First India-Jaipur Edition-02 June 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 33°C

ALERT JAIPUR l TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 356

INDIA

WORLD

RAJASTHAN

3,75,593 63,19,550 5,608 1,98,140 199 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

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DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

9,100

CONFIRMED CASES

THE UNLOCK

CHAOS Unlock 1.0 saw opening of most shops & markets across the country, while the milling crowds on roads, created chaos in many cities. The photo shows Gurugram returning to the pre-lockdown situation, with traffic jams left and right; people rushing to reach their offices on time, thus throwing social distancing norms on the backburner.

`50,000 cr

SUPPORT FOR MSMEs Cabinet approves road map to implement two packages—Rs 20,000 cr for distressed MSMEs & Rs 50,000 cr equity infusion through Fund of Funds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the Cabinet meeting, where Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkairi among others were present in New Delhi on Monday. —PHOTO BY ANI

CABINET INCREASES MSP FOR KHARIF CROPS New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Monday approved an increase in minimum support price (MSP) for the Kharif crops. Briefing the media here on the Cabinet decisions, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the MSP has been increased for all mandated Kharif crops for marketing season 2020-21. The Cabinet also approved the extension of repayment date for short term loans for agriculture and allied activities by banks which have become due or shall become due between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020. The decision has been taken in view of the situation created by COVID-19. —ANI

New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday asked airlines to keep middle seats vacant to the extent possible. However, if a flyer has been allotted the middle seat due to a high passenger load “then additional protective equipment like wrap-around gown of Ministry of Textile approved standards” must be provided in addition to a three-layered face mask and face shield, said the DGCA order.

P5

Polls to 18 RS seats, including Rajasthan on June 19: EC FACTFILE DATE OF POLL

June 19, 2020 (Friday) HOURS OF POLL

CEC Sunil Arora chairs a meeting on Monday, where Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa & Sushil Chandra were present.

First India Bureau New Delhi: The polls to 18 Rajya Sabha seats, deferred due to the coronavirus pandemic, will now be held on June 19, the Election Commission announced on Mon-

9 am to 4 pm

day. Out of these 18 seats, four each are from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, two from Jharkhand, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and one each from Manipur and Meghalaya.

Turn on P6

COUNTING OF VOTES

June 19, 2020 (Friday) at 5 pm

DATE BEFORE WHICH ELECTION SHALL BE COMPLETED

June 22, 2020

(Monday)

India on alert: China planes hover near Ladakh New Delhi: India is keeping a close eye on the movement of Chinese fighter aircraft stationed around 100-150 kms at their bases in Hotan and Gargunsa, amid the ongoing tensions over People’s Liberation Army build up along LAC in Ladakh.

“The Chinese have kept a fleet of around 10-12 fighter aircraft stationed there at the moment and they are

—ANI FILE PHOTO

New Delhi: In a bid to boost the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector which has been the worst hit due to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, Union Cabinet on Monday approved the modalities for implementing Rs 50,000 crore equity infusion to support MSMEs, which was announced last month as part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package last month. It also approved Rs 20,000 crore subordinate debt for stressed MSMEs and a new definition for MSME under which enterprises with investments up to Rs 20 crore and a turnover of less than Rs 250 crore will now be defined as ‘medium’ units.

This was the first meeting of the Cabinet after the Narendra Modi-led Turn on P6

DGCA bats for vacant middle seat

An army convoy moving towards the Zojilla pass, in Drass, Ladakh.

also carrying out flying activity close to the Indian territory. We are

keeping a close eye on the movement of these J-11 and J-7 fighter air-

craft,” sources said.

India had scrambled its Su-30 MKI in first week in May when an Indian Army chopper and Chinese chopper were close to each other in the air.

Chinese fighter aircraft have been carrying out sorties from air bases in Hotan and Gargunsa and fly 30-35 kms from our territory in Ladakh region, they said.

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RAJGARH SHO VISHNU DUTT VISHNOI SUICIDE

CM GIVES ‘IN-PRINCIPLE’ NOD TO CBI OR JUDICIAL ENQUIRY l Vishnoi community

members meet Gehlot, demand CBI enquiry in the afternoon l Gehlot leaves final decision

on deceased SHO’s family Naresh Sharma Jaipur: For the past few days, the desert state of Rajasthan has been scorching not just under the

summer sun, but more due to the ‘volatile’ issue of suicide of station house officer of Rajgarh police station Vishnu Dutt Vishnoi.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot meets the delegation of Vishnoi community including Kuldeep Vishnoi, Sukhram Vishnoi, Kisnaram Vishnoi, Mahendra Vishnoi, Pabbaram, Jaswant Singh Vishnoi, Vijayalakshmi Vishnoi and relatives of deceased Rajgarh SHO Vishnu Dutt Vishnoi among others on Monday.

Since the incident came to light, the Vishnoi community has been demanding investigation from higher agencies in the matter and on Monday a delegation of Vishnoi community met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on at the Chief Minister’s residence.

The delegation requested Gehlot for a CBI inquiry into the tragic death of Inspector Vishnu Dutt Vishnoi. Meanwhile, late on Monday

night, keeping in purview the sentiments of the community, ‘sensitive’ Gehlot gave his in-principle approval to get the investigation in the matter conducted by any independent agency.

Speaking with the delegation on Monday afternoon, Gehlot said that late Vishnu Dutt was a capable and dutiful police officer. “His sad and untimely death has shocked us all. The government is with

their families in this hour of grief,” Gehlot assured the delegation.

The Chief Minister also told the delegation that the government will take a legal test in this matter and take appropriate decisions soon.

After the delegation left, Gehlot left no time in calling a high level meeting with Chief Secretary DB Gupta, ACS Home Rajeeva Swarup, DGP Bhupendra Singh and ADG Crime BL Soni.

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02

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

TOURIST PLACES UNLOCK, AWAIT VISITORS

GLOBAL STATE OF AFFAIRS COUNTRY TOTAL CASES

TOTAL NEW DEATHS DEATHS

1,844,950 BRAZIL 514,992 RUSSIA 414,878 SPAIN 286,718 UK 276,332 ITALY 233,197 FRANCE 188,882 GERMANY 183,655 TURKEY 164,769 IRAN 154,445

106,431 29,341 4,855 27,127 39,045 33,475 28,802 8,611 4,563 7,878

USA

+236 +27 +162 +2 +556 +60 +29 +6 +23 +81

WWW.WORLDOMETERS.INFO LAST UPDATED: JUNE 1, 2020, 11:30 PM

IN RAJASTHAN DISTRICT

Workers clean the Jantar Mantar, at 2.30 pm, on Monday. Monuments and tourists places across the state reopened on Monday after over two months of closure due to coronavirus lockdown. Cultural events and performances by folk artistes were held but there was no footfall. As per state government order, 32 ticketed monuments are free in the first and the second week, however, 50 per cent ticket amount will be charged from the third week.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

Deny treatment, face action: Raghu warns private hosps Health min said that the govt has issued an advisory to the private hosps Vikas Sharma Jaipur: Health Minister Dr Raghu Sharma has taken a strong view of the complaints against private hospitals refusing Covid-19 patients’ free treatment despite receiving various rebates from the government.

Dr Sharma said that the government has issued an advisory to the private hospitals and all private hospitals that have received any kind of rebate/grant/ subsidy from the government will have to treat corona patients free of cost else face action.

Supreme Court has issued guidelines for the same and the state government has followed the suit. Health Minister also took a strong view of private hospitals referring corona patients to government hospitals.

Dr Sharma reviewed the corona situation in the state and said that if the cases related to migrants are set aside

Maintain separate registers of recruitment and promotion: DoP First India Bureau Jaipur: The state government is working to clear the path of regular recruitment and promotions while maintaining reservation and roaster system. The state government doesn’t want any controversy to put a spanner in the process.

Taking lapses by departments seriously, DoP has asked them to maintain separate registers of recruitment and promotion and send the certificate by August 31. The DoP has issued a circular for maintaining transparency in recruitment and promotion and avoid legal hassles.

A team of doctors checking patients at SMS hospital on Monday. —PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

then the state has only 199 active cases as the state has excelled in successfully treating corona patients. It is 2,742 active cases combined with the migrant cases. Doctors have been successful in treating 6,040 corona patients with full recovery out of 8,980 cases.

Dr Raghu Sharma said that when the quarantine period of the migrants gets over, the number of active cases will come down.

MIN SEEKS LIST OF INSTITUTIONS SET UP ON GOVT LANDS IN 15 DAYS Jaipur: Gehlot government is likely to take action against hospitals and schools that do not treat free or give admission to poor children as per allotment conditions.

The government may also cancel the allotment of land to these societies who got it for almost nothing to build hospitals and schools. Recently, the Supreme Court had ordered that those hospitals who have taken concessional land from the government should treat people free for corona disease. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot too gave similar orders after that.

The government will investigate all allotments done so far. UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal has given instructions to principal secretary UDH and secretary local self-government. He has asked them to bring the list of such cases from all development authorities, urban improvement trusts, and urban bodies in 15 days.

Jaipur airport witnesses hike in number of flights Kashiram Choudhary Jaipur: Monday witnessed an increase in the number of flights at the Jaipur airport.

Flights to three new cities viz. Kolkata, Agra, and Guwahati finally took off after being initially scheduled for May 25. Indigo began its operation for Kolkata, Spicejet for Guwahati, and Air India for Agra.

The much-awaited Spicejet flight to Mumbai also finally took off.

Go Air has started its operations from various airports of the country but is yet to be-

FLIGHTS CANCELLED ON MONDAY 



gin it from Jaipur airport. Out of a total of 20 flights scheduled by four airlines, Monday had 13 flights operating which is marginally better than earlier.

With Unlock 1.0 in force, it is expected that the passenger load will finally see a surge resulting in all scheduled flights taking off from Jaipur airport.

Vishvendra wishes people on Ganga Dussehra First India Bureau Bharatpur: Tourism and Devsthan Minister Vishvendra Singh paid his respects to the Banke Bihari temple and Ganga Maharani and prayed for peace and prosperity of the state along with freedom from coronavirus.

He also inspected the ongoing renovation work being carried out at Banke Bihari temple situated in the Lohagarh fort. He discussed the future course with the temple priest.

Vishvendra Singh

Vishvendra Singh wished the people of Bharatpur on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra on his visit to the ancient Ganga temple.

Raje supports ‘Swadeshi Svavlamban Abhiyan’ Aishwarya Pradhan Jaipur: Former CM and national vice president of BJP Vasundhara Raje has expressed her support to the ‘Swadeshi Svavlamban Abhiyan’ by signing for it.

Raje has also appealed to people on Twitter and Facebook to support the campaign. Regional chief of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Dr Dharmveer Chandel said that the campaign was receiving widespread support from people all across the country. Regional coor-

Locusts: Fire engines spray insecticides Jaipur: Fire engines on Sunday sprayed insecticides to kill locusts at Ghati Ghanshyampur village in Ramgarh area of Jaipur district. Pakistan has become a new breeding ground of locusts, entering Rajasthan from adjoining areas in Pakistan, said BR Kadwa, deputy director of agriculture department, Rajasthan on May 26. Locust, known as ‘Tiddi Dal’ in north India, is a type of grasshoppers that usually move in large numbers and devastate crops. Earlier this year, several parts of Rajasthan had reported locust attacks.

