First India-Ahmedabad Edition-27 September 2020

DESTINATION NORTH EAST

75% NEW COVID CASES FROM HERE

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate a fourday event here on Sunday to highlight the Northeast region’s various potentials like eco-tourism, culture, heritage and business.

P5

AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD 26°C - 34°C

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 302

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Of the 85,362 new coronavirus cases reported in India in a day, 75 per cent are found concentrated in 10 states and Union Territories, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. P6

NCB grills Deepika, Sara, Shraddha —PHOTOS BY ANI

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone arrives at NCB for questioning in the drug case, in Mumbai on Saturday.

Mumbai: Actress Deepika Padukone was on Saturday questioned for five hours by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) probing the alleged Bollywood-drug nexus linked to film star Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case at at the Evelyn Guest House in Mumbai’s Colaba, where

the NCB’s Special Investigation Team has set up a base.

Padukone was confronted with her manager Karishma Prakash during questioning, sources said.

Prakash’s WhatsApp chats, including purported conversations about drugs with one ‘D’, are on the ra-

Actress Sara Ali Khan arrives at NCB for questioning.

dar of the anti-drugs agency, sources had said.

Padukone, who reached the NCB guest house in Colaba in south Mumbai around 9.50 am, left around 3:50 pm, a police official deployed outside the guest house said.

After questioning, both Padukone and Praksh were

allowed to go home around 3.40 pm, NCB sources said.

Prakash first came out of the guest house, followed by Padukone. They left in their cars separately, the police official said.

Media personnel were present in large numbers outside the barricaded area

near the guest house.

There were reports that Padukone’s husband and actor Ranveer Singh had asked the NCB if he could also remain present during her questioning. However, the NCB had on Friday clarified that it did not receive any such request. Turn to P6

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor arrives at NCB for questioning.

CELLPHONES OF ACTRESSES SEIZED

BY THE DRUG PROBING AGENCY Mobile phones of actors Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh were seized by the NCB. Meanwhile, DCP (Zone -I) Sangramsingh Nishandar requested media persons not to chase the vehicles of actors who are appearing before the NCB, saying if any vehicle is found chasing the actors’ vehicles, it will be seized and stern action will be taken.

HOW LONG MUST WE WAIT? Madhav out, Tejasvi in NADDA’S YOUTH BRIGADE

MODI ON INDIA’S PERMANENT SEAT AT UN New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a strong pitch for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as he asked how long will his country be “kept out of the decision-making structures” of the global body.

The Prime Minister said every Indian aspires for India’s expanded role in the United Nations as they see the country’s contribution while addressing the virtual 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

His address in Hindi was a pre-recorded video statement which was broadcast at the UNGA hall in New York as it is being conducted mostly virtually Turn to P6

INDIAN DELEGATE WALKS OUT DURING PAK’S RESPONSE

Screengrap of Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressing the United Nations General Assembly, from New Delhi on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

AS BIGGEST VACCINE MAKER, INDIA WILL HELP WORLD OVERCOME COVID: PM MODI TO LEADERS India can help in bringing the world out of the corona crisis with mass vaccine distribution once all trials are completed successfully. “As the largest vaccineproducing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today,” PM Modi said. “India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis,” he said.

New York: PM Modi’s speech came after his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan’s reference to Kashmir and criticism of the Indian government in his address to the UN General Assembly.

Khan had on Friday made repeated references to India and the Kashmir issue in a pre-recorded video statement. The Pakistani leader had called on the world community to prosecute Indian personnel allegedly involved in “state terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” Turn to P6

during major BJP reshuffle Aditi Nagar New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday announced it would replace senior leaders like Ram Madhav, P Muralidhar Rao, Anil Jain, Saroj Pandey as general secretaries with new faces in a reshuffle of the party’s office bearers.

Among the prominent changes was the appointment of Tejasvi Surya, an MP from Karnataka, as president of the youth wing Yuva Morcha in place of Poonam Mahajan.

The party increased the number of national spokespersons to 23 with MP Anil Baluni retaining the position of media in-charge and elevated as chief spokesperson.

BJP President JP Nadda

NARENDRA MODI @NARENDRAMODI Congratulations and best wishes to the new team. I am confident they will uphold the glorious tradition of our Party of serving the people of India selflessly and with dedication. May they work hard to empower the poor and marginalised.

The new spokespersons include Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Sanju Verma, Iqbal

Theft accused complains to CJM about police atrocity Not only did the cops detain him illegally, but they also slapped his pregnant wife, he has alleged First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A scrap trader has accused the Sola police of illegally detaining him and beating him brutally while he was in their custody. His complaint against four police personnel has been registered on instruction from the Chief Judicial

Magistrate (CJM).

Madan Kumavat, who was accused of theft, was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on the evening of September 23.

On the court’s inquiry, the accused informed the judge that he had been subjected to police torture. After physically checking him, the judge found sub-

Sola Police Station

—FILE PHOTO

stance in the allegation and sent him to Sola Civil Hospital for a medical check-up.

In his complaint, Kumavat said he was picked up by plainclothes policemen on the night of September 20, on charges of stealing scrap.

“When the police came to my residence, they started beating me.

Three of them were in civilian clothes. My wife, who is eightmonths pregnant, intervened and asked why they were beating me.

At that point, a policeman slapped her and she fell onto the floor.

She had to be hospitalized for three days for the injuries she suffered,” he said in his complaint.

Aiyaz Shaikh, the advocate appearing for Kumavat, told First India, “The complaint was lodged on September 22, 48 hours after my client was taken into police custody. Since there was no written complaint about the theft, my client was de-

Yuva Morcha Prez Tejasvi Surya

tained illegally. A criminal complaint is filed against a police sub-inspector and three constables for the atrocity, in accordance with instructions from the court. Kumavat has also written to the state Human Rights Commission.”

Shaikh added that the accused was on police remand the night of September 23 to the afternoon of September 24, after which he was sent to judicial custody.

Singh Lalpura, Aparajita Sarangi, Heena Gavit, M Kikon, Nupur Sharma, Raju Bisht and KK Sharma. Turn to P6

AKALI DAL QUITS NDA The Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the oldest allies of the BJP, on Saturday said it was quitting the ruling party’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after sharp differences over the controversial three farm sector bills enacted earlier this month. Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal had earlier requested President Ram Nath Kovind to “stand by farmers” and not sign off on the laws.

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

02

ONCE A SMALL-TIME CROOK, JAYESH PATEL IS NOW THE BIGGEST NAME IN JAMNAGAR’S LAND MAFIA – ONE WHO ALLEGEDLY HAS THE BACKING OF LOCAL POLITICIANS AND COPS

SMALL FRIES WITH

BIG TIES Haresh Jhala Jamnagar: When the Gujarat Assembly was discussing the Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had claimed that the new legislation would drive the land mafia out of the state. The House passed the law on Thursday, but this has done little to quell stage whispers that, at least in Jamnagar, the land mafia has the protection of politicians and police officers. And these whispers have been

centred around two names: Minister of State for Civil Supplies Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Jamnagar Range Inspector-General of Police Sandip Singh.

One of these, Jadeja-the BJP MLA from Jamnagar North--on Saturday threw down the gauntlet. “A month ago, I requested CM Rupani to conduct an inquiry into the allegations against me. If any investigation reveals any connection between me and the land mafia, let the law takes its own course.

However, if the allega-

tions are found to be baseless, then the state should take action against all those involved in spreading lies, defaming me and tarnishing the image of the government,” he said.

Jadeja’s reaction comes two days after Parimal Nathwani, Senior Group President of Reliance Industries Ltd, tweeted: “While new #Jamnagar SP @BhadranDeepan will use his brilliance & firm hands on criminals, some people suspect, I don’t know true or false, that Range IG

Jayesh Patel

Sandip Singh in past settled some cases in favour of criminals in tune with some politicians!”

Local sources told

First India that the “criminals” in Nathwani’s tweet include once small-time criminal, Jayesh Patel.

A Jamnagar-based politician, who asked for anonymity for fear of retribution, said, “No one names Jayesh Patel openly, but he has grown in influence under the BJP’s regime. Once a small-time criminal, he is now biggest player in the land mafia. He orders contract killings, grabs land and threatens builders. He is facing murder charges in the death of advocate

SHOW OF STRENGTH

CASTE CARD: MINISTER SOLANKI’S ANSWER TO FEELING INSECURE? l Solanki has been too ill to attend office or official meetings, but he’s well enough to hold a community meeting First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Illness has kept Minister of State for Fisheries Parshottam Solanki away from his office for months. But it hasn’t stopped him from calling meetings of the Koli community to remind the party leadership that he still matters--at least as far as his caste is concerned.

Solanki put on another such show of strength on Saturday when he held a meeting with community leaders in Gandhinagar.

As usual, the official agenda of the meeting was to discuss the betterment

Minister of State for Fisheries Parshottam Solanki at his meeting with leaders of the Koli community on Saturday in Gandhinagar.

of the community.

However, those familiar with the issue say that they serve as a reminder that the community stands united behind Solanki and thus put pressure on Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and the party leadership to secure his position as minister.

Sources in the state

capital’s power corridor say rumours that a cabinet reshuffle might be imminent have been floating around for the past month or so.

“Solanki is aware that he is physically unfit. He has not been attending office or even official meetings. But he wants to continue to be a minister. So, he has called

a meeting to show that he is healthy and fit--nevermind that he need help from two people to even reach the meeting room,” one person who witnessed the meeting told First India. Addressing the media after the meeting, Solanki said he was physically fit and that no one should under-

estimate him or his influence on the community. “There is no question of dropping me from the cabinet, if the party wanted to drop me, it would have done it long back. Now, if the government makes any such decision, then the community has to decide how to respond to it,” he said.

Kirit Joshi who was killed in broad daylight in April 2018.

Since then, Patel seems to have disappeared. The local police say they have no clue where he is hiding, or even if he is still in the country.”

Patel also stands accused of grabbing land worth Rs100 crore in the prime location of Jamnagar city. Those familiar with the issue say that he refused to compromise with the original owner and builder, despite the presence of police officers.

A source within the Jamnagar police

force said, “No criminal can flourish without backing from the police or politicians.”

