after accidentally getting locked in a closet in a house in Bokarwada in North Gujarat’s Mehsana district, police said on Sunday.

Harshil Patel, 10, and Sohan Patel, 9, got locked in the sliding closet while playing on Friday afternoon and died by the time their relatives could find out where they were stuck, a Visnagar taluka police station official said.

“The house where the incident took place is in a remote part of

Two boys accidentally got locked in a closet and suffocated to death in Mehsana district in North Gujarat. They were identified as Harshil, 10, and Sohan, 9.

the village and was empty when the children got in, so their cries of help could not be heard by relatives who were looking for them or other passersby,” he said.

After several hours of search, the children were found dead in the closet in the evening, after which a case of accidental death was registered, he added.

Ahmed Patel takes on Modi Govt on manifesto comparison Dr. Anita New Delhi : Rajya Sabha MP and Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Sunday attacked Bhartiya Janata Party saying that his party’s manifesto is a ‘horse’ and the BJP has tried to compare it with a ‘donkey.’ “I will talk about what BJP’s President said about our manifesto.

It is good that he studied our manifesto and brought out a few points from it to compare with their Bill.

Our manifesto for Lok

Sabha elections 2019 is a horse and they have tried to compare it with a donkey,” Patel said during a discussion on agriculture reform bills in the Upper House.

“They have studied only 2 points out of 22 points we have listed in our manifesto. We have suggested reforms that aimed to help farmers but the current bills do not have anything to protect farmers.

The bills protect corporates only,” he pointed out. Patel alleged

BJP MP Bhupender Yadav speaks during the Monsoon Session of Parliament inside Rajya Sabha, in New Delhi on Sunday. —ANI

Congress MP Ahmed Patel talks to media, in New Delhi, Sunday. —ANI

that the bills brought out by the centre will “destroy the MSP system.” “They do not have money to allocate funds to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to purchase the crops,”

he added.

Earlier, BJP MP Bhupender Yadav attacked the Congress party for opposing the agriculture Bills in Rajya Sabha and asked the party why

the income of hardworking farmers was not increased when Congress was in power. YSRCP MP VV Reddy termed Congress as “a party of middlemen dalals” and said that there is no reason for Congress to oppose agricultural-related Bills.

The statements came during the debate when Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moved two agriculture Bills in the Upper House.

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“Kaun kambakht hai jo bardasht karne ke liye peeta hai… main to peeta hun ki bas saans le sakun...”

IMMORTAL LOVER Devdas has immortalized the lovelorn lover and many a person has been ribbed by his friends ‘Zyada Devdas mat ban’ if caught mooning over a broken relationship. City First dips into the goblets of time to swirl with the persona of Devdas!

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

B

eing isolated during COVID-19 times has it’s positives and I decided to catch up on the saga of Devdas a novella by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, which has spawned at least 4 complete movies in Hindi, many in other languages, numerous theatre performances and umpteen characters in movies, drama and real life!

On the surface, Devdas deserves what he gets and is quite irritating with his love for misery but on a deeper level it brings forth a compassion for this lost soul searching endlessly. I find glimpses of a Shakespearean tragedy in Devdas with his indecisive nature and ego as his fatal flaws. We have a hero who is weak, narcissistic

and wallowing in selfpity pitted against two strong women, both know very clearly what they want and go for it, set in the background of a demanding social ethos coloured by caste,

class and gender issues.

In 1936, K L Saigal attained stardom with his portrayal of Devdas directed by P Barua which had Jamuna Barua as Paro and Rajkumari as Chandramukhi. The lovelorn songs in Saigal’s characteristic voice are still magical.

1955 saw Bimal Roy at the helm with Dilip Kumar as the emotionally tormented, tight lipped, devilishly handsome Devdas and for me, nobody has bettered it, yet.

Suchitra Sen as Paro and Vijyantimala as Chandramukhi were the icing on the cake. Dilip Kumar brought forth a compassion to this difficult role as the tortured lover fighting the world and his inner demons…and the dialogue delivery was simply a treat!

Turn to P10

09

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10

FROM PG 1

DEVDAS

IMMORTAL LOVER C

FA CE OF TH ED AY

ome 2002, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas is definitely a visual treat. The expanse of the sets, dances, costumes leaves one awestruck; as beautifully done as the play of light and darkness by Bimal Roy. Bhansali’s Devdas is inspiring in its song and dance sequences and nobody can beat the master for his eye for finer detail.

