First India-Ahmedabad Edition-29 June 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 38°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,02,859 1,01,76,204 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 7,429 DEATHS 1,64,626 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 2,623 DEATHS 83,077 CASES

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 214

INDIA

16,486 5,48,869 DEATHS

TAMIL NADU 1,079 DEATHS 82,275 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

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

GUJARAT

1,809 DEATHS

UTTAR PRADESH 660 DEATHS 22,147 CASES

31,397

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 399 DEATHS 17,271 CASES

MAYHEM @

HIMALAYAN DESERT

Ladakh, the scenic Himalayan desert has been at the centre of most fierce Indo-China conflict in 53 years as the region witnessed violent face-off between the two neighbours.

China has been expanding its presence near Pangong Lake, the highest saltwater lake in the world. The lake which is famous for changing its colours, seems to encourage India to blow something out of the water, Literally! The location offers strategic advantage throughout the Himalayan region and Sunday’s statements by both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah shows India’s commitment to protect its borders and sovereignty at any cost.

PM WARNS THOSE WHO CAST EVIL EYE ON LADAKH Aditi Nagar

China deployed martial art trainers during border clash!

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Sunday that India has given a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on its territory in Ladakh, stating that while the country honours the spirit of friendship, it is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary.

Paying tributes to the 20 army men killed in the violent stand off with China earlier this month, Modi also said that India’s brave soldiers have shown that they will not allow the nation’s pride to be hurt.

PM’s strong words on his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast came amid a standoff between Indian and Chinese armies in eastern Ladakh, with the opposition Congress constantly attacking the central government over the issue. “Those who cast an evil eye on Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response.

Turn on P6

New Delhi: China had earlier this month deployed martial art trainers and members of a mountain club in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which borders India, state media reports said Sunday.

No specific reason was given in the reports about the new deployment but it was done during the ongoing border tension with India, which began in early May, and escalated into a deadly brawl later.

Reports suggest China had sent 20 martial arts trainers to Tibetan plateau to train army personnel there. It is believed that they took the decision after the faceoff with Indian troops in the Galwan valley. Official military newspaper China National Defense News reported five new militia divisions including former members of a Mount Everest Olympic torch relay team and fighters from mixed martial arts club had arrived at Lhasa on June 15.

PM Modi addresses the nation through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, in New Delhi on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

India will win both battles under PM Modi’s leadership: Shah New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday exuded confidence that the country would overcome the two “jung” (battle) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Amit Shah said that he wants to assure the Indians that the country will both the battles under PM Modi’s leadership.

Shah came down heav-

ily on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of playing into China and Pakistan’s hand by indulging in “anti-India” propaganda during a crisis. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s “Surender Modi” Turn on P6

Curbs in Maha to continue past June 30; 68 jail inmates test +ve Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray Sunday said the battle against coronavirus cannot be left halfway and urged the people of the state to follow rules and ensure the lockdown was not re-imposed. However, Thackeray made it clear that the lockdown curbs in the state would continue beyond June 30.

In an address to the state, Thackeray said, “Will lockdown be lifted after June 30? The clear

MANIPUR EXTENDS LOCKDOWN TILL JULY 15 Imphal: Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Sunday announced the extension of lockdown in the state till July 15. Announcing the lockdown in the state Singh said, “We have decided to extend the lockdown in Manipur for another 15 days from 1st-15th July.” Earlier this week, several other states including Jharkhand and West Bengal government had also extended the lockdown in their respective states.—ANI

answer is no. We can not leave this war halfway in this final phase. The crisis is not over yet. I am sure that you will

continue to co-operate with the government to ensure that the lockdown is not re-imposed.”

Turn on P6

Bihar cancels tender of bridge project with Chinese firms Patna: The Nitish Kumar led Bihar government on Sunday announced cancellation of a tender awarded for construction of a new mega bridge parallel to Patna’s iconic Mahatma Gandhi Setu because two of the four contractors selected for the project had Chinese partners, said state

minister for road construction NK Yadav.

“Two of the four contractors who were se-

lected for construction of a new bridge, had Chinese partners. We asked them to change their partners but they didn’t, so we cancelled their tender. We have called for applications again,” Yadav said.

China Harbour Engineering Company and Shaanxi Road Bridge Group Turn on P6

State touches 624 cases, records highest COVID-19 toll WITH 19 PEOPLE DEAD IN THE LAST 24 HOURS, THE STATE’S DEATH TALLY STANDS AT 1,809 Gargi Raval Gandhinagar: For the second consecutive day, the state recorded more than 600 COVID-19 cases with the tally touching 624 on Sunday, the highest number recorded in a single day. As a result the total number of SarsCoV-2 positive cases in the state stands at 31, 397.

Over 19 people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, taking the state’s death toll to 1,809. With over 3,63,306 tests conducted, currently there are 6,780 active patients in the state, of which, 71 are on ventilator support.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) reported a lower

UP GUV ANANDIBEN PATEL GETS ADDL CHARGE OF MP New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has been given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh during the absence on leave of incumbent Lal Ji Tandon, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement on Sunday. Tandon, 85, has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lucknow since June 11. “The President of India is pleased to appoint Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, in addition to her own duties, during the absence on leave of Lal Ji Tandon,” the statement said. —PTI

Health workers draw blood for antibody immunity testing at an urban health centre in Vejalpur, Ahmedabad —PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

number of fresh cases in the last three days by recording less than 200 cases for two consecutive days. However, there was a slight rise in the number of deaths. On Sunday, the

city reported 198 cases and 13 deaths. Currently, there are 2,921 active cases in Ahmedabad.

After witnessing a troublesome surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, Surat seems

poised to overtake Ahmedabad’s tally of COVID-19 cases within a week’s time. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) recorded 174 cases and two deaths on Sunday.

Turn on P6

NEWS AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

02

For old times’ sake! PM dials Vaghela, inquire about health First India Bureau

A RARE MEETING! Gujarat’s three most bitter political enemies and former chief ministers, Shankersinh Vaghela (left) and Narendra Modi with Keshubhai Patel (middle) -- all three had played a vital role in building BJP to political significance in Gujarat.

Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up former Gujarat Chief Minister ShankerSinh Vaghela’s son to enquire about his health. Vaghela was detected Covid-19 positive yesterday with mild symptoms. He has been admitted today at private-run Sterling hospital. He

Before being hospitalised, Vaghela’s team circulated a video in which the former CM said that he was being hospitalised for proper treatment was brought to the hospital in 108 emergency service ambulance from his residence Vasant Vagdo’ in Gandhinagar After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on Saturday, former Chief Minister of Gu-

jarat Shankersinh Vaghela has been admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad for the treatment of the infection, on Sunday morning.

Vaghela’s media associate Parthesh Patel said, “He (Vaghe-

NATIONAL CAPITAL’S HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY: AMIT SHAH Union Govt has taken steps to ramp up infra and prevent spread of COVID-19 in Delhi & 30,000 beds will be available by end of this month, assures the Home Minister

made in railway coaches and 8,000 beds are being prepared. DRDO is making an exclusive COVID-hospital in which there will be 250 ICU beds and with ventilators. A 10,000-bed facility has also been set up at the Radha Soami Beas, (Chhattarpur) keeping the rainy season in mind. The 9,937 beds arranged by Delhi Government earlier have not been occupied completely. It is not that they have not made arrangements but if the situation worsens, we have planned in advance,” Shah said.

He said it was the

circulated a video in which the former Chief Minister said that he was fine, but was being hospitalized for proper treatment as a precaution as suggested by doctors. He also said that the PM had a word with him about his health this morning.

Vaghela had tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday after he complained of fever for the past few days.

Hardik Patel thanks BJP for ‘womanly’ picture

The doctored picture of Cong leader Hardik Patel.

First India Bureau

Amit Shah

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the government has taken steps to ramp up infrastructure and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the national capital and 30,000 beds will be available by the end of this month.

In an interview with ANI, Shah said that the rates of isolation beds and ICU treatment have been reduced significantly in Delhi and a committee was set up for the purpose. “By June 30, 30,000 beds will be available. Eight thousand beds have been

la) was home quarantined yesterday. Today, the doctor advised hospitalization for better treatment.

And accordingly, he has been admitted to hospital today. However, there is nothing to worry about his health otherwise. He has no morbidities like diabetes etc. and is physically fit.”

Before being hospitalized, Vaghela’s team

We immediately provided 500 oxygen cylinders, around 10,000 oximeters and 440 ventilators and will provide more as and when needed. Delhi government can also arrange ambulances by coordinating with companies like Ola, Uber.

—Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

concern of people of Delhi that private hospitals are charging arbitrary rates.

“In my meeting, a decision was taken that a committee of doctors would be set up that would listen to private hospitals, consider best practices and extra cost in treating COVID-19 pa-

tients,” he said.

Amit Shah said rates of isolation beds which were Rs 24,000 to Rs 25,000 earlier have been reduced to Rs 8000 to Rs 10,000.

“The rates for ICU without ventilators were between Rs 34,000 to Rs 43,000. Now it is Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000. ICUs with ventilators previ-

ously use to cost Rs 44,000 to Rs 54,000. It has now been brought down to Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000.

It includes tests for COVID-19, medicines.

And in case of a diabetic patient, the next treatment is also included. It is a sealed package,” he said. The minister said numerous complaints were being reported that the condition of hospitals was not good, they needed guidance. He said teams were constituted comprising doctors from Delhi government, AIIMS, and ICMR to help reduce shortcomings.

Speaking about his visit to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP), Shah said that not only did it bring issues being faced on the ground to the front, but also boosted the morale of the health workers.

He said the Delhi govt conveyed that the number of ambulances, oxygen cylinders, and ventilators needs to be increased. “We immediately provided 500 oxygen cylinders, around 10K oximeters and 440 ventilators and will provide more as and when needed”, he said. —ANI

Rajkot: A doctored picture of Congress leader Hardik Patel as a woman had been doing the rounds on social media but before the picture could be widely circulated, Patel himself posted it on his Facebook page on Saturday. He also thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell for the picture.

