First India-Jaipur Edition-13 July 2020

OUR EDITIONS: JAIPUR & AHMEDABAD

CORONA

26°C - 37°C

ALERT JAIPUR l MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00

COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

5,69,368 1,29,46,620 CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 10,289 DEATHS 2,54,427 CASES

DELHI 3,371 DEATHS 1,12,494 CASES

RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764 l Vol 2 l Issue No. 37

INDIA

RAJASTHAN

23,186 8,78,593 DEATHS

GUJARAT 2,046 DEATHS 41,906 CASES

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510

CONFIRMED CASES

DEATHS

TAMIL NADU 1,966 DEATHS 1,38,470 CASES

24,392

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 934 DEATHS 36,476 CASES

The CHALLENGER

 PILOT CLAIMS GEHLOT GOVERNMENT IS NOW IN MINORITY!  WILL NOT ATTEND MONDAY MORNING CONGRESS LEGISLATIVE PARTY MEETING!  PILOT LIKELY TO JOIN BJP BUT NADDA UNSURE IF PILOT HAS REQUIRED ‘STRENGTH’

Aditi Nagar & Kartikey Dev Singh

Ashok Gehlot

New Delhi/Jaipur: The biggest battle in Rajasthan politics, in the past years, came to an abrupt halt on Sunday night when deputy chief minister and PCC Chief Sachin Pilot claimed, from New Delhi, that he has support of more than thirty legislators and that the Gehlot government in Rajasthan is in minority. The development caused ripples across the state’s polity with the remaining MLAs trying to ‘adjust’ their course according to their political future.

According to sources, after a detailed dialogue with JP Nadda on

World lauding India’s Corona fight: Shah Gurugram: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the whole world was appreciating India’s successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking ahead of the mega tree plantation drive of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Officers’ Training Academy in Kadarpur village here, the Home Minister also lauded the contribution of security forces in the battle against COVID-19 in the country. “India is one of the most populous countries. Everyone thought how will a

Union Home Minister Amit Shah plants a sapling at CRPF plantation drive, in Gurugram on Sunday.

—PHOTO BY ANI

country like India battle COVID-19, there were apprehensions but today the whole world is witnessing how one of the most successful battles against COVID-19 has been fought here,”

the Home Minister said.

“In India’s battle against COVID-19, all of our security forces are playing a huge role, nobody can deny it. Today, I salute these corona warriors.

Turn on P6

Sunday evening, till the news was sent to print, Pilot was all set to join BJP on Monday in the presence of saffron party’s top leadership, including JP Nadda, but sources close to Nadda revealed that the BJP Chief is still sceptical of Pilot having the requisite number of at least 25-30 MLAs to join along with him. Therefore, if Pilot really fails to produce at least two dozen congress MLAs in New Delhi on Monday morning to join BJP, then Nadda, in consultation with top leaders of BJP, may even postpone the joining ceremony, at least for the time being.

However, a Pilot camp insider claims that In-

spite of all the ongoing drama, Pilot will not join BJP. So what to say?

Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

However, till the report of his formally joining BJP fold came about from New Delhi, Jaipur was abuzz with the million dollar question of what would be Pilot’s next move? Joining BJP or creating a third front?

There was suspicion that if Pilot goes the third front way, BJP is likely to support his government from outside but still there is a difference of opinion in BJP to provide only outside support or to be a part of Pilot government, if it really becomes a ground reality?

This is being thought of because since day one, Pilot was reluctant to join BJP and therefore, he could opt for this third front route.

In all this disturbing scenario, Gehlot still sounds very confident of his massive majority, in case, it is put to trial to prove his majority on the floor of the house in any case. According to sources, Pilot’s game plan may be to rope in the Governor in this entire controversy by virtually compelling His Excellency to ask the Chief Minister to prove his majority on the floor of house in a week or 10 day’s time and if unfortunately, Gehlot fails to prove the numbers, Turn on P8

Hafiz Saeed’s bank accounts restored

Parl Monsoon Session likely in August

Islamabad: Pakistan has restored the bank accounts of top five leaders of defunct Jamaatud-Dawa (JUD) and Lashkar -e-Taiba (LeT), including its chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.

The restoration of bank accounts has taken place following formal approval of the Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), The News reported on Saturday. The other members of defunct JUD/LeT who got their bank accounts restored include Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, Haji M Ashraf, Yahya Mujahid and Za-

New Delhi: With Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi confirming on Sunday that the monsoon session of Parliament will be held, talks are underway over various options to conduct the proceedings.

Sources in Parliament told ANI that the monsoon session might begin from either the second or the third week of August. The biggest challenge in front of the government is to decide how the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be conducted in view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. P6

far Iqbal. All of them are UNSC’s enlisted terrorists though and currently facing sentences ranging 1 to 5 years in Lahore jail for terror financing cases filed against them by the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

The sources claimed that each one of the defunct JUD leaders had appealed to the United Nations Turn on P6

Sachin Pilot

CORONA GRIPS B-TOWN CELEBS New Delhi: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her eightyear-old daughter have also tested positive for the coronavirus, a day after Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan revealed their diagnosis. Aishwarya and her daughter have been isolated at home in Mumbai, Abhishek Bachchan tweeted.

Jaya Bachchan has tested negative. All the four bungalows of the Bachchan family—Jalsa, Pratiksha, Janak and Vatsa—have been declared as containment zones and have been sealed. Meanwhile actor Anupam Kher too revealed that members of his family, including mother Dulari and brother Raju, had tested positive for COVID-19.

P11

POWER GAME IN RAJ

Gehlot sitting cool, confident of massive majority, 75 MLAs attend meeting CLP meeting will be held at 10.30 am on Monday Yogesh Sharma & Naresh Sharma Jaipur: Around 75 MLAs including ministers were present in the meeting at Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s residence in Jaipur on Sunday.

“Around 75 MLAs and ministers were present in the meeting today at Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s residence. Currently, Con-

gress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Ajay Maken are meeting with Gehlot to chalk out a strategy for tomorrow’s Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting,” sources said. The meeting will be held at 10.30 am.

“It is likely that after the CLP meeting, a whip will be issued by the party and absentees will have to face the consequences but nothing has been finalised yet. The final decision will be taken after this meet-

CM Ashok Gehlot with Amin Khan, Shafia Zubair, Shakuntala Rawat, Meena Kanwar, Rita Chaudhary, Mamta Bhupesh, Krishna Punia, Ganga Devi, Manisha Panwar, Mahesh Joshi and Indira Meena and others at the CMR on Sunday night.

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

ing of Ajay Maken, Randeep Surjewala, Avinash Pande, and Gehlot,” they added.

The meeting was called after the crisis in Rajasthan Congress intensified with Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot at loggerheads.

Meanwhile, amid the political drama in the state capital Jaipur, CM Gehlot hosted a dinner for the party MLAs on Sunday night, which many termed as ‘dinner diplomacy.’

Congress has 107 MLAs and the Gehlot

government is supported by 10 Independent MLAs and two each from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Tribal Party while BJP has 72 seats in the 200-member Assembly.

The Pilot camp claims that as many as 30 Congress MLAs and some Independent legislators who are in touch with Sachin Pilot and have pledged their support to him and have vouched to stand by whatever decision he takes.

—With inputs from ANI

THE MAGIC FIGURE  Even if 24 pro-Pilot MLAs leave the Congress party, the BJP will need 14 other MLAs  At present, the Congress has 107 MLAs, apart from this, Gehlot has the support of 13 Independents and one RLD MLA.  Political analysts are of the opinion that the BJP will not be able to form government even if the Independents and MLAs from other parties give their support to it.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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RAINY DAYS EN ROUTE...

The monsoon activity in the desert-state of Rajasthan has remained weak over the past few days, but is expected to pick up from Tuesday, says IMD. Between June 1 and July 11, western Rajasthan has received 8% less rainfall than normal while the eastern part of the state has received 13% less, according to Skymet Weather. Dark clouds over the historic Tal Katora Lake on Sunday, signal the onset of the much awaited monsoon. Meanwhile, the city witnessed slight drizzling on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon, making the weather all the more pleasant.

—PHOTO BY SUMAN SARKAR

‘Dubey reached Ujjain via Raj by bus’

He reached Jhalawar from Alwar in a RSRTC bus from where he took a private bus to Ujjain, say cops Ujjain: With police hot on his heels, slain gangster Vikas Dubey had reached Ujjain from Rajasthan by bus, and took a dip in the Kshipra river before reaching the Mahakaleshwar temple where he was eventually arrested last week, investigations so far have revealed.

Various details emerged as police here in Madhya Pradesh probed further about his escape from Uttar Pradesh after the Kanpur ambush in which eight policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police, were killed on July 3.

Dubey, the alleged mastermind of the Kanpur ambush, was killed in an encounter on Friday after he tried to flee

JAGAN GURJAR ADMITTED TO JLN

Vikas Dubey

following a road accident at Barra area in Kanpur, a day after his arrest here.

Ujjain’s Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh said 11 teams were constituted to investigate how Dubey arrived here and the circumstances leading to his arrest, that ended the week-long multi-

state manhunt for the gangster.

These teams examined CCTV footage of various areas and enquired with some hotels, lodges and bus owners/drivers, he told reporters on Saturday evening.

“According to our investigation so far, Dubey reached Jhala-

war from Alwar (Rajasthan) in a Rajasthan transport corporation bus, Singh said.

From Jhalawar, Dubey took a private bus to Ujjain.

“After travelling on seat no. 6 of a bus from Jhalawar, he reached Ujjains Dewas Gate bus stand at 3.58 am (on Thursday). From there,

he took an auto-rickshaw and reached the Mahakaleshwar temple and enquired with a couple of hotels nearby (but did not check-in), he said.

After getting to know that the temple opens around 7.30 am for devotees, he went to the Ram Ghat located near the temple where he took a dip in the Kshipra river. He then reached the temple where he was finally caught by police, Singh said.

On Thursday, police said flower and puja material shop owner Suresh Mali recognised Dubey when he was enquiring with him about the opening of the temple.

Mali then informed

the police and the Mahakaleshwar temple’s security personnel about the gangster, they said.

Dubey was subsequently intercepted by the police at the temples exit gate and taken into custody.

The Ujjain police later handed over Dubey to the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Asked about statements given by Dubey during the custody of Madhya Pradesh Police, Singh said, He was a dreaded criminal and killed police personnel.

His statements are useless until verified in our investigations.”

To a question on one of Dubeys local contacts, the official said it was not verified so far.

CM’s OSD Saini’s father dies of illness

Locust: Bane for farmer’s boon for Bustard

First India Bureau

Jaisalmer: Locust swarms have been arriving in Jaisalmer of western Rajasthan from Pakistan. Central and state governments are making all kinds of efforts to deal with the issue. Recently, in Jaisalmer, helicopters, drones, and other resources were used to spray insecticides on locusts. However, the locusts that have become a disaster for farmers and the government. But it is prov-

Sikar: Gulzhari Lal, the father of Chief Minister’s OSD Devaram Saini, left for heavenly abode on Sunday at his ancestral residence Khandela.

He was 90 years old and had been ill for some time. He had 3 sons and 5 daughters.

The cremation will take place on Monday at 9 am.

Khandela MLA Ma-

02

hadev Singh Khandela has expressed sincere condolences on the death of Saini.

He called Saini a social reformer and a nobleman and described his death as a significant loss to society.

Many social and political organisations have expressed their condolences on the demise of Gulzari Lal, who always followed simple living.

First India Bureau

Locusts have become a good nutritious dietary option for Bustard ing to be a boon for wildlife, including Godavan.

Locusts have become a good nutritious dietary option for many wildlife, including Godavan in the Rashtriya Maru Udyan and its surrounding areas in

Jaisalmer. It will also show its effect in the breeding of Godavan this year and better results are expected.

Rashtriya Maru Udyan Officer Dr Kapil Chandrawal said that the state bird Godavan

has taken the most benefit of the arrival of locusts. Locusts are rich in protein and if wildlife gets adequate nutritious food, then their body development is good. In such a situation, it is expected that the consumption of locusts will prove to be very beneficial in Godavan breeding.

Godavan or Great Indian Bustard is a shy bird and lays only one egg in a year, due to which the species is also facing an extinction crisis.

Scared gangster moves court First India Bureau Jaipur: Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who came into the limelight for threatening actor Salman Khan, is now afraid of an encounter.

Lawrence, who was shifted from Jodhpur jail to Sewar Central Jail in Bharatpur, has filed a petition in Chandigarh district court, expressing a possibility of a fake encounter

by Chandigarh Police.

In the petition, he has also applied for an anticipatory bail in the firing case in Sector 9, Chandigarh.

The petition was filed before the court of ADJ Rajesh Sharma. In the petition, Bishnoi filed for an anticipatory bail claiming that he had been falsely accused of

firing at two locations in Chandigarh.

The court had summoned a response from Chandigarh Police on the petition of Lawrence, on which the police reply today. On the other hand, the police are seeking a production warrant against Lawrence for interrogating him. Actually, last month, there was a firing incident at liquor businessman Arvind Singla’s house in Sector-33, Chandigarh. A few days later, there was also firing at a liquor shop in Sector-9. Lawrence’s name was revealed in these incidents.

Gangster Lawrence is locked in Sewar Jail for almost two years.

After the dispute in Jodhpur jail, he was shifted to Bharatpur Central Jail.

Students unhappy with RAS results First India Bureau Jaipur. The results for RAS mains 2018 declared by RPSC have come under scanner after some of the candidates alleged that the RPSC had declared the results in a hurry. They alleged that the RPSC while declaring the

results for the years from 2013 to 2016 had invited 2.5 to 3 times the available seats while this time only 1.9 times candidates have been invited. The candidates have threatened to resort to legal options if RPSC doesn’t release amended results soon.

TAKING CHARGE

CMO to handle controversial gypsum royalty contracts of Bikaner First India Bureau Jaipur. The controversy surrounding the gypsum royalty contracts in Bikaner has been handed to the CMO for its ultimate resolution. The pending gypsum contracts have already cost the state exchequer losses worth crores of rupees.

The contract for gypsum mines situated in Bikaner mines for the last financial year was allotted for Rs 57 crore

by the mines department to M/S Galaxy.

The royalty rate prevalent at that time was Rs 125 per tonne and the permit fees per tonne was Rs 100. According to the rules, the new contract for the current financial year was allowed at a minimum increment of 10% which works out to about Rs 73 crore.

Surprisingly, nobody entered the bid for tenders at the rate fixed by the mining department

for the current year.

The contract was allotted to M/S Dev Dashrath Infrastructure for the period 1 April 2019-31 March 2021 but it was found that the firm had submitted the wrong affidavit and the contract was cancelled. Meanwhile, the royalty was increased from Rs 125 to Rs 165 per tonne. But to the surprise of many, the new contract was allotted at only Rs 44.81 crore which is quite low compared to the previ-

—Pic for representational purpose only

ous year contract amount. The Mining Department of Bikaner had forwarded the proposal to its HQ on December 31,2019 but it was finalised only after 3 months on March 20.

The mining engineer in Bikaner has 200 STP and 35-40 mining leases under it and the rulebending continued.

When M/S Krishna Trading could not complete all the formalities in requisite 15 days the HQ cancelled its con-

tracts and also ordered confiscating its Rs 4.40 crore security deposit.

It was here that the Minister for Mines Pramod Jain Bhaya intervened and called the file to his office while staying the cancellation of the contract along with forfeiting the security deposit.

Bhaya wanted to suspend the contract until guilty officers were brought to book.

Now both the principal Secretary and the

Director of the mining department have changed so it is being assumed that Minister Bhaya will soon hold a meeting with ACS Subodh Agrawal and Director Kunj Bihari Pandya and resolve this long pending issue giving loss to the state exchequer. It has already cost Rs 12 crore loss in this year and crore of rupees loss through the illegal mining of gypsum which continues unabated in the area.

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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Toll reaches 510 with 7 deaths on Sunday; 644 new cases found Max cases were diagnosed in Jodhpur with 156 new patients, 53 were from Jaipur OFFICE SEALED

First India News Jaipur: Call it due to more testing in the state or coronavirus raising its vicious head, Sunday registered 644 new corona positives along with 7 deaths reported from across the state.

This took the total death tol to 510 and the number of total corona positives to 24392. Three deaths were reported from Nagaur and one each from Jaipur, Sikar, Sirohi and Tonk.

Maximum 156 new cases were reported from Jodhpur followed by 92 from Alwar, 70 from Pali, 53 from Jaipur, 33 from Ajmer, 31 from Bikaner, 30 from Jalore, 28 from Kota, 24 from Barmer, 18 from Dholpur, 17 each from Bharatpur & Sirohi, 16 from Nagaur, 11 from Sikar, 9 from Karauli, 8 from Dausa,4 each from Bundi, Jhunjhunu & Udaipur, 2 each

Women blame cops of assault and coercion First India News Sawai Madhopur: Rwanjana Dungar police station in the district has been accused of assaulting women of a family to force them to accept committing a theft. Police responded that the women of the concerned family attempted to interfere in work of the police while apprehending the suspect accused in the robbery case. The women reached the District Collectorate and said that cops were trying to arrest a youth from their family, Raju in a theft case and were forcing him to accept the crime.

The women of Mongia caste are claiming that no one from their family is involved in the theft.

Scouts and Guides cadets paint a graffiti on a road to raise awareness on coronavirus in Bikaner on Saturday.

from Banswara, Dausa, Pratapgarh & Sawai Madhopur, one each from Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Sri Ganganagar & Rajsamand along with 6 from other states.

The cumulative district wise tally of the corona positives on Friday is as follows – Ajmer 760, Alwar 1208, Banswara 104, Baran 76,

Barmer 697, Bharatpur 1971, Bhilwara 290, Bikaner 893, Bundi 22, Chittorgarh 215, Churu 385, Dausa 212, Dholpur 837, Dungarpur 489, Ganganagar 72, Hanumangarh 129, Jaipur 3911, Jaisalmer 118, Jalore 584, Jhalawar 380, Jhunjhunu 454, Jodhpur 3819, Karauli 140, Kota 805, Nagaur 927,

MP Beniwal gets death threat over tweet on Papla Nagaur: Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has allegedly received a death threat, the video of which has gone viral on social media. A man, who identified himself as Lala Gurjar, threatened the MP for speaking against criminals like Jagan Gurjar and Papla Gurjar, an aide of Beniwal said.

No FIR has been registered in this connection so far.

Beniwal, the convener of Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, had recently tweeted that Papla Gurjar is still absconding and it is a failure of the state government.

Papla was detained by a police team in Al-

war district’s Behror in September last year but a few hours after his detention, his accomplices attacked a police station with AK-47 assault rifles and other weapons to free him from the lockup. He is still at large.

On the other hand, Jagan Gurjar is a notorious dacoit of Dholpur district.

—PTI

Pali 1506, Pratapgarh 147, Rajsamand 370, Sawai Madhopur 131, Sikar 704, Sirohi 671, Tonk 214 and Udaipur 870 along with 164 from other states & countries.

S0 far 18103 patients have turned negative after treatment and 17734 have been discharged from variou hospitals of the state.

There are a total 5779 active patients under treatment in the state.

Jaipur witnessed one death and 53 new corona positive cases in the last 24 hours. 6 people who flew in with Mission Vande Bharat flights have been diagnosed with corona positive. 4 each were reported from Jhotwara & Mansarovar, 3 each from Govindgarh, Sanganer, Malviya Nagar, Ajmer Road , 3 from other states, 2 each from Vidyadhar Nagar, Sodala, Shahpura, SMS Hospital, Adarsh Nagar, Gopalpura & Tonk Road and one each was reported from Amer, Banipark, Durgapura, Jagatpura, Murlipura, Vaishali Nagar, Chandpole, Manak Chowk, mahesh Nagar & Sitapura.

Meanwhile, DG Jail BL Soni has tested positive for coronavirus. Recently, he had paid a visit to the Pratapgarh jail.

‘Problems with waqf board properties will be firmly dealt with’ First India News Nagaur: Rajasthan Muslim Waqf Board chairman Khanu Khan Budhwali said that maximum irregularties regarding the waqf board properties happen at the local level and they will be firmly dealt ensuring that the properties remain with the board.

Budhwali said so after inspecting waqf board properties in Medta. After attending the public hearing programme in Jama Masjid premises, Budhwali said that a report has been sought in the matter of the amount pending on Kamethi’s tenure.

Budhwali also inspected Dargah Suffiuddin along with other properties claimed to be the target of the encroachers in Nagaur.

Khanu Khan said that he wants to develop Rajasthan Waqf Board as a model which can be

Nizam Kantaliya Jodhpur: All benches and affiliate courts of Rajasthan will remain closed till July 15. High Court Registrar Nirmal Singh Medatwal released a notification to the effect after 10 persons from Jodhpur bench were diagnosed corona positive as more sampling continues.