Shahrukh Khan, remains King Khan, even as Devdas, Aishwarya brought a tragic beauty to Paro but one can’t really compete with Suchitra Sen’s ‘speaking eyes’. Madhuri brought a definite grace to the role of Chandramukhi but again falls short of Vijyanthimala. In fact, it’s unfair to compare our stars of today with their ‘teachers’ in a manner of speaking! Both the movies are a must watch, definitely.

Anurag Kashyap’s 2009 DevD merits a mention here as the modern adaptation of Devdas.

Raw, cinematographically brilliant, it has amazing performances by Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin. The movie perfectly captures the rougher edges of love, heartbreak and the harsh life of today. I like it as it is the only Devdas which deviates from the ending and has Dev and Chandra in love and happy (sniff sniff…I love happy endings) and also because of the unapologetic Kalki who is accepted as she is and Mahie Gill as Paro who tells a few needed home truths to the spoilt brat that Devdas is.

All in all, the saga continues and I am sure we will see some more adaptations in the years to come.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

Disappearing from someone’s life isn’t easy, you may have to make a tough choice. Some relationships needs more efforts than the others, there is no harm in that as long as you want it to work at any cost. Valid protection remedies must be provided to the house’s elderly.

You are going to be very rich in life but never loose your modest side. Don’t feel sad because of small fights in relationship, it very natural to argue once in a while. Confining your dreams isn’t the option for you just because of uncertainty of the current situation.

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

Your lover could bring her future in today’s conversation so be prepared to answer the questions with utmost honesty.

Family may pressurise you for doing something against your will, don’t do it until you are one hundred percent sure inside thats it is the thing to do.

Once you decide to do something than you don’t listen to anyone. Do not say no because of ego to someone who is lending you a helping hand on academic front. Do not spend unnecessarily to impress others. Not so improving conditions at work should be left on time.

It may seem difficult right now to pay back your creditors but you will make it possible somehow. Don’t be shy when it comes to sharing your desires with your partner. Be clear about what you really want.

Running away from your responsibilities is not good.

SAGITTARIUS You are tired of making excuses and will do what you need to right away. You are tired of fulfilling everyone’s expectations and may feel like taking a break from it all. On professional front, you will surely win some points. Any link with high profile people will give you the privilege.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOV 23 - DEC 22

JANHVI BAMOTRA, Fashion Model

GEMINI

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAR 21 - APR 20

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Don’t over use your muscles in order to get fit and fine because you won’t see the results overnight, it a continues process and these things take time. Passion for art is a prominent part of your personality.

You admire those who have focus and zeal to achieve their goals.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Your family is very important for you and thats why you never leave family matter for tomorrow rather you pay attention and resolver issues then and there. Energy in body is a sign of a good health. Being in drunk state every now and then is not at all good for you and people around you.

SCORPIO

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Despite feeling lethargic today, you will do whatever it takes to attentively study as per your schedule. You will be happily engaged in completing your house hold chores today.

Don’t make any invalid excuses when it comes to your relationship.

Analyse your financial schemes.

You will most likely avoid going for any family function today just because of safety.

Don’t make promises that you cannot fulfil. Try to act a bit mature while having a conversation with your partner. Working together with someone on business front is indicated as per your cards.

You are an asset to your firm and under no circumstances can they afford to loose you so keep calm. On social front, its important to keep in touch with your circle if you don’t want to feel left out. Property related decisions will be taken sooner or later in your favour only.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

If you are a recruiter or work for some planet agency then today you have luck in finding the right candidates. Be wise before you decide to use your savings for something. You will have to dig deep to find the real cause of your lover’s sadness.

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

11

NOT

DATING? T

he Guardian actress Charlize Theron hasn’t been in a relationship in years and she’s opening up to Drew Barrymore about why she’s not looking for one right now. The Oscarwinning actress chatted about her dating life during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, which aired on Thursday.

“It is strange for people to, kind of, wrap their heads around it,” Charlize said. “I’ve been on a few dates, but I haven’t dated anybody

for over five years.”

Drew also said that she has been on a break from dating.

Charlize added, “I feel like I’m in a place in my life where you’ve got to come with a lot of game, not the kind of game that we think of, the kind of game that’s like my life is really good so you better be able to bring that and maybe better because I just won’t accept anything less. And my life with my children and with my incredible adopted family that I have around me I don’t long for that much.”

