First India-Ahmedabad Edition-29 May 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 43°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 183

INDIA

WORLD

3,59,807 58,53,951 4,710 1,65,358 960 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

 THE ORIGINATING STATE SHALL PROVIDE MEALS AND WATER AT THE STATION AND DURING THE JOURNEY

T

he Supreme Court Thursday directed that no fare for travel either by train or bus be charged from migrant workers, stranded across the country following the COVID-19 lockdown and want to return to their destinations, and said they be provided food and water.

The apex court, which passed interim directions, said all the migrant workers stranded at various places shall be provided food by concerned states and Union Territories (UTs) at places which shall be publicised and notified to them for the period they are waiting for their turn to board a train or a bus.

A bench headed by

NHRC NOTICES OVER MIGRANTS’ HARDSHIPS NHRC has send notices to Union Home Secretary, Railways and governments of Gujarat and Bihar over hardships faced by migrants onboard trains due to delay in services and lack of food and water allegedly leading to sickness and death of some of them, officials said on Thursday. P8

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

GUJARAT

15562

CONFIRMED CASES

 SHOULD PUBLICISE PLACE AND PERIOD FOR PROVIDING FOOD TO STRANDED WORKERS

FUND TRAVEL, FOOD & WATER OF MIGRANTS: SC

Justice Ashok Bhushan said that the originating state shall provide meals and water at the station and during the journey, the Railways would provide the same to the migrant workers.

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‘Engaged with China to resolve row peacefully’ India said this while reacting to US President’s offer to mediate —PHOTO BY ANI

COVID-19 UPDATE

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Army convoy moving towards Zojilla pass, in Drass on Thursday.

‘All can see migrants’ pain, except Centre’

New Delhi: India on Wednesday said it was engaged with China to resolve the border issue, in a carefully crafted reaction seen as virtual rejection of US President Donald Trump’s offer to arbitrate between the two Asian giants in resolving their decadesold boundary dispute.

“We are engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve it,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, re-

Congress President Sonia Gandhi delivers a video message as part of the party’s Speak Up India campaign.

New Delhi: Accusing the Central government of not listening to the plight of the migrants, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday demanded that government provide Rs7,500 to every needy family of the country for the next

six months and a Rs10,000 as immediate relief to them. In a video message, part of Congress ‘Speak Up India’ campaign, Sonia said, “Congress has decided to conduct this social campaign to raise the voice of India.

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plying to a volley of questions at an online media briefing.

The MEA spokesperson did not reply to questions like whether the US had approached India with the offer, whether New Delhi has communicated its response over it to Washington or whether the Trump administration has been briefed about the current standoff between Chinese and Indian soldiers in eastern Ladakh.

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MODI GOVT 2.0 1ST ANNIVERSARY A mother and child on board Shramik Special train fill up drinking water, at Mathura Railway Station on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

PULWAMA-TYPE TERROR ATTACK AVERTED IN J&K Pulwama: A major incident of a vehicle-borne IED blast was averted by the timely input and action by Pulwama Police, CRPF and Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said. According to sources, Pulwama Police got credible information last night about a terrorist moving with an explosive-laden car ready to blast at some location. They took out various parties of police and security forces and covered all possible routes keeping themselves and the police and security forces away from the road at safer locations. The suspected vehicle came and a few rounds were fired towards it. A little ahead this vehicle was abandoned and the driver escaped in the darkness. On close look, the vehicle was seen to be carrying heavy explosives in a drum on the rear seat. Possibly more explosive would be fitted elsewhere in the vehicle, sources added. —ANI

BANNED: ALL TRAVEL FROM FIVE STATES TO KARNATAKA Bengaluru: Karnataka has again suspended incoming transport from neighbouring states to contain the spiralling coronavirus infection in the state. This time the list has five states instead of earlier four. No flights, trains or other vehicles will allowed to come to the state from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the state said today.

State govt took the decision after it turned out that most of the fresh coronavirus cases have been of people travelling in from other states.

Event to see virtual rallies, PM’s letter to 10 cr families New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to organise one virtual rally per district to commemorate the completion of one year of Narendra Modi government. The party will also reach out to 10 crore families through a letter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will detail policy decisions of the government to make country self-reliant and precautions that need to be taken to prevent COVID-19 spread, informed Bhu-

pendra Yadav, party’s National General Secretary. Yadav also informed that party’s National President Jagat Prakash Nadda will address BJP workers across the country and abroad through Facebook Live.

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5 Gujarat districts now have 100+ cases each, as Rajkot joins the list —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

 In 24 hours: 367 cases,

22 deaths, 454 discharged  Total: 15,562 cases, 960 died, 8,001 discharged First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Reiterating its stance that the situation is returning to normal, the state health department is now also focusing on regular assignments, such as vaccinating 2.77 lakh pregnant

women and 3.01 lakh children. However, the situation is far from “normal”, with 22 districts recording a total of 367 new cases and 22 patient deaths in the past 24 hours.

About 454 patients were discharged during this time frame.

Bikes act as barricades to bar a cluster containment zone in Mirzapur area of old city Ahmedabad.

BJP MLA EXPOSES PDS SCAM BJP’s Bharuch MLA Dushyant Patel on Thursday in coordination with the corona officer carried out a surprise check at the civil supplies godown. During checking it was found that each 50kg bag of wheat was short by 350g. His primary estimate is that about 2,400kg wheat has been stolen in this manner.

Mahisagar reported eight fresh cases, while Kutch and Rajkot had seven each. With this, Rajkot’s total has touched 104, making it the fifth district in the state to have more than 100 positive cases. Gandhinagar has 241.

Private hospitals with more than 20 beds will have to set aside half the beds for COVID-19 patients. Also, the state is likely to announce these private hospitals will have to treat patients referred by the local corpora-

tion, panchayat or civil hospital at a fixed rate, which will be borne by the state government, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel hinted while speaking to a regional news channel.

In Ahmedabad, another police sub inspector has been infected, this time, in Nikol area. BJP city president and Amraiwadi MLA Jagdish Patel has tested positive.

As many as 60 medical officers of the city’s private and government hospitals have tested positive as well.

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AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

TO JAGAT JANANI,

02

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS

WITH LOVE!

COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,756,673 BRAZIL 418,608 RUSSIA 379,051 SPAIN 284,986 UK 269,127 ITALY 231,732 FRANCE 182,913 GERMANY 182,313 TURKEY 160,979 IRAN 143,849 CANADA 88,468 CHILE 86,943 S ARABIA 80,185 MEXICO 78,023 BELGIUM 57,849

102,718 25,935 4,142 27,119 37,837 33,142 28,596 8,555 4,461 7,627 6,873 890 441 8,597 9,388

USA

Letters penned by Modi to be published

+611 +238 +174 +1 +377 +70 +66 +22 +30 +63 +108 +49 +16 +463 +24

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: MAY 28, 2020, 11:25 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. —FILE PHOTO

New Delhi: Many letters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a young man wrote to mother goddess, whom he addressed as ‘jagat janani’, every night on varied topics will be published in a book form in English next month.

HarperCollins India said “Letters to Mother”, translated from Gujarati by renowned film critic Bhawana Somaaya, will be released as ebook and hardback.

These letters have been taken from Modi’s diary, dating back to 1986.

“This is not an attempt at literary writing; the passages featured in this book are reflections of my observations and sometimes unprocessed thoughts, expressed without filter...” a HarperCollins India statement quoted Modi as saying. “I am not a writer, most of us are not; but everybody seeks expression, and when the urge to unload becomes over-

powering there is no option but to take pen and paper, not necessarily to write but to introspect and unravel what is happening within the heart and the head and why,” he said. As a young man, Modi had got into the habit of writing a letter to ‘jagat janani’ every night before going to bed.

“In Modi’s writings there was the enthusiasm of a youngster and the passion to usher in change. But every few months, he would tear up the pages and consign them to a bonfire. The pages of one diary, dating back to 1986, survived, however. These are now available in English for the very first time,” the statement said. According to Somaaya, Modi’s strength as a writer is his emotional quotient. “There is a raw intensity, a simmering restlessness which he does not disguise and that is his attraction,” she said. —PTI

No single formula, go state-wise to curb corona

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on the need to enhance consumer satisfaction while increasing operational efficiency and improving financial sustainability of the power sector.

Reviewing the work of Power, and New and Renewable Energy ministries on Wednesday evening, Modi pointed out that the problems in the power sector, especially of electricity distribution segment, vary across regions and states.

“Instead of looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, the Ministry should put in place state-specific solutions to incentivise each state to improve its performance,” an official statement issued on Thursday said.

During the review, pol-

icy initiatives including revised tariff policy and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 to redress the problems afflicting the power sector were

of the power sector, the statement said.

Modi advised the Power Ministry to ensure that the DISCOMs (distribution companies) pub-

PM Modi pointed out that the problems in the power sector, especially of electricity distribution segment, vary across regions and states

also discussed.

The PM emphasised on the need to enhance consumer satisfaction, while increasing operational efficiency and improving financial sustainability

lish their performance parameters periodically so that the people know how their provider fares in comparison to the peers. He also emphasised that equipment

used in power sector be made in India.

