First India-Ahmedabad Edition-26 October 2020

AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 331

We want tensions to end, but won’t cede inch: Singh

CELEBRATING VIJAYADASHAMI

PREZ, PM MODI’S

INSPIRING WISHES AMID COVID CRISIS New Delhi: On the eve of Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and other leaders extended their greetings to the nation. PM Modi expressed hope that the festival of Dusshera brings new inspiration into everyone’s life.

“Good wishes to all countrymen on Vijaya Dashami. May this grand festival marking the victory of truth over untruth and of goodness over evil may bring new inspiration into everyone’s life,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

The country is celebrating Vijayadashami amid restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Ram Nath Kovind also extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Dussehra.

“Dussehra greetings and best wishes to all countrymen. This festival symbolizes the victory of truth over religion and falsehood over wrongdoing. I wish that this festival of joy, protects everyone from the effects of the epidemic and bring prosperity among the countrymen,” the President tweeted.

On Saturday, in a message, the President had said that Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

“The festival is cele-

brated throughout India in different forms. This festival strengthens the cultural unity of India and inspires us to live in harmony, following the path of virtue and shunning evil,” he said.

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu extended his Dussehra greetings hoping that the festival brings peace, harmony, good health and prosperity.

“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.

Celebrated with great fervour and zeal all over the country, Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil,” the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu. Noting that while Dussehra is an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Naidu urged people to celebrate the festival this year, in a modest way by strictly adhering to the health protocols.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also shared best wishes on Dussehra, saying truth ultimately triumphs.

“Truth ultimately triumphs. Good wishes to all on Vijaya Dashami,” he said in a tweet in Hindi with the hashtag “HappyDussehra”.

Darjeeling: India wants an end to the ongoing standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh, but Indian soldiers will not allow even an inch of the country to be taken away by anyone, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.

“India wants an end to the ongoing border tension with China and restoration of peace. This is our objective. But at times, some nefarious incidents keep happening. I am very confident that our soldiers will never allow even an inch of our land to be taken away by anyone,” Singh said after performing ‘Shastra Puja’ on the occasion of Dussehra at Sukna, headquarters of the Army’s 33 Corps in West Bengal.

“I can say with confidence and on the basis of concrete information that the courage and

Defence Minister after perfoming Shastra Puja

deeds of Indian soldiers during whatever has happened at the India-China border in Ladakh recently will be written in golden letters by historians,” Singh said.

Turn to P6

only way: Bhagwat as Rahul hits back

RBI GUV SHAKTIKANTA DAS TESTS POSITIVE Shaktikanta Das has tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday.  Requesting people who have recently come in contact with him to get tested or check their health, Das said he will isolate himself and will continue work.  Day-to-day functioning of RBI will go on normally and the Governor is in touch with deputy governors and other officers through video conferencing and telephone.

Giving update about his health, he said he is feeling fine and doesn’t have any major symptom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

—Rajnath Singh,

Overriding China

 Reserve Bank of India Governor

President Ram Nath Kovind

I can say with confidence that the courage and deeds of Indian soldiers will be written in golden letters by the historians

 “I have tested COVID-19

positive. Asymptomatic.Feeling very much alright.Have alerted those who came in contact in recent days.Will continue to work from isolation. Work in RBI will go on normally. I am in touch with all Dy. Govs and other officers through VC and telephone,” he tweeted.

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat called for India to grow bigger than China in terms of “power and scope” today, at the organisation’s key Vijayadashami celebrations.

“We intend to be friendly with all. This is our nature,” he said, adding, “mistaking our benevolence for weakness and attempts to disintegrate or weaken us by sheer brute force is unacceptable... if push comes to shove, we will not fall short of alertness, firmness and readiness.”

His remarks unleashed huge opposition criticism. “Deep inside, Mr Bhagwat knows the truth.

He is just scared to face it.

The truth is China has taken our land and GOI & RSS have allowed it,” Congress’s Rahul Gandhi tweeted, slamming the RSS which is the ideologi-

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat speaking during Dussehra event.

cal mentor of the BJP. “China’s role in the breakout of this pandemic may be disputable but its misuse of their riches by unleashing terror on the borders of Bharat and boisterous efforts to invade our territories are well-known to the whole world,” Bhagwat had said at the function this morning.

“Even in the past, the world has time and again witnessed China’s expansionist attitude. Turn to P6

War of words: Patil and Modhwadia exchange heated rebuttals After former GPCC prez calls out the BJP chief on his police cases, the latter terms him ‘Jhoothwadia’ First India Bureau Ahmedabad: During election season, it is not surprising to see allegations and counter attacks between contesting political parties. With the state legislative assembly by-elections set to be conducted soon, verbal battle ensued between Bharatiya Ja-

nata Party (BJP) state unit president CR Patil and former Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Arjun Modhwadia.

During a public meeting in Karjan, Modhwadia stated that Patil had a total of 107 cases registered against him. “The details of these cases are shown in the affidavit submitted during the

BJP state unit president CR Patil

Lok Sabha elections. It also includes a case of bank embezzlement. Patil has also been impris-

Arjun Modhwadia

oned,” he said.

The former GPCC president went on to add that Patil had

been piloting a liquor cart back when he was a police constable. He added that the

BJP president had then been suspended from his post. “Bhau (Patil) is suffering these days,” commented Modhwadia.

In a rebuttal to Modhwadia’s words, Patil responded by saying that Congress was only levying baseless allegations to mislead the public.

“If Congress has evidence, they should present it to the public. I have no criminal case. I will resign from my position if they prove it,” he said. He also termed Modhwadia as ‘Jhooth-

wadia’ thereby implying that the Congress leader was lying.

Post Patil’s response, Modhwadia held a press conference and verbally attacked the BJP leader.

“Patil bhau should check his past before throwing a challenge.

Around 107 criminal cases have been registered against him, which is all there on government records. I do not need to prove anything. I only spoke on the basis of the affidavits taken by Patil

during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. I have not said anything new, as Patil bhau himself wrote an affidavit before the Election Commission,” asserted Modhwadia.

He added, “In 1978, three years after Patil became a police constable in 1975, a case was registered against him at Palsana police station and Songadh police station for liquor smuggling. Following this, the police department had suspended those involved.

Turn to P6

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

02

VANQUISHING ALL EVIL

The day after the culmination of the nine-day long Navratri festival, Dussehra was celebrated by Amdavadis on Sunday. The festival marks the victory of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, over Ravan, the king of Lanka. It essentially signifies the triumph of good over evil. First India photojournalist Hanif Sindhi traversed the city and captured the moments of citizens ringing in Dussehra amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

From food stalls selling piping hot jalebis and fafdas, police officers performing puja of their weapons, to people purchasing new vehicles, the festival was celebrated in the city, despite the ongoing health crisis.

FORTUNE TO FAVOUR BJP OR CONGRESS IN KAPRADA & DANG?  If the ruling party wins both seats, it will demolish the opposition party’s dominance in the region

THE KAPRADA EQUATION

CASTE- WISE VOTE SHARE

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The constituencies of Kaprada and Dang may be the key to success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state legislative assembly by-elections for eight assembly seats slated for November 3. It will seal the fortunes of the ruling party in tribal areas, should it taste victory and unseat Congress from its stronghold. It will also set the tone for the forthcoming assembly elections.

Located in the Valsad district, the constituency of Kaprada is a rural area in need of development. Being from South Gujarat himself, registering victories in Dang and Kaprada will add to BJP state unit president CR Patil’s political prestige. It will also silence

CONSTITUENCY WATCH Congress candidate Babubhai Vartha campaigning in Kaprada.

critics who had murmured their opposition on his appointment as the state party chief. If the BJP manages to come out the victor in both Kaprada and Dang, then it will enable Patil to campaign vigorously for the state assembly elections.

Winning both seats would mean the BJP would be better poised in tribal areas, a stronghold of opposition party Congress. It will also strengthen the ruling party’s roots in the region.

The candidate fielded by the BJP for the by-election is Jitu

Chaudhary, who resigned from the Congress party ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. On the other hand, Congress has chosen Babubhai Vartha as its candidate.

Vartha was earlier associated with the BJP and was also elected as a sarpanch. Interestingly, when Chaudhary defected from Congress and joined BJP, Vartha left BJP and joined Congress.

Congress has held the Kaprada seat, which is a tribal-dominated area, for many years. Chaudhary was elected from

the Kaprada seat in the year 2002 and since then has won the seat without breaking a sweat, except when he won the 2017 election with a slim margin of 170 votes. He had contested polls against BJP candidate Madhubhai Raut, who received 92,830 votes while Chaudhary had 93,000 votes.

In 2012, Chaudhary won the election against BJP’s Prakash Patel by a margin of 18,685 votes. Chaudhary garnered 85,780 votes while Patel accumulated 67,095 votes.

Jitubhai was once

considered closest to Valsad district’s leading Congress leader Kishan Patel. Many people in the region also consider Kishan Patel as their political guru. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) fromValsadDang in 2004 and 2009.

In 2007 and 2012, Kishanbhai was adamant that Chaudhary receive a ticket to contest from the Kaprada seat, and that was why the latter could run.

The Kaprada seat is dominated by the Warli community, who make up 55% of

the population. It is followed by the Dhodia Samaj, which has a population of 30% and also the Kukana Samaj that account for 20% of the total population.

The constituency also has a significant number of Kolcha, aboriginal and Muslim voters.

In the 2017 Assembly elections, 84% of the population exercised their right to vote. Issues such as unemployment, lack of better irrigation facilities, roads, education and health are the main concerns in both Kaprada and Dang.

Dhanani questions wavering loyalties of turncoat MLAs First India Bureau Ahmedabad: On the campaign trail for the past few days, Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani has launched a verbal attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On Sunday, while campaigning in Gadhada, Dhanani implied that former Congress MLAs were offered alcohol at the headquarters of the BJP ‘Kamalam’ in Gandhinagar to change their allegiances. He also asked about the liquor brand preferences of the MLAs. The leader alleged the BJP ‘intoxicated’ the eight former Congress representatives, who resigned from the party ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, and that they were ‘lost and broke people’s trust’. Dhanani also expressed faith that the opposition party would register victories in all eight constituencies in the by-elections.