The decision followed

a discussion on the issue between CJ Indrajit Mohanty and judges in Jodhpur. The sequence of events started with a

private secretary of a Judge testing positive followed by nine from the court staff being found positive which

First India News Ajmer: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is preparing to release the results of commerce stream of class

Aishwarya Pradhan

Rajendra Rathore, GC Kataria, Satish Poonia and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

er of the opposition party and had been present in the state as a formidable opposition during the Vasundhara Raje rule while Ashok Gehlot was absent from the scene then.

Rathore said it was unprecedented in the political history of the country that a chief minister gets himself served a notice from

First India News Bundi: A 38-year-old daily wage labourer from Bihar fled his rented accommodation in Bundi district as he was apparently worried about being placed in institutional quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19, police said on Sunday.

He has been missing since Friday morning.

Bundi district administration and the police are clueless on the whereabouts of Brijesh Yadav, who had arrived by train along with three other labourers from Bihar on July 7.

Yadav, a native of Siwan district in Bihar, came to Bundi to work on a construction site with his fellow workers and rented an accommodation in Neem Ka Kheda village of the district.

All four labourers gave their swab samples on Wednesday at Bundi district hospital and the report was received on Friday morning with only Yadav having tested positive.

—PTI

included four private secretaries along with other staff.

The health department has quarantined four sitting judges along with other court staff and is busy taking samples of rest of the court employees and officers.

The incidence of corona in Jodhpur has put Jaipur HC in a fix.

The health department has started taking sam-

ples from the Jaipur staff also.

So far samples of about 200 persons have been taken on Saturday and Sunday. A lot will depend on the test reports of the samples taken by the health department but till then the High Court management has decided to keep all the affiliated offices & courts till July 15 on Wednesday.

RBSE to release class 12 commerce results HJUJ V-C Thanvi gets 12. The result will be released by RBSE chairman Dr DP Jaroli at 11.15 am today at the board conference hall.

There will be no merit list released with the results. More than

36,000 students had appeared for the class 12 commerce stream.

The results will be available on the RBSE website. RBSE officials have completed all preprations for it.

The SOG episode is a movie scripted, directed and performed by CM, says BJP

tal balance. He said that the harsh stick shown in the form of SOG only proves the internal conflicts within the Congress party.

Deputy Leader of Opposition too lashed out at the Gehlot government but strategically defended Sachin Pilot. Rathore said that Pilot has served the longest tenure as lead-

Labourer flees after testing positive

Amid increasing corona cases among judicial staff, all courts in Raj to stay closed till July15

STRIKING IRON WHEN HOT

Jaipur: The BJP has taken Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot directly on target after the SOG served notices to Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and many Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA). BJP has unleashed a series of statements trying to corner the state government in its weak & critical moment.

BJP state president Satish Poonia called CM Gehlot a confectionery maker who is eating his own sweets.

Referring to the response by Minister Ramesh Meena to the SOG notice Poonia said that the state government has lost its men-

looked upon by other states.

He said that, his first priority is to make the waqf properties encroachment free.

He appealed the encroachers themselves to take the initiative to hand over the properties to board. According to him, soon, the waqf committees formed under Vasundhara Raje rule will soon be dismantled and Congressmen will be part of them.

He stressed on making the school and hostel facilities stronger and well managed. He said that he had initiated action on irregularities earlier and will continue to do so. Earlier Dr Khanu Khan Budhwali was ceremoniously welcomed in the Dargah bazar.

Locals brought to his notice the problems faced by local crematorium and madarsa teachers to which he assured early resolution.

03

—FILE PHOTO

SOG while he himself is heading the Home department. He alleged that CM Gehlot had insulted the Deputy CM Pilot and all ministers and MLAs by serving them notice from SOG. National Vice President of BJP and party vateran Om Prakash Mathur has directly attacked CM Gehlot alleging that he is throwing

his dirt on others just to hide failure to keep everyone in his party together. Mathur said he never expected such a behaviour from a seasoned politician like Gehlot. He asked Gehlot to stop using BJP’s shoulder to fire on his enemies within the Congress party. He alleged that it is Congress which has misused democracy always. He took a dig at Congress leader Kapil Sibbal’s tweet of controlling horses timely.

Mathur tweeted that horses love to ron on green pastures as its hoof gets injured running on rough patches.

Central Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called the whole episode a film which has been scripted, di-

rected and acted by CM Gehlot himself just to get rid of his PCC chief.

Central Minister Arjun Meghwal said that CM Gehlot was trying to divert the attention from the internal conflict of Congress. Jodhpur leader Rajendra Gehlot said the state government won’t last for long now.

BJP, until now, has adopted its famous strategy of targeting one from multiple corners creating psychological pressure on the state government.

While Poonia, Kataria, Rathore and even central ministers from the state are openly targeting Chief Minister Gehlot but the silence of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is intriguing for all.

addl charge as RISU V-C First India News Jaipur: Vice Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication Om Thanvi took additional charge as Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan ILD Kaushal University on Sunday.

The post got vacant after the retirement of Dr Lalit K Panwar from the post of Vice Chancellor of the university. Dr Panwar had taken over the postion on July 12, 2017.

University officials and employees bid farewell to Dr Panwar in the presence of Thanvi.

Om Thanvi

Controller of Examinations PM Tripathi conducted a simple ceremony due to the necessity of social distancing. Director of Skill Education Prof Ashok K Nagawat, Registrar Devendra Sharma, Financial Advisor Ummed Singh and Director Student Welfare VK Mathur were present on the occasion.

PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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04

Kothari’s deep love and passion for the teachings of the Vedas is like the thread which binds the pearls of the Alphabets detailed in Akshar Yatra , making it a sparkling necklace to be worn to increase the beauty of the heart and mind

ANITA HADA

anita.hada@firstindianews.com

T

he two series ‘granth’ by Vidhyavachaspati Gulab Kothari titled ‘Akshar Yatra’ is a must-read for each and anyone who is interested in the world of literature, words, and spirituality. Kothari has beautifully drawn out the importance and the beauty of the alphabet in our lives and how the alphabet derives its very definition from the universe itself.

Kothari rightly sets out at the beginning itself that the future belongs to intelligence but at the same time there will be no readers of the text of Vedas and Upanishads, the root of all knowledge in the World, though the philosophy of these ancient texts will continue to be a point of discussion. Life will increasingly be individualistic and indepth meaning and pure scientific thoughts will have little place in the world.

Akshar Yatra does not just table the philosophy or literary importance of the alphabet. It is a deep look into the pearls of the alphabet, their structure, form, and ethos. The Alphabet in itself and as part of a word is the universe. Our Mantras are proof that the alphabets are the way to connect with the Almighty and Universe, Kothari cites the example of ‘Om’ the alphabet which is complete in itself and it’s chanting connects the speaker to the Universe.

The two parts of Akshar Yatra are available on all Digital platforms like Flipkart and Amazon.

With 308 chapters and 621 pages is the first part of Akshar Yatra is more or less equal to the 325 chapters and 279 pages Part two of the same. Both

Part-1 (Pg.567)

Part-1 (Pg.366)

the parts take the reader into a beautiful intellectual journey of the Hindi alphabet and as they connect the reader to the depth in each alphabet drawing a connection from everyday life and deeper consciousness. He connects the alphabet to words and the deep-rooted meanings within, the word is connected to its meaning, the meaning to knowledge and knowledge leads to desire. Desire leads us into action which finally is what

we showcase to the world as an achievement. Which is why the Hindi alphabets are the complete universe in themselves and based on science.

The phonics and alphabets in the chanting of the mantras is the key to consciousness. A knowledgeable human pays deep attention to both, his daily speech and the prayers that he utters. To know truth one must first discard and reject the untruth, this is imperative to gain knowledge of the Truth.

A person’s thoughts when putting into words also lead to a vibration deep within and partly his speech and actions but since humans have intelligence, they manage to control this aspect and the vibrations and outward actions do not always match. Kothari gives the example of animals to explain his point that since their intelligence is of basic survival they do not subvert and the vibrations of pain and pleasure are directly converted into sound and produced herewith.

Kothari powerfully draws up the essence of communication when he says that ‘Siddhe Shabdarth-sambhandhe’Word, Meaning and their Connection is for always and forever. Till the word exists it will remain connected to its meaning and till any item/emotion exists in the universe, it’s the word will remain necessary to express it, whether anyone knows the meaning or not is an entirely different matter.

One of the most powerful chapters which shook me to the core was Draupadi in part 1 of Akshar Yatra which talks about

her, Ahilya, Sita, Tara, and Mandodari as the five women who have impacted not just our mythology but also the women of today. Today we know of their life, struggles, and learn from them because we have the alphabets, words, and the books which bring it to us. “Panchkanyaha: Samarniya Samre ni nityam mahapatak nashinihi:”, many a woman has been strengthened learning from their lives, Kothari says that these five women characters celebrate the same power and their remembrance is a tool to be absolved of our sins. For me, one of the best things about the Akshar Yatra is its powerful positive communication about Shakti, women’s power.

The Akshar Yatra series is not just to be read, it is to be savoured. It is a learning process that has to be lived and will change our perception of the usage of alphabets, words, and language forever. Kothari goes into all the necessary details about vowels, sound waves, vibration, and the importance of

correct pronunciation in communication.

A carry home point from the reading of these books is something which directly impacts our daily life, Kothari sets out that vibration if of two types, a word without power is of no use, it has no vibration and just flows with the wind to disappear. On the other hand, a word spoken with power, vibration, and proper flow with correct pronunciation makes an impact on self and others as a conversation. To speak out words properly, ‘Uccharan’ the words must rise from the ‘naabhi-navel’, to vibrate through the throat reaching into deepest recesses of the brain before coming down to spoken through the mouth. I want the readers to try speaking the most powerful ‘Om’ like this. Spoken casually without depth, it will have no impact while speaking ‘Om’ correctly through proper connotation, and vibration from navel to the top of the head will connect you to the universe.

Part-2 (Pg.647)

Vol 2 Issue No. 37 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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‘RaGa met Chinese Ambassador ‘secretly’ amid Doklam stand-off’

05

UP govt forms panel to probe Dubey’s encounter

BJP President JP Nadda urged workers of UDF, LDF & Congress to join BJP to make the nation stronger New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was meeting the Chinese Ambassador ‘secretly’ during the Doklam stand-off and alleged that his love for the nation is ‘fake.’

“The people of India know that Rahul Gandhi was meeting the Chinese Ambassador secretly during the Doklam stand-off and you misled the nation and did not inform the country. India got to know only when the Chinese Ambassador broadcast your picture with him online. This ‘love for your nation’ is fake. You’ve missed all 11 defence committee meetings. This is how you run a country?” he said after inaugurating the newly constructed BJP District Committee office ‘Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Mandiram’ in Kasaragod, Kerala.