Commenting on the picture, Patel wrote on his Facebook wall, “I have no problem with this picture. It is an honour for me.

Even Goddess Durga and Rani Laxmibai were women.”

Further, Patel claimed that the ruling party was behind the doctored picture.

“I believe that the BJP IT cell hates women and that is why they see a woman in me. For them, women are a curse.

All women should know how the BJP’s IT cell hates women,” he stated.

I believe that the BJP IT cell hates women and that is why they see a woman in me. For them, women are a curse.

All women should know how the BJP’s IT cell hates women.

—Hardik Patel, Congress leader

He added, “The BJP people have made such a fantastic photo. I had no idea that I looked so beautiful with a woman’s face. I thank you (BJP). …..Wishes to every woman on this day.

You all can wish me Happy Women’s Day. I am looking beautiful, right?”

Commenting on the people involved in making the doctored picture, he wrote, “If similar efforts, as those required in making this photo, would have been used in fighting for rights, those people would not have remained with nothing to do.”

BJP to strategise plan for by-elections at core meeting Ruling party is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it stays in driver’s seat, if EC announces polls First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Three Congress MLAs tendered their resignations from their positions and also from the opposition party this month. With five MLAs resigning in March, the Congress party has lost eight of its members. Taking advantage of the fact, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commenced preparations

for by-elections and called a core committee meeting in Gandhinagar on Monday.

So far, there has been no indication that the by-elections will be held by the Election Commission of India.

But, in order to up the ante, the BJP has already begun strategizing for the polls.

The core committee meeting will be chaired

by State Unit President Jitubhai Vaghani and

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and other senior party leaders. It will commence at 11.30 am at the Kamalam in Gandhinagar on Monday.

Other members of the core committee such as General Secretaries, Vice President, Secretaries and state office bearers will also remain present at the meeting.

According to a party press release, the plan for the by-elections will be discussed at the gathering.

Out of eight vacant seats in the party, five

seats were filled by former Congress MLAs who joined the BJP on Saturday. These politicians include Pradyumansinh Jadeja (Abda-

sa constituency), Brijesh Merja (Morbi constituency) JV Kakadi (Dhari constituency), Akshaykumar Patel (Karjan constituency)

and Jitu Chaudhary (Kaprada constituency).

If the by-elections of the eight assembly seats are held along with civic polls, the

pressure on both parties may be akin to ‘mini’ assembly elections. Undoubtedly, the urban vote bank is the strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party but the party lacks backing in rural areas of the state.

In order to remedy that, the BJP needs to understand caste base equations of each constituency. For example, Abdasa is dominated by Patel and Muslim voters, also has a Rajput base. If they stand united, the constituency has the power to affect election results. The Dhari and Morbi constituen-

cies are both dominated by the Patel community and fall in the Saurashtra region. In the 2017 general elections, BJP had been soundly defeated in Saurashtra, especially in Patel dominant constituencies.

If the BJP wins all seats in the by-elections, it will send a strong message of no anti-incumbency against the present ruling party and its leadership. Secondly, the party will regain lost ground. But, if it fails to win even two or three seats out of eight, it will boost the morale of its opposition party Congress.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

AMC slaps Rajasthan Hospital with a penalty of `77 lakh A police complaint has also been filed against the hospital for medical negligence First India Bureau Ahmedabad: After issuing a show-cause notice to city-based Rajasthan Hospital for violating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding treatment of COVID-19 patients, local civic body Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has levied a fine of Rs77 lakh on the hospital trust. It has also filed a police complaint against the hospital at Shahibaug police station.

AMC has asked the Rajasthan Hospital Trust to pay a penalty of Rs25 lakh. In addition to this, each member of the management board of the hospital including 18 trustees and 26 members will also have to pay a fine of Rs2 lakh each, total-

DELAY IN CARE

The penalty has been levied on the hospital on direction of the state high court.

ing Rs52 lakh. According to the civic body, the amount collected as fine from the hospital trust will be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

In direct violation of its MoU with AMC, Rajasthan Hospital had failed to allocate

the requisite 50% beds in its facility for COVID-19 patients, referred by the civic body. On June 18, a patient named Harish Kadiya was referred to the hospital by AMC for ventilator support after an advance intimation re-

quest. However, Kediya was stopped at the entrance gate of the COVID-19 wing of the hospital for 45 minutes, which led to delay in critical care.

Kediya breathed his last at the hospital later.

The Gujarat High

Court in response to writ petition (PIL) in its oral order directed AMC to take immediate action against the hospital. AMC had already issued a notice to Rajasthan Hospital’s chairman, board of management trustees and office bearers.

03

City gets 100 ventilators from PM CARES Fund First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Due to a surge in the number of the novel coronavirus cases in the city, there need for ventilators at COVID-19 dedicated hospitals had reached an alltime high. Coming to the aid of patients, the Central government has provided over 100 ventilators from the PM CARES Fund, to support their medical treatment and help combat the deadly virus.

According to MM Prabhakar, in-charge superintendent of Civil Hospital (Asarva), the hospital has received the cache of 100 ventilators from the central government. “Of the total number of allocated machines, 15 units of ventilators have been given to the kidney hospital, 30 units have been sent to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital, 10 units have

A ventilator machine at SVP Hospital, Ahmedabad. —FILE PHOTO

been redirected to the Gandhinagar Government Hospital and 10 ventilator units have been put to use at the old trauma centre,” asserted Prabhakar.

Further, Prabhakar added that the COVID-19 hospital on the Civil Hospital premises has 176 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. “All ICU beds have been equipped with ventilators. The ones we received from Delhi have already been distributed in the hospital and all of them are being put to use,” he stated.

The PM CARES Fund has allocated Rs2,000

crore to assist with the supply of 50,000 ‘Madein-India’ ventilators to government-run COVID-19 hospitals across the nation.

Of the total number of ventilators, 30,000 are being manufactured

by Bharat Electronics Ltd and the remaining

by AgVa Healthcare (10,000), AMTZ Basic (5,650), AMTZ High End (4,000), and Allied Medical (350).

So far, over 2,923 ventilators have been manufactured, of which 1,340 ventilators have been delivered to various states and union territories (UTs).

All DyMCs to visit micro-containment zones First India Bureau

The 10K litre fully automated tank was commissioned a month ago.

Liquid oxygen tank to aid COVID-19 patients at IKDRC First India Bureau Ahmedabad: In a record time of just one month, the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) successfully installed a fully automated liquid oxygen tank on its premises, to aid treatment efforts of COVID-19 patients. Dr Vineet Mishra, Director, IKDRC-ITS inaugurated the uninterrupted oxygen supply to the institute’s wards by turning on the valve of the 10,000 litre-capacity tank on Sunday.

“We have augmented the oxygen requirement in our wards to serve our patients better, especially after the meteoric rise

NEW ADDITION

of demand due to admission of patients infected with novel coronavirus,” said Dr Mishra.

Until now, IKDRC banked on cylinder deliveries to meet its oxygen requirements.

Now, with the installation of the tank, the institute will be able

to ensure hassle-free supply in its wards.

“The commissioning of a liquid oxygen tank on our premises will help us save on recurring costs and plug supply issues,” added Dr Mishra.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IKDRC began admitting novel coronavirus-infected patients last month. This, in turn, increased the demand for oxygen supply.

Earlier, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital run by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had installed a tank with a capacity of 20 kilolitres of liquid medical oxygen for its 2,000-bed facility.

Ahmedabad: A day after a Central government team paid a visit to the city and expressed dissatisfaction over lack of coordination among the officers and lack of accurate information, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajiv Gupta directed all deputy municipal commissioners to visit 37 micro-containment zones in the city. As per reports,

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Joint Health Secretary Lav Agarwal and his team’s assessment of the ground situation led to this move.

Additionally, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has also launched stricter surveillance in these zones. “All officers have been asked to execute this task with utmost sincerity. They are expected to post their field visit pictures and provide regular updates to

A containment zone in Ahmedabad.

the OSD,” said a source in the civic body.

Currently, the total number of samples being collected for COVID-19 testing in the

—FILE PHOTO

city stands at around 1,700 with as many as 1,200 samples being collected from containment zones. With the Indian Council of

Experimental med trial at Surat Civil Hosp

CLEANSING RITUAL

First India Bureau

A worker sprays disinfectant to sanitize a locality in the residential area of Charanagar in Ahmedabad, to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

NO ‘WASTE’ING RESOURCES

Garbage dumps unattended in Rajkot’s newly merged areas Masuma Bharmal Jariwala Rajkot: In a hurried merger, four villages namely Mota Mauva, Munjka, Ghanteshwar, Madhapar and area of Manharpur -1 village lying in Madhapar were included into the Rajkot city limits on June 18.

But, the decision to extend the limits of the city keeping in view forthcoming local elections does not seem to be benefitting

the new areas, at least in the case of garbage management.

With piles of garbage gathering on open grounds and no one to attend to it, arrangements for proper waste disposal have not been made for the newly merged areas. According to a shocking revelation of highly placed sources in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC), “The RMC has no records regarding the total number of societies and

UNPREPARED

Cows feast on garbage in Madhapar area of Rajkot.

houses in the newly merged areas yet.”

“We do have basic data and 10 tipper vans have been put in on

Medical Research (ICMR) allowing antibody rapid tests, Gupta has ordered that at least 600 antibody tests be conducted from these areas.

“The order has come in particular for a set of officers who had been seen hanging around their seniors. Despite that, a few officers who are believed to be in the good books of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), may be exempted from field visits,” added the source.

duty in the newly merged areas with two each deployed in Mota Mahuva and Munjka and three each in Mad-

hapar and Ghanteshwar. These vans started door-to-door garbage collection on Saturday but, so far, no provision

has been made to collect the garbage that has piled up since June 18.

With no dustbins in place, we are aware that the garbage is piling up.

We may start proper disposal in the coming days,” said a top source at RMC, who deals in garbage management.

“Based on the survey of various societies, the routes of tipper vans will be decided upon but, there no data on record yet to help facilitate this

function smoothly. It will take time to get this issue sorted out,” the source added.

Before the new areas were merged, the city was spread over an area of 129.21 square kilometres.