“In ‘Kamalam’ (BJP HQ) and the Chief Minister’s bun-

LoP Paresh Dhanani.

galow, which brands of liquor were served to the MLAs? How much money was offered to them? I am sure that the people understand the intentions of BJP. I believe that Congress will hands down win all eight seats this time,” asserted Dhanani.

Meanwhile, working president Hardik Patel addressed a public meeting in Limbdi on Sunday.

“The BJP leaders have been following the divide and rule method. During elections, their leaders reach out to the villages and conspire against the local communities. On the other hand, the Congress party is working to promote peace and brotherhood,” he stated.

KEEP GOING

nCoV vaccine may be available by February next year: CM Rupani  With clinical trials being conducted, the top politico appealed to citizens to strictly follow all protocols until then First India Bureau Vadodara: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani seems to be hopeful that the vaccine for novel coronavirus will be made available to the pub-

lic early next year.

Addressing the citizens, he stated that the clinical trial may be successfully completed by January 2021 and be available commercially by February 2021. “Un-

til the vaccine is accessible, people will have to abide by the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) strictly. That is the only solution we have for now,” he said.

The CM also spoke about the nCoV recovery rate in the state, which has hit 90%. According to data, over 1.50 lakh people have recovered from the virus in the past eight

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani laid foundation stone of Sardar Bhavan in Ankhol village of Vadodara district.

months.

He also thanked people for cooperating with the state’s decision to ban commercial Navratri events, owing to the pandemic.

He added, “The state’s development has remained unhindered by the pandemic. Even with the ongoing health crisis, the government has successfully implemented developmental projects worth

Rs13,000 crore across the state.”

Meanwhile, Rupani laid down the foundation of Sardar Bhavan in Ankhol village of Vadodara district on Sunday. Set to be a community facility for the Patidar community in Central Gujarat, the project will be built at an investment of Rs100 crore. Similar to the Sardar Dham in Rajkot district, it will be constructed on

five lakh square metre of land.

The state government has granted relaxations for the community centre. According to the General Development Control Regulations (GDCR) norms, 40% of the plot is to be kept open. But with special permission from the state, the community centre will only have 10% open land.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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DAHOD TRAGEDY: 3 CHILDREN DROWN IN 30-FEET DEEP LAKE Accident occurred when the auto-rickshaw driver lost control over the vehicle

First India Bureau Dahod: It was a tragic Sunday for three families of Chosala village in Dahod district, as they lost three young children in an accident when the auto-rickshaw they were travelling in fell into a lake.

While the three women in the vehicle were rescued by the Dahod fire rescue team, the children drowned in the 30 feet deep waterbody. The deceased kids included Priyanka Baraiya (06), Aryan Mavi (05) and a newborn baby.

Resident of Chosala Rangliben Mavi was 9 months pregnant and on Saturday evening she complained of labour pain. She was taken to Rentiya Primary Health Centre (PHC) by

MOTHER, DAUGHTER DROWN IN NARMADA

The women with the bodies of their children at the accident site.

two women from her neighbourhood, where she delivered a healthy baby. Since the mother and baby were both doing well, the PHC discharged them. The three women then set out to head back to their village with their three children in an auto-

rickshaw.

When they were passing through the Nanidoki village, the driver of the auto-rickshaw lost control over the steering and it fell into the 30-feet deep lake. As the women cried for the help, people from nearby villages rushed to

Rise and fall of new cases, discharged patients in Guj

Gandhinagar: A new trend of parallels has been witnessed in the state with regards to number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and patients discharged in a single day.

When confirmed cases show a surge then, the discharged patient numbers also increase and if the former falls then the latter does too.

For instance, on September 25, the number of new cases

reported was 1,442 and against that patients who were discharged numbered 1,279. Similarly, on October 25, nCoV cases in the state were 919 and over 963 patients were discharged.

With the state making tall claims about the recovery rate of the state touching 90%, it is curious why the number of discharged patients has not risen rapidly.

The state conducted over 51,370 tests on Sunday, of which, 919 results were positive.

There are 13,936 active

Dahod for post-mortem and the women were sent to private hospitals for treatment.

Dahod taluka police has registered a complaint against the auto-rickshaw driver for negligent driving and has initiated a probe into the case.

B’nagar police nab man for raping minor daughter First India Bureau Bhavnagar: A man was arrested by Bhavnagar district police on Saturday evening for allegedly raping his minor daughter seven times in the last 10 months. A complaint was registered with the Vallabhipur police station on Friday.

According to the First Information Report, the incident came to light only after the victim complained about stomach ache and was taken to a hospital for treatment, where the doctor informed the victim’s sister that the minor was pregnant.

Police officials said the victim’s sisters were shocked to learn about the pregnancy and were aghast when

they found out that the accused was none other than their own father.

It has been stated in the FIR that the victim’s father first raped the victim in January 2020. Thereafter, she was allegedly raped for another six times from January to October.

Police also stated that the victim’s father had threatened her with dire consequences, and so the

WATER AERODROME OF SEA PLANE SERVICE OPERATIONAL IN AHMEDABAD —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The water aerodrome for the sea plane from the city to Kevadia Colony has now been made operational. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the sea plane service on October 31. Modi will arrive by the sea plane in Ahmedabad from Kevadia colony, home to the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world.

The international level sea airport system was finalized after air

A man undergoes COVID-19 test at a centre in Ahmedabad.

First India Bureau

help and called the fire and rescue team from Dahod.

While the women were successfully rescued, officials of the fire and rescue team fished out the bodies of the three kids who were killed in the accident.

All bodies were sent to

It will be inaugurated

by PM Narendra Modi on October 31, upon his arrival from Kevadia

The water aerodrome on the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.

traffic control testing.

Landing signals for the plane have been installed along with railings on the bridge. Clotting barricades have also been set up in the

river.

The arrangement of airbags to know the direction of the wind is allotted. This is done so that the pilot can see water rising in the river

cases in the state, of which, 65 patients are on ventilator support.

Seven patients died on Sunday, of which three were from Ahmedabad district, two from Surat and one each from Patan and Vadodara.

The highest cases emerged from Surat (227) followed by Ahmedabad district (174), Vadodara (115), Rajkot (97), Jamnagar (43), Gandhinagar (35), Bharuch (20) and Mehsana, Morbi, Junagadh and Bhavnagar (18 each).

due to the clotting barricade during landing.

Furthermore, airbags have also been installed at certain distances to know the direction of the wind.

The sea plane will also have a nine-seat capacity, with fixed entry rates of Rs4,000 per person.

SHARING THE BEAUTY Nanubhai, a social worker by profession, carries peacock feathers to distribute at places of worship in Ahmedabad. He collects feathers near the Vasna barrage forest area that has been habituated by hundreds of peacocks for years.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Microinsurance shields low-income families against risks First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In a milestone report of the Committee on the Standalone Microinsurance Company, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) has stated that microinsurance successfully protects low-income individuals from various calamitous events.

The report of the committee, set up by IRDA in February and chaired by Mirai Chat-

terjee, director of SEWA Social Security, was released last week.

The Committee studied international microinsurance models to understand what worked and what did not and found that while India’s population coverage under microinsurance in absolute terms at 111.1 million is high, the percentage of our population covered is low, at 9% of the overall population and 14.7% of the potential microinsurance market size in the country.

VimoSEWA, the insurance cooperative of the Self-Employed Women’s Association, SEWA, has been one of the first to provide

suitable microinsurance products to informal women workers and their families. It currently has 1,00,000 policy-holders in five

states of India and has contributed its experience and data of two and a half decades to the Committee. Microinsurance accounted for less than 1.80% for life and 1.16% for general insurance in 201920.

The report says, “Calamities such as illnesses, accidents, death, or the loss of assets often have very grave financial consequences for low-income families, and can push these families deeper into poverty as their meagre resourc-

03

es get depleted. Microinsurance is a mechanism to protect lowincome individuals and families against the various risks that they frequently face in their lives, in exchange for insurance premium payments tailored to their needs, income, and level of risk.”

Ashaben Ajmeri, Chairperson of VimoSEWA, while appreciating the recommendations said, “ We are very grateful that such practical recommendations have been made.

It is our long-standing

dream to have to be a full-fledged microinsurer but the capital required was too high for us.”

Highlighting the context of the pandemic, Shreekant Kumar, CEO, of VimoSEWA said, “VimoSEWA has been advocating for such changes for the past two decades, and it is imperative that we act now to provide some financial security to families rendered vulnerable by the current pandemic.”

minor girl had kept silent. A complaint has been lodged under the various sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The accused Chandu Jadav was nabbed by police on Saturday and sent for a medical checkup. The victim too has been hospitalized and has been receiving treatment.

in

BRIEF Sprinter Sarita Gayakwad appointed DySP The state government has appointed athlete Sarita Gayakwad as the deputy superintendent of police (DySP). At the 2018 Asian Games, she was part of the 4 X 400 relay race team that bagged the gold medal.

Recognizing her achievement for bringing glory to the state, the government had announced that she will be granted a government job. Gayakwad will receive a detailed posting after undergoing a rigorous training process.

Singer Mahesh Kanodia passes away Gujarati singer Mahesh Kanodia, also a former BJP MP from the Patan constituency, passed away on Sunday morning. He had been battling an illness for a long time. His brother, Naresh Kanodia is a veteran Gujarati film actor who also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. Both the brothers had formed a music group called ‘Mahesh-Naresh’ and have contributed music for many Gujarati films.

Surat Police Commissioner performs Shastra Puja On the occasion of Dussehra, Surat Commissioner of Police Ajay Tomar conducted Shastra Puja at the headquarters in the arms wing, where police weapons are stored.

Shastra Puja is the customary worship of weapons for the Navratri festival. All senior police officers were present on the auspicious occasion. Commemorating the ritual, Tomar said that the police are always ready to defend the safety and security of people.