‘What happened that China took away sacred land of Mother India?’

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses while inaugurating BJP district committee office ‘Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Mandiram, Kasargod (Kerala) via video conferencing, in New Delhi.

The BJP President also urged the workers of United Democratic Front, Left Democratic Front and the Congress to join his party.

“UDF, LDF, Congress have always kept the nation in the dark. I call upon the workers and people of Kerala to leave LDF, UDF and Congress to join the BJP and make the state stronger,” he said.

Notably, earlier today

Gandhi had targeted the Central government over the June clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers and asked what had happened that China “took away” the sacred land of India.

“What had happened that China took away the sacred land of Mother India during Modi ji’s tenure?” the Congress leader asked on Twitter (translated from Hindi). He also

posted an article by a news website about the Galwan valley clash.

20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in a violent face-off in the Galwan valley on June 15-16 when Chinese troops attempted to unilaterally change the status quo during the deescalation.

India & China have been involved in talks to ease the ongoing border tensions. —ANI

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi again targeted the Centre over June clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers, and asked what had happened that China “took away” the sacred land of India.

“What had happened that China took away the sacred land of Mother India during Modi ji’s tenure?” the Congress leader asked on Twitter (translated from Hindi).

He also posed an article by a news website about the Galwan valley clash.

O ve r the Rahul Gandhi

Nepal landslide sweeps eight houses, 11 people missing

‘Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over northeast India in next 5 days’ New Delhi: India Meteorological Department on Sunday said that heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over northeast India in next five days.

“Heavy to very heavy falls over northeast India, West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar and adjoining East UP likely during next five days,” IMD said. It said that isolated extremely heavy falls also very likely over Bihar and Assam and Meghalaya on July 12 and over SubHimalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on July 12 and 13. The intensity of rainfall over these regions is likely to reduce gradually thereafter.

A boatman sails across the Hooghly River, as monsoon clouds hover in the sky in Nadia district on Sunday.

“A cyclonic circulation lies over East Bihar and neighbourhood at mid and upper tropospheric levels. The convergence of southwest-

MADHYA PRADESH: CONGRESS MLA QUITS PARTY, JOINS BJP Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Pradyuman Singh Lodhi resigned from the party and as member of the state Assembly, & joined BJP on Sunday. Lodhi, who was a legislator from Bada Malhera seat in Chhatarpur district, joined the BJP at the ruling partys state headquarters here in the presence of Chief Minister

Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

On the occasion, state BJP chief V D Sharma announced Lodhi’s induction into the party fold.

“I have resigned as MLA. My resignation has been accepted. Only the BJP can develop my Assembly seat areas. The chief minister also approved developmental schemes for my area,” Lodhi said.

erly/southerly winds from Bay of Bengal in lower tropospheric levels very likely to continue over northeast and adjoining east In-

dia during next two days,” IMD said.

While heavy rainfall is likely in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra till July 16. Chhattisgarh’s Raipur received heavy rainfall. IMD has predicted generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers, for this week.

Meanwhile, Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre said that widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and at isolated places very heavy rain likely over Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada districts of Coastal region. —ANI

ACCUSED IN GOLD SMUGGLING CASE BROUGHT TO KERALA Thiruvananthapuram: The two key accused in gold smuggling case in Kerala, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair, were brought to the state on Sunday, a day after being taken into custody by NIA in Bengaluru, as Congress workers staged protests against them at several places. They were taken to Aluva hospital in Ernakulam for COVID-19 test before being produced in NIA court in Kochi. Congress & BJP attacked LDF govt, seeking to know how the prime accused could flee when a triple lockdown was in place.

Kathmandu: At least 11 people were missing after a massive landslide triggered by incessant rainfall swept away eight houses in Nepal’s eastern Sankhuwasabha district, officials said on Sunday.

Landslides and floods triggered by the heavy rainfall washed away the houses in Besinda village of Sisuwakhola on Sunday morning, The Himalayan Times reported.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Malla said that the police personnel were carrying out a search operation to rescue the people who have gone missing.

A team of armed forces and Nepal Army are on standby at the district headquarters in Khandbari.

According to the Baraha Dal Battalion of Nepali Army, an army helicopter in Itahari was on standby.

Meanwhile, several roads have been damaged or washed away in the floods. —PTI

past few weeks, the Gandhi scion has been repeatedly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the border issue with China.

20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in a violent face-off in the Galwan valley on June 15-16 when Chinese troops attempted to unilaterally change the status quo during the de-escalation.

India and China have been involved in talks to ease the ongoing border tensions since last month.

—ANI

—File Photo

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a one-member commission to probe the Kanpur ambush and the encounter of gangster Vikas Dubey.

The panel will be headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Shashi Kant Agarwal and submit its report in two months, a government statement said.

It will be based in Kanpur.

According to the statement, the panel will also probe the gangster’’s “relationship” with police and

people from various departments.

It will suggest ways so as to prevent such a repetition in future, it said. An official said that the killing of eight policemen in ambush on night of July 2 and 3 by Vikas Dubey and his henchmen and the gangster’s encounter on July 10 is a “subject of public importance”.

“Hence, its probe is essential,” the spokesperson said, adding that panel will also probe “all encounters in the period from July 2-3 to 10”. —PTI

‘All the country’s land is with our security forces’ Gurgaon: As Chinese and Indian troops move to disengage in eastern Ladakh after a tense standoff, the chief of ITBP and BSF on Sunday said all the country’s land is under ‘full possession’ of our security and defence forces.

S S Deswal, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Security Force (BSF), was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a plantation drive held at a BSF camp in Bhondsi.

“All the country’s land is with us. Our land is in full possession of our security forces,” Deswal told reporters here.

He made the remarks when asked to comment on the current military standoff along LAC in eastern Ladakh.

“All our borders are safe, be it the eastern, western or northern.

The security forces of the country are very active, capable and dedicated.

“They are capable to protect the borders against any kind of enemy with all their

INDIAN STUDENTS CONCERNED AS US ANNOUNCES NEW VISA RULES New Delhi: Fear of deportation in the middle of a global crisis, unpaid loans, rising risk of COVID-19 infection, dropping out a semester and the possibility of never being able to return to campus are among the concerns of Indian students in US after announcement of new visa regulations. In a

Vikas Dubey

move that is expected to adversely impact thousands of Indian students, the United States of America immigration authority has announced that foreign students will have to leave the country or risk deportation if their universities switch to online-only classes in this fall semester due to the coronavirus pandemic.

S S Deswal

SAFEGUARDING THE NATION

W

might and efficiency,” the 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer said.

According to people familiar with the development, Chinese military has further thinned down its presence in the ridgeline of Finger Four and removed some boats from the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh ahead of another round of Lt Generallevel talks between In-

dia and China aimed at finalising modalities for complete disengagement along the LAC. “The morale of army troops & border guarding forces is very high.

Since independence, the security forces have made numerous sacrifices to protect the country’s borders and for security of the country whether is is external threat or internal security,” he said. —PTI

4 SECURITY FORCE MEMBERS KILLED IN CLASHES IN BAGHLAN Kabul: At least four security forces members were killed and 10 others sustained injuries in Northern Baghlan province on Saturday, Tolonews reported citing security sources on Sunday.

As per the report, the clashes occurred on Baghlan-Samangan highway in Chesmaye Shir and Bagh-e-Shamal area after the Taliban attacked security forces. “The highway was closed to traffic for several hours and four Afghan forces humvees were also damaged in the fighting,” sources were quoted as saying by Tolonews.

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06

‘Govt will fulfill duty of calling Parl’s Monsoon Session’ New Delhi: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal on Sunday said, “It is the constitutional duty of the Centre to call the Parliament Session within six months and the government will surely fulfil its responsibility.”

The statement from the Union Minister came after rumours were mongering that this year the Monsoon session would not be held due to the coronavirus epidemic. Meghwal further said that a

Arjun Ram Meghwal

meeting was also held between the Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu pertaining to the guidelines to be followed during the Parliament Session in a bid to contain the spread of the lethal infection.

“As many as eight new rules have been made and are being issued by the Parliament.

These rules include mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and sanitizing hands,” he added.

MAKING A REMARK

T

“Preparation are underway for the conduction of the Parliament session and I believe that it will be held soon,” the Union Minister said in his concluding remark.

With Union Minister

for Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi confirming that the monsoon session of Parliament will be held, talks are underway over various options to conduct the proceedings.

Sources in Parlia-

ment told ANI that the monsoon session might begin from either the second or the third week of August.

The biggest challenge in front of the government is to decide how the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be conducted in view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Although the final decision over the functioning of both the Houses will be taken only after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary

Affairs (CCPA), the biggest issue is over the seating arrangements of the members, with social distancing measures being followed.

For seating the MPs, the halls of both the Houses apart from Central Hall and GMC Balayogi hall are also being considered.

The MPs are also being asked to give their opinions on available options & suggest ideas of their own through the Secretariats of both the lower and the upper House. —ANI

COVID-19 UPDATE

India’s recovery rate improves to 62.93%, says Health Ministry New Delhi: Focussed and coordinated action by the Centre along with states and UTs, effective clinical management of coronavirus and timely diagnosis led to a consistent increase in the number of recovered cases in the country, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.

The number of recovered cases exceeds active COVID-19 cases by 2,42,362 as on date, it said. “The recovery rate has improved to 62.93 per cent,” the ministry said.

“As more people are recovering due to allround efforts, the recovered cases exceed active cases by 2,42,362,” it said.

There are 2,92,258 active coronavirus cases in the country.

In the last 24 hours, a total of 19,235 people were cured of the coro-

Dr Harsh = wearing a PPE suit, interacts with a Corona patient at Radha Soami Beas, Chhatarpur.

navirus infection. This has resulted in the cumulative total number of recovered cases among COVID-19 patients rising to 5,34,620 on Sunday. India, meanwhile, added a record 28,637 cases of coronavi-

Mumbai: 16 at Raj Bhavan test positive Mumbai: Sixteen personnel at the Raj Bhavan in south Mumbai have tested coronavirus positive, a civic official said on Sunday.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari denied reports that he is in self-isolation, a Raj Bhavan official said.

“I am perfectly alright, and not in selfisolation. I underwentrelevant tests, the result of which came negative. There are no symptoms of COVID-19 either,” Koshyari said in a statement.

He said he was discharging his duty by strictly adhering to coronavirus protocols like social distancing and wearing a mask. The staffers at Raj Bhavan who tested positive have been quarantined in their residential premises at Raj Bhavan. —PTI

rus infection on Sunday, pushing the country’s COVID-19 tally to 8,49,553. The death toll climbed to 22,674 with 551 people succumbing to the disease in a day, according to the ministry’s data.