Regarding New and Renewable Energy, the Prime Minister emphasised on the need for a holistic approach for entire supply chain of the agriculture sector, ranging from solar water pumps to decentralised solar cold storages.

He also pitched for innovative model for rooftop solar energy. He said every state should have at least one city (either the capital city or any renowned tourist destination ) which is fully solar powerd using rooftop solar power generation. —PTI

MODI PAYS RESPECT TO VEER SAVARKAR New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary, saying he motivated several people to join the freedom struggle.

“On his Jayanti, I bow to the courageous Veer Savarkar. We remember him for his bravery, motivating several others to join the freedom struggle and emphasis on social reform,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

He also shared a clip of his May, 2018 “Mann ki Baat” radio programme in which he referred to

mutiny for a very long time It was Veer Savarkar who boldly expostulated by writing that whatever

DISTRICT

TOTAL CASES

11344 947 SURAT 1460 RAJKOT 104 BHAVNAGAR 120 ANAND 97 BHARUCH 37 GANDHINAGAR 241 PATAN 76 PANCHMANHAL 81 BANASKANTHA 105 NARMADA 18 CHOTA UDEPUR 24 KUTCH 75 MAHESANA 105 BOTAD 59 DAHOD 36 PORBANDAR 8 JAMNAGAR 52 MORBI 4 SABARKANTHA 97 ARAVALLI 102 MAHISAGAR 115 KHEDA 64 GIR SOMNATH 45 VALSAD 36 TAPI 6 NAVSARI 23 DANG 2 SURENDRANAGAR 32 DWARKA 12 JUNAGADH 28 AMRELI 8 OTHER STATES 10 TOTAL 15562 AHMEDABAD

VADODARA

SAMPLE RECEIVED

PM Narendra Modi pays tributes to Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary.

—FILE PHOTO

Savarkar. “It is indeed sad that we kept on calling the events of 1857 only as a rebellion or a soldiers’

IN GUJARAT

happened in 1857 was not a revolt but was indeed the First War of Independence, he had said.

SAMPLE NEGATIVE

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

780 39 65 2 8 10 3 13 6 7 4 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 2 0 3 3 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 960

16 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 22

1,98,048 1,82,486

UNDER EXAMINATION

0

Experts submit fin prescription to CM for turnaround 

Hint that the state needs to address the fiscal deficit without affecting the state revenue

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: An expert committee has submitted a primary report on how the novel coronavirus has damaged the state economy, how much can be fixed, and at what cost. The report hints that the state needs to address the fiscal deficit without affecting the state revenue, and it has to give solutions on how to bail out industries without burdening the state coffers.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had constituted the six-member expert committee headed by former Union finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia earlier this month to look into issues that have affected trade and industry, especially the COVID-19 outbreak and the ensuing lockdown. While the committee was given a month to prepare a comprehensive action plan, was asked to submit an interim report in two weeks.

Following the submission of the primary

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and Expert Committee Chairman Hasmukh Adhia with copies of the interim report.

report, the state’s top brass met with the expert committee--which

also include vice-chairman and managing director of GIDC M Then-

narasan, former IIMA professor Ravindra Dholakia, chartered accountant and tax expert Mukesh Patel, financial expert Pradeep Shah and retired IAS officer Kirit Shelat--to discuss the issues raised.

Of the major issues facing the state, first and foremost is the plight of the manufacturing sector, which has been adversely affected by the lockdown. Even service sectors like transportation sector have come to a stand-

still, affecting the supply chain, the report says.

The state will have to roll out packages for trade and industry in order to bring the economy back on track. However, the state’s pockets are not deep enough to fund such packages at the moment, it adds.

Post this, a detailed deliberation took place, in which Chief Principal Secretary to CM K Kailashnathan, Chief Secretary Anil Mukim and Principal

Secretary (Industries) and Principal Secretary to CM MK Das was present.

In the coming days, the committee will meet representatives from trade and industry to find out know what issues they are facing and how those can be resolved. In its final report, the committee is likely to give detailed recommendations for sectoral and sub-sectoral remedies, and also ideas on how to manage the state’s fiscal deficit.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

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Govt deliberately allowed virus to spread: Congress

03

Man back in hospital 3 days after discharge

State party leaders blame Trump visit for govt’s unpreparedness for COVID-19 outbreak Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: The Congress party’s interim president Sonia Gandhi launched the ‘Speak Up India’ campaign on social media to invite people to raise their concerns amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Following in her footsteps several Congress in Gujarat held several online sessions on Thursday, wherein they alleged that the government deliberately allowed novel coronavirus to reach every corner of the state.

Amit Chavda, president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) said, “The (government’s) departments were satisfied just issuing circulars on social distancing, and then got busy with preparations to welcome American president Donald Trump to Ahmedabad. Those who came from foreign lands carried the virus to Ahmedabad and from there it spread to every corner of the state. The government neglected

State to take legal action against eight hospitals

The state only issued circulars on social distancing.

The government neglected its own people to garner praise from outsiders.

Stuck away from home without the means to survive, migrant workers and their families were hard hit by the lockdown that followed the COVID-19 outbreak.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

What the government should do is deposit Rs10,000 into the accounts of all citizens, as this is something that can be done.

—Arjun Modhwadia,

Senior Congress leader

things when it should have been preparing to tackle the virus. “We have all listened to the Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, now it is time for the government to listen to people’s grievances. What the government should do is deposit Rs10,000 into the ac-

GPCC President

Novel coronavirus could have been prevented by screening people but the state was busy with US President Trump’s visit.

—Shaktisinh Gohil,

its own people to garner praise from outsiders.”

He added: “This lockdown has damaged the overall health and economy of the country.”

Senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil said that the government was occupied with other

—Amit Chavda,

Veteran Congress leader

counts of all citizens,” Gohil said.

Veteran party leader Arjun Modhwadia, said it was time to introspect on the last 60 days. “The novel coronavirus could have been prevented by diligently screening people at the airport but, the state

government was busy with US President Donald Trump’s visit. Later, the central government was busy with horse trading. They did not focus on reinforcing Ahmedabad and allowed people to travel to other districts freely,” he stated.

COOLING OFF AT KANKARIA ZOO

Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital.

Gargi Raval Ahmedabad: An official of the local civic body, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), was readmitted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital three days after he was quarantined at a hotel in the city following his discharge from the same hospital. Ten days ago, the officer had been admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 treatment and had been granted discharge following which, he was transferred to a hotel to stay under quarantine. It was there that his health deteriorated in three

—PHOTOS BY HANIF SINDHI & NANDAN DAVE

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The state government, in its reply in the suo motu petition before the state high court, said it has initiated legal proceedings against eight private hospitals that have refused to cooperate and dedicate 50 percent beds for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

According to this, Bodyline, Life Care, Shrey, Saraswati, Pukhraj, Rajasthan, Trisha and Sanjivani hospitals will be prosecuted under the Epidemic Act, Disaster Management Act and even sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The state government has submitted that the city-run VS Hospital cannot be used to treat COVID-19 since it is under renovation. It also claims that deaths at the Ahmedabad’s civil hospital are not high compared to last year on a monthly basis.

Stating that there are 31 laboratories--19 run by the government and 12 private labs-which are good enough to conduct tests, the state government has asserted that there is no question of qualified laboratories not being granted permission to conduct testing.

The state government has claimed that in nine hotels and two wards total 771 rooms have been converted into COVID-care centres, of which 541 rooms are allotted to patients infected with Sars-CoV-2.

days and he had to be re-admitted to SVP Hospital again.

“His health worsened and he was taken back to SVP Hospital on Wednesday. All of his medical reports have come back negative.

AMC official’s health worsened after he was discharged without a COVID-19 test

But, his COVID-19 test has not been conducted yet, even at the time of discharge, no sample was collected,” said a fellow officer.

The recently instilled patient discharge policy by the

—FILE PHOTO

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), allows hospitals to discharge patients not showing any symptoms without a COVID-19 test. That is why hundreds of patients are being discharged by hospitals, and sent to COVID Care Centres or to hotels to remain under quarantine.

Meanwhile, an elderly woman was hospitalized in Patan for novel coronavirus infection.

Three days after her admission, she was discharged and on the fourth day, she passed away. As per reports, her death could have been prevented had her COVID-19 test been conducted and treatment administered accordingly.

CJ will hear suo moto PIL with 3rd seniormost judge First India Bureau

A zoo employee wheels an air cooler to the tiger enclosure.

Unlike the hippo, the elephant seems to enjoy the summer ‘shower’.

Tigress Ananya does not seem to want to leave the water.

Heena the white tigress lounges in her pool.

A hippo ‘yawns’—typically a sign of aggression—as she is sprayed with water.

Ahmedabad: In a move that has raised eyebrows, Chief Justice (CJ) Vikram Nath has changed the work assignment of judges on his return from leave on Thursday.

Until Monday, the bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ilesh Vora had been hearing the suo moto and related petition on the novel coronavirus.

Now, the Principal bench comprising Chief Justice CJ Nath and Justice Pardiwala will hear the petition on Friday.

While it is the prerogative of the Chief Justice to reassign judges, and Public Interest Litigations (PILs) are always heard by the principal bench headed by Chief Justice, the general precedent is that any bench hearing a PIL is not disturbed until the case is decided.