MP opposes rail track conversion

Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh Parimal Nathwani, has opposed the rail track conversion project in the Gir Forest. Many lions have been reported to have died from accidents. He said that if this line is converted into a broad gauge, trains will travel at higher speeds, increasing the risk of more accidents.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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BRIG VETERAN ANIL GUPTA The author is a Jammu based veteran, political commentator, columnist, security and strategic analyst

O

The postaccession history of J&K has been a victim of the battle of narratives.

Narratives were built and promoted to downplay the Dogra ruler and the Dogras while giving the credit to Sheikh Abdullah and his party Jammu & Kashmir National Conference popularly referred to as NC. Like history is written by the victor, the winner in the battle of narratives is also powerful.

Undoubtedly, with the help of Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh and his party emerged as the most powerful overshadowing even the Maharaja who was finally forced to live in exile till he died

ctober 26th is a red-letter day in Indian history. On this day in 1947 the then ruler of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir finally signed the Instrument of Accession (IOA) paving the way for the merger of the princely state with India. The delay in signing the Instrument of Accession and its subsequent implications leading finally to a Pak Armyled attack to forcibly annex the State which began on October 22, 1947. Consequent to the signing of IOA, the first wave of Indian soldiers air landed at Srinagar airfield on the morning of October 27 to save the state from marauding tribal raiders hired as mercenaries by the Pakistan Army.

October 26th 26th referred to as the Accession Day did not get the due recognition it deserved because of the subsequent Kashmiri politics.

The post-accession history of J&K has been a victim of the battle of narratives. Narratives were built and promoted to downplay the Dogra ruler and the Dogras while giving the credit to Sheikh Abdullah and his party Jammu & Kashmir National Conference popularly referred to as NC. Like history is written by the victor, the winner in the battle of narratives is also powerful. Undoubtedly, with the help of Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh and his party emerged as the most powerful overshadowing even the Maharaja who was finally forced to live in exile till he died. His cremation was also done at the place of exile and only his ashes were brought to his erstwhile kingdom which he had very diligently and proudly acceded to India. “It was the bad luck of His Highness that both the most influential powers of that time namely the British Government and Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru were against the Maharaja for their own reasons,” lamented Dr Karan Singh.

The popular narrative revolves around the theory that “But for Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah, Kashmir wouldn’t have been part of India.”

While it attempts to portray Sheikh and Nehru as the heroes and saviour of Kashmir, it totally downplays to the extent of ignoring the contribution of the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh and the valiant State

ACCESSION DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE

Forces led by the Dogra officers. The initial onslaught of the attackers was resisted valiantly by the men of 4 Kashmir Infantry (presently 4 JAK Rifles) commanded by a second world war veteran Col Narain Singh, OBE. The then Prime Minister of the princely state Mehr Chand Mahajan has recorded in his the book “Looking Back”, “In Muzaffarabad and Domel, the gateway to Kashmir, there was only a battalion of State Forces commanded by Colonel Narain Singh, but this unit had about 40 percent Muslims who could not be trusted in the communal situation that had arisen.

Despite the word from Maharaja to disarm this part of his unit Col Narain was not ready to do so on the plea that they were his most loyal soldiers and had served under him in Burma and elsewhere in the Great War. He met his death at the hands of his own Muslim soldiers who joined the raiders. A large number of fellow Dogra soldiers were also assassinated at Domel.” It was the treachery of Muslim troops of the State Forces that opened the road to Muzaffarabad and Srinagar. Later the Dogra soldiers under the command of Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Chief of Staff of the State Forces, fought the last man last round and tried to prevent them from reaching the capital Srinagar. Brig Rajendra Singh attained martyrdom in the line of duty and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) posthumously. The Dogras of Jammu to date hold a grudge that despite being promised by none other than the defence

SUBSEQUENT POLITICS PLAYED BY THE KASHMIRI POLITICIANS MADE ACCESSION DEBATABLE. THIS WAS DONE TO SECURE A SPECIAL STATUS FOR THE STATE ON THE PLEA OF SAFEGUARDING THE MAJORITY OF MUSLIMS AND THE KASHMIRI IDENTITY IGNORING THE FACT THAT THE STATE WAS AN AMALGAMATION OF THREE REGIONS NAMELY JAMMU, KASHMIR, AND LADAKH

minister of the nation George Fernandez to upgrade the award to Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the promise remains unfulfilled to date.

The role played by local Kashmiris particularly Maqbool Sherwani also deserves praise but the contribution of State Forces cannot be ignored and credit due to them must be given.

Subsequent politics played by the Kashmiri politicians made accession debatable.

This was done to secure a special status for the state on the plea of safeguarding the majority of Muslims and the Kashmiri identity ignoring the fact that the state was an amalgamation of three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The tunnel vision of Sheikh and his party blatantly ignored the other two regions who complained of regional discrimination. A state within the state was created with full support from Nehru with the inclusion of Articles 370 and 35A in the Indian Constitution. There was resistance from the people of Jammu & Ladakh. A movement was launched in Jammu to oppose Do Pradhan, Do Nishan and Do Vidhan (Two PMs, Two Flags, and Two Constitutions). The agitation was

dubbed as communal by Nehru and suppressed. It picked up momentum with Jan Sangh, a newly emerged nationalist party also joining the moment. Its founder president Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee became the victim of vindictive politics of the Sheikh and died while in custody in Srinagar. Possibly, the first case of the custodial killing of independent India. The struggle for the total integration of the state with the rest of the country for which abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A was essential continued thereafter. The struggle was long and arduous. It finally came to an end on August 5, 2019, when the Modi government announced its epoch-making decision of abrogating the said articles which was approved by 2/3rd majority in both houses of Parliament. The government also announced the decision of reorganisation of the state by dividing it into two Union Territories effective October 31, 2019. While the decision received an overwhelming response in Ladakh, the response in Jammu was mixed. However, after understanding the government’s logic for the same the resentment gradually subsided?

The people began to see a

new ray of hope especially in Jammu because they had been the victim of regional discrimination. The new UT administration was welcome by the people hoping for fair play and equality for both regions. However, the grouse of discrimination still remains despite the administration’s best efforts to be fair. Many blame it on the old mindset of the bureaucracy despite the changing environment. This is one aspect that needs to be addressed by the UT administration holistically. The new government has come down heavily against corruption with central anticorruption laws becoming applicable in the UT. This has created a scare among the high and mighty who had used their official authority for personal benefits or/and for benefitting their cronies. Law and order have improved and terrorism is on the decline. Separatist forces under the banner of Hurriyat have been made defunct and marginalised. Tricolour flies proudly all across J&K on government buildings and other places. The youth is coming out in hordes to join the state police, army, and central paramilitary forces. The word ‘alienation’ is used more often by the disgruntled politicians who have been boycotted by the public but on the ground the alienation though not totally removed is minimal. The UT has announced 100% coverage of its population for health insurance under Ayushman Bharat.

The discriminated and neglected members of the West Pakistan refugee’s community, the Balmikis, and the Gurkhas were overjoyed with their newly attained identity and freedom. STs were happy with their political empowerment. The women also expressed joy at being treated equal citizens by ending their discrimination.

Despite the effects of Covid, substantial development has taken place. UT government emphasis has been on completing the long-overdue languishing projects, improve connectivity, better health infrastructure, and implementation of Aatm Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The government has been transparent to the extent that it for the first time hoisted

Immunization is the best weapon against poverty

A

recent poll found that one in three Americans would not be willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, while anti-vaxxers have reportedly gained at least 7.8 million new social media followers since 2019.

Like the pandemic itself, anti-vax misinformation and rumors know no borders. The biggest tragedy is that the resulting vaccine hesitancy threatens to hurt poor people the most.

The poor have already been hit hardest by the pandemic, losing lives, livelihoods, and access to nutrition and health care. Increasing numbers of women and children from marginalized populations are falling outside the reach of public services – as reflected in the increased incidence of gender-based violence, the rise in teenage pregnancies, and

04

the decline in skilled birth attendance. One million more children could die in the next six months because of the pandemic’s knock-on effects, with the bulk of these deaths occurring among the poor.

Vaccines protect up to three million lives every year. That is because they are often the first and only health service to reach poor households. People living in squalid conditions bereft of basic sanitation, safe drinking water, hygiene, cleansing agents, and adequate nutrition are most at risk of contracting and dying from vaccine-preventable diseases. And when ill, they often lack the financial means to access health care. Timely protection with vaccines, which keep diseases in poor communities at bay and reduce preventable child deaths, is therefore their best bet for survival.

By spreading misinformation, anti-vaxxers are increasing the risk of deaths among poor children. An explosion of vaccination-related falsehoods in the Philippines is a major reason why the country’s childhood immunization rate has plummeted from 87% in 2014 to 68% today. This resulted in a resurgence of polio and measles cases last year, with the

poor bearing the brunt.

Similarly, in Cameroon, false rumors that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine causes sterility is scaring parents into refusing it for their daughters.

This has put millions of girls at risk of a virus that causes up to 90% of all cases of cervical cancer, which kills 311,000 women every year, primarily in low-income countries. Girls from

poor communities need this vaccine the most, because they often have no access to cervical cancer screening, and their families cannot afford expensive treatment.

The HPV vaccine is their best protection.

Most women who die of cervical cancer are in the prime of their youth, and leave behind infants and children. Their deaths thus have profound social and

economic costs, especially in poorer settings. Do antivaxxers consider these implications?

The threat posed by misinformation is not confined to HPV vaccines. Equally dangerous anti-vax theories, often circulated via social media, make millions of children vulnerable to other highly preventable diseases and threaten to prevent the world from benefiting fully from COVID-19 vaccines when they become available.

The pandemic has upended the entire world, causing immense uncertainty and anxiety. The development of COVID-19 vaccines – and rapid, fair, and equitable access to them – is the only way to end this crisis swiftly. But it won’t end unless and until we boost people’s resilience to false information and build confidence in vaccines.

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

on the web all the developmental projects carried out by it and invited observations from the public. The naysayers continue to criticise but the results are visible on the ground.

