First India-Ahmedabad Edition-31 May 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

29°C - 41°C

ALERT AHMEDABAD l SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

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RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 185

INDIA

WORLD

GUJARAT

3,68,638 60,90,454 5,185 1,81,796 1,007 16,356 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

1.0

UNLOCK

As we battle out the COVID-19 threat and the long hiatus that clouds the growth of the country, MHA extended lockdown in high-risk zones while allowing partial reopening elsewhere.

Oil tankers move slowly and steadily on the Rohtang Pass Road in Lahaul-Spiti district on Saturday. —PHOTO BY PTI

GRADED EXIT

INDIA OPENS

Night curfew to continue across India from 9 pm to 5 am

ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED AS OF NOW. TO OPEN

BY AUGUST

 INT’L AIR TRAVEL OF PASSENGERS

First India Bureau New Delhi: The government has extended coronavirus lockdown till June 30 and has issued new guidelines for phased-reopening of all activities outside containment zones for the next one month.

The current phase of re-opening, Unlock 1, will have an economic focus, the government said. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the lockdown measures have been relaxed in a graded manner, keeping the overarching objective of containing the spread of COVID-19 in view. The new fifth phase of lockdown is slated to begin from Monday, June 1. Turn on P6

 OPERATION OF METRO RAIL Workers construct wheels of chariots for Lord Jagannaths Rath Yatra, scheduled on June 23, in Puri, which is likely to be held with only a select group of priests and no devotees. —PHOTO BY PTI

PHASE (JUNE 8)

PHASE (JULY)

1

2

Religious places and places of worship for public, hotels, restaurants, other hospitality services, and shopping malls will be permitted to open from June 8.

Health Ministry will issue SOPs for the above activities, in consultation with the Central ministries/ departments concerned and other stakeholders, for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Schools, colleges, educational/ training/coaching institutions etc, will open after consultations with States and UTs. State Govts/UTs have been advised to hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July. MoHFW will prepare SOPs for these institutions.

 CINEMA HALLS  GYMNASIUMS  SWIMMING POOLS  ENTERTAINMENT PARKS  THEATRES

NDA 2.0: Modi pens letter and interacts with citizens virtually New Delhi: As the NDA government completes one year of its second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi listed several achievements and initiatives taken by his government in the past year in an audio message addressed to people of the country.

PM Modi said, “This day last year began a golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy. It was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full-term government with a full majority.” “Your role

has played a pivotal role in creating this chapter.

In such a situation, this day is an opportunity for me to bow to the citizens of the country and the democratic ethos of

our nation,” said PM Modi.

“Had the situation been normal, I would have got the chance to meet you. Your affection and active support in

the past year have given me new energy and inspiration. During this period, the way you have shown the collective powers of democracy, they have become an example for the whole world,” he added.

PM Modi talked about several important initiatives taken by his government in 2014 as well as India’s demonstration of its mettle through the surgical strike and airstrike.

“Six years ago in 2014, the people of this country voted to bring a Turn on P6, More on P7

 BARS AND AUDITORIUMS  ASSEMBLY HALLS AND SIMILAR PLACES  SOCIAL/POLITICAL/ SPORTS/ ENTERTAINMENT/ ACADEMIC/ CULTURAL/ RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONS/ AND OTHER LARGE CONGREGATIONS

LADAKH STANDOFF: TALKS AT MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC LEVELS

DELHI-MOSCOW FLIGHT RETURNS MID-WAY AS PILOT TESTS POSITIVE

New Delhi: As Indian and Chinese troops remain engaged in a tense border standoff, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the government will not allow India’s pride to be hurt under any circumstances even as he said bilateral talks were on at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the row. The Ministry of External Affairs indirectly rejected the offer two days ago, but Singh became the first central minister to speak on India’s position on the issue with clarity. P6

New Delhi: A Moscow-bound special Air India aircraft had to be called back to Delhi mid-way on Saturday after one of the pilots onboard tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The aircraft is currently undergoing the disinfection process at Delhi airport. “The flight was called back to origin airport Delhi after the pilot tested Covid-19 positive. Currently, the aircraft is under the process of fumigation and disinfectant.” an Air India official told ANI.

Death toll crosses 1K even as state prepares to reboot on Monday  24 HOURS: 412 CASES, 27

DEATHS, 621 DISCHARGED  TOTAL: 16,356 CASES, 1,007 DEAD, 9,230 DISCHARGED First India Bureau Gandhinagar: After the Union Home Ministry announced Lockdown 5.0 with the title Unlocked 1, Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani late Saturday evening announced that, with the exclusion of containment

areas, the state will begin to operate normally from Monday morning, with standard COVID-19 protocols in place. Schools and colleges will remain shut until a decision is taken in July.

The health department is expected to announce the list of

With rail services set to resume on Monday, trains are parked at the platforms of the Ahmedabad Railway Station on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE containment zones by Sunday evening. ments may operate place from 9 pm to 5 am.

State transport serBeginning Monday, from 7 am to 7 pm, with all shops and establish- night curfew now in vices will resume op-

eration across the state. Pillion riding allowed on two wheelers, but only for family members. The state has permitted driver-plus-three only for sports utility vehicles. In small fourwheelers, it will be still driver plus two.”

All city buses will operate from Monday at 50% carrying capacity.

The state secretariat too will operate full fledged.

In containment zones, only essential services will be allowed to operate.

Turn on P6

RR RAVAL IS COLLECTOR OF VALSAD, DUHAN, DDO, GANDHINAGAR

Valsad Collector C R Kharsan is retiring from the office on May 31st, so the state government appointed IAS R R Raval as Collector of Valsad. IAS Shalini Duhan will be replacing Raval as DDO, Gandhinagar.

Sharif K Hudda is appointed as DDO Surendranagar and Parag Bhagdev will be DDO-Morbi.

MAHATMA GANDHI CRITICIZED IN BJP’S MESSENGER GROUP

In BJP’s Chikhli and Valsad messenger group, some BJP leaders have shared posts criticizing Mahatma Gandhi and praising Godse. This has sparked controversy. While a few BJP leaders have shown disagreement with the comment and have deleted the same, Congress MLA Anant Patel has decided to file criminal complaint against those who shared the messages.

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The mortality rate in Rajkot is 1.2%, it is 4.3% in Vadodara which is far lower than A’bad’s 6.9%

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

CURBING CORONA Vadodara, Rajkot beat A’bad in beating virus

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Rajkot and Vadodara are faring way better than the state's largest city in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, with both cities lodging lower numbers than Ahmedabad, when it comes to active cases and mortality rate.

The death rate for Rajkot is 1.2% and Vadodara is 4.3%, whereas Ahmedabad’s mortality rate stands at 6.9%. But, these three cities account for the lion’s share of almost 83%of the total positive cases and the death toll in the state.

In the last 72 days, on an average 216 cases have been reported and 13 patients in the state have succumbed to Sars-CoV-2 daily.

According to the COVID-19 dashboard of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC), the first positive case in the city was reported on March 7 and as of May 28, the total number of positive cases stands at 104.

What is noteworthy about Rajkot city is that its recovery rate is89.2% and the mortality rate is just 1.2%.

Currently, the active cases are 9.6% and the number of positive cases has increased.

But, as per RMC data, the spike in cases occurred between April 12 and 18.

In stark contrast, Ahmedabad’s active cases stand at 46.02% and it accounts for the highest number of positive cases in the state with 10,922 and 5,027 active cases. In

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,805,270 BRAZIL 469,510 RUSSIA 396,575 SPAIN 286,308 UK 272,826 ITALY 232,664 FRANCE 186,835 GERMANY 183,149 TURKEY 163,103 IRAN 148,950 CANADA 90,161 CHILE 94,858 S ARABIA 83,384 MEXICO 84,627 BELGIUM 58,186

104,977 28,015 4,555 27,125 38,376 33,340 28,714 8,598 4,515 7,734 7,073 997 480 9,415 9,453

USA

+435 +71 +181 +4 +215 +111 +52 +4 +26 +57 +94 +53 +22 +371 +23

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: MAY 30, 2020, 11:30 PM

IN GUJARAT DISTRICT A police housing colony is being disinfected amid the ongoing lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

TESTED AND POSITIVE CASES IN VADODARA

Vadodara, the rate of active cases stands at 38.6%, while the number of positive cases stands at 961; there are 371 active cases.

The death tally due to COVID-19 is 42, with Ahmedabad leading the pack at 757 and Rajkot with two deaths. Interestingly, on April 3, the positive cases rate in Vadodara was 4.9% of the total samples tested. That day saw 183 samples getting tested of which nine samples came back positive.

On May 28, Vadodara tested 141 samples, of which 28 came back positive. The positive cases rate has risen 19.8% which is almost four times the initial rate.

POSITIVE AND ACTIVE CASES RATIO IN RAJKOT

RAHUL TAKES TWITTER ROUTE TO FLAY KIN ASSAULT ON MINOR GIRL

Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader.

02

—FILE PHOTO

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took to Twitter to condemn the incident of a 16-year-old girl being assaulted by her family members in Gujarat’s Chhota Udepur district.

A video of the incident has been going viral on social media. “The violence in this video is not isolated. It’s an expression of what many Indian women have always

faced. The violence comes in many forms and is sustained by a culture that glorifies symbols of womanhood while simultaneously treating women with total contempt and disrespect,” the former Congress President tweeted.

The distressing video shows a girl being thrashed by two men, who are seen beating her with sticks, as an-

other man pins her hands behind her back.

At one point in the video, the woman stumbles and falls over after being repeatedly hit, following which, she is even kicked by one of the men.

Several locals are seen in the vicinity as the assault takes place, but none of them steps forward to intervene and rescue the girl. According

to several media reports, the men seen beating up the woman are family members, who were upset over the teenager eloping with a man from their village.

Many social media users have called upon state authorities to institute charges against the men seen in the video, after the 45-second clip started doing the rounds of social media. —PTI

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

11881 822 1009 39 SURAT 1565 67 RAJKOT 108 2 BHAVNAGAR 121 8 ANAND 99 10 BHARUCH 38 3 GANDHINAGAR 261 14 PATAN 78 6 PANCHMANHAL 85 7 BANASKANTHA 107 5 NARMADA 18 0 CHOTA UDEPUR 33 0 KUTCH 80 2 MAHESANA 112 5 BOTAD 59 1 DAHOD 36 0 PORBANDAR 9 0 JAMNAGAR 54 2 MORBI 4 0 SABARKANTHA 101 3 ARAVALLI 109 3 MAHISAGAR 115 2 KHEDA 65 4 GIR SOMNATH 45 0 VALSAD 35 1 TAPI 6 0 NAVSARI 25 0 DANG 2 0 SURENDRANAGAR 33 1 DWARKA 12 0 JUNAGADH 29 0 AMRELI 9 0 OTHER STATES 13 0 TOTAL 16356 1007 AHMEDABAD

VADODARA

SAMPLE RECEIVED SAMPLE NEGATIVE

24 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27

2,05,780 1,89,424

UNDER EXAMINATION

0

CASH BASH: CM plans dist level panels for fast loan nod to MSMEs State claims private labs were not allowed to test for COVID-19 to save people’s money First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel held a video conference with district collectors, officers from the industries department, and members of the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector to discuss the road map to revive the industry.

During the meeting,

it was decided that district-level committees headed by the Collector would be formed to clear MSME loan applications.

Rupani said the MSME sector is vital to the state economy.

There are 33 lakh MSME units in the state giving employment to more than 1.50 crore people. At about 95%, the sector’s recovery rate is also very good.

So, it is the responsibility of the state and banks to see that maximum MSME benefit from the Centre’s Rs3.50 lakh crore package meant for the revival of MSMEs. The Chief Minister also felt that the recovery of the MSME sector will drive the revival of the economy as a whole.

Addressing the video conference, MK Das, Principal Secretary (Industries) and Principal

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

—FILE PHOTO

Secretary to the Chief Minister, said that the state has once again attracted very good foreign direct investment.

The state government is on the back foot on the subject of sample testing for COVID-19. Its strategy of testing is also being criticized, with the Ahmedabad Medical Association challenging the state order demanding that private labs take permission before testing samples.

Following the direction from the High

Court, the defensive state has come up with the lame excuse that the state “introduced a gateway” to “save people from unnecessary expenses”.

It claims the move was meant to protect people from private practitioners who would have otherwise “burdened the common man or patients with such tests.”

The state has, once again, reiterated that it is following the Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines for sample testing. The gov-

ernment has also stated that, in the last one week, private laboratories have tested 1,100 samples. The state has never stopped approving private labs to conduct COVID-19 testing, it said.

The state press release also states that private doctors have been insisting on testing even for patients who do not show any symptoms of COVID-19. So, to protect from such unnecessary tests, the government had put a checkpoint for private labs.

GUJARAT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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03

Amul parlours NO RESPITE: 60 days on, high Now, also run out of masks mortality rate rattles state Gargi Raval

Instead of solutions to tackle the pandemic, the government is focused on short-term fixes Gargi Raval

BREATHING ROOM

Ahmedabad: Two months after the first case of novel coronavirus was reported in the state, neither the government nor health professionals have been able to come up with ways to combat the deadly virus.

The state has crossed the 14K mark in number of COVID-19 positive cases, with no respite in sight. Now, according to reports, medical experts are now blaming the lack of oxygen tanks at dedicated COVID-19 hospitals.

In a video conference meeting held on Saturday, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and staff members of the Civil Hospital reviewed the modus operandi of various departments within the hospi-

Mobile medical van check patients during the lockdown in Ahmedabad.

tal. According to sources, some of the doctors suggested that due to the low pressure of oxygen, the hospital had reported high number of COVID-19 patient deaths.

“When Patel asked the doctors what could be done to provide sufficient oxygen, the doctors informed the health

Mevani accuses govt of withholding life-saving meds

minister that, if one oxygen tank was to be installed at the hospital then, there would be an uninterrupted supply of oxygen with proper pressure. This would ease the burden on hospital health staff and patients,” said a source.

Rupani, on the other hand, inquired about

—FILE PHOTO

ongoing medical procedures, especially kidney transplants at the hospital. “The chief minister wanted to ensure that there were alternative options for the people needing medical procedures that were not COVID-19 related,” added the source.

Two months since

the first case, the government is still looking for ‘options’ and not proper long-term solutions to help patients. This makes one wonder what the state and medical experts were doing for the past two months while the pandemic claimed 1,000 lives.

Ahmedabad: A few days after the declaration that Amul parlours in the city would sell N95 masks, shopkeepers at the brand’s outlets have run out of stock. According to them, the stock of masks arrived just the one time and ceased after that. Now, the Gujarat Chemist Association has announced that medical shops will sell N95 masks at a price of Rs50, Amul outlets have cried foul.

A parlour at Mithakhali Crossroad ran out of the N95 and triple layer masks four days ago. According to the shopkeeper, the outlet has requested for more stock but has not received any. “We received stock of masks only one time, and no further deliveries have been made thereafter.

Our stock got over four days ago,” he said.

One of the retailers in Thaltej area said that after pharmacies

OPEN SKY, OPEN ROAD

A man buys a mask at an Amul store. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

NO STOCK

slashed the price of N95 masks, fewer people have been buying masks from them. “Initially, the masks were selling like hotcakes. But now,

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHi

we have received no further stock and the chemist association has announced that the same masks would be sold at a cheaper price at medical shops,” said the seller.

Manish Doshi, chief spokesperson of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) said, “Why was the government silent when these masks were being sold at higher prices? Then Amul was selling masks at Rs15 more than the decided price.

The big question is, does the government really want to help the poor or not?”

BJP, Cong face off over Kevadia colony issue

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Ahmedabad: The immunity-boosting Tocilizumab could save the lives of many COVID-19 patients, but the government is withholding the injectable drug due to its hefty price, independent MLA from Vadgam Jignesh Mevani has claimed. He says that doctors at government-run hospitals are at liberty to administer the drug, which is retailing at a whopping Rs50,000 to critical patients.

Mevani said that a 35-year-old patient admitted to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital in a critical conditions needed the injection but was not getting it. “I called health secretary Jayanti Ravi multiple times but she kept asking me to talk to the doctor on duty,” he said.

Finally, the patient’s relative purchased the drug from a private chemist at a heft price, Rs50,000, Mevani said,

Ahmedabad: After reports of atrocities and physical assault by police on tribals residing in eight villages in Kevadia colony of Narmada district surfaced, several leaders have spoken out against the brutality of the system.

Ten Congress MLAs and their supporters were detained by city police, when they protested in favour of the tribals on Saturday. The incident in Kevadia occurred after locals opposed the administration’s decision to install a fence near the site of the Statue of Unity.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel tweeted that when Congress leaders extended their support to the tribal agitators near the Statue of Unity, they were detained before reaching the site. “What was the government trying to prove by removing the tribals from their land by force?” he tweeted.

On the other hand, BJP MP Mansukh Vasava lay the blame with the Congress. “The Congress did not do any work during their tenure and now they are opposing the work our party is doing,” said Vasava.

Paresh Dhanani, leader of opposition, also called out the government’s action to keep tribals away from their land amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jignesh Mevani —FILE PHOTO

adding that the state does not want to use its stock of the medicine for the common man.

Mevani also cited Dr Naimesh of the COVID-19 hospital as saying, “We have given 13 injections to corona patients in the COVID-19 hospital, of which seven were from government medical stores and six patients family members got it from the market.”

The Civil Hospital administration has refuted these allegations. It said, “There is enough stock, which we give to the patients whenever required.... So far, we have given 21 such injections,” an official release said.

Candy floss clouds punctuated an otherwise clear blue sky in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Seen here is the Sabarmati River Front, deserted amid the lockdown.

Justice Pardiwala off suo moto division bench First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Exercising his power as the chief justice of the state high court, to assign judicial work to judges, Chief Justice Vikram Nath has formed a new division bench comprised of Justice RM Chhaya and Justice Ilesh Vora.

This bench will now hear civil and criminal cases as long as courts are run virtu-

ally. The other 10 courts will be of single benches, one of which also includes the chief justice. This means that Justice JB Pardiwala will not be on any bench scheduled hear the COVID-19 suo moto and related petitions.

According to a notice issued by the registrar (judicial), there will be only one division bench headed by Justice RM Chhaya. Around 10 sin-

Gujarat High Court.

gle bench courts will hear only urgent judicial matters pertaining to criminal and civil cases

—FILE PHOTO

from their residence through video conferencing. Interestingly, the third senior most justice

of the high court Pardiwala has not been included in the list of 10 single benches. There is no official confirmation about him going on leave from judicial duties.

Justice Pardiwala had passed strict directives to the state government on the COVID-19 issue. His bench had passed serious observations about the state of affairs at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY?

Punishment for stealing from the poor is slap on the wrist 

Fair price shop has licence suspended for 90 days, owner gets away with violating govt guidelines and selling the rations on the black market

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: It seems that the penalty for siphoning off ration supplies meant to be distributed among the needy is just an inquiry and suspension for a few days.

A Rajkot-based fair price shop owner BD Joshi reserved 11 metric ton ration supplies in the last two months meant for those in need. After he was caught, the government suspended his

fair price shop operations for 90 days. With a fair price shop in Bajrangwadi area of Rajkot, Joshi just filled online government data and claimed to have distributed free ration to the poor. Instead, he sold all the stock to private players on the black market. There are 1,002 ration cardholders registered with Joshi’s shop.

When the whistle was blown on the scam, district civil supplies department swung into

People queued up for free rations.

action and search found discrepancies between the stock Joshi had and with the register. The

—FILE PHOTO

department officers seized goods worth Rs68,000 from Joshi’s shop. District Supply

Officer Pujaben Chavda told the media, “Although the shop owner has not distributed even a single kilogram of ration to the underprivileged, on paper, he has managed to show that all stock was distributed to them, as per government guidelines.”

Joshi hired a handcart puller to transport the rations to another shop. The handcart puller was paid Rs15 for every 50kg he transported. His state-

ment may prove to be very crucial in the exposure of the fraud.

In another incident, two days ago, Bharuch’s BJP MLA Dushyant Patel exposed a scam at the civil supplies godown, where 57 bags of wheat and 51 bags of rice were found to be missing from the stock. During Patel’s inspection, each bag of wheat and rice weighed 350 gram less than the actual weight.

Senior civil supplies officers are investigating.

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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04

MODI GOVERNMENT — 2.0

A YEAR OF HISTORIC, BOLD AND TRANSFORMATIONAL REFORMS PIYUSH GOYAL Union Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry

A

India scaled new heights on all fronts in the past one year.

For Indian Railways, 2019-20 was the best year in terms of safety performance with zero passenger fatalities due to accidents. After eliminating all unmanned level crossings, this year, a record number of 1,274 manned level crossings were eliminated (compared to 631 in 2018-19)

s the Modi Government 2.0 completes one year on 30th May 2020, our country has witnessed several landmark decisions. The abrogation of Article 370 along with bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, passing of the historic Citizenship Amendment Act and more recently, the efficient handling of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated the firm resolve and achievement of the Government.

India’s efforts to contain and fight COVID-19 have been commended worldwide, and our current rates for infection, death and other indicators like doubling of cases, are amongst the lowest in the world. To fight the economic impact of the pandemic, Government under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji came out with a sustainable and forward looking economic package, amounting to more than Rs. 20 Lakh Cr. This package provides relief to the poor, opens new vistas for investment, provides the framework for businesses to be future ready and be able to compete. It demonstrates the commitment of the Government to Prime Minister Modi ji’s mantra of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’, which entails a strong, confident and self-reliant India. Staying true to our tradition of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, i.e. the world is one big family, India has unconditionally provided medical supplies including Hydroxychloroquine, to over 120 countries to combat COVID-19, of which 43 countries received it as a grant.

India scaled new heights on all fronts in the past one year. For Indian Railways, 2019-20 was the best year in terms of safety performance with zero

passenger fatalities due to accidents. After eliminating all unmanned level crossings, this year, a record number of 1,274 manned level crossings were eliminated (compared to 631 in 2018-19).

Commissioning of New line, Doubling and Gauge conversion also increased to 2,226 km in 2019-20, which is nearly 50% more than the average annual commissioning achieved during 2009-14 (1,520 km/ year). Punctuality of trains also improved significantly by nearly 10% over last year.

Indian Railways is rightly called the ‘Lifeline of India’, and it has lived up to its name during the lockdown. Indian Railways has ensured uninterrupted 24x7 freight operations of essential commodities like food grains, coal salt,

Indian Railways is rightly called the ‘Lifeline of India’, and it has lived up to its name during the lockdown. Indian Railways has ensured uninterrupted 24x7 freight operations of essential commodities like food grains, coal salt, sugar, milk, edible oil, etc. To ensure the safe return of migrant labourers to their home states, Indian Railways operationalized 3,705 “Shramik Special” trains and carried more than 50 Lakh migrants

sugar, milk, edible oil, etc. To ensure the safe return of migrant labourers to their home states, Indian Railways operationalized 3,705 “Shramik Special” trains and carried more than 50 Lakh migrants. Railways has also distributed over 75 lakh free meals to migrants so far. Fur-

thering Make in India, it also produced PPEs, sanitisers, and reusable face covers.

Government took several steps to promote exports as well as protect the interests of domestic industries. India is also engaging to resolve all outstanding issues with the USA,

South Korea and Japan to boost exports, and working to initiate dialogue with European Union. Prime Minister Modi ji refused to compromise on India’s interests in the RCEP negotiations. To create a level playing field, the average time taken to initiate an anti-dumping investigation was brought down to 33 days. With an objective of reducing excessive dependence on non-essential imports, duty was increased on 89 items, and prohibition/restrictions was imposed on 13 items.

All these decisions were taken keeping in mind the poorest of the poor. Import of Agarbattis, which has a deep cultural, spiritual and economic connect with our society were made restricted, and this small step ensured a livelihood

Which parts of the emerging consensus will survive?

W

hat is the COVID-19 crisis teaching us about the role of the state?

And what lasting lessons will our societies draw from it? It is still very early to be asking these questions, but they cannot be avoided. Postponing their discussion would simply leave the field open for those peddling old obsessions whose time is long gone (if it ever came).

The starting point should be that, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and US President Donald Trump notwithstanding, a new pandemic consensus has been forged on the battlefield. It can be summarized in four propositions.

First, the social value of professions, tasks, and behaviors – the price that should guide policy decisions and individual

choices – often differs from their market value by a wide margin. Sometime around the end of March, much of the world realized that the work of a nurse or a care assistant was worth more – at least at that moment – than the pay they ordinarily receive.

This disconnect is nothing new, but it had been forgotten. By putting the spotlight on the sector where markets perform the worst – health care – the coronavirus pandemic inevitably prompted a welcome reassessment of the relative roles of markets and the state.

Second, only governments can insure against catastrophic risk. Again, it has been known for a long time that the state is the insurer of last resort.

But what had previously remained relatively abstract suddenly became

The coronavirus pandemic inevitably prompted a welcome reassessment of the relative roles of markets and the state

obvious to all. In a situation of generalized stress, only governments (with the help of central banks) can protect citizens, prevent bankruptcies, and limit social fragmentation. Markets are good at tackling mutually offsetting risks, but only the

state can tackle tail risks.

Third, globalization fosters efficiency, but it is the state that must provide resilience. Until recently, it was an article of faith that individual countries could always rely on deep and liquid global markets to access whichever goods they

needed. But then came the shocking realization that these markets could be disrupted by a sudden surge in demand for face masks and respirators, and that China alone accounted for 60% of global exports of protective medical equipment. Little wonder, then, that “health sovereignty” was the first item in the recently announced Franco-German recovery plan for Europe.

Lastly, obstacles to state intervention can be overcome in the event of a once-in-a-century shock.

As the crisis took hold in March, the European Union quickly decided to relax its rules limiting state aid to private companies and to activate an escape clause exempting member states from the fiscal strictures of the Stability and Growth Pact.

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for lakhs of poor Agarbatti makers especially women. India has emerged as a reliable and trustworthy partner globally.

It is worth noting that FDI inflow grew by 18.4% to US$ 73.46 bn. India jumped 14 places to be ranked 63rd in the World Bank’s Doing Business (DB) Rankings.To facilitate investment, 100% FDI under automatic route was permitted for Coal Mining activities (including sales) and Contract manufacturing. To curb opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies, FDI policy was amended.

The COVID crisis has shown us that traders are also frontline warriors.

The philosophy of our Government has always upheld the interests of traders, and a National Traders’ Welfare Board is being set-up. Also, several steps were taken this year to promote start-ups, including tax reforms as well as announcing the creation of a National Startup Advisory Council.

In our post COVID-19 strategy, we have identified 12 priority sectors. The idea is to build on our existing strengths and domestic capabilities and increase share of global exports in priority sectors through facilitation and policy interventions. Work in 3 sectors is in an advanced stage (Furniture, AC, Leather & Footwear). Work is in active mode in remaining sectors.

Shri Veer Savarkar, who was synonymous with courage, patriotism and a commitment to a strong and self-reliant India had said “Calmness in preparation but boldness in execution, this should be watchword during the moments of crisis”. These words vividly illustrate the ability of Prime Minister Modi ji to handle a crisis with a firm and calm approach but with the boldness and courage expected from a true world leader..

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Amit Shah @AmitShah I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating the auspicious occassion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, especially our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters. May Mata Kheer Bhawani bless everyone with good health and happiness.

Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp The world has taken note of India’s people-driven fight against #Covid19.

Led by PM Shri @narendramodi, India has tackled the pandemic in more significant ways than others.

The health crisis has binded the nation and has taught us to come together to emerge victorious.

Spiritual SPEAK

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. —Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 185 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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INDIA AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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bird collapses LADAKH STAND-OFF: India, Ibis in heat, rescued

China talking, says Rajnath

Both countries had made it clear that they wanted to resolve the problem New Delhi: India and China are talking to each other at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the Ladakh standoff, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. Singh’s statement is the first from a senior central minister on the standoff with China at four points along the Line of Actual Control.

Rajnath Singh told that both countries had made it clear that they wanted to resolve the problem.

The Defence Minister also underlined that there was no need for the United States to meditate since the two

VIEWPOINT

countries already had a mechanism to resolve problems and it had been set in motion.

US President Donald Trump this week told reporters that he was “ready, willing and able to mediate” between India and China to help resolve tension

at the border.

The offer has been rejected by foreign ministries of the two countries.

The offer also figured in a conversation between Rajnath Singh and US secretary of state Mark Esper when they spoke last evening.

“I told him that India and China already had a mechanism that if there is any problem between the two countries, it is resolved by military and diplomatic dialogue. That mechanism is in place and the dialogue is on,” Rajnath Singh said.

He also pointed to statements from Beijing on similar lines.”India’s policy has been very clear that we should have good relations with all neighbours. This has been a long standing effort.

But sometimes, circumstances arise with China that things like this happen,” he said.

Railings around the Taj Mahal are partially damaged and can be seen fallen on the floor following the heavy wind and rain in Agra on Friday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Spl AI flight to bring 132 Indians from Kazakhstan

Nur-Sultan: A special flight of national carrier Air India y departed from Nur-Sultan Airport, Kazakhstan, carrying as many as 132 Indians stranded in the central Asian country due to the coronavirus-induced global travel restrictions.

“Special Air India flight AI 1962 took off from Nur-Sultan today at 1215 hrs evacuating

132 Indians under # Va n d e B h a r a t M i s sion,” Embassy of India in Kazakhstan tweeted.

This was the fifth repatriation flight from Kazakhstan & first from Nur-Sultan under the second phase of operations of Government of India’s ‘Vande Bharat’ Mission which aims to evacuate stranded Indians home amid the lockdown. —ANI

of migrant workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the petitioner, the migrant workers who have submitted applications for

New Delhi: Aviation regulator Director-General of Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into a “serious lapse” after an Air India flight from Delhi to Moscow on Saturday returned midway after its pilot was found COVID-19 infected.

In its initial probe, the DGCA has found that this was a ‘serious lapse’ by the state runcarrier Air India.

“This was a serious lapse and the regulator has asked Air India (AI)

Bhubaneswar/Delhi: Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan along with his family and CM Naveen Patnaik sang, ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, a patriotic Odia song, to express respect and gratitude for the COVID-19 frontline workers.

Patnaik sang the song at his residence for doctors, nurses, police personnel and others who are playing a key role in combating COVID-19. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also joined people from Odisha in singing the song from his Delhi residence.

Patnaik had on Friday, sought the coopera-

leaving Maharashtra availing the Shramik special trains and buses, have been left in the dark about the status of their applications.

The plea said that till the time they are to board the train or bus for their native place, they are made to stay in cramped and unhygienic shelters without being provided with food and other essentials.

The court took note of this, but said it would still require the state government to file a report by June 2. —PTI

POWER Gallery INDIAN ECONOMIST ABHAS JHA GETS KEY ASSIGNMENT IN WB

Abhas Jha, an Indian economist, has been appointed by World Bank to a key position on climate change and disaster management in South Asia.

SANJAY KUNDU IS NEW DGP OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Sanjay Kundu has been appointed new DGP of Himachal Pradesh. He is a 1989 batch IPS officer.

ARUN SINGHAL APPOINTED CEO, FOOD SAFETY & STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA riculture lands.

“Suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, the bird was unable to fly. The officials contacted Wildlife SOS which rushed a two-member rescue team to the bird’s aid, the NGO said.

The bird was given oral rehydration solution and was then kept under observation.

to file a full report of the incident, and DGCA official is investigating the incident,” a DGCA source said.

The Airbus A320NEO plane, which had departed from New Delhi as a ferry flight (no passengers) for Moscow to bring back stranded Indians was instructed to return to the national capital after it was airborne for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The flight had had crossed Pakistan, Afghanistan. —ANI

Pradhan & family sing Bande Utkal Janani to honour Corona warriors

HC seeks report from Uddhav govt on steps taken for migrants Mumbai: Taking note of the congregation of migrant workers at railway stations and bus stands in Maharashtra as they wait for their return to the home states, the Bombay High Court has sought a report from the Maharashtra government on how it was addressing the issue.

A division bench of CJ Dipankar Datta and Justice K K Tated was hearing a petition filed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, raising concerns over the plight

New Delhi: A Glossy Ibis bird was rescued from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence after it collapsed due to severe heat exhaustion and dehydration, a non-profit wildlife organisation said on Saturday.

Security personnel found the bird near the reception area of the PM House at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on Friday, a statement from the NGO, Wildlife SOS, said.

The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird belonging to the ibis family and is a migratory species.

They are widely distributed across the world and inhabit wetlands, marshes and ag-

DGCA seeks probe as Delhi-Moscow flight returns

RAIN KE SIDE EFFECTS...

VANDE BHARAT MISSION

from PM’s home

06

Arun Singhal has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of UP cadre.

S GOPALAKRISHNAN APPOINTED ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, PMO

S Gopalakrishnan has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

RAJENDRA KUMAR APPOINTED ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, ELECTRONICS & IT

Rajendra Kumar has been appointed Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. He is a 1992 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

SUBIR MALLICK APPOINTED ADDITIONAL SECRETARY & FS, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

Subir Mallick has been appointed Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Agricultural Research and Education. He is a 1989 batch IA&AS officer.

C SRIDHAR APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, PMO

C Sridhar has been appointed Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He is a 2001 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre.

ALAKANANDA DAYAL APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, AGRICULTURE

Alaknanda Dayal has been appointed Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. She is a 2000 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre.

PALLAVI AGARWAL APPOINTED MEMBER SECRETARY, NMA

Pallavi Agarwal has been appointed Member Secretary, National Monuments Authority (NMA).

She is a 1991 batch IRS-IT officer.

SURENDRA PRASAD YADAV APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, DEFENCE PRODUCTION

Surendra Prasad Yadav has been appointed Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production. He is a 1996 batch IFS officer of the West Bengal cadre.

V RADHA APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, DPIIT

V Radha has been appointed Joint Secretary, Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade. She is a 1994 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre.

Union Minister of Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan along with wife Mridula, daughter Namisha, son Nishant, father Dr Debendra Pradhan and mother Basanta Pradhan singing the patriotic Odia song.

tion of Pradhan for singing ‘Bande Utkal Janani’, to boost the morale of Odisha’s COVID-19 warriors.

“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spoke to Union Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel, Dhar-

mendra Pradhan and sought his cooperation on singing of Bande Utkal Janani at 5:30 pm on May 30 to boost the morale of Odisha COVID Warriors,” Odisha CMO tweeted. In video message, Patnaik, while speaking in

Odia, had outlined how several countries regardless of their economic strength have faced difficult situations due to coronavirus crisis. The state has recorded 1,723 confirmed cases and seven fatalities. —ANI

state as on Saturday is 56.43%--up from 39.20% on May 16--and way higher than the national average of 47.40%.

by the state government.

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh too on Saturday announced a 4-week extension in the lockdown in Punjab, till June 30, with certain more relaxations, subject to the guidelines of the central government.

MHA also removed all restrictions on intra-state and inter-state movement of people.

No separate permission/approval /e-permit will be required for such movements.

However, if a State/ UT, based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, proposes to regulate

ATEESH KUMAR SINGH APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, MSME

Ateesh Kumar Singh has been appointed Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. He is a 1994 batch IRTS officer.

MANISH TIWARI APPOINTED JOINT SECRETARY, MHA

Manish Tiwari has been appointed Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. He is a 1995 batch IRTS officer.

FROM PG 1 Death toll...

Hotels, restaurants, religious places, multiplexes and malls will open in accordance with Central government guidelines. Still, on Sunday, people will have to strictly follow Lockdown 4.0 norms.

On Saturday, 412 new cases emerged from 18 districts. Two of these are from other states.

There were 27 deaths in the past 24 hours, and 621 patients were discharged, to maintain the state’s claim of having a high discharge (recovery) rate. The state health press release states that the discharge rate of the

Graded exit...

All activities that were prohibited earlier will be opened up in areas outside containment zones in a phased manner, with the stipulation of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to be prescribed by the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, Lockdown has been extended in West Bengal till June 15 with further relaxations, conditions, according to a order issued

the movement of people, it will give wide publicity in advance regarding the restrictions to be placed on such movements, and the related procedures will have to be followed, the MHA guidelines said. —ANI

NDA 2.0:... major change in the country. You voted to change the country’s policy and manner.

During that tenure where surgical strike and airstrike took place, one rank one pension, one nation one tax GST, and better MSP for farmers were also fulfilled.

That period was dedicat-

ed to fulfilling many needs of the country.”

He further said that in these years the country has seen systems coming out of the quagmire of inertia and corruption. The country has seen governance change to make life easier for the poor. “During that period, India’s stature in the world increased. By opening bank accounts of poor people, by giving them gas connections, by providing free electricity connections, by building washrooms, by building houses, the dignity of the poor has also been increased,” said PM Modi. —ANI

TALKING POINT AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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M

y fellow Indian, This day last year began a golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy. It was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full term government with a full majority.

Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation.

During normal times, I would have been in your midst.

However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why, I seek your blessings through this letter.

Your affection, goodwill and active cooperation have given new energy, and inspiration. The way you have showcased the collective strength of democracy is a guiding light for the whole world.

Back in 2014, the people of the country voted for a substantive transformation. In the last five years, the nation saw how the administrative apparatus broke itself free of status quo and from the swamp of corruption as well as misgovernance. True to the spirit of ‘Antyodaya’ the lives of millions have been transformed.

From 2014 to 2019, India’s stature rose significantly. The dignity of the poor was enhanced. The nation achieved financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring ‘Housing for All.’ India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and air strike. At the same time, decades old demands such as OROP, One Nation One TaxGST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled.

In 2019, the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with a dream- of taking India to new heights. A dream of making India a global leader. The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream.

Today, 130 crore people feel involved and integrated in the development trajectory of the nation.The light of ‘Jan Shakti’ and ‘Rashtra Shakti’ has ignited the entire nation. Powered by the Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ India is marching forward in all spheres.

My fellow Indian, In the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse.

The decision on Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Honourable Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India’s compassion and spirit of inclusiveness.

But there have been many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation’s development trajectory.

The creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff was a long pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces. At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan.

Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rupees 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crore 50 lakh farmers.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households.

A huge campaign of free vaccination is being conducted for better health of our 50 crore livestock.

For the first time in our country’s history,

PM MODI SHARES

‘VIKAS YATRA’ OF HIS SECOND-TERM IN OFFICE WITH PEOPLE

Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda.

farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs. 3000 after the age of 60 years.

Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen. Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector.

This will boost the blue economy.

Similarly, it has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders. Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self help groups. Recently the loans without guarantee for self help groups has been doubled to 20 lakh from the

earlier 10 lakh.

Keeping in mind the education of tribal children, we have begun the construction of more than 400 new Ekalavya Model Residential Schools.

Several people friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year. Our Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity.

As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited.

As a result of the policies and decisions of the government, the rural-urban gap is shrinking. For the first time, the number of rural Indians using internet is 10% more than

the number of urban Indians.

The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions.

My fellow Indian, As we were moving ahead at fast pace in the fulfilment of hopes and aspirations of our countrymen, the Coronavirus global pandemic engulfed our country as well.

While on one hand are powers with great economic resources and state-of-the-art healthcare systems, on the other hand is our country besieged with problems amidst a vast population and limited resources.

—FILE PHOTO

Many feared that India will become a problem for the world when Corona hits India. But today, through sheer confidence and resilience, you have transformed the way the world looks at us. You have proven that the collective strength and potential of Indians is unparalleled compared even to the powerful and prosperous countries of the world. Be it clapping and lighting a lamp to the honouring of Corona Warriors by India’s armed forces, Janta curfew or by faithful adherence to rules during the nationwide lockdown, on every occasion you have shown that Ek Bharat is the guarantee for ShresthaBharat.

In a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or

discomfort. Our labourers, migrant workers, artisans & craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering.

We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles.

However, we have to take care to ensure that inconveniences that we are facing do not turn into disasters. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines. We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve.

In the last few days, a super cyclone has wreaked havoc in parts of West Bengal and Odisha. Here too, the resilience of the people of these states is noteworthy. Their courage inspires the people of India.

Dear friends, At such a time, there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India’s, will recover. However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against Coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival. In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it.

It is the need of the hour that we must become self-reliant. We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it – Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India.

The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step in this direction.

This initiative will

07

usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with start ups.

The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India’s dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance.

Dear friends, In this journey of the last six years, you have continuously showered me with love and blessings.

It is the strength of your blessings that has made the nation take historic decisions and progress rapidly in the last one year. However, I am also aware that there is a lot that needs to be done. There are many challenges and problems that our country faces. I am working day and night.

There could be deficiencies in me but there is nothing that our country lacks. So, I believe in you, your strength and your abilities even more than I believe in myself.

The source of strength for my resolve is you, your support, blessings and affection.

Due to the global pandemic this is certainly a time of crisis but for us Indians this is also a time for a firm resolve.

We must always remember that the present and future of 130 crore Indians will never be dictated by an adversity.

We will decide our present and our future.

We will move ahead on the path of progress and victory will be ours.

It is said that, ‘if we have action and duty on one hand, then success is assured in the other hand’.

With prayers for our country’s success, I bow to you once again.

My heartiest wishes to you and your family.

Stay healthy, stay safe!!!

Stay aware, stay informed!!!

Your Pradhan Sevak Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. —FILE PHOTO

If we question God for the rain, storm and pain of our life then we must also question him for the sunshine, flowers and happiness!

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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CAN CENTRE SUSPEND STATE GOVTS UNDER THE GARB OF CORONA? t appears that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s ‘reign’ is not going down well with former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and hence when the opportunity presents itself he complains about Uddhav to BJP top leadership and Sangh. The latest developments related to MLC election in Maharashtra made Fadnavis believe that if Uddhav does not get elected to the MLC, he will have to vacate the position.

However, Thackeray junior spoke directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and soon the notification for the same was issued in a haste and Uddhav was chosen to the legislative council. If sources are to be believed, after this ‘crushing loss’, Fadnavis suggested to the top BJP leadership that after few cosmetic changes, the 123-year-old Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 can be enforced in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Delhi where Corona is spreading at a fast pace.

Fadnavis hinted that the

I

union government, taking support of the Act, could render the state government’s powerless and take the charge of running the states. After this, the legal experts were consulted and it was found that the central government can not take over the complete rights of the states but it can only take steps to stop the spread which means that the Centre would be able to take only health related policy decisions. Suspecting some ‘threat’, the Delhi government quickly enforced Delhi Epidemic Act 2020 and Maharashtra government enforced Covid-19 Regulation 2020. As such, there is a possibility that if any state government does not enforce the Epidemic Act properly then the Central government can suspend the state government. But this ‘possibility’ is marred with legal ‘entanglements’.

MAMATA’S ANXIETY AND UDDHAV’S FRIENDSHIP he tussle as to how many ‘Shramik Special’ trains will be given to which state had

T

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

Devendra Fadnavis

Uddhav Thackeray

Mamata Banerjee

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Bhargava was offered the position of Speaker but he declined. In this lockdown crisis, Shivraj has another front opened as he has to get the government bungalows vacated from ministers of Kamal Nath government, since Kamal Nath government spent Rs 38 crore in renovation of these bungalows and now these ‘beneficiaries’ are not vacating their bungalows. However, Kamal Nath himself is vacating the Chief Minister’s residence located at 6, Shyamla Hill and is shifting in his old house.

not even ended that the Amphan cyclone hit West Bengal and Odisha. In this, the railways announced a train from Mumbai to Kolkata. After Amphan, several parts of Kolkata and even the entire state had been badly hit as electricity poles had been uprooted, water logging in cities had occurred and there were pressing issues of electricity and water supply. When Mamata started worrying that if Shramik express brings in more people, how

then will the state make arrangements for them and how will these people be sent to different parts of the state.

Mamata believed that there was some ‘trick’ on Centre’s part and thus, she immediately called Uddhav and sought his help. Mamata argued that in this time, if they come across positive patients, how and where will they keep them. Uddhav on the other hand reportedly told Mamata, “Didi, do not worry. We will speak to the Ben-

gali workers who want to go back and will try to hold them here. We will also try to find jobs for them here so that they stay in Maharashtra”. It was after this that Mamata took a breath of relief.

list and sent it to Delhi for approval. But the BJP high command has not given its green signal to the list. As such this time around it was not easy for Shivraj to finalise the names of ministers, since several individuals who left Congress and joined BJP with Scindia are in line to be provided ministerial positions. And for this, Shivraj had to delete names of several of his loyalists for example his faithful MLA and former leader of opposition Sagar Gopal

TILL WHEN WILL PM LISTEN TO RAHUL ince the time lockdown began, both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have been giving suggestions to PM Narendra Modi, for example Rs 1,000 direct cash transfer in labourers’ and workers’ accounts. Rahul requested the PM to announce that the stranded migrants will be ferried safely to their homes and after this the buses and shramik trains were started. After this, Rahul said that Rs 7,500 should be di-

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

SHIVRAJ’S ‘RULE’ CONUNDRUM he ‘saffron’ Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan wanted to expand his cabinet on June 1 and after several permutations and combinations, he finalised a

T

Storm over Arabian Sea to hit Maharashtra, Guj by June 3

Low pressure over Arabian Sea likely to intensify into a depression and bring thunderstorms First India Bureau Ahmedabad: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday stated that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast-eastcentral Arabian Sea in the next 48 hours and that it is likely to intensify into a depression and move towards Maharashtra and Gujarat by June 3.

The Met Department, “A low-pressure area would form over Southeast-eastcentral Arabian Sea during next 48 hours. To intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours with the possibility of further intensification.

To move north-northwestwards towards Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts till 3 June.”

EARLY RAINS?

A low pressure developing over the Arabian Sea may bring thunderstorms over Gujarat and Maharashtra in June first week.

It said the likely formation of low pressure over the Arabian Sea might bring monsoons to Kerala from June 1.

“Under the influence of likely formation of a low-pressure system over the southeast-eastcentral Arabian Sea, conditions will become favourable from 1st June, 2020 for the onset

of Southwest Monsoon over Kerala,” said the IMD. Due to the developing storm over the Arabian Sea, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has completely banned fishing activities in the state.

Vijayan said, “IMD has informed us that

southwest monsoon will arrive in Kerala coast by the first week of June. The state will receive rainfall in the next five days. Fishing in Kerala coast and the southeast Arabian sea to be completely banned from midnight.”

Most of north India received a muchneeded respite from

the scorching heat on Friday with moderate rainfall followed by thunderstorms.

The Met Department has said thunderstorms with rain and gusty wind of speed 20-40 kmph are likely to occur over and adjoining areas of Bijnor, Chandpur and Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh during the next two hours.

S

08

rectly deposited in workers’ accounts. The PM was mulling over it when the BJP and Sangh leaders put some pressure that if Congress’s demands are adhered to, then the party would take its credit in front of the public and thus RaGa’s demands have been put in a cold bag.

IN THE END.. ajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiyah Naidu was tensed that when the month long monsoon session of the house will be called in the third week of July, how will the members maintain social distancing. After this, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva gave a suggestion saying that Lok Sabha session should be held with 245 MPs where there are 545 seats for MPs and Lok Sabha MP sessions should be held in Central Hall where more than eight hundred people can sit. It is said that the government is also mulling over this idea.

R

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

Ahmed bhai raps Modi govt, questions its ‘milestone’ Dr Anita

GDP growth between JanMar 20 is 3.1%, lowest in 11 years.

And this does not even take into account impact of Corona pandemic, Patel said

New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel made a scathing attack on the Union Government on Saturday questioning the ‘milestone’ that the Modi government claimed to achieved on completion of its one year in the second term.

Taking to the microblogging site Twitter, Patel said, “Since 1947 India has been self reliant. British left us with nothing, but successive governments made us self reliant in military and space capacity, food and milk supply and financial reserves. After 70 years of India being self reliant, BJP just discovered it’s meaning.

Better late than never.”

Ahmed Patel

In a series of tweets, the Congress stalwart added, “Which milestone is this government celebrating?

GDP growth between January 2020-March 2020 is 3.1 per cent, lowest in 11 years. And this does not even take into account the impact of the Corona pandemic.

Which milestone is the government celebrating?

The fact that it has failed the poorest during their darkest hour?

When Congress President announced, if Centre can’t pay train fares for migrants, did the Railways mislead the nation by saying it paid 85% of the fare? If so, shouldn’t Railways apologise to the nation?”

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS?

Only 5% Gujarat masons know about masks, social distancing First India Bureau Ahmedabad: A new study by an organization working among masons for two decades has found that only a small fraction of them are aware of the basic Covid-19 precautions to follow at home or at work -- wearing masks, physical distancing and washing hands.

It has found that only five per cent respondents among their survey sample

knew about these.

“This highlights the need for sensitization of artisans to ensure they don’t contract the coronavirus,” the study, based on a survey of nearly 650 artisans in 12 districts of Gujarat, recommends. It has been conducted by National Centre for People’s Action in Disaster Preparedness-Centre for Ecocentric Development and People’s Action (CEDAP-NCPDP).

The study found that,

Many construction workers are not aware of wearing masks and social distancing, even after four phases of lockdown.

“A little more than a third of the artisans (38%) said they would use masks, while a third (33%) mentioned the norm on physical distancing. And 21% of artisans mentioned washing hands frequently.”

The organisation states that, “The least preference of this option is justifiable as there is water shortage at majority of places in Gujarat”, adding, “Most of them are not used to such washing because of lack

of facilities for this.”

Called “Study of the Impact of Covid 19 and Lockdown on Building Artisans”, the survey is based on a telephonic interview carried out between April 16 and May 12 in Gujarat’s Aravalli, Gandhinagar, Gir-Somanath, Junagadh, Morbi, Mehsana, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha and Surendranagar districts.

The main issues focused by the survey included the ability for the artisan’s house-

hold to sustain in present condition and for what duration; expectations from the government; activities the artisans were doing; assistance received from the government; and precautions taken for protecting themselves against Covid-19.

Only 30 per cent of those surveyed had found re-employment in construction activities even after the lockdown restrictions were lifted.

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09

AHMEDABAD, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2020

Indian Bride with her Bridesmaids wearing designer face masks

SHAADI KARO-NA Outburst of the novel Coronavirus not just hit the ‘pause’ button in most of the people’s lives, but also made the Bride and Groom compromise on their big day!

A couple during their wedding in Bengaluru

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

W

igner masks durin A couple wearing des ony their wedding cerem

g

edding day is one of the biggest days of a couple’s life, as they finally take a step forward to take their relationship to the next level. Most of them like to organise this big day in the grandest manner that they can, while some like it minimal. For the former ones, the Coronavirus outbreak has really made them compromise on tying the knot, due to safety measures that are to be kept in mind, and the guidelines by the government, of course.