This person, who asked not to be named since he is not authorized to speak to the press, added, “Patel has relations with political leaders from Jamnagar, Rajkot, South and North Gujarat. He has good relations with a few top-ranking police officers too. So no one can touch him. He reportedly went to meet with a minister from North Gujarat even while the police was looking for him.”

Hours after Jadeja’s statement on Saturday, Nathwani again took to Twitter to say, “People of Jamnagar and Halar region are very wise and they know who is doing what and where! All facts will be crystal clear and the truth will reveal itself.”

Local sources say that Nathwani’s allegations stem from information provided by a senior BJP leader from Jamnagar, who foresees his own swansong should the minister’s influence within the party and district increase.

Sessions Court fines police officer `5,000 for taking orders for granted First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Additional City Civil and Sessions court has fined the investigating officer of the Amraiwadi Police Station Rs5000 for taking the court orders for granted. The officer failed to appear in court five times, despite being directed to do so.

In his order directing the officer to pay the fine, Sessions judge Sachin Sethi observed, “This court cannot lose sight of the entire acts and conduct of police officials of the Amraiwadi Police Station.

Hence, a penalty of Rs5,000 is imposed upon the concerned investigating officer and officer in charge of the Amraiwadi Police Station for non-compliance of the order passed by this court.”

The fine will be deducted from the errant officer’s salary and then deposited with the District Legal Service Authority. The court has also directed the officer to share the order copy with all his sen-

Sessions Court, Ahmedabad.

iors from Assistant Commissioner of Police to the Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad, to take it on record and take action against the officer for showing disobedience.

The court had for the first directed the Investigating Officer to appear with case papers on September 10, when the court was hearing a bail application of a person accused in a case registered with the Amraiwadi Police Station. The officer did not appear on that day; neither did he appear on later dates: on September 15, 16, 18, and

—FILE PHOTO

21, despite reminders from the Assistant Public Prosecutor’s office.

The officer’s absence was exacerbated by the station’s failure to produce the case papers before the court. Hence, the court held: “The concerned police officer of the Amraiwadi station is not taking the court’s orders seriously—particularly when the matter involves the liberty of an undertrial prisoner. The entire approach of the officer is found to be very casual. So, the court sees it fit to impose a fine on him.”

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Dalit advocate murdered in broad daylight in Kutch town

First India Bureau

Bhuj: Police are on the lookout for a one Bharat Rawal, who is wanted for murdering Dalit activist and advocate Devji Maheshwari in cold blood outside his office in Kutch’s Rapar town on Friday evening.

The advocate was stabbed multiple times as he was entering his office, and succumbed to his injuries while being treated at a hospital.

Rawal was caught on CCTV camera redhanded. However, he fled after his crime and is still absconding.

Meenakshiben, the wife of the deceased, in her police complaint has alleged that her husband could have been murdered due to a dispute over some land.

She has accused Pravinsinh Sodha, the older brother of the president of the Kutch District Panchayat, Ra-

3 held for killing man over mobile phone

WHAT HAPPENED

Rapar police station; Insets: Advocate Maheshwari (top), and his alleged murderer Bharat Rawal.

par nagarpalika’s former president Vijaysinh Sodha and nine others of hatching a conspiracy to kill her husband.

“Two groups of the Luhar-Suthar community are in a dispute over the rights of Shree Vagad Chorara Panchal Luhar-Suthar wadi (community hall). One group sold the community hall to the Sodha

family without the permission of the other. No one was ready to take up the case, so my husband agreed to appear for the deprived group. Since then, he has been receiving threats too,” she stated in her complaint.

“We have blocked off all major and district roads and set up checkpoints to apprehend the main accused. Once ar-

Worth `197 cr, 5 hosp buildings unused: CAG

tice,” president, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Amit Chavda, said.

“Advocate Maheshwari was fighting for the rights of the deprived.

His murder reflects the lawlessness in the state.

We demand immediate arrests of all those involved,” Jignesh Mevani, Independent MLA from Vadgam.

Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana has lost flavour

People line up to get tested for COVID-19 in Ahmedabad.

1,417 fresh cases, 13 deaths bring tally up to 1,31,808, and death toll to 3,409 corded in Surat: 180 were from the city and 117 from rural areas. There are 1,853 active cases in the district.

On Saturday, a number of PPE kits and COVID-19 testing kits were found lying in an open garbage dump behind Tagore Hall, where the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation General Board met. Corporation officials said they would collect the biomedical

waste and dispose of it scientifically, when the issue was brought to their attention.

Vadodara district authorities have started another COVID-19 hospital in Padra town, with 30 beds. The area has seen 800 cases so far.

Cases also emerged in Ahmedabad (194), Vadodara (136), Jamnagar (110), Mehsana (48), Banaskantha (37), Patan (35), Junagadh (36), Bhavnagar (33), Amreli (32), Gandhinagar (31), and Panchmahal (25).

North Gujarat has been reporting more than 100 daily cases on average for the past few days.

AMC invites docs for walk-in interviews

First India Bureau

First India Bureau Surat: City police on Saturday arrested three juvenile suspects for allegedly stabbing Ashish Kanojia (24) to death because they wanted to steal his mobile phone.

According to the police, Kanojia was attacked by two persons around 5 am on Friday, outside the embroidery factory on Khatodara Road, where he worked. The assailants tried to snatch his phone, but Kanojia held on to it. So they stabbed him in the neck and fled.

Kanojia stumbled around for about 30 minutes before collapsing. Factory workers rushed him to the hospital, where he died.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV camera.

Thereafter, a case of murder was lodged at Khatodara police station, and the police arrested the three accused within a couple of hours.

“Police have arrested the three accused in this case. All three are juveniles,” said a police official of Khatodara police station.

The police have also arrested 11 people for allegedly killing a man suspected of having stolen a mobile phone.

rested, his statement will reveal who else was involved in the case, and we shall begin arresting them,” said JR Mothaliya, Inspector General, Border Range, Kutch.

“The state claims that crime has reduced.

Yet, an advocate was murdered in broad daylight. The Congress condemns the cowardly act and demands jus-

Gandhinagar: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation is anticipating that the city will report about 100 or so cases on a daily basis for the next few days in keeping with the health team’s increased door-to-door surveillance and testing. The city reported 110 cases on Saturday, with another 58 cases emerging from Rajkot district’s rural areas. Official data reveals two COVID-19 deaths from the district in 24 hours.

The state has deputed 24 doctors from the Surat Civil Hospital in Rajkot to control the situation and ensure that patients get timely treatment.

The government in the past 24 hours has conducted 61,865 tests, which revealed 1,417 new cases of COVID-19.

There are now 16,490 active cases, with 82 patients on ventilators.

Thirteen patients have died in the past 24 hours.

The highest number of cases (235) were re-

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Rajkot likely to report 100+ daily cases for the near future

GPCC president Amit Chavda, Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani demand urgent action First India Bureau

03

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s report tabled on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the state Assembly has revealed that five hospital buildings, constructed at a cost of Rs197 crore, have never been used.

The revelation is one of many holes that CAG has found in the state’s hospital budgets. The CAG report has observed that the state government had selected several districts in which to construct hospital buildings under the Project Implementation Unit.

A total of 26 build-

ings out of 80 units had delays in handover, of about 19 months. As per state records in June 2020, five buildings— built at a cost of Rs197 crore—had never been put to use.

The list of unused hospitals includes Stem Cell institute of Surat, which was built at the cost of Rs57.86 crore, the kidney hospital in Surat, constructed in 2015 at the cost of Rs55.57 crore, a Cancer Hospital in Rajkot built at a cost of Rs52.56 crore, a nursing school constructed in Valsad at the cost of Rs19.28 crore and a GMERS hospital constructed at the cost of Rs11.67 crore in Vadnagar.

Gandhinagar: The report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which was tabled in the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly, has exposed many schemes run by the state government as failures. One such scheme, the Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana, was launched in 2014-15 to provide flavoured milk to schoolchildren.

According to the CAG report, the scheme has failed due to issues with storage, since the schools do not have any facilities to keep the milk stocks cool. Neither did the state make any provisions to make up for the shortcoming.

The ambitious

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

First India Bureau

A Doodh Sanjivani Yojana van.

—FILE PHOTO

scheme was launched by former chief minister Anandiben Patel, with the aim of eliminating malnutrition among school students, and this decrease the malnutrition rate of the state.

Under the scheme, the government was suppose to provide school-going children 200ml of flavoured milk a day, five days a week. The students were to have received

milk for 200 days during the academic session.

Gujarat continues to be among the worsthit states in terms of stunting and underweight children.

The state government had also mentioned in the assembly in June 2019 that 1.42 lakh children in Gujarat were underweight and 24,101 were severely underweight.

SoU Jungle Safari Park to reopen Oct 1 First India Bureau Kevadia: The 375acre Jungle Safari Park near the Statue of Unity, which has been shut due to the lockdown imposed after the COVID-19 outbreak reached Gujarat in March, will be reopened from October 1. It will be open from 8 am to 5 pm, but several conditions are still in place, authorities said in a statement.

For one, children below the age of 10 years and adults above the age of 65 will not be admitted to the attraction.

Moreover, tickets will

The Safari Park has been shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

only be made available online. Those who do have tickets and fall within the permitted age bracket will have to wear masks.

Their temperature will also be checked before they can enter the park.

In addition, only 50 tourists per hour will

—FILE PHOTO

allowed inside the park due to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online booking will also be opened for sev-

eral other attractions in the area, including Valley of Flowers, Cactus Garden, Butterfly Garden, Ekta Nursery, Health Forest, and Glow Garden. These are likely to reopen to tourists from October 15.

The park located near the world’s tallest statue was closed to the public after being opened to tourists for a trial run on February. 18.

Permission for the reopening of the park has been obtained from the Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi. The Jungle Safari Park has 1,500 domestic and 1,500 exotic species of animals and birds.

Ahmedabad: Just a few days after First India reported that government hospitals are not admitting patients as they are facing a shortage of doctors due to mismanagement, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is again trying to recruit doctors on contractual terms.

The civic body has now invited doctors with an MBBS degree to a walk-in interview. Selected candidates will be hired on contract for 11 months, at a monthly wage of Rs60,000.

“We have had four or

—FILE PHOTO

five such rounds of recruitment since May 2020, and even hired 25 professionals since then. However, the attrition rate is very high.