—ANI

Vasundhara Raje

TOTAL CASES

349 59 85 42 99 297 145 106 2 176 113 52 60 368 6 30 2027 74 162 269 137 1562 17 477 456 517 14 142 20 219 164 165 562 14 8987 2 61 50 GRAND TOTAL 9100

AJMER ALWAR BANSWARA BARAN BARMER BHARATPUR BHILWARA BIKANER BUNDI CHITTORGARH CHURU DAUSA DHOLPUR DUNGARPUR GANGANAGAR HANUMANGARH JAIPUR JAISALMER JALORE JHALAWAR JHUNJHUNU JODHPUR KARAULI KOTA NAGAUR PALI PRATAPGARH RAJSAMAND SWAI MADHOPUR SIKAR SIROHI TONK UDAIPUR OTHER DIST. TOTAL OTHER (Italy) EVACUEES BSF

SAMPLE RECEIVED

dinator of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Manohar Sharan said that the campaign which began on May 25 has received support from Governor Kalraj Mishra, MLAs, MPs, etc.

SAMPLE NEGATIVE

NEW TOTAL CASES DEATH

+7 +6 — +27 — +44 +2 — — — +7 +2 — +3 — — +36 — — +5 +6 +32 — +11 — +52 — +1 — +12 +5 +1 +10 — +269 — — — +269

7 2 2 1 — 4 2 4 — 4 1 1 — — — — 94 — 2 — 1 19 3 16 8 7 1 1 1 5 3 1 1 8 199 — — — 199

4,25,184 4,11,965

UNDER EXAMINATION

4,119

5 dead in car-trolley collision in Churu

BJP to hold awareness campaign

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Churu: In a road accident in Churu, 5 people died on Monday. According to the information, the road accident occurred when a car and trolley collided on the Sujangarh-Salasar road in Churu district.

As per the police, all 5 people in the car, two women, two men, and a girl, lost their lives in the accident. The accident took place at around 9 am.

Where 3 people died on the spot after the collision, two people breathed their last while being taken to the hospital. The de-

ceased were the residents of Chichadoli village in Jhunjhunu district. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has also expressed grief by posting a tweet about the incident.

Sujangarh police reached the spot and sent the three dead bodies to the Government Bagadia Hospital in Sujangarh for postmortem. The accident was so severe that the car was completely damaged. The deceased in the accident have been identified as Toofan Singh (25), his wife Seema Kanwar (23), and their 10-month-old boy.

Jaipur: The Bharatiya Janata Party will launch a public awareness campaign in the state on the completion of the Narendra Modi government’s first year in the second innings. State BJP president Dr Satish Poonia said that PM had opened more than 40 crore Jan-Dhan accounts, which are providing the direct benefit of government’s welfare schemes in the time of social distancing.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

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in

BRIEF l Jaipur: Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari distributed sanitizers and masks to the fruits and vegetable vendors of Brahmapuri Sabzi Mandi in Jaipur. This initiative was taken under the ‘Face Mask and Sanitizer Distribution Programme’ launched

by BJP Yuva Morcha.

Along with Diya Kumari, Ministers of BJP Yuva Morcha, Kamal Swami and Hemlata Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile she paid tribute to late former state president of BJP, Bhanwar Lal Sharma at his residence in Jaipur and expressed her condolences to the family members. l Jaipur: Pickleball players Neeraj Sharma and Megha Kapoor from Jaipur were nominated as World Pickleball Ambassadors by Director of International Federation of Pickleball, USA, Ronan Pounder. Before them, Manish Rao of Mumbai was the only India with this achievement.

All three players had won a medal in the “German Open Pickle Ball Tournament-2019” in Germany.Neeraj and Megha dedicated this achievement to the country’s Corona Warrior and talked about furthering the game with social distancing after the lockdown. l Sawai Madhopur: A woman constable tried to commit suicide at the government residence in Police Line of Sawai Madhopur. At present, she is undergoing treatment at a private hospital and is being told to be out of danger. Prima facie, the matter is of a family dispute.

However, the police will investigate the matter. Senior district police officers reached the hospital after getting the information about the incident.

The constable was transferred from Chittorgarh to Sawai Madhopur in June 2017. She got married three years ago.

9,100 cases so far in state; 3 deaths, 269 found +ve on Mon Jaipur reported 36 cases on first day of Unlock 1.0, taking total positive tally to 2027 First India Bureau

‘HAVE ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS ‘

Jaipur: The corona positive tally crossed the 9000 mark and touched 9100 on Monday with addition of 269 new positives. The death toll due to corona also rose to 199 with three deaths reported in Jaipur and one each from Baran & Bikaner. Maximum 52 new cases were reported from Pali followed by 44 from Bharatpur, 36 from Jaipur, 32 from Jodhpur, 27 from Baran, 12 from Sikar, 11 from Kota, 10 from Udaipur,7 each from Ajmer & Churu, 6 each from Alwar & Jhunjhunu, 5 each from Jhalawar & Sirohi, 3 from Dungarpur, 2 each from Bhilwara & dausa and one each from Rajsamand & Tonk.

The cumulative district wise tally of the corona positives on Sunday is as follows – Ajmer 349, Alwar 59,

ACS Dr Subodh Agarwal, on the return of pravasi Rajasthanis, said that 2894 migrants have reached the state till June 1 via 21 flights.

There are adequate arrangements for screening, health checkup, immigration and institutional quarantine. On June 1, 143 Rajasthani migrants arrived from Kyrgyzstan Bishkek.

The beginning of ‘unlock 1.0’ led to overcrowding of roads; a view of Ghora Nikasi road in Ramganj area on Monday.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

Banswara 85, Baran 42, Barmer 99, Bharatpur 297, Bhilwara 145, Bikaner 106, Bundi 2, Chittorgarh 176, Churu 113, Dausa 52, Dholpur 60, Dungarpur 368, Ganganagar 6, Hanumangarh 30, Jaipur 2027, Jaisalmer 74, Jalore 162, Jhalawar 269, Jhunjhunu 137, Jodhpur 1562, karauli 17, Kota 477, Nagaur 456, Pali

517, Pratapgarh 14, Rajsamand 142, Sawai madhopur 20, Sikar 219, Sirohi 164, Tonk 165 and Udaipur 562.

On Monday Jaipur reported 36 new cases taking the total positive case beyond 2000 mark to 2027. Maximum 5 cases were from Gangapole. Adarsh Basto Tonk fatak 4, Kotputli 3, 2 each from Khajane

Walon Ka Rasta, Vidyadhar Nagar & Shashtri Nagar and one each from District Jail, Subhash Nagar Katchhi Basti, Eidgaah, Van Vihar, Tilak Nagar, Johari Bazar, 2 Godam, Machchawa Kalwad Road, Subhash Chowk, Mansarovar, Jyoti Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Pawata, Pani Pech, Ramganj and Brahma Puri.

PARKS OPEN FROM 5-10 AM & 4-8 PM JDA has increased opening timings for parks, including Ramniwas Bagh, Central Park, Woodland Park and Nehru Balodyan, to 5-10 am and 4-8 pm. The decision came into effect after the duration of the night curfew has been reduced by the centre.

The morning walkers of the city were also asking for the same.

Attempted rape: Hindu committee bans two involved Vinod Kumar Sharma Chomu: In a case pertained to attempt to rape a woman and sending obscene messages on mobile, the accused Mrityunjay Atreya and suspect Dr Mukesh Sharma have been dismissed from the Hindu New Year Celebrations Committee for life.

Chomu SHO Hemraj Gurjar informed that the accused Atreya was produced in the court and taken on two-day police remand. Police are investigating the role of other accused Dr Mukesh Sharma and the school’s principal Seema Palawat.

On May 28, a woman of Chomu had filed a report that her nephew studies in Curious Kids Senior Secondary School, where she met the director of the school Mrityunjay Atreya. He took the woman’s mobile number and then kept ask-

First India Bureau

Kashiram Choudhary

TIME TABLE FOR SPECIAL TRAINS BY NWR

Jaipur: Railways has started operating 200 special trains across the country. North western Railway has 10 trains out which, 5 trains will start from Jaipur Junction while 5 would arrive there.

All special trains have new guidelines for the commuters. The passengers will get on and off from different gates on a train. Social distancing will be followed, guided by yellow & white painted circles.

All passengers will be thermal screened at the entry points and exit points, they will have to reach 90 minutes before the departure time but will not be allowed more than two hours prior to the time.

Although NWR could only manage to operate one train for Jodhpur which will return in the night. Tuesday will see

 02307 Hawra-Jodhpur will reach Jaipur at 12.35 am & depart to Jodhpur at 12.45 am.  02308 Jodhpur-Hawra train will start from June 3, will reach Jaipur at 1.50 am & depart at 2.05 am.  02464 Jodhpur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla will start from June 2, will reach Jaipur at 12.15 am & depart at 12.25 am.  02463 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jodhpur will start from 3 June, will reach Jaipur at 3.05 am & depart at 3.15 am.  02915 AhmedabadDelhi Sarai Rohilla will reach Jaipur at 4.42 am & depart at 4.52 am.  02478 Jaipur-Jodhpur will start at 6 am.

train from Mumbai Central which started from there today. Other trains too are expected to resume from Tuesday. The commuters

—Pic for representation purpose only

Jaipur: National Green Tribunal (NGT) orderdered constitution of a committee which will submit an action taken report and status report within four weeks to the court on the illegal mining in the Rayla dam area in Sikar.

Hearing a petition by Vikram Gujar, Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and Justice SS Grebiyal

Mrityunjay Atreya

COMMITTEE VIEW

ing her to message and call on WhatsApp. Also, he kept sending lewd messages and making video calls, along with making wrong gestures by looking at her. One day, the accused called the victim to school and tried to rape her.

200 special trains to run from ‘Imperative for education to go online’ today, including 10 from NWR  02065 Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla will pass through Kishangarh, Phulera,Reengus & Neem Ka Thana.  02955 Mumbai Central-Jaipur will Jaipur at 12.45 pm.  02956 Jaipur-Mumbai Central will start from 2 June, will depart at 2 pm from Jaipur.  02916 DelhiAhmedabad from 2 June will reach Jaipur at 8.25 pm & depart at 8.35 pm.  02066 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Ajmer will pass through Neem Ka Thana, Reengus, Phulera & Kishangarh.  02477 Jodhpur-Jaipur will reach Jaipur at 9.15 pm.

will be connected to cities like Alwar, Delhi, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Jodhpur and Mumbai initially.