—Agency

Charlize Theron

DEEPLY

‘IT FEELS LIKE AN OUTING IN ITSELF’

DISAPPOINTED

B

Sanjay Dutt

SANJAY DUTT TO RESUME SHOOTING

A

ctor Sanjay Dutt was recently snapped at the YRF Studios amid his ongoing battle with Lung Cancer. The actor reportedly underwent the first round of Chemotherapy in Mumbai and then jetted off to Dubai to meet his kids with wife Maanayata Dutt. Amid this, he has been an absolute lion heart as he is finishing all his shooting commitments even when he is battling his health condition.

A trade source re-

vealed, “Sanju has finished 85-90 percent of Prithviraj shoot already and he has just 5 to 6 days of shoot left. He has finished maximum portions of principle photography and he will be resuming the Prithviraj shoot immediately post Diwali. He has been a rockstar as he is finishing all his shooting commitments. The makers are planning this shoot basis this time window and will wrap up the entire film immediately.”

—Agency

2

ollywood diva Malaika Arora on Sunday stepped ‘out and about’ from quarantine, and penned a note thanking the doctors, friends, family, and fams for their care, support and good wishes in the difficult times.

“Out and about” ...M finally out of my room after so many days, it feels like an outing in itself,” wrote the actress as she shared an Instagram image featuring herself stepping out of her room. In the image, Malaika is seen sporting a face mask and holding a cup ...her post and striking a candid pose.

She added, “I feel so blessed to have overcome this virus with minimum pain and discomfort. A big thanks to my doctors for their medical guidance, to BMC for making this process hassle-free, to my family for their immeasurable support and to all my friends, neighbours and fans for all their good wishes and the strength that I got from your messages and support. I can’t thank you all enough in words for what everyone has done for me in these difficult times. All of you please stay safe and take care.”

—ANI

020 has been a troubling year for Kanye West as his mental health struggles with the bipolar disorder has led to the Lift Yourself rapper going on Twitter rants, a couple of times.

The most recent one seeing the Grammywinning artist actually peeing on one of his awards. While divorce rumours loom on the sidelines, Kim Kardashian has kept a united front as she knows of her husband’s illness.

According to a recent report, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is “deeply disap-

pointed and sad” because West is struggling and it has been a vicious cycle which Kim has had success at interrupting successfully for months at a time.

Moreover, Kardashian isn’t surprised over the fact that Kanye hasn’t been abiding to terms of his care plan. Reportedly, the couple has had a discussion about his meltdown while attributing his “downward spiral” partly to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “Being isolated and alone essentially in his head isn’t healthy for Kanye,” an insider shared.

—Agency

Malaika Arora

COVID-19 & ALZHEIMER’S DISORDER

tion.

Unable to convey symptoms of Coronavirus.

Dr Manaswi Gautam

A

lzheimer disorder is most common type of dementia (memory loss). It is progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. To create awareness, 21 September is recognised as ‘World Alzheimer’s day’. Patient with Alzheimer disorder are at high risk for COVID-19.

Reasons Cognitive impairment and short term memory loss lead to difficulty in understanding, appreciating and remembering the safety rules.

Unable to understanding the need of and maintaining physical distancing.

Unable to follow the advice of covering one’s

nose and mouth while coughing and hand hygiene, hand washing, use of mask etc.

Poor self care leads to decrease in immunity.

Behavioural and psychological symptoms like agitation, aggressiveness, suspiciousness or wandering behaviour lead to problem in maintaining isola-

Tips for care of people with dementia Maintain balance between social distance and social isolation.

There should be “Physical distancing” and not emotional distancing.

Continuous news about pandemic and Coronavirus infection may lead to panic and confusion, so encourage them to watch another entertainment channel.

To foster emotional help and support, encourage them to talk with their loved ones may be friends, family, grandchildren over video conferencing.

Avoid going out or meeting too many people.

Supervise their hand and respiratory hygiene.

Remind them again and again about necessity of hand washing with soap for appropriate time (20 seconds).

Proper Nutrition, mild exercise and sleep hygiene to be improved/ taken care to improve immunity.

If there are signs of panic, depression, Agitation or suicidal ideations they need urgent attention from a mental health professional.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

WINNING GLORIES OF

JODHPUR NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

F

ashion, beauty and glamour is something that is never-ending in the state of Rajasthan. During the final auditions of one of the biggest beauty pageants of Rajasthan, Elite Miss Rajasthan 2020 in Jodhpur on Sunday, the Blue City glimmered with a daze of fashion and glamour at Radisson Jodhpur, where the participants showcased their talent.

There were around 150 participants during the auditions, with utmost precautions. The judging panel of the auditions consisted of Director of Elite Miss Rajasthan Jodhpur Kunal Sharma and Raman Kumbhaj, Supermodel Nupur Jhankal,

12

walk, self-presentation, communication skills and many other talents.

