First India-Ahmedabad Edition-28 April 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

26°C - 42°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

2,09,242 30,29,709 938

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

995,288 SPAIN 229,422 ITALY 199,414 GERMANY 158,142 UK 152,840 TURKEY 112,261 IRAN 91,472 RUSSIA 87,147 CHINA 82,830

56,139 23,521 26,977 5,985 21,092 2,900 5,806 794 4,633

USA

+726 +331 +333 +9 +360 +95 +96 +47 +1

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO

LAST UPDATED: APRIL 27, 2020, 11:00 PM

IN GUJARAT DISTRICT

TOTAL CASES

AHMEDABAD 2378 VADODARA 240 SURAT 556 RAJKOT 46 BHAVNAGAR 40 ANAND 51 BHARUCH 29 GANDHINAGAR 30 PATAN 17 PANCHMAHAL 20 BANASKANTHA 28 NARMADA 12 CHOTA UDAIPUR 13 KUTCH 6 MAHESANA 7 BOTAD 12 DAHOD 4 PORBANDAR 3 JAMNAGAR 2 MORBI 1 SABARKANTHA 3 ARAVALLI 18 MAHISAGAR 10 KHEDA 6 GIR SOMNATH 3 VALSAD 5 TAPI 1 NAVSARI 3 DANG 2 SURENDRANAGAR 1 TOTAL

3548

SAMPLES TESTED NEGATIVE CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 152

WORLD

DEATHS

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

109 13 19 0 5 3 2 2 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 162

5 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

CONFIRMED CASES

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DEATHS

INDIA

29,450

CONFIRMED CASES

162 DEATHS

GUJARAT

3,548

CONFIRMED CASES

Modi talks economy, future beyond May 3 with CMs  Give importance to economy and also battle Corona: PM to CMs in VC Aditi Nagar New Delhi: As India enters the final week of the lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to chief ministers that the country will have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against the novel coronavirus.

In a video conference with the chief ministers, fourth such interaction since March 22 when he first spoke to them on the pandemic, Modi also highlighted the importance for

 Focus on a graded exit from lockdown

states to enforce prescribed guidelines strictly in the coronavirus hotspots, the government said in a statement. PM said that efforts of the states should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones.

The prime minister underlined that the nationwide lockdown has “yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and a half months”, it said.

Turn on P6

FAULTY CHINA KITS SHOWN THE DOOR!

A health official collects swab sample from a man for coronavirus testing, in Guwahati.

New Delhi: Not a single rupee will be lost to Chinese firms who provided faulty COVID-19 test kits to India as the orders have been cancelled and the payments not made, the government said on Monday amid a controversy over the issue.

Coronavirus test kits made by two Chinese companies Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon

53,575 50,027

UNDER EXAMINATION

0

CORONA IN GUJARAT

Municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra on Monday admitted that the cityrun Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital is at full capacity and cannot accommodate any more patients. He has previously stated that the hospital had 1,000 beds designated for patients of COVID-19. There are currently 150 suspected cases of COVID-19 admitted to SVP. For more, see P3

—ANI

Diagnostics have been found “under-performing” by the ICMR, government said. It has asked states and hospitals to stop using the kits made by the two companies and since “due process followed (not going for procurement with 100% advance amount), GoI (Government of India) does not stand to lose a single rupee”, an official statement said.

Turn on P6

INDIA SEES HIGHEST ONE-DAY RISE IN TOLL WITH 60 NEW DEATHS New Delhi: Corona cases in the country on Monday soared to 29,450 with 1,463 new cases and 60 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, as per the data shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday evening. The total coronavirus deaths in India are 938, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.

 States must strictly enforce lockdown guidelines in hotspots

 At least 6 CMs for lockdown extension KEY POINTS  Most northeastern states are for extending lockdown  Masks and face covers will become part of lives of people in days ahead: PM  In the three-hour discussion, nine CMs got a chance to speak  PM forewarns danger of virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance

PM Narendra Modi interacting with CM of states via video conferencing to discuss the emerging situation and plan ahead for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, in New Delhi on Monday.

—ANI

This institution not hostage of govt: SC New Delhi: This institution is not hostage of government, the Supreme Court said on Monday as it sought reply from the Centre on a plea seeking direction to authorities to allow migrant workers across the country to return home after conducting coronavirus tests.

The top court’s remark came after advocate Prashant Bhushan told the court that the government’s view is being blindly considered without verifying it, while fundamental rights of people especially migrant workers are not being enforced.

A bench of Justices N V Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B R Gavai questioned Bhushan, appearing for petitioners Jagdeep S Chhokar, former director Turn on P6

CDC EXPANDS LIST OF CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS Atlanta: US public health body, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has included six new symptoms for coronavirus which include, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. Earlier, CDC had listed fever, cough and shortness of breath as the symptoms of the deadly coronavirus disease.

 PM urges CMs to ensure people register in Aarogya Setu App

RBI’s `50,000cr special liquidity window for MFs Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday decided to open a special liquidity facility for mutual funds of Rs 50,000 crore in a bid to arrest redemptions in the asset management industry after last week’s collapse of six debt schemes of Franklin Templeton India.

Credit markets in India have been under pressure even before the coronavirus pandemic. “With a view to easing liquidity pressures on mutual funds, it has been decided to open a special liquidity facility for mutual funds of Rs 50,000 crore,” said the central bank in a statement.

“Heightened volatility in capital markets in reaction to COVID-19 has imposed liquidity

The RBI will conduct repo operations of 90 days tenor at the fixed repo rate.

strains on mutual funds which have intensified in the wake of redemption pressures related to the closure of some debt mutual funds and potential contagious effects therefrom,” it said adding the stress is confined to the high-risk debt mutual fund segment at this stage and the larger industry remains liquid.

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED IN ENCOUNTER IN J-K’S KULGAM Kulgam: Three terrorists were neutralised in an ongoing operation in Kulgam’s Lower Munda, Indian Army said on Monday. One body was recovered so far from the site of encounter. An encounter started between terrorists and joint troops, said the Kashmir Zone Police. Further details are awaited.

The RBI said it remains vigilant and will take whatever steps are necessary to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and preserve financial stability.

Under the special liquidity facility for mutual funds, the RBI will conduct repo operations of 90 days tenor at the fixed repo rate. The facility is Turn on P6

GLOBAL CASES PASS 3 MN AS LOCKDOWNS BEGIN TO EASE Beijing:Global confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed 3 million on Monday, as the United States neared 1 million cases, according to a Reuters tally. It comes as many countries are taking steps to ease lockdown measures that have brought the world to a standstill over the past eight weeks. An average of 82,000 cases have been reported per day in the past week.

Ahmedabad has 2/3 of state’s 3,548 COVID-19 cases 11 more fatalities in the past 24 hours takes Gujarat death toll to 162 First India News Gandhinagar: With 197 of the state’s 247 new cases of COVID-19 coming from Ahmedabad, the city now accounts for 67% of all cases reported in the state, and 79% of the cases reported in the past 24 hours.

Eleven more patients have died because of COVID-19

and its co-morbidities, taking the state’s death toll to 162. Five of these deaths occurred in Ahmedabad.

The only sliver of good news is that 81 have recovered in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of discharged patients up to 394.

Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi said on Monday that the state has conduct-

Police personnel in protective gear enforce lockdown rules in Ahmedabad’s Kalupur area on Monday.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

ed 53,575 tests so far, including 2,848 RTPCR tests in the past 24 hours.

She added that the state has carried out 8,908 Rapid Antibody Tests (RAT), all of which turned out to be negative. This, despite the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ban on the use of RAT for COVID-19 and a statement from Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani that these kits would not be used from Tuesday.

Further, Ravi said, “Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara together account for 89% of total cases, with the remaining 27 districts making up the other 11% of total positive cases. Amreli, Junagadh and Devbhoomi Dwarka remain unaffected.”

In Ahmedabad, 20 teams have been deputed in the North-West zone, a few new cases were reported from Memnagar. The local civic body has since in-

creased sample testing in the area.

Among the new cases in the city is a student of Jamnagar. He is being counted as a case from Jamnagar, even though he is being treated in Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, the General Administration Department has issued a circular saying that state secretariat employees living in Ahmedabad—especially in cluster containment zones, red zones or hotspots—will not Turn on P6

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

02

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with Chief Ministers of states via video conferencing in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

PM sticks to rural connect with gamcha

COVERING HIS FACE WITH A TRADITIONAL A ‘GAMCHA’ HAS BEEN GO-TO OPTION FOR MODI TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF HOW EASY IT IS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi, in a videoconference with Chief Ministers over the COVID-19 situation, was seen covering his face with a traditional ‘gamcha’ on Monday.

The Prime Minister’s ‘gamcha’ was a plain white colour with a sea green check pattern.

Covering the mouth and nose with a traditional ‘gamcha’ has been the go-to option for Modi in a bid to make people aware of how they can easily take precautions against coronavirus. Modi wore a ‘gamcha’ previously for

his address to the nation on April 14 during which he announced the extension of the national lockdown till May 3.

During a video interaction with Sarpanchs on April 24, Modi again opted for a ‘gamcha’.

He was seen wearing a homemade white cloth mask in his previous meeting with Chief Ministers on April 11.

With 1,396 more COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, India’s count of cases has reached 27,892, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.

—ANI

Shah asks CMs to follow lockdown guidelines strictly New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah during the PM-CMs meeting on Monday urged the states to ensure that the lockdown was followed strictly, as per sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a video conference with Chief Ministers of all states to take a view regarding the situation across the country.

As per sources, during the meeting, the Union Home Minister put forth that certain relaxations had been given in trade and industry, however the lockdown guidelines needed to be strictly followed. He also urged the states to go ahead on the guidance of PM’s ‘Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi’ motto since the battle against the COV-

Home Minister Amit Shah interacts with Chief Ministers of all States on COVID-19 situation through video conference in New Delhi on Monday.

ID-19 pandemic was ‘long and needed to be fought with patience.’

Shah also called Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan over phone to seek his opinion about extending COVID lockdown. TheVijayan told

Shah that the lockdown should be withdrawn step by step. The chief minister also handed over the opinion of the state in writing. The present condition of the disease transmission in the state, the method of

withdrawing lockdown, financial assistance and other matters are informed to the home minister. The major demand put forward by the state is not to withdraw the lockdown all at once.

—ANI

Operation of cross land border transportation of essential goods already allowed: MHA New Delhi: Amid nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said as per the consolidated revised guidelines, operation of cross land border transportation of essential goods, as well as export, is already allowed.

“Operation of cross land border transportation of essential goods as well as export is already allowed,” the ministry said. It stated that as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given its ‘in-principal’ approval on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Ministry of Shipping may issue the SOP at their end.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on March 24 announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended to May 3.

—ANI

State govt wants to ease lockdown in a phased manner: Rupani CHIEF MINISTER IS IN FAVOUR OF EXTENDING RESTRICTIONS IN WORST-HIT AREAS OF THE STATE First India News Gandhinagar: The state government is preparing to ease lockdown restrictions in a phased manner, but might extend the lockdown in areas that have been the worst hit by the SarsCoV-2 virus, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video conference on Monday.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary and Secretary to the Chief

Minister Ashwani Kumar, who shared details of the meeting with the media, said the state is looking to ease restrictions in a phased manner for the benefit of small-time traders, selfemployed individuals and daily wagers.

However, Rupani is in favour of extending the lockdown in areas where maximum cases have been reported.

Kumar also said that Rupani shared with the prime minister a de-

—FILE PHOTO

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

tailed plan and a report on the state government’s action on its

fight against COVID-19.

“CM Rupani has informed the prime

minister that 85% of coronavirus-related deaths were caused

by co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiac issues, diabetes and cancer. COVID-19 symptoms were secondary,” Kumar said, adding, ”A detailed analysis shows that 80% of people died because they were brought to the hospital with advanced symptoms of COVID-19.”

He also said Rupani briefed the PM on the virus-related situation in the state. “In three districts, there are zero positive cases so far and, in 18 districts, cases are in single digits.

The overall situation is

under control,” he said.

Rupani also informed Modi that local health department teams are carrying out door-todoor surveillance in the cities that account for most cases. Moreover, the state is also expanding the capacity of COVID-Care Centres and will soon have 22,500 beds ready for positive cases with mild symptoms. This is in addition to the 61 dedicated hospitals with 10,500 beds for COVID-19 patients.

Further, Kumar added that Rupani briefed the prime minister about other state government pro-

grammes undertaken for the benefit of the poorest of the poor and those falling under the National Food Safety Act. In interest of farmers and agricultural activities, the state has relaxed lockdown norms to allow the operation of APMC (Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee) yards, where farmers are able to sell their produce.

In addition, state has permitted medium, small and micro enterprises to operate, allowing lakhs of workers to return to their jobs.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

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03

In Memoriam: ‘Badrubhai’s death is a great loss to society at large’ First India News Ahmedabad: Late on Sunday night, Ahmedabad lost one of its clearest voices in local politics as Congress party leader Badruddin Shaikh, fondly known as ‘Badrubhai’ lost the battle against the novel coronavirus. He was 67.

He was buried at the

Ganj Sauda Kabrastan in Danilimda in the presence of a few family members at around 2 am. The councillor from Behrampura was a beloved leader who would have been given a very different farewell, had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite suffering from diabetes, ‘Badrub-

hai’ continued helping those in need after novel coronavirus found its way to the state. He launched a campaign to provide daily supplies to the underprivileged amid the outbreak.

That is how he contracted the virus and was admitted to a hospital on April 9, where he was put on a ventilator.

and MP Ahmed Patel took to Twitter to share their condolences.

“In this hour of grief, my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted, while Patel’s tweet read: “I am anguished by the untimely demise of my colleague Badruddinbhai. This is a great loss for Ahmedabad and

A very popular, learned and humourous person, ‘Badrubhai’ was one of the few leaders in the local civic body Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) who could put forth factual arguments and back up his opinions with facts.

Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi

the entire state of Gujarat. My condolences to his family and wellwishers.”

Even his political opponent, BJP spokesperson Hemant Bhatt called him a “wonderful human being and public person” in his condolence message. “It is a great loss to society at large,” he also said.

As many as 84 buses carried the workers from Rajasthan who had been stranded here since lockdown began last month

First India News

Gandhinagar: The state government sent back more than 2,300 migrant workers from Rajasthan, who were housed in shelter homes since the nationwide lockdown began on March 25, on Monday.

“These workers wanted to return to their homes in Rajasthan, but were unable to do so because of the lockdown, and were put up in shelter homes. After discussions with the Rajasthan government, we made arrangements to send them back home. We arranged 84 buses to take them from shelter homes across the state to Rajasthan border, from where the Rajasthan government has made arrangements for their onward journey,” said Vipul Mittra, additional chief secretary, Labour and Employ-

These labourers from Uttar Pradesh took advantage of the few hours in which shops remained open on Sunday to buy bicycles. They are currently trying to ride home from Ahmedabad.

ment department.

More than 560 of these workers were in shelter homes in Banaskantha, over 300 in Valsad, 285 in Aravalli, and 228 in Vadodara. Mittra said that the workers were screened by doctors before boarding the buses for home. “The workers will reach their homes by tomorrow,”

he said, adding, “This is in continuation of the massive exercise began on Saturday, when labourers from Madhya Pradesh were moved successfully.”

Nearly 9,200 migrant workers were housed in 235 shelter homes set up by the state government across the state after the nationwide lockdown

commenced more than a month back on March 25. On Saturday, around 2,300 migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh were also sent back by the state government.

Mittra added that the state government is also in talks with the other states for sending back migrant workers from Gujarat.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

Govt helps migrants return home to Raj

Khedawala vows plasma donation Ahmedabad: Jamalpur MLA Imran Khedawala who was discharged from hospital on Monday after successfully beating COVID-19 has promised to become a plasma donor to help treat other patients with the disease.

He tested positive on April 14 and has spent the last fortnight at the city-run Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital being treated for the Sars-CoV-2 infection.

Khedawala signed the consent form to become a plasma donor on his way out of the hospital.

He also thanked the hospital staff and asked the people to contact the hospital and medical staff at the first signs of infection.

He will remain home-quarantined for the next two weeks.

Don’t hurry withdrawal of lockdown: Speaker First India News Vadodara: The state assembly speaker Rajendra Trivedi has drawn the attention of the Vadodara administrators to a few issues such as lack of cleanliness at two hospitals in the city, gradual withdrawal of lockdown and health survey by female teachers. Raopura MLA and speaker Trivedi met with Vadodara district collector Shalini Agarwal, municipal commissioner Nalin Upadhyay and police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut on Monday and requested that the authorities take immediate action to resolve a few important issues.

Trivedi stated that as per his report, cleanliness is not being maintained at the SSG Hospital and GMRES Hospital in Gotri. He asked the administrators to ensure that bedsheets in the general and isolation wards are changed

Gujarat State Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi. —FILE PHOTO

He also asked hospitals to ensure that bedsheets are changed regularly. regularly. Citing the example of Ahmedabad COVID-19 hospitals, he suggested installation of a high-volume washing machine for patient clothes and bedsheets.

He also suggested that withdrawal of lockdown be limited to one area at a time. He asked that local authorities do not allow grocery shops and pharmacies to operate

for all day but, fix a time period and only stay open during those hours.

Another issue addressed by Trivedi was the door-to-door health survey being conducted all across the state. He stated that female teachers and the ones over 50 years of age be exempted from survey work and that it be assigned only to the male teachers.

He also asked that people be allowed to return home to the state in private vehicles, or collaborate with the taxi association for their transportation.

3 more arrested under PASA for assaulting cops: DGP First India News Gandhinagar: State police are taking strict action against anyone assaulting corona warriors. With three more persons being arrested

IMCT team continues its inspection of the city First India News Ahmedabad: The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) which has been in Ahmedabad for the last two days has continued its inspection of the COVID-19 situation in various pockets.

With the city among one of the worst hit novel coronavirus hotspots in the country, the team has been asked to review every aspect including shelter homes, COVID Care Centres (CCCs) and other facilities with a view to controlling the situation.

for assaulting cops, the total number of cases under the Prevention of Anti Social Activities Act (PASA) has risen to 15, with 38 arrests.

Director-General of Police Shivanand Jha

said here that one person from Navsari and two from Amreli district were arrested under PASA in the past 24 hours.

“The police will increase patrolling and

surveillance in areas where more cases have occurred. Roads leading to those areas are being sealed, and only restricted traffic movement will be allowed in these areas,” he said.

Newborn tests -ve despite +ve mother ‘SVP hospital is at max capacity’ Masuma Bharmal Jariwala

Rajkot: The newborn child of a COVID-19 positive mother tested negative for the virus on Sunday. Born to a 22-year-old patient, the 3.2 kg infant was the first baby to be born to a novel coronavirus patient in Saurashtra re-

gion.

A team of doctors including Dr Kamal Goswami, head of gynaecology department at government PDU Medical College, Dr Pankaj Buch, head of neonatal care and district health officer Dr Miteshkumar Bhanderi ensured that best possible care is

provided to mother and child. “We had undergone a lot of training before the delivery.

From PPE kits to sanitization, the entire staff was well prepared to tackle any situation that arose. Mother and child are healthy and doing well,” said Goswami. Bhanderi con-

firmed the infant’s negative result but added, “We cannot rule out trans-ovarian transfer so the baby’s samples will be tested again to ensure there is no infection.” The baby was given to the mother for feeding on Monday after taking all the necessary precautions.”

SAFETY NET

Dwarka takes care of stranded Russian family First India News Ahmedabad: A Russian couple has been stuck with their sixyear-old son in DevBhumi Dwarka district ever since the lockdown began on March 24.

Zyuzin Vitaly, 28, and his wife Galina and son Sviatoslav had come to Dwarka on March 6.

The local health and administration department is taking care of the family.

When the district ad-

ministration was informed about the family, its revenue and health department started regularly visiting the family and ensuring that they do not face any problems.

Dwarka health officer Ankita Goswami said, “Galina is six months pregnant so we conduct regular health check-ups along with sonography and blood tests. We have made her comfortable and our medical team is fully

for violating public orders and other notifications, with 3,990 cases registered against them. In addition, 8,412 vehicles have been impounded for violating lockdown.

He also warned that persons found misusing the relaxation meant for the purchase of essential commodities will be booked.

The state police have arrested 4,945 persons

STATUS QUO

Zyuzin Vitaly, his wife Galina and son Sviatoslav.

equipped to handle her delivery.”

Zyuzin said, “My family and I are feeling safe

in the town because not a single novel coronavirus positive case has been reported from the

district, whereas back home in Russia, the situation is not the same.”

He added that his son

Sviatoslav loves the atmosphere of the town, and so far has not asked questions about their return to Russia.

Two other foreign tourists, Gilbat Vitaly and Felicia, have also been staying in Dwarka unable to leave due to the lockdown.

All foreign tourists are under the care of the local administration and will be able to travel back to their home countries only after the lockdown is withdrawn.

First India News Ahmedabad: Municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra on Monday admitted that the city-run Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital is at full capacity and cannot accommodate any more patients.

Sharing the information during his morning bulletin, which is streamed live on social media, Nehra said, “At present, there are 643 active cases and 150 suspect cases have been admitted to SVP. So, the hospital has reached its maximum capacity.

Henceforth, new patients will be shifted to Civil Hospital.”