Jaipur: While, addressing a webinar organised by Maharana Pratap Agricultural & Technical University on the role of higher education institutes in the post Covid era, Gov-

Governor Kalraj Mishra

ernor Kalraj Mishra said that there are few realities of the post Covid-19 era like social distancing which also affects traditional mode of education. He said that it is imperative for the higher education to go online. He called for

Shortage of judges in HC, recruitment getting delayed Nizam Kantaliya Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court is facing shortage of judges. Total strength of judges has has been halved following transfers and retirements. And, now chief justice Indrajeet Mohanty is likely to be elevated to Supreme Court.

On the other hand, appointment of new judges is getting delayed, affecting timely delivery of justice. Due to corona, only the most

important cases are being heard but once routine hearing begins, it is expected that new cases will flood the courts, which are already burdened with 4 lakh pending cases.

Considering the mounting cases, central government on recommendation of SC had increased judges’ strength to 50 from 40 in October 2014. However, till date these posts could not be filled.

There were 39 judges in HC in May 2018. But,

within a year it came down to just 24 in May 2019. Currently, Only 25 judges have been working out of total sanctioned strength of 50.

According to national judicial data grid, the maximum pendency increased in last one year.

Cases pending for less than one year are close to 1.43 lakh, which is 29% of the high court’s total pendency mainly due to lack of judges.

Therefore, the court has been only giving dates in last two years.

MONSOON ON THE BRINK Form panel to curb illegal mining: NGT Mercury drops in Raj, Max rainfall in Churu

First India Bureau

03

constituted a committee under the district collector with the DFO and PCB as members.

The petition sought court’s intervention in illegal mining at Rayla dam and movement of hundreds of trucks carrying the illegal mined material in and out of the area thus severly damaging it. NGT also ordered PCB to be the nodal agency for coordination in the matter.

Naveen Sharma Jaipur: Due to the effect of western disturbance active in the state, there was a spell of a storm, rain and hailstorm on Monday.

Its impact was seen in more than 20 districts.

With this, the temperature dropped by 3-4 degrees. Churu recorded highest rainfall in the last 24 hours at 63.6 mm, while Jaipur recorded 11.7 mm of rainfall.

It also rained heavily in Sikar for about half an hour, whereas the rain in Bundi drenched the wheat lying in the open. Dausa also received pea-sized hailstones. There was a strong storm in Jaipur at around 6 pm and it

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

The dark clouds hover over Jagatpura area in Jaipur on Monday.

rained for 15 minutes.

The mercury was recorded up to 40 degrees in 16 cities in the state.

Meteorological Department has warned

of heavy rains in the state till June 5. Also, the department has hinted towards the end of summers in a few days.

TEMPERATURE ON MONDAY 40.9°c

39°c

development of a virtual platform to benefit maximum students.

UGC chairman DP Singh stressed on changing the ways to do things.

MP University vice chancellor Narendra Singh Rathore too expressed his views.

Int’l archer Jayanti Lal dies in road accident

Jayanti Lal Nanoma

First India Bureau Udaipur: International archer turned Sports Council coach Jayanti Lal Nanoma passed away in a road accident on Banswara-Dungarpur highway on Sunday. He was winner of many gold and silver medals.

Jayatilal was returning to Dugarpur from Banswara along with his colleague Kanti Lal in his car which lost balance on Sagwara road.

Jayanti Lal suffered head injury and was admitted to a private hospital by police but was refereed to Udaipur due to excessive blood loss.

He died on the way to hospital.

Jayanti Lal had been coach of Indian team in the years 2013, 2015 and 2018 and had participated in Asian games, Asia cup and World cup.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sports minister Ashok Chandna expressed their condolences on his demise.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

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RAJYA NO. 1

IN-DEPTH

FOCUS BACK ON RAJYA SABHA ELECTIONS

P

andemic-hit Rajya Sabha elections are back on track. The Election Commission issued a notification on June 1, announcing the revised schedule for the poll.

The biennial elections for 18 seats from seven states, which include Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan, were to be held on March 26, 2020, when the entire country was shuttered.

The poll process was to be completed on March 30. Of these, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan are still battling Covid-19, the reason why the poll panel deferred these elections.

Of these 18 seats, four each are from Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, three each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, two from Jharkhand and one each from Manipur and Meghalaya.

The process to fill 55 Rajya Sabha seats of retiring members from 17 states was set in motion on February 25 and notified on March 6, this year. These members were to retire in April. Thirty-seven candidates from 10 states were elected unopposed.

Elections to the Council of States, also called the Upper House, had to be deferred due to the “prevailing unforeseen situation of public health emergency due to Covid-19”. Accordingly, the Election Commission invoked its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India read with Section 153 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which entitles it to “extend the time for completion of any election by making necessary amendments in the notification issued by it” for reasons which it considers sufficient, to postpone elections until the announcement of fresh dates.

After reviewing the situation, the poll panel announced a new schedule. Polling will now be held from 9 am to 4 pm on June 19. Counting of votes will be held the same day and the process will be completed on June 22. The EC has appointed chief electoral officers of the respective states as observers for the poll.

Until Monday the poll panel had been holding virtual meetings with the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora was stranded in America where he had gone for a visit in the first half of March. After his recent return, he underwent the mandatory quarantine and the full panel met on Monday for the first time in three months.

An important decision taken in one of the virtual meetings was to allow the election in Maharashtra for Uddhav Thackeray to become a member of the legislative council. The decision fuelled speculation that Thackeray, who made a special request to the prime minister to facilitate the process, was moving close to the BJP. All eyes will be on Gujarat where Congress will try to wrest a seat from the BJP. Last year Congress cried foul over EC decision to hold separate polls for two seats.

These elections are to have a bearing on the dynamics of the House in which the BJP has 75 MPs and the Congress 39.

From 62k to 42 L in 45 days, how Gehlot government turned bane into boon RAJENDRA CHHABRA SENIOR JOURNALIST

C

The crucial aspect is that Rajasthan has truly understood the importance of this scheme.

Concurring with the central government’s wish and aims, Rajasthan has not only taken lead but is also coming forth with initiatives

orona pandemic has created a humongous problem of joblessness for the labour and during such a situation Rajasthan is at the forefront in providing employment through MGNREGA in the rural areas. As of now, there are 42 lakh persons from far off areas of the state employed in MGNREGA. The sensitive Gehlot government correctly analysed the need and use of MGNREGA in the ongoing corona crisis. When all other mediums of employment were under lockdown, Gehlot govt focused on the MGNREGA scheme. The govt machinery went all out to encourage the rural labour towards MGNREGA and came out with flying colours. It is of little wonder then, that CM Gehlot stressed during his interaction with over eleven thousand village level representatives that Corona has proved the employment scheme’s importance and demanded that the workdays be increased to 200 from the current 100 days.

Considering the outstanding performance of the state govt, the central govt might take a positive view of Gehlot govt’s demands.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who holds the Panchayati Raj portfolio stressed on Saturday’s meeting that the number of MGNREGA workers which was staggering at 62000 on April 15 swelled up to 42 lakh and it continues to increase with a target to enroll all 70 lakh workers job cardholders (Registered Labour). The job cards for the native migrant workers are also being made.

It is worth noting that Uttar Pradesh has 38.75 lakh, Chattisgarh 25 lakh, Madhya Pradesh 23 lakh and West Bengal has only 19 lakh workers enrolled for MGNREGA. This data gives a perfect idea of the lead Rajasthan has over other states in employing MGNREGA work-

ers. This is common knowledge that all the money paid to MGNREGA workers is borne by the central govt. The central govt to realises that MGNREGA can prove to be the booster dose for the employment deprived rural labour in these unprecedented times. It is thus, that the central govt has made provision of Rs 40,000 crore for MGNREGA in its stimulus package.

The crucial aspect is that Rajasthan has truly understood the importance of this scheme. Concurring with the central government’s wish and aims, Rajasthan has not only taken lead but is also coming forth with initiatives.

Under existing rules, one member from each family is given guaranteed 100 days of work, and the payment for the same is made fortnightly after the work is done. Further, it is only Rajasthan which seems to be prepared and equipped to take the benefit of the Rs 40,000 crore in the stimulus package.

MGNREGA pays Rs 235 per day to the skilled and Rs 220 to the unskilled. It sums up to Rs over 90 crores per day for the 42 lakh workers meaning nearly 3000 crores per month for the state. Since the central govt is ready to spend maximum possible under MGNREGA, Rajasthan could be seen paying as much

MGNREGA pays Rs 235 per day to the skilled and Rs 220 to the unskilled. It sums up to Rs over 90 crores per day for the 42 lakh workers meaning nearly 3,000 crores per month for the state

Rs 500 crore per month to its MANREGA workers.

It is heartening to see the Rural Development (RD) and the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) Department are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts. ACS (RD) Rajeshwar Singh and Commissioner (EGS) Puranchand Kishan are putting in their best. When the whole bureaucracy of the nation and state was busy focussing on corona patients, lockdown, food supply, law & order, and migrant labour, these two officers were putting their best

Trump’s Twitter tantrum may wreck the internet

U

S President D o n a l d Trump, who tweeted more than 11,000 times in the first two years of his presidency, is very upset with Twitter.

Earlier this week Trump tweeted complaints about mail-in ballots, alleging voter fraud – a familiar Trump falsehood. Twitter attached a label to two of his tweets with links to sources that fact–checked the tweets, showing Trump’s claims were unsubstantiated.

Trump retaliated with the power of the presidency. On May 28 he made an “Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship”. The order focuses on an important piece of legislation: section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996.

04

WHAT IS SECTION 230?

Section 230 has been described as “the bedrock of the internet”.

It affects companies that host content on the internet. It provides in part: (2) Civil liability. No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be held liable on account of (A) any action voluntarily taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected; or (B) any action taken to enable or make available to information content providers or others the technical means to restrict access to material described in paragraph (1).

Earlier this week Trump tweeted complaints about mail-in ballots, alleging voter fraud – a familiar Trump falsehood

This means that, generally, the companies behind Google, Facebook, Twitter and other “internet intermediaries” are not liable for the content on their platforms.

For example, if something defamatory is written by a Twitter user, the company Twitter Inc will enjoy a shield from liability in the United States even if the author does not.

THE REACTION Trump’s action has some support. Republican senator Marco Rubio said if social media companies “have now decided to exercise an editorial role like a publisher, then they should no longer be shielded from liability and treated as publishers under the law”.

Critics argue the order threatens, rather than pro-

tects, freedom of speech, thus threatening the internet itself.

The status of this order within the American legal system is an issue for American constitutional lawyers.

Experts were quick to suggest the order is unconstitutional; it seems contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the US Constitution (which partly inspired Australia’s Constitution).

Harvard Law School constitutional law professor Laurence Tribe has described the order as “totally absurd and legally illiterate”. That may be so, but the constitutionality of the order is an issue for the US judiciary. Many judges in the United States were appointed by Trump or his ideological allies.

Even if the order is legally illiterate, it should not be assumed it will lack force.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM

foot forward on an equally important front of making employment available to the labour. It is only due to the efforts by these two officers that the number of MANREGA workers has gone from 62,000 to 42 lakh in only 45 days and continues to grow. This achievement is possible only due to proper planning, vigilant monitoring, and effective supervision on the part of the bureaucrats.