Since April-July is one of

Mor Banquets and Resort, Jaipur

the peak times for weddings to take place, the pandemic has either made the couples postpone their wedding, or conduct them in an extremely simple way, as the mass gathering has been reduced to only 50 people per wedding. Sad, isn’t it? For the ones who stay away from the couple, won’t be able to make it to the wedding physically, but are sure going to be present virtually, so ‘grand weddings’ are way out of the league at the moment or in the coming few months. But the good thing is that the budget of the people to spend on weddings is going to be reduced big time.

“For the people who are getting married, with a small gathering, of course, we are offering some really good benefits, which would help them have a safe and secure wedding. We will be getting the entire venue sanitized before and after the ceremony and will be providing sanitizers to the guests for their welcome, instead of garlands and other things. The temperature of the guests will be checked, not just of the guests, but of the staff too,” said Lekhraj Jaiswani, owner, Mor Banquets and Resort, Jaipur.

City First got in touch with a few

people from Rajasthan and Gujarat, who got married during this pandemic, and they shared with their experience of the same. Mansi Ajay Mundra from Jodhpur stated, “For me minimalism was beautiful and we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way as we just wished to be together. The day was full of joy, love and positivity, with precautions being taken at all times. My close friends and family members were connected with us through video-calls, while we had out micro-ceremony.”

“Our wedding was originally supposed to take place on 20 April, we had to postpone it indefinitely, owing to the lockdown. We took a call and got married in the presence of just our immediate family members at home on 25 May,” said Stuti Shah from Ahmedabad.

The responsible Bride

A couple during their wedding in Indon

esia

A Bride’s temperature being checked before the ceremony

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

10

WORLD ‘NO TOBACCO DAY’ DR MANASWI GAUTAM

T

obacco abuse is the most prevalent and deadly among all substance abuse and leading major public health issue.

34.6% of adults in India are current smokers. Tobacco has an addictive property as it often persists at a higher volume and over a longer duration of time. There is repeated-dose to be taken and unable to cut it out or short.

Craving is so high that the person ignored his personal, professional life and even negative health consequences.

1. A cigarette is rolled tobacco in thin paper release nicotine which is a major psychoactive and addictive product along with 7357 chemical compounds out of which 70 known carcinogens. A cigarette contains 6 to 11 milligram of nicotine and smoking a pack per day lead to 20 to 40 milligram of nicotine absorption per day.

2. Hookah/Shisha bar is popular among youth as a cool place to chill out.

Hookah’s water pipe is used to smoke flavored tobacco and it has the same health hazard as cigarettes even more as a level of nicotine or other harmful chemicals are higher than a cigarette.

3. Smokeless tobacco like Gutka is chewing tobacco made up of betel nut, tobacco, Kattha, paraffin wax, sometimes crushed glass, slaked lime, flavors and many other known carcinogens that have same systemic side effects of smokers and have a higher rate of oral, prostate, pancreatic and cervical cancer.

4. Dissolvable tobacco are smokeless products that melt in the mouth and sell in the form of candy, lozenges, pellets or sticks. Especially to attract teenagers or school students, it has addictive properties and has some negative effect on body.

DR MANASWI GAUTAM,

Director & Consultant Psychiatrist, Gautam Hospital & Research Center

people each year in India (9.5 % of all death). The most common death is in from of cardiovascular disorders (about 48%).

Both smoking and smokeless tobacco can

FA CE OF TH ED AY

5. According to the WHO fact sheet 2018 tobacco kills more than 1 million

to high risk for coronavirus infection and complications.

cause many form of cancers leading to an early and painful death. It is the fourth leading cause of non Communicable disorders.

6. Tobacco abuse decrease

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

the immunity of the body and has Comorbid physical disorders like cardiovascular, hypertension, obesity, chronic respiratory disorders which make them high

7. Tobacco smoking cause hyperplasia, metaplasia, mucus plugging of small alveoli, loss of cilia lead

9. More than 90% of smokers started as teenagers.

10. Environmental tobacco smoke or second-hand smoke also has negative health hazards like chronic respiratory, CVD, lung cancers, the risk to stroke and prone to coronavirus infections. Even opening windows, open air space, ventilating buildings do not eliminate second-hand smoke exposure.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You may do business related to fitness. If your boss is mentoring you than you must put your blind trust in him/her as they won’t let your fall even if you will feel that way.

You will be able to open up with your parents about things that you have been hiding.

You will feel motivated today and ready to face any challenges. You may feel like doing donation for an NGO or you may involve yourself in some charity work. On work front, you may spend whole day solving project related problems. Your family member may offend you.

If you wish to talk to your boss regarding your concern than make sure to do it when he is in good mood to avoid any misunderstanding. You may think of writing a book which can earn you a decent fame.

Some of you may think of opening a restaurant soon.

There may be temporary struggles in terms of paying your loan payments but that something temporary. Your days will change once your loan has been paid.

Prevent yourself from being a part of any gossip to avoid any kind of public embarrassment.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Diet control is a must for you right now to keep diseases at a distance. You will be able to beat your business rivals in the game but remember your focus should be to win and not to see others loosing.

Your wanderlust will get satisfied as some of you may go on a world tour.

Your financial condition is back on tracks and you are doing fairly well. On academic front, refrain from cheating or being a part of cheating by helping others in an exam. Your spouse may take your out for shopping. Real estate builders will make lots of profit today.

The best advice for you will be to switch your job with one that promises a better salary and perks. Keep away from any scandalous affair. You may take your kids out for picnic today. On social front, you may find yourself mentally occupied with stuff that should not bother you.

You will be very cautious today before spending even a single penny. Your decision making skills will earn you a great reputation in office.

Your fast moving social life may come to a halt as you need time to introspect. A long distance journey will be very comfortable for you.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

On family front, an out of world opportunity wait in form of a new house or a foreign trip together. You may buy a new vehicle for a better mode of conveyance. Those moving to a new city may find it bit monotonous in the beginning but things will ease as the time will pass.

Your new venture has started making profits and there is a constant inflow of money. You may be promoted to a higher position in office today. Your family supports you but it may get difficult for them sometimes to understand your ideologies.

Today the goddess of money showers her blessings upon you and you are about to become wealthy. Today is a favourable day for any kind of monetary transactions. You will pamper your spouse will all the expensive goodies. You may take your kids for a far land trip.

If you continue to manage your funds well than you will sail through tough times at ease. If you have applied for a huge amount of loan than sit assured it will be sanctioned.

There may be a family reunion soon.

Stars seems favourable for those who wish to take chances.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ANCHAL PAREEK, Theatre Artist

risk for infections including coronavirus.

8. Psychiatric problems like anxiety, depression, attention-deficit, mood disorders, substance abuse are two to three times more common among current smokers. Reasons maybe share genetic influence, smoking mask psychotic symptoms, modeling other psychotic patients. Recent analysis shows that tobacco abuse not only has negative physical consequences there is a possible association between suicide and smoking.

Reasons are peer pressure, curious adolescent nature, just to show off, Low self-esteem, family history of smoking, other substance abuse, family or social environment. CVD in younger people are more likely to be caused by tobacco use.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC

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AHMEDABAD | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

DESIGNING

FEELING

‘heaven’ for sister

Adventurous

K

angana Ranaut is designing the interiors of a new house for sister Rangoli Chandel.

Calling it “heaven”, Rangoli shared photos and videos of the house on Instagram.

In the pictures and videos, Kangana can be seen working on the decoration.

The actress covers her face in mock coyness as soon as Rangoli points the camera at her. Rangoli informs that Kangana learnt about her preferences before starting work on the house. “When she asked me what kind of interiors do I like, I said I don’t like torn ,worn out, vintage ,old looking stuff, I don’t know what I like but I want new things to look new, I remember her face, that’s her style vintage, rustic ,worn out and totally purana looking things .... it was out of her comfort zone, she has been incessantly working on this and today when I saw her put finishing touches I was stunned, I can say one thing, this is not a house to me it’s heaven,” shared Rangoli in an Instagram post.

—IANS

P

riyanka Chopra Jonas on Saturday shared a gorgeous sunkissed selfie sporting cherry lips and beaded dangler earrings.

The multi-talented star who owns a production house put out a morning selfie on Instagram wherein she is seen sporting a white collared top, flaunting her cherry red lips and dangler earrings as she embraces her peach glow in the sheer sunlight, while her shiny curls bounce the sunshine. Along with the picture, the The Sky Is Pink actor wrote, “A cherry lip and sunshine...maybe even a earring...I’m feeling adventurous.”

On sharing the gorgeous selfie, the Chopra received heaps of praises from fans and celebrity followers, and the post reached more than 1.9 lakh likes including one for Sussanne Khan. Model Masaba Gupta also chimed in the comment section and adored the beauty of the Baywatch star writing, “Stunning” with a heart emoticon.