For employment generation, the government has launched a fast track project. It is not feasible for the government to undo the entire mismanagement, adhocism, and arbitrariness of the previous regimes in such a short span.

There are few voices being raised in Jammu for the grant of separate statehood? In the national interest and under the prevailing security environment this is not the right time for such a demand. Political and economic empowerment of the Jammu region will ensure that these demands are minimised. The government of India will have to factor in the aspirations of the people of Jammu in any action they take in the future with relation to the UT. A thorough overhaul of the bureaucracy is needed to steer the UT out of the present mind-set and inertia.

The UT administration needs to be applauded for setting the right two mistakes done by the Kashmir centric leadership as regards holidays in the erstwhile state were concerned. The celebration of 13 July as Martyrs’ Day with official sponsorship was a grave injustice to the sentiments of Kashmiri Pundits and the people of Jammu & Ladakh. It has been done away with from the current year. Secondly, the Accession Day, a historical event in the history of the state, received no official recognition.

It was celebrated with gusto by various political and social organisations in Jammu but without the government’s participation. This historic wrong has also been rectified with an official holiday on 26th October and due recognition of the Accession Day. That is why this year’s Accession Day is different on two counts. It is the first Accession Day celebration after reorganisation and with a proper holiday. Let us pledge to uphold One Nation, One Constitution, and One Flag and bid goodbye to sub-nationalism forever.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Ravi Shankar Prasad @rsprasad A farmer producer company bought maize from the farmers who were producing it. The company gave farmers bonus above the price. The company did so because of the new farm laws enacted by the Govt, so the company thought of sharing extra profit with the farmers: PM @ narendramodi Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @DrRPNishank @IITKanpur startup has made a cost-effective ventilator with indigenous technology & equipment to help COVID-19 patients. The device can also control the spread of the virus by disinfecting the infected patient’s breath through its inbuilt ultraviolet chamber.

Spiritual SPEAK

The intention behind action is what matters.

—Bhagavad Gita

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BIHAR POLLS

NITISH KUMAR WILL BE BEHIND BARS IF LJP COMES TO POWER: CHIRAG PASWAN

Addressing a rally in Dumraon, Buxar, the LJP leader sought votes from BJP supporters for a “Nitish-free government” Buxar: Chirag Paswan, Goddess Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader, claimed at Sita temple ‘People hate energyless, a rally on Sunday that Chief Minister Nitish in Sitamarhi conservative Nitish Kumar’ Kumar would be behind bars if his party is voted to power. “Nitish Kumar and his officers will be behind bars if we come to power,” Paswan said.

Addressing a rally in Dumraon, Buxar in the run-up to polling in Bihar, Paswan raised several questions before the present state government.

“Alcohol ban in Bihar has failed. Illicit liquor is widely being sold and Nitish Kumar is receiving kickbacks,” Paswan said.

The LJP leader sought votes from BJP supporters for a “Nitish-free government”.

“I request you to please vote for LJP candidates to implement #Bihar1stBihari1st.

Alcohol ban in Bihar has failed. Illicit liquor is widely being sold and Nitish Kumar is receiving kickbacks,” Paswan said while raising several questions before the present government.

—FILE PHOTO

Everywhere else vote for the BJP. The coming government will be a #Nitish-free government,” he tweeted in Hindi.

Paswan, chief of the LJP--a former ally of

the NDA--has been vocal in his criticism of Kumar, who is the chief ministerial candidate of the NDA. He has, however, pledged support to the Prime Minister, calling himself

“Modi’s Hanuman” Bihar Assembly elections will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3, and November 7. The result will be declared on November 10. —ANI

Sitamarhi: Few days ahead of Bihar elections, LJP chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday asserted that if voted to power his party will construct a temple for Goddess Sita in Sitamarhi which will be bigger than Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

“I want a temple bigger than Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to be built for Goddess Sita in Sitamarhi. Lord Ram is incomplete without Goddess Sita, and vice versa. So, a corridor connecting Ayodhya’s Ram Temple and Sitamarhi should be constructed,” Paswan told ANI. Chirag also offered prayers at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi. —ANI

Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the overwhelming crowds at his rallies show that people are not just angry but hate “energyless, conservative and narrow-minded” Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“The crowd at our rallies show that people are not just angry with Nitish Kumar but they hate him now, this is the level of their angst. Keeping aside caste, creed, class and religion, people are contesting Bihar Elections now on the issue of unemployment,” Yadav said. —ANI

OWAISI RESPONDS TO RSS CHIEF’S CAA REMARKS ‘Our Hindutva is not about clanging ‘WE’RE NOT KIDS TO BE MISGUIDED’ utensils: Uddhav Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks that “some people misled our Muslim brothers” on the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act drew a sharp response from AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday.

“We’re not kids to be ‘misguided’. BJP didn’t mince words about what CAA+NRC were meant to do. If it’s not about Muslims, just re-

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday took multiple digs at BJP during his party Shiv Sena’s annual Dussehra rally in Mumbai.

“We are being asked about Hindutva, that why are we not re-opening temples in the state.

They say my Hindutva is different from that of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Your Hindutva is about clanging bells and utensils, our Hindutva is not like that. Those questioning our Hindutva now were hiding with tail between their legs when Babri mosque was demolished,” said Uddhav.

The Shiv Sena leader was referring to a letter sent by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s letter to him earlier this month.

Koshyari, through a letter written on Monday, had urged the Maharashtra CM to announce reopening of places of worship in the state. He had cited that religious places have reopened in Delhi, and across the nation, without any surge being witnessed in the COVID-19 cases, and had further questioned the motive behind delaying the same in Maharashtra.

—Agencies

FORMER CONG MLA RAHUL LODHI JOINS BJP IN MADHYA PRADESH Bhopal: Former Congress MLA Rahul Lodhi joined Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday in Bhopal. Lodhi had tendered his resignation to Protem Speaker Rameshwar Sharma earlier today.

“MLA from Damoh area, Rahul Lodhi has resigned from his post which has

been accepted,” Rameshwar Shama tweeted.

“I have worked with Congress for around 14 months but I couldn’t work for the development.

All the public welfare schemes have been put to a halt in Damoh. Today I have joined BJP willingly.

I am sure that Damoh will touch great heights,” said Lodhi.

‘Any law based on religion will be protested,’ Owaisi said.

move all references to religion from the law,” Owaisi tweeted. Earlier

in the day, Bhagwat, while speaking at the Sangh’s annual Vijaya-

dashami rally in Nagpur, said the RSS is not against any particular religious community, but “some people misled our Muslim brothers” claiming it was aimed at restricting their population.

“There was opposition to CAA claiming it was being used to check the Muslim population in the country.

In fact, no Indian citizen was threatened due to CAA,” he said.

—PTI

What to say on this bizarre comment.

Never expected this from Sushil Modi. He could have spoken about employment, industries, education, healthcare. He could have explained the achievements done during 15 years tenure. Such superstitious statements in this time are bizarre.

—Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Leader

Conference on vigilance to be unveiled by Modi New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption on Tuesday via video-conferencing.

The PMO said the theme of the conference is “vigilant India, prosperous India”.

The CBI organises the national conference, coinciding with the “Vigilance Awareness Week”, which is observed from October 27 to November 2 every

year. The activities would be focussed on vigilance issues aimed at raising awareness India’s commitment to promote integrity in public life through citizens’ participation. —PTI

Actor Nawazuddin gets Flying high:DGCA approves 12,983 stay against HC arrest weekly domestic flights in winter schedule Muzaffarnagar: Allahabad HC has issued a stay against arrest of actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a molestation case filed by his estranged wife against him and his four family members. The actor’s lawyer Nadeem Zafar Zaidi said HC has stayed arrest of Nawazuddin, his two brothers Fayazuddin and Ayazuddin & mother Mehrunissa. The third brother, Munazuddin, however, failed to get relief from the court, Zaidi said.

Nawazuddin’s estranged wife Aliya had on July 27 filed a complaint against him, his brothers and mother accusing them of assaulting her as well molesting a minor child in the family in 2012. —ANI

3 MEN HELD FOR FARM OWNER’S MURDER IN UP Muzaffarnagar: Three men were arrested for allegedly shooting dead a farm owner in Jeevan Puri village here nine days ago, police said. Two pistols were also recovered from the accused.

Farm owner Ankit was shot dead by assailants on October 16 in the village. Ramraj police station SHO Satendra Kumar said they got information during the probe that the deceased man was said to be in a relationship with a woman. The 3 accused Randhir, Kuldeep & Ranbir confessed to crime as they did not like farm owner, SHO said.

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it has approved 12,983 weekly domestic flights of airlines for the winter schedule that begins on Sunday and ends on March 27 next year.

In last year’s winter schedule, the aviation regulator had approved 23,307 weekly domestic flights.

The DGCA said it has approved 6,006 weekly domestic flights of IndiGo for this year’s win-

ter schedule. IndiGo is India’s largest airline.

SpiceJet and GoAir have got 1,957 weekly domestic flights and

MVA ALLIES TO CONTEST BMC POLLS TOGETHER: SANJAY RAUT Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the MVA partners, including the Sena, NCP and Congress, will contest the 2022 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls together. The ruling MVA in Maharashtra is here to stay, the Shiv Sena’s chief spokesperson told a news channel, and expressed confidence that it would

win the civic polls in the country’s commercial capital. The Shiv Senaruled BMC is country’s richest civic body with an annual budget of over Rs 33,400 crore. “ Shiv Sena-led MVA will fight civic polls and will win it. In Mumbai, who else but Shiv Sena can win?

The MVA is here to stay permanently,” Raut said.

1,203 weekly domestic flights approved, the regulator said.

Currently, airlines in India are allowed to op-

erate a maximum 60 per cent of pre-COVID weekly domestic flights.

