First India-Ahmedabad Edition-22 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

20°C - 37°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

6,15,880 1,49,70,372 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 12,276 DEATHS 3,27,031 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 3,690 DEATHS 1,25,096 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 237

INDIA

28,770 11,92,405 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 2,626 DEATHS 1,80,643 CASES

GUJARAT

2,201 DEATHS

KARNATAKA 1,469 DEATHS 71,069 CASES

Corona ‘cancels’ Amarnath Yatra VIRTUAL DARSHAN WILL BE TELECAST LIVE DURING MORNING & EVENING PRAYERS

Srinagar: The annual Amarnnath yatra has been cancelled due to the continuous rise in Covid 19 cases across Jammu and Kashmir. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board on Tuesday said the virtual darshan of one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages devoted to lord Shiva will continue to be telecast live during the morning and evening prayers, which will continue at the shrine, located at a height of 13,000 feet from the sea level.

“Based upon the prevailing circumstances, the Board decided with heavy heart that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020,” an official spokesman of the board said.

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‘Those betraying party won’t be able to face public’

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50,465

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 577 DEATHS 31,373 CASES

IPL 2020 SHIFTS FROM INDIA TO UAE

New Delhi: The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played in the UAE, the IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed on Tuesday.

The IPL 2020 edition was slated to commence from March 29 this year but the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. “IPL 2020 which was postponed due to coronavirus will now be held in UAE,” Patel told ANI. He also said that the Board of Cricket in Control for India (BCCI) has applied for government permission and further course of action will be discussed in IPL governing council meeting.

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A MORAL VICTORY! CLAIMS PILOT CAMP AFTER HC BREATHER

Defer disqualification notices till July 24, HC to Speaker

CM Ashok Gehlot addressing the MLAs during CLP meeting at Hotel Fairmont on Tuesday.

Jaipur: Lashing out again at dissident Congress leader Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here on Tuesday said those betraying the party will not be able to face the public.

Gehlot also reiterated that a conspiracy to topple his government was being hatched but said he was confident that they will complete their tenure.

“This is intolerable and condemnable.

Those betraying the party will not be able to show their faces in pub-

lic,” Gehlot said addressing a Congress Legislature Party meeting at a hotel here.

According to a statement issued by Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi, Gehlot said efforts are being made to weaken democracy in the country but Congress legislators are fighting firmly to save it.

The fight will continue till the victory of truth, he claimed, adding that his government is strong and stable and will continue to serve people of the state for five years.

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Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday requested Assembly Speaker CP Joshi to defer action on disqualification notices till Friday as it will pass appropriate orders on the writ petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 dissident legislators on that day, the Speaker’s counsel said.

The Pilot camp is reportedly elated after the Joshi decided to keep his decision on the removal of rebel leaders from the Assembly, safe till July 24. The camp is thus considering it as their moral victory as they have received relief till Friday.

The also court allowed the application of two other parties to be included as respondents as heard them on Tuesday.

“It will become clear on July 24 whether Turn on P6

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Kartikey Dev Singh

BRIBE ALLEGATION

PILOT SERVES LEGAL NOTICE TO MLA MALINGA First India Bureau

Jaipur: Former deputy CM and PCC chief Sachin Pilot has served a legal notice to MLA Giriraj Malinga for false and malicious statement made by him to the press on Monday. It may be recalled that Congress MLA from Bari, Malinga, had alleged on Monday that rebel leader Sachin Pilot had offered him Rs 35 crore to switch to the BJP but he had refused to comply. After this, Pilot had said in a statement on Monday that an attempt was being made to defame him and he would take strict legal action against the MLA. Accordingly, a legal notice has been sent to Girraj Singh Malinga on behalf of Sachin Pilot on Tuesday.

CP Joshi in Assembly; Avinash Pande & Randeep Surjewala arrive at the Vidhan Sabha in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Will not act against rebels till verdict: CP First India Bureau Jaipur: The action by Assembly speaker Dr CP Joshi in pursuance of the notices served to Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs is still under consideration.

Joshi, after the HC hearing on Tuesday, keeping with the judicial dignity decided to defer

any action on the notices served till the evening of July 24. He took the decision keeping in view the request made by HC in the matter. This is the second time in the last four days that Joshi has acted to uphold the dignity of two constitutional bodies.

Joshi reached his office at the Vidhan Sabha at 5 pm on Turn on P6

Rajiv assasin Nalini attempts suicide in Vellore prison Vellore: Nalini Sriharan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, allegedly attempted to commit suicide inside the Vellore Women’s prison on Monday night, her lawyer said on Tuesday.

“Yesterday night, we received information that Nalini attempted to commit suicide in prison. Immediately, we enquired from police officials and prison officials. They said that the information is correct,” Advocate P Pugalenthi told ANI. Pugalenthi alleged torture by jail officials and urged the authorities and Tamil Nadu chief minister to transfer Nalini to another prison anticipating a threat to her life.

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BIG CHANGE

CR Patil takes over as state president, appeals to workers for unity Thanks party for putting faith in “last bencher” like him and promoting him to the dais Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: As Chandrakant Raghunath Patil took charge as the 13th president of the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday, he thanked party nation-

al leaders for giving a “last bencher” like him the responsibility of leading the party to new heights.

Since the party was founded in 1980, the state unit has seen five Patidar leaders, three OBC ones, one Jain

DY CM’S COMMENT SAYS A LOT A seemingly off-the-cuff remark from Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel raised eyebrows on Tuesday. Patel said, “CR Patel and I both only wear white clothes, and that too only half-sleeved shirts. We are both short as well. There is a lot of similarity between us. Jitu Vghani is taller than me and height was a problem but he always put me ahead.” Observers say the comment was meant to highlight the differences between the two and was not necessarily meant as a compliment to the new state chief.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP state unit president CR Patil at the latter’s investiture ceremony on Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

and one Rajput in the driver’s seat. All of these were Gujarati in ethnicity. The appoint-

ment of Patil, a Marathi, marks a turning point in the BJP’s Gujarat unit.

While taking charge, Patil said, “I used to always sit on the last bench during party meetings. From there, the party has put a lot of trust in me and promoted me to the dais.

We will all have to work together to take the party to new heights.”

He also said that there are 197 ways to throw out a government but that those same Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

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NO ROOM FOR Shivanand Jha, DGP

Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: Almost exactly 33 years after the state first stepped in to quell unrest among the rank and file of the Gujarat Police, there’s trouble in the air again.

Just three days after state police personnel launched an online campaign demanding better pay, the group on social-media platform Telegram saw 33,000 police jawans sign up.

However, by midnight on the night between Monday and

KHAKI DISSENT

Tuesday, the group had been deleted.

And, on Tuesday, Director-General of Police Shivanand Jha used a press conference to warn police jawans that joining any such group again would risk inviting stern action.

The speed of the repercussions implies that the state is not willing to risk a repeat of 1988 when the police in Gujarat—led by their union leaders—went on strike on the eve of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

With all unions and associations banned after this incident, and any further attempts to unionize stamped out with suspensions and transfers, July 1988 marked the first and last instance of rebellion from the state’s police. Until now.

Jha and other top officials do not want to risk stirring up any trouble nor will they look kindly on anyone who might stir up trouble. This is precisely why he stated: “There are some antisocial ele-

ments in the state that are trying to instigate innocent police personnel. The state is keeping a close watch on all social media platforms and the activity thereon. All those playing direct and indirect roles in raising the issue are under close watch as well.” He also spelled out the action that would be taken against any offenders. “Cases may be lodged against such persons under the Police (Incitement to Disaffection) Act 1922.

Plus, with the ongoing

COVID-19 crisis, cases can also be registered under the Epidemic Diseases Act, and the Disaster Management Act.” He also said that any police personnel found instigating their colleagues on social media will face a departmental inquiry and action.

“You represent a disciplined force. You are not working with any other department,” Jha reminded members of the police force, adding, “Being in the force,

you lose all your other rights, even your right to demand.” He also warned them against criticizing the state government on social media and endorsing voices raised by non-government organizations and reminded them to refrain from using mobile phones and social media while on duty.

It is important to note that Jha repeatedly said in his briefing that phones and social media are closely monitored.

FAILED ATTEMPT TO UNIONIZE IN 2006

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Fearing revolt, DGP Shivanand Jha warns constables against joining any social media campaigns BACK IN 1988…

On July 24, 1988, paramilitary forces swooped in and took possession of 34 police armouries. They also picked up Ashok Bhatt--the coordinator of the four existing police unions--and other leaders who had issued a set of 20 demands to the state government. A threeday police strike followed but collapsed when 54 leaders were dismissed. The state received a setback when the Judicial Magistrate First Class released Ashok Bhatt observing that charges were not sustainable. The net day, however, he was arrested under the National Security Act.

3 HELD FOR INSTIGATING LRD ASPIRANTS DGP Shivanand Jha told the media on Tuesday that three persons have been detained in connection with the agitation by LRD aspirants. These are Kamlesh Solanki, Bhojabhai Bharwad, and Hasmukh Saxena. From information gleaned via technical inputs and social-media monitoring, these accused were involved in torching industrial units, instigating aspiring candidates to agitate and disrupting water supply ahead of the planned agitation. A criminal complaint has been lodged against them with the Sector 07 police station.

After winning a legal battle and permission from the High Court to form a union, Naresh Brahmbhatt and 4,000 others had in 2006 attempted to form a Gujarat State Police Head Constable and ASI (Assistant Sub Inspector) Union. Brahmbhatt was elected as president of the union but was soon suspended and later transferred from Ahmedabad to Kutch. In 2010, he wrote to the state home department requesting that he be released from duty.

