First India-Ahmedabad Edition-28 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

27°C - 36°C

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

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

6,54,089 1,65,36,862 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 13,883 DEATHS 3,83,723 CASES

DELHI 3,853 DEATHS 1,31,219 CASES

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RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 243

INDIA

33,448 14,82,386 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 3,571 DEATHS 2,20,716 CASES

GUJARAT

2,348 DEATHS

KARNATAKA 1,953 DEATHS 1,01,465 CASES

56,874

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 633 DEATHS 37,564 CASES

Guv-CM tussle hits lowest ebb in Raj!

MISHRA’S TERSE RESPONSE! CM Gehlot speaks to Assembly session can be called at a short notice if agenda is a floor test

21-day notice period to convene session; maintain social distancing norms

Live broadcast of floor test and trust vote should be carried out with a button

Kartikey Dev Singh Jaipur: The two top Constitutional institutions in Rajasthan appear to have ‘no love lost’ in the run up to the Assembly session. Governor Kalraj Mishra is visibly miffed at CM Ashok Gehlot on his comments made on the Governor and the corresponding dharna and gherao of the Raj Bhawan, which the Governor saw as ‘arm twist tactic’ by the party in power.

With all that happening, there is a strong word going around in the political circles in both Rajasthan and New Delhi, saying that Governor Mishra has shot an ‘interim’ report to the Centre on the law and order situation in Rajasthan and also made a special note of the sloganeering by the Congress MLAs at Raj Bhawan on July 24.

The report, reportedly, further says that the state government has failed to curtail the spread of Coronavirus while on the other hand ministers and MLAs are enjoying in a five star hotel as the Secretariat is ‘empty’. It is also said that the common man is facing problems as the routine work is hampered. Notably, although there is no recommendation or mention of President Rule in the report, yet

PIL IN RAJ HC SEEKING GOVERNOR’S REMOVAL Jaipur. Rajasthan High Court advocate Shantanu Pareek has filed a PIL asking for removal of Governor Kalraj Mishra. The PIL states that a Governor can’t refuse to convene Assembly session when a Chief Minister or Cabinet proposal demands so.

It further goes on to state that if the Governor doesn’t convene the session on the first request then he has to invariably convene the session on the second request as

I spoke with Prime Minister on Sunday and told him about the behaviour of the Governor.

ASHOK GEHLOT, CHIEF MINISTER

the report by Governor, in the current times, is being seen as a serious development.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Mishra said that Raj Bhavan never had an intention “not to call” the Assembly session and has asked the Gehlot government to deliberate on three points including 21-day notice period for convening session and maintaining social dis-

n 24 hours: 1,052 cases, 22 deaths, 1,015 discharged n Total: 56,874 cases, 2,348 deaths, 41,380 discharged

states in terms of new and active cases.

However, the government offered no clarification on where Gujarat stood in terms of sample testing.

The state health department claims to be testing 391 samples per million per day. So far, it says, it has tested a total of 6,67,844 samples.

Maharashtra topped the national list on Monday with 9,431 new cases in a day and a Turn on P6

tancing norms.

The Raj Bhavan said a proposal was received from the state government to convene assembly session from July 31 and the Governor has said that the session should be called according to the constitutional provisions.

Mishra told government that an Assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a

conditional acceptance of the Congress demand.

Governor said that statements from the state government make it clear that it wants to bring a trust vote but there is no mention of it in the proposal sent for convening the session. The Raj Bhavan said as conditions at present were extraordinary, the state government has been asked to

WAR BIRD

FLIES

INDIA TO

Aditi Nagar Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday said he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inform him about the behaviour of Governor Kalraj Mishra. “I spoke with Prime Minister on Sunday and told him about the behaviour of the Governor. I spoke with him regarding the letter I had written to him seven days back,” Gehlot said while leaving the Fairmont Hotel.

Meanwhile, PM has expressed his surprise and displeasure over the pre-leak of his (Gehlot’s) letter to PM in media even before he talks to PM. “Yesterday I phoned

Speaker Joshi withdraws from SC battle!

KALRAJ MISHRA, GOVERNOR

GUJ NEARS 1,100 CASES PER DAY! Gandhinagar: The state government continued to point the finger to make itself feel better about its performance in the face of consistently rising case numbers, even as Gujarat witnessed 1,052 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday.

Still, according to the health department, Gujarat is better placed than 11 other

Rebia case the five member constitutional bench of SC on 13 July 2016 in its historic judgment said that convening Assembly session before the suggested time against the will of the CM was unconstitutional. The only condition for Governor’s discretion arises when CM and his Cabinet differ in their decision. The verdict called, a unilateral decision by the Governor to convene an Assembly session or refusal to convene one when advised by the CM, is breach of laid constitutional laws.

Is there any arrangement in which 200 MLAs & 1000 officials do not face threat of infection. If anyone gets an infection, how to prevent its spread?

—FILE PHOTO

Haresh Jhala

the Governor has limited options available with him. The PIL goes on to say that if a CM or PM advises a Governor or the President then he has to go by the advice. Pareek has mentioned the verdict by Supreme Court in the case of Arunachal Pradesh/ Nabam Rebia where it has been clearly said that Governor can’t decide anything on his own as far as convening the assembly session is concerned. Pareek has demanded the removal of the Governor citing the same case.

It is noteworthy that in Nabam

Nizam Kantaliya

PM Modi, but in vain

give a letter again after acting on three issues.

It said that the Assembly session should be called after giving a 21-day notice to give equal opportunity to all members. The release noted that important social and political issues can be discussed through online mode as in the Supreme Court and High Court in the wake of COVID-19.

Turn on P6

5 RAFALE

fighter aircraft were flagged off on Monday

by Indian Ambassador to France from an airbase in Merignac in France

36 FIGHTER

jet deal was signed

by India and France in September 2016

New Delhi: Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi on Monday withdrew his plea from Sup r e m e C o u r t against the High CP Joshi Court order asking him to defer his decision on disqualification notices issued to former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Speaker told Turn on P6

Fighter jets will be refuelled on the way by a French Air Force tanker aircraft and take a stopover at UAE Al Dhafra airbase after which India will receive them on July 29.

PM Modi

CM Gehlot

the PM and told him how Governor behaved.

He said I will look into it, as if PM does not know. So I told him in case in some function he may claim that he had no knowledge of this,” Gehlot said.

Moreover, the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind,

seeking his intervention for convening the state Assembly session.

While addressing the MLAs CM Gehlot said, “We thank Sonia Gandhiji and Rahul Gandhiji that they gave nationwide colour to the war in Rajasthan by fruitfully organising two-day programme which was very successful as crores of people Turn on P6

CONG-BSP MLAS MERGER

HC DISMISSES DILAWAR’S PLEA First India Bureau Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot received a shot in the arm as High Court dismissed BJP MLA Madan Dilawar’s petition against merger of six BSP MLAs with the ruling Congress.

Moreover, HC also rejected BSP’s petition to become party in the matter.

HC asked AAG Major RP Singh to seek factual position from the secretary of Assembly who later told the court that

5 AIRCRAFT

5 flying to India includes 7 Indian pilots including the commanding officer of 17 Golden Arrows squadron

12 PILOTS

have undergone extensive training on the Rafale fighters

Madan Dilawar

the Speaker had disposed of Dilawar’s application on last Friday, therefore, his petition has no validity and should be dismissed.

Turn on P6

7,000 km, will be the distance Rafale will travel with a stopover in the UAE, before arriving at the Ambala air station on Wednesday

NEWS AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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02

DR KALAM LEFT INDELIBLE MARKS ON SCIENCE, POLITICS: AMIT SHAH New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary. He said that Kalam has left indelible marks on several fields ranging from science to politics.

"Tributes to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, an epitome of intellect, wisdom and simplicity. A People's President, who left indelible marks on several fields ranging from science to politics," Shah

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

tweeted. Shah said that Kalam's quest for knowledge continues to inspire and capture the idea of a self-reliant India.

BJP national president JP Nadda also put out a message saying that Kalam was a people's President whose ideal life will keep on inspiring people in the country.

"My heartfelt tribute to former President of India Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ji on his death anniversary.

He was a people's President whose ideal life will keep on inspiring the people of the country," Nadda tweeted.

Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam contributed not only to science but also served as the 11th President of India and was widely regarded as the 'People's President'.

As an aerospace scientist, Kalam worked with India's two major space research organisations-Defence Research and

UNEVEN GRANT CAUSES HEARTBURN FOR DISTS

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday inducted two more leaders to its ranks, a former Congress member and a cooperative leader from Surat. This development comes less than 48 hours after stating the BJP state unit President CR Patil stated that the party will focus on strengthening itself through its workers and not ‘imported’ leaders.

The party welcomed former Congress member and vice-president of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj Jayesh Patel and cooperative leader Vas-

Concerns are emerging on how the state chooses to split the little funds it releases to fight the pandemic

Haresh Jhala

Medics conduct a test for COVID-19 in Ahmedabad. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDH deaths.

In comparison, Ahmedabad city had 18,856 positive cases and 1,345 deaths as on June 26. A month later, it has 24,353 cases and 1,531 deaths--a 29% increase in cases.

The two worst-hit cities in the state are comparable in terms of population as well: Surat’s is 44 lakh, while Ahmedabad’s is 56 lakh.

Yet, while the civic body in Ahmedabad can now afford to earmark Rs1 crore to buy tocilizumab injections, Surat--despite its 200% increase in the number of cases and deaths--has been given just 10% of the Rs100 crore financial aid it had requested from the state government.

Alarmingly, Surat is

NEW CASES IN THE JULY LAST 6 DAYS City

21

22

23

24

25

26

Total

Rajkot

45

43

44

46

50

52

280

Surat

225

201

181

216 181

201

1,205

Ahmedabad

187

181

187

161 162

152

1,030

Vadodara

60

62

71

70

77

79

419

Bhavnagar

26

22

23

21

24

17

133

Jamnagar

16

12

25

07

15

08

83

Gandhinagar 12

11

22

08

05

06

64

not the only city to be receiving step-daughterly treatment from the state government.