Currently, the actor is quarantined in her California house along with singer and husband Nick Jonas and has been quite active on social media. Earlier, Priyanka recalled her parents’ service in the Indian Army as America observed Memorial Day, and she dug out an old picture of her parents in uniform and posted it on Instagram.

—ANI

Priyanka Chopra Jonas; (inset) Her post

Kangana Ranaut

‘Handsome’ calling!

D

eepika Padukone shared a sneak peek of her family whatsapp group, which shows that she has saved husband Ranveer Singh’s name as ‘handsome’.

The actress took to Instagram and shared a screenshot of a chat going on with Ranveer, her parents and also her inlaws. The image also reveals that she has saved her father-in-law’s contact by his full name - Jugjeet Singh Bhavnani.

In the conversation, the family is seen praising Ranveer for a recent interview.

Deepika’s mother Ujjala Padukone is seen telling the actor that his interview was ‘very interesting’ while her father Prakash Padukone found it very ‘candid and informative’. Ranveer’s father found the interview ‘lively’.

Deepika captioned the image: “And this is how we roll... Whenever anyone in the family has a big day, the rest of us tune in.

Like in the case above. Everyone appreciated an interview my husband did recently.”

She shared that there are times she and Ranveer are goaded to do better.

“Similarly there are times when we get pulled up or get given feedback on what we could have done differently or better. And that to us is the most valuable!” she added.

—IANS

HITTING

BACK!

I

n some deeply upsetting news that shocked the globe, US President Donald Trump posted an insensitive tweet in response to the Minneapolis protests, which have been taking place post the death of George Floyd due to police violence. Trump’s words couldn’t be digested by many, who took to Twitter to outrage over the President’s bold claims. Amongst these was Taylor Swift who hit back at Trump with some choice words of her own.

“After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence?

‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump,” Taylor tweeted to her 86.2 million followers. Within five hours, the tweet crossed one million likes and is now the 30-year-old singer’s most-liked tweet ever.

—IANS

GO BAD! A

Naomi Scott

ctress Naomi Scott, who portrays Princess Jasmine in ‘A l a d d i n ’ , says she would love to play a Disney villain. After starring in the 2019 live action musical fantasy film ‘Aladdin’, which is the re-imagination of the 1992 animated classic from Walt Disney Pictures, Naomi wants to go bad on screen. “I would love to actually play a Disney villain! Although this wouldn’t work for me, I would love to play Cruella De Vil. She is not a nice person but so much fun to play, so I would probably love to play a Disney villain,” she said.

But she enjoyed playing Jasmine too.

While shooting for the Guy Ritchie directorial, she had a moment where she was like “Wow! I am Jasmine!” —IANS

11

Deepika Padukone; (inset) Her post

VANILLA CUPCAKES METHOD

Taylor Swift

A memorable way to kick start your festive weekend with the kids and whole family. Fresh hot vanilla cupcakes straight from the oven and into your taste buds.

Prep Time: 30 min

Baking Time: 20 min



Separate the eggs yolks from the egg whites.



Use a hand blender for the egg whites till fluffy and white foamy texture appears.



Separately hand blend the sugar and butter till mixed in well with the butter



Mix in the vanilla essence or extract with the egg yolks and add this mix to the sugar and butter mix.



Followed by adding the egg white mix to combine the three!

DRY INGREDIENT MIX 

Simply, sift the flour and baking soda and add it the wet mixture of the eggs, butter and sugar.



You should have a nice smooth thick dough like result. Scoop out the finished mix into the individual



Cupcake moulds and place them on the cupcake baking sheet.



Heat the oven at 180 degrees for 20 min and enjoy cupcakes with the whole family.

INGREDIENTS 

¾ cup white fine sugar



150 grams butter



3 large eggs



1 cup all-purpose flour



1 tsp vanilla essence or extract



1 ½ tsp of baking soda

Sumeet Kumar Sumeet Kumar is the owner of TIF Kitchen Cafe & Restaurant at Civil Lines. He has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, across the world. TIF has an exclusive affordable menu, ranging with cuisines from the Middle East, Italy and Mexico, and imports herbs and spices to maintain the taste.

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 | SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

12

SETTING IN THE WEST

A day before the sun sets on Lockdown 4.0, Ahmedabad witnessed cloudy weather on Saturday. —PHOTOS BY NANDAN DAVE

—City First Gujarat

VIRTUAL LEARNING

FACEBOOK POST!

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

CITY FIRST

A Uttar Pradesh: National Secretary, AICC, Vivek Bansal, started intense sanitization of Hasanpur, Gadrana and Saroj Nagar in Aligarh, along with the thermal screening and distribution of masks to needy people as a part of preventive measures to fight against the novel Coronavirus. During the occasion, Thakur Somveer, Shyodan Singh Baghel Pradhan, Neeraj Tomar, Moolchand Sharma, Thakur Dhyanpal Singh, Pradeep Rawat, Sagar Singh Tomar, Pinku Baghel, Brajesh Savita and Sunny Prajapati, among others were present.

s a part of the 13th day of the ongoing ‘Online Learning – Children’s Summer Festival, a talk on ‘Theatre’ was held by theatre artistes, Sar-

taj Mathur and Vishal Bhatt on Saturday. During the talk, Sartaj Mathur shared his journey as a theatre actor and then a director, his experience as a workshop director as well as essential elements of theatre.

He said that the two main elements an actor uses to deliver the best performance is ‘voice’ and ‘body’. Voice is of utmost importance in theatre. He believes that until one’s voice comes from the diaphragm, the dialogues will

not have any force. According to him, workshops should primarily focus on voice training for actors first and foremost, and actors must have a good knowledge of the subtext. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

THE RESCUE SQUAD CITY FIRST, SIROHI

T

he non-resident Jain community of Sirohi has come forward to help the people in distress due to COVID-19.

There has been a return of the native workers from other states in large numbers during May. The natives of Sirohi residing in various industrial cities and towns started for their towns by whatever mode they could manage whether buses, trains, bike, cycle or even on foot. According to an estimate, 50,000

migrants reached Sirohi during this period, and the district administration made the best possible arrangements for drinking water, food, quarantine, tests and medicine to them. But due to lack of testing

kits, the testing was getting delayed causing big trouble to all.

Local MP Devji Patel, MLA Sanyam Lodha and Collector Bhagwati Prasad took notice of it and collectively contacted the non-resident

Jain community residing in Ahmedabad and Chennai. The Jain community has been actively supporting their motherland whenever there has been a call from the residents of Sirohi in harsh times.

Without wasting much time, Paras Jain of Chennai and Prakashchand Sanghvi of Ahmedabad responded positively and got 10,000 Viral Transport Media Kit (VTM Kit) delivered to Sirohi. These kits were first approved by the district health officials for use. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

BUZZ WEBINAR

A

webinar featuring renowned celebrity of Bollywood, Govinda and his Daughter Tina Ahuja in conversation with Chairman of JCF, Rajiv Arora and Akanksha Arora is going to be organised by Jaipur Citizen Forum today at 5 pm.

Rajasthan: MLA Kalicharan Saraf started the ‘Parinda campaign’ in the Malviya Nagar assembly constituency with the aim to tie 1,000 Parindas on trees for birds, which ensure they don’t go hungry and thirsty in this scorching heat. Many BJP workers are also contributing to this initiative and are continuously filling the Parindas with water and grains for birds. Till Saturday, 439 Parindas have been installed on trees in the different wards at Malviya Nagar. During the campaign, chairperson of the Women’s Commission, Suman Sharma along with Braham Kumar Saini, Narendra Singh and Anil Sharma among others were also present.

Gujarat: Business is recovering slowly in Ahmedabad, as indicated by the growing number of people visiting stores selling non-essential goods.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Rajasthan: In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across the world, the Physics Department of the School of Basic Sciences of Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is going to organise an online international conference titled ‘Current Pandemic and Beyond: A Physicists Response’ on Tuesday. During the conference, leading Indian and global scientists, physicists, structural biologists, sensor technologists, biotechnologists and modelling experts will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and possible solutions to combat the disease. It will be held from 9.15 am to 12.15 pm. There is no registration fee for attending the conference.

Rajasthan: To enhance the awareness about industry expectations during the current challenges due to Coronavirus, JECRC organised six Keynote Sessions for the students. During the session, the field experts and HR Gurus from various companies helped the students to understand the New Hiring Patterns and New Skillset that would be in demand after the pandemic. The speakers for the keynote sessions were HR Reliance Industries Ltd.- Dr Haresh Chaturvedi, HR Country Head- Amalraj Yetukuri, Technology start-ups InvestorDr Moorthi K Uppaluri, VP & Head HR Berkadia India- Debashish Ghosh, Advocate Dr G Venkatesh Rao and Fashion Designer Raghavendra Rathore.