Now, the Chief Jus-

tice has split the third division bench headed

by Justice Pardiwala and will hear the case with Pardiwala, the third seniormost judge of the Gujarat high court.

Interestingly, the move comes after the third division bench passed observations against the government in its past few interim orders.

One more petition will be clubbed with the suo moto petition.

Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) has filed a PIL seeking direction that the government allow private laboratories to conduct testing for SarsCoV-2 infection.

Cyclonic formation in Arabian Sea may cause rain in Surat next week Tanvi Sharma Surat: Southern Gujarat, including Surat, could see rain next week, with a cyclone system that is forming in the Arabian Sea near Kerala over the past two days, the meteorological department has said.

By Monday, the cyclone was expected to move across the Arabi-

an Sea to Saudi Arabia.

However, it has changed direction and is now heading towards Surat district.

The city has also been seeing gusty winds for the past four days. A breezy Thursday saw a high of 33.9 °C, with an expected low of 28.9 °C. Winds in the daytime were at 32.2-48.3 kmph in the south-westerly direction, and from south-

CITY GEARS UP

T

Representational photo of a cyclonic system.

south west at 35.4-54.7 kmph.

If early rains follow the cyclone, the

mango crop could be damaged extensively.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has begun

to prepare the city ahead of the cyclone, with a meeting chaired

by Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani. He told the media that the city was already gearing up for the monsoon and will now speed up those efforts ahead of the cyclone. All the sewer works in Surat will be completed on an immediate basis, he added.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

CONG BACK IN BUSINESS WITH #SPEAKUPINDIA

STATES ACTION PLAN TO RESTART ECONOMY DR GS SANDHU

W

ith political outfits like the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party adopting a soft approach towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the Congress is playing the role of Opposition effectively. It is surprising to see how feeble the voices of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati become when it comes to attacking the BJP for the mess it has made of the migrants issue and also of the pandemic. Neither the people nor the economy have benefited from the abrupt and long-extended lockdown. Disrupting the lives of about one crore migrant workers and leaving them helpless and hungry has been the biggest humanitarian crisis of recent times. And the biggest irony is that there’s none to hold the government accountable for its disastrous failures. On the contrary, the ruling party may claim success in handling the crisis in virtual rallies and media blitz planned to celebrate the completion of one year of Narendra Modi government’s second term in office on May 30.

Like a lone crusader the Congress Party is fighting on for the poor. On Thursday the party launched a massive campaign suggesting ways to ease the burden of common man, who has suffered the most during the lockdown. The campaign has also been launched on various social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi, who launched the campaign along with her MP son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, reiterated her demand for cash transfer, ration distribution, support for migrants and MSME sector and increased work days under MGNREGA. Priyanka seized the moment to attack the BJP. She urged the BJP to keep aside politics and work for the people during the ongoing crisis. She referred to the alleged attempts being made to destabilise the Shiv Sena-led coalition government in Maharashtra and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath government’s refusal to allow buses to ferry migrants. She also attacked the UP CM for arresting Ajay Kumar Lallu, president of Congress’s UP unit.

Congress Party has been consistently raising these issues and debunking the government’s effort as being inadequate. In fact, party’s demand for direct cash transfer is also backed by Nobel Prize winning economist Abhijit Banerjee. By launching its #SpeakUpIndia campaign the party has sent a message to the ruling party that its claims on relief packages will not go uncontested. The campaign is also aimed at striking a bond with the people thousands of whom have been reduced to penury.

This is the first such campaign by the Congress during this pandemic and drew an overwhelming response on Twitter. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. #SpeakUPIndia garnered nearly 2 lakh posts using the hashtag. With a feeling of disappointment running across the country, this could be Congress’s answer to BJP’s campaigns like “Main bhi Chowkidar”. It may help the party find its magic.

The author is a retired IAS, Rajasthan

C

entral Government has announced its grand economic package to kick-start economy.

The package lacked direct cash transfers to the poor, unemployed and MSMEs, something considered essential to boost demand. Instead, it lay focus on credit flows and reforms in a few sectors. This evoked sharp reactions from some states and economists, as demand-side concerns had not been addressed. But the Centre continued to justify the package.

The focus has now shifted to the States- they are expected to initiate steps to revive and restart the economy. States are at the frontline both for fighting Covid19 crisis and for economic revival. Surprisingly not much is visible at their end- either they are too overwhelmed by the health emergency or their financial condition makes them feel helpless to handle this challenge.

An important point to be considered is that in our vast economy there are several things which can be done without or with minimal finances. The States can plan their action around such points. Some are mentioned herez SECTOR-WISE REVIEW AND

States should plan rental housing for the labour force.

Better housing facilities would help in checking the spread of infectious diseases like the coronavirus

FAST TRACK APPROVALS- A sector-wise review needs to be undertaken at the state level to set out the priorities and to decide the nature of support required for each sector. A process of simplified and fast track approvals needs to be put in place. Easy and staggered payment of government dues can be adopted.

z MAPPING, REGISTRATION

AND ENGAGEMENT OF LABOUR- Most of the major states are affected by the labour migration- inward or outward. With lakhs of labour going back to states like UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Bengal, Rajasthan and Orissa these states are a worried lot. The labour here

QUICK TURNAROUND OF THE ECONOMY

PUSH NEEDED FROM STATES

A LOT HAS HAPPENED DURING THE LAST FEW DAYS announced its economic package from 12 to 17 May 2020

z Lockdown has been relaxed

in most parts of the country

z Several economic activities

have been allowed in all zones including red zones

z Interstate movement of

transport has started

z Massive movement of

migrant labour

z New announcement by

RBI on 22 May,2020-more liquidity infusion

z Central Government

should be registered and their skills mapped. Based on their skills a plan for their engagement or reskilling need to be prepared. With some imaginative planning, possibilities of engaging labour in industry, mining, farming, transportation, retail, services etc can be identified. Those who cannot be engaged need to be supported with free foodgrains and subsistence allowance (based on the capacity of state government)

local bodies have a major role to play in approving and expediting real estate projects.

A directive must go from the State Governments to all their local bodies to fast track approval process in a timebound manner. This will help in the early restart of the projects. z CROWDSOURCING A LOCAL

LEVEL FUND- At each town/ city level a fund can be created through crowd-sourcing for providing food and shelter to the poor. Such a fund can attract small contributions from common people who wish to help the needy but are unable to find a proper channel.

z SUPPORTING

MSMES- Continued lockdown has eroded fund flows of MSMEs. States can play a major role in restarting them by coordination with banks for tapping finance without delays and ensuring them full benefit of schemes announced

by Centre and RBI. Some marketing assistance like preference to products of MSMEs can also be considered.

z URBAN LOCAL BODIES- Urban

z INFORMAL SECTOR- with

about 90 per cent of the labour force engaged in the informal sector, special efforts are needed to rehabilitate the vendors and to facilitate financing for them.

z RENTAL HOUSING- States

should plan rental housing

A chronicle of a lost decade foretold T

o exorcise my worst fears about the coming decade, I chose to write a bleak chronicle of it. If,

by December 2030, developments have invalidated it, I hope such dreary prognoses will have played a part by spurring us to appropriate action.

Before our pandemic-induced lockdowns, politics seemed to be a game. Political parties behaved like sports teams having good or bad days, scoring points that propelled them up a league table that, at season’s end, determined who would form a government and then do next to nothing.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic stripped away the veneer of indifference to reveal the political reality: some people

04

do have the power to tell the rest of us what to do.

Lenin’s description of politics as “who does what to whom” seemed more apt than ever.

By June 2020, as lockdowns began to ease, leftwing optimism that the pandemic would revive state power on behalf of the powerless remained, leading friends to fantasize about a renaissance of the commons and a capacious definition of public goods.

Margaret Thatcher, I would remind them, left the British state larger, more powerful, and more concentrated than she had found it.

An authoritarian state was necessary to support markets controlled by corporations and banks. Those in authority have never hesitated to harness massive government intervention

Many on the left still cling to the hope that the COVID-19 crisis will translate into the use of state power on behalf of the powerless

to the preservation of oligarchic power. Why should a pandemic change that?

As a result of COVID-19, the grim reaper almost claimed both the British prime minister and the Prince of Wales, and even Hollywood’s nicest star. But it was the poorer and the browner that the reaper actually did claim. They were

easy pickings.

It’s not hard to understand why. Disempowerment breeds poverty, which ages people faster and, ultimately, readies them for the cull. In the shadow of falling prices, wages, and interest rates, it was never likely that the spirit of solidarity, which soothed our souls during lockdowns, would translate into the use of state power to strengthen the weak and vulnerable.

On the contrary, it was megafirms and the ultra-rich that were grateful socialism was alive and well. Fearing that the masses, condemned to the savage arena of unfettered markets amid a public-health disaster, would no longer be able to afford to buy their products, they reallocat-

ed their spending to shares, yachts, and mansions. Thanks to the freshly printed money central banks pumped into them via the usual financiers, stock markets flourished as economies collapsed. Wall Street bankers assuaged their guilt, lingering since 2008, by letting middle-class customers fight over the scraps.

Plans for the green transition, which young climate activists had put on the agenda before 2020, were given only lip service as governments buckled under towering mountains of debt. Precautionary saving by the many reinforced the economic depression, yielding industrial-scale discontent on a browning planet.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.REUTERS.COM

for the labour force. Better housing facilities would help in checking the spread of infectious diseases like the coronavirus. State Government should come out with a policy for this purpose wherein real estate developers and industry can be encouraged to take up such projects. z ACTIVATING DISTRICT-LEVEL

MACHINERY- The district level machinery needs to be fully geared up to meet the challenges in the field and for handholding industry and labour. Specific tasks need to be assigned to them.

z CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS-for their involvement in the revival process

As per the report of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s unemployment rate has climbed to 27.1% in April this year with 121.5mn people out of work.

This is a very grim picture and all out steps are needed to arrest this situation. If the current scenario worsens further there could be a serious fallout in terms of increased social unrest -this must be checked with all the seriousness.

If all the states make concerted efforts it may be possible to put the economy back on track and check its further downslide.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Digital initiatives are promoting transparency, facilitating convenience for our consumers and continue to increase the agility and speed of our organisations.Extremely pleased that domestic PNG payments at @ IGLSocialare now 100% cashless. #ContactlessPayments Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal CII has given me the opportunity to interact with new sectors of the ecosystem. All the interactions have been very useful & enlightening.

The nation benefits deeply from all the good work of CII & I am sure this will get better & better as we prepare for a post COVID-19 world.

Spiritual SPEAK

The spirit is beyond destruction. No one can bring an end to spirit which is everlasting. —Bhagavad Gita

Vol 1 Issue No. 183 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

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

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05

‘CORONA WAR WILL BE WON THROUGH VACCINE’ ‘Almost 80% of COVID Alike many other countries, India’s scientific institutions are also working furiously to find a vaccine

New Delhi: As India’s Covid-19 infection tally climbed to over 1.58 lakh, the government on Thursday, said the country’s pharmaceutical industries are trying their best to find a vaccine to beat the virus.

“The fight against coronavirus will be won through vaccines and drugs. Our country’s science and technology institutions and pharma industry are very strong,” VK Paul, a member of the Niti Aayog said at a briefing.

Like in many other countries, India’s scientific institutions are also working furiously to find a vaccine for the virus that has affected almost 5.8 million peo-

EXPERT SPEAK

A medic collects swab sample of a pregnant woman for COVID-19 test in Hubli.

ple across the world.

The government’s Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Professor K. Vijay Raghavan who also addressed report-

ers at the briefing said the country is on the right track to develop a vaccine. “There are about a total of 30 groups in India, big in-

dustry to individual academics, who are trying to develop vaccines, of around 20 are keeping a good pace,” Raghavan said. He also

IN THE COURTYARD

NIA pulled up over Navlakha’s transfer New Delhi: The Delhi High Court pulled up the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for hastily moving activist Gautam Navlakha from the national capital to Mumbai even when his interim bail plea was pending there.

Justice Anup J Bhambhani, said the NIA acted in “unseemly haste” in shifting Navlakha, an accused in Bhima Koregaon violence case

who was lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail, to Mumbai where the investigation was pending. While the order was passed on

‘Article 30 harms constitutional equality’ Bhopal: BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has raised questions over Article 30 of the Constitution which provides the minority community the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

He tweeted: “Article

30 has harmed the constitutional equality of citizens. This Article allows the minorities to propagate their religion and education based on religion, which is not allowed to other religions. When our country is a secular one, what is the need of Article 30.” —Agencies

Wednesday, it was made available on the HC’s website on Thursday.

Navlakha was taken to Mumbai by train on

Tuesday and was sent to judicial custody till June 22. Following this, his family and lawyers claimed that the central investigative agency had not even informed them about this movement.

Special Public Prosecutor Prakash Shetty said the Mumbai court had issued a production warrant against Navlakha, based on which he was transferred from Delhi. —Agencies

Allahabad HC’s notice to UP govt on migrants issue Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has issued notice to the UP Government asking about steps being taken to ensure that its natives are not forced to seek employment in other states. The order was passed by a division bench of Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Ramesh Sinha on a PIL filed by two practicing advocates of HC. The bench has ordered the Government to apprise it of the “scheme of the government for rehabilitation of migrant workmen and their families in the state.”

The government is required to file its response in the matter by June 1.

‘Tablighis to move to alternate quarters’ New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Thursday allowed the application seeking permission for shifting 955 foreign nationals, who attended the congregation at Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin area here, to alternate places of accommodation.

A division bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar, while disposing of the petition,

said that all the foreign nationals will be shifted from quarantine centres to nine designated places in

SAMBIT PATRA IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOWING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS New Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra was admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon on Thursday after he showed symptoms of COVID-19, sources said. A source at Medanta hospital in Gurgaon said Patra was “admitted in the morning and is stable”. BJP leaders and many others posted

their wishes for a speedy recovery of the articulate party spokesperson, who is one of the more widely followed Indian politicians on Twitter. Patra is also among the most visible BJP faces on news channels. He posted several tweets, including tributes to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary, on Thursday as well.

the national capital as suggested by the petitioner.

Notably, charge-sheets have already been filed

against most of the foreign nationals in a Saket court in connection with the congregation, which had reportedly emerged as an epicentre of the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The court said that present order will be read together with that of magistrate when & if, in future, the foreign nationals apply for bail in these cases. —ANI

NADDA ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF HIMACHAL BJP PREZ BINDAL New Delhi: The resignation of Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal, has been accepted by party’s national president Jagat Prakash Nadda.Bindal resigned from his post on “high moral grounds” over alleged health products’ purchase scam in the state. Bindal took over as Himachal Pradesh BJP chief in January this year.

Prior to that, he was the state assembly speaker.

In a resignation letter sent to BJP president JP Nadda, Bindal said he was tendering his resignation on “high moral grounds (sic).”

spoke of a hackathon for computational drug discovery.

“All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and CSIR have

2G mobile internet services in J&K till June 17 Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir administration informed that internet access across the Union Territory with internet speed restricted to 2G only and internet connectivity with Mac-binding will continue till June 17.

“The directions to remain in force unless modified earlier,” the administration stated.

Earlier, 2G mobile internet services were restored in Srinagar after they were snapped on May 19 due to a gunfight in Nawa Kadal area of old Srinagar city. Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Junaid Ashraf Khan, son of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman Mohammed Ashraf Khan, was among the two terrorists killed in the encounter with security forces at Nawa Kadal. —ANI

embarked on a drug discovery hackathon - this is a high-end hackathon - where students are trained with information on how to do computational drug discovery,” he said.Asked whether the coronavirus has mutated since it first struck late last year, Raghavan said there has been no change in the fundamental properties of the virus.

“RT-PCR test is testing for the presence of the virus and is agnostic whether you have symptoms or not.

Whether you are asymptomatic, if you have the virus it will be detected,” Raghavan said. —ANI

cases asymptomatic’ New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said almost 80 % of the COVID-19 cases in India are asymptomatic or at best with very mild symptoms.

In an exclusive interview to IANS, the Health Minister said, “Even today, in almost 80 per cent of the cases of COVID-19, which are being reported in India, the patients tend to exhibit either nil or mild symptoms.

These patients are mostly contacts of confirmed cases. Interestingly, had it not been for our contact tracing efforts, and if

left to their own in isolation, these patients may not have even remembered or reported their infection.”

Harsh Vardhan, who has recently been elected the chief of WHO''s Executive Board, was answering a query. —ANI

SKY IS THE LIMIT...

IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria preparing to fly a sortie in the Tejas Mk I fighter with 45 Sqn during the induction ceremony held at Air Force Station Sulur.

—PHOTO

BY ANI

Domestic flights resume at Kolkata Kolkata: Domestic flight operations to and from Kolkata resumed after a gap of two months due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Though domestic flight operations across the country began on May 25, they could not be restarted in Kolkata as the state machinery was involved in relief and restoration work after Cyclone Amphan whip-

Medics screen passengers as they arrive at NSCBI Airport in Kolkata.

lashed many areas of the state.The first flight from Kolkata left for Guhawati at 6.05 am

with 40 passengers, whereas 122 passengers arrived from New Delhi on Thursday morning.

36 TRAINS COMING FROM MUMBAI

‘Centre must have spoken to Bengal’ Kolkata: Miffed with Centre for sending 36 trains from Mumbai to West Bengal without State government's knowledge, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that if Central Government had planned and discussed the movement the trains with West Bengal, it would have been better.

Mamta Banerjee conducted a review meeting through vc with all DMs and SPs over cyclone Amphan.

“Without concerning us 36 trains are coming

DIDI’S TAKE

from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before.

If the Central Government had planned with

AUSTERITY MEASURES ANNOUNCED

BY MAHARASHTRA GOVERNOR Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Thursday, announced austerity measures to cut down Raj Bhavan’s expenses by up to 15% this financial year to tide over the acute economic crisis because of the prevailing lockdown restrictions, which were imposed from end-March to contain the spread

of the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Governor has ordered that Raj Bhavan authorities would not undertake any new capital works. “There won’t be any new major construction or repair works at Raj Bhavan. Ongoing works will only be completed,” said a statement issued

by Raj Bhavan.

us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following

social distancing.”

Banerjee further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the current COVID-19 situation across several states.

“I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics.