As of June 26, Vadodara city had witnessed 2,087 cases and 74 deaths. A month later, the caseload was at 4,194, and the death toll had risen to 77. Here, the government has allotted just Rs 10 crore to a city

that has seen a 100% increase in the number of cases in the past month.

Similarly, the state capital of Gandhinagar went from having 602 cases and a death toll of 27 on June 26 to 1,268 cases and 41 deaths as on July 26--another 100% increase. However, here too, the state has given out just Rs5 crore.

Home Minister Amit Shah

Despite Patil sermon, Cong leader inducted

FUND FRACAS

Gandhinagar: Expecting a 15% decrease in its annual revenue, the state has turned to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help local bodies fight the onslaught of the novel coronavirus. It has released Rs244 crore from the fund to seven municipal corporations to aid in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, concerns have arisen that the money is not going where it is needed the most.

So far, Ahmedabad has received Rs50 crore, Surat got Rs15 crore, Rajkot and Vadodara each got Rs10 crore, and Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Gandhinagar got Rs5 crore each.

Notably, Ahmedabad’s day-on-day figures have begun to fall, as opposed to Surat’s, which has been on the rise.

The textile city topped the monthly list in terms of new cases of COVID-19. It had 3,996 cases and 151 deaths as on June 26. Exactly a month later, on July 26, Surat’s numbers have almost tripled to reach 9,930 cases and 456

Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

His most significant works include the development of the Indian ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He played a central role in one of India's most important nuclear tests, Pokhran-II. For his work in science and politics, the People's President was awarded India's highest civilian honour or the Bharat Ratna. —ANI

The discrepancy becomes even more pronounced in some other districts, which have received little or no financial aid from the government.

Surendranagar, for instance, went from having 106 cases on June 26 to listing 603 cases a month later. It has not received any financial assistance from the state.

Junagadh went from 74 cases to 742 cases in the span of a month, while Kheda went from having 142 to 518 cases in the same time frame.

Dahod had just 55 cases on June 26 but now has 425. Jamnagar had 174 cases but now has 581 cases. These are also still waiting for financial assistance from the government.

Gujarat Khedut Samaj VP Jayesh Patel.

ant Patel on Monday in the presence of Patil. A state party leaders meeting was also conducted where the names of party candidates for the upcoming Assembly by-polls.

Sources in Surat say that the joining of both new leaders may be con-

nected to the upcoming Surat District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd elections (SUMUL Dairy).

Those nuanced in Surat cooperative politics feel that the party has two groups with interest in the SUMUL Dairy politics. One camp is led by sitting Chairman Raju Pathak and the other by former MP Mansinh Patel.

Patil has ruled out the existence of any factions within the party, and stated that the party shall contest the SUMUL elections as a single unit. He also reiterated that those joining the party have done so for their benefit but not at the behest of the party.

60 Cong leaders detained

by G’nagar police for protest First India Bureau Gandhinagar: More than 60 Congress workers and leaders were detained by Gandhinagar police on Monday as they marched towards the Raj Bhavan (the official residence of the governor) to protest against the political crisis allegedly instigated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan. The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Chavda, Leader of Opposition in State Assembly Paresh Dhanani and MLAs Gyasuddin Shaikh were among those detained.

The march-cumdemonstration was part of the Congress party’s nationwide call

Cong leaders holding banners at the march-cum-demonstration.

for agitation for the protection of the Constitution and values of democracy, as well as, showing solidarity with the CM Ashok Gehlot government in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan.

Before their detention, the Congress workers and leaders marched towards Raj Bhavan in the state cap-

ital holding banners with the message ‘Save Democracy, Save the Constitution.’

Talking to the media ahead of the march, Chavda accused BJP’s central leadership of ‘murdering democracy and insulting the public mandate by dismantling democratically elected governments in its hunger for power.’

USHERING IN A NEW ERA

‘Green’ & hi-tech new office for BJP’s Rajkot & S’rashtra workers Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Rajkot and Saurashtra unit is set to shift its base to a swanky modern office building near Sheetal Park on the 150 feet Ring Road. Spread over an area of around 1,913 square

metres, the new karyalay will be developed at the whopping cost of Rs25 crore. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and the newly appointed BJP state unit president CR Patil performed an e-khatmahurat of the proposed building via video conferencing from Gandhinagar on

the auspicious day of Shravan Sud Atham on Monday.

The three-storied earthquake-proof building will also house a cellar, which will act as a parking lot and a storeroom. It will also have a 555-seater conference hall equipped with the latest technology, making it one of the biggest BJP karyalayas in any zone.

Speaking at his first official function after being appointed the state BJP president Pa-

—FILE PHOTO

An e-khatmahurat was conducted by CM Rupani & state unit chief CR Patil on Monday

l

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP state unit president CR Patil.

til congratulated the Rajkot team on the huge

karyalay but also emphasized on the impor-

tance of maintaining digital data of all BJP workers. “Rajkot is an important place of power. I request that the digital data of all BJP workers in the Saurashtra region be recorded there with corresponding photographs.” He also asked the team to finish the work before the stipulated time period of 15 months.

Meanwhile, CM Rupani recalled the active role Rajkot has played in politics since the establish-

ment of the Jan Sangh. He also mentioned how BJP workers used to work from a one-room office located at ‘Uday’ House and later shifted to the Karanpara office in 2001, which was inaugurated by then GIDC chairman Parshottam Rupala.

“Rajkot has always remained a power house and in future too it will remain one for the state’s work. Now, there will be no need for rental halls to conduct meet-

ings. In order to do effective work, four things are very important- karyakarta (worker), karyalaya (office), kosh (money) and karyakram (programme. Walls are not needed but the work happening inside takes precedence,” he added.

The building has been planned to be a semi-green structure with a solar-powered arrangement on the rooftop for energy conservation and promotion of clean energy.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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03

With the state witnessing a steady rise in the number of cases, city civic bodies are taking unilateral calls

Guj cities continue the good fight Rajkot civic body will no longer share the identities of patients First India Bureau Rajkot: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Monday decided to discontinue the practice of divulging the names of COVID-19 patients. The decision was taken

by RMC commissioner Udit Agarwal in the wake of several complaints-both oral and written--that have accompanied the rising number of cases in the city.

One of a handful of civic bodies in the state to disclose the identities of those infected with SarsCoV-2, RMC shared both names and addresses.

Rajkot has now witnessed 983 cases of infection, with 539 people still undergoing treatment for COVID-19.

RMC opposition leader Vashram Sagathiya has opposed Commissioner Agarwal’s decision to stop sharing the patients’ identities. “How will one come to know if people in their area are positive if RMC does not declare

their names? How will people take precautions in the absence of this information? We will meet the commissioner tomorrow and if he does not listen, we will stage a dharna,” he said.

Meanwhile, two accused caught by personnel from the Rajkot crime branch fled from the dedicated COVID-19 hospital on Sunday night. The accused, Hasmukh alias Popat Baghelia and Vikram alias Vikido Vajelia, had confessed to the police about having been involved in seven house thefts.

The two were sent to a COVID-19 hospital after testing positive but later fled.

This has put the police and administration on their toes, since the two could spread the virus.

V’dara to get more health infra, including upgraded Dhaman-1 First India Bureau Vadodara: Despite putting up a good fight for the first couple of months, the city seems to be losing its fight against the novel coronavirus. In a span of a month, the number of COVID-19 cases in the city has increased 100%. The number of positive cases in June totalled 2,029 but now the tally has reached 4,180 cases. On June 26, there were 536 active cases, and exactly a month later, on July 26, the total number of active cases touched 580 cases. The rapid rise in the number of patients seems to be testing the health infrastructure in place.

With the infection transmitting quickly, the city and district administration have been working towards increasing the number of beds at COVID-19 hospitals and also upgrading the Dhaman-1 ventilators.

Dr Minu Patel, stateappointed advisor for medical services, said, “Dhaman-1 ventilators have been upgraded and now come with a compressor and humidifier.

The state government has supplied 35 upgraded Dhaman-1 ventila-

Ruchi Thakkar

Ahmedabad: After Pathalgadi movement activist Babita Kachhap was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), her supporters have taken to social media to demand her release.

Kachhap was detained along with Samu Oreya and Birsa Oreya were nabbed on Friday ‘for trying to incite people of the Satipati community against the government,’ as per an official statement. The campaign picked up momentum on Sunday.

The term pathalgadi means ‘carving a stone’,

The post that has been doing the rounds on social media.

and was first used to create political awareness when the Panchayat (Extension of Scheduled Area) Act, or PESA came into force in 1996. The pathalgadi displays put up in villages included excerpts from the PESA Act that was designed to

encourage a form of governance that built on local traditions of participatory democracy.

An online campaign of the movement gained support from the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) leader and MLA Chhotu Vasava

—FILE PHOTO

The entrance to Vadodara’s SSG Hospital.

CHAOS BEFORE ORDER

tors to Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital.

Of these, around 20 will be installed at SSG Hospital and the remaining 15 will be installed at Gotri Hospital.”

Addressing the media, Dr Patel added, “Since the number of

Supporters of Babita Kachhap launch campaign for her release First India Bureau

SMC staffer denied quarantine leave, now tests nCov +ve

from Jhagadia taluka of Bharuch district.

“Creating awareness in the society about their constitutional rights is not naxalism. Raising one’s voice against injustice is not unconstitutional,” he said.

The national secretary of the All India Students Association Sandeep Saurav tweeted, “Babita Kachhap is the hero of the tribal movement and has been arrested by the Gujarat ATS along with her two brothers. Babita is originally from Jharkhand. They are being called naxalites under false accusations... Is it a crime to raise voice for rights?”

cases is on the rise, medical infrastructure is being tested to its capacity.

There is a shortage of beds and ventilators, so we are preparing to add to our facilities over the next 10 to 15 days.”

She added that SSG’s trauma centre has 401

beds but can still accommodate 65 more. The centre has six floors with just 18 oxygen points on every floor.

With 40 more oxygen points per floor, the total number of points in the centre may reach 348.

The advisor also said, “All floors except the second floor, which houses the paediatric ward, have dedicated COVID-19 wards. The hospital authorities plan to shift it to the Gotri Hospital, where only those in critical condition will be admitted. The remaining patients will be discharged.”

Surat: After being denied a 14-day leave of absence to remain under home quarantine, a Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) senior sub-inspector (SSI) has now tested positive for novel coronavirus.

GK Chavda’s son had tested positive for the virus on July 15, following which, he requested his seniors for leave to stay isolated. But, his application was rejected and he continued to report for duty for the next 10 days.

It is standard protocol that if one member of a household tests positive for COVID-19, then all members of the family have to be essentially quaran-

HOLY WATER

tined. But Chavda had to continue discharging his duties as per routine after his leave application was denied approval.

It just goes to show that on one hand, the municipal corporation claims to put in every possible effort to combat SarsCoV-2, but on the other its negligence towards its own employees paints a different picture.

Chavda met many people before testing positive on Saturday.

Therefore, it will be difficult to trace the people he came in contact with and if the infection has been transmitted to anyone or not. Had Chavda been granted permission to remain under home quarantine, this situation would not have arisen.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

VHP members and the head priest of the Jagannath temple Dilip Dasji perform a puja at Ahmedabad to bless water from different rivers in Gujarat, before sending it to Ayodhya to be used in the construction of the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple.

Dry day for A’bad, but state to get rain soon 2-judge committee to suggest Ahmedabad: The city witnessed a dry day with most clear skies, but heavy rainfall occurred at isolated places across the state, including Kheda district of the North Gujarat region and Amreli in the Saurashtra region.

Rainfall also occurred at many places in the districts of South

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau

Clouds dotted the sky over Ahmedabad on Monday.

Gujarat region, at a few places in the districts of Saurashtra-Kutch and at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region.

A total of 29 talukas received rainfall on Monday. Dharampur in Valsad district recorded 40mm, the highest for the day.

According to the weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department, light to moder-

ate rain and thundershowers are very likely at a few places in all the districts of the South Gujarat region, Saurashtra and in the districts of North Gujarat region, namely Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Aravalli, and at isolated places in Kutch district. Dry weather is very likely in the remaining districts of the North Gujarat region.

HC live-streaming modalities First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state high court has constituted a two-judge committee to work out modalities of live streaming court proceedings. A principal bench comprising Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice JB Pardiwala, while disposing the petition

filed by Pruthvirajsinh Zala, a third-year law student, appreciated the initiative by him. Zala moved a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pleading for live streaming of high court proceedings.

As per the order, on June 25, a standing committee met and constituted a two- judge committee tasked with

working out modalities to facilitate people at large including the media to watch virtual hearings. The court also accepted that citizens had the right to be in the know and receive information, since proceedings involving the COVID-19 issue were having an impact on the public at large or a section of it.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ TAKES OFF

T

he first batch of five Rafale fighter jets flew out from Merignac airbase in France’s Bordeaux province for their one hop, 7000 km long journey to India. The Dassault-built lethal flying machine is part of Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal signed in 2016 for 36 aircraft to bolster its aging fleet of fighters. Due to arrive on Wednesday, the jets will be officially inducted into the Indian Air Force’s Ambala airbase. The first leg of the journey will take the planes to Abu Dhabi with mid-air refuelling. From there they will embark on the last leg to Ambala.

With the first batch on its way, France has kept its promise of delivering the aircraft on schedule. The remaining aircraft will reach India by 2021-end.

The twin-engine, multi-role combat aircraft is being touted as a game-changer for its capability to perform several actions simultaneously. Rafales are equipped with India-specific modification and carry weapons like Meteor air-to-air and Scalp cruise missiles.

India also proposes to buy 21 MiG 29 fighter jets and 12 Sukhoi Su30 from Russia in its preparedness for a situation where it has to face an aggressive adversary like China.

Signed in 2016, the deal witnessed an acrimonious political debate and a legal battle over the alleged higher price the government was said to be paying for fewer aircraft than negotiated by the UPA in 2001. Former ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, and lawyer Prashant Bhushan’s petition against the deal was dismissed by the Supreme Court. The Chowkidar Chor Hai slogan coined by Congress landed Rahul Gandhi into trouble.

WHO IS THINKING OF RAJASTHAN’S ECONOMY? SHUBHRANSHU SINGH The writer is a corporate professional, marketing leader, columnist and a social and political commentator. He writes on brand building, marketing, history, politics, technology and business

A

MAKING CHINA FEEL THE PINCH

C

hina, the neighbourhood bully, must still be calculating the economic setback dealt by India in retaliation for the land-grabbing in eastern Ladakh.

Huawei has been debarred from the 5G spectrum race from India. With the United States and Britain also banning Huawei, the blow must have been really hard for the Chinese telecom giant. Banning of TikTok, along with other popular Chinese-owned applications like Helo, UC Browser, Shareit, CamScanner, Club Factory, and WeChat were applauded in India where the sentiment to boycott Chinese goods and services became especially strong after the Ladakh ambush in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. “To protect national interest and security” the government had banned 59 Chinese applications near the end of June under the provisions of Section 69A of the Information and Technology Act. Through its latest decision, the government has barred 47 applications operating as clones or variants of the 59 apps banned earlier citing “operational ethics of certain apps”, implying sharing data with the Chinese government. There are another 250 apps under the government’s scanner and may also include the gaming app PUBG. As tension along the border persists, the government cannot allow IT invasion by China to weaken it through its apps which, the government said were “engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India”.

The fruits of economic liberalisation in India ever since 1991 have gone in disproportionate measure to states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka

sign of relative economic underdevelopment in a state is that its politics dominates its economics and not the other way around.

Rajasthan is currently in a frenzied swirl thanks to manoeuvres of power politics. It seems to be all about the ‘ease of forming government’ rather then the ‘ease of doing business’!

Irrespective of how the politics shape up, the economic heartbeat does not and must not stop. Rajasthan is the land which has given in this country exceptional leadership in the area of enterprise, entrepreneurship, and business leadership. In every corner of our vast country, the mark of Rajasthan’s entrepreneurs can be seen. Unfortunately, the homeland has not reaped a rich harvest.

In Rajasthan, the economy has taken a backseat. It can get even more dismal. One glance at the ‘post-Covid’ world scenario can tell us that. Travel and tourism at a standstill. New economic activity devastated. Large capital infusions are improbable. Profitability badly squeezed.

Tax revenues much poorer. One can visualise how difficult things may become for Rajasthan. We need political leadership obsessed with growth and economic expansion.

Economic growth is a matter of objective realism. Going beyond individual competence and charisma, it is about a relay race where separate institutions and individuals run for the same team.

I am a corporate professional, marketing expert and have handled business operations across diverse industries. I look at ‘Brand Rajasthan’ from an investor’s eyes and ask what is the state of affairs?

How should we judge the economic performance of a Chief Minister? The easiest way would be to rank performance according to aggregated statistics during a CM’s administration, such as the growth of real GDP, revenues, and employment. Have major corporations set up opera-

tions in the state and has domain concentration grown?

However, given that some Chief Ministers may face a larger economic crisis as against others who may govern in more favourable times, it is important to also take note of the national conditions with reference to inflation, financial health, and overall investment climate.

The fruits of economic liberalisation in India ever since 1991 have gone in disproportionate measure to states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Why did Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad become hubs for Indian IT? Why not Jaipur? Why is there not a booming culture industry -media, art, and leisure pursuitsin the state? Why are Goa and Kerala gaining and edge in holistic tourism? Why does Haryana have such a large manufacturing base compared to us?

It needs a will and ability to lead reform, drive catalysis through institutions, laws, and regulations. Politicians are not trained, economists, or business professionals. Therefore, observe how the Chief Minister is going about making economic decisions. Who are the advisors? Who are the people chosen to head vital institutions and departments? Are they empowered to make decisions that have a bearing on economic growth?

IN RAJASTHAN, THE ECONOMY HAS TAKEN A BACKSEAT. IT CAN GET EVEN MORE DISMAL. ONE GLANCE AT THE ‘POST-COVID’ WORLD SCENARIO CAN TELL US THAT

Successful Chief Ministers employ macroeconomic tools such as tax policy, labour policy and dip into the fiscal and monetary broad stream to avoid crunches, foster real GDP growth and maintain economic stability.

Secondly, we should consider whether the leadership improves the economic infrastructure of the state? Are they looking at the good social policy as a precursor to good economic policy? Are they aware of the cost structures of doing business in the state? Do they notice the conditions that impact productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses based in Rajasthan?

Short term policy-making can

Sense and Sensibility in a time of coronavirus

I

n our Art for Trying Times series, authors nominate a work they turn to for solace or perspective during this pandemic.

That we are all spending more time at home these days goes without saying; for those of us in Melbourne, our four walls feel restraining when most ways of leaving them are proscribed. So let me persuade you of a marvellously legitimate alternative to breaking the law, sorting your messy passwords, or rearranging your higgledypiggledy books into some kind of order. It’s called vicarious escape.

The novel concerns two sisters, Elinor and Marianne. The contrasting natures of the two girls provides Austen’s title, but there is also a younger

04

daughter, Margaret, and an older stepbrother by the mother’s first marriage whose new wife forces the mother and daughters out of the large family house into a cottage in a small village in another county.

It is this move that puts the sisters in a situation that has parallels with ours.

The tiny village of Barton could offer no social life. A little like people obliged to work from home, the girls found themselves with no external stimuli, other than Nature, with which to fuel their inner thoughts and mutual exchanges.

Thrown back on their own resources then, the two older sisters work on their existing accomplishments. Elinor sketches and paints, Marianne practises her piano-playing; they walk daily, sew and read.

Their every activity seems

lating them, but there is one great difference (at least for me). Each sister has in the other, on tap, a daily companion who provides companionship and stimulation. There is no mention of boredom or restlessness; depression results only from romantic mishaps. How? Their neighbour Sir John turns up, some social life takes off, and Marianne falls in love. Well, this is a novel.

to the modern reader almost weirdly extended: a short stroll will occupy two hours; Marianne, at least in

intention, will read for six.

Now that lack of time is no longer an excuse, we might even think of emu-

LITERARY ISOLATES I briefly put aside the Dashwood sisters to consider darker examples of literary isolates. Dostoevsky’s Underground Man leapt to mind. He lives utterly alone in a basement; his first words announce that he is “a sick man… a spiteful man … an unattractive man” whose liver is diseased. As a solitary he

qualifies, but he’s hardly an example to follow.

Back to Jane. But could even she help someone without a sister? Someone whose props, given the age we live in, are texts and emails, both of which seem determined to shorten our exchanges.

“U?” is all we need say to seek an opinion by SMS. The phone seems currently the only resource by which we Melburnians could copy the sisters’ ability to introduce, develop, and thoroughly draw out a conversation.

But even that we can’t count on. Usually our life-saving story isn’t nearly finished before the friend we’ve rung rudely interrupts with what she wants to say.

The lockdown does permit you to lose yourself in a beguiling other world – if you have a Jane Austen on hand.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM

end up imposing excessive costs, reducing productivity, weakening of the state’s competitiveness, and the decelerating long-term growth of real GDP for the state.

What any CM must provide is political will and a social contract. Rajasthan ought to be known as a state that is active in those sectors where there is great growth, vibrancy, and energy. Automotive, Telecom, Information Technology, Commercial Agriculture, Financial Services – these are boosters for job creation.

When a chief minister reforms the economic infrastructure, it leads to economic freedom and fairness revive confidence and provides support to those who seek growth. It is also crucial that poor, depressed classes in Rajasthan, particularly those who may have suffered from past discrimination, are participating fully, freely and energetically in the economy and enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Of course Rajasthan’s backwardness has structural reasons but we must also, reflect on whether political leadership in Rajasthan has done enough?

Is our political leadership genuinely interested in business and economics?

When these questions become part of public thought, Rajasthan will advance.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan During my address at the Foundation Day of @moesgoi, I spoke about how MoES has also been seriously involved in Research On Deep Ocean Exploration for the last 30 years.

India has been one of the first few countries in developing a deep mining system upto 6000 metres.

Anand Sharma @AnandSharmaINC Shocked at the Rajasthan Governor not honouring his oath of office to uphold the Constitution. The deliberate delay in the convening of the assembly session- a prerogative of the state cabinet, is brazenly partisan and disgraces his office.

Spiritual SPEAK

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. —Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 243 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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05

CENTRE BANS 47 CLONES OF

Chinese apps banned earlier The problem is with the operational ethics of certain apps, inform sources

The MeitY received complaints about misuse of apps.

New Delhi:The Information and Technology Ministry has banned 47 apps, which are clones or variants of Chineselinked 59 apps earlier banned in June.These banned clones include Tiktok Lite, Helo Lite, SHAREit Lite, BIGO LIVE Lite and VFY Lite.

The order regarding ban on these apps came on Friday, July 24.

A month since the last ban, sources in the Ministry tell that “the problem is with the operational ethics of certain apps. This is an ongoing process. If apps qualify under the same grounds of operational ethics, then they will also come under the scanner.” The 59 apps, most of which

IN DETAIL

were Chinese, had been banned by the Centre in June in view of the information available that they are engaged in activities which are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity and defence” of the country. —ANI

CRPF personnel wearing protective masks attend the function.

MoS SPEAK

brave CRPF personnel and their families on 82nd Raising Day,” Shah tweeted. —ANI

SSR DEATH CASE: VISCERA REPORT RULES OUT FOUL PLAY Mumbai: Mumbai’s Bandra police, who are investigating Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, have received the viscera report of the late actor.

The report has ruled out any possibility of foul play involved in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. They haven’t found any trace of any kind of poison. Sushant died by suicide on

‘New construction

by China on Indian side’

ership of the party. At the same time, there are other challenges also for Congress, the party staged protests outside all Raj Bhawans in the country except Rajasthan.

Congress also launched an online campaign Speak Up For Democracy against the alleged attempt by BJP to topple the Congress-led state governments. —ANI

New Delhi: Cong leader Randeep Singh Surjewala “The new construction by China along Indian side of LAC in Pangong Tso Lake area is very worrying. The misadventure

by Chinese to encroach on country’s terrestrial integrity is not acceptable.

Will Indian govt take cognizance of new satellite images & take the country into confidence?” —ANI

New Delhi: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi has called a virtual meeting of Rajya Sabha MPs on July 30, to discuss on the “current political situation and COVID-19.”

She had earlier called a meeting of LS MPs to discuss these issues, interestingly MPs present in the meeting urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to take on the lead-

Hiding truth anti-national: RaGa

CRPF is synonymous with valour, courage and sacrifice: Shah

New Delhi: On the 82nd Raising Day of Central Reserve Police Force, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday extended greetings to its personnel and their families.

“CRPF is synonymous with valour, courage and sacrifice. Time and again @crpfindia has made the nation proud. Their dedication to serve the society during COVID-19 is unparalleled. I join millions of Indians to wish our

Sonia calls meeting of RS MPs on July 30

June 14. The actor was 34 years old.In June, the final postmortem report of Sushant Singh Rajput confirmed asphyxia due to hanging as the cause of his death. There were no struggle marks or external injuries on Sushant Singh Rajput’s body. His nails were clean. The postmortem report said that it is a clear case of suicide.

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been targeting the government after June 15 clash with China in Ladakh that killed 20 Indian soldiers, sharpened his attack over the issue. “I do not mind if my whole career goes to hell, but I am not going to lie about the Indian territory,” Gandhi says in a video he shared on Twitter.

“The Chinese have occupied Indian land.

Hiding the truth and allowing them to take it is anti-national. Bringing

it to people’s attention is patriotic (sic),” the 50-year-old ex-Congress chief tweeted and shared a video message.

“As an Indian, my number one priority is nation & its people. Now it’s pretty clear that Chinese have entered our territory. It disturbs me.

It makes my blood boil.

How can some other nation just come into our territory?” —Agencies

A view of Ram Janmabhoomi Teeertha Kshetra office at Ramkot in Ayodhya on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

‘Time capsule to be kept under Ram Temple site’ Ayodhya: A day after a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust stated that a time capsule, enlisting the history and facts related to the Ram Janmabhoomi, will be placed thousands of feet below the construction site to ensure that there are no disputes in the future, Mahant Nritya Gopal, Trust president said that it is true and it will be done.

Mahant said that he does not have much information about the time capsule. “It is 100 per cent correct that a time capsule, enlisting the history and facts related to the Ram Janmabhoomi, will be placed thousands of feet below the construction site. It will be done in order to

IN THE COURTYARD

SC seeks UGC’s response on exam pleas New Delhi: The SC sought a reply from the UGC on a batch of pleas challenging its circular and seeking cancellation of final term examination in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhush posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. So-

licitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UGC, told that

GOVERNMENT MONEY FULLY REACHING PEOPLE: SG TO SC New Delhi: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, explaining the Centre’s welfare schemes during the Covid-19 pandemic, informed the Supreme Court that every one rupee from the Centre now fully reaches the people, while in contrast, earlier only 15 paise for every rupee used to reach the people.Mehta submitted before

a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan that “Fortunately we have passed those times when Centre used to send Rs 1 & 15 paise used to reach the poor. Now the Centre send Rs 1 & people get Rs 1.”

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing as a officer court, contended that S-G is politicising the matter. —ANI

there are 818 universities out of which 209 universities have al-

ready conducted exams and 394 others are planning to conduct the same.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by students seeking to quash the UGC circular dated July 6 whereby all universities all have been asked to wrap up the final exams before Sept 30. —ANI

‘HOW CAN TRIALS AGAINST FOREIGN JAMAATIS BE EXPEDITED?’ New Delhi : The SC asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta what can be done to expedite the trials against the foreign nationals, who attended the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin in March this year.

A bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the black-

listing and cancellation of visas of foreign nationals who attended the congregation, which had reportedly become an epicentre for the spread of coronavirus in the country. The court, which had earlier stated that they could individually move concerned authorities, fixed the matter for further hearing to July 31. —ANI

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT SHOP IN DELHI’S SADAR BAZAR, NO CASUALTY New Delhi: A fire broke out at a shop in North Delhi’s Sadar Bazar area on Monday, a Delhi Fire Services (DFS) official said.

No casualty was reported in the incident, the official said. A call about the fire was received around 10 am after which 13 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, DFS Director Atul Garg said.According to the fire department, the building comprised ground and two floors, where plastic materials were stored. The fire was brought under control by around 2 pm, the DFS said.

NO FRESH ORDER ON SECURITY OF RAM MANDIR: CRPF DG New Delhi: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General AP Maheshwari said that there is no fresh order given by the government regarding the security of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. “There is no fresh order which has been issued on the security of the Ram Mandir.

If the government gives such instructions or directions, the CRPF will perform its duty effectively,” the DG said after attending the 82nd Raising Day of the CRPF when asked if the CRPF will guard the Ram Mandir. The government will soon decide on the security of the Ram Mandir and it is likely that CRPF may get this responsibility. The CPRF is also guarding Vaishno Devi temple. After CRPF, CISF may also get the security of the Mandir. —ANI

ensure that there are no disputes in the future. A grand Ram Temple will be built here and all arrangements are in place for Bhoomi Pujan,” he said. “I do not have much information about time

capsule, but it will be placed below the construction site,” he added.

PM Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Temple in Ayodhya on August 5, he said. —ANI

‘India prepared to cooperate with Bangladesh amid crisis’

Piyush Goyal & S Jaishankar flag off 10 diesel locomotives via VC.

New Delhi: Underlining that India and Bangladesh partnership is a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangla-

desh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries.

“Very few countries in the world share such close fraternal ties as ours. Our partnership today stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations,” he said.

India stands prepared to cooperate with Bangladesh to tide over these difficult times.” —ANI

SENSEX SLIPS 194 PTS, NIFTY CLOSE AT 11,132 IN CHOPPY TRADE Mumbai: Benchmark Sensex slid over 194 points to settle at 37,935 in a see-saw session on Monday, weighed down by intense selling in banking stocks.After starting off the session on a positive note, the BSE Sensex got caught in a downward spiral and slumped over 500 points. It managed to recover some lost

ground and finally settled at 37,934.73, showing a loss of 194.17 points.

Likewise, the broader NSE Nifty closed 62.35 points or 0.56% lower at 11,131.80. On the Sensex chart, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finance emerged as major laggards, dropping over 6 per cent.

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COVID-19 UPDATE

The PM was speaking during the launch of high-throughput COVID-19 testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata

Efforts underway to conduct 10 lakh tests per day: PM New Delhi: Efforts are being made to ramp up the testing capacity in the country to conduct up to 10 lakh COVID-19 tests per day, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

The PM was speaking during the launch of high-throughput COVID-19 testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, in which he took part through video conferencing. “While we had just one centre for Corona testing in January, today close to 1,300 labs are functioning across the country.

More than 5 lakh tests are being conducted daily in the country today. In the coming weeks, efforts are being made to increase the

PM Modi speaks during the launch of 3 new high-throughput labs of ICMR via video conferencing.

number to 10 lakh tests per day,” he said.

He further highlighted that the country currently has over 11,000 COVID facilities and more than 11 lakh isolation beds.

ASSAM FLOODS

Over 55 lakh people affected, 102 dead: Govt

NDRF team evacuate villagers & livestock & transported them to safer places from flood-affected areas in Barpeta.

Guwahati: A total 56,71,018 people have been affected in 30 districts of Assam due to floods since May 22, the state government said.

102 people have died due to floods and 615 relief camps have been set up, according to the state government.

A total of 132 animals at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve have died due to floods related incidents.

“132 animal deaths reported at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Bokahat due to drowning and other reasons, so

far. This includes 14 rhinos, 5 wild buffaloes, 8 wild boars, 2 swamp deer, 98 hog deer, 1 sambar, 3 porcupines and 1 Python,” said the Government of Assam.

On Sunday, a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had evacuated villagers and livestock to safer places from floodaffected areas of Dighirpam Bazar in Assam’s Barpeta district.

Floods have wreaked havoc in various districts of Assam for the fourth time this year. —ANI

Praising the drastic increase in the number of PPE kits manufactured in the country during the crisis phase, Modi said that currently there are 1,200 manufacturers producing

more than 5 lakh PPE kits daily.

India’s COVID tally on Monday crossed the 14-lakh mark with the highest single-day spike of 49,931 cases & 708 deaths. —ANI

Narendra Modi @narendramodi “Greetings to all @ crpfindia personnel on the 82nd Raising Day of this outstanding Force. CRPF is at the forefront of keeping our nation safe. The courage and professionalism of this force are widely admired.

May the CRPF achieve even greater heights in the coming years,” he said in a tweet.

“Best wishes to Maharashtra CM Shri Uddhav Thackeray Ji on his birthday. I pray for Uddhav Ji’s long and healthy life.”

Nadda hints at BJP going solo in next Maha polls

Mumbai: Slamming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra as ‘an unholy alliance,’ BJP president JP Nadda urged the state unit to ensure that it doesn’t need the support of anyone else for the next elections.

“The government is an unholy alliance (of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress), it is shameless and works for profit. We need to ensure that we do not need anyone and should go alone in the next elections,” he said while addressing the Maharashtra BJP office-bearers through a video-conference.

‘PM called to inquire about my health’

‘850 departures, 845 arrivals during air travel’ New Delhi: There have been 850 departures and 845 arrivals on day 64 of the resumption of domestic air travel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

“Smooth & streamlined

Domestic operations. 26 July 2020, Day 64 till 2359 hrs. Departures 850, 75,126 passengers handled. Arrivals 845, 74,511 passengers handled. Total movements 1,695, Footfalls at airports 1,49,637, —ANI

26 DEATHS, 613 MORE CASES REPORTED IN DELHI New Delhi: Delhi on Monday witnessed a spike of 613 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital to 1,31,219.

According to a health bulletin of the Delhi government, there are 10,994 active cases in

the metropolis. With 26 deaths reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours, the death toll stands at 3,853.

As many as 1,497 people have recovered/discharged/migrated on Monday taking the total number of such people to 1,16,372 recovered.—ANI

are on BiPAP machines, 390 are on oxygen support. SMIMER is treating 208 patients, of which 12 are on ventilator support, 22 on BiPAP machines, and 139 are on oxygen support.

should be telecast live.

The release said it should be clarified that if the Assembly session is convened then how social distancing norms would be followed.

“Is there any arrangement in which 200 MLAs and 1000 officials do not face the threat of infection. And if anyone gets an infection, how to prevent its spread among others?” the release from the Governor asked.

It said the assembly does not have a sitting arrangement for 200 MLAs and 1,000 officials by following the social distancing norms.

POWER Gallery WILL RASHMI SAXENA SAHNI BE MEMBER OF CBDT ?

In case SK Gupta is not given extension in service,, Rashmi Saxena Sahni may become the new Member of the CBDT. She is a 1984 batch IRS (IT) officer.

IRS OFFICER TO JOIN KERALA GOVT

India’s count crosses 14 lakh-mark country, recovery rate at 63.92 pc New Delhi: With a spike of 49,931 cases in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID count crossed the 14 lakh-mark on Monday while the recovery rate stood at 63.92 per cent.

According to Union Health Ministry, total COVID-19 cases stand at 14,35,453 including 4,85,114 active cases and 9,17,568 cured/discharged/migrated cases. With 708 deaths in the last 24 hours, the cumulative toll reached 32,771.

A total of 7,924 fresh COVID-19 cases and 227 deaths were reported in Maharashtra today. The total count of cases in the state is 3,83,723 including 2,21,944 recovered cases and 1,47,592 active cases.

A total of 613 new cases and 26 deaths were reported in Delhi in last 24 hours. The total count of cases has risen to 1,31,219 including 1,16,372 recovered/discharged & 3,853 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported 6,993 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 2,20,716. While 5,723 patients were discharged, 54,896 cases are still active in the state. —ANI

06

Bhopal: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji called yesterday (Sunday) to inquire about my health. I could not talk to him as I was doing meditation and yoga. After some time, he again called. He asked about my health and advised me to take precautions,” he tweeted. —ANI

Delhi doctor, 27, dies of Coronavirus New Delhi: A 27-year-old doctor, who was on the frontline in fight against the novel coronavirus, died after a month-long battle against the highly infectious disease. Dr Joginder Chaudhary worked at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, He had tested positive on June 27.

Abraham Renn S is all set to join the Kerala govt as Addl Commissioner, State Goods & Service Tax (SGST) on deputation basis for a period of three years. He is a 2013 batch IRS(C&CE) officer is presently posted Dy Director, GST Intelligence, New Delhi.

SC COLLEGIUM TO MEET THIS WEEK?

Supreme Court Collegium is expected to meet this week. Currently there are four vacancies of SC Judges.

EIGHT SHORT-LISTED TO BE INTERVIEWED FOR THE POST OF RBI DY GOVERNOR ON AUG 7

Eight shortlisted candidates for the post of Dy. Governor in RBI are to be interviewed on August 7.

RIVA GANGULY TO TAKE OVER AS SECRETARY (EAST), MEA ON OCT 1

Riva Ganguly Das, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, will take over as Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on October 1, 2020. Das, who is a 1986 batch IFS officer, will succeed incumbent, Vijay Thakur Singh retiring on September 30, 2020.

GUPTA TO JOIN AS SECRETARY

LPA CBIC has relieved Dinesh Kumar Gupta to join as Secretary, Land Port Authority (LPA), under MHA. He is a 1995 batch IRS(C&CE) officer.

He has been selected for LPA for three years on deputation basis.

S BALA SUBRAMANYAM REDDY RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

S Bala Subramanyam Reddy, who was on deputation with the State of Andhra Pradesh and presently working as Special Secretary, Industry and Commerce Department, has been repatriated to his parent cadre. He is a 1989 batch ITS officer.

PALLAVI AGARWAL RELIEVED TO JOIN CENTRAL DEPUTATION

Pallavi Agarwal has been relieved to join as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, New Delhi, on deputation basis. She is an IRS-IT officer.

FOUR IAS OFFICERS SHIFTED IN MAHARASHTRA

Rajiv Jalota has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai, while SVR Srinivas was made Principal Secretary, Housing Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai and Saurabh Vijay is Secretary, Medical Education and Drugs Department, Mumbai. Besides, Jalaj Sharma has been posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Nagpur in Maharashtra.

PARAMESWARAN IYER QUITS AS SECRETARY, DRINKING WATER

Parameswaran Iyer has resigned from the post of Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation with effect from August 21, 2020. He is a 1981 batch voluntarily retired IAS officer of UP cadre.

Dr Sunil Kumar appointed as DG, Health Services

Dr Sunil Kumar has been appointed as Director General of Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Government of India.

By arrangement with : http:// whispersinthecorridors.com

FROM PG 1 Guj nears... total of 1,48,905 active cases. As of Sunday, the Maharashtra government has tested 18,86,296 samples. That is an average of 13,154 tests per million. Similarly, Rajasthan has tested 14,03,124 samples, or 15,361 per million.

The Gujarat government, for the past few days, has increased antigen testing. This in turn has increased the state’s per day testing capacity.

On Monday, the state tested 25,474 samples. Of the 1,052 samples that tested positive, 1,045 came from people from the state. Seven were

from out-of-state patients These 1,045 cases were reported in 32 districts and eight municipal corporations.

Surat continues to top the list with 258 cases: 204 from the city and 54 from rural areas. Other districts that witnessed new positive cases are: Ahmedabad (184), Vadodara (96), Rajkot (74), Gandhinagar (34), Bhavnagar (33), Surendranagar (30), Dahod and Patan (27 each), Bharuch (24), and Amreli (22).

As of Monday, there are 13,146 active cases in the state, with 81 pa-

tients on ventilator support. An 80-bed COVIDcare centre is being set up on the premises of the Vadodara Central Jail afterafter 18 inmates tested positive for Sars-Cov-2. An MD and four MBBS doctors will give full-time services at this centre. The Gotri hospital district administration is planning to convert the dome into a 100-bed ICU facility as well In Surat, 539 patients are being treated for COVID-19 in the new civil hospital, of which 454 are in advance stage, of these 14 are on ventilator support, 50

Guv-CM...

“In case, confidence motion is moved in the Assembly then proceedings should be done in the presence of chief secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Department.

The proceedings should be recorded and the trust vote should be carried out with a button,” the release said, adding that the proceedings

The release said it is the constitutional duty of the Governor that in such difficult circumstances, the life of more than 1200 people cannot be put to risk by calling a session without any special urgency. —WITH ANI INPUTS

HC dismisses...

However, Dilawar’s lawyer Harish Salve, said that he would file fresh petition. After hearing both sides, single bench of Justice Mahendra Goyal dismissed the petition while allowing Dilawar to file a fresh one.

The court also dismissed petition of the

BSP to become party in this matter saying that when the original petition has been dismissed, there was no logic for BSP’s petition.

Speaker Joshi... the court that Speaker wants to withdraw his plea challenging the High Court jurisdiction to interfere in pending proceedings on disqualification petition against 19 rebel MLAs. A Bench of Justices Arun Mishra, BR Gavai and Krishna Murari allowed the Speaker to withdraw the plea.

Sibal also told the Bench that due to lack

of stay by the Supreme Court on the High Court’s July 21 order, the HC has proceeded to pass a detailed order on July 24.

“They have passed a 32-page order. We have to weigh our legal options on what to do next,” Sibal said. —ANI

CM Gehlot... pledged to save democracy which was a huge achievement.

Gehlot said that the new generation has a huge responsibility and the spectacle that is going on in state today has never happened in 70 years!

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD NATURE CONSERVATION DAY? Each and every activity in the world depends upon nature so people should understand that any activity they do will affect the earth. Conservation of nature is of utmost importance to all human beings and their life on Earth. Earth has given the essential need to live like water, air, trees, animals, food, soil, minerals, etc. so its people

duty to keep the environment safe and clean. There are so many threats to nature, such as deforestation, illegal trade in wildlife, pollution, plastics use, chemicals, industrial developments, and many more factors. So, it is important to protect nature and to create a healthy environment for present and future generations.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WORLD NATURE CONSERVATION DAY? The founder and the history of World Conservation Day is unknown. The main objective of celebrating this day is to protect, maintain, and conserve the natural resources and habitats. Due to the depletion of natural resources and the imbalance in the ecosystem, people face risks like natural disasters, global

warming, various diseases, and much more. So the only solution to overcome these problems is to preserve the natural resources by creating awareness to the people around the world and encouraging them to protect the environment in an effective manner for the present as well as future generations.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT? Due to the fact that natural resources are limited, and the formation takes millions of years, the human exploits them for their endless consumption and comfort. Human beings have become a

07

HOW TO BE MORE

IN EVERYDAY LIFE

World Nature Conservation Day is observed on July 28 to spread awareness about the best practices to protect the natural resources as our Earth does not have unlimited amount of things we need like water, trees, soil etc

threat to natural resources as human interference in natural resources is rising day after day. So, it’s very important to save the resources and some of the steps to conserve nature are listed below:

Simple ways to make your life greener LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS

Work with and be inspired by leftovers – think of cuisines/ herbs and spices/add some grains/legumes or farinaceous. Discover a new style of cooking, no recipe required.

Think flavour and learn how

to incorporate and balance sweet, sour, bitter, salt, and umami. Make a delicious sauce – a quick and tasty roasted capsicum sauce the chef learnt on Santorini 30 years ago. Goes with many dishes.

BUY HALF YOUR FOOD LOCALLY

REDUCE YOUR WASHING

USE TECH FOR GOOD Erin Rhoads’ Waste Not Everyday (Hardie Grant Books, £10) points out that “the majority of the environmental burden caused by fashion happens after we take the clothing home: 82%

Apps are taking the fight to food waste. Olio connects neighbours and local retailers so surplus food can be shared; Too Good To Go enables cafes and restaurants to sell uneaten meals at

reduced rates; while Farmdrop connects you with sustainable local farmers. To recycle kitchen scraps, find neighbours with a compost bin (or chickens) at sharewaste.com.

SHOP LITTLE AND OFTEN A lot of waste comes from doing big shops, putting two-forone “bargains” in the trolley and buying on repeat rather than planning meals. “I’m always clear about what we will eat at home and when,” says Skye Gyngell, chef and founder of Spring in London, which runs a “scratch menu” using waste.

The shorter the food chain, the less waste created before it reaches your kitchen.

Hunter subscribes to buying 50% of food grown within 30 miles of where you live. “It’s an achievable figure,” he says, especially when producers, such as Hodmedod’s in Suffolk, are

reviving homegrown pulses including British lentils, quinoa, carlin peas and fava beans (which Hunter ferments to turn into miso and soy sauce). The nutritional value of fruit and veg lasts for only a short time, adds Gyngell, so how far your food has travelled matters.

COMPOST ON THE GO Compost isn’t just for the garden – think about reducing your food waste when you’re on the go, too, says Lindsay Miles, whose book Less Waste, No Fuss Kitchen: Simple Steps To Shop, Cook And Eat Sustainably (Hardie Grant, £12.99) is out in June. “A reusable coffee cup makes a great impromptu container for your lunch scraps – take apple cores or bread crusts home to compost.”

of the energy a garment will use is in the washing and drying we do each week”.

Rhoads suggests spot-cleaning, and neutralising smells with a spritz of diluted vodka or lemon juice.

GO FOR PLASTIC-FREE PERSONAL CARE There is a world of wastefree sanitary protection to explore, and Chillingsworth suggests buying a reusable tampon applicator. “The reusable version fits every size of tampon, is antimicrobial and easy to insert. After use, give it a wipe, rinse and return to the storage box that

fits in your handbag. Sterilise in hot water between periods.”

RECYCLE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN “Most major supermarkets provide plastic recycling collection points in store for stretchy plastic (such as frozen food bags, carrier bags and bread bags) which normally can’t be recycled from home,” says Helen Bird, plastics expert at government waste advisory body Wrap.  SOURCE: AGENCIES

 CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

 DESIGN: SITARAM SHARMA

Will it matter in five years from now? Ask yourself this question for anything that stresses you out.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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A STOP TO NON-STOP RAAS AS COVID-19 STRIKES FESTIVITIES!

Rakhis come with precautionary messages on nCov

Novel coronavirus protocols play spoilsport as CM Rupani withholds permission for Garba during Navratri!

First India Bureau

Shishir Awasthi

Ahmedabad: With the festival of Raksha Bandhan fast approaching, the rakhi makers of Ahmedabad have packaged rakhis with important messages amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year the rakhi makers of Gujarat sell these with different messages.

Mohammed Iqbal, a rakhi trader said, “We want to spread awareness about measures that need to be taken to stay safe from the virus.”Raksha Bandhan is the festival that shows love and affection between a brother and a sister. Each year we make rakhis on different designs. This year our rakhi packets

THERE’S HOPE

Gandhinagar: COVID 19 has struck again, this time at the heart of something which the Gujaratis hold very dear, the famous Garba during the Navratri festival. If one goes by CM Vijay Rupani’s discussion with the Garba organizers on Monday in Gandhinagar, then this year will be a dismal one for the Garba lovers.

No permission will be given to organize garba till the end of August and the decision will be reviewed only if the Corona situation shows some improvement said official sources.

Garba gives employments to lakhs of people across the state and boosts the economy, which is why a

delegation of the organisers had gone to meet the CM and request him personally.

Navratri, a celebration of nine days and nine nights of dancing to honour Goddess ambe begins on October 19 in this year. The Garba has been de-

AMC sanitation workers on strike

First India Bureau Ahmedabad : Sanitation workers of Khokhra ward went on strike on Monday after Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Estate department removed a garbage container from outside the Khokhra police station on Sunday evening.

The workers complained that now they have to go 2 km away from the area to dump the garbage. A letter was sent to AMC on June 26, 2019, by the Khokhra police. People

—FILE PHOTO

Garba dance during Navratri festivities.

from the commercial center and Khokhra ward councilors Javmin Dave, Navankumar Brahmbhatt, and Mahendra Patel has also asked for the removal of the container placed outside the public toilet.

As per their plea stray dogs, pigs and cows dug into the container and spill the garbage all over the road. Water that comes out of the box is surrounded by mosquitos causing breathing problems and making it difficult for them to sit in the station.

scribed as the “longest dancing festival in the world” by PM Modi himself when he was the chief minister of the state.

Navratri and Garba is also an occasion for companies to exhibit new collections, new launches and

myriad of economic activities across the state, the business from Garba crossed 10,000 crores in 2014 itself as millions participate in the festival daily across the country, and overseas.

Corporates from sectors ranging

from apparels, automobile, real estate, jewellery, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), telecom, electronics, home appliances and others all cash in on this season as they tie up with Garba organisers, private societies

across cities and towns to promote their brands during the event.It is no small worry if with the present slowdown the festive season also nosedives leading to a dismal picture all around.

Rupani also told the organizers how he had said no to the various fairs in Saurashtra region during upcoming months too. This decision came on a day when Gujarat reported 1,052 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total number of cases to 56,874.

Surat Municipal Corporation limits reported the highest number of cases – 204, followed by 144 cases in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits and 82 in Vadodara Municipal Corporation limits.

08

carry the theme of COVID-19. A sister will tie rakhi on her brother`s wrist, but our message in the packages urges people to wear masks, keep distance, use sanitizers during the times of COVID-19,” he added.

Observing that people have stopped purchasing Chinese items, Iqbal added, “People must be encouraged to buy locally made rakhis.

While making rakhis, people became Aatmanirbhar. Several women, poor people got employment.”

IIMA survey hails CM’s pandemic dashboard Ahmedabad: A survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has hailed the dashboard through which Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani coordinates with various stakeholders in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 80 per cent of the 2,387 respondent citizens have expressed their satisfaction with the leadership of the CM during the time of COVID-19

pandemic, it said.

Similarly, 70 per cent of respondent health workers are satisfied with the CM’’s support in terms of communication, building trust, and overall handling of the crisis. Nearly 53 per cent of health workers and 51 per cent administrative workers find the CM’’s leadership and support “excellent”, as per the survey.

The survey is part of a report prepared by IIMA faculty member Ranjan Kumar Ghosh

Three detained with `88 lakh in Navsari First India Bureau Navsari: Three persons were detained with Rs 88 lakh unaccounted cash during a vehicle- checking exercise on MumbaiAhmedabad highway

by Navsari police in Gujarat on Monday.

He identified the three as Milind Yashwante of Nashik in Maharashtra, and Jayesh Patel and Vipul Patel of Unjha in Mehsana district. The cash has been confiscated and Gandevi police is conducting further probe, he said.

and his team, with the aim to provide “an overview of the COVID-19 situation in Gujarat

and the dynamic yet effective strategies adopted by the state government” with a caveat

that the pandemic is far from being over.

Among other observations, the survey

noticed an increasing awareness regarding sanitation among citizens who are averse to spitting in public, and overwhelming 72 per cent respondent citizens in Ahmedabad and Surat preferring to buy essential items online during the lockdown, it said.

As on July 26, the number of COVID-19 cases in Gujarat stood at 55,822 with 2,326 deaths, as per state Health department. —PTI

ED files another case against Bhandari First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case against middleman Sanjay Bhandari and others including South Korea-based ‘SECL’ in connection with an “illegal” consultancy agreement for a Gujarat-based

project worth 6,744.32 crores.

The probe is based on a case instituted by the CBI on June 30. The CBI has alleged that Santech International entered into a consultancy agreement with SECL in October 2007, in violation of the terms of a contract be-

tween OPaL and SECL. The accused received about $50 lakh from SECL in June 2009 for the job.

According to CBI, the tender document did not have any provision for advance payments. However, the OPaL board approved

it on the bidders’ request. In its 2015 report, the Comptroller and Auditor General had objected to it, while also observing that the project completion was delayed.

The agency suspects a link between the payment for consultancy and purchase of a London property

by Bhandari.

HOMEGROWN EXOTICA

Enter the Dragon: Atmanirbharta bears ‘fruit’ for Kutch kisan 

Hard work pays off as Dragon fruit cultivation in Kutch, Gujarat, brings accolades and money for the farmers

First India Bureau Kutch: Farmers in Kutch have given taken Modi’s slogan Atmanirbhar Bharat to heart and have successfully cultivated the exotic vitamin rich dragon fruit, which originally belongs to South America. Over 150 farmers have taken up this cultivation in around 800 acres of land.

The conditions in India are not suitable for this fruit but that did not deter Haresh Thakkar who took it up in

2014-15 after learning the technique from Vietnam. Other farmers were also inspired and took up the cultivation producing a fine quality of Dragon fruit.

Thakkar was part of the delegation during CM Vijay Rupani’s visit to Uzbekistan. He presented the cultivation project and invited the concerned people to come to Gujarat to learn and be benefited. The governor of Gujarat also visited Thakkar’s farm and appreciated his

Traditionally, dragon fruit only grew in South America and had to be imported.

efforts.

PM Narendra Modi

also praised the efforts of the farmers of Kutch

in this dragon fruit endeavour, a credible ef-

fort for self-reliance, in the Mann ki Baat on Sunday.

Appropriately named, the dragon fruit’s outer skin is cactus-like, known as pitaya in Hindi, it is a powerhouse of nutrition, equipped with many health benefiting properties, it is low in calories, zero cholesterol and full of antioxidants.

The Dragon fruit, once an item of import is no longer one as the farmers of Kutch are cultivating this on a large scale and using

the most updated methods to sell it online too.

In the times of the Corona pandemic partaking of this fruit is very beneficial as the significant level of vitamin C helps to fight chronic disease by boosting the immune system. Farmers in Kutch district say that they are getting good prices for Dragon fruit from hotels and restaurants. A large number of farmers in Bhuj, Gandhidham and Mandvi areas are now cultivating Dragon fruit and getting good returns.

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09

AHMEDABAD, TUESDAY JULY 28, 2020

MAA-BETI JODI’S OF

B’TOWN

City First brings you the stunning Maa-Beti jodi’s of the Bollywood industry who have created a great base for their daughters and have supported them throughout!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

B

ollywood is blessed with legendary beauties who have graced their presence on the silver screen and made history with their acting/dancing skills. These include beauties like Sridevi, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Dimple Kapadia, Lillete Dubey, Tanuja, Amrita Singh and the list can go on.

Allegations of Nepotism notwithstanding, the genes of the parents are transferred to their kids- this is exactly what has made the Bollywood industry as glamorous as it is today.

These mothers not only had rewarding careers in

the industry but also helped their daughters build a career in the same.

A few mother-daughter jodi’s that have made a mark in the industry are Tanuja and Kajol/Tanishaa, Hema Malini and Esha/Ahaana Deol, Dimple Kapadia and Twinkle Khanna, Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan, Amrita Singh and Sara Ali Khan, Lillete and Ira Dubey, and Pooja Bedi and Aalia Furniturewalla among others.

Some of these jodi’s have been spotted in the movies together while some have appeared together in advertisements, public events and ramp shows.

Not just the Bollywood industry, but the mothers of the actresses who have been on the top charts have been extremely supportive too- well, that’s the reason why they’re so successful in the industry!

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

10

VARUN DHAWAN: HEART THROB OF YOUNGER GENERATION

POORVIKA AGRAWAL

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

V

arun Dhawan is good looking, charming, a versatile actor, and an incredible dancer. Yes, we’re talking about none other than the present generation’s heartthrob Varun Dhawan.

He is loved, appreciated, and regarded as very successful amongst the current crop of actors and is one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood right now. He is one of the highest-paid celebrity of India and he made his position in Forbes magazine in 2014. He was born to film director David Dhawan and Karuna Dhawan. After completing high education, he worked as an assistant

Varun Dhawan

director in My Name is Khan in 2010. He assisted Karan Johar for the same.

After 2 years, he decided to make an entry to Bollywood. He made his debut with Karan Johar’s romantic comedy Student of the Year alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt. In 2014, Dhawan appeared in two films, the first of which was the romantic comedy Main Tera Hero (2014), a remake of the Telugu film Kandireega, which was produced

by Balaji Motion Pictures and directed by his father.

Dhawan then played Rakesh “Humpty” Sharma, a flirtatious Punjabi boy who engages in a romantic affair with an engaged woman, in Shashank Khaitan’s romantic comedy Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Costarring Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Shukla, the film was described as a tribute to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) by Johar, who served as producer. The crime thriller Badlapur (2015) from director Sriram Raghavan saw Dhawan play a man

who over 15 years avenges the murder of his wife and son. Dhawan next starred opposite Shraddha Kapoor in a sequel to the dance film ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, entitled ABCD 2, in which he portrays the real-life character of Suresh Mukund, a dancer from M u m b a i who wins the 2012 World Hip Hop Dance Championship.

Alongside his acting career, Dhawan performs on stage and has co-hosted two award ceremonies. In 2013, he performed at the Filmfare, Screen, and Stardust award ceremonies, and at an event in Hong Kong.

FA CE OF TH ED AY

Still from ‘ABCD 2’

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You should smile more often its good for health.

This year has changed your life in terms of fitness completely. Monetary benefits are on the chart. Trust your intuitive power and it will prevent you from making any professional mistakes. Owning a new property is on the card.

The situation in the world right now can prevent you from travelling. Your good management skills will help you save more money to use for other essential requirements. You will enjoy your work because of less work pressure. You may move to some other place on temporarily.

If you really work hard, there will be a boost in your earnings. Your professional contacts can help you to an extent, don’t rely on them blindly and believe in your cpapabilities. Volunteer to some charity work today not with the feeling of giving selflessly.

Your business will bloom if you add more variety of the products in it. You will easily get the promotion at a time when others will be struggling for it. Be rest assured no financial crunch will effect you in any big way.

You may have to adapt to healthy leaving as the need of the hour.

MAR 21 - APR 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You must not rely on people to get your work done. You must leave your worries behind in emotional matters, try and gain control on your thoughts as unnecessary thinking will serve no purpose. Value those who care about you without judging them about their past.

Loving your parents more than anything is a very special things about you in today’s world. An exciting time is on the cards for those who are seeking some fun in life. Before choosing a career you must consult those who are from the particular field you are interested in.

Taking out time to spend with family is also important. Some of you will be really excited today for something that you have been waiting for long time to happen.

Distant trip to visit someone really close is possible. Some of you may be way too exited to get married.

You have a very good control on your emotions, you don’t get bothered by problems that easily. You will really feel financially secure by the decisions you will take today. You may go to spiritual place today for God’s blessings. Stop caring about ones who don’t care about you.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You are brave and your daring spirit will make you very successful. Business proposal will prove to be really beneficial for you. Examine all the details thoroughly. You are on your way to success, all you need is to control your emotions. You will get the chance to express your feelings.

You may feel very desperate for your partner today. Keep your focus and and continue to forge ahead. Be very vigilant in official work as everything is under observation. For you its not hard to tackle problems as you are tough and always prepared for the worst.

We only understand the value of freedom when we don’t have it. Plan your career in advance. Travellers may crave for more adventure but situations can prevent that from happening and anyways these are the times when life is more precious then Gold. Be fair to your lover.

You love animals and have special place for them in your life. You need to open your eyes to see the opportunity in front of you.

Professional you are doing really well and your very satisfied with your work. You should forgive people to relieve yourself from any burden.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

HUMA PARVEEN, Model

APR 21 - MAY 20

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

11

SWEETEST BIRTHDAY WISH

B

ollywood actor Kriti Sanon celebrated her 30th birthday on Monday. To make it more special, her sister Nupur Sanon posted a series of adorable photos/videos with a heartfelt note on social media.

She wrote, “Happy birthday LOVE/LIFE @kritisanon. We were never really taught to be one. A Team!

But we’ve been one always.

We somehow held each other’s hand a lot more stronger. Each time...Just. If there’s one woman I absolutely adore...it’s you. And I have my reasons beyond the sisterly bias!! :D” “I haven’t seen you change Krits! Just seen you evolve into a better person but I haven’t seen you change one bit in terms of your human side, emotions,

Karishma Tanna

values, morals , thought process and so much more... and it has been absolutely beautiful to be a part of this loving journey ...watching you grow but still seeing the

TESTED NEGATIVE

D

ays after being admitted to a Mumbai hospital for testing positive for COVID-19, actor and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan were discharged from the hospital on Monday after testing negative for the virus. Aishwarya’s star husband Abhishek Bachchan in a tweet shared that his wife and their eight-yearold daughter have recovered from coronavirus and have been sent home. Bachchan further added that he and his superstar father Amitabh Bachchan will continue to remain under medical supervision in the hospital. “Thank you all for your continued prayers and good wishes. Indebted forever.

Aishwarya and Aaradhya have thankfully tested negative and have been discharged from the hospital,” Abhishek Bachchan tweeted. “They will now be at home. My father and I remain in hospital under the care of the medical staff,” his tweet further read.

—ANI

ATRANGI RE

020 was supposed to be the year when the Friends cast had that epic reunion which we all have been craving for.

The shooting for the reunion special was supposed to take place on March 23-24. However, due to COVID-19, the shoot got delayed. Now, the cast has been teasing a potential August shoot but we will have to wait and see if they’re able to reunite under the same roof or not.

However, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow have plenty of mini-reunions to keep fans happy as they share photos on Instagram for us to obsess over. This time, the women reunited for an important cause as they urged fans to register to vote.

A

anand L Rai’s next project ‘Atrangi Re’ starring actors Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar and Dhanush will commence its second shoot schedule from October this year in Madurai.

The film went on floors in March this year before the nationwide lockdown was imposed. While the film’s first schedule took place in Varanasi, makers have now planned to begin the second shoot schedule of ‘Atrangi’ Re from October. Taking note of the increasing coronavirus cases in the country, Rai and the entire team decided to not resume the shoot immediately for everyone’s safety. About the upcoming schedule, which will last for three months, film’s star cast will be shooting in three different locations including Madurai in October followed

by Delhi and then Mumbai in the following months. It has also been told that the Delhi and Mumbai schedule with the ‘Rowdy Rathore’ star Akshay will be continuous and will continue to be shot for more than a month.

—ANI

Kriti Sanon

Lisa took to IG to share a gorgeous photo of the trio. While Jennifer kept it cozy in a cream turtleneck sweater, Courteney looked sharp in a baby pink blazer and white tee and Lisa adorned a comfy black shirt. Cox shared a video where Aniston is seen whispering something to her while Kudrow smiled at her friends. Moreover, Jennifer shared a Rachel Green meme to encourage voting on her Instagram Stories.

Lisa’s caption reads as, “Friends don’t let friends skip elections.

Text FRIENDS to 26797 to make sure you are registered. And tag your friends below to remind them to check their registration .#registerafriendday @iamavoter.”

—Agency

URGING TO DONATE

P

r i y a n k a Chopra Jonas and singer husband Nick Jonas have donated towards Assam flood relief and have asked people to do so too to help efforts to help those in the State, which has been ravaged by floods and has left close to 100 people dead and at least 129 animal casualties.

Taking to social media the actorsinger couple shared the names of a few organisations, who that are involved in relief and rescue operations in the state to which people could send in their

donations. “While we are all still dealing with the effects of the global pandemic, the Indian state of Assam has been grappling with another major crisis. It has been devasted by floods triggered by heavy monsoon showers affecting the lives of millions.” wrote Priyanka in a Tweet.

“The impact to life and land/property is unimaginable. The rapidly rising water level has also flooded the Kaziranga National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world,” the actor wrote.

—ANI

Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston

THE LAST SURVIVOR!

O Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush

Karishma Tanna edged out television actor Karan Patel and actor-choreographer Dharmesh Yelande to win the popular adventure reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 10. The grand finale of the Rohit Shetty hosted show was aired on Sunday on Colors. Apart from Tanna, Karan Patel, Dharmesh Yelande and Balraj were the finalists.

#REGISTER A FRIEND-DAY

2 Aaradhya and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

same innocence, same little kriti (our doll) :) I love you more than anyone in this world. More than that...I respect you. :”) You have the most beautiful,purest heart Krits. You’ve always been the ‘right’ one. On your special day...all I want is happiness for you. Praying for you to get back all the love and care you’ve only and only given to this world and so much more!! You deserve the best in everything,” she further added.

—City First

WINNER Television actor

livia de Havilland, the last surviving star of ‘Gone with the Wind’, has passed away.

The actress played Melanie Hamilton Wilkes, who squared off with Scarlett O’Hara to gain the affection of Ashley Wilkes, played by Leslie Howard. The 1939 movie became one of the icons in cinema, played and replayed every year in movie theatres across the country. The movie has drawn constant and increased criti-

Olivia de Havilland

cism over glorifying the South during the Civil War. Olivia starred in several other movies, including ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’.

She won Oscars for her performances into Each His Own and The Heiress. She was also an important part of a historic court case that changed Hollywood, the Oscar-winner was responsible for putting an end to the archaic studio system in Hollywood. When she was under a long-term contract with Warner Bros., she put her foot down, refusing certain roles, which got her benched more than once. She ended up suing Warner Bros., saying the studio system amounted to “peonage,” and the judge agreed and freed her from her remaining obligations under her contract.

—Agency

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

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PAYAL’S EXPERIENCE WITH SUSHANT

AHMEDABAD | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

12

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sandeep Choudhary, National Spokesperson AICC celebrated his 43rd birthday at Fairmont, Jaipur. He said that taking into account the current situation, he is not celebrating it but it is a definite pleasure to be with his mentors and seniors on this special day and he feels blessed.

Actress Payal Rajput shares with City First about her experience with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput in an exclusive interview

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

(Left) CM Ashok Gehlot gives his blessings and greets Sandeep Choudhary on his birthday.

(Above) Randeep Surjewala offers cake to Sandeep Choudhary after the cake cutting as Avinash Pande and Ajay Maken join in the simple birthday celebrations.

Payal Rajput

POORVIKA AGRAWAL cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

A

ctress Payal Rajput was in Jaipur to shoot for an ad show. The actress is known for her work in the Hindi television series, as well as the Punjabi and Telugu cinema. In an exclusive interview with City First, Payal stated, “I love to play negative genre like dark, grey as played in RX 100.”

On being asked about her upcoming projects, she said that she is going to work for a Telugu web

series which is a remake of a Kannada web series ‘Kaal Ratri’.

In this, she will again play a dark role. “I can proudly say that I can drive a bus, I can drive a truck, a car and everything except an airplane,” she stated, marking it as the most memorable moment from her super hit film ‘RX 100’.

The actress had also been a part of an ad with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

“Sushant was one of my favourite actors; I loved the way he was. He was never biased and treated everyone equally, be it a makeup artist or a junior artist. Of course, I’m deeply hurt. I hope he will get justice very soon,” Payal shared.

Sushant was one of my favourite actors; I loved the way he was. He was never biased and treated everyone equally, be it a makeup artist or a junior artist.

RAJASTHAN: A world wide webinar on ‘CADAVERIC MULTI ORGAN RETRIEVAL’ was organised at The Cadaveric Dissection Skill Lab at JNU in collaboration with Rajasthan Urological Society & Medtronic to demonstrate harvesting of the major organs of the body like Liver, Heart and Kidney from the brain dead/cadaveric patient for subsequent transplantation into needy patients. Dr Ritesh Mehta shared that webinar was aimed at to disclose the details on how to carry out step wise approach to retrieve Liver, Heart and Kidney for transplantation to the needy patient. Over 1000 Urology surgeons across the globe participated in this event. Chancellor Jaipur National University, Dr Sandeep Bakshi said that cadaveric training workshops are helpful forum for specialists to refine their surgical techniques.

‘Self-Reliant’ India

CITY FIRST

M

inister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik addressed a virtual seminar on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ on Monday, organised by Prem Bhandari, Chairman, Jaipur Foot USA. He emphasized on the objective of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’, which is to make India

cannot put all their eggs in one basket, all nations will have to become self-reliant and strengthindependent against the tough en their manufacturing capacities to ensure that they competition in the global don’t have to depend on supply chain and to emonly one country, China. power the poor adversely Bhandari added that 32 affected by COVID-19. million non-resident InPrem Bhandari underdians and persons of Inlined the philosophy of Prem dian origin around the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutum- Bhandari world can contribute bakam’ and said a selfreliant India will benefit other tremendously to the Indian govnations as well. He said in the ernment’s campaign for self-repost-pandemic world, nations liance. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

DURING THE DAY!

RAJASTHAN: A plantation program was organised by the Rotary Club at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Park, Jawahar Nagar on Monday, where the target of planting 11,000 trees was set to conserve the environment. The office-bearers of the organisation including MP Ramcharan Bohra and Former BJP State President, Ashok Parnami were present during the occasion.

RAJASTHAN: A meeting was organised for the newly appointed executives of the All India Year Young Women Yadav Mahasabha at the residence of Kusum Yadav. All newly appointed officials were welcomed and were given appointment letters during the event held on Monday.

A unique education app ‘My Edukos’ was virtually launched on Sunday in the presence of Ravindra Upadhyay, Arpit Gangwal, Sandeep Lele, Swarna Ghosh, Ashish Garg, Anshu Harsh, Singer Gaurav Jain, Hirendra Kumar Bhatt, Paresh Gupta, Gulzar Hussain, Pradeep Chaturvedi, and Honey Sharma among others. The app provide courses like film making, opera, playback singing, photography, acting, drama and theater, visual arts, wildlife and fashion photography, fashion designing and many other artistic disciplines.

RAJASTHAN: Rotary club Jaipur inaugurated ‘Royal Food Van’ under the aegis of Alfa Motors on Monday, in the presence of many doctors and office bearers of Rotary Club. District of Rotary Club 3054 Governor, Rajesh Agrawal shared that Royal Food Van will distribute food to the needy in the hospital every day.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of the birthday of Medical and Health Minister Dr Raghu Sharma’s birthday which was on Sunday, a blood donation and plantation program was organised on the following day, Monday, at Gautam Enclave Colony in Harmada. Former Municipal Corporation Chairperson Manju Sharma, State General Secretary Rajasthan Congress Committee Giriraj Garg, social workers Sushil Sharma, Rajesh Chaudhary and other guests attended the program. According to Gautam Enclave Colony Vikas Samini President Raman Chaudhari, 201 units of blood were collected in the blood donation camp.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a virtual talk show ‘RANBANKURE’ was organised by the Rajasthan Association of the UK and Braveheart Soldier Foundation on Sunday. The session started with paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the Kargil war, along with a video, highlighting memories of our gallant soldiers, prepared by the school student and volunteer Pradyuman Choudhary.