One very important fact about these two officers is that both of these are on the same post for the past two years. Both Rajeshwar Singh and PC Kishan were given present posting in May 2018 and even the Gehlot government didn’t disturb them considering their work and usefulness. The experience both garnered due to continuity in easy times is coming in handy now. Another very important aspect is the understanding, coordination, and cooperation between Rajeshwar Singh and PC Kishan.

In the present era when the news of ego & personality clashes in the bureaucracy are surfacing, the camaraderie exhibited by Rajeshwar Singh and PC Kishan is an example to go by the rest.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy and have a key role in the making of a self-reliant India. Widening the definition of MSMEs and revising the turnover limit for medium enterprises to `250 crore from `100 crore will further energise the sector and help them dream big.

Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Under PM @NarendraModi ji’s #ReformAndPerformSarkar, India has scaled new heights by increasing Ease of Doing Business ranking to 63. Transformational measures have fostered economic growth, boosted exports & spurred job creation.

Spiritual SPEAK

The brightness of the sun, which lights up the world, the brightness of the moon and of fire – these are my glory.

—Bhagavad Gita

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05

Working 24x7 to eliminate TB by 2025: Modi The PM was addressing the 25th Foundation Day of Rajiv Gandhi Univ of Health Sciences, K’taka, via VC

PM Narendra Modi addressing the 25th Foundation Day of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at Bengaluru via video conferencing in New Delhi on Monday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

New Delhi: India is working round the clock to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 ahead of the global target of 2030, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

“India is working 24x7 to eliminate TB (tuberculosis) by 2025.

This is five years ahead of the global target of 2030. Mission Indradhanush has increased our rate of the annual rise in vaccination coverage by four times,” he said at the 25th foundation day of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka via video conference.

The Prime Minister

said that the Central government has recently approved the introduction of a new law for expanding education of more than 50 different and allied healthcare

Keep middle seats vacant to extent possible: DGCA

NITI Aayog official tests positive

With highest spike of 8,392 cases, India’s tally @ 1,90,535

New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA asked airlines to keep middle seats vacant to the extent possible in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

However, if a flyer has been allotted the middle seat due to a high passenger load, “then additional protective equipment like wrap-around gown of the Ministry of Textile approved standards” must be provided to him or her in addition to a three-layered face mask and face shield.

DGCA in its order said, “The airlines shall allot the seats in such a manner that the middle seat/seat between two

New Delhi: A floor of NITI Aayog’s office in Delhi has been sealed for sanitation after a staffer tested positive for Covid-19. The third floor of the NITI Aayog office in Delhi has been sealed and sanitisation work is underway. Earlier this week, at least two officials working with External Affairs Ministry tested positive for coronavirus.

One person who tested positive worked as a consultant in the ministry’s Central Europe division in New Delhi, while the other worked as a legal officer in the law division, a few sources from the department informed.

New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 tally on Monday witnessed its highest-ever spike of 8,392 cases, while 230 more deaths related to the infection were also reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,90,535 including 93,322 active cases, 91,819 cured/ discharged/migrated and 5,394 deaths.COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra continue to soar with number reaching 67,655. while cases in Delhi the number has reached 19,844. —ANI

Passengers stand in a queue as sampling and testing are being done for coronavirus at the Jammu Airport on Monday.

passengers is kept vacant if the passenger load and seat capacity permits the same.”

“However, members of the same family may be allowed to sit together,” it added. India resumed its domestic passenger

flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. As passenger load in flights has been around 50% since May 25, airlines are unlikely to face much problem in complying order. —PTI

Rail services resume partially New Delhi: Train services partially resumed on Monday as several trains left for their destination according to timetable after an unprecedented break in train movement since March 25. According to ministry officials, more than 1.45 lakh passengers are set to travel on Monday.

According to the Railway Ministry, the first train to depart was Mahanagri Express from the Chatrapati Maharaj Shivaji Terminus at 12.10 a.m. for Varanasi.

The Railways has announced to partially resume the services of 200 trains from June 1.

On Monday morning, Karnawati Express between Ahmedabad and

‘VANDE BHARAT’ SPECIAL FLIGHT

Mumbai Central departed from Ahmedabad at 4.55 a.m.; followed by

LIQUOR TURNS COSTLIER IN PB AS GOVT LEVIES ‘COVID CESS’ Chandigarh: Liquor prices will turn costlier in Punjab as the state government has decided to levy additional excise duty and an assessed fee ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 50 in lieu of ‘COVID Cess’ on alcohol with effect from June 1.The amount collected will be utilised for COVID-19 related expenditure. “We have

decided to levy additional excise duty and assessed fee in lieu of ‘COVID Cess’ on liquor with effect from June 1. These would range from Rs 2 to Rs 50 depending on the type and size of the item. The amount collected will be utilised for COVID-19 related expenditure,” Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said.

Bengaluru-Hubli Jan Shatabdi Express from Bengaluru station at 6

a.m. with 82 passengers.

According to railways, 160 passengers have booked the ticket for the train, and there will be further boarding at Yesvantpur and Tumukuru stations.

The official said that the Bengaluru-Hubli Jan Shatabdi Express was flagged off by contract cleaning staff S. Indra and pointman Vithal Patil.

Similarly, the Gomti Express departed from Lucknow station at 6 a.m. The official also said that the protocol of social distancing, sanitisation of hands, wearing of face masks, thermal screening and other laid down protocols were being ensured. —PTI

DGCA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR INDIGO, GOAIR TO REPLACE PW ENGINES Mumbai: DGCA has extended the deadline for IndiGo and GoAir to replace all the 60 unmodified P&W engines on their A320neo planes by three months. This decision comes as low-cost carriers could not meet the original deadline of May 31 after the supply chain was hit because of the coronavirus pandemic.”We took a call couple of days back and instructed both airlines. Both taken together about 60 engines are yet to be replaced & obvious reason was Covid-19 impact,” Arun Kumar, the aviation regulator’s dir gen, said.

‘VIOLENCE AGAINST CORONA WARRIORS NOT ACCEPTABLE’

‘OUR CORONA WARRIORS ARE INVINCIBLE’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that violence, abuse, and rude behaviour against frontline workers like doctors, nurses, and sanitation workers is not acceptable.”

I want to state it clearly -- violence, abuse and rude behaviour against frontline workers are not acceptable.

Steps have been taken to protect you against any form of violence.

We have also provided an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for those on the frontline,” he added.

“The world seeks both care and cure from you. In the root of India’s brave fight against COVID-19 is the hard work of the medical community and our corona warriors. In fact, doctors and medical workers are like soldiers but without soldiers’ uniform. The virus may be an invisible enemy but our corona warriors, medical workers are invincible. In the battle of invisible against invincible, our medical workers are sure to win,” the Prime Minister said.

professionals.

“This law once passed will address the shortage of paramedical personnel in the country. It will also help India in supplying skilled re-

sources to other countries. There are three things I will urge maximum discussion and participation. One is advances in telemedicine. Can we think of

new models of telemedicine popular on a larger scale?” he said.

“The other is related to the Make in India in the health sector. The initial gains made me optimistic,” he added.

Modi said that the domestic manufactures have started production of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and have supplied about one cr PPEs to COVID warriors. “We have supplied 1.2 crores Make in India N95 masks to all states. 12 crore healthconscious people downloaded the Aarogya Setu app. This has been very helpful in fight against coronavirus,” he said. —ANI

DELHI TO OPEN HAIR SALONS, Unlock 1.0: UP ALL SHOP: CM KEJRIWAL Secretariat staff New Delhi: The hair salons can open again in Delhi but not spas, declared chief minister joins work Arvind Kejriwal as the country entered Unlock 1 phase. With an “economic focus” in mind, the Centre on Saturday said it is reopening the economy but in a phased manner. However, the lockdown will continue to be observed strictly in containment zones till June 30. “Apart from whatever was allowed till now, barbershops and salons will be opened but spas will remain closed,” said the chief minister. Detailing the plan, Kejriwal said from the earlier odd-even rule, all shops can open now. —ANI

‘DESERTED’ CELEBRATIONS...

Lucknow: Employees and officers rejoined work at state Secretariat on Monday following the orders of UP government making attendance mandatory in all government offices and secretariats.

All employees were allowed entry only after thermal screening. According to the state government guidelines, authorities are calling the staff in staggered timings. —ANI

—PHOTO BY ANI

A view of Ganga ghats on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra during ongoing COVID-19 lockdown in Varanasi on Monday.

‘STOP HARASSING US OR WE WON’T FLY NON-ESSENTIAL FLIGHTS’ Mumbai: Alleging “harassment” of cockpit crew by health officials at Delhi airport, national carrier Air India’s Airbus fleet pilots’ body ICPA warned that its members will not operate any flight other than essential services if such “distasteful” treatment meted out to them is not stopped. In a letter to AI Executive Director

R S Sandhu, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, has also sought clarity on the protocol that is to be followed in case a pilot operating Vande Bharat Mission or domestic flights is tested positive for COVID-19.

AIhas been operating special evacuation flights to transport stranded Indian nationals from abroad.

OPPN LEADER CHENNITHALA BOOKED FOR PROTEST EVENT Alappuzha: A case has been registered against opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala among 20 other Congress workers for violating lockdown guidelines to participate in agitation in Thottappally on May 31, according to the Ambalappuzha police. The Congress activists have been booked by the police for organizing a protest in Thottappally, in violation of government directives on COVID-19 induced lockdown, alleging that govet was carrying out mineral sand mining in disguise of clearing sand to avoid flooding.

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‘Monsoon keeps its date with Kerala’ North India is likely to get ‘above normal’ rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department New Delhi: New Delhi The southwest monsoon hit Kerala on Monday on its normal onset date, marking the commencement of the fourmonth-long rainfall season, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.

North India is likely to get “above normal” rainfall, while central India and the southern peninsula will receive “normal” rainfall.

However, east and northeast India are likely to receive less rainfall than other parts of the country, according to the IMD. “The southwest monsoon has made an onset over Kerala,” IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra declared as widespread rainfall occurred in the southern state during the past two days.

The country receives 75 % of its rainfall from the southwest monsoon during June to September. It is not only crucial for farming, but also for replenishing the reservoirs, and to the economy which is still largely dependent on agriculture. —Agencies

RED ALERT IN KOZIKHODE

The southwest monsoon has made an onset over Kerala,IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra declared.

MUMBAI EXPERIENCES CLOUDY SKY, LIGHT RAIN

RAIN BETWEEN JUNE-SEPTEMBER

Thiruvananthapuram: With the Southwest monsoon setting in over Kerala on Monday, several parts of the state received heavy to very heavy rains, especially Vatakara in Kozhikode, which received 15 cm of rain, following which a red alert was sounded for two days in the district. The red alert denotes likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rain. The monsoon has been active over Kerala with heavy to very heavy rain occurring at most places and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, an India MeteorologicalDepartment (IMD) bulletin said.