The commissioner has previously stated

Vijay Nehra

that the hospital had 1,000 beds designated for patients of COVID-19.

In addition to those admitted to SVP, there are 547 patients at the Civil Hospital, 591 at the Samras COVID-Care Centre (CCC), 14 at the HCG hospital, 16 at Sterling, and 1,854 patients under treatment at Haj house and other CCCs.

There are 643 active cases and 150 suspect cases have been admitted to SVP. So, new patients will be shifted to Civil Hospital.

—Vijay Nehra, Commissioner, AMC

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

ONLY ADVICE NO ASSISTANCE IN VC?

BANKING ON THE BONDS? CA SONAKSHI GUPTA

The writer is a rank holder Chartered Accountant who has interest in banking and finance matters. She is currently working with Aditya Birla Group

W

ith the second round of lockdown entering its final week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with state chief ministers, his fourth post-COVID-19, to discuss the way forward after May 3. During the interaction, the prime minister’s thrust was that the restrictions have had a positive effect and helped in saving thousands of lives. The prime minister’s message to states was to gradually convert red zones into orange and subsequently into green zones. He suggested the graded opening of the economy keeping people’s welfare in mind. Modi did not say anything about the lifting of lockdown after May 3 but gave enough indication that it may be extended.

Warning that the virus is not going away anytime soon, he stressed on constant vigilance. “Country has seen two lockdowns till now, both different in certain aspect, and now we have to think of the way ahead,” the prime minister said and again underscored the importance of do guz doori (two-yard distance) and masks.

These hints are strong enough to suggest that while relaxing curbs in green zones the curbs would continue at least until May 15 by when the Covid-19 curve is likely to flatten.

Experts, too, warn against easing curbs when the battle is not yet over. Several states like Odisha, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra were in favour of extending the lockdown in the red zones with economic activity being allowed in green zones. Although the Centre may leave the decision of extending curbs on the states, they will have to wait for guidelines from New Delhi.

The Centre will also determine the kind of activities to be allowed in green zones. Jumping the gun would invite chastisement from the Centre as happened to Kerala after April 20.

Rajasthan, on the contrary, came in for praise from the prime minister for extending working hours of factory workers from eight to 12 hours and several other initiatives of chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Some states later issued a similar notification.

Mamata Banerjee came out of the meeting bristling, alleging that there is only bhashan (speech) and no ration. She did not speak at the conference as only seven states were allowed to speak. There was speculation that she will give the virtual meet a miss like her Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan, who was asked for his suggestions in writing, not allotted any time to speak either.

The privilege was not extended to Mamata.

Politicking for political gains, it seems, can’t be kept aside even in times of crisis.

With their finances in dire straits, chief ministers expected Modi to mention financial assistance in vain. While Maharashtra asked for foodgrains, Tamil Nadu asked for funds to buy medical equipment. Modi did say, however, that the economy will have to be given as much importance as Covid-19, and reforms will have to be given a push.

T

However, we need to understand that in a typical recapitalization, there is no flow of funds, but only a capital restructuring involved. The banks subscribe to the bonds issued by the government and in return, the government uses that money to inject equity into the banks.

Interest revenue on these bonds is the only positive cash flow

he health of any economy depends largely on the health of its banking industry. Over the recent months, the banking system of the country has suffered various health issues, evidenced from the symptoms of growing bad loans, wilful defaulters, widening losses, governance issues and so on.

In fact, the 10th edition of the Fortune India 500 List has some unsettling numbers on these banks. Of the 500 companies, 65 reported a cumulative loss of `1, 67,851.6 Cr; and 14 PSBs accounted for 44.2% (`74,253.2 Cr) of the total loss. Moreover, 13 of the 14 PSBs were among the loss-makers in 2018 as well.

In such situations, big corporations are seldom left with no option but to depend on Government injections (bail out, as we popularly call it). If sources are to be believed, the government is looking at a `2.11 Lakh Cr recapitalization package to rescue the stressed PSBs. (This should not be confused with the current `3.74 lakh Cr package which is a short term measure inclined towards reviving the economic activity in the wake of COVID-19. Long term focus has to be on improving the CAR and liquidity of the banks.)

However, we need to understand that in a typical recapitalization, there is no flow of funds, but only a capital restructuring involved. The banks subscribe to the bonds issued by the government and in return, the government uses that money to inject equity into the banks. Interest revenue on these bonds is the only positive cash flow. Such an exercise improves the bank’s capital adequacy ratio which should be at least 8% as per the BASEL III norms. This enhances the bank’s ability to write off the existing NPAs and, increase their lending capacity.

But the question is, is recapitalization really the right solution? Shouldn’t the focus be on improving the actual liquidity and cash flows of banks rather than only increasing the tier 1 capital in the books? z Recapitalization as a concept

dates back to the 1990s in India.

While it serves to temporarily improve the quantum of lending, the banks do not get any fresh capital.

They still have to resort to public money or other fund raising channels. In fact, critics have also pointed out that it’s unclear how the redemption is usually done.

Can the banks sell these bonds or market them in any other manner? Plus, the losses continue to mount and the public continues to worry about a bail in. z The focus should be on improving the long term liquidity of banks through a win-win methodology for the public, government and the banks. One such solution, in my opinion, is issue of banking bonds to the public. These bonds can carry a coupon rate of ~5-7% which is at least at par with other government securities.

In the past when recapitalization happened, funds were raised from the public directly via equity. Such investments are exposed to lot of fluctuations and the taxpayer is in constant jeopardy in such situations. Instead, government backed bonds would ensure the public better stability and security for their money. z To encourage investments in

these bonds, several routes can be adopted. We can include them in the tax exemptions offered u/s 54EC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on the lines of NHAI and RECL bonds. Banking bonds can be added to the list, at competitive interest rates with a lock in period of 3-5 years, based on an estimated time for the banks to recover.

For instance, ~`1.06 lakh Cr was raised by NHAI and RECL via 54EC and other long term bonds in

The 10th edition of the Fortune India 500 List has some unsettling numbers on these banks. Of the 500 companies, 65 reported a cumulative loss of `1, 67,851.6 Cr; and 14 PSBs accounted for 44.2% (`74,253.2 Cr) of the total loss

2019-20. So, if a similar strategy is adopted, let’s say, at the least 30% gets invested into these bonds, which is ~ `35,000 Cr. That’s a lot coming from the public! Besides, big corporate houses and mutual funds can also be encouraged to park their money in these bonds. z The funds so raised from the public can be invested directly in the equity of PSBs or via creating a state run holding company and investing in various PSBs a.k.a the subsidiaries. This type of consolidation structure can help strengthen the balance sheets of banks initially, capitalize on synergy benefits and eventually give way to their independent functioning. z Since the banking sector is a sensitive one, a performance report should be generated very frequently (maybe, monthly) to monitor the usage of funds and ensure greater accountability. In fact, there are talks of a perfor-

COVID-19 has challenged the logic of globalisation

U

ntil recently, globalization was heralded as the major engine of global economic growth and, particularly, of the dramatic reduction in intercountry inequality. Globalization was largely seen as a win-win mechanism for both developed and developing countries. Central to globalization has been the expansion of global value chains — the breaking up of the production process into a series of geographically separated steps. Some, such as design and marketing, were retained in developed countries. Others, such as manufacturing and assembly, were outsourced to developing countries.

The expectation was that over time, developing countries would “climb

04

up the value chain,” allowing them to converge with the developed West.

The COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally challenged the logic of globalization.

It has brutally exposed the underlying flaws of a system exclusively based on cutting costs. Take, for instance, the case of Switzerland. It derives much of its wealth from the pharmaceutical industry, which is a major driver of Swiss exports. Together with chemicals, pharmaceuticals account for roughly half of Swiss exports, way ahead of jewelry, watches and precision instruments.

Novartis and Hoffmann-La Roche are global players.

Yet when the coronavirus pandemic hit Switzerland, the country was caught completely unprepared.

At the beginning of March, pharmacies advised Swiss citizens to fol-

COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally challenged the logic of globalization. It has brutally exposed the underlying flaws of a system exclusively based on cutting costs

low basic health measures, such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer. There was only one problem: There was no hand sanitizer, neither in the pharmacies nor in the supermarkets. It took Coop, one of the country’s two major supermarket chains (the other is Migros), more than four weeks to provide hand sanitizer to its customers.

Things were equally disastrous with regard to face masks. By now it has been well established that face masks are an effective way to prevent the spread of the virus, which is carried in tiny spit droplets. The easing of lockdown restrictions will ultimately depend on the availability of protective masks for anyone venturing out into the public. Ironically enough, as the Swiss quickly found out, there was not one company in the country in a position to produce face masks. Swiss face masks were imported from Germany, which, in the face of a quickly escalating pandemic, stopped exporting masks to its neighbors.

COVID-19 has laid bare the soft underbelly of globalization — with disastrous consequences. Globalization has entailed two contrary develop-

ments: deindustrialization in the north and industrialization in the south. For years, major Western European and North American companies have outsourced core areas of their manufacturing operations to localities overseas. Producing basic commodities such as face masks just was not profitable. Better leave it to the Chinese, Indians or Vietnamese.

COVID-19 has been a wake-up call — or so one would hope. For ages, countries have refused to hand over their vital food supply to the outside world. Even in Switzerland, a country largely covered by mountains and lakes, consumers pay relatively horrendous prices for domestic agricultural products in order to keep domestic producers alive.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.FAIROBSERVER.COM

mance linked bail out doing the rounds. It will be interesting to see how that works out. This will, hopefully, avoid making banks complacent after receiving funds.

Such a liquidity measure should also keep the danger of bail in by the banks at bay. In fact, now the onus has shifted on the government to pay back the bonds. This should compel them to focus on the bank’s effective functioning and push up its market value. Once, the banks are healthy again, then, FPOs and other divestment options can be considered by the government.

While all the above points suggest a secure mechanism of strengthening the banks’ balance sheets, the long-term objective should be to target the root cause of NPAs. Who are the major defaulters? Does default hint lapse in a particular sector? Is it skewed towards a particular income class? Are excessive legislations the reason behind long gestation periods, thereby blocking money in large scale projects? Is there lapse (wilful) in the borrower’s diligence reports? Is there a casual attitude on the part of the public? Lessons can also be drawn from some of the world’s best banking systems, for instance Canada has a remarkable one, thanks to its solid funding and conservative lending practices. A lot more similar questions needed to be answered and acted upon by the government to ensure banks can self-sustain themselves and, the government can focus on real development issues.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

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TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp PM Garib Kalyan Yojana has been instrumental in waging a war against the economic challenges of #Covid19 and has played a crucial role in mitigating the hardships of the poor. Beneficiaries from Odisha thank PM Shri @narendramodi for the assistance in this hour of crisis.

Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Food Security During COVID-19: Following PM @NarendraModi ji’s call to ensure adequate food supplies for all, Railways has transported 52 lakh tonnes of foodgrains since March 25, more than double the quantity transported in the same period last year.

Spiritual SPEAK

No purifier equals knowledge, and in time the man of perfect discipline discovers this in his own spirit. —Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 152 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

INDIA AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

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Five out of eight NE states corona-free now: MoS Singh

The credit for low incidence of cases in North-east goes to Modi govt’s efforts, he said

New Delhi: Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh on Monday, said that five out of the eight states in the North-East are corona-free now.

He said that those five states are - Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.

“Three states in the region - Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram - are not corona-free but there have been no new positive cases in these states in the recent past,” Singh said.

Singh said that the credit for the low incidence of cases in the North-east goes to the way the government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given priority to the region’s development in

Three states in the region - Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram - are not corona-free but there have been no new positive cases in these states in the recent past.

Jitendra Singh, MoS, DoNER

the past six years.

“Even during this emergency, the way the air cargo was operational in bringing supplies to the region, there was no shortage in the area of essential goods. From March 30 onwards, supplies kept

Delhi Pradesh Congress committee workers spray disinfectant at ITO area to contain the spread of COVID-19 in New Delhi on Monday.

reaching the region through Air India and the Indian Air Force. It was Prime Minister Modi’s directive that the North-East, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and island areas of the country be given priority,” Singh said.

“The governments in all eight North-eastern states have worked hard and collaborated with the Centre during this crisis. The North-East Development Council which is headquartered in Shillong has done an excellent job of coordi-

Now working on PM’s mantra of ‘jaan bhi, jahan bhi’: U’khand CM Dehradun: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said that he is following PM Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi’ as the state government is gradually working on improving the economic situation while adhering to coronavirus guidelines.

His remarks came after attending the meeting of Chief Ministers with the Prime Minister over the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

“Now we are working on the mantra ‘Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi’ given by the Prime Minister. While

RISHIKESH: 20 BIGHA AREA IS ‘HOTSPOT’

strictly following the guidelines of the Government of India, we

are gradually working on improving the economic situation. Phar-

COPS USE THEMED HELMETS IN DELHI Dwarka: Volunteers wearing COVID-19 themed helmets appealed to residents of Dwarka to stay at home, as part of an awareness drive about COVID-19 threat initiated by Delhi Police.

As part of the initiative, masks were also distributed and efforts made to sensitise people about the COVID-19 situation to ensure that they stay indoors and follow social distancing

norms. “Government has taken various steps to create awareness among the citizens about the virus, and has appealed to all the peo-

ple to follow the advisories. We selected four volunteers to create awareness about the same,” said RP Meena, DCP, Dwarka. —ANI

ma, food processing units are working, many industries have started under the guidelines,” Rawat said, according to a release by Uttarakhand CMO “Nine hill districts of the state are free from the influence of Corona. The works of National Highway, MNREGA have been started keeping in mind everything. For the economic revival of the state, a committee of cabinet sub-committee and experts has been formed, whose report will be received soon,” he said. —ANI

Agra’s COVID-19 tally reaches 381 Agra: 10 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Agra in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 381, District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh said on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh has climbed to 1,868 including 29 deaths. —ANI

nation during this period,” he added.

DoNER had made available a fund amounting to Rs 25 crore for state governments of the region even before the lockdown was imposed, he said.—ANI .

covered patients. They, in fact, can be a potential source of healing

for antibodies using plasma therapy.”

The Joint Secretary

further added that spreading of misinformation and panic

Women Health workers during door-to-door screening in Kolkata.

Kolkata: On the Home Ministry order of allowing some shops in residential complexes to open, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said Central government is releasing circulars on lockdown without considering the position of states.

“Central government is releasing circulars all of a sudden. I don’t have any problem with it but there must be some consultation.

They should have asked the position of states,” Banerjee said. “On one side they say lockdown

should be strictly maintained on another hand they are saying to open all shops. What should we do? There is a lack of clarity between what Central government is saying and their directives,” she added. This comes after the Home Ministry said, “in urban areas, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops, and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. Shops in markets, market complexes, and shopping malls are not allowed to open.” —ANI

A woman carries a LPG cylinder on her back as another woman walks past her during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus in Kullu.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Central team reviews containment zone in Hybd Hyderabad: A 5-member Central team led by Arun Baroka, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited the containment zone at Masab Tank in Hyderabad to review the measures being taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.

“The Central team visited the containment zone at Masab Tank to review measures to con-

‘Stigma on Corona be addressed via campaign’ NEED OF THE HOUR

Leh: A COVID-19 laboratory has been set up in the Union Territory of Ladakh to ensure timely and cost-effective sample testing, officials said.

Earlier, the samples had to be sent to Delhi by flights leading to delays and heavy expenditure, they said.

“At this crucial time when COVID-19 poses a national challenge, we believe that urgent emergency resources need to be deployed to fight the crisis. We are happy to support Ladakh in setting up its first COVID-19 testing lab,” said Sunil Duggal, V-P, Corporate Affairs, Pernod Ricard India. The new laboratory is a fully equipped facility compliant with ICMR standards, he said. —PTI

Lockdown circulars issued randomly:Didi

MEETING DAILY NEEDS...

CLEARING THE AIR

New Delhi: Getting infected by coronavirus is not a stigma, which should be addressed through an intensive campaign, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, here on Monday.

During a press briefing, Agarwal said: “Stigma should be addressed through an intensive campaign.

We’ve to understand that there is no risk of transmission from re-

Ladakh gets its first COVID-19 Testing Lab

05

should be avoided and no community or area should be labelled for COVID-19 spread.

“We should avoid spreading misinformation and panic. No community or area should be labelled for COVID-19 spread. In particular, healthcare and sanitary workers or police should not be targeted as they are there to help you,” added Agarwal while informing about the Corona virus threat.—ANI

trol the spread of coronavirus,” an official said. The official also said that the state authorities provided them with details of coronavirus prevention activities in the city.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Lokesh Kumar and Zonal Commissioner were also present during the inspection. —ANI

Udit Raj’s tweet on price of test kits is fake: ICMR New Delhi: The ICMRrejected a tweet by Congress leader Udit Raj that coronavirus test kits are being sold at Rs 4,500. Congress leader Udit Raj had shared on Twitter a message circulating on social media that “17 companies were ready to sell the coronavirus test kits for Rs 500 but PM Modi got a Gujaratbased company the contract for selling kits for Rs 4,500”. ICMR replied on the social networking site that the price range for the testing kits lies between Rs 528-1150. —ANI

Mobile dispensary for pregnant women launched in Nagpur

Nagpur: A mobile dispensary service has been started in Nagpur for expectant mothers.

Started by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the service is aimed at ensuring regular check-up for pregnant women during the lockdown period.

“Due to COVID-19 and news about women in pregnancy contracting the virus, the civic body cobbled up the mobile medical unit to screen all ladies so that they can be checked-up and provided medical aid in time,” said Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the NMC.

The mobile dispensary is equipped with testing facilities and medical supplies for expectant mothers.

Nagpur has about 120 cases of coronavirus, out of which 23 have recovered and one has died. The authorities have identified some hotspots and sealed such areas.

“Especially, the unit conducted tests in areas of the city as containment zones.

In these areas, the citizens are unable to move out. They are barred for purchases of essential commodities which is being provided to them at their doorsteps now,” the Municipal Commissioner added. —ANI

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‘Kota students to start return journey soon’ ‘Students can’t be brought till Centre revises guidelines’

Stranded Students wait to board a bus from Laxmi Mandir Circle to go to their respective home towns situated in various districts of Rajasthan on Monday.

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has already initiated steps to ensure the return of Bengal students who are stuck in Kota of Rajasthan and they will begin their return journey soon, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday.

Banerjee said she has already instructed her officials to help all those from the state stranded in various parts of the country so that they can come back home.

“GoWB will initiate

Dr Singh to guide in corona revival plan for Punjab Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said former prime minister Manmohan Singh has accepted his request for guiding a group of experts formed to come out with a post-COVID-19 revival strategy for the state.

I had written to Dr Manmohan Singh Ji to guide us along with the group of experts headed by Montek Singh Ahluwalia & I am grateful to him for accepting.

We have been working hard to steer Punjab to the path of economic growth & post Covid-19 we will again focus on same, he tweeted. —ANI

369 REACH J&K Kathua: A group of 369 students, hailing from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, reached here on Monday from Kota onboard 15 SRTC buses.

391 REACH ASSAM Guwahati: Over 390 students of Assam arrived here on Monday from Kota at 3 am by buses and have been kept under institutional quarantine.

Delhi HC fixes rapid test kit price at Rs 400 New Delhi: Delhi HC has capped maximum price of each rapid test kit imported by Matrix Labs at Rs 400, including GST. “For the people to be assured that the pandemic is under control and for the governments to ensure, and for agencies engaged in the frontline battle to safeguard people’’s health, more kits/tests should be made available urgently at lowest cost throughout the country,” said Justice Najmi Waziri. —ANI

every possible help to people of Bengal stuck in diff parts of the country due to lockdown, in returning home. I’’ve instructed my officers to do the needful,” Banerjee said on her Twitter handle.

Banerjee assured everybody that she was personally overseeing the efforts and nobody should feel helpless.

“Till the time I’’m here, nobody from Bengal should feel helpless.

I’’m with you in these tough times,” she said.

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said it is not possible to bring back students stranded in Rajasthan's Kota until the lockdown guidelines are revised.

The CM made this remark during a video meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising out of the coronavirus. "A large number of students from Bihar are stranded in coaching centers in Rajasthan's Kota. Some states are bringing back their students. However, since the state is following the lockdown as per the Central government's guidelines. It will not be possible to bring the students back to the state until the guidelines are revised," Nitish said. —ANI

Cong asks PM to define lockdown exit strategy New Delhi: Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s interaction with the CMs via video link on Monday, the Congress, demanded to know about the post-lockdown plan and the exit roadmap.

Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said the lockdown had been there for more than a month, but there had been no clarity on a number of issues.

“The lockdown can’t continue for long. We hope the Prime Minister will unveil some national plan to the Chief Ministers.”

Under section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, the states couldn’t make their

‘Maulana Saad not an absconder’ New Delhi: Advocate Fuzail Ayyubi, lawyer of Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad, on Monday, said that Maulana Saad is not an absconder as he has responded to the notices seeking information under Section 91 of the CrPC served by Delhi

Police in the Nizamuddin congregation case.

A search has already taken place at his residence in Delhi in the presence of his son. His native place in Uttar Pradesh has also been searched in connection with the case.

“Maulana Saad is not

an absconder, whenever he will be asked to appear before Delhi Police he will surely appear.

We have received three notices so far and we have responded to all three of them,” Ayyubi said. An FIR was registered against Saad in New Delhi. —Agencies

ber has received 56,259 calls, of which 2,376 were from people who have since availed the necessary treatment.

Meanwhile, 6,298 of the 12,384 calls registered on the 1100 helpline number were related to COVID-19. The remaining 6,086 were related to other things like immunity, health, hygiene.

sure rapid response under the current circumstances.

He emphasised on the importance of the use of technology as much as possible, and also to utilise time to embrace reform measures. The prime minister said at the virtual meeting that India’s population is comparable to that of the combined population of several countries.

“The situation in many countries, including India, was almost similar at the start of March. However, due to timely measures, India has been able to protect many people,” the statement said quoting the prime minister.

He, however, forewarned that the danger of the virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance, it said.

He also urged the

chief ministers to factor in the changes in weather - advent of summer and monsoon - and the illnesses that can potentially come in this season, while strategising ahead.

Citing experts, the prime minister said the impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months. Reiterating the mantra of ‘do gaz doori’ (maintaining distance of two yards) he said that masks and face covers will become part of our lives in the days ahead.

“The PM underlined that the lockdown has yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past oneand-a-half months,” the statement said.

The lockdown was first announced by Modi on March 24 in a bid to combat the coronavirus endemic. It was further

PMO CLEARS FILE TO APPOINT TS TIRUMURTI AS NEXT AMBASSADOR TO UN

The PMO has reportedly cleared the file to appoint TS Tirumurti , currently posted as Secretary (Economic Relations) in MEA as India’s next Ambassador to the UN. He is a 1985 batch Indian Foreign Services officer. There were speculations earlier that Syed Akbarruddin, who is retiring this month, could get service extension.

Surjeet Singh Deswal is likely to be appointed new DGP of BSF. He is 1984 batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre.

plans until a national plan was finalised.

Tewari said the government didn’t anticipate Covid-19’s magnitude and took some steps in haste. But now the government must know what could happen, he added.

He questioned veracity of COVID-19 Task Force Chairman’s claim that there would be no case after May 16.

BARRING ONE NO SECRETARY GIVEN EXTENSION BARRING

Secretary, Health, Preeti Sudan, no other Secretary scheduled to retire by month end has been given extension in service. Earlier, it was believed that in present scenario, Secretaries retiring this month will get extension for 2-3 mths.

PRESIDENT ADMINISTERS OATH TO HIS OWN SECRETARY AS CVC

Probably for the first time in the history of President Secretariat, the President has administered the oath of office to his own Secretary, Sanjay Kothari as Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). Kothari, a 1978 batch retired IAS officer of Haryana cadre, was Secretary to President of India before joining as CVC. Incidentally, the new Secretary to the President, K D Tripathi, himself sought permission for his predecessor Sanjay Kothari from the President to initiate the oath taking ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

NEW VIGILANCE COMMISSIONER TO TAKE OATH THIS WEEK ?

Have directed Centre to provide food, counseling to needy: CJI

ties to the needy people during this COVID-19 lockdown,” CJI Bobde told reporters here. He said that the judiciary is doing whatever it can

POWER Gallery

DESWAL TO BE DG BSF?

RAGA RAISES PROFITEERING ON KITS

IN THE COURTYARD

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde said that SC has given proper directions to the Centre to provide food, shelter, psychological counselling and other basic necessities to the needy people during the lockdown.

“We have given proper directions to the Central government to provide food, shelter, psychological counselling and other basic necessi-

06

at this time of crisis.

“It is up to the executive to decide how it can handle the situation effectively, as far as deploying money, relief materials and volunteers are concerned. It should ensure how speedily it can handle the crisis with a humane angle. The executive should thereby prioritise its system for expeditiously dealing with the crisis,” CJI Bobde said. —ANI

SC notice on plea for refund on air tickets New Delhi: The SC issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on a petition seeking airlines, both domestic and international, to refund the full amount of the tickets in relation to all flights cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown.

A bench headed by Justice NV Ramana, Justices SK Kaul & BR Gavai, said that the non-refund on the tickets booked for air travel after lockdown was “arbitrary.” —ANI

SC SEEKS CENTRE’S RESPONSE TO JOURNALISTS UNIONS’ PLEA New Delhi: The SC asked the Centre to respond to a PIL seeking directions to media houses not to sack journalists and non-journalists working with them during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Other unions are

also saying this. The question is if business does not start, how long will they sustain?

The issue needs hearing,” a Bench of Justice NV Ramana, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice BR Gavai said.—ANI

extended till May 3.

On the issue of getting back Indians from foreign countries, he said that this has to be done keeping in mind the fact that they don’t get inconvenienced and their families are not under any risk, the statement said.

The chief ministers praised the leadership of the prime minister during this period of crisis, and also highlighted the efforts undertaken by them in containing the virus, according to the statement.

“They spoke about the need to keep a close vigil on international borders, and also on addressing the economic challenge and ways to further boost health infrastructure,” it said without elaborating.

The leaders also expressed gratitude towards the police force and medical staff for the

exemplary work done by them in the fight against COVID-19.

The states that have a number of COVID-free districts wanted some restrictions to be eased so that more economic activities could be revived. However, all he states wanted to continue the restrictions on inter-state transportation as well as air and railway transport, indicating that the ban on such travel would continue post May 3.

Among those present at the virtual meet, included Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and top officials from the PMO and the Union Health Ministry.

The chief ministers who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conrad

CVC Sanjay Kothari is expected to administer oath of office to the newly appointed Vigilance Commissioner Suresh Patel this week.Patel was CMD of the Andhra Bank.

POST OF JYOTI ARORA UPGRADED TO SECRETARY RANK

The post of Jyoti Arora as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, has been upgraded to Special Secretary & Financial Advisor rank. She is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

POST OF B ANAND UPGRADED TO SECRETARY RANK

The post of B Anand as Secretary, NCMM, has been upgraded to Secretary rank. He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

POST OF NEEL KAMAL DARABARI UPGRADED TO SECRETARY RANK

The post of Neel Kamal Darabari as MD, Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium, has been upgraded to Secretary level.She is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre.

POST OF BIDYUT BIHARI SWAIN UPGRADED TO SECRETARY RANK

The post of Bidyut Bihari Swain as Additional Secretary, Commerce, has been upgraded to Special Secretary level. He is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

POST OF APURVA CHANDRA UPGRADED TO SECRETARY RANK

The post of Apurva Chandra as Additional Secretary & DG, Acquisition, has been upgraded to Special Secretary level. He is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Maharashrata cadre.

FROM PG 1 Ahmedabad has... be called in to work until the situation is under control. This step is taken to control the spread of the Sars-Cov-2 virus.

Similarly, the Home department has banned mass gatherings for social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, and religious purposes. It has also asked religious places and places of worship to be closed to the public until May 03.

Anyone found violating the order will be booked under the Disaster Management Act. As part of the state government’s new telemedicine initiative, physicians, gynaecologists, dermatologists and paediatricians will be available to offer patients in 31 districts guidance from 10 am to 5 pm.

The 104 helpline num-

Modi talks...

“Prime Minister said that the country has seen two Lockdowns till now, both different in certain aspects, and now we have to think of the way ahead. He said that as per experts, the impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months,” the statement added.

Modi also said that masks and face covers will become part of lives of people in the days ahead, adding everyone’s aim must be to en-

Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Yogi Adityanath (UP).

—With agency inputs Faulty China... were procured by the government and distributed around the country after the ICMR recommended that every resident in coronavirus hotspots - or areas with a large number of cases - will be tested for the virus.

It was decided to use fast-track kits as the regular RT-PCR tests are slow and have to be conducted in laboratories.

Many states in the country do not have adequate testing facilities. —ANI RBI’s `50,000cr... on-tap and open-ended, and banks can submit their bids to avail funding on any day from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

The scheme is avail-

able from April 27 till May 11 or up to utilisation of the allocated amount whichever is earlier. The RBI said it will review the timeline and amount depending upon market conditions.

Funds availed under the facility will be used by banks exclusively for meeting the liquidity requirements of mutual funds by extending loans and undertaking the outright purchase of and repos against the collateral of investment-grade corporate bonds, commercial papers, debentures and certificates of deposit held by mutual funds. —ANI This institution... in-charge of IIM, Ahmedabad, and lawyer Gaurav Jain, and said as to why should the court hear him, if he does not have faith in the system.

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

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07

Govt has recently notified an amendment (2020) to the Rules to bring all medical devices under a single regulatory framework. The rules ensure that all imported, as well as locally made medical devices, meet certain quality standards

ADITYA JAIN

Advocate on Record at Supreme Court of India

I

NEHA GYAMLANI

Advocate at Supreme Court of India

n the wake of reports of faulty test kits and protective gear purchased

by India from China, India’s medical device industry has been in limelight again which can hamper India’s fight against COVID -19.

In the past too, India has faced such failures over patient safety, quality control, and efficacy of the medical devices and equipment, be it Johnson’s and Johnson’s faulty hip transplants leading to disabilities in patients or use of unapproved drugeluting cardiac stents threatening cardiac care in India.

At the time when India has been looking at scaling up testing and surveillance due to increased disease burden, the significance of regulation, and monitoring of medical devices cannot be overemphasized.

Medical Devices, in general, mean any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, implant, or other to be used for the specific medical purposes of diagnosis, prevention. monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of diseases or injuries, supporting or sustaining lives, control of conception, replacement, modification, support or providing information of physiological process. Ranging from simple thermometers, stethoscopes and tongue depressors to complex devices like pacemakers with microchip technology, ultrasound, etc., medical devices are essential for safe and effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of illness and disease.

Until recently, the healthcare stakeholders, i.e., doctors, patients, physicians, employers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and government were focused on the drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

There was a limited awareness which led to free hands on the medical devices regulation. Now, India attaches great significance to medical devices as they are quintessential to healthcare. The industry is expected to grow drastically over the next several years amidst the rising demands, high incomes and growing middle class, speed innovation and technology changes, increased public health awareness and spending and government health initiatives.

REGULATION OF MEDICAL DEVICES IN INDIA

UNIFORM REGIME FOR MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY n January 2017, the MinIWelfare istry of Health and Family released the long-

awaited Medical Device Rules of 2017, which came into effect on Jan 1, 2018.

Upon implementation, these rules replaced the existing provision regulating Medical Devices under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA). Prior to implementation of the Act, the medical device industry in India was largely unregulated, except for a few devices specifically notified under DCA. The list of covered devices was limited (only 15 medical devices were included), and the DCA treated these devices as drugs rather than establishing regulations tailored to the medical device industry. The implementation of Medical Devices Rules 2017 attempted to establish a uniform regime for medical device manufacturing and marketing sector and to bring it at par with the global standards. It laid down a risk-based classification of medical devices.

The rules notified an increased number of medical

FUNDAMENTAL AND SYSTEMATIC ISSUES espite such widespread D significance, there were fundamental and

devices to be regulated and separate provisions for a clinical trial of medical devices to access safety, performance, and efficacy.

Certifying bodies for third party assessment was also notified. Strict registration and licensing norms and post-market surveillance to ensure safety, performance, and adaptability of the device were the key highlights.

Notifying 2017 rules was a step in the right direction. However, there still existed some gaps and ambiguities. Bringing into domain larger no of medical devices was the ultimate

aim with opportunities for domestic manufacturers to penetrate into the market.

The pricing of the devices was still determined by market forces resulting in out of pocket expenditures and poverty shocks. The country still witnessed scandals, the biggest of which was the faulty hip implant resulting in severe patient disabilities. Medical devices outside of these “notified” device categories, with unproven designs, poor quality control, limited defect traceability, and inconsistent reliability are freely circulated in the market.

systematic issues persisting in this industry. The most common concern is Device safety and efficacy.

Lack of regulatory systems with global standards has put a patient’s life at stake. Poor device safety and functionality have been crucially related to legislative loopholes which makes it easy for device makers to get their products in the market before proper testing.

Lack of quality product testing in India is another hurdle that results in substandard devices occupying the market. Rampant imports at a low cost not only lead to poor quality equipment but a big it is a big impediment to the domestic manufacturers as well. The absence of regulatory oversight and lack of reporting of failure of medical devices has added to the issues surrounding this sector. Other combinations of issues include malfunctioning of

the devices, instructions/ labeling/packaging issues, and lack of understanding of use related issues. As we’ve seen, though, each of these major problems with the health care device market has captured the attention of regulators and those concerned, the govt is yet to attain a safer and more transparent industry. In such a scenario, proper manufacturing, regulation, planning, assessment, acquisition, management, and use of medical devices which are of good quality, safe, and compatible with the settings in which they are used has become quintes-

sential. Indian medical devices and equipment sector with the majority of medical devices sold in India imported from other countries (currently 75%) went unregulated until the notification of Medical Devices Rule, 2017 came out. The Indian govt stepped up and initiated some reforms for improving the quality of the medical device sector. The CDSCO under the Ministry of Health regulates the safety, efficacy, and quality of notified medical devices under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules made thereunder.

ALL MEDICAL DEVICES UNDER SINGLE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Taking a cue from the above, the government has recently notified an amendment (2020)to the Rules to bring all medical devices under a single regulatory framework. The new rules are to ensure that all imported, as well as locally made medical devices, meet certain quality standards, making it mandatory for all the devices to get certified by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India’s drug regulatory authority. By the new definition of medical devices, the Union Govt expanded the scope of ‘medical devices’ to include all such devices, interestingly even a disinfectant has been included in the new definition of medical devices.

The Medical Device Rules, 2017, and the amendment Rules of 2020 have many attractive features that encourage the medical device sector in India. By introducing a single online portal, the registration process

has been streamlined. An audit by the notified bodies will further increase the manufacturing quality of devices.

A change in clinical trial requirements will encourage the innovation of new medical devices. The regulations will thus encourage domestic manufacturing and increased scrutiny of Import License documents. However, there are still some grey areas and it is important to bring these to the attention of the stakeholders. They include rapid testing to probe the risk associated with devices, securing the market for domestic manufacturers, which in turn will increase competition resultantly bringing down costs and reduction in imports, separate FDI Framework for medical device industry that is independent of regulations governing the pharmaceutical sector, penalising frauds exclusively for medical devices. Mere control through licensing, testing, and certification

could result in red-tapism, and delays in the final product reaching the market, which could, in turn, lead to a lack of timely treatment of patients.

Lastly, the industry is surviving a regulatory vacuum & regular patient safety concerns. The recent J&J hip implant frauds and the most recent ban on Transvaginal Pelvic Mesh by USFDA due to potent risk to women made the Indian regulators seriously think to look medical devices as a different sector altogether. It has become imperative to have a separate law as devices are engineering items and not medicine, continued attempts to regulate them as drugs are irrational. Separate penal provisions for the manufacturers or importers for faulty medical devices having adverse impacts on patients should be included in the existing provisions. Separate legislation for the same would be a welcome step.

DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

Want a quick way to gain self confidence? Go ahead and DO that ONE thing which scares you the most!

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

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WHEAT PROCUREMENT AT INCREASED MSP RESUMES Centre offers higher MSP for wheat than the market , windfall for Farmers!

First India News Gandhinagar: The wheat procurement which had actually begun before the Covid-19 outbreak resumed amid modified lockdown guidelines on Monday in the state with few farmers reaching the centres. Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation (GSCSC) has designated 219 centres across the state.

The wheat procurement has resumed at a time when the market price of the wheat has slipped below the MSP announced by the govt.

The Centre has hiked the MSP for the grain by 85 per quintal to 1,925 for 2019-20. As on April 25, wheat market prices quoted in the range of 1,710-1,805 with the modal price at 1,735 for the Lokvan variety. The arrivals were reported at 760 tonnes. Last year around same time, arrivals were at 320 tonnes

Unlike the procurement of crops such as groundnut and tur, which we do on behalf of Nafed, this is our own purchases and we will use it as per the directions from Food Corporation of India thus giving us better control over quality.

—A GSCSC Official —FILE PHOTO

with a price range of 1,825-2,050 with a modal price at 1,890 a quintal.

In all 30,435 farmers have registered to participate in the MSP operations through GSCSC. On the first day, 38 farmers participated and the agency procured about 1,449 quintals worth about 28 lakh.

It is noteworthy that the procurement process is to be completed

Covid-19 finds third news channel victim First India News Ahmedabad: A 38 year old news reporter of ABP Asmita was found to be corona positive on Monday. News reporter, resident of Pethapur near Gandhinagar, is a asymptomatic patient.

This makes him third news channel victim working for a news channel in the city. Two days ago two more persons tested positive.

Identification of third media victim alarmed the top bureaucrats so much that all senior officers shied away from their daily sheeduled media briefings on Monday.

The latest victim is currently at his residence waiting for health authorities to reach him and get admitted to, most probably, Samras CovidCare Centre in

by 30 May and GSCSC has asked farmers to register themselves for the process latest by 10 May. Another important aspect this year is that the registered farmers will have to bring the crop to GSCSC designated warehouses or godowns leaving the APMCs aside. The logic behind new procurement method is due to logistical convenience

and quality control.

“Unlike the procurement of crops such as groundnut and tur, which we do on behalf of Nafed, this is our own purchases and we will use it as per the directions from Food Corporation of India. So this gives us better control over the stock and convenience to farmers to bring it directly to the warehouses,” an official

revealed. Once registered, the farmers are intimated through an SMS about the time and date allotted to them for procurement at the designated warehouse/ procurement centre.

Gujarat has reported total wheat cultivation on 13.95 lakh hectares for rabi season ending February 2020, which is about 73 per cent higher than last year.

Ahmedabad.Two days ago, a video editor at Network18 and a cameraman in Zee 24 News, both from Ahmedabad, were found positive.

These three cases perfectly bring forth the high risk category media persons are in to as they confront very similar conditions as the other corona warriors do on daily basis. Other states like Rajasthan have already started special drives to test the media personnel for Covid-19.

Infected man says AMC not testing wife, kid First India News Ahmedabad: A railway employee from Ahmedabad in Gujarat who tested positive for coronavirus on Monday claimed local health officials were not testing his wife and three children despite his father having died of COVID-19 and his mother being on ventilator support after getting infected.

Refuting the allegations, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials said, in fact, it was the family which failed to respond after health teams approached them following the 36-year-old man’s father testing positive on April 23.

“My father tested positive on April 23 and died in a civil hospital on April 25.

My mother too got infected and has been on ventilator support since she was admitted on April 24. In fact, after attending my father’s last rites, I myself went to hos-

Good chapter: 54 Guj students from Karnataka reach home First India News Ahmedabad: 54 Gujarat students stranded in Karnataka ever since lockdown have finally reunited with their parents in the state. The students reached Ahmedabad Govt guest house on Monday afternoon travelling in 3 Rajahamsa buses.

Their parents happily received them and took them to their homes in various cities of Gujarat.

The students are studying in various medical colleges in Karnataka.The students were ferried from Bagalkot, Dharwad, Haveri, Davangere and Chitradurg in Karnataka. On being asked whether the students stranded in other states too will

—FILE PHOTO

be brought back in similar manner the college officials said that they were simply following orders from RGUHS and Governor’s office.

The students from Gujarat started from Karnataka on Sunday night after proper medical checkup. The transport arrangements were made in coordina-

tion with state police officers, director of technical education among others.

A college official said they approached the DC after parents of the students expressed concerns about the safety of their children. The registrar of RGUHS had written to the additional chief secre-

08

tary to provide police personnel for the three buses. Clearly these students were fortunate to have influential parents who could knock on such doors who bore fruit in such pressing times. One can easily understand the plight of other students also from well to do families but certainly lacking proper connection to re unite them with their parents.

Needless to say when such is the condition of students and their families, who pay lakhs of rupees donation to make their kids study in such prestigious colleges, the issue of the poor migrant workers id hard to comprehend for the power gallery.

—FILE PHOTO

pital to get tested and my report returned positive today,” the railway employee, a resident of Saraspur, said.

“I fear my wife and three children may have also got infected as we live together. They are in home quarantine. But no AMC health official has reached out to us as yet to conduct tests,” he claimed over phone from hospital.

However, Dr Vijay Desai, Medical Officer of Saraspur ward,

said, “The family did not respond when approached by the health team. After the father tested positive, we asked the family to get tested.

I made three calls on April 25 to this man but did not get a response.

Even his brother refused to tell us anything, including travel history.” Desai said health officials will approach the family again to get them tested.

Duo ferrying liquor in disguise of hospital guards held

First India News Vadodara: Tough lockdown measures have forced the smugglers to adopt yet more innovative ways to fool more vigil police. Two persons ferrying liquor were arrested by the crime branch in Manjalpur area.

The liquor smugglers were posing as SSG hospital security guards as they flashed their fake id cards.

“They prepared the duplicate card and

whenever they were intercepted by the cops, the accused used to flash this identity card.They used to claim that they were out for serving people,” said Jaydeep Sinh Jadeja, DCP (Crime).

The cops have seized liquor stock, two mobile phones, a fake id card and two motorbikes from the accused. The cops are now investigating how many trips they made to ferry liquor during the lockdown and also if anybody from the hospital as involved in the nexus.

SNIPPETS FROM LIFE

Vegetable vendors in Ahmedabad continue their protest at the Sabarmati River Front, where they have been demanding space near the APMC market to sell vegetables. They say the authorities have given their space to fruit vendors.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

People placed their carry bags in a queue and wait for their turn to collect free grain outside the ration shop in Ahmedabad earlier

Nine more persons have been discharged from the AMC’s Covid-Care Centre at Samras hostel, where patients with mild or no symptoms are admitted for treatment.