In comparison to last year’s winter schedule, when 23,307 weekly domestic services were approved by DGCA, this year’s winter schedule has got just 55.7 per cent (12,983 flights) of those flights approved, according to the aviation regulator. These 55.7% flights will be operating from 95 Indian airports between Oct 25 & Mar 27, 2021, DGCA said.—PTI

SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE’S CONDITION VERY CRITICAL: DOCS Kolkata: The health condition of legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee deteriorated to “very critical” on Sunday, doctors treating him at a private hospital here said. The 85-year-old thespian is not responding to treatment and his platelet count has dropped further in the last 24 hours, a doctor at the facility said. “There is a deterioration in his neurological condition and he has very little consciousness. He is not responding to treatment. His condition is very critical,” a senior doctor at the hospital told.

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chief to visit COVID ECLIPSED KEY EVENTS: BHAGWAT Army Nepal with aim to reset RSS chief addressed annual Vijayadashmi speech on Sunday, which was limited to 50 swayamsevaks due to pandemic Nagpur: The word ‘Hindutva’ expresses identity, continuity of spirituality-based traditions and the entire wealth of value system in the land of Bharat, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday in his annual Vijayadashmi speech at the organisation’s headquarters in Nagpur.

“In 2019, Article 370 became ineffective, SC gave Ayodhya verdict on 9 November. The entire nation accepted the verdict.

On 5 August 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony of Ram temple was held. We witnessed patience, sensibility of Indians during these events,” Bhagwat said during his address, which, this year, was limited to an indoor event attended by 50 swayamsevaks due to pandem-

If one worked to raise the general level of consciousness of a common man and nurture the intrinsic spirit of oneness with Hindutva as guiding force, then in near future Bharatvarsh will emerge as torchbearer for the world.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pays tribute to RSS founder K. B. Hedgewar, in Nagpur on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

ic. Bhagwat said that country saw many developments.

“CAA does not oppose any particular religious community.

But those who wanted to oppose this new law misled our Muslim brothers by propagating a false notion that it was aimed at restricting the Muslim population.

‘Swa’ or ‘self ’ in ‘Swadeshi’ refers to Hindutva, spirit or ‘swa’ should be compass directing our intellectual brainstorming.

Hindu culture has expressed itself in di-

Devotees wear PPE kits and perform dance at Durga puja to show respect to the Covid-19 front line warriors, in Kolkata.

Mathura’s Banke Bihari ji temple reopens for devotees Mathura: Banke Bihari temple in Mathura reopened for devotees on Sunday adhering to all Covid-19 guidelines. Following large crowd, manager Munish Sharma ordered closure of the temple

again from Oct 19.

“We have started online registration for ‘darshan’ and only 500 devotees are being allowed to offer prayers in a single day,” manager said.

Also, Police force has been deployed here.

Modi condoles demise of Das, Gujarat-based ISKCON Saint New Delhi: PM Modi on Sunday condoled demise of Jashomatinandan Das, president of ISKCON Mandir Ahmedabad, Zonal Secy of ISKCON Gujarat. The PM remembered Das’ pas-

sion for spirituality and service to society through the organisation.

As per reports, saint had passed away on Saturday following prolonged illness after detecting positive for Covid.

Modi has ‘decided’ date of war with China, Pak: UP BJP Prez Ballia: In a controversial remark, BJP’s Uttar Pradesh chief Swatantra Dev Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided when the country would go to war with Pakistan and China.

His remarks on Friday came amid tension at the Line of Actual Control between India and China, where the two countries have massed troops.

The BJP leader linked his claim to the beginning of construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya following a Su-

Swatantra Dev Singh

preme Court judgment, and the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. “Like the decisions on Ram Mandir, Article 370, PM Modi

RSS Chief

Some groups are trying to spread hatred against Hindu culture: Chief

India’s covid-19 recovery rate touches 90 per cent New Delhi: India has recorded another landmark achievement as the national recovery rate has touched 90 per cent on Sunday, said the Union Ministry of Health.

India has recorded another landmark achievement. The national Recovery Rate has touched 90% today.

62,077 have recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours whereas the new confirmed cases stand at 50,129: Ministry of Health As many as 62,077 people have recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours whereas the new confirmed cases stand at 50,129, according to the Union Health Ministry.

According to an official release, this achievement is matched by the downward spiral fall of the total active cases, which are maintained below the seven lakh mark for the third successive day.

79 per cent of new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to be the State reporting a high number of cases with more than 8,000 cases followed by Maharashtra with more than 6,000 cases. —ANI

Mohan Bhagwat,

has decided when there would be war with Pakistan and China,” he is heard saying on SM. “Sambandhit tithi tai hai,” he said in Hindi, claiming that a decision has been taken on the date. Singh was speaking at an event at the home of BJP MLA Sanjay Yadav, who released the video.

Singh compared Samajwadi Party and BSP workers with “terrorists”. MP Ravindra Kushwaha said the UP BJP president made them to boost the morale of party workers.

verse for ms but some groups are trying to spread hatred among society, stating that diversity will be finished if they identify themselves as ‘Hindu’.

Shah, Nadda laud the ideology of RSS

Union HM Amit Shah

BJP President JP Nadda

New Delhi: Union HM Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda on Sunday extended greetings on the ‘Foundation Day’ of RSS, the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP. “For past nine decades, every volunteer of Sangh is committed to make India a world leader and re-

store its pride. Heartfelt greetings to all the volunteers,” Shah tweeted.

“World’s largest volunteer organisation awakening ray of hope to serve humanity with its amazing skills while imbibing mantra of national service, discipline, self-reliance,” Nadda tweeted. —PTI

2nd VVIP aircraft for Prez, VP, PM arrives in Delhi New Delhi: The second B-777 VVIP’s aircraft, Air India One landed at the Delhi airport on Saturday. Air India One aircraft is exclusively for the President, VP and PM. The VVIP aircraft B-777 is a replacement of wide-body aircraft Boeing B-747 jumbo aircraft whose call sign is Air India One. The interior design of the aircraft is very attractive, which was modified recently by Boeing, apart from other customisations. The new Boeing

Temple portal of Badrinath to be closed soon Kedarnath: Eleventh Jyotirlinga Lord Kedarnath temple portals will be closed on November 16 for the winter season whereas Lord Madamaheshwar temple will be closed on November 19.

According to reports, Kedarnath temple portals will be closed at 8:30 in the morning.

Lord Tungnath’s portals will be closed on November 4. The decision was taken after an astrological calculation on Sunday. Closing date of temple is decided on Dussehra anually.

NCB arrests TV actor for buying drugs Mumbai: NCB on Sunday registered two cases in which six people were placed under arrest under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Those arrested include a TV actress and a Tanzanian national.

NCB official said after due interrogation and recording confessions, supplier Faisal, and Preetika Chauhan, receiver, were arrested and produced before the court. Chauhan has worked in serials like Maa Vaishnodevi.

777 aircraft for VVIPs guest is also equipped with advanced defence systems and will be operated fully by IAF pilots in due course of time.

The colour of Air India Boeing 777 had been totally changed including changes to the design of the aircraft.

ties after map row New Delhi: Army Chief General MM Naravane’s three-day visit to Nepal beginning November 4 is expected to have a significant diplomatic overtone with India looking at resetting relations with the Himalayan nation after the ties came under severe strain following a bitter border row, officials said yesterday.

The Chief of Army Staff is scheduled to visit Nepal from November 4 to 6 with an aim to strengthen overall ties including in areas of defence and security,” a source said.

It will be the first high-level visit from India to Kathmandu since the ties between the two neighbours came under strain after the Nepal came up with a new po-

MM Naravane

litical map in May claiming several areas in Uttarakhand to be part of its territory.

India’s decision to send the Army Chief to Nepal is seen as part of a larger exercise by New Delhi to rejuvenate relations with Myanmar, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan in the wake of greater efforts by China to expand its influence in the region. —PTI

‘Shivraj is not even worth dust of Kamal Nath’s feet’ Khandwa: Congress MLA Jitu Patwari on Saturday said that MP CM Shivraj Singh is not even worth the dust of Congress leader Kamal Nath’s feet.

Addressing the election meeting in Mandhata of Khandwa district, Patwari said, “Ye Anil, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, ye apan naam sunte hain bade bade udyogpatiyon ke, inko toh yoon phone lagate hain. Ye vyaktitva hai Kamal Nath ji ka, Shivraj Singh toh unke

Congress MLA Jitu Patwari

paero ki dhool bhi nahi hai.”

“The persona of Kamal Nath which I have described is the voice of my soul is not for politics, he wants to develop

MP,” he added.

“Kamal Nath is India’s number two industrialist. Unlike Shivraj, he is not from a povertystricken ( (bhooka nanga) household. Shivraj had 5 acres of land, now he has thousands of acres as he has been drinking farmers’ blood,” Gurjar said.

Voting on 28 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh by-polls will take place on November 3 and the results will be declared on November 10. —ANI

Amazon gets interim relief; arbitration panel says Future cannot sell biz to RIL New Delhi: Amazon on Sunday won an interim award against its partner Future group selling retail business to Reliance Industries Ltd for 24,713 crore after a Singapore-based single judge arbitration panel put the deal on hold.

Amazon had dragged Future to arbitration after the Kishore Biyani group firm had agreed to sell businesses to billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance.

Passing an interim award in favour of Am-

DECLARATION

Representational image only.

azon, V.K. Rajah — sole arbitrator in Amazon vs Future vs Reliance arbitration matter, has asked the Future group

to put the deal on hold and said that the deal cannot go through until it finally decides. Amazon spokesperson said,

arbitration panel has granted reliefs sought by it and expect an expeditious conclusion of arbitration process.

nomically, strategically, in securing cooperative ties with our neighbours and at international relations is the only way to neutralise those demonic aspirations,” Bhagwat added.

Transgressions by soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army at Ladakh’s Pangong Lake and several other areas, have taken place early this year.

On 15 June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the line of duty in Galwan Valley -- a first in more than four decades. Talks to restore the status quo ante at the Line of Actual Control, the de facto

border between the two nations, have remained inconclusive so far.

Over the last months, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have directed frequent barbs at PM Modi and his government, demanding that the real situation at the Line of Actual Control be revealed to the nation.