There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading,” the Bengal CM added. —ANI

DAATI MAHARAJ HELD FOR FLOUTING LOCKDOWN NORMS New Delhi: Self-styled preacher Daati Maharaj was arrested on Wednesday night for violating the lockdown rules by organising a religious ceremony at Shanidham temple in Asola in South Delhi on May 22, police said. “Daati Maharaj was arrested in the case registered under IPC’s Sections 188, 34, Section 54B of Disaster Management Act, and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act at the Maidan Garhi police station on May 23. He has been released on bail,” said deputy commissioner of police (south) Atul Kumar Thakur.

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RaGa’s 4 demands for welfare of poor ‘Speak Up India’ campaign sees 57 lakh people post live videos, which reached to 10 cr people, claims Cong New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, raised a set of four demands from the Centre for the welfare of poor people, migrant workers, and revival of small and medium enterprises (SME).

“After the COVID-19 crisis has hit India, the poor people and migrant workers have been forced to travel thousands of kilometres on foot to reach their homes. The small and medium enterprises, which provide employment to most Indians, are shutting down one after another,” Gandhi said in a recorded message.

“We have four de-

‘Breakdown in realty biz worrisome’ Mumbai: NCP President Sharad Pawar expressed concer ns that amid C ov i d - 1 9 pandemic & lockdown, the realty sector is in “a state of complete breakdown”. “Massive outflux of labourers halted work & sales for almost three months. Stagnant consumer demand & impaired economic activities have taken a toll on this industry which contributes substantially to the national GDP,” Pawar said. —Agencies

mands to make from the government. Firstly, every poor family should be paid Rs 7,500 each month for six months. Secondly, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be run not for 100 days but

Abolition of RBI bond cruel blow: PC New Delhi: Former Union Finance Minister & senior Congress leader P Chidambaram tweeted, “Government has dealt another blow to citizens who save, especially senior citizens. It has discontinued the 7.75 per cent RBI Bonds. Effectively, after tax, the bond will yield only 4.4 per cent.

That is now taken away. Why? I deplore this action.”

Focus on migrants’ plight, says Priyanka New Delhi: Accusing the government of doing politics during the coronavirus crisis, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday raised the plight of migrant workers, citing the example of a toddler trying to wake her dead mother at a railway station.

“The country is pained to see such visuals,” she said and asked the government to provide help to the needy.

In a vc with Congress workers and leaders under the ‘’Speakup’’ cam-

FM launches free instant PAN card New Delhi: On Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally launched the facility for instant allotment of PAN card using Aadhaar-based e-KYC, as announced in the Union Budget 2020. Those with a valid Aadhaar number and a mobile number registered on the UIDAI database will be able to apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) online.

The allotment process is paperless and an electronic PAN (e-PAN) is issued to applicants free of cost by income tax department. “The facility of instant PAN through Aadhaar based

BABRI MASJID DEMOLITION CASE

Questioning to begin from June 4 Lucknow: The special court for Ayodhya case on Thursday set June 4 as the date for commencement of questioning in connection with the Babri Masjid demolition.

The bench of Judge SK Yadav, who is hearing the case, extended the date to June 4 after being told by the defense counsel that there had been difficulty in contacting the accused due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown. The Judge has asked BJP leaders LK Advani, Uma Bharti,

200 days in a year.

Thirdly, our small and medium enterprises should get an economic package for revival.

Fourthly, the migrant labourers who are stranded on the roads should be provided transport facilities to reach their homes,” he added. Under ‘Speak Up India’ online campaign arranged by Congress, Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “It is time for every Indian to stand together & speak up in one voice. For our brothers & sisters struggling for survival; for those whose voice has been silenced; for those in despair. We are India.

Together we can make a difference.” —ANI

former UP CM Kalyan Singh, Murli Manohar Joshi, among 32 others to appear for questioning beginning June 4.

In the case filed by CBI, 49 people had been named as accused, out of which 32 are alive while the rest have passed away.

Earlier this month, SC extended till August 31 tenure of Judge SK Yadav, who is hearing the case, and directed him to complete the trial and deliver the judgement in the case by that time. —ANI

FM Nirmala Sitharaman and MoS Anurag Thakur at 22nd (FSDC) meeting through vc in New Delhi.

e-KYC has been launched formally today, however, its ‘Beta version’ on trial basis was started on 12th Feb 2020 on the e-filing website of Income Tax Depart-

ment. Since then onwards, 6,77,680 instant PANs have been allotted with a turnaround time of about 10 mins, till 25th May 2020,” Fin Ministry said.If required,

the applicant can check status of request anytime by providing her/ his valid Aadhaar number & on successful allotment, can download the e-PAN. —ANI

A woman feeds her child with water on a hot summer afternoon.

and move northwestwards towards the south Oman and east Yemen coasts during

the next three days.

It is also likely to intensify into a cyclone but may not impact In-

fight against the infection along with stress on vocal for local will be sent to 10 crore families,” stated Yadav.

“As this is a time when social distancing is the mantra to prevent COVID-19 we have decided that only two workers per booth will distribute the letter,” said Yadav. —ANI

tion of migrant workers and ensure that they are made to board the train or bus at the earliest.

The top court, which heard the matter through video conferencing for around twoand-a-half hours, said that complete information in this regard should be publicised to all concerned.

The court observed that it is presently concerned with the miseries and difficulty faced by the migrants workers who are trying to get to their native places.

It said though there is no doubt that the con-

POWER Gallery SBI MAN ANIL KISHORA GETS INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENT

Anil Kishora, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer of State Bank of India, has been appointed Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of New Development Bank (NDB).Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman attended the Special Board of Governors’ meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB) through video conference in New Delhi. The agenda included the election of next President of NDB, appointment of Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer and membership expansion.

VISHWAS MEHTA IS NEW CHIEF SECRETARY OF KERALA

paign, she spoke about the poor, migrants, and the middle class. “We are doing this to make government understand the demands of the people,” said Priyanka Gandhi. —ANI

‘36th Nat’l Games postponed’ New Delhi: The 36th National Games, scheduled for O c t o b e rNovember in Goa, day p o s t poned indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“National Games organising committee has decided to postpone National Games due to COVID-19 pandemic,” Goa’s dy CM Manohar Ajgaonkar, who also holds sports portfolio, said in a statement shared by IOA President Narinder Batra.

Monsoon likely to make onset over Kerala around June 1: IMD New Delhi: The southwest monsoon is expected to reach the Kerala coast around its normal date of June 1 and earlier than forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This is because conditions are becoming favourable for monsoon winds to advance as a low pressure area is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea between May 31 and June 4.

An area of low pressure formed over westcentral and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea on Thursday. It is likely to intensify into a depression on Thursday

06

dia’s west coast, IMD scientists said.

“Scattered low and medium clouds with embedded intense to very intense convection lay over southeast and west central Arabian Sea,” IMD said in its cyclone bulletin for Thursday.

IMD director general M Mohapatra said: “The second low pressure area is likely to bring rain to the west coast and make conditions favourable for advancement of monsoon earlier than expected. We can expect onset of the monsoon over Kerala around June 1 or 2.” —Agencies

Vishwas Mehta has been appointed new Chief Secretary of Kerala. The 1986 batch IAS officer Vishwas Mehta will succeed Tom Jose on June 1.

DG OF SAI, PRADHAN GETS EXTENSION DG OF SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA

Sandip Pradhan, has been given two years’ extension relaxing the maximum seven year limit on deputation.

HAULIANLAL GUITE JOINS MANIPUR CADRE ON ICD

Haulianlal Guite is joining Manipur cadre on inter cadre deputation (ICD) for a period of three years.

He is a 2011 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre.

HARSHA BANGARI APPOINTED DMD, EXIM BANK

Harsha Bangari, CGM, Exim Bank, has been appointed Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Exim Bank, for a period of three years.

SANJAY PRAKASH PROMOTED TO IG GRADE IN CISF

Sanjay Prakash has been promoted to the grade of Inspector General (IG) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF USHA PADHEE EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Usha Padhee, working as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been extended for a period of two years beyond July 16, 2020. She is a 1996 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

V RAMESH APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR (ENT), BSNL

V Ramesh, Chief General Manager (CGM), BSNL, has been appointed Director (Enterprises), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment to the post.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF SUDEEP SHRIVASTAVA EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Sudeep Shrivastava, working as Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, has been extended for a period of six months beyond June 7, 2020. He is a 2001 batch IRSSE officer.

S K BHAGAT IS NOW HOME SECRETARY IN UTTAR PRADESH

SK Bhagat, who served the CBI for several years, has been appointed new Home Secretary in Uttar Pradesh. He is 1998 batch IPS officer.

TENURE OF ADITYA JOSHI AS DIRECTOR, CVC EXTENDED

The tenure of Aditya Joshi as Director, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has been extended for a period of six months. He is a 1995 batch IRAS officer.

PRATIBHA PARKAR APPOINTED NEXT AMBASSADOR TO ANGOLA

Pratibha Parkar, presently Consul General of India in Frankfurt, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Republic of Angola. She is an Indian Foreign Service officer of 2000 batch.

FROM PG 1 Five districts...