The total area now stands at 163.32 square kilometers, with Madhapar (10.61 sq km), Ghanteshwar (8.32 sq km), Munjka (8.01 sq km), Mota Mauva (7.14 sq km) and Manharpur (1 0.03 sq km).

Surat: Doctors at Civil Hospital, Surat have started using Remdesivir and Favipiravir medications for the treatment of mildly symptomatic and oxygenated COVID-19 patients on an experimental basis.

As per reports, patients have been administered these medicines for the past 8-10 days.

Initially, they were dispensed to five patients on a trial basis, in the place of the generally favoured hydroxychloroquine.

Apart from these medications, Azithromycin, Paracetamol, and cough syrup are among other medicines being given to novel coronavirus patients to ease symptoms such as fever, cold, cough and shortness of breath.

Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said, “The use of Remdesivir and Favipiravir medicines is being conducted on a trial basis. They will be administered more widely to patients if they yield good results.”

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

A MAGISTERIAL WORK ON LAND MANAGEMENT

IN-DEPTH

PM HITS A CHORD IN MANN KI BAAT

I

n his monthly address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the sentiment of a vast majority of people when he said, “Half the year is over. On Mann ki Baat, we have been discussing a wide range of topics. These days, people are commonly talking about one thing---when will 2020 end. They feel this has been a year of many challenges. There could be any number of challenges but our history shows that we have always overcome them. We have emerged stronger after challenges.”

Indeed, people desperately want 2020 to end and with it novel corona virus. White collar, blue collar they all want their jobs back. They don’t want that working on 70 per cent or 50 per cent of their original salary to be the new normal. They don’t want job loss and deprivation to be the new normal. People want this year of darkness to end so that they can see light at the end of the tunnel. Right now neither financial packages, nor assurances have dispelled gloom. Hope PM’s Mann ki Baat will reassure the dejected lot and make them mentally stronger.

Modi spoke on China too. Paying tributes to martyrs the prime minister said, “Those who cast an evil eye on Ladakh have got a befitting response. India honours the spirit of friendship…she is also capable of giving an appropriate response to the adversary…”

DR SANJEEV CHOPRA The author is an IAS & Director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Mussoorie and Honorary Curator, Valley of Words: Literature and Arts Festival, Dehradun

A

SHAH IS “PAINED” AT OCHHI RAJNEETI

O

n a day when the prime minister was talking of overcoming challenges, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was doing much the same. In an interview he expressed confidence that under Modi’s leadership the country would win its battles against Covid-19 as well as China. He told a news agency that India had fought well against the pandemic. “Our figures are much better compared to the world,” he said. He also dismissed suggestions of community spread of the virus saying, “There is no such situation in Delhi today. There is no community transmission.”

On China he took a swipe at former Congress president Rahul Gandhi who attacked the prime minister after his claim that there was no intrusion along the Line of Actual Control.

“Yes we are fully capable of handling anti-India propaganda but it does pain when a former president of such a big political party does ochhi raajneeti at a time of problems,” Shah said without mentioning Rahul by name.

Shah said he was ready for a parliament debate on the border issue. “Parliament honi hai, charcha karni hai to aaiye, karenge. 1962 se aaj tak do-do haath ho jaayein (let us discuss from 1962 war till now, ready for robust debate).

With only Rahul criticising the government for its failure in dealing with China, Shah’s riposte was on expected lines. After Sharad Pawar also spoke for the government, will the Congress leader keep up the pressure?

All over the world, there are two basic systems for registration of land: The Deed registration system followed

by US, France, Netherlands, and India or the Title Registration system (also called the Torrens system after its founding father) followed

by Australia, New Zealand, Germany and England, but it is not that the systems don’t have points which overlap

llow me to begin with a caveat.

The author, BK Agarwal is a batchmate and a good friend – and all of us in the 85 batch of the IAS are familiar with the painstaking work and effort he has put into this magisterial work by taking leave of absence from his official duties.

What fascinated all of us was that he chose to work on something so fundamental and intrinsic to revenue and registration laws –areas which can be described as the ‘core competence’ of the IAS. For unlike other endeavours or interventions where we have to work in conjunction /collaboration with colleagues from other services or sectors, this is our core work. And we had ignored it for long- not by design, but by default because many other issues became a top priority and this basic housekeeping task was ignored for several reasons. Thus, school enrollment, mid-day meal, PDS, MGNREGA, ODF, Kisan cards, and institutional deliveries drew our attention – for these were monitored at various review meetings, but updating land records and reducing litigation was not. Additionally, as land revenue ceased to play an important role as a source for the government budget, the updating of land records for purposes of revenue collection also lost its salience.

However, as land is a ‘finite resource’, and the ‘essential ground’ for most human activity - from agriculture to industry to infrastructure, and the increasing pressure of urbanisation, the management of land has again become centre stage.

Whether it is the ease of doing business, or acquiring land for the much-needed infra projects, or even ensuring that lands are not left fallow for want of clear titles and/or the reluctance in creating tenancy rights - the contest on the transactions over

One must bear in mind that all across the globe; the land registration systems have evolved, and have been a response to the needs and requirements of the time. In several cases, what pans out is a hybrid model – incorporating elements from both

land have grown manifold as the economic value has suddenly shot up. BK tells us that over one-third of the cases in the lower courts involve disputes over the property- and India cannot move on a high growth trajectory unless we find a method to resolve these issues.

All over the world, there are two basic systems for registration of land: The Deed registration system followed by US, France, Netherlands, and India or the Title Registration system ( also called the Torrens system after its founding father ) followed by Australia, New Zealand, Germany and England, but it is not that the systems don’t have points which

overlap. One must bear in mind that all across the globe; the land registration systems have evolved, and have been a response to the needs and requirements of the time. In several cases, what pans out is a hybrid model – incorporating elements from both.

Let’s start with the deed registration system – the simplest form of registration as all it requires is formal inquiries by the competent authority such as identification of parties, signatures, witnesses, deed format, requisite stamp duty. However the onus of authenticity of documents rests with the individuals, and not with the registering authority, and to those

Past pandemics exacerbated disadvantages

S

ocieties of the past were often better at dealing with problems than those of the present. It’s a sign of our complacency that early warning systems were not in place before COVID-19 struck. This was despite the fact that the past century witnessed four major respiratory pandemics – the 1918-19 Spanish flu, 1957-58 Asian flu, 1967 Hong Kong flu and the 2009 H1N1 outbreak – each of which infected many tens of millions of people around the world and killed in large numbers.

Centuries ago, states understood the risks of infectious disease and had containment measures in place to make sure cases were quickly identified and prevented from spreading. Milan, for example,

04

which had been badly hit by plague in the 1360s, put in place extensive networks of agents tasked with paying particular attention to reports of outbreaks of disease and monitoring trade routes and mountain passes for signs of infections.

The aftermath of COVID-19 will presumably see a return to such levels of alertness. However, it is the long-terms effects of the disease that may have the greater impact on the world we live in.

INCREASED DISADVANTAGE New research on the health, educational and productivity of Brazil in the early 20th century has revealed that despite directly killing few people there, the Spanish flu led to a marked increase of still births and infant mor-

tality in the country into 1920. There were sharp changes, too, in sex ratios of new-born children, with a spike in the number of births of girls relative to boys, largely because female foetuses are less vulnerable than male foetuses to disease in general.

Over the next two decades, there was also a noticeable improvement in

male literacy levels in Brazil, alongside a deterioration in female literacy levels in districts with greater influenza exposure. This was presumably because greater efforts went in to educating young boys, at the expense of girls. Such gendered educational imbalance is often seen in distressed communities, such as in Indonesia following

the tsunami of 2004.

Devising ways to compensate for such long-term disadvantages is crucial because pandemics correlate closely with violence, intolerance and racism.

This is something shown most strikingly in the case of cities in Germany a century ago. Cities and areas that suffered the most deaths during the Spanish flu spent on average less per person on their inhabitants in the decade that followed than those cities with lower mortality rates, especially on areas affecting young people – most notably school funding.

These urban centres in Germany that experienced the most deaths and the lowest investment subsequently were also significantly more likely to vote for extremist parties during the federal elections of

1932 and 1933 that ultimately propelled Hitler to power. This is the case even after controlling the data for factors such as demographics, war-related change and unemployment. This echoes research that suggests that places badly affected by the authorities’ responses to disease require higher levels of trust-building to compensate and to re-calibrate how citizens respond to government advice in the future.

As history can show us if we ask the right questions, the impact of COVID-19 will have consequences that stretch decades, perhaps centuries, into the future. But to look to tomorrow, it’s important to understand the past – and to apply the valuable lessons it can teach.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM

extent chances of litigation and disputes over property are higher, as it overlooks the legal validity of the transactions.

To overcome these disputes, many countries, starting with Australia opted for the Title Registration wherein the public authority – the state or the municipality as the case may be – guarantees the validity of the title and is liable to pay compensation in case of an error in the title. The three principles involved in this system are Mirror, Curtain, and Insurance. The Mirror principle means that the register accurately reflects all the material facts relating to the title, the Curtain implies that for ascertaining the title, no investigation beyond the register is required, and the Insurance principles require the state to guarantee the correctness of the register and to compensate the bona fide claimant suffering a loss due to an incorrect entry in the register. However, in practice, there are rights on the ground that may not be mirrored in the register, many chinks in the curtain, and state indemnity has its limitations, and in most cases, Insurance is a private transaction that has to be paid for.

Although land records and land management are state subjects, the Government of India has been trying to evolve a consensus on this issue. His recommendations are quite practical and incremental: these include compulsory registration of all transactions, wills, and decrees, a record of all properties under litigation, prompt disposal disputes by revenue officers, reducing the gap between public agencies involved with registration, record management, and land acquisition and the universal application of Transfer of Property Act to all land transactions.

The LBS National Academy has a Centre for Rural studies where these issues have been discussed at some length, but more from land tenures and socio-economic changes in the rural and agrarian economy.

This book draws our attention to the fact that land registration and management is the basic building block of the national economy – not just for rural, but also for urban India.

