First India-Ahmedabad Edition-26 November 2020

AHMEDABAD l THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

JALLIKATTU

IS INDIA’S ENTRY FOR 2021 OSCARS

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 2 It was unanimously chosen from 27 entries across Hindi, Marathi and other languages. The film features actors Antony Varghese, Chemban Jose, Sabumon Abdusamad & Santhy.

Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Jallikattu is India’s official entry to 2021 Oscars in best foreign language film category. This 2019 Malayalam film tells the story of a massive buffalo and the village that gets involved in hunting it.

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR, AHMEDABAD & LUCKNOW 16°C - 33°C

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

80TH ALL INDIA PRESIDING OFFICERS CONFERENCE

AUGUST 21 1949 - NOVEMBER 25 2020

BHAI Prez: Indiscipline by public AHMED CONG’S KEY STRATEGIST & TROUBLESHOOTER reps hurts peoples feelings BJP MP TESTS +VE AFTER CONFRENCE

Aditi Nagar & Jyoti

Kevadia (Gujarat): President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said that elected representatives should engage in a healthy dialogue in Parliament and legislative assemblies and refrain from using unparliamentary language during debates.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 80th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference at Tent City in Gujarat’s Kevadia village, his first outdoor public event in the last eight months, Kovind said such indiscipline by public representatives in legislatures hurts the sentiments of the people.

It is expected from elected representatives that they remain committed to democratic values. The biggest challenge for elected representatives and democratic institutions is to fulfil the expectations of the people, he said.

“I believe that people of this country expect that their elected representatives will follow parliamentary norms.

People get hurt when their elected representatives use unparliamentary words or indulge in indiscipline in Parliament or in the assembly,” Kovind said.

Turn to P6

President Ram Nath Kovind being welcomed by V-P M Venkaiah Naidu, LS Speaker Om Birla, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Arjun Meghwal and other dignitaries during inauguration of All India Presiding Officer’s Conference at Kevadia in Gujarat on Wednesday.

Kevadia: BJP MP from Kheda Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, Devusinh Chauhan, tested coronavirus positive on Wednesday afternoon, soon after attending the inaugural ceremony of Speakers’ Conference at the Tent City near Kevadia in Narmada district of the state. He along with other MPs and other dignitaries from Gujarat were in Kevadia for the inaugural session of the conference which was inaugurated

by Prez Kovind.

In democracy, there can be difference of opinion among institutions: Birla Kevadia: In a democracy, there can be a difference of opinion among institutions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday as he stressed on harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive and judiciary.

Addressing the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference at Tent City in Kevadia, he said constitution provides the basis for the functioning of parliament and state as-

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the inauguration of an exhibition on Constitution at Kevadia on Wednesday.

semblies according to people’s aspirations.

“As public representatives, we must always work for public welfare while remaining committed to constitutional values,” Birla said. In a democracy, there can be a difference of opinion among institutions. But with improvement in procedures, constitutional provisions and democratic norms, solutions can be found, he said.

Turn to P6

Some court rulings give impression of overreach: VP Kevadia: Citing court verdicts on firecrackers and denying the executive a role in the appointment of judges, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said some judgments gave a distinct impression of the judiciary’s overreach.

He stressed that the legislature, the executive and the judiciary are bound to work within their respective do-

A harmonious relationship between three wings of the Indian state “warrants a spirit of mutual respect, responsibility and restraint.

M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice Prez

mains as defined in the Constitution.

Addressing the 80th All India Presiding Of-

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu addressing the conference.

ficers’ Conference on “Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Ju-

FOOTBALL LEGEND MARADONA PASSES AWAY AT 60 YRS

DIEGO MARADONA 1960 - 2020

Buenos Aires: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona passed away on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

The 60-year-old had been hospitalised at the start of November, days after celebrating his birthday, Goal. com reported. Maradona was hospitalised after he complained of regularly being fatigued. His tests at the La Plata clinic revealed a blood clot in Maradona’s brain, which doctors later revealed was operated on successfully. Turn to P6

diciary - Key to Vibrant Democracy”, Naidu said harmony lies in each organ doing its

job, without interfering with that of the others.

This warrants a spirit of mutual respect, responsibility and restraint. Unfortunately, there have been several instances of crossing the boundaries, he said.

Naidu said there have been quite a few judicial pronouncements that gave a distinct impression of an overreach.

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and the party’s top strategist Ahmed Patel died in a Gurugram hospital on Wednesday due to multi-organ failure at 71 years. He was suffering from complications related to COVID-19. Patel, who was critical for a few days, was admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurugram on November 15 after he developed complications.

His son Faisal said he died at 3.30 am. He will be laid to rest at his native village Piraman in Gujarat’s Bharuch district at 9.30 am on Thursday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will attend the funeral.

A pall of gloom descended in political circles with the death of a master strategist. Patel was Congress’ man for all seasons and every reason, the quintessential backroom strategist who maintained a studied low profile but held a steel-grip Turn to P6

TN braces for Cyclone Nivar; Chennai airport shut Chennai: Torrential rain and heavy winds continued to lash Chennai and the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, even as Cyclone Nivar intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm moving at 16kmph. The cyclonic storm lay about 90 km southeast of Cuddalore, 150 kilometres from Puducherry and 220 km from Chennai according to the IMD. All major arterial roads in Chennai have been closed until further orders. A public holiday has been announced on Thursday too across 16 districts.

Airport operations of domestic and international flights at the Chennai airport have been suspended from 7.00 pm on Nov 25 to 7.00 am on Nov 26.

P6

Local curbs allowed, but lockdown needs Centre’s approval

New Delhi: Amid a spurt in coronavirus cases in some regions, the Centre on Wednesday said states and union territories can impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 but made it clear that they will have to consult it before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones. While issuing guidelines for “Sur-

veillance, Containment and Caution” for December, the MHA said main focus of directive is to consolidate substantial gains which are visible in steady decline in the number of active cases in the country.

The guidelines said that keeping in view the recent spike in new cases in a few states and UTs, ongoing festival season and onset of winter.

P6

‘No plan for weekend curfew in any cities’ COVID-19 vaccine trial to begin only after state medical officers receive training: Dy CM First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state will not impose weekend curfew in Ahmedabad or any other city in Gujarat, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said on Wednesday, categorically rubbishing rumours to the contrary which have been circulating on social media in the recent past.

Earlier in the day, he had said that while the Centre has allotted 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Gujarat, the trial will only begin after a Central team trains state medical officers.

He also announced that 500 of the 821 beds at the new Kidney hospital would be set aside for COVID-19 patients to meet the need of the hour.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

Patel added that the state is currently preparing a list of healthy volunteers on whom the

—FILE PHOTO

vaccine will initially be trialled. However, the actual trial will only begin after medical staff

at Sola Civil Hospital and other hospitals staff are fully trained.

Volunteers will each receive two doses of the vaccine in a month and will be closely monitored.

The year-long vaccine trial will later also include children and senior citizens under its purview.

Sharing information about the new kidney hospital in Ahmedabad, Patel said that 350-400 beds equipped with oxygen facilities will be made available in the next few days.

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

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

02

AHMED PATEL

THE STALWART OF CONGRESS

First India Bureau

The national leader, known for his problem-solving and analytical skills, had always managed to steer the party out of troubled waters

Gandhinagar: The demise of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, after a month-long battle with COVID-19, has sent shockwaves in his native state, where he enjoyed an unwavering affection. Hailing from Bharuch district, Patel started out from local panchayat elections and gradually burst onto the national political scene.

One of the greatest skills Patel was known for was the knack of keeping a close eye on ground developments despite being stationed in the national capital- Delhi. His expertise in providing relevant feedback, analytical skills and ability to bridge gaps made him one of the most dependable and trustworthy aides of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and later of his wife and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Due to this, he attracted the disapproval of several politicos within Congress as well as other parties.

A senior Congress leader told First India, “From 1984 to 1990, Ahmed Patel made carved a niche for himself in

national politics. When other senior leaders of the party expressed their disapproval of Patel’s promotion, the late PM Rajiv Gandhi asked them to name a replacement that matched the skill set possessed by Patel. He then went on to say that Ahmed Patel could provide the on-ground feedback of any state within 12 hours, and asked if they had anyone in mind that could do it.”

In the late 80s, there was a time when political arch rivals former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki, late Jinabhai Darji and Ahmed Patel had joined hands to overthrow late Amarsinh Chaudhary’s government. The then state education minister Hasmukh Patel was a lieutenant of Solanki’s camp. But, he changed his allegiances to Patel a few years later. During an informal meeting in the 1990s, the former education minister revealed the reason for the move which showcased the difference between the two leaders.

“Even if you are a close confidant of Solanki’s, there is no guarantee that he will get your work done. On the other hand, despite knowing that my loyalties lay with Solanki

State leaders condole Ahmed Bhai’s death The late Ahmedbhai Patel carved a prominent place in the hearts of the people through his best deeds in public life. His demise has left an indelible mark on public life.

—Devvrat Acharya, Governor of Gujarat

He was my good friend. I am saddened by his death. But, I have nothing more to say.

—Madhavsinh Solanki, Former Chief Minister of Gujarat

Emerging talent with a sound mind, karma and promise.

The sun on an attractive noble personality has gone down today, who was the epitome of restraint, simplicity, struggle, and dedication.

Late Shri Ahmed Patel left many orphaned and left on an endless journey. May God grant eternal peace to his soul.

— Paresh Dhanani, Leader of the Opposition

Deeply pained.

A void that will remain and an irreplaceable loss to the nation and Indian National Congress India. I have not only lost a senior party leader but also an affectionate friend, philosopher, and guide. Ahmed Patel will forever be a guiding light for me. May the Almighty give strength to his family.