CYCLONE SITUATION: 9 NDRF TEAMS IN MUMBAI Mumbai: The nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Maharashtra on Monday in view of the developing cyclone situation in the Arabian Sea. As per the NDRF’s statement, three teams have been deployed in Mumbai, two in Palghar and one each in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Moreover, the NDRF is in close contact with the R&R Department of Maharashtra government, India Meteorological Department (IMD) authorities and district administration.

Mumbai: Mumbaikars and people in neighbouring areas woke up to cloudy weather and light rain on Monday following the formation of a low pressure area in the Arabian Sea. The depression in the Arabian Sea is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone and cross the north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts on June 3, the IMD has said.

The light showers/drizzle in parts of Mumbai city, its suburbs and neighbouring districts of Thane and Palghar on Monday morning brought some respite to people from the sweltering heat.

Tis Hazari case: HC Confusion over Swadeshi at canteens SHAH TO ADDRESS VIRTUAL RALLY grants time till Dec 31 to complete probe

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday gave time till December 31 to its judicial inquiry commission, set up to probe the clash between lawyers and police on November 2 at Tis Hazari court complex here, to complete investigation.

The order by a Bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan came after perusing a report sent by the commission, headed by Justice (retired) S.P. Garg, seeking more time as it was unable to examine all the witnesses due to the coronavirus lockdown, central government standing counsel Anil

Soni said.The order by a Bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan came after perusing a report sent by the commission, headed by Justice (retired) S.P. Garg, seeking more time as it was unable to examine all the witnesses due to the coronavirus lockdown, central government standing counsel Anil Soni said.

On November 2 last year, a parking dispute between an on-duty policeman and a lawyer triggered the clash between the two sides at the court complex, leaving over 20 police personnel and several advocates injured.

New Delhi: An hour after delisting and stopping the sale of 1,026 “imported products”, including Bajaj electronic gadgets, Nestle food items, Prestige cookware and Maybelline cosmetics, at the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) canteens across India, the MHA withdrew the order.

The decision was taken after many ‘made in India’ products also made it to the list and the same was issued “with-

out any consultation with seniors.” R.M. Meena, DIG, headquar-

ters, Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB), who issued the

order, has been asked to give a written explanation and also removed from his post, sources said. “This is clarified that the list issued by Kendriya Kalyan Police Bhandar regarding delisting of certain products has been erroneously issued at the level of the CEO (Meena).

The list has been withdrawn and action has been initiated for the lapse,” said Anand Prakash Maheshwari, chairman, DG, CRPF.

Boxers Panghal, Krishnan picked for Khel Ratna

Technology has brought equalization in society with C’OVID-19: Pradhan

New Delhi: Boxing Federation of India nominated world silvermedallist Amit Panghal and Vikas Krishan for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, picking only Olympic-bound names as its nominees for the annual honours.

“The nominations of athletes & coaches have been on the basis of their performance during the last four years.”

Vaishali

Lakhawat are nominations from the BJP. Meanwhile, CEC Sunil Arora chaired the first physical meeting of the Election Commission of India in nearly three months at the Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra.

Senior officers of the Commission also attended the meeting. CEC Arora was stranded in the USA due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

He had gone there on leave in the first half of March. He returned to

India recently and joined office on Monday after undergoing the mandatory quarantine.

New Delhi: Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister, Petroleum & Natural Gas & Steel, said that Indian economy is on the path of revival & women will play a leading role in post COVID-19 economy. “Women’s economic contribution will be included going forward, which has been close to negli-

gible till now,” he said adding that women entrepreneurs can become business aggregators in the country.

He further said, “With COVID-19, technology has brought equalization in society. There will be an exponential growth in use of technology for conducting business. Under leadership of PM Modi & with stimulus packages being announced, Central State governments are working towards securing both lives and livelihoods of people.

06

POWER Gallery TENURE OF INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO WTO, JS DEEPAK, ENDS

Now speculations are over. Tenure of Indian Ambassador to the WTO at Geneva JS Deepak has come to an end on May 31. He is former 1982 batch IAS officer of UP cadre.

AKSHAYA KUMAR MISHRA EMPANELLED FOR DG EQUIVALENT POSTS IN GOI

Akshyaya Kumar Mishra has been empanelled for Director General equivalent posts in Government of India. He is a 1987 IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre.

JAGDISH SHARMA IS NEW PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO HP CM

Jagdish Sharma, Principal Secretary Transport, has succeeded Sanjay Kundu as Principal Secretary to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

SUDHIR KUMAR SAXENA EMPANELLED AS DG IN GOI

Sudhir Kumar Saxena has been empanelled for holding Director General and Director General equivalent posts in Government of India. He is a 1987 IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.

TAJ HASSAN MOHD EMPANELLED AS DG IN GOI

Taj Hassan Mohd has been empanelled for holding Director General and Director General equivalent posts in Government of India. He is a 1987 IPS officer of UT cadre.

ANIL KUMAR RATURI EMPANELLED FOR DG EQUIVALENT POSTS IN GOI

Anil Kumar Raturi has been empanelled for Director General equivalent posts in Government of India.

He is a 1987 IPS officer of Uttarakhand cadre.

RAJESH VERMA JOINS AS SECRETARY, CORPORATE AFFAIRS

Rajesh Verma took over the charge as Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs on June 1, 2020. He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

RAJESH CHATURVEDI TAKES OVER AS SECRETARY, CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS TODAY

Rajaesh Kumar Chaturvedi is taking over the charge as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals on June 1, 2020. He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

DR RAJESH KUMAR RAJORA PROMOTED TO CHIEF SECRETARY GRADE IN MP

Dr Rajesh Kumar Rajora has been promoted to the grade of Chief Secretary in Madhya Pradesh.

He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

RK CHATURVEDI JOINS SECRETARY, CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS

RK Chaturvedi has assumed the charge as Secretary in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

PRADIP KUMAR TRIPATHI TAKES OVER AS SECRETARY, STEEL

Pradip Kumar Tripathi has taken over the charge as Secretary, Ministry of Steel. He is a 1987 batch IAS officer of J&K cadre.

2018 BATCH IES PROBATIONERS GET POSTINGS

Ten Probationers of IES have been posted as Asst Director in different Ministries & Depts after completion of training. Jatin Kishore has been posted to Ministry of Rural Development while Isha Barak was appointed to Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs & Arun Arora to Deptt of Expenditure. Similarly, Deeksha Supayal Bisht & Saurabh Bhargava, Kumar Shubham & Abhishek Palasia have been posted to DoEA; Sushma Yadav to Dept of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; Zenden Lingzerpa to Ministry of Labour & Employment Munesh Sood , DoEA.

FROM PG 1 CM gives...

The chief minister took all the details in the matter from the officials who informed Gehlot that the state’s CID (CB) is investigating the matter. However, keeping the satisfaction of the aggrieved family members above all else, Gehlot instructed officials to either include any other cop in the investigation, or to get the investigation done through CBI, or any independent agency including a judicial investigation.

“The state government will take action in the matter as required

by the family members of the deceased. The state government is of the view that this case should be investigated with full transparency and the facts should be put forward in front of everyone,” Gehlot said.

Polls to...

The counting of votes will be held on the evening of June 19 itself, the Commission said in a statement. In Rajasthan, elections will be held for three seats for while four nominations were filed.

Congress filed KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi whereas Rajendra Gehlot and Omkar Singh

India on...

Sources said they are more than the 10-kilometre distance from the Indian areas as per the international norms.

The Hotan base has been under the surveillance of the Indian agencies for quite some time now as the Pakistanis have been holding aerial exercise with the PLA Air Force there.

On the Indian side also, the unmanned aerial vehicles of the Ladakh-based Surveillance

and Target Acquisition batteries of defence forces and intelligence agencies are using their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to carry out extensive reconnaissance of both sides of the LAC and Chinese positions along the Galwan Nala, the sources said. —ANI

`50,000 cr...

NDA government completed its first year of the second term at the Centre and the beginning of ‘Unlock 1.0’ or ‘Lockdown 5.0’.

Briefing the media about the decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister

Prakash Javadekar said that provisions have been made for equity infusion of Rs 50,000 crore to support MSMEs for the first time. It will be done through a Fund of Funds.

“This will help set-up a roadmap for MSMEs in debt-equity ratio management and capacity building,” he said.

The minister said that MSMEs have also been given the opportunity to be enrolled in the stock exchange.

“Various key steps have been taken by the government to boost MSMEs, attract investment, and create jobs in the

country. The cabinet has approved a provision to provide Rs 20,000 crore in subordinate debts to help distressed MSMEs,” Javadekar said.

Subordinate debt is a debt owed to an unsecured creditor that in the event of liquidation can only be paid after the claims of secured creditors have been met. Javadekar said that this will help over two lakh stressed MSMEs across the country.

“Today was the first cabinet meeting of the second year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Historic decisions, which

will have positive impacts on the lives of farmers, MSMEs, street vendors were taken in the meeting,” he said.

Javadekar said that the Central government has recognized the importance of MSMEs and the sector has been made an important part of the announcements made under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

He said government has further revised the definition of MSMEs, under which businesses that have investments up to Rs 1 crore and turnover of less than Rs 5 crore will be classified as ‘micro’ units.

—ANI

TALKING POINT JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

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07

THE US, UK AND EU ARE WORRIED ABOUT ‘OVER-RELIANCE’ ON THE TWO ASIAN GIANTS

COVID SOLUTION WILL COME FROM INDIA, CHINA PHARMA INDUSTRY

T

he biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world, known as “big pharma”, are American and European. The top five are Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline. Yet these companies – and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole – rely on global supply chains. And China and India play key roles in the supply of both ingredients and finished drugs.

Hopes for a vaccine or a medicine that will treat Covid-19 rest on this crucial sector. Yet, the globalisation of pharmaceuticals and what some see as an over-reliance on products from China and India has been criticised in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Whether it be hyd rox ych l o ro quine, the “miracle” drug Donald Trump has admitted to taking, remdesivir, an antiviral drug used as an emergency treatment for the most acute cases of Covid-19, or a future vaccine, the physical as well as social and economic health of the world depends on pharmaceuticals. Production from China and India will be crucial if the pandemic is to be brought under control.

lthough China did A not initiate an export ban on pharmaceuticals,

tensions escalated in early March when India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced restrictions on the export of 13 APIs including paracetamol, tinidazole, vitamin B1, B6 and B12, as well as any formulations made from those APIs. Reports emerged about concerns over drug shortages elsewhere in the world as a result, with European industry

INDIA AND THE GLOBAL SUPPLY

plays a prominent role in Ithendia the formulations segment of industry. India is the third

largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world by volume.

The country’s Department of Pharmaceuticals reported that it supplies 20% of global exports of “generic” drugs. These are drugs that are no longer under patent and are open to any company to produce and sell, and are thus usually priced at a relatively low level. India has the largest number of FDA-approved plants outside the US and it is estimated to supply 40% of the generic formulations in America.