Top

TWEET Nitin Gadkari @nitin_gadkari Indian business has the strength and skills to grow further and power our journey towards self-reliance.

Under strong leadership of PM @ narendramodi, the Government of India is proactive and initiating path-breaking reforms that will help businesses and MSMEs. Adhir Chowdhury @adhirrcinc India should not unilaterally, persuade China of giving back the land of us occupied by them, but create atmosphere to compel China having talk bilaterally, we can not beg land from them rather kick out them from our holy land.

Spiritual SPEAK

Even as a solid rock is unshaken by the wind, so are the wise unshaken by praise or blame. —Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 214 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

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

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

INDIA AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

05

INDIA'S COVID-19 COUNT CROSSES 5L MARK Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that the COVID-19 recovery rate has surged over 58 pc in India

‘PEOPLE SHOULD STRICTLY FOLLOW GUIDELINES’

A policeman stands guard on a deserted road at Besant Nagar beach after a 12-day total lockdown was induced in Chennai.

New Delhi: India's COVID-19 tally crossed the five lakh mark on Saturday and it stands at 5,08,953, with the death toll at 15,685 according to Union Health Ministry. On the other hand, Delhi has 28,329 active cases with total count reaching 80,188 and 2,558 deaths. Medical experts said that the rise in cases in India is still not high as compared to other countries but said that people should follow COVID-19 guidelines such as wearing face masks.

Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital said that urban mobility is a likely cause in the spike in cases.

“I think as the numbers are rising, protection is must and we must follow the guidelines by the government wholeheartedly. There is a lot of urban mobility, especially in Delhi and Mumbai which may be a cause for the spike. The population density increases the chances of spreading the infection further.

EXPERT SPEAK

WITH NEW 19,906 CASES, INDIA’s TALLY @ 5,28,859 New Delhi: With 19,906 new cases, highest single-day spike so far, India’s COVID-19 count touched 5,28,859 including 2,03,051 active cases, 3,09,713 cured/discharged, according to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

410 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and the cumulative toll reached 16,095 deaths. Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra have climbed to 1,59,133 while Delhi’s tally stands at 80,188. 2,31,095 samples were tested on Saturday and the total number of samples tested up to 27 June is 82,27,802, said ICMR.—ANI

However, our recovery rate is also steadily rising which is encouraging,” Dr Kumar said.

Dr SP Byotra, Chairman, Dept of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, “We are yet to reach optimum number of cases. However, there has been flouting of rules by people. We have been continuously insisting that wearing masks is of foremost importance. We should be more responsible as a nation until there is specific treatment/vaccination available.” —ANI

Mumbai: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the state government will be inaugurate a centre for plasma therapy on Monday following which Maharashtra is likely to become the biggest state to conduct plasma therapy on a large scale.

“Today we will be inaugurating a centre for plasma therapy after this it is likely that we will be the biggest state

“So far, a total of 68,4296 samples have been tested in the state. The pool test is in continuous use. 1,723 pools of 5-5 samples and 176 pools of 10-10 samples have been installed. 176 out of 1,723 pools of 5-5 samples got positivity and 32 out of 176 pools of 10 samples got positivity,” said Amit Mohan Prasad.

New Delhi: The gap between recoveries & active cases of COVID-19 has crossed 1,00,000, Union Health Ministry said as coronavirus cases in India mounted to 5,28,859 and the death count rose to 16,095.

The recovered cases have exceeded the active cases by 1,06,661 as on Saturday. A total of 3,09,712 patients have been cured of COVID-19 so far with 13,832 patients having recovered in the last 24 hours, it said.

“The recovery rate is 58.56% amongst COVID-19 patients,” the Ministry said.

New Delhi: Even though there are more than 13 experimental vaccines in clinical trials among the 140 being developed to combat Covid-19, WHO has identified the candidates developed by Oxford UniversityAstraZeneca and Moderna Inc as the front-runners. “Certainly in terms of how advanced they are, the stage at which they are, they are I think probably the leading candidate,” WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said.Moderna’s vaccine is also going to go into phase three clinical trials, probably from the middle of July.

“Lockdown will not be lifted after June 30 as the risk of infection is not over yet. We are extending relaxations step by step —Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister, Mumbai

to conduct plasma therapy at this level. Those who got cured shall

come forward and donate plasma to fight this pandemic. With plasma

therapy nearly 90 per cent patients are getting cured,” said Thack-

eray. “Day after tomorrow we will be observing National Doctors' Day. They are fighting for us, I offer my gratitude to them. COVID-19 is not over yet, we will tackle this issue together,” he added.

Further. he said that the process to waive off farm loans has been delayed due to the model code of conduct during local body elections and COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra. —ANI

—PHOTOS BY PTI/ANI

‘China’s BRI projects adversely affected’ Beijing: Majority of the projects under China's ambitious multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are either adversely or partially affected by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Chinese official.

About a fifth of the projects under the BRI, which aims to boost trade and investment across Asia, Africa and Europe to further China's global influence, had been “seriously affected” by the pandemic, according to Wang Xiaolong, director-general of the foreign ministry's international economic affairs department. About 40 per cent of the projects were “adversely affected”, and a further 30-40 per cent were “somewhat affected”, Hong Kong-based Wang was quoted as saying. —PTI

Ops at Baghjan Gas well BJP Prez Nadda has lost his fire site, suspended political balance: Congress

TRS President & Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao along with party leaders paying tributes to former PM PV Narasimha Rao on his 100th Birthday Celebrations, at PV Ghat in Hyderabad on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Lucknow: In the last 24 hours, 606 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in UP, currently there are 6,679 active cases, said Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad. “14,808 patients have been discharged so far and 660 patients have succumbed to the infection,” said Prasad.

‘Recoveries exceed active cases by over 1 L’

OXFORD VACCINE MOST ADVANCED, SAYS WHO

Maha biggest state to conduct plasma therapy

FLORAL TRIBUTES

UP REPORTS 606 NEW COVID-19 CASES IN LAST 24 HOURS

Health workers wearing PPE kits, interact with a patient outside the LNJP Hospital in New Delhi on Sunday.

Guwahati: All ongoing works to douse a blaze at a damaged gas well in Assam’s Baghjan have been suspended with floodwaters inundating the site and submerging the pumps installed to put out the fire, PSU major Oil India Limited (OIL) said.

The well number 5 at Baghjan in Tinsukia district has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 32 days following a blowout on May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, killing two of OIL’s firefighters.

The company said all

MASSIVE FIRE AT CHEMICAL FACTORY IN GHAZIABAD Ghaziabad: A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad on Sunday afternoon. Over 10 fire trucks were rushed to the spot to control the fire, informed a few sources. Videos and photos shared on social media displayed thick smoke billowing out from the factory located in the city's Pandav Nagar area. The fire trucks were called at around 1.50pm to the spot.It is not clear how the fire started or if there were any casualties.

More details are awaited.

the rivers in and around Baghjan are rising rapidly, while the Dangori river is overflowing and has submerged the pumps installed for extinguishing the fire at the mouth of the well.

All connecting roads to the site are submerged in floodwater.

“Working conditions at the site have been considered unsafe and all operations have been called off for the day. PWD and OIL engineers are jointly inspecting the roads,” the company said in a statement. —ANI

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday alleged that BJP President JP Nadda “has lost his political balance in his flailing attempts at distraction and diversion from the issues of national security and territorial integrity”.

“BJP President, Shri JP Nadda has lost his political balance in his flailing attempts at distraction and diversion from the issues of national security and territorial integrity. All this is being done so that the Indian Nation-

AI TO START 170 FLIGHTS FROM 17 COUNTRIES BETWEEN JULY 3-15 New Delhi: Air India will be conducting 170 flights to and from 17 countries between July 3 and 15 under the fourth phase of the Vande Bharat Mission, according to an official document.

The government started the mission on May 6 to help stranded people reach their destinations using special repatriation

flights. Under the fourth phase of the mission, Air India will be conducting 170 flights connecting India with Canada, the US, the UK, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Thailand, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Myanmar, Japan, Ukraine and Vietnam, as per a few reliable sources.

Every day, a new conspiracy is crafted by the delusional leadership so as to spread disinformation, hyste- ria, and commotion to bury the apparent incompetence and complete failure of the Modi Government in defending our borders.

—Randeep Surjewala, Congress spokesperson

al Congress and our fellow countrymen stop questioning the Modi Government on the Chinese transgressions on our motherland,” Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a statement.

The Congress spokesperson further urged the ruling party to “declare the name of donors from whom it has received thousands of crores in donations through electoral bonds.” —ANI

CM ADITYANATH VISITS AYODHYA TO INSPECT WORK Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visited the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya on Sunday and inspected the ongoing temple construction work, officials said. The CM also inspect ed the progress of development works underway in various parts of Ayodhya, they said. “The CM visited Ayodhya on Sunday afternoon. He inspected the non-COVID hospitals, along with construction works on development schemes at various places of Ayodhya,” District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha told PTI.

INDIA AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

When will we talk of nation’s security?

06

TUTICORIN CUSTODIAL DEATHS

Transfer case to Congress to hold protests against CBI after Madras HC nod: TN CM petrol, diesel price hikes today

Congress has been hammering away at PM Modi for inconsistent stands on actual situation along LAC in Ladakh

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked PM Narendra Modi when he would address India’s security issues. “When will there be talk of nation’s security?” Gandhi tweeted after the Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat praised Indian soldiers for giving “a befitting reply to those coveting our territories”.

Referring to the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on the night of June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers the commanding officer of the Bihar Regiment dead, Modi said, “Our brave soldiers have shown that they will not let any harm be done to Mother India’s pride.”

The Congress has been hammering away at the PM and the government for inconsistent stands on the actual situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

RAGA’s TRIBUTES

in Ladakh amid the standoff with the Chinese.On Saturday, Congress leader Kapil Sibal claimed that the Chi-

‘J&K Police doesn’t target terrorists’ families without proof’

Srinagar: Vijay Kumar, Kashmir IGP said that J&K Police does not target the families of the terrorists without evidence.