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BELLES OF BALLET Ballet is a beautiful art form, it is aesthetic, ethereal and lifts the soul of the Dancer and audience. City First peeks into the history of this dance form!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

B

allet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. Noblemen and women were treated to lavish events, especially wedding celebrations, where dancing and music created an elaborate spectacle. In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici began to fund ballet

in the French court. Her elaborate festivals encouraged the growth of ballet de cour, a program that included dance, decor, costume, song, music and poetry.

A century later, King Louis XIV helped to popularize and standardize the art form. A passionate dancer, he performed many roles himself, including that of the Sun King in Ballet de la Nuit. By 1661, a dance academy had opened in Paris, and in 1681 bal-

let moved from the courts to the stage. The French opera Le Triomphe de l’Amour incorporated ballet elements, creating a long-standing opera-ballet tradition in France.

By the mid-1700s French ballet master, Jean Georges Noverre rebelled against the artifice of opera-ballet, believing that ballet could stand on its own as an art form. He introduced the ballet d’action, a dramatic style of ballet that conveys a narrative. Early classical ballets such as Giselle and La Sylphide were created during the Romantic Movement in the first half of the 19th century. This movement influenced art, music and ballet. This is also the period of time when dancing on the tips of the toes, known as pointe work, became the norm for the ballerina. The romantic tutu, a calf-length, full skirt made of tulle, was introduced. The popularity of ballet soared in Russia, and, during the latter half of the 19th century, Russian choreographers and

In India Ballet has not reached its full potential because we are so rich in our own culture of music and dance with so many different styles that exposure of Ballet has always been limited and there are not too many who are teaching it and performing it.

composers took it to new heights. Marius Petipa’s The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, by Petipa and Lev Ivanov, represent classical ballet in its grandest form.

Choreographer and New York City Ballet founder George Balanchine, introduced the neoclassical ballet, an expansion on the classical form. He also is considered by many to be the greatest innovator of the contemporary “plotless” ballet. With no definite storyline, its purpose is to use movement to express the music and to illuminate human emotion and endeavor. Today, ballet is multi-faceted. Classical forms, traditional stories and contemporary choreographic innovations intertwine to produce the character of modern ballet.

09

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

10

The EDGE of

SEVENTEEN

I

ild of f you’re a ch ughes I am, John H the ‘80s like in dee rc a major fo movies were not ay m u uth. Yo fining your yo for d ha u yo t ll wha be able to reca g, in n sterday mor y breakfast ye er ev still recite s but you can de ca de e thre reakfast Club” B he s.

“T ay w of s d ou wor ysteri n works in m cceslater. The brai is a strong su n” ee nt ve Se of e dg ix of biting “The E cy with its m ga le ’ aes gh u sor to H . With her fe ersweet heart tt bi ly el d K an or or hum r/direct g debut, write in e bl ak ta m la lm re fi e ture of th ig hits many ara st C e ar on at m th re F ents gst-filled mom snotes and an nre: the narci ge y ed am dr en in te g e in th ples of ng happen n that everythi sistic sensatio the awkwardt, an per-import n su is fe li r u yo identity withi er lacerating ling to forge an h gg ig ru h st of of ss er partner for h ne ok g n co ri re ar sp su y es wor th Bruner (a won kes pr d truer than the high-sta y teacher, Mr. an or st er ho hi w rk r ), da he on so ls in re wit ’s al ted Woody Har be, and it upschool. But it ully understa and seems ually dared to rf it us de s s e ke ar lm ta fi at e h s’ th s as l ay el w Hughe w in as s t n. On the acterization dishes it ou subordinatio in er dates his char s. h ce by en d di te joy their litndaun today’s au ly seems to en e of Seve n - u al essential for dg tu E e ac h e h “T y, , ou gh py rapport be ld contrar P ri m ar ily, th ats. The snap ai le e St ei n fe sp e H e es m h ti it th w e ch n t, ak m li gh tle lu d Har relson its center. An te en ” is a de n Steinfeld an diant star at ee ra tw . e st 10 th be 20 as ’s s’ g er lm e fi servin n broth es some of th eet, smart ee for the Coe ally is the sw ar on the scen st ly p ke Oscar nomin po li n a u d er an h Her ot tly nerdy but rue Grit” er versatileto), the sligh h version of “T s Sz n al de ve re ay (H er Erwin harbors a not ld furth al ly m oron ic assmate who rise, Steinfe cl ci t s so n u t ce do ye de en t ly ar trem -s m deep her. Szeto is a one and only it y as a wh ip ecret crush on Nadine. Her -s nefits greated so be d am he an , n ic y er at rk m pe is e ar teenag th ch d is : cute an fy expectach il dh oo d ngness to de (H al ey L u find li il a fr ie n d si n ce w st ’s ri K ig ra ed nd in creater-a dj u st n ly from C hool types. A sc sl ig h tly be tt ot h er, D ar ia h ig br h r t de ou ol H er erges as both , tions ab acter who em R ich ards on ). ar the wide-eyed ch as d, e an bl si A ka li , so the film’s en dy ing an (Blake Jenner in “E ve ry bo heartthrob by ’ a er es d ay gh an pl u o ll H er h ba se late o can a fres h m an ba some of the lden boy wh ts to go gh e e ri m th ig ca is ra ), it C !” a hen Wants Some! m ot h er, M on rticularly w ing . Much H er w id owed e wrongs, pa g. n th Just try watch t ro s. or w re o pp tu epared to take n su ca pr do ri to d ca ar ic en nteen” is h n te h ks ix et broad, ick), wor tick in “S Edge of Seve sh e y h k “T ac . w of s (Kyra Sedgw om g’ em k Don Craig seems azzled, singl you Long Du d zingy, but inging. an as cr y t e, in pp ou h zi ad family as a fr it N w r taking the stoas it al es” now miserable fo comfortable , precarious es and Candl ld as on or st m cEvery day is w ju or e h ol h en er w h e honest dire when h Nadine’s it must be w to sadder, mor ashing down joy being in cr ly en ry ri can imagine es to sa m u a es co r yo , ec te w n y was n’t her af won’t allo e finds a read s. She does with her brot immaturity the room. Sh nd hooks up ts dat- tion in ie up in a way ar fr st g on st in rs en h be pe th yt d st er an ev — p ng ra ki w the smarte in dr ith d pleasing. long night of going along w that’s tidy an sly. She tries e ou th ri of what se at a m st hi ri g in n and K ilarly, much ia m ar Si D g in in in compelling is s place it at first, jo es Nadine so that only take ak y rt m s pa ng in gi g n e isn’t alway out, tryi kind of ra at fact that sh she also acts th g t u in B s gh s. u ad ie la le s ov ble of teen m self. Thi ice. She’s capa some sense of cidental n frequent folac er e h vain to recoup th r e: fo nr lf ge se e er h th at of le ap m od e is sing mis to another st t her default bu ly embarras , ve es si li as m s a d sh e do es n’t note take sending of an th ro py, an Nadine’s love is , m 16 n 20 ’s it od e to a go e ca n be m ea sive. Sinc ook message ff er fo ol s. Sh eb su n ac F te a of al s C of e’ er sh d the form (Alexand impulsive an y named Nick e com- and ow n u n do sh er t,” h ho looking bad bo of so m im ct hi e vi ad e m th e vi es th is in art.) vert). (“God, ju ei n fe ld m ak d the film’s st St ar g. w in to y gl e h in of contradicuches: T ments long uing jumble any clever to ig m tr ’s e ig lk ra C ta erve to One of and alive. Sh orks up the n ons feel real w ti e in in p ad u ed N es e st te re first tim rue” queu es n’t se em in dau Ballet’s “T an hom- do th is gi rl be ke to li to Nick, Span as s h u at g m ak in ound in wh ggr n ck yi tr ba e e th th ed on th e in Even wh o’s pe rch en Candles.” er te h ix r “S fo n to io e at ag wom an h oo d. epar onta ge in pr a ed ge of gh u ake ro th e on-clothes m ac pl just tries to m h N ick ta ke s . And She ct d pe an ex t e— bi g n ig h t w it h u ig tr er fe el m than you m ely se ts h es at ak im different pris m lt u at ig h at ’s w oly to n e C ra ntures th th e m el an ch ine’s misadve ad love her.

N s u of n s io e’ risks sh e for this sect th of e pl eat exam is another gr EN-2016

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FA CE OF TH ED AY

SOURCE: HTTPS

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

SEVENTE

S/THE-EDGE-OF-

T.COM/REVIEW WW.ROGEREBER

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

On domestic front, your spouse needs to take of their health as over exertion may make them feel low. On academic front, you will make most of your time. Don’t keep quite in ego when it comes to the matter of love otherwise you will loose all that was special.

Females trying to conceive may soon get a good news. Some sudden expensive may ruin your budget but relax it will be an expense for some thing worth it. Some of you may feel inclined to pursue arts for career and your parents or dear ones may totally support you for it.

You may find yourself burdened with too many responsibilities on work front but this dedication will soon pay in a form of promotion or a hike in salary or may be both.

You are the back bone of your family and your parents are very proud of you.

You will feel very emotional for your parents in general. You are working very hard in preparing for the competition exams and your hard work will surely pay one day. Your new business is doing good but you need to have some patience when it comes to profit.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

On the personal front, you will do everything to sponsor the expensive education of your kid. You are a very good boss and you always keep everyone in consideration. You must deal with any difficult situation with patience rather then over overacting at that moment.

On the personal front, some of your are very keen these days to save as much money as possible.

Your close one may get married and you may be involved majorly in some or the other way. On academic front, your sharp memory will help you big time in excelling.

For youngsters the expensive rented accommodation may be getting difficult to manage so search for alternatives in advance, before things go out of hand. On academic front, you may face a tough competition but that will only make you ready to out stand.

You must surround yourself with fitness freaks to make it your lifestyle. On the personal front, you believe in healthy competition. You are very controlling but at the same time don’t forget to give some space to your kids. Your lover is totally awestruck by you.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

On the family front, you must refrain from doing anything that may hurt your family’s prestige. On the academic front, students will do justice to their preparations for exam. Do not irritate your lover by trying to control them, leave them free to decide whatever they wish.

Your senior is sometime bias towards you but that should not make you take him for granted. You are satisfied with your earnings at present. This is a very good time to start with any kind of construction.

On academic front, you may travel in future because of some quiz.

You must work out on changing your current lifestyle to see some positive changes in your life.

Property dealers may just make a huge profit in real estate market. You must pursue the career of your interest without any external influence in this regard.

You may just get the chance to become big at the time when you will least expect. The peaceful environment at home will help you to relax after some tiresome jobs. On academic front, you are focused and clear in terms of what you have to do with life.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

JUHI TOLANI, Influencer

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

REMINISCING

TACKLE

emotional eating

‘BADLA’ BADLA DAYS!

B

humi Pednekar will share health and nutrition tips to tackle emotional eating during the novel coronavirus lockdown.

“I have always strived to lead a balanced lifestyle and believed in the synergy of how nutrition, what we eat directly impacts our health and fitness. This lockdown, though extremely challenging for all of us because it has changed how we live life and exist, is also impacting our minds and that can throw off diet and nutrition in a big way,” said Bhumi, who will initiate the effort with her nutritionist.

“What we eat has a lot to do with how we feel - it’s connected and it’s mostly emotional.

This will create health and fitness issues and I want to share with everyone my nutrition journey through COVID-19 and I hope that people will find this useful.”

The actress has maintained a routine and stuck to her nutritious way of life all through the coronavirus pandemic.

—ANI

T

aapsee Pannu shared another throwback picture from her archives on Monday, reminisced the pre-shoot conversation in Glasgow with Sujoy Ghosh, the director of her 2019 thriller flick ‘Badla’.

In the capture, Pannu and Ghosh are seen engrossed in a conversation as the actor pointed out that one can never guess who is directing who.

Along with the picture she wrote, “A day before we kick-started the shoot of Badla in Glasgow. Just like this picture one can never guess who is directing who, who is the one talking n who is listening. But one thing is for sure the 2 ppl here love to have a conversation n that can range from the hair issues of this man to food issues of the woman.”

Pannu also recalled meeting the director 5 years back and added that she never knew ‘Badla’ would be the project they will be working on.

She shared, “5 years back when we met each other for the first time we never knew that THIS will be the film we will end up working on together

... her Insta

11

gram post

but now that we have, we surely know there will be many more times we shall surprise each other not just with films together but with more useless topics of never-ending conversations. Keeping the madness alive.#Throwback #Archive #QuarantinePost” —ANI

Taapsee Pannu

Alone, but together!

E

ven in times of social distancing, actor Alia Bhatt is chilling with her girlfriends - all thanks to technology! The 27-year-old actor on Monday took to Instagram and posted a screenshot of the video call she had with her gal pals. Split into seven-screens, all the girls are seen flashing huge smiles in the picture. Taking it to the captions, the ‘Raazi’ actor wrote: “Alone Together.”

Alia has been always been expressive on social media about the friendship she shares with her girl gang. Recently, the ‘Kalank’ actor shared glimpses from her 27th birthday that she celebrated with her friends. The

gang also included her friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and sister Shaheen Bhatt.

Earlier, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, too, was seen setting an example of ‘friendships in the time of coronavirus’.

—ANI

... her Instag

ram post

Bhumi Pednekar

A VIRTUAL DATE

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everal cast members of the popular show ‘The Office’ are offering a chance to fans to meet them on a virtual coffee date. They have partnered with the fundraising organisation Omaze for the online coffee date for charity. People can make donations online to enter the run to meet the stars. The proceeds will go to the Variety Boys & Girls Club, the foundation provides families with meals, emergency supplies and activities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kate Flannery, Melora Hardin, Ellie Kemper, Amy Adams along with many others from the show have made the announcement recently.

In addition to the virtual coffee session, the stars said they’ll share stories from the hit comedy show, which is aired in India on Star World. “We’re going to have so much fun. We’ll get to know each other, talk about the show, I’ll get your credit card information, stuff like that,” Bratton joked, adding: “And I’ll tell you some juicy, behind-the-scenes gossip.”

“Go now and join. Like, seriously, go right now. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. That’s what she said,” added Nunez, referencing the popular catch phrase from Steve Carell’s character Michael Scott.

—IANS

Scarlett Johansson

THE BEST CALL

H Alia Bhatt

Amy Adams

Melora Hardin

ollywood star Scarlett Johansson confessed that she was rejected constantly in her professional life, adding that she has “made a career out of being second choice. In a recent interview, the ‘Avengers’ actress looked back at her career. Since a very young age, I’ve been rejected constantly, the best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it.

You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice,” she added.

—IANS

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

POSTCORONA EFFECTS!

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recent snap poll conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry to assess the impact of the lockdown due to COVID 19 amongst the CEOs from CII Northern Region suggests that COVID-19 and resultant lockdown is likely to have a deep impact on Indian businesses.

However, on the positive side, three-fourth of respondents were of the view that India is better placed as compared to other countries in terms of handling this Pandemic. This is not surprising, given the fact that even without enough test kits, the 1.3 billion-population country is using a gigantic surveillance network to trace and quarantine infected people.

Many experts are of the opinion that lockdown has greatly helped in containing the spread of the infection. —City First

INSTANTLY ON INSTAGRAM!

Instagram has really picked up in the Lockdown period across all age groups.

City First delves into increasing the popularity of this social media platform!

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

Since the lockdown happened I have more time than usual to spend on Instagram and honestly, I’m loving it. I am experimenting with my photography skills and also have included my parents in most of my videos, after-all they are also getting bored at home so why not have fun on social media. Being a content creator, I love exploring Instagram and lately, I’m hooked to their new filters such as gibberish, facial features, and also now you can create your own filter, I mean what you want on Instagram?

—ASHLESHA AHLUWALIA Beauty is God gifted and to maintain it is done by a beautician and experts. During this lockdown, I use social media to guide my customers and solve their queries by using Instagram live feature. Interacting on Instagram is very helpful to share ones views and give solutions or suggestions. Coming live on Instagram is the best way to connect ourselves without going out. Thereby it’s sharing and taking knowledge via the feature live on Instagram.

—KUNJAL RAWAL Social distancing has compelled people to find new ways to interact and communicate, including me.

I previously used Instagram to just post, like and view, but during the lockdown, I have seen people push their creativity to another level. As a professional photographer, I have noticed that people are using limited resources at home to create a photo studio finish on their pictures.

Apart from photography, people are also making videos and tutorials about different topics and it has helped me unwind and learn something new.

—SHARAD KUMAR

CITY FIRST JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

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nstagram is consistently staying ahead of the curve to remain one of the most effective forms of social media for business and personal both.

There are lots of reasons we

love using Instagram to share what’s new. Some features make it easier to engage. People say they like the options to like comments, reply to specific comments, ask questions and take polls in Stories, and send direct messages. Others help businesses manage their brands’ image on the platform.

These include archiving posts, adding usernames and hashtags into the bio, and saving other users’ posts into organized private collections. The latest features on Instagram are helping businesses sell products, with shoppable posts and product stickers within Stories. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

I am very happy on Instagram these days, definitely more than I used to be before the lockdown. One of the most interesting things that I have come across is the donation feature on the platform. You can see for yourself what hardships people are going through in areas near you and make a donation to a non-profit organization of your choosing. I think it’s a great feature which will ensure that help reaches the people who need it.

—GAURANG RAVAL

BRAINSTORMING! CITY FIRST

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ajasthan as a state is heavily dependent on tourism and the ongoing COVID 19 crisis has shaken the entire industry to its roots. Taking cognizance of the fact, Tourism Minister, Vishvendra Singh spearheaded the Rajasthan Revival Summit’ held at the Paryatan Bhawan on Monday.

He said that these are unprecedented times and we need to work together to rejuvenate the tourism sector. The meet-

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ing was held with all social distancing and masking norms. Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari who is also the Member of the Parliament Consultative Committee of Tourism was also present. The Minister said all parties have to work together. It witnessed multifarious suggestions on reviving tourism in Rajasthan in these times of global pandemic and post-Corona.

The Minister said that an aggressive marketing campaign will be undertaken to project Ra-

jasthan as the preferred tourist destination for domestic tourists. He said new circuits will have to be worked on focusing on spiritual, wildlife and adventure tourism. The Palace on Wheels which had 98% foreign travellers will also focus on domestic tours. The Minister also suggested that the website of the Department needs to be revamped and social media be made more innovative and creative. He also informed that a committee on the health and hy-

Vishvendra Singh with Diya Kumari along with various tourism stakeholders at the ‘Rajasthan Revival Summit’.

giene issues has been formed within the Department. On a suggestion made by internationally acclaimed Kalbeliya dancer, Gula-

bo, the Minister replied that craftspersons and folk performers need to be looked after during these times and a package will be organised for

them as well.

The representative of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Ra-

jasthan (FHTR), Randhir Vikram Singh said that there should be a toll-free number for the tourists so that they can get immediate information about the State. Other suggestions discussed pertained to the GST rates for hotels, reduction of GST rates, improvement in hygiene.

Quite a few of the Stakeholders of this sector were alos present at the meeting and gave their inputs.

Heritage Hoteliers like Pradeep Singh of Royal Heritage Haveli and Raghavendra Singh form Samode took part. The point of view of luxury hotels was put forward

by Abhishek Sharma from Trident and Ankush Mahajan from Oberoi Rajvilas. Conservationists, Rashmi Dickinson and Edward Dickinson and author Tripti Pandey added value to the evening as did Pradeep Bohra who put forth the issues with The Palace on Wheels and Jagat Rathore, representing the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur.

Officials from the Department of Tourism included Sanjay Pandey, Manisha Arora and Anil Rathore, while Sreya Guha Principal Secretary, did not attend the meeting. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

RAJASTHAN: Dhruvika and Vishvaraj wait for their grandfather, Rajendra Rathore to finish his work so that they can spend some quality time with him during this Lockdown period. at their home in Jaipur.

AHMEDABAD: An artwork was drawn by artist Jayesh Patel as well as NGO Unity of Youngistan near Shukan Char Rasta and Kunj Mall Char Rasta in Nikol, Ahmedabad. The work was dedicated to all ‘corona warriors’ including doctors, sanitation workers, police and the media for creating public awareness about COVID-19.

GUJARAT: In order to provide assistance in a time of the COVID-19 public health crisis, Bank of Baroda donated 10,000 masks to the Urban Community Development Authority (UCDA).

The masks were presented to the organization by the general manager & zonal head of Ahmedabad zone Archana Pandey.

RAJASTHAN: During the ongoing epidemic coronavirus, the Founder of Vani Sanyam campaign, Vipin Jain and co-ordinator, Suresh Meena, presented 101 masks to District Collector KK Sharma on Monday.

RAJASTHAN: To boost the immunity of locals to fight physically against coronavirus, Arogya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Nayala, Jaipur distributed 2000 homeopathic medicine kits to the District Collectorate Office of Dausa District, District Superintendent of Police Office, CMHO Office, Police Stations, Media offices and more at Dausa district. The medicines have been prepared under the guidelines of the Ministry of AYUSH and Govt. of Rajasthan. The medicines have been distributed by Professor Dr Manish Arora, Medical Officer Dr Mamta Jajoria, Pharmacist Mohit Khandelwal and President of National Homoeopathic Doctors Association Rajesh Kumar Meena.