The country at present has 1,370 dedicated COVID hospitals, 3,062 COVID health centres, and 10,334 COVID care centres.

The Centre has so far provided 122.36 lakh PPE Kits, 223.33 lakh

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to impose a stricter lockdown across the state on weekends to stop the coronavirus spread, a senior official said on Sunday.

The decision has come amid a spike in the number of infection cases, which had crossed 35,000 on Saturday.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi told PTI that the restrictions will be imposed from coming Saturday and remain in

—File Photo

ever, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter,” said Jammu and Kashmir police in a press release.

In the ensuing encounter, three terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit

Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday wished veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan “good health and speedy recovery” after they were tested positive for coronavirus.

“Wishing legendary actor of India @ SrBachchan and his son actor @juniorbachchan good health and speedy recovery!” Nepal PM tweeted.On Saturday, Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan took to social media to confirm that they have detected positive for coronavirus. He is reported to be ‘stable.’

Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan “Dear Amitabh ji, I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery! After all, you are the idol of millions in this country, an iconic superstar! We will all take good care of you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! @ SrBachchan @niorbachchan #AmitabhBachchan #COVID”

Stricter lockdown on weekends in UP SP CHIEF SPEAK

Police personnel sprays disinfectant at Barricades and their vehicles in Lucknow.

place at least for July.

“The lockdown on weekends will be implemented from the coming Saturday and Sunday, especially in crowded

3 LeT terrorists killed in J&K encounter Srinagar: Three terrorists killed in the Sopore encounter on Sunday were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), police said.

On a specific input generated by Sopore Police regarding the presence of terrorists in the village Rebban area of Sopore, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by JKP, 22RR and CRPF in the said area. During the search operation as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given the opportunity to surrender, how-

N95 masks and 21,685 ventilators to various states, Union territories (UTs) and central institutions, the ministry said.

Enabling factors like removing all impediments to COVID-19 testing and facilitating widespread testing by states and UTs continue to result in a steady rise in the total number of samples tested every day, it said.“As a result of these efforts, the testing per million for India is presently 8,396.4,” the ministry said.

According to ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,15,87,153 samples have been tested till July 11, .

A crucial supporting factor in rise in testing numbers is a continuous expansion of diagnostic lab network, the ministry added.—PTI

Nepal PM wishes speedy recovery to Bachchan family

LeT were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. Two of the killed terrorist were foreigners and have been identified as Abu Rafia alias Usman and Saifullah, both residents of Pakistan.

Abu Rafia alias Usman was active in the

valley since year 2016.

They were involved in many terror incidents including the recent Sopore terror incident on 1/7/2020 in which one CRPF jawan was martyred and one civilian was killed. However, the identification of the third killed terrorist is being ascertained, police said.

Arms and ammunition including three Ak47 rifles and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter and search is under progress, the police statement read. —ANI

areas. Markets and offices will remain closed on these days. However, banks will remain open,” Awashi said.

“This is being done to

stop the spread of infection through unwanted physical movement.

Economic activities will, however, not suffer,” he added. —PTI

AP records single day high of 1,933 cases, 19 deaths Amaravati: A new daily record of 1,933 cases pushed the coronavirus tally in Andhra Pradesh to 29,168 on Sunday. The COVID-19 toll escalated to 328 as the state reported a fresh singleday high of 19 deaths, the government said in its latest bulletin.

In the last 24 hours ended at 10 AM, a total of 846 patients were discharged from hospitals upon recovering from the infection, it said.

So far, 15,412 coronavirus infected patients had recovered in the state, leaving 13,428 active cases.

The gross 29,168 positive cases included 26,336 locals, 2,403 from other states and 429 foreign returnees.

Guntur district now crossed the 3,000 mark, with 3,019 cases behind Kurnool (3,405) and Anantapuramu (3,290).

The state so far tested 11,53,849 samples with a positivity rate of 2.53 per cent but the recovery rate slumped to 52.84 per cent.

The mortality rate remained at 1.12 per cent, as per the government statistics.

Meanwhile, there were widespread complaints about poor quality of food being provided to patients and bad sanitation in government-run hospitals.

“Based on the complaints, CM has directed that the Joint Collector in each district be made the nodal officer to check the quality of food and also sanitation in hospitals. —PTI

FROM PG 1 Hafiz Saeed’s... for restoring their bank accounts so that they could run their family affairs.

“Initially we did not want to file an appeal but we were advised to file it as it was difficult for our leaders to run their affairs. Not only this it would have also raised questions how our leaders are running their families so we approached the authorities as it was in our favour whatever facility we have got in terms of restoration of our bank accounts is legal and with the approval

of United Nations” said a key leader of defunct organisation on anonymity.

These leaders in their request to the government of Pakistan had also mentioned about their financial income and sources of earning.

The same was forwarded to the UNSC along with their bank account numbers and other related details. —ANI

World lauding...

They have proved that they not only know how to fight terrorism but also against

COVID with help of people,” he added.

The Union Home Minister said that many jawans have given up their lives during the COVID-19 crisis phase and paid tributes to them.

“I have talked to families of those jawans and today once again I thank them, your sacrifice will not go waste. Whenever the history of the human race’s fight against COVID-19 is written, the contribution of India’s security forces will be mentioned in golden ink,” he said.

He also hailed the plantation drive and said that trees planted today should be taken care of by the jawans till they reach maturity, he added the trees chosen for plantation today consisted mostly those which had a long life and would help the generations to come.

Together the CAPFs have targeted to plant around 10 lakh tree saplings across the country today. Heads of all the CAPFs or their representatives were present in the event held at Gurugram. —ANI

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07

POWER GAME IN DESERT STATE MLAs come calling at CMR, pledge support

Will we wake up only after horses have bolted from our stables? Sibal

Ashok Chandna speaking to media outside CMR on Sunday.

Jaipur: Several ministers and MLAs visited Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s home Sunday, indicating support to him amid speculation over a widening rift with his deputy Sachin Pilot.

Some Congress MLAs, considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who also heads the state Congress unit, have gone to Delhi, sources said.

The posturing comes amid allegations by Ge-

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

hlot that the BJP is trying to lure Congress MLAs to topple the state government.

The BJP has dismissed the claim, saying the developments reflect a power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot, simmering since the Congress leadership in Delhi picked the more senior leader for the CM’s post.

Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary, Labour Minister Tikaram

Rafiq Khan too arrived at CMR on Sunday morning as the political drama unfolded in Raj.

Any person who crosses the party line will not be respected anywhere in the world. This is not the time to lose the respect earned over generations.

—Ashok Chandana, Sports Minister

Jully, Health Minister Raghu Sharma were among those who visited the chief minister’s residence here.

We all are meeting the chief minister since yesterday to express faith and confidence in his

leadership. The MLAs have confidence in Gehlot’s leadership, independent legislator Babulal Nagar said.

The crisis surfaced on Friday when the Rajasthan Police issued notices to Gehlot, Pilot

and the government chief whip, seeking time from them to record their statements over an alleged bid to topple the state’s Congress government. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary, Labour Minister Tikaram Jully, Health Minister Raghu Sharma and several other MLAs met Gehlot at his residence on Sunday.

We have faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

Vishvendra skips Gehlot’s meet, Pande, Surjewala visits Delhi for ‘personal matter’ Maken arrive in Jaipur First India Bureau Jaipur: Amid reports that the Congress was faced with a crisis over the survival of its government in Rajasthan, the minister considered close to Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, the scion of the erstwhile Bharatpur royals, state Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh, did not turn up at meetings called by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday night and Sunday morning and said he was visiting Delhi over a personal matter.

“Had a meeting with my lawyer in Mathura regarding a personal matter and left onwards for Delhi to meet my ailing sister. What’s so confusing about that?” the Minister tweeted.

In an earlier tweet, he posted: “What utter nonsense! I am going to Mathura to discuss a court case!” Along with his comments, he

Randeep Surjewala and Ajay Maken at Jaipur Airport.

First India Bureau

Vishvendra Singh

retweeted news reports regarding his political moves and likely meeting with party leaders during the Delhi visit.

Meanwhile, sources said that the Pilot camp claimed support of 25 MLAs but it may not lead to the fall of the state government as the difference between Congress and BJP MLAs in the Assembly is huge.

Amid a power tussle in the Rajasthan government, sources close to Sachin Pilot said the letter asking him to ap-

pear for questioning in a probe into alleged attempts to destabilise his own government has “crossed all limits” and made it “untenable” for those MLAs supporting him to work under CM Gehlot. The MLAs supporting Pilot cannot stand the repeated undermining of Pilot, also the state PCC chief, by the Gehlot camp and the letter by the SOG sent to the deputy chief minister was to “humiliate him”, sources said.

New Delhi: The Congress has sent its senior leaders Avinash Pande, Ajay Maken and Randeep Surjewala as central observers to Jaipur to avert a crisis as it faces factionalism. Upon his arrival in Jaipur on Sunday night, Surjewala said the BJP need not be happy as Congress is united and the party’s government will complete five years in Rajasthan. The two leaders along with party general secretary incharge of Rajasthan Congress Avinash Pande reached Jaipur

be shortlived and solutions lasting and deep.”

Singhvi’’s remarks came amid the political crisis in the state after Deputy Chief Minister Pilot went incommunicado along with over a dozen MLAs. Pilot, who arrived in the national capital on Saturday has also sought meeting with party interim chief Sonia Gandhi over the issue.

The Congress is trying to pacify both the camps in the state to save it from embarrassment, sources said.

—Agencies

‘Not BJP’s responsibility to save a govt falling due to infighting’ —PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

He is considered close to Deputy CM Sachin Pilot

and we have expressed this to him, Independent MLA Babulal Nagar told reporters.

Sports Minister Ashok Chandna urged party MLAs to take a lesson from the recent developments in Madhya Pradesh, where Jyotiraditiya Scindia switched sides. Any person who crosses the party line will not be respected anywhere in the world, Chandna said, without naming anyone.

—ANI

New Delhi: After Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP of trying to topple his government, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday was the first to go public on the crisis saying he he was worried for the party.

Seeking a quick resolution of the “crisis”, he asked when would the party leadership “wake up”.

“Worried for our party. Will we wake up only after the horses have bolted from our stables,” he said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said “There is a time and a place for everything. Gehlot and Pilot are seasoned leaders and have to demonstrate the perspicacity and maturity they are famous for.

Turbulence should

on Sunday to hold discussions with party MLAs. Meanwhile, Rajasthan co-incharge Vivek Bansal is expected to arrive in Jaipur on Monday morning.

Earlier Surjewala tweeted, “The whole country is plagued by Corona, the infection has increased to 29,000 per day, China has captured our land, and the ruling party is busy buying MLAs first in MP and now in Rajasthan. It is for all of us to understand that crisis is not on a state, but is on the entire Indian democracy.”

Poonia says, we are sitting in spectator’s gallery

New Delhi: BJP state unit President Satish Poonia on Sunday rejected claims by the Congress that the BJP was behind the present political uncertainty in the state. “We are not even thinking about forming a government in the state. This government will fall of its own ‘karma’ (deeds).

We (BJP) are sitting in the spectator’s gallery and watching the drama unfold,” he said.

It is not the responsibility of the BJP to save a government that is falling due to internal bickering, he said.

Poonia said that the latest round of bickering comes due to internal feuds of the Congress.

“Sachin Pilot’s entry into the Rajasthan government was with an ambition of becoming the Chief Minister. Earlier there was just one power center led by Ashok Gehlot, now the other power center has evolved

Satish Poonia

around Pilot. The feud was not resolved by the Congress high command on time,” Poonia said.

The senior leader pointed out that during the oath-taking ceremony there were sloganeering that ‘Rajasthan ka CM kaisa ho Sachin Pilot jaisa ho’. He rejected allegations regarding money being offered to Congress legislators in the state. “They had made similar allegations ahead of Rajya Sabha polls as well. These are totally baseless.”

Poonia blamed the Chief Minister for play-

ing a political game. “To hide the failures of his government, Gehlot is playing this game,” he added. He wants to divert the attention of people from the growing number of covid cases in the state.

Gehlot is just making these false allegations against BJP to malign PM Modi and Amit Shah.

“Such a government should fall as it is not working for the welfare of people,” he said. In case the government falls we will work towards providing a stable alternative, he said. —ANI

BJP, RLP attack Congress Amid political crisis, memers find humour! for ‘governance failure’ TWITTERATI HAVE A FIELD DAY

First India Bureau Jaipur: PCC Chief and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has stirred rumours and speculations in Rajasthan politics after he arrived in Delhi on Saturday and sought time for meeting with Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi.

Soon after the reports of Pilot’s ‘bold move’ emerged, speculations ran rife and Twitter was flooded

with posts suggesting that the ‘Pilot of Rajasthan’ will join BJP very soon like Jyotiraditya Scindia, who for-

mally joined the saffron party in March after being associated with Congress for years.

On one hand, while some political pundits were busy being the first to predict Pilot’s next move, the micro-

blogging website was flooded with memes on the development that is likely to affect the Rajasthan politics.

Jaipur/Nagaur: After CM Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP of attempting to topple the State government” by “buying” MLAs by offering them up to Rs 25 crore, a charge denied by the opposition party and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), has claimed that “infighting” inside Congress was at play.

They also accused Gehlot of not trusting his own MLAs.

Hanuman Beniwal

RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal alleged that the chief minister was “spreading rumpours” about poaching of MLAs.

“Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is spreading rumours that his MLAs are being poached, but the truth is he does not trust his own MLAs. It is a false allegation that we are attempting to destabilise the government” Congress party has 107 MLAs, including six from BSP who changed camps last year. The party has support of 12 of the 13 Independent MLAs in the 200-member Assembly. —ANI

Do whatever needs to be done. Just add a little passion and risk-taking for success to be yours.

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

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2ND FRONT JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

08

Pilot camp confident of securing support of 38 MLAs by Monday From P1 then the state may be kept under President rule for a week or two to give a fair opportunity to the ‘contenders’ and bring an alternate government formation proposal.

In an ongoing political drama in New Delhi for the last 48 hours, by now it appears that a defiant Pilot perhaps is not likely to return.

Since Saturday, Pilot rejected all sort of ‘conciliatory efforts’ made at different levels by various high ups in the Congress so far. It is claimed in Congress circles at Jaipur that he had not even responded to a Sonia-Rahul advice on Saturday night to come with a clean and clearly worded clarification or contradiction saying that there is no move to de-

stabilise the Chief Minister or his government and his supporting MLAs have a complete faith and trust in the Congress and its central leadership. In one more similar incident, Pilot also didn’t reply to a ‘sensitive’ Avinash Pande message to talk to him on this entire subject. A seasoned Pande, who was updating Sonia on an hourly basis on Rajasthan developments, was deeply disappointed with Pilot’s poor response. In a private conversation, a towering Ahmed Patel also felt disappointed with all these developments and shared his view with someone saying that Pilot is not moving to the ‘right direction’. He feels that time and age are in Pilot’s favor and he could have waited for an appropriate opportunity in Congress itself rath-

er showing his disappointment or frustration in this way.

There was a media report suggesting Ahmed Patel meeting with Sachin Pilot but it was quickly denied

by Ahmed Bhai. According to sources, by maintaining a complete ‘distance’ from the party high command, Pilot camp did not sought any appointment with Sonia or Rahul to ‘clarify’ their stand and to protest against the chief minister. So, the message was very clear that at least at this moment, Pilot is keeping himself completely aloof from any dialogue or communication with the party high command or any other senior leader.

According to a Pilot camp spokesperson, Pilot was deeply upset, the way SOG has issued notice to him to

Pilot is not moving to the ‘right direction’.

—Ahmed Patel, Senior Congress leader

appear before the agency to record his statement, in ongoing ‘MLA poaching’ investigation. However, CM Gehlot had already clarified on Saturday that everybody is equal in the eye of law and the law of the land should be allowed to take its course.

However, the situation for Gehlot government turned tur-

MLAs in touch with me, Raj govt stable: Pande New Delhi: As the Congress grappled with factionalism in Rajasthan, its general secretary incharge for the state Avinash Pande on Sunday said that all party MLAs were in touch with him and the government will complete its term.

Pande also wondered who were the MLAs who are purported to have sided with Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot.

Pilot, who has been engaged in a power tussle with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, continues to be incommunicado, leading to anxiety in the state unit.

Pande told PTI that he had not spoken to Pilot for the last two days and had left a message with him.

“All Congress MLAs are in touch with me and the government in Rajasthan is stable and will last its full term,” he said.

The Congress general secretary said party chief Sonia Gandhi has been up-

—PHOTO BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Avinash Pande arrived in Jaipur on Sunday night.

dated on developments in Rajasthan.

“I have not talked to Pilot for the last two days and I’m trying to reach out to him. I have left messages for him,” he said.

Calls and messages to Pilot went unanswered.

Pande also said that everyone should cooperate in the investigation being carried out by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police.

The SOG had registered an FIR based on tapped phone conversa-

tion between two men over alleged attempts to bribe Congress MLAs to topple the Gehlot government .

“Everyone should cooperate with Rajasthan SOG. There is no harm in joining the probe,” he said.

Pande alleged that the BJP is trying to destabilise the Congress government in Rajasthan.

“Their attempt is to create an atmosphere of uncertainty in Rajasthan. But, they will not succeed in their attempts,” he noted. —PTI

AVINASH PANDE @avinashpandeinc The attempts of horse-trading to destabilize the government will not succeed.

Regardless of how much temptation the BJP may give to the legislators to change their allegiance, our legislators, Congressbacked independents are all united and fully support @INCIndia Leadership and @ ashokgehlot51 government.

tle when Pilot announced Gehlot government being in minority and that he would not be attending the 10.30 AM Legislative party meeting at CMR on Monday.

By making this public announcement, Pilot has shut doors on Congress by leaving no chance of return to his parent party at any stage.

It also became clear that Pilot’s statement is part of a well thought and well structured strategy, under which Pilot is likely to address a press conference in the presence of 30 supporting MLAs in the next 24 hours preferably in New Delhi. There were reports since Saturday night that 24 MLAs were already present in New Delhi and the remaining six were also likely to join Pilot by Monday morning. Once this fig-

New Delhi: With factionalism hitting the Congress government in Rajasthan, BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia took a swipe at his former party, saying talent and capability find “little credence” there.

He claimed that Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot was being ‘sidelined and persecuted’

by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

“Sad to see my erstwhile colleague Sachin Pilot, too, being sidelined and persecuted by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot. Shows that talent

Jaipur: Three Congress MLAs, who had left for Delhi and were being counted among those in Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot’s camp in the power tussle in Rajasthan, on Sunday said they will follow the party line.

Danish Abrar addressing the press conference on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s

residence, MLAs Rohit Bohra, Danish Abrar and Chetan Dudi called

Jyotiraditya Scindia with Sachin Pilot

and capability find little credence in the Congress,” Scindia tweeted.

Scindia had left the Congress a few months back and joined the BJP as he believed

—File photo

that he was being marginalised by senior party leaders in Madhya Pradesh.

More than 20 MLAs supporting him also left the Congress, leading to

Silence at Sonia’s residence amid Raj political turmoil New Delhi: Even as the Congress grappled with an intra-party crisis to save its government in Rajasthan, silence loomed over party interim President Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath on Sunday as no senior Congress leader had arrived to discuss the matter. According to party sources, Deputy

‘We are soldiers of Congress at any cost’ themselves soldiers of the party and said they will do whatever the top leadership tells them.

The MLAs said their visit to Delhi was a normal affair and the media should not speculate over it.

We are with the Congress Party which gave us tickets. The media trial, which is going on, has no sense. We are soldiers of the party and will remain so for lifetime, Bohra said.

He said they had long

reportedly adamant on the change of leadership in the state, but this idea was not acceptable to either Sonia or Priyanka and therefore, the idea crashed at the runway itself, before its take off.

Meanwhile on Sunday night, Gehlot was all set to reshuffle his cabinet and to ensure the shifting of Pilot from PCC but this sudden ‘development’ through Pilot’s statement has changed the ground situation where nothing will happen in haste and Sonia, Rahul and Ahmed Patel will like to follow the policy of wait and watch at least for the next 24 hours.

Prior to Pilot’s statement causing the political ‘rupture’, 10 legislators including Dr Raghu Sharma, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Harish Choud-

hary and others conducted a press conference where they pledged their support to Gehlot and Congress party and claimed that the Gehlot government will function for five years.

Interestingly, during this presser, in a plausible move by master strategist Gehlot, three Pilot camp MLAs - Rohit Bohra, Danish Abrar and Chetan Dudi - came out in complete support of Gehlot and made a joint statement that although they had gone to Delhi, however, it was for person reasons and said, “the high command has made CM Gehlot our leader.

His government will function for full tenure in Rajasthan.”

Meanwhile, Pilot camp claims that by Monday, they will secure the support of 38 MLAs.

Talent & capability find ‘little credence’ in Congress: Scindia

3 MLAs RETURN TO JAIPUR

The MLAs said their visit to Delhi was a normal affair

ure of 30 was secured, the remaining 6-7 non congress legislators, may be some independent or BSP lot are scheduled to be arranged by ‘unknown forces’ in Delhi and Jaipur. In this way, the required magic number of 35 to pull down the Gehlot government on the floor of house is planned to be achieved.

Before issuing such a bold and daring statement, virtually challenging Gehlot’s ‘existence’ as the chief minister, Pilot had a 40 minute long one to one political discussion with his close friend Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is already operating as a ‘link’ between BJP top leadership and Pilot. According to sources, a last minute effort was also made during the day on Sunday to ‘pacify’ Pilot but he was

association with the Congress and the media should not indulge in speculation.

I have been going to Delhi since childhood.

Visiting Delhi is a normal affair but this time, it was made special, Danish Abrar said taking a swipe at the media.

“We are soldiers of the Congress Party at any cost, he said.

Chetan Dudi said they have full faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. —ANI

Sonia Gandhi

CM Sachin Pilot had arrived in Delhi on Saturday evening to meet the party high command

and had sought a meeting with Sonia Gandhi.

The sources said that at least 25 MLAs said to be from Pilot’s camp are staying put in NCR-Delhi region at various places.

On the other hand, the Ashok Gehlot camp claims support of 103 MLAs. The Congress is trying to pacify both camps in state. —Agencies

Provide time to record statement: SOG to Pilot Jaipur: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of police had sought Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot’s time for recording his statements in connection with the alleged attempts to topple Congress government in the state.

A letter to the same effect had been sent to Pilot on July 10 by the SOG. However, a similar letter had also been sent by the SOG on the same day to Chief Min-

ister Ashok Gehlot too.

Notices sent to both Gehlot and Pilot stated that the SOG, police had urged the leaders to provide a suitable date, time for recording their respective statements. SOG had on Saturday arrested two persons - Ashok Singh and Bharat Malaniin connection with alleged attempts to destabilise the State government, Additional Director General Ashok Kumar Rathore said. —PTI

Jyotiraditya Scindia @JM_Scindia Sad to see my erstwhile colleague, @ SachinPilot too, being sidelined and persecuted by Rajasthan CM, @ ashokgehlot51. Shows that talent and capability find little credence in the @INCIndia. the collapse of the the Kamal Nath government. There has been speculation that Pilot, too, has been facing similar issues in Rajasthan. —PTI

With Rahul’s intervention, Cong crisis may defuse

Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Amid the political crisis in Rajasthan, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had a conversation with Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, claimed sources in the party.

“Pilot had a conversation with former party chief Rahul Gandhi over the political crisis in the state, source claimed.

According to party sources, Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who has been in DelhiNCR along with over 25 MLAs, is set to arrive in the state capital. The source said that a meeting has been called by Gehlot on Monday at 10.30 am. —Agencies

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KUCH KESARIYA SA...

Orange is a colour that symbolises energy, excitement, warmth and good health and doesn’t fail to visually stand out!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

O

range is said to be a colour which is very vibrant yet soothing at the same time. As it is the colour that symbolises energy, excitement, warmth and good health, there are various versions of it that have different vibes. For example, darker oranges give a sense of comfort, while lighter oranges are healthy and soothing. Can you feel it already?

The colour orange is symbolic to Autumn (you are visualising a scenario with orange leaves on an empty road during the fall season, aren’t you?).

There are various unique meanings of this colour in various cultures likeit is an auspicious colour in India, the colour of prison in the United States, colour signifying a Roya l

family in France and a colour that has an extremely religious significance in the United Kingdom. There are various common shades of orange, like saffron, peach, apricot, carrot, terracotta and burnt among others. A fun fact about the colour orange is that it attracts the eyes very easily and is the easiest colour to view in a low lighting or low visibility, and even next to water; well, that is the reason why most of the life jackets you see are in orange colour and so are the traffic cones and signages.

Relating the colour orange to the human body, it is the colour of the ‘Sacral Chakra’, also known as the ‘Svadhisthana’ which is located right under the navel and close to the genitals; it is linked to the reproductive system. This chakra revives emo-

tions and sexuality.

This colour, when paired with yellow, stimulates the feeling of fire and heat.

Similarly, when paired with green, it stimulates the feeling of tropical destinations and adventure. Psychologically, orange colour rejuvenates the spirit and uplifts the mood; this is the reason why it is suggested to be used in daily life, so as to bring in positivity.

Sadly, orange is one of the most underused and rejected colour of all time, even after the fact that it brings in positivity and warmth!

09

ETC JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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PARENTAL BURNOUT Student Stress and the Online Classes

SHALBHA SARDA cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

I

dren is on top of my priority list but in the current scenario, the schools fail to understand the situation they are setting off at home with their elaborate weekly plans for classwork and homework. My eighth-grader has a 5-hour session of class every day excluding Sunday. Although he is self-sufficient to fix the technical issues of the class but a significant portion of his day post the online classes is spent completing the sheets he has missed out because of the fast-paced lecture or the pile of homework assigned to him for the day. Being a teenager, I have started to worry about his wellbeing when

FA CE OF TH ED AY

t has been almost four months since the coronapoclapyse. Barely a week after the onset of the crisis I had shared a happy post on Instagram where both my children were sitting in front of a computer attending their online classes. I had flaunted how using technology for my kids was much more than binge-watch lost in space on Netflix or playing Pub-G with their friends.

What I was unaware then was this online school model was here to stay for longer, at least for the next few months.

Post the unceremonious summer vacation I read a message from the school that other students could also enroll in the school from anywhere in the world. Which meant that the schools weren’t to reopen physically anytime soon. Moreover, parents were not mentally prepared to send their children to schools, which is fairly understood and absolutely necessary.

Despite all the understanding for many women like myself, this wasn’t a piece of comforting news. Do I miss my routine of getting up early each morning, pack lunch for the children, dress them up, feed some cereal, and wave them byes? Hell yeah!.

Those were the days when I almost forgot about their existence for the most part of the day. It allowed me to have a peaceful work- life routine.

Yes, the education of my chil-

most of his time is spent by himself in a closed room in front of the laptop rather than being with the family. The largely propagated familial bliss during the lockdown seems to have a short life now. Ironically when he went to school I had more quality time with him rather than when he is at home all day.

On the other hand, my 3rd grader has a 3.5-hour online class daily. His classes need far more active involvement from my side. Every other message on my WhatsApp contains detailed instructions from the class teacher regarding sheets that are to be printed, which I barely

YOUR DAY Horoscope by Saurabbh Sachdeva

have time to read. In addition to that, there are experimental activities that require entailed gathering objects ranging from quilling strips to an aloe vera plant. Needless to say, I don’t have bandwidth left to continue to do so after 4 long months. But a missed online experiment of my 7 years old never gets off the chart without parent guilt. Even the incomplete class work sheets, the pending homework assignment make me feel short as a parent focused on the education of my children.

I understand that the remote learning model is better than watching Netflix and playing

ductive on my work front?

Amidst the rock and a hard place in a grim economic climate rife with job losses, if a parent isn’t able to work well because of online classes and puts his job at stake is not a good news for the school as well (as we are still to pay the full fee). The school has to understand to avail the fees there has to be a way to have a balance where they can conduct such classes without creating both the parental burnout and student stress.

Considering the time of the global crisis as a regular academic year is unfair for everyone. Neither the students feel like sitting in front of the computer for the whole day nor the parents feel like clicking pictures of their assignment, and I am sure even the teachers are not interested in reviewing them back. A few missed chapters in the overall scenario are better than compromising the wellbeing of the children, parents, and even the teachers.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Agitator’s company should be avoided at any cost, they will bring no peace.

You have some extraordinary talent and it can potentially make you a global star.You will enjoy your work today. You may plan to buy a vehicle as public transport are no more safe.

Bestow your good wishes on anyone or everyone you meet today and it will come back multiplied in hundred. You will manage to get your work done from someone else on work front. You may have to take an important decision today regarding your house or property.

Coddling someone at home is indicated as per your chart. You will get some fantastic ideas to start a small business. You are always in limelight for your talents.

Be practical in life and avoid day dreaming. You love to play sports which help you in shredding sweat.

Delving too deep in someone’s past is not a good idea. You are financially stable but you want to take big risks to earn more.

Those involved in trading business will get an excellent opportunity today to expand.You will get time to relax and breathe in peace.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Fractious people are all around its depends on us how to deal with them.

Concentrate on building terms not spoiling. Good health is your God given gift but to maintain it is the result of your sincerity. You are a modern dresser and you love to experiment with colours.

Gagging someone from expressing their opinion isn’t a good thing to do, Allow people to express themselves freely. Investment in business that serves people’s need in current scenario. A good friendship is what everyone wants so be that good friend for someone.

Your success is imminent as per your cards and this time when many are going down, you will find your way up. You often invest yourself emotionally. Sort out your matters with your boss and start afresh.

Inspiring your kids is only possible when you are doing good in life.

Jocular friends’ company is what you enjoy the most. You never worry about money as you are a firm believer that money comes in & goes out. Indulge yourself in enhancing your skills. Talents go wasted if direction is not given. You are stubborn with your goals.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

APR 21 - MAY 20

AUG 24 - SEP 23

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Laborious , diligent and a person of a strong vision is how you can be defined. You are a good hearted soul but sometime your own people mislead you and you are easily fooled. You are rich by heart and you are emotional too. Someones go beyond your limits and try and explore yourself.

Rollicking, flying free is all you want right now. You are generous by heart but you don’t get fooled by people easily. Respect your elders even if sometime they don’t say things that you like. Inlaws can cause some trouble but instead of fighting try and find a permanent solution.

Profanity shouldn’t be tolerated and you must break all your ties with such people. Your mantra of life is to live and let people live, you believe in freedom. You my hit a jackpot in stocks today. Your sweetheart may get demanding today. Buying a property for parents is possible today.

Marginalising the urgent needs of business is not a good decision rather pay attention if you want your business to run successfully. You are going to do social work today. You are selfless by nature and you believe in always helping people. You children will be very supportive.

NOV 23 - DEC 22

AVNEET KAUR, Actress

games all day and by no means, I’m dismissive about the amount of hard work of the teachers who also had to adapt to a new model of teaching. Despite government orders of a fee reduction or waiver of school fees I am still paying the usual fee for both my children to support the teachers for the work they do. On the contrary because of the amount of parental involvement for an online class to function smoothly it has become increasingly difficult to strike a balance between work from home, household chores, and an added burden from such classes. Which in turn has resulted in being less pro-

10

DEC 23 - JAN 20

JAN 21 - FEB 19

FEB20 - MARCH 20

ETC JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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11

B’TOWN ON RED ALERT L

egendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday evening. He shared the news himself on his Twitter handle and noted he has been shifted to hospital, and the other family members and staff have undergone tests for the virus. After the results were out, Abhishek Bachchan was tested positive too later that night. Jaya and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were tested negative in the first round, but in the second round on Sunday, Aishwarya and Aaradhya Bachchan’s test results came

out to be positive.

Veteran actor Rekha’s security guard has also tested positive for COVID-19 and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sealed the actor’s bungalow ‘Sea Springs’.

Later on Sunday, actor Anupam Kher informed that his family members, including mother Dulari, brother, sister-in-law and niece have tested positive for coronavirus. However, he has tested negative. The actor put out a video on Twitter wherein he shared the news.

—ANI

Abhishek, Aaradhya and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Anupam Kher with his mother Dulari and brother Raju

Amitabh Bachchan

IN FEAR

M

eghan Markle is concerned that her and Prince Harry’s oneyear-old son, Archie hasn’t had enough opportunities for social interaction with other toddlers in the last few months because of lock-

down. The Duchess reportedly fears she is too famous to take Archie to baby classes.

“Meghan said she would love to be part of a ‘Mommy & Me’ community, but knows this is impossible even if there was no COVID-19 because of who she is,” they added. “She said she’s just too well known to do normal things.”

A source close to the couple said: “Meghan said Archie needs to learn emotional and social skills by being around other young children, something he can’t do with adults.”

Although the couple has been staying in touch with friends and family through Zoom calls, the source said “it’s not the same as in-person” —Agency

‘Smart and well-read’

T

o wish Shloka Mehta on her birthday on Saturday, Tina Ambani shared an unseen photo of Nita Ambani’s daughter-in-law and wrote a heart-felt note.

She wrote, “Bright and open, warm and loving, smart and wellread… the most wonderful addition to the family.

It’s been lovely to Tina Ambani’s post see you blossom over the years Shloka! On your special day, here’s wishing you love and laughter, happiness and joy in abundance.”

—Agency

Shloka Mehta

Being a Woman

CELEBRATING

SUPER-30 S

T

ahira Kashyap has finished writing her fourth book while at home during the lockdown. “I’ve finally finished writing ‘The 12 Commandments Of Being A Woman’ and it’s been such an enriching experience. I think a lot of women will relate with the book and men will find it an interesting read. The Lockdown period was perfect for me to finish and give enough time to it,” Tahira shared. Tahira is planning to release her book by the end of this year.

Apart from writing, Tahira has also tried to take proper care of her health during the lockdown.

With ease in the lockdown re-

Tahira Kashyap

strictions, Tahira started doing cycling outside her home.

“I took to cycling as a sport and also to declutter mentally.

But I realised I was viewing the same roads, trees and houses with a different perspective. I was finding beauty in nature that I had never before appreciated, let alone acknowledged. It is extremely therapeutic. Earlier on it meant only exercise for the physical aspect but now it has become a therapy for my mental well being and happiness too,” she had shared.

—Agency

PARTH TESTED POSITIVE! Meghan Markle Parth Samthaan

TV serial ‘Kasauti Zindagi 2’ actor Parth Samthaan tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. The shooting for the serial has been put on hold for the time being.

uper 30, a film on the math genius, Anand Kumar clocked a year of release on Sunday.

Hrithik Roshan, the lead actor, who played his part and got hugely applauded for his unconventional performance, got nostalgic about it.

He shares, “Can’t believe it has been a year! For me, the success of Super 30 is way more satisfying than the success of any of my other films. My journey from being myself to becoming Anand Kumar in front of the camera was a very special one. Reminiscing about the process of picking up the body language, learning the nuances and transforming for it, always leaves a smile on my face.” Hrithik Roshan, who is known for his world class good looks and glamorous personality, shed all vanity to play the part of a math teacher hailing from Bihar.

—Agency

Hrithik Roshan

CITY BUZZ JAIPUR | MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020

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CITY FIRST RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT

I

n today’s world, every single person owns a phone, and it’s one of their most prized possession.

The one accessory that is your friend, must be trendy and hence fancy phone cases are the next must-have. Earlier phones or phone cases were a luxury, but with changing times, they are a must now.

A variety of different types of phone cases are available in the market, depending on the needs of the user. For example, some people don’t like hiding their phone behind a cover, but they still want protection so they can go for transparent silicon covers, or some people who are extremely clumsy and need a rock-solid cover can go for a bumper cover, and for those who are absolutely obsessed with their phones and their styles, can have an over the top phone cover to display their love for their everyday use accessory. It’s all out in the market, you name it, and it’s there.

Your phone cover says a lot about what kind of person you are, and now it all comes down to only one basic question, who you are and what your choice is.

City First got in touch with a few of its readers about what kind of phone covers do they prefer, and why? cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

What’s Your

CHOICE?

FACEBOOK POST!

Helping the ones in need

I like to use Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club covers. I like leather covers and also like silicon sturdy covers and I don’t change the cover often. Nowadays cover shows the personality of a person- the dirtier the cover the more shabby the person. I always buy in bulk, so I don’t have to shop again and again.

—NIDHI MANAN SHAH

I would like to use a phone cover with positive energy one line quote and I actually prefer cover with my mom’s picture which always reminds me to be strong enough in each and every situation. It reminds me that life is not a waste on but to live more for a family for ownself.

I think phone covers with neckstraps are the best and most comfortable for the people who are on their phones constantly. Also, it’s better than carrying your phone in a pocket or in a purse! I am using it for a very long time and I love it.

—ANKITA VALAND

—SHRISHTI BHARDWAJ

CITY FIRST

Robert Vadra porters. Join hands with me in Feeding the Hungry. Stay safe, stay healthy this Sunday.”

—Vaishali

RAJASTHAN: Kusum Yadav planted a sapling in Jagatpura with the President of the Namo Namo Morcha and all the other officials. During the event, Kusum Yadav shared that all of us should plant more trees so that our nature can become green and beautiful. All the officials swore that at least 5000 saplings will be planted by Namo Namo Morcha.

CITY FIRST

I

G and demonstrating what has been written on the glass. It’s useful for presentations, for recording video lectures and for micro-lectures.

Rahul Singhi, Director, Poornima Group informed that unlike traditional classrooms, the Glass Board Studio helps in creat-

ing a more engaged, natural, relaxed and interactive viewing experience for instructors and students.

Here, the instructor writes normally, left to right, and then the recorded image is flipped so students can view the notes correctly through a monitor. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

eetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur has taken a very important step forward by getting recognition from the (NABL) National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. It has become the first medical college and multi super speciality hospital in entire southern Rajasthan to provide the testing facility of COVID-19. Investigation of COVID-19 has started in Geetanjali Hospital, and now the results of corona examination can be obtained in a single day. In Geetanjali Hospital, all the norms are being followed with caution and at the same time, the hospital premises and every department is being constantly sanitized.

CEO Pratim Tamboli said that Geetanjali Hospital has always been a pioneer in healthcare, quality and research and has been carrying out its responsibilities. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

SURGICAL TIPS

CITY FIRST

he Cadaveric Dissection Skill Lab at JNU Hospital is a perfect opportunity for hands-on Cadaveric workshops for Neurosurgeons, ENT specialists, Plastic Surgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons all across the world, who are interested in holding Cadaveric Dissection workshops for their particular field.

A worldwide webinar was or-

ganised at this lab on Cadaveric Basic knee Arthroplasty by Orthopaedic surgeons of JNU hospital in collaboration with Rajasthan Orthopaedic Surgeons Association. Over 1000 orthopaedic surgeons across the globe participated in this mega event. Dr Sandeep Bakshi, Chancellor Jaipur National University said that cadaveric training workshops are a helpful forum for specialists to refine their surgical techniques. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

RAJASTHAN: A ceremony was organised to honor the newly elected President of All India Pareek Mahasabha for the State, Ramakant Pareek at Hotel Royal Lalit on Sunday.

During the occasion, the Chief Guest Joint Director, Department of Health, Government of Rajasthan, Govind Pareek; National Vice President of All India Pareek Mahasabha, Girdhari Lal Kasot; Youth Wing State President, Lovejit Pareek; Youth Wing Jaipur President, Gaurav Purohit; among many others were present.

Music Producer and Vocalist, Kritika Soni, is going to train students on the basics of classical in Bollywood music and Western Music. 25 % of the fees will be contributed to corona victims.

Students of JECRC University, Jaipur took the live session and she was the judge of the music competition held at Jaipur National University (JNU).

Dr Sandeep Bakshi with the team of Doctors at JNU Hospital

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obert Vadra on Sunday took to Facebook and shared a video where he expressed how everyone’s lives have changed due to COVID-19.

He wrote, “It’s almost 4 months now that our lives changed due to COVID-19.

The economy is down & Vikas has died. The sufferers are mainly the poor - migrant labourers; daily wagers. I, along with my supporters, have been in a constant endeavour to “feed the hungry” from organising Bhandara to providing food/rations to people at the railway station; bus stops or whosoever has been needy.

The worst is not yet over! In fact, due to the lack of jobs & lesser economic activities, things are only going to get worse.”

He added, Help the poor & the underprivileged- that’s the need of the hour. I am doing whatever I can with my sup-

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY Recognised n this unprecedented time, Poornima Group has adopted innovative teaching methods. As everywhere else, Poornima Group is also running online classes for its students.

The teaching staff is using a studio equipped with ‘Glass Board Technology’.

The Glass Board Studio is a new technology for recording lectures that helps instructors to write lecture notes while maintaining face-to-face contact with students. This studio consists of a transparent glass board that offers faculty the ability to create high quality, compelling recordings of themselves delivering content by writing in glowing letters with neon markers while facing the audience. It allows for natural eye contact with the camera/students, gesturing

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RAJASTHAN: The shooting of a short film titled ‘The Mask’ took place in the walled city of Jaipur on Sunday. The director of the film Mohsin Badgujar said that the use of masks is very important to protect ourselves from a pandemic like Corona.

Through the short film, they have explained the importance of masks in these times. Soon this short film will be screened on online platforms.

An Instagram Live session titled ‘The New Normal in the Media Biz’ was held on Sunday, where Namita S Kalla shared that looking at the media layoffs in the pandemic times, freelancing will emerge as the ‘new normal’ of the media industry. This will be a win-win situation for both the publications as well as the reporters.