—FILE PHOTO

NEW DAY

Gujarat among top three states in doctor deaths due to nCov Gargi Raval

The mood at Shree Kamalam was celebratory as Chandrakant Raghunath Patil took over from Jitu Vaghani as the 13th president of the Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday. Also in attendance: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy CM Nitin Patel, and other party leaders and workers, and Patil’s family and well-wishers.

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

Ahmedabad: The novel coronavirus pandemic has affected a health crisis on people across the state.

But, standing directly in the line of fire are health workers and doctors, who have been treating COVID-19 patients. There have been a worrying number of deaths among doctors in various districts. On May 23, Dr Aditya Upadhyay, an orthopaedic surgeon died due to Sars-CoV-2, which could be the first doctor death in Gujarat.

In the last week of June, Pankaj Yadav, 50, a doctor at the Amreli District Hospital died of COVID-19, two weeks after his mother succumbed to the virus.

Yadav's demise was the first death of a doctor, who had been treating infected patients. Ever since then, over 11 doctors have succumbed to the deadly virus, according to a paper written by Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, President of the Indian Medical Association (Cochin).

In his paper, Dr Jayadevan has mentioned that the state was among the top three in terms of doctor deaths with a total tally of 11 until July.

The paper also underlines the fact that violent deaths among young healthcare workers amid the pandemic require special attention.

“The most commonly reported source of contracting the COVID-19

A paper by the president of IMA, Cochin calls for ‘special attention’ to the situation

WORRYING NUMBERS A total of 108 COVID-19 deaths were reported among doctors in India till July 13.

The average age range of doctors was between 22-96 years. Of the 108, nine among the deceased were women. Of the total deaths, around 108 doctors, three doctors died in road accidents, and one committed suicide.

infection was the workplace. Some of the general practitioners reportedly saw over a hundred patients in their clinics every day, often in congested settings.

There was insufficient information about the use of PPEs,” mentioned the paper.

It further stated that the first reported death among doctors in the

SENIOR DANGER Of the 104 non-violent deaths, 55.5% were below 60 years of age, while 29.6% and 21% were below the ages of 50 and 40 years, respectively. The average age at the time of death was 56.3 (range 22-96).

country occurred on 9 April, when a 62-yearold general practitioner from Indore lost the battle to COVID-19. In Gujarat, a 50-year-old doctor got infected after taking care of his infected mother at home. Both mother and son succumbed to the infection.

Also, there were anecdotal reports of surgeons about acquiring

infection from patients during surgery.

The paper remarked that the majority of doctors who died due to the virus were general practitioners. “The majority of the deceased (57%) were general practitioners and physicians, while 27% of deaths occurred among various surgi-

cal specialities,” stated the paper.

Shailesh Champaneria, a 42-year-old general physician from Surendranagar, who possibly contracted the virus while treating patients. His infection even created a controversy that he was a super-spreader and that he had infected five of his patients. When his health worsened, he was taken to Rajkot and then shifted to Ahmedabad for treatment, where he breathed his last on July 1. “After he was diagnosed, he was taken to Rajkot for treatment and later shifted to Ahmedabad after his condition deteriorated,” said a staff member from his hospital.

Another doctor, a paediatrician from Bharuch, Dr Mayank Pittalia, died of COVID-19 in the first week of June. He contracted the virus while treating patients at his own hospital in Surendranagar.

GUJARAT

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AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

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1K+ in 1 day pushes state case tally past 50K-mark

Sanitation worker died of nCov: B’nagar admin

Death toll crosses 2,200 as 34 patients succumb to novel coronavirus across Gujarat Haresh Jhala Gandhinagar: In a new record, Gujarat registered 1,026 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday—its highest since March 19, when the first two cases were recorded in Rajkot and Surat. The development, which came a day after First India noted that the state had averaged almost 1,000 cases every day for the past 10 days, took the state’s total tally to 50,465 cases. Thirty-four patients died due to the novel coronavirus, bringing the death toll up to 2,201.

Again, Surat topped the list of 32 districts and eight municipal corporation areas from where the new cases emerged. With the city registering 225 new cases and rural areas registering 73, Surat accounted for 298 of the new cases: almost 30% of the state’s total on

NOTORIETY

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau A COVID-19 testing test has been set up at the entry points to Ahmedabad. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Tuesday. Twenty-one patients died in Surat, of which 14 were from the city and seven from rural areas.

Ahmedabad witnessed 199 new cases, Vadodara had 75, Rajkot, 58, Dahod had 39 new cases, Bhavnagar, 38, Banaskantha, 25, Surendranagar, 21, and Patan witnessed 20 new cases on Tuesday.

In the past 24 hours, the state has tested

13,693 samples. It now has 11,861 active cases, with 82 patients on ventilator support. In Vadodara, 548 samples were tested, of which 75 came back positive.

There are 629 active cases there, of which 131 are on oxygen support and 37 on Bipap machines.

An increasing number of merchant associations from different parts of the state have

been volunteering to go into lockdown or are limiting their working hours. Now, the Gir Somnath Merchant Association has decided to close operations at 2 pm. Nadiad town has decided to go into complete lockdown for a week. In Dahod, a former president of the nagarpalika died during treatment for COVID-19 a private hospital.

In surat city alone,

AMC admits city still waiting for 40% of its CCTV cameras

Surat mkt to open for 4 hrs

First India Bureau

Surat: Shut voluntarily due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Varachha diamond market in Surat will now operate for four hours a day.

Traders, who had decided to shut down after the densely populated area emerged as a hotspot, have now reversed their decision. The market will operate from 2 pm to 6 pm to allow traders to settle payments and rough-polished transactions.

Twelve people associated with the diamond market have died due to COVID-19 in the past 20 days.

Ahmedabad: In reference to its claim of Ahmedabad being ranked one of the top cities in the Smart City list of India, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) admitted that 40% of the city’s CCTV cameras, which were supposed to be installed under the Smart City Mission, only existed on paper.

In its response to a Right to Information (RTI) petition filed by Jamalpur councillor Shahnawaz Shaikh, the local civic body owned up to the sparseness of CCTV camera coverage in the city. Shaikh, in his petition, had asked about the number of CCTV cameras installed across the city to be mentioned with specific locations.

As per the reply to the petition, over 3,064 CCTV cameras have been installed at the AMC building and other offices.

But, only 335 CCTV cameras have found their

—FILE PHOTO

Only 335 CCTV cameras are used to monitor traffic in Ahmedabad.

PAY FOR NO WORK

way to city roads in order to monitor traffic movement. And, around 1,196 cameras are placed on the Bus Rapid Transit System route.

The AMC confessed that it was yet to connect 1,339 cameras, and also that 1,206 cameras will be installed only after

their locations will be decided on by the civic body. Notably, over Rs31.56 crore has been paid to a private contractor for the installation of the cameras.

“It seems that the smart city development is limited to documents, much like most of the development claims by the BJP. In 2015, the civic body had awarded a tender to a private company to install more than 6,000 cameras across traffic junctions for surveillance. Now, it has admitted that around 1,339 CCTV cameras have never been connected and 1,206 cameras have never been installed,” Shaikh stated.

around 90 nurses have been identified as being infected with the SarsCoV-2 virus. Some 50 police personnel have also been infected.

As on Tuesday, Ahmedabad has so far recorded 24,767 positive cases, Surat 10,276, Vadodara 3,740 and Rajkot 1,096. Bhavnagar looks set to touch the 1,000mark or cross it on Wednesday, with a tally that it already at 993.

Ahmedabad/Bhavnagar: A decrease in the number of COVID-19 deaths across the state has been seen over the last two weeks. But, this sudden drop in numbers has raised questions about the overall death toll. A recent issue in Bhavnagar has shed light on possible ‘management’ of data.

Vinod Kalivda, a sanitation worker employed with the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) was admitted to a

hospital after getting infected by novel coronavirus. But, when Kalivda succumbed to the virus, his family members were told that he died of a lung infection.

Kalivda’s family resisted the claim that he died of a lung infection.

“My father had been admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19. All members of my family are under quarantine so, why did the hospital inform us that he died of a lung infection and not SarsCoV-2?” questioned Deepak Kalivda, son of

HAR HAR MAHADEV !

the deceased.

Congress councillor Jitu Solanki came to the family’s rescue and put the family’s concern before the local administration. “The patient did not suffer from any other co-morbid diseases. I put his family’s case in front of the administration and they finally admitted that Kalivda had no other disease and had died due to novel coronavirus. The commissioner also agreed to give compensation, as per government guidelines, to his family,” he said.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau

Priests perform a puja of Lord Shiva on the first day of the Hindu holy month of Shravan in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Notice to 83 for mosquito breeding grounds Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: The arrival of the monsoon season brings with it diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya, the vectors of which are borne by mosquitoes. A health team from the Rajkot Municipal Corpora-

tion (RMC) identified more than 83 mosquito breeding grounds in a two-day operation in the city.

The team conducted checks at over 152 premises including government offices, construction sites, schools, colleges, religious places as well as commercial

complexes and residential societies. The local civic body reported breeding grounds of mosquitoes at 83 places, of which, the majority premises that were served notices and issued administration charges to the tune of Rs44,950, were government offices.

A few government offices where the RMC served notices included BSNL near Maldhar Society, RTO Office near the marketing yard, a few shops inside the marketing yard, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Saurashtra Cancer Care and Research Centre on Uni-

versity Road, PGVCL office on Kanak Road, Rajkot Collectorate, Government Polytechnic on Bhavnagar road, GETCO government office near Raiya Dhar, GETCO substation near Khodiyar Nagar, District Panchayat Office, AG Office and the Raiya Telephone Exchange.

TIMELY ACTION

ICG seizes 28 packets of charas worth `42 lakh off Jakhau port More than 1,300 packets of the drug have been recovered along the Western coast since May 

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: A team of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized 28 packets of charas (cannabis resin) near Kadiyar Island close to the Jakhau port near the Gulf of Kutch. The confiscation of drugs on the Western coast comes

on the heels of other seizure operations off the Gulf of Kutch in recent times.

According to a press statement by the ICG, a landing party recovered over 28 packets of charas scattered at different places on Kadiyari Beyt (island). Each packet weighed one kilogram and the total value

of the consignment stands at Rs 42 lakh. The ICG in coordination with other government agencies has recovered more than 1,300 packets of charas from the coastline adjacent to Koteshwar toward Mandvi since May 2020.

Since May until June 25, state police and other security agencies have worked in tandem and recovered 850 packets of charas with a total market value of nearly Rs13 crore from the coast.

The team from the Indian Coast Guard and the recovered drugs.

A source stated that it was not surprising to find packets filled with narcotics along the coast. But, it was the first time that such a high quantity of charas had been swept up to the sea coast. This has left all agencies as well as the state government puzzled.

Out of 850 packets, the Kutch West district police recovered 450 packets while the remaining packets were retrieved by the Indian

Coast Guard, Indian Navy and the Border Security Force.

On July 4, the ICG had recovered around 24 packets of charas with a market value of Rs36 lakh from Kadiyari Beyt. It may be possible that the ICG and the Navy have increased patrolling on the coast which resulted into the recovery of the drugs. The state has asked the Anti-Terrorist Squad to investigate the incident.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

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POLITICS OF DEFECTION IS A GAME OF THRONES

IN-DEPTH

FIGHTING COVID-19 ON A WING AND A PRAYER

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midst galloping Covid-19 cases comes the grim news that 60 percent of the Indian population in nine big states is at high risk of catching the virus.

Many districts in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat “were found to have high vulnerability” because of widespread poverty, lack of health facilities, hygiene, and social distancing, says a study in The Lancet. The study is based on an assessment of the ability of these districts to handle coronavirus cases. The highest number of these districts, eight, is located in Bihar, six in Uttar Pradesh and four in Madhya Pradesh. Compared to these states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim are least vulnerable.

Rajib Acharya, the lead author, has identified poor health infrastructure as a big challenge in the containment of the pandemic. With 80 percent of the confirmed cases in the country asymptomatic, the population is vulnerable to community transmission, the study says. The government insists that the country is not yet in the stage of community spread. Health experts and scientists disagree. As the number of Covid-19 cases stands at over 12 lakh experts feel that denying community spread is unbelievable.

With menacing dark clouds of Covid-19 hovering over the country, the recovery rate is the only silver lining in India’s pandemic story. The rapidly increasing cases still remain a major concern for the government, though. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat continue to be worrisome. With a ramshackle health infrastructure, we are fighting the pandemic on a wing and a prayer.

SHUBHRANSHU SINGH The writer is a corporate professional, marketing leader, columnist and a social and political commentator. He writes on brand building, marketing, history, politics, technology and business

LIVING WITH THE FLOODS IN ASSAM

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ssam and floods are intertwined. According to the National Commission on Floods, 39.58 percent of the state’s total area of 78.52 lakh hectares in a floodprone area. Its vast network of rivers make it more vulnerable to annual and occasionally some flash floods.

Not long ago Assam had faced the fury of cyclone Amphan. Now, 28 of Assam’s 33 districts are reeling under the deluge, the state’s worst since 1988. With the Central Water Commission forecasting that the Brahmaputra was expected to rise 32 cm by Tuesday. The Met department has also predicted more rain predicted. Any further rise in the water level is only going to add to the misery of the people who have lost their homes and hearths to the raging waters. An estimated 35 lakh people have been affected due to the submergence of large areas. The death toll in floods and landslides has risen to 102. Over one lakh people are in 689 relief camps where the Army is carrying out large-scale relief operations.

Equally sad is the story of wild animals in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve where scores of animals, including ten Rhinos, have perished, remains inundated. For the Kaziranga Park, being a riverine ecosystem, floods are a necessary evil. Kaziranga’s water bodies get their refill from the deluge and the forest too gets rejuvenated.

The politics of defection is a game of thrones.

The Indian constitution doesn’t even recognize political parties.

Yet, we have one of the most stringent anti – defection laws in force whereas it is interesting that none of the democracies in the West legally bar defections

n 1948, in one of the last moves he made before his assassination, Mahatma Gandhi proposed the dissolution of the Congress as a political party and recommended its transformation into a social service organisation –the Lok Seva Sangh which would be devoted to the task of social regeneration and economic uplift through voluntary rural programmes. He wanted Congressmen to leave electoral politics, government and administration. Those interested in political power could leave the Lok Seva Sangh and join political parties or form them.

Gandhi Ji wrote in his diary of May 21, 1947 (quoted

by H.V.Kamath in Parliament on May 7, 1962: Lok Sabha Debates, Third Series, Vol II, cc 2931-32) as follows: “The Congress has gained the trust of the people on account of its many sacrifices and penances. But, if at this moment it were to let the people down by becoming their overlord instead of their servant and arrogate to

itself a position of master, I venture to prophecy on the strength of my experience of long years that though I may be alive or not, a revolution will sweep over the country and that the people will pick out the white-capped ones individually and finish them and that a third power will stand to gain by this” The Congress not only stayed on in politics for the pursuit of power, but it also defined

The politics of defection is a game of thrones. The Indian constitution doesn’t even recognize political parties. Yet, we have one of the most stringent anti-defection laws in force whereas it is interesting that none of the democracies in the West legally bar defections.

Defection amounts to the transfer of loyalty. However, it is pertinent to note that the words defection and dissent

DEFECTION AMOUNTS TO TRANSFER OF LOYALTY. HOWEVER, IT IS PERTINENT TO NOTE THAT THE WORDS DEFECTION AND DISSENT HAVE DISTINCT MEANINGS AND ONE MAY NOT USE THEM SYNONYMOUSLY

it. Amongst other things, its modus operandi included brilliant management of power arithmetic through defections ever since the watershed election of 1967. If today its political opponents are beating it at the same game, the Congress cannot complain since its name is indelibly associated with the institutionalising of this practice. The phrase “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” is the stuff of legend.

have distinct meanings and one may not use them synonymously.

Political ‘Bossing’ can only survive with the support of vested interests and ‘status quo-ists’. The larger issue is not caste or group factionalism, polarisation or the lure of office. The underlying basic issue is the lack of ideological commitment.

The economist J.K. Galbraith

A COVID-19 bridge over troubled water?

T

he COVID-19 pandemic is likely to transform our behaviors, attitudes, and policies in many areas.

For the sake of overcoming the public-health crisis and enabling economic recovery, one must hope that water and wastewater management will be among them.

Delivering clean water and ensuring proper wastewater management has been a global concern since the late 1970s. Significant progress toward this objective was made during the 1980s, which the United Nations declared the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade.

But the ultimate goal – to ensure that every human on the planet had access to clean water and sanitation by 1990 – was not achieved.

The world tried again in

04

2000, with the less ambitious Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the share of the population without sustainable access to clean water and sanitation by 2015.

This time, the UN declared victory, but included anyone with access to water at all – clean or not.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the UN’s members in 2015, were supposed to pick up where the MDGs left off. Again, the target is clean water and proper sanitation for all. The deadline this time is 2030. But, as in the past, the barriers to success are formidable.

When the SDGs were introduced, the UN estimated that 785 million people worldwide lacked access to “even a basic drinking water service.” The true number is probably far larger.

According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, some 2.2 billion people do not have safely managed drinking water services, and 4.2 billion do not have safely managed sanitation services.

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases – such as cholera, diar-

rhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio – that affect hundreds of millions of people every year. Making matters worse, nearly 25% of health-care facilities worldwide lack even basic water services.

Not surprisingly, such incidents have eroded trust in water utilities. Today, at least 3.5 billion people

worldwide – in both developed and developing countries – lack confidence in the quality of the water they receive. In South Asia, with over 1.7 billion people, there is not a single town or city where people trust their water utilities. Those who can often rely on bottled water or point-of-use water-treatment systems.

The COVID-19 crisis could be a turning point.

Yes, universal access to clean water and sanitation has been on the world’s radar since the late 1970s. But the current pandemic has made it a universal interest. While frequent hand washing is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the UNICEF/WHO estimate implies that three billion people worldwide lack the facilities to do so. And with the pandemic underscoring the link between clean water and public health, the bar for what qualifies as “clean” has been raised.

The COVID-19 crisis is also changing how people think about wastewater – a resource that has been grossly undervalued in the past.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

once wrote, “Faced with a choice between changing one’s mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy with the proof.”

Moreover, truth and accuracy are not the only things that matter to the human mind. Humans also seem to have a deep desire to belong. This is true both for those who leave a formation and those who stay on.

The Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker has explained how the need for affiliation affects beliefs, “People are embraced or condemned according to their beliefs, so one function of the mind may be to hold beliefs that bring the belief-holder the greatest number of allies, protectors, or disciples, rather than beliefs that are most likely to be true.” Changing beliefs to feel secure in belongingness is understandable. False beliefs can be useful in a social sense, the facts be damned!

In a representative democracy, the primary loyalty of a representative is to the electorate. The very idea of incorporating provisions to enable defections implies recognition of such a thing as free will and action. However, principled defections, as acts of conscience, are as rare as the sightings of the Yeti. Power is almost always seen to be the sought after prize. It is seen by the electorate as an immoral, opportunistic breach of faith. It negates the electoral outcome. The Constitution’s 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 and the 91st Amendment Act, 2003 - often referred to as the Anti-Defection Laws(s) - recognized that managing floor arithmetic is intrinsic to democracy.

But, the anti-defection pesticide has failed to prevent the rot.

It has merely changed the rules and increased the stakes. The continuing contempt for the electorate shows us that the numbers game in representative institutions is only for grabbing and holding on to power.

The politics of defection subverts the soul of constitutionalism. Yet, it is a reality.

As a democracy, we must deal with the virus and not leave it to the constitutional doctors to attend only to the patients.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp In the last few months, we have established protocols and practices with significant success to fight against the Covid_19 pandemic. We must continue to follow all recommendations by experts, ensure social distancing, wear masks, wash our hands to contain the spread of infection.

Mallikarjun Kharge @kharge If Govt & @JPNadda ji showed the same zeal & aggression fighting #Corona & the Chinese, we would not have lost our land nor would we have been world #3 in #CoronaCrisis. Lack of achievements by your Govt pushes you to be frivolous like this.

Spiritual SPEAK

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

—Proverbs 19:11

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Priyanka Gandhi slams UP govt over attack on scribe

Give up ‘confrontation’, work for people: Guv ‘Bengal won’t be ruled by outsiders’

The journalist was shot at by some assailants on Monday night in Ghaziabad Ghaziabad: Slamming Uttar Pradesh Government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the State, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday specifically mentioned about the incident wherein a journalist in Ghaziabad was shot at for complaining to the police about his niece being harassed.

Taking to Twitter, Priyanka wrote, “Ghaziabad is in NCR. If such is the condition of law and order here, then you can guess the condition of law and order in the entire Uttar Pradesh. A journalist was shot because he had complained to the police about his niece being harassed. How will any common man feel safe in this jungle raj?”

The incident occurred last night, days after Vikram Joshi, a journalist had filed a complaint with Vijay Nagar Police Station stating that some men were harassing his niece. The miscreants

RaGa’s scathing attack at Centre

Priyanka Gandhi

opened fire at Joshi near his residence yesterday.

Joshi has suffered a bullet injury on his head and is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Joshi’s brother, Aniket Joshi said, “A few men were harassing his niece a few days ago and my brother had opposed it and also filed a police complaint.”

According to the police, a total of nine people have been arrested in connection with the case. Efforts to nab an-

other accused is underway.

Station in-charge has been suspended and a departmental inquiry has also been initiated after the family of journalist was attacked in Ghaziabad in an alleged inaction by police.

Six police teams have been deployed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghaziabad to probe the incident.

“One of the main accused Ravi said that he was made to attack Vikram Joshi,” said police. —ANI

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched yet another scathing attack on the Central Government over its “achievements” in the past few months amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader wrote (roughly translated from Hindi), “Achievements of the Government during the Corona period: February-Namaste Trump, Marchbrought down the government in Madhya Pradesh, April-made people light candles, May-sixth anniversary of the government, June-virtual rally in Bihar, July-attempt to topple the government in Rajasthan. That is why the country is ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in the battle of COVID-19.”

Gold smuggling case: NIA custody of Swapna Suresh, Sandeep Nair extended till July 24 Kochi: The NIA custody of two key accused in the sensational Kerala gold smuggling case was extended till July 24 by a Special Court here on Tuesday, even as prime accused Swapna Suresh moved a plea seeking bail claiming innocence.

Suresh and another accused Sandeep Nair were brought to the special National Investigation Agency court

Swapna-Suresh

here as the eight-day custody period granted to the NIA ended today.

Considering the agency’’s plea seeking ex-

Sandeep Nair

tension of their custody, the court extended it till Friday. In her plea, she alleged that she was implicated in

top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying over 6 per cent, followed by Maruti, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Kotak Bank, Axis Bank, and Reliance Industries. On the other hand, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and Sun Pharma were among the laggards. According to traders, domestic market participants tracked the global stocks rally as hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine increased their risk appetite.

SUSHANT REPORTEDLY HAD BIPOLAR DISORDER: DOCTOR Mumbai: Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death has left the entire country in mourning.

While the Mumbai Police have stated that the actor died by suicide and ruled out any possibility of foul play, they have been interrogating people connected to him to determine what let him to take such a drastic step. The police

recently spoke to three psychiatrists related to the actor’s case. Sushant had allegedly consulted all three doctors for a brief period of time. Now, one of the doctors has claimed that the late actor suffered from bipolar disorder. All three doctors have said that he was under major mental pressure but did not reveal the cause of his stress.

On Sunday he had alleged that “BJP has institutionalised lies” and stated that the party is fudging data on coronavirus and related deaths, Gross Domestic Product figures and the recent standoff with China. Earlier on July 17, he had issued a warning that by August 10, more than 20,00,000 people may be infected in the country. He called on the government to take concrete steps to control the pandemic.

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday urged CM Mamata Banerjee to give up confrontation and work together for the people of the state by following Constitution and rule of law.

“Urge @MamataOfficial to give up Confrontation against Governor & Central Government.

We can serve suffering people only by following Constitution and Rule of Law,” Dhankhar tweeted. Further stressing that both he and the state govt must work together to reduce hardships that the public is facing, he added, “Let us mitigate untold hardships public is facing.

Ever ready for working in harmony for the sake of suffering people.”

Dhankhar and the state government have been at loggerheads with each other since his taking over as West Bengal Governor. —ANI

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday took on the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, saying it had deprived Bengal in every possible way.

The TMC chief also launched her party’s election campaign for the 2021 Assembly elections.

“They are playing dirty game of politics.

The BJP is trying to break Bengal. The Centre has not given anything to us. The BJP is purchasing MLAs in different states to topple governments,” Banerjee said addressing a virtual meeting on the occasion of July 21 Martyrs’ Day celebration.

She said the BJP thought they could rule all the states, but that won’t be possible in Bengal. “They are maligning our government. The Centre has insulted us by not giving anything even after the devastating Cyclone

Mamata Banerjee

Amphan. But they will not be able to capture Bengal,” Banerjee said.

She asked party members to take a pledge to defeat the BJP in the Assembly polls, scheduled next year. “I urge everyone to gear up for the next’s Assembly polls so that we can again assemble here on July 21 next year and celebrate our electoral victory. We will defeat them in such a way that all BJP candidates will lose their poll deposits,” she said, pointing out that a wounded tigress was even more ferocious. —IANS

PARADISE ON EARTH

the crime on a wild imagination without any basis and the case was the offshoot of the political rivalry between the state and central governments, She claimed that there was no prima facie evidence to attract an offence under Sections 15, 16 and 17 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the case being investigated by the NIA.

Inquire into illegal Sensex rallies 511 pts; Nifty tops 11,150 sand mining: Digvijaya Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex rallied 511 points on Tuesday, tracking gains in index majors Reliance Industries, HDFC and ICICI Bank amid a firm trend in global markets.

After hitting a high of 37,990.55 during the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex settled 511.34 points, or 1.37 per cent, higher at 37,930.33. Similarly, the NSE Nifty rose 140.05 points, or 1.27 per cent, to end at 11,162.25.

PowerGrid was the

Rahul Gandhi

05

Bhopal: Congress lead- in Bhopal city. Please er Digvijaya Singh on take a secret report Tuesday urged RSS from your volunteers chief Mohan Bhagwat on the subject of conto inquire about Mad- duct and corruption of BJP Chief Minister hya Pradesh Chief and Ministers.

Minister Shivraj Also, inquire Singh Chouabout Shivraj han’s family Ji’s family members being members inallegedly involved in illegal volved in “illegal sand mining”.

Digvijaya Singh sand mining.”

He further Taking to Twitter, Singh wrote, urged Bhagwat to in“Sangh’s Sarsangh- quire about “buying” chalak Mohan Bhag- of MLAs in Madhya wat Ji, warm welcome Pradesh. —ANI

BAJAJ TO STEP DOWN AS CHAIRMAN OF BAJAJ FINANCE New Delhi: Rahul Bajaj will step down as Non-Executive Chairman of Bajaj Finance on July 31, 2020.

Sanjiv Bajaj, currently the Vice Chairman of Bajaj Finance, will assume the position of Non-Executive Chairman with effect from August 1, the company said in a statement. "The Board of Directors, at its meeting held today, has approved the appointment of Shri Sanjiv Bajaj, currently the Vice Chairman of the company, as Non-Executive Chairman of the company with effect from l August 2020, in place ofShri Rahul Bajaj," Bajaj Finance said.

Locals row their boats through a lotus garden during rainy weather, at Dal Lake in Srinagar, Tuesday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

DRDO’s ‘Bharat’ drones for Indian Army New Delhi: Amid the ongoing boundary dispute between India and China, DRDO has provided its indigenouslydeveloped drone named Bharat to the Indian Army for carrying out accurate surveillance in high altitude areas and mountainous terrain along the Line of

Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.”The Indian Army requires drones for accurate surveillance in the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Ladakh area. For this requirement, the DRDO has provided the Bharat drones to it,” defence sources told ANI here.

The Bharat drones

OLD MAP OF J&K CHANGED IN NCERT CLASS 12 TEXTBOOK New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has replaced the old map of Jammu and Kashmir in Class 12 political science textbook from this year. An NCERT official told ANI, "Nothing new, only the old map of Jammu and Kashmir has been replaced with a new map by NCERT in

Class 12 political science textbook." Last year on August 5, the Government of India revoked the special status granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir through an amendment in Parliament and also scrapped Article 35 A, and the state was bifurcated into two union territories--J&K, Ladakh.

have been developed by a Chandigarh-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The Bharat series of the drones can be listed among “World’s most agile and lightest Surveillance drone. Indigenously developed by

the DRDO.” DRDO sources said the “small yet powerful drone works autonomously at any location with great accuracy.

The unibody biomimetic design with advance release technology is a lethal combination for surveillance missions”.

‘MY IMPRESSION WAS NOT TO HURT ANY COMMUNITY’ New Delhi: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday issued a clarification over his statement on Sardars and Haryanvi Jats saying, he had mentioned the views of "some people" about these two communities. "In an event organised at Agartala Press Club, I had mentioned the views of some people about my Punjabi and Jat brothers. My impression was not to hurt any community. I am proud of both Punjabi and Jat communities. I myself have lived among them for a long time," he tweeted.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

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11,55,191cases in India, 28,084 deaths Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with 3, 18, 695 cases New Delhi: With a spike of 37,148 cases and 587 deaths reported in India in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 11,55,191, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of cases include 4,02,529 active cases, 7,24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28,084 deaths, the officials from the Health Ministry informed while sahring the available data on the same.

Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with 3,18,695 cases and 12,030 deaths.

The second worst-hit state, Tamil Nadu has reported 1,75,678 COVID-19 cases so far while Delhi has reported 1,23,747 cases, according to the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, as per the information provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 1,43,81,303 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to July 20. Of these 3,33,395 were tested on Monday, the officials added. —ANI

People walk past in the backdrop of a mural encouraging use of face mask in Mumbai. —PHOTO BY PTI

New Delhi:Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched yet another attack on Centre over its ‘achievements’ in past few months.

“Achievements of the Government during Corona period: February-Namaste Trump, March-brought down the government in MP, April-made people light candles, May-sixth anniversary of the govt, June-virtual rally in Bihar, July-attempt to topple the government in Rajasthan. That is why the country is ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in the battle of COVID-19,” Gandhi tweeted. —ANI

Rajnath Singh pays last respects to Lal Ji Tandon in Lucknow.

Narendra Modi @narendramodi Shri Lalji Tandon will be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society. He played a key role in strengthening BJP in UP. He made a mark as an effective administrator. Anguished by his passing away

New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 recovery rate is increasing day by day and today it is 62.72 per cent, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

“There are currently 4,02,529 active cases in India and 7,24,577 people have recovered. The recovery rate in India is increasing. Today it is 62.72 per cent.” “The case facility rate in India is 2.43 per cent. A

sage “babuji nahi rahe (my father has passed away)”.

The body was taken to Gulala Ghat Chowk at 4 pm, where the last rites were performed, Ashutosh informed.

Amit Shah @AmitShah I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Lalji Tandon, the senior BJP leader. Tandon’s entire life was devoted to public service, he played a very important role in the expansion of the organization in UP

New Delhi: In a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his regular tweets attacking the Centre, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said “Rahul Gandhi is tweeting on a daily basis. It seems the Congress will become a party of tweets as they are doing no work among the people and losing one leader after another. A frustrated & depressed party is trying to launch all sorts of attacks on the government,” he told reporters. “People are standing with Modi. Congress has become helpless,” he said. —PTI

very important role in this is that of doctors and paramedical staff.

AIIMS also has an important role. Case intensity rate is below the national average in many states,” Bhushan said during a press conference.

Earlier in the day, Bhushan said that number of COVID-19 deaths per million population in India continues to be among the lowest in the world. —ANI

Niti Ayog talks on vaccine’s availability

RaGa takes dig at Centre, ‘Cong losing leaders, will lists its ‘achievements’ become party of tweets’

MP Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85

Lucknow: Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85. His son, Ashutosh Tandon, announced his death on Twitter with the mes-

India’s recovery rate at 62.72 pc: Health Ministry

Prakash Javadekar @PrakashJavdekar

@RahulGandhi note your achievements in the last 6 months - February: Shaheen Bagh and Riots; March: Losing Jyotiraditya and MP April: Instigating migrant labourers

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday, said that it has started discussions on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to all those who need it, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog confirmed.

On being asked about multiple vaccines that are being developed across the world and India’s strategy on choosing those vaccines, Dr Paul said.

—ANI

PM to address India Ideas Summit today

Meghalaya floods: Amit Shah assures all possible help to Govt

New Delhi: PM Modi will on Wednesday deliver the keynote address at the India Ideas Summit, an event which will see discussions on India-US cooperation & their relationship in a post-pandemic world.

The virtual summit is being hosted by US-India Business Council. —PTI

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the loss of lives due to floods in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya and assured all possible help to the state government.

“Loss of lives due to the floods in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya is very disturbing. I have spoken to Chief Minister Sangma Conrad and assured him all possible

WHO WILL BE NEW SECRETARY GENERAL OF RAJYA SABHA ?

Who will succeed Desh Deepak Verma as Secretary General of Rajya Sabha ? Names of half a dozen retired bureaucrats are already doing the rounds. A couple of them have already met the Vice- President Venkaiah Naidu.

VARSHA JOSHI APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Varsha Joshi has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. She is a 1995 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

ANUPAM MISHRA APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Anupam Mishra has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. He is a 1995 batch IES officer.

Rakesh Mittal appointed Joint Secretary, Defence

Rakesh Mittal has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Defence. He is a 1995 batch IDES officer.

PALLAVI AGARWAL APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Pallavi Agarwal has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development. She is a 1991 batch IRS-IT officer.

APARNA SHARMA APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, FERTILIZERS

Aparna S Sharma has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Fertilizers. She is a CSS officer.

AMIT MEHTA APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, HEAVY INDUSTRY

Amit Mehta has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry. He is a 1987 batch IOFS officer.

PARAMA SEN APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, INVESTMENT & PUBLIC ASSET

Parama Sen has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Investment & Public Asset Management. She is a 1994 batch IA &AS officer.

Sudhir Kumar has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

He is a 1999 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

AMUDHA APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, PMO

P Amudha has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office. She is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. help from the Centre,” Shah said. “Nation stands resolutely with

the people of Meghalaya in these trying times,” he added. —ANI

Yes Bank case: Bail plea of Rana Kapoor rejected

was no reason to keep keep him in jail. Also, most of the evidence were documentary in nature & cannot be tampered by the accused, they added.

—PTI

POWER Gallery

SUDHIR KUMAR APPOINTED ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, CVC

IN THE COURTYARD Mumbai: A PMLA court rejected the bail plea of Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor, arrested by Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged multicrore fraud at the bank.

Kapoor had sought bail on merits of the case. His lawyers submitted that probe was completed, hence there

06

SC asks Centre to file affidavit on funds for children’s shelter homes New Delhi: The SC on Tuesday, directed the Centre to file a detailed affidavit on funds being provided by the government for children’s shelter homes across the country amid the covid-19 pandemic.

Justice L Nageshwara Rao, who was heading three-judge bench, directed advocate Gaurav Agarwal, the amicus curia in the case, to file an affidavit compiling all the “good practices” being followed by states and suggestions on improving the management of shelter homes.

—ANI

Randeep Surjewala and Congress Chief whip Mahesh Joshi too met the Speaker.

never attempted to take such steps. This is not believable. I think the jail officials had tortured her.”

“We are going to take action to seek the transfer of Nalini from Vellore prison. Because of this incident, I believe her safety is at stake. I request the jail authorities and the chief minister to transfer her to Chennai Puzhal prison,” he said.

Nalini and six other people were sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. In May 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of

NIDHI PANDEY APPOINTED COMMISSIONER KENDRIYA VIDYAYALA SANGATHAN

Nidhi Pandey has been appointed as Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. She is a 1991 batch IIS officer.

VINAYAK GARG APPOINTED COMMISSIONER, NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA SAMITI

Vinayak Garg has been appointed as Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. He is a 1995 batch IRSEE officer.

NITISHWAR KUMAR APPOINTED MEMBER SECRETARY NCTE

Nitishwar Kumar has been appointed as Member Secretary, National Council For Teacher Education.

He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of UP cadre.

With arrangements from : http://whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 Corona ‘cancels’...

“The Board is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the live telecast/ virtual darshan of the morning and evening Aarti,” the spokesman added.

The decision was taken at the 39th board meeting of SASB, attended by the lieutenant governor Girish Chandra Murmu as its chairman and other board members.

—Agencies IPL 2020...

“In IPL GC will discuss the further course of

action,” said Patel.

Earlier on Monday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The T20 World Cup was slated to be played in October-November in Australia this year.

—ANI

‘Those betraying...

The truth will prevail and the state government will emerge victorious in all circumstances, he said.

The state government is fighting with coronavirus crisis and at the same time, a lead-

er who was a state Congress president and a few other MLAs in collusion with the BJP were hatching a conspiracy to topple it, he alleged without taking the name of Pilot or any other party leader.

The CM also said those playing hide-andseek can never be with the truth. Gehlot also thanked the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal legislator for supporting the Congress. —With ANI Inputs

A moral... the court pronounces the final order or interim order,” the counsel said.

Earlier, counsels had

told reporters that the order has been reserved.

The notices to MLAs were served after the party complained to the Speaker that the legislators had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings, on Monday and Tuesday last week.

Will not...

Tuesday and held discussions with officers of Vidhan Sabha secretariat on various legal aspects of HC order.

The lawyers representing petitioners, AICC General Secretary and Rajasthan Incharge Avinash Pande, Congress spokesperson

Rajiv assasin...

“Officials said that a convict had given an oral complaint against Nalini. At 8:30 pm, the jailer went to Nalini’s cell and enquired about the complaint. During the inquiry, a quarrel took place between the jailer and Nalini. She got upset and attempted to commit suicide,” Pugalenthi said.

“This is the view of the authorities. However, we don’t believe this.

She has served the last 30 years in prison and

Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The attack also left 14 other people dead.

CR Patil... strategies can be used to run the government successfully.

This has been taken as an indirect hint to state leaders to not underestimate his knowledge or organizational skills.

While not particularly known for his oratory skills, Patil did point out on Tuesday that he had learnt discipline

from the police form, possibly indicating that he expects others to stay within the party line.

Addressing both party leaders and workers, and boosting their confidence, he reiterated, “We will stand in unity to strengthen our party and will ensure that the Congress does not recover from its current position in the near future.

In his address to the new party chief, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, “There is no existence of the Congress,” adding, “The party’s wings will grow under Patil’s leadership.”

The monsoon season brings a message to let the cleansing water take away the dust of your woes and stress, learn from the rains and rejoice!

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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LEGAL WHIP

HC Advocates Association President Yatin Oza pays heavily for his angry outburst against the judiciary and court administration

HC strips Bar assn chief of ‘Senior Advocate’ status Shishir Awasthi

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday stripped State Bar association president Yatin Oza of his designation of Senior Advocate, a month after it initiated contempt proceedings against him over his remarks against judges in a Facebook Live video.

The Full Court meeting held on July 18 decided to review and recall the decision taken on October 25, 1999, to designate Oza as a Senior Advocate.

The Court has cited relevant rules stating that if a lawyer is found guilty of conduct that “disentitles the Senior Advocate concerned to be worthy of the designation, the Full Court may review its decision and recall the same.”

In response, Oza asserted that, “I will fight it out in the Court”.

I will fight it (the decision of the HC) in the Court.

—Yatin Oza, President, Gujarat High Court Advocates Association

Moving criminal contempt proceedings against him, the High Court took strong exception to such “irresponsible, sensational and intemperate” remarks and observed that Oza had, with “frivolous grounds and unverified facts”, targeted the HC Registry and had questioned the very credibility of the High Court administration.

A bench comprising Justice Sonia Gokani

3 cops hurt in mob attack in Tapi dist First India Bureau Vyara: Three policemen, including a subinspector, were on Tuesday injured in a mob attack in the tribal dominated Nizar taluka in Tapi district.

The mob was infuriated after a woman died for being allegedly denied treatment by a private doctor in a village.

Twenty-one people were booked for attempt to murder. The injured were referred to a hospital for treatment.

A mob went violent after a woman died after not receiving treatment by a private doctor Jayesh Patil. Infuriated by this, the locals attacked Dr Patil’s hospital and ransacked

08

furniture. He called the police for help.

Sub-Inspector Rajsang Loh alleged that when he and his team tried to cool off tempers, Mukesh Padvi, who was leading the mob, instigated the people to see that the police did not return alive. The cops were attacked with sticks and other weapons in an allegedly murderous assault, he said.

The mob dispersed after more police force arrived.

Bar urges HC to allow city courts to open First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Bar Association has urged the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court to open city Civil Courts for physical hearing. In a letter, the Association has with the closure of City Civil Court and other courts for the last four months most lawyers are facing severe financial crisis.

It stated that, “Those lawyers whose sons and daughters are studying in schools and colleges have to pay the fees for their education.

They have to pay their staff. The crisis is unbearable.”

The Association has suggested that initially each Judge may hear just 5 matters a day and 30 minutes be allotted per matter.

‘Why no murder charge for custodial death?’

Vadodara policemen in the dock for custodial death.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday pulled up the Vadodara Police and sought its explanation for not invoking charges of murder in a custodial death case where the cops had quietly disposed off the body at an undisclosed location.

The Fatehganj Police had picked up 69-yearold Babu Shaikh, a native of Telangana, in a theft case in December 2019. After this, he went missing till Shaikh’s son moved a habeas corpus petition in the High Court where the police conceded that he died in custody and his body was disposed off at an undisclosed location.

The petitioner’s advocate submitted that it is a clear case of murder but still the police had invoked sections for culpable homicide. The court concurred with the petitioner since the FIR states that the body was disposed off and even the motive is not clear. The court then asked the Vadodara Police to give an explanation as to why a murder charge was not invoked against police officers, under whose custody the person died.

Later, the Vadodara Police lodged a case against Fatehganj Police Inspector DB Gohil, sub-inspector DM Rabari and four other police personnel for custodial death.

and Justice NV Anjaria observed that, “The Bar President has by his scandalous expressions and indiscriminate as well as baseless utterances attempted to cause serious damage to the prestige and majesty of the High Court, and thereby of independent judiciary, as also attempted to lower the image of entire Administration.”

Though Oza had approached the Supreme

Court against the contempt notice, the latter asked him to agitate the matter in the High Court itself.

As the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association President, Oza had earlier protested against the transfer of Justice Akil Kureshi to Bombay High Court by terming it “unwarranted, uncalled for and unjust”. The Association had also ap-

Plasma donors’ kin to get free med check-up

Miraculous recovery from Cops nab fake doc nCov and burns together practising for 2 yrs

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Gujarat has taken the lead to promote plasma donations by extending free medical check-up benefit to the kin of plasma donors.

To promote plasma donations for plasma therapy, Ahmedabadbased SVP hospital has come up with an attractive offer for donors.

The SVP will provide full body checkup worth Rs 6,000 for free to four family members of the plasma donor. This offer can be availed one time in a year. Dr Janak Khamojia of SVP said as part of the trial, more than 25 Covid-19 patients are being given plasma therapy at SVP hospital.

Ahmedabad: In a rare case, a 23-year-old woman Covid-19 patient with 71 per cent burns has fully recovered, after enduring a painful struggle of two months during which she underwent two surgeries and multiple blood transfusions. The woman was discharged on Tuesday.

The Ahmedabadbased SVP Hospital, which treated the 23-year-old mother of an eight-month-old child, claimed that it was the first such case in the world to recover from extensive burn injuries as well as Covid-19, both life-threatening conditions. She had

Rajkot: The Special Operation Group of Rajkot police arrested one Badri Suryavanshi, 32, on Monday evening for practicing as a bogus doctor.

Suryavanshi, a resident of 17, Vinayak Street of Mavdi area ran a dispensary, named Om clinic on Gulabnagar Street number 2. He possesses a B.Sc. degree. Finding the medical profession lucrative, he started practicing as a doctor. The board outside his clinic read: Dr. Ajay Suryavanshi, general practitioner. He examined thousands of patients for over two years.

When the police raided his clinic, he was

proached the apex court against the Centre’s delay to act on the SC Collegium’s recommendation to elevate Justice Kureshi as the Chief Juwstice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

He had resigned as the Bar chief following differences among the office-bearers about reopening of the courts but withdrew it on requests by several members.

SVP Hospital achieved a major feat by saving a burn injury and Covid-19 victim.

suffered the burns while cooking at her home on May 9.

“As per our knowledge, this is the first-ofits-kind patient in the world who has successfully fought two problems simultaneously Covid and Burns. We could not find any such case in literature on-

line,” the hospital said in a statement.

She was admitted to SVP hospital on May 11 after she tested positive for coronavirus. “She underwent two surgeries, 35 dressing changes, 14 blood transfusions and 40 albumin transfusions,” it said.

Badri Suryavanshi

found with a stethoscope around his neck.

When asked to produce his medical certificate, he could not and later confessed his crime.

The police found allopathy medicines, injections, glucose bottles and other instruments, worth an estimated Rs 8,303. Suryavanshi has been booked under Section 419 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 30 of the Medical Act, police said.

NUMBERSPEAK!

REVERSE GEAR: VEHICLE SALES NOSEDIVE BY 48.95% Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations reports 90.48% fall in sales of three-wheelers

l

First India Bureau Ahmedabad : Even as the middle classes were already reeling under the economic slowdown since last year, the Covid-19 crisis has only worsened matters. A sure indicator of this is the slide in the number of all classes of vehicles, through mid-2019 till June 2020.

According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Gujarat witnessed 49.9% slide in registration of new two-wheelers, 90.48% in three-wheelers, 75.96% commercial vehicles, 26.28% passenger vehicles and 31.7% fall in registration of new tractors, in June 2020 as against June 2019. Over-

all slide in new vehicle registrations was 48.95 per cent in June 2020 .

The Association’s report states that the nationwide situation is almost similar, except in Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka.

In a reflection of the fact that many migrant workers have gone home hoping to return to agriculture following good rains, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have shown an

Gujarat has witnessed a major slide in new vehicle registrations.

increase in registration of new tractors in June 2020. Tripura and Mizoram have witnessed an increase in registration of threewheelers in June 2020 compared to the same month last year.

The FADA’s Monthly Vehicle Registration Data for June 20 stated that 1.26 lakh new private four-wheelers were registered nationwide in June 2020. The report calls it a “de-growth” of -28.34% as compared to June 2019 when the number was 2.05 lakh

registrations. But the Federation notes that this is still a leap from May 2020 when only 30, 749 vehicles were registered. However, in a statement, FADA said although June registrations were better than May they were still not indicative of the actual demand since the lockdown continued in some parts. As a result, even the supply side is far from operating to its full potential. It anticipates the situation to look up if no further lockdown is imposed.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD, WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2020

FEELING

BLUE? THE COLOUR BLUE NEVER FAILS TO GIVE A SOOTHING FEELING AND WE TELL YOU WHY THAT HAPPENS!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

B

eing the colour of faith, spirituality, loyalty, peace, calm, trust, confidence and security among various other feelings, Blue is the colour that loved by almost everyone.

After black, blue is the colour that is favoured by the majority across the globe, as it gives them a sense of satisfaction.

According to the colour psychology, the colour blue is considered to be a nonthreatening colour and attracts the feeling of serenity. If you notice, most of the business logo has the colour blue in it- this is to project a sense of security to the customers. In fact, people tend to be more productive if they are working in a blue room.

Being one of the most popular colour out of the lot, this colour is comparatively less appetizing. If you notice, most of the nutritionist would suggest you to eat off a blue plate- so you tend to eat lesser than usual.

This colour also helps in calming the body, lowering the pulse rate and bringing the body temperature back to normal. Can you imagine the text ‘Cool’ being written in any other colour than blue? We can’t either!

There are a few facts about the colour Blue that you might not know:

The phrase ‘Feeling Blue’ means to feel sad or unhappy Blue is the best-selling colour is women’s sweaters because they think men like it Weight-lifters are able to lift heavier weights in blue gyms The blue colour symbolizes heavenly grace Blue birds can’t see the colour blue 8% of the world’ population have blue eyes Blue is the least common colour in the food we eat The colour blue encourages problem solving Blue was once seen as a low-class colour Sick children prefer to be taken care of by people wearing blue.

09

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AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

10

Ramcharitmanas

MAHENDRA K. PARAKH (RAS) Member, Revenue Board Ajmer

R

amcharitmanas considered as one of the greatest works of Hindi literature is an epic poem, composed by the bhakti poet Goswami Tulsidas during 1631-1633 in the Awadhi language. The word Ramcharitmanas means “Lake of the deeds of Lord Ram “.

Goswami Tulsidas was a great scholar of Sanskrit.

However, he wanted the story of Lord Ram to be accessible to the general public. At that time few people could understand Sanskrit. To make the story of Rama as accessible to the layman as to the scholar, Tulsidas chose to write in Awadhi which was the language of general parlance in large parts of north India at the time. It is said that Tulsidas had to face a lot of criticism from the San-

skrit scholars of Varanasi for being a bhasha (vernacular) poet. However, Tulsidas remained steadfast in his resolve to simplify the knowledge contained in the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Puranas to the common people. Subsequently, his work was accepted by all.

The core of the work is considered by some to be a poetic retelling of the events of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana by Valmiki.

The Valmiki Ramayana is centred on the narrative of Rama, the scion of the family tree of king Raghu of the Sun Dynasty. Rama was the crown prince of Ayodhya and is considered in Hindu tradition as the seventh Avatar of Vishnu.

The work has variously been acclaimed as “the living sum of Indian culture”, “the tallest tree in the magic garden of medieval Indian poetry”, “the greatest book of all devotional literature” and “the best and most trustworthy guide to the popular living faith of the Indian people”.

Ramcharitmanas consists of seven K nds (literally “books” or “episodes). Tulsidas compared the seven K nds of the epic to seven steps leading into the holy waters of Lake Manasarovar “which purifies the body and the soul at once.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

These are Bal Kand (Childhood Episode) 361 Dohas Ayodhya Kand (Ayodhya Episode), 326 Dohas Aranya Kand (Forest Episode), 46 Dohas Kiskindha Kand (Kishkindha Episode), 30 Dohas Sundar Kand (Pleasant Episode), 60 Dohas Lanka Kand (Lanka Episode), 121 Dohas and Uttar Kand (Later Episode). 130 Dohas The whole work was completed in 2 years 7 months and 26 days. It is primarily composed in the Chaupai (four-line quatrains ), separated by the Doha (two-line couplets), with occasional Soratha and various Chhands. Ramcharitmanas comprises about 10000 lines, narrating 84 acts (prasangs).

Ramcharitmanas, made available the story of Rama to the common man to sing, meditate and perform on.

The writing of Ramcharitmanas also heralded a significant cultural tradition of Ramlila, the dramatic enactment of the text. Ramcharitmanas is considered by many as a work belonging to the Saguna school of the Bhakti movement in Hindi literature.

INVOCATIONS AT BEGINNING OF EACH EPISODE

Every chapter of the Ramcharitmanas begins with an invocation or Mangal chara. It is customary of the Indian tradition of writing that the author begins a new book with an invocation to the Gods to ensure that the Sankalpa is finished unhindered. The

first three or four verses of each K nd are typically in the form of invocations in Sanskrit.

The seventh and final chapter of Ramacharitamanas talks of events occurring after the battle of Lanka. Major events are the end of Rama’s exile and his return to Ayodhya, the crowning of Ram as king of Ayodhya and the description of his exemplary governance (Ramarajya). This is followed by details of the departure of the incarnation of Lord Rama, the dialogue between Garuda and Kakbhushundi wherein Tulsidas narrated the All Manas Rog, their causes and the way to overcome these. At the end of every Chapter or Kand, in the closing invocation, the poet has emphasized the significance of devotion to Lord Ram as a way to Liberation in this Kaliyug.

Ramayan serial has been and is still a craze throughout Bharat. I have been a regular spectator of Serial Ramayan by Ramanand Sagar since my college days.

The epic Ramayan has had a deep impact on my mind.

Last year after visiting the Mahakumbh, I visited Varanasi and Ayodhya. Every particle of the city Ayodhya seems to be reverberating with Lord Ram. I bought a copy of Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya and was trying to read it in Avadhi since then.

It was my birthday on 25th March when first Lockdown began as a measure to contain Pandemic Corona.

On this day, I took a resolve

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

A dwelling is all that you have on your mind as you want to have one desperately to prove that you have grown and that you are stable now. You may also buy something expensive for your house.

Newlyweds may feel disappointed due to current circumstances.

Magic exists in the universe if you are willing to open eyes and see it , it all depends on the way you look at things. You will save a lot on tax because of your investments in the past. On professional front you may have to take a tough decision about someone’s career.

You are loved by your family selflessly and unconditionally. You have everything that many can only dream of. Life is tough sometimes but that should not affect us. You are desperate to eat something nice but your determination on health front won’t let you.

Absconding from responsibilities without intimating anyone is not an act of brave. You have a bank balance and it will be put to some good use today. You will have to closely monitor the project that you are working on as there is no scope of any mistakes.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Terminate someone from their job at this time won’t be the right decision, considering karma in mind.

You will have to gather strength to face you inner weaknesses and turn them into your strengths. Its never too late to begin again if things got spoiled in any kind of relationship.

Captivating persona will get you many offer for marriage but choose wisely as it is a matter of whole life. You love to talk about universe and its hidden secrets. Some of you may also be interested in astrophysics or astrology. Good returns are on the cards from the stocks.

Gracious saying no for something that you don’t believe in, is the best style you have got. Relaxing and sipping a coffee of coffee while watching television is all you wish to do today. You may get the chance to talk to someone with who are trying to connect for a long time.

You are God’s sent child and you are purely very nice person. Sometimes you get influenced by those around you even if your heart is saying otherwise. Control your thoughts and -direct your energy in one direction. Don’t get involved in short term relationships.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Prejudice against people from different background, different places or different kind is not something you must pursue. Respect people as they are. Embrace them as they are, then see the word will be a beautiful place for you. You may have to make a strict choice when it comes to career.

Adoring those you need it and how you are so special. You hug people if you feel they are lonely or going through something, you prove to the world everyday that goo people also exists. You are getting better with your methods are working just fine in office.

Sedulous and dedicating attitude towards your professional will take you someday to next level. You should not do things just to please some people, do whats makes you really happy. require a lot of attention and immediate action. Lover will give you a million dollar advice about goals.

Sentimentality should be controlled in certain matter as sometime you have to take decisions using your brain rather than your heart. You like to surround yourself with likeminded people. You are not someone who ever gets fascinated by someone’s wealth, you make true friends.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

to read Ramcharitmanas in Masparayan Form. Masparayan is the easiest way to read Ramcharitmanas.

In it, the Epic is split into 30 Chapters and one can complete it in one month. I completed my first reading at the end of the first lockdown in 21 days. When Lockdown was extended, I decided to record Ramcharitmanas in Masparayan form so that I keep myself connected to it regularly. In the beginning, it seemed to be a big task but then I got so engrossed with it, that it was on my mind all the time. Most of the time, the sound, ‘Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ could be heard in my house during this period.

It took me 5 to 6 hours every day to record, edit and prepare episodes for about 3 months. I enjoyed doing it and now I can say that this poetic Epic is undoubtedly a great work in Hindi Literature. The Chaupais in Ramcharitmanas is written by Goswami Tulsidas with full devotion to Lord Ram. It explains in Uttarakhand why Bhakti is the only way to reach Liberation in Kaliyug. The teachings in this Epic are so significant for the society. It depicts and narrates the ideals of a son, a brother, husband, wife and above all a Ruler. Even today we imagine and revere Ramrajya where everyone led a joyful and happy life.

All the 30 Episodes of Ramcharitmanas recorded are available on the Youtube channel “ smile Always MK”.

ETC

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AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

11

Precious Little

Morning

Moments T

MOOD

he song ‘Khulke Jeene Ka’ starring late actor Sushant Singh Rajput and co-star Sanjana Sanghi has attracted many fans since its release on Sunday. Adding more for her fans, Sanghi on Tuesday has shared some “priceless moments” while filming the video song.

The 23-year-old star shared on Instagram multiple pictures and videos that showed the co-stars of the movie ‘Dil Bechara’ along with other crew members enjoying their time in Paris in between the song shoot. The post also had selfies of Sanghi with the ‘Kai Po Che’ actor. In the captions, she mentioned that these pictures and videos as “some of the most priceless moments” she will “cherish for a lifetime”.

“Some of the most precious little moments that I will cherish for a lifetime from a dreamy few days of filming in Paris while creating #KhulKeJeeneKa for you all,” the caption read.

—ANI

...her post

C

hanneling her ‘Tuesday morning mood’, actor Bhumi Pednekar treated her fans with a picture in traditional attire.

“Namaste,” the ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ actor simply captioned the picture on Instagram. In the capture, the ‘Bala’ star is seen clad in a color-coordinated saree, as she channels her traditional avatar.

Bhumi looks gorgeous and is all smiles while she strikes a pose standing in between the stairs. The snap captures her sporting pastel-shaded saree, as her luscious locks fell on her pretty face.

Of late, the ‘Sonchiriya’ star has been updating fans of her activities by posting pictures and videos on the photo-sharing platform.

Earlier, Bhumi shared her artwork where she is seen in the avatar of the famous ‘Game Of Thrones’ character Daenerys and admitted that she is a huge fan of the show and quoted its dialogue.

—ANI

Sanjana Sanghi

‘PASS NAHI TOH FAIL NAHI’

T

Bhumi Pednekar

he newly released song from the upcoming biographical drama ‘Shakuntala Devi’, ‘Pass Nahi Toh Fail Nahi’ starring actor Vidya Balan will show you the fun side of learning mathematics.

The chirpy fun song, which released on Tuesday, is crooned by singer Sunidhi Chauhan, and the music is done by the musical duo, Sachin-Jigar. The official music video, which is shot in a classroom, sees Balan in the character of the real-life genius Shakuntala Devi. She is known as ‘human-computer’ and ‘mental calculator’ for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations on her fingertips.

The ‘Tumhari Sullu’ actor took to Instagram to share the link to the official music video, and wrote, “Kya mere best friend Maths se dosti karne ke liye taiyyar ho?! #PassNahiTohFailNahi song out NOW! Meet #ShakuntalaDeviOnPrime 31 July, on @PrimeVideoIn.” —ANI

BLACKMAIL TO DROP OUT

K

anye West left everyone worried when he broke down at his first rally for the presidential campaign. The rapper, who announced his decision to run for the US President’s post, was in tears when he spoke at the Exquis Event Centre in North Charleston, South Carolina a few days ago. The musician confessed he and his

then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian considered not having their first child, North. “I almost killed my daughter! I almost killed my daughter!” an emotional Kanye screamed. The act raised eyebrows, leaving fans concerned about his wellbeing.

Now, reports claims Kim wants Kanye to drop out of the Presidential race otherwise “she may drop him!” Kim lost her cool when Kanye brought

North into the picture. Apparently, Kanye told Kim that she should be aware of the “game” by now. But Kim was embarrassed by the incident for she had “built up the image of being so devoted to her children.”

Apparently, the couple has been going through a rocky phase lately. The family has also been concerned. —Agency

Vidya Balan

A

Reunited and how?

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Lindsay Lohan

fter much anticipation, ‘The Parent Trap’ cast finally reunited for the first time since filming the 1998 movie. Even though the reunion was planned in an effort to raise funds for World Central Kitchen, it came on the anniversary of the childhood-favourite movie’s 22nd anniversary. The virtual reunion was attended by director Nancy Meyers, writer Charles Shyer, and actors Dennis Quaid, Lindsay Lohan, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter and Simon Kunz.

All the cast members gathered to celebrate and remember the family film which officially gave Lohan her first-break.

In the film, Lohan plays not one but two roles: Hallie Parker and Annie James, 11-year-old twin sisters who were separated after birth.

—Agency

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

FESTIVAL OF REUNION

with a few of its readers from Rajasthan and Gujarat to see how they are celebrating Sinjara during the POORVIKA AGRAWAL global pandemic and the precautions they are takcityfirst@firstindia.co.in ing for the same. onsoon brings various festivals with it and all of them are celebrated with zeal and vigor. Today, we celebrate Sinjara, a festival celebrated a day before Teej. To celebrate Sinjara, swings are hung from trees and women are dressed in green clothes. They sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon.

This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. The day before Haryali Teej is celebrated as Sinjara, wherein women put Mehandi on their hands.

City First got in touch

AHMEDABAD | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020

The series of festivals are starting very soon including Sinjara.

Fortunately, Sinjara is not the festival where we have to go to temples, we can do that at home with friends and family. In this festival, we do 16 shringar including applying henna. I will prepare delicious food and will invite a few friends keeping in mind the social distancing.

—SEEMA AGARWAL

M

Sinjara is a celebration in itself and when you celebrate with family than its a more beautiful and colourful celebration. In this pandemic time, I’m not going to call any girl to apply henna on my hands as a precautionary measure. I will connect with my friends on the video call. I will stay at home, will prepare food and have fun with my family. —NATASHA AGARWAL

We celebrate Sinjara with great enthusiasm every year, but this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic, precautions are necessary. Instead of buying from outside, we will celebrate with the available material (jewellery, makeup accessories, mehndi, lac bangles, Lahariya, etc.) at home. We’ll prepare Rajasthan’s famous dish, Kheer-Churma at home. We Nanad-Bhabhi will apply mehndi to each-other. This time, we will avoid swing to follow social distancing.

—PRIYANKA JANGIR

A proud moment

Sinjara is a time when all married friends have a get-together and have a feast. It’s like a party, but this year, the pandemic has asked all of us for social distancing. So This time also, we all have a get together on zoom and we will celebrate the spirit of Sinjara.

—MANISHA AGARWAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING! RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, 1001 saplings were planted by the Shilp Srajan Institution to develop the under construction garden at the foot of the mountain under the supervision of residents of Tila No. 4, Jawahar Nagar.

Not only adults but children participated enthusiastically to accomplish the great work.

RAJASTHAN: Teamwork Arts, producer of Jaipur Literature Festival launched ‘JLF Brave New World’ in April when everyone was locked in the homes due to the pandemic. In just a few months JLF Brave New World has captured the attention of a loyal tranche of followers. Teamwork Arts announced that the series has reached 2 million (20,00,000) cumulative views and a reach of over 9 million (90,00,000).

CITY FIRST

A

charya Mahapragya has published 1121 poems on an international level to commemorate the birth centenary year (19202020).

Dharmaraj Bharat has been awarded by ‘The British World Record’ London. ‘Yugpurush’ poem written

by Dharmaraj Bharat was selected in the compilation of 1121 poems, which was based on the life of Acharya Mahapragya. The compila-

HAPPY B’DAY!

Dharmaraj Bharat

tion has been recorded in 27 world records including ‘The British World Record’ London.

The birth centenary year of Lok Maharishi Mahapragya was cele-

12

brated as ‘Gyan Chetna Year’ under the auspices of the Founder of Ahimsa Yatra, Acharya Mahashraman. For this honour, Anubhavratsevi Prof.

Dr Lalitha B. expressed gratitude, to which Dharmaraj said that it is a great pleasure for me and my region to be named in such a large institute of the world, as well as being a Kalamkar the responsibility has increased further. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ROYAL HAPPINESS

Rajasthan: Water and Environment Jan Jagruti Chetna Sanstha and New Human Welfare Society organised a plantation program in Jhotwara on Tuesday, where President Kishori Lal Saini shared that the campaign aims to grow plants in the surrounding area to get fresh air.

Zoom Video Communication, Inc. on Tuesday announced that it will expand its presence in India by opening a new technology centre in Bangalore where it will hire key talent over the next few years. Zoom has an office in Mumbai and 2 data centres in Mumbai and Hyderabad, respectively. Zoom has seen a growth of 6700% in free user sign-ups in India from January to April 2020.

KAVITA CHAUHAN

R

IAS Rohitashva Singh Tomar (top) and IPS Anil Kumar celebrated their birthdays on 21 July, Tuesday. We wish them all the best!

ajasthan’s erstwhile Udaipur royal family has a reason to rejoice and celebrate as Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Nivritti Kumari Mewar became proud parents to a baby boy.

On Tuesday, Nivritti Kumari gave birth at a Delhi Hospital.

The couple got married on January 21, 2014, and has two daughters, Lakshyaraj Singh and Nivritti Kumari Mohlakshi- Mewar with their kids ka and Praneshwari. The new baby is the grandson of Arvind Singh Mewar and Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, senior BJP leader from Orissa. A ceremony will be hosted soon at the Udaipur’s Palace to officially welcome the baby boy. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

A virtual Faculty Development Program (FDP) was organised by JECRC University on ‘Essence: A knowledge deck for Academicians’ on Tuesday, with the aim to prepare all the faculty of JU as smart teachers of the future so that children get a quality education. The program was graced with the presence of Director, IIM, Indore, Dr Himanshu Rai who delivered his views and experiences on the ‘Leadership Development’.

RAJASTHAN: Srajan, The Spark a non-profitable Organisation working in the field of Music organised ‘Ek Shaam Rafi Sahab Ke Naam’, where renowned Singer Gaurav Dr Sameer Sharma and Geetika Chaturvedi mesmerized the audience with their performances. The show Dinesh Kataria shared that the show was a big hit with viewers from all over the world.