Police said that it has taken cognisance of social media posts that have been generated, shared, and have twisted the facts of the matter in order to cause disturbance of peace and tranquillity. The Jammu and Kashmir Police said that Naseema Banoo, mother of 2018 killed terrorist Tausif and sister of active terrorist Abbash Sheikh, was arrested on June 20 in a criminal case of 2018 registered under sections 13B, 17, 18, 18B, 19, 39 of Unlawful Activities Preven-

tion Act (UAPA).

The arrest was done in compliance with provisions of law and she has been under legally sanctioned custody in Anantnag women police station ever since her arrest, police said.

“The arrested person is involved in a serious criminal case. The photo of arrested woman in which she is toting an automatic weapon & posing next to her son who was an active terrorist at the time speaks it all. She is involved in much more serious offences and her role has surfaced in arranging arms ammunition, communication & logistics for terrorists & terror organisations,” police added. —ANI

nese have intruded 18 km across the LAC at once location and asked PM Modi to “condemn the brazen Chinese occupation in Ladakh”.

Sibal had targeted the PM for his statement at an all-party meeting that “no one intruded into Indian territory” that was in stark contrast to the statement of the Indian ambassador in Beijing who said China should de-escalate and disengage by “moving back to its side of LAC”. He showed photographs to claim that the Chinese have intruded into several places in Indian territory. —Agencies

4 magnitude earthquakes hit Andaman, Manipur New Delhi: Two earthquakes were reported in the country on Sunday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported.

The first earthquake struck near Diglipur, in Andaman and Nicobar islands at 8:56 am at a depth of 45 kilometre, the NCS said. It was a 4.1 magnitude quake, it further reported.

The second earthquake - with magnitude 4 - was reported near Ukhrul in Manipur at 11:24 am at a depth of 60 kilometre.

Two quakes were reported from Rohtak in Haryana and Hanle in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. These are the series of quakes the country has been experiencing in the last few months.National capital Delhi has recorded more than 16 earthquakes in two months.

Most of these, however, were very mild and only recorded by seismographs. The string of earthquakes or tremors have sparked concerns that a bigger quake could strike the NCR region. —Agencies

New Delhi: The Congress will hold a nationwide agitation today against the rising prices of petrol and diesel and its MPs, MLAs and leaders will submit memorandums to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding a withdrawal of the hikes.

AICC General Secretary, In-charge for Or-

ganisation, KC Venugopal said through the protest programmes, the party aims to underline the government’s “extortionist looting” of the common man during the COVID-19 crisis.

In the following week, between June 30July 4, the party will also conduct massive

protests at the Taluk, Teshil and block levels, Venugopal said.

For the last twenty one consecutive days, the government has been increasing the price of petrol and diesel, in the process putting undue extra burden on the shoulders of the common people, he said in a statement.

Priyanka slams UP govt on student safety New Delhi: “At a time when coronavirus cases are rising across the country, UP government’s decision to start classes for MBBS students can jeopardize their safety,” the Congress general secretary said in a tweet in Hindi.

The UP government should take matter of

students’ safety seriously and take a decision after due consideration, she said.

Online classes are already under way, therefore, it is necessary to listen to take steps for their safety and a take a decision after understanding their concerns, she said.

New Delhi: Amid an outrage over the death of a father-son duo in Tuticorin allegedly due to police torture on June 23, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday decided to transfer the probe into the case to the CBI. “Tamil Nadu government has decided to transfer to CBI probe into death of father-son duo in Tuticorin following alleged police torture,” CM Edappadi K Palaniswami said.

“After getting approval from Madras HC the case will be transferred to CBI,” he said. The two men, Jayaraj and his son Fennix, who were arrested for allegedly violating lockdown norms by keeping

Edappadi K Palaniswami.

their mobile phone shop open beyond the approved business hours, died at a hospital in Kovilpatti on June 23. Relatives alleged that they were severely beaten at Sathankulam police station by policemen.

Following a furore, TN govt suspended 4 policemen. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth spoke to Jayaraj’s widow over phone and conveyed his heartfelt condolences, sources said. —PTI

‘Northeast India to receive widespread rain in 4-5 days’

New Delhi: Northeast India is likely to receive widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rains over the region in next four to five days as the eastern end of monsoon trough continues to run along the foothills of Himalayas with the convergence of strong southerly/ south-westerly winds from Bay of Bengal over the northeast and adjoining east India, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).

“Eastern end of monsoon trough continues to run along the

LIGHT TO MODERATE RAINFALL IN UP

‘88% EXCESS RAINFALL IN MP THIS MONTH’

Lucknow: Light to moderate rainfall occurred in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, the Meteorological department said. It said heavy showers occurred over isolated places in the eastern UP, while the western region of the state experienced moderate rainfall and thundershowers. The MeT department has predicted rain or thundershower at many places in eastern UP and at a few places over western part of the state from Monday to Wednesday.

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has received 88% excess rainfall in June so far as compared to the normal average due to the early onset of monsoon and conducive atmospheric systems, an IMD official said on Sunday. The monsoon arrived in MP on June 14 and became active in the entire state in next 10 days, G D Mishra, senior meteorologist of India at Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Bhopal office said while informing further.

foothills of Himalayas with convergence of strong southerly/ south-westerly winds

from Bay of Bengal over the northeast and adjoining east India. It is most likely to cause

widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over northeast India

when the former president of a big party [Rahul Gandhi] does ‘ochhi rajneeti’ during a crisis.”

“It’s a matter of introspection for him and his party that their hashtag is being encouraged by Pakistan and China,” Amit Shah said.

“If you want to discuss, we will. Let all be discussed from 1962 to today. No one is afraid of discussion. But when the soldiers of the country are making efforts, the government is taking solid steps after taking a stand. At that time, making statements that please Paki-

stan and China, this should not be done,” he said. Gandhi’s “Surender” dig was a response to the Prime Minister’s comment at an all-party meet that China has not captured any Indian territory or crossed the border. “Neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured... While we have given a free hand to our armed forces, diplomatically too we have made our stand clear to China. India wants peace and friendship but protecting its sovereignty is supreme,” the Prime Minister had said.

“Parliament will meet. If you want to discuss, we will. Let everything from 1962 to today can be discussed. No one is afraid of discussion. But when the soldiers of the country are making efforts, the government is taking strong steps, at that time making statements that please Pakistan and China should not happen,” Shah added.

during the next four to five days. Extremely heavy falls also most likely over Assam and Meghalaya during next 24 hours,” said IMD Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity over East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during next five days. Isolated heavy to very heavy falls also very likely over the above areas during the next two days and heavy falls subsequent three days along the west coast, according to IMD. —Agencies

FROM PG 1 State touches...

According to a press bulletin of the state health department, screening of diamond workers in Surat had been undertaken by the local civic body SMC. The screening process was accomplished by 21 teams comprising doctors and paramedical staff who screened over 17,105 workers working in 147 units.

Notably, post Unlock 1.0, permission was granted to diamond units to resume operations with limited numbers of staff. Last week, more than 150 diamond workers were reported to

have been infected with the novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) reported 44 new cases, followed by Valsad which recorded 36 cases. The Patan district reported 11 cases and the districts of Gandhinagar, Kutch, Surendranagar and Amreli reported 10 cases each.

Five fresh cases were reported in Bhavnagar and the districts of Rajkot, Aravalli, Navsari and Morbi recorded four cases each. Gandhinagar, Gir-Somnath, Tapi and Narmada reported one case in the

last 24 hours.

Curbs in...

Meanwhile, sixty-eight inmates in the Akola jail have tested positive for COVID-19 out of which many are asymptomatic, said Sanjay Khadse, Deputy Collector, Akola.

“Isolation wards have been made inside the jail. All the arrangements are in place to take care of the inmates,” said Khadse.

government’s cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December last year. Bihar government’s decision comes in the wake of outrage against Chinese aggression in eastern Ladakh that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian Army soldiers on June 15. This has led to calls for boycott of Chinese products and business entities. —Agencies

Bihar cancels...

Company (JV) were among the bidders for the project, which was cleared by the Union

India will... tweet, Amit Shah said, “We’re capable of handling anti-India propaganda but it’s painful

PM warns...

India honours the spirit of friendship. It is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary, without shying away,” he said in

his address without naming China.

The prime minister also made a vigorous push for the use of locally made products, saying being “vocal for local” is also a way to strengthen the country and to serve it.

The prime minister also referred to an old saying which means that a person who is wicked by nature uses education to foster conflict, wealth for conceit and strength to trouble others whereas, a gentleman uses education for knowledge, wealth for helping and strength for protecting. —PTI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

07

While the pandemic has brought many challenges, restrictions like social distancing rules and staff shortages are driving considerable innovation. Some are brilliantly simple - like a mask with a transparent mouth-guard to help deaf people lip read. Many innovations are in the field of robotics, from restaurant deliveries to cleaning

6 WAYS INNOVATIONS ARE HELPING IN THE PANDEMIC I

t’s more than five months since Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus outbreak began, went into lockdown marking the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions.

In that time, there have been many innovative ideas to help us live with the virus and return to work and leisure safely.

The World Economic Forum’s crowdsourcing platform UpLink is looking for the best solutions around the world to tackle today’s most pressing issues.

Here are six areas of everyday life where inventions are easing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

COMMUNICATING asks are manM datory - and essential - in many

settings, especially on public transport and in shops. However, for those who are deaf, they can cause a real problem: they cover lips, making it impossible to lipread.

This was the experience of a deaf tailor from Indonesia who faced a daily struggle with new regulations mandating mask wearing in public places.

Her solution is brilliantly simple: she has

created masks with a clear plastic window over the mouth making it possible to lip-read once again.

Another communication innovation takes the form of a robot. ‘Pepper’ is a humanoid robot who can be found at a Tokyo hotel. But it is no ordinary hotel: its patients are those who have mild coronavirus symptoms.

Pepper’s job is to greet patients as they arrive - making them feel welcome, but also protecting - and freeing up - staff.

CLEANING

DINING OUT t the height of the A lockdown, retail analysts, Kantar, studied

social media for clues about what people were most looking forward to doing when lockdowns were eased. The top three desires included eating out and going to a bar with friends.