It was the absence of product patents in pharmaceuticals from 1972 to 2005, combined with foreign investment restrictions in the 1970s and 1980s that led to the development of a rare pharmaceutical Tturinghemanufacsupply

and successful manufacturing industry in India – a country more known for its services role in the global economy. This led the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières to dub the country the “pharmacy to the developing world”.

Indian companies, led by the likes of Cipla, Aurobindo, Emcure, Hetero, Macleods, Matrix, Ranbaxy and Strides have played an enormous role in supplying anti-retroviral and anti-malarial medicines to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and malaria.

India is also a major vaccine producer. While the largest vaccine manufacturers in the world are GSK, Sanofi, Merck and Pfizer, India’s Serum Institute is the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume.

liquid, capsule, cream, ointment or injectable product.

For more than a decade now, China has been

said to be “panicking”.

The Indian government also moved to address its own reliance on supply of APIs from China. On March 21, they announced a US$140m scheme, involving support for three bulk drugs parks as well as the manufacturing of 53 priority APIs, to “reduce … dependency on other countries for bulk drugs”.

Tensions escalated as hydroxychloroquine, and a similar drug chloro-

quine, emerged as a potential treatment for Covid-19. Long established as an anti-malarial, but also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, research from the Méditerranée Infection University Hospital Institute in Marseille found a significant reduction of the viral carriage in 20 Covid-19 cases treated with the drug.

On March 14, the UK announced an export ban on hydroxychloroquine.

Then, Donald Trump

hile the effectiveW ness of hydroxychloroquine is still

hotly contested, the tribulations over the drug are an insight into some of the challenges to be overcome in fighting the virus.

Efforts to develop a vaccine are well under way yet projected to take considerable time, so the search continues for repurposed drugs to treat and reduce deaths from the disease. Having China and India involved as manufacturing partners for any treatment or vaccine will be vital given their unparalleled ability to produce in high volumes and cost effective economies of scale.

Manufacturing capabilities are also present in China and India for two other potential treatments. Favipiravir, normally used to treat influenza, was approved in China and Italy for experimental use against Covid-19 in March 2020. By late April, it was reported

FEAR OF DEPENDENCE ON CHINA

globalisation of the Tled hispharmaceutical industry has to fears of over-reliance on

particular sources of supply, especially China, for APIs. Such concern has been particularly prominent in the US. Last year a representative of the Defence Health Agency argued that “the national security risks of increased Chinese dominance of the global API market cannot be overstated”.

The state of America’s reliance on China for pharmaceuticals was documented in a book by health researchers Rosemary Gibson and Janardan Prasad Singh which highlighted that the last manufacturing plant for aspirin in the US closed in 2002, while the last acetaminophen manufacturing plant in Europe closed in 2008.

India also gets most of its APIs from China – an issue of concern for its government, which has had a task force investigating this issue. The country once had considerable self-reliance in production of APIs, dating back to the establishment of two state-owned pharmaceutical companies in the 1950s and 1960s. But in recent decades there are stricter environmental controls, which many believe has limited this aspect of the industry in India.

China also has cheaper land, electricity and higher volumes of production. So now India relies on China for about 70% of its supply of APIs. And for some well known drugs, such as paracetamol, amoxicillin and ibuprofen, India is almost 100% dependent on China.

THE SUPPLY CHAIN

chain involves two main stages.

The first is the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients or APIs. These are the key parts of a drug which produce an effect. Such production is chemicalintensive, involving reactors for drug substance manufacture.

The second stage is a physical process known as formulations production. Substances known as excipients are combined with APIs to turn a drug into a consumable form, such as a tablet,

A COVID-19 VACCINE

the largest producer of APIs in the world. The US, Europe and Japan produced 90% of the world’s APIs until the

mid-1990s. But now it is estimated that Chinese manufacturers make around 40% of all APIs used worldwide and that

MIRACLE DRUGS & GEOPOLITICS

began touting it as a “game-changer”. The space and electric car entrepreneur Elon Musk also joined the hype.

Although US-based Mylan announced it would restart production of hydroxychloroquine in West Virginia, it was

PATENT BARRIERS? emdesivir is R distinct from the other drugs which

have attracted attention as Covid-19 treatments so far in that Gilead has a patent for it, raising serious concerns of intellectual property issues restricting access to medicines or vaccines. Since mid-April, various Indian pharmaceutical companies had already begun developing remdesevir, as has Bangladeshi company, Beximco.

Global trade rules permit governments to issue a compulsory license. Such a provision allows a manufacturer to produce a medicine without the permission of the patent holder, who is paid a royalty fee instead.

A variety of countries including Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Canada and Germany have all moved to make it easier to issue a compulsory license, if needed, for Covid-19.

Perhaps anticipating such a move, Gilead announced on May 12 that it

China and India are the source of 75% to 80% of the APIs imported to the US. Janet Woodcock, the director of the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research at the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA, told Congress in 2019: “The number of Chinese facilities producing APIs for the US market has increased over the past decade, as part of a massive movement of pharmaceutical production offshore.

This movement is being driven by the pharmaceutical industry’s desire for cost savings and less stringent environmental regulations.”

clear America and much of the world would require supply from India if this drug was to be effective in treating the disease.

India is estimated to produce 70% of the world’s hydroxychloroquine, with Ipca Labs and Zydus Cadila the two largest producers of the drug in the country.

Ipca Labs accounts for more than 80% of India’s hydroxychloroquine supply, yet there

that Mumbai-based Glenmark had developed the API in-house and was applying for regulatory approval for its use against Covid-19. And another Indian firm, Strides, also announced it had commercialised and begun exporting favipiravir to a number of countries in the Middle East.

Meanwhile remdesivir, owned by US firm Gilead Sciences, has been authorised by the FDA to treat Covid-19 in emergency cases.

As early as mid-February, Gilead partnered with the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Sciences for human trials of remdesivir in Wuhan.

A Chinese company quickly manufactured the API for remdesivir and by the end of March a total of five Chinese companies and the Taiwanese National Health Institute announced they had the capacity to produce the drug.

was a problem for the US here.

The FDA had restricted Ipca’s exports from some of its facilities to the US, arising from problems found in quality control checks from 2014 onwards. But with hydroxychloroquine attracting such attention, the US lifted its ban on supply on March 23.

The Indian government, however, wanted to ensure it had sufficient supply for its

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

CONCEPT: DIVYA HEMNANI

had issued voluntary licensing agreements for remdesevir to one company in Pakistan – Ferozsons Laboratories – and four in India – Cipla, Hetero Labs, Jubilant Life Sciences and Mylan. The deal would involve transfer of technology and allow the five companies to make remdesevir for subsequent distribution in 127 countries, primarily in the global south.

Gilead has agreed a deal with these five generic companies to manufacture and supply this drug on which so much hope has been placed. Gilead has also entered discussions with the Medicines Patent Pool – a UN backed agency which tries to increase access to treatments for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis.

It has now expanded its remit to include “any health technology that could contribute to the global response to Covid-19”. own domestic needs.

On the same day India’s National Task Force for Covid-19 recommended hydroxychloroquine for treating high-risk cases.

Two days later, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry prohibited the export of the drug and formulations made from it, with exceptions such as where preexisting commitments had been made, as well as on humanitarian grounds.

DESIGN: ABHISHEK GUPTA

Accomplishments are the steps towards completion of ambition.

Celebrate each one but keep your vision focused on the next one!

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21 www.firstindia.co.in I www.firstindia.co.in/epaper/ I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia

2ND FRONT JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

08

How Corona changed Gehlot and Pilot camps’ fortunes?

Now Gehlot and Pilot camps eye June 19 RS polls Aditi Nagar New Delhi: After the announcement of Rajya Sabha polls on June 19, in Rajasthan, both Gehlot and Pilot camps have become fairly active and trying to have a close watch on each other’s ‘activities’. Before the postponement of RS polls on ground of Corona pandemic, the political market was full of speculation that on Madhya Pradesh pattern, some Congress MLAs of Pi-

lot camp and few independent MLAs may cross the floor to reduce Gehlot government to a minority, but subsequently these all speculations proved to be a flop show. Even sources close to Pilot had completely ruled out the possibility of their leader quitting Congress and joining BJP or forming some other independent party. But still New Delhi and Jaipur are keeping a close watch on the movements of hardcore Pilot camp MLAs, which are estimated not more than half a dozen at the moment.

CM Ashok Gehlot

Sachin Pilot

KC Venugopal

The story goes back to March 25, when the Election Commission also announced postponement of RS polls.

The ‘fiery’ political situation that had developed at that time had made observers to speculate that Pilot camp

could play ‘spoil-sport’ for Congress party through cross voting.

The speculation, then, were rife because there was a strong word going around in New Delhi that BJP Spokesperson Zafar Islam, who was instrumental in bring-

ing Jyotiraditya Scindia into saffron party’s fold, had apparently met Pilot too at his residence.

What fanned the fire more was another unconfirmed report that central minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar

T’gana HC CJ issues notice to state govt

Vishwas Mehta takes over as Kerala CS

Vishwas Mehta (left) with outgoing Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose (right).

Telangana High Court CJ Raghvendra Singh Chauhan

port of government officials especially those posted in the Pollution Control Board.

PIL further claimed that industries are discharging pollutants and effluents in drains and open spaces posing serious health hazards for people. It is also said that out of the nearly 5,000 pharma companies functioning in these three districts, 2,000 have no permission from concerned depart-

Ex-IAS Singhvi surrenders secretly, applies for bail First India Bureau Jaipur: The main accused in Mines scam that was busted by the ACB during previous BJP government, former IAS Ashok Singhvi, surrendered before the Money Laundering special court on Monday. Along with surrendering, Singhvi also applied his bail application. Meanwhile, Judge Arun Kumar Agrawal has sent Singhvi to judicial custody till June 15 while fixing a hearing for his bail application on Tuesday.

The day turned out to be really crucial for ED while the High Court was hearing the bail application of Ashok Singhvi when his advocate informed the court that his client had surrendered before the lower court. The surrender of former IAS was kept so secret that even the court employees weren’t aware of his presence in the

Ashok Singhvi

court. Such was the secrecy that there was no guard present in the court when Singhvi surrendered and the ‘challani guards’ had to be called by phone. Moreover, even the court officials did not know that Singhvi would appear before the court and surrender. After Singhvi’s advocate informed the court of his surrender and took the bail application back, both defence and prosecution appeared in the court where Singhvi had surrendered only to witness Singhvi being sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

ments. Urging CJ to direct Telangana government and PCB officials to crack down on such industries, the advocate has also sought that regular monitoring of such industries is carried out.

Conducting hearing on the PIL, the bench of CJ Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy issued notices to state. The next hearing in the matter will be held on June 8.

Raj BJP chief Poonia tests -ve for COVID-19 Jaipur: State BJP president Satish Poonia tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday, confirmed BJP officials. They told that Poonia went for testing on Sunday soon after a person present in the final rites of former state BJP president Bhanwarlal Sharma tested positive on the same day and his reports came negative on Monday morning.