In an exclusive interview with City First, Gaurav Gaur, Founder of Elite Miss Rajasthan stated, “Considering the COVID pandemic, all the regulations and the guidelines by the government were followed during the auditions. Separate batches were allotted to the participants and only 35 of them were allowed in the room at once.” He added, “The location had a biosecure bubble protection in its 50m radius and the area was sanitized every hour. Masks were won by everyone at all times, and were removed only when on the stage.”

Isha Agarwal, Sumitra Godara, Gaurav Gaur, Tanu Chaudhary and Archana Lodha

Laveena Dhaiyya, Swati Jangid, State Director of Elite Miss Rajasthan 2020 Yasheel Pandel, Jugal Jakhad from Radisson Jodhpur, and Elite Miss Rajasthan 2019’s winner Deepali Naruka.

Archana Lodha, Isha Agarw-

al, Sumitra Godara and Tanu Chaudhary made it through the Jodhpur auditions, and are not eligible to be a part of the main auditions in Jaipur, once the current situation is a bit under control. They were graded on their confidence, attitude, cat-

SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

CITY FIRST

I Kailash Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of Government of India, celebrated his birthday on Sunday. He is a member of parliament from Barmer.

Col. BS Mann, Commanding Officer, South Western Command CounterIntelligence Unit, celebrated his birthday on Sunday. We wish him all the best!

Lokesh Sharma, OSD to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, celebrated his birthday with simplicity on 20 September, Sunday with his family.

CM blessed him on the occasion as greetings poured in from Congress workers, friends and well-wishers.

n Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, following all the rules related to Corona, complex operations and treatments are being done continuously.

The team of the Heart Disease Department set a record in the medical field of Rajasthan by performing a state-of-the-art hybrid operation of a 6-month-old girl by inserting a device into the heart through an open heart surgery wire. In this successful treatment, the team of cardiac surgeons Dr Sanjay Gandhi, Dr Ajay Verma, Dr Partha Vaghela, Dr Kapil Bhargava, Dr Ramesh Patel, Dr Danny Mangala-

Team at GMCH, Udaipur

ni, Dr Shalabh Agarwal, and in the team of Interventional Cardiologists Cardiac anaesthetists Dr Ankur Gandhi, Dr Kalpesh Mistry, Dr Vipin Sisodia, Dr Archana Dewata-

ra, Dr Vidhu Chaudhary, Dr Renuka Gupta and O.T. Staff, Cathlab Staff, ICU Staff contributed very well so that the patient get a life again. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

DURING THE DAY! RAJASTHAN: A virtual live session was organised by Rajat Book Corner where Anupam Kher talked about his autobiography ‘Lessons Life Taught Me Annoyingly’ on Sunday. During this, Mohit Batra from Rajat Book Corner got to know about some memorable moments of his life from Kher as well as discussed his special attachment to books.

In order to promote peace amongst nations and people, the International Day of Peace will be celebrated by Heartfulness Institute in partnership with United Nations Information Centre, Global Citizens India, and many more, with two virtual events- ‘Celebrate Peace’ and ‘Create Peace’ today.

RAJASTHAN: On the birthday of late Pandit Rammohan Shastri, his daughter and Founder of Shakti Film Production, Ambalika Shastri organised a plant distribution program under the aegis of Shakti Film Production and Help India Online, keeping in mind the social distance at the Ritzi School in Vaishali Nagar on Sunday.

RAJASTHAN: Delhi Public School, Jaipur organised the first-ever Virtual Investiture Ceremony on Saturday. The Investiture Ceremony is a solemn occasion wherein the newly elected members of students’ council pledged to work earnestly and uphold the honour and glory of the institution. The oath was administered by the principal, Rita P. Taneja.

GUJARAT: Devotees were seen performing puja, maintaining all precautions, inside the 400-year-old ancient temple of Lord Purshottam as ‘Adhik Month’ is going on in Ahmedabad city on Sunday.

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

HAPPY B’DAY! IAS Ravi Shankar Srivastava (from left), IAS Sanwar Mal Verma and IPS Harsh Vardhan Agarwalla celebrated their birthdays on 20 September, Sunday.

We wish them all the best!

RAJASTHAN: On the eve of the World Peace Day, members of the Sukhmani Seva Society Bani Park, rendered Sukhmani Sahib path and prayed that peace descends on the world.

GUJARAT: People were seen standing in a specially drawn circle to maintain social distancing, to get medicine at the Urban Health Center in Ahmedabad on Sunday.