So, we have invited more MBBS doctors for walk-in interviews,” said a medical officer of the AMC, adding, “No one even turned up for the last round of interviews. However, we are a hoping for a good turnout this time.”

An AMC official said that earlier rounds of interviews did not see a good response since the number of COVID-19 cases were high and people were worried about contracting an infection.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

BENGAL FINDS PLACE IN TEAM NADDA

N

ine months after he took over as BJP’s national president JP Nadda reshuffled his team dropping the high-profile Ram Madhav as party general secretary. Other general-secretaries to be dropped included P. Muralidhar Rao, Anil Jain, and Saroj Pandey.

The party also got a new set of spokespersons in Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Sanju Verma, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Aparajita Sarangi, Heena Gavit, M. Kikon, Nupur Sharma, Raju Bisht, and Kaku Sharma. In all, the party will have 23 spokespersons with Anil Baluni, MP, as the chief spokesperson and media head.

While the Trinamool Congress turncoat Mukul Roy has been inducted as a national vice-president amidst reports that he was unhappy and was planning to go back to Mamata Banerjee, his former TMC colleague Anupam Hazra is the new national secretary. Nadda has obviously kept the 2021 Bengal elections in mind to effect the changes.

Another important induction is the induction of Tejasvi Surya as the national president of the party’s youth wing replacing Poonam Mahajan. With Maharashtra also an important state, two other leaders--Vinod Tawde and Pankaja Munde---have found a place in the party. Their induction is said to bolster the antiDevendra Fadnavis camp. Pankaja Munde had revolted against the party for backing Fadnavis during the state elections last year. The exit of Ram Madhav is a more significant announcement. Madhav gained in profile for his handling of Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and was also looking after the North-east. It is said he was not on good terms with national general secretary BL Santhosh.

CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS PREAMBLE K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

T

‘POSITIVE SPIN’ THAT ‘CLOUDS REALITY’

F

irst, some developments which describe the Covid-19 situation in the country: Kerala added 11,000 new Covid cases in two days. The state chief minister described the situation as grave.

Among metropolitan cities, Bengaluru witnessed the highest cases and deaths in September. The situation in Karnataka’s capital, it was reported, was worsening. In terms of population per million, Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai have the “highest number of cases and deaths per million. Ahmedabad, on the other hand, has the worst case fatality rate of 4.8.

For six days in a row last Wednesday, the number of persons recovering from Covid-19 was more than the cases of new infections. This was according to government data. For the first time, a declining trend has been observed in the number of active cases that came down from 10.17 lakh on September 17, to 9.66 lakh, and indicated slowing down of the pandemic.

The prestigious medical journal The Lancet has a word of caution. In an editorial, the journal wrote, “Hope is important, and recognizing successes is vital, especially during a pandemic. But presenting the current situation in India with a too positive spin not only clouds reality but also hampers vital public health initiatives.” To capitalize on India’s expertise in “medicine, public health, research and manufacturing the country’s leaders… must not provide false optimism”, the editorial said.

The editorial creates a doubt about the government’s claims on Covid numbers both for infections and deaths and suggests under-reporting or nonreporting of positive cases and Covid related deaths in the interest of the country’s economic health.

Cordell Hull, Secretary of State of the US government made it abundantly clear that, “The Veto provision was an absolute condition for the USA’s participation in the UN The Super Powers would not be subject to any collective coercion. The Veto ensured that the General Assembly or the Security Council could not act against any of the Permanent Members

he Charter of the United Nations was signed on June 26, 1945 at San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organisation, and came into force on October 24, 1945.

In 1965 the membership of the Security Council increased from eleven members to fifteen.

The permanent five, USA, UK, USSR, France, and China were not touched.

The preamble of the Charter is the only genuinely inspiring part of the Charter.

Let me quote: “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind and to reaffirm faith in fundamental rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and for these ends to practice tolerance and live in peace with one another as good neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain internal peace and security, and to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in common interest, and to employ, international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in The city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the

United Nations and do hereby establish an International organisation to be known as the United Nations.”

Equality of nations was excluded. The Permanent Five were given the power of the Veto. Anyone of them could block any resolution or proposal of the General Assembly of any member state or a group of member states.

Cordell Hull, Secretary of State of the US government made it abundantly clear that, “The Veto provision was an absolute condition for the USA’s participation in the UN The Super Powers would not be subject to any collective coercion. The Veto ensured that the General Assembly or the Security Council could not act against any of the Permanent Members.”

The Mexican Delegate at San Francisco said that under the UN Charter the mice would be disciplined, but the lions would be free.

In other words the vital interests of the P5 would not be subject to UN Jurisdiction” For fifteen years, the UN remained a white man’s club.

Ghana was the first black nation to become a member in 1957.

The seventy-fifth session of the UN General Assembly opened a few days back. On

THE MEXICAN DELEGATE AT SAN FRANCISCO SAID THAT UNDER THE UN CHARTER THE MICE WOULD BE DISCIPLINED, BUT THE LIONS WOULD BE FREE

account of the Covid menace of Heads of States are not participating in the 75 sessions. Prime Minister Modi in his three-minute speech on TV (the time limit set by the UN for Heads) spoke, if I am not mistaken, of strengthening the UN he did not suggest how this was to be achieved.

I was, for nearly five years a member of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN served under three ambassadors, CS Jha, ICS 1933, BN Chakravarty, ICS, 1929, and G. Parthasarthi.

The Secretaries Generals who served the UN during my time were, Dag Hammarskjold of Sweden. He was killed in an air crash in September 1961 in Nodola in Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia) U. Thant of Burma and Kurt Waldheim of Austria. The present Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres

China is paying a high price for provoking India

C

hina’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, recently declared that aggression and expansionism have never been in the Chinese nation’s “genes.” It is almost astonishing that he managed to say it with a straight face.

Aggression and expansionism obviously are not genetic traits, but they have defined President Xi Jinping’s tenure. Xi, who in some ways has taken up the expansionist mantle of Mao Zedong, is attempting to implement a modern version of the tributary system that Chinese emperors used to establish authority over vassal states: submit to the emperor, and reap the benefits of peace and trade with the empire.

For Xi, the COVID-19 pandemic – which has preoccupied the world’s governments for months – seemed

04

like an ideal opportunity to make quick progress on his agenda. So, in April and May, he directed the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to launch furtive incursions into the icy borderlands of India’s Ladakh region, where it proceeded to establish heavily fortified encampments.

It wasn’t nearly as clever a plan as Xi probably thought. Far from entrenching China’s regional preeminence, it has intensified the pushback by Indo-Pacific powers, which have deepened their security cooperation. This includes China’s most powerful competitor, the United States, thereby escalating a bilateral strategic confrontation that has technological, economic, diplomatic, and military dimensions.

The specter of international isolation and supply disruptions now looms over

China, spurring Xi to announce plans to hoard mammoth quantities of mineral resources and agricultural products.

But Xi’s real miscalculation on the Himalayan border was vis-à-vis India, which has now abandoned its appeasement policy toward China. Not surprisingly, China remains committed to the PLA’s incur-

sions, which it continues to portray as defensive: late last month, Xi told senior officials to “solidify border defenses” and “ensure frontier security” in the Himalayan region.

India, however, is ready to fight. In June, after the PLA ambushed and killed Indian soldiers patrolling Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, a hand-to-hand confronta-

tion led to the deaths of numerous Chinese troops – the first PLA troops killed in action outside United Nations peacekeeping operations in over four decades. Xi was so embarrassed by this outcome that, whereas India honored its 20 fallen as martyrs, China refuses to admit the precise death toll.

The truth is that, without

the element of surprise, China is not equipped to dominate India in a military confrontation. And India is making sure that it will not be caught off guard again. It has now matched Chinese military deployments along the Himalayan frontier and activated its entire logistics network to transport the supplies needed to sustain the troops and equipment through the coming harsh winter.

In another blow to China, Indian special forces recently occupied strategic mountain positions overlooking key Chinese deployments on the southern side of Pangong Lake. Unlike the PLA, which prefers to encroach on undefended border areas, Indian forces carried out their operation right under China’s nose, in the midst of a major PLA buildup.

was Portugal Prime Minister.

The UN is almost bankrupt and a lame-duck outfit. Does the world need the UN with some hesitation I say? Yes. Alan Nazareth joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1959.

His was a large batch nearly a dozen if I am not mistaken.

In those days Prime Minister Nehru used to meet the new entrants. I took Alan’s batch to meet the Prime Minister. Halfway through, foreign secretary Subimal Dutt came and whispered into the Prime Minister’s ear. Immediately he got up to leave, “I have to leave for Parliament”.

Later we learned that the Dalai Lama had arrived in India after escaping from Tibet.

Alan Nazareth’s autobiography, “A Ring Side Seat to History”, makes absorbing, lively, and compelling reading. He had an exceptionally successful career. After retirement, he became a Gandhian. His book “Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership” won praises even from President Barak Obama, The Dalai Lama, and Mikhail Gorbachev, whose forward makes gripping reading.

This book will attract a wide readership.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal High Performance, Higher Earnings: Railways registered an unprecedented growth of 26% in freight loading on 25th September this month as compared to the same period last year. Revenue Increased by 19% Yesterday as compared to same day last year.

Mukul Wasnik @MukulWasnik Incriminating observation by CAG has put Modi Government in a spot. Union Govt accused for wrongly retaining `47,272 Cr of GST compensation during 2017-18 & 2018-19 and using it for other purposes. Will FM @nsitharaman therefore kindly clarify.

Spiritual SPEAK

Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

—Proverbs 24:14

SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE

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

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INDIA GIVES PRIORITY TO LANKA, ‘Destination North East’ to be unveiled by HM today PM MODI TELLS RAJAPAKSA Speaking during the virtual summit with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, PM Modi said India has always given priority to Sri Lanka under its Neighbourhood First Policy New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has always given priority to Sri Lanka under its Neighbourhood First Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine, adding that relations between the two countries are thousands of years old.

Speaking during the virtual summit with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, he thanked the leader for accepting his invitation.

“The relations between India & Sri Lanka are thousands of years old.