“The Chinese have taken our land. When exactly is GOI planning to get it back? Or is that also going to be left to an ‘Act of God’?” Gandhi had tweeted earlier.

“How can they say there is no incursion and nothing has happened when our army

is having a stand-off ?

We have to raise these issues,” he had said on another occasion, “Even though the media and Narendra Modi are trying to divert it, they can’t hide the issue beyond a point,” he had said, comparing the government to people “wearing ear plugs”.

FROM PG 1 We want...

Singh was accompanied on the visit by Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane and after the puja, he inaugurated a road in Sikkim built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) through video-conference. The 19.85 Km alternate alignment of the National Highway 310 was necessitated due to the previous alignment having seen extensive damages due to sinking and other natural hazards, Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Overriding China...

Rising above China eco-

War of...

Patil was then fired by the department.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani stated that Modhwadia should either present relevant evidence or publicly apologize to CR Patil for making false allegations against him.

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HOW TO USE TESTING AND QUARANTINING TO SAFELY TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS DURING PANDEMIC

W

ith the holidays approaching, many people are considering whether to visit relatives or friends in the coming weeks. At the same time, cases of COVID-19 are surging toward the highest levels since the beginning of the pandemic. As a physician, daughter of vulnerable seniors and mother of young adults, I have been thinking a lot about whether testing will help me decide if it’s safe to see my family.

Testing may help you to make sure you and your loved ones stay healthy, but COVID-19 testing is not as simple as yes or no, infected or safe. There are many factors to keep in mind when using a coronavirus test to plan your holiday travels safely.

SOME TESTS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS

TRAVEL-IN COVID TIMES!

B

roadly speaking, there are two categories of tests. Antibody tests – which look for evidence of previous infection – can’t tell you whether you currently have COVID-19 and aren’t useful for planning to visit family.

The other category of tests look for evidence of the virus in your body. There are two types of these viral tests available – RT–PCR tests and rapid antigen tests – and these are the ones to use when trying to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

No lab test for COVID-19 is 100% accurate. Although false positives are certainly not a good thing, a false negative result – testing negative when you actually have the virus – is the bigger danger if you plan on seeing family. The false negative rates for RT-PCR tests range from 2%-29%. Much of that range is due to different manufacturers and user error. While fairly accurate, these tests often involve a visit to a health care provider and are somewhat expensive – around US$100, though costs vary widely by state – and it can take up to three days to get results. RTPCR tests are the best tests available, but for some people, especially if you’ll be seeing someone in a vulnerable age group, the high-end 29% false negative rate might leave more uncertainty than you are comfortable with.

Rapid antigen tests, in comparison, are faster and cheaper, but less accurate than RT–PCR tests. You can usually get results within a day of taking the test, but false negative rates can be as high as 50%. They are most likely to be accurate when they are given to people with symptoms within a week of symptom onset, but rapid tests are not meant to be diagnostic tests for an individual. They are much better at monitoring whole populations where people can be tested repeatedly, and quite frankly have little use as a one-time test.

With a rapid test you may get results instantaneously at a lower price, but they should not be the only thing to inform a travel decision. When the health of a family member is on the line, accuracy is your friend.

RT–PCR tests are generally considered to be more accurate.

TIMING MATTERS

R

egardless of which viral test you use, the results are accurate only for the moment when you were tested and reflect only the ability of the test to detect the virus. A negative result today of course doesn’t prevent you from getting infected tomorrow.

But with the coronavirus, neither does a negative test mean you haven’t been exposed to the virus.

The time between coming in contact with the virus and beginning to shed infectious virus particles – the incubation period – varies anywhere between two and 14 days. For example, it’s possible you could get exposed today, test negative tomorrow and then go on to be infectious a few days later.

Additionally, it is possible to spread the virus before you show symptoms – when you are presymptomatic – or even if you never develop any symptoms at all.

MINIMIZE RISK, ACCEPT UNCERTAINTY

F

irst off, if you have any symptoms at all, stay home. If you do not have symptoms, then you can start to think about travel for the holidays.

Knowing that tests are imperfect, the safest thing you can do is to strictly self-quarantine for 14 days before your visit. Testing can offer a helpful data point, but a

quarantine is the more foolproof option.

If you can’t quarantine for a full 14 days, the next best thing is to limit potential exposure to the virus, isolate as much as possible as long as possible before you travel and get tested.

If you are worried about being an asymptomatic carrier and are una-

ble to isolate, consider getting tested at least five days after your last possible exposure.

This maximizes the chance of a test detecting the virus if you are infected.

Remember that traveling itself carries risk of exposure too. Driving with appropriate precautions – wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance – seems to be safer than flying. The process of flying – the crowded airports, bus rides and close seating on the plane – is a serious exposure risk. Ideally, after flying you would self–isolate again at your destination for as long as possible and consider getting tested. That is a lot of time alone and waiting for test results, but I can think of no higher stakes than the safety of loved ones.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

YOU’RE NOT IN IT ALONE

M

aintaining health is a group effort, and it takes only one infected person to cause an outbreak. Openly discuss the precautions that the people you are visiting are taking and the possibilities of social distancing during the visit.

Remember that one negative test in a party of travelers is only that, one negative test. Just because you test negative doesn’t mean you can assume that other people in your household are negative too. Everyone needs to get tested and follow the same isolation measures, as much of the spread occurring is happening at smaller private gatherings in close quarters.

Many people want to see our loved ones during the holidays.

But there are enormous, lifeand-death reasons to plan the visit carefully and to use information, isolation and testing wisely. You may decide that the risk is too high, and that is OK. But, if you decide to visit for the holidays, the safest option is a strict 14-day quarantine. Testing can help inform your decision, but is not the only thing that you should rely on.

CONCEPT: MONI SHARMA

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

Many people make the mistake of defining the quality of their life by mere things, it cannot be so! The quality of life is defined by the thoughts and activities.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

GUJARAT

1,157,226 4,31,69,091 1,18,892 79,01,262 3,689 1,67,173 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 43,152 DEATHS 16,38,961 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 10,924 DEATHS 7,09,005 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 10,905 DEATHS 8,02,817 CASES

Realising voter apathy could prove BJP’s undoing, party chief focuses on party workers Haresh Jhala

CONG COUNTER

Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil rode pillion on a motorcycle during his campaign in Dhari in the State.

rally.

The BJP chief also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme to enthuse the party workers and local leaders in Dhari. He spent half a day in Dhari and the second half in Gadhada constituency in Botad district.

His key focus is on motivating the workers in the face of resentment over the BJP “importing” leaders and workers from the Congress allegedly at the cost of aspirations of the party loyalists and old-timers. So, whenever Paatil gets the

opportunity, he takes pains to clarify that importing turncoats was a decision taken by the leadership prior to his taking over.

In Dhari, Paatil appealed party workers to focus on page committees (team of partymen for every page of voter registers) and not only

‘AI A WEAPON TO BE USED WITH NOBLE INTENTIONS’

RRU, UNICEF working on UN goals

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: Former Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna, who chaired the expert committee on the Personal Data Protection Bill, has stated that “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a threat but is like a weapon” that should be used judiciously with noble intentions to “protect ourselves.”

Justice Srikrishna, who is also the Chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, had recently questioned the data collection protocol of the Aarogya Setu app and stated that it could not be thrust upon without legislative support.

Gandhinagar: The School of Criminology under Rashtriya Raksha University has in collaboration with UNICEF dedicated the entire week towards promoting awareness about an individual’s contribution to vigilance against crime.

Beginning on UN Day, the week is in sync with the theme of the 16th UN Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. A special session was organised by UNICEF on the theme of ‘Ending Violence Against Children’.

Justice B N Srikrishna, former judge of Supreme Court of India, speaking virtually at the Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.

He was delivering a talk on ‘How Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining is Changing the Legal Profession’ at a webinar hosted by Institute of Law, Nirma University, on Saturday.

He listed three key

areas where artificial intelligence could offer great value to the legal profession. These are research and due diligence; review of documents and contracts; and lastly, prediction of legal outcomes.

DEATHS

DELHI 6,258 DEATHS 3,56,656 CASES

CR RIDES ON BIKE TO PEP UP CADRES TO MOBILISE VOTERS Amreli: With the twin realities of the Covid-19 crisis and a palpable anti-incumbency staring the Gujarat Government in the face, State BJP President CR Paatil’s campaign for the November 3 byelections to 8 seats seems to be focussed more on pepping up the party’s rank and file.

The idea is to mobilise the maximum number of voters to the election booths on the polling day.

During his campaign in Dhari constituency in Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani’s stronghold Amreli district on Sunday, Paatil went to a meeting of party workers riding pillion on a motorcycle and not in a 4-wheeler. This was a matcher to the party workers welcoming him through a bike

08

ensure that they reached out to the voters, but also mobilise them to the polling booths. He also wanted them to ensure that each one of them carries out the assignments given and takes the party’s message “of development work” to the last person.

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,839 DEATHS 1,86,243 CASES

18 Guj PSUs likely to get new chairmen after Diwali First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Even as the term of chairmen of as many as 18 statutory boards and state-owned corporations concluded on Sunday, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is likely to make new appointments after Diwali amid several MLAs and leaders hankering for the posts.

According to BJP sources, several leaders have started lobbying hard for the various posts after CR Paatil took over as the State party president and began asserting himself to get “a better due” to committed party leaders.

Sources said the State BJP chief would draw up a list of candidates to head various boards and corporations taking care of caste equations and region-wise dominance of leaders.

Paatil is then expected

CM Vijay Rupani to take call on new chiefs of boards & corporations after Diwali.

to provide the list to the Chief Minister for appointments.

In 2017, Congress MLA Balwantsinh Rajput, who had switched over to the BJP and contested Rajya Sabha polls against AICC Treasurer Ahmed Patel, was rewarded with the chairmanship of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).

Appointments are now pending in Gujarat Backward Classes Development Corporation, Gujarat Sheep

and Wool Development Corporation, Gujarat Civil Supply Corporation, Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation, Gujarat Housing Board, Gujarat Matikam Kalakari & Rural Technology Institute, Gujarat Rajya Khadi Gramodyog Board, Gujarat Rural Industries Marketing Corporation, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Gujarat State Seed Corporation, Gujarat Warehousing Corporation Maganbhai Mali, Bechar Swami Ati Pachhat Samaj Vikas Board, Sardar Patel Water Conservation Participatory Scheme Gujarat Region, Vicharti Vimukt Jaati Nigam, Gujarat Maritime Board, Gujarat Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation, Gujarat Rajya Bin-anamat Varg Ayog and Gujarat Rajya Bin-anamat Varg Shaikshanik ane Arthik Vikas Nigam.

FESTIVE SPIRIT

Bengali women playing “Sindur Khela,” in a Bengali tradition where women smear each other with sindur on Vijayadashami, the last day of the Durga Puja, at Vastral area of Ahmedabad on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

HISTORY DISMANTLED!

With no museum hope, INS Viraat sails towards graveyard 3 months on, Defence Ministry mum on NOC to convert world’s longest serving warship into a museum First India Bureau Ahmedabad/Mumbai: With the Union Defence Ministry sitting pretty over a patriotic proposal to convert decommissioned ‘INS Viraat’ into a museum, the world’s longest serving warship is slowly

but surely being towed to the Alang scrapyard in Gujarat after a wait of 3 weeks.

Mumbai-based Envitech Marine Consultants had last month evinced keen interest in converting the aircraft carrier into a museum, but is waiting for a No-

Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Ministry.

Inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987 and decommissioned in 2017, the majestic warship aptly called ‘Viraat’ was bought

by Shree Ram Group, an Alang-based shipbreaker, for Rs 38.54 crore at an auction in July this year.

“We have started the process of pulling Viraat towards our scrap

INS Viraat being towed to Alang scrapyard.

—FILE PHOTO

plot. It was 3,000 feet away in the sea and now it is being brought nearer. It is still 1,500 feet away,” Shree Ram Group Chairman Mukesh Patel said.

Referring to the Mumbai firm’s patriotic gesture, Patel said, “The company had asked us if the vessel can be salvaged. I replied that it is possible with the latest technology, though it will be very

difficult and too expensive.

Patel had earlier sought Rs 100 crore and the Centre’s NOC to sell the warship to Envitech Marine. Asked about this, he said the money part would come into picture only if the company was able to get the NOC to convert the warship into a museum.

V K Sharma, the managing director of Envitech Marine, had expressed confidence

about getting the NOC from the Centre so that Viraat could be preserve and added that he did receive support from the Goa Government in his patriotic endeavour.

Viraat weighs about 27,800 tonne and served in the British Navy as ‘HMS Hermes’ from November 1959 to April 1984, before being inducted into the Indian Navy. —With PTI inputs

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09

AHMEDABAD, MONDAY OCTOBER 26, 2020

DIVINITY AND FAITH WINS KRITIKA KANODIA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

P

uja vibes usually start setting in West Bengal right from September.

This year, there was a strong sense of anxiety and uncertainty with the festive joy- “How will we celebrate Durga Puja amidst this pandemic?” was a common question I heard from everyone. But everything is possible when it’s for Ma. The City of Joy is celebrating just like every other year, with precautions and scrutiny in place.

West Bengal’s Durga Puja pomp is known worldwide for its majestic themes. Last year,

we had pandals depicting climate change, the spiritual chakras, and much more.

The themes have now moved to Amphan, the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects

on life. “One of the most viral pictures on the internet is that of Durga depicting the migrant workers. It is noted that due to limited inflow of funds, even the old-school elaborate pandal makers have opted for something simpler this time.” said a student from Jadavpur University.

Everyone is embracing Goddess Durga from a distance as per the High Court orders. While the earlier no-entry decision has been eased, only a limited number of people are now allowed to enter. Most of the pandals have still dem a rcated a noentry zone. Pandal authorities have put s a n i t i z e r s, social-distancing boards, and mask signs on their premises. Sindoor Khela, another crucial part of the Hindu tradition to mark the victory of good over evil and the death of Mahishasura, is still scheduled for today, which is the last day.

In all, the State Government has ensured to provide proper knowledge to every puja pandal committee about the importance of safety measures. “There have been 100% attempts to ensure that none of the Hindu traditions are halted, and life goes on, adapting to the new normal.” said a Puja visitor who had come from Asansol. Dhak music waking up everyone in the morning, the smell of khichudi filling the air, and Kaku chanting the auspicious mantras on the mic. Asche bochor aabaar hobe kintu ei bochor o hobe!

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

MASS MARIAM ABUHAIDERI thepersianladki@gmail.com

A

Produced

said, yet the Persian ladki loves food, and Biryani of all the dishes was my favorite. I had never contemplated the idea of a vege-

FA CE OF TH ED AY

ssuming I started eating kebabs when I was 4 years old, that would make me a nonvegetarian for 32 years of my life.

No, I am not posing a mathematics problem for you to solve. I am just laying the context, that I too have enjoyed eating meat for the entirety of my life. Well, food is part of every culture and Iranians love their kebabs. Strangely so, on the first day of this year, I gave it all up. Someone who loved seafood and chicken biryani (and my mom can attest to it) made a complete 180-degree change! And not because someone told me to. It just took a glare into the eyes of the lamb that was going in for slaughter for my New Year’s lunch, that sent shivers down my spine.

For years my vegan friends had been trying to convince me to join them in what I like to refer to as a food revolution, guilting me into believing that as an animal activist befriending one animal and eating another is hypocrisy. But it didn’t work. Iranians could never give up the Chelo kebabs, I remained adamant. I had no issues being labeled a hypocrite. I like the many meat-eaters around the world believed that this was the food cycle.

What I did protest was animal sacrifice during Eid. And I was quite vocal about it. Again I got labeled a hypocrite, and this time by my family. It all made sense what everyone

tarian biryani. Heck, I even said I would never date a vegetarian. You know what they say about never say never!

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

This idea of the food chain and the narrative that we were meant to be carnivores, is something that has intrigued me for a while. I started digging in.

Yes, we hunted. But how often? And is hunting the same thing as rearing animals for meat, forcefully impregnating them so we can enjoy a veal steak? I will let you answer that.

Am I advocating we go back to our nomadic days?

Absolutely yes! To understand what we are doing to our planet we must revisit our very old past. That was a time when we lived in harmony with nature. We hunted what was naturally available. That was until we got “civilized” or did we? Shambles and wet markets propped up everywhere as soon as we started to clothe ourselves. Our population grew. And so

There is no dearth in evidence-thanks to our vegan activists- of the harsh realities of a dairy farm.

And unfortunately, it is all true.

Now, I am not a proponent of a vegan lifestyle. I

cannot advocate for something I don’t follow. Neither do I endorse organizations that advocate for a complete plant-based lifestyle. They get huge funding from emerging and existing vegan brands to market the idea. Have we forgotten the nutritional supplement industry model? Yes, I enjoy my chai, but I usually have it black or attempt to purchase milk for it from a source known to me.

I am 80% plant-based and 100% a pragmatist. I don’t expect an entire nation to give up milk or meat. All I am hoping is that we will be mindful of our food source. If you can’t get yourself to think about the animals that are suffering because of us, think of your health. Imagine you are that chicken who knows its fate. Your body will activate your stress hormones. How would your insides feel when you know you are about to be slaughtered because you just witnessed your friends go through it?

It is all gory and grim in these mass graves. Now snap out of it and boom enjoy that hormone-fueled Butter Chicken!

That cup of chai too has its own horror story.

Should I narrate it or let you enjoy your chai and biscuit?

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Aim to take some time out to reflect or to recharge emotionally. While there is a strong tendency to want to escape from the activity of life, the routine can be dissatisfying as well.

As the day advances, you’re more likely to enjoy focus but you continue to benefit from an easy, gentle pace.

You might benefit from a short time-out. After the ambiguity of the morning, you’ll find it easier to focus. It’s easier to detach from pressures, and you might guide others towards healing through your actions and ideas. You find it natural to enjoy the company of people.

Fuzzy thinking is possible in the first half of the day.

It can be challenging to see professional and public matters clearly. While there can be some confusion about your general direction, the day’s energies are good for pulling back from situations to get perspective, relief, or rest.

Conditions are not ideal for activities that require concentration and precision in the first half of the day. You can be in a dreamy state of mind, finding it difficult to come back to earth. Consider spiritual or creative activities now, if these are possible. Good energy is with you.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

It can be challenging to know where to direct your energy in the first part of the day. There can be some sluggishness or lethargy. You may be feeling a little out of step until you recognize the need to slow down and allow yourself time to process recent events, imagine, and dream.

You tend to swing from seeing what you wish to see, to imagining what you fear things to be, particularly regarding a relationship.

You might enjoy showing your appreciation for the people in your life who tend to help relieve some of the recent mental tension.

A temporary dip in motivation levels can occur in the first part of the day, and it can be just fine if you treat it as a simple interlude.

Fighting it may cause more problems than you need. Do watch as it can make you a little more vulnerable than usual to worry or stress.

Inattention to relevant details and a wandering mind can figure strongly now. Take a break when you can, and aim to tune out unhealthy, undermining distractions.

As the day advances, you find it easier to go with the flow. Others appreciate your unique vision.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Still, it may be in your best interest to take a step back to get perspective. Not all is as it seems, so you may need to reserve judgment. It can help you deal with pressures–a release is most appropriate. Looking within instead of worrying unduly about what others are doing is healthy and useful.

A Sun-Neptune minor challenging aspect this morning suggests some listlessness and confusion.

It’s best to watch that you’re not misquoted. Interpersonal tensions tend to be superficial and temporary, and restlessness is easily managed by changing your routine.

There can be some lack of clarity with business or money matters in the first half of the day, and it’s best to avoid big decisions along these lines. It’s not an ideal time for meeting strict deadlines and schedules. Still, as the day advances, you’re more likely to get things done at your own pace.

Your emotions are running very close to the surface with the Moon in your sign all day. You express yourself with natural ease. It’s a good time to start fresh attitude-wise with a new lunar month ahead. Your ability to let go and move on is vital to emotional satisfaction now.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

SHAURYA SANADHYA, Content Creator

did our need for food.

But yet meat is not the only issue. We have dairy farms and slaughterhouses that exist just to meet human demand. There is no concern for the health of the animals. They are mass-produced like products. Milk is no longer the milk it used to be. Ever wonder why we have developed a lactose intolerance?

Well, maybe just maybe it is because we are taking more of it than our body is meant to handle! Milk is no longer just consumed as milk. Translation: There is more cruelty.

Krishna never ate paneer. It was a foreign invasion. And food culture is the first to penetrate borders! So from Persians and Pashtuns to Hindustanis, the paneer has now become a household name.

But don’t be proud of it.

10

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

11

B’TOWN WISHES FOR DUSSEHRA

As the nation celebrated the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on Vijay Dashmi on Sunday, Bollywood stars extended warm greetings to their fans on social media!

Celebrate the victory of good over evil, today and always, Happy Dussehra.

May the joyous occasion of #Dussehra fill your life with prosperity.

—MADHURI DIXIT NENE

Let’s all burn our judgments and negativity this Dussehra.

Wishing you a positive and calm year ahead. #HappyDussehra.

—KAJOL My broken dream smiling in your face Sanjay Raut, Pappu sena could break my house but not my spirit, Banglow number 5 is celebrating the triumph of good over evil today #HappyDussehra.

—KANGANA RANAUT

Wishing you a bright, happy and peaceful Dussehra and a heartfelt Vijayadashami #HappyDussehra.

—ABHISHEK BACHCHAN

Releasing plastic

HEARTS M

...poster of the film

ONE YEAR DOWN

C

herishing the ‘pure happy memories’ associated with Taapsee Pannu co-starrer film - ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, actor Bhumi Pednekar on Sunday celebrated 1 year of the movie by calling it ‘my most cherished film.’

The 31-year-old star marked the one-year anniversary of the biographical drama, by sharing a post on Instagram. The clip chronicles the lead characters of the film - Bhumi and Taapsee

who essayed the role of octogenarian sharpshooters. The clip features their journey from the fields in Haryana to become national level sharpshooters, as the title song ‘Udta Teetar’ plays in the backdrop.

Alongside the video, the ‘Thappad’ star wrote, “Been a year to my most cherished film. #SaandKiAankh.Pure happy memories.” —ANI

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

Bhumi Pednekar

Proud Owner

iley Cyrus recently teased fans with new music updates! The 27-year-old singer took to Instagram on Thursday night to announce that her upcoming seventh album will be titled Plastic Hearts, and she will be releasing it on November 27. “If you’re reading this… know that I f–king love and appreciate you on the deepest level. I began this album over 2 years ago,” Miley wrote.

“Thought I had it all figured out. Not just the record with its songs and sounds but my whole f–king life.

But no one checks an ego like life itself.

Just when I thought the body of work was finished… it was ALL erased.

Including most of the music’s relevance.

Because EVERYTHING had changed.”

—Agency

H

ilary Duff and Matthew Koma have revealed that they are preparing to welcome their second baby together.

The actress and the musician took to their respective social media accounts over the weekend to make the big announcement. Sharing a boomerang video, Matthew is seen giving Hilary a belly rub while Hilary leans against artist. —Agency

Hrithik Roshan

...her post

H

rithik Roshan had a fantastic 2019 with the dual successes of ‘War’ and ‘Super 30’. 2020 seems to be turning out an even better year for the actor on the personal front. He has bought two sprawling apartments in Mumbai and splurged over Rs. 97. 50 crore to become their proud owner.

A report by stated that the two apartments are spread over three floors on the Juhu-Versova link road.

—Agency

Selena Gomez & Timothee Chalamet

SPOTTED TOGETHER!

F

ans weren’t prepared to watch Selena Gomez and Timothée Chalamet reunite on Instagram. The international singer and actor, who worked together on the movie A Rainy Day in New York, took to the social media platform a digital reunion as the latter stepped out to

vote. The duo aimed at urging fans to vote but ended up giving more than just that message. Selena confessed during their chat that she is casting her mail-in ballot this year. Meanwhile, the Little Women star stepped out in New York City to cast his vote.

He revealed that he was at Madison Square Garden to cast his vote. “It feels like people are motivated,” he said.

—Agency

NEW SINGLE OUT!

P

op icon Ariana Grande recently dropped her new single Positions and the music video sees her becoming the President of the United States! The full video takes place in the White House, with Ariana in the Oval Office, in a meeting with her cabinet (included her mom), in the kitchen making some treats after hours, in the presidential bedroom suite, and finally walking her dogs on the lawn. The video was directed by Dave Meyers, who previously worked with Ariana for her No Tears Left to Cry and God. —Agency

...still from Ariana’s single

Arnoid Schwarzenegger

HEALTH UPDATE

T Hilary Duff

Miley Cyrus

he actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted the health update after a heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. This is the second time that the 73-year-old actor has had heart surgery in the past two years. Schwarzenegger shared a photograph from his hospital bed for fans, though he did not disclose when the surgery took place. “Thanks to the team at the Cleveland Clinic, I have a new aortic valve to go along with my new pulmonary valve from my last surgery,” Schwarzenegger he said.

—Agency

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

Due to the global pandemic, the tourism industry across the globe has taken a toll; City First got in touch with a few people from Rajasthan & Gujarat to get their views on the same!

TRAVEL TALES

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

T

he sudden hit of the Coronavirus across the globe a few months back took a major toll on the tourism industry. Since travelling increases the chance of one being attacked by the virus, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from the same.

Until sometime back, the tourism industry was almost completely shut, but looking at the current scenario and seeing how people have started accepting the fact that they have to live with it, the travel and tourism industry is slowly opening its wings once again. A few people, with all due precautions, have started their journeys once again, may it be work, or just for a simple vacation.

City First got in touch with a few travel agents from Rajasthan and Gujarat about their views on how the tourism industry has had a major im-

pact because of COVID, and how they are coping up with the same.

Travel and tourism industry has been one of the most affected ones. Diwali is the peak time for us but business is the lowest this time.

People after confining at home for so long want to travel, but still fear to come out. Our industry is taking all the precautions, and domestic travel is slowly coming to normal.

—VINOD MAHESHWARI, MP Holidays

The travel industry has the first one to be affected, and probably the last one to start again.

The sudden and massive fall in the number of tourist numbers has threatened jobs in this industry.

Now, when most of the states have lifted the travel restrictions gradually, we have restarted selling our services in a responsible way.

—VARSHA TEJWANI, Holidays with Wander Wings

Nagar Nigam’s Initiative!

CITY FIRST

T

o prevent the spread of corona infection, a mass movement is being organised by the government against the corona. The work of dissemination and mask distribution is being done continuously in residential and commercial areas. The officers of the corporation are not only distributing masks to the people in crowded areas especially in the raw habitations and vegetable markets but also motivating the residents, shopkeepers and visiting custom-

ers to use the masks always so that the corona is avoided.

Dinesh Kumar Yadav ,Commissioner and Authority Municipal Corporation, Jaipur on Saturday distributed masks at Sutmil Kachchi located near

Railway Station and explained to the residents that Corona is a fatal disease until its vaccine is made, how social distancing and washing hands frequently is the way to avoid it. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

We have faced a lot of cancellation issues in railways, airlines and land packages during this pandemic.

After lockdown, some tourist places are open to visit, but not completely.

I think it will take some more time to stand back as it used to be but definitely, the tourism business will be on boom after March 2021.

—RAVI GANDHI, Shree Balaji Tours and Travels

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

12

FACEBOOK POST!

DUSSEHRA WISHES

R

o b e r t Vadra took to Facebook to wish the viewers a very Happy Dussehra. He posted a photo with the festive greetings from his end, and wrote, “Dussehra Greetings to my family, friends and to all ... Wishing the best of Health, happiness and goodness over Evil.

Stay strong stay successful.”

—Vaishali

TWEETED!

Vaibhav Gehlot

THE INDIAN FOLKTALE TAROT CITY FIRST

T

he Indian Folktale Tarot is based on the stories of Indian mythological and historical characters, which have emerged from our Vedic system as well as famous folktales and historical books.

Tarot card reading is the practice of using tarot cards to gain insight into the past, present or future of any situation by formulating a question, then drawing and interpreting cards. It is a tool which helps in connecting with your subconscious mind with the help of various divination symbols, images and colours. “A Tarot card reading is all about guidance and counselling,

Chitvan Gaur

encouraging you to think about and reflect on your life, actions and decisions in various aspects of your life. It is about being aware and tak-

ing informed decisions towards a positive outcome in life,” said Chitvan Gaur,Tarot card reader. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

GUJ: A year-old girl, Riyana Singh from Surat, celebrated the occasion of Navmi and Dussehra by dressing up traditionally on Sunday.

RAJ: In an ongoing series of Net-Theat, a well-known Dhruvapada singer Dr Madhubhat Tailang started Dhruvapada with a melodious devotional work related to Maa Durga on the occasion of Navratri, on Saturday.

She depicted creative rhythms of the words ‘Paar Karo Mata Durge Bhavani’ in Dhamar, from Dhruvapada.

After this, in Bhairavi Raga, the amazing use of nine divine ragas called Durga was presented beautifully.

NEW DELHI: A group of 4 social workers Mukul, Rahul, Tushant and Nitish have been visiting ‘Baba ka Dhaba’ every day since he went viral on social media. They go there every morning (travel from Faridabad to Malviya Nagar via metro) and help Baba throughout the day in serving customers, cleaning utensils, managing food delivery etc.

GUJ: Workers were seen applying colours at RiverFront SeaPlane Service site which is going to be inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October at Riverfront in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJ: Police officers from Ahmedabad Police Academy took part in ‘Run For Unity’ from Police Commissioner office to RiverFront in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning. — PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI