First India-Ahmedabad Edition-24 May 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 43°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 178

INDIA

WORLD

3,42,396 53,69,388 3,868 1,31,385 829 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

LIFTING SPIRITS

Come Aug, India to open up global skies

Passenger flights parked at Indira Gandhi International Airport after the government eased coronavirus lockdown with some restrictions, in New Delhi on Friday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Aditi Nagar New Delhi: As India resumes domestic flight services from May 25, as part of Centre’s gradual reboot of air travel, plans are afoot to re-start international flights before August amidst the coronavirus pandemic, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday, three days after announcing resumption of domestic flights.

India will try to restart a good percentage of international passenger flights, he said.

23,000 INDIANS REPATRIATED New Delhi: Between 7 May and 21 May, around 23,000 Indians have been repatriated through flights operated by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express under this mission. Passengers have to pay money to book a seat on any repatriation flight being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission.

The minister, while addressing a Facebook Live session, clarified again that Aarogya Setu

app is not mandatory for air passengers and they can instead give a selfdeclaration form. Puri said during the session, “I can’t put a date on it (restarting international flights). But if somebody says can it be done

by August or September? My response is why not earlier depending on what is the situation.”

When asked about the minister’s announcement on resuming international services, Vistara said it will await instructions and guidelines from Turn on P6

Rlys helped 32 lakh migrants reach home!

New Delhi: The Railways has ferried around 32 lakh migrant workers on board 2,570 Shramik Special trains since May 1, according to official data. The Shramik Special trains are being operated primarily on the requests of the states which want to send the migrant workers to their home states.

Railways is bearing 85% of the total cost of running each of the trains while the rest is being borne by the states.

Meanwhile, West Bengal has written to Railway Ministry requesting it not to send special trains to the state till May 26. The state government said that since the district administration was involved in the relief and rehabilitation works in the wake of the cyclone Amphan, it won’t be able to receive the special trains for the next few days. Rajiv Sinha, Chief Secretary of West Bengal said in his letter to Chairman of Indian Railway Board.

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GUJARAT

DEATHS

13,669

CONFIRMED CASES

Red balloons dotting the landscape of Myanmar’s ancient city of Bagan, a World Heritage site, look stunning and transpire us into an altogether different world. This incredible scene was captured by photographer Stefano Tomassetti while showcasing the Earth’s beauty during Coronavirus-induced lockdown, when humans have taken a backseat!

ECONOMY AFTER COVID-19

Corona to decide future fiscal policy action: FM New Delhi: A day after the RBI projected economic contraction in 2020-21, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said future fiscal policy actions to stimulate the economy will depend on how COVID-19 pandemic pans out. The government has already announced a Rs 20.97 lakh crore economic package, which includes Reserve Bank’s Rs 8.01 lakh crore worth of liquidity measures till May 17.

Sitharaman said making a “realistic assessment” of economic growth would be difficult at this point of time as there is no clarity on when the pandemic

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

would retreat.

“I’m not closing the door at all. I want to keep getting inputs from industry, implement what we have announced and depending on how things pan out we have to respond accordingly. We are only

IVANKA HAILS GIRL WHO CYCLED 1200 KM HOME! Bihar: Jyoti Kumari, 15, who cycled with her wounded father from Gurugram to Darbhanga covering over 1,200 km over 7 days, has proved that “where there is a will there’s a way”. Her feat has not just caught the attention of Cycling Federation of India but also of Ivanka Trump, US President’s daughter. P5

2-month old in this year, we have 10 months to go,” Sitharaman said in a conversation with BJP leader Nalin Kohli.

The Reserve Bank on Friday had said the impact of COVID-19 is more severe than anticipated and Turn on P6

INDIA’S CASES CROSS 1.25 LAKH MARK New Delhi: India saw biggest rise in corona cases in last 24 hrs at 6,654 with the total count going up to over 1.25 lakh on Saturday.

The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 has gone up to 3,720 with 137 persons succumbing to disease in the last 24 hours. P5

China brings more troops into Ladakh New Delhi: Chinese military is fast increasing its troops in areas around Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, sending a clear signal that it was not ready to end its confrontation with the Indian Army anytime soon, people familiar with the situation in the disputed region said.

The Chinese side has particularly bolstered its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in machinery for possible construction of bunkers, notwithstanding the stiff protest by Indian troops, they said.

Turn on P6

WEST BENGAL CALLS FOR ARMY SUPPORT Kolkata: West Bengal government has called for Army support, while NDRF and SDRF teams are already working, for the restoration of infrastructure and essential services after Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in the state. State Home Department said most essential services are being restored fast.

P5

With 10,000+ cases, A’bad casts shadow on state’s ‘recovery’ —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

State sees 396 positive cases, 27 deaths and 289 discharged in 24 hours n Tally now 13,669 cases with 829 dead and 6,169 discharged n

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: With 10,001 of the state’s total of 13,669 positive cases of COVID-19, Ahmedabad accounts for 73% of all the cases in the state.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the city also has 5,468, or 82%, of the state’s 6,671 ac-

tive cases. This data comes at a time when the government seems to be patting itself on the back for its “recovery rate”-which should, in fact, be called the “discharge rate”.

Saturday brought 396 new cases in 19 districts. Morbi, which was in the green zone

Staffers at SVP Hospital sanitizing the COVID-19 isolation ward in anticipation of more patients.

with no active cases as of Friday, is now back in the orange zone with one case.

As of Saturday, the state has 13,669 total cases and a death toll of 829, while 6,169 patients have been discharged.

In the past 24 hours alone, Ahmedabad has recorded 277 cases and 24 patient deaths. With this, the city’s death toll is now at 669. The city has seen 3,864 patients being discharged but continues to top the list of active cases.

Worryingly, staterun hospitals are running out of ventilators even as the number of critical patients continues to rise. On May 01, the state had 36 critical patients on ventilators. On Saturday, it had73, 10 more than the 63 on Friday.

Whether or not the government admits, or even sees it, allowing inter-district travel has led to a rise in cases, especially in districts which previously reported much

smaller numbers.

For example, Junagadh has reported eight new cases in a single day. It is not alone. Gir-Somnath reported six, and Gandhinagar, nine, in 24 hours. Surendranagar had just one case at the beginning of this month. It now has 23 cases. Junagadh now has 26, Mahisagar has 79, and Aravalli, Anand, and Mehsana will soon have more than 100 cases each.

Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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Cooperative banks in no mood to play ball, say no guarantee means no loan Haresh Jhala Ahmedabad: With majority of cooperative banks not in the mood to give out loans without guarantee, the Atma Nirbhar Gujarat relief package seems to be in doldrums. The banks are insisting that either the state government becomes a guarantor for loans or people seeking loans bring in two guarantors.

“After the state government did not take into consideration the suggestions of cooperative banks, we have now made it clear that if the state wants to announce a package on the lines of the Central Government’s relief package for MSMEs, then it has to be the guarantor too. But, the state refused to claim the position of guarantor,” claimed Mukesh Gajjar, president of South Gujarat Cooperative Bank Association.

He added, “We had also provided the state with another option, according to which, the government would have to deposit the subsidy amount it wishes to grant to borrowers with the banks. If any of the borrowers had

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GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,655,670 BRAZIL 340,837 RUSSIA 335,882 SPAIN 281,904 UK 257,154 ITALY 229,327 FRANCE 182,219 GERMANY 179,768 TURKEY 155,686 IRAN 133,521 CANADA 82,892 S ARABIA 70,161 CHILE 65,393 MEXICO 62,527 BELGIUM 56,810

98,145 21,678 3,388 28,678 36,675 32,735 28,289 8,354 4,308 7,359 6,277 379 673 6,989 9,237

USA

+498 +630 +139 +50 +282 +119 +58 +2 +32 +59 +27 +15 +43 +479 +25

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: MAY 23, 2020, 11:30 PM

A large number of people queue up outside the district co-operative bank in Ahmedabad’s Behrampura area to get forms for loans under the Gujarat government’s Atmanirbhar Gujarat Sahay Yojna. —PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI

any EMI lapses, they would be adjusted from the deposited amount.

But, the government did not approve this proposition too.” “Another underlying issue is the six months moratorium from repaying EMIs that is in conflict with the RBI rule, according to which, if a borrower lapses on their EMI for three consecutive months, their account becomes a non-per-

LOAN EXPOSURE

forming account. We also cannot go against one of the most fundamental banking principles, by giving loans without guarantee. It would mean cheating our depositors when they put their hardearned money in banks. We don’t want to burn our depositors’ money,” stated Gajjar.

On May 15, CM Vijay Rupani had announced the Atma Nirbhar Gujarat relief package for small businesses, which would allow them to borrow up to one lakh rupees from cooperative banks. They would liable to repay 2% of the amount and the government would pitch in to repay 6% interest.

IN GUJARAT DISTRICT

Each borrower will have to present two guarantors for a loan, banks cannot take such a risk with so much money involved.

Ours is a loss making bank. And, without the RBI’s permission we cannot incur any expenditure for the bank by giving out nonfarming loans. There is no two ways about it.

Our general board will meet on May 30 and take a decision on whether to extend the loan under the Atma Nirbhar Gujarat relief package or not.

—Hardevsinh Parmar, Chairman,

Chairman, The Kaira District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd

—Dheerubhai Chavda,

The government is interested in making headlines and not in helping people. Rather than actually handing money to the needy, the state is busy asking people to stand in queues. To get a loan under Aatma Nirbhar, RBI guidelines say that only 20% nonmembers can get loans. Why is the government not finding other ways to help?

—Shaktisinh Gohil, Senior Congress leader

A powerful but a silent spectator!

Anita Hada New Delhi: During Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s VC with top opposition leaders of the country on Corona crisis on Friday, every top opposition leader was curiously watching the role of a silent spectator and Sonia’s principal aide, Ahmed Patel, who is a familiar face among almost all opposition giants because of his key role in forging political and pre-poll alliances during the last thirty years, on behalf of the party high command. According to sources, Ahmed Bhai carefully listened to the views of his mentor, the

lady Congress President Mrs Gandhi and a few other opposition leaders, also made some brief notes but apparently kept quiet.

In fact one should learn the art of being a ‘silent performer’ from Ahmed Bhai. Even during a recent Congress buses UP payment crisis, as the party treasurer, Patel ensured the timely payment of all Priyanka sponsored buses from AICC coffers and no financial responsibility was left either for the Chief Minister or to the PCC Chief at Jaipur.

Therefore, someone has rightly said that Ahmed Bhai is the man of all seasons.