The city has prepared a plan to set up a 1,000-bed COVID-care centre. This temporary care centre is likely to be set up along the Sabarmati River Front. Six more positive cases have emerged from Ahmedabad’s rural areas.

The transfer of Dr S K Gadhvi from Rajkot to Bhavnagar has angered doctors at Rajkot’s civil hospital, with 11 of them threatening to resign if the transfer was not revoked. They represented their case before the District Collector

Remya Mohan, who warned that a pandemic was not the right time to protest.

In Rajkot, three cases have emerged from areas other than the hotspot of Jangleshwar, which accounts for the maximum cases in the city. This has sparked a debate in the city whether genuine door-to-door surveillance was conducted or not.

In Vadodara city, an infected woman delivered a baby on Wednesday. The baby has tested negative for the virus.

The state government’s discharge policy

is raising eyebrows, as a senior citizen who was discharged from the Patan COVID hospital on May 24 died four days later.

Ahmedabad Medical Association President Mona Desai’s stand is that any patients needing surgery also need a test for COVID-19. Not testing them puts the entire surgical team at risk.

Event to...

“The party has decided that PM’s message through his letter where issues like self-reliant India, the situation of COVID-19,

Fund travel...

It said that food and water be also provided to them for travel in buses.

The bench, also comprising Justices SK Kaul and MR Shah, directed that states shall oversee the registra-

cerned state governments and UTs are taking steps, several lapses have been noticed in the process of registration, transportation and providing food, water to the migrants. —PTI

‘All can...

We again urge the Central Government to open the lock of the treasury and provide relief to the needy.”

“Arrange for safe and free travel of the labourers and bring them home and make arrangements for their daily bread and ration. Ensure 200 days work under Ma-

hatma Gandhi MNREGA, to provide employment in the village itself. Instead of giving loans to small scale industries, give financial help, so that crores of jobs can be saved and the country can also grow. In this hour of crisis, we all are with every countryman and together we will surely win these difficult situations,” she added. —PTI

‘Engaged with...

In the midst of this tense border standoff, Trump on Wednesday said he was “ready, willing and able to mediate”

between the two countries. “We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute,” Trump said in a tweet on Wednesday morning.

Asked about the situation in Eastern Ladakh, Srivastava said India is committed to the objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas with Chinese and Indian armed forces scrupulously follow the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries on the matter. —PTI

We all need a helping hand now and then, try and motivate people; with your words, actions or even your life.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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Atma Nirbhar jolt: Rupani gets legal notice over ‘sahay yojna’

Rights activists claim that loans are difficult to get under the scheme because of paperwork First India Bureau Surat: A group of Surat-based civil rights activists have sent a legal notice to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani pointing at loopholes in the Atma Nirbhar Gujarat Yojna, a State Government scheme to provide easy loans to the economically backward classes.

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Rs 20,00,000 crore package in view of the Covid-19 crisis, the Gujarat Government came up with an initiative to provide financial assistance to labourers, fruit and vegetable vendors and other such small traders.

The scheme is for those who wish to avail guarantee-free loans of Rs 1 lakh from banks at 2 per cent annual interest.

The state, with this

Man who killed father, commits suicide First India Bureau Vadodara: A 38-yearold man accused of killing his own father allegedly committed suicide early on Thursday at a quarantine centre in Panchmahals district.

Pravin Parmar was detained by the police on Sunday after he allegedly strangulated his father in a fit of rage.

Police said a major fight had broken out between Parmar and his wife on Saturday over a petty issue and his father had even reprimanded Parmar for his behaviour.

This enraged Parmar and he strangulated his own father to death. He worked as a farm labourer.

He was booked for murder and then shifted to a quarantine centre as a protocol, where he committed suicide.

TOUGH CALL!

A legal notice has been sent to Chief Minister Viay Rupani over the State Government’s Atma Nirbhar Gujarat scheme.

scheme, aims to help small businessmen, skilled labourers, workers, electricians, auto-rickshaw owners and others whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID 19.

Among other things, the highlight of the initiative was that the applicants would not need

to do any extensive paperwork and the loans would be given on just one application.

However, the legal notice sent to the Chief Minister claims that the applicants are facing several issues in applying for the loan and that the banks are asking for documents

which they don’t have.

“The banks are asking for salary slips.

These are contract labourers, diamond workers, or textile workers who are mostly paid in cash. The owners of the factory where they work have never issued them salary slips. These docu-

ments are being asked for by the bank. In such a case, the applicants would not be able to avail of any loans and that the money would be used for corruption.

We have given the Government of Gujarat seven days to respond,” said Sanjay Ezawa, the activist who has sent the notice.

A’bad Cong MLAs ask CS for more pvt docs First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Congress legislators from Ahmedabad’s walled city and Bapunagar have submitted a memorandum to Gujarat Chief Secretary Anil Mukim demanding that more private doctors should be roped in in the Covid-19 battle.

The memorandum was submitted by the Congress MLAs Shailesh Parmar, Gyasuddin Shaikh, Himmatsinh Patel and Imran Khedawala, besides State Congress general secretary Nishit Vyas.

“A h m e d a b a d , which has been badly affected by the scourge of coronavirus, facing a new tragedy everyday.

There are no hospitals for treatment.

We have requested the Chief Secretary to allocate more private doctors in the

FIR against B’deshi singer for humiliating Modi First India Bureau Gandhinagar: A complaint from a student of Pandit Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University at Gandhinagar has prompted the Tripura Police to register a case against Bangladeshi singer Mainul Ahsan Nobel, who earned fame in the music reality

An FIR has been filed against Bangladeshi singer Mainul Ahsan Nobel.

show ‘’Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’’ in Kolkata, for allegedly humiliating Prime Minister Narendra Modi over social media.

The complainant student Sumn Paul is a resident of Belonia town in South Tripura district. The complaint was filed on May 25. Nobel is not yet a popular singer in Bangladesh and has

NHRC notices to Centre, Guj over migrant situation First India Bureau

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Union Home Secretary, the Railways and the governments of Gujarat and Bihar over hardships faced by migrants on-board trains due to delay in services and lack of food and water allegedly leading to sickness and death of some of them. The no-

tices are returnable in four weeks. In a statement on Thursday, the NHRC observed that the “State has failed to protect the lives of the poor labourers onboard the trains”.

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports that the

trains ferrying migrant labourers are not only starting late but are taking many additional days to reach the destination, it said.

The chief secretaries of the government of Gujarat and Bihar are expected to specifically inform as to what steps were taken to ensure basic facilities, including medical help for the migrant labourers who boarded the trains, it said.

08

always been rejected by the audience of that country. He participated in the TV music reality show called Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in Kolkata, earned money, gained fame and returned to Bangladesh.

Belonia SP Jal Singh Meena said the complaint has been forwarded to Tripura cyber crime cell.

—FILE PHOTO

Anil Mukim.

g ov e r n m e n t - r u n hospitals. Many of the hospitals are not functioning these days, and their doctors’ services should be utilized in those hospitals where it is needed,” Shaikh told First India.

The delegation also demanded information on COVID-19 on online platforms like the number of hospitals and occupied beds, ICU beds, and patients on ventilators, etc. “There is no facility of sample testing at private hospi-

tals and they can’t do it by themselves as they need government permission.

Long time is wasted in this and people have lost their lives. All hospitals must provide free treatment,” he said.

He said the entire system could not just look at Covid-19, but also other diseases, “which they have ignored.

The government must issue a circular to the hospitals to resume the other services.”

Reusable Narmada water bottles at Statue of Unity First India Bureau Narmada: The State Forest Department, as a Statue of Unity memoir, is going to introduce reusable glass water bottles, which will have “filtered and pure Narmada water,” instead of simple RO water . Also, the water will be mixed with

LONE WARRIOR

weather-based herb flavours, such as tulsi during the rainy season, ginger in the winter season, and mint and fennel as coolants during summer. This environmental-friendly initiative has been named Ekta Paani and it aims for zerowaste based on a circular economy concept.

— PHOTO BY |HANIF SINDHI

A lone policewoman discharges her duty on Ahmedabad’s Gandhi Bridge, which is still closed to the public.

COVID CURE?

Holy Cow! Dung trials to begin from Modi’s home state First India Bureau

The first clinical trials of medicine derived from cow urine and dung will begin soon from Rajkot.

New Delhi/Rajkot: Even as there is no empirical evidence yet that consumption of cow urine and dung could be an effective precaution or remedy for Covid-19, the stage is set to test its efficacy first in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ home state.

A medicine derived from five main products extracted from cattle milk, butter, ghee, dung and urine - will be tested to treat COVID-19.

Vallabh Kathiria, Chairman of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog, told reporters that the clinical trials of the medicine will begin soon from Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s home town Rajkot , using protocol used to test allopathic medicines in 10 hospitals across the country.

The chairman, who is also an allopathy doctor, stated that the effectiveness of five elements, also known as Panchgavya, can be found in the Ayurveda for the treat-

AYURVEDIC POTION

ment of certain ailments and there is a possibility that this medicine may provide an effective treatment or cure for coronavirus as well.

The medicine, which is made from all five elements, is reportedly in

granular form and supposed to be consumed with milk or water.

Explaining the methodology, the doctor said patients willing to take this treatment will be given the medicine and the results will be observed on the basis of

the scientific and modern norms of clinical trials.

Meanwhile, although there has been no empirical evidence that Ayurveda remedies can treat coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had backed the use of the Ayurveda remedy to build one’s immunity and develop a resistance to the virus. A group of researchers in the country asked the government not to “neglect Ayurveda” as a possible treatment.

India’s AYUSH Ministry, in a joint effort with the Union Health Ministry, has also begun clinical trials of Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Several political and religious leaders in the country have lauded cow urine and cow dung as an effective treatment of COVID-19. Cow urine parties and other such gatherings have earlier been organised to mobilise people to try the remedy.

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

YAADON KE JHAROKHE LIFE BEFORE THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN WAS SOMETHING EVERYONE TOOK FOR GRANTED AND TODAY, CITY FIRST BRINGS TO YOU WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WHAT THEY MISS THE MOST!

NEHAL NAYAR nehal.nayar @firstindia.co.in

B

efore the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus across the globe, most of the people used to fantasize about what they would be doing next, where they would be going to hang out with their friends, which movie is being released that particular week, where to get that perfect chaat from, and what not. But after the unfortunate event and the application of the National Lockdown in the country, where no one is even allowed to step out of their houses in order to stay secure, all they can think about is the life they lived before the lockdown.

There are some who have turned Chefs and

artists during the pandemic, while there are still a few of them who have been craving for that roadside pani puri and ‘chatpati chaat’, and some just wish to spend time with their loved ones- go on dates, movies, parties, and so on. Everyone was so lost into themselves, that they never really realised the value of these small things that they wish to do right now.

Like for an example, in this scorching heat, one would prefer going for a dip in the swimming pool, or head to the beach; looking at the current situation, people will not be able to even think about these things for a few more months.

Taking this topic further, City First got in touch with a few of its readers from Rajasthan and Gujarat, to find out about their views on what they miss the most from life before lockdown.

“I miss meeting my friends and visiting new restaurants almost every alternative day. Being a Blogger, it’s so much fun exploring new places and trying various cuisines and street food with friends and colleagues,” said Sonia Makhija from Jaipur. Talking about how much she misses eating chaat, Rashmi Jain from Jodhpur stated, “Hanging out with friends, eating rawa dosa and tangy panipuri is what I miss the most.

People say marriage brings spice, tears, happiness, flavour and taste to life! Personally, I believe Pani Puri does a better job at a cheaper cost.”

Let’s see what the people in Ahmedabad have to say- “My friends and I routinely used to get together at one of our homes over alternate weekends. Some of us could meet again due to the relaxation in the lockdown but it just wasn’t the same. All of us dearly missed our chilling sessions,” said Shadab Nasir, while Abdullah Mistry stated, “I love watching movies with family and friends. Being a VFX artist myself, films have become an important part of my life. I just miss the whole movie watching experience on the big screen.”

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

O

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

‘THE ENEMY IS LISTENING’

ne year after director Robert Zemeckis took us on a dizzying journey in “The Walk” he delivers “Allied,” a romantic thriller set in the midst of WWII. Brad Pitt plays Max Vatan, a Canadian intelligence officer who is sent on a mission with French Resistance fighter Marianne Beauséjour (Marion Cotillard) to assassinate a German ambassador in Casablanca. But there is more to tell. This duo has to pose as a married couple, and they have to give an Oscar® worthy performance to outwit their enemies (I just had to

throw that in).

As Max and Marianne continue to work together, they discover that they make great partners for each other both in and outside of their work and fall madly in love.

The couple eventually get married, move to England, and have a child. As the war continues to march forward, though, Max is hit with some startling news.

The English Special Operations Executive informs him that Marianne is suspected of being a German spy. But the bad news gets even worse.

If it is proved that Marianne is in fact a German spy, Max needs to execute her or be hanged for high treason. Devastat-

ed by this news, Max sets out to prove that his wife is not a spy. But as he begins the hunt for the truth, the plot thickens, questions arise, and many lives become gravely endangered.

“Allied” is fairly entertaining, but it is certainly a slow two hours, which you do not want to see from a WWII thriller.

There really isn’t much to be praised in “Allied,” as the main key in this film is survival and discovering the truth. A character does mention that “everything will be in God’s hands,” and Max’s character’s alias

FA CE OF TH ED AY

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

and alcohol use and you get one mess of a film that any parent should want to keep their child away from. “Allied” may appear to be a wellcrafted WWII thriller. But after two hours of slow, shallow, and disengaged storytelling, you’ll find your glass half full, longing for more thrills and more substance.

It may look great, but the characters and the story being told lack chemistry, and do not intertwine well with one another. “Allied” isn’t as much of a soft dud as it is a forgettable, modern day tragedy.

Source: https://christiananswers.net/ spotlight/movies/2016/allied2016.html

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

This is the time to become serious about getting in shape and start eating healthy. You have limited income as of now and that could trouble you but don’t worry the times will change. Due to no work pressure in office, you could spend more time with near and dear ones.

You have a fine health so nothing to worry. It may take some time for you to have a financial stability. It will be good for your image to maintain healthy relationship with your colleague and keep them in your favour. It may get difficult for you to deal with the firm opinions.

You are satisfied with your health and you enjoy that feeling. Money will flow into your life to make you financially stable. Some of you may earn good name for being consistent at work. In social life, it’s a good practice to avoid blaming others for our own shortcomings.

You will get the financial help that you are seeking for and then accordingly you will decide what steps to take next. At work place you may earn oodles of joy and recognition by foraying into something new. Please take good care of your health and avoid stepping out.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You will continue to enjoy your good health if you stick to a proper diet and exercise regime. You may finally meet your financial savior who will help you put the pieces at the right place. Some of you may assist your family by organizing a function or an event.

You have a good health and there is nothing to worry as such. To prevent any monetary loss, you should care to read your business proposal twice before taking any decision. In office, you may need to persuade someone to stand in your favour but it will be worth it.

You continue to stay fit and healthy and there is nothing to worry as far as health is concerned.

Because of limit flow of money, your financial condition is not stable yet.

Your hard in office will bring your recognition and appreciation from your senior.

Keep a close tab on what you eat if you want to remain healthy. You must limit your expenses to only buying essential stuff. In office, your colleagues may not like your upfront nature. Your love may not give the kind of attention you have been waiting for.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Your optimism will keep you going and you will find yourself in absolute peace.

The more time you invest in a project completion, the better it will in terms of monetary gains. In social life, avoid venting your anger on some who is younger or elder to you. You will go on a business or a leisure trip.

You have a good healthy but that does not mean you should ignore the minor problems. On business front you need to be open minded to make some financial gains. You may all of a sudden feel the need to clarify some rumour about you surfacing in the office.

You may go for a cheat meal all as a reward for maintaining good health. If you have been struggling with money then that’s a thing of a past now as money will flow in from all the directions. In office, you will support your colleague by sharing his/her work pressure.

Don’t take your health for granted as it could raise concerns. Think twice before spending as you can over spend unnecessarily. You may find yourself burden with extra work in office today but you will be able to successfully complete it.

Things may not go as planned.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

AVNEET KAUR, Actor

is supposed to be a devout Catholic. That is the closest we get to any form of spirituality. One thing is for certain, Max loves his wife and will not accept any information on Marianne being a German spy until he unveils the truth himself. His character is a courageous one, and he does express deep, passionate love to Marianne and his daughter. Though Marianne is suspected of being a German spy, the couple’s love for each other does prove to be genuine, and they do appear to be willing to do anything it takes to protect their family and keep them all together.

As John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends…”

But love doesn’t really win in this thriller. Max and Marianne’s love for each other may be genuine at heart, but this film still sends some mixed messages about the true meaning of love and self sacrifice, as the story takes some of its twists and turns. “ The immorality on display in “Allied” is appalling and completely unnecessary .

Add in some hefty language, strong violence, and drug

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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

Flirting in 2020!

A

ctress and former beauty queen has predicted how flirting will be post lockdown in 2020. Urvashi took to Instagram, where she shared a video of herself dancing on a song titled: “Party in the house”. She is seen dressed in a red crop top and denims. “I want to get quarantined & house party with you flirting in 2020 Directed by yours truly U.R,” she captioned the video. She had recently shared a short video, where she takes a dig at her taste in men. “Bad taste in guys is my talent,” she wrote while posting the video along with a heart emoji. Meanwhile, the actress is looking forward to the release of her film ‘Virgin Bhanu-

priya’ on an OTT platform. She has assured fans that the experience of watching the movie on a digital platform will be no less than watching it in theatres. —IANS

Much-needed Break!

... her post

S

K

ourtney Kardashian headed to Utah desert along with her three kids Mason, Penelope, and Reign to spend her Memorial Day weekend and the 41-year-old feels it was a much-needed break for her in quarantine. Kourtney has been taking care of her kids at home during the social-distancing phase. Recently, Kourtney was troubled because of ex Scott Disick’s rehab drama and had posted a cryptic Instagram story amidst all the confusion.

However, her short trip to the desert seems like a good escape for her. A day ago, Kourtney took to her Instagram handle and gave us a sneak-peek into how her Memorial Day weekend getaway looked like.

—IANS

... her post

asha Pieterse who is most famous for playing the role of Alison DiLaurentis in Pretty Little Liars has shared great news with her fans. The 24-year-old actress took to her Instagram handle a few hours ago and announced her pregnancy. She shared an adorable picture of herself flaunting her baby bump while her husband, Hudson Sheaffer kissed her. The actress broke out the happy news on her second wedding anniversary with her husband Hudson Sheaffer and revealed that the baby is due in October. Sharing a monochrome picture of herself and her husband, Sasha Pieterse wrote, “We are so beyond excited to finally share our sweet news with all of you we will be welcoming a precious little human this October!” She also revealed,” Today marks our 2nd wedding anniversary and what better way to share our joy!”

—IANS

11

Shopping

adventure!

Still from the video

Urvashi Rautela

HAPPY NEWS!

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

S

... her post

porting masks for ‘shopping adventure’ with her brother Siddhanth Kapoor, actor Shraddha Kapoor on Thursday shared a picture giving her fans insight into what grocery shopping looks like during coronavirus lockdown.

The ‘Stree’ actor reposted a selfie on Instagram where she is seen with her brother doing groceries shopping as they are seen wearing masks and gloves as precautionary measures and were seen pushing the trolley around inside the store. Along with the post, Shraddha wrote, in writing, “ Groceries adventure with my bhaiya @siddhanthkapoor.”

The picture was originally shared by the ‘Aashiqui 2’ star’s brother on his Instagram.

Alongside the post, he noted, “It’s a lotttttaaaaa fun when you go grocery shopping with your sibling... stay safe all and ... when you are with some one at a close distance, make sure you are wearing a .. for your safety and others around.”

The ‘Ek Villain’ star has been quite active on social media amid the lockdown as she has been updating her fans on her quarantine activities.

—ANI

Kourtney Kardashian

Shraddha Kapoor

REAL LIFE

MOVING ‘Shaktimaan’

OUT! K

Sasha Pieterse

Khloe Kardashian

hloe Kardashian is all set to sell her luxury Calabasas house and the property will hit the market for USD 18,950,000. The six-bedroom, sevenbathroom house is located in California’s exclusive gated community The Oaks. Reportedly, this house was the first place that Khloé bought after ending her marriage with Lamar Odom in late 2013. The 35-year-old television personality bought the place for herself before moving out of the home they shared as a couple.

After sparking breakup rumours for months, Khloé finally filed for divorce from Odom in 2013. —IANS

Sonu Sood

G

overnor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari recently lauded ‘Dabangg’ actor Sonu Sood for helping stranded migrant labourers to return to their native places.

The governor complimented the actor over a phone call and alsoSonu Sood posted the information on Twitter. “Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari called up actor, filmstar @SonuSood and complimented him for his dedicated work in facilitating the safe transportation of migrant people from various states to their home states,” tweeted the Governor of Maharashtra.

—ANI

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

AHMEDABAD | FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

The show must go on…

12

Spending lockdown without music could be tough and I, being the part of the DJ community, couldn’t let this happen to the music lovers.

During this period, I have organised various live shows, where I have played music for all age groups to get their fun mood-on, even at home during the quarantine. And, for me, seeing the people enjoying every beat of the music is the most satisfying feeling ever.

—DR ABHISHEK SHARMA, DJ Dance is fun but teaching dance online in a fixed space to move, without one to one connection and without knowing the reactions of the student was a real challenge to face for me and my training institute ‘Buskers’. But we took the challenge enthusiastically and observed that students are enjoying this new medium of learning dance with their parents at home while keeping themselves fit & healthy.

—KHUSHAL ANAND, DANCER After the lockdown imposed, I got accustomed to taking classes online.

My students were able to connect with me in a digital and virtual arena. I also initiated online hobby classes for Calligraphy and Sketching. The response was overwhelming when I announced an online give away contest. I also cajoled them to read my blogs, which inspired them to start documenting and honing their writing skills.

City First got in touch with a few professionals who didn’t give up on their passion & profession during the lockdown, and found new ways to continue what they should do!

KIRTI CHAUHAN

kirti.chauhan@firstindia.co.in

B

e it an attack of a deadly virus or a nationwide lockdown which has led people to stay inside their homes for more than two months now, no matter what happens, The Show Must Go On…! Almost every Indian soul is calling out the

same mantra, and keeping their spirits high towards their passion and profession.

Though the ‘Lockdown’ has blocked many traditional pathways but alternatively has also given birth to new innovative techniques to learn from and has also taught the mass to ‘Never give up’ in any situation. Well, it looks like that the ongoing pandemic situations have not stopped the creativity of the artists and the spirit of professionalism among the people, which made them continue what

they used to do, however, in newer aspects and ways, to entertain and educate the general mass. City First got in touch with a few artists from a different profession like acting, modelling, singing, dancing, teaching and DJing, for whom, work from home was never an option, but somehow, they have successfully found the way out.

‘Mask on’ doesn’t

—MELVEN CASTELINO, TEACHER

Lockdown did affect our industry but not me. Even during the lockdown, I have shot various acting videos and done still photoshoot with the help of my brother Jatin, who is a photographer. Apart from that, while utilising my modelling skills, I am giving online sessions on modelling to the participants of Elite Miss Rajasthan and freshers, and also polishing my acting skills by taking classes online. Meanwhile, this lockdown has also made me more creative with drawing and colours.

—AKANKSHA BHALLA, ACTOR/MODEL

TWEETED!

Lockdown couldn’t stop me from entertaining the general mass and creating more content for them.

Definitely, there were travel restrictions, which made me record and shoot my songs in the house and at nearby locations from my phone, which I later released on my social media channels. Along with that, I have also participated in various live sessions organised by multiple media channels from different cities to entertain the mass.

—HIMANI BAIRWA, SINGER

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

have to mean face ‘off’

—PHOTOS BY NANDAN DAVE

W

ith masks having become a necessity to contain the spread of COVID-19, Billu Sharma, a photographer in Gandhinagar, is selling digitally printed masks customised with a person’s face on it.

Sharma said it gets difficult to recognise the face behind the mask. The photographer said they suffered a massive loss due to lockdown and “even thought of starting some other business”.

“Now masks have become a necessity and people are going to need them for their lifetime.

After wearing a mask, it gets difficult to recognise people behind the mask. So we came with the idea of printing the hidden face on the mask itself,” Sharma said. “After clicking the picture, some editing is required on a computer and then the print is ready. It takes only 10-15 minutes in making this customized face print mask,” he added.

Sharma said they are selling these masks at Rs 50 each. —ANI

Warriors and Champs

Rajasthan: In an ongoing series of art talks being organised weekly by Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK), ‘A Journey with Indian Sculptures Through the Ages’ was presented by eminent art historian, Dr Vijay Mathur, on Thursday. The talk focused on understanding what is Indian art and its significance throughout the ages. It spanned over the Indus Valley Civilisation, Maurya Empire, Gupta Dynasty, Vakataka Empire, among others.

Maharashtra: Dr Kamaljeet Kaur Randhe, who is a health care worker from Nagpur and serving from last 14 years, informed that to protect yourself from the attack of deadly coronavirus, people should work on boosting immunity. She also said that many depression and anxiety cases have also been reported during coronavirus pandemic, and told that Meditation and Yoga can keep a person safe from going in the state of depression.

Rajasthan: Amidst our fight against the pandemic, Help India online institution organised a program, where they provided 100 packets of immunity boosters, 500 pieces of masks, sanitizer machine and a warm welcome to Additional DCP and Nirbhaya Squad’s Head, Sunita Meena, on Thursday at Gandhi Path, Jaipur.

Rajasthan: During the ongoing online musical series ‘Sumiran’, initiated by Rajasthan Forum, in association with Shree Cement and Raghu Sinha Mala Mathur Charity Trust amid the nationwide lockdown, a wellknown singer Mehboob Khan Langa aka Hichki created the musical environment through his performances on the popular songs, on Thursday.

CITY FIRST AHMEDABAD

I

n keeping with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s “I am also a Corona warrior” campaign, which ran May 21-27, NCC cadets from Gujarat had decided to make masks that would then be handed over to their respective collectors.

On Thursday, Commander Shiv Singh CO 1 Naval Unit along with NCC cadets handed over 4,500 masks to Ahmedabad Collector KK Nirala, on behalf of NCC Group Headquar-

ters Ahmedabad. These masks were made by cadets of eight Battalions/units of NCC’s Ahmedabad Group over a period of eight days.

The Collector appreciated the intention and

efforts put in by NCC cadets. He promised that these face masks will be delivered to the weakest of the society who cannot afford masks on their own. cityfirstgujarat@gmail.com

Rajasthan: Vikas Jain Tijaria, Director, Tijaria Polypipes, Subhash Nagar, Jaipur, presented PPE kits to Father John Ravi of St Xavier’s School Nevta Jaipur on Thursday. During their meet, Father John Ravi also discussed the safety norms to use for the protection of school staff and students when the school re-opens. On the occasion, social worker Michael Castellino was also present.

Rajasthan: On the 11th day of the ongoing ‘Online Learning – Children’s Summer Festival’, organised by Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK), a session on ‘Theatre’ was conducted by theatre strategist, Raju Kumar, on Thursday.

The session aimed to encourage theatre enthusiasts to use their faces and eyes for expressing emotions and feelings on stage.