According to my government’s Neighbourhood First policy & SAGAR doctrine, we give special priority to relations between the two countries,” said PM Modi. —ANI

NARENDRA MODI @NARENDRAMODI Birthday greetings to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray to Almighty that he is blessed with a long and healthy life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a discussion with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa via video conference, in New Delhi on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

INDIA OFFERS $100 MILLION CREDIT TO SRI LANKA FOR SOLAR PROJECTS Colombo: India has offered a Line of Credit worth $ 100 million to Sri Lanka for three solar projects in the country, according to an official statement. India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma and reiterated India’s commitment towards a strong and multi-faceted bilateral partnership including in the power sector, the Indian mission said in a statement. They discussed various issues of mutual interest including ways to expedite progress on bilateral power projects currently under discussion between the two sides.

I am grateful to India for providing support to people around the world during this COVID-19 pandemic.

—Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan Prime Minister

New Delhi: Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah, who is also the chairman of the North Eastern Council will virtually inaugurate “Destination North East-2020” on Sunday.

According to an official release, Destination North East is a calendar event of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region conceptualised with the objective of taking the North East Region to other parts of the country and bringing them closer together in order to strengthen national integration. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will be the Guest of Honour in the event.

For Destination North East 2020, the theme is “The Emerg-

Amit Shah is also Chairman of North Eastern Council.

ing Delightful Destinations”, which speaks of the tourism destinations emerging stronger and more attractive when the sector picks up momentum. The programme focuses mostly on tourism and coincides with ‘World Tourism Day’, which falls on September 27, 2020.

The four-day programme will feature audio-visual presentation of the tourist spots of the states and the re-

gion, messages from state icons and achievers, introduction to prominent local entrepreneurs and virtual exhibition of handicraft/ traditional fashion/ and local products.

There will be special messages from the state Chief Ministers and Tourism Ministers as well as cultural items of individual states and medley performances combining cultures of all the eight states.

—ANI

THOOTHUKUDI CUSTODIAL DEATHS IN THE COURTYARD India feels absence: CBI files charge sheet RaGa’s B’day wish for SEXUAL HARASSMENT AGAINST TRANSGENDERS Plea in SC seeks modification in IPC sections naming 9 policemen Manmohan Singh New Delhi: A petition has been filed before the SC seeking directions to the Central government to make appropriate modification/ interpretation of Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with sexual assaults against transgender, transsex-

New Delhi: India feels the absence of a prime minister with the “depth” of Dr Manmohan Singh, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he wished the former Prime Minister on his 88th birthday.

“India feels the absence of a PM with the depth of Dr Manmohan Singh. His honesty, decency and dedication are a source of inspiration for us all. Wishing him a very happy birthday and a lovely year ahead,” Mr Gandhi tweeted, using hashtag HappyBirthdayDrMMSingh.

Congress praised Dr Manmohan Singh as a dedicated leader who was always committed towards the overall wellbeing of each Indian. “A dedicated leader’s primary aim is always to eradicate the worst evils that plague the society in the soonest & surest pos-

PC SEEKS BHARAT RATNA FOR HIM Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram made a strong pitch for the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who turned 88 on Saturday. “Today is Dr Manmohan Singh’s birthday. I wish the former PM many more years of good health and service to the nation.

The story of Dr Singh’s life is a story of the rise of a young boy from a humble background to the heights of public service armed only with one tool — his education and scholarship,” he tweeted.

sible way. Today, we celebrate former PM Dr Manmohan Singh’s commitment towards overall well-being of each Indian,” it tweeted.—Agencies

EX- BIHAR DGP GUPTESHWAR PANDEY MEETS NITISH KUMAR, MAY JOIN JD(U) Patna: Three days after taking voluntary retirement from service, former Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey is all set to join the ruling JD(U).Pandey met Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at party office on Saturday& interacted with him for 30 minutes.

Speculations were rife that the former DGP may join the JD(U) and receive

membership, but it did not happen.Stepping out after the meeting, Pandey ruled out the rumours that he would join the party. “I came here to thank chief minister Nitish Kumar as he gave me full freedom to work. There was no talk related to polls and I have not yet decided on my joining the JD (U),” Pandey said.

uals or eunuchs.

The plea, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal,

Recording of pre-charge evidence postponed to Nov 20 New Delhi: Aspecial court in Delhi has adjourned the hearing on the National Herald case after a joint request for the same by both the parties in the matter. The case was on Friday scheduled for cross-examination of complainant BJP

MP Subramanian Swamy at the stage of pre-charge evidence. A joint application stated that due to the pandemic, prevailing parties are not in a position to appear before the court physically, and thus sought an adjournment. —ANI

sought that appropriate orders and or directions be made to the Union of India to make the laws pertaining to sexual harassment gender-neutral.

The matter is likely to come up for hearing before the apex court in a week.

The petitioner, who

is a practising lawyer at SC, pleaded that the top court should direct the Centre to pass an anti-discrimination bill that penalises discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender. Centre should protect the fundamental rights of the third gender, PIL said.

Mathura court moved on Krishna Janmabhoomi Mathura: A suit has been filed in a Mathura civil court to ‘reclaim’ the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura claiming that ‘every inch of the land is sacred for the devotees of Lord Krishna and the Hindu community.’

The civil suit, filed by advocate Vishnu Jain, sought to ‘reclaim’ the entire 13.37 acres of Krishna Janmabhoomi land declaring that the 1968 compromise deed as ‘not binding’ & removal of Shahi Idgah Masjid. —Agencies

New Delhi: The CBIhas filed a chargesheet against nine TN police officers, including then SHO of Sathankulam police station in Thoothukudi, for allegedly illegally torturing P Jayaraj and J Bennicks all night in June.

The men died in hospital. The charge sheet names former SHO of Sathankulam police station S Sridhar, two sub-inspectors, two head constables, and four constables for

criminal conspiracy, murder, wrongful confinement, destruction of evidence and levelling false charges. All nine are currently lodged in jail. P Jayaraj & his son J Bennicks were arrested on June 19 & lodged in Kovilpatti sub-jail for keeping their shop open during a curfew imposed during the Covid-19-induced lockdown. The father and son were allegedly tortured during the police custody.

Tejashwi, Tej Pratap booked for protest against Agri Bills Patna: A case has been registered against RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, former state minister Tej Pratap Yadav and others in Patna in connection with protests against the recently passed agriculture bills.

Tejashwi Yadav participated in a tractor rally protest agaist the there agriculture bills in Patna. It is worth noting that Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday asked supporters to hit the roads in each of 38 districts headquarters of Bihar & register strong protests against the Bills.

According to police, the case was registered under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and other relevant laws in matter.

Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) supremo Pappu Yadav has also been booked in the matter.

This comes after

WILL TRY NOT TO IMPLEMENT FARM BILLS IN MAHA: CONG, NCP Pune: The Congress and NCP, which are part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, said they would try to ensure that the farm sector reform bills are not implemented in the state. Speaking in Pune, dy CM & NCP leader Ajit Pawar said farmers as well as NCP & other parties are opposed to new bills. “Farmers think that the laws are not beneficial for them. There was no hurry (to pass them),” he said. “We will try to ensure that they are not implemented, but at the same time we will have to see what new issues crop up.”

‘CONG GOT VOTES BECAUSE OF SCINDIA, BUT CHOSE KAMAL NATH’ Guna: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan the Congress sought votes in the 2018 Assembly polls in the name of Jyotiraditya Scindia but then went on to form a government in the state under Kamal Nath. He was addressing a programme in Bamori in Guna, a part of the Gwalior region which is a

stronghold of Mr Scindia who jumped from Congress to the BJP in March this year. “The Congress deceived people. It was like showing one person as bridegroom, have someone else head the marriage procession& then get yet another married,” he said. “After becoming CM, Kamal Nath never went anywhere.”

On Friday morning, some RJD workers rode buffaloes in Darbhanga to mark their protest against farm bills. They also raised slogans and had also brought tractors to mark their protest. Protests are being held at several places across the country.

—ANI

INDIA, JAPAN NAVIES START 3-DAY MEGA EXERCISE ON SATURDAY New Delhi: Indian and Japanese navies will hold a three-day mega military exercise from today in the North Arabian Sea to further consolidate their operational convergence, officials said. The exercise is taking place in the backdrop of growing concerns over China’s military muscle flexing in the Indian Ocean Region as well as in the Indo-Pacific.It will be the first military exercise after the two countries signed a landmark agreement on September 9 that will allow their militaries to access each other’s bases for logistics support.

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India has conducted a total of seven crore tests for the detection of coronavirus infection till now

10 STATES, UTS ACCOUNT FOR 75 PC OF NEW CASES New Delhi: Of the 85,362 new coronavirus cases reported in India in a day, 75 per cent are found concentrated in 10 states and Union Territories, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.

It also said India has conducted a total of seven crore tests for the detection of coronavirus infection till now with the country’s testing capacity having crossed 14 lakh tests daily.

The 10 states and Union Territories from where 75 per cent of the new cases have been reported are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

Maharashtra continues to top this list by accounting for more than 17,000 cases. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh reported more than 8,000

‘Those opposing agrirelated Bills are anti-farmer’

Yogi Adityanath

Jaunpur (UP): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said those opposing the Centre’s agriculture-related Bills are anti farmer .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to double the income of farmers and the Bills have been passed with this aim in mind, he said addressing BJP workers at a school auditorium here.

The CM said the legislations will free farmers from the grip of middlemen and provide them with an option to sell their produce as per their choice.

The opposition is misleading people but they will not be allowed to succeed, he said, terming those opposing the Bills as anti-farmer.

4 LAKH DOCTORTO-PATIENT TELECONSULTATIONS

A patient undergoes thermal screening at a dental clinic, during Unlock 4, at Jheel Khurenja in East Delhi, Saturday.

and 7,000 cases respectively, the ministry said.

Also, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Chhattisgarh account for 83 per cent of the 1,089 deaths due to COVID-19 registered in a day.

“Seventeen states and UTs have cases per million lower than the national average (4,278)

while 23 are reporting deaths per million lower than the national average (68),” the health ministry said.

Asserting that India has substantially ramped up its testing infrastructure, it said as on date, there are 1,823 laboratories, including 1,086 government and 737 private ones. India’s testing capacity has surged to cross 14 lakhs per day, the ministry said.

Religare Health Insurance Co renamed Care Health Insurance Jaipur: The name of Religare Health Insurance Company Ltd has been changed to Care Health Insurance Ltd. The company CEO and MD Anuj Gulati said that only the name has been changed and the company in a new form is there to deliver its services to customers.

He said that customers will be able to avail all facilities with the same card which they have. Gulati said the company is providing cashless facilities in 11000 hospitals across the country and has come on the second position in the country with the satisfaction of crores of customers.

Started eight years ago in 2012, the company is providing services to elderly people, OPD, consultation check-up, and also to the people who are suffering from different diseases already.

Often people believe that if they are already

BOLLYWOOD-DRUG NEXUS

Executive producer Kshitij Ravi Prasad arrested in drugs case Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) will arrest Kshitij Ravi Prasad on Saturday in connection with their probe into the alleged Bollywood’s drug’nexus’.

Kshitij was briefly working with Dharma Productions in 2019 as an executive producer.

As per ANI, the formalities of his arrest are being completed.

He was taken for a medical examination before the arrest.

On Friday night, filmmaker Karan Johar had shared a long note disproving claims that Kshitij was employed with his Dharma Productions. On Friday, NCB had questioned Kshitij and Anubhav Chopra in relation with the alleged drug-nexus in the Hindi film industry. According to Karan, he never know either of them personally. The filmmaker said Kshitij joined Dharmatic Entertainment, sister concern of Dharma Productions, in November

2019 as one of the executive producers on contract basis for a project,

which eventually did not materialise.

Karan added that An-

ubhav was briefly associated with his banner as an assistant director and worked only on two projects. “He was briefly associated with us for only two months in the capacity of 2nd assistant director for a film, between November 2011 and January 2012 and as assistant director for the short film in January 2013.

He has thereafter never been associated with Dharma Productions for any other project,” the director said.

Karan added that, in the past few days, sections of the media have resorted to “distasteful, distorted and false allegations”, and if the baseless claims continue to malign his image he wouldn’t be left with any other option but to legally protect his rights. “I hope the members of the media would exercise restraint else I will be left with no option but to legally protect my rights against this baseless attack on me,” he said.

“Today, the people of India are concerned whether this reform process will ever reach its logical conclusion.

For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the United Nations?”

PM Modi asked at UNGA. It is a fact that the faith and respect that the UN enjoys among the 1.3 billion people in India is unparalleled, he pointed out.

“When we were strong, we were never a threat to the world.

When we were weak, we never become a burden on the world. How long

would a country have to wait particularly when the transformational changes happening in that country affect a large part of the world?” he said in his nearly 22-minute speech.

“This is a country, which has hundreds of languages, hundreds of dialects, many sects and many ideologies.

This is a country, which was a leading global economy for centuries and also one which has endured hundreds of years of foreign rule. How long would a country have to wait particularly when the transforma-

tional changes happening in that country affect a large part of the world?” he asked.

He also referred to India’s contributions to about 50 UN peace missions over the decades.

“India has always given priority to the welfare of the whole world. India is the country, which sent its brave soldiers to about 50 peacekeeping missions the world over to keep the peace. India is that country, which in the course of maintaining peace, has lost the maximum number of its brave soldiers Today every Indian,

while seeing the contribution of India in the United Nations, aspires for India’s expanded role in the United Nations,” he said.

Barring China, all other four permanent members of the UNSC have expressed support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the security council.

PM Modi’s speech came ahead of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for two years from January 1, 2021. India will focus on the “5 S

Kshitij Ravi Prasad

‘AGENCIES PRESSURED IN SUSHANT CASE BEFORE BIHAR POLLS’ Mumbai: Satish Maneshinde, actor Rhea Chakraborty’s lawyer on Saturday alleged that the agencies probing late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case are being “pressurised” to reach a predetermined result” for obvious reasons on the eve of Bihar Elections. In an official statement, Maneshinde also demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must constitute a new medical board to keep investigation “impartial”. “Disclosure of a conclusion by an AIIMS Doctor in the team headed by Dr Gupta in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case, on basis of photographs is a dangerous trend. To keep investigation impartial, CBI must constitute new Medical Board,” Maneshinde said.

06

POWER Gallery ASHUTOSH KUMAR SINGH RANA RELIEVED TO JOIN AS DMD, SBI

Ashutosh Kumar Singh Rana, CGM, SBI, has been relieved to join as Deputy Managing Director (DMD), State Bank of India (SBI), Corporate Centre, Mumbai.

RAJ PAL PROMOTED AS SENIOR ADVISER, POWER

ill, they will not get the benefit of health insurance but Care Health Insurance is providing this facility, he said in his office in Gurgaon.

Gulati said that there is a need to make people aware of the importance of health insurance cover. People buy insurance when they purchase a vehicle but usually, they ignore this when it comes to health, he said.

He said that the name was changed to Care Health Insurance because the first programme of the company was named ‘care’ and there is a range of plans which have ‘care’ in the name because caring is the motto of the company and therefore the name was changed.

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate two tunnels at IMA Dehradun

Rajnath Singh

Dehradun: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will virtually inaugurate the construction of two tunnels on the Indian Military Academy (IMA) premises in Dehradun on September 28, said the Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

According to Uttarakhand CMO, Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat will be present at the virtual inauguration of the two tunnels at 3:30 pm. In view of this, IMA Commandant Lieutenant General JS Negi met the Chief Minister at the latter’s residence today. According to the CMO, Rawat said, Rs 45 crore has been approved by the Central Government for the construction of two tunnels at IMA.

Raj Pal has been appointed as Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Power after promotion to Higher Administrative Grade (HAG). He is a 1986 batch IES officer.

OBERAI TO BE HEAD OF DCS

According to Prasar Bharati order, B K Oberoi, DDG will be Head of Office (HOO) at DCS (Doordarshan Commercial Services) with immediate effect.

RS BEEKA SENT TO SCR

RS Beeka – who is Selection Grade officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) in Rail Coach Factory (RCF) – has been transferred to South Central Railway and posted in the cadre.

DR. BANZAL APPOINTED SCIENTIST-G

Dr. Preeti Banzal has been appointed as Scientist-G in the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor for a period of three years on deputation. She is an ITS officer presently working as Director, TEC at DoT hq.

ANJU SURENDRA SHIFTED TO NR

Anju Surendra – who is a senior administrative grade (SAG) officer in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and is posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager in Jabalpur in West Central Railway – has been transferred to Northern Railway on her own request and posted in the cadre.

SANJAY GOEL POSTED IN NR

Sanjay Goel – who is a senior administrative grade (SAG) officer in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and is returning from deputation to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology – has been posted on Northern Railway in the cadre.

FOUR IAS OFFICERS SHIFTED IN WEST BENGAL

The Government of West Bengal has issued orders for the fresh posting of four IAS officers. Accordingly, Shashank Sethi has been posted as Chairman-in-charge, West Bengal State Agricultural Marketing Board, while Jaideep Duttagupta was made CEO, West Bengal State Agricultural Marketing Board.

Similarly, Abhinav Chandra will now be Labour Commissioner and Ghulam Ali Ansari joins as Chairman, West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission.

THREE IAS OFFICERS GET NEW JOBS IN MP

Dr Vijay Kumar has been appointed as Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Public Health Services Corporation Limited, Bhopal, while Satish Kumar S was made Director, Public Health and Family Welfare and Dilip Kumar Yadav is Additional Collector, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

By arrangement with: http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 NCB grills...

The NCB is also questioning actresses Shraddha Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan at its office separately in connection with the alleged drug nexus.

The federal agency had arrested actress Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and some suspected drug peddlers, earlier.

Rajput (34) was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14. —Agencies How long... amid the coronavirus pandemic.

approach” of samman (respect), samvad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity) during its stint as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. —Agencies

Indian delegate... in Jammu and Kashmir. India had dismissed Khan’s reference, saying the neighbouring country’s unrelenting support to terrorism poses a threat to global security. The Indian delegate present in the General Assembly, Mijito Vinito, first secre-

tary at the Indian mission to the UN, had walked out as Khan’s video statement was being played.

Madhav out,...

The new appointments were announced by BJP president JP Nadda in a reorganisation that party sources had said was aimed at combining young people, women as well as experienced faces.

This is first reshuffle under Nadda who was elected unopposed as party chief in January, taking over from Amit Shah.

Radha Mohan Singh,

Mukul Roy, Rekha Verma, Annapurna Devi, Bharti Shiyal, DK Aruna, M Chuba Ao, AP Abdullakutty were appointed national vice presidents in the reshuffle.

Among the new general secretaries appointed were Dushyant Kumar Gautam, D Purandeswari, CT Ravi and Tarun Chugh.

In Mukul Roy and D Purandeswari, the BJP appeared to have rewarded two leaders who switched over from the opposition parties - the Trinamool Congress and the Congress respectively.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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COVID-19 COULD

CHANGE TRAVEL THE COVID-19 CRISIS HAS MADE TRAVELERS HYPER-AWARE OF SAFETY MEASURES. TRAVEL ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES MUST PROMOTE THEIR SAFETY PROTOCOLS - AND ENCOURAGE TRAVELERS TO ALSO KEEP SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND

07

I

n major markets around the world, it was an encouraging summer for the tourism sector.

As and where COVID-19 travel restrictions have eased, tourism volumes have begun to rebound.

The long-term impact on the way we travel remains uncertain to some degree, but travel planning data is providing new clues into how consumer comfort levels – and priorities – are changing.

Those clues could guide other changes in our industry, changes that have a lasting impact beyond this pandemic.

UNDERSTANDING HOW TRAVEL IS CHANGING

A

t Tripadvisor, the speed of recovery is something we have been tracking very closely through our own traffic and search data.

This data provides a unique insight into travel planning trends around the globe.

In Europe and parts of Southeast Asia, we’ve seen domestic travel demand improve significantly this summer. At the time of writing, the number of unique domestic users clicking to book a hotel each week has even started to exceed 2019 demand in over twenty countries. Throughout the summer, restaurant traffic in most major European markets trended upwards, too.

In August, near-term

travel planning — a good indicator of increasing consumer confidence — skyrocketed in most major markets including the US. While these overarching demand trends are certainly encouraging, we also know that the road to recovery is likely to be bumpy.

There will be further peaks and troughs to come as infection rates rise and fall. In that respect, overall tourism volumes only provide part of the picture when it comes to understanding how consumer travel behaviours have changed, and whether those new habits are merely temporary or will endure beyond the pandemic.

A report released recently by the Pacific

Asia Travel Association, which features research from a host of organizations including the World Economic Forum and Tripadvisor, sheds light on how consumer behaviors in the region have shifted, and what operators need to do in response.

The report shows that health and safety precautions are now a more significant factor in where consumers choose to stay than price, and that heavily influences the type of destinations they are willing to travel to.

72% of t r av e l e r s polled in

the region said they are taking into account a destination’s culture of social responsibility towards preventing the spread of the virus before deciding

whether to go, and 73% are looking for the opportunity to avoid crowded places when traveling.

Traffic and search trends

on Tripadvisor bear this out. Nature destinations, such as national parks and beaches, have disproportionately benefited from returning demand.

Campgrounds and farmhouses have also grown in popularity, and user searches for properties with outdoor activities are also on the rise. In other words, consumers feel most confident about traveling to places where contact with other people can either be minimized or controlled in a way that lowers the risk of infection.

For everyone from destination managers and government officials to individual hospitality business owners, the message is clear: prioritizing health and safety practices isn’t just the right thing to do, it is the key to giving tourists the confidence to return. It is important, then, to view new health and safety practices in the proper context.

They are not simply a cost to be incurred, but rather a value proposition that should be front and center in how destinations and busi-

nesses market themselves to visitors.

Simple, highly visible changes can make a big impression on customers, such as restaurants switching from printed menus to contactless menus, or a hotel sharing a checklist of its cleanliness protocols with would-be guests in advance of their stay.

On Tripadvisor, clickthrough rates to properties that have promoted their health and safety practices in this way are, on average, 16% greater than properties that have not.

Of course, to achieve a full recovery, there are many factors that are outside the control of the tourism industry — government restrictions, rates of infection, the speed at which a viable vaccine is developed — but that should be no reason to undervalue the importance of embracing transparency and promoting good practice. Both will be essential to the success of destinations in growing tourism numbers back to pre-pandemic levels, and beyond that, to meeting future challenges facing the industry in the long term.

UNDERSTANDING HOW TRAVEL COULD TRANSFORM FURTHER

W

hat COVID-19 has highlighted all too clearly is how important the tourism sector is to the global economy at large. It’s vital for redistributing wealth from developed economies to developing markets. Consumers are now being encouraged to see what a difference their spending can make to local businesses and communities in the destinations they visit.

Such shifts could foster even more positive change. If, as our research suggests, health and safety practices are more heavily weighted in customers’ decision-making, then there is an opportunity for us as an in-

dustry to channel consumer interest towards other practices that serve the greater good.

The steps many businesses are taking now to inform and educate customers about the cleanliness protocols they have in place could be replicated to promote sustainable practices at the same time, such as how a business might be eliminating the use of plastics from its operation or taking special precautions to avoid any adverse impacts on local ecosystems.

Some countries are already seizing the opportunity to embed sustainable and responsible practices into how they market and promote their own

destinations. New Zealand, for example, has created the Tiaki Promise, which invites travelers to the coun-

try to pledge behaviors that help “care for land, sea and nature” as well as “travel safely”. In doing so, they

have made the act of traveling responsibly into something that enhances the authenticity of the travel experi-

ence for those visiting the country.

Local operators like Whale Watch Kaikoura have taken this initia-

tive to heart, too. The company offers responsible whale-watching experiences to over 100,000 passengers a year, funnelling investment into the indigenous M ori community which owns and operates the tours. The success of the local economy and the protection of Kaikoura’s wildlife are inherently connected, and so the tours provide visitors with information about whale conservation and the careful steps the business takes to minimize its impact on the local sperm whale population.

The more consumers come to expect to see this type of information, the more other operators will feel

SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

compelled to adopt responsible practices that they too can promote. As an industry, we should embrace this. Our destinations and our communities will be more resilient to future challenges if we do.

Tourism businesses worldwide continue to do amazing work even in the face of this pandemic – providing employment and learning opportunities to local people, driving investment in underserved communities, helping to protect the local environment, and more.

We have a chance to put these practices at the heart of the tourism industry we build back. We must not squander it.

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

DESIGN: CP SHARMA

We become wise in adversity, nothing teaches a man more wisdom than adverse circumstances so it’s never a total loss.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

9,96,096 3,29,18,925

MAHARASHTRA 35,191 DEATHS 13,21,176 CASES

RSS IS WORRIED ABOUT BOLLYWOOD he Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is desperate to introduce the cultural concept of nationalism in a new era. In the last fourfive years, the Sangh leadership has raised a new desire to change the face of cinema and theater, by encouraging and igniting a new kind of nationalism. But for the past some time, after Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death, there has been a war between the central government and the cinema workers advocating liberal cinema and after the new appearance of Kangana Ranaut, the Hindi film industry is clearly divided in two camps o v e r which the Sangh has

T

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

TAMIL NADU 9,233 DEATHS 5,75,017 CASES

expressed its concern. If sources are to be believed, a prominent RSS leader Krishna Gopal has spoken to PM Modi on this issue. The Sangh clearly believes that as Hindi grows and expands, the Sangh and BJP will also expand.

The Sangh says that films are also made in Hindi with superstars of South, Bangla, Marathi, and other regional language cinema working in these Hindi movies, and with the release of such films, Hindi prevails over regionalism and provincialism and if the Hindi film industry is made weak then provincialism will raise its head. It is understood that the manner in which the NCB and other investigative agencies have expanded their investigation to big stars, there is a restlessness in the industry that the artists who have put their views aside

Narendra Modi

GUJARAT

94,450 59,81,306 1,409 1,31,808 DEATHS

KARNATAKA 8,503 DEATHS 5,66,023 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

from the government’s perspective, they are being targeted. The Sangh is engaged in an initiative to deny this prevalent concept.

UNION MINISTER LOOKING AFTER KANGANA! prominent Union minister has been asked to take care of Kangana Ranaut because the dates of Bihar

A

elections have been announced and in such a situation, as much as Kangana will speak about the issue of nepotism and drug use in the industry, including Sushant Singh Rajput, the more will BJP benefit. If sources are to be believed, this minister has been troubled by the phone calls from the actress at a random time wherein at times there is talk of flight tickets and sometimes a new demand for security arrangements. If sources are to be believed, one day the actress got angry and told the minister that ‘people engaged

in my protection are now asking for food, how should I fulfill their demand?’

WILL U.P BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS? here has been a lot of news on social media for some time that preparations have been made to divide Uttar Pradesh (U.P) into three parts i.e Uttar

T

Pradesh, Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. While Lucknow will remain the capital of UP, Prayagraj has been selected for being the capital of Bundelkhand, and for the capital of Purvanchal, Gorakhpur has been shortlisted. The list of officers of these alleged gazetted states was also circulating in social media. When the matter gained public ire, the UP Chief Minister’s information adviser Mrityunjay Kumar had to give a statement that the government had no such plan. But relia-

Yogi Adityanath

Corona finally eclipses

Navratri celebration in Guj With Corona showing no signs of abating, the Gujarat govt has pulled back from celebrating the state level Navratri Mahotsav First India Bureau

This govt had promised doubling the farmer income in 2014, instead of doubling their income it has indebted the farmers under the load of loans. After failing to snatch the farmer’s land now the govt is conspiring to hand it over to the corporates.

Happy birthday to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. May you always be healthy and live a long life.

Gandhinagar: In view of the global pandemic the Gujarat government has said that it will not celebrate celebrate State-level Navratri Mahotsav in upcoming Navratri festival period this year during 17-25 October. This decision, taken in interest of public welfare was taken at the level of the Chief Minister.

Usually, a State level Navratri Mahotsav is organized mostly at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad for nine days by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd and GINFS (a consortium of various industries in Gujarat currently led by RIL’s Dhanraj Nathwani).

The celebration starts with the Chief Minister

Ahmedabad : In a shameful incident , a 10-year-old child was molested by a neighbour in Raipur area of Ahmedabad. The child was lured by the youth who promised her a biscuit.

Fortunately, the child

managed to escape her molestor and reached home crying.

On coming to know, the family went looking for the youth who had already fled. The family then filed a complaint with the Kagdapith police station.

The child’s father

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 1,426 DEATHS 1,26,775 CASES

ble sources say that to control the growing influence and stature of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, the Central Government is considering such a proposal and if it is agreed between the BJP and the RSS, then this proposal will be given the green signal before the UP Assembly elections 2022 so that Yogi can be kept under control.

ARNAB IN PARLIAMENT? rnab Goswami, who has awakened the ‘saffron India’ with his firebrand and aggressive mannerisms from news studio, is going to get the reward for his oratory skills. If sources are to be believed, he can be brought to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, and it is said that this proposal has got the ap-

A

Zafar Islam

proval of the BJP top leadership as well. Interestingly, Amit Shah and JP Nadda had given their consent for Naresh Aggarwal and Agarwal was believed to be in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. It is said that Shah and Nadda hoped that with Naresh Aggarwal been given a Rajya Sabha seat, the Baniya votes may fall in BJP’s kitty in UP, but at the last time PM Modi put forward the name of Zafar Islam. Modi wanted to give a big political message with his move in which he was very successful.

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

Arnab Goswami

Gujarat high court expects proper behaviour

SMALL GARBAS!

Gujarat high court.

First India Bureau

A Garba dancer.

and others VIP guests performing aarti on the first day, in presence of hundreds of invited guests and garba enthusiasts along with a staged performance.

Mahotsav also involves daily State level RaasGarba competitions, public garba participated by lakhs of people, exhibition, fun activi-

ties and more.

This year, some of the biggest garba event organisers like United Way Baroda and Vadodara Navratri Festival have cancelled their events.

Several event organisers in Ahmedabad have also decided to follow suit. Naturally, this has come as a

huge blow to the event industry that looks at capitalising the amazing Navratri festival.

At the moment, many event organisers feel that big events should be avoided taking into account the corona protocol and safety measures but smallscale events should be encouraged.

‘Cookie crumbled’ : 10-yr-old wooed, molested First India Bureau

DEATHS

DELHI 5,193 DEATHS 2,67,822 CASES

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

Kangana Ranaut

@ahmedpatel

INDIA

08

Shubahm (named changed) lives with his family of five and works at a shop in the New Cloth Market.

On Friday, his wife had sent their 10-year-old daughter to the milk shop in the afternoon.

On her way home, the child met her

neighbour, who promised to give her a biscuit and took her home.

Once home he forced himself on the girl and began touching her, feeling uncomfortable she managed to push him and run away and reach home to complain to her mother.

Ahmedabad : Gujarat HC Imposes Cost On Applicant/Accused For ‘Spitting Openly’ Swachh Bharat is an important campaign and the Gujarat High Court definitely believes so. On Wednesday, while taking up a Criminal Misc. Application the HC noticed that applicantaccused No. 1, Ajit Kubhabhai Gohil, who was present before the Court through video conferencing, was spitting openly.

Deprecating such conduct of the accused, the Bench of Justice A. S. Supehia said that looking into the conduct of the applicant-accused No. 1 the Court is not inclined to take up the matter on that day and also directed Ajit Kubhabhai to deposit Rs. 500/- before

the Registry of the High Court on or before the next date of hearing, failing which the matter shall not be taken up for hearing.

Earlier too the HC has taken a stern view of irresponsible conduct wherein Advocates have appeared before the court in inappropriate dress or indulged in improper behaviour imposing fines up to Rs. 10,000/- for smoking during court proceedings via video conferencing.

The Bench of Justice A. S. Supehia observed that the advocates appearing through video conference are required to maintain minimum dignified decorum so that the majesty and dignity of the proceedings as well as the Institution are maintained.

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AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

E N M O O H G ?

N I E L A CH

a of e d i e h t s on brate k e c l a e b c t g s n r i i k City F y har b y a D ourism m T s i d r n u a o l T e Trav World e h t f o e c tan the impor day’s world! n to industry i

KARISHMA GWALANI karishma.gwalani@firstindia.co.in

S

ince 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on 27 September, today. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The aim of celebrating World Tourism Day is to highlight the global significance of tourism as a tool for global development and cultural enlightenment. No doubt countries all over the world whether big or small some or the other way depend upon tourism for its economic survival and highlight their cultural, social and political values. It is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on tourism and potential contribution to sustainable development.

There is a lot of doom and gloom on the internet when it comes to travel and tourism in 2020. While tourism sector has become one of the most affected of all the sectors by the COVID pandemic; this time, the significance of World Tourism Day has increased a tad more because of its chosen theme of ‘Tourism and Rural Development’, which celebrates the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.

It won’t be wise to travel during the literal pandemic; however, if you must, then we have curated some tips that you can follow to stay safe.

Follow Guidelines– Most states and countries have issued guidelines that need to be followed. It is best to follow these guidelines to the letter to ensure that you can have a safe trip without any unforeseen

consequences.

Carry all essentials– Proper hygiene has never been of more significance during travel than now with a contagious virus on the loose. Ensure that all your documents are in order and covered in plastic that can be cleaned.

Get travel insurance– Being in an unfamiliar place and facing something untoward can happen to even the most experienced and careful people. This might also ensure that you get proper medical care during your travel.

Research destination– The more you know about a certain place, the less likely you are to get lost or have other issues during your travel.

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

10

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20 If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to breathe. You once dreamed of being this busy. The full moon gives you a spotlight, but are you being captured at your best angle? Leadership comes in many different forms and you don’t have to copy someone else to make a splash. Whether it’s cooking a delicious meal on a first date or having a really special day with your kids, take note of what brings you joy this week. You’re going to want to revisit this feeling in the colder months to come. This week’s mantra: All eyes are on you.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20 Whether you and your boo decided to quarantine in a different city or you’ve just gone deep with your Zoom yoga practice, since late June you’ve been on a spiritual quest. At the full moon on the 1st, you understand how much this retreat has truly paid off. But it’s also a shock to realize how much you’ve grown up and away from a previous routine. Your ruling planet Venus enters Virgo on the 2nd which reminds you of romance and pleasure for pleasure’s sake. Let your impulses guide you. This week’s mantra: Pay attention to your growth.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21 Things get introspective this week as your ruling planet Mercury enters Scorpio on the 27th. This is a wonderful transit for journaling, intense conversations and deep cleaning your closets.

Make sure to prepare your workspace carefully each day for maximum focus. Try shutting off your phone and setting a timer for concentration.

The full moon on the 1st especially brings messages from friends which easily become major distractions. Acknowledge what can wait. This week’s mantra: Laser focus is key.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 23 Though it has felt like an uphill battle these last few months to get yourself out there and work on your career, the full moon on the 1st brings a breakthrough moment. This week of good news could also bring a promotion or some extra cash if you can lean into the sweet-talking and negotiation skills you’ve been building as well. If you can, schedule the meeting about your salary for the 28th as the positive vibes on that day could work in your financial favour. This week’s mantra: Keep playing the game.

WEEKLY

27 SEPTEMBER – 03 OCTOBER FOR RANBIR KAPOOR, THE NEW MOON IN HIS SOLAR RETURN CHART SUGGESTS THAT HE WILL INSTINCTIVELY BEGIN A NEW PHASE OF YOUR LIFE THIS YEAR. A DECISIVELY NEW DIRECTION HAS COME ABOUT IN HIS LIFE. MUCH OF THE ENERGY IN HIS LIFE CAN HAVE A MAGICAL QUALITY TO IT AS THINGS ARE JUST AUTOMATICALLY GOING IN A CERTAIN DIRECTION. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE INTUITIVE AT THIS TIME AND ALLOW THE NATURAL COURSE TO SHOW HIM THE WAY TO THE NEXT STEP. SURPRISES (MOSTLY VERY PLEASANT) PEPPER THE YEAR. NEW BEGINNINGS ARE IN ORDER, AND HE BOUND TO FEEL SOME LEVEL OF EXCITEMENT AS THE YEAR UNFOLDS.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 Let this week be a salve for all that FOMO! At the full moon on the 1st, why not organize a safe gathering for friends or co-workers? It’s tricky (and exhausting AF!) when the simple question of “how are you?” opens up an endless can of sensitive worms but you’re up for the challenge of bringing people together. Grab some juice and let the influencer become you! Venus glides into Virgo and your unconscious sector on the 2nd, allowing you to step away with no regrets for some time with all texts on Do Not Disturb. This week’s mantra: You’re a positive influence.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 You’re either feeling useless or burnt out and most likely, it’s a little bit of both. Mercury enters your sign on the 27th though which helps you better articulate your feelings to friends, family and your therapist too. Then on the 29th, you get a repeat of a scheduling mishap or disappointing work meeting that first occurred back on August 24th.

Does this keep happening because you’re getting in your way? The full moon on the 1st helps you evaluate your in-progress routines. This week’s mantra: Ask for help if you’re stuck.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22

Despite the heavy vibes of the week, there’s the reason for you to be excited, dear Sagittarius. The full moon on the 1st helps you clarify where you stand with a romantic or creative collaborator.

Maybe your first date was incredible but then you couldn’t get a read on them to follow up. This week, you know whether they’re busy or blowing you off.

On the 2nd, sweet Venus glides into your career sector which boosts your public presence. Yes, it’s that tweet that somehow goes viral. This week’s mantra: If you’re confused, just ask.

CAPRICORN DEC 23 - JAN 20

Since May, your ruling planet Saturn has been retrograde, which means that all those calls about added responsibilities and levelling up have gone straight to voicemail. But on the 29th, Saturn starts moving forward again, giving you a burst of energy to get back to work on a big goal. Though frustrations with your family or your living situation keep you from fully diving into “the work,” you’re at least ready to get started. Is there somewhere you can go that won’t hold you back? This week’s mantra: Go where you can thrive

LEO

AQUARIUS

You might find yourself travelling to take care of some family business. And with the full moon in Aries on the 1st giving you the urge to get away, you might as well hop in the car, queue up some podcasts and prepare to clean all those skeletons out of the closet. Even if the situation used to make you nervous, the freedom of doing it in your way and in your own time inspires you. This week’s mantra: If you’ve been avoiding something, now’s the time.

Saturn—your ruling planet—stations direct on the 29th, giving you a clarity that hasn’t been there.

You’re ready to focus on the big picture and put the finishing touches on a major project. Be cautious with your energy though because with this sense of purpose comes the added stress of confirming details, sending tons of emails and making scary phone calls. This all feels particularly sensitive at the full moon on the 1st. Try to remember that the chaos of communication is usually worth it. This week’s mantra: Your power time is now.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

VIRGO

JAN 21 - FEB 19

PISCES

AUG 24 - SEP 23

FEB20 - MARCH 20

Though this week is anything but chill, you may feel drawn to retreat and reflect. On the 27th, your ruling planet Mercury enters moody Scorpio and you start plotting your strategy to woo your crush via text. (If you’re sending a thirst trap with those missives, wait until the 2nd when Venus glides into your sign and boosts your confidence!) Then the full moon on the 1st comes with huge news about a loan, but to make the most of it, you have to act quickly. What’s worth taking on the extra debt? This week’s mantra: Go deep or go home.

This week’s full moon on the 1st falls in your financial sector, and though your cash flow has been slow all month, you get news this week that makes you feel secure about the future. If you’re a freelancer, those new services you’re offering are gaining momentum. An intriguing opportunity lands in your inbox. Make time to discuss your options with your partner or a trusted friend, especially after Venus glides into practical Virgo on the 2nd. Hang onto your support as you prepare to make waves.

This week’s mantra: You’re attracting abundance.

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

JLo’s killer moves J

ennifer Lopez and Maluma have teamed up for something special! The two superstars teamed up for two new singles, called Pa’ Ti and Lonely, and turned them into one music video, released Thursday 24 September. The two are also co-stars in the upcoming Universal Pictures movie ‘Marry Me’, which hits theatres on February 12, 2021.

Both songs will also be included on the Marry Me Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

In a TikTok LIVE stream, Jennifer provided fans with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the music video, explaining the connection with the film and detailing the making a major music video during COVID. —Agency

Jennifer Lopez & inset her post

DEVASTATED

Jersey resumes!

B

ollywood came to a standstill when the country went under lockdown. Several films were stalled and schedules went out of the window. However, as the country unlocks, Bollywood films also resume work. One of the many filmed delayed includes Shahid Kapoor’s sports flick Jersey. Before the pandemic, Shahid had already begun shooting for the Telugu remake. Now, it has been reported the team will resume filming

in October. They will be shooting in Chandigarh and Dehradun with their schedule spread across 15 days.

Shahid will be joined by the lead actress Mrunal Thakur will join the shoot. Earlier this year, the cast and crew of Jersey had been shooting in Chandigarh. Given that the team is likely to return to Chandigarh next month, it seems like the team is ready to pick up things where they left off in March.

—Agency

LOVE FILLED BIRTHDAY

Akshay Kumar and his daughter Nitara

A

kshay Kumar is a true blue family man and he has proved it time and again. Akshay and Twinkle Khanna’s daughter Nitara turned 8 on Saturday, the ‘Kesari’ star once again took to social media and showered birthday love on the little princess.

The superstar star shared a love filled picture with the birthday girl as the fatherdaughter duo cuddled on the grass. In the caption, Akshay spoke about how the year 2020 has given him a chance to spend a lot of time with his kids and even called these moments his silver lining to the otherwise distressing year. “As much as everyone would like to see the back of 2020, I wish this moment, this chance to spend so much time with my kids would last forever, these opportunities are my Silver Lining to 2020. Happy 8th Birthday to my Princess, I love you more than I knew was possible,” he wrote .—Agency

IT’S OFFICIAL!

CHRISSY M Shahid Kapoor

11

om-to-be Chrissy Teigen is stopping work on all her new projects. The 34-year-old Cravings author announced on Thursday that she is halting work on her third Cravings cookbook amid her high risk pregnancy. “I know I’m tweeting about stupid s–t when so many bad things are happening.

I just can’t speak up right now because my body is in such bad shape and I mentally cannot handle what will come out of it,” she wrote.

“Today I had to postpone the cookbook indefinitely and send @ AdeenaSussman alllll the way back to Tel Aviv,” she wrote on Twitter, adding that she also shut down production on her Quibi series, “and same with shutting down filming Chrissy’s Court.” “Baby cannot do it,” she went on to say, “I am devastated.”

—Agency

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell

L

ily Collins and Charlie McDowell are engaged! The 31-year-old Mirror Mirror actress and the 37-year-old The One I Love director and writer confirmed the exciting news on social media on Friday.

“I’ve been waiting my lifetime for you and I can’t wait to spend our lifetime together,” Lily captioned a sweet post of the two kissing while she showed off her new ring. —Agency

FAMILY REUNITED

Chrissy Teigen

SOYA LABAABDAR Half TSP Black Pepper Powder Salt - According To Taste Soya Chaap - 4-5 Sticks Water - According To Need Khoya - 2 TSP Ghee - Two Teaspoon Coriander - For Garnishing Chat Masala - 1 TSP Curd - 2 Tbsp

METHOD Wash The Soya Chaap Properly, then remove from sticks, cut it in small circles Shallow Fry in Slow Flame, till it becomes Golden Brown Take them out in a bowl and add butter and chaat masala, and curd Heat Oil in a Kadhai, add whole garam masala. ( Pinch of Javitri, Green Cardamom, Long )

VRTIKA JAIN

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

INGREDIENTS Oil - 2 Tbsp + Oil For Frying Tej Patta - 2 Sabut Kali Mirch - 3-4 Big Elaichi - 1 Green Cardamom Chopped Onion - 1 Bowl Lal Mirch - 1 and 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder 1 and 1/2 TSP Kitchen King Masala - 1 TSP Haldi - A Pinch Adrak - 1/2 TSP Garlic Paste - 1 TSP Tomato Paste - 1 Big Bowl

Now Add chopped Onions, cook it till it becomes golden brown.

Now add red chilli powder, Kitchen King Masala, green chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste and mix it properly.

Add tomato puree, black pepper and Salt.

Now cook it again.

Now add the marinated Soya in it.

Cook it again, and add a little bit of water.

In the end, add fresh cream, and ghee.

Add Chopped Fresh Coriander Before Serving.

Serve With Green Chutney and Onion Rings.

Maanayata Dutt with family

A

ctor Sanjay Dutt is ensuring that he spends quality time with wife Maanayata Dutt and kids Iqra and Shahraan in Dubai before returning to Mumbai from Dubai. The ‘Shamshera’ actor was diagnosed with lung cancer back in July-end and post that, he had announced a break from work. Recently, Maanayata and Sanjay headed to Dubai to join their kids and when the entire family reunited, the photos captured were beyond adorable. Now, the actor headed out to spends a day chilling with his family in Dubai and Maanayata dropped photos of the same on social media.

Taking to Instagram, Maanayata shared family selfies on Instagram where we can see Sanjay chilling with kids at a restaurant.

While Maanayata clicked the selfies, the Shamshera star could be seen posing away with the kids. In one photo, Sanjay is seen posing with his daughter and wife. —Agency

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

12

HAPPY DAUGHTERS’ DAY!

International Daughters Day on the fourth Sunday in September celebrates the girl child. You can celebrate it with your daughter or be a daughter to someone who doesn’t have one. Our daughters come with a variety of personalities. While one is spunky and adventurous, another will outwit us in a second. They win our hearts immediately. Our instincts may tell us to protect them. However, they’re more likely to protect us just as fiercely. Daughters simply deserve to grow and learn and explore like any other person in the world.

HEALTHY EATING

WHAT’S HAPPENING! RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of National Service Scheme Day, President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented the National Award for the prestigious National Service Scheme year 2018-19 to Bulbul Pathak, a student of Rajasthan University on Thursday. Bulbul has done many things including empowerment of women in the social sector, government schemes to the underprivileged, girl education, blood donation, plantation.

CITY FIRST

MOMENT

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RAJASTHAN: An Udaipur based Doctor-turnedfilmmaker, Utpal Kalal directed a documentary ‘14th February and Beyond’ that exposes the strange face of this global love fest and its impact on the mental health of the society. The film recently got selected in the prestigious film festivals: ‘Indian Film Festival of Melbourne’, ‘Belgium’s Millenium International Documentary Film Festival’ and ‘Brussels for the Young Vision Award’ and ‘Indian Film Festival of Houston, USA’. The film will have its Belgium, Houston and Australian premiere in October.

II-Young Indians (Yi) Kota Chapter organised a virtual session on ‘How to Keep Yourself Healthy during COVID-19’ on Saturday, where Lifestyle Nutritionist, Smitha Shetty from Mumbai talked about the importance of eating the right food. “One of the most important ways to stay healthy is to have healthy food and eat them at an appropriate time. Eating the right food at the wrong time does more wrong than right. Healthy eating is the keystone in preventing health from many diseases. Proper nutrition and hydration are vital. People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to be healthier with stronger immune systems and lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases,” Smitha shared.

She also said that we should eat a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to

Eshan Harsh CITY FIRST

Smitha Shetty during the Session.

get the vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants our body needs.

We also drink enough water.

Avoid sugar, fat and salt to significantly lower our risk of overweight, obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of diseases.

While welcoming the delegates, Saurabh Shourie, Chair, Yi - Kota Chapter highlighted the importance of the subject and said that the coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay indoors for some time and se-

verely affected our lifestyle.

COVID has shown that people are looking towards preventive care and are turning towards traditional and complementary food supplements and workouts to stay in good health. We all are learning & focusing to keep our immune system strong.

At the same time, we are experiencing that immune system generally stronger in people who have a balance between work, healthy food and physical exercise. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

RAJASTHAN: As a part of the ongoing international mega-textile and apparel fair ‘Vastra 2020: Virtual Edition’, the virtual booths of the ‘Rajasthan Artisans’ Pavilion’ is showcasing readymade garments, hand block prints, handloom Khadi products and much more.

Deeply steeped in the tradition of Rajasthan, the pavilion presents merchandise which is a reflection of the excellent workmanship and superior quality of textiles and apparels of the State. The textile fair is being jointly organised by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

HAPPY B’DAY!

IAS Archana Singh celebrated her birthday on 26 September, Saturday. We wish her all the best!

The two short films ‘Jaipur Mera Shahar’ and ‘Jaipur Activists’ made by Jaipur based Eshan Harsh got selected in the ‘Creator in Crisis’ to be held in Singapore. This program is being organised to promote the creativity of creators in the current difficult time. Both of Eshan’s short films are made under the supervision of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Eshan’s short films have been selected in more than 9 Film Festivals around the globe and have been awarded with many awards. Eshan is a first year student of Amity University, Jaipur. He is also the Jury Member of the Reel Youth Film Festival of Canada from the past 2 years.

BUZZ

GUJARAT: Hundreds of brown ducks were seen inside the Sabarmati River, near Vasna Barrage in Ahmedabad on Saturday morning.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

RAJASTHAN: On the death anniversary of Lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri, a musical tribute program was organised by Kala Samarpan on Saturday. The event was held virtually on the Facebook page of Kala Samarpan, where Dr Gaurav Jain and Deepshikha Jain mesmerized the audience with their musical performances.

PROUD

RAJASTHAN: A live webinar on ‘Know Your Urinary Health, Know Your Renal Robustness’ is going to be held today at 5.30 pm on the Facebook page of the IAS Literary Society, Rajasthan. The webinar is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan in collaboration with IAS Literary Society, Rajasthan and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. The webinar will be addressed

by Head Urology-Andrology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, Dr Sanjay Pandey. It will be moderated

by Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan, Mugdha Sinha.

GUJARAT: Ahmedabad municipal corporation (AMC) workers were seen cleaning algae from the Malav Talav Lake at Jivraj park area, after the residents of the nearby areas complaint about it in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Ajay Yadav along with other BJP officials paid floral tributes to the statue of Deendayal.

During the event, Ajay Yadav expressed his views on the biography of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and shared that he was an advocate of an inclusive ideology that wanted a strong India.

The music video called ‘Taveez’, featuring Ranjha Vikram Singh and Sara Gurpal is out now on Running Horses Music. The song is sung by Yasser Desai and directed by Simranjit Hundal.