First India-Jaipur Edition-03 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

28°C - 40°C

ALERT JAIPUR l FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,21,372 1,09,18,629 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 8,178 DEATHS 1,86,626 CASES

TAMIL NADU 1,321 DEATHS 98,392 CASES

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 27

INDIA

18,225 6,26,651 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 2,864 DEATHS 92,175 CASES

INDIA TO BUY

MIG-29 & SUKHOIS 33 FRONTLINE

12 SU-30

21 MIG-29

59 MIG-29

fighter jets procurement approved fighter jets from Russia has also been approved.

The nod for the two came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian president Vladmir Putin on Thursday. Putin reiterated his commitment to “further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in all spheres,” an Indian foreign ministry statement said.

MKI aircraft to be bought from HAL that are existing will also be upgraded The ministry has also approved procurement of 248 ASTRA beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile systems. The missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft and has all weather day and night capability, the officials said. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Defence Ac-

On fast track! Private trains likely to chug by April 2023 New Delhi: Private train operations in the country will begin by April 2023, and the ticket fares in these trains will be competitive with airfares on similar routes, the Railways said Thursday.

Addressing a press conference online, Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav said that private players in passenger train operations will mean a quantum jump in technology and coaches that run at higher speeds.

The improvement in technology will also mean that the coaches that now require mainte-

nance after running 4,000 km, will need maintenance after every 40,000km, that is either once or twice a month, he said.

Train sets have to be brought by private operators and maintained

430

DEATHS

18,662

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 735 DEATHS 24,825 CASES

‘Expect prompt restoration of peace in border’ India-China will continue meetings both at military and diplomatic level

POWER PLAY

New Delhi: In the midst of India’s tense border standoff with China, the Defence Ministry on Thursday approved procurement of 33 frontline fighter jets, a number of missile systems and other military hardware at a cost of Rs 38,900 crore to bolster the combat capability of the armed forces, officials said.

They said 21 MiG-29 fighter jets will be procured from Russia while 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft will be bought from State-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). A separate proposal to upgrade existing 59 MiG-29 aircraft

RAJASTHAN

GUJARAT 1,888 DEATHS 33,999 CASES

IN THE MIDST OF MILITARY STANDOFF WITH CHINA, INDIA APPROVES PURCHASE OF FIGHTER JETS, MISSILE SYSTEMS, WEAPONS WORTH `38,900 CR

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

by them. Private train operations are likely to begin by April 2023, all coaches will be procured under Make in India policy. Fares in private trains will be competitive Turn on P6

quisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence ministry on procurement. The DAC also approved acquisition of Pinaka missile systems as well as procurement of long range land attack missile systems having a firing range of 1000 KM. In a press release, the ministry referred to the “current situation and the need to strengthen the armed forces for the defence of our borders” while talking about the decisions of the DAC. Turn on P6

Rajeeva Swarup is new Rajasthan Chief Secretary Rajendra Chhabra Jaipur: In a midnight dramatic and sudden move, the visionary and pragmatic CM Ashok Gehlot has appointed ACS Home Rajeeva Swarup as the new Chief Secretary of Rajasthan with immediate effect, in place of DB Gupta, who was holding this post since April 30, 2018. Till late night there was no word on DB Gupta’s new appointment.

Turn on P6

MODI, PUTIN VOW TO STRENGTHEN TIES Army convoy moving towards eastern Ladakh from Leh on Tuesday.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the coronavirus crisis on Thursday and resolved to strengthen Indo-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of post-COVID world.

During a telephonic conversation, the two leaders agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral contacts and consultations, leading to the annual bilateral summit to be held in India later this year. Modi conveyed his keenness to welcome Putin in India for the bilateral summit.

New Delhi: Meetings will continue with China at military and diplomatic levels to resolve border issues to mutual satisfaction said India on Thursday while hoping that Beijing will sincerely follow up and ensure expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in border areas as per bilateral agreements.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Leh has been rescheduled. Singh along with Army Chief Gen MM Naravane was scheduled to visit Leh on Friday to review the security situation in Eastern Ladakh, in view of Chinese aggression along the LAC. During a virtual week-

Postal ballot for voters above 65, patients under quarantine New Delhi: Government has extended the postal ballot facility to electors above 65 years of age and COVID-19 positive patients who are under home or institutional quarantine.

The changes have come about months before assembly elections in Bihar, which are likely to take place later this year. According to a notification by the Law and Justice Ministry, the Centre after consulting the ECI made rules to further amend the Conduction of Election Rules, 1961.

The notification said

that in the rule 27A, clause (aa) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961, after the words “or persons with disability” occurring at the end, the words, letter and figures “or the

COVID-19 suspect or affected persons” shall be inserted.

In clause (e), for the figures and word “80 years”, the figures and word “65 years” shall be substituted.

—ANI

CHINA ON APP BAN

ly briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that India and China have been having discussions through established diplomatic and military channels to address the Turn on P6

Transgenders may be enlisted as combat officers soon!

New Delhi: Transgenders can soon aspire to lead combat troops in central paramilitary forces as the government is mulling allowing them take the annual UPSC exam for recruitment as officers in these forces deployed across the country for various internal security duties, officials said on Thursday.

Sources in security establishment said with central government notifying Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in December last year it is Turn on P6

STERLING BIOTECH CASE

ED grills Ahmed Patel while Asthana angle being ignored: Adhir Dr. Anita New Delhi: Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for grilling party treasurer Ahmed Patel, who has been interrogated for the third time on Thursday for links with promoters of Sterling Biotech.

The Congress leader levelled an allegation that Sterling Biotech promoters have links with Rakesh Asthana, an IPS officer.

Chowdhury alleged, “Modi ji’s most trusted man Mr Rakesh Asthana, IPS, has been implicated as a recipient of bribe money which has been exposed in Sandersara diary. I am flagging the attention

of Narendra Modi Ji but Congress party’s leader Ahmed Patel Ji has been grilled for 3 consecutive days by ED to unearth the nexus between Patel Ji and notorious Sandesara case.”

A team of Enforcement Directorate (ED

arrived at Patel’s residence for the third time

Ahmed Patel, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Rakesh Asthana

on Thursday, in less than a week to question him in connection with its probe into multicrore bank fraud case by the Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech.

In a statement after the questioning session, Ahmed Patel asserted that, “All this is being done to tarnish my image.” He

said, “During three days of interrogation, they (ED) asked me 128 questions, I replied to all of them.

These questions were only in the nature of allegations.”

The ED had earlier questioned Patel on June 27 and June 30 for several hours under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The Rajya Sabha MP has been facing the question-

ing calmly, laughingly calling the ED officials a ‘slow train’ for dragging out the questioning while continuing to raise his voice against the fuel hike and Indo- China standoff.

A team of financial probe agency officials arrived at the 23, Mother Teresa Crescent Road here on Thursday morning to record Patel’s statement once again.

—With input from PTI

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

AWAITING RAINS

The water levels at the famous Jal Mahal Lake have receded considerably owing to scarcity of water and awaits rains. The historic lake, which once brimmed with water, has now partially dried up and as a result, the various idols and other residues which the people had thrown into the water-body, now seem to be visible.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

FEE WAIVER ISSUE

PARENTS PROTEST AT JAIPUR SCHOOLS Even after govt orders, private schools are constantly pressurising & have increased fees: Parents Bharat Dixit Jaipur: The demand for waiving-off the school fee is increasing in the state capital. In view of the same, people staged a massive protest at St Anselm’s School in Malviya Nagar and Maheshwari Public School in Pratap Nagar on Thursday. The parents also held placards and shouted slogans outside the schools.

In this era of the corona pandemic, the businesses were completely shut down and a lot of people even lost their jobs in the private sector. Due to this, the parents are facing many difficulties to de-

—File pic

posit the fees of three months.

The state government had even given verbal orders to private schools not to pressurize parents for fees, but the schools are constantly pressurizing

After HC order, Ajmer receives `79 L from CMRF First India Bureau Ajmer: The High Court passed an order in a PIL entitled Devendra Singh Shekhawat vs. State of Rajasthan wherein it was ordered that the State Government to seek the account of the fund collected by Collector Ajmer amounting to rupees 1.25 crores out of which 79 lakhs has been sent to CM Funds.

On July 2 the Collector Ajmer informed that the State Government has sent back 79 lakh rupees for COVID-19 Relief Work.

The aforesaid matter was argued by Advocate SK Singh in front of Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Indrajeet Mahanty and Justice Satish Kumar Sharma on May 29 through video conferencing.

and have also increased the fees in the new session.

Private schools are constantly engaged in recovering money from the parents. Regarding the school fees, Education Minister Govind

In simple ceremony, CJ Mahanty’s son gets engaged First India Bureau Jaipur: The engagement ceremony of Raj HC Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty’s son Satyajeet Mahanty, took place on Thursday at CJ House located in Gandhinagar.

The family members and judges of the Rajasthan High Court attended the function as only the High Court judges were invited on the occasion.

Singh Dotasara has said that no school can pressurize the parents of students for fees. If someone is found to be doing so, action will be taken against them. But it does not seem that the verbal order of the Education Minister has made any difference to these private schools.

Even there are many schools which have taken land from the government on lease for Rs 1 and are doing things at their discretion.

The parents are saying that if the school administration does not make some decisions soon, then there will be a bigger movement by them against these private institutions.

Khachariyawas takes up public issues with CM First India Bureau Jaipur: A delegation of Congress MLAs from Jaipur met CM Ashok Gehlot on Thursday to request relief in electricity bills, private school fees and to promote college and university students into the next class without exams.

The Congress MLAs who met the CM included transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, chief whip Mahesh Joshi, Rafique Khan, Ved

Yogesh Sharma Jaipur: Deputy CM and PCC chief Sachin Pilot has criticized the move by the central government to get the official residence vacated by party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi. Pilot called it cheap politics.

He said many leaders are provided government accommodation due to security threats to them. Pilot said no sensible government will have priorities like

Sachin Pilot

getting bungalows vacated in the crucial times of the corona pandemic. Pilot said it was strange that the government had time for such cheap politics while the

3 arrested in honey trap case in Sriganganagar

First India Bureau

Sriganganagar: Srivijaynagar police have revealed a honey trap case and arrested a woman, her husband, and another relative.

The arrested people are accused of calling a person home and making an objectionable video of him. After that, they demanded Rs 10 lakh while threatening to accuse him of a fake rape.

Not only this, but the accused also took Rs

Jasbir Singh of killing his wife and two children because he is un-

traceable after the crime.

The family had come just three weeks ago from Padampur village to work on the farm of the local landlord. The villagers feigned ignorance about any dispute within the family or any other person in the villa g e as they hardly knew the family.

The police started a search for Jasbir and his mother.

Prakash Solanki, Laxman Meena, and Ganga Devi.

They thanked CM for providing relief to people during the corona crisis. They hailed direct benefit to one crore people, free wheat and pulses distributed to hundreds of people, starting free bus service to Haridwar to immerse ashes in river Ganga, etc. They MLAs said that the government should now give relief in private school fees.

Pilot slams Centre for asking Priyanka to vacate residence

Woman and two children axed to death, probe begins Sriganganagar: A woman and her two children were found dead in their home in 21ML village in Sriganganagar district.

Their blood-soaked bodies were found by villagers in the courtyard in the morning.

It appeared that they were attacked with an axe.

The police suspected the head of the family

02

First India Bureau

country is facing major threats. Pilot said that the issue of targeting Priyanka Gandhi is purely political.

Meanwhile, RSCPCR chairperson Sangeeta Beniwal met Deputy CM with other representatives of the commission and handed over Vision Mission Document on completion of her first year in office. Pilot congratulated the Commission chairperson and members on the occasion.

Vaibhav Gehlot

Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) governing body meeting will take place today in the new RCA office. The meeting to be chaired by RCA chief Vaibhav Gehlot will mainly take up the issue of the new stadium.

RCA is planning to get a stadium ready with a cost of Rs 300 crore. The map of the stadium will be tabled in the meeting for approval along with the proposed budget.

The meeting will also take up the sports calendar of RCA for the remainder year along with important issues like new selection com-

mittees and coaching staff. Vaibhav had a long meeting with RCA secretary Mahendra Sharma and Treasurer Krishna Nimawat at RCA office on Thursday.

Some district association secretaries were also present.

Vaibhav had got the new office inaugurated by his daughter on Wednesday and promised proper functioning which started from the next day itself. This is a good sign for cricket in the state.

It is noteworthy that Vaibhav Gehlot is also in touch with BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for hosting most of the matches in the changed schedule of the IPL this year.

Raj HC reserves verdict on bail plea of Singhvi Nizam Kantalia

8,000 from the victim Butasingh (42) and made him sign a blank cheque, using which they took out Rs 50,000.

The police have arrested Jasprit Kaur (38), her husband Sonu Dhobi (38), and relative Shiv Kumar (25) in the case.

Vaibhav to bat for new stadium in today’s meet

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has reserved its decision on the bail of former IAS Ashok Singhvi in the infamous mining scam case. Justice Satish Kumar Sharma reserved his verdict after hearing two hours of vehement pleading by both sides. The decision on the other accused Rashid Sheikh was also kept pending

after the hearing.

Singhvi was refused bail by the Special Money Laundering Court and Singhvi had challenged this decision in the High Court.

Pleading for Singvi his council advocate Deepak Chouhan called the whole case against his client fabricated and asked the court to grant bail as other accused too have been granted bail in the same case earlier.

ASG RD Rastogi opposed the bail application calling Singhvi the pivot of the whole scam and the one who was monitoring everything.

ASG said Singhvi misused his position as the chief of the mining department as he used to first-order the closure of a mine and then demand money to reopen it. ASG Rastogi said that the phone call recordings of Singhvi were on record.

RAJASTHAN

Poonia briefs Nadda on state BJP’s activities Aishwarya Pradhan Jaipur: BJP National President JP Nadda held a VC with state chief Dr Satish Poonia a l o n g with state incharge C h a n drashekhar. Dr Poonia reported activities carried out by state unit during Atmanirbhar campaign to celebrate one year of Modi 2.0. Dr Poonia briefed about the innovations done and activities like Rajasthan jansamvad rallies, distribution of PM’s letter, Virtual dialogue and social works undertaken by the party along with plans for the future.

State BJP had run a special campaign from June 1-30, in which they planted 1.5 lakh saplings at 3,150 places on June 5.

3,350 citizens from specific sections of society were apprised of this campaign. On June 21, 36,115 families performed yoga at 3,240 locations. On June 22, late Sunder Singh Bha dari was paid tributes by 19,332 party workers at 918 locations. On June 23, 6,921 Shakti Kendras celebrated martyr day of Syama Prasad Mukherji by 55,571 party workers. 25 June was celebrated as black day against emergency.

With recovery rate going steady, people in walled city head towards normalcy.

Jodhpur followed by 38 from Bharatpur, 32 from Barmer, 28 from Jaipur, 26 each from Alwar & Pali, 22 from

Udaipur, 16 from Nagaur, 15 each from Sirohi, 14 from Bikaner, 10 each fom Dholpur, Hanumangarh & Rajsa-

mand, 9 from Jalore, 8 from Ajmer, 7 from Bhilwara, 6 each from Karauli & Kota, 5 from Dungarpur, 3 each from

Power failure as trolley hits Metro tower First India Bureau Jaipur: A trolley collided with the main tower of the high tension line supplying electricity to Jaipur Metro in the night. The impact was so strong that the tower collapsed and fell on the trolley, damaging the cabin and injuring the driver. The 220KW current in the line was also operating at the time of the accident.

A nearby Dhaba operator had to run to save

himself. After the accident, the main supply of the metro is stopped, which will take 10 days to start working again.

The metro is closed due to the lockdown, otherwise it could have caused major loss. The accident took place near Badravas on the 200 Feet Bypass, 1 km from the Mansarovar Metro Station.

A trolley passing from the area got uncontrolled and got off the road, before colliding with the power supply

The collapsed main tower of the high tension line supplying electricity to Jaipur Metro.

tower of the metro. After the accident, the driver got stuck in the cabin.

Hearing the loud crash

In separate incidents, two girls report rape

Doc-SDM clash: No FIR despite court order

First India Bureau

Subham Jain

Jaipur/ Dausa: A student, who came to study in Kardhani area of Jaipur, was video recorded while she was raped and was later blackmailed using those videos. The victim, a resident of Kishangarh Renwal, lodged a complaint against Ghanshyam of Sri Madhopur at Kardhani police station on Wednesday. She came to the city two years ago to get coaching for competitive examinations.

During this time, the accused living in the same house as her raped her promising to marry her and later started blackmailing her.

Meanwhile in Dausa, the case of kidnapping of a woman has turned

Ajmer: In the dispute between senior doctor Jyotsana Ranga and trainee IAS and SDM Artika Shukla, a local court ordered FR against Artika and her guard. However, civil lines police station has still not registered FIR. The police also refused to comment when asked about the matter. Additional chief judicial magistrate of Ajmer had ordered the police to register FIR against Artika and her guard and probe the matter on complaint filed by Dr Jyotsana Ranga who had approached the court when even after a month of her complaint no action was taken.

into a gang rape case following the victim’s statements against four accused. IG PS Sengthir ordered for the arrest of the accused, and a full report. On June 27, victim’s uncle filed a complaint that his niece was abducted by Khushiram a day ago while she was on her way to deliver food to her mother working under NREGA. While the police were still searching the abducted woman she reached home around 11 pm on June 27 and narrated the incident.

DUE ELECTRICITY BILLS

People can pay in instalments: Kalla First India Bureau Jaipur: On Thursday, Energy Minister Dr BD Kalla reviewed the bills and amount collection regarding electricity bills issued to consumers in the months of April, May and June.

Principal Secretary Energy Ajitabh Sharma and MD of Jaipur Discom AK Gupta were also present during the meet.

Dr Kalla said that, the amount was deferred, and would be added in consumers’s next bill month without

Dausa & Jaisalmer, 2 each from Baran & Jhunjhunu and 1 each from Bundi, Churu, Sawai Madhopur & Si-

BD Kalla

late fee. This may cause some consumers to have difficulty paying the complete amount at once. Therefore, a facility is being provided to deposit the outstanding amount in two equal installments. Also, no

late fee will be levied if the installments are deposited before bill payment date.

In view of lockdown, CM provided significant relief to the power consumers till May 30.

However, after the lock-

down period was extended, the relaxation was increased to June 30. The relief of postponing the bill till June 30 was offered to consumers of domestic category using up to 150 units of electricity and all agriculture consumers.

Apart from this, the payment of permanent fee included in the electricity bills issued in April, May and June, to industrial establishments and household category consumers was also be postponed till June 30.

of the accident, people nearby came and pulled out the driver from the trolley. The police were

also called on the spot. A piece of the tower also fell on another trolley parked near the spot.

INFLUX OF PATIENTS

March

Vikas Sharma Jaipur: It has been a month since the health department declared SMS hospital Covid free but the corona scare is still keeping the non Covid patients away from the largest medical facility in the state.

Pre corona periods saw 8-10000 patients thronging the OPD everyday which now has come down to a meager 3000. Hospital superintendent Dr Rajesh Sharma agrees that people are yet fearful of catching infection. Not only OPD but even the IPD has witnessed a fall in the number of patients.

The number of surgeries too has gone down to one third of pre Covid era. Doctors say that

April

May

7840

73657

32800 4305

12643

168397 January February

46402 4994

OPD TREND IPD TREND

18148

kar along with 5 from other states.

The cumulative district wise tally on Thursday is as follows – Ajmer 540, Alwar 598, Banswara 99, Baran 67, Barmer 390, Bharatpur 1671, Bhilwara 263, Bikaner 361, Bundi 15, Chittorgarh 211, Churu 328, Dausa 146, Dholpur 701, Dungarpur 448, Ganganagar 59, Hanumangarh 73, Jaipur 3388, Jaisalmer 115, Jalore 309, Jhalawar 375, Jhunjhunu 372, Jodhpur 2862, Karauli 104, Kota 682, Nagaur 657, Pali 1146, Pratapgarh 42, Rajsamand 267, Sawai Madhopur 106, Sikar 567, Sirohi 522, Tonk 201 and Udaipur 735.

256782

Jaipur: The state has achieved recovery rate of 80.1% for the first time. 14948 positive patients recovered after treatment out of total 19662 patients identified so far.

The state reported 9 deaths in preceding 24 hours taking the death toll to 430 so far. Thursday saw maximum 3 deaths from Bharatpur, 2 each from Bikaner & Jodhpur and one each from Barmer & Bhilwara. In last 24 hours 350 new cases of corona surfaced taking the state toll to 18662.

Maximum 43 cases were reported from

DSP TESTS +VE

18219

EVEN WITH 9 DEATHS, 350 NEW CASES RAJ STILL NUMBER ONE IN RECOVERY RATE IN COUNTRY

Patients still avoiding ‘corona free’ SMS hosp 241773

STATE HEALING AT A RATE OF 80.1% First India Bureau

03

JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

June

they are calling patients for pre scheduled surgeries but the patients are evading it mainly due to the formalities before the surgery like mandatory corona tests. While there were more than 13000 surgeries in January & February it came down between 2500-5500 surgeries in May & June.

Hospital administration is sure that with lapse of time the numbers will be back to normal. Meanwhile hospital superintendent Dr Rajesh Sharma wants to use this opportunity to beef up the shortcomings of the hospital.

He feels with less number of patients it would be easy to improve many facilities o meet future requirements

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

IN-DEPTH

PRIVATE TRAINS COMING SOON, BUT FOR WHOM?

WHAT HAS SCINDIA GAINED

BY LEAVING CONGRESS? NK SINGH

T

he privatisation of railways began tentatively with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation operating LucknowDelhi Tejas Expresss which, incidentally, had nothing significant to offer by way of experience. Now the government is in the process of giving divestment a final shape to end its monopoly and reduce its control over trains, tracks and manpower.

Eyeing an investment of Rs 30,000 crore, the railway ministry intends to allow private entities to operate passenger trains. The objective is to introduce modern technology rolling stock, reduced transit time, boost employment, improve safety and provide world class experience.

The ministry described it as the first initiative of private investment for running passenger trains in Indian rail network. It has invited Request for Qualifications to operate 109 (origin-destination) pairs of trains with 16 coaches each. They have been formed into 12 clusters across the rail network. Private players will choose their technology and decide fares but railways will keep time-tabling and safety.

Last year the railways had mooted privatisation of 50 railway stations for development on the lines of airports. As a next step the railways could think of privatising tracks to minimise its ownership in the behemoth.

Train travel is different from flying in India as the former caters to the masses while classes prefer the more affordable railways.

Privatisation of stations, trains and catering could make travel unaffordable for the common man. As in the case of private airlines, accountability of private train and station operators will be almost zero.

It will be a difficult phase for railway workers who have been opposing the decision suggested by the Bibek Debroy Committee in 1915 for fear of losing their status of being a Central government employee. In a situation like the pandemic, they would stand to lose their jobs or face salary cuts as has been the case with private airlines staff.

The government would do well to look at the history of British Rail, which owned and operated nearly all of the country’s railways before being totally divested in 1993. The infrastructure (signalling, track and stations) was hived off as “Railtrack”. Franchises were then awarded to private companies to operate trains.

The separation of infrastructure and operations was described as a “fateful decision”—perhaps even more important than privatisation itself. Railtrack has since been nationalised and rebranded as National Rail in 2000.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the move. “Rail is the only lifeline of the poor and the government is taking away from them.

Snatch whatever you want to, but remember people of the country will give a befitting reply,” he tweeted.

Admittedly, railways has been in the red for long but that does not mean leaving the common man at the mercy of a few capitalists.

The writer is a senior journalist, based in Madhya Pradesh

A

The BJP leadership had to make compromises while conceding to the Scindia group’s demands when it formed a proper ministry on Thursday. Its 107 MLAs could get only 23 ministerial berths. To accommodate the Scindia group, a reluctant Chouhan had to exclude several veterans from the ministry, causing huge resentment

lmost overnight, Jyotiraditya Scindia has become a power to reckon with in Madhya Pradesh politics.

With no party securing an absolute majority in the 2018 assembly election, he and his group of 22 followers are in a position to make or mar any government.

Using that bargaining clout, the Scindia group has become adept in cornering disproportionate share in power in every Government that it is part of.

The group commended the loyalty of only 19 MLAs in the 114-member Congress Legislature Party when Kamal Nath Government came to power in December 2018. Yet it managed to get as many as 6 ministerial berths in the 29-strong cabinet!

The group pulled off an even better performance after it crossed over to the BJP side. In the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, it has managed to corner 14 berths in the 34-member ministry – almost 40 percent share!

More significantly, none of these 14 ministers are MLAs at present, having resigned from the house to pull down the Nath government.

The BJP leadership had to make compromises while conceding to the Scindia group’s demands when it formed a proper ministry on Thursday. Its 107 MLAs could get only 23 ministerial berths. To accommodate the Scindia group, a reluctant Chouhan had to exclude several veterans from the ministry, causing huge resentment.

Such was Scindia’s bargaining power and pulls and pressures from different factions in the ruling party, that formation of a proper cabinet was delayed for almost 100 days after Chouhan took over as chief minister on March 23 last. A visibly disappointed Chouhan said: “Whenever there is a churn, nectar is produced, but Shiv has to drink poison.”

Ever since Jyotiraditya Scindia revolted against Congress and pulled down its govern-

ment in Madhya Pradesh in a surprise coup, observers are wondering why he did it? What did he gain from it? As former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh said, “we had never imagined that he will do such a thing.”

Scindia was ranked among the top Congress leaders of the country and a close associate of former party president Rahul Gandhi. Remember Gandhi winking at him in Lok Sabha after that famous jhappi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi! After Scindia’s departure, a shocked Gandhi exclaimed, “Only Scindia could walk into my house at any time.”

A scion of the Gwalior’s former ruling family, Jyotiraditya left his job with Merrill Lynch to join politics after the tragic death of his father, Madhavrao Scindia, in an air crash. He was a Congress MP from 2002 to 2019. He was a minister from 2007 to 2014, until the Congress government was in power. He was later made a general secretary of the party.

The former investment banker started feeling frustrated ever since the Congress leadership bypassed his claim for chief ministership of Madhya Pradesh in 2018. With the party out of power in New Delhi since 2014 – and no likelihood of making a comeback in near future – the former investment banker’s career as a politician seemed bleak.

In his home state of Madhya Pradesh, he started feeling iso-

What did Scindia gain? Power. After all, that is what politics is all about. Exactly one year after losing his Lok Sabha seat, he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, with the prospect of a berth in the Modi cabinet

lated as Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh closed ranks against him. Nath’s no-nonsense and abrasive manner, and refusal to share more power, made him feel increasingly uncomfortable.

And then came the final ignominy. In 2019 he lost the Lok Sabha election to an unknown BJP candidate, KP Yadav, who happened to be one of his former cronies who would famously run to open his car doors and get snubbed for trying to get too close to get a selfie! It shattered the myth of Scindias being invisible on their home turf. Never before a Scindia had lost the election in Gwalior Chambal region.

When elections to Rajya Sabha were announced, he was not sure of getting a nomination

The story behind East Asia’s mask culture I

n East Asia, face masks are accessories akin to hats and scarves, a civilian, not a medical accessory.

People wear them for a variety of reasons: the smog, the cold, the sun, hay fever, unruly acne or to send a message usually transmitted via earbuds in North America: Don’t talk to me unless absolutely necessary.

This perspective stems from both the region’s population density, history with communicable diseases and cultural similarities shared between its countries. It also helps explain why East Asian diaspora communities began wearing face masks long before the practice became commonplace or required by law around the globe.

In East Asia, where population density tends to be

04

high, the risk of contagion is generally understood by the population to be higher as well. In metropolitan areas where the majority of the workforce travels by public transportation rather than personal vehicles, commuters guard against the constant possibility of falling sick. People begin wearing masks whenever there are reports of a seasonal spike and stop doing so once the rates of infection have gone down.

The 2002-03 SARS contagion and the 2009 H1N1 outbreak also help explain the public’s receptivity to masks. Countries in East Asia had faced mask shortages during both crises, which prompted families to keep medical and cloth masks at home as part of their first-aid kit.

Beyond disease prevention, masks are also worn

widely in East Asia for cultural and everyday sanitary reasons. Some people wear masks to hide skin problems or to block out the sun. Scooter commuters wear masks to protect themselves against car exhausts. Street vendors wear masks while preparing food. And healthy elders often wear masks when they go for a routine

medical check-up to avoid catching an actual disease due to their weakened immune system.

Given these historical, cultural and practical reasons behind wearing masks, the practice is widespread and does not incite alarm. When an individual in East Asia wears a mask in public, he or she is not automatically presumed

sick. There is much less stigma attached to masks.

Outside of East Asia, however, this mentality does not exist in mainstream culture. In Europe and North America, there are two groups of professionals who regularly wear masks: doctors and housekeeping staff. In the first group, masks are associated with contact with sick individuals, and in the second, masks enforce a uniform, nameless identity. Other reasons for wearing frontal face coverings are based in religion or the desire to conceal identity, all of which also attract stigma.

These reasons explain why the general public outside of East Asia was initially reluctant to wear face masks. In the US in particular, individuals resisting wearing a mask cite infringements on personal

freedom. Many public officials refuse to wear masks even when it is not their turn to speak in a televised press conference as they see wearing a mask as a vote of no confidence in containment measures rather than adherence to good practice.

Those who make a point to wear masks during news updates acknowledge that people are not used to seeing faces being covered.

Wearing masks has become accepted in East Asia because the region has seen and adapted itself to contagion on multiple occasions, and East Asians have carried this acceptance with them as they spread around the world. Their early reaction has regrettably not spread to mainstream society, but perhaps after COVID-19, it will..

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.FAIROBSERVER.COM

from the Congress, which preferred Digvijaya over him to fill up the vacancy. Scindia started feeling like fish out of water.

Exactly nine months after his defeat in the Lok Sabha election he crossed over to the BJP. What did Scindia gain?

Power. After all, that is what politics is all about. Exactly one year after losing his Lok Sabha seat, he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, with the prospect of a berth in the Modi cabinet. Every second supporter of his is a minister in the Madhya Pradesh government.

Now he does not have to deal with Kamal Nath who would call him “Jyoti”. CM Chouhan, who had publicly mocked his ancestors siding with the British in 1857, addresses him as ‘Shrimant’, an honorific for royalty. He is back in the Lutyen Delhi bungalow he had to vacate after losing his membership of Lok Sabha.

But his biggest challenge comes in September, when byelections to 24 assembly seats, including the 22 caused by resignations of Congress MLAs, are due.

Many established BJP leaders, already feeling sidelined after Thursday’s ministry formation, are afraid of newcomers encroaching upon their turf. They may try to sabotage the chances of the Scindia faction, for it is an uneasy marriage of convenience.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Harsimrat Kaur Badal @HarsimratBadal_ Indians wholeheartedly welcome PM @narendramodi ji’s announcement to extend free ration to 80cr ppl (5 kg wheat/rice & 1 kg chana per month) till Nov 20. This decision will go a long way in helping economically weaker sections during a time of #pandemic.

Mallikarjun Kharge @kharge Had the privilege of addressing close to 20 lakh @INCKarnataka cadres across 16000 locations during @ DKShivakumar’s charge taking ceremony. I am sure his team & he will ensure that Congress is back on the saddle in the state. My best wishes to him & the entire team.

Spiritual SPEAK

Everything has been accomplished in this very life by those whose mind is set in equality. —Bhagvad Gita

Vol 2 Issue No. 27 RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B. Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk Road, Jaipur.

Published at 304, 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504. Editor: Jagdeesh Chandra, responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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

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

INDIA JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

INDIAN ARMY KILLS TWO PAK SOLDIERS ALONG LOC IN POONCH PAK INITIATED UNPROVED FIRING WITH SMALL ARMS IN QASBA, KERNI AND SHAHPUR SECTORS AT ABOUT 9.30 AM ON THURSDAY New Delhi: At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a retaliatory fire on Thursday after Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan initiated unproved firing with small arms in Qasba, Kerni and Shahpur sectors at about 9.30 am.

Following this, the Indian Army retaliated against the Pakistan Army posts in the Rakh Chakri area. This resulted in the death of two Pakistani soldiers of 10 BALUCH. Rattled by the effective Indian firing that led to the destruction of few bunkers and casualties, Pakistan Foreign Ministry is working on lodging protest with Indias High Commission in Pakistan.

Earlier on June 30, Pakistani troops opened

unprovoked fire towards Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in violation of a ceasefire agreement, an army official said.

At about 9.30 a.m. today Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Shahpur and Kirni sectors of Poonch district. Indian army retaliated befittingly.

COLONEL DEVENDER ANAND

Nepal Houses prorogued, Oli refuses to yield New Delhi: Nepal was in turmoil after PM KP Sharma Oli, refusing to yield to party pressure to step down, got both Houses of Parliament prorogued without consulting their presiding officers to ward off threats to his continuance in office.

The move angered his Maoist partners led by former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ who met President Bidhya Devi Bhandari

KP Sharma Oli

to protest Oli’s ‘unconstitutional’ action and its instant endorsement by her.

Prachanda and Oli are co-chairpersons of

the ruling Nepal Communist Party. A crucial meeting of the party central committee has been deferred till Saturday as efforts are being made to keep the party intact.

Under fire for his remark that India was plotting with a section of Nepal’s political leadership to topple his government, Oli was said to be toying with the idea of promulgating an ordinance to ef-

PULWAMA ATTACK: ONE MORE HELD Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday, arrested one more accused, named Mohd Iqbal Rather, in connection with Pulwama attack case in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed in an IED blast on February 14, 2019. Mohd Iqbal Rather, 25, is a resident of Futlipura, Charar-e-Shareef, Budgam, J&K, read a statement.

Rather had facilitated the movement of Muhammad Umar Farooq, the JeM terrorist & a key conspirator, after he infiltrated into the Indian territory in Jammu region in April 2018, from the National Highway near International border to South Kashmir. Umar Farooq, along with others, had assembled the IED used in the attack.

05

‘Privatising trains will take away lifeline of poor’ operations on 109 pairs of routes through 151 modern trains.

The national transporter on Wednesday said that it plans to allow private entities to operate passenger trains and the project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore.

The objective of the initiative is to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world class travel experience to passengers, the Railway Ministry said.

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, sharpened his attack on the Narendra Modi government over its moves to allow private firms to run passenger trains.

He said government was taking away the lifeline of the country from the poor, and the people will give a befitting reply.

“Rail is the only lifeline of the poor and the government is taking it away from them. Snatch whatever you want to.

But remember -- the people of the country will give a befitting reply,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet attaching a news report.

His remarks came a day after the Indian Railways announced a major push for the private entities in the Indian Railways. The Railways have invited the request for qualifications for private participation for passenger train

—Agencies

26 killed by lightning strikes in Bihar

fect a change in law that would allow him to explore the possibility of splitting the ruling NCP. He could stitch a new coalition, possibly with the Opposition Nepali Congress under Sher Bahadur Deuba, to remain in power.

NCP spokesperson & former Dy PM Narayan Kaji Shrestha acknowledged that party was going through a deep crisis and efforts were on to keep the unity.

Patna: Twenty-six people were killed after being struck by lightning across Bihar on Thursday, officials said.

More than 100 people have died due to lightning strikes in the state in the last one week, they added.

According to the state disaster management depart-

ment, the casualties were reported from eight districts -- Patna, Samastipur, East Champaran, West Champaran, Sheohar, Katihar, Madhepura and Purnea.

Samastipur accounted for highest number of seven deaths. Expressing grief over the latest fatalities, Chief Min-

ister Nitish Kumar ordered a payment of Rs four lakh as ex gratia to next of kin of each deceased.

He also appealed to people to remain ‘alert & stay indoors’ as far as possible during the bad weather, besides following the advisories issued by the disaster management department.

MP Cabinet expansion: Scindia Rlys achieve 100% ‘Set up industries in Tier-II, camp wins big as 11 get berth punctuality for 1st time III cities rather than metros’ Anirudh Tiwari Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, held the first cabinet meeting in Bhopal after 28 Ministers were inducted into his Cabinet on Thursday morning. Notably, this is the second cabinet expansion since Chouhan returned to helm state affairs on March 23. The new ministers were administered the oath of office by Governor Anandiben Patel at the Raj Bhawan in Bhopal

in the presence of CM Shivraj and party’ Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The Gwalior-Chambal region has been overtly represented with 11 ministers inducted from the region.

Sixteen of the 24 MP assembly seats where byelections are due are from this region.

Of the 22 Congress MLAs who joined BJP, a total of 14 have been inducted as ministers. Of these, 10 are cabinet ministers and four are MoS. Nearly half the

HUL’S FAIR & LOVELY TO NOW BE CALLED ‘GLOW & LOVELY’ Mumbai: Fast-moving consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s (HUL’s) flagship skin care brand for women Fair & Lovely will now be known as Glow & Lovely. “Over the next few months, Glow & Lovely will be on shelves and future innovations will deliver on this new proposition,” the company said. Men’s

range will be called Glow & Handsome. HUL said next step in evolution of its skin care portfolio is to have a more inclusive vision of positive beauty. “We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive & want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty,” said HUL Chairman and MD Sanjiv Mehta.

Chouhan Cabinet is from a Congress background. A total of 11 ministers owe allegiance to former Congress veteran Jyotiraditya Scindia. He has been successful in driving a hard bargain with the BJP. While in the Congress he had six loyalists as ministers in the Kamal Nath cabinet, in Chouhan’s cabinet, he has 11. A number of prominent faces that were part of the previous Chouhan Cabinet were dropped to accommodate Scindia group.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways on Thursday, announced that 100 percent punctuality rate has been achieved “with all trains being on time”.

“For the first time ever in the history of Indian Railways, 100 per cent punctuality of trains has been achieved, with all trains being on time,” the Ministry of Railways tweeted on Thursday. “The previous best was 99.54 per cent on 23.06.2020 with one train getting delayed,” it further said.

Union Railway Min-

NOMINATIONS FOR PADMA AWARDS-2021 OPEN TILL SEPT 15 New Delhi: The MHA on Thursday informed that nominations for Padma Awards-2021 are open till September 15. “Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2021 have started from 1st May 2020. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September 2020,” said a press release from the MHA. The nominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online only on the Padma Awards portal https://padmaawards.gov.in.

ister, Piyush Goyal, expressing happiness at the achievement of the Railways, said in a tweet: “Trains in the Fast Lane: Enhancing services to unprecedented levels, Indian Railways made history on 1st July 2020 by achieving 100% punctuality rate.”

—ANI

Nagpur: Inaugurating the New Global Innovation Park Facility at Manesar, Gurugram via VC, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged companies to focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities rather than the metros for setting up new industries.

Speaking after the inauguration, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said,”Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have reached their saturation in industrialisation. You can

ASI MONUMENTS TO BE REOPENED FOR PUBLIC FROM JULY 6: PATEL New Delhi: All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6, the Union Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said on Thursday.

Earlier in June, the culture ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place.

As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the ASI were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis.The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities.

Nitin Gadkari

go to tier-II/tier-III cities, where skilled manpower is already available, where we need the centralisation of industry for employment potential”. “We have got skilled manpower with technical knowledge in those places. We have socially, eco-

nomically, educationally backward areas where the government emphasis is on giving more employment potential. So if you start in those areas, then we can think of giving you maximum support for that,” he said. “It fills me with immense pride & pleasure when I see Indian origin companies setting their eyes for global success. This is the concept of PM’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Conversion of knowledge into wealth is the future of the country,” he said.

—ANI

‘OVER RS 24,500 CRORES DISTRIBUTED TO MIFS, RRBS’ New Delhi: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that over `24,500 crores have been distributed to Corporate Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Micro Finance Institutions under special liquidity facility by the NABARD. “A big liquidity relief to small and marginal labourers and a stride towards making farmers Atmanirbhar where around `24586.87 crore has been disbursed to cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks and MFI under `30000 crore special liquidity facility by NABARD as on 30 June,” he tweeted.

INDIA JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

91L tests conducted in India: Govt India has fought very strongly against COVID-19 & has succeeded in it,” said Health Min Dr Vardhan New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that around 91 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted across India so far and soon this figure will touch the one-crore mark.

“We have done around 91 lakh tests in the country. Soon this figure is going to reach one crore.

All these statistics prove in themselves that India has fought very strongly in the fight against COVID-19 and has succeeded in it,” said Dr Vardhan.

“The people of the country need not panic, the number of cases is six lakhs in a country of 135 crore people. Out of these 6 lakh people, 3 lakh 60 thousand people have recovered and gone home. Most of the patients are in a position to recover and go home.

The death rate is the lowest in the world at 2.94

Corona recovery rate reaches 59.52% New Delhi: A total of 11,881 COVID-19 patients have been cured during the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative figure to 3,59,859, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

This further takes the recovery rate to 59.52 per cent. As on date, there are 1,32,912 recovered cases more than the active COVID-19 cases.

Presently, there are 2,26,947 active cases and all are under medical supervision. —ANI

Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan

Health workers wearing PPE kits screen residents during a free medical checkup camp at a containment zone in Mumbai.

per cent,” he added.

The recovery rate has reached almost 60 per cent and our doubling rate has reached 21-22 days, the Minister said.

“Today, we are testing on such a large scale.

Yesterday, we conducted about 2 lakh 30 thou-

195 lakh N-95 masks have been distributed.

“From the very first day, we have made all the preparations to upgrade our infrastructure. Even now, the country is not fully utilising the preparations we have made. If we

calculate our COVID Hospitals, COVID Health Centres, and COVID Care Centers, then more than 1.3 million beds are still available,” he added.

He stated that despite this, we are also preparing for the future. —ANI

Delhi gets India’s first ‘Plasma Bank’ New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday inaugurated country’s first ‘Plasma Bank’, via video conference, and urged people to come forward and donate plasma.

“If you have recovered from COVID-19 and your age is between 18 and 60 and your weight is above 50 kg, then you may donate plasma for COVID-19 patients.

However, women who have given birth or the persons with comorbidities, are not eligible to donate plasma,” the CM said.

‘Tough to hold CA exams due to rise in Corona cases’ New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) told SC that there may be some difficulties in conducting the CA exams as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justices Dinesh Maheshwari & Sanjiv Khanna was hearing a PIL filed by Anubha Shrivastava Sahai, President of India Wide Parents

sand tests in the country. The journey started with a laboratory, today we have developed 1,065 laboratories in the country,” he added.

He added that 118 lakh PPE kits have been distributed to the people of the country while

I shall be inaugurating the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020’ along with my cabinet colleague HRD Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank Ji today, via video conferencing. Minister of State, RD, Sanjay Dhotre Ji will also be present on the occasion. Visualised

by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the #DrugDiscoveryHackathon 2020’ is a unique approach to identify COVID-19 drug.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visits the Plasma Bank at ILBS Hospital in New Delhi on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

He added that people with unstable sugar, hypertension, cancer survivors, and people with chronic liver, kidney, and heart problems cannot donate plasma.

“So far, people were finding it difficult to get plasma. This ‘Plasma Bank’ will only be successful if people come forward to donate plasma,” he said.

“If you are eligible and willing to donate plasma, then you may call us at 1031 or you can WhatsApp us at 8800007722. Our doctors will then get in touch with you to further confirm your eligibility,” he added.

“The Plasma Bank is being set up at ILBS Hospital. Once you reach here, basic tests will be conducted and later your plasma will be taken. Till the time vaccine is developed, plasma therapy will be helpful & there will be a decline in deaths due to COVID-19,” he said. —ANI

Amit Shah stresses on more testing

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday said that during the meeting with Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi over COVID-19 situation on Thursday, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised on increasing testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate.

“During the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised on adoption of more testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits to help reduce the infection transmission rate.

These kits can be provided by GoI to UP and Haryana. Focus on early hospitalization to reduce mortality rates,” the MHA said. —ANI

With 19,148 cases, India’s tally crosses 6L mark New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 tally breached the 6 lakh cases mark with 19,148 new coronavirus cases being reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Health Ministry.

The total cases now stand at 6,04,641 of which there are 2,26,947 active cases while 3,59,860 patients have been cured/discharged. 434 deaths have been reported in last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 deaths in the country to 17,834. —ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

Please deport us: Foreign Jamaatis to SC

Association. The petitioner sought more examination centres, a stay on ‘opt-out’ scheme, and a better precautions from Corona, for around 3.46 lakh CA students, who are scheduled to appear in May cycle exams, to be conducted by ICAI between July 29 to August 16.

The ICAI today sought adjournment of the case, to which, the apex court agreed and fixed the matter for further hearing to July 10. —ANI

New Delhi: Foreign nationals who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area in March have requested the Supreme Court that they should be deported to their home countries.

A plea has been filed in SC by 34 foreign nationals who have challenged revocation of their visas and blacklisting by the central government. The attendees, through their counsel CU Singh, said that normal course of action for visa violation is deportation.

of Pinaka ammunition, software defined radios for the Army and BMP armament upgrades.

The procurement of 21 MiG-29 and upgrade of the existing fleet of MiG-29 is estimated to cost the government Rs 7,418 crore while purchase of 12 new Su30 MKI from HAL will be made at a cost of Rs 10,730 crore, the officials said. In the statement, the ministry said capital procurement worth around Rs 38,900 crore was approved by the DAC. “While acquisition of Pinaka missile systems will enable rais-

ing additional regiments over and above the ones already inducted, addition of long range land attack missile systems having a firing range of 1000 KM to the existing arsenal will bolster the attack capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force,” the ministry said.

“Please deport us to our home countries. We came here before any restrictions (imposed due to Covid-19). If we have not committed anything grave, the Centre can consider deporting us,” the foreign na-

tionals argued.

Blacklisting would mean we should not be allowed to return to India but we can be deported, the petitioners further said.

The central government submitted an af-

available on demand and that passenger waitlist will decrease.

Yadav said that the private operators will also pay fixed haulage charges for path, stations, access to railway infrastructure and charges for electricity consumed. It will also share revenue with Indian Rawailys through competitive bidding.

The private entity has to ensure 95 per cent punctuality and record not more than one failure per lakh kilometre of travel.

“If any performance indicators are not met

by private players in passenger train operations they will be penalised, said Yadav.

“Through this the common man will get better trains, better technology and at low cost. The Indian Railways will continue to run 95 per cent of the trains, he said. —PTI

fidavit stating that individual orders have been issued against each of the foreign nationals cancelling their visas.

As per the affidavit, visas of 2,679 foreign nationals have been cancelled and they will be allowed to go home only when legal process under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) are complete.

The affidavit also said that 227 foreign nationals left India before a lookout notice could be issued against them.

The matter has been adjourned till July 10.

06

POWER Gallery WHO WILL BE NEW CEO OF SANSAD TV?

After the merger of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha TV, who will be new CEO ? Indications are that an IAS officer suggested by the I&B Ministry may be appointed to the post.

MANU SHRIVASTAVA TO BE CHAIRMAN OF SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION ?

Name of Manu Shrivastava is doing the rounds for the post of Chairman Solar Corporation of India. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

INTER- CADRE DEPUTATION TENURE OF DR POOJA PANDEY EXTENDED

The inter- cadre deputation tenure of Dr Pooja Pandey from Assam-Meghalaya cadre to Uttar Pradesh, has been extended for a period of one year beyond July 4, 2020. She is a 2008 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

INTER- CADRE DEPUTATION TENURE OF CHANDRA SHEKHAR EXTENDED

The inter- cadre deputation tenure of Chandra Shekhar from Jharkhand to Bihar, has been extended for a period of two years beyond July 2, 2020. He is a 2008 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

AMIT GHAWATE RETURNS TO PARENT CADRE

Amit Ghawate, who was deputed to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) eight months ago, has been repatriated to his parent cadre. He is an IRS-IT officer.

VIPIN KUMAR GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF KVS

Vipin Kumar, JS, MHRD has been given temporary charge of Kendriya Vidhyalaya Sangathan (KVC). He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre. It is said that the fast changing development took place around 10.00 pm last night.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF SUDEEP JAIN EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Sudeep Jain working as Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, has been extended for a period of six months beyond June 21, 2020.

SN MISHRA PROMOTED TO CHIEF SECRETARY GRADE IN MP

SN Mishra has been promoted to the grade of Chief Secretary with upgrading his post as ACS, Home in Madhya Pradesh. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

ARUNA MOHAN RAO PROMOTED TO DGP GRADE IN MP

Aruna Mohan Rao has been promoted to the grade of Director General of Police (DGP) with upgrading her post as DGP, Rail in Madhya Pradesh. She is a 1987 batch IPS officer of MP cadre.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION TENURE OF RAMCHANDRA MEENA EXTENDED

The central deputation tenure of Ramchandra Meena working as Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy has been extended for a period of two years beyond July 1, 2020. He is an IRS-IT officer BALLA SWAMY APPOINTED CMO, THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO.

The New India Assurance Company Ltd has appointed Balla Swamy as Chief Marketing Officer of the company in w.e.f July 1, 2020.

THREE IAS OFFICERS GET NEW POSTINGS IN MP

Sanskriti Jain has been appointed as CEO, Alirajpur Zilla Panchayat, while Basant Kurre has been given an additional charge of NRI department and Dr. Sonawane Saurabh Sanjay is posted as SDO Revenue at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh.

FROM PG 1 Rajeeva Swarup...

He is slated to retire on September 30. Notably, Rajeeva is scheduled to retire on October 31, and there is a speculation that his term may be extended. Meanwhile, 102 other IAS officials have also been shuffled.

Power Play...

The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks.

The proposals approved by the DAC also included procurement

On fast... and prices on other modes of transport like airlines, buses will have to be kept in mind, he said. He also said that the introduction of private players would also mean that trains will be

‘Expect prompt... situation along LAC in India-China border areas and said the senior commanders of two sides have met on June 6, 22 and 30. He said diplomatic engagements were also continuing in parallel and

last week on June 24 a meeting of WMCC on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was also held. “Both sides have emphasised the need for an expeditious, phased and stepwise de-escalation as a priority. This is in keeping with the Agreement between EAM and his Chinese counterpart during their conversation on June 17 that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and that both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of June 6 sincerely,” he said. —ANI

China on...

Responding to reports that both countries are strengthening import regulations and suppressing each other’s export goods amid the tense border situation and its impact on China’s foreign trade enterprises exports to India, Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng said that China has not taken any restrictive measures against Indian products and services.

Transgenders may... now essential to provide transgenders a “level playing field” in

all avenues and services including combat policing. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also sought time-bound “comments”, in favour or against, from the five paramilitary or CAPFs so that the UPSC can be intimated whether or not to include the transgender category in the soon-to-be published notification for this year’s CAPFs (ACs) exam.

The AC is the entry-level officer rank in the five CAPFS of the CRPF) BSF, CISF, ITBP and the Sashastra Seema Bal SSB. —PTI

NEWS JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

07

 As gates of all the sanctuaries in Rajasthan including Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve were shut for tourists from July 1, forest officials hope the clan of tigers may grow in the state by the time these parks open in October.

THE CLAN MUST GROW!

 These months are considered as the best time for mating and breeding of wildlife and human activities during this time are completely prohibited.  Earlier too, the sanctuaries were closed for tourists for nearly three months during lockdown due to the ongoing corona epidemic.  Although the sanctuaries opened on June 8 after Unlock-01 began, but it could not gather much attention from enthusiasts due to tough guidelines and restrictions.  In 2006, the NTCA had ordered ceasing jungle safaris in tiger reserves during monsoon for a minimum of three months, citing that it was the season for forests to rejuvenate and tigers to breed.  Mud tracks become slushy with rain, risking tourist’s safety, as the vehicles get stuck in slush  Like every year, this time also during the shutdown in Sariska, pilgrims visiting Pandupol temple will be allowed to enter inside the park on Tuesday and Saturday.

PM TO RATE BJP’S GOOD DEEDS DURING CORONA

State BJP chief Poonia busy making presentation for July 7 Aishwary Pradhan Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with BhBJP presidents of seven states on July 7.

He will take feedback about party’s state wing’s humanitarian work done during corona crisis. PM will also give suggestions about how to help citizens. PM will be accompanied by BJP national president JP Nadda and general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh.

Senior state BJP leaders will also join the VC. State BJP president Satish Poonia is busy preparing presentation to give information about humanitarian work undertaken by the state unit. He will be accompanied by members of the core committee and other party officials.

BJP national president JP Nadda had given clear instructions to state BJP units to press frontal organisations into humanitarian work during the crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They were asked to collect donations from Bhamashah for the PM Cares Fund to help people.

Nadda used to take regular updates about the task. During the virtual rally Nadda had appreciated management of state president Satish Poonia, state general secretary (organisation) Chandrashekhar and national joint secretary V Satish.

FI has accessed to the probable report Satish Poonia will present to PM Modi and national president JP Nadda on

July 7. According to the report prepared, Rajasthan is among the best performing states where BJP is not in power. BJP workers under Poonia were outstanding in providing various relief measures to the poor and needy in the state.

The probable report to be submitted says that the party distributed 1.90 crore food packets, 57.33 lakh dry ration packets and 91.75 lakh face covers were distributed during 28 March to 31 May

2020.

More than 2 lakh 65 thousand party workers contributed Rs 50 crore to the PM Cares Fund.

Party workers got 83.85 lakh Arogya Setu apps downloaded on mobiles in the state.

The party helpline received around 30 thousand calls out of which workers resolved more than 26 thousand calls within the state and around 10 thousand migrant calls were also resolved.

Similarly 1,150 persons were helped through WhatsApp helpline.

The state unit of BJP had a dialogue with more than 61,000 party workers through 85 audio conferences and 25,000 workers through 60 video calls.

The party established dialogue with sections of society like barbers, tailors, ex servicemen, doctors, players, lawyers and other intelligentsia of the society.

The party collected 5,536 units of blood.

Over 3 lakh water pots were put up for the birds.

Raze hills for K’garh runway extension: CS Dr Rituraj Sharma Jaipur: Chief Secretary DB Gupta chaired a meeting on Thursday where the constitution of a technical team of state government and Airport Authority of India (AAI) was approved.

The decision to raze the hills blocking the extension of Kishangarh airport runway was also taken.

The runway has to be extended to 3,000 metres from the existing 2,000 metres.

Apart from these two hills, transmission towers of All India Radio and Prasar Bharti are also coming in way of runway’s extension. CS Gupta will write to Prasar Bharti to remove or shift the towers.

Ajmer collector has submitted a report of the requirement of necessary resources that would incur cost of Rs 18 crore. As per the report, it would require 65 hectare forest land whose land conversion will also be needed.

The state government will give Rs 5.75 crore as compensation for the land after conversion. To lower the height of hills, Rs 11.04 crore would be spent.

Committed to protecting children’s rights: Gehlot Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday released the vision document of Rajasthan State Child Rights Protection Commission titled Vission Mission at the CM residence. On the completion of one year of the tenure of the Board, he congratulated the Chairman of the Commission, Sangeeta Beniwal and all the members.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

CM said that the government is dedicated to providing all necessary facilities to protect child rights and make them a worthy citizen of the country.

He commended Com-

mission for the efforts made towards the protection of child rights in the last one year.

Commissioner of Child Empowerment Department Dr Veena Pradhan, Joint Secretary of Commission Rajesh Chauhan and Board Members Vijendra Singh, Prahlada Sahai, Shiv Bhagwan Naga, Vandana Vyas and Nusrat Naqvi were also present on the occasion.

THOUSANDS BID ADIEU TO MARTYR

Sikar: Martyr Deepchand Verma (inset) was cremated with full state honours and moist eyes in his ancestral village.

The body of Deepchand was carried out in the form of a Tri-

colour Yatra from Ringas to his village, Thousands of villagers including Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasara and Khandela MLA Mahadev Singh paid respects to the martyr

from the district.

Deepchand laid his life in Sopore of Baramulla in Kashmir while combating terrorists on Wednesday.

He is survived by a wife, one daughter and two sons.

INSIDE STORY

In clash of Udaipur titans, it’s collector nil, officer one Rajendra Chhabra Jaipur: As the blazing sun was casting its spell, Udaipur Collector Anandhi facing heat from power corridors too landed in Jaipur last week to meet Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

During her meeting with CM, she narrated her ordeal as to how some officials while lobbying against her are causing immense hurdles in her discharging duties.

She urged CM that either she be removed from her current posting or trou-

bled officials be transferred. Now, it is being said that Anandhi could be given the responsibility as the Head of Department (HOD).

Notably, RAS ML Chauhan, posted in Udaipur as settlement officer, had been at loggerheads with Collector Anandhi since long. The collector had issued him a notice for failing to reach on time for a meeting. This did not go down well with Chauhan who spared no time to register serious case against Anandhi in court. It was an extraordinary

Sitaram Vikas Bhale

Anandhi

ML Chauhan

development which made headlines too.

However, since then, Chauhan and Anandhi seemed to had a patch up and both sides had

taken a step back. While the Collector recalled her notice, the RAS also obliged by rolling back the court case.

Still, the serious alle-

gations that Chauhan laid on Anandhi damaged her credibility.

The image Anandhi made for herself by tirelessly working as Col-

lector Udaipur was severely tarnished. Chauhan had contested that Anandhi had ‘western interests’ in issuing notice to him. Since he belongs to the SC catagory, he is being harassed, claimed Chauhan.

Furthermore, he claimed that the Udaipur Collector demanded to purchase a piece of land and finally, that the Collector is bent on departmental action against him.

Now that the notice and court case have been rolled back, the development still echoes in the administrative and political circles of Udaipur.

It is being speculated that ML Chauhan enjoys the support of Udaipur Divisional Commissioner Sitaram Vikas Bhale, who aided in opening a front against Collector Anandhi since both are long time friends. When in 2012-13, Bhale was Udaipur Collector, Chauhan was District Supply Officer and duo were known to be ‘close’.

There is a grapevine in Udaipur bureaucratic circles that the ‘boss’ and his ‘deputy’ were sometimes roaming around even on bikes in tribal areas, leading behind their official cars and protocol.

In his 24-year-long service, 1996 batch RAS Chauhan has spent most of his service time in Udaipur division as out of his 23 postings, 18 have been in Udaipur.

Thus, he knows the area and its politics like the back of his hand.

Now that after eight years Bhale has returned as Divisional Commissioner, their ‘friendship’ is in full swing. It is also said that Bhale is miffed at Anandi since neither does she replies to his calls on time nor she follows his instructions.

It remains to be seen what happens in the transfer list.

Don’t run away from trouble.

Trouble creates a capacity to handle it.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21

JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

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

08

‘Committed to strengthen law & order in Raj’

CM Ashok Gehlot flagged off 70 Chetak vehicles and 124 Sigma motorcycles equipped with modern technology for the Jaipur Police Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday that the government is committed to strengthen law and order in the state. All necessary resources are being made available to the state police for strengthening law and order in Rajasthan, Gehlot said after flagging off 194 new vehicles equipped with modern technol-

CM Ashok Gehlot flagged off 194 new vehicles for Jaipur Police from Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday.

ogy for the Jaipur Police. Seventy Chetak vehicles and 124 Sigma motorcycles carrying the bannerposter of Corona awareness left from the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday.

He hoped that the new vehicles would help the police in controlling the crime by reducing the response time.

Director General of Police Bhupendra

Singh said the vehicles are fitted with GPS systems for tracking location, cameras for videography of the incident and other modern equipment. This will help in crime research as well as make it easier to reach the spot immediately, he added.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava said the motorcycles would be more useful for patrolling the

narrow streets of the walled city. “With the help of these modern vehicles, the police will be able to patrol the round the clock on the streets of Jaipur,” he said Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Chief Whip Mahesh Joshi, ACS Home Rajeeva Swarup, MLAs Rafeek Khan, Ganga Devi and Laxman Meena were present on the occasion.

‘Defiant and lonely’ Pilot fires salvo at coordination committee meeting Aditi Nagar New Delhi: A daring, defiant and ‘lonely’ Sachin Pilot has questioned the relevance of upcoming coordination committee meeting, claiming it is ‘even without an agenda’. In a surprise move, PCC Chief and the chairman of state Sachin Pilot

Congress coordination committee Pilot, has shot a four page strongly worded e-mail to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and also Rahul, expressing his deep ‘anguish and concern’ over the style and functioning of the coordination committee, which will probably meet around July 6.

According to a highly reliable input, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and a few other senior Con-

gress leaders, to whom this mail has been marked, are reportedly surprised over the ‘tone and tenor’ of the mail.

Pilot has carried a frontal attack on the relevance and utility of the past coordination committee meetings which, according to him, have “failed to deliver substantive results including making political appointments and devising party’s strategy to win upcom-

ing Panchayat polls”. A ‘disappointed’ Pilot has reportedly gone to the extent of saying that the coordination committee meetings have turned to be only ‘coffee and breakfast shows’. He has also expressed his annoyance that even five days before a likely 6th July coordination committee meeting, no formal agenda has been circulated amongst its members.

It has been learnt

that subsequently Avinash Pande has himself shared Pilot’s ‘sentiment’ conveyed in his mail with his deputy Vivek Bansal, who was busy finalizing meeting’s agenda on Wednesday evening, under an overall supervision of a ‘knowledgeable’ Pande. On the issue of finalising the panel for political appointments, Pilot has expressed his deep dis-

pleasure, on the way the entire process is being initiated and handled, as in past the panels have been finalized but the committee is going to take up the issue again. “What is this fun?”

In this background, the entire matter has been reported to Sonia and Rahul with the request to implement the ‘Kerala model’ of political appointments in Ra-

jasthan also, where most of these appointments were completed in less than a month of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, to give a clear message to party cadres. But on the contrary, even after a lapse of 15 months, Rajasthan’s performance on this front is almost ZERO, which is creating frustration and disappointment among the ‘waiting’ leaders and workers.

Tampering with History: Badnore writes to Mishra

Bhagasara questions PYC polls

Kartikey Dev Singh

Jaipur: Pradesh Youth Congress is still reeling under Bhakar v/s Bhagasara with Sumit Bhagasara not ready to easily give up what he tasted for a month.

On Thursday, on one hand, there was PYC President Mukesh Bhakar holding a meeting at PYC state office regarding corona awareness campaign while, arch rival Sumit Bhagasara held a press conference raising serious questions on Bhakar’s election. Ever since the PYC election process started, it was marred by controversies. First was the online voting system and

Jaipur: Governor of Punjab and Administrator Union Territory, Chandigarh VP Singh Badnore has written a letter to the Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra, urging him to constitute a high-level committee of academicians/historians to look into the details on how the act of tampering with the historical facts has taken place in the Class X textbook “Rajasthan ka Itihas aur Sanskriti” published by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education.

In the letter, Badnore has mentioned that historical facts related to the

VP Singh Badnore

Mewar dynasty and its legendary warriors, Maharana Pratap and his father Maharana Udai Singh II, have been distorted. Also, the facts about Maharana Udai Singh II have all been distorted. In the book, Maharana Udai Singh II has been termed as a murderer of Balvir to capture the Mewar Kingdom. However, it is a

TETE

TETE

-AAditi Nagar

Y

ou must have heard of the quaint saying “daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam” which loosely translates to “every morsel of food has a destiny pre-decided.” Well in the power circles of Rajasthan there exists an extension of this saying which goes like this “Bungle bungle pe likha hai rehne wale ka naam” (Each Bungalow is destined for housing a special person). The latter lines are quite famous among the ‘powerful’ in

known fact that Balvir, the half brother of the Maharana, had usurped the throne of Mewar and was the actual conspirator. Badnore also stated, “The recent change made in the History books is nothing but a sheer display of distorted facts and misinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of the Rajput warriors, Maharana Pratap and Maharana Udai Singh, who sacrificed their lives for the pride and dignity of their motherland. Instead of highlighting the heroic saga, we are teaching our children wrong historical facts and depriving them of our rich culture.”

First India Bureau

Avinash Pande @avinashpandeinc I salute the martyrdom of Deepchand Verma ji, the heroic son of Sikar martyred in the terrorist attack in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. My deepest condolences to his family in this difficult time. God give peace to the departed soul and speedy recovery to the injured soldiers.

Sumit Bhagasara during the press conference on Thursday.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

then the FIR, both had the whole election process under scanner. Sumit Bhagasara was PYC President for a month so now, he is not sitting down quietly.

He vehemently questioned the election process. He said his election was discarded on the grounds of an FIR in the Parliament Street Police

Station, which doesn’t exit.

He alleged that the voter list was leaked before the election to give advantage to somebody.

The server crashed on the voting day which witnessed voting as low as 27 per cent at one place while it shot to 60 per cent in some other districts. Votes cast in Punjab allegedly were

credited to Chittorgarh district.

Bhagasara said that the MCC was openly flouted during the elections. And asked that when 9,606 votes were rejected, why didn’t election commission object to it. He added that the elections were conducted by FEM which is not reachable despite efforts which is unusual.

Meanwhile PYC chief Bhakar, having the advantage of being a sitting MLA, has kept Youth Congress active in relief work during lockdown and has met both CM Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM Pilot to put his point across.

Bungle-Oh! The topsy-turvy side of bunglow diplomacy the state governance structures and more a person’s power, better and bigger would be their bungalows!

With the entire ‘bungalow episode’ around Priyanka Gandhi’s bungalow making headlines across the nation and Congress party crying foul for the alleged ‘ousting’ in a ‘cruel manner’ of its General Secretary from posh Lodhi Estate bungalow in New Delhi, back home in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot – a veteran Congress leader – has chosen not to ‘set an example’ on an elite member of the BJP by denying similar action, as

met to Priyanka by BJP government in New Delhi.

The ‘elite’ members of the saffron party is none other than the two time chief minister of Ra-

jasthan, Vasundhara Raje, who during her previous tenure as CM, got bungalow number 13 in Civil Lines allotted in her name.

Now lets look at the con-

trast. On Wednesday Priyanka paid dues worth Rs 3.46 lakh towards the Bungalow and has been informed that she can stay in the house for one more month, following which

Priyanka Gandhi, CM Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje

she will have to fill up penalty. Gandhi had been allotted this type-68 bungalow in 1997, a time when she was also given SPG cover. Now that the SPG cover has been removed, her allotment to the bungalow has been cancelled by the central government and although it is being according to the rules and regulations, the Congress is miffed.

But presenting an example of ‘tolerance’ is Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot, who on one hand has condemned the development around Pri-

yanka’s bungalow, and on the other hand has let Vasundhara Raje continue with the facilities in Bungalow number 13 in Civil Lines at Jaipur.

Nearly six months back, the Rajasthan High Court had ordered that government bungalow can not be allotted in the name of former Chief Ministers neither can any facility be given, however the state government has continued Raje’s ‘stay’ in the bungalow. The Chief Minister is now trying to find a way through which Raje continue to hold reins of the bungalow as an elected legislator. This is how the two governments are ‘different’ in the same country!

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

09

JAIPUR, FRIDAY JULY 3, 2020

DIE FOR DENIM City First brings to you the history of denim, the styles and enduring fashion statement that it makes, plus a few tips and tricks to make it last for a really long time, making it look like it’s still brand new! look to whatever it is used in.

The style ‘denim-on-denim’ is always a big hit, but there is something you need to keep in mind if you’re going for this stylemake sure both the types of denim aren’t of the matching texture/colour; make sure you vary the colour of both the pieces.

Owning a denim item in your closet is an absolute must, and taking care of it is extremely essential. City First brings you a few tips on how you can take of anything you have in a denim fabric, and it would look as new as ever.

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

D

enim, which is also known as the ‘Fashion Garment’ has been in trend ever since it came into existence, which was during the 18th century. It was later hyped in the 19th century, when Levi Strauss, a German-born American businessman founded the first company to manufacture blue jeans. Denim has made its place in the fashion industry not just as jeans, but also as shorts, jackets, shirts, skirts, dungaree, hats, jeggings, cloth face masks, dresses, belts, handbags, and so much more.

With different uses comes different textures.

There are various types

of denim fabrics, like raw denim, stretch denim, crushed denim, acid-wash denim, poly denim and many more, that eventually gives a different

n

Make sure to wash it in cold water- It helps in maintaining the colour and makes it look brand new after every wash.

n

Let it dry naturally- Using dryers to dry off pieces of denim is a bad idea; they are natural enemies of the fabric. Let them dry naturally.

n

Don’t wash the fabric too often: Washing it often will just end in giving the fabric a faded look. Make sure to wash it once every 10 wears, so as to maintain the colour, as well as maintain the fit.

n

Avoid ironing: In case there are any creases, make sure not to iron it. The creases will go away naturally once you wear the item.

n

Store them properly: Make sure to place them in your wardrobe, tucked in a hanger. That is how you can ensure a good life of denim.

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

JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

10

365 Days: Why The Netflix Movie Is So Controversial Netflix’s erotic drama 356 Days presents the story of a woman falling for the Mafia boss who kidnapped her — here’s why it’s so controversial!

N

not. The experience left the young man to take over the “family business” — and obsessed with the beautiful face he saw moments before the attack. When he finally “finds” the woman, Laura, he kidnaps her for a year so that she’ll fall in love with him.

365 Days is a guilty pleasure romance movie filled with unbelievable events, unintentionally hilarious dialogue, and very little actual plot; however, the narrative issues aren’t the reason why the film has attracted controversy. Rather, the movie’s depiction of Massimo’s treatment of

FA CE OF TH ED AY

etflix’s erotic thriller 365 Days (365 DNI) has proven to be a controversial movie for the streaming platform. The feature film is based on a Polish novel by cosmetologistturned-author Blanka Lipi ski, who reportedly wrote her own novel series inspired by the success of 50 Shades of Grey. Netflix’s 365 Days adapts the first novel in the series, introducing audiences to the problematic relationship between Laura Biel and Massimo Torricelli. The movie became available on Netflix in June 2020.

Directed by Barbara Białow s and Tomasz Mandes, 365 Days is a too hot to handle film offering softcore thrills for audiences.

The story centers around Laura, a tough executive with a weak heart and a lame boyfriend. She is kidnapped during a birthday trip in Sicily by Mafia boss Massimo, who has been fixated on her for the last five years: after noticing her on a beach, he and his father were both shot. Massimo survived, but his father did

Laura — and her response to that treatment — have lead some reviewers to condemn the movie for glorifying domestic abuse and perpetuating rape culture.

365 Days tries to present titillating scenes that far too often cross the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Massimo is more than a dominant alpha male: he is actively a predator. Not only does Massio kidnap Laura, but he frequently abuses her — both emotionally and physically. He infantilizes her, orders her around, and — despite his frequent claims of not being a monster, and

that he won’t touch her unless she says yes — repeatedly gropes, caresses, and generally manhandles Laura without her consent. As Hedy Phillips notes in Popsugar, the gender dynamic this movie celebrates is deeply troubling: “The more TV shows and movies run with abusive relationships, the more it normalizes them, and the more people think it’s OK not just to abuse others but to stay in abusive relationships.”

These interactions are by their very nature not consensual because Laura is being held against her will.

What is perhaps most disturbing about 365 Days is the manner by which the movie frames Massimo’s at times horrifying actions as sexually thrilling, implicitly excusing his abuse by suggesting that Laura really wants it, and/or deserves his treatment. In one scene — which accidentally echoes Matt Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior —

Source: https://screenrant.com/365-days-dni-netflix-movie-controversial-why/

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Amenability makes you very likeable in your circle.

Home makers will make their spouse feel special and will cater to their every need.

You will accomplish something that seemed impossible to achieve at first. You always make healthy choices of food.

Apportion of unexpected profits amongst the investors must be done by you with utmost honestly.

Your efficiency and accuracy in business has taken you to the heights where people can only dream to reach. These days you are trying your best to complete office work.

Splurging should be avoided at the current moment. You can expect some rich clients contacting you for the services that your business provide and if you get successful in impressing them they will turn into your permanent clientele list.

Meticulous approach in business will be quite beneficial for you. Your business partners will give full cooperation in making the business stand again and there may be challenges but remember you will get back to the same position and success zone where you were before.

MAR 21 - APR 20

APR 21 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Perspiration is important for you so spend moderate time at home in exercising and getting that stubborn fat out of the body, these are the time when its very important to remain fit.

You will see an improvement in earnings and this will motivate you to work harder.

Voluptuary displays fascinates you but now is the time to take your mind away and focus on new avenues in life. Be prompt in delivering your best in office as now is the time you need to work harder than ever before. You benefit from someone else’s fate.

Arrears will find their way back and you will take a sigh of relief. You need patience in your professional life and also remember one thing very clearly that is to not expect from everyone or rather no one. Take initiatives to help those in need as that brings joy.

Plunging into property business will be an outstanding idea in long terms and it will fill your pockets with money in coming times.

Deliver your best in office work and if not now, you will be definitely rewarded in the future. Parents’ company makes you happy.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

AUG 24 - SEP 23

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Litigation in business shall be avoided for your own good. In long term your positivity will bring lot os happiness on family front. Bachelors may feel eager to get married with their lover, must not wait and should go ahead with your gut feeling. You will come closer to realising your dreams.

Tranquility is all you want but your kids and spouse are in mood for some fun today. You walk on righteous path and make sure to not let even other go astray. People love you for your honesty and straight forwardness. You will see progress, healthwise.

Mulish behaviour won’t be entertained at home so keep yourself in check. You may see withdrawal symptoms if you trying to get rid of any kind of addiction and once you over come it, you will be really happy. You have harmony at home and nothing can shake it away.

Demurring nature isn’t a problem until or unless your professional life demands otherwise. Today is a very good day to make money, incase if you have a shop try and get there early as you will be surprised by the number of the customers.

Shifting residence can be delayed.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

ABHISHALI SANGRAL, Model

Massimo locks Laura in a room with him and refuses to let her leave, despite her repeated pleas. He then wrestles her onto a bed, ties her up spread eagle so that he has “access” to her, molests her, then forces her to watch him receive oral sex from another woman. In another scene, after Laura rejects his sexual advances in the shower and turns to leave, Massimo grabs her roughly by the neck and pulls her violently towards him; the non-diegetic music suggests the act is exciting, but the image would be more suited to a horror film.

Unfortunately, despite it’s 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, 365 Days became one of Netflix’s most-watched properties shortly after its release.

Hopefully, many audiences see through the movie’s cheap thrills and recognize the toxic nature of Laura and Massimo’s relationship — otherwise, audiences can expect more stories like this in the future.

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

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

JAIPUR | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

DOBARA

Bell Bottom

POOCHO!

J

with Akshay

ust a few days back, Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor were snapped together at the office of Pooja entertainment and on Thursday, the official announcement regarding the film Bell Bottom came in.

Vaani Kapoor took to social media to share the news with everyone that she will be headlining ‘Bell Bottom’ with Akshay Kumar. Taking to social media, Vaani shared pho-

T

hrough a powerful campaign #DobaraPoocho, actor Deepika Padukone on Tuesday urged people to be a little more attentive towards their loved ones and repeatedly inquire about their life struggles and mental health issues.

The 34-year-old actor, who is known for her mental health foundation - The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLF) - took to Instagram to post a video that preaches checking up on close ones suffering from depression and other ailments. The video features four separate stories wherein a close friend or a family member of the person suffering from depression is seen constantly asking the patient to speak up and discuss their problems.

The hashtag of ‘Dobara Poocho’ stresses at urging people to repeat inquiring about the mental well being of the person despite the person’s assurance of being fit and fine. It also throws light on the fact that most people struggling through such issues do not come out due to the stigma around the issue.

In the caption of the post, Padukone is seen re-stressing on the need to be more sensitive towards the emotional needs of the close ones of an individual. “#DobaraPoocho Now more than ever we need to be sensitive and support the emotional needs of those around us...#DobaraPoocho #MentalHealthMatters,” the ‘Chhapaak’ actor wrote.

—Agency

NEPOTISM TO

For good!

L

TROLLING

N

epotism has been prevailing in Bollywood ever since the news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely demise. It has been a hot topic of discussion and everyone is brimming with an opinion about the same. However, Saif Ali Khan recently shocked the netizens by calling himself a victim of nepotism. In a recent webinar, he stated, Saif Ali Khan “There is inequality in India that needs to be explored. Nepotism, favouritism and camps are different subjects.

Even I have been a victim of nepotism but nobody speaks of that. I’m happy to see more people from film institutes come to the forefront.”

‘Jawani Janeman’ actor’s comment about the N word didn’t go well with the netizens and he paved the way for memers to troll him. On his comment a user wrote, “Saif Ali Khan, son of actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, says that he has been a victim of nepotism.

I think I have seen everything now. Ab to maut aajae, gham nahin.” In fact, netizens even called him out over winning National Award for his romantic comedy Hum Tum against Shah Rukh for Swades. —Agency

SURPRISED TENNIS FANS

K

Lili Reinhart

ate Middleton surprised Wimbledon fans with a heartwarming tribute after the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to Coronavirus. The Duchess of Cambridge recorded a special video to mark what would have been the opening day of the two-week-long tennis tournament, Wimbledon 2020. Tennis fan Kate, who has attended the tournament most years since becoming a royal, provided a moving voice over for the footage, which was shared on the official Wimbledon Twitter account, paying tribute to the fans and reminding that the Championship will make a triumphant return when the time is ‘right’.

The Duchess says, ‘350 days, 14 hours and 12 minutes between the Kate Middleton last ball hit and when the next was meant to be. Over the years your support has shaped this historic event. No matter the time of day or the names on the scoreboard, you have always been there, come rain or shine. This year sadly though things are very different, but we will bide our time until we sit on the edge of our seats again and celebrate again. So, when the time is right and we open the gates, we will be back again.’ The Duchess watched Andy Murray won the men’s final in 2013 and 2016. —Agency

...her post

tos with Akshay and also expressed how excited she was for the film. Bell Bottom is an espionage thriller from the 80s era that stars Akshay and Vaani.

Taking to Instagram, Vaani announced that she will be seen in Bell Bottom with Akshay.

Not just this, Vaani also expressed her excitement to be a part of this project with Akshay. She wrote, “Super Super Thrilled & Excited for this one !!

Teaming up with the one & only Sir Can’t wait. Let’s get this started.”

Vaani expressed how excited she was about the film.

—Agency

Deepika Padukone

ili Reinhart has apologised for sharing a topless picture of herself as a misguided effort to seek justice for Breonna Taylor. The 23-year-old actress tweeted that she was sorry if she offended people with her now-deleted Instagram post. “I’ve always tried to use my platform for good. And speak up about things that are important to me,” she wrote in one tweet, emphasizing that she had good intentions. “I also can admit when I make a mistake.” The ‘Riverdale’ star’s apology comes after she shared a photograph of herself barefaced and seemingly bare-naked on her Instagram on Monday, alongside the caption: “Now that my sideboob has gotten your attention, Breonna Taylor’s murderers have not been arrested. Demand justice.”

—Agency

11

Vaani Kapoor

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 | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020

12

FASCINATING CREATURE SPEAKUPS

I had my fair share of difficulties in riding scooty because I am a short heightened person but the sense of freedom while riding that beauty was worth those difficulties. Cut to today, I still love riding scooty more than any other vehicle mainly because of its flexibility of parking it anywhere or because of its time-saving nature in comparison to its counterparts.

—NIKITA RAMCHANDANI

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

S

he fascinates me. She seems to be a creature from another planet almost. Fearless, she seems to forge her path, a creature of the skies. She is seen often, comes in many hues, shades and forms but the basics remain the same.

Yes, I am talking about the ‘girl on the scooter’. She is certainly fearless, moves about sans helmet usually, with hair flowing behind her and on her face which she will try to remove with one hand, carelessly, while in motion.

She is not too fond of traffic rules, in eight cases out of ten the ‘men in uniform’ do not stop her. Not that I blame them, I mean who would want to spend a half-hour trying to handle a crying

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

girl. Yes, the tears which might have some connection to a certain water animal flow fast and furious. Tears have two effects on the ‘men in uniform’, they either melt the hearts or scare them. Either way, it’s easier to wish a problem away then handle it head-on. And if somebody is cruel enough to stop her and take due legal action, out comes the cell phone. The hapless brother or boyfriend is called away from his classes or work to ‘handle’ it. So, free from she moves on.

They sometimes fly in groups too. She is quite fond of riding in the centre of the road talking to another one of her species. Now, I am sure they are discussing the solution to Corona pandemic but please there are some brainless humans like us on the road too who cannot fathom the problems of t h e world a n d j u s t want to reach from point A to point B, pref-

erably in one piece. Because God forbid if one of them falls in front of your vehicle even if you did not touch her, you are a goner. Let it be that the reason was that there was a strong wind and she had to handle the dupatta flying behind, who cares? We can bleed to death on the road and nobody will even come to throw a band-aid but let ‘her’ fall and there will be a crowd. Five boys will help her up, three will dust her clothes, two will pick up her things, one will lovingly straighten her scooter and all of them will give you dirty looks. Things might get ugly if you don’t look contrite enough and try to read the law that she was coming from the wrong side or you had given the indicator or she just turned without any notice. These are all very inconsequential things and nothing to do with her rules, so keep quiet.

So, the fascination continues, from far. I keep my eyes peeled on the road as if I am in enemy territory.

Any better suggestions?

—Inputs from Rajasthan & Gujarat

When I first shifted to Jaipur, it was not easy travelling in buses and other local transportation; but I never had an option for the first 3 years. Then I finally got a scooty and became independent in every way. Moving anywhere in Jaipur became easy and I felt a lot better. I managed so much on my own only because of having a two-wheeler.

—ISHA BHATIA It’s an experience to drive your vehicle, be it a scooty or car. It’s not just about driving a scooty, but a sense of independence. In a city like Ahmedabad, if you’re stuck in traffic, it takes hours to move with a big vehicle; but with scooty, it’s easier and saves time. I’ve been driving for the last 12 years, and I love it.

—ASHKA SHAH Earlier I used to take cabs or autos. But after starting driving my Scooty, I realised what I was missing and in a city like Ahmedabad, where commuting takes hours due to the traffic, scooty made my life easy and saved a lot of time.

—AMISHA JOSHI

WHAT’S HAPPENING! —FILE PHOTO

Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal with wife Kesar Devi and daughter Dr Banarasi Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal’s birthday falls on Thursday as per his marksheet, though he celebrates it on 19 November which he shares with his daughter, Dr Banarsi. His family which has been at his bedside at Medanta hospital, Gurugram throughout his illness, prayed for him and thanked all the people who greeted him on this day. Dr Banarsi informed that he is steadily getting better. His well-wishers celebrated the with grace and simplicity by feeding cows and birds as they prayed for his quick and complete recovery and early return to Rajasthan.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Doctor’s Day, Geetanjali Medical College And Hospital, Udaipur organised a celebration program, where all the doctors were honoured

by GMCH CEO, Pratim Tamboli. In the context of Doctor’s Day, the CEO of GMCH said that every year we congratulate the doctors but on this Doctor’s Day, we want to salute all the doctors of the world because they are our only saviours in time of this pandemic.

RAJASTHAN: Under the Rotary District 3054 Team Commit, Virtual Installation Ceremony was organised by Rotary Club, on Wednesday, where the new District Governor of Rotary District 3054, Rajesh Aggarwal and his team took the oath via video conferencing, along with setting a target of planting 1.5 lakh saplings.

RAJASTHAN: On the occasion of Doctor’s Day, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur and Gurdwara Sachkhand Durbar, Sikh Colony, Udaipur, inaugurated the Geetanjali Charitable dispensary. The purpose of this dispensary will be to provide treatment to patients of OPD and generic medicines to the needy people.

RAJASTHAN: An online Rakhi and Lifestyle exhibition ‘Aarunya 2020’ organised by the Indian Circle of Moms is going to be held on 6 July.

On the 3rd anniversary of GST, The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) organised an e-GST Day Celebration on Tuesday. The commemoration began in the presence of the Chief Guest, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, where he appreciated all the initiatives taken by the ICSI during the lockdown for the growth and development of its members and students.