But with social distancing measures in place for such businesses, attention has turned to how to keep customers safe and inspire trust.

French designer Christophe Gernigon has created oversized transparent lampshades, allowing diners to eat in a personal bubble. The ‘PLEX’EAT’ prototypes

are made from perspex.

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s ETEN restaurant has also been making dining safer.

On the banks of a canal it has installed glass houses to protect dining companions, and help with social distancing.

Meanwhile in South Korea, popular watering holes are devising more hi-tech ways to protect patrons: robot bartenders.

One - named ‘Cabo’ can carve a perfect spherical ice ball for whisky ‘on the rocks’.

Another can measure out cocktail liquor from 25 bottles hanging from the ceiling.

ome of the most S creative solutions have come

from the world of robotics.

Refugees at the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan have developed a LEGO robot that automatically dispenses hand sanitizer - reducing the risk of

SOCIAL DISTANCING

SHOPPING rocery shopping G boomed during the pandemic, with much of

the growth coming from online - a service relied on by many of those shielding from the virus.

But many of those

most at risk from COVID-19 are still wary of coming into stores, in part because of the possibility of the virus living on surfaces which are frequently touched - like the handle on a

HOME DELIVERIES fridge door.

A Finnish supermarket created an innovative solution - long, curved handles that allow customers to open chiller cabinets with their clothed arms instead of hands.

round the world, A robots are being enlisted to help with

t the heart of most A nations’ public health strategies to

fight COVID-19 is effective social distancing.

But sometimes people need to be reminded.

Singapore has chosen a robot for this task.

Made by US company Boston Dynamics, ‘Spot’ patrols the park and reminds visitors to maintain social

distancing: “Let’s keep Singapore healthy. For your own safety, and for those around you, please stand at least one metre apart.

Thank you.”

infection.

Elsewhere, robots are cleaning all kinds of surfaces. Meet “Ugo”, the remote-controlled robot developed by Japanese start-up Mira Robotics. It uses ultraviolet light to kill viruses, and can patrol buildings and clean on its own.

deliveries of food.

U.S. start-up Starship Technologies is rolling out its food delivery boxes on wheels to a range of urban areas, from Milton

Keynes, England to Fairfax, Virginia, U.S. Colombian startup Rappi is another company whose boxy wheeled robots have moved onto the pavements in greater numbers during the pandemic.

SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

The end of a month or anything for that matter is a time to look back and see what are our learnings. Also, to plan afresh for a new beginning.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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

Surat Covid facility flooded, Congress hits out at govt

08

Massive fire at chemical factory in Khambhat

Water from an underground tank overflowed & flooded civic hospital’s corona ward First India Bureau

SCARY NUMBERS!

Surat: Even as Surat has been witnessing a sharp rise in patients infected by the dreaded coronavirus, the basement of a hospital run by the local civic body as a special COVID-19 facility was flooded after water from an underground tank overflowed causing a scare among the 65 patients admitted there, officials said on Sunday.

Official sources informed that that the incident happened late Saturday night but the situation was brought under control soon after.

But, in the meantime, videos of the flooded facility went viral on social media some time later and created a huge outrage.

Surat Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner

A chemical factory in Khambhat in Anand district caught fire on Saturday night.

First India Bureau The multi-level parking at the SMIMER Hospital in Surat that has been converted into a Covid facility was flooded after an overflow from an underground water tank on Saturday.

(Health), Dr Ashish Naik, confirmed that there were 65 coronavirus positive patients at the COVID facility, specially created at the multi-level parking of Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research (SMIMER) Hospital located near Sahara Darwaja in the city.

“Water from an underground tank over-

flowed and flooded the basement briefly. The water was flushed out and the issue resolved within half an hour,” Naik claimed.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda took potshots at the State Government over the incident. He shared the video and attacked the Vijay Rupani Government over what he claimed was the “fake Gujarat

model”.

Chavda also questioned Deputy Chief Minister as well as State Health Minister Nitin Patel over preparations to contain the outbreak.

“See the condition of ward for patients of #Covid_19 in #BJPruled Surat Municipal Corporation hospital in @narendramodi’’s #Fake_Gujarat_model. @vijayrupanibjp @Nitinbhai_Patel please tell

us, was this your preparation to defeat #Covid_19?” he tweeted along with a 30-second video.

Surat has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases recently, especially after the lifting of the extended lockdown, with the district reporting its highest single-day tally of 191 cases on Sunday, of which 179 were in Surat civic limits. The death toll has risen to 174.

Anand: A huge fire at a chemical factory in Kalamsar village of Khambhat taluka in Anand on Saturday created a huge scare in the region because of its intensity. However, there were no casualties since the incident occurred in the night.

The fire, which is believed to have sparked off by a short circuit, started in the warehouse of Jay Chemicals, a dyestuff manufacturing unit in

Khambhat.

Located near the sea shore and at a distance from Kalamsar village, the unit caught fire on Saturday night and the local fire department was informed at about 9 pm.

It took about 15 firefighting vehicles from five towns, Anand, Khambhat, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Karamsad, Vadodara, and two companies, Gujarat Petrochemical and ONGC, to bring the blaze under control.

It took more than six

hours to douse the rising flames and firefighting operations continued till 7 am on Sunday, said Anand Fire Officer Dharmesh Gor. Though there were no casualties, firemen reported extreme burning sensation in their eyes while fighting the blaze.

Anand SP Ajit Rajian told reporters that evacuation of Kalamsar village was not required as the factory was far from the village and it was brought under control with no injuries.

HONEYTRAP TABLOID Two held for attacking cops, violating curfew OWNER HELD IN GUJ First India Bureau

First India Bureau Indore: On the run for six months and an accused in rape, blackmailing, extortion, human trafficking, grabbing of land among a spare of crimes, a tabloid newspaper owner Jitendra alias Jitu Soni was arrested from Gujarat and brought to Indore on Sunday, police said.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police Harinarayanchari Mishra said, “Of about 60 criminal cases against him related to rape, human trafficking, blackmailing, extortion, grabbing of land etc, 45 were lodged in the past six months. He was arrested on Saturday.”

Soni escaped during a police raid at his premises on December 3, after an engineer from Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Harbhajan Sin-

An Indore-based tabloid owner, wanted in 60 crimes, was arrested from Gujarat on Saturday night.

Of about 60 criminal cases against him related to rape, human trafficking, blackmailing, extortion, grabbing of land etc, 45 were lodged in the past six months.

—Harinarayanchari Mishra, DIG

gh lodged an FIR against him accusing Soni of defaming him based on ‘unfounded conversation’ and trying to blackmail him.

The FIR was preceded by Soni’s tabloid ‘Sanjha Lokswami’ publishing a transcript of the engineer’s alleged conversation with certain women

who were arrested earlier on charges of luring, trapping and blackmailing highprofile people in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and certain other states, according to police. The tabloid also published transcripts of two other high-profile people, including a former minister.

Godhra: A man and his son were detained for allegedly violating prohibitory orders and assaulting policemen when they tried to intercept them. The man’s younger son, who is a juvenile, is still on the run. The incident was reported near Signal Faliya in Godhra town on late Saturday night when curfew was in place. According to the complaint filed by head

—FILE PHOTO

constable Ranjeet Rameshbhai, around 10 pm on Saturday night,

two persons on a bike were seen approaching Med Circle Crossroads

Six diamond workers test Corona positive in Bhavnagar First India Bureau Bhavnagar: After diamond hub Surat, even a small cluster like Bhavnagar in Saurashtra has been hit by the coronavirus with six workers of a diamond polishing unit testing positive on Sunday.

Bhavnagar has 800 to 1,000 diamond units employing 1.25 lakh workers.

“Six workers of a di-

amond polishing unit have tested COVID-19 positive so far. We are analysing the source of the infection. We have closed two floors of the unit and its other employees have been home quarantined,” Bhavnagar Municipal Commissioner M A Gandhi said.

“Besides closing the floors, we have also sanitised the entire building. We have di-

rected the units to go for an oxygen saturation screening of workers,” Gandhi said.

President of the Bhavnagar Diamond Association Vitthal Mendapara said the diamond units there were taking special precautions and the association has been running an awareness campaign on COVID-19 ever since the units re-opened on June 19.

from Signal Faliya.

The police team stationed at the crossroads intercepted them but the accused allegedly started arguing with the policemen and also abused them. The third accused also joined and soon the arguments escalated, the police said.

When the police tried to nab the three from the spot, they allegedly began running towards another checkpost point 7. Here, another team of policemen, including

the complainant, intercepted them. When the policemen tried to stop them, the accused assaulted them, damaged their uniform and broke the mobile phone of one of the constables.

The head constable also alleged that the man kept reiterating that there was nothing like coronavirus and the police was only harassing people in its name.

Two of them were detained, while another escaped.

@ahmedpatel

Tribute to former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary.

UNIQUE INITIATIVE!

PM Modi lauds Vadodara Collector’s initiative in Mann ki Baat 

Vadodara Dist Collector Shalini Agrawal initiated rainwater harvesting in 1,000 schools

First India Bureau Vadodara: The low cost rainwater harvesting project initiated in as many as 1,000 government schools in the Vadodara district came in for special reference -- and praise -during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular All India Radio broadcast ‘Mann ki baat’.

Conceived by Va-

dodara District Collector Shalini Agrawal, this is the first such project of the country covering all government schools of the district to preserve rain water during the monsoon.

She conceived and launched the water harvesting project when tackling the floods in Vadodara city as the in-charge Municipal Commissioner last year.

The project, sched-

Rainwater harvesting structures created in Vadodara's government schools.

uled to be completed in a year, took just nine months to accomplish.

It has covered 1,000 government schools of Vadodara district. And more interestingly, Varsha Jal Nidhi project was completed with the people’s participation.

According to the plan that has been successfully implemented, one school will contribute 1 lakh litre of water harvested during the

monsoon. According to an official, “With this effort, more than 10 crore litre rainwater will be stored in the ground instead of going waste. Besides conserving water, this project also teaches water harvesting lessons to the school students.”

Principal of Sayajipura Primary School in Vadodara, Himanshu Bhai said the, “Water harvesting initiative is

a visionary programme and beneficial for future generations.”

He explained that rain water is collected on the terrace of the new building of the school and through pipeline and a filter tank, it goes to a 150 feet borewell.

The school principal said that, “As much as 1.5 to 2 lakh litres of rainwater is being recharged every year” in his institute.

www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia AHMEDABAD, MONDAY JUNE 29, 2020

HEART

& SOLE NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

S

neakers are probably the most popular shoes nowadays across gender and generations, and have developed from being just sports shoes to party wear. Back in the 18th century, people wore ‘Plimsolls’ invented by Wait Webster which were basically rubbersoled shoes, that had no ‘left/right foot’; both appeared to be the same.

Later in 1892, a more comfortable pair of sneakers were introduced with canvas tops, known as ‘Keds’ and during the end of the same year, Marquis Converse, the founder of the global brand called ‘Converse’ made shoes for basketball named ‘Converse All-Stars’ and that’s where it all started.

The sale of Sneakers took off in the year 1984, where the American basketball player Michael Jordan signed a contract with Nike for ‘Air Jordans’, that happens to be the most loved sneaker of all time.

After this, various shoe companies competed with each other with sneakers of various colours, new looks and what not!

Initially made for sports, sneakers now

go with literally anything and everythingmay it be casual wear, party wear, or even WEDDINGS! Yes, you heard that right. There was a trend sometime back where the Brides chose to wear sneakers with their ‘Shaadi-kaJoda’ and not designer heels. Well, comfort does matter at the end of the day and in fact, wearing sneakers made the Brides look even happier in their photos!

Owning a pair of sneakers is a must for every person, as they create a major style statement. But to maintain the charm of the footwear, one needs to take extra care of it, like- saving it from permanent stains, cleaning it regularly, keep the laces clean, using the perfect polish and keeping the soles dirt-free, among various other things.

If you don’t own a pair of sneakers, go and grab one right now; but make sure you get them online because stepping out does not sound like a good option at all!

FUN FACT: The most expensive pair of sneakers in the world, ‘Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan’ cost a total of $2,000,000.

Isn’t that crazy?

09

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

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

10

Dhruv Sehgal and Mithila Palkar too relatable in

I

n an exclusive interview, Little Things writer and actor Dhruv Sehgal had revealed his sole ambition with the third season of the Netflix India Original show was the leading couple, Kavya (Mithila Palkar) and Dhruv (played by himself), get even more real than they did in Season 2.

Season 3 proves Dhruv was spot on with his assessment.

Dhruv and Kavya become even more relatable, without compromising on the originality of the treatment, in season 3. The trailer showed a long-distance relationship would serve as the bone of contention in the third season. This is established in the first scene of the new season.

Once it is out of the way, the show actually focuses on not only the ripple effects of a longdistance relationship on both the partners, but also the perennially dangling sword above their relationship, of an impending marriage.

Dhruv moves to Bangalore to assist a professor at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in her research, while Kavya continues to work at the same company in Mumbai. Through his writing, Dhruv Sehgal and other writers explore the concept of a ‘happy place’, and how one can find it when they decide to step out of their comfort zone. For some, it is a new city that gels better with their sensibilities, and for the

FA CE OF TH ED AY

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/

YOUR DAY

others, it is the hometown which was always an option somewhere at the back of their mind.

The impact of a long-distance relationship usually revolves around the partner moving to newer pastures. But since they were already greener for Dhruv (since he confessed he felt more productive in Bangalore), the show smartly throws light on the partner left behind. For Kavya, everything is the same, except she has to get through it all in the constantly glaring absence of Dhruv. The ‘little things’ she did with him back in the days come back haunting, reminding her of his absence every day.

The long-distance relationship is not limited to the live-in partners but also extends to their respective families back home, in Kanpur and Delhi respectively. Two episodes strategically showcase a day in the life of Dhruv and Kavya, when they return to Delhi and Kanpur respectively. They can be seen trying to share with each other aspects of their life through video calling. The ghar wapasi gives both a muchneeded reality check, and they come across certain realisations; like their parents growing old, and people around them still harbouring archaic notions (Read: “Why don’t you two get married?”)

Credit must be given to Dhruv Sehgal and other writers for allowing his character to have the

shorter end of the stick. Dhruv Vats is flawed and temperamental, which probably explains his disorientation at this stage of his life when he has turned 30.

Kavya, on the other hand, is more understanding and calmer.

(In the above interview, Dhruv mentioned he was 50 percent Dhruv Vats and 50 percent Kavya. The third season demonstrated how one half of him is tactfully balancing the other.)

Director Ruchir Arun seems to have secured a strong grasp on the treatment, mood and tone of the show, just like the actors.

Sumit Aroraa has also directed four episodes, and succeeds in maintaining the tricky tonality of the show. Editor Saumya Sharma lends ample breathing space to the characters. Season 3 also employs VFX in two sequences across the show, probably as symbols of the characters’ state of mind. These special effects do not belong to the real world of Little Things. While they also seem to add to the central narrative, they end up distracting from the tonality of the show. Dhruv and Kavya seem like a couple who are willing to iron out their differences for the sake of long-term commitment.

In Season 3, they effectively get promoted to yet another stage of a relationship. Whether they get married or not should be explored, but the two contrasting parts residing in Dhruv Sehgal definitely seem to have married, discord notwithstanding.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Clear the air, stick to facts and don’t overreact.Listn before you speak up, it will be better. Keeping the peace will help resolve issues quickly and encourage you to work in conjunction with the people you deal with virtually or otherwise on a regular basis.

You’ve got the right idea, so don’t let anyone make you feel incompetent. Your ability to take hold of a situation and idea and carry it through to fruition will make a lasting impression on someone influential.

Things are looking up, keet trying, success is just around the corner.

Take hold of whatever situation you encounter,make it work to your advantage.Elbow grease & muscle, along with tenacity, will help you get your way and get things done.Personal rewards are within reach. Your romantic life will add charm to the day.

Expand your interests and your mind. What you learn and experience will help you put together the pieces that will lead to success. Don’t let an emotional incident stand between you and what you want to achieve.

Don’t run away from change, it is positive for you.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Get physical. Regardless of your current condition, it’s a good idea to up your game. Staying fit will energize you in all aspects of life.

Become the driving force who sets the standard in your family or circle.

Romance is favoured so go all out to woo your partner.

An experience you encounter will be enlightening and prompt you to make adjustments to your life.Viewing alternative lifestyles and practices will encourage you to moderate your spending, eating and daily routine closely. An unexpected change looks promising.

Emotional matters will surface if uncertainty prevails. Consider what you are up against, and come up with a practical application.

Straightforward conversations will eliminate false assumptions.

Personal gain and improvement are encouraged.

Go on a learning excursion.

Open your mind to new ideas and concepts that can help you bring about personal change. An optimistic outlook coupled with a desire to try something new will lead you in an exciting direction. Romance is on the cards.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Putter around the house.

Take care of unfinished projects. today is a day of creativity, so go for it.

Concentrate on the projects that will enhance your life. Physical improvement will boost your ego, and romance will enhance a meaningful relationship.

Work to make your home a happier environment. The changes you conduct in unison with others will bring you closer together, be open to suggestions. Use your energy wisely, and you will avoid a mishap. Added discipline will get you where you want to go.

Don’t try to take on the world, not today at least!

You’ll get the most back if you stick to a basic plan that is geared toward better emotional, mental and physical health. A friendly environment will encourage others to compromise and pitch in and help and reciprocate.

You’ll gain insight into what others want. Listen and respond with suggestions that will help you gain the support you need to put your plans in motion. An opportunity is heading your way, and a change will spice up your life, be open to what the universe is offering you.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

MONA GAUTAM, Model

LITTLE THINGS

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

11

Koko’s birthday!

K

hloé Kardashian was flooded with love on her birthday by her friends and family and even her ex-beau Tristan Thompson. Thompson took to Instagram and posted a picture of Khloé and their 2-yearold daughter True to wish the ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashian’ star on her 36th birthday. He thanked God for the “beautiful and loving woman” that Khloe is “especially our daughter True” ... her post while adding that she deserves the world. “I’m wise enough now to know, you came into my life to show me just what it means to be an incredible person,” the athlete said.

“I appreciate how I am able to learn from and grow because of you. You deserve the world, Koko! True and I love you, mama. Happy Birthday, @khloekardashian.” Khloe had been quarantining with ex Tristan Thompson and daughter True amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Being quarantined has made her have a soft spot for him, and she knows he will always be part of her life in some way because he is True’s dad. Khloé has been open and receptive toward Tristan,” the insider revealed.

—Agency

Khloe Kardashian

BRINGING

Adele

Teasers’ out?

A

dele may be working on something but she hasn’t got a new album for her fans just yet. The 32-year-old British singer sent some of her fans into a frenzy recently after she shared a picture of herself singing in a microphone. The singer flaunted her massive weight loss yet again. But she got fans curious when she simply captioned with a mysterious smiley face emoji. The new post left fans wondering if she was releasing a few new songs.

A fan took to the comments section “Teaser?

Albums coming out today???!!!! Tell me now!!!!”.

However, Adele decided to shut down the possible rumour of a new song coming their way with her comments. She said, asked the fan to “be patient” “Of course it’s not,” she announced, clearing the air about her post. “Corona ain’t over. I’m quarantining. Wear a mask and be patient,” she said.

While Adele didn’t offer her fans a timetable, they may have only a few more months to wait.

—Agency

It’s official!

CHEERS BACK

A

fter the humongous success of ‘Simmba’ at the time of its arer will be re-released in Australia and Fiji.

The ‘Gunday’ star, on Sunday, put out two posters of the film on Instagram and announced the re-released of the flick. One of the posters read, “Blockbuster returns in cinemas near you” while the other said, “Australia bringing cheers back in cinemas July 2nd.”

The 2018 cop-drama ‘Simmba’ was the actor’s first project with filmmaker Rohit Shetty. Shetty and Singh also collaborated for Shetty’s upcoming film ‘Sooryavanshi,’ that was slated for release early this year but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film features Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, along with Singh and Ajay Devgn making guest appearances.