The man was working for Sharma who died on Friday and his last rites were performed on Saturday.

Eventually, on Sunday night, Poonia got himself tested for COVID-19 and tested negative. The COVID-19 patient was seen meeting many senior leaders including Poonia and MLA Ashok Lahoti when they had come to attend the last rites of Sharma. Sources said that many top leaders of the state might go into home quarantine as and when suggested. —Agencies

ever, at this point Pilot camp turned these rumours and speculations as ‘mysterious and motivated’. This camp also alleges that such rumours are being spread deliberately to tarnish the image and loyalty of their leader in front of Gandhi family.

After the ‘pause’ enforced by Corona, situation has turned to be completely different. Nobody in Delhi BJP is in a mood to play politics in Rajasthan. One reason for this is Corona pandemic, since union government has a lot on its hands and does not want to muddle into ‘negative

image’ of playing politics at such crucial time.

Secondly, so called Pilot camp or other camp does not have strength of 2224 MLAs and observers believe that Congress’s prospects at winning two seats are more stronger than ever since even if cross-voting occurs, it would be of 2-3 votes, at max. Another ‘curious’ outcome of RS poll will be the ‘parachute’ arrival of Rahul confidante KC Venugopal as RS member in Rajasthan politics where Gehlot will emerge as an ultimate beneficiary. So lets see what finally comes out on June 19?

DIPR silently making people aware of corona First India Bureau

Nizam Kantaliya

Jaipur: Chief Justice of Telangana High Court Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan has issued notice to the Chief Secretary of Telangana, Principal Secretary Industries and several other officials in connection with a PIL filed seeking closure of nearly 2,000 pharmaceutical industries which, allegedly, are unauthorised. It is claimed in the PIL that the authorities were not taking suitable action against these industries, few of which are even operating in residential areas.

These industries are located in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medak districts and it is alleged in the PIL, filed by city advocate CH Ravinder, that the industries are running with the active sup-

had also met Pilot on the issue of jumping over to BJP’s side with the deal that Pilot, like Scindia, would be given a union ministry and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat would be the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Interestingly, a core team of Piyush Goyal, JP Nadda and Bhupendra Yadav amongst other BJP men was also reportedly created to pursue ‘power-change’ in Rajasthan.

But for this deal to go through Pilot needed at least two dozen MLAs on his side but that, till now, has not come to pass. And then Corona struck the nation. How-

Thiruvananthapuram: IAS officer Vishwas Mehta on Monday took over as the new Chief Secretary of Kerala after incumbent Tom Jose retired. Jose, who served as Chief Secretary for 23 months, retired on Sunday but came to his office on Monday morning to hand over charge to Mehta. “Wish to carry forward all what Jose took up and the biggest issue before me is to tackle the Cov-

id-19,” Mehta said.

A 1986 batch IAS officer, Mehta was presently the Home Secretary. Hailing from Rajasthan, he began his service as Kollam Assistant Collector in June 1987.

He has held important posts and superannuates in May 2021. Though he was not senior most officer, he got plum post as seniors to him presently on central deputation wished to continue in their present position. —Agencies

Jaipur: In the ongoing fight with coronavirus, all departments of state government played their important role. The main corona warriors were Doctors, Paramedical Staff, Police, District Administration, Revenue Officers, Teachers, Sanitation Staff, Media Personnel and newspaper hawkers, NGOs and philanthropists. Department of Information and Public Relations was silently playing its role and was keeping people of the state and media informed about all development of the state government including the announcements and decisions through various forms.

According to DIPR Minister Dr Raghu Sharma, department was quite alert and was giving every piece of government information to the people

Dr Raghu Sharma

Mahendra Soni

through press releases, advertisements etc.

Department also arranged 11 VCs of CM Ashok Gehlot with media and also arranged his interviews with national and regional media.

After the first case of corona positive was reported in Jaipur on March 2, DIPR immediately sprang to action to make people aware about this pandemic.

Till now, more than 50 advertisements have been published in newspapers. The decisions taken by CM Gehlot were published so that

the people get to know about them and get benefited by taking advantage of the various schemes announced during the period of lockdown, informed DIPR Commissioner and Special Secretary Mahendra Soni.

As per Soni, department substantially enhanced activities on social media and continuously updating with latest information. The timely decisions taken by the alert and farsighted CM Gehlot were praised by one and all, he added.

In a major relief, RHB scraps old lease charging pattern Shivendra Parmar Jaipur: While the sluggish economy is hurting everyone equally, RHB has brought about a refreshing development, that is sure to bring smiles to those who are looking to buy institutional or commercial plots.

The Board has changed the formula to calculate the lease money on institutional and commercial plots and will now calculate lease

Shanti Dhariwal with Pawan Arora

amount only on the basis of residential reserve price of land. In case of commercial plots the impact or relief is greater as lease money would be reduced to one fourth

Bail plea of Tamanna Begum rejected First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan HC has rejected the anticipatory bail application by Tamanna Begum who had pleaded innocence and had promised to cooperate with the investigative agencies. Tamanna begum is wife of deceased accused Sher Khan. Appearing for ED ASG RD Rohtagi opposed the bail applica-

tion by bringing to court’s notice that the trial court has taken cognizance of the matter already which has been quashed by the SC on being challenged. ASG further said that there are standing warrants against accused for 16 months not being executed. Justice Manoj Vyas rejected anticipatory bail application after hearing both sides.

and in case of institutional plots it will be reduced to half though the rate of charging lease money in case of residential and institutional plots would be 2.5% and

in case of commercial plots 5%. RHB commissioner Pawan Arora informed that in a bid to provide relief to people, the housing board too will calculate lease money on the basis of reserved residential price like JDA or JMC. Arora said that earlier, commercial plots were charged lease money on the basis of commercial reserve price,which was almost four times of residential reserve rates but, now with approval of

AHMED PATEL@ahmedpatel Unfortunately, all hopes of farmers expecting much needed respite dashed today by the Government.

Farmers are facing unprecedented crises of Lockdown, Locust Attack, Cyclone etc.

Forget about Profit, this so-called raise in Kharif MSP won’t even cover their losses & debts.

If this is going to the government’s attitude towards farmers , their promise to double farm income by 2022 will end up becoming another jumla.

state govt, RHB has changed basis of calculation of lease amount hence instead of commercial reserve price it would now be 5% of residential reserve price.

Similarly, institutional plots were also charged @ 5% on institutional reserve price but they would now be charged @ 2.5% of residential price.

RHB will soon send a proposal to state government to announce a kind of amnesty scheme for old pending cases.

AVINASH PANDE @avinashpandeinc Modi government is selfpraising about their implementation of the lockdown.

But the question to which they should self-evaluate is whether it has put the country’s healthcare system in a position to ensure that the pandemic remains suppressed for the foreseeable future??

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MORE THAN SWIMWEAR Swimwear is a major industry today, however fashion and culture equally dictate the swimwear. City first takes a quick dip into the journey of swimwear!

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

W

ith the Corona protocols in place, I doubt many of us will be able to dive into a pool this summer but that does not stop us from remembering the days of swimming lengths or just splashing around in the pool.

The memories got me thinking about swimwear and I thought that if anybody gave us the initial formal swimwear today we would think it laughable and not worth wearing even in the confines of our home.

Though the very first swimwear was none at all! Swimming in the nude or a mere loincloth would suffice but as morality changed the swimsuit was invented in the 18th century whereabouts to fulfil the notions of decency.

From bloomers, stockings, drawers accompanied by fullsleeved tees to the throng bikinis of today, swimwear has definition come a long way shedding much of its baggage in more ways than one. With the years the sleeves fell away, the

necklines lowered and bloomers shaped up and sharpened.

Swimwear is dictated even today not by the style of the season but the culture and the comfort of the wearer.

In India, the one-piece swimsuit remains the biggest favourite for one and all regardless of age; though I am restrained to admit that as the sizes get larger, a frill is added here and there for the comfort of the lady in question if she so desires.

Of course, we have all drooled over Baywatch and the ‘Bikini

bods’ and it is a definite motivation to keep a strict eye on our diet and work out regularly, so why not?

Nowadays, swimwear is a huge industry with the global swimwear market size valued at USD 18.9 billion in 2018. The trend has shifted to luxury swimwear that offers valueadded features such as convenient cuts and trendy prints and enhances the slimming effect is gaining popularity among women of different regions.

09

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JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

10

Post lockdown strategies for general

PUBLIC AND HEALTHCARE Dr JYOTSNA

T

FA CE OF TH ED AY

he corona outbreak has cast an evil spell on us, and brought our lives to a standstill. Suddenly, the routine hustlebustle has vanished and it feels as if there is nothing one can do. The virus has hit every section of the society, not sparing even the most influential people across the globe.

Having taken lessons from China, US, Europe and south-east Asian countries, India has been quite proactive in dealing with the challenge. Enforcement of lockdown was a landmark decision, which has contributed largely to disease containment. This gave the general public and health care workers an insight into the gravity of the situation and coping up with it. Also, healthcare could buy sometime in building up the requisite infrastructure.

Despite compliance to the lockdown, the number of patients are steadily increasing, indicating that our goal is still too far. A major challenge before us is to maintain these norms post-lockdown. When a large population step out of their homes, it would result in rapid spread of the disease. Therefore, a drastic change in lifestyle and work culture on the part of general public and healthcare organizations,

is the pressing need of the hour.

General public need to be very cautious and follow standard social distancing and hand hygiene.

It needs to be impressed upon that corona is not yet over and any complacence on their part could have serious consequences.

Another important learning from this pandemic is that resource consumption must be in accordance with necessity and undue wastage best avoided. This would keep us in good stead during these uncertain times.

Healthcare workers have a dual responsibility

of not only treating patients but also keeping themselves safe during discharge of their duty.

They are most susceptible, especially those on the frontline, and in critical care.

Early screening of patients on hospital arrival, would segregate the symptomatic patients, who could then be kept in the isolation facility, an area farther away from the rest of the in hospital patients.

It is essential to curb crowding of patients in hospitals by allowing their entry in a phased manner and minimizing visiting hours.

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

We need to redefine and strengthen hygienic measures in view of the ongoing pandemic. In this regard, it is important to train doctors, technical and paramedical staff in the use of protective gear, as they are directly involved in patient care delivery.

There is growing need of greater reliance on technology to aid in social distancing such as in patient screening, digital scanning of documents, and enhanced use of telemedicine. Greater allocation of budget into healthcare is much needed to develop operating rooms

lence against the corona warriors are extremely disheartening. These warriors are working relentlessly, under extremely suffocating conditions to ensure well-being of ailing patients, putting themselves at risk. Safety of corona warriors at workplace must be prioritized, to maintain the integrity of our healthcare system.

The pandemic has crippled the global economy, destroying livelihoods of millions of citizens. Irrespective of the surging numbers, lockdown will have to be gradually lifted.

We have to learn to adapt to the “new normal,� as it

is likely that corona would stay indefinitely. The viral spread can be largely contained when every individual in the community is considered corona positive.