—Arjun Modhwadia, Former President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee

I am saddened by the demise of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmedbhai Patel. His role in strengthening the Congress party and his social work will always be remembered. May God give peace to his soul and grant strength to his family to endure this suffering.

—Vijay Rupani, Gujarat Chief Minister

I am extremely shocked by the demise of a great leader and AICC Treasurer Ahmed Patelji.

His contributions towards the Congress party as well as the nation has been an inspiration to us all. May he rest in peace.

— Rajiv Satav, MP and Gujarat Incharge of Congress

RIP Ahmedbhai Patel. Your contributions in strengthening the Congress party will be remembered forever, as will your selfless dedication towards public life. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

—Gautam Adani, Industrialist

Saddened beyond words by the passing away of Shri Ahmed Patel ji. It’s a great loss to INC, Gujarat, the nation, and me personally.

His contributions to the party will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace.

—Amit Chavda, President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee

and his cause, Ahmed Patel came through and got my pending work done. He was someone who never left anyone behind,” said Hasmukh.

Ahmed Patel’s protecting stance over the Gandhi family gained him enemies within the party. It is said that he did not get on well the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the late Madhavrao Scindia or the late Rajesh Pilot. In fact, when Patel decided to help former Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela form a government in the mid-90s, Madhavsinh Solanki was against the idea. This move widened the gap between two state political stalwarts.

Since he was stationed in Delhi, people were bound to assume that he did not have adequate information about the current on-ground developments taking place in Gujarat. On the contrary, the late leader never missed a beat and always believed in updating himself about all happenings. Once, a state leader was lobbying for the Gujarat Congress unit president position and all Patel did was ask a few questions about a few district leaders, their backgrounds and activities. When it was clear that the lobbyist had lit-

tle knowledge about any of it, Patel advised him that in order to be a state leader one should be equipped with knowledge on not only geography, demography but also domination of castes in various districts as well as background of local leaders.

There were few Congress leaders who enjoyed as much clout as Patel did when it came to corporate houses. If any of them had issues with any of the policies, he was the person they called upon to discuss and come up with a resolution with. That was precisely why the coffers of the Congress party overflowed during his tenure as the treasurer of the All-India Congress Committee from 2018 to present.

With the Congress party lacking a leader capable enough to lead it, Patel’s demise will certainly make it more vulnerable and divided. Two of his loyalists Arjun Modhwadia and Shaktisinh Gohil have two separate camps, Bharatsinh Solanki has his own camp and Siddharth Patel is still struggling to come into his own. The void left by the altruistic leader will be hard for the party to fill.

A PEEK AT THE POLITICAL GENIUS AND AN EPITOME OF UNWAVERING LOYALTY

Local Congress members perform a salutation upon the arrival of Ahmed Patel's body in Piraman village .

Ahmedbhai to be buried in his native village Piraman today First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The burial of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel, who succumbed to COVID-19 on Wednesday, will be conducted according to his final wish today in his native village of Piraman in Bharuch district. He will be put to rest next to the graves of his parents in his village, as per his instructions.

State leaders received Patel’s body upon its arrival at Vadodara Airport later that same evening. It was flown in a special chartered plane from Delhi at 6 pm post which it was kept in cold storage at Ankleshwar Sardar Patel Hospital overnight.

The Rajya Sabha MP will be buried at the cemetery in Vatan Piraman today morning. The burial will be attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi,

who will reach Surat Airport at 7.30 am and travel to Piraman for Patel’s final rites.

Preparations for a grave were begun by villagers after news of Patel’s untimely demise broke. Mourning Ahmedbhai’s death, traders in Piraman observed a spontaneous shutdown and closed down the market. The Patel family home was thronged by villagers seeking one last opportunity to see their beloved leader.

Expressing his shock at Patel’s death, Maulvi Maulana Rahman of Piraman village said, “His elder brother called me from Delhi at 4 am on Wednesday and informed me that Ahmedbhai had died.

He was the local leader of Bharuch district. I still cannot believe that he is not with us anymore. The entire Ankleshwar taluka is in mourning.”

Ahmed Patel, the politician who kept a low-profile and toiled away from the limelight

Ahmed Patel accompanied by Arjun Modhwadia and Shankersinh Vaghela as he filed his nomination form for Rajya Sabha in 2017.

(L to R) Siddharth Patel, Ahmed Patel and Bharatsinh Solanki speaking to flood-affected constituents in Banaskantha district in 2017.

Bharatsinh Solanki, Ahmed Patel and former Leader of Opposition Mohan Rathwa

Ahmedbhai led a Congress delegation during submission of a memorandum to former Gujarat governor OP Kohli

Ahmed Patel with Congress MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh

Former Gujarat Congress incharge Ashok Gehlot, Bharatsinh Solanki and Ahmed Patel.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

03

HOW PREPARED ARE WE FOR WAVE 2?

The second wave of infections around the world should have allowed us to be ready, but the novel coronavirus may have still caught Gujarat with its trousers down

Govt hosps in A’bad could provide Surat runs more 1K+ beds for COVID-19 patients tests than Mumbai

Another record high: Guj sees 1,540 new cases in a single day —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Ahmedabad’s Bhadra market has been sealed.

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Gujarat saw another record high of 1,540 new cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2,01,949. It also witnessed 14 fresh fatalities, taking the death toll to 3,906 since March.

Ahmedabad accounted for 10 deaths and Surat, for two, while Vadodara and Botad each had one death in the 24 hours ending 5 pm on Wednesday.

The state currently has 14,287 active cases, with 96 patients requiring ventilator support.

Ahmedabad again reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases with 349, followed by Surat with 277. Cases also emerged in Vadodara (169), Rajkot (127),

1,540 cases, 14 fatalities take state tally to 2,01,949 cases, toll to 3,906 Gandhinagar (81), Banaskantha (57), Patan (49), Mehsana (45) and Kheda (30), among others.

The western part of Ahmedabad accounts for 1,260 of the total 2,815 active cases there. Of these, the West zone has 451 active cases, the SouthWest zone has 458 active cases and the North-West zone has 451 active cases.

The state’s health department claims to have achieved a recovery rate of 90.99%.

However, it is to be noted that this is actually a discharge rate and that the state has been discharging patients without a confirmatory test.

Ahmedabad: The local administration has been requisitioning beds in private hospitals and ones outside the city every day for the past few days, in a bid to accommodate the rising number of COVID-19 patients.

However, perhaps it is time the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation took another look in its own backyard.

According to some estimates, state- and city-run hospitals in Ahmedabad alone could provide well over 1,000 beds for new COVID-19 patients.

VS (Vadilal Sarabhai) Hospital—which was shut nearly two years

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau

The now-defunct VS Hospital could easily add 500 beds on its own.

ago—could easily accommodate 500 beds, Khokhra Dental Hospital could provide beds to 200 patients and the Akhandanand Ayurved college could provide another 100 beds for COVID-19 patients.

In addition, the city-

run Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital is being underutilized, according to a BJP leader who asked not to be named.

“When SVP was inaugurated, it was touted as a 1,700-bed hospital. Yet, today, only about 400 beds are being used for

COVID-19 patients. Several floors are still vacant,” this person said.

Kamala Chavda, leader of opposition at the AMC reiterated her party’s call to reopen VS hospital. “The Congress party has been demanding that the city reopen VS for a long time. We don’t understand why the civic body is asking for beds in private hospitals and moving patients out of town instead of using its own facilities,” she said.

Further, sources point out that the many small clinics set up across the city under the Kamdar Vima Yojan each have dedicated MBBS doctors, and can also be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

HEALTH CARDS FOR FOOD DELIVERY GUYS First India Bureau

Rajkot: To combat the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the city, the health department of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has intensified its testing and screening drive, especially among potential superspreaders. As part of this drive, the RMC on Wednesday issued health cards to about 300 personnel working for popular food delivery platforms,

The cards given to delivery agents in Rajkot are valid for 15 days.

Swiggy and Zomato.

“We first sought details

of the personnel including photographs from

their respective platforms. Then, we tested each delivery agent issued health cards which are valid for 15 days.

There are around 450 food delivery personnel in the city. Everyone will be screened and tested.

These people can be superspreaders due to their extensive exposure with people. Similarly, in coming days, RMC will be covering hawkers, barbers and grocery stores,” Dr PP Rathod of Rajkot’s health department told First India.

First India Bureau Surat: The city saw more than 17,038 COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, surpassing Mumbai’s daily average of 15,000.

It is to be noted that the civic body in Mumbai, which has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 testing in the country, recently increased the number of tests conducted per day to keep track on any post-Diwali surge in numbers.

Surat’s increased testing also follows worries of a similar rise, especially after Ahmedabad began to report a considerable increase in new COVID-19 cases after the festive weekend earlier this month.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has currently set up 90 testing centres and

has deployed 180 medical teams aboard 95 Dhanvantari Rath vans to test residents of the Diamond City for the novel coronavirus.

Last week, the health department of the local civic body had announced that it would begin testing more aggressively since Surat had again begun to record upwards of 200 cases on a daily basis. It has now completed a total of 12,8345 tests in the 13 days since November 11. Of these, 2,220 samples tested positive, including that of Surat Mayor Dr Jagdish Patel.

On Wednesday, SMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani announced that the Surat Municipal Corporation would continue to emphasize testing for the novel coronavirus.

Clash over harassment of girl leaves one dead, two injured in Gandhinagar

EARLY DAYS

First India Bureau

About 500 new female recruits to the post of police constable were seen heading to the Police Headquarters in Shahibaug to receive further training in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Gandhinagar: What began with a smile ended with the death of a young man after two groups of youths clashed in the wee hours of Wednesday morning in the state capital. The Gandhinagar Infocity police have registered a complaint against four youths under IPC sections for murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy.

In his complaint, Dipaksinh Gohil told the police that he and two friends—Abhimanyu

Rathod, alias Rishi, and Ketansinh Gohil—had been out at Gandhinagar’s Infocity around 4.30. There, they encountered another group of youngsters comprising the four accused and a female friend.

The girl is said to have smiled at Abhimanyu who took it as a sign and began to follow her home when the two groups left.

The girl’s friends— Shaktisinh Chauhan, Shakti Dodiya, Chetan Banna and Yaspal Vala—

realized she was being followed near Vaishnodevi circle, and chased Abhimanyu back to Infocity, where they beat him up with sticks and a cricket bat.

Dipaksinh told the police that he and Ketansinh attempted to intervene, but were beaten badly. He says the accused continued their attack even after Abhimanyu fled the scene.

Ketansinh succumbed to his injuries, while Abhimanyu had to be taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Dipaksinh was also injured.

An investigation is on.

SCOT FREE

NCP MLA Kandhal Jadeja acquitted in Keshu Odedara murder The state high court granted him benefit of the doubt due to lack of evidence, upheld additional district sessions court’s 2011 verdict

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday upheld a district sessions court order and acquitted Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Kandhal Jadeja in the Keshu Odedara murder case. While rejecting the state government’s appeal, the court observed that there was no damning evidence against the accused and therefore

he will be given the benefit of doubt.

In 2011, additional district sessions judge SR Goswami had acquitted Santokben Jadeja and nine others including Kandhal Jadeja for the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Keshu Nebha Odedara.

The sessions court had also given benefit of doubt to the accused.

Santokben Jadeja, who was a self-proclaimed don of Por-

Kandhal and his brother Kano had allegedly shot Odedara dead in 2005

High Court of Gujarat

—FILE PHOTO

bandar, once represented Kutiyana constituency in the state assembly. The seat is now represented by her son Kandhal.

According to the police complaint, Keshu Nebha Odedara was an incumbent BJP council-

lor of Porbandar nagarpalika who was shot dead at Kadia plot in Porbandar town in 2005.

On the fateful day of March 1, 2005, Odedara was accompanied by a friend on a visit to a pan parlour, when Kandhal and his brother Kano stopped by.

Both men squabbled with Odedara over some issue which angered the brothers.

They opened fired on Odedara, and he died on the spot.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

IN-DEPTH

RBI’S UNWELCOME MOVE ON BANKING

T

he Reserve Bank of India’s Internal Working Group has recommended that private corporate houses be allowed to open banks. The proposal has raised concerns as it could allow the bank’s promoter to divert depositors’ money towards their own businesses. Yes Bank and DHFL and the PMC Bank are classic examples of misuse of ownership rights. In the case of DHFL, the promoters siphoned around Rs 31,000 crores of depositors’ money over a period of three years for their shell companies. To save it from total collapse, the RBI took it under its wings. Yes Bank’s co-founder Rana Kapoor is accused of laundering Rs 4300 crores he received in the form of kickbacks in lieu of loans to big borrowers. The loans were later declared non-productive assets. The possibility of large corporate/industrial houses resorting to a similar practice cannot be ruled out.

Of particular concern is the fact that barring one, all the experts whom IWG consulted “were of the opinion that large corporate/industrial houses should not be allowed to promote a bank” but the RBI has decided to go by the minority view. The proposal was red-flagged by the former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and Deputy Governor of the central bank Aviral Acharya said that the move will “further exacerbate the concentration of economic (and political) power in certain business houses”.

One can risk guessing the corporate/industrial houses which stand to benefit the most by a change in banking regulation that overlooks the interests of small depositors. The RBI should consider the majority opinion and give the proposal a second thought.

INDIAN CONSTITUTION A GLOBAL DOCUMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS KALRAJ MISHRA GOVERNOR OF RAJASTHAN

T

PRESIDING OFFICERS IN SEARCH OF ‘HARMONY’

I

n his first physical event after a long gap, President Ramnath Kovind inaugurated the 80th conference of presiding officers of LS, Rajya Sabha, and state legislatures at the Statue of Liberty at Kevadia in Gujarat. President Kovind paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister, and Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, Speaker of the first LS. Mavalankar, he said, was of the opinion that Parliament and state legislatures should operate in a way that is best for the public interest. The President emphasised the importance of the opposition’s role in a parliamentary democracy. The ruling party and the opposition, he said, must cooperate to ensure harmony for meaningful discussion in the House.

Harmony in Parliament has been sadly missing in recent years while disruptions are becoming the norm. Lawmakers are as responsible for the absence of meaningful debates as the presiding officers who play overtly partisan roles. The conference would discuss a code of conduct for lawmakers in order to minimize disruptions.

Whether it is the appointment of judges or their impeachment, conflicts between the legislature, executive and judiciary are not rare. In 2018, a conflict situation arose between the Opposition and the BJP after the Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu rejected their notice for CJI Dipak Mishra’s impeachment. The theme for this year’s conference - “Harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive and judiciary - the key to a vibrant democracy” - is, therefore, significant as the doctrine of separation of power is not codified in the Constitution.

Indian Constitution is also a global document of human rights. I believe that if there is a reliable system of protection of human rights, then it is in the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution is a parity-based humanitarian system in which everyone is motivated to live a life of high ideals without fear. There has always been a strong emphasis in the Indian culture on establishing human dignity by balancing rights and duties

he Constitution of India is not just a constitution but the pride of Indian culture which governs the largest democracy of the world.

It is clear in the preamble that the power of the Constitution lies directly with the people and the ideals and aspirations that the Constitution reflects, it can be clearly understood from the set of words, ‘We, the people of India’ in the Preamble.

“We, the people of India,” are not just words but they underline the life philosophy of our rich Indian culture. The Constitution not only provides social, economic, and political justice to the citizens of the country but also provides freedom of expression of ideas, faith, religion, and worship.

Our constitution is also committed for ensuring the unity of the nation while establishing equality and upholding the dignity of the individual.

Indian Constitution is also a global document of human rights. I believe that if there is a reliable system of protection of human rights, then it is in the Indian Constitution. The Constitution is a parity-based humanitarian system in which everyone is motivated to live a life of high ideals without fear.

There has always been a strong emphasis in the Indian culture on establishing human dignity by balancing rights and duties.

The Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi had once said, “Kartavyon ke Himalaya se adhikaron ki Ganga behti hai (the Ganges of rights flows from the Himalayas of duties).”

In this context, the Constitution needs to be seen and understood deeply in the present.

It seems often that we are aware of the rights given in the constitution but are indifferent to the duties. Fighting and agitating for rights and interests may be a constitutional right of an individual, but under the guise

THE CONSTITUTION IS DIGNITY OF INDEPENDENCE. THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE RESPECT THE SENTIMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTION MAKERS ALONG WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES, MORALITY, AND DIGNITY WHILE REMAINING FREE FROM MALICE, HATRED, AND DISCRIMINATION

of this, causing damage and loss to lives and property, breaking the law, damage to government buildings, the property is anarchy.

The constitution is dignity of independence. Therefore, it is necessary that we respect the sentiments of the Constitution makers along with the Constitutional values, morality, and dignity while remaining free from malice, hatred, and discrimination.

The artistic form of the Indian Constitution is also unique. Every page of the original copy of the constitution has paintings associated with Indian culture.

The pictures of Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram and Lord Shree Krishna, while giving the message of Karma, are also there in the original copy of the constitution. Also, it has beautiful illustrations of Lord Buddha and sages performing Vedic yajna preaching peace.

When the constitution was being prepared, it was decided that it should be such that Indian civilization and culture are effectively reflected in it.

That is why pictures showing the development journey of Indian history, instead of any particular religion, were made in the original copy.

Social learning can help transform crisis into opportunity

G

lobal events, such as announcements that an effective COVID-19 vaccine could be available before the year’s end or the outcome of the US election, have raised hopes that the schism between science and populist ideology may become a thing of the past. That, in our view, is somewhat naïve. Unless we engage in a conscious process to heal the rift, we fear the idea that there has been a return to rational thought is an illusion that may even result in a sharpening of the divide. In our view, social learning, which engages all parties as citizens working toward a common good, is the transformative process that is needed now.

The pandemic has exposed a severe divide between science and various

04

ideologies. On the one side are those who trust in the scientific community’s ability to produce evidencebased, reliable solutions to crises and societal issues.

On the other are those who either cherry-pick select findings expedient to their beliefs or political agendas, who pose false dichotomies such as science versus the economy, or, worse, those who deliberately promote fake news and conspiracy theories about scientific results.

SCIENTISTS-CITIZENS This divide is by no means a new phenomenon. It is all too familiar to anyone who has observed the science and politics of climate change, nuclear energy or vaccines, for example.

What is different today is the wholly unprecedented speed and intensity with which the divide has mani-

fested itself during the COVID-19 crisis. Things have become even more complicated as the pandemic hit a world destabilized by a rapid decline of long-cherished institutions and political values, of legitimacy and good

governance, as authoritarianism and extremism continue to rise.

Typically, scientists have been caught in the middle as the controversies around Dr. Anthony Fauci, the veteran director of the National Institute of Al-

lergy and Infectious Diseases advising the Trump administration on the pandemic, and others reveal.

As professionals, scientists take no joy in the fact that their models and projections have, for decades, forecast climate change

impacts, catastrophes and pandemics, while their results have gone widely ignored or opposed. As the meme goes, “Every disaster movie starts with a scientist being ignored.”

Still, within the scientific community, 2020 has been heralded as a scientific renaissance driven by the fight against the novel coronavirus. In less than a year, scientists and physicians have sequenced the virus, developed multiple promising vaccines and learned a great deal about the behavior and treatment of COVID-19. According to Science Magazine, by one estimate, the coronavirus literature published since January 2020 has reached more than 23,000 papers and is doubling every 20 days, making it one of the largest proliferations of scientific literature ever.

SOURCE: FAIR OBSERVER

The national emblem Ashoka Stambh has been put on the front page of the constitution on the original copy of the constitution, while the golden decoration of horse, lion, elephant found in the excavation of Harappa has also been done.

In this, the Preamble of the Constitution was decorated.

The original copy of the constitution is written by hand in both Hindi and English languages.

The Constitution is not only a written law of the functioning of democracy but also a pride of Indian culture. The Constitution of India is the symbol of unity in diversity and harmony of all religions.

On Constitution Day, while bowing to the Constitution makers and the nation-builders, let us all take a pledge that we will be partners in the unity and integrity of the country as well as its all-round development while maintaining communal harmony.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp The Gupkar gang does not salute the Indian tricolor but is very much comfortable looting India and its people. The Roshni Act land scam is a classic example of how deep the institutional rot of corruption runs in the veins of these dynast parties.

Ravi Shankar Prasad @rsprasad The @narendramodi govt is committed to strengthen the banking system while protecting the interests of depositors. #Cabinet decision to approve a scheme for amalgamation of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank India Limited is one more big step in that direction.

Spiritual SPEAK

You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. —Bhagavad Gita

Vol 2 Issue No. 2 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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

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

INDIA AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

05

PM MODI CONDOLES AHMED PATEL’S DEMISE

‘HIS ROLE IN FORTIFYING CONG WOULD BE REMEMBERED’ A Gandhi family loyal, Patel was Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor for a long time & served five terms in RS New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the demise of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who passed away early Wednesday morning after battling Covid.

Taking to Twitter, he said Patel spent years in public life, serving the society. Saying that he was known for his sharp mind, Patel’s ‘role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered’.

The PM said he spoke to Patel’s son Faisal and expressed his condolences. “Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patel Ji. He spent years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered.

Spoke to his son Faisal and expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai’s soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.

Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was battling with post-infection related complications and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. A Gandhi family loyal, Patel was Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor for a long time. Patel served five terms in the Rajya Sabha.

Sonia Gandhi condoles Patel’s demise, lauds his faithfulness NarendraModi @narendramodi Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patel Ji. He spent years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered. Spoke to his son Faisal and expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai’s soul rest in peace.

Congress flies the party flag at half-mast for the next three days on the demise of party senior leader Ahmed Patel, at Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday.

— PHOTO BY ANI

Amit Shah, JP Nadda Condole astute demise of Cong veteran Ahmed Patel An Parliamentarian: New Delhi: “The news of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel is extremely saddening. Ahmed Patel’s contribution to the Congress party and public life was immense. In this hour of grief, I convey my deep condolences to his family and supporters.

May God give peace to the

departed soul,” Amit Shah tweeted. BJP President JP Nadda also condoled demise while tweeting: “Deeply anguished to hear about demise of veteran Congress leader Shri Ahmed Patel Ji. I pray for strength to family & his supporters at this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Patel was a tremendous asset for Congress, says Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: “It is a sad day. Shri Ahmed Patel was a pillar of Congress party. He lived & breathed Congress and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. We will miss him. My love & condolences to Faisal, Mumtaz

& family,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Priyanka Gandhi tweeted, “Ahmed ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, His passing away leaves an immense void.

Prez Kovind

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over the passing away of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, calling him “an astute Parliamentarian.” He. “Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more.

An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends,” President tweeted.

New Delhi: Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday condoled the demise of veteran party leader Ahmed Patel and commended his faithfulness, dedication and commitment to his duty which distinguished him from others. “In Shree Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress party. His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generos-

One of the most trusted leaders of Cong: Manmohan Singh New Delhi: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh condoled the demise of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, saying the party and the country has lost a good leader who always thought for the betterment of the poor and downtrodden.

“Ahmed Patel ji was one of the most trusted leaders of the Congress Party and a great friend of mine. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the Congress Party. My heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family,” he said.

Ahmed Patel kept Congress together in difficult times: Sibal New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday condoled the demise of veteran party leader Ahmed Patel while saying that he kept the Congress party together during difficult times. “He was a kind,

generous and thoughtful man. He kept the Congress party together during difficult times. He never demanded a post or a ministry. The commitment he had towards the party cannot be seen in anyone else,” said Sibal.

ity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others,” the Congress interim chief said in a condolence message. “I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend.

I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support,” she added. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal said that Patel was central to the functioning of the party.

Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Chouhan express grief New Delhi: ”Saddened to hear about the demise of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel Ji. My sincere condolences to the departed soul. I pray for strength to his family & supporters in this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted. MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted, “The news of the demise of Ahmed Patel is saddening. May the departed soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family to bear this loss.”

—Agencies

BJP’s Vijay Kumar Sinha elected Bihar Bathinda Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege: SC refuses to Speaker New Delhi: Vijay Kumar Sinha was elected as Speaker of Bihar assembly by majority vote, making him the first BJP legislator in the state to occupy the post. He was pitted against RJD MLA Awadh Bihari Choudhary, the opposition candidate. During the selection of House Speaker, the RJD members created a ruckus and opposed the selection through voice vote, citing the presence of members of the legislative council. Showing the rulebook to Protem Speaker Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that rules should be followed during the election of the Speaker.

transfer case out of Punjab New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea to transfer the 2015 Bathinda Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege case trial outside Punjab.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul declined to transfer the trial out of Punjab, however, it asked the trial court to ensure a free and fair trial.

Six accused of Dera Sacha Sauda members had moved the top court seeking transfer of trial, claiming the atmosphere isn’t conducive in Punjab for their trial.

They were arrested for the October 2015 sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib at Gurusar vil-

‘AIMIM, TRS ENROLLING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN TS VOTERS’ LIST’ Hyderabad: Ahead of Hyderabad civic polls, Union Minister Smriti Irani alleged that AIMIM and TRS are working in tandem to give illegal immigrants a place in state’s voters list.The Union Minister attacked both AIMIM and TRS, stating, “Our soldiers are fighting relentlessly to keep our borders safe. And here

in this historical Hyderabad, AIMIM & TRS are working in tandem to give illegal immigrants a place in Telangana’s voter’s list.

They’ll have to answer to people for this.” Smriti Irani said rights of every Indian citizen must be protected, adding the need to ensure that taxpayers’ money should go to the “deserving.”

lage in Bathinda.

The accused had allegedly torn Guru Granth Sahib and threw papers on the ground.

An FIR related to the incident was registered under sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, registered at Dayalpura police station in Bathinda.

The Dera members had moved apex court to transfer the case trial to another state claiming that they would not get a fair trial in Punjab, and they were facing threats to their life in the state.

—ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

AMARAVATI LAND CASE

SC stays Andhra Pradesh HC gag order on media New Delhi: The Supreme Court stayed an order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court restraining the media from reporting an FIR filed by the AP anti-corruption bureau against a former legal officer and others over land purchase in Amaravati.

“The Andhra Pradesh HC shall not decide till January end the matter related to alleged irregularities in land transaction in Amaravati,” a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said. The apex court passed the order while hearing an appeal filed

by Andhra Pradesh government against the

‘RAIN LIKELY OVER ISOLATED PLACES IN SOUTH-WEST DELHI’ New Delhi: Light intensity rainfall is expected to occur over isolated places of South-West Delhi and adjoining areas of Jhunjhunu, Narwana, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Jind, Shadipur-Julana & Assand during the next 2 hours, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). According to Twitter handle of IMD, “Light intensity rain would occur over isolated places of South-West Delhi and over and adjoining areas of Jhunjhunu, Narwana, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Jind, Shadipur-Julana and Assand during next 2 hours.”

September 15 order of HC. A bench of CJ JK Maheshwari of the Andhra HC had directed that there should be no coercive steps in furtherance to the FIR filed by officers at the AntiCorruption Bureau’s Guntur Police Station.

The court also “stayed” the “investigation” and directed that news in

regard to the FIR “shall not be made public in any electronic, print or social media…”After coming to power in the 2019 Assembly elections, the Jagan Mohan Reddy government had constituted a 10-member SIT headed by IPS officer K Raghuram Reddy to investigate the irregularities.

—ANI

MUMBAI: TWO ARRESTED WITH GOLD WORTH OVER RS 6 CRORE Mumbai: A team of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested two passengers at Borivali railway station in connection with the alleged smuggling of gold bars worth Rs 6.25 crores. Both the accused were taken into custody as soon as they disembarked at the railway station in Mumbai from the

Golden Temple Special train. During the search, the DRI team seized six pieces of smuggled gold bars hidden in customised jackets worn by the two passengers under their shirt on November 22. The total weight of 12 gold bars was 12 kilograms and both passengers have been arrested under the Customs Act.

ED’s notice to Kerala CM’s additional pvt secretary Kochi: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Additional Private Secretary CM Raveendran in connection with the ongoing probe in Kerala Gold Smuggling Case and its allied matters.

ED directed him to appear before it’s Kochi office on Friday (November 27) for interrogation. A close confidant of Vijayan, Raveendran was summoned by ED after recording the statements of Swapna Suresh and M Sivasankar, former principal secretary of Kerala CM in con-

nection with gold smuggling case.

Under ED scanner are also the alleged irregularities relating to various projects of the IT Department, that the ED found during the course of the investigation.

Sivasankar was also serving as the IT Secretary before he was removed from the post after the gold smuggling case. —ANI

NDIA HAS KEY ROLE AS NET SECURITY PROVIDER, SAYS MIN New Delhi: Union MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Wednesday said India has a key role as a net security provider and a first responder to disasters in the Indian Ocean region.

The minister also said in a tweet that he had spoken on India’s emergence as a global pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Spoke on India’s role as a net security provider & first responder to disasters in the Indian Ocean Region; its emergence as a ‘global pharmacy’ during the COVID19 pandemic,” tweeted Muraleedharan.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

Covid cases surge in most states Rajasthan, New Delhi, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are seeing an increase in corona cases again New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 caseload went past 92 lakh with 44,376 new cases reported in a day, while the number of recoveries surged to 86.42 lakh, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The number of total coronavirus cases rose to 92,22,216 in the country, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 1,34,699 with 481 new fatalities, the ministry’s data updated at 8 am showed.

The active caseload shot up to 4,44,746, an increase of 6,079 cases from Tuesday, even though it remained below five lakh for the 15th consecutive day, accounting for 4.82 per cent of the total cases, the data stated.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued fresh Covid-19 guidelines. The order issued today comes with strict guidelines

Shiv Sena isn’t Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis

Pune: Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the Shiv Sena is not Maharashtra, & asserted that it was his party which worked towards protecting the identity of the state when it was in power for five years. He also accused the Sena of labelling those who levelled charges of corruption against it as being “Maharashtra-drohi” (antiMaharashtra). “Nobody becomes Maharashtradrohi just because someone calls that person so. When allegations of corruption are levelled against them, they call that person a Maharashtra- drohi,” Fadnavis said.

He was replying to a query whether Shiv Sena was painting the BJP as Maharashtradrohi in matters pertaining to actor Kangana Ranaut, Arnab Goswami & Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik.

NEW GUIDELINES

POWER Gallery WHO WILL BE NEW CHAIRMAN OF PESB?

Who will be new Chairman of the PESB ? It is said that some surprising name would emerge in the PMO. One can wait and watch.

PRINCIPAL COMMISSIONER’S VR NOTICE ACCEPTED

The govt has accepted the voluntary retirement notice of Capt Sanjay Gehlot, Principal Commissioner, Custom and CE w.e.f. January 4, 2021 from IRS(C&CE) service. He is presently posted as Chief Controller, GOAF, New Delhi.

DPC CLEARS MANY IRS OFFICERS FOR PRINCIPAL COMMISSIONERS

A recently held DPC has reportedly cleared more than two dozen IRS(C&CE) officers to the grade of Principal Commissioner/Director General. Orders of their promotion and postings are likely to be issued shortly.

COVID-19 tests being done on passengers arriving from Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan and Gujarat, at a railway station in Mumbai on Wednesday.

for surveillance and containment. The measures suggested in the order will be effective from December 1 and last till December 31.

“The main focus of the guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread which is visible in the steady decline in the number of active cases in the country.

Further, keeping in

TEST FOR PEOPLE COMING FROM DELHI

view the recent spike in new cases in few States/ UTs, ongoing festival season and onset of winter, it is emphasised that to fully overcome the pandemic, there is need to maintain caution and to strictly follow the prescribed containment strategy, focussed on surveillance, containment and strict observance of the guidelines/ SOPs issued,” said the order.

WHO WILL BE NEW DGP OF MAHARASHTRA?

Who will succeed Subodh Jaiswal as DGP of Maharashtra? Logically next seniormost 1986 batch IPS officer Sanjay Pande should succeed him.

Insiders are however not sure of his elevation.

RAJIV JAIN UNLIKELY TO GET ASSIGNMENT?

Latest information says that former IB Chief, Rajiv Jain is now unlikely to get any post retirement assignment in the Government of India.

M C LADDHA POSTED AS IG, CRPF ON DEPUTATION

Cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ likely to intensify Chennai: Coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for Cyclone Nivar, which has intensified into a “severe cyclonic storm”, expected to intensify further and is barrelling towards the southeast coast.

The powerful cyclone is expected to hit the coast, likely near Puducherry, by midnight or early tomorrow, the Met department said. The cyclone could hit the coast between Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu & Karai-

INS JYOTI

Boats are kept aside at the sea ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Chengalpattu on Wednesday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

PM to lay foundation stone in December of new Parliament

kal in Puducherry. Nivar has brought with it heavy rain and strong winds in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

A public holiday has been declared today in 13 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, CM E Palaniswami said. The cyclone will bring extremely heavy rainfall & winds between 120 & 130 km per hour, with gusts of up to 145 km per hour, the Meteorological Centre in Chennai has said.

Mehbooba’s close aide arrested in terror case

Audio of Lalu’s luring BJP MLA goes viral Patna: The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar was on Wednesday left with egg on its face when the social media went abuzz with an audio clip, of the partys maverick jailed president Lalu Prasad purportedly telephoning a BJP MLA in a horse-trading bid.

The purported call from Prasad, who is at Ranchi, serving sentences in a number of fodder scam cases, to Pirpainti MLA Lalan Paswan appears to have been made on Tuesday while the lat-

Prez: Indiscipline...

He also asked Speakers to facilitate a healthy dialogue in the House to keep away unnecessary bitterness in the discussion, as there has been a steady increase in the hopes and awareness of the general public.

Underlining the significance of opposition in parliamentary democracy, Kovind said it has an important role along with the ruling party, and so there is a need for understanding, cooperation, and meaningful exchange of thoughts between the two. Concluding his speech, Kovind paid tribute to Congress

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay the foundation stone for a new Parliament building in the first half of December, sources said.

The sources further said that around five statues, including that of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhim Rao Ambedkar, in the Parliament complex are also likely to be relocated temporarily due to the construction work and they will be reinstalled at prominent places within the new complex once

the project is completed.

The new building will be constructed close to the existing one under the Central Vista redevelopment project and it is expected to be completed in 21 months from the start of construction work. The redevelopment project of Central Vista -- the nation’s power corridor -envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat and revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath, from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested PDP youth wing President, and party chief Mehbooba Mufti’s close aid, Waheed Parra for his alleged links in a terror cases involving Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Naveed Babu.

“He (Parra) has been charged with supporting Hizbul activities and for his alleged involvement in the case of arrested Hizbul Commander Naveen Babu,” a senior NIA officer told media. According to the officer, Parra was arrested in Delhi.

ing Argentina to their second World Cup title in 1986. With Maradona in their ranks, Argentina had defeated West Germany in the 1986 World Cup final.

Maradona also coached Racing Club, Dorados, Gimnasia and the Argentina national team.

ment skills and also his consensus building abilities that helped him make friends across the spectrum. He remained Sonia Gandhi’s most trusted lieutenant for most of her tenure as the longest serving Congress president, standing by her side through sun and shade. Just three months ago, in August, Patel stepped in to quell a rebellion. His firm rejection of the public stand taken by 23 party leaders against Sonia Gandhi helped the Congress Working Committee snub the demand for replacement of a Gandhi as party chief and repose

faith in her presidency after she offered to quit.

He was a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and All India Congress Committee treasurer.

But was actually so much more. Mild mannered and affable, the rise of Patel from a party worker in Gujarat to its key strategist and troubleshooter was testament to his grit, talent and ideological commitment. Though Patel never became minister, he remained kingmaker, playing a pivotal role in decision making throughout the Congress-led UPA I and UPA II years.

Lalu Prasad (L) Lalan Yadav (R)

ter was having a meeting with veteran BJP leader and former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi.

Modi, a trenchant critic of the RJD supremo, had late Tuesday night tweeted that Prasad was trying to poach NDA MLAs, alluring them with the promise of ministerial berths.

FROM PG 1 Football legend...

As per Goal.com, Maradona was also released from the hospital, but in the early hours of Wednesday, Maradona suffered cardiac arrest, and paramedics at the scene failed to revive him. Maradona had begun his professional career with Argentinos Juniors at the age of 16 and he went on to become one of the greatest players to ever play the game of football.

The ace footballer represented Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and Newell’s Old Boys as a player.

Diego was considered the main player in tak-

06

—ANI

Ahmed Bhai... over the party’s affairs as he helped steer it through the potholed roads of changing political landscapes.

Babubhai and AP to friends and Ahmed Bhai to colleagues, was famed for his crisis manage-

leader and Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Ahmed Patel, passed away this morning.

In democracy...

He said, “Harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive and judiciary is of utmost importance. All the three are dedicated to public welfare and they are also endowed with powers to do the same.” The programme was also attended by President Ram Nath Kovind who praised Birla for organising the event in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity here in Gujarat.

Mahesh Chandra Laddha, IG Police, Personnel, AP, has been appointed to the post of IG in CRPF on deputation basis for a period of five years. He is a 1998 batch IPS officer of AP cadre.

ANANT KUMAR SINGH APPOINTED CVO, IOCL, DELHI

Anant Kumar Singh has been appointed as CVO, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Delhi, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for a period of three years. He is a 1994 batch IPS officer of MP cadre.

ADDITIONAL CHARGE TO PURWAR EXTENDED FOR SIX MORE MONTHS

The DoT has extended the additional charge of the post of CMD, MTML to P K Purwar , CMD, BSNL to six more months till April 14, 2021.

14 ITS OFFICERS GET NEW POSTINGS DOT HAS TRANSFERRED AND POSTED

JAG level 14 ITS officers to new places.

Accordingly, Rakesh Kumar Meena has been transferred from Sikkim to Rajasthan LSA,whie Lakhan Singh Meena will join the Gangatok LSA, Similarily Pradeep Kumar has been posted at CS wing, DoT hq, Anand Kumar Singh will join IR Wing, DoT hq, Bhvenesh Kumar Yadav to join Skill Development at DoT hq, Beeran Prajapati going to Assam LSA, Anil Kumar Gehlot joins at AS wing DoT hq, M K Gupta to look after the PG wing DoT hq, Vishal Vikram has been transferred from Mumbai to Ranchi LSA, M.Abhishek going to NCCS, Bangalore, Arun Kumar to Patna LSA ,Sushil Kumar will join RTEC, New Delhi, Ashok Kumar Jain has been posted at DS wing DoT hq and Sanjeev Kumar Arya will join TEC, New Delhi.

LT GEN SINGH APPOINTED NEW ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY

Lt Gen Harpal Singh has been appointed new E-in-C in Indian Army. He is presently the Director-General of Border Roads Organisation and would take over his new appointment on December 1.

By arrangement with: http: // whispersinthecorridors.com

Farmers leave for Delhi to protest farm laws Ludhiana: Carrying rations for six months, farmers from Ludhiana under banner of BKU on Wednesday left for ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest in capital against new farm laws.

Harmeet Singh Kadian, farmer leader of BKU (Kadian), said, “Almost 600 to 700 tractor trolleys are ready to march to Delhi for protest against new farm laws. We have sufficient food material with us for six months. Each tractor-trolley is carrying around 22 people.”

More than 1 lakh farmers will march to Delhi.

They are protesting for the past 2 months, not just farmers but people related to agribusiness and other workers.

“Now we will march to Delhi to demand change in laws. We will block NH connected with Punjab,” said Kadian.

Centre on Tuesday has invited over 30 farmer organisations from Punjab for the second round of talks on December 3 to resolve differences over the new agriculture laws.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

07

‘Human Work’ Is the Key to

Ending Income Inequality

JAMIE MERISOTIS

A

new report from the International Monetary Fund says that COVID-19 will increase income inequality in emerging markets and developing countries, “further widening the gap between rich and poor” and increasing the urgency for “investment in retraining and reskilling programs [that] can boost reemployment prospects for adaptable workers whose job duties may see long-term changes as a result of the pandemic.” For many years, these countries have been challenged by disaffected youth along with “wide inequality in education, and large gaps remaining in economic opportunities for women.”

The report further warns that “COVID-19 is expected to make inequality even worse than past crises since measures to contain the pandemic have had disproportionate effects on vulnerable workers and women.” Even before the pandemic, growing income inequality had become a stubborn feature of global economies, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it — or the social devastation it’s likely to cause.

Even before the pandemic, growing income inequality had become a stubborn feature of global economies. That doesn’t mean we should accept it.

TRAGIC RISE IN INEQUALITY

HUMAN WORK

While COVID-19 has accelerated the shift, the transformation of work— especially the automation of a much wider array of tasks through the use of artificial intelligence—is a major driver of inequality. For decades, as low-skill jobs were automated, we have seen an increase in the knowledge and skills demanded of workers. Of course, this is reflected in the rising demand for higher learning and the credentials that represent such learning.

This long-term shift reflects the emergence of human work—work that

demands uniquely human traits and capabilities. A human worker takes traits such as compassion, empathy, and ethics, combines them with developed capabilities such as critical analysis, interpersonal communication, and creativity, and then applies them, often in highly interactive settings. Much human work involves helping and serving others, using technology and other resources to understand and help solve people’s problems.

Today, and even more so in the future, holding a good job and doing meaningful work depends on

people’s ability—and opportunity—to prepare themselves for human work. Sadly, these opportunities are unavailable to many, which means inequality will continue to increase. But we can change that—first, by changing our approach to education, training and employment.

To begin with, we must abandon the outmoded idea that education, training and employment are different activities that occur in discrete systems.

We still see learning and work as separate and sequential: People go to college or technical school, and then they go to work,

maintaining their skills through experience and occasional training on the job. This approach has been obsolete for a long time, yet it is still how most education and training systems are designed, certainly those in the US. But in reality, “student” and “worker” are no longer two different kinds of people, if they ever were. In most cases today, people play both roles simultaneously.

Learning and working are done concurrently and continuously, and both are necessary throughout one’s career.

For today’s economy, and even more for tomorrow’s, the concept of “once and done” education is dead. In an era when people can be thrown out of the labour market suddenly with little chance to prepare, all workers need opportunities to keep learning throughout their lives and careers. And all of that learning, however and wherever it is obtained, needs to be recognized to count toward credentials that open the door to meaningful work.

The true tragedy of the rise in inequality is that it reflects a society coming apart at the seams.

But changing the trajectory of inequality to build a more just and open society isn’t an insurmountable challenge.

Indeed, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that massive change can come very quickly. Now is the time to work toward such change. We can do that by applying the three interrelated aspects of human work—learning, earning and service to others—toward reducing economic and social inequality. Indeed, our only way to eliminate these inequities is to ensure that everyone has the capacity and opportunity to do human work.

The pandemic is estimated to have cost minimum wage workers a year’s income already.

T

he rise in inequality isn’t just tragic for the millions who are directly affected. We see it reflected in the growing allure of authoritarianism, in the fear-mongering directed at lower-income groups, and in the despair and hopelessness of those who feel left out and left behind. The accelerating increase in inequality is dangerous for the future of societies and for the planet.

Ironically, the two groups who have fared best in recent decades are the very poor and the very rich. The global decline in extreme poverty is one of the most important developments of recent times.

Between 1990 to 2015, the extreme poverty rate dropped from nearly 36% to 10%. At the other extreme, the very rich have done quite well. In the last 10 years, the number of billionaires around the world has nearly doubled. In 2018, the 26 richest people in the world held as much wealth as did the entire bottom half of the global population — some 3.8 billion people. More to the point, from 1990 to 2015, the share of income going to the top 1% increased in four out of five countries around the world.

This massive redistribution of wealth means that the world can no longer be neatly sorted into “developed” and “developing” countries. The global

distribution of wealth is now more of a continuum. But the good news ends there, and the trend is inescapably clear: Wealth inequality is growing around the world. In the United States, it’s rising not just because the rich are getting richer, but because since 2000, incomes at the lower end of the scale have stagnated or fallen. Inequality in the US is the highest among the G7 countries, and the wealth gap between America’s richest and poorest families more than doubled from 1989 to 2016. Between 2007 and 2018, median income in black households fell from 63% to 61% of median white household income.

COVID-19 has worsened things considerably. The pandemic has hit poor countries particularly hard, with experts estimating that as many as 115 million people could fall back into extreme poverty in 2020 alone. Unemployment in most countries has risen the most for people in lower-paid jobs. In the US, unemployment among those with less than a high school diploma reached 21.2% in April, while for those with a post-secondary degree it peaked at 8.4%. According to the World Economic Forum, the impact of COVID-19 on workers with lower levels of education will be even worse than the global financial crisis of 2008.

“Student” and “worker” are no longer two different sets of people, if they ever were.

Source: FAIROBSERVER.COM

Life is whimsical and changes very quickly at times. One should learn to live in the present and take pleasure in the simple joys of life.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

08

GUJARAT

14,20,634 6,04,19,883 1,35,165 92,57,997 3,906 2,01,949 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 46,748 DEATHS 17,95,959 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 7,615 DEATHS 5,31,050 CASES

DEATHS

KARNATAKA 11,714 DEATHS 8,78,055 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 8,720 DEATHS 5,45,787 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,218 DEATHS 2,53,767 CASES

Jetpur sari units retain notoriety for pollution

A joint committee of Central and Gujarat pollution control boards found that polluted water here is still used for irrigation Shishir Awasthi Jetpur (Rajkot): It has been 40 years since the polluted waters from hundreds of textile dyeing mills in Jetpur are being used for agriculture and drinking water through river Bhadar, but it still requires the courts to issue directions and seek status as well as implementation reports.

A joint committee of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), on directions of the National Green Tribunal, recently submitted a

status report where it says that textile units in residential areas have been discharging industrial effluents through an open channel.

The channel leads to 3 common effluent treatment plants (CETP) and one sewage treatment plant (STP) in Jetpur. The “treated” wastewater from here is being used for irrigation.

The report, uploaded on the NGT website on November 23, 2020, however, stated that the quantity of the treated wastewater generated from these plants was huge

STRICT ORDERS

compared to the land available.

The report said the

Jetpur Dyeing and Printing Association (JDPA) has constructed

three collection sumps outside the Bhadar river bed for collection of

wastewater from member textile units through tankers. The

GST sleuths bust invoice fraud of Rs 50.24 cr; nab 2

Fake LCB official held for extorting ` 5.20L

First India Bureau

First India Bureau Surat: One person was arrested on Thursday for allegedly kidnapping and extorting Rs 5.20 lakh from a businessman by impersonating as a Local Crime Branch personnel.

The accused allegedly kidnapped the businessman and threatened to file a false case against him and extorted the money from him.

One of the accused, identified as Mohsin Harun Memon, who was in a white i20 car and kidnapped the businessman, Balubhai Ke-

shubhai Polaria, a sand and chemical trader from Surat.

In January 2020, Memon allegedly impersonated a Local Crime Branch personnel and demanded Rs 50 lakh from the victim on the outskirts of Shilaj village in Mangrol taluka and finally settled for Rs 5.20 lakh.

Polaria filed a complaint at the Kosamba police station and the in-charge LCB Police Inspector K J Dhaduk and picked up Memon from Ghaludi village and handed him over to the Kosamba police station.

Ahmedabad: The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has arrested 59 people, including 3 chartered accountants, in 10 days of its nationwide drive against the submission of fake Goods and Services Tax invoices.

According to people aware of the developments, Mitesh M Shah, who the DGGI has named as the mastermind of fake invoices scam, is among those arrested. Shah created 115 fake firms to avail and pass on fraudulent input tax credit worth Rs 50.24 crore on fake invoices of miscellaneous goods and services in Vadodara. A woman mastermind has also been arrested.

Eight people were arrested in the DGGI

raids on Wednesday.

Out of these 4, Mahendrabhai Desai of Sanjay Corporation, Rakesh Kumar Chavda of Setal Enterprise, Mohd Ishaq Ismail Ansari of Lohiya Enterprise and Jignesh Kumar R Patel, were arrested by the Ahmedabad unit. Also, Parth Jain and Ranjan Kumar Saha were arrested from Bengaluru

and Kolkata.

So far, the DGGI has registered 793 cases and identified 2,802 such entities involved. It has also sent a letter to Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to take obligatory action for professional misconduct against three CAs who have been arrested from Ludhiana and Hyderabad.

Deja Vu? A’bad city cuts parks time again First India Bureau Ahmedabad: With the Covid-19 crisis looking much more severe in its second post-Diwali wave than the toughest months of April to July, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has once again imposed a cut on the number of hours at public parks.

Since the State Government has ruled out any further lockdown or

Gardens to remain open for two hours each in the morning and evening in Ahmedabad.

a day curfew as is being feared, the AMC has decided that the city’s 250 public parks will now remain open only for 4 hours.

Accordingly, the gardens will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There are speculations rife that the State

litres water a day (MLD) capacity STP by Jetpur-Navagadh Nagarpalika becomes operational, discharge of effluent from textile units in the C-channel is likely to stop completely. There would not be any direct source of wastewater discharge to the river Bhadar in Jetpur area.

The report recommended that the construction work of the STP should be completed at the earliest and made operational so that the sewage from the Jetpur area is treated and the sewage discharge stopped completely.

Private hospitals draw up Covid-19 patient discharge criteria First India Bureau

COVID-19 RELOADED

Corona spike forces 250 public gardens to open only for 4 hours

textile units had started discharging the effluent mostly through tankers to these newly constructed collection sumps.

However, the sewage from the Jetpur area and primarily treated effluent from textile units located in the residential area was still being discharged in an open C-channel and got collected at the collection sumps located in the bed of the river.

The collection sumps and receiving wells in the bed of river Bhadar, therefore, were not dismantled.

Once the 23.5 million

Government may impose a weekend curfew once again in Ahmedabad and follow suit in other major cities of Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot. Ahmedabad underwent a complete weekend curfew last week, while an indefinite night curfew was clamped in all 4 major cities.

Albeit, the government has maintained that there is no such move.

As many as 45 new areas in Ahmedabad were declared as micro-containment zones on Tuesday, even as a majority of fresh Covid-19 cases are being reported from the

western parts of the city. In all, 2,055 houses have been affected and 7,749 people put under quarantine.

Ahmedabad reported as many as 38 deaths during the last 4 days.

Meanwhile, the AMC has put off the annual week-long flower festival being usually held from December 25 to December 30.

Mayor Bijal Patel has announced that the AMC has decided to postpone the celebrations this year because of the rising Covid-19 cases, given that it would be difficult to enforce social distancing norms then.

Yesterday searches and surveys were conducted in 32 cities; Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and more.

The CGST Commissionerate and DGGI recovered Rs. 177.50 crore in cash in these raids.

The search is on for the fraudsters who are absconding.

Ahmedabad: Given the pressure on the infrastructure in the wake of increasing cases of Covid-19, the Ahmedabad Hospitals & Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) on Wednesday announced the criteria for discharge of patients in hospitals.

In an official note, the AHNA said it had been observed that relatives of patients insisted on keeping them under hospitalisation though they would be fine enough to be discharged and kept in home care.

“This results in blocking of beds which, if freed, can increase the availability of beds for the Covid patients,” it said.

In order to meet the challenge of allocat-

ing adequate number of beds in this crisis, an expert committee of Covid treating clinicians of Ahmedabad Hospitals & Nursing Homes Association had a finalised certain discharge criteria.

Among several criteria for discharge is that a patient should not have fever for at least 48 hours and has attained normal pulse and blood pressure for 24 hours.

Also, the patient should be off oxygen for 48 hours prior to discharge.

ORIENTATION OF SORTS

Fifty trainee Deputy Collectors from Gujarat visited the Mission Bhagiratha pump house at Komatibanda near Gajwel in Siddipet district on Wednesday as part of their six-day training tour of Telangana state.

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

09

AHMEDABAD, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

E

Kriti Garg

veryone dreams big, but only the ones who work hard, achieve their dreams. Kriti Garg from Pink City is one such example.

Born and brought up in Jaipur, she is a firm believer in hard work and has achieved a lot at such a young age.

Kriti had always wanted to be a part of the film industry and be a renowned actress, which she eventually achieved. She is very well known in the Tollywood industry and is slowly making her way into Bollywood.

“Since I was a kid, I aspired to be an actress, and I think that very passion brought me to the spot I am at today. I moved to Mumbai back in 2016, aspiring to be an actress, and after completing my acting course, I got a chance to be a part of a few television commercials, which was definitely a great opening. Later, I got an offer from the Tollywood industry for the film ‘2 Hours Love’, which was a complete turning point for me.”

“It was an absolute dream come true for me to get a break in a movie where I was the lead, and I feel extremely fortunate to have received the part,” she added, talking about her lead role in the movie ‘Raahu’.

Been brought up in Jaipur, Kriti also shared a bit about her

During her childhood

favourite memory in the city.

She stated, “Staying in Jaipur has been a great, peaceful and quiet experience. I was a very active student during my school life and was the headgirl. May it be sports or academics, I was always there.

Jaipur is that one city which is extremely close to my heart, as my family stays here, and it is always going to be special to me.”

Kriti Garg celebrates her 25th birthday today, and we wish her all the very best for her future!

—OUTFIT BY KSHITIJA RANA AND JEWELLERY BY VIRAASAT

NEHAL NAYAR

—OUTFIT BY KSHITIJA RANA

City First wishes Tollywood star and ‘Jaipur ki Beti’ Kriti Garg a very happy birthday today, with an exclusive interview about her journey so far!

—OUTFIT BY SHIVAYU AND JEWELLERY BY VIRAASAT

SHEHER KI LADKI

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

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

10

DOCTOR WITH A DIFFERENCE

ALL ABOUT SEEDS

vitamin B1 and manganese. Flax seeds are useful for people having heart disease, diabetes and indigestion. They also help post-menopausal women in overcoming symptoms of hormonal readjustment. Flax seeds shouldn’t be consumed wholesome as your teeth can not break all of them while you try to crush them because of their small size and a large percentage of them slides down your esophagus in intact form, human stomach can not break them and they pass out of your intestines in intact form and you lose all the benefits. Always freshly ground the flax seeds and take one teaspoon daily, if you store grounded flax seeds many nutrients might be lost to atmospheric moisture and air.

DR RAMAWTAR SHARMA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

S

ides. Now about some individual seed variety.

SESAME SEEDS

loaded with calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B1. Now you know why our ancestors loved “ Til ka ladoo”!

PUMPKIN SEEDS-

rich in zinc and omega3-fatty acids, they enhance your immunity and new cell growth. They also contain some ingredients that help better utilization of insulin, thereby, helping in the control of blood sugar.

These seeds also contain tryptophan which helps in better sleep.

FA CE OF TH ED AY

eeds are life in miniature, the germ inside them carrying huge potential - small seeds turning into nutritious plants and trees. They are wonders of nature but poorly understood by the human race. Seeds are superfoods if you know about them and consume them for a lifetime. But the tragedy is that we pay our hospital bills through our nose but become extremely miser if we are advised to spend on the prevention of diseases because a healthy person is a euphoric person.

Preventive medicine is an art of fine balance. If you consume food in low quantity, you become deficient in many nutrients while, on the other hand, overindulgence leads to excessive supply and overload on your body systems. The same is with the seeds - a balanced intake alone will help you otherwise your triglycerides may go up as every seed has some oil in it and oil means triglycer-

HEMP SEEDS

the seeds of what is commonly called “ Bhang” are nutrients rich superfoods loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium and plant proteins. They contain essential amino acids that the human body can not synthesize themselves and has to source from outside.

Hemp seeds is of great value here. These seeds also contain omega-3-fatty acids and omega-6 as well along with soluble and non-soluble fibers.

are useful for hair growth and skin health, better brain functions and strong immunity.

FENNEL SEEDS

fennel seeds counter excessive hunger and thus help control weight gain. They help in digestion and reduce post-meal bloating by aiding in digestion. Drinking fennel tea half an hour before your meals help you burn more calories, thereby, keeping your tummy in better shape.

Now you can visualize that you have all your micronutrients stored in these small seeds along with proteins and don’t have to rush to a chemist to get your zinc and vitamin supplements. Nature has taken care of you but have you take care of her? And of you?

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

they are rich in fiber, omega-3-fatty acids, magnesium, phosphorus, copper,

we need a micronutrient called selenium and sunflower seeds are among the few

MELON SEEDS

they are rich in folic acid, calcium, zinc and proteins.

With all these nutrients in their storage, melon seeds

YOUR DAY Horoscope by

Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

A new deal is likely to come through and give you a taste of success. Those fond of travelling may get their chance soon. This is the time when you enjoy yourself with a new group of friends or colleagues. A change of job is likely to give you better salary and perks.

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

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

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

Something special awaits you.

Excellent opportunities may knock at your door.

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

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

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

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

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

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

You are likely to enjoy good health.

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

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

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

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

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

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You are likely to take up someone’s cause and earn appreciation from all quarters on the social front.

Remaining on the good side of those who matter on the academic front will help you achieve much. Good tidings of your well wishers will keep you going on the professional front.

Success is foretold on the academic front. Your reputation is likely to boost your image on the social front. On work front, you will manage keep your superiors in good humour.

This is an excellent day to spend time with family.Good planning will see you complete a task.

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

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

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ASHNA SHROFF, Blogger

FLAX SEEDS

vegetarian sources of this nutrient. They also contain folate, thereby, help to correct anemia especially in females.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

RIRI IN BLACK

SHOOTING WITH FAMILY

PANTHER?

Amitabh Bachchan’s post

A

W

mitabh Bachchan on Tuesday shared a glimpse of his upcoming project with his wife Jaya Bachchan and daughter Shweta Bachchan as he shared a picture from the sets. The senior actor who is quite active on social media took to Instagram to share the picture that shows him and his family decked in traditional attire. “Family at work,” the 78-year-old actor wrote in the caption of the post.

—ANI

hile Chadwick Boseman’s death is something the world, and especially MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) fans, is still grieving over, there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the fate of Black Panther 2.

Recently, rumours were rife that ninetime Grammy award winner and Ocean’s 8 star Rihanna might be joining the cast of Black Panther 2. The speculations arose when RiRi’s name magically popped up in the cast list when you Google Black Panther 2. This led MCU fans to rejoice as Rihanna’s addition to the sequel will definitely amp up the excitement. However, breaking our bubble swiftly a news agency confirmed via a report that the 32-year-old has not been cast in Black Panther 2. —Agency

‘I STAYED TRUE TO MYSELF’

Ayushmann Khurrana

BEST POP SOLO

Rihanna

A FEAR OF DEATH

A

yushmann Khurrana who has etched his name in the history of Indian cinema with progressive, social entertainers, has revealed that his soaring popularity is due to his sticking to his beliefs and the choices he made as an artist. “I believe what has worked for me is that I decided in swimming against the tide and was totally myself. I stayed true to who I’m in real life while I was at it,” the ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’ actor said. “I believed that India was ready to see a different form of entertaining cinema that was real, relatable and taboo-breaking because I was ready to see such cinema and knew of many people who were having the same dialogue with me,” he added.

—ANI

H

Still from ‘First Kiss’

Trending on YouTube

A

fter taking a short break from singing post his song, ‘Loca’, music sensation Honey Singh has released a new funky 90’s themed number titled ‘First Kiss’ that features singing debut Ipsitaa.

In no time from its release, the song starring Ehan Bhat alongside Honey Singh and Ipsitaa started trending on

YouTube and has garnered heaps of praise by ardent fans as well as netizens. The peppy and upbeat track conveys the first feeling of rush in one’s veins when one falls in love. The video, which was shot in Delhi post the lockdown, has an international sound and new-age vibe. It is a massive and sleek song in terms of production value.

—ANI

New interim host

O

ne of the greatest Jeopardy! players ever will take over as the game show’s host, at least for a short time, after the sad demise of former host Alex Trebek. Ken Jennings will be the interim host of the syndicated series when it resumes production November 30.

He’ll be the first in a series of guest hosts since the death of Alex Trebek on November 8.

The show is holding off

Alex Trebek and Ken Jennings

on naming a full-time host for the time being; other guest hosts will be announced in the coming weeks.

—Agency

...her post

Food for

Miley Cyrus

M

iley Cyrus recently opened up about her substance abuse. The singer told Apple Music’s New Music Daily that she got sober earlier this year because she was afraid of joining stars such as Amy Winehouse, Kurt

Cobain and Jimi Hendrix in the infamous “27 Club” of musicians who died at that age. “A fear of death is instinctual... 27 to me was a year that I really had to protect myself,” she said in Monday’s interview on her 28th birthday. “That actually re-

Harry Styles

arry Styles recently made history! The 26-year-old Watermelon Sugar singer was nominated as a solo artist for the first time at the 2021 Grammys on Wednesday. His three nominations also made him the first One Direction member to receive Grammy Award nominations. Harry was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album for Fine Line, as well as Best Pop Solo Performance for Watermelon Sugar and Best Music Video for Adore You. Aside from Grammy nominations, Harry‘s Billboard 200 No. 1 sophomore album also broke the record as the biggest sales debut from an English male artist in the United States.

—Agency

11

...still from the trailer

PORTRAYING ‘HORROR’ GENRE

E

xpressing her excitement to share the much-anticipated trailer of her horror-drama ‘Durgamati’, actor Bhumi Pednekar on Wednesday shared a gripping trailer of the film. The 31-year-old star took to Instagram and shared a spooky trailer, in which the actor is seen in a never-seenbefore avatar.

Bhumi noted in caption of the trailer, “I have waited so long to share this with all of you. This one is pure sweat, blood & hard work. There were moments of pure joy and times I cried of pain. My most special & challenging one so far.”

—ANI

ally made me want to get sober because we’ve lost so many icons at 27.

It’s a very pivotal time.”

Cyrus revealed earlier this year that she had given up smoking weed to help her keep her head clear while working on new music.

—Agency

thought

A

ctor Shilpa Shetty Kundra on Wednesday treated fans to a glimpse of well-maintained kitchen garden as she picks out lemons, and provides fans food for thought.

Sporting a no-makeup look, with her luscious locks open Shilpa looked happy while flaunting the organic fruit grown in her garden, while saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

The ‘Life In a Metro’ star captioned the post as, “Food for thought! Life is beautiful..

Make the best in every situation. #lemon #lemo n a d e #wednesdayvibes #gratitude #staypositive #kitcheng arden# home.”

—ANI

Shilpa Shetty Kundra Bhumi Pednekar

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

12

AHMEDABAD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Featuring

WEDDING BELLS!

Super Women

Jagdeesh Chandra with (from left) Parul and Ravi Nayyar, Swena and Champa Lal Choudhary

M

anish Ladha Photography in its 3rd edition of Fashion Calendar 2021 will feature Super Women personalities across the coun-

try, who are an inspiration to society in a unique Style and Fashion.

There are 12 categories in different work fields: 1. Business Person 2. Sports Person 3. Academician/ Dean/ Teacher 4. Media Person/ Journalist 5. Doctor

ALL ABOUT CORONA

D

uring the ‘Digital Baal Mela’ by LIC on Wednesday, a quiz on Corona was organised by Dr Sudipto Chakraborty for the participants. He also answered a lot of ques-

tions by the young talent on board and cleared all their doubts about the same.

Gauri Maheshwari from Ajmer moderated the quiz.

This digital fair was initially for the children of Rajasthan, to

help them bring out their best talent, sitting at home.

But eventually, the team received entries from children across the country.

The Digital Baal Mela will end on 14 December. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Spreading Positivity!

S

Shabnamistan Jabeen

CITY FIRST

T

RAJ: Tanuja Vyas from the Pink City solemnising the Tulsi Vivah on Thursday.

Tulsi Vivah is a Hindu festival, where the Tulsi plant, considered to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped. It signifies the beginning of the wedding season.

he Investiture Ceremony of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur was organised on Tuesday, in which the Student Council for the academic year 2020-21 took oath towards their duties and responsibilities. The Chief Guest of the Investiture Ceremony was Rev Fr Soosai Mani, President JXEA who was formally welcomed by Rev Fr Varkey Perekkatt,

habnamistan Jabeen is an actor and model from Pink City, who is a believer in positivity and hard work.

She wishes to spread positivity to people around her and feels that one must always have a great passion for achieving goals and dreams.

—City First

Vaibhav Gehlot’s tweet

A RAY OF HOPE

CITY FIRST

O

n the occasion of National Organ Donation Day on 27 November, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated Angdata Smarak in Jaipur on Wednesday. The memorial has been initiated and conceptualized by Mohan Foundation Jaipur Citizen Forum Navjeevan (MJCF Navjeevan) and pays a befitting tribute to countless individuals, who committed the greatest act of goodness by donating their organs and giving the elixir of life to fellow human beings.

Designed by famed Jaipur designer, Samir Wheaton and built by Dalmia Bharat’s cement inspired designing and creative arm, Craft Béton, the memorial has been built at the junction of Prithviraj Road and Tonk Road near SMS Hospital

—PHOTOS BY SUMIT KUMAR

The structure of Angdata Smarak is inspired

by Jaipur’s most iconic monument Jantar Mantar and will go a long way in spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.

It is often said that successful organ transplantation is nothing short of a re-birth for those who receive this gift. The memorial perfectly captures this emotion.

During the Investiture Ceremony of St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur

ties’ which focused on the shouldering of duties by the students which would pre-

GUJ: Ahmedabad’s Bhadra Fort and Siddi Saiyyed Mosque remained deserted on the final day of the World Heritage Week marked from 19 to 25 November. The entry has been disallowed in heritage monuments owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FROM UTTAR PRADESH...

INVESTITURE CEREMONY

Manager. The theme of the event was ‘Young Shoulders Wield Responsibili-

DURING THE DAY!

RAJ: The first audition of the state-level beauty pageant Mr. and Miss Pinkcity 2020 season 4 was organised by Mr Verma Events & Entertainment at Gold Gym on Wednesday along with a COVID awareness message. The models walked the ramp while maintaining the social distancing with no mask no entry slogan.

Malvika Shaktawat

Dr Sudipto Chakravarty CITY FIRST

TWEETED!

The Bride- Swena

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

CITY FIRST

6. Artist/ Dancer/ Singer/ Writer 7. Govt. Administrative Services 8. Activist/ Politician 9. Fashion Designer 10. Actress/ Model 11. Beautician/ Cosmetologists 12. RJ/ DJ/ Anchor These personalities will be given Inspiring Super Women Awards for their contributions to society at The Calendar Launch Party in January. They will also be seen creating awareness to wear masks to keep Corona at bay. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

The wedding of Swena, daughter of Ravi Nayyar with Ashul, son of Ajay Singh was solemnised on the beautiful winter afternoon of 25 November, Wednesday at Hotel Leela on the Jaipur Delhi Highway.

pare them to become better citizens in the future. Rev Fr Varkey Perekkatt, Manager

blessed the students, followed by the address of Rev Fr Dr Raymond Cherubin, Vice-Principal & Administrator and Rev Fr Dr Sherry George, Vice-Principal & Treasurer. Rev Fr Dr A Rex Angelo, Principal addressed the council and congratulated them on their appointment while also emphasizing on their responsibilities.

The students were awarded badges followed by the oath of the Core Council.

Police officials were seen penalising people who were not wearing masks in Lucknow on Wednesday. The officials also distributed masks to the people who were seen unmasked.

BUZZ...

Actor Sumit Vyas is going to be in the Pink City today, 26 November, to promote his recent web series ‘Dark 7 White’.

HAPPY B’DAY!

Mangla Prasad Singh (UP) celebrated his birthday on 24 November, Tuesday.

We wish him all the best!