Meanwhile, the ‘Padmaavat’ star has been quite active on social media with posts regarding day-to-day activities during the lockdown. Singh will be next seen in the sports drama ‘83’, a cinematic portrayal of India’s victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. —ANI

Sara Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh

P

‘I STAND FOR LOVE’

riyanka Chopra Jonas has always been vocal about everything that must be spoken about when someone is in the power to speak and hence, the actress ensures that she uses her voice in the right direction and for a cause. June is the Pride month and as it comes to an end, PeeCee took to social media to share a post about it and it had a quote about everything that Love stands for while incorporating the Pride colours with the sentences.

Priyanka also went on to use the caption that said ‘I stand for love. Happy #Pride” along with some colourful hearts and well, it sure has left the fans overwhelmed, to say the least. The Pride Month occurs in order to commemorate the Stonewall riots that happened back in 1969. During June, a lot of events ... her post take place in order to recognise the LGBT community and celebrate love, to say the least.

—Agency

Ariana Grande

P

Remebering

MARSHAL

V

Vicky Kaushal; (inset) His post

icky Kaushal, who was last seen in Dharma Productions’ ‘Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship’, is clearly on a roll these days. After all, he has some exciting projects in his kitty. But among all his upcoming projects, a biopic on the first Field Marshal of India Sam Manekshaw has been grabbing a lot of attention. After all, the ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ star will be seen in a yet another promising role. And while the fans are eagerly waiting for the movie, Vicky recently paid a tribute to the braveheart soldier of the India Army.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

He remembered Sam Manekshaw on his death anniversary and saluted his valour with a special post on Instagram. The post featured a small video with a throwback picture of Sam Manekshaw making his way through a group of soldiers. It was followed by the actor’s new look as the brave Field Marshal from his upcoming biopic. While Vicky is excited to be a part of the movie, he even called it a special journey. “Remembering one of India’s finest- Field Marshal #SamManekshaw. This journey is going to be very special,” he wrote.

—Agency

op singer Ariana Grande managed to ring in her 27th birthday in style, even in quarantine. Being at home did not stop the singer from having a fun and memorable birthday. Grande celebrated her special day with a group of close friends and her boyfriend Dalton Gomez.

Ariana also took this opportunity to make her relationship with Dalton official on Instagram. The adorable love birds were seen showering each other with kisses and love in the romantic photo from the party.

As for her birthday celebrations, Ariana transformed her home into an enchanted garden, drawing inspiration from the movie Midsommar. “My friends and I went with a ... her post Midsommar theme because help me,” she said on Instagram while sharing pictures from the party. The 7 Rings singer was so true to the theme that she even incorporated it into her costume. She channelled Dani, Florence Pugh’s character, from the movie for the party.

—Agency

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

AIMING BIG

R

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

E

veryone has great dreams that they want to achieve in their life- some start working to achieve them since the very first day, some take their own sweet time and some wait for the right time. Shradha Dadhich from the Pink City is extremely clear about what she wants her future to look like and has already started working for it since a very young age.

Being a Graphic Designer by profession at present, Shradha wants to become an Entrepreneur by opening up her own business of recycling plastic. “Even though everyone knows how sen-

FACEBOOK POST!

obert Vadra took to Facebook and shared the journey of his 36+ hours’ diet. He wrote, “I don’t usually advocate fasts and diets, as I think they are temporary methods to lose weight. But I was challenged to keeping a fast for 24 hours, which I then stretched to 39 hours. From finishing a meal at 8 pm, it was easy to bear the first 12 hours by sleeping early and waking at 8 am next day. Most part of the fast, whenever I did feel the urge to eat, I drank warm lemon water, black tea, and water. With staying occupied at office in the day, and with only another easy walk in the evening, I was able to sleep early another night without consuming any solids, accept lemon water and black tea.”

He added, “Next morning when I had crossed 36 hours, I pushed the limit with another walk. I ate only on the 39th hour, and small portions. For me was an experience of mind and body. How one can be determined to divert and control your mind if you have any need and what better than your own body. Detoxifying your body is important as often as you can do it.”

“If researched ... Fasting is a time tested and ancient tradition. It has been used not only for weight loss,

City First in a conversation with Shradha Dadhich, who aspires to become a Model and simultaneously, an Entrepreneur

NEHAL NAYAR

sitive our environment, there are various people out there who are unaware about the issue of environmental pollution. I’ve always been extremely concerned about the environment and my business is going to be about recycling harmful plastic.”

But this is not it. Shradha also aspires to be a model and wants to make it big in the same field. She mentioned, “I’ve always wanted to be a Model and being in front of the camera makes me really happy. I really wish to make it big in both the fields simultaneously.”

“I look forward to bring on new ideas for people to adapt better to the current scenario and make the best out of it at fashion and inspiring them to be better every day while being open to all the critics out there,” she added.

It was the birthday of Mamta Bhupesh, Minister of Women and Child Development on Sunday but she did not celebrate it. Taking into account our soldiers martyred on the China border and the Corona situation she spent the day quietly with her family only stepping out to feed fodder to the cows and donate grains to the needy.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

but to improve concentration, extend life, prevent Alzheimer’s, prevent insulin resistance and even reverse the entire aging process. ‘Try it’... Eat lite, workout with all your might, and sleep tight,” he wrote further.

—Vaishali

DIL SE...

WITH INTEGRITY! L aw has to be for the people and have a humanitarian face. This point was brought to the fore by Prem Bhandari, Chairman, Jaipur Foot USA. He has demanded the Foreign and Home Ministries that USA citizens of Indian origin who do not have an OCI card yet and are not allowed to travel to India on VISA or emergency VISA even in the emergency hospitalisation of a parent in India or tragic demise of a parent, should be allowed to travel to India. The government should check the documents of hospitalisations and allow emergency trav-

Mugdha Sinha CITY FIRST

A ACS Medical and Health Rohit Kumar Singh and IPS Nina Singh celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday. He took to twitter and shared a photo of him with Nina and wrote, “Thirty years of togetherness.”

Robert Vadra

Shradha Dadhich

CITY FIRST, USA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

12

AHMEDABAD | MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

webinar was organised on Facebook by IAS Association, Rajasthan, on Sunday, where retired IAS Anil Swarup was seen in conversation with Mugdha Sinha. The session discussed the challenges faced by civil servants. During the conversation, Swaroop said that IAS is an opportunity to positively change the lives of millions of people. He shared that the administration needs a good manager, and these managers can easily develop expertise. Swaroop said that education is a long-term process that can be achieved in any state. He also discussed points such

as politicians and bureaucratic relations, team building, and audit reforms. He mentioned that instead of learning morality, an officer should show it from his behaviour. The job of a civil service officer is to perform with integrity, and transfers are part of the changes. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

el in these cases.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has assured Bhandari that he will raise this issue at the highest level within a day or two. Bhandari expressed his gratitude to Ajay Bhalla, Home Secretary GOI, whom he approached late at night on June 26, to facilitate travel for a passenger who had lost his father. Rakesh Ranjan Sinha, lost his father at Jamshedpur and was stuck at JFK without OCI card when he approached Bhandari for help, who made the necessary calls and appealed to Ajay Bhalla KK Yadav, Director MHA for help and finally managed the permission. Bhandari was

Prem Bhandari

deeply grateful to Sandeep Chakravorty, Counsel General for believing and allowing passengers to board just five minutes before the doors closed.

Bhandari thanked Shringla for allowing Sinha to travel to India, on verbal permission

by MHA. Now, Bhandari has demanded a change in the law to ensure that the US citizens can reach their parents in an emergency during these pandemic times. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

BUILDING SELF

CONFIDENCE

WHAT’S HAPPENING! RAJASTHAN: A webinar was organised on ‘Digitally Transforming the Future of Global Public Health’ topic by Poornima University, Jaipur and Jodhpur School of Public Health (JSPH), Jodhpur.

During the session, health experts and educationists from India and abroad discussed the changing digital scenario of global public health and its prospects and challenges.

RAJASTHAN: In an ongoing series of live sessions telecasted every week by Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association, a story recital session was organised in the memory of Dr Alam Shah Khan, on Sunday, where his story “Bhukhe Farishte or Khushboo Ki Daawat” was recited by his Udaipur-based daughter Dr Tarana Parveen.

To promote real and honest talent, a fashion show, Mrs Ocean India, is going to be organised soon by Yogesh Mishra in India.

The last date for the registration is 30 June, where anyone between the 18 to 40 diamond category and 40 to 55 platinum category can apply with a valid ID proof.

SWATI JANGID

swati.jangid@firstindia.co.in

N RAJASTHAN: The results of India’s first all in one online photo contest ‘Facegenics’ were announced on Sunday, where thousands of people registered in the digital photo competition. All these registrations were taken in the category of Mr, Miss, Mrs, Kids and Teen. The winner and runner up were determined based on likes and reach on the participant’s photo post.

The final result was announced this Sunday and the winners are going to get the cash prizes up to Rs 1 lakh, gifts and other exciting prizes.

othing is more important than life, even if it has so many ups and downs. Everyone on earth is there with their different goals and this makes us unique from others. Dr Veena Soni from Jodhpur is a great example for our readers as she says, “Life is as complicated as you make it.” Dr Veena Soni is working as the faculty of Management Studies at Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur.

Recently, she was awarded 13 International Awards and 5 National Awards for the excellency she has in her subject. DrVeena Soni has published many books on different studies of her subjects on both national and international level. We can say she is an allrounder keeping a balance between work, family and her hobbies. She also participated in a beauty pageant held at the state level and won the title of Mrs IQ in 2019. While interacting with

Dr Veena Soni

the city first she said, “Many people have contributed a positive impact on my life and because of those positive impacts I achieved everything.”

We become what we think and dream about. Dr-Veena always grasped positivity and learned lessons from miss happenings.

Life is a journey, you never know what to expect maybe it will be hard or maybe not, but you will know once you have reached the destination.

Wish you all the best for your exciting journey of life.