This can be achieved when the triad of hand hygiene, wearing mask and social distancing is adhered to. Being healthcare professionals, we must continue to deliver essential services to the society.

By exercising due caution, setting up protocols and incorporating newer innovations, we would certainly sail through these trying times. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You have a happy go lucky nature and to think positive is your new mantra that will keep you shining. You will have monetary gains from your new business venture. You may discuss about your career or your new professional plans with your parents.

If you wish to spend on something that you have been desiring for a long time then now is the time.

You will efficiently manage all the work load in office today. You may find yourself bending towards spiritual stuff. You may go to meet your friends who needs your help.

You are conscious about health and that itself keeps you in good shape. You will attract new clients today on work front and will get good business from the. Your family will support your new ideas. On academic front, you will at ease balance your work with fun.

You will feel very happy, motivated and you will cheer those around you.

You will help someone close in desperate need of money.

Professionals will feel hopeful about their coming success. You elders will help from getting over a bad memory and their advice will prove valuable.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You must remain active whole day and that will happen only if you continue to eat healthy and right food. Your anticipations abut returns from an investment will not disappoint you. Professionals will get a chance to show case your talents.

You will complete the pending work.

Smile as a good heath is assured today. You will try very hard in climbing up on the financial ladder and you will certainty succeed. Your seniors will admire your efforts at work. You may start a new business today. Someone young will keep you house environment quite cheerful.

You will make workout a permanent part of your fitness regime. You will indulge yourself in other small businesses that will help you with the side income. On professional front, you will spend a very hectic day but you will learn a lot today.

You will have gains from stocks and other investments. You can expect some receivables today and you can use the same money for some necessarily. On work front, things will go as you have planned and great opportunities are on their way.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Health will be your priority for the day over anything else. You will take all the necessary measure to investment the money that will give you good returns. You may require the help from your colleague to complete an official task. You must not take your partner for granted.

You must spend a lot of time with your elders in family. You must keep your expenses within limit to be able to use the same money for your future desires to get fulfilled. On professional front, you may crack a big deal and you shall get rewarded for the same.

Today is your lucky day and you will get positive responses from all the directions. You must keep some secret from outsiders when it comes to finances. You must be discreet in discussing your professional grievances with you colleagues.

You must indulge yourself in activities today that will help you with de stressing and attaining mental equanimity. On professional front, you may have need to take strict measures to get the job done from your juniors. On academic front, you are forging ahead successfully.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

PAYAL TOSYAN, Influencer

and critical care units dedicated to sick covid patients.

As a fallout of the implementation of these additional precautionary measures, another major challenge confronting the healthcare industry would be the rising cost of medical treatment. This could be partly resolved by judicious use of consumables including protective equipment, investigations and medications. It also calls for strengthening of government health facilities as well as expansion of social health insurance to reach out to the masses.

Recent reports of vio-

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

11

LEAVING BEHIND A VOID... Bailouts

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his year has not proved to be a good one and the COVID-19 crisis is here which is for real. In the midst of all this, our country has lost some real gems which include Bollywood stars Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor and noted sports personalities Chuni Goswami and Balbir Singh Sr. Now, in a shocking state of events, music composer Wajid Khan of Sajid-Wajid fame has passed away. He had

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he indefinite lockdown in India continues amidst the COVID-19 crisis that is still affecting many lives daily. People themselves have been trying to curb the situation by adopting precautionary measures that include social distancing and remaining confined to homes. In the midst of all this, many have resorted to virtual communication to stay in contact with each other.

Our beloved celebs from the film industry have also been doing the same to keep in constant touch with their fans.

Sara Ali

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been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to complications with his health and later passed away. The news about his demise has been confirmed by Sonu Nigam.

Wajid had not been keeping well for quite some time and had frequent health issues.

Varun Dhawan, Arbaaz Khan, Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu, Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant, and others have taken to social media to bid their last goodbyes to the departed soul.

—IANS

Khan is among the many celebs who have been updating fans with whatever is happening in their daily lives through social media. Recently, the actress has given a glimpse of the delicious meal she had while enjoying her lazy day.

—IANS

Late Wajid Khan

THE RIGHT PARTNER!

ith many people in the US uniting together to protest against police brutality and George Floyd’s death, Chrissy Teigen is trying to help people. The star took to Twitter to share that she would be donating $200,000 to help pay for protestors’ bailouts. She first offered to donate $100,000 before she decided to double the amount. “In celebration of whatever the f**k maga night is, I am com-

mitted to donating $100,000 to the bailouts of protestors across the country,” Teigen tweeted, referencing the viral #MAGANight hashtag. Chrissy Teigen helps to bail funds for Black Lives Matter protester Soon, Teigen then donated an additional $100,000 after someone replied that the people were “rioters and criminals”. Ooo they might need more money then. Make it $200,000,” she replied.

—IANS

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ndian skipper Virat Kohli has been showering praises on wife Anushka Sharma on social media off late.

After speaking about their relationship in an Instagram Live session with Indian football captain Sunil Chettri, Virat Kohli spoke of Anushka’s brilliance in a chat with cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian team captain opened up on Anushka’s fearless approach to work and how they share the same wavelength.

“The best thing is that when you have the right partner who is also working at a level of excellence, as you mentioned, in her own field, she can totally understand my mindset and I can understand her mindset. It becomes so easy to have conversation about what you’re going through. What is it that is making you feel good or bad? What happened during the day that mentally put you down or boosted your confidence? Small conversations like that,” Kohli told Ashwin. He further added that Anushka can preempt what he is thinking just by knowing his body language. “I think when two people are on the same wavelength those conversations are very very easy and as you rightly pointed out Anushka is brilliant at what she does. At her craft, she is outstanding and for us having conversations at that level is that much easier because she understands what I’m exactly saying without me even talking, with my body language.”

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma —IANS

Chrissy Teigen

The New Era of Love

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n a recent interview, Gal Gadot and Wiig opened up about their upcoming movie, and their thoughts on fan theories about the relationship between their characters. Asked whether Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) and Barbara Ann Minerva (Cheetah) were on a date during a scene that appeared in the trailer, Wiig questioned: “Oh, for a lesbian thing?”

Gadot then teased: “The sexual tension is always there, I can tell you that!”

The Cheetah is one of Wonder Woman’s most iconic enemies in the DC comics, but the pair have not embarked on a romance in the original work.

A new battle, a new armour, new villains, edgier action and a reunion with her long-last love, Gadot has teased the beginning of a “new era of wonder” with the much-awaited Wonder Woman 1984.

—IANS

THE VAULT-HUNTERS

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he well-known video game Borderlands is all set to be adapted into a film, and the Ocean 8 actress Cate Blanchett will be essaying the role of Lilith in the film. The Borderlands film adaption will be helmed by director Eli Roth. The film will see Cate Blanchett playing the lead role. As per media reports, the video game which is now being made into a film will have four members of a group on a search of some unique never seen before technology. On the work front, Cate will also feature in the Hollywood drama called ‘Don’t Look Up’.

This film has ‘Hunger Games’ actress Jennifer Lawrence in the lead. —IANS

Cate Blanchett

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

JAIPUR | TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

—PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT

EXTENDED HELP —FILE PHOTO

CITY FIRST

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group of more than 85 distressed Indians in the US have launched an SOS campaign to travel back home, urging the Indian government to allow their minor children having American citizenship with valid Indian visas to accompany them to India. Travel to India by a non-Indian citizen, except for certain categories of those having Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, is barred due to strict travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The group of Indian parents on Saturday, in a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy, its diplomatic missions in the US, and to Chairman, Jaipur Foot USA, Prem Bhandari, urged to allow their minor chil-

HAPPY B’DAY!

IAS Manju Rajpal (top), IAS Indra Singh and IAS N Shivprasad Madan celebrated their birthdays on 1 June, Monday. We wish them all the best!

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The KLM flight leaves with Indians from Peru

Prem Bhandari

dren with US citizenship to travel with them. ‘’We are Indians stranded in the US due to this tragic pandemic.

We wish to fly back to India. We are also parents to minor children and our children are

American citizens by virtue of their birth here. Our children have valid Indian visas on their passports. At this moment they cannot obtain OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status because of various reasons. We are grateful for the Vande Bharat mission and recent orders from Government allowing certain categories of OCI cardholders to travel to India but Indian parents of visaholder children should not be treated any differently from Indian parents of OCI cardholder children. We

humbly request you to allow minors who are American citizens with valid Indian visas to travel to India,” the group said.

Chairman, Jaipur Foot USA, Prem Bhandari sent the petition and an email to Embassy of India, Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with personally following up with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla for enabling the travel of a lot of stranded and distressed Indians including parents of an infant child, pregnant women, among many others.

He also expressed his gratitude towards the Government of India for adding 70 new flights for the USA and Canada destination, under Vande Bharat Mission. This decision has given relaxation to many Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

JANAMDIN MUBARAK

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CM Ashok Gehlot and Sunita Gehlot with daughter Sonia, son Vaibhav, his wife Himanshi and daughter Kashwini

Vaibhav, Himanshi and Kashwini Gehlo t

CA President and PCC General Secretary Vaibhav Gehlot celebrates his 40th birthday today.

He plans to spend it quietly with his family at a friend’s Sawai Madhopur farmhouse where he has spent the major part of the lockdown. He said he had no plans for celebration but is planning to donate food-grains, masks and sanitizer on this day.

Vaibhav was born in Jaipur and did his school education from Air Force Bal Bharti School, New Delhi, going on to complete his Bachelor of Law from the well known ILS Law College, Pune. Though he joined the Youth Congress in 2003, he has always worked on the ground for the party and especially in Jodhpur.

—City First Vaibhav Gehlot

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra enjoys very early morning rides as the sun rises over the horizon. He is active on social media and often writes motivating posts that encourage others to exercise and be positive even in the ongoing Corona crisis. He regularly shares photos of his rides and writes positive messages like, “Early morning cycle rides, are most peaceful, refreshing and energizing.

Yes, the COVID era is worrisome in all spheres, but worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace. Have a happy, and peaceful day. Stay safe’’.

RAJASTHAN: Hawa Mahal in the Pink City is said to open today and a cultural programme was held for the same on Monday.

—PHOTO BY NAIM KHAN

RAJASTHAN: On the 14th day of the ongoing ‘Online Learning - Children’s Summer Festival’ on Monday, there was a visual art online learning session on ‘Abstract Painting’ by artist, Nikhat Tasneem Quazi. The session focused on teaching the fundamental elements that come together to create a successful abstract painting. Viewers learned about colouring, layering, composition and much more during the session.

They also developed their abstract style and experienced the freedom of painting.

GUJARAT: Women look at gold and diamond jewellery at a store in Shivaranjani area in Ahmedabad.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

GUJARAT: A man cycles through the Teen Darwaja market in Ahmedabad, with a part of the historic gate visible in the background.

—PHOTO BY NANDAN DAVE

GUJARAT: A man walks past a chain-link fence in Ahmedabad’s Manek Chowk area, which remains a containment zone.

—PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI