First India-Jaipur Edition-09 August 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

26°C - 33°C

ALERT JAIPUR l SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

7,27,025 1,97,03,085 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 17,367 DEATHS 5,03,084 CASES

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CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 4,808 DEATHS 2,90,907 CASES

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 64

INDIA

43,453 21,51,899 DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

DELHI 4,098 DEATHS 1,44,127 CASES

Amid poaching fears, BJP herds MLAs Gargi Raval & Aishwarya Pradhan Ahmedabad/Jaipur: In yet another turn in the Rajshtan politics just a few days ahead of the assembly session, the BJP has shifted around 20 MLAs to Gujarat anticipating fear of poaching from the ruling party. On August 14, the assembly session is slated where the floor test of the rul-

SATISH POONIA, State BJP President

ing party under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be held to prove the majority.

In a special charter plane, six MLAs, Nirmal Kumawat, Gopi Chand Meena, Jabbar Singh Sankhala, Gurdeep Shahpini, Dharmendra Kumar Mochi and Gopal Lal Sharma, who are close to former chief minister Vasundhara Raje have been shifted. They are staying at Sagar Darshan Hotel in Somnath.

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Dharmnarayan Joshi, Arjun Lal Jingar, Jagasi Ram Koli, Samaram Grasiya, Phool Singh Meena, Amrit Lal Meena, Pratap Gameti, Babulal Kharadi at Shamlaji temple in Gujarat.

—PHOTO BY AISHWARYA PRADHAN

PURI ANNOUNCES INTERIM

RELIEF FOR VICTIMS `10L FROM KERALA GOVT

Kerala government announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to families of those who died.

Air India Express also said it is adequately insured and would pay the compensation in accordance with applicable law at an appropriate time.

‘THERE WAS ENOUGH FUEL’

Kozhikode: Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday announced an interim relief of Rs 10 lakh for each of those who died in the Air India Express crash at the Karipur airport here.

He also assured the kin of victims that steps would be taken to get them compensation in line with an international convention of

‘SATHE WAS EXPERIENCED’ Puri said aircraft was captained and operated by “one of our most distinguished, experienced commanders”, Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe, who was among those killed in accident. “In fact, he has landed on this very air piece as many as 27 times,” Puri said.

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Addressing the media after visiting the accident site, along with his ministerial colleague V Muraleedharan and others, the Minister announced Rs 10 lakh for each of those who died in the plane crash, Rs 2 lakh each for those who suffered serious injuries and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.

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Hardeep Singh Puri, when asked about the speculation on the fuel in the ill-fated aircraft, said the plane was carrying enough fuel to attempt a diversionary landing elsewhere.

“Let us await the findings of investigation,” the minister said.

BLACK BOX RECOVERED

Black box of AIE plane that crashed at Karipur International Airport has been recovered and will be taken to Delhi for further investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), said an official of aviation regulator DGCA.

No Antigen, only RT-PCR tests for Rajasthan: Gehlot orders CM asks officials to start special drive & motivate people to donate plasma Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Saturday, ordered that Corona tests be carried out by the RT-PCR test kits, in place of antigen based rapid test kits. “When it comes to a matter of life and death of the citizens of Rajasthan, the state government will not use cheap antigen test kits since experts have raised questions on the reliability of these kits,” Gehlot said while holding a review meeting on Co-

CM Ashok Gehlot chairing the corona review meet with Dr Raghu Sharma, Rajeeva Swarup, Niranjan Arya, Kuldeep Ranka, ML Lathar, Veenu Gupta, Subodh Agarwal, Akhil Arora, Vaibhav Galriya, Mahendra Soni and other officials on Saturday.

rona and directed that plasma therapy should be adopted in state on large scale for treatment of Covid-19 patients.

The Chief Minister suggested that a drive should be organised motivating those who have recovered from Corona to donate plas-

778

DEATHS

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ma. “Plasma Therapy should be developed as a theme for the state government’s efforts to save lives of people,” he said.

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51,328

CONFIRMED CASES

KARNATAKA 3,091 DEATHS 1,72,102 CASES

MERGER MUDDLE

BSP MLAs want Goa and Raj cases clubbed in SC Aditi Nagar

KOZHIKODE FLIGHT CRASH

Hardeep Singh Puri inspects the crash site of an Air India Express flight at Karippur in Kozhikode.

RAJASTHAN

GUJARAT 2,627 DEATHS 69,986 CASES

6 RAJ BJP MLAs NOW IN PORBANDAR

I am very much aware of BJP MLAs going for an excursion. Whenever BJP Legislature party meets, they all will be there as Rajasthan BJP is intact and united. We trust our MLAs and it remains intact.

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New Delhi: Six Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLAs from Rajasthan on Saturday moved Supreme Court seeking transfer of the case against their merger with the Congress party in the state from Rajasthan High Court to the top court. Interestingly the MLAs are of the view that the 2/3rd of Congress MLAs merged with BJP in Goa to form govern-

ment then why cant the BSP legislators do the same in Rajasthan.

“The Supreme Court is already hearing such matter which is related to Goa. Since both the matters are on the same subject, the Supreme Court should hear the Rajasthan MLAs’ matter also,” says senior advocate AK Jain.

BSP MLAs, in their petition, also submitted that similar matters pertaining to the interpretation of Para 4 of the Turn on P6

India’s Covid count @ 20.8L New Delhi: With a spike of 61,537 new COVID-19 cases and 933 deaths India’s COVID-19 tally surged to 20,88,612 on Saturday, as per the Union health ministry.

The death toll due to the disease now stands at 42,518 in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

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MEGHWAL TESTS CORONA +VE Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal has tested Corona positive on Saturday.

According to the sources, he has been admitted to the Trauma Center of AIIMS.

Kailash Choudhary @KailashBaytu Following the test done after showing symptoms, my report for coronavirus has come out positive. All friends who came in contact with me in the last few days should get themselves tested.

India, China talk disengagement New Delhi: The Major General-level talks between India and China, being held at Daulat Beg Oldi area to discuss disengagement by the Chinese side along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh sector, concluded at around 7:30 pm on Saturday, said Indian Army sources.

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RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

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WEEKEND VIBES OF JAISALMER!

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

02

MLAs’ vote will go to Cong even if merger is held invalid: Kalla First India Bureau

Prashant Bairwa hitting a punching bag during workout at Hotel Suryagarh.

Prashant Bairwa clicks a gym selfie with Tikaram Jully and Vijaypal Mirdha after a rigorous workout session.

Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Rajendra Gudha, Sukhram Bishnoi, Raghuveer Meena, and Kishnaram Vishnoi at Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer.

Randeep Dhankhar on his way to Jaisalmer on Saturday.

Lodha slams BJP for shifting MLAs to Guj

THE NONSTOP ATTACK BY BJP HAS UNITED THE CONG TO FIGHT AGAINST IT, SAYS SANYAM LODHA First India Bureau Jaipur: Independent MLA and hard-core Gehlot supporter Sanyam Lodha has come down heavily on the BJP. Lodha compared the BJP with a shameless lot without clothes. He said that soon they will shed off whatever little clothes they are left with and will be completely exposed in the upcoming assembly session. Lodha said the nonstop attack

by BJP has united the Congress party to fight against it. He claimed that soon some dissident MLAs too will come back to the party fold. Speaking about the third alternative to Congress and BJP he said, “In Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot will remain as the CM”.

Rubbishing the phone tapping allegations, Lodha said that all Congress MLAs are ready to live together for a month willingly and therefore phone tapping isn’t an issue. He counter attacked BJP and said that the internal disputes of BJP will

Sanyam Lodha

rock its boat as the central leadership wants to pull down the Gehlot government but the state unit has differences on the issue. Reacting to BJP sending some of its MLAs to Gujarat for fear of poaching he said that all MLAs dispatched outside the state belong to weaker sections of society and it is wrong for BJP to doubt their integrity.

Lodha philosophically said that anybody could come up for sale but the poacher is fearing himself being hunted. Lodha claimed that BJP is trapped in its own net as no MLA wants midterm elections in the state. He

said that the BJP too has many internal differences. He pointed out that the state leaders of BJP were not taking Vasundhara Raje in confidence and now felt helpless due to its guilt.

Higher education minister Dr Subhash Garg also reacted to the BJP camping its MLAs in Gujarat.

Garg said that BJP has fallen into the grave which itself had dug for others. He took a jibe at BJP and said that BJP was all the while conspiring to pull down the state government and now it is frightened for its own flock.

Poonia couldn’t handle the legislators: Gudha Laxman Raghav Jaisalmer: Targeting BJP for shifting its MLAs to Gujarat, Congress MLA Rajendra Gudha, who is among six MLAs who won elections on BSP tickets and defected to Congress last year, on Saturday said that the party’s state president Satish Poonia could not handle the legislators.

He said their own MLAs are slipping and

they are bothering about others. The MLA said that the Gehlot government is stable and it will become clear on August 14.

“I say this with the guarantee that not all 72 MLAs will be present in the house on August 14.

BJP is afraid. Their own home is not safe.

Here we are not confined. I have visited Tanot Mata temple along with my family members,” Gudha said.

Govind Singh Dotasara with Fakeer Chand at Hotel Suryagarh.

Bhanwar Singh Bhati with Rajendra Gudha and his family at Tanot Mata Temple.

Jaisalmer: The ‘Temple-Run’ of ministers and MLAs continued on Saturday when the forest minister Sukhram Vishnoi and Congress MLA Kishnaram Vishnoi offered prayers in the famous Tanot Mata temple in Jaisalmer.

The minister exuded confidence that there is no threat to the Ashok Gehlot government while claiming that the government has the support of 103 MLAs and the majority will be proved in the assembly.

He said that BJP itself has no faith in its MLAs and is taking them to Gujarat for confining them.

“We are neither confined here nor are our phones being tapped.

No MLA has any complaint,” he said. “The government is doing its work and if needed,

BJP does not trust his MLAs: Khachariyawas First India Bureau Jaipur: Transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas on Saturday alleged that the BJP MLAs who refused to be a part of the conspiracy to topple the Ashok Gehlot led Congress government have been shifted to Gujarat.

He said that the BJP does not trust his MLAs and it will get a befitting reply from the public.

“BJP leaders who have a strong base and presence in Rajasthan do not want to topple the Gehlot government with Congress rebels.

As soon as the BJP’s

World Tribal Day: Guv, CM extend greetings First India Bureau Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra and CM Ashok Gehlot on Saturday extended greetings to the public on the eve of World Tribal Day. Wishing people living in the tribal sub-plan area of state, Governor said that everyone will have to actively contribute for tribal welfare. He said that the impact of the corona is minimal because their immunity is good as they live in sync with nature.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas

self-respecting leaders said the conspiracy to bring down the government will harm the BJP, the party started confining its MLAs,” the min-

ister told reporters at his residence.

He said that such selfrespecting leaders of BJP will not insult the mandate of people by

becoming a part of the conspiracy with Congress rebels.

“The people of Rajasthan hate betrayal, corruption, and conspiracy and we strongly believe that all the selfrespecting people of the state will not let the conspiracy of toppling the state government succeed,” he said.

The minister said that the people are watching everything and will give a befitting reply to BJP. “BJP is conspiring to bring down the government on the basis of money but all is not well in BJP too,” he said.

BD Kalla

floor test will also be conducted,” he said.

On the other hand, energy minister BD Kalla said that the party already has a strategy in case there is any adverse judgment in the high court on the issue of the BSP MLAs merger on August 11.

He said that the six MLAs, who had defected to Congress last year, have other options available. “The vote of MLAs will go to Congress even if the merger is held invalid. BSP whip does not apply to them and the whip will be issued by one of these MLAs,” he added.

CM to dedicate developmental projects worth `127.85 crore First India Bureau

Jaipur: Several programs will be held to mark the World Tribal Day on Sunday. CM Ashok Gehlot will lay the foundation stone and dedicate various developmental works worth Rs 127.85 crore in the tribal sub-plan area.

The commissioner of tribal area development Jitendra Kumar Upadhyay said that the Tribal day will be celebrated at the Panchayat level this year and a range of activities will be held.

DGP appeals people to follow health dept’s guidelines

‘Pilot camp hasn’t held any talks with Cong High Command’

First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: DGP Bhupendra Singh has appealed to the people to fully comply with the guidelines issued by the health department. He appealed to people to follow social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear masks while moving out.

DGP cautioned people of police action under applicable laws if anybody is found infringing the issued guidelines. DGP

STRICT EXECUTION

informed the media that Rajasthan police is fully active in strictly executing the Rajasthan Epi-

demic Act and the defaulters are being brought to the books. He said so far more than 4.38 lakh people have been issued challans and Rs 6.69 crore has been recovered from them as fines.

Giving the breakup he said 1.81 lakh persons not wearing masks at public places, 11.73 thousand for selling goods without masks, and 2.44 lakh for not following social distancing have been fined.

Jaipur: Late on Saturday night, Pilot camp MLA Ved Prakash Solanki released a video saying that their camp has not held any talks with the Congress high command and termed the reports in media as baseless. “Sachin Pilot will hold a talk with the MLAs on August 12 after which the future strategy will be devised,” he said.

BJP MLAs ON AN EXCURSION!

Gurdeep Singh Dharmendra Mochi and Gurdeep Singh

Gopal Lal Sharma

Nirmal Kumawat, Dharmendra Mochi, Gurdeep Singh, Gopal Lal Sharma, Jabbar Singh at Somnath temple on Saturday.

Nirmal Kumawat, Dharmendra Mochi, Gurdeep Singh, Gopal Lal Sharma and Jabbar Singh at Porbandar Airport.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

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RAJ CORONA UPDATE: FOUR POLICE PERSONNEL IN CHITTORGARH DIAGNOSE POSITIVE

11 DEATHS IN LAST 24 HRS, RECORD ONE-DAY JUMP OF 1,171 NEW CASES

Raje exposed to corona Follow corona positive, postpones meets norms: Guv to people First India Bureau

—FILE PHOTO

First India Bureau Jaipur: Rajasthan on Saturday recorded 11 more fatalities linked to COVID-19, raising the death toll to 778 while the infection tally mounted to 51,328 with detection of 1,171 new cases, the state’s highest so far in a day, officials said.

The number of active cases in the state stands at 13,387, they said. A total of 34,576 people have been discharged.

Of the new fatalities, three each were reported in Kota and

Baran districts, two in Jaipur, one each in Bikaner, Pratapgarh and Udaipur.

Pali added maximum 180 new cases followed by 164 from Jodhpur, 103 from Jaipur, 93 from Ajmer, 91 each from Alwar & Bikaner, 85 from Kota, 63 from Bhilwara, 52 frim Nagaur, 47 from Udaipur, 34 from Banswara, 27 from Barmer, 26 from Sikar, 23 from Jhalawar, 22 from Dungarpur, 19 from Jhunjhunu, 16 from Bharatpur, 15 from Dholpur, 8 from Tonk, 4 from Dausa, 3 each from Bun-

di & Jaisalmer, 1 each from Chittorgarh & Hanumangarh Partial curfew was imposed at 10 places in the Jaipur on Saturday due to the newly discovered corona cases. Later, the curfew was lifted after reports of samples from 13 places came out negative.

In Chittorgarh, four police personnel including a woman deputy superintendent tested positive in the district.

An assistant engineer of the electricity department has tested corona positive.

Jaipur: Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was staying at Lekha Vihar in Delhi for the last three days, during which the gardener of Lekha Vihar diagnosed positive for coronavirus.

Corona tests on all residents of Lekha Vihar were conducted soon after the news surfaced. As soon as the news came Raje postponed all her appointments and meetings till the test report comes.

First India Bureau

Sumitra Singh’s husband passes away Ex-state Vidhan Sabha speaker Sumitra Singh’s husband, Nahar Singh passed away at MGH on Saturday. CM Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences.

JODH UNDER LOCKDOWN TILL MONDAY Jodhpur: The authorities have imposed a lockdown in Jodhpur till Monday morning after a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases was registered in the district.

The lockdown came in force from 8 pm on Friday. The lockdown will come in force from

8 pm on Friday and would continue till 6 am on Monday. Only essential services have been exempted. All type of commutation even walking will be prohibited. Police personnel have been deployed in every colony and gully to ensure the lockdown.

Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra has expressed his deep concern on the spread of coronavirus and rising number of positive patients in the state.

He stressed that the people should follow the precautions specified by the guidelines as essential part of their lifestyle. He emphasised that so far precaution was the only way to stop the spread of infection.

He expressed concern for 50,000 positive patients in the state. He appealed for a united effort against Covid-19.

BJP ON CENTER STAGE

Govt pressurising our MLAs: Ramlal Sharma

‘12 BJP MLAs going for an excursion’

First India Bureau

Jaipur: BJP state president Satish Poonia on Saturday said that he is aware that 12 BJP MLAs were going for an excursion and accused the Congress of spreading rumours about party MLAs. He added that shifting MLAs is not illegal and it should not be seen from a different angle. He said there is no division in his party

Jaipur: BJP state unit too has been forced to camp its MLAs on the instructions of party high command after serious mulling. This has changed the situation for BJP leaders overnight who were ferociously targeting Congress for camping its MLAs. BJP leaders aren’t openly acknowledging the camping but confirm the development on the sidelines. BJP spokesperson Ramlal Sharma justified the camping and said that the BJP MLAs were being pressurised by threatening them with their old police cases registered while taking up public issues. He alleged that the Congress was resorting to its time tested strategy which has forced us to take the decision of camping our MLAs. Senior BJP leader and

Ramlal Sharma

deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore was apparently seen distanced from the party’s strategy to shift MLAs to Gujarat.

However, Rathore said that party gives different responsibilities to different leaders and not being part of a strategy does not mean otherwise.

“Some strategies are kept separate,” he said.

Rathore termed the shift as a normal visit.

He said that some MLAs in Ashok Gehlot camp, who are staying in Jaisalmer for a few days, are ready to switch sides after they are released from the hotel.

First India Bureau

First India Bureau Jaipur: Leader of opposition Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday said that, “The MLAs are in touch. We know who is doing what and everything else. Our priority is that they remain united and safe,” he said. Kataria said that prominent leaders of the party in districts have been given the responsibility to look into it.

and if there is any gossip, he does not care about it. Poonia said that the party has held talks with 45 MLAs which is a normal procedure and it should not be seen otherwise. However, he said that he will present some facts before the media after the assembly session beginning on April 14.

When asked, Poonia said that Vasundhara Raje is a former chief minister and if re-

Satish Poonia

quired, her suggestions will also be sought.

Poonia said that the party MLAs have been categorized as per their districts.

“Congress

Kataria: Need to keep party together in case of floor test He said that the party’s strategy was to keep all its legislators together in the assembly at the time of floor test, if it happens.

Along with the BJP MLAs, the party is also making sure that three MLAs of its ally RLP remain united.

“We all are alert,” Kataria commented,

while suggesting that staying carefree may sometimes create problems.

He said that all the leaders are involved in making the strategy.

Kataria also said that former chief minister Vasundhara Raje is also in his touch.

He also said that the information which is

LOOKING FOR GOD?

Man beaten, forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Sikar: Police in Rajasthan’s Sikar district have arrested two people for allegedly assaulting a 52-year-old autorickshaw driver on Friday after he refused to chant “Modi zindabad” and “Jai Shree Ram”.

According to the police, the two accused have been arrested after an FIR was lodged by Gapphar Ahmad Kacchawa, who also claimed the duo stole his wristwatch and

Gapphar Ahmad Kacchawa after the assault.

money. Kachhawa was left with broken teeth, a swollen eye and bruises on cheek.

“At around 4 am on

Friday, my uncle was returning after dropping off passengers to a nearby village when two men who were in a

car stopped him and asked for tobacco. However, they declined to take the tobacco that my uncle offered and asked him to say Modi zindabad,” said Shahid, a nephew of Kacchawa.

In the FIR registered by the police, Kacchawa said that the men slapped him when he refused to comply.

“One of the men asked me to chant the slogan ‘Modi zindabad’ and I refused… Then he slapped me hard. I took

my taxi and tried to flee towards Sikar. But they followed me on their car and stopped my vehicle near Jagmalpura. They forced me to descend from the vehicle and they badly beat me up…

The men abused me and forced me to chant ‘Modi zindabad’ and ‘jai shree Ram’,” Kacchawa said in his complaint.

Kacchawa has also accused the two men of stealing Rs 700 from him along with his wristwatch. —Agencies

MLAs are confined to hotels for two months.

Ours will go, visit places and return in seven days,” he said.

Poonia said that MLA Kailash Meghwal is an elderly MLA and needs not to be shifted.

In the assembly session, he said that the party will corner the state government. MLA can list 30 questions and the party MLAs will list maximum number of questions. coming from Congress camp indicates that the Ashok Gehlot government has lost the confidence of people.

Meanwhile, Chittorgarh BJP MP CP Joshi, during a special conversation with First India, said that BJP does not follow culture of political fencing of MLAs, it is common for ministers to meet and strategise before assembly session.

03

ACB raids Sanjay Jain’s residences Naveen Sharma

Jaipur: A day after SOG closed all three cases registered for sedition and criminal conspiracy in allegations of horse trading to bring down Gehlot government, ACB raided middleman Sanjay Jain’s residences in Jaipur, Bikaner and Lunkaransar on Saturday morning. In Jaipur, ACB team led by additional SP Rajesh Punia reached Jain’s house, while in Lunkaransar the team had to get the keys from neighbours.

While, the local court had ordered his release after the SOG filed FR in three cases but he is currently on five days remand with the ACB. Meanwhile, SOG closed three cases of sedition and criminal conspiracy against union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, rebel Congress MLAs Vishvendra Singh, Bhanwarlal Sharma and 13 independent

MLAs. Congress MLA Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and independent Ramila Khadiya also got huge reprieve as the first FIR related to alleged horse trading had their names. The cases filed by SOG may have been closed but the ACB will continue with its investigation in alleged horse trading.

SOG had filed two FIRs regarding criminal conspiracy to pull down Ashok Gehlot government. It had arrested Bharat Malani and Ashok Singh. There was also conversation regarding difference between Gehlot and Pilot. On that basis, the SOG had given notices to CM Gehlot, deputy CM Pilot, Malviya and independent MLAs Suresh Tak, Om Prakash Hudla, Sanyam Lodha, Ramila Khadiya, Baljeet Yadav, Khushveer Singh, Alok Beniwal, Babulal Nagar, Laxman Meena, Kanti Prasad, Mahadev Singh, Ramkesh Meena and Rajkumar Gaur.

State police not taping any MP or MLA: DGP First India Bureau Jaipur: Jaipur Police CommissionerAnand Srivastava will investigate the case of fake news about phone tapping of Congress MLAs staying in hotel Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer.

DGP Bhupendra Singh, while handing over investigation to Srivastava, asked him to follow procedures and finish the investigation quickly.

The DGP strongly refuted charges of tapping of any MP or MLA. “No unit of the state police has ever taped phone conversation of any Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assemby in the past nor is it being done at the present,” he asserted.

He also termed allegations of recording intercom conversations as total lie and fictitious. He said that the police’s job was to stop crime and phone tapping is a criminal act.

According to him, in-

Bhupendra Singh

TOP COP’S CLAIM

formation viral on social media about phone tapping of Congress MLAs staying in Suryagarh Palace hotel is false, baseless and misleading. He appealed to people not to believe such malafide and mischievous rumours.

He also said that circulating such news was crime and asked people to resist from doing so.

JDA to introduce 4 residential schemes as I-day bonanza Abhishek Srivastav Jaipur: JDA will introduce four residential schemes with nearly 1,800 plots on Independence day. JDA commissioner Gaurav Goyal informed that the schemes are located in prime locations and online applications will be invited from August 15.

The schemes- Hiralal Shastri Nagar in Vatika, Gokul Nagar on Kalwar road, APJ Abdul Kalam Nagar in

Gaurav Goyal along with other JDA officials visiting the site.

Jaisinghpura Khor and Nijay Kunj in Jagatpura- will have 1,500-1,800 plots of various sizes.

1,200-1,300 plots will be allotted via lottery in September and remaining plots will be auc-

tioned. JDA aims to get a revenue of about Rs 450 crore through themse schemes.

Goyal visited these sites and gave directions to the officials to develop facilities.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

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IN-DEPTH

A HUMAN TRAGEDY IN KOZHIKODE

A

n Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed at Kerala’s Kozhikode airport on Friday, bringing back tragic memories of a horrific crash at Mangalore international airport in 2010 in which the aircraft had overshot the table-top runway killing nearly 164 passengers. It was India’s worst air tragedy. In Friday’s accident, the plane skidded off the runway, broke into two, and fell down a 35 feet slope. Thanks to the presence of the mind and experience of the AI Express flight’s pilots, a lot of lives were saved. The pilots apparently realized that there was a potential risk in landing when the visibility was low after heavy rainfall and are said to have circled over the airport for some time to burn the fuel before landing. Fortunately, with little or no fuel, the aircraft did not burst into flames as it happened in Mangalore.

A similar accident was averted at Kozhikode airport in 2012 when AI Express flight Boeing 737-800 skidded while landing amid heavy rain. Luckily there were no casualties. In 2017 a SpiceJet Bombardier also skidded off the runway while landing.

The trouble lies with table-top runways which are located at an elevation on a hilltop or plateau with mountains and valleys on all sides and the end suddenly drops into a gorge. Making landing on such strips trickier is Kerala’s monsoon.

THE SWIFT RISE AND FALL OF AMAR SINGH K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India

A

KASHMIRI PANDITS WAIT FOR JUSTICE

T

he change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir on the anniversary of Article 370 abrogation came as a surprise for many political observers. A bigger surprise was the appointment of former Union minister Manoj Sinha as Lieutenant-Governor.

What led to the removal of GC Murmu, a confidante of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the appointment of Sinha, a soft-spoken RSS favourite, is still being speculated.

As a politician, Sinha is expected to revive the political activities which were stopped with the detention of all political leaders in Kashmir. An indication of this was given by BJP general-secretary Ram Madhav in June when he said that the UT will soon have an elected legislature. But with PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti still in detention, even though other leaders have been released, political parties are not enthused. They look at Sinha as “another Delhi man” who has been sent to further the anti-Muslim agenda of the RSS. Kashmiri Pandits residing in the Valley even after hundreds of the community were either killed or forced to leave by terrorist groups to alter the demographic profile of the Valley are looking at Sinha with hope. Faced with joblessness they say that their survival was at stake. Many of them await government jobs which were cleared by the high court.

Under the changed laws giving jobs should not be a difficult proposition. A bigger challenge for Sinha would lie in resettling over 40 families of Kashmiri Pandits living as refugees outside the Valley. On the 30th anniversary of their exodus #HumWapasAyenge” campaign on Twitter only showed Pandits’ intent.

Amar Singh could be erratic, fell out with Mulayam Singh, was expelled from the Samajwadi Party. In politics, for a short while, he lost his way.

He neglected his health

t 8.15 am on August 6, 1945, a USB-29 warplane, Enola Gay, piloted by Paul Tibbets dropped a single Atomic bomb on Hiroshima in Japan, destroying the city, killing 140,000, men, women, and children. Those who survived suffered deadly burns.

For over sixty years many children were born deformed.

Three days later on August 9, a second Atom bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The results were horrific. President Truman expressed no regrets at the loss of human lives.

I have always wondered if the war in Europe had lasted till August, would President Truman have sanctioned using the Atom bomb on Germany? It is a tantalizing question.

Amar Singh died in Singapore on August 1. He was being treated in the Mount Elizabeth Hospital for the last six months for a multiplicity of serious ailments. We were intimate friends for a quarter of a century. He was only sixty-four years of age.

For almost a decade he skillfully played the political game at the highest level. In 2007 he saved Manmohan Singh’s government from being voted out in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the nuclear deal. The government did not have a majority.

Samajwadi leader Mulayam Singh Yadav was against India signing the deal. Amar Singh, then a prominent member of the party was very close to Mulayam Singh, said to his leader that “without our vote, Manmohan’s government would fall.” He convinced his leader that the BJP must be kept out. Finally, Amar Singh got his way and the UPA government survived and the Nuclear Deal was passed on the House.

He did not get a flying start in life. He was brought up in humble circumstances.

By the age of thirty-five, he was on the way to becoming a multi-millionaire. His ver-

bal resources were formidable. When provoked he could hurl the choicest abuses in Hindi and English. His selfassurances were striking.

He could be erratic, fell out with Mulayam Singh, was expelled from the Samajwadi Party. In politics, for a short while, he lost his way.

He neglected his health.

He leaves a void in the lives of his many friends. I shall miss his humour, ebullience, and generosity of heart.

Ebrahim Al Kazi (1923-2020) the theatre guru passed away in the Escort hospital on August 4.

I only met him briefly twice but was impressed by his remarkable talent. One of his pupils, M.K. Raina wrote, that Al Kazi was, like MF Hussain, Homi Bamba and Uday Shankar were the product of the Nehru era.

He was the director of the National School of Drama from 1962-1972. He directed Girish Karnad’s “Tuglak”, Balwant Gargi’s “Razia Sultan”, Mohan Prakash’s “Ashad Ka Ek Din”.

All were hits.

Priyanka Vadra’s comment on the Ayodhya puja surprised me. Newspapers reported what

HE DID NOT GET A FLYING START IN LIFE. HE WAS BROUGHT UP IN HUMBLE CIRCUMSTANCES. BY THE AGE OF THIRTYFIVE, HE WAS ON THE WAY TO BECOMING A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE

she is alleged to have said. Lord Ram was part of every Indian and that she hoped that the groundbreaking ceremony would serve as a mark of national unity, brotherhood, and cultural harmony. The sentiments are laudable but factually questionable. She belongs to a secular family. Lord Ram is by no means a part of every Muslim, Christian or Parsi. I doubt if her great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru and grand-

How podcasting became a multi-billion dollar industry

Y

ou kind of fail your way to success,” observed Matt Lieber, head of podcast operations at Spotify, at this year’s Audiocraft festival, an annual weekend of panels about podcasting. Normally held in Sydney, this year, thanks to COVID-19, the festival shifted online.

Lieber was talking about StartUp, his podcast about establishing Gimlet Media in 2014. Lieber and his business partner, Alex Blumberg, wanted to develop a podcast studio that would become “the HBO of audio”.

Last year, Gimlet hit the jackpot. It was acquired by Spotify for US$230 million (A$322 million).

While podcasts have been alive on the internet since 2004 (“But what to call it? Audioblogging?

Podcasting? GuerillaMedia?” asked the Guardian),

“

04

2014’s Serial is largely credited with starting a new boom for the form.

Serial hit 420 million downloads in late 2018; STown, from the same production company, had 40 million downloads in its first month.

Last week, the New York Times (whose own The Daily has surpassed one billion downloads) acquired Serial Productions for US$25 million (A$35 million).

What was once on the fringes of the internet is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

THE GROWING NUMBERS For a long time, podcasting was touted as the most democratic and accessible mode of journalism and public engagement.

On podcasts, hobbyists could indulge a passion for Greek legends, friends

could riff on their favourite books, celebrities could show their human side, and media organisations could share stories too unwieldy for a newspaper or television format.

The early low-budget, niche podcasts were a far cry from shows like Serial or The Joe Rogan Experience. (Hosted by comedian

Joe Rogan, the latter show has a reported 190 million downloads a month and was acquired by Spotify in May for around US$100 million (A$140 million).

While some Spotify shows are still available on other podcasting services, productions like The Joe Rogan Experience and the platform’s latest offering, The Michelle

Obama Podcast, are available exclusively on Spotify.

Spotify’s known investment in acquiring podcasts over the past 18 months comes to around US$696 million (A$975 million).

This figure doesn’t include the unknown price Spotify has paid in deals with the Obamas and Kim Kardashian West to produce original

shows, nor the money Spotify is investing in-house.

While Rogan and Obama’s podcasts are (for now) free to listen to, they will tempt people over to the platform and – Spotify hopes – create paying subscribers.

Obama’s 2018 memoir, Becoming, has sold over 10 million copies: that is a lot of potential listeners.

Far away from these mega-investment dollars, independent producers are still creating smaller shows for devoted audiences.

Many attending Audiocraft were these independent producers, seeking to learn more about the art, craft and business of bringing their podcast ideas to life.

Such aspirations were mocked by a recent ABC skit with celebrities begging people not to turn to podcasting under quarantine.

FOR FULL REPORT LOG ON TO WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM

mother Indira Gandhi would have approved.

From time to time Prime Minister Imran Khan comes up with pronouncements that clearly indicate that the processes of his mind are atrophied. His latest anti-Indian tirade is to hawk a map of India in which parts of India are shown as parts of Pakistan. A moratorium on truth and decency is all too visible in Pakistan. What has Prime Minister Imran Khan achieved by this cartographic folly? The influence of China on Pakistan is not a secret. Some decades ago Jawaharlal Nehru told Chou En-Lai that maps brought out

by China showed parts of India as parts of China. The reply of Chou En-Lai was ingenious. He said to Nehru that these maps were a legacy of the imperialist era and would be soon corrected. That “soon” never arrived.

Revised atlases will not be produced in any country (except China) to please Imran Khan.

Similarly, taking Kashmir to the UN Security Council frequently makes delegates yawan.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @dpradhanbjp Elated to learn that Wg. Cdr. Nikhil Rath of @IAF_MCC has been shortlisted to be a part of the 4 member crew of India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan 2022. It is a matter of immense pride that this son of Odisha will be a part of this significant & prestigious mission.

Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor Kerala kocals swing into action: What sets Malayalis apart is our spirit &unity, during floods, the pandemic &now the aircrash.

When a mishap occurs, people throw themselves into the situation regardless of religion/caste/class.

That’s my #KeralaModel!

Spiritual SPEAK

Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good. —Buddha

Vol 2 Issue No. 64 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.

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KERALA PLANE CRASH A total of 26 deaths have been confirmed in the landslide in Rajamalai, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said

‘People of Kerala unite to fight an adversity’

CM Pinarayi Vijayan visits the Kozhikode Plane crash site, where several passengers got injured & 18 people died.

—PHOTO BY ANI

Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday praised the ‘fast response’ of the local people and officials in being the first to reach the aircraft crash site here to rescue passengers, braving inclement weather and COVID-19 fears, “which made all the difference.”

The Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people on board overshot the tabletop runway at the airport here while landing in heavy rains and fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into two portions on Friday night, killing 18 people and in-

AIR INDIA CMD VISITS SITE, TAKES STOCK OF SITUATION

Yesterday, the fast response of local people and officials made all the difference.

They braved bad weather and COVID fears to rescue their fellow beings. The long queues of people who wanted to donate blood was just one example.

—Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala CM

juring many others.

Vijayan, who is at Kozhikode to visit injured, tweeted that the fast response of the local people and the officials made all the differ-

ence. “We have seen this many times...when there is an adversity, the people of Kerala come together to fight it, Vijayan said. The Malappuram District collector

K Gopalakrishnan had said on Friday that 110 passengers were admitted to various hospitals in Kozhikode and the others, to hospitals in Malappuram. —PTI

Co-Pilot Akhilesh’s Air India flight’s Black Box recovered ‘A great son, always CRASH SURVIVORS, family mourns demise ready to help others’ ONE DECEASED New Delhi: The family of Co-Pilot Captain Akhilesh Kumar, who lost his life when the fateful Air India Express aircraft crashlanded at the Kozhikode airport, mourned his death on Saturday. Tulsi Ram, Father of Captain Akhilesh Kumar said, “Yesterday, we got a call from the authority about the crash landing of the flight. We were told that his condition is serious.” “Later, we were told about his demise. His younger brother and brother-inlaw have gone to Kerala,” he said. One of his family members told that Captain Akhilesh Kumar had joined the force in 2017.Meanwhile, two special relief flights from Delhi and one from Mumbai have

Captain Akhilesh Kumar

reached Kozhikode on Saturday for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and the family members of the Air India Express crash-landing incident. At least 18 people including two pilots have lost their lives in the incident.

Meanwhile, Sharma’s wife Megha, who is expecting a child within a fortnight, has not yet been told about her husband’s death. —ANI

Kozhikode: The black boxes from the Air India Express Flight IX1344 that crash-landed in Kozhikode have been recovered and the precise cause of the mishap will be determined after analysing them, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who arrived here on Saturday to take stock of the situation said.

“We visited the site of crash and two black boxes have been recovered. The precise cause of the mishap will be determined when we analyse data in those black boxes,” he said.

He tweeted later to say “Digital Flight Data Recorder & Cockpit Voice Recorder of the ill-fated aircraft have been retrieved. AAIB is conducting investigations.”

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bu-

PASSENGER TEST+VE

Mangled remains of an Air India Express flight en route from Dubai after it skidded off the runway while landing at Karippur.

reau (AAIB) is conducting a probe into the Friday evening crash landing of the Air India flight, inwhic 18 people were killed.

The minister also said that out of 149 people admitted to hospitals, three of them are critical and are on ventilators. —ANI

‘PM gave due respect to a qualified tribal’ New Delhi: In a first, former J&K Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu became the first tribal to take charge as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on Saturday. He was administered the oath of office by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In a tweet, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda lauded the central government and expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for appointing Murmu as CAG. Munda said that Murmu’s appointment to such an important post has enhanced the

ARJUN MUNDA @MundaArjun

President Ram Nath Kovind administers oath of office to former J&K governor GC Murmu as CAG of India in New Delhi.

value of tribal society.

“Heartfelt congratulations to former Lieutenant Governor of J&K Girish Chandra Murmu on swearing-in

BJP PROPOSES CELLS TO LINK ALL SECTIONS OF SOCIETY New Delhi: The BJP is engaged in making inroads into all sections of the society, right from intellectuals to fishermen. The saffron party has made preparations to reconstitute 17 cells to achieve this feat. A directive has been issued by the party for the formation of these cells at the earliest along with

new working committees across the states. BJP national president JP Nadda has asked all the state unit presidents to form 12 central cells and five cells at the local level along with the state, district & divisional working committees. National general secretary Arun Singh has issued a letter to unit presidents & ministers.

for post of Comptroller and Auditor General,” the minister said in a tweet. Murmu is an 1985 batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre. —ANI

I express gratitude from the heart to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. Appointment of senior IAS officer GC Murmu Ji to important post like CAG has enhanced the value of tribal society. Prime Minister gave due respect to a qualified tribal officer.

RS 100 CR DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST BJP MP DUBEY Ranchi: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has filed a Rs 100 crores defamation suit in Ranchi Civil Court against BJP MP Dr Nishikant Dubey for tarnishing his image through social media. The defamation suit was filed against Dubey on August 4. Along with the MP, Twitter Communications India Private Limited and Facebook India Online Services Private Limited have been made the parties as respondents 1& 2. The plaintiff (Hemant Soren) has claimed damages in sum of Rs 100 crores against each of the respondents.

Kozikhode: The CISF has directed its personnel to go into preventive quarantine after at least two passengers of the Air India Express flight that crashed at Kozhikode tested positive for COVID-19, officials said on Saturday. One of the 18 passengers, who died when an Air India Express flightfrom Dubai crashed landed at the airport, has tested corona positive.

DGCA ISSUED NOTICE TO KOZHIKODE AIRPORT IN 2019 OVER SAFETY LAPSES

New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found “various critical safety lapses” in different places, including the runway and apron, officials said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation pointed to cracks on the runway, water stagnation and excessive rubber deposits among other lapses in its show-cause notice. On July 11 last year, Kozhikode airport director K Srinivasa Rao was issued a show-cause notice, stated another DGCA official.

Palghar lynching: Maha CID files 3rd charge sheet Thane/Mumbai: The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the Palghar mob lynching incident, has filed a third charge sheet in the case in a local court, officials said on Saturday.

In a related development, the CID also filed a charge sheet against two minor accused in the case in a juvenile court at Bhiwandi in Thane district.

As many as 154 people have been arrested and 11 juveniles detained in connection with the incident.

Late DV Sathe

the Ahmedabad floods, he saved the children of soldiers by lifting them in his arms. I wish God would have called us instead of him.” —ANI

Neela Sathe

Fight against injustice: RaGa New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the 78th anniversary of the Quit India movement said, Mahatma Gandhi’s slogan of “do or die” will have to be given a new meaning -“fight against injustice, don’t be afraid”.

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi at the Bombay session of the

All-India Congress Committee on August 8, 1942, demanding an end to the British rule in India.

“Gandhi ji’s slogan of ‘do or die’ will have to be given a new meaning on the 78th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.

‘Fight against injustice, do not be afraid!’” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. —PTI

VADRA SPEAK

RAHUL GANDHI @RahulGandhi ASHA workers take health protection to homes across the country. They are truly health warriors, but today they are forced to go on strike for their own rights.

‘SOUTH WEST MONSOON TO HIT COASTAL MAHA AGAIN FROM AUG 10’ Mumbai: The south west monsoon will become active again in the coastal areas of Maharashtra on August 10 and will remain so for the next seven days, the IMD said on Saturday. Heavy rains and gale had lashed Mumbai and neighbouring districts on Wednesday. The intensity of rain reduced gradually in the last two

Nagpur: “He was a great son and always the first one to help others in need. He sacrificed his life for the country,” said Neela Sathe, the mother of late captain DV Sathe, who was flying the Air India flight that crashlanded at Kozhikode airport on Friday, claiming 18 lives.

Indian Army Retired Colonel Vasant Sathe and his wife Neela lost both their sons in line of duty. The couple is originally from Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Speaking to ANI, Neela broke into tears and said, “He was a great son and always the first one to help others in need. His teachers still appreciate him. During

days. “The IMD observations revealed that south west monsoon is likely to become active on west coast from 10-11 August including Mumbai. The situation is likely to continue for a week,” said KS Hosalikar, dy director general, India Meteorological Department’s Mumbai centre, while informing about the weather.

J&K: LeT TERROR FINANCING NETWORK BUSTED, 6 HELD Jammu: With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a LeT terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, IG Police, Jammu said.

“We got information that a terror financing network is operating in Jammu. Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, called up Mudasir Farooq Bhat, resident of Doda, for interrogation and subsequently arrested him after his confession about links with Lashkar-e-Toiba financing network,” The Inspector General od Police, Jammu, Mukesh Singh said.

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Swachhagraha has empowered India in fight against COVID-19: PM

A special week-long campaign, ‘Gandagi Mukt Bharat’ was also launched

New Delhi: Noting that 60 crore people have been provided toilet facilities in 60 months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said `swachhagraha’ has empowered the country in its fight against COVID-19 and asked if lockdown to contain coronavirus would have been possible if a large section of the population was defecating in the open.

Inaugurating Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK) here, the Prime Minister also referred to the anniversary of Quit India movement and launched ‘Gandagi Mukt Bharat’, a special week-long campaign for swachhata (cleanliness) in the run up to Independence Day, during which each day till August 15 there will be special swachhata initiatives in urban and rural areas of the country. He said India has to move from ODF (open defecation free) status to “ODF plus” and devise ways of turning dirt into gold. “Imagine what

PM to impart `1L Cr to Agricuttural Infra Fund

PM Narendra Modi addresses after inaugurating the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra in New Delhi.

would have happened had pandemic like coronavirus broken out before 2014. Could we have imposed lockdown when over 60 per cent population was forced for open defecation?

Swachhagraha has empowered us in the fight against COVID-19. This is a journey that will continuously go on. We have to move to ODF+ from ODF now. We have to devise ways of converting dirt into gold,” he said.

Flood in Assam improves as water receeds Guwahati:The flood in Assam maintained a falling trend on Saturday with the waters ebbing from two districts and remaining in only four affecting 6435 persons, an ASDMA bulletin said.

No death due to the natural calamity was reported from any where in the state during the day. The flood

waters receded from Chirang and Kamrup Metropolitan districts and remained in Dhemaji, Baksa, Kokrajhar and Morigaon districts, according to the daily flood report of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The deluge had impacted 12528 people in six districts on Friday. —ANI

Rudrendra Tandon

Reduce mortality to less than 1% mark: Health Ministry New Delhi: Expressing concern that grocery shops & other vendors can be potential spreaders of coronavirus infection to a large number of people, the Union Health Ministry has advised states and UTs to take up testing of such people to ensure early detection of cases which can lead to reduction in mortality rate.

Rajesh Bhushan, also stressed on the need for operationalising ambulance transport system with quick medical facility. He underlined that the refusal rate of ambulances must be monitored on a daily basis and brought down to zero.

With the COVID-19 pandemic now spreading to newer areas in the country, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said there are likely to be scattered cases, “The focus at the same time should be to save lives at all cost. While we have so far done better than many other countries. Our aim should be to further reduce mortality and ensure that it does not cross the 1% mark,” he further added. He pointed out that early detection of cases through aggressive test-

CENTRE CONSIDERING PROPOSAL ON PHYSICAL PARL SESSION New Delhi: The government is considering proposal for a physical Parliament Monsoon session despite the covid pandemic. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariates have given some suggestions for the physical session following which the Centre will soon take the final decision regarding it. It is also being considered that the Parliament

session should be held from the Central Hall in two sessions daily - first session dedicated to LS for four hours & the second session to RS for four hours.

The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra is an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission at the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti at Rajghat in the national capital. It is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and was announced by the Prime Minister in April 2017 on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha. After taking a tour of RSK, the Prime Min-

ister briefly visited the RSK souvenir centre.

He interacted with 36 school students from Delhi, representing all states and union territories at the amphitheatre of the RSK, adhering to social distancing protocols.

Modi said that in the last few years lakhs of people across the country, who are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, have made ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ a goal of their lives. —ANI

AirAsia flight aborted due to bird-hit, all safe

It is a political attempt to thwart our powers: Sushant Singh’s father to SC

Ranchi: “AirAsia aircraft operating from Ranchi to Mumbai as flight i5-632 encountered a bird hit during scheduled departure.

The pilot aborted takeoff and the aircraft is currently being inspected,” the spokesperson said. An airport official said, all the passengers on board are safe. —ANI

Rudrendra is India’s next ambassador to Afghanistan New Delhi: Rudrendra Tandon, Foreign Service officer of batch 1994, have been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.

Tandon is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to ASEAN. The MEA, said Tandon is expected to take assignment soon. —ANI

New Delhi: PM Modi will launch a financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under Agricultural Infrastructure Fund through a VC on Sunday. “The PM will launch a financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under Agricultural Infrastructure Fund on August 9 at 11 am via VC. He will also release sixth instalment of funds of Rs 17,000 crore to 8.5 crore farmers under PM-KISAN scheme.

The event will be witnessed by lakhs of farmers & citizens. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, will also be present on the occasion,” the statement said. —ANI

06

—FILE PHOTO

New Delhi: The submissions were made by KK Singh, Sushant’s father, in a counter-affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on Rhea’s plea in the matter.

The petition filed by actor for case from Patna to Mumbai has become ‘infructuous’ since the case was transferred to CBI. “Also, the prayer is not maintainable since there is no case which could be transferred under 406 CRPC,” Singh said in his counteraffidavit. It also mentioned that Rhea requested HM Amit Shah for a CBI inquiry earlier, which is already in process, then the petitioner should not have any grievance in this regard. Singh feels it is political attempt to thwart their powers, undermine the federal structure of the Constitution.

“It is rather unfortunate that Singh has sufficient proof and belief that it is due to the petitioners continued criminal actions has caused the death of his only son,” the affidavit said.

The development comes after Rhea approached the SC seeking directions to transfer the case, registered against her in Bihar’s Patna for abettment of suicide, to Mumbai. CBI registered a case against Rhea & others in connection with Rajput, who was dead June 14. —ANI

Supreme Court. “It is important to also note that there is an urgent need to clarify the law in respect of the scope and purport of Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule, to ensure that there are no conflicting judgments, involving substantial questions of interpretation of the Constitution, by an interpretation by this court,” the plea said.

Meanwhile, 10 out of 15 Congress MLAs had defected to BJP in Goa legislative assembly in July 2019. A petition was filed before the Speaker of Goa assembly requesting him to disqualify the MLAs. Goa PCC Presi-

dent Girish Chodankar approached the Supreme court when the speaker did not decide the matter and has requested the SC for the early disposal of the petition pending before the Speaker.

It submitted that subparagraph (1) of Paragraph 4 contemplates that a 13 member of the house will not attract disqualification under Paragraph 2, if his original political party merges with another political party. “All 6 persons, being the entire BSP merged with INC, and the same came to be recognised by the Order of the Speaker of

ing, prompt isolation or admission in a healthcare facility and ensuring proper clinical management are major components of mortality reduction. “Early detection of cases is crucial element to ensure that the case fatality is reduced. In addition, grocery shops, vegetable

RHEA’S PAGE TITLED ‘GRATITUDE LIST’

HARYANA CM ML KHATTAR MEETS SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT’S FATHER Faridabad: Haryana CM Manohar Khattar met Sushant’s father KK Singh on Saturday.

His brother-in-law, OP Singh, is the Pol Comm of Faridabad. “The grievance of the peti-

tioner (Rhea Chakraborty) that the Patna police would investigate the present case in an unfair and discriminatory manner does not subsist,” the affidavit said. —ANI

Assembly September 18, 2019,” plea said.

which is less than the national average of 2.1%.

Gehlot asked the officials to work further and lower the mortality rate.

and other vendors, etc. can be potential spreaders of infection to a large number of people.

Testing in such areas and of such people should be proactively done as per ICMR guidelines,” he said. He asked States & UTs to undertake weekly death audits. —ANI

‘BMC obstructing the probe in the case,’ Bihar SP Patna: Patna SP Vinay Tiwari arrived at Patna Airport from Mumbai on Friday after he was quarantined in Mumbai. He, along with other officers went Mumbai to investigate the Sushant Singh’s death case. He had accused BMC obstructing the probe in the Sushant’s death case by quarantining only him & not four others with him.

He further said, “A thorough investigation is our constitutional right and the behavior of the authorities in Maharashtra hindered the investigation. Now that the case is with CBI, we will be sharing our findings with them & not other departments,” he said. —ANI

FROM PG 1 Amid poaching...

“There were strong speculations in the state that some of the lawmakers close to Raje will turn rebel and will give trust vote to the Gehlot government. These speculations were heated only after there was silence from Raje over a month, and unexpectedly she had a meeting with Rajnath Singh,” said a senior leader from Jaipur.

In 360 degree turn to ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan, now the BJP is shielding their MLAs and nearly 20 lawmakers have reached Gujarat already by Saturday and more are likely to

join. However, those who reached here at the Porbandar airport informed the media that they are here to stay for two days only and are expected to visit Somnath temple.

“Since the last one month, there is trouble in the Congress party itself. They do lack the majority. But they are pressurising the BJP MLAs, some are already facing charges from the SOG. We are under express pressure. To get some relief we are here to get blessings from Somnathbaba. We are here to save ourselves from the Gehlot government. We are going to stay only for two

to three days,” said one of the six MLAs. These MLAs are expected to stay in Gujarat for two to three days.

“Three MLAs who were loyal to the Pilot group are also in Gujarat. Other than the BJP lawmakers, some of the independent MLAs are also expected to leave Rajasthan. However, there is no clear indication from BJP now that they will get enough MLAs to topple the government,” said a senior leader.

BSP MLAs...

Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, are already pending before the

No Antigen,...

During the meeting Gehlot expressed concern on the general public’s assumption that not much is being done in the fight against Corona.

“We will have to sensitise the general public before the situation turns serious in the coming days. We will have to ensure that health facilities are reaching each and every infected person,” Gehlot stressed. During the meeting, it was informed that the mortality rate due to Corona is 1.53%

Puri announces...

This was over and above all the other compensations, which might be forthcoming from different agencies, insurance of the aircraft etc, he noted. “I might mention that the Air India aircraft are properly insured and discussions will be made with passengers and their families at the appropriate juncture in line with the Montreal convention

of international civil aviation organisation”, Puri said. —PTI

India’s Covid...

The COVID-19 tally of 20,88,612 cases includes 6,19,088 active cases, 14,27,006 cured. —ANI India, China...

“Major general-level talks held today between India and China concluded around 7:30 pm. The two sides discussed disengagement by the Chinese side in the Ladakh sector including the Depsang Plains area and other friction points,” the sources said. —ANI

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07

CM NOD TO SPECIAL COURT FOR TAX EVASION CASES Special court will be set up at the state level Naresh Sharma Jaipur: The state government has decided to set up a special court at the state level to prevent tax evasion in the amalgamation or demerger documents and loan documents etc. of various companies and for speedy disposal

of such cases. In this order, a special office of Deputy Inspector General of Registration and Collector (Stamp) will be set up in Jaipur.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal of Finance Depart-

ment and Registration and Stamps Department for this. According to the proposal, the offices of Deputy Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, Ajmer, Circle-II and Deputy Registrar, Alwar, Circle-III will be re-constituted at the state level to constitute the office of Deputy Inspector General of Registration and Stamps (tax evasion), Rajasthan, Special Circle.

Gehlot also approved the format for the notification for the formation of the said offices to be issued under the Registration Act, 1908 and the powers

Trying to bring down corona death rate to zero: Dr Sharma Vikas Sharma Jaipur: Rajasthan government is aiming to bring down the coronavirus fatality rate from present 1.5 per cent to zero in the state, health minister Raghu Sharma said on Sunday.

The death rate in the state was 2.34 per cent earlier, which has reduced to 1.5 per cent.

“Now we are trying to bring down the coronavirus death rate to zero in the state,”the minister said.

At the same time, he said, the state has enhanced testing capacity to more than 45000 tests per day.

The minister also informed that plasma therapy treatment facility will also be started in Ajmer soon.

“Tests on being conducted on such a large scale in the state and that is why there is an increase in the number of positive cases.

The sooner we can identify positives, the sooner we will control the spread of coronavirus,” he said.

Sharma said that the ratio of patients recovering from the corona infection is also much better than other states.

“Up to 80 percent of the patients in the state have turned neg-

Tests are being conducted at large scale. The sooner we can identify positives, the sooner we will control the spread of coronavirus —Raghu Sharma, Health Minister

ative from coronavirus positive. At present, 70 to 80 percent of patients are returning home after recovery,” the minister added.

Stressing that the state government is fully alert to prevent the spread of the virus, Sharma said that the government is running an awareness campaign across the state to ensure people follow all guidelines and safety protocols.

He insisted that RT PCR test is more credible than other methods like antigen test, which show incorrect results sometimes.

He said that despite the state government’s repeated demand, the centre did not make available antigen kits.

Sharma also said that roping in foreign firms for the purpose of testing is risky.

He also said that life-

saving injections worth Rs. 40,000 are being provided free of cost and the results of the injections are also encouraging.

“No dearth of budget will be there for the treatment of patients,” he said.

He informed that more than 100 patients have been successfully given plasma therapy so far, and added that the facility will now be provided in Ajmer also.

Presently, he said, the treatment is being provided to suitable patients in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur and Bikaner.

He also asked people to follow government guidelines and take all precautions like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing for the prevention of the coronavirus spread.

‘WORK OF REPAIRING AND UPGRADING ROADS SHOULD BE DONE ON PRIORITY’ Jaipur: Weeks after deputy CM Sachin Pilot was stripped off his rank and ministership, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot held the reins of the PWD department to steer it as it was without a head. During a review meeting on Saturday, Gehlot said that the work of repairing and upgrading the worst roads should be done on the highest of the Collector (Stamp) under the Rajasthan Stamp Act 1998 to the newly proposed Deputy Inspector General.

It is noteworthy that due to the reorganization of the Deputy In-

priority basis. He said that such a system should be prepared so that every year survey should be done and a list of roads that need immediate repair can be prepared so that those works can be taken on priority. CM said that good quality roads should be made since it is a priority of the state government.

He said that due to spector General and Deputy Registrar offices, disputes will be resolved soon in cases of special nature like assessment and recovery of stamp duty in the merger, demerger and

Covid-19 infection there has been a decrease in revenue collection of the state, but the state government will not allow any reduction in road development works. “Attention should also be given to completion of roads whose works are still pending. Quality should also be taken care of in the development path in rural areas,” he said. loan documents of the companies, which will speed up the work of recovery of stamp duty.

Also, the quick disposal of such cases will also increase revenue collection.

10-year-old out

Following all protocols grazing cattle after survivors tested raped, murdered positive, says Kerala CS by 60-year-old First India Bureau

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A day after an Air India Express plane, en route from Dubai, with 190 people on board skidded off the runway in rain and broke in two after landing at Calicut airport in Kerala, killing at least 18 people, First India spoke to Kerala Chief Secretary Viswas Mehta, who hails from Rajasthan, on the rescue works being carried out. Excerpts:

Nagaur: A 10-year-old minor was raped and murdered by a 60-yearold man in Bajoli village of the Pilwa police station area in Nagaur.

The maternal grandfather of the victim registered a complaint with the police that his grand daughter was out grazing the cattle when accused Damuram raped and killed her.

The report stated that Damuram disposed the body of the victim in a nearby sludge.

Makrana CO Suresh Kumar Sanwariya, ASP Sanjay Gupta, Pilwa SHO Radheshyam and Parbatsar SHO Sukhram reached the probable crime spot and took Damuran in custody as he was spotted around the grassland where cattle were taken to graze. The accused accepted his crime on interrogation and was arrested after registering case under proper sections of IPC. The representatives of Raigar community met the police officials and demanded compensation for the victim’s family.

z Were you satisfied with the response of the local administration?

Absolutely. Both the collectors who reached the spot soon after the mishap didn’t leave the spot even after the rescue operations were over. Everything was prompt.

The locals joined in without waiting for anybody to ask them to join. Every survivor was shifted to hospitals in one and half hours once the rescue operations started. z Now that the basic rescue operation is over and two of the survivors have been diagnosed corona positive, what are the precautions put

Kerala CS Viswas Mehta

in place for the CISF personnel deployed at the airport and other staff that was involved in the rescue operations?

There were two health advisories issued by the health department. One was for the VIPs visiting the airport after the mishap and the other was for the rest. The Governor, CM, seven ministers and I strictly followed the health advisories which didn’t permit us to meet the survivors personally.

So we went to the medical college hospital treating the survivors, took stock of the treatment from the doctors and returned. We were really worried about the rescuers so we have asked everyone in the general public who had joined the rescue work to voluntarily get themselves tested for Covid. All the staff is already going through the tests.

CHANCE PE DANCE AT JAISALMER

T

hey say every challenge is an opportunity. While the live examples of this may be too few and far between, however, with the Gehlot supporter MLAs being ‘housed’ at Jaisalmer’s Suryagarh hotel, there is a ripe opportunity in front of a few of them to convert this challenge into an opportunity. These MLAs, while being fully aware of the severe political challenge the camp is going through, have also realised that this is also a golden opportunity to strengthen old bonds with other ‘power holders’ and more so with the Chief Minister himself. Such is the situation that whenever CM is around, the MLAs approach their leader directly and request him for various works that need to be done

in their constituencies. Only the other day, an MLA ran into the hotel lift in which the CM was and started making requests, one after the other! However, there is a flip side to the MLAs too. Recently when a few individuals approached one MLA asking for some work, the MLA, who is known to be a staunch supporter of the chief minister, refused saying that he can not ask CM to divert his attention on such issues since he is fighting the bigger battle of saving the government and reminded the group that the ongoing time is to stand steadfast in support of Gehlot and if all goes well,

he promised to get the work done and standing by the group when needed.

—Laxman Raghav

‘SECURE’ CONG MLAs!

E

ven as the BJP rushed its MLAs to ‘secured’ Gujarat, it appears that the development has riled up the Congmen too who, apparently suspecting that BJP was planning something yet again, have decided to up the ante. In the process, the security at Suryagarh has been extensively increased. While the power of the internet jammer has been increased, effectively

CM okays including ACPs in Nazul property committees First India Bureau Jaipur: The state government has decided to include the Assistant Commissioner of Police as a member in place of the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the area concerned in the committee set up to take possession of Nazul properties in Jaipur city.

According to the proposal, the Directorate of Estates has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Additional District Collector Jaipur (Administration) to take possession of Nazul properties.

After the commissioning of the Police

Commissionerate system in Jaipur, the designation of Deputy Superintendent of Police has become Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Therefore, the amendment in the constitution of the said committee has been made and ACP has been included in place of Deputy SP. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also approved the proposal to grant registration rights to the tehsildars and naib tehsildars, appointed in 16 different newly promoted and upgraded tehsils and sub-tehsils.

Police arrest PNB peon for stealing `17.12 L from ATM First India Bureau Jaipur: Police have resolved Punjab National Bank (PNB) ATM loot case. The police have arrested peon of the bank for allegedly stealing money from the ATM in Jhotwara.

According to deputy commissioner (West) Pradeep Mohan Sharma, the accused had opened ATM lock and cracked its digital code to steal Rs 17.12 lakh on July 31.

A team had been constituted under ACP Bajrang Singh, which thoroughly checked CCTV footage of the ATM and surrounding area. The face was not recognizable as the accused had sprayed CCTV camera in the ATM booth. However, when CCTV cameras installed around the bank were checked his face came up. The police matched it with, which matched with current and former employees of the bank.

The exercise revealed that the face of the thief matched with the bank’s peon Manish Soni who was posted n Jhotwara branch eight months ago and currently working in Muslim School, Moti Doongari branch Meanwhile, constable Maliram came to

increasing its range and stopping internet access at the hotel, the calling network has also been lowered. This has come about after several cars registered in Alwar, were suddenly seen in the desert city. Moreover, even the three-tier security system has been upgraded to a four-layer system at the hotel. Vehicles are being extensively checked and even the movements of MLAs is being monitored by cops. An IPS officer from Jaipur has received input that even Gujarat number cars are being seen in Jaisalmer and thus the alertness has been heightened. While the MLAs are being ‘watched’, the locals are facing challenges of their own as it has become difficult for them to access internet and mobile signals and they can be invariably spending more time on the terraces.

know that Manish who worked in Moti Doongari branch has been searching for a property.

The police got hold of him and during interrogation, Manish reportedly confessed his crime. The police have recovered Rs 17.12 lakh which he had kept at his friend’s place.

Manish told the police that he used to be in the ATM at the time of refilling the machine so he had knowledge of how to open and close the machine.

He was also aware of the password.

On the day of crime, he left his bike at railway station and walked to Jhotwara. It took him just one and half minute to steal money. He walked back to railway station. He had not told anyone at home about his the money.

Surround yourself with the dreamers, and the doers, the believers, and thinkers, but most of all surround people who believe in you.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

POSTAL REG NO. JPC/010/2019-21

JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

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THIS IS HOW MIFFED UMA WAS PACIFIED ma Bharti, who had given herself wholeheartedly to the Ram temple movement, was waiting for a sacred date like August 5, for a long time. But when that auspicious moment arrived, she was left waiting for the call, so a miffed Bharti declared that she will remain on the banks of Saryu River of Ayodhya i.e. at Ram Ki Paidi till the time when PM Modi leaves the Ram Janmabhoomi temple after laying the foundation stone. This was because by then she was not sent an invitation to the foundation stone program.

Only ANI and Doordarshan were allowed to go to the venue, while the rest of the media was stationed at Ram Ki Pai-

U

di, some 30 km from the venue. Uma also has an old relationship with the media, so ‘Champat Rai’ felt that the media should not ask her anything else, and therefore Uma was invited in a hurry and was given a place to sit in the foundation stone laying program.

Interestingly, questions were raised on those who sat in the front row. The questions were asked about what they had to do with the temple movement, for example, nobody knew anything about the contribution of Baba Ramdev, sitting in the first line, Mahamandalesh-

Uma Bharti

FIRST INDIA SUNDAY SPECIAL

BY TRIDIB RAMAN

war Awadheshananda Giri or Swami Chidananda. Mahendra Pandey, the only minister in the Modi government who was also involved in ‘Karseva’, also went to jail because of the temple movement, but he was not even invited. Vinay Katiyar’s age has not yet crossed 75, he too was not called.

Acharya Dharmendra, who would create a charged atmosphere with his oratory skills, much like Sadvi Ritambhara, was also seen sitting in the 5th or 6th row. Sri-Sri Ravi Shankar, who spoke of mediation on the Ram temple, was out of the picture, so those individuals occupied the stage, backstage and ceremony, who had nothing to do with the Ram temple in the past.

ANAND IN ‘ANAND’ nand Kumar of Bihar, famous for his ‘Super Thirty’, based on which a movie was made which was extremely successful, is now exploring his new role in the Bihar assembly elections. At one time Anand used to be in close proximity of BJP-Sangh, and in 2018, BJP also promised to give him Rajya Sabha seat, but by then there was a big controversy about Super Thirty.

A

FARMERS FIRST

‘FPO to give better income opportunities to farmers’ CM approved the formation of state and district level committees Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: CM Ashok Gehlot has approved the formation of State level Consultative Committee and District Level Monitoring Committee to review the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations and their progress. It is noteworthy that by the year 202324, there is a target to set up 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across country.

In view of the goal, Gehlot has approved to set up these committees at the state and district levels with the objective of setting up more and more farmer producer organiza-

CM Ashok Gehlot

tions in the state and to provide better income opportunities to farmers through these organizations. The committee formed under Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary or Secretary of the Agriculture Department will have relevant officials from Coorperatives, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Agricultural Marketing etc.

in the State Level Consultative Committee.

Administrator of State Agricultural Marketing Board as well as representatives of Small Farmers Agricultural Trade Association and National Cooperative Development Corporation, Convenor of State Level Bankers’ Committee, Directors of Shri Karna Narendra Agricultural University and Rajasthan Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univer-

sity have also been included as a member in the state level committee.

The General Manager of NABARD will be the Member Secretary in this committee.

With this, the Chief Minister has also approved the establishment and expansion of more and more food processing units in the state under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme. Under this scheme, there is a provision of grant of up to Rs 10 lakh for the establishment and expansion of these units.

In this centrally sponsored scheme, there is a provision of financial participation between the centre and the state in the ratio of 60:40. A provision of 10 thousand crores has been made for the establishment and expansion of 2 lakh food processing units throughout the country.

A

the BJP backed away from its promise, and that is when Anand became close to Nitish Kumar. Nitish proposed to make Anand a MLC, but Anand did not agree to anything other than Rajya Sabha, so disputes started between the two. Now Anand wants his younger brother Pranab Kumar to contest the upcoming assembly elections from Aurangabad or Alwar on RJD ticket. Anand Kumar is a Chandravanshi Kahar by caste which has a large vote bank in both these constituencies. According to sources, recently, Anand Kumar has approached a major Hollywood director to make a film on his life in Hollywood too and he is willing to invest some money in this Anand Kumar film.

It is said that Anand claimed that 26 out of the 30 students selected in the IIT, were his but, later it was found that the number of correct students coming to the IITs was only 3. Hrithik Roshan, the hero of that film, had also tweeted and called the 26 successful children to Mumbai to give them a party, but when the situation got complicated, the actor also had to delete that tweet. Seeing the contradiction,

Vaishali Jaipur: CBDT Chairman P C Mody’s close counterpart Sumant Sinha an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) of 1987 batch has been appointed as Director General of Income Tax- Investigations at Jaipur on Friday.

Mahendra Singh, DGIT, Investigations, Rajasthan retired on June 30 and since then Neena Nigam has been holding the additional charge of the same.

The appointment of Sinha has come when the state is fully heated up with the political melodrama compounded with frequent search and seizure operations. Recently there has been a complete revamp of the entire team of Investigation Wing across India, specially in Rajasthan where most

T

hey say ‘let your imagination run wild’, but perhaps sometimes, imagination is kept on the back seat and speculation is given wings to soar high! Take for example case of former CM Vasundhara Raje. Several newspapers of the state had claimed, in a sensational news item, that Raje would form a new political party with 46 MLAs, reading which even ‘Madame’ was surprised.

And cause of surprise

is genuine since an ac- witted’ Raje quipped, tion on these lines, in the ‘Why don’t you find out current political climate, yourself ’. Knowledgeacan not be thought of, ble sources claim that specially when Naren- High Command could dra Modi and Amit Shah are at helm of affairs.

Therefore, there remains only one point that the story was ‘planted’. So who got this story planted? Interestingly, ‘New Delhi’ called up Raje after coming across story and tried to find out the ‘truth’ behind ‘develop ment ’ .

On hearing question, Vasundhara Raje ‘quick-

actually find out the truth behind the stories since its reach is immense and within 24 hours, it can get the facts out of the fiction.

Observers believe that ‘factioning’ will not be good for BJP at this stage and claim that probably the factioning is due to the fact that although

there is no ‘vacancy’ for the post of Rajasthan CM, yet some leaders are running from pillar to post to get to position, which is surprising even to the Pilot camp as well, since in the present scenario, Pilot camp believes it is ahead of the ‘competition’ in becoming CM.

RAJE MEETS RAJNATH

AMID POL CRISIS

Sumant Sinha

diligent officers of the department have been trusted for important assignments. Appointment of Sinha, who has held important posts in past like Director Investigation (Mumbai), Chief Commissioner-1, Ahmedabad, looks like a cherry on the cake. It seems that Pramod Chandra Mody, who is likely to gain extension of his term as the Chairman of CBDT has something serious targets due to which such a splendid team has

alive and their organization also undertakes to preserve the legacy of traditional crafts and arts. When Anandiben Patel bid goodbye to active politics, she wanted her traditional Ghatlodia seat to be given to Anar. The seat now comes under Gandhinagar constituency and in 2017 polls, seat was given to Bhupendra Patel, who was elected MLA. So, this time Anar may consider Patan seat for herself.

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

Anar Patel

CBDT bats on Sumant Sinha for handling Raj’s Investigation Turbulence!

Steeple chase for RAJEsthan!

Rajendra Chhabra

‘MIRACULOUS’ ANAR nar Patel, the darling daughter of Anandi Ben Patel - Governor of big states like UP and MP, has always loved to make headlines.

If sources are to be believed, she may contest from her mother’s traditional seat Patan or Ghatlodia in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections, 2022. It is said that these days Anar is spending more and more time in working on the grassroots. If sources are to be believed, Chhattisgarh’s Congress CM Bhupesh Baghel was so impressed with Anar’s work that he has invited her to Raipur and asked her to cooperate in building a film city. Years back, Anar, together with Vandana Agarwal, formed the institution of ‘Gramshree’, a period when the state was in the hands of her mother.

Anar’s organization strives to keep local craftsmenship

08

been appointed in Rajasthan. With the department cutting down the seriousness on the scrutiny norms and reducing the number of cases being taken under scrutiny, it looks like the pace of investigation operations would increase now. Sinha, known as an honest, diligent and committed officer, is being welcomed in Jaipur with open hands and hearts.

So, now Team Sumant Sinha - Rajeshwar Yadav will ensure proper pace in Rajasthan!

‘Cong MLAs staying at hotel are insult to Raj people’ New Delhi: Amid the political stir in Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday took a tig at the Congress MLAs staying at Suryagarh Hotel in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, saying that they are ‘adding insult to injury’ on the people in the state.

“The pictures of Congress MLAs at Surygarh hotel – like the wedding guests from the groom’s side enjoying music and food – are adding insult to injury on the people in the state who are fighting against COVID-19 pandemic, locust attacks and failed administration,” Shekhawat tweeted. —ANI

Keep the josh high: Cong leaders to BSP MLAs First India Bureau Jaisalmer: Senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Avinash Pande on Saturday held discussions with the BSP MLAs who merged to Congress on the legalities of the merger.

They also motivated MLAs to keep their morale high saying they and the democracy will emerge victorious in the present crisis. AICC General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP from Raj, KC

Congress leaders including Vivek Bansal and Pradhan Amardeen Fakir welcome Avinash Pande and Govind Singh Dotasara.

Venugopal communicated the message of the party high command to MLAs. He asked them to keep their “Josh” high.

State Co-incharge Vivek Bansal said that

shifting of BJP MLAs indicates that they have no good intentions.

“The shifting has exposed their intentions whereas the Congress is united,” said Bansal.

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THE

MASK-ERA Face masks have become the most essential part of our lives; City First brings you a few tips to maintain the washable masks which are most popular now, so that they last for a longer period of time!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

W

ho would have ever thought face masks would become one of the most essential items in our day-today life, right? Well, looking at the current COVID-19 situation, it is safe to say that this ‘ mandatory fashion of masks’ isn’t going away anytime soon and everyone has got to learn to live with it.

In order to make sure you are safe even while wearing a mask, there are a few things to keep in mind, like washing your hands before touching the mask, making sure the exterior side does not touch your face and the mask is extremely secure among other things. While wearing

the mask the entire day, make sure to not pull it down to the areas that are exposed- you are eventually going to place it again on your face and it isn’t going to keep you safe in any way then. There are various kinds of masks that people use which fall into the category of reusable and non-reusable. For the ones that are reusable, make sure to clean them regularly with hot water and dry them on medium or high heat- this would maintain the essence of ‘security’ and keep it hygienic.

City First got in touch with a few of its readers from Rajasthan and Gujarat to know the importance of a face mask and how they can be maintained.

Juhi Tolani from Rajasthan stated, “Wearing a mask sends a visual reminder to others to maintain distance.

It will eventually help us prevent spreading the virus to others during the period when we might not yet be aware that we have an infection. It is extremely necessary to wash it regularly for good hygiene. A mask, along with frequent handwashing and physical distancing measures, like staying at least 6 feet apart, reduces that risk.

“Cloth face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. Be secured with ties or ear loops.

Make sure to include multiple layers of fabric. It is very essential to keep changing your mask every day. Washing it regularly is the safest thing for your safety, but for others also. It must be sanitized after every use too,” said Dhaval Raj Singh Chauhan from Gujarat.

09

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ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20 On August 10, communicator Mercury in your fifth house of self-expression and fun forms a tense square to game-changer Uranus in your second house of income, and it might be tough to focus on work when you want to get out and enjoy time with loved ones, friends, or a significant other. You’re extra-excitable and want to take life by the horns. The emotional moon gives you an extra burst of patience and stick-to-activeness to complete tasks that would otherwise frustrate you. You could come so centered that others gravitate to you for advice, and higher-ups applaud your strength and clear judgment.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20 You’ll want to put your nose to the grindstone to explore and broaden your horizons in a way that expands your mind and sets the stage for career advancement on August 12 when the emotional moon in your sign forms a harmonizing trine for higher learning and adventure. Consider taking a new online course or revisit old courses of study that you enjoyed tremendously. If it’s time to shift your personal goals in a whole new direction, this period is ripe for mulling over what that might look like and action steps to take in the future.

WEEKLY

HOROSCOPE AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 15

SARA ALI KHAN’S BIRTHDAY FALLS ON 12 AUGUST. IT WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR GROUP CONNECTIONS OR NEW IDEAS, BELIEFS AND DREAMS FOR HER. SHE WILL HAVE A REAL CHANCE OF BEING WITH–OR MEETING–SOMEONE WITH WHOM SHE CONNECT ON A SOUL LEVEL. SHE WILL LEARN TO BE PATIENT.

ETC

JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

10

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22 You’ll be feeling centered in your feelings and capable of hashing out any kind of tough situation with loved ones on August 12 . If you’ve been meaning to have what you anticipate to be a challenging heart-to-heart, this could be a beneficial day to initiate that conversation. By putting it a little extra work and tender care, you could reach a healing resolution. If a particular brand doesn’t feel necessarily reciprocal, it could be time to reassess whether it’s worth your investment of time and energy.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22 You could be compelled to reflect on relationships that are no longer serving you and fulfilling you emotionally. If you feel limited and repressed in any way, it might be time to walk away. You can tackle everyday to-dos while vying for a promotion, more responsibility, or another type of career advancement on August 16. That’s thanks to gogetter Mars, your co-ruling planet. Your confidence and get-up-and-go energy are on another level, and colleagues and higher-ups are sure to be impressed and eager to work with you.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

Doing some soul searching about how you might want to switch gears with how you’re healing old wounds from August 15 to January 14. You might find that it’s easier to find a sense of calm mentally and can turn your focus to deep-rooted goals for spiritual growth. Working with friends or associates comes naturally on August 16. You’ll be a shining, beaming, self-assured star who everyone wants to learn and discuss particulars with. Head up brainstorms and take calculated risks. As long as you have the facts at hand, you’ll be right on track.

You could be aggravated if it feels like your plays for joy and creativity are quashed by the powers that be on August 13. If you’ve been gunning to take the reins on a creative project or feeling like your artistic impulses have been repressed, you might feel like acting out in defense of your needs.

This moment could be a test, nudging you to figure out how you can achieve your goals in a more measured way. You might feel like your voice and efforts to make it heard are finally being recognized and rewarded.

CANCER

CAPRICORN

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

NOV 23 - DEC 22

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

DEC 23 - JAN 20

Your wheels will start to turn as you start reflecting on the ways you’re relating to others and collaborating with colleagues. You might realize that working with different groups or making new friendships would be more fulfilling. No need to make your moves just yet. This is simply a key time for reflection. And on August 16, when the confident sun is in your second house of income you could be called on to step into the spotlight on the job. You’ll be fired up and ready to make an impression on higher-ups.

You might find the time is right to buckle down and have a deep, meaningful heart-to-heart with someone special or carve out time to be there for a loved one in need on August 12 . You can bring your wisdom and knowledge from the past to the table and find an emotionally gratifying way forward for everyone involved. You might want to rethink how you’re expressing yourself creatively. If carving out more time to play and have fun in your work and your life feels necessary, you might want to switch up your priorities.

LEO

JULY 24 AUGUST 23 You might feel fired up about a work project but also somewhat wired and overly excitable on August 10. It wouldn’t be surprising if you struggle to figure out exactly what you want to say, as this nervous tension is rushing through your veins, making it hard to concentrate. If you feel like you’re getting unnecessarily worked up, make sure to take a step back from the task at hand and take a moment to breathe. Taking action comes even more organically than usual, as does speaking your mind and taking the initiative on any mental, intellectual work.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23 You might want to reassess how you’re finding opportunities to continually learn and foster personal growth from August 15 to January 14. Meditating on this could lead you down a new path that allows you to switch up your perspective on the world. You’ll also do well to be open to ideas from other people and sources than you usually rely on. You might be feeling especially self-assured in your deepest, most burning desires and emotions. Figuring out what you want and how you want to express that to your lover or someone special can be downright enlivening.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

You might be in the beginning stages of changing your perspective on how you’re relating to family and what constitutes a home. If you’re feeling like major changes are afoot, take a deep breath and dive into a journaling exercise or therapy session. Allowing yourself to explore your options without the pressure of having to make a shift right now can be freeing. Connecting with a colleague, close friend, or significant other on a major joint project can happen easily and make for a particularly productive moment.

PISCES

FEB20 - MARCH 20 Your sensitivity and work ethic make you the perfect referee for any conflicts that might be happening with colleagues or friends... And then, it could feel easier than usual to find small, effective ways to be even more productive, balance your home and work, and pursue your most winning moneymaking ideas on August 16 when the confident sun in your sixth house of daily routine forms a positive trine to go-getter Mars in your second house of income.

You’ll be fired up and motivated, while also feeling mentally sharp and compelled to discuss your exciting game plans. Go for it!

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

JAIPUR | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

11

Bella Slams NYPD

WEDDING BELLS

FOR RANA

B

ella Hadid took to Instagram yesterday to express her displeasure with the New York Police Department for not wearing masks. The supermodel appeared to be enjoying some fresh air in the Big Apple when she came across some

members of the New York Police Department. When Bella noticed that they weren’t wearing masks or face coverings, the 23-year-old decided to document the moment on Instagram Stories. “U guys look goofy,” she wrote on one slide

while sharing a photo of three officers.

Soon after, Bella captured more officers meeting outside without proper face coverings.

“Hi @NYPD masks are for all of our safety, not just urs….:),” she wrote in her post. —Agency

...her post

S

outh star Rana Daggubati tied the knot with ladylove Miheeka Bajaj on August 8.

While wishes have been pouring in for the couple from across the world, Akshay Kumar also wished his Baby co-star Rana ahead of his big day. Khiladi Kumar took to social media to share beautiful photos of Rana and Miheeka and penned a sweet wish for the couple. Rana and Miheeka have been sharing photos from their pre-wedding ceremonies and this morning too, the Baahubali star shared a stunning click from a function ahead of the wedding.

Akshay and Rana have worked together in two films including Baby and Housefull 4. On Rana’s big day, Akshay did not forget to wish the Baahubali star. Rana and Miheeka’s wedding ceremony took place on Saturday evening.

The couple has invited only close family and friends amid the COVID 19 crisis.

—Agency

2 YEARS AND IT GROWS!

Justin and Hailey Bieber

N

ext month, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin will be celebrating their second wedding anniversary. You would assume by now that the honeymoon phase must have been long over but for these lovebirds, the quarantine period has gotten them much closer than ever before. From spending quality time at home to eventually going on road trips and catching up with their famous friends, thanks to Instagram, fans of the pair have gotten an inside look at what they’ve been up to these past few months.

During a virtual panel session, the couple spoke candidly about their quarantine period. “Well, we didn’t make any babies, so that’s that,” Baldwin quipped, talking about the various celebrity couples who have either welcomed or will welcome a baby into the world while on quarantine mode.

“We’re still pretty newly married. I mean, we’ll celebrate two years in September. We’ve just been enjoying our time together and getting to know each other deeper. We’ve been road tripping... just staying social distancing,” Bieber added.

—Agency

Bella Hadid

CORONA NEGATIVE

KHAALI PEELI

I

t’s been almost a month since Abhishek Bachchan was diagnosed with COVID 19 along with his father Amitabh Bachchan. Soon after the diagnosis, the father-son duo was admitted to Nanavati hospital in Mumbai. While Amitabh has been discharged a couple of days ago, all eyes were on Abhishek who continues to be in the hospital battling the deadly virus. But now the Bachchan and Abhishek’s massive fan following can finally take a sigh of relief as the Manmarizyan actor has been tested negative for COVID 19.

Junior Bachchan shared the happy

AB CHALI I shaan Khatter and Ananya Panday will come together on the screen for the first time in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Khaali Peeli and while before the pandemic, the two were shooting in Mumbai for the film, however, the film’s shooting was stalled.

Now while shootings are resuming with Akshay Kumar recently jetting off to the UK to shoot for Bell Bottom, and on Saturday, it is being reported that Ananya and Ishaan will soon start shooting for Khaali Peeli.

That’s right!

As per reports, while the patchwork of the Ali Abbas Zafar production will be done in Mumbai by the month-end, it is being said that the makers are eyeing August 20 to commence the shoot of the film.

The director Maqbool Khan wants to film the remaining portions by August 20, 2020, and for the remaining shoot, reports suggest that the makers are looking for an indoor studio for a two-day shoot. The film might witness an OTT release, and when producer Ali Abbas Zafar was asked about the same, he had said that right now, they are focused on completing the film and after that, “it will be waitand-watch.”

Abhishek Bachchan

news on Instagram as he revealed that he will be discharged soon from the hospital. Abhishek also expressed his excitement about being able to go home. Furthermore, the Guru star expressed his gratitude towards fans and the doctors helping him beat the highly transmissible virus. —Agency

FBI RAID

J

—Agency

Ananya Pandey

ake Paul‘s home in the Calabasas neighborhood of California is currently being searched by the FBI and they have issued a warrant to do so. The 23-year-old YouTuber’s home is in the middle of the search though it is unclear why authorities are searching his property at this time. It is reported that Paul was not home during this morning’s FBI search.

This is not the first time Jake has found himself in hot water.

Most recently, he defended himself for partying amid the Coronavirus pandemic. He denied being part of the looting that was occurring earlier during the pandemic.

Post the search, Jake‘s attorney, Richard Schonfeld said: “We understand that a search warrant was executed at Jake‘s Calabasas home on Friday morning while Jake was out-of-state.”

—Agency

Jake Paul

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 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

12

COURTESY MEET!

CITY FIRST

T

he widespread adoption of technology has seen changes in the beauty sector as well. This digitisation is not only in terms of product innovation but can also be seen in technological processes that have helped attract and retain customers.

Many online beauty retailers have taken the lead by disrupting traditional business models with advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This includes features like virtual try-on, skin analysis, digital catalogues, chatbots, and much more. Jaipur’s Ritika Sharma, CEO of House of Beauty, currently Boston based in the US, has recently launched a new e-commerce platform, Boddess.com. In an exclusive conversation with City First, Ritika Sharma shed light on how advanced technologies like AR and AI are bringing about a wave of digital transformation in the beauty industry and enhancing the modern consumers’ beauty purchases.

While talking about the impact of AI/AR technologies on the cosmetics industry, Ritika said, “The opportunities for technology in beauty are abundant in the future.

From Virtual try on, digital catalogues, 3D printed to make up tools, custom-

DIGITISING THE

BEAUTY BUSINESS

Jagdeesh Chandra with Dr Ranju Ramavat, Member AICC at his residence on Saturday evening during a courtesy meet.

Ritika Sharma

ized beauty products to 3D face masks and voicebased technology are all in the pipeline across the beauty sector.”

On the technologies of Boddess.com, she said, “The ‘Boddess Virtual Pro’ was designed

to help customers try on products when shopping online. Our in-house AR and Virtual Reality (VR)‘Skin Diagnostic and Make-Up Try-on Tool ’is an advanced and trustworthy tool that lets customers analyze their skin, and find products that

suit them while trying them on digitally. Apart from this, ‘Boddess Edit’ is an exclusive platform that offers access to celebrity makeup, hair and skin experts for customers to engage with and learn more about new skincare recipes and tips.”

“We are now meeting our customers where they are, with our ‘Boddess Beauty Mobile App’.

In addition to being a onestop-shop for all your online shopping needs, the app also utilizes the latest in cutting edge machine learning and AR/VR technologies to provide a personalized experience to each user. Boddess AR/ VR works easily on a phone because of the phone’s camera quality and configuration, making it more accessible to all users,” Ritika shared while talking about consumer needs. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Lockdown story of a “Wall”

EVENTS!

CITY FIRST, GUJARAT

W RAJASTHAN: PCC General Secretary and RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot congratulated RCA Vice President Amin Pathan on his 24th wedding anniversary on Friday. Secretary Mahendra Sharma; Joint Secretary Mahendra Nahar and Executive Member Devaram Chaudhary also joined in the celebration.

The oldest organisation of India, Pracheen Kala Kendra which is promoting Art and Culture since 1956 have started an online meeting (Bhaitak) for promoting classical art during this pandemic situation. In the 10th episode of the ongoing web bhaitak, Pt. Girindra Talegaonka performed various vocal recitals. The session was live on the Facebook page of Pracheen Kala Kendra.

ell, the entire painting work started because due to monsoon the walls in the living room got damped and little paint particles started to come out. This soon turned out to be a nightmare for her dad, brother, and herself as her mom kept nagging about it. She was worried that soon the entire house wall will get consumed by the dampness. And with this corona times getting the entire 3 BHK home painted sounded like a big budget problem to her dad. Finally, Pooja Parekh and his brother Abhishek Parekh decided to take things in their hands and they went to buy damp controller, primer, and paint. They saw it in movies, many times how people

(From left) IAS Ram Prakash, IAS Bhanwar Lal Mehra and IPS Arshad Ali celebrated their birthdays on 8 August, Saturday.

We wish them all the best!

Rohit Shah, 46 years old, the husband of Manjula Shah of First India News, passed away on Friday evening. The cremation was held on Saturday morning. Jagdeesh Chandra consoled the family members in this hour of grief. By profession, Rohit was a cameraperson who had worked in ETV, HBC, and First India news, a creative and talented man he used to shoot Rajasthani films and music videos.

Rohit Shah is survived by his wife Manjula, son Divyansh, parents MK Shah and Radha Shah, and mother-in-law Saroj Devi. His brother in law Dinesh Nama and the entire Gotharwal family is grief-stricken. His brother Amit Shah and Rohit Shah wife Nisha along with sisters and brothers-inlaw, Shital-Rohin, Purnima-Ankit, and Ruchi-Rakesh said that the light has gone with the passing away of Rohit at such a young age.

abroad paint their homes, offices and they knew other people can, they too can paint it. Pooja says, it was definitely a tough job for beginners like us but once we started, it turned out to be a lot more fun. In this corona time, our silver lining and the happy face of our mom is what we will cherish. She expressed, “now, that is Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

CITY FIRST

I

ndian-Americans have welcomed India’s decision to restore the Overseas Citizens of India card benefits, including the visa free travel to the country, which were suspended win view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The OCI card, which allows lifelong visa free travel to India with certain limitations to people of Indian-origin, was suspended by the Indian government on April 11 amidst a nationwide lockdown and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The sudden decision had created chaos and anxiety among the hundreds and thousands of Indian-origin people. A large number of them had taken to the social media platforms like Twitter to vent out their anger. The travel restrictions on those having OCI cards were subsequently relaxed, which so far have been mainly in the emergency categories, those travelling for work or minors with OCI card holders whose parents are Indian citizens.

On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified to restore the full travel privileges for OCI card holders for having passports of the US, the UK, Germany and France.

India has created an air bubble (bilateral air travel arrangements) with all these countries. “We welcome the decision of the Indian gov-

Prem Bhandari

ernment on the OCI card holders from the US, the UK, Germany and France. This was long due. This decision and creation of an air bubble with these countries would end unnecessary harassment of thousands of Indian-origin people from these countries,” social activist Prem Bhandari said.

Bhandari, who has been taking up the cause of OCI card holders for the years, said that abruptly banning OCI card holders, even due to a pandemic, resulted in a lot of heartburn among the Indian-origin people.

Over the past few months, Bhandari, who heads Jaipur Foot USA, has been leading efforts on behalf of the Indian-American OCI card holders to lift travel restrictions.

Bhandari conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Indori Style Bhutte Ka Kees

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

WE WILL MISS YOU!

Pooja Parekh

Great news for OCI CARD HOLDERS!

VRTIKA JAIN

TV ARTISTE & YOUTUBER n Milk - 1 Cup n Grated Fresh Coconut- 4tsp n Desi Ghee- 2Tbsp n Coriander - 1/4th Bowl n Chopped Green Chilli - 2 TSP n Grated Ginger - 1 TSP

n 1/4 TSP red chilli

powder.

n Hing - a pinch

n 1 TSP sugar

n Cumin seeds -1/2 TSP

n Salt - according to

n Half Teaspoon Mustard seeds n Half Teaspoon Red Chilli

Powder

taste.

n 4 Corn very fresh

and soft

PROCEDURE

n Grate the corn, by slightly

rotating it. ( Or use sweet corn kernels) n Turn on the flame and heat the pan, add clarified butter (ghee ), or oil to the pan.

n Add asafoetida (hing pow-

der ), cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. n Add ginger paste, green chilly, turmeric powder, and grated corn paste. n Stir fry all the ingredients

properly, until the colour changes slightly.. almost for 5 mins. n Now add red chilli powder, milk, sugar. n When the mixture starts boiling, close it with a lid and simmer it for 5-6 mins. add salt and mix it. n In the end, add salt n Every 2 mins, stir it. n Add lemon juice, garnish with fresh coriander and grated fresh coconut.

Enjoy this hot bhutta kees in this rainy season. (Use nonstick pan)