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

10001 806 SURAT 1285 RAJKOT 87 BHAVNAGAR 114 ANAND 90 BHARUCH 37 GANDHINAGAR 201 PATAN 71 PANCHMANHAL 71 BANASKANTHA 99 NARMADA 13 CHOTA UDEPUR 22 KUTCH 64 MAHESANA 99 BOTAD 53 DAHOD 32 PORBANDAR 6 JAMNAGAR 46 MORBI 3 SABARKANTHA 63 ARAVALLI 98 MAHISAGAR 79 KHEDA 59 GIR SOMNATH 44 VALSAD 18 TAPI 6 NAVSARI 15 DANG 2 SURENDRANAGAR 23 DWARKA 12 JUNAGADH 26 AMRELI 2 OTHER STATES 5 TOTAL 13669 AHMEDABAD

—Nitin Patel, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister

Surendranagar District Cooperative Bank Ltd

TOTAL CASES

VADODARA

SAMPLE RECEIVED SAMPLE NEGATIVE

669 35 60 2 8 9 3 10 4 6 4 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 2 0 3 3 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 829

24 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27

1,78,068 1,64,399

UNDER EXAMINATION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sri Lanka’s president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

—FILE PHOTO

0

Rupani reprieve: 3L units reopen, 25L back on job

525 Saurashtra water bodies to be filled under SAUNI to meet drinking water, irrigation needs First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s decision to relax lockdown norms for industrial units is garnering good response. Till date, three lakh units have started operations, giving jobs to 25 lakh workers and thus making way to bring the economy back on track.

Rupani has also decided to fill 25 water reservoirs, 120 lakes

and 400 check dams in Saurashtra using excess water from the Narmada under the Saurashtra-Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) scheme.

Under the project, about 4,000 million cubic feet of water will be carried to Saurashtra, where it will help in meeting the drinkingwater and irrigation requirements for the summer season.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

—FILE PHOTO

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Secretary, and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ashwani Kumar said here that, since April 20, three lakh industrial units have returned to production giving jobs to 25 lakh workers. Some 7,500 megawatts of energy is being consumed daily; this is 82% of the usual consumption, indicating that the economy is getting back on track.

The state government has also started construction and development projects; 834 government construc-

tion projects are underway in eight municipal corporations giving job opportunities to 26,000 workers. As many as 264 private construction projects, employing 21,727 workers, are also in progress in these corporation limit areas.

With industrial activities allowed within the city limit areas of Junagadh, Jamnagar since May 03, 156 units have been able to resume operations. Industrial units have started production in Rajkot city limit areas from May 14.

Now, with permission being granted for milk collection from 7 am to 7 pm, the dairy sector will be able to procure and transport milk from villages to the dairy headquarters more easily.

“Let us live with Corona,” the Corona Warrior campaign launched by Rupani has received a very good response. Spiritual leader Morari Bapu and author Gunvant Shah have shared their views on it. On Saturday, music composer duo Sachin-Jigar will share their views on it as well.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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Missing patients: Where are 3.4K people being treated?

Officials say 2,053 patients are in govt and pvt hosps, the city has 5,421 active cases Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: As of Saturday, Ahmedabad has 5,421 active cases of COVID-19, of which 21 have been reported from rural areas. However, according to official data, there are only 2,053 patients in the city’s hospitals, both government-run and private. There has been no word from the authorities on the whereabouts of the remaining 3,368 patients despite there being plenty of space at the hospitals.

Sources say they may be at home, or at a hotel.

According to a list accessed by First India, there are 652 patients admitted at the Civil Hospital which has 1,200 dedicated beds. On the same

FAR FROM FULL

Ahmedabad’s Fern Hotel was among the first to be roped into COVID-19 duty.

campus, the Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre has 167, Gujarat Cancer Research Institute has 118 and UN Mehta Hospital, which was announced as an 800-bed centre, has 23 active patients.

Sardar Vallabhbhai

Patel Hospital, run by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, claims to have 483 active cases, including 13 patients on ventilators. SVP was meant to have 800 beds.

Similarly, only 177 of the 2,000 beds available at the Samras COVID-care

—FILE PHOTO

centre are occupied.

Private hospitals account for a mere 229 active cases.

“Many private hospitals are not admitting COVID-19 patients, while most patients refuse to come to the Civil Hospital since it has the

highest number of deaths.

Meanwhile, SVP is the most reluctant to admit patients,” said a senior doctor at the Civil Hospital, who suggested that many asymptomatic patients may have opted to quarantine in hotels.

SVP ‘regrets’ human error that led to mistakenly discharging +ve person Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: A day after First India published an article on negligence of the SVP hospital under the title, ‘In ‘testing’ error, SVP discharges +ve patient’, the citybased Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital has admitted its mistake, attributing it to human error caused by two patients having the same name.

A statement issued by the management on Saturday read: “On May 21, the hospital received

Medical staff at SVP Hospital’s COVID-19 ward.

two patients with the same name. Their reports came at different times. We received the first report around

—FILE PHOTO

2pm. We discharged the patient since the report was negative. However, that report was of the other patient with the

same name.”

It added that the accidentally discharged patient’s report only came in around 7pm.

“It was human error.

When we realized what had happened, we phoned the patient immediately and sent an ambulance to bring him back. When this episode came to notice of the management, we have warned the staff to work accurately,” it explained.

“For this error, the SVP hospital expresses regret,” the management said.

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SMC, Shikshan Samiti notices to 400 teachers First India Bureau Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Surat Shikshan Samiti have issued notices to more than 400 teachers for shirking their COVID-19 duties.

Teachers of the Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti were assigned tasks pertaining to the relief efforts of the outbreak which they were supposed to be discharging along with staffers from SMC. But, due to the negligence of teachers from the Samiti, there were operation delays reported.

All teachers had also been given clear orders to not leave Surat. However, a few teachers chose to ignore the order. A few reportedly left the city, while others who did stay back did not report for duty.

More than 400 such teachers have been identified by the SMC

AMC teachers conduct a survey in Ahmedabad.

—FILE PHOTO

We gave a memo to the SMC-run education committee, after which they slapped notices on the teachers.

—Rahul Gavhane, President, SSSTA

and the Samiti, and issued notices seeking an explanation for their truancy.

Rahul Gavhane, president of the Surat Shikshan Samiti Teacher’s Association (SSSTA), said, “We had ordered teachers to cooperate and collaborate with municipal workers and to discharge corona du-

ties. But, no special protective gear was provided to the teachers, who put forth their demand before committee members. After receiving no response from the committee, we handed over a memorandum to the SMC-run education committee, following which, they slapped notices on the teachers.”

FIRE IN SURAT

Twelve fire tenders rushed to put out a blaze that broke out at a chemical factory in Surat’s Sachin GIDC area on Saturday.

1.5 million people covered in When strangers light the funeral pyre SMC’s door-to-door survey

ATS arrests Dawood aide

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The Anti Terrorist Squad has arrested Babu Solanki, a close confident of Sharif khan, who worked for the notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Solanki is accused of being a hitman, among other things.

This is the second major success for the state ATS, which also arrested Haresh Goswami a henchman of Chhota Rajan Gang on Friday.

First India Bureau

Surat: With many cases of COVID-19 being reported in the city, the importance of the door-to-door survey has increased by manifold. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) launched survey has so far covered 1,493,704 people living in 3,94,865 households by 1,790 health teams under the APX system.

SMC.

—FILE PHOTO

Now, yet another round of survey was commenced to unearth cases of co-morbidity and Acute Respiratory

Infection (ARI), which uncovered 39,515 elderly people with serious illnesses. They have been provided with treatment as part of SMC’s efforts to eradicate corona from its roots. All such individuals will be monitored at the zonal level by authorities.

So far, nine rounds of door-to-door surveys have been completed and 18,959 individuals have been tested for Sars-CoV-2.

Ahmedabad: The harsh reality is that families are being deprived of the opportunity to even perform the last rights for their loved ones who lose the battle against the novel coronavirus.

Vadilal Gandhi, an 87-year-old COVID-19 patient was being treated at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) where he passed away on May 19. As per

IKDRC.

standard protocols in place for COVID-19 patients, relatives are not allowed into corona isolation wards. A nephew came forward to collect

10 new mothers reunite with their babies Tanvi Sharma Ahmedabad: When many private hospitals are choosing not to admit pregnant women, Civil Hospital has been fulfilling its duties as a medical institution.

Due to the efficient services at the 1200-bed hospital, 10 COVID-19 positive pregnant women, who successfully recovered from the virus were discharged and sent home after their deliveries.

In the last 45 days,

Ten newborn babies were reunited with their mothers who were discharged on Saturday.

around 35 COVID-19 positive pregnant women have been successfully treated by

doctors at Civil Hospital and sent home after their deliveries.

One of the new moth-

ers, Afreen said, “I was very anxious about my delivery, especially after a private hospital turned down my request to deliver my baby there. But, I received the best care at Civil Hospital.”

She added, “We have been blessed with a son in the month of Ramzan. I returned home free of Sars-CoV-2 with my healthy baby all because of those corona warriors.”

Dr Sheetal Kapadia,

assistant professor at the hospital, said, “The gynaecology ward has treated 35 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 in the last 45 days. Of them, 10 left the hospital on Saturday with their newborn babies. Research shows that a woman is unlikely to spread the virus to her baby in utero, or even through the uterus or breast milk after it is born. But yes, pregnant women do require special care since their immunity is lower.”

—FILE PHOTO

the body, but only if hospital authorities could furnish a negative report.

Hospital director Dr Vineet Mishra

took the initiative to find close relatives of Gandhi and was shocked to know that five to seven members of the family were home quarantined.

Further, Gandhi’s son and four other members were admitted at the COVID-19 hospital for treatment.

So, After getting permission from Gandhi’s son for the final rituals, IKDRC driver Pravinsinh Darbar, his colleague Paresh Solanki and three others carried out his final rites.

First India Bureau

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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REGIONAL DISPUTES CONTINUE TO SIMMER

IN-DEPTH

EID FESTIVITIES FALL VICTIM TO THE PANDEMIC

N

ot very long ago, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with piety, joy and enthusiasm. Photographs of hundreds of devout together offering first the Alvida (last Friday of Ramzan) prayers and then Eid prayers a few days later splashed across newspapers was as common as cooking of vermicelli in Muslim homes. Iftaar parties, in which non-Muslims also participated, were also an important part of Eid festivity. Enter novel coronavirus followed by a lockdown described as the strictest in the world and Ramzan’s traditions and rituals were disrupted for both rich and poor. Closed businesses and shops, job losses, people forced to lead a frugal life in virtual confinement, a palpable fear of catching the virus, and death, is not what Eid is all about. It is about celebration and the mood has been conspicuously missing.

As shops remain closed until a week before Eid and with social distancing still in place, the enthusiasm that marks festival shopping was missing. One report said that this was the most depressing Eid for several clothing brands. Even street side vendors selling different varieties of vermicelli sprung up late but only in non-containment zones. Even if traditional vermicelli is bought and prepared, there will be no guests to savour them just as there will be few to admire ones new apparels as socializing is still forbidden. Such is the dread of the new virus.

The almost negligible shopping for Eid has hit the retail sector the most. Already facing an estimated loss of Rs 5.50 lakh crore, the partial lifting of curbs was too late and too little. There are approximately seven crore retailers in the country. “Indian retailers do a daily business of Rs 15,000 crore and since the country is in a lockdown there has been a huge loss of Rs 5.50 lakh crore of business which is done by 7 crore traders of the country,” the secretarygeneral of Confederation of All-India Traders Praveen Khandelwal was quoted as saying. Besides, there are 2.5 crore small and micro traders for whom the lockdown must be nothing less than a catastrophe.

It is not that only Indian Muslims have to face the adverse impact of this nationwide clampdown. Saudi Arabia announced imposition of curfew from May 23 to May 27, following the end of the holy month of fasting as Covid-19 cases have been rising. Mosques, too, will remain shut for Eid prayers. The kingdom has reported highest number of cases in the Gulf region.

Egypt also stopped movement of all public transport for six days starting May 24. Curfew too was imposed. In United Arab Emirates, the Dubai government’s media office was quoted as saying on Twitter that mosques will remain closed.

The tweet banned customs like family visits and giving money or gifts to children.

Despite the odds, one can still say Eid Mubarak!

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

T

The Nepalese government has taken objection to a map India issued in 2019 to emphasise the changed status of Jammu & Kashmir into a Union Territory.

It asserted that the 330 square kilometre Kalapani area near the IndoNepal border should not have been shown as a part of India

he top priority on the international agenda at the moment must be to combat coronavirus and find a cure for it. Regrettably this is not happening. Regional disputes continue to simmer.

Take for example the current cartographic differences between Nepal and India. I have in the past been intimately associated Indo-Nepal relations. I have no hesitation in emphasising the fact that, with one or two exception the Prime Ministers of Nepal have not been up to the job.

The Nepalese government has taken objection to a map India issued in 2019 to emphasise the changed status of Jammu & Kashmir into a Union Territory. It asserted that the 330 square kilometre Kalapani area near the IndoNepal border should not have been shown as a part of India. We have assured our closest and largest landlocked neighbour that we would be willing to discuss the matter through diplomatic channels after coronavirus pandemic is over, even though the territory has been a part of India for centuries. Not only that Nepal endorsed India’s claim for 150 years.

A word or two about Prime Minister KP Oli. He is a crypto communist, not on good terms with the Nepal Communist Party which is at present in power.

By all accounts he is an indifferent administrator. Unfortunately we played into his hands by the manner in which we intervened when a new constitution of Nepal was under discussion in 2015.

We sent to Kathmandu, the then foreign secretary with a list of sex amendments. This was an unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of Nepal which was deeply resented.

China’s diplomatic, territorial and political ambitions in Nepal are all too well known. Without Beijing’s encouragement Prime Minister Oli would not even think of antagonising India.

The so called “dispute” will

eventually be resolved through deft diplomacy. The sooner that happens the better it would. A prolonged estrangement is not in the interest of either country.

For the first time since the death of Deng Xiao Ping China is on the defensive. Its mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic has been widely condemned. It’s not coming clean is damaging her image. The economy for the first time since 1992 has taken a beating.

President Trump is leading the charge against the Peoples Republic. That is, quite obviously not having the desired results. President Trump’s goofs on the coronavirus have brought down his rating to seventy percent negative. On the political field he is running eleven points behind Joe Biden. President Trump calling former President Barak Obama names is a perilous exercise. It only enhances President Obama’s stature.

If elections were held today in the USA President Trump could find himself in serious electoral trouble. If the pandemic continues till November, and the President does not mend his ways, he would find himself back in Trump Towers in New York.

Friends ask me how I spend my days in what they call unwanted solitary confinement.

My answer is, “I am discovering the virtues of solitude”. As we all know, the world is a noisy place. India is among the noisiest places on earth. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi observed a day of silence.

China’s diplomatic, territorial and political ambitions in Nepal are all too well known.

Without Beijing’s encouragement Nepal’s PM Oli would not even think of antagonising India

The Gymkhana club, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. I became a member in 1955. I was elected President in 1984 unopposed. The fifteen members of the General Committee were on my list of candidates. All were elected. This was unprecedented.

The Imperial Gymkhana club was founded in 1913. The word Imperial was dropped in 1947. From 1913 to 1947 only Britishers became President of club. Sir Harcourt Butter ICS was the first President.

The first Indian to be elected President was Sir Usha Nath Sen, CBE i.e Commander of the British Empire. Between 1952 to 1970 seven Indian ICS officers were elected Presidents.

According to the Oxford Dictionary a club “is an association dedicated to a particular interest or activity, an organization constituted to play

The rich world’s pandemic imperative C

OVID-19 has confronted the world with a horrific crisis. Because developing a vaccine will likely take at least a year, governments need to buy time to keep health-care facilities from being overwhelmed and to minimize the number of people who fall ill and die, not least by reducing the rate of new infections.

In rich countries, the arsenal has included social distancing, sheltering in place, shuttering nonessential businesses (or more telecommuting), and recommending or requiring face masks. Though the economic costs of these first-phase measures have been dreadful, they are preferable to the human and economic costs

04

that would follow from letting COVID-19 spread unchecked.

The second round of the fight can start when the numbers of new cases and deaths are flat or falling, and when testing and contact-tracing capabilities have been deployed widely enough to spot and contain potential outbreaks.

But the pandemic will never be under control as long as there are still rising infection rates elsewhere in the world.

A viral contagion is like a wildfire: it takes only a few sparks to trigger a resurgence. No matter how rigorously rich countries try to prevent the virus from crossing their borders, there will always be enough leakages to cause a new outbreak. Thus, to combat the pandemic in the ab-

While the advanced economies reckon with the costs of the COVID-19 lockdown phase, developing and emerging economies are facing an even deeper disaster

sence of a universally available vaccine, the virus also must be contained in poorer countries, all of which are woefully ill-equipped for the task.

After all, social distancing and sheltering in place are impossible in crowded urban areas with community wells and toilets, where many families live

from hand to mouth on a day laborer’s pay. Even if they were enforceable, lockdowns in these situations would mean starvation for many people.

Moreover, most poor countries have inadequate health-care infrastructure (too few hospital beds, scarce personal protective equipment) and underfunded and understaffed publichealth systems. They also lack the domestic resources to finance social programs, as well as the foreign-exchange reserves to import critically needed supplies and equipment. Many governments are already in dire fiscal shape, and cannot provide even minimal support for unemployed workers and their families.

Poorer countries thus

have two overarching needs. First, they require additional support for their health systems, so that they can provide sufficient medical care to all who become infected. Otherwise, COVID-19 cases, not to mention the mortality rate, will grow – possibly exponentially. Second, most poorer countries need financing to avert widespread starvation and penury. While a few have at least some fiscal space to increase their expenditures, most do not.

Coordination among rich countries will be necessary to address both needs. So far, there has been some progress with respect to finance, but not nearly enough when it comes to addressing the health crisis.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.PROJECTSYNDICATE.COM

matches…. An organization offering members social amenities, meals and residence.”

The club has over a dozen tennis grass courts, eight hard courts, a squash and badminton court, a swimming pool, a billiards room. A room is used for Bridge players.

The cottages are well furnished, with a spacious bed room, sitting room, a bathroom and a small store room. I lived in cottage number 22 from 1958 to 1961 and 1966 to 1967.

Few, if any members would know that Lord Irvin, the Viceroy and Mahatma Gandhi had a meeting in the club in 1931.

A farewell party was held for Lord and Lady Mountbatten on 21 June 1948. Jawaharlal Nehru was among the guests.

A handful of members have gone to court against the President and the Committees for actions not in keeping in mind the traditions of the club.

The Central Government wants to take over the running of the club. That would be unfortunate. Governments must govern not run clubs.

A five member committee of five for President should be formed to sort out the differences between the two opposing groups. Otherwise Government will intervene.

In that event the Gymkhana Club will become a sub-section of one of the ministries of the central government.

What a melancholy prospect.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Urged all my Odia friends to stay safe and take necessary precautions to minimise the risk of novel coronavirus infection.

Together we have dealt with many catastrophes in the past and have emerged stronger. By the grace of Lord Jagannath, we will win this battle too.

Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal 24x7 Movement of Essential Commodities: Railways is working in a mission mode to maintain a continuous supply chain during lockdown, delivering essentials to every corner of the nation. Railways has moved 23.2 lakh wagons, of which 13.5 lakh wagons carried essential goods.

Spiritual SPEAK

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. —Isaiah 40:29

Vol 1 Issue No. 178 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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CYCLONE AMPHAN District administration involved in relief works after the calamity

BENGAL SEEKS ARMY SUPPORT Kolkata: The West Bengal government sought support of the Indian Army, railways and port for restoring essential infrastructure and services in the areas ravaged by Cyclone Amphan. It also urged private entities to provide manpower and equipment for the purpose. In a series of tweets, the department said, “GOWB mobilises maximum strength in unified command mode on 24×7basis for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services asap.

Army support has been called for; NDRF and SDRF teams deployed; Rlys, Port & private sector too requested to supply teams and equipment.”

West Bengal CMMamata Banerjee also wrote to Indian Railways asking them not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 in view of Cyclone Amphan. “District administration involved in relief and rehabilitation works after cyclone Amphan. It won’t be able to receive special trains for the next few days,” the CM said. The death toll due to the cy-

Spokesperson Ministry of Home Affairs @PIBHomeAffairs 10 additional @NDRFHQ teams deployed in West Bengal for post cyclone #Amphan management.

Additional deployment of 10 teams will bring the total deployment to 36 teams of NDRF, across the 6 districts of WB affected by the Cyclone.

People stand in a queue outside a shop to buy a generator due to power cut, after the passage of Cyclone Amphan in Kolkata on Saturday.

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING RESTORED: GOVT Bengal government said multiple departTthathements are at work to cut and remove the trees had fallen during Cyclone Amphan. “Drinking

water and drainage infrastructure getting restored fast. PHE asked to supply water pouches in gap pockets. Generators being hired where necessary.

More than a hundred teams from multiple departments and bodies working for cutting of fallen trees which is the key to restoration of power in localities. WBSEDCL & CESC asked to deploy maximal manpower, even while lockdown significantly affects the deployment potential of the latter. Police on high alert,” Bengal’s home department tweeted.

clone rose to 86 on Saturday. The cyclone, which weakened into a depression, was further

reduced to a wellmarked low-pressure area over North Bangladesh and neighbouring

Panchayat polls under Pak’s pressure: Malik Panaji: Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik said that during his tenure in J& K he had succeeded in holding panchayat elections, devoid of violence, despite the top leaders of the union territory not cooperating under pressure from Pakistan.

Malik served as the Governor of J-K till October 2019, following which he has taken over the same role in Goa. “The Prime Minister had said that we will conduct panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I broke protocol and went to Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti’s residence.

They refused to participate under Pakistan’s pressure. Terrorists also threatened yet elections were held successfully, Hurriyat boycotted them. But the elections were still held with record voting, barring a few places, and no violence took place during the elections,” Malik said.

When I was the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, I opened the Raj Bhavan for everyone. All my advisors were tasked to hear people’s complaints once a week. 95,000 complaints were received by my office, I resolved 93,000 of them before coming to Goa. People felt comfortable because of this, they felt it was their government. Thus, anger was low.

—Satya Pal Malik, Goa Governor

He also said that the then administration was able to do so because the people of the union territory had accepted the system, as it was benefitting them.

“We had conducted an exercise which revealed that close to 50,000 government jobs

ARMY CHIEF VISITS LADAKH TO REVIEW LAC SITUATION Leh, Ladakh: At a time when there is standoff at three locations in Ladakh sector with Chinese troops, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane visited Leh to review the ongoing situation with field commanders. The top military field Commanders in Leh including Lt Gen YK Joshi, Lt Gen Harinder Singh and other

senior officers briefed the Army Chief on LAC situation. Sources said there is stand-off situation at three locations including Galwan Nala area where over 300 troops each from Chinese side have come to stake claim.

Army been holding talks with their Chinese counterparts on the situation & finding a way out of it.

were lying vacant in the state. We had announced we will give jobs to 50 thousand Kashmiri youth. I hope that the government will give them to the people soon. As J&K Guv, I opened the Raj Bhavan for everyone, Malik said. —ANI

CENTRE SENDS 5 ARMY COLUMNS he Defence Ministry on Saturday decided to TMinister send five columns of Indian Army to help Chief Mamata Banerjee to restore infrastructure

in state capital Kolkata. The Centre’s decision followed a request from the West Bengal government that appeared to have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the relief work needed in the state battered by cyclone Amphan. “Based on the request from the government of West Bengal, Indian Army has provided five columns to assist the Kolkata City Civil Administration in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan,” a person familiar with the development said. Each column has about 35 personnel.

We are doing whatever possible to restore electricity. Cyclone Amphan was a disaster. It is not the right time to do politics. We have spoken to Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for restoration. I would like to request people to have patience.

‘What did Kolkata Municipal Corporation Do?’ Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar targeted state government over the handling of Cyclone Amphan. Dhankar said that he could not have any discussions with the Mamata Banerjeeled Trinamool Congress government. He said that the state did not have any contingency and questioned Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s work. Cyclone Amphan Toll Rises to 85 in West Bengal; People in Kolkata Stage Protests Demanding Restoration of Power, Water Supply.

“I couldn’t have any discussion with state govt. It’s unfortunate. I had extensive discussions with Indian Coast Guard & BSF, they did a great job. I spoke to the Army, they were ready for relief work. What did Kolkata Municipal Corporation do?”

Dhankar said.

Why could they not anticipate? Most of the deaths were caused due to uprooting of trees. Why was there no contingency plan?

Why were arrangements not done before-

area. “It is very likely to continue to move northnortheastwards & weaken further into a

low-pressure area during the next 12 hours,” a bulletin released by IMD stated. —PTI

BJP demands capping of MRP of N95 masks

With biggest spike of 6,654 cases, India’s tally@ 1,25,101

Mumbai: Former BJP MP Kirti Somaiya has written a letter to Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope alleging black marketing and hoarding of masks by many traders and manufacturers and demanded to cap MRP of N95 masks.He also demanded strict action against traders and manufacturers who are involved in black marketing of masks. “All Doctors in Mumbai are raising concern about availability and price of N95 mask. Cost is the same but the sale price is different. The exploitation of the situation by a few manufacturers and traders. I request the government to fix prices of masks, it must be treated as an essential commodity and it should be covered under Medical Emergency Act/Provisions,” Somaiya wrote in the letter.”I request strong action against all hoarders” he added. —ANI

HUNAR HAAT TO REOPEN FROM SEPT 25, SAYS MIN NAQVI New Delhi : Hunar Haat, where an opportunity is given to artisans from across the country to showcase their handmade and indigenous products, would reopen with a theme of ‘local for global’ from September 25, said Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday.

“Hunar Haat, which has provided employment to more than 5 lakh Indian artisans, craftsmen, associated with them in the last 5 years, have become popular among the people. Now it will restart on the theme of local to global.”

New Delhi: India witnessed the biggest ever spike of 6,654 positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 1,25,101, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As many as 137 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,720. Out of the total number of cases, 69,597 are active and 51,784 have been cured/discharged or have migrated.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state

—Mamata Banerjee West Bengal, CM

‘TOTAL 1,15,364 SAMPLES TESTED IN LAST 24 HRS’

with 44,582 COVID-19 cases. It is followed by Tamil Nadu (14,753), Gujarat (13,268), and Delhi (12,319).

The nationwide lockdown has been extended till May 31. —ANI

14 NEW CONTAINMENT ZONES IN DELHI

New Delhi: Fourteen new areas were added to the list of containment zones in Delhi taking the total number of such zones to 92 in the national capital. Till date, 34 areas have been ‘de-contained in the Delhi. 11,659 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the national capital. 5,567 persons have been cured while the death toll is 194 in Delhi, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. —ANI

New Delhi: A high-level delegation of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) along with various social and religious organisations of Haryana, led by VHP central Joint General Secretary, Surendra Jain, met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday in connection with the “anti-national and anti-Hindu activities

New Delhi: A total of 1,15,364 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours in the country, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday. As per ICMR’s bulletin, a total of 28,34,798 samples of coronavirus have been tested so far.

India on Saturday witnessed the biggest ever spike of 6,654 positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 1,25,101, said Health Ministry. —ANI

591 NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED IN DELHI

New Delhi: As many as 591 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths have been reported in Delhi in last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the national capital to 12,910, including 6,412 active cases, said the Delhi Health Department. 370 patients have recovered while 6,267 patients have recovered so far. Meanwhile, India witnessed the biggest ever spike of 6,654 positive cases in the last 24 hours. —ANI

VHP PANEL MEETS HARYANA CM OVER ‘ANTI-HINDU ACTIVITIES’ in Mewat.” The delegation apprised Khattar of the report of high-level inquiry committee and its conclusions and recommendations. Apart from that, some new facts that had emerged were also given to him. He was also informed about “facts of the temples which were occupied and converted into mosques.”

05

Why could they not anticipate? Most of the deaths were caused due to uprooting of trees. Why was there no contingency plan? Why were arrangements not done beforehand?

—Jagdeep Dhankhar, West Bengal Governor

hand?” he added.

The death toll due to the cyclonic storm in West Bengal has risen to 85. The residents of Kolkata staged a protest earlier in the day, over the administration’s failure to restore normalcy even three days after Cyclone Amphan.

According to PTI sources, nearly 1.5 crore people of the state are directly affected over 10 lakh house have been destroyed due to the cyclone. —PTI

CM Yogi holds COVID-19 review meet

Lucknow: Amid the nationwide lockdown, UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Saturday held a meeting with the officers of the ‘COVID-19 management Team-11’ here.

While reviewing the lockdown measures, he asked for effective police patrolling which according to him would help in preventing the accidents in the border areas as well as on highways and expressways. He also underlined the utility of footpatrolling in the markets. —ANI

DAATI MAHARAJ BOOKED FOR DOING PUJA IN LOCKDOWN New Delhi: Delhi Police have registered a case against self-styled godman Daati Maharaj and his supporters who were seen offering prayers at Shani Dhaam temple in South Delhi’s Asola.

According to lockdown guidelines, temples and other places of worship have been closed to control the spread of coronavirus. On Saturday, when videos and photos of the religious ceremony at the temple went viral on social media, the DM and the DCP of the South district sought an inquiry into the matter.

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Rlys to carry 36L migrants in 2,600 Shramik special trains New Delhi: Indian Railways has prepared a schedule to transport another 36 lakh migrant labourers to 16 destination states from originating points in 19 states over the next 10 days, revealed the railway ministry. The ministry in a media address added that it had already transported a total of 45 lakh migrants through inter and intrastate services provided since May 1.

The announcement of Shramik special schedule comes at a time when railways has also announced a gradual resumption in its normal passenger services with 100 pair of trains from June 1 in addition to 15 pairs of Rajdhani special services in operation to address the rising demand for interstate travel with the easing of restrictions from lockdown clamped to con-

200 MAIL EXPRESS TRAINS FROM JUNE 1

Migrants loot water bottles while on way to their native place at DDU Railway Station in Chandauli.

Rahul Gandhi@RahulGandhi “My brother and sisters, you are the strength of this country, you carry the weight of this country on your shoulders. The entire country wants there should be justice (nyay) with you. It is our duty to empower this strength of the country.” tain the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

“A total of 2,600 Shramik Special trains will run for the next 10 days,

Ivanka Trump lauds 15-yr-old Jyoti’s cycle trial

Darbhanga: Fifteenyear-old Jyoti Kumari, who cycled with her wounded father from Gurugram in Haryana to Darbhanga in Bihar covering over 1,200 km over 7 days, has proved to the world that “where there is a will there’s a way”.

The feat of endurance of this lion-hearted girl has not just caught the attention of Cycling Federation of India (CFI) but also of Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump’s daughter. Ivanka on Friday took to the Twitter and heaped praises on Jyoti, stating that the “beautiful feat of endurance and love has captured the imagina-

MAYAWATI SPEAK

tion of the Indian people and the cycling federation”.

Jyoti will now be allowed to give a trial to become a trainee at the National Cycling Academy in the IGI Stadium complex in the national capital.

“15 yr old Jyoti Kumari, carried her wounded father to their home village on the back of her bicycle covering +1,200 km over 7 days. This beautiful feat of endurance and love has captured the imagination of the Indian people and the cycling federation!” Ivanka tweeted.

People on social media have shown lot of support to Jyoti. —ANI

originating from 19 states for destinations in 16 states, carrying 36 lakh passengers,” the official said. —ANI

AIIMS HOD dies of COVID-19 New Delhi: A senior doctor at Delhi’s AIIMSdied of Corona. Dr Jitendra Nath Pande, 78, was the director and professor of the Pulmonology department at the premier hospital, which has been treating coronavirus patients for weeks. Dr Sangita Reddy, a senior Delhi doctor, confirmed Dr Pande’s death “Deeply saddened to hear that COVID-19 claimed its most illustrious victim, Dr JN Pande, Director and Professor of Pulmonology, AIIMS, My Condolences to his family,” she tweeted. —ANI

Male: An evacuation flight of Air India under Vande Bharat Mission departed from Male with 153 passengers on board for Delhi on Saturday.

“The first @airindiain evacuation flight from #Male to #Delhi under #MissionVandeBharat takes off with 153 passengers on board,” Indian embassy here tweeted.

On Friday, an Air Indian flight from Male evacuated 152 Indians, which landed in Bengaluru.

Many Indians from the Maldives were evacuated through Operation Samudra Setu, which was launched by the Indian Navy to bring Indian citizens home from foreign shores in the wake of COVID-19. On Sunday, the Indian embassy here had said that 1,488 Indians from the Maldives have been evacuated so far. —ANI

Vaishno Devi shrine serves Iftari to quarantined Muslims Katra: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board (SMVDSB) Katra has been providing sehri and iftari to over 500 Muslims quarantined at Aashirwad Bhawan and other quarantined center across Katra during the holy month of Ramzan.

CEO of SMVDSB— Ramesh Kumar said: “In the month of Ramzan, the Board has been working overnight to provide sehri and iftari to our Muslim and other meal to the different people quarantined

Delhi violence: SIT prepares charge-sheet New Delhi: The special investigation team (SIT) of Delhi Police, probing the violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February this year, has prepared a charge-sheet in the matter and is likely to submit it before a court soon.

The charge-sheet is being looked over by a senior police of-

New Delhi: Two hundred Mail Express trains will be run from June 1, said Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav here on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here, Yadav said: “In an effort towards returning to normalcy, the Ministry of Railways will run 200 Mail Express trains starting June 1.” He said that 80 per cent of the train journeys were undertaken by the migrant labourers of UP & Bihar. “Shramik Special trains were started on May 1. Free meals and drinking water were provided to all passengers.” —ANI

Evacuation flight with 153 people departs from Male

ficial and will be submitted before a court in the last week of May or the first week of June.

Over 700 FIRs have been lodged & SIT has arrested & detained more than 2,500 people, including the suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in cases pertaining to violence. —ANI

06

POWER Gallery FOUR SECRETARIES IN GOVT OF INDIA RETIRING IN MAY

Four Secretaries with various Ministries and Departments, are due to retire on May 31, 2020.

They include: Binoy Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Steel; Chandra Kishore Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; P Raghavendra Rao, Secretary, Chemicals and Petrochemicals.

VIJAY PRAKASH RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Vijay Prakash, Director in the Department of Land Resources, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre with the condition of extended cooling off. He is a 1996 batch ITS officer.

FOUR IIS OFFICERS GET NEW POSTINGS

MIB has given new postings to 4 IIS officers.

Accordingly, Dhiraj Singh has been posted as Director, DPD, Manish Gautam, Director, PIB, Delhi, Ravinder Chaudhary, Chief Media, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and HP Kunappareddy posted as Dy Director, PIB, Hyderabad.

PANKAJ KUMAR GOSWAMI TO JOIN AS DIRECTOR (OPE), OIL INDIA ON JUNE 1

Pankaj Kumar Goswami, CGM, OIL, will be taking over the charge as Director (Operations), Oil India Limited (OIL) on June 1, 2020. He will succeed PK Sharma retiring in May this year.

AJOY CHOUDHURY TO TAKE OVER AS DIRECTOR (FIN), REC ON JUNE 1

Ajoy Choudhury, ED, REC, will be taking over the charge as Director (Finance), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) on June 1, 2020.

RAJESH KUMAR SAHU APPOINTED DS/DIRECTOR, TOURISM

Rajesh Kumar Sahu has been appointed as Deputy Secretary/ Director in the Ministry of Tourism.

He is a 2010 batch IRS-C&CE officer.

M THENNARASAN APPOINTED MEMBER IN GUJARAT

M Thennarasan, vice-chairman & managing director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation been appointed as member of the expert advisory committee to guide the government on reviving the state’s economy. He is 2000 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

SEVEN ITS OFFICERS RETIRING THIS MONTH Members of Shrine Board are providing iftari to 500 Muslims.

across Katra town, since March 10, 2020.”

“Those brought to Aashirwad Bhawan are mostly labourers from different parts of the

country, who are fasting during the month of Ramzan. So, we decided to provide them sehri and iftari every day,” said the CEO.” —ANI

Publish data from hosps after proper analysis:HC

Seven Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officers are retiring this month. These officers belong to four batches. They are- Raman Lal of 1982 batch, Rajendra P Sharma of 1984 batch, I Thirunavukkarasu of 1984 batch, Dev Kumar of 1984 batch, SS Thampi of 1985 batch, Tushar Kanti Roy of 1986 batch and George Methew of 1986 batch.

POST OF TWO MEMBERS ARE LYING VACANT IN TDSAT

Two posts of Members in TDSAT are vacant. Interested can apply for the post till June 25, 2020.

Details can be seen from DoT website.

SANJAY GUPTA SHIFTED TO WESTERN RAILWAYS

Sanjay Gupta on his return from deputation at DFCCIL, is being posted in Western Railways. He is an IRSE officer.

ABHINAV GUPTA SHIFTED TO NORTH WESTERN RAILWAYS New Delhi: Delhi HC has suggested that the Death Audit Committee and Delhi government should publish the data supplied by the government and private hospitals in the national cap-

ital only after proper analysis.

A division bench of CJ DN Patel & Justice Prateek Jalan also suggested that the data should be maintained properly. —ANI

them. However, the spirit of that thought has been kept in mind that we have to now look at complete contraction and if we have to stimulate the economy keeping that in mind what is that we have to do,” she said.

Sitharaman said the approach has been to go through this route of stimulating the economy through companies, institutions, enterprises and businesses all getting assistance by banks or formulations through which businesses restart.

“I’m sure the Indian

entrepreneurs are also going to come out after they test the waters post the lockdown...We have come with measures which will get more liquidity in the economy, if there is more liquidity in economy people will get money in their hands and that will kick-start economy, bring more demand, she said. —PTI

Abhinav Gupta on his repatriation from DFCCIL, is being posted in North Western Railways. He is an IRAS officer.

RK JHA POSTED AS OSD IN MHA

Ratnesh Kumar Jha presently posted in Northern Railways, has been posted as OSD in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He is an IRTS officer.

FROM PG 1 With 10,000+...

While the situation seems to be under control in Vadodara for now, it is likely that the case numbers could soon be in the four-digit range.

The state has increased sample testing.

It had dipped to 2,000 for a while, but conducts more than 6,000 tests every day. On Saturday, the government tested 6,308 samples, 102 less than it did on Friday.

China brings...

In the midst of the escalating tension, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane paid a quiet visit to the headquarters of 14

Corps in Leh on Friday and reviewed with the top commanders the overall security scenario in the region including in the disputed areas along the LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

Military sources said the Indian Army has also been matching up to the Chinese build-up in both Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley and that it is in a much advantageous position in certain other sensitive areas in the region. —PTI

Corona to... the GDP growth during

2020-21 is likely to remain in the negative territory. It projected some pick-up in growth impulses from second half (October-March) of 202021 onwards.

Last week, the minister had announced an economic packages five tranches, which included a Rs 3.70 lakh crore support for MSMEs, Rs 75,000 crore for NBFCs and Rs 90,000 crore for Power distribution companies, free foodgrains to migrant workers, increased allocation for MGNREGS, tax relief to certain sections and Rs 15,000 crore allocated to the healthcare sector to

deal with the pandemic.

The package was done in consultation with economists, academicians, ex-bankers, ex-finance ministry officials and industry, Sitharaman said, adding the idea was to make available more liquidity in the economy and revive demand, Sitharaman said.

“The package was designed keeping in mind that we are facing a situation which is exceptional and therefore whether the contraction is going to be this much or that much, we didn’t have the luxury of data to guess-estimating

Come Aug,... the Civil Aviation Ministry. Other airlines did not respond to PTI when asked about this matter.

“I am fully hopeful that before August or September, we will try

to start a good percentage of international civil aviation operations, if not complete international operations,” he said.

“We must have a more ambitious goal (regarding international flights). Why not start them by mid-June or June-end or in July,” he added. The minister said if some passengers do not have smartphones, it is not as if they will not be allowed to travel for they do not have Aarogya Setu app.

“We have said it is an advisory, it is preferable...If you do not have Aarogya Setu app, you

can give a self-declaration form,” he stated.

Incase a passenger does not have the app, he or she can get tested for the virus two or three days before the flight’s departure, get that medical certificate, and just fill in the form that he or she is COVID-negative, Puri noted.

“If you have Aarogya Setu app, and if you have got yourself tested for COVID-19 and have been found negative, and if you do not show any symptoms, then I think there is no need for quarantine,” he said. —PTI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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07

HOW TO SOCIALISE SAFELY AS CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS EASE

HOW BIG SHOULD MY GATHERING BE?

t the time of writing, A you can have five visitors in your home and gatherings of up to ten outdoors in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In Tasmania you

can only have two visitors to your home; in the ACT, South Australia and the Northern Territory you can have ten, while in Western Australia you can have 20.

Whatever the restrictions in your state or territory, it’s important not to crowd too close together.

You need to use common sense in deciding how many people to invite.

DO WE STILL NEED TO SOCIALLY DISTANCE & WASH HANDS REGULARLY? e should carry on W doing the things that have so far proved

successful in curbing the coronavirus.

This includes staying at least 1.5 metres from other people, and being vigilant about hand hygiene. Make sure you have plenty of hand sanitiser available if you are hosting or attending a social gathering, so you can disinfect your hands regularly without having to go to the bathroom repeatedly.

HOW SHOULD WE GREET EACH OTHER? rules about physical contact still apply, Tadoptheso same we should not be hugging for now. We could some of the new ways of greeting, such as the elbow bump or the foot shake. Or just stick to saying hello for the moment.

The winding back of restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, although it is a recognition of how well we have done to control the spread of COVID-19. There is still a long way to go, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to limit the chances of the coronavirus spreading

Y

ou can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as coronavirus restrictions are eased across Australia.

But as we emerge from our bunkers and dust off our social skills, we must think about how to navigate this transition safely.

The winding back of restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, al-

though it is a recognition of how well we have done to control the spread of COVID-19 in Australia. There is still a long way to go, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to limit the chances of the coronavirus spreading.

So what should a social gathering look like now we’re allowed to get together? Here are answers to some common questions.

SHOULD I BRING MY OWN CUTLERY TO A DINNER PARTY? ssuming you trust the A general hygiene standards of your friends (which I sincerely hope you do), this is not necessary.

Cutlery should be washed properly with detergent in hot water and handled only with freshly washed hands.

Cutlery is no different to

any other food surface such as crockery, glassware or chopping boards – just make sure it’s as clean as possible.

CAN WE SHARE FOOD? lthough there is no A evidence coronavirus is spread through

food, there is still a risk of cross-contamination while eating food from a shared plate. So this is probably not a sensible

thing to do right now.

While it might feel less sociable, avoiding shared grazing plates is a simple tactic to limit the risk of virus transmission. It might even stop your friend scoffing

all the dip.

Similarly, avoid the temptation to clink glasses with your friends.

It’s only a small risk but we should take every opportunity to reduce the virus’s chances.

SHOULD I WEAR A MASK? mask is not esA sential for social gatherings, assum-

ing you maintain a safe distance and wash your hands regularly. Having said that, a mask can give people some extra reassurance so they can relax a bit more.

That’s assuming it is worn (and taken off) correctly, and that people understand a mask does not guarantee protection from infection. There is no harm in wearing one, but remember to be extra friendly as your friends can’t see your smile!

I DON’T FEEL 100% – SHOULD I TAKE A RAINCHECK? important to factor Iandtinisyour personal health risk factors in deter-

mining how you navigate your newly reinstated freedoms. For example, a 75-year-old with a preexisting health condition, such as a heart condition or asthma, should still be very careful about limit-

ing their contact with others, as the implications of getting sick are very serious.

You should also consider your responsibility to other people.

A 25-year-old who feels slightly unwell should err on the side of caution and not socialise, to

protect others.

Despite the lockdown lifting, we still need to take responsibility for our own health and also be considerate about the health of others. That way we can all start to enjoy one of the most rewarding aspects of humanity: being sociable.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: ABHISHEK SHARMA

There is always something to be thankful for. In a day we always learn something, if not a lot at least a little. Be thankful for the learning and the success.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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INVISIBLE HAND BEHIND YOGIPRIYANKA IMPASSE ealising the complexity and humanitarian aspect of the journey of the migrant workers back home, the issue is being echoed from very quarter. Congress and Priyanka Gandhi also started raising the issue prominently. Priyanka asked permission for 1000 buses from the UP govt for taking the migrant workers to their native places. At the first sight, UP CM didn’t find anything political in the proposal and he took the tweet by Priyanka Gandhi casually. It is here that a senior bureaucrat intervened in the matter who was miffed with UP Congressman Gaurav Pandhi for raising question on his wife, a prominent folk singer, being a permanent feature in every big govt function through a tweet. Pandhi had hinted that the singer wife got the assignments due to her relation with the senior bureaucrat. Sources say that the senior bureaucrat revealed his heart burn to CM Yogi. CM asked him to take necessary action on the bus matter. After

R

getting CM’s nod, the senior bureaucrat asked Congress to send all 1000 buses to Lucknow by 10 pm the same night where their fitness was to be checked. Congress suggested that since the buses were supposed to enter UP from Noida border, so even the fitness tests should also be done at Noida. The senior bureaucrat refused this and on the contrary registered a case against UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu sighting that approx 150 two and three wheelers registration numbers were found in the list of 1000 buses submitted by Congress, which he regarded infringement of lockdown and fraud on part of Congress.

WHO GAVE BJP THE X-RAY EYES? ho gave this wisdom to UP BJP leaders that there could be any discrepancy in the list of buses submitted by Cong for helping the migrants? When Cong gave this list to UP BJP govt, they had no inkling regarding any probable discrepancy in list. Sources say that this happened due to inside

W

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

Priyanka Gandhi

Yogi Adityanath

Mamta Banerjee

Sitaram Yechury

information given by a senior Cong leader. This leader has said to have conveyed UP BJP govt that since required number of buses could not be arranged, so there has to be something wrong. If sources are to be believed then there was a communication gap between Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Dy CM Sachin Pilot and Priyanka Gandhi’s secretary Sandeep Singh. Or the plan was deliberately sabotaged? Priyanka Gandhi should get it inquired as it was her

name which took a beating in the whole episode.

letterheads to write to UP govt so the replies too came from SDM and RTO level officers. UP style of functioning can be very well understood from an old incident. It relates to the time when Mulayam Singh was UP CM with Congress supporting it.

The then UP Congress president ND Tiwari habitually use to threaten Mulayam govt of taking back its support. When Mulayam was asked as to why didn’t he respond to Tiwari’s threats, Mulayam said since ND Tiwari was Congress state chief

so he better be replied by the state chief of his party, Ramcharan Das, and not him. Was the same UP tradition followed in case of Sandeep Singh too? Priyanka Gandhi better understand this.

WHERE DID PRIYANKA GANDHI GO WRONG? enior Congress leaders believe that Priyanka Gandhi should have directly talked to UP CM Yogi for the return of migrant workers rather than tweeting the offer. It was Priyanka Gandhi’s secretary Sandeep Singh who was communicating with them. Sandeep has JNU background where he did CPI politics. Sandeep was using his own

S

MIRACULOUS AYURVEDIC SOLUTION hile the country was facing unprecedented cornona crisis, everyone was missing Baba Ramdev.

The problem with Baba Ramdev is that now he is more of a Business

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Guru than a Yoga Guru.

He all of sudden incarnated with his new business plan. This time it was in MP where CM Shivaraj Singh Chouhan, health minister Narottam Mishra and all senior medical officers of the state were present for VC with Baba.

Baba started with praising CM for his efforts to contain corona against the ground reality in MP which in fact is competing with Maharashtra in terms of the infection.

Most clean city Indore and capital Bhopal have made records in registering single day positive cases. Baba then came to his business plan and announced that Patanjali has come up with a Kadha ‘Trikoot’ which will boost the immunity.

Now Shivraj govt seems to be determined to make the miraculous ayurvedic solution for 2 crore people in MP.

MAMATA-YECHURY SHARE SAME STAGE ll non BJP parties are coming on same page to fight corona crisis. A virtual meeting was held in which most

A

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opposition party leaders and CMs participated and dwelled on building a common agenda which they would repeatedly raise in front of central govt. ‘Common Agenda’ theory was out forward

by WB CM Mamata Banerjee. But since PM Modi not only did an aerial survey of WB due to Amphan cyclone, but also gave a Rs 1000 crore package for the state, Mamta didn’t target PM Modi but substituted it with Centre. She said Centre is not respecting the federal structure of the country so all opposition parties should collectively raise common agenda. Congress targeted Modi govt of mishandling migrant crisis.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury raised the issue of free grains & food and MSP purchase. What surprised everybody was that both Yechury and Mamata not only shared the platform but also line of action. SP and BSP, often targeted as B team of BJP, kept a safe distance from this exercise.

The author is a journalist and political commentator and views expressed are his personal

How many times you visited Covid Hosp? : HC The Gujarat High Court has pulled up the State Government for laxity in corona testing and for several things about its handling of the Covid crisis First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has come down heavily on the State Government’s reported tendency to reduce the number of corona tests and directed that every person should have the permission to undergo a Covid test.

Passing severe strictures on the Gujarat Government over its handling of the corona crisis, a Division Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice ILesh Vora grilled Health Minister Nitin Patel, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, and Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi.

The High Court asserted, “We wonder, how many times the Health Minister of the State has visited the Civil Hospital at Ahmedabad so as to keep a watch or take stock of what is going on at the Civil Hospital.”

“Does the Health

We wonder, how many times the Health Minister has visited the Civil Hospital at Ahmedabad so as to keep a watch or take stock of what is going on at the Civil Hospital. Does he have any idea about the problems which the patients, doctors, nursing staff, and other employees are facing as on date?

— Gujarat High Court Minister have any idea about the problems which the patients, doctors, nursing staff, and other employees are facing as on date?”

Asking the government to ensure there is no laxity in testing for the virus, the court observed, “On argument

that if more numbers are tested, 70 per cent population testing positive will create fear psychosis can’t be ground to refuse testing, all private laboratories fullfilling ICMR criteria should be permitted to conduct RT-PCR tests.”

The bench ordered

that the, “The test charges should have ceiling as it is Rs 4500.

Now, everyone should be permitted to have Covid test (as well as) family members of those persons who have tested positive, or hospitalised or died due to corona.

The judges observed, “Crises does not build character, it reveals it.”

The court said the state should follow Maharashtra practice and ask all private clinic to operate. The Private hospitals should demand advance payments or fees and should only ask for people’s aadhar cards”.

The court directed the State Government to procure maximum testing kits and provide it even to private hospitals to carry out the test.

“The government is directed to admit asymptomatic positive cases and cases with mild symptoms. No patients should be made to run from one hospital to another for admission. Unfortunately this has happened in past and still continues.

There should be computerised control room to guide patients and hospitals sharing details about available beds,” the court orderd.

Guj washes its hands off free travel for migrants First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has categorically directed the Indian Railways and the State Government to bear the travel expenses of the migrant workers wishing to return to their native places and ensure that they go without any hindrances.

Referring to the reports filed by the Gujarat Government in the court, a division bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice IB Vora ordered thus: “The report filed today reflects that the travel charges levied for the trans-

portation of the migrant workers, by the Railway authorities is borne by a few host States, NGOs, employers, voluntary associations.”

“This is not done.

We direct the Railway authorities to waive off one-way charges of these migrant labourers or in the alternative, for the State Government to bear the charges.”

The court also directed that, “The State Government shall ensure that the migrant workers do not have to face further difficulties for the purpose of travelling to their native.

The work in this re-

gard shall continue in the right direction.”

With these directives, the High Court pushed aside all arguments by the Gujarat Government that since only 7,512 of the total 22.5 lakh migrant workers on the Labour Department’s record were registered under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (IMW) Act and only they could be provided travel allowance.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Anand Yagnik along with a suo motu petition initiated by the high court.

WEDDING ‘INDUSTRY’ TOO IS IN DOLDRUMS First India Bureau

Vadodara: The over two-month long lockdown has taken a massive toll on the wedding industry in Gujarat. Vadodara for one seems to be facing more hardships with marriage decorators and caterers complaining that the business was down.

According to government-imposed lockdown guidelines, weddings are allowed but not more than 50 people are allowed to attend and organisers

‘CONTROLLED’ WEDDINGS IN GUJARAT

People have started preferring temple weddings instead of marriage halls in Vadodara.

must ensure that guests maintain social distancing at all times. In Vadodara, weddings are being arranged in

temples, with due care to follow social distancing norms. Divyang Brahmakshatriya, who got married recently

said: “We had made preparations as per the government rules. I would thank the government for granting

permission despite the present condition.

There were around 20 relatives present at the wedding.”

A lot of industries associated with weddings, such as the decorators, hall owners, florists, caterers, photographers, et al, are now without work. “We have requested the government for relief and are waiting for their decision,” said Kamlesh Patel, decorator. During the ongoing fourth phase of lockdown, the Centre has allowed a gathering of not more than 50 persons during wedding ceremonies. Wearing a face mask has also been made mandatory.

@ahmedpatel Do watch Rahul ji’s interaction with migrant workers. Their pain and suffering is a national shame # Rahul_Gandhi_Mazdooron_ke_Sath

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09

AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY MAY 24, 2020

PAINT ME RED!

CITY FIRST DELVES INTO THE PASSIONATE WORLD OF THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE COLOUR RED AND DECODES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RED!

RISHEE MIGLANI cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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ed is accepted as the colour of life not just because of the life-giving red blood which flows through our veins and arteries but also because no other colour is as much a symbol of life, positivity, warmth, energy, love and passion, as red is. Red is associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive.

It exudes strong and powerful energy.

Many of us turn to wear red when we need confidence and I personally feel it really enhances the natural beauty of women which is probably why it is the traditional colour for the bride and for festive occasions. Another reason could be that red awakens our physical life force and stimulates deeper and intimate passions.

Now, you know why Valentine’s day is dominated by red.

Red represents both, the cupid and the devil. Negatively, it is also an expression of anger. Too much red in the surroundings can lead to agitation and irritation.

Red is a highly visible colour

that is able to draw attention quickly and get people to make decisions quickly which is fire trucks

are usually painted red. Flashing red lights mean danger or emergency, while stop signs and stop lights use the colour red to alert drivers about the dangers of the intersection. Red represents power and courage. Red’s association with courage and bravery makes it a colour that is used often in national flags, on shields, and in achievement patches.

Red is used in phrases which all have different connotations and meanings like saying “in the red” means losing money while the term “red herring” is used when referencing something that is deceiving. We all have used the phrase “paint the town red” which is associated with celebration while “red-eye” is associated with overnight airline flights. The oft used “red carpet treatment” refers to making someone feel special and pampered as if they are a VIP or high profile person.

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

10

AN UNTOLD TALE BUDDHA TOOTH TEMPLE AN UNHEARD JOURNEY OF GAUTAM BUDDHA’S SACRED TOOTH RELIC FROM INDIA TO SRI LANKA INSIGHTS!

T

he tooth temple was refurbished again as it was attacked by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), very recently in 1998.

In early 1998, Sri Lanka was ready to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary from Great Britain. Charles, Prince of Wales with a number of foreign dignitaries were scheduled to arrive in the following days. Kandy city was chosen as the host for such important event on February 4th. On 25th January 1998, the LTTE exploded a massive truck bomb inside the Temple of the Tooth premises. The attack caused severe damage to the temple; especially to its roof and the facade. But neither its inner chambers nor the tooth relic were harmed. Complete restoration took more than one and a half years to complete.

Earlier also the temple sustained damage from bombing in 1989 but was fully restored that time also. All damaged sculptures were made new, and damaged paintings on lime plaster were reassembled and reintegrated with the existing pieces.

After every 5 years through a grand procession of ten-days ‘Esala Perahera’ the replica of the tooth is brought out for public viewing. With parades of dancers and drummers the procession is celebrated like a festival to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth. In the procession, a royal male elephant carries the great relic of Sacred Tooth.

Since 1990, a casket is carried instead of the relic due to fear of robbery.

ANUBHA JAIN

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

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INSIGHTS! elephant tusks are placed in the front of the shrine. Lotus flower has great significance in Kandy. When I walked at the upper floor people were offering lotus flowers in front of the sacred tooth chamber to fulfill their wishes.

Journey of Buddha’s sacred tooth from India to Kandy, Sri Lanka- After the parinirvana of Gautam Buddha, the body of Buddha was cremated at Uttar Pradesh’s Khushinagar district in India. Buddha’s left canine tooth was retrieved

FA CE OF TH ED AY

hen Buddhism spread beyond India, the first nation in which it took roots was Sri Lanka. Kandy is a large picturesque city in central Sri Lanka. Covered with lush green rainforest and surrounded by mountains I found the city extremely beautiful and mesmerizing. The city is embraced with many tea plantations in and around like DAMRO tea estate, etc. It is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. The Buddhist shrine is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The temple is spread along the Kandy lake and located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

I got the wonderful opportunity to visit the temple. As I entered inside the hall of the main shrine was captivated to see the old wooden architecture. From the hall two separate staircases were ultimately going upstairs (from left and right directions) where Buddha’s original left upper canine tooth has been preserved.

The sacred tooth is conserved in the inner chamber of the upper floor of two-storied Sri Dalada Maligawa temple. The temple is designed in traditional style with a decoration of uniquely built 128 lotus gold flowers on the roof. Two large

the last Indian ruler to possess the Tooth relic was Guhasiva of Kalinga. Guhasiva in order to prevent its possession by his enemies who made war sent the tooth to Sri Lanka through his daughter Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha. Princess Hemamali carried Gautama Buddha’s tooth relic hidden in her hair to Sri Lanka. That time King Kirti Sri Megavanna was the ruler of Sri Lanka and as a pious Buddhist he received the sacred Tooth Relic with great

veneration. He built a beautiful palace within the Royal Palace Complex itself and enshrined the Relic in it. As time went on, the land was threatened with foreign invasions, and the seat of the kingdom shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and thereafter to Dambadeniya and other cities.

With every change of capital, a new palace was built to enshrine the Relic. Finally, it was brought to Kandy where it is at present, in the Sri Dalada Maligawa temple.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You will make some progress in new direction.

Work hard to overcome any weakness and shortcomings for getting good academic results. You may move to a new residence. Government employees will invest for retirement.

Do not get emotional.

Take preventive measures for your health will prove beneficial. Enjoy quality time with you friends and family and bury all the resentments of the past . Todays is your day for romance. Stars are supporting you, go ahead be confident about your emotions and express yourself.

Academically stay alert, don’t fall for any negative suggestions given by your competitor. Money is no constraint in getting successful in your endeavours. Set a goal and move in the direction of achieving it.

Read property papers with extra caution before making any deal.

On professional front come up with new ideas. Invest your time in making things work that have been given up by your co workers, as this will help you in getting noticed. Don’t indulge in outspreading rumours as it may backfire also simply you will gain nothing out of it.

from the funeral by his disciple, Khema. Khema then gave the tooth to the Kingdom of Kalinga’s King Brahmadatte.

It became a royal possession and was kept at Dantapuri in Odhisha. Thenceforth, the Tooth relic of the Kalinga became an object of great veneration by generations of Kalinga kings. Consequently several attempts were made to destroy the Relic by the fanatical rulers. Yet the Tooth relic was miraculously saved every time. In the 4th Century AD

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You will feel energetic, reinvigorated and will adopt a new fitness regime. Being lazy or tired is a thing of past. Adjust yourself in a new set up.

Do not leave any stone unturned in working hard academically. Any negligence in studies may lead to situation getting out of hands.

Smile because to your delight, you will start doing stuff or something that you had to discontinue doing in the past. Prepare well and in advance if you want to move mountains in a new and a totally different field of work. Be careful on what you spend and how you spend.

All those who matters will appreciate your initiative to complete all the given work on or before time. You will receive a financial boost may be because of change of job or getting money back from the borrower. Keep following a healthy diet to remain in good shape.

Prove your point by using facts and figures and a little more effort from your end will surprise everyone.

You will feel confident and strong.

Today is your day, professionally you will be very efficient at workplace.

You will feel secure in terms of money.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Your expectation are very high today from the company of someone you love. Your academic performance will improve like anything.

Taking care of an elderly, loving them and giving them time will not only bring you recognition but will also bring you blessings.

Love will keep you satisfied. Having correct attitude is must if you want to fit in the crowd. To reach your desired goal, focus on the teamwork and good management skills. Avoid being strong headed in sensitive matters. Please take care of your health.

Today prioritize your health.

Take a break or slow down on professional front or else your health will start suffering. Today is also the best day for you as you would get the opportunity to interact with important people. Now is the time to prove your metal in the field that you have chosen.

Please take responsibility for your actions. Your ambitions are on hault because of your will and once you revive life will be awesome.

Your plan for business expansion may not go as smoothly as planned by you because of current situations but things will settle.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

SONAXI CHANANA, Model

E

lephant Raja Maligawa was the sacred casket bearer of the procession for around 50 years. On 20th August 1986 former Sri Lankan President J.R.Javewardene declared Raja as a national treasure, in recognition of his valuable services to the religion and culture of Sri Lanka. Raja died in July 1988 and his death prompted the government to order a day of national mourning in Sri Lanka.

A postage stamp was issued in its memory on 12 December 1989. Raja’s stuffed remains are presently kept in a special museum within the Temple premises.

The shrine complex is surrounded by the beautiful garden and there are various associated buildings and structure in the temple such as the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, and Mahamaluwa.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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FEELING

A

mid lockdown, actress Kriti Kharbanda has not seen her family and friends for a few months now and says feeling homesick is normal in times like these. Kriti took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of a plate full of delicacies that look appetising. She wrote: “It’s been a few months since I’ve gone home and seen my parents. Feeling home sick is very normal in times like these. So I decided to give myself a treat to feel better, and this South Indian thali did the trick.. the South Indian punjabi in me is very pleased, happy, content and grateful.” Her rumoured beau and actor Pulkit Samrat commented: “Bestest meal ever!!”

—IANS

Homesick!

Kriti Kharbanda

Embracing true nature!

‘S

ex Education’ star Emm Mackey will head the cast of biographical drama about English novelist and poet Emily Bronte. The film ‘Emily’, incidentally, will also mark the directorial debut of actress Frances O’Connor and trace the early years of the ‘Wuthering Heights’ author. “Emily Bronte’s work and words are full of passion, feeling, violence and fierce intelligence,” O’Connor said, adding: “In creating an imagined life for Emily, she will live again for our audience. Her story is about a young woman daring to form herself, to embrace her true nature, despite the consequences. “I am so excited to work with such a thrilling, talented, young cast; luminous, intelligent, and spirited.”

—IANS

Humanity!

S

inger Ariana Grande has paid tribute to victims of the Manchester bombing attack, nearly three years after the tragedy. The 26-year-old singer paid her respects to the 22 people killed by a suicide bomber at her concert in 2017.

She said: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge and send my love to everyone that is feeling the sadness and tremendous heaviness of the anniversary coming up this week. Not a day goes by that this doesn’t affect u and all of us still. I will be thinking of u all week and weekend. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with u always.” Ariana had described the incident as the worst of humanity. —IANS

Feeling Guilty!

Emm Mackey

Zoey Deutch

A

ctress Zoey Deutch feels guilty about her privileged recovery process after testing COVID-19 positive. Deutch joins the list of celebrities including Idris Elba, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Daniel Kim who battled the virus and recovered.

The actress says she still has no idea how she contracted the disease. “I had the coronavirus early on, before the shutdown, and a group of my friends also got it. People keep asking me, ‘Where did you get it?’ and I wish I knew. I feel like I could have spoken in a more eloquent way about my experience had I known,” Deutch wrote in an essay for the portal Vulture. “I continued testing positive for a month, which is longer than they’re saying you’re supposed to. I’m okay now. I’m so grateful for my health and I also feel guilty, in a way, for making it out okay. I think this virus is bringing up so many conflicting emotions,” she said.

—IANS

SHEER KHURMA INGREDIENTS   

 

K

riti Sanon made her Bollywood debut with ‘Heropanti’ in 2014 on this day, and since then her career has only been on the rise. Completing six years in the industry, the actress took to Instagram to thank the cast and crew members of her first film, which also introduced Tiger Shroff. “This was my first ever bollywood poster that released and the feeling was surreal! I woke up earlier than usual, jumped out of bed and ran out to see the front page of the newspaper!! From that day till now I’m living my dream,” Kriti happily expressed. She added: “Forever Grateful to @nadiadwalagrandson #SajidSir @ wardakhannadiadwala & @sabbir24x7 sir for getting me into this magical world of movies. For giving me the best launch ever.. and @tigerjackieshroff I’m so glad i started my journey with you..happy 6 year anniversary Tigy.”

—IANS

1 cup sugar 1 litre milk 1/2 cup dry fruits chopped (almonds and pistas julienned, charoli or chironji) 2 tbsp ghee 100 grams roasted vermicelli (crushed into small pieces)

METHOD 



 

Boil milk. Add sugar.

Let it simmer so it thickens. Keep stirring in intervals.

Heat ghee in a pan.

Fry the vermicelli till golden brown.

Remove from pan and let it cool.

Add to the boiling milk.

Garnish with dry fruits. Serve warm.

CHICKEN TIKKA BIRYANI INGREDIENTS

For Chicken Tikka  Chicken (Tikka Cut) : 4 pieces  Yogurt : 4 tablespoons  Ginger & Garlic Paste : 1 tablespoon each  Zarda / Orange Food Color : 1/4 teaspoon  Chicken Tikka Masala : 1/2 packet  Chinese Chili Sauce : 1 tablespoon  Raw Papaya Paste : 1 tablespoon  Lemon Juice : 2 tablespoons  Charcoal : 1 inch piece, for dum  Oil : 5 tablespoons For Biryani Masala  Basmati Rice : 3 cups  Fresh Coriander (chopped) : 2 tablespoons  Oil : 1 cup  Quorma Masala : 1/2 packet  Ginger & Garlic Paste : 1 teaspoon each  Yogurt : 2 cups  Onion (sliced) : 1 medium  Iodized Salt : to taste  Crushed Chili : 1 tablespoon  Green Chili : 3-4  Fresh Mint (leaves) : 2 tablespoons  Lemon (sliced) : 4-5 medium  Zarda / Orange Food Color : 1/8 teaspoon

METHOD

Ariana Grande

11

LOCKDOWN EID RECIPES



... her post

Worst of

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

For Chicken Tikka Marination  Using a knife make cuts in chicken tikka pieces.  Combine all the ingredients in a bowl except the last two and rub it thoroughly onto the chicken pieces. Cover the remaining with marinade.  Give it a koyle-ka-dum and allow

it to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.  Heat the oil & cook marinated chicken tikka on a high heat just to get a little color.  Add half a cup of water and cook with the lid covered for 15 minutes. After a few minutes flip to ensure even cooking on both sides. Cook until the meat is tender. Keep aside.

For Biryani Masala  Wash & soak Basmati Rice for at least 15 minutes.  Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the onions till they are golden in color.  To this add Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Quorma Masala, crushed chili, Iodized Salt and yogurt; cook for 4-5 minutes.  In a large pan bring 3 liters of water to a rapid boil; add 3 tbsp Iodized Salt and 2-3 lemons (sliced). Add the drained rice and boil till rice reaches do kanni stage. Strain.  In a large pan bring 3 liters of water to a rapid boil; add 3 tbsp Iodized Salt and 2-3 lemons (sliced). Add the drained rice and boil till rice reaches do kanni stage. Strain.  Start layering the masala with the cooked chicken tikkas. Then sprinkle green chili, fresh coriander, fresh mint leaves, and lemon slices. Finally top with the rice and sprinkle a pinch of orange food color. Leave for dum.

Reminiscing!

... her post

Kriti Sanon

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

ACT OF HUMANITY

FACEBOOK POST!

ized in the leprosy ashram with saffron tikas and gujiyas.

Currently, in the ongoing war with the Corona epidemic, the social worker couple is supporting the leprosy residents, they provide a regular supply of green vegetables, fresh fruits and other ration materials to the ashram residents.

Ashram Director Suresh Kaul praised the Arora couple for their active contribution towards the leprosy ashram. Kaul said, “The couple takes full care of their brothers and sisters, of the leprosy ashram even in the hour of calamity, for which all leprosy patients are grateful.

CITY FIRST, JAIPUR

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n this era of long lockdown that became a weapon of war against Coronavirus, some exemplary acts of humanity are a source of motivation for one and all. Leprosy still carries a stigma in the society and even today there are at least 1000 settlements in India where leprosy patients are fighting this disease by keeping themselves in quarantine.

A Jaipur based couple, Harsh and Pramila Arora came in touch with one such settlement, Sarthak Manav Kusht Ashram, last year and pledged to add color to the lives of the about 70 people living there. In the past year they have stayed consistently in touch with them and organized around 8 small and big events.

Programmes like posh bada event, devotional music and Sundar Kand recitation were organized twice in the ashram.

During the euphoria of Guru Nanak’s 550th festivities, the Arora couple organized Gurbani giving the feel of the holy gurudwara in this ashram for the first time, as the line came

WHAT’S HAPPENING! Rajasthan: A panel discussion on ‘COVID- 19 Relief Fund not a Magic wand’ was organised by the Department of Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Manipal University, Jaipur on Saturday, where Professor N D Mathur discussed an overall view of the stimulus package, it’s purpose, components and instruments, while Dr Supran Sharma explained the nuances of Multiplier and Accelerator effect of the stimulus package on the Indian economy. The discussion was moderated by Dr Oum Kumari.

Rajasthan: To address the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture, manufacturing, and service industry, IIHMR University, Jaipur has organised a webinar on ‘Sectoral Implications of COVID-19 on Indian Economy’, which was attended by 1034 participants.

The webinar was addressed by a panel of experts including IAS, Secretary (Finance), Government of Rajasthan - Dr Prithvi Raj, Associate Professor - Dr. Brajesh Kumar, National Institute of Financial Management, Ministry of Finance, Government of India - Arun Jaitley, Associate Professor - Dr Prashant Gupta, CA Jatin Srivastava, President, IIHMR University Dr Pankaj Gupta and Associate Professor Dr Prashant Sharma.

Rajasthan: A portable UV sterilizer device to disinfect our daily consumption items has been created by Jaipur-based three entrepreneurs. Managing Directors of Oliria Food and Beverages, Arihant, Shreyans, and Vardhman Tijaria shared that “COVID-19 is spreading all over the country but after the lock down opens the risk of the virus will increase.

That is why a device like UV sterilizer will be needed and will reduce this risk of infection to a great extent.” This device has been created for the 1st time in India.

Rajasthan: Amidst the ongoing pandemic, Agrasen colony of Brahmpuri, Jaipur honoured Municipal cleaning worker, Mahendra Kumar with garland and Rs 1,100 cash as a remark of respect for his continuous service even during the lockdown.

Gujarat: As the temperature soars, a little boy cools off with a bath in a bucket by the side of a street in Ahmedabad’s Kalupur area on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Rajasthan: UNICEF Rajasthan and Lok Samvad Sansthan organised an online brainstorming session on developing learning modules on ‘Reporting in Crises Situations’ on Saturday, where more than 20 experts including media academics and eminent journalists participated in the online session. Creation of a stylebook on Mobile-first journalism, the requirement of Fact-checking for journalists, the need for Data Journalism were among the issues that came up for deliberation at the online brainstorming session.

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Harsh and Pramila Arora with residents of the Ashram

about of Guru Nanak that ‘I always live among poor and helpless people’, the leprosy patients were deeply touched and put their forehead to the ground in tribute. Holi Milan celebrations were also organ-

Pictures for representational purpose only

REMEMBERING

THE ROYAL!

SCHIZOPHRENIA during Lockdown!

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n the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Rajmata Gayatri Devi, Vasundhara Raje tweeted, “She made the place in everyone’s heart with her struggles. She was a strong supporter of Girl education and Women empowerment with an incredible love for everyone in the heart.”

ON WORLD SCHIZOPHRENIA DAY, CITY FIRST BRINGS YOU SOME FACTS ABOUT IT

DR ANITA GAUTAM Vasundhara Raje

Late Rajmata Gayatri Devi

cityfirst@ firstindia.co.in

C LIVE WITH TALENT! A midst the nationwide lockdown, Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association started an online series of poetry and stories recitation every Sunday, starting today with poetry recitation by Kailash Manhar. General Secretary of RPWA, Ish Madhu Talwar shared that the popular poet Kailash Manhar of Manoharpur, Jaipur, is going to recite some of his selected poetries live from 12 noon to 1 PM on the Facebook page of RPWA. In this series, Ajmer based Shruti Gautam will be the next to read her story on the upcoming Sunday. This

Rajasthan: On the fifth day of the ongoing ‘Online Learning – Children’s Summer Festival’, viewers witnessed the finale of ‘Jaipur Kathak’ sessions with exponent, Namita Jain. The session was a brilliant opportunity for viewers to hone their beginner skills from the comfort of their homes and learn the intricacies of the Jaipur Gharana style Kathak.

Shruti Gautam

Kailash Manhar

is noteworthy that Shruti won the first prize of Rs one lakh at the literary competition ‘Discovering young talent in literature’ organised by RPWA last year in collaboration of a daily newspaper.

—City First

oronavirus pandemic and lockdown had an unprecedented impact on the world population and disproportionate burden on people already suffering from psychological problems especially people with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorder.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder where a person is suffering from delusions (false, firm belief), hallucination (hearing imaginary voices, seeing imaginary things), suspiciousness, the problem in perceptions, thought process, disorganised behaviour, cognitive impairment, and poor insight.

Why schizophrenic patient is more at risk of acquired COVID-19 1. Because of poor insight and decision-making capacity they do not easily adopt adequate protective measures (like hands washing, using a mask, social distancing).

2. Comorbid substance abuse (alcohol or other drugs) puts them at higher risk.

Gujarat: Residents of the area around Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad go fishing in the lake amid the ongoing lockdown.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

3. Smoking is prevalent in 60% of people with schizophrenia increased risk and complications.

4. Because of poor lifestyle patients are suffering from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorder, or chronic respiratory disorders which are again prone to infection.

IMPACT ON PATIENT AND FAMILY

1. Because of lockdown many people are not getting medicines or using medical facilities which may lead to relapse or worsen of symptoms.

2. Increase irritation, anger, frustration may lead to aggressive behavior and an unhealthy family environment.

3. Because of suspiciousness, hallucination, or other increased symptoms, cases of domestic violence increase.

4. Suicidal thoughts or ideas may put their life at risk.

5. Increase substance or alcohol abuse.

WHAT TO DO

1. People who are already on medications please take regular treatment (now little relief is given in lockdown).

2. Symptoms like suspiciousness, false allegations, a hallucination, or disorganised behaviour if seen in any family members please contact the doctor.

3. This is a mental disorder which is treatable with medicine so don’t fall in the trap of Tantrik faith healers (delay in treatment may worsen symptoms).

4. A healthy lifestyle, proper sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise may help in improving general physical condition and increase immunity.

5. Avoid alcohol or any other substance abuse.